Sharon Koss's Blog
Posted by Sharon Koss
Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of passing off written information that someone else wrote as your own work. Plagiarism is stealing!
A New Tool in Town
Plagiarist get ready to stop stealing information and passing it off as your own work! Searchinform Technologies has created and released their new software program called "Plagiatinform 1.0. This program can detect an entirely copied document, or several lines and passages.
Two Main Areas
There are two main areas that "Plagiatinform 1.0." will be used; higher education and the publishing industries. Colleges require many papers to be written, essays, reports, term papers and more. Some people have a more difficult time keeping up with the demands of the college life, hope and family issues, so some of these people may be enticed to plagiarize. Businesses may find plagiarized work in areas such as analysis, commercial research and marketing.
Compares Text
The program compares words and passages to a database, the same way a person would do, but is much faster. The program works with a large amount of information. The only limit to the amount of information that can be compared is the size of the computer network, memory and storage.
Plagiatinform's Advantage
Plagiatinform 1.0. has a significant advantage over the old fashion way, by hand.
Testing
Currently, the program is being tested at a publishing house. Publishing houses use the software to check their own information, and the published information of its competitors.
The Cost
The cost of Plagiatinform 1.0. has not been set at this point, but soon will be.
Plagiarists beware! Be sure to cite any information that has been copies!
Posted by Sharon Koss
Paint.NET 3.07 is a free, open source image editing and photo manipulation program by Adobe. It works similar to Photoshop.
Requirements
Photoshop is a huge program 136 MB, Paint.NET is only 1.36 MB. That's quite a difference in storage space if space is an issue on your computer. Paint runs on Windows XP/2003, Server/Vista, Microsoft.NET Framework 2.0. You need Microsoft.NET installed on your computer to use Paint.NET, but that is not a problem because the program will notify you where and send you to a Microsoft web page to download. It is also free.
User Friendly and Professional
It is professional, light weight, it loads quickly and does not eat up as many computer resources as Photoshop. Paint.NET works and looks like Photoshop and is easier for neophytes to learn and use because it is very user friendly. More experienced computer users can open this program and start using it after a few minutes of study.
Popular Tools
- Clone Stamp
- Collages
- Color adjusting
- Cropping
- Emboss
- Image rotation
- Lasso Select
- Layers
- Magic Wand
- Mosaic
- Oil Painting
- Red Eye
- Resizing images
Image Formats
Paint uses the most popular image formats: .gif .jpeg .png .tiff.
Free Tutorials
There are many free tutorials on the same web site where you can download your free copy of Paint.NET. Click here for your copy.
Posted by Sharon Koss
What Does Royalty-Free Mean?
A royalty-free item could be many different things, clip-art, photos, music, movies and so on. Royalty-free does not mean the item is free.
- It means that the purchaser may use the item multiple times without having to pay a royalty fee each time the item is used; according to the End User License Agreement
- Royalty-free items save the buyer a lot of money if they plan to use the items often
- Royalty-free items are usually priced according to the file size
- A good example would be a graphic used in the company logo
End User License Agreement
The license agreement may have specifications about:
- Where, when or how the items can be used
- Possibly only for specific projects
- Every license agreement may be different, depending on the item
- The artist or the company who owns it
The artist still owns the copyright, as long as the End User License Agreement is followed by the purchaser. The purchaser should read the End User License Agreement carefully and be sure they understand its allowable uses. Most licenses allow the buyer to use the items as they are, no changes can be made to the items, nor can the purchaser resell the items to someone else.
Watermarks
Some items have embedded watermarks that cannot be removed. The watermarks are included to protect the artist and the purchasers.
Royalty-Free become Stock Items
Many companies who need graphics and music of some type will purchase royalty-free items. These items become stock images, photos, music and so on. Stock items are used freely by anyone employed by that business. They are commonly stored on the network or CD's.
Find Items on the Web
You can find free royalty-free items by searching for them on the web. Free graphics also have an End User License Agreement or Terms of Use Agreement. Be sure you know which type you have before you use them.
Simply said
Royalty-free means all fees are paid at the time of the purchase, instead of every time the item is used, thus, for budgeting purposes, the item is much cheaper.
Posted by Sharon Koss
Congratulations on starting your own business! Now that you are self employed, you will need to keep some kind of records. Your budget may not include a lot of money for a computer and software to track your income, sales and other expenses, especially if you are not very computer savvy.
The Answer is Google Docs and Spreadsheets!
There is No Cost, Downloading or Installation
There currently is no cost for these services. No downloading or installing of software, therefore, the cost savings can be huge. Most basic newer computers will work with Google's software.
What are Google Docs and Spreadsheets?
Google Docs and Spreadsheets are a free online web-based virtual office. This may sound too good to be true, (and it does), it is true! Google has a word processor, a spreadsheet program, calendar, gmail (email), instant messaging, a photo editor, group forums to ask questions and find help, and more.
The Address
Google's address is http://www.google.com. You can access it from any internet connection, that is, in the world! There you will find your web-based virtual office with all of their free software. Any type of document or spreadsheet you create online, can be saved either online (using their storage), or on your hard drive.
The Process
- Create an account by entering your email address and a password.
- From the main Google page, click on "More", then click on "Even More", now scroll down a few rows, and on the right side of the screen, click on "Communicate, show & share," Docs & Spreadsheets.
- Follow the prompts.
Write Letters, Memos and Create Sales Materials
You can write letters and memos, create sales flyers and other sales materials. These web-based programs or virtual offices have much of the functionality that Microsoft or OpenOffice software programs have, and the process is similar.
Create Financial ReportsYou can create financial reports like income statements, balance sheets, budgets, cost analysis, inventory and keep a database. You can even create charts and graphs.
The Web-Based Virtual Office Concept
The concept of a web-based virtual office has been around for several years. Many books have been written about setting up and running a virtual office. In the near future, web-based software will be the main software used by small businesses.
Instead of purchasing your own copies of a word processors, spreadsheet program and any of the horizontal type of software, (software that any business can use), the user will purchase a web-based virtual office for many of their computer needs.
Related Information:
Posted by Sharon Koss
Photos are used almost everywhere today, and in many different types of crafts. Graphics can be printed on photo papers, transparencies, fabric,
Try creating a stepping stone from cement then glue a photo to it, then add words and other elements to your stone. Protect the photo with a piece of transparent plastic film made by Kittrich Corporation. The film can be found at craft stores. Cut the film the same size as the photo, spray one side with a non-yellowing spray glue, then attach the transparent film to the photo. When the glue and paint are completely dry, spray all sides of the stone with a clear protective spray. Three to four coats will work well.
Printed fabric can be used to create blankets and pillows, shirts and skirts, and almost any clothing. Wouldn't your family stand out if you created a family of tee-shirts that said "I'm the Mom", I'm the Dad", I'm the Son", and so on. When you create your own design, your imagination can go on forever.
Fabric for printing comes in white or black and can be purchased in craft stores and anywhere you buy printer paper.
Ideas:
Try printing baby clipart onto fabric, then create a baby blanket.
Decorate furniture – chairs, waste baskets, foot stools
Gloves, hats and scarves, or diaper bags and purses
Wall decorations
Pictures
Any picture that will be exposed to the elements should be protected with the transparent plastic film. Fabric photos should be ironed with the special paper that comes with the fabric.
Posted by Sharon Koss
Fonts originally were actual handwriting and the printing of someone. You can have your personal handwriting computerized and a font created from it.
There are many free fonts that they are created by computer gurus. Their fonts can be downloaded and used for either business or personal. A font doesn't have to be letters and numbers; they can also be a graphic. Windings and Webdings come with the Windows program.
Some Free Fun Fonts:
Candy Cane, DanceFloor eXit, Dark Crystal Outline, Halloween Symbols, Jokerman, KAPizza, Magician, PizzaDude Stars, Pussyfoot (for cat lovers), Smiley Font.
To find free fun fonts using your favorite search engine, type "Free Fonts", or type one of the names above. You may be surprised at how many hits your will get! Some good web sites for free fonts are: are: http://www.fontfreak.com/, and http://www.freefonts.com/.
Logo's and Show Fonts
Do you have a favorite TV show or movie? Want their Font? Click here.
Font Forum
Click here. In the font forum anyone can ask questions about finding, downloading and installing fonts.
Font Managers sort and categorize your fonts by type. Do you want to design your own? Just search the internet and you should find many font designers or font creators for free. If you want to purchase a program, there are many software programs that will do the job. The cost can start as low as $29 and go up into the hundreds of dollars. Why buy something if you can get it for free.
Working with fonts is fun and will keep you amused for hours! Get the entire family involved!
PS: Add some color and a font can look like your personal signature!
Posted by Sharon Koss
A software program can be very small with only one purpose, to a very large program with many sub-programs, or sub-routines. A sub-routine is a small program with one specific purpose. When a program executes, it follows its program line by line until it meets up with a new command to go to a different sub-routine, then it returns to the line it branched off from and then completes the initial instructions.
Software can be grouped by several broad purposes:
- Adware – free software supported by advertisers
- Freeware – free for personal use
- OEM – free for personal and business
- Public Domain – free but does not have a specific copyright license restrictions or owners
- Retail – any software that can be purchased
- Shareware – free for a short period of time then a purchase fee must be paid
- Spyware – software that sends information about the user back to the creator
Categories:- Audio/Video – records sounds and movies
- Browsers – surfing the internet
- Drivers – runs a peripheral device
- Graphics – clipart, draw and photos
- Publishing – create newsletters, flyers, and marketing materials
- Internet – web pages, web directories
- Network – connects computer peripherals together (hardware and software)
- Operating – connects the hardware and software
- Productivity/Business – office suites and business specific (membership, inventory, construction)
- Programming/Development – programming languages – C+, Java, Basic
- Server – coordinates the usage of different users, programs and peripherals
Each category has many different sub-categories:
- Operating – Windows, Linux
- Productivity/Business – Office Suites, Educational software
Each sub-category program has many others. An office suite has a word processor, spreadsheet, data base, presentation and graphics software.
Word Processing software includes sub-routines:
- Spelling and grammar checker
- Templates
- Formatting
- Inserting Graphics, text boxes, special characters and more
- Saving
Getting to know a software program and all of its sub-routines can be a daunting task. Think about each type, then category and finally the sub-routines.
Posted by Sharon Koss
Learning Microsoft Excel or any other spreadsheet software is a process. First, you should learn to identify many of the icons and toolbars, and the tasks they perform. The icons and toolbars have the same functions in many different programs.
The easiest program to start with is a word processor. After becoming familiar with any word processor, you can transfer the basic knowledge of the icons and toolbars not only to other word processors, but to many different programs and different software companies. Then you will be on your way to becoming a competent computer software user.
Getting Started
Start by studying the icons Know Your Icons When starting out, don't let yourself get frustrated from the amount of information there is to learn. Always remember: "It's only hard the first time". When you are comfortable with "Know your Icons", go to Excel Quick Start. This article will get you up to speed quickly and easily.
Next, go to Excel More Basics. When you finish studying "Excel More Basics, click on Elements of a Spreadsheet Now you will be ready to work with formulas and charts.
Excel can perform many more advanced tasks including: database, pivot tables, maps, what if scenarios, page protection, online collaboration, macros, conditional formatting, diagrams, create functions and more complicated math and statistical functions. Spreadsheets also have word processing features like page formatting, spelling and grammar checker. You can even write letters! There are also some customizable options.
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Posted by Sharon Koss
Portable Apps is free, Open Source software that works on any portable hardware; iPod, portable drives, USB flash drive and more. This is truly portable software. Take your bookmarks, settings, files and email with you anytime you are away from home, especially when traveling. Portable Apps has a complete set of software that most businesses need.
Portable Apps Suite Contains Software for the following:
- Games Graphics and Pictures
- Internet Music and Video
- Office Suite
- Operating System
- Utilities
- And more
If you do computer repair for business or your friends, there are many open source utility programs that work with Portable Apps. Now you can conveniently take your presentations and the software to run them, with you. No need to carry lots of bulky equipment with you. The only limit here is the amount of storage space on your portable drive.
Think of the Convenience:
You will have all of your favorite programs with you at all times.
- Antivirus
- Calendar
- Contacts
- Instant Messenger
- Office Suite and files
- Passwords
- Utilities
- Web browser and favorite bookmarks
Portable Apps Suite is free of spyware; there are no advertisements you have to read. This is not a trial version. It is however 100% free, and can be shared with anyone.
Anyone interested in free things from the web, will love this free software and combine these programs with other free things from the web.
Click here to get your free copy of Portable Apps. Just download, ex-tract and let your imagination be your guide!
Click here for other useful free things from the web.
Posted by Sharon Koss
Term You Need to Know
Events – An event is a type of training class that is gives the user more of an overview rather than specific in-formation.
Forums – Forums are online user groups that give users a chance to research questions or ask their own.
Memory – Memory is the temporary storage are where information it transferred to and manipulated. Think of it as a work surface.
Network – A network is a computer that has been dedicated to storing software, and all the tools users need to process information. Each computer and peripheral device is connected with a cable that transmits commands and information back and forth to the network.
On Demand – On Demand is a recorded training class that can be video, a PowerPoint type of presentation or text documents. Many On Demand training is interactive, meaning the user must click with the mouse to cause some action. These are great for people who work odd hours or cannot attend the live training classes.
Plug-ins – Plug-ins are smaller software programs with a specific purpose. It works with the main program and adds more functionality to the software. This could be anything from enhancing graphics to encryption or trans-lating a language.
Seminars – Seminars are a training class that lasts from several hours to a full day.
Storage – Storage is similar to a filing cabinet. This is where the software, information, plug-ins and so on are stored until needed.
Upgrade – Upgrade means add new software or hardware to improve the performance of a computer or soft-ware.
User Friendly – User friendly means exactly what it says. The user can use the item without much training. The software has many icons and tip balloons that guide the user making their computing experience easy.
User Groups – User groups are actual groups of people who meet on a regular basis to discus computer soft-ware issues. They are similar to a club.
User Guides – User guides are printed documents that have shortcuts and instructions that gives the user quick and basic information to work with a specific program.
Windows – Microsoft release the first version of Windows in 1983. Version 1.0 introduced the (GUI) Graphical User Interface which is what we use now. Prior to GUI, the user need to type the commands and information, which had to be spelled correctly or would get an error message. In 1990, Windows 3.0 war released and that's when the revolution began.
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Posted by Sharon Koss
Many people have their own words even though they all speak the same language. For example: accountants, computer gurus, lawyers, medical, military, police, religious people, teenagers, different industries and more.
Have you ever considered creating your own personal dictionary? A dictionary is nothing more than a list of alphabetical words, acronyms and abbreviations used to describe something. If you are a person who likes to write or does lots of typing, a personalized or business specific dictionary is the perfect thing to create for yourself and any other person in your field.
A dictionary is very easy to create, start by typing a list of the words, then alphabetize them. Select, Copy and Paste them into a Notepad document. This will remove all the formatting and the text will become plain text. Save your dictionary to C:/Documents and Settings/Your Name Directory/Application Data/Microsoft/Proof/Your new dictionary name.dic. You will see Microsoft's main dictionary "CUSTOM.DIC".
To Install Your Custom Dictionary:
- Open any Word document
- Click on TOOLS
- Click on OPTIONS
- Click on Spelling and Grammar
- Under Spelling, uncheck Suggest from main dictionary only
- Click on "Custom Dictionary"
- Click on "Add"
- Click on your dictionary
- Then click on OK, then OK again and Close
Adding words to the main dictionary will work also, but having one with your name on it will impress your colleges.
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Posted by Sharon Koss
Start by creating the basic form and saving it in the usual way. Turn on the Mail Merge Toolbar. Create a simple Data Source with only two or three fields. These fields will not be used but are necessary.
Click in the document where the first "Fill-In" will be, next click on "Insert Word Field", click in the Prompt box, type a one word prompt that will guide you on what to enter in the box that will pop up when you run the Mail Merge program, next, click on "Ask once" then click on OK.
Continue setting up these "Fill-In" fields until all the needed fields have been set up. Save the document several times while in production.
Next, run the Mail Merge program, each "Fill-In" field, will prompt you for information to key into the box.
This document can be used when you have a lot of the same type of information from many different sources.
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Posted by Sharon Koss
VoIP originated in 1995 when an Israeli computer guru invented the computer to computer hook up, all that was needed was a phone line, a modem, a sound card, speakers and a microphone. The sound quality was not the best at that time, but has now been greatly improved. Soon, Internet Phone Software programs were created.
To use VoIP, the caller talks into the microphone and the software converts the voice from analog to digital, then sends the digitized voice to the destination. VoIP works the same way as email. Each message is broken down into many individual packets. Each packet is numbered and contains the date, destination and place of origin, along with other information. The packets travel across the Internet separately, taking different roads and join up at the destination, where they are re-assembled.
In 1998 came the PC to phone, which still need a computer, then the phone to phone connection. You can purchase a PC phone and anyone can have VoIP. VoIP is easier now because of broadband. There is a smoother connection with broadband.
There are many free plans available. Skype has a free service that can be downloaded from it’s website. Click here for Skype. Skype also lets you chat with up to 100 people in a group.
Some other features to look for:
- Make conference calls with up to 9 people
- Make Video calls
- Group chats
For other services:
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Posted by Sharon Koss
Excel makes easy work of creating, estimating and tracking costs for one of the most important events in your life. Create a simple set of worksheets to track everything. The first worksheet lists all of the expenses, estimated costs, then the actual cost. The second worksheet could list the research, for example: the bands, foods you may serve or different types of flowers. Other sheets could lists the poses for the photographer, invitation lists or events during the reception.
Worksheet #1
Column A = List each category, B = Estimated Cost, C = Actual Cost. Total both cost columns.
- Categories could be:
- Centerpieces
- Clothing – dress, shoes, veil
- Decorations – streamers
- Florists
- Foods
- Gifts for brides maids and groomsmen
- Halls
- Honeymoon – hotel, plane fare
- Invitations
- Music – band or disk jockey
- Other – items that do not need a mane category
- Pictures
- Transportation – rent limo
Worksheet #2
Column A = List each category, then enter who, what, when, where and how.
Example: Hall List
- Contact person and phone number
- Name of hall
- Hours of your usage
- What time you can get into the hall to decorate
- Location
- How many people does it hold
- How much will it cost and the amount of the deposit
(Start each worksheet around row 6 or 7 to leave space for a heading and graphics. This is your record, so make it pretty.)
A basic Excel workbook will make planning your wedding much easier. A few columns, simple calculations and a little typing will bring everything together.
Posted by Sharon Koss
Start by planning your picture. What setting do you want to be miniaturized in? Do you want to be posed with your pet? Maybe you would like an outdoor scene or a photo on your dinner table.
With Photoshop, you can "Extract" yourself or any object from the picture. Objects can be combined to create a new picture. (It's all in your mind!) Adjust the size, rotation, color or location of the objects in your photo to create something fun.
Let's say you want to pose with you cat. Have someone take pictures of you with a very simple background, a plain wall works best. Try several fun poses, pretend you are 6 inches tall and your cat is 12 inches high. Pose as if you are reaching up and grooming him. Turn your back to the camera, spread your arms out as if you were going to hug someone, then turn your head backwards as if you were talking to someone behind you.
Take several pictures of your cat also with a plain background. Try a picture of the cat standing and turning his head towards the camera. You will probably need to coax him or bribe him to get him to pose the way you want him. A picture of you could be standing under the cat holding him up over your head like a weight lifter.
Suggested Poses:
- Relaxing in a bowl
- Hanging on the side of a glass on your table
- Your pet, or young child sitting on a spoon or in a wine glass
- Someone could be floating in the air with someone else's hands waving underneath
You are only limited by your imagination.
Many things have been made much smaller, cell phones, calculators and cars, so why not people?
Posted by Sharon Koss
There are three sections to think about which font to use. The sections are; # 1) the title of the award, # 4) the person's name and # 6) the business or company name. Section 2, could be a graphic of some kind. The other sections should all be smaller, italicized fonts, Times New Roman works well for these purposes. It is easy to read and can be any size needed.
Suggested Outline:
1. Title if award – Big letters and or a graphical font
2. Large graphical word – Award / Congratulations
3. Awarded to / Presented to - italic
4. First and last name – bolded simple font
5. Short text line - italic
6. From (person or business name) - simple font
Several good font combinations are:
Pristina and Lucida Calligraphy
Script MT Bold and Arial Narrow
Parchment and Century Gothic
French Script MT and Franklin Gothic Book
The goal of creating the perfect certificate is balance. The entire certificate should be centered both horizontally and vertically. After creating the initial design, step back and look at the overall set up. If something looks out of balance, it probably is. The size of text can be adjusted.
Font Sizes:
1 = 36
2 = 48 - 72
3 = 24
4 = 72 first letters of both names, and 48 other letters
5 = 24
6 = 34
Experiment with different fonts, the combinations are endless.
Related Links:
Posted by Sharon Koss
There are many pre-designed certificates tat come with a template. All you need to do is add your text and print. Certificates can be purchased at office supply store and anywhere you buy printer paper.
If you want more control over the certificate, it is very easy to start from scratch. Look for thinner card stock or thicker paper. While looking for paper keep in mind the color combinations and frames you want to use.
What you need:
- Frame
- Graphics – backgrounds, boarder and lines
- Paper
- Wording
Each certificate should have these sections:
- Title of award – Big letters and or a graphical font
- Large graphical word – Award / Congratulations
- Awarded to / Presented to - italic
- First and last name – bolded simple font
- Short text line - italic
- From (person or business name) - simple font
Layout. The entire certificate should be centered both vertically and horizontally. Start by inserting text boxes for each text item and word art depending on which software program you are using. Don't worry about placement until you have all the items on the screen.
Next, move the words "Awarded to:, to the center vertically and horizontally, then space the other items accordingly.
Graphics. Add a page boarder. Most software programs have many different types of boarders. You can change the colors and the width. You may also want to add a background image. This graphic should be almost a "washout", you should just be able to make out the design. It should also not be too busy, not have too many things going on in the picture. You can find many combinations of free graphics on the internet, these graphics can be used for personal or business as long as you will not be publishing them in book or on the internet.
Posted by Sharon Koss
My favorite catalog and online store is Paper Direct. Paper Direct has a huge selection of frames in many different color and styles.
Choose from acrylic certificate holders, matted frames, glass foating, leatherettes, leatherlite, card stock jackets, plaques, slide in frames, wood frames and economy frames. Their have a huge selection.
Paper Direct also has certificate kits. Their kits include certificate, certificate jacket, seals and ribbon.
You can also purchase personalized custom embossers, foil sheets that rub on color in many colors, embossed foil seals in gold and silver and template software.
The combinations are almost endless.
For more information about creating certificates:
Posted by Sharon Koss
Suggested Outline
- Title of Award
- Large Graphical Word
- Presented to:
- First and Last Name
- Short Text Tine
- From
- Line
- Page Boarder
- Background
- 1. Title
- WordArt
- Row 1, Column 3, Font=Pristina, 36
- Colors and Line, Fill=Gradient, 1=Teal, 2= Gray-80%, Diagonal Up
- Line - Green, Straight, .75
- Size - H=1.6, W=8.0
- Layout - H=Center Page, V=1.5 Page, In front of text
- 2. Award
- WordArt
- Row 3, Column 3, Font=Times New Roman, 36, Gray-80%
- Colors and Line, Green, Straight, W=1.5
- Size, H=1.25, W=4.25
- Layout, H=Center, Page, V=2.5 Page, In front of text
- 3. Presented to:
- Text Box
- Font -Times New Roman, 24, Italic, Gray-80%
- Size - H=.5, W=2.0
- Layout - H=Center, Page, V=2.5 Page
- 4. Person's Name
- Text Box
- Font=Lucida Calligraphy, 72 (first letters), 60, Teal, Shadow
- Size - H=1.5, W=8.0
- Layout - H=Center, Page V=4.0 P, In front of text
- 5. For (acheivement)
- Text Box
- Font - Times New Roman, 20, Italic, Gray-80%
- Size - H=.5 W=6.0
- Layout - In front of text
- 6. From
- Text Box
- Font - Times New Roman, 34, Gray-80%
- Size - H=1.25, W=5.25
- Layout - H=Center, V=5.75
- 7. Line
- AutoShape
- Line Color - Gray-80%
- Size - H=0, W=8.0
- Layout - H=Center, Page V=4.5, Page, Behind text
- 8. Page Boarder
- Page Boarder
- Color - Teal, Choose any boarder
- 9. Background
- AutoShape
- Square - made into a rectangle
- Colors - Fill with graphic, adjust color to washout or slightly darker, or leave empty
- Size - H=7.25, W=9.75
- Layout - H=Center
Posted by Sharon Koss
Royalty Free does not mean that the graphics are always free of cost; many sites have a paid subscription service. Some sites charge per photo.
The list below is free of cost, but many of them do require the user to sign up and give basic information about themselves. When using any royalty free graphic, the user must give the artist credit, and in some cases, the artist needs to be contacted to get permission before using their work.
Artists who create these images, usually have other pictures for sale. Some also take requests for specific images.
- http://www.bigfoto.com/
- http://creative.gettyimages.com/source/classes/FrameSet.aspx?&UQR=qvosbi&pk=4&source=front&lightboxView=1&txtSearch=computer%20software&chkRoyaltyFree=on&selImageType=7
- http://www.sxc.hu/
- http://www.animationfactory.com/en/#
- http://yotophoto.com/
- http://www.everystockphoto.com/
- http://www.royaltyfreemusic.com/music-news/free-photos-music.html
Posted by Sharon Koss
Gather information and photos or clip art about your hero. You may want to focus on a small section of their life or a time period they showed great courage.
Use your favorite word processor, Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, WordPerfect or Lotus Notes. Change the page orientation to landscape, after printing, the paper will be folded. The final page size will be 4.25 x 5.5. You will need several regular sheets of white paper and one sheet of card stock for the cover.
Cover: The front cover should have a picture of your hero and their name, and a short tidbit of information in italics or one of their favorite sayings. The inside front and back cover should be blank or have something very simple. The back outside cover should have a short message from you to your hero.
Inside Pages: Page 1 or odd numbered pages are always on the right side; even numbered pages are on the left.
Layout: Lets say you will have two pages of 8 ½ x 11 inch paper folded in half. Your pages should be laid out as follows:
- Sheet #1 pages 8, 1, 2 and 7
- Sheet #2 pages 4, 5, 6 and 3
Use a combination of text boxes, clipart and photos to tell your story. Keep each page to one idea. Highlight sections of text by indenting, italicizing, bolding or shading a sentence or short paragraph.
Assembly: Fold each page separately including the cover. Lay pages on top of each other according to page numbers. Turn the booklet over so that the inside pages are open and flat on the table. Place two staples in the inside fold so the straight part of the staple is on the outside of the booklet and the folded part of the staple is on the inside.
Suggestions Heroes:
- Martin Luther King
- Mother
- Father
- Teacher
- Friend
Posted by Sharon Koss
Heritage Family Tree Deluxe
This program uses Microsoft Windows and needs only minimal system requirements.
You can enter and organize your information according to families and individuals, print charts and report, scrapbook pages, calendars, custom reports, individual summaries and much more.
The software has multi media capabilities. You can create slide shows and load video and audio clips. It is compatible with GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communications) and PAF (Personal Ancestral File 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0.)
When starting Heritage Family Tree, it opens with one of three views, Pedigree, or Family and Name lists. Over-all, the program is easy to use for someone who is familiar with computers and software. Someone who has lit-tle computer experience may be overwhelmed at first because of all the features and information that can be entered.
Posted by Sharon Koss
No, it does not bore you to Sleep!
Many people would benefit from a short power nap in the afternoon when they are at work. This would help them to clear their mind, and relieve tension and stress. With the proper computer hardware and software, you can nap anywhere.
pzizz software 1.7 has an energizer module for short power naps. The way this software works is, it plays relaxing music that helps you to unwind and de-stress, then go into different sleep phases and wake up at a specific time.
The audio tracks consist of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP for short, and sound effects. This technology and software organizes elements in creative ways that matches your breathing and copies the rhythm of your brainwaves while you are in REM sleep. It plays these elements in the order you specify as you relax. You decide how long to nap or how long your music will play, the volume and the voices can also be adjusted.
You can download a free sample at www.pzizz.com. You might want to also try their other software that will pep you up.