Think about how graphics and tables can support your text. Remember that graphics and tables also point out what is important in a text because they pull the reader’s attention to that specific subject. Don’t use graphics for less important items.

In this topic we will briefly discuss the use of:

• Tables
• Graphs
• Flow charts
• Screen shots

• Can give an easy overview.
• Do not always need a table heading, but certainly need one when they list data.
• Always refer to a table in the text, and place the table near the text that refers to it.

  EXAMPLE of a table used to give an overview:
  Different commands are used to copy a picture in Windows or on a Mac:

EXAMPLE
When you are thinking of buying your own computer, Miami University recommends the following specifications. When you buy an Intel computer, make sure the processor is a Celeron 300MHz processor or a Pentium II processor and that your computer has a memory of at least 64MB RAM. The hard drive should be 4GB. For a Macintosh, Miami University has the same recommendations regarding the hard drive and memory. The processor should be a G3. You also need an Ethernet card and CD drive for both systems. For an operating system we recommend using Windows 95 or Windows 98 for an Intel computer, and Mac OS 8.x for a Macintosh.

Better:
If you are buying a new computer, Miami University recommends the following.

• Use bar graphs to compare different items at the same point in time.
• Use line graphs to show how something has changed over time.
• Use descriptive captions with graphs.

• Use flowcharts to illustrate the workflow or different steps in a process.

• Greatly increase comprehension when describing a computing procedure.
• Press < PRINT SCREEN > when you want to print an entire screen.
• Press < ALT + PRINT SCREEN > to print the active window.
• You may also use a specific graphic program such as FullShot to produce and manipulate screen shots.