PC-Write: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
PC-Write is a [[modeless]] editor, using [[control character]]s and special [[function key]]s to perform various editing operations. By default it | PC-Write is a [[modeless]] editor, using [[control character]]s and special [[function key]]s to perform various editing operations. By default it accepts many of the same control key commands as [[WordStar]] while adding many of its own features. It can produce plain [[ASCII text]] files, but there are also features that embedded control characters in a document to support automatic section renumbering, bold and italic fonts, and other such. A feature that is useful in [[LISP|list processing]] (as used in Auto LISP) is its ability to find matching open and closed [[parenthesis]] "( )"; this [[Brace matching|matching operation]] also worked for the other paired characters: { }, [ ] and < >. | ||
Lines beginning with particular control characters n | Lines beginning with particular control characters n | ||
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A configuration file allows customizing PC-Write, including [[Keyboard layout|remapping the keyboard]]. Later versions of the registered (paid for) version of the program include a [[thesaurus]] (which was not shareware) along with the editor. In addition, there is vocabulary available in other languages, such as in German. Utilities are provided to convert PC-Write files to and from other contemporary file formats. One limitation of the software is its inability to print directly from memory; because the print function was a separate [[subprogram]], a document must be saved to a file before it can be printed.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/Whole_Earth_Software_Catalog_for_1986_1985_Point/Whole_Earth_Software_Catalog_for_1986_1985_Point_djvu.txt|title=Whole Earth Software Catalog|year=1989 |isbn=9780385233019 |last1=Brand |first1=Stewart |publisher=Quantum Press/Doubleday }}</ref> | A configuration file allows customizing PC-Write, including [[Keyboard layout|remapping the keyboard]]. Later versions of the registered (paid for) version of the program include a [[thesaurus]] (which was not shareware) along with the editor. In addition, there is vocabulary available in other languages, such as in German. Utilities are provided to convert PC-Write files to and from other contemporary file formats. One limitation of the software is its inability to print directly from memory; because the print function was a separate [[subprogram]], a document must be saved to a file before it can be printed.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/Whole_Earth_Software_Catalog_for_1986_1985_Point/Whole_Earth_Software_Catalog_for_1986_1985_Point_djvu.txt|title=Whole Earth Software Catalog|year=1989 |isbn=9780385233019 |last1=Brand |first1=Stewart |publisher=Quantum Press/Doubleday }}</ref> | ||
PC-Write was reportedly still selling well in 1988 | PC-Write was reportedly still selling well in 1988,<ref name="shapiro198807">{{Cite magazine |last=Shapiro |first=Ezra |date=July 1988 |title=From Shareware to Hyperware |url=https://archive.org/details/byte-1988-07_202104/page/213/mode/1up?view=theater |access-date=2025-04-12 |magazine=[[Byte (magazine)|Byte]] |pages=211–213}}</ref> with more than 27,000 registered users paying $1.5 million a year.{{r|falkner19880229}} Bob Wallace found that running Quicksoft used so much of his time he could not improve the PC-Write software. In early 1991, he sold the firm to another [[Microsoft]] alumnus, Leo Nikora, the original product manager for [[Windows 1.0]] (1983–1985).<ref name = "Seattle Times Jan 1991">{{cite news | last = Andrews | first = Paul | title = Software Company Is Sold | newspaper = [[The Seattle Times]] | date = January 23, 1991 | url = https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19910123/1262096/software-company-is-sold}} Leo Nikora purchases Quicksoft, Bob Wallace stays as lead programmer.</ref> Wallace returned to full programming and an updated version of PC-Write was released in June 1991.<ref name = "Seattle Times Jun 19913">{{cite news | last = Andrews | first = Paul | title = Quicksoft Is Updating Shareware Pioneer PC-Write | newspaper = The Seattle Times | date = June 25, 1991 | url = https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19910625/1291033/quicksoft-is-updating-shareware-pioneer-pc-write}}</ref> | ||
When the market changed to multi-program software ([[office suite]]s combining [[word processor|word processing]], [[spreadsheet]], and [[database]] programs), Quicksoft went out of business in 1993.<ref name = "InfoWorld Nov 15, 1993">{{cite magazine | last = Johnston | first = Stuart | title = PC-Write publisher Quicksoft fails to find partner, closes |magazine= [[InfoWorld]] | volume = 15 | issue = 46 | page = 27 | date = November 15, 1993 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=DDsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA27 | issn = 0199-6649}}</ref><ref name = "Seattle Times Nov 1993">{{cite news | last = Andrews | first = Paul | title = Software Firm Quicksoft Closes Doors -- Maker Of PC-Write Failed In Efforts To Find A Partner | newspaper = [[The Seattle Times]] | date = November 8, 1993 | url = https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19931108/1730657/software-firm-quicksoft-closes-doors----maker-of-pc-write-failed-in-efforts-to-find-a-partner}}</ref> | When the market changed to multi-program software ([[office suite]]s combining [[word processor|word processing]], [[spreadsheet]], and [[database]] programs), Quicksoft went out of business in 1993.<ref name = "InfoWorld Nov 15, 1993">{{cite magazine | last = Johnston | first = Stuart | title = PC-Write publisher Quicksoft fails to find partner, closes |magazine= [[InfoWorld]] | volume = 15 | issue = 46 | page = 27 | date = November 15, 1993 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=DDsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA27 | issn = 0199-6649}}</ref><ref name = "Seattle Times Nov 1993">{{cite news | last = Andrews | first = Paul | title = Software Firm Quicksoft Closes Doors -- Maker Of PC-Write Failed In Efforts To Find A Partner | newspaper = [[The Seattle Times]] | date = November 8, 1993 | url = https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19931108/1730657/software-firm-quicksoft-closes-doors----maker-of-pc-write-failed-in-efforts-to-find-a-partner}}</ref> | ||
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==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
''[[PC Magazine]]'' in 1984 stated that version 1.3 of | ''[[PC Magazine]]'' in 1984 stated that version 1.3 of PC-Write "rates extremely well and compares favorably with many word processors costing much more". It cited very fast performance, good use of color, and availability of source code as advantages, while lack of built-in support for printing bold or underline and keyboard macros was a disadvantage.{{r|pitt19840221}} In a 1985 review of low-cost word processors the magazine said that PC-Write was powerful but much harder to use than othesr, criticizing the poor documentation. ''PC'' advised readers that those willing to spend more than $10 "you can do a lot better".<ref name="wiswell19851015">{{Cite magazine |last=Wiswell |first=Phil |date=1985-10-15 |title=Word Processing for the Dollar-Wise |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wcv9oIHOrjQC&pg=PA113 |access-date=December 22, 2025 |magazine=PC |pages=122-130 |volume=4 |issue=21}}</ref> In a 1987 article on the same topic the magazine approved of version 2.7 power and speed, stating that its features "compare well against even some of the best professional word processors". While another program with [[WYSIWYG]] and [[context-sensitive help]] might be better for a novice, ''PC'' said, PC-Write "may be the only word processor you'll ever need".<ref name="sagman19870224">{{Cite magazine |last=Sagman |first=Stephen |date=1987-02-24 |title=PC-Write |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=phxlBt4dX3oC&pg=PA131 |access-date=2025-04-15 |magazine=PC Magazine |pages=154, 156}}</ref> The same article said of Brown Bag Word Processor that those who wanted a [[DOS shell]], [[outliner]], and other utilities should choose it over PC-Write, while those who did not should buy the otherwise-identical latter and save $40.{{r|bb}} ''PC'' in 1988 said that version 2.71 was an "excellent personal word processor ... with speed and capabilities well beyond the needs of the average user". While noting its 60K file size limit, and difficulty of remembering its many key combinations, the magazine concluded that "If you can get through the learning curve, you won't be disappointed".<ref name="falkner19880229">{{Cite magazine |last=Falkner |first=Mike |date=1988-02-29 |title=PC-Write |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CmNNyCje8oAC&pg=PA264 |access-date=September 28, 2025 |magazine=PC |pages=264–267 |volume=7 |issue=4}}</ref> ''[[Compute!]]'' complimented PC-Write's "clean implementation of standard editing features", cited its "truly staggering" level of customization, and after mentioning a few flaws stated that they should be "viewed in context of the program's overall excellence".<ref name="leemon198501">{{cite news | url=https://archive.org/stream/1985-02-compute-magazine/Compute_Issue_057_1985_Feb#page/n83/mode/2up | title=PC-Write Word Processor For PC & PCjr | work=Compute! | date=January 1985 | accessdate=30 October 2013 | author=Leemon, Sheldon |page=82}}</ref> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Latest revision as of 19:25, 22 December 2025
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template other Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters". PC-Write was a computer word processor and was one of the first three widely popular software products sold via the marketing method that became known as shareware.[1] It was originally written by Bob Wallace in early 1983.[2]
Overview
PC-Write is a modeless editor, using control characters and special function keys to perform various editing operations. By default it accepts many of the same control key commands as WordStar while adding many of its own features. It can produce plain ASCII text files, but there are also features that embedded control characters in a document to support automatic section renumbering, bold and italic fonts, and other such. A feature that is useful in list processing (as used in Auto LISP) is its ability to find matching open and closed parenthesis "( )"; this matching operation also worked for the other paired characters: { }, [ ] and < >.
Lines beginning with particular control characters n and/or a period (.) contain commands that are evaluated when the document was printed, e.g. to specify margin sizes, select elite or pica type, or to specify the number of lines of text that would fit on a page,[3] such as in escape sequences.
PC-Write's implementation of free form editing can copy and paste a block of text anywhere. For instance, if one has a block of information, one per line, in the format Name (spaces) Address, one can highlight only the addresses section and paste that into the right-hand part of a page. Today, Emacs and jEdit are also capable of performing this function.
While Quicksoft distributed copies of PC-Write for $10, the company encouraged users to make copies of the program for others in an early example of shareware. Quicksoft asked those who liked PC-Write to send it $75. The sum provided a printed manual (notable for its many pictures of cats, drawn by Megan Dana-Wallace), telephone technical support, source code, and a registration number that the user entered into his copy of the program. If anyone else paid the company $75 to purchase an already-registered copy of the software, the company paid a $25 commission back to the original registrant, and then issued a new number to the new buyer, thereby giving a financial incentive for buyers to distribute and promote the software. Template:RTemplate:R
A configuration file allows customizing PC-Write, including remapping the keyboard. Later versions of the registered (paid for) version of the program include a thesaurus (which was not shareware) along with the editor. In addition, there is vocabulary available in other languages, such as in German. Utilities are provided to convert PC-Write files to and from other contemporary file formats. One limitation of the software is its inability to print directly from memory; because the print function was a separate subprogram, a document must be saved to a file before it can be printed.[4]
PC-Write was reportedly still selling well in 1988,[5] with more than 27,000 registered users paying $1.5 million a year.Template:R Bob Wallace found that running Quicksoft used so much of his time he could not improve the PC-Write software. In early 1991, he sold the firm to another Microsoft alumnus, Leo Nikora, the original product manager for Windows 1.0 (1983–1985).[6] Wallace returned to full programming and an updated version of PC-Write was released in June 1991.[7]
When the market changed to multi-program software (office suites combining word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs), Quicksoft went out of business in 1993.[8][9]
The first Trojan horse (appearing in 1986), PC-Write Trojan, masqueraded as "version 2.72" of the shareware word processor PC-Write. Quicksoft did not release a version 2.72.
PC-Write had one of the first "as you type", in "real-time mode" spell checker; earlier spell checkers only work in "batch mode".[10][11][12]
The Brown Bag Word Processor is based on PC-Write's source code, licensed by Brown Bag Software, with some minor modifications.[10]
Reception
PC Magazine in 1984 stated that version 1.3 of PC-Write "rates extremely well and compares favorably with many word processors costing much more". It cited very fast performance, good use of color, and availability of source code as advantages, while lack of built-in support for printing bold or underline and keyboard macros was a disadvantage.Template:R In a 1985 review of low-cost word processors the magazine said that PC-Write was powerful but much harder to use than othesr, criticizing the poor documentation. PC advised readers that those willing to spend more than $10 "you can do a lot better".[13] In a 1987 article on the same topic the magazine approved of version 2.7 power and speed, stating that its features "compare well against even some of the best professional word processors". While another program with WYSIWYG and context-sensitive help might be better for a novice, PC said, PC-Write "may be the only word processor you'll ever need".[14] The same article said of Brown Bag Word Processor that those who wanted a DOS shell, outliner, and other utilities should choose it over PC-Write, while those who did not should buy the otherwise-identical latter and save $40.Template:R PC in 1988 said that version 2.71 was an "excellent personal word processor ... with speed and capabilities well beyond the needs of the average user". While noting its 60K file size limit, and difficulty of remembering its many key combinations, the magazine concluded that "If you can get through the learning curve, you won't be disappointed".[15] Compute! complimented PC-Write's "clean implementation of standard editing features", cited its "truly staggering" level of customization, and after mentioning a few flaws stated that they should be "viewed in context of the program's overall excellence".[16]
See also
- Andrew Fluegelman
- Jim Knopf, also known as Jim Button
- PC-File
- PC-Talk
References
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- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". Leo Nikora purchases Quicksoft, Bob Wallace stays as lead programmer.
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- ↑ Steve King. "Bargain Shareware Has Power Of High-Priced Competition". InfoWorld. 1986 Dec 22. p. 44 - 45.
- ↑ Charles Spezzano. "Professional Word Processing Packages". Section "PC-Write Version 2.71". InfoWorld. 1987 April 13. p. 42.
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External links
- PC-WRITE: Quality Word Processing at a Price That's Hard to Beat Review of PC-Write in COMPUTERS and COMPOSITION 2(4), August 1985, page 78.