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DELRINA
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1994-09-08
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Delrina Communications Suite
by Jacci Howard Bear
Delrina Communications Suite packs two powerful punches. It
combines WinFax PRO 4.0, the newest version of Delrina's popular fax
software, with a powerful but extremely friendly communications
package, WinComm PRO. Both programs have enough layers and features
to satisfy a wide range of needs, yet each is easy to use right out
of the box.
When you first install Delrina Communications Suite you may well
feel like a kid in a candy store. Upon initial installation I found
myself slightly overwhelmed by all the "sweets" of the two programs
combined. Each installs easily, and I was faxing and modeming
almost immediately. However, so intriguing are the multitude of
buttons, icons, and personalization features, that it is easy to
become confused. After the initial "new toy fever" subsides, each
program is easier to explore.
Like many people I usually forego the manuals in favor of
self-exploration. Yet to get the full benefit of the programs I
highly recommend checking out the manuals, especially the WinFax
tutorial. It is easy to read and follow. It also makes learning
and using the program a breeze.
WinFax PRO 4.0
Most of my exposure to fax software is with Delrina products for
both Windows and DOS. Delrina continues to impress with the release
of WinFax PRO 4.0. Even on my slow 386SX, WinFax performs
admirably.
Creating and sending faxes are just a matter of clicking a few
buttons and filling in some blanks. In addition to creating cover
pages and sending from WinFax, you can also send from within any
Windows program by choosing WinFax as your printer. Depending on
your hardware/software configuration, you can also use features such
as Fax-a-File and Remote Retrieval. Fax-a-File allows you to send
and receive data files in binary format rather than as fax images.
With Remote Retrieval, you can call your computer from a remote
location to retrieve received faxes.
If using a network and Microsoft Mail or Lotus cc:Mail, your
e-mail is available from within WinFax for one-stop communications.
With a TWAIN-compliant scanner, you have scan and fax capability
from within one program.
Most impressive to me is the tracking and storage features of
outgoing and incoming faxes and the phonebooks. You manage faxes
much as you structure your DOS directories, filing by project,
company, or whatever method suits you. Using keywords, billing
codes, and filters, you can find any fax in short order. Phonebooks
are created in a similar fashion. Entries are placed in multiple
phonebooks, and again, keywords, billing codes, and filters are used
to increase the flexibility of the system.
Other notable features include annotation which adds notes to
faxes, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) that allows you to turn
fax images into editable text files, and a seemingly endless array
of cover pages. Because I am seldom happy with "pre-fab" forms, I
find the flexibility of the Cover Page Designer especially
delightful. It has powerful text and graphics features comparable
to some stand-alone drawing programs. I created a custom cover page
in just minutes.
Even though WinFax PRO is attractive and functional in its
freshly installed state, sooner or later you will find yourself
wanting to rearrange and customize. By tiling or cascading multiple
windows, adding and deleting icons, and experimenting with graphical
and text views, you will find the perfect setup.
WinComm PRO
While my experience with fax software is chiefly with Delrina
products, I have used a variety of communications programs. WinComm
PRO easily beats other Windows communication packages. WinComm is
by far the most customizable program I've used. Commands are
accessible from pull-down menus, the tool bar, icons, and keyboard
shortcuts and macros. Powerful script and programming language
provides further options for automating the program.
If you love icons and buttons, you'll love the icon view of the
phonebook and the customizable tool bar. Those who are more
comfortable with text rather than pretty pictures can have it their
way too. Several text-only views of the phonebook plus a text-only
tool bar option are available.
It's easy to become absorbed in changing and rearranging icons
and pushing buttons in search of the perfect look and feel.
Fortunately, WinComm works easily right out of the box the custom
features simply make it more appealing to a wide range of users.
Once I got past how the program "looks" I was equally impressed
with how it works. The box says "Click and Connect" and it really
is as simple as that. Once on-line, WinComm makes composing and
sending messages and uploading and downloading files a snap. One of
the handiest features is the Scratch Pad. It allows you to compose
and edit messages off-line and then upload the text easily all from
within WinComm. The automation features make on-line sessions
faster and easier too. Without even cracking the manual I
constructed a simple script to logon to my own BBS, capture all my
personal mail, and logoff. I look forward to experimenting with
more complicated tasks.
The optional Host mode lets you turn your computer into a
mini-BBS. Users can logon and transfer files without your
assistance. Running in Host mode can be useful if you need to
access your own files from a remote location. Security features
allow callers to access only the areas you designate.
Other features not found in some popular Windows communications
programs include split-screen session windows, drag-and-drop file
transfer, and virus detection during download. Coming from Delrina,
I expect WinComm to be a good program. It's also loads of fun!
Technical Details
The programs install individually, or you can use the Master
Install program to oversee the installation of both packages. A
full installation of both programs can take up as much as 14MB of
hard disk space. Custom installation allows you to omit certain
options such as OCR or cover pages in WinFax or Host Mode files in
WinComm. Just as both options have a variety of configuration
options, there are a variety of ways to contact Delrina for
technical support. They maintain a forum on CompuServe, their own
BBS, a Fax InfoLine, Fax Support, and Telephone Support.
The Suite
Integration between Windows programs is something I tend to
expect. Both WinFax and WinComm work well with other Windows
programs and with each other. Although drag-and-drop is not new, I
never took full advantage of it until trying out these programs.
You can drag-and-drop files from File Manager for faxing and for
uploading quickly and smoothly. WinFax and WinComm also peacefully
co-exist on the same com port. While WinFax runs in the background,
I can call up WinComm for a little BBS cruising, and then when I'm
done, WinFax takes over again waiting for faxes. No more shutting
one program down to start up another.
Delrina Communications Suite has two things going for it: WinFax
PRO 4.0 and WinComm PRO. Individually and combined, they are
powerful, flexible, and easy-to-use communications tools for
personal or business use. It's a "suite" deal.
Delrina Corporation
6830 Via Del Oro, Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95119-1353
(408) 363-2345
Suggested Retail Price: $179.00 ($129 each individually)
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