Chapter 4: Programs and Apps

What is Programs?

A set of instructions telling a computer what to do.

What is Software?

The programs and other operating information used by a computer.  Software can be made up of more than one program. All encompassing term that is often used in contrast to hardware

What is Application?

A program or group of programs that is designed for the end user. Application software cannot run on itself but is dependent on system software to execute

What is Operating system?

A set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer or mobile device 

↪ Windows

↪Linux

↪ Redhat

↪ Mac OS

Examples of productivity application:

• Word processing software
• Clip art
• Presentation software (Powerpoint)
• Spreadsheet software
• Database software
• Note taking software (OneNote / Google Keep)
• Calendar & contact management software
• Project management software (Microsoft project / JIRA /Trello)
• Accounting software (Quickbooks / GNUCash)
• Personal Finance software (Quicken / Microsoft money / Moneydance)
• Legal Software ( MyAttorney / Home & Business / Perfect Attorney)
• Tax preparation software

Graphics & Media software

• Computer-aided design (CAD) Software
• Desktop publishing software
• Paint / Image editing software
• Photo editing
• Clip art/Image Gallery
• Video & audio editing software

Communcations applications:

• Blogging
• Browsing
• Chat room
• Discussion Forum
• Email
• Instant Messaging
• Videoconference
• Discussion forum
• VoIP

Security tools:

• Personal firewallA security tool that detects and protects a personal computer and its data from unauthorized intrusions
• Antiviruses programprotects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, on storage media, or on incoming files
• SpywareA program placed on a computer or mobile device without the user’s knowledge that secretly collects information about the user and then communicates the information it collects to some outside source while the user is online
• AdwareProgram that displays an online advertisement in a banner or pop-up window on webpages, email messages, or other Internet services

File & Disk Management Tools

What is File Manager?A tool that performs functions related to file management

What is Search Tool?A program, usually included with an operating system, that attempts to locate a file on your computer or mobile device based on criteria you specify

What is Image Viewer?A tool that allows users to display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file, such as a photo

What is Uninstaller?A tool that removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files

What is Disk Cleanup?
Tool searches for and removes unnecessary files

What is Disk Defragmenter?

A tool that reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer’s hard disk so that the operating system accesses data more quickly and programs run faster.

What is Screensaver?

A tool that causes a display device’s screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no keyboard or mouse activity occurs for a specified time

What is a File Compression Tool?

It shrinks the size of a file(s)