The rooms are equipped with Overhead Projector, Data Projector (fed by a PC and a Mac with prevision for laptop connection). The PC and the Mac should have powerpoint display software. There will also be a video projector capable, we believe, of displaying NTSC and PAL.
We have een asked about the versions of operating system and powerpoint on the PC and Mac. While we can see that authors would like to prepare their presentations and test on the same "set-up" to avoid problems with incorrect display, we cannot guarantee the versions will be as quoted. We simply do not control the set up - the technicians could change their set up at any time. We also cannot discount the late room change or equipment replacement possibilities. Moreover, it has been our experience that even on allegedly the same operating system and version of powerpoint, authors have found (often major) display differences. Presumably, between machines, installations of operating systems, installations of software, there are a number of configuration options that can affect these things. Authors are strongly urged to bring OHP transparencies for backup use in case of failure of electronic presentation. That said, we envisage the majority of people will have little trouble displaying their powerpoint and their video files. We are told that the PC's are running Windows 2000 and have Office 97 displayer and Office 2000 full powerpoint installed. However, in view of the previous disclaimers, we suggest that those authors that have access to a range of different versions of powerpoint, should test on that range and bring a range of different versions if differences are found.