Tips for Using Clip Art

Clip art (whether from a clip art package or files included with your word processor) can greatly increase the impact of your publication.

However, as with many things in life, you can have too much of a good thing. Here are some tips for wise use of graphic images.

1. Type text first, then insert graphics.

2. If you reduce a graphic, use a simple one. A complex one may be too busy.

3. Some programs will allow you to contour the text around a graphic. If you choose this option, leave some white space between the graphic and text so they do not appear to run together.

4. Try to stick with a general theme. If you have been using clip art with a Western motif, do not mix them with business oriented images.

Maloy, Paul "Choosing Clip Art to Communicate" WordPerfect for Windows Magazine (March 1994): p49

Backing Up

Keep a current backup of your hard drive. If your hard drive crashes, you will be able to restore all your information after resolving the problem.

Hard drives can be backed up onto diskettes or tapes. New PC models usually have a tape drive installed.

Magnetic tapes can hold substantially more information that a high density diskette. One high density diskette will hold 1.44 Mb of data. A Model QIC-80 tape will hold 250 Mb of data!

Thought to Ponder

When you were learning how to drive a car, did Dad just hand you a set of car keys and say "Figure it out for yourself"? No, he probably explained how the car operated and went with you your first few turns at the wheel. So, why should learning how to operate a computer software package be any different?

If you sit down to a new software program without any training, you will be as lost as a 16-year old on his first try at the wheel.

Computer software training works on the same premise as Dad: Explain how software works, then let the student try it himself (and instead of Dad in the passenger seat, the instructor is there to help out).

So, think of computer software training as a prerequisite any time you begin using a new package. Besides, the instructor won't yell at you like Dad did.

CPAs Take Note

Damar Group presents software courses that are certified by the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy for Continuing Education Credits.

If you are a CPA and need classes to complete your continuing education this year, call our group associates today.

A list of our certified courses is available. In addition to earning professional credit, you will learn how to use your software.

Changes to Course Descriptions

As you look at the course descriptions this quarter, you may notice some changes. After careful review, the Lotus 1 Level 3 course material has been moved to the Level 2 course. Some of the Level 2 material has been moved to the Level 1 course. This means you will get more training for your money!

The descriptions for Quattro Pro, Lotus 1-2-3, Quicken, and Paradox classes have changed.

The title of each of these classes includes the legend (DOS/Windows). We offer both the DOS and Windows versions of these products, and the technical content of both courses is similar enough to allow a single course description.

http://dgl.com/tp940601.html
updated July 30, 1995

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