Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
Silicon Times Report Issue 0034
ST REPORT WEEKLY ONLINE MAGAZINE
Monday, MAY 09, 1988
Vol I No. 34
==========
APEInc. P.O. BOX 74
Middlesex, N.J. 08846-0074
Publisher: Ron Kovacs
Managing Editor Technical Editor
T."Rex" Reade W. K. Whitton
Headquarters Bulletin Boards
============================
ST Report North ST Report Central ST Report South
201-968-8148 216-784-0574 904-786-4176
CONTENTS
========
* Editor's Comments * FoReM V-2.2 Update
* Contest Rules * GEnie AIR WARRIOR CONFERENCE
* Apple against ? * The Drive Mysteries Unravel
* EasieST RAM * SLM 804 BUGGY?
* Word Starved * The Saga Continues
* Visit with an Old Friend
======================================================================
Serving you on: Comp-u-serve - Delphi - GEnie
======================================================================
From the Editor's Desk..........
Over the past month I have watched the reader reaction to the various
articles we have published and the one thing that stands out like a sore
thumb is the only reaction we have seen is the messages about Issue # 27.
The subsequent issues must not have been read by anyone! Here, at
ST Report we try to bring to you the latest news and "rumors" FOR YOUR
OPINIONS and THOUGHTS. How else are the powers to be in any area to know
what you like or dislike about a planned product or upgrade if we don't
hear from you? Our staff is dedicated to bring you ALL the facts and
opinions that are current and available. Some you may or may not
like, that is your right.
Ever since # 27, we have put a simple policy in place, that is to
be sure to tell just like it is, no sugar coatings, no fluff and we will
present "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly".
I noticed on one service that it was represented that T.Rex Reade "made
peace" with Word Perfect, well I am sure that Word Perfect will agree that
Rex never made war with them but merely amplified on the original releases
and that after having gone over the finer points of what actually occurred
over that time period, both Rex and WP did in fact agree! Oh well, life
goes on, currently, we are featuring articles about software, Atari Corp.
and our Art Work Contest....We have some of the finest people in the Atari
Circles as judges and feel that the winning submission will be a dilly!
Be sure to get your work in before the deadline and most of all, HAVE FUN.
ST Report sincerely hopes you enjoy reading our magazine and do
encourage your participation....if you have an article you wrote, or care
to have a letter published, just send it in....SEND ALL your opinions to
any of the services or to either of our support BBSs and we will either
publish them or reply to you and make sure you wish to have it published.
Please stick to the issues as that's what directly effects us all.
Let us know how you feel,
The Editor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST-Report Official Contest Rules
================================
THE JUDGES LIST
===============
Service Name
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CIS Ron Luks
CIS Dan Rhea
CIS Mike Schoenbach
Delphi Clayton Walnum
Delphi Charles Bachand
Delphi Maurice Molineux
GEnie (3) to be announced
We are waiting for confirmation from Darlah, Sysop GEnie, and whomever
else she cares to appoint from the Sysop list of GEnie's Atari area.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
No purchase necessary.
Deadline for consideration in this contest is midnight August 31, 1988.
Winners will be annouced in ST-Report on September 12, 1988. We
guarantee to award all prizes.
All readers are eligible to enter except employees of APEInc.,
CompuServe, GEnie, Delphi and their immediate families.
This contest void where prohibited or restricted by law. We are not
responsible for lost, delayed or undelivered artwork.
All submissions must be drawn with any Atari ST drawing program.
All submissions must be drawn by the original artist. Copyrighted artwork
will not be accepted.
All submissions become the property of APEInc.
All submissions must be uploaded to specified BBS systems by the deadline
date. All systems have time and date stamping capability. Any entry dated
after 8/31/88 will be void from the contest.
~~~~~~~
Artwork Requirements
--------------------
All artwork considered for this contest must be drawn with any Atari ST
drawing program.
Any person submitting artwork must leave an address and telephone number,
and drawing program used.
Artwork must contain the following:
ST-REPORT
The winning entry will be used at a later date for a newsletter or
magazine cover.
All submissions become the property of APEInc.
PRIZE LIST
----------
[1] - WORD PERFECT first place prize.
[2] - TIMEWORKS DTP second place prize
[3] - NEODESK third place prize
All entries will be acknowledged
More prizes will be announced as they are received by the participating
Software Publishing Companies. We at ST Report request that you support
the companies that are helping this Art Work Contest be a success.
Where to Send
-------------
All artwork may be uploaded to the following systems. More will be added
during the contest.
Syndicate BBS (201) 968-8148
Bounty ST BBS (904) 786-4176
Entries by mail are also permitted. PLEASE use a S/S, 3.5 ST Disk.
You may send to:
ST-Report Logo Contest
Post Office Box 74
Middlesex, New Jersey 08846-0074
(Please include your name, address and telephone number)
Updates
-------
This contest will update uploading areas every two weeks. Contest rules
will not be changed, but judges may be added during the run of the
contest.
This contest commences May 2, 1988 and will end Midnight August 31, 1988.
If you have any questions, Please leave email on the services at the
following addresses:
CompuServe: 71777,2140
GEnie : ST-REPORT
: R.KOVACS
DELPHI : RONKOVACS
The Source: BDG793
Rules and Regulations
1). Use any full color program written exclusively for the ST to draw
your own personal design of an ST-Report logo.
2). Artwork ported over from any other computer is void.
3). No X-rated artwork will be accepted.
4). Winners will be announced by mail, email, phone call or equivalent
on or before September 12, 1988.
5). Judges decisions are final.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A VIEW FROM ANOTHER ANGLE
=========================
Apple Versus Whom?
As most computer users are aware, Apple has initiated legal action
against Microsoft (MS) and Hewlett-Packard (HP). The suit by Apple is
brought against HP's New Wave interface manager and MS's Windows
(Presentation Manager). Several market pundits have stated that the suit
by Apple is really designed to stop IBM from developing a graphics
interface capability similar to the MacIntosh. In other words, the suit
concerns the "look and feel" of HP/MS software, not an issue of coding.
A number of strategic business issues are related to this suit (aside
from the potential impact upon Atari). A very interesting column
explaining the situation is Jerry Pournelle's in InfoWorld on April 4,
1988. Additional insight was provided by a full page article in the
Washington Post of April 10, 1988 (Outlook section, P. B3) written by Gary
Hoffman and Geoffrey Karny, legal specialist. Some excerpts from this
article follow - (Note, a patent traditionally protects designs and
inventions while copyrights are granted to written material):
"A patent may be viewed as a social contract. Society grants the
inventor the right to exclude others from making, using or selling his
invention for a limited period of time. In return, the patent must fully
and publicly disclose the invention by describing it in sufficient detail
to enable a 'person skilled in the art' to make and use it. In this way,
society can immediately begin to build upon the new technical knowledge.
Until 1981, patent protection for software inventions in the United
States was relatively difficult to obtain. The Patent and Trademark Office
approached computer software as a written expression of a mathematical
algorithm, and hence adamantly opposed protection on the grounds that no
one can have exclusive rights to mathematical functions.
Copyright protection has been accorded to the program code of computer
software for several years. But recently courts have had to confront the
issue of whether that protection should cover not only the exact, literal
expression of the program code but the idea behind it as well - the
so-called "look and feel" of the software as perceived by the operator. An
analogous case would be extending a fiction writer's rights beyond the
written words to the plot and characters of his novel.
The trend is clear: Because Congress has failed to enact a new body of
law to adequately protect software technologies, courts have been obliged
to fill the gap. And in doing so, some courts have expanded the scope of
copyright protection beyond the original intent of Congress. If that
protection is construed to cover the basic concepts of the sequence,
structure and operation and not the expressed details of the program, then
copyright passes into the realm of the protection of ideas - for which the
patent laws have been devised.
Such an extension could have a stifling effect on software innovation by
effectively preventing developers from enhancing or modifying an overall
program design once it was created. As courts deal with the troublesome
cases now at issue, their decisions will have a dramatic impact on the
future of America's software industry and its ability to compete in markets
abroad."
Naturally, HP and Microsoft state in their counter-suits the interface
techniques are not copyrightable. From my readings, most industry analysts
believe Apple's legal case is shaky. I agree. Apple must eventually find
a graceful way out of this situation or risk possible damage to its
corporate image. The circumstances of this case are not similar to DRI's
(developer of Atari's GEM interface). HP, MS and IBM are corporations with
considerable financial resources and will not shy away (or fold as did DRI)
from a prolonged legal battle. With Apple targeting the business
community, a prolonged legal encounter could steer large corporations away
from purchasing the Mac. Thus, Apple loses in or out of court - it's their
choice.
Apple's legal action in the future may be regarded as a classic example
of a corporation going to the well once to often. Apple Computers and the
MacIntosh up to now have grown in acceptance (penetration of markets) not
on myth, but substance. Their machine is easier to use than keypunching
the IBM. Why else would firms develop similar graphic techniques? Apple
should return to substance. How about the slogan " Why not purchase the
real Mac-coy ?"
The Blundering Giant?.....Not Hardly!
Myth has it that IBM got where it is in the PC market because it just
happened to have the right idea and right people at the right time. Oh,
what a lucky corporation! This story has been carefully handed down for
quite a few years and surprisingly many people believe it. DON'T, because
it just ain't true! IBM is a calculating, highly competitive firm that got
where it is today by smarts, not luck.
IBM is ready to make another move and I am glad I don't own stock in a
clone. Some examples:
IBM has announced drastic price reductions on its PC models over the next
18 months that will drive some clones out of business.
IBM has announced a flood of new products that will severely strain the
financial resources of many of its competitors to keep up.
IBM is reported to be buying DRAM chips while a portion of its production
facilities remain idle. IBM is paying top price for the chips. As a
result, fewer clones will be produced at higher prices.
Some dealers are complaining they cannot meet the quotas set by IBM and
their margins are very low. IBM's goal is to recapture market share. The
most likely response by IBM will be to let the inefficient dealers fall by
the wayside.
This, my fellow users, is not myth, it is hardball. Capitalism is not
dead. Pardon a play on words, but the only blue to be seen will be
manufacturers pounded by IBM.
Thanks to Computer Notes ....ED.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
easieST RAM Upgrade for the ST Computers
========================================
by T."Rex" Reade
The AERCO ram board for the ST is a compact, plug-in memory expansion
that can be configured in three progressively larger stages.
Maximum versatility is provided for the user since memory can be
expanded whenever needed or as the budget allows. The RAM board utilizes
the latest state-of-the-art 1 megabit RAM chips in stages 2 and 3 to
provide the maximum possible memory that can be addressed by the
computer's logic. You can, of course, proceed to any stage at any time
without any soldering or trace cutting on the mother board.
The easieST board taps into the MMU and Video Shifter chips on the
mother board. A small extender board fits between the chips and sockets.
The RAM board has provisions for a total of thirty two ram chips. It is
designed to be as dense as possible to enable proper fit under the RF
shield while providing access to the processor and other chips. It can be
completely removed by simply reversing the installation procedure.
Stage 1 is the foundational setup and consists of sixteen 256k RAM
chips for a total of one megabyte. This essentially makes the 520ST a
1040ST.
Stage 2 requires the insertion of sixteen 1 megabit RAM chips in the
front bank and the removal of the original 256k chips from the rear bank.
No other rework is required on the ram board for this stage. The total
memory will be increased to 2.5 MB.
Stage 3 requires some minor rework to the ram board. The rear bank of
sockets originally used for the 256k chips must be modified for 1 megabit
chips. Some soldering and cutting on the RAM is needed to implement this
stage since the 1 megabit RAM chips are not pin compatible with the 256k
chips. The total system memory is increased to 4 megabytes.
For more Info call:
AERCO
PO BOX 18093
Austin, Texas 78760
512-451-5874
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Word STarved
============
by Bob Rosendale
Not everyone started out with ST computers. Even some with ST's didn't
even start out with "Atari" computers. I have seen the "Atari" community
starving for information. Of course, there are some periodicals for the ST
computer, while other publications only hint about the ST, either a column
or assorted small articles. Some of the more well known ones are "ST
Quarterly", "STart", "ST X-press", "Atari Explorer", ST Log", "ST Report"
that are aimed directly at the ST while "ANTIC", ANALOG, COMPUTE!", and
"Computer Shopper" have either a column or several articles concerning
the ST.
There are several missing from the above lists. One I have heard of from
way back in 1985 but only recently found it for purchase, "Current
Notes". It is published by Current Notes, Inc., 122N Johnson Rd.,
Sterling, Virginia 22170 ($20 a year/$36 for 2 years). Current Notes is
edited and published by Joe Waters.
The copy I currently have in front of me is the March 1988 (1987 if you
believe the cover page date [-grin-]).
The editorial in this edition is superb and Joe needs to be commended for
another fine piece of work. Desktop publishing is discussed, actually how
CN has been put together over the last couple of years to its present
form. Including the "trials and tribulations" of getting "WordPerfect"
working with a MEGA and the laser printer, AND an example of a page done
with "Publishing Partner" that took over 20 minutes to print out also
using the laser printer. Want to know more about the reason for the
problems?...... Finish reading the editorial.
Another pleasant surprise in the March 1988 issue was the column entitled
"IT'S A SMALL WORLD" a copyrighted article by Dave Small that is worth the
$3.00 cover price of CN just to read.
Before I got carried away talking about "Current Notes", I mentioned there
were several other sources of noteworthy reading, have you guessed where
this is leading? User group newsletters! For every user group there is
one kind or another newsletter, from minutes of the previous meeting, to
feature articles or reprints included from other newsletters. Not every
user group prints out their newsletter but adds it to their monthly disk.
User Group newsletter publishers should start tapping the membership as a
resource for article submissions and see how much you will learn about
your membership when the quality and content can be pointed at with a
member's pride of accomplishment. If you are a member of a user group
that has not started a newsletter go ahead and start one. Remember that
review of a piece of software/hardware that you didn't agree with? Did
you find a correction or a better solution? I mentioned at the beginning
that not everyone started with an ST and the new user is starved for
information about his or her new computer and newsletters are a great
resource in obtaining information, besides, reading is FUNdamental.
As you may well have noticed, the above paragraphs were written over
a month ago. When I first showed the article to several fellow ST
owners they said "But every user group has a newsletter." I have
spent the last several weeks trying to convince them I was correct. I
was able to finally give them a 2 word reply: "Wanna bet?" So what
did I do for research? I went to my user group and asked to see a
show of hands of members who have had their ST for less than a year.
I then asked those who had raised their hands to write down on a piece
of paper as many publications that they knew of that "covered" the ST
computer. Of the 5 people who participated here are the results:
Person 1: (ST owner 3 months, no prior experience)
Compute! (Not a subscriber)
Person 2: (ST owner 5 months, had an Atari 800XL 2 years)
ANTIC (reads a friends copy)
ANALOG (subscription STOPPED)
Person 3: (ST owner 1 month, C-64 owner 2 years)
Only the ST-JAUG newsletter (disk) he received
the night he joined and didn't know how to unarc
files. (ARC.TTP is now on our new user disk.)
Person 4: (ST owner 9 months, 130XE owner 1 year)
(The only one of the 5 with a modem)
Computer Shopper
ST Report (on a local BBS)
ANTIC ST Quarterly
Person 5: (Wife of Person 2)
Saw an ad for ATARI on TV a long time ago, and
her husband "hogs" the copy of ANTIC.
I then read my article to the user group and displayed several
copies of the different publications. Since then, with our weekly
meetings being attended by 25 to 30 people REGULARLY, I thought I
was going to have to search each person to make sure they weren't
sneaking out with my mags (grin). The first question I was asked was
"Do you have any more at home that you can bring in next week?" Last
week I brought to the meeting 2 early issues of ANTIC and ANALOG and had
those that were interest browse through them and tell what some of the
prices were of some of the early Atari computers and drives and
commercial programs. I can still hear the noise of several jaws hitting
the floor! :-)
*************************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
-----------------
As a reader of ST Report Magazine, you are entitled to take advantage of
a special DELPHI membership offer. For only $29.95 ($20 off the standard
membership price!), you will receive a lifetime subscription to DELPHI, a
copy of the 500-page "DELPHI: The Official Guide," and a credit equal to
one free evening hour at standard connect rates.
Signing up with DELPHI
----------------------
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access DELPHI
services via a local phone call.
Join--- DELPHI
--------------
1. Dial 617-576-0862 with any terminal or PC and modem (at 2400 bps, dial
576-2981).
2. At the Username prompt, type JOINDELPHI.
3. At the Password prompt enter STREPORT.
For more information, call DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005, or
at 617-491-3393 from within Massachusetts or from outside the U.S.
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
**************************************************************************
GOOD NEWS!
==========
by T."Rex" Reade
For the Super Forem BBS System Operators.......
COMNET SYSTEMS of Framingham, Maryland has just released VERSION
2.2 of the now very famous FoReM ST BBS.
Additional Changes/Enhancement to FoReM PC/ST Version 2.2
MESSAGE EDITOR
FoReM will automatically select the storage requirements for a message
based on its length. A message less than 21 lines is stored in the
message data file, other wise it is stored as a file. The user
no longer has to select between "standard" and "extended" messages.
US ROBOTICS HST modem usage
FoReM now supports the fixed link mode of the HST modem. This will
allow the bbs to always talk to the modem at 19200 bps. This works
with all PC compatible and Atari ST machines running with the
new "Mega ST" tos roms.
To use this mode, use any terminal program to write the following
settings into the HST modem's nram.
AT &H1 &I0 &B1 &R2 &W
You should be talking to the modem at 19200 when doing this.
Then, edit the FoReM.OPT file and change the default baud rate
number to the word HST.
NEW MESSAGE SEARCH OPTION
Message may now be searched by date. Using the message [L]ocate
command, you may now select to read messages entered after
a given date.
NEW OPTIONAL TEXT FILES
Upon entering a file area, the file "SUBDIR".TXT is displayed where
SUBDIR is the name of the file area. Example: if the directory is
\forem\games, the file \forem\games.txt (\forem\txt\games.txt) will
be displayed.
DATNOTE.TXT is a DATED NOTICE file. If the file time stamp is later
than the callers last logon date, this then this file is displayed
after notice.txt and before the general bulletins.
MESAGEX.TXT (ie: mesage1.txt, mesage2.txt) is an optional text file
displayed upon entering a message base.
SYSPAS.TXT may be sent before the system password.
GETPHONE.TXT may be sent before the request for phone number.
FILE SYSTEM CHANGES
The file FTYPES.LST is now optional. If not there, the file
application in a verbose list will be blank. (And no application
will be asked for on an upload)
Listing of NEW files is now done by the last time any file
area was accessed instead of the last call date.
UPLOAD CHANGES
The prompt about upload size is only displayed when there is
less than 500K bytes free.
The prompt about Ascii or Binary uploads is only displayed if
the file extender is not recognised.
BATCH TRANSFER CHANGES
Command R from the FILES CMD> prompt may be used to remove a file
from the BATCH ARCDL CHANGES
FoReM may now add a non ARC'ed file to ARCDL. This requires that
ARC.TTP (ST) or ARC.EXE (PC) be "findable" by the system and that
you have enough ram to run ARC.
A option has been added to the ARCDL tools to remove a file from
the ARCDL archive.
NEW FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS
Zmodem protocol. The new standard for fast error free file
transfers.
I tested it at 2400bps and it sent 224 chars a second; which is
93% efficient.
Ymodem G. This is yet another X/Y modem variant meant for error
correcting modems. Ymodem G does no ACK/NAK.
UPLOAD/DOWNLOAD RATIO
The upload download ratio is now set for each individual user via
the # command from the password editor.
UPLOAD/DOWNLOAD COUNTERS
You may now edit a users count of uploaded and download files
using the < and > commands from the password editor.
FNET CHANGES
Entries in FNETNODE.DAT may have an access level for the node at
column 75 (starting at 0). The user has an associated fnet access
level (0-255) set with command I at the pw> prompt.
Privilege 27 has be added to restrict sending of FMAIL through FNET.
SYSTEM LOGON REQUEST
F8 when hit while a user is online will toggle reserving the bbs
for a console logon when the current caller logs off. The BBS will
bring the modem offhook for 15 minutes.
USER LOGON REQUEST
From the sysop prompt, the R command will ask for a users name.
Only this user will be allowed to log on, until it is cancelled by
entering R again or pressing the F8 key.
MULTIPLE DOORS MENUS
For multiple doors files:
Edit a file DOORMENU.TXT. This is just like dbsel.txt as in:
1) Games
2) Quizzes
3) Music
Then for each type, generate a "fdoorsX.dat file"
So all games would be in FDOORS1.DAT
DOORINFO.DEF
FoReM 2.2 supports the new standard for passing information to Doors
programs. A new line has been added to FOREM.OPT just after the via
message base line. On this line, should be the full path name to
where doors programs reside. In this directory, FoReM will write
DORINFO1.DEF . This file is defined as:
1 BBS NAME
2 SYSOP'S FIRST NAME
3 SYSOP'S LAST NAME
4 COMPORT COM1 COM2 NO COLON
5 1200,PAR,DATABIT,STOPBIT 1200,E,8,1
6 NETWORKING 0
7 USER'S FIRST NAME
8 USER'S LAST NAME
9 CITY STATE
10 GRAPHICS ON OFF FOR ANSI ONLY 0 or 1
11 SECURITY LEVEL OF USER
12 TIME LEFT IN MINUTES
BAUD RATE LOCKOUT
FoReM 2.0 let you not allow 300 baud users to log on. In 2.2, this
has been expanded to all baud rates. In FOREM.OPT, where previously
an "ON or OFF" value was entered to turn on the 300 baud lockout, now,
you may enter the minimum baud rate to allow on your system.
LOGOFF BATCH FILE
LOGOFF.BAT is a command file which works just like the documented
FMAINT.BAT file except that it is executed after each user logs off.
MONTHLY BATCH FILE
MONTHLY.BAT is a command file just like LOGOFF.BAT which is executed
at MIDNIGHT on the first of each month JUST BEFORE accounting is
done.
This might be used, for example, to run program to read the
password file and print bills.
DAILY BATCH FILE
DAILY.BAT is a command file just like LOGOFF.BAT which is executed
at MIDNIGHT.
PASSWORD APPLICATION CHANGES
The password application has been rewritten. The user is no longer
asked to verify each input, but will be given the chance to edit
his input before it is saved.
NUMBER OF DRIVES ALLOWED
FoReM will now support up to 16 partitions/drives. Sysgen will
still only allow 8.
DATA BASE CHANGES
FoReM 2.1 allows user to use file transfer protocols for the
sending of data base files. USR bit # 11 controls if this
is on or off for each user. The user may change this with
command T from within any data base.
If you have more than 1 data base, FoReM will display a menu
of them when entering the database area via the D command from
the main menu.
Other misc changes:
Existing extended messages up to 200 lines long may now be edited.
The lock/unlock status of a message may be changed by using the I
command at the end of reading the message. This requires privilege
# 28.
The date of an FMAIL message may be updated by the U command after
reading the message. This is useful if an fmail message you send
is about to expire and you want to give the user more days in which
to log on and get his file.
The use of doors may now be restricted by time. The file CONTIME.DAT
which for version 2.1 had two entries per line, now has 3 entries per
line. Each line of this file now contains:
time_percentage access level door access level
Ex: 50 6 10
If this were the first line in CONTIME.DAT, then between 12 midnight
and 12:30 am, only those users with access level 6 and above would
be allowed on the system. Of those users, only those with level 10
and above would be able to run doors. Additionally, anyone let on
the system would only be granted 50% of their normal access time.
TEXT PAGING
The paging option has been improved. When a user first logs on
or via the * command from the main FoReM> prompt, he may elect
to turn on text paging and set the number of lines at which to page.
Paging will only occur for text files and for messages.
On a console logon, the number of lines will always be 17 unless
the no local window option is used.
FoReM PC Version Enhancements
=============================
Running FoReM PC under Quaterdeck's DESQview:
FoReM PC version 2.2 dated 4/7/88 or later can take advantage of
DESQview 2.01 or later using EEMS or LIM version 4.0 memory to
1) Run FoReM PC in the background
2) Give full memory space to "Doors" programs
You must "install" under DESQview both FOREMPC.EXE and RUN_DOOR.EXE.
When running DESQview, FOREM will execute RUN_DOOR.EXE telling it what
door to run. FoReM will then suspend and wait for RUN_DOOR to notify it
that it is done.
What to do:
Install FOREMPC.EXE under DESQVIEW, setting the following parameters
Memory size: At least 384K
Does not write directly to the screen
Does not display graphics
Can be swapped: If not using expanded ram, enter Y, otherwise it is
better to enter no.
Does not require floppy disk
Install RUN_DOOR.EXE into DESQview.
SET THE "KEYS TO USE TO OPEN MENU" to RD.
Memory size at least big enough to run your largest DOOR plus 50K.
CANNOT be swapped. Make sure the path default directory are correct.
RUN_DOOR should reside in the default directory FoReM is run from.
Exit DESQview. The DESQview directory, there is a file named
rd-pif.dvp. Copy this file to the directory FoReM is run from.
That's all there is to it!
The new version of this fine BBS program now has additional transfer
protocols and a host of excellent new features written into the program.
For more Info: [617] - 877 - 0257
COMNET SYSTEMS
50 Eaton Road
Framingham, MA. 01701
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Genie Conference with Kesmai....Creators of AIR WARRIOR
========================================================
by Bob Rosendale
<[Neil] NHARRIS> Welcome to a special formal conference on the GEnie
Atari ST
<[John] KESMAI> well, I don't have a prepared speech BUT
<[Neil] NHARRIS> roundtable. Our guest tonight is John Taylor of Kesmai
<[Neil] NHARRIS> who is going to talk over my intro <grin>
<[Neil] NHARRIS> Kesmai has been creating multiplayer online games for
some time now, including other GEnie games like Stellar Emperor and
Stellar Warrior. Their latest game, Air Warrior, uses the graphics of
your computer to provide a realistic simulation of aircraft combat. Now
John can get to his speech. John?
<[John] KESMAI> blush
<[John] KESMAI> i'll get the hang of this sooner or later. Ok, first
a bit of history we founded Kesmai in 82 in order to start developing
large scale multi-player games. We were of course dealing with the
C-service then and that is where we encountered Bill Louden. Anyway
since then we have developed several product some of which are here on
GEnie. All share a common theme of being simulations as opposed to true
games. Air Warrior got it's start MANY years ago when kelton was an
was an undergraduate. It ran on an HP2100 computer and used cursor
control graphics (yuk). The idea of doing a REAL multi-player flight
simulation has been on out minds for quite a while but it was not until
machines with the power of the ST came around that it was really
possible. (1200 baud modems helped also) .......
<[John] KESMAI> should I give a summary of game or take questions?
<[Neil] NHARRIS> Well...
<[Neil] NHARRIS> Let me interject first that Bill Louden is general
manager of GEnie, and had been a manager at CIS in charge of SIGs and
multi-player games. Why not give us a quick game summary now and then
we'll open the floor to questions.
<[John] KESMAI> ok
<[John] KESMAI> The basic premise of the simulation is that you are a
member of a small third world country which is at war with it's two
neighbors. They have enough bucks to fight but not enough to buy modern
jets... SO They use war surplus planes.
<[John] KESMAI> The ST program functions as a flight simulator and
handles all the graphics and flight equations. The HOST program takes
the data, checks it for validity and then parcels it out to the people
within your sight. In addition it handles all combat resolution, your
micro tells the host that it THINKS it hit something and the HOST
makes the determination. The front end software is also available for
the Mac, Amiga and someday the IBM clone world. (enough background?)
<[Neil] NHARRIS> Sure. And interesting stuff. Let's start taking
questions from the floor. Use /RAI to get in line to ask a question.
<[Neil] NHARRIS> Martin, go
<[Martin] M.MENDELSON> Sorry, I was moving some stuff and bumped the
board>
<[Dan.Reif] D.REIFSNYDER> John.. how long did it take to write this (no
reflection on your typing <grin>)?
<[John] KESMAI> yo martin?
<[John] KESMAI> about 2.5 years, the ST port took about 6 months
<[Neil] NHARRIS> (Sent by 12) you will go up next
<[Neil] NHARRIS> In C, right?
<[John] KESMAI> yep, it has a little asm code to speed things up
<[Neil] NHARRIS> How about on them GEnie end?
<[John] KESMAI> Mark Williams C (good stuff)
<[John] KESMAI> it is also C on the GEnie end (not so good)
<[Neil] NHARRIS> <grin>
<[John] KESMAI> grin
<[Bob] R.ROSENDALE1> I have found the files but what files are needed (I
saw so many new Picture files.
<[John] KESMAI> STARTER.ARC will get you up and running
<(John] KESMAI> look in the ST section of the AIR WARRIOR lib
<[Bob] R.ROSENDALE1> I have that but are all the others for different
versions?
<[John] KESMAI> did you select the Atari ST section before you looked?
<[Bob] R.ROSENDALE1> I guess variations would be a better word....Yes.
I saw about 20+ files for the St besides the STARTUP.ARC file
<[John] KESMAI> there are a LOT of optional data files for art and sound
In addition, the STARTER.ARC is also broken into 2 files AIRWAR.ARC
and AWDATA.ARC for those people that prefer to download 2 smaller files
instead of one big one
<[Neil] NHARRIS> [Bob] R.ROSENDALE1, you are listen-only.
<[Neil] NHARRIS> OK, ROAD.STAR is next
<ROAD.STAR>JOHN Any chance that the MICRO-FLITE joystick set-up will
work
<[John] KESMAI> yes, we were told that it already does. We plan to buy
one sooner or later to see if there are any problems
<[John] KESMAI> ST-USER says it worked
<ROAD.STAR> It seems it would be a lot It better Thanks
<[Neil] NHARRIS> Craig?
<[Rowdy Yates] CRAIG.S.THOM> In the WWI theatre, does the Camel torque
hard to one side? If not, is this level of realism possible?
<[John] KESMAI> yes it torques some but since we do not really want to
<[John] KESMAI> make the planes that tricky to fly we do not make it a
large effect.
<[Rowdy Yates] CRAIG.S.THOM> To which side? <grin>
<[John] KESMAI> (right side we think)
<[Neil] NHARRIS> OK, Dan?
<[Dan @ Atari] DANSCOTT> What are the future plans for Air Warrior on
the ST computers?
<[John] KESMAI> finish color version... split screen radio room is done,
visible tracers remap-able keys, blitter speed ups, 3dglasses support
(grin)
<[Neil] NHARRIS> 3d glasses support? you mean my stereotek glasses will
<[John] KESMAI> then the B&W version, then tanks, ships and other good
things.
<[Neil] NHARRIS> be good for something?
<[John] KESMAI> maybe (grin)
<APRATT> I realize your bread and butter is online time, but is there
<[Neil] NHARRIS> The line is short if people want to ask questions
<APRATT> any chance of drones or something to make practice mode more
fun
<APRATT> and/or give more practice? Being able to practice the gunner
positions would be nice, too.
<[John] KESMAI> only if we produce a distributed (i.e. sold) version.
No real plans at this point. We would rather spend the time/memory on
fun in flight things.
<APRATT> Is the host software really bound to mainframes, or can it run
<APRATT> on a micro? Consider the Mac II...
<APRATT> Or other 68030 machines ... :-)
<[John] KESMAI> it runs on our MicroVAX and would run on just about any
UNIX platform. grin
<APRATT> Thanks. Neil, next question..
<[Neil] NHARRIS> John, tell us about the practice mode, please.
<[John] KESMAI> the practice mode is intended to allow people to
learn how to fly and land the planes without spending big bucks. All
the terrain is available but there are no targets or bombs. Once a
player has mastered flying and landing then they log on for combat.
<[Neil] NHARRIS> Are people free to pass around copies of the program,
put them on BBS's, etc.?
<[John] KESMAI>free BBS are ok, passing it around (for free) is also ok.
This is true as long as the program is not modified in any way.
<[Neil] NHARRIS> OK, Jeff
<JEFFWILLIAMS> How easy/difficult is it to learn Air Warrior? How many
controls are there for the play to master? And where did the name KESMAI
come from?
<[John] KESMAI> it is not really all that hard to fly. Landing is a
little difficult. The hard part is combat, some of the players are
active duty combat pilots. The name was randomly generated by our
fantasy game. We need a name for the Island that the game was set on.
We liked the name and made it our company name.
<JEFFWILLIAMS> Thank you, John!
<[Martin] M.MENDELSON> John, Is Flight SimulatorII a viable substitute
to learn flying and then using
<[Martin] M.MENDELSON> that experience to use Air Warrior.
<[John] KESMAI> we have been told by good FS II players that Air Warrior
is easy to switch to. Why would you ever want to use FSII anyway <grin>.
<[Martin] M.MENDELSON> Thanx! That will make it easy for me then.
<[ST User] P.R.SKLENAR> Sorry, I came in late. How many people here play
AW now?
<[John] KESMAI> i dunno
<[ST User] P.R.SKLENAR> well, I see we have 1 of the Creators.<grin>
As a player, I have to say AW is easily the BEST flight Sim!
<[John] KESMAI> thanx
<[ST User] P.R.SKLENAR>it Beat FSII by a country mile and then some.
That's all.
<[Rowdy Yates] CRAIG.S.THOM> I was late getting here, so this may be a
repeat. How soon, realistically, can we hope to see lighter-than-air...
<[John] KESMAI> we have really pushed hard on the realism
<[Rowdy Yates] CRAIG.S.THOM> craft in the WWI theatre? And, how about
putting some drones in there? Gets lonely...
<[John] KESMAI> well not real soon on the l-t-a but it is something we
want to do I will see about a drone or two. (a drone blimp maybe)
<[Rowdy Yates] CRAIG.S.THOM> Really? That would be great!
<[Dan.Reif] D.REIFSNYDER> I haven't played yet, but how about an option
to 'personalize' your plane with D.REIFSNYDER> customized graphics?
<[John] KESMAI> you can already do that if you are artistically inclined
<[Dan.Reif] D.REIFSNYDER> Ohhh <embarrassed blush>
<[John] KESMAI> (it was a good question)
<[Dan.Reif] D.REIFSNYDER> Is the software available from GEnie other
than downloading? Nope, only download at this point.
<[Neil] NHARRIS> Road.star?
<ROAD.STAR> If not drones in practice how about targets in the hills
I want to see something blow up besides me.
<[John] KESMAI> a few goats and sheep to shoot at? <grin>
<ROAD.STAR> anything I lose all the time Thanx
<[John] KESMAI> we really don't have plans to expand practice mode at
this time.
<[Neil] NHARRIS> OK folks, that's the whole line of questioners now.
I will open up the room for more, so stay around. John, thanks very much
for joining us tonight, and also for a unique gaming experience! Any
closing remarks before I unleash everyone?
<[John] KESMAI> thanx for the opportunity to talk tonight
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE DISK DRIVE MYSTERIES UNRAVEL!
=================================
by W.K. Whitton
In last week's edition of the ST-Report you might remember
Rex Reade's article that sought to bring to light some of the
serious shortcomings of Atari. Due to our personal concern for the
Atari user, it is an article which is rather strong in its flavor, but
pointed in its purpose. As a furthering of this topic, I am
releasing this particular hardware project.
In our travels we have discovered a bevy of people complaining
about a particular problem with their ST 3 1/2 inch disk drives.
Most users of the St have discovered a pleasant feature of TOS,
which, when one inserts a new disk in their drive, and hits the
"Esc" key, provides you with the directory of the new disk without
having to close and reopen the directory window. What often happens
is that over a period of time, something occurs and you no longer
get the directory of the newly inserted disk when you hit "Esc",
but rather that of the disk which was in the drive when you booted
the system. That can make for some tricky file copies for sure!
The problem gets worse when a user tries to get this defect
repaired. Atari does NOT know what the problem is, as revealed last
week and in my own conversations with them, and they proceed to
tell the poor user that he must take it to his authorized service
center for repair. Seems almost anything must be taken to the
authorized service center for repair, and Atari has time and time
again demonstrated their UNWILLINGNESS to help in this and other
areas. (fortunately, some minor things are improving, and one can
only hope this is a sign of "good" things to come!)
From my understanding, users most often purchase Atari computer
equipment due to the fact that of the power "under the hood" this
was the MOST cost effective equipment one could purchase.
I believe part of the "great pricing" should be Atari's cooperation
whereby it not only starts out inexpensive, but stays that way due to
repair information assistance! Then, after getting the rephrased "tough
luck Pal!" from Atari, we then receive pleas of assistance from
people across the nation, that have taken their sick St to an
"Authorized Center", and the dealer doesn't know enough about the
machine to even realize this feature even exists, let alone cure
the disappearance of the feature.
And who do they call for repair info? You got it.................!
The Company that doesn't know what the problem is! When I called
Atari for help in this matter, making it plain I wanted this
information solely to pass on to the readers of the ST-Report, they
hemmed and hawed at how they don't encourage the users to dig into
their machine.(their machine?) Comfy attitude isn't it when you have
a warehouse of replacement parts sitting out back isn't it?
Well....finally they were able to tell me software-wise what the ST
was looking for when you hit the "Esc" key, and I was able to take
it from there. For that piece of information, I wish to thank John
Towns of Atari. The fact remains though, that with the number of
St's out there, it's more than little bit disturbing that they do
not know more about their hardware. True, a minimum of 4 different
drive mechanisms were contracted for, and not actually built by
Atari, but I feel they should, and hopefully after reading this,
WILL be more familiar with them.
A few last notes before we proceed...please keep in mind that
normally, until now, the only cure for this problem was replacement
of the disk drive, and in a 1040ST, the minimum this would cost
would be $150, usually more. It is with a warm heart then I write
on, knowing someone, somewhere is going to SAVE A LOT OF MONEY, and
that thrills me to no end...so, read on my friends...
This has been tested and verified on the following 3 1/2 disk drive
units:
Chinon Model 353AT S/S Chinon Model F-354-C D/S
CHINON 354AA REV A IS HOPELESS, SEND IT BACK FOR EXCHANGE!
Panasonic Model JU-363-03 Epson (all models)
Toshiba (all known models) Teac (all known models)
Mitsubishi (Panasonic) Fujitsu (all known models)
If you are using an external Atari drive, as the SF-314 or the
SF-354, or most other generic 3 1/2 drives follow these procedures.
If you are fortunate enough to own a 1040ST, a 520 with an internal
drive, or a Mega ST, you must first remove the entire drive assembly
from the computer. PLEASE be careful, the power supply in the
1040ST, and the 520FM has voltage levels that could cause you to
literally jump through the roof. Please make sure the power is off,
and might I remind you, you do this entirely at your OWN risk.
You must remove the top of the computer, and then the shielding from the
computer. Take out the 3 screws holding the drive mechanism in, and
unplug the two cables attached to it. Now, you may skip to the
appropriate step below and proceed.
A.___ Turn the drive over on its top, and remove the four
Phillips screws from the outer edges of the casing.
Take the top off, and set it and the screws aside.
B.___ Remove the "inner" four screws and the drive mechanism
will now be able to easily be removed. Unplug the PC
board carefully, and set it and the bottom in a safe
place.
C.___ Remove the sheet metal shielding from the drive by
gently prying outward on the metal tabs at the
back of the drive. Set this aside.
D.___ Remove the front panel from the drive mechanism itself.
To do this, as you look directly down at the top of the
mechanism as it sits on your bench, you will see two
screws, spaced approximately an inch and a half apart.
Remove these and set them aside, along with the face plate
you just removed.
E.___ In the FRONT left corner of the drive, right next to
the BUSY LED, is the Write Protect Switch, herein
referred to as the "WPS"...saves paper! Grab a disk.
If the WPS is working properly, when you insert the
disk, you will see the disk physically move the little
tab which is extending upward from the WPS assembly,
and it will pull the part of the switch that contains a
small magnet away from the WPS (usually enclosed in a
small glass tube-like enclosure). As it moves the
switch away, if its quiet enough, you will hear a small
"Ping!" and the contacts within the switch move.
THE most common cause of this assembly not working
properly is (if you haven't discovered it by now) the
small spring which is supposed to pull the WPS assembly
back into position. If this action does not take place,
the drive is basically telling the computer that there
was NO disk change, and therefore you get the same
directory. (Usually this spring is either broken or bent
as to cause it to loose its needed tension.) The recent
release of Mega's in their first month or so had a flurry
of this type problem, and you can imagine the unhappy
owners! (All $2700 worth for a Mega4 w/ SC1224!)
E.___ Remove the small phillips screw holding the assembly in
place, (It may also be glued, gently break the glue
seal, and be sure to reglue it when you finish.) If the
spring seems to have lost its tension, gently reshape
it. If it is broken, you must then replace it. And now
we come to the catch. So far, I have NOT been able to
locate a source for this spring, and hopefully this
will change in the near future, but I wouldn't count
on it. What I have been using to replace this spring
has been springs salvaged from cassette recorder
mechanisms. If any of you manage to find a place to
purchase these springs from, PLEASE let me know on
Genie, CIS, or Delphi, and I will make that information
available to the users! Assuming you have procured a
replacement spring, pull the small metal rod out of the
assembly, take the old spring off, and pop the new one
on! If the replacement spring you obtain has physically
longer legs than the original, please trim it back as
the dimensions of the leg of the spring which will
point towards the front of the drive is relatively
critical!
F.___ Now the fun, reassembly! Put it all back together in
reverse order, and you should be in business. If you
did all this correctly, and when the switch moves you
hear the tell-tale "Ping!", and you still don't get the
new directory, then my friend, you DO need a new drive!
I might also add, that one of the things I run into in the
repair business is the folks that seem to be under the impression
that there is a one-to-one relationship between problem and cure.
Unfortunately, this is not the case, as one problem usually has a
multitude of things which can cause the same symptom. So please,
don't assume that this is a "cure-all", as it was not written with
that end in mind. It DOES though, appear to be, from my meager
experience, the MOST COMMON cause of this problem, so there is a very
good chance this will alleviate your "no new directory" problem.
Lastly, if you have a Shugart Model 350 mechanism, due to the GREAT
design of this particular assembly, you probably will NEVER have this
problem! The designers of this little gem elected to use a microswitch
in this application, and it appears extremely unlikely the owners of
these will suffer the problems that owners of the other mechanisms
are subject to. If by chance you do have a problem, due to the custom
nature of this switch, you will most assuredly need to order it from
the manufacturer!
Keep those St's humming!
W.K. Whitton
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATARI SLM804 BUGGY?
===================
by T."Rex" Reade
Not trying to be negative toward Atari all the time is rather difficult
when we find information arriving in "Brown manilla envelopes" with a
letter explaining why it was sent to us and a few other publications.
Below is a list presented for your examination, please look it over
carefully and if you have any questions or solutions please send them in
and we will be happy to foward them to the proper parties.
[A] Loading any desk accessory or tsr that picks up trap #13 vector will
cause the Diablo Emulator to be lost. It must then be reloaded (along
with its fonts). This can be duplicated with ST Informer's RAM disk /
spooler, DeskCart! Spooler, Turbo ST, and WP_spool, it looks like
every spooler would have the same problem.
[B] The SLM804 laser uses microspacing to set proportional spacing
character widths and space. In microspacing the printer controls the
width of the character and its position. The only thing the software
needs to know is how far the print head actually moves. This is the
preferred method because it is faster, cleaner and less likely to have
unevenly or incorrectly positioned characters.
The problem that arises is in the fact that a Diablo is an HMI
controlled printer where the width of each character is set before
the character is sent and has no provisions for controlling the printer
on its level. Therefore, it is difficult to get properly spaced text.
[C] The SLM804 prints in 1/300 inch increments but, the Diablo uses
1/120 inch increments. This causes frequent round off errors.
In cases like WordPerfect and other high quality programs, where
the program is capable of printing in 1/300 inch, you must measure
characters to 1/300 inch, convert them to 1/120 for the Diablo,
(which causes round off errors), send them to the Diablo, which takes
the 1/120 inch character width, converts it to 1/300 inch (which causes
round off errors) then prints. On a multi column document with few
characters per column this can look completely unacceptable. WHY?
[D] The buffer in the SLM804 DRIVER is only 38K bytes.!! This was done
to make it fit on a 520 ST. A laser printer however needs more RAM
because it must image an entire page at a time. Most Laser printers
have 512K RAM minimum and occasionally, that is insufficient.
Although you can access the additional RAM of the 1040 or Mega by sending
a pointer to a graphic image in RAM, (completely non standard), this is
not the method used by most applications that were written to use the
500 or so other printers in already in existence. AGAIN, WHY?
[E] If more than 38K is sent to the Diablo emulator before a form feed
is encountered the incoming data will begin to CORRUPT the Diablo
emulator code. If it doesn't get confused and quit taking characters it
will eventually bomb...... In any case, you are WIPED out!.
[F] HP, Quadram, Cannon, Texas Instruments, Apple Laserwriter and many
other laser printers will print the page as it is imaged,(progressively),
as their buffers fill rather than overwrite there own control code.
The lack of error checking in the diablo emulator makes it easy to send
enough data to trash the emulator itself and ultimately cause a system
crash...... GOOD THINKING!
[G] There is no provision to move the print head by x/300 inch in
microspaced units (the actual amount used by the printer).
Being able to move in these small increments with out actually printing
would enable very fine micro-justification. Instead, it is necessary to
set the HMI value to 1/120 inch, send a space, then reset the width to
that of the next character, then send the character. Unfortunately this
can make up to 65K per printed page and would then overflow the SLM804
buffer which would definitely crash the computer thus rendering the
entire effort as useless. .....AH YES, PROGRESS!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
.......and the SAGA continues
=============================
by T."Rex" Reade
There comes a time when the observations of this reporter become so
varied on a particular subject matter that the issue suddenly becomes
ISSUES, a multitude of situations, a virtual comedy of errors!
Such is the case of the "new" Atari Laser Printer.....You say, what do
I mean? Well, Let's take a look and see, Right off the bat I see a
file provided with the machine that is a desk accessory, Diablo.???,
seems it trashes any other accessory files loaded. Atari's answer to the
programmer's question of WHY?... "Your accessory spooler or ram disk or
whatever is not done correctly and therefore clashes with ours." Now
that's sad, you mean to tell me, that all the programmers out there are
idiots and Atari's are the only ones who know what is happening? NOT
LIKELY! Probably more like the Atari programmers are too pompous and
self congratulatory to recognize a problem in it's early stages and
correct it to everyone's professional satisfaction.
I am trying to avoid getting technical with the problem descriptions
however, in some areas detail is needed to convince those who would deny
that these things are happening because they haven't experienced it
themselves. How about some home work for the readers? Do a little
research and find out what really comprises a GOOD laser printer....ie
[1] On Board Memory 1mb+ [2] Quality Interfacing
[3] Built in fonts [4] Ultra Compatibility
These factors certainly would establish a laser as quality.
Where is Atari coming from saying, the laser THEY sell is the very latest
in technology and refinements......THAT is a JOKE and it's mostly on the
Atari Userbase! For example, ALL the owners of regular 520 machines are
out in the cold completely unless of course they add memory and lots of
it to their machines (planned obsolescence?).....same goes for 1040ST
owners. Those same owners can use "other" brand name laser printers and
not face the same nonsense. Now we ask, Who designed this? Who approved
this notion? Why wasn't the design made compatible with ALL Atari ST
machines? Something is definitely lacking at Atari, perhaps it's the
foresight needed by the "think tank" (if such a thing exists) to consider
all the options and not discount the full userbase. My guess is that the
character who planned this "beast" said "the 520/1040ST owners would
never spend the money for a laser". Here's another thought,
"Perhaps if we make it for the MEGA only, then the sheep will HAVE to
get one to be able to use a Laser printer. This may help our overall
sales". Folks, this type of thinking is totally offensive to
this Reporter and I am sure to you too...
Letter campaigns you say? File thirteen dept.,...Studies have shown
that this type of action, except for Govt. and Political Races, are for
the most part, ineffective in trying to reach some large corporation.
It is like trying to pull hen's teeth. Please, if you are so inclined,
do go ahead and flood Atari with letters offering your advice and help.
Let all of us know about how well your letter was received and what type
of a response you received.
It has been stated that those who are so vociferous about Atari are
really very much concerned about the future of the ST and Atari...count
ME among those who ARE. These folks do not sell off their Atari
Equipment and purchase "the other" brand, instead, they raise a fuss
with Atari and hang tough. We all know how many in users have gone to
"other" computers out of sheer exasperation and dire frustration.
I blame Atari for that and will find it hard to forgive them for not
keeping the userbase humming along with refinements and support that is
in tune with the needs of all parties concerned, ESPECIALLY the third
party Programmers and Developers who are making things happen.
I see all kinds of excuses, ie.."We have agreements signed", Who signed it?
and WHY? Sure, you need to make agreements with other Developers and
such but where in heaven's name is your legal department??
They should have had enough experience to make sure you didn't sign
yourselves into a DEAD END! If a developer wants an IRON CLAD contract
that will hamper the progress in a given area, LET THE USERBASE KNOW!....
I don't care who it is, this reporter believes that any entity in the
public
eye cringes at adversity and bad press.
This reporter realizes that the bottom line is profit, make no mistake
about that! However, if needed, increase the retail prices to justify the
fair compensation of developers and programmers OUTSIDE of Atari. They
are willing and very able to produce the correct software for the ST
line. At least they will not be in the sorry position of worrying about
internal corporate politics.
GDOS (GDOZE) is a perfect example, the current version in use is a
constant source of grief to not only you, but also, the Developers and
Users. We are HEARING about a new version, (FROM GERMANY) <what's
wrong with our own programmers in the GOOD OLE' U.S.A.???>.
Can we expect the same joyride or, is it really on the way for the entire
Atari Userbase......or are we looking at a POSSIBLE improvement some 6
months down the road?
It has been duly noted that a spokesperson for Atari found it necessary
to pass judgement on a recent software release, so recent it has been out
only a matter of weeks. To me, this adds fuel to the fire already raging!
A bit of good advice, (clean up your own house first!)
Next week, a few "GEMS" about why a good percentage of the small business
dealerships have NO Atari on the shelves and have no plans at this time to
do so. Also, why many of the current Dealers are slowly moving away from
Atari....
Reader comments welcome....this article may be reprinted in it's original
form and content only ...(c)TRR APEInc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
VISITING AN OLD FRIEND
======================
by T."Rex" Reade
How nice it is to be able to say, "That is really a very good program",
it seems lately though all we see is gripes about how a program, "ain't
what I want or expected", well, this past week I visited an old friend
called INTERLINK VERSION 1.80.
After spending some time re-acquainting ourselves with each other,
Interlink and I began to have some real fun. Here is a terminal program
that is truly contemporary and fast. It obeys the VT-52 codes like a fine
soldier, marches in step with all the protocols and even makes the disk
entries for you when you are downloading a file. Oh, we hear," well it
don't see Vidtex"....How many folks call out with a modem just to look at
pictures?....They are after data of all sorts. It would be nice to see
that feature included some time in the future. For now, the automated
log-on (8 lines) is without a doubt very easy and failsafe to use. The
impressive lineup of protocols are simply outstanding and the capture
buffer/editor works like a charm.
Multi-tasking is pure magic, right? Multixy.txf is a background
downloading protocol for Interlink ST. It must be loaded into the
(???) button in the File Transfer window and the desk accessory
ILNMULTI.ACC must have been loaded from your boot disk or drive.
It allows background downloading and uploading allowing you to edit
your buffer, perform disk commands and execute other programs from
within Interlink using the Execute Program option contained in
Interlink. This version of Multixy.txf will allow background downloading
while running Interlink or executing a GEM Menu Based Program from within
Interlink. It has been tested with First Word, TEMPEST, Wordwriter,
Superbase, MCS (for composition and editing, does not multitask while
playing a song) and VIP Professional GEM version. Most programs that use
the GEM menu bar will work fine with Multixy.txf running and, as a
general rule, programs without menu bars will temporarily pause the
download.
The fabulous Ansi graphics can also be seen with Interlink.
You must load this Terminal Emulation protocol into the (???) button
in the Style-Features Window. When selected and you are in the on-line
screen Interlink will properly interpret incoming ANSI escape
sequences. These include the IBM-PC graphics character set as well as
color and attributes. Due to the limited number of colors on the ST in
medium resolution mode (it has four, ANSI supports 8) some doubling up
of colors is done automatically. This is always done in favor of TEXT
rather than graphics displays and results in good graphics most of the
time and fully readable text all of the time.
Interlink is constantly increasing in versatility with new Transfer
Protocols being developed on a very regular basis. FModem is designed to
greatly enhance the efficiency of your terminal program.
FMODEM sends the data packet 4K at a time. Make certain that the
connection that is made with the other computer is clear and has
no line noise. If you receive many NAK's in a row, Interlink sends
all 4K again until the block is transmitted successfully.
How many times were you dumfounded by the charges on your telephone bill
for the calls made while using the modem? Well, Interlink has a sure fire
way to keep track of and verify all charges. Interlog takes care of all
the calculations needed to keep a perfect record and control the amounts.
Operation of the program is very simple. Simply select your Dial
file when you are presented with the File Selector. INTERLOG locates the
name of your log file from the definition in the dial file. Once the
Dial File is loaded simply select the button for the service you wish to
calculate, fill in the date ranges if desired (leaving them empty causes
all records to be calculated for that service) and enter the amount that
the service charges either Hourly or Minutely. If you do enter a date
range the calculation will include only those Connects that occurred within
the specified dates. Both dates do not have to be specified, so that an
unspecified THRU date will apply all Connects starting with the from date
and an unspecified FROM date will apply all Connects ending with the THRU
date.
Interlink is truly a superb Terminal Program, worthy to be in everyone's
library of "often used programs". It is easy to learn and use, simple in
it's operation and the documentation is fairly complete and quite
understandable.
FOR MORE INFO: INTERSECT SOFTWARE CORP.
3951 Sawyer Road, Suite 108
Sarasota Fla., 34233
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST-REPORT Issue #34 MAY 09, 1988 (c)'88 APEInc.
All Rights Reserved Reprint permission granted except where noted in
the article. Any reprint must include ST-Report and the author in the
credits. Views presented here are not necessarily those of ST-Report or of
the Staff.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
