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Common Ground



Author: Nancy Akana
Date: March, 1994
Keywords: No Hands Software application review program document viewer viewing acrobat
Text: Common Ground is a program that allows one to transport documents from one computer to another, without concern for the creating document or fonts, and even across platforms, i.e. from Mac to IBM. While you cannot edit these documents directly, the program will allow you to copy text or graphics out into another application to edit it (If it is not recognized by the second computer, the original font will be replaced by a default font). Common Ground will also print at 300 dpi. You can attach sound to the document, or provide security to prevent people from viewing, editing or printing without the password. You may also include a mini-viewer with the document if you want to send it to someone who does not have Common Ground. This is a great program, and it does it's job well. We tried it!!! Initially, we had some problems, but it wasn't the fault of this software. When we experimented with Write Now, the computer would lock up. Great fun! We then tried using Word and found that it would start to print the Common Ground file. It would appear to print about a page and then drop out of Common Ground, telling us that the application didn't have enough memory. More Fun! Adjusting the Common Ground's memory did not help. It was time to call the hot line. Coincidentally, the person who answered was the same one who had sent the program to our club for review, and he just happened to have our newsletter right there beside him. He was extremely helpful. He got us going by having us increase the size of our word processor's memory. (We had a 1+ page document that needed about 2.5 megabytes - he was printing a twenty-seven page document with the same word processor while using only 700k). He was very concerned that we would need this additional memory, and found a computer just like the one we had, installed the same system and INITs and said that he was going to find out why our set up needed so much memory. He is experimenting now, and will get back to us concerning the cause of the problem. Once we increased the memory, the program worked without a hitch. We created documents using word processors and fonts not available on another computer. We also included graphics. Then we read them on the second computer. The first time we saw one of the documents - we were still on the hot line - it looked sharper than the original. We blurted it out. Our contact said that everyone says that, but that they are supposed to be the same. The program also has a feature I would like to see incorporated into all Mac word processors. It is a pop-up menu for changing pages. It lists each page of the document and also has a "Go to page #" option as the last choice. In addition, I liked the manual. I wish all manuals were as well organized as this one. It has a quick first chapter that explains everything you need to use the program. Later chapters go into greater detail for those who want or need it. It has a great table of contents, and a good index. Each chapter begins with a listing of all that is found in that chapter, and complex subjects begin with a similar listing of all items to be covered. These are followed by a thorough explanation. It is simple to understand. In Short: Program COMMON GROUND Published by: No Hands Software P.O. Box 60297 Palo Alto, CA 94306 (415) 321-7340 (415) 321-2209 fax Packaging:Packaged in a box with one 800k disk Directions: A very well written manual & On-line help Retail: $189.95 w/ 40 PostScript fonts Mac Connection: $99.00 w/ 40 PostScript fonts Instant Access CD $94.03 w/ 40 PostScript fonts Requirements: 68020 processor or higher System 6.0.5 or higher 800 k floppy drive Hard disk with 700 k free

Copyright © march, 1994 by Nancy Akana


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