Computer productivity
Computer productivity is determined by programs which are step by step
instructions telling the computer how to process data. Software can be
divided into two groups, system and application.
System software - The operation of your computer is controlled by system software. As you boot the computer, the system software is stored in the computer's memory which instructs the computer to load, store, and execute an application.
Examples of system software are Windows 95 and Windows 98 which use a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides visual clues (icons) to help the user. DOS, another disk operating system, is text based and not user friendly.
Professional programmers write a variety of application software to satisfy needs of the public who wants to perform specific tasks on their computers. The basic types of application software are word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, and communication.
Word Processing - Word processing is the most commonly used software in schools, home, and business. A key advantage of word processing software is that users can make changes such as spelling, margins, additions, deletions, and movement of text. A beginning computer student should learn word processing, as it is the basis of most software. Once you have learned how a word processor functions, you will be able to learn other software quicker.
Database Software - Database software allows us to store and manipulate large quantities of data using the computer. For example, a database can sort the names, addresses, grades and activities for all of the students in a school. It would be possible to add or delete data and produce printed reports using the database.
Spreadsheet Software - Spreadsheets store numeric data that can be used in calculations. A spreadsheet is used to store a teachers grades and then calculate student averages. The primary advantage of a computerized spreadsheet is its ability to redo the calculations should the data it stores be changed. Calculations can be made automatically as formulas have been preset into the spreadsheet.
Desktop Publishing - Desktop publishing applications allow the user to create newspapers, newsletters, brochures, and similar types of publications. It is similar to word processing except it allows the user to use text, graphics, pictures, lines, shapes, patterns, and borders. Desktop publishing requires more skill and computer knowledge of design and layout.
Presently a user can purchase an integrated program. This means that a single program performs all applications and allows data to be transferred from one application to another. Microsoft Office 97, Works, and ClarisWorks are examples of integrated software. Each application includes a word processing, data base and spreadsheet section of the software.
There are numerous other applications available. There are software programs that can be used by musicians to produce musical scores and play them on a synthesizer, programs that assist an architect in designing a building, programs that produce the special effects that you see in movies, and programs that allow e-mail or electronic mail. Every line of work you can think of has had applications developed, which can ease or enhance its effectiveness and consistency.
Computers can be connected to multimedia, such as sound graphics,
photographs, and video equipment to manipulate, input, and generate
output, but special software is required.
If a personal computer is within 1,000 feet of another computer, a cable
can directly connect it. If the devices are more than 1,000 feet, the
electrical signal weakens. Then a modem is used. A computer is designed
to process data as digital signals, individual electrical pulses grouped
together to represent characters. Telephone equipment was designed to
carry voice, which is made up of a continuous electrical wave called an
analog signal. The purpose of a modem is to send the converted digital
signals of a computer to analog signals to send and then convert the
analog signals it receives to digital to send the message back to the
computer. A modem may be a part of the computer or a stand-alone device
that is connected to the computer and phone line.
Modems can transmit data at rates from 1,200 to 56,200 bits per second (bps) for the personal user.
Computers are rapidly changing and changing the world we live in. We
used to talk about the changes made in one generation. Now we see
changes from year to year. However, all computers have several parts in
common:
System software - The operation of your computer is controlled by system software. As you boot the computer, the system software is stored in the computer's memory which instructs the computer to load, store, and execute an application.
Examples of system software are Windows 95 and Windows 98 which use a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides visual clues (icons) to help the user. DOS, another disk operating system, is text based and not user friendly.
Professional programmers write a variety of application software to satisfy needs of the public who wants to perform specific tasks on their computers. The basic types of application software are word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, and communication.
Word Processing - Word processing is the most commonly used software in schools, home, and business. A key advantage of word processing software is that users can make changes such as spelling, margins, additions, deletions, and movement of text. A beginning computer student should learn word processing, as it is the basis of most software. Once you have learned how a word processor functions, you will be able to learn other software quicker.
Database Software - Database software allows us to store and manipulate large quantities of data using the computer. For example, a database can sort the names, addresses, grades and activities for all of the students in a school. It would be possible to add or delete data and produce printed reports using the database.
Spreadsheet Software - Spreadsheets store numeric data that can be used in calculations. A spreadsheet is used to store a teachers grades and then calculate student averages. The primary advantage of a computerized spreadsheet is its ability to redo the calculations should the data it stores be changed. Calculations can be made automatically as formulas have been preset into the spreadsheet.
Desktop Publishing - Desktop publishing applications allow the user to create newspapers, newsletters, brochures, and similar types of publications. It is similar to word processing except it allows the user to use text, graphics, pictures, lines, shapes, patterns, and borders. Desktop publishing requires more skill and computer knowledge of design and layout.
Presently a user can purchase an integrated program. This means that a single program performs all applications and allows data to be transferred from one application to another. Microsoft Office 97, Works, and ClarisWorks are examples of integrated software. Each application includes a word processing, data base and spreadsheet section of the software.
There are numerous other applications available. There are software programs that can be used by musicians to produce musical scores and play them on a synthesizer, programs that assist an architect in designing a building, programs that produce the special effects that you see in movies, and programs that allow e-mail or electronic mail. Every line of work you can think of has had applications developed, which can ease or enhance its effectiveness and consistency.
Modems can transmit data at rates from 1,200 to 56,200 bits per second (bps) for the personal user.
- input devices which allow data and commands to be entered into the computer
- a means of storing commands and data
- a central processing unit which controls the processing
- a means of returning the processed information in the form of output
Comments
Post a Comment