CSC134 Chapter 6 – Application Software Vocabulary

41 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapter 6, "Application Software," including general-purpose, specialized, and mobile applications; software distribution types; user interfaces; and data-sharing concepts.

Application Software

End-user software used to accomplish a variety of tasks on a computer.

General-Purpose Application

Category of application software that performs common tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, DBMS, browsers, and communication.

Specialized Application

Software narrowly focused on specific disciplines or professions, e.g., graphics, AI, VR, project management.

Mobile App

An application downloaded from a mobile device’s app store or marketplace.

Word Processor

Program for creating and editing text-based documents such as letters, reports, and brochures.

Spreadsheet Program

Software that organizes, analyzes, and graphs numeric data in worksheets made of rows, columns, cells, formulas, and functions.

Presentation Graphics Program

Application that combines visual objects to create slide shows; offers themes, templates, animations, and transitions.

Database Management System (DBMS)

Software for creating, storing, and manipulating collections of related data; electronic equivalent of a file cabinet.

Browser

Special Internet software that opens, transfers, and displays web files, text, and images.

Communication Software

Programs that let users share information—e-mail, chat, file transfer, videoconference, web feeds, etc.

Graphics Program

Software used in graphic arts; includes desktop publishing, image editing, illustration, and video editing tools.

Desktop Publishing (Page Layout) Program

Application that mixes text and graphics to produce brochures, newsletters, newspapers, and textbooks.

Image Editor (Photo Editor)

Program for editing or modifying bitmap digital photographs composed of pixels.

Illustration Program (Drawing Program)

Software for creating and editing vector images made of lines and curves defined mathematically.

Video Editor

Application that edits video footage to enhance quality and appearance, often available on smartphones.

Video Game Design Software

Tools that guide users through character, environment, and gameplay creation; e.g., Unity, GameMaker.

Web Authoring Program

WYSIWYG or HTML editor used to design, create, and maintain websites and blogs.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Field aiming to create computer systems that mimic human thought processes and actions.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Simulated three-dimensional reality created by computers, experienced with headgear, gloves, and other sensors.

Project Management Application

Specialized software that plans, schedules, and tracks projects (e.g., MS Project).

Personal Finance Software

Application that helps individuals manage money, budgets, and accounts (e.g., Quicken).

Accounting Software

Program for business financial tasks such as invoicing and payroll (e.g., QuickBooks).

App Store

Online marketplace that provides access to mobile apps for download (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play).

Integrated Package

Single program offering basic word processing, spreadsheet, database, etc., with limited features at low cost.

Software Suite

Collection of full-featured application programs bundled together and sold as a group.

Office Suite (Productivity Suite)

General-purpose software bundle including word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, and often DBMS (e.g., Microsoft Office).

Cloud Suite

Online suite accessed through a browser; documents are stored on web servers (e.g., Google Docs, Office 365).

Specialized Suite

Suite focused on a specific type of task, such as graphics or financial planning.

Utility Suite

Bundle of programs designed to make computing easier and safer, e.g., security and maintenance tools.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Visual user interface featuring icons, windows, menus, toolbars, and dialog boxes.

Ribbon GUI

Microsoft interface element with ribbons, tabs, and groups that organize commands and galleries.

Copy and Paste

Static method of sharing data between files by duplicating information; changes are not linked.

Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)

Feature that dynamically links or embeds objects between files so updates in the source can appear in the destination.

Shareware

Copyrighted software distributed free for a trial period; payment unlocks full functionality.

Freeware

Copyrighted software provided at no cost; rights remain with the creator.

Open-Source Software

Software whose source code is free for use, modification, and redistribution.

Public-Domain Software

Software with no copyright restrictions; anyone may use or distribute it freely.

Retail Software

Mass-produced, copyrighted software sold to many users with common needs.

Custom Software

Tailor-made application developed for a specific business or industry; usually more expensive than retail software.

Web App

Application stored on a web server and accessed through a browser; may be free or subscription-based.

Mobile Web App

Web app optimized for viewing in mobile browsers regardless of screen size or orientation.