PFS:First Publisher, Version 2.1
                         Copyright 1989 David Batterson


     I've been using PFS:First Publisher for a couple of years now, and have
become very comfortable with it.  It's no equivalent to Ventura Publisher or
PageMaker, of course, but it accomplishes many publishing jobs nicely.
     PFS:First Publisher is fine for newsletters, flyers, brochures, and other
documents where highly-sophisticated features aren't needed.
     The latest upgrade is Version 2.1.  Owners of PFS:First Publisher 2.0 can
upgrade for $15.  Version 1.0 users will have to shell out $35 to upgrade.
     The most significant addition to the program is that it now supports
Bitstream fonts.  By obtaining the optional Bitstream Fontware Installation
Kit, users have access to over 200 Bitstream Scaleable Typefaces (available
separately from Bitstream authorized dealers) in any size from 9 to 72 points.
     The kit, including the Bitstream Charter Medium typeface, is available
until December 31, 1989, for $15 with the coupon inside Version 2.1.  The
regular suggested list price is $95.
     Bitstream fonts allow users to create documents with higher-quality output
and a larger selection of font choices.
     The Bitstream Starter Kit includes "Fontware Pre-Installation Software for
PFS:First Publisher Version 2.0 and Above" and the Installation Kit for
Microsoft Windows 2.0.  (You don't need Microsoft Windows to use the
installation kit.)
     Also bundled with Version 2.1 is a disk containing five ready-to-use soft
fonts, which can be used with all HP LaserJets and compatibles.  The typefaces
are Bitstream Amerigo 10 and 12 point, Bitstream Cooper Black 18 point,
Bitstream Coronet Bold 14 point, and Bitstream Dutch 14 point.
     As I don't have a LaserJet or compatible, I didn't use the Bitstream
Fontware Installation Kit, and was unable to try out these soft fonts.  From
the illustrations enclosed, they look quite impressive.
     Another new feature of PFS:First Publisher Version 2.1 is the ability to
import WordPerfect 5.0 and Microsoft 4.0 files.  The imported text retains
bold, italics and indentation formatting.  No conversion to ASCII is needed.
     The standalone screen capture program, SNAPSHOT, has been upgraded to
allow capturing images from VGA screens.  I still would like to see SNAPSHOT
capture the entire screen, not just a major portion of it.  You save the image
within a moveable box, but the maximum horizontal width is 720 pixels.  This
cuts off part of your selected image.
     If you want to free up some memory, you can now unload the memory-resident
SNAPSHOT easily by typing: SNAPSHOT U.
     Another new option for PFS:First Publisher is the Business Template Kit.
This is a accessory product is a collection of 20 business templates, 100
business images, and seven executive style typefaces.  The templates include
direct mail brochure, fax cover sheet, memo, newsletters, fact sheets,
announcements and award certificates.
     PFS:First Publisher Version 2.1 has a suggested list price of $129, but
you'll pay much less from discounters.  For more information, contact Software
Publishing Corp., 1901 Landings Drive, P. O. Box 7210, Mountain View, CA 94039-
7210; 415-962-8910.
                                       #
     David Batterson writes about various PC applications.  Contact him via MCI
Mail: DBATTERSON.