Media Share 9/MEDIASHARE_09.ISO/educatio/pcl570.zip/SOFTWARE.TUT

Text File | 1993-02-05 | 15KB | 293 lines

       ----------------------------------------------------------------

              SOFTWARE MAKES A COMPUTER TICK - ONE BYTE AT A TIME

       ----------------------------------------------------------------

       With so much software in the marketplace sometimes the hardest
       job is to select from overabundance and arrive at genuinely
       useful programs. Software is available in three basic flavors:
       COMMERCIAL, PUBLIC DOMAIN and SHAREWARE.

       Commercial software is sold by mail or through retail outlets
       and is generally protected by both legitimate and stringent
       copyright laws. Commercial software may in addition be copy-
       protected (difficult or impossible to make spare disk copies) or
       non-copy protected (can be copied to another disk for safe-
       keeping or archival purposes.) Commercial software is usually of
       good quality and can range in price from 10 dollars to several
       hundred dollars or more.

       For the first time computer user, an outstanding commercial
       package which includes a robust word processor, excellent
       spreadsheet, database, modem package, macros, tutorials, spell
       checker, macros, thesaurus and other features is Microsoft
       Works. Retailing for about $100, it represents value for a
       beginner and may be the only package needed for a home office,
       small business or hobbyist.

       Public domain software represents computer programs which have
       been released into the public domain, do not require payment or
       registration fees to the author, and are frequently available
       from computer clubs, some libraries, and modem BBS telephone
       systems. PC Magazine utilities are examples of public domain
       software.

       Shareware, a third area of software interest represents programs
       whose author(s) request a donation or registration but are
       otherwise available in much the same manner as public domain
       software. Frequently "enticements" such as a documentation
       manual of program instructions, an upgrade disk or other bonus
       offer is made within the program to secure a registration fee.
       An example of shareware is this software program, PC-LEARN.

       Which type of software is best? Probably a little of each, to be
       honest. Many people find that starting with several affordable
       commercial programs (to ensure fast, productive results) and
       then sampling shareware over time (to continue trying new
       software) to be of value. Other computer owners find that
       starting with shareware and public domain software (to get a
       broad sampling of software variety at little cost) and then
       buying additional commercial programs as sophisticated needs
       grow also to be useful.

       ----------------------------------------------------------------

                       UTILITIES ADD POWER TO COMPUTING

       ----------------------------------------------------------------

       We have discussed larger application software packages such as
       spreadsheets, word processing packages and databases elsewhere
       within PC-LEARN, but UTILITY software packages are an area of
       software productivity which every beginner should investigate.
       What are utilities? Software programs which augment computing
       capabilities, manage files, backup data, provide calculators,
       recover files from disaster, transfer files between computers
       and thousands of other "small essential jobs." A few of the top
       utility packages include the following.

       PC TOOLS DELUXE. The quintessential toolkit of goodies DOS
       forgot to include. PC Tools contains a superb DOS shell for file
       management, a miniature database, file transfer utility,
       calculator, backup system, unerase data restorer, disk repair
       capability, security file wiper and literally dozens of other
       useful one-of-a-kind goodies. If you can only afford one
       utility, PC Tools Deluxe is it.

       THE PC MAGAZINE UTILITIES are continuing classics and favorites
       of many users. Available through most computer clubs and by
       modem from local BBS sources and PC Magazine as disk bonus
       offers when you subscribe to that periodical. An index to PC
       Magazine utilities is maintained through their on line PcMagnet
       modem service which can be reached by following printed
       instructions contained in every issue of PC Magazine. The
       utilities are in the public domain and generally available at no
       charge beyond a small disk copying or distribution fee.
       Most shareware distributors carry disk sets of the PC Magazine
       utilities.

       LABELPRO prepares labels and address stickers better than any
       competing program. Prepare nametags, casette tape labels,
       address stickers with ease.

       HOTLINE allows you to manage, search, sort and DIAL phone
       directory databases. A grownup electronic rolodex system which
       works better than any other program of this type.

       BROOKLYN BRIDGE & DESKLINK allow transfer of files between
       computers via a cable connector and facilitate the transfer
       between desktop and laptop computers with ease.

       KEYWORKS & NEWKEY are universal keyboard macro programs which
       issue a burst of keystrokes when you press only one or two keys.
       ESSENTIAL for all beginners to learn and use! NEWKEY is
       shareware.

       CHECK-IT & SYSTEM SLEUTH perform diagnostic tests to tell your
       what connections, cables, ports disk drives and components are
       working and why. You can locate bad memory chips and in general
       save time and frustration tracking down problems.

       QEMM-386 & 386MAX manage vast areas of RAM memory in 80386
       equipped computers. These can convert extended memory to
       expanded memory, move device drivers and terminate and stay
       resident programs efficiently, and remap BIOS and graphics video
       into faster RAM area memory. Subtle programs which help manage
       memory on more powerful DOS machines.

       MARK/RELEASE is a small program whose sole function is to
       install and remove TSR programs such as popup calculators,
       address books and others for minimum memory crowding and
       conflict. Shareware.

       FASTBACK PLUS allows reliable and quick backup of essential hard
       disk files to floppy disks and tape backup systems. A variety of
       options allows selective backup by date, data and file type.

       SUPER PC-KWIK provides a fast disk cache buffer system that
       speed processing and convenience for hard disk users. Speed is
       always a convenience when using a hard drive and SUPER PC-KWIK
       is the champion disk cache software utility.

       PKZIP is a unique shareware program which compresses files up to
       80% smaller in size! This frees up disk space on your hard drive
       and also allows faster file transfers when using a modem. PKZIP
       is as standard as DOS and almost as essential.

       FASTTRAX is a disk optimizer and file defragmenter whose sole
       job is to periodically assemble files into efficient contiguous
       sectors on a disk for speedy performance. A routine housekeeping
       function no disk drive owner can neglect.

       SCAN & CLEANUP are virus/trojan horse detection and erradication
       programs which are probably the best of the bunch.

       CED & PCED & LIST are utilities which browse files (list) and
       provide command line editing functions (CED and PCED) which are
       far superior to the functions DOS provides. All are shareware.

       HOT SHOT GRAPHICS & PIZAZZ PLUS function to capture screen
       graphics to transfer them to another software program for
       presentation or publication use.

       GRAPHICS LINK PLUS facilitates the conversion of graphics
       picture files between varying software packages.

       TYPEFAST resets the keyboard rate of your system so you can
       (good guess) type fast! Public domain utility from PC Magazine.

       PRINTCACHE is a print spooler. You can thus dump your document
       file out to the printer and within a split second come back to
       your program and keep working rather than sit there for 30
       minutes as your printer hogs the PC.

       ULTRAVISION adjusts cursor size and provides many differing
       typefaces on your screen if you don't care for the ones which
       came with your software or PC.

       MAGELLAN The ultimate text search utility. Search an entire hard
       disk quickly for the file that contains the phrase "swimming
       pool budget for Mr. Davis" or other search idea. Great for
       locating that document when piles of files seem lost on your
       hard drive.

       VGA DIMMER screen dimmer program to prevent phosphor burnout
       from leaving screen on and unattended for long periods of time.
       Works automatically.

       GRANDVIEW The best of the outliner programs. When you need to
       assemble, sort and prioritze tasks or documents Grandview is it.

       SOFTWARE BRIDGE & WORD FOR WORD PROFESSIONAL allow different
       word processing programs to swap documents in different file
       formats. Great for the office where each person uses a different
       word processing package.

       ----------------------------------------------------------------

                        BACK TO SHAREWARE FOR A MOMENT

       ----------------------------------------------------------------

       Let's look for a moment at the wellspring of shareware resources
       that run well beneath the surface of the conventional computer
       landscape. You do not have to be a hobbyist, hacker or computer
       guru to utilize shareware and public domain software. A short
       list of shareware distributors follows this section.

       Membership in a local computer club or user group is one way
       to obtain shareware. Many retail software and computer
       equipment stores maintain lists of local clubs.

       Frequently a local and friendly Radio Shack salesman can give
       you a clue as to computer clubs. The clubs frequently augment
       club treasuries by sale of shareware disks. Membership with many
       clubs is optional - purchasing a shareware disk is convenient
       whether you are a member or not. Disk distribution or copying
       may fees hover around $3 to $5.

       A second, perhaps more convenient source for some people, is
       mail order sources of shareware, otherwise known as shareware
       distributors. A list of several shareware sources is provided
       at the end of this tutorial.

       A third avenue for locating shareware is either a BBS computer
       system (a computer in someone's home or office hooked by modem
       to telephone lines) or the larger commercial on-line services
       such as Compuserve, The Source and BIX. These larger commercial
       services can be the fastest way to locate and obtain shareware.
       The on-line modem route has the additional advantage that
       shareware can be located by electronic search/sort which
       certainly speeds up the process. Cost is obviously a factor.
       With a local BBS service the cost is simply that of a local
       phone call. Commercial services generally charge by the minute
       or hour and sometimes also involve long distance charges if a
       local line is not available.

       Next a list of popular mail order shareware distributors not to
       be confused with mail order software distributors of commercial
       software. Contact them and request a free catalog - you will
       be surprised at the depth and variety of shareware offerings.

       As an example, this disk, PC-LEARN, is a shareware program
       carried by PC-SIG and many other shareware distributors. By
       the way, a shareware distributor usually charges a nominal fee
       ($2 to $5) to copy and DISTRIBUTE a disk to you. If you find the
       shareware useful, you are encouraged to send the author of the
       package a final REGISTRATION FEE ($10 to $50 approximately) to
       use the package and receive updated copies, instruction manuals
       or bonus items to thank you for the courtesy of registering.
       Shareware is an honor system. The distributors make money charging
       a fee for a sample disk, but the author also deserves a registration
       fee if you find the shareware useful.

       ----------------------------------------------------------------

                     SHAREWARE DISTRIBUTORS - A SHORT LIST

       ----------------------------------------------------------------

       SSP Shareware
       PO Box 1506 Mercer Island, WA 98040   [phone]

       Featuring low prices for all shareware disks, SSP is an
       excellent choice for affordable software and features over
       4,000 titles, many of the same entries as larger shareware
       distributors at significant savings. Disks are available on
       standard 360K format disks or the smaller 720K diskettes
       popular in laptop computers. SSP catalog available on disk.
       New entries added weekly. No membership fee. Refund on damaged
       diskettes and honest service! Special selections for beginners
       and advanced users. Many unusual titles not found elsewhere.

       PC-SIG
       1030D East Duane Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086; [phone];
       In Calif. [phone].

       PC-SIG is perhaps the largest and best known of the shareware
       distributors. With a bi-monthly magazine, slickly packaged
       software, over 3000 disks and a printed catalogue PC-SIG is
       perhaps also the best organized. PC-SIG boasts authorized
       dealers throughout the United States (most major cities) and
       many foreign countries! Marketing and customer service are a PC-
       SIG trademark.

       Public Brand Software, Inc.
       POB 51478, Indianapolis, IN 46251; [phone] or
       (800) IBM-DISK.

       On par with PC-SIG. Programs ranked by quality. Public Brand
       is owned by Ziff Davis and is a good source if you need to
       locate any of the famous PC Magazine Utilities. Catalog is
       printed and of very good quality. Excellent selection.

       Tutorial finished. Have you registered PC-Learn to receive your
       bonus disks? Registration is encouraged. Shareware works on the
       honor system! Send $25 to Seattle Scientific Photography,
       Department PCL5, PO Box 1506, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Latest
       version of PC-Learn and two bonus disks shipped promptly!