Analysing the "Good Old Days"

Two different office applications that could be used by the small business to improve upon the paper-based systems employed in the 1970s could be Microsoft Excel and MS Works Spreadsheets.

Two advantages of Microsoft Excel over the paper-based system are that formulas can be used to carry out mathematical calculations which can be replicated down and cross the columns and rows. Another advantage is that you are able to link worksheets together so that you can calculate complex calculations and budgets. Two advantages of MS Works over the paper-based system are that is that if there is not a mistake, the whole sheet does not need to be retyped, you can simply ‘write over’ the mistake. In addition, you are able to copy and paste, which means that if there is any data that can be replicated, you can do that simply, instead of having to retype it again.

One advantage of a spreadsheet is that you are able to work out complex calculations with out the need to use a calculator or work it out yourself. This is advantageous as you do not need to do this and it is less likely that there will be a human error.
Secretaries’ and typists’ employment prospects were affected by the advent of these office packages because now it was easier and faster for just one person to do the work of many and as this was more cost effective than employing a number of people, many unfortunately would have lost their jobs.

A number of new job opportunities were opened up by the advent of office applications for example some secretaries and typists jobs changed into personal assistants, there would need to be a number of technicians who were able to troubleshoot, when these applications failed. In addition, there would need to be trainers who would be able to teach employees how to use the applications effectively and there would be more jobs in the production of IT equipment as more and more equipment was being purchased.