Help Desk

• How to Get Help
  • When & Where is Help Available?
  • Self-Help Clinics
  • Report a Problem
• What Do We Support?
  • Software Standards
  • Hardware Standards
• Tips & Documentation
  • Accessibility
  • Backup Tips
  • Cable Info
  • Safe Computing
    • Disinfect & Protect
    • Password Security
    • Email Safety
    • What to Watch Out for On the Web
    • Beware of File Sharing
    • Phishing
  • Email Tips
    • Quota Management
    • Set Up Email Software to Access Simmons Account
    • Simmons Antispam Filter
    • Simmons Mailing Lists
    • Thunderbird FAQ
    • Webmail
  • File Server Tips
  • Mac OS Tips
  • Meeting Maker
  • Network
  • Personal Web Publishing
  • Phone & Voice Mail
  • Printing
    • Saving Paper (and Money)
    • Printing FAQ
    • Printers: technical info
  • Remote.simmons.edu Guide
  • Usernames & Passwords
  • Windows Tips
  • Wireless Info

OS X Leopard & Office 2008: Resources

For those of you on the yellow brick road: Dorothy didn't get through Oz all by herself, and neither should you! "Paws" here with Lion, to gather your courage through the resources on this page. Be brave, in the end, Windows Vista/Office 2007 will feel like home. For more information about Leopard and Vista and Office — Oh My, click the ruby mouse.

Technology at Simmons College suggests you take advantage of resources such as those listed here to prepare yourself for the latest version of Mac OS X Leopard (a.k.a. OS X 10.5), and for Office 2008, both of which will be on all general access, lab, and classroom computers starting in Fall 2008. Even if you are already using either product, you will find tools here that will make you more productive.

The Office 2008 suite includes Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. The "professional" version also includes Entourage.

For general information, also see Mac OS X (especially Leopard), Office 2008, and Me.

How do you like to learn?

1. I like to read works on paper (not so much on-screen)
2. I have Leopard or Office 2008: where is the built-in help?
3. I like to take classes in-person, on-campus
4. I like to watch presentations and demonstrations
5. I like to "play" with the tools
6. I like to surf my way around

1. I like to read works on paper (not so much on-screen)
   Unfortunately for those who like to read the printed page rather than on-screen, there is not as much print-able documentation as there used to be. We are looking for suitable PDFs (if you find any, tell us!). In the meantime, check your local bookstore. Different books suit different tastes, but several Technology staff members have found the Peachpit Press "Visual QuickStart Guide" series brief, well-illustrated, and to the point.
   
   • Macintosh OS X 10.5: Welcome to Leopard is an 81 page PDF. Please do not print the entire file: if you have used a Mac before, you will probably find many of the chapters irrelevant.
2. I have Leopard or Office 2008: where is the built-in help?
   The help built into both Leopard and Office 2008 are easy to use, and chock full of information that includes text and images.
   • For Leopard help, go to the Finder (e.g. click the Finder icon in the Dock), and from the Help menu, choose Mac Help. In the Mac Help dialog box, you can ask a question, or click What's New in Leopard?
   • For help within any Mac application, click the Help menu (generally, the right-most menu) and search or choose a topic.
   • Within the Office applications, you can instead click the purple encircled question mark that says "Help" under it.
     In the Word Help window, you can ask a question, or pick from one of the "popular topics" listed. For more topics, click Topics on the Word Help toolbar.
     
3. I like to take classes in-person, on-campus
   In person training will be available through the Pottruck Technology Resource Center. Check the online schedule, or contact the PTRC (617-521-2736) to inquire about upcoming classes.
4. I like to watch presentations and demonstrations
   • Go to the Leopard Guided Tour and watch the movie.
   • Apple's Find out how includes several video tutorials.
   • Microsoft's Mactopia Office 2008 page starts off with a short visual overview
5. I like to "play" with the tools
   
   • If you haven't yet seen the Leopard OS or Office 2008: take a test drive! There is a "sneak peek" station on the 1st floor of the Beatley Library Information Commons, just across from the Technology Desk. GSLIS faculty, staff, and students can see Vista/Office 2007 at a station in the GSLIS Lab.
   • Faculty and staff are also encouraged to test the compatibility of their software with Leopard and Office 2008. Schedule a time with the Help Desk at 617-521-2222 or email.
6. I like to surf my way around
   Since you like to surf, you have probably already found useful links elsewhere on this page! Here are a few more.
   • MacWorld's review of Office 2008 may be the quickest way to take a look at the new features.
     
   • Microsoft's Mactopia Help and How-to for Office 2008 includes tutorials, links to their forums, and top support issues.
   • Apple's Find out how page includes video and text-based tutorials about Mac OS X Leopard, photos, movies, web, music, and iWork.
   • If you need help with your Mac, Leopard, or other Apple software or hardware, checkout Quick Assist.