Previous Columns by Jeff Van West

Jeff is the author of over a dozen books, CDs, and training curricula about computers, technology, and aviation. Titles include Microsoft Tablet PC Quick Reference (Microsoft Press, 2002) and Illustrator CS Hands-On-Training (Peachpit Press, 2004). His multimedia training programs are used in North America, Europe, Australia, and Japan. An advocate of what he terms "appropriate technology," Jeff focuses on applying the best solution to accomplish the task, rather than using cool features just because they're there. He can be reached at Van West Communications.

•	Experience Pack for Tablet PC: Fun toys and real tools Jeff Van West explains how to install the Experience Pack for Tablet PC and describes what each program does. (August 8, 2005)

•	How to use speech recognition profiles and dictionaries with a Tablet PC Columnist Jeff Van West explains how to use Tablet PC Input Panel to customize speech recognition profiles and user dictionaries. (May 12, 2005)

•	Tablet PC vs. laptop: How do you choose? Jeff Van West explains how to weigh two critical factors in making a decision between a Tablet PC and a laptop. (February 11, 2005)

•	Using Input Panel in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 Jeff Van West discusses the redesigned Tablet PC Input Panel and provides solutions for problems with Input Panel that people are discussing in the newsgroups. (October 21, 2004)

•	Brainstorming with OneNote Microsoft Press author Jeff Van West describes how OneNote works on a Tablet PC and how it differs from Windows Journal. (June 28, 2004)

•	"Lonestar:" Next version of Windows XP Tablet PC Microsoft Press author Jeff Van West describes the improvements in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2004, including a redesigned Tablet Input Panel and an improved handwriting recognition engine. (April 15, 2004)

•	Microsoft InkBall and PowerToys for Tablet PC Jeff explains techniques for playing InkBall and introduces two of his favorite Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP Tablet PC Edition: New York Times Crossword Puzzle on MSNBC and Microsoft Tablet Pool. (July 15, 2003)

•	Write anywhere Jeff has tips that help you work with Write Anywhere successfully. Learn how to activate, use, and set preferences for this Input Panel feature. (July 15, 2003)

•	Take your files offline with Tablet PC Jeff explains how to set up offline files, synchronize files, and how to make Web pages available for offline use on a Tablet PC. He includes a section on how to create a travel document in Windows Journal based on offline Web pages. (May 28, 2003)

•	Customize Windows XP for Power Tablet use Jeff customizes the desktop settings on his Tablet PC so it's more comfortable and efficient to use. Find out how to make changes to the Start menu, taskbar, icons, visual effects, screen orientation, and digital pen settings. (May 28, 2003)

•	Using ink in Microsoft Word Jeff uses a Tablet PC to insert ink into Word 2002 documents and compares that to using Office XP Pack for Tablet PC. He also covers the new built-in ink tools included in Word 2003 Beta. (May 28, 2003)

•	Using Tablet PC: Handwriting recognition 101 Jeff gives an overview of how handwriting recognition in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition works, provides tips on getting it to work better, and explains how to get the best results from the writing pad in Input Panel. (May 28, 2003)

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