For years PC users have made good use of extending the Windows desktop beyond a single monitor. Most people do this so they can create more space on which to work. That’s because the “dualview", as Microsoft calls it, allows you to move easily back and forth between the two, which translates into more viewable documents and applications simultaneously. If this is new to you, there is more information and set up steps available for XP from the Microsoft Expert Zone. Instructions are also found in your Windows Help (both Vista and XP).
If that second monitor is your data projector, Freepath takes advantage of the extra real estate by displaying only what you’ve double-clicked. Kind of a remote control. Freepath also has two other live display modes in case you’re not connected to a second monitor.
Sharing options: Prep, Full Screen, Dual Screen, Export
Freepath, by default, assumes you will want to work with your playlist before going live to your audience. So you always start in what is called “Prep". That means you’ll be able to see your media in the “Preview Window", (the smaller monitor in the upper right hand corner of the interface). This is great for quick sequencing and rehearsals.
The next is “Full Screen". Any double-clicked media in your playlist can be displayed as a full screen experience. This is a good way to go through your content one-on-one from your laptop. It’s also not a bad way of working from a podium with a cloned view of your desktop and a remote clicker. To get the Freepath interface back when running full screen, simply swipe the mouse along any of the four sides of the screen, or hit the escape key.
And of course, “Dual Screen". Use this when you’re presenting your content to an audience that may benefit from spontaneity. Because the Freepath playlist is on your laptop screen while your audience is viewing the content you’ve selected on the projector, you have the freedom to rearrange your sequence, check your email, respond to IM’s coming in, all while you’re presenting. OK, so that’s a little far flung, but, suffice to say that you’ve just protected your audience from those new email alerts that pop up while you’re sharing your cloned screen. Dual screen keeps all the primary stuff on your laptop’s display, so your audience can focus on what you want them to. Consider Freepath the next time you’re running a web conference on GoToMeeting or WebEx. Once you’ve had that kind of command of your media, you’ll never go back.
Next time we’ll look at how movies work in Freepath.
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