A Very Helpful Tool

Subject: A Very Helpful Tool
From: Mark Clark
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 06:07 PM

I thought people might like to know about a great tool that I find extremely useful. It's called GuruNet and gives you instant information about any word or phrase in any window or text box on your MS Windows screen.

Once you have installed this little gem, holding the Alt key while clicking on a word will cause the dictionary entry of that word to be popped up in a window or possibly some suggestions for other spellings.

You'll also find that you are often given links to more detailed information about the word and that your context has been considered before returning the information. This has many uses but one use is as a quick spelling checker when typing posts. Simply Alt-click on a word you've just entered and you'll get a quick verification that your spelling and usage are correct... as if we ever doubt. <g>

Enjoy,

      - Mark

Subject: RE: A Very Helpful Tool
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 06:38 PM

Very impressive, Mark! Thanks. I have already used it and emailed the link to several friends and family. Wonderfully ingenious tool.

kat

Subject: RE: A Very Helpful Tool
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 08:00 PM

Thanks Mark, it does look as if it will be useful even though it uses US spelling.

Jon

Subject: RE: A Very Helpful Tool
From: Giac
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 08:11 PM

Thanks, Mark, love those little helpers.

Subject: RE: A Very Helpful Tool
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 08:28 PM

Jon, I got the impression that you could set it for various types of spellings. Maybe I was wrong, though, I haven't explored it a lot, yet.

Subject: RE: A Very Helpful Tool
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 08:51 PM

I haven't seen how yet kat but it may be possible. To be honest, I not particularly concerned about that detail. I think we are all used to reading spellings from the different versions of the English language. It gets confusing though and I have known Americans suddenly using British spelling when chatting to me and visa-versa. Maybe one day, we will stardardize it.

As a point of interest, I have just started on a course and a tutor recommended a book on grammar, The Heath Guide, an American book. He said that its contents more than compensate for the spelling diferences. I think I might invest in this one - see if improves my grammar.

Jon

Subject: RE: A Very Helpful Tool
From: Giac
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 08:57 PM

Wow, Mark -

Had to come back and say this is more than a "little" helper. If one were so inclined, one could burn hours gathering bits of info here and there. Thanks a bunch.

Giac ~:o)

Subject: RE: A Very Helpful Tool
From: Bill D
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 09:08 PM

did a search in Deja on it...it seems to be ok!

the folks in alt.comp.freeware, my favorite resource for new software say:"GuruNet is neither spyware, nor ad-ware. It is freeware. GuruNet Corporation prides itself on providing instant, focused information without being intrusive." guess I'll check it out