IT_Chapter_8A

Acquiring Software

• Commercial software

– Software that must be purchased

– Stand alone products

• Solve one type of problem

– Software suites

• Integrated tools that work together

• Solve many problems

– Shareware

• Try before you buy

• May deactivate if not purchased

• Freeware

– No obligation to purchase

• Donations often accepted

– Software may be distributed freely

– Public domain software

• Open source

– Programs distributed with source code

– Allows users to modify the software

– Modifications and comments are welcome

– Linux and OpenOffice

Word Processing Programs

• Creates text documents

• Graphics and other objects are supported

• Professional quality can be achieved

• Simple web pages may be created

• Interface

– Document area

– Menu bar

– Toolbars

– Rulers

– Scroll bars

– Status bars

• Entering and editing text

– Text is entered by typing

– Cursor indicates position

– Blocks of text can be manipulated

– Most other programs include text tools

• Formatting text

– Controls the document’s appearance

– Character formatting tools

• Fonts

• Type style

– Paragraph formatting tools

• Line spacing

• Tabs

– Document formatting tools

• Margins

• Headers

Spreadsheet Programs

• Calculates numbers and finances

• Data viewable in many ways

– Tables

– Graphs

• Complex calculations can be automated

• Interface

– Rows, columns and cells

• Cell holds data or formulas

– Formula bar

– Labels describe cell contents

– Values

– Dates

– Formulas

Presentation Programs

• Creates slides or transparencies

• Complete set is a presentation

• Enhances a speech or lecture

• Color and animation enhance the slides

• Interface

– Similar to a word processor

– Slide window

– Outline window

– Speaker notes

• Creating a presentation

– Templates can simplify the process

– Build the slides

• Pick a layout

• Enter the desired text

• Apply special formatting

– Continue adding slides in order

– Apply slide transitions if desired

• Presenting slide shows

– Use to enhance a speech

– Mouse click advances to next slide

– Physical transparencies on an overhead

– Computer screen delivery

– Large monitor delivery

– Data projector

Personal Information Managers

• PIM software

• Keep track of contact information

• Track upcoming events and times

• MS Outlook is popular

• Data organization

– Contact information organized by last name

– Users may search for data

– Appointment reminders can be set