AppleWorks v4.0
By Cameron Brawn
Copyright (c) 1993 Apple Users' Group, Sydney
Republished from Applecations, a publication of the Apple Users' Group, Sydney, Australia.
Almost all Apple // users, be they //c, //c or IIGS, know of the program "AppleWorks". This program was (and still is) one of the best software packages available on the Apple //. It was the first successful "integrated" application for a Personal Computer, and the concept has been copied to many other platforms since.
Recently, Quality Software, with Randy Brandt, obtained the rights to AppleWorks v3.0 and set about creating AppleWorks v4.0, (code name "Quadriga")
Randy Brandt was one of the main people behind AppleWorks v3.0 and the TimeOut series of AppleWorks enhancements.
While we were at Kansasfest, Randy Brandt gave a demo of a beta AppleWorks v4.0, and answered questions on the product. Nothing was under "nondisclosure". Following is a list of specifications provided by Randy. (As at July 18, 1993)
(Note: OA = Open Apple key in the following text)
System
-Realistically needs 256k, but runs on 128k, single 5.25" drive 6502 //e's
-TAPL (UltraMacros v4.3) available on minimum 256k, 65C02 machines
-Ships on 5.25" and 3.5" disks; hard-drive installer included
General
-TimeOut is built-in; configured in Standard Settings
-Disk/file copying and utilities included in Other Activities
-UltraMacros v4.3 run-time included (no Compiler, Debug, Macros2Menus)
-Mouse support included
-Screen blanker, based on minutes since last keystroke
-Auto-save feature saves files after preset number of minutes
-Quick quit option exits instantly, ignoring files on all desktops
-OA-H includes Copy/Image to Word Processor clipboard
Desktop
-Save/Remove files menu allows OA-Up and OA-Down; Tab to switch desktops
-Three desktops allow loading 36 files; Tab cycles desktops at OA-Q menu
-OA-Q menu supports OA-V to view all desktops, OA-C to edit the active clipboard
-OA-Q menu supports shortcut OA-F for File Activities and OA-D for Disk Activities
Add/List files
-Lists up to 255 files instead of the old 170 file limit
-Lists text files and automatically loads them to WP
-Supports OA-A to arrange listing by Name, Type, Size, Date
-Supports OA-D to change desktops, OA-Y to eject current 3.5" disk
-Displays count of files selected
Change Disk
-Change disk menu shows volume names when OA-/ is pressed
-Supports OA-P QuickPath feature for choosing from a predefined list of pathnames
-Supports OA-A to Add a subdirectory, OA-D to Drop a subdirectory from current path
Clipboard
-All three applications have their own clipboard
-All clipboards are viewable and editable
-Append to clipboard option in all applications adds to existing clipboard contents
-Any clipboard may be pasted into any file (use OA to select Copy/Move from)
Printing
-Five printers may be defined instead of three
-DeskJet printer support included
-WP special codes are unique to each printer - active printer is used for names at bottom
-Titles in Spreadsheet files are used for titles at top of each page
Data Base
-60 categories per record (formerly 30)
-Records expanded from maximum 1024 to 2560 bytes
-Sorts can be case sensitive (can be set in preferences)
-Lookup lists allow matching data to be displayed in another desktop DataBase file
-All categories can be specified for formatted entry (justification, numeric formats)
-Categories can be defined as text, numeric, formula, mask, glossary, import, export
-Formulas allow spreadsheet-style math in DataBase using functions
-Data can be automatically imported from other DataBase or SpreadSheet files on the desktop
-Data can be automatically exported to other DataBase files on the desktop
-Export/Import user-defined character delimited text files
Single Record Layout
-Supporting scrolling layout, or multiple pages (screens) for each record
-Editing single record layouts shows coordinates
-Supports background text such as borders, comments, descriptive text
-Supports instant reformatting into 1 to 8 columns
Word Processor
-Split screen allows you to view one part of a file while working elsewhere
-Mail merge works directly from a DataBase file, using its selection rules
-Mail merge includes a "don't reformat" option for printing forms
-Find/replace may be restricted to a word (ie., match "best" but not "bestial")
-New symbols instead of carets make it easy to identify formatting
-New OA-G glossary allows easy entry of formatted data (such as addresses) from DataBase files
-Supports OA-A to Add/Edit Mail Merge and Glossary rules
-Dictionary can be located anywhere, and can be auto-copied to RAM disk on bootup
Spreadsheet
-"3D" feature accesses other desktop files, as in @SUM("OtherFile":B4...B9)
-Allows values to be displayed in scientific notation
-Allows quick column width setting by typing in the width number
-Date math is supported via Julian numbers and date formats
-Entering "@" inserts the current Julian date value
-Current column width is displayed at the bottom of the screen
-During formula editing, OA-F pops up a function list for easy entry, displays parameters
-New functions include Alert, Date, Find, Join, Lower, Len, Mid, Text, Upper, Val
-Shows standard values at OA-V menu; removed from help screen
-New find options allow searches for numbers and formulas
-New find options allow searches back or ahead by rows, columns, or restricted
-Supports OA-R to Replace text
-OA-R expands cell widths for formula viewing
-May be restricted to 999 rows for maximum speed (9,999 normal maximum rows)
-recalculated file now marked as changed
As this product is undergoing development, the above is NOT final. Some features may appear/disappear/change.
During the hour long demo & discussion, I took some notes. Some of these are:
* Project started in March, 1993
* Will include a patch disk to patch MOST TimeOut applications. Some will be superseded, others will need upgrades
* TimeOut runtime included
* DataBase is now "relational"
* Will ship by October, 1993
* Quality Computers are taking orders now. US$69.95, or US$79.95 after release
* Upgrade details not decided upon
* AppleWorks v5.0 is planned, with many more features. It will go ahead if AppleWorks v4.0 is successful.
The program is NOT "vapourware", it was very stable and vastly improved product. I will endeavor to keep you up to date with developments.
Cameron Brawn

THIS CONTENT COPYRIGHT © 2007, APPLE MACINTOSH USERS' GROUP, SYDNEY
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