Presentation Ratio

PowerPoint files, and other presentation files, historically used a “Standard 4:3” proportion. University screens use a “Widescreen 16:9” ratio and “Standard” presentations will not use all the screen.Visualize the 4:3 image on top of the 16:9 screen – you will have empty side bars.

Existing files may be changed … in PowerPoint … click the Design tab, then the Slide size button. This may distort your images so they should be saved first and re-inserted, but it is worth the effort to present in full screen.

When creating from scratch, choose widescreen.

Of course, ratio is only one element of good design, other important concepts are font size, readability, creative graphics, very-limited text, et cetera – some folks are pretty good at this and some need help … ask if you need help.

Equation Editor Replacement

Microsoft removed Equation Editor (Equation 3.0) from the Office suite in late 2017 due to security vulnerabilities.  To create or edit equations, we recommend you install MathType Lite.

Actually, this installs the full version; after 30 days you will be prompted to buy a full license; we recommend you DENY the upgrade purchase and you will retain the LITE version which is exactly IDENTICAL to the Microsoft Equation Editor.

If you want/need the full version, an individual academic license is $57. MathType is approved to install by Baylor ITS.

Click To install MathType

Please use the comments to discuss with other users.

 

Microsoft Office 365 Changes

Many of us resist change, especially in our computer software. Microsoft is making a change this summer in how they deliver Office 365 updates to all Baylor “Windows” users with a process called “Click to Run“.  Once installed (scheduled for this summer), when Word or Excel or an Office 365 app is launched, it will check to see if there are updates; if so, they will download in the background and ask you to restart the application. You may continue to work on your file and save as usual; when you quit, the upgrade will be applied.

As MSFT adds or moves features, your system will be updated. Changed. This has pros and cons for us … the Help Desk will keep up-to-date of what is modified, call them (710-HELP) if these changes cause issues for you.

Use the “Leave a Reply” link (bubble icon) if you have questions, comments, suggestions. Apple Mac users are not impacted at this time. 🙂

 

Office 365 Free to BU

Q: A user asked if the Office suite is still available at the bookstore.

A: No, but Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus is now available at no cost to all current Baylor faculty, staff, and students. Login at  … portal.office.com … using your full Baylor email address and (BearID) password. Currently, users may load Office 365 to 5 computers and 5 mobile devices per account.O365 Log-in Button

For more information, enter “Office” in the ITS Search at www.baylor.edu/its