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ART9
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1993-04-27
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PC Tools 8.0
for Windows
(press Alt-V for graphic)
by Tony Curro
Central Point has released PC Tools 8.0 for Windows. There are
several enhancements to this version of Tools. You can have PC Tools
run as your primary shell, rather than Program Manager.
Depending, on the installation you select, you can use from 3-14 MB
of hard disk space. After you are done with the installation, PC
Tools prompts you to create an Emergency Disk. This is a recommended
procedure. It makes a disk containing information from your CMOS,
AUTOEXEC, CONFIG, and so on. In case you experience a problem, you
can boot from this disk, and should be able to recover from many
disasters. You MUST update this disk each time you make changes in
your system. That is a painless task. It requires you to run Update
Emergency Disk from the menu.
Key features include:
MultiDesk. This allows you to have a set of programs set for
each 'desk.' You could have one window that contains, say, your mail
reader, and communications program. Another window can have your
word processor and database. And so on. Clicking on one would bring
it to the front, while the other is minimized. Makes switching
between programs easier and cleaner, as you do not have all those
icons cluttering the bottom of your screen.
FileManager. This was completely redone. Its appearance is very
similar to the built-in FileManager of Windows.
WinShield. To date, it is the only Windows-based disk repair
tool.
Optimizer. Now you can optimize directly from within Windows.
No need to exit Windows, or optimize before you start Windows.
System Consultant. This analyzes your system settings, INI
files, etc. Then it suggests changes you could make to have Windows
run more efficiently.
ScriptTools. Easy-to-use macro system and batch language with
full recording capability, network scripting, and support for OLE
and DDE.
It creates two groups when it is installed. Besides the above
mentioned programs, there is: FileViewer, Undelete, SmartFind,
IconEditor, Anti-Virus, Backup more. Undelete, will recover deleted
files from within Windows. Backup does have tape support, and will
also handle add-on cards like Colorado FC-10. You can set up,
address and IRQ, so almost any card will work that is supported by
your drive.
PC Tools supports drag-and-drop technology. You can drag-and-drop
from almost part of PC Tools. There is context-sensitive help from
almost anywhere by pressing F1, or clicking on the Help drop down
menu.
There is a README file included which list conflicts with other
programs. Most of the problems are related when using PC Tools as
your shell. Some programs will not install unless Program Manager is
the shell. Others may not run properly, causing GPF errors. All of
these are common errors using third-party shells, and are not
specific to this program. You will incur various errors using Norton
Desktop, WinMaster, and, I suspect Dashboard.
Using FileViewer you can see text, graphics, and other files on
screen. Documents, prepared with a word processor or spreadsheet,
can be viewed without opening the application. You can, by
association, start the application, by double-clicking on the file
you wish to edit. PC Tools does NOT currently have support for PKZIP
2.X. Which means any files you download, can be viewed, but they
cannot be uncompressed. Hopefully, they will have this corrected
shortly.
Overall I was pleased with PC Tools 8.0 for Windows. In essence it
is a good solid program. I have not incurred any problems while
using it. There is a lot of program here for an attractive price.
Buying any one the features: Backup, Anti-Virus or Optimizer can
cost you almost as much as the WHOLE 8.0 package. These programs of
course are full-featured, not slimmed down versions. Central Point
has made a split with this release. No longer do you purchase one
package, and have DOS and Windows. You must purchase each
separately. I recently reviewed PC Tools 8.0 for DOS. Registered
users of any version of PC Tools for DOS can upgrade to the Windows
version for $49.95. Customers can call 800-445- 4208 to order an
upgrade.
Program Information
PC Tools 8.0
for Windows
List Price -- $179.95
Central Point Software
15220 N.W. Greenbrier Parkway
#200
Beaverton, OR 97006
503-690-8090