The evaluation of all software programs reviewed was conducted on a 486-DX, 33 mhz system with 4MB of RAM and a Super-VGA monitor, using DOS 6.0. Among the software characteristics considered, along with program detail, are speed, ease of learning, ease of use, and cost. The Q and A (version 4.0, by Symantec Corp) is a unique program that includes a word processor on one side and a database filing system on the other. Q and A is simple to use and is powerful enough to handle thousands of records in each file. Q and A's advantage over the other programs reviewed is in adding records. CASE:INFO by C.I. Technologies is designed as a tool to manage investigative leads and "timeline" events, as well as to create charts based on that information. CASE:INFO does not permit the design of customized databases. The fields are already there, all laid out, and ready for input. Data retrieval, although simple, is sluggish. The FileMaker Pro by Claris Corporation is a versatile database program that allows the user to arrange fields and layouts in any number of ways. The user can arrange fields for envelopes, invoices, and label printing. Searching a database by field is easy, although, like all windows applications, it is not as fast as DOS- based programs. The primary advantage of the program is its ability to customize a database and produce reports on paper with far greater aesthetic detail than any of the other programs tested. Microrim's latest version of their veteran database program, RBASE 4.5, combines portions of the previous three programs reviewed, gives greater dimension, and soars through the data landscape with blinding speed and depth. None of the other databases can reach so deep into a pile of information, cordon it all off into logically arranged tables and columns, and access it with such relative speed and ease.