Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
Silicon Times Report Issue 0093
*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original Online ST Magazine"
_______________________________
June 23, 1989 Vol III No.93
========================================================================
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: #93 STReport¿ The Online Magazine of Choice!
-------------------
- The Editors' Podium - CPU REPORT
- MULTI-DESK a Full Review - CODEHEAD UTILITIES!!
- CODEHEAD Conference - New Products from ATARI!
- CPU NewsWire Usergroup Offer! - ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL
========================================================================
AVAILABLE ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ THE SOURCE ~ BIX
========================================================================
> The Editor's Podium¿
World of Atari Show in Dearborn is upon us and with it, all the hot
new information concerning Atari and the third party support companies
will soon be flooding our information channels.
We certainly hope the activities at WOA can earmark an end to the rank
non-sense transpiring between the two online magazines. At this time, we
would like to assure all the readers, that henceforth, we will not
participate in * any * conflict with the other online magazine. In any
event, we still feel owed an explanation for the "bashing" that took place
in their "Article/Editorial concerning the TOS 1.4 matter ." Hopefully,
our intentions to avoid further conflict will not be thought of as an open
invitation for our 'friends' to bestow upon us ..more of their unique, if
not bizarre, 'attention'.
Since this is an Online Magazine dedicated to the Userbase, we will
concentrate more on the viewpoint of the users and what they expect of
Atari Corp. Simply dancing to a company tune is not what we call the
honest to goodness reporting of news, views, commentary and feature
articles. The userbase recently saw what can occur when a reporting
agency is given erroneous information by allegedly informed and reliable
sources. The upheaval is outrageous. Certainly, we regret the erroneous
info release, but we regret further the outrageous exploitation of that
very simple incident by our 'friends'. Therefore, we reaffirm to all
interested parties, that we will diligently verify all data presented as
"fact". Naturally, rumors must and will be treated in a different manner.
While it is our enthusiastic desire to see Atari attain all the
success possible ..at the same time, we wish to see the predominant wishes
of the users met. After all, they do spend the dollars and ..those are
the dollars that PAY the bills. Our detractors would have you believe
most anything when it comes to us and Atari, fact is, we are decidedly
interested in seeing Atari become a "force" in the home computer market
place.
Recently, it was noticed where a remark was made about certain people
who used to get online have now decided not to do so as often because of
the "flames" that seem to be aimed at them. What a shame that these
people can't remember when they took "joy" in typing "FLAME ON" and then
proceeded to tear some hapless soul to pieces. Frankly, Atari doesn't
need this type of emotional person online to begin with, ninety percent of
the criticism is directed at the procedures and performance of Atari not
the individual, yet they seem to take most of the critiques personally.
Besides, if it takes a combination of criticism, suggestions and
compliments to give cause to the leadership at Atari to pay more attention
to the user's wishes, then ..so be it.
This weekend is the second in a planned string of World of Atari
Shows, we certainly wish the very best to the exhibitors at WOA who have
gone to great expense and sacrifice in demonstrating strong support for
Atari Corp.
As always, your support is greatly appreciated!
Thank you one and all!
Ralph.....
ATARI IS BACK!
*******************************************************************
NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE
FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers
ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE
NEW USERS, SIGN UP TODAY!
Call the St Report Official BBS
(Listed at the top of ST REPORT)
or
Leave E-mail to St Report - R.Mariano
Be sure to include your full mailing address so your
Compuserve kit can be immediately mailed to you!
NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE
*******************************************************************
> CPU REPORT¿
==========
Issue # 26
by Michael Arthur
Remember When....
The Sieve of Erastothenes, a famous mathematical equation, was made
into a computer performance benchmark by Jim Gilbreath, in 1981?
CPU Systems Roundup IX
=======================
Dream Computer Systems III: Workstations R Us
----------------------------------------------
Part II
In Part I of this Series, I showed a list of the most powerful Dream
Systems that could be configured from both the microcomputer industry, and
the growing crop of low-end workstations. While there were newer
computers and peripherals that could have been included, the list was
generally accurate. Now I will compare the Dream Systems, their various
features being stacked against each other to determine which ones you
could safely consider the "best".
However, the cost of these Dream Systems, which is admittedly out of
the reach of the majority of computer users, may cause some to believe
that configuring such a list is useless. But analyzing how far current
computers can truly go with current peripherals not only helps in
realizing the capabilities of our machines, but can be useful in setting
priorities for the level of price/performance in our systems, and in
defining more clearly what we should demand from our computers....
In the last issue, these items were excluded from the list of
peripherals making up the IBM Dream System:
IBM Dream System Cost: $19,350.00
Wells AT (Primary) Expansion Bus Module (Cost: $200.00)
Wells PS/2 (Secondary) Expansion Bus Module (Cost: $250.00)
Wells PS/2 Bus Adapter (Cost: $1000.00)
Here is a Graph of the features of each Dream System:
Dream Systems List:
(Comparison of each Systems' Optimal Features)
_________________________________________________________________________
Dream |Main Chips,|MainChip|Mass |Expansion|Graphics Displays/ |
System |Megs of RAM|Speed |Storage | Slots |Best Resolution(s) |
-----------|-----------|--------|----------|---------|-------------------|
IBM 386 |80386/W3167| 33 MHZ |1 Gigabyte| 7 PC AT |640*480*256 Colors |
System |Eight Megs | |Tape Drive| 5 MCA |1024*768*16 Colors |
-----------|-----------+--------+----------+---------+-------------------|
Mac IIx |68030/68882| 33 MHZ |650 Meg | Six |640*400*256 Colors |
System |Eight Megs | |Tape Drive|NuBus |1024*768*16 Million|
-----------|-----------+--------+----------+---------+-------------------|
Amiga 2000 |68030/68882| 16 MHZ |10 MB-Tape| Seven |320*200*4096 Colors|
System | Nine Megs | |300 MB- HD|Zorro II |1008*800 w/Monochr.|
-----------|-----------+--------+----------+---------+-------------------|
NeXT |68030/68882| 25 MHZ |256MB Tape| Four |1120*832 w/Monochr.|
System |Eight Megs | |670 MB- HD|NuBus |(Color in future) |
-----------|-----------+--------+----------+---------+-------------------|
SPARCStat. |SPARC/W3170| 20 MHZ |650 Meg | Three |1152*900*256 Colors|
System | 16 Megs |12 MIPS |Tape Drive|S-Bus | |
-----------|-----------|--------|----------|---------|-------------------|
ATW | 13 T-800s | 20 MHZ |300 Meg | Four |512*480*16 Million |
System | 16 Megs |130 MIPS|Hard Drive|Abaq |1280*960*16 Colors |
-----------'-------------------------------------------------------------'
In the Mass Storage column, Tape stands for removable storage, and
HD stands for fixed, or hard disk storage. In the IBM Dream System, 5 MCA
stands for 5 MicroChannel Expansion Bus Slots.
Also, while there are many measurements to determine the number of
MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second) that a system can do, in this case,
one MIPS is equal to the ability to compute 1500 Dhrystones per second....
Based on both this graph, and the System Descriptions, I have determined
these Standings:
IBM 386 Dream System: Third Place
The IBM Dream System is truly a good example of a Dream System,
providing powerful capabilities, and being very well rounded in features
which are superb in themselves. There are virtually NO weaknesses
apparent in this system, and the IBM Dream System is definitely First
Place among the high-end microcomputers. However, the only thing stopping
it from being First Place overall are the ATW and SPARCStation Dream
Systems, two RISC workstations which surpass the IBM System in some
aspects. However, given that the IBM Dream System has improved steadily
in all Dream System Essays, the ATW and SPARCStation may merely have a
temporary advantage....
Mac IIx Comparison: The IBM is superior to the Mac IIx in the number
of Expansion Slots, and amount of mass storage, is equal in the amount of
RAM, system speed, and is inferior only in graphics capabilities. And
since the Mac IIx system costs almost 1 1/2 times as much as the IBM
System, the IBM scores higher than the Mac IIx....
Amiga Comparison: The IBM is superior to the Amiga in system speed,
amount of Mass Storage, graphics, and the # of expansion Slots, and is
inferior only in the amount of RAM, by only 1 Megabyte. So if 1 Meg isn't
too great an advantage, the IBM scores MUCH higher than the Amiga.
NeXT Comparison: The IBM is superior to the NeXT in # of Expansion
slots, color graphics, system speed, and amount of mass storage, and is
equal only in the amount of RAM. Therefore, the IBM scores higher than
the NeXT....
SPARCStation Comparison: The IBM is superior in the amount of Mass
Storage, # of expansion Slots, and is inferior in system speed (since the
SPARC chi has a higher MIPS rating than the 80386 chip), amount of RAM,
and graphics capabilities. And given that its advantages are better than
the IBM System's, the SPARCStation scores higher than the IBM.
ATW Comparison: The IBM is only superior in the # of Expansion
Slots, and in Mass Storage, where it crushes the Abaq. But in every other
aspect, including system speed, graphics, amount of RAM, the Abaq is far
more powerful than the IBM. So if you can wait for an ST/ATW Compatible
Magneto-Optical drive, the ATW scores MUCH higher than the IBM's....
Macintosh IIx Dream System: Fourth Place
While the Macintosh IIx System is very powerful, is well balanced in
features, and has a nearly unbeatable lead in the graphics arena, it
simply has not improved since the last Dream Systems Essay. As such,
other systems both rival and surpass it in capabilities. Also, since the
Mac IIx Dream System is the most expensive on the list, the other systems
beat it in price/performance. While it may have been First Place last
time, it failed to improve enough to hold any high Standing. Oddly
enough, the same thing happened to the NeXT Dream System....
Amiga Comparison: The Mac is superior in system speed, graphics,
amount of Mass Storage, and is roughly equal in the # of expansion slots,
and its amount of RAM. As such, if you can afford more RAM, the Mac IIx
scores MUCH higher than the Amiga.
NeXT Comparison: The Mac is superior in graphics, system speed, and
the # of Expansion Slots, is roughly equal in the amount of RAM, and is
inferior in the amount of Mass Storage, but only by a slim margin. As
such, the Mac IIx scores higher than the NeXT.
SPARCStation Comparison: The Mac is superior in the number of
expansion slots and graphics capabilities, is equal in the amount of Mass
Storage, and is inferior in system speed and amount of RAM. Therefore, if
you considers system speed and amount of RAM to be more important than
graphics and the # of expansion slots, then the SPARCStation scores higher
than the Mac IIx....
ATW Comparison: The Mac is superior in Mass Storage, its # of
Expansion Slots, and graphics, and is vastly inferior in system speed and
its amount of RAM. Since the Mac System also costs 7500 dollars more,
then the ATW scores higher than the Mac IIx....
Amiga 2000 Dream System: Last Place
While some of the Amiga 2000 System's features were strong, other
aspects of this system, such as the main processor's speed and graphics,
are relatively weak. Also, since it has not improved, its peers have been
able to surpass it. Some of the features of this system are superb, while
others are lacking in ability, resulting that it is not well rounded, and
ends up being left in the sidelines....
NeXT Comparison: The Amiga is superior in the # of Expansion slots,
amount of RAM, and color graphics, while the NeXT is superior in system
speed, amount of Mass Storage, and monochrome resolution. Therefore, if
you can wait for color graphics, the NeXT scores MUCH higher than the
Amiga.
SPARCStation Comparison: The Amiga is superior in the # of
Expansion Slots, and is inferior in everything else, including system
speed, graphics capabilities, amount of Mass Storage, and the amount of
RAM. As such, the SPARCStation wipes out the Amiga....
ATW Comparison: The Amiga is only superior in the # of Expansion
Slots and in Mass Storage. As the Abaq is greatly superior to it in every
other aspect, including speed, graphics, and amount of RAM, it also scores
MUCH higher than the Amiga....
NeXT Dream System: Fifth Place
This computer rated First Place in the first Dream Systems essay,
and even though its features are still both VERY well balanced and
powerful, it hasn't improved since then, resulting in that, just like the
Mac IIx System, other systems have since surpassed it. And as NeXT is not
likely to improve it anytime soon....
SPARCStation Comparison: The NeXT is superior in the amount of Mass
Storage, and # of expansion slots, and is inferior in system speed, amount
of RAM, and graphics capabilities. So if you don't need an additional
hard drive for it, the SPARCStation scores MUCH higher than the NeXT.
ATW Comparison: The NeXT is vastly superior in Mass Storage, and is
inferior in everything else, including graphics, # of expansion slots,
amount of RAM, and system speed. So as always, if you can wait for a
Magneto-Optical drive, then the ATW scores MUCH higher than the NeXT....
SPARCStation Dream System: Second Place
The SPARCStation 1 is an EXCELLENT Dream System, being well balanced
in features that are VERY powerful in themselves, and using its SPARC RISC
chip's speed to surpass many of the other systems. The SPARCStation's
main competition was the ATW, the only other RISC-based system, and while
it rivalled the ATW in many areas, the ATW's inherently better system
speed prevented the SPARCStation from earning First Place....
ATW Comparison: The SPARCStation is superior to the ATW in its
amount of Mass Storage and high resolution graphics, is roughly equal in
the amount of RAM and # of expansion slots, and is inferior in system
speed and low resolution graphics. As such, since the SPARCStation and
the ATW are divided, ability-wise, in graphics, then the only real points
of comparison are system speed and amount of Mass Storage. Since the ATW
uses its parallel processing capabilities to trash the SPARCStation in
system speed, then, as always, if you can wait for an ST/ATW Compatible
Magneto-Optical Tape Drive, then the ATW scores higher than the
SPARCStation, but only by a VERY close margin....
ATW Dream System: First Place - The Best System Currently Available -
With its capabilities, the ATW has established a new level of
performance in this Dream Systems list which is not likely to be
superceded soon. Many of its features, such as its VAST amount of RAM and
superb graphics, are equalled only by the IBM and SPARCStation Dream
Systems, its only true competition, and thanks to its parallel processing
capabilities, the ATW Dream System's minicomputer-level speed boosts it
far ahead of the rest. However, while it its well rounded in many
excellent features, the ATW's mass storage is definitely not competitive
with the rest. This is its only true weakness, though, and it isn't
enough to prevent it from earning First Place....
The ATW has great potential in the workstation market, as it could
set a new level of price/performance for that industry. However, with
such supercomputer-like speed, the ATW Dream System's ideal market could
be the emerging market for minisupercomputers, or systems that achieve
speed slightly below true supercomputers, such as the Cray X/MP, with a
fraction of their cost. Given that minisupercomputers with capabilities
equal to the ATW Dream System now cost from $250,000 to $800,000 dollars,
the ATW Dream System could end up becoming a leader in the low-end part of
that market. But ONLY if Software Development for the ATW is supported
STRONGLY, and if Atari's efforts to make the ATW popular in the US are
MUCH better than its efforts to make the Atari ST popular in the US....
So as to account for future developments, I have included a list of
Upcoming Dream Systems, so accurate comparisons can be made between
present and future computers meeting the "Dream System" status. Some of
these are merely improvements on old systems, but others are completely
new systems which show excellent potential....
Upcoming Systems' Features:
________________________________________________________________________
Dream |Main Chips,|MainChip|Mass |Expansion|Graphics Displays/ |
System |Megs of RAM|Speed |Storage |Slots |Best Resolution(s) |
----------|-----------|--------|----------|---------|-------------------|
Atari |68030 | 16 MHZ | 80 Meg |Four (?) |320*200*256 Colors |
68030 TTx | Four Megs | |Hard Drive|VME Bus |640*400*16 Colors |
----------|-----------+--------+----------+---------+-------------------|
Amiga 2000|68030/68882| 14 MHZ |650 Meg | Seven |320*200*4096 Colors|
System | Nine Megs | |Tape Drive|Zorro II |1024*1024*256Colors|
----------|-----------+--------+----------+---------+-------------------|
Sun 3/80 |68030/68882| 20 MHZ |650 Meg | One |1152*900*16 Million|
System | 16 Megs | |Tape Drive| P4 Bus | |
------------------------------------------------------------------------'
(Note: Keep in mind that some of these specs are not final, and that the
actual systems will probably differ in some way from the systems that are
shown.)
System #7, the Atari 68030 TT, has a 68030 chip, 4 Megs of RAM, and an 80
Megabyte Hard Drive, as well as a VME Expansion Bus with an unknown number
of slots. Cost is reportedly around 3000-3500 dollars.
Resolutions: 320*200 with 256 Colors out of 256,000
640*400 with 16 Colors out of 256,000
1280*960 with Monochrome Resolution
Comparisons with Other Systems: Many of the features of the 68030 TT,
such as speed, amount of RAM, and mass storage, have already been
surpassed by current systems, and as its graphics are only a step ahead of
available Dream Systems, it seems that the 68030 TT will make its niche in
the price/performance area of the market, in which it stands an excellent
chance of success....
System #8, the Amiga 2000 System, is an Amiga 2000 with 9 Megs of RAM, a
CSA FastCard accelerator board, and 8 Expansion Slots. To this would be
added a 650 Meg Magneto-Optical Tape Drive made by Ricoh Inc., Commodore's
new Graphics Card, which has a 1024*1024 resolution with 256 colors at the
same time, and Moniterm's Viking I monitor, which gives the Amiga a
1008*800 monochrome display. Cost: Around 23,000 dollars....
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 A2000 Graphics Card:
1024*1024 with 256 colors at the same time
Comparisons with Other Systems: With its superb graphics resolution and
improved removable storage, the Amiga 2000 System gains workstation-class
capabilities, and could become an excellent Dream System when its
peripherals are introduced....
System #9, the Sun 3/80 System, is a Sun 3/80 with 8 Megs of RAM, a 20 MHZ
68030 chip, a 20 MHZ 68882 Math Chip, and 1 expansion slot. Added to this
are Pinnacle Micro's 650 Meg Magneto-Optical Drive, and two Sun Memory
Expasnion Kits, with 4 Megs of RAM Each. Cost: 25,500 dollars....
Sun 3/80 Resolution: 1152*900 with 16 Million Colors at the same time..
Comparisons with other Systems: The Sun 3/80 System provides an awesome
set of workstation-class capabilities, including 24-bit color graphics, a
Magneto-Optical Drive, and large amounts of RAM. While it isn't well
balanced in that its speed is not at the caliber of RISC chipsets, and
doesn't do true justice to the rest of the system, the Sun 3/80 promises
to be a VERY good contender in the low-end workstation area....
It seems, though, that these Dream Systems indicate certain future
trends which will occur with microcomputers. 8 to 24 bit color displays
(that is, with 256 to 16 million colors) will be the main targets in the
graphics arena, while Megapixel displays (screens with 1024*1024 or better
resolution), will be necessary, as well as math coprocessors. Also, the
trend of RISC-based systems, while having great potential in the industry,
will soon begin to slow down, as the various RISC manufacturers battle it
out to see which RISC architecture will become the dominant standard....
Also, removable storage media is finally coming into its own, with
magneto-optical disks threatening to make hard disks obsolete. In order
to make all this work, however, the amount of standard RAM in computers
will slowly increase to around 4-8 Megabytes. These improvements will
then herald an eventual change in the computer industry, which may result
in microcomputers, workstations, and supercomputers becoming the only real
categories in the computer industry....
But ponder, if you will, this question:
1) What is more important in a computer system: Good Hardware, or Good
Software?
2) What are the odds of Atari not introducing the ATW in the US until
Commodore's upcoming Transputer Add-on board for the Amiga 2000 has been
shipping in the US for a few months?
CPU REPORT CONFIDENTIAL¿
=======================
San Jose, CA Frame Technology has agreed to bundle a prerelease copy
------------ of their FrameMaker 2.0 workstation publishing program
with the NeXT System. Given that Adobe Inc. has shown
efforts to develop a version of Adobe Illustrator,
their Postscript-based drawing program, for the NeXT
System, which is partly based on Display Postscript....
Armonk, NY IBM has recently introduced the PS/2 Model P70, a
---------- transportable version of the Model 70 with a 20 MHZ
80386 chip, a 80387 Math Coprocessor, and a Gas Plasma
VGA Display. The Model P70 also has 4 Megs of RAM
onboard, one full-length MicroChannel Expansion Slot,
and one half-length slot. Cost: $7700.00 with a 60 Meg
Hard Drive, and $8300.00 with a 120 Meg Hard Drive....
The PS/2 Model P70 could be tough competition for the
growing crop of IBM Laptops that use the 80386 chip, as
many of the most popular 80386 laptops, including the
Toshiba 5100, use a 16 MHZ 80386 and have up to 2 Megs
of RAM onboard, yet cost in the same price range as the
PS/2 Model P70....
Tarrytown, NY As a result of Motorola's earlier lawsuit against it,
------------- Hitachi alleges that they have found that the Motorola
68030 chip violates one of Hitachi's US Patents, and
has pressed a patent infringment suit against Motorola,
attempting to seek damages from Motorola, as well as to
stop future sales of the 68030 chip, which is currently
used in many computers, including several Unix
workstations, the Macintosh IIx and IIcx line, and the
Mac SE/30....
_________________________________________________________________________
> Multi-Desk / Flex STR Review¿ The Lowdown ......
============================
Unlimited Accessories
MultiDesk and Flexcessory
=========================
by Ron Brunk
One of the nicest features of the gem desktop is the ability to load
accessories into the desktop and use them whenever the menu bar is
present. Most accessories take the form of handy utilities i.e. ram
disks, print spoolers, text readers, etc. Unfortunately there are two
limitations. First, you can only load a maximum of 6 accessory slots, and
some accessories use up two slots. Second, accessories are loaded
directly into memory and stay there, making that ram inaccessible to other
programs. As programs were developed for the ST, they started using more
and more ram to add more features. It soon became necessary to trim down
your accessory list to just the essentials to make room for these
programs. To load a new set of accessories (or clear those installed to
release memory for a large program) you have to reboot with the new setup
installed. These restrictions have been solved by two programs, Multidesk
(by CodeHead Software) and Flexcessory (from E. Arthur Brown). Both
programs install themselves as a single accessory and make it possible to
load,run, and dump programs/accessories from that one accessory slot.
Multidesk
=========
Multidesk uses 38 K of memory for itself and loads other accessories
into a memory buffer. This loading process must be done from the desktop,
and accessories can be added until the buffer defined is full. It cannot
load/dump accessories while another program is running (or at least it is
strongly recommended not to), nor can it dump one accessory at a time.
Once utilities are loaded you can "shrink to fit" the buffer of ram
holding the accessories to free up memory that is not required. It can
automatically load a particular setup on boot up, and other "setups" of
various combinations of accessories can be saved and easily recalled.
Accessories can be put into one folder that MultiDesk will automatically
go to when loading accessories. MultiDesk is very tight and works with
almost every .ACC program I've ever used except Deskcart. Capslock.acc is
also reported to have problems with Multidesk. The latest version, 1.81,
has been specifically modified to support Thunder, Neodesk, Hotwire, and
accessories compiled with Hisoft Basic. CodeHead has been very responsive
in doing these modifications for each version to solve incompatibilities
as they are reported. Multidesk can be run with the mouse or keyboard
can hold up to 32 accessories. If that isn't enough, it can be loaded
into itself ad infinitum (or at least, until you run out of memory)
To assist you in memory management, MultiDesk can display free memory
available for use. Note: the free memory displayed is the largest
unfragmented block in ram. For example, if you create a ramdisk while
running a program, it is created "above" the program. When you quit the
program, the free memory will be in two blocks, one above and one below
the ramdisk. This is one of the reasons that MultiDesk prefers not to
load other accessories while inside a program. The following is a partial
list of .ACC programs that the STReport staff regularly use with MultiDesk
and the number of bytes (checked by MultiDesk) that each requires:
17 Alert 50 DCFormat 22 G+Plus 19 Priveye 38 Snapshot
51 Artgalry 7 Deskey 33 Ilnmulti 33 Progcalc 4 Speedtos
11 Busybud 19 Diskman 8 Importer 12 Protect 33 Stuffer
36 Calc 39 Dos 22 Memfil20 35 Rambaby 36 TurboST2
10 Calendar 12 Emulator 38 Multdesk 19 Schizo 10 WP_Spool
4 Callfsel 73 EZD_Acc1 31 Mystic 81 Shdw_acc 22 Wrdcount
27 Clock 51 Flex! 16 Neocntrl 5 Showmem3 47 Ybatch
22 Control 9 G+Mini 24 Neoqueue 12 SI_Ram
MultiDesk 1.81 comes with a series of utilities on disk including:
Headstart- Enables you to auto-run GEM programs at boot-up. This
is an improved version of Startgem.
Calc- A very powerful calculator with all the scientific
functions you'll ever need.
Calendar- All the months from Jan 80 to Dec 2009
ClockA- A clock face, not digital. Cannot be left on screen.
Control- Standard control panel.
Emulator- Atari VT52 emulator.
Melt- The cutesy screen melt gag.
Showmem3- Displays free memory block by block.
SI_Ram- Ram disk and print spooler that can automatically load
files when it is created
Flexcessory
===========
Flexcessory also loads as an accessory, reserving 51K for itself in
memory. At boot-up it can set aside a buffer for running the programs it
loads, or the buffer can be set to 0 and programs will use whatever ram is
available when they are executed. It can be also be configured to
automatically load a particular setup at boot, which includes the options
to; set a pathname for programs to be loaded, display a desk clock, load
only certain filetypes, and automatically load and configure the ram disk
and/or print spooler. Other options allow you to configure each
individual program in the following ways:
Stack size can be set if you know what the program requires.
Run time parameters allows you to pass parameters to the program
when it is run
Clear screen before the program runs
Disable mouse hides the mouse during execution (i.e. for TOS/TTP)
Enable text cursor brings up a flashing cursor for text entry of
parameters (i.e. TOS/TTP)
Wait for keypress causes GEM to prompt for a keypress prior to
returning to desktop
Disable windows tells gem not to redraw windows
Once they have been run, programs remain in ram until unloaded by
Flexcessory. A major drawback is that ram released by unloading program
is not always recognized and will sometimes result in an "out of memory"
message. This forces a reboot or use of a program to flush your ram to
recover that memory. Programs can be loaded and run in one step, or
executed from a drop down menu that lists all programs currently loaded.
Flexcessory will load up to 15 programs with extensions of .prg, .ttp,
.tos, .app, and can load and dump individual programs or dump all at once
while in another program. Note: Your ram will probably be fragmented if
you load a program into Flexcessory while inside another program. Once
again you must reboot or flush your ram.
Another major drawback to Flexcessory is that it will not run programs
that use GEM (the familiar menu bar) nor will it run programs that use
resource files. On the other hand, most of these types of programs are
not the kind you would load into an accessory slot anyway. I tested
Flexcessory with a few of the remaining "utility" types of programs that
do not use GEM or .RSC (other than those included on the disk) and it
successfully accessed 5 of 11:
Crashed or wouldn't run Successfully ran
------------------------- ------------------
Clipboard Arcsh198
Quikview Dirdump
Shdw_acc Filespy
STReader Pageview
Undelete Quikfind
Whatis
There are 21 programs included that will run with Flexcessory, many of
which run and look exactly like the accessories (.acc) of the same name.
There are:
Two calculators, one algebraic and one RPN (reverse polish notation as
used by Hewlett Packard pocket calculators. They are used with the mouse,
although numerals can be entered with the keyboard.
A notepad with wordwrap, block functions, search & replace and a
help menu.
The screen grabber saves a degas picture of the desktop.
A file comparer will tell if two files are identical or not.
The control program, install printer, and RS-232 configuration
programs are identical to Atari's.
File utilities to delete or rename files.
Two format programs, one for very simple single/double sided
formatting and one for 3 1/2" or 5 1/4", single or double sided (40/80
tracks) disks, with options for IBM compatibility and write verify.
A program to send printer commands to the printer as decimal or
hexidecimal codes.
A screensaver which turns the screen off (black) after extended
periods of no activity from the keyboard to prevent burnout.
Showfile continuously scrolls a text file across the screen with
options to halt/continue.
Stepper program to set drive stepping (used for 5 1/4" drive)
A VT52 terminal emulator
A program to dump a file as hexadecimal to screen with options to
choose starting byte and total bytes displayed.
Which is best for you?
------------------------
To sum up, both programs free you from the six accessory limit, and
allow you to dump and load programs in the accessory slots without
rebooting. The advantages of MultiDesk are that it requires less memory
for itself, is much more compatible with the programs it utilizes (.ACC),
and does not cause memory fragmentation. The advantages of Flexcessory
are that it can load and dump individual programs from the accessory slot,
and do it from within another program. While the programs it does run use
up memory only while they are actually running, the program does not
reliably free memory when it does unload them.
________________________________________________________________________
> CODEHEAD!! STReport InfoFile¿ Codehead shows it's goodies!
============================
CodeHead Software is proud to announce the release of our new product:
CODEHEAD UTILITIES (#1)
A COLLECTION OF USEFUL PROGRAMS AND DESK ACCESSORIES
--------------------------------------------------------
INCLUDING:
MultiFile
---------
A multi-featured GEM-based file handling
utility, with many unique capabilities!
o Copy/rename/delete/move/touch groups of files with unsurpassed
ease.
o 20 default paths can be selected with a mouse click or a
Keypress!
o Send directory listings to your printer.
o Format two disks at once (with _full_ control over formatting
parameters like sector skewing, sectors per track, and number of
tracks).
o Create/change volume names.
o TOS version number and free RAM display.
o Set write-verify on/off.
o Show info on files and folders.
o Toggle write-protection on files.
o Preserve time/date stamp on copies. (Or don't, if you prefer
not to.)
o Sort by name, extension, date, or size (or NO sort at all).
o ALL configuration options can be saved, so that MultiFile always
comes up ready for action!
o and MUCH MORE!
The multi-level warning system lets you streamline MultiFile for
your own purposes. MultiFile's unique full-screen display shows up to 80
files at once, on up to five pages for directories that contain more. The
entire program can be operated with either the mouse OR the keyboard, and
it runs as either a normal program OR a desk accessory! (We almost
released MultiFile as a separate product....it's that powerful.)
AUTO Organizer
--------------
Changes the order of execution of programs in an AUTO folder, IN A
SPLIT SECOND! (You won't believe how fast this program works.)
Art Gallery 2.0
---------------
A multi-format graphics viewer/slideshow. Shows DEGAS, TINY,
NEOCHROME, SPECTRUM 512, and ART DIRECTOR pictures, with color rotation.
Also imports any of these formats directly into a DEGAS Elite workscreen
(MUCH faster than DEGAS Elite itself can). Art Gallery 2.0 is a
greatly-expanded version of Art Gallery, originally published in ST-Log
magazine.
Font Tricks 2.0
---------------
Replaces the system font with a custom font, and prints it to an
Epson printer, in two sizes! The desktop's 'Print' function will use
whatever font you select! Dozens of DEGAS fonts are also included on the
disk.
CodeHead Print Spooler
----------------------
Full featured, user configurable printer spooler. The only
spooler we know of that will buffer a screen dump! (You know, that thing
that happens when you type Alternate-Help...)
CodeHead Ramdisk
----------------
Configurable reset-proof ramdisk. The unique feature of this
ramdisk is that it does NOT do a double reset on a cold start!
CapsLock
--------
A desk accessory that continually shows the status of the ST's
CapsLock key.
CodeCopy
--------
A program for quickly and safely making multiple copies of a disk.
Saves disk images to a file, for later use. Formats, writes, and verifies
disks as fast as possible.
ZeroDisk
--------
Very quickly erases all files on a floppy disk, preserving the
disk's format. In a split second, you have the equivalent of a freshly
formatted disk without the wait for reformatting.
Lens
----
Recursive graphics manipulation. Lens is a "computer toy" that's
fascinating to play with. (For when you get tired of all this serious
stuff...)
SHAREWARE FOLDER INCLUDES:
Arc Shell 1.99
--------------
A new release of this very popular utility, available for the
first time on the CodeHead Utilities disk.
Desk Manager
------------
Lets you easily and quickly select which AUTO programs and desk
accessories to run when you boot your computer.
FREEWARE FOLDER INCLUDES:
Showmem3
--------
Displays current memory usage plus _total_ of all free memory.
Start Selector
--------------
The latest version of this popular replacement for the GEM file
selector.
The price for all of these useful
programs? Only $29.95! (We think
you'll agree that MultiFile _alone_is worth the price!)
CodeHead Utilities (#1) is available NOW directly from us at:
CodeHead Software
P.O. Box 74090
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Telephone (or FAX) 213-386-5735
If you order by mail, please include a check or money
order for the amount indicated plus $2 shipping
($3 Canada, $5 Europe).
As always, thanks for your support!
Charles and John........
_________________________________________________________________________
> Atari Stock ~ STReport¿ Wall Street's Sweetheart or sweathog?
======================
THE TICKERTAPE
==============
by Glenn Gorman
Money grabbers sell off Atari Corp. stock
Atari Stock dropped 1/8 of a point on Monday, 1/8 on Tuesday, 1/8
onWednesday and 1/4 on Thursday. Finishing up the week at 7 7/8 points.
Down 5/8 points from last Friday.
Glenn Gorman
+---------------------+
| ATARI STOCK WATCH |
| Week 06-12 to 06-16 |
+=======+==========+===========+=============+============+=============+
| | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
+-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
| Sales | 3902 | 2267 | 2055 | 1018 | 920 |
+-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
| Last | 8 3/8 | 8 1/4 | 8 1/8 | 7 7/8 | 7 7/8 |
+-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
| Chg. | -1/8 | -1/8 | -1/8 | -1/4 | ---- |
+=======+==========+===========+=============+============+=============+
| From > THE CAVE ST BBS <> 609-882-9195 <> 300//9600 HST <> F-NET #351 |
+=======================================================================+
________________________________________________________________________
> CodeHead Conference STR Feature¿ Online Conference straight talk
===============================
Notice on door:
Formal CodeHead Conference!
Featuring:
Charles F. Johnson and John Eidsvoog.
Room 1, the General Club room.
Stenographer is Miss Jane Hathaway
Job City Room Sta Mail-Address
1 Ann arbor,MI 1 N [Pattie] UNICORNPUB
2 North hollywo,CA 1 N J.EIDSVOOG1
3 Arlington hei,IL 1 L JEFF.W
4 Pacific palis,CA 1 N [Charles] C.F.JOHNSON
5 Jacksonville,FL 1 N ST.REPORT
6 Baltimore,MD 1 N [bob] B.O.B.
8 Passaic park,NJ 1 N [Vince-Cubed] V.AVERELLO
9 Sebring,FL 1 N A.AVIS
10 Calgary,AB 1 N R.BODY
11 Rockville,MD 1 N [John] JKUEHN
12 Campbell,CA 1 N [RC] R.ARP1
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Hi all! We're happy to be here tonight....
<JEFF.W> Welcome to the InterSect RTC (that's Real Time Conference for
anyone who's easily bored by abbreviations). Thank you for being here
with us this evening. Before I introduce our guests, I'd like to make a
few announcements.
<JEFF.W> On July 12 our RTC guests will be representatives from Creative
Microsystems Incorporated. CMI has a new accelerator board, called The
Processor Accelerator, coming out soon. Featuring sockets for user
installed BLiTTER and math co-processor chips, this board should be
attracting lots of attention. Be here on July 12 at 10:00pm EDT with CMI
to discuss the Processor Accelerator and future CMI products for the ST.
On the following week, July 19th, ISD will be back for a formal
conference. ISD is noted for products like Calamus, a world class desktop
publishing application, Calamus Font Editor, and the upcoming Calamus
Outline. They also bring to us DynaCadd, an extremely powerful and
feature packed professional CAD package. Join us on July 19 for the ISD
RTC.
<JEFF.W> Now, here are the RTC rules. During these formal type
conferences, you can only talk when I let you talk. To get my attention
all you have to do is raise your hand. Do that by typing in /RAI and
then hitting your RETURN key. I'll let you know when your turn is coming
up. If you think I may have missed you please /RAIse your hand once
again. Please end your questions or comments with a "ga" (Go Ahead) to
indicate you're done "speaking". If you have to leave before the
conference is over, your can type /EXI to return to the RT or /BYE to log
off of GEnie, but please stay if you can. I need your questions! :-)
<JEFF.W> Now, the introductions.
It is my pleasure to have as this evening's guests Charles F. Johnson
and John Eidsvoog. Together, Charles and John make up CodeHead Software,
makers of mighty fine utilities and tools for the Atari ST family of
computers. Products carrying the CodeHead label include G+PLUS,
MultiDesk, HotWire, and MIDIMAX. John and Charles are here to tell us
about the latest CodeHead product that goes on sale almost immediately!
<JEFF.W> If you have any questions or comments for Charles and John, start
/RAIsing your hands now.
<JEFF.W> Welcome, CodeHeads! Do you guys have any opening remarks you'd
like to make before we begin taking questions?
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Well...not really. We're excited about the
release of CodeHead Utilities. We've been promising it a long time...and
everything's finally ready. <sigh of relief!> Anyway, let the feeding
frenzy begin!
<JEFF.W> Let me start... How about telling us a bit about CodeHead
Utilites?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> CFJ, you start?
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> OK...Well, it's a collection very useful programs
and desk accessories, with lots of variety, focusing on several of the....
most commonly-performed activities that people do with their STs like
copying files, reformatting disks, reorganizing the AUTO folder, etc. We
think it;'s got a lot of value for the very low price and at least one
program (MultiFile) that could very well be a separate commercial package.
Anyway, enough raving! :)
<J.EIDSVOOG1> We could mention a little about each program...
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Sure, John....you wanna?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> Ok, probably the strongest program of the package is
MultiFile, which is a multi-featured file handling utility. It provides
an extremely easy-to-use interface for copying single or groups of files.
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> And I might mention the AUTO Organizer that can
reorganize your AUTO folder in a split second, no matter how many
files it contains!
<JEFF.W> Thanks! And now, Pattie!
<[Pattie] UNICORNPUB> Thanks Jeff.... Firstly, I'd like to Thank you Two
forcreating such fine programs, and for allowing us the opportunity
for reviewing them in the Atari Interface Magazine. Now, since
there are so many pd programs available to do utilities, what does your
utility disk offer?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> As CFJ said, the AUTO organizer is almost instantaneous as
opposed to 20-30 seconds taken by the PD program. There's no other file
handling program that has all the features of MultiFile. Our print
spooler has a couple of features that no other has...such as buffering a
screen dump and a hot key for clearing the buffer. CFJ, ?? GA
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Yeah, and there's NO public domain equivalent for
some of the things on the disk, like Font Tricks 2.0, which lets you use
DEGAS fonts to print to your Epson printer, using the desktop's 'Print'
function. Every program on the CodeHead utilities disk has at _least_ one
feature that puts it above the public domain equivalents. (If they exist.)
<JEFF.W> Any followup, Pattie?
<[Pattie] UNICORNPUB> Thanks... I'll yield the floor...
<JEFF.W> Thanks, Pattie. Dorothy?
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> I have a few questions, First, about WOA in Dearborn...Will
you be giving a seminar? Gee, no one has asked us. <sob!>
<JEFF.W> You're joking!
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> What programs will you be demoing/promoting?
[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Nope. No joke.
<J.EIDSVOOG1> HotWire! - MIDIMAX
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> We'll have new versions of lots of things,
including HotWire!
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> Will the utilities be available?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> The manuals which were supposed to be ready 2 hours ago...
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Yes! CodeHead Utilities #1 will be on sale for
the first time.
<J.EIDSVOOG1> will be ready in the morning... so, yes. GA
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> At a special (meaning cheap) price?
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Boy, give 'em an inch....<grin>
<J.EIDSVOOG1> hmmm....
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> Also I'm interested in the print spooler you mentioned...
<JEFF.W> It's cheap at any price!
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> It's already unbelievably cheap, for ten programs
never before... released....$29.95! Such a deal! :)
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> I've had a terrible time setting up a spooler that will
work with graphics output, such as Timeworks and Degas. Will the spooler
help me there?
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Yep, could very well help out. I use it with
Timeworks Desktop Publisher all the time myself. GA
<J.EIDSVOOG1> It sure will...
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> Thanks much! ga
<J.EIDSVOOG1> and it can be set to _any_ size...2-3 meg maybe.
<JEFF.W> Thanks! R.ARP1
<[RC] R.ARP1> Ditto on the fine job you guys have done. I want to know if
the utility to convert from RSC to assembly will also be there.
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> No, that's planned for the second Utilities disk
following sometime soon.
<[RC] R.ARP1> Well, hurry up.
<JEFF.W> Vince...You have the floor.
<[Vince-Cubed] V.AVERELLO> How will upgrade for CU I be handled because it
is a group & not 1 program ??
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Uh, John, you want to field this one? <grin>
<J.EIDSVOOG1> what upgrade?? <grin>
<JEFF.W> Isn't it going to be perfect right out of the gate?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> We'll have to see what happens.
<[Vince-Cubed] V.AVERELLO> You know Multi-file 1.1 & so on
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Any upgrades will be handled pretty much the same
way our other upgrades are if there's a significant improvement you can
update to the new version by returning your original disk and $5.00.
<JEFF.W> Thank you, Vince. BOB?
<[bob] B.O.B.> Hi guys...Does your Auto Re-Org Util allow for more Auto
prgs than the PD one. I have more than that program will recognize.
(Not enough slots)
[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Yes! Definitely. You can have up to 64.
<[bob] B.O.B.> GREAT! Thanks....ga
<JEFF.W> Pattie?
<[Pattie] UNICORNPUB> thanks again, Jeff...I wanted to ask about a rumor I
read about on one of the Online Services about your possibly re-writing
the Operating System for the ST. What about that? Is that in the works?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> If Atari would give us the source code, maybe we could give
it a shot. Otherwise it'd be pretty tough. GA
<JEFF.W> That it, Pattie?
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> That's just a rumor, Pattie. No basis in fact.
We talk about it from time to time, but the fact is, it would be an
ENORMOUS job.
<[Pattie] UNICORNPUB> Is the operating system the hardest thing you've
come across in programming the ST?
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Wow, what a loaded question there are lots of ways
to answer that in some ways the ST Operating System is terrific you get
whole libraries of nice calls that do fancy graphic stuff and manage input
for you and all of that, but you also get a lot of overhead and time spent
learning the intricacies. And then, of course, there are the bugs. It's
true, they exist. I can't hide from it any more.
<J.EIDSVOOG1> Our company's existence is based on the limitations of the
ST operating system. <grin> Where would we be without them?
<JEFF.W> The ST's shortcomings are your windfall.
<JEFF.W> Sally from Zmag?
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Well put, Jeff.
<[S.nagy] ZMAGAZINE> Thanks, this might have been already asked? But what
utilities will be found on code head utilities disk 1 and 2? GA
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> We do have a text file with full descriptions of
all the programs on the first Utilities disk posted in the GEnie library
(anyone know the file number offhand?) but I'd be glad...
<JEFF.W> It has been asked already, but there's lots we haven't gotten to
yet.
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> I'm wondering about MIDIMAX. What's it for?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> MIDIMAX is meant as a live performance tool It allows you to
create chord maps and macros which will automate your live performance.
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> It's designed to help professional musicians
manage their equipment quickly and easily. GA
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> We have a Kawai K-5, Roland U110, and we've been using
Steinberg stuff. Will this benefit us?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> It's flexibility is such that it's hard to think of all...
it can do. For instance, you could have it send preset patch changes to
all your instruments on different MIDI channels.
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> Thank you.
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> And in addition to all tprofessional applications,
it's fun to play with too.....you can have chords played when you just
touch a single note on the keyboard. And different chords for every note,
not just parallel voicings.
<J.EIDSVOOG1> Yeah, you can instantly switch between 8 different chord
maps to change the harmonization.
<JEFF.W> Thanks, Dorothy. Getting back to CU #1, it looks like it will be
a user group librarian's dream with 2 disk formating? And multidisk
copying?
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> MultiFile has lots of features that haven't been
seen in an ST file maintenance program before. Including _full_ keyboard
control of all program options. (Really speeds things up.)
<J.EIDSVOOG1> And we're including CodeCopy, which is the program we wrote
to do our own disk mastering.
<JEFF.W> I see that ARCSHELL 1.99 will be on the disk also? What changes
will we see?
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> ARC Shell 1.99 adds the ability to set each ARC
option to use either the default or the alternate ARC utility allowing you
to use, say, DCOPY for extracting, but ARC.TTP for archiving.
<JEFF.W> Thanks. Dorothy's up again.
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> I thought ARCShell was Shareware. Will version 1.99 not be
freely distributed also?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> We're including a SHAREWARE folder on the disk.
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Yes, ARC Shell will continue to be shareware.
We're including a SHAREWARE folder so that people can get the latest
versions if they don't have access to an online service, usergroup,
whatever.
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> ...cause I have actually paid for 1.97...
<ELROD> Maybe this has been answered.....What is TopDown?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> ok...
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> John, I think it's a long fly ball comin' your
way.
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> <oops, John!>
<J.EIDSVOOG1> TopDown forces AUTO programs and ACCs to load at the top of
memory, which leaves a lower memory area available for programs which
might not normally load due to ACCs taking that space. It also speeds up
your bootup time...cuts it about in half.
<ELROD> ok, Thanks!
<JEFF.W> I know that Charles has be running along in a few minutes
Charles...any closing remarks?
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Hope to see everyone at the World of Atari show.
We're looking forward to meeting you!
<JEFF.W> Thanks a lot for being here, Charles....
<JEFF.W> ...I understand we can have John for a while longer. /RAI to ask
any questions.
<J.EIDSVOOG1> If you'd like, I can tell you about HotWire 1.2
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> OK, sorry to leave so soon, talk to y'all later.
<JEFF.W> Bye, Charles. Thanks! Yes, John. Please.
<[Charles] C.F.JOHNSON> Thanks to all for their support.
<J.EIDSVOOG1> 1.2 allows you to install not only programs in the menu but
also .HOT files, .WRK files, and documents. This allows you to do
'virtual' paging to different menus by simply clicking or hitting a hot
key. You can also set up a menu of documents, such as WP files and click
on the one you want to invoke your WP and load in the doc. GA
<JEFF.W> Will you be doing upgrades at the show?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> BTW, 1.2 works with the new 1.4 ROMs, and yes we will be...
doing upgrades to 1.2 at the show.
<JEFF.W> What will be the upgrade fee for people mailing their disks to
you?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> Our standard upgrade policy is $5 plus send in your master
disk. GA
<[Pattie] UNICORNPUB> John, each programmer has his/her own style of
writing code how do you and Charles keep from fighting when you work
together?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> That's a good question! The division of labor on G+ was
basically CFJ did the ACC and I did the PRG although we passed code back
and forth and both worked on both sources. It's lucky that both of us like
assembly language and our programming philosophy is quite similar... But
we still do have our differences of opinions.
<JEFF.W> Before I open this up to informal mode ...How is FatBack coming
along?
<J.EIDSVOOG1> Well, FatBack (as you may have heard many times) is being..
re-written in assembly (originally GFA). I expect to finish..
it in July. Sorry, it's taking so long, but there's less and less time to
code as running the company becomes more and more time consuming.
<JEFF.W> For those who aren't total CodeHead freaks (like me), FatBack is
a hard disk backup utility.
<JEFF.W> Okay. I think that brings this formal RTC to a close. I want to
thank John and Charles for being with us...
Room 1,
the General Club room.
Stenographer is Miss Jane Hathaway
Job City Room Sta Mail-Address
1 Ann arbor,MI 1 N [Pattie] UNICORNPUB
2 North hollywo,CA 1 N J.EIDSVOOG1
3 Arlington hei,IL 1 L JEFF.W
4 Norristown,PA 1 N [Mobro] W.FERRELL
5 Jacksonville,FL 1 N ST.REPORT
6 Baltimore,MD 1 N [bob] B.O.B.
7 Brookfield,CT 1 N DARLAH
8 Honolulu,HI 1 N R.DEAN3
9 Sebring,FL 1 N A.AVIS
10 Middlesex,NJ 1 N [S.nagy] ZMAGAZINE
11 Titusville,PA 1 N GARY.ATMEN
14 Midlothian,VA 1 N MICKEYANGELL
18 Matawan,NJ 1 N R.GUADAGNO1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
_________________________________________________________________________
> User Input! STReport OnLine¿ Ongoing Current Issues!
============================
From : DAVE LOCKWOOD at THE CONTROL ROOM ST! Fnet 403
After hearing so many rumors about what TOS 1.4 does, and does not do,
I've decided to put together a list of bugs/foibles/mis-features etc. for
TOS. We, the users, in order to form a more perfect conception of the new
TOS, to establish once and for all what does and does not work, will add
to and edit this list until it contains the best knowledge we can find.
STReport will carry this list until such time as the official
specifications list for TOS 1.4 is made available by Atari Corp. If you
have information to add to this list let us know through either
FNET Node 403, 350 or the best way you can.
bug/feature/problem/wish status Source
------------------------------ ---------- ----------------------------
Flow control (RTS/CTS) Not fixed Rumor - Crossnet ST group
Famous Malloc bug Not fixed Confirmed - A. Pratt/Atari Corp.
16 MEG HD partition bug Fixed Rumor - Usenet ST newsgroup
wastes last 2 clusters bug Not fixed Confirmed - A. Pratt/Atari Corp.
A: motor on after HD boot Fixed Rumor - FNET ST users
Slow desktop disk copy Fixed Rumor - FNET ST users
"Twister" format from desktop Fixed Rumor - FNET ST users
Preserve file date on copy Fixed Rumor - FNET ST users
Extended command line Not fixed Rumor - Usenet ST newsgroup
Works with 68010/20 Not fixed Rumor - Usenet ST newsgroup
Installed in new Mega STs Yes Rumor - Crossnet ST group
Available to 520/1040 owners Not yet Rumor - Crossnet ST group
Available to Developers Yes Confirmed C. Roberts/Atari Corp.
Shipping in DTP Systems Yes Confirmed C. Roberts/Atari Corp.
This is the latest information. PLEASE add to/modify this list.
Let's try stopping the spread of FALSE rumors, and start compiling the
facts.
+---------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| "There is no problem so big that| Dave Lockwood |
| it can't be run away from" | Sysop of Meetpoint Station BBS |
+---------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Usenet:{backbones}!{amdahl,hplabs,decwrl}!pacbell!rencon!mpoint!dave |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
_________________________________________________________________________
> Usergroup News STReport OnLine¿ A very special offer for Usergroups!
==============================
CPU NewsWire International Usergroup Plan
=========================================
Beginning July 1989, STReport will offer it's hardcopy version, the
CPU NewsWire to all Usergroups for a flat rate annual fee of 15.00!! 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
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:
CPU NewsWire PO Box 6672, Jax. FL. 32205-6672.
--===**===--
________________________________________________________________________
> ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL¿ Sayin' it like it is!
======================
- Miami, FL. **** CALLESIS TO PORT WHAP! ****
----------
Harry Callesis, noted for the Adventure Game Tool Kit is about to
embark on the "noble" adventure, Harry is going to port over the highly
acclaimed CIS handler program WHAP written by S. Ahlstrom of the Amiga
Sig. The porting itself, with the corroboration of Ahlstrom, will make
available to ST Users one of the finest Terminal systems in use today.
The entire effort is slated to take about 3 months before the first beta
version is in use. "If you need anything Harry, just holler!"
- Sunnyvale, CA. **** ATARI ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTS ****
-------------
Announced as product that will be available for sale and delivery to
the users at the Dearborn Show, a) the new 8 bit Terminal program, by
Keith Ledbetter, SX Express, written to work with the SX 212 modem, Atari
will offer this to the users with a cable included. Also the new 8 bit
Midi Maze will be for sale. On display, but not for sale, will be the new
Word Flair by Atari, the all in one Word Processor/DTP. Of course Atari
will be showing Stacey and Portfolio and ...ah, on second thought we'll
wait and let it be a surprise to everyone...be sure to go to the Dearborn
Show.. STReport will carry full coverage and reviews of the show in our
next issue. Issue # 94
_______________________________________________________________________
> STReport InfoFile¿
=================
ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC.
P.O. Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
_____________________________________
All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST
are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s).
ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE
(you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!)
(all cables and connectors installed)
SEAGATE HARD DISK MECHANISMS
ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED
EXCLUSIVELY
* OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
42mb #SG44710 569.00 - (1) mech 65mb #SG60101 729.00 - (1) mech
85mb #SG840110 949.00 - (2) mech 132mb #SG3A1210 1149.00 - (2) mech
*** 264mb #SGT41776 1889.00 - (4) mech ***
NO Embedded controller ("N") drives used! - NO ROM HEADACHES
ALL Units: Average Access Time: 26ms - 30ms
ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> MAGIC SAC - PC-DITTO/II - SPECTRE/GCR
LARGER units are available - (special order only)
*** Available for ST - Amiga - Mac - IBM ***
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
FAST Cabinets - Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets
6 month FULL Guarantee
followed by
6 month Parts & Labor Warranty
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
WE SHIP WITH * FEDERAL EXPRESS * ONLY
_____________________________________
Your Personal Check is OK with us!
ORDER YOURS TODAY!
904-783-3319 9am - 8pm EDT
________________________________________________________________________
> A "QUOTABLE QUOTE"¿
==================
Ziggy's Retarded Follies
------------------------
"AN OUNCE OF IMAGE IS WORTH A POUND OF PERFORMANCE!!"
- Ziggy Zagnutt
ATARI IS BACK!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST-REPORT Issue #93 "Your Independent News Source" June 23, 1989
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED copyright 1989
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
