Design : Selecting Software Example

Design : Selecting Software Example

In this example a student has to select an appropriate package to write up a science experiment. The write up must include text, a table of results and a graph showing the results.

Having considered the task I have identified a number of different activities that I will need to carry out to write the essay. I have also identified some other activities that would help me write the essay but are not essential. In order of importance these activities are :

Enter and output ordinary text.
Produce tidy tables.
Produce graphs.
Let me correct errors.
Check my spelling.
Let me use different typestyles to highlight titles.
Number the pages.

I have considered two possible methods of producing the essay. They are (i) using Microsoft® Notepad and (ii) using Microsoft® Works™. Both of these methods are available for me to use. In the table below I have explained how each of the activities can be carried out using each of the methods.

Activity	Microsoft® Notepad	Microsoft® Works™
Enter and Output Ordinary Text	Text is typed onto the screen. It can be output by selecting Print from the File menu.	Text is typed onto the screen. It can be output by selecting Print from the File menu.
Produce Neat Tables	Entries in tables can be lined up neatly using the TAB key.	Tables can be created by Selecting Insert Table from the Insert Menu. Entries are automatically aligned. Borders can be put around the table to improve its presentation. Rows and columns can be easily added or deleted.
Draw Graphs	There is no facility to produce a graph.	Works includes a spreadsheet which can be used to produce graphs. They can be cut and pasted into the word processor.
Correct Errors	Errors can be corrected before printing by deleting the incorrect text using the DELETE key. Extra information can be added at any point in the document.	Errors can be corrected before printing by deleting the incorrect text using the DELETE key. Extra information can be added at any point in the document.
Check Spelling	The essay will have to be read on-screen and any difficult words looked up in the dictionary. If there are any mistakes they can be corrected before the essay is printed.	Spellings can be checked automatically using the Spell Check option. This will identify most mistakes and can suggest the correct spellings.
Use Different Styles for Headings	The font can not be altered. Titles can be highlighted by double spacing letters or typing in capitals.	The font and font size can be changed for headings. They can be underlined or made bold to make them stand out more.
Number the pages.	The page numbers will have to be typed manually at the bottom of each page.	Page numbers can be included in the footer and will appear on each page. The software works out the number of each page.
My Familiarity with the Method	I have used Notepad to edit text files on my PC.	I have previously typed a number of small articles on Microsoft Works.

The best option is to use Microsoft Works. It will allow me to carry out all the tasks I want to. I can correct my text on screen before printing and Works will help me find my spelling mistakes - saving a lot of time. Tables can be easily created and edited in a range of attractive styles. The spreadsheet can be used to incorporate a graph. A number of different fonts can be used to make titles stand out. Works will also automatically number my pages for me.

Microsoft® Notepad and Microsoft® Works™ are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004