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SOFTWARE FOR LAPTOP NEEDS

        INCLUDES A LISTING OF SHAREWARE VENDORS AT END OF THIS FILE
     
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     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. 

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SHAREWARE DISTRIBUTORS - A SHORT LIST

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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. Press escape key to 
     return to menu.