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Gates: Microsoft Word was better than WordPerfect

Time: 14:32 EST/19:32 GMT | News Source: USA Today | Posted By: Robert Stein

SALT LAKE CITY – Microsoft's Windows 95 rollout presented the most challenges in the company's history, leading to several last-minute changes to technical features that would no longer support a rival software maker's word processor, Bill Gates testified Monday in a $1 billion antitrust lawsuit filed by the creator of WordPerfect.

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#1 By 8556 (173.29.0.3) at Monday, November 21, 2011 04:49:36 PM

I preferred Word Perfect over Word until Word Perfect 6 was released. It was a horrible nasty program, full of bugs, and terribly slow to run. Microsoft released Word 6, after Word 2 (no 3, 4, or 5) and it blew away Word Perfect 6 in speed. Since time is money most people moved to the faster and much cheaper Word 6 from Word Perfect 6, except for hard core WP users. There was no conspiracy. Microsoft simply release a superior product that people and company's switched to. In this case, Gates is telling the truth.

#2 By 1896 (93.40.122.183) at Tuesday, November 22, 2011 03:38:09 AM

#1: Very true indeed; I was not impressed by Word 2 but Word 6 was a game changer. I remember how fun it was that MS used the number 6 to match WordPerfect release.

Quattro Pro lasted much longer in my computer but, at the end, the integration among MS productivity products made me switch to Excel too.

#3 By 2 (136.142.138.106) at Tuesday, November 22, 2011 08:42:02 AM

I also agree, I was a big WordPerfect fan until Word 6. It's still on the market, too!:http://www.corel.com/

#4 By 23275 (75.139.60.84) at Tuesday, November 22, 2011 08:42:19 AM

obviously, many people felt that way - use of WP6 exploded upon its release - a full PT. release ahead of the version (7), capable of long file names, that would ship parallel to Windows 95 (which this case forgets, as the complainant attempts to secure money from Microsoft).

The better question, in light of the facts and the timeline, is how did this case move forward to this point?

I suspect the underlying reason is that architecturally, Windows 8 is really "that good" - as industry partners get ready (again) for a watershed event - the release of a unified architecture that allows developers to target all three screen scenarios with one set of tools and one base of code (though hitting the big screen can be accomplished via the cloud, Xbox, Smart TV's with embedded, and wireless HD (PlayTo, etc...)).

I know many of you will think that is a stretch, but in reality, the timeline is very short and the direction is quite clear. Sad as some may be about it, Windows 8 is going to do to mobile and (phones and slates) + embedded what Windows 95 did to the desktop, and this case against Microsoft in the context of the press it has received recently, is about trying to distract not only the company, but the industry.

Remember, there is a rising sentiment of "anything, but Apple....", with the exception of the talking heads on the news channels (the 40 plus crowd) that champions Apple mobile devices more than even the most die-hard of youthful fan. Serious business people hunger for a unified platforms approach and clearer, simpler means to target all device types with the same dollar. Microsoft is about to deliver that and once again dominate the information battle space - and once again, in ten more years, face even greater anti-trust pressure. A reluctant DoJ, given how 8's appearance will come about at a time when American innovation reignites more generally, will support a suit right around 2020. I likely will not be here to see it, but do remember what I have written here and why. Then get into the tools and really see why for yourself. Hope you all are well. Lloyd

#5 By 40 (166.147.101.154) at Tuesday, November 22, 2011 10:18:32 AM

The big issue was Word Perfect did not function correctly under window 95. Windows 95 had its own print engine and WP had its own print engine and they did not play well together. Personally I used Amipro, much better program then both any easier to use, Prowrite was also very easy to use and worked great.

#6 By 95132 (24.131.63.35) at Tuesday, November 22, 2011 11:50:11 AM

Have to parrot the same as some others. WP was better till finally MSWord 6 kicked it's arse no questions asked and MSWord never looked back.

#7 By 2960 (72.209.197.132) at Wednesday, November 23, 2011 08:32:47 AM

Here's the funny thing. Word 6 damn near killed MS office on the Macintosh. One of the worst Mac programs ever released.

#8 By 2960 (72.209.197.132) at Wednesday, November 23, 2011 08:42:03 AM

I never liked Wordperfect. Not a single version of it on any platform.

However I think WordPerfects fame came about for two reasons:

1. Support. At the time, WordPerfect was probably the best supported PC software product on the Market.

2. Documentation. Anyone remember the WordPerfect Documentation? Jeebus LOL

It finally faltered in both area's.

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