The best expressions of software evolution are available in shrink-wrap at your local Egghead.
1) EXCEL 5.0 FOR WINDOWS
In 1990, Excel was more of a Mac than a Windows spreadsheet. But then Lotus delayed bringing 1-2-3 to Windows. By 1993, most users had switched to Windows, and Excel had come to be regarded as the best Windows spreadsheet.
2) MAC SYSTEM 7
Still the best GUI with a wide following, System 7.5 is partially RISC-based--and thus in position to exploit the Power Mac--while still able to run old binaries.
3) MICROSOFT ACCESS 2.0
Though buggy and press-b
attered in its debut version, Access quickly established itself with a major upgrade as one of the easiest-to-use Windows databases. While Borland has struggled to keep Paradox and once-mighty dBase relevant, Access has easily outsold both.
4) NOVELL NETWARE 4.1
Looking like it might go the way of dBase and 1-2-3 thanks to a disappointing upgrade (4.0), NetWare is back on track with 4.1. Still, the masses are restless, and pretenders like Windows NT are maneuvering into position.
5) LOTUS NOTES
Notes has become an industry. No, it's a way of life. Still way out ahead technically, Notes has maybe a year or two to solidify its position against an onslaught of workgroup programs like Collabra Share.
6) WINDOWS NT
Clearly, this is the future of Windows.
If Windows 95 falters at the start, Microsoft has a completely redesigned, true 32-bit OS waiting in the wings. NT will even have the new Windows 95 look and feel.
7) WINDOWS 3.11
As we write this, Windows 95 still isn't out, so Windows 3.11 is the version that sits on most of the 50-million-plus Windows desktops. People love it; people hate it. But they use it.
8) WORD 6.0 FOR WINDOWS
It's big, slow, and overloaded with features. Still,
Word 6.0 somehow manages
to be the right tool for the simplest to the most complex text jobs. Some people regard it as the best application written.
9) WORDPERFECT
WordPerfect still sells lots of copies of the DOS version, and as the cornerstone for PerfectOffice, the suite from Novell, WordPerfect has a new lease on life.
It continues to be the daily work environment of millions.
10) DOOM
Its motion-sickness-inducing virtual reality and large, cult-like following make this gory
game from id Software
the inspirational example for programmers of action software.
PLUS:
MICR
OSOFT OFFICE
Not a real program but rather a collection of Microsoft's market-dominating applications, Microsoft Office has transcended the dreaded "suite" designation to become the framework for which today's developers are writing new apps.
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Word 6.0: According to some, the best application ever written.
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If this is the future of games, we're Doomed.
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