Certificate Maker - Personalized Awards
                         Copyright 1990 David Batterson

     It's fun sometimes to look at low-end programs that are designed to do a
simple task.  Such a program is Springboard Software's Certificate Maker, now
distributed by Spinnaker.
     Certificate Maker lets you make quick, personalized awards for offices,
schools or organizations.  You can use it also for funny birthday cards, gag
gifts at a party, or for family celebrations.
     The program comes with 220 templates, for most any occasion or type of
recognition you wish to make.  Examples include writing proficiency,
mathematics award, scholastic achievement, various sports awards, best mom,
religious certificates, licenses, congratulations, and certificates of
excellence and honor.
     Making certificates couldn't be any easier.  You select a template, border
and type style, then enter the body text, date and signature block.  The 24
borders are very decorative, and include such styles as Persian, weave,
African, snake, legal, art nouveau, maze and spiral.
     The number of font choices is limited to five:  serif, sans serif, script,
gothic and art deco.  Additional borders and fonts are available as an option.
     One useful feature is the *name* file.  This allows you to create lists of
names that are used to print multiple copies of the same certificate.  You can
select all the names in a list, or specify only the ones you want.
     The program comes with a supply of gold foil and colored stickers, with
various sayings--some serious and some funny.  You can put a couple of ribbon
strips under the sticker to dress your certificate up even more.
     I think Certificate Maker could be used a lot by businesses that want to
motivate and recognize their employees.  Studies have shown that certificates
of appreciation make a very favorable impression.
     In testing Certificate Maker, I created a certificate of recognition.
Then I took it to a copy shop, and made a copy on parchment paper.  This made
it look much more professional than using regular printer paper.
     I also recommend you frame the certificates, especially those you present
at the office.  The recipient is more likely to display it on the wall.
     Certificate Maker requires only DOS 2.1 or higher, 256K RAM, CGA or better
monitor, and printer.  The list price is $39.95 but most dealers will charge
less for it.
     For more information, contact Spinnaker Software, 201 Broadway, 6th Floor,
Cambridge, MA  02139-1901; 617-494-1200, 800-826-0706 (orders).
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     David Batterson reviews various PC software and hardware.  Send any
comments via MCI Mail: 273-7218.