Quarterdeck Warns of Loss, Plans Job Cuts

Quarterdeck Corp., a maker of software to manage memory on personal computers, warned that it will report a fiscal third-quarter loss and cut some jobs because of weak demand for PCs in the U.S. and Europe. Marina del Rey-based Quarterdeck said it sees a substantial operating loss and weak revenue for the quarter ending this month. The company will take a “significant” restructuring charge in the quarter for cutting jobs and other expenses, though it did not say how many jobs will be eliminated or how big the charge will be. Quarterdeck blamed an industrywide slowdown in the PC market for its loss, citing the possibility that consumers have delayed purchases until Microsoft Corp. releases its new Windows 98 operating system, scheduled to become available today. The company employs 325 people worldwide. Trading in Quarterdeck shares on Nasdaq was halted on the news. The shares last traded at 94 cents.