The Differences between WordPerfect 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
by Gary Kukis; updated January 19, 2003
Why the Upgrade? A Summary Customization Documents Formatting General Environment Graphics Menu Navigation Tables Toolbars Tools View Web Features Miscellaneous Considerations Miscellaneous Features Summary Final Scores Addendum on WP 9 SP 4
The last three versions of WordPerfect which were put out by Corel after Corel took over WordPerfect are all three extraordinary programs. They are all designed for Windows 9x, although WordPerfect 7 and 8 were specifically designed for Windows ‘95 and WP 9 for Windows ‘98, they all seem to run quite well on Windows ‘98.1 I have loaded and run WP 9 quite successfully on Windows 2000 as well.
We all have our favorites. I, having become less and less enchanted with MS products, usually use WP 7 at home, mostly because it doesn’t look like a MS product. WordPerfect’s subsequent look in versions 8 and 9 is much more like MS Word and for users of MS Word who plan to exit the overpriced upgrading of MS Word, will want to go with either version 8 or 9 (people who have used Word for a long time will want to use WP 9). I do use version 8 at home occasionally, and always in the office, however, and I use version 9 at school. Versions 8 and 9 suck up a lot of resources, which is not a problem for the newer computers (200 MHz and above with 32 RAM and higher). However, depending upon RAM and other factors, version 7 might be your best choice if you are using a computer which runs at 100 MHz. Not only is speed a factor, but stability is a factor as well. The less resources, the more often you will have to reboot (as you have no doubt found with Windows 9x in general). No matter which version you choose, most people will find any of these versions easier to use and more feature-full than any of the MS Word products on up to MS Word 2000. I see WordPerfect 7 and MS Word 2000 are being fairly evenly matched, with WP 7 as having the slight edge (they both have some good features that the other does not); WP 8 and 9 are superior to all versions of Word so far.
Now you may think that with these various flavors of WordPerfect that 8 is better than 7 and that 9 is better than both 7 and 8; however, that is incorrect. From the standpoint of stability, required resources, interface, and documents created for the web, in some respects, it is almost like we have three different products here. I personally prefer the interface of WordPerfect 7, mostly because it doesn’t look like MS Word. But then I use WP 8 exclusively for saving my work as HTML documents. However, only WP 9 allows me to publish a document in PDF format and only WP 9 has instant preview, which is important to those of us who are anal retentive. Therefore, I have all three versions and have no reason to remove one version and use a different version exclusively. The differences between the three programs are often slight, but, in some areas, they are significant—important enough to cause one to purchase one rather than the other. Now, where can you get WordPerfect 7 and 8? You would have to go to ebay or some other auction or used item alternative. And, WP 7 is an outstanding product whose available supplies are limited—therefore, if you decide that is the product for you, the search may become more intensive.
Why the Upgrade ? A Summary:
A reasonable question is: if WordPerfect 7 is so good (and it is), why did Corel continue to put out new versions? First of all, for any software company, they are in the business to make money. You cannot put out a great piece of software and then let that be your lifetime legacy. You have to make changes (ideally, improvements) so that you can sell more products.
1 I am not exam ining WordPerfect 7 for Windows 3x, although it is by far the best word processing program designed for those who still use Windows 3x. It does take up a lot of room, and, being the size program that it is, it can by s low to load and slow when performing certain functions (assuming that you are running Windows 3x on an older computer). On a newer computer—say, 133 mHz or faster—WP 7 is a speed-demon running under Windows 3x. However, the two WP 7 programs are very different—more so than the differences between WP 7 and 9.
Page -1- We will compare several features: Customization, Documents, General Environment, Graphics, Menu, Navigation, Tables, Toolbars, Tools, View, Web Features, Miscellaneous Considerations and Miscellaneous Features. If you don’t particularly want to wade through a lot of this, then check out the Summary or the Final Scores at the very end.
Also, in this comparison, I made some judgment calls as to which version had the better feature. In many cases, the differences between them may not be important enough for you.
Page -2-
When a key is customized to reflect the use of a macro, you may choose save the entire path. If your macros are organized on your hard drive into more than two locations, and you choose to save the Regardless of Regardless of entire path, then where the where the the entire macro macro is found, macro is found, path is placed This is just like Keyboard only the name of only the name of next to the WP 9. the macro is the macro is keystroke. saved next to saved next to Unfortunately, the keystroke. § the keystroke. § the dialogue box is so small and the path so long that what macro goes with what key is impossible to determine (unless you only use a few macros and they are all found in the same place).
Ditto—it is WP 10 provides Because of the This must be easier to have a way to export long paths in Keyboard map done pretty two programs the keyboard WP 9, this can much by hand. open in order to shortcuts as a be difficult to do. do this. table. §§
You can only choose between two font sizes You can only You can only (normal or choose between choose between large) for the three font sizes three font sizes Status Bar (it is (small, medium (small, medium controlled by or large) for the or large) for the whatever Status Bar (it is You can choose Status Bar (or, Status Bar (it is settings are controlled by the font and the the Application controlled by made for whatever size for the Bar; found at the whatever Windows). settings are Status Bar (the bottom of the settings are However, a made for bar on the screen) made for different Windows). The bottom). § Windows). computer setting of small Some of the allowed me the is really small. items can be small setting as Some of the written out or well. Some of items can be given an icon. the items can written out or be shown an given an icon. icon or written out.
Page -3- I would like to be able to choose my font and ov e r r id e the Windows settings for the status bar (as is allowed with Reveal Codes). Documents
I have been able to open documents created in WP 8 or 9 generally WP 9 SP 4 without incident. messed my When opening Suite this particular Comparison Most document, the document up documents page size was I have been able when I opened open fine in messed up. to open it; the problem WP 10. Opening it in documents was the page Opening several Documents WP 8 put things created in size, which was macros back to normal. WP 7, 8 or 9 completely continually shut A second without incident. customized WP 10 down for document § originally. I me (I finally created in WP 9 changed the edited them in also was totally page size, and WP 9). wack when I that immediately opened it in fixed the WP 7. In both document. cases, the documents involved a huge table.
This should open MS Word This can open documents up MS Word 6/7 This should to MS This should documents and open MS Word Word 2000. Word open Word possibly documents up According to documents documents to Word ‘95 to MS one review I MS Word 97. § documents with Word 2000. §§ read, it did not an update. open all Word documents, however. §§
WP 5 files WP 5 files Heavily I haven’t opened appear very appear very formatting anything from much as they much as they documents from WordPerfect 5 WP 5 (I don’t did in WP 5. did in WP 5; WP 5 may be files know if I have Some slight some slight drastically anything left in reformatting reformatting changed by that format). occurs. § occurs. § WP 9.
Formatting
Margins can be set using Ditto. All Ditto. All mouse (it is programs set programs set Margins Same as WP 7 easier and more margins via the margins via the intuitive than MS menu as well. menu as well. Word).
General Environment
Page -4- Document background is whatever color Document you chose for background is window under whatever color Document Document Windows you chose for Background background is background is appearance window under white. white. settings. I liked Windows this; to most appearance people, this settings. § would be a non- issue. §
Will not always display correctly or print correctly several advances on the same line (it appears to print Will display better than WP correctly but will 8, however). not always print Displaying Sometimes it correctly several advances displays advances on the seems to have Displays and incorrectly but same line. improved greatly prints several prints correctly, What appears with WP 10, Display advances and sometimes to be the case is although with without problem. it displays as it when there are smaller fonts (I §§ should, but the ten or more often use 11), advances are advances on the there are display not properly same line, this problems. done when can end up not printed. I should printing properly. add that this problem occurs when there are many advances—say ten or so—on the same line.
Fifteen choices: Fourteen Cut, Copy, Thirteen Twelve choices: choices: Cut, Paste, Paste choices: Cut, Cut, Copy, Copy, Paste, without Copy, Paste, Paste, Paste Paste without Font/Attributes, Delete, without Font/Attributes, Delete, Highlight, Block F ont/Attributes, Delete, Highlight, Black Protect, What’s Highlight, Block Highlight, Block QuickMenu from Protect, What’s This?, Font..., Protect, What’s Protect, What’s selected text: This?, Font..., Quick Format..., This?, Font..., This?, Font..., Quick Format..., Spell Check..., Quick Format..., Quick Format..., Spell Checker..., Reveal Codes, Spell Check..., Spell Checker..., Dictionary, Bullets..., Reveal Codes, Reveal Codes, Reveal Codes, Create Create Make It Fit, Make It Fit, Comment. Comment. Create Create Comment. Comment.
Page -5- Sixteen options From simple Fourteen From simple are offered from text, fourteen options are text, fourteen a right click options are offered from a options are menu: Center, offered from a right click menu: offered from a Flush Right, right click menu: Center, Flush right click menu: Indent, Default Center, Flush Right, Indent, Center, Flush Tab Settings, Right, Indent, Default Tab Right, Indent, Paste, Paste Default Tab Settings, Paste, Default Tab Without Settings, Paste, Paste Without QuickMenu from Settings, Font/Attributes, Paste Without Font/Attributes, text: Highlight, Paste, Properties..., Font/Attributes, Properties..., Properties..., What’s This?, Properties..., What’s This?, What’s This?, Font..., What’s This?, Font..., Font..., Symbols..., Font..., Symbols..., QuickFormat..., Spell Checker..., Symbols..., Spell Checker..., Spell Check..., Dictionary, Spell Check..., Shadow Cursor, Reveal Codes, Shadow Cursor, Shadow Cursor, QuickFormat..., Bullets..., QuickFormat..., QuickFormat..., Reveal Codes. Characters.... Reveal Codes, Reveal Codes. Same as WP 8. Drop Cap.
Eighteen Eighteen choices: Paste, Eighteen choices: Paste, Paste Without choices: Paste, Paste Without Font/Attributes, Fifteen choices: Paste Without Font/Attributes, Format..., Paste, F ont/Attributes, Format..., Number Format..., Format..., Number Format..., Number Number Format..., Speed Format..., Format..., Speed Format..., SpeedSpeedFormat..., Borders/Fill..., Format..., Format..., Borders/Fill..., Insert..., Lines/Fill..., Borders/Fill..., Insert..., Delete . . . , Size QuickMenu from Insert..., Insert..., Delete..., Size Column to Fit, within a table Delete..., Size Delete..., Size Column to Fit, Split Cell, Quick Column to Fit, Column to Fit, Split Cell, Quick Sum, Calculate, Split Cell, Quick Split Cell, Quick Sum, Calculate, Quick Format, Sum, Calculate, Sum, Calculate, Quick Format, Chart, Row/Column Quick Format, Chart, Row/Column indicators, Chart, Row/Column indicators, Formula Bar, Row/Column indicators, Formula Table Tools, indicators, Formula Bar, Toolbar, Table What’s This? Formula Bar, Table Tools, Tools, What’s Table Tools, What’s This? This? The What’s This? The same as same as WP 8 WP 8. and 9.
Yes. These were little gray boxes often found in the corners of tables, graphs or next to No; the negative paragraphs. being that there Clicking on a were (and, in QuickSpot was some cases) less intuitive QuickSpots still are a lot of No No than right different things clicking and that can be provided a clicked on with similar selection the mouse. of options. These can be turned on or off and, quite frankly, I turned mine off and left them off.
Page -6- You can control You can control You can control the shape and the shape and the shape and color of the the color of the the color of the Can choose to shadow cursor shadow cursor shadow cursor Shadow Cursor have it simply (which keeps it (so it is not (so it is not on or off. from being confused with confused with confused from the regular the regular the regular cursor). § cursor). § cursor). §
When you reset the tab in the middle of a Tab setting document, there Yes Yes Ditto indicator will be an icon which shows up off margin to indicate this.
Name of font is given, along with Name of font, as Name of font is some font Name of font is well and the given, and the attributes (for given, and the color and font is shown in instance, I can Status Bar (or, color and its attributes are its proper color see italics on Application Bar) attributes (if seen in the and attribute the status bar, any) are on the name of the font (e.g., bold, if but not bold). status bar. § on the status any). § The color of the bar. § font is not on the status bar. Graphics
Color for text, graphics or tables is a Six rows of Six rows o f 16x16 chart, seven colors seven colors offering 16 basic are offered for are offered for colors; 16 text, graphics or text, graphics or shades of 14 tables. A chart tables. A chart colors; and then with a greater with a greater a row of very selection is selection is Same as WP 8 Colors pleasant table available via a available via a and 9 (or letter or mouse click mouse click graphic) color (however, it (however, it choices at the does not appear does not appear bottom. A wider to have as to have as selection of much going on much going on colors is as in WP 7). as in WP 7). available via one mouse click. §
You have to There is a There is a make a There is a seventh top row seventh top row reasonable seventh top row which offers the which offers the Colors guess, if you are which offers the seven most seven most trying to match seven most recently chosen recently chosen colors in a recently chosen colors. § colors. § graphic. colors. §
Page -7- WP 9 can draw WP 10 can hundreds of draw hundreds various shapes of various (along with shapes (along hundreds of with hundreds of Limited Limited Graphics variations) right variations) right compared to MS compared to MS capabilities on the on the Word. Word. document itself document itself without going without going intointo Presentations. Presentations. § §
I don’t know This seems to what has have improved happened here, over WP 9 but I have to (although, for Preview periodically some reason, graphics from Excellent § Excellent § change viewers the images file manager and I still don’t stored in WP 9 always get the often require correct view of specifically the the graphic that WP viewer). § I want to insert.
Menu
OpenOpenOpenOpen documents are documents are documents are documents are Documents listed under listed under listed under listed under W indow on W indow on Window on W indow on menu. menu. menu. menu.
Tables has There is not a returned as a specific menu choice. Graphics or a As in the Tables menu on previous the menu bar, a versions, you full table menu can choose one can be from several added to a different menus toolbar or to a (four, in fact). Graphics and Graphics and property bar. If However, none Tables Menu Tables are you switch to of them offer Menu are available if Menu available. the MS Word graphics as a you choose the §§ menu, you get a heading (which WP 7 menu. §§ table menu; is a mistake in however, if you my opinion). choose to stay The WP 7 menu with a WP is no longer an menu, then you option (although must modify it to it can be copied include graphics from a WP 7 and table template into the choices. WP 10 template). §
Navigation
Page -8- After previous hard return. After a Beginning of Beginning of This works the subsequent paragraph paragraph Ctrl+up arrow same, except hard return. when I go past a To beginning of Beginning of Beginning of Ctrl+down paranum I am present or next paragraph next paragraph arrow sent to the top previous word of the document (but it will also Beginning of Beginning of Ctrl+left arrow (this is a defect go to a hard word word in the version I return as if it Ctrl+right arrow have at work but were a word). Beginning of Beginning of not at home) To beginning of next word next word next word (and to hard returns as well).
This change in WP 10 wreaks havoc with some macros where you macros go forward or backward a certain number or words or paragraphs (for some of you, this will make no difference).
Top of Top of Top of document document document before codes before codes before codes2 Home(3)+up Top of Top of Top of arrow document document document Home(2)+up arrow Top of window Top of window Top of window Home+up arrow Bottom of Bottom of Bottom of Home(2)+down document document document Home+d o wn Bottom of Bottom of Bottom of arrow window window window Page up Page down Top of previous Top of previous Top of previous page page page Top of next Top of next Top of next page page page
In WP 9, the navigation via the mouse seems to be a bit more fluid then in WP 8. That is, it is easier to click The mouse also on what it is you has a more fluid want to do. In feel to it in WP 8, it was WP 10. more difficult to However, inside chose between a table, you can Mouse Not applicable. See WP 9. the changing of also click into a margin or the specific areas placement of (which I did not the cursor on care for; I would one edge or the like to be able to other. In WP 9, turn this feature such a choice, off for tables). § even though it involves pointing to the same location, appears to be more accurate.3 §
2 Sometimes, I get taken to a blank screen in WP 9—the document disappears (a page down takes me to page 2). 3 This may possibly be the improvement of Windows ‘98 second edition over Windows ‘95.
Page -9- Scroll bar does not scroll real time. You tug Document Document Document on it, let go, and moves while moves while moves while Scroll bar then the you tug on the you tug on the you tug on the document scroll bar. § scroll bar. § scroll bar. § adjusts (like MS Word ‘95 and ‘97).
Tables
Click in the table, then click the appropriate Choose two or QuickSpot. Choose two or Choose two or more columns Making columns Then select two more columns more columns and click an equal or more cells and click an and click an specific toolbar from adjacent specific button. specific button. button. columns and click Adjust Columns.
The property bar becomes a The property bar The property bar toolbar designed becomes a becomes a for tables. The toolbar designed toolbar designed other toolbar(s) The toolbar itself Property Bar for tables. The for tables. The remains in changes. other toolbar(s) other toolbar(s) place. I had to remains in remains in modify this place. place. property bar to suit my own needs.
Called QuickFormat Yes Yes Yes SpeedFormat.
Toolbars
Toolbar will change with environment (about a half- dozen different, customizable Environment (or toolbars). It is A separate bar A separate bar A separate bar property) bar difficult to have changes changes. changes. enough buttons on this toolbar apart from ma king it two rows (or columns).
Yes (which can be customized Power bar and features No. No. No. words or icons or both). §
Page -10- OpenOpen documents documents Openappear on the appear on the Open documents are status bar and status bar and documents on Status bar not found on the can be clicked can be clicked the status bar. status bar. on to go from on to go from § one to another. one to another. § §
Content is Content is Content is Content is customizable, Status bar customizable; customizable; customizable; but not the not the location. not the location. not the location. location.
Eighteen choices; a half- dozen or more Twenty-two pre- are context Twenty-one pre- designed specific. All can Eighteen pre- designed toolbars are be customized. designed toolbars included Toolbars Additional non- toolbars and (inclu ding a MS (inclu ding a MS customizable another 43 Word toolbar) Word Toolbar. bars appear or property bars. and 38 property There are 31 can be added bars. different (for footnotes, property bars. hypertext, ruler or tables).
The number of displayed rows or columns of the toolbar can More than one be changed4 toolbar may be (since it is tricky More than one More than one displayed. to customize, toolbar may be toolbar may be Different toolbar should displayed. displayed. toolbars can be be copied and Different Different placed all over then modified Toolbars toolbars can be toolbars can be (one at the top, both more than placed all over placed all over one at the side, one row or (one at the top, (one at the top, etc). This column). one at the side, one at the side, feature allows Adding an extra etc). § etc). § you to conserve column or row space for your to my toolbar documents. § improved the functionality of WP 7 immeasurably.
Raised toolbar Flat toolbar Flat toolbar Flat toolbar buttons; if you buttons which buttons which buttons which don’t care for move when the move when the move when the Toolbar MS Word on cursor is cursor is cursor is appearance principle, then brought over brought over brought over you might prefer them. Look is them. Look is them. Look is this version of very similar to very similar to very similar to WP. MS Word. MS Word. MS Word.
A few of the toolbar buttons (most notably, Fewer icons are hypertext and repetitive and Toolbar outline) are outline and Fewer repetitive Fewer repetitive appearance lame icons. hypertext have icons. § icons. § They have to be been improved. redone. Some § icons are repetitive.
4 Right click the tool bar, choose preferences, options, and increase the number of columns at the bottom of the dialog box.
Page -11- The toolbar button which The toolbar The toolbar allows you to button which button which set the allows you to allows you to justification set your set your (which is one justification justification Toolbar button button as looks like the looks like the Just like WP 8 & appearance opposed to justification that justification that 9. § several, as we you have you have find in Word) chosen. Unlike chosen. Unlike looks the same MS Word, only MS Word, only whether left, one button is one button is right, center, full necessary. § necessary. § or all justified.
The number of Toolbars and Toolbars and Toolbars and rows or property bars property bars property bars Toolbar options columns of a can have more can have more can be up to toolbar can be than one row or than one row or three rows or increased. column. column. columns.
Two spaces on Two spaces on The spacers for a toolbar is less a toolbar is less vertical toolbars than the height than the height do not match of a toolbar of a toolbar the heights of button, and button, and the buttons three is larger. three is larger. themselves. Two spaces This is only This is only However, if you equals exactly important if your important if your set up a do- the height and toolbars are two toolbars are two nothing macro, width of a or more or more that can be toolbar button columns or columns or Toolbar spacers added as a (which is rows. However, rows. However, spacer (you important if your you can set up a you can set up a right click the toolbar is two or macro to do macro to do button, choose more rows or nothing (e.g., nothing (e.g., edit, choose columns). § type a space type a space image, and then and then delete and then delete delete the it) and add that it) and add that image—this button to your button to your makes it a blank interface to get interface to get spot on your the spacing you the spacing you toolbar). want. want.
Tools
WhenWhen When designating a designating a designating a bookmark, when bookmark, when bookmark, when you click on you click on you click create create with the create with the with the mouse, mouse, you mouse, you Bookmarks the okay button must move the must move the for the name of mousemouse the bookmark is somewhat in somewhat in found right order to click the order to click the under the okay button for okay button for mouse. § the name of the the name of the bookmark. bookmark.
Page -12- A new feature with WP 10; a dictionary has been added and access is as Dictionary No No No easy and convenient as QuickCorrect or the Thesaurus. §§
This looks better, but it was a mess to use. I got the wrong symbols over and over again. Again improved It was difficult to and made move from one larger. One can insertion point to still use the The much another. One version found in improved, very option which The old WP 7. Some intuitive equation could be added fashioned, very have Equation editor editor. One can to the menu difficult to deal complained still use the was equation with version. about the font version found in font, but this did used in WP 9. WP 7. § absolutely WP 8’s equation nothing (it would editor can be be nice to set used instead.5 the default § equation font). Because of the problems, this is inferior to WP 9's equation editor.
Yes, and the Yes, and the Yes, and the typing in of a typing in of a typing in of a URL address URL address URL address Link to a URL Yes. automatically automatically automatically makes it a web makes it a web makes it a web link. link. link.
5 I don’t know how to do this off the top of my head; I have just been told that it can be done.
Page -13- Easy to record Earlier macros and edit; many seem to do find macros can be on WP 10, shared between except for the WP 6–9. No fact that some majorof the cursor Easy to record differences movement has Easy to record and edit; most between been changed and edit; many macros can be macros in WP 8 (e.g., ctrl+up macros can be shared between and 9. arrow, etc.). shared between WP 6–9 However, with This has WP 6–9.6 No Macros (sometimes the SP 4, the impacted the major first line of WP 8 macros are not macros as well. differences and 9 macros as compatible. An improvement between must be deleted WP 7 and 8 over WP 9 SP 4 macros in WP 8 to work in WP macros will still is that you no and 9. § 7). run on WP 9 longer get that SP 4, but you irritating will first get an dialogue box the abort, retry, first time you cancel dialogue run a macro in box (click on any given abort). session. §
Running a macro in WP 7 seems to be a lot quicker than running the same macro in The macros The first macro The first macro WP 8 or 9. I seem to run run on any run on any have been told relatively quickly Macros session of session of that this has even the first WP 8 seems to WP 9 seems to something to do time through in be sluggish. be sluggish. with WP 8 and 9 WP 10. § compiling the macro the first time it is run (whatever that means). §
I had trouble opening and editing macros in WP 10, the Any macro can Any macro can Any macro can chief problem be opened and be opened and be opened and Macro editing being that some edited in WP 7. edited in WP 8. edited in WP 9. macros when § § § opened for editing simply caused WP 10 to shut down.
A document can A document can be condensed be condensed Not only can a Not only can a or expanded to or expanded to document be document be any number of any number of condensed or condensed or Make it Fit pages. Very pages. Very expanded, but expanded, but different from different from so can a block so can a block MS Word’s MS Word’s of text. § of text. § Shrink Shrink Document. Document.
6 Macros shared between WordPerfect 7 and other higher vers ions will be recompiled in WP 8 and 9 when they are run. This does slow down the macro, but I am unaware of any other ill-effects. On this computer, I have five versions of WP (including Wp 6.2 for DOS) all sharing the same macros and macro file location. Quite obviously, WP 6.2 cannot make use of many maros created in the higher versions of WP.
Page -14- This is automatic; no automatic No automatic capitalization capitalization after B.C. or Customizable Customizable Customizable after certain afterlist. § list. § list. § words Washington D.C.; but there is after ft. or after in.
Entering new words into QuickCorrect is In WP 8 and 9, quite easy. I you have to use have cued my your F7 (if it is ALT+Q key to keyed to the escape) or your QuickCorrect escape key in dialogue box. I order to leave can immediately Like WP 8 and QuickCorrect QuickCorrect. See WP 8. type in the 9. The position of misspelling, hit these keys tab, type in the makes it correction, hit necessary to return twice, reset my fingers and I am back in on the keyboard my document. again. My fingers never leave the keyboard. §
Automatically corrects words added to QuickCorrect dictionary. It also automatically corrects most words which have only one possible correct Automatically alternate Same as WP 9. Automatically corrects words spelling. I can’t The serious corrects words added to over-emphasize problem is that it added to QuickCorrect how fantastic misidentifies QuickCorrect dictionary as this is. When I some words as QuickCorrect dictionary well as those type a misspelled (QuickCorrect with only one paragraph in when they are must, of course, possible correct WP 7, I often not (this is a be turned on). alternate leave behind up bug, of course). spelling. §§ to a half dozen § errors. When I type the same paragraph in WP, I will have only one or two errors, since WP 9 corrects most of my typing errors automatically. §§
Page -15- With WP 8, we Like WP 8, get sticky Quick except that you Formatting. can, from drop That is, it works down menus, This works like Quick view all of the simply; you Format in WP 7, changes which choose the text except, when occur in real whose format you change the time. This is you want to formatting of great when you copy, and go text which has have formatted with Quick been Quick all of your Format, and Formatted (or subtitles the then use the was the original same via Quick cursor to text from Format, and you Functions like Quick Format change whence the want to see how WP 9. § whatever text formatting was the appearance needs to have taken), then all would change the same of the Quick the overall look format. If you Formatted text of the document change the is changed. in real time formatting of This is one of before applying some Quick the areas where the change in Formatted text, Quickformatting. Like it does not affect Formatting is WP 8, change the other text. head and the format in shoulders above one Quick MS Word’s Formatted text, Format Painting. and they all § change. §
Adequate, but far inferior to WP 7 or 8. Even when this was fixed, the fix appears to be half-baked. The words found therein are Improved over Thesaurus Excellent. § Excellent. § covered in great WP 9. § detail; however, some very simple words are missing entirely. SP 4 has changed the thesaurus, but it has not improved it.
Page -16- QuickFormat QuickFormat works the works the same; however, same; however, Select a word when you when you (or words), change the change the select entirety of entirety of QuickFormat, formatting of formatting of Same as WP 9; and then paint one selection, one selection, when you the words then the other then the other change whose format selections made selections made something you want to withwithwhich has been QuickFormat mimic the first QuickFormat QuickFormat Quickformatted, selection. If you also change. also change. the other change the This is great to This is great to Quickformatted former or the maintain maintain sections change latter’s format, uniformity uniformity as well. § the change without having without having does not affect to go back and to go back and anything else. change change everything or everything or repaint repaint everything. § everything. §
View
It is difficult to tell an acute It is easy to see If the font is accent from a the difference large enough, it grave, both of between the is easy to see Accent marks which are different accent the differences indistinguishable marks in WP 9. of the accent from a soft or § marks. § rough breathing.
When several advances are If the font is used in the made large same line, it enough, several does not always advances look appear on- as they should Several screen in Several on screen under advances look Windows ‘98 as advances Windows ‘98. I as they should Advance view: it will print. appear just as often use font appear on Furthermore, they look on size 11 and run screen under the cursor does screen. § my screen at Windows ‘98. § not match its 85%, in which true position in case, the the letters which advances don’t follow several look as they advances on the should. § same line.
Page -17- Opens to whatever zoom setting you closed the program in. If I set up a toggle switch to toggle between a full page and my preferred 88% Can set the Can set the view, and leave zoom amount zoom amount it in full page under settings under settings when I finish Default View and all and all (which I often do As WP 9. documents documents prior to printing), open with this open with this in the next setting. § setting. § session, WP will open with full page view, but will not toggle to 88%. The solution is to write a macro, put it on a button, and click on it when you need to.
Although Although exponents tend exponents tend to look okay, to look okay, subscripts tend subscripts tend Subscripts and These appear to to look too large to look too large superscripts Exponents, be in the on screen, and on screen, and appear most subscripts document as not exactly like not exactly like accurate in they print. subscripts. subscripts. WP 10. § They print as They print as they should, they should, however. however.
The fonts are named, you see what the font looks like, and, if you have Font drop-down selected text, box. Note: in all The fonts are The fonts are you get to see versions, this named, but you both named and what that text drop down box must know what you see what looks like with MUST be on the the font looks the font looks Just like WP 9. the chosen font. top or the like in advance like with a few §§ This is very bottom of the (it’s like MS illustrative large important if you screen in order Word ‘97 and letters on the just need to see to display previous). screen. § if the font you properly! want has hyphens or other various typographical symbols. §§
Page -18- The italics seem to be a little larger than WP 7. I’ve Italics on the heard one The italics The italics screen look person appear to be of appear to be Font view more like the complain about a reasonable reasonable in italics which are not being able to size in WP 9. WP 10. printed. easily read his favorite font (Courier) on- screen.
Small caps and Small caps and Small caps and Small caps are outline are not outline are not outline are not and outline are properly properly properly Font view not properly displayed under displayed under displayed under displayed in Windows ‘98, Windows ‘98, Windows ‘98, WP 10. second edition. 2nd edition. 2nd edition.
They appear to They appear to be too large in be too large in Footnote Footnote Look too small document. document. numbers appear numbers in footnotes. They do not They do not as they should. print that way, print that way, § however. however.
WP has designed menus and toolbars WP 10, like its specifically for two the MS Word predecessors, WP 7 looks very user. WP has has a very WP 8 has a different from also added Microsoft-like Microsoft-like very similar the MS Word certain features environment. environment: environment to ‘97 and Word which are There is a MS Word. 2000. actually toolbar and unnecessary, menu for the but aid the MS MS Office ‘97 Word user in user. the transition (like Print Preview).
When I go to open up a The preview graphic, and I seems to be preview it first, Sometimes better in WP 10 sometimes the when going into (perhaps it is a preview isn’t the files, when I different large enough or Preview window click through computer that accurate Preview has always them with the has made the enough (SP 4 graphics been good for preview window difference?). I did not solve WP graphics. § open, the cursor had to change this problem). sometimes to the WP Often, I must jumps two files graphic change to the at a time. previewer less WPG previewer. often than I did I wish this were in WP 9. § a stick y function.
Page -19- There is a Print Preview in Yes (WP is still WP 10 just like WYSIWYG; there was in however, there WP 9. The is, in my chief difference version, a bug between this No (WP is No (WP is involving using Print preview and MS Word is WYSIWYG) WYSIWYG) borders and a that all normal watermark formatting together). WP 9 functions are SP 4 seems to still available have solved that when in Print problem. Preview mode in WP.
Yes. This slick feature allows you to view the change a font, a Yes. If you care justification, or what the several other finished product Real-time items would of your No No preview make to your documents document prior looks like, you to applying it. It can’t do without is a must this. §§ feature for the anal-retentive.7 §§
Reveal codes Yes Yes Yes Yes.
Yes. Click anywhere in the Yes, and you Yes, and you document and can click can click you can begin Shadow cursor Yes anywhere in the anywhere in the typing (this can document to document to be set begin typing begin typing according to tabs or spaces).
Supports the Yes (the first Intel Pentium No Office Suite to Yes Yes. with MMX do so) technology.
View/Zoom has become a stick y feature; Can set the Can set the that is, it opens zoom amount zoom amount to whatever under settings under settings Same as WP 9; zoom setting View and all and all it is now a sticky you closed the documents documents feature. program in. I open with this open with this would prefer to setting. setting. choose whether or not this is a sticky feature. Web Features
Default font Default font can Font cannot be be changed. changed.
7 We like out documents to look just so.
Page -20- All text is Colors of text Text colors are Font converted to are retained. § retained. § black.
When you go to When you go to insert the insert a background, you Inserting background, you cannot view the No HTML editor. backgrounds get to view the file first file. (although it says that you can).
Using the Internet Publisher, you can add form fields to your web document. These fields include radio buttons, check Although boxes, selection documents can lists, and text Publishing to be saved to boxes, making HTML seems to HTML, I had the gathering of be slightly some problems information inferior to WP 8. Internet with the easier than It is still not as conversion from ever. This is good of a the Corel format directly quoted conversion as it to the web from Corel. I should be. § format that I primarily used shouldn’t have. save as an HTML document and the transfer from Corel’s format to a web document was generally quite faithful. §
Yes, albeit No. You cannot imperfectly (but Yes, but I would Yes, albeit open and edit an Internet editor the results were use WP 8 or 9. imperfectly. § HTML document better in WP 8 anymore. than with 9). §
Documents can be saved in PDF format, which preserves Yes, and more of the PDF format, Can’t be done in Can’t be done in hyperlinks are formatting than saving in WP 7. WP 8. preserved as HTML does, and well. §§ anyone may download PDF viewer for free. §
Miscellaneous Considerations
Yes, and it is Linux versions Yes. § Not yet. excellent! §§
Page -21- I need to point out that there is a specific version for Linux in these flavors of WP (that is, the windows version of WordPerfect Suite 9 cannot be used on Linux). However, this WP Suite 9 includes the entire suite, and it is almost identical to the Windows version of these products. What I found to be particularly gratifying is that after I had installed the basic Corel Linux system, I was able to slip the Corel Office Suite 2000 into the CD, double click on the install file, and it installed itself with very little input from me. I suspect that it may be as easy to install in any other version of Linux, but I have not tried it. WP 8 is a standalone product for Linux without the other members of the suite and I have not tried to installed it successfully as a separate product; it was installed as part of the first Corel Linux release.
Windows 9X, Windows 9X, Windows 9X, 2000, ME and 2000, ME and 2000, ME and Operating Windows 9X Windows Windows Windows system NT 4.0 and NT 4.0 and NT 4.0 and above. § above. § above. §
I have actually not tested all of these products on these other flavors of Windows. This is as per my understanding of which versions are compatible with which versions of Windows (I believe that Microsoft will have a listing on their web site of what works with what).
I have had stability problems with WP 10 on two different SP-4 has been computers (in very stable (as its first Later versions have the incarnation and Stability Very stable. §§ are very stable. previous with SP 1). §§ incarnations of Opening several WP 9). §§ macros to edit often shuts it down. It has shut down for other reasons as well.
This should be a factor in anyone’s purchase. You don’t want to be continually shutting down your computer and rebooting. Now, the documents which I dealt with were rather complex documents and who knows what cause WP 10 to shut down. Other documents in WP 10 have given me no problem whatsoever. However, there is no way to tell in advance, and using one’s computer is a frustrating experience when your program does not function as it should.
Miscellaneous Features
Can be saved in 77 file formats, as well as HTML Can save in 79 and PDF (which different file must be done Can save in 75 Can save in 79 formats. WP 9 from the menu Compatibility different file different file can be set up to rather than from formats. formats. default save in a save as...). You particular can default save format. § in a particular format as well. §
Page -22- Basic shapes can be drawn None; when you over document. Comparable to Comparable to choose to draw Not as many MS Word ‘97 in MS Word ‘97 in something, you choices as MS terms of being terms of being go into Corel Drawing layer Word ‘97 nor as fluid and having fluid and having Presentations fluid. It is easy a tremendous a tremendous and it is added to end up as a number of number of as a graphics graphics box choices. § choices. § box. being created in Presentations.
Fonts can be embedded in any given Embedded fonts No No document and Yes. § therefore travel with the document. §
When things are When things are When things are When things are replaced, a replaced, a replaced, a replaced, you dialogue box dialogue box dialogue box Find and have no clue as lets you know lets you know lets you know replace to how many how many how many how many were replaced. things were things were things were replaced. § replaced. § replaced. §
Once a search Once a search Once a search from the cursor from the cursor from the cursor Find and to the end of the to the end of the to the end of the replace or document has document has document has search begins beenbeenbeen where the Find and completed, you completed, you completed, you cursor is and replace are prompted are prompted are prompted goes toward the with the option with the option with the option end of the of continuing a of continuing a of continuing a document be search at the search at the search at the default. beginning of the beginning of the beginning of the document. § document. § document. §
Ships with about 1500 special characters and also, it is much easier to access the Ships with about Ships with about Ships with about special Fonts 1500 special 1500 special 1500 special characters for characters. characters. characters. any particular font (Word could always do this, but it was a bit convoluted). §
Page -23- Too many advances on the same line can confuse the printing process in WP 9 as well. It will print, but This is a biggie not all of the When several for some advances will I have advances are people: when show up in print experienced no made on the several as they do on problems here, same line, advances are screen (even but I have not sometimes Printing made on the when using done an things do not same line, print-preview). extensive print the way WP 7 will print This appears to amount of they should or the document do a better job printing with the way that as you see it on than WP 8, but advances. § they look. screen. §§ not as good as WP 7. I have also had advances look wrong on screen, but print correctly in WP 9. §
Yes. An attribute change in one item which has been quick-formatted will change the same attributes in all quick- Yes. An formatted text attribute change groups. What in one item is nice about which has been this is that you Called quick-formatted Same as WP 9. QuickFormat can, for SpeedFormat. will change the § instance, use same attributes QuickFormat on in all quick- all of your formatted text subtitles, and groups. § when you change the formatting of one, it changes the formatting of the others to retain continuity. §
Always opens to Always opens to character set 5 Opens to Opens to character set 5 when first whatever whatever at the beginning opened during a character set character set Special of a session. session. you opened you opened characters Thereafter, it Thereafter, it previously, even previously, even opens to opens to during a new during a new wherever you wherever you session. § session. § were last. were last.
Page -24- Specifically for Windows 95 and NT 4.0 (I have used it on Designed for Designed for Win ‘98 without Designed for Windows 95, 98 Win ‘95, NT any problems Windows 95, 98 and NT 4.0 and 3.51 (with the on three and NT 4.0. I above. I have warning that separate have run WP 9 run WP 9 (no somecomputers). A (no service service packs) Windows applications friend has had packs) under under compatibility may not run on serious speed Windows 2000 Windows 2000 this version) and problems with without incident without incident NT 4.0. I have WP 8 and (but I was only (but I was only used it on NT 4.0 and I able to do this able to do this Win ‘98 without have heard of as a trial for a as a trial for a incident. other, isolated few hours). few hours). incidents of problems between these two
Summary: In no wise do I want to give you the idea that any of these versions of WordPerfect is merely adequate. I used WP 7 most of the time at home because 98% of what I need to do can be done via WP 7. However, I do not use it simply because I am unable to change to a different program. I used WP 8 at work until the day that I got my copy of WP 9 and I have stayed with 9 at work. The equation editor is far superior in 8 and 9. No matter which of the three programs that you use, I suspect that you will be happier with them than any other word processing program on the market. For some of you, your needs at this point in time would not really make one version superior to another. If you are new to computers or to Corel, then let me recommend WP 9. If you are new and broke, then let me recommend WP 7 or 8; you can purchase these through eBay or any number of on-line auctions, as well as through several different software companies (I have seen the entire Corel WP 8 office suite for as little as $11 on the Internet). If you have used MS Word and don’t find it meeting your needs (or find it to be too convoluted), then WP 8 or 9 would be your best bet.
Each version has its own peculiarities which recommends it. Version 7 lacks the Microsoft-like environment, it comes with a specific graphics and a specific table menu heading, and it is not confused by using the advance feature several times on the same line. The version which I have (7.0.2.19; no updates) has been very stable under Windows ‘95 and ‘98. WordPerfect 8 also tends to be very stable (I have version 8.0.0.393 without updates) has also been very stable and looks more like a Microsoft product (a negative, in my opinion). For whatever reason, this version seemed to open up more documents with more accuracy than versions 7 or 9. The equation editor of version 8 is light years ahead of version 7; I use the former all the time and the latter not at all (it just isn’t intuitive enough). Although WP 9 improved its equation editor, I am not yet convinced that it was an improvement. Some people have used workaround’s to use their WP 8's equation editor under WP 9. Also, in dealing with weaknesses, I know of several incidents where WP 8 (and, in fewer cases, WP 7) did not appear to be compatible with Windows NT. So far, that does not appear to be the case with WP 9. It is possible that those reviewers who raved about WP 9's stability were operating under the NT OS. Now, areas where WP 9 has improved is that the drawing options found in Word ‘97 are now found in WP 9; and real-time preview is a marvelous idea.
If you are a math teacher, then you will not want WP 7 (unless you are familiar with their old equation editor, which sucks); if you want stability and a full-blown product, I would go with WP 8 (although the most recent version of WP 9, with service pack 4, is a big improvement in this area); if you are anal-retentive and you keep experimenting with the font and the size until your document looks perfectly balanced, then you need WP 9.
Now, I did not produce this document simply for WP fans. 95% of the time, you will come to like any version of WordPerfect more than Microsoft Word or Word Pro or Star Writer (those who don’t generally have never given any recent version WP a try). You will find WordPerfect more intuitive, easier to use, and it has more powerful features. I have, in other comparisons studies published on the web, placed WP 9 side-by-side MS Word 2000, and, in the most thorough comparison, have shown WP 9 to be the superior program, by far, when it comes to features, power and ease-of-use. I want to say something about ease-of-use. I worked with a brand-new teacher a few years ago—this is a teacher who, when using a computer, had just learned that double-clicking on an icon would start up a program (she was a novice). I put a copy of WP 8 on her computer, gave her about 20 minutes of instruction (and later on, another 20 minutes of instruction). She produced in her first year many test and worksheet documents which looked professional, clean and balanced. By contrast, other members of our department who used MS Word, and had used MS for several years, and most of whom had MS Word on their computers at home, were continually adding additional mathematical markings to all of their documents after they had been printed. By contrast, their documents, even without their additional marks, were inferior to those of the novice computer user. Now, in some cases, the problem was that they did not know that MS Word could add the markings that they added by hand (MS Word simply is not as user-friendly); in other cases, adding these markings was their only option, as MS Word ships without about 150 poorly organized symbols whereas WP ships with 1500
Page -25- reasonably well-organized symbols. What I am saying to you is that, if you are a teacher of math, science or a foreign language; or if your documents require several specialized symbols; then you want some version of WordPerfect.8 You will find even WP 7 (a 1996 product) to be a superior product to MS Word 2000, even though four years is an eternity in the computer software business.
Summary
Although WP 9 seemed to take a move backward in publishing to HTML (the colors of the fonts were often not preserved); WP 10 removes the ability to edit HTML documents, but provides a better result when publishing to HTML than all the other previous editions. Publishing to PDF The biggest plus is also preserves My version (8.0.0.393 real-time preview; I hyperlinks, which is without updates) is use it all of the time. great if you have a very stable; the The ability to draw web document with equation editor is shapes is nice. This hyperlinks whose WordPerfect 7 does outstanding, as is the version might be format you want not have a Microsoft thesaurus. I could more compatible with preserved entirely. appearance; it comes import menus, Windows NT, with a graphics and toolbars and although one of my Upon installation, tables menu, is not keyboards from WP 7 friends who has WP 10 took in the confused by many without causing Windows NT claims WP 9 QuickCorrect Strongest advances on the stability problems. no stability information, so that I points: same line, and my improvement. I have did not have to begin version, 7.0.02.19 WP 8 is outstanding personally used this from scratch here. It (without updates) has for converting a on Windows 2000, did not import any been very stable on document to HTML. with no problems (but previous toolbars, Windows ‘95 and ‘98. In conversing with a it was for a short menus or keyboards, Also, the thesaurus is user of MS Word, he period of time) however. excellent. was surprised that so many of the If you want to save I wasn’t certain how I formatting was your documents in a would take to the retained by WP in PDF format, then you addition of the such a conversion. must have WP 9 or dictionary, but I have 10. used it on several occasions, which indicates to me that it was an important addition.
Since I have always made the most of modified keyboards, using as many as four different keyboards on the same computer, the fact that you can print out your keyboard shortcuts now in a
8 In following out a discussion once on a MS Word help line, a pers on pos ed the problem of needing a particular symbol and could not find it anywhere with MS Word. Several MS Word experts tried to help and eventually it was resolved. I’ve used that same symbol for years in WordPerfect; finding it was not big deal.
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table file is helpful.
The table menu was also restored to WP 10; they ought to restore their graphics menu as well.
My version (9.0.0.664; This is the first time with two service pack that I have bought updates) tends to be WP within a couple rather unstable. weeks of its coming Some don’t like the out, but what I ended changes which have up with was been made to the particularly bug- equation editor ridden. Given that I (although there is a use MS Windows ‘98, way to substitute in Corel was aware of the equation editor of any conflicts or version 8). I problems that could personally like the have occurred and newer equation they should have editor. been fixed prior to this release. The thesaurus available in the The equation editor is update is only half- all messed up. I had finished. The existing hoped that we could thesaurus is very set the default font for limited in its scope. A it (as there is a very important command for negative about WP 9 equation font). You I have heard of is that the importation cannot. Many of the problems with of keyboards and Greek letters do not Windows NT. WP 8 toolbars from come out to be the lacks the drawing The equation editor is previous versions Greek letters one options of WP 9. If very un-intuitive; one seems to reduce the would expect in We akest you use a lot of cannot do as much stability of WP 9. I equation editor and I Points: advances in a single drawing as one can have not noticed this, have had it shut down line, this may not print with WP 9. however, with SP 3 or on me several times. correctly. Final with SP 4. versions can generally be printed Another problem with In fact, I purchased perfectly by WP 7. SP 4 and before is the earliest version of that when I use a WP 10, and its menu or toolbar instability is command, I always unparalleled among get a dialogue box on WP products on my first use, for which I computer. I cannot must click abort. open several macros After I do that one to edit without it time, everything is shutting down. fine. My toolbar was created in WP 10 and There is a new the menu was feature called Corel created in WP 8, so Recovery Manager perhaps that is the (or some damn problem. This occurs thing), which collects on all three information on what computers that I use. happened (I don’t know whether this Next problem is that I information is ever have had my speller really transmitted to shut down on me to Corel). What it does where I cannot add not do is instantly additional words or save your work. place any additions
Page -27-
A big problem with this initial release is that it makes changes to particular punctuation marks (I have had it continually remove the second parenthesis or bracket for no reason). I have also had correctly spelled words underlined as misspelled in WP 10. I could right click them and choose add (there are no variant spellings offered in into my this case), and then it QuickCorrect. This is fine until it feels like has happened on two doing it again. computers. Now, I am a strong supporter of Corel and what they have done with WordPerfect. What I want to do is to give you an unqualified recommendation to go out and buy this latest version. However, my copy of WP 10 was so bug- ridden that I cannot recommend it. We need to wait until a few updates or SP’s come out first.
WordPerfect is such an inexpensive product (go to ebay and type in Corel WordPerfect), that almost anyone can afford to have all three versions. Space is often more of a consideration than is price. I do a lot of formatting and have several varied uses for this product, so I have all four versions on each computer. With the projects that I do at home, I don’t use real-time Conclusion: preview much, so I do most of my work on WP 9 (I used to do it in WP 7). At school, I use real- time preview with practically every document, as the documents I produce are printed and distributed; I therefore use WP 9 and 10 there (although occasionally I used WP 7 to print a document which contains a lot of advances).
Final Scores
Total Number 21 37 40 49 of § ‘s
Unfortunately, the total number of §’s does not tell the whole story. WP 10, at least in its first incarnation, is very buggy. If you are looking to move up from WP 9, I would wait about six months (until a couple of SP’s have come out). If you are moving up from MS Word any Comments version, you might find WP 9 the better choice right now (which will have to be gotten off the Internet; ebay should have a lot of copies available). If you have WP 9, but you want better Internet publishing capabilities, then, by all means, pick up WP 10. You may find yourself working often in WP 9, however, and then publishing from WP 10.
Addendum on WordPerfect 9 SP 4: Recently (October of 2000), WP put out Service Pack 4 for WP 9. It is not a download, as are WP SP’s 1–3, but is a separate CD (they ship it to you for the modest sum of $9.95). I had a few problems with Corel Suite 2000 which did not seem to get solved with service packs #1–3. I ordered the CD
Page -28- and installed it. There were some dramatic changes. First of all, the location of the macros and templates had changed. I keep my macros under one folder right off my D drive, as I use nearly 350 macros (really), not including the macros which WP ships with (whic h I r a r e ly use), so I therefore change the macro folder and then organize my macros on the hard drive. That is easy to change under Location of Files under Settings (which is found under Tools on the menu). The changing of the template folder threw me for a loop, as I was not expecting it. WP had kept that under the Corel Folder and under Templates. When the WordPerfect Suite is removed using their removal software, many of the customized settings are left, as some of the folders are left behind (e.g., the Templates, which includes the menus, toolbars and keyboards). It is recommended that you uninstall the WP 2000 Suite prior to installing SP 4 (which is simply an entirely new program). This time, with the new installation, you must either change the location of the default template or the location of the template folders in order to retrieve some of your original settings. I assume the reason that these things were moved was so that it was less likely that you would erase your custom settings if you uninstalled a version of WP (their uninstall program does not remove custom settings, e.g., keyboards, templates and macros), but if you went back and wiped out the WP folders, then they would be gone. These things are now placed in the Windows directory, so they are less likely to be removed by accident. I have worked with SP 4 long enough to determine that it is relatively stable, although, after 4–8 hours of computer use (and using several different programs), I often have to reboot. At home, on a system which is not networked, I have to reboot about every other day, and it appears to be related just as much to the use of Winfax and my connection to the Internet as with WP.
At home, I had lost my QP toolbars in my original installation of Corel Office 2000. I had them for awhile and then they disappeared. Now, they continued to appeared under the Settings but I could not get them to actually become a part of the interface (I may have been the only person with this problem). When I uninstalled Suite 9 and reinstalled it with SP 4, the toolbars returned and behaved. There was one bug in WP Office Suite which seems to have been solved. When I used to hit home+home+up, I would go to the top of the document, but, often, the document would appear to have disappeared (it had not; it was simply a blank-looking screen). I have not had that problem with SP 4. However, I have experienced a plethora of other problems with SP 4 in WordPerfect. When I opened this document to work on, for instance, the margins were all out of whack (actually, all of the text was doubly indented from both sides, with the dotted lines for the margins further out). I guessed perhaps the document style was off. That was not the problem. To solve the problem, I opened this document in WP 8, selected all of it, and then pasted it into a blank WP 9 document. Everything was fine. I have not had similar problems with smaller documents however. Some of the relative sizes of the WP characters have been out of proportion on one particular computer (a Gateway, if memory serves; but this was not true of two other Gateways that I was aware of in the same network). I have opened some documents at school with square root signs which should extend two lines and they are shorter. I open the same document in WP 8, and they open fine. This has only been the case with several characters which are larger than one line high. Obviuosly, this is irritating, and I have no idea why it occurs on one computer but not on a computer which is (supposedly) identically configured. Another problem I have experienced is with certain macros. When I go to run my first macro, I get a dialogue box which advises me to abort, retry or ignore; clicking on abort generally allows the macro to complete its cycle and to function correctly (although, not always). Then, all of my macros will continue to work throughout that session; however, when I close WP 9 and then fire it up again, again, the very same macro will act up again upon first use. What I have done is the first line of most of my macros reference a particular language version of WP, which name apparently changed slightly for the SP 4 version of WP 9. I placed two forward slashes on that first line of those macros and now my first macro, under SP 4, asks me if I want to abort, retry or ignore; I choose abort, and usually, everything is fine after that. My guess is that if I rewrote all my macros in WP 9, that would eliminate that problem; however, who wants to rewrite 350 macros? WP 10 runs all of my macros without incident (however, I have had several instances in WP 10 when opening three macros caused WP 10 to shut down—and this was on a computer with a reasonable amount of speed and memory).
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