TYPES OF GRAPHICS SOFTWARE

Analysis Graphics.Analysis graphics (also called business graphics) software is used to transform numerical data into a variety of charts, graphs, and diagrams that can be easily understood.

The computer is particularly adapted to this task because it is capable of performing calculations on large quantities of numerical data. Users of all types take advantage of analysis graphics in the performance of their jobs. Businesses use analysis graphics for analyzing sales figures over time. Researchers use these programs to analyze the differences between groups or conditions. Many organizations use business graphics programs to look at the cost of products and services. Analysis graphics software generally comes into two forms – spreadsheet-based analysis graphics software and dedicated analysis graphics software.

Spreadsheet-Based Analysis Graphics.Part of an integrated software package that includes word processing, database, spreadsheet, and the graphics component. This type of program is very convenient to use because it provides a way to quickly create charts and graphs based on numerical data that you have entered into a spreadsheet. This can be done without exiting the program. With some programs, when information is changed in the spreadsheet, corresponding changes in the graph will be made to reflect the change. This type of program generally provides a standard set of graph types, a way to enter text to be used to label the graph, and a variety of colors or textures to differentiate between different sets of information. These programs also include options for printing or displaying the graph. These programs are generally not as sophisticated as the dedicated analysis graphics software discussed in the next section, but they are usually easier to use. They can be used to provide a quick pictorial representation of your data. An advantage of a spreadsheet-based analysis graphics program is that the numerical data is easily accessible since it is there within the same program. The data is selected by simply highlighting the cells that you want to be graphed. Using modern graphic versions of this type of spreadsheet program, once the graph has been created it can be printed out as a part of a report.

Dedicated Analysis Graphics Programs.Dedicated analysis graphics programs are used in the same way as the spreadsheet-based programs, but generally they are more sophisticated and may provide additional ability. Example, for create three-dimensional graphs which may provide a clearer understanding of certain types of numerical data. One disadvantage of this type of program is that the data must be entered by hand or a file must be imported from another program such as an electronic spreadsheet.

 

10. Ответьте на вопросы:

1. What is analysis graphics?

2. What do businesses and researches use analysis graphics for?

3. What type of program is convenient to use and why?

4. What is an advantage of a spreadsheet-based analysis graphics program?

5. What programs can be used to create three-dimensional graphs?