Lesson 4 - Application Software

   Types of Applications

Applications are software programs used to perform work. Applications can be divided into two basic categories: single-user applications, and networked or multiuser applications. Some applications run primarily as a single-user application, others run almost exclusively as a networked application. Some applications can run in both modes. Commonly used applications are described below.

Single-user applications include:

	Word processors-A word processor is used to enter, edit, format, print, and save documents. These programs are designed to produce various documents for organizations, such as letters, memos, and reports. An example of a word processor is Microsoft Word.
	Desktop publishing-Desktop publishing goes beyond basic word processing. It is used to design professional publications, such as magazines and newsletters. An example of a desktop publishing package is Adobe Framemaker.
	Graphics-Graphics programs are used to create pictures and artwork that are used by themselves or imported into other documents using programs such as desktop publishing packages. Examples of graphics programs are Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Visio.
	Database-A database program provides the capability to input, store, analyze, and retrieve information on a computer system. Information stored in records is managed by a database program. Microsoft Access is a common database program.
	Spreadsheets-Spreadsheet applications are primarily used to create financial reports and organize financial information. They provide an easy mechanism to manipulate numbers and compute mathematical equations.Lotus 123 is a spreadsheet program that is commonly used.
	Web browsers-Web browsers are used to locate and retrieve information from the World Wide Web. They are primarily used to go directly to another Internet Web site or search the Internet for specific information. Netscape Navigator is an example of an Internet browser.

Networked applications include:

	Database access-Database requests from client to server are made to retrieve records from a single source. Oracle is an example of a client/server database.
	Print services-Clients generate print requests that are serviced by a print server. Jobs are queued by the print server, and the client is notified when the print job has been completed. Novell NetWare provides print services to NetWare clients.
	E-mail-E-mail programs typically reside on both a client, with packages such as Eudora, and on a server. When users log on to a network, the e-mail server downloads e-mail messages to the individual clients in the network.
	Fax services-Clients generate fax requests that are serviced by the server similar to print requests. Microsoft Windows NT Small Business Server provides built-in fax services.

   Activities

See the Activities and Extended Activities section in Unit 1 Lesson 4 in your textbook Introduction to Networking to test what you have learned so far.

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