Is a tool for graphic designers and non-designers to create visual communications for professional or desktop printing. The main of desktop publishing software companies are Adobe, Corel, Quark, and Serif with products that stick close to the original use for professional page layout.7
What it is and/or what it means
Project management software is software programs that apply one’s knowledge, skills, techniques, tools, etc. to control resources, costs and schedules to meet the requirements of a particular project. It manages projects and makes information portable so it is convenient for everyone working on the project.
Why is it important?
Project management software is very important in the business world. No matter how big or small a project is; it needs to be managed in an orderly fashion. Project management software keeps everybody one track and connected so everybody is on the same page so they can meet the deadline. There are many types of charts and programs to help businesses stay on track.
To whom is it important?
Project management software is important for every successful business. For it to be effective, the software does not need to be on every computer in the company, but it does need to communicate with everyone involved in the project. This software has functions such as calendars, calculators, charts, budget tracking and scheduling. Project management software is very helpful in the business world.
Who should know about it?
Everyone who owns a business or who is part of a business in some way should know about project management software. It is a great way to get organized so your business can meet the deadline.
http://www.bestpricecomputers.co.uk/glossary/project-management-software.htm
http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/enterpriseapps/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=181502663
Virtual reality is a technology which allows a user to interact with a computer-simulated environment, whether that environment is a simulation of the real work or an imaginary world. The most current virtual reality environments are primarily visual experiences, displayed either on a computer screen or through special or stereoscopic displays. Some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound through speakers or headphones and make use of the keyboard, mouse or a device called a wire glove. The technology can be divided into two categories: 1) The simulation of a real environment for training and education and 2) the development of an imagined environment for a game or interactive story. Anyone can make use of virtual reality, but for example, the military using the technology to run training missions. Virtual reality can be used in the medical field, for training soldiers and astronauts, and even just as a game. Virtual reality allows the person to believe that they are actually in the place that it being simulated on the computer screne and allows the person to interact with it.
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reality,
http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid183_gci213303,00.html
Concept 7: Artificial Intelligence
v “It is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs”.
v Ai is important because it helps in the development of newer and more advanced technologies.
v The average Joe may not realize it but Ai is used by many people today.
v McCarthy, John. "Basic Questions". Stanford University. March,19, 2009 <http://www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/whatisai/node1.html>.
Concept 6: Data mining
v Data mining is the “process of extracting hidden patterns from data”.
v Data mining uses statistics and other math to find patterns of information as well as detecting anomalies. It processes large amounts of data in order to extract new kinds of useful information from it. It attempts to extract information by using ‘automated’ software technique.
v It is important in the aid of uncovering hidden data patterns in profiling practices, such as marketing, surveillance, fraud detection and scientific discovery.
v Data mining is commonly used by large companies, or more specially computer companies such as Microsoft.
v Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, "Data Mining". Wikipedia. March,19, 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_mining>.
10) Backward Compatible –Backwards compatibility refers to the ability of a newer product to be able to work with previous versions of a product. An example would be word processors such as Microsoft Word, which can open document types of previous versions. The importance of backward compatibility lies in a program’s, or machine’s, ability to work with previous media, thusly saving time and not having to lose any previous important information simply due to an upgrade. Every computer user should be aware if and understand backwards compatibility, especially when upgrading a program or purchasing a new computer that is significantly more advanced than the current one owned.
Source: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/b/backward_compatible.html
Definition: the various ways in which the user can trigger online help from the program that is in use without having to access general online help.
Context-sensitive help, as opposed to general online help or online manuals, doesn't need to be accessible for reading as a whole. Each topic is supposed to describe extensively one state, situation, or feature of the software. Context-sensitive help provides information on the feature of the program in use as opposed to searching through general online help materials.
Context-sensitive help can be implemented using tooltips, which either provide a terse description of a GUI widget or display a complete topic from the help file. Other commonly used ways to access context-sensitive help start by clicking a button. One way uses a per widget button that displays the help immediately. Another way changes the mouse pointer shape to a question mark, and then, after the user clicks a widget, the help appears.
To whom it is important: context sensitive help is important to anyone that has a question about the software they are using at that time and will help to navigate the program or help the user to understand qualities of the program.
Who should know about it: All computer users should know about it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Context-sensitive_help
Source: (Lammers)
Concept 4: File name extension
· A file name extension is a suffix to the name of a computer file applied to indicate the encoding convention (file format) of its contents. In some operating systems (for example Unix) it is optional, while in some others (such as DOS) it is a requirement. Some operating systems limit the length of the extension (such as DOS and OS/2, to three characters) while others (such as Unix) do not. Some operating systems (for example RISC OS) do not use file extensions.
· They are important because they are commonly used to infer information about the way data might be stored in the file.
· It is important to computer programmers, users of Dos, Windows and certain other programmers.
· All computer users should know about file name extensions, so that it is easier for them to locate files or programs on a computer.
· http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filename_extension
6) Public Domain Software - Public domain software are programs that are free of charge and open to anyone. They are not copyright protected and the source can be attained and altered in whatever way without restrictions. Some kinds of public domain software include freeware, and shareware, which doesn’t cost anything either but will usually have copyright or some kind of limit. This is important as some freeware has become quite prominent, like those developed by the UNIX communities. Some freeware can even substitute for more expensive names, like GIMP being an alternative to Photoshop. For example, a Public Domain Software called WebLab allows the creation of molecular models. It is available to everyone but it may only be important to scientists, teachers, and students. Internet users looking for new programs or programmers who like to play with coding would be interested in public domain software and may want to investigate further.
Source: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761562880/Software.html#p2
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci212844,00.html
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/public_domain_software.html
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/categories.html
http://www.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/software.html
Ÿ Shareware is copyrighted commercial software that is dispersed for free for a trial regarding functionality, availability, or convenience
Ÿ It is often offered as a download from a website or a CD congruent with a magazine or newspaper
Ÿ Shareware gives buyers the opportunity to experience a program before they use it and decide whether or not it is useful
Ÿ It is usually offered as a trial version
Ÿ It is important because it allows consumers to view what they are thinking about purchasing without spending any money
Ÿ This can be important to developers or businesses who want to use a new program, or game players who want to test a new game to see if they like it before they buy it
Ÿ http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shareware#Distribution
5) Database (Application Software)
*A database is a type of software that stores information. It is made up of linked tables of rows and columns. It is a way for individuals and companies to organize large amounts of information where it can be easily sorted for view later. Some databases also store sound clips, pictures, and videos.
*Databases are important because they allow for storage and simple organization for large amounts of information on a computer.
*Databases are important to anyone who has large amounts of information to store on their computer including individual computer users as well as business companies.
*Primarily, people who create and improve database systems should know about them. Database users do not have to know the mechanics of databases, but they should at least know what a database can do for their specific needs.
Source:
http://www.techterms.com/definition/database
A query is a request for information from a database. Some of the possible methods are:
o Choosing parameters from a menu: the database presents a list of parameters to choose from; the easiest way to pose a query because the menus guide you, but it is also the least flexible
o Query by example (QBE): the system presents a blank record and lets you specify the fields and values that define the query
o Query language: many databases require you to make requests for information in the form of a stylized query that must be written in a special query language; the most complex method because it forces you to learn a specialized language, but it is also the most powerful
This feature is important for anyone looking for information, especially college students writing research papers.
Sources: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/Q/query.html
What is it? What does it mean?
Groupware are programs that help people work together collectively while located away from each other. Groupware services include the sharing of calendars, collective writing, e-mail handling, shared database access, electronic meetings with each person able to see and display information to others, and other activities.
Why is it important?
It allows people who are far away from each other connect through a program.
To whom is it important?
It is important to all computer users because if people are far away, with Groupware, they can connect and send and receive many types of information and data that they need.
Who should know about it?
All computer users should know about it. It connects them and they need to be able to work this program in case they need to connect to others when they are unable to get help from someone who works with computers.
Source: http://searchdomino.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid4_gci212217,00.html
What it is and/or what it means
Python is a programming language that can be used for many kinds of software development. It offers strong support for integration with other languages and tools, comes with extensive standard libraries, and can be learned in a few days. Many Python programmers report substantial productivity gains and feel the language encourages the development of higher quality, more maintainable code.
Why is it important
Python is free to use, even for commercial products.
The language itself is a flexible powerhouse that can handle practically any problem domain (ex. building a web server in three lines of code)
Python allows users to write codes, faster. Also python code runs more than fast enough for most applications.
To whom it is important
Developers/Architects
Who should know about it
Javascript Developers
Web Developers
Game Developers
Software Engineers
Source
6) Java (Application Software)
*Java is a programming language designed for the internet. It is used to create applications to run on a single computer or be distributed among a network. In addition to the internet, Java is also used on game consoles, cell phones, printers, web cams, car navigation systems, and medical devices.
*Java is important because it affects so many different things and is used worldwide.
*Java is important to all computer users and people who have the above mentioned devices that use Java.
*Java should be well known by its creators and those trying to make improvements on it as well as students in the computer science field.
Sources:
http://searchsoa.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid26_gci212415,00.html
http://www.java.com/en/about/