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Silicon Times Report Issue 0002
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ST-REPORT ISSUE #2 July 4, 1987 HOT ST NEWS AND REVIEWS
Publisher/Editor: Ron Kovacs A Publication of Zmagazine (c)1987 Syndicate
_______________________________________________________________________________
Publisher's Page
Welome to our second issue of ST-REPORT. As we stated in the last issue, we
were planning on publishing once a month. Due to the massive amount of news
and information we have been getting, I have changed the original plans and
decided to publish this newsletter every two weeks.
If you hav any information you would like to see in this publication, you can
upload them to the Zmagazine Information Network at (201) 968-8148 300/1200 or
send your article to: Zmagazine ST-Report, PO Box 74, Middlesex, NJ 08846-0074
_______________________________________________________________________________
ST NEWSWIRE
Atari Corporation Update: The following text ctsy of Online Today.
ATARI TO SELL COMPUTERS THROUGH MUSIC STORES
Atari Corp. has announced it plans to sell 520ST and 1040ST personal computers
through US music stores.
According to J.J. Brown, vice president and general manager of Atari's US
operations, the company will start signing up music dealers this weekend at the
International Music and Sound Expo in Chicago. The trade show is sponsored by
the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
"It's a natural fit for Atari," said Brown. "Music stores already sell music
software, and the ST is rapidly becoming the computer of choice for musicians
because of its low price and high performance. Another reason is that it is the
only personal computer with a built-in MIDI (musical instrument digital
interface). Musicians can use an ST immediately; there's no need to buy a MIDI
interface board." --John Edwards
ATARI MEGA ST RELEASE IS IMMINENT
An Atari executive has reacted to rumors that Atari's Mega ST would not be
ready until September. Atari users have been hearing rumors that the new
machine would be delayed until September. The reason usually supplied was that
the SLM804 aser printer was having production problems and Atari wouldn't
release the MEGA without the printer.
Neil Harris, Director of Marketing Communications at Atari, says that the
release of the Mega ST is "imminent." Although Harris didn't comment on the
laser printer's supposed problems, he did say that Atari saw "no reason to wait
on the laser printers to get the Megas out the door." He also said that the
SLM804 (laser printer) will be ready well in advance of September.
--James Moran
INTELLICREATIONS ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTS AND FORMATS
Chatsworth, CA -- June 25, 1987. IntelliCreations, Inc. today announced the
upcoming release of new formats for a number of existing products.
Following the June release of Video Title Shop for the Commodore 64/128, the
Atari and Apple versions will be on the market in July. Video Title Shop is a
computer + VCR utility that allows the user to create text and graphics screens
for use with recordings of all kinds - family occasions, holidays, school and
business. The first supplemental disk, Graphics Companion I, will be released
simultaneously with each system release of Video Title Shop.
Alternate Reality - The Dungeon for the Commodore 64/128, which was released in
early June, will be available for the Atari XL/XE and Apple II systems in July.
The Dungeon, a sequel to The City, can be played with a character created in
The City, or with a new character entering the mysterious world populated by
beings beyond description.
ltenate Reality - The City, which has been available for the Commodore
64/128, Atari, Atari ST and Apple systems, will be released for the Macintosh
in June and the IBM PC in August. A Survival Handbook for players of The City
was shiped in May and is available at a suggested retail price of $9.95.
New product releases for the second half of 1987 include:
Tomahawk, a helicopter simulation in which the player gets to pilot the Apache
helicopter flown by the U.S. Army -- a machine designed to fly at speeds in
excess of 200 mph, and whose sole task is to seek out and destroy anything that
gets in its way. The player can select combat or training missions at four
pilot-rating levels in a 3-D real world display. Features include offensive
and defensive flight maneuvers; ground attack and air-to-air interception, day
and night vision systems, and instruments only flying. Tomahawk will be
released in August for the Atari and Commodore computers at a suggested retail
price of $34.95.
Force 7, an action/adventure game in which the player is the commander of a
special forces unit sent to the planet Karis to rescue the humans at an Energy
Fabrication plant which has been overrun by aliens. One space suit has
survived the journey, so you can only teleport one crew member at a time to the
planet's surface to fight the invading aliens. Force 7 will be available for
the Commodore in August, and the Atari and Apple systems in September at a
suggested retail price of $19.95.
Additions to the war strategy game series include Bismarck - The North Sea
Chase, a battleship simulation in which the player can choose to command the
Royal Navy or the dreaded German battleship that sunk H.M.S. Hood in 1941.
This multi-level game gives the player the opportunity to use conventional
battleship weapons or take to the air in a Fairey Swordfish torpedo plane via a
cockpit-perfect flight simulator. Bismarck will be available for the Atari,
Commodore and Apple in September at a suggested retail price of $34.95.
Tobruk - The Clash of Armour will be released in October for the Atari,
Commodore and Apple at a suggested retail price of $34.95. This tank
simulation, war strategy game puts the player into the role of Rommel, head of
the German Afrika Korps, in his attempt to defeat the British in North Africa
and move into Egypt, thus destroying the Allies hold on the southern
Mediterranean.
Dark Lord is an introductory graphics/text adventure in which the player has
inherited his grandfather's house and all his possessions, including a journal
that reveals the unbelievable discovery he claimed to have made. Dark Lord
takes you into the Alterworld where you must destroy the evil wizard who has
risen from his grave and enslaved the realm. Eighty screens of outstanding
graphics, animation, original music, plus a self-running demo and a random
relocation of objects option combine to make Dark Lord an exciting game that
will be played over and over again. Dark Lord will be available in August for
the Apple and Commodore systems and will be priced at $19.95.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Xx Zmag User Group Of the Month JULY .....Ol' Hackers User Group.....
A "BIT" OF HACKER HISTORY
By Alex Pignato
It started innocently enough. I read a message on a B.B.S. from another "poor
soul" (Kevin Blaes) who was pleading for help so that he could upload and
download with his 835 Atari modem. It had taken me six months to get a program
to do this with my 1030 Atari modem, so I felt I understood his frustration. I
told him to send me a disk with programs on it and I sent back the program he
wanted and other public domain programs. The exchange of disks between us
continued at a rapid pace, each of us trying to outdo the other. Somewhere
within the next 1-1/2 years I kept addressing Kevin as "The Young Hacker," and
signed notes as "The Old Hacker." He responded in kind. We also spoke on the
phone frequently and in short order a friendship evolved.
During this time, I was conversing with Jerry Ginsberg, an acquaintance, and
found that he had an Atari, too; but no one in his family was using it. I told
him about this "game" machine's ability to do countless other things. He got
hooked, too, almost as deeply as me. His wife and children got into it to the
point where they actually had to set up a schedule!
When the Long Island Coliseum had a Computer Electronics Show, Kevin suggested
we meet there in person. I brought Jerry with me and the three of us spent a
great afternoon at the show. When we saw all that there was to see, we decided
to have a chat over a cup of coffee. An hour later, finding it very hard to
break up, Jerry suggested that we all meet again at his home in a couple of
weeks.
When we next met, we each brought Atari friends; and, suddenly, there were
about eight men in our group. It was suggested that we start a user's group and
so "THE OL' HACKERS ATARI USERS GROUP" was born in December, 1985. I was voted
in as president, Kevin as vice president and Jerry was made corresponding
secretary. When Jerry's house got too small, we moved over to Tom Carroll's
house and took over his top floor. Tom, who is self-employed in the electronic
recording field, has a studio with at least three Atari 800's (all modified),
an I.B.M., and I don't know how many VCR's. We met once a month on a Saturday
afternoon from 12 to 5 p.m. and had a ball at our informal meetings exchanging
knowledge and data.
When the group again got too large, we looked for new quarters; and, thanks to
Jerry, we got permission to use our present meeting rooms at the Plainview
Public Library at 999 Old Country Road, Plainview, New York. Interestingly
enough, up until recently, the library was run on Atari 800's, so our group was
made very welcome by the library.
Our aims are similar to other Atari users groups. We exchange knowledge and
information with each other and with about thirty other users clubs throughout
the U.S.A., Canada and Europe. We have a few members who have technical
knowledge and who are constantly looking for making modifications to the
hardware. We also have members who are professional programmers for various
banks as well as many amateur programmers. The members are all adults and are a
cross-section of the community; there are blue and white color workers as well
as many professionals. The club brings together people from all walks of life
in a common interest and the results are very warm friendships and the growing
enjoyment of our computers.
The nicest comment we hear is that the members can't wait for the next meeting.
And when we're at the meeting, we don't like to leave the library even after
the meeting's end at 5 p.m.
Meetings generally start at 12 noon and the first hour is spent in socializing
and setting up the equipment (which many members contribute for the day). After
we have an hour's business meeting, we break for coffee and cake and have a
raffle contest. Then we break up into smaller groups for demo's and classes
until 5 p.m. or until we are thrown out of the library!
The club owns its own B.B.S. called "THE OL' HACKERS" (what else?) which runs
off an Atari 130 XE, a 10 meg. hard drive, MIO, and we are using the Express
B.B.S. program by Keith Ledbetter. It runs 24 hours per day, seven days a week
through the courtesy of Sysop Kevin Blaes (our hard-working V.P.) and is
quartered in his Lindenhurst home. We also have a network of about nine other
B.B.S.'s run by our members.
Of course, we also have the "OL' HACKERS NEWSLETTER" which comes out monthly
and is exchanged with almost thirty other users groups around the world. Yearly
dues are $25, or $2 per month if you join after January.
There are many members who work very hard for the Club whose names I have not
mentioned for fear that this report would become six pages long! But, we know
who they are and we are very grateful to them. We are proud of our Club and
what we have accomplished in a relatively short span of time. We are also proud
to be picked as the "Zmagazine User Group of The Month. We also would like to
thank Zmagazine for allowing The Ol' Hackers BBS, to become an official
ZMagazine carrier.
Listed below are those BBS's that are members of The Ol' Hackers BBS NETWORK
1 *The Ol' Hackers BBS..300/1200Baud Express BBS 516-884-4140
2 *CLEARING HOUSE.......300/1200Baud Express BBS 516-483-7845
3 *WISE BYTE............300/1200Baud Express BBS 516-349-7835
4 *GRAVEYARD............300/1200Baud Express BBS 516-783-7034
5 *BANDITS HIDEOUT.300/1200/2400Baud Express BBS 516-643-4963
6 *MISTER MESSAGE.......300/1200Baud Express BBS 516-454-7698
7 WET N' WILD......300/1200/2400Baud Southn/AMIS 516-421-4161
8 S.OF THE BORDER..300/1200/2400Baud Southn/AMIS 516-421-5489
9 *NASSAU COUNTY BBS....300/1200Baud Express BBS 516-565-3932
10*Traffic BBS..........300/1200Baud Express BBS 516-737-6179
11*ASGARD BBS...........300/1200Baud PKAMIS 516-422-5363
Look for more information in the next issue of ST_REPORT.
_______________________________________________________________________________
NEW ST MAGAZINE
Khalil publications is proud to announce the birth of a new Atari ST-specific
computer magazine.
RESET magazine will be a quarterly magazine covering the essentials of ST
computing. The magazine will be of professional quality, boasting many full
color layouts, professional typesetting, and high quality stock. RESET will
sell for $4.95 Canadian.
The premiere issue will be released for the summer of 1987, so it will be on
the shelves early in May. As a quarterly, RESET offers in depth evaluations of
products, priceless how-to articles, programming tutorials, and the latest in
gossip within the Atari community. Here is a rundown on what you will see in
Issue #1, Volume #1...
Magic-Sac...a complete step-by-step guide
Publishing Partner..Tips tricks + more! secrets uncovered!
Degas tips..........Brush up your computer drawings...
Reviews...Ogre, 10th frame, Arctic Fox, Ultima 3, High Roller...much more!!!
Articles written by authorities in the field, including Stephen Couchman, Glenn
Brown, Joe Cuffner, Bob Thompson...
Also, RESET will feature several regular columns on:
Programming
New User's column
Children's column
("School Bus Computing")
Atari Almanac
New Products
Reviews, Reviews,
Reviews!!!
We would also like to include a question and answer type section in this first
issue. Therefore, if you have any questions for RESET, or about any aspect of
ST computing, please do so!!! This could be your chance to see yourself in
print, in a North-American publication!
If you have a questions about RESET, please feel free to inquire, we greatly
appreciate your feedback. Also, anyone interested in writing articles may
address Chris Karson at RESET for further information (RESET will pay for your
article!). The mailing address is:
RESET magazine
P.O. Box 15866, Station F.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. K2C-3S7
(613) 723-0264
Dialcom 23: GPH001
Thank you. Christopher Karson, Assistant Manager, RESET Magazine...
"The ST Almanac"
_______________________________________________________________________________
ZMAG HARDWARE REVIEW.....QUBIE'S MODEL MODEM....
By:Alan Roseman
QUBIE' SUPER MODEM 1200 EXTERNAL FROM: QUBIE
507 Calle San Pablo
Camarillo, Ca. 93010 800-821-4479
Delivered Price $99.00
The QUBIE' SUPER 1200E is a standard size external modem (5"x9"), it's outter
case is made of steel in a painted finish. It's face is a contrasting dark
brown. The face of the QUBIE' SUPER 1200E displays a full array of
informational LED's. HS-high speed, AA-auto answer, CD-carrier detected, OH-off
hook, RD-receive data, SD-send data, TR-terminal ready, MR-modem ready.
Immediately left of the LED's is a small slide open compartment which houses
the 8 DIP switches making for easy access.
The rer of the QUBIE' SUPER 1200E offers you access to it's RS-232C port, an
on off switch, speaker volume control, telephone and power input.
As you can probably tell from the description the QUBIE' SUPER 1200E is a very
well equiped package. It has all the features we have come to appreciate in a
top quality modem. Did I mention yet that it auto switches from 1200 to 300
baud on connect if necessary? Well it does that too.
The QUBIE' SUPER 1200E accepts all standard HAYES commands, I have used it on
all local BBS's as well as the major pay to connect information services. It
has performed in an error free fashion in every case.
The documentation is complete and easy to understand even for the novice. The
QUBIE' SUPER 1200E comes as a bundled package with IBM software "PC TALK"
making it a real bargain for big blue fans.
Delivery which is via UPS is free and takes appx. six days. For about six
dollars they will ship express which cuts delivery to about three days.
You probably haven't heard of the QUBIE' Co. Well neither had I. I was put on
to them by a friend who told me that QUBIE' doesn't advertise in the ATARI
mags. They seem to stick with the PC related publications. That, I'm afraid,
is a loss for both us and the QUBIE' Co. When I ordered my modem I made a
point of telling the salesperson that out in the world are may varied micro
users, they would only help their own cause by addressing a wider selection of
us.
When you are writing a product review and begin to sound like a shill for the
product in question it sends out a clear message. This is a product which
defies you to find fault. Whether you look at the price $99.00, or the product
integrity
I give QUBIE' SUPER 1200E my highest recommendation. This is an opportunity
for computer users to get the best of both worlds. A great product at a great
price.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Xx CITADEL BBS HELP..Written by: STeven A. McWeeney..Blue Ridge Mountain BBS...
A little bit about the rooms. As for the new ones I have only found two types
added in the 3.0c version. They are both used for the networking functions. One
has a directory and the other is for the messages only.
A. First is the network with directory it looks like this.
Room name<:> the ':' is the symbol.
B The second is the message only room it looks like this.
Room name<)> the ')' is the symbol.
Thats all for the new room symbols. If you have forgotten what the others are
then check the first Citadel doc found at a BBS near you. If you can't find
one drop me a S.A.S.E. and I'll send you one. My address is:
STeven A. McWeeney
603 Berlin Road
Voorhees, N.J. 08043
The first Citadel doc's name is CITHELP.DOC
ALL TO DO WITH MESSAGES:
Here's another group of commands for the read function on the new version of
the Citadel Boards versions 3.0c and newer. First thing you have to do is
figure what Citadel you are on. To do this all you do is hit .RS (Read Status)
from any room prompt. On the first line or so it will tell you what Citadel it
is. If it's 3.0c or newer you may do the following commands.
1. Lets review a thing or two first you cann't forget the <.> you may use the
<CR> in place of the <.> but you must use one or the other.
2. First you have is a single letter command (NO DOT) <N>ew will let you read
the New messages.
3. The second command lets you read all the old messages in the order they were
written, this command is.
<.RF> Read Forward
4. The third thing is a new one used in one of the NETWORK ROOMS it is used to
look at messages in the room from a local board. The purpose is so you
don't have to look at all the messages in the room from other areas that may
not pertain to you or your needs.
<.RL> Read Local
5. This is an oldie but goodie. It is used to read ALL the messages in a
particular room new and old.
<.RA> Read All
6. This one is good if you're forgetful. It's to read all the old messages in a
particular room.
<.RO> Read Old
7. Remember this one it's to be used to check what system you are on. Yes it
will also tell you how many rooms are in use and how many log spaces are
open and also how much message space is open for messages. Also it will tell
you how you've logged in and also how many Long Distance credits you have
for Networking. It will also tell you what time it is.
<.RS> Read Status
8. Here stuck on two letter commands? Ok try this one.
<.RN> Read New ( Same as <N>)
9. Here's another new one!! Ever want to respond to a message right then and
there? No problem check this one out!! It works on all the messages the
primary command is two letters with a third command letter.
<.RM*> Read More * Type
A. First is <.RMN> Read More New This will single step through the new
messages.
B. Second is <.RMO> Read More Old This will single step through the old
messages.
C. Is there another?
_______________________________________________________________________________
ST SOFTWARE REVIEWS dbMAN and ZOOMRACKS II and CAPSULE REVIEWS
dBMAN- A ST Relational Data Base By Don Garr
dBMAN, by Versa Soft, is a tremendously powerful (D)ata (B)ase (MAN)ager with
the bottom line being 'You'll never need more!'. For you folks who have
experienced dBASE II or dBASE III you know what I'm talking about and you'll
feel right at home with this 90+% compatible program. You data base buffs out
there better wear your drool bibs for the next part of my article.
dBMAN will handle 10 different data base files simultaneously with a capacity
of 2 BILLION records per file (given you have the storage capacity for it).
Even when filled to capacity dBMAN can find an indexed field and retrieve the
record in 1-1/2 seconds. Now remember those stats: 10 data base file's with 2
BILLION records each and 1-1/2 seconds while I get to the really good part.
dBMAN is TOTALLY VERSATILE!!! It does not suffer from the locked in constraints
of a rigidly structured data base programmed by someone to perform only
specific tasks. dBMAN is an interpreter which means it's a programming language
designed to handle a data base. By writing a text command file you can instruct
dBMAN to do any cotton pickin thing you can think of. The only restraint is
your imagination.
dBMAN is designed to be a relational data base giving you the ability to
manipulate data in several different data base files with related fields. This
concept may be a little difficult to grasp until you can RELATE to it.
To try and explain what a relational data base can do I'll use the example of a
business's cash register sales and inventory. The cashier is operating in a
SALES data base when selling items. She could enter the product number for the
item being sold and dBMAN could access the PRODUCT data base and automatically
find the price for her. After she entered the quantity sold dBMAN could total
the amount, add tax to it, record the transaction with price, quantity and
product number in the SALES data base, and add the amount to her cash register
balance, print a receipt and access the STOCK data base to subtract the
quantity sold from the quantity on hand for that particular product number.
With this procedure every item sold is automatically priced correctly, the
transaction is recorded in the financial records, the inventory is
automatically adjusted to be currently correct at all times and the cashiers
cash register balance is automatically totaled.
In my Cub Scout data base I have a main file with all the Cubs current data
such as PAID, RANK, NOTES, etc... Now there is only one entry for each of these
fields so after updating one how do I keep historical records of who advanced
when and what were my notes on him prior to the current notes? Easy, I utilize
relational data basing. I have additional data base files called RANK, PAID and
NOTES and when I make a change to one of the affore mentioned fields the old
data is neatly added to the appropriate file along with the Cubs first and last
name. Now I have separate data bases with each Cub Scouts historical records of
rank advancements, paid dates/amounts and additional notes I might want to make
periodically. All the data I needed to record is filed away, not lost due to
being updated, and can be recalled on any field desired like name or paid=
current date.
This data base is terrific and I can't imagine one being better suited to me
but it's not for everyone. I really get into creating command files but you may
not. If you don't like programing and aren't interested in learning then a
prestructured data base may be your best bet. There are lot's of command files
out there for dBMAN/dBASE II/dBASE III and the new Gem version comes with an
Assist command file that will allow you to do a lot without doing any
programing. But in order to get the full power of dBMAN you should be willing
to learn how to program it.
ZOOMRACKS II from Quickview Systems By Jack Link
Of the big three productivity program types, the electronic database probably
falls between word processing and the electronic spreadsheet in usefullness and
popularity. The programs currently available take a myiad of forms and methods
of application; from the simplicity of DB Master ONE to the complexity and
power of DBman. ZOOMRACKS II for the ST from Quickview Systems is an
interesting departure and deviation from your typical electronic database. In
fact, Paul Heckel with Quickview will point out that ZOOMRACKS is a lot more
than a just a database program. You may sometimes see it listed with word
processors in software catalogs, although in my mind it has severe limitations
in that application.
ZOOMRACKS has replaced your typical database terms such as files, records and
fields with their own versions called RACKS, QUICKCARDS and FIELDSCROLLS. You
may try to think of the Rack in a similar manner as the holder of timecards
next to the timeclock at work. The Rack holds a number of records or
Quickcards, each with their own specific information. Each piece of information
is stored in what is called a Fieldscroll. You will name or tag every
Fieldscroll based on what data you wish to store in each (such as LAST_NAME,
FIRST_NAME, EMPLOYEE_NO and so on).
So what does ZOOMRACKS II look like and how does it function? When you run the
program, you will be presented with copyright and address information for
ZOOMRACKS II and Quickview Systems. Should any rack files be on the disk,
their filenames (less the file extension) will be loaded into rack 0. There is
a squarish mouse cursor that can be used for selecting Quickcards within the
Rack or various menu options from the menu window at the bottom of the screen.
This is not a program that makes use of the GEM interface. There are no drop
down menus or access to the desktop accessories. You must now learn to use the
cursor, arrow and function keys, and selected keyboard and ALT-keyboard keys to
move around and operate the ZOOMRACKS program. This is no easy task and
something that just comes about with experience.
The first thing you will want to do is create a new rack and design the
Quickcard template. Each Fieldscroll is given a name and placed strategically
on the template. It is important to decide which will appear on the first line
of the Quickcard because this is what will be seen of each when viewing the
Rack. Also, every Fieldscroll has the capability of storing 250 lines of 80
column text. It took me a while to figure out how to achieve this because the
data being entered did not wrap after reaching the 80th column. Eventually I
found by hitting the down arrow key after filling a line, ZOOMRACKS would
accept entry for line 2 and so on. This is not documented as clearly as I
would have liked. Automatic work wrap would improve this feature considerably.
It is possible to load into memory quite a number of racks (I had nine during
one test) plus the RACK 0 (disk directory). There is a guage at the bottom of
the screen telling you (relatively) how much memory is left to load data or
files. It is quite easy to move about from one Rack to another by just
clicking the cursor on the appropriate Rack name at the top. You can then view
a desired Quickcard and zoom in on a Fieldscroll if necessary with just the
click of the mouse button. Because you can see the whatever Fieldscrolls appear
on the first line, it is easy to make a selection of a desired Quickcard.
Should you have hundreds of records, there is a search feature that will allow
you to narrow down your selection to one or just a few items.
There are several cut and paste operations that are possible on Fieldscrolls,
Quickcards and Racks. Macros can be built and stored that will allow the user
to duplicate repetative tasks or enter frequently used text. It is also
possible to perform math functions with two registers. By combining the loading
of numbers from Fieldscrolls, math functions and macros, it is possible to
perform some fairly complex operations with a minimum of trouble. To provide
hardcopy or disk file reports, a series of form commands are available. An
output form is created that can mix not only Fieldscroll data but also user
entered text. The form commands give considerable flexibility for custom
formatting the output. The lack of programmable filters, however, limits to
some degree the power of the output reporting capability.
As I stated in the beginning of this review, ZOOMRACKS II is a quite different
kind of database. It has some most unusual features and capabilities. I would
like to see a GEM based version so I can use my favorite desk accessories. An
aut word wrap when entering multi line Fieldscrolls would also make the
program more convenient. And the use of filters would greatly enhance the power of the output features. These things combined with the cu
capabilities of the program could make ZOOMRACKS II one of the foremost
productivity tools available for the ST computer.
_______________________________________________________________________________
CAPSULE SOFTWARE REVIEWS
CHESSMASTER 2000 for ATARI ST
The Software Toolworks
13557 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 90-6789 PRICE: $40-$45
RATINGS:
Overall performance: Excellent
Documentation: Excellent
Play system: Excellent
Graphics quality: Excellent
Ease of use: Easy
Value for money: Excellent
Not only does The Chessmaster 2000 pack in practically every feature we've run
across in other chess simulators, it also incorporates a new chess algorithm
that makes it a top-level player. Boasting the world's largest library of
opening moves (over 71,000), this program works equally well as a tutor for
beginners, an opponent for novice to expert players, and a crack analyst of
your own game problems.
Beginners are offered every possible aid to learn chess, including a special
mode that shows where moves can be made, various play hints, and a feature that
lets you replay an entire game with a move-by-move analysis.
As players improve, or for experienced hands, Chessmaster shows greater and
greater expertise. Great matches from history are on disk to replay, and
there's a "watch the Chessmaster 2000 think" mode in which you can see the
analytical functions of the program at work.
The graphics are superb, with revolving 3-D and 2-D boards giving you views
from the side and overhead. Above all, there's the game itself--sophisticated
yet easy to play with. Chessmaster 2000 is one of the best.
DONALD DUCK'S PLAYGROUND for ATARI ST
Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Sierra On-Line Building
Coarsegold, CA 93614
(209) 683-6858 PRICE: $25-$30
RATINGS:
Overall performance: Excellent
Documentation: Excellent
Error-handling: Excellent
Graphics quality: Excellent
Ease of use: Average
Value for money: Excellent
Donald Duck's Playground packs a lot of punch into a single package. Your goal?
To help Donald build a playground for his nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. But
first you need to get a job to earn some cash so you can buy playground toys.
Each of four jobs is a different, fast-paced game that teaches children to
recognize letter groups, handle money, make change, and match various shapes
with colors and letters. You'll need joystick expertise and quick thinking.
Ten-year-old Betsy and I started work at McDuck Airlines. Taking luggage from
a moving conveyor and matching authentic three-letter airport codes with
similarly marked baggage carts wasn't as easy as it looked. After three
minutes of play, we collected a dime, a nickel, and four pennies, and decided
to try our luck elsewhere. The supermarket and toy store jobs turned out to be
games for matching shapes and colors, and we earned 25 cents more.
Our job at the Amquack Railroad required logic, not hand-eye skills, but Betsy
set the on-screen timer for ten minutes this time just to be safe. We earned
three quarters by quickly figuring out where a train is supposed to be going to
deliver its load, and then routing it correctly. After all four games, we set
off to spend our total fortune of $1.19.
At the junk store we bought a swing for a penny and a slide for 10 cents, using
the joystick to select the correct coins and make change. Prices shoot up when
you play the game at more advanced levels. Earning money gets harder, too, as
fruits fly faster and trains come by more frequently.
I was impressed with how many learning activities can be packed into one
program. Betsy was impressed with how much fun she had, and we were both
impressed by the wonderful graphics. Most of the activities reinforce
financial and thinking skills children usually learn by the time they're seven
years old, but the coordination required to play is more in line with the
capabilities of children older than seven.
Reviewed by TAN A. SUMMERS
MEAN 18 for ATARI ST
Accolade, Inc.
20813 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 446-5757 PRICE: $45-$50
RATINGS:
Overall performance: Excellent
Documentation: Excellent
Play system: Excellent
Graphics quality: Good
Ease of use: Difficult
Value for money: Good
Mean 18 is the first of its kind--a golf simulation that doubles as a
construction set. The basic golf program lets you play a round on your choice
of courses: your "home turf" (the fictional Bush Hill Country Club) or three
real and reknowned courses--St. Andrews in Scotland, Pebble Beach in
California, and the Augusta National in Georgia.
After learning the strokes on practice holes, a driving range, and a putting
green, you can either play by yourself, as part of a foursome, or in teams.
You choose from variable difficulty levels, and there's even a computer-
assisted mode for novices.
But it's Mean 18's architect feature--used to create the four courses that come
on he disk--that sets it apart. You can start from scratch and build any size
and shape golf course you desire or simply modify the existing ones. Select
from six tree and bush types, various water and sand traps, and different
putting greens. Move the hole, the tees, and even redraw the skyline. For
touch-up work, you can "zoom" in to paint pixel by pixel.
You'll probably want to save your homemade courses, and polish them by trial
and error until you've created a highly playable series of golf courses. Mean
18 is a highly recommended hybrid game.
Reveiwed by JAMES DELSON
MUSIC STUDIO for ATARI ST
Activision
2350 Bayshore Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
(415) 960-0410 PRICE: $35-$60
RATINGS:
Overall performance: Excellent
Documentation: Excellent
Error-handling: Good
Graphics quality: Excellent
Ease of use: Easy
Value for money: Excellent
Have you ever wanted to write music, but felt that you needed to know how to
play an instrument first? Or have you ever been so bogged down writing one
note at a time that you forgot the tune that had been running through your
head?
The Music Studio solves both problems. It operates much like many popular
graphics programs, with icon-based commands, several on-screen work areas, and
pull-down menus for options. The main composing screen contains a grand staff
in the center and all the building blocks of musical composition along the top
and bottom. By using a joystick (or mouse) to move the cursor, you select key,
time signature, dots, accents, triplets, tie bars, and accidentals (sharps,
flats, and naturals).
Yu can also mark blocks of notes in the main screen, then copy, erase, move,
or insert them--just like text in a word processor. Even more, you can change
instruments, lengthen or shorten the duration of notes, and transpose your
music from one key to another.
My favorite screen is the Music Paintbox. Here you compose music without using
standard notation. Instead, you simply move little rectangles (representing
lengths of time) around the staff, listening to the notes as you cross spaces
and lines, then place them where you want. At any time you can play your
composition back, and when you return to the main screen, your song is
converted to standard musical notation.
The Music Studio is fun, although my musician husband was frustrated by being
unable to change time signatures part way through a piece. In general, though,
there are far more pluses than minuses to this package. I felt like music was
suddenly more accessible to me than it had been before. That's computing at
its best--bringing you closer to your interests.
Reviewed by MARLENE BUMGARNER ELTGROTH
WINTER GAMES for THE ATARI ST
Epyx Inc.
600 Galveston Drive
Redwood City, CA 94063
(415) 366-0606 PRICE: $40
RATINGS:
Overall performance: Excellent
Documentation: Good
Play system: Excellent
Graphics quality: Excellent
Ease of use: Average
Value for money: Good
The third in Epyx's Olympic sports/arcade series, Winter Games is as well-
produced as the two summer versions. Up to eight players have unlimited
practice sessions for the sometimes difficult skills required. Then you can
choose which country to represent in the Games.
You elect to participate in one to seven events: figure skating, free-style
skating, speed skating, the biathalon (cross-country skiing interspersed with
target shooting), hot-dog aerial ski jumps, traditional ski jumps, and a fast
bobsled run.
Each event calls on gamers to use different coordinated joystick movements. In
the figure-skating event, for instance, you "choreograph" a lithe young skater
to move through the program's musical accompaniment. You put her through the
paces, executing seven required moves in three minutes to the strains of a
classical tune. This is the first time we've seen such graceful movements in a
game program. The feeling of pride I felt after accomplishing the rigorous
leaps and spins was one of the high points in my gaming experiences.
This superb game has beautifully detailed, lifelike graphics and a knockout
play system. Winter Games' lengthy musical score is absolutely state of the
art in creative use of music for gaming.
Reviewed by JAMES DELSON
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GFA BASIC
This short text file is designed to inform you of the support for GFA Basic
that is located on GEnie.
GFA BASIC WEEKLY CONFERENCE:
Each week at 10:00PM Eastern Time and 7:00PM Pacific Time there is an informal
GFA Basic conference designed to get GFA Basic Programmers together to swap
ideas, and whatnot. A lot of interesting and informative ideas arise from these
discussions.
If ou are programming in GFA Basic and subscribe to GEnie, then you should
stop by and visit us in conference! Just type in "MichTron" at the ? system
propt, and then enter the RTC option. We'll all be in room 3 [The Guest
Speaker Room]. Your host's will be Mr. Gordon Monnier, President of MichTron,
and Mr. John B. Holder, Senior Software Engineer at Marathon Computer Press.
Please stop by and voice your comments and questions about GFA Basic to us.
GFA TIPS:
A series of GFATIP files are being uploaded on a regular basis to the MichTron
RT Library #7 [GFA Basic] in an attempt to help you to get the most out of your
GFA Basic investment. Just search the library for the file prefix of GFATIPxx
(the xx denotes the current number of the tip file). Some really innovative
ideas are covered in the GFATIPxx series. It is asked that if you have a
helpful demonstration file that you feel free to U/L it to the MichTron RT
Libraries for others to benefit from, (Just name it something other than
GFATIPxx, thanks.) One of the most popular series of Help files located on the
RT, you'll be sure to get some great tips from D/L the files in the series.
PD Libraries:
Probably one of the most extensive Public Domain Support Libraries for GFA
Basic in the Country exists on the MichTron RT.
Example programs of all kinds can be found in the GFA Basic Area of the RT
Libraries. You can learn a lot from examining the source code posted in the
library written by other GFA Basic programmers. Many hours of trial and error
were undoubtedly spent by GFA Basic Programmers so that you could benefit from
their efforts.
Late Breaking News Items:
All pertinent facts about GFA Basic, and all other MichTron products can be
gleaned from Press Releases posted by Mr. Gordon Monnier on the RT. For
Example: It was during the second GFA Basic Conference that release details on
The GFA Basic Companion were announced for the first time. So if you want to be
keen to the gossip and late breaking news concerning GFA Basic, you'll want to
be there to hear it all.
Stop by and see us some time! GRIFJOHN
_______________________________________________________________________________
NOTES
Thats it for this week. We will return in 2 weeks July 18, 1987. These issues
will contain information from the weekly editions of Zmagazine, However, you
will not find 75% of this material in the weekly editions. Most of the articles
here are too long for publication in our regular editions.
The ST-Report can be found on CompuServe's ATARI16 SIG, GEnie's ST Roundtable,
and on your local BBS. If your BBS doesnt carry Zmag or the ST-Report, Please
leave a message to your SysOp requesting it!!
We will also be part of the ST X-Press monthly disk. Look for more details
soon.
_______________________________________________________________________________
ST-REPORT ISSUE #2 July 4, 1987 Happy Holiday!! (c)1987 Syndicate Services
A publication of Zmagazine Information Network.
Assistant Publisher: Ken Kirchner/Susan Perry/Rich Decowski
_______________________________________________________________________________
