The PC Is Not a Typewriter: A Style Manual for Creating Professional-Level Type on Your Personal Computer

As a newswriter, I regret not getting this book when I first saw it here. Writing press releases is an exacting task when it comes to punctuation, spacing and page setup. Had I followed the tips in this book, I would not have the chore of reformatting my templates next week. Simple things like one space after a period at the end of a sentence is only one of the valuable tips in the book. The explanations of why we should do things differently on a PC are clear. The reasons why things are done differently on a typewriter are just as useful. This little book also covers how to make your type easy to read with plenty of examples to prove its points. Buy it.

When a book mentions DOS, you know it is old! All of the mentioned programs and shortcut keys are obsolete, but it does have a few tips that new technicial writers should be aware of. Don't buy it unless you need it for a class. A much better reference book would be the Chicago Manual of Style.

I already had the Mac Is Not a Typewriter, and I've recently had to switch to using a PC. I desperately needed this guide to help me figure out all the glyphs and symbols on a PC. Never fails me.

I first read this book years ago as required reading for an employer and I will continue to share its guiding techniques with others. This should be required reading for anyone who does any kind of desktop publishing.... especially supposed professional pieces!! I would love to see Robin update it as some of the computer application references are quite outdated.

I thought I knew everything about Word, but I was wrong. I found this book to be most useful.

She is a wonderful writer and makes some very clear points about using all the capabilities of word processing. And she offers many good examples.

Needs updating, in particular the short cuts for modern Windows applications. Used by my typography class.

Even though this book is 8 years old, it remains essential reading. It's extremely accessible, and can be read cover-to-cover, or used as a reference. There's a quiz in the back of the book to help you to actually retain the material. I've bought several copies, and I loan them out when I think the recipient will be receptive. (Some people are hopeless when it comes to good design.) This book is worth owning by itself, or as a primer to Robin Williams' other books.

Instructions for Word for Dos? Get away? Yup. That's where this book is at. Word for Windows *is* mentioned, but I doubt if it is beyond Word 2. The ideas are fine, but the book is way outdated. I bought this having read Robin's excellent The Non Designer's Design Book, and reviews here. Not many books I buy I think were a waste of money, but this one isn't far off. You'd be much better off buying the Non Designer's book than this one. And I am sure Robin would agree.