Since their creation, the role of different programs on modern computers has varied widely. From word management, to database management, to computer games, the functions of each program is different. In this paper, I will be examining several different types of programs that are used extensively by people across the world and reflecting on my experience using each of them over the past week.
The first type of program I will review is known as a word processor. Specifically, the word processing program I used was Microsoft Word. Word processors are used to create formatted text, examples of which are columns, text size, bold, and italics (Vahid et al., 2019). Word processors generally have a significant number of options to create formatted text, and most include ways to add pictures, charts, and other features as well. One advantage of using a program like this is the amount of customization options available. One potential disadvantage of using a word processing program like Microsoft Word can be that is somewhat complicated to learn in regard to all of the different things you can do with a text document. Although word processors are often used to save work digitally, often they are used to create documents that are to be printed for display or other uses.
The second program to review is a spreadsheet program. These programs allow the user to create tables of data, as well as create formulas to calculate information contained within the cells of the table (Vahid et al., 2019). An advantage of using a spreadsheet program is that one can create very specific and detailed tables that can hold a tremendous amount of data. The biggest disadvantage to a program like this is that it is very complicated to learn. The vast amount of options available in these programs make it very difficult to master its use. There are other ways that spreadsheets can be used as well. For example, if one decided to create a formula within certain cells on a spreadsheet, they could create a basic makeshift calculator if one is not available.
The next type are presentation programs, such as Microsoft Powerpoint. A presentation program allows the user to create slides of pictures and text, as well as animations, transitions, videos, and data images and then present it on a screen for others to view. Using a presentation program gives the presenter the opportunity to make fun or interesting slides to teach or give information on any given topic, which is a big advantage over using older technology. However, a disadvantage to using these programs is that a poorly designed presentation can actually do the opposite. If a presentation does not look good, people may judge the information provided on its looks rather than the information itself. Although presentations are their main use, these programs can be used in other ways as well. I have seen Microsoft Powerpoint be used as an image creator. Once a nice image has been created on a slide, the image can be ‘snipped’ and saved as an image file for use elsewhere.
Database management systems are the last type of program I will cover. These programs are often used by companies to store or categorize data and link them together by use of a common “key.” Data can be added, subtracted, deleted, or brought up in a query. In many cases, especially for larger companies, the databases they use are stored on an off site server for accessibility via the internet (Vahid et al., 2019). Object oriented databases are used to store objects, rather than data, such as images or other types of files.
In regard to the application I found most useful to document my day, I would say that my preference would be the word processing application. The fact that bulleted lists, indentations, as well as other types of formatting can be used easily made it the most convenient to document the information I provided. However, ease of viewing was definitely provided by the spreadsheet application. Overall, each program provided unique ways to display or store information about my day. They each had their own advantages and disadvantages, but their wide use shows just how valuable they are to modern society.
References
Vahid, F., Lysecky, S., & Wheatland, N. (2019). TEC 101: Fundamentals of Information
Technology & Literacy. Retrieved from Zybooks:
https://learn.zybooks.com/zybook/TEC101:_Fundamentals_of_Information_Technology_
&_Literacy_(TED2405A)/chapter/5/section/1
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