WordPerfect Suite 7

WordPerfect Suite 7 PC CD word processor spreadsheet scheduler presentations etc 

Application 

Windows 

Corel 

1996 

CD 

$13.99
Packaging
Neither WordPerfect nor Corel were ever accused of being slouches in the features department. In many areas, the WordPerfect Suite closely parallels Microsoft Office, with a top-notch word processor, spreadsheet, scheduler, presentation package and other business tools. As is typical with Corel offerings, the product goes somewhat over the top in terms of value-adding extras (would you believe 10,000 clipart images and 150 fonts, plus a selection of added utilities including Sidekick, QuickView Plus and Dashboard 95), but these extras are not the best reason to choose the package. After all, features are worthless if their usability is lacking. In general, this package succeeds admirably on the usability front. In the inevitable comparisons with Microsoft's Office suite, we would have to give the nod to Corel for a somewhat more elegant approach to common tasks.

For example, Microsoft Office uses a standalone taskbar, while Corel's suite uses the existing Win95 taskbar. While the advantage of having a second bar is the user's greater freedom to move the bar around the screen to a suitable position, using the standard Win95 taskbar interface seems a good choice to us, despite this reviewer's personal dislike of the look of a taskbar littered with nearly a dozen tiny icons.

Similarly, Corel's inclusion of Starfish Software's SideKick 95 makes it a handy tool for anyone who needs to keep track of appointments, contacts and to-do lists. Although Sidekick 95 strikes us as a little sluggish, it is undoubtedly a better interface than that of Schedule 95.

The main attraction of WordPerfect Suite is, of course, its word processing prowess, and here we were quite delighted to find that the program is elegant and powerful. We have used virtually every version of WordPerfect over the years (including the little-seen Atari and Amiga versions that were the company's initial forays into the WYSIWYG arena), and it's safe to say that WordPerfect 7 is the easiest and most versatile version yet. The program has exceptionally strong Help (including multimedia tutorials that feature recorded audio and animated how-to sessions), plus an improved version of the feature, formerly known as Coaches, that walks you through common tasks, or alternately performs them for you.

WP7 has strong links to the World Wide Web, and we were able to use it as a WYSIWYG Web page editor without reading the manual, simply by using one of the "Do it for me" Wizards in the Help menu. Unlike some programs (PageMaker 6 comes to mind), WP7's "Web mode" disables all features that wouldn't translate properly to hypertext markup language (HTML), so pages are likely to display as intended, once posted onto the Net.

Another interesting feature is the program's emphasis on accessing online information. A Taskbar function called QuickTasks includes an option to "Read my Web Pages." This opens a Wizard-driven dialog that lets you add or remove pages of news, stock prices, comics or other information (several are provided) and read the data. Converting information from HTML is not as common as converting to it, but both are possible in WP7. There's even a Browse Connect function in the taskbar that displays a list of your Web browser's Bookmarks. When clicked, it launched our Netscape browser.

For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']

WHAT YOU GET:

This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.

IMAGES:

All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.

COMPATIBILITY:

Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.

PLATFORM:

Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.

64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.

Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.

MEDIA FORMAT:

Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:

  • Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
  • Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
  • Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.


  • SHIPPING:

    We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.

    International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.