CUSTOMISE SOFTWARE
Generic Software
 Generic software- is designed to do many
different tasks, and is not designed specifically
for one type of application.
 It contains tools for carrying out and facilitating
tasks such as text production and data handling.
Examples of Generic Software
 Word processing software (Examples are
Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple pages,
etc.)
 Spreadsheet software (Examples include
Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, WPS Office
Spreadsheet, etc.)
 Database software (Examples are Microsoft
Access, Oracle Database, MySQL, etc.)
 Desktop publishing software (Microsoft
publisher, Adobe InDesign, )
Advantages of Generic Application Software:
1. Cost-effective: Generic software is often more
cost-effective than bespoke software, as the cost
of development and maintenance is spread over
a large number of users.
2. Availability: It is readily available and can be
purchased and installed quickly, as opposed to
bespoke software which may take months or
even years to develop and implement.
3. Support and upgrades: Since generic software is
widely used, there is a large community of users
and developers who can provide support and
upgrades.
Disadvantages of Generic Application Software:
1. Limited customization: Generic software may
not fully meet the unique needs of an
organization, and customization options are
often limited.
2. Limited functionality: It may not have all the
features and functionality that an organization
requires, and may be missing some specific
features needed to perform certain tasks.
3. Security concerns: As generic software is widely
used; it is also more susceptible to security
breaches and cyber-attacks.
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Bespoke software
• It is written to achieve a particular purpose, such
as payroll, accounts or stock control system.
• It is tailor-made to an organization’s
specifications.
Advantages of Bespoke Software:
1. Customized features: Bespoke software can be
tailored to meet the specific needs of an
organization, providing unique functionality that
is not available in generic software.
2. Flexibility: It can be easily modified and
updated to keep up with changing business
needs.
3. Competitive advantage: Bespoke software can
provide a competitive edge over other
businesses that are using generic software.
Disadvantages of Bespoke Software:
1. Cost: Bespoke software is often more expensive
to develop and maintain compared to generic
software, as it requires specialized skills and
knowledge.
2. Time-consuming: It may take months or even
years to develop and implement bespoke
software.
3. Support and upgrades: As bespoke software is
unique to a particular organization, there may be
limited support and upgrades available.
Summary
Generic application software, also known as off-the-
shelf software, is pre-made software that can be used by
a wide variety of businesses or individuals. Bespoke
software, on the other hand, is custom-made software
that is designed to meet the specific needs of a particular
organization or individual.
Using Macros to customize Generic software
• A macro is a series of commands that you can use to
automate a repeated task.
• It is used to automate frequently used tasks to save
time on a keystrokes and mouse actions and to
increase productivity.
• Macros are commonly used in software applications
such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and
Publisher.
Uses of Macros in Word processing software
• Adding your address and current date into a business
letter.
• Routine editing and formatting.
• Creating tables of a specific size with specific
number of rows and columns.
How to record a macro in Microsoft word
Step 1: click on the view tab and click on the arrow on
the macros button.
Step 2: select Record Macro. the Record Macro dialogue
box appears.
Step 3: under assign macro to option, click a keyboard to
assign hotkey.
Step 4: you will see a record-like image with a pointer.
Step 5: to stop recording, click on view tab and click
stop.
Step 6: to run a macro, click on view tab, select the
macro and click on run.
Advantages of Macros
1. Increased productivity - Macros can automate
repetitive tasks, allowing users to complete tasks
more quickly and efficiently.
2. Enhanced accuracy - Macros can reduce the risk of
errors by consistently following a set of
predetermined steps.
3. Customization - Macros can be customized to fit
the specific needs of a user or organization, allowing
for greater flexibility and control.
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4. Ease of use - Macros can be created and edited
using simple commands, making them accessible to
users of all skill levels.
5. Compatibility - Macros can be used across a range
of applications and devices, making them a versatile
tool for productivity.
Disadvantages of Macros
1. Security risks - Macros can be used to spread
malware or execute malicious code, posing a risk to
the security of a device or network.
2. Complexity - Advanced macros may be complex
and require specialized knowledge or programming
skills to create and maintain.
3. Compatibility issues - Macros may not be
compatible with all devices or applications, limiting
their utility.
4. Dependence - Relying heavily on macros can make
users less proficient in performing tasks manually,
potentially hindering their ability to adapt to new
situations.
5. Limited functionality - Macros are limited to
performing predetermined tasks and may not be able
to handle unexpected or complex situations.
Customise a spreadsheet program (Microsoft Excel)
using Formulae
 Formulae and functions in a spreadsheet program
allow a computer user to customise a spreadsheet.
 A formula is a calculation is a calculation written by
the user to perform some mathematical operations.
 A mathematical function is a pre-written formula
that performs mathematical calculations
automatically.
 Examples of spreadsheet functions are SUM,
AVERAGE, PRODUCT, QUOTIENT, MAX, MIN,
COUNT, COUNTA, IF, COUNTIF, SUMIF,
VLOOKUP.
1. SUM: The SUM function is used to add up a range
of numbers. For example, =SUM(A1:A10) would
add up the values in cells A1 to A10.
2. AVERAGE: The AVERAGE function is used to
find the average (mean) of a range of numbers. For
example, =AVERAGE(A1:A10) would find the
average of the values in cells A1 to A10.
3. PRODUCT: The PRODUCT function is used to VLOOKUP function
multiply a range of numbers together. For example,
=PRODUCT(A1:A10) would multiply the values in There are four pieces of information that are needed in
cells A1 to A10. order to build the VLOOKUP syntax:
4. QUOTIENT: The QUOTIENT function is used to
find the integer quotient of two numbers. For 1. The value you want to look up, also called the
example, =QUOTIENT(10, 3) would return 3, since lookup value.
10 divided by 3 is 3 with a remainder of 1. 2. The range where the lookup value is located.
5. MAX: The MAX function is used to find the highest Remember that the lookup value should always
value in a range of numbers. For example, be in the first column in the range for
=MAX(A1:A10) would return the highest value in VLOOKUP to work correctly. For example, if
cells A1 to A10. your lookup value is in cell C2 then your range
6. MIN: The MIN function is used to find the lowest should start with C.
value in a range of numbers. For example, 3. The column number in the range that contains
=MIN(A1:A10) would return the lowest value in the return value. For example, if you specify
cells A1 to A10. B2:D11 as the range, you should count B as the
7. COUNT: The COUNT function is used to count the first column, C as the second, and so on.
number of cells in a range that contain numbers. For 4. Optionally, you can specify TRUE if you want
example, =COUNT(A1:A10) would count the an approximate match or FALSE if you want an
number of cells in cells A1 to A10 that contain exact match of the return value. If you don't
numbers. specify anything, the default value will always
8. COUNTA: The COUNTA function is used to count be TRUE or approximate match.
the number of cells in a range that are not blank. For
example, =COUNTA(A1:A10) would count the
VLOOKUP syntax:
number of non-blank cells in cells A1 to A10.
9. IF: The IF function is used to return one value if a
condition is true, and another value if the condition =VLOOKUP (lookup value, range containing the lookup
is false. For example, =IF(A1>10, "Yes", "No") value, the column number in the range containing the
would return "Yes" if the value in cell A1 is greater return value, Approximate match (TRUE) or Exact
than 10, and "No" if it is not. match (FALSE)).
10. COUNTIF: The COUNTIF function is used to
count the number of cells in a range that meet a Example of VLOOKUP
certain condition. For example,
=COUNTIF(A1:A10, ">10") would count the
number of cells in cells A1 to A10 that are greater
than 10.
11. SUMIF: The SUMIF function is used to add up the
values in a range of cells that meet a certain
condition. For example, =SUMIF(A1:A10, ">10")
would add up the values in cells A1 to A10 that are
greater than 10.
12. VLOOKUP: The VLOOKUP function is used to
look up a value in a table and return a corresponding
value from a different column in the same row. For
example, =VLOOKUP("John", A1:B10, 2, FALSE)
would look for the value "John" in the first column
of the table A1:B10, and return the corresponding
value from the second column in the same row.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vlookup-
3 function-0bbc8083-26fe-4963-8ab8-93a18ad188a1