PC-Write

PC-Write was a popular shareware word processor for IBM PC and compatible computers, prevalent during the 1980s and early 1990s. It was developed and distributed by Bob Wallace of Quicksoft. PC-Write was notable for its "shareware" distribution model, allowing users to try the software for free for a limited time before being asked to pay a registration fee. Registered users received a printed manual and were encouraged to make copies of the software and distribute them to others.

PC-Write was written in assembly language for speed and efficiency, which was particularly important on the relatively slow machines of the era. It offered a range of features typical of word processors at the time, including text formatting, basic editing tools, and printer support. It was known for its compact size and relatively low system requirements, making it accessible to users with limited hardware resources. It competed with other word processors such as WordStar, WordPerfect, and Microsoft Word. While never achieving the market dominance of some of its rivals, PC-Write gained a significant following, particularly among users who appreciated its simplicity, speed, and the shareware distribution model.

The program's development largely ceased in the early 1990s, as graphical user interfaces and more feature-rich commercial word processors became dominant. However, it remains a significant example of early PC software and the shareware movement.