The case of the flickering pixels; software makers are hot on the trail of computer text that won't make you squint

Article Abstract:

Since computer displays offering the same level of clarity as paper are some years away from the mass market, software companies are refining typeface software. These efforts are focussed on L.C.D. screens, which are made of pixels that can be individually manipulated. Dots per inch are roughly equivalent to pixels as a measure of clarity. A laser printer generates 600 d.p.i.; experimental L.C.D.'s approach only 200 pixels per inch. But making type appear clearer can close this gap. Two technologies just coming to market are subpixel rendering, which uses fractions of pixels to smooth type edges, and anti-aliasing, which achieves a similar effect by greying pixels along letter's edges.

author: Austen, Ian
Statistical Data Included, Display devices (Electronics), Design and construction, Technology overview, Technology application, Graphics software, Type design, Information display systems, Text processing software, Ductus Inc.

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For Mac users, help from an unlikely quarter

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp. has set up a new unit of the company, specifically formed to create new software for Apple Macintosh users, instead of just adapting Windows programs. Microsoft's new Office 2001 software for Mac users promises improved compatibility with Windows Office 2000 and boasts a feature called Entourage, a management system for e-mail and personal-information which can be integrated with current Mac Office programs and synchronized with Palm hand-held organizers.

author: Biersdorfer, J.D.
Computer Software, Software Publishers, Software, Software product development

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An Ambitious Package To Raise Productivity (And Microsoft's Profit)

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corporation is working on transforming it's business software package Microsoft Office in order to reverse slowing growth and sales at the company.

author: Lohr, Steve
Marketing procedures, Marketing, Company marketing practices, Microsoft Office (Business application suite)

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subjects list: United States, Computer software industry, Software industry, Product development, Microsoft Corp., MSFT
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