Copyright: Copyright © 1994 Windows OnLine(tm)
Citation: All rights reserved, Copyright © 1994 Windows OnLine(tm)


Front Page


Contents

   About the WinOnLine Review™

WOLR information you should know

NEW to the magazine and Windows Help?

 here to learn more

   Publisher's Desk

This month's comments from our Publisher

   Cache La Byte, by Thom Foulkes

Decsions, Decisions

   Procomm Plus for Windows 2.0, by Ed Rasimus

 	"the ultimate in telecommunications packages for some time to come"

   SideKick, by G.L. Heitzmann

SideKick is all grown up, has a new suit, and is now playing in the PIM league.

   Commence, by Bob Gollihur

A writer's search for the proper PIM begins with a winner

   WindowsMaker Professional, by Steven Jay Cohen

A programming tool without peer

   Sidebar 1.0, by David Morgan

Relief from desktop clutter

   Norton Disklock, by G.L. Heitzmann

How much is the privacy of your data worth?

   Alki MasterWord and DocStudio, by Ed Hoffman

Windword Wow!

   Creative Writer and Fine Artist, by Randy Wong

Two great entries for the kids from the Microsoft Home Series

   For Your Bookshelf, by Ed Hoffman

DOS 6.2 Slick Tricks

Word for Windows 6.0 Slick Tricks

WordPerfect for Windows 6.0 Slick Tricks

   The Windows Bible CD-ROM, by Bob Gollihur

An interactive reference with bonus goodies

   Windows OnLine (BBS)

   Your On-Ramp to the Internet


About the WinOnLine Review
Publisher : Frank J. Mahaney      Editor : Bob Gollihur

Technical Editor: Steven Jay Cohen     Senior Staff Writer: Ed Hoffman

Staff Writers: Steven Jay Cohen, G.L. Heitzmann, David Morgan, Ed Rasimus, Randy Wong

Contributing Writers: Bob Ellig, Thom Foulkes, Ted Tatman

The WinOnLine™ Review (WOLR) and its sister publication, the WinOnLine Review™ Shareware Edition (WOLRS), are electronic magazines that are distributed worldwide to major online services. It is estimated that each issue is read by over 100,000 online and network users. (It is reported that there are over 70,000 BBS's in the USA alone as of 1993). The Review is published monthly at the beginning of each month. The Shareware Edition is published monthly and issued mid-month.

These magazines are published by Windows OnLine™, an online (modem) service dedicated to supporting Windows users and Windows network professionals. WOL prides itself on having the most complete and up-to-date library of Windows shareware in the world. We have over 11,000 Windows-specific programs and files to download and many thousands more oriented to DOS and OS/2. WOL operates with 17 nodes (all equipped with US Robotics high speed dual standard modems) operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We hope you will give us the opportunity to become your BBS of choice.

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Publisher's Desk
Upgrades!

 We recently completed the installation of our new main server with a 90mhz Pentium machine. The WOL network has also added faster drives and all new workstations with 486-DX66 CPUs. New upgraded network software is in place now. We have been receiving many positive comments about the incredible increase in speed of the system. In part, the impetus for this investment in new equipment was in preparation for our jump to accommodate the newest increase in modem speeds. As many of you know, just installing these new wonders will seldom get you the throughput of which they are capable. We recognized the need of having the best communications ports and equipment behind these units, or systems simply can't keep up with the data transfer and don't have the resources available to give to the task. We are 110% ready for our move to the newest modem speed of

28,800 bps!

Many of you may know that some of our lines have been inhabited by various 28.8K modems over the past few months as we have tested various units. We consider it very important to choose the fastest, most reliable and compatible devices available. After much consideration, we are proud to announce that we have placed our order and expect the imminent arrival of U.S. Robotics V.Everything modems. We have had a long association with this leader (USR) in the data communications industry, and are very pleased to continue the relationship. Their modems are second to none in reliability and quality, and we expect to offer quality connections at the highest speeds practical shortly. Give us a call, and get up to speed with the best!

Frank J. Mahaney

Publisher

frank.mahaney@wol.com


       CACHE LA BYTE

by Thom Folkes

Decisions, Decisions

Decisions. Gee, (pardon the vernacular) they're hell. Decisions, decisions, all day long. Where to go to lunch. What to order. How much to tip the waiter. Whether to go back to the office or not (oops -- wrong train of thought).

How terribly complex a computer makes life by all the decisions it forces you to make. What to name a file. What should the time-hallowed 8-character "filespec" be. What 3-character "ext", conforming to file format conventions (of course). Where to put it. What drive. What subdirectory. Sometimes, for some word processing software, a description of the file. How will you know where to find it again.

You just started out to write a short memo to tell the boss you'll be late returning from lunch. A typewriter would have been easier. (Note that I just wrote that phrase, and my 486 didn't blow up. Tolerant little monster, never known to be indecisive. It even tolerates heresy.)

One of the things that no computer newcomer is ever warned about is all the decisions he or she must make, and for how long the "wrong" decisions may come back to haunt you. Take subdirectory organization, for example (please!). There is no "standard", no "best", no "right" for any given user's purposes. You must decide -- and all too frequently, that decision has to be made while you have no idea where you're going. Want a map? Rand-McNally forfeits, thank you for your interest.

I'm just doing my Rush Limbaugh impression: Identifying a problem for which I have no recommended solution. But it's a far larger problem than the personal computer industry comprehends, and one for which a solution is desperately needed as the ranks of computer neophytes grow daily by the thousands.

The problem is (1) file-naming conventions, and (2) hard drive directory organization. We need to find a different terminology to deal with CP/M's "filespec.ext", and we need OTC machines with built-in systems to have at least a rudimentary subdirectory structure already installed. Add to that, software (like Word for Windows 6.0) intelligent enough to create a suggested file name for any new file.

We need a human-oriented analogy that explains hard drive organization. (I like "OK, so you want to use the washer in Thom's apartment. First you must go to Thom's apartment building, climb the stairs to his apartment, go through the living room to his kitchen, go through the kitchen to his laundry room, THEN you can use his washer." Uh, well, so long as he's not on a network, and using it himself.)

One of the great aspects of Macintosh systems is that they make all this process transparent to the user, minimizing the number of hellacious mundane decisions. (Not without creating some absurdities of its own, but that's a different topic.) Windows users deserve the same. AT LEAST they deserve a DIR command parameter capable of finding the newest files on the drive.  Why? Think about those times when you had to save a file in a hurry, and ten minutes later, you can't remember it's name. We've all been there (and we will return).

Until such decisive functions appear on every user's machine, the amount of mental energy wasted on dealing with simple file-handling will remain at shocking heights and too many neophyte computer users will remain "out-to-lunch" well into happy hour.

commentary by

(click)

Thom Foulkes


       COMMENCE

by Bob Gollihur

In search of the elusive PIM - Part I

The search begins . . .

I guess it's about time I completed my assimilation into the Borg society. Despite the fact that my typewriter has not emerged from the closet in five years, I still rely on a rolodex and pocket calendar. While I probably won't run out and buy a laptop to automate my life while on the run, it is time to employ what's generally referred to as a Personal Information Manager (PIM).

Please note the representative word for the "P" in PIM. That's the key. Everyone organizes their life in different ways when dealing with paper-based systems, and most folks have different agendas and types of work. It is a foregone conclusion that in some ways a PIM will modify the manner in which you work, and yet it should be flexible enough to accommodate your special needs. The challenge is to find a program that is best for you. I'll share with you details of my personal, seemingly ongoing search, in the hopes that the reports of my experiences will help you to narrow the candidates for your own transition from paper to PC.

Commence 2.1

You've seen the advertisements for Commence. They're the wordy, full-pagers sans the colorful address book illustrations. Their ads mean business, and so does the product. It's a serious computing tool that is referred to as an Automated Information Manager (AIM) in their literature. It is their Agent feature that truly earns that moniker. Jensen-Jones also developed IBM Current, perhaps the first truly sophisticated PIM available.

Other than its extensive ability to be customized, Commence's miserly use of resources is what first attracted me to it. Incredibly enough, I generally measure a less than 3% resource drop and use shy of 350K of RAM. This is a key element in my view, since Commence can be placed in your startup group without guilt, available for immediate use. If a PIM is too demanding of system resources there's a reluctance or even a prohibition to keeping it as handy as it should be. If I can't immediately dial out from my directory, consult or revise my calendar, etc., I may as well return to paper.

Commence includes the features you'd expect from a PIM and can include nearly anything else you wish to create. You'll find the usual address book, calendar, to-do list, and phone dialer. Commence adds phone and letter logs, notes, Gantt charts, and more to the usual list. A handy buttonbar anchors the top of the primary screen view for quick actions; buttons on the calendar move from daily to annual views or move to different time slices.

A distinction must be made here that will apply to other PIMs I will likely encounter in this adventure. Commence is a database oriented PIM, as opposed to outline or freeform style Personal Information Managers. Each piece of data is treated in this manner, and individuals familiar with and accustomed to organizing themselves in a relational database manner should immediately be comfortable with Commence.

Searches seem lightning fast with Commence. No need to remember the elusive last name of that company contact or even the exact spelling. Three levels of fuzzy searches are supported, the results of which are shown above.

Extensive output is a strong feature of Commence. Calendars, phone directories, Gantt task views, reports, etc., are available in many formats including popular Day Runner® and similar layouts, Avery labels, etc., or simple letter size text output. The portability does not stop there. The Synch feature will keep your information up to date and parallel both ways on your office and laptop machines. Restrictions can be placed on data exchanges so you could exchange updates to a customer database, for example, with another Commence user, without passing on your little black book data.

It is the Agent feature that causes Commence to proclaim itself an Automated Information Manager interchangeably with the PIM nomenclature. This powerful feature will execute complex instructions as the results of certain conditions being met, including DDE links. The example given in the accompanying literature suggests that once a certain sales level was reached by an account that Commence could automatically fax flower delivery instructions and authorization to your florist. External tasks are, of course, supported. This feature goes far beyond the traditional macro type instructions.

There are countless additional features to increase Commence's usability quotient. Letter writing capabilities and templates for popular word processing programs are included. Drag and drop is supported, so setting up appointments can be a simple matter of dragging a person to a date on a calendar view. The magnet [image] will hold an appointment and other items temporarily while you change your calendar view to move it to another date. The program is networkable.

Commence is not an easy program to get to know, and Jensen-Jones is not making it any easier. The manuals and help file documentation are written as if you already are familiar with the program, a fault common to higher end programs. First time users will not find these abstract references helpful. The more unforgivable sin is the fact that documentation for version 2.1 consists of three pieces: the original nearly 500 page version 1.0 manual, a 250+ page supplement to document the significant version 2.0 features and changes, and finally a 20 page booklet with the version 2.1 enhancements. There can be no excuse for this patchwork approach to document a $395 program. The new "How Do I ...?" feature within the extensive help system is a step in the right direction, but includes far too few topics.

Jensen-Jones offers a smaller, less expensive version called Start-Up, generally available for around $50. I began my adventure with Commence as a Start-Up user. It looks and feels like its sibling but offers less customization and it pre-configured for the expected uses of a PIM. Upgrades are available to the full product.

Due to the many features and flexibility of Commence, I will continue to suffer its significant learning curve. There is no doubt that it can more than serve my needs. The question remains: is there an easier and less painful solution to my personal requirements? I sure do like Commence's raw power, sophistication, and especially the tiny bite it takes from my Windows resources. It will stay and serve me well until and if I find something more appropriate for my needs. If I don't, it will more than do the job.

Commence 2.1

List Price: $395

Upgrade from 2.0 $29.95

Upgrade from 1.0 $69.95

Multiple user packs available

Start-Up version available

for further information contact:

Jensen-Jones, Inc.

328 Newman Springs Road

Red Bank, NJ 07701

800-688-7080 ext. 2130

908-530-4666

908-530-9827 fax

written by

(click)

Bob Gollihur

bob.gollihur@wol.com


       PROCOMM PLUS

by Ed Rasimus

Are you were wondering whether or not to spend money on a communications software package when you got perfectly good software bundled with your modem? The answer is clearly, YES! ProComm Plus/Windows 2.0 has been released. Just as word processors, spreadsheets and graphics programs have been getting increasingly effective and powerful, so also have communications programs. This new release from Datastorm Technologies may be the ultimate in telecommunications packages for some time to come. I'm hard pressed to imagine what could be done to make a smoother, more efficient, more user-friendly package to run your new high-speed fax modem.

The single most important feature of the new ProComm Plus/Windows 2.0 is that it is a completely integrated datacomm and fax program. "Suite" solutions employ two separate software programs with a similar interface, one for faxing and one for modem communication. ProComm Plus/Windows 2.0 is a single piece of software that addresses both needs. The dialing directories allow for data, fax and voice phone number entries for every entry with connection parameters, terminal emulation, and various other criteria for each number. When you make an entry you can detail every item without shifting between the three areas. If you wish to look up a fax entry, you can select, sort, and group separately. You actually wind up with a data dialing directory, a fax phone-book, and a voice phone contact manager. Additionally, you can review logs of last call, number of contacts and duration of connection for any of the numbers.

The faxing portion of the program allows for all the advanced faxing features that one might expect from a stand-alone fax program. Through a smooth, intuitive Windows interface, the user can send faxes to a select group, schedule faxes for the future, and receive and store faxes for future review. Attach cover sheets from the included library or custom design your own. Set the program up for "polling" where a caller can select from a directory of available faxes those which they would like to receive. One use of the polling feature that I thought particularly useful was the fax-forwarding aspect. Call your office when on the road and have faxes that ProComm Plus/Windows 2.0 has received forwarded to your portable fax/modem and deleted after transmission. Naturally, that feature can be password protected. Makes it pretty handy for the "road warriors" among us to keep up to speed on what's going on back at the office.

The data communications portion of the software has really corrected many of the shortcomings of the first version of ProComm Plus/Windows. Dialing directories are no longer displayed as a giant spreadsheet. Instead, they are presented for editing, record by record in a clear, concise and very readable data entry form. Selections of groups for regular calling are retained and the choice made whether to keep calling until all numbers have been reached or until only the first connection has been made. If you have a group of BBSs that you call daily, you can cycle through the list effortlessly with a log on script attached to each number. If you have multiple numbers to access a single data source, such as the office mainframe, you can call the numbers in rotation until you make a connection. Minimize the icon while you do something else, and it can be set to flash when your connection is made.

The dialing directory allows for input of data/fax/voice numbers

Installation of ProComm Plus/Windows 2.0 is the ultimate no-brainer. If you currently use a popular telecommunications program, the dialing directories can likely be imported and translated. If you wish to import names and numbers from another database, a generic delimited text import utility may do the job without a whole lot of heartburn. Connection to your comm port and establishment of an initialization string for your modem, which can be a real problem in some communications software, is fully automatic. The software will detect and configure for 700 popular makes and models of modems. When it recognized my limited distribution Zoom VFP 24K faxmodem, I knew Datastorm had done a good job in preparing for any eventuality. The defaults in the program get the user up and operating in minutes. Few users will find much to gain by tweaking beyond the defaults, but there is plenty to play with for the inveterate tinkerer.

The on screen interface can be customized for size, color, font, frame and access to a wide variety of tools. Five loaded toolbars are pre-configured and may be customized, displayed or removed to meet your desire. The icons are logical, but if you forget what an icon does, merely rest the cursor on it and a popup title appears. Almost anything that can be done by a menu selection or a hot-key combination can be done with a toolbar icon. You can develop your own "action bar" with frequently used icons, choose from the default toolbars, or display none of the toolbars and use only conventional menus. If you're a "clean screen" kinda person, you can choose to display none of the tools and operate only from the keyboard.

Toolbars, meta-keys, fonts and colors allow for customized interface

One nice feature that has been greatly improved from PCP/Win 1.0 is the "meta-key" bar. Meta-keys are programmable buttons that can be displayed across the bottom of the workspace to perform common functions. I use a meta-key bar to insert routine text into documents such as my sign-on name, password, Internet address or mailing address. I have other meta-keys programmed to launch programs that I might need during an on-line session, such as my PIM, spreadsheet, text editor, or off-line reader. Meta-keys could also be used to run scripts for specific functions written in the ProComm Plus/Windows 2.0 Aspect programming language. Four meta-key bars of ten buttons each compose a single meta-key file. That leaves forty automated functions available and a different meta-key file can be attached to each dialing directory entry.

For the power user, the Windows Aspect Script language will be a critical feature. Aspect scripts can be developed for almost any data or fax communication task. Routine data transfer tasks can be automated, network user interface applications can be developed, and DDE links can be established to other Windows software. You name it, Aspect will do it. For the beginning programmer, merely turn on the script recorder and ProComm Plus/Windows 2.0 will record both sides of an interchange. Run the built in compiler and your script is ready to go. Open the Aspect editor and you can examine the product and tailor it to do the job you want. Several Aspect scripts are included for common tasks such as a CompuServe log on, MCI Mail runs, and even "host" mode so that anyone with ProComm Plus/Windows 2.0 can function as a mini-BBS.

Other features include full drag-and-drop between applications for both faxing and file transfer, session capture to file, printer, or fax and scrollback of online sessions up to 1300 pages. Distinctive ring/adaptive ring recognition, allowing the automatic answering and proper handling of data or fax inbound calls all on a single phone line is supported for those modems capable of the process.

If you own a high-speed faxmodem, you may have been faced with the problems of competition for the comm port, conflicts among the data and fax software, and frustration with getting the most efficient use of your very expensive online time. Datastorm has taken a giant step in solving all of those problems with ProComm Plus/Windows 2.0. If you've been waiting for the perfect faxmodem software solution, you can unlimber the checkbook. This one's a winner.

ProComm Plus for Windows 2.0

List Price: $179

Upgrade from PCP/W 1.x or PCP/DOS 2.x: $69

Datastorm Technologies

P.O. Box 1471

Columbia MO 65205

(314) 443-3282

Fax (314) 875-0595

Reviewed by

(click)

Ed Rasimus

ed.rasimus@wol.com


       NORTON DISKLOCK

by G.L. Heitzmann

There are times when it is necessary to keep data from prying eyes that might put said data to ill use. An example is when a police officer is investigating the mis-doings of his appointing authority. Any disclosure could well put the officer's job in jeopardy, and there must be hundreds of similar relationships/situations in design, sales, etc.

SYMANTEC and The Norton DiskLock come to the rescue. Here's a veritable combination lock for your computer's hard and floppy drives. Keep the combination ID and password to yourself and it's completely private. Give a specific key to trusted co-workers and they'll have access, but only at levels you specify. While I know that there's no such thing as a completely burglar proof system, DiskLock is as close as could be generally desired. Choose to lock and/or encrypt entire directories with a single click. Since IT LOADS BEFORE SOFTWARE, those prying eyes can't even boot up from a floppy disk. One important caveat: if you forget the "combination", you can't boot up from a floppy either, so you'd better use a Master Password and remember it.

Supplied on two 3.5" floppies, DiskLock installs from a DOS prompt. A screen requests the user's ID and password. Note that they are case sensitive -- Droopie is not the same as droopie and access will be denied if it is not an exact match.

A README.TXT file says that DiskLock should be installed only on your bootable drive, but before reading it, I installed it on my D:\ drive, which is not bootable. It seemed to work properly, regardless of my oversight. It did, however, give me a valid excuse to use the REMOVE command to delete and reinstall it. All programs should have manners like this. After logging on with I.D. and password, simply type REMOVE and it deletes, erases, and cleans up all traces of itself as if it was never there. An unfortunate penalty is that the Windows 3.11 for Workgroups 32-bit disk access option won't work, slowing operation on systems able to exercise that valuable option.

DiskLock can be distributed to workstations on networks and the master-user can assign passwords for different access levels for up to five secondary users and "guests". If you're tired of flying whatnots screen blankers, DiskLock will fill that niche, too, by locking the system, and allowing all background functions like faxing to continue without screen display.

When the user starts Windows, DiskLock puts a minimized icon called Lock PC on screen. Double clicking on it allows locking of the system and blanks the screen. Users must press a mouse button or key to call up a dialog box in which to enter the ID and password combination to unlock it.

A three-key combination can also be selected to perform an immediate system lock. There is also an Audit-log feature that tracks successful accesses, violations, user, and other events.

Locking individual files is a feature that should be on every system. My grandkids use my system on a regular basis and there is the slim chance that they might randomly select FORMAT C: as a command line argument. I deleted FORMAT.EXE from the \DOS sub-directory and keep it on a floppy that is well out of their reach. DiskLock allows locking out their access to any potentially destructive or sensitive files on the hard drive.

My military days were spent as a cryptographer, but the encryption method used in DiskLock is the U.S. Government's DES standard, which is beyond my ken. It generates its own encryption key for encryption/decryption, or you can use your own key. There is also a less secure option available. Prying eyes that attempt to view an encrypted file see something akin to viewing a dump of an EXE file.

I was about to give DiskLock my stamp of approval, when quite by accident I discovered an undocumented feature, otherwise known as a glitch. I started the system one morning when my grandson wanted to play PuttPutt Joins The Parade (Humongous Enterprises). When he was finished with it, I had troubles getting out of it. A Ctrl-C normally ends the game, but this time, it merely over-wrote the last Putt-Putt display, and did so in an oversized font. CLS cleared the screen, but not the font. MODE CO80 finally did, but Windows would only load half-way and then return to the DOS prompt.

Another glitch turned up when a program caused Windows and the system to crash. DiskLock apparently retained the errant data as "lost clusters" shown as a "B" when viewed by ScanDisk, and refused to release them to CHKDSK /F for conversion to a file. When DiskLock was REMOVEd, the lost/bad clusters disappeared without conversion to a file for deletion.

There is nothing in the README.TXT file about either glitch. I contacted Symantec to see if there's a command line insecticide to kill the bugs or if there is a work-around, but after a protracted period, I've received no answer.

I guess that the old Latin proverb of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) comes into play, but, so too, does the modern question of: How much is the privacy of your data worth?

The Norton DiskLock PC v3.0

List Price:  $129.00

Introductory Price: $ 99.00

Available from:

Symantec Corporation

10201 Torre Avenue

Cupertino, CA 95014

Phone: 1-408-253-9600

Fax: 1-408-252-4694

written by

(click)

G.L. Heitzmann

gary.heitzmann@wol.com


       SIDEBAR

by David Morgan

SideBar v1.0 is a terrific program launcher for Windows that can be used as an alternative to Program Manager. It incorporates file management through the use of drive windows and includes a task manager. SideBar also lets the user place programs and other "objects" on the desktop itself. These objects will remain on the desktop until they are removed.

The main concept behind SideBar is the object. An object can be an icon, a folder, a file, an icon bar, or the desktop itself. Configuring any or all of these items can be easily accomplished by using drag and drop. For example, dragging a program or a program-associated data file from File Manager to the desktop will place an icon for it right on the desktop. These desktop icons, or objects, will remain on the desktop each time Windows is started.

Configuration can also be achieved by popup menus. Every object has a menu associated with it that is activated when you click on it using the right mouse button. This menu will vary depending on what object was clicked. For instance, if a file in a directory window is right-clicked, a menu will popup with the options of copy, move, rename, delete and properties.

The Properties option lets you set file links, or associations, and allows you to set file attributes. Deleting a file is as simple as right-clicking on it and then selecting delete from the popup menu. Configuration options not accessible by drag and drop are available in the popup menus.

One of the most useful objects within SideBar is the Folder. A Folder is similar to a Program Manager group in that it can be used to organize and contain programs and associated data files, or more correctly, their icons. However, unlike Program Manager groups, Folders can exist independently of Program Manager. In other words, you don't need to start Program Manager to gain access to your "Main" Program Manager group. Now you can have the "Main" group (or Folder) always resting on the corner of your desktop without the overhead of running Program Manager.

Creating Folders for the desktop is easy. As mentioned earlier, the desktop is considered an object and as such, right-clicking anywhere on it will bring up a popup menu allowing its configuration. One of the items on that popup menu is "Make" that allows you to add a new Folder to the desktop. You then name the Folder appropriately and add items to it using the two configuration methods: drag and drop and popup menus. Other options are immediately accessed with the popup menu by right-clicking on the desktop.

	Arrange Place objects anywhere on the desktop (free form), in a line along the side of the desktop (list), or arrange them in a grid. Sort  Sort objects by name or leave them in free form. Make  Create a desktop item such as a folder, a drive list that accesses a window listing files in a directory, and set program preferences. Windows  Tile windows vertically or horizontally, minimize all windows, and perform other window placements. ScreenSaver Immediately activate the screen saver. Refresh  Redraw the screen. Shutdown  Exit Windows

In addition to desktop icons, SideBar provides an icon bar along either side of the screen. As with the desktop, items on the icon bar are added or removed by drag and drop or by right-clicking on it to access the popup menu. This icon bar can be configured to minimize after a program on it is launched. Move the mouse to the right corner of the screen and the icon bar reappears.

Another noteworthy feature within SideBar is a utility to synchronize its Folders and Program Manager groups. This utility is helpful after installing and removing applications. The file directory windows, accessed via drive icons, provide easy file management. Open as many file windows as necessary.

SideBar is very effective at relieving your desktop of the usual clutter associated with having multiple windows open at the same time. It also provides a very useful way to organize and launch programs.

SideBar 1.0

List Price: $59.95

for further information please contact:

Quarterdeck Office Systems, Inc.

150 Pico Boulevard

Santa Monica, CA 90405

310-392-9851

fax 310-314-4217

written by

(click)

David R. Morgan

david.morgan@wol.com


Windows Maker
       WINDOWSMAKER PROFESSIONAL

by Steven Jay Cohen

Much of the time spent writing applications for Windows 3.x, Win32s or Windows NT is dedicated to reinventing the wheel each time you create an application. Though tedious, the framework construction of most basic window types and common dialogue boxes is a fairly "cut 'n dried" process. Most of us have a healthy library of saved code and oft-used routines, but shouldn't there be an easier alternative? Wouldn't it be nice if you could simply click on a couple of buttons, make a couple of appropriate choices and KAZAM!!! --- your basic parent window, enabled just the way you need it, is ready and waiting for coding? Whether you write in ANSI C, Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) C++ or Borland ObjectWindows Library (OWL) C++, for 16 or 32 bit applications, WindowsMAKER Professional Prototyper and C/C++ Code Generator from Blue Sky Software has a Switch-It-Module (SIM) to accommodate you.

Understandably, it is the goal of every programmer to produce an error-free, effective, eye-pleasing product as quickly as possible. Much of the appeal of Visual Basic, for example, has to do with the ease and speed of construction of an application's framework. VB ships complete with "ready-to-function" building blocks that are fairly easily put together. Its design environment takes full advantage of  the Windows GUI, allowing form, control and menu construction to take place with a series of clicks, drags, and list-box style manipulation of pre-existing properties. This permits the developer to concentrate on coding the specifics of a project rather than having to first "create" the required visual elements.

The price of construction speed in this case, however, is a degree of bulk that precludes stand-alone capability and portability of the final product. The presence of a large runtime DLL is required to run the program, whose execution is usually accompanied by an undesirably large appetite for Windows' limited resources. Couple these aspects with some of VB's inbuilt limitations that can often make certain programming objectives quite difficult, and one begins to see why many still prefer to write in the more manipulable C and C++ languages.

WinMAKER Pro provides a most elegant solution to the dilemma above. It employs all the desirable elements of a visual design environment while presenting a solid graphical platform from which to create and test an application. It then generates the C/C++ code using a SIM module with the appropriate compiler of your choice. The considerations afforded the user are straight from the heart of a "programmer's programmer." Blue Sky's attention to detail and provisions for user customization speak to a particular depth of knowledge and an obvious affection for object oriented programming. The result is a magnificent development tool.

The implementation of WinMAKER Pro is quite ingenious. The SIM modules employ an object oriented approach to the generation of the C, CPP, and HPP source code, respectively. WinMAKER concurrently produces files with WMC extensions. These WMC files function like a dynamic class library in C++, housing all the source code down to the Windows API level, in the case of the ANSI C SIM, and maintaining the C++ classes in the case of the OWL and MFC modules. Once generated, the source code is accessible to be edited as desired. The code generated by these SIMs will compile as 16 bit code for Windows 3.x and 32 bit code for Win32s and Windows NT.

Great pains have been taken to protect the user's code additions and modifications. All code within the files having native extensions is passed to the functions in the WMC files, remaining unaltered by the process. The user is free to make any changes and the SIM responds efficiently, effecting only those changes, rather than carrying the overhead of processing all possible associated messages and functions. There are no mysterious DLLs or hidden object code modules to mask the process. Each SIM includes the source for all the functions in the files and can easily be examined. Custom controls can be implemented as easily as the standard Windows controls.

WinMAKER Pro is a very powerful integrated programming environment with the bonus of operational ease. Its smooth, intuitive feel provides all of the common elements of the Windows interface, ready to be incorporated into a project immediately. Several Extended Functionality Modules (EFM) come with WinMAKER Pro to extend the functionality of its architecture. In addition to the Common Dialogue EFM, there are the MicroHelp EFM for the creation of status bars, and the User Defined Code EFM that enables the user to add code immediately behind any object. The Professional version also includes the MultiMedia EFM that permits the integration of WAV sound and AVI video into an application. This module ships with the Video for Windows 1.1 Runtime, a sound driver for the PC speaker, and Microsoft's performance monitor that analyzes a system's ability to play multimedia.

Depending upon the requirements of the project, the user may choose to start from scratch with only a basic, framed window or begin using any one of a number of included templates. These templates are fully precoded frameworks that serve as jumping off points for customization. There is a variety of often used types including Common Dialog, MDI compliant, and Graphic, some which are already status bar and/or toolbar enabled. The Dialogue Box, Toolbar and Status Bar Templates can easily be customized to create your own default size, position, and contents. Additional elements are easily added in a modular fashion.

The Visual Screen Designer in WindowsMAKER is a stunning tool. It employs a versatile toolbox for the construction of an application's interface that includes several well-organized layers of context-sensitive dialogue boxes to facilitate the underlying coding and creation of links. It is initially enabled with the set of controls pictured on the right. The user may easily add and/or delete controls from this default set to accommodate personal preferences. Fully drag 'n drop enabled text boxes, radio buttons, 3-D frames, etc., are added to an application in a fashion very much like that found in the Visual Basic design environment. In this way, the most often used controls can always be at one's fingertips, ready for implementation. A notable feature of this particular tool is its ability to be used in WinMAKER's Preview Mode. You can immediately see exactly how elements are going to appear and function before compiling, making desired changes on the spot. Precise alignment, sizing and placement of added controls is facilitated by tools and readouts at the bottom of the toolbox panel.

Another thoughtful feature that speeds work in WindowsMAKER's design environment is the implementation of a context-sensitive popup menu system, accessible by right mouse button click. These are called SmartMenus. The many layers of features seem endless and are actually far too numerous to cover entirely in the limited space here.

Finally, it should be noted that options for individual compilation preferences are provided. A dialogue box presents fields that allow the user to easily select the desired memory model and stack and heap sizes. Likewise, all other variables appropriate to a given compiler may be configured in the provided fields. Even details such as the line call to the assembler for the three memory models, divided as to optimize or debug, may easily be set up according to the user's wishes and changed at any time.

All of this sounds pretty amazing, doesn't it? Frankly, it is. I personally worked with the ANSI C and MFC C++ SIM modules for the purpose of this review and found it to be top notch in every respect. Because the provided application templates enable one to dispense with much of the drudgery of constructing the framework, turning out a professional quality application takes far less time.

Whether you are an amateur or professional programmer, or one who seeks to join the club, this suite of tools comes highly recommended. I am certain that you will find that WindowsMAKER Professional is without peer in its category, invaluable in contributing to quality assurance and speed of production.

WindowsMaker Professional v5.5

List Price: $995.00

For further information please contact:

Bue Sky Software Corporation

7486 La Jolla Blvd., Suite 3

La Jolla, CA 92037-9582

sales: 800-766-4WIN

offices: 619-459-6365

fax: 619-459-6366

written by

(click)

Steven Jay Cohen

steven.cohen@wol.com


WinWord Wow
       ALKI MASTERWORD & DOCSTUDIO

by Ed Hoffman

Word for Windows 6.0 has become not only one of today's most popular programs, but the defacto standard for Windows word processing. Although this program is very powerful, it still isn't really all it could be. This is quite obvious from the number of add-on programs available in both the commercial and shareware markets. Having used many of the programs I'm acquainted with the strengths and weaknesses of many of these add-on programs and utilities. One company I have relied on to deliver the most useful add-ons for Word for Windows has been Alki Software. Their Comprehensive Spelling Dictionary and Thesaurus have long been a vital part of my system. When the most recent version of MasterWord and the new DocStudio were released, I knew I had to give them a try. I was not disappointed. If you've not yet tried these two utilities, you'll never really know what's missing from Word for Windows.

Alki MasterWord

MasterWord is a collection of very useful add-ons and supplemental utilities that add both power and functionality to the basic Word for Windows program. The program is also very well integrated into Word and if you did not know any different, you would think these add-ons were actually part of the Word program.

The Easy menu, located on the left side of the title bar, is the heart of the MasterWord program. Simply clicking on the Easy button, opens a pull down menu for easy access to most of the MasterWord features. Each item in the menu controls specific functions within the MasterWord utility.

Styles. The Styles menu gives you access to either the Style Tree or a Visual catalog of styles. The Style tree lists all the styles in the current document and quickly shows you what each style contains. The Visual catalog shows you a near full size representation of all the styles furnished with the MasterWord utility.

Fonts. The Fonts menu shows a complete listing of all the fonts presently available for Word to use for your document. These fonts are listed by both their font type (ATM, TrueType, etc.) and with a graphic representation of how the font appears. For cases where font families are listed, such as New Times Roman, each font variation is shown by clicking on the arrow to the right of the font name. Each font style, Bold, Italic, Roman, and so on, is shown as it actually appears.

Wizards.  The Wizards option gives you fast access to the wealth of available Wizards offered with the program. Here you can setup and perform a range of operations from creating fractions to page borders. All the Wizards available on your system, are shown in a menu. Simply clicking the name you want automatically takes you to that Wizard.

Commands. The Commands option takes you to the Alki Command Central. Here you can find virtually every command available within Word. The commands are listed by their names and function. With this option you can find commands and either have them execute or add them to your toolbars. The folks at Alki even included icons for most of the commands to save you from having to create your own.

Programs. The Programs option is a neat feature if you frequently run other programs while in Word. Simply set up a separate Program Manager Group with the programs you run most often. When you need the program, click this option and all the programs are listed. Another simple click automatically starts the program.

File Open. The File Open command takes you to another window that resembles a mini File Manager where you have complete access to your system. This Alki button on the title bar also offers several nice features. Here you can access the directories and files you've recently opened or you can use the Allies option to setup named directories where you can create longer, plain English directory names. There is even a File Find option you can use to track down those files you cannot immediately locate. You can either use the Word File Find routine, or this option will give you access to Alki Seek, a very complete file finding utility program. This program is also available from Alki.

File New. The File New menu option allows you to setup new documents or templates quickly and easily. Here you can select the document type, the specific template or wizard to use, and view all the important information about the templates and wizards on your system.

Template. The Template option takes you to the Alki Template Selector where you can select the template you need for your document from a variety of thumbnail views of all your templates. Here you can select and apply the template you need based on a picture and not just a text description. With this you can see the differences between MEMO1.DOT, MEMO2.DOT, and MEMO3.DOT.

Attach. The Attach option allows you to attach a different template to an existing document. This is very handy if you want to change the look of an existing document without creating it new from scratch.

DocStudio. The DocStudio option is only available if you have the DocStudio program installed on you system. With this option you can instantly access all the templates in the Alki DocStudio program. A more detailed description of DocStudio is below.

Print. As you might expect, the Print option allows you to print a document. Rather than running through the somewhat cumbersome WinWord dialog boxes, this option allows you to instantly select exactly what you want to print. Your options are Document, Page, Selection, or Outline.

Help. The Help option gives you instant access to a comprehensive help system. This system is designed to help get you up and running with MasterWord as quickly as possible.

There are a few other features of MasterWord you'll find particularly useful. I especially like the instant spell check. With the Comprehensive Thesaurus by Alki, you can gain instant access to a word list by simply placing the cursor on the word and holding the Control key down while you click the right mouse button. With MasterWord, you do the same actions, but click the left mouse button to see if a word is correctly spelled. If it is, the status bar will say the selection is spelled correctly; if not, you're shown a list of possibilities right beside the word in question.

The toolbar options available in MasterWord are also very useful. The program has a few toolbars you may wish to use as is, or modify to suit your needs. For those of us who have problems remembering what all the pictures mean, there is even a labeled toolbar with all the names right on the buttons.

If you have Word for Windows, you should definitely take a look at MasterWord. It just might allow you to start making sense out of some of the more obscure Word functions and commands.

Alki DocStudio

The Alki DocStudio program is a collection of document templates designed to give you the maximum bang for the buck from all your correspondence. With 190 document choices, there is almost certainly a template that will convey just the right message for you.

The program is furnished with 10 basic types of documents. These include: Certificate, Directory, Fax Sheet, Flyer, Letter, Manual, Memo, Presentation, Press Release, and Report. In addition, each of these document types can be created in any of 19 different styles. These styles are: Antique, Belle, Casual, Classic, Conservative, Contemporary, Corporate, Elegant, Exotic, Expressive, Hi-Tech, Italia, Modern, Modern Condensed, Office, Office Narrow, Retro, Sophisticated, and Typewriter.

The document type determines the overall format of the sheet while the style is decided by the typeface used. The program is furnished with 35 TrueType fonts to give you the look you want. Although you may wish to use any of the templates as they are furnished, DocStudio also gives you the option to customize any existing documents or create your own styles and templates.

Included with the program are a visual template selector, style selector, visual style selector, and a collection of wizards for each document type. DocStudio offers even the most creative soul an unlimited array of design possibilities. The program is also surprisingly easy to use. Virtually every change you may wish to make can be performed by simply making a series of selections from the various menu options available.

 	Both MasterWord and DocStudio have earned a place on my system. Who knows, with these programs, I might even start to like working with Word for Windows.

Alki MasterWord

List price $99.00

($59.95 if purchased directly from Alki)

Alki DocStudio

List price $139.95

($69.95 if purchased directly from Alki)

Available from:

Alki Software Corporation

300 Queene Anne Ave. North, #410

Seattle, WA 98109

1-800-669-9673 Phone

1-206-286-2785 FAX

written by

(click)

Ed Hoffman

ed.hoffman@wol.com


       FOR YOUR BOOKSHELF

Ed Hoffman

Most computer related books on the market today, though often useful, are typically a rehash of the material found in the manuals. Seldom do you find books that actually help you get to the meat of a program. Although there is certainly a place for books covering the fundamentals of any computer program, there are times when a reader needs to know more of the power features to take full advantage of a program.

Well, for those that feel they are beyond the basics, there is a series of books specifically directed toward the advanced topics of several of the more popular computer programs. This series is called the Slick Tricks Series. There are presently four titles available, three of which will be discussed in this review. Several more titles will be released in the month ahead.

DOS 6.2 Slick Tricks

If you are presently using the newest version of DOS, version 6.2 (and 6.2.1, etc.), and would like to take advantage of the available power, DOS 6.2 Slick Tricks may be just what you need. This text is written by Jack Nimersheim and offers a quick and easy introduction to the mystical world of DOS. The text has nine chapters that quickly take you through the ins and outs of this operating system.

Starting with the Installation Tricks, Tips, and Traps and moving through the methods you can employ to personalize your DOS system, you'll quickly master DOS and how to make your system behave the way you desire. Get the low-down on EMM386.EXE and other memory gadgets within DOS in the MS-DOS's Memory-Management Utilities chapter. Likewise you'll explore the construction and applications of batch files and learn to get full use of the DOS Shell Program. You'll even learn to create and setup a variety of system configurations with the multiple configuration option available in DOS 6.2.

Word for Windows 6.0 Slick Tricks

The Word for Windows program is one of the more popular word processors on the market today. However, even those experienced with this program rarely use all its features. Now, with the Word for Windows 6.0 Slick Tricks book, many of the advanced and obscure features of this program are clearly explained. The text is written by Kay Yarborough Nelson and explores many of the niches that few other texts explain.

Start with a few of the more basic tricks you can use to get around in Windows and the Word program and then quickly move on to a variety of editing tricks to make creating documents faster and easier. The book has two useful chapters on formatting. Here you'll learn several hints on formatting paragraphs and sections as well as several ideas for using many Word features like special characters, lists, and columns. You'll also learn a few tips and tricks for customizing the Word program itself. Tips about toolbars, menus and working with your keyboard are included. There is even a chapter devoted to making sense of the sometimes confusing table features.

WordPerfect for Windows 6.0 Slick Tricks

Even WordPerfect for Windows 6.0 has not been forgotten in this series of books. The Slick Tricks for WordPerfect for Windows 6.0 introduces you to a wide range of suggestions to make this powerful word processor even more useful. This text is also written by Kay Yarborough Nelson and has seven chapters that quickly and easily get you into the heart of using WordPerfect for Windows like a pro.

Starting with a variety of introductory tasks that can be simplified with the right tips and tricks, the text soon moves to editing tricks. Here a variety of hints and tips for selecting text, finding your place in your text as well as searching and replacing text are explored. In the formatting chapter many ideas for setting up your documents are thoroughly explained. From simple margin and tab setting tricks to formatting tricks with your mouse, the book offers a wealth of valuable and time saving ideas. There are also chapters covering how to customize many of the WordPerfect features and tricks for file management.

DOS 6.2 Slick Tricks

Word for Windows 6.0 Slick Tricks

WordPerfect for Windows 6.0 Slick Tricks

List price: $16.00 each

Available from:

Random House Electronic Publishing

201 East 50th Street

New York, NY 10022

1-212-940-7394

 written by

(click)

Ed Hoffman

ed.hoffman@wol.com


SideKick
       SIDEKICK FOR WINDOWS

by G.L. Heitzmann

Several years ago, when this was a mono-386SX system, it was loaded with DOS, WordStar, and SideKick v 1.5 which was almost obligatory in those days. As time went by, the system became a 486DX and while SK was still on the hard drive, it became almost unused. Then came the reports that there would be no updated SK products. But, good news -- to paraphrase an old saw, the reports of it's demise were grossly exagerated. SideKick for Windows is back. But don't look for the old text-based display. It is now a full Windows GUI, and since it's all grown up, you won't tuck it into 256k of space anymore. It needs 3 Megabytes, but will work on any PC running Windows v3.1.

Supplied on one 1.44mb floppy, it follows the usual Windows, ProgMan, Run installation series asking only for the name/location of the directory in which to install itself. If you accept the default, it couldn't be easier. It creates the subdirectory, a Windows Group Item, and several icons, and then proclaims successful completion. After scanning through the manual, I found that the entire program was that easy to use as well. A few minutes spent taking the Quick Tour will be time well spent as well.

The opening screen is a deskpad containing the SK i.d. plate and if you've left yourself a reminder, it is also onscreen. The right side of the deskpad contains icons and icon-sized buttons. The upper three icons allow immediate entry to the Cardfile, Calendar, and Notes sections. The three hands of the icon-sized analog clock display the system time and the month, day, and year are displayed on the calendar page. The phone and waste basket are part of the drag-n-drop features.

Click on the Cardfile and you get to the heart of the PIM. A flat display of the rolodex-type cardfile which can be displayed as you wish it to be. You can pick the item/field on the spot. If you can remember nothing more than the state the subject lives in, you can sort by state-name. That's a nice touch for those of us who tend to remember bits and pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. The displayed Speedbar (toolbar) is different for each of the three icons and configured/optimized for each mode by the program. However, you can separate the buttons into groups or delete them according to your own tastes/needs with just a couple of mouse-clicks. Now that you have the Cardfile displayed, and assuming you have an operational modem, you can drag-n-drop a card to the small phone on the lower right side of the screen and it will dial the subject's phone number.

There are two more windows: one is the full display of the highlighted card, the second a small scroll-window to allow moving to other items. Of course, the mandatory alphabet locator is also available. Likewise, if you decide you don't need a card in the file, just drag-n-drop to the waste basket in the lower right and it is deleted. Click the calculator button in the speedbar to display or hide a calculator which displays its figures on a moving tape rather than a digital display. At the bottom of the screen is a LaunchBar with a couple of Windows' familiar icons. By typing location, etc., into a dialog box, you can add your favorite or most used programs and launch them by clicking on their icons. The icons have no verbal description, but the full path/prog-name is displayed in a status bar on the top line.

No longer is it necessary to press Ctrl-Alt or some other key combination to call up the program. Quick Menu, when added to the Windows system, displays an icon at the left side of the programs' title bars. Click on it to run SideKick on the spot. It can also be added/started from the Windows Startup group and can be cancelled as easily.

Lest you think that the drag-n-drop is limited, the list of possibilities might fill this page. Drag-n-drop card to daily calendar to insert information there, card to note-merge for insertion into a report or correspondence, either to wastebasket, etc.

The Calendar can be displayed as yearly, monthly, and daily and when called up, displays ToDo list, Calls For Today, and Task List in scrolling boxes. In monthly mode, a multi-day activity (such as vacation) can be listed in a color-bar by entering the dates in a dialog box. In yearly mode, it requires only highlighting the days with a mouse-drag and entering the information. Colors for the bar are selectable as well. Personal lists and recurring activities can be set as easily. A caveat may exist for some in the ToDo list. If a task is left undone, it is not automatically moved to the next day's list. For a procrastinator like me, that's a plus. I kept my ToDo list on a chalkboard -- the last entry said to buy more chalk.

In Notes mode, you can create notes (obviously), folders, merge notes, create correspondence, etc. You can print the contents of a card, note, report, etc., and also print labels using a card's info. One last item is a dialog box for entering data about a caller when answering a phone call is available by clicking a speedbar button. SideKick is all grown up, has a new suit, and is now playing in the PIM league.

SideKick for Windows

List Price: $99.00

Introductory offer: $29.95

available from:

Borland International, Inc.

100 Borland Way

Scotts Valley, CA 95066-34249

Phone: 1-408-431-1000

written by:

(click)

G.L. Heitzmann

gary.heitzmann@wol.com


The Windows Bible CD-ROM
       WINDOWS BIBLE CD-ROM

by Bob Gollihur

The 1154 page Windows 3.1 Bible was published last year to great critical success and popularity. Peachpit Press has now made this information available on CD-ROM using Microsoft's multimedia viewer. The interface is very much like the familiar Windows Help, but with bonus features.

The CD-ROM is well organized and well adapted from print to this interactive medium. Rather than choosing to present a huge table of contents with sub-headings, only the chapter titles are visible. Each title delivers a pop up listing the contained subject matter from which you can click to your choice. The chapters cover a wide range of topics from the elementary to the technical:

   Mastering the Windows Environment

   Introducing Windows 3.1

   Program Manager: Your Windows Launching Pad

   File Manager: A Graphical Way to Work with Files

   Controlling the Environment with Setup and Control Panel

   Mastering the Bundled Windows Utilities

   Enhancing the Environment with Third-Party Shells

   Inside Windows

   Windows Fonts and Printing

   Interacting with the Interface: Displays, Mice and Keyboards

   Integrating Windows Applications with OLE and DDE

   Windows Networking and Communications

   Multimedia and Windows

   Advanced Windows Techniques

   Optimizing Windows Resources: Processor, RAM and Storage

   Optimizing DOS for Windows

   Running DOS and DOS Programs from Windows

   Inside the Windows Initialization Files

   Inside the Windows Installation Process

   Diagnosing Your System with MSD and Dr. Watson.

Appendices

 The search feature is incredibly useful. The Index button on the button bar provides a Windows Help style topic search, but it is somewhat enhanced. The Search button allows for word searches throughout the document. A dialog box then returns all the occurrences, with their location just a mouse click away.

Liberally sprinkled throughout the Windows Bible CD-ROM are three icons with informative pop ups behind them: Information New to Windows 3.1, Insider Tips, and Danger Zones, or items to dabble with only at your potential peril. The fact that the book does dwell a bit too much on the marvelous benefits of the 3.0 to 3.1 evolution tends to show its age. It has been nearly two and a half years since that release. The chapter addressing third party shells refers to Norton 2.0 as the newest version and doesn't even mention PC Tools. Over 550 useful and appropriate illustrations are included to help your understanding of each area covered.

In addition to the original text and illustrations, over 500 megabytes of "Windows Goodies" are included. These goodies are sound, video and image files as well as a wide selection of shareware and freeware programs. The interface is done very well, organized by topic and including search features. Programs can generally be run directly from the CD-ROM. However, the install feature only copies the zip file to a subdirectory you designate.

Programs are categorized by purpose or use, and their contact information and pricing are shown in the accompanying booklet. Most selections are representations of good quality Windows shareware, but unfortunately are very dated. While this CD was published in March 1994, the files are dated from 1990-1992 and thus are mostly stale versions. The sound files are disappointing in many cases, with some of the musical sounds obviously synthesized. The AVI files were also largely unimpressive. About 60 fonts are included in TTF and Type 1 formats. The book itself is the meat of this CD-ROM; the goodies section does provide some useful material, and a newer version of an interesting program could always be obtained from the author or alternate sources.

I did not have the opportunity to browse the printed version of the book, but I can certainly say that searching for topics in the CD-ROM version is a breeze, and it certainly takes up less room on my shelf. The Windows Bible CD-ROM covers a wide variety and large volume of practical information and is useful to both beginners and advanced Windows users as a tutorial and general reference.

The Windows Bible CD-ROM

List Price: $34.95

The Windows Bible Book/CD-ROM Combo

List Price: $49.95

by Fred Davis

for further information please contact:

Peachpit Press

2414 Sixth Street

Berkeley, CA 94710

1-800-283-9444

1-510-548-4393

1-510-548-5991 fax

written by

(click)

Bob Gollihur

bob.gollihur@wol.com


MS Creative Writer & Fine Artist
       FINE ARTIST & CREATIVE WRITER

by Randy Wong

Parents want their children to have the best things in life. There are a lot of products on the market that will teach your children little more than eye hand coordination. However, there are several products available that will keep your children busy while educating them in spite of themselves. The Microsoft Home Series includes two fun and educational products just for kids: Fine Artist and Creative Writer. Fine Artist allows kids to draw, paint, doodle, and create their own animated scenes, while Creative Writer assists the child in putting words, pictures, and sounds together on paper. McZee and his buddies will teach your kids drawing techniques and writing skills. If you have a crew in your home, worry not, since you can have many different children using the program, each with their own directory and files.

Fine Artist is a drawing, sketching, and painting application for kids for creating single or animated pictures. You have the option to select creating posters, comic strips, buttons, stickers, and even a Picture Show. There are over 72 Paintbrush styles with 38 custom colors and patterns. Some Paintbrush styles are fish, apples, spider webs, bugs, trees, smiley faces, and others. The Fill function works with either solid, pattern, or animation, and sounds can be attached to objects or words. There are three series of sounds, including Bass Clef, Treble Clef and Dinosaurs. There is even a tool to add a third dimension to your art. When you need to add text to your artwork, it can be customized with blends, shadows, and colors. The Undo functions can step you back as far as 20 steps, so "oops!" is not a disaster. Picture Show combines sound and animation to make a multimedia project. Finally, if you need to erase something, the Vacuum Cleaner tool does the job complete with sound and visual effects.

Creative Writer is an all around word processor and desktop publisher for kids. More than just a letter writing program, it can create newsletters, letters, notes, cards, reports, banners, and many other things those creative children can dream up. Creative Writer comes with the basic word processor tools, such as page preview, zooming, fonts, justification, undoing, and others. Select the Bee character and it will appropriately check your spelling. If you'd like to perpetrate special effects on words, there is a function to add bends, shadows, sparkles, fades, and colors. Borders and background images can also be added to the page, and sound associated with words and pictures. Max, one of McZee's buddies, will help you with writing and assist you with Story Starters. With Story Starters, the kiddies get over 8000 original ideas for sparking their own little story. If you are into privacy, the Secret Agent Encoder will help with creating secret messages for the agent's eyes only.

The step by step instructions are easily followed

Both of these products work hand in hand. The interface is basically the same for both. You choose your name, connecting you to all your files. An elevator takes you to different floors for different activities, with common designs and layouts, such as the toolbar. Each product has its own section of Tips and Tricks, complete with 100 pieces of clip art and dozens of sounds. A sound card is a desirable option if you want to use (and hear) sounds. External sound must be in WAV format in order for the sound to be imported for use, and images must be either BMP or WMF format. Fine Artist requires 11 MB free disk space, 8 MB for installation and an additional 3 MB is used while the application is running. Creative Writer requires 8 MB free disk space. VGA or higher resolutions running 256 colors or more. The 16 color mode will work, but the color graphics are not as good.

 Although Microsoft suggests that Fine Artist is for ages 8 to 14 and Creative Writer for ages 4 to 14, older kids of all ages will want to use them. I found Fine Artist to contain many of the tools that I use with higher level programs. If the user occupies the lower age bracket, another person will likely be needed to read and help the child along. However, once in the drawing or writing work area, the child can run crazy by themselves.

The sounds provided are great, but I had trouble with the Roland RAP-10 Windows drivers. The machine would lock up and require a cold restart. The problem was resolved when I switched to the SoundBlaster AWE32 Windows drivers.

Both products run full screen, so there are few Windows controls. This was probably designed to keep the child from straying too far and endangering your installation. Since they are Windows applications, it would have been nice to be able to switch to another application easily, resize, and minimize the application. Another interesting thing was the project idea. A child or adult could design, layout, and printout a project on paper. Once on paper, they could continue on with coloring and painting.

Creative Writer For Windows 1.0

List Price: $64.95

Fine Artist For Windows 1.0

List Price: $64.95

For more information, please contact:

Microsoft Corp.

One Microsoft Way

Redmond, WA 98052-6399

1-800-426-9400

Written by:

(click)

Randy Wong

randy.wong@wol.com


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