Prepare GMAT with computer

Erict303

These days, I always get a lot from CD, downloading software and material, sharing NN’s experience, getting guides for study and life. I have given nothing in return, though. I feel a little guilty, so I spend some time writing this post even though it might be nonsense for you.

How to prepare GMAT with computer comfortably and healthily?
1.Computer versus pen&book
2.File formats
3.Health

1.Computer versus pen&book

Some people like to prepare the test mainly by using books and pens while others tend to by computer. I’d like to explain the meaning of two terms referred in this post first. Preparing GMAT on computer doesn’t necessarily exclude the use of pens and books, it can be only a main means, vice versa. In my view, people preparing GMAT test on computer possess an edge over whom prepare the test mainly by pens and books.

First, it can be critical for you to be familiar with the computer environment, especially reading articles on screen. GMAT is computer-base test. There are at least three challenges for us in a computer-base test environment, they are: working on all the questions on computer; sitting before and staring at the screen for more than 3 hours; Using the keyboard and mouse skillfully. Many examinees complained that they could not concentrate on the questions while they were working on the test on computer, especially in reading part. Their symptoms, including the feeling of drowsiness, biting eyes, wrist pain, etc., could be avoided if they had prepared the GMAT on computer for a certain period.

Second, a lot of reference articles and books which you can’t buy from bookstores are available for download. Official Guide, for example, most comrades have difficulty getting it, but you can download it from the download-region of Chase Dream. Don’t tell me you will have them all printed, that will be costly.

Admittedly, there is a huge (maybe only for me :-) ) drawback with computer-preparing that the computer contributes a lot to distraction. Computer games, novels, net chat, to name a few, are so obsessive for some of us.

In conclusion, If you possess a great will power, preparing GMAT on computer will be a better choice. And the computer literacy will be a good thing to be appear on your resume, right?

PS: Unfortunately, my weak will power reduced extremely the efficiency of my learning on computer before. The good thing is that the strong incentive of CD reinforced my will power recently. Thank Chase Dream.


2.File formats
There are several file formats of the GMAT material on CD and other similar web sites. Usually, they are word files (.doc), Acrobat Reader files (.pdf), or e-book files(.exe or .chm), etc. Sometimes people ask for .DOC while only .PDF files are available and sometimes in contrary.
All of these formats have their edges over the other which we might all know, but generally we are more impressed by their drawbacks. Here I want to share some my experience:
1). Download the Adobe Acrobat 6.0 standard version (or professional version) to read PDF file. With standard version, NOT Acrobat Reader, not only can you get much better visual effect but also the ‘edit’ and ‘mark’ function are available which help you a lot. You can also convert other formats to PDF files almost effortlessly too.
2).Usually, e-book have a worst appearance, especially the one encrypted, because we can not change the font and color sometime even the font size. If you feel the same way, try to copy  the text to convert it to other formats. Unfortunately, you might can not copy the text as well.
3).We have a full control over most Word files, it is good. But what I want to remind you is you should backup the ordinary files lest you make a big change with the files unawares.

Efficiency and health
1).Spend some time on remembering and practicing the Keyboard Shortcut, you will find it is really paid off before long. If you are familiar with the software, try to specific the Keyboard Shortcut for some functions which have no default ones but are frequently used. For example, you can set “ALT + C” as the shortcut of font color setting function in Word 2000.

2).Blink intentionally and frequently while you are working with computer. If you have ever prepared the TOEFL, you must have known that there is a dialogue about how we can reduce the harm by blinking our eye. Downloaded the ANT4 Pizza Timer or other kinds of computer alarm and use it as the timer for your mock test as well as health monitor. With it’s help, you won’t be that easy to forget time :-D

dansy

Up！
You did make ur contribution to CD.
Thx.