Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!apple!sun-barr!newstop!texsun!letni!void!ozdaltx!doug
From: doug@ozdaltx.UUCP (Doug Matlock)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Desqview and Windows
Summary: Okay, I'll bite.
Message-ID: <6683@ozdaltx.UUCP>
Date: 8 Jul 90 01:06:26 GMT
References: <112649@linus.mitre.org>
Organization: AIDS INFO EXCG/OZ BBS - Dallas, TX
Lines: 70

In article <112649@linus.mitre.org>, mitchell@community-chest.uucp (George Mitchell) writes:
> I am seeking opinions on the following three configurations:
>   - Windows 3.0
>   - Deskview 2.3
>   - Desqview AND Windows
> The target environment will (probably) be 386SX w/ 2M RAM, VGA, mouse,
> 1.2M & 1.44M floppies, 40M HD, and internal modem.  In particular what
> are the pros and cons with respect to:
> 
> 1. Documentation.

Windows documentation is more user oriented and DV's is more technically
oriented.  (I prefer DV, but I'm a techie)  DV tech support (phone,
FAX, BBS) are fairly notorious for being very crowded and thus frustrating.
I've no experience with MSoft tech support.

> 2. Ease of installation/administration

DV can be quite a problem to install, especially in a LAN or other
environment that has a lot of drivers.  On the other hand, it is very
flexible: you have access to just about every tuning parameter thinkable.
Windows is much easier to install, but much less flexible.  If it knows
about your LAN, everything's okay, if it doesn't, it just refuses to load.
Not many parameters are available for tweaking, and the documentation doesn't
go into enough detail on how it works to figure out if it needs tweaking or
not.  Basically, Windows is an out-of-the-box application.  DV is not.

> 3. Ease of learning

Not much to learn with either one.

> 4. Ease of use

Not much here either.  Windows complains a lot more than DV, and refuses to
run some apps (notably Borland's Compilers).  DV doesn't complain as much,
but it seems to lock up a little more.  (I've not had a lot of trouble with
either of these locking up).

> 5. Predicted stability (Are there major changes coming soon,
>      e.g., Motif compatible Windows?)

Motif and Open Look compatible Desqview has been announced for later this
year.  Haven't heard anything on the 
Windows side, other than a smooth path to OS/2 2+.  (The OS/2 2+ kernel
is supposed to be able to run Windows apps).

> 5. Demands on resources

Windows seems to be more of a resource hog.  I haven't done any formal testing,
that's just my observation.

> 6. [other considerations]

Well, DV lets you hold onto character mode for a little longer.  Does anyone
know if it is possible to write a character mode application that makes use
of other Windows features (such as interprocess communication and 
multitasking) but avoiding the painful transition to GUI?  It seems the
answer is no, but I can't see a good reason why not.


I have both DV and Windows 3.0.  I was real impressed by Windows when I got
it, it is gorgeous.  But I went back to DV because I can do the things I
do easier and faster, and I have more control over my environment.

Hope my observations are helpful.

-- 
Doug.

"If you want Peace, work for Justice."