Microsoft
Free Font Converter
Wednesday, August 25 ,2010
Have an old font that's not working right? Maybe it's PC-only and you're on a Mac. Here's a free service to convert fonts –
FreeFontConverter.com allows you to quickly convert between many font formats without the hassle of installing any software on your computer. Our service works on any operating system including Windows, Mac and Linux. Our font converting service works for all of the common font formats including TrueType (.ttf), OpenType (.oft) and PostScript (.ps). We can also convert many of the less well known font formats including Suitcase (.suit) and Data Fork (.dfont) fonts.
Thanks to Rod Harlan for pointing this one out.
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How To Avoid Bad Powerpoint
Friday, July 23 ,2010
Seven Deadly Sins of PowerPoint
- Too few slides
2 Too many words
3 No ‘road signs’ (where are you going?)
4 Reliance on gimmicks (skip sound effects)
5 Ignoring design
6 Not rehearsing
7 Forgetting your audience
The Rules of Presentation Design
- Limit fonts used
• Use a heavy font
• Avoid stock templates
• 3-7 bullets per page
• A bullet is 2-5 words
• Readability test, (stand 15 feet away from the screen, can you read it easily)
• Design for the back of the room
• Create your own templates
• Use builds or simple animations to bring bullets on line by line
• Justification & capitalization (be consistent)
• Consider screen vs. print
• Use transparency
• Ease to change
• With multiple presenters, utilize a style guide and templates
Free Windows Media Encoder
Wednesday, July 21 ,2010
Windows Media Encoder is dead... In it's place is the Expression Encoder 4. There's a ton of new features, but the biggest for me is that it finally recognizes QuickTime files. If you are on a Mac, you'll need to run it under VMWare or BootCamp. But it's a free application (with a more advanced version for free). Be sure to check it out — http://www.microsoft.com/expression/products/Encoder4_Overview.aspx
The History of Comic Sans
Sunday, July 11 ,2010
This is a great short video about the history of Comic Sans and is told by the font's designer. It's really quite funny and he has a great sense of humor about it all.
And a little more followup.
Maybe I'll use it on a client project ;)
And a little more followup.
Maybe I'll use it on a client project ;)
New Documentary on PowerPoint in Production
Friday, November 13 ,2009
"Release Date: March 15, 2010 on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, & Comcast VOD
Distribution: Method Content LLC
Director’s Comment: I’ve done nearly 200 speeches in the last 3 years, and in every one, clients insisted I include a PowerPoint presentation. My film “Why Walmart Works” was about the scale and influence of Walmart, and I became fascinated with the scale of PowerPoint, which has an estimated 400 million users worldwide.
The documentary “Regarding Powerpoint” traces the origin of the program and its subsequent development. We’ll look at who uses the program for what purposes. The film will also address PowerPoint’s effect of cognitive development and syntax structure, i.e., is society beginning to think in outlines and bullet points, as opposed to to paragraphs? Does anybody give a speech without slides anymore? Will audiences listen to one?
Much as Walmart dominates physical distribution of goods, PowerPoint has come to dominate business expression and presentation. “Regarding Powerpoint” will attempt to put the program’s influence on business, education, and thinking into meaningful context."
Cats of Microsoft
Thursday, October 29 ,2009
In the truth is stranger than fiction category. I give your the Cats of Microsoft.
The URL only works on campus (it's an Intranet link).
Seems to be for a good cause... but I findly it very odd nonetheless.
The URL only works on campus (it's an Intranet link).
Seems to be for a good cause... but I findly it very odd nonetheless.
Insert Flash or YouTube into PowerPoint
Wednesday, October 14 ,2009
Here’s a preview of a useful tip on how to insert a Flash file or YouTube video into a PowerPoint slide.
Put Flash in a Presentation
Inserting Flash animations into a slideshow can significantly extend the animation abilities of PowerPoint. However, the task is NOT easy. In order to unlock this feature, you literally need to unlock the software. This feature is tricky, and if you are of the faint of heart.
Read More...
How to Wow with PowerPoint Free Samples and On Sale
Tuesday, October 13 ,2009
Here are a few samples to check out.
Photos & Graphics: Selecting & Preparing Images for Your Presentation
Download a Sample Chapter from this book.
Best Prize Ever
Tuesday, October 13 ,2009
So last night, I attended a sneak peak preview session on PowerPoint 2010. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and what new features are going to be useful to my clients. I also won a "sweet" door prize.
I am open to ideas on how to use this shirt.
Here's a sneak peek on some of the new transition animations. Looks like video support is finally getting its due as well.
Notes from PowerPoint Live
Tuesday, October 13 ,2009
As promised, here are my notes from the PowerPoint ive conference in Atlanta, GA.
- Tweeting, Friending, and Linking: Everything you have always wanted to know about social networking, but had no idea how or whom to ask. | PDF
- PowerPoint to Podcast: How to take advantage of this marriage of video and slide content | PDF
- Social Slides: Integrating your work with Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter | PDF
- PowerPoint's Flash Point: Making the journey | PDF
- For those looking to get in touch, visit my company's website.
Laugh at Bill & Steve – The Silicon Apartment
Wednesday, July 02 ,2008
What would happen if you locked Bill Gates and Steve Jobs in the same apartment (like Big Brother)? Well you get the risque comic strip – The Silicon Apartment (PG-13). The strip is really quite good and skewers both sides.
Interesting Story About Microsoft and Yahoo
Saturday, April 19 ,2008
Wacom Bamboo Fun is a Great Value
Friday, November 23 ,2007
The Bamboo comes in a standard version, simply called Bamboo, which is targeted towards Windows users who need signature abilities for their documents as well as a few other perks. The "Fun" version costs $20 more (unless you go for the larger one, then its $120 more).
The tablet has four programmable buttons as well as a touch wheel. It also comes with a full version of Adobe® Photoshop® Elements and Corel® Painter™ Essentials. What surprises me is that the tablet costs the same as buying Photoshop Elements as a stand-alone application. The tablet is a nice addition to a home workstation and would be a great entry point for a new tablet user.
Just Back from PowerPoint Live
Tuesday, October 30 ,2007
I just got back from the PowerPoint Live Conference in New Orleans. The show was a lot of fun and I got to meet some great folks who are trying to make PowerPoint more useful. Here are the materials from my sessions.
• Video in PowerPoint | PDF | PPT
• Putting Your Presentation on DVD | PDF | PPT
• Broadcast Graphics with PowerPoint | PDF | PPT
Adobe Premiere Elements and Photoshop Elements Released
Tuesday, September 25 ,2007
If you are a Windows user who likes to fix up their photos and video... then you should check out the new releases from Adobe. There are very solid releases with a lot of cool features. I created a few free tutorials on Premiere Elements (I love the YouTube publishing feature). You can check them out here and also learn more about Photoshop Elements.
New Tablets from Wacom
Tuesday, September 18 ,2007
Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
On the Subject of Type – Foundries!
Thursday, August 02 ,2007
Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
Windows and Mac Users Agree – Type is Good
Thursday, August 02 ,2007
Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
Dock Options
Wednesday, August 01 ,2007
Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
New Podcast Series on Microsoft Emerging Technology
Tuesday, July 31 ,2007
My company recently produced a new podcast series called OnMicrosoft (and yes, its about Microsoft). Here's the official blurb.
OnMicrosoft—Each week, we will talk to some of the IT Pro and Developer community's leading experts about a wide range of programming, systems, and software issues. Our interviews include talks with Microsoft’s Program Manager on the .NET Framework- Brad Abrams, Connected Systems Division Architect at Microsoft- Chris Anderson, Wintellect Co-Founder- Jeff Prosise, and Group Product Manager at Microsoft- Brian Goldfarb. With discussions on topics including ASP.NET AJAX, Silverlight, PowerShell WPF, Orcas and SharePoint, we have something for professionals working in every part of the industry.
You can check it out in iTunes by clicking here – Video Feed or Audio Feed.
OnMicrosoft—Each week, we will talk to some of the IT Pro and Developer community's leading experts about a wide range of programming, systems, and software issues. Our interviews include talks with Microsoft’s Program Manager on the .NET Framework- Brad Abrams, Connected Systems Division Architect at Microsoft- Chris Anderson, Wintellect Co-Founder- Jeff Prosise, and Group Product Manager at Microsoft- Brian Goldfarb. With discussions on topics including ASP.NET AJAX, Silverlight, PowerShell WPF, Orcas and SharePoint, we have something for professionals working in every part of the industry.
You can check it out in iTunes by clicking here – Video Feed or Audio Feed.
Producing Video and Animation for Multiformat Delivery
Tuesday, July 31 ,2007
Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
Cool Free Fonts
Saturday, July 07 ,2007
New Podcasts focusses On Software
Friday, June 29 ,2007
It was a proud day at RHED Pixel (my office). One of our new podcasts made the front page of iTunes. On Software focusses on how software is developed, and features interviews with the creative folks who design and program the tools we all love.
(It's not every day that you're grouped with a presidential candidate, CNN, and PBS)
OnSoftware—Each week, we will talk to some of the software industry's leading developers about a wide range of programming and development issues. Our interviews include talks with Java Puzzlers author Josh Bloch, C++ Inventor author Bjarne Stroustrup, and Java Concurrency in Practice author Brian Goetz to name just three. With discussions on topics ranging from the future of C++ and Concurrency and value driven software development to Design Patterns, Agile Estimating and Planning, Iterative Development, Generics, and language compatibility, we have something for technical professionals working in every part of the industry.
Is it technical... yup. But I still think you'll find it interesting.
(It's not every day that you're grouped with a presidential candidate, CNN, and PBS)
OnSoftware—Each week, we will talk to some of the software industry's leading developers about a wide range of programming and development issues. Our interviews include talks with Java Puzzlers author Josh Bloch, C++ Inventor author Bjarne Stroustrup, and Java Concurrency in Practice author Brian Goetz to name just three. With discussions on topics ranging from the future of C++ and Concurrency and value driven software development to Design Patterns, Agile Estimating and Planning, Iterative Development, Generics, and language compatibility, we have something for technical professionals working in every part of the industry.
Is it technical... yup. But I still think you'll find it interesting.
A New Windows Browser
Friday, June 15 ,2007
In case you missed it... Apple released a public beta of Safari 3.0 for both Mac AND WINDOWS! To be honest, I never saw that one coming... With great new features, its a worthy upgrade for both platforms. I've seen an occasional hang-up, but the program is faster and adds some great features.
Inline find – Search within a web page by pressing Cmd+F (Ctrl+F)
Resizable Text Fields – More room when working online
Improved Security – Shoo!
Pick up the tabs – Rearrange tabs with drag and drop ease
PDFs Control – Zoom, Save, or Send to a PDF app
Get the free download here.
Convert Your Fonts
Friday, June 08 ,2007
I just had a need to pull out TRANSTYPE SE. This useful utility comes in handy when working on a design project and getting client-provided materials? Oftentimes fonts come over (which is great), except they are for the wrong platform (which isn't so great). Instead of rushing out to buy the font again, you can usually convert it.
This shareware application converts Mac fonts to PC fonts, or vice versa. Simple in concept, clean in execution--this tool has been a lifesaver that has kept many a motion graphics project on track.
Free Chapter on Layout and Design
Wednesday, December 27 ,2006
I hope you all enjoy it, you can download direct or visit the resources page. If you'd like to order the book (it ships in a few weeks) click here.
How to Wow for PowerPoint is On the Presses
Wednesday, December 13 ,2006
I'm trying to get a sample chapter up this week. If you want to order it, put a pre-order into Amazon or directly at Peachpit. This way you'll get it first (heck we might even get the book out before Microsoft gets the software out).
The Real Reason for Windows Vista Delay
Sunday, October 22 ,2006
So I went to hear (and see the latest). But it seems that the Microsoft rep couldn't get the system to boot up using Windows Vista. The audience was good natured, but still after multiple reboots and attempts, it just wouldn't work). So, the unaltered photos you see here are what the audience got (at least the demo guy had a sense of humor).
So, has Vegas started taking odds on Apple vs. Windows as to who will get their operating system out the door first? What are your plans about Windows Vista?
5GB of Free Online Storage for PC Users (and Very Patient Mac Users)
Sunday, October 01 ,2006
“With your 5GB of secure online storage there's plenty of room to keep backup copies of digital photos, all your important documents, e-mail attachments, and other files — and still have space leftover for your music collection. It's the best way to keep computer crashes from becoming disasters. Think of it as hard drive insurance.”
In that vein, it gets even better. When I logged in, they upped it to 50 GB for free. They offer free software for Windows users that lets you mount the Xdrive as a volume on your desktop. But Mac users can still access the service through a slightly more clunky web interface.
A Universal Media Player
Monday, September 18 ,2006
Paralells Gets Even Better
Friday, September 15 ,2006
Long time readers will know that we are big fans of Parallels Desktop solution for running Windows on a Mac. No need for multiple partitions or rebooting, you can have both Operating Systems going at the same time. Plus you can install the optional Tools that allow you to copy and paste between systems and even access folders on your Mac. The good news... their trial is still available and a new update has been released.
Recent improvements include:
- Support for new quad-processor Mac Pro towers outfitted with up to 3.5GB of RAM
- Experimental support for Windows Vista
- An improved Parallels Tools package
- Better video output improvement and acceleration
- Added isochronous USB devices support (including WebCam devices)
- Keyboard support improvement: Eject CD key support and more
- Clipboard synchronization tool
- Sound playback and recording improvement
Microsoft Kills Virtual PC for Macintosh
Sunday, August 06 ,2006
At this time is corporate speak for never, in fact never ever. Recent competition from Parallels and VMWare have made the Windows on a Mac space a bit cluttered. Additionally, Microsoft alluded that rewriting Virtual PC to run on Intel Processors would mean having to essentially rewrite the program.
"The (Macintosh business unit) still recognizes that customers need access to Windows applications from their Intel-based Macs and feels confident that alternative solutions offered by Apple and other vendors, combined with a fully packaged retail copy of Windows will satisfy this need," the company said.
Anyone else find it ironic that Microsoft which started as a company that made Mac software, has decided that it is too difficult to get their software to run on Intel chips. Go figure. Guess they're too busy getting Vista out the door.
For more details, head over to CNET.
Get Your Sport on in Las Vegas
Tuesday, July 11 ,2006
Richard Harrington will be teaching three conference sessions as well as two free classes on the trade show floor.
It’s all About Covering Your Assets
Thursday, July 06 ,2006
Join Me in Discovering PowerPoint 2007
Sunday, July 02 ,2006
Take Our Monthly Survey – Hardware
Saturday, July 01 ,2006
Windows vs. Mac – the OS Showdown
Monday, June 05 ,2006
With a sense of humor firmly intact, New York Times columnist David Pogue reviews Microsoft Windows Vista. David takes a look at several of the new features in the latest version of Windows (set to ship next month). His mission... prove that “Microsoft did not steal ideas from Mac OS X.” Does he succeed? It all depends on your perspective so you'll want to judge for yourself. You can take a look at the quick video for free online.
Another way to run Windows on an Intel Mac
Saturday, June 03 ,2006
1. It requires you to not have your drive partitioned when starting the install. This doesn't work as I keep my laptops split into 2 or 3 partitions for media management purposes.
2. I really hate having to reboot.
3. Just cause I'm in windows doesn't mean I want to run another email client, give up access to my iCal, etc.
The solution? Its called Parallels Desktop. It functions just like Virtual PC did, allowing you to run windows in, well a window, or go full-screen. Why do I like it?
1. It's FAST. it uses hardware, not software emulation.
2. It's easy to install and tweak.
3. Windows is installed into a virtual machine... if things go 'bad' you can just trash the virtual machine or create a new one. Its just a disk image file.
4. Its affordable. During public beta its only $39. Later it'll go up to $79. (You do need to provide your own legal copy of windows - but it runs nearly all flavors of windows, not just XP).
Download and Evaluate Parallels Desktop Release Candidate 2 for Mac.