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The reason people get computers is because they want to perform tasks only a
computer can perform, or that it can perform more quickly or easily than an
unaided person. Software applications are written to provide simple ways
to do complex tasks on a computer. The list of computer applications is
lengthy and we are only going to look at five applications in this class.
Here is a short list of application types that are available.
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Web Browsing - These applications let you view information over the
internet in the form of "web pages." This course, for example is a
series of web pages in a web site. Windows comes with Internet
Explorer, and the Mozilla Institute has released a competitive product
called FireFox.
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E-mail - Does anyone write a letter any more? E-mail has
replaced the postal letter, and in many cases the telephone call as the
preferred method of interpersonal communications. Outlook Express
comes packaged with Windows, and a more robust version Outlook, comes with
the Microsoft Office suite of products.
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Word Processing - If you need to write a letter, report, book, or
other document, a word processing program is what you need. Word
processing has replaced the typewriter for the most part. Microsoft
Word is the standard.
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Spreadsheets - If you need to tally columns and rows of numbers, or
perform simple accounting tasks, or design charts and graphs, then you need
a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel.
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Presentation - If you need to design a collection of slides for a
group presentation, then you might want to look at Microsoft PowerPoint.
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Database - If you are collecting records of any type, membership,
customer data, product catalog, or the like, a database program will help
you sort it out. Microsoft Access comes with Office, but there are
other good database programs to choose from.
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Web Design - Applications like Microsoft FrontPage, Dreamweaver, and
Adobe GoLive let people design web pages and web sites more easily.
This web site was designed using FrontPage.
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Computer Security - Programs such as anti-virus, firewall, anti-spam,
anti-spyware keep computer secure from viruses and other Internet threats.
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Photo Editing - There are programs, like PhotoShop, for taking
digital images from cameras and other sources and adding effects to enhance
the image.
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Accounting - Whether for personal or small business,
applications like Quicken, QuickBooks, MS Money, or Peachtree Accounting
streamline the process of keeping track of income, expenses, inventory and
taxes.
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Manufacturing, Designing, and Architecture - computer aided design
and manufacturing (CAD and CAM) programs aid businesses in the design and
manufacture of almost everything these days.
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Genealogy - For people tracing their family tree and heritage,
genealogy programs and on-line database resources have made the process much
easier than it once was.
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Music and Video - from simple players like Real Player or InDVD, to
CD and DVD burning programs, to sophisticated recording and editing
packages, many people have found these programs to be a must have.
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Mapping, Navigation, and GPS - Need to know where you are going and
how to get there? Mapping and Global Positioning System applications
will take care of that in an instant.
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Games - Computer and video games are all the rage with children from
4 to 104. There are hundreds of game titles you can play on your
computer, and an some of the most stunningly beautiful, technically advance,
and expense computers on the market today are built especially for gamers.
This list is by no means complete. Computer applications are everywhere,
doing everything imaginable.
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