Display article   Subject:  Windows and DeskMate!
   04/30/97   18:27:45


WINDOWS AND DESKMATE!

With the increased popularity of 386SX-, 386-, 486SX-, and
486-based computers, the demand for Microsoft Windows 3.0 is
increasing dramatically.  Let's take a look at how DeskMate and
Windows 3.0 compare: the similarities and the differences.
We'll also take a more in-depth look at the benefits of Windows
3.0.

As graphical user interfaces, DeskMate and Windows have a lot
in common.  Both of these products make PCs easier to use by
providing a point (at what you want to do) and click (to do it)
environment.  And they both include several application programs
and accessories.  Similar applications included in both are: word
processing (TEXT and Write), data base (FILER and Cardfile),
draw/paint programs (DRAW and Paintbrush), and
telecommunications.  Some of the accessories common to both are:
a calculator, a clipboard, and a notepad (Corkboard in DeskMate).

What is the difference?  Windows has advanced graphics and
several advanced features (like multi-tasking and memory
management) that need a lot of computing power for best results.
DeskMate is optimized to work with a 286 (or smaller) processor.

To allow Windows to run an 8088/8086/80286 based computer,
Microsoft has included 3 different "modes" of operation:  Real
(for 8088/8086), Standard (for 80286 or less), and Enhanced (for
386 or better).  While it is possible to use Windows in the Real
Mode or the Standard Mode on some 8088/8086/80286 computers,
critical features like multi-tasking are lost or operate at an
unacceptable speed on these smaller computers.  Even a 386
computer must have 2 MB of RAM to take advantage of the advanced
features and use the Enhanced Mode.

Competitors will sometimes bundle Windows with a 386SX
computer that has 1 MB of memory.  In this configuration,
competitor's computers cannot use many of the advanced features
available in the Enhanced Mode.

                           DeskMate             Windows 3.0
----------------------------------------------------------------

                                      Real    Standard  Enhanced
                                      Mode      Mode      Mode
----------------------------------------------------------------
Operating System           MS-DOS     MS-DOS   MS-DOS    MS-DOS

Minimum RAM                512K       640K      1 MB      2 MB

Maximum RAM                640K       640K     16 MB     32 MB

Task Switching             Yes        Yes      Yes       Yes

Multi-Tasking              No         No       No*       Yes

Minimum CPU            8088/8086  8088/8086    80286    80386SX

Speed on minimum CPU      Good       Poor     Below       Good
                                             Average

Graphics Use            Limited   Extensive  Extensive  Extensive

Keyboard Utilization   Excellent   Limited    Limited    Limited

Targeted Computers        Tandy     Tandy      Tandy      Tandy
                          1000s     2500s      2500s     2500 SXs
                          2500s                           4000s
                                                          4800s

* Very limited multi-tasking is available, and it is limited by
system RAM

- Windows needs a 386SX, 386, 486SX, or 486 processor to work
  best
- DeskMate 3.5 works on any PC-compatible with 512K RAM

- Windows will address up to 16 MB of RAM in the Standard Mode
  Windows will address up to 32 MB of RAM in the Enhanced Mode
- DeskMate will only use the 640K of RAM allowed by MS-DOS

- In the Enhanced Mode, Windows is multi-tasking, allowing the
  computer to do several things at once!
- DeskMate allows the computer to switch between two TASKS

- Windows makes extensive use of graphics (like icons) throughout
  the interface
- DeskMate uses text (in Program Boxes) instead of graphics (to
  save memory)

- Windows almost requires a mouse
- DeskMate works well with either a mouse or the keyboard



Major Windows 3.0 Benefits

Welcome to the world of Windows!  More than 6 million copies of
Windows 3.0 have been shipped since its introduction.  Microsoft
predicts that more than 50% of the DOS installed base (more than
20 million systems) will convert to Windows 3.0.  You can see
that it clearly has industry acceptance.

Let's take a more in-depth look at some other major benefits of
Windows 3.0: memory management (up to 32 MB of RAM),
multi-tasking, and application availability.

DOS alone is limited to 640K bytes, and even with LIM/EMS (DOS
memory managers), DOS systems are limited to running one
application at a time.  With Windows 3.0 running in the Enhanced
Mode, it is possible to use the hard drive as additional RAM (up
to 16 MB).  That's because Windows 3.0 takes more complete
advantage of the protected and virtual modes of the 80386 (and
80386SX).  To many, that means more power, and the need for
machines without a huge amount of memory.

Windows advanced memory management capability allows the program
to "break the 640K barrier." 286- and 386-based units now have
access to available RAM, up to 16 MB (and 32 MB for 80386
systems).  Power users can now work with all of their
applications and files at the same time.  A standard MS-DOS
application such as Lotus 1-2-3 can run in a window on 386
hardware alongside a graphical application like PageMaker.  This
allows users to copy information from Lotus and paste them
directly into PageMaker.

Windows, like DeskMate, can run standard DOS applications, but
there are currently more than 900 Windows applications available,
and the number is expected to reach more than 1,500 by early
1992.  And like DeskMate, all Windows programs work the same way!
Windows application programs include best-selling spreadsheets
like EXCEL and Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows, and desktop publishing
programs like Aldus PageMaker.  See your local Radio Shack Dealer
to get a list of available Windows software.


Conclusion

DeskMate and Windows are both Graphical User Interfaces.  Both
have a lot in common, from the point-and-click interface to the
included applications and accessories.  DeskMate is optimized for
use on a PC with any processor and 512K.  Windows is optimized
for a 386SX or an even more powerful machine with more than 1 MB
of memory.
