Re: XySearch -- Status Report

[michael.norman@xxxxxxxx]

At 12/13/2002 09:38 PM -0800, Robert Holmgren wrote:
> I'm struggling too. My recollection is that there was an overarching forum
> called IBMAPP, and then beneath that a Word Processing section (Section 2 I
> think), within which discussion of XyWrite was very frequent, almost dominant.
>
> Maybe an academic member of this list has a Lexus Nexis account?
Checked in several libraries on L/N for "IBMAPP"; no hits. Got 632 hits for
xywrite, added "bbs" and "forum" to narrow search but nothing on the above.
Any other suggested search terms. Also see attached first article in search
about XyDos.

Michael Norman

Copyright 1985 The New York Times Company 
The New York Times
June 18, 1985, Tuesday, Late City Final Edition
SECTION: Section C; Page 6, Column 5; Science Desk
LENGTH: 990 words
HEADLINE: PERIPHERALS;
WORD ABOUT PROCESSORS
BYLINE: By PETER H. LEWIS
BODY:
  A CRYPTIC reference was made here recently about a word-processing program that is attracting a
devout following among some reporters and editors. The program is XyWrite II+ - but whoa! Before the
stampede starts, pause a moment for a few thoughts in general about word-processing software.
  There is no such thing as ''absolutely the best'' word-processing program for personal computers.
There are, however, many excellent programs for many different needs. But because needs vary so
widely, a program that is excellent for a newspaper reporter, for example, may be unsuitable for a
graphic artist, while one that works well for a secretary who cranks out lots of form letters may be
inadequate for a biographer who puts four footnotes on each of the manuscript's 623 pages and then
wants to index the whole mess.
   An excellent word-processing program is one that does all the special chores the writer
requires it to do, and does them quickly; it is also easy to learn and use so that the writer can
concentrate on writing rather than on distracting technical rituals.
  Ideally, it would also write a Great American Novel at the push of a command key, fetch cold beer
from the refrigerator and cost less than a ballpoint pen and a yellow legal pad.
  Most programs fall woefully short when these demands are considered, but several consistently
perform better than the rest. Following are capsule summaries of some of them for the I.B.M. PC and
Apple Macintosh; superior programs for other computers and other needs will be summarized next week.
As with all software, ask to try before you buy.
XyWrite II+
  With XyWrite II+ ($300 for I.B.M. PC and compatibles from XyQuest Inc., Post Office Box 372,
Bedford, Mass., 01730, telephone 617-275-4439), the key phrase is ''faster than a speeding bullet,
more powerful than a locomotive,'' and that makes this a top choice for mild-mannered reporters,
editors and other professional writers who thrive on speed and are already comfortable with word
processors. Just a few of its many features are horizontal and vertical split-screening, allowing
the user to call up two documents at once; footnoting and indexing; four-function math; extensive
keyboard ''macro'' timesaving commands; the ability to call up other programs or invoke DOS commands
in mid-document; and easy restoration of text that has been accidentally erased. The major complaint
against XyWrite II+ is that it is hard to learn; Charles Spezzano, reviewing the program, said, ''It
babies you about as much as Perry White babies Clark Kent.'' However, since writers and their
software often mate for life, spending a week getting to know this powerful program can pay off with
years of happy writing.
Microsoft Word 2.0
  Unlike XyWrite, Microsoft Word 2.0 ($375 for I.B.M. and compatibles; $195 for Apple Macintosh,
from the Microsoft Corporation, 10700 Northup Way, Box 97200, Bellevue, Wash., 98009, telephone
800-426-9400) babies its users with an excellent tutorial disk and helpful ''menus'' of options; for
the masochists there is a 400-page manual. Word can split the screen into eight ''windows'' for
juggling multiple functions, and includes most top-of-the-line features (but not indexing). When
used with a dot-matrix printer Word can produce an impressive array of type sizes and styles, and
with a laser printer a Word user could practically open a typesetting shop. An earlier version was
hailed by The Whole Earth Software Review, which said Word ''could be the new standard.'' This new,
improved version solves a lot of the program's earlier bugs. However, Word is a bit pokey and works
best with a mouse input device (Word buyers get a $50 rebate on the purchase of a Microsoft Mouse,
normally $195 for bus version and $175 serial); thus it is an excellent choice for Macintosh owners
looking for an alternative to MacWrite. Touch-typists accustomed to keeping both hands on the
keyboard may find themselves wishing for a third ''mouse'' hand.
WordPerfect 4.0
  WordPerfect 4.0 ($495 for I.B.M. PC's and compatibles, Zeniths, Tandys and others); from
Satellite Software International, 288 West Center Street, Orem, Utah 84057, telephone 800-321-4566)
got a rare perfect score in InfoWorld magazine's software reviews. ''Simply excellent in all aspects
of text creation, editing and printing,'' InfoWorld gushed, ''and it comes with some of the best
support we have found. Although this version is packed with features, it is unobtrusive, fast and
easy to learn and use, making it appropriate for both novices and experienced users.'' Automatic
indexing and table of contents construction, footnoting and the spelling checker are particular
strengths. In the rare event that the manual fails to give succor, the Satellite Software folks in
Utah are especially helpful and friendly. The lack of split-screening is an inconvenience, but
perhaps the biggest drawback is the price, which is hefty even for a nearly perfect program.
PC-Write 2.5
  PC-Write 2.5 (free from a local users' group or $10 from Quicksoft, 219 First Avenue North, No. 224, Seattle, Wash., 98109, telephone 206-282-0452) is certainly the best word-processing software for the money, even when the optional $75 registration fee is considered. And it should be considered, because then the registrant gets a bound copy of the manual (which otherwise can be printed from the diskette), updated versions of the program, telephone support for questions, and a warm feeling for participating in the noble concept of ''shareware.'' Also, if a friend copies the program and registers it, the registered owner who lent it gets a $25 kickback from Quicksoft. This program, which like XyWrite executes commands almost instantly, is not perfect yet, but it is evolving constantly as others tinker with it. New features of this version include file merging; indexing and mouse support, adding to a nice array of standard features.