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Silicon Times Report Issue 0078
*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original Online ST Magazine"
-------------------------------
March 10, 1989 Volume III No.78
==========================================================================
ST Report Online Magazine ½
------------------------------
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32236 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EST
BBS: 904-786-4176 ~ 12-24-96 HST
_________________________________________
** F-NET/FIDOMAIL NODE 350 **
Our support BBS carries ALL issues of STReport¿
and
An International list of private BBS systems
carrying STReport¿ for their users enjoyment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highlights
----------
~ The Podium ~ CPU Report
~ Uniterm - A Review ~ Princeton UltraSync Monitor
~ Galaxy - Covert ~ CPU - NewsWire Update
~ ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL ~ SCOUT WORLD 1989
***** USERGROUPS' FUTURE ENDANGERED? *****
*** TOS 1.4 READY FOR CHIP SETS! ***
******* FEDERATED .....HISTORY!!! ******
...and much more...
========================================================================
AVAILABLE ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ THE SOURCE
========================================================================
> The Podium¿
----------
Time always shows us the right methods of any successful technique
and it certainly hasn't let us down this year. The real energetic force
behind the success of Atari's comeback drive has been Mr. Sig Hartmann and
his entourage of more than capable folks on the staffs assigned to get the
job done. We congratulate all of them on the fine job they are doing. At
bonus time, we sincerely hope Robin and Cindy are not forgotten.
While Atari is seemingly on the right track, there are those who
appear to be dedicated to the art of grandstanding at the expense of
others. Rather than react and bore the Atari community with retaliatory
remarks, we ask that the readers judge us by our performance since we
assumed control and ownership of STReport Online Magazine and not by the
haranguing of a few mouthy individuals. Hopefully, the actions of these
people will not detract from Atari's emerging success story.
thanks again for your support,
Ralph.....
:CORRECTION:
------------
For Record, G+Plus Dos, the excellent replacement for Gdos by Codehead
Software, is officially in release version # 1.2 . NOT 2.1 <<sorry>>.
"1989 - ATARI'S QUEST!"
**************************************************************************
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**************************************************************************
> CPU REPORT¿
==========
Issue # 12
By Michael Arthur
Remember When....
In Summer 1985, Atari showed a prototype of its CD-ROM at CES, saying
that it could be available as early as Fall 1985, for under $500.00
CPU Systems Roundup¿ IV
=======================
Dream Computer Systems II: The more things change....
------------------------------------------------------
Part I
Often we have heard the cliche about how quickly the computer
industry changes, and how technology is improving at such an incredibly
fast rate. But how often are new, more powerful computers and peripherals
seen, anyway?
So as to explore this, and to examine the growing power of computer
systems, the series, "Dream Computer Systems", will be appearing in CPU
Report quarterly. 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. A few additions in format have been made,
though....
In the first Dream Computer Systems essay, mass storage was limited
to 300 Megabytes (except in the case of the NeXT computer), and the price
of the system was kept under 25,000 dollars, a reasonable amount for a
true Dream System. In this edition, the focus will be on having both
removable storage (such as that on the NeXT computer or Bernoulli drives),
and mass storage (or hard disks) on the same system. In order to do this,
though, means that the price of these systems might not be under 25,000
dollars. But then, who said Dream Systems would be inexpensive, anyway?
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
---------
- Dell System 325 - Total Cost of System: $18,800.00 Dollars.
This IBM Compatible is a 25 MHZ 80386 system with 4 Megabytes of RAM
and 8 expansion slots.
To FURTHER enhance this system, I would add a 25 MHZ 80387 Math
Coprocessor, a Four Megabyte RAM expansion, a Bernoulli Box from Iomega
Corp. using 40 Megabyte Removable Cartridges, a Storage Dimensions (Maxtor)
SpeedStor AT650E 650 Megabyte Hard Disk, Orchid's Designer VGA card, and
an NEC Multisync Plus VGA Monitor.
So with this system, you would have:
Dell System 325 w/25 MHZ 80387 Chip (Cost: $6900.00)
Dell 4 Megabyte RAM Expansion (Cost: $2200.00)
Iomega 40 Megabyte Bernoulli Box (Cost: $1800.00)
SpeedStor 650 Megabyte Hard Disk (Cost: $5995.00)
Orchid Designer VGA Card (Cost: $500.00)
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: A bigger Removable Tape Drive would be preferable....
System #2
---------
- Macintosh IIx w/REO-650 Magneto-Optical Drive - Total Cost: $27,100.00 ENEMY REPORT Issue #12
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/Erasable
Optical 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 Taxan 980 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: $2000.00)
Taxan 980 20-Inch Monitor (Cost: 3500.00)
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: Besides cost, none whatsoever. A VAST improvement over
the previous Dream System....
System #3
--------
- Amiga 2000 w/CSA FastTrack Card - Total Cost of System: $18,170.00
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 Supra's FD-10 Disk Drive, using 10 Megabyte 5 1/4
Inch Disks, a 300 Megabyte Hard Drive made by ABCO Inc., 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/color monitor (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: $2520.00 total)
Supra FD-10 Disk Drive (Cost: $1000.00)
ABCO Inc. 300 Megabyte Hard Drive (Cost: $4500.00)
Moniterm Viking I High Resolution Monitor (Cost: $1995.95)
Microway Inc. FlickerFixer (Cost: $600.00)
NEC Multisync II Color Monitor (Cost: $950.00)
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 safest peak processor speed for the Amiga
has been 16 MHZ, its expandability is limited. Also,
graphics resolution and Tape Drive size should be
higher....
System #4
---------
- NeXT System w/670 Meg Hard Drive - Total Cost of System: $10,500.00
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 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: $6500.00)
670 MB Winchester Hard Drive (Cost: $4000.00)
NeXT Resolution: 1120*832 Pixel Display using Monochrome.
(Keep in mind that these prices are for Universities only, and that actual
market prices will be much higher)
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, a terrible and
glaring omission....
System #5
---------
- Mega 4 ST w/Turbo ST, ST Expander - Total Cost of System: $10,050.00
This is a Mega 4 ST with 4 Megs of RAM, 1 Expansion Slot, and both
Color and Monochrome Monitors. Along with this would be a Turbo ST, having
a 16 MHZ 68000, and an ST Expander, which gives the ST Eight expansion
slots and an MMU chip letting the ST support 16 Megs of RAM.
I would also add Moniterm's 19-Inch Monitor, which allows the ST to
have a 1280*960 display using Monochrome, Supra's FD-10 Disk Drive, which
uses 10 Megabyte 5 1/4 Inch Disks, and a 300 Megabyte Hard Drive made by
ABCO Inc.
So with this system you have:
Mega 4 ST w/Color & Monochrome Monitors (Cost: $2700.00)
Turbo ST Accelerator Board (Cost: $200.00)
ST Expander (Cost: $250.00)
Supra FD-10 10 Meg Disk Drive (Cost: $895.00)
ABCO Inc. 300 Megabyte Hard Drive (Cost: 3995.95)
Moniterm Viking II High Resolution Monitor (Cost: 1995.95)
Atari ST Resolution: 320*200 with 16 Colors out of 512
640*200 with 4 Colors out of 512
640*400 using Monochrome
With Moniterm:
1280*960 using Monochrome
Faults of System: Not enough memory, graphics resolution should be higher,
there is NO ability to expand its capabilities, as there
are few expansion cards available, and it doesn't support
the 68881, 68020, or 68030 chips that could make it
faster....
System #6
---------
- Abaq Transputer w/40 Meg Hard Disk - Total Cost of System: $22,000.00
This is an Abaq Transputer with a 20 MHZ T800 Chip (Math Coprocessor
built in) with a speed of 10 VAX MIPS, 4 Megs of RAM, a 40 Megabyte Hard
Disk, and 4 Expansion Slots. To this I have added Three Abaq Expansion
Cards, with 4 T800 Chips and 1 Meg of DRAM on Each Card, and One Memory
Expansion Cards, with 20 Megs of DRAM onboard.
So with this system you have:
Abaq Transputer w/4 Megs of RAM (Cost: $5000.00)
3 Abaq "Farm" Expansion Cards (Cost: $6000.00 estimated)
1 Abaq Memory Expansion Card (Cost: $8000.00 estimated)
NEC Multisync XL Monitor (Cost: $3200.00)
Abaq Resolutions: 512*480 with 16 Million Colors at the same time
640*480 w/256 Colors out of 16 Million (Double Buffered
screens for high speed animation)
1024*768 with 256 Colors out of 16 Million
1280*960 with 16 Colors out of 16 Million
(Keep in mind that as the prices for the expansion cards have not been
announced, the prices stated above are estimated, and the actual cost of
the Abaq cards may vary greatly. The capabilities of the cards, though,
are completely accurate.)
Faults of System: Hard disk storage is greatly lacking, but this can be
attributed to its being a new system....
Notice I did not mention products that are not shipping shortly, like
the 68030 TT, 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 their individual features. In
Part II these Dream Systems will be compared to each other, in order to
determine the "best" one.
But based on this article alone, you could safely say that the
Macintosh IIx System has changed drastically, being VERY much improved, and
looking good compared even to the NeXT System. As 33 MHZ machines have not
yet been introduced, I used a faster 25 MHZ clone for the IBM system, which
is not only more powerful than before, but is the best price/performance
System in this group. The Amiga System, just as before, comes out
surprisingly strong, but does not meet the "Power without the Price" test
for this list. But although the Mega ST System is the least expensive, it
is also miserably underpowered, as the NeXT System provides MUCH greater
performance for the same price. The Abaq Transputer System, a new entry,
has turned out to be extremely powerful....
But ponder, if you will, these two questions:
1) What is it that truly makes a Dream System?
2) Should the computer industry change as quickly as it does?
------=====****=====------
CPU REPORT CONFIDENTIAL¿
=======================
San Mateo, CA Electronic Arts has recently introduced DeluxePaint III,
------------- a new version of DeluxePaint which supports direct
overscan and Extra_Half-Brite graphics, has an improved
airbrush feature, and has improved support for Amiga
fonts. Cost: $149.95....
St. Louis, MO Soft-Logik Publishing Corp. is reportedly porting its
------------- PageStream DTP Program to the Macintosh. This version
will probably be out in June 1989....
Austin, TX Robert Noyce has recently become Chief Executive Officer
---------- of Sematech, a new research company formed by a
consortium of semiconductor makers with the purposes of
both advancing chip technology, and matching the finest
manufacturing facilities in Japan within two years.
Sematech will be funded both by these companies, and by
the government, which is giving a 100 million dollar
grant to the company....
Errata: In Issue 10 of CPU Report, I mentioned that Sony was the maker of
======= the NeXT 256 Meg Drives. Canon is the actual manufacturer of
this technology. Also, in Issue 11 of CPU Report, the word
Superconductivity was accidentally misspelled, so it was two
words. It is NOT spelled Super Conductivity, but is one word,
Superconductivity....
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks - STR InfoFile¿
=====================
THE TIME HAS COME
=================
Hopefully, the day will come when 'grown men' can behave as such.
The sad non-sense we saw this past weekend was absolutely outrageous. It
gave us all cause to see if the moon was full. We at STReport have no axe
to grind with anybody, our main purpose is to present to the reader the
facts as we collect them. We, as of this past weekend, have now been
accused of everything possible except maybe causing the LA Smog!
We received a phone call from an individual, whose intentions are,
without doubt, questionable at best, saying he wanted to 'help', this
caller then proceeded to warn us about criticizing products etc.. Sad to
say, there are those who still believe; "the consumer is a 'mark' waiting
to be had!" He then proceeded to treat us to more accusations than were
posted online this past weekend, they ranged from personal attacks to a
severe criticism of the review Galaxy Information Service by Mr. Richard
Covert, "Why did you publish that stuff?, Now, nobody will call there!"..
he said. Well, again we must say this; we at STReport are interested in
informing our readers and not advertising a commercial enterprise. Rest
assured, if an enterprise deserves credit and encouragement, it will be
so noted. The opposite is also quite true, if the potential for disaster
is there we will make it known. STReport is not a "for hire" publication,
therefore, we will not become a platform for any commercial enterprise.
We will, however, continue to recommend quality products or ideas.
We at STReport have some of the nicest folks in computing helping to
put together quality articles just for you...
To list only a few..
M. Arthur Student VA ~ T. Rinaldi US Navy FL
R. Covert Engineer AZ ~ R. Bennett Electrician FL
N. Bradley US Navy FL ~ M. Goddard Draftsman FL
D. Delegal Programmer FL ~ W. Baugh Biologist FL
T. Martz US Navy FL ~ L. Pulley Businessman AZ
G. Anderson US Air Force SD ~ R. Allbritton Student DC
T. Hendricks Student TX ~ B. Sherman Businessman UK
R. Rosendale US Navy Ret. FL ~ R. Stevens Engineer FL
R. Brunk Engineer FL ~ E. Westhusing US Navy FL
This is just a partial list of great Atari supporters who have had
article(s) appear in STReport Online Magazine¿.
....to all these fine folks, I say...thank you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Uniterm STR Review¿
==================
UNITERM VERSION 2.0e
====================
VT-1xx or VT-2xx Terminal Emulation to a VAX or MicroVAX
Via Your Atari ST Using UniTerm 2.0e
By Darin L. Delegal
One of the less talked about, but more useful features of the
Atari ST computer is it's ability to emulate a standard VT-100 or
VT-220 terminal when used with Simon Poole's UniTerm 2.0d
telecommunications package. This article will first present a review
of this fine Public Domain software package, and then detail the proper
setups to allow smooth emulation between the Atari ST and a DEC VAX or
MicroVAX computer running the VMS operating system.
To begin with, let me say that UniTerm is one of the finest
terminal emulators that I have used. Simon Poole has done a great
service to the Atari community by releasing this program into the
public domain, and deserves a huge amount of praise for his efforts.
UniTerm 2.0e is the latest in a long line of versions. My first
experience with UniTerm was version 1.6, and the program has been
getting better and more powerful with each new release.
There may be a later version of UniTerm available beyond 2.0e ,
but Simon Poole is located in Switzerland, and public domain software
takes a long time to filter down to us here in the United States. I am
currently trying to track him down via Bitnet and Internet. Hopefully
I will have more up to date information soon. If anyone would like to
write to Simon, his address is as follows: Simon Poole, Bahnhofstr. 51
b, CH-5430 Wettingen, Switzerland. Please let me know if you are able
to make contact with him or find a later revision of UniTerm than the
one described here.
The program is very well behaved, and contains enough flexibility
in setups to be used with almost any system that requires a standard
DEC VT terminal. UniTerm will emulate the following terminal types:
VT-52, VT-100, VT-102, VT-220, and the Tektronix 4010. Most of my
experience has been with the VT-102 and VT-220 modes, and I can say
that with very few exceptions, the emulation has been nearly flawless.
The emulation of the VT series of terminals is complete down to
the cursor addressing, VT series line drawing characters, 80/132 column
screen displays, programmable keypad (application or numeric mode),
double high and double wide characters, and character attributes (bold,
reverse, underlined, blinking). Along with the keypad function keys,
UniTerm gives you the ability to define the Atari ST's function keys to
anything you like, which can include the standard codes sent by the
VT-220 function keys.
A couple of caveats that must be discussed here are the handling
of double wide characters and the 132 column screen mode. First,
double wide characters will be spaced filled on a color monitor, but
will display properly on a monochrome. This means that the letter "A"
displayed in double wide mode on a color monitor will look like " A".
However, double high-double wide characters display properly on both
monitors. Second, the Atari ST screen is only capable of displaying
127 characters in the compressed screen mode. This only becomes a
problem on systems that use 132 column screens and display useful
information in the last 5 characters of each row. This problem is not
a function of the program, but inherent in the Atari ST character set,
and occurs on both monitors.
In addition to the strong emulation capabilities, UniTerm offers a
wide range of file transfer options. One of my favorite features of
this package is a full Kermit server control. This allows you to put
the remote mainframe into server mode, and handle all file transfer via
GEM on the ST! You never need to execute any commands on the remote
system, Kermit will handle them for you, including filename
translation. The Kermit package will be discussed later on in this
article. XModem, YModem, and ASCII file transfers are also supported.
A few of the other neat features that have been included in
UniTerm are: Popup Windows (command boxes that appear in the online
mode wherever your mouse cursor is!), a 48 line per screen mode in
monochrome, a full macro language, an autodialer, the ability to print
just the text on the screen without doing a slow graphic dump, 60 pages
(!) of in depth documentation, and fully configurable system and text
buffers. All in all, this is a very complete package, and should be
considered a part of anyone's library. This package is a must for
anyone wishing to do serious terminal emulation with the Atari ST.
Now that you know a little more about the UniTerm package, I'll
give you the proper setups for using your ST as a terminal to a DEC VAX
or MicroVAX system. Setting up your terminal is a two step process;
First, you must set up UniTerm so that you can get logged into your VAX
host, and second, you must then set up the VAX host using the "SET
TERMINAL" command.
There are three GEM menus that you must configure to get UniTerm
up and running: the RS232 Setup, Terminal Setup #1, and Terminal Setup
#2. (I won't go into setting up the system buffers as you should have
already configured these according to the documentation supplied with
the program.) The RS232 Setup menu is accessed through the "Settings"
drop down menu. In here you will configure the serial port on your ST
to communicate properly with your modem. First, select the baud rate
required by your modem and the modem that you will be dialing into on
the host system. Next, set Flow to "None", Parity to "None", Databits
to "8", Stopbits to "1" and Mode to "Full". Once you have these values
set, select "OK" to save them.
Next, access the Terminal Setup #1 through the "Settings" drop
down menu. This screen will allow you to configure what type of
terminal you will be emulating among other things. I've found that
setting the Terminal to VT-102 works best in a VAX/VMS environment.
The Keypad selection should be set to "Numeric" to start out, but will
be controlled by the host system during a session. Set Cursormode to
"ANSI Reset", and Use to "8 bits". I recommend setting Delete to
"Backspace" so that the backspace key will send the proper delete
character to the VAX host. Newline Mode should be set to "CR->CR",
Wrap should be "None", and Status should be "Indicator". Cursor,
Background, and Scroll should be set to whatever suits you best. Note
that setting Scroll to "Smooth" will significantly slow down the screen
display during scrolling. Select "OK" to save your changes and exit
this dialog box.
Third, call up the Terminal Setup #2 through the "Settings" drop
down menu. From here you will be able to set up your printer to act as
an auxiliary printer to the host system. You can also enable or
disable the Single Line Editor (SLE), a line history buffer which
records your last 20 command lines. You may also select which National
Replacement Character (NRC) set you wish to use. I recommend setting
this to "ASCII" for accessing a DEC host. Once again, select "OK" to
save your changes and exit the dialog.
If you are going to be using either Kermit or X/YModem to transfer
files to and from your host, you also need to configure your file
transfer protocols properly. Most likely you will be using Kermit to
communicate with a DEC VAX or MicroVAX host, so I will discuss this
protocol here. In order to set it up properly, you must select Kermit
from the "Transfer" drop down menu. Next, select File Transfer from
the "Settings" menu, this will take you to the Kermit Setup dialog box.
The following values have been tested with the VAX/MicroVAX
Kermit-32 protocol, but may need to be modified for your specific
system. Set: Timeout after to "10" Sec, Maximum number of retries to
"10", Number of padding characters to "0", Packet Size to "94", Quote
character to "#", 8 bit quote character to "&", Repeat prefix character
to "~", leave the padding character blank, Start of packet to
"Control-A", IBM mode to "Off", Incomplete files to "Discard", and
Error check type to "Chk 1". As I stated before, these values work
perfectly for me, but you may have to modify them to get Kermit to work
with your host system.
Once you have all of the settings configured the way you want
them, select Save Setup from the "File" drop down menu. If you name
the setup file "UNITERM.SET" and place it in the same directory that
you are running UniTerm from, it will be loaded automatically each time
you boot up the program. Now that you have the program set up
properly, you must dial into your host system and use the VMS "SET
TERMINAL" command to configure the host for your terminal type. Set up
the autodialer as instructed in the manual and then log into your host.
When VMS gives you its command line prompt (usually a "$"), type
in the following command: "SET TERMINAL /PERMANENT /INQUIRE /WIDTH=127
/PAGE=24". After typing in this command and hitting return, there may
be a slight pause as the host system does an inquiry to UniTerm, and
sets its parameters accordingly. Soon, you will see your screen clear
and switch into compressed (127 column) mode. If you prefer,
substitute "80" as the value in the "/WIDTH=" parameter. You can use
the "SET TERMINAL /WIDTH=" command to toggle the display mode back and
forth.
At this point, you can do a "SHOW TERMINAL" to see your terminal
setup. The "Device_Type:" field should show the proper terminal type,
and the "Width:" and "Page:" fields should show the correct screen
dimensions. You should also see that "Line_Editing", "ANSI_CRT",
"Advanced_Video", "Edit_Mode", "DEC_CRT" and in the case of the VT-220
mode, "DEC_CRT2" are set under the "Terminal Characteristics:" area.
The "Terminal Characteristics:" should also display "Printer_Port" or
"No Printer_Port" depending on how you set the printer option in
Terminal Setup #2.
If all of the options are set in UniTerm and on the host system as
I have explained above, you should now be able to use your Atari ST as
a terminal to your DEC VAX or MicroVAX host system. This will be of
particular interest to those of you who have personal or class accounts
on the VAX network at the University. If you have any more questions,
or would like to get a hold of the latest version of UniTerm, see me at
the upcoming user's group meeting. Hope to see you all there!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ULTRASYNC STR Review¿
====================
PRINCETON ULTRASYNC
===================
by R.F. Mariano
Princeton Graphics Systems' UltraSync is truly a sight to behold.
It combines unmatched compatibility with STATE-of-the-ART Technology to
provide the widest available autosynchronous horizontal/vertical scan
frequency range. Thus making the fine features of this magnificent monitor
available to a wide range of computers including IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2, Apple
MacIntosh II and the Atari ST/Mega computers.
As a result of the latest technological enhancements, the Princeton
Ultrasync offers an exceptionally fine dot pitch (.28mm) and superior
display resolution (800x600) which produces an image of unequaled clarity,
in bright vivid colors. The Princeton Ultrasync is economically designed
with a black matrix tube, no-glare etched screen, built in tilt and swivel
base and a color switch.
The DB 25 Connector on the rear of the Monitor provides everything
needed to bring the finest in performance to your computer system.
1 - GROUND TTL 2 - RED 2 OR GND TTL
RED ANALOG GRN ANALOG
3 - RED TTL 4 - GRN TTL
BLUE ANALOG COMP-HORIZ-SYNC
5 - BLUE TTL 6 - GRN 2 OR INTENSITY TTL
PCG MODE ANALOG GND ANALOG
7 - BLUE 2 TTL 8 - HORIZ-SYNC TTL
GND ANALOG GND ANALOG
9 - VERT-SYNC 10 - N/C
11 - RED ANALOG 12 - GRN ANALOG
13 - BLUE ANALOG 14 - N/C
15 - N/C 16 - GND
17 - GND 18 - GND
19 - N/C 20 - GND
21 - GND 22 - N/C
23 - HORIZ-SYNC 24 - VERT-SYNC
25 - N/C
The following is a partial list of the specifications of this monitor
COLORS DISPLAYED.................Infinite colors (Analog RGB .6v p-p pos.)
8, 16, 64 colors in TTL mode.
SYNC SIGNALS.....................TTL Pos. or Neg., Composite or separate,
sync on green.
SWEEP FREQUENCY..................Autosync Vertical Scan 45-120 Hz.
Autosync Horizontal scan 15 Khz-35Khz.
ACTIVE DISPLAY AREA..............215mm(W) x 160mm(H)
RESOLUTION.......................800 x 600
MISCONVERGENCE
CENTER.......................Within .3 mm
CIRCUMFERENCE................Within .6 mm
PICTURE TUBE.....................12" diagonal, 90 degree deflection .28mm
dot pitch, black matrix tube, non-glare
etched screen.
EXTERNAL USER CONTROLS...........Power, brightness, contrast, vertical
sizing, vertical centering, horizontal
sizing, horizontal centering, over/under
scan, text switch, color button, TTL -
Analog button
INPUT CONNECTOR..................25 pin D Connector
AMBIENT OPERATING TEMPERATURE....0-40 Degrees Celsius
POWER SUPPLY.....................90-132 VAC, 49-61 HZ
180-264VAC (available)
POWER CONSUMPTION................85W
Since installing this monitor in the system, we have been making
comparisons of performance between the SC1224 - SM124 monitors and this
UltraSync....the Medium and low REZ is hands high better that what the
SC1224 can offer, it is sharper, more clear and the colors are magnificent
and truly vivid. The monochrome is easily equal to the SM124. One of the
nice points in the monochrome mode is the ability to adjust the background
color between a pleasant blue, amber or green. The UltraSync is a real
pleasure to own and operate. Switching between the two resolution modes,
Mono/Color, is a little bit more involved, where it used to be just
punching the button on the Monitor Master, it is now necessary to hit the
button on the Monitor Master and adjust the monitor for perfection. ..AND
you do GET perfection!
FOR MORE INFO:
-------------
PRINCETON GRAPHICS SYSTEMS
601 EWING STREET, BLDG A
PRINCETON, N.J. 08540
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
> FAIR?? STR Focus¿
================
USERGROUPS - ENDANGERED SPECIES?
================================
The usergroup, be it dedicated to motorcycles, bass fishing boats,
or computers is nothing unique to Atari or any other manufacturer of
popular consumer items. Enthusiastic supporters of popular products are
found in almost every marketplace. (Edsel, Timex, Packard, C.B., etc.).
However, usergroups, as we know them, may very well be an endangered
species. When we see all sorts of enterprising young men coming down the
path, hawking their wares of wonderment and promising to take all the
drudgery out of putting on a jamboree, 'fest, or whatever 'name' is used.
Remember the fabulous "Jamborees" for CB Radio? What happened to them
when the "glitz and schmaltz" was introduced?
Most Usergroups are formed by folks who have a common bond; the
product they enjoy using and enthusiastically support. Unfortunately,
most folks DO NOT realize that the main reason the Usergroups sponsor
these fests is for the opportunity to earn the meager profits that will
enable the Usergroup to operate comfortably for another year. The monies
they realize from a show of any type enables that group to survive, and
the 'fest provides viable avenues of activity and support for not only
it's members, but the community in which it is founded. The loss of this
source of revenue would force usergroups to seek other means of raising
support funds. In addition, the majority of usergroups are chartered as
non-profit organizations, and in the by-laws or preamble they usually have
a pledge of intent to support a lawfully recognized charity through the
donation of any and all monies in excess of normal operating expenses. Of
course, with the advent of the commercialization of the usergroup sponsored
show, the support of these designated beneficiaries (the selected charity)
is also 'endangered'.
Now comes an enterprising promoter who says; "I'll do it all for
you, I know this guy and that guy, I'll take all the headaches out of
putting on the show. Let me do it for you.!" One good question at this
point would be WHY are you doing this wonderful and gracious deed for our
usergroup, and how much will it cost our group?
Usually, the answer is the Usergroup's cost is, "NOT a Dime!"
However, is this the entire picture? Actually, what is this 'service'
costing the usergroup? As we see it, possibly it's very existence.
Consider all the effects of bringing in a Promoter to handle a group's show
or any other facet of the group's activity. Initially it all seems
marvelous, but what effect will it have on neighboring communities and the
potential for the users there ever setting up a usergroup? Or, if just
one group is plunged into bankruptcy because of a problem, the fallout
will effect every usergroup. All usergroups should strongly consider every
aspect of the association and the potential long range effects prior to
entering into such an agreement.
In every major city, all promoters of any type must be licensed by
city and state authorities. Make sure the promoter wanting to do your
group's show has all the proper credentials and licenses. Also, make
absolutely sure that all the responsibilities, (insurance, bonds, etc..),
for the show, are fully provided for by the promoter(s). After all, they
make all the rules, and they get all the profits.
How can they do this? Easy. They sell the ads, the advance ticket
sales, the advertisements in the show's tear bill, the souvenirs, the
booth spaces, etc. In fact, just about everything must now go through the
hands of the promoter. Some of the usergroups do notice that the ticket
prices are much higher than the last show, and that, in fact, everything
is much more expensive. Profit motivation dictates higher pricing in all
directions. It's certain the members of the usergroup will be paying the
higher prices to "attend their show".
Try this on for size.. most major corporations will place "seed"
money into any provocative promotion that shows promise of being beneficial
to product recognition and, ultimately, sales..that's just good business
and quite wise to do so. Now Mr. Promoter comes before this corporation
and says, "I have seven shows planned at these strategic locations around
the country"! Naturally, the corporate executive is impressed, and
verifies that yes, the booths are booked and all seems in order. Now,
since the average amount of seed money ranges from 5 to 7 thousand dollars
per show, the promoter ultimately has an opportunity to invest 35 to 49
thousand dollars of someone else's money and earn the profits therefrom.
Not bad, but...where does it leave the usergroups, the intended benefactors
of these shows?
A little 'birdie' heard one such promoter exclaim: "By 1990 I hope to
do ALL the Usergroup Shows"! ..hmmm.. Will the Usergroups be able to
continue to rely on these shows for financial support?
Let's see, 80 booths at $750.00 per booth, plus 30,000 in attendance
EST. @ $5.00 is $210,000.00. And these figures do not include ancillary
income from all of the other activities at the show (souvenirs, vending,
etc.). Of course, there are expenses to be met and obligations to be paid
from this income, expenses and obligations that would most certainly exceed
the financial means of the average usergroup. It is this lack of financial
means that has prevented user groups from sponsoring shows of this
magnitude in the past. Now the shows are being taken out of the hands of
the usergroups, and we have yet to see any real evidence as to what amount
of the proceeds (indeed, if any) are guaranteed to the usergroup.
How about a usergroup actually PAYING (discounted) for a booth!
It is even rumored that some of the usergroups get NONE of the profits and
only a FREE Booth.. Seems they are told that they get to keep only what
they make in their own booth. But to be considered a sponsor or be part
of the "echelon" of the show, they must provide free manpower. Is the
Usergroup a winner here?
Let's See now, a Usergroup can..
A) provide the manpower (voluntary)..
B) provide support and enthusiasm..
C) relinquish any profits..
D) pay for a booth (possibly)
E) receive plenty of "attaboys"
F) be dependent on the promoter's "Goodwill"
G) acquire new members
*** P.T. Barnum can learn something here. ***
The real questions here are:
WHAT IS THE REAL GOOD TO THE USERGROUP AS A GROUP?
WHAT DIRECT BENEFIT IS THERE FOR EACH MEMBER OF THE USERGROUP?
OR, IS THE CENTRAL PURPOSE OF THE ATARIFESTS TO GENERATE PROFITS RATHER
THAN SUPPORT USER GROUPS AND PROMOTE ATARI AS MANUFACTURER OF QUALITY
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT?
You can be sure that the majority of Usergroups will never establish a
building fund or be able to pursue any other long range goals.
The answers to these questions will come in time, ..they always do.
Hopefully, the usergroups ..will have the time.....
CAVEAT EMPTOR!
--------------
Nota Bene:
----------
The above article is neither an accusation of any wrong doing nor is
it intended to be. The main thrust of the above article is to cause the
leaderships of Usergroups nationwide to seriously think about what is being
proposed and what is actually occurring. In the past few weeks, we have
seen Usergroup pitted against Usergroup, alleged 'spokespersons' taking
sides and publicizing some very sad and nasty remarks. Even if a promoter
has the best intentions possible, if some control and respect is not shown
to all usergroups and concerned parties in a professional, business-like
manner, there can be none in return. In the interests of all parties
concerned, the entire situation warrants a more thorough examination.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Psss't? STR FYI¿
===============
The Grapevine
=============
by Todd Hendreks
Hi there. ....This is my first attempt at writing a small column for ST
REPORT. It won't be weekly, but it'll be sent up whenever I get new info
from down here in HouSTon. First I'll tell about some new ST products and
then some rumors that I gathered from people and magazines.
New software/hardware for the ST:
- HYPERFONT -
From Michtron, it enables you to edit and create fonts. The font objects
are created by objects and not pixels. So whatever font is created, it
can be easily resized and modified. Also, a scanned image can be used to
create a font. The fonts are saved in GDOS format so they can be used in
such programs such as Word Up, Timeworks Publisher, Easy Draw etc.
Thanks to Terry Thorn who gave me the info about this program.
List price is $49.95.
- GENlock -
JRI GENlock has arrived! It only works on a Mega, but I've heard a
version for the 1040's and 520's will be done. It connects to the Mega bus
if I remember correctly. The output is fantastic. We had a VCR connected
and we played the tape and an animation on the SC1224. Yes, the color
moniter became a TV! And a pretty sharp TV at that. It's all hardware and
there's a small controller box that lets you fade in/out the background &
Foreground. And there were many other functions, too numerous to list
here. When we aborted the animation, the ST went back to the desktop, but
the VCR tape was still playing! Pretty neat moving the mouse pointer and
seeing a videotape on the SC1224. Talk about the ultimate Neodesk! This
is a high quality GENlock. If you have been wanting to use a GENlock on
your ST, then by all means get this one!
List price is $650. Not bad considering that some Amiga Genlocks can be
over one thousand dollars.
- Ultrascript -
It's here! Now you can buy the Atari laser that comes with Ultrascript
(The Postscript clone) for around $1500. It comes with about 35 or so
Postscript FONTS and some Ultrascript fonts, I believe. Right now, you
can only get Ultrascript if you buy the laser package. Apparently, that's
what the company IMAGEN wants. Atari, I hear, is trying to change that
contract so they can sell Ultrascript separately. I hope IMAGEN agrees.
I think you can get Ultrascript from the company itself though. Give them
a call to find out.
List price for it is around $230-250. You might need a Mega 4
- Zany Golf -
This a fantastic golf game! Actually, it's a sort of Putt-Putt golf game.
There are nine holes and each one is graphically outstanding. Each course
has a unique name according to the way the course is like. One is called
Hamburger Hill. There is a hamburger on top of the hole and you have to
make the burger bounce by clicking the left mouse button. Another one,
the ninth hole, has lasers and other oddities. So far, everyone who plays
this has not passed the ninth hole. You control the golf ball with the
mouse. You hold the right button and pull the mouse back to control the
power of the ball and you move the mouse left to right to control where
the ball will go. You can also scan through out the course before you
shoot. I don't have this game, but I will get it! Would you BELIEVE that
this is little jewel is from....... ELECTRONIC ARTS! This is what Marble
Madness should have been. It's what Marble Madness could have been.
Hopefully, EA will come out with more quality products like this.
List price is $39.95. ..and worth the money even though the mega has a
few small problems that do not hurt the game play, just the score card.
Reportedly, a fix is on the way!
- These are "RUMORS":
------
There is apparently an Amiga emulator out in Europe that lets you run
certain Amiga software. Even if the Amiga emulator crashes and has bugs,
it'll still be a true emulation of the Amiga.
IRS audit has found out that Commodore must pay $74 million in back taxes.
That's a lot considering that Commodore's profit was only in the area of
approximately $56 million.
There might be a tag on 68020 processor board. Hopefully, this is true.
Also, there may be a video display that increases the resolution greatly.
The person whom I obtained this info from received these hardware rumors
from two extremely reliable sources.
Well, that's it. So, until whenever I get some more info:
Same ST time, Same ST channel.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Galaxy STR Focus¿
================
GALAXY/STARLINK
===============
For Real?????
by Richard E. Covert
[ This is a Rebuttal To GTC's response to my original article that
appeared in ST REPORT #77. Also, this GTC guy didn't even have the common
courtesy to ARC his comment file to save people time downloading it from
GEnie!!
Another fact is that the GTC/STARLINK uploaded his response to GEnie
without obtaining prior permission from either myself or ST REPORT.
My responses will be noted by the square brackets. Richard E. Covert
[rec]
TO: All Starlink Users
FROM: GTC/StarLink
[ Who is this from?? At least I used my real name. I don't hide behind
some company name.
rec]
Subj: An example of what not to do in the publishing business.
[ My article had nothing to do with publishing. It was an article about
hidden charges that GTC doesn't advertise when you ask about Starlink.
I have no affiliation with ST REPORT. I don't get paid for my articles
in ST REPORT. I do NOT represent myself as an ST REPORT reporter. I am
simply an individual who hopes to help others avoid being ripped off
by unethical vendors!!
rec]
An article appeared this month in an Atari On-Line magazine of some type
called ST Report (We have been in the electronic publishing business for
three years and never heard of this one. Does it really exist?)
[ Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!! ST REPORT has been posted on
GEnie for at least a year now. Where has this guy been?? And if
ST REPORT is so unknown why is GTC worried about an article in it??
Could it be that GTC is in bed with a competing ST online magazine??
It seems kinda strange that the ST ZMAG article on STARLINK didn't
mention any of the hidden charges!!
And what magazines does this guy publish?? How come we never see them
here?? Or maybe he is affiliated with ST ZMAG?? If so, why doesn't he
just admit it??
rec]
A person signed up on our system recently and identified himself as "ST
REPORT" and tried to hustle us for a free Starlink account so he could
write "a good review about Starlink". We refused to give him a free
account and this is the result. Our responses are enclosed in << >> below
the appropriate paragraphs.
[ This is an outright LIE!! I would like to pursue this in court as this
guy (who won't even leave his real name) is accusing me of actions that
I didn't do!! I NEVER asked for a free account on Starlink. I never
threatened to write a bad review of Starlink unless I got a free account!!
I don't know who this unnamed individual is but he isn't Richard E. Covert
This article is NOT the result of being refused a FREE Starlink
account. I would NEVER accept anything from someone who refuses to
leave his name when attacking me!!! This article was written after I
read an article in ST ZMAG which was simply a screen capture from the
STARLINK BBS. I believe that prospective Starlink customers should be
warned about the hidden charges that GTC refuses to admit to publicly!!
rec]
Star Light, Star Bright, No Starlink For Me Tonight!
=====================================================
Starlink has what appears to be 'hidden charges'!
Or
****** How Starlink Really can Cost $46.50 Per Hour ******
by Richard Covert
This article will prove that the new Starlink data service offered by
Galaxy Information Network(GIN) is too expensive for the home hobbyist to
use. GIN fails to tell prospective customers of the REAL, hidden, costs
of their new service. This can only be attributed to ruthless marketing in
an attempt to capture former Telenet PC Pursuit customers..
<< Beware computerists: call us and we may strangle you with your modem
phone cord >>
[ The comments by GTC should prove my above comments!!!
rec]
This article starts one evening when I read a message on a bbs describing
a great new data service called STARLINK. Being unhappy with Telenet's
proposed price increase, I naturally called. The number I was given was for
a BBS. I logged in and screen captured a message detailing the costs for
Starlink. Basically, it would be a usage charge of $1.50 per hour to any one
of 91 cities in the continental United States. Sounds great, I says to
myself. Why not call voice and sign up for Starlink.
<< love this guy's grammar >>
[ So, I am no Shakespeare!! The guy from GTC is no Pope either!!!
rec]
So, I call GIN and ask for more information. The operator there describes
how wonderful Starlink is and says 'Yes, the fee is $1.50 per hour'. He
also says that 91 cities are STARLINKable at 2400 baud and that 10 cities
can be called at 9600 baud. Now, I don't own a 9600 baud modem, but it
would definitely pay to get one seeing as how I could transfer files and
messages four times as fast, and thus save on my connect time (at only
$1.50 per hour, remember). So, I ask for an enrollment packet and decide
to pay via the CHECKFREE option. I sure didn't want to give out a credit
charge number without more information then I had already..
<< who would give this guy a credit card >>
[ Who would give GTC a credit charge number?? I sure wouldn't!!!!
Besides, what does my credit history have to do with Starlink?? I
probably earn more money from my full time job then this guy does from
running GTC anyway!!
rec]
So, a few days pass and I receive a letter from GIN. Ho boy, am I excited.
The envelope contained three pages, all with a nice letterhead by GIN in
Virginia Beach VA. As I eagerly read thru the letters I came across the
worm in the apple.. And boy was it a biggie.. It turns out that Starlink
has some serious hidden charges which GIN doesn't tell you over the phone.
******They are as follows:
===================
(1)
There is a minimum connect time of FIVE minutes once you connect to a
STARLINK city. This means that if you only want to call one BBS in that
city, and that BBS is busy, you will be charged FIVE minutes if you
disconnect from that city to try another city. Given as how so many BBSes
are busy so often it would be a frequent occurrence. So, be prepared to
spend at least FIVE minutes in each Starlink city, because you are going
to be billed for it anyway..
<< you are using the network. This should be free? >>
[ You missed my point. I am simply warning people that there is a minimum
connect charge that could run up to some big money if you aren't careful!!
If you read messages about PCP's new charges, you will note that being
charged to connect to PCP nodes and then getting charged for time spent
waiting for a BBS to free up is a sore point with many customers. I
wanted to warn future Starlink customers about your policy!! And Telenet
tried to remedy this by not charging you for connect times less then
a minute. GTC on the other hand charges you five minutes even if you
disconnect in less then that!! Call enough cities with BUSY BBSes and you
could log a lot of five minute charges!!
On the other hand, since you aren't on for the full five minutes, these
charges would help with the Data Transfer charges (since you don't have
any data transfer!!!).
Furthermore, a big user of PCP are BBSes which exchange messages overnight.
These messages could run into hundreds of kilobytes. Are these BBSes
to be penalized for providing a service to their callers?? There are
ST BBSes which use Crossnet, and IBM BBSes which use FidoNet to exchange
such messages. I guess GTC/Starlink only wants the small users who are
willing to pay the large fees that GTC charges without using much of the
resources!! Starlink sounds more and more like a ripoff to me!!!
rec]
(2)
The much touted BBS that GIN is really used to notify you of your bills.
It turns out that if you elect to use the CHECKFREE option to have your
monthly charges deducted automatically from a checking account, GIN
notifies you via email on their BBS. This sounds great until you read the
fine print. GIN will submit the payment to your checking account FIVE
days after notifying you of the charge. So, you had better have an extra
couple hundred dollars laying around in your checking account or you could
has some bouncing ball type checks.. Since GIN only gives you FIVE days
notice, you will have to call their BBS almost daily to determine your
bill. And then you will only have FIVE days to get the cash together to
pay it. Oh, by the way, GIN will be nice enough to charge you $20 if their
payment fails due to non-sufficient funds in your checking account..
<< Richard? Are you planning on using the service without having the money
in your account to pay your bill? >>
[ My point is that you could run up such large bills, and the bills would
be so unpredictable, that it could make it very easy to overdraw your
checking account. And since you only have 5 days to get the cash into
your checking account, it is even worse. At least GEnie gives you two
weeks before billing your checking account. I think Starlink should
bill two weeks after notification!!
rec]
(3)
You still have to connect to a local STARLINK modem, and then call thru
it to connect to the STARLINK modem in one of the 91 cities. This is just
as bad as PCP.
<< Really now...... is there another way to do this? >>
[ Well, it would be nice to be able to dial direct, but I guess that is
impossible with a data network.
rec]
(4)
You are responsible for ALL local connect charges to the BBS on the remote
end. Say, you call Tampa Florida and want to connect to a BBS in Largo.
Now Largo is just across the Bay from Tampa so you call your BBS. But,
Largo is an In-State Long Distance call from Tampa, so GIN is going to
gladly charge you for the call between Tampa and Largo. In-State Long
Distance calls are more expensive then Out Of State Long Distance calls.
So, be prepared for more dollars leaving your wallet.
<< please.....at least you can call it. Try that with another service >>
[ Yes, that is nice, but Starlink customers had better be prepared for
big Starlink bills!!! And that is my point!!!
rec]
(5)
The BBS is billed NOT at the $2.00 an hour described over the phone but
you also have to pay the $1.50 an hour connect charge. Therefore, using
their BBS costs you $3.50 per hour. And you have to use their BBS to get
your notification of your current bill..
<< The BBS is billed at $2.00 per hour. The service is $1.50. EXACTLY as
stated over the phone. RAM failure, Richard? >>
[ Another snide remark by the unnamed individual at GTC. Why don't you
leave your real name anyway?? Afraid of publicity?? Afraid of getting
flaming email on GEnie??
Anyway, how do you connect to the GTC BBS?? If you don't happen to live
within a local call of it you need to call thru Starlink to connect to
the Starlink BBS. Therefore, you will be billed for the $1.50 per hour
Starlink connect time plus the $2.00 BBS connect charge, for a total
of $3.50 per hour. GEnie looks real good to me at $5.00 per hour
compared to the lame Starlink BBS!!
rec]
(6)
There is a one time $50 sign up charge.. Even PCP didn't have the nerve
to charge $50 just to sign up.. This is higher then any other computer
service..
<< The sign up fee has been reduced to $25 per month >>
[ Oh goodie, now we get to pay the sign up fee of $25 each month!! Hey,
that's what the man says, "$25 per month"!!!
rec]
(7)
There is a $10 per month maintenance and administration fee. But this
entitles you to TWO free hours on their BBS. Better not use up that two
free hours early because you have to call the BBS to be notified of your
bill...
<< It takes you two hours to read an E-Mail message? >>
[ Yep, if you have to read every day to check for notification of the
bill.
rec]
(8)
I saved the worst for last.. Even with all of the above "cute" charges,
Starlink might still be acceptable. IF it were not for the fact that
GIN charges you a DATA TRANSFER FEE. You get to transfer 100 kilobytes
per hour for free, and anything after that is charged at 1.5 cents per
kilobyte... That's right friends, you had better stop chatting after those
first 100 Kbytes because they start costing you from then. So, you go out
and buy that fancy new 9600 baud, which only set you back $500 because you
bought it from US ROBOTICS under their SYSOP purchase plan, and now you
can transfer THREE megabytes of data per hour.. So, that three megs of
files is going to cost you $45. (BAD NEWS!) That makes your total cost
to use Starlink $46.50 per hour plus any charges for local calls on the
remote end..
<< There is NO POSSIBLE way you can exceed 100 kilocharacters per hour
"chatting". NONE!
The Kchar charge is there to prevent the exact same thing from happening on
Starlink that happened on PC Pursuit. An attack of the "FILE HOGS". The
charge is AVERAGED over a persons MONTHLY useage. In other words, ten
hours usage earns 1,000 kchars for that 10 hours. No one will exceed 40
kchars per hour unless he is downloading files. Then, if he uses the
service for ten hours per month he would have to download over a megabyte
of files to exceed the allowed kchars AND DO IT CONTINUOUSLY. >>
[ First, it is very possible to transfer more then the 100K char per
hour without being a "FILE HOG". A couple of GEnie files could be
over 100K alone. I keep screen capture files from GEnie, and a typical
30 minute call on GEnie will yield a file of over 100K. And that's without
downloading a single file from GEnie. That is simply text and messages
Also, the key point is NOT what the unnamed GTC guy says on a service
like GEnie but what you SIGN. I have the enrollment forms from GTC in
front of me. And you agree to pay 1.5 cents per Kilochar after the first
100K in any hour. The papers do not mention anything about a monthly
average. So, by signing the enrollment form, you are signing a legally
binding contract to pay 1.5 cents per kilochar. I don't trust someone
who won't even leave his real name in an attack on me!!!
rec]
So, to summarize, Starlink can really cost you over $46.50 per hour if
you call at 9600 baud. You only get five days notification before your
checking account is billed. You are billed for any charges incurred in
completing your call on the remote end. You get to pay a fifty dollar
sign up fee, and you are billed $10 per month maintenance. All calls to a
Starlink city are billed a minimum of five minutes. So, I say BUNK to
Starlink.. If you want to call and ask GIN to answer these questions here
is a TOLL FREE number that GIN can be reached at:
800-321-0156.....
So, Please check out Starlink carefully before you sign..
<< YES! Please do call us! At least you'll get the facts in the matter
and not a biased opinion from someone who was looking for a free lunch! >>
[ Once again this unnamed individual from GTC accuses me of something that
I didn't do!! I repeat, I NEVER asked for a free Starlink account.
After reading this guy's attack on me, I wouldn't take a free Starlink
account if it was offered! I wouldn't trust this guy. I would be afraid
that at any time they would charge me for usage if I didn't kowtow to.
also, you won't get the hidden charges by calling GTC. I didn't know about
them until after I got the enrollment forms from GTC. And once more I
stress, you are signing a legal contract with GTC giving them access to
whatever attempt of money that GTC determines you owe them. Since there
is no upper limit specified in the contract, GTC could charge you almost
any amount. At least with a credit charge you have some protection, but by
using the CHECKFREE payment option you are totally without recourse!!
My advice is to stay clear of GTC and Starlink. Their hidden charges raise
the total, effective, rate of Starlink to a prohibitive level. And since
the fees are so unpredictable, you leave yourself open to huge bills.
PCP is looking better all of the time!!!!
My advice is to buy a 9600 baud modem and use AT&T's Reach Out America
to call long distance BBSes. ROA is a flat $7.20 per hour nights and
weekends, and you aren't billed for busy bbses!! It won't take many
months to pay for the 9600 baud modem with the savings from Starlink!!
rec]
-------======****======-------
Editor's Note:
-------------
It was I who called Galaxy/Starlink in our ongoing research of this
"User Oriented" - "Let US save you money" offering. We did, in fact, ask
for a courtesy account and...if we agreed to not call through Starlink, or,
to pay just the Starlink charges, we would find a "credit posted" every
month. In finding that they did indeed indeed offer a courtesy arrangement
in return for all issues of STReport to posted on the Galaxy BBS.
As a point of information the GENT who answered the telephone,
T. Scott, knew exactly who we were. He immediately complained about the
last time we sent files to him; "His IBM could not read them"....We
informed of the fact that they would not be sent in Atari 8 bit form as
they were a little over a year ago from NJ...we also informed him of the
present independent situation of STReport. He then said he had spoken to
"the other guy" in about a year and hoped the newsletter improved.
Therefore, when it is said they "knew NOT" , who STReport is/was, it
appears to be somewhat in error. Sure looks like another "sweetheart"
deal.
If I didn't know better, the style of the answers look mighty
familiar. Besides, we have a complete capture of the log-on procedure,
showing where we used our real name, address and telephone number. Also,
in my possession in the agreement form made out to myself and STReport
JOINTLY. ((Postmarked March 7, 1989 - Virginia Beach)) I must also agree
with Richard Covert, these folks leave a great deal to be desired.
JUST SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT!
RFM
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> CPU-NEWSWIRE STR Focus¿
======================
STReport Online Magazine
========================
Proudly Presents
CPU - NEWSWIRE!
Our first issue will be in the mail for the beginning of April
1989. CPU - NEWSWIRE will encompass the true embodiment of
what the Atari userbase is concerned with and, of course, all
the latest news presented in an in depth, comprehensive manner
thus, delivering to the reader all the facts about important
issues concerning the computing world.
:SPECIAL OFFER:
---------------
For a limited time only, STReport will, for those who subscribe
before April 15, 1989, offer a special 20% discount off the
regular subscription rate. We feel once you have seen and
enjoyed reading our fine bi - weekly newsletter, you will be
proud of having made a wise and gratifying choice.
:USERGROUPS:
------------
STReport recognizes that the Usergroup is the heart and soul of
of the popularity of Atari ST Computers in the USA today. As
such, we extend to usergroups the opportunity to participate
in a fine program designed to assist the usergroup and the user
at the same time. A special program has been put in place for
Usergroups, please call our Usergroup Co-ordinator 904-783-3319
to get the details on how your group, no matter how large or
small, can take advantage of the program.
:Commercial Enterprises:
------------------------
We chose not to harass the various Commercial Entities in
the Atari Userbase who, either directly or indirectly, are
involved in the production, development, distribution or sale
of all the fine products available for the Atari ST computer.
Instead, we offer the Business segment of the Atari Userbase
the very first full line directory aimed at satisfying the
the immediate needs of users when they seek a certain item
or company. This directory will be a comprehensive, accurate
volume published quarterly for the convenience of the Users.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
STReport's CPU - NewsWire
-------------------------
SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
=======================
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CITY:__________________________________STATE:____ZIP:__________
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=============
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{} check here if you wish to receive only the trial issues.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: ** 26 Issues and the Support Directories **
[1] ONE YEAR - 19.95 [2] TWO YEARS - 36.95 [3] THREE YEARS - 49.95
Please, BE SURE to deduct your DISCOUNT!
DO NOT SEND CASH!!
MAIL TO:
STReport - CPU NewsWire¿
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904-783-3319
STReport ..The Original Online ST Magazine
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL¿
======================
- New York City, N.Y. ****** ATARI DUMPS FEDERATED!! ******
-------------------
Amidst the rumor and conjecture, STReport has learned that, as of
Wednesday of this past week, Atari began closing the Federated Stores, we
originally reported to you over 8 weeks ago that Atari's intentions were to
separate itself from the Federated situation as soon as possible. The
Thursday edition of the New York Times carried the entire story in detail.
Also mentioned is the fact that a sale is NOT out of the question and that
the lawsuit will have no bearing on the sale. "The Atari Corporation
said today that it planned to dispose of the Federated Group Inc., a
consumer electronics retailer it purchased in 1987. As a result, the
company said it had established reserves and taken a write-off of more
than $100 million, resulting in large losses for the fourth quarter of
1988 and the year." "In an announcement made late today, Atari said it
had begun treating Federated as a discontinued operation and was studying
the sale, spin off or leveraged buyout of the unit." Counting only its
continuing operations, Atari said its net income was $9.3 million, or 16
cents a share, down 56.1% from the $21.2 million, or 36 cents a share,
recorded in the 1987 period." "Atari said the company's balance sheet
would remain sound after the write-offs and reserves. It expects an
'improving environment in 1989."
Hopefully, this will clear up a hardcopy magazine's confusion or,
mis-information by having been given "bad info"....
- Sunnyvale, CA. **** TOS 1.4 ALL SET FOR CHIP MANUFACTURER ****
--------------
As long as Murphy's Law doesn't come in to play, this _release_
version of TOS 1.4 is all set for the chip manufacturer's production line.
The chip configurations will conform to the chip sets now in use. An
important point here..last week we told you about a date on the TOS, well,
we were off by two days....the correct date: February 22, 1989 is the
date stamp on this 'final' version.
- New York City, N.Y. **** WATCH OVER HANOVER ****
------------------
ATARI CORP. ..Is Hanover going to mark the true beginning of Atari's
resurgence in the USA? The entire nation of loyal Atari Users anxiously
await any word, that by their actions (Atari), will signal that the full
effort has begun.
- Chicago, IL. ***** SPRING COMDEX TO BE THE 'SPRINGBOARD' *****
------------
Traditionally, Comdex has been the "unveiling" or debut center for
the major product releases for most major companies involved in the
computer world. This Spring's edition of Comdex promises to be a veritable
"Horn-O-Plenty" when it comes to new products from a large majority of
computer manufacturers nationwide. Hopefully, Atari will be there, we
were unable to obtain any info to confirm Atari will be at the Spring
Comdex Show. Software and hardware developers are 'loaded for bear' for
this year's Springtime Show. From all early indications the industry
undercurrent sez; "Don't miss this one!" STReport will if Atari is not
there....it is rumored that Atari, in it's infinite wisdom, might pass on
Spring Comdex ..we certainly hope NOT!
- Rockville, MD. ***** GEnie Announces NEW Programmer Conference *****
-------------
A Programming Club for All ST Programmers (Beginners and
Professionals Alike)! First Meeting: Tuesday March 14, 10pm EST, in
Conference Room #3. Planned for the first conference is programmer
Dorothy Brumleve. If you enjoy programming, please plan to attend.
- Rockville, MD. ****** SAM TRAMIEL TO TELL ALL? ******
-------------
Sam Tramiel will be joining us on March 15th, 7pm PST - 10pm EST in
a formal conference. The Head man at Atari once will attempt to hold an
online conference. Hopefully, this time he will have more "to the point
answers" for the attendees.
- St. Louis, MO. ****** PAGESTREAM 1.51 IS SOLID! *****
--------------
The good folks at Soft Logik are well ahead of themselves at this
time with PageStream. The version most of us have, 1.51, has proven
itself to be even more reliable than PP. Concentrated effort is now being
applied by Soft Logik it their ongoing efforts to continually improve a
fine program to make it even better.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ScoutWorld 89 STR Focus¿
=======================
======================
*------===== IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT =====------*
======================
ST J.A.U.G.
in it's ongoing commitment to support
the
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
and
ATARI CORP.
PROUDLY ANNOUNCES...
-----------------
SCOUT WORLD 1989
================
MAY 19, 20, 21, 1989
Location: JACKSONVILLE NAVAL AIR STATION
-------- Jacksonville, Florida 32205 USA
More Info: 904-783-3319
---------
Last year's attendance 162,457 people.
ST Jacksonville Atari Usergroup last year set up 27 ST computer
systems for the enjoyment and pleasure of the show's attendees.
This year, with Atari Corp.'s assurances of assistance to ST.
J.A.U.G., we have reserved an 80 foot booth specifically for
the Atari Computer Exhibition and it's supporters.
In addition, TWO phone lines will be operated by STReport and
ST J.A.U.G. members displaying to SCOUT WORLD 1989's attendees
the wonderful world of the Major Online Services and exploring
the various aspects of the services and all they have to offer
the computer user. We found the participation last year by the
attendees in the Online Service Display was excellent.
ATARI ..."At the Campfire"
"TODAY'S YOUTH ARE TOMORROW'S LEADERS"
------=====***=====------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
> A "QUOTABLE QUOTE"¿
==================
Poetic Justice
--------------
"...'Tis better to be thought a fool,,,
than
to open one's mouth and remove ALL DOUBT!"
"1989 - ATARI'S QUEST"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST-REPORT¿Issue #78 "Your Independent News Source" March 10, 1989
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ½ copyright 1989
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those
of ST Report¿ or CPU Report¿. Reprint permission 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
