CTH - Offline Tools and Their Usage (Lesson)

Offline Tools and Their Usage

Definitions

What is the difference between offline and online tools?  So far we have been using many of both. Let's make sure that we know the definitions.   

Online & Offline Tools

As technology continues to progress, more and more tools are moving online. Online tools may be accessed from our computer at home, tablets we carry with us, and our phones.   

Some of the online tools store information in the cloud, a storage location that requires online access. This storage location is accessible anywhere so that you may continue your work no matter where you are. 

Offline computer tools are different in that they are accessible only from the computer at your home, or the network of computers at work. Nothing is easily assessed when you are away from your computer. 

Until recently the following tools were offline, not found or transferable to the internet. Within the last several years, many of these tools may be strictly on your computer or may be in online storage as well. 

Let's examine some offline tools that were once offline, but now have many versions that cross between online and offline.  We will look at the basic concepts of them.  The major software programs below all began offline and were originally designed for the offline processing only.  These programs have been essential to business and within the last 20 years or so, depending on where you live, and now with online processing to students in schools to complete their school work.  

Text Editor 

Computer software that allows the user to create information in a readable format in various languages, including computer language.  A text editor does not have the fancy formatting of the word processor or use images, etc.  This is the original typing to hold data for a purpose.

Slide Editor 

Computer software that allows the user to create a series of slides allowing for presentations to groups of people. Depending on the editor, various fonts, backgrounds, color, pictures, sounds, and other items may be added. 

Publisher 

Computer software that allows the user to create documents that includes writing, pictures, and various fonts and backgrounds for brochures and various publication needs. 

Spreadsheet 

Computer software that allows the user to create and store data that allows the user to perform calculations, create charts and tables to allow for analysis. 

Word Processor 

Computer software that allows the user to create a document that includes writing, pictures, various backgrounds, fonts, and formatting options (including tables, math as you would write it in math class),  adding shapes, editing and printing. 

Offline tools are important as they contain information that only you are in possession of if you have not shared your offline work to the online world.  Note that online tools are accessible anywhere as long as you have a device that may access the internet. All of these within the past several years have been adapted to online usage, with Google being one of the major players. Microsoft Office also has added the adaptability of cloud storage as well as offline only storage. It is important when you are using these tools to remember that once something is online, someone else is storing a copy. 

Remember: 

• Offline tools and offline storage you have control over as it is stored on your computer.  You work is accessible only on your computer.
• Offline / online tools are stored on your computer and in cloud storage.  You can thus access your work from anywhere that you have a device with internet access as long as you have allowed for the combined access, which means if you update a document in one place, the alternate place is updated as soon as access is available.
• Online tools are strictly in the cloud storage. Access is in the cloud using a computer.  Downloads to your computer are manual if the cloud software that you are using allows.

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