Thursday, April 29th and Friday, April 30th

Introduction to Computer Concepts/Apps

Unit 4 - Software

Application 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.

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 or use computerhope.com ...just put it in words that you understand.   Also provide examples:  Microsoft Word is an example of word processing..

• Word Processing
• Spreadsheet
• Presentation
• Database
• Personal Information Manager
• Personal Finance
• Image Editing
• Audio Editing
• Video Editing
• Media Management
• Gaming
• Education
• Drawing
• Home Business

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 computers or even a tablet or a mobile phone.