After installation - you only use CD1 or the three provided - at the first run you have a choice to make which of four interfaces do you want to use. The choices are WordPerfect mode, Microsoft Word mode, WordPerfect Classic mode (that's the DOS product that ruled the word 5.1) or Legal mode. I suspect most today will choose Microsoft Word mode as at schools and colleges that is what is mainly taught. However at any time it is possible to swap toolbars to mimic either Word or WordPerfect.

Whenever the new version of Microsoft Word appears it will support PDF files, here WordPerfect already does so one up to the ex champ.

The WordPerfect suite is not only the word processor but also Quattro Pro a spreadsheet that is Excel compatible, on first run you get the choice of Quattro mode, Excel mode of Lotus 1-2-3 mode. Finally Presentations that is in many cases is better and easier to use that Microsoft's PowerPoint.

See also: Productivity

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Since WordPerfect was sold many years ago it has been through several hands and only now have Corel decided to promote what they have. On the same day that CorelDRAW X3 was launched at London Zoo (article published one week ago) WordPerfect X3 was also sneaked out, no big presentation no fanfare just the product manager and a laptop in the corner of the pavilion at London Zoo, why the same day and why so low profile? I certainly don't know but as people of my age who where brought up on F3 for help and Alt F4 etc die out so I fear will a very good package unless the owners of Corel start trumpeting about what they have.

I have mentioned the three main components but you also have the option to install WordPerfect Mail an email package that searches rather quicker than it's Microsoft competitor can. You can of course import Outlook emails, contacts and meetings into it. It is possible to search the WWW and access online resources and tutorials direct from within 'X3'.

The system requirements are as little as 128MB of RAM although 256MB is recommended, it can also work with an Windows 98SE (with critical updates) although Windows 2000 and Windows XP are the main platforms. A 466MHz processor is stated as the minimum recommended, while close to 600MB or hard disc space is required for a full install and only 800x600 Super VGA is required for resolution.

Little mention is made of the Pocket Oxford Dictionary that is included. The close to 10,000 clip art images or 900 true type fonts that occupy disc two but anyone who knows Corel knows that they love adding value. CD3 contains specially recorded training videos and for people who like manuals there is one provided at just over 300 pages it covers most questions.

Corel have a great product, yes today you need to have Microsoft compatibility and this is there what they need to do is shout about it, sadly it seems this is not being done. So will the King continue to live in exile I suppose so but the King currently still has a loyal fan base especially in vertical markets like legal. Come on Corel promote it now before we all kick the bucket and increase King Bill's coffers even more.

My Internet searches found it at £213.97 for the full product or £101.97 for the upgrade from previous versions both from Amazon including free delivery.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000DN7JMQ/kelkoo-software-misc-21/ref%3Dnosim/203-9843933-1104751