First off, as an old-time computer programmer and user, my question has to do with understanding that Logos Software has been around for three decades now? (In computer years, a LONG TIME.) Therefore, my guess is it likely has functionality/tools that have been in use for a while. And even though these "old" tools may have been tweaked to work with each update as required, the basic framework of what they do and how they do it remains as they were originally designed.
I entered the world of Logos with the WORDsearch migration last year (Sept/Oct) on Version 8, then upgraded to Logos 9 as soon as it became available. I spent three months devouring Morris Proctor training videos...and yes, Morris, thanks to your advice, I tagged EVERY SINGLE RESOURCE I own! LOL!
As a result, when it comes to tools, I mostly use Notes (as a long-time Evernote user, this was easy), the Passage Guide (customized), Collections, Factbook (often where I start), text compare, and most recently, Power Lookup.
Today, I looked at Passage Explorer for the first time and there seems to be quite a bit of duplication of functionality with Factbook.
My question: If your experience with Logos goes back BEFORE Logos 8, which of the old tools do you still use and why?
What I'm mostly looking for is help navigating which tools I need to spend time learning at this point...and which ones are, for the most part, maintained simply because so many older users would be lost without them. Thanks for your help!
Blogger/Teacher and former WORDsearch user who is LOVING LOGOS!
Sharon Hillam:My question: If your experience with Logos goes back BEFORE Logos 8, which of the old tools do you still use and why?
My favorite Logos feature is visual filter highlighting, which can combine thousands of search results for simultaneous display (so can "see" range of Greek verbal expression in Greek and any Bible with Reverse Interlinear for Greek text). Thankful for Logos Greek Morphology visual filters created using Logos 4 still being usable in Logos 9 & Verbum 9
Logos Wiki => Extended Tips for Highlighting and Visual Filters includes:
Keep Smiling
Logos Wiki Logos 9 Beta Free Support
This list omits the interactives and the 3rd party site links but should give you a sense of my usages. Others will look at my list and say huh? as their usage will be very different.
EDIT: to include documents that are not included in tools as per Dave:
Orthodox Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."
Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :):My favorite Logos feature is visual filter highlighting,
Thank you, KS. Morris Proctor helped us set up a visual filter in one of his training videos. I found it fascinating and would like to do more. Will check out the links you shared when I have some time.
MJ. Smith:This list
What a great list! Your response is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for taking the time to share it.
I can add to my own list that I, too, often use the highlighting tool and Search.
Not specific to your question (again, but maybe for someone else), I take advantage of many of the early design decisions:
- Most important (for me) is the ease of exporting and importing data. Logos stands alone, in its ability to work alongside other software's prowess. This one feature is everything I hoped for, when I ordered Libby, and thense L4+.
- Rules they follow, in placing panels, and moving them. As a result my search panels always align nicely in a group, and in order. My lexicons layed out by language, respond in an accordian fashion, quickly accessible, even if hidden. Even the allowance for several multiview panels is unique.
- Editable titles, along with tagging allows the monitoring of translation trends in Text Comparisons, as well as varients in the original languages.
- But my CitedBy panels are truly the power, reaching into the Fathers, 2nd Temple, ancient parallels, maps/charts, and dictionaries. As if I've a highly paid staff automatically researching my library.
Almost no tools in sight ... just a great series of early designs.
Sharon, I'll answer using Martha's list:
In summary, I don't use the new Logos 8+ tools for personal study. Clippings has always been my notes/sermon tool.
Dave===
Windows 11 & Android 8
Dave Hooton: Highlighting - mainly to help others! Notes - only to help others! Workflows - only to help others!
That is really cool indeed. Thank you.
The feature I use most is "Layouts."I use them to keep track of the books I am reading.
I also have preserved in "Layouts" special kinds of searches, especially reciprocal cross reference searches in my book, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
Sharon Hillam:If your experience with Logos goes back BEFORE Logos 8, which of the old tools do you still use and why?
Several years ago in a Seminary class we were challenged that week in and week out we will find ourselves in lesson/sermon prep. We were challenged to come up with a 5 hour prep, a 10 hour prep, and a 15 hour prep plan. I have now edited a Workflow to step me through my 15 hour prep. The attached file shows on the left the big goals to be accomplished. the items on the right are the tools (mostly in Logos) to accomplish these goals.
I hope this link will take you to the Workflow. If not, you can search for "Textual Sermon Prep" authored by David Thomas.
https://ref.ly/logos4/Documents
Making Disciples! Logos Ecosystem = Logos8 on Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (Win10), Android app on tablet, FSB on iPhone, [deprecated] Windows App, Proclaim, Faithlife.com, FaithlifeTV via Connect subscription.
DMB:But my CitedBy panels are truly the power,
I've only recently begun learning how to use the CitedBy tool and wasn't sure it was worth spending my time on...but based on your input, I may rethink that as I, too, have a number of ancient resources. Thanks, DMB!
Dave Hooton:In summary, I don't use the new Logos 8+ tools for personal study. Clippings has always been my notes/sermon tool.
Thanks for your list, Dave. I used Clippings some when I was first starting to use Logos 8 but decided the notes and highlighting tools were a better fit. I'm glad I learned how to use Clippings and wouldn't hesitate in the future if I was working on a project where that tool would be the better fit.
Jerome Smith:The feature I use most is "Layouts."I use them to keep track of the books I am reading.
Me, too! I also group my layouts using the new folder menu option from a recent software update (don't remember which one). Love it!
David Thomas:The attached file shows on the left the big goals to be accomplished. the items on the right are the tools (mostly in Logos) to accomplish these goals.
Wow! Impressive, Dave!
I'm curious...what do you mean by Compare Versions within Passage Guide?
Also, I tried downloading your workflow, but for some reason, it doesn't download to my Docs. Oh well...It's okay. I don't typically use workflows.
For me, I use the following moderately to frequently (including old and new tools):
Want to learn/start to use more:
Hope this helps!
Sharon Hillam:what do you mean by Compare Versions within Passage Guide?
Within my Passage Guide I can acces "Compare Versions" which shows a Version River and Cluster Graph for my top 5 Translations
By going to Passage Analysis I can open these same charts on a broader list of Translations to see where they agree and disagree in translation.
I can maximize my study time by identifying where translators agree/disagree. If I know where disagreement exists (vv.16, 20, 29 & 33) I can consider why different choices were made and contemplate which I conclude to be most accurate. If most translations agree (see v.26 in above charts) I am unlikely to find some nuance in translation that needs to be explored or shared.
David Thomas:Within my Passage Guide I can acces "Compare Versions" which shows a Version River and Cluster Graph for my top 5 Translations
Got it! I've just not ever used Compare Versions, and even after looking at your screenshot, I still don't understand it. LOL! But that's okay. I have no expectation of learning everything that Logos will do and neither do I need to. Having said that, these types of threads are very useful because it allows me to see features that are available, even if I just shelve them for the time being. At least I know they are there.
Thanks, David!
PL:For me, I use the following moderately to frequently (including old and new tools):
Thanks! I use a lot of what you listed, too!
I didn't even know there WAS a Curses tool. I'll definitely look into that.
Sharon Hillam:I've just not ever used Compare Versions, and even after looking at your screenshot,
from Verbum 9 Tip 9n: Courses - Faithlife Forums (logos.com)
MJ. Smith:Docx files for personal book: Verbum 9 part 1; Verbum 9 part 2; Verbum 9 part 3; Verbum 9 part 4; Verbum 9 part 5; Verbum 9 part 6; Verbum 9 part 7;
It is still an ongoing project but start at the beginning and you will slowly be introduced to all the features of Logoss/Verbum so that you can decide which are useful to you.
Sharon Hillam: I didn't even know there WAS a Curses tool. I'll definitely look into that.
I prefer the Blessings tool myself.
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