                      Off-Line Express for Windows

                             by Tony Curro


When I first started using a BBS I did not use a mail reader. I would
read and reply online. This cut into my time as I had to physically be
at my computer to achieve this. When I started running out of time I
looked for other options. An offline reader was the answer. Mail readers
just like everything else in computing has improved over time. I
remember the day when there where no Windows compatabile mail readers.
Today there are several. I have tried many of the shareware, and a few
of the commercial products, but found something lacking each time. I
used Off-Line Express (OLX) for DOS and was satisfied. Now I have a
chance to see the Windows version, and am equally impressed.

OLX for Windows is easy to use, While it is simple enough for the novice
it also packs a punch that the power user will be pleased with. Upon
starting OLX you are presented with the Open Packet Window. You may want
to cancel this the first time and set your options. Chances are if you
were using a mail reader prior to OLX, you have your packets and replies
in other directories. Set your options for these, and any others changes
you want to make if any. I have a BBS which uses PKZIP v1.10. I had to
change from the Internal Zipper/unZipper to accomadate this board. When
unZIPPING packets I ran into a problem where the DOS window would stay
open. Since I am using Windows 95, I changed the properties to CLOSE ON
EXIT, and all is fine.

OLX has a Skip List feature. This feature allows you to "filter" out
unwanted messages, or mail from a specific user. It gives you the mail
you want, without the junk mail clutter. OLX gives you the ability to
create macros that OLX will translate into text when saving your
message. I created a simple signature file, and when I press F2 the
whole line is entered. It has a built-in editor for messages and
replies, or you can use an external one. OLX maintains a record of every
message you send or receive. The program automatically stores your
personal e-mail in folders for easy reference. You can also create
custom folders to store any message or group of messages for later
retrieval. There are also options to purge mail after a specified number
of days,and delete or rename mail packets after they are read, and
replies after they have been sent.

Other Features include:

* Built-in spell checker with 124,000 words.
* Internal ZIP/unZIP support.
* Up to 64K message size.
* Supports over 16,000 message coferences.
* Internet compatible
* Address book with support for storing long Internet addresses.
* Open multiple packets with True Multi-Document Interface (MDI)
* Built-in Tag Line Manager.
* No Limit on size of QWK packet.
* Assign WAV sound files to various tasks.
* Built-in UUDECODE to translate binary messages into files.

Since I am now hooked on using Windows, I look for Windows specific
software. OLX for Windows is a good solid program. And you cannot beat
the price. Check it out, and I think you will be pleased.


System Requirements:

* 386 or higher
* MS Windows 3.1 or later
* 4 MB RAM minimum
* 3 MB available hard disk space
* Mouse
* Sound card (optional)


Product Information

OLX for Windows v1.0

 SRP - $49.00

Mustang Software, Inc.
6200 Lake Ming Road
Bakersfield, CA 93306

Orders (800) 999-9619
Voice (805) 873-2500
Fax (805) 873-2599
BBS (805) 873-2400 

Latest updates are available on BBS, or Mustang Web page at:
  http:/www.mustang.com
