Using Microsoft Office

 

 

Using Microsoft Office

 

Microsoft Office tools are vastly different and can be used for a wide variety of tasks. The word processor is useful for documents where the user is trying to convey more data. It is best used for essays, articles, and reports. The spreadsheet is extremely useful when compiling data that needs to be easily discerned. As opposed to the word processor, the information contained in the spreadsheet is easy to navigate and allows the user to quickly find information. The presentation app is best used when trying to capture the attention of an audience while presenting information. Database applications are great for storing larger amounts of data. It is important to be able to find that information quickly and efficiently. According to Ben Lutkevich, “Databases are used for storing, maintaining and accessing any sort of data” (2021). There are many different tools for sharing information and they each have an important part to play.

               The advantages of the word processor are that the user is able to convey large amounts of information easily. A disadvantage is having a larger file to comb through and find information. An advantage of the spreadsheet is that someone can quickly find the information they are looking for as well as perform calculations automatically using formulas. One disadvantage of the spreadsheet is that it is harder to store longer phrases and sentences. An advantage of the presentation application is the ability it has to present the information in an interesting way, it grabs the audience’s attention. One disadvantage is the that it’s a bit harder to learn than some of the other applications. An advantage of a database is the ability it has to store large amounts of data that can be retrieved quickly. A disadvantage is that the user needs to be extremely specific when storing and retrieving data from the database.

               Each application was useful in documenting my day. The only way to narrow down which one was more helpful is to know the audience and how the information will be shared. For example. The word document was helpful in creating a base for a blog. The spreadsheet would be most helpful if someone was trying to calculate how their day is used and look into where their time is spent. The presentation would be helpful is the user is going to be presenting the information to an audience. A database would be most useful is someone was going to be documenting several days.

               The word processor would be helpful if someone needed to create a report. The spreadsheet could be helpful for creating a monthly budget as they are, “…also invaluable in what-if computations. Once a set of formulas have generated data in spreadsheet cells as functions of other cells, one can experiment by changing one parameter, such as a part’s price, to observe its effect on a product’s cost. The presentation app would also be useful in sharing a new policy with co-workers. Another use for a database would be to catalog inventory” (2021)

               In conclusion, there are many different options for storing and sharing information. Each of those options have their own advantages and disadvantages. When used properly, the tools will effectively portray information to the intended audience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica (2021, December 8). Spreadsheet: Additional information. Britannica.

Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/technology/spreadsheet

Lutkevich, B (2021, September). Database. TechTarget. Retrieved from:

 https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatamanagement/definition/database

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