                              PC Tools 8.0
                              for Windows
                         (press Alt-V for graphic)

                               by Tony Curro


    Central Point has released PC Tools 8.0 for Windows. There are
    several enhancements to this version of Tools. You can have PC Tools
    run as your primary shell, rather than Program Manager.

    Depending, on the installation you select, you can use from 3-14 MB
    of hard disk space. After you are done with the installation, PC
    Tools prompts you to create an Emergency Disk. This is a recommended
    procedure. It makes a disk containing information from your CMOS,
    AUTOEXEC, CONFIG, and so on. In case you experience a problem, you
    can boot from this disk, and should be able to recover from many
    disasters. You MUST update this disk each time you make changes in
    your system. That is a painless task. It requires you to run Update
    Emergency Disk from the menu.

    Key features include:

         MultiDesk. This allows you to have a set of programs set for
    each 'desk.' You could have one window that contains, say, your mail
    reader, and communications program. Another window can have your
    word processor and database. And so on. Clicking on one would bring
    it to the front, while the other is minimized. Makes switching
    between programs easier and cleaner, as you do not have all those
    icons cluttering the bottom of your screen.

         FileManager. This was completely redone. Its appearance is very
    similar to the built-in FileManager of Windows.

         WinShield. To date, it is the only Windows-based disk repair
         tool.

         Optimizer. Now you can optimize directly from within Windows.
    No need to exit Windows, or optimize before you start Windows.

         System Consultant. This analyzes your system settings, INI
    files, etc. Then it suggests changes you could make to have Windows
    run more efficiently.

         ScriptTools. Easy-to-use macro system and batch language with
    full recording capability, network scripting, and support for OLE
    and DDE.

    It creates two groups when it is installed. Besides the above
    mentioned programs, there is: FileViewer, Undelete, SmartFind,
    IconEditor, Anti-Virus, Backup more. Undelete, will recover deleted
    files from within Windows. Backup does have tape support, and will
    also handle add-on cards like Colorado FC-10. You can set up,
    address and IRQ, so almost any card will work that is supported by
    your drive.

    PC Tools supports drag-and-drop technology. You can drag-and-drop
    from almost part of PC Tools. There is context-sensitive help from
    almost anywhere by pressing F1, or clicking on the Help drop down
    menu.

    There is a README file included which list conflicts with other
    programs. Most of the problems are related when using PC Tools as
    your shell. Some programs will not install unless Program Manager is
    the shell. Others may not run properly, causing GPF errors. All of
    these are common errors using third-party shells, and are not
    specific to this program. You will incur various errors using Norton
    Desktop, WinMaster, and, I suspect Dashboard.

    Using FileViewer you can see text, graphics, and other files on
    screen. Documents, prepared with a word processor or spreadsheet,
    can be viewed without opening the application. You can, by
    association, start the application, by double-clicking on the file
    you wish to edit. PC Tools does NOT currently have support for PKZIP
    2.X. Which means any files you download, can be viewed, but they
    cannot be uncompressed. Hopefully, they will have this corrected
    shortly.

    Overall I was pleased with PC Tools 8.0 for Windows. In essence it
    is a good solid program. I have not incurred any problems while
    using it. There is a lot of program here for an attractive price.
    Buying any one the features: Backup, Anti-Virus or Optimizer can
    cost you almost as much as the WHOLE 8.0 package. These programs of
    course are full-featured, not slimmed down versions. Central Point
    has made a split with this release. No longer do you purchase one
    package, and have DOS and Windows. You must purchase each
    separately. I recently reviewed PC Tools 8.0 for DOS. Registered
    users of any version of PC Tools for DOS can upgrade to the Windows
    version for $49.95. Customers can call 800-445- 4208 to order an
    upgrade.


                            Program Information

                            PC Tools 8.0
                            for Windows

                            List Price -- $179.95

                            Central Point Software
                            15220 N.W. Greenbrier Parkway
                            #200
                            Beaverton, OR 97006
                            503-690-8090
