Information and Communication Technology

3.1.7 Application Programmes 

While an operating system makes the hardware run properly, application programmes make the hardware do useful work. Application programmes are specially prepa red to do certain specific tasks. They can be classified into two categories.

• Standard applications
• Unique applications

Some applications are common for many organisations. Ready-to-use software packages for such applications are available from hardware and/or software vendors. Standard packages include among others are:

• Word Processing (WP) systems Electronic Spread sheet
• Database Management Systems (DBMS)
• Graphic Packages (CAD/CAM)
• Sales Ledger
• Purchase Ledger
• Statistical Analysis
• Pay Roll
• PERT/CPM
• Production Planning & Control
• Inventory Management
• Linear Programming

The most commonly used packages are word processing package, electronic spread sheet and database systems. These packages are popularly known as decision support systems.

There are situations where we may have to develop our own programmes to suit our uni que requirements. Such programmes fall into the category of unique application packages.