The Latest Word Is Vastly Improved for Users
Microsoft Corp. has just released Word 3.0, the newest version of its word-processing program for the IBM PC and compatible computers. The new release has several additional features, runs considerably faster and is no longer copy protected.
When Word was first introduced in 1983, it was heralded by some as a breakthrough in word processing. From the beginning, the program’s most impressive feature has been its “style sheets,” which make it possible for a user to define format specifications for a type of document and, at the touch of a few keys, format any document to that specification.
To change the appearance of a document that has already been typed, the user modifies the style sheet, rather than make changes throughout the document. This feature gives users tremendous control over all aspects of a document’s format, such as spacing, indentation, type style, margins and tabs.
Users can create individual styles within a style sheet. You could, for example, have a special format for indenting long quotations and, by modifying the style, change the appearance of all such quotations without having to go through the entire file.
Word is one of the few IBM PC programs to make extensive use of a mouse. The Microsoft Mouse, which is optional ($195 suggested retail), can be used to mark text for editing, to divide the screen into several sections, or windows, to move about the screen and to issue commands.
The program is quite versatile at handling printers, especially the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet. It was one of the first programs to fully exploit the LaserJet’s near-typeset quality printing capabilities. Word is also the only IBM PC-based word-processing program that I know of that works with Apple’s LaserWriter printer. The new version of Word has the capability to transfer fonts from a disk to a laser printer, giving you tremendous flexibility in the number of available type styles.
Most of Word’s commands are implemented via a menu that appears at the bottom of the screen. Because of the menus, some simple commands require several keystrokes. To save a file, for example, requires hitting the ESC key (to bring up the menu), followed by T (for transfer to disk), followed by S (for save). You can do that quickly, but it’s still a lot of keystrokes.
A way around that would be to use Word with a macro program like ProKey or SuperKey, which enables you to redefine single keystrokes to “play back” a series of commands. Unfortunately, that requires buying additional software.
A built-in macro feature would be a welcome addition to Word. The program does have the ability to save frequently used text in its glossary but offers no user-defined shortcuts for issuing commands.
For me, the most important improvement in the new version is the increased speed. The previous version was much too slow when it came to saving files, loading text and moving about the screen. Maybe I’m picky, but I expect computer software to wait for me, not the other way around. The delays in loading and saving long files, even on a hard disk, drove me crazy.
Compared to version 2, according to Microsoft, the new version is up to 40% faster when loading files, 50% faster when saving files, up to 52% faster when moving from one part of a document to another and 68% faster when starting the program. I didn’t do my own stopwatch comparisons, but I can testify that the new version is noticeably faster.
An interesting new feature is the program’s ability to process outlines. Once you enter outline mode (by pressing a function key), everything you type is entered as an outline rather than as standard text. The outline mode lets you enter information in levels. You can establish major levels and subordinate levels under them. Then, when you move or delete a level, all subordinate levels are moved or deleted automatically.
You could use this feature to create the outline of a story and then write each section directly under the appropriate heading. Later, if you wanted to rearrange the story, you would simply move headings and all subordinate text would be moved with them. This process allows you to look at the entire document in outline form and adjust it as necessary.
Version 3 now has the ability to perform simple math. For addition, you just highlight a group of numbers and press a function key. For other math functions, formulas must be included with the numbers. Any text mixed in with the numbers will be ignored during the calculations.
The new version also allows you to alphabetize text and sort numbers. Also, it is now possible to automatically generate an index or table of contents based on words or phrases that have been marked in the text.
A new feature allows you to create side-by-side paragraphs, making it possible to align paragraphs next to each other. On the left side of the screen, for example, you could have a brief description of a product, while on the right side you could have text explaining its benefits.
One annoying aspect of the old version has not been changed. Most word-processing programs display page numbers as you edit and automatically adjust the numbers as text is added or deleted. With Word, it is necessary to issue a repagination command to determine the page number you are editing. This requires four keystrokes and can take several minutes for long files.
Though I see this as a problem, Microsoft spokesman Marty Taucher views it as a feature. He points out that it can be an advantage when entering editing changes to a long document from a printed copy. Text will appear on screen on the same pages as it does on the printed copy, even if you have made alterations to the text.
Like the previous version, you can have up to eight windows on the screen at one time. The windows can show separate sections of one document or different files, making it possible to work on more than one document at a time.
Although you have control over the size of the windows, all “open” windows always appear on the screen, greatly limiting the amount of information you can look at in one file. A command enabling you to zoom a window to full screen would have been a welcome addition. Version 3, like its predecessor, also has a spelling correction feature with an 80,000-word dictionary.
Like many programs, Word has a built-in help system. The help system is “context sensitive,” meaning that if you type ALT H while you are implementing a command, the program provides you with information about that command. Unfortunately, there is no help index, so you may have to wade through a series of screens to find the information you need.
The help system also includes a built-in tutorial. The tutorial is a set of interactive lessons and exercises. When using the tutorial, Word keeps track of your keystrokes as you practice and puts you back on the right track if you make a mistake. Unlike most tutorials, this one is accessible from within the program, any time you need it.
Word 3.0 carries a suggested retail price of $450. Owners of previous versions can upgrade to 3.0 for $75.
On the whole, Microsoft has done an excellent job in enhancing what was already one of the most feature-rich word-processing programs on the market. The improved performance and elimination of copy protection earns it a place on my recommended list, especially for those who need a a great deal of control over the appearance of their documents.
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