A general purpose package is generic software that can perform many different related tasks. Word processor, databases, spreadsheets, graphics and presentation software are types of general purpose packages. A general purpose package provides a user with a set of tools which can be used to solve a range of problems. This is done without learning how to program a computer.
These packages are very relevant in the business and financial industries for processing of data. They are relatively cheap, readily available with quick installation features. They are exposed to severe trouble shooting for faults and bugs before been sent into the market. It comes with help utilities to make it easy to use.
SPREAD SHEETS
Spread sheet software is an application software. It allows users to organize data into rows and columns and perform calculation on the data. These rows and columns are called a worksheet. Data recording and calculations were formerly done with pen and paper before the inception of spreadsheet. This concept of data management was risky because the recorded data could be easily lost or destroyed.
It is a computer application that simulates a paper accounting worksheet. It displays multiple cells usually in a two dimensional matrix or grid cells which hold alphanumeric text, numeric values or formula. The formula defines how the contents of the cell is been calculated from the combination of cells each time any cell is updated.
Spreadsheets are frequently used for financial information. This is because of their ability to re-calculate the entire sheet automatically after a change is made to a single cell. Most spreadsheets have basic features that help users to create, edit and format worksheets. The software incorporates many of the features found in word processing software such as spelling check, macros, font modification, track changes, adding colours, research, recognizing voice input and converting an existing spreadsheet document into a format usable on the World Wide Web.
SPREAD SHEETS IN PRACTICE
Data is organized vertically in columns and horizontally in rows on each worksheet. Each worksheet typically has 256 columns and 65,536 rows. One or more letters identify each column and a number identify each rows. The column letters begin with A and end with IV. The row numbers begin with 1 and end with 65,536 rows. Only a small fraction of these columns and rows are displayed on the screen at a time. The other parts are viewed by scrolling up or down.
The spreadsheet allows a user to create lists. A user can create a shopping list and arrange it in the order of priority. It could be printed out and referenced during a shopping spree.
The spreadsheet can be used to create charts and graphs to represent the percentage of increase or decrease in the demand and supply of a product. It is used as a simple database to make reference to prices of particular products to be sold at any time.
The spreadsheet is used in accounting as an invaluable calculator. The difference between an input and an output can be calculated and displayed on a separate row on the spread sheet. This is used in supermarkets and movie clubs to monitor transactions.
SPREADSHEET FEATURES
Features of a spreadsheet include columns and rows, formulas, functions, ranges, graphs and charts. The spreadsheet is a grid consisting of columns and rows. Rows are labelled with numbers and columns are labelled with letters. A cell contains labels or values. A label is a text entry such as SUM that cannot be manipulated by the spreadsheet. A value is a number, data, formula or the answer of a calculation. A single grid or page is usually referred to as a worksheet.
A formula is used to express mathematical relationships between cells. Functions are used as short courts when performing mathematical calculations. It is a predefined formula that performs common calculations like adding values such as time and date. They are pre-programmed formulae that give power and flexibility to spreadsheet calculations.
Ranges are blocks of cells.
Graphs and charts feature allow data to be represented on the spreadsheet in a graphic form. It is a visual representation of data that makes it easy for users to ascertain the relationship among numbers.
WORD PROCESSING
Word processing is the creation of documents with a word processor. The word processor is an application software. It is widely used by business enterprises and education institutions for the processing and management of data relating to numeric and alphanumeric characters. Some word processors also allow the processing of graphics related data. The software is used to develop letters, reports, memos, fax, cover sheets, newsletters, mailing labels, inventory records and web pages. Word processors enable users to create, modify, save, copy and print documents. Some word processing software include, Microsoft word, open office and Corel word perfect.
The Microsoft word is the most widely used word processor worldwide. It has a lot of tools that give the program a great level of flexibility. Besides its word processing functions, it has desktop publishing capabilities. This makes it unique among others. It comes with built-in templates that allow users to easily create complex output such as brochures, schedules and expense reports. It also comes with a legacy architecture that allows users read and modify their documents on previous and newer versions.
The open office is an open source software that provides a free suite of computer applications. It is a combination of a word processor, spread sheet, database, graphics editor and presentation program that work together to meet the users demands.
The Corel word perfect is a word processor that also performs a variety of functions relating to word and graphics.
FEATURES OF A WORD PROCESSING PACKAGE
Insert Text: Allows you to insert text anywhere in the document.
Delete Text: Allows you to erase characters, words, lines or pages.
Copy: Allows you to duplicate a section of text.
Cut and Paste: Allows you to remove a section of text from one place in a document and insert it somewhere else.
Page Size and Margins: Allows you to define various page sizes and margins. Then the word processor automatically re-adjusts the text to fit in.
Auto Correct: Corrects common spelling errors as you type.
Collaboration: Discussions that allow multiple users to enter, read and reply comments on a document.
Columns: Arranges texts in two or more columns to organize and hold as much data as possible.
Macros: A sequence of keystrokes and instructions that a user record and saves.
Grammar Checker: Proof reads documents for grammar, writing style, sentence structure errors and reading statistics.
Tables: Organize information into rows and columns.
Thesarus: Used to check for synonyms in a document.
Template: A document that contain the formatting necessary for a specific document type.
Word Wrap: Automatically arrange texts in lines of specific length without the necessity of touching the return key.
Font Specification: Allow you to change font with a document.
File Management: Allow you to create, delete, move and search for files.
Print: Allows you to send a document to a printer to get a hard copy.
Smart Tags: Automatically appear on a screen to give hyperlink options when an address is typed.
Search and Replace: Allows you to direct the word processor to search for a particular word or phrase.
Merges: Allows you to merge texts from one file into another.
Windows: Allows you to edit two or more documents at the same time.
These are the main features used in a word processing. All these features have been incorporated to make data processing and manipulation easy.
DESKTOP PUBLISHING (DTP)
Desktop publishing is the creation of documents using page layout software on a personal computer. It is a series of activity that include image and text combination, rearrangement and creation of digital files.
It is the use of a computer and software to create visual displays of ideas and information. It is the use of a computer to produce documents such as newsletters, brochures, and books. This is done by desktop publishing software. This software technically assembles digital files in the proper format for printing.
The desktop publisher software produces high quality colour document such as textbooks, newsletters, marketing literature, product catalogues and annual reports. Typewriters were manually used for desktop publishing before the inception of the computer system. Desktop publishing has been made easier and faster through the DTP software to meet users demand.
COMPUTER GRAPHICS
A computer graphic is a graphic created by the representation and manipulation of image data by a computer. This is done by using specialized software and hardware. It is the digital synthesizing and manipulation of visual images. This has had a profound impact on the animation, movie and gaming industries.
This images produced are used as adverts for commercial purposes. They are used on television for weather analysis. They are also used in surgical procedures to analyze a patient’s state.
Graphics generated by computer are two and three dimensional. The two dimensional graphics are been gradually faced off due to the development in technology.
This technology has really helped to improve the way information is displayed in different industries. It has really improved the creativity of websites. The usage of cartoon characters online for the promotion of a product makes a special impact on the site visitor. It adds elements of interest, humour and attractiveness to a website.
These effects are created by graphic engineers called cartoonist. They develop cartoon characters and add the right expressions on their faces. Some casinos have been transformed into online games through the implementation of computer graphics. It is a big plus to the multimedia industry. It has really spiced it up by making movie and audio albums entice the customers through interactive publicity.
MODELLING PACKAGES
A modelling package is software that allows you to design cartoons, animation and web graphics accurately. It provides tools that allow a user to sketch, draw, render, animate, scan and analyse a modelled document before communicating it to everyone.
Rhino is an example of modelling software. It can create, edit, document, render and translate curves, surfaces and solids.
It has an uninhibited free form three dimensional modelling tool that can accurately model any shape. It has an extreme precision feature that allows designing, prototyping, analyzing, documenting and manufacture of anything irrespective of the size. The seamless 3d is open source 3d modelling software used for designing 3D animations and packages.
In digital imaging a pixel is a single point in a ramster image. It is arranged in a regular two dimensional grid.
Rending in modelling packages is the process of generating an image from a model with a computer program.
Texture mapping is a method of adding detail, surface texture or colour to a computer generated graphic. Anti aliasing is rendering resolution independent entities such as 3D models for viewing a pixel based device such as liquid crystal display monitor.
These are some general terms used in modelling packages.