“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”
INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER
Computers and IT is spreading rapidly all over the world and revolutionized business as well as the personal activities of human beings. Either good or bad, computers have infiltrated every aspect of our society. Today`s computers not only compute for which it was but do much more. It works in every field or profession. As computers adopt in commerce and governments new ways to harness their potential developed. So, a small unit becomes more powerful, it is linked together or networked, to share software, memory space, and any kind of data for communicating with society.
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data and instructions, processes the data and produces the desired output. It can be said as data processing machine or a problem-solving machine that accepts data, stores data, processes data and display results. Computers are ahead to human beings for speed, accuracy, memory and diligence but cannot beat the human brains, they are not intelligent.
Computers can perform a variety of tasks. They are used for programming, graphics presentation, data management, word-processing, spreadsheets, communications and much more. The ability of computers to do all tasks i.e., processing is built around the two operations of computers – arithmetic operations and logical operations. Functions of computers have been done by software (a set of instructions written by human brains to computers for processing). Software directs all the processing sequence to the computer and allows it to perform specific tasks. So basic operations perform by any computer are:
1. Input function
2. Storage function
3. Processing function
4. Output function
5. Control function
1.5 GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS
A computer is such an electronic machine, which is present in this world since long. Now we can say that computers passed many generations. Firstly, people know it only as a fast- counting tool. But over the time, computer is characterized by major technological changes or development. The characterized technological developments of computer fundamentally changed the working of computers i.e., the way it operates, stores, processes, and results. Then resulting it to increasingly smaller, cheaper, more powerful, reliable and more efficient as well as multi-tasking device. These technological development (which are categorical) are recognized as progression of generations with specific changes. So, now we learn about different generations of computers with progressive changes.
1. ZEROTH GENERATION COMPUTERS
Zeroth generation of computers can be marked by the invention of first mechanical device Pascaline in 1642. Next in 1822, Charles Babbage, developed Difference Engine for naval navigation. Further in 1834, Babbage attempted to build Analytical Engine, which was considered as first computer. So, Charles Babbage called as father of computers, his computer had memory unit, computation unit, input unit (punched card reader) and output unit (punched output printer), all basic parts of modern computers.
2. FIRST GENERATION COMPUTERS
First generation of computers (1946-1959) was marked with the invention of Vacuum Tubes for circuits and magnetic drums for memory. These computers were very large in size because of the massive number of vacuum tubes required. They consumed too much power and generated too much heat. These systems were very slow with poor reliability and low accuracy. First generation computers were based on machine language for performing operations and using punch cards and paper tapes. They were very expensive also. Examples of these systems are UNIVAC, ENIAC, EDSAC, EDVAC etc.
3. SECOND GENERATION COMPUTERS
Transistors marked the second generation of computers (1954-1964). Transistors were the breakthrough in the technology of second generation, that make computers small in size and more powerful. The use of transistors made second generation computers less expensive and more reliable, even faster also. Second generation computers moved from machine language to assembly language. They used magnetic core for memory, card readers for input and printers for output. Although, they required less electricity and emitted less heat than earlier computers, but also had many disadvantages. These systems had limited storage capacity, need regular maintenance but much better from first generation. Examples are UNIVAC III, IBM series, HONEYWELL series etc.
4. THIRD GENERATION COMPUTERS
Third generation of computers (1965-1980) was marked with the use of Integrated Circuits (IC`s), a progressive change in technology. This technology was more reliable, more efficient than previous generations. IC`s were more compact than transistors, which reduced the size of computers and generated less heat with less consumption of power.
These systems were introduced with operating systems and the concept of computer families. Third generation computers were with secondary storage devices outside the systems. These systems were enabled with faster input/output devices like keyboard and monitor for enhancing the ability. Concept of multiprogramming also introduced and using high level language for programming.
This generation of computers was introduced with some disadvantages like less storage capacity, slow performance as expected. Examples are IBM 360, CRAY-1, PDP-8 SERIES, UNIVAV-1100, 9000 series etc.
5. FOURTH GENERATION COMPUTERS
Fourth generation of computers (1981-1995) was the marked generation of Large- Scale Integration (LSI) of chips with several thousand transistors and microprocessors. And further this was followed by Intel series of Microprocessors. This was introduced with very large - scale integration (VLSI) technology for the development of popular personal computers (PCs), also called as Microcomputers. These Microcomputers were introduced for home and business users to adapt computers as part of their working by using word processing, spreadsheet, file handling, graphics, animation and much more. For those purposes, the input/output devices used in fourth generation are very much advanced like graphic tool, animation tools, audio terminals, optical devices etc.
Most importantly, fourth generation introduced with graphical user interface (GUI) and mouse optical devices with very large storage capacity. These systems had very high speed, high level of accuracy and reliability, also diligent and versatile with small size. Examples are CRAY-2, IBM PC/AT, INTEL 386 SERIES etc., but systems were not intelligent.
6. FIFTH GENERATION COMPUTERS
Fifth generation of computers (1995-till date) are enabled with intelligence. Artificial intelligence is the main part of today`s systems working with `Knowledge Processors` (which can find the solution of problem itself). They are using IC`s with ULSI (ultra -Large -Scale Integration) technology and applications with intelligent software. These systems are more efficient and capable to understand the problem of user, based on intelligent programming and knowledge-based problem-solving techniques. These system performing tasks according to the user intelligently with a specialised technique of AI called as parallel processing. Next goal of this generation is to understand natural language processing and development of such intelligent devices which are capable enough to learn and self - organized.
All this is possible with the help of Internet and Mobile computing, which is again a great achievement of this generation. This era is developing continuously with much more technologies day by day and enabling the world with well performing applications and great devices. That is done only through great human brain, so `Human Brain` is powerful organ, which is business oriented. Examples are all AI based application or Robots etc.
ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
We have been using and talking about Information Technology, is not an element or a single device. Information Technology is the collection, storage, processing, dissemination, and use of information. It is not only confined to the information, instead a collection of many elements of technology as: Hardware, (Memory units, Storage Units, Processing Units) Software, and Data for processing. But all these elements have to be organized in such a way that each element works smoothly and efficiently. During the computing process, computer integrates all these elements. Thus, computing process includes all elements to accomplish any activity or performing task. All are named and explained as: hardware, software, data, telecommunications, and people.
1. HARDWARE
The term `Hardware` means the physical parts of the computer, which we can touch. It consists of interconnected electronic devices that controls the system.
Hardware can be further subdivided into:
2 .PROCESSING UNIT
Processing unit is processor, that transforms data into information with the help of memory. Processor act like a brain of the computer, it organizes and process all the instructions given to the system by user. This device is also called as Central Processing Unit (CPU), which involves computations and decision making. It also responsible for controlling all the devices connected. CPU comprises of three parts: control unit, arithmetic unit and logical unit, all work with the help of CPU memory called registers. CPU works at a very fast pace of sequence i.e., collecting data, transforming data, then generating output; at the rate of one computational cycle at a time. There are many types of processors present in the market for systems based on the working of the CPU.
3. MEMORY UNITS
The memory of computer is storage medium to store data electronically. It holds the data from CPU and other components of the computer for carrying out its operations. Every computer has certain amount of physical memory (storage space), usually referred as main memory / primary memory. It is a semiconductor device that is built using integrated circuits. Primary memory is internal storage of the computer, where programs and their data stored. This memory provides temporary storage during execution of the program, so also called as volatile memory, but its access is very fast. Some part of the primary memory also contains permanently stored instructions that tell the computer what to do, when it is switched on.
Main memory can be divided into two parts as Random-Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). RAM is that part of main memory where data and instruction held temporarily while being executed. It allows user to enter data into the memory and retrieve (read & write) with continuous power supply. On the other hand, ROM is a part of computer storage that cannot be erased or changed (non-volatile) i.e., its contents are not lost without power supply. The data can be read only, cannot be write into it. ROM is necessary for the system, which tells or stores booting program to start the computer. This part of the memory is not for application software, only boots the operating system which cannot be changed due to any failure.
4. STORAGE UNITS
Information needs to be stored on the system with the help of different types of storage media. Storage devices are used to store data permanently or semi-permanently. The data is stored in binary form in memory by storage media. The storage media are distinguished by their relative capacity, speed, and resilience to failure. Broadly, it can be of two types: volatile storage and non-volatile storage.
Volatile storage devices need continuous power supply, content will lose if power supply switched off. Access to volatile storage is very fast because of technology used and access method. Examples are main memory, cache memory etc. we have already learnt about primary memory/ main memory or volatile storage in previous section.
Non-volatile storage devices do not need continuous power supply, content will be retained after power supply switched off. The technology used for and access method to non-volatile storage makes them slower than volatile storage. Examples are magnetic storage (disks or tapes), etc. So, further we will learn about secondary storage to store data permanently.
Secondary storage is non-volatile providing permanent data storage supplements main memory, having much greater capacity than main memory. It is less expensive but slower access than main memory, stores large amount of data permanently. Secondary storage used for keeping backups or archival storage of data. Various technologies are used for access of secondary storage, some provide random access, and others provide sequential access. These technologies effect on speed of data retrieval from then amount of data stored effect on the performance of the storage device. For example, if device having sequential access and it is storing large amount of data then its data retrieval speed will be slow.
5. INPUT & OUTPUT UNITS
For the purpose of communication with the computer and user, medium is required. The collection of devices for input and output of data is called as input/output units. The input is given to the computer through input devices and the display of processed data for the user is provided through the output devices. These devices are controlled by the CPU. Basically, these devices are designed for human beings to interact with computer system in seamless manner. These are links between man and machine, depends on the processing requirement.
INPUT DEVICES
The input device is an interface between the user and the machine, for inputting the data and instructions and transformed into machine readable form. Data can be input in many forms such as audio, video, text, graphics, etc. Some common input devices are:
a. Keyboard
b. Mouse
c. Light pens and Digitizers
d. MICR
e. OCR
f. OMR
g. Bar code reader
h. Joystick
i. Web camera
j. Voice recognitions
k. Scanner
OUTPUT DEVICES
The output device is an interface between the machine and user, that accepts data from the machine and transform into readable format for the humans. The output generated by the computer can be transferred to the user by several devices and media. The output also can be in many forms such as audio, video, text, graphics etc. Some common output devices are:
a. Monitors
b. Printers
c. Plotters
d. Audio devices/speakers/headphones
e. Projector
f. Touch screen
g. Braille reader
h. Secondary storage devices
6. SOFTWARE
The term `software` means which we cannot touch. Software is interface between computer hardware and users. In the last two decades, there is a great development in the field of software. The computer hardware cannot perform any activity without any instructions; these instructions are given by Software. The software is the set of instructions that hardware units follow to work done. The process of writing the instructions is called the programming, in order to communicate for solving problems. There are many types of software available for almost every type of need. The software available from stores on internet, open source, or paid software. The different types of software are available but broadly classified into two categories: system software and application software.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
The system software directly interacts with the computer hardware and manages all the hardware components as well as supervises the execution of all applications running on the computer system. It also controls the saving and retrieval of data from the secondary storage devices. Operating system and language translator, utilities are main examples of it.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software enables the computer to solve the specific data processing task. Application software creates a communication bridge between user, system software and computer hardware to perform specific task. Nowadays, numbers of application software and packages have been developed to make life easier. These are easy to learn and use, although they perform many general and specific functions. However, there may be much kind of situations, where specific types of application software are not available which can be design are called as custom application software. The most important categories or types of packages available are:
7. DATA
Data is the basic element of information technology for the business organisations. The modern business runs on data. Business organisations keep their data with the data centres. Data centres is physical place where computer servers, networking, data storage, backup facility, environmental controls etc.
Data is a stream of raw facts, a collection of unprocessed items such as text, pictures, audio, graphics etc. Today organisations are accumulating vast and growing amount of data in different formats and different databases. This mainly includes:
Data should be processed before usage; data processing typically is manipulation of data to get information. Data processing activities includes collection of data, conversion or transforming, manipulation or computation, then storage and communication of information.
These activities can be grouped into functional categories, viz., data input, data processing, data output, and storage, is called as data-processing cycle. In other words, data processing is re-structuring or re-ordering of data to increase their usefulness and add values for particular purpose. A data warehouse contains all of the data in whatever form that an organization needs. Databases and data warehouses have assumed even greater importance in information systems with the emergence of “big data,” a term for the truly massive amounts of data that can be collected and analysed.
TEXT PROCESSING SOFTWARE – AN INTRODUCTION
Text processing is the process of analysing and sorting of textual data into valuable information. Text editing and word processing are two important features of automated information. To work with these two features, text editor and word processor are combined software. Text editor provides the ability to add, delete, update, remove etc. with text and word processor helps in formatting the text or document. It also works with colors, special symbols, shapes, graphics etc.; editing, printing, and saving.
After a long period, the typewriter has gone and rewarded with computer systems with text processing software i.e., word processors. Nowadays, word processing is the most common and popular application software. There are so many word processors available in the market and allow users to work through a document with its principle activities. Text processing has many steps or set of activities as described below:
1. Creation of document
The creation of document includes making of new file, entering text into it, inserting of different templates, shapes, symbols and different types of graphs etc.
2. Editing of document
The editing of document is act of making alterations in the content of the document. This act includes insert, delete, reviewing, find & replace, cut/copy /paste, spelling check, and much more.
3. Formatting of document
For the document, formatting means developing, updating and altering the appearance of a document. Formatting of document has been done manually, but word processing software provides different tools and techniques.
4. Output of document
Word processing software provides various types of output such as printing option, projecting the document with the help of projector; document can be scan with the scanner, creating of web document and in last but not least is the saving of document is necessary first.
AN INTRODUCTION TO SPREAD SHEET
The spread-sheet was created in 1978, for the financial purpose in the form of tables. The spread-sheet allows users to enter data and formulas into rows and columns arranged as a grid on a display screen. The electronic spread-sheet is most popular for the enterprises and business organizations. Spread-sheets are commonly used for maintaining student grade cards, tracking investments, creating and tracking budgets, calculating loan payments, estimating project costs, and creating other types of financial reports and much more. This is an application which is used to manipulate the data especially arithmetic data. Spread-sheets are more collaborative than other tools of this kink. It's easy to manipulate, analyse and organise the data. It can be integrated with certain other tools. Spread-sheets are quick and easy to add into a workflow.
Besides performing basic arithmetic and mathematical functions, spread-sheets also provides built-in functions. Spread-sheet also provide conditional expressions, functions to convert between text and numbers, and functions that operate on strings of text. Nowadays, spread- sheet software have multiple interacting sheets and can display data either as text and numerals or in graphical form. It also provides powerful data optimization and management solutions that can be integrated throughout accounting, marketing, and development teams, just to name a few.
Apart from advantages spread-sheet also holding the disadvantages as:
As spread sheets are most popular all over the world, and apart from many disadvantages everyone is using. So, its important and basic uses are as follows:
SPREAD SHEET – APPLICATIONS
2. Formulas & Functions in Spread-sheet
Spread-sheet is consisting of many types of formulas & functions (set of pre-written formulas), and it is very difficult to discuss all formulas and their working in single chapter. So, this lesson will consider few of them.
4.8 DATABASE FUNCTIONS IN SPREAD SHEET
Database functions in spread-sheet are very much popular in the world. Database Function is a routine function, which accepts parameters and performs an action and returns the value. Depending on the Function, the return value can be either a single value or a result set. The Excel Database Functions are designed to help you to work within a database (i.e. a large number of organized data records), stored in Excel.
The database functions are for basic calculations, such as sum, average, count, etc., as well as for criteria arguments, that allows performing the calculation for a specified subset of the records in the database. Other records in the database are ignored.
4.8.1 Types of functions in Spreadsheet
a. SUM: SUM function adds set of numbers and returns the sum of these values. The syntax of the function is: SUM (number1, [number2], ...)
b. PRODUCT- PRODUCT function returns the product of a set of numerical values. The syntax of the function is: PRODUCT (number1, [number2], ...
c. POWER- Power function calculates a given number, raised to a supplied power. The syntax of the function is: POWER (number, power)
d. SQRT- Sqrt function calculates the positive square root of a number. The syntax of the function is: SQRT (number)
e. ABS- ABS function returns the absolute value of a number. The syntax of the function is: ABS (number)
f. MOD- MOD function returns the remainder of a division between two Numbers. The format of the Syntax is: MOD (number, divisor)
g. ROUND- Round function rounds a number up or down, to a specified number of decimal places. In other word, this function removes decimals rounding up the last decimal if the next one is 5 or over. The syntax of function is: ROUND (number)
h. LOWER FUNCTION - LOWER function converts all alphabets in the string to lowercase. If there are characters in the string that are not letters, they are unaffected by this function. Syntax- LOWER (Text)
i. LEN FUNCTION- LEN function returns the length of text string. Syntax-LEN (text)
j. CONCATENATE FUNCTION- CONCATENATE function joins together a series of text strings or other values, into one combined text string. Syntax- Concatenate (text1, [text2], …)
k. TODAY Function- TODAY function returns the current date from the computers system clock. Syntax- =TODAY ()
l. NOW Function- NOW function returns the current date and time. The NOW function is only updated when the spreadsheet is calculated. Syntax - =NOW ()
m. DATE Function- DATE function returns the sequential serial number for the date and formats the result as a date. The DATE function is most useful when the year, month and day arguments are formulas. Syntax- =DATE (year, month, day)
n. MAX Function- MAX function returns the largest value from a set of numeric values. Syntax- =MAX (number1, [number2] ...)
o. MIN Function- MIN function returns the smallest value from a set of numeric values. Syntax- =MIN (number1, [number2] ...)
p. AVERAGE Function- AVERAGE function returns the average (arithmetic mean) of the numbers provided. Syntax- = AVERAGE (number1, [number2] ...)
q. COUNT Function- Count function returns the count of numeric values in a set of cells or values. This count includes both numbers and dates. Syntax- =COUNT (value1, [value2] ...)
r. COUNTIF Function- The COUNTIF function counts the number of values in a range that meet specific criteria. Syntax- =COUNTIF (range, criteria)
4.9 GRAPHICS IN SPREAD SHEET
Graphical representation of data is an effective visual and impressive tool to represent information quickly and easily. Graphs and charts are commonly used by print and electronic media for the clarity. Sometimes, data can be better understood when presented by a graph than by a table because the graph can reveal a trend or comparison. Spread-sheet is presenting the data with the help of Graphs and charts, to create visualizations of data sets. By highlighting a set of data within spread-sheet and feeding it into the charting tool, users can create various types of charts in which the data is displayed in a graphical way.
4.9.1 Advantages of Graphical Representation
Through graphs, the data is more presentable and easier to understand as well as draw certain inferences or analysis.
a. Graphical representation summarizes a very large data in a very crisp and systematic manner.
b. It makes comparison easy of data.
c. Visual presentation targets the audience.
d. Helps in estimating the key values at a glance.
1. Types of Graphs and Charts in Spread-Sheet
There are many types of Graphs and Charts available in Spread-Sheet. These are as:
a. Column Charts: A column charts uses vertical bars or columns to display values over different categories. They are excellent at showing variations in value over time. It represents different types of column charts.
b. Bar charts: Bar charts are similar to a column charts, except they use horizontal instead of vertical bars. Like the column chart, the bar chart shows variations in value over time. These charts are again of different patterns.
c. Pie charts: A pie chart present the contribution of each value to the total. Pie charts are an effective way to present information when you want to represent different parts of the whole, or the percentages of a total.
d. Line charts: A line chart shows trends and variations in data over time. A line chart displays a series of points that are connected over time. Often used to plot continuous data and are useful for identifying trends.
4.9.4 Steps for creating Graphs and Charts in Spread-Sheet
a. Select chart type
b. Select the data & create chart
c. Add chart element as axis, chart title, data labels, legend, trend lines etc.
d. Adjust quick layout
e. Change colors
f. Change style
g. Switch Row / Column
h. Then save the chart
4.10 DATA BASE MANAGER – AN INTRODUCTION
In Data, ‘Data’ refers to “information in digital form that can be managed to organise the system. And Database is a collection of related data. The purpose of this type of software is to organise and manage data. The advantage is that changes in data can be made and stored then displayed. MS-Access, d-base, Foxpro, Paradox and Oracle are some of the examples of database manager. Database manager are software systems used to store, retrieve, and run queries on data. They serves as an interface between an end-user and a database, allowingusers to create, read, update, and delete data in the database. It also supervises the daily activities of the data i.e., any update or manipulations. These systems help in association of understanding the tools and technology that are available to make the database and related technology even more effective. They also provide basic database management functionalities including creation and maintenance of databases.
1. Characteristics of Database Manager Systems
There are some characteristics of database manager system, which allows smooth working:
Some of the main responsibilities of Database manager are as follows:
PRESENTATION GRAPHICS – INTRODUCTION
Presentation Graphics is a way of presentation, which can be used for formal or informal presentation and in any form (text, audio, video, animation or else). In other words, presentation is a structured delivery of information or a way of presenting skills or showing or expressing skills. For the attractive or effective task, presentation is used. Through presentation user can express views, feeling, opinion, etc. Presentation is generally used in business, conference, education system, seminars etc. Presentation can be reproduced on transparency, paper or on-screen. Teachers, professors, politicians and sales representatives make presentations to present their concepts. Some notable presentation software packages are available as Harvard Graphics and Lotus Freelance. PowerPoint is a presentation software package included in Microsoft Office suite. It is used to create professional quality presentations.
PowerPoint can be used to work on slides, organize presentation contents with outlines and generate speaker notes and audience hand-outs, helps to structure the ideas and information that may be convey to the audience. It lets to create the contents of presentation by typing/inserting text, pictures, sounds and animations. With it, anyone can add visual images, supporting documents and audio-video recordings to enhance the presentation. PowerPoint makes the creation of any presentation simple by providing built-in professional designs called Auto-Layouts and templates. Different versions of a presentation can also be created for different audiences and contents can be built in either a text-based outline view or a design-based slide view.
1. ELEMENTS OF PRESENTATION
a. Slides: Slides are the pages of the presentation. It can also be said that each page of a presentation is known as slide, which includes any text, graphics, titles, shapes, designs etc. PowerPoint provide various views to view the slides, Normal view, Slide Sorter view and Slide Show view respectively these three buttons are available on button left of the PowerPoint window.
b. Notes Page: While giving presentation, it may need to refer to notes to elaborate on a slide's material, or to remind, to mention some detail. For this purpose, can create a notes for slides used in the presentation this note is available below the slides. Anyone can type any notes, remark or any help message.
c. Hand-outs: Hand-out is a printed form of any presentation, which can print all the slides used in the presentation is small sizes on a single page. This can print 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 9 slides on a page. This can distribute these hand-outs among the viewer during presentation.
2. TYPES OF PRESENTATION
a. Blank Presentation: With the help of blank presentation, design of the slide can be as per our requirement it gives us some predefined layouts of slides which can be used to create a blank presentation. To design the slide by using blank presentation option, select new option from the file menu and then select blank presentation option from the task pane. After selecting blank presentation it gives a default slide. If doesn’t want to work with the default slide then select any slide layout. After the completion of one slide to create a new slide click on new slide button from the standard toolbar
b. Design Templates: - Design templates provide some predesigned formats of presentation, can select any one of them and create the presentation. It can also be said that design formats are directly used to create the presentation.
c. Auto content wizard: The Auto-Content wizard is a presentation, which act as a guide composed of several screens that helps to create a professional presentation quickly and easily. It basically works through series of questions and helps to choose options to create a good presentation with the suggested content. The auto-content wizards give some instruction to the user by following instructions, a new presentation can be created by selecting the category, style, and view of presentation. To use the auto-content wizard, anyone can go through step by step.
3. TYPES OF VIEWS OF PRESENTATION
a. Normal view: Normal view is by default view of the presentation, it contains three panes as the outline pane, the slide pane, and the notes pane. These panes allow to work on all aspects of presentation in one place. And can adjust the size of different panes by dragging the pane borders.
b. Slide Sorter view: In slide sorter view, are able to see all the slides in a presentation on screen at the same time, displayed in miniature. This makes it easy to add, delete, and move slides, add timings, and select animated transitions for moving from slide to slide. It also previews animations on multiple slides by selecting the slides which want to preview and then clicking Animation Preview on the Slide Show menu.
c. Slide Show view: Slide show view presents the slides in full screen mode including all its effects, this view can also decides the time to view the slides. One by one next slide automatically appear after the time frame. Otherwise, can use either mouse click or page down key to view the next slide.
4.12 APPLICATIONS OF PRESENTATION
Presentation software is software used to show information, normally in the form of a slide show and present that slideshow to an audience. Presentation software is the medium of communication for a group of people, much simpler than any other delivery methods. The software helps educators to bring their lessons to life also used to enhance language learning with all four language skills: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. It also helps to create innovative ideas when students come up with creative and interesting slides to illustrate their talk. The use of presentation aids makes more interesting talk, and such aids helps to develop students' confidence.
The software comes with tools and templates to add information in the form of text, images, audio, video, and graphs. It’s major functions includes: an editor pane that allows text to be inserted and formatted, a method for inserting and manipulating graphic images and a slide- show system to display the content.
1. TYPES OF PRESENTATION
a. Informative Presentation: An informative presentation is educational, concise, and to the point. The main goal of an informative presentation is to share information.
b. Instructional Presentation: An instructional presentation is to give specific directions or orders. This presentation will probably be a bit longer, because it has to cover whole topic thoroughly. In an instructional presentation, listeners should come away with new knowledge or a new skill.
c. Persuasive Presentation: A persuasive presentation is to convince listeners for accepting the proposal. A convincing persuasive presentation offers a solution to a controversy, dispute, or problem. To succeed with a persuasive presentation, presentation should have sufficient logic, evidence, and emotion to sway the audience to your viewpoint.
d. Arousing Presentation: An arousing presentation is to make people think about a certain problem or situation. To arouse the audience’s emotions and intellect so that they will be receptive to the point of view. Vivid language used is in an arousing presentation– project sincerity and enthusiasm.
e. Decision-Making Presentation: A decision-making presentation presents ideas, suggestions, and arguments strongly enough to persuade an audience to carry out requests. In a decision-making presentation, tell the audience what to do and how to do it.
f. Motivational Presentation: Motivational presentations in the business world may not be as dramatic or life changing as a TEDTalk, but they still aim to generate interest or gain an audience’s approval.
g. Progress Reporting Presentation: This type of presentation shares status updates, progress towards deadlines, collected data so far, any obstacles popping up, and tasks that need to be added or adjusted. Presentations usually include an agenda, talking points, deliverable updates, discussion topics, and time for questions at the end. This presentation keeps everyone organized and focused, ensuring that everyone is still on the same page and working towards the same end goal.
h. Demonstrative Presentation: This presentation demonstrates the process if it involves something in which the audience will later participate using the prescribed method.
2. BENEFITS OF PRESENTATION SOFTWARE
a. Visual: Visualizing information helps readers for explaining.
b. Versatile: It incorporates photos, illustrations, sketches, and even videos posted online.
c. Interactive: This software can embed links and jump around the document itself or out to the Internet.
3. Types of Presentation software
Presentation can broadly be classified into different categories as:
Every software technology has many advantages and disadvantages, presentation is very useful but consists of many pros & cons.
Pros
Cons
1. Visualization of information.
1. Designs of slides diverts from the information.
2. Versatility in the presentation of information
2. Information, sometimes in readable form only.
3. Interactive way of presentation.
3. It offers limited tools for entertainment interaction.
4. The presentation provides customization for slides.
4. The customization is not possible for entertainment
5. It has compatibility across the platforms.
5. Sometimes distraction created across the platforms.