OFFLOAD: an office workstation in a portable software environment

Abstract

In order to exploit the ready availability of low cost, general purpose microcomputers as office workstations, an integrated environment has been assembled to allow for the straightforward use of a collection of software components. A closed user environment has been provided through the use of the OffLoad command interpreter which makes appropriate calls on the underlying operating system and utilities.The software components provided within the OffLoad system include a document preparation editor, a filing system, document formatters, printing and help facilities. Utilities include a numeric calculator, a mailing list and form letter management system, cash flow analysis and data management aids. Interactive and file transfer communications are provided from the OffLoad workstation to a computer network which provides archive and shared file storage, electronic mail, ViewData, expensive peripherals and many other services.The individual components of the workstation have common user interfaces and have been carefully integrated to ensure that their composite use is straightforward. Simple, but effective, aids are present to allow the user to configure the OffLoad system to personal tastes or particular office practices.