The word is out on campus. Many of the computer labs on campus have upgraded to the newest version of software applications. The reality in computers and technology is that the only constant is change. You may have asked yourself the question, "How are these changes going to affect me"? Numerous compatibility issues result from these software version changes.
For the majority of non-lab users the transition is necessitated by getting a new computer. Those making the change, and those who haven't yet made the change, need to be aware of the interface with different versions. There is a wealth of information out there to help you sort things out. It may take time to weed through the info to get the specific answer you need.
I have provided some links that should help you sort things out:
Version Comparison: What's New for You should give you some insight to the options when upgrading within the Microsoft Office program family.
WordPerfect® Office 2002 - Corel Corporation should give you some pertinent information about the latest version of WordPerfect 10 (2002).
Just because there is a new version out doesn't mean that you have to abandon your current version. You might want to consider what other programs you use that could be affected by a version change. For example: Not all Anti-virus software treats individual program applications the same. Norton Anti-virus seems more compatible with the new Corel products than McAfee. You may need to contact the vendor to find out specific information concerning compatibility.
Another very useful tool to help you with the Microsoft Office Suite is to go into the Help files and search "Compatibility". If you have Office XP the easiest way is to use the new "Ask a Question" box. The result should give you plenty of advice and practical examples.
If you have an older version you can go to the Microsoft Website http://www.microsoft.com. Also you can search the help files using either the Office Assistant or one of the three Search tabs, in the Help window.
For Windows concerns the below information should help:
Getting older programs to run on Windows XP
Most programs run properly on Windows XP. The exceptions are some older games and other programs that were written specifically for an earlier version of Windows. To run your program on Windows XP, try the following:
1. Run the Program Compatibility Wizard. As an alternative, you can set the compatibility properties manually.
2. Update your program, drivers, or hardware.
These options are covered in detail below.
The Program Compatibility Wizard
This wizard prompts you to test your program in different modes (environments) and with various settings. For example, if the program was originally designed to run on Windows 95, set the compatibility mode to Windows 95 and try running your program again. If successful, the program will start in that mode each time. The wizard also allows you to try different settings, such as switching the display to 256 colors and the screen resolution to 640 x 480 pixels.
If compatibility problems prevent you from installing a program on Windows XP, run the Program Compatibility Wizard on the setup file for the program. The file may be called Setup.exe or something similar, and is probably located on the Installation disc for the program.
To run the Program Compatibility Wizard
1. Start the Program Compatibility Wizard.
2. Follow the instructions in the wizard.
Note
• To start the Program Compatibility Wizard, click Start, click Help and Support, click Find compatible hardware and software for Windows XP, and then, under See Also in the navigation pane, click Program Compatibility Wizard.
Set the compatibility properties manually
As an alternative to running the Program Compatibility Wizard, you can set the compatibility properties for a program manually. The settings are the same as the options in the Program Compatibility Wizard.
To set the compatibility properties for a program manually
1. Right-click the program icon on your desktop or the shortcut on the Start menu for the program you want to run, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Compatibility tab, and change the compatibility settings for your program.
Notes
• The Compatibility tab is only available for programs installed on your hard drive. Although you can run the Program Compatibility Wizard on programs or setup files on a CD-ROM or floppy disk, your changes will not remain in effect after you close the program.
• For more information about an option on the Compatibility tab, right-click the option and then click "What's This".
Update your program or drivers
If your program does not run correctly after testing it with the Program Compatibility Wizard, check the Web for updates or other fixes, such as:
• Check the Web site of the program's manufacturer to see if an update or patch is available.
• Check Windows Update to see if a fix is available for the program. Click Home on the menu bar of Help and Support Center, then click Windows Update in the right pane.