Introduction to Application Package – SS3 Data Processing Lesson Note (Second Term)

An application package is a program that helps users carry out a task such as writing, calculating or keeping records.

• Application specific packages: designed to carry out one specialised task.
• General purpose packages: give users a general set of facilities to handle a wide variety of problems.
• Specialised areas: packages also exist for payroll, accounting, web design and other fields.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define application software.
2. State the two categories of application packages.
3. Differentiate between application specific and general purpose packages.
4. Discuss the application packages for specialised areas.
5. Give examples of packages used in each specialised area.

Instructional techniques and materials

Instructional techniques

• Identification
• Explanation
• Questions and answers
• Demonstration
• Videos from source

Instructional materials

• Videos
• Loudspeaker
• Pictures
• Data Processing for Senior Secondary Education by Hiit Plc
• WAPB Computer Studies for Senior Secondary I by Adekunle et al
• Online materials

What is application software?

Application software is a set of programs written to help users perform tasks on a computer.

• Purpose: it solves a user’s problem, such as typing a letter or preparing a budget.
• Another name: it is also called an application package or an application program.
• Dependence: it runs on top of system software such as an operating system.

How does application software differ from system software?

System software controls the computer and its hardware. Application software uses the computer to do the user’s work.

What are the categories of application packages?

There are two categories of application packages: application specific packages and general purpose application packages.

What are application specific packages?

Application specific packages are programs designed to carry out a specialised task.

• Single task: each package does one job and does it in detail.
• Payroll program: calculates salaries, deductions and payslips.
• Result processing program: computes students’ scores, totals and positions.
• Library or hotel management program: keeps records for that one organisation.
• Limit: it cannot be used for tasks outside its design.

What are general purpose application packages?

General purpose application packages are designed to provide users with a general set of facilities to handle a wide variety of problems.

• Word processor: creates and edits documents, for example Microsoft Word.
• Spreadsheet: works with figures in rows and columns, for example Microsoft Excel.
• Database package: stores and retrieves records, for example Microsoft Access.
• Presentation package: makes slides, for example Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Graphics package: draws and edits images, for example CorelDRAW.

What is the difference between the two categories?

What are the packages for specialised areas?

Packages for specialised areas are application packages built for the needs of one field of work, based on the categories above. They include the following:

Why do organisations use application packages?

Organisations use application packages because they make work faster and more accurate.

• Speed: calculations and documents are completed in less time.
• Accuracy: fewer errors than manual work.
• Storage: records are kept in one place and found easily.
• Consistency: reports and documents follow the same format.

Evaluation

1. Define application software.
2. Define each category of application software.
3. State three differences between application specific and general purpose packages.
4. Discuss some application packages for specialised areas.

Assignment

Name two examples of application packages for each of three specialised areas from the table above, and state what each area is used for.