Give me the works! - seven integrated software packages are evaluated - includes related articles on product summary, DOS-based products - Software Review - Evaluation

Home Office Computing, Oct, 1994 by Charles H. Gajeway

SOMETIMES A SOFTWARE PACKAGE DOES GIVE YOU everything you need. This is good news for the small-business owner who must have a variety of software to write proposals, maintain a database, create spreadsheets, and communicate online.

An integrated software package, with modules for word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and communications, can satisfy all these computing needs. Such programs are designed to provide a balance of flexibility, performance, and ease of use. They're also inexpensive, generally list priced at less than $300.

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Most integrated programs occupy a reasonable amount of disk space and run comfortably on a system with 4MB of RAM. Perhaps best of all, because the various elements in these packages share similar command structures and processes, you need to learn only one program to gain most of the computer support you need to run your business.

Because these programs seem similar with regard to features but are far from identical in use, we expanded our rating system to include scores on individual tasks as well as overall performance. The average score was only two and one-half stars out of a maximum of four, which generally indicates a sacrifice of the power usually found in a standalone program to gain the convenience and economy of general-purpose use.

Windows Programs

ClarisWorks for Windows 1.0

List Price: $99

Publisher: Claris, (408) 987-7000, (800) 325-2547

ClarisWorks for Windows should not be confused with its impressive Macintosh sibling. The earlier Windows version has fewer features and capabilities, but its full integration and ease of use will satisfy people who don't require much telecommunications power.

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ClarisWorks's word processor is quite capable for everyday use, though it lacks style sheets and section formatting. And if you want to create simple newsletters or brochures in the word processor, think again: Even though you can anchor a graphic to a text location or move it behind your text, there is no provision for automatically wrapping text around a graphic.

ClarisWorks's database operation is similar to Claris's FileMaker Pro. For example, we like the ability to create pop-up lists of field entries, a feature that greatly speeds data entry. And because you don't have to define a file format first, importing data from other programs is easier than in FileMaker Pro and superior to the other Windows integrated programs.

The spreadsheet module is stable, speedy, and doesn't significantly slow down when working with large files. ClarisWorks's spreadsheet provides the largest number of built-in functions (more than 100) of all the Windows products in this review, along with some good formatting options.

One flaw in ClarisWorks is its use of Microsoft Terminal in place of a true communications module. Terminal's bare-bones feature set is a poor match compared with the other modules included in the program. More important, however, are a number of limitations in the charting module, such as the inability to specify different aspects of chart appearance, including Y-axis number formatting, legend placement, and symbol assignment.

Though ClarisWorks for Windows--unlike the Mac version--doesn't enjoy clear superiority over its competition, its speed, integration, and intuitive interface will override its weaknesses for most people. Claris will soon release a Windows upgrade that will have nearly identical features to the Macintosh version and will be available as a free upgrade to users of ClarisWorks 1.0.

Microsoft Works for Windows 3.0

List Price: $100

Publisher: Microsoft, (206) 882-8080, (800) 426-9400

The Windows version of MS Works is neither as well integrated nor as convenient as the newer MS Works for the Macintosh, and the modules also present a slightly different balance of features. Although the overall level of performance and capabilities of the Windows program has room for improvement, many people will like its stability and ease of use. Among MS Works's most attractive features are the Works-Wizards, which automate such common business tasks as creating form letters and customer profile databases.

MS Works's robust word processing module offers multiple columns and the ability to wrap text around objects, such as clip art. Flexible formatting options are a major plus in the MS Works spreadsheet. You can center titles across columns, wrap text within a cell, use multiple fonts and styles within a document, and adjust row height as easily as column width. The charting module, however, is separate from the spreadsheet--a distinctly inferior arrangement that does not allow charts to become a part of the underlying information.

The database module has average features, but it integrates well with the word processor to produce form letters and perform other list-merge tasks. The communications module can transfer files with the superior Zmodem protocol. At speeds of more than 2,400 bps, Zmodem can operate as much as 30 percent faster than Xmodem, which can reduce your phone bill substantially.