Tbrbo Basic introduces its powerful new Telecom, Editor and Database Toolboxes

NEW!

Turbo Basic* is the break- through you've been waiting for. The same power we brought to Pascal with Turbo Pascal has now been applied to BASIC with Turbo B^ic.

Compatible with BASICA, Tbrbo Basic is the high-performance, high-speed BASIC you’d expea from Borland.

Basically, llirbo Basic is all you need

It's a complete development environment which includes an incredibly fast compiler, an inter- aaive editor and a trace debug- ging system. It outperforms all its rivals, and becaase it’s compatible with BASICA, you probably already know how to use it.

Includes a free MicroCalc" ^readsheet complete with source code. Onfy $99.95!

A technical look at lUrbo Basic

0^ Full recursion supported 0 Standard IEEE flixiiing point format 0 Floating ptiim support, wth full 8087 (math co-processor) integra- tion. Software emulation if no 8087 present

0 Program size limited only by avail able memory (no 64K limitation)

0 VGA. CGA, and EGA suppK>rt 0 Access to local, static, and global variables

0 Full integration of the compiler, editor, and executable program, with separate windows for editing, messages, tracing, and execution 0 Compile, run time, and I/O errors place you in the source ctxle wiiere error ot-xiirred i

0 New long integer (32 bit) data tvpe

0 Full 80 bit precision

0 Pull down menus

0 Full window' management I

a Borland has created the most powerful version of BASIC ever.

Ethan Winer, PC Magazine 99

Telecom Toolbox is a complete communications package which takes advantage of the built-in communications capabilities of BASIC — use as is or mtxiif>'.

• Pull-down menus and windows

• XMODEM support

• VT 100 terminal emulation

• Captures text to disk or printer

• PhoncBook file

• 300, 1200, 2400 baud support

• Supports script files

• Fast screen I/O

• Supports most of XTalk’s command set

• Manual dial and redial options

Use Telecom Toolbox to embed

communications capabilities into your own programs and/or build your own communications pack- age. Source code included for all Toolbox code and sample programs. Onfy $99.95!

For the dealer nearest you or to order by phone call

(800) 255-8008

in CA (800) 742-1133 in Canada (800) 237-1136

BORLAND

INTBRNATIONAI

Database Toolbox means that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel each time you write new Tlirbo Basic database programs. 0 “TYainer” shows you how B+ trees wofk. (Simply key in sample records and you’ll see your index being built.)

0 TUrbo Access instantly locates, inserts or deletes recwds in a database-using B+ trees.

0 Tbrbo Sort SOTts data on single items or on multiple keys and features virtual memory management for sorting large data files.

Source code included.

Onfy $99.95!

Editor Toolbox is all you need to build your own text editor or word processor. Includes source code for two sample editors.

First Editor is a complete editor ready to include in your programs, complete with windows, block commands and memory-mapped screen routines.

MicroStar" is a full blown text editor with a complete pull down menu user interface, and gives >’ou

• Wordwrap

• Undo last change

• Auto- Indent

• Find and Find, 'Replace with options

• Set left right margins

• Bkx'k mark, move and cc^’

• Tab. iaseri, oversirike modes, line center etc.

Includes source code. ;

Only $99,951

Choose ALR’s l6-MHz 80386 system for less than $2,000, or a blazing 20-MHz system for less than $2,500.

1922

Until now, if you wanted three times the speed of an AT™ you paid about three times the price of an AT. Now Advanced Logic Research announces second-generation 386 systems — designed to do to the price_ barrier what our, first generation did to the per- formance barrier.

Annihilate it.

Starting at S1990, ALR’s totally new 386/2 systems couple the power of 32 -bit processing with true 32 -bit memory. Even the system and graphics BIOS are implemented in a 32 -bit architec- ture. That simply means your

applications will run faster on a 386/2 than any other available computer. AndALR 386/2 systems let you use all the peripherals, graphics, enhance- ments and appiications developed for the most widely adopted computer operating environment in history.

Which makes’ you wonder why others -want thousands more for less flexible, first- generation 386 systems.

How to run circles around the competition.

Sure, Compaq and IBM use the fastest av^able hard disks and controllers with 1:1 interleaving,

Advanced Logic /.^

Research li,,

Compaq ® IBM

just like Advanced Logic Research. But they don’t buffer

a full 17-sector hard disk track, settling for sector by sector buffering. Our way makes the fastest even fester where it counts — in the real world.

And with up to 2 MB of RAM on the motherboard, you get flexibility with your power.

Picture this.

Naturally the raw speed of 80386 means the 386/2 series make great EGA graphic work- stations for CAD/CAM. Or choose enhanced EGA™ or GA 786™ graphics from ALR and a variety of sources and get the most advanced resolutions a’vailabie.

The 386/2 series makes the best use of floorer desk space.

You can even run applications without memory limitations. Because all enhanced ALR sys- tems include the Phoenix Control/386 Software utilities with 32 bit disk Ml caching, Vdisk and Jjl EMS/EEMS Software.

Speed to bum. Without having money to bum.

Read the reviews and compare the 386/2 to the others. Then compare more. If you find more power, flexibility and quality somewhere else, buy somewhere else. You won’t find a more competitive price anywhere else.

Advanced Logic Research S4389

IBM *6995

Compaq *7094

The ALR 386/2 Model 40 with EGA adapter is similar to the IBM Model 80-041 and Compaq Deskpro 386 Model 40 with EGA adapter. Except fora lower price and twice their standard RAM.

Advanced Logic Research. Faster, first.

Advanced Logic Research got its start designing high- performance microcomputers for customers that demanded more power than they could get off the shelf. We designed one of the first IBM PC-compatibles. Developed the enhanced performance AT-compatible PC Magazine called “. . . the most judicious choice . . .” And introduced the first 386 system, which PC Tech Journal said “. . . brings up-to-date technology to affordable 386 systems!’

Our complete line of perfor- mance XT and AT-compatible systems offers the advanced technology of one of the world’s most exp>erienced PC

design teams. And the cost- ' effective quality of Singapore- based manufacturing. So you simply get more computing power for less money. From a growing international net- work of ALR dealers chosen for their abUity to deliver full- service and support.

Call Advanced Logic Research today for the name of your local ALR dealer. And discover the price of power isn’t as high as it used to be.

Performance Specifications 386/2 Model 10 S1990

• ALR-<iesigned system board • 101 -key keyboard

• I MB 32-bU RAM. ecpandablc * l6-MHz 80586 processor

CO 2 MB on sysRm board (20 MHz optional)

• 1.2 MB floppy disk drive • 8058“ support

• Serial and panllel poru

• 8 expaiulon slots

386/2 Model 40 S3990

• ALR-deslgned system board

• 2MB52-bicRAM

• 40 MB. 30 ms. or less, access time hard disk drive/ 500 Kba/s trans rate

• EMSand EEMS software

• 1.2 MB floppy diskdrive

• Serial and pa^kl ports

• ALlt-deslgned system board •2MB32-btt RAM

• 70 MB, 30 ms. or faster, access time hard disk drive/ 500 Kbs/s trans nte

• EMSand EEMS software

• 1.2 MB floppy disk drive

• Serial and parallel ports

• Desktop or floormouni

• 8 expansion slots

• lOl -kc)- kc>-board

• 16-MHz80386pTOcessor (20-MHz optional)

• 8038? support

• 32-blcVdi^anddLsk caching software

S4690

• Desktop or floormouni

• 8 expansion slots

• 101 -key keyboard

• l6-MHz80586processor (20-MHz optional)

• 8038“ support

• 32 bic5dlsk and disk caching software

386/2 Model 80

386/2 Model 130

I • ALR-destgned system board I •2MB32-bURAM I • 130 MB. 30 ms. or faster, access time hard disk drive/ 500 Kbs/s uaiu rate

• EMS and EEMS software I • t.2MBnoppydiskdrive

* Serial and parallel pons

Enhancements

S7299

• 8 expansion slots

• 101 -kes- keyboard

• 16-.MHz80386processor (20-MHz optional)

• 8038“ suppon

• 32-bU3Uiskanddlsk caching software

Monitor not included

Acomplctc range of cnharKcmcnts. ifKluding4 MB 32-bit RAM and multifunction products as well as additional I/O options are available. 640 x 480 pixel AV EGA with )6 colors and GA 786 graphics adapters available third quarter.

Advanced Logic Research, Inc

M) Chrysler. Irvint CA 92718 (714) 58l-6“a)

FAX: (^4) 581-9240 TELEX; 5l060h525.

Answer back Advanced Uigic

From Asia or Europe call ALR/Vttaimcs Techriologt-

Phone: (65) 2592521 TELEX: RS38I13V('RNTEC

Speciflcailc]fti.conngursiiofusn(tprlcessub|eciu>changewtihoui notice Copyrighi 198^ Advanced Logic Research All rights reserved 306/2 and CA 786 are icademarks of iUlvanced Logic Research, Inc AT a iradetnark of Inwrrwlonal Business Machines Corp Phoenix and CaMrol/3B6 ate irademarks of Phoenix tkehnoiogy. Ltd

CIRCLE 521 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Did you know some of the very BEST software is available as

SHAREWARE?

Shareware is a revolutionary concept of bringing top quality software to users at a fraction of the commerciu prices. These pro^ams request that the satisfied user renter with the author to receive program updates, technical assistance and additional documentation.

Sample some of the many programs available through the PC-SIG library at only

$6 per disk

WORD PROCESSING

□ «78. #627 PC-WRITE; A powerful and popular

word processing program; works well with a mouse. Spelling checker is an additional feature Si2.

□ #S2B New Mark Word: This program offers mail

merge, test buffenng. split screens. ar>d a host of special features $6

□ «455. #681. #682 PC TYPE«: This processor is from Jim Button's library Easy to use and com- bines easily with PC-FILE* lor mail merge — Ste

DATABASE MUNAGEMENT

□ »S, #730 PC FILE+: A powerful database man-

agement program that is easy to use. Great lor creating labels. Works well with PC TYPE* to generate forms and letters Si2

□ *287, #288 FILE EXPRESS: An information man-

agement program. Small and medium sized data- bases are easily manipulated by using menu driven commandos Sl2

UTILITIES

□ »478 HARD DISK UTILITIES; A selection of the

best utility programs have been selected from over 25 disks in the library and compiled onto one disk for your ease of use S6

□ #517 IMAGEPRINT' This program allows your dot

matrix printer to generate drcuments that are in Near Letter Quality formal S6

COMMUNICATIONS

□ #499 PROCOMM; A profesisonal communica- tions program S6

LANGUAOES/EDUCATIONAL TOOLS

□ #612 FOREIGN LANGUAGES: A self-learning

educational tool; provides instruction in Hebrew. German, Spanish. French, and Italian. Multiple choice forrnat keeps track of errors for retesting purposes. Beginning and intermediate levels . . $6

SALES MANAGEMENT

□ #687, #686. #689 PROSPECT: A useful sales management program that allows you to sched- uie appointments. Searches and retrieves names, actvrties. or messages with ease and speed . . $18

GAMES

□ #390 FLfGHTMARE: An excelleni graphics game

Highly recommended to test your skills $6

□ #457 GREATEST ARCADE GAMES: This includes

Striker and Space Wars, and many more A must for your game library $6

SPREADSHEETS

□ #199 PC CALC: This program is easier to use than

Lotus; very powerful and effective S6

□ #696 OUBECALC: This spreadsheet is three

dimensional, with an X. Y. and Z axis. Commands are similar to Lohjs $6

□ PC-SIG LIBRARY ON CD ROM $29500

□ NEW 1987 PC-SIG DIRECTORY $ 12 95

□ 1 YEAR PC-SIG MEMBERSHIP $ 20 00

(S36 Fomgn) (inckiOes ikrectoiy. DvnorslVy msgazne and more )

SPECIAL OFFER

Any 5 Disks plus l-Year Membership Only $39 (include $4 shipping & handling)

Most programs have documenmion on disk and reQuest a donation from satisfied users. Please add $4 postage and handling per order (SW foreign} — Cakfomia residents add state sales tax. ^2^

Total Enclosed S by □ Check □ VISA □ MC




City	State Zip

To order, call; 800-245-6717 In CA; 800-222-2996 For technical questions or local orders: (408) 730-9291

10300 ^ D^usne Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94086 j

PUBLISHER WUliam Lohse

EDCTOR BillMschronc

EXECUTIVE EDITORS Bill Howvd. Luisa Simone, Paul Someison

WEST COAST EDITOR

SENIOR EDITOR

SENIOR TECHNICAL EDmXt

SENIOR EDITOR. TECHNICAL COLUMNS . .

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS

MANAGER, COPY EDIT

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

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EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

PROOFREADERS

BUSINESS MANAGER

ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR RECEPTIONIST

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

. .Jared Taylor Gus Vertditto ..Roben L. Hummel .Craig L. Stark .Greg Pastrick. PaulB. Ross . Linda Louk

- Carol Ellison. Non Georgas. Cheryl J. Goldberg. Robbin Juris ..Diane D'Angelo ..Karen A. Carter

. -Michael Cohn. Barbara B. Fanelt. Carole Goldstein. Min Jones, Jonathan Matzkin.CadierineD. Miller, Paul V. Olowacz, Ann Ovodow, M. Stephanie Ricks. Donald P. WiUmud

..Robert Bamctt, Stcphany Beck. F^gyGavan, Christina Okang, Ilona Price, Jenmfer Zaino

. . .Meakin David Armstrong. Michael W. Muchmore . . lr» Kniiiel David ...IhsLubar ...Dolores Williams

. . . Richaftl Aarons. Frank J . Derfler, Jr. . John C. Ovonk. Glenn Hart. Steve Holzner. Stefdien Manes. Michael J. Mefford, Barry Owen. Charies Petzold. Jeff Prosise, Winn L. Rosch. NeilJ. Rubenking. Jim Seymour. M. David Stone . . Alan Cohen. Erika Hoitz. Rachel Miller

INTERACTIVE READER SERVICE MANAGER PC-IRS (2 12) 6960360; 1200 bps. 8. N. 1	Christopher Barr


ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR	Denise Ratkin




LAYOUT ARTISTS	Leigh Margerrson. Diane Mari
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST	Charles Rodriguez

INVENTt»Y CONTROL MANAGER	JohnR. Delaney
INVENTORY CONTROL TECHNICIAN	Leon Newman

PUBUC RELATIONS MANAGER Jessica Kersey

SINGLE COPY SALES DIRECTOR Bob Woliersdorf

RETAIL SALES & MARKETING MANAGER CwolBenedeno

CIRCULATION MANAGER Chwics Mast

CIRCULATIONCOORDENATOR RohcrtSmahl

ASSISTANT PRODUCnON DIRECTORS.. SENIOR AD. PRODUCnCW MANAGER . .

AD. PRODUCTION MANAGER

AD. PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS

EDrrORIAL PRODUCTION CO(»DINATORS . PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

. .Dennis Fitzgerald. Barbara Ross

..Melvin Foster-Poetsch. Linda Harms. Doug Vau^n

ADVERTISING OTFICE One Park Avenue. New York. NY 10016, (212) 503-5100

ZIFF-DAVIS PUBLISHING COMPANY

PRESIDENT

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING

VICE PRESIDENT. OPERATIONS

VICE PRESIDENT. CONTROLLER

VICE PRESIDENT. CREATIVE SI Jt VKT.S

VICE PRESIDENT. RESEARCH

VICE PRESIDENT. CIRCULATION

VICE PRESIDENT, CIRCULATION SERVICES . . VICE PRESIDENT. MARKETING SERVICES ....

VICE PRESIDENT. DEVELOPMFJ^

VICE PRESIDENT

BUSINESS MANAGER

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Kenneth H. Koppel PaulH.Chook . . Baird Davis .John Vlachm .HeibenSiera Marian O. While .Alicia Marie Ivans . James Ramaley . . . Ann P^lak Adelman SethAlpett . HughTietjen . . .Gary A. Gustafson .. Waller J.Teilecki

ZIFF COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

Chairman Philip B. Korsam Prcsktenl Kenneth H. Koppel Senior Vice President Philip Sine Vice Presidents Laurence Usdin. WiUiam Phil- lips. J. Malcolm Morris, Steven C. Feinman Treasurer Sciwyn I. Taubman Secretary Beitram A. Abrams

PCMafBmt nrtHaepn(kmCt,eir»iaU-StmamarrttMalCoa^sitSSSt»OS»VOtiapiMtiMHv,ttUyevxplmhitiiiidAafaalaSnviia<»tytm(22muts) xnamaml rnt^SI 0&pactyyceS22 00payqrteC<Ma»aW JoSgftjuiiBtaMaain. Ziff’OxittWwtiiniCo .sdivnaMicrf/jnCoawaaicaauaiCo .OwP*!: A«t..Nr»Yafc.NY 10016 See- oaSClMt palaae pad ■ New York. NY IOOI6«ilM«dduoii*liwi>iatoflkn. POSTTMA^TEK AdikntckBi(esioK'M«taeiw. PO Bn 5404). BcvMer. 0000121.4093 E4k4rWM4 BmtocoOllietiOiiePnt A*e..NewYak.NY I0OI6 blacrul(2l2l W3 3233. Advinwi|<'ltl3O3.SI0O. ter Mhitilaltii laaWrk 1 4»d ewwict. wire aPC hteptrme. P.O BoaMS. Bowlda.coa0322.l303)447-9330 PTjWafw.-wuaifldeiciiika jnirail. eflibwd nay *ty>i»bKni«ODral B«uimMKi«BC<>pan» IBMn. bnal BaneuMtetumCap EauecoaeoDCnpyn^tO ISBSZiA-DivisMIiihniCo ,4dnfi«id»arZ#tCowninKaoaCo AOnfMsRsi

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PC MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 15, 1987

CIRCLE 145 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Incomparable!

It outperforms the competition at a price that is simply the best deal on the market.”

I’^search Corporation

"Wells American’s A*Star II stands out from the crowd. . . .This reviewer found the [keyboard] touch to be very good.... [The documentation] is well written and easy to understand and all the illustrations are clear and accurate.

We find the A*Star II to be a very attractive AT-compatible computer.”

Computer Buyers Quide.

— Compatibles Report

“If you're looking for a bargain-priced AT type computer - and there are many to consider these days - the A ★Star is one that seems well worth the price."

Personal Computing — Patrick Honan Slllll

"This computer is a ' ’’ whale of a buy.... In- side the case it is neat ESS

and well designed. HpH

It just looks like Bi*

quality!...! would find ■{«=>

it hard to believe that you could outgrow the A ★Star anytime in the near future. . .If I were buying a computer now it would be this offering from Wells."

Computer Shopper — Lon Andrews

“All in all, [the A ★Star] is a superior PCAT compatible unit. ...When one considers price, performance, upgradability, manufac- turer support and assembly within the GSA, it is a definite winner.”

■Mw. . Computer Dealer

— Jake Epstein

; “It is as compatible as the best units tested — Its money-back guarantee is commendable. .. .[the A^Star] has the potential to be a low cost whiz.”

■ PCKc,. ^e

' — Jon Piepper

"What the world needs

■ now is an AT which is sig-

■ nificantly cheaper than all

the others, while provid- ing a higher level of per- formance than most, with 3 ^'9!^ degree of compat- ibility and good quality. And that’s exactly

Australian PC — Ian Davies

The A*Star

"Graphics screens that take 10 and 20 seconds to redraw at 6MHz, now appear in three or four seconds. If it doesn’t run at 12MHz, in 5 seconds you can switch to a lower speed. We were very favorably impressed. ” DataPro Research Corporation

Unsurpassed quality. Unbeatable performance. Exceptional manufacturer support.

The experts agree! There are no other IBM PC/AT compatibles quite like our A^Star microcomputers. With prices starting at only $1095 for a 12MHz unit, it’s no wonder so many of our customers are saying goodbye to IBM in favor of a “good buy” from Wells American.

Call or write us today about our 31-day trial offer.

^ Welb American.

Corporate Headquarters: 3243 Sunset Boulevard • West Columbia. South Carolina 29169 • 803/796-7800 • TWX 510-601-2645

IBM ana PC / AT .i»e H.ulem.icks ol intptn.Uion.ii 6us>ncs<! M.vhinns Co<po«aiion

CIRCl.R 515 ON Rr ADF.R StRVICr. CARO

volume; 6 N U M B K R 15

Automating Your Books, Analyzing Your Options

Jim Seymour/Om special issue I on business management I software examines nearly 70

products that target one of the most important business con- siderations— the bottom line. Today, one of the key elements I of effective automated business I management includes the selection of the right software for setting costs, paying bills, calculating earnings, and exploring alternatives. This j issue of PC is loaded with accounting and decision support packages that can help you track your company’s financial activity and plot its

Operational accounting is merely one of the three subgnxjps that coastitule a complete financial management repixting system.

C-OVER .STOR^

Making Every Number Count

C. William Dauphinuis and Timothy J. LeelPC Labs reviews 59 accounting systems designed to help you boost profits, cut costs, improve ca.sh flow, and assemble marketing

\ 1

’ \

% ^

)

schemes. Backed by the consultants of Price Waterhouse and other experts in the field, we tell you what to look for before you invest in an electronic bookkeeper. Our analysis and testing covers more than 300 features — from how well a package deals with new data to how it handles recurring entries 99

Economy-Class Auditors Good things often come in small packages, and the 1 7

low-end packages reviewed here are a solid starting point for the small business working its way up. Discover this choice set of accounting packages costing $500 or less. You'll find programs that possess all the features of their high-end

cousins 1(17

Summary of Features .... 116

Tailor-made Ledgers Reviews of five accounting systems that can be customized with the dBASE programming language. These are some of the most popular do-it-yourself dBASE accounting kits .... 151

Summary of Features.... 154

High-Priced Bookkeepers Get the lowdown on 37 feature- rich high-end accounting software packages. Built to go beyond the basic General Ledger. Accounts Receivable, and Accounts Payable, these systems are offered at prices that often exceed $500 per mrxiule 165

Summary of Features .... 187

Accounting System Profiles A special 2 1 -page section that takes an extensive look at the details of each accounting package's form, function, and approach 274

Searching for Solutions

Jared and William Taylor! Decide and conquer with our reviews of ten decision support programs that help you sort through the variables, examine the options, and identify a logical solution. Your decision making will be more than just a

coin toss 31 1

Direct Marketing

Connection 451

Marketplace 469

Advertisers’ Product Index 504

Index to Advertisers. . . 5(16

Reader Service Card . . SOy

Editorial Product Index 510

Coming Up 511

FIRST LOOKS

Hands On:

. IBM’s PS/2 Model 80

• Tandy's new products, including its 386 machine and laser printer

• NEC’s Multisync adapter for IBM’s PS/2 line

• DESQview 2.0

• Low-cost XT compatibles

from Vendex and CompuAdd « IRMA2 33

VTF.\\T*OINTS

LETTERS TO PC MAGAZINE 13

PC ADVISOR

MillJones/He\p in routing text directly to a printer, in running a PC on its side, in programming EGA cards, and in boosting DRAM chip speed 27

FROM THE EDITOR’S SCREEN

Bill MachronelLook-ani-Feei

Follow-up 59

JOHNC. DVORAK The BS/2 Operating System — Scandal in Istancia S.S.R 65

Inside Track 67

JIM SEYMOUR

Software Sells Hardware 7S

STEPHEN MANES The Trade Show: Grab for

Cash 83

AFTER HOURS

WillWriter; Dinner at Eight: Bureaucracy : The Baseball Line Commander: NFL Trupline 516

PRODITTIVITA

PC LAB NOTES Expanding DOS at the Touch of a Finger Jeff Proj/je/DOSKEY stacks^ and edits commands, creates keyboard macros, and adds durable color settings 357

PROGRAMMING/ UTILITIES Adding Notes to Directories

MichaelJ. MeffordI DIRNOTES clears space in yourditectory listings 385

SPREADSHEET CLINIC Jared Tav/or/Disinheriting your ERRs; DOS commands in Symphony; range name rechristcning 405

CONNECTIVITY CLINIC Frank J. Derfler, Jr./Mini NetWare at a mini cost; .sync and a.sync auto-dialing modems; the cold water pipe controversy 413

TURBO POWER USER

NeiU. RubenkinglHov/ Turbo impostors can save your programs; saying Yes at the command line; beeping when compiling is done 421

USER-TO-USER Paul SomersonlPrinier driver mass production; commanding multiple arguments; a way to defeat FORMAT C: 433

PC TUTOR

Charles Perro/d/The zertvbyte file mystery; detecting ANSI. SYS; unreeling a hard disk directory listing 445

Cover Photograph: Roberto Brosan

WhAT’S inside

PC Magazine's reputation rests in no small part on all-encom- passing blockbuster issues de- voted to single topics. Earlier this year we reviewed 44 graph- ics programs, then 87 modems; in a few weeks you’ll see our annual smorgasbord of more than 100 new printers. And we’ve devoted this issue to business management, including 59 top accounting packages and 1 0 decision support programs . We are pleased to report that no oth-

er magazine has ever undertaken reviews of business management software on this scale.

Over the past 3 years, we have called upon the "Big Eight" ac- counting firm of Price Waterhouse for ongoing reviews of ac- counting software, and it was only natural to enlist its expertise for this special issue. Planning began nearly a year ago with William Dauphinais, a Price Waterhouse senior partner in St. Louis and team leader for PC Magazine's Price Waterhouse Report account- ing reviews.

Another Price Waterhouse associate, Timothy Lee, a manage- ment consulting services coordinator in PW’s New York office, assembled a testing script with PC Labs to identify and evaluate more than 300 features in accounting software. That 100-page script reigns as the largest ever used at PC Magazine, rcuuiring 35

hours of hands-on testing for each program. The summary of fea- tures tables alone fill mote than 30 pages.

For nearly 5 months, Tim continued as our technical adviser on the project. The 21 blocks from PW’s Manhattan office to PC Magazine became a pan of his daily commute.

Following our report on accounting software. West Coast edi- tor Jared Taylor and his brother. William, a specialist in artificial intelligence who represents the East Coast contingent of the family (Bill hails from New Hampshire), evaluate decision support soft- ware.

Also in this issue is DOSKEY, a free utility by our star pnt- gtammer Jeff Prosise that promises to become a classic , DOSKEY lets you recall, edit, and replay previous commands, change your screen colors effortlessly, and execute thorny DOS commands us- ing single function keys. Around the office we put lots of utilities onto our hard disks and end up erasing most of them. This one’s a definite keeper. To top it off, the issue also contains Michael Mef- ford’s useful DIRNOTES, which lets you add comments to the normally inscrutable filenames in your DIR listings. Tty them both. if

Dedicated to the memory of Iris Knittel

PC MAGAZINE ■ S E PT E M B E R 1 .S. I 9 8 7 7

“The PC’s Limited 38616 should top the list of anyone wanting today’s utmost in performance and power.”

— PC Magazine, August 1987

Improssiiif^ lh<' lolks at PC Miutiiciiic is no inickik-nK'n — and llu'ir ^5-40% markups — and pass

easy task. Iho savings iltat comes liom buying diix'ct IVom tlu'

So vvlten they praiseci our ;38(i"‘ macitine as manufacl urt'r on to >011.

“one of tile fastx'st running deskto|) computers avail- But saving money is just the' bc'ginning We back

able today, it s safe to say they liked what tlu'y saw; every machine with a one-year warmnty and a And what tht'y saw was th(' industry's tirsl true 3U-day no-ciuestions-asked money back guaranlx'i'. second-generation 38fi machine; a comjiuter that And tiu' low systems price's includi' the cost ol'your

has a less clutterc'd motherboard that utilizes Veiy optional 12 month on-site service contract with l^rgx' Scak' Intt'grat ion and speedy Static RAM, Honev'well Bull.

The result is a 386 machine w ith zero wait To order your computers, call us at 1-800-

slates, that screams througli compatible software, 426-r)l,')0.Talk to one of our sales representative's anel tliat bkiws the deieirs eiff the ceimiie'liteir’s 38(i abeiut which ceimiiutersyeni want, give usyeiur machine, in PC Magazi lie's words, “...at times cre'elit card or ceirpeirate purchase emk'r numbe’r,

crunching numbers 50 to 70 perct'Ot faster" and UPS will deliver yeiur ceimtiuters tei yeiur deieii;

Wliile PC Magazine gave us higli marks for So why Ju.st re'ad abenit the fastest 386 machine

our pewer and perfeirmance, yem'll give us equally wht'ii yext can (lick up the phone and eirde'r it Just higli marks feir our leiw price. We’ve eliminated the call us... 1-800-426-5150.

PC’S LIMITED 386'

The 386*° Monochrome System

Includes the foUoiving standard features and options.

Intel 80386 running at 16 MHz 1024K of 0 ’W^iit State Static RAM 12 Meg floppy drive

Combined floppy and haid disk Controller 101 Keyboard 192 watt Power Supply

System Clock/Calendar/Conflguration Data in CM)S RAM with battery backup Hercules compatible Monochrome Graphics card 2 ferial and 1 Parallel port High Resolution Monochrome Monitor Smart Vii™ (Real Time Diagnostic Display)

12 month, on-site HoneyiveU Bull service contract With a 40 \feg, 28 MS hard drive cind standard chassis $4,499

\Wth a 70 Meg, 28 MS hard drive and standard chassis $4,899

With a 150 kfeg, 18 MS hard drive and standard chassis

$5399

The 386‘° EGA Color System

The above system with the following substitutions

EGA \^ideo card

The EGA High Resolution Monitor With a 40 Meg, 28 MS hard drive and standard chassis $4,999

Wth a 70 Meg, 28 MS hard drive and standard chassis

$5399

With a 150 Meg, 18 MS hard drive and standard chassis $6,499

Ml systsmt pdCK include the leetures end options ksiad. Prtcina »d System SpecificaDOfts ere sudject to dunpe witfiout no«ca Please induire lor currant details, e IMTPC's Limited. Ml Computer Corporation

The 286*^ MonochitHne System

Includes the following standard features and options Intel 80286 running at 6 and 12 MHz 1024K on board *13 Meg floppy drive Ccmbined floppy and hard disk Ccmtrdler 84 key Keyboard • 192 watt Power Suppiy Clock/Calendar with battery backup Hercules compatible Monochrome GrapAiics card 2 Serial and 2 Parallel ports

High Rescdution Monochrome Monitor • Standard chassis Smart Vu™ (Real Time Diagnostic Display)

12 month on-site HoneyweU BvU service contract With a 40 Meg, 28 MS hard drive

.$2,699

With a 70 Meg, 28 MS hard drive

$2,999

The 286*^ EGA Cdor System

The above system with the following substitutions EGA card • 2 Serial and 1 Parallel port The EGA High Resolution Monitor With a 40 Meg, 28 MS hard drive $8,199

With a 70 Meg, 28 MS hard drive $3,499

We have technical support people that you can talk to for free by calling 1-800-624-9896.

Our Tblal Satisfaction Guarantee works like this: Any item bought hx)m us be returned within 30 days from the date it was shipped for a full refund of your purchase price. Returned items must be as-new. not modi- fied or damaged, with all warranty cards, manuals, and packaging intact Returned items must be shipped prepaid and insured, and must bear a PC^ Limited Credit Return Authorization (CRA) on the shipping label.

Our One Year Limited Warranty says we warrant each system we manufacture to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year following the date of shipment from PC’s Limited. During the one year period, we will repair or replace, at our (^tion, any defective products at no additional charge.

The 286* Monochrome System

Includes the following standard features and options

Intel 80286 running at 6 and 8 MHz 1024K on board *1.2 Nfeg floppy drive Combined floppy Eind hard disk Controller 84 key Keyboard • 192 watt Power Supply Clock/Calendar with battery backup Hercules compatible Nfonochrome Graphics card 2 Serial and 2 Parallel ports High Resolution Monochrome kfonitor Smart Vu™ (Real Time Diagnostic Display)

12 month, on-site Honeywell Bull service contract With a 20 Meg, 65 MS hard drive and the space saving chassis $1,799

With a 40 IVfeg, 40 MS hard drive and standard chassis $2,149

The 286” EGA Cdcw System

The above system with the following substitutions.

EGA card • 2 Serial & 1 Parallel port EGA High Resolution Monitor With one 20 ^feg, 65 MS hard drive and the space saving chassis $2^99

With a 40 Meg, 40 MS hard drive and standard chassis $2,649

Optional Honcvweil Bull On-Site Service Contract provides for on-site service for parts and labor within the next business d^ if your system is located within 100 miles of Honeywell Bull’s 185 service locations.

A system is defined as a CPU, monitor, video card and the disk drives indicated above. Your co operation will be required in explaining the problem before a customer service engineer is dispatched.

Call or write PC's Limited for the complete terms of our Ibtal Satisfaction Guarantee, our One Year Warranty and the Honeywell Bull Service Con- tract. PC’s Limited, 1611 Headway Circle, Bldg. 3, Austin. Texas 78754.

The Turbo Monochrome System

Includes the following standard features and opiums

Intel 16-bit 8088-2 running at 4.77 and 8 MHz 640K on board • 84 key Keyboard 130 watt Power Supply Hercules compatible Graphics Adapter High Resolution Monochrome kfonitor 12 month, on-site Honeywell Bull service contract With one 360K floppy drive $799

With one 360K floppy and a 20 Meg, 65 MS hard drive $1,199

The Turbo EGA Color System

The above system with die following substitutions

EGA card

The EGA High Resolution Monitor With one 360K floppy drive and a 20 Nfeg, 65 MS hard drive $1,699

With one 360K floppy and a 40 Meg, 40 MS hard drive $2,199

AJ; He^rcules, and Honeywell Bull are registered tmdemarks

Tb order a PC’s Limited computer call us at 1-800426-5150. Extension 741. Our sales lines are open from 7 to 7 Monday through Friday and 9 until 2 on Saturday, Central Standard Time.

ORCLE 539 ON READER SERVICE CARD

PCSUMITED

Dell Computer Corporation