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From: barry@ames-lm.UUCP (Kenn Barry)
Newsgroups: net.micro.apple
Subject: Re: Softerm 2, a review
Message-ID: <374@ames-lm.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 5-Jul-84 02:32:47 EDT
Article-I.D.: ames-lm.374
Posted: Thu Jul  5 02:32:47 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 1-Jul-84 06:31:18 EDT
References: <427@ittral.UUCP>
Organization: NASA-Ames Research Center, Mtn. View, CA
Lines: 38

[<+>]

     I'd like to second Doug Hall's very positive review of "Softerm 2".
I have been using "Softerm" (earlier version - no longer
available) for about a year, now, and there is no other terminal
software for the Apple that's even in the same league. I can
confirm that it performs flawlessly at 9600 baud, and that it
does exact terminal emulations - no problems at all with 'vi'.
     It also supports a very wide variety of hardware; most
serial cards, most modems, most printers and printer interfaces,
most 80-column cards.
     The only desirable features lacking on my older version of
"Softerm" is the ability to upload and download CP/M and Pascal
files, and support for XMODEM protocol. These lacks resulted in
our buying "Softerm 2" when it appeared.
     So why, do you ask, am I not using the newer version? Because
"Softerm 2" has one flaw - that card that adds the extra buttons
to your keyboard. The Apple I use doesn't have a slot to spare for
another card, especially for a card used by only one program. If
that won't be a problem for you, then I recommend "Softerm 2"
unreservedly, but if your Apple is as crowded as ours is, or if
you're running a IIc (no slots), better find another program.
     I frankly think the company made a bad decision when they
added this card to the package, and I'm hoping the arrival of
the IIc on the market will cause them to create a "Softerm 3"
that doesn't require it. I also do not understand why the (long,
detailed, full-page) ads for "Softerm 2" fail to make any mention
of this 'feature'. Perhaps they realized it was not a selling-
point, but rather a copy-protection scheme?
     But I dilute my praise. To repeat: as long as you're not
slot-shy, and can afford the $200.00 price tag, I can't praise
this program highly enough. You will not be disappointed.

                                                Kenn Barry
                                                NASA-Ames Research Center
                                                Moffett Field, CA
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