Computing with Bifocals - Two Apps for Reading and Browsing
by - June 23rd, 2006

I don't know what the weather is like where you live, but here in Austin, Texas we were hovering around 100 degrees in the early days of June.  I can hardly wait for August.  This is the kind of weather that leads you to stay inside if at all possible, and it is a good time to check out some new software.  I have a few recommendations for your consideration if you are using OS X 3 or greater.  The first two are covered in this column and they are both worth your attention.

LargeType

Product: LargeType 1.0 (Release Date 9/19/2005)
Developer:   Cold Pizza Software
System Requirements:  OS X 10.3 or later
Description:  LargeType is a Mac OS X service that displays any selected text in large type.
Price:  Free, but a donation is requested

This is a one-trick pony, but it is a most useful trick.  It allows you to highlight text in designated applications, and enlarge the text for easier reading.  It is designed to work exactly like the phone number  enlargement feature that is included in your address book.

In Address Book, place your cursor on the word next to the phone number you want to enlarge, hold down the mouse button and scroll down to "Large Type".  Release the button and the phone number will appear in very large letters across your desktop.

The application LargeType offers the same feature, but it is available for words and sentences and can be used in Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat, Pages, Keynote, Preview, TextEdit, and Terminal.*  It doesn't work with any of the Microsoft office products.

This is a good application for new users to download and install because all that is involved in the installation is to download the software and then drag the software icon to your Applications folder and release it.  To activate the features you log out and log back in again and you are ready to go.

How to Use It:  Select some text.  Choose "Large Type" from the Services option.  Services is found under the application name's menu on the far left of the menu bar.  So if you are in Safari you will find it under the Safari menu.  If you are in Mail you will find it under the Main menu.

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Copies of Nancy's book Tips, Hints, and Solutions for Seasoned Beginners Using Apple Macintosh Computers With OS X are available in PDF download versions  for US$9.57 and in print version for $18.15 plus $4.00 shipping.   To view sample pages and get ordering information visit the September 14, 2004 column.

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Check out Nancy's complete index of all her columns for the most complete list of tips anywhere. The list is categorized and is a great reference when you are looking for help! A Capacious Catalog Of Computer Tips

Talking to a generation that remembers what the world was like before there was color, covers issues for people who don't care how their computer works, but rather what their computer and the internet can do for them.

Nancy has a Master's degree in Human Services Administration and prior to her retirement she worked for almost 30 years in field of mental health and mental retardation. She has been a Mac user for 11 years, and has recently developed an avocation of teaching basic computer skills in both group and one-to-one settings.

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• Cool Tips, Kudos for Bob, & a Review - July 31st
• Two Apps for Reading and Browsing - June 23rd

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