Software Reviews : Lotus Hal Publisher: Lotus Development Corp.,55 Cambridge Parkway,Cambridge,MA 02142 (telephone: [phone]) Year of Publication: 1986 Price: $150 Availability: IBM,COMPAQ,AT&T,and 123 certified compatibles System Requirements: 512K RAM,two floppy drives or a hard disk Effectiveness: Good User-Friendliness: Good Documentation: Good

Abstract

HAL is a front-end addition to LOTUS 1-2-3 that uses English-like commands instead of regular LOTUS commands. HAL seems ideally suited for the inexperienced computer user or LOTUS novice. The most useful feature is the "undo" command, which can be used to fix mistakes. The program also allows advanced users to link spreadsheets and check cell references. HAL can build macros to simplify the writing of complex programs. The promise of HAL is illusory. The time spent learning HAL'S syntax and grammar could as easily be spent with a good LoTUS tutorial, and the more advanced capabilities are already available to any creative, experienced user. HAL does what Lotus advertises, but doesn't really simplify data analysis. Social science money would be better spent elsewhere.