4.3 SOFTWARE NOTES

1. Word Processors
Used for producing textual documents like letters, notes, reports, memos, etc. Examples include WordPerfect, Lotus Word Pro, Word Star, and OpenOffice.org Writer.

2. Spread Sheet Software
Used for performing calculations, and the creation of graphs. Examples include Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, KSpread, and OpenOffice.org Calc.

3.  Database Management Software (DBMS)
Used to create and manage an organized collection of related and structured information (a database). Examples include Lotus Approach, Microsoft Access, OpenOffice.org Base, and Corel Paradox.
4.  Presentation Software
These applications are used for making presentations and slide shows that can aid a speech presentation. Examples include Screencast, Microsoft PowerPoint, OpenOffice.org Impress, and Adobe Persuasion.
5.   Communications Software
One of the main reasons people use computers is to communicate and share information with others. A variety of communications software options exist. Common communications software includes Web browsers, e-mail software, chat rooms, newsgroups, Text messaging, FTP programs, blog software, and Teleconferencing software.
6. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software
This is the type of software that is used by engineers and architects to produce technical drawings such as designs of building structures and floor plans. Examples include: ArchiCAD, DosmusCAD, AutoCAD, etc.

7.  Desktop Publishing Software
These are applications used for creating publications like cards, flyers, calendars, brochures, Newsletters, Certificates, etc. Examples include Microsoft Publisher, Celframe Publisher, Adobe Page Maker, etc.
8. Web Browsing Software
This is the type of software that is used for displaying Webpages from the internet or HTML documents on computers. Examples include Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera Netscape Navigator, etc.

9. Web Authoring Software
This is the type of software that is used by webmasters for building websites. Examples include Microsoft FrontPage, Microsoft Expression Web, Antenna Web Design Studio, Adobe Dreamweaver, etc.

10. Media Players
These are used for Audio and Video playback on computers. Examples include Windows Media Player, Nero Showtime, Jet Audio, Power DVD, VLC Media Player, etc.

11. Graphics Software
Used by graphic designers to create and design artistic graphics and to manipulate visual images on a computer such as logos, cartoons, etc. Examples include Paint, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator
12. Accounting Software
This helps companies to record and report their financial transactions. With accounting software, you perform accounting activities related to the general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, invoicing, job costing, payroll functions, etc. Examples include Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Accounting, and Sage Peachtree.

13.  Audio And Video Editing Software
Audio editing software lets users produce studio-quality soundtracks. With video editing software, you can modify video clips: you can reduce the length of a video clip, reorder a series of clips, or add special effects such as words that move horizontally across the screen, etc.