Professor Windows. (educational software) (evaluation)
by Barry Brenesal

A graphically oriented environment's bound to throw longtime DOS users a curve or two, but learning the basics of Windows shouldn't cause any anguish. If you've been holding off installing Windows because you dread the climb up the learning curve, look to Professor Windows for a lift. It's a friendly program that walks you through the sometimes confusing world of Windows.

Using either the mouse or the keyboad, you can learn about such matters as simple graphics objects, Windows accessories, getting help, and printing. Subjects are arranged in six areas (startup, basics, tasks, printing, accessories, and advanced), and you can move ahead or back one screen, or jump completely out of a tutorial at any time.

Though elementary, treatment of the material proves effective within its defined boundaries. Users answers simple multiple-choice questions on newly learned facts. A bar display of continuing progress through each lesson sustains the sense of accomplishment.

Ironically, in spite of Windows' multitasking environment, Professor Windows won't load when anything else remains open, excluding Program Manager. It will freeze if you run it under a Windows shell (like DC Windows Express or PubTech File Manager).

Professor Windows won't help everyone; it's strictly for novice users and probably not advanced enough for longtime PC users. Professor Windows does assuage computer anxieties if you have them, and if you need a little assistance to jumpstart your Windows career, Professor Windows could be just the patient tutor that you've been waiting for.