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Macintosh
by John Willner, willner@earthlink.net - March 31, 2002 at 00:13:46:
When merchandise is purchased by NOCCC members through the Macintosh User’s Group Store, points are accumulated. These points can be redeemed for prizes. Since a brand new dual processor G4 computer with flat panel display was purchased during the past month, the MUG store just went ahead and sent us appropriate prizes. They happened to be two iMac T-shirts and one USB port expander. We had a drawing, and the winners received their awards about mid-way through the program.The main theme this month was the new Microsoft Office 2002 for OS X. Office consists of 'Word', 'Excel', 'PowerPoint' and 'Entourage'. In one sense they are anchor programs like major stores in a shopping mall. Microsoft has come through for the Macintosh in advance of the same programs for Windows. All four applications were demonstrated using a power book and LCD projector.
Starting with 'PowerPoint', it was obvious that more templates had been added (for example, some slides will now accept two or four illustrations). Also, the locations of controls have been altered to take advantage of OS X feature. Since we are new to OS X and new to this latest Microsoft implementation, the presentation proceeded somewhat by trial and error. However, through persistence certain added built-in sounds, animation and movie shorts were found and displayed. In typical Microsoft manner, a plethora of new tool bars were made available across the board (i.e., on all four programs). One could see that with experience original presentations having a bit more complexity than before can be implemented handily. Experienced users will face a learning curve imposed by all of the changes. As part of the demo an older 'Power Point' presentation was opened. It played without a hitch.
'Excel' was checked next. It mainly has a new look. Ability to incorporate illustrations has been enhanced. An older 'Excel' file was opened, and it could be worked on easily. However, the prior multiple highlight controls have been changed in some way, because this feature could not be demonstrated without chasing down the new key strokes. Highlighting separate rows or columns of data will be necessary before graphs can be produced.
'Word' has the new three-dimensional candy look in its menus. The fonts menu showed what each font looks like (finally copying a feature of 'Write Now' that has been around for over ten years). Especially interesting are a half dozen great new fonts provided by OS X. Otherwise, if one knows how to use earlier versions of 'Word', it should be possible to proceed with this version without much difficulty. We really did not have time to check out all of the features, but procedural changes appeared to be minimal.
'Entourage' is sort of a convenient data base for keeping track of people and cookie type information. It has internet and phone calling capabilities. Being integrated with the other three applications has some advantages. However, the manner in which it will compete against older data base systems such as 'FileMaker' remains to be seen. They are really different animals. 'Entourage' has the advantage of being here already for OS X .
The tide of new programs for OS X is growing. Adobe has just announced a new version of 'Photoshop' to be released in April, if not sooner. A new version of 'Canvas' is already out. We are only just beginning to understand that the world of Unix programs can run on the new Macintosh computer when we learn how. Also, Macintosh’s come with unique scripting capabilities that allow the more advanced programmers to create their own functions or complete applications. Nothing like these capabilities really exist for other competing desktop or laptop computers.
Next month we will continue with understanding OS X capabilities and show the latest CDs received from Apple.
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