WordPerfect For DOS Development Continues

WordPerfect for DOS interim release addresses user requests and offers improved performance

OREM, Utah -- January 30, 1995 -- Novell, Inc. today responded to customer requests by shipping WordPerfect 6.0c for DOS, an interim release of WordPerfect 6.0 for DOS. According to research from International Data Corporation, there are still more than 55 million users using DOS exclusively as their desktop operating system.

"While the industry moves forward with Windows and other computing environments, we have found that there is a large number of users who want to continue working in DOS," said Mark Calkins, vice president and general manager of Novell's Business Applications division. "This is evident to us through the continuing sales of our DOS word processors. As long as the user demand creates a viable business case, we plan to continue development and support for our DOS products."

The WordPerfect 6.0c interim release addresses some of the most common user requests such as enhanced integration with Novell's document management software SoftSolutions 4.0a, fax dial-out instructions, greater file conversion capabilities, and more macro system variables. By addressing these requests, WordPerfect for DOS is now faster and uses less RAM. Graphic image display can also be turned off for even quicker screen redraw.

"With the new printed pages variable in WordPerfect 6.0c, our resource-use tracking programs no longer have to perform heroic feats to log print jobs from WordPerfect for DOS," said Tony Milosz, president of Peakdesign in Oakland, CA. "Direct access to this counter will enhance our ability to provide bill-back data for both Windows and DOS users, such as professionals who need to charge for their time and documents printed. It's nice to see Novell continue supporting computing solutions for DOS users."

Novell has addressed another request from users by supplying an updated conversion filter that allows WordPerfect 5.1+ users to open documents created in the recently released WordPerfect 6.1 for Windows. This filter is now available on CompuServe and SpaceWorks and the WP BBS as 61to51.zip. It can also be obtained from the Novell FTP server.

By shipping WordPerfect 6.0c for DOS and providing the WordPerfect 6.1 for Windows conversion filter for WordPerfect 5.1+ for DOS users, Novell continues to help computer users work collaboratively within a pervasive computing environment.

WordPerfect 6.0c Enhancements

Enhanced SoftSolutions 4.0a integration - Working with SoftSolutions is faster in 6.0c because communication with SoftSolutions is now handled through executable commands in WP.exe. By eliminating the macros, WordPerfect 6.0c frees up an additional 25-30K of conventional memory, and users no longer have to wait for the large macro to execute. SoftSolutions also now uses standard WordPerfect dialog boxes so WordPerfect users will feel more comfortable.

Fax dial-out instructions -Users can set up eight different Dial-out instruction entries to automatically add prefixes and suffixes to phone numbers in the fax phone book. For example, the Dial-out Instruction entry can automatically add the prefix "9" to get an external line from with an office phone network.

Greater File Conversion Capabilities - The same file conversion capabilities in WordPerfect 6.1 for Windows are now available in WordPerfect 6.0 DOS, including a conversion for MS Word 6.0 for Windows files.

Printed Pages System Variables - The printed pages system variables allow a user to determine the number of actual pages printed in the last print job, as well as the total number of pages printed during a word processing session. This feature is especially valuable to large accounts, which need to bill their customers based on the number of pages printed.

Memory/Speed - WordPerfect 6.0c frees up additional conventional memory, increasing overall program speed.

Graphic Image Display - Once a graphic image is in a document, the graphic display of that image can be turned off. This saves time as graphics are moved around because the screen does not redraw after every change.

PIN -WordPerfect 6.0c provides a place in the WordPerfect Information screen for customers to store their Personal Identification Number (PIN). After registering their product with Novell, a customer uses the PIN to receive 180 days of toll-free, complementary Classic Service.

Other Enhancements -A number of other enhancements have been made in WordPerfect 6.0c that greatly increase the program's usability, as well as improve document and graphic file conversions.

Current users of WordPerfect 6.0 for DOS can upgrade to 6.0c for cost of disks - $24.95 (US). Users of WordPerfect 5.1+ or earlier can upgrade for $99 (US), and users of competing word processing packages can trade up to WordPerfect 6.0c for $99 (US). The suggested retail price of WordPerfect is $395 (US).

For more information, customers can call Novell at (800) 451-5151.