INFO 1 topic 7 (Selection and use of appropriate software)

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  • Created on: 25-03-16 17:01
How do you choose the appropriate software for producing documents?
The decision of which document producing package will depend on the type of layout that is required and whether the user requires complex text-processing tools.
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How do you choose the appropriate software for analysing data?
Choice between spreadsheets and data management systems
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How do you choose the appropriate software for image production?
The choice between vector and bitmap graphics. • Dependent on the type of image that needs to be produced.
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How do you choose the appropriate software for working with sound?
More complex packages will offer more advanced tools, however are more difficult to use. • The decision will depend on whether the user requires advanced functions or not and how competent they are at using the software.
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How do you choose the appropriate software for multimedia?
Important to consider the way in which the final product is to be assessed. • Any package will need to import files produced on other packages so compatibility will be important.
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What does the operating system do?
The operating system controls the system hardware including memory, processor time and storage.
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What are its main functions?
Managing memory when doing >1 task, Allocating processor time between processes, Controlling where data's stored on disk, Communicating with input & output devices, Handling errors & displaying error messages, System security, user & file permissions
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Why does processor time need to be allocated?
When computers are multi-tasking processor time needs to be allocated to each of the jobs needing to be done, some may need to be given priority.
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What else is the operating system usually responsible for?
The operating system is also responsible for providing the end-user interface, usually a graphical user interface or GUI.
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What operating systems are available?
Windows & Mac OS.X are most common operating systems for personal computers. LINUX–free operating system made by volunteers, UNIX–originally made for large computers (used in large server type systems as SW can be used with a range of HW platforms
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What is utility software?
Carries out some basic tasks users need to perform. Some of these utilities (eg: file management) may be built into the operating system. Others, (eg: anti-virus SW, Firewalls, Disk cleanup, Defragmentation, Backup SW) may be purchased separately.
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What is applications software?
The software with which users process text, numbers, still and moving images and sound.
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What do most software packages, including spreadsheet, database management and graphics packages have?
Basic text-processing functions incl.: Choice of; fonts, sizes, colours & styles (eg:italic, bold & underline), Ability to use text as art (change its shape & add artistic effects), Aligning text left, right, centre or fully justified.
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How can these functions be used?
These functions can be useful to make keywords stand out or make a page look more interesting. Most packages have built-in facilities to check spelling.
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In word processing software, what do templates and wizards do?
Range of templates for diff. documents (letters, reports etc), Can be customised to suit companies's needs, Some may have extra functions built-in, Wizards allow control over & usomisation of document. Customisation makes document unique.
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In word processing software, what do proofing tools do?
Most word processors have functions to improve the quality of the language: • Grammar checking • Thesaurus • Word count • Level-of-language analysis tools
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In word processing software, what do styles do?
Help to keep document consistent. Setting a heading style means: all headings of same level look the same, time's saved when making changes & mistakes're less likely. Tables of contents can be automatically built using styles
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In word processing software, what do layout tools do?
Available in most packages are: Columns, Tables, watermarks, Borders & shading. Key words can be marked so an index is automatically created. Footnotes can be setup if needed, Fields can be used to add pages numbers or other details (file names etc.)
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In word processing software, what do shared projects/track changes do?
If teams work on long documents it can be difficult to track changes. Word-processing SW can track changes. Once original document's been produced, it's passed to others for comments & editing which will appear in diff. colours so changes can be seen
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In word processing software, what do on screen forms do?
It is possible to set up on-screen prompts or dialogue boxes if the user has to enter data into a table or form. – To avoid them having to navigate between fields. – Also the data is automatically entered in the correct place
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In word processing software, what does desktop publishing do?
Desktop publishing (DTP) concentrate on doc's layout not just the text. Tend to have a wider range of templates, (eg: Leaflets, Brochures, Business cards, DVD and CD inserts). DTP packages can be used to produce electronic output but mainly for paper
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What does database software do?
Data stored is usually largely text but Numbers, pictures & sound are also stored. flat file database = single table storing data records arranged in fields, relational=linked fields Database fields can be:Text, Numbers, Date/time, Logical (yes/no).
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What else?
Validation is extremely important so that data-entry errors are reduced as much as possible. Records can be sorted by any field in any order. Most powerful function of a database is the function to query the data against a criteria.
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what else?
form design functions = interface is made as easy to use as possible for entering and viewing data. Printed data is usually better viewed via a report. A wizard may be used to create the basic report which can be adjusted to suit the user.
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Where do you go for more information?
https://files.itslearning.com/File/Download/GetFile.aspx?FileName=AS+ICT+INFO+1+Workbook+Complete.pdf&Path=fiaShiy17N8AWYffqKVKMUAwxiGeR0q0pUqxB0NBXzZJ8FWNsibSUhPubGUBSudqlv%2bqgi5CFUghwIi7W5ILutFV9D3ybWAySI84D7ctA9vSPtOUvU2ZX%2bObmfbzfnmV%2bRt1UJYWw
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How do you choose software?
Most important=what needs to be done?, have list of end-user requirements to help you decide which SW would be most suitable, Not all of SW will be relevant to task. Consider users experience & skill level, check the SW is compatible with current SW
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What has this section covered?
Operating systems software & how it's needed to make the computer function properly, The functions of an operating system, (file and memory management etc.), Applications software and the way that it is used to carry out useful tasks for users
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What else?
Applications software for processing text (word processors, desktop publishing packages, databases for data handling), Applications software for processing images (vector SW for graphics, bitmap software for photographs and art work, animation)
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What else?
Apps for processing sound by sampling & editing sound waves. Music composition SW for composing musical pieces, editing & transposing them & producing clear, easy-to-read scores, Multimedia packages for making presentations
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How do you choose the appropriate software for analysing data?

Back

Choice between spreadsheets and data management systems

Card 3

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How do you choose the appropriate software for image production?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

How do you choose the appropriate software for working with sound?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

How do you choose the appropriate software for multimedia?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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