Documenting a Day
The Role of Applications
Computer applications is also known as desktop applications. There are numerous of computer applications available for users, some examples are Microsoft Word or a calendar app. An application, another term is app, is a type of software that allows a user to perform specific tasks. Today, we will go over four different types of computer applications: word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, and database applications.
Computer Applications
1. Word Processor
A common computer application for creating formatted text, designing a flyer, and creating many other types of documents is a word processor. The most well-known processors include Microsoft Word and Google Docs. The advantage of Word is that is gives users the ability to markup the document for changes. It allows for a series of editors to amend and updates the document, and each user can see the changes that were made to the document. Another advantage is that you do not have to be on a desktop to use the application. Microsoft developed a mobile version of Word that allows users to create an edit documents. The disadvantage of the mobile version of Word is that is not as robust as the desktop version and
2. Spreadsheet
Another computer application that allows users to create tables of data is a spreadsheet application. The spreadsheet does contain cells organized in columns which allows users to type data like text or numbers within each cell. Two common applications are Microsoft Excel and Google Docs spreadsheets. The advantage of spreadsheets that everybody enjoys is that the program does all math for the user. Using formulas to calculate data from other data is a beneficial when using spreadsheets. The disadvantage is that spreadsheets require learning the correct syntax for each type of calculation that a user wishes to use. If the syntax is incorrect, the program will not return the correct information when the calculations are run.
3. Presentation
Presentation app is another computer application that gives users the ability to create a slideshow of text and graphics, sometimes animation is included in the slideshow. The most common presentation apps are PowerPoint, KeyNote, Impress, and Google Slides which is part of Google Docs. PowerPoint is what I commonly use, and the advantage of the application is that it is easy to create colorful, attractive designs using Microsoft free templates and themes. Also, utilizing a presentation app it eliminates the need for handouts. The disadvantage of presentation app is that it is required to have basic computer equipment to present your slideshow and if there are computer malfunctions the presenter will not be able to present.
4. Database Applications
A database is a collection of data organized to enable efficient information retrieval. A common computer application is a database management system. DBMS creates, maintains, and accesses databases system. Three common DBMS’ include MySQL, Oracle Database, and Microsoft Access. The major operations that are implemented by databases is known as CRUD which means create, read, update, and delete. The advantages of database applications are that it helps creates an environment in which the end users have better access to data and gives end users the ability to generate better-quality information, which improves decision making. The disadvantages of DBMS is that the cost of maintaining the software and personnel can be substantial and DBMS vendors frequently upgrade their products which will cost money to train database users and administrators to properly use and manage the new features.
Recommendation
The most appropriate application for documenting the information about a day would be utilizing a word processor. The user can format the text to catch their audience attention with using bolded text and bullet points. Although, there are a lot of people who skim read, it will still be easy to have audience grab the purpose of that information that the user is documenting about a day.
References
Vahid, Frank (2021, March 9). Computing technology for all. zyBooks. Retrieved January 10, 2022, from https://www.zybooks.com/catalog/computing-technology-for-all/
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