Module III

The Software

Scope of the Module

This module consists of three lessons, namely:

Lesson 1. Systems Software

Lesson 2. Applications Software

Lesson 3. Programming Languages

Overview of the Module

Module III explains the various automation software and some of the advanced
productivity tools used in business. Available programs in the market today are briefly
discussed including their applications and capabilities. Factors that influence the choice of the
software are included so as the user could easily decide the choice of the software to be used.

Objectives of the Module

After completion of this module, you should be able to:

1. To classify the three basic types of systems software.
2. To enumerate various application software used in business.
3. To differentiate the use of various software.
4. To identify popular environments for software selection.
5. To recognize the impact of the software as productivity tool.

Suggested Reading

Crisostomo, Conchita. Information Technology Perspectives. Manila: 3K-IT Educational

Services, 1999

1
Introduction to Information Technology
Module III

Lesson 1. SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Lesson 1.1 Introduction

To perform a particular task in computer, instruction or software is important. People

are using computers to accomplish an amazing variety of tasks, namely: to write, to draw, to
calculate, to store and retrieve data, to illustrate, and to communicate with other computers.
These fundamental applications are best achieved by understanding the programs that
transform the computer into a tool for performing these tasks. Choosing the right software
makes hardware selection easy because most programs have very specific hardware
requirements. The choice of computer software is confusing considering more than 75,000
programs available in the market today.

This module guides the user with various office automation software and more
productivity tools used in business.

Lesson 1.2 Systems Software

Software refers to the program or set of instructions together with related procedures
and documentation that enable the computer system to operate effectively. All programs used
to organize, control and maintain a computer system is called system software. Its function is
to facilitate the operation and programming of the computer.

Systems software may be classified into three basic types, namely:

a. Operating System - It is a program that controls the proper functioning of the hardware
and the operation of all other programs. It enables the large computers to execute
two or more programs simultaneously. Types of operating systems include Apple DOS,
IBM PC DOS, MSDOS, UNIX, CPM 86, Windows, etc.

• Macintosh Operating System - Macintosh Systems Software is easy to use. It sets

the standard for icon-oriented graphical-user interfaces with active assistance. It
helps users accomplish different tasks on the computer by explaining how to share
files with other users.

• Windows - It is an operating environment made by Microsoft that lays a

graphical-user interface held around the MS-DOS and PC-DOS operating system. It
is designed to run on IBM-style of microcomputers with 386, 486 and 586 chips.
Windows require a hard disk drive with memory of at least four times as much is
required for DOS. In 1990, Version 3.0 Windows was released in the market. It was
followed by Release 3.11, then Windows 4.0 followed by Windows 95, Windows 97,
and soon to release Windows 2000. The latest windows version incorporates the
networking features.

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• OS/2 - This operating system was released in April 1987. It is designed to run on
many IBM and compatible microcomputers, and to connect from small personal
computer to large mainframes. Like Windows, it does not require DOS to run
efficiently and it has a graphical-user interface called Workplace Shell (WPS), which
uses icons resembling documents, folders, printers, etc. It can also run most DOS
and Windows application programs simultaneously. It can perform advanced
features like multitasking, multimedia, and “workgroup” environments.

• Windows NT - Windows New Technology was unveiled by Microsoft in May 1993. It

is intended to support large network of computers and work stations interacts
directly with the hardware and works in “client/server” networks with “file server”
computers. A client/server network is a type of local area network (LAN) which
maintains databases and processes requests from the clients. Its features include
the ability to conduct sophisticated searches for precise information in different files.

• Unix - Unix was invented by American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT & T).
It is an operating system for C-Language and can run on all types of computers. It
has a built-in networking capability and has the ability to run multiple tasks at one
time. This operating system is used in large corporations such as banks, currency
traders, equipment design, etc.

• NetWare - This operating system was developed by Novell Inc. in 1980. It is used
for sharing microcomputer-based local area networks within the company.

b. Language Translator - It is a software that translates instruction written in high level

language into a machine language. It consists of interpreter that translates source code
by reading the program one line at a time while the compiler reads the program after the
entire source code has been translated.

c. System Utilities - These are programs for day-to-day system maintenance that are
provided with the operating system. They are generally used to support, enhance, or
expand existing programs in a computer system. They include screen saver, data
recovery, backup, virus protection, file fragmentation, data compression, and memory
management. Some of the utility programs are built-in in the operating system while
there are other utility programs which are available on separate disk.

The various services offered by systems utilities are as follows:

• Screen Saver - It is a utility that prevents a monitor’s screen from being etched by an
unchanging image. Although it is not yet scientifically proven, some EDP people
believe that if a computer is left turned on without keyboard or mouse activity,
whatever static image is displayed may burn into the screen. The screen saver
automatically put some moving patterns on the screen to prevent burnout. Also, the
various designs in the screen saver are quite entertaining. Examples of screen
saver include aquatic animals in the aquarium, the moving solar system, parachutes
and balloons, flying saucers, butterfly, etc.

• Data Backup and Recovery Program - This utility program is used to restore or
recover the file or information that has been accidentally deleted. Examples of Data
3
Backup and Recovery programs are Norton Utility from Symantic Corporation,
Fastback Plus from Fifth Generation Systems, Inc. and PC Tools from Central Point
Software, Inc.

• Virus Protection Program - Antivirus software is a utility program that scans hard
disks, diskettes, and computer’s memory to detect and cure viruses.

• Data Compression Utility - Data Compression Utility removes redundant elements,

gaps, and unnecessary data from a computers storage space. It compresses files to
increase its storage capacity. Examples of data compression programs are Stacker
from Stac Electronics, Double Disk from Verisoft Systems Inc., and SuperStor Pro
from AddStor Inc.

• Other Utility Programs

♦ File Conversion Utility - It converts files from Macintosh computer format into
IBM-compatible format. It allows files to transfer from portable computer to a
desktop computer and vice versa.

♦ Security Utility - It protects unauthorized people from gaining access to a

computer without using a password or correct code.

♦ Multipacks Utility - It provides several utility disks for data recovery,

defragmenting, memory management, and other tools. Examples of multiple
package utility programs include all utilities from Microcom, Inc.

Some personal computers use a graphical user interface or GUI (pronounced gooey).
This design depicts files as graphic objects screen. Using a mouse, you can select objects,
open menus, move objects, and manipulate various features. Other computers use
command-line interface. On the DOS prompt (C>), type the command using appropriate
format or syntax.

4
Introduction to Information Technology
Module III
Lesson 1
SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST

Test I. Identification

Directions: Write your answer on the space provided for before each number

_____ 1. It refers to all programs used to organize, control and maintain a computer system

_____ 2. It is a program or set of instructions together with related procedures and

documentation that enable the computer system to operate effectively.

_____ 3. It is the latest window version which incorporates the networking features.

_____ 4. It is an operating system of C-Language

_____ 5. The developer of Netware Software

_____ 6. It is a utility program that prevents a monitor’s screen for being etched by an
unchanging image.

_____ 7. It is an acronym for GUI

_____ 8. These are programs for day-to-day system maintenance that are provided with the
operating system used to support the existing program.

_____ 9. It is a program that controls the proper functioning of the hardware and the
operation of all other programs.

_____ 10. It is an operating environment made by Microsoft that lays a graphical user
interface around the MS-DOS and PC-DOS operating systems.

Test II. Answer the following questions briefly

1. How do you differentiate Windows 98 from Windows 2000?

2. Which do you think is easier to use, the DOS or the Windows environment? Why?

3. What are the advantages of providing a screen saver?

4. What are the applications of System Utility Programs?

5
Introduction to Information Technology
Module III

Lesson 2. APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Lesson Objectives:

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Enumerate the various application software
2. Differentiate the different word processing program
3. Familiarize with various electronic spreadsheets program and its application in
business
4. Identify and evaluate which of the most popular environment for software resources
5. Visualize the impact of the various application software in our daily business
activities

Lesson 2.1 Application Software

Application software are programs that perform data processing requirements or

specific tasks applied in business, education, science, graphics, medicine, and other tasks.
Examples of application software are as follows:

a. Word Processing - It is an enhanced version of electric typewriter that allows the user to
create, store, and retrieve documents, files, memoranda and letters. Available Word
Processing programs are as follows:

• WORDSTAR - It is a powerful word processing program developed by MicroPro

International Corporation. The program works with a wide variety of computer
brands such as IBM PC/XT or AT, Apple, Commodore, etc. It is user friendly, uses
the popular CP/M and runs in at least 48 kbytes of memory.

• MAGIC WINDOW - It is a type of word processing program used for Apple

Computers and Apple Compatibles. There are two versions of Magic Window
Program namely: Magic Window I and Magic Window II. They differ in terms of
screen display but both use the same keys in typing a document.

• WORD PROGRAM - It is a type of word processing program which characterized by

WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). This means that what you see on the
screen will be exactly printed on the paper. This is used in typing thesis, reports,
minibooks, and other document files containing footnotes and page display.
Command and function keys are located at the bottom of the screen to facilitate the
handling of text.

• FRAMEWORK - It is type of word processing that offers screen formatted menus. It

is the most extensive type because the computer requires at least 256 kbytes of
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memory. The program has nine menus that provides different ways of looking at the
document, uses margin setting with frames, creates outlines with many levels, and
easily switches for boldface, underline, italic attributes, tab settings, justification,
variable margin, page control, headers, footers, etc.

• THOR - It is a type of word processing program that put commands on the screen in
color and gives total control over the color and the intensity of the text being typed.
THOR stands for “THought Organizer” because it combines free format facility of a
word processor and the power of a database manager.

• THINK TANK - It is the first idea processor and a versatile outlining tool with a
decent text editor. In this type, editing and printing are easily done.

• EXECUTIVE WRITER/EXECUTIVE FILER - It is a combined flexible word processor

and indexed “card file” system that search for card by keywords. Features include
keyboard macros and the ability to store and recall graphics images for insertion into
the text. Word Processing commands are handled by the function keys. It is very
useful in indexing large information particularly for reporters or authors who want to
keep a disk library material for reference.

• MICROSOFT WORD - It is a word processing program designed specifically for

Microsoft operating environment. It provides sophisticated features offered by
traditional text-mode word processing, graphics interface and interaction program to
spreadsheets.

• WORD PERFECT - It is one of the world’s most popular word processing software
programs currently enjoying approximately 40 to 45 percent of the word processing
market. Word Perfect’s list features include the capability to import spreadsheet
files, automatic table creation with graphics-line capability, mathematical equation
and creation, enhanced outline features, mouse support, document-management
features, editing controls, extensive merge features, handling of labels,
dictionary-based hyphenation, macros, and efficient use of expanded memory.

• OTHER TYPES - Supercript, Screen Writer, Word Handler, Windows, Easy Writer,
Apple Writer, Multimate, Macwrite, Fullwrite Pro, and Displaywrite are some of the
most commonly used word processing programs in the local market.

7
Score Virus

The scores virus activates Data files are not affected

at two, four, and seven by this virus, but all
days after the disk has application programs
become infected. The including system files
results include printing have to be deleted to
problems, system erase the virus. Virus RX
crashes, and the is the anti-viral program
malfunction of disk for this particular virus.
accessory operation.

Sample Word Processing Printout

b. Electronic Spreadsheets - These are programs that replace the traditional financial
modeling tools: the accountant’s columnar pad, pencil and calculator. They offer
modern improvements and ease of creating editing, and using financial models and
graphical representations. Available electronic spreadsheets include the following
software:

• VISICALC - It is known as VISible CALCulator that combines the ease of using a

calculator, a pencil, and the familiarity of a worksheet using computer. The first
spreadsheet program for microcomputers. It was created in 1975 by Robert
Frankston and Dan Bricklin in Massachusetts. This was distributed by VISICORP.

• SUPERCALC - It is known as SUPER CALculator, a visible processor spreadsheet

program containing 63 columns and 254 rows designed with the intention of
surpassing VISICALC. The first major controlled spreadsheet program for
microcomputers introduced in 1980 by Sorcion Corporation.

• MULTIPLAN - It is known as MULTIple PLANner wherein multiple department

income statements can be built and consolidate into a company-wide statement.
The program runs only in 64 kilobytes of memory.

• CONTEXT MBA - The first integrated program that incorporates five applications,
namely: graphics, data management, advanced spreadsheets, text processing, and
data communications into one package. It is an impressive program due to its
speed and jack-of-all trade’s orientation.

• LOTUS 1-2-3 - It is an extremely advanced spreadsheet program that combines the

features of business graphics and data management functions.

• SYMPHONY - Type of electronic spreadsheet which features five environments,

namely: SHEET (worksheet), DOC (documents of word processing), GRAPH
(graphical capabilities) FORM (database), and COMM (telecommunications).

• FRAMEWORK - It is an integrated software package distributed by Ashton-Tate of

California. Features include integrated outlining, word processing, database,
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spreadsheet, graphics, and telecommunications. It is based upon “frames” which
contain three dimensional displays of information.

• EXCEL - Type of spreadsheet program that operates in windows environment. It

contains of 16,384 rows and 256 columns. Its main components include
worksheets, databases and charts.

• QUATTRO - Type of spreadsheet that has the same features with Lotus except for
the default column width, pull down menus, layouts, block manipulation, added fonts,
macros, and graphics.

• BUSINESS PLAN BUILDER - Developed by Jian Software; works with most DOS
spreadsheets and word processing program. This is used to develop and print
complete business plan for banks and investors.

• MICROSOFT WORKS - An integrated program with good word processor, a flat-file

database manager, telecommunications, and spreadsheet.

• OTHER TYPES - Procalc, Lucid 3D, Freelance Lotus, etc.

Year 1st Sem. 2nd Sem. Summer

1993 2506 2690 491 4500

1994 3567 3490 495 4000
1995 4010 3981 502 3500
T ho usand

3000 Year
2500
2000
1500 1993
1000 1994
500 1995
0
1 1 1

Year

Sample Electronic Spreadsheet Printout

c. Database Management - It is a computerized record keeping system that involves

building up, maintenance and management of file structures necessary to extract
information and reports. Available Database Management programs include:

• DBASE III+ (Ashton-Tate Corporation) - An improved version of Dbase II and III

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• DBASE IV (Ashton-Tate Corporation) - latest version of Dbase III+ consisting of
Assist Menu in accomplishing data management tasks.

• PERSONAL FILING SYSTEM or PFS - A simple database management program for

microcomputer users.

• PERSONAL RBASE (Microrim, Inc.) - An easy-to-use DOS relational database

management program designed for individual users for a database of more than
5,000 records.

• FOXPRO (Fox Software, Inc.) - A full-featured, programmable database

management system that offers easy-to-use interface and for stand alone
applications.

• Q&A (Semantic Corporation) - An integrated program that combines an excellent

word processor with an equally excellent flat-file database manager creating of
about 5,000 records or less.

• 4TH DIMENSION (Acius, Inc.) - A full-featured, programmable relational database

management system for Macintosh.

• FILE FORCE (Acius, Inc.) - A stepped-down version of a professional relational

database; an excellent choice for more than 5,000 records with excellent
label-printing capabilities, and juice layouts for forms and reports.

• FILEMAKER PRO (Claris Corporation) - A flat-file manager with lookup capabilities;

an excellent choice for a relatively small database of less than 5,000 records.

• SUPERBASE 4 (Precision Software) - A full-featured relational database

management system for Microsoft Windows.

• ORACLE - Cooperative-server database applied for computer networks.

• ACCESS (Microsoft Corporation) - A full-featured database program included in the

Microsoft Office family. It is designed for windows environment.

Record# NAME AGE

1 Mayette Manalo 40
2 Ricky Adorna 32
3 Herman Culannay 24
4 Jenny Isip 29

Sample Database Management Printout

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d. Computer Games - These are programs incorporating animated graphics and sound to
entertain people. Some of the computer games include Snack Attack, Load Runner,
Chess, Solitaire, Golf, Digdug, Moonbugs, Minesweeper, etc.

Sample Computer Game

e. Graphics - These are programs used to create cards, banners, letterheads, sign and
other graphical figures. Examples of the graphics programs include Print Master, Print
Shop, Harvard Program, Newsmaster, Storyboard, ExecuVision, Powerpoint, Banner
Mania, Print Artist, Freelance Plus, Corel Draw, etc.

f. Communication Program - These are programs that enable the user to exchange
information with other computers. Principles involve is an electronic version of
walkie-talkie by sounding message to other computers and receives a response. They
are used mainly for applications such as exchanging data files and accessing on-line
information services. Example of communication software is an Electronic Mail or
E-Mail, and Internet.

g. Integrated Programs - Integrated packages combine the features of several application

programs into one software package. Examples of integrated packages are Microsoft
Office, Microsoft Works, Personal Filing System, WordPerfect Works, Eight-in-One,
Claris Works, LotusWorks, etc.

h. Advanced Software Tools - Advanced Software Tools are general-purpose programs

that have advanced versions that can perform more exceptional tasks. These
advanced tools are as follows:

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• Project Management Software - This is a program used to plan, schedule, manage
day-to-day activities, and control the cost and resources required to complete the
project on time. It keeps track of the locations, people, materials, expenses, and
schedules needed to complete the project on time and within the budget. The tools
available are Gantt chart to indicate the duration of a series of tasks, and Program
Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) chart to show the timing and relationships
among the tasks of a project. Examples of project management software are
Hardvard Project Manager, Microsoft Project for Windows, Project Schedules, Time
Line, and Super Project.

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• Creativity Software - This software is used for generating and organizing wishes,
ideas, and for solving problems. It does not attempt to propose solutions to
problems but rather takes the user through an organized suggestions that helps the
user gets ideas and form solutions. Examples are Mindlink Problem Solver, Idea
Generator Plus, Idea Fisher, and Brainstorm.

• DeskTop Publishing (DTP) - It is a program that combines text and graphics to

produce high quality printed output. It involves the use of microcomputer, mouse,
scanner, and laser printer. Examples of desktop-publishing programs are Aldus
PageMaker, Ventura Publisher, Quack Press, First Publisher, Aldus Publisher and
Adobe.

• Personal Finance Program - This software keeps track of income and expenses,
writes checks, prepares financial statements and projections and offers financial
planning and portfolio management. Examples of Personal Finance Program are
AccPac+, Dac Easy, Quicker, Microsoft Money, WinCheck, TurboTax, etc.

• Hypertext - It is a software that allows the users to have fast and flexible access to
information in large documents.

• Computer Aided Design (CAD) - These are programs used for engineering design of
products and structures. It helps architects design buildings and work spaces, and
engineers design planes, cars, and electronic devises. A variant on CAD is
Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), a software that helps people do
drafting. The program includes symbols that help the user put together the graphics
elements such as the floor plan of the house. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
is a software for designing an automated manufacturing system. Examples of CAD
programs are Autosketch, Easy CAD, AutoCAD, TurboCAD, Supervision,
VersaCAD, AutoDesk, etc.

Lesson 2.2 Kinds of Application Software

The four kinds of application software are as follows:

1. Single-Purpose Application Program - These are programs that concentrate on just one
application but provide many tools to carry out the application. They are flexible,
capable of applications in a variety of contexts. Examples of single-purpose application
programs are Word Processing and Database Management.

2. Integrated Application Programs - These programs offer two or more single-purpose

programs in one program delivering many or most of the features needed to tackle two
or more applications. They are capable of transferring data from one application
module to another quickly and easily. Little time or effort is required to switch from one
module to another. An example of this type is Microsoft Works that includes a word
processor, a spreadsheet, a database manager, business charts, graphics functions,
and communications. Data from any of these application modules can be easily
transferred to another module.
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3. Special-Purpose Application Programs - These programs combine limited aspects of
two or more software functions to support a narrowly restricted application software.
They incorporate the large development effort needed to tailor software for a specific
application. Examples of these programs include Pagemaker, FastPak Mail and
Timeslips III. In the Pagemaker, the page layout program combines limited word
processing and object-oriented graphics capabilities for the single jumped of laying out
pages for publication. The FastPak Mail was designed specifically for creating and
maintaining mailing lists, as well as for printing mailing labels. Timeslips III was
designed specifically to computer for expense billing system.

4. Vertical-Market Application Programs - These programs are special purpose programs

not only targeted for a specific purpose but also developed for a specific profession.
They incorporate the development necessary to tailor them to a special purpose and the
knowledge about the specific needs of a particular profession or business. An example
of this program is Shrink Plus that provides a scheduling time, billing support, expense
tracking, insurance company billing, and clinical record-keeping that meets the needs of
a psychotherapy practice.

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Lesson 2.3 Software Environments

The three most popular environments for software resources include DOS, Macintosh,
and Windows. DOS caters personal information software. Macintosh is strong in graphic’s
display, and Windows focus on office automation, project management and business area
software. Lists of software are given below:

Application Program DOS Macintosh Windows

Time Management Harvard Project Manager MacProject Desktop Set

Instant Recall Quick Dex Finalsoft Executive
Lotus Agenda Smart Alarms BM Current
PCTools On Target
Time Line CaLANdar

Database Dbase III, III+, IV

Management FoxPro 4th Dimension Superbase
Rbase File Force Access
Q&A File Maker Pro

Spreadsheet Lotus 123 Excel Excel

Microsoft Works Microsoft Works Lotus 123
Quattro Pro Wingz

Word Processing Microsoft Word Microsoft Word Microsoft Word

Word Perfect Word Perfect Ami Pro
WordStar Quickletter Just Write

Desktop Publishing Newsmaster Adobe Adobe

Digital CorelDraw
Darkroom Image In
Freehand Pagemaker
Ventura Publish It Publisher
SuperPaint

Presentation Lotus Freelance Persuasion Persuasion

Graphics Graphics
Harvard Graphics PowerPoint PowerPoint

Telecommunication Microsoft Works Microsoft Crosstalk

PCTools Works Terminal
Shrink Direct Microphone II Teleware
Quickeen

Utility Programs CPAV Carbon Copy

Disk Optimizer Mac
Fastback Disk Doubler
PCTools DiskFit
Norton Utilities Fastback
Norton Utilities

15
Introduction to Information Technology
Module III
Lesson 2
SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST

Test I. Multiple Choice

Directions: On the blank provided for before the number, write the letter representing your
answer.

_____ 1. Lotus 1-2-3 is an example of what software

a. Word Processing
b. Electronic Spreadsheet
c. Database Management
d. Hypertext

_____ 2. Pagemaker is an example of what application software

a. Single-Purpose
b. Integrated Application
c. Special-Purpose
d. Vertical-Market

_____ 3. FoxPro can be used under this software environment

a. DOS
b. Windows
c. Macintosh
d. All of the above

_____ 4. Adobe software can be classified as

a. Database
b. Word Processing
c. Electronic Spreadsheet
d. DeskTop Publishing

_____ 5. Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs are used for

a. Time Management Application
b. Database Management
c. Engineering design and drafting
d. Personal Finance Program

_____ 6. PowerPoint program is classified as

a. Integrated Program
b. Advance Software Tool
c. Graphics Program
d. Communication Program

_____ 7. Software that allows the users to have fast and flexible access to information in large
documents
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a. Project Management Software
b. Creativity Software
c. DeskTop Publishing
d. Hypertext

_____ 8. Microsoft Works can be categorized as

a. Single-Purpose Application Program
b. Integrated Application Program
c. Special-Purpose Application Program
d. Vertical-Market Application Program

_____ 9. This program is not classified as application software

a. PowerPoint
b. Microsoft Word
c. Excel
d. COBOL

_____10. MSWord is classified as

a. Word Processing
b. Electronic Spreadsheet
c. Graphics Program
d. Database Software

17
Introduction to Information Technology
Module III

Lesson 3. PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

Lesson Objectives:

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Familiarize with various programming languages commonly used by the
programmers
2. Evaluate and select the software to be used in particular application
3. Identify different factors that influence the choice of software to be used

Lesson 3.1 Programming Languages

Programming Languages are programs and instructions that enable the user to
communicate and function effectively with the computer. These languages are classified as:

a. Machine Language - uses low level binary instruction’s codes designed for a certain
machine that can be directly recognized by the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the
computer. Instructions in this level are expressed in strings of zeros (0’s) and one (1’s).
Example of binary code is 101100.

b. Assembly Language - uses symbols and three letter mnemonics to represent machine
instructions. An example of this symbol is LD that means “to load."

c. High Level Language - uses program statements similar to words and symbols of the
English language. Examples of High Level Languages are:

c.1 BASIC - It stands for Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. It was
developed by John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz intended for students who will be
learning business programming for the first time.

c.2 COBOL - It stands for Common Business Oriented Language. This was
introduced in 1959 by the Conference of Data System Language (CODASYL) for
business related data.

c.3 FORTRAN - It stands for FORmula TRANslator. This was developed by the
International Business Machine (IBM) in 1954 and was the first high level
language good for scientific problems and complicated formula in Mathematics
and Economics.

c.4 PASCAL - It was named after Blaise Pascal by its author Niklaus Wirth in 1971.
An enhanced version of Pascal Language is Turbo Pascal.

18
c.5 RPG - It stands for Report Program Generator developed by the IBM in 1964. It
is a problem-oriented language designed to produce business reports.

c.6 ALGOL - It stands for ALGorithmic Oriented Language, introduced in 1958 and is
suitable for scientific and engineering computations.

c.7 PL/M - It is an acronym for Programming Language for Microcomputer. It is a

microprocessor oriented high-level language developed by Intel USA in 1975. It
is used for Intel microcomputer development system.

c.8 PL/I - It stands for Programming Language I

c.9 LISP - Known as LISt Processing. This language was developed by McCarthy in
1960. It is suitable for nonnumeric operations involving logic’s used for pattern
recognition.

c.10 APL - An acronym for Advance Programming Language developed by IBM. It is

used to perform complex arithmetic logic operations with single command.

c.11 LOGO - It was developed by Seymour Paper and his colleagues at MIT in the
late 1960s. It has been popularized as a first educational language for children in
making drawings, color and animate images.

c.12 JUVIAL - JUles own Version of International Algorithmic Language

c.13 ADA - This language is named in honor of Lady Augusta Ada Lovelace. Ada
worked with Charles Babbage at the Cambridge University in England. She
wrote the first computer program for mechanical computer developed by Charles
Babbage.

3.14 PROLOG - It stands for PROgramming in LOGic. It is used primarily for artificial
intelligence. It was developed in France and it is quite suitable for handling large
databases for producing rules-based expert systems applications.

3.15 C Language - It is a general purpose high-level language designed by a group at

Bell Telephone Laboratories, USA in 1970. It is used by system programmers in
developing complex programs such as an operating system and application
program. C++ is the enhanced version of C-Language.

c.16 Visual Basic - The latest programming language applicable for windows
environment.

19
Lesson 3.2 Software Selection

End-users often involved in the evaluation and selection of software used. Since there
are several hundred different commercial software packages to choose from, comparison of
programs is necessary before making a final choice. Several factors that influence the choice
are given below:

1. Functionality - The user should know the capabilities and features of the software. For
example, if the user needs to attain a graphic illustration of the data in a spreadsheet
application, then the software must have this feature.

2. Compatibility - The choice of a software package considers the compatibility with other
packages already in use in the organization. This is important in exchanging data
between users.

3. Cost - This is a consideration in a few applications but sometimes, this is ignored by

other users.

4. Usability - Software must be easy to use. It must lead the user through every step in a
simple, direct, and easy-to-follow manner.

5. Speed - The user considers the time to finish the job.

20
Introduction to Information Technology
Module III
Lesson 3

SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST

Test I.

Directions: Give the acronym of the following:

1. RPG

2. PROLOG

3. APL

4. CODASYL

5. IBM

6. ALGOL

7. BASIC

8. COBOL

9. FORTRAN

10. PL/M

Test II. Answer the following questions

1. If you will be buying a computer unit, what software will you need to install? Why?

2. How do you know that the software you selected is the best and the most effective
software?

3. Among the different programming languages enumerated, which do you think is the
most suitable and effective to use? Why?

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Introduction to Information Technology
Module III

ANSWER KEY TO SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TESTS

Lesson 1
Test I
1. System Software 6. Screen Saver
2. Software 7. Graphical User Interface
3. Windows 2000 8. System Utilities
4. IBM PC-DOS 9. Operating System
5. Novell Inc. 10. Windows

Lesson 2
Test I
1. b 6. c
2. c 7. d
3. a 8. b
4. d 9. d
5. c 10. a

Lesson 3
Test I
1. Report Program Generator
2. Programming in Logic
3. Advance Programming Language
4. Conference of Data System Language
5. International Business Machine
6. Algorithmic Oriented Language
7. Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
8. Common Business Oriented Language
9. Formula Translator
10. Programming Language for Microcomputer

Test II
1. The software that you need to install will depend on your requirements, e.g. If
you are an accountant you need to install an spreadsheet program and an
operating system.

2. You will know if the software you selected is the best for you if it answers all your
requirements.

3. Among the different programming languages enumerated, the Visual Basic is the
most suitable and effective to use today because it is easy to use and works
under the windows environment wherein you just need to click an icon for a
specific command.

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Name : _______________________________________ Date : ___________________
Address : _______________________________________ Student No. : _____________

Introduction to Information Technology

Module III

MODULE III TEST

A. Multiple Choice: Write the letter on the blank provided for.

_____ 1. COBOL is an example of

a. High Level Language
b. Assembly Language
c. Machine Language

_____ 2. Pagemaker Management is an example of

a. Integrated Application Program
b. Single-Purpose Application Program
c. Vertical-Market Application Program

_____ 3. An example of Electronic Spreadsheet is

a. Excel
b. Paintbrush
c. Newsmaster

_____ 4. Combines text and graphics to produce high quality output

a. DOS
b. DPT
c. Windows

_____ 5. Superbase 4 is an example of

a. Database Program
b. Communication Program
c. Special Purpose Software

_____ 6. Windows is classified as

a. Operating System
b. User Interface Software
c. System Utilities

_____ 7. Visual Basic is under the

a. System Software
b. Application Software
c. Programming Languages

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_____ 8. High Level language is a
a. Low level binary codes
b. Three letter mnemonics
c. English language

_____ 9. Adobe is an example of

a. Electronic Spreadsheet
b. Word Processing
c. Desktop Publishing

_____ 10. Unix is a

a. System Software
b. Utility Program
c. Communication Program

B. Give the acronym of the following:

1. OS

2. GUI

3. WPS

4. AT&T

5. WYSIWYG

6. VISICALC

7. DTP

8. PERT

9. ALGOL

10. CADD

C. On the blank provided for after each number, write the developer of the following
programs / software

1. Windows NT __________________________________________________

2. Netware __________________________________________________

3. Norton Utility __________________________________________________

4. Fastback Plus __________________________________________________

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5. PC Tools __________________________________________________

6. Unix __________________________________________________

7. Stacker __________________________________________________

8. Double Disk __________________________________________________

9. Superstor Prop __________________________________________________

10. Excel __________________________________________________

11. Magic Window __________________________________________________

12. Visicalc __________________________________________________

13. Supercalc __________________________________________________

14. Framework __________________________________________________

15. Business Plan Builder _________________________________________________

16. Dbase IV __________________________________________________

17. For Pro __________________________________________________

18. Q & A __________________________________________________

19. Personal Rbase __________________________________________________

20. 4th Dimension __________________________________________________

21. RPG __________________________________________________

22. Fortran __________________________________________________

23. C Language __________________________________________________

24. Windows 2000 __________________________________________________

25. LISP __________________________________________________

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