Desktop Publishing; PC Upgrades

These two programs offer good beginning advice for PC and desktop publishing enthusiasts. The first tape, Desktop Publishing, unfortunately claims to be able to do more than it actually does, in that 1) the narrator suggests that viewers will be printing useable documents in a matter of hours, and 2) the narrator claims that viewers will be shown how to create a one-page newsletter. Neither of these is really true--if the viewer is a total novice to DTP. However, the real plus of the program is that it explains the philosophy of DTP while also providing a survey of the necessary components (computer, printer, software). The differences between DTP and typesetting are covered, as well as an introduction to layout and design, choosing fonts, and importing graphics. The second program, PC Upgrades, gives viewers a hands-on demonstration of how to install computer upgrades. After a brief tour under the hood of a PC (this is for IBM's and compatibles), PC technician Chris Wilde demonstrates how to install: math co-processors, aboveboard memory, floppy disk drives, internal and external hard drives, modems, fax cards, and color upgrades. The first program is recommended because it gives viewers a taste of the power of DTP; the second is highly recommended because it's bound to save patrons some serious computing bucks. (Desktop Publishing is available from: All Micros Computer Training, P. O. Box 1088, Kent, WA 98035.) (PC Upgrades is available from: U.S. Micro Express, 1035 103rd Ave., Bellevue, WA 98004.)