Final DOS version of iconic word processor is now free
WordStar 7.0d, the final DOS iteration of the iconic word processor, has been re-released at no cost by Canadian science fiction author Robert J Sawyer. Prior to being overtaken by WordPerfect, WordStar held the title as the most widely used word processor. Sawyer, an avid user of WordStar himself, has written all his 25 novels and nearly all short stories using this program.
Re-release includes additional tools
The re-released version of WordStar comes with a variety of tools including DOS emulators for contemporary Windows. The download package, sized at 680MB, comprises comprehensive documentation and utilities to convert WordStar documents into newer formats. It also features copies of two FOSS tools - DOSbox-X and vDosPlus - that enable users to operate this MS-DOS application on modern Windows systems.
WordStar's journey and legacy
WordStar has a rich history, initially launched on CP/M operating system before being adapted for DOS and later Windows. The final release was part of an obscure office suite by MicroPro, the company behind WordStar. Over time, MicroPro was acquired by several companies including SoftKey which later became the Learning Company before Mattel purchased it in 1999.
Evolution and enduring appeal
WordStar spawned several versions like Wordstar 2000, which moved away from the keyboard-centric UI that was a trademark of WordStar. Another version was WordStar Express, rebranded from a student's Modula-2 project. Interestingly, even WordStar 7 isn't based on the original code. MicroPro acquired a competing clone called NewWord and designated it as the official WordStar 4, which is still used by George RR Martin today. Despite its age, the program continues to attract users for its simplicity and efficiency.
