Whether you are just starting out with an office software suite or just want to get more out of it, knowing which types of programs are included is the first step to boosting your productivity.

Every office software suite is different, so don’t assume every suite will feature all programs you may have had in a previous suite. That said, most often, the following programs are included in a given software suite. In other cases, they must be purchased or downloaded separately.

This quick list will give you an understanding of what to look for, as well as tips or tricks for getting more out of each program.

Word Processor

This popular program type is the power horse of most office software suites. Word processors allow users to write, edit, structure, or otherwise manipulate information, which can then be printed or shared electronically with others.

Spreadsheet

This type of program 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.

Presentation / Slide Show

These applications provide 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.

Email Client, Contact Management and Calendars

These programs access and manage a user’s email, 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.

Database Management

This software 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.

Desktop Publisher

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

Drawing and Graphics Software

Creatives use graphic design programs 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.

Math, Formula Editor, and Equation Editor

These programs are usually small add-ins within a program such as Word or OneNote, allowing users to writes out mathematical formulas as text, with an emphasis on communicating mathematical logic but newer versions are also capable of calculations.

Personal Organizer and Note Program

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.

Project Management

As opposed to personal management, personal scheduling, or contact management, project management programs provides tools for organizing large-scale projects involving many people.

Diagramming and Brainstorming

As a kind of drawing tool, this program allows a user to create lines and shapes in order to convey architectural diagrams, organizational charts, flowcharts, and other visual communications

PDF (PostScript Printer Description Language)

This application 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.

Each software company packages its 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 for alternatives that might be suited for your tasks.

For entrepreneurs, we 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.

  • What is enterprise software?
  • Enterprise software is software used in large organizations, such as businesses, schools, or government offices. Some examples of enterprise software include payment processing, email marketing, and commercial backup programs.
  • What Is Enterprise OEM Software Licensing?
  • OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer and refers to software sold to computer builders and hardware manufacturers in large quantities. When a software company licenses its product to another company, it is called enterprise OEM software licensing.

Enterprise software is software used in large organizations, such as businesses, schools, or government offices. Some examples of enterprise software include payment processing, email marketing, and commercial backup programs.

OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer and refers to software sold to computer builders and hardware manufacturers in large quantities. When a software company licenses its product to another company, it is called enterprise OEM software licensing.

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