2 4 Generic Software What do we mean

2. 4 – Generic Software • What do we mean by the term “generic software”? • Examples of generic software • Integrated applications and suites • Features of generic software

General Purpose/Generic Software • Some software wasn’t designed for a specific purpose - they are known as generic or content-free applications • Integrated packages contain several of these functions in one application - e. g. Microsoft Works or Lotus Symphony • Software suites contain these functions in separate applications, e. g. Microsoft Office or Lotus Smart. Suite

Integrated Software and Suites • Integrated packages contain several of these functions in one application - e. g. Microsoft Works or Lotus Symphony • Software suites contain these functions in separate applications, e. g. Microsoft Office or Lotus Smart. Suite

Integrated Software – e. g. Works

Software Suite

Examples of Generic Software • Word processor – e. g. Word, Word. Perfect • Spreadsheet – e. g. Excel, Lotus 1 -2 -3 • Database applications – e. g. Access, Approach • Presentation – e. g. Power. Point, Impress • Electronic Mail & Diary – e. g. Outlook, Notes • Web-browser – e. g. Firefox, Opera • Application generator – Access, Paradox

Features of a Word Processor • • Spelling and grammar checker Pre-defined styles and templates Tables and columns Creation of indexes and table of contents Import other files / save in different formats Graphics manipulation Mail merge WYSIWYG / print preview

Features of a Spreadsheet Application • • • Rows, columns, cells and ranges Formatting - £, %, decimal places, etc. Formulae for basic arithmetic Functions – text, statistical, etc. Macros & buttons Simple database features – sorting and filtering • Charts / graphs

Features of a Database Application • • Fields Tables Queries Relationships Forms Reports Macros

Features of Presentation Software • • Styles and templates Animations and transitions Clip. Art and sound Automatic timings Slide sorter Macros Bullet points and other formatting features

Features of E-Mail Software • • Address, title and body CC and BCC Address Book Forward and Reply Different folders/boxes Priority Attachments Filtering – e. g. for spam

Features of Diary Software • • Appointments Recurring appointments Anniversaries / all-day events Reminders Invite other participants Warn of clashes Address Book

Features of a Web-Browser • • Space for address / URL Home button Back and Forward buttons Favorites (sic) / Bookmarks History Cache Scripting – Java. Script or VBScript Security options – encryption, Java. Script, Java, etc.

Features of an Application Generator An application generator is an application (e. g. Access) that can be used to create a standalone application, containing: • Database tables • Forms • Buttons, etc. • Queries • Reports • Menus • Security & access levels?