8-3-3 Development tools
Software packages such as office suites are used for work purposes. It is
useful to understand the characteristics and basic methods of operating
such software, in order to use them efficiently for your work.
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Software packages
Characteristics
Reference
Word processing
software
Software used to create, edit, and print documents.
Multimedia authoring tools
Spreadsheet
software
Software used to perform calculations such as tabulation, and
create graphs by entering data and formulas into a worksheet.
Database
software
Software used to collect, manage, and apply various data.
A “multimedia authoring tool” is software
used to create multimedia content that
combine elements such as images,
sound, and characters.
Graphics
software
Software used to produce drawings or edit photographic images.
Presentation
software
Software used for visualization via inserting drawings, graphs,
tables, and photographs into presentation documents.
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Computer system
Type
Chapter 8
“Application software” refers to software that is used for a specific purpose or work.
There are various types of application software, many of which are sold as
software packages. Compared to software developed from the ground up
according to specific corporation or user requests, software packages are
developed at a comparatively low cost, and sold to many and unspecified
corporations and users.
Application software in software packages used on personal computers are
summarized below.
Reference
Plug-in
Word processing software
“Word processing software” is software used to create documents that
offers extensive functions for printing and enhancing the readability of
documents. Expressive documents can be created by setting the style format of characters, and using tables, drawings, and diagrams.
The main features of word processing software are summarized below.
A “plug-in” is a program that adds features to application software, and expands the functionality of the original
application software. It is possible to
upgrade only the plug-in, or uninstall it.
Reference
Word processing software
Examples of word processing software
include “Microsoft Word” from Microsoft
and “Ichitaro” from JustSystems.
(1)Create documents
Documents are created by inputting character strings using an input method.
The inputted character strings can be formatted by configuring settings
such as the font, font size, and underlining. Other settings such as centering, indenting, and bullets can be used to change the positioning of character strings and paragraphs.
(2)Create tables
Tables are easily created by simply specifying the number of columns and
rows. It is also possible to insert or delete columns and rows, or change the
column width.
(3)Embed drawings, graphic objects, and tables
Expressive documents can be created by embedding drawings and graphic
objects.
Reference
Clipboard
A “clipboard” is an area used to temporarily store data during moving or copying operations.
Data from the clipboard can be pasted
any number of times once the data has
been moved or copied to the clipboard.
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