Review: QuicKeys 5.0 for the Macintosh

Life's Easier with One-Touch QuicKeys

by Paul Gerstenbluth (ArieFound@aol.com) RIAG Member

Take control Your Macintosh computer. CE Software announced the release of QuicKeys 5.0 for Macintosh especially for Mac OS 9 users.

• Now with the new QuicKeys and Mac OS 9 you can:
• Launch shortcuts with speech commands, hot keys and toolbars.
• Open programs and menus, schedule tasks, and switch printers.
• Record and Play back tasks; and
• Customize your Mac to your work habits.

A few important chapter listings of QuicKeys 5.0 Addendum to the QuicKeys Manual

Chapter I - What's New in QuicKeys 5.0
New Features and Enhancements
Mac OS Compatibility
Plug-ins and Shortcut Types
Long Shortcut Names
Interface Changes
The QuicKeys Editor
The Shortcut Properties Dialog
The Create/View Palette

Chapter 2 - QuicKeys Toolbars
The Toolbars Tab
Toolbar Settings
Adding Shortcuts to Toolbars
Deleting Shortcuts from Toolbars
Launching Toolbars from Toolbars

QuicKeys 5.0 is fully compatible with the multi-user environment available in Mac OS 9. Each registered Normal, Limited, and Panels users can maintain individual Shortcuts and preference settings. This works well on a shared computer running Mac OS 9.

QuicKeys 5.0 for Macintosh now includes

• Mac OS 9 multi-user support.
• Use of voice commands to trigger shortcuts.
• Employ pop-out toolbars to save even more screen space.
• New day-of-the-week triggers that perform actions at specified times.
• Privacy from "prying eyes" using the Screen Lock function.
• Create tabbed toolbars for easy access to different sets of shortcuts.
• Increase shortcut names from 13 to over 250 characters.
• Text tool now holds 8 times the amount of text.

Personal Observation

I have been using QuicKeys from version 3 and 4 to make my Mac computer work faster for me. I highly recommend QuicKeys to my clients and friends for easy of use and for automating functions.

How did I avoid hand wrestling with my computer mouse? I was able to eliminate unnecessary hand and wrist motions with my computer mouse when I had to complete several time consuming OCR (Optical Character Reader) projects.

For example, I use OmniPage Pro for scanning information for my projects. By using QuicKeys, I was able to assign control function keys for OmniPage Pro's Scan Image, Perform OCR and Save As functions. Using these keyboard commands makes my work project easier plus saves me hours.

Pro Reaction

QuicKeys 5.0 is a time saver for Mac users using Mac OS 9 with its more robust features for reducing work project time. QuicKeys 5.0 is an excellent needed upgrade for the serious Mac users with fast Mac GS 3 and GS 4 computers. Also, QuicKeys is fun for new iMac computer users who want to add new toolbars and keyboard functions to their game menus.

QuicKeys 5.0 makers saved paper by eliminating unnecessary printing of new manuals. The Addendum to QuicKeys 4.0 manual is concise. It shows you how to use the new functions of QuicKeys 5.0.

Con Reaction

I missed not having a Short Guide for using QuicKeys 5.0. The guide could have included installing the program, trouble shooting and launching programs for the first time QuicKeys user. Examples and Task projects for using QuicKeys could have included in the manuals. Also, a new Mac owners manual with visual instructions for using the QuicKeys functions would be appreciated.

Final Notes

QuicKeys is the leading automation utility software. The new QuicKeys version 5.0 adds speech triggers, day-of-the-week timers, tabbed and pop-out toolbars, time-saving features and improvements.

Hot keys, speech triggers, and powerful toolbars are the ways QuicKeys offers you complete control of your Mac.

The winner of several industry awards, QuicKeys for Macintosh repeatedly proves to be the top automation utility available. A free 30-day demo is available for download from www.cesoft.com.

System Requirements

• Macintosh computers running OS 8.5, works BEST with Mac OS 9
• Power PC or G3/G4
• 32 MB of RAM
• 8 MB Hard Disk Space
• Some QuicKeys plug-ins require Internet Connection

Pricing and Availability

QuicKeys 5.0 for Macintosh is $99.95. An upgrade from version 4.0 is $35.95. QuicKeys 5.0 for Macintosh is available direct from CE Software at 800-523-7638, or through the Internet at www.cesoft.com.

Company Profile

Since 1981, CE Software, Inc. has developed automation utilities and E-mail software that save time and effort for millions of Macintosh users, and Microsoft Windows 95/98, Windows NT. For more information on QuicKeys, call (515) 221-1801 or go to their web site: www.cesoft.com.

Paul Gerstenbluth is President of the ARIE Foundation. The ARIE Foundation's mission is to provide VA hospitalized patients with hobby materials and computers that helps in their stay and recovery.

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