Computer Application Software - SS1 ICT Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Antivirus software protects a computer by scanning files, programs, and data for known patterns of malicious code (viruses, malware, etc.). It identifies and removes or quarantines such threats to prevent them from causing harm. Examples of antivirus software include Norton Antivirus, McAfee, and Avast. These programs use a combination of signature-based detection (recognizing known threats) and heuristic analysis (detecting suspicious behavior) to safeguard against various types of malicious software.

User application programs are individual software applications designed to perform specific tasks, like word processing, spreadsheet analysis, or graphic design. Examples include Microsoft Word (for word processing) and Adobe Photoshop (for graphic design). Application packages, on the other hand, are collections of related applications bundled together. Microsoft Office is a well-known application package that includes programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Each of these falls under the user application category.

Spreadsheet software is versatile and can be used for tasks such as creating budgets, financial analysis, data organization, mathematical calculations, trend analysis, and generating charts and graphs. For instance, a business might use spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel to track sales data and expenses, calculate profit margins, and create visual representations of their financial performance.

Database software allows users to store, organize, and retrieve structured data efficiently. It provides tools to create tables, define relationships between data, and query information. For example, a library may use a database to manage its book collection, allowing users to search for books by title, author, or genre. An online store's database can store customer information, order history, and product details for easy retrieval and management.