
This file contains comments from our subscribers that did not require a response from our editors or programmers.  We also have a file which contains questions from our subscribers along with answers from our editors and/or programmers.  That file is available as "ASK ODM."

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Dear ODM:
Great issue!  I've been waiting for the Cribbage game since you mentioned it in Ronda's editorial column months ago.  Every time I was tempted by a commercial product I'd tell myself to wait.  It was worth the wait!

I made up a birthday card and sent it to a friend in California.  Haven't heard a response yet.  But I think it's neat.  I'm looking forward to additional options in the future.  Keep up the good work.

Candy Malloy

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Dear On Disk

I have been a subscriber since issue #34 and I have never gotten around to writing just to tell you how much I enjoy your programs.

I like the P.S. Images as they are always a nice addition to my collection.  P.S. Utilities 5 was an excellent upgrade, I only wish it would do labels three across, but it does a great all-around job.

Your games are often a challenge and even sometimes addicting.  

I like Memo Writer from issue #76, I'm using it to write this letter, and of course the templates on issue #78.

In closing, I thank you for the quality programs, and  keep up the excellent work.

Jim Drascon

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Dear ODM:

I particularly enjoy card games, brain teasers, and things that require a lot of thought, BUT NOT MURDERS, DUNGEONS, ETC!

I do not understand Microsoft DOS 3.3.  I have a program that is supposed to teach me DOS but today my computer balked at one of the DOS commands.  I blame myself for my "ignorance" but then I remember that I learned five other systems before I got my Tandy and this is being typed on a dedicated word-processing typewriter.

I wish I had VGA, I wish I had Broderbund.  Guess I'll have to go looking for them.

Thank you for letting me air my thoughts about computers and ODM.

Frances Osawa

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Dear ODM:

One of the first things I do when I get a copy of On Disk Monthly is to read the department columns files.  I usually find that I have learned something useful after I've read the letters and I usually agree with the editorial.  Your column for issue #81 struck some chords in my head and what follows is the result:

You stated in your column that everyone should upgrade now to a "state-of-the-art machine (or words to that effect!)  After a 21-year military career spent working on various types of electronic equipment, and an equal amount of time reading various electronics magazines, I think I can say that there ain't no such thing as a "state-of-the-art" piece of electronic equipment, which includes computers.  Before you can even unwrap it and pull it out of the box, any new gadget is outdated.

I bought a clone wrapped around a 386sx chip thinking that it would be good for at least a few years, it cost me $1,800.  Today, 2 years later, I can buy a 486sx-based system with better specifications for half the price   If I had known the PENTIUM chip was in the works I would have waited and bought a 486 system (famous last lament!).  I don't think there's any way that an individual can afford to keep up with the speed of advancement in the electronics industry (is anyone ready for HEXIUM?)

Now for your Windows comments:

This letter is being composed using GEOWORKS ENSEMBLE 2.0.  The font is 14 point Architect from the MOREFONTS TYPEFACE COLLECTION from MicroLogic Software of Emeryville, CA.

Like Windows, GeoWorks offers a very consistent user interface with quite a few options that the user can modify for his/her needs.  Unlike Windows it comes with a good selection of ready to use programs which is the reason I bought it.  I had considered buying Windows, but the expense of buying the programs I would want to go along with it put it outside my budget.  Like Windows this program can share data between the various applications.  Unlike Windows I don't have to spend a couple of hundred dollars for the word processor, the database, the spreadsheet, etc.

I like GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) and I'm a WIMP-type person (Windows-Icons-Mice-Pointers).  I am finding this program to be exactly what I was looking for, and I swear that it supports every mouse and printer in the world.  My only concern is that it won't catch on and will go the way of the dodo.  Some day when I'm rich and famous I may still make a foray into the Windows world (then again I may just buy OS-2 and never have a need for it).  My "prayer" every night is that the shareware and "professional" markets will discover this excellent program and start producing programs to add on to it (HINT, HINT).

I agree that Windows will not evaporate when we turn our backs, I'm just tired of seeing excellent ideas restricted to just one operating system.  There are several excellent electronics-oriented programs that I would love to get but they are only for Windows.

Well, that's all I've got to say and I'll stop wasting your time.  Thank you for producing an excellent product called On Disk Monthly, I'll be renewing soon.

Sincerely,
Hal Flint

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Dear ODM:

I've just read "Letters" and I'm sorry but I'm confused!  When I subscribed to ODM (back when it was Big Blue Disk) I understood it to be a supplement, not a substitute, for programs I already used.  Or a sample of things I might be interested in.  I never expected it to be a $500.00 program!  However, while everyone else is struggling with "Quicken," "Check King" and I are still going strong.  I don't program and don't want to but I enjoy almost every issue.  I play some of the games, read all of the letters and take some of the quizzes.  I intend to fill in the gaps in my subscription and have just renewed for another 24 months.  Keep up the good work--it suits me fine!

P.S. My son is a computer nerd.  Loves your magazine too!

Thanks,
Barbara Randall