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.