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Silicon Times Report Issue 0843
*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
from
STR Publishing
""""""""""""""
October 30, 1992 No.8.43
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
-----------------------------------------
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_____________________________________________________________________
> 10/30/92 STR 843 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - SPA - 1M Members
- HD DRIVE INSTALLATION - GEMULATOR REVIEW - HP LASERJET 4!
- GENIE ORA CONF. - STRAIGHT FAX 1.06 - MAROONED?
- APPLE TO OUTSELL IBM - 486/66 under $2m - STR Confidential
-* MULTI-TOS AUTHOR JOINS ATARI! *-
-* STUMPF SPEAKS UP! *-
-* SIMM PRICES SKYROCKET! *-
==========================================================================
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
==========================================================================
STReport's BBS, The Bounty, invites BBS systems, worldwide, to participate
in the Fido/TurboNet/Atari F-Net Mail Network. You may also call our BBS
direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging information
relative to the Atari and other computers worldwide through the use of
excellent International Messaging Networks. SysOps, worldwide, are quite
welcome to join the STReport International Conferences. The Crossnet Code
is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is # 350. All BBS systems are welcome and
invited to actively participate. Support Atari Computers; Join Today!
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* ATARI EDITION *
=============
COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198
You will receive your complimentary time
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (October 30)
UPCOMING CONFERENCE...
Oscar Steele and Darek Mihocka will be in Conference in the Atari Arts
Forum (GO ATARIARTS) on Thursday, November 5th, at 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
They will be discussing the GEMULATOR, the floptical drive, and a new
version of Stealth.
Be sure to download file TOSPAT.LZH from LIBRARY 6 of the Atari
Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO). This archive contains a text file, from
John Townsend, listing the various TOS revisions and the patches that are
appropriate for each. In addition, the patch files themselves are
included. Contains: FOLDRxxx, CACHExxx, POOLFIX3, POOLFIX4, STEFIX,
SERPTCH, SERAILFX, and MACCEL3.
(Note: POOLFIX4 and SERIALFX are not from Atari, but may correct behaviour
the Atari patches do not.)
NEW IN ATARI 8-BIT FORUM!
TEXTPRO fans rejoice. A beta of the long awaited Version 5 is now
available for testing. Please see messages #20900 & 20901 in the Atari
8-Bit Forum (GO ATARI8) for more information!
LYNX USERS IN ATARI 8-BIT FORUM!
Just a reminder to LYNX users that message section 16 and LIBRARY 16
(both named LYNX) of the Atari 8-Bit Forum are devoted to this gaming
unit!
FAVORITE FILES...
Be included in CompuServe Magazine! Please read and respond to
message # 34449 in the Atari ST Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS) regarding your
favorite Forum files!
NEW SYSOP INFORMATION FROM SUPRA
Revised information and order form for sysop purchase plan offered by
Supra for their SupraFaxModem V32 and V32bis. Download file SYSOP.TXT
from LIBRARY 15 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN).
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
This past week, I had the opportunity to demo the recent upgrade of
Calamus SL for a number of users. For material, I used the recent contest
winners from the second annual ISD/DMC Creativity Contest. Even I noticed
a marked inprovement in the overall performance of the Calamus SL. From
loading the files, the file converter, to printing and quality of output.
Mind you now, there was nothing wrong with the way the original Calamus
behaved. This upgrade however, is faster yet and the grey scaling in its
output is superb. In the coming weeks look for more detailed reports
about both Calamus SL and Invision. Invision, its amazing. But that's
another story due to appear in the immediate future.
EEEEEEK! Halloween is right around the corner!! The Goblins, the
Witches and the Ghouls will be out in full force. Oh yeah, please don't
forget Beetlejuice. I think of joy and fun all those youngsters out there
trick or treating one night a year have. Could you imagine if they could
have as much fun on almost any night of the year? You know, they could.
Think back about the time when you brought your first Atari computer home.
Are you able to recall your feelings then? I am and I remember the fun I
had with my four sons and those old, Scott Adams Text Adventures. Now,
with the advent of the Falcon, perhaps this will all come to pass all over
again for many new families. Man, it boggles the mind to think about that
"old feeling" and then... when the ST came home for the first time, it was
an ecstacy of pride mixed with the expectancy of the wonders to be seen on
this new more powerful Atari computer. Ah yes.. the wonder of it all.
The ST didn't let us down at all. And now we are at that threshold
again. Time will tell the "tale of the tape". But I'd sure like to see
those kids that'll be at my front door tomorrow night, all eagerly looking
forward to using a new Falcon. All its going to take is.... ah, you've
heard all that before. I'll just hope the good hopes. :-)
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
THE STORM IS BREWING!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
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
Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Lee Richard Covert John Deegan
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Ben Hamilton Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
Clemens Chin
IMPORTANT NOTICE
""""""""""""""""
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
Delphi........................ RMARIANO
BIX........................... RMARIANO
FIDONET....................... 112/35
FNET.......................... NODE 350
NEST.......................... 90:19/350.0
GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR'S "BELIEVE IT? OR.. WHAT?"
<>###############################<>
"There is no comparison! The Atari Falcon
is far superior to the PC platform."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"As I said before, all marketing announcements will be made at
Duesseldorf. I will not comment on future models of the Falcon.
WE ARE TALKING TODAY ABOUT A MACHINE.....
WHICH WILL BE SHIPPING NEXT WEEK."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
=================
Issue #44
Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
-- IBM to Sell More Chips
IBM, International Business Machines, the world's largest chip maker,
says that it must boost its sales of computer chips to outside customers
substantially in the next few years or it may have to trim its chip man-
ufacturing capacity, the company's top chip executive said. Currently,
IBM uses the majority of the chips it produces in its own products.
-- HP Offers New Laser Printer
Hewlett-Packard Co., who analysts estimate has a 53% share of the laser
printer market in America, has unveiled its latest black-and-white laser
printer, the HP LaserJet 4. The HP LaserJet 4 will sell for $2,199,
which is $196 less than the HP LaserJet III, said to be the nation's
best-seller in the field. HP says the new printers are faster and offer
better print quality than the printers they are replacing.
-- HP, AT&T Develop 100 Megabits/Second Network Technology
Hewlett- Packard and AT&T's Microelectronics division have announced the
development of 100 megabits per second (Mbits/s) transmission technology
over voice grade, unshielded twisted pair (UPT) cabling. Both companies
claim this is a first in the industry.
The company claims that moving to the higher speed will be relatively
painless since most low speed network users already have UTP cabling,
which is required for 100 Mbit networking, in place.
-- Apple to Sell More PCs than IBM this Year
According to industry analyst Kimball Brown, Apple Computer is gaining
on IBM and will probably sell more personal computers than the IBM, the
industry's largest company, this year. Brown said that Apple shipped
more pc's in the second quarter of this year than IBM did and widened
the gap in the third quarter.
Brown says that the reason for Apple's gain is twofold. One because
Apple finally announced products based on Motorola's top-of-the-line
68040 processor. Second because IBM was late launching its new low-end
product line.
Brown's projections refer only to personal computers. IBM's unit ship-
ments of all computers, including mainframes, minicomputers, and work-
stations, still exceed Apple's.
-- Next-Generation Memory Developed by NTT
NTT, the Japanese electronics and telecom company, has developed a next-
generation computer memory known as the hologram system. According to
the company, the hologram memory can store as much as 1,000 times the
volume of data that current technology optical systems can take.
NTT's hologram memory uses special optical fibers which are 0.5 mm in
diameter and 4mm in length, bound into the shape of a disk. Data is
stored vertically in each optical fiber, with each fiber being capable
of storing 60 to 100 units of data.
According to NTT, the fiber is designed for the maximum possible data
storage. Made of strontium-barium-niobium and cerium, combined into a
crystal format, the fibers can store data almost indefinitely.
As well as traditional computer data, the hologram disk can store visual
and audio data. This could result in the appearance of ultra-small video
disks, possibly 1cm in diameter, but with a storage/recording capacity
far in excess of current videodisks.
-- Microchip Prices Soar
Some microprocessor and memory prices have soared after the US Depart-
ment of Commerce's preliminary determination that Korean microchip
makers were dumping (selling below cost) chips on the US market. There
is talk of imposing tariff's on these companies after the first of the
year.
While no actual tariffs has yet been imposed, the Department of Commerce
has ordered Korean companies to post bonds based on the preliminary es-
timates of illegal dumping discounts. These bonds will be preliminary
tariffs, a tariff which could be refunded depending on what the Depart-
ment of Commerce's final determination turns out to be. Goldstar would
have a bond of 52.41%; Hyundai, 5.99%, Samsung, 87.40%; and an average
of 61.88% for all other Korean manufacturers.
While there are no confirmed reports yet of the Korean manufacturers
raising prices, some US companies are reporting that end user microchip
prices are already soaring and suppliers are not guaranteeing prices for
more than a day or two at a time. Some reports say that prices are 60%
higher than just last week.
This leads to speculation that some US chip makers are taking advantage
of the international chip turmoil by raising the cost of domestically
made chips.
-- First 66 MHz 486 Computer For Under $2,000
Lightning Computer has announced shipment of a computer billed as the
first 66 MHz 486 PC to be priced at under $2,000.
Available by mail order for $1,995, the new Lightning Omnicache 486DX
comes standard with a 170 MB hard drive, 4 MB of RAM (expandable to 32
MB), 64K of cache (expandable to 256K), an SVGA monitor, a Windows
accelerator, and a 1.2 or 1.44 MB floppy drive, among other features.
For additional fees, the system can be customized with options ranging
from drives and monitors to accelerators and memory boards.
Other standard features consist of an eight-slot ISA bus motherboard
with AMI BIOS, a full-sized chassis with six drive bays and a 250-watt
UL power supply, a heat sink for cooling, an 101-key enhanced keyboard,
and a combination card with IDE, FDD, two serial ports, one parallel
port, and one game port.
-- SPA Membership Hits 1,000
The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced this week that the
association's roster has topped 1,000 members. The SPA, which acts as
the industry representative to the federal government and works to stop
software piracy, was begun in 1984 with only 25 member companies.
-- Electronic CEO's Want Bush For President
According to the second poll of CEO's for electronic companies that was
conducted by the American Electronics Association, most favor George
Bush's re-election - but the majority expect Bill Clinton to be the
actual winner.
______________________________________________________________
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
From The Atari Productivity Forum
=================================
We've all seen it happen: a good and loyal Atari computer user
decides to leave the Atari platform. Now I'm not saying that this is in
any way unique to the Atari world. It happens everyday on every platform.
But enough of that. The problem at hand is how to transfer all of the
precious data and text files that we've collected through the years to the
new machine. William Hungate writes:
"I used an Atari ST with Wordwriter for my word processing chores
until about a year ago when I switched to a Mac LC and Writenow.
Question--how do I, can I, transfer my considerable library of
Atari/Wordwriter files to the Mac? Any help much appreciated."
Well, among the other hundreds of wonderful qualities that we Atarians
possess is the ability, and at times, the need to jump right in and help
one another. Hal Dougherty jumps in and tells William:
"I have an ST and a Mac Classic. It's not very hard to transfer files
between the systems. On the Atari side, just print the file to disk.
That way you will have a pure ASCII file. Then run the Apple file
exchange program on the Mac. Format a low density disk in MS-DOS
format. Put the disk in your ST and copy the text files you want
to use on your Mac. (This only works if you have a ds dd drive)
Use the file exchange program to move the files to the Mac hard drive.
Now back to the Mac. Some programs will let you load text files and
some have to find the right file type and creator. I use Mac Tools
from Central Point software to change the file type and creator. Or
you can use RESEDIT. I've killed more things with resedit. Good
luck!"
ST Informer's Brian Gockley tells William"
"There is a program called MACSEE that is available form Compuseller
West that will allow you to read MAC floppies and copy to and from
them or a Syquest. You must have a 1.44 meg floppy drive, to read the
MAC floppies. It really works well! On the other hand, you could
purchase a utility called DOS mounter (or some other) for your MAC,
which allows you to read and write to any IBM format disk (which the
ST will create for you). This might be the best way for you."
Don't you just hate it when you upgrade to a new operating system and find
out that the program you love the most won't work with the new OS? I
mean, the program that runs our entire office I can live without but don't
take away my favorite game! While we in the Atari world are luckier than
most in this regard, there are bound to be some incompatibilities with any
upgraded OS. Rafael Hermoso asks:
"Does anyone know if CyberPaint's incompatibility with the STes is due
to the graphics on those machines or the TOS? I'm trying to decide
between buying a Mega STe or a Mega 4 ST with TOS 2.06 and wanted to
know which was more compatible with the programs I own now."
Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Magazine tells Rafael:
"Missionware is working on an update to make CyberPaint work on all
the Atari machines ST thru the FALCON. I don't know the date of
release though."
One of the things that I've always liked about my ST is that you don't get
cryptic error codes when you have a problem... the computer tells you
exactly what the problem is... right? Well, not always. John Amsler
asks:
"What's TOS error #35? (I cleaned out my AUTO folder and ACC slots
down to nothing, yet the program PRIMES still won't run under TOS 2.06
on a MegaSTe; it bombs and gives me that error window.)"
That busy guy from Atari Explorer, Albert Dayes, replies to John:
"TOS 35 = no handles left. I wonder if the file bombs.txt is on-line
here. It gives a list of all the TOS errors and what they mean and it
gives the meaning of the bombs (eg 2 bombs = bus error).
I'll see if the file exists if not I'll just upload my copy."
Well, nothing cryptic about that, is there? There are no handles left.
Does the computer use these handles to lift bugs out of the system? John
Amsler asks:
"No handles left." What are "handles?" The program I'm trying to run
calculates prime numbers between within a user-selected range. It ran
fine on a 1040ST/TOS 1.04."
Once again coming to the rescue, Albert Dayes tells John (and the rest of
us):
"A handle is a device driver more or less. Also I have found from past
experience that a corrupt file also causes TOS 35 errors. You might try
getting a new copy of the program and see if it still has problems. I
don't like the definition of handle I gave in the first sentence. I
should look it up to be sure on the definition."
Sysop Bob Retelle asks Albert:
"Are you sure it's TOS error 35, or a GEMDOS error that is the "No
handles" error..?
I'm at work now, so I don't have any of my reference materials handy,
but I seem to remember researching this error once before and finding
that while there IS an "error 35" with that description, it's actually
a different error..
My experience with "TOS Error #35" has always been a corrupted file
like you mentioned, or trying to RUN a file that's been archived (ie,
downloading an Arc'ed file with a .PRG extension and trying to execute
it).
(You'd be surprised how often that happened during the early days of
learning to use ARC..!)"
Albert checks his source and tells Bob:
"I'm pretty sure it is a TOS error #35 (GEM error). According to the
Concise Atari ST, 68000 Programmer's Reference Guide it is. I think
the bombs.txt file just lists it as a GEM error. Maybe its a GEMDOS
error similar in the way one would think of PC-DOS or MS-DOS.
My experience is the same as yours with regards to getting TOS #35
errors and discovering it is a corrupted file."
Brian Gockley of ST Informer Magazine adds:
"I looked it up in the ST manual, and found 35 was an "undefined
error". Big help there! I get 35 when the program can't find it's
support files."
Albert Dayes tells Brian:
"With it undefined I guess we have the honor of giving a definition.
(grin) We could have a contest called name that TOS #35 error."
Brian gets into a jocular mood and replies to Albert:
"Remember that program that replaced the cherry bombs with little
Leonard heads? We could call it Leonard's Folly!"
On the subject of archive programs, Richard Gunter tells us:
"I've been working with the STZIP 2.0 program (available in Lib 4
in the file ZIP2_0.TOS). So far, I'm quite pleased with it, and have
been giving it a bit of a workout with files from the IBM OS2 forums
stuff we need at work.
Has anyone been having trouble with this program? If so, I'd like
to know about it; I'm working on an article and would like to alert my
readers to its "gotchas".
Please be as specific as you can in describing your problems. System
configuration you're using, whether there's any indication of
interference with other programs such as DAs and AUTO programs, what
was the nature of the difficulty, and what workarounds (if any) you
know about.
In my own testing, I experienced one failure in adding comments but
haven't been able to reproduce it. Also, the utility that makes a
self-extracting file out of a ZIP file only works with the "deflate"
algorithm. I'm using a Mega 2 ST with 4MB, TOS 1.4, a Supra 120 HD.
Normal software configuration includes the TOS 1.4 patch files,
CodeHead ramdisk, Hotwire, Pinhead, UIS III, Fujidesk, Cal 6.2, and
the Control Panel.
Please let me know about your problems with STZIP 2.0 as soon as
possible so I can investigate (try to reproduce) and include your
experience in the article."
Herbert Mueller answers:
"If you select files from either one of the two listboxes on the left
and right of the screen, you can deselect them all by clicking on the
word 'Select' below each box. Works fine most of the time.
However, if the box is empty, e.g shows the contents of an empty
directory, and you click on the word, it would bomb you out.
I use a Mega ST4 with TOS 2.06 with various accessories. I must say
that ST-ZIP is a great program and I use it quite often with no
serious problems."
From the Atari Arts Forum
=========================
Have you ever stopped to think about what a great computer the ST is for
businesses? Just think about it: It is easy to use and it is relatively
inexpensive. The two things that bosses like the most! So why aren't
more of these industrial wizzards using STs? The answer can be summed up
in one word: SOFTWARE. Oh, sure, there is software out there. But
bosses don't seem to like going searching for software. There are those,
however, that look for the best, not just the most popular. Sven Bauer
posts:
"I have friend who owns a restaurant, and is looking for a computer
and some easy-to-use business software. I suggested Atari of course,
but I'm not aware of any good business software...Can anyone help me
out?"
Albert Dayes asks Sven:
"What kind of software? Spreadsheet, database or specific to running
a restaurant?"
John Damiano tells Sven:
"I know that there is a point of sale program available but I can't
remember the vendor right off hand. It was supposed to be very
complete. Maybe Beckemyer Development."
Brian Gockley jumps into the conversation and says:
"Nice & Soft has a very good point of sale / Inventory program, and
there are two actual Restaurant Touch screen systems out there. Nice &
SoftIgor Tertysznyj Nice & Software 1295 Britannia Rd. Campbelville,
ON L0P1B0 Work phone: 1-416-332-0075 CRICIT"
From the Atari Vendors Forum
============================
Do you remember how bummed out we were when we found out that Atari was
coming out with TOS 2.06 but you couldn't use it unless you had an STe or
higher machine? I do. That's why I was so psyched when I heard about the
TOS EXTENSION CARD (TEC) from CodeHead Technologies. Evidently I'm not
the only one. Beth Jane Freeman posts:
"Hi Charles & Company,
Just got my Codehead TEC. I've opened the box and glanced at the
instruction book. Another job well done, guys!!! Installation will
have to wait until I get back from the World Fantasy Convention. A
friend of mine who used to work for an Authorized Atari Repair service
will install it for me.
I just know I'll be pleased with it. Warp 9 was fine program.
BTW, how do you run the upgrades from version 3.61? It doesn't like
the upgrade programs posted here. None of them say to start with
vers. 3.61 (what I've got). Even so it's a real boon, esp.
w/Pagestream!"
CodeHead Extraordinaire, Charles F. Johnson replies to Jane:
"Check the Warp 9 press release in the library here, announcing
version 3.70. There are a few major new features in version 3.70
(primarily an extensible screensaver, similar to After Dark (tm) for
the Mac or PC). It isn't a free upgrade; the post-3.70 patches are
for people who've already received the upgrade from us.
Enjoy the new TEC, and thanks for the compliments on our manual!"
Well friends, that's about it for this week. I keep meaning to
mention that we'd like to hear from you with feedback about this column or
STReport in general. If you've got something to say, drop us a line.
Comments about this column can be sent via E-Mail on CompuServe to me at
3637,2262. Tune in again next week to hear what they are saying when...
People Are Talking
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1992 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!
THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS!!!
1992 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!
ROBERTO ALOMAR
DEVON WHITE
JOE CARTER
MANNY LEE DAVE WINFIELD
CANDY MALDONADO JOHN OLERUD
ALFREDO GRIFFIN KELLY GRUBER
DAVID WELLS JACK MORRIS
ED SPRAGUE DAVID CONE
TURNER WARD TOM HENKE
PAT BORDERS PAT TABLER
MARK EICHORN DEREK BELL
JUAN GUZMAN MIKE TIMLIN
RANCE MULLINIKS DUANE WARD
CITO GASTON TODD STOTTLEMYRE
JIMMY KEY DAVE STIEB
PAT GILLICK
***********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International Online Magazine is available every week in the
ST Advantage on DELPHI. STReport readers are invited to join DELPHI and
become a part of the friendly community of Atari enthusiasts there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and...
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any
baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.
For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, MA.
Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only
$5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of
the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account
active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan,
where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum
$10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry,
this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this
limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press <RET> once
or twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press <RET>
again. Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll
officially be a member of DELPHI!
TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (10/28/92)
STR842
NEW SWEDISH MONO EMULATOR
DROIDS
ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE 9216/9217
PAULA20D.LZH
CINDY CRAWFORD SPECTRUM
GEMDOS MANUAL
CYBERNETIX
SILKMOUSE 2.6
MEGA DEPACK V2.0
All of the above files can be found in the RECENT ARRIVALS database for at
least one week after the posting of this list. Please Note that in the
case of online magazines, only the most current issue in the database at
the time of this compilation is considered for the Top 10 list. Also, for
all files, a submission is eligible for the Top 10 list for only four
weeks after its original uploading.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
***********************************************************************
> INSTALLATION OF HD DRIVE STR InfoFile Souping up the MSTE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
INSTALLING A HIGH DENSITY DRIVE IN A MEGA STE
=============================================
by Kevin J. Conway
Some time ago, I owned a 130XE and though that its 90K disks were more
enough to hold everything that would ever want. Now that I have an ST, no
floppy disk seems to be big enough to hold all of the stuff that I might
want to stuff on it.
The new Mega STe has Tos 2.06, the Ajax chip and a 1.44 Mb disk drive.
Some of the older machines, such as what I bought, have Tos 2.05, no Ajax
chip and a 720K disk drive. The avail- ability of these three components
is fairly good, but, despite rumour, and conjecture, it is only necessary
to exchange the Ajax chip for the Western Digital floppy controller, and
install a high density drive.
Any standard 3.5 inch, 1/3 height high density floppy drive should
work in your system. I purchased a Panasonic device and am quite pleased
with it.
Be aware that the Epson drive <Epson SMD-380> that Atari uses in the
Mega has a custom faceplate. This faceplate will only fit on a Epson
drive. To my understanding, the high density Epson drive is an Epson
SMD-340. If you choose to use a drive other than Epson, you will either
have to remove the faceplate from the drive, or cut the casing on your
Mega to fit the drive's faceplate.
The disk ejector button in the drive that I purchased does not fit
through the hole that is provided for Atari's mechanism, so I have to poke
a screwdriver through the hole to push the button. Since I have over six
months left on my warranty, I am reluctant to deface the machine as of
yet. In strict legal terms, I voided the warranty when I removed the top
cover and put the new drive in, but in my mind it is far easier for the
dealer to return a machine will still looks to be stock should I have
major problems in the future.
To get the high density drive working in your Mega STe, you will need
to do the following:
1. Replace the Western Digital floppy controller chip with an Ajax
chip. This chip is located under the hard drive cover. Your
dealer can identify and replace this quite quickly.
2. Find the small set of dip switches in the hard drive bay. Flip
switch seven to on. It should be the only one that is on. This
will enable high density formatting.
3. Remove the top cover from your Mega and remove the floppy drive.
The floppy drive is connected to the main system by a data cable
and a power cable. It is, in turn, attached to the top cover by
a mounting assembly. Don't try to move the top cover too far
without disconnecting these first.
Also, there is a small led attached to the top cover that serves
as the power on light. You should disconnect this also.
4. Check to see that the new drive is set as D0 (drive zero). Also
make sure that the RDY jumper is removed.
5. Mount the high density drive in the place of the Atari mechanism.
Note; the data cable has a thin red line on one side. This is
connected to pin 1 on the 34-pin connector. The drive should
indicate either where pin 1 or pin 2 should be connected. Make
sure that the side of the data cable that has the thin red line
is attached on the same side as pin 1 or pin 2 of the drive.
Reconnect the power cable to the drive. This cable only goes in
_one_ way. Make sure you don't force it in, as it should clip
into place quite naturally. If it is reversed, you will fry the
drive when you power up your Mega. Quite costly and quite smelly
too.
6. Put the top cover back into place and test the machine. You
should now be able to format High Density disks in High Density.
When you format from the desktop, you will see that you have the
option of single sided, double sided and high density. Again,
this option only appears if you flip dip switch 7.
If when you test the drive, nothing happens, the data cable may
be in the wrong way. This does not harm the drive. Just flip it
over and it should work fine. If not, you have a problem.
It's probably not a good idea to put the screws for the top cover
back in until you have the drive working properly. It saves
aggravation on having to put them in and take them out over and
over again.
Having done all of the above and successfully tested the drive, you should
be able to read and write High Density disks on your STe and exchange disk
with IBM systems.
I have heard some people complain that have had problems reading
STe-formatted high density disks on an IBM. There is a program in the
public domain called FDCPATCH will load the High Density floppy cookie
into the cookie jar. Apparently Tos 2.05 does not update the cookie jar
properly, resulting in problems when reading on IBM systems.
With the FDCPATCH program loaded, I have been able to write to High
Density disks and load them successfully on IBM systems. I also have been
able to save from the IBM and load on the STe without problems.
Having a High Density disk allows me greater disk storage for hard
drive backups as well as allowing me to exchange data more efficiently
with other systems. My STe is a business workhorse; having the High
density floppy makes this workhorse all the more valuable.
Now, having pulled the Epson mechanism out of the STe, you will have a
spare drive that can be used a 'B' mechanism. It is quite simple to hook
this up. To do this, you will need the following supplies and tools:
1 - 34 pin drive connector
1 - Six-foot Atari ST disk drive cable
1 - Four pin drive power connector (small)
1 - Four pin female power supply power connector (large)
1 - Ohmmeter
1 - Soldering iron and solder
You will need to do the following:
1. Cut the drive cable in half.
2. Expose the wires from the cable and strip the ends.
3. Solder the exposed ends of the wires to the 34-pin connector as
per the instructions below.
4. Remove the plate covering the VME bus on the back of the STe.
This is also the Serial 2 port. Disconnect the data cable for
the Serial Port 2.
5. Pull the spare <hard drive> power supply cable through the back
of the STe. This will be used to power your floppy.
6. Solder the large female power and the small drive connector
together. Make sure that you have the right connections as a
mistake will blow your drive. Using cables from an old power
supply or buying new cables will allow you to solder the wires
together by colour this will save costly mistakes.
7. Plug it all in and test it. You may find that your solder
connections are loose, break or just not good enough and may need
to do them over again.
Following these instructions should give you a working 'B' drive from your
spare Epson mechanism.
The pin out of the atari plug is below.
10 11
8 9
6 12 13 7
2 3
1
The following connections need to be made:
Atari Plug 34-pin Connector
1 30
2 32
3 3
4 8
5 10
6 Not Connected
8 16
9 18
10 20
11 22
12 24
13 26
14 28
A more complete description of the steps to creating a 'B' drive can
be found in the 'teacdriv' archive on Canada Remote Systems.
This documentation is provided for information only. I will make no
guarantees as to the suitably or applicability of this information to your
system. Following these instructions _will_ void your warranty.
Copyright, 1992
Kevin J. Conway
Bibliomaniac Library Consultancy
This file may be reprinted in full provided the copyright statement
appears.
______________________________________________________________
> GEMULATOR!! STR Review "..quite an achievement, ..released too early"
""""""""""""""""""""""
GEMULATOR!
RUN ST Software on your IBM CLONE
FACT or FICTION?
by Don Liscombe
A first hand report on the new product for your PC - Gemulator . A
hardware/software combination that allows you to run Atari ST software.
My evaluation is being performed on a 486-50DX EISA machine, with an
ATI Wonder XL video card using a Microsoft bus mouse.
General information:
Gemulator consists of 2 parts, one being an 8 bit card which holds the
TOS roms and is sold by PMC, and the 68000 emulator software comes with
the package (Revision 1.0 - Unregistered). Darek Mihocka, of Branch
Always Software, sells the Gemulator software as shareware for $59.95,
which will entitle you to printed documentation, and the next software
update. Software updates beyond this point, are $15. The software loads
in and allows you to select items, such as INSTALL (a specific TOS
version), BOTH(floppies), SWAP(A: and B: drives), FULLSCREEN or WINDOW
mouse control, COLOR or MONO, QUICK (screen redraws for some
applications), SPEED (test), REGISTER (information), and QUIT to DOS
mode. Included in the software, is a machine language monitor program
which is accessible from the Gemulator main menu. Depressing the F11
key, will bring you back to the Gemulator menu, while the F12 key will
reboot your "ST".
Installation:
The TOS ROM board is easily installed, in any ISA/EISA slot which works
with an 8 bit card. The circuit board is of a quality design, and all
chips on the board are socketed. The board as shipped, comes with Atari
TOS 2.06, and sockets exist for up to a total of 4 versions of TOS.
(A total of 8 sockets are on the board for ROMS, 2 of them used by
TOS 2.06) Written documentation is rather limited, and should you wish
to add additional TOS ROMS to the circuit board, the picture they give
displaying the position of the 6 chip rom set, is barely legible. They
would have been far better off with a hand drawing, than a poor scan of
a photo.
Look & Feel:
The display quality is excellent, both from DOS mode, and from a Window.
One problem Darek makes note of, is when you double click, quite often,
the system does not appear to recognize it. Adjusting the double click
speed with the control panel will remedy this problem, but you will have
to set up a boot disk so that it is adjusted each time you boot up.
GEM screen redraws are slow, and need the assist of a screen accelerator
such as Warp 9 or Turbo ST. Running Gemulator in a Window, makes the
screen display crawl (no one said running a graphics display in a
Window would be fast) using Windows 3.1, but it seemed to run a bit
faster in an OS/2 Dos Window (sorry Microsoft).
Requirements :
For this 2 mb ST emulator, you will need at least 5 megabytes of RAM,
which will require you to make use of your PC hard drive, to emulate
RAM using a virtual device driver supplied. With 8 Megs of RAM,
Gemulator does not require the virtual ram. The software will work with
either 3.5" or 5.25" floppy drives, and disk I/O speed seems about
normal. A 486 33Mhz is reccommended for overall ST 100% speed.
Positive Comments :
Gemulator emulates the ST quite well. Although Darek has some touchups
to put on some routines, he has done an excellent job so far, in getting
this emulator up and running ST software. I works well with OS/2, as
long as you remember to adjust your DOS settings to give Gemulator the
5.25 megs of XMS memory it wants to load into. As PCs get faster and
faster, Gemulator will be able to run your ST software faster as well.
Negative Comments :
My opinion, is that this product, although quite an achievement, was
released too early. When your advertisements indicate that "Gemulator
makes your favorite Atari ST software 100% PC compatible", "Share PC's
disk drives, hard drives and printers", "Reads all ST disks", "Runs
Pagestream,Calamus,...Flash,...GFA Basic,...LDW Power,etc ", and the
released version fails to live up to the expectations, there are going
to be a lot of disappointed people. Listed are some of the problems I
have encountered so far.
WINDOWS mode
When you are running Gemulator in a window, the Atari mouse pointer
(which becomes active when you move the Windows mouse pointer inside
the DOS window), drifts away from the windows mouse pointer. This
becomes annoying, having 2 different pointing devices on the screen,
both moving as you move the mouse, apart from each other. The good news
is, that you can use the Atari mouse alternate keys to align the 2
pointers back together(ALT-arrow keys). The bad news, is for my system,
they were not long drifting apart. This problem occurs on running in an
OS/2 DOS window as well.
HARD DRIVE ACCESS
Darek does not have the hard drive portion of the Gemulator software
completed yet. What he allows you in version 1.0, is the read
only, the first 32 megabytes of your C partition. This will be remedied
sometime before the end of 1992, when he introduces a driver which will
allow you to read and write to all IBM hard drives, and read from CDROM
drives. Using the HDX boot program, I managed to get the drive C icon
on the screen, but most of the time I accessed drive C to read, I was
stopped promptly, by an Alert box "Your output device is not receiving
data [cancel] [retry] ". This problem was remedied by switching to
the Supra boot program. Many of the programs listed as being supported,
require a hd for proper installation to the best of my knowledge
(eg. Pagestream, Calamus, LDW power, Word Perfect).
NO RS232 SUPPORT
Although Flash is listed as a program you can run on your PC in both
pamphlets handed out at product shows, and PMC advertisements, there is
no support for the RS232 port at all, nor is there a mention of support
being added in future revisions. Perhaps this was an oversight, perhaps
not.
GFA PROBLEMS
GFA version 2.0 seems to run ok with Gemulator, but versions 3.05, 3.5
and 3.6 have problems. The program will load in, and the screen will
clear and freeze up. I have found through several tests, that using
the Gemulator WINDOW mode mouse, and by clicking on the left mouse
button after the screen goes blank, the editor screen will come up.
This forces you to run GFA from a window, but due to the mouse pointer
problems, and the slowness that the windowed screen offers, this
is not very usable. This would appear to be a minor timing problem,
that should be easily remedied.
COPY PROTECTED DISKETTES
Gemulator does not read most copy protected disks. Considering the
two computers use completed different floppy controllers, it is
doubtful that protected disk support will be added. It was interesting
to see Gemulator load in Dungeon Master to the introduction, but then
the mouse got very confused, and it would not recognize my disk as
the original disk after checking for copy protection. Flight Simulator
loaded up, and the screen displays looked fine, but the mouse up/down
was inverted, and the keys for the throttle would not respond at all.
It would appear there are still a fair number of problems to resolve
on the keyboard/mouse routines, before Gemulator will handle the
larger portion of games(that it can get by the copy protection on).
Some games which would load in, and use VBIs to have smooth scrolling,
seemed to flicker excessively. This was also evident on the load in
sequence of Gunship by Microprose.
HI DENSITY FLOPPY SUPPORT
Although Gemulator supports read and write access to the IBM high
density 5.25" and 3.5" drives, you can only format your floppies
in 360K & 720K from the Atari format disk screen. TOS 2.06 has support
for high and low density floppies, so perhaps this will be added in the
future.
WHAT IS NOT EMULATED (above the hard drive & RS232 restrictions)
Sound, Midi, joysticks & the blitter chip are not emulated. According
to the text file on the disk, over the next year, support will be added
for the audio, midi, and the joystick. Also, Darek was working
on the blitter emulation to speed things up at the Toronto Atari
Computer Exhibition(spring 1992), but I see no mention of it in any of
the information I have.
Suggestions for Gemulator :
Hopefully, as Darek adds in these new features, he will have them as
selectable items on his software menu, so that if you wish to run
business applications, you do not need to enable the sound/midi/
joysticks/rs232,etc, thus getting as much speed out of your
application as possible or at least, minimize memory requirements.
A save configuration would be useful from the Gemulator main menu, and
would load in as a default.
Attain more beta testers with various system configurations, so that
software revisions do not get out with an extensive number of bugs.
Send out software updates A.S.A.P., before too much negative press
dampens out sales.
Add in support for high density 3.5" floppy formatting from TOS 2.06.
Summary :
Gemulator has been shipping since mid-September 92, and yet, in my
opinion, several of the advertised features, have yet to be implemented
or be debugged. The next software release, will speed the program up
for use with the 486 and allow you to emulate a 4 meg ST. Although the
hardware requirements for 100% ST speed are high, it is a programming
marvel, and whether or not this product is for you, you will have to
be the judge. I bought Gemulator in the hopes of using it for
programming cross development adding in both RS232 and hard drive
support. From what I have learned about the current product, I'll have
to wait for support in the form of new software updates over the next
6-12 months.
Article by
Don Liscombe
SysOp of The Brewery BBS - AtariNet 51:5/0 - Fnet node 66
416-683-3089 HST Dual 14.4 - Supporting the Atari ST & IBM PC
Gemulator is available from
Purple Mountain Computers,Inc.
15600 NE 8th St.
Suite A3-412
Bellevue, WA
98008
voice 206-747-1519
Gemulator information can be obtained either from PMC, or
Branch Always Software(Darek Mihocka)
14150 NE 20th St.
Suite 302
Bellevue, WA
98007
voice/recording 206-885-5893
OS/2 is copyrighted/trademarked by IBM Corp.
Windows is copyrighted/trademarked by Microsoft Corp.
This article may be reprinted/duplicated in any format, as long as the
entire document is unchanged, and displayed in its entirety, including
this notice
_________________________________________________________________
> STUMPF SPEAKS UP! STR Spotlight Alwin Stumpf speaks up....
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Below we present a Fidonet post from Alwin Stumpf
Msg #91 / 1-93 Time: 25 Oct 92 20:00:00
From: Alwin Stumpf @ ST
To : All
Subj: ATARI's Zukunft
---------[ATARI_EXPERT.GER]-----------
* Originally from Area 'Atari.Soft'
* Originally to
* Forwarded by Thorsten Bella on 2:245/8.35, 27 Oct 92 00:30:02
From: Alwin Stumpf @ ST
To : All
Subj: ATARI's future
Dear ATARI users,
I am sure you are aware that I am no longer working at ATARI Corp.
Different personal and inner company reasons made me do this, not so easy
a step.
I understand the current German ATARI market is categorized as one of
the strongest markets anywhere, and I am sure that makes it hard to
understand why I left. I appreciate your feelings deeply. My decision to
leave ATARI was strengthened as a result of it being decided to stop
FALCON production because people noticed that the planned customers
weren't ready to invest between 2300 and 3500 German Marks ($1300 and
$2000). These persons would most likely buy a MS DOS compatible computer
or even a Macintosh instead of putting a low end machine with very limited
uses in their house. At this time however, a few FALCONS are being
delivered to a few select, handpicked German dealers, these belong to the
first production run and are without, as announced, MultiTOS. Instead,
they are being delivered with the single tasking TOS 4.0x. The number of
machines are limited and will be the only ones available for the time
being. You most likely will not understand this unusual strategy, but why
should we produce thousands upon thousands of FALCONS that can't be sold?
The FSM-GDOS and MultiTOS production had to be stopped in the last
minute because 1) a renegotiation with Mr. Eric Smith (copywrite) and 2)
differences between ATARI and Bitstream. Naturally ATARI knows that
MultiTOS, for the entire semiprofessional area, shouldn't be
underestimated and that the MT project will be taken up again.
The SUTRA project is still under high pressure development and should
come out around the first of April 1993.
The entire ATARI product line is still going to be 'fully supported'
as much as possible, although the 68030 class of computers will have to be
held back until it is believed they have a fairly good chance in the
market. At this time, the need for powerful machines seems to be
satisfied by the TT and ATARI is having it hard enough as it is. I hope I
was able to give you a small picture into ATARI's future and I beg of you
not to doubt in ATARI's credibility. Think positive!
I wish you all much luck
With friendly grusses
Alwin Stumpf
(former General Manager, ATARI Germany)
***********************************************************************
: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,
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on leisure and professional subjects. With many other
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hour.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! Any time during your first month
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GEnie Announcements (FREE)
1. If you use American Express to pay your GEnie bill............
2. Guess Who Won the GEnie Presidential Straw Poll...............*SURVEY
3. Internet Open Beta - Price Change.............................INTERNET
4. GEnie has the Remedy for Your Medical Information Needs.......MEDICINE
5. HALLOWEEN Fun, -=PRIZES=-, Monsters & More in.................CHAT
6. Save Precious Memories + SAVE MONEY on a Camcorder at.........JCPENNEY
7. Boo...Come win prizes at our Halloween Haunted House..........HOME
8. A spine-chilling night in the adult space fantasy.............FED
9. Even Ghouls and Goblins fear Halloween in.....................GEMSTONE
10. HalloWEIRD night: ghosts, monsters, & aliens on the...........LEFT
11. Investors Nervously Await Tuesday's Election Results..........SOS
12. Join in the Spooky Spirit this Halloween in...................DGATE
13. PRIZES/FUN at the HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY 10/31, 11pm in......FAMILY
14. Home Electronics SAVINGS - In Time for the HOLIDAYS at........SEARS
15. Special offer, for MEMBERS ONLY in............................SOFTCLUB
Welcome ****** ******** ** ** **
To the ** ** ** ** **
GEnie ****** ** ST ** ** **
ATARI ** ** Roundtable ** ** **
****** ** ** ** **
*** ** ***
The Official Online Resource of Atari Corporation *** ** ***
Atari ST Roundtable
Real Time Conference Special Events Calendar
Monday, November 16th.......
-> * LIVE FROM COMDEX * <-
-- Sam Tramiel --
Wednesday, Nov. 18 - Keith Gerdes {TraceTech} will be our guest to discuss
his latest projects. These include DATA DIET v2.0 and DATA RESCUE. He is
the author of numerous programs such as, Squish, DC Formatter, and DCopy
Shell; just to name a few!
Regular Open Conference every Wednesday night, 10PM EDT, 7PM PDT
DTP conference every Monday at 10PM eastern in room 3.
New Files in Your Library
-------------------------
No. File Name Address Description
----- ------------ ----------- -------------------------------------
26327 MYSTIC.LZH G.ABBOTT1 Dungeon Master type RPG
26324 EDGESALE.TXT MAG.SOFTWARE Diamond Edge on Sale - ONLY $44.95!
26323 3DFLPTCL.TXT MAG.SOFTWARE New Floptical Drive Available!!!
26317 INTEGRTY.LZH D.PANKE INTEGRITY File Verifier
26311 BLITZ14U.ARC E.MONACO Powerful Defragmenter/Optimizer
26310 STAR_2K.LZH J.WROTNIAK Sky mapper/browser - updated 1992!
26309 ST2K_FIX.LZH J.WROTNIAK Replacement file for old STAR_2K.LZH
26308 111MEGHD.NEW LOTSABYTES 111 meg HDs in SCSI case $385.00!
26305 SCHIPATA.LZH E.KRIMEN Schoonschip: algebraic manipulations
26304 SDOCSATA.LZH E.KRIMEN Documentation for Schoonschip.
26303 README.SCH E.KRIMEN README file for Schoonschip
26302 AMIATA.TXT E.KRIMEN Distribution info for Schoonschip.
26301 PETRA.LZH E.KRIMEN Lets ST users use Paula MOD players.
26300 PAULA20B.LZH E.KRIMEN Paula 2.0b Noisetracker player.
26299 LIGHTCYC.LZH E.KRIMEN Tron Lightcycles game.
26298 GEM_LOAD.LZH E.KRIMEN Shows CPU load in a GEM window
26295 PARLOR12.ARC D.A.BRUMLEVE Insect-matching game for ages 3-8
26292 HERCULES.LZH D.COLASONO HERCULES SCANNED AT 300DPI IN IMG
26287 STRVIEW2.LZH E.GOODMAN1 New BETTER version of STR_VIEW.LZH
26286 AEO_VIEW.LZH E.GOODMAN1 Finally, an Atari Explorer Viewer!
26285 ASC2WW1.ARC J.SIEBEN ASCII to Word Writer Conversion Kit
Darlah's Treat of the Month - EDGEDEMO.LZH
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
***********************************************************************
> 600x600 DPI! STR InfoFile HP LaserJet 4 and 4M printers
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
NEW GENERATION OF HP LASERJET PRINTERS OFFERS
600-DPI PRINT QUALITY AT PRICES BELOW 300-DPI PRINTERS
Improved Network-Printing Capabilities and Automatic Language and
Interface Switching Make Printers Attractive to All Businesses
Hewlett-Packard Company today introduced the HP LaserJet 4 and 4M
printers -- RISC-based, 600(dpi) laser printers for Intel-based personal
computer (PC), Macintosh and network-computing systems -- at prices lower
than many 300-dpi printers.
The HP LaserJet 4 printer with enhanced HP PCL 5 printer language
replaces the HP LaserJet III printer, the market's top-selling printer.
The HP LaserJet 4M printer offers integrated Adobe PostScript Level 2
software, 6 Mbytes of memory and automatic language and interface
switching for use in Macintosh and mixed computing environments.
Standard features of the HP LaserJet 4 and 4M printers provide users with
the following:
- Superior print quality at processing speeds up to six times faster than
the HP LaserJet III printer. The printers' true 600-dpi printing
capability is enhanced by microfine toner and HP's Resolution
Enhancement technology. HP-designed RISC-based formatters enable the
printers' 8-ppm engines to process 600-dpi print jobs as fast as
comparable 300-dpi printers even when printing most complex,
mixed-text and graphics pages.
- Easy connection to mixed computing environments. The HP LaserJet 4M
printer automatically switches between parallel, serial and LocalTalk
so PCs and Macintoshes can be attached directly to the printer. The
HP LaserJet 4 printer automatically switches between parallel,
serial and optional HP JetDirect interfaces that support a variety of
network operating systems. PostScript also is available to upgrade
the HP LaserJet 4 printer for use in mixed environments. Both
printers automatically switch between enhanced HP PCL 5 and
PostScript.
- Increased paper handling that is four times the 200-sheet capacity of
the HP LaserJet III printer. The printers come standard with two
paper trays that hold 350 sheets. Options include a third tray that
holds 500 sheets for a total capacity of 850 sheets and a power
envelope feeder that holds 75 envelopes.
IMPROVED PRINT QUALITY
----------------------
To ensure the best print quality possible, the HP LaserJet 4 and 4M
printers use a new 600-dpi designed engine rather than an upgraded version
of a current 300-dpi engine. Print quality is further improved with HP's
Resolution Enhancement technology, which smooths the edges of
laser-printed text and graphics.
The printers also use microfine toner particles that are 20 to 30
percent smaller than particles used in typical laser-printer toner form
other companies. Microfine toner sharpens edges of text, improves
photographic quality of images and results in less toner scatter.
The printers have 45 scalable typefaces -- the most typefaces offered
in any HP LaserJet printer -- including 35 Intellifont typefaces and 10
standard TrueType typefaces contained in Microsoft Windows 3.1. The
printers transparently process Intellifont or TrueType typefaces when both
formats are used on the same page.
The standard typefaces for the HP LaserJet 4 and 4M printers support a
wide variety of word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and other
typical office applications. (See Typeface List in this section.)
Integrating TrueType and Intellifont in the printer provides Windows
3.1 users with automatic WYSIWYG on the computer screen and improves
printer performance and type flexibility.
The HP LaserJet 4M printer also includes the standard 35 PostScript
typefaces. Optional PostScript Level 2 software from Adobe is available
for the HP LaserJet 4 printer at $499 (U.S. list). The PostScript option
is a user-installable SIMM that plugs into the printer's formatter to make
upgrading simple, inexpensive and fast.
FASTER DOCUMENT PROCESSING
--------------------------
Delays that are common with many printers as they process complex
graphic documents are eliminated with the Intel 80960 KA-20 MHz RISC
processor used in the HP LaserJet 4 and 4M printers. The following
features also speed performance:
- Enhanced HP PCL 5 printer language that has been optimized for the
faster graphics performance
- Integrated PostScript Level 2 that offers four times the speed of the
HP PostScript cartridge when used with an HP LaserJet III printer
- Speedier parallel port that transfers data up to 156 Kbytes/sec., about
10 times faster than a standard parallel port
- Faster printer drivers that are more efficient in handling print
requests
The HP LaserJet 4 comes standard with 2 Mbytes of memory and can be
upgraded to 32 Mbytes. Most 600-dpi text and graphic documents can be
printed with the standard 2-Mbyte memory because of the compression
capabilities of enhanced HP PCL 5.
The HP LaserJet 4M printer comes standard with 6 Mbytes and can be
upgraded to 22 Mbytes. Users can add industry-standard SIMM memory in
increments of 1 Mbyte, $109; 2 Mbytes, $199; 4 Mbytes, $299; and 8 Mbytes,
$569 (all U.S. list prices).
SIMPLE CONNECTION TO BUSINESS COMPUTING ENVIRONMENTS
----------------------------------------------------
Bi-Tronics parallel and serial ports and a modular I/O (MIO) slot are
standard with the HP LaserJet 4 printer. The Bi-Tronics parallel port
provides bidirectional communications capabilities so the printer can send
printer-status messages to users' computer screens when it needs
servicing, additional paper or toner. MS-DOS users also can change
printer settings from their PC using HP Explorer, a free software utility
included with the printer. (See Section III for more information on HP
Explorer software).
The printer's MIO slot lets users add optional HP JetDirect cards that
support Novell NetWare, IBM LAN Server and Microsoft LAN Manager running
on Ethernet or Token Ring as well as HP-UX, Sun OS and Santa Cruz
Operation (SCO) Unix running on Ethernet. The cards range in price from
$695 to $895 U.S. list. HP JetDirect AppleTalk cards using LocalTalk or
EtherTalk connections are available for $230 and $695, respectively.
Because the cards are integrated into the printers' design, no
extraneous cables, boxes or power supplies are required.
The HP LaserJet 4M printer comes standard with parallel and serial
ports and a factory-installed HP JetDirect LocalTalk card.
INCREASED PAPER HANDLING
------------------------
A multipurpose tray that holds 100 sheets or 10 envelopes and a
250-sheet letter-size tray come standard for a total capacity of 350
sheets. The face-down output tray holds 250 sheets.
An optional assembly can be attached under the printers to expand the
paper capacity by 500 sheets for a total of 850 sheets. The assembly and
one 500-sheet tray that holds letter-, legal-, A4-, or executive-size
paper are available for $349 (U.S. list). A power envelope feeder that
holds 75 envelopes in a variety of U.S. and European sizes also is
available for $349 (U.S. list).
OTHER ENHANCEMENTS AND SUPPORT
------------------------------
The HP laserJet 4 printer includes several other improvements over the
HP
LaserJet III printer, including:
- free drivers for Windows 3.0/3.1, WordPerfect 5.1 and Lotus 2.X, 3.X.
All HP LaserJet III drivers are compatible for immediate support of the
HP LaserJet 4 printer. Macintosh and Windows drivers are included with
the HP LaserJet 4 printer PostScript upgrade kit and HP LaserJet 4M
printer.
- free printer-matching screen fonts for Windows 3.0 and 3.1 are
available upon request.
- a vacuum fluorescent front-panel display that is easier to read in all
types of lighting conditions.
- a smaller footprint -- 16.3 in. width by 15.8 in. depth by 11.7 in.
height. The printer weighs 35 pounds, 15 pounds less than the HP
LaserJet III printer.
- a selection of user manuals and key caps that include language versions
in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Finnish, Swedish,
Norwegian, Dutch and Portuguese. The font panel will display messages
in all 11 languages.
AVAILABILITY
------------
The HP LaserJet 4 and 4M printers and all accessories are expected to
be available today from HP-authorized dealers and distributors worldwide.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
----------------------
For more information on the HP LaserJet 4 and 4M printers, contact
your HP dealer. Technical data sheets for the printers are available via
Fax from HP FIRST (Fax Information Retrieval Support Technology). Dial
(800) 333- 1917 from a touch-tone phone in the U.S. or Canada and select
"1" for HP FIRST. If you are calling from outside the U.S. or Canada,
dial (208) 344-4809 from your Fax machine and select section 1. The HP
FIRST document ID number for the HP LaserJet 4 printer data sheet is 1320,
the HP LaserJet 4M printer data sheet is document ID 1321.
TYPEFACE LIST
-------------
The HP LaserJet 4 and 4M printers have 45 scalable typefaces including
35 Intellifont and 10 TrueType typefaces contained in Microsoft Windows
3.1. Line printer 16.67 pitch, a bitmapped font, is also included.
Intellifont Scalable Typefaces TrueType Scalable Typefaces
Albertus Extra Bold Arial
Albertus Medium Arial Bold
Antique Olive Arial Bold Italic
Antique Olive Bold Arial Italic
Antique Olive Italic Times New Roman
CG Omega Times New Roman Bold
CG Omega Bold Times New Roman Bold Italic
CG Omega Bold Italic Times New Roman Italic
CG Omega Italic Symbol
CG Times Wingdings
CG Times Bold
CG Times Bold Italic
CG Times Italic
Clarendon Condensed
Coronet
*Courier
*Courier Bold
*Courier Bold Italic
*Courier Italic
Garamond Antiqua
Garamond Halbfett
Garamond Kursiv
Garamond Kursiv Halbfett
*Letter Gothic
*Letter Gothic Bold
*Letter Gothic Italic
Marigold
Univers Medium
Univers Bold
Univers Bold Italic
Univers Medium Italic
Univers Medium Condensed
Univers Bold Condensed
Univers Bold Condensed Italic
Univers Medium Condensed Italic
* Fixed pitch scalable typefaces. All other typefaces are proportional.
HP LASERJET 4 AND 4M PRINTERS AND ACCESSORIES
U.S. List Prices
Part Product Price
C2001A HP LaserJet 4 printer (includes: 2MB RAM, $2199.00
Bi-Tronics (bi-directional parallel) and
RS-232/RS-422 serial interfaces, one toner
cartridge, one 100-sheet/10 envelope multi-
purpose tray, one 250-sheet paper tray, power
cord, driver and documentation).
C2021A HP LaserJet 4M printer (includes: 6MB RAM, 2999.00
LocalTalk, Bi-Tronics (bi-directional parallel)
and RS-232/RS-422 serial interfaces, Integrated
PostScript Level 2 Software from Adobe, one
toner cartridge, one 100-sheet/10 envelope multi-
purpose tray, one 250-sheet paper tray, power
cord, driver and documentation).
92298A HP LaserJet toner cartridge with microfine toner; 150.00
approx. 6,000 pages at 5% coverage.
C2063A 1 MB Memory SIMM 109.00
C2064A 2 MB Memory SIMM 199.00
C2065A 4 MB Memory SIMM 299.00
C2066A 8 MB Memory SIMM 569.00
C2080A Adobe PostScript Level 2 Language SIMM 499.00
C2082A Power Envelope Feeder for Com-10, Monarch, DL, 349.00
C5 and B5 sizes
C2083A Letter, executive and A4 multi-size 500-sheet 349.00
paper tray and paper tray assembly
C2083B Legal, letter, executive and A4 multi-size 349.00
500-sheet paper tray and paper tray assembly
C2084A 500-sheet multi-size replacement paper tray 129.00
(letter, executive, A4). Requires optional
tray assembly C2083A or C2083B
C2084B 500-sheet multi-size replacement paper tray 129.00
(legal, letter, executive, A4). Requires
optional tray assembly C2083A or C2083B
C2085A 250-sheet multi-size replacement paper tray 99.00
(legal, letter, executive, A4)
C2085B 250-sheet replacement paper tray (letter) 99.00
C2085C 250-sheet replacement paper tray (A4) 99.00
HP JetDirect Cards
J2337A Novell NetWare-Ethernet /802.3 LAN, 695.00
Thin LAN (BNC) and 10Base-T (RJ-45) ports
J2338A Microsoft LAN Manager, 3Com 3+ Open LAN 695.00
Manager - 802.3 LAN, Thin LAN (BNC) and
10Base-T (RJ-45) ports
J2339A EtherTalk, Thin LAN (BNC) and 10Base-T 695.00
(RJ-45) ports
J2340A HP-UX, SunOS, and SCO UNIX-Ethernet Lan, 895.00
Thin LAN (BNC) and 10Base-T (RJ-45) ports
(HP-UX and SunOS UNIX operating systems
require a digital-audio tape or cartridge
at a price of $100.00)
J2341A LocalTalk 230.00
C2059C Novell Netware - Token Ring 895.00
C2059D IBM LAN Server, Microsoft LAN Manager, 3Com 895.00
3+Open LAN Manager - Token Ring
HP ADVANCES THE STANDARD FOR
HIGHER RESOLUTION OFFICE PRINTING
New HP LaserJet 4 and 4M Printers Come Standard With 600-dpi
Resolution, Resolution Enhancement Technology and Microfine Toner
Print resolution, which is expressed in dots-per-inch (dpi), is a
criteria often used when comparing laser printers. However, laser-printer
manufacturers have developed different ways to achieve higher resolution
output, such as technologies that vary dot size and placement, variation
in toner particle size, software algorithms to manipulate dot placement
and improvements to the capabilities of the printer engine.
300-dpi Resolution
------------------
The advent of the HP LaserJet printer with 300-dpi capability changed
the appearance of office documents and set the standard for business
documents.
Users readily accepted this new standard because their documents
looked better and were produced faster with laser printers than with
dot-matrix of daisy wheel printers.
Printers with true 300-dpi resolution produce dots on a 300 x 300-dpi
grid, meaning 300 dots of toner can be placed vertically and horizontally
per inch. This translates into 90,000 points of data per square inch,
making individual characters sharper and clearer than lower resolution
impact printers.
Enhanced Output
---------------
Over the years, manufacturers developed add-on or add-in boards that
offered even higher resolutions -- 600-, 800-, 1,000- or 1,200-dpi -- for
additional costs. These boards plugged into a PC or laser printer to
provide higher quality output.
Previously, application software was needed to support higher
resolutions when using printer add-in boards. However, new laser printers
with engines designed specifically for 600-dpi output are compatible with
all office applications regardless of whether the applications support
600-dpi. This compatibility is possible as the resolution is engine
dependent and can translate 300-dpi commands into 600-dpi output.
Other technologies also were developed, such as HP's Resolution
Enhancement technology (RET) and microfine toner to enhance the appearance
of 300-dpi output at no additional cost to the user. RET varies the size
and placement of the dots produced by the printer, creating smoother
curves and edges on individual characters. Microfine toner uses smaller
toner particles which produce finer dots that further sharpen the edges of
text, improve the photographic quality of images and reduce the amount of
toner particle "scatter" that appears on a page but doesn't produce
characters. Microfine toner particles are 20 percent to 50 percent
smaller than particles used in typical laser printers.
600-dpi Standard
----------------
True 600-dpi means that a printer's engine is designed to produce 600
dots per inch. The pixel grid for 600-dpi output is four times finer than
that used for 300-dpi and the engine uses finer toner particles to take
advantage of more precise dot placement. Better control of smaller dots
translates into better 600-dpi output.
Some printers use "addressable resolution" of 600-dpi, which improves
the appearance of 300-dpi by placing 300-dpi dots on a 600-dpi grid.
Software algorithms use a dot depletion scheme to create the appearance of
600-dpi by strategically depleting dots that create the stair-step effect
on curves known as jaggies. By eliminating these dots, curves are
smoother and points are sharper than 300-dpi output, but not as fine as
true 600-dpi.
While true 600-dpi improves print quality, it also creates four times
the amount of data -- 360,000 points for each one inch square -- compared
to 300-dpi. In order to maintain the performance users have come to
expect with their printers, it's imperative that 600-dpi printers process
data at a much faster rate.
In the past, users had the choice of purchasing higher quality
printers, but at significant cost increase. This cost positioned higher
resolution printers for use with certain applications versus use in the
general office printer market.
The HP LaserJet 4 and 4M printers come standard with true 600-dpi
resolution, RET and microfine toner all of which produce better text and
images than any currently available 600-dpi printers. The printer also
offers data compression allowing it to print most 600-dpi jobs with the 2-
Mbytes of memory that comes standard with the printer. By including 600-
dpi resolution as standard on the printer, HP may again revolutionize
office printing.
HP EXPLORER SOFTWARE FACT SHEET
===============================
HP Explorer is a software utility for the HP LaserJet 4 printer that
provides printer installation and configuration instructions, access to
traditional printer front control panel settings and detailed information
on topics such as printer features, printer tasks and typefaces as well as
a limited troubleshooting for common printing errors.
HP Explorer software consists of three main sections:
- Remote Control Panel. Allows the user's PC to act as a remote printer
front control panel for the new HP LaserJet 4 printer. Users can view
and change many printer settings, such as page orientation and
typeface, from PCs connected directly to the HP LaserJet 4 printer.
This ability is possible through the bi-directional communication
capabilities of the HP LaserJet 4 printer.
- Setup Program. Automatically configures the HP LaserJet 4 printer to
the users' PC. It offers to modify the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS
files for the user. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to
load the software directly on to the users' hard disk drive.
- Travel Guide. An on-line HyperText database designed to explain the
features of the HP LaserJet 4 printer and how to use them. It gives
instructions on how to accomplish common printing tasks and provides
answers to frequently asked questions regarding HP LaserJet printers
for limited troubleshooting. Information can be obtained by selecting
highlighted text or by using the next topic in the HyperText database.
HP Explorer software is shipped with each HP LaserJet 4 printer on a
5.25" disk. Additional information and the HP Explorer software can be
downloaded from the HP Peripherals forum on CompuServe. GO HPPER to
access the HP Peripherals forum and download L4EXP.ANN from the LaserJet
library
NEW HP JETDIRECT CARDS CONNECT THE HP LASERJET 4
TO 10BASE-T AND THIN ETHERNET NETWORKS
Hewlett-Packard Company today announced four new HP JetDirect
network-peripheral interface cards that connect HP printers directly to
10Base-T and thin Ethernet networks. The new HP JetDirect cards support
the HP LaserJet 4 printer announced today, the HP LaserJet IIISi printer,
the HP PaintJet XL300 printer and the HP DesignJet 600 plotter.
With an HP JetDirect card installed, HP printers can be connected
directly to a network where the printer is most accessible to users. This
location flexibility eliminates the need for a direct connection between
the printer and a file server, which often is in a location inconvenient
for users.
No additional cables, software, PCs or external boxes are required to
connect the printer to the network.
Improved Performance on a Local Area Network (LAN)
--------------------------------------------------
By using an HP JetDirect card instead of slower parallel or serial
ports, the printer can accept data at a faster speed and provide maximum
output performance. Actual output performance depends on the speed and
configuration of the network printing/plotting environment.
HP JetDirect cards decrease the load that normally is placed on a
server during network printing or plotting by as much as 20 percent.
Unlike a parallel interface that transmits one byte of data at a time, the
HP JetDirect card transfers data in large blocks across the network. The
result is that the server requires less processing time.
With faster data transfer across the network, the HP JetDirect cards
allow HP printers to output complex documents with text and graphics at or
near printer engine speed.
Better Network Management and Diagnostics
-----------------------------------------
HP JetDirect cards provide printer diagnostic information to network
administration utilities, such as Novell's COMCHECK. Printer-status
information is accessible at the user's workstation. SNMP network-
management compatibility is provided with the HP JetDirect card for
computers based on a UNIX operating system.
The HP JetDirect cards collect network-configuration information,
network statistics and error messages that can be referenced on the
printer's self-test page.
The new HP JetDirect cards for Ethernet networks are equipped with a
SIMM socket to allow for easy addition of enhancements to the network
environment. PC managers and LAN administrators can install a new SIMM
easily onto the HP JetDirect card for future upgrades.
The cards are designed for Ethernet networks running Novell NetWare,
Microsoft LAN Manager, 3Com 3+Open LAN Manager, Apple EtherTalk, and UNIX
operating systems, including HP-UX, SunOS and Santa Cruz Operation UNIX.
Integrated 10Base-T and thin Ethernet ports provide easy connection to
the most widely used Ethernet networking media: twisted-pair cable and
thin coaxial cable. HP JetDirect cards plug directly into the modular I/O
slot located at the rear of the printer.
U.S. List Prices and Availability
---------------------------------
The new cards are expected to be available beginning Nov. 2, 1992, from
HP-authorized dealers.
HP JetDirect card (J2337A) for Novell NetWare/Ethernet $695.00
HP JetDirect card (J2338A) for LAN Manager/Ethernet 695.00
HP JetDirect card (J2339A) for AppleTalk (EtherTalk) 695.00
HP JetDirect card (J2340A) for UNIX/Ethernet 895.00*
*(The HP-UX and SunOS operating systems require a
digital-audio tape or cartridge at a price of $100.00
U.S. list.)
# # #
RISC stands for reduced-instruction-set computing.
SIMM stands for single-in-line-memory.
WYSIWYG stands for what-you-see-is-what-you-get.
Adobe and PostScript are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc.
in the U.S. and other countries.
MS-DOS is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
HP-UX is based on and is compatible with USL's UNIX operating system. It
also complies with X/Open's XPG3, POSIX 1003.1, FIPS 151-1 and SVID2
interface specifications.
UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories Inc. in the
U.S.A. and other countries.
X/Open is a trademark of X/Open Company Limited in the UK and other
countries.
Lotus is a U.S. registered trademark of Lotus Development Corp.
Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.
These new printers are being noticed.
from CIS,
#: 29260 S17/ISD Marketing
28-Oct-92 17:39:06
Sb: #29221- 600 DPI
Fm: Nathan-DMC Publishing 76004,2246
To: Tony Barker 75300,2630
Good timing on your request Tony. In fact, just yesterday one of the
Programmers took home all the HP developer documentation specific to the
HP III and HP IV to write brand new drivers for both of those excellent
printers. And before you ask, I have no idea when it will be ready :-)
but I do have an HPIII eagerly waiting the opportunity to test the results
of his efforts. By the way, the standard Calamus HPII driver works on the
HPIII and automatically takes advantage of the higher resolution
available. I have not yet even seen the HP IV.
Thank you for asking. Nathan @ DMC Publishing
__________________________________________________________________
> ORA Conference STR Feature Bob Luneski of Oregon Research Associates'
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
==========================================================================
(C) 1992 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May be
reprinted only with this notice intact. The Atari Roundtables on GEnie
are *official* information services of Atari Corporation. 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)
Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
=========================================================================
Wednesday Night Real Time Conference
October 22, 1992
Host - Brian H. Harvey
Guest Speaker - Bob Luneski of Oregon Research Associates'
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Hi everyone. I just lost my upload file. So we
will play it by ear. I wish to welcome everyone to Bob Lunesk of ORA
RTC. Welcome Bob, do you have a few words?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> It is a time of great change and excitement at Oregon
Research. In the span of 8 weeks we have gone from representing one
product: Diamond Back II to respresenting nearly fifteen. We are
very proud to add Diamond Edge, Ultimate Virus Killer, and the entire
line of high quality software from HiSoft to our portfolio and remain
absolutely dedicated to providing the highest quality software and
user support for the Atari ST line of computers.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> I will start it off with the first question. How
have the sales been on Diamond Edge? (Anyone can /rai to ask a
question.)
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> The reaction to Diamond Edge in the market has been
outstanding. It has far exceeded our original sales projections and
we are extremely pleased.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Great Bob. Is it close to DB II?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Not nearly, Diamond Back II is a mature product that
has been in the market for over four years.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> OK Lyre.
<LYRE> Bob: At one time their was a virus program created by a Mr.
Woodward with a similiar name to Ultimate Virus Killer. Is this the
same program? Or something Ora Tech has created themselves?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH]> Ultimate Virus Killer is a product that we are
distributing in North America for Douglas Communications in the UK.
It has been the dominant Virus detection and destruction package there
for several years.
<[Dave] D.SHORR> Bob, do you have upgrade info yet for owners of
Devpac ST and Lattice C?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> We have nearly completed the final pricing
negotiations with HiSoft and should have upgrade information within a
week.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> OK, your turn for a question Lou.
<L.ROCHA1> Thanks Brian. Hi Bob. Bob, I am sure you tired of hearing
how great Diamond Edge is..Thanks.
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> After two years of working on it, I'm never tired :-)
<L.ROCHA1> Bob, it is by far the most important utility program I own
but I am most impressed by the work on the manual. There is
information there that is essential reading for an HD owner and I wish
Atari would consider packaging your software with their harware.
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Thanks Lou, we worked very hard to produce a superior
manual.
<[Anna @ AtaAd] A.MASON4> Bob, How often should I run Diamond Edge to
optimize/defragment my HD?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Anna, That depends on your usage.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Do you have another question Anna?
<[Anna @ AtaAd] A.MASON4> Hmmmm...yes. Probably would only need to run
it once or twice a month then?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Partitions that have a great deal of file
modification activity will fragment more quickly than others. I
personnally do optimizations weekly on my C drive and Daily on my work
drives. However, software development fragments disks very quickly.
<[Anna @ AtaAd] A.MASON4> Okay....thanks for the info on a super
program.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> OK, your turn for a question Alan
<[Alan] A.HASKELL> Hello Bob, I bought UVK at Glendale, When will the
labels be sent?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> The UVKs sold at Glendale without labels should have
already been sent V5.5 disks with new labels. I'll verify yours was
sent.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Bob, with DB II How about floppy support?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Well of course Floppies are one of the primary backup
media that DBII supports.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Sorry, I wasn't clear I want to b/u my floppies to
HD not vice versa.
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> That's has been requested by a number of people and
is in the project plan to allow backing up from floppy to HD. You can
do it indirectly by "restoring" that floppy since DBII restore
functions work on any GEM disk.
<[Dave] D.SHORR> Bob, what is Knife ST?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Knife ST is a very powerful disk sector editor. It
is the only one that we are aware of that supports sector editing of
BGM sectors with the level of power it provides.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Bob, how would you compare DE with the competion?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Well, we feel that Diamond Edge provides a superset
of everything currently available in other packages and provides
functionlity that none else does, such as undelete and hard disk
partitioning.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Price-wise, the BEST! You can talk now Lyre.
<LYRE> Bob: In regards to viruses, are their any for the ST/STe/TT
that affect hard drives? If their are, will UVK destroy the virus?
Or does UVK operate only on floppies?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> We have tried to provide the product in a carefully
designed user interface that allows both power users and novices to
access all of the functions equally. UVK recognizes many viruses that
can effect the hard drive. These are listed in the back of the manual.
The most dangerous of those are the link viruses.
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> These attach themselves to the end of files and can
enter your system through means other than floppies. UVK can
recognize and kill these on both floppies and hard drives.
<LYRE>Thanks Bob.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Anna
<[Anna @ AtaAd] A.MASON4> Bob, now that DE has been released, can you
tell us about any other projects you may have 'in the works'....or are
you taking a well-deserved breather...
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> We never take time to breathe :-) We are actively
working on enhancements to Diamond Edge and on Diamodn Back III Plus a
new program.
<[Anna @ AtaAd] A.MASON4> DB III!! Can you tell us something about it?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> I knew that would stir some interest :-)
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Any hints?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> We are converting Diamond Back to a windowed
environment, adding SCSI tape backup support, Multi-TOS compatiblity
for background backups, Overhauled visual graphical backup and restore
path selection means, 4x improvement in restore speed+
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Lyre
<LYRE> Bob: On the comment of DBIII and "windowed environment"...do
you mean that it will no longer be dialog based?
[Bob] ORA.TECH> To provide a Multi-TOS frienly environment we need
to go to a windowed system that limits the use of modal dialog
boxes.
<LYRE> Thanks.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> What type of enhancements to DE, Bob?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> We will be expaning Diamond Mirror to include the
capability of performing a full disk medic pass on bootup for all
configured drives. We will be expaning the undeletion capabilities to
include real time trash monitoring, we will be adding the capability
of clicking on a portion of the disk map and having that come up in a
disk sector editor. plus much more.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> So, I can undelete in any program or just DE?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> You can undelete any program now :-)
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Thanks Bob, Lyre again. (Anyone else just /rai).
<LYRE> Bob: concerning DE undelete, will it operate on non-standard
Atari drives? I've got a Supra and they mark a file with a different
character then Atari uses. This has caused me not to be able to use
some undelete programs.
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> I've never encountered that. The Supra I have uses
DOS standard E5
<LYRE> Hmmmm, I'm not sure. I've tried a few undelete programs, but
they wouldn't work. On a sector editor I see a character that roughly
looks like an "O" with swish kinda thing on top. Is that the character
you're talking about?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Yes, E5 is displayed as a "sigma" those math geeks
among us (like me) know what that is.
<LYRE> :) So DE will work on my Supra then, correct?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Absolutely.
<LYRE> Thanks
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Bob, please give us a tidbit about THE new
product.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> What is it?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> THE new product we have under development is well,
kind of a secret. I am opposed to discussing things like that
publically too long before it is a reality. I will say that it is not
a disk application, but a personnal/busines finance and accounting
manager.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> I see your point. Can't blame someone from being
interested. [grin]
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> No prob :-))
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> I guess I will not upgrade my current finance
program.
<L.ROCHA1> Bob, did you already discuss sysquest to syquest backups in
DB? Is it currently possible with DBII.
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Not with a single mechanism. There are a number of
reasons from a hardware use/abuse standpoint that I am opposed to
unnecessary Syquest platter swaps. However, enough of our client base
has requested it that it will be added.
<L.ROCHA1> Hmm, I see what you mean. How much abuse would be expected
if a person had 10 megs of RAM?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Every time that you insert or remove a platter, the
disk shutter opens and is exposed to particulate contamination. They
are real hard disk and dust inside the cartridge WILL kill it. If you
look inside your syquest after many months of operation, you will see
a significant dust buildup. I vacume mine out about once every couple
of months. Compressed with 10 meg of ram you could do 15 meg at a
time.
<L.ROCHA1> But you would still not recommend it, right?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> That's right. However, because enough of our client
base has requested it, and because we are dedicated to provideing the
features that our users need, we will be adding the capability.
<[Beta-Bob] B.O.B.> In addition to being your faithful Beta Tester, I
also Use PCTools at work. It has a neat feature where in between disk
swaps it keeps chugging away at files. I guess writing then
temporarily to the HD & then spools them off to the next inserted
Floppy. Any chance of something like this in DB?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> With the introduction of Multi-TOS that behavor can
become a reality. Part of the problem with standard TOS is that
during a disk swap you are sitting in a "modal AES dialog box". That
means that no other processing can take place untill the user
completes the requested action. With Multi-TOS concurrnet processes
will become a reality.
<[Beta-Bob] B.O.B.> thanks.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Then you must have a falcon to be working on
Multi-TOS compatibility, right?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Actually, I do not have my Falcon yet (very soon
now). But have been working with Multi-TOS for several months on my
TT.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> What are your comments re: Multi-Tos? Is it great
or OK?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Well, I'm somewhat limited by nondisclosure of what I
can say. However, I will say that I am impressed with it and that it
brings an important capability to the future of the ST: True
preemptive multi-tasking and concurrent processing. It opens up
significant product opportunities for background backups and other
concurrent processing needs. I'm a happy camper with it :-)
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Thanks Bob, Dave?
<[Dave] D.SHORR> Question for the Atari Disk Doctor:): is an upgrade
to TOS 2.06 required for high density floppy support? I'm using 1.06.
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Yes, To use the Atari AJAX high density disk
controller and high density disk you need TOS 2.06. Third party high
density solutions are available that do not require TOS .206
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Bob, is willing to continue a little longer, so if
you have a question ask now by raising your hand /rai. I have a
question; what is the turn around time for mailing out DE? I trashed a
partition at the beginning of this conference.
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> Well, yesterday it was one day. But we ran out of
the first press run and are getting the second in on Monday. After
that it will return to 1-2 days processing time.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> thanks Bob.
B.HARVEY7> Dave, your turn.
<[Dave] D.SHORR> Bob, will there be any demos of the HiSoft programs
available?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> We are working with HiSoft to discuss which products
can have demos prepared. It is difficult to create a meaningful demo
of a compiler, but demos of Harlekin 2 are possible. A wonderful all
in one ACC personal time manager/To do list organizer
<[Dave] D.SHORR> Thanks Bob, my DE order went out on Monday<argghhh!
:)>. Thanx again for coming tonite!
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Bob, do you have much info on Harlekin? Is it a
memory hog or is it quite small? I know it does a lot.
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> You can configure it to consume whatever memory you
want to allocate to it. It comes configured out of the box to use
125K. ST Informer is running a three part review of it, it has that
much to cover.
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> Wow!
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> We're drawing to a close for the formal portion
of the Oregon Research Assocites' RTC. Before I put the room into
Frenzy Mode, do you have any closing words, Bob?
<[Bob] ORA.TECH> I would like to thank everyone attending tonight and
all of the people who have supported us over the years. The final
pricing and product availability for HiSoft products will be announced
by the end of next week. We will post a press release in the Library
as well as in Cat2 Topic 42. We hope to be moving to larger support
area soon. It'll be kind of sad leaving old CAT2 Top42 but progess
and user support take priority. Many thanks,
<[sysop] B.HARVEY7> I can't wait to see the pricing! I wish to thank
you Bob, for making it here tonight. I also wish to thank all the
attendees for their questions and patience.
=========================================
Oregon Research Associates' Technologies products include:
Lattice C
Devpack 3
HiSoft Basic 2
HighSpeed Pascal
FTL Modula-2
HiSoft C
WERCS
Knife ST
Harlekin 1 & 2
ProFlight
True Paint
==========================================
Wednesday, October 28 is the Purple Mountain Computers Inc RTC. A good
time to talk with Darek Mihocka about GEMULATOR; Don Crano about STEALTH
PMC; and Oscar Steele about Floptical drives and PMC 's other products.
ATTENTION: All RTC attendees for that night will receive a DISCOUNT on
GEMULATOR and STEALTH from PMC!
_________________________________________________________
> STRAIGHT FAX 1.06 STR InfoFile Now supports the Atari Falcon030
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STraight FAX! Version 1.06
==========================
This version is a maintenance upgrade from Version 1.05 which was
released at the WAACE AtariFest '92 on October 10, 1992. Version 1.06 adds
enhancements to support the Atari Falcon 030 and the new AES 3.30
(Application Environment Services) contained in the Atari Falcon 030's TOS
4.0x and Atari's Multi-TOS. STraight FAX! is a send/receive FAX
communication program for Atari TOS based computers. STraight FAX! works
with industry standard Class 2 send/receive FAX modems and Sierra based
SendFAX Modems. The STraight FAX! allows sending of FAX documents composed
of standard monochrome Image files, monochrome DEGAS/DEGAS Elite
compressed files, ASCII Text files (full GEM character set supported), GEM
Metafiles (requires GDOS) and our own FAX file format. In addition, the
STraight FAX! includes "Print to Disk" printer drivers for the following
applications: Calamus 1.09x, Calamus S/SL, PageStream 1.8x, PageStream
2.x, FSM/Font GDOS based applications such as Word Flair II and Original
GDOS based applications such as Calligrapher. These drivers are used from
with in the application to print pages of a document to our FAX file
format.
The STraight FAX! can also automatically generate a Cover Page that is
sent at the start of each FAX document. The STraight FAX! also supports
scanning devices such as Hand Scanners (via ScanLite from Dr. Bob) and
Full Page Scanners (using our Canon IX-12/IX-12F scanner driver). Scanned
images may be saved as FAX files for sending in a FAX document. In
addition, when a hand scanner is used in conjunction with a scanning tray,
the left side and right side scans may be automatically merged into a full
page without any manual adjustment! FAX documents composed of the above
file types may be created up to 255 pages in length. A FAX document may be
broadcast to up to 100 destination FAX machines at a time, immediately or
scheduled at a later time when rates are less. Received FAX documents may
be viewed on screen at various scaled views, converted to Image format or
printed using GDOS and the appropriate driver for the printer being used.
The STraight FAX! supports full logging of all FAX transfers and utilizes
an enhanced GEM user interface, with popup menus and keyboard selection of
commands.
The STraight FAX! is available from Joppa Software Development for a
suggested list price of $89.95.
Version 1.06 Enhancements
=========================
- The menu title in above the desk accessory menu has been changed to
"STFAX" from "Desk". This allows a user to know that the STraight FAX!
is the active application when running under Multi-TOS.
The "About" menu entry has been changed to "About ST FAX!...".
- The "Cycle Windows" command (Alt-N) will cycle the active View Windows
by bringing the bottom window to the top. On cpus with AES versions
3.30 and higher (Multi-TOS and the Falcon 030), the windows can be
made to cycle in the reverse direction (i.e. send the top window to
the bottom) by holding either Shift Key when selecting this command.
- A new command "Select All" (Control-A) appears in the Edit Menu. This
command will cause the Clip Area to be sized to the full size of the
graphic in the top View Window.
- A few of the dialog box objects have been colorized to take advantage
of color monitors.
- The STraight FAX! has now been modified to work with the Atari Falcon
030 computer running under TOS 4.0x.
In addition, buttons will be drawn using the new 3D button capability
present in AES versions 3.30 and higher (i.e. Multi-TOS and the Falcon
030). The 3D buttons will not change to the selected mode (i.e.
depressed) unless the left mouse is pressed while over the button.
- The Send and Receive Logs will now show the status of transfers that
have experienced unrecoverable errors (such as disk read/write errors
and modem communication errors) and user aborts.
- During the immediate (non-scheduled) FAX Send operation, the Send FAX
Status will display the date/time that the next transfer attempt will
occur during re-send attempts.
- A few minor bugs have also been eliminated.
Version 1.05 Enhancements
=========================
- If either Shift Key is held down when selecting the Save command in
the Prefs menu, the File Selector will appear allowing the system
preferences to be saved to a user selected preferences file.
The user selected preferences file may be later passed as a parameter
to the STraight FAX! (via the new GEM Desktop drag and drop method).
- In the Page Preferences dialog, a new option exists for the Failed
Pages Popup Menu. 'Re-Send Failed Pages w/Cover Page' will cause a
new Cover Page to be sent before the remaining pages of a FAX transfer
made to complete a previously partially completed transfer, if a Cover
Page has been specified for the FAX document.
- In the Page Preferences dialog, a new popup menu exists: Page Height.
The Page Height Popup Menu specifies the height of a FAX page that
is transferred (i.e. Letter, Legal, A4 or B5). The Page Height is
used during ASCII Text to FAX conversions to determine the number of
text lines per page, for GEM Meta File to FAX conversions, for
Image and DEGAS to FAX conversions and for the Full Page Scan maximum
page height.
The heights will be displayed in Inches or Centimeters as per the
Units parameter in the General Preferences dialog.
- In the Receive FAX Prefs, a new option exists for the Auto Receive
Popup Menu. 'Selectively Enabled' allows the user to specify the time
interval that the Auto Receive mode is active. When this mode is
specified, the start (from) and end (to) times may be entered by
clicking on the Up and Down Arrow Buttons in the Receive Time field.
The 'Always Enabled' option is the same as the 'Enabled' option from
earlier versions of the software.
- In the Print Preferences dialog, a new popup menu exists: Page Size.
The Page Size Popup Menu allows selection of the size of the paper
used in the printer of the selected Printer Device. The choices are
Default, Letter, Legal, A4 and B5. The Default choice will utilize
the Default Page Size (that is displayed at the bottom of the dialog
box) that is currently configured into the selected GDOS printer
driver.
Note: some GDOS printer drivers may ignore the Page Size and use
an internal page size that is not configurable.
- When selecting files via the File Selector, a File Type Warning
alert box will be displayed if the extension of the selected file is
not the proper extension for the type of file being selected.
This alert box will present three button choices:
Select - Re-Display the File Selector to select another file.
OK - Use the File Selected as is.
Cancel - Cancel the File Selection.
The user may change the default button choice by holding down the
Alternate Key while making the selection. The default button choice
will be saved with the system preferences.
- The user may abort from an ASCII Text to FAX Conversion by holding
down the Undo Key.
- In the Receive Log, a new command is in the Receive Log Popup Menu
that appears when an entry in the log is double-clicked on. This
command, Rename, allows the name of the FAX files that are received to
be renamed to a user specified name. When this command is selected,
the File Selector will appear allowing the user to specify a new name
that the received FAX files for the log entry should be renamed to.
- The maximum number of View Windows that may be opened has been
increased from 4 to 7.
- The Send Log and Receive Log limits of 500 entries has been removed.
The Log sizes are now only limited by available memory. The Loading,
Saving and Re-Ordering times have also been reduced.
- The user may now print the entire Send/Receive Log or only the
selected entries in the Log. When there are selected entries, the
alert box that is displayed when the Print button is selected will
allow three button choices:
All - Print the Entire Log.
Select - Print only the Selected entries in the Log.
Cancel - Cancel the printing of the Log.
- The STraight FAX! now incorporates more detailed error message alerts.
- The STraight FAX! will now recognize all serial ports on the Atari
TT/030 and Atari Falcon 030 computers.
- The FAX/Print Image problem with GDOS disturbing the status message
dialog has been corrected.
- The STraight FAX! now supports improved Wild Card support for
selecting multiple FAX Files at a time from the Send Multiple Files
dialog box. Multiple FAX files may be specified at a time from the
File Selector by manually entering a file extension of ".J??".
All FAX files starting with the extension of ".J01" through ".J99"
that exist will be loaded (up to the 33 file limit).
Multiple FAX files may also be specified from the File Selector that
is presented when the (Print) FAX command is selected in the File
menu.
- The Company Name field in the FAX Phone List will now allow ordering
of proper names as follows:
A name entered as:
Last_Name|First_Name
will appear in the Send FAX Status and Cover Page as:
First_Name Last_Name
This will allow sorting the Phone List by a Last Name.
Full Page Scanner Support
=========================
Joppa Software Development currently has available a scanner driver
program for use with the STraight FAX! to allow direct scanning from a
Navarone/ Canon Full Page Flat Bed (IX-12F) or Sheet Feed (IX-12) Scanner.
Drivers for other full page scanners are being considered for development.
The Navarone/Canon IX-12 Series Scanner Driver has a suggested list price
of $19.95 (US) and is available for a limited time for only $14.95
(US)direct from Joppa Software Development.
FONT GDOS
=========
Atari Corporation's FONT GDOS is available direct from Joppa Software
Development to registered STraight FAX! owners. The three disk FONT GDOS
package comes complete with an Installation program, the FONT GDOS
program, three Desk Accessory/Control Panel Module utilities for
customizing the FONT GDOS setup, bit mapped screen and printer fonts in
various point sizes for Swiss and Dutch styles, printer drivers for
several popular printers and printed documentation for installation and
use. The FONT GDOS package may be ordered direct from Joppa Software
Development for $10.00 (US).
Upgrade Policy
==============
Registered STraight FAX! owners may upgrade to Version 1.06 by sending
their master disk and $2.00 (US) to Joppa Software Development. Registered
users outside the continental US should contact Joppa Software Development
at the above contact points for upgrade handling fees. Registered users
may also purchase the latest revision of the STraight FAX! users manual by
sending the Cover Page from the current users manual to Joppa Software
Development along with $5.00 (US). Purchase of a new manual is optional,
as all enhancements are covered in the README.TXT file that is included on
the Master Disk. Registered users should also contact JSD at the above
On-line addresses to inquire about free updates via E-Mail. All prices are
US funds, no checks drawn on foreign back accounts will be accepted. All
other products are Copyright by their respective companies.
STraight FAX! (TM) Version 1.06
(c) 1992 Joppa Software Development
P.O. Box 214
Dallastown, PA 17313-0214
Tech Support Line (717) 428-3231
FAX Line (717) 428-0424
GEnie: JOPPA-SOFT
Compuserve: 73047,2565
_________________________________________________________________
> MAROONED??!! STR Spotlight A MACAROON OR BIG BLUE??
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
If you feel marooned working on the Atari platform you will find the
following editorial interesting to read. You will probably also find it
depressing. If the Macintosh world is shrinking, where DOES that leave us
in the Atari world??
The following editorial appeared in the October/92 issue of;
Personal Engineering & Instrumentation News. Phone:(603) 427-1427
"MACINTOSH STAGNATION"
======================
by Paul G Schreier, Editor
"Covering a trade show is one of the more hectic parts of working as a
magazine editor. Generally, even before the show starts your dance card
is pretty well full of apointments--you bounce from booth to booth or to
private suites listening to pitches on the latest products or upcoming
plans. If you're lucky, a few hours remain free for simply roaming the
show floor, looking for a few gems, oftem from small firms who don't have
the expertise for plugging into the press or who decided at the very last
minute to bring along a new product."
"In contrast, the recent MacWorld show in Boston was a breeze to
cover. And while some other recent shows have been slow from a
personal-engineering, standpoint this one was almost boring. Beyond
products with a more-general appeal, such as graphing/plotting software
and equation editors, there was little new for me to look at. True, the
Consortium for Laboratory and Industrial Applications on the Macintosh
held several meetings that were reasonably well attended, but it seemed to
me that those people represent a hard core of Mac fanatics rather than a
cross section of the technical user population as a whole."
"While preparing for the show, I called several companies that have
traditionally exhibited, but many of them have decided not to particapate
anymore. Some saw lots of people pass through their booths, most of whom
were curiosity seekers more than anything else. Those exhibitors gathered
too few hard sales leads to make exhibiting worth the time and expense. "
"From my office I can verify reduced interest in the Mac by the
number of press releases for new Mac-based products, which has dropped
off dramatically. I can't think of the last time somebody introduced a
new data-acq board for the NuBus, or the last time a CAE vendor came out
with design-automation software for that platform. It's even hard to
think of any blockbuster Mac product for technical users that came out in
the last year or so. Instead, I'm watching firms that were dedicated to
the Mac port their products to the PC, while some broad- based firms take
successful Mac products over to Windows, and yet others have simply
abandoned Mac product li
nes (and regret having made the effort at all)."
"There's no doubt that the Mac market for technical products is
stagnating. I'm not positive why. Some suppliers, especially those in
design automation, complain bitterly about the lack of marketing support
Apple provides. But I think the answer lies closer to simple economics:
the base of users with DOS/Windows systems exceeds those with Macs by an
incredible margin, and the gap is widening. Macs still are no bargain,
and unless you really need one (they continue to excel in
graphics-intensive applications--we produce this entire magazine on the
Mac), you're hard pressed to justify it. Maybe multimedia will bring new
life into the Mac, but I'm not overenthused about that area, either."
"The Mac's market penetration also ties into Apple's greed, which
seems to have backfired. That company kept margins high at the expense of
a broadened user base. It didn't face factors, such as clones, that would
drive it to keep prices more competitive. Until now, perhaps. Apple's
just come out with a new "low-cost" line, apparently in response to the
growing popularity of Windows. But I suspect it's too little, too late."
"This situation saddens me. I like to see more options available for
our readers not fewer. And I will admit that I enjoy working on my Mac
more that I do my DOS/Windows machine--but I'm working as an editor
primarily with a word processor and page-layout software, not as a systems
designer or reseacher. Meanwhile, if you're looking to invest
considerable money in a Mac-based system for technical applications, I'd
suggest you reexamine that decision. Look hard at the hardware and
software support out there for your task, and be forewarned: don't expect
a whole lot more in the near future."
\\\OPINION///
A lot of us in the Atari world have felt the same general frustration
as expressed in this editorial. Computer technology comes and goes with
increasing frequency..i.e., is updated with increasing frequency. Because
IBM's and compatibles (which unfortunately included MS-DOS) got such a
jump on everybody else in the PC market- place it has been an uphill
struggle for every other computer company aspiring to capture the hearts
and pocketbooks of consumers...After all how many computers is/was the
average person going to buy when purchasing a home computer? And what
would be compatible with what they use at work?
We all know that the longer we own a computer and spend our hard
earned money for software to run on it, the harder it is to decide to
abandon that in favor of another platform. We become software driven so
to speak. We will buy a faster more powerful version of our computer but
we will cling to our software until it is painfully obvious that it has
been passed by.(8 bit users are a good example of how tenacious this
tendancy is)
Atari and Apple (according to the editorial) have seemingly been
oblivous to this very fact:(as pointed out) the user base is what
determines whether software development will cover a broad range of
applications and how well it will be supported or updated. There are a
few ST developers that have hung in there but most have had to "port to
PC" to make a living. The result is that updates then become written
first for the PC market and secondarily for the ST. (There are a few
exceptions to this too, but not many.) A sad note is that there were
quite a few very talented developers who were forced by financial
necessity to abandon the ST market. I'm sure that some felt bitter at
the lack of Atari's efforts to increase that user base in this country.
And even if their new pride and joy, the Falcon, becomes a viable platform
for writing or porting to, these developers may never return because of
that bitterness. What a loss to the Atari community.
There were always gaps in software for the ST. There never was
much in the way of engineering software such as schematic capture, pc
board layout, mechanical engineering simulation/analysis, high powered
engineering math packages, etc. (DynaCadd is a bright exception, but note
that it is now available for the PC and, maybe I'm wrong, but I think
practical considerations force that version to now get prime development
time while ST/TT versions follow. If I am wrong I will stand corrected
ahead of time.) CAD-3D had it's shining moment being a trend setter but
in the end its author helped in the development of 3D Studio for Autodesk.
Again, no doubt to help put bread on the table. You would think that that
would bring some notoriety to Atari computers but it obviously hasn't.
Even some of the more mainstream software such as word processing,
spreadsheets and databases had just caught up to some degree before they
too were abandoned and passed again by the fast moving world of
PC/Windows software. Thank goodness that there does seem to be hopeful
champions out there who are willing to pick them up and continue their
development. Desktop Publishing is the one area where ST software has
been competitive with the other platforms. When Calamus hit the scene it
even set some precedents for other software to emulate.
Will the Falcon 030 swoop into the market at just the right time? (As
noted in the above editorial Apple is also coming out with a mulitmedia
computer.) Or will many people have the reaction that Mr. Schreier has to
multimedia: that he isn't "overenthused" about it?
I think the best case scenario would be that the Falcon DOES catch on
enough to develop a real user base. And then Atari tries to build more
bridges to the DOS/Windows world than they did with the ST. Applications
with DOS/Windows file format compatability would be a very important
consideration for a clone user when deciding whether or not to consider a
Falcon. (There is some file format compatability in ST applications but
not enough and not always up to date with the latest in the DOS/Windows
world.)
In spite of what I said above about Atari being oblivous to the fact
of user base being the foundation upon which all else is raised, I would
qualify it by the following: If any of us who has felt Atari has not done
nearly enough to promote the platform we all love were suddenly put in
charge of the company what exactly would we do to change the equation?
The harsh reality is, as Mr. Schreier points out, the base of users with
DOS/Windows systems exceeds by a very large margin all other platforms.
It is ubiquitous. As with all large consumer movements it has a life of
its own. I seriously doubt that the Falcon 030, no matter how well done
it is, will make much of a dent in that DOS/Windows world. (a truly
practical and cost effective IBM emulation add-on would increase the odds,
but when the odds are almost astronomical to begin with what does that
mean?) I do not believe this is nay-saying; just realistic. I think an
apt comparison is the battle a few years ago over video recording format--
VHS or Beta...which would it be. Even with all of Sony's money they
could not stop VHS from becoming the popular format. Now, almost
everyone who owns a VCR uses the VHS format. How easy do you think it
would be to get people to buy a VCR with another format with all of the
current "software" being overwhelmingly based on the VHS format?
Where are we, then? (How many times have you seen that question posed
in magazines!) Well, I have felt a lot of resentment in the past because
my choice of computer was ridiculed without just cause by narrow-minded
clone and (yes,some)Mac users. They wouldn't take the name Atari
seriously. But in fairness I was probably the only person they knew who
had an Atari ST. And even if they had expressed an interest in going to
see one (which of course they didn't) they would have been hard pressed to
find a convenient dealer location to see one. The loss of dealers is a
whole other story.
Now, though, I have settled in with the facts as they are. If I
had had the extra time the past few years I would have done all I could to
try to "fill in the gaps" in ST software. I truly love the ST and if I
had more programming expertise I would try to write engineering software
just for the love of the computer so that more users who need to "bring
work home" from their jobs need not have a clone.
The positives to the Atari market (yes, I do see positives) are:
there is much more of a "family" feeling....A smaller user base
naturally has more of a community about it....Even if the Falcon takes
off beyond our expectations (and I think we all hope it succeeds) I would
hate to see the Atari market get "too" big....Software support is
generally less formal and more personal. Software improvements due to one
or two individuals suggestions are more likely to be listened to and acted
upon....I don't have everyone at my office wanting to know if they can get
a copy of the latest software that I buy. (Piracy in the clone world is
matter-of-fact, second nature; especially if it appears on one of the
computers at work. After all, every worker will honestly "need" that at
home to continue his/her work there.) I use Orcad schematic capture and
pc board layout software at work, as well as Microsoft Word and Pagemaker
for Windows. But I have resisted getting a clone for use at home. On the
contrary, I was able to use my ST to write a utility in GFA Basic to use
with Orcad. And since I did purchase the DOS version of GFA to "try", as
per GFA's offer last Christmas, I ported it over to my PC at work. (It's
the only thing I've done so far which makes it one expensive, little
utility!)
This is more than I expected to write but a chord was struck in me by
the editorial above. I hope other Atari users can take solace from
reading it as I did. I guess it's true that misery loves company. I
sincerely hope that the Falcon 030 will do well for Atari. I also hope
that the Mac world survives because, like Mr. Schreier, I think it is
better to have MORE alternatives not fewer. Maybe there is a window
(pardon the pun) of opportunity here for Atari. I may likely be
interested in buying one, as per my argument above about being software
driven. I will hang on to using my ST and its software just as long as I
possibly can...I like using it and will continue to do so as long as the
software I have meets my needs. Who knows? Maybe I or SOMEONE will still
be able to do something about that software gap. A well written
application for the ST should port over to the Falcon without much
trouble.
Best wishes to all you Atarians out there!
greg matthijetz
G.MATTHIJETZ
Permission to reprint this editorial was granted by Mr. Schreier on
the conditions that it be reprinted in its entirety and that I include the
circulation phone number for "Personal Engineering and Instrumentation
News" in case anyone is interested in inquiring about subscribing.
(Courtesy professional subscriptions are available to those who qualify.)
______________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
"""""""""""""""""""""
- San Francisco, CA PLAGIARISM RUNS RAMPANT!
-----------------
Two very well known editor/publishers, one hard copy and one
electronic, are quite upset after it was discivered this past week that
their material was being used in another Atari hard copy publication
without permission. One item in particular, a report about a recent Atari
Show, had mis-spellings in it and those very same mis-spelled words
appeared verbatim in the offending editor's publication. While the
identities of all concerned are being withheld to facilitate an amicable
settlement of this matter, further coverage will be afforded the situation
if the offended parties so desire.
- Palentine, IL. IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM MISSIONWARE SOFTWARE
Hi everyone... Just wanted to post a quick notice regarding upgrades from
2.0to 2.01... I'm going to be out of town on business for two weeks
beginning next Monday, October 26. I'll be returning on November 6.
Although regular orders will continue to be shipped while I'm gone, I
won't be able to do any upgrades until I return. Therefore, if you send
in your disk for upgrade and it doesn't get returned promptly, please
don't panic! We'll get them turned around as soon as we get back. If you
could spread the word around a bit about this, I'd appreciate it.
BTW, although I'll be out of town during this period, I will be traveling
with my trusty old Stacy and will continue to communicate with all of you
via GEnie. I may not be able to get on daily, but I'll do the best I can.
Thanks for your understanding. As you know, Missionware Software prides
itself on customer support and we regret not being able to handle all of
your needs during this period.
- Detroit, MI. CFJ'S SCHEDULE
------------
A NOTE FROM CHARLES:
--------------------
Hi folks. This note is to let you know that I'll be offline until
November 17th, because I'll be on tour playing guitar with the jazz-fusion
group Hiroshima. Just in case anyone's interested in coming to the show,
here's a schedule:
10/29 - Joliet, Illinois; Rialto Square Theater
10/30 - Detroit; Fox Theater
10/31 - Chicago; China CLub
11/1 - Cleveland; Front Row Theater
11/3 - Buffalo; (no theater listed yet)
11/4 - New York City; Paramount Theater
11/5 - Boston; Berklee Performing Arts Center
11/6 - Richmond, VA; Byrd Theater
11/7 - Washington, DC; Warner Theater
11/11 - Atlanta, GA; Center Stage Theater
11/12 - Atlanta, GA; Center Stage Theater
(NOTE: the Atlanta dates may be on the 8th/9th instead...)
11/13 - Orlando, FL; Bob Carr PAC
11/14 - Ft Lauderdale, FL; Broward Center for Performing Arts
11/15 - Tampa, FL; Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
If you need immediate assistance during this time, please call the
CodeHead Technologies office at 213-386-5735, between 9am and 1pm PST.
See you when I return!
- Charles @ CodeHead Tech
- Rochester, NY KODAK & ATARI NEGOTIATING CD PACKAGE?
-------------
Old 'super snoop is at it again... seems Atari may very well be
involved in negotiations with Kodak Corp. relative to CD Rom technology as
it relates to Photography etc..
- Lake Tahoe, NV ATARI _IS_ ALIVE & WELL!
--------------
Contrary to the "populist" beliefs, Atari Corp. is really quite strong
financially speaking. Everybody seems to have forgotten the "Tramiel
Trust". Jack Tramiel a very wealthy businessman before he purchased
Atari, never really invested the bulk of the family fortune into Atari.
Time/Warner financed the entire deal at the time of purchase. Therefore,
it would stand to reason that a substantial infusion of capital will occur
when it is deemed necessary by Jack Tramiel. "Atari will have marketshare
in 1993" it has been heard said in 'certain circles'.
- Ontario, Canada AUTHOR OF MULTI-TOS TO JOIN ATARI
---------------
Eric R. Smith, has made it known that he will join Atari on or about
the second of November 1993. Smith noted he was making the final
preparations to make the move to the USA, (Visa, etc..). "Its not a
temporary thing being done to get Multi-Tos done, I'll be working on a
wide variety of software projects including Multi-Tos." Smith said.
- Los Angeles, CA C-LAB is NO MORE.....
---------------
Reported by D.R. Kerr, C-Lab, developers and manufacturers of the most
successful Atari MIDI sequencing programs, Creator and Notator, is no
more. According to the newsletter from Steinberg/Jones, makers of the
competing Cubase, C-Lab folded within the last few weeks due to "bickering
about finances." Gerhard Lengling, who ran C-Lab, is apparently looking
to start another venture. There is no word whether it will involve the
Atari platform. Hopefully, something good will arise out of the ashes of
this devastating loss to the music and Atari worlds.
Notator 3.1 was recently hailed in Keyboard magazine as the best MIDI
sequencing program available on any platform. They were also frequent
advertisers in the magazine as well and appeared at numerous Atari shows
across the country. C-Lab products were recently supported by Ensoniq
here in the United States. Presently, there are two active developers of
Atari MIDI programs remaining -- Steinberg/Jones and what was Hybrid Arts,
Inc., Barefoot Software. Dr. T stopped developing for the Atari within
the past year.
What does this mean? Besides the obvious loss of support and
excellent products to musicians, it is quite a blow to Atari. Atari's
only real foothold in the U.S. is through its MIDI abilities. With the
best Atari developer for MIDI gone under, that's one less assortment of
software to support the Atari platform.
- Sunnyvale CA REVAMP OF AEO RUMORED TO BE IN THE WORKS
------------
Rumored personel changes, being heard of for the last three weeks,
were brought to the attention of Ron Kovacs, Atari Explorer Online editor.
When efforts were made to verify the rumors with AEO's editor, the replies
from Kovacs were inconclusive as he would neither confirm nor deny the
various "rumored" changes being made. Subsequent calls to Atari also
provided no solid information relative to the rumored changes as we were
told; "as of yet, no solid decisions have been made."
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" ABOUT SALES & ADVERTISING...
"""""""""""""""""
"He who has a thing to sell and only whispers in the well,
is not so apt to get the dollars,
as he who climbs the tree and hollers!"
sent in by... Jimmy Carter
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> ABCO SPECIALS! STR InfoFile * NEW 1992 Prices! MORE Products! *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" -------------------------------
** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! **
NOTICE: ABCO will BEAT OR MATCH * ANY *
Advertised or Invoiced price * WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD!
ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
=========================
P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
HARD DISK SYSTEMS & DESIGNS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
_________________________________________
All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST
are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s).
*-ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE-*
(you are NOT limited to two drives)
- Available for all Platforms -
-* ICD LINK & ADSCSI PLUS HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY *-
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE!!! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
VISA - MASTERCARD - NO SURCHARGE!
*_*_*_*
ABCOFILE 80mb Hard disk System - $ 419.95! Assembled Ready to run!
Includes either the ICD ADSCSI PLUS _or_ THE LINK & DMA Cable
Installed in our NEW "Super Style" Case!
*_*_*_*
*** NEW!!! ULTRA MODERN "SUPER STYLE" ABCOFILE CASE ***
DELUXE 2 bay Cabinet W/65w Auto PS & Blower $119.00
Case & ICD LINK or ADSCSI PLUS Host [Hard Disk Ready] $259.95
-STAND ALONE PRODUCTS-
Model Description Autopark Price
==================================================
SGN4951 51Mb 3.5" Y 419.00
SQN1096 83mb 3.5" Y 519.00
SQN2055 120mb 3.5" Y 574.95
SQN1296 213mb 3.5" Y 839.00
SQN4055 340mb 3.5" Y 1310.00
==================================================
Standard "Shoebox Cabinet style is also available
Call for pricing applicable to IBM - MAC - AMIGA
IDE - SCSI - ESDI
MODERN TOWER CABINETS AVAILABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
Many other configurations available.
20mb - 3.5gb
NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
SPECIAL PURCHASE! * 83mb - 1345mb * Hard Disk Mechanisms
Call for SUPER PRICING!! Limited Time Only!!
IDEAL FOR USE IN: IBM - MAC - AMIGA!
FULLY ASSEMBLED SCSI DRIVES w/o ICD LINK Available
ADD $35.00 for 4 BAY SUPER CABINET w/250+w PS
EXOTIC TOWER CABINETS AVAILABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
FAST TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR UPGRADES AVAILABLE & INSTALLED
*****
>> ABCO proudly offers: ATARI PRODUCTS <<
MAC PRODUCTS - AMIGA PRODUCTS - PC PRODUCTS
Call for ABCO's * HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRICING! *
ABCO COMPUTER SYSTEMS * STILL THE BEST VALUE!
*****
Original Atari Mouse replacement: $35.00 NEW!
If you don't see what you want listed here, call us.
Odds are, we either have it or, can get it for you!
* GUARANTEED * AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE! *
** 800-562-4037 **
"WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL"
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555) >> ABCOFILE "44" & "88" *
* REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES *
--->> LIMITED TIME SPECIAL! NOW ONLY 44MB $ 559.00 <<---
88MB $ 659.00
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
Cart and Utility Software Included!
44mb CARTS: $ 69.50
88mb CARTS: $ 109.50
44mb MECH ONLY: $ 339.95
88mb MECH ONLY: $ 439.95
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED ** $895.95.00 **
Includes: * TWO * cartridges!
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
** 50mb SQG51S $759.00 105mb SQG105S $959.00 **
Or, YOUR choice of Hard Disk Mechanism!
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
** ANNOUNCING THE NEW! -> ABCO CD-ROM! **
:Special Introductory offer:
ABCO CD-ROM $489.95
Listed above are a sampling of the systems available.
Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations
(over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited)
* IBM - MSDOS - AMIGA - ATARI - APPLE - MACINTOSH *
ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - AT/PC SPEED - GCR
LARGER units are available - (Custom Configurations)
*** --> COMPLETE IBM CLONE SYSTEMS AVAILABLE!
CALL FOR PRICING & AVAILABILITY
386/486 33Mhz - 50Mhz - 66Mhz
*>> NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! <<*
Atari SLM 804, SLM 804PCV Laser Toner Kits
Memorex 2108, 5287
Oasys Laserpro 5287, 5308, Express 830, Express Series II
Silver Express, Gold Express
** $41.95 shipping Included **
Atari SLM 605 Laser Toner Kits
AT&T 593, CAF Laser, DSI Laser, DTP Systems, Epson EPL-6000
Facit P6060, Fontx Syslaser, Harris3M 2006, M-Tally MT905
Microtek Turbo PS, OAS Laserpro Executive, Packard Bell 9500
TEC LB 1305, Toshiba PageLaser 6
** $41.95 shipping included **
(TWO Toner Carts Incl.)
Panasonic Laser Toner Kits
Panasonic KX -P 400 series, Panafax UF-750 Facsimile
** $41.95 shipping included **
-- ALL TONER KITS * IN STOCK * --
* Toner Starter Kits-$62.95 *
* Replacement (804) Drums-$186.95 *
ABCO is PROUD to announce the acquisition of
the exclusive U.S.A. distribution rights for
** Bitblit Software's ///Turbo Board BBS. **
This fine Atari ST BBS system software and
user support is available through ABCO to all
Turbo customers in the USA. Call for current
pricing.
ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED
Now Available
BUSINESSES, LEASE TO OWN WITH AT&T
-* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
_________________________________________
DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
please, call for details
MASTERCARD & VISA ACCEPTED - NO SURCHARGE!
Personal and Company Checks accepted.
ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319
Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service
9am - 8pm EDT
TUES thru SAT
ABCO is EXPANDING!! CALL FOR INFORMATION!
SEND FOR YOUR NEW ABCO CATALOG TODAY!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport International Online Magazine
-* [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport *-
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" October 30, 1992
Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-92 All Rights Reserved No.8.43
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors/staff of STReport International Online Magazine. Permission
to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Reprints
must, without exception, include the name of the publication, date, issue
number and the author's name . STReport and/or portions therein may not
be edited in any way without prior written permission. STReport, at the
time of publication, is believed reasonably accurate. STReport, its staff
and contributors are not and cannot be held responsible for the use or
misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
