Program for Executives on the Go

WordPerfect Corp., publisher of the leading IBM PC-compatible word processing program, has recently introduced WordPerfect Executive. It is an integrated program that combines a word processor with a spreadsheet, appointment calendar, telephone directory, calculator and a simple database management program.

Executive works on the IBM PC and most compatibles and comes with two sets of disks. A 5-inch set works with the standard PCs, XTs and ATs, while the 3 1/2-inch disks work with most portables and IBM’s new line of Personal System/2 machines.

Because it performs so many tasks, Executive is ideal for the traveling professional who uses a laptop computer to perform calculations, keep track of contacts and write memos. Unfortunately, the program does not have a communications function allowing the user to exchange data with other computers.

A good integrated package offers several advantages. For example, with Executive, you can learn one set of commands that, in most cases, can be used with all of the software’s modes. Likewise, it is easy to move data. A name and address stored in the phone directory, for example, can be transferred to a letter in the word processor.

What’s more, Executive allows you to create shortcuts for computer users known as macros. With a macro, a user can press a single key and perform tasks that ordinarily might take a long sequence of instructions. In the case of Executive, a single macro can add up a column of numbers on the spreadsheet and then insert the total in a memo on the word processor.

Executive also allows users to add or delete software from the menu. For instance, a user could tack a separate communications program onto Executive.

Executive’s word-processing function uses the same commands and has many features of WordPerfect’s regular word-processing program. If you know WordPerfect, you’re almost fully prepared to use Executive.

To be sure, Executive’s word processor lacks such advanced features as the thesaurus and the ability to create outlines. But it does have an impressive number of features, including a 50,000-word spell checker, a “mail merge” function for creating form letters and the ability to handle footnotes, page formatting and other advanced tasks. For many users, especially executives who mainly write letters and memos, it’s all the word processing power they’ll ever need.

The spreadsheet allows you to perform typical business calculations. You can set up columns of numbers and perform mathematical equations with them. Also impressive are several advanced features such as the ability to print bar graphs. There are also built-in financial formulas, including present value, future value and monthly loan payments.

It is possible to move files back and forth between Executive and Lotus 1-2-3, although there isn’t 100% compatibility. Also, unfortunately, the programs use different commands.

The phone directory, appointment calendar and database are simple little programs that are easy to use and extremely useful.

When you enter the database, you first see a list of available “cards,” or subjects, sorted alphabetically. The list includes one-line descriptions and the date that the note was created. You can get more detail about a card by placing the cursor on it and pressing enter. Then you’ll see a “notes” area, into which you can add further comments.

The phone directory has a similar structure. You first see an alphabetized listing with last name, first name, company, work phone and home phone. If more detail is needed, you place the cursor on the person in question and press enter. Then you can add a title, a mailing address and additional notes. My only complaint about the phone directory is that it will not dial the phone for you. Many directory programs direct a modem to make a call once the number is highlighted.

It’s hard to get excited about an on-screen calculator because they are so common. This one is as good as most. One of its nicer features is its ability to produce a “tape” on the screen so that you can see your entries and results.

In short, Executive is modest in price ($249) and features, but it performs very well. If, like a lot of people, you can get by with its spreadsheet and word processor and you like the handy note cards and phone directory, it may be just right for your everyday use.

For more information about WordPerfect Executive, call the company at (800) 321-4566.

Computer File welcomes readers’ comments but regrets that the authors cannot respond individually to letters. Write to Lawrence J. Magid, 3235 Kifer Road, Suite 100, Santa Clara, Calif. 95051, or contact the L. Magid account on the MCI electronic mail system.