Theory, Applications and Concepts
Software helps you accomplish specific tasks.
You can use software to write letters, manage your finances, draw pictures, play games and much more.
Software is also called an application or a program.
GET SOFTWARE
You can Buy software at computer stores. There are also thousands of programs available on the internet.
WORD PROCESSOR
A word processor helps you create professional looking documents quickly and efficiently.
Popular word processing programs include Microsoft Word, Open source Office and WordPad.
DOCUMENTS
You can create many different types of documents such as letters, reports, manuals, newsletters and brochures.
TABLES
You can create tables to organise information neatly in adocument. You can also add colours and borders to enhance the appearance of tables.
INSERTION POINT
The flashing line on a screen is called the insertion point. The insertion point indicates where the text you type will appear.
WORD WRAP
A word processor automatically moves text you type to the next line. This is called word wrapping. When typing text, you need to press Enter only when you wan to start a new paragraph.
SCROLL
If you create a long document, the computer screen cannot display all the text at the same time. You must scroll up or down to view and edit other parts of the document.
You can produce a paper copy of a document. Word processors let you see on the screen exactly what a printed document will look like.
EDIT TEXT
After typing text in a document, you can easily add, delete or move text. A word processor also remembers the last changes you made to a document and lets you undo the changes.
SPELLING AND GRAMMAR
A word processor includes a spell checker you can use to find and correct spelling errors in a document. Some word processors correct common spelling errors as you type.
Most word processors also include a grammar checker you can use to check documents for grammar, punctuation and stylistic errors.
FIND AND REPLACE
You can find and replace every occurence of a word or phrase in a document. This is useful if you have frequently misspelt a name.
A spreadsheet program helps you manage personal and business finances.
MANAGE FINANCES
You can use a spreadsheet program to perform calculations, analyse data and present information.
MANAGE DATA IN A LIST
A spreadsheet program lets you store a large collection of information, such as mailing or product list. Spreadsheet programs include tools for organising, managing, sorting and retrieving data.
If you want greater control over a list stored on your computer, use a database program. Database programs are specifically designed to mange a list of data.
COLUMN
A column is a vertical line of boxes. A letter identifies each column.
ROW
A row is a horizontal line of boxes. A number identifies each row.
CELL
A cell is one box in a spreadsheet. You enter information into the cells in a spreadsheet.