Week Two - Office Applications - 7/08/2007

Lecture Summary:

• PC’s are used to complete tasks such as file handling, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, Internet access, email and viewing PDF files.

• To complete certain tasks on a PC we must have specific knowledge which can include general skills, knowledge about applications and the tasks they fulfill and knowledge on how to use certain applications to complete tasks.

• Other common PC tasks include listening and watching audio and video, viewing and editing graphics and screen captures.

• To successfully complete this unit students must develop word processing, presentation, email, Internet, and application and Endnote skills.

Workshop Write-up:

For this weeks workshop I had to create a word document in MS Word. To complete this task I had to copy and paste text into word and do the following alterations;
- Adjust the typeface
- Adjust the line spacing
- Adjust the margins and alignment
- Create headings
- Keep the headings with the text
and;
- Include a header and footer.

I found this task quite easy but by using the APA guide and instructions provided on blackboard it made it much easier to complete and learn these new skills.

Also for this weeks workshop we had to create an Excel document. I found this task somewhat harder as I am not very familiar with Excel but with the guidance provided in the workshop instructions and the example page on black board I was able to complete the task.

Readings Summary:

Bitmap (.Bmp)

- Standard file format for images on PC's. The number of bits it is saved at determines the number of colours and the size of the file. You can choose a lossless compression for 4bit - 8bit images. This format is ideal for desktop wallpapers.


CompuServe (.gif)

- Designed to minimise transfer times over phone lines with a max number of 256 colours. Most common format used on the wed and online services. Supports moving frames to create animations.


Joint Photographic Experts Group (.Jpg)

- Commonly used to display images on net but retains all colour information, unlike a .GIF. As you save and reopen JPEG images you lose some data making it nonidentical from the original image, slowly losing image quality.


Tagged Image File Format (.tiff)

- File format preferred for professional printing, can be read by both Mac, IBM or Windows. Is compressed by mathematical formula and is lossless.


Photoshop Document (.psd, .psp, .spp)

- Flat images having one layer of visual data. Each layer can be edited independently.