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1993-02-14
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AMI PRO Version 3.0 (Windows)
WORD-PROCESSING PAR EXCELLENCE
from LOTUS
By: Ira Wilsker, President, GTPCC
Word-processing is one of the things that computers are "most" used
for. We all have probably tried several different word-processors,
with varying degrees of happiness and success. Like and dislike of
word-processors is sure to spark an argument between secretaries and
computer "techies."
At work, I am provided with WordPerfect 5.1 (DOS) which I grudgingly
use; at home I use the antique Borland Sprint, which does almost
anything I want, and is easy to use. To paraphrase a popular
marketing cliche', "I'd rather fight than switch!". After almost 5
years of using Sprint and WordPerfect, I now have a new favorite. It
is the new AMI PRO 3.0 for Windows from Lotus. I have also tried and
used WordStar, MS Word, PFS, and several others, but AMI PRO v3.0
beats them all!
AMI PRO v3.0 requires a 386 (or higher) processor, EGA, DOS 3, Windows
3, 11 megs of hard disk space, and at least 2 megs of ram. Despite
the physically large size of the program, and its hunger for memory,
AMI was easy to install. The package included six 3 1/2" HD disks (5
1/4" HD also included), a copy of ADOBE TYPE MANAGER v2.02 (3 1/2" HD
and 5 1/4" HD), a 621 page easy to read and follow manual, ADOBE
instructions, and an assortment of other literature.
My first impression was that the hardware requirements were
overwhelming; this fear was quickly allayed after I installed and ran
the program. I chose the option that initially allows the use of the
WordPerfect command set and files along with the comprehensive icon
and menu bar. To use an expression used by my teenage daughters,
"Awesome!". I quickly removed the WP 5.1 interface, and used the AMI
command set. There was no learning curve, and I immediately started to
work typing. I played with AMI, like a kid on Christmas morning
trying everything out. Awesome is an apt and appropriate term.
Scratch one desktop publishing program from my hard disk, freeing
about 5 megs - AMI PRO v3.0 out performed my favorite desktop
publisher, in that it can import more graphics formats, including GIF,
PCX, TIP, WPG, DRW, SDW, EPS, CGM, HPGL, PIC, BMP, and WPF formats!
With the ADOBE TYPE MANAGER included in the package, I had instant
access to 25 fonts, in sizes ranging from 4 to 72 point size.
Additional fonts are readily available, but the 25 already available
are more than adequate for any reasonable work.
Between my wife and my students, I am exposed to a panoply of
word-processing formats. AMI can handle them like a champ. AMI can
read and write its own native format, SAM, as well as WordPerfect,
Advance, ASCII, DCA, Display Write, E-Mail, Enable, MS Word,
MultiMate, Navy DIF, PeachText, PFS, Samna, Windows Write, Word for
Windows, WordStar, and a variety of others. A nursing student gave my
wife a year's worth of class notes using an old (1988) version of PFS
Write, and my wife wanted them in WordPerfect 5.1 format. The PFS
notes included tables and format commands. A macro, included with
AMI, read all 26 PFS files, and saved them in WP 5.1 format in a
matter of seconds. Using either AMI or WP 5.1, all the formats and
charts were intact! My wife is anti-Windows, and a WP 5.1 fan - she
responded with a single word, "Amazing!". Previously, she didn't want
to learn another new word-processor, now at least, I got a "...when I
have time..." response. This is progress!
AMI has more interesting features than I can list here, including
sophisticated chart and graphing capabilities (can import graphs from
Lotus), can calculate totals in tables (such as invoices), very easy
mail merge, auto-capture of addresses for printing envelopes, a large
variety of templates for easy creation of specialized documents, an
internal macro capability, and others...
The screen is a true "What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG). This
was proven as my printouts look exactly like the screen, regardless of
the font and size used. No more fiddling around with "view" or "print
to screen" commands as others use. This one is for real!
The huge dictionary for spell checking, and the thesaurus are fast,
comprehensive, and easy to use. An integral grammar checker is a
definite "plus". The grammar checker readily detects most
punctuation, verb tense, idiom, and other errors. Specialized grammar
checking is included for business, legal, technical, fiction,
academic, formal, and casual writing.
The screen is infinitely customizable, and can be as clear or
cluttered as desired. A selection of icons can be placed anywhere on
the screen, or selectively deleted. Personally, I am satisfied with
the defaults, but I am sure that I will "play" with the screen when I
have time.
The conventional help system is context sensitive and readily
accessible with either the ubiquitous F1 key, ALT-H, or by "mousing"
over to the "HELP" bar. As is widely known, I am NOT one to read
manuals, and holding to tradition, I have not read this one. The
on-line help is excellent, period.
For those that need instructions with AMI, an on-line tutorial is
always available that clearly demonstrates how to use the functions
provided. The tutorial is very well done, and selectively repeatable
as necessary.
I have not been a Windows fan, and I do not normally get emotional
about a software package, but I have fallen, and have now become a
strong AMI PRO 3.0 for Windows fan. Move over WordPerfect; move over
desktop publishers, there is a new kid on the block, and he is
awesome! ...But do not fear, for this new kid is not a bully, but a
bon AMI - a good friend!