Introduction to information systems T. Cornford, M. Shaikh is1 060 2013

Word processor package
: You need this to prepare your reports. 
A word processor is software that allows a user to prepare text 
documents. It provides facilities to enter and store text, to lay out text 
and graphics on the page and to print out the results. Other facilities 
offered by a word processor may include checking spelling, generating 
tables of contents or keeping track of footnotes. Among the most 
common word processing programs in use today are Microsoft Word, 
Apple Pages or OpenOffice Writer. This version of this subject guide was 
initially prepared using Microsoft Word 2007 and among the facilities 
that were used were the spelling checker, various typefaces and fonts, 
styles, automatic page numbering and the automatic preparation of the 
table of contents.
Major software producers usually offer their popular word processing, 
database and spreadsheet programs as a suite of software designed 
to work together. In such suites, each package is standalone in its 
functionality, but it can easily work with the other elements of the suite 
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Microsoft Office and OpenOffice are examples. If you are in a position 
to choose the software to use, then it will make very good sense to choose 
such a suite of programs. Such suites may also include other tools, such as 
electronic mail or a personal organiser that can be used as a sort of diary 
or address book.
When tackling the hands-on computing component of the subject and 
using software packages, you will need to have access to appropriate 
documentation. Since this syllabus does not prescribe the particular 
software that you should use, it is not possible to specify exact books. Most 
popular software comes with a set of manuals that will include both a 
reference manual and a tutorial, although these may well be just presented 
as files on a disk, rather than as physical books. Such tutorial guidance 
is often a good place to start to learn how to use a particular piece of 
software. In addition, many alternative guides to popular software have 
been published, and such texts can provide valuable extra advice and an 
alternative source of information. You may also find useful video tutorials 
online via YouTube or similar websites.
Activity
This is the first example of the kind of open-ended activity that you will find throughout 
this guide. It offers you the opportunity to reflect on some aspect of the subject and 
consolidate your knowledge. If you wish to perform well in the examination then you are 
strongly advised to complete these activities. When Examiners set the examination paper 
they will assume that you have undertaken all these tasks and can reflect on and write 
about them in the examination.
Describe the difference between a reference manual and a tutorial. If you were managing 
a project to develop a new software product for business users, which would you expect 
to write first? Which would be the more important?

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Chapter 1: Information systems as a topic of study 
15
Now make a list of the other main documents you would expect to prepare along the way 
as an idea is transformed into a software product that can be sold to people like you.