FileClip 4.0

                         *** ShareWare SpotLight ***

    In this month's SpotLight we look at two new programs from Software

    Creation, and a special holiday release. One, is a utility for

    Windows, the first such program out of Software Creations. The other

    is a game by Argo Games and Jason Blochowiak, an author who has

    brought us Night Raid and other programs. They just keep getting

    better.

                              FileClip 4.0

                              for Windows

                             by Tony Curro

    Software Creations BBS, winner of the Boardwatch 100 Readers' Choice

    contest, has graced the pages of CTM many times. Several months ago,

    I mentioned Dan Linton winning this award. Boardwatch did a recap of

    1993 winners in the November 1993 issue (p.62). But, Software

    Creations is more than a BBS. Over the past months I reviewed many

    games that have come out of Clinton, MA. I have done so many

    reviews of their products, that I may have to change the name of the

    column to, Software Creations SpotLight. Dan and his fellow authors,

    have come up with exciting and challenging games. They have also

    created Trivia Shell that is educational, and fun at the same time.

    This month they stray from the game world, to release their first

    utility program. And, as with most software being released today, it

    is for the Microsoft Windows environment.

    FileClip 4.0 is a Windows' File and Clipboard Manager. It will do

    the things you expect from a file management program: Copy, Move,

    Delete, Run, Rename, Compare and Search. It will also allow you to

    view a file, and has almost unlimited undo and, cut and paste

    options to/from the clipboard. It will also allow you to view the

    clipboard. Any information viewed in the clipboard history log can

    be added to the clipboard.

    Files show up in various colors. You can select the colors that suit

    you. When you select the file details option, the date and size are

    also different colors. All of this has a reason. FileClip is set up

    to show you large files (size can be designated by you), files over

    x amount days old (again, you can choose amount), files that have

    not been backed up, and recent files. All these options are in

    various colors that immediately make you aware of the various files.

    You can also choose to see/not see Hidden, System, etc., files.

    When first started, FileClip shows you a file list on left, and

    directory tree on right. The lower right corner of screen shows you

    available resources: Disk space free, free memory, free resources

    available. From the options' menu you can select a variety of

    options. In the File Manipulation window you can turn off prompting

    for various functions from File deletion and directory deletion, to

    overwriting and selected files. You can also choose to have the

    directories also appear in the files' window on left. This is useful

    if you are cursoring down in the file list, to quickly switch to a

    directory, without having to go to the right-side directory window.

    Also, when you are in the file window, pressing the first letter of

    a filename will pop up a smaller window with the files starting with

    that letter. Just highlight the file(s) you wish to work with and

    say OK. You are then placed back in the original window with these

    file(s) selected.

    Show Icons, another feature in the Options menu, will show icons for

    all available drives, even floppies, and a print icon. You can use

    drag-and-drop in all phases of the program. Copy or Move to/from a

    floppy or, printing a text file or a graphic file.

    Another program that is part of FileClip is Trashcan. Trashcan is a

    quick delete option. You can drag any file, or group of files, to

    the trashcan. You can empty (delete files) the trashcan. Or, in

    these days of environmental awareness, you can recycle you trash

    (restore files to hard drive, from trashcan, before you empty the

    trash).

    When viewing full file details, you can choose five different

    date/time formats. The details also show how many directories are

    under current directory, number of files and total size, bytes used

    on drive and amount of free disk space. In addition, on the right

    side of the view window, you see the number of files contained in

    that directory. For example:

    C:\

       \WINDOWS   date  time    264 entries

       \WINWORD   date  time     27 entries

       \WORDSCAN  date  time    114 entries

    Date and time above are when the directories were created. It shows

    the Windows subdirectory contains 264 files, etc.

    The shareware version is fully functional. However, registered

    users, receive a version that supports viewing of GIF, PCX, TIF,

    TGA, BMP, WMF and EPS graphic files. The product is reasonable

    priced, and well worth a look. Look for FCLIP40.ZIP on most BBS.

                             ARGO CHECKERS

                              released by

                           Software Creations

                             by Tony Curro

    This is the classic checker game that has been around for years. In

    this version you play on a wood-grain type board. You have black and

    red pieces, that move in the standard pattern. When you reach the

    top of the opposing board you are 'kinged,' which allows you to move

    in any direction.

    Jason Blochowiak has created a visual masterpiece. To play Checkers

    you need a 286 or better with a VGA display. A mouse and

    Soundblaster or compatible sound card is recommended. The game is

    complete with music, sound effects and animation.

    When you first start the game you have the option to turn off or

    change options. After the game is started you see the pieces that

    are available to move with a box around them. When you click on one

    of these pieces, you will see where you can move. If there is only

    one move, the program will perform it with animation. As with the

    official game, you must make any available jump. The program will

    only allow you to move the piece that can jump if this is the case.

    You CANNOT make another move.

    The shareware version only allows two humans to play. However, the

    registered version allows you play human vs. human, or play against

    CRANIAC, representing Argo Games' second generation Artificial

    Intelligence, on one of three skill levels.

    This game is very enjoyable, and should be looked out by gamers'

    everywhere. Look for ACHKV12.ZIP on most BBS.

    HOLIDAY UPDATE: Several months ago I reviewed JetPack from Software

    Creations. Well, with the holiday spirit in mind, they have released

    a special Christmas version. Help Santa collect gifts, and move

    through the levels, while avoiding robots and other obstacles in his

    path. Look for JETPK_CH.ZIP.

    You can always download ANY Software Creations release of your first

    call to their BBS, and you can also register software through their

    on-line order door.

                          Product Information

                              FileClip 4.0

                              for Windows

                    Registration Ä $17.95 + $2 S/H

                             Argo Checkers

                      Registration Ä $15 + $2 S/H

                           Software Creations

                             26 Harris St.

                           Clinton, MA 01510

                          508-368-8654 (Voice)

                           508-365-7214 (FAX)

                           508-368-7036 (BBS)