1 July 13

Fifteen years ago today, Peter Norton Computing released their final software product for DOS computers, "Norton Commander 5.51." My tie features the NORTON company logo. In the mid-1990s, IBM and Microsoft were producing both DOS and Windows operating systems, and Apple was moving from System 6 to higher versions. Everybody was storing files on so-called "floppy disks." The geniuses at Peter Norton Computing gave us wonderful programs to help keep all of these different systems running smoothly. Here is a description of what we thought was a GREAT computer product at that time: "Norton Commander is considered easy to use based on its constant view of two file manipulation objects at once. After starting the program the user sees two panels with file lists. Each panel can be easily configured to show information about the other panel, a directory tree, or a number of other options. At the bottom of the screen, Norton Commander displays a list of commands that are extended on demand by the CTRL and ALT keys. Thus, without heavy use of the mouse (although mouse functionality was integrated around version 3.0), the user is able to perform many file manipulation actions quickly and efficiently. Additionally, it also includes a built-in text file viewer (invoked with F3 key) and text file editor (invoked with F4 key)."