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Silicon Times Report Issue 0916
*---== STReport International Online Magazine ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
from
STR Publishing
""""""""""""""
April 16, 1993 No.9.16
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
-----------------------------------------
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Support BBS Network System
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_____________________________________________________________________
> 04/16/93 STR 916 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS
- 2mil DOS 6 Ship! - EDITOR'S MAIL - FALCON BROCHURE
- CANON NOTEBOOK INTRO - ASHEVILLE FEST - PERFORMA EXPANDED
- CTFEST'93 NEWS - FASTMICRO RIP! - STR Confidential
-* REVOLVING DOOR EXTREMELY BUSY! *-
-* ATARI STOCK VALUE PLUMMETS! *-
-* "FALCONWAIT" THE TRICKLE BEGINS! *-
===========================================================================
STReport 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/NEST/Atari F-Net Mail Network. You may also phone The Bounty
BBS direct @ 904-786-4176, and enjoy the wonder & excitement of exchanging
information relative to computers, worldwide, through the use of excellent
International Networking Systems. 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
participate. Support your favorite computer! Teleconference Today!
===========================================================================
CIS ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ NVN ~ GENIE ~ FIDO ~ FNET ~ NEST
EURONET ~ CIX ~ CLEVELAND FREE-NET ~ INTERNET
===========================================================================
=============
* 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
and
be online in no time at all!
WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (April 16)
PARTICIPATE IN GO GRAPHICS DIRECTORY!
The Atari Forums will be participating in the fifth update of GO GRAPHICS,
a picture catalog of some of the finest GIF images available for download
from CompuServe! We'll be compiling our listing for inclusion THIS
WEEKEND! Be sure to upload your new GIF pictures as soon as possible!
NEW PRINTER DRIVER FOR DESKJET
Download PrintAll Version 1.1 (file PRTALL.LZH in LIBRARY 9 of the Atari
Productivity Forum -- GO ATARIPRO). A Printer driver program for the HP
Deskjet 500 and 500C. Prints multiple file formats in color or
black-and-white in multiple sizes and orientations. Latest version adds
Prism Paint PNT support, Tiny low and medium-res .TNY and Sun
Microsystems' "Rasterfile" .RAS support. Also numerous bug-fixes and
speedups, ability to cancel without quitting and cancel long operations.
This version supersedes PrintAll 1.0.
New "CMYK" output options simulates Deskjet 550C output on 500C printers!
SHAREWARE FROM DOUBLE CLICK IN ATARIVEN
Double Click Software has decided to release DC Xtract Plus as SHAREWARE!
Included in the LZH file are DC Xtract Plus 2.1v and a doc file. Download
file XTRPLS.LZH from LIBRARY 13 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN).
Double Click Software has also decided to release DC SEA as SHAREWARE! Make
ARC/LZH/ZIP/ZOO into a self-extracting file.
Download file DCSEA.LZH from LIBRARY 13 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO
ATARIVEN).
MANY NEW FILES IN ATARIPRO!
Lots of new files in the Libraries of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO
ATARIPRO). Type BRO LIB:ALL to check out the most recently entries!!
REVISED PRINTER DRIVERS FROM SOFTLOGIK
SoftLogik has made the following two files available for download from
LIBRARY 11 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN):
PS2299.ARC - PostScript printer driver for ImageSetters and Color
PostScript printers version 2.2.99. This is a temporary driver that fixes
problems with v2.2.11 printing to Linos and Color PS printers.
PS2211.ARC - Newest PostScript printer driver version 2.2.11. This driver
is good for users printing to PostScript lasers. For users needing to
print to Color PS and high-rez imagesetters, you should use the v2.2.99
driver.
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!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport seems to bring out the "very best" in people from time to
time. This past week for instance, we found an Atari aeo rep addressing
mail directly to us in public demanding that it not be for re-print. Cute
eh? It's sad to see educated people resorting to "throwing rocks" and then
declaring that nobody may see them doing it except in their "closed"
environment. It's not a real bother to STR since paraphrasing allows so
much in the lines of "eloquent interpretation". The sad part is it leads
to so much unnecessary non-sense proffered by those suffering from the
empty barrel syndrome. (rolling downhill with a loose nut inside). To get
back to the gist of this matter, its very evident the smoke and mirrors
efforts have been stepped up considerably. What with the maligned, direct
accusations being made by one aeo rep claiming STR turned a "positive into
a negative" by our spotlighting Atari's "pressure plea". Which, by the
way, was made directly to users imploring them to aggressively persuade
their dealers into signing the new ADA.
Nowhere was it mentioned that, even though the Falcon product may be
shipped through a distributor, Atari will not permit the "intro level"
product to be sold by anyone they do not first approve of. Also, they are
prohibiting the sale of these intro devices via "mail order". In and for
itself the concept is ok, but this is 1993 and its been proven time and
again that such practices are not productive at all. Apple and the Clone
markets have proven which is the right way to go. In Atari's case, the
lack of marketshare or even mediocre penetration with be heightened when
the insipid politics Atari aspires to intrudes, then and only then will the
users understand the full scope of the new ADA. The mail order question
has always been a sore point but if one stops to think for a moment, by
prohibiting that mode of sales, Atari may either be planning to do so
itself or, they possibly have reservations about being able to deliver
large quantities of said product. Of course, the last big question is
where is all the fancy promotions we were told would happen coincidently
with the advent of the Falcon030 shipping in the USA?
In the remainder of aeo rep's remarks, it was stated that those who
were mentioned as having left Atari's employ were, in fact, "still in the
driver's seat at Explorer". Really? STReport stands by its original
report. He then continues to carry on about "real" news and which online
magazine can do what for whom but never points out the bottom line.
STReport will never be an "Atari mouthpiece". We will however, continue to
tell the users exactly like it is. The good, the bad and the ugly. For
example, we also reported the Book and the Laser printers cancelled, you
don't see the reps saying anything about that. Not a peep! Of course not,
there is no possible way of "stretching" the truth as it was done in the
case of the revolving door. Still, when the smoke clears those people will
be just as gone from Atari as they were when it was reported. As for "spin
doctors", a term used by the aeo rep, nobody but nobody lays out a spread
of smoke and mirrors like those who dare to try applying a label to others.
Additionally, we find other Atari "mouthpieces" are very busy trying
to raise more sand over the FCC's class B certification processes. One can
only wonder if they really desire pushing this matter to the "wall". Its
amusing to see these events unfolding as it points to frivolous acts of
sheer desperation and indeed reflects hours and hours of time being wasted
by those consumed with an obviously destructive and negative obsession. I
can just imagine the results if the same energies were placed in an effort
to get product out on time. The least they could do is read the rules and
regulations before spewing forth non-sense.
Atari's people have announced that the Falcons are here and shipping
this week, in fact as of yesterday thursday April 15. If its true and the
resale units are really shipping its great to see happening. If not and
its only dealer demo units shipping then shame on them for once again
raising the hopes of the faithful only to be let down with further
disappointment. You see, we've been told the units that shipped are from
those on hand and are intended as dealer demo units and that the units that
arrived earlier this week must pass the QC checks and should ship within
three weeks. These are reported to be the resale units. In any case, at
least they're here in the good ole USA.
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
""""""""""""""""
Publisher - Editor
""""""""""""""""""
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Roger D. Stevens Robert Glover R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur John Deegan
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms
Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor Emeritus
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Lee Richard Covert Scott Birch
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Clemens Chin Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
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.......................... 90:21/350.0
GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
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STR'S "BELIEVE IT? OR.. WHAT?"
<>###############################<>
"There is no comparison! The Atari Falcon
is far superior to the PC platform."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
About the scathing Forbes Magazine Critique of Atari;
"My new office, which has a better view than my old one, is so far
quite satisfactory. And Richard Miller is in my old office. The
Forbes article was a mish-mash and misconstrued article full of half
truths. We are anxiously awaiting the release of the Atari Falcon to
bring us back to the forefront. The article has given us some
laughs, but otherwise has not affected us."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
About marketing plans and the future....
"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
A fantastic observation, considering the date it was made...
"I've just returned from Asia, where I saw the first Atari Falcon
production coming off the lines. Let's hope this new offering will
make it in North America. I know that the specs are great."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
Again, the dates of the statement conflict with the facts now known....
"We have not yet even given the machine to the FCC. And we are only
applying for Class B approval. According to our "experts", it should
pass Class B."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"...... We are not working for Wall Street but to
make money for our shareholders and only think long term."
Sam Tramiel, 11/92
psssst.
FYI.... The Shareholder's equity is fine.... NOT!
The Stock is NOW HOVERING around $0.81
CHRISTMAS '92 has COME and GONE...
AS HAS...
JANUARY 1993, FEBRUARY 1993...
FALCONS ....anyone?
By the Way.... Does the Falcon work well
with
any... of the SLM Laser Printers?? NOPE! NOT YET!
Wanna bet there won't be any?
Better yet...
Which _MAJOR_ US Software Developers & Publishers
are
producing NEW Software for Atari's FALCON???
Besides, who _needs_ a CARTRIDGE PORT anyhow!
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> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
"""""""""""""""""
Computer Products Update - CPU Report
------------------------ ----------
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Issue #16
By: John Deegan
CANON OFFERS NEW NOTEBOOK - Canon Computer Systems Inc. has introduced a
new notebook computer with a built-in laser-quality printer. The NoteJet
486 weighs 7.7 pounds and incorporates a miniature Bubble Jet printer that
prints laser-quality text and graphics at 360 dots-per-inch resolution on
plain paper. An optional fax-data modem that can be plugged into one of
the unit's two Personal Computer Memory Card Interface slots allows users
to receive and print faxes on plain paper.
Prices range from $2,499 to $2,999. Prices for the optional data/fax
modem -- available in May -- range from $399 to $899, depending on
speed.
ADDITIONS TO PERFORMA LINE - Apple Computer Inc. is adding three systems
to its Macintosh Performa line. The new computers -- Performa 405, 430 and
450 -- include a modem to connect with phone lines and come with America
Online and Checkfree services. They also come with more educational
software and games than the earlier Performa models. Apple said it expects
the new machines to range from $1,300 to $1,850.
MICROSOFT SHIPS 2 MILLION DOS 6 UNITS - Since its March 30 unveiling,
the new MS-DOS 6 upgrade has been shipped to a record 2 million customers,
publisher Microsoft Corp. says. The numbers does not include DOS 6
versions supplied to hardware manufacturers to ship with new PCs.
DELL TO OFFER NextStep-BASED SYSTEMS - Dell Computer Corporation says it
will offer buyers of its Intel 486-based personal computers and future
products the option of equipping the system with Next Computer's NextStep
for Intel processors.
REPORT SEES PC SALES SLOWING - A new research report by InfoCorp
predicts growth in worldwide PC sale will fall to 15.9% in 1993 from 17.6%
in 1992. The study sees the second half of 1993 registering flat to
negative year-to-year growth, compared to the second half of 1992.
ABUSE OF A POLICE COMPUTER PROBED - Authorities are investigating a
report that an Anaheim, Calif., Police Department computer was misused to
find private information about a man targeted by abortion foes.
Police Chief Joseph Malloy has been quoted as saying an unidentified
employee used the computer to gain access to confidential Department of
Motor Vehicles records for Chris Criner, who volunteers at a family
planning clinic. The information included Criner's home address.
Protesters picketed in front of Criner's home in February.
"Civil-rights experts and abortion-rights advocates said releasing
private information could endanger lives in light of last month's slaying
of a Florida doctor by an abortion foe. Under state law, unauthorized
disclosure of DMV records is a misdemeanor with penalties up to one year in
jail plus a fine of $5,000."
WRIST, HAND SITE OF MOST WORK-RELATED INJURIES - The reported incidence
of repetitive stress injuries (RSI), the pain and related weakness caused
by constant small movements such as those experienced by computer keyboard
operators, have tripled in the past ten years, making RSI the number one
cause of worker complaints to the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration.
Although more progressive European companies have made an effort to
prevent such injuries through special regulations, outside San Francisco
and affluent Suffolk County, New York, few local governments here in the US
have given any serious attention office regulations that might reduce RSI
injuries.
The following steps are recommended to avoid such injuries:
Computer operators should be encouraged to stretch frequently, moving
head, neck, shoulders, and arms briefly to balance muscle tension.
The worker should be seated properly with the chair providing firm
support for the back, with either adjustment capability or shape that
allows for the addition of a cushion. The seat height should be adjustable
so that, with the operator seated, the keyboard can be used with the elbows
in about 80- to 90 degrees of flexion. A freely adjustable footrest should
be used to prevent fatigue.
The keyboard should be positioned so that the operator's wrists are
supported with an appropriate wrist rest, which maintains the wrists in a
neutral position with the fingers comfortably on the keys.
Work should be placed slightly behind, and to the side of, the keyboard
at a comfortable reading distance and at the proper height to prevent a
stoop-shouldered position. The computer screen should also be positioned at
proper eye level.
And, in some situations, specific keyboards or other adaptive equipment
may be suggested for individual workers.
____________________________________________________________
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
73637,2262
Hi there friends. I don't know about you, but I've had a busy week.
What is it about springtime that both exhilarates and exhausts us? Maybe
it's just the springtime equivalent of winter's cabin fever.
Well at any rate, it's time for us to check out all of the great help
offered by the Atari community here on CompuServe. Okay folks, it's time
to rock and roll!
From the Atari Productivity Forum
=================================
On the subject of using ICD's LINK with an existing hard drive case, Frank
Hence posts:
"I have modified several cases to use the Link with a SCSI drive.
Basically all you have to do is run the SCSI ribbon cable out the back
a little with the appropriate LINK connector, its A standard SCSI
connector. Then plug the LINK in externally, connect the DMA cable and
away you go. If you have a distance problem the e SCSI ribbon can be
longer than the back of the case. If you plug the LINK in externally
then you can use it for other stuff if you wish....
Modifying a case outlet is no problem, Radio Shack sells a low priced
nibbler, less than $10, just trim your hole to the size you need.
Its my understanding that all Mega files are RLL, the SH204 was MFM.
The Atari host adapter would work with either the Adaptec 4000a --MFM
or 4070 RLL...
The only far out problem you might encounter is the lack of power for
the LINK, but most SCSI hard drives provide the right stuff..."
Ian Burton asks Frank:
"would that work with, say, a STacy? I want SCSI on my stacy, but I
don't want any cables hang off the edge( though if I have to...)"
On the subject of Atari Works spreadsheets, Carl Barron tells Albert Dayes:
"ATARI's Works is only excel command not file compatible. I do not
think I ever saw mentioned that it exports wk? files. It does import
db3 files in the database part, so they can be imported into the
spreadsheet. I use a spreadsheet rarely and only for fairly simple
things, but I have found that lotus import valuable when grabbing
software from other platforms."
See that folks? Even Albert needs to ask questions on occasion. It's good
to know that he doesn't know everything about computers (he knows most of
it though). While we're talking about spreadsheets, Charles Eckert asks:
"Does anyone have the file format for LDW Power .LDW files ? I've
searched here and even in the Lotus forum for .WKS format but find
nothing? I need the format in order to use LDW Power with another
application. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!"
Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Magazine tells Charles:
"The older WKS format is in development library in the Lotus
Spreadsheet former. (GO LOTUS) choose spreadsheet and then choose
development for the library.
I haven't looked at *.LDW files yet but I assume they are similar if
not the same as WKS files."
Bob Wilson jumps in and posts:
"Unfortunately they are not remotely the same. I tried twice to get
the format from LDW when they were still around and got no response
either time."
Albert tells Bob:
"File formats other than Lotus WKS (like WK3) require a NDA from
Lotus. When you wrote (to) LDW did you ever follow up with a phone
call? Or was this all via voice?"
Bob replies to Albert:
"All via letter. I figured if they did not care enough to have me
support their native format that I certainly wasn't going to give a
s--- either. B/STAT can read data from .WK1 files so support of the
native LDW is not a high priority."
In the spirit of inter-service cooperation, Rick Meredith posts:
"I posted this on GEnie as part of a discussion of SDS's CPX Icon
Editor and I though my friends on CIS would appreciate as well.
------------------------------
I spent the past weekend messing with the CPX Icon Editor and I've
learned more about it, DESKICON.RSC and NEWDESK.INF than I would ever
want to know.<g> I thought I would pass on what I learn so everyone
could benefit from my experience.
For those who thought differently, YOU CAN DELETE AND CUT ICONS
WITHOUT MESSING UP YOUR INSTALLATIONS! The following should be in the
manual in 24 point type. The problem is cause by delete or cutting an
icon that is installed. The solution is to make sure that you delete
the file installation before you delete or cut the icon. This,
however, has no effect on program icons that are installed on the
desktop. Apparently, instead of using the filespec for these icons,
they use the icons location the RSC file. You will need to re-install
these icons from the desktop to get the correct icon on your desktop.
Since you will most likely have considerably more window icons than
desktop icons, this is not much of a problem.
Icons installed earlier in the NEWDESK.INF file have less priority
over those which are installed later. This is how I found this out; I
had an icon for WARP9*.* and an icon for *.ACX. I wanted the window to
display WARP9*.* icon when the accessory was turned on and the *.ACX
icon when the accessory was turned off. When I first did the
installation, the WARP9*.* icon would show regardless of the
extension. This was because the *.ACX icon was installed before the
WARP9*.* icon. By deleting the *.ACX install (but not the icon itself)
and reinstalling it, it worked as wanted it to.
Going on the above information, I took my DESKICON.RSC file and cut
and pasted it so that the icons that I wanted to have the least
priority were at the beginning of the file and the most priority at
the end of the file. Don't forget that the first 10 icons are "system"
icons so start this with the 11th icon. I then went through the icons
from front to back and did all of my installations.
Now all of my icons are installed with the priority I want. Later,
when I get a new program/file/folder that I want to installation, I
just cut and paste the icon into the DESKICON.RSC file at the
location that reflects the priority that I want to give it. I then
install the icon to the file. That is followed by deleting and then
reinstalling the icon links until I reach the end of the DESKICON.RSC
file and once again everything is as I want it.
Some other tips, the bigger your DESKICON.RSC and NEWDESK.INF files
are, the slower your disk access, etc. will be. Try to keep these
files as small as possible by using as few icons as possible and
naming your folders and files so that you can use wildcards, and use
one link to install several files to one icon. i.e. Instead of having
one icon and one link for WARP9_ST.PRG and a different icon and link
for WARP9_CP.ACC, use one icon for both files and use the link
WARP9*.* so both files are assigned one icon with one link. If you do
this for all of your links, you'll wind up with much smaller
DESKICON.RSC and NEWDESK.INF files and a faster system.
The CPX Icon Editor is great for this as it allows you to concurrently
modify both your DESKICON.RSC and NEWDESK.INF files.
I should mention that I have no connection to SDS other than being a
very satisfied purchaser of their program."
P.S. I did find a small bug in the CPX. If you select load file, bring
up the file selector, decide that you don't want to load a file, hit
cancel on the file selector, then hit the close button, the mouse
buttons and keyboard don't work. There is no problem if you use the
cancel button instead of the close button.
-----------------
P.P.S. This message can be reprinted as long as it is
reproduced in it's entirety and Rick Meredith, the Atari Computer
Association of Orange County (A.C.A.O.C.) and CIS receive credit for
it.
Brian Gockley of ST Informer and the Connecticut ACT (Affiliated
Connecticut) users groups posts:
"Excellent, I always wondered about that. I wish that Atari would just
buy the darn program and use it to make ALL of the icon assignments."
Jay Craswell, one of the best developers ever to grace the Atari platform,
tells us:
"I know next to zip about flopticals but... Real Opticals I have. If
you need 128 Meg per disk (40 to 50$ a piece) and a drive that speeds
along like a HD then give me a call (or in your case E-mail) the
drives are a little pricey but since you can use them as main store."
Wow! Imagine a 128 meg removable drive. Now THAT'S impressive. Hard
drives, hard drives. Everybody wants one, or a bigger one than they
already have. Rafael Hermoso asks about hard drives for his Mega:
"I have a Mega 2 ST upgraded to 4 megs with PC Speed inside. I would
like to add an internal hard drive and was wondering what I needed
besides ICD's micro host adapter. Which hard drives are best? Also, is
a controller necessary? Which are recommended?"
John Damiano at Transierra tells Rafael:
"I like the Maxtor drives. They make a 130 meg one...very tiny."
Ian Burton tells Rafael:
"I called ICD a few weeks back and they said that they don't produce the
micro adaptor anymore... hmmm I could have been misinformed. I needed it(
still do) for my STacy 4..."
And the debate over the exact meaning of "True Color" rages on. Tom Roscoe
tells us:
"In the rest of the world, true color is 24 bit color,
8 per R, G & B."
Yeah, right. Would someone please tell Tom that this isn't the rest of the
world... this is Atari! What makes it all the more disheartening is the
fact that Tom happens to be correct. Charles Smeton posts:
"In the "rest of the world" 24 bit color allows 16777216 color
possibilities. Most people in the real world live in an analog
system, where things are not quantized into digital steps. Who is to
say that 162777216 is the maximum number of colors that allows us to
assign a "True Color" to something?"
Sysop extraordinare, Bob Retelle tells charles:
"Charles, from everything I've read, it's Medical Science which has
determined the maximum number of colors the human eye can
differentiate. That number closely approximates the number of shades
available with 24 bits, ie: 16 million.
Any finer steps and the human eye can't detect them, any broader and
it can. That's the whole point behind "true" color."
Pattie Rayl of Atari Interface and Connect Magazines asks Bob:
"If that's true, where the heck did the definition of true color being
non-palatted colors come from?"
Bob Retelle replies to Pattie:
"I think that was an Atari invention..."
Alex Kiernan jumps in and tells Pattie:
"AFAIK Truevision (they of the Targa graphic cards, and .TGA files),
back in about '84. They defined three classes (I may get this wrong as
the specs are in the office):
Indexed color - i.e. palette modes True color - no palette Direct
color - a per-gun color palette
(Direct color is basically true color, but allows you to build
something like gamma correction into the hardware)."
Alan Willford adds:
"Sorry....but you really can tell the difference between 32k and 16
million colors. I have a ATI Ultra Pro at home and when I switch from
65k to 16 million there is a BIG difference on how much better images
look. Not just advertising hype, it is a real difference."
Alex Kiernan thinks aloud:
"... If you had 32K colors all settable to (8, 8, 8) bits of
resolution (or better (12, 12, 12) bits) you would (almost certainly)
see no difference between 15 & 24 bit color, but we only have 32K
colors at (5, 5, 5) bits, so for example in a blue sky, with a
blue->white blend, we only have 5 bits of accuracy which gives _very_
banded results. With a 24 bit color card, you're getting 8 bits of
accuracy (which can still show bands very effectively under the right
conditions), with 36 bits you need monster images to start to see the
problem."
From the Atari ST Arts Forum
============================
Nigel Holmes pleads:
"Please could some one help!
How do I down Load a file to a apple mac Then convert it so that my
Atari 1040st can run the program I have tried formatting the disk
using apple file exchange so that it has the same format as a pc and
then copping the down loaded software to the floppy but when it is put
into the atari at home it read's the file as a document file not a
program file,has anyone got any clues??"
Sysop Bob Retelle tells Nigel:
"The Atari looks at the filename extender to determine what kind of
file it is. The only ones it will display with a program icon that
will let you run them are files ending in .PRG, .TTP, and .TOS
The problem is that most files you'll be able to download have been
compressed with a utility like .ARC or .LZH to make them smaller
and faster to download.
Before you can use these files, you need to run the corresponding
utility to expand them back to their original form. We have those
utilities in Library 4 of the ATARIPRO Forum. You should download a
file called ARCLZH.PRG that is a "self expanding" file which will
uncompress itself when you run it, and will create both the LZH
utility and the ARC utility, along with a handy "shell" program
for running both these utilities.
Let us know if you have any problems getting these things set up..!"
Philippe Ciaric posts:
"I am trying to write a Spectrum files viewer that would work on a PC
with a VGA card. My concern is to get the colors working. l think I
decompress the palette ok since the tones of color that are displayed
make out how pixel colors map into the three 16 words palettes there
is for one line. If somebody already wrote this, or know about such a
utility program that would run on a PC, please let me know by mail."
Ron Luks, the head honcho of Atari Forum sysops, tells Philippe:
"I know of no such Spectrum viewer for a PC, but there is a
considerable amount of interest in a program like this. Please keep
us posted as to your progress."
Alex Kiernan adds:
"You need to grab the ST Picture Formats doc, I'm pretty sure its
available on CIS, try searching for 'format' in ATARIFF."
Now that's what I call cooperative people. Where else would you find
people willing to take the time to help out someone who is writing a
program for another computer platform?
Peter Joseph posts:
"Ok, if there must be a place here to discuss future options for Atari
computer users then we should set up a section specifically for that,
and if anyone (like me) doesn't want to hear about those options at
this time, we have the option of deselecting that section when reading
messages.
Fair enough? :)
I understand that you want your friends to have the best information
possible in regards to buying a computer. However, the manner in
which some are doing it here is very negative. They _are_ selling
Macs and PCs over Atari, regardless of there reasons or ways of
looking at it. I have nothing against that if that's how they feel,
but I believe they should do it either in those respective forums or
through CIS Mail, so as not to discourage those that still have some
amount of hope for Atari. You know, contrary to popular belief, since
we don't all make money from Atari computers, we don't all hate Atari
Corp. Ralph continually rants about Atari's 'vendettas', yet that's
exactly what he's been doing right along, although he doesn't seem to
see it that way.
My cousin recently told me he's considering buying a computer. Now
he's had an Atari 8 bit for several years, and has probably turned it
on about six times; I know 'cause that's about how many times he's
called me to ask me how to use it. :o Anyway, he said he's looking at
a PC and asked me what Atari was doing these days. I told him that it
all depended on what he wanted in a computer. I told him that Atari
is on kinda shaky ground right now. I told him that if he wanted to
have compatibility with what the business world was doing, he'd need a
PC compatible. I also told him that the PC was not going to be a
cakewalk to use like his Atari was (which was more like a cliffwalk to
him :) ). I didn't tell him that the PC will do a lot more than the
Falcon, because that is much too subjective and I personally don't
like to compare two completely different platforms. That's what I
consider informative advice. He'll probably buy a PC because like
millions of others, he feels he needs compatibility with the PC world.
That's fine with me, I'll just tell him when he calls me that I don't
know anything (even though I do) about how the PC's work. That way
maybe he'll read the darn manuals. :)
Anyway, maybe we'll have Falcons soon, and all this bantering will be
as they say, fundamental? :) Until then, I'll take you up on that
kick if I see you doing any counter-advertising. :) Later."
Jim Ness tells Peter:
"I agree that putting a subject like this into its own section is a
good idea. Later this year, CIS is supposed to add more section
capability to these forums, so that might be the best time.
There are CIS rules against holding discussions here that are better
held in one of the other forums. But, I think that if we keep to the
topic of "Where, after Atari?" it would be legal. They're doing it on
another online service, at the request of myself and some others of
like mind."
Sysop Brad Hill replies to Jim:
"Hmm, I don't know. I'm not sure I could cast a vote in favor of a
section with that title. That seems to presuppose that members will
move on to another platform. "Other Platforms" seems better, though I
understand that may not be possible. "Other Voices" is a section I've
seen used in other forums for discussions that go against the grain."
Dazzz Smith jumps in and says:
"I think a better title would be "IF!".
Plenty of scope there I think....:-)"
Jim Ness comes back and posts:
"Well, maybe the title isn't perfect, but it would be nice to have a
place to post messages on what other platforms are out there, at least
until Atari can offer a full line of computers.
This would allow those who would rather not consider other platforms
to ignore those messages.
As long as that section does not do hardware or software support, it
wouldn't be stepping on the toes of the other forums."
Sysop Brad Hill posts:
"Oh I agree, a separate section for discussions of other platforms
makes sense. Maybe "Diving Off" would work? <g>"
From the Atari Vendors Forum
============================
Ron Krysak asks about Spectre GCR:
"A few years ago I purchased a GCR with hopes that I could make my
daughters mega 2 ST emulate a MAC. Well it never got beyond the smiley
face on the screen before it crashed. The Atari dealer was of no help at
all, and wouldn't even take it (the GCR) back. My daughter took the mega
to college and now that she's graduated, I have the computer and would like
to make my investment in the GCR pay off, finally. At the time that we got
it, there were a lot of problems. Have they been resolved and where do I
go from here? My software is version 2.65, I think. Thanks for any help."
Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Magazine tells Ron:
"The most current version of GCR is version 3.0 from the software
point of view. What version of the system software (MAC OS) do you
have? Do you have version 6.0.5 which is the recommended one? Did
you install the software versus copy? If the system software is not
installed it will not work very well if at all.
Also since it is a Mega 2 has it been upgraded in any way? Has the
ram been upgraded to 4 megs? What version of TOS are you using? It
might also be a problem with the floppy being able to read the MAC
disks themselves. Also what are you booting the machine from? A
floppy disk or a hard drive?
IN version 3.0 of the (GCR software) it includes some test programs
which might be of some use for you.
With regards to hardware. Is the roms inserted correctly (oriented to
the correct direction)? Does the cartridge have a snug fit against
you mega 2? Have you booted up clean with no desk accessories or auto
folder programs? What type of host adapter (ICD/BMS/SUPRA/ATARI) do
you have? What type of hard disk do you have?"
Mark at Gadgets by Small tells Ron:
"First, the current software version for Spectre is 3.0. However,
while there were many bug fixes and improvements in Spectre 3.0, the
problems with crashing you describe were not one of the "fixes". It
sounds like you have a problem with:
A) Bad set of system files
B) Some hardware incompatibility
C) Bad Spectre GCR cartridge.
If you can give me a bit more info about your system (hard drive make
and model, monitor, etc.) then I might be able to track it down.
Also, give me more info as to the type of crash page you are
receiving. Does it lockup or is it a Spectre page crash?"
From the Atari Portfolio Forum
==============================
Reed Early asks:
"Have you heard if there is to be a new 1 MB card for the Portfolio?
I understood a few months ago that OPTROL USA was to begin
manufacturing one for about $200 US. If so I would like to know."
Brian Johnson tells Reed:
"I believe that there was a shortage of the chips required to make
those cards, so they are not yet available. Optrol has come out with
a 524K Flash Memory card. I recently purchased one, and am still
putting it "through its paces".
First impressions:
(1) The card works!
(2) My old port (ROM Ver. 1.052) has some small problems
with some of the utilities.
(3) The PC Card driver works, but is only set up for the default I/O
address.
(They have promised to teach me how to change that, but I have not yet
received that info.)
It needs a bit of polish, but shows a lot of promise for low-cost
portfolio storage."
Marcus Smaby tells us:
"My aging portfolio is on its last legs. What is a good but not too
expensive replacement for my trusty port that I can move some of my
apps to.
Is Atari considering a new version of the Portfolio?"
Ron Luks tells Marcus:
"Atari has not indicated that they have any interest in a new version
of the Portfolio."
BJ Gleason, sysop and programming genius, adds:
"Atari [as far as we know] is not going to develop a Portfolio II.
The closest you could get is the PC-3000 with the Portfolio emulation
software from Atari [60 bucks]... The PC-3000 has the same internal
applications, with the same file formats. The emulation software will
allow you to run other non-graphics applications...."
Sysop Marty Mankins jumps in as well and says:
"The best replacement that will take your Portfolio files without too
much trouble is the Sharp PC-3000. Unfortunately, it's been
discontinued, but Damark (the closeout mail order place) still may
have a few left at $399.95."
Well friends and neighbors, that's it for this week. Now that the
Falcon is supposed to be shipping, things should get pretty busy in the
coming weeks and months. So remember to tune in each week right here and
listen to what they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
***********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
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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
======================
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Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
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Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll officially
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DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
***********************************************************************
> CT FEST'93 STR SHOW NEWS The Summer Atari Event!
""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE CT ATARIFEST '93!
=====================
JUNE 12 & 13, AT THE WINDSOR COURT HOTEL
WINDSOR, CT. (JUST ABOVE HARTFORD)
Free Parking!
Low Room Rates!
More Vendors!
More Floor Space!
Yep, that ACT Atari Group is running another major NorthEast computer
event. Last year's successful CT Fest had over 700 attendees, which
merited a larger location, so we've moved a mile away (exit 42 on I-91)
into bigger and better quarters. We're just as convenient to reach as
ever, and only two hours from Boston or New York! The new hotel has
excellent room rates ($35.00 per room), free and plentiful parking, easy
access from Interstate 91, I-95, I-90, I-84, I-80, an in house Sports Bar,
a bigger ballroom and is located just 1 mile from Bradley International
Airport (free shuttle service for hotel guests).
We expect that an even greater number of vendors this year, surpassing
the excellent turnout of the past shows. We already have tentative
commitments from A&D Software, Gribnif Software, Barefoot Software, Toad
Computers, Computer Studio, Baggetaware, Derric Electronics, E.Hartford
Computer Repair, MegaType Software, Wizztronics and GFA Software
Technology. Last year we had FOURTEEN user groups, this year we should
have even more (We also expect an exciting 8 Bit contingent)!
We'll have our annual New England Lynx Competition, with multiple
Comlynxed competitions underway at all times. Last year's winners took
home prizes ranging from games to accessories to complete Lynx Systems!
Bring your best player and join the fun.
We'll have the Portfolio Corner, staffed with industry pundits and
filled with every imaginable palmtop peripheral! Last year we had a few
Portfolios disassembled at the booth, a real insight into surface mount
technology!
For those of you with an eye towards seminars, we'll have them in
abundance, last year's question and answer session with Bob Brodie drew
standing only crowds! In addition, we had John Eidsvoog's walk through the
Codehead graphic tools, Jeff Naideau of Barefoot Software showing off
EdiTrack Platinum, Dave Troy of (Guess[ribbet]) Computers, STReport's Dana
Jacobson and Joe Mirando and many, many others.
And to top things off, come out and see the Falcon 030 in all its
glory. By then we expect to see some rad new programs out and some really
excitement! All in all, we hope to have the best Northeast show yet, and
we look forward to your participation. Make your plans now for the most
exciting Atari Weekend this spring!
For further information, call Brian Gockley at 203-332-1721 or Doug
Finch at 203-637-1034. We can also be found on GEnie in Category 11 or on
Compuserve in the Atari arenas. E-mail can be directed to B.GOCKLEY or
D.FINCH7 on GEnie or to 75300,2514 or 76337,1067 on CIS.
_____________________________________________________________________
> TAKIN' A GOOD LOOK STR FOCUS! What is the Brochure really saying?
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE FALCON BROCHURE
===================
by Bryan Edwards
Today I picked up a Falcon Brochure at my local dealer, and after reading
it, I've decided to do a little review of it. Why, cause I'm bored, but I
hope you'll find this to be a valid analysis.
The opening paragraph states:
"Most computer manufacturers seem to think that the real world
is black & white, or drawn from a limited palette of colors."
This may have been true at one time, but certainly not in 1993, or even
1992 when this brochure was designed.
"That sounds are nothing more than lo-fi noises"
This is true, but I don't think this is a proper sentence.
"And that the real world consists of people who don't care
about cost, compatibility of new machines with older software,
or 'improved' operating systems that cause problems instead
of solving them, and who never need to work on more than one
task at a time."
What computer company is THIS referring to? Maybe some european computer?
I think the introduction should have been more;
"Up with Falcon" and less "Down with some vague unnamed computer maker".
The next paragraph states:
"At Atari, we know better."
Finally! (that is)
That rest is exciting and motivating until we get to the 2nd paragraph of
"Proven Technology, Proven Software":
"For video, the Atari Falcon030 doesn't just offer Super VGA
graphics, but also true color 16-bit mode (up to 640x480
resolution, and up to 65,536 on-screen colors)."
Reading from my F030 hardware manual, I'm under the impression that
Truecolor is limited to 640x400 + overscan. Later in this section:
"This level of integration and performance is what you'd expect
from a company that has been making personal technology since
1985."
This would have been the time to blur the facts. Most people know Atari has
been around much longer than this. I would have said;
"A name known for great computer products for two decades".
"...as well as soon-to-be-released '386 PC emulation, or
Macintosh emulation..."
Is Atari going to release Macintosh emulation? Atari's brochures should not
rely on third party products that have yet to be released. (Dave's Spectre
for the Falcon isn't ready yet)
The "A Sound Investment" section is fine, touting the DSP & 16 bit audio.
The "A Colorful Sight" section, however, states:
"That's why the Atari Falcon030 can display more than 65,000
colors from a palette of 262,144 colors..."
According to the hardware manual, this is not possible. The most colors one
can have from a palette of 262,144 is 256. The True-color modes don't use a
palette, and are limited to a range of 65,536 colors.
"The Fun Factor" section is short & sweet, and is purely motivational.
The "Power Without the Price" section states:
"Our audience is not the pinstripe clones or "blind lemmings",
but those who want powerful, efficient, cost-effective tools."
I like this one. Sounds kind of "elitist".
"It marries the business experience we've gained with the Mega
and TT line, the musical edge that the ST series has always
had, and the incredible color and speed that remain the
hallmark of our video game technology."
I thought the ST, the Mega, and the TT were already "married". I wouldn't
sub-divide the Atari line so much. I would emphasize evolution of computers
over parallelism.
Also, the Specifications list the data bus as being 32 bits. What was the
final verdict on this one?
One last note:
I would have chosen a halfway attractive screen shot for the front cover.
The monitor is showing what looks like a low resolution space game that is
not in keeping with the multi-media theme, nor is it very colorful.
Something splashy to go with the background of the cover (which is splashed
with paint) would be better.
If you read this all, thanks for the patience. If you have seen this
brochure and have a different view, please share your ideas. This
brochure has to keep me happy until my F030 comes in! :)
Bry
***********************************************************************
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Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
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7. RTC, Germans & Floridians speak out against Florida violence..GERMANY
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================================================================
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Jerry Pournelle.....JERRYP [Chaos Master]
First Assistant Sysop
Gary R. Utter..........GARY.UTTER [RT Manager]
Second Assistant Sysop
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Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
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> BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST'93 STR SHOW NEWS "The Summertime Atari Event!"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
1993 Blue Ridge ATARIFEST
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts (BRACE) and Computer Studio
invite you to participate in the Fourth Annual Blue Ridge AtariFest in
beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. Show dates and times are:
Saturday July 24, 1993 10am - 6pm
Sunday July 25, 1993 Noon - 5pm
Just as in previous years, we have arranged for FREE Booth space for Atari
developers!! (We're only requesting the donation of a door prize).
We can promise both developers and show-goers an energetic and exciting
show with as enthusiastic a crowd of Atarians as you'll find anywhere, plus
the support of Computer Studio in the mall.
We're once again taking over the Courtyard Shop (mall) area at Westgate
Shopping Center for the show (location of Computer Studio), plus the use of
vacant store spaces for seminar sessions. Seminar sessions will be 45
minutes in length, and developers are welcome to conduct a seminar on their
product line or approved topic of their choice (seminar sessions are
limited, so first come, first served).
This year's show dates also coincide with Asheville's annual Bele Chere
street festival, when downtown Asheville is closed to vehicular traffic and
becomes what must be one of the largest street fairs in the country.
Westgate Shopping Center is one of the primary Park-and-Ride shuttle
centers for transporting people to and from downtown, and we've arranged to
have the shuttle service pick up at the front entrance of the mall and drop
off at the rear entrance, so everyone taking the service from Westgate WILL
walk through the AtariFest exhibition area sometime during the day. This
will be a great opportunity to showcase Atari and Atari related software
and peripherals, and introduce them to people who aren't already Atari
owners. Bringing in NEW blood is the key to the growth of this platform,
and this will be our opportunity to begin that pr
ocess with a captive
audience.
Additional discussions of the show, as well as confirmations of your
participation, are welcome in GEnieMail and in the Blue Ridge
AtariFest topic 13 in Category 11 here on GEnie.
HOPING TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
HAPPY ATARI COMPUTING.
IT'S HAPPENING IN ASHEVILLE!
Where: Westgate Shopping Center - Asheville, N.C.
Take any major highway into Asheville (US 19-23, US 26 or I-40) to the
I-240 loop, then take the "Westgate/Hilton Inn Drive exit" into the
Westgate Shopping Center parking lot.
When: 24-25, July 1993
Time: 10:am to 6:pm SAT
12 Noon 'til 5pm SUN
Points of contact:
Come for a day or come for the weekend,
but do come and enjoy yourself.
Great Smokies Hilton Resort Hilton Inn Drive (704)254-3211
Toll-free reservation phone number 1-800-733-3211
Radisson One Thomas Wolf Plaza (704)252-8211
Rate: $62.00 per room (1-4 people)
====== Additional Hotel / Motel Information ===========
Days Inn I-26 and Airport Road (704)684-2281
I-40 Exit 55 (704)298-5140
Econo Lodge US 70 East, I-40 Exit 55 (704)298-5519
Holiday Inn 275 Smoky Park Hwy (704)667-4501
Toll-free reservation phone number 1-800-HOLIDAY
Red Roof Inn I-40 and US 19-23 Exit 44 (704)667-9803
Toll-free reservation phone number 1-800-843-7663
Budget Motel I-40 Exit 44 (Enka-Chandler)
West Asheville Exit (704)665-2100 Best
Western Asheville Central 22 Woodfin St (704)253-1851
========= Local Bed & Breakfast lodging Information =========
Aberdeen Inn 64 Linden Ave (704)254-9336
Albemarle Inn 86 Edgemont Road (704)255-0027
Applewood Manor 62 Cumberland Circle (704)254-2244
The Bridle Path Inn Lockout Road (704)252-0035
Cairn Brae B & B 217 Patton Mountain Rd (704)252-9219
Carolina B & B 177 Cumberland Ave (704)254-3608
Cedar Crest Victorian Inn 674 Biltmore Ave (704)252-1289
Corner Oak Manor 53 St. Dunstan (704)253-3525
Cornerstone Inn 230 Pearson Dr (704)253-5644
Flint Street Inn 100 & 116 Flint Street (704)253-6723
The Lion and The Rose 276 Montford Ave (704)255-7673
The Ray House B & B 83 Hillside St (704)252-0106
Reed House 119 Dodge St (704)274-1604
The Wright Inn 235 Pearson Drive (704)251-0789]
(1-800-552-5724)
A more complete listing of Bed & Breakfasts can be obtained through the
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Reservations should be made immediately, as July is the height of our
tourist season.
=========== CAMP GROUNDS ================
(reservations are a must during this time of season):
Mount Pisgah:
About 20 miles southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway at
mile post 408.6 (National Park Service). 690 acres. Elevation 5000'. One of
the nicest campgrounds in Western North Carolina. 67 tent sites, 70 RV
sites. For reservations: P.O.Box 749, Watnesville, N.C. 28786; phone (704)
235-9109. No showers. Groceries and restaurant. Nature program. 14 day
stay limit.
Lake Powhatan:
4 miles south of Asheville on State road 191, 3.5 miles west on SR
806. 30 acres. 98 tent/rv sites. Reservation available thru Mistix
1-800-283-CAMP. Disposal station. No showers. Swimming; lifeguard; fishing;
nature trails; bicycles. 14-day stay limit.
While in the area, you might want to consider a little sightseeing,
and include a visit to the Biltmore House here in Asheville (the largest
single family residence ever built in the U.S.--its a "castle"). A visit to
the Biltmore can be a full-day's activity as you will want to view the
house, visit the winery, and walk some of the grounds and gardens.
Hours:
The House 9 am to 6pm The Gardens 9am to 7pm
Conservatory 9am to 5:30pm
The Winery Monday-Saturday 11am to 7pm Sunday 1pm to 7pm
Other areas of interest include; the Thomas Wolf home (adjacent to the
Raddison), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Folk Art Center. A drive up the Blue
ridge Parkway to enjoy the higher elevations and incredible views of our
mountains. Perhaps a hike up to Mount Pisgah and look back down to
Asheville(you can see Mt. Pisgah from most anywhere in Asheville). A short
drive from Mt. Pisgah will take you to Sliding Rock (for those of you
travelling with kids who are still kids at heart), the Cradle of Forestry
(first forest school in the country), waterfalls, trout hatchery, etc. For
the adventurous, white water rafting on the Natahala River near Bryson
City (approx one and a half hours from here).
There's obviously loads more to see and do around Asheville (in
addition to the Blue Ridge AtariFest and a visit to Computer Studio :-). If
any of y'all would like maps and additional tourist info of the area I
might suggest contacting the Chamber of Commerce:
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
151 Haywood Street
P.O. Box 1010
Asheville, NC 28802
704-258-6111 FAX: (704)251-0926
___________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________
> STR Editor's Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
""""""""""""""""""""""
Editor's MailBag
""""""""""""""""
Messages * NOT EDITED * for content
-----------------------------------
Date: 10-Apr-93 19:15 EDT
From: Bill Halvorsen [70347,1713]
Subj: Going, Going, Get Out!
Hi, Ralph. I'm sure you heard this a zillion times but in case you didn't
Stacker is supposed to do a 3.1 release in a couple months that uses the
same hooks into DOS that DoubleSpace does, so we'll be free of the
synchronized config.sys/autoexec.bat and all that junk. I took Stacker
off (used its uninstall utility which worked flawlessly once I had enough
room to store my decompressed data) when I got a larger drive and think
I'll wait for the update to compress again (still have 65 megs free but
would like to have a lot more for future silliness).
Anyway, I really enjoyed last night's STR because for so long you have
shown incredible restraint in calling a spade a shovel, but now it seems
you are going to show the company Atari's true colors, including less than
wonderful escapades of its Wonder Man.
Ah, the eloquent defending of each and every move, like that STUPID posting
about dealerships, which shows beyond the shadow of a doubt what a lame,
crippled and dead company we are talking about, astound me. They always
have astounded me, left me wondering why people defend Papa J and his boys
when all they have ever done is make one great machine for its time and
then let its userbase be damned ever since. Yes, we're told you don't need
dealers, you don't need support, you don't need ANYTHING AT ALL "as long as
the machine does what you want it to." Yes, Ralph, I've been told
WordPerfect 4.1 for the ST is vastly superior to 5.1 on the PC, that every
Windows iteration is poison, and that the video capabilities of the ST blow
away any/all PC's regardless of how they might be configured. Amazing
stuff.
I know there has been a lot of **** on GEnie but I don't subscribe and
can't afford to, but would love to read some of the Minister's recent
scriptures to the following flocks. Is there any way I could get some of
the magic, vaunted ST musings from GEnie? I've just stayed interested
because since I got the PC I've hated all the lies STers tell each other in
order to keep themselves in the dark and happy (mushrooms). I have Current
Notes back to 2/85 and sometimes think I should assemble all the
misstatements.
You know I don't claim any great computer knowledge, but have learned
by leaps and bounds since 8/90 when the ST went out the door, and I'm still
appalled when hearing of the ST still "kicking everyone else's ***" when in
fact it doesn't. It was good back then, though I never thought QUALITY to
be a factor in its manufacture. But the loyalists never concede an inch,
and proclaim the vintage, broken software to be still vastly superior to
that awful PC stuff. You and I know better, we have steenking PC's.
Windows is no longer slow, crash prone, or awful if you have the machine
and memory.
But the misinformation, the delays... and I just don't get it. Back in '87
I had the $$$ to get a Mega and was VERY anxious to get it. I began to
watch how the dealers were being mistreated, and watched them fold. I
endured floppy drive/hard drive/monitor shortages when I wanted to upgrade.
Now the Falcon. The Promise of Atari. A few neat things, others on the
cutting edge when it was announced, now passe'. And folks telling other
folks that essentially Atari has redefined what PCers know as SVGA, and
last night on a local board a very knowledgeable gentleman redefined video
motion standards for me. Yes, that the Falcon could do spectacular
animations. I reminded him of my runtime Video for Windows, and that it
distinctly doesn't show animations. It attempts (g) to show full motion
video. Doesn't matter, whatever Atari does, it's better. Now I want to
know: why have these people defended this Wall Street crusher of a
company, who employs very few Americans but has parted with many talents.
Oh, well. Ralph, what's the status of PC Report???? The glossies all
suck, they're light years behind what a weekly can do. At any rate, what
you have done with ST Report is tell the truth, and proven that the
loyalists can't handle that. Gee, all the hype behind the high end DTP
thing. Guess it swept America away...
Type at you later. Bill (not an employee or spy for MS, but someone who
has experienced CUSTOMER SUPPORT through their company - it's GREAT).
Bill
Bill;
Thank you for the "observations" and candid comments. I'm sure
there'll be those who will swear I put you to this letter. Truth is folks
it came as a surprise to me. But then so the other twenty or so letters
also. It seems people are indeed getting tired of Atari's shenanigans and
especially of the "Good Director's" fun and games being played out in a
number of directions. One can't help but ask the question; What is this
guy trying to prove? He's playing a very sorry game mild in front of folks
and downright dirty behind the scenes. He'll soon be known as a giant
among PR failures.
As for the "stuff" on GEnie, let me explain.. It's not really GEnie.
It appears the contract holder in the ST RT who has seemingly permitted, if
not indirectly and directly encouraged all the non-sense. GEnie has been
very good to STReport and myself. I have no complaints with GEnie itself.
As for the politics in the ST RT they're about as rampant and rabid as they
get. Soon.. the piper will collect his just due. You can be sure of that.
The whole story of what went on and who were the major players will be made
public. If for no other reason than to set the record straight. They've
had a wonderful time with their high rolling campaign of disinformation,
but the truth will be known. I might add it'll go all the way back
Comdex'89 where some very interesting stories began. The whole story about
the failure of the World of Atari Shows will also be presented.
PCReport is coming along just fine. I'll keep you and all the other
ex-Atarians we know in the PC community posted as to when we are releasing
our next issue. Take care and please stay in touch.
Ralph..
__________________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
"""""""""""""""""""""
- Sunnyvale, CA REVOLVING DOOR VERY BUSY!
-------------
According to our sources, Mike Lindsay and Darren Meer, of Atari
Explorer Magazine, Gail Bicani developer support person and Bruce Powell
have left Atari's employ. Additionally, our reporters find that Atari
Explorer Magazine may also have been shut down. Subsequently, Lindsay and
Meer were reportedly offered "commissioned employment" consisting of
selling subscriptions to the Explorer magazine which was reported to have
been refused.
In the last three weeks, Atari laid off twenty two employees including
Mel Stevens the man who organized most all of Atari's show efforts, a
veteran employee of nineteen years. Reportedly, about half of the Atari
headquarters building is relatively devoid of people and the warehouse is
alleged to be shutdown.
"For all intents and purposes, Atari may as well be shutdown, even
though they may claim to have about one hundred and fifty Falcons on hand"
said one observer who asked to remain anonymous. Amidst these events and
all the Falcon shipping delays and excuses, Atari's userbase is growing
quite uneasy as to the final outcome. Further developments reportedly
include information stating they've recently received a shipment of Falcons
(last Tuesday) destined for shipment in the USA. But it was further added
they must first go through Atari's QC thus, causing a possible three to
four week delay in shipping these units.
- New York City, NY ATARI STOCK HITS ALL-TIME LOW!
-----------------
This past week, Atari Stock, being traded on the open market, hit an
all time low of 81 cents per share! While this may be regarded by some as
inconsequential, to the wizened "wall streeters", this is "not good". The
significance of the drop is its occurrence at a time when Atari is very
busy "trying" to introduce a new design (The Falcon030) to the world's
computer marketplace.
- Phoenix, AZ FASTMICRO CEASES OPERATIONS!
-----------
IBM/Clone computer giant FASTMICRO closed its doors around the first
of APRIL, they had a super duper clearance sale April 3rd and 4Th. Proof
that the CLONE market is competitive enough to be considered vicious! Even
though the competition is to the user's advantage.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" "WHAT'D HE SAY???? WHA????"
"""""""""""""""""
"...... We are not working for Wall Street but to
make money for our shareholders and only think long term."
Sam Tramiel, 11/92
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> DEALER CLASSIFIED LIST STR InfoFile * Dealer Listings *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ---------------
ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
=========================
P.O. Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
1-904-783-3319
ATARI-AMIGA-PC-CLONES-MAC
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE & SUPPLIES
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
COMPUTER STUDIO
===============
WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTER
40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D
Asheville, NC 28806
1-800-253-0201
Orders Only
1-704-251-0201
Information
Authorized Atari Dealer
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
MEGABYTE COMPUTERS
==================
907 Melbourne
Hurst, TX 76053
1-817-589-2950
Authorized Atari Dealer
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
SAN JOSE COMPUTER
=================
1278 Alma Court
San Jose, CA. 95112
1-408-995-5080
Authorized Atari Dealer
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
CompuSeller West
================
220-1/2 W. Main St.
St. Charles, IL., 60174
Ph. (708) 513-5220
Authorized Atari Dealer
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
(DEALERS; to be listed here, please drop us a line.)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport International Online Magazine
-* [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport *-
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" April 16, 1993
Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-92 All Rights Reserved No.9.16
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
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.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
