An application program or package (group of programs) enables the computer to tackle a specific task, such as writing a letter.

Word Processing - for writing letters, reports and other documents. Examples: Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, FlexiWrite. Facilities include: easy editing of text, font & size changing, find & replace, spell checker, word count, mail merge (to import text from a database while printing each copy of a document).

Data Handling - for creating databases. Examples: Microsoft Access, FlexiData. Facilities include: creation & editing of fields, sorting records and query searching, also ability to display data in graphical and chart form.

Graphics Package - for drawing and painting. Examples: Microsoft Paintbrush, Corel PhotoPaint, Paintshop Pro. Facilities include: colour palette, various drawing, painting and editing tools.

Desk-Top Publishing (DTP) - for producing posters, leaflets and newspapers. Examples: Microsoft Publisher, Adobe PageMaker. Facilities include: ability to import text and images from other programs or from disk plus ability to position them individually on the page. Usually have some text editing tools included.

Spreadsheet Modelling - for producing invoices and cost plans. Can be used to create models, simulations or expert systems for others to use. Examples: Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3. Facilities include: entry of formulas to perform calculations, also ability to display data in graphical and chart form. Acts rather like a multifunction pocket calculator, but once set up for a particular purpose there is no need to remember all the formula and functions each time you use it.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) - for floor layouts and product design. Examples: FlexiCad, AutoCad. Facilities include: various drawing and editing tools and ability to scale accurately, sometimes in three dimensions and with ability to rotate in any direction.

Presentation Software - for demonstrations and lectures to live audiences. Examples: Microsoft Powerpoint, RM Illuminatus. Facilities provided to produce and edit on screen multimedia presentations involving text, images, video and sound.

Music Software - for composing a musical performance. Examples: RM Music Explorer, Cubase, Capella. Facilities provided to create, edit, store, print and play scripts; to record, process and replay a variety of sounds via input from a music keyboard and other "midi" instruments.

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