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1988-11-04
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Review of Forget-Me-Not
Copyright 1988 David W. Batterson
A new software release usually gets the reviewer's juices flowing. We
hope that what we are about to unveil will be useful, entertaining and fairly
easy to learn.
I also think that all reputable reviewers keep an open mind, and try to
look for the best aspects of new software instead of going on the attack.
Having said that, let's get on with a look at Sterling Castle Software's
Forget-Me-Not, "the first timed-release software."
Forget-Me-Not is basically a new "pop-up reminder" program. It allows the
user to prepare custom messages--such as appointments, tax payments, birthdays,
anniversaries, deadlines, and so forth--which are then displayed automatically
on screen, no matter what program is operating at the time.
In theory this sounds like a great idea, and I'm not saying it isn't.
However, I'm just not certain what market the software is directed at, or if it
has much of a chance for large sales.
ITEM: Although increasing numbers of attorneys, CPAs and other
professionals are jumping on the PC bandwagon, I think most of them rely on
secretaries and their daily appointment books to keep track of things.
ITEM: Sterling Castle president Cary Harwin says "the potential of this
new program is extraordinary." But only a power user is apt to take the
considerable time required to write the software's command files.
Forget-Me-Not is a TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) Program. It requires
only 20K plus a maximum memory for buffers of 44K. Once prepared, it can
deliver messages instantly, at a specified time, at random or on a recurring
basis. According to the manual, it coexists peacefully with other TSR
programs, such as SideKick.
It can be set to pop-up a window containing a message, or it will beep and
wait for an acknowledgment before appearing. It also features electronic mail
capability on Local Area Networks (LANs).
The manual does suggest "patience, and a little practice." When you read
statements like that, you know it's not going to be that easy to use!
There are three main files used in Forget-Me-Not. Let's look briefly at
each one.
First is the configuration file, where you set things like colors, and
size/position of the message window.
A second file contains "default message templates." Here you "define the
formats for the different types of messages." These contain time, date,
frequency, whether you want a beep, whether it's a private message, etc.
The third file is where you write the messages that will be your pop-up
reminders later on.
Frankly, the whole process just seems to be more trouble and take more
time than it's worth. After fiddling around with it, I probably will never use
it again. Others may disagree and think it's a marvelous breakthrough. It
probably does have its benefits for LAN users.
For more information, contact: Sterling Castle Software, 702 Washington
St., Suite 174, Marina del Rey, CA 90292; (800) 722-7853 or (800) 323-6406 (in
California).
#
David Batterson is an independent computer journalist, reviewer and consultant
in Palm Springs. Contact him via MCI MAIL: DBATTERSON.