APPLICATION PACKAGES : There are two options. You can either write your own program or buy an applications package, i.e. a proprietary program, 'off-the-shelf. The former option is time-consuming and is a science in its own right and you have to be a computer programmer to do so.

There are applications package to suit almost any requirement, including:

1.  Database Management Software(data storage /retrieval)

2.  Spreadsheet Software (arithmetical calculations)

3.  Word processing Software

4.  Computer Aided Design (CAD)

5.  Accounts

6.  Stock control

We will look at some common types of applications software in more detail.