Introduction to Computer Literacy

Information Exchange

Computer Store Visit

Objective: You will be able to identify and classify different types of computer application software. You will gain experience as a software consumer.

Points: This assignment is worth a total of 30 points. Questions 1 and 2 will be worth 10 points and question 3 will be worth 5 points based on the completeness and accuracy of your answers. Additionally, 5 points will be earned for following the specifications of this assignment.

Assignment: Visit a store that sells computer software (Walmart, Radio Shack, Best Buy, Comp USA, Staples, or any other store). Examine the software applications being sold by the store and answer the following questions:

1. List at least 5 different “types” of application software packages. (IE... games, word-processing, etc.) For each type you list give 2 examples of specific package or brand names. (IE... MS Word, Lotus 1-2-3, etc.) For each example of brand name, list the company that produced the software (such as Lotus, Ashton-tate, etc.).

Most application software is written for a specific operating system. Write down the name of the operating system with which each of the application packages you selected is designed to work. (such as Windows, DOS or Macintosh).

2. Find one application software package in each of the following five categories; Word Processing, Desktop Publishing, SpreadSheet, Database, and Presentation Graphics. Write down the name and anything else that you can about that package. (What computers it will run on, disk size, monitor specifications, how much memory is required, is there a tutorial, etc.)

3. Do you see more software on the shelves for Macintosh or for IBM (DOS)?

Specifications: Answer the 3 questions completely. This assignment should be turned in on the answer sheet. This assignment does not have to be type. All handwriting is to be neat and legible.

Most of the information I am asking for can be obtained from the outside of the box of the computer software. I want you to feel comfortable asking legitimate questions of the employees of the store you visit, but I have received complaints in the past about students wanting assistance with the ENTIRE assignment. Please be considerate of the employee’s time. While they should be willing to assist you, it is NOT their job to do your homework assignment for you.

Your full name and the store you visited should be legibly printed on the upper right hand corner of the assignment.