Week 2

Lecture Overview :-

In todays lecture we covered Common PC tasks and applications. General skills and knowledge are required to be able to perform different tasks. For example you may need to know about :-

Word Processing :

• Formatting and Styles


• Document Mapping


• Working with Templates


• Inserting Images


• Inserting and Formating Tables and other objects.

Windows Explorer :

• Structure of Files and Folders


• File Compression and ZIP


• Naming Conventions


• Windows Commands (eg: move, send to, copy etc.)

Spreadsheets :

• Styles and Formatting


• Columns and Rows


• Data Types


• Functions and Formulae (eg: SUM)


• Multiple Records Keeping


• Graphs and Charts

Powerpoint :

• Formatting and styles


• Animations


• Powerpoint Features


• Different Graphics


• Notes View

Internet Browsing :

• Internet Explorer and Alternatives


• Net Navigation


• Hyperlinks


• Bookmarks/Favourites


• Search Engines


• Information Authentication

The Lecture showed us how knowledge in the above areas can help us. For instance when trying to explain a point using Microsoft Word she told us that by learning how to insert a graph we could use that picture to add further truth to what we had written. Knowledge and skills in the above facets will help us with our assignment presentation, which is a very important part of the university standards. An Assignment that looks good will be more highly regarded than an assignment presented poorly.

Tutorial Overview :-

1. Microsoft Word

The first exercise we were to complete was designed to extend our understanding of MS Word; within the university context. By following the set instructions I created a document where I learnt how to set the typeface, adjust margins and alignment, adjust line spacing, create headings using the document map feature, include a header/footer, alphabetize text, create dot leaders and insert a picture. I have had experience in this before and i found it very easy.

Screenshot of my completed document:-

By danijolly22 at 2008-03-31

2. Microsoft Excel

The second exercise involved using Microsoft Excel to create a working table, pie chart and graph. In making these, I learnt how to create formulas that successfully used my information, to determine the sum and average of the different numbers. Once a formula is entered into a cell, that cell will automatically configure a number or answer, based on the results and what you wanted to find out. Once I was able to do this I then had to convert certain aspects of the information obtained, into a pie chart and a line graph. This was simply a matter of entering cell numbers into the chart wizard and changing the colours and style to suit.

Screenshot of my completed spreadsheet:-

By danijolly22 at 2008-03-31

The above tutorial exercises are going to help me throughout my universirty life by providing me with the knowledge to produce quality proffessional documents using standard software. MS Word and Excel are critical applications needed at university. They have many tools that are rarely used because they do not have a specific purpose in everyday life. However, in a university course, expectations are of a high standard and all work must be completed in a formal manner. The tutourial exercises have taught me how to use these 'tools' to my full advantage when completing an assignment.

Reading Overview :-

1. Using MS Word for APA tasks

This PDF file showed the basics of using Microsoft Word; from how to type and backspace to the more difficult subjects of toolbar customisation and auto-formatting. It showed all the different tools available for use and explained how to use them. For example if you wanted to make sure the headings stayed with the appropriate text, it said :

1. Place cursor at the beginning of heading.
2. Click Format, then Paragraph.
3. Click on the Line and Page Breaks tab.
4. Click Keep with next.
5. Click OK.

To make it easier to understand example pictures had been inserted. This reading helped me with my Tutorial because i didnt know how to 'alphabetize text' and by reading this i was able to learn how to do it.

2. Graphic File Formats

This reading simply lists the different file formats you can save a picture; such as Bitmap, CompuServe and Jpeg. Under each of these headings it then goes on to further explain what it is and when, why and how to use it. I found this reading quite interesting as I never before understood why we always save our screenshots as a Jpeg. I now realise that we do this because of its size compression abilities and it is the most commonly used picture file format on the internet.