Software Reviews: The Return of WordPerfect
Posted by: Valour on Apr 28, 2004 - 10:14 AM
In the late 90's Corel experimented with the GNU/Linux operating system, developing their own distribution known as Corel Linux and porting their WordPerfect word processor to it. It survived from version 7 to version 9, but in August of 2001 the entire GNU/Linux project was cancelled at Corel and assets sold, thereby ending Corel Linux and WordPerfect Office for Linux. At the time WordPerfect was easily the most popular proprietary application for GNU/Linux, and the hole that it left opened the door for many people to switch to OpenOffice, StarOffice, AbiWord, KWord, TextMaker and others. Now with new leadership, Corel has come back with a proof-of-concept GNU/Linux rework of WordPerfect 8; this review will examine this proof-of-concept software as well as the new WP Office 12 for Windows to see just where Corel is headed with their office software.
It was the promise of WordPerfect for Linux that got me to switch away from Windows in the first place, about a year and a half ago. Being an avid writer I was a die-hard fan of WordPerfect 10 (2002) and I didn't really want to switch if I couldn't use it anymore. Unfortunately after I completed the switch to GNU/Linux I was unable to locate any Linux-related resources on Corel's site -- they'd taken it all down. News came of Corel's money problems and rumor had it that a $135 million stock purchase (about 20% of the company) by Microsoft Corporation had kept Corel afloat with the understanding that they would terminate their GNU/Linux business. I don't know if the latter was true, but given the situation and the reputation of one of the parties involved I would say that it's at least likely.
Not long after, Microsoft sold their shares to Vector Capital at a 90% loss. More recently Vector moved to buy the rest of the outstanding shares of Corel, thereby turning it into a privately held company again. Overall this is a very positive move because it prevents underhanded manipulation by outside companies like Microsoft (again), but oddly there were some who resisted the buyout. It's hard to tell what went on behind the scenes, but the results are obvious and quite encouraging: there is a renewed interest in GNU/Linux porting and now there's a new version of the superior WP Office for Windows.
It's All About Microsoft
One thing that has definitely changed is the market focus of the WP product line. Corel has already realized their niche markets (legal and government), and WP 10 and 11 seemed to pander specifically to them without regard for the competition. Good for lawyers and governments, but not necessarily so good for people who want to do other things.
It's been a little over two years since WordPerfect 11 was announced and released, but I never had the chance to review it because there was some mysterious reluctance to sending out review copies of the software at the time of my request. No surprise that there was virtually no press on WordPerfect 11 except for legal and government-related print publications. That tunnel-vision focus is gone and has now broadened to include small and medium-sized businesses and cost-conscious consumers looking for a cheaper solution to MS Office; specifically Corel's press and marketing materials for WP Office 12 tirelessly compare their new products to the new Microsoft Office System 2003. As far as comparing the entire suites is concerned, WordPerfect Office easily wins that duel considering the high price, anticlimactic feature set and mediocre reliability of MS Office System 2003 and the general superiority of WordPerfect as a word processor. Quattro Pro and WordPerfect are far more adaptable and customizable than Excel and Word are, and the tools and guides built into the suite are much more powerful and capable. Business users will appreciate the more flexible licensing that Corel allows, even if it isn't anywhere near ideal.
That's a pretty low resolution screen these days. The old Palm IIIc and some of the Treo's use it, but it pales in comparison to a 320x320 screen. Yeah it's color, but pictures look grainy at that resolution. $50 bucks more will get you a Sony Clie TJ27 or Palm Tungsten E with 320x320 screen. It's a better investment.
From the website:
"Best enjoyed by visitors ages 13 and older, the museum will explore current scientific issues at the core of many of the nation's public policy decisions, as presented in reports by the National Academies."
Admissions:
Adults: $5
Seniors (65+), Active Duty Military (w/ ID), Students (w/ ID), Children(ages 5 - 18): $3
So the target age range is a little higher... Interesting to note that children 5-13 have to pay $3 to see exhibits that are not meant for them.
I know of no law in any country which requires DVD players to set its region. In fact, this nice DVD FAQ further states that only the CSS license actually requires it. Choosing to mod or chip a player might void the warranty, but it would be a stretch to say it was illegal.
If you happen to be a Slashdot reader who is also an Anime Fan or Final Fantasy Fan, you should check this event out:
http://www.animenext.org
October 3-5, 2003 in New York.
Guests include CmdrTaco and James Arnold Taylor, voice of Tidus in FFX
Slashdot Mirror
Posted by: Valour on Apr 28, 2004 - 10:14 AM
In the late 90's Corel experimented with the GNU/Linux operating system, developing their own distribution known as Corel Linux and porting their WordPerfect word processor to it. It survived from version 7 to version 9, but in August of 2001 the entire GNU/Linux project was cancelled at Corel and assets sold, thereby ending Corel Linux and WordPerfect Office for Linux. At the time WordPerfect was easily the most popular proprietary application for GNU/Linux, and the hole that it left opened the door for many people to switch to OpenOffice, StarOffice, AbiWord, KWord, TextMaker and others. Now with new leadership, Corel has come back with a proof-of-concept GNU/Linux rework of WordPerfect 8; this review will examine this proof-of-concept software as well as the new WP Office 12 for Windows to see just where Corel is headed with their office software.
It was the promise of WordPerfect for Linux that got me to switch away from Windows in the first place, about a year and a half ago. Being an avid writer I was a die-hard fan of WordPerfect 10 (2002) and I didn't really want to switch if I couldn't use it anymore. Unfortunately after I completed the switch to GNU/Linux I was unable to locate any Linux-related resources on Corel's site -- they'd taken it all down. News came of Corel's money problems and rumor had it that a $135 million stock purchase (about 20% of the company) by Microsoft Corporation had kept Corel afloat with the understanding that they would terminate their GNU/Linux business. I don't know if the latter was true, but given the situation and the reputation of one of the parties involved I would say that it's at least likely.
Not long after, Microsoft sold their shares to Vector Capital at a 90% loss. More recently Vector moved to buy the rest of the outstanding shares of Corel, thereby turning it into a privately held company again. Overall this is a very positive move because it prevents underhanded manipulation by outside companies like Microsoft (again), but oddly there were some who resisted the buyout. It's hard to tell what went on behind the scenes, but the results are obvious and quite encouraging: there is a renewed interest in GNU/Linux porting and now there's a new version of the superior WP Office for Windows.
It's All About Microsoft
One thing that has definitely changed is the market focus of the WP product line. Corel has already realized their niche markets (legal and government), and WP 10 and 11 seemed to pander specifically to them without regard for the competition. Good for lawyers and governments, but not necessarily so good for people who want to do other things.
It's been a little over two years since WordPerfect 11 was announced and released, but I never had the chance to review it because there was some mysterious reluctance to sending out review copies of the software at the time of my request. No surprise that there was virtually no press on WordPerfect 11 except for legal and government-related print publications. That tunnel-vision focus is gone and has now broadened to include small and medium-sized businesses and cost-conscious consumers looking for a cheaper solution to MS Office; specifically Corel's press and marketing materials for WP Office 12 tirelessly compare their new products to the new Microsoft Office System 2003. As far as comparing the entire suites is concerned, WordPerfect Office easily wins that duel considering the high price, anticlimactic feature set and mediocre reliability of MS Office System 2003 and the general superiority of WordPerfect as a word processor. Quattro Pro and WordPerfect are far more adaptable and customizable than Excel and Word are, and the tools and guides built into the suite are much more powerful and capable. Business users will appreciate the more flexible licensing that Corel allows, even if it isn't anywhere near ideal.
The License
That's a pretty low resolution screen these days. The old Palm IIIc and some of the Treo's use it, but it pales in comparison to a 320x320 screen. Yeah it's color, but pictures look grainy at that resolution. $50 bucks more will get you a Sony Clie TJ27 or Palm Tungsten E with 320x320 screen. It's a better investment.
From the website:
"Best enjoyed by visitors ages 13 and older, the museum will explore current scientific issues at the core of many of the nation's public policy decisions, as presented in reports by the National Academies."
Admissions:
Adults: $5
Seniors (65+), Active Duty Military (w/ ID), Students (w/ ID), Children(ages 5 - 18): $3
So the target age range is a little higher... Interesting to note that children 5-13 have to pay $3 to see exhibits that are not meant for them.
I know of no law in any country which requires DVD players to set its region. In fact, this nice DVD FAQ further states that only the CSS license actually requires it. Choosing to mod or chip a player might void the warranty, but it would be a stretch to say it was illegal.
If you happen to be a Slashdot reader who is also an Anime Fan or Final Fantasy Fan, you should check this event out: http://www.animenext.org October 3-5, 2003 in New York. Guests include CmdrTaco and James Arnold Taylor, voice of Tidus in FFX