MICROWRITER is a semiprofessional word processor that is more complex than the simplest word processors, and simpler than the most complex ones. I designed it for people who write often and who think about what they are typing while they are typing it.
Some word processors remind users constantly of the actions available. These processors are easier to learn than MICROWRITER. For people who use a word processor infrequently, these have the advantage of minimizing the demands on users' memories. However, the screen space devoted to reminding users what to do cuts down on the screen space available for users' text. MICROWRITER shows as much text as possible so that users see their words in context. People who write regularly will soon memorize Microwriter's codes, whereas word processors designed for quick learning and infrequent use would impede their writing.
MICROWRITER does give two kinds of reminders. After users initiate complex actions, MICROWRITER reminds them what to do. Also, users can view a series of help displays whenever they want.
More complex than MICROWRITER are word processors that always show text as it would print on paper, and that offer fancy options such as two-column formats, fully justified text, or mass-production of form letters. These may be appropriate for professional typists or business firms, but they are less useful for writers who reflect while typing. The constant rearranging distracts users, who can get caught up in how their text looks rather than what it says, and the small 80-column letters are tiring to read for long periods. More importantly, numerous options require numerous control codes that put the computer into different modes. Both multiple modes and multitude control codes have detrimental effects: they raise error rates, make it more difficult to learn to use a word processor, slow down writing, and make it harder to remember how to do things.
MICROWRITER has very few modes; users can take any control action at nearly any time. Microwriter also has only 26 control actions, and users can initiate every control action in a similar way.
One of MICROWRITER's unique assets is that it knows most of the rules and codes necessary to use various printers effectively, and it helps users exploit their specific printer's capabilities. Users can change their printers' actions very flexibly without having to remember numerical codes.
If a computer contains an Apple 80-column text card, MICROWRITER will automatically shift to an 80-column display when previewing how text would look on paper. Users can also choose whether they want to see 40 columns or 80 columns while they are editing. Users can alter the number of columns displayed at any time, so they can switch back and forth between 40 columns and 80.
Microwriter //e works only on an Apple IIe, not an Apple II Plus.
I am offering one sample copy of Microwriter IIe for $10. This is just about my out-of-pocket cost.
If you like the sample, you can buy five copies for $75 or 50 copies for $750.
Send a check or money order with your order. These prices leave no room for 90-days credit and an advertising allowance.