Matt,
You say that AppleWorks files can be opened in Pages. This is not universally true. If the file is from an earlier version, it will not open. In order to open the file, it must be of a later “vintage.” This also seems to be true of spreadsheet files, as Numbers will not open many of my older files. If you want to migrate any files from AppleWorks to the iWork application, you have to make sure it is saved from the latest version of AppleWorks.
Also, there are several file types (Paint, Draw, Database) that iWork does not support. Because there are several databases that I have kept for several years, it will be a while before I migrate to Lion. I have looked at Bento, but it doesn’t seem as straightforward as AppleWorks. I may just have to play around with the demo version a bit more, but I really don’t like the “automatic” creation of a database linked to the address book. This seems like something that Microsoft would come up with.
Thanks for the interesting articles in the newsletter.
Bruce
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Hi Matt,
I’ve never had a serious problem with old text files, and I was a fan of WriteNow. But the loss of other kinds of files has been semi-disastrous for me. For 15 years I did all my accounting in MYM (Managing Your Money). It’s not been supported for a long time. One can use Quicken and other things for contemporary accounting. But what is terrible is that there is no conversion path for the older files. So far as I can tell, the only way I can access those important files is by keeping an old laptop computer on hand, a nuisance at best, since I live and work in three different countries. Then there is HyperCard. Remember it? I devoted hundreds of hours to developing my own Japanese/English dictionary. Sure there are better dictionaries online, but they do not have my extensive notes and examples. Here, too, there is no conversion path that I can find. I don’t know why, but SuperCard was no help, and maybe it is dead by now.
So that is my experience progress. Not altogether happy.
Cheers,
Gene
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Matt,
I remember the days of AppleWorks/ClairsWorks. I sure do miss that suite of software. I loved to use Draw. That was my favorite program in the Macintosh Quadra days.
I no longer have a copy of those programs. Do you know where I can get a copy of AppleWorks to run on my Snow Leopard MacBook Pro? It is a far better set of programs than iWorks offers today.
If you know where I can get a copy please let my know.
Thanks in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Leigh
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Leigh,
Unfortunately AppleWorks is no longer available for purchase or download. There are plenty of copies available on eBay right now though!
Matt
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Hi Matt,
Just thought I’d send you a quick reply to say that I, for one, am greatly disappointed I no longer can use my AppleWorks with Lion. In fact, that is one reason I have put off making the switch.
Yes, I know there are many other choices out there—Pages, Word, etc.—and I have them all, but I still find myself using AppleWorks daily. It’s like the easy chair that is soft in all the right places.
When I have to finally make the switch, it will be like losing a dear friend. At least that’s my view!
Dean
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Matt –
Just read your item about ClarisWorks/AppleWorks going away with Lion, and your asking what other digital items we’d hate to lose. I only have one: a recording I made with my 6-year-old son sitting on my lap speaking into a microphone attached to my Mac 512K. He was telling me to have a nice day. For a while I used it as a startup sound on my work computer.
I guess I’m prompted to write this now as that same son is getting ready to go back to begin his senior year in college this week. And he’s got his own Mac to take with him. I hope it holds some memories for him as mine still does for me.
Patrick
P.S. I enjoy all the stuff you guys write, by the way.
P.P.S. I did my master’s thesis way back when on that 512K using ClarisWorks, so I guess that’s a memory as well.