When you are just starting to get to know components which could boost your productivity, it is important to know what kinds of materials are available. It makes the project easier!

Applications Included in Some Suites

Sometimes the following programs are included in a given software suite, and in other cases they must be purchased or downloaded separately but are still compatible with the rest of the suite. And of course, not all programs are created for every suite.

Index of Popular Office Suites

•Word Processor

Allows a user to write, edit, structure, or otherwise manipulate information which can then be printed or distributed to others.More »

•Spreadsheet

Organizes numerical and textual data, and functions like a calculator. Additional formulas can be programmed into the spreadsheet for various mathematical and financial computations. The spreadsheet also charts and graphs that data.More »

•Presentation/Slide Show

Provides a series of document spaces which can be displayed in a sequence. Using a slide show tool aids in communicating an idea, whether it is projected on a screen or packaged for a web browser.More »

•Email Client/Contact Management/Calendar

Accesses and manages a user's email, and which often includes a scheduling calendar and task-monitoring system. Integration with the rest of the suite allows documents to be sent right to email, for example.More »

•Database Management System

Stores data very precisely and categorically, so that each of the parts can be constantly rearranged or reported. It can be thought of as providing customized reporting of data parts. For this reason, office suite database management systems are often called relational databases.More »

•Desktop Publisher

Goes beyond a word processor in editing and document production, by offering greater graphical and layout possibilities.

Applications Included in Some Suites

Sometimes the following programs are included in a given software suite, and in other cases they must be purchased or downloaded separately, but are still compatible with the rest of the suite. And of course, not all programs are created for every suite.More »

•Drawing/Graphics Software

Allows the user to create visual representations, using its tools in conjunction with the mouse, keyboard, or stylus pad. One note: a Raster Image Editor manipulates images according to a digital or pixelated approach, while a Vector Image Editor manipulates images according to a mathematical, coordinate-based approach.More »

•Math/Formula Editor/Equation Editor

Writes out mathematical formulas as text, so it could be thought of as a specialized word processor. Its emphasis is communicating mathematical logic rather than calculating it, such as a spreadsheet.More »

•Personal Organizer

Particularly customized for mobile use, this program allows the user to create lists, turn them into trackable tasks, and otherwise communicate in an organized way. This application is usually synced, or aligned, with the user's email client application.More »

•Project Management

As opposed to personal management, personal scheduling, or contact management, this program provides tools for organizing large-scale projects involving many people.More »

•Diagramming/Brainstorming

An extension of a drawing tool, this program allows a user to create lines and shapes in order to convey architectural diagrams, organizational charts, flow charts, and other visual communicationsMore »

•PDF (PostScript Printer Description Language)

Converts a page of text into a picture, such that it is not easily edited or manipulated by readers. Another function has been to offer users of different computer programs to be able to read a given document.

Remember, Choosing the Programs First Helps You Choose the Suite

Each software company packages their office productivity suites to contain different programs. Microsoft Office is of course the industry leader for productivity suites, but please check out this complete index of productivity suites including alternatives which may be suited for your tasks.

For entrepreneurs, I suggest looking to your business plan as a way to assess what kinds of programs you will want to have on board.

Likewise, please investigate how office suite add-ons, non-suite application software, and enterprise software augment your chosen productivity software.More »