What is Computer Graphics? 

The term computer graphics includes almost everything on computers that is not text or sound. Today almost every computer can do some graphics, and people have even come to expect to control their computer through icons and pictures rather than just by typing.

Here in our lab at the Program of Computer Graphics, we think of computer graphics as drawing pictures on computers, also called rendering. The pictures can be photographs, drawings, movies, or simulations -- pictures of things which do not yet exist and maybe could never exist. Or they may be pictures from places we cannot see directly, such as medical images from inside your body.

We spend much of our time improving the way computer pictures can simulate real world scenes. We want images on computers to not just look more realistic, but also to BE more realistic in their colors, the way objects and rooms are lighted, and the way different materials appear. We call this work "realistic image synthesis", and the following series of pictures will show some of our techniques in stages from very simple pictures through very realistic ones.

Multimedia

Multimedia System

A computer system with the capabilities to capture, digitize, compress , store, decompress and present information is called multimedia system. The aim of multimedia system is to provide a creative and effective way of producing, storing and communicating information. The application areas of multimedia are marketing, training, education, entertainment, etc.

Application of multimedia:-

a) Multimedia presentation :Multimedia presentation can be used to better explain a subject matter to the students because it enhance the comprehension capability of students. It is extremely effective in getting across new ideas and concepts.

b) Entertainment : Multimedia technology is used by entertainment industry as in games, films, cartoons,animation,sound effects etc.

c) Software : Multimedia is used for training purpose or guide. So users can operate software without help of trainers.

d) Business communication : Multimedia is very powerful tool for enhancing the quality of business communication.

e) Multimedia web pages : Multimedia feature in web pages make more attractive, user friendly.

Databases and spreadsheets

What is a database?

The basic electronic information storage unit

A database is a collection of information organized to provide efficient retrieval. The collected information could be in any number of formats (electronic, printed, graphic, audio, statistical, combinations). There are physical (paper/print) and electronic databases.

A database could be as simple as an alphabetical arrangement of names in an address book or as complex as a database that provides information in a combination of formats.

How can we create a database in Microsoft Access? 

Before you create a database

Before you create an Access database, you must answer the following questions:

• What is the purpose of this database and who will use it?
• What tables (data) will this database contain?
• What queries and reports do the users of this database need?
• What forms do you need to create?

Answering the above questions will lead you to a good database design, and help you create a database that is useful and usable.

You can click on this link to look a video tutorial of databases in M. Access. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2R3x9NWOD0

What is a Spreadsheet?

A spreadsheet is a grid that organizes data into columns and rows. Spreadsheets make it easy to display information, and people can insert formulas to work with the data. For example, there is a particular icon that has a formula to sum up numbers that are given. This icon is called auto sum.  Information can also be sorted and filtered.
    People use spreadsheet programs to learn about different kinds of things, and to make decisions. Spreadsheets are based on different varieties of subjects. This site will highlight the use of spreadsheets in the classroom.  You will find ideas for every subject.  On this website, we will be using Microsoft Excel.   

What is word processing?

WORD PROCESSING Means using a computer to create,edit and print documents. Word processing is the most common computer application. It was one of the earliest applications for the Personal Computer.
In simple terms - it's an electronic type-writer. In detail - it is a text manipulation program, that allows you to type, move, emphasise, re-position, merge and print text.

History of word processing

Here are some of Dan Bricklin's recollections about the development of Word Processing. Dan helped develop an early Word Processor in the mid-1970's, the WPS-8. It was later sold (in new hardware) as the DECmate.

Word processors evolved from typewriters. The earliest ones were merely electric typewriters with a tape recorder that could be edited. They were first used for automatic typing of letters. Later, they were used to playback material that was typed correctly when corrections were added. The "manual" way, at the time, was to have a typist type something, have it proofread, and then retype it with corrections, hoping that no new errors were introduced with the retyping. The word processor insured that the parts that were left alone did not change.