Steve Mills

Who is this man and why is he writing about software?

I'm old and therefore wise! Well, at least I'm old.

This journey through computerdom began approximately 20 years ago at Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh, when we installed the very first PC based system for the preparation of Fiduciary tax returns. It was a fun time in the industry - the head of IT was solely enamored with the "Big Iron" and considered PC's toys, so we were left to our own devices tearing up floors, running network cable and installing software. Naturally, after a successful installation, Mr. BigIron is on the front page of PC Week talking about PC integration. Some things never change.

Anyway, the journey led me to Chicago to work for an unnamed Big 6 firm until my stomach lining gave out. In the meantime I had started MidWest BBS and grew it into one of the top 50 in the country. One of my main duties and most enjoyable was reviewing new software and posting daily reviews. As the Internet began to render the ANSI BBS meaningless we added email capabilities and MidWest BBS gradually morphed into Internet Illinois. The software reviews continued, but in a new form. I always felt that our file library was world class, even though it was much smaller than some of the better known projects. Of course, I'm biased. Internet Illinois has gone the way of the dodo bird.

Today, I primarily do clerical work at a search engine consulting firm. It keeps me around computers and at my age, just lucky to have a job.

For better or worse, I've seen a LOT of software and have very definitive ideas about what makes software good or bad. We'll consider the following:

1. Cost relative to similar products.

2. Can we use it quickly while exploring the depth of features?

3. Does it do what it is supposed to do?

4. Is it a good citizen or does it deposit a bunch of craplets, pop unders, ads and reminders?

5. Is the author more concerned with registration prodding and copy protection than making the program work?

6. Is it intuitive? To me, some software is still no better than the old C prompt. On the other hand, can the training wheels be removed once the program is learned?

7. Does the author have a reasonable usage / upgrade policy?

I'm sure the column will evolve over the coming months. Input from readers is always appreciated and this old skin is pretty thick if anyone cares enough to criticize.

Our top level rating will be six "geezers" and theoretically range down to one "geezer". As a practical matter, we probably won't waste anyone's time with programs below the four level, except for a warning to avoid real turkeys (or spyware, etc.).

That's my wife of 30 years in the picture with me (the one on the right). We have two children which we are VERY proud of. One is a Sports Director at a TV station in Joplin, MO and the other is a teacher in Chicago. Sometimes you do something right in spite of yourself!

Hobbies include golf, magic, coins and cooking.

I'm sure that's more than anyone wants to know about me. I know I'm really tired of it.

Later..... Steve