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Software Vault: The Gold Collection
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SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
SOFTWARE CREATIONS BBS JUNE 1993
(508) 365-2359
(8,1, N)
Welcome to SHAREWARE REVIEWS, a new, innovative, electronic
newsletter that will review the best of the latest uploaded shareware in
all areas. Our objective is to help you select the software that will best
fulfill your needs from among the many hundreds which are published each
month. We are truly in the midst of a creative explosion by many fine
shareware authors but the quantity is overwhelming. How can you select the
very best from among a bewildering variety of publications? Let SHAREWARE
REVIEWS help you by selecting from among the finest new releases and
then provide you with brief, yet information packed, reviews to help you
decide what is worth your downloading dollars and valuable time. We have
vast experience to bring to bear upon this endeavor having had years of
professional experience in academia, advanced scientific and humanities
research, technical and journal publication, public school education, and
entrepreneurial private business. Furthermore, we are consultants in
applied statistics and shareware authors ourselves.
What is shareware? Shareware is computer software created by small
companies, often a single person operation, that is marketed on a 'try
before you buy' basis. An informed decison by any consumer should be based
upon maximum knowledge. As a sales approach, which is remarkable for its
generosity to potential customers, shareware authors create and distribute
their work in a format which has at least partial, and often complete
functionality. Distribution is via mail order companies which specialize in
selling shareware on disk and Bulletin Board Systems, such as SOFTWARE
CREATIONS, whose sysops are committed to the promotion of shareware. By not
investing in expensive brochures or the usual sort of advertising, shareware
authors are determined to hold down costs, and thereby the retail prices, of
their products.
Successful shareware benefits everyone because the retail price is
as low as possible which places the least stress on a user's wallet.
Hopefully, a large selling volume will increase the income for the
author/publisher. Shareware authors are unusually generous and trusting.
If their product is fully functional in the shareware version, which is
often the case, users must feel honor bound to purchase it after the fact.
Purchase is termed registration and is by mail order via forms provided
within the shareware package. We urge you to register any and all shareware
you try out, like and decide to use. If the shareware does not fulfill your
needs, pass it on to someone who might be interested, thereby giving the
it more exposure.
Unlike browsing in a book store where there is no possibility of
keeping the book without payment (short of theft), all of us could 'steal'
our favorite shareware if so inclined. If we are not honorable, this
generous marketing approach is in danger of disappearing. Furthermore, many
shareware authors are highly creative and innovative while exploring areas
still untouched by major corporations. Often their products are as full
featured and 'deep' as any offered in the mainstream, highly advertised,
marketplace and may, in fact, incorporate an approach that cannot be found
anywhere else.
SHAREWARE REVIEWS (versions 2 & 3) will be available only through
SOFTWARE CREATIONS which is an extraordinary Bulletin Board System. The
founder and sysop is Dan Linton who is perhaps the most aggressive promoter
of shareware in the country. He is also a very successful software author
and publisher in his own right. SOFTWARE CREATIONS is huge, yet user
friendly, as I'm certain you've already discovered if you downloaded
SHAREWARE REVIEWS. Personally, I have never seen a board whose menus and
screens are this attractive! As of this date, Dan has over 8GB of files in
well organized directories, 95 phone lines and provides many other
interesting and valuable services. Everything reviewed in SHAREWARE REVIEWS
may be found at SOFTWARE CREATIONS which you can consider your one stop
shareware warehouse. I urge you to subscribe; Dan's system is well worth the
$45/year which is perhaps the lowest subscription fee for any board of this
size in the U.S.: SOFTWARE CREATIONS, 26 Harris St., Clinton MA 01510.
Phone lines are BBS (2400) 508 365-2359, BBS (9600) 508 368-7036 and voice
508 368-8654.
SHAREWARE REVIEWS is published monthly by SOFTWARE CREATIONS and is
provided in three versions. In each, the reviews will be in 'plain
vanilla' ASCII format so that any DOS based, generic file viewer can be used
to view and print them. An electronic newsletter of brief one paragraph
reviews, of which you now have a copy, will be distributed around the first
of each month. At SOFTWARE CREATIONS, it is available to all callers, even
new users, as freeware. A second version which contains in-depth longer
reviews of each program with many more specifics and installation hints will
be distributed by first class USPS on disk and will be available only by
subscription at $30/year (12 issues). For $96/year, you can receive the long
format reviews along with each shareware program in an archived (usually ZIP)
format. That comes to 12 monthly issues with a yearly total of approximately
180 programs at cost of only $0.53 or less per program. Unless you live
within SOFTWARE CREATIONS area code, your phone bill to download this many
programs would exceed the subscription price. Single back issues of each
month's shareware files are available at $12/monthly set of disks. These
prices includes all costs: disks, shipping and handling.
We hope to set an industry standard for shareware reviews. Glitzy
no; valuable reviews, yes. If you find only one program each year that
dramatically increases either your business productivity, education, or
enjoyment of life, the subscription cost will be well worth it. Each
newsletter will contain 15 reviews in both the short and long versions.
You can SUBSCRIBE ON LINE AT SOFTWARE CREATIONS with your credit
card. At the Main Menu, type 'DOOR' <E> and the Door Menu will give you
access to an on-line subscription script (item 5) with the various options
described above. If you wish, you may subscribe by mail using the form
provided below.
We welcome feedback, comments and suggestions for new shareware to
review. You may write to me, Ben Blumenberg, the author of SHAREWARE
REVIEWS at REALITY SOFTWARE, PO Box 105, Waldoboro, ME 04572 or leave e-mail
at SOFTWARE CREATIONS. My other e-mail addresses are: America On Line
benb12; Compuserve 71044,1645; and on the Internet at benb12@aol.com or
71044.1645@compuserve.com (notice comma must be replaced by a period).
Reality Software is also a creator and publisher of shareware and
our products can be found at SOFTWARE CREATIONS. We specialize in
historical timelines and history of religion and mythology. Our studies are
scholarly and for serious, thinking adults. They are not high school level
programs nor are they filled with New Age nonsense. We will mail a catalog
on disk of our software for a $1.50 fee to cover costs and shipping.
Please note that requests for this catalog must go directly to Reality
Software, PO Box 105, Waldoboro, ME 04572, NOT Software Creations.
We hope you enjoy SHAREWARE REVIEWS and find it a valuable tool for
selecting the very best of the newest shareware available.
Ben and Leslie Blumenberg
SOFTWARE CREATIONS is a division of Linton Enterprises, Inc.
.__________________________________________________________________________
MAIL IN SUBSCRIPTION FORM for SHAREWARE REVIEWS DATE ______
NAME _____________________________ COMPANY ______________________________
ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________
TOWN OR CITY ______________________________ STATE __________ ZIP ________
Subscriptions to SR Long Reviews only ($30/yr) _____ Total _______________
Subscriptions to SR Long Reviews plus shareware ($96/yr)_____ Total_______
BACK ISSUES of monthly collections of shareware at $12/each:
(All disks will be high density 5 1/4".)
Indicate month/yr ________________________________ No. ______ Total ______
Method of Payment (circle):
Check Money Order Credit Card (Visa, Master Card)
Credit Card # __________________________________ Exp. Date ________________
Signature on Card ___________________________________________________
If we distribute our mailing list to other vendors, would you prefer your
name be deleted? Y ___ N ___
MAIL TO: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
SOFTWARE CREATIONS
26 Harris St.
Clinton, MA 01510
Be certain to notify SOFTWARE CREATIONS if you move and your mailing address
changes.
SHAREWARE REVIEWS: SOFTWARE CREATIONS
#1BASH.ZIP 944K JUNE 1993
MONSTER BASH (DOS) Vol.1, No.5
DIR1: APOGEE
Latest file 4/10/93
bash1.txt
Brave young Johnny Dash is sent on a mission to the Underworld to
rescue kidnapped cats and dogs who will be turned into an army of monsters
designed to invade the Day World. Armed with a powerful slingshot, he must
kill monsters, collect hearts and chocolate kisses to acquire points or
refuel, and achieve ultimate success by freeing all pets. Keyboard or
joystick will give you fine control over Johnny's movements as he maneuvers
through the erie cemetery landscape of episode 1 of MONSTER BASH. There are
three levels of play; best to read the instructions and start with Easy. The
design of MONSTER BASH is terrific and is filled with quality animation, a
very attractive setting, old fashioned good humor, neat sounds and all round
integrity of purpose and mood. Registration brings two additional scenarios
for Johnny to explore. MONSTER BASH is $35 from Apogee Software,
PO Box 496389, Garland, TX 75049.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
CATABS13.ZIP 837K JUNE 1993
CATACOMB ABYSS (DOS) Vol.1, No.5
DIR 5: GAMER'S EDGE
Latest file 11/20/92
catabs1.txt
CATACOMB ABYSS is a marvelous and exciting fantasy adventure in
which you take the role of a wizard who must battle the forces of the
Underworld led by Nemesis. CATACOMB ABYSS is a piece of virtual reality in
that you move through the landscape at ground level with the keyboard or
mouse. There is terrific variety in the scenarios where much more is at
stake than defending against monster attacks to defeat Nemesis. Sacred power
objects must be collected both for their informational value and as energy
reserves which are essential to effect recovery from wounds inflicted in
battle. This shareware version has one scenario (Towne Cemetery) partially
enabled but with enough capability to intrigue and captivate you, I'm sure.
There is a brief help text/manual; read it before starting play. Register
CATACOMB ABYSS for $14.95 or add two additional episodes of the the CATACOMB's
series (Armegedon, Apocalypse) for $29.95. Orders may be placed with Gamer's
Edge, Softdisk Publishing, PO Box 30008, Shrevesport, LA 71130, 800 831-2694.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
ATLAS93E.ZIP 169K JUNE 1993
EDUCATLAS (DOS) Vol.1, No.5
Latest file 12/28/92
edatlas1.txt
EDUCATLAS is an educational program whose implications for enlarging
global awareness are important. EDUCATLAS introduces ecological, political
and cultural geography at the high school level. Maps can be displayed for
important statistics which address population growth and the quality of life,
nutrition, GNP, language, religion and politics. Customized maps may be
easily produced, a powerful feature of EDUCATLAS which is certain to promote
serious, interactive learning and a creative exploration of cartography.
There is a brief manual and while you might question some of the descriptive
phrasing by its French author, EDUCATLAS will stimulate valuable discussion
at home or in the classroom. Registration is $20 from Francois
Jarraud, 3 Place Kennedy, 92130 Issy-Les-M., France and adds Africa to
complete the world map. Remittance must be via American Express Traveler's
Check or International Money Order.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
FC108.ZIP 54K JUNE 1993
FINCALC (DOS) Vol.1, No.5
Latest file 10/12/92
fincalc1.txt
FINCALC is a memory resident (TSR) financial calculator with three
modules that are run from the keyboard. There is a simple Arithmetic
Calculator, a Present Value/Future Value Calculator and a Loan Calculator.
Unknowns are chosen from a list on the main screen which calls up a window
within which you can input values for each variable necessary to the
computation; just press F2. Appropriate choices are presented for calendar
parameters. FINCALC is loaded into memory and then activated with Alt-F.
This extremely useful business utility is a shareware bargain for only $6
from Insight Software Solutions, PO Box 354, Bountiful, Utah 84011.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
FNTPRN.ZIP 42K JUNE 1993
FNTPRN (WINDOWS) Vol.1, No.5
Latest file 4/13/93
fntprn1.txt
FNTPRN is a marvelous, easy-to-use Windows word processing utility
that will create a catalog of all Windows fonts installed on your system.
The main screen presents a series of options with which to organize
your catalog. The default settings for FNTPRN are: an alphabetical Sort
Order, two spacing types, printer fonts as opposed to screen fonts, all
styles and families of fonts, bold-italic synthesis and display any make of
font. However, you may customize the catalog display as long as one item in
each catagory of font characteristics is chosen. There are four choices of
printout with which to display your fonts. FNTPRN will automatically launch
Windows Write so that you can view and print the catalog (which is .wri
format): what an invaluable aid for document design. FNTPRN is freeware from
John Deurbrouck for whom no address is available.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
GEOCLK50.ZIP 328K JUNE 1993
GEOCLOCK (DOS) Vol.1, No.5
Latest file 3/25/93
geoclk1.txt
GEOCLOCK is a very attractive and informative program that displays a
world map with the current position of the sun and indicates those parts of
the planet which are in sunlight and darkness (16 color EGA/VGA/SVGA). Local
time, sunrise and sunset are also displayed. The maps show land masses in
green against bright blue oceans with important cities indicated. A distance
measure function is particularly useful. Extensive customization of GEOCLOCK
is possible through editing of its global .dat file; a mini ASCII text editor
is provided. The help file is noteworthy for its thoroughness. Registration
expands the map set from 4 to 35 and also brings additional commands and a
script capability. GEOCLOCK is only $35 from Joe Ahlgren, GeoClock, 2218 N.
Tuckahoe St., Arlington, VA 22205.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
HEXX12.ZIP 593K JUNE 1993
HEXXAGON (D0S) Vol.1, No.5
DIR 3: SOFTWARE CREATIONS
Latest file 4/23/93
hex1.txt
HEXXAGON is a strategy board game with a marvelous sense of
excitement. Conquer the board by occupying the most territory (individual
hexagons) on the playing field. Your opponent is another human or Craniac,
the brilliant, malevolent droid of HEXXAGON. When the game begins, your
playing pieces are red jewels, those of your enemy, chrome drops. Click on
your piece and adjacent hexagons are outlined to indicate all possible moves.
Adjacent moves increase your pieces by replication, jumps do not. A move
which brings a piece next to that of the opponent results in a marvelously
animated battle in which the adjacent pieces are zapped and transformed into
those of the attacker. There are three levels of play and an opportunity to
customize the playing board. HEXXAGON has few rules but considerable subtlety
which will provide many hours of great fun. Registration for HEXXAGON is $20 from
Software Creations, 26 Harris St., Clinton, MA 01510 and brings an all new
HEXXAGON II.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
JETPK11.ZIP 306K JUNE 1993
JETPACK (DOS) Vol.1, No.5
DIR: 3: SOFTWARE CREATIONS
Latest file 4/3/93
jetpk1.txt
JETPACK transports you into the role of an adventurer who explores
a complex labyrinth for treasure, all the while pursued by various robotic
monsters, some of which seem demonically intelligent. Challenges also
include moving walls, platforms and ladders. With enough energy in your
JETPACK, tunneling through brick and flying are quite possible. Stunners,
Shields and fuel will appear unexpectedly to provide additional opportunities.
JETPACK comes with a marvelous editor which enables you to create your own
Levels (labyrinths) for adventure. Registration brings 100 predesigned levels
and the ability to save and reload endless games. JETPACK is playyed from
either the keyboard or with a joystick and is $20 from Software Creations,
26 Harris St., Clinton MA 01510 .
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
MM706.ZIP 206K JUNE 1993
MEALMASTER (DOS) Vol.1, No.5
Latest file 3/20/93
mm1.txt
MEAL MASTER is a widely acclaimed program for storing recipe data
within a data base whose search and utility functions will greatly assist in
the selection of meals and planning food shopping trips as well. The well
designed on screen command help gives MEAL MASTER almost no learning curve.
Recipes may be searched on several criteria, either alone or in combination,
and the results printed, exported or marked to generate alphabetized
shopping lists. MEAL MASTER is a nation-wide success and files of recipes
may be found on many BBS's; this shareware version comes with 36 interesting
recipes. Registration, which brings a comprehensive manual and additional
utilities, is $35 from Episoft Systems, Suite #143, 10121 Evergreen Way,
Everett WA 98204.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
CALCUL.ZIP 36K JUNE 1993
MOOSIE CALCULATOR (WINWORD) Vol.1, No.5
Latest file 3/12/93
moosie1.txt
Word for Windows does not come with a basic calculator which would
be a valuable asset. MOOSIE CALCULATOR fills this need admirably. It does
arithmetic, percentages, square roots, exponents and can work in dollars
and cents. Results can be pasted directly into your document at the cursor
position. Open calcul1.dot in WinWord and follow the instructions to
install MOOSIE CALCULATOR as an easily run macro. There is a thorough help
file. MOOSIE CALCULATOR is freeware from John De Palma who can be reached
at Compuserve 76076,571.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
ORPH141A.ZIP 157K JUNE 1993
ORPH141B.ZIP 168K Vol.1, No.5
ORPH141C.ZIP 123K
ORPHEUS (DOS)
Latest file 2/3/93
orph1.txt
ORPHEUS is a comprehensive system for creating hypertext documents:
text files within which you may click on key words which activate linkages
to other pages of the document. In this way, a user may explore a chosen
subject in depth by collecting all blocks of content scattered throughout a
long document or navigate the adventure presented by an experimental novel
in which alternative scenarios may be freely explored. The manual provided
with ORPHEUS is very long, superbly written and very thorough. In a
conversational style that incorporates complete technical mastery, it covers
all levels of experience from first encounters by novices, who should do
the tutorial, to power users who may wish to explore the command language.
ORPHEUS documents may contain PCX graphics and the editor will import ASCII
text for use on cards, each of which may contain 50 lines of text. An ORPHEUS
document may contain up to 32,000 linked cards! ORPHEUS is $49 plus $3
shipping from Hyperion Softword, 535 Duvernay, Sherbrooke QC, Canada J1L 1Y8.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
PT201A.ZIP 315K JUNE 1993
PT201B.ZIP 182K Vol.1, No.5
PERIODIC TABLE (WINDOWS)
Latest file 3/1/93
pt1.txt
PERIODIC TABLE is a very deep, college level approach to chemistry
that make good use of the Windows interface. The three information windows
for basic Data, Isotopes, and What/Where/When (historical background)
together summarize virtually every basic datum about an element or its
isotopes that might be of interest. A tree (flow chart) for the decay of
an isotope is easily generated. The depth of information makes PERIODIC
TABLE an invaluable resource for teachers ranging from middle school to
senior college level. The periodic table itself may be redesigned to
emphasize various data and all information windows can be easily printed.
There is a quiz module through which you can test your knowledge or get
assistance in preparing exams. The exceptional help windows and manual
both contain clear, well written discussions of basic chemistry. Basic
registration (no disk) is only $15 from SMI Corp., PO Box 582221, Tulsa,
OK 74158.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
QNZIP21.ZIP 124K JUNE 1993
QUINZIP (WINDOWS) Vol.1, No.5
Latest file 2/5/93
quinzip1.txt
QUINZIP is a gem of a Windows archiving utility, compact in design
and quick in performance. QUINZIP works with ZIP archives and supports the
latest version 2.04g of PKZIP/PKUNZIP. QUINZIP also supports drag and drop;
be certain to establish the file association by running quinzip.reg in
either the File Manager or the Registration Editor. Commands are executed
from a single main screen which is superbly designed; availalble operations
change depending upon whether the process called is ZIP or UNZIP. If you are
not at ease with archiving, read the thorough and valuable help file screens.
QUINZIP is $35 from Quintessence Corporation, 47A River Street, Wellesley
Hills, MA 02181. For a short time, registration also brings a new full
featured Windows communication program.
SHAREWARE REVIEWS: SOFTWARE CREATIONS
$SOLAR.ZIP 567K JUNE 1993
SOLAR WINDS (DOS) Vol.1, No.5
DIR 62: EPIC MEGAGAMES
Latest file 3/1/93
solar1.txt
SOLAR WINDS is an exciting, mentally challenging, space adventure
which combines role playing, strategy and arcade gaming. Although a
background story is provided, the plot remains to be unravelled as bounty
hunter, Jake Stone, journeys through the galaxy meeting aliens and
previously unknown humans who wish to hire him. Enemy attack comes without
warning and battles are ferocious, but much of the adventure allows for
plenty of time to think, play and maneuver. Communication and gathering
information are as important as space war. The graphics are gorgeous, the
animation very well done and captivating. The complexity in SOLAR WINDS is
very deep and will keep you enthralled for many, many hours. Registration
brings the complete scenarios for two episodes, hints and bonus games.
SOLAR WINDS is $30 from Epic Megagames, 10406 Holbrook Drive, Potomac MD
20934, 800 972-7434.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
#1MAJR14.ZIP 572K JUNE 1993
MAJOR STRYKER (DOS) Vol.1, No.5
DIR 1: APOGEE
Latest file 2/20/93
stryker1.txt
Earth has survived a terrible WWIII only to be attacked by alien
Kretons who have emerged from a nearby wormhole. MAJOR STRYKER is once
again called upon to save humanity, and in his special attack ship, he
journeys through the worm hole to face the enemy onslaught. MAJOR STRYKER
is filled with exciting animation and terrific design! The arcade challenge
is awesome, even at the Easy level of play, and will hold your attention
(need I say obsession?) for many eons. Read the story and instructions,
then buckle up for one wicked, exciting adventure. Bonus options along the
way will help but above all, be aggressive; the Kreton onslaught is
ferocious! Registration for MAJOR STRYKER brings two additional scenarios
and is $30 from Apogee Software, PO Box 496389, Garland, TX 75049 or by
phone at 1 800 426-3123.
SOFTWARE CREATIONS: SHAREWARE REVIEWS
TRIVIA SHELL (DOS): JUNE 1993
A GAME FROM SOFTWARE CREATIONS Vol.1, No.5
SEE DIRECTORY 3
ts1.txt
TRIVIA SHELLs are fascinating, engaging, interactive games which will
challenge your knowledge and intellectual skills in your favorite subject.
TRIVIA SHELL is by no means just a game for children, in fact some of the
games are designed at a very high level for adults. Interactive learning
becomes a lifelong process with TRIVIA SHELL. A number of State TRIVIA
SHELLs have been published and before the year is out, a TRIVIA SHELL for
each of the 50 states will be available. A number of titles are now
available in history and humanities (eg. Civil War, Presidents, Bible,
Women of the World), science (eg. Novel Netware, Wildlife) and miscellaneous fun (ex. Kids,
(Sports, Television, Music) with more than a dozen under development.
TRIVIA SHELLs have three levels of play: Beginner (true-false),
default Intermediate (multiple choice) and Advanced (fill-in blank). You can
choose the level of play and also toggle such features as Humor (you will get
teased!), Sound, Randomize Questions, Allow Hints, Display Answer, Repeat
Wrong Answer and Timed Play (default is 30 seconds). The Browse menu
accesses a feature unique to TRIVIA SHELL. You can choose groups of
questions to examine by keyword and review their answers. You may select
any, or all, of the 15 categories within each game as the source from which
questions are drawn. You can gamble on your own brain power (Select Points)
and utilize Hints with, or without, a penalty for such cowardice.
TRIVIA SHELLs are available in four versions: 1) shareware (150
questions); 2) Classic (300 questions - $11.95); 3) Deluxe (600 questions -
$16.95); and 4) Gold (1,000 questions - $22.95). TRIVIA SHELLs are both
great fun and solid learning tools. Authors are being sought to develop
new TRIVIA SHELLs, a process that is very straightforward and requires no
programming. Read Bulletin 18 at Software Creations BBS. TRIVIA SHELLs are
published by Software Creations (Linton Enterprises) and may be found in
Directory 3 of the Software Creations BBS: 508 365-2359 (2400) or 508
368-7036 (9600).