rod222
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Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jul 30, 2014 1:25:30 GMT
I am due for a new computer. Any Geeks aboard that can offer suggestions?
Thoughts Quiet (a must) 2 x 1 Tb Hard drives (in 2 x hot swappable removable alum drive trays) Mid range processor (i3?) Dedicated graphics card 4 Gb RAM Windows 7 professional
Uses. Just stamping and email, and international auctions. ( I do not watch movies on computer)
Would like : to be able to access my favourite software MSWorks Version 3.1 (1982) and ACDSee Ver 3.1 (very early version) USB 3.0 so I can backup my 100 Gb of data to external HDD
Max $600
do I get 32 bit or 64bit?
Suggestions on what level power supply I should prefer?
Thanks for any input.
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Andy Pastuszak
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Praying for my family and everyone in Ukraine.
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What I collect: United States, Ukraine, Ireland
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Post by Andy Pastuszak on Jul 30, 2014 2:35:17 GMT
A couple of thoughts:
1. I don't know if MS Works 3.1 and ACDSee 3.1 will work with Widows 7 2. Almost all new PCs these days come with Windows 8.1. 3. The i5 is Intels mid-range processor. The i3 is low end and the i7 is high end.
If you want to use all 4GBs of that RAM, you're going to need a 64-bit version of Windows.
To look for alternatives software, take a look at:
1. Libreoffice for MS Works (http://www.libreoffice.org) 2. Picasa for ACDsee (http://picasa.google.com)
And the first questions: Desktop or Laptop? If desktop, do you need a monitor?
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Ryan
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Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,721
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many catalogues ....
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Post by Ryan on Jul 30, 2014 4:34:23 GMT
For your old software, you could look at DOSBox - I use it to run some old legacy software on my computer with Windows 7. And I can understand why you would prefer Windows 7 over Windows 8! Ryan
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jul 30, 2014 8:24:04 GMT
For your old software, you could look at DOSBox - I use it to run some old legacy software on my computer with Windows 7. And I can understand why you would prefer Windows 7 over Windows 8! Ryan Thanks Ryan, that is a great piece of info, appreciated. Yes, I loaded Win8 for a lass a few months ago, it was awful, not sure how Vesion 8.1 is, and if it has diverged from the "touch screen" style.
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jul 30, 2014 8:31:51 GMT
A couple of thoughts: 1. I don't know if MS Works 3.1 and ACDSee 3.1 will work with Widows 7 2. Almost all new PCs these days come with Windows 8.1. 3. The i5 is Intels mid-range processor. The i3 is low end and the i7 is high end. If you want to use all 4GBs of that RAM, you're going to need a 64-bit version of Windows. To look for alternatives software, take a look at: 1. Libreoffice for MS Works (http://www.libreoffice.org) 2. Picasa for ACDsee (http://picasa.google.com) And the first questions: Desktop or Laptop? If desktop, do you need a monitor? Hi Andy. Aha! thanks for the processor, i5 is the shot then. I have and use Picasa (great) I have and use Libre Office (but have 5000 files in MSWorks) I was under the impression 4Gb RAM suited everything up to XP, I think it will be wise to remain 32 bit. Desktop, I have all the fruit, external HDD's, external CDRoms, HDD copiers etc. and 52cm Screen (if you measure it diagonally as a TV) Appreciate you comments, new computers are a bit daunting, you can't give 'em back if they don't suit.
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Jerry B
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Marietta, Georgia USA
Posts: 1,485
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Post by Jerry B on Jul 30, 2014 8:52:26 GMT
Hi Rodney
I also need a new computer. I don't think I will be able to stay on XP much longer.
As a suggestion. If a good computer repair shop is nearby have them build what you want (the one I am using now is theirs). That is what I am going to do. I have a excellent shop nearby and they have a computer that costs $500 including the software I want. As for Windows 7 or 8 they suggest that Windows 7 is more than adequate. The shop tells me that Windows 8 is needed if you have "touch screen" capability. I am going this route because if I buy a name brand computer I get all kinds of software that I do not need and/or want. This way I get what I want. Also the components used in a "custom" computer are usually better quality and reliability than pre-built machines.
Googled around a little and in reference to: ACDSee: There seems to be a Windows 7 version. MSWorks: Seems like later versions of MSWorks are compatible with Windows 7.
In both cases you may have to upgrade to a newer version of the software. That may be a good thing as it is probably time to get out of the dark ages.
In general, a lot of XP software, depending on how it is designed, will work on Windows 7. Since Vista, Windows has the capability of running XP (32 bit) software on Windows Vista, 7 or 8 (64 bit). It is a little slower but not really noticeable.
I forgot a point. The software is not a major problem, the hardware is. My cousin, when she upgraded from XP to Windows 7, had to replace her HP scanner and HP Printer because Windows 7 drivers were not available for those devices. So you have to make sure that Windows 7 drivers for your external devices exist. If not you will have to replace them.
Prior to Vista it was a "no brainer" to upgrade operating systems as it was all 32 bit. The change to 64 bit is the reason a lot of companies are dragging their feet to switch. Imagine a company with 4 or 5 laser printers that have to replace them.
Do not get a 32 bit machine (I did not know Windows 7 existed as 32 bit). The trend today is 64 bit and you will see more 64 bit software and a major reduction of 32 bit software. You are leaving yourself open to another possible upgrade as time goes on.
Why Windows 7 Professional? If you are I would assume a Home version is more than adequate, and a little less expensive.
Jerry B
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jul 30, 2014 9:17:09 GMT
Fair comments Jerry, but alas! "been there and done that" I have rang 3 or 4 computer shops, they are not interested, at my price. I can get what I want, + their build fee (add $400) I am a scrooge, and won't go down that path, I know just enough about computers to get myself into trouble When you have cash, you can generally pick up a fair deal from someone who is upgrading. As you, I steer well clear of Brand computers, they really are bad news. Generic is OK. Software, yep, I am aware I can get the modern bloated programs, but I like the feel of the bare bones, fast lite programs from the 1980's 1990's. NSWorks and ACDSee I have used for 20-30 years and know them backwards. So yep, looks like Win7 will do me till I go, I have 5 or 6 XP machines lying around in the garage if I get tested as long as I have a decent graphics card and enough RAM. Still not sure about the power supply I should seek. We are a vanishing bunch, us "desktop" users
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jul 30, 2014 9:20:26 GMT
Right! I'll go asking on the internet re 32 bit. I am shying away from 64 bit because that will REALLY shut out the old MSWorks and ACDSee All my peripherals are Win7 compliant as far I recall, I shall check. PS: I think I have Win7 32bit lying around the office somewhere quote : >How much is a windows 7 professional 64 bit / 32 bit $ The Upgrade version is $180 The Full retail version is $280 All prices in USD. www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=se... And yes, you will get 2 DVD's, one for 64 and another for 32 bit. Choose one to install. The product key works for both -- so if you picked 32 bit, realized you made a mistake and want 64 bit instead, you can use the same product key to activate the other disc. If you purchase OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as... ) take note that there is only ONE disc in the box -- you only get one version, not both.
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Post by classicalstamps on Jul 30, 2014 10:54:38 GMT
An alternative is a Mac. I've been a happy Mac user for 7 years (still have the same 2007 iMac), and recommend it highly. For those old Windows programs you rely on, you can run them perfectly in a virtual Windows XP on the Mac. (using for example VMware). In my experience it is often better than trying to squeeze some 10 old program into Windows Vista/7/8. I use Windows at work and work in IT. Most of my colleagues also use Mac at home. It just works. If gaming is on the agenda I suggest you stay with Windows, but I'm guessing it is not an issue here If you have any questions re "How to do X on a Mac", just let me know.
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Post by classicalstamps on Jul 30, 2014 11:08:07 GMT
Here are some of the reasons why I think you should consider a Mac: 1. Totally silent. 2. 95% of vira and malware are for Windows. I don't even run antivirus software 3. Backups run automatically with TimeMachine. You don't ever have to bother with back-ups ever again. 4. in 7 years, I have never "re-installed" my Operating System. I normally have to "clean-up" Windows every 2-3 years. 5. The operating system is free (as are upgrades). 6. Easy to install and remove software. You never have to bother with .exe files or regedit nonsense again! 7. The hardware lasts longer. I'm still using my 7 year old Mac - runs Photoshop etc. no problem. It's more efficient. 7 year old Windows PC's are suffering today. Like I said in my previous post, it just works Go to a local Apple shop and try it out - you will be surprised how "smooth" the user experience is.
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Jerry B
Departed
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Marietta, Georgia USA
Posts: 1,485
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Post by Jerry B on Jul 30, 2014 11:30:13 GMT
Hi Rodney I don't think having a 64 bit computer will REALLY shut out MSWorks and ACDSee. Searching the Internet there seems to be solutions to that problem. I was surprised how many want to keep their MSWorks. I would still check the peripheral manufacturers to see if Win 7 drivers exist. Read user comments as they can be very helpful. A "build" fee of $400 is really ridiculous. But, then again, I do not know what prices are in Australia. I am sure that the basic software "operation" would be the same and, on a Win 7 machine, they would be just as fast. One answer to the compatibility question I read was to install the old version(s) and see if it works. At that point I think it is too late. Why are you concerned? Any machine you purchase will have a power supply more than adequate to run the basic machine and any peripherals. If ever is needed, it can be replaced with a more robust power supply. Again I will ask why Windows 7 Professional? If you are: I would assume a Home version is more than adequate, and a little less expensive. Also where do you plan to purchase the machine if custom? Just some comments on your response. Just as an aside, without getting into complicated electronics, the computer hardware is 64 bits. No CD/DVD can change that. To run 32 bits, each CPU operation has to convert 32 bit memory addresses to 64 bit addresses thereby slowing the machine slightly due to the extra "conversion cycle". Also the maximum memory for 32 bits is approximately 4G. If you ever what to add more memory you will need 64 bits. Here are a couple of articles on the issue: whirlpool.net.au/wiki/32bit_versus_64bit www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/clearing-up-the-3264-bit-memory-limit-confusion/3124The computer shop knows I am an EE and they keep saying I should build my own. Probably could, but, when it comes to the actual parts I haven't a clue as to what they are talking about. It turns out that with everything I want, hardware and software, the price is not much different than the shop building it. It sure isn't a $400 build fee. Jerry B
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jul 30, 2014 12:04:43 GMT
Thanks Guys, VERY much appreciated, shall close this query now, I have enough info to read through and consider.
Thanks CS, I had not even considered a Mac, feels like heresy, however, your argument is gold and I shall have a look at one when next up in the City.
Right now, the scrooge in me, I got an old XP box down from the attic, I have Win7 loaded, and typing on Win7 as I speak, and will see how things work on it takes a while to load software, I'll have to download "speccy" and see what this box has inside.
I feel more comfortable with what I am doing thanks to all your assistance.
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Andy Pastuszak
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Praying for my family and everyone in Ukraine.
Posts: 1,533
What I collect: United States, Ukraine, Ireland
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Post by Andy Pastuszak on Jul 30, 2014 12:44:40 GMT
There is a program called Classic Shell, which brings back the Windows 7 start menu and works quite well. You can make Windows 8.x act very close to Windows 7 by installing Classic Shell and settings the default apps to all be Windows Desktop apps instead of Metro apps. I did it on one laptop at home, and I pretty much have the Windows 7 experience. Classic Shell is completely free: www.classicshell.net/The default programs you set in Windows with Program Defaults section of the Control Panel.
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jul 31, 2014 0:13:19 GMT
classicalstampsI have Win7 up and running, and the most important thing for me next to the on/off button, is the XP style folder tree. That is the very basis of how I organise my computer. Any form of sensible folder tree is missing in Win7, I have employed the free xplorer2 lite, which mimics XP and is rather good, However I was wondering if the Mac has a good folder tree as the backbone of organisation? I need a reason to ditch MS. Any chance of a screen shot /links? Thanks.
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Post by classicalstamps on Jul 31, 2014 5:54:49 GMT
The menu in OS X (Mac's OS) is somewhat different from the folder tree structure of Windows. You have a 'Deck' at the bottom of the screen, as shown below. Here you place all your most frequently used programs. When you click on an icon, the program starts. When a program is running, there is a small dot below the icon (here there are 5 programs running). The deck is thus both used for starting and switching between programs. This saves you a lot of clicking and moving around in menus. Basicly, I almost never have to do anything besides starting programs this way Once a month or so, I need to start a program that is not in my 'deck'. I do this by clicking on the 2nd icon from the left (looks like a rocket), which brings up a menu similar to IOS on the iPhone/iPad: All your installed programs are here. You can organize this any way you want. Note the 'Other' group above, which contains more programs. Sort of like a tree structure in Windows. You can more everything around to suit your needs. You are limited to 2 levels deep (you can not have a group inside a group - like in IOS), but you can have multiple screens. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jul 31, 2014 10:20:22 GMT
Wow! beautiful stuff Classicalstamps. You have gone to some trouble. Many Thanks. Alas, it doesn't suit my needs, The tree structure is the only filing I am comfortable with in managing over 1 million stamp images. It has helped tremendously in forming my opinions, thanks again.
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Post by classicalstamps on Jul 31, 2014 11:38:44 GMT
rod222I thought you asked about the way of organizing program shortcut a la the Start menu/button in Windows XP... Anyway the filesystem is the same tree-structure as in Classical Windows. The equivalent to Windows Explorer is called 'Finder' on MAC. You can work with several views, I have attached some below. Like on Windows XP, you can have folders and files on the Desktop itself. 1 million files is a lot...
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Post by classicalstamps on Jul 31, 2014 12:00:43 GMT
In addition to the normal tree structure, you can also organize your files/folders with 'tags'. I use it this way: I have my reference library organized in countries, i.e. Germany, France, Italy etc. Think of this as folders in a tree structure. In each folder, I can tag files with something - 'forgery' for example. So I can have 'forgery' files in 100 different folders across my folder-tree-structure, and show them all at once in one Finder-screen. Very time-saving. Explained here: www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-use-finder-tags-in-os-x-mavericks/If you want this ability using only a tree structure, you have to use strict naming conventions. But don't take my word for it, see it at your local Apple store
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jul 31, 2014 12:34:44 GMT
Right! now we are talking, classicalstamps. I thought it very odd, Mac would not have the most common sense, tree organisation. So Mac is back on the table I have my Win7 up and running, I have installed a USB 3 card, and added 3 more Hard disk drives, so I can at least carry on in some semblance of order, whilst I look at Mac's at my leisure......... "If you want this ability using only a tree structure, you have to use strict naming conventions " ...yep, understood, but this fine with Windows long file name structures. This is the sort of thing that is second nature to me, organising my stamps. It is the free "xplorer2" Folder tree substitute loaded on win 7 at the moment.
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Jul 31, 2014 12:51:42 GMT
With an image of a stamp, that is a forgery, naturally one would expect the file naming convention would have "forgery" in the text string, Windows will find every "forgery" I have named amongst 300,000 images in about 120 seconds.
It has always intrigued me, long file names have been around for ages, yet stamp collectors still name their *.pdf's say for canada small queens something like sdft4.pdf or csq.pdf Why have they not considered "Canada Small Queens.pdf" students would/could access their material a lot more easily and often.
Wow! this USB 3 is amazing, I just transferred 6Gb from external HDD to Internal drive, in 61 seconds. I wonder what Gutenberg would have thought, if you told him one day you could copy his Bible in under 5 minutes.
The Gutenberg Bible is currently on display in Melbourne Australia (1 of 9 copies)
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Post by classicalstamps on Jul 31, 2014 15:30:43 GMT
The usefulness of tagging depends on how you work/organize things. for example, I was considering creating a world-wide catalog 1840-1870. So I created a tag and applied it to all the relevant images named after catalog numbers in the different folders. This way, it was easy for me to keep track of how many images I had. I will be writing an article about my input to creating a reference library using various tools, but that is a subject for another thread
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Aug 1, 2014 0:02:04 GMT
The usefulness of tagging depends on how you work/organize things. for example, I was considering creating a world-wide catalog 1840-1870. So I created a tag and applied it to all the relevant images named after catalog numbers in the different folders. This way, it was easy for me to keep track of how many images I had. I will be writing an article about my input to creating a reference library using various tools, but that is a subject for another thread Look forward to that. To joust with you in a friendly way, the advantage of naming convention, over tagging, is the ability to search part text strings (offset by the energy expended when typing in the text ) In my Australia, for example I can search every 7c stamp, every blue stamp, every die cut, every bird, every 1986 stamp, etc&etc individually, in a nanosecond.
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Aug 1, 2014 2:28:53 GMT
For the record. Windows 7 (32bit) will take early Microsoft MSWorks suite (circa 1980) BUT remember Y2k (year 2000) add on. So cheapest suite on the web ( Word processor / Database / spreadsheet)
It takes early version ACDSee ver3.1 no tampering required.
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Jen B
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Post by Jen B on Aug 1, 2014 2:45:53 GMT
In my Australia, for example I can search every 7c stamp, every blue stamp, every die cut, every bird, every 1986 stamp, etc&etc individually, in a nanosecond. Ah..so now the secret is revealed on how you come up with those stamp images at the drop of a hat! And here I was thinking you had the world's most amazing photographic memory.
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Andy Pastuszak
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Praying for my family and everyone in Ukraine.
Posts: 1,533
What I collect: United States, Ukraine, Ireland
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Post by Andy Pastuszak on Aug 1, 2014 3:42:57 GMT
The Mac comes with the iWork Office Suite and iPhoto. But I don't think anything reads MS Works files. Microsoft does make Office for the Mac, and LibreOffice is available for it.
Column view in the Finder is absolutely awesome.
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Aug 1, 2014 6:28:29 GMT
The Mac comes with the iWork Office Suite and iPhoto. But I don't think anything reads MS Works files. Microsoft does make Office for the Mac, and LibreOffice is available for it. Column view in the Finder is absolutely awesome. I have a feeling Libre Office reads MSWorks Andy, I have not loaded Libre as yet, but will report. MSWorks has a utility somewhere I am sure, a universal reader of some sort, after all, it was the word processor of choice in the 1980's. There must be millions of orphaned Works files out there in the ether. Free MSWord and MSWorks viewer, without having the programs With Word Viewer and the Compatibility Pack, you can view, print, and copy document contents to another program. However, you cannot edit an open document, save a document, or create a new document. This download is a replacement for Word Viewer 2003 and all previous Word Viewer versions. (24Mb) www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=4
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Jerry B
Departed
Rest in Peace
Marietta, Georgia USA
Posts: 1,485
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Post by Jerry B on Aug 1, 2014 6:58:47 GMT
Hi Rodney The "word processor" in MSWorks is basic WORD. If one had MS Office or a standalone WORD then MSWorks used that. Since I have a standalone WORD I had to "unhook" WORD from MSWorks as I use WORD as a standalone package.
Just FYI.
Jerry B
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Post by TinMan on Aug 7, 2014 1:33:05 GMT
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rod222
Member
Posts: 9,908
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
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Post by rod222 on Aug 7, 2014 1:46:56 GMT
Thanks for that Tinman. Appreciated. I still have Mac on the "kick tyres" list, but have been seduced by Windows 7 at the moment. It has taken me a week, and I have everything loaded on my core 2 duo, 3Ghz box, and it's an "pull down the pants, and slide on the ice" experience. Lovely and fast and smooth, 1980's ACDSee loaded MSWorks Vers 4.5a loaded and working well. Had a few MS teething probs, it was indexing everything and the processor was constantly working o'time, so we ditched that and cross the fingers, a few months of good fast work ahead.
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Post by TinMan on Aug 7, 2014 1:59:21 GMT
I have a MAC for my Desktop but couldn't afford a MAC Laptop so I went with the Toshiba since I had one years ago with no problems. I gave it to my Grand-kids about ten years ago. My Grand daughter still has it and uses it once in a great while since it only has a 13 inch screen. By the way I also use Drop Box so everything on the Laptop or Desktop that is in the drop Box is accessible from either computer. I can recommend you to Drop Box and we both get extra free space.
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