home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
ComputerTalk Magazine 2
/
CTM9208.ZIP
/
ART5
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1992-07-27
|
7KB
|
135 lines
╓───────────────────────────────╖
║ Norton's Desktop For Windows ║
║ version 2.0 ║
╙───────────────────────────────╜
by Tony Curro
There is a familiar picture of Peter Norton with his arms folded.
Everyone must have seen it. He has been in that pose since I could
remember, which is around 1987-88, when he came out with his Norton's
Utilities v4.5. However, it's said recently that the reason he is
standing like that, is that he is waiting for Norton's Desktop for
Windows (NDW) to load!
Last year that was very true. NDW, version 1.0, was very slow. The
program won several awards, none of which were for speed. Overall, it was
an excellent program with quite a few add-ons that were a help to Windows
users.
Now, Norton's Desktop for Windows, version 2.0, should win more
awards, as the whole package is vastly improved. It may even win the speed
award. Yes, the new version is much faster than its predecessor. Norton's
states that the new version loads six times faster. I say what used to take
close to a minute, now takes less than 25 seconds. That is faster to me.
NEW FEATURES AT A GLANCE
------------------------
Windows 3.1 compatibility (while retaining 3.0 compatibility)
Faster Load Time
Global Drag-and-Drop Support
TrueType Support
DOS Restore for BACKUP
Antivirus protection and repair over 15 NEW File Viewers (bringing total to
over 45)
macro recording capability
Desktop Editor for Windows
Network install and broader network support
UNINSTALL
Automatic Desktop arrangement
Screen Saver supports AfterDark savers
When you install a program to Windows, and then decided you don't
want it, and wish to remove it, it means much editing, and a possible
problem, when handling the WIN or SYSTEM.INI files; NDW, has come to your
aid. Norton Desktop for Windows, version 2.0, has included an UNINSTALL
feature. This makes removing all or part of NDW virtually painless.
Installation is just as easy. The INSTALL program guides you every
step of the way, with default suggestions and other options. You can choose
from a full installation, to only putting in one or two features. Full
installation does require at least 9MB of hard disk space. NDW also asks
for at least 2MB of RAM (3MB recommended). The program can use password
support in several areas. It is fully configurable over networks with
password and network password support.
A new feature, implemented in Windows, is drag-and-drop; which
allows you to drag a file from one window to another, and by releasing
(dropping) it, the action's performed. You have a spreadsheet file. You
click on it and drag it to the EXCEL icon and drop it; immediately Excel
runs, and comes up with that SS file on screen. Same applies to a WP, or
DB, or any other file or option. Norton Desktop for Windows, takes this
further.
Want to virus check a drive? All you have to do is drag the drive
icon over to the Norton Antivirus icon and drop it. NAV pops up and checks
the whole drive. This also works with the backup program, the text editor,
and even the printer icon. Drag any printable file over and drop it on the
printer icon, and it starts to print that file.
Speaking of BACKUP, NDW will allow you to restore files that were
backed up using the Norton Backup for DOS. One thing that was lacking in
Norton Desktop for Windows, version 2.0, was support for tape systems.
Enclosed in the box is a coupon that entitles you to receive the disk when
it becomes available. I was in contact with Symantec on, July 7, and they
told me that the tape support disk has been shipping.
Ever notice how when you start to move icons they get disorganized?
Using the arrange option helps, but still don't set them perfect. Well,
Norton Desktop for Windows, has a feature they call, Automatic Desktop
Arrangement. This is an invisible grid. When active, each time you minimize
an icon, it pops into its location. If you move it, it will move; but will
pop back as soon as you select arrange. You have a QAG, or Quick Access
Group, which will come up each time Desktops run. Of course, you would
want to make Norton Desktop for Windows, your primary shell, thus
eliminating the drab Program Manager. NDW allows you have groups in two
ways; either the normal way or an iconized way. I created a small group, or
toolbox, of often used programs. Then to simplify it even further, I had
that group come up as icons. So for 15 programs, I had three neat rows of
five icons each.
Viewers were added. There are now over 45 viewers to view
files from programs like: WordPerfect, MS Word, MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3,
dBASE, and Quattro to name just a few. When you are in the directory
window, where you are browsing files, a simple click on the view button,
quickly places that text on the screen in proper format.
Norton Desktop for Windows also comes with a few of the famous
Norton's Utilities, among them: SysInfo, Norton Disk Doctor, SpeedDisk, and
UnErase. SmartErase is a utility that is place on the Desktop during
install. Dragging-and-dropping a filename or directory on it, quickly will
erase it; if you did it by mistake, fear not. Just use UnErase to recover
it. Norton Disk Doctor does a limited check of the disk while in Windows.
For a full analysis you should run Norton Disk Doctor from a DOS prompt,
after exiting Windows. SpeedDisk should NOT be run from within Windows; but
from a DOS prompt. SysInfo has over 14 screens of diagnostic information
about your PC including: CPU speed, network connections, memory usage,
available drives and partitions, and contents of system files.
Norton Desktop for Windows comes with several screen savers. These
can be selected individually, or set to all, using the randomizer
option. Along with these savers, you can also use savers from
AfterDark.
Mr. Norton can now pose with his arms unfolded. He does not have to
wait for anything. Norton Desktop for Windows, version 2.0, proves
that.
╓────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ Product Information ║
╟────────────────────────────────────────╢
║Norton Desktop For Windows, version 2.0 ║
║Suggested Retail Price: $149.00 ║
║Upgrades to registered users: $49.00 ║
╟────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Symantec Corporation ║
║ 10201 Torre Avenue ║
║ Cupertino, CA 95014-2132 ║
║ 408-253-9600 FAX: 408-252-4694 ║
╙────────────────────────────────────────╜
Copyright (c) 1992 by Tony Curro. All Rights Reserved.