GoodLook 2.1 is a _very_ innovative solution to the problem of
visually comparing two text files. The author, John Dove, had source
files particularly in mind when he created this program, but it's
first-rate for any text file comparisons.
  Target files may be named on the command line, or in response to
GoodLook's prompt, or picked from a very nicely done directory lister,
which supports all drives and directories. (Hidden subdirectories are
not listed, but files within those directories may be accessed from
the command line or the prompt.)
  When the two target files have been read in, they are displayed
within two full-width windows. As the files are scrolled, the lines
move so that the lowest-numbered pair of lines are always together at
midscreen. The files may be scrolled by line individually or in a
linked fashion, by line or page (9 lines). A "find next mismatch" key
finds the next line pair at which the two files differ. Either or both
files can then be scrolled and the next "find next mismatch" search
will start from the new relative positions.
  The bottom two lines of the screen provide concise reminders of key
functions, while a simple help screen amplifies that information and
indicates alternate command keys.
  GoodLook can be configured for foreground and background colors and
will "clone" a new copy with the chosen colors. In an earlier release,
changing colors required the use of a debug-type program, with very
clear instructions on locating the marked portions of the code to be
modified. The instructions and code markers have been left in this
release. Even earlier releases might not have run properly on IBM
monochrome display adapters and MDA clones. It appears that this has
been completely fixed.
  GoodLook is user-supported software. However, Mr. Dove's approach to
"nagging" the user has been limited to display of a "commercial" upon
exiting the help screen--and the Esc key allows the user to avoid even
that gentle reminder.
  My use for and admiration of GoodLook can be deduced from the fact
that I registered it within a week of acquiring this release (an
earlier release did not look good on my green screen and so sat
unused)--faster than I had ever before registered a program.
  If the system allowed, I have uploaded GoodLook as GOODLOOK.ARC.
Otherwise, search for GOOD*.ARC and look for v 2.1 in the file
description.