(All listings excerpted with permission from The Frugal Youth Cybrarian, by Calvin Ross, published by ALA Editions. Copyright American Library Association 1997. To order, call 1-800-545-2433 and press 7. ISBN0-8389-0694-X)

File Extraction Tools

WinZip
winzip95.exe (thirty-two-bit Windows 95 version)
wz60wn16.exe (sixteen-bit Windows 3.1x version)
Windows 95 and Windows
This absolute best of the best in ZIP programs brings the convenience of Windows to the use of ZIP files without requiring PKZIP and PKUNZIP. It features built-in support for popular Internet file formats, including ARJ, LHA, LZH, TAR, GZIP, and Unix compress. It can read and expand most Microsoft-compressed files. WinZip interfaces to most virus scanners. Requires 843k hard disk space. $29. Nico Mak Computing, Inc.

Antiviral Programs

VirusScan
Click here to visit McAfee download page
Windows 95, Windows, DOS
This top-rated program supports Windows 95 with an extensive array of features to keep your system immune from viruses. It has an enhanced thirty-two-bit scanning engine assuring fast and protected virus scanning; New Virtual Device Driver (VxD) technology to automatically detect viruses in memory; and on-access scanning technology to capture viruses on program execution for constant, transparent virus isolation. It scans all system areas to provide extensive security including local and network drives, CD-ROMs, floppies, boot sectors, file allocation and partition tables, folders, files, and compressed files. It accurately cleans most virus infections from files, master boot sectors, partition tables, and memory. It has New Recursive scanning to identify and repair complicated, multiple reinfections. VirusScan easily adapts to your computing environment and productivity needs. New Migration installation allows VirusScan to intelligently install on either Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 computers (disk version only)—protecting present and future Windows 95 users. The emergency scan disk can eliminate viral damage even if Windows 95 becomes corrupted. It provides multiple on-demand scanning options such as file, file type, detection action, and reporting to meet all user requirements. The user can configure predefined actions on detection including logging, moving, deletion, and isolation for unattended operation. It displays a virus response prompt with customized messaging to respond swiftly to identified viruses. All versions require one to two megabytes hard disk space. $69. McAfee.

F-PROT Professional Antivirus System
F-PROT Professional demo för Windows 95, version 3.0
F-PROT Professional demo för Windows 3.x, version 3.0
F-PROT Gatekeeper is a native device driver for Windows (.vxd), which uses the award-winning Secure Scan technology to scan all executed or copied files. F-PROT Gatekeeper works for both Windows applications and DOS applications. One special feature is the quick ability to choose just what to scan. For example, you can set it to scan only compressed files; in other words, recently downloaded files where viruses could enter your system. This is a highly recommended antivirus program. Requires 1.12 megabytes hard disk space. Freeware with inconsequential charges for educational and institutional (noncommercial) use. Frisk Software International.

Computer Security

Sentry
sentry58.zip
Windows and Windows 95
Sentry will allow you to set up accounts on your computer, one account for each person allowed access. Those who don’t have an account, don’t get in. Each user has a separate account and password, making it easy to track who logs in and when. Since Sentry doesn’t use a “master access” password, you can close a single user’s account without affecting any other users. Sentry records each log-in attempt in a log file which can be viewed by the “SuperUser” at any time. You can set accounts to expire on a certain date, effectively barring access to the specified user after that date. Requires 246k hard disk space. $40 (educational discounts available). NightShade Computing.

Library Cataloging

Book Catalog
am_bc43.zip
Windows
This is an impressive book/magazine cataloging program. It features unlimited number of entries, easy search functions, summaries with bar or pie graphs in color, plenty of room for notes for each entry, multiple database files, display filters, and more. A really sharp package with an attractive, intuitive graphic user interface. Requires 600k hard disk space. $17. PrimaSoft PC, Inc.

Aministrative Aids

SchoolWrite
sw_all26.zip
DOS
This program is for K–12 classroom administration and could conceivably be used to maintain student records for an entire school without risk. With additional available modules, it appears to be able to handle the complete administration, accounting, and billing for private schools. It keeps full details about students throughout their school life, including academic records, discipline details, absenteeism, positions held, accidents and illnesses, immunization status, emergency phone numbers, and more (including band and instrument management!). It prints end-of-semester reports with marks, assessments, grades, and teachers' comments. The many different student printouts and lists it produces are amazing. Among the many special features of this program are a pop-up calculator, note pad, and mini-spreadsheet. Included is an automatic records backup program to prevent loss of data. It is also password-configurable. SchoolWrite for MS-DOS is compatible with Windows, and with all major networks. It has full online documentation. Requires 1.27 megabytes hard disk space. Shareware version includes the full Student module. $120, plus additional fees for additional modules (Timetable Printing, Parent Billing, Future Enrollments, Past Students, Ledger, and Payroll). Brennan Bates & Associates.

Teaching Aids

VAR Grade for Windows
vgw102.zip
Windows
VGW allows you to grade, record attendance, and do seating charts for your classes. This is a complete grading system, and will do just about anything that you need or want to do regarding class records. In particular, it will allow you to record, analyze, and print grades and attendance, do seating charts, and maintain a database. In general, the program allows an almost unlimited number of students, grades, attendance, database items, reports, and analyses. You can do the following: sum, average, weight, and scale assignments, discard the lowest, convert scores to percentages, assign extra credit, assign final grades, and much more. There are numerous tutorials and hints that show you how to get started with the program. VGW also has help and context-sensitive help available. Although some elementary-level teachers may wish this kind of powerful grading assistance, the program is probably best suited to middle school through college. Requires 2.86 megabytes hard disk space. $50. VARed Software.

Exam Bank
examba20.zip
DOS
This program offers teachers not only a means to create tests of various kinds but a place to store them safely until later use. A test can be formatted as multiple-choice, true/false, cross-match, short answer, or short essay; printed tests can be all of one type or mixed as desired. Student instructions can be included as well as standard headings, such as student name, date, etc. The program automatically prints an answer sheet for the teacher’s use (assuming the answers were entered in the appropriate places during test creation!). This is a very versatile, straight-to-the-point program and could be an invaluable time-saving tool. Requires 243k hard disk space. $30; site license $60. Education Software.

Computer Word Search
cws50.exe
Windows
A comprehensive word-search game, with nice touches like background graphics and simple sound. It can be played onscreen or printed for copying. It comes with nineteen puzzles, including presidents, state capitals, fruits and vegetables, inventors, animals, and countries. Personalized word lists can also be created. A really nice little program. K–6. Requires 414k hard disk space. Sound is nice but not necessary. $9.95 for a single user or a whole site. CanalRun, Inc.

Writing Tools and Resources

Grammar Expert
gramxprt.zip
Windows
This Windows Help file is an online, HyperText reference book for the rules of English grammar, punctuation, and effective writing. Grammar Expert contains practical answers, guidelines, and advice on thousands of grammar-related points for businesses, writers, students, and people learning English as a second language. The online index and table of contents can be used to locate the information you need quickly. Grammar Expert explains the grammatical rules involved and provides plenty of examples. Appropriate for middle school and high school (or any adult writer). Requires 186k hard disk space. $30. Wintertree Software Inc.

Typing

FasType Typing Tutorial
fastyp51.zip
Windows
This program is a wonderfully designed typing tutorial. It guides the student through various levels, from home keys to total keyboard mastery, all the while charting progress and giving the student a clear view of goals and results. A student’s history is constantly maintained and the full menu of options provides a very friendly environment for learning. The 3-D graphic interface is unsurpassed and the lessons are skillfully conceived. Middle school to adult. Requires 1.7 megabytes hard disk space. $25. Trendtech Corp.

Learning Suites

Flix Productions Animated Learning Series
Various file names
www.eden.com/~flixprod/
DOS
Flix is famous for its “animated” series including: Animated Word, Animated Clock, Animated Math, Animated Multiplication and Division, Animated Addition and Subtraction, Animated Money, Animated Beginning Typing, Animated Shapes, and Animated Alphabet. All the files for these programs may be downloaded from Flix’s above Web site. With these programs, you can turn a bunch of obsolete PCs into a computer lab for K–4. Shareware. As low as $10. Flix Productions.

Mathematics

Chalkboard Math
cbmath15.zip
Windows
Chalkboard Math is easily the cutest and most effective basic math program available for Windows. A cute mouse scampers about the chalkboard whenever the student solves a problem. The interface is brilliant and intuitive. It quizzes on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. When Auto-Advance is on (indicated by a checkmark next to the pull-down menu selection), the program automatically increases the difficulty level when five correct answers are recorded at the current level. The program can also be set for one of eight levels of difficulty. There’s an honor roll for high scores. Another great lab program. K–4. Requires 229k hard disk space. $16. Pegasus Development.

Alphabet, Phonics, Spelling, and Reading

Living Letters
llabc20.zip
Windows
Alphabet and reading program for preschool to first grade. This program has excellent graphics, animation, and sound. This is a top-of-the-line, effective introduction to language. Limited to A to C in demo version. Sound needed. Requires 915k hard disk space. $19. LarKen Software.

Spellbound!
spell210.zip
DOS
Spelling tutor with a good selection of spelling lists. The graphics are a bit primitive, but the words in the lists are well grouped. The program includes a mini-editor for creating your own word lists. One hundred word lists included in the shareware version. K–6. Requires 473k hard disk space. $15, or more if you want additional word lists and word search puzzle generator included. Spellbound Software.

Geography

USAPuzzle!
uspuzl11.zip
Windows
This is the shareware tryout version of GeoPuzzle!. This entertaining and educational package includes a states puzzle and a state capitals Quiz. Register and get the whole package, GeoPuzzle!, that includes puzzles and quizzes for all the continents, the U.S., and Canada. Very user-friendly and educational. K–8. Requires 338k hard disk space. $15. Torpedo Software.

Astronomy

SkyMap
skymap30.zip Windows 3.1
skymap31.zip Windows 95
SkyMap is a “Planetarium” program for Microsoft Windows 3.1, 95 or NT. It will display a map of the sky as seen from any point on Earth for any date between 4000 B.C. and 8000 A.D. Two different types of map can be drawn—a horizon map showing the observer’s local horizon, and a sky area map showing a detailed view of a small area of the sky. You can get information about any object displayed on the map by simply pointing at the object with the mouse and clicking the button. The display of additional information, such as constellation figures or star labels, can be switched on and off with a click of the mouse button, making it easy to see exactly what you want without being overwhelmed by unwanted information. When you have the map just as you want it, you can print it on any printer supported by Windows, in either black-and-white or color. This is the best astronomy program yet seen for Windows. K–12 (with teachers' help for the early grades). 2.37 megabytes hard disk space. $49. JASC Inc.

Desktop Publishing and Graphics

Paint Shop Pro
psp311.zip Windows 3.1
psp412a.zip Windows 95
Paint Shop Pro is a complete Windows graphics program for image creation, viewing, and manipulation. Its features include painting, photo retouching, image enhancement and editing, color enhancement, image browsing, batch conversion, and TWAIN scanner support. Included are twenty standard image-processing filters and twelve deformations. The program supports Adobe-style image-processing plug-in filters. Over thirty file formats are supported, including JPEG, Kodak Photo-CD, PBM, GIF, PCX, BMP, TIFF, and more. Paint Shop Pro is not only very handy as a graphics viewer but also has graphics filters and paint tools not available in Windows Paintbrush or Windows 95 Paint. One of its very best features is a built-in applet, PSP Browser. PSP Browser is a visual file system for Paint Shop Pro, which uses an album-and-thumbnail format to make accessing and handling image files easier and more intuitive. Just open any directory with graphic images, and the browser automatically creates and displays thumbnails which can be clicked on to open the paint program for editing. Winner of SIA and ZiffNet awards. Requires 3.8 megabytes hard disk space. $39. JASC Inc.

GrafCat for Windows
gctw11g.zip
Windows
This handy program will allow you to print your image file collection in high-resolution thumbnails to any printer supported by Windows. It prints in color or black-and-white, and will allow you to select between six and forty-eight images per page. It works with most popular bitmapped image file formats, including PNG, GIF, TIFF, JPEG, PCX, Kodak Photo-CD, IFF/LBM, PC Paint Pictor PIC, Targa TGA, Windows/OS2 BMP/DIB, Windows 3 RLE, Microsoft Paint MSP, Halo CUT, PFS:First Publisher ART, Sun Raster RAS, HRZ SSTV, WordPerfect Graphics bitmapped WPG, MacPaint, and GEM/IMG. It will print in two-color dithered monochrome, 256-level grayscale, and twenty-four-bit true color. Requires 1.87 megabytes hard disk space. GrafCat for Windows is bookware. The registration fee is buying Steven William Rimmer’s novel Wyccad and reading it. Alchemy Mindworks.

Genealogy

Family Tree in a Window
fmtrw106.zip
Windows
A program which allows you to enter information about your family and relatives easily and quickly. You can specify names, dates, relationships, a long biographical note—even include a scanned portrait of the person in color or black-and-white (BMP format). Six types of reports can be produced: a full detail report (including pictures) of all information and relationships for each person; a full tree chart for any selected individual, graphically showing all direct ancestors and descendants (including pictures); a life-line chart for all people with known birth dates; a birthday report organized by month; a descendants report that includes spouses; and a MOSAIC printout of any or all pictures. This is a very user-friendly genealogy program and could be of great value to children in lower grades, e.g., third through sixth, as well as to the children in middle school and high school. Requires 564k hard disk space. $29.95. C. A. Hartley.

Resumés

The Right Resumé
trr.zip
Windows
This is the premier resumé creator I’ve evaluated. It is essentially a WYSIWYG word-processing program specifically designed for creating resumés and cover letters. The word processor enables many of the options found in powerful programs such as colored fonts, cut-and-paste, etc. Three types of resumés can be created: chronological, functional, or targeted. The registered version includes a fifty-thousand-word-plus spell checker; a contact manager to manage prospective employers, contacts, interviews, etc.; a calendar to organize your job search; a mail merge for generating multiple, personalized letters for wide distribution; and more. This program can be used in the classroom to teach resumé writing skills, in the career guidance center to help students find jobs, or in public libraries as a valuable community resource. Requires 3.15 megabytes hard disk space. $25, with a generously discounted site license schedule. Whirlwind Technologies.

Word Processing

Word Easy
wordeasy.zip
Windows
There is much to recommend this word-processing program, especially the online spell-checker that catches mistakes as you make them; also, the search line locates words you’re unsure of and allows the use of wild cards. Other features include built-in character map for instant insertion of symbols and foreign characters, multiple document windows, and handy tabs for switching between pages of a document. The program is rather intuitive and the learning curve should be less steep than for many similar programs. Requires 1.3 megabytes hard disk space. $30. Rong De Lu.

Spreadsheet Applications

VistaCalc
vtsclc25.zip
Windows
A fast, powerful, and easy-to-use spreadsheet program for the home and office. VistaCalc’s user-friendly interface enables you to create a wide range of documents, from your own personalized budget plan to financial and accounting presentations. It is a full spreadsheet program with many special features and functions that only programs such as Excel can offer. Requires 748k hard disk space. $29.95. Brandon Fridley.