---------------------------------------------------------------- SOFTWARE FOR LAPTOP NEEDS INCLUDES A LISTING OF SHAREWARE VENDORS AT END OF THIS FILE ---------------------------------------------------------------- In some respects you should not need special software just for a laptop or notebook computer. The whole idea is to be able to run software that larger desktop computers run - but when and where you need it. That's the flexibility of computing in a laptop environment. However, several software packages are frequently mentioned by laptop users as being valuable because of their minimal memory requirements or specialized features. For the many users, an integrated package containing a word processor, spreadsheet, database and modem package may be the best value since some needs may be met within ONE software system. Two standouts in this category are Microsoft Works and LotusWorks. No-Squint from SkiSoft Publishing is a small software utility which changes the tiny laptop screen cursor into a larger block which can be seen. Available from most software vendors or call 617/863-1876. Shareware packages with minimal memory needs which run all laptops include Alite (a spreadsheet), PC-Write Lite (word processor) and File Express. All are available from shareware disk vendors such as those listed at the end of this article as well as most computer clubs and BBS systems. For hard drive users whose disk space is at a premium, the software package Stacker from Stac electronics compresses and expands files on crowded drives - a necessity for many laptop and notebook computer users. For modem work, many laptop users gravitate to the software package ProComm Plus (commercial software which also has a shareware variant) or the useful Telix package (shareware.) Other, distinct utility packages are frequently mentioned. Although not specifically designed for laptops and notebooks, these are useful software items.... PC TOOLS DELUXE. The quintessential toolkit of goodies DOS forgot to include. PC Tools contains a superb DOS shell for file management, a miniature database, file transfer utility, calculator, backup system, unerase data restorer, disk repair capability, security file wiper and literally dozens of other useful one-of-a-kind goodies. If you can only afford one utility, PC Tools Deluxe is it. THE PC MAGAZINE UTILITIES are continuing classics and favorites of many users. Available through most computer clubs and by modem from local BBS sources and PC Magazine as disk bonus offers when you subscribe to that periodical. An index to PC Magazine utilities is maintained through their on line PcMagnet modem service which can be reached by following printed instructions contained in every issue of PC Magazine. The utilities are in the public domain and generally available at no charge beyond a small disk copying or distribution fee. Most shareware distributors carry disk sets of the PC Magazine utilities. Several utilities in this set are useful for laptops and allow file transfer between two computers, remote computing, file slicing and macro work on laptops. Since all are free and easily located they are genuine bargains for all laptop users. LABELPRO prepares labels and address stickers better than any competing program. Prepare nametags, casette tape labels, address stickers with ease. HOTLINE allows you to manage, search, sort and DIAL phone directory databases. A grownup electronic rolodex system which works better than any other program of this type. BROOKLYN BRIDGE & DESKLINK allow transfer of files between computers via a cable connector and facilitate the transfer between desktop and laptop computers with ease. KEYWORKS & NEWKEY are universal keyboard macro programs which issue a burst of keystrokes when you press only one or two keys. ESSENTIAL for all beginners to learn and use! NEWKEY is shareware. CHECK-IT & SYSTEM SLEUTH perform diagnostic tests to tell your what connections, cables, ports disk drives and components are working and why. You can locate bad memory chips and in general save time and frustration tracking down problems. QEMM-386 & 386MAX manage vast areas of RAM memory in 80386 equipped computers. These can convert extended memory to expanded memory, move device drivers and terminate and stay resident programs efficiently, and remap BIOS and graphics video into faster RAM area memory. Subtle programs which help manage memory on more powerful DOS machines. MARK/RELEASE is a small program whose sole function is to install and remove TSR programs such as popup calculators, address books and others for minimum memory crowding and conflict. Shareware. FASTBACK PLUS allows reliable and quick backup of essential hard disk files to floppy disks and tape backup systems. A variety of options allows selective backup by date, data and file type. SUPER PC-KWIK provides a fast disk cache buffer system that speed processing and convenience for hard disk users. Speed is always a convenience when using a hard drive and SUPER PC-KWIK is the champion disk cache software utility. PKZIP is a unique shareware program which compresses files up to 80% smaller in size! This frees up disk space on your hard drive and also allows faster file transfers when using a modem. PKZIP is as standard as DOS and almost as essential. FASTTRAX is a disk optimizer and file defragmenter whose sole job is to periodically assemble files into efficient contiguous sectors on a disk for speedy performance. A routine housekeeping function no disk drive owner can neglect. SCAN & CLEANUP are virus/trojan horse detection and erradication programs which are probably the best of the bunch. Shareware. CED & PCED & LIST are utilities which browse files (list) and provide command line editing functions (CED and PCED) which are far superior to the functions DOS provides. All are shareware. HOT SHOT GRAPHICS & PIZAZZ PLUS function to capture screen graphics to transfer them to another software program for presentation or publication use. GRAPHICS LINK PLUS facilitates the conversion of graphics picture files between varying software packages. TYPEFAST resets the keyboard rate of your system so you can (good guess) type fast! Public domain utility from PC Magazine. PRINTCACHE is a print spooler. You can thus dump your document file out to the printer and within a split second come back to your program and keep working rather than sit there for 30 minutes as your printer hogs the PC. ULTRAVISION adjusts cursor size and provides many differing typefaces on your screen if you don't care for the ones which came with your software or PC. MAGELLAN The ultimate text search utility. Search an entire hard disk quickly for the file that contains the phrase "swimming pool budget for Mr. Davis" or other search idea. Great for locating that document when piles of files seem lost on your hard drive. GRANDVIEW The best of the outliner programs. When you need to assemble, sort and prioritze tasks or documents Grandview is it. SOFTWARE BRIDGE & WORD FOR WORD PROFESSIONAL allow different word processing programs to swap documents in different file formats. Great for the office where each person uses a different word processing package. Next, a short overview to highlight the differences between types of software and a brief listing of shareware disk vendors. With so much software in the marketplace sometimes the hardest job is to select from overabundance and arrive at genuinely useful programs. Software is available in three basic flavors: COMMERCIAL, PUBLIC DOMAIN and SHAREWARE. Commercial software is sold by mail or through retail outlets and is generally protected by both legitimate and stringent copyright laws. Commercial software may in addition be copy- protected (difficult or impossible to make spare disk copies) or non-copy protected (can be copied to another disk for safe- keeping or archival purposes.) Commercial software is usually of good quality and can range in price from 10 dollars to several hundred dollars or more. Public domain software represents computer programs which have been released into the public domain, do not require payment or registration fees to the author, and are frequently available from computer clubs, some libraries, and modem BBS telephone systems. PC Magazine utilities are examples of public domain software. Shareware, a third area of software interest represents programs whose author(s) request a donation or registration but are otherwise available in much the same manner as public domain software. Frequently "enticements" such as a documentation manual of program instructions, an upgrade disk or other bonus offer is made within the program to secure a registration fee. Which type of software is best? Probably a little of each, to be honest. Many people find that starting with several affordable commercial programs (to ensure fast, productive results) and then sampling shareware over time (to continue trying new software affordably) to be of value. Other computer owners find that starting with shareware and public domain software (to get a broad sampling of software variety at little cost) and then buying additional commercial programs as sophisticated needs grow a productive strategy. Back to shareware for a moment.... You do not have to be a hobbyist, hacker or computer guru to utilize shareware and public domain software. A short list of shareware distributors follows this section. Membership in a local computer club or user group is one way to obtain shareware. Many retail software and computer equipment stores maintain lists of local clubs. Frequently a local and friendly Radio Shack salesman can give you a clue as to computer clubs. The clubs frequently augment club treasuries by sale of shareware disks. Membership with many clubs is optional - purchasing a shareware disk is convenient whether you are a member or not. Disk distribution or copying may fees hover around $3 to $5. A second, perhaps more convenient source for some people, is mail order sources of shareware, otherwise known as shareware distributors. A list of several shareware sources is provided at the end of this tutorial. A third avenue for locating shareware is either a BBS computer system (a computer in someone's home or office hooked by modem to telephone lines) or the larger commercial on-line services such as Compuserve, The Source and BIX. These larger commercial services can be the fastest way to locate and obtain shareware. The on-line modem route has the additional advantage that shareware can be located by electronic search/sort which certainly speeds up the process. Cost is obviously a factor. With a local BBS service the cost is simply that of a local phone call. Commercial services generally charge by the minute or hour and sometimes also involve long distance charges if a local line is not available. Next a list of popular mail order shareware distributors not to be confused with mail order software distributors of commercial software. Contact them and request a free catalog - you will be surprised at the depth and variety of shareware offerings. A shareware distributor or disk vendor usually charges a nominal fee ($2 to $5) to copy and DISTRIBUTE a disk to you. If you find the shareware useful, you are encouraged to send the author of the package a final REGISTRATION FEE ($10 to $50 approximately) to use the package and receive updated copies, instruction manuals or bonus items to thank you for the courtesy of registering. Shareware is an honor system. The distributors make money charging a fee for a sample disk, but the author also deserves a registration fee if you find the shareware useful. ---------------------------------------------------------------- SHAREWARE DISTRIBUTORS - A SHORT LIST ---------------------------------------------------------------- SSP Shareware Sales, Dept LC PO Box 1506, Mercer Island, WA 98040 Offers specialized shareware collections for laptop owners and buyers as well as a large collection of general purpose shareware. Featuring low prices of $1.99 per program item, SSP offers over 3,000 shareware titles. SSP catalog available on disk and costs $1.00 for shipping/handling in 360K format size disk or $1.50 on 720K format disk. One of the lower priced disk vendors for laptop and general purpose shareware. PC-SIG 1030D East Duane Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086; (800) 245-6717; In Calif. (800) 222-2996. PC-SIG is perhaps the largest and best known of the shareware distributors. With a bi-monthly magazine, slickly packaged software, over 2000 disks and a printed catalogue PC-SIG is perhaps also the best organized. PC-SIG boasts authorized dealers throughout the United States (most major cities) and many foreign countries! Marketing and customer service are a PC- SIG trademark. Memberships list at $20 per year which allows members to purchase disks for $5.50 per disk in lot orders of 10 or more. Non-members pay $6.00 per disk. PC-SIG CD-ROM available which contains all titles in the PC-SIG library. Public Brand Software, Inc. POB 51478, Indianapolis, IN 46251; (317) 856-1001 or (800) IBM-DISK. Public Brand charges $5 per disk plus $5 shipping and handling per order. On par with PC-SIG. Extensive shareware catalog. All titles can be downloaded from CompuServe or the PBS bulletin board online with your modem. Tutorial finished. Be sure to order your FOUR BONUS DISKS which expand this software package with vital tools, updates and additional tutorial material for laptop users! Send $20.00 to Seattle Scientific Photography, Department LAP, PO Box 1506, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Bonus disks shipped promptly! Some portions of this software package use sections from the larger PC-Learn tutorial system which you will also receive with your order. Modifications, custom program versions, site and LAN licenses of this package for business or corporate use are possible, contact the author. This software is shareware - an honor system which means TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. 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