Tuesday, January 2, 2024

PC World (July 1988)

Computer magazines were pretty bulky back in the day. This issue of PC World, one of the more popular magazines at the time, from July 1988 weighs in at nearly 300 pages. It includes:

Data Management

Omnis Quartz 1.13 - This was the first relational database manager for Windows.

Q&A 3.0 - The features included in the latest update for this database manager include better performance, overlapping windows, and better backup capabilities.

DataEase 2.5 release 3 - This database manager includes the use of forms and menus for all functions as well as its own command language.

Word Processing

DisplayWrite 4/2 - A version of the DisplayWrite word processor for OS/2.

XyWrite III Plus 3.53 - This version of Xywrite adds desktop publishing features, a thesaurus and spell checker.

Nota Bene 3.0 - A word processor that was once popular in academic settings, it includes fast indexing, lots of style and formatting commands, and foreign language processing.

Q&A Write 1.03 - A relatively inexpensive (which at the time meant $199) and easy to use word processor that still has lots of features.

_{Table of Contents from the July 1988 issue of PC World}

Spreadsheet Add-Ins

Lucid 3-D 1.0 - A pop-up spreadsheet that includes file linking, auditing functions, and more.

SQZ Plus - Helps you to save disk space and secure your data.

3-2-1 Bastoff 1.0 - Speeds up recalculations in Lotus 1-2-3.

4Views 1.0 - Adds better sorting, easier data entry features, and reporting features to Lotus 1-2-3.

Desktop Publishing

PagePerfect - Combines the features of a word processor and page-layout program.

Publisher's Type Foundry 1.02 - A font editor that works with LaserJet and PostScript.

Corel Tabin 1.00, Table Manners 2.2, VP/Tabs 1.0 - A collection of programs that help import Lotus 1-2-3 worksheets into Ventura Publisher.

Business Graphics

Business Graphics Roundup - A category of software that was mostly consumed by Power Point. Products looked at here include Freelance Plus 2.0, GEM Presentation Team 1.0, Microsoft Chart 3.0, 35mm Express 4.1, and Windows Graph 1.0.

_{Table of Contents from the July 1988 issue of PC World (continued)}

Departments

In This Issue - A preview of this special "Software Update" issue.

Top of the News - The latest PC related news including: a new IBM Model 5535 laptop featuring a 10 MHz 286, 1 MB RAM, 1.44MB floppy, and 20MB hard drive for $4000; Ashton-Tate creates new dCAL language for dBASE; the debut of SuperCalc 5; new Full Impact spreadsheet program for Macintosh; new 2400bps and 9600bps Smartmodems from Hayes; new 286 based laptop from Mitsubishi; and more.

David Bunnell - The potential threat that Apple's lawsuits against Microsoft and HP pose to creativity and innovation in the computer industry.

Letters - Letters from readers about the recent format change in PC World, a review of SmartKey, VP-Planner, Quattro vs. 1-2-3 benchmarks, public e-mail services, faxing vs. e-mail, and more.

Richard Landry - Vendors and proprietary "standards".

Next In PC World - The next issue of PC World focusses on "low-cost computing".

Stewart Alsop - IBM's marketing hype for their Micro Channel bus included on PS/2 computers.

On IBM - A look at IBM's strategy vs. Compaq's strategy and how Compaq in winning.

Industry Outlook - The first Micro Channel clones arrive including machines from Tandy and Dell; Lotus 1-2-3 still leads spreadsheet sales; sales of DOS based spreadsheet programs expected to increase through 1989; Intel introduces lower cost 386SX CPU; Tandy introduces THOR, an erasable optical technology; memory prices rise dramatically; and more.

Preview - A preview of dBASE IV which includes a built-in compiler, 240 new commands, and support for SQL.

_{Back cover of the July 1988 issue of PC World}

Megalextoria

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