Actual RIAA Papers and what they show
With so many voices trying to tell you what is happening in the music download
controversy, it's no wonder so many people are confused. I found samples of
the actual documents that the RIAA is using to sue the alleged copyright infringers
who download music and the people with whom they settle their cases. And I've
posted the links at MegabyteMinute.com. I took a close look at the documents.
Here's what I
found...
If you read my newspaper column last week, you know that I think the amnesty
program being offered by the RIAA has a lot to be desired - even if you think
it covers you. Now a lawyer in California has stepped forward to sue the
RIAA, on the grounds that the "Clean Slate" amnesty program is
false and deceptive. I have links to the Clean Slate documents too.
See what
you think...
Outlook 2003 Interface
The new Outlook
2003 has some very nice enhancements; some of which take some getting used
to. If you plan to upgrade to Office 2003, get ready for a shock.
For instance, Microsoft has redesigned the basic look and feel. Yes, it is
still broken into several panes; one to navigate, for your your lists, and
one for viewing the details of each item - just like the folder list (or Outlook
Bar), list pane, and preview pane of previous versions. The preview pane is
now called the reading pane. It's more flexible as you can place it on the
side, bottom or top of your screen. (Screen captures here) The Outlook Bar
and folder list have been merged into one unit, which behaves very differently
than its predecessors. I've been using it for several months, have found some
very welcome advantages, but still miss capabilities of the older version.
For instance, the new Navigation Pane, as it is called, only takes up one column on the left hand side of your screen giving you more screen real estate to use for your messages, calendar, and tasks. It also allows you to create a short cut list to your own favorite folders very easily. Those favorites are at the top of the Navigation Pane, while the folder list shows up below it. So you have the best of both worlds. Then, on the far bottom, you can select what types of folders to make visible in the Navigation Pane. So your mail folders don't obscure your contact folders in the folder list; your contact folders don't clutter up your screen when you want only mail folders. In many ways, it creates an easier working screen.
But in those strengths lie a couple weaknesses. First, you can't create groups of folders of your own liking - groups with materials that relate to one another, for instance. This is a step backwards for people who are project oriented. I'll use my own business as an example here. I host the radio show, do consulting, and operate Spam Slicer. In each case, I have multiple folders in use. In the older versions of Outlook, I created separate groups for each one, so I can easily find the proper Outlook folders when working on a particular project. I have not yet been able to figure out how to do the same thing with Outlook 2003. (All indications are that it is not possible.)
Similarly, the new Outlook 2003 configuration takes you an extra click away from folders of different types. If you're working with mail and need to look up something in a contact record or view a task, you always have to click to that grouping before clicking on the required folder. This extra step would not be necessary if the new product gave you the capability of creating your own multi-type folder groups instead of only using Microsoft's suggested groupings.
All-in-all, the new navigation bar is a nice improvement. But it will take some getting used to not using those couple nice features that Microsoft took away. Let's put them on our wish list for the next version.
See the screen shots
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MEGABYTE MINUTE TIP LETTER
Issue 1803mbm
Monday, September 29, 2003
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