I compared Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Powerpoint with each other in doing the same task. The task was to record one day in my life in each application. Instead of deciding which was the best product in general, I wanted to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each. I want to mention databases also.
Comparing Word Processor, Spreadsheet, and Presentation Applications
All four mentioned applications have to do with information. They all can record information for later use. The word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation applications are focused on making information presentable to human beings, but each application is focused on a different role.
Word Processor
The word processor is mostly for creating text documents for people to read on their own. The word processor is one of the most-used computer applications in education. There are four primary functions of word processors: composing, editing, saving, and printing (Lamie, 2000).
Spreadsheet
The spreadsheet is focused on numerical information, including graphs that show the numerical implications and meaning. It is also intended to be used as a versatile calculator.
Presentation
Presentation applications are similar in purpose to a word processor, except that their intended audience includes crowds, or several people viewing it with a speaker supplementing the topics in the presentation with verbal explanations (Valid, 2019).
The Specific Case of Documenting a Day
Which of these applications is the best for documenting a day? This depends heavily on who your audience is and what the purpose is. If you want to send the document to your mother or friends, the word processor would probably be the best choice. In the general case, the word processor would be the better choice because you probably want to communicate sentences in a conversational way.
However, if you plan to present the information to a group, where you will be speaking, the presentation application is the best.
There Are Good Cases for Spreadsheets
If your purpose is to record time spent on different activities or how often you get dizzy spells or to measure your calorie intake, the spreadsheet application is the better choice. Measuring some aspect of his health, exercise, or spontaneous spending would probably be why I would record his day. So, I would likely use a spreadsheet (Valid, 2019).
Database Applications
Database applications are another standard information application type, but they are different from the other three applications and deserve a separate section. Databases are usually relational databases and store information and the relationships between different pieces of information.
Database applications do not typically prepare information for presentation to humans. That is what many other applications are for. Most popular web applications depend heavily on databases. These web applications store and retrieve information from databases and make the information presentable to humans (Graham).
Databases for Normal Folks
Consumers do not typically use a database directly. They don’t install a standalone database on their personal computer. But several of the other applications they install on their devices, even games, will often come with their own internal database or will interface with a database in the cloud.
Conclusion
Software applications are the reason that computers and mobile devices are useful. Most applications are specialized to satisfy specific goals and to accomplish them well. That is why you need more than one application. Use the application that is best suited to your specific purpose. Word is not universally better than PowerPoint or Excel or a database. It all depends on what your goal is.
References
Graham, A.J. How Are Databases Used in the Real World? Techwalla. https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-are-databases-used-in-the-real-world/
Lamie, Ed. (2000) Word Processors. Stanislaus State University. https://www.cs.csustan.edu/~lamie/sed590/CSUS%20Word%20Processors.htm
Vahid, Frank; Lysecky, Susan; Wheatland, Nkenge (2019). TEC 101: Fundamentals of Information Technology & Literacy (section 5.3)
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