In my last column, I laid out the specs for Macintosh hardware. Software is next. I come from the training-wheels school of learning. I think you should crawl before you walk and walk before you run. With that in mind, I suggest that first-time computer users buy Microsoft Works or Claris Works. Both have a word processor, spreadsheet, database, telecommunications program, and rudimentary drawing program all in one application for less than $200. These programs are a sort of Shopsmith in software. Like the famous all-in-one woodworking tool, they attempt, successfully in most cases, to provide all the major software tasks in one program. Not only is this cheap, but it is the perfect set of training wheels for the newcomer. Here's
