Win

Publisher

February 19, 2015 by Andy Voelker
Categories: Productivity & Utility

Microsoft_Publisher_2013_logo.svg

Availability:  Windows labs | Citrix | Download
Part of: Microsoft Office Suite
Comparable:  InDesign, OpenOffice, Scribus

Microsoft Publisher is an entry-level desktop publishing application differing from Microsoft Word in that the emphasis is placed on page layout and design rather than text composition and proofing.  Publisher allows for the easy layout of images and text designed for print media.  Publisher is only produced for the Windows platform, but it is available on the mac platform via Citrix.

Tags: desktop publishing

Access

February 19, 2015 by Andy Voelker
Categories: Productivity & Utility

Logo_Microsoft_Access_2013

Availability: Windows Labs | Faculty/Staff | Download
Part of: Microsoft Office Suite
Comparable: OpenOffice, Filemaker Pro

Microsoft Access is a database management system with a graphical user interface and software-development tools. It is a member of the Microsoft Office suite of applications, included in the Professional and higher editions or sold separately.  Access is produced for the Windows platform only.

Tags: database

Powerpoint

February 19, 2015 by Andy Voelker
Categories: Design & VisualizationProductivity & Utility

239091_567_powerpoint2013

Availability: Labs | Faculty/Staff | Download
Part of: Microsoft Office Suite
Comparable: Google Apps, OpenOffice, Prezi, Sway, Keynote

Microsoft Powerpoint is slide show presentation software.  The user develops slides with text, graphics, charts, animations, videos, sounds, and other multimedia content to display during a presentation.  The slides proceed in a linear fashion either at a timed pace or according to the user prompt.  Slides can then be exported to pictures, PDF documents, videos, or web pages.  Powerpoint is available on the MacOS and Windows platforms.

Powerpoint has also been used for basic graphic design, flow charting, and digital signage.  Though other tools are often more appropriate for this kind of function, a user can save time by using a tool they are thoroughly proficient in.  For other tools proficient in these functions see GIMP, Inkscape, or Dia.