In last month's column regarding Mozilla, I happened to mention that I was still using version 3.0 of the Adobe Acrobat reader for OS/2, which as we all know is dreadfully behind the times. Learning of this, a reader suggested I download the OS/2 Kit for Acrobat Reader v4.05 (about 8mb) from Innotek. The latest version came out on July 29th of this year and consists of an integrated toolset to allow deploying the original Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.05 and future versions (once supported by InnoTek with the OS/2 Kit) for the Microsoft Windows platform on the OS/2 platform. I downloaded the software and read the installation instructions before actually using it. Good thing I did too, there is a little note in the instructions that reads, "In addition, to add streaming PDF support to your web browser, you have to copy the file nparos2.dll from the installation target directory to the "plugins" directory of your browser. The plugin has been designed to work with any version of Mozilla, IBM Web Browser for OS/2 and even Netscape for OS/2." If you read a lot of PDF files, as I do, you will want to get this download. The installation ran smoothly and I have had no trouble reading PDF files ever since. Try it, you'll like it. OPEN OFFICE There has been a lot of interest in our Discussion Group regarding OpenOffice.org, an "open source" effort to build a cross-platform Office Suite of products, which I believe ultimately traces its roots back to our old friend, Star Office. According to the web page, OpenOffice includes the following components: WRITER Is a powerful tool for creating professional documents, reports, newsletters, and brochures. You can easily integrate images and charts in documents, create everything from business letters to complete books with professional layouts, as well as create and publish Web content. CALC is a feature-packed spreadsheet which can turn boring numbers into eye-catching information. Calculate, analyse, and visually communicate your data quickly and easily. Use advanced spreadsheet functions and decision-making tools to perform sophisticated data analysis. Use built-in charting tools to generate impressive 2D and 3D charts. IMPRESS is the fastest, most powerful way to create effective multimedia presentations. Your presentations will truly stand out with special effects, animation and high-impact drawing tools. DRAW will produce everything from simple diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations and special effects. The Database User Tools give you all the tools you need for day to day database work in a simple spreadsheet-like form. They support dBASE databases for simple applications, or any ODBC or JDBC compliant database for industrial strength database work.
v1.1 of the product is available in a variety of native languages
and operating platforms, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, Sun Solaris,
and Mac OS X. But what about OS/2? There is nothing at their site yet,
but the scuttlebutt is that they are starting to work on it which is very
good news. This bears watching, so stay tuned.
Keep the Faith! |
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