HRCU 102

INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION AND

COMPUTER APPLICATION SKILLS
Computer Application
Skills
Lecturer - Mrs T Muzungu

Introduction
Computer- Is a device or set of devices that
automatically accept data, process it
according stored programs to produce
information and store.
The basic computer is made up of Central processing unit,
Monitor or visual display unit or screen, Mouse and Keyboard
Data are raw facts and figures of an activity that are
meaningless.
Information are results of processing that are meaningful and
can be used for decision making.
Programs are instructions written using computer language
that tell the computer what to do.
Device is a hardware component that is physical and tangible.
 INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT
OUTPUT

STORAGE

Functional operations of the computer

 Input data – is the entering of data into the computer and is done
using an input device
 Processing – is the conversion of data into information and is
done using the central processing unit (CPU)
 Output- are methods of communicating outgoing information to
the user.
 Storage- are methods of keeping data for future use using a
storage device like external hard disk.
Types of computers
1. Micro Computers: These are computers with a microprocessor inside them
and occupy a small physical space. They are cheap, small, have limited
memory, often single user, easy to use and have ralatively low computing
power.
Microcomputers include the following:
a. Desktop Computers: These are computers with a separate CPU and
monitor and fit on a desk during usage.
b. Personal Computers (PC): - These are microcomputers made for use at
home for general purpose, and includes desktop computers.
c. Palmtops: These are portable microcomputers that can fit in the palm
and pocket and are used as diaries and for other small business applications.
They include Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Cell phones.
d. Laptops (Notebook computers): - These are portable computers that
use an internal battery for power and can be placed on laps during
usage. they have LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens which are not as
bright as most Monitors.
e. Tablet Personal Computers: Type of notebook that accepts input
from an electronic pen
2. Mini-Computers: . Have more computing
power, they allow more than one user and they are
suitable for large business organisations like in banks
where they process client accounts.
these are in-between mainframe computers and
microcomputers computers.
Allows several terminals with multi-tasking, few
printers and larger storage location.
They include mid-range server and workstations
and process large amounts of data.
3) Mainframe Computers: They are mostly used in large
organisations like banks and where bulk data processing
is needed such as census, industry/consumer statistics,
and financial transaction processing. Allows several
users and can accommodate multiple processors. They are
very large and expensive. Allows about a thousand users at
the same time. Data processing is extremely fast.
These are very big in size and extremely fast. They have
very large memory capacity and can be used in
educational designs.
4. Super Computers: These are very powerful computers
that are used to perform detailed calculations and for
design purposes, for example, modeling of aircraft wings,
testing bombs, etc. They are the fastest and most expensive
computers
 Classification of computers according to
their use
(a) General Purpose Computers: - these are computers that
can be used to perform a number of functions like playing music,
playing games, payroll processing and so on.
(b) Special Purpose Computers: - These are computers that are
designed to perform one task only, for example, to monitor
patients in hospital.
(c) Analogue Computers: these handle data in continuously
varying form.
(d) Digital Computers: Handle data in discrete values; that is in
0s and 1s.
(e) Embedded Computers: – Refers to use of
microprocessors in non-computer equipment like in cameras,
washing machines, watches, etc. These are normally dedicated
for a specific task they are designed for.
Application of computers
COMPUTER APPLICATION IN EDUCATION
CAI: a teaching system that operates on drill and practice principle, for
instance, in teaching computers, a student is presented with a word and its
meaning. The student studies it and will be asked its meaning at a later stage.
CAL: This whereby a lesson is rehearsed before the computer and then played
back to the class when the teacher is not physically present.
Used for typing and printing examination papers and keeping of student results.
People with communication difficulties like the blind and deaf are assisted, e.g.
in voice recognition systems.
 For storage of student data.
 Used as a subject for student to learn, e.g. Computer Science,
Information Technology, etc.
Used for carrying out researches and experiments which may be
dangerous for human beings to do.
The use Internet allows unlimited access of information.
COMPUTER APPLICATION IN BANKS
Uses of computers in banks:
i. Used for storage of client account details like, account name,
account number, address, sex, date of birth, national identification
number, balance, withdrawal, deposit, overdraft, interest, etc.
ii. Used for cash disbursement at the Automated Teller Machine
(ATM).
iii. Clearance of cheques: The main branch receives cheques from
other branches and processes them using the batch processing
method. MICR is used to read data from the cheques into the
computer.
iv. Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS): This is
a method of
transferring money from one account to another electronically
without handling of cash at the Point of Sale terminal in shops.
v. Electronic banking (e-banking): the process of carrying out all
bank transactions electronically on the internet (internet banking)
and by use of cell phones.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the science of developing computer
systems that have the ability to learn from experience and mimic
human reasoning in specific areas, as in medical diagnosis, mineral
prospecting, etc. Expert systems are a branch of Artificial
Intelligence
EXPERT SYSTEMS
These are computer systems developed to mimic human reasoning and
work at the level of an expert in a particular field, e.g. in medical
diagnosis. A good example of an expert system is MYCIN that
diagnose bacterial blood disease and then recommend appropriate
antibiotic therapy for patients.
MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
Monitoring System: A computer program that keeps track and
verifies the operations of a data-processing system and warn the user if
an anomaly occurs, e.g. patient monitoring in hospital, monitoring
key parameters in chemical and nuclear plants, monitoring for
ntruders in houses using burglar alarms, etc
Control system
- It is a system in which one or more computers are
used to monitor and regulate the operations of non-
computer equipment like in oil refineries.
Automated Systems: -
- These are control systems that are dedicated to
one particular task and lack the ability to collect
and analyse data as in digital cameras.
Advantages of using a computer
They process data at very high speed.
 Computers are very accurate in making calculations.
Computers are very reliable to use since they rarely makes
mistakes.
Computers store large volumes of data for a long period of time.
Computers cut labour costs as they can perform duties that need
many people.
Computers can work for 24 hours a day and they do not get tired.
Computers create employment for the community, for
example, computer teachers (tutors), programmers, computer
technicians, database administrators, etc.
High quality goods are produced using computers.
Ensures efficient, easier and faster communication through the
internet.
Disadvantages of using a computer
 Continuous usage can lead to health problems like
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), back ache, eye problems, etc.
 Lead to increase in computer crimes like computer fraud,
hacking, music and
software piracy, data theft using computers, identity theft,
sending of viruses, etc.
Can lead to unemployment since computers can replace
human labour as in car assemblies.
Expenses related to repairs, maintenance and safety can be
high.
 They only work when there is electricity.
Factors to consider when purchasing a
computer
Hard disk storage capacity: Affects the volume of data that can
be stored by the
computer.
-RAM size: affect the number of programs that can be run on the
computer and the overall speed of the computer. The bigger the RAM
size the better.
-Processor Speed: Determines the amount of data that can be
processed at a given period of time. The processor speed can be affected
by clock speed, word size (16, 32, 64, 128 bits), bus size.
-Application intended for: what the computer will be used for,
general purpose or specialised purpose.
-Method of operating the computer: single user, multi-access, etc.
- Number of Input and output devices it can handle.
Elements of the computer system
Computer Hardware Computer software
Are physical tangible parts of Are set of programs that
the computer e.g. Mouse give instruction to
Classes of hardware computer hardware e.g.
Input hardware Word processor software
Output hardware Classes of software
System software
Processing hardware
Application software
Storage hardware
Communication hardware
Computer Hardware
Input hardware
Are hardware devices used to enter/ feed data into the
computer system eg keyboard
Keyboard: It is a manual input device used to enter
data and instructions into the computer by typing.
Keyboards can be of the following types:
(a) Concept keyboard: used in bars, supermarkets,
etc. They are quick and easy to use.
(b) Braille keyboard: Suitable for the blind.
(c) Standard keyboard: this is the normal, also
called Qwerty keyboard
Mouse: It is a mouse shaped device used to enter data
and instructions into the computer by clicking. A
mouse has either one, two or three buttons. A mouse
can be cable or wireless. The mouse is also used to:
Select options from a menu
Position the cursor when editing text/typing
Select an object for drawing
Select icons/text to be formatted, deleted or edited.
Control movement of pointer on the screen.
Scanner: an input device used to convert images
from paper into electrical signals for input into the
computer. Scanned images can then be edited, printed
or saved. Mostly used to scan pictures, photographs,
etc.
 Digital Camera: A device use to capture photographs,
films, videos or a combination of both for entry into the
computer where they can be edited.
 Touch Screen: A screen display on which one could enter data
by pointing with a finger on intended option. Used on
(ATMs)-Automated Teller Machines, cell phones, computers,
etc
 Joystick: Is a device which consists of a base and a stick
perpendicular to the base. The stick can be moved in any
direction, enabling the user to move an object
around the computer screen. used for playing games
 Tracker ball: It is an input device with a small ball that can be
moved by passing the palm of your hand over it. This will move
an arrow on the screen and therefore can replace a mouse.
 Microphone: It is an analogue input device that recognises
human voice for data entry into the computer.
Microphones are used to input sound.
Light pen: A ballpoint shaped device used to enter data by
writing on an ink pad and make alterations on the screen
to the drawings, to write directly on the screen and to
select commands.
 Kimball Tags: These are punched cards with a
magnetic strip which contains details of a product,
mostly clothes in a shop.
Graphics tablet: Devices used to provide interface for
drawing on the screen and links with the light pen. Can
also be used with a stylus. Can be used for drawing
Webcam: A digital camera designed to take digital
photographs and transmit them over the internet.
Sensor: an input device that automatically records
physical data by sensing the environment it is supposed
to record, e.g. humidity sensor.
Magnetic Stripes: These stripes hold a small amount of
data (64 characters) and can be read by a magnetic stripe
reader (card reader) that is connected to a computer system. Are
used in banks as credit cards
Smart Cards: Cards have their own processor and memory
that can hold up to 64KB of data. The data that is stored can be
updated and the processor can process simple programs.
Barcode Reader: These are devices at Electronic Point of
Sale terminals (EPOS) that read barcodes on products for
automatic data entry into the computer. Mostly used in library
systems, luggage handling systems at airports, warehouse stock
control, etc.
stylus: device used to write on sensitive pads or screen for data
entry into the computer. Often purchased with touch screens
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR): The Optical Mark Readers
use light sensitive devices to sense pencil marks on a piece
of paper for automatic data entry into the computer.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR): It is the
use of light sensitive devices to recognise alphabetic
characters and numbers on a sheet of paper for
automatic data entry into the computer.
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR): A
method of automatically entering data into the
computer by reading characters on documents past
a magnetised field with iron oxide, e.g. reading
numbers on the bottom of a cheque.
Output Devices
These are devices used to display and produce data and information
held inside the computer, for example: screen, printer and graph
plotters.
(i) Printers: A printer is a device that is used to produce hard copies
of data held in the computer. Hardcopy is a document printed on
paper. Output from the printer appears as displayed on the
computer screen, thus What You See Is What You Get
(WYSIWYG).
Types of Printers
Printers can be classified into impact and non-impact printers.
(a) Impact Printers: these are printers whose write heads hit
ink ribbon against paper during printing, e.g. dot matrix printer,
chain printer, daisy wheel, printer, drum printer, etc.
Dot Matrix printer
- Produces NLQ (Near Letter Quality) output, in form
of small dots.
Daisy wheel printer
- Uses a print wheel to produce characters
- Can print about 100 characters per second
(b) Non-Impact Printers: These are printers that do
not produce contact between paper, write heads and ink
cartridge during printing. Non-impact printers include:
inkjet printer, laser printer, thermal printer, etc.
Inkjet printers
uses print head to propel droplets of ink on a sheet of
paper.
Factors to consider when purchasing a printer:
- Price
- Printing speed
- Reliability and easiness of maintenance
- Print quality
- Range of capabilities
- Noise level
- Compatibility with computers
Monitors are of two main types:
- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
These are the older and bulker versions. To display content,
an electric gun fires a beam of electrons from the rear of the CRT.
Plasma Display Panels:
Flat panel display used for television displays
Data/data projector
An output device that uses lenses to project
intense light on the wall.
Suitable for presentations to a wider audience.
Speakers: produce sound from music files on the
computer. They are used in conjunction with
multimedia files.
Braille Printer: prints Braille which is readable to the
blind people.
Central processing Unit
A device used to convert and to manipulate data as per user
requirement. Processing involves sorting of data, updating records,
searching certain records, adding a sequence of numbers, and others.
Internal components of the CPU
The processor is a small chip which perform the fetch decode execute
cycle and comprises of:
(a) Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
- Carries out arithmetic operations like
add, subtract, divide, etc.
-Performs logic operations, like AND, OR,..etc
(b) Control Unit (CU)
- It coordinates and controls all hardware operations,
- It carries out the Fetch-Execute Cycle.
(c) Registers: High-speed storage area in the CPU used to temporarily
hold small units of program instructions and data immediately before,
during and after execution by the CPU.
Buses
They are a set of parallel wires connecting two or more
components of the computer.
Data bus:
Used for carrying data from memory to the processor and between I/O
ports.
Address bus:
Used for transferring memory addresses from the processor when it is
accessing main memory
Control bus:
The purpose of the control bus is to transmit command, timing and
specific status information between system components.
Fan is used to cool the processor. It blows away hot air to that the
processor remains cool.
Main memory: Stores programs and data for programs currently
running on the computer.
Storage devices
These are devices used to store data and programs for future
use.
Methods of storing data:
Refers to ways files and records are stored on a storage
media, that is the arrangement of data. These include:
- Serial Storage: Data is stored as they occur without
following any order, as on magnetic tapes.
- Sequential Storage: Data is stored using a predefined
order, either in ascending or descending order of a key field, as
occurs on magnetic tapes.
- Direct (Random) Storage: Data is stored in a random
way using an index, as on
diskettes, hard disks, CD-ROMs, etc.
 Storage Capacity
 Refers to the amount (volume) of data a device can store. The following
storage measurements can be used:
 Bit: The smallest unit of data a computer can store, either a 1 or a 0.
 Nibble: refers to half a byte, that is, a group of 4 bits.
 Byte: a group of 8 bits representing a character. For example, the letter
C is represented by the byte 01000011.
 Size Equal to
 8 bits 1 byte
 1024 bytes 1 kilobyte
 1024 kilobytes 1 megabyte
 1024 megabytes 1 gigabyte
 1024 gigabytes 1 terabyte
 Kilobyte (KB): this refers to 1024 bytes.
 Megabyte (MB): 1 MB is equivalent to 1 048 576 bytes.
 Gigabytes (GB): 1024 megabytes (approximately 1 billion bytes)
 Terabytes (TB): refers to 1 099 511 627 776 bytes (approximately 1 024 GB)
 *NB:-Formatting (initialising) a disk: this is the process of creating new
tracks and sectors on the disk that will be used in storing data.
Primary storage/ Main memory
Refers to a group of chips inside the processing unit where data
is held temporarily whilst processing takes place.
(a) RAM (Random Access Memory):
A memory chip inside CPU casing used to store data and
programs temporarily during processing.
The uses of RAM are:
- To store programs currently running on the computer.
- Storage of data being processed in the computer.
- Storage of output data.
- Acts as a working area for data and programs.
RAM is volatile, which means that it loses its contents when
power is switched off. RAM is in two forms; that is, dynamic
and static RAM.
(b) ROM (Read Only Memory): ROM is a semi-
conductor circuit (chip) whose contents can only be
read from and cannot be erased or modified. ROM
contents are fixed during manufacturing, that is, they
are hard – wired. These contents can only be read
from and cannot be modified.
The uses of ROM are:
- Stores the Basic Input-Output System (BIOS-
refers to software that test hardware at start-up,
starts the operating system and support data
transfer between devices.) of the computer.
- Stores control programs for the operation of the
computer and its peripherals.
- Stores translator programs.
Secondary storage
These are devices used to store data and programs for future
use outside the computer systems. It is a supplement to main
storage. Backing storage is non-volatile.
Magnetic Storage
These store data on magnetised field of iron oxide and
include magnetic tapes, zip drives, diskettes, hard drives and
flash drives.
(a) Magnetic Tapes: They are similar to a normal cassette tape
in shape. They store data in serial and sequential order. They
are mostly used to backup data. Their storage capacity can be
up to 20 GB. Data is also accessed in serial or sequential order.
(b) Hard Disk (Hard Drive): These are disks used to store large
volumes of data and programs, including operating systems
and are resident in the CPU casing. Data is stored on tracks
in a random way. Storage capacity is upto 500gb to 1 terabyte
Diskette (Floppy Disk): A 3.5 inch and plastic
magnetic disk enclosed in a stiff envelope with a radial
slit; used to store data or programs. They have a
storage capacity of 1.44 MB. They are used as backing
storage for small volumes of data. Data is stored on
tracks in a random way. Direct access to data is provided.
 Zip Drives: Similar to diskettes in shape but does
not flop. Data is stored in a random way. Data is
accessed in a random way. Storage capacity is 100 MB.
Memory Sticks / Flash Drive: These are small drives
that can be plugged on the Universal Serial Bus (USB) of
the CPU. Provide direct storage and access to data.
Storage capacity ranges from 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB and
32 GB.
Memory Cards: memory card is like a portable hard
disk that fits into personal computer card slot.
They offer direct access to data, are portable, can fit
even on tablet computers like cell phones, have large
storage capacity of up to 8 GB.
Optical Storage Media:
Refers to devices that use light to store data on
them and these include Compact Disks, Digital
Versatile Disks, Video Compact Disks, etc
CD (Compact Disk): It is spherical disc that uses laser
beam technology to read and write data. It stores data on
tracks in a random way. Data retrieval is in random order.
Storage capacity is 750 MB. Writing of data on CD
is done by a device called CD writer/burner.
Types of CDs
1. CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) a
common form of optical Disks on which data, once it
has been recorded, cannot be modified.
2. CD-W (CD-Writeable) an optical disk that can be
written upon, but only once.
Often called WORM (Write Once Read Many) disks.
3. CD-RW (CD-Rewriteable) on optical disk that
allows personal computer users to replace their
diskettes with high-capacity CDs that can be written
upon and edited over.
2. DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): Are spherical in shape
that can store data on 2 sides. Stores data on tracks in a
random way. Data retrieval is in random order. Storage
capacity is about 4 GB. Writing of data on DVD is
done by a device called DVD writer/burner. There are
several formats on the market, such as:
DVD-ROMs - read only, the data is written to them before
they are sold.
DVD-R - meaning DVD-Recordable, the user can write
data to the DVD once or
fill it over time using multi-session.
DVD-RW - meaning DVD-ReWritable, the DVD can be
written and re-written to.
Unlike multi-session discs, existing data can be overwritten.
Software
Software refers to a set of instructions written in computer
language that tell a computer to perform a specific task, like
adding a set of numbers. Without software, a computer will be
useless. Software is grouped into systems software and
application software.
Systems Software: Refers to programs that control and manages
the performance of all computer systems. Systems software
comprises of: (a) operating systems (b) Utility programs (c)
Translators (d) Device drivers
1) Operating System: - refers to the programs that supervise,
control and manage the performance of the computer
hardware and software in accordance with set objectives, for
example, Windows family, Microsoft Disk Operating System
(MS-DOS), Unix, Linux, OS/2, Ubuntu, etc.
Functions of the Operating system
Controls movement of data to and from peripherals.
Acts as a background on which application programs can run.
Device management/Input-Output management: Operating
system manages hardware components of the computer
Handling of interrupts
Manage software resources of the computer
Memory management : Manages memory resources of a
computer
Acts as an interface between the user and the computer.
Scheduling of tasks
Loading and running of programs
Provides a log of users for the computer.
Handling of errors and correcting them where
possible. (error handling and reporting)
Protect hardware, software and data from improper
use.
Control over the selection and operation of input,
output and storage devices of the computer.
Used for spooling
Maintain user accounts
Booting and properly shutting down the computer.
File management
Types of operating systems
1. Single User Operating Systems: These are operating systems that
allow one
computer user at a time in an interactive mode
2. Time sharing operating systems: This type of operating system
allows many users to use the same processor at a time, using the round
robin method by use of time slices.
3. Multi Access / Multi user operating systems: It is when many online users
access one processor at the same time to make use of multi-programming.
4. Multi-programming: This is whereby two or more programs (tasks)
are being processed (run) at the same time on one computer by use of time
slices, for example playing music while typing a document.
5. Multiprocessing: A type of operating system that allows one computer to
have two or more processors but sharing the same memory, e.g. dual core
computers.
6. Batch Processing System: - A system in which data is collected over a
long period of time, put in groups and processed at one go, without user
interaction from start to finish, as in payroll
b. Translators: - These are programs that convert source code to object code. Translators
are in two forms, which are interpreters , assemblers and compilers.
c. Utility Programs:
These are programs used to perform specific, useful and frequently needed tasks in a
computer system. Utilities include the following:
i. Virus Scan Utility: These are programs that protect computers from virus attacks,
for example Norton Antivirus, AVG, Avast, Esat NOD32, MacAfee, etc.
ii. Sort Utilities: These are programs used to arrange data, files and records into a
specific ordered sequence, for instance in ascending or descending order of a given key.
iii. Debuggers: These are utilities used for assisting in correcting errors in programs.
iv. Dump Utilities: These are programs that assist in copying data from main storage to output
devices and to other storage devices like the hard drive.
v. Editors: These are programs used to make changes to data already held in the
computer.
vi. Peripheral Transfer Utility: These are programs used to transfer data from one peripheral
device to another.
vii. System Status Utilities: These are programs that provide information on the state of
files, memory, users and peripherals.
viii. File Maintenance Utilities: These are programs used to reorganise programs and to
update them.
(d) Device Drivers: Programs that allows a device, e.g. printer to work on a given
operating system/computer.
Application software
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
This refers to programs and their documentation, designed to perform a
specific task for the user in daily life, like payroll processing, word
processing, etc.
Integrated Package (Application suite) - a collection of application
programs purchased as one package, for example Microsoft Office
2010. It is a collection of a word processor, spreadsheet, database and
presentation packages bought as one package, for example, Microsoft
Office 2010.

Off-the-Shelf/Generic Generalised (generic) software refers to

application programs designed for use in a number of organisations
without problems, for example Microsoft Word.
Tailor-made Software (bespoke/user application software)
These are programs specifically designed to meet the unique needs of
only one organisation
Examples of Application Software
1. Word Processing Packages:
These are application packages used for creating,
editing and formatting text documents like letters
and reports. Examples of Word Processing
packages include Microsoft Office Word,
WordPerfect, WordPro, Notepad, etc.
Editing: the process of correcting mistakes in a
document, for example, spelling mistakes.
Formatting: making a document look more
attractive by bolding, underlining, inserting borders,
etc
2. Spreadsheet Packages: These are application
programs used to manage and analyse statistical,
numeric and financial data, for example Microsoft
Office Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, SuperCalc, etc.
Problems Associated With Spreadsheets:
capacity (i.e. maximum number of rows and columns)
can be limiting when dealing with large data sets
security issues in some spreadsheets (i.e. if you can
open a spreadsheet you can also change any part of it;
this can lead to fraud
lack of concurrency; usually only one person can work on
a spreadsheet at any given time (databases are better in
this aspect since they can usually be opened by more
than one user at a time)
3. Presentation Packages:
These are programs used for designing slides for a
presentation to an audience, for example Microsoft
Office PowerPoint, Lotus Smart Suite, etc.
Presentation packages include text, pictures, sound,
animation, graphics and tables, thus being multimedia.
Presentations are colourful and attractive.
Speakers and projectors are needed.
Presentation packages have the following features:
Have Clip art. Can accommodate images and graphics.
Can use sound, video and animation.
Incorporate Word Art.
Have facility to insert charts and graphs.
4. Database Packages (DBMS): Refers to programs used to
create and maintain databases for a specific application area.
They are used for maintaining and providing interface been
users and the database and to interface the database and other
application programs. Examples of database packages include
Microsoft Office Access, Oracle, Dbase IV, MySQL, etc
5. Graphics Packages: Refers to programs used to create and edit
graphs, diagrams, drawings, charts and plans for buildings,
for example Microsoft Paint, Harvard Graphics, Corel Draw,
Real Draw, etc. Computer graphics are images designed for
logos, commercial and news inserts during television
advertisements or transmission.
6. Communication Software: These are programs that allow
users to communicate on networked computers and to log on to
the internet, for example TCP/IP software, Client – server
software, e-mails, etc.
7. Desktop Publishing (DTP) Packages: It is an extension
of word processors that incorporates images and text for
creation of attractive and professional documents for
publication purposes. Examples of DTP packages include
Microsoft Publisher, PageMaker and QuarkXPress. DTP is
used to create brochures, magazines, wedding cards and
newsletters.
8. Authoring Packages (Authorware): Software that can
be used to write interactive, hypertext or multimedia
computer programs without the technically demanding
task of computer programming.
(9) Web Browsers: Software used to open web pages on the
internet, examples are: Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet
Explorer, Safari, Opera, etc.
(10) Search Engines: These are packages used for searching
data for the user from the internet, e.g. google, yahoo, etc.
Factors to consider when
purchasing an application package:
Application intended for.
Easiness of installation.
Mode of processing (single user, multi user, etc).
User friendliness.
Availability of support personnel.
Availability, readability and clarity of documentation.
Memory requirements.
Hardware requirements.