M2 L4: Mastering Productivity Tools

• Word Processor is an electronic device or computer software application that performs the tasks of composing, editing, formatting, and printing of documents. Word processors are widely used for various purposes, including writing documents, letters, reports, essays, articles, and more.

  Some examples of Word Processors are:

  o LibreOffice Writer

  o Google Docs

  o Apple iWork Pages

  o Microsoft Word
• Keyboard shortcuts are quick and efficient commands that allow users to perform various tasks in word processing software without the need to use the mouse or navigate through multiple menus. They significantly speed up document creation and editing processes, making word processing software more user-friendly and productive.
• Ctrl + C: copy selected text or objects
• Ctrl + X: cut selected text or objects
• Ctrl + V: paste selected text or objects
• Ctrl + Y: redo the last undone action
• Ctrl + Z: undo the last done action
• Ctrl + B: bold the selected text
• Ctrl + I: italicize the selected text
• Ctrl + U: underline the selected text
• Ctrl + A: select all content in the document
• Ctrl + S: save the current document
• Ctrl + P: print the document
• Ctrl + F: open the "Find" dialog to search for specific text
• Ctrl + H: open the "Find and Replace" dialog to search and replace text
• Ctrl + N: create a new document
• Ctrl + O: open an existing document
• Ctrl + Home: move the cursor to the beginning of the document
• Ctrl + End: move the cursor to the end of the document
• Ctrl + Left Arrow: move the cursor one word to the left
• Ctrl + Right Arrow: move the cursor one word to the right
• Ctrl + Up Arrow: move the cursor to the beginning of the current paragraph
• Ctrl + Down Arrow: move the cursor to the end of the current paragraph
• Features of MS Word: AutoCorrect, Grammar Checker, Template, Tables
• AutoCorrect – is a built-in feature in many word processing and text editing software. It automatically fixes common spelling errors,

  such as changing "teh" to "the," and can also correct capitalization mistakes, like making sure the first letter of a sentence is capitalized.
• Grammar Checker – tool that proofreads documents for more than

  just spelling errors. It also checks for grammar issues, writing style problems, sentence structure errors, and can even provide readability statistics. It helps writers improve the overall quality of their writing.
• Template – pre-designed document that contains the formatting necessary for a specific document type. For example, there are templates for resumes, business letters, and research papers. They save time by providing a structure that you can fill in with your content
• Tables – used to organize information into rows and columns. They are especially useful for presenting data in a structured and easy-to-read format. Each row typically represents a separate entry, while each column contains different categories of information. Tables are commonly used in reports, research papers, and data analysis.
• “MS Excel is the best tool non-programmers have in order to write code, that’s why it wins.” – antirez
• A spreadsheet is an electronic document in which data is arranged

  in the rows and columns of a grid and can be manipulated and used in

  calculations. Spreadsheets are versatile tools that find numerous

  applications across various industries and for personal use. Some of the

  common uses of spreadsheets include financial reports, data

  management, statistical analysis, accounting and bookkeeping, data

  analysis, project management, etc.

  Some examples of Electronic Spreadsheets are:

  o LibreOffice Calc

  o Google Sheets

  o Apple iWork Numbers

  o Microsoft Excel
• Key Terms in MS Excel

  Row – horizontal line of entries in a table
• Column – vertical line of entries in a table
• Cell – the place where information is held in a spreadsheet
• Active Cell – selected cell
• Column Heading – the box at the top of each column containing a letter
• Row Heading – the box at the left of each row containing a number
• Cell Reference – cell address of the cell usually a combination of letter and number (ex. A1, B2, C6)
• Merge – combining or joining two or more cells
• Formula – expression which calculates the value of a cell
• Functions – predefined formulas and are already available in Excel