CFOG's PIP, November 1986, Volume 5 No. 1, Whole No. 49, page 3
My Word! You'll be Amazed!
by Jim Holmes
This column is being written with My Word!, a new, low-cost word processor for MS-DOS systems. My Word! "emulates" WordStar... or so 'tis claimed. I've set out to test this in the most demanding way I know; by using it as though I'd "booted" WordStar itself. I've made a copy of the distribution disk, but have done no other preparations... no configuring, no practicing, and no reading of the manual (except to look at the Reference section, to be sure I wouldn't "blow something up" by doing this).
So far, so good. It acts like WordStar; the usual keystrokes for cursor movement, etc. during editing seem to work. One difference I note is that (unconfigured) my [^-] and (top row) left-arrow don't delete; the left-arrow DOES backspace, but the [^-] seems to do nothing at all. The DEL key works as it should, of course. I don't know if this is specific to my COMPAQ or not (one of the problems with not reading the manual in advance).
I must admit I'm impressed. Imagine trying to use WordStar without any reading or installation. What's more, this program costs only $35.00! I've been using a CP/M "emulator" to run my Osborne's WordStar, trying to decide if I want to buy a copy for MS-DOS or get an altogether different word processor. I think the choice has just been made!
Well, I've saved the file with [^KD]. As with WordStar I returned to the Opening Menu. There are just five (5) options; you can Edit or Print a file, Change logged drive / path / directory, Execute a DOS Command, or Exit to DOS. I'm about to open and re-save this file again, to see if "automatic" BAK files are used.
Good! No BAK file. This is a real blessing. I never saw the use in having a backup on the same disk you are working from. If you have problems with this disk, what good is your backup? While editing you may decide to "retreat" from major revisions. You can easily save those portions you prefer as changed to a TEMP.FYL, then "quit without saving". Regardless of the editor used, two files will have to be merged in such a case. If MY WORD! lets me, I'd rather save the space WordStar devotes to BAK files.
It's time I read the manual, so I can report on features lacking (or added) when compared to WordStar.
WOW! My Word! appears to be just full of it goodies." The Function Keys are pre-set, and F1 gives you on-line "help" which details how to use them. It appears virtually every WordStar feature is incorporated (all those I care about, at any rate), and there's a couple of nifty new ones, too.
My Word! has a built-in calculator (which saves results to your text file, if desired) and a "column sort" option; this latter feature permits numeric or alpha sorts (in ascending / descending order). You can call up any drive's directory at any time, while editing a file, and you may specify "wild cards" if you like!
During an edit, entering [ESC] gives you a "file status report"; this tells you where your cursor is, page, line and column. It also tells you what the margin setting is (entering F1 gives you a "file size" report, as well as how much memory you have left), etc. You can execute DOS commands while editing (just enter [ALT-F1]), so you can format a fresh disk (or whatever) should the need arise. There are 10 user-defined keys, too. To select #'s 0-9 on the keypad is enter [ALT=], then the key you wish; you'll be prompted for your definition.
More interesting features include a wordcount utility (useful if you're getting paid to write) and My Word! has microjustification support for the Brother, Diablo and Laserjet printers!
Speaking of printers, you can print the file you are editing, any time you like, without even "saving" it if you wish. MergePrint options are provided, including a special "label format". You get underlining, overstrike, doublestrike and boldface, of course. If you have a "smart" printer <one with these features implemented in it's own ROM> instructions are provided for altering the My Word! print table to make use of this, or you can insert control code(s) in the document to do it. If you like, onscreen editing in foreign languages (even mathematical symbols) is supported.
My Word! files are ASCII text, but conversion to / from WordStar (or other editors) is provided for. You may even convert control code(s), should you change printers, etc. Remember that I'm using MY WORD! "uninstalled"; a customizing program is provided, but I haven't had the need (as yet) to change a thing.
I'm so pleased with its WordStar "compatibility" I've almost forgotten to mention how much faster My Word! is. Of course, my WordStar (under DOS) is an "emulated" CP/M version; when I'm using my Osborne Executive it's been "memory-mapped" and FLIES, compared to standard configurations. It's only an observation, but My Word! seems about that fast!
Of special interest to WordStar users, MY WORD! claims to be "crash proof". The documentation says, "the only way to lose anything: turn off the machine without saving your text. Even then, all you'll lose are the most recent changes." That's fair enough, I'd say! The manual is pretty good, by the way. It's fully indexed, with well written, step-by-step instructions on getting started, as well as every feature. I've looked at lots of manuals costing more than this whole package which weren't half as clear or useful.
The author of this remarkable program is one Bruce Tonkin, also President of T.N.T. Software, Inc., 34069 Hainsville Road, Round Lake, IL 60073. If you can't wait, phone 312/223-8595. As good as it is, Tonkin plans enhancements to My Word! He seeks user input re desired features, etc. Tonkin publishes a quarterly newsletter ($10/yr). My Word! comes unconditionally guaranteed; return in 30 days for full refund. At $35.00 this could be the best commercial product I've seen yet. Are you looking for investors, Bruce?
[CFOG members know that Bruce wrote My Word! in two weeks on a dare. He's not looking for investors. Sorry, Jim. -- bhc]