The original intent was to make this a 2-part article on Word-Processor programs available for the 2068. But because of the many programs available we will extend this article to give each program a fair and equal review.
This month we will look at 4 Word-Processor programs in depth:
1) TASWORD TWO 2) TEXTWRITER Series (2000, 2000 +, 64) 3) VIEWord 4) LETTERITER/BUFFERITER
Each of these program are available for purchase, and I will provide you with addresses and prices at the head of each review.
TASWORD TWO
$49.95
Ramex International
48945 Vandyke Road
Utica, Michigan 48087
TASWORD TWO was developed in England, to run on the Spectrum. It utilizes the 64-column mode of the 2068, both on the screen and on the TS 2040 printer. I use a 12″ B & W television with it, and have no problem reading the screen.
By utilizing the TASMAN (or AERCO with a small programming change) interface, you can use a full-size printer with TASWORD TWO. If your printer has special character capabilities (such as italics, compressed or expanded print), they can be accessed through the use of the 2068s graphic characters.
TASWORD TWO has a very useful “wordwrap” feature, that gives you a clean right margin, spacing between words to make the length of all line of text equal. Both the left and right margins can be set and changed anywhere in the textfile.
Insertion or deleting of text can be done by letter, word, or line. Also, entire blocks of text can be moved, deleted, or copied to another place in a textfile.
Global word search enables you to find and replace misspellings after completing a textfile. And two or more textfiles can be merged together to save retyping.
A nice feature of TASWORD TWO is that “what you see is what you get”. The screen formats the textfile exactly as it will appear on the printout, with the exception of special character enhancements. This means that if you wish to center a portion of text on a line, it will be centered on the screen also. This give you a better representation of what the finished document will look like.
TASWORD TWO comes with a complete Instruction Manual, along with TASWORD TUTOR, a tutorial textfile that is included on the program tape. It explains the various functions of TASWORD TWO, and give you examples to practice with.
I feel that TASWORD TWO is an easy-to-use, well developed Word-Processor program, and will be beneficial to anyone that uses it.
TEXTWRITER Series:
TEXTWRITER 2000 ($18.95)
TEXTWRITER 2000+ ($24.95)
TEXTWRITER +64 ($29.95)
Robert Fingerle
39639 Embarcadero
Fremont, California 94538
The TEXTWRITER series is 3 Word-Processor programs written to complement each other. TEXTWRITER 2000 is for use with the TS 2040 printer, while TEXTWRITER 2000+ is for an AERCO interface and a full-size printer. TEXTWRITER +64, the latest of Robert Fingerle’s creations, utilizes a 64-column screen, like TASWORD TWO and MSCRIPT, and is also designed to use the AERCO interface.
If you get used to using any of the TEXTWIRTER programs, switching to another will be very easy. The menus and procedures are virtually identical for all three, with the exception of setting line length in the last two.
These programs have many of the useful features needed in a good Word-Processor program, such as easy editing, text block movement, wordwrap, centering, and print enhancements. But setting these features takes a little longer, and the screen look of the text is NOT the same as it will look on the printed page.
However, I found all three TEXTWRITER programs to be easy to use, and well worth their price. Also, if you currently only own a TS 2040 printer, you will know that you can get a good WP program for now. Later, when you advance to a full-size printer, you will not have to learn a new program.
My hat is off to Bob Finerle for a job well done!
VIEWord
$25.00 (includes MAIList)
Jim Clatfelter
646 Corwin Avenue
Glendale, California 91206
VIEWord is a very interesting Word-Processing package from Jim Clatfelter. His theory is that the use of a cursor to edit wastes 50% of the time used in writing a textfile. He uses a different approach to editing…first you specify the line number you want to edit (which is always displayed). Next, you move to the location in the line you want to change, specify the change you want to make (edit, insert, delete), and make the change.
I was accustomed to using a cursor, so it took a little time to get sued to it. But, it’s really not a bad way to edit.
Scanning of a completed textfile is easy to do. You can move by 5 lines at a time, saving time when proofreading. Also, line and page lengths can be set (this program works with both a TS 2040 and full-size printers), as well as page breaks.
Included with VIEWord is MAIList, a mailing list management program designed to command compatible with VIEWord.
Another program that is compatible with VIEWord and MAIList is FORMail ($10.00 additional). FORMail enables you to merge formletter textfiles written with VIEWord and address files made with MAIList. This give you the ability to do multiple mailings using one letter form. I feel it is well worth the additional cost for FORMail, if you ever plan doing that sort of thing.
Again, I say that Jim took another way around, but VIEWord is a useful program for the 2068.
LETTERITER/BUFFERITER
$19.95
Mountaineer Software
115 North 7th Avenue
Paden City, West Virginia 26159
For the final program this month, I have decided to do something taboo…review a product I SELL! Before you stop reading, let me explain.
First, I did not write LETTERITER/BUFFERITER. It was developed by a collegue of mine that is very good at working with 2068 Basic. Second, I decided to include this program because of the unique function it has.
The special feature of this software is not the Word Processor itself. LETTERITER is a simple, easy-to-use 32-column system, without the “bells and whistles” of other programs.
But, the BUFFERITER feature is what makes it stand out. If you own a Westridge 2050 modem, and MTERM II software, you know that there is not a Text Editor feature included in the software. That’s where BUFFERITER comes into play. By using LETTERITER to format your text, and saving it to tape, you can load BUFFERITER into MTERM II, and then load and transmit your textfile to another computer. BUFFERITER will send your textfile EXACTLY like you formatted it.
Also, with BUFFERITER you can receive a textfile from another computer, save it to tape, and edit or print it out with LETTERITER. If you use your modem a lot, LETTERITER/BUFFERITER is a very useful tool to have.
Next month, we will look at more Word-Processor programs, including MSCRIPT, WORD-MOST, WORD 1.5, TEXTMAN, and TEXT EDITOR 2000. Until then, keep on the lookout for more great software coming your way!
TSH