Three different ways to dress up Windows: tools and philosophies that make computing an easier task

Article Abstract:

Three enhancement programs that work with Microsoft Corp's Windows 3.1 are described and evaluated. The programs are: Norton Desktop for Windows 2.0, $179, from Symantec Corp; New Wave 4.0, $195, from Hewlett-Packard Co; and Rooms for Windows, $99, from XSoft, a subsidiary of Xerox Corp. The Norton Desktop adds utilities to Windows 3.1, displaying each tool as an icon and is fast, flexible and very customizable. Among the utilities is a sensitive file shredder, which does not allow a deleted file to be retrieved from the trash. HP's New Wave 4.0 is reworked so that it can be used as a Windows shell. It is arranged so that it works more like the Apple Macintosh interface. A special feature called the Agent allows a user to automate repetitive tasks. New Wave adds seven- to 10Mbytes to Windows' storage requirements, which can slow performance, but New Wave is so useful that it is recommended anyway. Instead of organizing work by applications, Rooms for Windows sorts by themes or projects. Rooms for Windows is recommended as a strong and innovative product.

Prepackaged software, Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Evaluation, Software, XRX, Product/Service Evaluation, Product information, Hewlett-Packard Co., HWP, Operating system enhancements, Symantec Corp., File management, GUI, Graphical user interfaces, Graphical user interface, File maintenance utilities, Disk/Tape File Utilities, Operating System Enhancement, Microsoft Windows 3.1 (GUI), XSoft, Norton Desktop for Windows 2.0 (Disk/file management software), Rooms for Windows (Menuing utility), NewWave 4.0 (Graphical user interface)

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I.B.M., after two ripples, hopes to make a splash

Article Abstract:

IBM introduces the PS/2 L40SX laptop computer, which is the company's third attempt to develop a successful machine for the market. The 20MHz Intel 386SX-based L40SX weighs seven pounds and sells for $5,995. The laptop features 2Mbytes of random access memory (RAM), a 60Mbyte hard disk and a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. The L40SX is 12.8 inches wide, 10.7 inches deep and 2 inches tall, allowing IBM to equip it with a full-size keyboard. The computer also has a separate keypad for numbers that plugs into a port on the back of the machine. On many other laptops the number keys share space with the alphabet keys. The L40SX includes a liquid-crystal display control panel and a display gauge that indicates how much battery life is left before users must recharge. The L40SX's large-capacity hard drive makes it attractive, but it more expensive than laptop units from AST Research Inc or Texas Instruments Inc.

Product introduction, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Laptop computers, product announcement, IBM PS/2 L40SX (Laptop/portable computer)

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Can there be too much power? No, because it will make possible better recognition of speech and handwriting

Article Abstract:

Microcomputers and the microprocessors they contain will get smaller, faster and more affordable in the 1990s. Technology is advancing. In 1981, a machine processing one MIPS (million instructions per second) cost $50,000; currently, a one-MIPS machine costs about $5,000, and costs are falling. Such technological advances do not excite the microcomputer user because capacity is so great already. More exciting advances are on the interface and character input fronts. With up to 100 MIPS of power available, computers could be made to recognize speech or handwritten information as an alternative to the keyboard as a means of entry.

Microcomputers, Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Forecasts and trends, Technological forecasting, Product development, column, Microcomputer, Future Technologies, Future of Computing, Miniaturization

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