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The word processor that comes free with many new Windows PCs is so bad I can hardly bear to write about it. If I grit my teeth and type real fast, I'll get through this crisis. Ready? It's Microsoft Works. (There!)
   technofile
Al Fasoldt's reviews and commentaries, continuously available online since 1983

Cheapskate's Buying Guide: Choosing software


Dec. 3, 2000

This is the final installment of the annual Cheapskate's Buying Guide.

By Al Fasoldt
Copyright ©2000, Al Fasoldt
Copyright ©2000, The Syracuse Newspapers

   Once upon a time, you got a lot of useful software when you bought a new computer. Manufacturers gave the stuff away. It was great.
   Those days are gone. You're not likely to get a free copy of Microsoft Office 2000 with that new Windows PC or a copy of Office 2001 -- yes, you heard that right -- with that new Apple Macintosh. Apple's Macs might be ahead in the race for the latest Microsoft Office version, but they're just as bare as Windows PCs when it comes to freebie software.
   So if you're looking for an ideal gift for Windows or Mac users, consider software. If your lucky recipient is a Linux user, take heart; it's easier to find Linux software this season than at any time in the past.
   Start out with a common-sense approach. If you're buying software to accompany a new computer, check with the store that sells the computer and find what specific software comes with the computer. Then scout around to find programs that will come in handy.
   Every computer needs a good word processor. Unfortunately, the one that comes free with many new Windows PCs is so bad I can hardly bear to write about it. If I grit my teeth and type real fast, I'll get through this crisis. Ready? It's Microsoft Works. (There!)
   If Microsoft Works comes with a Windows PC you're giving as a present or if you know someone who has a Windows PC with Microsoft Works already installed, give the gift of a real word processor. The best is Microsoft Word, which you can buy separately or as a part of Microsoft Office. It's very expensive, so shop around. The next best, difficult as it might be to believe, is free. It's Star Writer, part of Star Office. You can order a CD with Star Office on it or you can download all of Star Office and create your own installation CD -- a daunting idea, perhaps, but a unique gift. Just go to www.sun.com and look for the Star Office link.
   Star Office (referred to officially as StarOffice, as if names need to be SmooshedLikeThis to be trendy) comes in versions for Windows and Linux, so keep it in mind for that Linux-bug nephew or niece on your list.
   Two programs you won't have to buy for Windows, Mac and Linux users are a Web browser and an e-mail program. The best ones usually are free, and all three operating systems come with browsers and e-mail software anyway. Resist the temptation to pay packaged software for Web and e-mail use. You'll just be wasting your money.
   Another temptation you should keep at bay is the impulse to buy image-editing software. When you shop at a store that sells software (especially Windows programs), you'll see boxes of programs that promise to do wonderful things with pictures. Stay away from them.
   Instead, if your recipient uses Windows, log onto www.acdsee.com and buy the best image viewer available, ACDSee. You can download it also, on the spot, or have the lucky recipient download it when the presents are unwrapped.
   For Mac and Windows users alike, a wonderful image viewer that does perfect thumbnail views is Compupic. Log onto www.photodex.com and buy a copy. Save the download yourself or let the recipient do the downloading.
   Compupic is ideal for Linux users, too, but it won't be an expensive gift; the Linux version is free. A cute idea: Send an e-mail holiday card containing the download address of the Linux version. Go to the Photodex site to find the exact page.
   Have any geeks (computer nuts) on your list? The ultimate gift for them might be a new operating system. Although I'm a huge fan of Linux and use Linux for just about everything I do, I'll admit I have a weakness for the sexy and superbly designed Be operating system. Anybody can get a free version of BeOS, but a cool idea is a packaged version; it has more features and comes with a good manual. Go to www.be.com for more information.
   Of course, Linux is the hottest operating system ever introduced, surpassing the Macintosh this year as the No. 2 operating system after Windows. It's always free if you don't mind downloading, but do your geek recipient a favor and buy a packaged version. My choice: Mandrake Linux 7.2. Stay away from Red Hat Linux (it's not as easy as Mandrake to install and use) and avoid Corel Linux (Corel seems to be abandoning the Linux market).
   For Macintosh geeks, the ultimate operating system is Apple's OS X (Operating System 10). It's not ready for sale yet, but Apple's selling it anyway -- as a test program. Order a CD right now for your geeky friend or relative. Go to www.apple.com and look for the OS X link.