PC-File
PC-Filewas aflat file databasecomputer applicationmost often run underMS-DOS.It was one of the first of three widely popularsoftwareproducts sold via themarketingmethod that became known asshareware.[1]It was originally written byJim "Button" Knopfin late 1982, and he formed the companyButtonwareto develop, market, and support it.
The program was usually distributed for the cost ofdiskettesby localuser groups.There was nocopy protectionand a manual was distributed as a file on the same diskettes as the program. It was extremely simple to use and extremely stable. It ran on just about any PC, while competing commercial products costing hundreds ofdollarswere often picky and full ofbugs.
Knopf originally wrote the software for his own use to manage a church mailing list, on anApple II.Later, he ported it toCP/M,and then to MS-DOS. Other people heard about it, and started requesting copies. Eventually, the cost of sending out update disks inspired Knopf to include a note requesting a small cash donation to offset the expenses. The response was overwhelming, and when his income from PC-File exceeded "ten times" what he was making from his job at IBM, he decided to turnButtonwareinto a full-time business.
After PC-File version 3.0, Buttonware released PC-File/R, which had limited "relational" capabilities. In 1987, PC-File+ was rewritten to use the populardBASEIII file format.
PC-File forMicrosoft Windowsv8 was published by Outlook Software / Ace Software (previously Good Software) in 1994. This version works on Windows 3.1, 95, 98, and XP, but uses the8.3 file namingconvention. PC File will not run on Windows 7 64 bit, even in the XP compatibility mode, but will run in 'XP Mode'.[2]
Reception
[edit]In a 1984 review of databases,PC Magazinefound that "quite a few... rough edges" existed, but concluded that "on a performance/price basis, [PC-File III] may be the best money you'll ever spend".[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Watt, Peggy (January 14, 1985)."'Shareware' Makers Expanding ".InfoWorld.Vol. 7, no. 2. p. 18.ISSN0199-6649.
- ^The Complete Guide to PC-File, Version 5.01
- ^O'Brien, Bill (1984-06-12)."PC-File III: Best Performance for Price".PC Magazine.p. 177.Retrieved24 October2013.
External links
[edit]- Article about Jim "Button" Knopf,from Dr. Dobb's Journal