Item HT 13565 Apple Macintosh Software - ClarisWorks, 3½" Floppy Disk, 1991

Summary

ClarisWorks is an integrated software package that includes word processing, painting, drawing, spreadsheet and database, introduced in 1991. It was possible to use the components as if they were a single program, thus increasing productivity.

It was collected because it is representative of the use of the graphic user interface (GUI) introduced in 1983, even though the application itself was released in 1991.

The donor used ClarisWorks as his basic office software in the very early 1990s when he first introduced Macintosh computers into his office. As Apple's first integrated software for the Macintosh it provided the donor with a single low cost alternative to the expensive, often over-engineered software available to perform the individual tasks of word processing, spreadsheeting, drawing, painting and database development.

The donor produced a weekly newsletter about world energy issues. Initially, the Macintoshes were used mainly for spreadsheeting and graphic work, although later a simple subscription tracking database was developed. The donor also used ClarisWorks for word processing. Later when the whole newsletter production was moved to the Macintoshes, the donor says he was forced to switch to Microsoft Office for compatibility reasons. Nevertheless, the database module continued to be used until about 1994 and the drawing and painting modules were used for many years after.

The donor observed that Clarisworks offered word processing, spreadsheeting, drawing, painting and database functions to many individuals and small businesses who could not otherwise afford to buy the expensive stand-alone packages nor needed all of the bells and whistles contained therein. He also says that it had a simple, intuitive and consistent interface in each module which made it a breeze to switch from one to the other - and which allowed the user to concentrate on being productive rather than wasting time trying to understand the program and its foibles.

Part of a representative collection of hardware, software, trade literature and promotional material that documents the history of the Apple company, and its contribution to, and impact on the computer industry and society.

Physical Description

The following are contained in a box: 1. Manual (Handbook) Perfect bound.Page numbering is by chapter. 2. Manual (Getting Started) Perfect bound.Page numbering is by chapter. 3. Six 3.5 inch floppy disks inside an envelope. 4. Three booklets and a leaflet. 5. Registrration cards 6. Packing list 7. Clip art entitlement card 8. Apple coloured logo stickers 9. Pamphlet and invitation to join ClarisWorks User Group. 10. Spelling Dictionaries pamphlet 11. Seek additional information card 12. List of distributors.