My Journey from Pirating to Purchasing: WordPerfect 5.1 as the First Paid Software

The Early Days of Pirating

As a young computer enthusiast in the 1980s, I was deeply fascinated by software and how it could transform mundane tasks into efficient and visually appealing processes. Before making the transition to purchasing the first legitimate software I used, I spent years pirating software. One of the most popular programs I pirated at that time was WordPerfect 4.2, and my experience with it was both enlightening and challenging.

The Transition to Legitimate Purchases

One fateful day, in 1989, I finally decided to take the plunge and buy legitimate software. I acquired WordPerfect 5.1 for a surprising price of $160. This investment was a personal milestone, as it marked the end of my pirating days and the beginning of my journey of using and appreciating genuine software.

Given my history with WordPerfect 4.2, I was not disappointed with the upgrade to 5.1. The newer version was indeed worth every cent, and it exceeded my expectations. The vast improvements in formatting and text manipulation were truly impressive, setting it apart from its competitors like Microsoft Word. The program was not only a joy to use but also provided unparalleled precision, especially when it came to formatting text to exact specifications.

The Comprehensive Documentation

Another aspect of WordPerfect 5.1 that impressed me greatly was the extensive manual that came with the software. Containing a whopping 300 pages, the manual was meticulously detailed and well-organized. It covered every functionality of the program and was a valuable resource for becoming proficient. The manual helped me navigate through the various features and shortcuts, making the transition from novice to experienced user seamless.

WordPerfect’s Superiority in the 1990s

During the 1990s, the software stack for running a small manufacturing plant was largely dependent on programs like WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, and dBase III. These programs are now remembered as the backbone of many businesses during that era. Each of these software applications had its unique strengths, and I found them to be exceptionally helpful and worth the investment.

Lotus 1-2-3 was the go-to spreadsheet program, offering powerful calculations and data analysis features. Similarly, dBase III, a relational database management system, was invaluable for handling structured data. Both these programs also came with comprehensive and well-written manuals, ensuring that users could make the most of their features.

Conclusion

My journey from pirating to purchasing software in the 1980s and 1990s was a transformative one. WordPerfect 5.1 marked a significant turning point, and the experience of using it began a new era of software ownership. The investment in proper documentation and the software itself was undoubtedly worth it in terms of the efficiency, precision, and user experience it provided.

Reflecting on my past and current software preferences, I can attest that the value of legitimate software goes far beyond the initial cost. It provides a level of professionalism, compatibility, and support that is hard to replicate through pirated versions. If you’re still considering pirating software, it’s worth remembering the story of how one investment in WordPerfect 5.1 transformed my computing experience for the better.

FAQ

Q1: What is WordPerfect?

WordPerfect is a text editor and word processing software that was once widely used across various platforms, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. It was known for its advanced features and meticulous design, making it a favorite among both professionals and casual users.

Q2: Why did you pirated WordPerfect 4.2?

I pirated WordPerfect 4.2 because it was a popular and powerful text editor that I found to be more advanced than the alternatives available at the time. The decision to pirate was influenced by my desire to explore the software without the initial financial commitment.

Q3: What made WordPerfect 5.1 worth every penny?

WordPerfect 5.1 was worth every penny because of its impressive features, meticulous design, and comprehensive user manual. The manual alone was a 300-page guide that helped users become proficient users of the software, and the program itself offered unmatched precision and functionality.