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Silicon Times Report Issue 0627
*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
_____________________________________
from
STR Publishing Inc.
""""""""""""""""""
July 06, 1990 No.6.27
=======================================================================
STReport Online Magazine¿
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST/14.4
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
** F-NET NODE 350 ** 500mb Online **
STR'S owned & operated support BBS
carries ALL issues of STReport Online Magazine
and
An International list of private BBS systems
carrying STReport Online Magazine for their users enjoyment
__________________________________________________________________
> 07/06/90: STReport¿ #6.27 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine!
-------------------------
- Editor's Podium - CPU REPORT - CPU STATUS REPORT
- SILHOUETTE UPDATE - GLENDALE/WOA - PCD II Adios..
- CodeHead Update Info - ULTIMA 6->ST! - STR CONFIDENTIAL
* PHONEY "BOYCOTT" FAX CIRCULATES! * WOA SAN JOSE - A BITTER PILL *
* EUROPE GETS 32 MHZ TT030 * ATARI UK UNVEILS BUNDLED 1040STE *
* EXCLUSIVE "EYEWITNESS REPORT" ORIGINS 90 SHOW! *
==========================================================================
ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ½
"Only UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
-* FEATURING *-
Current Events, Up to Date News, Hot Tips, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
==========================================================================
STReport's support BBS, NODE # 350 invites systems using Forem ST BBS to
participate in Forem BBS's F-Net mail network. Or, Please call # 350
direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging ideas about
the Atari ST computers through an excellent International ST Mail Network.
==========================================================================
AVAILABLE ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ BIX
==========================================================================
> The Editor's Podium¿
Let it be said that STReport listens to its readers and at times,
unbelievably, acts accordingly. Since the 'regime' change is about to
take place, STR felt it appropriate to drop the Apocalypse series as they
have 'reached' the right people. Also it seemed the time had arrived for
a co-operative effort in helping to re-build Atari's markets and
userbase. The critiques we have recently received from our well-wishers
have been read and accepted as constructive criticism.
We only hope that Atari in its infinite wisdom, has the same courage
to accept the criticisms of its users, developers, dealers and enthusiasts
in the same true spirit of "lessons learned" through constructive
critique. We shall see.
The summer is upon us in all its glory, the heat, the mosquitos and
the fabulous times at the beach... Actually, we wish all a very happy and
safe summer of sun, fun and good times.
Enjoy those vacations and for those of you who are very busy help to
prepare for the full Fall thrust for Atari, more power to you.
thanks again for your support,
Ralph.....
***********************************************************************
> CPU REPORT¿
==========
Issue # 74
----------
by Michael Arthur
Remember When....
In the early 1870s, typewriter keys would often jam when typing at
moderate speeds, and how in 1873, C.L. Sholes (inventor of the typewriter)
arranged its letters so common letter pairs would be on opposite sides of
the keyboard (in the QWERTY layout) in order to reduce the number of
jamups encountered by fast typists?
CPU Systems Roundup¿ XXXII
==========================
SIMULA, Object Oriented Programming, and the Atari ST
-----------------------------------------------------
From: dietrich@quando.quantum.de (Hans Dietrich)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st,comp.object,comp.lang.smalltalk
Subject: Re: OO on ST (long)
Message-ID: <1590@quando.quantum.de>
References: <8480@cognos.UUCP>
Reply-To: dietrich@quando.UUCP (Hans Dietrich)
Organization: Quantum GmbH, Dortmund, W-Germany
In article <8480@cognos.UUCP rossj@cognos.UUCP (Ross Judson) writes:
I've been toying with a few ideas for my honours project, which I'll
be doing next year. Since my school's faculty is really into OO (object
oriented) stuff, I'll be doing something in that area. What OO
environments are available on the ST? Do any of them work? Are any of
them suitable for project-style work? Projects usually take about 8
months to do, and are supposed to be a reasonably sophisticated
implementation of whatever your project is about.
My system is a 1040 with a 30MB. I'm willing to upgrade the memory, but
given my faith in the world of Atari I'm not so sure I want to invest
more.
[ ... ]
What's about the first object oriented language - SIMULA - as an
alternative? It's still up to date, and can run on a simple 1040 ST with
one disk drive!!
I append an abstract about the system from the SIMULA-Team in Germany.
The contact address is included at the end.
Here it is:
-----------------------------------------------
SIMULA for Atari ST
If you want to do object oriented programming you definitely should
have a look at SIMULA. SIMULA is the first and still the most advanced
object oriented programming language available on a wide variety of
machines *including* the Atari ST (see below).
SIMULA in a Nutshell
====================
- Conventional general-purpose algorithmic capability in the
style of ALGOL 60.
- Object-oriented programming (classes) encompassing encapsulation,
inheritance, information hiding, autonomous activity and strong
typing supporting the concepts of modularisation, generalisation,
specialisation, abstraction, polymorphism and pseudo-parallelism.
- Basic features for manipulating text strings.
- File concept supporting sequential and direct access methods
for byte- and record-structured files.
- Large repertoire of utility functions.
- Features supporting 2-way linked lists. More complicated list
structures such as trees and lattices are easily constructed from the
basic class facilities.
- Features supporting discrete event simulation in various styles
including the object-oriented process view.
It should be emphasized that although in many quarters SIMULA is best
known for its simulation features it is a truly general-purpose language
in the widest sense and was the inspiration for almost all developments in
the field of object-oriented programming.
What you get with each SIMULA system
====================================
- Object oriented programming. A typical SIMULA program consists of a
set of interacting processes, or *objects*. Objects are incarnations
of some prototype or *class*,generated (and perhaps later terminated)
during the execution of the program. In this manner a program written
in SIMULA can map the problem's solution conveniently and cleanly.
- Strong typing, checked mostly at compile time, ensuring that objects
are manipulated in a manner consistent with their specification.
- Objects may act independently of each other in "quasi-parallel". This
enables the class objects to act as co-routines, so that the action
of one object can be temporarily suspended, later to be resumed at
the exact point of suspension. Co-routines facilitate a faithful
representation of systems composed of both passive and active
objects. This feature is an extra dimension to those commonly
associated with object-oriented languages and is only recently
beginning to appear in some of the newer ones.
- List processing. The class "Simset" may be applied to add list
processing capabilities to the language. The programmer will then
have tools for the efficient manipulation of common aggregate
information structures, including queues. The facilities of Simset
can be further refined for more specialized purposes.
- Simulation. Application of the built-in class "Simulation" extends
SIMULA to a powerful tool for discrete event simulation in a style
which preserves in the model the inherent structure of the system
under study.
- Powerful text handling, dynamic arrays, flexible file handling, etc.
- Modularization. Separate compilation of classes and procedures is an
integral part of the language. The strong typing extends to
separately compiled modules allowing the partitioning of large SIMULA
systems into subtasks, which may be assigned to different work
groups, without fear of undetected incompatibilities.
- SIMULA has a rigid standard definition and programs are highly
portable between different computer systems
(source code compatibility).
SIMULA - Implementations
========================
SIMULA is available for the following computer systems:
Apollo DN3000 Apple MacIntosh/MPW
Atari ST BESM 6 (USSR)
CDC 3000, CDC 6000/Cyber Cromemco CS-x00
DEC 10/20 DG Eclipse/Desktop, DG MV
EC 1040/1055 (GDR) ES EVM (USSR)
Honeywell Bull DPS8 HP 900/300, HP 9300
IBM mainframes DOS, OS/2, XENIX (UNIX)
ICL 2900, ICL PERQ Indata IN4200
NCR Minitower, NCR Tower XP/32 Nixdorf Targon/31
Norsk Data NORD 100/500 PR1ME Minisupercomputers
SIEMENS 7500/BS2000 SIEMENS 7800/BS3000
SIEMENS MX, SIEMENS PCD Sperry 1100
SUN-3, SUN-4, Sun SPARCstation DEC VAX/UNIX, VAX/VMS
Since there are new implementations under way this list may already be
incomplete.
Some properties of the SIMULA system for the Atari ST
=====================================================
1) Full SIMULA language standard.
(Currently the only restriction is that the switch is not yet
implemented. Also you might expect a better accuracy from software
emulation for real arithmetic.)
2) Implementation based on the well-known Lund SIMULA System
for UNIX machines and others.
3) Compact implementation. The complete system fits on one double-sided
disk.
4) Economic. The compiler needs less than 1 MB even when compiling
modules consisting of more than one thousand source lines.
5) Fast. Compilation speed of approximately 1000 source lines per
minute. The execution speed is comparable with that of other
high-level languages.
6) Complete interfaces to TOS and GEM.
7) Separate compilation of different modules with consistency checks at
compile time.
8) Compatibility. Runs on all TOS versions and all types of keyboards.
Call interface for external procedures written in other languages
(currently supported: assembler. Under development: C support).
Uses Sozobon's jas and ld, alternatively Atari's MadMac and aln
(on request also GST).
9) Symbolic debugger (source-code debugger) is under development.
Ordering information
====================
Atari ST SIMULA is distributed by:
SIMULA-Team GmbH iG
P.O.B. 50 01 63
D - 4600 Dortmund 50
West - Germany
The introductory prices are (prices in US$ and GBP at current exchange
rates, for information only):
DM US$ GBP
ordinary 198.00 120.00 72.00
educational 148.00 90.00 54.00
(for students, teachers etc. - please accompany your order with evidence)
delivery charge in Germany, prepaid 7.00
delivery charge in Germany, not prepaid 12.00
delivery charge abroad, prepaid 22.00 13.00 8.00
(this charge is waived if you can do without the German documentation)
Please accompany your order with a check payable in DM to SIMULA-Team GmbH
Dortmund or transfer the amount due in DM before ordering
to PostGiroAmt Dortmund (BLZ 440 100 46)
Account 8999-466
for O. Schlageter Computer
More information on SIMULA
==========================
Association of SIMULA Users (ASU)
Secreteriat
Ron Kerr
Computing Laboratory
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU England
Telephone: (+44 91) 222 8187
E-Mail: r.kerr@newcastle.ac.uk
The ASU also publishes a Newsletter which may be subscribed (still) free
of charge.
Contact for SIMULA in Germany:
SIMULA Group
c/o University Dortmund / IRB e-mail: simula@unido.uucp
P.O.B. 50 05 00 simula@unido.bitnet
D - 4600 Dortmund 50
West - Germany
Literature
==========
The Standard:
-------------
[Sis87] SIMULA Standard. Stockholm, 1987. Data processing - Programming
languages - SIMULA,
Swedish Standard SS 63 61 14.
Textbooks on SIMULA:
--------------------
[Poo87] R. J. Pooley. "An Introduction to Programming in SIMULA."
Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1987.
ISBN 0-632-01611-6 resp. 0-632-01422-9 (pbk.).
[Lam88] Guenther Lamprecht. "SIMULA - Einfuehrung in die
Programmiersprache." Vieweg Verlag, Braunschweig, Wiesbaden, 3.
neubearbeitete Auflage, 1988. ISBN 3-528-23321-4.
(In German, also available in English)
[Kir89] Bjoern Kirkerud. "Object-Oriented Programming with SIMULA."
International Computer Science Series. Addison-Wesley Publishing
Co., 1989. ISBN 0-201-17574-6.
Textbooks on Simulation
-----------------------
[Fra77] W.R. Franta. The process view of simulation. Elsevier
North-Holland, New-York, 1977.
[Bir79] Graham M. Birtwistle. DEMOS - Discrete Event Modeling on SIMULA.
MacMillan Press, London, Basingstoke, 1979. ISBN 0-333-32881-8.
[Mit82] I. Mitrani. Simulation Techniques for discrete event systems.
Cambridge University Press, 1982.
[Kre86] Wolfgang Kreutzer. System Simulation Programming Styles
and Languages. Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1986.
-------------------------------------------------------------
I hope this helps!
best regards,
Hans Dietrich
-------------------------------------------------------------
CPU INSIGHTS¿
============
Tickertape Special Edition: Computer Stock Roundup I
-----------------------------------------------------
by Michael Arthur
The best measurement of a stock's true worth is in its long-term
performance. While "The Tickertape" measures how investors think Atari,
Commodore, Apple, and IBM are doing at the present time, it doesn't show
how their stocks are doing in a wider time frame. Therefore, this monthly
section will show how the stocks covered in "The Tickertape" perform
throughout the course of the year. This edition spans a one month period,
from June 1990 to July 1990.
Stock Report for period of 6/01/90 to 6/29/90
_________________________________________________________________________
STock | Price on | June 8, | June 15 | June 22 | June 29, | Change |
Report| 6/01/90 | 1990 | 1990 | 1990 | 1990 |in Price|
------|----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|----------|--------|
Atari | 5 5/8 | 5 3/8 | 5 1/8 | 5 1/2 | 6 | Up 3/8 |
|70,500 Sls|106,800 Sls|60,500 Sls |107,500 Sls|# 137,400 | Points |
------|----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+----------+--------|
CBM | 9 1/8 | 8 3/8 | 8 | 7 7/8 | 7 7/8 |- 1 1/4 |
|# 730,700 |36,900 Sls |49,600 Sls |81,700 Sls |58,900 Sls| Points |
------|----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+----------+--------|
Apple | 40 3/4 | 38 1/4 | 39 1/2 | 41 1/2 | 44 3/4 | Up 4 |
|#1,403,900|# 2,981,100|# 1,287,000|# 2,535,500|#2,903,500| Points |
------|----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+----------+--------|
IBM | 119 1/2 | 118 3/4 | 120 3/8 | 116 1/4 | 117 1/2 | Down 2 |
|#1,542,000|# 1,431,300|# 2,111,900|# 1,200,100|# 853,700 | Points |
------'------------------------------------------------------------------'
'#' and 'Sls' stand for the number of stock shares traded that day.
'CBM' stands for Commodore Business Machines.
CPU MacNews
===========
APPLE OFFERS TO LICENSE APPLETALK NETWORKING SOFTWARE
-----------------------------------------------------
Apple has recently started the AppleTalk Licensing Program, in order
to further the acceptance of its AppleTalk networking standard in
non-Macintosh sectors of the computer industry. In this, Apple will be
licensing source code and object code for its AppleTalk networking
protocols to software companies and computer vendors.
This will allow more PCs, workstations, and mainframes to directly
link up with Macs in LANs (Local Area Networks) via AppleTalk. Also, LAN
Networks for other computers could use the AppleTalk Network Software to
provide network services without having to "roll their own" networking
software. Since several LAN systems have already been announced for the
Atari ST, with the TT having its own AppleTalk hardware port, such
AppleTalk software support could also quickly appear for the ST....
STuffit Deluxe 1.0 Compression Program Ships
--------------------------------------------
Raymond Lau, the person who developed the .SIT data compression
standard for the Macintosh, is now producing a commerical version of
STuffit 1.5.1 (the premier Mac file compression utility), called STuffit
Deluxe. Marketed by Aladdin Systems, this utility includes:
- Full support of the ARC, PAK/PKA, and SIT file compression
standards, allowing multiple files and folders to be compressed
into an archive.
- Several file security options, including password protection and
archive encryption using the DES data encryption algorithm
(a US government standard used in many businesses)
- The ability to check both itself, and all files in an archive for
signs of virus infection
- File Management options, including copy/move/delete/rename files.
Stuffit Deluxe will run on a Macintosh (or a Mac compatible) with 1
Meg of RAM and 2 disk drives. Cost: $100.00 (registered owners of STuffit
1.5.1 need only pay $40.00).
Aladdin Systems also sells another utility designed by Lau. Called
ShortCut, this CDEV allows one to search for files/folders, and perform
various file management operations (including decompressing .SIT files),
from the Standard Open dialog box. Cost: $80.00.
To find out more about STuffit Deluxe (or to ask Mr. Lau to make a
version of STuffit for the Atari ST), contact:
Aladdin Systems
Deer Park Center, Suite 23A-171
Aptos, CA 95003
(408)-685-9175
> CPU STATUS REPORT¿ >>>> LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS <<<<
=================
- Cambridge, MA LOTUS ANNOUNCES 1-2-3 FOR UNIX SYSTEM V RELEASE 3.2
-------------
Lotus Corp. has introduced 1-2-3 Version 3.0 for systems based on AT&T
Unix System V Release 3.2 Shipping in July 1990, it will be file, macro,
and keystroke compatible with other releases of Lotus 1-2-3. It will also
be able to directly access external databases, using Lotus' DataLens
technology.
Since Atari and Commodore are developing Unix-based systems, one
factor for the success of the 68030 TT or Amiga 3000 may be whether
Commodore or Atari can get companies like Lotus to port major Unix
software programs to their machines....
Lotus 1-2-3 for Unix will first ship for 80386-based machines using
these Unix implementations: AT&T System V/386, Interactive Unix, Microsoft
Xenix, and Santa Cruz Operations (SCO) Unix System V. Four versions of
1-2-3/Unix will be available:
- Single User Edition: $700.00
- Multi-User (10 user) Edition: $1300.00
- Additional-user Edition: $500.00 (1 set of docs, 4 extra users)
- Documentation Edition: $60.00 (complete user Documentation set)
- Cambridge, England X.DESKTOP 2.0 GAINS NEW INDUSTRY SUPPORT
------------------
NEC, Mitsubishi, and Tektronix have now licensed X.Desktop 2.0, an
X/Windows-based Desktop File Manager for Unix. They will be using the
English and Japanese language versions of this GEM-like Desktop for their
Unix workstations and X/Terminals (or X/Windows-based LAN network nodes).
This adds three major computer companies to the list of Unix vendors
(like IBM and SCO) who have licensed X.Desktop 2.0 from Ixi Limited. Many
members of Unix International and the OSF have licensed X.Desktop 2.0, and
Atari UK has hired Ixi Ltd. to port X.Desktop 2.0 to both the 68030 TT
and the ATW.
Ixi Ltd. has also announced X.Deskterm, a programmers' utility which
will allow character-based Unix programs to be more easily converted into
X/Windows-based programs that are capable of running under OSF/Motif.
- New York, NY PC EXPO EMERGES AS ONE OF THE PREMIER TRADE SHOWS
------------
Show officials for the PC Expo trade show have announced that a record
65,000 people attended this year's show, matching the attendance levels
for Spring Comdex. As the eighth PC Expo, it had over 600 exhibitors.
Some of these exhibitors, including Apple, Microsoft, and IBM, chose to
attend this show instead of Spring Comdex, because of the large numbers of
corporate volume buyers and OEM/VARs that usually attend PC Expo.
Over 150,000 square feet of floor space has already been sold to
exhibitors for the Ninth Annual PC Expo Show, which will take place on
June 25-27, 1991. Because of this demand, PC Expo is now expanding into
two additional halls at New York's Javits Center (also the location of
next year's NAMM MIDI Trade Show). The quick demand for exhibiting space
at PC Expo would definitely indicate that it has now become one of the
premier trade shows for the microcomputer industry....
- San Francisco, CA MACWORLD HELPS SPONSOR MEETING ON ELF EMISSIONS
-----------------
Macworld magazine and Supermac Technology will co-sponsor a meeting on
the issue of ELF (extremely-low-frequency) emissions generated by computer
monitors. Macworld recently published an article on ELF emissions, which
revealed evidence that they can cause several long-term ailments,
including cancer. Apple, IBM, Compaq, Sun, RasterOps, Radius, and DEC are
among the companies who have been invited to this meeting....
Taking place on the week of July 23rd, the meeting will establish a
group within the computer industry which will seek out information on ELF
emissions and their effects on the human body. The group will also set up
a second meeting with computer monitor manufacturers, in order to further
discuss the issue. After this meeting, Macworld will cease to be a
sponsor, and will cover the group as a member of the press.
______________________________________________________________
> PHONEY FAX! STR FOCUS¿ WHO.. is trying to torpedo WHOM?
=====================
By now, many of you have already 'heard' of the "FAX". We decided to
present it verbatim, to all for examination. STReport is appalled at the
gall someone has displayed in foisting this obvious fraud upon the
userbase and in particular, a select number of developers. Never, have we
ever heard any such tripe from Bob Brodie or Atari for that matter.
Whoever perpetrated this hoax upon the Atari community using Bob
Brodie and Atari Corp. as the 'fall guys' deserves to be ostracized with
all possible fanfare. Atari may be many things, but they are not about to
bite the hands that feeds them. In all fairness to Atari, it must be said
that from the onset, STReport felt that this fax was an outright
treacherous fraud.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
JUL 02 '90 17:28 ATARI USA CORP p.01
--^^fax signature^^--
< ATARI LOGO >
Robert G. Brodie
Manager
User Group Services
May 21, 1990
Atari Developers & User Groups,
I recently spoke with Sam Tramiel regarding the conflict with the
proposed World of Atari show in San Jose and the Glendale show. There
appears to be some confusion regarding Atari's support of both shows. At
Sam Tramiel's instruction, I am notifying you that officially Atari will
be supporting only the Glendale show.
Atari will be boycotting the World of Atari show in San Jose and will
not be providing any support of this show.
In an attempt to resolve any conflicts, Atari is supporting only two
shows this year, the Glendale show and the WACE show in Virginia.
In concurrence with a directive for Sam Tramiel the following
announced exhibitors for the World of Atari show have cancelled and will
BOYCOTT the show: Gadgets by Small - STV - Prospero Software - Migraph-
Wuztek - Seymor Radix - SoftLogic Corporation - St Journal - Antic/Start
Magazine - Carter Graphics and Computers - Best Electronics - Join the
Boycott!!! Do not attend World of Atari! Hats off to David Small - He
will no longer be writing for ST World!!!
I am looking forward to seeing you at the Glendale show. Please
contact me if there are any questions. My direct number voice number is
408-745-2052, fax 408-745-2088, GEnie Mail BOB-BRODIE, and my Compuserve
id is 70007,3240.
Regards,
<signed> "Bob"
Robert G. Brodie
cc: Sam Tramiel
Meade Amers-Klein
Jim Fisher
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> GLENDALE vs WOA SAN JOSE STR SHOW NEWS¿ The plot thickens......
=======================================
Contained herein are few of the more pointed messages pertaining to
the rather obtuse situation on the west coast. The messages are loud and
clear or better yet, screaming out loud that something is radically wrong
out there and the users and Atari itself are eventually going to be the
ultimate victims.
These are but a few of the opinions to be found....
GORDON at 10:47 EDT
After posting the previous message I was handed a fax from Bob Brodie
who is asking developers to boycott the World of Atari shows and gives a
big cheer because Dave Small will no longer be writing for ST World. As
usual, I am on the wrong side of the issue. Darlah is supporting the
winners and I am supporting the loser. But in this issue I think we are
all going to lose. Rich is the only person who has put his own money on
the line and has sponsored these world of Atari shows out of his own
pocket. His magazine has always been upbeat and supported Atari. It
was interesting that the fax asked me to boycott the show but gave no
reason for doing so. I feel bad about this whole thing. I like Bob,
Norm, King and Rich. I hate to see them fighting among themselves. It
seems like everyone in the Atari market is feuding!! Damn, if Atari
would just start selling computers we could all make money, and everyone
would live happily together again.
DOUG.W at 14:17 EDT
As I understand it, Dave Small has no intention of no longer writing for
ST World. Also, Gadgets by Small is not *boycotting* the San Jose show.
In fact, as of this date Gadgets by Small is undecided on whether or not
to attend. The biggest conflict is with the Dusseldorf show.
--Doug @ Gadgets
N.WEINRESS at 21:46 PDT
Gordon, I think you missed the essence of my Message 32. I have intimated
a "political" problem, but I have stated that Rich caused the problem,
pure and simple. I appreciate the extra exposure generated by the WOA
shows, and, as a former resident of the Bay Area, I am all for Atari shows
in Northern California. The problem is in scheduling. JD has told us
that this year's WAACE was planned in Oct. '89. As a member of
Tarpinian's user group, I can confirm that Glendale was planned and the
hall reserved as early as Aug. '89 for the Sept. 90 show...more than a
year in advance. Rich, by his methods has messed up everybody. He
didn't announce the San Jose show until after the Anaheim show this April.
This shows, to me, a cavalier attitude towards _everybody_ else involved.
The outrage expressed by some of the Northern Californians should be
directed at Rich. To blame the user groups and Atari is ludicrous. Atari
looses money on each show they attend. The user's groups put out a
heckuva lot of work, and any profit (if any) goes into club treasuries,
not someone's profit. I don't think any WOA shows have shown a profit
yet...but keep in mind, if there is one, it goes into Rich's pocket.
Norm
Editor note,
Hate to say it Norm, but what you are saying has a very familiar ring to
it..... Re: "Usergroups, An Endangered Species".
BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.] at 11:46 EDT
But what about the fax log? Did it tell who the sender was? I know
that the one that I use at Atari will list the name of the co. & the phone
number that they use.
BTW, I now have a copy of "the fax". And in checking my backups that I
happen to have on hand (still in Reno) I find that portions of this are
copied from a fax that I sent to Rich on March 14, 1990. Now, I know that
this fax was distributed past Rich, because Ralph Mariano called me the
next day and read it to me over the phone. As for who else may have
received it....well, that's anyone's guess.
Editor Note;
I certainly remember that fax, as it was about the same time that we
were informed by Tsukiji that there was a serious situation brewing
between WOA and certain of Atari's people over the upcoming Anaheim show.
Also at the same time, STReport was informed of a threat to have Bob
Brodie "fired", even if it meant calling to Europe. Lo and behold, here
it is shortly before the San Jose show, and its "instant replay" time.
The San Jose show should be cancelled. After all, from all indications,
it appears to be stillborn.
An overview so far...
The obvious power struggle or 'flexing of muscle' is more than evident
in this situation, the ongoing struggle to gain the "favor" of both Atari
and the west coast userbase is bound to have a deleterious effect on the
entire national show circuit. Of course, this interpretation of the
situation is a bit more sobering than a simple conflict of dates. After
looking the situation over carefully, one cannot help but ask what is
really going on here?
As the scenario continues to unfold, we find a fraudulent "boycott
fax" being circulated along with it's jaded, slanderous content that's
clearly intended to add fuel to the already raging flames. Additionally,
we find that threats made just before the Anaheim show to "get Brodie"
apparently have not diminished. STReport will and does find the "jamming
of dates" to be an extremely underhanded competitive stunt which, by all
deductive reasoning, was done purposely to cripple the Glendale Show.
On the other hand, the "boycott fax" now casts an entirely new light
on the entire matter, one must ask; "who stands to gain the most from the
effects of this fax? Tarpinian and Glendale? Or... Tsukiji and WOA San
Jose? Who?? Although the answer is more than obvious, its still very
difficult analysis without more, revealing, concrete information. For
now, supposition will have to do. However, we should realize that if....
WOA was indeed planning these events with Atari's best interests in mind,
they most certainly would not have planned this thing on top of two key
shows, Glendale and Dusseldorf!
One thing is certain, in the future, we can expect Atari to be very
leery of all prospective shows and their 'promoters'. This situation is
directly attributable to the mess created by WOA San Jose...
Last and certainly not least is the dilemma the users and exhibitors
are left in. Let's see, the average user would surely like to combine a
trip to California's Bay Area and WOA show into his vacation time or so
one would think, now how many are willing to gamble that the show will go
on successfully. We are aware that the airlines will not refund the cost
of discounted travel tickets. A reasonable assumption would be that the
majority of users wanting to visit the west coast and go to a show will,
they'll go to Glendale as.. it is a sure thing.
____________________________________________________________
> The "Non-Issue" of D/Ls STR Spotlight¿ Say it all.....
======================================
A TIME FOR THE BOTTOM LINE
==========================
Intro by R.F. Mariano
This last week was a classic example of a tempest in a thimble. A
good friend of ours was accused of padding the ST Report d/l figures on
Genie. It saddens us that anyone would feel that padding the d/l count
is necessary, as we feel that ST Report can stand or fall on it's own
without any shenanigans or false download counts. We do not want anyone,
even our friends, padding our download counts. If our download figures
are less than our competition's (on one network only, on the networks
where the download counts can't be falsified, we are the most popularly
downloaded online) that may be because we do not believe in feeding our
readers just pablum, cotton candy and puff.
Since we are certain our competitors will be 'kind' enough to inform
you of all his faults, heitened with their usual insinuations, innuendo
and whatever else they can think of to blacken his name, we thought
that we'd do something that they wouldn't allow, and let him tell his
side of the story.
Ralph...
--^=^=^--
An open letter from L.E. Pulley Sr.
To whom it may concern....
Am I guilty of this heinous crime? Did I sink so low as to pad the d/l
count of ST Report on Genie? Should I even bother to take the time to
answer these questions, after all, ZNet and their camp followers have
already found me guilty in their 'trial online' (in the old days it was
called a witch trial). Not only have they already found me guilty, they
have the tar and feathers ready so they can 'run me out of town on a
rail'.
My first thought was "Why bother denying it?". Why not plead guilty to
the misdemeanor and get it over with? After all, Ralph also was tried
and convicted by this same Kangaroo Court and they HAD testimony and
evidence that proved that he was innocent...but they decided to ignore
the FACTS because the facts didn't suit their aims and purposes. But
after thinking it over for a day or two, I changed my mind and decided
not to take the easy way out; to not allow "them, their innuendos and
rumors" to tell only one side of the story. I'll allow you, the reader,
to decide if this is still the country where a person is innocent until
proven guilty, or is this now the totalitarian country that some people
would like to turn it into, where the Kangaroo Courts, book burnings
and guilt by association rule supreme.
First, there were really two accusations and they need to be separated
to understand what really happened. There was the first part where I was
accused 4-6 weeks ago of padding ST Reports d/l count by 69. Did I do
this? Yeap, I plead guilty. I plead guilty of not believing that ZNet
(or someone that wanted to 'help' them) was not padding their d/l count.
I plead guilty of trying to 'help' my favorite on-line magazine. I plead
guilty of using bad judgement and of allowing my emotions to do my thin-
king for me. Was I the only one guilty? Yeap...that week (but it should
be noted that _both_ the ZNet and STR d/l counts dropped the week after
it was announced there was someone caught padding). Do I owe anyone an
apology? Yes, but not to any of the hyenas that are attempting to pick
at the body. Not to the camp followers who are trying to be 'holier than
thou' and pretend they've never made a mistake or an error in judgement.
.....To Darlah and Neil, I obsequiously apologize.
The second occurrence of padding happened last weekend (6/30) and there
were an additional 22 'pads' added to the ST Report downloads. Did I do
this one? Nope! I have no doubts that this occurred, I have no doubts
that my passwords were used. But I do know that I didn't do the padding
and I do know that I wasn't even home when some of the padding occurred
(according to my talk with Neil Harris). When the padding occurred, STR
was down by over 70 d/l counts (and that's after the 22 pads). If I was
going to 'help' my favorite online magazine, I wouldn't have stopped at
22, I would have pushed it so STR was ahead of ZNet (only another 10-15
minutes of time involved).
So what happened? Since I'm not omnipotent (as some of the hyenas seem
to think they are), I can only make an educated guess. About 2-3 weeks
ago, I set up the mini-BBS in Interlink so some of my friends could call
and get some of the demos and clip art that I've accumulated. Thinking
that I could trust all of these friends, I gave them 'high' access so
they could go anywhere on my hard drives and get what they wanted (I
have over 60 megs of .img clip art). I can only assume that one of these
friends was _not_ as much of a friend as I thought. I have my suspects
narrowed down to 2-3 people...the only ones that had access to my system
and also knew the _real_ story on my 69 d/l escapade and the details of
how I did it. (All of my passwords have been changed this week.)
So there you have it, my side of the story and my 'guess' as to what
happened. You say, "Lloyd, that story is a little weak". All I can give
you is the facts...I didn't do it, I wasn't even in town when some of it
was done. My detractors can prove that my password/access was used but
not that _I_ did it.
So yes, I'm guilty of the first charge and innocent of the second. But
let's examine my 'crime' for a minute. The jackals and hyenas that are
after my body (they always try to pick on the weak or injured) would
like you to think that I am guilty of some grotesque crime against the
ST community and humanity. Is there a 'law' on Genie that says you can
only d/l a file once? Are the people who send in 5-100 ballots to get
their favorite baseball player on the All-Star team guilty of a crime
(the same thing here, I just 'voted' for my favorite magazine more
than once)? As I said earlier, the only thing I'm guilty of is an error
of judgement.
Now we'll see what happens with this 'non-issue' (to use one of John
Townsend's favorite phrases when he's defending Atari's mistakes and
errors in judgement). I'm sure that we'll be hearing about it from the
Jackal Gazette for weeks and months to come, it looks as if they have
little else of substance to discuss.
LLoyd E. Pulley, Sr.
For the record....
Category 26, Topic 4
Message 178 Fri Jul 06, 1990
NHARRIS [Neil] at 14:44 EDT
Interesting.
The online mags take their download counts very seriously, although most
others don't. They use them as a barmoeter of how popular they are. ST-
Report was winning handily for a long time.
So Znet decides to tweak ST-Report. They deliberately inflate their
download counts and let everyone know they're doing it. Supporters of
ST-Report respond by doing it themselves. Znet stops, but Lloyd doesn't.
Why does it seem to me that NEITHER online magazine has the right to be
self righteous about this situation?
Editor Note;
Neil has, in this instance, delivered his comments in a timely manner
and are quite appropriate. Indeed, a breath of fresh air.. again, thanks
for a clear summation. As far as STR is concerned the matter is closed.
_________________________________________________________
> SILHOUETTE UPDATE STR InfoFile¿ News concerning its status.
===============================
From: Tim Reyes of Maxwell CPU
Dear ST Users,
I have heard through the grapevine that vaporware has been mentioned
in the same sentence as Silhouette. That won't be put to rest until it is
actually on the market but for what it is worth let me explain the status
of Silhouette and what its functions will include.
Silhouette's main function will be to auto-trace raster images (e.g.,
DEGAS, IMG files) and save them as GEM meta files. Selectable options will
allow the identification of straight lines and reduce them to 'pt. A to
pt. B lines', reduce complex curves into parts that can be fitted with the
simple curves and arcs available through GEM and/or fit complex curves
with Bezier/Splines. The Bezier/Splines will be saved as polylines or in
future GEM opcodes that will offer exact definitions of a Bezier curve.
The user will be able to auto-trace rubber-band boxed regions or select
particular lines of an image to auto-trace.
Silhouette will also allow the input of data arrays for equi-
potential contouring. It will accept data files exported from spread-
sheets or allow the user to pre-define the file's format. An example of
equi-potential contouring would be if you created a 2-D data set where the
element coordinates define locations and the value is, for example, an
altitude above sea-level. The resulting contour would be a topographical
map.
The program also includes basic GEM drawing functions in the raster
mode and also some ability to save as part of a GEM file. These
functions include pixel edit, free hand draw, line & rays, polylines,
squares, polygons, ellipses, parabolas, spray can (variable size and
shape), erasure, GDOS text. Smoothing of free-hand and poly-lines is also
an option. All of the associated GEM options for drawing are available.
Silhouette has multiple windows & buffers and will require at least 1
Mbyte, preferably 2 Megs. It will function in standard high resolution or
in one of the new high resolutions available through 3rd party monitors
or resolutions on the TT machine. The first release will come with two
program versions on the same diskette - one for a standard ST and one
compiled to use a math copressor in a ST. A later version will be
compiled for the TT and its math copressors.
Silhouette's Status:
Presently, all its raster drawing functions and its interface is
complete. Programming activities are concentrating on the auto- tracing
functions of Silhouette. At this time it auto-traces and identifies lines
and saves in GEM format. Curve fitting is holding up the show but the
problems are drawn and this code will be completed within the next couple
of weeks. Equi-potential contouring is also completed but is resting as a
stand alone program until I have time to attach it. Silhouette will
presently read DEGAS and IMG format but other formats will be added as
time permits and for later versions.
The release date is approaching and my plans are to release it in the
US, Canada and Europe. There will be versions in german and english and
later in french, swedish and maybe a couple other languages. There will
be a price adjustment before it is released; $49.95 has been announced
but Atari and even some future users have strongly advised that I increase
its price.
Why is Silhouette being produced for the Atari ST? My physics and
math background has allowed me to define the problems, solve or find the
solutions. The ST is the first personal computer I have owned and I
appreciate very much its functionality. Having executed code on IBM
mainframes, Digital Vax 11/780s, a Cray XMP/4 and Sun 3s and 4s, I take
all the speed comparison talk with a grain of salt. The present ST meets
the demands of most people and the TT will do much more and will make a
fine workstation. Lastly, if I reach all the ST markets my time
investment in this program will be rewarded. It is a small market but it
offers some advantages, too.
I would like to say the end of July but more realistically expect to
see Silhouette released in August. Sorry I have not taken any time to
answer inquiries on the commercial bulletin boards but now that I have
done this much, let me get back to my one mindedness and finish this
project.
Tim Reyes,
Maxwell CPU
_________________________________________________________________
> AG DROPS O/L SUPPORT STR Spotlight¿ An ominous sign?
==================================
ctsy GEnie
E.GORELIK posts....
I called Avant-Garde today, spoke to Jeff, and have some info to report.
First, Avant-Garde no longer has a presence on the network. They have
already closed out their GEnie account, so it is not only a waste of time
to post queries to them on this topic, it's also pointless to send them
email (or so I was told--you can try it and see what you get).
When I suggested that this would provoke a backlash, Jeff gave AVG's
reasons, as follows. With only 3 persons doing everything at the company,
they did not have the staff to cope with what must be a full- time job for
them keeping up to date on GEnie. Jeff cited 500 pieces of email and
hundreds of messages which had flooded the network when the board first
came out, and stated that it was simply impossible, given their current
workload, to read all of that material and answer it while continuing to
support development of the board itself. They had just skimmed it and
pulled messages out almost at random from the mass of queries that had
accumulated, and then tried to post generic responses which would handle
many people's inquiries at once. With the small staff they have at
present they were carefully husbanding their time and resources (as some
of the more experienced heads on this topic have frequently pointed out,
by the way), and opted to concentrate on development. They also saw
little to be gained by going on the network, since each time they did so
they basically got bashed--and who needs it? Their presence on the
network was in any case not obligatory, but a voluntary option, and one
they felt they were better off declining at present. Support, however, is
continuing via the phone and U.S. mails.
Support for extended (or is it expanded--I always get the two of them
confused) memory: For those who have extra RAM in their machines waiting
to be accessed by the PC-D board, AVG is planning an ems update in the
form of cache ems, software-driven, and supported by the chips already
present in the board. That will be out "sometime this year".
Also out "sometime this year" will be EGA support (don't hold your
breath for VGA support--it will NEVER be out--or at least they have no
plans for it, period). The present CGA emulation available for the board
supports 640 X 200 with 4 colors on the Atari color monitor (which
includes black and white if you're using them). On the Atari monochrome,
you get 4 shades, rather than colors, same pixels. With EGA support,
you'll get 640 X 350 with 16 colors on the Atari color monitor, same
pixels and 16 shades on the monochrome. (Since a nontechnical person,
myself, is relaying this info to you, if someone sees that what I'm saying
is technically wrong or impossible, please hasten to point that out.)
When I asked about the PrtSc function, Shift(num*), printing garbage,
Jeff acknowledged that there was a bug in the routine, as well as in the
set-time- and-date routine (about which several persons have already
complained on this topic); that they were planning to release new software
which would eliminate these and other bugs, but that they intended to do
it all at the same time, rather than piecemeal.
Regarding all of these software fixes and enhancements, I wanted to
know how they would be distributed to users. Would they just be sent out
to registered users automatically? No, because that was too expensive,
time-consuming, and wasteful (many people have moved, etc., in the
interim). Instead, they will issue press releases and ask those
interested to send in their disks, to which they will then copy the
software and send it back. Also, they had no objection to the fixes and
enhancements being posted on the various networks and BBSs as soon as
available.
I also asked about some items of particular concern to me, namely,
regaining the Atari keyclicks from the monitor with the board in emulation
mode, cursor- editing capabilities, and about an option for DOS to
self-start. I asked him to please add these to the list of items to be
worked on, and will be sending him some relevant info on these, including
a disk with the keyclick programs gotten from the IBM RT and which caused
my board to hang. (If anyone else is interested in seeing these
capabilities in the software, I would suggest they write or phone with the
same requests--I'm sure AVG is more likely to listen to requests that come
in repeatedly.) On the same disk I included Keith Lindsay's related
message concerning the sound bug generally, and Bob D.'s recent posts
concerning NANSI987.ARC, along with a copy of the ARCed file, and Dennis
Watson's message about bypassing the 68K. If you have any queries which
only AVG can answer, better try contacting them by phone or through the
U.S. mails. I reached them today after only a couple of tries, but that
may have been just luck.
Eugene
_____________________________________________________________
> CODEHEAD UPDATES STR InfoFile¿ Update info from Codehead
=============================
As of June 16, 1990, these are the latest versions of CodeHead
Software's products:
G+Plus ............... Version 1.3
MultiDesk ............ Version 2.1
HotWire .............. Version 2.3
MaxiFile ............. Version 2.0
CodeHead Utilities ... Release 3
MIDIMax .............. Version 1.3
CodeHead Software Update Policy
###############################
At CodeHead, we update all of our software frequently; but due to
postal expenses we are not able to notify our users regularly. You
may find out the latest version number of any CodeHead Software
product by calling us at (213) 386-5735, or by finding us on GEnie,
Compuserve, or Delphi.
The latest update for any product may be obtained by returning your
original master disk plus $7.50 to:
CodeHead Software
P.O. Box 74090
Los Angeles, CA 90004
FAX: (213) 386-5789
It's a good idea to give us a call at (213) 386-5735 before sending in
an upgrade order. From time to time we make available free upgrades
(to fix bugs, etc.), and if you call us we'll let you know whether or
not you might be eligible. Depending on the version you're upgrading,
we may also have new manuals which explain new features; another good
reason to give a call before upgrading. (Or contact us on CIS, Delphi
or GEnie in Category 32 of the Atari ST Roundtable Bulletin Board.)
______________________________________________________________
> ORIGINS 90 STR InfoFile¿ The Strategy Gaming Convention!
=======================
EXCLUSIVE EYEWITNESS REPORT!
ORIGINS 90
==========
THE Strategy Gaming Convention of the Year
by Neil Bradley
I just returned from ORIGINS 90, an annual convention held in various
cities throughout the U.S. This year, it was in Atlanta, GA. The
Convention was attended by over 5000 people, of which a majority of them
entered the "Computer Games" room, if for no other reason, than to see
what was being shown.
In the Computer Games room, there were numerous computer systems set
up and running, including my personal MEGA 2 ST. Unfortunately, there
were only 3 ST's present. The majority of the computers in the room were
Amiga 500/1000's (approx 30). There were a few C-64/128's 2 Atari 800's
running M.U.L.E., and one IBM XT.
The programs running were mainly arcade games, like Falcon, with
Overrun being the most popular. Two ST's were hooked up by a Null-Modem
Cable running Populous. The third was running Empire. There was *ALWAYS*
a long line waiting to play Populous and Empire on the ST. The Amigas
were also up and running, but no one waited in line as they did for the
ST's. In fact, the person operating the Computer Room told me that had he
20 more ST's available, they all would have been in constant use. The
number 1 game played for tournaments out of the 30 available was Populous
on the Atari ST.
Down in the Dealer Room/Exhibition hall, there were a few computer
dealers present, of which only 1, SSI, had any ST programs available.
Another Dealer, DATA East, had ONE copy of a new ST game, DRAKKHEN. It
was sold within the 1st hour. The dealer told me that he had "numerous"
requests for the program, but didn't anticipate selling the one he
brought. Once again, Amiga computers seemed to be predominant in the
hall. All the Amiga's I saw had stereo' hooked up to show the "great
sound" of their programs.
I also attended a seminar by Richard Garriot, aka "Lord British" of
the Ultima series. The 1st half of the seminar was Richard talking about
how he got into writing games/programs, and the future of the Ultima
Series. He spent about 10 minutes talking about "compatibility" problems
with various computer formats - particularly emphasizing the words "IBM
Compatible" are an oxymoron's perception. When he talked about when
versions would be released on various computer formats, he went into a
long discourse on the demise of the 8-bit computers, emphasizing how he
loved his Apple II's, but like the Atari 8-bits, are going by the wayside
due to the superior technology of the 16-bit computers. I asked him when
Ultima 6 would be available for the ST line. He stated that the only
reason the ST conversion would be done was "DUE TO THE EUROPEAN SALES".
He then said that Ultima 6 would NOT be available until "at least early
'1991".
I also had a conversation with a "Customer Service Representative"
from SSI, the maker of popular war/adventure games. She told me that at
SSI, there are a few programmers that swear by the ST, but they are in the
definite minority. SSI also will continue to do conversions for the ST,
but they will be lower priority. I asked her about European distribution,
but she didn't know. I then asked her about some of the old 8-bit games,
specifically "Cosmic Balance I & II". According to a call by a member of
my local Atari Users Group, SSI customer service told him that "Those
programs are no longer being produced or supported by SSI". I told her
about that statement, and then asked her: "Since you are no longer
supporting those programs, could we put them in our user group's library
for use by the entire user group?". She didn't know, and said that a
question like that would have to be referred to the president of SSI. She
said she highly doubted it, as it would set a precedent. She said that
one possibly would be the User Group could apply for a license to
distribute the game, for a "small" fee of around $100 or so. She wasn't
sure, and told me to call her at the company later in the week. She then
told me to send to her at SSI a newsletter from the User Group, as she
would put them on SSI's mailing list. One advantage would be that
"occasionally" SSI would send demo copies of programs to the User Groups
for review in their newsletters.
In a conversation with TSR - the maker of the Advanced Dungeon &
Dragon series of computer games, I got basically the same response as from
Origin Systems and SSI - Yes, we will continue to support the ST, but
mainly due to European sales. The ST is NOT on the "High Priority" list
of computer programs to do conversions.
_________________________________________________________
> TAKIN' ANOTHER LOOK! STR Feature¿ The flip side of the coin....
================================
A LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
=========================
by Michael Lee
After haranguing Ralph for months about the negative reporting and
editorial style of ST Report, Ralph called my bluff and asked me to write
a weekly column for ST Report that was more positive. I hemmed and hawed
for a few days but finally agreed to write this column. Ralph agreed that
he wouldn't edit or censor my column, so there will be many times when
you will see two very different viewpoints on a subject or topic in STR,
mine and his. I will not attempt to tell you that everything in the ST
world is rosey or attempt to hide the warts, but I feel that it is not as
bad as many people believe. I believe that there are two ways of looking
at things. You can look at the negative side and always think that the
cup is half empty or you can look at the positive side and see that the
cup is half full.
What will the column consist of? To begin with, a hodge-podge of
things that I think might be of interest to the ST community. Later on it
might change directions, but we will see what happens. Any opinions
expressed in this column are mine and not necessarily the same as Ralph's.
Also, any errors in this column are min
e and not necessarily Ralph's. One
thing I cannot promise though and that is that the column will be weekly.
My job requires that I be out of town a lot, so there will be weeks when
I will not have time to write. So on with the show!!
-------
As of this writing, it appears as if the World of Atari show in San
Jose is still on. That means we have the WOA show in San Jose on August
4-5, the GenCon show in Milwaukee on August 8-12, the Glendale Show in
Glendale on September 15-16 and WAACE show the first of October. This is
4 major shows in just about 60 days. Atari will be actively supporting
the GenCon, Glendale and WAACE shows and who knows, Atari still might give
some support to the WOA show. These are just the major shows, there will
be other Midi and various shows going on at the same time. It sure seems
to me that there is still a lot of support for a system that many people
are already calling dead and obsolete.
------
I got to play with one of the new STe's this week and it is great!
Smooth scrolling, stereo sound and so many colors! Some people gripe
because it still has the so-called buggy TOS 1.6 in it but I didn't find
it to be a major problem. Atari furnishes a small patch program to put
into the AUTO that fixes the minor bugs, so the user never even notices
the bugs. There is not a major o/s on the market that does not have a few
bugs in them, I think it is a miracle that Atari could put out one this
complex with so few bugs in it. After running TOS 1.0 for so long, the
STe seems like a speed demon to me.
There have been unconfirmed reports of some of the STe's having
problems with some hard drives. The one I saw at my dealers' worked with
his hard drive just fine. The people that I talked to that had bought
one had not had any problems either. So if there is a real DMA problem,
it does not happen on all systems and I am sure that Atari will find and
fix the problem. A person can expect some bugs with any new system but
from what I've seen of the STe, these minor problems would not be enough
to keep me from buying one.
------
It looks as if Atari is at long last on the move. They're bringing in
a proven leader from France to be the new North American Director Gen'l..
Even before he officially takes the position, he is already talking of
radical changes. First moving the US operation from Sunnyvale to
somewhere in the NE part of the US or Canada. This way he can watch over
and coordinate the US, Canadian and French markets. Could the next 12
months really be The Year of Atari? It sure looks like it to me.
______________________________________________________________
> AUA NEWS STR InfoFile¿ AUA and ST EXCHANGE UNITE TO SERVE...
=====================
PRESS RELEASE
-------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: The A.U.A.
P.O. Box 123
Canonsburg, PA 15317
Derek Signorini
or Tony Parry
CANONSBURG Pa.,June 29, 1990 -- The Atari Users Association, or AUA, today
announced a massive membership drive for the 1990 summer and fall
seasons. This world wide organization was formed to promote the ST
computer, provide a network of communication between users, user groups,
and developers, and become a leading source of information for the ST
community. While the AUA is still in its infant stages, it has already
obtained a membership base representing 12 countries around the globe and
promises to become the largest known ST organization in the world.
The AUA was first formed in 1989 in New Jersey, USA, and was moved to
Western Pennsylvania in December of that same year. At that time, the AUA
policies and goals were re-evaluated and with the work of Derek Signorini,
Tony Parry, and Jon Clarke, the organization has seen a tremendous surge
in members and has enjoyed a renewed vigor needed to help the group
expand.
The AUA is responsible for collecting and distributing valuable data
to its members at no cost, such as BBS listings, usergroup directories,
and Atari ST mailing lists. One goal of the AUA is to become a central
source of information where new and seasoned ST owners can call on at
will.
"There is a strong need to provide accurate and up to date
information to the Atari ST community. We feel that if the AUA can
compile this data, it should be made available for all to use," says Derek
Signorini, the AUA Coordinator. "Imagine what it must be like when you
have to move to a new city and have no idea what ST Usergroups are in the
area. The AUA hopes to be a provider of such information so that the
community has someone to turn to for help," he concluded.
"The AUA is a user organization, not a user group. We are a blanket
type organization that will comprise ST users, ST usergroups, developers,
and vendors under one common name and allow them to communicate with each
other and of course, directly to Atari Corporation," Tony Parry, the AUA
Public Relations Director states.
Another function of the AUA will be to act as a united voice to Atari
Corporation. "We feel that one large voice representing 10,000 is a more
effective leverage than 10,000 individual voices," says Jon Clarke, the
AUA International Public Relations Director. "If we can collect the
views, opinions and request of thousands and direct them to Atari, we will
see a better response."
The Atari Users Association will attend Atari shows as well. "We
will be represented at as many Atari shows as possible. The AUA will help
to encourage ST users to attend these trade shows and support vendors,"
Signorini states. "Hopefully, the AUA's presence at a computer show will
help to draw users and will allow the AUA to continue to form the user
network that it has set out to do."
Another objective of the AUA is to educate users about the perils of
software piracy. "The organization will offer free information to users,
usergroups and BBS system operators about how they can help to eliminate
software piracy. Piracy has reached epidemic proportions in the computer
industry and is destroying the ST software market," Signorini adds.
The AUA offers all of its members active participation in the
ST-Exchange, an international Public Domain exchange organization, which
up until the second quarter of this year, had been functioning as a
separate service oriented group. The AUA and ST-Exchange recently merged,
with the AUA being the parent organization, adding to an already
increasing membership benefits package for AUA participants. The public
domain library will be available to AUA members at little or no charge,
usually at only the cost of a postage stamp.
Details of the AUA/ST-Exchange program can be found in the AUA
information package. While membership in the AUA is free, the
organization offers two additional packages for a small annual fee
entitling members to a disk based newsletter six times a year and a
printed newsletter four times a year. All funds gathered will be used to
subsidize functions such as a BBS, attendance at trade shows, and the
distribution of information to the ST community.
"I realize we have set very aggressive goals for the AUA. But with a
little developer and user cooperation I am confident the organization will
become the spark that will ignite the ST market," states Parry. "People,
including myself, have often complained no such group existed. We have
taken the initiative and hope to become the organization the ST market
needs to get back on its feet," he concludes.
More information about the AUA can be obtained by writing to the AUA
at P.O. Box 123, Canonsburg, PA 15317 or by contacting Derek C. Signorini
via GEnie or Compuserve at DC.SIGNORINI and 72327,1060 respectively.
_________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL¿ "BLOCKBUSTER ATARI NEWS FIRST!"
=====================
- Utrecht, The Netherlands EUROPE GETS 32 MHZ TT030
------------------------
bdt!unisoft!mtxinu!ucbvax!agate!helios.ee.lbl.gov!ucsd!usc!cs.utexas.edu!
uunet!csun!hp4nl!dnlunx!dnlts!kouijzer
From: kouijzer@pttrnl.nl (Guus Kouijzer, PTT Research Neher Laboratories,
the Netherlands)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: Info on TT
Message-ID: <35093.2680d16f@pttrnl.nl>
Date: 21 Jun 90 12:53:50 GMT
References: <3487@ruuinf.cs.ruu.nl>
Distribution: comp
Organization: PTT Research Neher Laboratories, The Netherlands
Lines: 67
X-Local-Date: 21 Jun 90 05:53:50 PDT
Fred Appelman writes:
On the official bulletin board of Atari Netherlands, this message was
posted by Atari. I have translated the message from dutch to english.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Message : 16517 [Open] 6-17-90 11:00pm
From : Sysop Wilfred
To : Fred Appelman (x)
Subject : #16466 TT op 32 MHZ?
Sig(s) : 9 (Portfolio)
There are 3 replies
These are the specifications of the TT as they are released to the
press last week.
Atari TT
68030, 32 Mhz
Optional: 32 MHZ 68882 (68881 is not fast enough)
2 Mb ST RAM, extendible with 2 or 8 Mb
Optional: 4 or 16 Mb TT (FAST) RAM
512 Kb ROM
720 Kb floppy
48 Mb SCSI 28 ms harddisk. Optional: 80 Mb en 100+
For the 8 Mbyte ST RAM and the 16 Mbyte TT RAM memory extensions you'll
need 4 Mbit chips!
Interfacing: 2, extendible to 4 serial ports
1 parallel port
1 cartridge port ST
1 DMA port ST
1 MIDI IN, 1 MIDI OUT
1 ST compatible keyboard connector
1 SCSI port (w/25 pins)
1 low speed (Appletalk) LAN port
1 VGA compatible monitor port
Video modes: 3 ST modes (Low, Medium, High) with palette of 4096 colors
320x480 with 256 colors from 4096
640x480 with 16 colors from 4096
1280x960 monochrome
Delivering: The first 6 machines are delivered to major software
developers in the Netherlands and Belgium. Already 12
machines are delivered to Germany. The first real production
is expected in August. Mass production is expected in
September.
Price Dfl 6500 (US - $3200) including MULTI-SYNC VGA color monitor.
This standard color monitor does NOT support the 1280x960 monochrome mode,
according to an article in "Atari ST nieuws", a dutch magazine.
(stuff deleted)
Fred J.R. Appelman, 3D Computer Vision, Utrecht University
AZU, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Telephone: +31-30-506710 Fax: +31-30-513399
e-mail: fred@cv.ruu.nl or appelman@cs.unc.edu
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Guus Kouijzer PTT Research Neher Laboratories
Internet: AJ_Kouijzer@pttrnl.nl Leidschendam, The Netherlands
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Editor's Note: The 16 MHZ version of the Amiga 3000 costs $3200.00, and
doesn't come with a monitor. However, Commodore does sell a multisync
monitor for $800.00....)
- London, UK ATARI UK UNVEILS BUNDLED 1040STE
----------
The deal based around the 1040STe computer is called THE "EXTRA"
PACK.' Included is software worth more than $480. The overall theme for
the "extra" pack, which includes a free magazine subscription is; "making
the most of your new Atari ST,". The entire promotion is aimed at users of
less sophisticated machines to upgrade to the 1 MB (megabyte) STe machine.
Unlike the original 1040ST, the 1040STe (the e stands for extended) is
of modular construction. This permits the machine's memory to be expanded
to 4mb using SIMMs. Other features of the STe series include Tos 1.6, a
new version of TOS, the ST's operating system. The special discount
bundle is available throughout the UK now.
- London, UK ATARI UK RELEASES THE ATARI PC, ABC386SX/40
----------
The ABC (Atari Business Computer)386SX, a 40mb hard drive, 16Mhz 386SX
based PC. The machine was released at the Atari 90 expo, held last week
in London. Atari said the machine marks the company's entry into the
field of affordable, 32-bit PC-compatible computers. It is priced at
$2,400.00 and comes with 1mb of RAM expandable to 8mb and a single
high-density 1.44 floppy drive in either 3.5 or 5.25 inch disk formats.
Other features of the new machine include serial and parallel ports,
an analog video port and three XT/AT expansion slots. Graphics modes
support include EGA, CGA, MDA, HGC and VGA, providing resolutions ranging
from 320x200 pixels color to 720x350 pixels monochrome. THE NEW ABC 386SX
is availble throughout the UK now.
_____________________________________________________________
> TRIVIA QUIZ WINNERS STR Spotlight¿ Winners on GEnie's Trivia Quiz
=================================
Winners for the Quiz are as follows:
1. Jkelley John F. Kelley
2. O.KOSMATOS Odisseas Kosmatos
3. G.E.M. Gary E. Martin
4. JON.DUNN Jon W. Dunn
5. K.HILTS Kenneth l Hilts
6. M.MCCANN2 Mike W. Mccann
7. JAKOB John K. Brochu
8. B.STRINGER Bruce J. Stringer, MD
9. D.KOSTER Dave Koster
10. JRHARRIS John R. Harris, II
11. V.LICARI Vin Licari
12. R.ACOSTA Ricardo Acosta
13. S.NOAH Stuart Noah
14. S.GAREE Steven F. Garee
15. P.GENOVESE Paul R. Genovese
16. GRMEYER Gordon Meyer
17. NCBATES Norman C. Bates
18. M.KENNEDY3 Matthew J. Kennedy
19. S.MEEHAN2 Steve M. Meehan
20. D.STIDHAM Dan Stidham
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
**** SIGN UP FEE WAIVED ****
The system will now prompt you for your information.
***********************************************************************
> Hard Disks STR InfoFile Affordable Mass Storage....
=======================
NEW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!!
============================
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Est. 1985
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FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
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_____________________________________
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)
* ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
* ICD ADVANTAGE+ HOST ADAPTERS * FULL SCSI COMMAND SET SUPPORTED *
* SCSI EMBEDDED CONTROLLER MECHANISMS *
51mb #SGN4951 519.95 65mb #SG60101 649.95
80mb #SGN296 709.95 100mb #SG84011D 839.95
120mb #SGN120FH 989.95 120mb #SG120DD 1128.95
170mb #SGN2962 1369.95 260mb #SG60102 1849.95
WE HAVE A COMPLETE LINE OF 3.5 LOW PROFILE HARD DRIVES
for
USE IN MEGA ST COMPUTERS AND RELATED CONFIGURATIONS.
20mb #AI020SC 379.95 30mb #AIO3OSC 419.95
50mb #AI050SC 449.95 65mb #AI065SC 499.95
85mb #AI085SC $559.95
>>> ALL ABCO DRIVES ARE HIGH SPEED UNITS <<<
(500 - 600k per sec @ 23 -33ms)
CALL FOR SUPER SAVINGS ON ALL OUR OTHER CUSTOM UNITS
FROM 30mb @ $419.00!
Ask about our "REBATE SPECIALS"
--==*==--
SHIPPING AND INSURANCE INCLUDED
============================================
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555)>> ABCO "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE *
- SYQUEST 44 MB DRIVE - ICD ST ADVANTAGE PLUS H/A
- ICD Utility Software - 3' DMA Cable
- Fan & Clock - Multi-Unit Power Supply
(1) 44 MB Syquest Cart.
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
>> SPECIAL NOW ONLY __$849.00__ <<
*** SPECIAL SYQUEST OFFER!! ***
ORDER YOUR CUSTOM SYQUEST UNIT NOW AND GET A SECOND COMPLETE UNIT!
***** for $50.00 LESS! *****
-> DO IT YOURSELF BARE SYQUEST UNITS $600.00ea 2 for $1100.00
Syquest Mechanism - 2 year warranty
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED $1539.00
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
50mb SQG51 $1179.00 30mb SQG38 $1099.00
65mb SQG09 $1239.00 85mb SQG96 $1299.00
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
Listed above are a sampling of the systems available.
Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations
(over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited)
*** ALL Units: Average Access Time: 24ms - 34ms ***
ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - PC-DITTO/II - SPECTRE/GCR
LARGER units are available - (special order only)
NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED!
- Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets -
Keyboard Custom Cables Call for Info
ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED
-* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
_________________________________________
DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
please, call for details
Personal and Company Checks are accepted.
ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319
Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service
9am - 8pm EDT
Tues thru Sat
***********************************************************************
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 of;
STREPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE
""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!
Call any of the STReport Official BBS numbers
(Listed Above)
or
Leave E-mail to STReport - 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
***********************************************************************
> A "Quotable Quote"
=================
"IMITATION IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF FLATTERY"
...ZIGGY ZIRCON
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
STReport "Your Independent News Source" JULY 06, 1990
16/32bit Magazine copyright 1990 No.6.27
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors, staff, STReport CPU/STR or ST Report . Permission to
reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Each reprint
must include the name of the publication, date, issue # and the author's
name. The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in
any way without prior written permission. The contents, at the time of
publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The editors,
contributors and/or staff are not responsible for either the use/misuse
of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
