john@quad1.UUCP (John Crane) (07/01/86)
I would like to review a software package that I insist must be standard fare on every PC that I work on. This is the esp package from Software Resources in Santa Monica. This package consists of: esp - a text editor/word processor based on the Rand Editor (A UNIX-based editor developed by the Rand Corp.) end - a text formatter that uses embedded commands similar to those used in nroff bee - a spelling checker other goodies -- such as sample documents and print files that show you how to customize your package for your own particular printer I was so impressed with the Rand Editor under UNIX that when I moved (up?) to MSDOS, I wanted something similar. I started collecting all the junk utilities and freebie programs that people in a large office like to pass around, but I wasn't satisfied with any of the editors that were used. I have "pirated" copies of Wordstar, see, the Norton Editor, and vi (Z). They are useful from time to time, but in the main, worth about what I paid for them. I paid $99 for an editor called Etool, but it is so big, so slow, and so cumbersome to use that I never do. I PAID good money for esp, I want you to know! The package retails for $200, but I think it's worth it to become an honest user and get ongoing support for a GOOD product that I ACTUALLY USE EVERY DAY! What about features? You ask. I can't say that I've used the spelling checker yet so I can't comment on that. I use the print formatter to print out letters and program listings and it works quite well and needs no customization for an FX printer. The package contains sample printcaps and customization instructions for other printers, but you only need these if you need bold face, italics, etc. Pagination and page numbering are automatic. The editor is what I really like. Here is a list of what I consider to be its most outstanding features: - easy to use even by novices -- no cryptic commands - this is NOT a line editor disguised as a screen editor -- esp treats the screen as one big blank sheet of paper -- put the cursor ANYWHERE and start typing! - most common commands mapped to function keys, others are abbreviated commands given in command mode - all deleted lines are saved in a stack for later recovery - mark a line for copying in a single keystroke - copy a line or block of text in a single keystroke - in command mode, you can recall the previous command and edit it - keystroke macro facility - compatible with RAM-resident software: I always load up PCtools, Sidekick, Superkey, and Turbo Lightning with no problem - I especially like to use Superkey with esp - you can edit up to 10 C program files simultaneously, each in its own full screen window - if you have color, each file can be its own color so you don't get confused when editing so many files - you can split the screen into two windows - EASY to copy, move, and transfer data between any of the files being edited - search forward and backward - the search is easy to start and VERRRY fast as is PgUp/PgDn - perform search and replace either globally or with a marked set of lines or a marked rectangular area - undo command to recover unwanted changes made to current line - word processing facilities available when needed, but they don't get in your way when writing programs: automatic and manual word wrap graphic box drawing facilities copy, move, delete, rectangular block, not just lines paragraph justification indented paragraphs bullets setting and changing tabs more stuff that I don't use much Problems and limitations: - currently limited to a 64K edit space, but this limitation is being removed in the next release which is currently in the beta stage -- I will review this when I get a copy - not quite as flexible in its use of windows as the UNIX Rand editor, but nothing else is either - unlike vi, see, and Norton, you can't check for matching parentheses, braces, brackets. I would like to see this feature added. But I have a copy of vi for just such purposes, when the compiler gives me a syntax error. Look, I don't have to write this, but I think this is the BEST editor available for MSDOS. The people at Software Resources and really nice too. I asked than why they don't advertise and they say they want to perfect the program even more before major release or advertising. I have NEVER had any trouble with the program, but they do want to fix the memory problem in this next release. Here's where to write to get your copy: ($200 - [$100 ea for multiple license]) Software Resources 2677 Centinela Ave. Suite 204-J Santa Monica, CA 90405 John Crane