ciaraldi@rochester.ARPA (06/12/86)
From: Mike Ciaraldi <ciaraldi>
I have been using various versions of PC-Calc for the last 2 years,
and was interested to see it badly reviewed in a recent posting.
If the biggest problem the reviewer can find is that
you can't turn the auto recalculation back on, that does not
seem too major to me!
I have some additional comments, and some exciting news.
Admitedly, my requirements are probably differnt from his.
I don't need Lotus compatibility, but I do need this
program's status as "user-supported" software, since I
give it to my students in class. So, low cost and pretty good performance
are quite important.
Which version are you using anyway? A little-known fact
about PC-Calc is that not all version 3.00's are the same!
In fact there have been several minor updates and bug fixes
that aren't readily discernible from the manual
or even the startup screen. The key is to look at the
creation date of the main file, PCCALC.EXE.
If the time is 3:05, for example, it is actually version
3.05, and so on.
I agree that not having the whole manual on the disk is
quite inconvenient, since he leaves out all the good stuff.
But remember that you are getting the program for free, after all.
If you are using it a lot, you should send in your money and become
a registered user.
That way you get the complete manual, notification of major updates
(but not the minor ones, darn it), and the right to call in with
questions. Not bad for under $50. When a new release comes out, you
can get it for about $10.
Much of the foregoing is now "inoperative", as someone used to say.
The author of PC-Calc has stopped marketing it through
Buttonware, and is now doing it through another company.
The author, Bill Willis, is now selling it under the name
ExpressCalc. It is available from:
Expressware
P.O.Box 230
Redmond WA 98073
(206) 643-3503
Compuserve 75226,2020
The latest version is 3.09, and it now comes on two disks, with
the complete manual on the second disk.
If you already own PC-Calc version 3.08 or earlier from ButtonWare,
you can send in the original Buttonware manual and disks, along with
$15, and they will they will send you a registered copy of
Expresscalc, including the two disks and the three-ring-bound manual.
If you don't already own a copy, you can get
the two-disk set for $10 (again including complete manual on disk).
A registered copy is $49.95, including the printed manual, etc.
Incidentally, if you order just the disks, they come with a coupon
good for $10 rebate if you buy a registered copy.
Expressware also markets File Express (latest version 3.73),
a data base system very similar to PC-File in capabilities.
Disclaimer:
I have no official connection with Expressware. I am not even a
registered owner of any of their programs! However, I have been
playing around with FileExpress for the last week, and I have
been pleased with ExpressCalc's predecessor (PC-Calc).
I also called the company to see about ordering manuals and/or
disks for my class, and found them friendly and interested in
getting into the education market.
Mike Ciaraldi
seismo!rochester!ciaraldi