TANDY INTRODUCES DESKMATE 3.0 INTEGRATED SOFTWARE July 27, 1988 FORT WORTH, Texas--Tandy Corporation, the leading manufacturer of PC- compatible computers, today unveiled DeskMate 3.0, a new version of Tandy's popular, integrated productivity software for Tandy computers and other PC- compatibles. "This product represents the next step in making computers significantly easier to use," said John V. Roach, chief executive officer, chairman of the board and president of Tandy Corporation, "while at the same time reducing the software cost of owning a PC." First introduced in 1984, DeskMate has evolved into a graphically-oriented user interface designed to bring a consistent look and feel of keyboard and mouse commands to diverse applications. As a result, the learning time required for each new softwa re package is significantly reduced. This affordable interface is supplied with a wide array of practical applications for low-cost personal computers in the home and business markets. Software publishers who have licensed the DeskMate interface and have committed to provide programs th at run under this environment include Activision, Broderbund, Digital Learning Systems, Electronic Arts, Epyx, First Byte, Intuit, The Learning Company, Sierra Online, Quantum Computer Systems, Software Publishing Corporation, Star Software and Symantec. In addition to the graphic interface, DeskMate 3.0 includes several basic applications. TEXT is an easy-to-use text entry and editing system that includes a 90,000 word spell checker, centering, headers, footers, boldface and underline. Form letters created in TEXT can be personalized by merging information from the ADDRESS application. ADDRESS is a "card file" program which includes fields for name, address, work phone number, home phone number, dates to remember and notes. Names in the file may be designated as members of sub-lists, such as a Christmas card list or PTA members, by simply entering the information in the "Member Of" category. Up to 25 sub-lists may be specified by the user and accessed as if they were separate address book files. The number of individual records is limited only by the amount of disk space on the computer. Additionally, phone numbers entered in ADDRESS are automatically added to the PHONE list accessory in DeskMate so the user can easily look up and automatically dial, through use of a modem, home or business phone numbers from within any part of DeskMate. An event-oriented CALENDAR graphically displays yearly, monthly, weekly and daily events with the ability to include "Annual Occasions," such as birthdays and anniversaries; "Reminders," which will appear each day until removed by the user; and "Notes," which are attached to a particular day but with no specific time. DeskMate users can get immediate information regarding the day's events without going into the CALENDAR by placing a THINGS TO DO box on the desktop. Information from the CALENDAR, such as meetings, reminders and notes for the current day, automatically appear in the THINGS TO DO box. As the user moves in and out of DeskMate during the day, the list is updated and scheduled events are automatically removed as their time passes. A 16-color DRAW application allows the user to flip, rotate and zoom-in on artwork or sections of it, as well as cut, copy and paste clip art into a TEXT document. The DeskMate desktop is fully configurable and any application not included with DeskMate 3.0 may be added automatically using the AUTOCONFIG box on the desktop. By simply placing the application diskette into the floppy drive and pulling down the fi le menu to update the screen, the user can replace the AUTOCONFIG box with the desired application. Anytime the application is placed in the floppy drive, the AUTOCONFIG file will be read by the computer and the application will automatically appear on the DeskMate desktop. PC-LINKsm provides the needed software to access a new online communications service designed for ease-of-use and to help owners of Tandy computers, and other PC-compatibles, get the most from their PCs. It utilizes DeskMate's graphical user interfac e while on line so the user can navigate easily using a series of pull-down menus and pop-up dialogue boxes rather than typed commands. This service provides unlimited usage from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the low monthly rate of $9.95. Other applications included with DeskMate are WORKSHEET, a 99-row by 99-column spreadsheet; FILER and FORM SETUP, which allow the user to create personal databases such as home inventory and recipes; and HELP, which contains a "Quick Reference" guide listing several subject areas includin