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Subject:Re: FrameMaker vs. Interleaf From:Robert Plamondon <robert -at- PLAMONDON -dot- COM> Date:Sat, 17 Jun 1995 08:07:10 PDT
Interleaf is a high-end tech-doc-oriented DTP program. FrameMaker is
a mid-range program. Word for Windows can be considered to be a
low-end DTP program if you're in a generous mood.
I've used Interleaf since 1985. It uses the original Xerox Star-style
user interface, which, among other things, takes advantage of all three
buttons on a three-button mouse, and context-sensitive pop-up menus.
Such features make it blindingly fast in the hands of an experienced
user, but takes longer to get used to than programs that use the
now-standard stripped-down Mac and Windows interfaces. It is a powerful
and subtle program, with an excellent drawing package. It's particularly
good for multi-user projects, where several people are working on a
document at once, with the files on a network server.
Interleaf 5.4 for DOS runs like lightning in a properly configured
DOS box (486/66 or better, 20 MB of DRAM, local-bus VRAM video card).
As with all serious DTP work, you should use a 20" or 21" color monitor.
It actually runs faster under DOS than on most workstations. It costs
$895.
The new "compound filters" for Word and WordPerfect do a pretty good job
of getting data in and out.
