The article presents an overview of the main possibilities of using information and communication technologies in applied sociology, as well as the urgent need and importance of computer training of the students. Filed the results of comparative analysis of universal, semi-universal statistical packages of computer processing of sociological information and professionally focused software products on the market today. Outlining the advantages and disadvantages of their use in empirical sociology to describe the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of objects of study, explanations of causality, forecasting of social processes. Characterized by modern information technology used for collecting and storing social data. It is proved that the leading component of the computer literacy specialist-sociologist is the formation, the development of algorithmic thinking, the ability to make the right choice in favor of a software package that satisfies all the requirements, and that would efficiently and professionally perform all the tasks of an applied nature.