I spent the better part of the weekend in computer repair work. I helped my pal in Virginia clean his computer of a nasty virus (we did it through long distance telephone, that was fun :-p). And then I had my own problems to fix. Last week, a lot of my software programs got “updates” and “upgrades.” I really, really wish software manufacturers would just STOP DOING THIS. I have my programs set in a special way, JUST the way I like it. I don’t want it changed or messed with! My Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Messenger programs were working so great… then came the upgrade. YUK! They got rid of the “Send/Receive” button, messed with the formatting… there’s no more “Enter” button for the IM chat window… GRR!!! I wish Microsoft would leave well enough alone. After doing a lot of searching for something that would help roll the upgrade back (which I didn’t find), I finally dumped Windows Live Mail and went back to the old Windows Mail. MUCH nicer– nicer-looking and easier to use.
Which reminds me– I recently tried Microsoft Office 1007. Yikes. It looks nice enough, but the interface is so difficult to operate. That “Ribbon” design is a thorn in a lot of computer users’ sides. I found a terrific “skin” program for the MS Office 07– it’s called “Classic Menu for Office 2007.” It includes Classic Style Menus and Toolbars for Word, Excel, PowerPoint 2007, and more. The interface is gorgeous. And isn’t it terrific to see the good old days of MS Office?! I love it.
Classic Menu for Office 2007 retains the look and feel of Office 2003 (the best Office version ever, IMHO), but functions just like Office 2007 and includes all the newer features of the 07 suite. Go here for more screenshots of the software– gorgeous!
Classic Menu for Office 2007 is selling for $30, but there’s a free trial if you want to test it out first. The software has gotten excellent ratings from Softpedia, the Files Dudes, and others. Check it out!
April 2, 2009 at 7:01 am
I turn off all update functions of the software – at least the automated updating, I will let them tell me that an update is available. I did not like MS Office 2007. I went with Open Office – it is polite in its update – a little icon lights up in the upper right corner of the menus – it tells you that an update is available and would you like to download it.