We’re back on the road and using our Microsoft Streets and Trips software for Trip-Planning and Navigation. Check out all our new Tutorial Videos on Streets and Trips on our website, and we’re making more as we go. In this article we’re spotlighting one simple but very useful tip that you can use when S&T on your laptop computer is your navigator on the road.
Streets and Trips screen has lots of parts to it:
But, when you’re driving, you really only need the map and the next turn info at the bottom.
You can easily switch between the two with one touch of the F11 key. F11 means ‘Full Screen’ and it works in several programs. In Internet Explorer for example, when you press F11, all the toolbars and menus disappear leaving just the website. Press F11 again, and you’re back to the view you started – it’s a ‘Toggle.’ Press it once you’re viewing Full Screen, press it again, you’re back to all the menus, toolbars and task panes.
We sometimes use our little NetBook for Streets and Trips navigating while we drive. It has a very little screen, so we find Full Screen view to be very helpful. So helpful in fact, that we *always* want to navigate in Full Screen view. You can do that by changing an option: Tools | Options | Navigation: Show full screen when navigating.
Am I correct in assuming that you don’t have to be on line to have streets and trips running? I just recently bought streets and trips, but haven’t installed it yet. I had read one of your recent newsletters where you can use it in conjunction with your GPS. I, as navigator, would be using the GPS, as I don’t want Chuck (the driver of the motorhome) distracted while driving. I do not drive the motorhome. I guess that I need to get it installed because we are going to Michigan in June and going thru Canada. We have our enhanced licenses in order to do this. I really enjoy all these “lessons” because I’m a real “dummy” on the computer. BTW, I just got a new computer about a month or so ago. I got an HP with 4 gig of memory and 500 g hard drive and Windows 7, which I am still learning how to navigate around it. Keep up the good work. Don’t know if you would remember me, but I’m a friend of Roxie’s and met you at HTR last winter and look forward to seeing you again next year! I assume that you have heard about Roxie and Charles getting “flooded out” in Franklin, TN. Isn’t that horrible? I feel so bad for them, but am thankful everyone including the animals are safe from harm. OK, that’s all for now.
Mary
Hello Mary,
Yes, you are correct – you do not need to be online to use Streets and Trips. All the information resides on your computer. It’s great for Trip Planning. When you’re driving, you can also use it to navigate if you attach a GPS receiver.
And, yes I remember you … mostly by your email address as a long-time member. We are in Tennessee now and are looking at the map to see if we can stop by and say hi to Roxie and Charles. I’m so glad they have a motorhome to live in while they rescue their home from flood damage.