General Purpose Package

GPPs are a group of programs which include:- word processors; databases; spreadsheets; graphics packages; desk top publishing. They're all designed to store, process and communicate data.

Contents of a General Purpose Package:• Manual• Tutorial Guide• Demo• Installer program• Uninstaller program

Common features of general purpose packageGPP use the same commands, such as:

• RUN (open application package)

• NEW (New document)

• LOAD (Open file)

• SAVE (save to backing storage)

• PRINT (Print to output device)

Header and Footer

Information can be placed at the top of your document this is

known as a header.

Information can be placed at the bottom of a page. This is

known as a footer. Usually a page number.

Human Computer Interface (HCI)

Is the way in which the user and the program communicate with each other.

It includes all aspects of the human's experience from • Screen layout• Selection options • Input and output devices

Programs that are easy to learn and understand are known as User Friendly programs.

Customising HCIFile Edit View Window Special Help

The user can customise their HCI. For example:

• Change background colours/picture

• Font size and colour

• Resolution (Screen size bigger/smaller)

WIMP EnvironmentFile Edit View Window Special Help

Window is the area of screen set aside for a particular purpose such as displaying files or documents.

Icon is the symbols or pictures on a screen - part of a graphical user interface.

MENU

POINTER

ICON

WINDOW

cont..

Menu is a list on screen from which need the user to make choices from a menu to make it work. You can also use keyboard shortcuts for some operations, for example, control & C (Copy), control & S (Save) and control & P (Print).

Pointer is a shape displayed on screen which is used to select from a menu usually controlled by a mouse or touchpad.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

An interface which enables the user to work with icons and a mouse, e.g. a WIMP interface

Toolbar (Credit)

The toolbar is a line of screen buttons, which represents the tools that are currently available to use with the application running.

On-Line Help and On Line Tutorial

On Line Help is help which is available in the form of information screen when using a computer program. Using F1 on the keyboard.

On Line Tutorial is a series of guided lessons on how to use a computer program.

Integrated Package

Integrated means to combine two or more components. i.e. packages

Software that combines several general-purpose applications (such as word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics) into one program.

An integrated application package is kind of like a "Swiss army knife" of software.

Advantages

• HCI is the same throughout (menus structure, icons and commands are the same)

• Cheaper than buying all the packages separately

• Transfer data between packages easily

• Usually simple programs which are easy to learn and use.

Disadvantages

• Fewer features available

• Take up large amount of memory in RAM as all packages are loaded when in use.

Static and Dynamic Linkage (Credit)

Dynamic Linkage means that if the same data is used in different parts of the integrated package, and you change it in one part, the change will be carried over by the computer into all the documents using the data.

Football Result

Celtic 55Hibs 40Hearts 38Rangers 9

Football Results

Celtic

Hibs

Hearts

Rangers

Spreadsheet

Chart

Static Linkage

Means that the data in each part of the package is separate, and changing it in one part will not affect any other files using the data.

Software Suite (Credit)

A collection of separate application sold as single package.

Not the same as an integrated package because it is made up of separate programs, which are capable of being run independently.

• Microsoft Office

Data and Information

Data is a general term for numbers, characters, symbols, graphics and sound which are accepted and processed by a computer.

Information is given the data a meaning.

Data 95100 (for computer)

Information £95100 (for people)

Storage of Information

Standard File Formats

• Plain Text – ASCII

• RTF

Plain Text may be transferred between applications packages it is stored as a standard file format which both packages can understand. The most common used for text is ASCII.

ASCII each character has is own unique code.

A = 65

B = 66

Plain text only saves text with line spaces and returns. No formatting is saved. E.g Bold, fonts, styles.

RTF Rich Text Format

RTF hold the text and the formatting information, such as, typeface, size, colour and style.

User does not lose the format when transferring between packages. User does not have to reformat which saves time.

Task

Write a 100 – 150 word report about what you got up this Summer. If you are a boring fart then just make it up.

Save 1 as RTF

Save 2 as plain text

Why store data on a computer system?

Computer System

Computers can retrieve data very quickly

Computers don’t take up a lot of office space

Can store large quantities of information

Information can be updated easily

Information can be kept safe and secure

Manual System

Searching through a filing cabinet can take time

Filing cabinets can take up a lot of space

Cannot store large quantities of information

Information can be easily damaged

Information is easily lost

Security and Privacy

If an organisation holds records about you, you have the right to access the personal data. In order to check that it is accurate.

The information must be:

• kept secure by the organisation.

• kept up to date

• correct

Password

Passwords are used to prevent unauthorised access to data.

Data Protection Act (Credit)A law which regulates how personal data about individuals should be kept on computer.

Social ImplicationsRetrainingAs new careers have been brought about there is a need for retraining.

Loss of jobs

Fewer secretaries are needed in offices

Working Conditions

Less noisy

Office is cleaner (less paper)

Standard of work is higher (corrections and amendment is easier)

Health Issues

Glare from screen can damage eyesight. This can be cut down by placing a screen over monitor.

Seating – can cause back pain.

Lighting – wrong type of lighting can cause eyesight problems

Health and Safety regulations have been brought in to cover all aspects of using computers.

Economic Issues

Initial CostThe cost of buying the computer system and the software.

Replacement CostComputer hardware and software is constantly changing. Companies have to keep up-to-date with new developments to stay ahead.

Running Cost• Electricity• Paper• Toner/ink• Maintenance work• Software Licences

Staff Cost (Credit)

Staff have to be paid to operate the computer system. Need for training.

Data Protection Act

A law which regulates how personal data about individuals should be kept on computer.

Dilfed Fiddle club would need to register under the data protection act. This is to make sure that members data is kept secure, accurate and up-to-date.

The member has the right to view his/her data.