BUM BUM!...... BUM BUM!
BUM BUM! ......*Episode 1 Dual of the fates* (Star Wars Music)
The ancient battle between Window's & Mac users: How to convert the files between the two?
There are a couple ways depending on versions used.:
As of Pages '09 (version number 4.0) pages is able to export not save its files in a .doc format (compatible with word). Pages at its present iteration even can read .docx & .doc already.
This is a simple process. From pages ( "->" means "select and click")
>File -> Export
On the mac user's side, were done.
However, if your partner in a paper has not done this OR you somehow have an archaic version of Word and/or Pages, you may still be at a loss.
Lets go to my friend and yours: Google
Either sign into your Gmail account or go directly to docs.google.com. Its a free service you have when you signed up for your free Gmail account. This one also works with your ses.plts.edu email.
Now your going to click the button next to create. The one that looks like a hard drive with an arrow on top
Click on "files..." and select the file you want to convert.
make sure that box labeled "Convert documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and drawings to the corresponding Google Docs format" is ticked.
then Go ahead and click the red "Docs" that is above create and under Google. This will take you back to the master list of documents.
Now from that list either look for or Search in the bar above for your newly upload document.
If you want to check and format it (or if the following doesn't work) click on Google Docs click on the document, if your going to do that in Word.
Otherwise right click on the document and choose "Download..." (side note: the "..." always means that there are more options. So if your afraid it will download automatically you don't have to worry.)
The "Covert and Download" screen will open. It will show the document, but it will be named by type (spreadsheet / document / etc.). In the drop down menu to the right select Microsoft Word, if on Linux select open document format.
Click download and your browser (safari/firefox/chrome/internet explorer/opera) will prompt you for a download. Click yes/keep/save or whichever will put it on your hard drive.
Then open it up in your word processor to touch up the formatting and print! That's it! Take that corporate fiends trying to keep us from working together!
That is the only one that matters really. If you think this is nonsense to with the folder filled with incompatible documents you have then you can turn off "Confirm settings before each upload."
You can also do this by folder. I do this all time to save my syllabi and papers. Google docs has enough storage to save all your current class files. It also works with power points and excel spreadsheets.
Word of Warning: The formatting will always be different after this process, double check it, especially with spreadsheets.
Rants: Calling someone a PC user is like calling someone Asian. There are so many types of different Personal Computers, of which a Macintosh is included in that category. Just like there are many different cultures in Asia. My computer runs Windows 7, Leopard OSX, Ubuntu (Gnu-Linux) 10.04. Yet I am lumped into a PC user and made fun of for spotty design, when Linux the most stable operating system used in servers all across the country.
Next Time On Tech-Min: I continue the streamline series with info about the great application Dropbox and maybe info about Google Docs collaborative features.
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