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Post #3 - Microsoft Applications Review

 

Word processors, spreadsheets, presentations, and database applications are all applications that can be utilized to either capture or present data. Depending on what you are needing to accomplish will alter which application is the best.

According to the textbook word processors are used to create formatted text. They are a great tool to utilize when you need to write an essay, create instructions or documenting notes. There are several advantages of word processors. You are able to adjust the layout, the font, add bullet points, add photos, and even hyperlinks.  Word processor’s do have their disadvantages as well. If you are needing to present the information for a meeting or if you need to compare numbers such as earnings this may not be the right tool to use. I feel that a word processor is the best way to document your day. It can be used as a journal type of platform where you can document what you do each day. It allows you to freeform type of document in a cleaner way but using the bulletins. Word processors are another great tool to utilize for making standard operating procedures in a workplace. I currently use Microsoft Word to help create different files for new hires to learn how to navigate our system.

The textbook says that spreadsheet applications are used to represent tables or data. They are a great tool to use when you are needing to work with formulas. Many times, people in a finance role rely heavily on spreadsheets and the functionalities they have to offer. Some advantages of a spread sheet is being able to create formulas such as sums, averages, and percentages. You can also link multiple spreadsheets to one and be able to search for items you are looking for. I use spreadsheets in my current role to document any requests that are submitted to my team. We are able to document the request number and use a pivot table to see how ma)ny requests we have from each person and even see the dates the request was submitted. Spreadsheets do have disadvantages as well. For example, if you are needing to take notes the formatting isn’t as easy as it is in a word processer.

            Vahid and Lysecky (2019) state that presentation apps are, “used to create a slideshow of text and graphics.” Presentations are a great visualization tool. You can present talking points in a visually pleasing way. Many times, presentations are used in meetings to discuss what ever topic may be needed. You can add graphs and charts to help to display different numbers to a group of people. One disadvantage of presentations is that you need to keep the words you type to a minimum. Presentations are meant to get to the point and highlight the important items. The presenter then elaborates more on the items presented.

Database applications are a great tool to capture different data. For example, all employee’s information for an employer would be stored in a database application. It is great to search for an employee or any important stored data. This tool is not good to utilize for anytime of extensive writing or presenting but is great to keep track of different date point and keep them organized for you.

Overall, all 4 types of processors are great for many different reasons. Depending on what the user needs will strongly sway what processor they need. Each process can perform similar tasks but the execution and visualization changes.


References

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all.


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