Windows Vista is not yet being supported by NDSU. However, the time is drawing closer when Windows Vista will be available for use. When NDSU does start supporting Vista, how will this affect you? Start thinking about what you may need to address before Vista arrives.
NDSU is working to ensure its supported software runs correctly and reliably on Vista. Unfortunately, not all software runs successfully on Vista. If you are using any software outside of the NDSU-supported software, it is important that you contact the manufacturer or vendor prior to moving to Vista to ensure compatibility.
(AITAG) hardware baseline minimum standards to ensure that your computer can meet the minimum hardware requirements of Microsoft Vista:
If you are ordering a new computer that will be set up by ITS, order it with Windows Vista Business. (NDSU won't be supporting Vista Home.) While NDSU doesn't support Vista yet, our license allows us to downgrade Vista to Windows XP for no cost. This allows us to set up your computer with Windows XP for now, and once Vista is supported, you can upgrade back to Vista without it costing anything, if you so choose.
Please note that when NDSU starts supporting Vista, Windows XP will not go away. XP will continue to be fully supported until the next version of Windows is released and supported by NDSU.
Keeping text large improves the readability of your visual. Text should be 24 points or larger. If your text size has to be smaller to fit, go back and edit your visual.
* Shoot for 20 words or fewer per slide
* Take out sentences and replace them with key words
* Use well-stated headings, two to five words in length. Omit unnecessary phrases such as "Graph of" or "Percentage of."
* Avoid all capital letters for text. Not only does it make text harder to read and looks like you're shouting, it also takes up more visual space.
* Headings should be larger and bolder than subheads and body text.
And remember, the larger the room you will be presenting in, the larger your text needs to be.
Deb Tanner, (701) 231-7891, deb.tanner@ndsu.edu , and John Grindahl,
(701) 231-7898, john.grindahl@ndsu.edu
Web Design Tips: Content
When you're driving down the information highway, do you prefer fast food or a three-course meal? I've never witnessed anyone on the freeway eating soup, salad, spaghetti and meatballs, and blueberry pie. With that in mind, chunk your information into fast-food bite-size pieces that will not roll off the fork to be lost between the seats. Most users are looking for quick answers to questions or simple resolutions to problems.
Also, make your Web content legible. Use contrast (black text on white background), use sans-serif fonts, avoid all CAPS and definitely avoid flashing type.
If you can trim down your content and make it readable, each tender morsel you provide on the information highway will bring the user back to your drive-up window. Time to go get something to eat!
David Haasser, (701) 231-8620, david.haasser@ndsu.edu
Write the Right Word
Here are a few words that have been causing trouble for writers.
Anonymous/confidential -- They are not interchangeable. Anonymous refers to people and means someone's name is unknown or has been withheld.
Confidential refers to information or documents and means something is spoken, written or acted upon in strict privacy or in secret. The person who donated $10 million to the university wishes to remain anonymous. The letter was written anonymously. Your answers to the survey will be kept confidential. The City Commission's discussion on personnel matters is confidential.
Principal/principle -- Principal is someone or something first in rank, authority, importance or degree. Principle is a fundamental truth, law, doctrine or motivating force. Joe Smith is the principal investigator on the banded sunflower moth research project. Lack of education is the principal problem. The discussion turned into a debate about the candidates' principles.
Ellen Crawford, (701) 231-5391, ellen.crawford@ndsu.edu
Videoconference Scheduling
When planning a videoconference, be sure to secure the physical sites before you submit the Ag Consortium Scheduling Form. Ag Consortium rooms are used for office and public meetings in addition to videoconferences. You must make sure the room is available before scheduling the videoconference. Even if the scheduling software doesn't show another videoconference, the room may be being used for another purpose.
See http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/agcomm/videoconf/videoconferencing.html for a list of sites in the Ag Consortium and throughout the N.D. Interactive Video Network, the scheduling and change forms, and resources on how to carry out a quality videoconference.
Gail Hokenson, (701) 231-7881, gail.hokenson@ndsu.edu
Publications Update from the Distribution Center
The following new or revised publications are now available from the Distribution Center. See http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/.
Crop Production Guide 2008 -- This 575-page publication contains the information published in the Weed Control Guide, Disease Control Guide, Insect Control Guide, Soil Test Recommendations, 2007 Climatic Summary, variety trials and research reports. Cost is $10; $8 for orders of 10 or more.
A1331 Sunflower Production -- This long-awaited 119-page publication provides information for growers, seedsmen, processors, marketers and educators. The full-color book includes information about production data, hybrid selection, production practices, pest management, hail injury, herbicide drift and chemical residue, harvesting, drying and storage, feeding value, grades and standards, and other information sources. Cost $10 retail; $8 wholesale.
Some of the annual Variety Trial Results for 2007 and Selection Guide publications are now available. They are:
* A574 N.D. Hard Red Spring Wheat
* A1049 N.D. Barley, Oat, Rye and Flax
* A1067 N.D. Durum Wheat
* A1196 N.D. Hard Red Winter Wheat
AE1269 GPS Unit Fact Sheet (Revised) -- Global Positioning System units come in many models and price ranges. This four-page publication helps you decide what might meet your needs.
AE1344 Small-scale Biodiesel Production and Use -- This eight-page full- color publication explains what biodiesel is, how it's processed, quality factors, use in engines and the issues concerning cold weather, engine warranties, emissions and storage.
FN657 Safe and Healthy Eating During Pregnancy (Revised) -- This publication provides guidelines to avoid food-borne illnesses, including tips on grocery shopping, selecting sale foods, and steps to follow at home and when eating out.
Let's Communicate
Past issues and topics from Let's Communicate are at www.ag.ndsu.edu/agcomm/letscomm/letscomm.htm. If you have questions or comments, or would like to submit information or make a suggestion for Let's Communicate, please contact me.
Becky Koch, Director, Agriculture Communication Morrill 7, North Dakota State University Fargo, ND 58105-5655
Phone: 701 231-7875, Fax: 701 231-7044
Please note my new e-mail address: becky.koch@ndsu.edu
