Word Perfect

DwayneA · Nov 1, 2007

I purchased a copy of this word processor off Ebay. Can anyone tell me their experience with it and its features so what I can expect?

ShebaJones · Nov 1, 2007

The last WordPerfect version I used was...6? Anyway, I was still using Windows 3.11 at the time (the program came on 12 installation disks), so my knowledge isn't current.

That said, I thought it was awesome, and I'd probably still be using it if my laptop hadn't died.

OctoberRain · Nov 1, 2007

Which version did you buy? I learned on WP 5.1 back in the early 90's and it's completely different than the versions that are more recent. WP 5.1 was horrible, it has this awful blue screen and the letters appeared white. But the newer versions should be pretty user friendly and easy to figure out.

LeeFlower · Nov 1, 2007

I'm a big fan of WordPerfect. In most regards it's just like any other word processor-- I don't think you'll have any trouble learning the ropes. Where WP really shines for me is its dictionary. It has the largest dictionary I've ever found in a word processor, and the thesaurus just plain blows the competition out of the water. It might seem like a small thing, but when you're plugging away on a project and you can't quite think of the word you need, it comes in really handy.

Good luck with it-- I hope you enjoy

.

Carmy · Nov 1, 2007

I've used WordPerfect since it was version 4.2. I have V8 and V9 but I usually use V8 because V9 incorporated some Word-like functions I don't like.

It is more user-friendly than Word will ever be. Most agents and publishers ask us to use Word or RTF. WP documents can also be saved as RTF documents.

Khazarkhum · Nov 1, 2007

I have Word Perfect 11, which I like.

My absolute favorite WP of all time was Wordstar, which dates me & I don't care. You could do everything with a couple of commands, and there were these templates to lay on your keyboard so you knew what to do.

Ravenlocks · Nov 1, 2007

LeeFlower said:
Where WP really shines for me is its dictionary. It has the largest dictionary I've ever found in a word processor, and the thesaurus just plain blows the competition out of the water. It might seem like a small thing, but when you're plugging away on a project and you can't quite think of the word you need, it comes in really handy.

Ditto. I write in Word now so I don't have to transfer anything, but I still open up WP to use the dictionary or thesaurus.

allenparker · Nov 2, 2007

WP

I use WordPerfect exclusively in my writing, with the one exception of scripts. I have tried using Word, but it is just not the same.

With WP, things seem to go smoother for me. I like the layout and the processes that create my writing surface.

CaroGirl · Nov 2, 2007

The absolute best feature of WordPerfect as compared to Word is Reveal Codes. When you turn that on, you can see all the underlying formatting for your document, all line breaks, page breaks, everything. So if the formatting gets messed up, you can turn on the feature and eliminate the hidden code that's messing up your formatting. Brilliant.

Shadow_Ferret · Nov 2, 2007

I used to love WordPerfect. I think the last version I used was 4.1 or something back in the 80s. Loved the fact that you didn't need a mouse, everything was done with Function Keys.

But I think it, like Word, has become bloatware over the years with more functions than anyone needs, it wastes too much memory, and takes up too much space on the hard drive.

I used to be able to carry my copy of WordPerfect around on a 5-1/4 inch floppy, run it off that floppy, and still have room for my documents on that same floppy.

Those were the days of well-thought out software.

PeeDee · Nov 2, 2007

...you guys are dangerously close to talking me around to trying out WordPerfect here.

I use Word because...I use Word. I like Word 2007, even though I turn off all 11,000 features (I want the functionality of an old typewriter, damn it). I like the running word count on the bottom.

Now, I'm tempted to give WP a shot.

rugcat · Nov 2, 2007

I use WordPerfect 8 or 9, depending on which computer I'm using. I don't care for Word. Come on over to the dark side, PeeDee.

DwayneA · Nov 2, 2007

I purchased version 7

Will Lavender · Nov 2, 2007

I don't care for WordPerfect. In fact, during the two or three years I was using it, I hated it. (For the record: Word ain't the greatest program in the world, but it's better than WP in my opinion.)

I think it's just a matter of what you're comfortable with. I can't write by hand because I'm just not comfortable. My hand cramps, I have terrible handwriting, etc. I got into the habit of using Word years ago, and when I try to use anything new -- even new kinds of keyboards or wide monitors -- it just feels wrong.

PeeDee · Nov 2, 2007

Why don't you like WordPerfect, Will?

DamaNegra · Nov 2, 2007

CaroGirl said:
The absolute best feature of WordPerfect as compared to Word is Reveal Codes. When you turn that on, you can see all the underlying formatting for your document, all line breaks, page breaks, everything. So if the formatting gets messed up, you can turn on the feature and eliminate the hidden code that's messing up your formatting. Brilliant.

Microsoft Word also has this function.

That being said, I'm in love with the new Office 2007. And it's not as slow as some people say. I have actually been finding things much faster and the running word count on the bottom of the screen is just awesome.

Will Lavender · Nov 2, 2007

PeeDee said:
Why don't you like WordPerfect, Will?

I honestly can't remember. It's been four or five years since I used it. I think it was the difference from Word, but even when I got used to that difference, I just couldn't get comfortable with WP.

Both programs, I think, try to do too much for you.

PeeDee · Nov 2, 2007

DamaNegra said:
Microsoft Word also has this function.

That being said, I'm in love with the new Office 2007. And it's not as slow as some people say. I have actually been finding things much faster and the running word count on the bottom of the screen is just awesome.

Word 2007 is the first edition of Word in a LOT of years that I've actually enjoyed and gone out of my way to use. I really like the graphical layout, I like the running word count at the bottom, I like the shape of the pages. It's a nice program, by me.

Will Lavender said:
I honestly can't remember. It's been four or five years since I used it. I think it was the difference from Word, but even when I got used to that difference, I just couldn't get comfortable with WP.

Both programs, I think, try to do too much for you.

I absolutely agree that they try to do too much for me. That really irks me. If I didn't use italics now and then, I think I'd probably be doing all my writing in DarkRoom...

But yeah, they try to hold my hand too much. There's some program for Apple computers (someone will tell me the name momentarily) where it gives you a corkboard to put notes on, a list of all your chapters in a tree format, all sorts of other windows and features and doohickies for your novel and I think "All I want is a white page, and a way to put words on it."

...actually, that's my life philosophy, right there.

Shadow_Ferret · Nov 2, 2007

I'm still using Word 97. You all would be hardpressed to make me give it up and move to either a new WordPerfect (which means I'd have to convert ALL my writing) or the new Word.

Personally, I tried WordPerfect after Corel got ahold of it and I just hated what they did to it. But that could just be my dislike for bloatware in any form. And the fact that I loved the old clean looking interface that only needed Function keys to operate.

PeeDee · Nov 2, 2007

I refused to upgrade from Word '97, until Word 2007 came out. I was impressed enough to switch.

Heck, I only ever switched away from Microsoft Works when I discovered that no one else on the planet was using it and it was a pain to do file conversions. Of course, since MS Word doesn't talk to any other program (or even itself) properly, I send all my stuff as .RTFs anyway, so it's a moot point. But the program is habit, so I haven't changed. (But am considering playing with WP)

MidnightMuse · Nov 2, 2007

I used to love Word Perfect, and swore by it ! I hated Word, loved Perfect because it was . . . Perfect. It didn't get in the way, it looked nicer, felt nicer, made everything just nicer.

But then I got a computer without it, and had to sneak a copy from my old PC onto the new one. Then everyone else had PC's without it, and they were using Word instead - making file sharing a tad more complex.

Then I got another PC years later, and no more Perfect. It wasn't even an option, and buying the full-on legal version wasn't possible at the time. So, I gave in. I started using Word, since that was all we had at work, too. I learned how to turn off all those "helpful" bits, and the annoying "here, let me do it for you" crap that Bill Gates thinks is so friggin' cool (not).

Now I use Word exclusively . . . but I still think back on those Word Perfect days with a sad, nostaligic sigh.

gabbleandhiss · Nov 2, 2007

////

Each program has it's pros and cons. I'm not loyal to either.

Differences that I can recall off the top of my head:

- WordPerfect has a nice thesaurus.

- Word's Spell Checker runs it's check with or without your assistance. If it spots an error, you'll get a pop up window detailing those errors. WordPerfect's Spell Check pops up that window before it even runs the check. And in that same window, you'll have access to the grammar check (Grammatik) and the thesaurus.

- WordPerfect (version 8, at least) allows you to view 2 pages at a time. I haven't figured out how to make Word (2000?) do that. That's a nice feature if you want to see how the story flows on a visual level.

- WordPerfect has a feature called Reveal Codes which allows you to see the document's formatting codes.

- WordPerfect does have a word count feature. It's just hidden. In an open document go to File, then Properties. A window will pop up. Select the tab for Information. It will detail the number of characters, words, sentences, lines, paragraphs, pages, average word length, average words per sentence, and maximum words per sentence.

- Word automatically saves the document. I haven't figured out how to make my version of WordPerfect do that. (Bueller? Bueller? Anyone?)

Shadow_Ferret · Nov 2, 2007

Word only automatically saves if you have that Option turned on. I have mine off because I find it annoying. I have backups turned off, too.

I'm sure WP has that feature in the Options somewhere, too. I'd be surprised if they didn't.

PeeDee · Nov 2, 2007

Word 2007 has all those features, but they aren't selling points for me because I turn all of those things off anyway...

heyjude · Nov 2, 2007

I always loved WPerfect, hated Word. Then I tried out Word 2007 and... I'm hooked.

The one thing it seems to lack is the reveal codes...SUCH a nice feature of WP. If Word has it I can't find it. Anyone have any pointers?

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