What’s the difference between application software and system software?
Software is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. These instructions are also referred to as programs. They allow you to interact with and use the computer.
A computer without software is basically like an mp3 player without music, a DVD player without DVDs, a cell phone without service.
There are two main types of computer software: Systems software and Applications Software
Systems software helps run the computer and coordinates instructions between application software and the computer’s hardware. Example of systems software are Microsoft Windows XP and Windows 7. We will talk more about systems software in Chapter 5.
Application software is what you use to do tasks at home, school and work—write letters, send e-mail, balance a budget, create a presentation, edit photos, take online courses, surf the net, etc.
What are the categories of Application Software
Application software can be broken down into 4 categories: Productivity, Media, Home/Entertainment, and Business. It is important that you understand the purpose of each of the types of software listed below.
Work with a group to come up with a one sentence definition of each of the following. You can google the definition...just put it in words that you understand.
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheet
- Presentation
- Database
- Personal Information Manager
- Personal Finance
- Image Editing
- Audio Editing
- Video Editing
- Media Management
- Gaming
- Education
- Reference
- Drawing
- Home Business
- Large Business
- Specialized Business
Where to buy – How to Find a Good Deal:
AS A STUDENT…DO NOT JUST GO BUY SOFTWARE FROM A RETAIL STORE!!!
There are numerous student discounts available. You might have to do a little researching, but it’s better than just spending unnecessary money.
Check the bookstore. Really, bookstores are trying to be competitive with their pricing of ‘unrequired items’ such as software, flash drives, etc. And sometimes their prices are very competitive.
Google it. If you are looking for the Microsoft Office Suite, type ‘cheap Microsoft Office’ or something similar. Check a variety of sites. I have had students find it ‘free’!!
Check the following web sites:
Licensing Agreements:
Basically when you purchase software, you are not purchasing the actual software, you are purchasing the ‘license’ to use the software.
It is very important to understand the license for the software. Most software is copyright protected and can’t be duplicated or installed on more than one computer. That is why it is important to understand your license agreement.
Sometimes when you purchase software you will have the option to purchase more than one license. It’s like a ‘family plan’. It allows you to install the software on more computer or even a tablet or a mobile phone.
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