The University of Pennsylvania's Online Computing Magazine
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March 1993 - Volume 9:5 [Printout | Contents | Search ]
By El Smith Word 5.1, an incremental upgrade to the leading Macintosh word processor, includes a variety of new and enhanced features, ranging from a simplified mail merge capability to a battery status indicator for PowerBook users. Overall, the emphasis is on flexibility and ease of use, with speed improvements in some areas. For users of previous versions, probably the most noticeable change is in the user interface: In keeping with Microsoft's policy of making its software consistent across platforms, it has been modified slightly to resemble Word for Windows.
Word 5.1 highlightsCustomizable toolbar. You can set up the commands you use most often as buttons with their own icons on a toolbar. Though busy looking, the toolbar is functional--it's much quicker to click on a button than navigate through menus. The toolbar can be positioned at the top of the screen or on either side.Text annotations. You can add comments to a document by typing them into a dialog box that appears as a cartoon balloon with your initials in it. The annotations can be hidden or copied to a new document. Text annotation makes it easy to track multiple reviewers' comments on a document. Spelling checker. The spelling checker handles "ignored" words and custom dictionaries with greater flexibility. Charting. You can use the Microsoft Graph module to create simple graphs and quickly convert table data to a chart. Once a graph is embedded in a Word document, you can modify it by double-clicking on it and making the desired changes. System 7 is required for the Graph module. File management. The Find File feature now lets you search for files by folder and search multiple files for phrases. You can also view a file without opening it--useful because Word is slow to load files. Envelope printing. Word 5.1 simplifies envelope printing by presenting addresses stored in a separate file in an address dialog box. The address box works like a card file. Select the addressee's name from a scrollable list, and the address comes up as it will appear on the envelope. You can also set up a default return address. Regardless of the envelope size you choose (there are 11 preset sizes), the address will print in the expected location. Print Merge. Word 5.1 simplifies print merge by walking you through it step-by-step. QuickTime movies. QuickTime movies can be added to Word documents if your machine can handle QuickTime, a method for displaying animation. Requirements are an SE30, Macintosh II series, Quadra, or any PowerBook except the 100; System 6.0.7 or later; and the QuickTime system extension, which is sold separately. Word only allows you to play movies, not create them.
Word 5.1 requirementsTo run version 5.1, the Computing Resource Center recommends a Mac Plus or newer model Macintosh, an 800 Kbyte or 1.4 Mbyte floppy drive and a hard drive, System 6.0.2 or greater and at least 4 Mbytes of Random Access Memory (RAM). Installation requires 12 free Mbytes of disk space, and the entire package occupies about half that amount of space after installation. If disk space is at a premium, you can choose not to install some modules.To upgrade single copies from version 5.0 to 5.1, call 1-800-227- 4679 and press option 0. Have an original 5.0 disk or manual handy to provide proof of ownership. The upgrade cost is $19.95, including shipping. You may pay by credit card or send a check.
EL SMITH is a Consultant for the Computing Resource Center.
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