|
HOME |
|
Calendar |
|
Join / Renew |
|
PC Alamode |
|
About Us |
|
HELP |
|
Sponsors |
|
|
|
Reviews |
|
Columns |
|
Features |
|
Theme Issues |
|
Archives |
|
Other |
|
||
CorelDRAW-Essentials
| Richard Villafana is a local Family Practice physician who enjoys computers and computer gaming as a hobby. |
From the May, 2002 issue of PC Alamode Magazine
|
CorelDRAW-Essentials is an abbreviated version of the well known graphics program Corel Graphics Suite. Essentials primarily contains the programs CorelDRAW Version 9.0 and Corel PHOTO-PAINT 9.0. CorelDRAW is a vector based drawing program to create greeting cards, brochures, calendars, newsletters, business cards, and various other desktop publishing items. Corel PHOTO-PAINT is a bitmap based photo and graphics manipulation program. PHOTO-PAINT is fully integrated into DRAW so that the user can illustrate his or her text based creation. This was my first experience with this program and with the exception of a few small annoyances, the program achieved all the features described on its packaging.
The standard installation included both DRAW and PHOTO-PAINT as well as Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 and Quick Time for Windows 5.0. There were multiple other “bells whistles” available to enhance the programs and the user may add them under a custom installation option. Minimum system requirements are Windows 98, ME, 2000, NT 4.0, or XP; Pentium 133 processor (optimized for Pentium 4); 32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended); 200 MB of hard disk space (300 MB recommended); 2X CD-ROM (32X recommended); SVGA monitor (1024 x 760 resolution recommended); and a mouse or a tablet although a tablet makes the job much more easy and precise. I had no trouble installing it on my Pentium III 733MHz, 384 MB RAM, XP system and after using the programs I would recommend that the user should exceed the minimum requirements for ease and speed of operation. The programs themselves have a fairly steep learning curve, but the manuals and online tutorials can guide you through creating a professional looking product. One gripe against the manuals, there are simply not enough illustrations available in the manual that refer to on-screen processes. Support is excellent with multiple web sites, newsgroups, telephone numbers (both in U.S. and Canada), fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and regular mail addresses all listed in the owner’s manual. I had only one problem in opening a file with DRAW, but the problem was quickly solved after searching the support Web site, and then the Corel newsgroup. As for the programs themselves, they contain most, if not all of the features found in most of the comparable program suites such as Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Elements. Once comfortable in identifying the toolbar icons, the programs are fairly user friendly and intuitive. I liked the programs’ extensive step-by-step manuals and tutorials, but was a little disappointed in the lack of illustrations available, as I previously mentioned. Over-all, I would have no trouble recommending this suite to any user interested in beginning graphics manipulation and or, desktop publishing. A word of warning, if you are a neo-phyle to desktop publishing be prepared for a lot of trial and error. That said, this graphics suite is a good place to both start and expand your experience. CorelDRAW-Essentials is available locally at Comp USA for $69.95. I was unable to find the software at Best Buy or Office Max. The suggested manufacturer’s retail price is $79.00 and is available at this price, plus shipping if applicable, at the company’s web site. Payment methods include American Express, VISA, and Mastercard. I was not able to find a phone number to order the product directly, but the North American toll-free Customer Service Line is 1-800-772-6735 from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P. M. (EST) Monday through Friday and 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Saturday. Corel’s Corporate address is : Corel Corporation
|
Alamo PC Organization, Inc.
San Antonio, TX USA