Office 2010 Spell Check

I use office 2010 and rely on spell check to catch any spelling errors in my documents. I realized recently that the feature was not working since I upgraded and no matter what I tried, it would not turn on correctly. I had all the settings correct, but it turns out it was a rouge registry entry. I found the solution here: http://forums.techarena.in/ms-office-support/877476.htm.

I had to delete the registry key located at: "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Proofing Tools\1.0\Override and like magic - the spell check started working again. Why on earth would that happen? Does anyone really not want spell check enabled?

ZOHO goes offline!

In case you were not aware, there is a great office solution available online for use anywhere - one of the chief drawbacks to it was there was no offline capability. Zoho has now added R/O offline and is bringing R/W soon! I like it. Check out the intro video below.

Online Office Replacements

As I move to the online line mashup model, I have been looking at replacements for other applications that I use. What can I do using just a web browser? These links are for tools and sites that I have found useful for this purpose. This was originally posted on my main site blog, but here I will dig a little more into the guts I hope.

For now, check out the links below.

Google Docs

This site from Google has a decent word processor and spreadsheet as well as some other gadgets but it is not tops in functionality.

Zoho

This suite has the best setup I have found so far. I like the way the software works and the suite is robust.

MS Office "Save as PDF"

If you use Microsoft Office 2007, you need this add-in: Microsoft Save as PDF or XPS

This download allows you to export and save to the PDF and XPS formats in eight 2007 Microsoft Office programs. It also allows you to send as e-mail attachment in the PDF and XPS formats in a subset of these programs. It was a part of the standard functionality until Adobe got a little tweaked with Microsoft stepping on their toes. Even with it a separate download, it's still pretty painless except the Windows Genuine Annoyance confirmation.

Get it now

File Synchronization

A while ago, I was looking for a way to keep my multiple drives and systems in synch, and also to back up my files. As it turns out, so was my dad. I spent some time rummaging around the web and I came up with allwaysync. This application is easily the BEST at what is does, especially for the money. (free for personal use)

From the vendor: "Allway Sync uses innovative synchronization algorithms to synchronize your data between desktop PCs, laptops, USB drives and more. Allway Sync combines bulletproof reliability with an extremely easy-to-use interface."

We both use it at this point and it has been working most efficaciously. Pull the application down from http://allwaysync.com/ to give it a try.

Useful online resources

While browsing through a recent issus of PC World, I came across some great links for online resources. This caused me to look a little more on my own. Here are the ones that are listed. More reviews coming later.

Online Office Challengers
These offer replacements for word processing and other desktop apps

• ThinkFree Online
• Zoho Writer
• INetWord

Large File Delivery services - think UPS for e-packages

• Dropload
• SendThisFile

Online Calendaring

• Google Calendars
• Calendarhub
• Yahoo Calendars