Week 10

System Software:

This consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices. I use Windows XP.

User Interface:

This controls how you enter data or instructions (input) and how information is presented on the screen (output).

Graphical user interface:

This interface combines text, graphics and other visual cues to make software easier to use.

* Common features of both Windows and Macintosh graphical user interface:

• icons- represent a software program
• button - is a graphical element that when selected, causes a specific action to take place.
• pointing device (mouse)
• Menus

Note Taking Software:

Advantages:

• can convert handwritten comments to type text or store the notes in a hand written form.
• can include audio recording as part the notes
• can organize notes, reuse them and share them
• flag important notes with color, highlight and shapes

Disadvantages:

• not all textbooks are provided as a soft copy

Productivity Software:

This is designed to make people more effective and efficient while performing daily activities.

• word processing - used to create, edit, and format documents that consist primarily of text Example: newsletter
• spreadsheet - allows you to organize numeric data in rows and columns
• database - allows you to create a computerized database, add, change, and delete data, sort and retrieve data from the database; create forms and reports using the data Example: student information
• presentation graphics - You can create presentations to communicate ideas, messages and other information to a group Examples: power point
• personal information management - this software application on PDAs and smart phones that includes an appointment calendar, address book, notepad Example: to do list

Desktop Publishing Software:

I have use this with my 9th grade English class to have them create a newspaper representing the Shakespeare era. I have also used this with my Kindergarten class to make newsletters to send home for parents to see what it is that their children are doing.

Clip Art:

This is another application that I have used in ,making power points for my kinder class. As a 9th

Grade Book Software:

I used this as a 9th grade English teacher to keep track of the students' grades.