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Silicon Times Report Issue 0004
ST-REPORT ISSUE #4 AUGUST 1, 1987 FROM THE ZMAGAZINE INFORMATION NETWORK BBS
===============================================================================
Publisher/Editor:Ron Kovacs Assistant Publishers: Susan Perry, Rich Decowski
Columnist:Calamity Jane
Welcome to another edition of ST-Report. Late breaking news on the last issue!
CompuServe has been granted permission to reprint the GEnie news. In Issue 3
and in Zmag62. Both of these releases were delayed until we could permission
from Atari.
_______________________________________________________________________________
GARBAGE-ON-THE-LINE (A Weekly Column by Calamity Jane)
Garbage-On-The-Line
Ron has asked me to write a regular column for Z Mag... Maybe he doesn't know
what he is in for?? Time will tell. Telecommunications is the main use of my
520 STs and my main interest. Space Cowboy and I run the Prairie Chip BBS.
Thus the title of this column. On to...
A Word About Handles
By Calamity Jane
SysOp -- The Chip
NOTICE: If you wish, feel free to use a handle instead of your real name.....
Log On Now..... Press the button my friend, and send me back in time...
Some SysOp's prefer the use of your real name when you log onto their BBS...
hey, I respect that. On the other hand, I prefer the use of handles. However,
I do ask a caller's real name. Besides on a REAL NAME BBS, how many John Doe's
or Mary Smith's do you get?? I argued with a SysOp over this for 30 minutes
once... was a waste of my time.
Nicknames or 'handles' were popular in the old Wild West... here in Wyoming
we are part of the new Wild West. It was considered impolite to ask a
stranger's full name or to inquire into his background. So cowboy's merely
asked, "What's your handle?" How did a man get his handle or nickname??
Usually because of something he had done, or his reputation, looks or actions,
or the place he came from. As a Westerner explained to a tenderfoot in warning
him not to try to find out a cowboy's full name, "He most likely has given a
first-class funeral to the rest of his name, and I wouldn't ask him for no
resurrections!"
Some of the handles mentioned here, I have seen on various boards. Some of
them are callers on my board and with their permission I will explain: I am
always interested in how someone comes up with their handle. Some of them
you automatically know, like Mad Max... Mine, Calamity Jane is the same way.
Characters from fiction or fact are very popular. Biggs Darklighter, James
T. Kirk, Stringfellow Hawk, King Tut, Frankenstein, Spiderman, Kid Sheelen,
Baby Huey... Baby Huey ?? hmmmmm. Why I have even heard of GOD running
around. Ego... ?? What is running in the mind of Disk Butcher or Virgin
Killer ?? I tend to think that some of your personality comes thru in your
handle... what you would like to think or see of yourself. What will the other
callers associate with you?? You create your handle, then must live up to it.
Half the time, when people call me voice they call me CJ. Something, somewhere
happened to my real self. I mean after all, most of us will never meet except
via the keyboard at 3/12/2400/9600 baud. We have to come across somehow. Why
would The Rag, choose that... How 'bout Daytripper??
Another popular method of choosing ones handle goes to what you do for a
living or have for a hobby. Rotor-Head IS a rotor-head, as that's what a
helicopter pilot is called. Magician has entertained me with his magic on
many occasions, with Hoghead driving those locomotives for the RailRoad, Salad
Man makes salad's and states he uses 5 types of beans in HIS 3-bean salad. The
Helper truly is and Runner truly does!! Does JunkMan have junk?? Is Crazy
Lady crazy?? Is Mad Mike mad?? Will Slow Leak run out?? The Loner lonely??
Pizza Man, what is this with you and pizza's?? The Gray Mouser explained his
to me once, (Copy Cat was involved) but it was a loooong story... I have a
feeling many are. Screaming Donkey, Thirsty, The Vulture, The Great Vine,
Smoking Dog, Head Shot, Crimson Avenger, Inner Space Ace, Captain Insanity,
Skrzypczak.....
Music and its influence plays its part in the phenomenon of choosing ones
handle. I must assume Dr. Doo is a Steely Dan fan, Mr. Mustard finds himself
walking Abbey Road and Space Cowboy -- well, what can I say, "I really love
your peaches. I wanna shake your tree!!" Yes, Steve Miller Band. The Sphinx!
always thought that would make a good name for a rock band.
What are these Captains commanding?? Nemo gives me an idea, Morgan doesn't,
but Captain Insanity... well, I can figure right where his head is at. Moon
Knight, Black Knight, Jedi Knight, and Celestial Knight... Do you take up arms
for your Kingdom and The Lord?? The Baron and The Baroness do you support King
Arthur?? A regular commune going here.
The Greenie is from Colorado, The Swede is from Sweden, where are you from Big
Brother?? Shadow, do you lerk in them?? Do you have your own pond, Ducky??
Snowbird & Snowplow must ski, Crossfire got caught in the crossfire (luckily it
was paint shots), and I had EVERY spelling of Joe Cool they could think of!!
Uneasyrider are you ridin' ??
Dilemma: Riley needed a handle. Solution: a handle contest. The winning
handle was 'STP' thought up by Magician... the prize was a trip to Nunn,
Colorado or Laramie, Wyoming. Which Rotor-Head voluntered the trip by
helicopter!! It is fun to help someone choose a handle when you know each
other. You know something about them. However, I am involved in helping a
caller I don't personally know, choose one... my choice from his messages is
Mr. Nowhere Man. If someone signs on with a 'real type' name, I always mention
handles. Some must give it thought, but others want to go for it, and change
right then and there... Fixed Wing is my latest, hmmm, must be a pilot. Yup,
he is.
The Chip is a place to escape the everyday world, to have some fun and explore
your fantasies. Here, you feel there's something calling you, you're wanting
to return. Where the misty mountains rise and friendly fires burn. A place
you can escape the world where the Dark Lord cannot go. Peace of mind and
sanctuary, by long waters flow.
Stop here for awhile... until the world calls you away. -=-CJ-=-
_______________________________________________________________________________
ZMAG USER GROUP SPOTLIGHT CHY-WY-'TARI By Daytripper
Editor... The RAM
There is an Atari User Group located in the area of 41 and 45 degrees Latitude
and between 104 degrees 3' and 111 degrees 3' W. longitude, deep in the heart
of the silicon desert. We are CHY-WY-'TARI located in Cheyenne, Wyoming for
those of you without a globe.
The Club began some 4 years ago, as the result of me selling my 400 computer in
the quest for an 800. A fellow Atarian saw my ad and called to talk me out of
selling it. We talked, a friendship developed, we decided we ought to get
together, and well the rest is history.
Our Club membership fluctuates as the result of the military base here. But,
those military people DO own Atari's. During their stay here, a true
friendship develops. As they move on, we connect with the next group they
join. I can truly say I have friends all over the world. One friend wanted so
much to see how we were doing, he called the BBS from Germany. 30 minutes at
$250.00. He's nuts, which I think most computer people are. But a nicer bunch
you couldn't find. Always willing to lend a helping hand with any problem. We
have members from all walks of life, all ages, interests and experience. As
members, we don't just get together to share our computer knowledge, but enjoy
doing it.
We have done many things with the Club, since 5 guys met at Terry's house. The
second President's goal, was for all members to own modems, which we met last
year. We bought a modem to rent, to get them hooked on telecommunications. We
have bought other pieces of software and equipment to rent and is a good way
for someone to give it a test run. We then raffle it. We have a nice library
for the 8 bit and ST and the Club supports the BBS for the members exchange of
ideas, help and constant harrasement of each other. We have no Atari dealers
here and must rely on each other.
CHY-WY-'TARI has not had many of the problems that some of the larger Clubs are
having. I think it helps being a smaller town. Our goals are to continue
learning our machines and what we can offer each other. Even tho I have had a
disk drive since '81 and a modem since '82, we have members just getting these.
We are there for their many questions. You know, "See this? It is a disk, you
must format it first." You then get, "What is format?" A friendship has
begun.
For the longest time I was the only 'female type' that attended the meetings
and I felt like an outsider. But they soon realized I knew what I was talking
about and I became part of them. Finally, a few more of the ladies started
coming. Now, we have several Non-Atari computer users attending, so we get to
learn about their machine, while they are continually impressed with ours. We
have even had a demo of Gunship, that is available for the Commodore. The
Cheyenne people get together with Clubs from the surrounding towns and we all
helped with the Rocky Mountain Atari Expo. It was good experience and we all
had a good time.
We put out a newsletter, The Ram Gazette. Gladly exchanged with other User
Groups or for 5 bucks you can get a copy by writing in care of:
CHY-WY-'TARI
4604 E. 16th ST.
Cheyenne WY 82001, Earth.
The main value of a User Group, is in having a friend to call for help and
advice when you find yourself with problems late Friday night before a three
day weekend!
_______________________________________________________________________________
SURGE PROTECTION Copyright (C) 1987 by Garry Jones
DO-IT-YOUSELF SURGE PROTECTION FOR YOUR COMPUTER
When setting up a computer system, one piece of equipment which might get
overlooked is a surge protector. The purpose of a surge protector is to
protect equipment from voltage spikes and surges caused by lightning strikes on
power lines (c'mon, it never rains is Southern California, does it?),
electrical equipment turning on and off (you didn't really plug your computer
into the same circuit as your refrigerator, did you?), the crummy wiring in
your apartment that your landlords won't fix because they're too cheap, and
just plain lousy performance by your friendly local Edison Company.
A surge protector works by clamping the voltage and preventing it from rising
beyond 130 volts when a sudden increase occurs. To do this, a surge protector
uses a device called a metal oxide varistor, or MOV for short. Of course, you
want to know if they wear out, and when they do, how to tell. MOVs do have a
finite life, depending on the number and severity of surges they're exposed to.
When they fail, they typically create a short which will pop a circuit breaker
if one is included in the circuit, immediately shutting off the power and
saving the equipment.
Buying a surge protector is something of a problem, since not all surge
protectors are created equal. Good ones are fairly expensive (there's plenty
of expensive junk out there, too); how do you tell the good from the bad, and
what do you do for cash after you spent the last of it on some superwhizbang
software for your new computer? Good news for you clever hacker types who can
tell a hot soldering iron when you pick it up (by the wrong end): Make your
own surge protector. It's easy, it's cheap, and best of all, it might even
work. For the rest of you who haven't developed opposable thumbs yet, watch
the ground for pennies, steal candy from babies and sell it to bigger babies,
see a loan shark, and read PC (Can you say, "PC?" Sure. I knew you could. It
does mean IBM, but your tongue didn't dry up and fall out of your mouth, did
it?) Magazine's product tests and take their advice.
Anyway, on to the project. You'll need a power strip (make sure you get the
kind you can disassemble with a screwdriver instead of a hacksaw), three metal
oxide varistors (General Electric part no. V130LA20A (which means 130 volts 20
amps) or Radio Shack catalog no. 276-568B), some rosin core solder (DO NOT USE
ACID CORE SOLDER OR FLUX: it will corrode the solder joints in time, ruining
them), some miscellaneous tools, like Xacto knives, alligator clips, wire
cutters, etc., and a soldering iron. Three hands would be nice, but you can
probably manage with two. Most of us do.
Take the back off the power strip and look inside. It probably looks like the
drawing included in this archive. If it doesn't, don't worry. If it has
outlets, wires (three of them?), and a cord, it'll work. Notice the three
wires inside: they're probably black, green, and white. White is the hot
wire, green the ground, and black the common. Now, strip some insulation off
the wires as shown in the illustration. Take one varistor and solder one of
its' wire legs to the white wire, and the other leg to the green wire as
shown. Fasten an alligator clip to the leg being soldered between the solder
joint and the varistor to prevent heat damage to the varistor while soldering.
Do the same thing with the second varistor, except it should be soldered to
the green wire and the black wire. Solder the third varistor to the black wire
and the white wire.
Clean the solder joints with a rag dipped in a little alcohol, and examine the
joints. There should be a smooth shiny flow of solder between the wire leg of
the varistor and the copper wire in the power strip. If the joint is dull,
lumpy, or flawed in appearance, resolder it. When all the joints look good,
reassemble the power strip. Sit back. Relax. You're done now. Wasn't that
easy? Can you say, "Easy?" Sure. I knew you could.
-Garry Jones- Compuserve: 72030,273 GENIE: GXRAY
_______________________________________________________________________________
ST MAGAZINES PART ONE Copyright (C) 1987 by Garry Jones.
ST World, a tabloid format publication, first appeared about a year and a half
ago. Put out 10 times a year, it costs $2.00 per issue or $15.00 for a
subscription, and qualified readers, such as bookstore owners or consumer
electronics dealers, can obtain complimentary subscriptions.
Interestingly, ST World's copy has always been prepared on an ST computer.
Visually acceptable since the beginning, thumbing through back issues of ST
World provides a history of desktop publishing as the appearance of the
publication has steadily improved as ST desktop publishing systems have grown
in sophistication.
Currently using Abacus' Textpro and Paintpro, Softlogik's Publishing Partner,
and a QMS PS800 laser printer, ST World's appearance is indistinguishable from
copy produced on much more expensive systems, showing the considerable
capability of the ST as a professional graphics tool.
As visually presentable as the paper was in the beginning, the writing in the
early issues was almost equally objectionable. Fraught with grammatical errors
and incomplete sentences, it was almost as if no one had ever heard the terms
"proof reading" or "copy editing." (At least the spelling was good; hooray
for spelling checkers.) More recent issues do show considerable improvement in
the quality of the writing, however.
As the name implies, ST World focusses exclusively on the Atari ST computer,
with an emphasis on timely reviews and product announcements. Most of the
reviews are fairly brief, but usually cover the subject well enough to give the
flavor of the program being reviewed. On the plus side, ST World maintains a
good balance between game, hardware, MIDI, business and productivity software,
and programming language reviews. Generally, ST World seems to try to select
products for review that can be reviewed positively, as I found no truly
negative reviews in several issues. In ST World's defense, however, their
reviewers did point out the ease with which text can be lost in Zoomracks, and
the slowness of play and lack of information available to the player in the
game Gateway.
While featuring mostly reviews and product announcements, ST World occasionaly
prints articles covering major computer shows, like COMDEX, CES, and the
Atarifests (maybe the clones don't care, but they are a big deal to us
Atarians.) ST World has also published articles on programming, and recently,
has begun a series on MIDI by series on MIDI by Malcolm Cecil, head of
Electronic Music Publishing House.
Overall, I like ST World. It has a good cross section of reviews, and probably
the most up to date product announcements of any Atari publication available.
The poor editing in the early issues irritated me ("Don't these people know
what a sentence is?" I wondered), but the copy editing is much improved in the
current issues, leaving nothing truly objectionable.
ST World is available in most Atari computer stores, and subscriptions and back
issues can be ordered from ST World at 1385 Cleveland Loop Drive, Roseburg, OR
97470-9622.
-Garry Jones Compuserve: 72030,273 Genie: GXRAY
_______________________________________________________________________________
NON COMPUTER EXTRA T H E B E A T L E S
Record Titles American Issues and Dates (Thru December 1970)
This chart lists all American issues of Beatles record titles and issue dates
(when known). Included are individual (solo) releases after The Beatles as a
group officially ended.
Legend: (A) 33rpm Album (LP) (E) 45rpm Extended Play (S) 45rpm Single
The following titles are the initial Beatles releases in the U.S.:
TITLE
(A) INTRODUCING THE BEATLES Vee-Jay VJLP1062
(A) JOLLY WHAT! (with Frank Ifield) Vee-Jay VJLP1085
(A) THE BEATLES vs. THE FOUR SEASONS Vee-Jay VJDX30
(A) AIN'T SHE SWEET AND OTHER GROUP
SOUNDS FROM ENGLAND * Atco 33-199
(A) MY BONNIE * MGM ESE4125
(A) THIS IS WHERE IT ALL STARTED * Metro 563
(A) THE AMAZING BEATLES * Clarion 601
(A) THE SAVAGE YOUNG BEATLES * Savage BM69
(S) Please Please Me / Ask Me Why Vee-Jay VJ498
(S) From Me To You / Thank You Girl Vee-Jay VJ522
(S) Please Please Me / From Me To You Vee-Jay VJ581
(S) Do You Want To Know A Secret /
Thank You Girl Vee-Jay VJ587
(E) Misery / A Taste of Honey / Anna
/ Ask Me Why Vee-Jay EP1903
(S) She Loves You / I'll Get You Swan 4152
(S) Sie Liebt Dich / I'll Get You Swan 4182
(S) Twist And Shout / There's A Place Tollie 9001
(S) Love Me Do / P.S. I Love You Tollie 9008
(S) Sweet Georgia Brown / Take Out
Some Insurance * Atco 6302
(S) Ain't She Sweet / Nobody's Child * Atco 6308
(S) My Bonnie / The Saints * MGM 13213
(S) Cry For A Shadow / Why * MGM 13227
(S) Twist And Shout / There's A Place Capitol 6061
(S) P.S. I Love You / Love Me Do Capitol 6062
(S) Please Please Me / From Me To You Capitol 6003
(S) Do You Want To Know A Secret /
Thank You Girl Capitol 6064
(S) Roll Over Beethoven / Misery Capitol 6065
(S) All My Loving / This Boy Capitol 6066
* Recorded in Hamburg, Germany; some vocals by Tony Sheridan.
The following releases are on the Capitol label:
(S) I Want To Hold Your Hand / I Saw Her Standing There 13 Jan 64
(A) MEET THE BEATLES 20 Jan 64
(S) Can't Buy Me Love / You Can't Do That 30 Mar 64
(A) THE BEATLES SECOND ALBUM 10 Apr 64
(E) Roll Over Beethoven/All My Loving/This Boy/Please Mr. Postman --- 11 May 64
(A) A HARD DAY'S NIGHT [United Artists] 26 Jun 64
(S) A Hard Day's Night / I Should Have Known Better 13 Jul 64
(S) I'll Cry Instead / I'm Happy Just To Dance With You 20 Jul 64
(S) And I Love Her / If I Fell 20 Jul 64
(A) SOMETHING NEW 20 Jul 64
(S) Slow Down / Matchbox 24 Aug 64
(S) I Feel Fine / She's A Woman 23 Nov 64
(A) THE BEATLES STORY 23 Nov 64
(A) BEATLES '65 15 Dec 64
(E) Honey Don't/I'm A Loser/Mr. Moonlight/Everybody's Trying. --- 1 Feb 65
(S) Eight Days A Week / I Don't Want To Spoil The Party 15 Feb 65
(A) THE EARLY BEATLES [compilation] 22 Mar 65
(S) Ticket To Ride / Yes It Is 19 Apr 65
(A) BEATLES IV 14 Jun 65
(S) Help! / I'm Down 19 Jul 65
(A) HELP! 13 Aug 65
(S) Act Naturally / Yesterday 13 Sep 65
(S) Day Tripper / We Can Work It Out 6 Dec 65
(A) RUBBER SOUL 6 Dec 65
(S) Nowhere Man / What Goes On 7 Feb 66
(S) Paperback Writer / Rain 23 May 66
(A) YESTERDAY AND TODAY 15 Jun 66
(S) Yellow Submarine / Eleanor Rigby 8 Aug 66
(A) REVOLVER 8 Aug 66
(S) Strawberry Fields Forever / Penny Lane 13 Feb 67
(A) SGT PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND 2 Jun 67
(S) All You Need Is Love / Baby You're A Rich Man 24 Jul 67
(S) Hello Goodbye / I Am The Walrus 27 Nov 67
(A) MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR 27 Nov 67
(S) Lady Madonna / The Inner Light 18 Mar 68
The following titles are on the Apple label:
(S) Hey Jude / Revolution 26 Aug 68
(A) THE BEATLES ["White Album"] 25 Nov 68
(A) YELLOW SUBMARINE 13 Jan 69
(S) Get Back / Don't Let Me Down 5 May 69
(S) The Ballad Of John And Yoko / Old Brown Shoe 16 Jun 69
(S) Something / Come Together 31 Oct 69
(A) ABBEY ROAD 1 Nov 69
(A) HEY JUDE [compilation] 26 Feb 70
(S) Let It Be / You Know My Name 2 Mar 70
(S) The Long And Winding Road / For You Blue 7 May 70
(A) LET IT BE 15 May 70
_______________________________________________________________________________
PC DITTO UPDATE
#: 70004 S5/Business Users 19-Jul-87 19:02:38
Sb: #pc-ditto support online
Fm: bill teal 73537,617
To: Antic Software 76703,202 (X)
Chuck Sadoian, The answer to your monochrome question is in our general comment
message which follows this one (and follows, and follows... Sorry, but
Compuserve message sizes limit message lengths, and I could talk the labels off
keycaps at fifty paces)
----------------
Ken Cheek
1. Bugs are fixable in the field. See following message. We're just
gathering all the bugs, before we issue a patch.
2. DOS 3.3 may have strange bugs concerning the fixed drive. We have not run
into them ourselves yet. Be cautious of booting DOS from the hard drive with
3.3. Let us know if you have any random problems with disks and directories.
3. Regarding the 5.25" drive, we're not engineers. So, we hesitate to
recommend anything about connecting drives. Rather, we refer you to I.B.
Computers for their drives, or others here may be able to provide you with
complete info.
4. The SF354 will format an 80-track single-sided DOS disk under pc-ditto.
Check our message last week, or let me know and I will upload text files of
examples to perform it under DOS 3.2 and 3.3. (However, if errors are causing
formatting problems, our next patch should fix the problem).
----------------
Julius Oklamcak
Thank you for your kind words.
Also, we change the precomp write for use with 5.25" drives under pc-ditto.
(Incidently, this is one reason why we ask for the type of drive in our
pc_dmenu configuration program).
A general commentary message follows. Avant-Garde Systems pc-ditto general
support information Field error corrections policy:
We plan to notify dealers shortly of error corrections for several products.
They will have a disk which will patch the pc-ditto disk. We are currently
researching the copyright provisos for this online system, before uploading
patch programs here. (This system may copyright our material, which is a no
no. If this is true, we may provide alternative field update procedures for
owners not near dealers.
If this system, however, does not copyright our material, then we will upload
There our patch systems.)
This is not an update, only a bug fix to original versions (2.0). Updates
contain product enhancements. The next update is due this fall.
Sorry, we forgot something...
Definitions:
Update Version of product is the number before the period (currently that is a
2). Minor version is number after the period (currently 00). Updates increase
the Version. Patches increase the Minor Version.
Updates are issued on new disks to owners of the product. Dealers with old
versions are asked to return their packages onhand and are provided with
replacements.
Patches are provided to dealers and consumers in various forms. No replacement
of packages are performed. Instead, the consumer or dealer may use the patch
to revise the product. For example, if you purchase version 2.00 from a
dealer, and version 2.01 patch is available, you may apply the patch to a
backup of your product.
The main reason for this approach is to provide fast, economical fixes for bugs
and other minor problems (such as disk documentation) in the widest medium
format possible. Fixes do not add to a product's features. Updates do. Fixes
are short, but enhancements are usually long and involved. Hopefully, this
will meet most of your needs.
The following is a status update on current problem field reports we have
received to date:
1. Some DOS operating systems do not work entirely:
Zenith, Blue chip, PC's Limited, Hitachi lap top.
We originally tested DOS-es which were widely available and which are assured
to provide fully compatible system interfaces. IBM, Compaq, and Eagle were
found to provide this without exception. We realize that other manufacturer's
provide DOS. Regretfully, we have not been able to provide a DOS ourselves,
...yet. In the meantime, we will test some of the more popular DOS-es. But,
let us caveat that some versions just may provide too much difficulty to make
compatible with standard DOS applications.
Avant-Garde has to define some standard of compatible with which we will
provide. We use the IBM PC XT, for now. You can imagine the impossible task
if we tried to become compatible with all other compatibles on the market, as
well. This is why some DOS-es may never work completely on pc-ditto. If
nothing else comes of our exercise, at least we will let you know which DOS-es
to definitely stay away from.
Therefore, here's how we will proceed. Let us know of your favorite DOS maker.
(we'll try to get as many as we can, but some may only be bundled with hardware
-- and, DO NOT, please, send us your DOS -- you may break your vendor's
license).
If the DOS does work correctly on a stock IBM PC XT, then it should work on
pc-ditto. But, the DOS may not work correctly on pc-ditto. So, we will fix
pc-ditto.
2. Hard drive owners:
a. Drive letters on start-up screen show assigned to partition 0.
b. Reading files on any hard drive letter still gives only drive C: files.
c. Accessing drive letters on 3 and 4-partition drives gives disk error
message ("Bad sector...", "I/O error on drive...", etc.)
The reasons for these problems are varied: they depend upon the DOS used, the
type of hard disk and controller, and how the disk is partitioned and
formatted. Some of the problems have been duplicated and are being corrected
and tested. This and the next field report are the highest priority.
3. Single-sided drive owners (SF354):
Disk errors on reading disks written and formatted on single-sided drives are
occurring occassionally. There appears to be no special case causing the error
(i.e., 520 and 1040, one and two drives, etc). We have found the following
error messages to be caused by the this problem:
"Boot disk failure" "I/O error"
However, we have received one of the offending drives and have duplicated the
problem.
4. PC_DFMT
Unusable is the common complaint. The cause is the program can not format a
virgin disk (i.e., never formatted disk) without an error. Some users tell the
program to retry the error several times, and the program formats successfully.
But afterwards, the system locks up. Other users find the program never formats
or does anything at all.
Explanation: There is a bug. In our production testing environment, our test
matrix said format a blank disk. We did not realize until we began getting
reports from you that the testing had been done with blank, but pre-formatted
disks. Virgin disks, were never used. Thus, a bug to be fixed in an upcoming
patch.
A note for some DOS users: the format programs used by DOS are very
sophisticated. That is, they perform more than what on the surface may appear
to be simple formatting. Furthermore, format programs cannot be interchanged.
One manufacturer's format should not be used with another's DOS. I won't get
into why now, but this should be a word of warning to the wise. Therefore,
pc_dfmt was designed for IBM, Compaq, and Eagle DOS. Other DOS-es may cause it
to hiccup. We will do what we can to broaden pc-dfmt's usage, but we may be
limited to purely practical needs, time, and whether we can quickly learn a
manufacturer's DOS internal's (which is tough without the source).
5. Multimate (version unknown)
Supposedly, there is a lockup on the file selection screen. We have not
duplicated this, but are trying a new version. We will notify when we have
found the problem.
6. Screen colors change after using certain programs.
Some applications, such as Turbo Pascal and the pfs: series, change the screen
colors. After exitting the application, the original colors are not always
restored to their original settings. This occurs on an IBM and compatible also.
This is the fault of the application. We have found that the clear screen
command (cls) to correct for this.
7. Atari black and white monitor does not work.
You're right. And, we hear you loud and clear. Please be patient. It's not
supposed to work right now. There will be a free update this fall for it and
other enhancements. Also, the black and white monitor will support the IBM
Monochrome Display Adapter (MDA) and the Color Graphics Adapter(CGA), just as
the color does now. Color will be 16 levels of grey scale.
8. Files on some diskettes and the hard disk are shown under the GEM
directory, but not when directory is listed under DOS.
DOS uses the file attributes in the directory. Specifically, hidden and system
attributes cause a file not to be shown under the DOS (although some programs,
such as Norton Utilities(TM), will show them). You may have to change the
attributes, using a public domain or commercial utility. Let us know if you
need more specifics on the attribute or special utilities for this problem. By
the way, since we're not GEM programmers, others here may provide help for you
with GEM programs (to whom we owe our gratitude in advance).
******end of general message*******
UNTESTED SIDE NOTE:
#: 70092 S5/Business Users 20-Jul-87 15:11:26
Sb: pc-ditto support online
Fm: Richard Morris 72327,1323
To: bill teal 73537,617
To those who have bought pc Ditto and want to run it on monochrome, heres how
you can patch out the monochrome 'off' routine. Using Disk Doctor go to sector
124 and search for this hex string, 670A19405E1C. Change the 67 to 60 and save
the sector. This changes a conditional jump to a jump. The video quality is
somewhat strange (you are in the wrong rez) but it does allow it to run.
Richard Morris, sysop Chem-Link BBS 918-437-3837 90 megs 9600 baud
_______________________________________________________________________________
ZMAG SOFTWARE REVIEW
Federated Atari ST Enthusiasts Regrouping Montreal, Canada (BBS-(514)489-0680)
Review by Stephane Lavoisard
(ST Magazine - Issue #10) Edited and translated by Andre Lafreniere and Alain
Plouffe from FaSTer.
"Star Trek"
Star Trek was certainly, with Dungeon Master, the most awaited game since with
every new computer show, we could observe a new pre-release version. We've
finally received it, surrounded by rumours claiming that this was the software
of the 1990s. It's thus with excusable eagerness that I threw myself on this
program and I might as well tell you that after I started playing, I found it
difficult to stop long enough to write this article.
First, the authors have had the excellent idea not to base their scenario on
either the films or the series. Hence, it's an original scenario to which they
treated us. Since a while back, numerous spaceships are mysteriously
disappearing in a certain part of the universe. The Federation has mandated you
to go with the Enterprise to resolve this affair. The loading of the program
is such that one gets impatient to see the game. Effectively, after only a few
seconds, the digitized voice of Captain Kirk sounds: "Space, the final
frontier", accompanied with the familiar sound effects, which are followed by
the theme (not digitized this time, because this little folly grabs a lot of
memory). Might as well tell you that you'll be thoroughly seduced by this grand
presentation, accompanied by a superb rendition of the ship. At last, the main
game screen appears.
This one is composed of one large display surrounded on two sides with seven
smaller screens. The main screen is the flight deck of the Enterprise,
digitized for sure, and all the actors of the series are present. If you click
on single individuals, their picture appears in the main screen along with the
actions he or she is able to accomplish. If the main screen is in one of the
mini-screens, all you need to do to bring it back to the main display is to
click on it. As you've probably understood, this game is played with the mouse
only, which speeds it up and makes access to your information easy.
I click on Sulu, who is the navigator. Three control panels are at his
disposition. First, you have the general layout of the area, represented as a
spinning 3-D universe which makes it very realistic. You may obtain a zoom view
on the regional zone, and even the local area. You only need to click on a
solar system to obtain its name and distance. If you then click on Spock, he
will indicate if a system is Romulan, Klingon, or Federation. Click again on
Sulu to indicate the cruising speed you want.
I chose to navigate at Warp 10, the maximum speed. After a few moments, the
digitized voice of Scotty reminds me: "We must slow down or otherwise the ship
will desintegrate!". I thus slow down to Warp 8. I arrive in the Zuner solar
system, containing 6 planets. I click on a planet in the view of the system
obtained by Sulu, and then on Spock to find out what we can expect here. A
digitized voice informs me that a message has just been received. I click on
Uhura, who tells me that there is a fleet of over 1000 enemy ships in the
galaxy. Since Zuner is controlled by the Federation, I am almost assured not to
make any unfriendly encounters. On Zuner I, an energy station can be found
which recharges my energy for navigating between the interior planets of the
system. Zuner IV is a repair station which might come in handy if the vessel is
attacked. Lastly, Spock informs me that Zuner IV supports life forms. On the
Zuner system plan given by Sulu, I click on Zuner IV to get there at full
impulse power.
After a few seconds, a beautiful picture of the Enterprise in orbit appears
along with a message from Sulu. I click on Scotty who indicates the remaining
amount of Warp energy for travelling between systems, and the level of impulse
power for travel within systems. Time to click on Kirk, which advises me to
teleport 6 or 7 members of the crew on the planet's surface. (Ed: do I need to
mention that you have to be somewhat familiar with the series to understand?).
The choice is up to you. You'll rapidly discover that having only one person on
a planet is near useless. Also select among the equipment found on other
planets the one which you will need and then teleport your personel. The
digitized sound of the teleportation is amazing (Ed: Woosh!).
Then is the planet surface exploration phase, a primordial aspect of the game,
but not with such elaborate graphics as the other parts. The faces of the six
crew members are represented along with the object or the person in front of
you in wireframe form. According to the nature of the object blocking your way
(door, robot, security bomb, etc...) each person suggests a different solution.
The doctor often wants to get closer, while Spock will rather use logic, Kirk
will often look for hidden mechanisms and Sulu proposes to destroy everything.
You're the one choosing an appropriate course of actions. If this works, no
problem; you move ahead and get to the following obstacle. If it doesn't work,
nothing might happen, or your crew members might be wounded. Teleport yourself
back on the Enterprise and click on the doctor who will heal the crew, as
indicated with a life bar under the person's figure.
Back on the planet, continue until you find an interesting object. Spock often
knows what to use it for and you can take it for someone's use or teleport it
aboard. Some objects can be used against doors, robots or bombs while others
can be installed aboard the ship to increase its resistance, its weapons,
etc... It's equally possible to meet on these planets superior races, often
friendly, but sometimes dangerous. In this case, it's the way to communicate
that you have to select. The doctor offers to simply dialogue, while Spock
prefers ESP, and Kirk is often menacing. Most often, the alien will reveal the
location of a useful object.
A new message from the Federation makes me more aware of my ultimate goal,
because roaming aimlessly around the universe is not too productive. It's right
then that the red alert sounds. I click on the main deck and turn off the
alarm. I then click on Checkov who takes care of battles. On his screens appear
three Klingon vessels. I select the phasers, and click on one of the points on
the radar. This puts me in battle mode. The ennemy ship in wireframe
representation heads towards me. You manoeuver a red circle which diminishes in
size as the other ship comes closer. (Ed: we have unfortunately attempted an
experience: the author of this review played the game and gave his impressions
vocally as we were faithfully writing down every word. Honesty forces us to
admit that the poor fellow at this point had his eyeballs bulging out of his
head, tongue hanging out, foaming at the mouth and for awhile, his brick-red
complexion made us fear the worst. He came out of it ok though).
You must click on the enemy ship in such a way as to center the firing circle.
When you click on the fire button, a shot lands arbitrarily somewhere inside
this circle. You will then understand that the circle needs to be as small as
possible if you really wish to hit your opponent. After two or three shots, the
vessel disappears into space. But after the first few battles, my phasers are
completely empty. I then select the torpedoes and head back into combat. During
all battles, Spock indicates your vessel's energy level and that of the
enemies. I've suffered serious damage and repairs are compulsary. Before
anything else, I select Kirk and save my game position, fearing another
encounter with the Klingons. I first go to a Dilithium mining complex planet
and fuel up on energy for intergalactic travel, on another planet housing an
energy complex for travel between planets, on a weapons dump planet where I
find torpedoes, phaser replenishment and at lastly, to a repair center. All the
damage has been repaired and I'm now able to resume my search.
Star Trek is certainly the most polished game to be found on the ST. The
graphics come straight from digitized scenes reworked from the series, the
sounds are wisely balanced between digitized and non-digitized, and finally,
the interface is very efficient thanks to the use of the mouse and the seven
mini-screens. The richness of the game (Star Trek contains over 1000 planets
out of which about 450 to explore) makes the potential life span of this
program almost unlimited.
To conclude, it seems that this is simply the best game available for now, and
for a more than reasonable price. And that non-Atari Trekkies are not awaiting
a version for their machines, since the programmers from Beyond Software have
said that if they were ever to make versions for other computers, it would
likely be much less attractive. So to all of you Trekkies, if you want to play
heroes, you only have one thing left to do.
From Beyond Software.
This review is made available to the users' community as a public service by
the FASTER Disk Magazine's staff. We will be posting these reviews of the
latest releases here on a regular basis. We'll be releasing many different
informations about American, European and Australian markets.
_______________________________________________________________________________
FASTER DISK MAGAZINE
FASTER Disk Magazine for the Atari ST is a Montreal based publication releasing
a new issue every two months. It is sold as a single sided disk with all
material compressed. This means your 400K disk is over 550K full. It's
compatible with all ST models and with color or monochrome screens. The NEWS
program takes care of managing the disk contents and offers you a GEM interface
for maximum ease of use. You can read your articles with windows and sliders
(or print them), run our programs and get back to the menu all with a simple
click of the mouse. Each issue contains programs with source code, news,
information, illustrations, comments and reviews from all around the world. We
include new features in each issue. Single issue retail price is 9.95$ US or
12.95$ CAN. Our latest issue is July 1987 (Vol. 2 No. 2). We offer you the
slickest presentation of all the Disk Magazines, the best programs, AND the
most timely information.
Subscription rates are: 70$ CAN for 6 issues,
50$ US " " " ,
or 75$ CAN for foreign countries.
Order directly from:
FASTER
P.O. Box 474
BBS: (514)-489-0680
Boucherville, Quebec
(514)-489-3489
CANADA J4B 6Y2
(24Hrs, 2400 Baud)
(or from your local retailers).
Producers, dealers and customer inquiries invited.
_______________________________________________________________________________
ST-REPORT Issue #4 August 1, 1987
Next regular edition in two weeks: August 15, 1987
(c)1987 Ron Kovacs
_______________________________________________________________________________
