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Applications Programs
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Before reading the text familiarize yourself with the terms in the table below using the glossary.
Software is the word used to refer to programs (sets of computer instructions written in a computer language) and data that is input, processed and output by a computer system. Applications programs are programs that allow the user to do various types of work on a computer e.g. wordprocessors, data-bases. A set of related applications programs is referred to as a package or suite. Common applications programs include:
| wordprocessors | for creating and editing texts |
| spreadsheets | for performing calculations using formulas |
| databases | for storing data so that it can be easily searched and sorted |
| graphic editors | for drawing or creating and animating 2D and 3D images |
| games | for playing fast action games |
| accounts | for keeping business accounts |
| payroll | for calculating salaries |
| presentation program | for creating multimedia slide shows |
| for sending electronic mail messages | |
| PIM (personal information manager) | for keeping track of appointments, address book, task list, etc. |
| DTP (desktop publishing program) | for creating publications to be printed by a professional printer |
| small business tools | for performing various business tasks |
| website editor | for creating and editing webpages |
| developer tool | for writing programs to add features to existing applications and creating integrated program systems |
Some applications programs, such as wordprocessors, spreadsheets and databases, are commonly referred to as office programs because they are commonly used in a typical office. Office packages such as Microsoft Office are sets of inter-related office programs. Different versions of office suites are usually available containing different combinations of programs.
As a rule, you have to buy an application program you need. You can get a pirate copy, of course, but usually it appears to be full of viruses or at least doesn’t work properly.
But there is another way to get an application program. An ASP (application service provider) rents applications to users i.e. instead of buying software, the user pays for using applications when they need them.
The user is provided with remote access to a wide variety of programs including: services such as email and office suites, high-end (advanced) packages including large, complex business services, such as payroll and accounting systems, expensive specialist tools and e-commerce resources (electronic commerce – buying and selling on the Internet).
All this makes easier for the user to install and maintain programs, upgrade, deal with viruses and manage email systems.
Disadvantages of this system include: the need for a high bandwidth of network connection or a leased line and dependence on the ASP to provide a secure, reliable, readily available service.
Exercise 1. Answer the following questions:
1. What is an applications program? 2. What applications programs do you know? 3. What are they designed for? 4. Is there an alternative to buying applications programs? 5. What does ASP stand for? 6. What is a user provided with by the ASP? 7. Are there any disadvantages of such a service? What are they?
Exercise 2. Translate the following words and word combinations:
software; data; applications programs; wordprocessor; database; DTP, PIM, ASP, suite, high-end package; payroll and accounting systems; bandwidth; network connection; e-commerce.
Exercise 3. While in class, speak to the following topic:
- Is it possible to make a fortune being an ASP in Ukraine?