Week 2- Office Applications

Week 2-Blog 2 Friday 7th March 2008

Morning lecture: Applications skills

In the morning lecture we were asked to list the microsoft applications we know, wich are Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, outlook and Publisher. Aswell as some internet browsers we know, Google, Yahoo, Nine msn, Firefox etc.

The lecture focused on what i know about my PC and how to use the programs available. We reviewed some common tasks and the applications used for them for example:

File handling=Windows explorer

Word Processing= Word

Spreadsheets= Excel

Presentations= Power Point

Emails= Outlook/express

View PDF’s= Adobe acrobat reader

More detailed:

• File handling: In explorer includes Understanding of files and folder structure, ZIP technologies and file compression, naming conventions and windows commands (send to, rename, move copy delete etc.)
  
• Word processing: In word includes formatting and styles, document mapping, working with templates, inserting images, Insertaing and formatting tables and other objects, its not just typing it also includes:

- document management

- assignment presentation

- working with templates

-understanding shortcuts

- GUI (toolbar) manipulation use of Macro technology

• Creating and editing spreadsheets: In excel includes formatting and styles, column/row record keeping, data types, formulae and functions, multiple records keeping and graphs and charts (representations of records).
• 
  Presentations: Using power point to create presentations includes formatting and styling, wise use of animations and powerpoint features, using graphics to support presentation and the rules of presentation- message first and keep it simple.
• 
  Internet browsing: Is a simple task that can be done with a number of browsers ranging from google to nine msn or even firefix.
• 
  Sending and recieveing e-mails: through outlook or express, its a simple task but also requires some security as spam, attachments and viruses could be hidden within.
• Viewing PDF’s: Through Adobe Acrobat Reader involves downloading and updating adobe reader, browsing integration, viewing PDF files online (choosing zoom level, using viewing & note- taking tools, bookmarks, thumbnails) saving PDF’s to local PC for off-line viewing.
• 
  Then there is the common PC tasks such as Listening/ watching audio and video, with programs like windows media player, winap and real player. Also viewing and editing graphic files with MS photo editor, paint and Adobe photoshop.

What skills do we need?
· Word processing and Presentation skills to develop well presented assignments
· e-mail skills to communicate effectively with your lecturer, tutorial leader and other students
· Internet/browser skills that will allow you to use blackboard and search the web etc.

The Workshop
In the workshop we were asked to do two exercises one involving word and one involving excel. They were designed to extend our understanding of both programs within the university context.

The Word Exercise: In the word exercise we were asked to copy and paste a text and then use our knowledge and skills to:

· Adjust the TYPEFACE
· Adjust the MARGINS AND ALIGNMENT
· Adjust LINE SPACING
· Create HEADINGS
· KEEP HEADINGS WITH TEXT
· Include a HEADER/FOOTER

We were also asked to copy a few refernces and then alphabatize them in word. Then we also had to cope and paste a table of contents and create dot leaders for them. Finally we inserted an image.
The final product:

The Excel Exercise: In excel we were asked to create a table with a range of data of our weekly activities and how much time we spent on each. We had to:
· Adjust columns and rows
· Place borders
· Fill in the cells with colours
· Enter the data
· Create formulas for certain columns

Then finally create a pie chart and a column graph for certain activites.

The final product:

Reading summary:

1) MS word- The first reading contained information about microsoft word on vista. The whole point of it was to help us get through the first task in the tutorial and at the same time teach us how to use word on vista. As wel as using MS word for doing APA tasks.

It helped us with simple tasks such as changing fonts, margin allignment, indents, spacing, hyperlinks and plenty more.

2) Graphic file formats- Reading two was all about learning the difference between the most common types of graphic file formats, and when to choose which format to use.

It explains how each format works and how to use it. The different formats are:

• Bitmap (.bmp)
• CompuServe (.gif)
• Joint Photographic Experts Group - or Jpeg (.jpg)
• The Tagged-Image File Format (.tiff)
• PhotoShop Document (.psd ~ .psp ~ .spp)

Sites Used:
http://www.knight-web.net/tutorials/photoshop/