Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Utilities
In addition to the main components of an operating system,
utility
software
may also be available, either provided free with the OS or
added on. Utility programs assist with a wide range of system mainte-
nance and security functions, such as checking storage disks for errors,
blocking security and privacy threats, and backing up important files.
utility software
Software that performs some
useful service to the operating system, such as
optimizing or correcting the file storage system,
backing up files, or ensuring security or privacy.
Application Software
Application software
is software that is designed to do something
productive or fun, something of interest to a human user. The OS keeps
the computer running, but the applications give people a reason to use
the computer.
application software
Software that helps a
human perform a useful task for work or play.
Most computers come with some application software already installed.
You can purchase additional software, and many applications are available
for free. The software may be provided on a CD or DVD disc, or may be
downloaded and installed via the Internet.
Productivity software
helps you accomplish practical tasks such as man-
aging your money, charting numeric data, writing documents, storing
data, and sending email. Perhaps the best known example in this soft-
ware category is
Microsoft Office
, a suite of applications that includes
a word processor, a spreadsheet application, a database application, an
application for creating business presentations, and an email and contact
management system. A
suite
is a group of applications that are designed
to work well together and that share some common interface characteris-
tics. Notice in Figure 1.9 that each of the three applications has a similar
toolbar across the top.
productivity software
Software that helps a
human perform one or more business or personal
enrichment tasks.
Microsoft Office
A productivity suite of applica-
tions commonly used in businesses for word
processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation,
and email.
suite
A group of applications designed to
complement each other's capabilities and work
together closely, often with a consistent interface
between the applications.
Figure.1 9
These Microsoft Office applications—Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—share a
common interface.
