PC-Browse Ver. 1.00 - The file scan and hypertext tool
                         Copyright 1989 David Batterson


     Hypertext is one of those "old" ideas that suddenly became new and
fashionable, thanks in part to the success of Apple Computer's HyperCard.  Ted
Nelson is credited with the concept of hypertext.  He wrote about it long
before the Mac was even a blip in Steve Job's bloated ego.
     As of this writing I am still waiting to receive one of the commercial
hypertext programs to evaluate.  Since I didn't have one, I broke my rule of
not reviewing shareware programs in PC REVIEWS.  PC-Browse is shareware, but
well worth a review.
     First a word about shareware.  Programmer Bob Wallace coined the word
shareware when he introduced PC-Write in 1983.  His company, Quicksoft, is
reportedly the second largest of all shareware companies.
     Shareware has changed over the years.  The original and popular Procomm
communications software is still distributed by shareware companies and on
BBSs.  But Procomm Plus is now a commercial product (the same thing with Red
Ryder on the Mac side).
     Wallace's PC-Write remains shareware, but he now publishes a stylish
catalog in which you can buy the registered version of PC-Write, along with
many commercial programs related to writing.  PC-Write now has more than 45,000
registered users.
     Along with making a nice living through shareware, Wallace has an
admirable philosophy which I agree with 1000 per cent!  Bob says that "writing
is the primary tool that advances civilization. . . to help people create
documents, helps the individual be creative, and furthers the evolution of
society."
     With the way that so many adult Americans write today, we need all the
help we can get to improve our communication skills through the written word.
In spite of this being the video generation, writing is just as important as
ever, and probably more so.
     That brings us back to our subject, PC-Browse, which Quicksoft calls "a
file scan and hypertext information tool."  So what does that mean?
     First of all, PC-Browse works like GOfer, searching for text strings and
lost files.  You can search by specific word, a phrase, or wild cards, and look
through multiple directories.  Then you can paste it into your application.
     A "Lookup" search finds a file within 1.1 seconds in a 2 MB file, using an
AT or compatible.  This is used, for instance, to search a large database for a
customer name.
     The use of the hypertext capability is limited only by your imagination.
To get your creative juices flowing, PC-Browse bundles some sample hypertext
applications.  They include a list of commonly misused words (like
affect/effect and it's/its), an area code file, a cross-referenced segment of
Hamlet, a decision tree, and others.
     Suggested hypertext uses include online help for a custom program,
genealogical searches, a library of page layout styles, famous quotations,
telemarketing scripts, or a menu to launch other programs.
     PC-Browse offers multiple windows, and a slew of parameters to set things
like text buffer size, screen attributes, EMS, hot keys, and so forth.
     The program runs either in TSR mode--it takes up 60K RAM--or as a
standalone program.  If you make use of LIM EMS, it uses only 3K.  The only
other requirements are DOS 2.0 or above and "creativity."
     You can order PC-Browse from shareware companies, or download it from a
BBS.  Or order the registered version, which includes the manual and tech
support, direct from Quicksoft for $49.  Quicksoft offers phone tech support,
as well as daily responses on CompuServe and BIX conferences.
     Contact Quicksoft, Inc., 219 First Ave. N., #224, Seattle, WA  98109; 800-
888-8088, 206-282-0452, FAX: 206-286-8802, MCI Mail: QUICKSOFT, CompuServe:
73247,257, BIX: pcwrite, TELEX: 6502755814 MCI UW.  (Now that's communicating,
Bob!)
                                       #
     David Batterson spends most of his computer hours writing and editing.
Contact him via MCI Mail: DBATTERSON.