ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD APPLICATIONS
Learning to key is of little value unless one applies it in preparing something usefula record or document of some kind. Three basic kinds of software have been developed to assist those with keyboarding skill in applying their skill electronically.
Word Processing Software
Word processing software is software specially designed to assist in the document preparation needs of an individual or business (Clark et al., 1990, 193). Word processing software permits the user to enter text, format it, manipulate or revise it, and print a copy. The software can be used to process a wide variety of documents such as letters, memos, reports, and tables.
This software has special features such as automatic centering and word wrap that reduce time and effort. In addition, it permits error corrections, format and sequence changes, and insertion of variables on screen before a copy is printed. These features increase efficiency by eliminating document rekeying.
Database Software
A database is any collection of related items stored in computer memory (Oliverio and Pasewark, 1989, 573). The data in a database may be about club members, employee payroll, company sales, and so on. Database software allows the user to enter data, retrieve and change it, or select certain data (such as an address) to be used in documents. Software users can manipulate and print data in report form for decision-making purposes.
Spreadsheet Software
A spreadsheet is an electronic worksheet made up of columns and rows of data (Oliverio and Pasewark, 1989, 489). Spreadsheet software may direct a program to apply mathematical operations to the data and to print reports that are useful in summarizing and analyzing business operations and in planning for the future.
Employment personnel look favorably upon job applicants who are familiar with these kinds of software and how they are used.