|
Hi.
In this column I shall introduce you look to some common software packages
and show you just what they have to offer. 99.9% of computers come with an
operating system but we already know that isn't enough. We want to be able
to write a nice document, figure some bills in a spreadsheet, edit some
photos and play a few games. Did you ever wonder what you would do with your
computer without a good software package? The answer to that is pretty
simple, nothing! So if you have just bought a computer or are looking to
install some essential yet basic software packages read on…
Most
vendors will offer some type of standard office oriented package that
includes a word processor and a program for whipping up a spreadsheet but
what else should the home user get? Do you want the ability to edit photos,
make your own Web graphics, perhaps a little desktop publishing? If so, you
are not alone. The more you shop around you will start to see how most
vendors will offer a package for home, one for the office and for the
professional. For this particular column I will be sticking to a few basics
that a home user should consider. The idea is to get as much as you can but
you want to get a few things for sure.
The
Word Processor
A word
processor is a must for most people. You could get some standard word
processors with an operating system but they would not have all of the
features of Microsoft Word. Word processors are much more powerful than what
they used to be.
In
the more advanced applications you have templates that allow you to do some
simple text editing and end up with a perfectly formatted letter; you can
even take care of that occasional flyer or invitation. These programs don't
work well for intense desktop publishing but you can whip up a basic project
in just a few minutes.
Mostly
everyone is familiar with Microsoft Word, a very powerful word processor.
Word gives you the ability to manipulate text in just about every way you
could imagine. You can also insert images, spreadsheets, preset headers
& footers, track changes and tons of other things; it is very versatile
as a stand-alone application. The newer generations of word processors also
have total integration with the Internet, making it easier for you to upload
your files and work.
Despite
the popularity of Word, it isn't the only option you have, there are others
such as WordPerfect from Corel but nevertheless I would recommend that you
go in for Microsoft Word.
The
Spread-Sheet
A spreadsheet can be a handy little tool but
it will require a little more work on the "programming" side. You
can use spreadsheets for creating charts and graphs to display formula
results, number crunching and even small databases if you want.
The
reason I mention the programming aspect is that the formulae aren't done for
you. The process is very simple but it does require a little reading,
research and patience on your part to make it all work. Given a little
practice and you can have a lot of fun.
If
you really want to design your own personal bill sheet or keep track of
interest paid on a loan for example, a spreadsheet is ideal. Plug in a few
numbers, make yourself a formula to do the calculations and it does the work
for you.
The
two most common spreadsheet applications are Microsoft Excel and Lotus
1-2-3. A few years back Lotus was king but then this company called
Microsoft kind of took things over. Spreadsheet applications like these are
not usually offered as part of a generic package but instead they come with
a suite of products like Microsoft Office or Lotus Smart Suite. Don't be
afraid of either one, they are both very well suited for the home or office
and offer plenty of functionality to keep you busy for a while.
Basically,
if you like to crunch numbers or create some nice looking charts or graphs
then a spreadsheet application should definitely be on your list. Once again
I would recommend that since most of you would be running a windows
operating system you might prefer to install Excel. And you would also be
well advised to keep a reference copy of a book such as ‘Excel for
Dummies’ handy!
The
Graphics Package
With the
explosion of the Internet and availability of broadband access becoming
widespread, more and more people are sending photos, etc., across the Net to
family and friends. Do you really need one of the more expensive
applications like Adobe PhotoShop or CorelDraw? Not likely but I would still
suggest that you install one of those packages on to your machine. Both of
them are very powerful packages and either one of them will suffice the
basic home users needs for a long time without worry of constant upgradation.
The
Financial Suite
I don't know anyone who actually likes to sit
down, pay bills and balance their checkbook, do you? Well, if you are the
neighborhood financial whiz kid or you simply like watching numbers being
crunched then you could get yourself a financial suite. Popular packages in
this category are Tally, Microsoft Money and Quicken. The convenience and
extended capabilities of these applications will really come to life once
you start to use it on a regular basis. You will enjoy the charts, graphs
and budget calculators that come as an added bonus. They actually do a lot
more than just balance your checkbook. You may soon find your financial
suite to be indispensable!
Well,
that about covers it. There are some other things you might want to look at
such as a virus scan utility or something that would make backing up your
system a little easier. There are hundreds and thousands of software titles,
several of which would add that extra bit of zing to your computer and I
will surely discuss those in another column. But for now, what I have
covered is sufficient to get you off the mark and running. And as for the
software I have discussed being worth it? You bet. As we discussed in the
beginning, a computer doesn't do much for you without software. If you
aren't familiar with the package or some of the programs it contains, don't
worry too much about it. In general, these things are all the same. They
have the basic functionality most people are familiar with and only differ
when it comes to the more advanced features.
There
are plenty of help sites available for the more popular titles and you can
always pick up a book at your local bookstore that will help you gain a
better understanding of what you are working with.
Well, that's all for this week but do send in your suggestions and comments, and log in at the same time, same place, next week.
|
