All of us are aware of the many functional uses for computers. They help to simplify tasks, keep accurate records, speed up complex calculations, and let us play great games.
If you would take a survey of a large group of computer users, and ask them to name the most important applications that computers help to ease, you would come up with these three:
1. Word Processing
2. Spreadsheets
3. Data Base Management
Over the coming months, I plan to take a close look at all three of these applications, and the software available in these areas for the TS2068. I will present each application in two parts:
1. An OVERVIEW of the programs available for the specific application.
2. Short reviews of each program in that area.
If you have a program available for the TS2068 in the area of Word Processing, Spreadsheet, or Data Base Management, and would like to be included in the reviews, please feel free to provide me with a copy of the software. My address is:
Bill Ferrebee
MOUNTAINEER SOFTWARE
115 North 7th Avenue
Paden City, West Virginia 26159
This month, I will give an OVERVIEW of Word Processing programs available for the TS2068. By now, you should know what the main function of a Word Processor is..to enable you to generate manuscripts (letters, term papers, notes, etc.) with proper formatting, correct spelling, and without the need for “Whiteout.”
Word Processing programs can enable you to type text, correct it on the screen BEFORE printing it, generate as many copies as you want, then save the text to tape or disk for future use. This can save you many hours of time, reams of paper, and possibly your sanity!
Before we talk about Word Processing (WP) programs for the TS2068, let’s define a few specifics:
1. There are TWO types of printers utilized with the TS2068, the TS2040 Thermal Printer & Full-Sized printers such as the Epson FX-80. Some WP programs can utilize ONLY the 2040, some can utilize ONLY a Full-Sized printer, and some can be used with both.
2. Furthermore, currently there are TWO types of Printer Interfaces available for Full-Sized printers, the AERCO and the TASMAN. Again, some WP programs are formatted for only one interface, and some can use either. And remember some programs can use the 2040 only, and can not interface with a Full-Sized printer.
3. Some of these WP programs utilize a 64-column screen. I recommend that you use a monitor or a GOOD Black & White TV if you use one of these programs. Nothing can be more frustrating than to end up crossed-eyed after typing in a textfile that is a blur on the screen!
We do not have the time or the space to explain every feature available in these WP programs in detail. If you would like more information on what each feature does, I recommend you get a copy of the CONSUMER REPORTS “Computers at Home Guide”. It sells for $2.50 (plus $1.00 postage and handling), and is available from:
Consumers Union
Bulk Sales Dept.
P.O. Box 1952
Marion, Ohio 43306
The checklist enclosed is one I generated to use during the evaluation of the various Word Processing programs available for the TS2068. It covers all of the basic features necessary for a good WP, and also shows you some of the “bells & whistles” that may be added to the programs. This in no way is the limit to the features available. There may be some other features that I have not covered that may be of interest to you. If you have any additional questions, please write me and I will be glad to find out what I can.
The chart that follows has the programs that I had available to me listed vertically, and the pertinent information marked horizontally. If there are any other Word Processing programs available for the TS2068 that I do not have listed, please provide me with them, and I will be glad to generate an Addendum in a future issue.
Next month, I will put each WP program through a sample textfile, and give you my review on each. In closing, I hope the chart I have compiled helps you to compare the features of each, and allows you to make a better choice, according to your needs.
2068 WORD PROCESSOR EVALUATION CHECKLIST
PROGRAM NAME: _________________________
AUTHOR: _______________________________
MANUFACTURER: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
PRICE: $ .
SCREEN SIZE: ___(cols) X __(rows)
TEXT FILE SIZE (MAX): _____(chars)
PRINTER SUPPORT: __TS2040 __CENTRONICS __BOTH
INTERFACE SUPPORT: __AERCO __TASMAN __BOTH
EDITING CAPABILITIES
(CURSOR CONTROL)
BY LETTER: __ BY WORD: __ BY LINE: __
BY PARAGRAPH: __ BY SCREEN: __ TO TOP/END: __
(DELETE CONTROL)
BY LETTER: __ BY WORD: __ BY LINE: __
BY PARAGRAPH: __ BY SCREEN: __ ENTIRE TEXT FILE: __
(INSERT)
BY LETTER: __ OPEN LINE/REFORMAT: __
FORMATTING
(MARGINS)
LEFT: __ RIGHT: __ TOP: __ BOTTOM: __
(BLOCK COMMANDS)
MOVE: __ COPY: __ DELETE: __
(SEARCH COMMANDS)
FIND: __ REPLACE: __
(EXTRA FEATURES)
WORDWRAP: __ HYPHENATION: __
RIGHT JUSTIFY: __ TABS: __
PRINTER CONTROL
LINE LENGTH (MAX CHARS): ___
CENTERING: __ LINE SPACING: 1 __ 2 __ 3 __
HEADERS/FOOTERS: __ PAGE NUMBERING: __
PAGE BREAKS: __ PRINT PAUSE: __
(CHARACTER ENHANCEMENT)
(FULL-SIZE PRINTERS)
ITALICS: __ ENLARGED: __ CONDENSED: __ EMPHASIZED: __
DOUBLE STRIKE: __ SUB/SUPERSCRIPT: __ UNDERLINE: __
PROPORTIONAL: __ ELITE/PICA: __ MIX OPTIONS: __
HELPS
REFERENCE MANUAL: __ REFERENCE CARD: __
ON-SCREEN MENUS: __ TUTORIAL: __
POSITION DISPLAY: __ SPACE LEFT INDICATOR: __
"WHAT YOU SEE...": __
MISCELLANEOUS
FILE MERGE: __
COMPATABLE PROGRAMS:
Comparison chart
PROGRAM TASWORD T E X T W R I T E R NAME MSCRIPT TWO 2000 2000+ +64 ================================================================== Screen Size 64 x 22 64 x 22 32 x 21 32 x 21 64 x 21 Txfile Size 18,400 19,200 24,000 24,000 14,400 Printer(s) Centronics Both 2040 Centronics Centronics Interface AERCO Tasman AERCO AERCO ------------------------------------------------------------------ CURSOR BY: Letter X X X X X Word X Line X X X X X Screen X X X X X DELETE BY: Letter X X X X X Word X X Line X X X X X MARGINS: Left X X X X X Right X X X X X Top X X X Bottom X X X X BLOCK: Move X X X X X Copy X X X X X Delete X X X X SEARCH &: Find X X Replace X X Wordwrap X X X X R. Justify X X X Centering X X Tabs X X X Line Length 132 64 32 255 254 Spacing 1,2,3+ 1,2,3+ 1,2 1,2 1,2 Head/Foot X X X Page Break X X X Page Number X X X Tutorial X