Today most of these software packages are Windows based and relatively user friendly. The end result of most wordprocessing packages is the same, but the commands achieving this result are usually quite different. However, the general principles of wordprocessing hold true across programs. If you become proficient user of one wordprocessing package, you will be able to learn others fairly quickly. Health professionals should be familiar with a computerised database, one of the fundamental tools of the information revolution.
Databases are powerful and wonderful things.
They are used to store, manipulate and retrieve data. Access is another commonly used database - a big favorite with Windows users. Knowledge of a computerised spreadsheet package is also useful for the health professional who is responsible for money management and accounting. A spreadsheet consists of a series of columns and rows which are used for tracking and manipulating numerical data. An understanding of the basics of DOS helps in managing those software crises that seem to occur at the most inconvenient time.