academhack

Occasionally when I write about word processors someone will ask about using LaTeX (that’s LaTeX, not latex . . . totally different things). LaTex is the hardcore version of Word Processing. I most often find it used by those in the sciences as it is much easier to type equations and formulas in LaTex. (Technically […]

Quick note to say that for those who are Mac users and looking for a Word Processor that doesn’t suck (yes MS Word I am talking about you), Maczot is selling Mellel at a discounted price. Mellel is by far my favorite word processor, a program designed specifically for the ways academics write. Normally $35 […]

If you want to convert a Microsoft Word document into an HTML document that makes sense, follow the suggestions on this tutorial. (I know Microsoft Word lets you do this automatically, but the HTML is produces is at best questionable, and usually horrendous.) The methods in this tutorial are much better, and worth the effort […]

I am currently working on a longish post about using Twitter in academia, but in the meantime I have collected some useful links to peruse.

First up Big Think. Think of YouTube for ideas. The polish on this site is nice, and it seems to be off to a good start with some rather substantial names […]

Looking for a Word Processor? Zaine Ridling at Donation Coder has written a thorough review, and by thorough I mean over 15,000 words, covering various word processors. Not only does he review major and minor desktop word processors, but he also has a rundown of online ones. With each Word Processor he presents […]

The Read Write Web, one of those top quality blogs, has a rundown on Web Applications for Students. This list is long, thorough, and sorted well. The article goes thru replacements for office, notetaking apps, mindmapping apps, useful sites for studying, and so much more. And, the best part the article starts […]

One of the programs I use so frequently that I forget how useful it is, is TextExpander. There are many programs that do the same thing: RapidoWrite, TypeIt4me, or on the PC TypePilot.
Way to many uses for these types of programs to go into here, but just one example. I type many words that […]

I was talking with a faculty member the other day who was complaining about being sent a .pdf, as he was unable to “edit” it in any way, he wanted the more friendly Microsoft Word document. (If you don’t know what a .pdf is click here, most of the “professional” documents you get are in […]

As much as I love Mellel I never thought I would say this, but, I have started using another Word Processing program. Never fear Mellel faithful, I have not abandoned Mellel, I have just added another tool to my word processing repitoire.
Meta-Explanation(feel free to skip if you want)
I have been thinking a lot lately […]

Charlie Lowe, at Kairosnews has an excellent post on thinking critically about Microsoft Word. I won’t try to summarize it, it is too well written for that. Instead I will just say if you are a professor or teacher whose students use Microsoft Word, and especially if it is your job to teach […]