Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Excel, the spreadsheet can determine what number of chairs and tables to produce with labor
and material constraints to maximize profits.
Figure 4.14
Spreadsheet Program
Spreadsheet programs should be
considered when calculations are
required.
Database Applications
Database applications are ideal for storing, manipulating, and retrieving data. These appli-
cations are particularly useful when you need to manipulate a large amount of data and
produce reports and documents. Database manipulations include merging, editing, and
sorting data. The uses of a database application are varied. You can keep track of a CD
collection, the items in your apartment, tax records, and expenses. A student club can use a
database to store names, addresses, phone numbers, and dues paid. In business, a database
application can help process sales orders, control inventory, order new supplies, send letters
to customers, and pay employees. Database management systems can be used to track orders,
products, and customers; analyze weather data to make forecasts for the next several days;
and summarize medical research results. A database can also be a front end to another ap-
plication. For example, you can use a database application to enter and store income tax
information, then export the stored results to other applications, such as a spreadsheet or tax-
preparation application (see Figure 4.15).
Graphics Program
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. With today's graphics programs, it
is easy to develop attractive graphs, illustrations, and drawings (see Figure 4.16). Graphics
programs can be used to develop advertising brochures, announcements, and full-color pre-
sentations, and to organize and edit photographic images. If you need to make a presentation
at school or work, you can use a special type of graphics program called a presentation ap-
plication to develop slides and then display them while you are speaking. Because of their
popularity, many colleges and departments require students to become proficient at using
presentation graphics programs.
Many graphics programs, such as Microsoft Office PowerPoint, consist of a series of
slides. Each slide can be displayed on a computer screen, printed as a handout, or (more
commonly) projected onto a large viewing screen for audiences. Powerful built-in features
allow you to develop attractive slides and complete presentations. You can select a template
for a type of presentation, such as recommending a strategy for managers, communicating
news to a sales force, giving a training presentation, or facilitating a brainstorming session.
