Microsoft Word Fine Programfor Heavy-duty Formatting Jobs

August 25, 1985|By Peter McWilliams. Universal Press Syndicate.

Microsoft Word has the most advanced formatting commands of any word-processing program available. To get the most out of them, however, you really must use a mouse, the hard-shelled rolling device that is finding its way onto computer desks.

Using the mouse not only makes Microsoft Word more efficient, it makes the program easier to use. As with the Apple Macintosh, you use the mouse to move an on-screen arrow over a menu. You point the arrow to the word on the menu of what you want, making selections such as ``Cut,`` ``Insert`` and

``Format,`` and then press the mouse`s button. This means you don`t have to remember commands--almost. It took me a while, even with the mouse, to remember that saving a file meant using the menu item called ``transfer.``

Overall, the program is sound. Unfortunately, when you are writing, do you really want to take your hands off the keyboard, move the mouse around, put your hands back on the keys and start up again? I don`t. The extra steps get in the way.

The manual spends very few pages on the basic operation, because it is basically easy to use. When you get into the deep, dark formatting secrets of the program, then Word might take as much time to master as WordStar. Once you have mastered Word, though, there is so much formatting power that if you were to use a laser printer, such as the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet, the finished results can rival typesetting.

If you don`t have such high-powered needs, you may find the program cumbersome. To boldface a word (without taking your hands off the keyboard to use the mouse), you would (1) press a function key to select a word, (2) press the escape key to put you in the command mode, (3) press ``F`` for format, (4) press ``C`` for character, (5) press ``Y`` for yes, (6) press return.

To do the same thing with a mouse in Microsoft Word, you would (1) move the arrow to the particular word you wanted to make boldface, (2) click the right (not the left) button on the mouse, (3) move the mouse to the menu and click the right (not the left) button on the word ``Format.`` Done. Much easier than with keystrokes, but you`ve taken your hands away from the keyboard. This process also tends to make you change modes in your mind.

(``Time to move mouse. Right button, not left.``) WordStar appeals to my right (not left) side of my brain.

I would recommend Word for people with heavy-duty word processing needs, and for anyone who needs complex formatting, such as dividing text into columns. Take my opinion for what it`s worth. Word processing, probably more than any other software, is a matter of opinion.

Microsoft Word retails for $375 ($475 with the mouse). It is copy protected, and runs on IBM computers or compatibles. It also comes with Microsoft Spell, a spell-checking program that operates much like The Word Plus--that`s because it was developed by the same man, Wayne Holder. I only have praise for Microsoft Spell.

(Microsoft Corp., 10700 Northrup Way, Bellevue, Wash. 98009.)


Rightwriter is a new kind of style-check program. The program doesn`t just match cliche phrases, or point out misplaced punctuation, it actually comments on sentence length, paragraph length, complex sentence structure, and choice of words.

The program automatically marks what it considers a problem, and then goes on to describe the problem. At the end of a file, the program prints a summary that includes a ``readability`` index and some suggestions on how to correct your errors and make your document easier to read. There is also an index that measures the writing`s overall strength. Among many other features, the program also checks how frequently you use adjectives and adverbs and whether your sentence structure is active or passive.

Whether you agree or disagree with the program`s decisions is a matter of personal choice. You make the final decision to change something or to leave well enough alone.

I like this program, but some of the time I have a sneaking suspicion that Rightwriter doesn`t get my jokes. Unlike a human being, this program has no way of knowing if a phrase is well turned, a word is misused, or even if the author is going to make a fool of himself or herself.

William F. Buckley`s writing didn`t fare too well with this semi-artificial-intelligence program. Either Rightwriter`s (1) intelligence is so artificial that it fails to appreciate Buckley`s prose, or (2) when the program says that his writing would take at least a 12th-grade education, is full of complex sentences, and might be easier to read if more common words were used, Rightwriter means this as a compliment. (We hope.)

What Rightwriter does do is help you to evaluate your own work, pointing out things that might be improved, and helping you to a more objective view of your own writing. Buckley needs no help. I find programs like this make poor writing better and great writing worse.

For MS-DOS computers only, Rightwriter sells for $75.

(Decisionware Inc., 4030 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Fla. 33548

(813) 383-6059.)

(NOTE: Sprite Software, makers of Writer`s Aide, which was reviewed a few columns ago, has moved. The company is no longer on Foster Place, but thrives at: 4875 S.W. 19th Drive, Portland, Ore. 97201.)

(ANOTHER NOTE: Leading Edge commissioned me to write a booklet about word processing (a basic generic introduction), and it`s now available free. For your copy, you can call Leading Edge toll-free at (800) 523-HELP, or write to: Leading Edge, 21 Highland Circle, Needham, Mass. 02194.)