BetterWorking Eight-In-One - Integrated Program
                         Copyright 1989 David Batterson

     There are many integrated, low-cost software products in the PC
marketplace today.  Some PC manufacturers bundle this software as a sales
promotion, like Framework II and Electric Desk (now AlphaWorks).
     These programs generally cost under $100, although some (like Symphony and
Microsoft Works) can run higher.  The idea behind these programs is to provide
basic yet useful software for beginning to intermediate PC users.
     As home offices and small businesses sprout and prosper, their owners and
workers usually have little time to spend on computer learning.  They require
software which is dependable, can be learned quickly, and is affordable.
     Spinnaker Software [publisher of SPLASH! and Pinstripe Presenter, also
reviewed in PC REVIEWS] sells a program called BetterWorking Eight-In-One.
     Eight-In-One has sold over 150,000 units, and was certified "Gold" by the
Software Publishers Association.  An independent software testing lab rated
Eight-In-One over Microsoft Works and PFS: First Choice in performance.
     Spinnaker has now released Eight-In-One Version 2.0, at a suggested list
price of $59.95.  The upgrade is only $29.95.
     So what are the eight modules contained in Eight-In-One?  They include
desktop organizer, outliner, word processor, spelling corrector, spreadsheet,
database, graphics, and communications.  Since most word processors today
include a spell checker, I would instead call it "Seven-In-One."
     The desktop organizer contains an address book, and keeps track of
appointments and things-to-do.  The outliner lets you conceptualize and arrange
your thoughts, prior to beginning the actual writing.  I personally don't use
an outliner, but some may find it useful.
     I don't use WordPerfect, WordStar or Microsoft Word either, and I do a LOT
of writing.  Forget what your friends tell you to buy.  Use what YOU are most
comfortable with, and want to pay for!  No other choice matters.
     Eight-In-One's word processor/spelling corrector should fill your needs
nicely.  It's got all the usual features, and is compatible with about 220
printers including most laser and page printers.  A thesaurus has been added,
along with the ability to include .PCX graphics files.  There are many new
commands too.
     The spreadsheet, as you would expect, is compatible with Lotus 1-2-3
files (.WK1).  It now offers more data formats, better error handling, and has
been speeded up.
     The database is dBASE III-compatible.  New features include: alter
database option, field qualifiers, and function key menu to show fields in a
report.
     The graphics module lets you create the usual bar charts, point and line
graphs, pie charts and area graphics.  Now there are three type sizes for
labels.
     For some modem-users, they just want to occasionally transfer files back
and forth between PCs, or call up a BBS.  Eight-In-One's communications program
is down-to-earth, with no bells or whistles.  It offers only XMODEM or ASCII
protocols, but these are adequate for the average user.  It now supports 2400
baud too.
     Eight-In-One has a good manual too, with lots of helpful hints printed in
red to get your attention.  For the price, you can't go wrong.  Check with a
mail order company for lowest price.
     Either 5 1/4" or 3 1/2" disks are available.  A mouse is optional; hard
drive is highly recommended.  For more information contact Spinnaker Software
Corp., One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139; (800) 826-0706, 617-494-1200.
                                       #
     David Batterson writes about various microcomputer applications.