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Silicon Times Report Issue 0092
*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original Online ST Magazine"
_______________________________
June 16, 1989 Vol III No.92
========================================================================
ST Report Online Magazine
__________________________
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32236 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
** F-NET NODE 350 ** FIDOMAIL NODE 1:363/37 **
Our support BBS carries ALL issues of STReport
and
An International list of private BBS systems
carrying STReport for their users enjoyment
_______________________________________________________________________
> Issue: #92 STReport The Online Magazine of Choice!
-------------------
- The Editors' Podium - CPU REPORT
- TOS 1.4 in LIMITED RELEASE!!! - Astronomy Lab - A Review
- Usergroups get strong Support! - New Products from ATARI!
- REGISTER YOUR USERGROUP! - GEnie Survey Results
- CPU NewsWire Usergroup Offer! - ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL
- GScan - An Indepth Review - WOA Mich. Updates & Info.
========================================================================
AVAILABLE ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ THE SOURCE ~ BIX
========================================================================
> The Editor's Podium
What is going on in our Userbase? It is rather strange to see some
folks awarding praise to Atari for acting like a two step, private label
electronics distributor.
Calculators, game machines and hand-held MS Dos toys ..(well almost).
What is happening here? What has become of the Atari we all matured with?
The Company who became a pacesetter in the home computer market, the company
that gave the world the ST. Why all the ostentacious fanfare with elaborate
shows, seminars, speeches and, of course, promises of what the future holds?
Mind you now we have no problem with Atari making a bundle off the new game
machine, calculators and other goodies. Our very basic question is; how is
Atari ever going to be shed of the game machine image if the SAME name is
used on the computers. Anybody happen to notice the simple fact that the
release of the game machine received more coverage in one week that the ST
did all year?? That segment on CNN reached many, many people, Atari is now
once again well recognized, ..as a THE game machine.
In this issue we are also presenting a list of the most frequently used
telephone numbers at Atari. These numbers will allow the users to find the
proper parties to seek efficient assistance from instead of openly
complaining about a problem. Judging from the number of times we receive
letters and calls for help in dealing with some of the departments at Atari,
the online and offline customer relations people must be swamped. in any
case, we hope the numbers we provide are a help.
Atari is at the "turning roads" of it's US Business Career and by all
indications is about to embark on a most notable journey, considering it's
stock went 36 percent (%) in one week. The next few months will more than
likely epitomize the natural process of it's metamorphosis, only in this
case it will be a NEW Atari emerging from the clandestine, often confusing
corporate cocoon to become a very open and extremely popular entity in the
home and business computer market. Additionally, Atari has set it's sights
on the educational marketplace.
Ralph.....
ATARI IS BACK!
************************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type XJM11877,GEnie and hit RETURN.
The system will prompt you for your information.
THE GENIE ATARI ST ROUNDTABLE - AN OVERVIEW
___________________________________________
The Roundtable is an area of GEnie specifically set aside for owners and
users of Atari ST computers, although all are welcome to participate.
There are three main sections to the Roundtable: the Bulletin Board, the
Software Library and the Real Time Conference area.
The Bulletin Board contains messages from Roundtable members on a variety of
Topics, organized under several Categories. These messages are all open and
available for all to read (GEnie Mail should be used for private messages).
If you have a question, comment, hot rumor or an answer to someone else's
question, the Bulletin Board is the place to share it.
The Software Library is where we keep the Public Domain software files that
are available to all Roundtable members. You can 'download' any of these
files into your own computer by using a Terminal Program which uses the
'XMODEM' file-transfer method. You can also share your favorite Public
Domain programs and files with other Roundtable members by 'uploading' them
to the Software Library. Uploading on GEnie is FREE, so you are encouraged
to participate and help your Roundtable grow.
The Real Time Conference is an area where two or more Roundtable members may
get together and 'talk' in 'real-time'. You can participate in organized
conferences with special guests, drop in on our weekly Open COnference, or
simply join in on an impromptu chat session. Unlike posting messages or Mail
for other members to read at some later time, everyone in the Conference
area can see what you type immediately, and can respond to you right away,
in an 'electronic conversation'.
************************************************************************
> CPU REPORT
==========
Issue # 25
by Michael Arthur
Remember When....
Seymour Cray started designing supercomputers for Control Data
Corporation in the early 1960's, with the CDC 6600 and 7600, and when he
formed Cray Research, his own supercomputer company, making the Cray-1 in
1976, a year before Apple started making Apple II's in 1977?
CPU Systems Roundup IX
=======================
Dream Computer Systems III: Workstations R Us
----------------------------------------------
Part I
As the capabilities of microcomputers increased during the 1980's,
they began to assume the place that workstations had held in the industry,
and many began to focus on bringing the versatility of the more expensive
workstations to the microcomputer. Unix, a prime example, was once the
domain of workstations and non-IBM minicomputers, but now is available for
almost every middle/high-end micro, and is competing to be the operating
system of the future for the microcomputer industry. Also, while the
performance of microcomputers grew, many workstation companies began making
low-end workstations, in an attempt to combine the innovations
microcomputers had fostered, such as the idea of graphical user interfaces,
with the inherent versatility of workstation-class machines.
So as to explore this, and to examine the growing power of computer
systems, the series, Dream Computer Systems", will now begin to focus on
workstation-class capabilities in its featured Dream Systems. To attempt to
determine which Dream System really IS the best, I have made a list of the
most powerful microcomputers on the market, comparing their features to make
an objective opinion.
I ignored variables like operating systems and software, and
concentrated on the actual computers' features and speed, the greatest
amount of mass storage you could attain, and the best graphics that system
could provide. While operating systems and software are a definite factor
in a computer, I wanted to aim for the best hardware itself, to which you
could add the other items. However, since many of the high-end
microcomputers featured here are beginning to rival workstations in both
performance and price, this series will now include some low-end
workstations in its analysis, in order to both study the state of high-end
microcomputers as compared to low-end workstations, and to see whether these
microcomputers outperform some workstations in certain aspects....
After doing some research, I found several configurations that could
truly claim to be "Dream Systems". Shown in no particular order, here is my
list:
(Warning: Do not be surprised by the Retail Prices Shown.)
System #1
---------
- Wells American CompuStar - Total Cost of System: $17,900.00 Dollars
This IBM Compatible is a 33 MHZ 80386 system with 8 Megabytes of RAM
onboard, built-in VGA support, a PC AT Bus Module with 7 AT Expansion Slots,
and a Secondary PS/2 Expansion Bus Module with 5 MicroChannel Slots, for a
total of 12 Expansion Slots....
To further enhance this system, I would add a 25 MHZ Weitek 3167 Math
Coprocessor, with 3-4 times the performance of a 25 MHZ 80387 Math Chip, a 1
Gigabyte Magneto-Optical Drive made by Maxtor using Removable Cartridges,
and an NEC Multisync Plus VGA Monitor.
So with this system, you would have:
Wells CompuStar w/1.44 Meg Disk Drive (Cost: $1610.00)
Wells 33 MHZ 80386 CPU Module (Cost: $3500.00)
25 MHZ Weitek 3167 Math Chip (Cost: $2195.00)
4 Wells Memory Modules w/2 Megs of RAM Each (Cost: $3200.00)
Maxtor 1 Gigabyte Magneto-Optical Cartridge Drive (Cost: $5995.00)
NEC Multisync Plus Monitor (Cost: $1400.00)
VGA Graphics Resolution: 320*200 with 256 Colors out of 256,000
640*480 with 16 Colors out of 256,000
Extended Mode has 640*480 with 256 Colors out of 256,000
800*600 with 16 Colors out of 256,000
800*600 with 256 Colors out of 256,000
1024*768 with 16 Colors out of 256,000
Faults with System: None whatsoever....
System #2
---------
- Macintosh IIx w/SuperMac Spectrum/24 Board - Total Cost: $29,300.00
This Macintosh uses a 16 MHZ 68030 with a 16 MHZ 68882 Math Chip, Four
Megabytes of RAM, and 6 NuBus Expansion Slots. It also comes with a 1.44
Meg High Density Disk Drive, and uses the SWIM (Sander-Woz Integrated
Machine) Disk Controller chip to allow the Mac to read/write to MS-DOS and
OS/2 formatted disks.
To FURTHER enhance this system, I would add a DayStar Digital 33/030
Accelerator II, which has a 33 MHZ 68030/68882 combo, Pinnacle Micro's
REO-650 Magneto-Optical Drive, which uses 650 Megabyte Removable Cartridges
like those found for the NeXT drive, four MicroSnap MacDIP 1 Megabyte RAM
Cards from Microtech Inc. for 4 Extra Megs of RAM, and a axan Ultravision
1000 Monitor to accompany a SuperMac Spectrum/24 Video Card, which lets the
Mac have a 1024*768 display with 16 Million colors at the same time.
So with this system you would have:
Macintosh IIx w/4 Megs of RAM (Cost: $7769.00)
DayStar Digital 33/030 Accelerator II (Cost: $7000.00)
4 MicroTech MicroSnap MacDIP 1 Mb RAM Cards (Cost: $800.00 total)
REO-650 Magneto-Optical Cartridge Drive (Cost: $5995.00)
Spectrum/24 Video Board (Cost: $4000.00)
Taxan 980 20-Inch Monitor (Cost: $3700.00)
Macintosh II Resolution: 640*400 with 256 Colors out of 16 Million
With Spectrum/24 it has 1024*768 with 16 Million colors at the same time.
Faults with System: A VERY good Dream System, but oddly, its cost is far
above that of the other systems....
System #3
---------
- Amiga 2000 w/CSA FastTrack Card - Total Cost of System: $17,100.00
This is an Amiga 2000 with 1 Meg of RAM and 7 expansion slots. Along
with this would be a CSA FastTrack Card having a 14.23 MHZ 68030 and a 33
MHZ 68882 Math Coprocessor, along with 2 ProRAM 2000 RAM Expansion Cards
from Progressive Peripherals with 4 Megs of RAM each, and a CSA DragStrip
Card to speed up the the 16-bit RAM into 32-bit RAM, for a total of eight
Megabytes of 32-Bit RAM.
I would also add a 300 Megabyte Hard Drive made by ABCO, Moniterm's
19-inch monitor, which lets the Amiga have a 1008*800 display in monochrome,
and Microway's FlickerFixer, which lets the Amiga have a noninterlaced
640*400 display with an NEC Multisync monitor.
So with this system you would have:
Amiga 2000 w/7 Expansion Slots (Cost: $2400.00)
CSA FastTrack Accelerator Card (Cost: $3400.00)
CSA DragStrip 32-Bit RAM Adapter (Cost: $800.00)
2 ProRAM 2000 Memory Cards w/4 Mb of RAM each (Cost: $2500.00)
ABCO 300 Megabyte Hard Drive (Cost: $4000.00)
Moniterm Viking I High Resolution Monitor (Cost: $2000.00)
Microway Inc. FlickerFixer (Cost: $600.00)
NEC Multisync Plus Color Monitor (Cost: $1400.00)
Amiga Resolutions: (Not including Overscan)
320*200 with 32 colors out of 4096
320*200 with 64 colors out of 4096 (Extra Half-Brite)
320*200 with 4096 colors at the same time (HAM Mode)
640*200 with 4 to 32 colors
640*400 with 2 to 16 colors (interlaced)
With Moniterm:
640*400 using Monochrome (noninterlaced)
1008*800 using Monochrome Colors
With FlickerFixer:
640*400 with 2 to 16 colors (noninterlaced)
Faults with System: Since the peak main processor speed for the Amiga
has shown to be around 16 MHZ, its expandability is
comparatively limited. Also, graphics resolution
should be higher....
System #4
---------
- NeXT System w/670 Meg Hard Drive - Total Cost of System: $17,000.00
The NeXT computer features a 25 MHZ 68030 w/68882 Math Coprocessor,
Eight Megs of RAM, 4 NuBus Expansion Slots, and a 256 Megabyte Canon
Magneto-Optical Drive with Removable/Erasable Cartridges.
To FURTHER enhance this system, I would add NeXT's 670 Megabyte Hard
Disk Drive. That's it....
So with this system you have:
NeXT Computer w/256 Meg Cartridge Drive (Cost: $10,000.00)
670 MB Winchester Hard Drive (Cost: $7000.00)
NeXT Resolution: 1120*832 Pixel Display using Monochrome.
(These are the prices BusinessLand, with sole rights to sell NeXT's to the
US computer market, charges for NeXT Peripherals)
Faults of System:
Canon makes 512 Meg versions of their drive using Double-Sided cartridges.
NeXT uses the Single-Sided, 256 Meg Drive. Also, there is NO Color
Display....
System #5
---------
- Sun SPARCStation 1 w/16 Megs of RAM - Total System Cost: $21,500.00
This is a Sun SPARCStation 1 with a 20 MHZ SPARC chip running at 10 -
12 MIPS, a 20 MHZ Weitek 3167 Floating Point Math Chip, 8 Megs of RAM
onboard, 1 S-Bus Expansion Slot, a Color Monitor, and a 1.44 Meg Disk Drive.
Along with this would be a Pinnacle Micro REO-650 Magneto-Optical
Drive, using 650 Megabyte Removable Cartridges, and two Sun Memory Expansion
Kits, with 4 Megs of RAM each, for a total of 16 Megs of System
RAM.
So with this system you have:
Sun SPARCStation 1 w/Color Monitor (Cost: $12,500.00)
2 Sun Memory Expansion Kits w/4 Megs of RAM each (Cost: $4000.00)
REO-650 Magneto-Optical Cartridge Drive (Cost: $5995.00)
SPARCStation Resolution: 1152*900 with 256 Colors out of 16 Million
Faults of System: A higher monochrome resolution should be developed....
System #6
---------
- Abaq Transputer w/300 Meg Hard Disk - Total Cost of System: $21,000.00
This is an Abaq Transputer with a 20 MHZ T800 Chip having a built-in
Math Coprocessor, 4 Megs of RAM, and 4 Expansion Slots. Along with this
would be three Abaq M112 Expansion Cards, each having 4 T800 Chips and 4
Megs of DRAM onboard, for a total of 13 T800 chips and 16 Megs of System
RAM. Since Helios can read/write to MS-DOS disks, and the ATW uses a Mega
ST Motherboard as an I/O processor, an ABCO 300 Megabyte Hard Drive for the
ST should be able to be used.
So with this system you have:
Abaq Transputer w/4 Megs of RAM (Cost: $7000.00)
Three Abaq M112 Expansion "Farm" Cards (Cost: $6300.00)
ABCO 300 Megabyte Hard Drive for the ST (Cost: $4000.00)
Taxan Ultravision 1000 Monitor (Cost: $3700.00)
Abaq Resolutions: 1280*960 with 16 Colors out of 16 Million
1024*768 with 256 Colors out of 16 Million
640*480 w/256 Colors out of 16 Million (Double Buffered
screens for high speed animation)
512*480 with 16 Million Colors at the same time
Faults of System: Hard disk storage is decent, but comparatively
weak....
Notice I did not mention products that won't be shipping shortly, like
the 68030 TTx, or products which have not been fully announced, like
Commodore's new A2000 Graphics Card.
In Part I of this series, I have given a list of the best systems to
be found currently in the market, and shown the individual features which
make the system. In Part II these Dream Systems will be compared to each
other, in order to determine which is the "best" one.
But this issue alone indicates that while it is one of the most
powerful systems, the Mac II Dream System has not changed since the last
"Dream Systems" essay, and is simply far too overpriced to be a true
contender, given that the other systems rival or outperform its
capabilities. The IBM Dream System, which has always been one of the most
powerful Systems, has come out as the leader in price/performance for this
list, and rivals the Sun SPARCStation in versatility. However, the
SPARCStation 1 has made an excellent introduction, with blazing speed and
power only equalled by the ATW, which actually surpasses the other Dream
Systems in some aspects....
But ponder, if you will, this question:
1) Is the word, "Workstation" a more appropriate term than "Computer", given
the type of operations that micro-computers now perform?
CPU INSIGHTS
=============
A Look at Flow Control
----------------------
Flow Control is basically a way for applications to "steal" time in
which to process or receive information being sent from another source, such
as a peripheral. For example, mot of you have seen in your terminal
programs the phrases, Xon/Xoff and RTS/CTS. Xon/Xoff is a way that terminal
programs can implement flow control in software. If a term program cannot
keep up with the data being sent by the BBS or Online Service it is
connected to, or vice versa, then it sends an Xoff to the other side, which
tells it to stop sending information until the Terminal has had time to
process it. Afterwards, it sends an Xon, saying that it is clear to the
other side to send information again. RTS/CTS does the same type of
operation, but the difference is that it is implemented in hardware, used by
modems, for example, to implement Flow Control between it and another modem,
much like a Terminal would use Xon/Xoff to implement Flow Control between it
and another Terminal.
Flow Control is most often encountered in terminal programs and BBS's
because, while downloading and uploading files, System A may be so fast that
it sends information too quickly for System B to take in. By sending a
signal such as an Xoff or CTS, System B is able to tell System A to stop
sending the information while it has time to receive and process it. If
either System did not have Flow Control, then System B would not have a way
of doing this, and since System A would just continue transmitting,
oblivious to the fact that System B wasn't receiving the data correctly, the
upload/download would be a wasted effort.
However, while Flow Control is used mostly in modeming, it is also
implemented in many areas. LAN Networks, for example, use a sophisticated
form of Flow Control to both ensure that the data is sent to the right node,
and to make sure that it is sent in an efficient, yet accurate manner, at
the precise time that the data is required. Also, applications as diverse
as PC fax machines and sound or image digitizing may use a form of Flow
Control....
CPU STATUS REPORT
==================
Geles, CA Canon has signed an agreement with NeXT Inc. to
--------- import and sell the NeXT Computer in the Japanese
market, beginning this summer. However, since Canon
also handles the Macintosh's sales marketing in Japan,
it will market the NeXT to Universities and Research
Facilities. Cost: 2,000,000 yen, or $14,285.00,
compared to Businessland, which sells the NeXT for
$10,000 dollars....
Wood Dale, IL NEC is readying to enter the US Video Game market with
------------- the TurboGrafx-16 (or TGX-16), a $200.00 game machine
which has a 16-bit processor, stereo sound, and superb
graphics. In Europe and Japan, the TurboGrafx-16 has
consistently outsold Nintendo's NES System, under the
name "PC Engine". NEC will also be selling a $400.00
compact disk player for it, allowing the TGX-16 to
play more graphics-intensive games, such as Dragon's
Lair....
However, given that Sega's new Genesis System, having
10-voice stereo sound, 512 Colors out of a 4096 Color
Palette, and a 16-bit processor, will be out before
the Third Quarter of 1989 for $200.00, that Atari's
new Portable Color Entertainment System will be out in
August, and that Nintendo has shown a new Video Game
System recently called the Game Boy....
Chippewa Falls, WI Due to the growing R&D costs of the Cray-3, a
------------------ 32-processor supercomputer made of gallium arsenide,
Cray Research Inc. has decided to spin off its
development into a new, separate company, named Cray
Computer Corp. Cray Computer will be headed by
Seymour Cray, who both founded Cray Research, and
started the Cray-3 project.
Cray Research will help Cray Computer's startup by
giving $50 million dollars in facilities and
equipment, 5 percent of its assets, and $100 million
in operating funds over the next two years. Also,
both companies will work in cross-licensing agreements
in the future. Cray Research will now focus on their
line of Cray X-MP and Y-MP supercomputers, and on
making the C-90, the successor to the Cray Y-MP.
This may be THE chance for Japanese supercomputer
makers like NEC and Hitachi, since Control Data
recently closed ETA Systems, the only other major
US supercomputer firm. However, given that Steve
Chen, a former Cray Research employee, is now working
with IBM to enter the supercomputer market....
Cupertino, CA Apple is rumored to be developing up to five new models
------------- of the Macintosh, including a 33 MHZ Mac IIx, a
$1000 - $1500 Mac Plus, and two Mac Laptops. One
report says that a Mac Laptop will have a 16 MHZ
68000, and 1 - 2 Megs of RAM for $3500.00, and there
have been sightings of a high-end Mac Laptop, with a
16 MHZ 68020 or 68030, 2 - 4 Megs of RAM, and a cost
starting at $7000.00 or more....
__________________________________________________________________________
> GSCAN STR Review Using GSCAN by Alan Page...
================
NAVIGATING GENIE WITH GSCAN
===========================
by Ron Brunk
There is a trio of files in the Genie library that, used together,
optimize the use of Genie. GScan 0.91 (Genie file# 7854) by Alan Page
(Flash) is used for reading/replying to messages, setting the ignore
permanent topic flags, and choosing new files to download. It does this by
generating DO files for use with Flash. GE_AutoScan (file# 10307) is a
pair of Flash DO files by Chris Mueller which automates the use of GScan by
retrieving the files it needs and implementing the DO files it creates.
GE_indx.do (file# 10460) by M. Easter is another DO file which will
determine the current settings of your topic flags on Genie to prepare for
the use of GScan and Autoscan.
GScan.prg
---------
GScan is a program that uses a GEM interface to process output from
Genie. From a gem desktop similar to Flash a *.msg file of messages is
loaded into memory and the programs splits it into individual messages
grouped by topic. You can then move from one message to the next (or back)
using the left and right arrow keys. The only problem I've had is that it
chokes on files around 150K, but this shouldn't happen once you've been
using it regularly unless you haven't been on in awhile or have chosen to
follow all topics. This problem can be avoided by using Flash to break the
large file into smaller ones.
Additional features are:
1) Control-left/right arrow skips to the first message of the next or
previous topic. Shift left/right arrow moves to the first/last message in
the entire file.
2) "Help" or pulling down and choosing "categories" shows a list of all
the categories that have new messages to read. Categories that do not have
messages in the current file in memory will be shaded. Selecting an
individual category allows you to read just messages in that category.
3) "Delete" erases the message displayed, and alt-d deletes all messages
in the current topic. Undo recalls the last message deleted. Once you have
deleted all but the messages you wish to keep, you can save the remaining
messages. When prompted for a filename, if you select one that already
exists, you will be given the option to abort the save, overwrite the file,
or append the file in memory to the end of the file that already exists. An
alternate method of saving the information you want to keep from your Genie
session is the option to save or append each message as it is displayed to
another file.
4) If you do not wish to follow a new topic that appears, or wish to drop
an old one, simply pull down and click on ignore. At the end of the session
you can "save ignores" and a DO file is written that will set the "ignore
perm" flag on those topics on Genie. You will never see that topic again
unless you go back and manually change the flag on that topic. Once you
have selected ignore permanent, you can delete the topic from memory and the
program will remember to include that topic in the ignore perm DO file.
5) You can search the file in memory for up to 8 preset case insensitive
(does not distinguish between capital and small letters) keywords using the
wildcards "?" (any single character) or "*" (any group of characters).
These wildcards can be used in conjunction with the logical arguments "ALL"
(all keywords must be present in the message) or "ANY (any keyword must be
present). While the keyword option is selected, only those messages meeting
specified keyword criteria will be displayed for perusal. The default
keywords are set by saving the setup after entering the keywords you wish to
be the defaults. It may be necessary to go find and retrieve the Gscan.set
file generated as it doesn't always end up in the same folder. Changing from
the default keywords can be done at anytime to search for messages with
different keywords or none at all.
6) You can save messages to two clipping folders, each using 4 pairs of
keywords. Each time a message file is loaded, copies of individual messages
meeting the criteria are copied to the appropriate clipping file. Although
wildcards and the any/all options cannot be used, you can specify "AND"
between individual word pairs. Clipping folders can also be set to be case
sensitive.
7) Message replies are composed with an editor similar to Flash with the
ability to import/export text and the familiar "undo" and F10 (reformat
paragraph) functions. Choosing "save all" at the end of the session
generates a pair of DO files which will upload the replies the next time you
are on-line. The DO files generated require Flash 1.5 or later. GScan
needs at least one message from a topic in memory in order to compose a
reply. This is because it pulls the category and topic number information
from the message to write the DO file. The file Autoscan.msg contains a
message from all topics, thus allowing you to enter a message into any topic
while it is loaded.
8) It is possible to merge another *.msg file into the current one in
memory. The entire resulting file will be sorted in order, and duplicate
messages will be ignored.
9) TOS and GEM programs can be run from within GScan.
10) You can browse a list of files (sorted by name or number) uploaded
since your last call and mark those you wish to download. A DO file is
generated to automatically download the files you've chosen with Y-batch
next session. Although a message appears here that says that this option is
not implemented yet, I believe this message is referring to the Gnymodem.do
file which will allow the option to use X-modem vs Y-batch since the DO
files generated work fine. Generated DO files also seem to have a problem
reliably downloading text files.
11) Files in memory are compressed up to 25%, and the program can display
available memory available for merging additional files.
12) If messages are written with 80 columns, the right hand slidebar
disappears to allow uninterrupted reading.
13) The current topic name always appears in the information line at the
top. The total number of messages in memory appears in the information line
at the bottom along with a familiar slide bar that shows where the current
message is relative to the entire file. Note: the horizontal slider cannot
be moved manually; it is just for display purposes.
Genscan uses/generates the following types of files:
*.cat list of categories in roundtable *= RT name i.e. atarist
st_new#.msg captured file of messages
st_new#.lst captured list of new files available for downloading
atarist.lst list of replies to upload to atari-st roundtable
c#t##.### ### reply, goes to category # topic ##
*.F## Directs do file to reply ## in roundtable * for
uploading
download.do DO file for downloading files
message.do DO file called by reply.do
reply.do DO file to uploads replies and deletes from file
setperm.do DO file to set ignore permanent flag on topic
When the # reaches 7, the next session will begin by erasing all 1-7. I
routinely rename the new files at the end of each session to to avoid losing
them and identify them.
Autoscan.do
-----------
As handy as Gscan is, it is designed for use while offline, and the DO
files it creates must be executed some other way. In steps GE_Autoscan, a
pair of Flash DO files automate the entire process. GE_Auto.do logs you
onto Genie and then calls up Auto_ST.do which does the rest. It browses
all the new messages in topics you have not ignored permanently, checks all
the files uploaded since you were last on, and then saves all this info into
the proper files for Gscan to use. It will then run all the DO files that
GScan made for uploading replies, downloading files, and setting the ignore
permanent flags on topics you don't wish to follow. It will also capture
GE-mail that is waiting (to GE_mail.txt), upload replies, and capture Genie
bulletins (GE_news.txt) and Atari ST bulletins (ST_news.txt). Although
these text files are not directly supported by GScan, they can be viewed by
uploading them into a message reply window.
Before running GE_Auto.do, there are a few things that you must do.
1) Your genie parameters must be set from page 905 item 2) iaw:
1. Prompt 63 (?)
2. Break char 3 (ctrl-c)
3. Page length 0 (scroll off)
and the Roundtable prompt must be set to "brief".
2) Edit Atarist.cat to ensure it contains no more that 32 categories
including 99 GE_Autoscan. Some categories are private and can be eliminated
by most users to make room for new categories in GScan if necessary. Do not
eliminate any categories unless you have all topics in that category ignored
permanently. Otherwise the browse command will read them, but GScan will
not recognize them. If any category names "wrap around" to the next line,
edit them down to one line.
3) Ensure GE_Auto.do is in the default Flash pathname or else you must
go find it each time you want to run it. Ensure that Auto_ST.do and the
saved GScan DO files are in the default path specified in GE_Auto.do.
4) Enter the local Genie number into GE_Auto.do or specify the name in
your flash directory. Enter your user#,password,475;1 into GE_Auto.do.
(Note: I had to move this right after the HHH sequence, or else Genie did
not recognize it). A control-r (^R) can be inserted prior to your password
allows you to log onto Genie at full duplex, eliminating the need for ">DU
HA" in GE_Auto.do.
5) Run GE_Auto.do and sit back while while all the work is done for you.
Just prior to log off you will have a few moments to take manual control of
Genie by aborting the rest of the DO file. Otherwise you will be logged off
and given the option to go directly to GScan before the DO file ends. If
you do allow Autoscan to call up GScan, when you quit GScan, you can allow
Autoscan to take over again. It will go back up to Genie and upload
replies, download files, and check GE-mail before it quits for good. It
will not capture news heading or scan for new messages or files. (If this
is all you wish to do for the entire session, you can send the command "$T
"more"|" prior to running GE_Auto.do). If at anytime you wish to interrupt
the message scan, a control-c will interrupt and the resulting Genie prompt
will be recognized by Autoscan. It will then finish the session in an
orderly fashion with all files intact. This is especially handy if you have
opened a previously ignored topic and there is a backlog of messages that
you have never read and don't wish to capture all of them.
Ignore.do
---------
If you have been using the "bro all new" command, you are ready to go.
However, if you've been following messages with the "Mark" command, or just
reading a few messages here and there from time to time, you will end up
being overwhelmed by the output you receive the first time you use the "bro
all new" command in Autoscan. This is because it will output every message
you've never read in all the topics that are not ignored. If either of the
above cases are true, there are two ways you can proceed.
1) You could replace the browse command with
REA ALL NEW MARKED NOR CAT=1-31|
but you would have to periodically check for new topics and decide if you
wish to "mark" them; otherwise, you will never see any new topics.
OR
2) By spending a little time to get set for the browse command, you will
see the new topics as soon as they are started. You can then choose to use
the "Ignore" option of Gscan to have them permanently ignored the next time
you log on with GE_Auto.do. The following procedure will allow you to
easily get initialized for your first session. (It's also handy if you
inadvertently clear all your permanent ignore flags).
You must first check the status of your flags. Unfortunately, asking
for a list of topics from Genie does not show your flags. Fortunately,
there is a DO file (Gen_indx.do) that, when run from the first page of the
message base, will go through and get a list from Genie of all topics and
your status (open, mark, ignore) in each. Use this list to determine which
flags need to be set to ignore permanently. You can then write your own DO
file off line to do this automatically. If the list is an extensive one, it
will help to write down the category and topic numbers that you wish to
ignore permanently into one list.
To make this DO file, go to an empty Flash capture and type the
following lines:
-----------
perm|
> wa ?|
ign
-----------
Ensure you include the space before the "perm". Mark these lines as a block
(save it to a text file to recall if necessary), then use F4 to delete the
block. We will be using the "undo" key to repeatedly recall this block.
With the capture clear once again, type:
-----------
set #1|
>wa ?|
ign #2 #3 #4 ...
-----------
where #1 is the first category with topics to ignore, and #2 #3 are the
topic numbers you wish to ignore in this category, separated by a space.
Move the cursor to the space between #2 and #3 and press "undo" to recall
the deleted block. Move down two lines with the arrow key and you will be
between #3 and #4 (unless #3 is the first two digit number, in which case
move right one space) and press "undo" again. Continue to do this until
there is only an "ign" on the last line. Insert the following before the
trailing "ign":
-----------
set #1|
>wa ?|
-----------
where #1 is now the next category with topics to ignore. Once again enter
the topic numbers to ignore (separated by spaces) after the trailing "ign".
Repeat the above until all categories and topics have been covered. Delete
the last two lines (">wa ?|" and "ign") and save the file with a .do
extension. Now go to the Genie roundtable message base and execute the DO
file by typing alt-a. All the ignore permanent flags will be set with just
a few minutes of time online, and with less time overall than if you went
online and attempted to do it manually. I know this from experience!
Newtopic.do
-----------
If you don't wish to "catch up" (read all the past messages) on any new
topics you've chosen, you will need to read at least one message in each
topic at the point you wish to begin following the topic. Once again a DO
file can easily be made to do this. Start out with a new block to be
repeatedly recalled as we did for Ignore.do:
---------
|
rea all * nor|
>wa ?|
set
---------
(nor (no reply) tells Genie not to pause after each message)
Substitute for * iaw the following
*= last (to just read the last message posted in each topic)
or
dat>yymmdd (to read all messages posted after a particular date)
Save the block and delete it so that it can be recalled with an "undo".
In the resulting blank capture type
--------
set#
--------
where # is the number of the first category with topics you have opened.
Press "undo" and enter the next category number, press "undo" etc. When you
have finished, cut off the last two lines (>wa ?| & set) and either save as
a DO file or append to the END of Ignore.do.
Once you begin using these files to call Genie you will find yourself
getting a lot more out of your sessions. Since all of your interactions can
be done offline, you will no longer feel rushed by the thought that the time
clock (and $) is continuing to tick away. You can take your time to get
each reply exactly right, and download files without fumbling for commands.
Nor will you have to scroll up and down through a cluttered capture to find
a particular message. These files can be used for any roundtable on Genie,
not just the Atari RT. To do this, just follow all the above steps with a
separate RT.cat file.
__________________________________________________________________________
> "LAN HO!" STReport InfoFile Finally ..The ST is "in business"...
===========================
10 MBit LAN
===========
For Atari ST computer systems
-----------------------------
The Lantech LAN is a 10 megabit per second local area network designed
specifically for Atari ST computer systems. Each station requires a card
that plugs into the cartridge port of any ST computer system, connecting to
the other systems in the LAN using standard 75- or 50-ohm cable. The
cartridge is connected to the LAN cables using a female BNC connector.
Connect the cables using BNC couplers and other connectors available from
local electronic stores. For longer runs some external circuitry may be
required to balance the signaling in the cables.
Access is accomplished at the BIOS level, making the LAN completely
invisible to GEM & TOS applications and to the GEM desktop. Each system on
the LAN has a configuration file, which is an alterable file containing
information on which partitions are available for reading and which are
available for writing. This file also contains other information used to
locate each particular partition. Each partition controlled by each
computer on the LAN may be included in or excluded from LAN access by the
information in these configuration files.
Each LAN must have at least one non-dedicated host system. Multiple
non-dedicated hosts can also be configured. The LAN will operate with a
minimum of two computers connected. The maximum number of computers on the
system is not limited by the hardware, but will be limited by the frequency
of disk accesses over the LAN and by the size of those accesses.
The controlling software is written to automatically handle the delays and
proper GEM errors that will occur if the non-dedicated host system becomes
disconnected or is powered down or reset, making recovery as easy and as
automatic as is practical.
Although a simple E-mail system and some printer and other peripheral access
systems are available for the Lantech LAN, custom routines may also be added
using the guidelines listed in the manual. These access systems may be
written as user-level programs operating on the computers controlling the
various peripherals if the demand on those peripherals is high or they may
be written as background routines allowing the computer to also be used for
other applications.
Suggested list price of the Lantech LAN is $179 per port. Hardware and
Software are included in that price. Dealer inquiries are welcome. For more
information, please contact Lantech Systems via the US Mail:
Lantech Systems
P.O. Box R
Billerica, MA 01821, USA
(508) 667-9191.
_________________________________________________________________________
> Phone #s STReport InfoFile Those numbers we always seem to misplace!
==========================
For Your Information
====================
Atari Corp. BBS Phone Numbers: 408-745-5308 -=- 745-5970 -=- 745-2642
300 - 1200 - 2400 Baud 745-4758 -=- 745-5664
Atari Corp. Main SwitchBoard Atari Customer Relations
408-745-2000 408-745-2367 -=- 745-5759
Atari Technical Support Group Atari Usergroup Support
408-745-2004 408-745-4743
Atari FAX Telephone Lines
408-745-4306 -=- 745-5179
Atari Customer Relations Address Information:
Product Exchange: Atari Customer Relations
390 Caribbean Drive
Sunnyvale CA. 94089
Atari Mail Order: Atari Customer Relations
P.O. Box 61657
Sunnyvale, CA. 94088
Atari Corporate Address Listing:
_______________________________
Atari Corp. USA Atari Canada
1196 Borregas Ave. 90 Gough Road
Sunnyvale, CA. 94088 Markham, Ontario
Canada, L3R 5V5
Atari France, SA Atari Germany GmbH
9-rue Sentou Frankfurter Strasse 89-91
92150 Surenes 6096 Raunheim
France West Germany
__________________________________________________________________________
> Usergroup News STReport OnLine A very special offer for Usergroups!
==============================
CPU NewsWire International Usergroup Plan
=========================================
ITEM ONE:
--------
Beginning July 1989, STReport will offer it's hardcopy version, the CPU
NewsWire to all Usergroups for a flat rate annual fee. This offer is
designed with the usergroup in mind, we offer the latest news and reviews
for all usergroups and their respective memberships to enjoy. Any proceeds
derived from the use of CPU NewsWire in conjunction with the usergroup's
newsletter belongs to those Usergroups doing so. CPU Newswire will provide
to the subscribing Usergroups a camera ready setup of each edition. The
usergroup may then distribute this as an insert in their respective group
newsletters.
In upholding our unwavering pledge to encourage and assist all
usergroups supporting Atari, we have brought forward this offer with the the
promotion and support of the usergroup a major priority. We felt that our
regular subscribers would neither object to, nor feel slighted in any way
since the usergroup has been and is the "backbone" of Atari's enthusiastic
support worldwide. The regular subscription edition will, of course carry
additional items pertinent to CPU and STReport. Much the same as the
Usergroup newsletters will add their own copy to our supplement.
Our goal is to provide the usergroup with a reliable avenue of
information pertaining to the Atari Userbase and of computers in general.
The idea is to augment an existing UG newsletter, not replace it. CPU
NewsWire will continue to accept private subscriptions from all Atari
enthusiasts. CPU NewsWire is sent to our subscribers in a protective
carrier and via the US Mail first class.
Those Usergroups sincerely interested may obtain more information
concerning this very special CPU NewsWire International Usergroup Plan by
either calling our offices at 904-783-3319 (9am - 5pm EDT) or via E-Mail on
any of the major services or directly via CPU NewsWire PO Box 6672, Jax. FL.
32205-6672.
--===**===--
ITEM TWO:
--------
ATARI CORPORATION ATTENDS MEETING
=================================
In attendance at the Cupertino Area ST Enthusiasts (CASTE) Usergroup meeting
tonight, we had the Vice President of Atari Computers and their new, (it was
his first day), USERGROUP COORDINATOR, Chris Roberts.
Sig Hartman, Executive Vice President of Atari, scheduled to attend, was
unavoidably detained and missed the meeting.
Among the things Atari said was:
~ They were going to start advertising more and more in the US. When the
DRAM shortage happened, they concentrated on Europe. Now that the DRAM
shortage is over, they're gonna start concentrating on the US again.
~ They are going to try and start building dealers again. They say they
are going to start various incentives for people to start selling Atari
computers. They don't want to go the Computerland or Businessland route.
They want to concentrate on independent dealers.
~ The ATW is starting to ship to developers. No date announced on when it
would be made available to the general market.
~ When asked about the TT, the answer was "No Comment." So don't look for
this product soon folks!
~ The gentleman who will handle usergroups said they will be actively
participating in, and helping user's groups put on shows.
~ The Portfolio computer, about the size of a VCR tape (Their description)
is ready to ship. They are being held up by FCC approval for the product
and it's peripherals and cables. He said he figured about 30 days for
the approval.
~ TOS 1.4 has begun to ship to dealers around the nation. Atari intends for
1.4 to become the standard for the ST line.
~ We had a test version of Midi Maze for the 8-bit line. The game
worked well, but wasn't as pretty as the ST game. The actual maze part
worked very nicely, but the other things, such as score chart, etc.
Just doesn't look as good.
The above information release was from a member of the CASTE usergroup
host of the above mentioned meeting....
__________________________________________________________________________
> ASTRONOMY LAB STR Review Star Gazin' at it's very best!
=========================
ASTRONOMY LAB
=============
by Dale Dressler
Every since I was a little boy on a dairy farm out in the wide open
spaces of Washington state, my foster dad would take me out at night after
all the chores were done and would show me the night sky with his cane. I
was totally amazed by the brilliance of the night sky and the fascination
that it would produce.
Now with aid of a computer (such as the Atari ST) you can revisit the
night sky at any particular time you wish. I have ran across several
different types astronomy programs throughout the years and I recently
took a look at one called "ASTRONOMY LAB" version 1.04 dated (May 7, 1989),
by Eric Bergman-Terrell. This program is different than most astronomy
programs for the ST, in that it deals mostly with the Solar System.
Astronomy Lab shows planet information in the form of charts which can be
sent to the screen or to the printer. It also shows simulations of such
things as eclipse, orbits of Jupiter's four brightest moons and the night
sky.
Astronomy Lab is menu driven and is very easy to manipulate once you
figure out all the astronomical terms that it uses. This program was
designed with the intermediate to advance amateur astronomer in mind. The
menus are simple to read and understandable. I know that if I can
comprehend these menus then anyone can. I will briefly describe the menus
and their functions;
SET LOCATION
This is to set the Latitude and Longitude of where you are viewing the
night sky. In the back of the manual there are over 100 different cities
with their Longitude and Latitude. When you quit the program it will ask if
you would like to save the location.
REPORTS
Calendar:
---------
You will be asked to give two dates. The starting and ending dates. Then
you are to select either output to the screen or to the printer. It will
then display the rising and setting of the sun and moon, and also the phases
of the moon between the two dates that you have selected.
Solar Eclipse:
--------------
This shows you all the solar eclipse between two dates. It tells you all
the pertinent information of each of the eclipse.
Lunar Eclipse:
--------------
This the same as the Solar Eclipse.
Planet View Info:
-----------------
Creates a report, on any given date. The report consist of such
information as; Month/Day, Rise/Set, RA, Dec., Elongation, and Distance (in
Astrological Units).
Planet Distance:
-----------------
Give the closest approach and farthest distance from the Sun for any chosen
date of all the planets.
Moons Distance:
---------------
Shows the closest and farthest distance to the Earth.
Dates of Easter:
---------------
This show the date of easter on any given year.
Almanac:
--------
This is a combination of all the above mentioned items.
CHARTS
Jupiter's Moons:
-----------------
Creates a chart showing the position of Jupiter and its four brightest moons
on any particular date.
Equation of Time:
----------------
This one I am not that familiar with.
Planet Orbit:
--------------
This is a chart showing the closest and farthest distance of the planets to
the Earth on any date.
Day Length:
-----------
Shows the length of daylight from anywhere on Earth at any given date.
Sun Angle:
----------
This show a chart depicting the angle of the sun at noon.
Sun Shadow:
-----------
Creates a chart showing the angle of the shadow at noon.
Moon Speed:
-----------
This show the speed of the Moon across the sky.
MOVIES
Night Sky:
-----------
This show the motion of the Sun, Moon, and planets across the night sky for
any given date.
Jupiter's moons 1:
This show the movement of the Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter down from the
top of the planet.
Jupiter's moons 2:
The same as above except the view is from Earth.
Ecliptic movie 1:
Display a Solar Eclipse for any given year.
Ecliptic movie 2:
Display a Lunar Eclipse for any given year.
Misc.
This show the amount of free ram your computer has.
FILE
This allows you to quit the program.
DISPLAY
Scroll:
-------
Scroll will continually display the screen such as reports.
Stop:
-----
The screen will not scroll until you hit the return key.
Time Exposure:
-------------
This will create star trails across the sky.
Screen Dump:
------------
You can send the screen to the printer.
Make Paint Files:
-----------------
This will save the screen in Degas format.
Overall this is a really good program for viewing the visible planets
and to find out about Solar and Lunar Eclipse. The charts are very good for
getting a general look of certain things. Astronomy Lab is good for those
who wish to do general observing of the Solar System.
If you want an extensive look at the Solar System only them this program is
for you. For general or more in-depth information of the known universe I
recommend either Planetarium ST, or Skyplot. Astronomy Lab really good for
information only. This program is well worth $50-$60 easily, yet it is at a
low price of $30. It includes a very easy to use manual that shows and
explains all the different screens that it has as well as a comprehensive
glossary. In our opinion, this program is well worth the list price of $30.
For more information contact:
PERSONAL MICROCOSMS
P. O. BOX 33927
NORTHGLENN, COLORADO 80233
__________________________________________________________________________
> GEnie's Survey STR Feature The Results of the Survey
--------------------------
SURVEY SUMMARY REPORT
---------------------
as of 18:40EDT 06/15/89
-----------------------
* = Group Question
*1. What do you like about the ST RT?
---------------------------------
A. Programmers Online 172 25% B. Atari Online 235 34%
C. St Sysops 146 21% D. Developers Online 146 21%
E. Formal Conferences 78 11% F. Informal Conferences 71 10%
G. Organization of the L 348 51% H. Organization of the BB 157 23%
I. Discussion of Controv 118 17% J. Hints on Games 161 24%
K. Transcripts on Formal 124 18% L. Transcripts on Inform 57 08%
M. Archival of messages 34 05% N. Archival of topics of 67 10%
O. For Sale/Wanted Libra 63 09% P. For Sale/Wanted Notes 70 10%
Q. ST*Zmag Online Magazine 136 20% R. STReport Online Magazine 170 25%
Response: 626 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*2. What do you dislike about the ST RT?
-----------------------------------
A. Programmers Online 10 01% B. Atari Online 11 02%
C. St Sysops 3 00% D. Developers Online 9 01%
E. Formal Conferences 25 04% F. Informal Conferences 11 02%
G. Organization of the L 33 05% H. Organization of the BB 81 12%
I. Discussion of Controv 14 02% J. Hints on Games 25 04%
K. Transcripts on Formal 4 01% L. Transcripts on Inform 11 02%
M. Archival of messages 26 04% N. Archival of topics of 17 02%
O. For Sale/Wanted Libra 56 08% P. For Sale/Wanted Notes 23 03%
Q. ST*Zmag Online Magazine 26 04% R. STReport Online Magazine 32 05%
Response: 287 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*3. What terminal program do you use?
--------------------------------
A. Flash 379 56% B. Interlink 146 21%
C. ST-Talk 28 04% D. ST Professional 21 03%
E. ST Term 7 01% F. PC-Intercomm 3 00%
G. Uniterm 26 04% H. Vanterm 26 04%
I. Hagterm 1 00% J. XYZ-TERM 1 00%
K. Other 31 05%
Response: 669 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*4. On an average, do you download during a session:
------------------------------------------------
A. 1 file 216 32% B. 2 to 5 files 392 57%
C. 6 to 10 files 30 04% D. 11 to 20 files 6 01%
E. 20 or More 4 01% F. I do not download files 20 03%
Response: 668 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*5. If you use Interlink, do you use:
---------------------------------
A. Xmodem 81 12% B. X-Modem 1-k Block 59 09%
C. Ymodem Batch 53 08% D. I can't get Interlink 16 02%
E. I do not use Interlink 368 54%
Response: 577 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
6. Do you have a problem downloading?
---------------------------------
A. Yes 50 07% B. No 611 90%
Response: 661 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*7. Regarding the library, would you want:
-------------------------------------
A. more libraries 155 23% B. fewer libraries 19 03%
C. consistent keywords 266 39% D. better descriptions 237 35%
E. shorter descriptions 13 02% F. library lists 194 28%
G. index for bulletins 156 23% H. Top 100 lists 277 41%
I. Show Reports 99 15% J. more Press Releases 112 16%
K. Do not use the library 8 01%
Response: 638 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*8. Library List Archivals - When?
-----------------------------
A. beginning of the month 117 17% B. middle of the month 15 02%
C. end of month 111 16% D. once a month 169 25%
E. once every other month 67 10% F. don't use the library 187 27%
Response: 642 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*9. Within the Bulletin Board, do you use?
-------------------------------------
A. IGNore PERmanent 95 14% B. CANcel feature 46 07%
C. BROwse feature 229 34% D. MARked feature 49 07%
E. REAd feature 322 47% F. HELp feature 77 11%
G. Do not use the BB 144 21%
Response: 626 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*10. When using the REAd feature, do you:
------------------------------------
A. Read by author 13 02% B. Read by date 80 12%
C. Read using the marked 38 06% D. Read a range of Cats 97 14%
E. Read by Category 184 27% F. Read with no reply 152 22%
G. Did not know about 50 07% H. Do not use the REAd 186 27%
Response: 616 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*11. What Atari areas do you use:
---------------------------
A. Michtron RT 263 39% B. SoftLogik RT 146 21%
C. Gadgets by Small RT 196 29% D. Midi RT 87 13%
E. Data Pacific RT 35 05% F. Developers RT 55 08%
G. Atari 8 bit RT 76 11% H. Don't visit any above 175 26%
Response: 645 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*12. Which areas on GEnie do you use?
-------------------------------
A. Other computer specific 268 39% B. Games 173 25%
C. Professional, ie. Law 78 11% D. Finance 36 05%
E. Mail 228 33% F. CB 43 06%
G. Travel 99 15% H. Shopping 169 25%
I. News 80 12% J. Leisure (eg Scuba, etc 104 15%
K. Reference 87 13% L. Do not use other area 107 16%
Response: 651 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*13. How often do you call GEnie:
-----------------------------
A. Once a day 79 12% B. Several times a day 27 04%
C. Twice a week 204 30% D. Once a week 142 21%
E. Once every 10 days 55 08% F. Once every two weeks 71 10%
G. Once a month 57 08% H. Greater than a month 19 03%
I. This is my first time 9 01%
Response: 663 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*14. What system do you own?
----------------------
A. 520ST standard 67 10% B. 520ST upgraded 183 27%
C. 1040ST standard 277 41% D. 1040ST upgraded 40 06%
E. Mega 2 ST 83 12% F. Mega 4 ST 59 09%
G. I do not own an ST 3 00%
Response: 666 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*15. What additional hardware?
------------------------
A. hard drive 341 50% B. extra monitor 292 43%
C. extra floppy drive 377 55% D. IBM emulator 251 37%
E. Macintosh Emulator 122 18% F. printer 561 82%
G. Discovery Cartridge 41 06% H. 300 baud modem 8 01%
I. 1200 baud modem 375 55% J. 2400 baud modem 278 41%
K. 9600 baud modem 21 03% L. midi equipment 208 30%
M. Do not own any add-ons 2 00%
Response: 665 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
16. Do you navigate around GEnie:
----------------------------
A. Using script files or 50 07% B. Manually navigating 593 87%
C. GSCAN 9 01%
Response: 652 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*17. Do you ever refer to these areas:
--------------------------------
A. Opening banners 220 32% B. Banners on the ST door 269 39%
C. "About the Roundtable 83 12% D. "Roundtable News" 228 33%
E. "Feedback to Sysops" 77 11% F. The GEnie Manual 31 05%
G. The GEnie HELP files 56 08% H. I do not read or use 206 30%
Response: 641 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*18. Regarding conferences, would you:
--------------------------------
A. Want them on Sunday 91 13% B. Want them on Monday 17 02%
C. Want them on Tuesday 17 02% D. Want them on Wednesday 55 08%
E. Want them on Thursday 11 02% F. Want them on Friday 29 04%
G. Want them on Saturday 79 12% H. Want them once a week 60 09%
I. Want them twice a week 45 07% J. I do not use this item 344 50%
Response: 633 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*19. What baud rate do you use on GEnie:
----------------------------------
A. 300 4 01% B. 1200 619 91%
C. 2400 91 13%
Response: 663 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
20. What monitor do you own?
-----------------------
A. Monochrome 53 08% B. Color 302 44%
C. Both Monitors 309 45%
Response: 664 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
*21. What other Services do you use?
------------------------------
A. CIS 280 41% B. The Source 11 02%
C. People Link (Plink) 7 01% D. Delphi 101 15%
E. BIX 19 03% F. The WELL 3 00%
G. Usenet/Bitnet/Arpanet 39 06% H. Prodigy 5 01%
I. Quantumlink/PC Link/A 8 01% J. Macnet/PC Macnet 2 00%
K. Dow Jones 7 01% L. Dialog 5 01%
M. BRS 2 00% N. Newsnet 5 01%
O. Canada Remote Systems 6 01% P. Portal 8 01%
Q. Fidonet BBS's 58 09% R. Local BBS's 375 55%
S. I do not call others 120 18%
Response: 653 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
22. Do you wish to make comments?
----------------------------
A. Yes 150 22% B. No 512 75%
Response: 661 out of 682 total visitors
---------------------------------------
(C) 1987 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May be
reprinted only with this notice intact. The Atari Roundtables on GEnie are
* official * information services of Atari Corporation.
_________________________________________________________________________
> Atari Stock ~ STReport Wallstreet is "BULLISH" on Atari. 36% up!!
======================
THE TICKERTAPE
==============
by Glenn Gorman
WALL STREET IS BULLISH ON ATARI CORP. STOCK
Atari Stock went up 3/8 of a point on Monday, up 1/4 on Wednesday, up 7/8
on Thursday and up 7/8 on Friday. Finishing up the week at 8 1/2 points. Up
2 1/4 points from last Friday.
Glenn Gorman
+---------------------+
| ATARI STOCK WATCH |
| Week 06-05 to 06-09 |
+=======+==========+===========+=============+============+=============+
| | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
+-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
| Sales | 1789 | 2899 | 2906 | 9938 | 5048 |
+-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
| Last | 6 5/8 | 6 5/8 | 6 3/4 | 7 5/8 | 8 1/2 |
+-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
| Chg. | +3/8 | ---- | +1/8 | +7/8 | +7/8 |
+=======+==========+===========+=============+============+=============+
| From > THE CAVE ST BBS <> 609-882-9195 <> 300//9600 HST <> F-NET #351 |
+=======================================================================+
__________________________________________________________________________
> "MORE LAN HO! STR FOCUS It's either Feast or Famine!
========================
LOW COST NETWORKING FOR THE ATARI STs!
=====================================
Paradise Computers and SGS software have introduced SGSnet for the
Atari ST and Mega series of computers. SGSnet allows multiple ST computers
to share hard drives on a single "server" ST computer. All of the computers
can be installed to have access to all the files on the server just as if
each had its own hard drive. Data is transferred across the network at
31,500 bits per second using the STs built in MIDI ports. We have had ST
systems more then 200 feet apart using coax cabling used on many Arcnet
systems.
SGSnet uses a SGSnet connector box for each ST computer on the network.
These allow the network to operate even if other "node" STs are turned off
or removed from the network. There is also an activity light on each SGSnet
connector box to monitor the current network activity.
SGSnet is a "Network Operating System". The server computer receives
standard GEMDOS operating system commands from each computer on the network.
The server is a non-dedicated system being able to run either TOS or GEM
programs at the same time nodes are accessing the network. The speed of the
server is minimally affected by network activity. Up to 32 ST computers may
be logged onto the network and up to 100 files can be monitored by the
server at one time.
SGSnet is fault tolerant. Network data is constantly checked as is
passes through the network. SGSnet will continue to work even if the MIDI
cables are unplugged and plugged back in without interruption of the data to
the nodes or the server. Furthermore, SGSnet was designed to insure hard
disk data integrity.
The SGSnet starter kit including server software & manual, node software
& manual, two SGSnet connector boxes and six feet of coax cable has a retail
price of $159.95. This is everything you need to network two ST computers
together to share a hard drive or ramdisk. The SGSnet add on kit includes
additional node software & manual, an additional SGSnet connector box and
six more feet of coax cable. This is everything you need to add on a ST
computer to the network and has a retail price of $109.95.
Ordering information can be obtained by writing to:
Paradise Computer Systems
3485 B Sacramento Street
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401
You may also call (805) 544-7127.
If you have a modem you can call:
(805) 544-3165 for the Paradise BBS.
_________________________________________________________________________
> BLISTERING BLITTERS! STR FOCUS High speed and then Blitter speed..
==============================
---------------------------------------
CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator BOARD
---------------------------------------
for the Atari 520 and 1040 ST computers
NOW YOUR ATARI CAN RUN AT LIGHT SPEED
=====================================
Up until now, all you dedicated ATARI users have had to dutifully work
away at your ATARI computers dreaming of the day when you could turbo-charge
your ATARI 520 or 1040 ST computers. You had to sit back and watch the
expandability of other systems as they added processor accelerators, memory
expansion boards, video adaptors, and musical instrument data interface
(MIDI) adaptors, while there were virtually no upgrade products being
produced for your ATARI.
Well now it's happened --- your chance is finally here!
Creative Microsystems (CMI) has developed an add-on processor accelerator
board for the ATARI ST line of computers which will give you speed and
efficiency never before available on your ATARI ST. The CMI MC68000
Processor Accelerator Board offers you so many features that you will wonder
how you ever did without it. Be the first ATARI user on your block to get
one and watch the reaction of your fellow ATARI devotees as they gasp in
amazement at the increased processing speed as you run your ATARI through
its paces.
TURBO CHARGE YOUR ATARI WITH THE CMI MC68000 BOARD
So what will adding the CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator Board to your
ATARI
actually do for you? Extensive testing has shown that it can:
* Increase system throughput 35-40% depending on the program being run
* Increase instruction speeds from 8 MHZ to 16 MHZ
* Increase ROM performance by 10-15% (Via Fast ROM)
* Provide math co-processing expansion capability
* Provide greatly improved graphic functions (Via blitter chip expansion
capability)
* Provide automatic clock update (with battery backed-up clock option)
As if increased processing speed and system efficiency is not enough,
the board also comes with a built-in Math Co-processor Socket and Blitter
Chip Socket which allow you even greater expansion avenues. You can also
order the MC68000 Processor Accelerator board to include a battery backed-up
clock. With the addition of the CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator Board, a
math co-processor chip, a blitter chip, and the battery backed-up clock
option you can now have the many of the features available on the new ATARI
Mega ST computer --- at a mere fraction of the cost.
THE ENGINE DRIVING THE MC68000 PROCESSOR ACCELERATOR BOARD
In response to the drastic need for add-on products for ATARIs, Creative
Micro Systems (CMI) has developed the MC68000 Processor Accelerator
specifically for the 520 or 1040 ST computers. The product is one of a kind
...there currently is no other product which offers similar features.
Creative Microsystems is not new at offering PC expansion products. We have
a wide range of successful, competitively-priced PC expansion products for
the Commodore AMIGA computers. We have used our expertise to develop the
CMI Motorola MC68000 ATARI Processor Accelerator Board.
The CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator board contains the following hardware:
* 16 MHZ SGS-Thompson 68000 chip
* Built-in math co-processor socket
* Built-in blitter socket
* Built-in fast ROM chip
* Optional battery backed-up clock
The CMI Processor Accelerator board attaches to the MC68000 socket of your
ATARI mother board. If you are a user who has some technical experience and
likes to tinker with your ATARI, you can install the MC68000 board yourself.
Otherwise, your ATARI dealer can easily install it for you.
THE ADVANTAGE OF INCREASED INSTRUCTION SPEEDS
The MC68000 Processor Accelerator board incorporates the new 16 MHZ
SGS-Thompson 68000 chip. As a result, ATARI ST instruction speeds are
increased from 8 MHZ to 16 MHZ --- this means that instructions are executed
twice as fast. For example, with the original 68000 chip installed on the
mother-board of the ATARI, 32-bit long division math instructions requires
70 clock cycles to execute. With a CMI MC68000 processor accelerator board
installed in an ATARI, the same 32-bit math instruction is completed in 35
clock cycles.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FAST ROM
The CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator board also incorporates a ROM chip on
the circuit board. The addition of the on-board ROM chip with the ROM chip
already existing in the ATARI will give the system "Fast ROM" access. ROM
instructions will run at zero(0) wait-states, thus giving access to the ROM
at a much higher rate of speed. Testing has shown ROM performance increased
by 10-14% with the installation of the CMI MC68000 board. Fast ROM, when
coupled with the 16 MHZ SGS-Thompson 68000 chip, can increase overall
system throughput by as much as 35-40% depending on the program being run.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MATH CO-PROCESSING EXPANSION CAPABILITIES
The CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator board incorporates a built-in Math Co-
Processor Socket which is specially designed in accordance with ATARI's math
chip specification requirements. All you have to do to have math co
processing capabilities is to install a math co-processor chip in the Math
Co-processor socket. This will allow you to achieve even faster production
speeds in applications where math functions are used.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BLITTER CHIP EXPANSION CAPABILITIES
The CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator board incorporates a built-in Blitter
Chip Socket. A Blitter Chip is hardware which enhances graphic routines for
moving graphics on a computer screen. By inserting a blitter chip in the
MC68000 Blitter Socket, you can take advantage of greatly increased graphics
capabilities of your software.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AUTOMATIC CLOCK UPDATING
You can also order the CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator board to include a
battery backed-up clock. This feature will automatically set the internal
clock so that you do no have to manually reset the clock/time every time you
reboot. Imagine the convenience of not having to reset the clock --- who
could do without this feature?
CALL CMI AND LET THEM TURBO CHARGE YOUR ATARI TODAY
The development of a Processor Accelerator board for the ATARI ST computers
is long overdue. CMI has responded to the need for such a product and has
included a number of other features which will allow you to expand your
ATARI even further.
Creative Microsystems Inc
19552 SW 90th Court
Tualatin, Oregon 97062
(503) 691-2552
Copied from Original Press Release ..06/13/89
__________________________________________________________________________
> ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL Saying it like it is....
======================
- Sunnyvale, CA. ****** TOS 1.4 ENROUTE TO DEALERS!! ******
-------------
THE LONG AWAITED ANNOUNCEMENT!! With great joy and pleasure we announce
to our readers that Atari has TOS 1.4 ready to go and will have, by Monday,
begun to ship, in all DTP systems at first, to it's dealers! Tos 1.4 is, in
our humble opinion, a quantum leap forward for the ST operating system. It
will be available in 6 chip configurations 6x256k. Although a number of
machines have been sold that use 2 chip 2x1mb configurations, the actual "in
the field modification" is quite simple and very "painless". The actual
time table for the dealers to receive the upgrade set of TOS chips is still
up in the air, however, Atari is shipping TOS 1.4 installed in new systems,
with heavy emphasis on Desktop Publishing Systems ..as they require TOS 1.4
if the large screen monitors are to be used. Also, only registered
developers are receiving TOS 1.4 upgrade kits.
- Dayton, OH. ***** DEALERS UPSET OVER CO-PROCESSOR! *****
----------
A number of dealers are expressing their displeasure over discovering
that the Atari Math Co-Processor is out everywhere but in the USA. Atari
alleges that it is available, does your dealer have it on the shelf for you
to purchase? Ask your dealer to order it for you.
- Sunnyvale, CA. ****** NEW USERGROUP CO-ORDINATOR APPOINTED! ******
-------------
Atari has announced the appointment of a new Usergroup Co-ordinator
whose "credentials" are quite impressive...Chris Roberts, formally President
of a Pasadena Usergroup, brings plenty of first hand experience with him.
We wish Chris all the good fortune and success possible with his new
responsibilities.
Chris Roberts, new Atari Usergroup Co-ordinator, has requested that ALL
usergroups kindly re-register their groups with his office, he asks that a
simple postcard be used, please include the group's name, address, telephone
number of contact person and of course, the meeting night and frequency of
meetings. In addition, he requested that all users be reminded that if they
care to have a listing of usergroups that are registered in their home
state, all they need do is send in the request for same accompanied by a
Stamped Self Addressed Envelope (SASE) and it will be promptly mailed out
with the requested information.
- Sunnyvale, CA. *** Atari & GEnie to make Official Usergroup Area ***
--------------
Chris Roberts, the new Usergroup Co-Ordinator announced today that GEnie
and Atari are organizing an area on GEnie for the exclusive use of
registered Usergroups. Usergroups who are registered will have access to
the area (it'll be ready within two weeks) and by mid July they will receive
a support packet which will include the ACE Logo in various point sizes, he
said. Mr. Roberts also pointed out that the Usergroups could expect better
lines of communication as far as technical information is concerned, to help
the usergroups efforts at developing either hardware or software, he added.
Roberts also mentioned that the Dearborn show would be a super success as
far as Atari is concerned. "We will be showing SX Express, AtariWriter-80
and Midi Maze for the 8 Bit and Word Flair, Stacey and Portfolio for the 16
bit area.
__________________________________________________________________________
> WOA Dearborn STReport InfoFile Updates and Show Info....
==============================
***********************************************************
World of Atari is coming to Dearborn, Michigan
June 24 - 25, 1989
Hyatt Regency Dearborn
Make your plans to attend this great event for Atari users
***********************************************************
Call (800) 842 - 9034 to make Hotel and Airline Reservations
and receive FREE admission tickets when you call this number.
(Chicago residents can receive round trip airfare as low as $38)
Call (503) 673 - 2259 [ST World magazine] for show details.
o The STacy laptop and Portfolio will be shown at the show.
o Atari Corporation will have 10 - 15 representatives and a large
booth at the show. On Display, will be the NEW Game Machine!
o Most products and developers (including 15 new developers) at the
Anaheim, CA show will also be at the Dearborn, MI show (i.e., David
Small with Spectre 128 and Bill Teal with pc-ditto II).
o TOS 1.4 conference and other Atari SURPRISES.
o Larger show area than the Anaheim, CA show.
DON'T MISS A SECOND CHANCE TO ATTEND THIS GALA EVENT!!!
=======================================================
_________________________________________________________________________
> A "QUOTABLE QUOTE" -> Precious Jewels of Thought...
==================
"FEEBLE ATTEMPTS TO IMITATE ..YIELD ONLY FEEBLE RESULTS!!".
- Notary Sojak
ATARI IS BACK!
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ST-REPORT Issue #92 "Your Independent News Source" June 16, 1989
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED copyright 1989
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Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those
of ST Report or CPU Report. Reprint permission is granted, unless noted
otherwise. All reprints must include ST Report or CPU Report and the
author's name. All information presented herein is believed correct, ST
Report or CPU Report, it's editors and staff are not responsible for
any use or, misuse of information contained in this publication.
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