How We Test

All systems are tested with PC WorldBench 98, PC World's application-based benchmark. We run automated scripts on six popular business applications, performing common tasks as described below. The PC WorldBench score is a sum of the normalized, weighted result of each application script. A higher PC WorldBench score is better.

A system's PC WorldBench 98 score is based on its speed relative to our reference platform: a Gateway G5-200 MMX, with a Pentium MMX-200 processor, 32MB SDRAM memory, 512KB secondary cache, Western Digital AC22000L 2000MB IDE (Ultra DMA) hard drive, and an STB Nitro 3D graphics board with 4MB EDO DRAM. The reference PC's WorldBench 98 score is set at 100. A PC with a score of 200 would therefore be twice as fast as the reference PC.

We test each system as supplied by the manufacturer. All tests are configured with an HP LaserJet 4 as the default printer. We disable any power-saving features. We set the video resolution to 800 by 600 in 64KB colors for desktops, and 800 by 600 in 256 colors for notebooks, using the supplied video driver where possible. We load the test applications, files, and the test automation software and scripts.

Word processing

Lotus WordPro 97 (10 percent) We open files of different sizes, search for text, change fonts, enter text, save files, and jump to a particular page. We also copy and paste, check spelling, scroll, change document views, and insert one file into another.

Microsoft Word 97 (10 percent) We open multiple documents, format text, copy and paste, close files, scroll, and save files. We also change document views, insert text, check spelling, repaginate, count words, check print preview, and do mail merge.

Spreadsheets

Lotus 1-2-3 97 (20 percent) and Microsoft Excel 97 (20 percent) Using a variety of worksheets, including an automobile statistics sheet, a multisheet federal income tax workbook, a variable-rate mortgage worksheet, and an analysis of life insurance policies, we perform common functions and tasks including opening a file, formatting, entering data, sorting, recalculating, data query, print preview, printing, and saving the file.

Database

Corel Paradox 8 (20 percent) We simulate an order-entry system. We import tables and post a series of orders, looking up customer and product data in the process. We perform a variety of queries, edit data, and create reports.

Graphics

Micrografx Picture Publisher 7 (20 percent) Using an assortment of graphics, we perform functions including opening and saving files, zooming, scrolling, changing palettes, posterization, image masking, hue shifting, feathering, and copying and pasting.