Roles of Applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access

        The four applications, word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation, each have functions that they are best suited to handle. Word processors are best suited for the written word, such as reports or research papers. They have advantages over basic text files, such as they give the user the ability to change fonts, colors, page layout, and insert objects among other formatting options (Vahid & Lysecky, 2017). This ability allows users to tailor their document to a look of their choosing making documents more appealing and easily readable. One disadvantage is that papers based on data or calculations will likely need a separate spreadsheet program to create graphics to insert into the document. Besides writing papers, word processors are suitable for creating lists and outlines.

The most appropriate application for documenting the information about the day depends on what information is most important in the study. Deciding that documenting the amount of time was dedicated to each task; the Excel spreadsheet was the most appropriate. The spreadsheet shows each task, the amount of time dedicated to it, and what percentage of the day the task took of our time. Additionally, the pie chart gives the user a graphical representation of the same information. Spreadsheets can be very useful in calculating and displaying multiple types of data in tables and charts (Vahid & Lysecky, 2017). I use Excel extensively and created a budget to track our family spending over time. It automatically calculated my deposits and withdrawals and has monthly pie charts in addition to a 12-month running graph to track our money over a yearly period. 
        The role of presentation software is almost self-explanatory, it is used to present information. I have seen it used in both classroom and business setting as either a teaching or briefing tool. It does have the advantage of many of the abilities of a word processor for formatting text, in addition to using WordArt or animations to provide emphasis to the content. There is also the ability to add pictures and graphics to the design in addition to setting a themed look to the slides (Vahid & Lysecky, 2017). Using charts and graphs are possible using PowerPoint by embedding a Excel spreadsheet, but I have found it is best to create those separately and insert them as a picture. A working embedded file tends to get corrupted in my experience if there are multiple people editing the presentation. Presentation software is very suitable in presenting a speech to an audience. It helps keep the speaker on topic and gives the audience additional information to keep them engaged.

       Database software is used to sort, organized, and retrieve data in an efficient manner (Vahid & Lysecky, 2017). I am not that familiar with databases as I have never needed to use them personally. Databases seem best suited for storing vast amounts of data compared to the example in our assignment. There advantage is that it allows users to quickly query needed information based on their needs. Some disadvantages are that databases are expensive, complex, and can result is data loss if there is a failure (Thakur, 2016). Databases would be useful in storing inventory and employee/customer data records for large businesses. 

References

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2017). Computing technology for all. Retrieved from zybooks.zyante.com/

Thakur, S. (2016, March 7). 9 Disadvantages of database management system (DBMS). What is Dbms. https://whatisdbms.com/disadvantages-of-database-management-system-dbms/