Word Processors, Spreadsheets, Presentations, and Databases:
Word processors, spreadsheets, presentations, and database applications have unique functions that are suitable in most but not all cases. A common function found in word processors, spreadsheets, and presentations are editing the font size, color, and shape. Besides that function, these four applications have a broad range of tools and useful applicability to different tasks. A word processor allows you to compose, edit, save and print documents in digital format. A spreadsheet is a computer application designed to represent data tables that include text or numbers (Lysecky & Vahid, 2017). A unique function of a spreadsheet is that you can use formulas and create charts to manipulate and display your data. Also, spreadsheets are arranged in rows and columns of cells labeled chronologically by numbers and letters, respectively. A presentation application is used to create a slideshow, including text and graphics, and often with animation (Lysecky & Vahid, 2017). A slideshow is composed of individual slides where you can choose to use editing, animation, or presentation tools. A database application (commonly called a database management system (DBMS)) allows the user to create, maintain, and access database systems. Database functions include adding new data, editing existing data, deleting data, and querying for information (Lysecky & Vahid, 2017). Companies and vendors use database applications most frequently to keep track of inventory and to forecast trends. The unique functionality of each of these applications can be applied across a vast array of problem sets.
