Theory question 103
Software and Operating SystemsPaper 2, Section A
(a) (i) Define application package (ii) State one use each of any four application packages.
(b) List two benefits of a presentation package
(c) Outline three guideline for creating a good MS Power Point Presentation
Show the model answer
(a)(i) An application package is a ready-made program (or set of programs) written to carry out a particular user task, e.g. word processing.
(ii) Any four: word processor (MS Word) – typing and formatting documents; spreadsheet (Excel) – calculations, results and budgets; database (Access) – storing and retrieving records; presentation (PowerPoint) – making slide shows; graphics (CorelDraw) – designing cards and posters; desktop publishing (Publisher) – newsletters and flyers.
(b) Any two: makes lessons/talks more interesting with pictures, sound and animation; helps the audience understand and remember; slides are easy to edit and reuse; can be printed as handouts or shown on a projector.
(c) Any three: keep text short (few bullet points per slide); use a large readable font; use contrasting colours for text and background; use a consistent design/theme; use pictures and charts where helpful; avoid too many animations and sound effects; check spelling.
Pair each package with a real use, and give guidelines about content and design, not menu steps.