[comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc] Best integrated packages

sjo@cci632.UUCP (Steve Owens) (08/29/90)

	I'm looking for a good integrated software package to go with
my recently purchased 386SX box.  Several of the local dealers have been
pushing me towards Microsoft Works 2.0.  As I'm not one to just take a
salesman's word on something, I thought I'd check around first to see what's
available.

	My hardware will be a 386SX with a 40Meg HD and 2M of memory, mono
graphics (which I will eventually upgrade to VGA), and a 2400B internal
modem.  A buddy of mine is going to get me copies of the public domain
uucp for PC's, email, possibly a pc version of vi, and other pieces of
PD software (I don't know the entire list.)

	What I would like to get is, a spreadsheet that has the capability 
of producing reasonable quality business graphics, a database management
system with mail merging and charting abilities, a word processor, and 
possibly an accounting package (This is not a major concern, however.)  I
would also like the binaries to be able to share files (ie, being able to 
read a graph created in the spreadsheet into the word processor, etc,) 
hence my inquiry about integrated packages.  At this point, money isn't a 
problem, as I'm just trying to find out what's available.  However, I am 
obviously looking for the best bang for the buck.

	My questions:

	1) What exactly is avaliable commercially?

	2) What do they cost?

	3) Is there anything in the public domain that fits this bill?

	

	As usual, all contributions are appreciated, and thanks in advance.


						SJO