In the 1980s, computers became popular and a part of our daily lives. Developers created tools to simplify life and business. A few of the tools developed are Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Oracle SQL. These applications made it easy to type and format documents with bold or different font sizes, keep spreadsheets that automatically figure sums and averages, easy presentation pages, and effective methods for storing and recalling information in databases. In this essay, I will compare the functions of a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, and database applications, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each application, recommend an application used for documenting, and provide a scenario for each application.
Every software application has a different function depending on the use. A word processor software application creates, stores, and prints documents. The word processor allows for formatting the text with features such as text size, bold, italicized, and colors, among a few things (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). Microsoft Word and Google Docs are popular applications for creating documents, like letters, quizzes, tests, and homework assignments. A spreadsheet is a computing application that organizes, captures, displays, and manipulates data arranged in rows and columns (Hanna, 2021). Spreadsheets can create charts from the data compiled. Spreadsheets allow users to type formulas and function to compute that cell's value with other cells. Google Docs and Microsoft Excel are popular spreadsheet applications. A presentation app is a computer application used in school or business that allows users to create a slideshow of text and graphics. Presentation apps allow the user to create animations and add graphics and backgrounds. Popular presentation apps are PowerPoint and KeyNote. Finally, database applications or database management system (DBMS) is software that creates, maintains, and access database systems. A company or individual collects facts and values, called Data, that is organized in a database to be easily retrieved by DBMS. Popular database management systems are MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft Access.
Every application will have its advantages and disadvantages. Word processor makes writing much faster than writing in pen. It is less likely that the end user will need help with reading the letter as opposed to writing in pen. Word processor software can be expensive, the software can only be used with access to electricity or a computer, and one must have a printer to mail the letter. Spreadsheet applications allow for easy computing, charts, and tables with the data compiled. Some users can find software like Excel challenging to learn and more prone to human error. Presentation software is easy to use and visually engaging; however, if the presenter uses too many effects, words, or transactions, the end user can become distracted, creating a disconnect between the speaker and the audience. Data applications improve the integrity and security of the information; however, they require more memory and are expensive and complex.
Excel was the most appropriate application for documenting my day's information. I could quickly put each task in a cell, and the next column assign the time spent on each activity or task. Creating a budget is another scenario where Excel would be the most useful. Excel allows one to input the monthly income, track each expense and efficiently compute the information.
Technology allows people, employees, and employers to manage and present information more effectively than ever before. Whether it is the teacher passing out assignments printed with a word processor rather than writing on a chalkboard or the new business owner using PowerPoint to present to a group of investors. The software applications listed in this reflection essay have improved the efficiency of daily activities.
References
Hanna, K. T. (2021, August 9). What are spreadsheets and how do they work? WhatIs.com. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/spreadsheet
Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all. zyBooks.
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