Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Word Processing
Word processing applications are installed on most PCs today. These applications come with
a vast array of features, including those for checking spelling, creating tables, inserting for-
mulas, creating graphics, and much more (see Figure 4.13). This topic (and most like it) was
entered into a word processing application using a personal computer.
Figure 4.13
Word Processing Program
Word processing applications can
be used to write letters,
professional documents, work
reports, and term papers.
A team of people can use a word processing program to collaborate on a project. The
authors and editors who developed this topic, for example, used the Track Changes and
Reviewing features of Microsoft Word to track and make changes to chapter files. You can
add comments or make revisions to a document that a coworker can review and either accept
or reject.
Professional chef JoAnna Minneci runs her own catering and in-home cooking services
in Los Angeles, California. She believes in treating all of her customers as though they were
celebrities. Minneci uses Word for Mac to design colorful and artistic menus and gift
deliver materials such as menus, contracts, and budgets to clients working on Macintosh or
Windows-based PCs.
Spreadsheet Analysis
Spreadsheets are powerful tools for individuals and organizations. Features of spreadsheets
include graphics, limited database capabilities, statistical analysis, built-in business functions,
and much more (see Figure 4.14). The business functions include calculation of depreciation,
present value, internal rate of return, and the monthly payment on a loan, to name a few.
Optimization is another powerful feature of many spreadsheet programs.
Optimization
allows the spreadsheet to maximize or minimize a quantity subject to certain constraints. For
example, a small furniture manufacturer that produces chairs and tables might want to max-
imize its profits. The constraints could be a limited supply of lumber, a limited number of
workers who can assemble the chairs and tables, or a limited amount of various hardware
fasteners that might be required. Using an optimization feature, such as Solver in Microsoft
