Two Mac integrated packages - Software Review - Claris Corp.'s ClarisWorks and Symantec Corp.'s GreatWorks - Evaluation

Home Office Computing, March, 1992 by C.J. Weigand

About Our Reviews

Every month we take an in-depth look at new software and computers, peripherals, and other home-office hardware, such as fax machines, telephones, and copiers. We concentrate on products we believe to be valuable to our readers--productive tools for the home- or small-business environment.

The zero- to four-star overall ratings are based on evaluations of performance, features, documentation, setup, ease of learning and use, versatility, availability, warranty, support, and price.

Software reviews. Hardware, software, and memory are required unless noted as "recommended" or "optional." When more than one computer is listed under "System Requirement," the machine marked with an asterisk (*) is the type on which the software was reviewed. Requirements are listed where obvious (for instance, printers with word processors or modems with communications programs).

Designation       Models
IBM compatible    IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/1, PS/2, and compatibles
512Ke Macintosh   512Ke/Plus/SE/Classic/LC/II series
1MB Macintosh     Plus/SE/Classic/LC/II series
  *        Poor            ***              very good
  *        Fair            ****             Excellent
  **       Good

AT A GLANCE: Integrated program with word-processing, graphics (draw only), spreadsheet, database, and communications modules. What sets it apart: impressive macro-making capability.

DOCUMENTATION: Well-organized overview of program basics, but too few working examples and not enough information about specific features.

ERROR HANDLING: No difficulties encountered.

EASE OF USE: Program's use of layout frames may prove confusing at first. Otherwise easy to learn and use.

SUPPORT: Free support with toll call. Toll-free automated voice and fax hotlines. Customer-service phone lines were often busy, and the automated voice hotline was not set up to handle ClarisWorks calls at the time of this review.

VERSION REVIEWED: 1.0

LIST PRICED: $299

STREET PRICE RANGE: $149-$180

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: 1MB Macintosh (2MB required for System 7.0); two 800L disk drives (hard-disk drive recommended); System 6.0.5 or higher; 2MB RAM and hard-disk drive required for communications environment.

PUBLISHER: Claris Corp., 5201 Patrick Henry Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95052; (408) 727-8227, (800) 225-2747

READER SERVICE: For more information, circle Reader Service number 67

GreatWorks

Rating: * * *

AT A GLANCE: Integrated program with wordprocessing, outlining, graphics (draw and paint), spreadsheet, charting, database, and communications modules. What sets it apart: has both draw and paint capability and productivity-enhancing outliner.

DOCUMENTATION: Well-written, abundantly illustrated manual. Has a weak index but adequately covers most program features.

ERROR HANDLING: Degraded performance noted in low-memory situations, especially with several documents open.

EASE OF USE: Easy to learn and use.

SUPPORT: Free support with toll call.

VERSION REVIEWED: 1.0.1

LIST PRICED: $299

STREET PRICE RANGE: $199-$220

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: 1MB Macintosh (2MB recommended); hard-disk drive; System 6.0.2 or higher

PUBLISHER: Symantec Corp., 10201 Torre Ave., Cupertino, CA 95014; (408) 253-9600, (800) 441-7234

READER SERVICE: For more information, circle Reader Service number 68

For several years now, Microsoft Works has ridden high on the best-seller lists as the only popular integrated program available for the Mac. But now two new programs have arrived on the scene, both laying claim to Microsoft's position of eminence. GreatWorks from Symantec and ClarisWorks from Claris each offer a wider selection of features than Microsoft Works, and both are easier to use.

Why buy an integrated program? One reason is price. For less than the cost of a single, stand-alone application you get the equivalent of several programs in one. Another reason is compatibility. You don't have to struggle with convoluted export and import routines to get data from one program into another--the integrated modules are designed to work together seamlessly.

Bear in mind that there are trade-offs. Integrated programs are typically less powerful than their stand-alone cousins. That doesn't necessarily matter, especially if you are a novice or don't need top-end power. Fewer features means less complexity. Starting out with an integrated program is the best way to learn the Macintosh while being productive at the same time. It might be years before you outgrow your program's capabilities.

ClarisWork or GreatWorks? Frankly, you can't go wrong with either program. Both are easy to use, and both can handle the demands of a typical home-based business. There are differences, though. GreatWorks includes a black-and-white paint module in addition to its object-oriented draw module; ClarisWorks offers only a draw module. GreatWorks also contains a robust outliner, a tool preferred by many for organizing thoughts and ideas; ClarisWorks offers no outlining capability. On the other hand, ClarisWorks lets you create timesaving macros to automate your work, a productivity enhancement that GreatWorks unfortunately lacks.