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Silicon Times Report Issue 0808
*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
from
STR Publishing
""""""""""""""
February 21, 1992 No.8.08
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
-----------------------------------------
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FNET 1031 - STR Europe: <<< INTERNET - UK>>> 011-44-296-395-935
__________________________________________________________________
> 02/21/92: STReport #8.08 "Reporting ABOUT Atari not FOR Atari!"
-------------------------
- The Editor's Desk - CPU REPORT - SDS ICON EDITOR!
- LCACE UPSET! - FZT V2.11 Offer! - Publisher 2 ST
- MegaPaint 4 Review II - PORTFOLIO NEWS! - 200MB - 2.5"
- Codehead Product Info - ATARI/NINTENDO! - STR Confidential
** EXCLUSIVES **
* SIGNUM!3 OVERVIEW - NEWS FROM GERMANY! *
* ATARI EXPLORER - LANTECH REPRINT! *
* BOSTON SEYBOLD SHOW REPORT! *
==========================================================================
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
The _Number One_ & Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
==========================================================================
STReport's support BBS, NODE 350, invites BBS systems, worldwide, to
participate in the Fido/F-Net Mail Network. Or, call Node 350 direct at
904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging information relative
to the Atari ST computer arena through an excellent International ST Mail
Network. All registered F-NET - Crossnet SysOps are welcome to join the
STReport Crossnet Conference. The Crossnet Conference Code is #34813, and
the "Lead Node" is # 350. All systems are welcome and invited to actively
participate. Support Atari Computers; Join Today!
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AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON: GENIE ~ CIS ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ FIDO ~ F-NET
==========================================================================
COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
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"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!
WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (February 21)
PORT-A-THON IN PROGRESS!
""""""""""""""""""""""""
Enter Conference Room 1 ("PORT-A-THON!") of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO
APORTFOLIO) to participate in this very special 24-Hour event.
Multiple prizes will be awarded EACH HOUR from 3:00 PM (Eastern Time) on
February 21st through 3:00 PM February 22nd. Winning is as easy as
rolling the dice...
If you are not familiar with electronic conferencing on CompuServe,
please read files CONHLP.TXT and CONCMD.TXT in LIBRARY 1 ("Forum Help
Files"). Don't forget that you can type /HELP within the conference area
at any time to receive assistance. If you have any questions, feel free
to ask - staff members will be on-hand during the entire PORT-A-THON!
Some more information on rolling the dice ... CompuServe supports the
/ROLL command which will roll electronic dice and display the results to
all users inside the conference area. We will be using the /ROLL 6,6
command to roll six 6-sided dice. The highest total will be awarded the
prize. More information about /ROLLing and prizes will be discussed by
the staff members while you visit the PORT-A-THON.
VENDOR DIRECTORY NOW AVAILABLE!
===============================
Thanks to the programming expertise of our own Bill Aycock, the Atari
Forum staff are pleased to announce the availablity of our VENDOR
accessory datafile. Download file VENDOR.ARC from LIBRARY 6 of the Atari
Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO).
This package contains a desk accessory/program (just rename it
appropriately) VENDOR.ACC which accesses a standardized format datafile
named VENDOR.DAT. With this program you can have instant access to the
names, addresses, phone numbers, CompuServe User IDs, and some product
names for vendors that support/service the Atari computer community.
The Atari Forum staff pledges to update and expand the info in VENDOR.DAT
on a regular basis. The sysops have found this accessory to be handy in
our job of answering user queries and now we'd like to share it with the
rest of the Atari community.
A little gift from the Atari Forum staff to our members.
== ATARI FORUMS EXPAND LYNX COVERAGE ==
In response to the increased sales of Atari's LYNX, the first handheld
8-bit videogame unit with a color LCD screen, multiplayer capabilities
and stereo sound, the staff of the Atari 8-Bit Forum has recruited the
services of two well-known LYNX gaming experts, Jeff Kovach and Todd
Ellering.
A new library devoted to LYNX files will include game maps in GIF
graphics format, help and hint files, and press releases detailing new
game introductions. Kovach and Ellering will be online daily to answer
LYNX questions and will host special conferences with playing tips. For
more information, GO ATARI8.
** NEW FROM ATARI! **
Atari has uploaded the latest version of their Hard Drive Utilities! Look
for ATHDX5.LZH in Library 4 ("Utilities") in the Atari Productivity Forum
(GO ATARIPRO) for version 5.0 of these utilities.
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
***********************************************************************
> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
=================
Issue #08
Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
-- PC Shipments From Japan Fall 17%
The Japan Electronics Industry Development Association (JEIDA) says that
Japan's personal computer shipments, including peripherals, fell 17% in
the last quarter of 1991 compared to the same period a year earlier.
JEIDA also reported that exports were down 16%, total shipments of com-
puters alone without peripherals fell 23%, and shipments of peripherals
dropped 10%.
-- HP Develops a Next Generation RISC Chip
Hwelett-Packard Co. is planning on grabbing part of Sun Microsystems 40%
market-share of the workstation market, a market which has $9 billion in
annual sales, with its new next-generation RISC (reduced instruction set
chip) microprocessor.
HP says the PA-RISC 7100 is five times faster than rival chips and is
expected to increase system performance by more than 50%. They expect
to start shipping the PA-RISC 7100 in computer systems starting late
this year.
-- Hitachi Claims World's Fastest Microprocessor
Hitachi has developed a 32-bit RISC type chip, based on Hitachi's orig-
inal BiCMOS circuit, that it claims has a super-fast processing speed of
one giga instructions per second (GIPS). This speed is comparable with a
supercomputer, and is almost 10 times faster than existing workstations.
This processor itself processes 250 million instructions per second.
-- Fujitsu Unveils World's First Single-Chip CPU
According to a Fujitsu Ltd. company spokesman, Fujitsu has developed the
world's first single-chip CPU, a large scale integrated (LSI) chip, that
is capable of driving a supercomputer.
The LSI, which has 1.5 million transistors, can achieve a peak speed of
289 million floating point operations per second. It can be used as a
microprocessor or as a co-processor operating with a reduced instruction
set (RISC) or a conventional instruction set. This will allow the chip
to be incorporated in existing workstations and systems.
The LSI chip can process all kinds of calculations including addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division simultaneously. The size of
the LSI chip is only 1.5 square centimeters.
With the LSI, a "super-personal computer" can be produced in the future.
It is expected that the LSI chip will be applied to a, so-called, multi-
media computer in the near future.
-- NEC to Start Shipping 200mb Hard Drives
By the year's end, NEC Corp. hopes to be shipping samples of 2.5-inch
hard disk drives that can store 200mb of data. The company claims this
will have the largest memory capacity for 2.5-inch drives at present.
Currently, the largest 2.5-inch hard drive produced by NEC is 181.3mb.
NEC is anticipating the industry heading towards a 2.5-inch hard disk
standard and has already decided to manufacture the product in quantity
by mid-1993.
Other major Japanese personal computer firms such as Toshiba have deve-
loped a 130 MB 2.5-inch hard disk, and are reported to be trying to
develop 2.5-inch hard disks with more memory.
-- Microsoft Pressing Criminal Charges
For the first time ever, Microsoft Corp. is pressing criminal charges
for alleged violations of the California trademark law. This is the
first time Microsoft has invoked criminal laws to seek the arrest and
prosecution of alleged counterfeiters in the US.
Entech Computer Inc. in Los Angeles, a computer distributor belonging to
the Ming Yu Group was raided last week and authorities confiscated 3,000
counterfeit copies of the MS-DOS 5.0 operating system. According to
Microsoft, "The seized packages, imitations of software equaling about
$200,000 in street value, were illegal copies of BEC-manufactured MS-
DOS."
Two men were arrested, Entech president Chi Ming Robert Liu and sales
manager Karl Richard Schlicht. If convicted, both could face prison
terms of one year and the company could be fined $100,000.
It is expected that business records and information from Entech emp-
loyees will disclose most of Entech's customers. Microsoft suggests
anyone suspecting they might have purchased counterfeit goods should
call its hotline at 800- NO COPYN (800-662-6796). Those who call will
receive help from Microsoft in identifying if they indeed have a legal
copy and can help Microsoft identify the source if the copy they have
is illegal.
Microsoft representative Katy Ehrlich said however, 800 number callers
with illegal copies will not be pursued in any way by Microsoft as the
company is looking for the sources of those illegal copies. Those users,
however, cannot expect support nor can Microsoft guarantee the accuracy
of those illegal copies, Ehrlich added.
-- Comics Come to your Computer
A new family of electronic comic books is being developed by a new com-
pany called PC Comix Inc. The company hopes to ship the first series,
"Lance Stone" by March 2.
"Lance Stone is a shy but handsome computer graphics artist in the year
2091 who gets caught up in interplanetary genocide after meeting a
beautiful woman on a blood-alcohol-sensing bar stool". "At the cliff-
hanger ending, she has impregnated him with her lifeforce just before
being blasted by the bad guys."
The Ashland, Ore., firm says the $20 software includes 51 color frames
plus sound effects, spot animation and a special feature for story
lines.
"Branching plot lines," says a statement from the firm, let the reader
"follow the action from selectable points of view, branching or
returning to the main story line with the click of the mouse. Subsequent
editions ... will recognize the presence of earlier issue numbers on a
user's hard disk, and will automatically link to form ongoing books."
The DOS-based software requires VGA graphics capabilities (color or gray
scale on laptops), 640K RAM and occupies 2MB of hard disk space. The
sound effects play back through the PC's internal speaker (though for
better sound quality, company officials recommend using a PC sound board
like the SoundBlaster Audio Board from Creative Labs Inc.).
-- Leading Edge Adds AntiVirus Pack to Systems
Because of last month's Michelangelo virus scare (CPU Report 5), Leading
Edge Products Inc. says it has decided to begin providing free antivirus
software to its customers.
According to a company spokesman, buyers of the firm's desktop and note-
book computers now will receive free copies of software designed by
McAfee Associates, that can identify 1,199 variants of known viruses and
remove them from infected systems. The program will be installed on
hard drive systems. A diskette will be enclosed for systems without a
hard drive.
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
To sign up for GEnie service:
Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
GEnie costs only $4.95 a month for unlimited evening and weekend access to
more than 100 services including electronic mail, online encyclopedia,
shopping, news, entertainment, single-player games, and bulletin boards on
leisure and professional subjects. With many other services, including
the biggest collection of files to download and the best online games, for
only $6 per hour.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! Any time during your first month of membership if
you are not completely satisfied, just ask for your $4.95 back.
GEnie Announcements (FREE)
1. GEnie Outage Scheduled For Monday, February 24................
2. Player Finders are BACK......................................RSCARDS
3. Olympic News -- Get the latest...............................SPORTS
4. SAVE $10 on CheckFree Software... Now thru 2/29..............CHECKFREE
5. Disney World RTC Trivia Night (The Sequel) WIN Prizes in.....FLORIDA
6. CompuGlasses for PC-tired eyes. Save $60 - Only $39.95.......CONTACT
7. Dungeon and its secrets unearthed, come explore them in......DGATE
8. Hot Games - Big Fun - HUGE Value - hurry, hurry, hurry.......SOFTCLUB
9. Find out how GEnie REALLY works.. RTC with Thomas Rae 2/25...MAINFRAME
10. Writers and researchers unite - RTC Feb. 21 9pm EST..........GENEALOGY
11. FOXPRO Database Management Software RTC on Feb. 22nd.........DBMS
12. WIN a CRUISE to the MEXICAN BAJA.............................OAG
13. Focus on: Container Classes and OOPs.........................BORLAND
14. Share the OLYMPIC SPIRIT: Free Olympics Poster w/purchase..SHADES-MORE
15. Put your Resume Where Employers Can Find it.................DIRECTORY
==============================================================
ASK LEONARD TRAMIEL!
Atari's Vice-President of Software, Leonard Tramiel, will be
answering questions from Atari users in the Bulletin Board and
the Software Library, and then later in a Realtime Conference.
See Category 14, Topic 25 for details on how to "Ask Leonard."
==============================================================
Welcome ****** ******** ** ** **
To the ** ** ** ** **
GEnie ****** ** ST ** ** **
ATARI ** ** Roundtable ** ** **
****** ** ** ** **
*** ** ***
The Official Online Resource of Atari Corporation *** ** ***
***********************************************************************
Regular Open Conference every Wednesday night, 10PM EDT, 7PM PDT
DTP conference every Monday at 10PM eastern in room 3.
The ST Roundtable Staff wants to thank everyone that has taken
the time to upload. Uploading is FREE but we sure do appreciate
the effort and the time.
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
***********************************************************************
> The Flip Side STR Feature "... a different viewpoint"
=========================
A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT
==================================
by Michael Lee
There's more to life than just Atari ST/TT systems!!
Now that I have your attention, I'll explain why I made such a radical
statement. On occassion I am sent some good general information posts
that have nothing to do with the ST. Last week's "diet" post was such
a post. I'm going to be including a few of what I think are the better
such posts in some of my columns.
Most of these general information posts that I've printed in the past
have been forwarded to me by Lloyd Pulley who spends a lot of time in
the Genie Basic services. But Lloyd is limited by time restraints as
to how many of the RoundTables and how many services he can visit each
week. If you run across a general information post on any of the on-
line services that you think might be interesting to my readers, fore-
ward it to Lloyd or Ralph and they'll get it to me.
----------------
Are you confused by the new modem standards floating around? I know I
am. The following are some posts from the Aladin ST Roundtable on Genie
that might help you.
Question from Rob Woodbridge...
Anyone know the difference between v.32bis and v.42bis? I don't need a
real technical description or anything, just a general idea.
Answer from Tim Purves (Griffin Software - programmer for Aladin ST)...
v.32, is a 9,600bps modulation standard.
v.32bis, is a 14,400bps modulation standard.
v.42, is an errorfree link protocol (like MNP).
v.42bis is v.42 plus LZW compression (like MNP5, but better).
v.42bis, can be used on ANY connection.
v.32bis is a modulation standard that runs at 14,400bps.
I have seen 3000+ cps on a v32bis/v.42bis connection.
Answer from Steve Yelvington...
V.42bis is a data-compression extension to the V.42 standard, which
covers error correction.
V.42/V.42bis runs on top of any modulation scheme, such as Bell 212,
V.22, V.22bis, V32, or V.32bis.
(MNP is another, incompatible, error-correction/data compression
standard. It, too, can run on top of any modulation scheme.)
The modulation scheme governs the raw throughput. Modulation schemes
include:
Bell 103: 0 to 300bps
Bell 212: 1200bps (North America)
V.22: 1200bps (CCITT standard for the rest of the world)
V.22bis: 2400bps
V.32: 9600bps
V.32bis 14400bps
The data-compression and error-correction protocols can increase the
real throughput. When Tim mentions 3,000 cps with V.32bis/V.42bis,
that's the equivalent a conventional modem sending 30,000 bits per
second.
Does this make sense?
I have a 2400bps modem (V.22bis) that uses V.42bis for data compres-
sion. It can move a theoretical maximum of 960 cps, depending on
conditions. In real-world application, the best I've seen from my
Supra 2400plus is about 700cps, which is equivalent to a 7000bps modem
(there is no such thing, but you can imagine it).
My experience with data compression (both V.42bis and MNP5) has been
mixed. I've seen very good results with easily compressible files and
Zmodem, but most of the traffic in and out of my Atari is either
to/from GEnie (which does not support compression) or is transmitted
via UUCP 'G' protocol. UUCP 'G' uses very small blocks that don't
compress well, so I rarely see any measurable gain from having a
V.42bis modem. Running V.42bis over a tcp/ip packet network isn't very
useful, either. My main Usenet newsfeed is most easily reached through
a tcp/ip terminal server, and I can't get V.42bis to work there are
all.
So, when evaluating whether V.42bis is right for you, consider what
sort of data you're sending, what sort of connections you're using,
and what sort of file-transfer protocols you have.
Answer from Ron Hunter...
Yes, just any old commercial, voice-grade, unconditioned, dial-up
line. The V.32bis/V.42bis combination gives a 14.4k bps connection,
and the V.42bis adds error-correction and up to 4:1 compression (works
best with text data). The combination is capable of total theoretical
throughput of 56k bps.
Since V.42bis eliminates the need to send start and stop bits across
the phone line, it can send one character for each 8 bits, and the
throughput can do well over 3000 characters per second.
Note that this is ONLY for data which will compress at the maximum
rate (like lines of the same character), and your mileage will vary.
Maximum usual rates for program data (compresses about 2:1) is about
1700cps, or that is the best most users report. The line quality has
some effect on the rate, of course, but most of the new modems do
adaptive equalization, and automatically adjust to changing line
conditions, even to the point of reducing the speed of transmission to
assure data integrity.
Note: There will be NO GAIN from data compression when sending data
that is already compressed with LZH compression. Also, using a
protocol, like xmodem, or kermit, with short blocks will yield only
very slight improvement. Zmodem or ymodem-g are the preferred
protocols.
----------------
From H. Murphy (M.S. Design) - Cat. 5, Topic 2, Msg. 15 - from the ST
Roundtable on Genie...
Announcing!
MS Design is proud to announce the imminent release of our Wheeler
Quick Art Library on CD-ROM, for the ST, Amiga and MS-DOS.
Our CD ROM's contain 3000+ 300 dpi images, in PCX, TIFF and IMG
formats (9000 total files). These are all high-quality custom hand-
drawn images done by professional artists. They are NOT scanned Dover
PD images like you may have seen elsewhere! The price of this disk is
$299. And, yes, I have them in hand as this is written!
Tech stuff: the CDROM is an ISO 9660, mastered by Nimbus for Wayzata
Technology. Current version is Volume 1, version 1.0.
----------------
From Mike Mastaler - Cat. 14, Topic 21, Msg. 9 - from the ST Roundtable
on Genie...
Hi! Today I just bought the first SM147 at my music dealers. It looks
great! It's not made by Atari (but has their logo). The dealer said it
looks like a Goldstar. The owners manual ? says it's a "super VGA".
I use Notator sequencer and it looks fantastic. It's a non-glare flat
screen and has NO SPEAKER. As I type this, it looks like I'm at a
drive-in <G>.
List is $259; street prices are about $210-$225 (I paid $225). These
are the "real World" dimensions folks:
This is the ACTUAL screen size, not the tube sizes:
12" diag., 7 1/2 high, and 9 3/8 wide
It doesn't sound big, but it looks great. Also, it has a tilted,swivel
base.
BTW, the box it came in had no Atari logo or anything, There's not
even a mention of Atari in the manual, and I didn't get any warranty
card. This is being built by a jobber, obviously. Anyway, it looks
fine and I'm happy with it.
Now I got to go, can't see spending $6 hr. selling Atari's products
for them (even though they need some US marketing) (he-he). Come over
to the *MIDI bb; we have an Atari Cat. there and it's free...Cat. 3
Top. 6
----------------
About replacement toner and kits for the SLM804 - Cat. 14, Topic 11,
Msgs. 203-204 - from the ST Roundtable on Genie...
From R.DEAN3...
I'm currently using an ABCO replacement in my SLM804. Not only did I
pay less than I did for the Atari replacement kit from Computronics II
in Hawaii ($42 from ABCO), the kit includes everything you need to
properly replace the cartridge (Q tips, a replacement for the waste
toner bottle - not included in the Atari Kit) and I got it in less
than a week. Check out any issue of ST Report, ABCO's add is the last
thing Ralph adds in.
----------------
From Mark (Joppa) - Cat. 4, Topic 24, Msg. 190 - from the ST Roundtable
on Genie...
Just a quick note from us. I'd like to say that we are planning to
attend the Toronto AtariFest this April 4 & 5 and will be selling our
NEW version of our software, complete with Send/Receive capabilities
for Send/Receive modems.
Existing owners of our products should be receiving something in the
mail very soon from us, providing you've sent in the registration
card. No details as of yet on the upgrade.
This version will be sold as a stand alone product, that is to say it
will work with 99% of existing send/receive modems out on the market.
If you would like information call us at 717-428-3231 and will be
happy to send you information when start to ship. Look for further
details to follow.
----------------
From John Eidsvoog (CodeHead Technologies) - Cat. 32, Topic 31, Msg. 275
- from the ST Roundtable on Genie...
We thank everyone for the bug reports about earlier versions of Quick
ST. I'd recommend at this point that everyone just hold on, wait a
little longer, and get our first upgrade, 3.5.
The CodeHead Quick ST 3.5 has been quite thoroughly revamped and so
much has changed that there's not much point in us hearing any more
bug reports about the old version that now seems quite foreign to us.
Our beta-testers are doing a very thorough job of putting 3.5 through
the mill.
As of today, virtually every known bug has been squashed and we are
now turning toward writing the manual. It could be ready in as little
as two weeks. Thank you for your patience.
--------------
A general information post from J.BYRD7 in the Home Office-Small
Business Roundtable...
For everyone wondering about fast food restaurant nutritional details:
Most of these places have nice brochures that are yours for the price
of a stamp or a phone call. Some will even send you coupons good at
their restaurants if you write a nice enough letter! (I know, the
temptation may just be too great to use that coupon for the big
Wendy's double bacon Classic. But it makes a nice gift.) Here are few
addresses:
McDonald's Nutrition Information Center MMcDonald's Plaza Oak Brook,
IL 60521 (708) 575-FOOD
Burger King Corporation Consumer Relations, Mail Station 4S P.O. Box
520783, General Mail Facility Miami, FL 33152 (305) 378-7320
Wendy's International Inc. Consumer Affairs Dept. P.O. Box 256 Dublin,
OH 43017 (614) 764-6800
Pizza Hut Consumer Affairs Dept. P.O. Box 0428 Wichita, KS 67201
KFC Corp. (Kentucky Fried Chicken) Public Affairs Department P.O.
Box 32070 Louisville, KY 40232
Arby's Inc. Ten Piedmont Center Suite 700 3495 Piedmont Road, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30305
MY FAVORITE: Dunkin' Donuts Consumer Products Information P.O. Box
317 Randolph, MA 02368
American Dairy Queen Corp. 5701 Green Valle Drive Minneapolis, MN
55437
Go on. Call or write. It reminds them that there is consumer pressure
for "better" fast foods, with more alternatives, less fat, calories
and salt.
I also have addresses for branded consumer packaged goods (Pillsbury,
Kraft, Stouffer, etc) who also put out detailed and interesting
brochures.
----------------
Until next week.....
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
As a reader of STReport International Online Magazine, you are entitled to
take advantage of a special DELPHI membership offer. For only $29.95 ($20
off the standard membership price!), you will receive a lifetime subscrip-
tion to DELPHI, a copy of the 500-page DELPHI: THE OFFICIAL GUIDE and over
$14 worth of free time.
NOTE: Special offers can be found in your favorite Atari magazines:
START CURRENT NOTES ST INFORMER
ATARI INTERFACE MAGAZINE
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
1. Dial 617-576-0862 with any terminal or PC and modem (at 2400 bps,
dial 576-2981).
2. At the Username prompt, type JOINDELPHI.
3. At the Password prompt enter STREPORT.
For more information, call DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005, or at
617-491-3393 from within Massachusetts or from outside the U.S.
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, Mass.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
--------------------
Beginning September 1, 1990, DELPHI will begin offering a new plan
that will save you money! The new plan is called the 20/20 Advantage
Plan and it features 20 hours online for just $20 a month! The $20 is a
monthly fee that covers your first 20 hours online via direct dial into
one of DELPHI's two direct-access lines, or via a special Tymnet 20/20
Access code. It also gets you additional hours at just $1.20 per hour.
And you get free access to several services on DELPHI as part of the
Advantage Perks.
Other telecom services may have additional charges. Canadian Tymnet
users have an additional telecom charge. Office Time access (7 a.m. to 7
p.m., weekdays) may have an additional charge. And of course, other
restrictions may apply. But this is still an amazing deal!
For more information, contact DELPHI at 1-800-544-4005 and ask for
Member Services.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> CODEHEAD GOODIES! STR InfoFile VERSIONS & PRICES
==============================
CODEHEAD TECHNOLOGIES VERSIONS AND PRICES
=========================================
UTILITIES VERSION MANUAL RELEASE NOTES PRICE UPGRADE
HotWire 3.0 1.3 2.3 $44.95 $10.00
MaxiFile III 3.0 2.0 3.0 Addendum $44.95 $15.00
HotWire Plus (includes Maxifile) $69.95 $20.00
MultiDesk Deluxe 3.3 3.0 $49.95 $20.00 + $3 S/H
CodeKeys 1.3 1.1 $39.95 $10.00
LookIt & PopIt 1.2/1.1 1.0 $39.95 $10.00
G+Plus 1.5 1.2 $34.95 $10.00
CodeHead Utilities 4 Release 3 & 4 $34.95 $10.00
MidiMax 1.3 1.0 $49.95 $10.00
MIDI Spy 1.0 1.0 $79.95
Quick ST 3.5 3.5 $44.95 $20.00
GRAPHIC TOOLS PRICE INTRODUCTORY PRICE
(until March 1, 1992)
Avant Vector (with EPS) $545.00 $495.00
Avant Plot $895.00 $845.00
Genus Font Editor $175.00 $150.00
MegaPaint Professional 4.0 $175.00
Cherry Font Packs $42.95
HARDWARE
TOS Extension Card $139.00
TOS Ext. Card - CPU or BUS Bridge $155.00
TOS Chip Set $60.00
TERMS
-----
Check, Money Order, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express are accepted.
Basic shipping charges are $3.00 to addresses in the US, $4.00 to Canada,
and $6.00 to Europe. Some packages, such as Avant Vector and MegaPaint
require higher shipping charges. Please call for exact rates.
UPGRADE POLICY
--------------
MaxiFile updates are $15.00, which includes a 67-page manual addendum.
MultiDesk updates (to MultiDesk Deluxe) are $20.00 plus $3 shipping, which
includes a new manual in a three-ring binder. Quick ST updates are
$20.00. Send in your original Quick ST disk or a Turbo ST disk (any
version). Updates to previous versions of MegaPaint are $100.00. All
other updates are $10.00 each plus $5.00 extra if a new manual is
required. If you are updating HotWire and have the old red and black
manual, you'll need a new manual. To order any update, send us your
original disk plus the appropriate payment. Order are usually filled the
same day they are received.
(Quick ST and MIDI Spy are not shipping as of this date)
____________________________________________________________
> SIGNUM!3 STR InfoFile "THE BEST THAT'S AVAILABLE FOR THE ST!"
=====================
SIGNUM!3
--------
REVOLUTION OR EVOLUTION?
by Oliver Steinmeier
Here in Germany, Signum!2 used to be one of the best selling software
products for the Atari ST. When the word processing package came out in
1986/87, it surprised everybody with a yet unknown output quality even on
cheap dot matrix printers. This was accomplished by printing everything
in graphics mode. Hundreds of Signum! fonts are available for only a few
bucks, many even as public domain 'software'. Signum! was a quite
expensive program, but the ability to include graphics into documents and
to position every character at any position was needed and liked by many
ST owners.
When Application Systems Heidelberg (ASH), the distributor of
Signum!3, announced a new version at the Atari fair in Duesseldorf last
fall, many people couldn't wait to get more information about the new
program. Then in November, I had the chance to visit ASH in Heidelberg to
attend an exclusive demonstration of the abilities of the nearly finished
program. And it's absolutely true that the new Signum!3 is the most
impressive piece of software that I have seen for quite a while. It's
more than just a new version, owners of Signum!2 will have problems to
recognize their old buddy...
Application Systems started shipping the program in December, and
again I had the chance to get the first official version for a review for
Atari Journal, a German ST magazine. Whenever there is a new program
being released nobody is surprised if the first versions are still full of
bugs. Signum!2 had the reputation of being nearly bug-free, and Signum!3
is following the example of its predecessor. Even with the first version
of Signum!3 it seems to be impossible to cause a crash, and there are
hardly any obvious bugs to be found.
To use Signum!3 more than one MB RAM is needed, and a hard disk drive
is recommended as well. Even though the program does not provide a GEM
user interface it works properly on any monochrome screen. The standard
color resolutions (including TT VGA mode) are supported as well.
When I said that Signum!3 does not come with a GEM user interface I
did not mean that it is a TOS program. Instead of using GEM windows,
menus, and dialogs the programmer of Signum!3 developed a complete set of
their own routines to allow Signum!3 to have the best user interface I
have ever seen on the ST. One problem that might result from the
non-standard GEM interface is that chances are good that Signum!3 won't
like MultiTOS too much (whenever there is a MultiTOS, of course).
Signum!3 is able to handle up to four text files at the same time.
Each text is displayed in its own window. There are more windows for
other purposes; for example to display fonts, text components, etc.
Following the concept of Signum!2 the new version uses its own fonts (not
GDOS fonts!) which now can contain up to 255 characters. The maximum size
for a character is about 2 centimeters (0.8 inch). The use of old
Signum!2 fonts is possible; the new fonts, however, provide Signum!3 with
information about kerning distances.
Of course, Signum!3 provides nearly all functions for word processing
one can think of. It is no problem at all to include pictures into
documents. They can be placed anywhere in the text. A graphics module
now also allows the use of vector graphics elements. The printer driver
prints vector elements with the highest possible resolution, and that
ensures that diagonal lines are not zigzag lines. Signum!3 comes with
lots of printer installations for most printers used with the ST (dot
matrix, ink jets, laser printers).
Signum!3 is more than just a word processor. It allows the use of an
unlimited number of columns per page. The layout of each page can be
defined without restrictions to where columns start and end. The text
formatting in accordance to these definitions is done automatically. This
is an ability that used to be included in DTP programs only. The
automatic compilation of a word index and a table of contents is one of
the features that makes Signum!3 very convenient for authors.
It really isn't easy to describe Signum!3 in a few words. It may be
"the best document processor that I have ever seen on the ST" is an
appropriate statement. If you have a chance to get a demo or see the
program at your local (?) dealer, don't miss it! Signum!3 costs 550 marks
($350), a lot of money, but it's worth it if you have the need for a good
word processor.
NEWS FROM GERMANY
In addition to Signum!3, there are a few more programs that have been
released or will be released really soon here. Tempus Word, Signum!3's
most important rival, will be updated in February. The new version 2.0
comes with a new (GEM) user interface, and some functions have been added.
I haven't seen the program yet, and therefore I can't provide details.
Application Systems Heidelberg is expected to release the new version
of Phoenix. Phoenix is said to be one of the best databases for the ST,
and version 2.0 will have a lot of new functions.
Compo is shipping another data base called ComBase. CoCom is a new
user interface from Compo.
Artifex makes everybody happy with its TOS Extension Card (TEC) that
allows the installation of TOS 2.06 in all STs. CodeHead Technologies is
the US distributor of TEC. Also from Artifex is a new desktop
replacement called Ease. DC DataDiet is available here in Germany now.
Artifex is the distributor.
The CeBIT show in Hannover opens on March 11. Everybody is expecting
something new and exciting from Atari, nobody seems to know what they will
be showing there. In my eyes it's not that important what new products
they announce at the show. A lot more important is that they get the
stuff to the dealers without delay. The ST Book was shown at CeBIT
exactly one year ago, and where can you buy it now?
Oliver Steinmeier
Email: uk14@dkauni2.bitnet
Atari Journal
Germany
______________________________________________________________
> ICON EDITOR V 2.0 STR InfoFile THE "ULTIMATE" ICON EDITOR!
==============================
=============================
= THE NEWDESK ICON CPX V2.0 =
=============================
Software Development Systems is proud to introduce THE NEWDESK ICON
EDITOR CPX Version 2.0, the latest upgrade to this popular icon editor
available for Atari computers with TOS 2.05 and above.
NIC, which runs using Atari's Extensible Control Panel (available on
GENIE or at your local dealer), uses only 1k of system memory when not in
use and can be conveniently called from any GEM menu bar. In addition
users with a TOS version less than 2.05 can still utilize the 32x32 icon
editing capabilities for use in HYPERLINK and any resource construction
set.
NIC can load and save GEM .RSC, DC .ICE, .ICN, and .XIC files (our own
icon format). Convenient functions such as flips, shifts, rotate, fill,
and more are all readily available within our graphic toolbox. In
addition, icon color, character position, and title may be modified.
Version 2.0 completely supports the Atari Clipboard for interaction
with other programs that support this standard. Our clipboard support
writes .XIC, .ICN, and .IMG files for manipulation from within other
programs.
Preview mode is included to allow you to see your icon as it will
appear on the desktop.
Version 2.0 now completely manages the DESKICON.RSC and NEWDESK.INF
files. We've even added an expanded install feature from within the
program that lets you assign one icon to many different file masks for the
greatest flexibility.
As if that wasn't enough the package also includes .XIC Print, an
application to print your icon files to any GDOS/FSM GDOS device, and an
icon convertor to convert PD icon files to .XIC. We have also put over 600
PD icons on disk.
The Newdesk Icon Editor Version 2.0 is available now for the retail
price of $29.95 + $2.50 S & H. Owners of earlier versions can upgrade for
$10.00 + $2.50 S & H. Contact your local dealer for information or order
direct from SDS:
Software Development Systems
996 Redondo Ave. #404
Long Beach, CA 90804
Orders: (800) 237-4SDS
Info: (310) 595-9799
GEnie: S.SANDERS2
(COD's accepted, but no credit cards.)
Please note that the above phone numbers will not be active
until around March 1st, 1992 due to phone service changes.
___________________________________________________________________
> FREEZE DRIED!! STR InfoFile FZT VER 2.11 ** ST. PAT'S SPECIAL!
===========================
Freeze Dried Term v2.11
=======================
Saint Patrick's Special
Compiled by Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
Senior Staff Editor
From Category 8, Topic 6, Messages 59-60 on the ST Roundtable on Genie
=====================================================================
________ _____ ____
/ / | \
/___ ____ ____ ____ / ____ | \ ____ ___ ____ ___
/ / //__ /__ / /__ | > | ' | |__ | \
/ / / / / / | / | | | | >
/ / /___ /___ /____ /___ |___/ | _|_ |___ |__/
/
_____________ /oftware
' | ____'____ _ _ ___ _ _ _ _
| | | ' |\ /| | |\ | / \ |
| |-- | | \/ | | | \ | /---\ |
| |___ | | | _|_ | \| / \ |____
v2.11
---------------------------------------------------------------------
S A I N T P A T R I C K ' S D A Y S P E C I A L
---------------------------------------------------------------------
If you take advantage of this offer, you can get this HOT shareware
item for 30% off the normal shareware fee of $25. That's right, you
get FreeZe Dried Terminal v2.11 for $18!
__ _
\ / \ O /
_/ | | / OFF
\ | | / O
__/ \_/
If you have been using FzT but haven't gotten around to registering
yet, DON'T HESITATE. You won't see this kind of discount again for a
long, long time.
Have you been not registering because of all the new versions coming
out, and you don't want to hassle getting the upgrade through me?
Worry no more; included with your order is your personal .KEY, which
allows you to "unlock" the features of future demo versions. So all
you have to do to use the latest demo is to download it from a local
BBS, and put your .KEY in the same directory as it.
When I receive your order, I will put your disk in the mail within 3
days, if at all possible. I will be stocking up on disks and mailers,
so this should not be a problem. Your registered version will be
shipped via US Postal First Class Mail, so it should be at your door 2
to 5 days after I drop it in the mailbox, depending how far you are
away from me.
How it works:
1) Get your hands on a copy of the Demo (any version), and print out
the file 'PRINT.ME'. Fill in all necessary information. (If you
don't have a printer or for some reason you can't print out the
'PRINT.ME', get an 8 1/2" x 11" peice of paper and put your name,
address, phone number, and any comments on it.)
NOTE: The serial number of the demo you use to obtain the 'PRINT.ME'
does not matter, as the $5 commission ("Thank You") is not valid with
this offer.
2) Go to your local bank/post office/mini-mart/whatever and get a
MONEY ORDER for US$18. (NO Personal Checks for this offer!)
Make it payable to "Aaron Hopkins". (I will send your order within
3 days, which is a bit of a bonus.)
3) Dig through your desk and find an envelope and appropriate postage.
Write on the front:
FzDSTerm St. Patty's Day Special
c/o Aaron Hopkins
1213 Walnut Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 USA
4) Put the money order, necessary paperwork, etc in the envelope.
Close the envelope, lick the stamp, and stick it on.
5) Run to your nearest post office and drop it in on or before March
17, 1992 (Saint Patrick's Day.) I will not accept any orders
postmarked after March 17.
6) Bug your postman daily about a little cardboard envelope until he
gives it to you.
NOTE: This is good for US and Canadian orders only, and MUST be a
Money Order in US Dollars, and MUST be Post-marked on or before
March 17, 1992. If not, this offer is invalid and your order
will be returned to you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
This offer may be reposted at will, as long as it is complete and
UNALTERED in any way.
=====================================================================
----------------
Well, here it is, the FreeZe Dried Terminal v2.11. A few things to
note:
FzT and the protocols now use the most reliable method for sending
data to the serial port (although not the fastest.)
A few minor cosmetic bugs in mono have been fixed, along with many
other bugs.
It now processes input from the modem in a different way. It is much
faster, and should be more stable. I hope I have finally cured the
bombing problems. (If the serial port locks up, ALT-I now resets it
along with the modem.)
XYZ.TTP is now used only for Z-modem and X-Checksum... The default
setup now has FZDSXFER.TTP handling everything else. If you have any
problems with the protocols, I can give you instructions on setting
XYZ up for X-CRC, X-1k, and Y-Batch for send and receive. Soon, I hope
to get rid of XYZ entirely!
Enjoy,
Aaron Hopkins
Author, The FreeZe Dried Terminal
_____________________________________________________________
> MEGAPAINT 4.0 STR Review PART TWO "The Professional Solution"
========================
MEGAPAINT PROFESSIONAL 4.0
==========================
-- Part II
by Tommy Software
Disturbed by CodeHead Technologies
Reviewed by Doyle C. Helms
STaff Editor @ ST Report
In the last issue we covered an introduction to MegaPaint
Professional 4.0 (MPaint) and did a quick tour of the lower
display portion of the screen. This part will cover some of the
more powerful aspects of MPaint and hopefully will give you enough
information so you can decide as to whether you need/want this
program for your personal/professional needs.
** THE MENU BAR **
-- SYSTEM CONTROL--
On the far left of the menu bar selection area is the SYSTEMS
drop down menu selections. THe menu item are shown in normal
script/font except for the ones that are "undo-able", they are in
bold script. More on the innovative UNDO function later.
The first choice on the SYSTEM menu is of course the INFO
selection telling the version and authors. One of the first things
the user will notice about this drop down is there is no Desk
Accessories shown. Not to worry though, there is a route to get to
them via the MODULES selection. If a menu item as an EDD
(Extensible Drop Down) the item will have a small arrow to the
right of the menu name.
-- SCALE UNITS --
The SCALE UNITS selection allows the user to select the type
of measurement system they desire. Centimeters, Inches or 64
Pixel are the available scale unit choices.
-- SCALE SIZE --
The SCALE SIZE option allows the user to configure the screen
display to show the OUTPUT size. If you set the SCALE SIZE option
to 180x180 (common 24 pin printer resolution) the screen will also
show the 180x180 resolution. The available options for this
selection include 150x150, 180x180, 200x200, 216x240, 240x216,
300x300, 360x360, 400x400 and 600x600 DPI. The higher the
resolution the more memory is required to show/work with an
image/object. Let's say I have a 1040STe and I wish to work with a
180x180 DPI object. This should present no problem. But if I
decide to work with an object of equal physical size but at
300x300 resolution, that may present some memory shortage
limitations.
-- DISPLAY SIZE --
The DISPLAY SIZE selection lets the user determine the size
of the work area in relation to its physical size. This option is
similar to other program that allow the user to show a FULL PAGE
or NORMAL/ACTUAL or ZOOMED mode. MPaint allows selection of 5:1 to
1:5. The 1:1 selection is default of course. The speed of zooming
in on an object is incredible to say the least. This also goes for
going to full page display also.
-- SET ORIGIN --
The SET ORIGIN option allows the user to shift the ORIGIN
point, default is the upper left corner of the screen, to where
ever he/she desires. When the ORIGIN point is shifted, the
COORDINATES info display will then show the current position
relative to the new ORIGIN vice the upper left corner.
-- PROGRAM STATUS --
The PROGRAM STATUS selection calls up a large dialog box
asking/displaying information about MAXIMUM PIC SIZE in pixels and
shows the memory usage relative to the chosen pic size. CURRENT
PIC SIZE shows the current picture size and memory used for it.
MAXIMUM BUFFER SIZE shows the current size of the buffer data
area. CURRENT BUFFER SIZE shows the user the buffer size which is
now being used. The remainder of the PROGRAM STATUS display shows
memory info on RASTER FONTS and SYMBOLS and VECTOR OBJECTS and
SYMBOLS. The bottom of the PROGRAM STATUS box shows remaining
memory after the above info is taken into account.
-- UNDO ON/OFF --
This is an old idea with a slightly innovative twist. The
UNDO function on the ST has been around and used in graphic
programs since DEGAS. This UNDO feature allows the user to
immediately see/determine if the about to be undertaken action is
"undo-able". With this UNDO ON/OFF the user selects whether to
highlight the options that are "undo-able" or not. I like this
feature because not all actions are recallable. I have used
graphic programs that have undo options available, but when I make
a mistake in certain areas, the UNDO feature does not work there
and then I am stuck with my mistake. If I had known beforehand
that a certain action was undo-able I would have been careful.
MPaint SHOWS the user whether the action is recallable or not.
Very nice feature indeed.
-- CHANGE SNAP ---
The CHANGE SNAP option allows the user to set the X-axis and
Y-axis snap options independently of each other. Also in the
CHANGE SNAP selections is the SNAP DISPLAY option. The SNAP
DISPLAY of the X and Y axis is configured for the measurement
system chosen in the SCALE UNITS selection previously listed in
the SYSTEMS menu. A nice touch to this option is that if you have
SNAP turned ON, you can hold the shift key while positioning the
cursor/tool and the SNAP option is put on hold. This is great
because the user does not have to go back and turn it off for only
positioning a one time object that would be incorrect with the
SNAP being ON.
-- CHANGE POP UP ---
The manual explains the POP UP MENU as "... a small graphical
menu containing 60 icons. They are allocated at two levels, which
overlap each other." This last statement means that the two menus
that appear are stacked on top of the other one. If the mouse is
moved over the underlying menu, then it is brought to the top. The
icon that the mouse is over is displayed in textual manner at the
STATUS LINE box at the bottom of the screen. The user can then
select the option they wish with a mouse click. The POP UP MENU is
activated by a right mouse click anywhere in the work area of the
screen. If you change your mind and do not want the pop up menu
after you have call it, just click the right mouse button again.
The option CHANGE POP UP allows the user to redesign the look
of the POP UP MENU. MPaint allow the user to alter or totally
redesign the look of the icons. The icons can be loaded in MPaint
itself for editing. The manual is quite explicit in describing
the process of icon editing.
-- LOAD POP UP MENU and SAVE POP UP MENU --
This selection is self explanatory.
-- CHANGE SETTINGS --
The CHANGE SETTINGS selection allow the user to adjust the
allocation of memory usage between the the RASTER option and the
VECTOR option. This selection also includes the configuration of
the paper sheet size, A4, DIN A2 and such. The maximum picture
size in pixels can be configured here also. The number of picture
buffers are also an option of choice. The bottom of the selection
box a display of used memory vice remaining is shown.
-- LOAD SETTINGS & SAVE SETTINGS --
The settings and configuration of MPaint can be saved for
future use and reloaded at will. The user may have one type of
setting for RASTER graphics for their 24 Pin printer and another
for their SLM804. This option saves the settings under a filename
chosen by the user, not the program.
** FILE **
-- LOAD PICTURE & SAVE PICTURE --
The LOAD PICTURE option contains one of the many EDDs
(remember what that is? Extendable Drop Down). When the user
selects the LOAD PICTURE option the little EDD shows several type
of file formats that can be loaded into MPaint. The default file
format is .BLD. There are two versions of this file format
selectable, compressed or uncompressed. The next listed format is
the ever present .IMG format. next comes the .PCX format that is
very common in the PC Compatible world. CodeHead Technologies have
already released a couple of MODULES that allow the importation of
TINY pics, Calamus CVG files and Calamus PAGE format.
The MODULES are free to all OWNERS of MPaint. The SAVE PIC file is
of course the reverse of the LOAD PIC file.
-- DELETE FILE & DIRECTORY --
The DELETE FILE option allows the user to choose a file on
disk to delete. The DIRECTORY option allows the user to view a
directory of their choice via the built in file selector. Now I
know I can here some grumbles about "OH NO! I can't use my XYZ
brand of file selector?" The file selector that is used in MPaint
is better than most default selectors built into some programs.
This one is very useable. CodeHead Technologies is working on a
MODULE to allow the user to use their own chosen File selector.
-- FORMAT DISKETTE --
The format option here allows formats of either 360KB or
720KB.
-- LOAD/SAVE DEGAS PICTURE --
This option allow for the DEGAS format picture file to be
either loaded or saved. The DEGAS pic will only include what can
be shown in the physical work area. In other words 640x400 is the
maximum pic area can be saved from within MPaint w/SAVE DEGAS PIC.
-- LOAD/SAVE STAD PICTURE --
The STAD format picture file can be loaded and saved from
within MPaint. Maximum resolution of a STAD pic is limited to
640x400 pixels also. STAD file extender is .PAC.
** PRINT **
-- PRINT PAGE --
With the PRINT PAGE selection under PRINT, the entire page is
printed in one of two directions, LANDSCAPE or UPRIGHT. The
UPRIGHT printing is started relative to the upper left hand corner
of the screen and then downwards. If the screen width or length is
wider or longer than the printer can output then the page will
be clipped at that point.
-- PRINT SECTION --
The PRINT SECTION allows the user to define what portion of
the page that desire to have printed. The options here are also
UPRIGHT or LANDSCAPE.
-- PRINT MULTIPLE --
This option allows the user to select the number of copies
they wish to have printed. The quantity is adjustable between 1
and 999 copies. The user is also allowed to list via a dialog
screen the names of the file(s) they wish to have printed. This is
a nice feature wherein you can do several pic files and then when
finished, just inform MPaint that you wish for them to be printed.
It saves from having to stand-by
and choose the next print-out
after the current one finishes. This is reminiscent of the print
out list from Easy-Draw Output program. MPaint does not require
the user to exit the program and return after printing as did
OUTPUT.PRG did. By the way, 16 files is the maximum number of
files that can be listed in this selection.
-- SET COLOR PRINT --
Yes, that's right, COLOR PRINTING! Of course you will need
the appropriate color printer to accomplish this feat. The SET
COLOR PRINT option allows up to four colors at the same time to be
printed. The colors are assigned to different active picture
levels. When SET COLOR PRINT is chosen a dialog box appears asking
for the color to assign to which picture level. The choices of
colors are BLACK, MAGENTA, CYAN, VIOLET, YELLOW, ORANGE, GREEN and
BROWN. I do not have access to a color printer so I cannot not
comment on the quality of the printout concerning this option.
-- EDIT PRINTER DRIVER --
The EDIT PRINTER DRIVER permits the user to define the set-up
for their individual printer if it is not already configured in
the included drivers. The manual is very helpful in helping the
user to "walk-through" a printer driver set-up.
-- LOAD PRINTER DRIVER --
This option allows the user to load another type of printer
driver other than the one that was loaded at execution of the
program. the user does not have to load a printer driver upon each
use MPaint. The chosen printer driver is saved as MEGA.TRB, which
is loaded at MPaint boot up.
-- INTERFACE: SCANNER TYPE --
The manual states that MPaint has a default scanning device
handler built-in. The three types of scanners MPaint is capable of
handling is HAWK CP14, PRINTTECHNIK UNIVERSAL and the PrintTECHNIK
Professional scanner 2. MPaint manual gives some information that
will aid third party individual/developers in producing the
necessary scanner drivers. CodeHead Technologies has already
released a MODULE that will allow multiple hand scanners to be
used via SCANLITE ACC from Dr. BobWare.
** PIC **
-- ERASE PIC --
This option under the PIC menu bar item is fairly
straightforward and self-explanatory. The entire picture is erased
from the screen.
-- INVERT PIC --
This option is also self explanatory. The picture is
INVERTED, Black become White and vice versa.
-- REFLECT PIC --
In the submenu you can choose whether reflection should be by
the x-axis (in this case: horizontal center line), by the y-axis
(in this case: vertical center line), or whether it should be a
spot reflection relative to the center of the picture
(corresponding with a 180degree rotation).
-- CENTER PIC --
The CENTER PIC option allow the user to choose one of three
ways of centering the picture within the work window.
- HORIZONTAL: The entire contents of the picture window is
shifted so that there is equal distance
between the left edge of the picture and the
right edge. Upper and lower boundaries are
left unchanged
- VERTICAL: Same as above except that the centering is
based on the upper and lower portions of the
work screen. The left and right boundaries are
left unchanged.
- BOTH: The picture is centered top to bottom and left
to right.
-- COPY PICTURE --
COPY PICTURE is for the action of copying one picture to
another in MODE OR.
-- SHOW PICTURE --
The SHOW PICTURE selection not only allows the user to view
the pictures that are presently in memory/pic slots, but this
selection allow the user to "fade" pictures together. The manual
gives a good graphic example of this option. The user can view the
different planes of a drawing without the concern of changing the
contents of any of them. VERY NICE feature indeed!
-- INTENSITY --
The INTENSITY feature is an option that allows the user to
select the "intensity" of the picture being shown. This feature is
very useful when the user is showing differences between two of
more levels of a drawing. This is the feature which is used in the
SHOW PICTURE option and allows the "fading" of pictures. This
option is definitely a plus for technical drawing when you need to
show various levels of the same object.
-- WINDOW POSITION --
The windows of different planes of the pictures can be
positioned "in sync" with each other or independently. This is a
feature that will be welcomed more so by the professional user
than by the casual user. Regardless, it is a very nice option to
have available for the hobbyist or professional.
-- FULL VIEW --
The FULL VIEW option is very similar to full view options in
other programs. The biggest difference with MPaints full view and
other programs full view is the SPEED - SPEED - SPEED !!!
-- PICTURE BUFFER --
The PICTURE BUFFER is similar to other graphic design
programs buffer option. The picture can be stored and exchanged
with current buffer contents.
** BLOCK **
-- ERASE BLOCK --
The ERASE BLOCK function also works like most other programs
erase block functions, upon selection of this option the contents
of the selected block assume the background color. Erased
essentially. This function has NO UNDO capability, so make sure of
your choice before executing it.
-- INVERT BLOCK --
The INVERT BLOCK selection performs the same as the INVERT
PICTURE option except this ONLY INVERTS the selected block.
-- COPY BLOCK --
The COPY block function allows the copying (of course) of the
selected block. A sub-menu appears asking which of three options
of the copy block function you wish to execute. The first choice
in the sub-menu is NORMAL. The NORMAL option is like most copy
block functions of other programs in that the copied block follows
the cursor so the user can place the block where they wish. The
copy block function retains the original image in the original
spot. The LASSO sub-option of the copy block command allows the
the user to define an irregular definition of an area to be
copied. Normally the copy block function only allows for the
square-to-rectangular definition of a copyable area. The LASSO
option allow the user to "free-hand" the area they wish to copy.
The AUTOSCAN sub-option of the COPY BLOCK function is related to
the LASSO option in a lot of ways. Once the user defined contour
is determined, the object within the defined area is "scanned" by
MPaint and the object contours are determined and the smooth and
exact object is used instead of the "rough" user defined area.
This sub-option has got to be seen to be believed! It is amazing!
-- MOVE BLOCK --
The MOVE BLOCK option is the same as the COPY BLOCK except
that the original object that was defined is literally MOVED. The
original defined object is moved to the newly designated location.
I think I will use that last option from the RASTER drop-down
menu selections as a segue to close part II of the mega MegaPaint
Professional 4.0 review. Next week I will pick-up here and MOVE
into the powerful Vector Graphics portion of MegaPaint Pro. If you
are considering the purchase of MPaint, don't wait on the rest of
this "mega" review, call the CodeHead Technologies NOW! I can
comfortably recommend the purchase of this excellent (don't forget
the operative word: POWERFUL) program at this point. The program
has ALL of the tools a professional would need to complete just
about any task. The beginner will find MPaint both a challenge(in
a positive way) and a graphic manipulation program that will more
than fit their need. With MPaint there is no need for a user to
purchase applications such as Easy-Draw(excellent program!) and or
Touch-Up(another winner from MI-Graph). MPaint combines the powers
of each with a LOT more thrown in for the price of ONE of the
"others". What are you waiting on? Go on, give Charles or John a
call...
CodeHead Technologies
P.O. BOX 74090
Los, Angeles, CA 90004
(213) 386-5735
C.F.JOHNSON [GEnie] -- CFJ [Delphi]
J.EIDSVOOG1[GEnie] -- EIDSVOOG [Delphi]
____________________________________________________________
> PUBLISHER 2 ST STR InfoFile "...everyone can be a publisher"
===========================
PUBLISHER 2 ST
==============
ABC Solutions has been appointed the Canadian distributor
for
Publisher 2ST (successor to Timeworks Desktop Publisher)
and
First Word Plus.
Publisher 2 ST is the successor to the popular Timeworks Desktop
Publisher (version 1.12) from GST Software of England.
With Publisher 2ST, everyone can be a publisher. This versatile,
value-for-money program gives you the power to design and print
professional quality documents at truly low cost - and with no need for
previous design or computer experience.
Publisher 2ST's friendly graphics user interface makes it easy to
learn and use, with on-screen 'help' to guide you. Using drop-down menus
and powerful page design tools, you can build your publication on-screen
exactly the way you want it. You can use master pages and templates to
create and save standard layouts and design elements on each page, and
standardize styles for your text so that all similar elements in a
document, such as picture captions, subheads, headlines and so on, will
appear in the same typeface and point size. It supports an extended range
of text and graphics imports from other popular programs. When working
on-screen, you can view your page in six different sizes.
A partial list of features includes:
* same features as PC version and more; exchange files with
PC version and with ST version 1.12
* full WYSIWYG
* GEM interface; quick keys
* 999 pages per document; master pages & style sheets;
paragraph tagging; custom page sizes; page numbering
* multiple frame operations
* wide range of text imports; retains styling
* text export
* more graphics imports: Degas, NEO, GEM, IMG, EPS, PCX, IFF, PIC
* auto/manual text flow; irregular shape wraparound; search &
replace; tables; word processing mode; auto hyphenation
* 9 typefaces in a variety of sizes & styles (Autumn,
Brushwood, Courier, Diamond, Sage, Sans, Serif, Bullets)
* bullet paragraphs; manual kerning; control over
justification, leading, word & paragraph spacing, indents
* graphics toolbox; scaling, cropping, editing tools; 36 fills
* improved tab handling
* autosave, and auto creation of .BAK files
* 1 Mb recommended, colour or mono
* TT compatible in medium or high ST & TT resolutions
* wide range of printers supported including Canon BubbleJet
and HP DeskJet; have up to 4 printers installed at once.
* completely new manual
The upgrade from Timeworks Desktop Publisher to Publisher 2 ST is $89.
You must send in the original Master Disk 1 and the cover page from the
manual with your order. The non-upgrade price is $219. Add $10 shipping
and handling.
FIRST WORD PLUS MAINTENANCE UPGRADE TO 3.2
------------------------------------------
A maintenance release of First Word Plus which takes owners of version
3.xx to version 3.2 is now available.
The major features of this upgrade are:
* full TT support;
* choice of steady or flashing cursor;
* enhanced hyphenation control;
* clipboard retained on program exit;
* long pathnames handled by file selector;
* improved footnote handling;
* direct document loading by clicking on document from the
desktop.
The upgrade price is $20. You must send in the original Master Disk with
your order. Add $5 shipping and handling. Owners of versions 2.xx may
call or write for special order details.
FIRST WORD PLUS PRINTER DRIVERS
-------------------------------
A disk of printer drivers from GST is also available. Among the printers
included are the Brother M1109, HR15, HR25; Canon BJ10, 300; Epson GQ3500
& 5000, LQ500, SQ; HP LaserJet, PaintJet, DeskJet; Star LC/NL10, LC24;
Citizen 1200; Panasonic 1081, 1124; NEC 2200 and others. Call or write if
your printer is not listed. The price is $30. Add $5 shipping and
handling.
Ontario residents add 8% PST; all Canadian orders add 7% GST. To order
send check or money order to:
ABC Solutions
4040 Creditview Road
Unit 11-151
Mississauga Ontario
CANADA L5N 5L3
We may also be contacted at:
(416) 824-8484
GEnie: ABC.SOLN
ABC Solutions is a new company specializing in productivity software
for Atari ST/TT computers. We also represent RPM Software's First Graph,
the first professional graphing package for the ST/TT. Watch for more
exciting announcements in the coming months.
"ABC Solutions ... We don't play games."
_____________________________________________________________________
> STR Portfolio News & Information Keeping up to date...
================================
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM
=========================
On CompuServe
by Judith Hamner 72257,271
The Portfolio forum Marathon starts Friday, February 21 at 3 pm
Eastern Standard Time. The Marathon runs for 24 hours through 3 pm
Saturday. Don Thomas of Atari Corp. will attempt to be online for the
entire 24 hours. Will he make it???? GO APORTFOL to find out. There will
be prizes given away every hour during the marathon. This is an excellent
opportunity to meet with other Port owners.
____________________________________________________________
> LAN TECH STR Review "...easy to use networking system.."
===================
EXCLUSIVE RE-PRINT
from
Atari Explorer Magazine
LANTECH LT-101 NETWORK
======================
by Joe Mirando
When a business goes looking for a computer system, one of the first
requirements is often the ability to network. Networking allows multiple
computers to share files, access the same peripherals (such as printers,
hard drives, backup systems, and modems), and take advantage of
electronic-mail and other "network aware" applications.
Atari's TT an Mega STe systems come equipped with a LocalTalk
compatible -intermediate speed- network port, and permit interfacing (via
the VME bus) of Ethernet and other network cards. But the ST series has
no such option. Though "network" products have appeared that employ the
ST's MIDI and other bidirectional ports, all such solutions are limited by
data- transfer speed.
Enter Lantech
=============
Luckily, Lantech Systems of Billerica, Massachusetts has developed a
cost-effective, efficient, and easy to use networking system for all ST
series computers. Lantech's LT101 network interface measures a mere
4-3/4" X 2-1/4", and can be installed in the cartridge port of any ST,
Mega, or STe computer with TOS versions 1.0, 1.2, 1.4 or 1.6/1.62. Con-
nections to other computers in the network are by co-axial cable.
Installing the LAN software is made easy with the Lantech programs
provides. Despite the programs lack of the usual GEM "bells and
whistles", it is easy to understand and use. Using the software, the
network can be configured to access a hard drive connected to any other
computer in the network.
Running LANCONFIG.PRG presents you with a series of menus that allow
you to select hard drive partitions from other computers in the network
for use for each computer. The person configuring the network may elect
to allow workstations full read/write access to partitions, or read-only
access, on an individual basis. After assigning partitions, you can
define which "Node" you wish each computer to print to. This is an ideal
option when not every computer on the network has its own printer
attached. Once this information has been entered, the configuration
program creates a program (LANTECH.PRG) that can be run either from the
desktop or from your AUTO folder. Once this program is running on every
node, the networking process is mostly transparent. LANTECH.PRG takes up
approximately 10 K- bytes for a five computer network with eight hard
drive partitions (two drives with four partitions each). In addition to
remote hard drives, each computer in the network may have its own hard
drive attached in the normal way. The only thing to keep in mind is that
any partition on a hard drive that is attached to the computer must come
before partitions from the network.
Transfer rate of data over the network compares favorably to similar
systems for IBM compatible computers. That DOS systems typically cost
much more makes Lantech an exceptional value.
Lantech Accessories
===================
Also included with the configuration software are two accessories
which make using the LAN easier. The first is an accessory which allows
you to send messages to another computer in the network. The other
accessory allows you to temporarily change where printing is done. Both
of these accessories are accessible from the desktop and from within any
program that allows the use of Desk Accessories.
Problemettes
============
Although the Lantech LAN is a very solid system, there is one major
problem which must be acknowledged. TOS, which was not originally
designed for networking, does not provide features for resource-locking
and file sharing. Additionally, because TOS does not consider that the
disks it is connected to may be updated by other systems, it does not
always automatically re-read File Allocation Tables before commencing
write operations. Disk caching programs, because they store not only the
FAT, but actual disk sectors, in RAM, pending intermittent updates further
complicate this problem.
As a result, STs connected to the Lantech LAN (under the control of
its own, simple, disk-server software) can, under certain circumstances,
end up writing simultaneously to the same partition, or writing to a
partition as dictated by an outdated FAT. In both cases, data may be
corrupted.
Lantech offers several ways around the problem. By preventing
individual computers from accessing, or writing to, given partitions, a
certain degree of absolute protection can be built into the network
configuration. Another way of protecting yourself is to force your
software to re-read the directory of a partition (i.e., by reading a file)
before writing data. But neither method is entirely secure or
particularly flexible.
The problem is best resolved by installing software such as A&D's
Universal Network, which provides the missing "network aware" operating
system features. The Universal Network is fully compatible with early
versions of Lantech's product, and an upgrade to support the next
generation of Lantech's hardware (LT201) is promised soon. In terms of
sheer throughput, Lantech's simpler disk-server software is faster than
the general-purpose Universal system, however; so potential buyers should
assess the risks and rewards of running either product, before making a
commitment.
We have not noticed any incompatibilities between Lantech's products
and commercial software (although the network's message-sending accessory
does not function from within non-GEM applications). Overall, the Lantech
LAN is a fast, economical way to network ST systems - one that is
remarkably easy to install and use.
Lantech Systems
12 Shedd Road
Billerica, MA 01862
Price
Startup Kit (2 Lan adaptors, software, manual) $379.95.
$179.95 per node thereafter.
(c)1992 Atari Explorer Magazine, all rights
reserved. Reprinted with the permission of Atari
Explorer Magazine. This article may not be
reproduced, in whole or in part, without the prior
written consent of the publisher of Atari
Explorer.
Atari Explorer Magazine is published six times per
year by;
Jainschigg Communications
29-05 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106.
Subscriptions:
$14.95 (six issues) $39.95 (18 issues)USA. Canada
add $5.00 (US) postage for six issues. Other
foreign add $10.00 (US) postage for six issues.
Checks must be drawn in US funds on a US bank.
Send orders (check or M/O) to:
Atari Explorer
P.O. Box 6488, Duluth, MN 55806
VISA/MasterCard orders call:
(218) 723-9202.
_______________________________________________________________
> TRIAL IS ON! STR FOCUS NINTENDO SUIT FILED BY ATARI SET FOR TRIAL
======================
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
13 Feb 92
NINTENDO SUIT FILED BY ATARI IS GOING TO TRIAL
by
Richard B. Schmitt
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
SAN FRANCISCO-13 Feb 92-The Wall Street Journal
For years, U.S. video-game companies complained bitterly that they
couldn't compete effectively with industry leader Nintendo Co. Now, one
of them thinks the Japanese company may finally be vulnerable--in front of
an American jury.
The protagonist is Atari Corp., whose lawsuit against the creator of
the Super Mario video-game hero went to trial this week in federal court
here. The outcome may well have implications for the rest of the $4
billion video-game market and beyond.
The issue is whether Nintendo employed licensing and marketing
practices that violate U.S. antitrust law. Atari, based in Sunnyvale,
Calif., alleges that Nintendo illegally carved out an 80% stake in the
market and cost consumers hundreds of millions of dollars in overpriced
video games and gear. For its part, Atari says that between 1986 and
1990, it suffered $160 million in damages, an amount that by law could be
tripled if it wins its antitrust case.
"We think the evidence is absolutely overwhelming that Nintendo
deliberately and willfully monopolized the home video-game market in the
U.S.," William Jaeger, Atari's lawyer, said in his opening statement
Tuesday. "Competition was not simply hurt. It was obliterated."
Nintendo, meanwhile, says Atari "tried to compete on the cheap" and
lost out because of its own miscalculations, according to John Kirby, a
New York lawyer representing Nintendo. During opening arguments, Mr.
Kirby noted that a predecessor company, Atari Inc., turned down a chance
to introduce the Nintendo system in the U.S. in 1983. He also noted that
Nintendo is itself being seriously challenged in the market for the
latest video-game technology by a machine from Sega Enterprises Inc.
The trial, which is expected to last 10 weeks, is significant because
it is the first time that a jury has examined recurrent allegations of
anti-competitive conduct by Nintendo. The U.S. district judge in the
case, Fern Smith, is also presiding over other cases that accuse Nintendo
of monopolizing the market for game cartridges and accessories. Last
year, without admitting any wrongdoing, Nintendo settled Federal Trade
Commission charges involving pricing of its game consoles, but Judge Smith
has ruled the accord inadmissible in the Atari case because of its
potential for biasing the jury.
"There is a fair odor of sour grapes in the Atari claim, and yet there
are indications that Nintendo was noncompetitive, predatory, and
monopolistic," says Bob Kleiber, an analyst at investment banker Piper
Jaffray & Hopwood in Minneapolis.
Judge Smith specifically admonished both sides to avoid the issue
during the trial, and during jury selection, she sought to uncover any
prejudice, asking potential jurors whether they would have a problem with
a Japanese company owning an American baseball team--which top Nintendo
officials proposed to do just last month. In contrast to the thumbs down
given the idea by organized baseball, none of the prospective jurors was
opposed.
HARDBALL MARKETING
Nonetheless, "there is no question that Nintendo uses very effective
hardball marketing strategies, and it will be interesting to see how an
American jury reacts to a Japanese company," says Boris Feldman, an
antitrust lawyer in Palo Alto, Calif., specializing in high-tech issues.
"If I were representing a Japanese company, I would not want to go in
front of an American jury."
Atari's main objections involve the way Nintendo has enlisted
independent software producers to write the video games that run on its
Nintendo Entertainment System consoles. Until December 1990, Nintendo
prohibited licensees from making their games compatible with competing
systems, such as the ones that Atari was trying to develop and popularize,
for a period of two years.
Antitrust lawyers note that such exclusive licensing arrangements
aren't necessarily illegal and indeed are common and desirable in certain
industries. But Atari's complaint is that they became illegal because of
the market clout that Nintendo possessed.
Atari believes that the provision "locked up the entire capacity of
each publisher to make hit games," according to Mr. Jaeger, and "the
thing that did Atari in was they couldn't get the hit games." Moreover,
Atari says, deals that Nintendo cut with major retailers like Toy "R" Us
for valuable shelf space further hurt competition.
LIKE APPLE PIE
Nintendo's Mr. Kirby defends the licensing deals as "a way of
marketing ... as normal as apple pie" and a reasonable way to ensure
quality.
Atari's problem, he says, was underestimating the extent to which the
video-game market would bounce back from a disastrous plunge in the early
1980s, and deciding to concentrate instead on making personal computers.
Atari Corp. was created in 1984 when former Commodore Computer Corp. guru
Jack Tramiel purchased some of the assets of Warner Communications' old
Atari Inc.
Atari Corp. delayed the introduction of a key machine for nearly two
years, giving Nintendo a chance to establish technical superiority,
according to Mr. Kirby. He says internal Atari memos show that the
company skimped on marketing and software development, and he cites one
case of a major eruption over a $20.00 overnight delivery bill.
Analysts say that the results of the case will be closely watched by
other dominant high-technology companies, including Intel Corp., the chip
maker, and software giant Microsoft Corp.
Among those expected to testify are Mr. Tramiel and Minoru Arakawa,
the president of Nintendo of America Inc., Nintendo's U.S. unit, based in
Redmond, Wash. Hiroshi Yamauchi, president of the Japanese parent, was
deposed for eight days by Atari attorneys in Japan and his testimony was
set to be read into the court record starting yesterday, although the
attorneys were involved in a last-minute translation dispute.
Meanwhile, computer paraphernalia, including a seven-foot-tall Nintendo
demonstration console, was creating such a hum in the courtroom when the
proceedings began Tuesday that Judge Smith said she was worried that she
might not be able to guarantee a clear transcript of the proceedings.
"There is a very loud interference," said the judge.
[Reprinted without permission, under the "REASONABLE USE"
interpretation of the 1976 Copyright Act.]
Compiled by John J. Amsler
__________________________________________________________________
> SEYBOLD BOSTON! STR SHOW NEWS "....not your average computer show.."
=============================
Goldleaf Publishing Inc.
========================
Attends
"SEYBOLD DTP SEMINAR '92"
by Harry Steele
The Seybold DTP Seminars is not your average computer show that I am
used to attending. I'm more used to those such as WAACE and the
AtariFests held in Boston. But, I was impressed with this particular
show. Seybold is geared to the Desktop Publishing professional looking
for solutions for their DTP business or needs. I was amazed to see that
there were over 100 DTP vendors who participated in this 3-day event.
Goldleaf Publishing was the only vendor in attendance who was using an
Atari computer, the 68030 TT machine. Goldleaf demonstrated its Goldleaf,
ComputerBild Publishing System, designed around two software programs.
Didot Professional, a full-featured, color page layout, illustration, type
design, and auto-tracing program was one. The other was Retouche
Professional CD, a 24-bit color photo retouching and digital lithography
program.
The heart of the Goldleaf-ComputerBild System, the Image Speeder, is
an Atari 68030 TT motherboard, an accelerated graphics display card, large
storage devices and a special hardware screening card that allows for
real-time rasterization and output to imagesetters from Linotype-Hell.
The Image Speeder serves as a design workstation to run Retouche
Professional CD or Didot Professional, and as a cost-effective generation
of plate-ready film.
As mentioned earlier, Goldleaf was the only Atari representative at
Seybold. Most of the vendors were using Apple Macintosh computers. Apple
Computers had its own area with about 12 Macs in use demoing software from
many of its developers, with a representative at _each_ computer for
attendees to get a hands-on tryout of the DTP software. I, being your
average Atari ST user, was overwhelmed by all of the different vendors
displaying their DTP solutions to the DTP professional. I really hadn't
realized that so much is now available for the desktop publishing
business professional.
Where was Atari, who alleges they're trying to make a bold push into
the DTP market? Where was ISD and Calamus-SL? Where was SoftLogik and
PageSTReam? They were nowhere to be found at this Seybold show. The only
Atari oriented representative was Goldleaf Publishing Inc. At least they
bothered to attend and they did a _fine_ job of representing Atari,
themselves, and their products. Many show attendees marvelled at what
Goldleaf had to show for their DTP solutions.
Atari tells us that they are going to make a strong bid to capture
some of the DTP market, yet they didn't bother to attend. Bob Brodie
tells me that Atari wants to "showcase" its developers. Where were they?
They weren't at _this_ Seybold show, that's for sure. Atari is scheduled
to unveil to the U.S. its latest computers at a meeting at The Boston
Computer Society on April 22. Atari could have whet the DTP appetite of
Boston-area computer users this week at Seybold. Hopefully, Goldleaf's
fine showing will be enough to accomplish this monumental task.
______________________________________________________________
> STReport's Editorial Page "SAYING IT LIKE IT IS."
=========================
From the Editor's Desk
----------------------
In last week's issue, STReport 8.07, therein appeared an excellent
guest editorial by Dana P. Jacobson, it was, no doubt, hard hitting,
accurate to the letter and bound to draw a great deal of "self righteous"
reaction from those whose "outrageous actions and doings" it exposed. At
this time, allow me to state that myself and the entire staff of STReport
are in full agreement with Mr. Jacobson's editorial and stand behind it
and him completely. As for any debate concerning this editorial, there
will be absolutely none. Its accuracy and detail is above reproach.
Incidently, I have read the so-called "rebuttal" recently circulated and
have decided to leave the composition of a reply, if any, to Dana P.
Jacobson even though the "rebuttal" was a full fledged attack on myself,
STReport and its staff members. To carry the matter further will only
serve to lend undue credibility to the "rebuttal" and its author(s). The
"obsession" grows. <sigh>
Now on to brighter topics. The new Atari SM147 monitor has begun
arriving at dealers. It is nice, and its a true SVGA Monochrome Monitor.
It has no audio circuits thus, no speaker. I usually use my system with
the volume turned down so it really does not bother me. The quality of
the picture is really quite good. Its sharp, clear and the very slight
pin cushioning can be eliminated entirely by adjusting the vertical
height. For the money.. it is a vast improvement over the SM124. For
those in the market for a high quality, economical, monochrome monitor for
the Atari, this is definitely the way to go. SM147 - Good Stuff!
TAF is looming ever larger on the horizon, on April 4th and 5th, Atari
Canada and the Toronto Atari Federation will host what may be the most
exciting Atari event in North America in 1992. To be held at the Skyline
Hotel on Dixon Road, near Pearson International Airport. I, like many
others, have made plans on attending this show. In fact, Nathan has
threatened me with my life if I don't make it there! :-) TAF is a fine
Usergroup that fully deserves the support of every Atarian capable of
attending this event. So please, mark your calendars. We all look
forward to meeting you there.
Thanks once again for your strong support!
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
"Reporting ABOUT Atari, not FOR Atari!"
Friday, February 21, 1992 - 6:17:36 pm
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> STR Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
=============
STReport's MailBag
==================
- From GEnie
Category 14, Topic 21
Message 17 Sat Feb 15, 1992
J.ZORZIN [Joe] at 08:38 EST
But I wish Atari would come out with a higher res. mono. We'd all love to
own a Moniterm but few can afford it. What happened to "power without the
price." Don't get me wrong, I'm still a loyal Atari ST user but Atari
should be honest and change the motto to "less power for more money" but I
think the world already knows this which is why the ST is slowly sinking.
A friend just bought at SAMS a full 386 clone, 120 meg drive, super VGA
color, etc., etc., etc. for $1,900!!!!!! Isn't that about the price of a
Moniterm? I'm think I'm typical of ST users in that I'm really getting
ticked off that Atari has let us down.
------------
- From GEnie
Category 18, Topic 9
Message 169 Fri Feb 14, 1992
DITEK [David] at 16:41 EST
If Atari added a lot of the standard tools found on some of the other
popular OS's, more developers would take advantage of the tools. It just
doesn't make sense to have every developer spend extra time to reinvent
the wheel such a a text-editor, menu popups, subordinate menus, etc...
Maybe programmer's could have done more, but so could Atari.
David
------------
- From GEnie
Category 4, Topic 3
Message 56 Sat Feb 15, 1992
R.BROWN30 at 22:14 EST
Atari and the Hewlett Packard DeskJet 500C
An End-User's Perspective
by Richard Brown, a GEnie Lamp _ST_ Columnist
As an ST fan and supporter, I purchased and have owned the 500C for some
time now, running it in both color and black cartridge modes, and can
report:
PageStream 2 Driver (FOR COLOR): almost, but no cigar. Intended colors
_do_ print, but only _sort of_. Totally predictable faults include:
1. Image "echoes", where an admittedly interesting smeared pattern is
printed, somewhat matching the tones of the actual image almost like
a color histogram.
This effect always occurs, destroying the remainder of the page to
the right of the image(s). The effect exactly matches the vertical
height of the main image(s).
2. Below the main image, other printed artifacts will follow, usually
consisting of a series of fine "bar codes" and large, often VERY
large, solid black boxes. These inexplicable boxes and lines
generally use the entire printable width of the page.
The Funny Part:
3. Where portions of the page (the intended portions) print
correctly, the colors are _spectacular_. No errors of any kind
intrude upon the intended printed objects/images.
4. Pantone colors, _especially_ in percentage tints, are "Miami Vice"
art deco _great_! Beautiful color pastels, thank you. (However, the
inevitable echoes and black box problems mar up the page.)
5. Using the Spectre GCR, and the excellent shareware offering
"Imagery" by Jeff Lewis (available here in the Gadgets by Small
Roundtable Library), I have converted some Atari Spectrum 512
images from Atari's SPU to _TIF 5.O Color_ files.
Where a Spectrum picture is comparatively unuseable other than
on-screen (no convenient or powerful manipulations possible), the
TIF conversion makes a world of possibilities available to the
Atari user.
Such as processing the color TIF in Mac's PhotoShop: one blur
filter pass, edge enhancement, manual smoothing and smudging, some
contrast and brightness manipulation, and a reduction of color
saturation can do wonders. Take the edited TIF back to PageStream
for printing ("transverted" from the Mac back to the ST as TEXT
with _no_ linefeeds added for PgS to read it) and...
Interestingly, the once Spectrum / now Color TIF file prints
(SLOWLY even with FPPRINT over the parallel port) just as if it
were some high-end 24 bit truecolor file. Excellent tonality,
excellent skin tones, subtleness of texture, shadow detail, 300 dpi
resolution -- in short, a poor man's answer to the big expense (and
need for special hardware) of a color flatbed scanner. All you need
is a Spectrum pic and a GCR / TIFF editor (like PhotoShop or some
of the new, powerful ST offerings).
Of course, ALL the problems previously mentioned: smeared
ghosting to image right, parallel lines and black boxes below. All
problems are OUTSIDE main picture area, which is _beautiful_.
This is not to say that it's the same as the highest end stuff...
It's simply very adequate to the needs of the average newsletter
publisher or hobbiest. Very adequate.
-HOW GOOD _IS_ THE 500C FOR COLOR?-
As a three color system, it has strengths and weaknesses, mainly in its
handling of BLACK. Still, it is very good. I have a PaintJet, and there is
really _NO_ conmparison. The PaintJet is just TOO LOW RESOLUTION to be
taken seriously. Suggesting the PaintJet might be more vibrant may only be
due to the kludginess of the PainJets HUGE pixels.
-The GFA Run Time Package and the 500C -
As for the GFA program for printing color separated files from PageStream:
NO BLACKS PRINT. I did a _BEAUTIFUL_ print of a page for a presentation
where the quality was astounding. Fabulous blues, reds, greens- but the
black type? Invisible. Not there... Nothing.
-The 500C Vs. the Canon Bubblejet BJ10e-
It's not a battle over color (-at least not yet-), just a matter of how
good they are in black and white...
I do own both (I have a LOT of printers!) and can report:
o The 500C "oversprays" severely next to the BJ10e, wasting ink
o The BJ10e is _definitely_ superior for straight type, simple
lines, and unfilled boxes. Much cleaner and crisper overall.
o The 500C does a better job at filled areas and graphics printing,
but only because the BJ10e tends to exhibit "printhead pass
striping" in graphics and fills. The _dot_ quality is still
superior on the Canon. The difference may only exist due to the
"overspray" of the HP.
o Remember, we're comparing a PORTABLE printer (the BJ10e) that
DOES run off batteries to a DESKTOP, AC powered printer (the
500C)... Maybe the _desktop_ Canon is superior still?
Soon, the 4-COLOR Bubblejet will become commonly available. Watch
for it...
-Finally, How Does the 500C Behave in Mac-mode Under Spectre GCR?-
So far, I've only used the Black cartridge, but can report that, using T-
Script (a Mac DeskJet _PostScript_ emulator), the DeskJet 500C (IN BLACK
MODE) prints superbly from Adobe Type Align, Quark Express, TypeStyler,
and Photoshop at 300 dpi. Actually, printing is first to PostScript disk
file, then uploaded into T-Script. The only trick: the DeskJet must be
connected to the SERIAL port using a NULL MODEM cable for it to work at
all. This is painful when you see it fly while connected to the parallel
port (in PageStream with black cartridge using FPPRINT in your auto
folder).
I mention the SERIAL NULL MODEM cable in that I blew $60+ for HP's version
(still in its box) of the $10 cable I'm _actually using_ (off an old laser
printer).
* WARNING * It is not recommended to _ever_ hook up the serial and
parallel ports simultaneously, as the DeskJet could become one _very_
pricey FUSE, ready to BLOW should data be received in both ports at the
same time.
------------
- From GEnie
Category 14, Topic 21
Message 29 Tue Feb 18, 1992
J.ZORZIN [Joe] at 05:12 EST
Bob: Well I hope you're right about Atari not slipping. I'm using my 3rd
ST and have invested a vast amount of money and time on this system. But
in my area of western Mass. I've seen dealers dissapear and users sell
their systems. I'm 1 of the very few ST fanatics within 100 miles of the
Mass./NY state line. And I have to live with the usual "game machine"
bull which I laugh at. But thats because I love to always be part of the
"fringe" element. Always have and always will. But when I saw my friends
$1,900 clone it got me tempted to get a haircut more than once a year and
buy a clone. It was vastly beyond the ST system (if fully loaded) and it
cost less cost! I don't think that the buggy whip manufacturers ever
admitted that they were slipping either.
Smokey: my friends clone came with super VGA which makes the Atari color
monitor look sick. Especially if hooked to a CD ROM! (One of the many
Atari products that never got off the ground).
Maybe Atari should just face it: "Power without the price" is history.
Don't get me wrong- I'm an Atari fanatic! and have been since 1985- but it
is tiring to always hear such a glowing, rosey picture of Atari affairs
when we all know better. This is the ploy of the U.S. auto companies.
The ST was revolutionary product in 1985. Now its just old hat. A little
honesty about this fact might win some friends. And the TT? If there is 1
within 100 miles of Pittsfield, Mass. will someone please let me know so I
can go and look at it- before I succumb?
I might add that since I have had my system I have talked 7 people into
buying ST's. Most have since droped it. The last person that came to
look at my system I told him to buy at SAM's.
------------
- From the FNET
World Sysop's Conference
Msg # 3143
Date: 02-18-92 (08:50)
To : BOB BRODIE
From: JOHN MILLER
Subj: FLAMES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, you seem to work so hard to discourage people to even look at our
software, as stated in your previous messages, about how you "convinced"
the Lynx developers not to run our shareware version, and to run Forem.
(Question: Did you buy Forem ST (at the list price), or did Steve Rider
give it to you as a means of promoting Forem ST?)
Also you seem to hold the Znet conference and Ron Kovacs in high esteem,
by publicly giving them preferencial treatment over other publications.
(RE: Last issue of ST Report, Dana Jacobson's editorial)
Why don't you leave messages in the ST Report News Conference? Other than
flames? Why can't you seem to give us information there?
(I know, you want me to ask you in the Znet Conference right?)
Your title with Atari is Director of Communications right? Why are you
being so partisan with Znet? Your association with a man (Ron Kovacs),
who has stated on numerous occasions that he will attempt to remove ALL
Turbo Board nodes from this Fnet, if he can do so, makes me wonder about
your "impartiality".
I will tell you what it looks to me from this end:
You have a grudge against ST-Report, and ST-Report is VERY BIG in this
Fnet. You have made a deal with Ron Kovacs, that you will give him
unlimited support, as long as he jumps through your hoops. You will
attempt to discourage people from taking the ST-Report conference, as it
is not the "official" Atari Fnet Support Conference. You have already
attempted to "pursuade" the UK nodes to join the Znet conference and
route via your node unsuccessfully.
You have also realized, that node 350 is a major hub in this network, and
have made several behind the scenes attempts to buy out people from VIAing
through node 350, and route (for free) via your node. To me it looks like
Atari (through you) is willing to spend some money on this Fnet, as long
as they:
A) Control this network and flow of information.
B) Remove ST-Report from this network as any threat to them.
Of course, I could have you all wrong. But I am watching your actions
closely, along with many others.
*Origin: Fnet Node 18, ///Turbo Board Support BBS
- From CIS Atari Forum
Read action !
#: 31192 S2/Games
21-Feb-92 04:00:12
Sb: #30940-Falcon 3.0
Fm: Spectrum HoloByte 76004,2144
To: Pat Augustine 73670,2200
Dear Pat:
Alas, it doesn't look too likely for Flight of the Intruder to be
updated. for the newer versions of TOS :-( I have contacted the original
developers, Rowan Software, but their resources are extremely limited and
they don't have the financial werewithal to update the program.
No.19
- From CIS Atari Forum
Read action !
#: 31193 S2/Games
21-Feb-92 04:01:47
Sb: #30957-Falcon 3.0
Fm: Spectrum HoloByte 76004,2144
To: John Damiano, Transierra 74575,60
Dear John:
Let me take a look at my sales records... According to our latest sales
numbers through the end of January, we sold about 40,000 IBM FOTIs, 6,300
Amiga FOTIs and 760 ST FOTIs. As you can see, the numbers tell their own
story :-(
No.19
- From GEnie
Category 11, Topic 3
Message 6 Fri Feb 21, 1992
ISD [Nathan] (Forwarded)
Last night, for example, I spent my time at a TAF meeting, which is my
local user group here in Toronto. In attendance was my famous wife DARLAH
:-), along with Geoff Earle, General Manager of Atari Canada and Bob
Brodie, Director of Communications for Atari Corp.....along with
approximately 200 attendees. The meeting was thoroughly enjoyable, the
mood was upbeat, the TAF show coming up in April looks to be a great
success, especially as it will result in the first Canadian Atari show
display of some of the new machines. It was very heartening to attend.
There was energy in that room, dare I say "enthusiasm". And that, my
friends, is the kind of NEWS I like to read every now and then. Oh yes, as
expected, Bob was a first class speaker. If anything, he's gotten better
over the past year or two.
Now back to your regularly scheduled whatever. :-)
Nathan @ ISD
------------
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
----------------
Publisher - Editor
------------------
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Roger D. Stevens Charles Hill R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
-----------------------
Lloyd E. Pulley Sr. Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
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Contributing Correspondents:
----------------------------
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
================
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
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____________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
=====================
- Chicago IL LCACE MEMBERS NOT PLEASED!
----------
Of note, from the LCACE newsletter, listed in the minutes of the
General Meeting posted in their February, 1992 issue, it states;
"All bills have been paid for the Computerfest, Hybrid Arts still has
yet to pay the club the $425.00 it owes from the Computerfest. This
is the only bad debt from the show. The Club is still short the TT
system promised us by Atari. It may never be delivered. Larry has
said that Bob Brodie has talked of LCACE doing another show at the
same location in July or August of 1992. We shall have to receive the
TT and resolve other issues prior to discussing a future show. There
was a lengthy post mortem of the Computerfest. It seems everybody had
something to say about the show both positive and negative."
Why? Why must so successful a show be marred by the obvious "dropping
of the ball" at Atari? Who were the key liaison personnel involved in
organizing the show. Perhaps, by this time next week, "Mr. Usergroups"
can make sure LCACE, a very active Usergroup, is taken care of and
satisfied.
- San Francisco, CA ATARI AND NINTENDO SQUARE OFF!
-----------------
Atari, as related elsewhere in this issue, is about to go to trial in
a matter involving Nintendo over the video game business. Although the
particulars of the trial, charges and counter charges are rather involved,
the point Atari is making is very clear and well understood. Atari is
depicting a monopoly and freeze-out in the game market put together by
Nintendo. In this case, Atari has our full support and blessings. Trust
busting should be a number one priority for a large number of US
corporations who are being strangled by offshore big bux interests. The
very economic life of the USA is being steadily drained away by these
interests. Kudos to Atari for bringing this serious matter to a front
burner for the nation to see. The offshore cartels have all but destroyed
the US steel industry and many others are on the verge of extinction due
to the "economic war" waged against the USA. This particular trial
demands close observation as it will certainly set a precedent for seeking
relief on the part of many other, long suffering, US corporations.
____________________________________________________
> A "Quotable Quote" "....a sign of the times"
==================
"ME THINKS M'LAD PROTESTETH FAR TOO MUCH !"
....Charley "waaaah" Brown
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
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STReport International Online Magazine
Available through more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" February 21, 1992
16/32bit Magazine copyright 1987-92 No.8.08
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Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
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must include the name of the publication, date, issue # and the author's
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any way without prior written permission. The entire contents, at the
time of publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The editors,
contributors and/or staff are not responsible for the use/misuse of infor-
mation contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
