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Silicon Times Report Issue 0637
*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
_____________________________________
from
STR Publishing Inc.
""""""""""""""""""
September 14, 1990 No.6.37
=======================================================================
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 USR/HST DUAL STANDARD
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
__________________________________________________________________
> 09/14/90: STReport #6.37 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine!
-------------------------
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - CPU Addemdum
- FONT-VERTER - Neodesk 3.0 - WAACE UPDATES
- Quick ST 2.2 - Font Designer! - SM124 Soup-Up
- NEFest INFO - LYNX News - STR CONFIDENTIAL
* GLENDALE HOSTS WEST COAST ATARI FEST! *
* DEVELOPERS TO DEBUT NEW GOODIES! *
==========================================================================
ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE¿
"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, call Node 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.
All SysOps in the F-Net are welcome to join the STR Crossnet Conference
the conference code is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is #350. Join Today!
==========================================================================
AVAILABLE ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ BIX ~ F-NET
==========================================================================
> The Editor's Podium¿
This is the big weekend..... the party is on in Glendale! If you are
in the area, make it your business to stop by and see all the wonders they
have put together for your viewing pleasure!
Since this issue is kind of on the large side, I decided to keep the
editorial short. Its showtime folks and you will find that through the
weekend there will be newsnotes coming from the Glendale Show co-sponsored
by STReport and Znet, so... stay tuned to your favorite online service
for interesting newsbriefs from the show in Glendale.
Ralph......
***********************************************************************
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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: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198
You will receive your complimentary time
and
be online in no time at all!
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***********************************************************************
> CPU REPORT¿
==========
Issue # 83
----------
By Michael Arthur
Remember When....
In June 1982, Columbia Data Products introduced the first IBM PC
Clone, called the MPC, and when IBM released the 8086-based XT in February
1983?
Or when IBM introduced the 80286-based IBM PC AT in August 1984, and
hired Microsoft to write a multitasking operating system for it, which (3
years later) was released as OS/2?
CPU Addendum¿
============
Update: GILBERT HYATT, AND ROYALTIES ON MICROPROCESSOR PATENT
--------------------------------------------------------------
In Issue 82 of CPU Report, an article in "CPU Status Report" told of
Gilbert Hyatt's reception of a broad patent for the microprocessor, which
could apply to most of the microprocessors currently available. It also
discussed how Hyatt could get royalties on every microprocessor made until
the year 2017, if his patent is wide-ranging. Here is some additional
information on this subject:
Gilbert Hyatt is an engineer and technology consultant who was
granted US Patent Number 4,942,516. This patent, for a "Single Chip
Integrated Circuit Architecture", was first submitted to the US Patent
Office in December 1970. Several patent attorneys feel that it appears
to cover many basic components of a microprocessor, including: Memory to
store a chip's instruction set, memory to store CPU instructions that are
being performed, and a central processing unit for processing the CPU
instructions.
Gilbert Hyatt started a company called Micro Computer Inc. in 1971
to market his "single-chip integrated circuit architecture". Ironically,
it seems that the US Patent Office's close scrutinizing of Hyatt's patent,
which took 20 years, could significantly speed up his search for patent
royalties. The US Patent Office's investigation, which compared Hyatt's
patent to Intel's 1973 microprocessor patent, could significantly
strengthen Gilbert Hyatt's claim to having a patent that covers almost all
microprocessors now available on the market.
If his patent is wide-ranging, Hyatt could seek royalties from the
sale of EVERY microprocessor made for 17 years after July 17, 1990 - when
the US Patent Office issued Hyatt his patent. Gilbert Hyatt is hiring a
large corporation "with experience in international licenses" to negotiate
the licensing of his microprocessor patent with Intel, Motorola, and other
companies in the microprocessor industry. Hyatt has said that he will use
the money obtained to fund his Research Firm. It is now involved in
several projects, including developing new LCD (liquid crystal device)
display technologies....
CPU MacNews¿
===========
Cirtech's Duet: MAC II EMULATION FOR THE APPLE IIGS
----------------------------------------------------
Cirtech Ltd. has recently announced Duet, an expansion card for the
Apple IIgs that will allow it to run Mac II programs. Duet's expansion
card is made up of a 16 MHZ 68020 microprocessor, 1 Meg of RAM (upgradable
to 8 Megs of RAM), a slot for a Motorola 68882 floating point math chip,
and a custom ROM. Duet uses all standard Apple IIgs peripherals as
'Macintosh' devices. Like many hardware IBM Emulators for the Atari ST,
Duet uses the IIgs's 65816 processor to handle Input/Output tasks such as
disk accessing. Since the 16 MHZ 68030 chip in the Mac IIcx has to handle
all of its own I/O tasks, Cirtech Ltd. claims that Duet is actually faster
than the Mac IIcx....
When Apple designed the IIgs, it included a ROM Toolbox for
developing applications that used the Macintosh user interface. The Duet
takes advantage of the fact that the IIgs's ROM "Toolbox" calls are almost
identical to the OS Calls that the Macintosh ROMs support. Cirtech has
written "link software" for the IIgs that translates the Toolbox calls
made by Macintosh applications, so these calls can be processed by the
IIgs's ROM Toolbox. One of the functions of the Duet's Custom ROMs is to
assist in this "translation" process. The Custom ROMs also handle any
Macintosh OS calls that cannot be performed by the IIgs ROM Toolbox. It
seems that since Duet doesn't need to have copies of the Macintosh ROMs,
that there will be no reason for Apple to take legal action against
Cirtech....
The cost of this method is compatibility: The Duet coprocessor card
can run any Macintosh software that follows Apple's official programming
guidelines. However, much Macintosh software (including some of Apple's
own software) does not strictly adhere to these rules. However, since
Macintosh programs will have to be "better behaved" to function with the
upcoming Mac System Software 7.0, this situation will improve. According
to Cirtech, Duet will be shipping by December, 1990. For more information
on Duet, contact:
Cirtech Ltd., at 0835-23898 (in the UK), or:
OR
A2-Central
P.O. Box 11250
Overland Park, KS 66207
(913) 469-6502
> CPU STATUS REPORT¿
=================
- San Francisco, CA CITY CONSIDERS FIRST VDT USER SAFETY LAWS
-----------------
San Francisco city officials are preparing to vote on a bill to
establish safety standards for the use of computer terminals (or VDTs) on
the job. This bill could become the first law in the US to protect
employees who use computers on the job, from the growing number of health
problems that have been linked to long-term use of VDTs. Under this bill,
companies with at least 15 employees must give regular "rest periods" to
employees who use computers on the job, and provide ergonomically designed
and adjustable office furniture for use by those employees. The city
would regularly investigate the health of VDT Users, and would give fines
of $500 a day to violators.
Several disabling health problems have been linked to long-term VDT
Use. Researchers have found that VDT Users' eyesight can be adversely
affected by continuously viewing computer screens for long periods of
time. Also, many VDT Users have gotten agonizing hand and wrist injuries
from keyboarding. Some studies have found that months or years of typing
on standard computer keyboards can cause tremendous strain on one's hands
and wrists. The San Francisco VDT Bill has a good chance of becoming law,
and would give companies 2 years to comply with its VDT Safety standards.
- Washington, DC SPA REPORTS SURGE IN COMPUTER INDUSTRY SOFTWARE SALES
--------------
The Software Publishers' Association has now revealed its
membership's combined software sales figures, for the second quarter of
1990. The SPA has found that its membership's combined domestic and
international sales reached $1 billion dollars. Here are some of their
other findings:
- International software sales are up 44 percent, compared to sales
in the second quarter of 1989.
- Total MS_DOS software sales are up 36 percent, and total sales of
Macintosh software have more than doubled.
- Sales of computer language tools are up over 66 percent.
- Sales of MS_DOS educational software increased by 50 percent,
while Macintosh sales rose by 20 percent.
- MS_DOS enterntainment software sales are up 80 percent, and sales
of games software for the Mac are up 36 percent.
- Tokyo, Japan JAPAN TARGETS NEW INDUSTRY - MICROSCOPIC MACHINES
------------
Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (or MITI) has
announced plans for a nine-year research project into the field of
nanotechnology. This field deals with the development and use of
microscopic robots and devices. Tiny "microrobots" could be used for
finding cracks/crevices in nuclear reactors or jet engines, as well as
for removing blood clots and helping doctors perform "microscopic
surgery".
MITI will spend $170 million dollars on its nanotechnology project,
which will develop methods for manufacturing such "microrobots". It will
also study the uses of nanotechnology in medicine. MITI is known for
engaging in research into new technologies, which have commercial uses or
great potential. In many areas (including the auto industry), Japanese
businesses have used MITI to perform initial research and efforts into
emerging technologies. MITI recently finished a 10-year Research project
into Artificial Intelligence....
- Washington, DC COMPUTER CRACKER UPLOADS VIRUS SOURCE CODE!
--------------
Someone recently attempted to upload the source code to an MS-DOS
virus known as "Stoned-B" to the Usenet, Fidonet, and Internet computer
networks. While CERT, the federal Computer Emergency Response Team,
managed to block the attempt to upload it to Internet, it seems that the
virus' source code is now available in the 'comp.os.msdos.programmer'
section of Usenet. There are several Usenet gateways available for
Fidonet, which will allow users on the Fidonet BBS Network to access the
MS-DOS virus source code.
The "Stoned" virus spreads by using disks' boot sectors, and locks
up a PC after displaying a message. Computer virus experts are predicting
that many new MS-DOS viruses will now arise, as computer crackers modify
the source code to the "Stoned" virus. A similar event occurred in the
Macintosh userbase, when a European computer cracker distributed the
source code to the WDEF virus....
__________________________________________________________
> GLENDALE ATARI FEST! STR SHOW NEWS¿ "don't miss this one..."
==================================
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ATARI COMPUTER FAIRE
========================================
GLENDALE SHOW READY FOR THIS WEEKEND!
-------------------------------------
A floor plan has been distributed showing nearly 50 booths populated
by at least 35 now confirmed vendors, PLUS a massive area for Atari
Corp.'s display on the stage of the Glendale Civic Auditorium.
A large LYNX PLAYGROUND will be set up in front of the stage for the
ongoing multi-player LYNX games throughout the show. A full snack bar and
eating/resting area adjoins the show floor.
A spacious seminar room will be in the lower level of the Center,
with continuous presentations on both Saturday, September 15, and Sunday,
September 16. Confirmed for attendance at this time are:
ATARI CORP American Music
Beckmeyer Development Tools Best Electronics
Bill Skurski Enterprises BRE
Branch Always Software CodeHead Software
Computer Network Computer Office Products
D.A. Brumleve Double Click
Gadgets by Small GoldLeaf
Gribnif Software Groves School of Music
ICD, INC. ISD Marketing
Kings Domain Michtron
Mid Cities Migraph
Neocept Rio/Datel
Soft-Aware Soft-Logik/Safari Fonts
Software Development Systems SliccWare
Sprokits ST JOURNAL
STReport Online Magazine ST INFORMER
Talon Technologies WuzTek
Xoterix Zubair Interfaces
Z*NET NEWS SERVICE
The seminar schedule at this time includes (subject to change):
Saturday September 15
11 AM: ATARI CORPORATION OPENING CONFERENCE with Bob Brodie
and friends.
12 PM: CODEHEAD's Charles F. Johnson and John Eidsvoog on the
CodeHead Integrated Desk System.
1 PM: MEET THE ATARI PORTFOLIO - What the Palmtop Miracle can
do for you.
2 PM: NEODESK 3 and the future of the desktop metaphor,
hosted by GRIBNIF SOFTWARE's Rick Flashman.
3 PM: DAVE SMALL of Gadgets by Small... talks about Macintosh
emulation and other things. Always a favorite.
4 PM: CALAMUS and Desktop Publishing, presented by Nathan
Potechin of ISD Marketing.
5 PM: MUSIC of the HOTZ MID TRANSLATOR and the Atari in
professional sound work, with Jimmy Hotz
Sunday, September 16
11 AM: INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATARI DEVELOPERS, open
meeting conducted by IAAD Chair Nathan Potechin.
12 PM: PAGESTREAM Desktop Publishing, presented by Jay
Pierstorff.
1 PM: MIGRAPH's latest graphics application products for the
Atari ST.
2 PM: SPEEDING THE ST with Darek Mihocka, developer of Branch
Always Software's QUICK ST.
3 PM: PUBLISHERS SPEAK in an open panel on Atari
publications. Speakers to include staff from ST
JOURNAL, Z*NET, ST-INFORMER, START, and more.
4 PM: GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR NEW PORTFOLIO - a hands-on
clinic and seminar for new Portfolio users.
Door prizes, including a wide variety of software, accessories, and
computer paraphanalia, will be awarded every hour, with some extra special
drawings as well.
The show will be held September 15 and 16, 1990, at the Glendale Civic
Auditorium, 1401 Verdugo Road, Glendale, California, across from Glendale
College.
Glendale is a Northern Central Suburb of Los Angeles, California.
Hours are 10 AM - 6 PM Saturday, and 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday. Admission is
$5.00, or only $3.00 with any Atari User Group membership I.D.
Lodging information:
The Burbank Hilton (weekend rate: $59 per day) is adjacent to the
Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Airport, and will be where the Atari Corporation
employees will be staying. Contact the Burbank Hilton at 818-843-6000.
The Glendale Holiday Inn is the closest hotel to the show itself, and the
weekend rate is $89 per day.
Contact the Holiday Inn at 818-965-0202.
More information is available from the show organizer:
John King Tarpinian,
call: 1-818-246-7286 or by mail at:
246 North Brand #321, Glendale, California, 91203.
_______________________________________________________
> TURBO BOARD BBS STR InfoFile¿
============================
///TURBO BOARD ST BBS UPDATE AUG-SEPT. /90
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
///Turbo Board ST is a FoReM ST bbs replacement program. We have
pretty well finished the coding on the first release version, and we
think we have a very good BBS program indeed! ///Turbo Board IS Shipping!
We also have a DEMO version that is available for your inspection.
Look for the File TB_DEMO.LZH on any Fnet forem board, or you can get it
from our Support BBS at 416-274-1225
Login as: VISITING SYSOP and use the Password: SYSOP, and you will
find the DEMO program in our TURBO directory.
///Turbo Board's NEW Features over FoReM ST:
-Conference Fmail (in any message base)
-Ability to View, and Type Fmail arc files
-Improved Message Editor (also R-emacs support if you so desire)
-ARC(V6.02) LHARC, and ZIP verbose listings
-TYPE a text file from any ARC or LHARC file
-LZHdl.LZH in the ARCtools (ZIPdl.ZIP still under developement)
-Integrated MSDOS style CLI/BATCH shell for running Batch files
-FULL BinkleyTerm mailer support (Pcommand not needed)
-Much easier when editing User Passwords
-Local Sysop Inactivity Timer
-Keyboard Lock feature
-Option to set Snoop mode on bootup
-New Scan file commands, does all the List commands + more!
-External program hooks, Executive, Chat.prg, Survey.bat, Syspas.bat,
Fmail.bat, Logon.bat, and many other new batch files
-Backup command in Email base while reading Messages
-Greetings message can be entered at logoff by registered users.
-Sysop can now have a No-window VT-52 option if he chooses
-Help key for Function key assignments displayed
-Undo key will attempt to abort any file transfer in progress
-Any alternate CHAT program can be used by the sysop if he so chooses
-Improved (greatly) paging control ( *More?(Y/N/C) prompt)
-Ringback working for long distance callers
-Many bugs that were present in FoReM ST are eliminated in this program
(you sysops know what they were...)
-MSH program NOT needed for the Doors programs
-Program size approx 200K, saves memory, and doesn't loose any!
-Faster execution than FoReM ST on initialization, and operation
-Smaller Window Size, frees up 2 lines on the Window
-PLUS all the features of FoReM ST, including FULL F-net and Crossnet
support (+ Conference Fmail support, Forem doesn't have this)
-Fidonet message bases, are under developement, but Binkley and Fidodoor
work just fine. Also the FIFO program is Fully Compatible with our BBS.
-This board is FoReM ST data file compatible, meaning that all the data
files that you use for FoReM will work on this board. Please Remember
that ///Turbo Board ST ver 1.0 is only a start.
Future Features (Ver 1.1) will include:
-Fidonet Message bases
-KByte Ratios
-Batch uploading & User File Description Editing
-Ymodem-g uploads for HST users
-BBS handles
-User definable Prompts, and menus
*******
///Turbo Board Purchase Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Turbo board comes complete with Manual, System Generator and all the files
needed to get you up and running.
We have two Crossnet Conferences and the BBS here for product support, and
you may call up and grab free updates for a period of a year of date of
purchase. (After one year, you may get updates for $25/year)
-----Cut here and use this handy form to get your copy------
Ser# ______________________________________
///TURBO BOARD ST ORDER FORM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SYSOP'S REAL NAME:_______________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS :_______________________________________________
TOWN/CITY :_______________________________________________
STATE/PROVINCE :________________
COUNTRY :________________
ZIP/POSTAL CODE :________________
VOICE NUMBER :_______________________________________________
BBS NAME :_______________________________________________
BBS NUMBER :_______________________________________________
FNET NODE # :________
FIDO NODE # :________
Amount Enclosed: $85 US Dollars
or $85 Canadian Dollars (+ 8% PST if Ontario resident)
or Uk price 45 pounds
$5 for Airmail delivery (optional)
$20 for Express Mail delivery (optional)
Total:_______
Send your cheque or money order to:
Bitblit Systems
1580 Liveoak Drive
Mississauga, ON
Canada
L5E 2X6
American and Foreign residents, remember to check for correct postage.
Comments:_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
************
_____________________________________________________________
> SARA "V" STR InfoFile¿ Make that PCD II clip stay put!
=====================
To: All PC-DITTO II Owners, both Present & Future
Subject: A Better Mousetrap Accolade:
PC-DITTO II, with a dependable installation, is an exceptional value
(Price/Performance) when compared to the other offerings. Read on ..!
Since installing PCDITTO-II in my 1040 this past February I have had
to reform & reseat the 68000 interface board at least five times. The
prime cause's of the contact loss are two fold:
One being that its almost impossible to hand form all contacts evenly,
Secondly, Copper and its Alloys all have memories, which means that a
bend, or form over time, will tend to relax or partially un-form
itself.
Out of frustration, I have designed and fabricated a metal forming Die
that will impart a 'V' notch at the end of each leg. This provides for a
greater and more uniform contact pressure at the 68000 interface.
((((((()))))))
| |
> <
' '
As a means of recovering my time and tooling costs, I will impart this
form onto 68000 interface boards that are used on 520's and 1040's using
this type of interface: (68K Connector REV. C). The basic design,
eliminates the cam-over rotation (with its inherent unforming of the
pivot leg) required to install a hand formed tapered unit, as this unit
can be pushed straight on. There are no guarantees that this will
replace a soldered connection, but it sure beats what's offered out of
the box. No warrantee is either expressed or implied and owner of
Interface Board accepts all responsibility for the reform of legs and
their end use.
The cost of this service will be a $10.00 money order, payable to:
E. Baumgras
14 Kidd Kove
Baldwinsville, NY, 13027
1-315-638-2830
The shipper must also include a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope, with
postage in the amount of $0.85.
* * * * * *Old Chinese Proverb * * * * * *
Confucius say: "A LITTLE PINCH BETTER THAN A LOT OF TWEEK"
pc-ditto II is a registered trademark of Avant-Guard Systems.
Atari is a registered trademark of Atari Corporation.
An inherent advantage of this installation over solder, is its ability
to be migrated to future systems, while leaving the original 68000 in
an undesecrated state.
Anticipated turn-around is (1) day after receipt.
_____________________________________________________
> SM124 SOUP-UP STR InfoFile¿ Getting the most out of your SM124..
==========================
TWEAKING THE SM124 MONOCHROME MONITOR
FROM: SunFox...
The ST series of computers has been blessed with having a
wonderful display system for games, applications, and other uses
of the computer. This is very evident when using a monochrome
monitor with your favorite word processor and especially a desktop
publisher. But that wonderful high resolution SM124 is not
without its faults and one of the most glaring (no pun intended!)
is that screen display size. Now, I know that the ST was called
the "Jackintosh" while it was in development, but I did not get a
ST to have a Macintosh screen. That is very easily changed in a
couple of minor little internal adjustments.
Before you start wanting to dig around in that Goldstar
monitor, a few caveats. First, if you are not electronically
inclined or usually stick your fingers in light sockets, you might
want the adjustments done by a knowledgeable technician. Second,
the voltages off a picture tube can often be around 20,000 volts,
more than enough to put your hair on end, stop your heart, etc.
There are many convenient places for spiking yourself, so if you
work on the monitor, do be extremely careful, I really don't want
anyone dying from this simple procedure. Now, on with the
adjustments...
For the the little project at hand, you will need a set of
screwdrivers, preferably ones suited for extremely detailed work.
You are going to be putting the screwdrivers in some very tight
places, so they do need to be small. Other than that, ten to
twenty minutes are required to complete the project.
Opening the SM124 is a piece of cake. Make sure that the
power cord has been removed so that you do not get a nasty little
surprise once inside the SM124. You will see five screws holding
the case together (like a clam shell). Remove these screws and
loosen the case. The back shell of the case will be anchored to
the PC board by a small connector from the monitor speaker. Make
sure that the big capacitors and other voltage capable points have
been discharged with one of the screwdrivers and then simply pull
the cable out of the board. You can then lift the shell away and
set it aside.
Now look at the back side of the monitor and locate the
flyback (that funky little suction cup on the tube). On the
opposite side of the tube from the flyback will be three little
white potentiometers (all of them with little labels to the side
with VERT. in them). Simply thread a screwdriver into the first
two pots (don't mess with the VERT. HOLD pot, the last one) and
adjust them slowly. You can then plug the monitor power cord back
in, and turn on the monitor to observe the results (if you are
really clever, you don't have to take the cord back off but just
be extremely careful when messing around in the monitor itself
(like trying to keep your hands away from other parts of the
SM124. Adjust the first and second pot until the vertical height
and centering are what you desire.
The second part of this procedure is to center the image on
the screen horizontally, getting rid of those nasty margins on the
left and right parts of the screen. You will not be able to
affect this as much as the vertical (I got the vertical sizing
about 1/8" from the top and bottom of the screen). However, it
does get anywhere from 1/4" to 1/2" margins horizontally, which
still is a noticeable improvement. Take a look at the picture
tube (looking from the back). See the little silver rectangular
box directly below and to the left of the copper threading on the
tube? There is a little potentiometer (like the others) right
there called HORIZ. CENTERING. Somehow manage to get your
screwdriver in there and adjust it until satisfied.
There are two more pots near the HORIZ. CENTERING pot, called
SUB-BRIGHTNESS and FOCUS. You may want to mess with the FOCUS pot
to increase the sharpness of the monitor, but the other one is not
really important. Now that the screen is set to the desired
vertical and horizontal heights and widths, it is now time to put
the monitor back together. Turn off the monitor, take off the
power cord, discharge the components inside the SM124 and then
reassemble the monitor in the reverse of the process. You're job
is now complete.
Boot up the computer when the monitor is back in one piece to
your favorite word processor or publisher. You will be amazed as
to the difference between the old Mac screen and your newly
customized ST screen. There are no permanent side effects to this
procedure, but do it if you are proficient with electronics and
are not worried about the SM124 warranty, or else find someone to
do the job for you. You will not go back to the micro-monochrome
screen again!
__________________________________________
> Diamond Back II STR InfoFile¿ Diamond Back update News...
============================
PRICES FOR DIAMOND BACK II AND DIAMOND CACHE ARE BEING REDUCED.
NEW PRICING AND PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION.
With the increased use of TOS 1.4 and TOS 1.6 with it's built in
caching ability, the utility(read value added) of a seperate cache is not
as great as it used to be. At my insistance, Diamond Back II is being
unbundled from Diamond Cache and the prices of Diamond Back II and Diamond
Cache are being reduced. For those Diamond Back II purchasers who require
a cache, the new Diamond Back II packages are being shipped with 60% off
coupons for Diamond Cache.
This product offering serves you much better by:
1) - Lowering prices
2) - If you don't need a cache you won't be paying for something that
you'll never use.
3) - If you do need a cache, then you can still get the bundled price
with the 60% off coupon included with Diamond Back II.
Note that the Diamond Back II package still includes Diamond Find
and Diamond Format.
The new retail prices, effective now, are:
NEW OLD Diamond Back II
$44.95 $59.95 Diamond Cache
$19.95 $29.95 Diamond Cache with Coupon from Diamond Back II
purchase is $8
The upgrade policy remains unchanged i.e.
If you are upgrading from V1.04 you'll still get Diamond Cache with
your upgrade for the upgrade fee of $10 or $15 with a new manual.
If you are upgrading to V2.11 from anything else, then you already
have Diamond Cache and the upgrade is free via the uploaded patch
programs.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Data Innovations at (812) 438-3733
I will be going on a tremendously needed vacation from Friday,
September 14 through Sunday September 30. Obviously I will be unavailable
for product support or question answering during that period. If you have
any questions during that time, please contact:
Data Innovations at (812) 438-3733.
Enjoy Diamond Back II V2.11
Bob Luneski
________________________________________________
> NEW ENGLAND ATARIFEST!!STR SHOW NEWS¿
====================================
//////NEW ENGLAND ATARIFEST '90\\\\\\
UPDATE
Scheduled to attend:
Atari Corp. In the personage of Bob Brodie, and anyone (or
anything) he may bring along with him. Bob may be
hosting a seminar, or at least one of his infamous
question-and-answer sessions.
BCS/Atari The Boston Computer Society's Atari Group will be
there, and why shouldn't they? Not only is the BCS the
world's largest computer interest group, they're also
sponsoring this event.
Bit Bucket The oldest surviving Atari dealer in Massachusetts,
with locations in West Newton and Sudbury. The Bit
Bucket will have a massive booth for the AtariFest,
featuring software and hardware. The Bucket is also a
Roland authorized dealer, so don't be surprised if the
booth has a strong musical bent to it.
Computer Zone A dealer, from North Attleboro, MA. Bob will be
bringing a wide variety of software, magazines and
other goodies.
Fast Technology Jim Allen, everyone's favorite jovial techie will be
there, fresh from his sojourn to Germany. Turbo16s and
friendly tech-talk are expected in abundance. Jim is
tentatively scheduled to host a seminar. More details
as they become available.
Granite Computers Hard Drives and modems for every occasion is the
specialty of this company from out neighbor to the
north: New Hampshire (did you think I meant Canada?).
Gribnif Software Those wild 'n crazy desktop crusaders from Western
Mass. will be on hand, undoubtedly with a good supply
of NeoDesk 3: The Ultimate Desktop.
Chor-Ming Lung The author of Sheet, a commercial - quality shareware
spreadsheet. Sheet has been called "The most powerful
PD spreadsheet bar none" (ATARI ST USER magazine).
NAACC North Attleboro Atari Computer Club. A user group
based in North Attleboro (you never would have guessed
THAT, right?), MA.
NaVAUS The Nashoba Valley Atari Users Society, a user group
from Massachusetts' Nashoba Valley (of course). Former-
ly known as ABACUS (Acton-Boxboro Atari Computer Users
Society).
Nevin Shalit ST INFORMER's "Rumor City" columnist will be on hand
for the 'Fest. Nevin may bring along copies of his
mail-merge/person-tracking utility, Tracker/ST. Nevin
is tentatively scheduled to host a seminar, either on
Color DTP with PageStream, or on Tracker/ST, or maybe
both!
SSAG South Shore Atari Group. A user group that began South
of Boston, but whose membership has since grown to
represent virtually the entire Greater Boston area, as
well as portions of the NORTH Shore, and Southern New
Hampshire.
Syntronics The only Atari dealer physically located in Boston
proper. John K. carries the full line, and is well-
versed in the musical aspects of the Atari Experience.
TidBit Software Jeff Lomicka, author of The GOOD Backup Utility, will
be on hand to discuss, well, "good" backup practices,
and I'm sure he'll be more than happy to show you a
certain utility that makes "good" backups practically
second nature.
Things are shaping up nicely...I DO hope you'll be able to join us!
Remember the date: October 27, 1990, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, at the
University of Massachusetts (Harbor Campus), Boston. See the previously
uploaded announcement (NEA_ANNC.ARC, file #16141) for more details, or
pursue the following options:
GEnie: Send E-mail to D.ANDERSON22 or check Cat 11 Topic 20 in the
ST RoundTable.
DELPHI: Send E-mail to DPJ or NORMAN238, or check the SSAG area on
DELPHI/Boston.
BCS/Atari BBS: (617) 396-4607. 300/1200/2400/9600 baud, 24 hours.
Write to: New England AtariFest '90
c/o The Boston Computer Society
One Center Plaza
Boston, MA 02108
__________________________________________________________________
> FONTVERTER 1.5! STR InfoFile¿ "...the ULTIMATE conversion utility.."
============================
PRESS RELEASE
=============
FROM:
MEGATYPE SOFTWARE.
PO BOX 645
South Bend , IN 46624
219.233.6905
FONTVERTER 1.5 - NOW SHIPPING!
Some changes in philosiphy in mid stream delayed the release, but it
is now what everybody asked for. It is the ULTIMATE conversion utility,
instead of another editor. The letters sents out with the last update
that mentioned the editor possibilities recieved a much different response
than I imagined. The majority of users that replied were in favor of more
complete conversions, more conversion options, and the editor portion
ranked very low on the list of priorities, to my surprise. It seems that
most people using FV want to convert the font and use it, and not have to
worry about editing the font at all. This bears to reason if you think
about the total number of PageStream & Calamus users, and than look at the
very small handful of users who actually create fonts. So once again, the
voice of the users has spoken, and MegaType Software listened, even though
the change in direction meant some major rewriting of code and a short
delay in shipping.
Here is a partial list of capabilities:
WHEN CONVERTING TO A PAGESTREAM COMPATIBLE FORMAT:
* - Automatically sets baseline and left bearing edge for each character
independently. These can also be altered on the screen with the mouse
by the user.
* - Automatically sets the character width of each character for optimum
character spacing. This can also be adjusted per character by the
user.
* - Allows optical creation AND adjusting of kerning pairs by moving
actual characters on the screen.
* - Allows for creating of screen fonts by using the font substitution
method.
WHEN CONVERTING TO A CALAMUS COMPATIBLE FORMAT:
* - Allows moving of Baseline,ascent line , etc, for printing size that
the user requires. (More on this later).
* - Allows for rotation of individual paths for proper fills when prin-
ting.
* - Automatically centers all characters to compensate for Variable left
bearing edge in PageStream format.
* - Creates a BitImage of the font name for the font selection window in
Calamus.
* - Creates the kerning table and max width table for the whole font in
one click of the mouse!!
* - Looks at PageStream composite to create accented and multiple part
characters.
As you can see, everything you need to convert your fonts between
formats is contained within FONTVERTER 1.5. As many characters as
possible are translated, given the different number of characters in each
format. A chart will be supplied to show where the non matching charcaters
are put. Any user wishing to edit of modify a font after conversion can
load the font into the respective editor (Calamus Font Editor(Comercial)
or the PageStream Editor ver .08 (Shareware)).
With the pending (Hopefully soon) release of PageSteam 2.0, little em-
phasis was placed on the Bit Map (Screen) font for PageStream. What you
are doing with the substitution method is selecting a bit map font you
already have that closely resembles the font you are converting. This
font is copied under a new name, and given the font number and attributes
to match the font you are converting to PageStream format. Since PGS
looks at the .FM file for character widths, the font spacing will be
proper, even though the sizing may be slightly off. If a better screen
font is required, feel free to load the substituted font into PGS Editor
v.08, and trace the converted outline to create a screen font to your
liking. One hint from my beta testers. Throw out your all of your screen
fonts below 36 point. Make only a 36 point font, and let PageStream scale
the font to the size you desire. Try this with a few fonts and you will
be amazed with the new found accuracy of the screen. Pagesteram scales
the 36 point font about as well as you can create one given the limited
number of 'dots' available. Lines and boxes you place next to a letter
actually print at the point displayed on the screen for the first time!!!!
The screen redraw is a litle slower, but the improved accuracy is worth
the wait. (Makes for a lot less draft print outs!!)
******************************************************
CALAMUS FORMAT FONTS PRODUCED WITH FONTVERTER 1.5 ARE GUARANTEED
TO WORK WITH CALAMUS VERSION 1.09N, SLATED FOR SOON RELEASE.
******************************************************
The new retail price of FONTVERTER will be $49.95US. Updates to 1.5
from all earlier versions will be $10.00. Please return your original
serilized disk, along with the upgrade fee to Megatype at the address on
the disk label. If you didn't register your copy of FONTVERTER, please
return your registration card along with the disk. Lack or registration
will slow down the update process.
FONTVERTER 1.5 is available direct from MegaType for $49.95 postage
paid, or from your favorite dealer.....
FONTVERTER 1.5 REQUIRES 1 MEG OF MEMORY AND A MONOCHROME MONITOR.
(CERTAIN FUNTIONS DO NOT WORK ON THE MONITERM MONITOR AS OF THIS
RELEASE, BUT THIS MAY BE CHANGED IN LATER RELEASES IF DEMAND IS
GREAT ENOUGH.)
:SPECIAL ANNOUNCENEMT:
====================
FONT DESIGNER
=============
"..THE BEST FONT EDITOR EVER RELEASED IN THE ST FORMAT!"
MEGATYPE SOFTWARE is also proud to announce the distribution rights to
Font Designer, the best font editor ever released in the ST format.
With Font Designer, you can create (with the help of FONTVERTER),
everything from Calamus and PageStream compatible fonts, to Postscript
type 3 fonts and Postscript type 1 fonts complete with hints. See
BELOW for more details....
Megatype is proud to announce the release of Font Designer(c), a font
editor extraordinaire for the ATARI ST line of computers. Written in
England, Font Designer (with the help of FontVerter(c)), can create:
A - Calamus compatible fonts
B - PageStream Compatible fonts
C - Postscript TYPE 3 fonts
D - Postscript TYPE 1 fonts COMPLETE WITH HINTS
E - .AFM files for downloading from PageStream
And hopefully, Calamus in the future. Type 1 fonts are also going to
play a major role in PageStream Version 2. You are also no longer limited
to the ST market with the fonts you produce. The Postscript Type 1 & 3
fonts can be used as downloadable fonts on the Mac and IBM platforms as
well.
Here is a partial list of Font Designer's ADVANCED features:
* - STEMS: Horizontal, vertical, rotated, and skewed stem quides can be
created to help produce a uniform font. You can have characters snap
to stems during construction, and the horizontal and verical stems
become the hinting in the TYPE 1 fonts.
* - SEGMENTS: Segments are used once again for uniformity in fonts. You
can define a serif once and store it to be used in as many characters
as you wish. Up to 64 different named segments can be used in each
font.
* - COMPOSITES: You can easily build accented or multi-part characters as
a composite of a base character and accent characters. Font Designer
takes the composite idea even one step further. You can not only move
the different parts of the character to new positions, you can also
scale (resize) each character in the composite to any size, including
flipping the composite horizontally or vertically.
* - The user can alter either individual characters, or a complete font.
You can even create a drag box around a part of a character, and move
the the group of objects by dragging the resulting box, or distort the
group by moving the 'handles' of the box.
* - Curves can be linked to the preceding or following object to insure a
smooth transition between objects.
* - Automatic horizontal and vertical lines, including exact angled lines.
* - Test print characters to a postscript printer, or to Ultrascript from
within Font Designer. (And also to Calamus .CDK or .CVG in the future)
* - Importing of a background bitmap for tracing.
* - Kerning and width tables generated on screen with actual characters.
* - Magnification up to a 2000 point character!
* - Along the the standard guide lines, 'overshoot' guides are also used.
This allows you to overshoot rounded characters below and above the
baseline, xheight, and cap height lines by the same amount for each
character, for uniform printing. This is also part of the hinting
process.
Along with the features above, all of the standard editing features
found in the run-of-the-mill editors available now are obviously
available. As you can see, if you are serious about creating fonts, Font
Designer is the editor of choice. Auxiliary programs will also be availa-
ble for converting Type 1 fonts to Font Designer format. (Possibly as part
of FontVerter).
US pricing and availability will be announced within the next week.
The first public showing of Font Designer in the US will be at the Glen-
dale ATARI show, by Jay Pierstorff of Computer Safari. Stop at his booth
and take a look.... Availabiltiy should be within a week or so after the
show.
Font Designer will be sold at a base price for personal and public
domain use, with a seperate licensing for commercial distribution of fonts
created with it. (Shareware is considered commercial use, since it is ex-
changing product for money).
PageStream, Calamus, and Postscript are registered trademarks
of their respective companies.
____________________________________________________________
> The Flip Side STR Feature¿ ...a different viewpoint....
=========================
A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT
==================================
by Michael Lee
I've owned one of Jim Allen's T-16 accelerators almost since it was first
introduced and I have found it to be one of the best investments that I
made for my ST in a long time. It really does enable many programs to
run almost twice as fast as normal. The only problem that I encountered
with the T-16 was the inability to run Spectrum and view it's pictures.
even when you kicked it back down into the 8 mhz mode. To me, this was
just minor nuisance; the T-16's benefit's far outweighed not being able
to see the latest nudes. But to Jim Allen, hardware hacker supreme, this
was a challenge to be overcome! The result of that challenge?
Introducing WoowBoy.....
WoowBoy is a simple 8Mhz add on for the T16 that allows the T16 to be run
at a true 8Mhz. It allows HW or SW switching "ON THE FLY", so you can
hook up the T16 with cache on all the time and and just switch back to
8Mhz mode. Either a SPST switch or a wire to the sound chip (pin 14) will
provide control for the switching!!!
No mods to the T16 are involved, just a little PCboard with a pal on it.
You will need to do a little bit of soldering but nothing tough. A little
silicon glue will hold it on top of the 6001 chip. You basically move
the clock wire from the T16 to the WoowBoy and solder the new clock wire
(provided) back onto the T16. You then move your "switch" hookup to the
WoowBoy and set the original T16 switch input to on permanently.
With this "Spectrum" works just fine! Price is only $19.99. WoowBoy's
are not shipping yet but should be available in time for the WAACE show.
(Compilation of posts from Jim Allen on Genie)
----------------
Have you been looking for a inexpensive floppy drive to replace your old
single-sided drive in your 520? If so, here's a post from Ken Helms on
Delphi that might be of interest you.....
Several months ago I replaced the SS drive that came in my 520STFM with
an NEC Model FD1073A. It's a double-sided, 720k drive and formats up to
82 tracks with no problem. There's no electrical modifications needed to
either the drive or the ST. (The interface cable has to be flipped 180
degrees to get pin 1 of the cable to match with pin 1 of the drive.)
The reason for this message is that Timeline, Inc has these drive for
only $40 (plus shipping and handling). I ordered one and they said that
they had about 30 left in stock. Their order numbers are (800) 223-9977
and (800) 872-8878.
All the usual disclaimers apply. If you are not experienced with making
electrical repairs then you might want to find someone that is to make a
swap for you. It will require modifying the ST case since the drive needs
a standard opening rather than the ST French Cut.
----------------
Question from J.R. McCullogh on CIS:
I have a few questions regarding the magnetic field my monitor generates
and how dangerous it is to my hard drive. I am about to acquire a new
mono monitor, and the ONLY place I can put the hard drive is next to my
new monitor. Does the Atari Monochrome monitor put out enough of a
magnetic field to destroy data on my hard drive if it is less than a foot
away?
Answer from Kevin Darling on CIS:
I wouldn't worry too much. However, the conventional wisdom is that you
should always place drives on the side of the monitor away from the
flyback transformer inside......which usually means placing the drive on
the righthand side of the monitor (facing from the front), if memory
serves me.
Answer from Hal Dougherty on CIS:
I have had an ICD 50 meg unit that my color monitor is sitting on and my
monochrome monitor is touching both units. It has been this way for for
about 1 1/2 years. It seems to work fine.
Answer from D. Stuart on CIS:
I have several monitors on all the time and modems, dataswitches,
buffers, HDs, and all that sort of thing packed in all around them with
no problems to date!
----------------
Until next week.....
______________________________________________________________
> Quick ST II STR InfoFile¿ The very latest.....
========================
Quick ST II version 2.2
- faster!
- new features!
- 68030 compatible!
- new phone numbers!
- newsletter for registered users!
- German language version in Europe!
- expanded credit card and shipping support!
Price: $19.95 U.S.
Branch Always Software
14150 N.E. 20th Street, Suite 302
Bellevue, WA 98007 U.S.A.
Order line: (206)-643-9697 (10am to 6pm Pacific Time)
FAX: (206)-643-3844 (24 hours)
Telephone: (206)-885-5893 (24 hours)
Compuserve: 73657,2714
GEnie: DAREKM
This is to announce that an update to our popular screen accelerator,
Quick ST II version 2.2, is being released this Friday, September 14,
1990. It will be on sale at the upcoming Atari shows in Glendale and
Washington. Quick ST 2.2 will go on sale at dealers across the U.S. and
Canada in October. A German version will also go on sale in Europe.
Existing registered users of Quick ST and Quick ST II can upgrade immedia-
tely.
Features:
---------
Quick ST 2.2 is a software screen accelerator. When used on any Atari
ST, Atari STE, or Mega ST, it speeds up the text and graphics operations
on the screen. Almost any text or GEM based program runs faster as a res-
ult, making your ST perform like a much faster machine. No hardware
modifications are required. And the ability to install custom background
patterns and pictures is included!
Quick ST 2.2 is very memory efficient, using less than 30K of memory for
the standard version, and less than 20K for the 2.2G version (also includ-
ed). An extra 32K of memory is required for background pictures.
Quick ST 2.2 is fully compatible with hardware accelerators, such as the
T16 accelerator from Fast Technologies, the Blitter chip, and even the
68030 chip. When used with a hardware accelerator, Quick ST 2.2 provides
a speed increase on top of the speed increase of the hardware accelerator.
Quick ST 2.2 has a number of improvements compared to Quick ST 2.1 and
earlier versions. Some of the new improvements include:
Support for the ISAC graphics card (which gives a screen resolution of
1024x768 pixels in 16 colors). Moniterm monitors and Overscan
modifications are still supported, as is the MonSTEr emulator (in all 3
screen resolutions). Blitter support for faster screen scrolling, and it
now checks the status of the blitter chip to see if it is disabled. This
allows Quick ST 2.2 to run on machines with defective blitter chips.
GEM line drawing and rectangle fills are even faster than before. 68020-
68030 accelerator board support is available on a second disk for $10
more. Quick ST 2.2 also supports the original 3 graphics modes on the TT.
Full TT support will be available in Quick ST 3.0. The Desktop Custom-
izer now allows you to temporarily disable Quick ST 2.2 from the menu bar,
for easy "before" and "after" speed comparisons. We found this feature
handy when demonstating Quick ST 2.2 at the recent World Of Atari show in
San Jose, and you will too. Several bugs have been fixed with Word Up
3.0, Laser C, Opus, Wordflair, GFA Basic 3.0, and other programs. Two
bugs relaeted to the fast GDOS font drawing are fixed. First, a bug that
caused Word Up 3.0 to occasionally display garbled text when scrolling
is fixed. And outlined GDOS fonts now get drawn correctly on a color
monitor.
The Quick ST 2.2 package also includes the MonSTEr high resolution mon-
itor emulator, the Quick Index benchmark utility, Quick View, and of
course, the Quick ST II Desktop Customizer.
Starting in November, all registered users of Quick ST II and Quick
Tools will receive a periodic newsletter which gives information about
updates (such as Quick ST III), tips for using the software, answers to
commonly asked questions, and other information. To receive the newslet-
ter, you MUST fill out and send in the registration card that came with
your Quick ST II or Quick Tools software.
How to order Quick ST 2.2:
--------------------------
Quick ST 2.2 can be ordered directly by credit card (VISA, Mastercard,
and Discover) through Xanth Corporation. Various shipping methods are
available, including UPS, DHL, Express Mail, and First Class Mail. Call
the order line between 10am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Most orders
received before noon will be shipped out the same day. Shipping charges
will depend on the shipping method chosen and the country being shipped
to.
If ordering by mail, send a check or money order for $19.95 + shipping
($3 in Canada and the U.S., $5 elsewhere) in U.S. funds and allow 3-4
weeks for delivery. Make all checks payable to Branch Always Software. No
C.O.D's.
How to upgrade to Quick ST 2.2:
-------------------------------
To upgrade to Quick ST 2.2 from an earlier version we MUST already have
your registration card. Take your original Quick ST or Quick ST II disk,
include the appropriate update fee, and mail it to Branch Always Software.
Please note the new upgrade prices:
$3 - If you purchased Quick ST 2.1 after August 31, 1990. If you did
not purchase it directly from us, include a copy of the receipt
showing the date and dealer name it was purchased from.
$5 - If you are upgrading from Quick ST version 2.0 or 2.1 and live in
Canada or the United States.
$10 - If you do not live in Canada or the U.S., if you are upgrading
from Quick ST version 1.8 or earlier, if you lost the original
Quick ST disk, or if it is inconvenient to send the original disk.
Sorry, if we do not have your registration card, we don't know about
you and you cannot upgrade a
nd you will not receive the newsletter. So
dig up those Quick ST packages and mail in the registration cards folks!
NOTE: $5 off discount coupons which appered this summer in various ST
magazines were valid for purchasing Quick ST 2.1 only, and cannot be used
to purchase Quick ST 2.2.
Quick ST III
------------
Rumors of Quick ST III (a.k.a. Quick TT) have been circulating for a
while. It was our original intention to write a new TT compatible screen
accelerator to take advantage of the 68030 chip and the new TT graphics
modes and have it released at around this time. That was based on
original estimates on the release date of the TT in North America, which
have now come and gone. So a decision was made to take some of the
features of Quick ST III and some badly needed bug fixes and make the
Quick ST 2.2 release for the ST computer. Quick ST III also runs on any
standard ST, although it has much higher memory requirements and a hard
disk is recommended. Until we have a better idea of when the TT will be
available, what the ST market will be like a few months from now, what
sort of new hardware (i.e. accelerator boards or new ST models) will be
available, consider Quick ST III to be vaporware. Please do not phone us
asking when it will ship or for more information about it. When we decide
on a release date, which will probably not be until at least the end of
the year, that information will be sent out in a newsletter to all regist-
ered Quick ST II users. For now, enjoy Quick ST 2.2!
_____________________________________________
> NEODESK 3.0 !STR InfoFile¿
=========================
NeoDesk 3 / DEMO VERSION September 12, 1990
------------------------
This is the freeware demonstration version of NeoDesk 3.
Follow these instructions to try out the program. This copy is freew-
are and may be distributed free of charge. It remains copyright of Grib-
nif Software, all other rights are reserved.
Overview
--------
NeoDesk 3 is a complete replacement for the built-in desktop that
comes with the Atari. It is the easiest and most affordable way to rea-
lize your Atari's true potential.
NeoDesk 3 adds many new features and enhancements over the original
desktop, while keeping full compatibility with your current and future
software.
Not only will your computer be more powerful, it will also be much
easier to use. It doesn't get any simpler. NeoDesk 3 is the ultimate
upgrade for your Atari ST.
How to Install
--------------
While NeoDesk 3 can easily be installed so that it comes up whenever
you turn on the computer, this demonstration version is not designed to
work that way.
To try out this demo version, double-click on the NEOLOAD.PRG file.
Be sure to leave the rest of the files in the archive intact, since it
needs them. NeoDesk 3 will load and install itself in memory.
Important Note:
--------------
You cannot quit this demo version. Doing so will cause a system
reset. Be sure to only run this demo after you are sure that you can
safely reset the computer.
Things to Check Out:
--------------------
NeoDesk has hundreds of new features and enhancements available, but
these are some of the more popular features you should to try out:
o File Clipboard - Store files and folders temporarily in memory while
changing floppy disks, paths, or reorganizing your hard disk. You can
think of it sort of an automatically expanding and shrinking ramdisk.
The File Clipboard grows and shrinks according to the files you place
within it.
o Desktop Notes - Write important notes, numbers, and more right on the
desktop itself. Simply double-click on the desktop itself and a
cursor will appear. [Esc] clears the line.
o Desktop Icons - Place commonly used programs, files, and folders
directly on the desktop. You can then select the icon and use
"Install Desktop Icon..." to rename the icon and assign a unique
key to it. Selecting that key will select and open the icon.
o Custom Icons - Assign different icons (each with its own color) to any
file or folder. This makes it much easier to locate and manage them.
Many icons are included, with more available.
o Icon Editor - This multiple window Icon Editor lets you edit and
modify custom icons for any file or folder. Includes a complete set
of drawing tools. Select "Edit Icons..." to call it. Double-click on
any icon to edit it, on the desktop to edit it.
o Split-Windows - Easily split a window so that it will display two
different parts of the same directory. Very useful when copying or
manipulating files. To do this, drag the "Split Window Bar" under the
window information line to any window position.
o "Select All" Ability - A new window button (left of the bottom
horizontal bar) lets you select all the files in a single directory,
even if they don't fit in the window. You can even keep files sele
cted while you scroll the window to a new location by holding down
the [Shift] key.
o Independent Windows - Each window can be set to display text or icons,
independently of each other. Each window can even have its own
sorting and text options. The new button at the lower left corner of
the window toggles a window between text or icons.
o Smart File Copying - No more useless disk swaps. In a very efficient
and fast manner, as many files and folders that will fit into all the
available memory are read in at once. Even hard drive owners benefit
from this enhancement.
o Smart Disk Copying - NeoDesk can automatically detect the type of
format of the original disk and format the destination disk to match
it. You can even copy identical hard disk partitions.
o Macros - Automate any series of desktop operations like opening
windows, copying/deleting files, executing programs, etc. Then assign
them to any key on the keyboard. Select the menu entry once to start
recording and a second time to end recording. Does not record inside
of running programs or in dialog boxes.
o Active Icons - Drag any group of files to any program icon and that
program will be automatically executed with all the selected files as
parameters.
o Search Files - Easily search your system for that missing file. When
found it will open a window to it, scroll to the file, and select it.
o File Templates - Up to six file templates are supported. For example,
you could have a single window display all files ending in both ".TXT"
and ".DOC" endings.
o Disk Formatting - You can specify 9 or 10 sector format, number of
tracks, and even use the newer "Twister" option.
o Reorder Mode - You can easily reorder any directory on your system.
Select it once to enter the reorder mode, a second time to exit it.
o Enhance File "Show" - Can display Degas, Degas Elite, and NeoChrome
pictures. Right mouse button goes forward a page, left mouse button
back a page.
o Enhanced Install Application - You can select the type of application
you are using, should NeoDesk unload for it, and more.
Disabled Features
-----------------
The following major features are disabled in this demo version:
o You cannot run programs.
o You cannot complete a file copy or move operation. The operation will
seem to take place (so you can get an idea of the time and speed it
takes) but it will never be completed.
o You cannot "Save Configuration..."
o You cannot format a disk (though you can look at the format box).
o You cannot "Print Directory..."
o You cannot save edited icons, .NIC files, or desktop patterns.
o You cannot actually reorder a directory, though you can see how it
works.
Comments
--------
NeoDesk 3 has many other features which are only hinted at in this
demo version. Features like a new enhanced Control Panel with its own
screen saver and corner clock, Printer Queue, Print Directory function,
and much more.
NeoDesk 3 comes with a 140 page illustrated manual, two disks, several
extra utilities (one can replace the system fonts), a recoverable
trashcan for NeoDesk, and a neat box to hold it all.
How to Order
------------
You can order your own personal copy of NeoDesk 3 for $69.95 by
calling our toll free order line: 1-800-284-4742. You will receive
** FREE ** 2nd Day Air shipping.
If you have any questions or comments about the programs, you can
reach us at:
Voice: (413) 584-7887 Fax: (413) 584=2565
Gribnif Software
P.O. Box 350
Hadley, MA 01035
U.S.A.
__________________________________________________________________
> WAACE FALL/90 STR SHOW NEWS¿ THE PREMIER SHOW OF THE EAST COAST
===========================
The Washington Area Atari Computer Enthusiasts (WAACE) is a
confederation of seven user groups in the National Capitol Area that have
hosted an AtariFest for the last six years. These user groups are
NOVATARI, A.U.R.A., FACE, GRASP, WACUG, MACC, MAST, and represent over six
hundred faithful Atarians. Our show has historically been held in the
Fairfax High School, a very inexpensive location, but lacking in
facilities. Our show has done well in the high school attracting 2500 to
3500 attendees and 30 to 40 vendors each year. The only negative comment
about our show was its location in a high school. This year we lost our
Fairfax Schools Adult Education Program sponsorship and were no longer
able to use the high school facilities. As a result, after an exhaustive
search for similar low cost facilities of sufficient size to put on a
quality show, we ended up in more expensive convention space. This year's
WAACE AtariFest will be held in the Sheraton Reston Hotel. The Sheraton
has 500 rooms, 950 free parking spaces and over 20,000 square feet of
convention space.
The move to the Sheraton will allow us to put on a more professional
show. The facilities are well laid out and very accessible. AtariFest is
the only event scheduled at the hotel for the weekend which makes life for
the Fest attendee much easier since all activities will be in the same
wing of the hotel. The professionalism of the show has been enhanced with
the use of a professional show decorator, Arata Expositions. Arata has
experience with the Federal Office Systems Exposition show in Washington
DC and is very qualified. The result is that we will have a very
professional looking show in a fine facility.
This event will be the premier East Coast event for people who are
interested in software and hardware for Atari computers. The show will be
staged at the Sheraton Reston Hotel in Reston, VA. Show hours will be
from 10 am to 7 pm on both days. In addition to the shopping bargains
available from over thirty vendors there will be a full round of
demonstrations, tutorials, and seminars. A banquet on Saturday evening
will feature a special speaker on Atari matters and Current Notes
Magazine's "Author of the Year" award. Special mixers will cap off the
evening's festivities. Approximately 3000 visitors from all over the USA,
Canada, and other foreign countries attended the 1989 edition of the show.
Admission charges:
$5.00 for one day
$7.00 for a 2-day pass.
Discount ticket purchases are available for usergroups.
Children under 12 will be admitted free.
Directions to WAACE AtariFest 1990
** FROM NORTH & SOUTH
Take the Beltway I-495 Exit 12 to Washington Dulles Airport. Then
take the Washington Dulles Tool Road (Rt. 267) Exit. Follow Washington
Dulles Toll Road to the Reston Ave, Exit 3. Turn left at the traffic
light onto Reston Ave. Left again at the 2nd traffic light onto Sunrise
Valley Dr. Follow Sunrise Valley Dr. to the Sheraton Reston on the left.
** FROM EAST
From DC, take I-66 West. Follow the exit signs to Washington Dulles
Airport. Then take the Washington Dulles Toll Road (RT.267). Follow
Washington Dulles Toll Road to the Reston Ave, Exit 3. Turn left at the
traffic light onto Reston Ave. Left again at the 2nd traffic light onto
Sunrise Valley Dr. Follow Sunrise Valley Dr. to the Sheraton Reston on
the left.
** FROM WEST
Take Interstate 66 to Vienna Exit 16, Rt. 123 North. Continue 1/2
mile to Rt. 674 (Hunter Mill Road) left on Rt. 674, 4.5 miles to entrance
to Reston. Continue straight to Sheraton Reston Hotel on right.
** FROM DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Call the Sheraton Reston Hotel, (703), 620-9000 and ask for the free
hotel shuttle. If you have a rental car then take the Washington Dulles
Toll Road and go to Exit 3, Reston Ave. Turn right at the traffic light
onto Reston Ave. Left again at the 2nd traffic light onto Sunrise Valley
Dr. Follow Sunrise Valley Dr. to the Sheraton Reston on the left.
________________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL¿
=====================
- Sunnyvale, CA. FRANK FOSTER RESIGNS!
--------------
Amid a cloud of controversy, the news that Frank Foster has "resigned"
from Atari. As its MIDI chief, he brought the Atari name to heights in
the Midi world never before achieved by Atari Corp.. In fact, Foster had
brought Atari to the "head of the class" in the midi marketplace worldw-
ide. It is reported that there was indeed some internal problems invol-
ving a Stacy. "Sound familiar?"
- Houston, TX PRODIGY PREFERRED
-----------
I prefer Prodigy over GEnie. I can call Prodigy any time, day or
night, for one monthly fee (about $10). When I'm on the system is fast
and colorful. I like to start off by checking the headline news. Keeps
you up on current (and I mean current, news is updated constantly) events
in case you miss the evening news. Not in-depth, but a nice summary of a
few pages normally, on each item. Then I go to the Dow Jones area and
check the overall stock market out. Next I check the prices, using my
custom list, of stocks and mutual funds I own. Then I have it check for
company news on Atari, and any other stocks I'm interested in, and read
and articles that may be available. (They keep company news, normally
press reports like 3rd quarter earnings reports, new contracts awarded,
personnel changes, etc, up for about 5 days.) Then I go to the full-color
weather national weather map, which shows the next days forcast. The next
screen is a "fronts" map, and the next one is the second days forcast
weather map. Then I check the current local weather forcast and
conditions, then the weather at a couple of cities I like to know about
(Omaha, where I moved from, and Baton Rouge, where my family lives.) It's
nice to see the current temperature, humidity, winds, conditions, and
two-day forcast. They even show the air quality report now.
After that, I normally log off. But I also use Prodigy to send Email
to friends. No charge. Nothing is charged for except the flat rate/mo-
nth. If I call during the day, I can get stock quotes immediatly. If I
want, I can go into the business news section and see whats making head-
lines. There are all kinds of areas to spend your time, from games to
health to movie reviews to Consumer Reports articles to horiscopes to
humor - you name it. They just added an on-line encyclopedia also.
You also, of course, have the ability to shop, even for groceries,
on-line. The ads at the bottom of the screen are inoffensive, and
sometimes amusing. Prodigy is also a good place to obtain free literature
from companies. It is not without problems though. Yes, the screen is
about 40 characters wide, with comparable large characters. That just
takes some getting used to. You can not print out most items (that is
being changed). And if you use a CGA monitor - forget it! On a 386 PC
with VGA and at 2400 bps, the system is REALLY nice. I would imagine on
an ST using a PC emulator, the system would seem like the PITS. But that
does not mean Prodigy itself is.
David C.
- Sunnyvale, CA. LYNX UPDATES & NEWS
--------------
AUTO POWER ADAPTER FOR LYNX
Another accessory hits the shelves:
Lynx Auto Adapter
Part # PA3300 $19.95
Allows two Lynx units to be powered from your car's cigarette lighter.
Atari Computer Corporation has contracted six outside firms to develop
software for the Atari Lynx. The six companies, U.S. Gold, APTI Game
Systems, TELEGAMES USA, Shadowsoft Inc., Reflex Software and Cyber Labs,
were recently signed on to produce a total of 13 new games. "Many soft-
ware developers are interested in designing new games for Lynx because it
has so many technically advanced features. "said Larry Siegel, vice presi-
dent of software development at Atari. "These six companies demonstrated
a great deal of enthusiasm for Lynx."
The portable one-pound Lynx, introduced nationally last spring, took
the video game industry by storm with its full color graphics, fast ac-
tion, and realistic sound effects. Among the new Lynx titles planned are
futuristic space adventures, sports challenges, and strategic chess and
card games -- all of which will be available by early 1991.
U.S. Gold will produce original and licensed titles including "Leader-
board", a golf game, "E-Motion", a sub-atomic warfare game, and original
titles "Rotox", "GOLD", and "Italy 1990", a soccer game.
APTI Game Systems has designed two original multi-player titles spe-
cifically for Lynx: "Battle Universe" which pits players against each
other for control of the universe, and "Alternate Earth", a futuristic
four player game in which players race to save the earth from destruction.
TELEGAMES USA will introduce three Lynx games. Ideal for strategists,
"The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge" incorporates advanced computer
chess technology from Fidelity Electronics. Also new are "Krazy Ace
Miniture Golf", a three-dimensional miniature golf game full of sur-
prises, and an action packed, multi-player game which tests driving,
stalking and shooting skills.
Action lovers will enjoy an entry from Shadowsoft Inc entitled "Bugs".
This fast paced adventure dares players to pvercome a barrage of obs-
tacles and invading bugs.
Reflex Softwar plans to unveil "Cards", a multiplayer title featuring
versions of popular card games --> cribbage, gin, hearts and variations of
solitaire.
Cyber Labs will introduce an action game in which players skillfully
manipulate a vehicle in a two- or three-dimensional space, and a first
person mythological game in which players battle obstacles to advance.
Atari is a registered trademark and Lynx is a trademark of Atari (US)
Corporation.
________________________________________________________
> Hard Disks STR InfoFile¿ Affordable Mass Storage....
=======================
NEW LOW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!!
===============================
ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC.
P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
_____________________________________
All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST
are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s).
-ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE-
(you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!)
(all cables and connectors installed)
* ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
* ICD ADVANTAGE+ HOST ADAPTERS * FULL SCSI COMMAND SET SUPPORTED *
* SCSI EMBEDDED CONTROLLER MECHANISMS *
Conventional Shoe Box
Model Description Autopark Price
==================================================
SGN4951 51Mb 28ms 3.5" Y 519.00
SGN6177 62Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 619.00
SGN1096 85Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 649.00
SGN6277 120Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 889.00
SGN1296 168Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 1069.00
SGN4077 230Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 1669.00
==================================================
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
MEGA ST Internal Hard Drives
CONNOR HIGH PERFORMANCE MECHANISMS
>>> 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 28MS @ $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 __$719.00__ <<---
*** SPECIAL SYQUEST OFFER!! ***
ORDER YOUR CUSTOM SYQUEST UNIT NOW AND GET A SECOND COMPLETE UNIT!
***** for $50.00 LESS! *****
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED ** $1339.00 **
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
50mb SQG51 $1079.00 30mb SQG38 $1039.00
65mb SQG09 $1119.00 85mb SQG96 $1129.00
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
**********************************************************************
: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.
**********************************************************************
> A "Quotable Quote"¿
=================
"ATARI WILL RELEASE ALL NEW PRODUCTS IN THE USA FIRST!"
....Sam Tramiel
....proclaimed during a national online Conference
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
STReport¿ "Your Independent News Source" September 14, 1990
16/32bit Magazine copyright ½ 1990 No.6.37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
