information and communication techniques

ICT software

applications of ICT

• computer software can perform many different functions from sorting data to drawing a design
• there are many computer programs available for use

word processing packages

• standard features e.g. save, print, copy, paste
• text formatting e.g. different text, font alignment, italics
• importing of graphics e.g. clip art
• mail merge- letters can personalised from a database

spreadsheets

• a program that enables information to be arranged onto a grid within a range of cells
• allows the user to quickly assess the effect of varying one of the pieces of information on the project as a whole
• capable of interpreting the information as different types of graphs
• can also do mathematical calculations
• formulae can be added so that the values in some cells can be automatically calculated
• useful when making lists

desktop publishing packages

• often used for designing magazines, newspapers and leaflets
• gives more control over the layout of a page
• pictures and text can be laid out on a page with images imported from other software and clip art libraries

graphics packages

• bitmap graphics- made up of pixels, each of which contains specific colour information
• disadvantage- lose detail if they are scaled up, because the same number of pixels must be spread out over a larger area
• vector graphics- consist of points, lines and curves which can form complex objects. can be filled with solid colours, gradients and patterns
• advantage- can be scaled up with no loss of detail as the software works out the new co-ordinates to redraw the image
• art packages- used for decorating graphic products like packaging e.g. CoreIDRAW, Graphics Suite, Photoshop
• drawing packages- enable you to draw with lines and shapes, often contain a making program
• Computer Aided Design- drawing package used by designers, engineers and architects to produce detailed drawings, leads to the realisation of a product e.g. ProDesktop, 2D Design, AutoCAD (industry)

CAD and CAM Systems

CAD Systems

• make it easier for a designer to produce an idea that looks realistic
• produces orthographic 2D drawings, 3D virtual reality models, wide range of symbols and dimensions which can be easily palced onto a drawing
• advantages over drawing by hand:
• quicker, less time consuming
• accuracy
• can be scaled, rotated or reflected
• can be viewed from any angle
• easier to make changes
• can simulate how a product can perform without using expensive testing methods
• can store lots of information, saves office space
• shapes, sizes, colours and surface textures can easily be altered
• can use a wire frame technique where you can view right through an object- virtual modelling
• rapid prototyping- take virtual designs from CAD and…