Chapter 6

Chapter 6

1. Characteristics of Documents

   • Character - any letter, number or symbol used in a document.
   • Paragraph - generally defined by the use of a carriage return at the end of the text.
   • Section - a portion of a document in which page-formatting options can be set.
   • Frame - an area of a page that can contain text or graphics.
   • Header - text which appears on a document in the top margin of every page.
   • Footer - text which appears on a document in the bottom margin of every page. The general rule is that the footer contains the page numbering, date or
   • Footnotes - briefly explain a word or phrase without including the explanation in the body of the text.
   • Pages - each printed side of paper containing the components of a document.

2. Reformatting

   • Page Size, Setting and Orientation
     • Page margins - the blank space around the edges of the page.
     • Landscape/Portrait
   • Text Position and Style
     • Font size/style

3. Clip Art vs Thumbnail

   • Clip Art
     • Advantages
       • Images are readily available.
       • Images are available immediately.
       • Can reduce the cost of the design process.
       • Extra equipment does not have to be purchased.
     • Disadvantages
       • Choice of images is limited to what is available.
       • The quality varies.
       • Not original or unique.
       • May be subject to copyright.
   • Thumbnail
     • Advantages
       • Many images can be shown in one go.
       • Images that are alike can be grouped together.
       • Possible to add descriptions to the images so that they can then be searched.
     • Disadvantages
       • Quality of the images may be poor.
       • Not always possible to tell quality.
       • If the image library holds a large number of images then it can take a long time to download.

4. Bitmaps vs. Vectors

   • Bitmaps
     • Made up of pixels.
       • The more bits representing each pixel, then the more colours can be displayed.
       • Each pixel has two key properties associated with it: a position on the grid which makes up the image and a colour value.
     • When the graphic needs to be displayed, the data held in the bitmapped file is used to reconstruct the graphic.
     • A bitmap graphic is produced when an image is taken from a scanner or a digital camera.
     • AKA raster graphics.
   • Vectors
     • AKA object-oriented graphics.
     • Stored as geometric-based data.
     • File for a vector-based graphic contains mathematical data that defines the key properties of every element in the graphic.
     • Work on the basis of lines.
     • Mainly used for design purposes and are usually used in CAD programs.
     • Used by architects and designers who need to adjust the size, perspective and proportions of their diagrams.

5. Features of Presentation Software

   • Text
   • Images
   • Sound
   • Video
   • Animation
   • Slide Transition
   • Hyperlinks
   • Hotspots - area on a screen display which responds to a mouse click.
   • Buttons

6. Acetate vs. Projected

   • Printed Acetate
     • Advantages
       • It is easy to write on the slides to annotate them and explain/highlight items.
       • An overhead projector (OHP) is the only equipment needed - are relatively cheap and most places have access to one.
       • In the event of a power cut the presenter is able to read from the acetate slides.
     • Disadvantages
       • Special effects and interactivity cannot be used.
       • Can be difficult to jump slides.
       • When a change is made new acetate slides will have to be printed.
       • Slides can deteriorate with repeated handling, possibly becoming unreadable.
       • Blank acetate slides have to be bought and then printed on. A high use of colour can quickly use up ink/toner.
   • Projector
     • Advantages
       • Full range of features.
       • Slides do not deteriorate with repeated use.
       • Once created is immediately ready to be shown.
     • Disadvantages
       • Temptation to overuse special features.
       • Equipment relatively expensive.
       • Unless the presenter has kept a paper copy of the presentation, then it cannot be given in the event of a power cut.
       • Special software is required to allow the presenter to annotate slides in real time.

7. Transitions

   • Manual
     • Requires input from the user such as pressing a button or clicking the screen to change the slide.
     • Not always changing slides, it can be for animations e.g. revealing sections of text.
   • Automatic
     • Can be set up to run automatically on timings.
     • Must be set so that the audience has sufficient time to get all the information and the presenter has enough time to speak.
     • Can be set on loop.
     • Less suitable for verbal presentations.

8. Types of Presentations

   • Linear - one slide runs into another, no alternate order of viewing.
   • Non-Linear - slides can be accessed in any order.
   • Hierarchical - allows the presenter to follow different pre-determined paths.