Republic of the Philippines

NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

1|Page GE 4 – LIVING IN THE INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY ERA
 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

Course Title: LIVING IN

THE IT ERA
Course Description: This course takes one aspect of the debate concerning the new
Economic-innovation in the form of the introduction of information
and communication technologies and places it in the historical
context of industrial revolutions. 

Credit hours: 3 hours

Pre-Requisite: NONE
Program Objectives: The BSHM graduates are expected to become globally
competent, innovative and socially and ethically responsible
computing professionals engaged in life-long learning endeavors.
They are capable of contributing to the country’s national
development goals.

Dear Learners,
 
Our courseware is specially designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills so
you can navigate the terrain of present technology. Consider this module as a guide to strengthening
human productivity and a tool for exploring the twenty-first century.
 
This will be use throughout the semester. This will serve your medium in teaching-learning
process wherein you will be assessed each lesson how much you have learned from the subject matter.
You are required to submit this module at the end of this semester or else you are mark incomplete.

MODULE 2 SOFTWARE & APPLICATIONS

LESSON 1 Desktop Applications

Introduction:
In this Module, you shall be introduced to the some of
the Desktop Applications, Mobile Applications, How to
use MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Publisher.

Computers are important tools in nearly every

profession, so almost everyone can benefit by knowing
how they work and how to use them. In this course, you
will learn the basics of computer hardware, software,
and networking. You will also develop basic skills in
using Windows and Microsoft Office, you will learn
how to use computers safely, and you will consider
ethical issues related to computer usage.

Read the discussion and answer the questions that

follow. Perform the activity and submit via Google
Classroom/Messenger.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this Module students will be:
 Introduced with Desktop Applications and
Mobile Applications
 Skillled in using MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel

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NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

and
Publisher for Data Processing and Productivity
 Basic knowledge and moderate proficiency
about the operation of a computer and software
installation.
 Ability to use File Manager/Windows Explorer.
 Ability to use the Internet in an effective and
efficient manner, including installation and
management of browser plug-ins.
 Proficient in searching the web for information
 Ability to download and print information from
websites and download, view, and/or print PDF
files
Start of LESSON 1 Desktop & Web Applications
Discussion:

What is an application?

You may have heard people talking about using a program, an application, or an app. But what exactly
does that mean? Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks.
Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, while those
for mobile devices are called mobile apps.

When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the time,
you will have more than one application open at the same time, which is known as multi-tasking.

What this video to know more about Computer Applications: https://youtu.be/MYgy4rjV4J0

App is a common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can be

downloaded inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even
some TVs.

Desktop applications

There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some are fuller
featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like
a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of applications you might use.

Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many other
types of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.

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TECHNOLOGY ERA
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NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most computers come with a
web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you prefer. Examples of
browsers include Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded, you'll need to use
a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.

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NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer. They range from card games
like Solitaire to action games like Halo. Many action games require a lot of computing power, so they
may not work unless you have a newer computer.

Ref.: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-applications/1/

Desktop Applications
An application that runs stand alone in a desktop or laptop computer. In Windows, a desktop
application is one that runs in the traditional Windows desktop in contrast to a tablet application that
runs full screen. 

Ref.: https://www.yourdictionary.com/desktop-application

Web Applications
A Web application (Web app) is an application program that is stored on a remote server and delivered
over the Internet through a browser interface. Web services are Web apps by definition and many,
although not all, websites contain Web apps. According to Web.AppStorm editor Jarel Remick, any
website component that performs some function for the user qualifies as a Web app.
Web applications can be designed for a wide variety of uses and can be used by anyone; from an
organization to an individual for numerous reasons. Commonly used Web applications can include
webmail, online calculators, or e-commerce shops. Some Web apps can be only accessed by a specific
browser; however, most are available no matter the browser.
Ref.: https://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/definition/Web-application-Web-app

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TECHNOLOGY ERA
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NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

Desktop Vs. Web Applications

It can be a bit difficult to tell the difference between web and desktop apps sometimes because web
applications can launch desktop applications, and desktop applications can send and receive data over
the Internet. Indeed, web browsers are themselves desktop applications.

What does the "desktop" part of that mean? The "desktop" comes from what is called the desktop
metaphor. The idea was to make it easier for humans to use computers by giving them a graphical user
interface that was similar to things in the real world. So, if the computer was going to be used for
business productivity, then try to make the user feel like she is working in an office. If you work in an
office, you have a desk. On the desktop, you have the things you are working on (folders containing
documents, like spreadsheets, letters, memos, etc.).

Some examples of desktop applications for Windows:

 Windows File Explorer (to find files on your computer)

 Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.)
 Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer)
 Adobe Photoshop
 TweetDeck (lets you use Twitter on your computer outside of a web browser)

Some examples of web applications:

 Google search (to find stuff on the web)

 Google Docs (like Microsoft Office, but they it runs inside a web browser)
 Facebook
 Twitter
 Flickr
Ref.: https://www.quora.com/What-are-desktop-applications

System Software Vs. Application Software

As we know that software is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific

tasks. Software is basically a generic term used to describe computer programs. In general Scripts,
applications, programs and a set of instructions are all terms often used to describe software.

Now the basis of language in which software is developed and platform which is required for its
execution we can classified software as in two divisions which are System software and Application
software. Following are some basic differences between System software and Application software.

Key System Software. Application Software.

Definition System Software is the type of On other hand Application Software is the
software which is the interface type of software which runs as per user
between application software and request. It runs on the platform which is
system. provide by system software.

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TECHNOLOGY ERA
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NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

Development While in
In general System software are
Language case of Application software high level
developed in low level language
language is used for their development as
which is more compatible with the
they are developed as some specific
system hardware in order to interact
purpose software.
with.

Usage System software is used for On other hand Application software is

operating computer hardware. used by user to perform specific task.

Installation System software are installed on the On other hand Application software are
computer when operating system is installed according to user’s requirements.
installed.

User As mentioned in above points On other hand in application software user

interaction system software are specific to can interacts with it as user interface is
system hardware so less or no user available in this case.
interaction available in case of
system software.

Dependency System software can run On other hand in application software

independently. It provides platform can’t run independently. They can’t run
for running application software. without the presence of system software..

Examples Some examples of system On other hand some examples of

software’s are compiler, assembler, application software’s are word processor,
debugger, driver, etc. web browser, media player, etc.

Ref.: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/difference-between-system-software-and-application-software

DESKTOP/COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Operating System (System Software)

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the

computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you
to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. Without an
operating system, a computer is useless.

Watch this video to learn more about operating system: https://youtu.be/fkGCLIQx1MI

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TECHNOLOGY ERA
 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

The operating system's job

Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer.

Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all
need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating
system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs.

Types of operating systems

Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating
system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change operating systems.
The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS,
and Linux.

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI lets you
use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen
using a combination of graphics and text.

Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating
system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy to
use, and most of the basic principles are the same.

Ref.: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-operating-systems/1/

Adobe Acrobat Professional

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NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

Adobe Acrobat
is one of the PDF applications that was pioneered by
Adobe systems. This software allows you to view PDFs
offline and online. It also allows you to create, edit,
manage, and print PDF files with ease.

Adobe Acrobat is a useful PDF software that you need

to install on your device. But first is this software
compatible with your computer or phone. Adobe
Acrobat is a cross-platform that supports Windows,
Mac, Linux, Android phones, and Windows phones.
This makes it possible to view and manage PDF files on
your phone as well as PC. To be precise it supports
Windows: 10, 8, 7, XP, and Server. For Mac, it supports
macOS X 10.6, 10,7, 10,8, 10,9, 10,10.
Ref.: https://pdf.wondershare.com/pdf-software-comparison/what-is-adobe-acrobat.html?
gclid=CjwKCAjwqML6BRAHEiwAdquMnRM0ipQnO7gddez6RJSEdGNGznDOdUzXDBzwUYvA
AZU-6wcw3ZrZFxoCCiQQAvD_BwE

Google Chrome

Chrome is a free Internet browser officially released

by Google on December 11, 2008. Its features
include synchronization with Google services and
accounts, tabbed browsing, and automatic translation
and spell check of web pages. It also features an
integrated address bar/search bar, called the omnibox.

Chrome works quite well with Google sites and services

such as YouTube and Gmail. It also manages its system
resources differently than other browsers. Its
V8 JavaScript engine was developed from scratch at
Google, and may improve your experience on heavily
scripted websites and applications. Essentially, it should
make the things you do on the Internet faster.
Ref.: https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/chrome.htm

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Microsoft Office, or simply Office, is a family of client

software, server software, and services developed
by Microsoft. It was first announced by Bill Gates on
August 1, 1988, at COMDEX in Las Vegas. Initially a
marketing term for an office suite (bundled set of
productivity applications), the first version of Office
contained Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel,
and Microsoft PowerPoint. Over the years, Office
applications have grown substantially closer with shared
features such as a common spell checker, OLE data
integration and Visual Basic for Applications scripting

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NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

language.
Microsoft also
positions Office as a development platform for line-of-
business software under the Office Business
Applications brand. On July 10,
2012, Softpedia reported that Office was being used by
over a billion people worldwide.

Ref.: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Office

Media Players

Software that "plays" audio, video or animation files in the computer. In the Windows world, Windows
Media Player is the default player from Microsoft, but iTunes, RealPlayer and other software are also
widely used. The media player in early Windows (3.x) versions was called simply "Media Player."
iTunes and QuickTime Player are the default products for the Mac.

Media players provide most or all of the following features. They allow users to organize their
multimedia collection, play songs and movies, rip CD tracks to MP3 and other audio formats, burn
CDs, listen to Internet radio, download content from online music stores and stream content from the
Internet. See Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, QuickTime and iTunes.
Ref.: https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/media-player

Anti-Virus

Antivirus software is a type of utility used for scanning and removing viruses from your computer.
While many types of antivirus (or "anti-virus") programs exist, their primary purpose is to protect
10 | P a g e GE 4 – LIVING IN THE INFORMATION
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 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

computers from viruses and

remove any viruses that are found.

Most antivirus programs include both automatic and manual scanning capabilities. The automatic scan
may check files that are downloaded from the Internet, discs that are inserted into the computer, and
files that are created by software installers. The automatic scan may also scan the entire hard drive on a
regular basis. The manual scan option allows you to scan individual files or your entire system
whenever you feel it is necessary.

Since new viruses are constantly being created by computer hackers, antivirus programs must keep an
updated database of virus types. This database includes a list of "virus definitions" that the antivirus
software references when scanning files. Since new viruses are frequently distributed, it is important to
keep your software's virus database up-to-date. Fortunately, most antivirus programs automatically
update the virus database on a regular basis.

While antivirus software is primarily designed to protect computers against viruses, many antivirus
programs now protect against other types of malware, such as spyware, adware, and rootkits as well.
Antivirus software may also be bundled with firewall features, which helps prevent unauthorized
access to your computer. Utilities that include both antivirus and firewall capabilities are typically
branded "Internet Security" software or something similar.

While antivirus programs are available for Windows, Macintosh, and Unix platforms, most antivirus
software is sold for Windows systems. This is because most viruses are targeted towards Windows
computers and therefore virus protection is especially important for Windows users. If you are
a Windows user, it is smart to have at least one antivirus program installed on your computer.
Examples of common antivirus programs include Norton Antivirus, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, and
ZoneAlarm Antivirus.
Ref.: https://techterms.com/definition/antivirus

Source: https://www.bates.edu/helpdesk/2017/10/09/what-are-the-standard-software-applications-
installed-on-my-computer/

Summary:

Desktop Applications

An application that runs stand alone in a desktop or laptop computer. In Windows, a desktop
application is one that runs in the traditional Windows desktop in contrast to a tablet application that
runs full screen. 

Web Applications

A Web application (Web app) is an application program that is stored on a remote server and delivered
over the Internet through a browser interface. Web services are Web apps by definition and many,
although not all, websites contain Web apps. According to Web.AppStorm editor Jarel Remick, any
website component that performs some function for the user qualifies as a Web app.

System Software Vs. Application Software

As we know that software is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific

tasks. Software is basically a generic term used to describe computer programs. In general Scripts,

11 | P a g e GE 4 – LIVING IN THE INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY ERA
 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
AJUY CAMPUS
Ajuy, Iloilo

applications, programs and a

set of instructions are all terms
often used to describe software.

Now the basis of language in which software is developed and platform which is required for its
execution we can classified software as in two divisions which are System software and Application
software.

Online Sources:
https://youtu.be/MYgy4rjV4J0https://youtu.be/MYgy4rjV4J0
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-applications/1/
https://www.yourdictionary.com/desktop-application
https://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/definition/Web-application-Web-app
https://www.quora.com/What-are-desktop-applications
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/difference-between-system-software-and-application-software
https://youtu.be/fkGCLIQx1MI
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-operating-systems/1/
https://pdf.wondershare.com/pdf-software-comparison/what-is-adobe-acrobat.html?
gclid=CjwKCAjwqML6BRAHEiwAdquMnRM0ipQnO7gddez6RJSEdGNGznDOdUzXDBzwUYvA
AZU-6wcw3ZrZFxoCCiQQAvD_BwE
https://pdf.wondershare.com/pdf-software-comparison/what-is-adobe-acrobat.html?
gclid=CjwKCAjwqML6BRAHEiwAdquMnRM0ipQnO7gddez6RJSEdGNGznDOdUzXDBzwUYvA
AZU-6wcw3ZrZFxoCCiQQAvD_BwE
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Office
https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/media-player
https://techterms.com/definition/antivirus
https://www.bates.edu/helpdesk/2017/10/09/what-are-the-standard-software-applications-installed-on-
my-computer/

Note: Assessments & Assignments are available on Google Classroom (classroom.google.com)

*****End of Module 2 Lesson 1*****

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TECHNOLOGY ERA