 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Gateway Learning Library Bernadette Houghton bernieh@iaccess.com.au |
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Gateway Learning Library is a collection of interactive multimedia courses
intended to familiarise users with the software installed on their Gateway computers. You don't have to own a
Gateway computer to purchase the Library, but it sure helps if you do, since it entitles you to a hefty
discount on the purchase price. There are two versions of the Library; one covering Microsoft Works 2000, and
the other Microsoft Office Small Business 2000; both versions also include a tutorial on Windows 98.
Each program in the suite stars in its own tutorial on a separate CD-ROM, and with up to 10 CDs in each
Library it makes quite a substantial package.
I looked at the Microsoft Works 2000 version, which covers Windows 98, Works 2000, Word 2000, Money 2000,
Encarta Encyclopedia 2000, Home Publishing 2000, Picture It! Express 2000, Netscape Communicator 4.51 and
Internet Explorer 5.0 on 9 CDs. The Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business version is similarly targeted
towards that suite.
Each tutorial is organised by topic, with the most basic topics presented first; while some tutorials offer a
single level of difficulty, others are organised into grades (e.g. beginners, intermediate and advanced).
Users can pick and choose topics and the order in which they do them, allowing them to control their training
and progress at their own pace. There are no tests or examinations, but the software tracks courses
completed. Unfortunately, it can't track multiple users on a single machine, so if you need this capability,
you'll have to find another way of tracking each person's completed topics. Nor can the software return users
to where they left off if they abandon a topic prior to completion.
As users progress through the course, they're prompted to click various buttons and dialog boxes, and type in
fragments of text. Text must be entered exactly as shown, punctuation and all, otherwise the software remains
mutinous. Users can choose to have the software 'do it for them', though, i.e. push the buttons or type the
text.
The software is simple to use, with no installation or setup - just put the CD in the drive and you're right
to go. Tutorials are tightly organised and well laid out; each is self-sufficient, making it easy to jump
among topics at random. There is no manual, but as the screens are simple and self-explanatory, it really
doesn't matter. As for the topics themselves, the essentials are well covered, but don't expect a
comprehensive exploration of more esoteric features.
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In summary, the Gateway Learning Library offers a well-rounded
set of tutorials which provide a good grounding in the relevant software. While the Library software itself
lacks flexibility, it is easy to use and hard to go wrong.
Cost and Availability
Microsoft Works 2000 version $699 if purchased separately; $299 when purchased with a Gateway PC. Microsoft
Office Small Business 2000 version $899 when purchased separately; $399 when purchased with
a Gateway PC. Available from Gateway stores, by calling 0800 377 677 or visiting http://www.nz.gateway.com.
Reprinted from the November 2000 issue of PC Update, the
magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
