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Apple IIgs User Manual

Page 24

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Page 24 of 84

II gs
Printed: Thursday, July 25, 2002 12:14:50 PM

Is it easy to use? If it uses a standard interface (that is, if it follows the conventions
described in Chapter3), it will be easier to learn than an application with an unconventional
user interface. A good manual is another thing that makes an application easier to learn. As
important as it is, don't make simplicity your only criterion. Sometimes an application is easy
to learn because it doesn't do much. If you find a simple application, make sure it also has
the features you want.

Does it take advantage of Apple IIgs features, or is it designed to run on all models of the
Apple II family? Applications designed especially for the Apple IIgs can take advantage of
super-high-resolution graphics and other Apple IIgs-specific features. If that's important to
you, look for new applications or applications that have been revised to take advantage of
Apple IIgs features.

If, on the other hand, it's important that the applications work on other models of the Apple
II, make sure the application is advertised as Apple IIe-compatible, Apple IIc-compatible, or
Apple II Plus-compatible.

Is it compatible with other applications you have? Can you insert a list created with your data
base into a letter written with your word processing application? Applications designed to work
together and share information are called integrated software.

Does it work automatically with your printer? The key word here is automatically. Hackers can
make all sorts of different devices talk to each other, but if troubleshooting isn't your idea
of a good time, look for software that's already configured for your printer.

Does it do exactly what you want it to do? Sometimes it's worth sacrificing ease of use and the
standard user interface to get an application that does exactly what you need to do.

If the application is complicated, are there classes you can take to learn how to use it?

Is there a hot line you can call for answers to your questions?

How much does it cost? Cost is a factor in choosing applications, but it's the last thing on
this list because you won't save money by getting a cheap application that takes four months to
learn or has bugs that destroy a document it took you three hours to type.

Word Processing

Word processing applications are for writing thingsfrom short things like memos to long things
like books. They don't do the writing for you, or even the typing they just make it very, very
easy to add, move, delete, and change your text and correct mistakes.

Besides improving your writing by making it easy to rewrite, a word processing application can
improve the way your writing looks. Using the formatting features of your word processing
application, you can change the width of margins, underline and center headings, put words in
bold for special emphasis, and much more.

Not all editing and formatting features are available in every word processing application.
Think about what's important to you, and make sure the application you get meets your needs.

Here are some of the things you can do with word processing applications:

Insert characters, words, and paragraphs (and the application rearranges surrounding text to
make room for your additions).

Wrap words automatically. (When the insertion point reaches the end of the line, it and any