Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access

Spreadsheet – Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application, which will enable the analysis of data because it is able to perform calculations and routine mathematical operations for example a cash flow forecast. Spreadsheet files are known as workbooks, in which you work and store your data. Because each workbook can contain many sheets, you can organise various kinds of related information in a single file. Simple formula such as using Sum will add up column or rows of data quite easily, while more complicated formulas using IF statements can compare different values and then inserts the appropriate result.

Worksheets are able to list and analyse data. You can enter and edit data on several worksheets simultaneously and perform calculations based on data from multiple worksheets. When you create a chart, you can place the chart on the worksheet with its related data or on a separate chart sheet. The names of the sheets appear on tabs at the bottom of the workbook window. To move from sheet to sheet, you can just click the sheet tabs. You can make spreadsheets more user friendly by using Macro’s to record buttons to automatically perform functions for you, for example printing out a form by pressing a button located on the spreadsheet.

With the powerful mathematical functions Excel allows you to model real-life situations. For example by using the correct formulas, predictions can be made showing how much profit an organisation will make in the future. (Relate this to your idea)

Excel also has some other special facilities that enable you to do specific things. For example you can use filters at the tops of a lists to extract just certain pieces of information. Or you can create lookup tables to obtain information you do not want stored within your main spreadsheet. Excel also comes with the advantage that ...

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Databases – Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access is a database, which is a collection of information related to a particular subject or purpose, such as tracking customer orders or maintaining a music collection. Access is one of the best database applications available as it offers powerful, searching and sorting capabilities. You are able to create forms in which data can be entered directly into the computer in a professional manner which also aids in ease of data entry..

Using Microsoft Access, you can manage all your information from a single database file. Within the file, you divide your data into a table, which you can view, add, and update using online forms. You can find and retrieve just the data you want using queries; and analyse or print data in a specific layout using reports.

To find and retrieve just the data that meets conditions you specify, for example if you were looking for people who live in a certain town, you can create a query. To analyse your data or present it a certain way you can create a report. For example, you might print one report that groups data and calculates totals, and another report with different data formatted for printing mailing labels.

Tables

By using a table you can add, edit, or view the data. You can also check the spelling and print your table's data, filter or sort records, change the datasheet's appearance, or change the table's structure by adding or deleting columns. A report is an effective way to present your data in a printed format. Because you have control over the size and appearance of everything on a report, you can display the information the way you want to see it. A macro is a set of one or more actions that each performs a particular operation, such as opening a form or printing a report. Macros can help you to automate common tasks. For example, you can run a macro button that prints a report when a user clicks the button.