Appropriate Software and Hardware Essay

The package that I will be using will be Microsoft PowerPoint. This is the only software that will be needed, other than MS Windows in which it runs. PowerPoint is the leading presentation graphics program and comes wit MS Office, which Alex Ferguson already owns. A graphics program will also be used to manipulate the pictures image once they have been scanned in or copied from the Internet. The hardware required would be a scanner with which to scan in some of the photographs that have been taken of the team, and a digital camera, which I can borrow to take some pictures of the stadium. These can be imported into PowerPoint directly from the camera using the Insert, Picture, From Scanner or Camera command on the menu. A scanner will also be required to scan in pictures of the team, managers and stadium so fans can identify players/managers by picture and not just by name. A good monitor will be required since this information system will be running shop hours. With this in mind it will also be necessary to use a screen-saver built in to MS Windows in order to preserve the screen. A custom screensaver could be added at a later date. Lastly, a good mouse will be required for fans to navigate the system by clicking on the buttons. Data Required The manager of the team will be able to supply me with information on his team. More details about the team can be found on the Manchester United Official Website. There are also a lot of books and magazines on the team and its history. Pictures will also need to be either scanned in or copied from the Internet. A chart showing the information that I will need and where it will come from is shown on the next page: Data Manipulation The scanned/copied from the Internet, photographs and pictures can be imported into a Paint package and a text box added telling the fans what the picture/photograph is showing. Information gathered about the team will be typed in and formatted with appropriate fonts and colours. Data Flow Updating site information Alex Ferguson updates the team information whenever it changes. The new information is then stored in the application file. Dealing with customer enquires There will be a menu system with option buttons. A fan requests information from the system by clicking on a button. The system finds and displays the information for the customer. Format of information and graphics There will be around 13 slides in order to display all the information and the team history of each decade. Each slide will contain at least one picture or animation to keep the interest of the fan. The user requirements state that there should be a clear title on every slide. This should be in a larger font and in a different colour from the rest of the text. All buttons used on the slides should be kept in the same place on every slide. This will ensure that the viewer will always know where to expect the ‘Back to Start’ button to be on the page, making it easier to use. The interface should not use too many colours. A uniform look should be chosen and adhered to. Likewise, the selection of animations and transitions must be restricted so that everything does not look all jumbled together. These constraints will all add to the system looking more professional in the end.