The Mac is Not a Typewriter

If you learned to type of a typewriter, or even learned to type on a word processer from somebody who learned to type on a typewriter, you will find that you have adopted some obsolete practices.

Did you know that in today's world of desktop publishing (as well as the world of desktop publishing as of 1995), that putting TWO spaces after a period was unneccessary if you're not using a monospace font? Did you know that " and ' shouldn't ACTUALLY be used as quotes and apostrophes? That instead, you should be using "smart quotes" (forgive me for not using them here...). Did you know that there are THREE different types of dashes: hyphen, en-dash, and em-dash, each holding a vital and significant place in the punctuary world?

Well, if you've show more read The Mac is Not a Typewriter, then maybe you'd know all that, and more. This guide, written by Robin Williams (no, not THAT Robin Williams) gives you a brief yet condense overview of how you should be using font and punctuation and white space to maximize the aesthetics of your desktop publishing.

Even if you don't own a Mac, this book can provide helpful typesetting advice.

Recommended, especially, for Mac owners that want to make their documents all pretty-fied, as well as for other, non-Mac owners, who want more insight into when to use what punctuation/spacing/fonts where. show less

An important and useful, easy-to-read, little book that covers all the basic rules of good design in the realm of computer basics. From definitions of the uses of all the different kinds of dashes, to kerning, leading, and hanging text, everything a newcomer to setting type needs is right here, simply organized, and clearly demonstrated. I used this as a guide for an intro to design class. For PC users, too!

a good book to keep around if you use a mac for writing or for design. the whole "i'm superior because i'm a mac owner" attitude can get really irritating, though.

Type for dummies. Robin Williams rules!