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{{Short description|Word processor}}
{{Infobox software
{{Infobox software
| name = XyWrite
| name = XyWrite
Line 10: Line 11:
| author = David Erickson
| author = David Erickson
| developer =
| developer =
| released = 1984<!-- {{Start date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|df=yes/no}} --><ref name="malloy198410">{{cite news | url=https://archive.org/stream/byte-magazine-1984-10/1984_10_BYTE_09-11_Databases#page/n243/mode/2up | title=Reviewer's Notebook | work=BYTE | date=October 1984 | accessdate=23 October 2013 | author=Malloy, Rich | pages=245}}</ref>
| released = {{Start date and age|1982|09}}<!-- {{Start date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|df=yes/no}} --><ref name=pcmag1987_0526>{{cite magazine
| url = https://archive.org/details/PC-Mag-1987-05-26/page/n204/mode/1up?q=xywrite
| date = 26 May 1987
| magazine = [[PC Magazine]]
| title = Major Word Processors Get Better
| pages = 199–233
| first = Merv
| last = Adrian
| volume = 6
| issue = 10
}}</ref>
| discontinued = <!-- Set to yes if software is discontinued, otherwise omit. -->
| discontinued = <!-- Set to yes if software is discontinued, otherwise omit. -->
| ver layout = <!-- simple (default) or stacked -->
| ver layout = <!-- simple (default) or stacked -->
| latest release version = MS-DOS 4.18 (1993)<br>Windows, 4.13
| latest release version = [[MS-DOS]], 4.18 (1993)<br />[[Windows]], 4.13
| latest release date = <!-- {{Start date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|df=yes/no}} -->
| latest release date = <!-- {{Start date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|df=yes/no}} -->
| latest preview version =
| latest preview version =
| latest preview date = <!-- {{Start date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|df=yes/no}} -->
| latest preview date = <!-- {{Start date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|df=yes/no}} -->
| repo = <!-- {{URL|example.org}} -->
| repo = <!-- {{URL|example.org}} -->
| status =
| programming language =
| programming language =
| operating system = [[MS-DOS]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
| operating system = [[MS-DOS]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
Line 26: Line 36:
| language count = <!-- Number only -->
| language count = <!-- Number only -->
| language footnote =
| language footnote =
| genre = [[word processor]]
| genre = [[Word processor]]
| license =
| license =
| alexa =
| alexa =
Line 33: Line 43:
| AsOf =
| AsOf =
}}
}}
{{more citations needed|section|date=September 2018}}
'''XyWrite''' is a [[word processor]] for [[MS-DOS]] and [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] modeled on the mainframe-based [[Atex (software)|ATEX typesetting system]].<ref>{{citation|title=PERIPHERALS; Mastering XyWrite|year =1988|publisher =[[New York Times]]}}</ref> Popular with writers and editors for its speed and degree of customization, XyWrite was in its heyday the house word processor in many editorial offices, including the ''[[New York Times]]'' from 1989 to 1993.{{<ref>{{cite web|last1=Baehr|first1=Tim|title=Whatever became of XyQuest?|url=http://yesss.freeshell.org/x/_xyq.htm|accessdate=13 May 2018}}</ref>}} XyWrite was developed by David Erickson and marketed by [[XyQuest]] from 1982 through 1992, after which it was acquired by The Technology Group. The final version for MS-DOS was 4.18 (1993); for Windows, 4.13.
'''XyWrite''' is a [[word processor]] for [[MS-DOS]] and [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] modeled on the mainframe-based [[Atex (software)|ATEX typesetting system]].<ref>{{cite news|title=PERIPHERALS; Mastering XyWrite|date =14 June 1988|newspaper =[[New York Times]] |first=L. R. |last=Shannon |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/14/science/peripherals-mastering-xywrite.html |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name=byte10_09>{{cite magazine
| magazine = [[Byte (magazine)|BYTE]]
| url = https://archive.org/details/BYTE_Vol_10-09_1985-09_10th_Anniversary_Issue/page/n300/mode/1up
| title = XyWrite II Plus
| pages = 397–302
| date = September 1985
| first = Rubin
| last = Rabinovitz
| volume = 10
| issue = 9
}}</ref>{{sfnb|Bender|1994|page=211}} Popular with writers and editors for its speed and degree of customization, XyWrite was in its heyday the house word processor in many editorial offices,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/essentialsoftwar00bend/|title=Essential Software for Writers|first=Hy|last=Bender|date=1994|isbn=0-89879-667-9|publisher=Writer's Digest Books|lccn=93-40898 |url-access=registration}}</ref> including the ''[[New York Times]]'' from 1989 to 1993.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last1=Baehr|first1=Tim|title=Whatever became of XyQuest?|url=http://yesss.freeshell.org/x/_xyq.htm|access-date=13 May 2018}}</ref> XyWrite was developed by David Erickson and marketed by [[XyQuest]] from 1982 through 1992, after which it was acquired by The Technology Group.<ref name=infoworld1992_1221>{{cite magazine
| magazine=[[InfoWorld]]
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=SlEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA13
| title = Feature-rich XyWrite 4.0 is almost ready to roll
| date = 21 December 1992
| first = Jeanette
| last = Borzo
| page = 13
| volume = 14
| issue = 51
}}</ref> The final version for MS-DOS was 4.18 (1993); for Windows, 4.13.


==Features==
==Features==

* Its file format consists of plain text ([[Codepage 437|IBM437]], or so-called "extended [[ASCII]]") with markup (within [[guillemet]]s: «&nbsp;»). This capability is useful for [[typesetter]]s who need to convert to various formats, e.g., [[LaTeX]]. A plug-in for ANSI characters is available.
* Its file format consists of plain text ([[Codepage 437|IBM437]], or so-called "extended [[ASCII]]") with markup (within [[guillemet]]s: «&nbsp;»). This capability is useful for [[typesetter]]s who need to convert to various formats, e.g., [[LaTeX]]. A plug-in for ANSI characters is available.
* XyWrite is written in [[assembly language]], allowing it to run faster than word processors written in a higher level language.{{Citation needed|reason=This assumption may or may not be true or even relevant given the application|date=December 2014}}
* XyWrite is written in [[assembly language]],<ref name="malloy198410">{{cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/stream/byte-magazine-1984-10/1984_10_BYTE_09-11_Databases#page/n243/mode/2up | title=Reviewer's Notebook | magazine=[[Byte (magazine)|BYTE]] | date=October 1984 | access-date=23 October 2013 | last=Malloy |first=Rich | page=245 |volume=9 | issue=11}}</ref><ref name=byte10_09 /> allowing it to run faster than word processors written in a higher level language.{{Citation needed|reason=This assumption may or may not be true or even relevant given the application|date=December 2014}}
* It has a flexible [[macro (computer science)|macro]]-programming language (XPL) that offers many advantages for quick [[search and replace]], copy-editing and reformatting of raw text. Users continue to write and share macros extending XyWrite features (printing to [[USB]] devices, for example).
* It has a flexible [[macro (computer science)|macro]]-programming language (XPL) that offers many advantages for quick [[search and replace]], copy-editing and reformatting of raw text. Users continue to write and share macros extending XyWrite features (printing to [[USB]] devices, for example).
* Plain-text, editable [[configuration file]]s allow easy customization of the keyboard—for remapping keystrokes and for execution of complex commands with individual keystrokes—as well as customization of what is loaded on launching the program.
* Plain-text, editable [[configuration file]]s allow easy customization of the keyboard—for remapping keystrokes and for execution of complex commands with individual keystrokes—as well as customization of what is loaded on launching the program.<ref name=byte10_09 />
* Commands can be typed in directly on a [[command line]], without the use of a mouse. Commands are usually in simple English, such as "Save," "Print," and "Search," or their shorter versions, such as "Sa" for "Save" (commands are case-insensitive).
* Commands can be typed in directly on a [[command line]], without the use of a mouse. Commands are usually in simple English, such as "Save," "Print," and "Search," or their shorter versions, such as "Sa" for "Save" (commands are case-insensitive).<ref name=byte10_09 />
* Up to nine files can be opened for editing at one time in separate "windows" that allow quick copy-and-paste among several files. Two files may be opened on the same screen for easy comparison of changes; a XyWrite command will do the comparison automatically, putting the cursor on the location at which the two files first differ (from which the user can move to the next difference).
* Up to nine files can be opened for editing at one time in separate "windows" that allow quick copy-and-paste among several files.<ref name=pcmag1987_0526 /> Two files may be opened on the same screen for easy comparison of changes; a XyWrite command will do the comparison automatically, putting the cursor on the location at which the two files first differ (from which the user can move to the next difference).
* Version 4 has full [[WYSIWYG]] graphical editing capabilities including on-screen display of [[bitmap]]s.
* Version 4 (or ''Signature'') has full [[WYSIWYG]] graphical editing capabilities including on-screen display of [[bitmap]]s and [[Bitstream Speedo Fonts|Bitstream Speedo]] fonts.<ref name=pcmag1990_0213 />
* The [[Microsoft Windows]] version provided version 4 in a Windows environment, in WYSIWYG, without losing its command line driven interface. It supported the standard Windows' [[True Type]] fonts along with Speedo fonts.<ref>{{cite magazine
| magazine = [[PC Magazine]]
| title = XyWrite for Windows: Command Line Holdout In a GUI World
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=qRzjFB6Ic3oC&pg=PA54
| page = 54
| first = Edward
| last = Mendelson
| date = 25 January 1994
| volume = 13
| issue = 2
}}</ref>


==History and current usage==
==History and current usage==
{{refimprove|section|date=September 2018}}

XyQuest was founded in June 1982 by former [[Atex (software)|ATEX]] employees Dave Erickson and John Hild. Its most successful product was XyWrite III Plus, which attracted a devoted following among professional writers.
XyQuest was founded in June 1982 by former [[Atex (software)|ATEX]] employees Dave Erickson and John Hild. Its most successful product was XyWrite III Plus, which attracted a devoted following among professional writers.


Announced in September 1989,<ref name=infoworld1990_1112>{{cite magazine
The turning point for XyWrite came in the form of a disastrous near-partnership with [[IBM]], which was seeking a modern replacement for its venerable [[DisplayWrite]] word processor. Working under an agreement signed in June 1990, XyQuest devoted nearly all of its development resources to revising Erickson's XyWrite IV to IBM's specifications, including [[IBM Common User Access]]-style menus, mouse support and a [[graphical user interface]]. Envisioned as a marriage between XyQuest technology and IBM marketing, the product was to be called Signature.
| magazine = [[InfoWorld]]
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=tDwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA5
| title = Word Perfect, Borland Scramble To Join GUI Fray
| date = 12 November 1990
| page = 5
| first = Paul
| last = Worthington
| volume = 12
| issue = 46
}}</ref> XyWrite IV promised a lot to users,<ref name=pcmag1990_0213>{{cite magazine
| magazine = [[PC Magazine]]
| title = Improved XyWrite IV
| date = 13 February 1990
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ByIl6BeV7z8C&pg=PT55
| page = 54
| volume = 9
| issue = 3
}}</ref> it entered beta-test after a year in November 1990 hoping to release by year end.<ref name=infoworld1990_1112 /> By February 1991 it still hadn't shipped.<ref>{{cite magazine
| magazine = [[InfoWorld]]
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=cFAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT32
| title = IBM
| pages = 1,101
| date = 4 February 1991
| volume = 13
| issue = 5
}}</ref> The turning point for XyWrite came in the form of a disastrous near-partnership with [[IBM]], which was seeking a modern replacement for its venerable [[DisplayWrite]] word processor.<ref name=":0" /> Working under an agreement signed in June 1990{{cn|date=October 2021|reason=Can't find a date. Computerworld dates the agreement to early 1991}}, XyQuest devoted nearly all of its development resources to revising Erickson's XyWrite IV to IBM's specifications, including [[IBM Common User Access]]-style menus, mouse support and a [[graphical user interface]]. Publicized in early 1991, the agreement envisioned as a marriage between XyQuest technology and IBM marketing, the product was to be called '''Signature''', and would ship for [[MS-DOS]], [[Microsoft Windows]] and IBM [[OS/2]]. [[DisplayWrite]] would be discontinued at the same time in favor of the new software.<ref name=cw1991_0311>{{cite magazine
| magazine = [[Computerworld]]
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=bJfLxHMXCSkC&pg=PA6
| title = DisplayWrite, XyWrite on the way out
| date = 11 March 1991
| page = 6
| first = Patricia
| last = Keefe
| volume = XXV
| issue = 10
}}</ref><ref name=pcmag1992_0526>{{cite magazine
| magazine = [[PC Magazine]]
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=hnvCf6WlcYcC&pg=PA11-IA16
| title = Signature
| first = Edward
| last = Mendelson
| page = 206-210
| date = 26 May 1992
| volume = 11
| issue = 10
}}</ref>


But on the eve of Signature's release, IBM announced a strategic decision to withdraw completely from the desktop software market, shocking XyQuest and leaving Signature in limbo. When a prospective new alliance with [[Lotus Software|Lotus]] did not materialize, XyQuest had no alternative but to resticker the ready-to-ship Signature packages as XyWrite 4.0 and attempt to carry on.
But on the eve of Signature's release, IBM announced a strategic decision to withdraw completely from the desktop software market, shocking XyQuest and leaving Signature in limbo.<ref name=pcmag1992_0526 /> When a prospective new alliance with [[Lotus Software|Lotus]] did not materialize,{{cn|date=October 2021}} XyQuest regained the marketing rights to the software and restickered the ready-to-ship Signature packages pasting over the IBM logo.<ref>{{cite magazine
| magazine = [[PC Magazine]]
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=uEkrL23rU98C&pg=PP39
| title = Signature: XyWrite's Power Plus WYSIWYG Editing
| first = Edward
| last = Mendelson
| pages = 37,39
| date = 28 January 1992
| volume = 11
| issue = 2
}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine
| magazine = [[PC Magazine]]
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=rNcvvlvuwlIC&pg=PA21
| title = XYQUEST RELEASES LONG-AWAITED UPGRADE TO DISPLAYWRITE AND XYWRITE
| page = 59
| date = 14 January 1992
| volume = 11
| issue = 1
}}</ref> Following mixed reviews and poor performance, it was later improved and renamed as XyWrite 4.0.<ref name=":0" />


However, the changes IBM had insisted on were a liability where the III Plus user base was concerned. Some key reviews (such as in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'') were harsh, and there were complaints that 4.0 was buggy and slow. Moreover, in the years since the last major XyWrite release, [[WordPerfect]] had cemented its hold on the DOS word processor market. Already financially strained by the long development cycle for Signature, by the end of 1992 XyQuest was bleeding money. The sale to The Technology Group ensued.
However, the changes IBM had insisted on were a liability where the III Plus user base was concerned. Some key reviews (such as in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'') were harsh, and there were complaints that 4.0 was buggy and slow. Moreover, in the years since the last major XyWrite release, [[WordPerfect]] had cemented its hold on the DOS word processor market. Already financially strained by the long development cycle for Signature, by the end of 1992 XyQuest was bleeding money. The sale to ''The Technology Group'' ensued.


While there were a few maintenance releases of 4.0 after the acquisition, The Technology Group's major commitment was to developing XyWrite for Windows. But XyWrite remained a niche product, unable to compete for the business user against [[Word for Windows]], [[WordPerfect for Windows]], and [[Ami Pro]], despite added versatility and customization potential. The Technology Group was dissolved in 2003.
While there were a few maintenance releases of 4.0 after the acquisition, The Technology Group's major commitment was to developing XyWrite for Windows.<ref name=pcmag1993_0914 /> But XyWrite remained a niche product, unable to compete for the business user against [[Word for Windows]], [[WordPerfect for Windows]], and [[Ami Pro]], despite added versatility and customization potential. The Technology Group was dissolved in 2003.


Several versions of XyWrite were also localized for use in European countries. For example, the programs were offered in Germany under the name "euroscript" by North American Software GmbH.
Several versions of XyWrite were also localized for use in European countries. For example, the programs were offered in Germany under the name "euroscript" by North American Software GmbH.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heise.de/ct/artikel/Eine-kleine-Geschichte-der-Textverarbeitung-4558977.html |title=Eine kleine Geschichte der Textverarbeitung | date=22 October 2019 | first=Detlef |last=Borchers |website=C't |lang=de}}</ref>


===Nota Bene===
A descendant of XyWrite called [[Nota Bene (word processor)]] is still being actively developed. Nota Bene, which runs on the XyWrite engine, is popular among academics. Nota Bene for Windows is now in version 11.
A descendant of XyWrite called [[Nota Bene (word processor)|Nota Bene]] is still being actively developed. Nota Bene, which runs on the XyWrite engine,{{sfnb|Bender|1994|page=13}} is popular among academics. As of January 2020, Nota Bene for Windows is at version 12. NotaBene is supported on native Windows, Mac and on Linux running [[Wine (software)|WINE]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.notabene.com/system_req.html |title=System requirements |website=Nota Bene}}</ref>


===Current usage===
Thanks in large part to the work of users of XyWrite, the program is still very usable with Windows (or MS-DOS, and thus Linux{{Citation needed|date=September 2007}}). Even on Pentium and similar hardware, it remains noticeably faster than [[Microsoft Word|MS Word]] or [[OpenOffice.org]].
In 2015, work started on using XyWrite within the vDos program shell in 32 and 64 bit windows. This was successful in October 2016, resulting in an x86 PC and DOS emulator for Windows based on Jos Schaars's vDos. Formerly known as vDos-lfn, vDosPlus allows XyWrite 4, XyWrite III+, and Nota Bene for DOS to run under the latest versions of Microsoft Windows (including 64-bit Windows). VdosPlus.org<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sourceforge.net/projects/vdosplus/|title=VDosPlus}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://vdosplus.org/ |title=vDosPlus Home Page}}</ref> shows the various functions, and XyWWWeb<ref>{{cite web| title=XyWWWeb
|url=http://xywrite.org/xywwweb/ |access-date=15 October 2019}}</ref> shows usage.


XyWrite does not have as many features as Word or OpenOffice.org. For example, XyWrite is unaware of Windows ANSI or Unicode character sets and Nota Bene does not support languages (such as Chinese) that require double-byte characters.
In 2015, work started on using XyWrite within the VDos program shell in 32 and 64 bit windows. This was successful in October 2016, resulting in an x86 PC and DOS emulator for Windows based on Jos Schaars’s vDos. Formerly known as vDos-lfn, vDosPlus allows XyWrite 4, XyWrite III+, and Nota Bene for DOS to run under the latest versions of Microsoft Windows (including 64-bit Windows). [[VdosPlus.org]]<ref>https://sourceforge.net/projects/vdosplus/</ref><ref>http://vdosplus.org/</ref> shows the various functions, and XyWWWeb <ref>XyWWWeb http://users.datarealm.com/xywwweb/ |accessdate=14 October 2016 </ref> shows usage.

Despite these advantages in speed, XyWrite does not have as many features as Word or OpenOffice.org. For example, XyWrite is unaware of Windows ANSI or Unicode character sets and Nota Bene does not support languages (such as Chinese) that require double-byte characters.


==Reception==
==Reception==
''[[BYTE]]'' in 1984 stated "the XyQuest people have done an admirable job porting the editing part of the Atex system" to the IBM PC. While criticizing the documentation, it called XyWrite "extremely fast, powerful, compact, and flexible".<ref name="malloy198410" />
''[[Byte (magazine)|Byte]]'' in 1984 stated "the XyQuest people have done an admirable job porting the editing part of the Atex system" to the IBM PC. While criticizing the documentation, it called XyWrite "extremely fast, powerful, compact, and flexible".<ref name="malloy198410" />


==Version history==
==Version history==
Line 75: Line 179:
* '''XyWrite I'''
* '''XyWrite I'''
* '''XyWrite II'''
* '''XyWrite II'''
* '''XyWrite II Plus'''
* '''XyWrite II Plus'''<ref name=byte10_09 />
* '''XyWrite III''',<ref>{{cite magazine
* '''XyWrite III''', May 1990 - distributed on 5.25" HD floppy diskettes, and shipped with a 3-ring looseleaf manual in fabric-covered slipcase
| magazine = [[InfoWorld]]
* '''XyWrite III Plus'''
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=OS8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA41
* '''XyWrite 4.0''', Jan 1993 - distributed on seven 3.5" HD floppy diskettes, and shipped with five bound manuals: ''Installation & Learning Guide'', ''Making the Transition'', ''Customization Guide'', ''Command Reference Guide'', and ''LAN Administrator's Guide'' (together weighing nearly 4.5 pounds)
| title = Xywrite is fast but difficult
| pages = 41–42
| first = Bernie
| last = Zilbergeld
| date = 14 April 1986
| volume = 8
| issue = 15
}}</ref><ref name=pcmag1987_0526 /> - distributed on 5.25" HD floppy diskettes, and shipped with a 3-ring looseleaf manual in fabric-covered slipcase{{cn|date=October 2021}}
* '''XyWrite III Plus'''<ref>{{cite magazine
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6T4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA72
| magazine = [[InfoWorld]]
| title = Word Processing for Professionals and Offices
| first = John
| last = Lombardi
| pages = 53–72
| date = 28 March 1988
| volume = 10
| issue = 13
}}</ref>
* '''Signature 1.0''' - initially announced September 1989 as XyWrite 4.0.<ref name=infoworld1990_1112/>
* '''XyWrite 4.0'''{{sfnb|Bender|1994|page=25}} - Jan 1993<ref name=infoworld1992_1221/> - distributed on seven 3.5" HD floppy diskettes, and shipped with five bound manuals: ''Installation & Learning Guide'', ''Making the Transition'', ''Customization Guide'', ''Command Reference Guide'', and ''LAN Administrator's Guide'' (together weighing nearly 4.5 pounds){{cn|date=October 2021}}
;Windows
;Windows
* '''XyWrite for Windows'''
* '''XyWrite for Windows'''<ref name=pcmag1993_0914>{{cite magazine
| magazine = [[PC Magazine]]
| title = XyWrite Enters Windows Word Processing Fray with DOS Roots
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=XNt4ttAFAiwC&pg=PA59
| pages = 59–60
| date = 14 September 1993
| volume = 12
| issue = 15
}}</ref> - Aug 1993<ref>{{cite magazine
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=iruiJ9Ft5BsC&pg=PA54&dq
| magazine = [[Computerworld]]
| title = XyWrite for Windows set for August delivery
| first = Michael
| last = Vizard
| pages = 54
| date = 28 June 1993
| volume = 27
| issue = 26
}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 92: Line 235:
*[http://www.notabene.com/ Nota Bene] (corporate site)
*[http://www.notabene.com/ Nota Bene] (corporate site)
*[http://www.xywrite.com/ XyWrite.com] A General XyWrite Resource by Brian Henderson
*[http://www.xywrite.com/ XyWrite.com] A General XyWrite Resource by Brian Henderson

{{Word processors}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Xywrite}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Xywrite}}
[[Category:1984 software]]
[[Category:Windows word processors]]
[[Category:Windows word processors]]
[[Category:Word processors]]
[[Category:Word processors]]
[[Category:Software written primarily in assembly language]]
[[Category:Assembly language software]]

Latest revision as of 00:58, 28 February 2024

XyWrite
Original author(s)David Erickson
Initial releaseSeptember 1982; 42 years ago (1982-09)[1]
Stable release
MS-DOS, 4.18 (1993)
Windows, 4.13
Operating systemMS-DOS, Windows
TypeWord processor

XyWrite is a word processor for MS-DOS and Windows modeled on the mainframe-based ATEX typesetting system.[2][3][4] Popular with writers and editors for its speed and degree of customization, XyWrite was in its heyday the house word processor in many editorial offices,[5] including the New York Times from 1989 to 1993.[6] XyWrite was developed by David Erickson and marketed by XyQuest from 1982 through 1992, after which it was acquired by The Technology Group.[7] The final version for MS-DOS was 4.18 (1993); for Windows, 4.13.

Features

[edit]
  • Its file format consists of plain text (IBM437, or so-called "extended ASCII") with markup (within guillemets: « »). This capability is useful for typesetters who need to convert to various formats, e.g., LaTeX. A plug-in for ANSI characters is available.
  • XyWrite is written in assembly language,[8][3] allowing it to run faster than word processors written in a higher level language.[citation needed]
  • It has a flexible macro-programming language (XPL) that offers many advantages for quick search and replace, copy-editing and reformatting of raw text. Users continue to write and share macros extending XyWrite features (printing to USB devices, for example).
  • Plain-text, editable configuration files allow easy customization of the keyboard—for remapping keystrokes and for execution of complex commands with individual keystrokes—as well as customization of what is loaded on launching the program.[3]
  • Commands can be typed in directly on a command line, without the use of a mouse. Commands are usually in simple English, such as "Save," "Print," and "Search," or their shorter versions, such as "Sa" for "Save" (commands are case-insensitive).[3]
  • Up to nine files can be opened for editing at one time in separate "windows" that allow quick copy-and-paste among several files.[1] Two files may be opened on the same screen for easy comparison of changes; a XyWrite command will do the comparison automatically, putting the cursor on the location at which the two files first differ (from which the user can move to the next difference).
  • Version 4 (or Signature) has full WYSIWYG graphical editing capabilities including on-screen display of bitmaps and Bitstream Speedo fonts.[9]
  • The Microsoft Windows version provided version 4 in a Windows environment, in WYSIWYG, without losing its command line driven interface. It supported the standard Windows' True Type fonts along with Speedo fonts.[10]

History and current usage

[edit]

XyQuest was founded in June 1982 by former ATEX employees Dave Erickson and John Hild. Its most successful product was XyWrite III Plus, which attracted a devoted following among professional writers.

Announced in September 1989,[11] XyWrite IV promised a lot to users,[9] it entered beta-test after a year in November 1990 hoping to release by year end.[11] By February 1991 it still hadn't shipped.[12] The turning point for XyWrite came in the form of a disastrous near-partnership with IBM, which was seeking a modern replacement for its venerable DisplayWrite word processor.[6] Working under an agreement signed in June 1990[citation needed], XyQuest devoted nearly all of its development resources to revising Erickson's XyWrite IV to IBM's specifications, including IBM Common User Access-style menus, mouse support and a graphical user interface. Publicized in early 1991, the agreement envisioned as a marriage between XyQuest technology and IBM marketing, the product was to be called Signature, and would ship for MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows and IBM OS/2. DisplayWrite would be discontinued at the same time in favor of the new software.[13][14]

But on the eve of Signature's release, IBM announced a strategic decision to withdraw completely from the desktop software market, shocking XyQuest and leaving Signature in limbo.[14] When a prospective new alliance with Lotus did not materialize,[citation needed] XyQuest regained the marketing rights to the software and restickered the ready-to-ship Signature packages pasting over the IBM logo.[15][16] Following mixed reviews and poor performance, it was later improved and renamed as XyWrite 4.0.[6]

However, the changes IBM had insisted on were a liability where the III Plus user base was concerned. Some key reviews (such as in The Wall Street Journal) were harsh, and there were complaints that 4.0 was buggy and slow. Moreover, in the years since the last major XyWrite release, WordPerfect had cemented its hold on the DOS word processor market. Already financially strained by the long development cycle for Signature, by the end of 1992 XyQuest was bleeding money. The sale to The Technology Group ensued.

While there were a few maintenance releases of 4.0 after the acquisition, The Technology Group's major commitment was to developing XyWrite for Windows.[17] But XyWrite remained a niche product, unable to compete for the business user against Word for Windows, WordPerfect for Windows, and Ami Pro, despite added versatility and customization potential. The Technology Group was dissolved in 2003.

Several versions of XyWrite were also localized for use in European countries. For example, the programs were offered in Germany under the name "euroscript" by North American Software GmbH.[18]

Nota Bene

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A descendant of XyWrite called Nota Bene is still being actively developed. Nota Bene, which runs on the XyWrite engine,[19] is popular among academics. As of January 2020, Nota Bene for Windows is at version 12. NotaBene is supported on native Windows, Mac and on Linux running WINE.[20]

Current usage

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In 2015, work started on using XyWrite within the vDos program shell in 32 and 64 bit windows. This was successful in October 2016, resulting in an x86 PC and DOS emulator for Windows based on Jos Schaars's vDos. Formerly known as vDos-lfn, vDosPlus allows XyWrite 4, XyWrite III+, and Nota Bene for DOS to run under the latest versions of Microsoft Windows (including 64-bit Windows). VdosPlus.org[21][22] shows the various functions, and XyWWWeb[23] shows usage.

XyWrite does not have as many features as Word or OpenOffice.org. For example, XyWrite is unaware of Windows ANSI or Unicode character sets and Nota Bene does not support languages (such as Chinese) that require double-byte characters.

Reception

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Byte in 1984 stated "the XyQuest people have done an admirable job porting the editing part of the Atex system" to the IBM PC. While criticizing the documentation, it called XyWrite "extremely fast, powerful, compact, and flexible".[8]

Version history

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MS-DOS
  • XyWrite I
  • XyWrite II
  • XyWrite II Plus[3]
  • XyWrite III,[24][1] - distributed on 5.25" HD floppy diskettes, and shipped with a 3-ring looseleaf manual in fabric-covered slipcase[citation needed]
  • XyWrite III Plus[25]
  • Signature 1.0 - initially announced September 1989 as XyWrite 4.0.[11]
  • XyWrite 4.0[26] - Jan 1993[7] - distributed on seven 3.5" HD floppy diskettes, and shipped with five bound manuals: Installation & Learning Guide, Making the Transition, Customization Guide, Command Reference Guide, and LAN Administrator's Guide (together weighing nearly 4.5 pounds)[citation needed]
Windows

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Adrian, Merv (26 May 1987). "Major Word Processors Get Better". PC Magazine. Vol. 6, no. 10. pp. 199–233.
  2. ^ Shannon, L. R. (14 June 1988). "PERIPHERALS; Mastering XyWrite". New York Times.
  3. ^ a b c d e Rabinovitz, Rubin (September 1985). "XyWrite II Plus". BYTE. Vol. 10, no. 9. pp. 397–302.
  4. ^ Bender (1994), p. 211.
  5. ^ Bender, Hy (1994). Essential Software for Writers. Writer's Digest Books. ISBN 0-89879-667-9. LCCN 93-40898.
  6. ^ a b c Baehr, Tim. "Whatever became of XyQuest?". Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  7. ^ a b Borzo, Jeanette (21 December 1992). "Feature-rich XyWrite 4.0 is almost ready to roll". InfoWorld. Vol. 14, no. 51. p. 13.
  8. ^ a b Malloy, Rich (October 1984). "Reviewer's Notebook". BYTE. Vol. 9, no. 11. p. 245. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  9. ^ a b "Improved XyWrite IV". PC Magazine. Vol. 9, no. 3. 13 February 1990. p. 54.
  10. ^ Mendelson, Edward (25 January 1994). "XyWrite for Windows: Command Line Holdout In a GUI World". PC Magazine. Vol. 13, no. 2. p. 54.
  11. ^ a b c Worthington, Paul (12 November 1990). "Word Perfect, Borland Scramble To Join GUI Fray". InfoWorld. Vol. 12, no. 46. p. 5.
  12. ^ "IBM". InfoWorld. Vol. 13, no. 5. 4 February 1991. pp. 1, 101.
  13. ^ Keefe, Patricia (11 March 1991). "DisplayWrite, XyWrite on the way out". Computerworld. Vol. XXV, no. 10. p. 6.
  14. ^ a b Mendelson, Edward (26 May 1992). "Signature". PC Magazine. Vol. 11, no. 10. p. 206-210.
  15. ^ Mendelson, Edward (28 January 1992). "Signature: XyWrite's Power Plus WYSIWYG Editing". PC Magazine. Vol. 11, no. 2. pp. 37, 39.
  16. ^ "XYQUEST RELEASES LONG-AWAITED UPGRADE TO DISPLAYWRITE AND XYWRITE". PC Magazine. Vol. 11, no. 1. 14 January 1992. p. 59.
  17. ^ a b "XyWrite Enters Windows Word Processing Fray with DOS Roots". PC Magazine. Vol. 12, no. 15. 14 September 1993. pp. 59–60.
  18. ^ Borchers, Detlef (22 October 2019). "Eine kleine Geschichte der Textverarbeitung". C't (in German).
  19. ^ Bender (1994), p. 13.
  20. ^ "System requirements". Nota Bene.
  21. ^ "VDosPlus".
  22. ^ "vDosPlus Home Page".
  23. ^ "XyWWWeb". Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  24. ^ Zilbergeld, Bernie (14 April 1986). "Xywrite is fast but difficult". InfoWorld. Vol. 8, no. 15. pp. 41–42.
  25. ^ Lombardi, John (28 March 1988). "Word Processing for Professionals and Offices". InfoWorld. Vol. 10, no. 13. pp. 53–72.
  26. ^ Bender (1994), p. 25.
  27. ^ Vizard, Michael (28 June 1993). "XyWrite for Windows set for August delivery". Computerworld. Vol. 27, no. 26. p. 54.
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