10/1/1982 Analzying diet analysisI was somewhat hesitant to comment on one of the programs reviewed in Marketalk Reviews in your November 1981 issue. I did feel obligated, however, to warn your other readers that the Diet Analysis program written by Javed Aslam and marketed by Apple as part of their SDS program has design deficiencies and defects which render it of limited value to the serious user. I purchased Diet Analysis for my wife on the basis of the description published in Apple's SDS catalog. It sounded like a great way for her to keep up with her intake of carbohydrates and all the other things she loves so well.
The first problem encountered was that the program would crash when an attempt was made to activate one of the functions from the menu. Since the disk was locked to prevent the user from copying the program and the various tricks had been used to reset the reset vector and prevent listing the program, the only recourse was to turn off the computer. In addition to this fatal flaw, it turned out that, contrary to indications in the SDS catalog, it was not possible to add foods to the data base to tailor it to the user's likes. Finally there was no provision for printing any of the results. Since the program had to be booted to run it, it was not possible to install a screen print routine and, for reasons stated above, it was not possible to add printing options to the code. Fortunately, the local store took the program back. Once again, I regret having to throw cold water on Dr. Aslam's efforts, particularly since the program otherwise has a lot of merit. I am disappointed, however, that Apple did not try a little harder to ensure that the program would run as the author intended, and that their catalog was misleading. Perhaps I would have kept the program had I been permitted to modify the code to do what I wanted. Mike Kramer, Klngwood, TX - V2N5 Comments are closed.
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