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, databases. A set of related applications programs is referred to as a package (or a 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 |
| graphics | for drawing |
| 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 |
| image editor | for editing graphic images |
| developer tools | 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 (or suites) such as Microsoft Office are sets of interrelated office programs. Different versions of office suites are usually available containing different combinations of programs. Mailmerging is a useful feature found in most office suites that combines a database with a wordprocessor document to automatically produce a copy of a standard letter for each record in the database.
A variety of computer hardware is used in the doctors' practice in this unit including:
| PC | common name for an IBM compatible personal computer |
| network | computers connected together. |
| file server | a powerful computer that stores and allows users access to data files on a network. |
| laser printer | a very high quality text and graphics printer that has a photosensitive drum that deposits toner powder on the paper |
| dot-matrix printer | a low quality printer that prints by hammering pins on the paper to print an image made up of dots. The hammering action means that it can print on special multipart paper where a number of copies are produced at the same time. |
| CD-ROM | a compact disk read only memory storage device that is cheap to produce and suitable for storing large amounts of data. |
For example, the Patient Browser program (GPASS) is a type of database for sorting and searching patient records. To search, you select different option screens by clicking on a tab with a mouse and inputting the search criteria (details of what you are looking for) in text boxes known as criteria boxes. Different button icons can be clicked to perform different operations e.g. the Find button. The default button is the option that is selected automatically.
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Tomb Raider is a popular adventure game that has appeared in various versions. The main character is represented by a female animated image, known as Lara Croft. The user follows a storyline in which they have to solve puzzles and control the movements of the main character, sometimes having to react quickly to avoid dangerous obstacles. It is available on well-known games consoles (specialized games computers) called Play Station and Dreamcast manufactured by a company called Sega.
Sim City is a simulation program (a program that simulates real life) in which the user has to develop a city by building roads and 3D (three-dimensional) buildings, setting taxes, etc. They also have to control objects such as simulated cars and people. The user can download (copy from a server computer) additional objects and swap items with other users using a special website.
An ASP (application service provider) rents applications to users i.e. instead of buying software, the user pays for using applications as and when they need them.
The ASP provides the software, manages the hardware and provides storage space, security controls and the physical links to customers. The ASP normally leases storage space for programs and data from data centers (facilities for storing large amounts of information) owned by data storage specialists.
The user is provided with remote access (accesscommunications network) to a wide variety of programs including: generic applications such as e-mail (electronic mail) and office suites, high-end (advanced) packages including large, complex business applications such as enterprise resource planning tools (e.g. SAP), business services, such as payroll and accounting systems, expensive specialist tools and e-commerce resources (electronic commerce - buying and selling on the Internet).
This gives the user more flexibility and saves them having to install and maintain programs, upgrade (install newer versions of programs), deal with viruses (programs that can reproduce themselves and are written with the purpose of causing damage or causing a computer to behave in an unusual way) and manage e-mail systems (electronic mail systems).
Disadvantages of this system include: the need for a broadband (high bandwidth i.e. a connection with a high signal capacity network connection or a leased line (a cable connection that is rented for use in a communications system) and dependence on the ASP to provide a secure, reliable, readily available service.
Post-reading Activity
Task 1. Answer the following questions.
1. What are applications programs? 2. What is referred to as a package (or a suite)? 3. What applications programs do you know? 4. What programs are commonly referred to as office programs? Give an example of an office package. 5. What is a useful feature of most office suites? 6. What computer hardware is usually used in the doctors practice? 7. What is the Patient Browser program? 8. How do you search for patient records? 9. What is a default button? 10. What do you know about games consoles? 11. What simulation programs do you know? Give an example of such a program. How does it work? 12. What does the ASP provide? 13. What is the role of remote access? 14. What are advantages and disadvantages of this system?
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Task 2. Find the English equivalents for the following Russian word combinations.
1. ; 2. ; 3. ; 4. '; 5. ; 6. ; 7. ; 8. (); 9. ; 10. ; 11. ; 12. .
Task 3. Fill in the blanks with the words or word combinations from the box.
| an ASP, flexibility, a leased line, default button, Microsoft office, office packages, electronic commerce package, search criteria, package |
1. A set of related applications programs is referred to as.... 2.... are sets of interrelated office programs. 3. This gives the user more... and saves them having to install and maintain programs. 4.... a cable connection that is rented for use in a communication system. 5.... buying and selling on the Internet. 6. The... is the option that is selected automatically. 7. The... are the details of what you are working for. 8.... are sets of interrelated office programs. 9.... rents applications to users, i.e. instead of buying software.
Task 4. March the terms in Table A with the statements in Table B.
| Table A | Table B |
| 1. wordprocessor 2. mailmerge 3. tab (key) 4. package (software) 5. download 6. icon 7. upgrade 8. simulation 9. payroll package | a. an application program or collection of programs that can be used in different ways. b. to copy a file from a server to a client computer in a network. c. a small picture used in a WIMP system to represent a program folder or file or performance of a system d. a change that improves the features. e. a type of computer application program used for typing and editing text documents. f. the computer keyboard key that is used to move the cursor to the next tabulation point in a wordprocessor program so that data can be spaced evenly on the screen. g. a wordprocessing facility that causes a mailing list to be automatically combined with a standard letter to produce a separate copy of the letter addressed to each person on the mailing list. h. a set of computer programs used for calculating pay cheques. i. a programmed virtual environment that imitates a real or planned system. |
Task 5. Mark the following as True or False.
1. The advantages of this system include: the need for a broadband network connection or a leased line. 2. Sim City is a simulation program in which the user has to develop a city by building roads and 3D (three-dimensional) buildings, setting taxes, etc. 3. Tomb Raider is a popular adventure game that appeared only in one version. 4. Applications programs are programs that allow the user to do various types of work on a computer e.g. wordprocessors, databases. 5. A set of related applications programs is referred to as database. 6. Tomb Raider is a popular office package. 7. Mailmerging is a useful feature found in most office suites. 8. The default button is the option that is selected automatically. 9. The Patient Browser Program is a type of adventure game that has appeared in various versions.
Task 6. Problem-Solving. Study these versions of Office Suite and which version provides the best for the following users. The versions are listed from cheapest to most expensive.
Office Suite
Standard
wordprocessor
spreadsheet
presentation program
PIM
