Documenting a Day

    This week, I created a journal entry for my daily tasks using multiple computer applications. I made different variations for each application: Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Microsoft Word's primary function is text editing. It also supports graphics and multimedia. There are also plenty of graphs or charts to choose from. A unique tool word processors have is spell and grammar checks, like Grammarly. An excellent use for word processors is document sharing, printing, and collaboration. Word processors are easy to use and versatile. One issue is that it could encounter problems with formatting when opening or editing across different software platforms and operating systems. I believe Microsoft Word was the most appropriate application for documenting my day. I could make a simple list and explain my day. It was the most straightforward presentation of the information collected. Companies vastly use word processing applications. Bussiness.com says, "More than 1 million companies worldwide use Office 365". The software allows employees to collaborate, be more productive, and provide accessibility. 

    Microsoft Excel is a great application for creating spreadsheets to organize data. Excel has powerful calculation capabilities and can create complex formulas to manage data. Users can create visual representations of data using various chart types and analyze trends and patterns. Spreadsheets enable you to filter and sort data based on specific criteria. Spreadsheet applications allow for efficient data organization and analysis. A disadvantage is it can be complex, especially for users with limited experience or understanding of spreadsheet software, which can lead to errors in calculations and formulas. Excel's strong suit is managing data, which is best used for data entry and accounting. Companies widely use Excel spreadsheets to manage their data. 

    PowerPoint is a presentation application that creates slideshows containing text, graphics, and even aminations. Presentation applications have unique tools to customize the appearance of slides with various themes, layouts, colors, and transitions to enhance visual appeal. Slideshows can be presented through a projector to enlarge the slideshow for an audience. Presentation tools include timers and slide navigation controls to assist speakers during a presentation. PowerPoint is easy to use and has great customization. However, it does have limited interactivity for an audience. Long presentations with too many slides can cause the audience to lose interest. You can also experience compatibility issues across different versions or platforms. The most appropriate use is for business meeting presentations or school projects. 

    Database applications are facts and values. Information is processed data that gives meaning to a database's facts and values—primarily used to efficiently store large volumes of structured data. Allows users to query databases to retrieve specific subsets of data based on criteria such as keywords, dates, or numerical values. Excellent for performing data analysis tasks using database queries and generating reports. Database applications provide robust security features, including user authentication, access control, and encryption, protecting a company's data. A disadvantage could be how complex database applications require specialized knowledge and skills in database management or system administration. An appropriate use for databases is businesses most commonly use databases for data storage and data retrieval. Database software contains query language. Cheyenne Kolosky says the query feature is “ important for businesses and organizations that need to derive insights from their data.” Personally, I think this application is the most difficult to use. I have never had to use this as it's mostly encountered at work with specific positions.