english202asoftwarematrixpennstatecomputing.docVIP

English 202A Software Matrix/Penn State Computing Resources Software Uses Pros/Cons Software Availability Software Comparisons Learning Curve Resources Microsoft Word/word/ printing general word processing basic page layout has features for basic Web authoring PROS: General templates and clip art available within the software. (You can also download more from the Web) CONS: Word was not intended for complex layout design and it is often difficult to fix columns, tables, etc. of various templates Modifying pre-existing templates is difficult unless you know the software really well. Word sometimes changes the margins before you print and your printing and pages will shift. Software available in all labs on campus Very similar to: StarOffice Writer Word Perfect Use whatever program is accessible. Note: StarOffice is free to any Penn State faculty student and staff on the PAC-ITS CD. / Minimal if you are editing a template and currently use this software for word processing. Help Menu Microsoft’s Web Site See Computing Resources section of this handout Free on-line Web-based training available on this topic Microsoft Publisher/publisher/ printing intended for page layout has features for basic Web authoring PROS Tons of templates pre-installed (brochures, newsletters, fliers) Design gallery objects such as page banners, pull quotes, coupons, etc. Greater control of formatting Creating/splitting columns is very easy CONS Modifying pre-existing templates is difficult unless you know this software package. Some commercial printers recommend more professional programs such as InDesign or PageMaker over this program. Software is now available in every lab on campus (Office 2003 comes with Publisher) Other software packages intended for desktop publishing are: PageMaker Adobe InDesign Both of these programs have a larger learning curve than Publisher and are recommended by commercial printers Minimal if you are familiar with other offic