IT-Digest: Vol. 8

December 15, 2005

This e-newsletter is intended to inform the USM community about technology related issues, events, updates and news.

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In This Issue

GroupWise 7 Tidbits

Many users have recently upgraded to GroupWise 7. Routine functionality didn't change much, but there are some enhancements that users may find useful. Some of these are described here.

  1. Quick Spell Check
  2. Multiple Calendars
  3. "Home View" Customization
  4. Inline Quotations
  5. Multiple Signatures
  6. HTML Messages
  7. Group Labels
  8. GroupWise Help

Compiled by Carol Sobczak, Microcomputer Operations Manager, IT User Services

1. Quick Spell Check

In past GroupWise versions, you had to manually check your spelling by consciously running the spell checker. The new Quick Spell Check feature corrects spelling as you type. The Quick Spell Checker also corrects the spelling of the subject line text. Similar to commonly used word-processing applications, GW7 will now mark "questionable" spelling with a red squiggly line under the word. Right-click on the word to see a list of suggested spellings. Click on the correct spelling to fix the word. The dictionary has the same limitations of other built-in dictionaries (i.e., Gorham is suggested as Gotham), but you can customize the word list when you right-click by selecting Add to Word List.

2. Multiple Calendars

You can create multiple calendars folders and view each separately or all at once on the main calendar. Each calendar you create can be assigned a different color so you can keep track of the items that belong to each calendar. For example, you can have a calendar folder for each of several projects. You post meetings and tasks for Project A on a calendar that has been color-coded blue; Project B meetings and tasks get posted on a calendar that has been color-coded green. When you view your main calendar, all of the calendar folders are blended into one view - "A" items display in blue, "B" items display in green.

3. "Home View" Customization

You can customize your GroupWise home page by defining certain panels that you would like to be displayed on your "Home" page. Panels let you quickly view and work with your GroupWise items. Just click in the appropriate panel to add, schedule, read, or review an item. The default settings for panels show your Calendars, Checklist, and Unread Items. To see details on any item in a panel, click the item. You may maximize each specific panel window by double-clicking on the title bar. Double-clicking again will return the panel to normal size. You can modify your panels by clicking the arrow located next to the title on each panel window. From the menu that opens, you can edit that specific panel, add new panels, or organize all the existing panels in one or two columns. If you choose to add a panel, you can add panels from a list of default panels or you can create a new panel. Watch for more information on the GroupWise How Do I pages.

4. Inline Quotations

Traditionally, when you reply to a message, the original text of the message is marked by placing a right-angle bracket (>) before the text. You can now choose to use this traditional symbol or choose another symbol, such as =, to set off your inline quotations. Go to Tools > Options > Environment > Default Actions. Choose Internet standard, change the symbol if desired, and click OK.

5. Multiple Signatures

Let's use that multiple project example again. You are the Project Coordinator for Project A and the Technical Specialist for Project B. When you send messages about Project A, you want your signature to reflect that title and related information; Project B message recipients should see your title for that project. Create multiple signatures and simply select the one that "fits" the current message. Go to Tools > Options > Environment > Signature > New. Name your new signature, then type the information you want included. Choose "Prompt before adding". When you send a message, the signature window will pop up, allowing you to choose from the pull-down list which signature you want included.

6. HTML Messages

When you receive an HTML image, GroupWise does not show the image by default for security purposes. Blocking the image helps to prevent against viruses and other malicious attacks through your email. You can, however, choose to display an image by clicking the message stating, "GroupWise has prevented images from displaying. Click here to display the image."

7. Group Labels

You can choose to organize your folders by date, sender, etc., and have them labeled as a group. Check it out: right-click on a folder, choose Properties > Display. Under Sort By, select from the list how you want these messages grouped — by name, by date, by subject, etc. — then click the box to Show Group Labels.

8. GroupWise Help

For a complete list of new features, or to get information or assistance on a specific feature, use the Help menu within Groupwise.

If you have any questions or IT problems, please contact the USM HelpDesk at 780-4029 or email helpdesk@usm.maine.edu.

Have questions that you'd like to see addressed in IT Digest? Let the HelpDesk know: 780-4029 or helpdesk@usm.maine.edu.

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