Word processors, databases and other packages

The computerized office - many word processors are now sold as part of an integrated suite, e,g. PerfectOffice and Microsoft Office, with the advantage that they share a common interface in the, different components word processor, spreadsheet, database, etc.) and allow ready exchange of information (e.g. text, graphics), between component programs. 

Using textbooks, manuals and tutorials -the manuals that come with some programs may not be very user-friendly, and it is often worth investing in one of the textbooks that are available for most word processing programs. Alternatively,. use an online help tutorial, available with the more sophisticated packages. 

The word processor has facilitated writing because of the ease of revising text. Word processing is a transferable skill valuable beyond the immediate requirements of your chemistry course. Using a word processor should improve your writing skills and speed because you can create, check and change your text on the screen before printing it as hard copy on paper. Once entered and saved, multiple uses can be made of a piece of text with little effort. 

The potential disadvantages of using a word processor include  

In most word processors, the appearance of the screen realistically represents what the printout on paper will look like (WYSIWYG). Word processing files actually contain large amounts of code relating to text format etc., but these clutter the screen if visible, as in non-WYSIWYG programs. Some word processors are menu driven, others require keyboard entry of codes menus are easier to start with and the more sophisticated programs allow you to choose between these options. 

Because of variation in operational details, only general and strategic information is provided in this chapter you must learn the details of your word processor through use of the appropriate manual and help facilities. Before starting you will need  

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