This review is based on my using Publisher for the past year to create Keywords, the 20-page monthly newsletter of The Users Group Network (TUGNET). Indeed, the newsletter started 11 years ago, and Publisher was used continuously to produce it. As members are aware, the newsletter has won several awards for its excellence, thanks, among other reasons, to the versatility of Publisher.

I had never used Publisher before, but I do have extensive experience with its sibling, Word. I also had one extended session with the previous newsletter editor. A part from Publisher's intrinsic ease of use, I was able to painlessly follow through because I continued to use the layout (master pages) of the past. For a consistent look-and-feel with each issue, this feature is a blessing. You do not have to reinvent the wheel every month.

"…it would be a mistake to compare it [Publisher] with the heavyweights in this category [Desktop Publishing]"

Though Microsoft Publisher 2003 is a desk top publishing (DTP) program, it would be a mistake to compare it with the heavyweights in this category, namely, InDesign CS2 or Quark Express. You will not find the most sophisticated typographical and page layout features in Publisher. Yet, it is much more than a word processing program. Whereas the main focus of word processing programs is on straightforward textual output in the form of letters, memoranda, and reports, Publisher is more suitable for newsletters, fliers, pamphlets, greeting cards, and the like.

"Many people who use Publisher use Word first to finalize textual content."

As in all DTP programs, page layout and design is the focus. Many people who use Publisher use Word first to finalize textual content. Thereafter, the material is placed into Publisher for "laying out." Publisher has excellent tools for structuring a page, whether it be setting up columns, placing and manipulating graphics, rotating objects, or continuing an article on noncontiguous pages.

Wizards and templates for creating just about any type of publication abound in Publisher. A novice user with word processing experience can easily use these to produce professional looking print. The one thing not available in Publisher is the creation of PDF files of the documents composed. Normally most users who want to print several quality copies would convert the Publisher file (.pub) to an Acrobat file (.pdf) for submission to a commercial printer. To do so, you have to get supplementary software. Another "omission" is a printed users manual. However, there is adequate online help (both from the installation and Microsoft's web site).

I alluded to In Design CS2 and Quark Express, which are from Adobe, one of the most recognizable names in publishing software. These are professional and commercial page layout programs, and their price reflects this status (well over $600, street price).

"Publisher has become renowned for its ease of use as the Adobe products have for their steep learning curve"

Compare this price with Publisher's, around $150. Publisher has become renowned for its ease of use as the Adobe products have for their steep learning curve. If your end product is color magazines and marketing materials, and you want strong control over the hard copy output, you will want the sophistication of the Adobe products.

"The next version of Publisher will have XML capability."

Publisher first came out in 1991. Its purpose has not changed a whole lot since then, even though its built-in tools have in a great way. Initially it was meant for home use, for example, designing cards, making calendars, printing invitations, etc. Today, mostly home offices, small businesses, clubs, and private groups use it for producing their internal publications. The current version is Publisher 2003. A newer version expected in late 2006, as part of the next MS Office series (MS Office 12) .The next version of Publisher will have XML capability.