Generic software packages are general-purpose application packages.

Sometimes called 'content-free' software. Distinguished by the absence of any specific application related content.

Examples:

• word processing packages
• desk-top publishing packages
• spreadsheet packages
• graphics packages
• information retrieval and database packages

Specific software packages would be used for a specific purpose.

Examples : 

• Business Accounting
• School Administration
• Medical CAL package

The Electronic Office.

Word processing is now widespread and is now integrated with other packages (spreadsheets, databases etc)

DTP (Desk Top Publishing) allows the production of high quality newsletters, brochures, manuals etc. Scanners can be used to capture graphics.

Databases have largely replaced manual filing systems, providing fast access to information.

Spreadsheets, accounts software, job-scheduling software have made the jobs of budgeting, planning, monitoring and accurate record keeping far easier.

LANs mean that people can share software, data and hardware such as printers.

WANs allow people to communicate across the world via electronic mail, and access on-line databases anywhere in the world using the Internet.

Integrated Packages

Example : Microsoft Office; Lotus Smart Suite

A number of generic software packages are incorporated in the same package and data can be transferred easily between the programs.

Word Processing.

• Most word processors are WYSIWYG.
• Editing facilities - Search and Replace, Move, Copy, Cut, Paste
• Layout facilities - Page size, margins, Tabs, Indents, Linespacing, Justification, Headers and Footers, automatic page numbering.
• Style - Font, size, bold, underline, italic, subscripts and superscript
• Preview facilities - Print preview.
• Spelling checkers and Thesaurus.
• Grammar checkers.
• Mail merge - Using a database to create a form letter.
• Communications - Email and fax facilities.
• Statistics - Word count, page count etc

Desk Top Publishing.

• Facilities to place and manipulate text and graphics on a page.
  eg in columns
• Leading - alter the spaces between lines
• Kerning - alter the spaces between letters
• Master page - anything on master page appears on all pages.
• Graphics may be imported from scanner.

Databases

• Files of records can be stored.
• Relationships between files can be defined.
• Data validation on input.
• Facilities for searching for data using a SQL(Structured Query Language)
  • - on one field
  • - on many fields using AND, OR and NOT
• Facilities for sorting data.

Spreadsheets.

• Numerical or alphanumerical data entered in rows and columns of cells.
• Data formatting facilities.
• Cell sizing.
• Facilities for entering formulae.
• Financial and statistical functions.
• Macros - frequently used lists of commands
• Graph and chart drawing facilities.

General features of a 'good' package...

If you were to buy a software package, what would be the qualities you would look for? The following list suggests some qualities of 'good' software packages...

• Data from other packages should be importable.
• Upgrades - new versions should be able to load work done on older versions.
• Speed - slow-running software can be very frustrating!

Some software packages come with their own programming capabilities. For example Microsoft Access - the advantages of this include

• the ability to tailor your software more to your own needs.
• easier to maintain if changes need to be made.