Go Ask Debbie: computer training

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Go Ask Debbie - May 2010 Newsletter

Here's the link to the latest Go Ask Debbie Newsletter. With Go Ask Debbie, you'll find training and tips on many popular computer software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Intuit QuickBooks, and more!

http://campaigns.ratepoint.com/campaigns/1f9cbefd5824e3ee65c28cf4cee188e1

Go Ask Debbie - April 2010 Newsletter

Go Ask Debbie - March 2010 Newsletter

Go Ask Debbie - February 2010 Newsletter

Save a File as a PDF

Often there are times when you need to send a file in which it cannot be edited. One of the easiest and most universal ways to do this is to create a PDF file format. PDF stands for Portable Document Format.

Adobe Reader is the most widely used software allowing users to view PDF file types, and it is FREE. There are other programs available, but you will notice that Adobe Reader is often the program that is pre-installed on new computers and most often used by businesses. Most of you have probably used this program.

However, the question of the day is "How do I create a PDF file?"

There are many ways to create a PDF file.

1) Use a Scanner that will save the file as a PDF
There are many drawbacks to this - the scanners can be expensive and the document must be printed prior to running through the scanner.

2) Use Adobe Writer
This is a separate program that must be purchased and is rather expensive. However, the advantage to having this program is that you can Edit certain PDF files (as long as they were not scanned as an image and as long as they are not protected).

3) Users with Microsoft Office 2007® may install the Add-in that allows files to be saved as a PDF.

4) Download a FREE PDF Creation software
There are many PDF Creation software programs that can be downloaded FREE from the Internet. This, in my opinion, is the best option for most people.

Some of the FREE programs available include CutePDF, PrimoPDF, and pdf995. I have found these to be very small installations and very user friendly programs. To save the file as a PDF, most of these programs use the Print option which then creates the PDF.

With technology evolving so quickly these days, it is hard to keep up. I hope this has given you some good options on PDFs.

Less is More with PowerPoint

Don't make Powerpoint too difficult. Follow these 4 Tips and you will be off to a Great Presentation!

Typeface & Font - Less is more! Choose a simple font. It is easier to read sans serif fonts such as Helvetic, Arial, and Geneva. Aim BIG - larger fonts are easier to read. If you use anything smaller than 18 or 20 point fonts, many people may have trouble seeing.
Colors & Schemes - Keep it simple is the key here. Too much color or too busy of a scheme can be distracting. Also, a white background can give off a glare. Try a dark background with white text.
Bullet Points - Do not overwhelm your audience with text. Use bullets to summarize your presentation. You do not want to read your presentation word for word.
Graphics, Videos, & Charts - Use interactive features to make your presentation interesting, but don't use too many. This can also be distracting. Make your point with a simple graphic and move on.

Powerpoint has exciting tools and features, just beware of too much. The old rule of "Less is More" definitely applies here!

Click here for resources on Presentation Skills.

Welcome to Go Ask Debbie's Blog!

Go Ask Debbie is a website providing online training.

Our philosophy at Go Ask Debbie is “There are no stupid questions, if you don’t know the answer.” I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that over my years of Training. If you don’t know the answer, you need to ask. We, as adults, tend to stop asking questions out of fear. As children, we are constantly asking questions – that’s how we learn.

So, Ask Questions – We’ve Got Answers!

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