This month, I've gathered a grab-bag of the best Windows programs to come
across my screen recently -- everything from Internet files to Windows 95
shareware to a gardening program, a money program, and two great games.
Those who already have copies of Windows 95 and are on the lookout for
shareware should try out TextPad, an absolutely superb text editor that
puts Microsoft's WordPad to shame. Unlike that accessory, TextPad allows
you to open and work on multiple files simultaneously, and lets you drag
and drop text between files. It has excellent text-finding abilities,
uses Windows 95's right-mouse click features, and even has some basic
file management built in. For text editing in Windows 95, it's a must-have.
The file includes a 16-bit version of the program so that everyone, not
just those with Windows 95, can benefit from this great editor.
TEXTPAD
(Search for TEXTPD.ZIP in Library 13, Windows 95, PBS Utilities forum.)
For the Internet crowd, I've found two solid programs. If you're looking
for a newsreader to read Usenet newsgroups, try a copy of WinVN. It's the
best and most flexible newsreader I've ever found. For example, it lets
you sort messages in many different ways, including by thread, date, and
article number. You can save messages and read them offline, and send
E-mail messages from within the program. Thanks to WinVN's built-in
encoding and decoding, you can retrieve and decode binary files posted
to newsgroups, as well as post your own. It's free, so you have no excuse
for not checking it out. Note that as with most Internet newsreaders and
other programs, setup can be a bit confusing. Here are two tips. First,
make sure to get the name of your Internet news server from your service
provider or network administrator before using the program -- you'll need
it. Second, if you're having trouble logging into your news server, don't
include your name and password in WinVN; if you leave them out, you'll
probably be able to log in. Go figure.
WINVN
(Search for WNVN.ZIP in Library 11, Internet, PBS Applications forum.)
Another file for Internet aficionados is Microsoft's Internet Assistant
for Word for Windows, a WinWord add-in that enables you to construct home
pages in Word for posting on the World Wide Web. It lets you create HTML
documents, and even functions as a Web browser (but don't throw away your
copy of Netscape or Mosaic -- they're definitely superior when it comes to
Web browsing). This file is so good that we use it here at ZiffNet to
create the Web version of our ZShare shareware newsletter. Oh yes, and
here's what may be the most amazing part of the Internet Assistant:
Microsoft is giving this one away for free.
INTERNET ASSISTANT FOR WORD FOR WINDOWS
(Search for WORDIA.ZIP in Library 11, Internet, PBS Applications forum.)
June is gardening time, and if you're like me, while you enjoy getting
your hands dirty, you may have more questions than answers about flowers,
shrubs, bushes, and plants. When should you plant a magnolia tree? How
well do ferns do in full light? You'll have answers to those questions
and more in GrowIt. It's a sizable database of bulbs, climbers, ground
cover, hedges, shrubs, and trees. It gives you detailed information on
each plant: its height, when to plant, how deep to plant, how far apart
to plant, when it will flower, a description of the plant, and any special
purposes to which the plant can be put (such as ornamental ground cover).
There's also some great general-purpose help, complete with graphics, for
doing things such as mulching and fertilizing.
GROWIT
(Search for GROWIN.ZIP in Library 3, Household, PBS Home forum.)
If you'd rather look at a different kind of green, check out Financial
Analysis for Windows. Whether you're interested in investments such as
bonds and Treasury bills; saving for retirement or your kids' college
education; analyzing the difference between several mortgages; or just
about any other kind of financial calculation, you'll find it here. Note
that this Windows program requires a copy of the Visual Basic 3.0 runtime
module.
Financial Analysis for Windows
(Search for WINFIN.ZIP in Library 6, Personal Finance, PBS Home forum.)
Finally, here are two fun programs which prove that not all good games
need be written for DOS -- there are some good ones in Windows, too.
Operation: Inner Space is a Windows space arcade game with a twist: The
objective is to rescue Windows icons on your system. You fly through space,
avoiding and blasting asteroids, while you hunt for your icons. Either
choose an already-built space ship or construct one of your own -- and
select which icons on your system you want to "save".
Operation: Inner Space
(Search for INSPAC.ZIP in Library 3, Action Games, PBS Arcade forum.)
Block Breaker for Windows gives new meaning to the phrase "follow the
bouncing ball." It's a "breakout" game in which you use a paddle to hit
a bouncing ball to break through patterns of blocks. There are plenty of
sound effects and music, and you can control the speed of the game, as
well as create your own patterns. Fans of classic "breakout" games will
want this one -- and those who haven't played this kind of game owe it to
themselves to pick up that paddle.
Block Breaker for Windows
(Search for BLOCKW.ZIP in Library 3, Action Games, PBS Arcade forum.)
MEET PRESTON GRALLA, SHAREWARE SVENGALI
Currently the executive editor for software for ZiffNet, and the editor in charge of all the shareware libraries there, he writes a monthly shareware column published on ZiffNet entitled "Preston's Picks." As contributing editor for Computer Shopper, he writes the monthly "Shareware Shop" shareware column as well as feature articles and reviews. The author of the "PC/Computing Guide to Shareware," published by Ziff-Davis Press, Gralla has written widely about shareware, including several pieces for the Los Angeles Times.
Preston Gralla has won a number of awards for his writing and editing. Under his editorship, PC/COMPUTING was a finalist for General Excellence in the National Magazine Awards. He also won the top award from the Computer Press Association for the Best Feature Article in a Computer Publication.
