Memory: 16K
Price: £7.95

Dlan, short for display language, is a system for generating textual displays for both versions of the Spectrum. By defining any number of windows on the screen you can define the text, type style, INK and PAPER colours and direction of scroll in it. You can also define a pattern round the edge of the window. All the features can be put together to produce an advertising display at far less cost than a purpose-built system.

Each command is written as a REM statement, followed by a number of parameters detailing what will happen on-screen. Once complete, one USER command will set the whole thing running and it will then cycle around the commands non-stop. As with any new language, time must be spent learning it but effective results can be obtained by non-computer users in a short time. As well as all the commands to define the parameters it is also possible to build-in subroutines so that one display can call others.

What sets it apart from an ordinary program is the choice of 11 typefaces, four in the 16K version. They add a touch of professionalism to the display. A good utility program which can only add to the uses to which a Spectrum can be put. It can be obtained from Campbell Systems.