1. Word Processing
Word processing packages such as Microsoft Word are text based.
When text is entered via a keyboard, the characters are displayed on screen and held in the computers memory.
Common Uses of Word Processing include:
Essays
Reports
Projects
In fact any form of written work

2. Advantages of Word Processing
Work can be saved and returned to at a later date
Work can be formatted to change it’s appearance
It’s neater than hand written work
Work can be changed (edited) if mistakes have been made – rather than starting again
You can Copy and Paste information into a Word document
You can print multiple copies
You can save work to disk and take it elsewhere

3. Desk Top Publishing
Text Top Publishing packages such as Microsoft Publisher, focuses on pages layout and design
It combines the use of text and graphics
Common uses include:
Newspapers
Leaflets
Posters
Brochures

4. Advantages of Desk Top Publishing
The use of templates makes it easier than starting a page design from scratch
You can use the DTP tools to change the page design i.e rotate pictures, insert text boxes, insert images, insert backgrounds and borders
You can copy text from a Word Processing package and easily change the page layout

5. Presentation Software
Presentations can be produced in Microsoft PowerPoint
The focus is on using the computer to create and present information
PowerPoint allows you to build up a slide show which can either be projected or printed out as handouts
Common uses are :
For training
Sales presentations
Technical product presentations

6. Advantages of Presentation Software
You can add animation and sound to your presentation to make it more interesting
You can break down large chunks of information into short bullet points which makes it easier for the audience to understand
You can insert images, screen dumps etc. to make demonstrations easier
You can print off handouts for the audience to take away with them
You can pre-prepare information for a meeting (rather than use flip charts or boards)

7. Databases
Database software, such as Microsoft Access, focuses on the storage of information.
Common uses are:
Storing address and contact details of customers
Storing employee records
Storing supplier information
Storing product information

8. Advantages of Databases
You require less storage space (no filing cabinets)
Easier and quicker to find information then manually searching through endless pieces of paper
It automatically sorts things into order for you i.e. alphabetically
You can search for specific information
You can print of reports i.e. all customers who live in the Fleetwood area

9. Spreadsheets
Spreadsheet packages, such as Microsoft Excel, focus on the processing of numerical information and producing graphs
A worksheet is a grid made up of cells – each of which has an individual cell reference i.e. A12, C6
Common uses are:
Working out costs
Keeping a record of sales
Calculating money owed to the business i.e. an invoice (a bill)

10. Advantages of Spreadsheets
You can use formula to solve problems. This is quicker and easier and there is less chance of making a mistake (providing you put in the correct formula)
You can easily produce graphs which make numerical information easier to read
You can print off as many copies as you like
It is a professional way of presenting information
If you make a change to your data, the answer will change automatically if you have used a formula

11. Internet and World Wide Web
The Internet is a global network of computers i.e what you can see in the UK can also be seen in the US.
To access the Internet you need a computer, a modem and a telephone line
The World Wide Web is the reason why most people use the Internet. This is where the web pages of companies, schools, government, shops etc. can be found
Web pages can be designed and made available for other users of the Internet to see

12. Advantages of Internet and WWW
It has allowed for global communication.
It is much quicker to get messages across the world i.e. no postage delay
You can shop from the comfort of your own home
People can work from home and in their work
You can carry out extensive research using the Internet
It is much quicker to find information by using search engines rather than looking through text books