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Learning to write Windows programs in C++ can be accomplished in four steps: learning C, learning the Windows C API, learning C++ and learning a Windows C++ application framework. Advice for how to most efficiently progress through each step is provided.

The 25 best 1993 computer hardware and software products are identified. Categories of products include word processing, spreadsheet, database and desktop publishing software; desktop computers; multimedia hardware; printers and video hardware. Finalists in each category are named.

Windows advanced features can help make work easier and output more attractive. TrueType, the Recorder, the Clipboard, OLE and DDE are discussed. Directions for use are provided with examples that use Windows Paintbrush and Windows Write.

Users who understanding the basic differences among buses used in microcomputers will be able to purchase their next computer more wisely. Several types of buses, or omnibus connectors, are discussed including the S-100 bus, the ISA bus, the MCA bus and the VL-bus.

Alacrity Systems' DDM Private Station is a fast, easy-to-use text management package. Printers for the integrated office include the Canon CJ10 ($6,995), the DOC-IT 3000 ($3,299) and the DOC-IT 4000 ($3,799). The SatisFAXtion Modem/400 provides high performance.

Shareware, commercial software packages and pirated copies of programs can transmit viruses. Users can help avoid viruses by copying only the files they need from one disk to another and by treating each disk as if it were infected.

The best computer-related products of 1992 include the Microsoft Windows 3.1 operating system, the Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0 word-processing package and the Microsoft Excel 4.0 spreadsheet.

Computers are continuing to become less expensive and faster. Revolutionary advances in math coprocessors, a chip with three million transistors and smaller computers are allowing users to perform tasks that were once impossible.

Seven paint and draw programs are rated on the basis of such features as number of fonts and clip-art pieces, script capability and drawing tools. The prices range from $149.95 for Windows Draw! 3.0 to $795 for the CD-ROM version of CorelDRAW! 2.01.

Online networking provides opportunities for adults and children to meet others in a non-threatening environment and are especially valuable to the disabled.. Relationships range from the serious and professional to the romantic.

Computer networks can save time and money in a home office. Installing a local area network is an inexpensive way of linking PCs, sharing a printer among many systems and running applications from a central system.

Ami Pro 2.0, DeScribe Word Processor 3.0, Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0, WordPerfect 5.1 for Windows and WordStar for Windows are evaluated on the basis of such features as text editing, desktop publishing and typography.

Eight spreadsheets are evaluated in terms of such features as user interface, compatibility, macro capabilities and output. These versatile spreadsheets can increase productivity. Prices range from $69.95 to $595.

Pen-based computers translate handprinted words into computer-based characters. Users hold the computer in one hand while using the other hand to write. Insurance companies, hospitals and electric utilities are the primary users of the new technology.

A listing of such computer-related terms as command line, expanded memory and sector is presented, along with a listing of slang.

Ten hand scanners are evaluated on the basis of such features as performance and documentation. The scanners receiving high ratings include the Complete Half-Page Scanner/GS and the Kye Geniscan GS-B105G Plus.