VIEWord

VIEWord is the first in a series of software packages for the TS2068 being produced by Jim Clatfelter. It is to be followed by MAIList and BOOKeep. Considering the quality and simplicity of VIEWord, I am looking forward to these other two.

Considering the 32 character screen line that the 2068 provides, various word processors for this computer have taken different means to compensate. Tasword Two (SUM 8/84) redefines the character set so that 64 characters are visible on screen per line. M-Script (to be reviewed next month) uses the ultra hi-res graphics of the 2068 to give a real 64 character line. Another possibility is to incorporate a horizontal scroll which shows’ only 32 characters at a time but allows lines longer than 32; the screen then serves as a window on the text (as made popular on the Osborne computer). This last method is also an option on Tasword Two. However, VIEWord uses none of these more sophisticated methods. Instead it begins by asking how long a line you wish to print out on your printer (32-64 characters). Then, as you enter your text, a tone begins to sound as you approach your right margin and no more entries are allowed once your line length is reached. Pressing ENTER moves you to the next printer line. A blank line is placed on screen between each line to be sent to the printer.

Each printer line is numbered as text is entered to it. Any editing requires specifying which line # you want to edit. This differs from others which allow “full-screen” editing, but probably makes little difference in editing once you get use to either system. Something more critical is compensating for deletions or additions to a line. Words are not automatically moved down or brought up from following lines to compensate for changes made on a given line. But the two editing functions, WRAP and SPLIT, allow accomplishing this manually. Commands are all single character entries with logical symbols– i.e., ‘i’ for insert, ‘m’ for menu, etc. All commands are entered at the beginning of a new line. In addition, a wide variety of printer control codes may be entered in the text to allow full use of your dot matrix or other printer.

Probably the real strength of VIEWord is in printer control. Auto numbering of pages, # of lines per page, single or double spacing, and such is all very easily done.

Here are the “negatives” I see with VIEword. The screen display method only allows a small amount of your text to be visible at once. Right justification is not allowed for (though manually adding spaces within a line would accomplish it). Adding or deleting text is easy, but compensating for the resulting longer or shorter lines is a little tedious using WRAP and SPLIT. Lines longer than 64 characters are not permitted.

VIEWord’s strengths are many. It is very easy to learn to use and the one key commands quickly learned. For those who have never used a word processor before, the 32 character line and line oriented editing will probably be no problem. The program has the Aerco interface software built in, and also allows output to the TS2040 printer. And the fact that two other packages will soon be introduced in this family using the same command structure will mean a lot to those who will use all three in a small business or for personal use. The documentation is not extensive (7 pages) but is clear and answers most questions. Lastly, the price is $25 — half or less of that of Tasword Two and M-Script. For someone who wants a simple but versatile word processor, this may be the one for you. VIEword is available from the author for $25 postpaid: JIM CLATFELTER, 646 Corwin Avenue, Glendale, CA 91206.