Copyright: Copyright David P. McCarter 1993


The Shareware & Freeware Report Beta Issue
Beta Issue!

In This Issue:

Windows Programs	DOS Programs:
Graphic Conversion Programs	Over_LAZ 3.0
• Paint Shop Pro 1.01	CopyQM 3.02
• WinGif 1.4	MicroMacroBat
• Graphic Workshop 1.0e
• Comparison Chart
Rockford! 2.0
Features:	Games:
Upcoming Reviews	WinWheel 1.6
Newsletter's Goal
About The Publisher
Questionnaire
Ads


Graphic Conversion Programs

Need A Graphics Conversion Program?

 In this issue we will explore three Windows graphic conversion programs: Paint Shop Pro, Graphic Workshop and WinGIF.

I picked these three programs because they seem to be the best three that I've found on BBS systems and they have enough features to make them worthwhile.

Each program has their pluses and minuses.  So I suggest trying all three to find which one suits your individual needs.

I also compared these programs to HiJaak for Windows, just to see how a commercial product fairs against shareware products.  The results speak for themselves (See Chart) .  Even though HiJaak might have  more features than a shareware program, it's overburdened with features for everyday use and is very slow.

How We Tested: The file used for the test was a picture of Mickey & Miney Mouse.  The picture size is 616x478x256 colors with a resolution of 300x300.  The file is a BMP graphic and is 295.5K.  The computer used for this testing is a AST Premium II 386/33 with 8 MB of memory.

Paint Shop Pro 1.01

WinGif 1.4

Graphic Workshop 1.0e


Paint Shop Pro

Paint Shop Pro 1.01

I'm starting off with Paint Shop Pro because this is the one I use most often.  It's the fastest of the three, converts the file formats I need the most, and copies in and out of the Windows clipboard.  It also has a screen capture feature that is not in the other programs reviewed.

The following are just some of the features of Paint Shop Pro:

•	Reads and saves BMP/DIB/RLE, GIF , IMG , JAS , MAC , MSP , PCX , PIC , RAS , TGA , TIFF and WPG file formats

•	Has six different viewing modes

•	Flip & mirror the image

•	Rotate left & right

•	Resize to different screen sizes or custom size

•	Crop images

•	Adjust RGB

•	Adjust brightness and contrast

•	Adjust gamma scale

•	Change image to gray scale

•	Turn the image into a negative

•	Increase color depth to 16, 256 or 16 million colors

•	Decrease color depth to 2, 16, 256 or 32K colors

•	Capture area or full screen

Paint Shop Pro, like all other shareware programs of this type, do not read true WordPerfect graphics.  The WordPerfect graphic must contain a bitmap (usually generated by a program like Paint Shop Pro) which  makes for a large file size.

When printing a graphic, when the status bar says it's 100% done, the printing is not 100% done.  The program will just sit there while it's completing the printing.  Even with that, printing is fairly fast.

When saving files to the same or a different format, Paint Shop Pro provides many different flavors of the format.  For example, when saving a BMP file, it can be saved as a OS/2, Windows RGB or Windows RLE encoded flavor.

Paint Shop Pro's memory requirements vary according to the type of file that is in use.  Since it keeps the image in memory, which makes it run faster, it's different for every image.  If there is insufficient memory, Paint Shop Pro will tell you. Then you can use the excellent help system available to solve the problem.

 Paint Shop Pro is developed by: JASC, Inc.  The cost is $49 plus $4 shipping.  Site licenses are available.  Their address is:

JASC, Inc.
17743 Evener Way
Eden Prairie, MN 55346

The file to look for on BBS systems is: PSP101.ZIP or PSPRO101.ZIP

WinGif 1.4

Graphic Workshop 1.0e

Comparison Chart


WinGif
 WinGif 1.4

This program has lots of manipulation tools, reads & converts RLE 4, RLE 8, BMP, PCX and of course, GIF file formats.  WinGif is also a very fast program.  Changing the brightness, contrast , gamma and some of the other features is so fast that I wonder if it did anything.  One nice feature that I really like is the "reopen" command.  Instead of retrieving the original file (if you want to start over), just simply click on "reopen".  The only limitation of this program is the small number of file formats that it supports.

Listed below are just some of the features of WinGif:

•	Resize the graphic x2, x3, to VGA, 800x600, 1024x768, x1/2, x1/3 and custom VGA 16 Dither

•	Mirror, Flip and Rotate

•	A comprehensive palette consisting of changing the graphic to 256, 64, 16, 8 or 4 gray scale and a color dialog box

•	Contrast, Brightness and Gamma controls

•	Paste, Copy, Trim and clip the graphic

•	Full screen mode

•	Custom configure options

WinGif also comes with a Windows Help file which comes in handy understanding the custom configurable options.

When rotating an image, it can only be rotated in 45 degree increments.  The amount of gamma change is configurable.  The brightness and contrast will change in increments specified by the programs defaults.  It also has no undo feature.

 WinGif is developed by the SuperSet Software Corp.  There address is:

SuperSet Software Corp.
PO Box 50476
Provo, UT 84605-0476

The cost for WinGif is only $15 (that's one nice feature). The file name for this programs to look for on BBS systems is: WINGIF14.ZIP. There are many older versions of WinGif floating around. Earlier versions have less options and reads less formats.  So make sure to download v1.4 or later!

Paint Shop Pro 1.01

Graphic Workshop 1.0e

Comparison Chart


Graphic Workshop
 Graphic Workshop 1.0e

Graphic Workshop is one of the best shareware graphics conversion program that I've seen!  What prompted me to down load it was that it can create an executable file (EXE) from any graphic format that it supports.  Something none of the other programs reviewed does.  This program has so many features, I will probably never get around to experiment with them all.

Graphic Workshop can convert 13 different graphic formats including: PCX , GIF , TIFF , WPG (that contain bitmap format), BMP and more.

Listed below are just some of the features of Graphic Workshop:

•	View your files

•	Rename and delete files

•	Print one or multiple files

•	Dither images up to 500% expansion

•	Crop with a mouse

•	Create a reversed version of any image

•	The transform function rotates the image in ninety degree increments and flips it horizontally or vertically

•	Scale from 25-500%

•	The effects feature can make color reductions, gray scales, sharpen, soften, smudge, spatial posterization and promote to twenty-four bits

•	The setup feature provides custom configuration of Graphic Workshop (too many features to mention)

Graphic Workshop started out as a DOS program, so I think most of the kinks are already worked out.  This program is a real life saver when you need to convert something fast.  It works very well in Windows 3.x, except Alt-F4 can not be used to quit out of it.  The quit button has to be used.  Another advantage is that it can do batch viewing and converting a feature that is unavailable in the other programs.  I use this program, when I have many files to convert to the same format, or just view them quickly.

One main reason why I usually don't use this program is that whenever you change a graphic, it saves it to a new file that then has to be retrieved to view it.  This takes up lots of disk space and I just prefer on screen editing.  Secondly, it does not use the  Windows clipboard, which I use often.

I also wish that it would convert WordPerfect graphics in their native format.  The over 550 WPG files I have sitting on my hard drive sure could come in handy.

 Graphic Workshop registration fee is $40.  To me, that's a little steep.  If they would include their graphics cataloging program with it, now that would be a deal!

Graphic Workshop is made by Alchemy Mindworks Inc.  Their address is:

Alchemy Mindworks Inc.
P.O.  Box 500
Beaton Ontario, L0G 1AO

Their BBS number is (416) 729-4609. The filename for Graphic Workshop for Windows is: GWSWIN08.ZIP, common on many BBS systems.

Paint Shop Pro 1.01

WinGif 1.4

Comparison Chart


Shareware Graphics Programs vs HiJaak

Chart Legend:

•	READ= how fast the file was read in memory and displayed

•	PCX, WPG, PIC= how fast the program converted the BMP test file

•	NEG= how fast the program converted the picture into a negative image

•	B/C= how fast the programs changed the brightness and contrast

•	GAMMA= how fast the programs changed the Gamma

•	FLIP= how fast the programs flipped the picture 90 degrees

•	ROTATE= how fast the programs rotated the picture

Note: When I  tested HiJaak, I stopped flip and rotate test because it took over 60 seconds for HiJaak to do.  A score of 0 means the feature is not supported by the program.

Paint Shop Pro 1.01

WinGif 1.4

Graphic Workshop 1.0e


Rockford!
 Rockford! 2.0

Rockford! is a fantastic business card maker that is packed full of features. You can design professional - looking business cards in just a few minutes and save lots of money doing so!

Rockford! is designed for professional and non professional users. Professional users can produce cards in less than an hour.

The following is a list of just some of the features found in Rockford!:

•	WYSIWYG design screen

•	Horizontal and vertical card designs

•	Use any font available in Windows

•	Draw lines, boxes and circles

•	Alignment tool

•	Split lines

•	Bulleted lines

•	Import clipart

And many more!

Rockford! prints 8 or 10 cards to a page (with cut marks for printers), card layouts and four - up sets of camera - ready cards.

Rockford! can import BMP , ICO and WMF files. I've tried this and it works very well, except it only states that it can import ICO and WMF files in the documentation. Clipart can be positioned anywhere on the card and resize it too. Only one graphic per card though. TrueType or Adobe Type Manager fonts work with no problems.

The WYSIWYG design screen in Rockford! is not true WYSIWYG (very close though). When creating a card, pay special attention to the font and size of the blank lines.  If you're not careful, your printout will not look like the screen.
Try to have your art ready before starting Rockford!, it does not work well when switching back and forth to other programs. It locks-up my computer sometimes.

Rockford!'s systems requirements are: 80286 or 80386 compatible computer with at least 2MB of RAM. For printing, any HP LaserJet or compatible printer with at least 2.5MB of memory is best. Rockford! does not support the SuperPrint font scaling software. You'll also need the Visual Basic file VBRUN100.DLL file available from most BBS systems.

 Rockford! is made by OsoSoft and costs $15 for individual users and $30 for professional users. This is money well spent for anyone who has their own business!

The address for OsoSoft is:

George Campbell
1472 Sixth Street
Los Osos, CA 93402

The file name for Rockford! is: ROCKFORD.ZIP and can be downloaded from the OsoSoft BBS at 805-528-3753.


Over_Laz
Over_Laz 3.0

This program is a collection of over 150 image overlay files for use with WordPerfect 5.0 or later, WordPerfect for Windows, Word- Star, PC-Write, dBase using a HP Laserjet II, IIP, III, IIIP or 4 compatible printer.  It adds printer command files with graphics like "MEMO", "Notice Of Meeting", rubber stamp type graphics such as "DRAFT" and "SAMPLE" and decorative borders.

The overlays are automatically added to your document by your word processing or database program when it is printed.  This means you can not see the graphic even in a print preview.

Below are just some of the over overlays that come with the program:

Images:

•	INTER OFFICE MEMO-prints in lower case Swiss bold font at the top right of the page followed by a single horizontal line

•	DRAFT-prints in lower case Swiss bold outline font at a 30 degree angle, four times across the top of the page

•	RUSH-prints in Swiss bold outline font at the top center of the page

Rubber Stamp Images:

•	CONFIDENTIAL-prints in 45 point Swiss bold font in gray at a 30 degree angle in the center of the page

•	DRAFT-prints in 45 point Swiss bold in gray at a 30 degree angle in the center of the page

Borders:

•	BORDER1-prints a single thin black line box .5 inches in from the edge of the paper

•	BORDER2S-prints a double thin black line box .5 inches in from the edge of the paper, with the lines spaced .1 inches apart and a light gray shadow to the right and below the main box

The above are just some of the files that come with Over_Laz. Using this method to add this type of graphic makes it cheaper because it eliminates the need to buy add-on fonts for your programs or expensive letterhead paper.  The makers of Over_Laz can even create special overlays for you or a company.  They can even turn a company logo into an overlay.

The only drawback to  using this program is that it's not easy to add a downloadable file to a document.  The feature to add these printer command files is usually buried deep in the program.  This version of Over_Laz  comes with a WordPerfect for DOS macro, which makes it a little simpler, to use.  There are no macros included for any of the other programs mentioned. Without a macro, I would guess most users would not use the overlays.

 Over_Laz is developed by Herne Data Systems Ltd. Their address is:

Herne Data Systems Ltd.
PO Box 250
Tiverton, ON, CANADA N0G2T0

The cost is $25 that includes a free personalized letterhead overlay.


CopyQM
CopyQM 3.02

CopyQM is a high-speed diskette duplicator.  I down loaded many different programs of this type, including Windows programs, this is the best one that I've found.  It even works under Windows, Desqview and OS/2.

Version 3.02 is a major rewrite of the program, not just a bug fix. It's now much easier to use and is more intelligent. This version also comes with a menu system for all of you who hate to enter commands at the prompt line.

This program is much faster than using the DOS diskcopy command.  The program operates by using various commands entered at the DOS prompt or by using the menu program.  The menu program has a full on-line help system. The instructions that come with CopyQM gives details on all available commands and are easy to understand.

Below are some of the features of CopyQM:

•	Copies different size and density disks.

•	Diskettes containing more data than can be contained in the 640K memory is automatically spooled to extended and/or expanded memory  and/or the hard disk

•	Images of diskettes can be recorded as compacted hard disk files, then copied onto diskettes

•	Serial numbering of copies can be specified, with serial numbers in ASCII or binary formats

•	Compare copies against a master diskette or image

•	Verification can be performed on all or none of a diskette, or just the part of a diskette containing active data.

•	"Blind" copying can be performed for a certain number of non-DOS formats including XENIX and CP/M

•	Can copy to six diskette drives at a time

CopyQM functions are at a hardware interface level, so infection by virus during the copying process is extremely remote.  CopyQM may be run on an infected computer system and still produce faithful, uninfected copies of a master diskette, though I would not recommend this.

When making copies of diskettes, CopyQM prompts for the number of copies needed.  There is no need to push enter to start the copying process, CopyQM prompts you to insert the master diskette, senses when you insert it and does the same with the diskettes to be copied.

To make copying faster use the "Smart" and or "Quick" modes. The "Smart" mode refers to a feature called smart formatting. If this is used, CopyQM only formats the disk if it is unformatted. The "Quick" mode refers to the quick copying mode.  When selected, only the part of the master diskette that contains data is copied or formatted.

CopyQM will run on IBM PC compatible systems with an 8088, 80286, 80386 or 80486 processor with MS-DOS version 3.2 or later.  CopyQM requires at least 256K of available base memory and 2 MB of free space on the hard drive to create temporary files.  Actual CPU speed has little effect on the overall speed of operation of CopyQM. Network diskette drives are not supported.

Tip: When using CopyQM in Windows, always create a PIF file.  I have the Overflow command set to 'E'.  I set the Memory Required to: KB Required = -1 & KB Desired = -1.  I set the foreground priority to 1000.  CopyQM will run faster when using the full screen mode.

 CopyQM cost is $15 for single-user registration and $50 or commercial and multi - system sites.  This charge is well worth it.  Try copying 10 diskettes with the DOS diskcopy command and you will agree with me.  In addition the diskcopy command cannot copy different size and density diskettes.

CopyQM is developed by Sydex. Their address is:

Sydex
P.O.  Box 5700
Eugene OR 97405


MicroMacroBat

If you are in need of creating scrollable menu driven batch files, then MicroMacroBat is the shareware program for you.  I down loaded MicroMacroBat for use in a distribution disc batch file for hard Drive installations.  MicroMacroBat can also be used in:

•	AUTOEXEC.BAT files

•	In batch files for making file backups

•	In batch files for demonstration programs and slide shows

•	For Shareware distributors GO files

•	BLOADable screen design

•	And any other purpose, when using batch files

The version I down loaded has enough documentation (which includes a color chart) to get you on your way.  Below are a list of some of the features in MicroMacroBat:

•	Draw single or double line boxes in 256 colors

•	Clear the screen with color or just a portion of the screen

•	Fill the screen with any color and ASCII character

•	Paint the screen with any color without disturbing the existing text

•	Print characters on the screen one at a time, for effect, in any color

•	Print characters rapidly in any color

•	Locates the cursor at any row /  column if you want to use the ECHO command

•	Suspends operation of the batch file and waits for a keypress

•	Chimes in 10 different tones

•	Scrolls selected area of the screen up, down, left or right

•	Provides for a screen dissolve to any color

•	Prints a vertical list

MicroMacroBat is fairly simple to use.  I have trouble visualizing the 80x25 column and rows pattern on my screen, so when I program in box and text locations, I usually have to redo it a few times.  I really like all of the features, I even made a picture of a floppy disk and a printer using the paint feature.

Since my batch files are so big, MicroMacroBat files ran fairly slow, so I converted them to a COM file and they now run rapidly.

Using MicroMacroBat and a program from PCMagizne (BATCHMAN.COM), I've created what I call "idiot proof" installation program.

 The registration fee is $35.  The registered version of this program, has more features, is broken down into  component parts, comes with a manual and even a file to execute your batch file from memory!

MicroMacroBat is developed by Sitting Duck Software. Their address is:

Sitting Duck Software
P.O. Box 130
Veneta, OR 97487

(503) 935-3982.


WINWHEEL
 WINWHEEL 1.5

This Windows game is for all of you Wheel Of Fortune lovers out there. It's just about the same minus Vana and Pat Sajacks sarcasm.

Each game consists of five rounds played just like the TV show. A game can be played with 2-3 players. The dollar amount on the wheel increases with each round. In round one and two there is a space marked free spin. On all rounds there is a loose turn space and a bankrupt space. In round three, four and five there are two bankrupt spaces.

At anytime during the round, vowels can be bought for $250.

Who ever has the most money at the end wins! There is no bonus round.

When you guess the puzzle, take special care to spell the answer correctly. As I found out, if you don't spell it correctly the program thinks you guessed the puzzle incorrectly.

The shareware version of WINWHEEL comes with 1,000 puzzles. It even has an editor so you can add your own puzzles!

 Registration for this game is very reasonably priced at only $19 plus $3 for shipping. The registered version comes with 12,000 puzzles and 90 days of support and free upgrades. WINWHEEL is developed by Russell Mueller. His address is:

Russel Mueller
507 Washington Gardens
Washington, NJ 07882-9205.


Upcoming Review
Upcoming Reviews

Feature: Letters To The Editor, New & Improved, Editors 2 Cents

Feature: Windows Screen Savers- Protect your monitor with the these Windows screen savers.

Feature: Windows Utilities That Make Life A Little Easier- Windows add- ons and utilities.

FontShow 5.0a- Display and print catalogs of your Windows fonts.

MicroLink 1.04 vs ProComm for Windows- MicroLink is the best Windows communications package available, that includes commercial programs!

PostCardMaster 4.11- Creates labels and postcards.

PrintEnvelope 2.32- Print envelopes with the postal bar code in Windows. Imports databases.

SkyGlobe 3.5- See what all those starts are in the night sky.

The Invoice Store 2.0- Small business 'point of sale' program.

UltraClip 1.6a- Extend the use of the Windows clipboard.


Goal
Newsletters Goal

Since most computer publications totally ignore shareware and freeware programs, our goal is to provide a forum to report to computers users which shareware & freeware programs are available.  There are hundreds of these programs that are as good or even better than their "off the shelf" counterparts.  We will review if they are worth the down load time and money, how much they cost, where they are available and when updates on current programs are released.

We will review DOS and MS Windows programs only.

This report will be written with the common PC user in mind.  We will try not to use too much off-the-wall computer jargon, so that most everyone will understand what is written.

The source of most programs reviewed will be from BBS systems and developers.

All developers of shareware & freeware programs are welcome to submit their programs for review.

We also welcome comments from developers and users on any shareware & freeware program.

We hope everyone will find this report useful.  We will continue to publish this report if there is enough interest. Please fill out the questionnaire.

The Editor

Questionnaire


 About The Publisher

The Shareware & Freeware Report

Editor-in-Chief: David McCarter

The Shareware & Freeware Report is published by DPM Computer Solutions, 8430-D Summerdale Road, San Diego, CA 92126-5415 USA.

All  brand names and product names used in this newsletter are trademarks, registered trademarks or trade names of their respective holders.

Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher.

Subscription rate, one year: US. and US. possessions, (have not been determined yet). Please allow four to six weeks for delivery of the first issue.

Send address changes to The Shareware & Freeware Report, Subscription Department, 8430-D Summerdale Road, San Diego, CA 92126- 5415.

Copyright 1993, DPM Computer Solutions, all rights reserved.

Developers ...we need your programs for review!

Rules for submitting your program: All programs submitted must be compatible with DOS 6.0 or Windows 3.1. Programs must not be crippled in anyway or missing features (the ASP guidelines apply). Programs must be submitted on a 3 1/2 floppy disk mailed in a floppy disk mailer. If you submit a 'Press' or 'Registered' copy, please also submit the Shareware or Freeware version Zipped using the latest version of PKZip. Also supply the easiest way to get in contact with you. I prefer CompuServe or InterNet (cuts down on postage).

Send to:
The Shareware & Freeware Report
Attn: Reviews
8430-D Summerdale Road
San Diego, CA 92126-5415 USA

All programs submitted will be reviewed!. When reviewed you will receive a free copy of The Shareware & Freeware Report that your program is reviewed in.

Questionnaire


Questionnaire
The Shareware & Freeware Report Questionnaire

Receive a free copy of the first official issue of The Shareware & Freeware Report via floppy disk!! Just press 'Print Topic' above and fill in the questionnaire below and mail it to:

The Shareware & Freeware Report, 8430-D Summerdale Road, San Diego, CA 92126-5415 USA

For those of you outside of the US, please include $5 US dollars to help with the shipping and customs cost.

Your Name:_________________________________________________

Street:_____________________________________________________

City,State,ZIP:______________________________________________

Disk Size Preference For Your Free Issue : [ ] 3 1/2  [ ] 5 1/4 (both high density)

CompuServe Address:______________________________

InterNet Address:________________________________

1.	Would you rather see this report done in the current electronic form or printed media? [ ] Electronic [ ] Printed

If your answer is electronic, would you like to receive issues via the US Mail for download them from a BBS?  [ ] Mail [ ] BBS

2.	Do you own a modem? [ ] Yes [ ] No

What is the name and phone number of your favorite BBS?:
_____________________________________________________________________

3.	Do you operate a BBS? [ ] Yes [ ] No

If yes what is the name of it and the phone number:
_____________________________________________________________________

4.	Are you a Shareware or Freeware developer? [ ] Yes [ ] No

If yes, what is your company name, address and the names of the programs you develop:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Please write you comments about this report or any suggestions below:


Windows-R-Us BBS


WordPerfect Graphic


The BMP, DIB, and RLE files are known as "Device Independent Bitmap" files, or "DIB's". RLE files are Windows "DIB" files that use one of the RLE compression routines.  Thus, saving an image as a "DIB" using one of the RLE compressions would produce an identical file as saving the image as an RLE file.  The only difference would be the file name extension.


PCX files were originally created for use with the Zsoft Paintbrush program. With no standard to the industry, this format became the standard by default. This format is supported by more applications than any other format.


The Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) was designed to become the standard format.  In order to become the standard, the format was designed to handle just about any possibility.  The result of this design provided the flexibility of an infinite number of possibilities of how a TIFF image is saved.  Therefore, no application, can claim to support all TIFF variations.  The best that an application can do is to support as many TIFF variations as possible, but there will always be an obscure variation that will cause a problem for some applications.


GIF files were designed to create the smallest possible image files for uploading and downloading from electronic Bulletin Board Systems (BBS).


IMG files were designed to work with the GEM environment.  The files were originally the result of the GEM Paint program.  Since the application Ventura Publisher worked in the GEM environment, it also supported the IMG file format.  In order to maintain compatibility, various other desktop publishing applications have added support for importing and exporting this format.


The JAS format files were designed to create the smallest possible image files for 24 bits-per-pixel color images and 8 bits-per-pixel grey scaled images. JAS uses a discrete cosine transformation to alter the image data and then compresses that data.  This process results in a substantial reduction of the file size when the image is saved to the disk.  Saving and retrieving an image using the JAS file format will result in some loss of image data.  The amount of loss is dependent on the compression level that you use.


MAC files come from the Macintosh program MacPaint.  Large libraries of clip art exist in the MAC format.  When the MAC files started migrating from the Macintosh to the PC world, a header was added to the file format.


MSP files come from the Microsoft Paint program (that came with Windows versions prior to version 3.0)


The PIC files that are supported come from Pictor or PC Paint.  This PIC file format is not compatible with the Lotus PIC files.


RAS files are Sun Microsystems raster file format files.


The Targa TGA format was developed by Truevision for their Targa and Vista products.  It is an industry standard although not as widely supported as PCX or TIFF formats.  TGA files may be saved as non-compressed or compressed (run-length encoded).


Windows Icon File


Windows Metafile Graphic


What You See Is What You Get