We want to hear from you! Send your letters to: {Softdisk, 606 Common St., Shreveport LA 71101-3432}, or FAX to {(318) 221-8870}, or e-mail to {softdisk@webcom.com} via Internet, {SoftdiskPb} on America Online, {Softdisk} on GEnie, {70007,1547} on CompuServe, or {UCSY15B} on Prodigy. Be sure to specify that your comments are regarding Softdisk PC, since we have products for a number of platforms.
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Dear Softdisk,
This issue [#102] seemed a bit redundant (Spiffy Directory seems pointless; DOS Manager is much better) but there's always the occasional letdown. Most issues make it worthwhile.
Demian Katz
Phoenixville PA
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Dear Softdisk,
I liked the Internet info very much to share with my students in computer classes.
I really appreciate the flower graphics [on #102]. I'll use them often. I like programs like Coin Collector better than games.
We have two old computers saved after each upgrade. What is the best way to sell them, sell them for parts, or donate them to an organization that will give us tax credit?
Patricia Mulder
Berrien Springs MI
{Daniel Tobias responds:
Computers become obsolete so rapidly that even the machines that cost thousands of dollars a couple of years ago aren't worth very much in the resale market, but you might look in a magazine like _Computer Shopper_ for ads for companies that buy and sell old computers.
If any readers out there know of a charity that is seeking donations of old computers, let us know; I'm sure the readership would appreciate this information. I've heard of such charities, but don't have an address handy at the and moment.
--Dan}
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Dear Softdisk,
I'm "Peterson," not "Patterson" as you always list me in the and Hall of Fame.
Forget the Russian games. I couldn't figure them out either. I think it's OK to use the same format on Hall of Fame, as I find it interesting to read the other names and cities when looking for mine.
Bernice Peterson
Scottsburg OR
{Daniel Tobias responds:
Sorry about getting your name wrong.
--Dan}
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Dear Softdisk,
I like getting DOS programs, but I liked the mix of DOS and Windows 3.1 -- I don't want to miss any Windows utilities. Please let us DOS types know what's on the and Windows issue so we can order individual issues. I don't want a pure Windows issue!
I really like the Coin Collector; sure hope the Stamp Collector will show up next month. As you can see [in enclosed screen-shot printouts] I converted Card Collector in "WRITE" to read "Mail Collector."
R. Edwards
Clearwater FL
{Daniel Tobias responds:
While you liked the old DOS/Windows mix, a majority of our DOS customers preferred all-DOS issues of Softdisk PC, with those wanting Windows programs getting Softdisk for Windows either in place of or in addition to Softdisk PC. Thus, we have stopped publishing Windows items on Softdisk PC.
Here is what's on the and issues of Softdisk for Windows we've published so far:
_Issue 1_: Win Decor, Circuitry, Win 2 Do
_Issue 2_: Take A Message, Documents & Templates, Medieval Conquest, Trivia Now
Sorry! If you increase your minimum standards so your programs run on 386 machines and higher I will be forced to cancel my subscription to Softdisk PC because I cannot afford to upgrade my system. The 286 I have now is still running in very good condition and I don't have the heart to throw it out!
Nyet to the Russian games! The first one froze up my PC and the next one made no sense. The other games you put out are the ones I like better, well, because they run good on my PC, they are fun, they are not big programs, the graphics are excellent, they are easy to learn and my handicapped brother can play them.
Rhoda Showalter
Waynesboro VA
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Dear Softdisk,
I have a problem with the and fact that in this day and age of Pentium chips in the and home that you would produce such a low-class product that wouldn't be difficult for an Atari 2600 to handle.
Jonathan Kerbein
Binghamton NY
{Daniel Tobias responds:
Clearly, we can't please everyone; if we keep our products compatible with lowest-common-denominator systems, the power users feel that we don't take full advantage of their higher-end systems. However, if we program for the high-end, oldtimers who don't wish to (or can't afford to) upgrade their systems will get left out.
We do have to gradually edge our standards upward so as not to leave the computing world behind, but the and time isn't yet right to make the Pentium the minimum configuration, as there are still a lot of 486 and 386 systems in heavy use. We are going ahead with our move to a minimum 386 standard, which will let us make our software faster and better at the and cost of leaving out some 286 or 8088 users.
--Dan}
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Dear Softdisk,
Yesterday I received Issue 100 of Softdisk PC, and I congratulate you on your excellent record and performance. It is quite an achievement, and you have every right to be proud of what you have done. Congratulations!
In reading the "Mailbag" section, I see a few complaints that mean everyone is not always thrilled with the and contents of each disk. While I am not thrilled with each and every program on every monthly disk, I realize you are trying to please a large and diverse subscription group of computer users. We must remember that "one man's meat is another man's poison" (woman's, too!). I know that someone may be thoroughly enjoying a program that I may have chosen to ignore as not fitting _my_ needs. And there have been times that I have returned to the and program that I previously ignored, as I later found a very useful need for it. In all, I find you have done a good job.
One thing I wish to correct is that my last name is GELET, not GELEZ, as you included in your "Hall of Fame" segment.
Another area I would like you to address is the Report Card. Is it possible to enable this item to be filled in "on screen," and then printed out completely ready to mail? It would be a great improvement.
While some may think it a great waste of time to play games on their computers, I particularly enjoy the various types of solitaire and card games you have given us, and also greatly enjoy the word games such as Criss Cross and the crossword programs. I find them a great relaxation. This is not to say that I don't enjoy the others, but these are my favorites.
Thank you for a worthwhile value, and again, congratulations on your milestone.
Diane L. Gelet
Ruffs Dale PA
{Daniel Tobias responds:
Sorry about the name error.
We're planning a big revamping of our shell soon, so maybe we'll be able to add on-screen report cards this time.
--Dan}
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Dear Softdisk,
I just wanted to get my name on here. I went to school with Joyce Baranski from Cohoes, NY, and I get a kick out of seeing her name. We haven't heard from each other since 1978!
Michael King
Wheeling WV
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Dear Dan,
y Caramba!... What a Hoot! Sin ninggro de duda... this is the best game you've issued so far -- the and Spanish Language Tutor... stas loco en el coco? (Are you nuts in the and head?) After racking my brains as to your source material for the Spanish Language Tutor, a friend of mine finally suggested that someone on your staff had probably acquired a Spanish translating program and asked it questions, which it translated literally. I purchased one a while back, but returned it to the manufacturer in disgust after a very short time due to the and inaccuracy of the and translations. An example of this in your quiz section is "When you're depressed you feel this color..." Well, guess what? If you told someone in Mexico that you were 'azul' they would begin looking for antennae coming out of your head and grabbing a rag to clean the and parabrisas on your space ship. It just doesn't translate the and same way!
Capi Pike
Lincolnwood IL
{Daniel Tobias responds:
Clearly, we did not do sufficient research for that Language Tutor program, and we apologize. We have no further Language Tutors planned at present, since it is hard to do a comprehensive research project within our tight monthly schedule, but if we do resume this series we'll try to do it better.