GETTING YOUR WORD'S WORTH
10 WORD PROCESSORS COMPARED
BY DAN FRUCHEY
A word processor is one of the most basic and worthwhile pieces of software any computer user can own. In fact, your first software purchase will probably be a word processor.
Letters to Aunt Annette, reports for Professor Alderman, manuals for employees, summaries for the boss, newsletters, flyers and brochures all require a word processor. And a program that manipulates text is necessary for generating the source code that is compiled to create any computer program. Word processors can save you time and increase your productivity.
But while the decision to purchase a word processor is easy, choosing a program that will meet your current and future needs can be extremely difficult. Obvious factors like price, system requirements and ease of use all affect your final decision. But what about the not-so-obvious factors such as footnoting, spell checking, font capabilities and file portability? What happens when you run into a program limitation? Is there an upgrade available or a technical support staff to discuss your problems?
In this article we'll compare and contrast the different types of word processors, examine some of the important aspects you should consider in choosing a word processor and then highlight some of the latest programs available. Unfortunately, you won't find a single product that "does it all" though some of the products listed here come close.
Choices, Choices
Generically, the term word processor refers to any program that creates and edits text. Specifically, it refers to any of three different types of programs: text editors, text processors and document processors. Each product has been developed for a select group of users and, although many of the programs are designed for overlapping markets, you may find yourself needing all three types of software at different times.
Text Editors
Text editors are the favorites of programmers and those who need to create short documents on an occasional basis. These programs consume very little RAM, are inexpensive, easy to learn and, because the programs are stripped to their bare essentials, are extremely fast. Text editors don't use most of the standard layout options used in word and document processors. You won't find pagination, multiple font styles, footnoting, spell checking or a thesaurus.
The absence of these options is deliberate. In fact, those who use text editors don't want the headaches of dealing with these extras because they tend to slow down screen activity and consume RAM that could be used for extra lines of source code or a shell program. That's not to say that you can't add headers and footers to a document or center text, but these must be created manually and, unless you're a little masochistic, you're better off with a text processor.
All of the essentials, including cut and paste, search and replace, macros and word wrap, are available but there is little provided beyond these basics. Don't look for sophistication in a Text Editor; the key to their appeal is speed and ease of use.
Text Processors
The term text processor refers to an advanced text layout program. It combines all the features of a text editor with advanced options such as automatic hyphenation, text justification, variable spacing, multiple fonts and styles and much more.
You might want to think of a text processor as an intelligent typewriter. It keeps track of basic operations so you don't have to. A text processor controls tabs, spacing and margins so all pages maintain a uniform appearance. Documents are automatically numbered and titled, footnotes are placed correctly without effort and minor changes can be made without retyping an entire page.
Text processors keep track of the number of words you have typed, check you're spelling, merge and insert information from mailing lists and effortlessly print multiple copies of a document.
Document Processors
The latest addition to the word-processing market is the document processor. This type of program combines many aspects of desktop publishing, databases and spreadsheets with familiar word-processing options.
The premise behind the document processor is quite sound. Many users have only an occasional need to produce documents that use graphics, mathematical formulas or database information. A document processor lets you combine some or all of these needs without switching programs or employing software that will only be used on an occasional basis.
While this solves a problem it also creates others. With one exception, the current batch of document processors are unable to use spell checkers, they lack a thesaurus and screen redraws are relatively slow.
On the positive side, document processors will merge graphics from many sources, use variable measurements, grids and line spacing, possess multiple fonts, design master pages, create simple databases and perform mathematical computations.
Factors To Consider
Before you buy a word processor there are many factors to consider. The following lists some of the less obvious ones that may affect your decision.
Fonts
Does the program use GDOS fonts or those built into your printer? Programs that use GDOS fonts for printing tend to take much longer to produce a page. On a dot-matrix printer, the print head must make a double pass, slowing document production dramatically. The output from a GDOS program is cleaner, more versatile and easier to read but speed could make a critical difference in program selection. Depending on the printer, some GDOS programs can't print unless you reduce the number of fonts available or add more RAM.
Footnotes/Endnotes
A footnote is a comment or reference placed at the end of a page. An endnote is a comment or reference that is explained at the end of a document. The existence of a footnote or endnote is indicated by a letter, symbol or number typed in superscript just to the right of the text it references. The same symbol is used again at the site of the comment. Footnotes and endnotes are inserted automatically into the body text and pagination is re-organized automatically so comments will fit in the appropriate places.
A simple claim that these options are included in a program isn't enough. Find out whether the footnotes/endnotes can be edited, moved, linked or defined with a separate font. Most users don't even need this option but if you require footnotes or endnotes make sure of what you are getting. Each software company has a slightly different understanding of what these options should do.
Memory Requirements
Most word-processor publishers state that only 512K of RAM is required to run the program--it's a smart business move to design programs that will work on all Atari systems. But don't be misled; not every program can live up to the claims made on the packaging. Although most programs will work with 512K systems, you may not be able to access some of the options that swayed you into purchasing the software. Once the program is loaded, try running the spell checker and thesaurus, place all the font styles and sizes on the screen at one time and load a large document into memory. Now print a page. Still running? Congratulations, you've got a winner.
Portability
There will never be a piece of hardware or software that will last for all time. Eventually, you'll upgrade to a faster and more flexible system or another word processor. If you're moving to another Atari computer, such as the 68030-based TT, there's no problem; programs and files are completely compatible if they're written using the Atari standards. If you're switching to another word processor, find out if file formats are compatible or if there is a conversion program available. The following chart is provided to help you make software changes:
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Of course, any word processor will import and export ASCII text files. (ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. It is a standard code adopted to facilitate the interchange of data among various types of data processing and data communications software.) If you find this method adequate then you can interchange files among any of the word processors available.
Spell Checking
If you create documents that will be read by anyone but close friends and relatives, a spell checker is an essential part of your software collection. Minor spelling mistakes become glaring errors that reflect upon your abilities. If the first impression you make is based on a document full of misspelled words your chances of being taken seriously are diminished.
Currently, there are six dictionaries available for the ST. They vary in size from 36,000 to 115,000 words. If you are simply creating personal correspondence, one of the smaller dictionaries is fine. If you are producing professional documents, the smaller dictionaries are severely limited, they slow the correction process and increase the possibility of mistakes.
The most versatile dictionaries check words phonetically; they suggest possible variations on misspelled words, include the plural forms of words along with their various suffixes and recognize compound words and word contractions. All dictionaries allow the addition of specialized words in user-defined supplemental dictionaries. Make sure the program you purchase uses a dictionary designed for your country. Many common English words are spelled quite differently in Canada, Great Britain and the United States. Is it cheque or check? Colour or color? If a foreign dictionary is used by a child, some of the variations could cause problems.
Of course, you shouldn't disregard a word processor simply because it lacks a spell checker or employs a limited one. You can also purchase a stand-alone spell checker such as Thunder! from Electronic Arts.
Thesaurus
Sometimes it's difficult to find words that will let us communicate effectively. We know what we mean to say, but wind up expressing ourselves ambiguously. That frustrating feeling of having a word "on the tip of your tongue" is common to all, but very few of us do anything to remedy it.
A thesaurus is a utility that suggests possible synonyms (words with similar meanings) that can help you master this shortcoming. It helps to increase your vocabulary and supplies words that can enliven passages of text.
Currently there are only two programs that provide a thesaurus: WordPerfect and Word Writer. If your program lacks a thesaurus don't fret, you can also purchase an accessory version of the Word Writer thesaurus separately in Timeworks' software package Partner ST.
User Support/Upgrades
No word processor is ever truly complete. There is always a bug fix, upgrade request or potential problem that needs to be dealt with. Do the publishers of your word processor support their product? Has the company been around awhile and established a good reputation? Check the READ_ME.DOC file on the disk, when was the latest version released? If a company hasn't released any upgrades for several years be cautious about purchasing their product, you may wind up as an orphan.
WYSIWYG
WYSIWYG (pronounced wizzeewig) is an acronym that stands for "What You See Is What You Get." Most ST word processors provide an accurate screen representation of what your document will look like. Bold text is actually bold, centered text is actually centered, pictures and fonts approximate their final appearance on paper. WYSIWYG programs save time, paper and avert frustration. For beginners and advanced users alike, WYSIWYG word processors make learning and using a program easier and more enjoyable.
Some ST users, particularly converts from the IBM world, are strangely reluctant to use WYSIWYG word processors. Take heart refugees from Big Blue: there are non-GEM programs that allow the input of control symbols instead. With these programs you can invoke a preview mode that allows viewing of the document in a pseudo WYSIWYG environment. However, editing cannot be performed in this mode, the document can only be viewed.
The Programs
Finally, we arrive at the actual programs. These are not reviews, simply summaries of product capabilities and notes on significant aspects of each product's high points. A chart is also included here to compare the salient basic features of each product.
Although it is impossible to precisely classify many of the programs, I have attempted to list them according to their approximate categories. Products that are clearly text editors, such as Edit ST, are listed first, followed by programs that combine aspects of a text editor and a text processor, such as ST Writer Elite. Products that are clearly document processors, such as Wordflair, are preceded by programs that combine aspects of text and document processors, such as 1st Word Plus. These are rough classifications. The divisions do not imply personal product preferences or make a statement as to which products are the best. Every product presented here meets a niche in the Atari word-processing community; it remains to be seen if they will meet the needs for which they were designed.
Some of the programs mentioned here are entirely new or significantly upgraded. Look for complete reviews in upcoming issues.
Edit ST (Robust Software Inventions)
Fast, easy to use and self explanatory, Edit ST is a text editor that is a joy to use. The program requires only 85K of RAM and was clearly developed by a programmer with programmers in mind. The disk includes a calculator accessory and an ASCII/decimal/hexadecimal conversion code accessory. The manual is clearly written and appears to have been designed and published using an Atari computer.
Tempus II (MichTron)
Tempus II is a slick text editor that provides almost any option a programmer could ever ask for. Includes a built-in RPN calculator, character-conversion tables, a unique file-selector box with masking template for locating source codes and much more. It uses its own unique Desktop that includes GEM-like icons such as a trash can, clipboard and disk drives.
I can only recommend Tempus II for programmers; it's too specific for those who only need to edit text on a casual basis. It will take sometime to become acquainted to the many modes available in this text editor, but learning time is much shorter than that required with a text processor.
WordPerfect (WordPerfect)
One of the most powerful text processors available on any system has made its way to the Atari market. While it's a little option heavy for many home users, it will certainly grow with your needs.
Learning to use the functions completely requires more time than most other products because of the many options available. The program is highly configurable and, once you have defined base page layouts and your own macros, much of the page creation process is automated.
Product support is excellent with regular upgrades and unlimited phone support from knowledgeable representatives. The program runs almost identically to its siblings on other systems. Atari owners who have used the program on PCs will have no problem running WordPerfect almost immediately.
WordPerfect includes a thesaurus and a spell checker with a 115,000 word dictionary.
ST Writer Elite (Atari Corp.)
Dr. Bruce Noonan brings us the latest update to a classic public-domain favorite. ST Writer Elite is fast and versatile. It's a full text processor yet it works with the lightning speed of a text editor. For those non-WYSIWYG users mentioned earlier, this program is an excellent option. It lets you switch from a GEM-like environment to a mode that allows keyboard commands alone.
One of the best parts about ST Writer Elite is that it's free! (Editor's Note: This issue's START disk includes the latest update of ST Writer Elite. Check the supporting article elsewhere in this issue for more information.)
Microsoft Write (Atari Corp./Microsoft)
Microsoft Write is easy to use and has incredible potential but Atari has failed to provide adequate support, upgrades or bug fixes. Microsoft has disowned the product for reasons known only to Atari and themselves. Promises of a spell checker and other additions have failed to materialize, making Microsoft Write a software pariah.
If you require multiple fonts in a variety of sizes, Microsoft Write does an excellent job. Resumes and reports look great and includes a variety of powerful layout options. Microsoft Write will print using GDOS fonts, your printer's internal character set or metafiles which can be imported for use by programs such as Timeworks Publisher and Easy Draw.
1st Word Plus (GST)
The big brother of 1st Word, this document processor is a welcome relief to users who are still using the original program released in the early days of the ST. All files from the original program are completely compatible but 1st Word Plus adds enough options to make it infinitely more valuable than its predecessor. The program can import pictures and works with the fonts included with your printer.
A powerful mail-merge program and picture conversion utilities are included with in 1st Word Plus along with an intelligent spell checker that uses a 40,000-word dictionary. At this time, 1st Word Plus is the only program that incorporates graphics and still allows access to a spell checker.
Word Writer (Timeworks)
At the time of this writing, Word Writer is the most popular text processor available for the ST. Small wonder: it's well rounded, easy to use and logically organized. The program takes advantage of almost every standard word-processing function the average user requires.
Word Writer includes a document outliner, thesaurus and spell checker with a 90,000-word dictionary. The dictionary is not very intelligent, slowing the correction process, but it is adequate for most uses. The only major addition that can be made to this program is a footnoting function. Timeworks has not released an upgrade in two years but they provide ongoing user support by phone.
Protext (MichTron)
Michtron's latest addition to the word-processor market incorporates features of a text editor and text processor with a command-line interpreter. Protext is powerful and inclusive but at times a little overwhelming. The number and types of commands that can be inputed are great but text processing is slow and sometimes awkward with the format presented. Protext does not use GEM drop-down menus or windows--commands must be typed in manually or accessed via keyboard macros.
Protext is not for those who are new to computing; however, programmers will find the product enjoyable as it fills their needs in several areas. The program meets the claims of the publisher but it lacks the friendliness attributed to most ST programs. Protext includes a spell checker with a 36,000-word dictionary.
Word Up 2.0 (Neocept)
The latest version of Word Up lets you use fonts in sizes from 250 points and it can now import .GEM metafiles. This document processor combines text, graphics and multiple GDOS fonts to produce outstanding documents. The program is logically arranged and uses a wide variety of layout commands that let you adjust almost any page component. Word Up will create endnotes but does not generate footnotes.
An upgrade is currently in the works that will include additional fonts, a spell checker, thesaurus and importation and exportation of files in 1st Word format. Shelby Moore, President of Neocept, has attempted to provide a program that equals or exceeds his competition on all levels. He and his staff are committed to ongoing support of their products and the ST.
Wordflair (Blue Chip International)
Blue Chip International has finally released Wordflair, a unique document processor that at one time was to be released under the Atari software label. Wordflair combines multiple GDOS fonts, math functions, a graph generator, database and graphic importation with text processing. The program creates everything internally except image and metafile graphics which must be imported.
Wordflair is a welcome addition to the Atari market that could bring new popularity to an already outstanding machine. It's the closest thing I've seen yet to an all-in-one product. Wordflair is great for creating forms and form letters and will increase speed and flexibility in business settings. With Wordflair you can concentrate on creating a page, not the half a dozen additional programs you normally need to create a page that uses all of these page components.
One nice addition is that Wordflair includes a special edition of G-Plus, the lightning fast GDOS replacement from Codehead Software. It speeds up screen activity, redraws and loading. Nice touch Blue Chip!
Something for Everyone
With a list of products like this, there is something for everyone. All I can recommend is that you pick the product that works best for you. Visit your local dealer, try out copies of programs that might do the job and enjoy using your computer by purchasing a word processor tailored to your needs.
Dan Fruchey works as a paramedic in Santa Rosa, California and runs a small clip-art business on the side.
PRODUCTS MENTIONED
Edit ST, $59.95. Robust Software Inventions 383 N. Wilmot Road # 108B Tuscon, AZ 85711, 602/750 0921.
1st Word Plus, $99.95. 1st Word Plus, P.O. Box 15008, Portland, Maine 04101, 207/874-0702
Microsoft Write, call for price. Atari Corp., 1196 Borregas Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, 408/745-2000.
Protext, $199.95; Tempus II, $79.95. MichTron, 576 S. Telegraph, Pontiac, MI 48053, 313/334-5700.
Wordflair, $99.95. Blue Chip International, Inc., 501 Second Street, Suite 414, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415/243-9605.
WordPerfect, WordPerfect Corp., 288 W. Center Street Orem, UT 84057, 801/227-4410.
WordUp version 2.0, $79.95. Neocept, Inc., 547 Constitution Avenue, Unit A Camarillo, CA 93010, 805/482-0313.
WordWriter, $79.95. Timeworks, 444 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015, 312/948-9200.
| HOW THEY STACK UP | ||||||||||||||
|
Name
|
Company
|
System
Require- ments |
RAM
Req. |
Foot-
notes/ End- notes |
Spell
Checker |
Thesau-
aurus |
Graph-
ics |
Graphic
Types |
Fonts
|
#
Editing Windows |
Manual
|
Uses
Gem |
User
Comfig- urable |
Price
|
| Edit ST | Robust Software |
Any ST/ Mega |
512K
|
N
|
N
|
N
|
N
|
n/a
|
System
|
1
|
Fair | Y | Y |
$59.95 |
| Tempus II | MichTron ,Inc. |
Any ST/ Mega |
512K
|
N
|
N
|
N
|
N
|
n/a
|
System
|
4
|
Good | Y | Y |
$79.95 |
| ST Writer Elite |
Atari Corp. |
Any ST/ Mega |
512K
|
N
|
N
|
N
|
N
|
n/a
|
System
|
1
|
Fair | Partial | N |
Free (P.D.) |
| Protext | MichTron, Inc. |
Any ST/ Mega |
512K
|
N
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
n/a
|
System
|
2
|
Fair | Mouse Only |
Y |
$199.95 |
| Word Writer |
Timeworks, Inc. |
Any ST/ Mega |
512K*
|
N
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
n/a
|
System
|
4
|
Good | Y | N |
$79.95 |
| Word Perfect |
WordPerfect Corp. |
Any ST/ Mega |
512K
|
Y
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
n/a
|
System
|
4
|
Excellent | Y | Y |
$250 |
| Microsoft Write |
Atari Corp./ Microsoft |
Any ST/ Mega |
512K
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
N
|
n/a
|
GDOS t
|
4
|
Fair | Y | N |
Call |
| 1st Word Plus |
GST Holdings Ltd. |
Any ST/ Mega |
512K
|
Y
|
Y
|
N
|
Y
|
.IMG
|
System
|
4
|
Good | Y | N |
$99.95 |
| Word Up |
Neocept, Inc. |
Any ST/ Mega |
512K
|
Y
|
N
|
N
|
Y .IMG, |
.NEO,
DEGAS, .GEM |
GDOS t
|
4
|
Good | Y | Y |
$79.95 |
| Wordflair | Blue Chip Int'l, Inc. |
Any ST/ Mega tt |
1 Mb
|
N
|
N
|
N
|
Y
|
.IMG,
.GEM |
GDOS t
|
1
|
Excellent | Y | N |
$99.95 |
| * t tt |
Dictionary not usable with 512K (Typewriter, Swiss, Dutch) Monochrome monitor and hard disk recommended by manufacturer |
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