School and Office Tools

Technology and software have changed the way schools and offices generate, store, manage and manipulate information. Paperwork is no longer piled high in a room filled with aisles of filing cabinets. Information and records are stored away in digital filing systems, allowing for more data to be stored and recalled when necessary.

Although the amount of information that can be stored in one space is far higher digitally, there is still a maximum server capacity. Data compression is often used to reduce file sizes by re-encoding the file data to use fewer bits of storage than the original file. This is useful because it reduces the resources required to store and transmit data.

The types of data that can be compressed includes images, audio, text files and video. Compression enhances backup storage operation and reduces primate storage data. Compression will continue to play a significant role in schools and offices as data continues its own exponential growth. Typically, the software that performs data compression is referred to as an encoder. 

Another school and office tool that is growing in popularity is the PDF editor. PDF editors allow users to quickly modify and change elements in a PDF document without having to convert it into another format. It is becoming more common for documents to be prepared on a computer using a word processor and saved in a PDF format. They replace the need to make hard copies as all word or document processing programmes support the function, even web-based word processors now have the option to export or print as a PDF. Having the ability to edit, annotate add/remove lay out designs, insert images, graphics, charts and other media is now crucial and to be able to do this, a PDF editor is required.

Word processors are also becoming more powerful, with the expectations of what they’re capable of expanding as new technology emerges. Schools and offices find the software especially useful as it saves time, makes it easier to correct mistakes, work can be saved and recalled later, spell checker and grammar features make some office and school functions more accessible, especially for those with special educational needs (SEND). Word processors are available with a range of features and functionalities, some are more powerful than others and operate in ways more suitable for specific industries.

Whilst both PDF editors and word processors are beneficial for SEND students and members of staff, software designed specifically for certain educational needs makes accessing education and career opportunities equal and fair. Word processors can be used for students who struggle with writing and processing speeds, such as dyslexia, during exams and PDF editors can be used alongside dictation software for those with visual impairments.

There are numerous programs available to suit the broad spectrum of requirements such as enhanced visual, audio and speech functions as well as software that helps those with more severe requirements. 

There is no one size fits all when it comes to school and office software, and it’s often the case that multiple software packages are required for different operations. With the help of a supplier like Douglas Stewart, who has extensive experience in the sector, you can rest assured that you are buying the right school and office software tools.