PC GLOBE 3.0 and PC USA - Computerized Atlases
                         Copyright 1990 David Batterson

     Not long ago, a survey revealed that an alarming number of high school
seniors could not locate well-known countries on a globe.  Some of them
couldn't even find the United States!
     The level of geography knowledge among young people today is shocking.
That's why two new software products are not only exciting and fun, but are
important tools for our educational improvement.
     They are PC GLOBE 3.0 and PC USA, both easy-to-use computerized atlases
that should help reverse this trend toward geographical ignorance.  If kids
spend less time with Nintendo and more time with software like PC GLOBE, they
will be better prepared for their futures!
     PC GLOBE provides up-to-date maps, graphics and data on 177 countries.
Using the pull-down menus, you pick a continent, region or individual country.
Or with a mouse, you simply point-and-shoot to get maps and data on the
specific country you want to study.
     There's a slim manual to get you started, but you really don't need it.
This software was designed to take the chore out of accessing information, and
make learning enjoyable.
     Soon you'll be learning about GNP (gross national product) figures in
France, the government leaders of Australia, major cities in Brazil, or the top
agricultural product of Canada.  Other information includes such topics as
population, ethnic groups, religions, telephone area codes, trade data,
political parties and tourist attractions.
     Country maps indicate major cities, rivers, mountains and other
geographical features.  You can create customized bar charts instantly, which
compare the various data among different countries.  These comparisons can also
be displayed via colorful maps.
     Don't get the idea that PC GLOBE is for schools and younger users only.
It's also useful for any company which does business out of the country, and
needs accurate, quick information.  PC GLOBE is currently used by Fortune 500
companies, government agencies, high schools and colleges, and major travel
agencies.
     Charts and maps may be saved in the .PCX (PC Paintbrush) format for use in
desktop publishing and graphics programs.  You may also export country data to
an ASCII or Lotus 1-2-3 file.
     Other utilities let you calculate distances between any two cities,
convert any two currencies, see the local time of any country, view text files,
and change screen colors.
     With the recent upheaval in the Eastern Bloc countries, Panama and other
areas, some political information is no longer valid.  Not to worry, since
regular updates will be available.
     PC USA is the newer program of the two, and follows the same format and
command structure.  It covers the 50 states, District of Columbia and Puerto
Rico.  Included utilities are also about the same.
     As with PC GLOBE, you get high-quality, detailed maps, along with lucid
graphics and extensive data.  The information is in diverse categories similar
to the countries, including population trends, education statistics, history,
crime rates, retail sales, incomes, tourism, and so forth.  Bar charts can
display the top 10 and bottom 10 states for any category.
     You can easily find locations which match area codes or ZIP codes you
enter, and find distances between cities.  There's a time zone map too.
     PC GLOBE 3.0 and PC USA require 512K RAM minimum, DOS 2.0 or higher, and
work with most graphics adaptors.  A Microsoft-compatible mouse is recommended.
They support most popular printers; additional printer drivers are available.
     I can recommend both PC GLOBE 3.0 and PC USA, as their high performance
and friendliness measure up to their ads.  Suggested list price for each is
$69.95; shop around for best street price.  A demo disk is available for $3
each.
     For information or orders, contact PC Globe, Inc., 4700 S. McClintock,
Tempe, AZ  85282; 800-255-2789 (orders); 602-730-9000; FAX: 602-968-7196.
                                       #
     David Batterson writes about various PC applications.  Contact him via MCI
Mail: DBATTERSON.