Macros
Definition
|
Purpose
|
Characteristics
|
Advantages
|
Disadvantages
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·
A sequence of instructions defined as a single
element. When a macro is called the
sequence of instructions is used
·
Can be written or recorded
|
Save time as things only need
to be done once as they will be done automatically another time.
|
-
Keystrokes or mouse clicks can be recorded to make the macro
- The
actions are saved as Visual Basic code which can be edited by hand.
-
Shortcuts keys can be allocated to macros, e.g. Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+v to
paste.
-
Macros can be assigned to a button. When the button is pressed, the macro
will run.
-
Macros can be saved for future use.
|
·
Saves time as you only need to do things once.
·
Large number of tasks can be recorded in a
single macro.
·
Often more accurate than when doing tasks
compared to doing them manually.
·
Easily automate a repetitive process.
·
Editable in visual basic.
|
·
Must be re programmed if there is a mistake in
the macro.
·
Can spread computer viruses.
·
Unexperienced users may not understand macro
code.
·
Security settings may block the macro.
|
Definition
|
Purpose
|
Characteristics
|
Advantages
|
Disadvantages
|
·
A template is a document, database, web page,
worksheet that has been set up with a specific layout and text formatting
prior to use
|
Saves time as you can just
use something as been pre created as a layout.
|
·
Offer a number of options.
·
Make it quicker to produce a document or
complete a task.
·
Take user through the process step by step.
·
May have a preview of the outcome.
|
·
Makes documents look good.
·
Makes sure the documents are the correct
layout for the type of document.
·
Help inexperienced people complete tasks.
|
·
Number of options are limited.
·
The options that are wanted or needed may not
be available.
·
Layout or format of the wizard may not meet
the user’s requirements.
·
End result may look similar to other users or
companies.
·
Lack scope f
|
Definition
|
Purpose
|
Characteristics
|
Advantages
|
Disadvantages
|
·
Automatic creation of preset templates using
guidance from user
·
By asking the user some questions, a wizard
provides help in making the best use of the available facilities
|
Makes it easier and saves
time because the software will create a basis for what the users wants and
then they can edit it a later date.
|
·
Can containing formatting.
·
Can contain standardised text.
·
Can contain standardised logos.
·
Frames for entering specific text.
|
·
Saves time.
|
·
If there is a mistake, every document using
the template will have that mistake.
·
It is not possible for standard users to edit
the template.
·
Template may not be suited to the audience or
the situation.
|
Definition
|
Purpose
|
Characteristics
|
Advantages
|
Disadvantages
|
·
A set of instructions that have formats
already set into them
·
They are character based and given a name, for
example Heading 1 that applies a pre set formatting to the selected text
|
Makes sure that documents
look the same throughout and have a uniform style.
|
Fonts, font sizes, colours,
margins, heading.
|
·
Makes sure that all content in documents uses
the same fonts.
·
Ensures that company documents are consistent.
·
Same stylesheet can be used for different
documents.
·
If a change is made, all documents using the
style are updated.
·
Enables different people to work on different
parts of the document.
|
·
All documents produced by the company look the
same.
·
May use fonts that are not installed on all of
the company computers. They would see the documents with the default fonts.
·
Someone has to spend time developing the
stylesheet.
·
Individual users are not allowed to change the
stylesheet to adapt to their needs.
·
The user may not want the style reflected
across the whole of the document.
|
Templates
Wizards
Styles
