WordPerfect Just Keeps Getting Better
WordPerfect, already the best-selling word processing program for IBM PCs and compatibles, just got better. Release 5.1 has even more features and is easier to use.
The new version looks and feels just like previous versions. If you’ve used WordPerfect, you’re already familiar with the program’s “clean screen” design. Its display resembles a blank piece of paper--uncluttered by menus and other distractions. As with previous versions of the program, help is only a keystroke away. But, for those who want it, this version has an optional new look with pull-down menus and support for a mouse.
The menus and mouse make the program a lot friendlier for novices and occasional users. However, by also keeping the traditional keyboard commands, the program remains familiar to experienced users. It’s also possible to assign commands to different keys or to create “macros” that can reduce a sequence of commands to a single keystroke or menu item. The mouse can also be used to select text to be deleted, copied, moved or modified.
Don’t even consider the program unless you have a hard disk with plenty of room. It now takes up about 5 megabytes of disk space. You can save space if you are willing to sacrifice the spelling checker, thesaurus, on-disk tutorials or special files that allow you to use virtually any printer. You had also better clear some space on your bookshelf. WordPerfect comes with 1,500 pages of documentation, including a 500-page workbook that walks you through the program’s features.
The version 5.1 is a significant upgrade over 5.0 but not as major an overhaul as last year’s transition from 4.2 to 5.0. More than two-thirds of the code was rewritten at that time to provide such features as the ability to import graphic files, perform page layout functions and display an on-screen preview of the printed page.
Version 5.1 adds a number of features, including tables, equations, foreign language characters and mailing labels, besides pull-down menus and mouse support.
Anyone who has ever used a word processor to set up tables or charts will appreciate the table feature. It enters text in rows and columns, almost as though you were using a spreadsheet. The program automatically lines up your rows and columns so that text is automatically moved to the next line when you reach the end of a column. You can use the tab key or mouse to move between columns.
The tables can be used in conjunction with the program’s math functions to set up a mini-spreadsheet. Of course, it’s not nearly as sophisticated as a full-featured spreadsheet, such as Lotus 1-2-3, but it’s great for creating invoices or other documents that depend on simple formulas. For more sophisticated math, it’s now possible to link WordPerfect with 1-2-3 files so that 1-2-3 data can appear directly in word processing documents. If a change is subsequently made within the spreadsheet, the WordPerfect document is automatically updated.
WordPerfect, like other high-end word processing programs, has a mail merge function that allows you to create form letters. The new version makes this easier to use and offers a “merge language” for those who want to create sophisticated mailing routines. It’s now possible, for example, to set up printing criteria similar to what you can do with a database management program.
Scientists, engineers and members of the academic community will appreciate WordPerfect’s support for equations within formulas. The new version has an equation editor that includes a collection of symbols, characters and mathematical operators.
Equations, along with foreign language characters, including Greek, Hebrew and Japanese (hiragana and katakana), can be displayed on any graphics monitor or printed on any graphics printer, even if that character is not included in the printer’s character set. As with version 5.0, the program supports a wide variety of printers and fonts, including those for the Hewlett Packard LaserJet and Apple LaserWriter.
The program has a suggested retail price of $495. Users of previous versions can upgrade for $85.
In a timely gesture, WordPerfect Corp. is making it possible for users to play Santa Claus. Customers who purchase an upgrade can donate their WordPerfect 4.2 or 5.0 to any kindergarten through 12th grade school in the United States or Canada. In general, software companies do not allow users to give away copies of an earlier release of a program after purchasing an upgrade. WordPerfect is making an exception in this case.
A letter describing the program, along with a license request, will be included in each complete WordPerfect 5.1 update package. The 5.1 update package, by the way, includes a new manual and keyboard template.
It’s easy to see the why the legal profession and many corporations have standardized on WordPerfect. I’ve always liked WordPerfect, and the new version is no exception. It’s fast and incredibly versatile. It’s got an excellent spelling checker and thesaurus, and its macro capabilities make it possible for experienced users to automate commands for themselves or other users.
However, it’s not for everyone. This is an industrial-strength word processor. If your needs are basic, you might be better off with a program that’s less expensive, easier to use and less demanding when it comes to disk space. However, if you’re a professional wordsmith, WordPerfect may be just what its name implies.
For more information call (800) 541-5096.
