Working with Tablet PC Tools

Windows Vista comes standard with Tablet PC tools that you can effectively use on a Tablet PC with a pen. The tools are also available on a standard PC and you can them with a mouse, but not as effectively. Windows Vista comes with three tools: Windows Journal, Tablet PC Input Panel, and Sticky Notes. Windows Journal allows you to handwrite notes and draw pictures that mimic a notebook pad.Tablet PC Input Panel allows you to enter text without using a standard keyboard. You use the writing pad or the character pad to convert your handwriting into typed text. You can also use the on-screen keyboard to enter characters. Sticky Notes allows you to create notes that mimic the paper version and add writing to a 30 second voice note.

Handwrite Journal Entries

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click Tablet PC, and then click Windows Journal.

Click the Pen button arrow on the toolbar, and then select a pen style.

Handwrite notes or make a drawing.

To make corrections, click the Erase button arrow, select an eraser size, and then drag to erase on the page.

Use many of the common tools on the toolbar and menus to create a handwritten document.

When you’re done, click the Save button on the toolbar, type a name, specify a location, and then click Save.

Click the File menu, and then click Exit.

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Use the Tablet PC Input Panel

Open a document to insert handwriting.

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click Tablet PC, and then click Tablet PC Input Panel.

To write continuously, click the Writing Pad button, handwrite a message, and then click the Insert button.

To convert handwriting to text, click the Character Pad button, handwrite characters, and then click the Insert button.

To use an on-screen keyboard, click the On-Screen Keyboard button, and then click the keys.

When you’re done, click the Tools menu, and then click Exit.

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Create Sticky Notes

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click Tablet PC, and then click Sticky Notes.

Write a note in the note pad area.

To create a new note, click New Note.

To create a 30 second voice note, click the Record button, speak, and then click the Stop button.

To move between notes, click the Previous Note or Next Note button.

To delete a note, click the Delete This Note button.

When you’re done, click the Tools menu, and then click Exit.