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Silicon Times Report Issue 0938
SILICON TIMES REPORT
====================
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
=============================
from
STR Electronic Publishing
September 17, 1993 No. 9.38
=========================================================================
Silicon Times Report
International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
-----------------------------------------
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EST
STR Publishing Support BBS Network System
* THE BOUNTY BBS *
FIDO 1:112/35 ~ FNET 350 ~ Nest 90:21/350.0
904-786-4176 USR/HST 24hrs - 7 days
2400 - 38.4 bps V.32 - 42 bis 16.8 Dual Standard
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EST
-----------------------------------------
Fido 1:112/35 The Bounty STR Support Central 1-904-786-4176
FNET. 620 : Leif's World <Home of STR>...1-904-573-0734
FNET.. 18 : ///Turbo Board BBS Support...1-416-274-1225
FNET. 690 : PASTE BBS....................1-206-284-8493
FNET. 460 : The Atari ST Connection......1-209-436-8156
FNET. 489 : Steal Your Face BBS..........1-908-920-7981
_________________________________________________________________________
> 09/17/93 STR 938 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU HEADLINE REPORT - STR Confidential
- CIS's WinCIM - 16550 UART INFO - DELL WINS Award
- ORA NEW PRODUCTS - Qualitype FontHandler - CODEHEAD NEWS!!
- PC/IBM NEWS - MAC/APPLE NEWS - ATARI/JAG NEWS
-* GLENDALE SHOW THIS WEEKEND! *-
-* NE DEVELOPER WOES! *-
-* GORE PRESENTS "INFORMATION HIGHWAY"! *-
=========================================================================
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/PROWL/ITC/USENET/NEST/F-Net Mail Networks. You may also Phone
The Bounty BBS direct @ 904-786-4176. Enjoy the wonder and excitement of
exchanging all types of information relative to computers, worldwide,
through the use of excellent International Networking Systems. SysOps,
worldwide, are welcome to join the STReport International Conferences.
The Fido Node is 1:112/35, ITC Node is 85:881/253 Crossnet Code is #34813,
and the "Lead Node" is #620. All platform's BBS systems are welcome and
invited to participate. Support your favorite computer Today!
=========================================================================
CIS ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ NVN ~ FIDO ~ PROWL ~ ITC ~ NEST ~ EURONET
USENET ~ CIX ~ CLEVELAND FREE-NET ~ INTERNET ~ FNET ~ GEnie
=========================================================================
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 (September 17)
COMPUSERVE INTRODUCES 14.4 SUPPORT FOR THE PRICE OF 9600 BAUD!
14,400 BPS INTRODUCED IN 10 CITIES
CompuServe now offers 14,400-bps access capability in ten U.S. cities:
Cambridge, Mass.; Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; Los Angeles; New York; Newport
Beach, Calif.; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; Rochelle Park, N.J.; and Santa
Clara, Calif. This service will be offered in other U.S. locations within
the next year, and will eventually be extended to Europe.
Pricing for 14,400-bps access is the same as for 9,600 bps: $16 per
hour for Standard Pricing Plan members, and $22.80 per hour for Alternative
Pricing Plan members.
The 14,400 bps service supports V.42 error correction and requires a
V.32bis modem. To log on at 14,400 bps using the CompuServe Information
Manager, enter the Session Settings and change the bps rate to either
14,400 or 19,200. If you have problems logging on, change the modem type to
the Hayes Compatible (default) setting.
For more information about using 14,400 bps, GO FEEDBACK or visit
CompuServe's software support forums (GO CISSOFT). To obtain the 14,400
local access numbers, GO PHONES. To read more about CompuServe's pricing
plans, GO CHOICES. The information areas are all included in CompuServe's
basic services.
Download file MGIF42.ZIP from LIBRARY 14 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for an extremely fast monchrome GIF viewer for ALL ST's, TT's
and Falcon's. Tons of new features added in this version, to include
JPEG/JFIF view of files. faster and more accurate dithering, support for
GIF 89a's as well, plus a lot more.
This program displays GIF and JPG pictures so well, it's nearly like having
a mono equivalent of Photochrome. Due to the technique used, pictures look
best when viewed from 4-6 feet from the screen.
The history of Atari is posted as file ATARI.TXT in LIBRARY 17 of the Atari
Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO) (from the Internet system).
The second set of "20 QUESTIONS" submitted by Atari Forum members and
answered by Atari Corp (specifically Bob Brodie, Bill Rehbock and James
Grunke) is available for download as file 20Q_02.TXT in LIBRARY 15 of the
Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS).
See files OMEGA_.ZIP and OMEGAF.ZIP in LIBRARY 12 of the Atari Arts Forum
(GO ATARIARTS) for a very well done European demo for the STE and TT. Well
worth the download time.
Download file JAPANE.ZIP from LIBRARY 4 of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO
ATARIPRO) for a program which makes it possible to display the Japanese and
input single-byte katakana, double-byte katakana, hiragana and more than
ten different series of special symbols which are assigned to symbol keys.
Download file DRIVRS.LZH from LIBRARY 11 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO
ATARIVEN) for the latest PageStream import modules. Updated 10-AUG-93.
This archive contains ALL of the import modules currently shipping with
PageStream 2.2b. Included are new Illustrator, EPS, and TIFF import
modules.
THE PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
"ENJOY CIS' ATARI FORUMS WHERE CENSORSHIP IS A DIRTY WORD!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
What is really going on with the Lexicor/STRT/IAAD thing? Seems that
while everyone is getting set for the Glendale show this weekend, more of
the true perceptions are surfacing. That's good. It might very well be
the last show for many of the developers. Across all the services, we see
the blind zealot-like defense of the IAAD's actions by a multitude of ONLY
three people! Its amazing, no actually its quite revealing. In two of the
cases the people making the defensive motions soon discovered they had no
defensive posture at all. They had their entire premise based on emotional
loyalty. The third, well his nonsense is becoming so much "run of the mill
banter" that he is little noticed any longer. In reality, after the
actions of the present board and of course, the questionable elections they
held last year, it all adds up to ...its time for a real change. A change
in the board members, policies, by-laws and attitudes. If these things do
not occur, its certain curtains for the tattered remnants of the IAAD at
this time.
"CONFLICT OF INTEREST" has been bandied about quite a bit and I
believe it has real and solid merit. Oddly enough, nobody has brought
forward any real defense of or, explanation as to why there is no conflict
of interest when it comes to Nathan Potechin of the STRT, IAAD, ISD/DMC and
the Nathan & Darlah Show. Until very recently, Nathan was openly
exercising sysop powers and using the title throughout the RTs including
Category 75 (the "secret" IAAD area) of which Darlah is contract holder of.
Now, it appears he is not. Coincidence? I doubt it. Wanna bet somebody
got to somebody about the "CONFLICT OF INTEREST"? Dropping the "RT-Sysop"
title is not enough. The potential for further abuse is still very
present.
Next week, look for an in-depth report on the conflict of interest,
the "leaks" and the true masters of double speak. Don't miss the item
about one of Nathan's business associates presented elsewhere in this
issue.
The Glendale Show is on this weekend, we wish all the success in the
world to the folks putting on the show.. To all the attendees enjoy to
the max!
Ralph....
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
** STReport International Online Magazine **
NOW AVAILABLE FOR
ELECTRONIC HOME DELIVERY
DIRECT TO YOUR (E-)MAIL BOX
STReport will be E-Mailed to any GEnie subscriber who requests it as an
archived (in LZH format) attached file. Instructions for downloading an
attached file are provided on page 200 on GEnie (Type M200). Downloading
E-Mail utilizes the very same transfer protocols as the GEnie RT Libraries,
so there is little or no difference between downloading from a Library and
downloading an attached file (also called F-Mail).
To request STReport be E-Mailed to you, send subscription request in
E-Mail to J.MIRANDO1 requesting such and you will be put on our "paper
route" beginning with the next issue. Each issue will be uploaded by
Saturday evening and will be available to you immediately. It simply
appears in your E-Mail queue!
Wait no more for the REAL news and FULL information from the wonderful and
sometimes wacky world of computing...
Ask for your STReport deliveries to begin today!
*** 379 SUBSCRIBERS AND GROWING! ***
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
Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor Emeritus
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
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........................ 1:112/35
FNET........................... NODE 350
ITC NET...................... 85:881/253
NEST........................ 90:21/350.0
GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR'S "BELIEVE IT? OR.. WHAT?"
<>###############################<>
SPEAKING OF CREDIBILITY.....
TOPIC: LEXICOR/STRT/IAAD Fiasco
The following is a series of excerpts from various PUBLIC POSTS
placed on a number of different ONLINE SERVICES. They all appeared from
June 'til now. Names are not really necessary, only the hysterical
statements are in evidence. With what's occurred over the last three
months, its no wonder the credibility of those who "scream, protest,
lament and condemn" STReport has eroded to nil. Especially now when one
considers the events that are total common knowledge at this time.
Summer, 1993
------------
".....STReport 922, claimed that Lexicor had lost their free flags
on GEnie, which is a lie. It went on to claim that messages were deleted
in the Lexicor topic on GEnie which is a lie. It went on to state that
Lexicor was thrown out of the IAAD, a third lie. I am asking Ralph Mariano
here publicly, in front of you all, to explain why he used his magazine in
this fashion and printed these lies....."
".....I was speaking specifically of the Lexicor comments and will
say this again:
1. Lexicor still has ALL their free flags intact in the Atari RT's on
GEnie.
2. Lexicor has not been thrown out of the IAAD.
3. Messages were not deleted. Those are the facts, not my side of
anything."
".....The IAAD issue is the business of the IAAD. It was Ralph that
printed that Lee had been thrown out of the IAAD. That statement was
wrong, as I mentioned earlier. I have no idea from where he got that
erroneous information. Why don't you ask him. But heah, I forgot, Ralph
only prints the news, right?"
September 1993
--------------
"Actually, STReport is trying to create the impression that an injustice
has been done, to better fit the agenda of Ralph Mariano."
\\\\****////
This is now September, 1993. Instead of being accused of lying, the tune
and tone has dramatically changed. STReport is now being called an
advocate of some kind having some sort of agenda. The agenda part is
correct, we are in pursuit of the TRUTH. From rhetorical noise thrown out
by the above.. June 'till present, It becomes readily apparent as to who
is "blowing smoke".
It most certainly hasn't been STReport!
Our main Question STILL remains unanswered!
WHO STANDS TO GAIN THE MOST BY WHAT'S HAPPENED TO LEXICOR?
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
"""""""""""""""""
Computer Products Update - CPU Report
------------------------ ----------
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Issue #38
By: John Deegan
10,000 NEWTONS SOLD - John Sculley, chairman of Apple Computer Inc.,
said this week that the company has sold about 10,000 of its Newton
hand-held, computers in the product's first month, despite criticism
that it has trouble recognizing handwriting, which is how it collects
data. A person enters data into the machine with an electronic pen on a
small screen, but critics say the handwriting software is inadequate.
PSION UNVEILS NEW PALMTOP PC - Psion has introduced the Series 3a
handheld computer. The Series 3a offers expanded display, software and
processing capabilities. It is the first palmtop PC to offer on-board
digital voice processing. It can run for months on it's powered by two
AA-size batteries, and can fit comfortably inside a jacket or jeans
pocket. The 256k model is priced at $495 and the 512k model at $595.
COMPAQ INTRODUCES ITS 'Concerto' - This week Compaq Computer Corp.
introduced its newest notebook computer, the Concerto. Sources say the
Concerto uses both a keyboard and a pen, and features a new design that
has an adjustable built-in handle that also doubles as a stand, and a
detachable slimline keyboard.
The Concerto comes with either a 25MHz or a 33-MHz 486SL processor,
250MB hard drive and up to 20MB of system memory, local bus graphics and
pre-installed software and has a $2,499 base price.
RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES INEXPENSIVE '486 SYSTEM - Radio Shack is now
selling the Tandy 2100, the first Radio Shack '486 system to be priced
under $1,100. Radio Shack officials say the unit will ship with Windows
3.1, Microsoft Works for Windows and America Online software preinstal-
led. The system comes with 4MB of RAM (expandable to 32MB) a 130MB hard
drive, two-button mouse, Super VGA graphics, one game port, one parallel
and two serial ports.
IBM, MICROSOFT ALLIANCE TO END ON FRIDAY - After working together for
over a decade, the IBM and Microsoft operating system alliance will for-
mally end this week. Under an agreement that was signed over a year ago,
Microsoft and IBM will not share information about any operating system
software developed after this week.
Experts say that in the near term, this will mean that Microsoft will
be able to develop new features in its Windows and DOS operating systems
that IBM will not be able to immediately match.
SOFTWARE SALES UP 13.9% - According to the Software Publishers Assoc-
iation, U.S./Canadian application software sales reached $1.6 billion in
the second quarter, an increase of 13.9% from the same quarter last
year. Sales have increased 16.6% to $3.05 billion for the 1st half of
1993.
Sources say that Windows applications sales, which accounted for 48%
of industry revenues, grew 52.7% in the quarter.
'INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY' PROMOTED BY WHITE HOUSE - President Bill
Clinton this week fired his opening salvo in a campaign to turn the idea
of a vast "information superhighway" into a reality by signing an
executive order establishing an advisory council that will work with a
government interagency task force to coordinate efforts on the
information system. The data network will link schools, businesses and
local governments across the United States.
Vice President Al Gore said, "We are going to push as hard as we
possibly can to put this national information infrastructure in place,"
"It is critically important to the economic future of the United States
of America," said Gore, adding that the network will allow millions of
Americans to gain quick access to computerized information.
Private companies and the government will need to jointly coordinate
and cooperate to create the national electronic networks where computer
data would flow across the country over fiber optic lines.
KODAK AND APPLE TO UNVEIL DIGITAL CAMERA - While neither Apple nor
Kodak would confirm the rumors, industry sources say that Eastman Kodak
Co. and Apple Computer have produced a digital camera they will unveil
at Comdex in Las Vegas in November. One source said the film-less camera
is code-named Venus and will retail for $1,000 with a street price of as
little as $600.
Also rumored is that Apple will release a system that uses Kodak
hardware and Apple software to write digital pictures and sound onto
compact discs. Selling for $5,000, the mastering system will include a
version of Kodak's Photo CD writer 200 disc-writing unit.
CRIME DOESN'T PAY - Two Los Angeles businessmen, Chung Lim and Peter
Luk, have been arrested by the FBI on suspicion of receiving computer
chips stolen in a 1991 robbery at a St. Petersburg, Florida, company.
Each is charged with two counts of receiving and conspiring to receive
stolen computer chips and if convicted, they face up to 20 years in
prison.
WHO'S THE MOST SATISFYING? - According to market researcher J.D.
Power and Associates, it's Dell Computer Corp. Based on J.D. Power's
1993 Desktop Personal Computer Satisfaction Index, Dell ranked highest
in customer satisfaction with an index score of 121. Compaq was second
at 118 and Gateway third at 103.
Some well-known names - Apple, AST, CompuAdd, Hewlett-Packard, IBM
and Packard Bell - ranked below the industry average of 100.
The rapid acceptance of Microsoft Windows has changed the user dyna-
mics of satisfaction. In 1992, "Ease of Use" represented 45% of the end
user's overall satisfaction, in 1993 "Ease of Use" had dropped to only
18%. "User Support" has displaced "Ease of Use" as the key area of
differentiation among business users' overall satisfaction with their
PC.
_________________________________________________________
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by
Joe Mirando
Hidi ho good neighbors!
Did you hear about Vice President Gore's "electronic highway"
proposal? From what I've seen so far, the veep wants to ensure that
everybody has access to information whenever they want it. The report
says that this high-tech system should be "on-line" in only a few years...
HEY AL! C'MON 'A MY HOUSE! I'll show you information access that'll make
your head spin! That's right Al, information transferred around the world
at speeds up to 14,400 baud for a much lower price than what your plan
will end up costing us. Hey, I've got an idea... why not just have the
government give everyone who uses CompuServe a great big tax credit?
Well, at any rate, you don't have to wait for the government to
construct their electronic highway! You can sign up for CIS and meet the
future head-on starting right now!
Okay, enough of this. Let's get to the hints, tips, and information
available on CompuServe...
From the Atari Productivity Forum
=================================
Henri Tremblay asks a question about something that I have often
wondered about:
"What is the meaning of the '+' sign beside a forum name? Does it
mean there are extra charges. I just noticed it today although I have
been her for many years. Typing 'help +' doesn't help..."
Sysop Don LeBow tells Henri:
"The + sign was added a while back to remind folks that this, like
all regular forums, isn't part of the Basic Services package, and time
here is charged at the normal hourly rates. You'll see it on all of
the forums, outside of the free CIS support areas, like HELPFORUM and
PRACTICE."
Curtis Laird asks:
"Does anyone know of a utility that will convert Atari ST Wordwriter
text files to IBM ascii? We have over 1000 files we need to convert."
Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Magazine tells Curtis:
"I can not think of any off the top of my head. You might be able to
get someone with an Atari and Word Writer to help you. By loading all
the files into Word Writer and saving them in ascii format."
Brian Gockley of ST Informer Magazine (gee, these magazine guys sure
are active, aren't they) tells Curtis:
"There is a program called XLATE that is in the libraries (I think).
The newest version is far superior, if you can't find it, I'll upload
it."
But things are never that easy to answer, are they? Sysop Bob
Retelle jumps in and asks several pertinent questions:
"Do you need a translation program that runs on PCs, or do you have
access to an ST to do the conversions?
As Brian mentioned, we should have a utility program that will work,
but only on an Atari ST. (Then again, if you had an ST, you could
just resave the files in ASCII as Albert suggested.)
Unfortunately, if you don't have access to an ST, I can't think of an
IBM program that will do the conversion."
Hal Scheie tells us:
"I just found out about the virus in sgdos (Speedo GDos) after I
installed it, I cleaned the disk but what do I have to do to sanitize
my hard drive?"
Sysop Bob Retelle tells Hal:
"Most viruses that infect the ST world do not affect hard drives..
What virus was it that was on the floppy disk that you found..?"
For everyone's information, the virus found on the Speedo disk (disk
#3, I believe) is a Signum BPL virus, which is a key virus. It
writes itself to every disk written to or read by a floppy drive. It
then waits for another program or virus to tell it what to do. As
far as I know, the "command program" for this virus has never come
around, but the virus will still overwrite any info in the bootsector
on any floppy that it encounters. This screws up most autobooting
games. Always either cold-boot with a "safe disk" or turn the
machine off, wait for 15 seconds, then reboot with the game disk (or
whatever) in drive A.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Jonnie Santos tells us:
"Of all weekend to experience computer failure mine had to crash on
Labor Day Weekend... I had planned to do a lot of catching up until
my monitor (SC1224) decided to go dark and emit a funny smell.
Although the little green indicator light was pulsing kind of
interesting - you'd had to of been there to appreciate it.
So... I called my local guy here in town and he has used SC1224's
and didn't have and wasn't too interested in a SC1435. So I did my
usual mail order routine and am back online with the SC1435. It's
cheaper than what I paid for the SC1224 in 1987 and I like the front
panel controls better. Of course the stereo sound (with my STe) is a
plus and so is the headphone jack. I like the bigger size (about 13"
diag) and the absence of the big black border. The picture quality
isn't quite as sharp but then this isn't a $600 multisync (if one were
available with the correct scan rate) either. Gee, my hard drive is
about the same age - keep your fingers crossed folks!
Speaking of hard drives... What does anyone think about going
floptical versus a hard disk? I mean you can only get about 20M on a
floptical but I'm wondering if it isn't more convenient in some ways.
It's just a thought."
Sysop Bob Retelle, one of the long-time travelers on the electronic
highway, tells Jonnie:
"I don't think anyone really thinks of floptical drives as a complete
*replacement* for hard drives, but more as an "enhancement" for your
hard drive system..
For example, doing backups of your hard drive is a LOT easier with 21
Megabytes per disk, and being able to read normal 3.5" disks is a real
plus too.
Flopticals are slower than regular hard drives, but faster than
regular floppies, so that puts them sort of in the middle."
Myles Cohen shares his experiences:
"My hard drive died several weeks ago during a heat wave...Luckily I
had all partitions backed up on floptical discs...
I have been using the floptical only since then...and y'know what...I
hardly miss my hard drive at all...
What I do is call the Floptical the C partition and put all the
programs I use over and over on it...takes a little juggling and
getting used to...
Turns out...there is not that many that I use constantly...so it
works for me...
Yes it is slower than a hard drive...but so much faster than a floppy
that you don't really mind at all...
For those on limited budgets who are agonizing between a hard drive
of low capacity or a floptical...I say get a floptical...
PS... I got my floptical from Purple Mountain Computers..."
I (Joe) would just like to take this opportunity to say "Hi" to
Myles... Hi Myles!
For anyone who's never met or spoken with Myles all I can say is that
you don't know what you're missing. He's a great guy and always
(well, almost always) has information to give. It's always fun (not
to mention enlightening) talking to him. See ya at the Connecticut
'fest next year Myles.
Well, back to the Forum. Jonnie tells us:
"I was looking at a sale paper for hard drives and some of the cases
say they hold or can hold two drives. I've seen some of them with a
hard drive and a removable cartridge drive but I wonder if you could
have a hard drive and a floptical in one case? That would make a lot
of sense to me and like you said doing backups would be a breeze
versus doing them to regular 720K disks."
Sysop Bob Retelle tells Jonnie:
"That would be an ideal setup..!
There should be no reason why you couldn't do that, put a hard drive
and floptical both in the same case. It would be easiest of course if
the hard drive was a SCSI unit, as the floptical drive is too.
I have an "ANTRA Expander" hard drive which is an "under the monitor"
flat style case, that came with a "Drive B" floppy drive in it. I've
thought about using the opening to mount either a SyQuest style drive,
or possibly a floptical, to do exactly what you suggested.."
Chris Gray jumps in and posts:
"...I've seen a UK dealer advertising Flopticals as "add-ons" to
their hard drives ( so you save on adaptor and PSU).
What bothers me is the proliferation of comparable media - floptical,
streamer tape, magneto-optical,... whichever one I buy will surely be
Betamax not VHS..."
Ouch! I'm still catching heat for telling a friend that Beta was
better quality than VHS (Vertical Helix Scan... did you know that?).
I didn't tell him to buy the thing, I just told him that the picture
quality was better (which it was).
John Damiano of Transierra tells Jonnie:
"I have a couple of shoebox cases with a 130 meg Hd and a Syq.44 in each.
Way cool as they say. I think a Floptical must be standard size and
should fit fine too."
Jon Sanford posts:
"Is this an old joke here?
The hidden ingredient of electronic parts is *smoke*.
Notice they don't work when you let the smoke out."
Jonnie Santos tells Jon:
"You know, if I had known that, I would have taped all the vents
closed and kept the smoke in! And I think the other trick to keeping
electronics running forever is to keep their sounds inside too - my
old hard disk is quite loud and I'm totally convinced that if I seal
it inside of some type of sound proof enclosure it will run
forever!!!"
From the Atari ST Arts Forum
============================
John Clarke posts:
"In reply to plea for information about STOS I can provide the
following Info. For those of you who don't know STOS is a french
games creation language which can do a lot more than just games. It
is very popular in the U.K. and in France.
Stos is basically an implementation of Basic which concentrates on
graphics and games orientated programming. It is a tad slow in
comparison to GFA basic however the compiler makes up for this. It is
not as structured as GFA Basic since it doesn't have formal pascal
like procedures (and no local variables which is my main gripe about
STOS) this means gosub statements and hence the use of line numbers.
STOS is quite powerful, it is grate for experimenting because it has a
CLI. STOS is more flexible than most other basics because you can add
your own commands to it in the form of extensions some of these
extensions can enable you to do amazing things. For example the
shareware Misty extension enables you to throw graphics and data
around at amazing speed. The STOS 3D extension allows you to
incorporate reasonably fast 3D graphics (That is,however, if you can
decipher the STOS 3d manual). The STOS maestro extension allows you
to play sampled sounds.
STOS has a few bugs and problems, the most obvious one is that STOS
doesn't use graphical windows so no Gem. The Gem traps have been
replaced with STOS's own ones. The major problem with this is that
every time Atari bring out a new version of TOS STOS refuses to run.
There are lost of other minor bugs most of which have been patched,
and since they don't affect every day usage you can live with them.
ST stos will run on the falcon but it doesn't exit properly, however
AMOS professional (Amoeba STOS) is being ported to the falcon. This
should be interesting. I have never heard STOS being mentioned on
Compuserve so I can only assume that it hasn't reached America."
Carl Barron tells John:
"STOS has reached the USA once, was marketed through Antic Publishing.
However STOS's ROM version dependence killed it. STOS programs will
not work too well via multitos, based on your description. Side note:
Why are the 'cheating' languages always popular. STOS and GFA do some
of the worst violating of 'atari rules of order' than anybody. I
don't like either GFA or STOS. I do own copies of both. Reason #1 "We
cheat for you". In my opinion a computer language system should leave
the cheating to the programmer, not be self-installed. Also I don't
write games.... May be lack of print ads or online support does not
help the STOS cause. GFA had a good foothold before the magazine
collapse. STOS did not. Personally it would not bother me not to see
any STOS or GFA code."
John Clarke also posts:
"I know this has probably been asked before but I have a problem with
disappearing messages. When I log on all the messages are there,I log
off to compose any messages to save time, however when I try to post a
reply the entire message thread disappears, Why?"
Now THAT is the way to ask a question about what you think are
disappearing messages... it's much more socially acceptable than
raving like a maniacal Napoleon-type and then finding out that you
were way off base... isn't it??
Jim Ness tells John:
"Each time you come back to the forum, the read commands default to
NEW msgs only. You have to specifically ask for older messages, by
specifying an age with the DAYS command, or by specifying a message
number to begin at."
Master Sysop Ron Luks joins in:
"As Jim indicated, all the messages are still here... it's just that
to avoid making you see old messages every time you log in, CIS will
normally only show you messages that are new since the last time you
were here.
You can REPLY xxxxxx to reply to a specific message number, or you
can READ xxxxxx to read a message and then reply.
Also, as Jim mentioned, the AGE option on the messages menu can be
set to show you messages received over any time period you specify..
1 day ago, 7 days ago, etc.
Another good solution is to use QUICKCIS to automate the process of
reading and replying. QWICKCIS will automatically send your replies
to the right place when you log back in after reading and composing
replies offline.
It's available in the ATARIPRO software libraries..."
From the Atari Vendors Forum
============================
Kirk Sattley asks Mike at Soft-Logik Publishing:
"Soft-Logik still isn't talking about a
PgS 3.0 for the Atari, are they? Such a great program ..."
Mike tells Kirk:
"...we will not make a decision on PageStream 3.0 for the Atari until
after the release of the Amiga version, which at this time looks like
late October. At this time such a move appears unlikely given the
current state of the Atari market. Hopefully this will improve by then
and Atari will be selling lots of computers to new users."
Lee Hoffner asks Mark at Gadgets by Small:
"Can you please tell me about both of the boards that Gadgets
markets for the ST; what they do and how much they cost?"
Mark tells Lee:
"Gadgets sells the following products for each stated ST product:
ST (all models), STE, TT - Spectre GCR: The Macintosh Emulator
(I figure you already know all about that! <grin>)
MEGA ST (not STE) only - 2 products
SST/030 - 68030 accelerator board. Supercharge your Mega ST with up to
40mhz of 68030 speed. Includes space for 68882 math chip and up to 8
megs of onboard FAST RAM. VERY fast! (Full blown SST is actually faster
than a TT.) Suggested retail price: $599 for bare board. Other
configurations are available and prices >probably< have dropped. I
don't have that information at my disposal.
MEGATALK - Add two Mac-compatible serial (AppleTalk) ports and one
Mac-compatible SCSI port to your Mega ST/Spectre combo. Allows the
use of Mac hard drives, CD-ROM drives, PostScript printers (AppleTalk),
etc. on your Mega ST with Spectre. SRP: $299"
Lee asks:
"Is the FAST RAM on the SST board accessible to Spectre? (I'm running
CAD programs under Spectre and want more speed and memory for Spectre.
I've heard that Spectre basically emulates a Mac II if you're running an
SST board behind it.)
Also, I FINALLY got a reply call from Gadgets who tell me that
they're no longer making either board. Does this mean that boards are
likely not available?"
No answer on that one yet, folks, but we'll keep you posted.
Boris Moldyi tells us about the new ROMs for his Supra modem:
"Today I received new 1.8 ROMs (and even installed them :-) but there
were nothing describing improvements in them. Could you please tell me
if there are any new commands and/or S registers to know about. When I
do AT&V, I get at least 1 S register not described anywhere: S91. What
does it do?"
Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer tells Boris:
"You might try the (GO SUPRA) in the modemvendors forum. Most of the
improvements are for bad line noise conditions for falling forward
and backward as the conditions change. In the library in the
modemvendors forum there are a couple of files which should list some
of the S registers not documented in the manual. Also your
installation guide for your upgrade should include a list of some of
the improvements as well."
Boris tells Albert:
"The problem is, that Installation Guide does *not* list any
improvements. Guess I'll go and haunt Supra's BBS again..."
Albert tells Boris:
"Actually its not the installation guide but a single sheet that came
with the upgrade that listed the improvements."
From the Atari Portfolio Forum
==============================
Barry Childress tells us:
"I scrambled my flash card once and ... what a mess to unscramble.
About power supplies, A long time ago I had a client whose Commodore
64 power supplies kept dying about every 3 to 6 months. When I went in
I saw that the power supplies were not getting much ventilation. So we
moved them out into their own space and placed them on a pie cooling
rack to work sort of like a heat sink. For the Port you could get the
adapter away from the wall by placing it on an extension cord. If the
only good place you have to let the adapter rest is on the carpet,
then get something metal for it to rest on. The grocery store is often
a good source for things like little cooling racks or splatter screens
that would work well for this type of thing..."
Mark Reeves tells Barry:
"I will say this: I have had an Atari power supply for 2 years, in a
small space I have not had one problem with it ( this was not a paid
testimony)..."
Grant Flemming posts:
"I am new to using the portfolio and new to compuserve...when I
bought my port used and have no software. I NEED the file transfer
utility (FT.COM?) Can you help?"
Don Thomas, Atari employee (but don't worry, he's really a good guy)
tells Grant:
"Check your E-mailbox. Something tells me Santa came early this year."
See, I told you that he's a good guy!
Well folks, that's it for this week. 'Till next time we meet on the
electronic highway, be safe, be happy, and be cool. Tune in again next
week, same time, same channel, and be ready to listen to what they are
saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
___________________________________________________________
> CIS' WINCIM STR FOCUS! Compuserve's Information Manager
""""""""""""""""""""""
HOW SWEET IT IS!
================
by R. F. Mariano
This past week, while looking over the vast wonders of Compuserve, I
came across a great deal! Compuserve's Windows Information Manager. Its
superb. The D/L charges are suspended while one obtains the software. It
installs itself in a breeze.... Below is a sampling of the menus and
choices presented to the user along with WinCIM's features and benefits.
If you're using Windows and would love the opportunity to use effortless
software to enjoy CIS immensely, then Compuserve's WinCIM is just the
ticket for you. For those who enjoy DOS, there is a CIM for DOS too!
CompuServe(FREE) WinCIM
INTRODUCTION
The CompuServe Information Manager for Windows(r) - WinCIM(tm), is a
software product developed by CompuServe that brings new dimensions and a
new look to using the CompuServe Information Service. WinCIM allows new
CompuServe members to quickly get acquainted with and use CompuServe more
productively. Existing CompuServe members can access, sort, and utilize
the online information and services more effectively.
WinCIM features a Windows interface with pull-down menus and dialog boxes.
It frees you from having to memorize navigational and service related
commands. With the ability to see and manipulate multiple objects or
windows on your screen, you can access many sources of information without
getting lost or wasting time.
WinCIM interacts with CompuServe's network and computer systems using a
layered protocol approach to which CompuServe has given the name
Host-Micro Interface (HMI). HMI defines a formal, effective, and reliable
method for microcomputer applications to interact with CompuServe.
WinCIM VERSION 1.0.5 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:
* An IBM or compatible personal computer.
* An 80386SX processor (or higher) and, at least, 2MB of RAM
memory.
* Microsoft Windows Version 3.0 or higher (Version 3.1 or higher
is recommended).
* An IBM EGA or higher resolution monitor compatible with the
Microsoft Windows graphical environment.
* A Hayes-compatible modem is recommended.
* One hard disk (4 free megabytes available - with Windows
installed) and one high-density floppy drive.
* A mouse (or other pointing device) that is compatible with
Microsoft Windows.
WinCIM VERSION 1.0.5 FEATURES:
* Microsoft Windows environment; makes CompuServe easy to learn
and use.
* Reliable data transmission; all data communication uses
CompuServe's B+ Protocol - for error detection and correction.
* Local (offline) message creation - saves you money.
* Integrated filing cabinet to organize information; save time
by retrieving message to your local storage, then reading and
responding locally (offline).
* Integrated local address book; maintain a list of your
CompuServe friends and associates.
* Familiar desktop metaphor for messages; In and Out Baskets
function much as they do on your desk.
* Favorite Places; a local, personal menu contains places you
access regularly.
* Message Maps; a message map visually represents the flow of
Forum messages in a Forum topic.
* Electronic Conferencing Support; split-screen window support
for conferencing. You can participate in more than one
conversation at the same time.
* Graphic Interchange Format (GIF) Support; You can view GIF
images online or offline.
CompuServe(FREE) CWD-44
The DOS, Mac, and Windows versions of the CompuServe Information Manager
can be ordered online for members through the CompuServe Store (GO ORDER)
or by continuing into the Online Order area at the end of this message.
NOTE TO PACIFIC MEMBERS: WinCIM is not available for ordering through the
CompuServe Pacific Store. This new software will be available for Pacific
members to order online by late Autumn 1993.
WinCIM Supplementary Files Installation Notes
*Note: You may want to print these instructions out for
later reference.
********************************
WC-DIR.EXE
This file contains the most recent version of the electronic version of
the CompuServe Directory. This file must be extracted to your WINCIM
directory, e.g. C:\CSERVE\WINCIM. This will replace ALMANAC.HLP and has a
date of 3/26/93.
********************************
WC-HLP.EXE
This file contains the most recent version of the WinCIM(sm) Help file.
The WINCIM.HLP file is dated 1/15/93. This file must be extracted to your
WINCIM directory, e.g. C:\CSERVE\WINCIM.
********************************
WC-30.EXE
This file contains the Windows support files listed below (these files
would be present on WinCIM(sm) disks shipped from CompuServe). ONLY users
of Windows 3.0 will need to download this file. This file contains
several support files. After extracting this archive, the resulting files
must be placed in two directories:
- WINHELP.EXE must be placed in C:\WINDOWS
- SHELL.DLG must be placed in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM
- COMMDLG.DLL must be placed in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM
- SMALLE.FON must be placed in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM
- SMALLF.FON must be placed in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.
CompuServe(FREE)WinCIM
COMPUSERVE INFORMATION MANAGER
FOR WINDOWS-WinCIM(tm)
1 Installation Instructions
2 Download Directory (7/21/93)
3 Download WinCIM Help (1/15/93)
4 Download Support Files For Win 3.0
CompuServe(FREE)
One moment please...
***************************************
WELCOME
TO
* THE COMPUSERVE STORE *
SEPTEMBER'S FEATURES:
CompuServe Information Manager
Users Guides (Windows, DOS &
Mac Versions)
and
CompuServe Gift Certificates
***************************************
AND REMEMBER,
THERE'S NEVER A CONNECT-TIME FEE
AT
THE COMPUSERVE STORE!
***************************************
CompuServe Store
----------------
1 Welcome
2 Shipping & Ordering Information
3 Order from CompuServe Store
** SEE SEPTEMBER'S FEATURED ITEMS **
* CIM Users Guides (all versions)
* CompuServe Gift Certificates
4 Check on Your Order
There, now you have all you need to know about obtaining WinCIM.
After you've ordered your guide for CIM you be right on top of all the
wonders CIS has to offer!
*************************************************************************
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 a friendly community of enthusiastic computer users
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!
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
*************************************************************************
> KING COM 2.0 STR InfoFile
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
KingCOM Version 2.0
===================
NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT!
- COM Port Contention Problems in Windows Can Now be Eliminated Using
KingCOM From OTC.
- DOS Communications Applications Running in a DOS Virtual Machine Can
Now Share COM Ports With Windows Communications Applications.
- KingCOM Now Fully Supports the Advanced Capabilities of the High
Performance 16550 UART.
New COM Port Manager for Windows eliminates "COM Port busy" and "COM port
in use" problems and allows efficient high speed throughput utilizing the
16550 UART. An additional capability of KingCOM Version 2.0 allows DOS
virtual machine COM Port sharing with Windows communications applications.
OTC Corporation has released KingCOM, Version 2.0. KingCOM, the Windows
COM Port Manager, which eliminates COM Port contention problems that users
experience when attempting to use fax and communications software on a
single fax/modem board under Windows, now fully supports the advanced
capabilities of the 16550 high performance UART. This allows customers to
not only share COM Ports in Windows, but also take full advantage of the
new high speed modems and hard-wired data links. In addition, a new
capability in KingCOM allows DOS communications applications to share COM
Ports in a virtual machine with Windows communications applications.
Until now, fax and data communications, under Windows have been integrated
on the hardware level only. KingCOM now integrates fax and data
communications on the software level. KingCOM manages all data/fax traffic
to communications hardware, eliminating contention problems that develop
when multiple applications attempt to access the same communications
hardware. KingCOM allows users to access their fax/modem for both fax and
data communications without experiencing the frustration of receiving "COM
port busy" or "COM port in use" error messages.
In response to customer demand, KingCOM now takes full advantage of the
advanced capabilities found in the high performance 16550 UART to provide
improved throughput and reliability for high speed communications.
WINFAX Users! KingCOM Version 2.0 is fully compatible with WinFax and
can be used as a replacement for the WFXCOMM.DRV, providing all the high
speed capabilities present in the WinFax driver - PLUS MORE!
KingCOM now allows your DOS communications applications running in a
virtual machine to share COM Port with Windows communications
applications.
Key Features of KingCOM:
------------------------
COM Port Sharing and Management - Now Works in Both Windows And in a DOS
Virtual Machine!
Advanced Windows communications driver (COMM.DRV replacement) that
manages up to 9 communications programs at one time under a single modem
or fax/modem in both the Windows and the DOS virtual machine environments.
Automatically detects the location of COM Ports and communications
hardware and reports their I/O Address and IRQ settings. Also detects the
presence of the 16550 UART.
Manages communications hardware device contention to eliminate "COM
port busy" and "COM port in use" problems.
Users define their own set of rules to govern communications hardware
access by various applications.
Users can choose which applications will answer calls to modems or
fax/modems.
Users establish primary send devices for each communications
program.
Users assign alternate COM Ports that will automatically be accessed
when a primary port is unavailable.
High Performance 16550 UART Functionality
With KingCOM, you can achieve communications speeds of up to 115.2
Kbps without dropping characters or experiencing character overruns.
KingCOM makes Windows 16550 aware. KingCOM provides 16550 support
for Windows applications and access to the 16550 capabilities for DOS
applications running in a Windows virtual machine.
KingCOM allows the setting of the level sensitive interrupt triggers
for the 16550 16 byte receive buffer, which are the key to the 16550's
operation. These triggers can be set to different positions. This allows
you to fine tune your communications sessions.
KingCOM supports the transmit FIFO of the 16550 UART.
KingCOM provides a DOS virtual machine system RAM buffer, that
provides complete buffer support for those times when the DOS application
does not have a time slice. This results in enhanced throughput and
reliability in DOS based communications.
Pricing, Ordering Information and Systems Requirements:
Customers desiring to order KingCOM or obtain further information on
the product can call OTC at:
800/769-6344, call the OTC BBS at 714/832-0658
or
contact Steve Lefler of OTC through CompuServe (I.D. 75720,767).
KingCOM requires an IBM PS/2, IBM Compatible 286, 386 or better, under
PC/MS-DOS 3.3 or higher, and Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher.
OTC Corporation
17300 17th Street, Suite J-117
Tustin, CA 92680.
OTC and KingCOM are trademarks of OTC Corporation. Microsoft and MS-DOS
are registered trademarks and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft
Corporation. IBM and PS/2 are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation.
___________________________________________________
> PEACE IN OUR TIME? STR FOCUS! Valiant efforts at resolution.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The following post was sent to Compuserve and Delphi in hopes of
generating some positive results in the resolution of the
Lexicor/STRT/IAAD Fiasco.
#: 43011 S14/ST REPORT
11-Sep-93 22:56:38
Sb: #Peace in our time?
Fm: LLOYD PULLEY 72637,745
To: All
Peoples,
After thinking about it for a while, I decided that Ron Kovacs, and some
others, have made a good point. Everyone is talking about this issue but
no-one seems concerned with finding a solution (including the parties
involved). So the following is a first (to the best of my knowledge). A
STReport online _guest_ editorial. This editorial might, or might not,
agree with the opinions of the Editor/Publisher of STReport. Remember,
an editorial is only an editor's opinion and this editorial is only THIS
editor's (editor emeritus - that'll teach Ralph to give me a title <g>)
opinion.
You folks who have known me for a while know I'm a great believer in why
use 10 words when 1,000 will do. <g> So the editorial will be divided up
into two (long) parts.
I believe that BOTH Nathan and Lee, and their companies, are two of the
remaining cornerstones in the US ST market. When someone asks me what
large, stable developers are left in the market, their names are at the
top of my list. In my opinion if either, or both, left our market there
would be no viable US ST market left. The mainland would sink into the
sea like another Atlantis, causing a tsunami that would wash over the
few isolated islands remaining (Codeheads, Gribnif, etc.) While these
islands might be able to survive the tsunami, it's very doubtful they
could also survive the vacuum created by Atari's lack of support and le-
adership in the US market. While both companies remain to give their
support to the US ST market, I still have hope that this market might be
saved. Without both companies in the market, I feel there would be NO
hope.
Note: When I say "US ST market", I mean "North American ST market" - the
former is just easier/faster to type. <g>
No matter how much I might disagree with one or the other of the two on
certain issues - and I've fought...oops, 'disagreed' <g>...with Lee in
the past almost as much as I've disagreed with Nathan - I have _NEVER_
questioned the quality of their products nor the support they give their
customers. In fact, both go beyond just supporting THEIR customers, they
both support the whole market and all of the US ST users. I know I could
call Nathan about a problem with one of his competitor's products tomor-
row and he would give me help with that product (assuming he knew how to
fix the problem). The same goes for Lee.
That's why this conflict between the two of them, the expulsion from the
IAAD of Lexicor, and the charges of conflict of interest bother me so
much. Disregarding for the moment the potential harm this conflict might
be doing to the two companies and the IAAD, the issue/charges are also
splintering the rest of the Atari community. Contrary to what a few
might believe, this IS an important issue (and thus 'news') in the Atari
community today. I have spoken to several developers and users, and no
matter which side of the issue they are on, the general consensus is...
"We don't need this problem, we have enough problems in the US Atari
market without this one." This is NOT to say that they believe it should
be swept under the carpet or ignored, just that it should be settled.
A settlement appears nowhere nearer today than it was a month ago. All
that has happened is all three sides (Lexicor/Lee, DMC/Nathan, IAAD)
have 'gone to the mattress' and pop up occassionally to take a shot at
the other side. Each issues press releases or posts that keep saying the
same thing - it ain't our fault, it's their fault.
The online community is falling into line behind their favorite - "It is
not XXX's fault, it is YYY's" or, "it is not an real issue, let's ignore
it and it'll go away", or "their side is just trying to muddy the water
and hide the real issues". Everyone accuses the other side of not doing
anything to solve the problem, of just making it worse.
So I am going to 'stick my head into the Lion's mouth' and attempt to
make some POSITIVE suggestions to help settle these issues (blessed are
the peace makers - because they will be attacked by everyone <g>). I am
sure that these suggestions will make no-one happy - that's what makes
them workable (IMO). I'm going to ignore who was right and who was wrong
in the past - who will really ever know.
First, forget what's happened in the past. There isn't anything that can
be done to change it, so l
et's concentrate on the future instead.
Second, since there is an appearance for a potential conflict of inter-
est in the GEnie ST RoundTable (RT) - the co-contract holder is married
to one of the parties in this conflict - do away with the problem. Since
Nathan's company, DMC, is getting ready in the near future to go multi-
platform with Calamus, move him out of the ST RT and give him his own
RT. There is ample precedent for this already. SoftLogic, Michtron, Gad-
gets by Small and ICD are just four who have had their own RT's. Since
all of GEnie now has the same hourly cost, Nathan's customers wouldn't
have to pay any extra to visit his RT instead of Darlah's. Of course,
this would have to be okay'd by GEnie management but with the hullabaloo
this has already caused, they probably would be willing to consider the
deal.
Third, setup a Lexicor Category on the ST RT. No posts in this Cat could
be deleted until Lexicor was notified and allowed to discuss the issue
with Darlah. NOTE: I did not say that Darlah couldn't delete the posts,
she _is_ the contract holder for the ST RT and legally responsible for
what happens on the RT. I said she couldn't delete a post until she had
talked to Lexicor. Darlah has the power to hide a post from public view,
so if someone posted something that was really objectionable (vulgar,
profane, promoting illegal actions, etc.), she could hide it until she
discussed the post with Lexicor.
Fourth (and maybe it should be third), Darlah should work with GEnie to
re-establish Lexicor's free-flags. A company as large as Lexicor, that
gets as many online posts and d/l's shouldn't be required to pay for
their online time to support their customers _AND_ make the ST RT money.
Fifth, re-admit Lexicor back into the IAAD. If they were at fault, they
have learned enough about what is and what is not allowed not to make
the same mistake again. If they were not at fault, then they should be
in the IAAD.
Once they were re-admitted, if they wanted to resign, they could do so
"with honor" - there is a world of difference between saying, "we quit"
and saying "we were expelled". This way both sides 'save face'. The IAAD
can say, "we don't feel we were wrong, but in the interest of fairness
we re-admitted Lexicor to the IAAD". Lexicor can say, "See, we knew we
weren't guilty and this is their way of admitting it - without admitting
it.") It's a win/win situation.
Sixth - and last - have all of the involved parties talk on the PHONE.
Online discussions (whether via EMail or open posts) is one of the worst
forms of communications ever invented by man.
There you have it, PULLEY'S SIX-STEP SOLUTION to this problem. Maybe it
isn't perfect, and maybe it will need some modification, but over-all I
think it could work IF the three involved parties are really interested
in a solution - and not just interested in being right.
Lloyd Pulley, Editor Emeritus, STReport
______________________________________________________________
> GUEST EDITORIAL STR Editorial AT WHAT PRICE --> 'PRIVACY'?
-----------------------------
What Price 'Privacy'?
=====================
by Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor Emeritus, STReport
For the last few weeks I have been involved in a lengthy discussion on
CIS concerning the Lee/Lexicor/IAAD/Nathan/GEnie ST RT/conflict of int-
erest discussion. Unless you've spent the last month or so in Outer
Mongolia (or on the GEnie ST RT) you have probably heard or read some-
thing about the issues in this situation. One issue is the leaking of
posts and information from the IAAD Cat on GEnie (Cat 75). The messages
posted there are supposed to be confidential and any developer who
wants to be a member of the IAAD has to sign an agreement stating that
they will never talk about what is said in the IAAD area to anyone out-
side of the IAAD (the Mafia 'OMERTA OATH' is mild in comparison).
The penalty for breaking this 'code of silence' is expulsion from the
IAAD, being locked out of the IAAD Cat, and being declared "persona non
grata" to the rest of his developer peers (after all, how can they talk
to him, they might accidently repeat some information that was posted
in the IAAD Cat and be expelled themselves). The Mafia only kills you
for breaking their 'code of silence' - which might be considered mild
in comparison to the punishment that the IAAD hands out.
This editorial is not about whether Lee/Lexicor was innocent or guilty
of inadvertently releasing confidential IAAD information, I doubt if
either side will ever change their opinions on this. And while I might
have an informed personal opinion, I still don't have all of the facts.
Nor will this article discuss the morality of the people who leak this
private information, that's a subject for another article (people leak
information for many reasons). No, this article is about 'right of pri-
vacy' and how we define that term.
No one denies the individual's right to privacy but just like any other
'right' there are also limitations. We have the right to free speech,
but we don't have the right to yell "Fire!" in a crowded theater. We
have the right to a free press but there are times when that right must
be subordinate to other rights and/or the nations interests.
The same goes for the right to individual privacy. No one cares what
color underwear a person wears, how often they change it, or how often
they belch. If they get together with other people with similar inter-
ests, that's also okay. But people don't have the right to get together
and plot a bank robbery, or interfere with the civil rights of others,
or to libel people not in their group. When these types of actions oc-
cur, the individual's right to privacy becomes secondary to the pub-
lic's right to know and its protection.
Also, it has long been established that public figures, politicians,
and businesses (among others) lose some of their rights to privacy by
just being who they are and who they can effect (I can say that trees
cause pollution and people will ignore me, if Jane Fonda says the same
thing, the next day there will be a crowd of people cutting down those
nasty polluting trees.) Most, if not all, of the IAAD members fall in-
to that last category - BUSINESSES. Some might be sole-owner, some
might be partnerships and some might be corporations, but in the end,
they are still the same - businesses.
But while businesses might have fewer rights to privacy than an indivi-
dual, they still have some. I don't think any of us mind them getting
together and discussing programming tips and ideas, how to market their
products, how to do credit-cards, etc. And if they want to talk about
their new cars, children, favorite tv shows - that too is their right -
and should be private. Even when they discuss what type of Mac or PC
is the best to buy for their family and/or friends, that is still their
private business.
The problem comes when they go beyond these 'private' discussions. A
developer recently told me that it's none of the public's business what
goes on in their private IAAD Cat. I have to say he's wrong.
When one developer takes another developer to task (in the IAAD area)
for telling the truth in public (about what he thinks about Atari and
the Atari market) and the second developer says, "You are right, from
now on I'll say what I really think here and won't talk negatively
about Atari or the Atari market in public", (translation "we need every
sale we can get and if the public knows the truth, they might not buy
our software.) I think that is information the public has the right to
know.
When developers (in the IAAD area) are talking about how bad the Atari
market is, that's one thing. But when they also say the market is dead
and has almost no hope of revival - but are saying something just the
opposite in public and ridiculing anyone who says the same basic thing
(translation "we can't let the public know that we think the market is
dead, they might not buy our software") I think this is information
the public has the right to know.
Or if a developer says, "If I can't get this project out the door real
soon, I'm just going to declare bankruptcy and move to Australia" (and
means what he's saying), I think the public has the right to know. What
about the 'rights' of the 100's of people who have given the developer
tens of thousands of dollars in deposits?
Yes, developers have the right to 'talk shop' among themselves or even
gossip about each other but when they start talking about non-IAAD mem-
bers - people who can't defend themselves, or even be told what's being
said about him (that would break the "code of silence" and subject the
"leaker" to expulsion) - I feel they have lost their 'right' and the
public, or at least the individual under discussion, has the right to
know. And when some of these statements could potentially be libelous
(I'm not a lawyer), the public/individual also has a right to that in-
formation.
I know, the members of the IAAD are going to say that type of talk does
not happen in their Cat. But Bill Rehbock of Atari recently took them
to task for just that very thing (I think some of the members calling
him a "Butt head" might have upset him)...
"I do have to seriously wonder how some of the IAAD members can
have the conscience to throw stones at Ralph when it appears as
though the same sort of rumor-mongering seems to be standard
operating procedure in the IAAD category. (I am in no way, shape
or form condoning Ralph's existence, btw :-) The difference,
however, is that a comment like, "I don't think he got it" can be
made by Dorothy, definitely altering the attitudes of many people,
without my knowing it or my being able to rebut the statement.
Whats more, because of the "oath of silence" surrounding membership
to the IAAD, developers pretty much can't come to me and say,
"Bill, [so-and-so] said that you said all developers don't bathe;
is this true?" Libelous statements can be made on a daily basis
without my knowledge and can adversely affect the health of the
development community. False statements about Atari's business
dealings can be made that affect business decisions of developers."
Just as their statements can adversely effect Atari, similar statements
about other non-IAAD individuals can also adversely effect those indi-
viduals. IMO, if some non-IAAD individuals knew what had been said ab-
out them in the "private area", these individuals would have a very
different view of "the right to privacy" than the IAAD members do.
Yes, the IAAD members do have a right to privacy, but at the same time
they have to remember that with every right comes a responsibility. If
they would take that responsibility as seriously as they do enforcing
their 'code of silence' they would not have to worry about leaks. Who
wants to read 4 megs of IAAD posts about real developer stuff - except
another developer?
If I have the time, next week I will talk about the right of 'innocent
until proven guilty' and how at least one developer feels "I don't care
if he is innocent, my business comes first" (paraphrased - the develo-
per doesn't want to be quoted). I find it interesting that "the right
to privacy" is sacred to this developer but the right of "innocent un-
til proven guilty" - one of the most basic rights upon which this coun-
try was founded - isn't as important.
In closing, remember, an editorial is only one person's opinion - in
this case, my opinion. STReport is always glad to print opinions that
differ with its own (just keep them polite and legal <g>).
_________________________________________________________
> WARP 9 UPDATE! STR Infofile
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
For immediate release
CodeHeadQuarters
Friday, September 17, 1993
--------------------------
.....................................................
: :
: CodeHead Technologies announces Warp 9 3.80 :
: :
: Including Extend-O-Pak :
: :
:...................................................:
The long-awaited upgrade to Warp 9 is here!
Feature List
--------------
o Fully compatible with the Falcon 030 computer.
o Fully compatible with SpeedoGDOS.
o Seven completely new Extend-O-Save modules!
o Seven of the previously-released modules have been enhanced, adding
Falcon compatibility and new features, such as Alternate Screen, Test
mode, Falcon "true color" support, and more.
o A newly-designed Warp 9 Control Panel provides easier access to all
options and allows you to configure which page of features will appear
upon the opening of the accessory.
o A new program, Extend-O-View, runs as an application for Extend-O-Save
modules so that you can simply double-click on modules to load and view
them! Or install Extend-O-Save modules right in your HotWire menu to
select them with a single keypress or mouse click.
o A new accessory, EOS Timer, handles a new generation of Extend-O-Save
modules which operate through the GEM event system. This allows
modules to do disk access, and make many other types of system calls
previously unavailable to Extend-O-Save modules. The Slide Show module
mentioned below makes use of these new features.
o New MakeFast program provides users of TOS 1.0 and 1.2 a faster bootup
of Warp 9.
o Now comes on two floppy disks containing over 1.3 megabytes worth of
files. Disk two contains 20 Extend-O-Save modules from CodeHead
Technologies and eight modules from other authors.
o Includes a 30-page manual addendum documenting all new features and
Extend-O-Save modules.
New Extend-O-Save Modules
-------------------------
Slide Show - Picture files are displayed in an automatic slide show. The
slide show displays pictures in any of the formats supported by Warp 9,
including beautiful 256-color pictures on the Falcon 030.
Flying Thrones - A take-off on the popular Flying Toasters screensaver
available on other platforms. Flying Thrones includes a separate program
which allows you to load your own images/animations. Due to trademark
restrictions, we can't release a clone of Flying Toasters, but now you
can create your own version.
Rain, Man - Expanding circles appear on the screen, like drops of rain
water hitting the ground.
Things That Go Bump... - The blinking eyes of various creatures randomly
appear and disappear, accompanied by optional night sounds.
Spotlight - A circular section of the screen roams around a dark
background as if a flashlight or searchlight were lighting it.
Filled Shapes - Random shapes with variable number of sides appear
randomly, filled with random fill patterns.
RAM Page - The screen fills with an ASCII representation of the internal
memory of your computer, providing page after page of interesting and
unique screen displays. You might be surprised at what you've got inside
-- and it's not Intel.
Availability
------------
Warp 9 3.80 with Extend-O-Pak is available now. The retail price remains
at $44.95. Owners of previous versions of Warp 9 can upgrade to v3.80
for $25 plus $3 shipping ($4 Canada, $6 overseas). Send us your master
disk and $28 to receive the upgrade. For more information, contact your
local dealer, or:
CodeHead Technologies
PO Box 74090
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Tel (213) 386-5735
Fax (213) 386-5789
BBS (213) 461-2095
____________________________________
> NOVA CARD NEWS! STR InfoFile NOVA SPECS and UPDATE NEWS!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
NOTICE:
SPECIAL NOVA CARD UPDATE
========================
Announcement from Lexicor Software Corp.
----------------------------------------
The NOVA Mega and the NOVA VME 16M now both have the same price of $599.99
U$D.
The price for the SUPERNOVA has not changed and it will cost: $999.99 U$D
The 32K Graphic Card is only available on Special Order and will cost 429
U$D both the Mega and the VME. For these Card's there may be an added
handling Price.
Shipping cost are excluded from these prices.
Technical Specifications
------------------------
NOVA Megabus 16M
----------------
Maximum Frame Rate : 90Mhz
Video RAM : 1 Megabyte
RAMtype : DRAM
Maximum Color's : 16,7 Million Colors (24bit)
Maximum Resolution (>70Hz): 1024x768 in 256 Color's
Maximum Resolution (15bit): 768x512
Maximum Resolution (24bit): 640x400
Virtual Resolution : YES
Automatic REZ Switch : YES
Upgradeable : YES
VDI for 24bit : YES
VMG : YES
HARDWARE Accelerator : NO
NOVA VME 16M
------------
Maximum Frame Rate : 90MHz
Video RAM : 1 Megabyte
RAMtype : DRAM
Maximum Color's : 16,7 Million Colors (24bit)
Maximum Resolution (>70Hz): 1088x832 in 256 Color's
Maximum Resolution (15bit): 800x600
Maximum Resolution (24bit): 640x480
Virtual Resolution : YES
Automatic REZ Switch : YES
Upgradable : YES
VDI for 24bit : YES
VMG : YES
HARDWARE Accelerator : NO
SUPERNOVA
---------
Maximum Frame Rate : 135MHz
Video RAM : 2 Megabytes
RAMType : VRAM
Maximum Color's : 16,7 Million Colors (24bit)
Maximum Resolution (>70Hz): 1280x1024
Maximum Resolution (15bit): 1024x768
Maximum Resolution (24bit): 800x600
Virtual Resolution : YES
Automatic REZ Switch : YES
Upgradable : YES
VDI for 24bit : YES
VMG : YES
HARDWARE Accelerator : YES
For more information check our previous releases on the NOVA Card. The
Virtual Resolution are programmable via the VMG. The VDI of the NOVA has
proven to be very compatible with our Software and many other Software
applications as well.
There is also a NOVA Special disk available soon that has some NOVA
Specific program's on it, including NOVA Mines, the game, and the special
Calamus SL driver that will enable Calamus SL to run in 15/16bit in
15/16bit color mode.
Yat Siu
Lexicor Software Europe
LEXICOR SOFTWARE CORP.
1726 Francisco ST.
Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone 510-848-7621
FAX 510-848-7613
_______________________________________________________________
> QualiType FontHandler STR InfoFile "professional strength"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
QUALITYPE FONTHANDLER
=====================
Announcing QualiType FontHandler: Professional Strength Font Management
for Microsoft Windows
SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
--------------------
QualiType Software offers the long-awaited version 1.0 of QualiType
FontHandler, the first truly "professional strength" font management
program for users of Microsoft Windows v3.1 or later.
FontHandler allows users of TrueType and Adobe Type 1 format fonts to
easily install and uninstall fonts from their system, either individually
or in specialized Font Groups. Both formats may be mixed in the same
group, and FontHandler automatically manages both the WIN.INI and ATM.INI
files.
In addition to basic font management chores, FontHandler includes
facilities for a myriad of other font related functions like renaming
fonts, printing font sample sheets, searching for fonts, and previewing
fonts before or after they are installed. FontHandler's unique "Install
and Run" feature is especially helpful for people who manage many projects
using different fonts.
"My favorite FontHandler feature is Install & Run," says Sandy Garrett, a
FontHandler beta tester. "With all the nifty fonts available cheap, I
still haven't settled on a standard batch, and there's no telling which
assortment I might have used for a particular document. Setting up groups
to install a particular set of fonts and then automatically open my file
saves a lot of time and frustration, not to mention all that nastiness of
switching back and forth between Program Manager."
Other features include compression of uninstalled fonts and the ability to
print any of four styles of font sample sheet. Sample sheets may be
printed individually whether or not the font is installed, or in batch
mode for groups of installed fonts. FontHandler's compression feature
saves fonts into a file format which is 100% compatible with
industry-standard *.LZH compressed archive files. FontHandler can
transparently work with compressed format font files, even off of floppy
disks or other removable media. FontHandler compression is fully
compatible with on-the-fly disk compression systems like Microsoft's
DoubleSpace or Stac Electronics Stacker software.
The FontHandler package also includes a copy of "QualiType Keyboard" a
stand-alone utility program for remapping the Windows keyboard.
QTKeyboard allows you to easily type Windows' extended characters - like
the copyright symbol or foreign-language accented characters - by
user-programmable mnemonic keystrokes. QTKeyboard can also remap any
single key-press to almost any other character and run simple macros of up
to 124 keystrokes.
Published by QualiType Software, a developer of high-quality fonts in
TrueType and Type 1 format for Microsoft Windows, FontHandler is
QualiType's first non-font product in the company's planned line of
Windows utilities and accessory software.
The FontHandler/QTKeyboard package has a suggested list price
of $79.95.
For more information, contact QualiType at:
(313)822-2921 or (800)950-2921 for orders
QualiType Software
29209 Northwestern Highway, Suite #611,
Southfield, MI 48034 USA.
CONTACT : John Colletti or David Mackey, QualiType Software
PHONE : (313)822-2921
FAX : (313)822-2921
COMPUSERVE: 70672,2335
INTERNET : INTERNET:70672.2335@compuserve.com
FontHandler is a trademark of QualiType Software. All other trademarks
are property of their respective owners.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
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 Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
| Welcome to the GEnie - MUG RT
| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| The GEnie - Macintosh Users Group RoundTable
| ============================================
|______________________________________________________________________.
|=[]==================== Tonight in the RTC ===========================|
|""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""|
| MAC HARDWARE RTC w/Nick Passino & "J" 9:45pm EDT in ROOM 2 (605;2) |
| ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Join Nick and J tonight and find out about your Mac |
| computer, hard drives, monitors, printers, and all |
| the hardware that goes into making your computer |
| productive. Bring questions, leave with answers! |
| |
| Hackers' Nite with Jeff Iverson....... 10:30pm EDT in ROOM 1 (480;2) |
| ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Tonight: posting & removing events; mouse, cursor, |
| keyboard; clock; speaker and event related resources. |
|______________________________________________________________________|
| Help Desk - Have a problem with your Mac? Check the HD for answers! |
| ^^^^^^^^^ in RTC from 9pm to 12am EDT in ROOM 1............. (605;2) |
!______________________________________________________________________!
.__________________________________..__________________________________.
|=[]======= Hosted by... ==========[]=== Top 10 Downloads - 08/93 =====|
|""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""||""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""|
| Kent Fillmore ............ DRACO || 1. 29855 GREG'S BUTTONS 3.1.SIT |
| Erik C. Thauvin ....... MACSPECT || 2. 29833 STAR TREK DEMO.SEA |
| David W. Reid .. (Unk) DAVE.REID || 3. 29865 GALACTIC EMPIRE 2.0.SIT |
| Eric Mueller ...... (DLAND.ERIC) || 4. 29824 DOWNER, 1.4.3.SIT |
| ---{ SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS }-- || 5. 29813 COLOR7, 1.1.SIT |
| Education .... (Rob) R.WHITELOCK || 6. 29811 AD TOOTHPASTE.SIT |
| Hardware ...... (Nick) N.PASSINO || 7. 29803 COPYDOUBLER 2.0.1 PATCH |
| Games ......... (Bart) MAC.GAMES || 8. 29827 JURASSIC PARK.GIF.SIT |
| Telecommunity ..... (Kent) DRACO || 9. 29805 CD 2.0.1 PATCHER INFO |
| PowerBooks... (Doc) D.E.JOHNSTON || 10. 29828 FILE BUDDY 1.7.SIT |
| ------{ SOFTWARE LIBRARY }------ || ________________________________ |
| Chief Librarian .... RANDY.SIMON || For COMPLETE info and TIPS on |
| Asst Librarian... (Steve) S.MACK || d'ling be sure to read: item #4 |
| Asst Librarian. (Anne) ANNE-INDA || on p.605, "About The RoundTable" |
!__________________________________!!__________________________________!
.__________________________________..__________________________________.
|=[]===== Weekly RTC Schedule =====||=[]===== Help Desk Schedule ======|
|""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""||""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""|
| (All Times Eastern) || (All Times EDT) |
| || |
| Educational Mac Mon. 9:45pm Rm 3 || Rm 1 Mon-Fri 9:00pm-12:00am |
| Hackers Nite M480;2 10:30pm Rm 1 || Rm 1 Sunday 10:30pm-12:00am |
| About PowerBooks Tue 9:45pm Rm 2 || ________________________________ |
| HyperTalks (M480;2) 10:30pm Rm 1 || To enter the GEnie-MUG RTC |
| Telecommunity Wed 9:45pm Rm 2 || type MOVE 605;2 |
| Macintosh Games Wed 10:30pm Rm 3 |!__________________________________!
| Macintosh H'ware Thr 9:45pm Rm 2 |.__________________________________.
| Hackers Nite M480;2 10:30pm Rm 1 ||=[]==== Online Servant RTC =======|
| Sunday Night Fights 9:00pm Rm 3 ||""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""|
| || Every 2nd Sunday of the month |
| Type M605;2 to enter the RTC || in the MacPRO RTC, page 480;2 |
!__________________________________!!__________________________________!
GEnie-MUG NEWS issue #27 talks about Karl Bunker's latest creation, the
right way to save fonts in a binder (like moonbeams in a jar), Jurassic
Park: The Game(tm), legal paper and other legal options from Apple just
for legal types, babysmash (it's not a cocktail), NuBUS slots, and
processor direct slots. I'm getting excited, just typing about it, and you
can be excited, too, by picking option #5 on the next menu!
/--------------------------------------------------------------------\
| * GEnie-MUG NEWS * for the week of 9/13/93 - issue 27 |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| What's Hot and Happening This Week In GEnie's Macintosh User Group |
\--------------------------------------------------------------------/
GEnie-MUG News Editor: Eric Mueller (DLAND.ERIC)
entire contents copyright 1993 by Eric C. Mueller
WELCOME to the GEnie-MUG RoundTable newsletter! This quick bulletin gives
you an idea of what's cooking in the GEnie Macintosh User Group
(GEnie-MUG). I'm Eric Mueller, and I write this file every week so that
you can find the action in GEnie-MUG: the latest controversy in the
bulletin board, the hottest files in the library, and the hippest chats in
the RTC rooms. I'm always interested in your comments on this file, and
would love to hear them.
If you're new to GEnie or GEnie-MUG, you can read about GEnie-MUG
(including information on what GEnie-MUG has to offer and the layout of
the system) by typing "M 605;4". Additionally, the GEnie-MUG help desk (a
live hotline) is available six days a week, in the Chat Lines (type "M
400;4" then choose channel 3) and in the GEnie-MUG RTC (type "M 605;2"
then choose room 1). For more information and a schedule of times, type "M
605;4".
FONTS BUILDING UP, like plaque on teeth, or mildew on the tile? Forgetting
how they all look? GEnie-MUGgers who use a lot of fonts, and even those
who don't but have access to a lot of fonts, know what it can be like when
you have 100 fonts at your fingertips: which ones are best for this job?
Which are script fonts, which are block fonts? There's different ways of
storing fonts and different ways of keeping them together. Some people
prefer a "typebook" approach, containing the same text sample in every
different font; others prefer a "scrapbook," with different specimens of
each font in its 'native use.' GEnie-MUGgers Dan Robinson (a font type
from way back) and Ramon Castaneda (another font type) discuss the best
way to archive paper samples of typefaces in category 2 ("SOFTWARE: Daily
Business"), topic 5, messages 67 through the end of the topic.
FIRST THE MOVIE, THEN THE MERCHANDISING, AND NOW THE MACINTOSH game...
that's right, it's Jurassic Park, the Mac game! You are the intelligent
Raptor, trying to defeat your opponent, the vicious T-rex, and take over
the park--- and then the world. Your opponent may use the poisonous spit
of the dilophosaurus to destroy all the animals in an entire section of
the park. The game has three levels of "fascinating strategic play" and
an animated ending. Excited? You're not the only one... or maybe you are.
In any case, check out file #30003 (yeah, over 30,000!) in the GEnie-MUG
libraries and enjoy(tm)! (To visit the GEnie-MUG libraries, type "m605;3"
and then "6" to download a file.)
THOSE NEW AV MACHINES are awfully sexy. Have you seen them? They feature
full sound and video digitizing capabilities, built in to the machine, and
also have monitors with stereo speakers and a microphone! The machines
aren't all cherries and whipped cream, though; some GEnie-MUGgers have
reported (admittedly minor) problems with their AVs. Interested? Curious?
Or just playing along because you're bored? Any of those reasons are good
ones to see category 23 ("MACINTOSH: Quadras & Centris"), topic 7 ("Quadra
840AV and Centris 660AV"), messages 36 to the end.
ARE YOU A LAWYER OR LAWYER WANNA-BE? I'm so very, truly sorry. But, if
you're willing to admit that you are part of the legal profession with a
straight face and a strong will, then you should check out Apple's "Legal
Solutions Guide," a list of Macintosh products and Mac-related products
that are of interest to the legal community. My favorite is the Sue-Proof
Laser Printer, which is also guaranteed not to print invoices for less
than $200. Remarkable, isn't it? All this and more, in file #30009.
"BABYSMASH" ISN'T THE NAME of a new rock band or even the name of a kind
of perverted sickness that harried babysitters can get, but rather, the
name of a new Macintosh game written specifically with the under
represented 0-to-5-year-old set in mind. The game simply displays random
shapes and plays random sounds, "when your kid smashes on the keyboard. I
know it sounds really stupid, and I'll admit it's my first real Mac
program, but it's surprisingly catchy to those under the age of 5," says
the author. I know I'm interested--- so I'm going to run down to the
GEnie-MUG libraries and download file #30040 right now.
NuBUS SLOTS AND PROCESSOR DIRECT SLOTS are something of an enigma to many
Mac owners---what are they good for? Who really uses them? Does it have
anything to do with fluoridation of drinking water? GEnie-MUGger Allen
Barnella was wondering all this (mostly), and more, when he started
category 28 ("MACINTOSH: General Hardware questions"), topic 14 ("NuBus or
PDS Slots"). Turns out that those slots aren't necessarily good for
hooking up another hard drive (that's when your SCSI port comes into
play), but they're fabulous for memory expansion, video digitizers, and
neat-o stuff like that. Tune in and find out what your Mac's cavity could
be filled with.
ALWAYS FORGETTING TO BACK UP your hard disk? It's a common problem in
today's hustle-bustle Macintosh community, and it's time to stop using
that as an excuse. With Backup Reminder, a new utility from Karl Bunker
(of---yes!--Dogpaw fame), you will be reminded at a selected interval
(from 2 to 14 days) that it's time for your backup to start! The only
requirements are that you're running System 7, that you "don't have a
fancy, automatic, runs-in-the-background, "you never have to think about
it" hard disk backup system," and that you start your Mac daily (more or
less) rather than leaving it on all the time. Backup Reminder is small,
simple, and smart, my three favorite things in any application. Check it
out: it's file #30068 in the GEnie-MUG libraries, and it's awaiting your
download right now.
THAT'S ALL for this week. Until next week, continue to be free ('cause you
just gotta be...) with Macintosh!
_____________________________________________________________
> TRAPWISE 2.0 STR InfoFile ...for the Apple Macintosh
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
TRAPWISE 2.0
FOR
THE MACINTOSH
BIRMINGHAM, U.K., September 7, 1993-Aldus Corporation today introduced
Aldus TrapWise 2.0 for the Apple Macintosh, a new version of its
electronic trapping software that will build upon and extend the
technology of TrapWise 1.0 for Windows. The announcement was made at the
IPEX '93 show.
TrapWise 2.0 for the Macintosh will have several new prepress controls,
including image trapping, color-separation capabilities, batch processing,
and the ability to trap up to 16 colors at once. It will trap not only
single-page EPS files that conform to Adobe's color conventions, but also
multipage PostScript files that conform to the Adobe Document Structuring
Convention (DSC) 3.0. Users will also be able to launch Aldus PressWise
2.0 directly from TrapWise to automate the imposition phase of the
prepress process.
"The development of TrapWise for the Macintosh continues our commitment to
the electronic prepress market, which is strategically important to the
industry and to Aldus' future as a leader in publishing software," said
Eric Bean, Aldus prepress program manager. "This version will have the
same popular features as its Windows counterpart, plus significant new
features suggested by customers."
The case for TrapWise
---------------------
In multicolor printing, two or more layers of ink must be laid onto a
sheet of paper and precisely aligned so that the colors abut properly.
Often, however, slight misregistration occurs on the press, and small gaps
can appear between objects. Prepress operators compensate for these
potential gaps by trapping adjacent objects-that is, by adjusting their
edges until they overlap slightly.
Quality trapping has always been achievable on traditionally produced
jobs. Electronically produced files, however, are particularly difficult
to trap with traditional methods, for they often contain very thin
elements, many graduated fills, and hundreds of PostScript objects.
Software such as Aldus TrapWise helps professionals produce the precise
traps required for these electronically generated pages.
What's new in TrapWise 2.0
--------------------------
TrapWise 2.0 for the Macintosh will offer many new features to improve
operators' productivity. Users will be able to both trap and output color
separations directly from TrapWise, thereby speeding up their prepress
cycle. New batch-processing tools will allow them to group multiple jobs
(with or without similar trapping parameters), and process them
unattended. The program's ability to trap up to 16 colors at once (four
process-color inks plus twelve spot) will help prepress operators make
their documents press-perfect in minutes rather than hours. And operators
will be able to smoothly trap the perimeter of continuous-tone images, as
well as objects within images.
Like the Windows version, Aldus TrapWise for the Macintosh will accept
conforming files from any platform, such as Macintosh, Windows, or UNIX.
It will extend this support, however, to include both single-page and
multipage files that conform to the appropriate PostScript conventions.
Applications that can produce these files include Aldus PageMaker 4.x and
5.0, Aldus FreeHand, QuarkXPress, and Adobe Illustrator. Once a file is
processed, users will be able to output the resulting PostScript pages to
any PostScript-compatible imagesetter, platesetter, printing press, or
other device.
Other standard features
-----------------------
In addition to the new features mentioned above, the Macintosh version of
TrapWise will have all the features of its Windows counterpart. It will,
for example, produce precise traps for process- and spot-color jobs, and
handle complex trapping situations easily, including graduated fills,
small text, and multicolor intersections.
TrapWise's controls let operators apply their professional knowledge to
the traps. Users can define "keep away" rules so that black support layers
are properly hidden; define unlimited, rectangular "trap zones" to refine
and control variables in a particular area; apply ink-by-ink controls for
spot colors and overprinting; and treat spot-color inks as their
process-color equivalents for trapping purposes. In addition, they can
define a minimum color contrast to control when TrapWise will create a
trap; specify the percentage of black ink that TrapWise will consider to
be true "black"; and reduce a trap's color based on percentages of
component inks.
Pricing and availability
------------------------
Aldus TrapWise 2.0 for the Macintosh will be available worldwide in the
fourth quarter of 1993 for a suggested retail price of $4,995 (U.S.).
Customers will be able to purchase it from graphic arts resellers,
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of high-resolution output devices,
and directly from Aldus. Registered owners of Aldus TrapWise 1.0 for
Windows will be able to buy TrapWise 2.0 for the Macintosh for $1,000
(U.S.) in the United States and Canada.
System requirements
-------------------
The recommended configuration for TrapWise 2.0 will be a Macintosh Quadra
series computer, 16MB of RAM, a 200MB hard drive, an 8-bit color monitor,
and System 7 or later. A PostScript-compatible output device is required.
Aldus Corporation (NASDAQ:ALDC) creates computer software solutions that
help people throughout the world effectively communicate information and
ideas. The company focuses on three lines of business: applications for
the professional publishing and prepress markets; applications for the
general consumer market; and service and support programs for professional
end-users. Aldus has subsidiaries in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim
serving a worldwide network of dealers and distributors.
Aldus, the Aldus logo, PageMaker, and Aldus FreeHand are registered
trademarks and PressWise and TrapWise are trademarks of Aldus Corporation.
Other product and corporate names may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of other companies, and are used only for explanation and to
the owners' benefit, without intent to infringe.
_____________________________________________________
> NE DEVELOPER WOES! STR FOCUS Of Glass Houses & Throwing Stones
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
NE DEVELOPER BESIEGED BY DEPOSITIONS, POSSIBLE LAWSUITS
AND POSSIBLE CRIMINAL ACTION
A few weeks ago we presented the following;
Reports are rapidly filtering in about a NE developer of custom hardware
accelerator cards having more to do with lawyers than he cares to. Seems
there is a group in the NW USA in hot pursuit of this developer to the
tune of $25,500 plus interest. The group claims the developer received
the funds for a specific job to be done under contract. The group claims
nothing was ever done in relation to the contracted project the money was
paid for. Further it was rumored, the money had been spent on unrelated
projects.
In a another matter, during a recent deposition, taking place in
Springfield, N.J., a signed contract was produced by the defendant's
attorney while the developer (witness for plaintiff) was busy stating
"there was no signed contract". Additionally, it was indicated there were
another thirty one irregularities discovered in the developer's "sworn"
deposition.
Further in another, totally different and separate action, it appears a
group of users have banded together in hopes of bringing suit to recover
funds deposited with this very same developer for product the users claim
they've waited over a year for. Allegedly, there are well over one
hundred users who have come forward and claimed they are involved at
approximately three hundred dollars each. Reportedly, this action is
reaching all the way into Canada, thus becoming international in its
scope.
\\\***///
Subsequently, further stories are trickling in about the possibility of
criminal proceedings and that certain law enforcement agencies may be
looking into the merit of filing in this matter.. Apparently, the
investigation is not complete and nothing has been filed at this time.
STReport will keep you informed as further developments occur.
This week, STR received this FAX from the President of Application
Specific Computer Corporation;
Gene Mosher Tue Sep 14, 1993 5:18 AM Page 1 of 1
A NE hardware developer was paid 85% of a $30,000.00 signed contract in
May of 1993 by Application Specific Computer Corp. to design a computer
for our corporation. He agreed to complete the design in four weeks. As
of today, Sept. 14, 1993, he has provided absolutely no evidence to our
company that he has even started the design of the computer which is the
subject of the signed contract.
During April and May of this year, the developer made dozens of phone
calls to me and to other stockholders of ASCC, whining and pleading for
money with which to pay off $12,500 in credit card bills and design a
computer for our company. He state that all of his credit cards had been
cancelled, except for one, and that he had borrowed money from his
eighteen year old brother to pay his phone bill. During this time the
developer talked about his dream to design accelerators for Apple
computers with which to earn royalties of $60,000.00 to $80,000.00 per
month!
Upon receipt of 85% of the agreed amount, on May 28, the developer changed
the message on his phone answering machine to state; "The ____ ____ Boards
are DONE, and we are preparing to ship them." The developer made an
appearance at the MAC Expo in Boston in August, displaying a 68040 50 Mhz
accelerator for the MacIntosh. I cannot but suspect the funds ASCC Corp.
paid to the developer for our design were subverted, and used to develop
this MacIntosh product and that no measurable work was done on ASCC's
computer during the period from May 28 even to today.
I have been informed that the developer has informed one of our
shareholders that he is bound by legal agreements of nondisclosure with
Motorola, Intel and other third parties to not send ASCC's design to our
company. He further states its because it contains "unreleased technical
information" for which he has signed non-disclosure agreements in effect,
and which we both as officers and as shareholders (!) have not yet signed.
Our company has not, as of yet, received copies of these purported non
disclosure agreements and the request of one of our shareholders that the
developer provide the names of the developer's attorney along with the
contact persons in the legal departments of Motorola, Intel and even the
identities of these other third parties has not been responded to by the
developer. Pending receipt of this information and our verification of
it, it is my opinion that the developer's assertion of being required to
sign such agreements to be able to design a 68030 computer is a bold-faced
lie. I categorically doubt he has been sworn to secrecy... more certain
is it that he knows he cannot unilaterally declare the design we paid for
to be unfit for public discussion, review and analysis, he is attempting
to pass to our company a lie that he has been sworn to secrecy by the
legal departments of these named and un-named companies.
I have also been informed the developer has asserted our company's
computer is 80% designed, but he will not release it to us unless, among
other things, our company's officers and shareholders (!!!) agree in
writing to a series of new, unilateral demands. Among these is a demand
that our corporation and each of its shareholders consent in writing to
the developer's demand that the design we paid for be declared
"confidential" and that absolutely no communications involving the design
we have purchased or the developer's relationship with our corporation
take place between our corporation and its shareholders on the one hand,
Ralph Mariano, George Richardson, Dave Small or his wife Sandy on the
other!!!
I am now told the developer further demands a new contract be signed which
includes a new clause that states that if any information regarding his
relationship with our corporation is revealed to any of these four, the
developer will thereby be allowed, without delivering any part of the
design to our company, to unilaterally declare his obligation to fulfill
the design contract will be fully completed and he will have no further
legal obligations to ASCC of any kind nor would he be obligated to return
any of the monies paid to him by ASCC!
I am further informed the developer's new, unilaterally amended contract,
would also prohibit our corporation and its shareholders from even talking
with ANYONE either about our company's relationship with him or about our
company's experience with him! It would further prohibit disclosing any
information about the design we have already purchased except with ASCC
shareholders who have also returned signed agreements to the developer
which swear them to secrecy!! This would easily be the world's most
secret 68030 computer, designed by the world's most non-disclosed person,
for the world's most sworn to confidence stockholders!
At best self serving intimidation - At worst, blackmail and extortion.
The developer demands that unless our corporation AND its shareholders
provide him with the darkness of secrecy that he maintains is REQUIRED by
the lawyers at Motorola, Intel and other un-named third parties, he will
not release the design to our corporation which we paid for in May. In
April and May, before he had our money, he was an obliging, friendly,
assuring fellow, but since the money has been paid, he has essentially
refused to answer our messages left on his answering machine and delivered
no results of the work we paid for to our company. Nor has he provided
any written explanation to our company whatsoever. Lots of ASSURANCES,
though.
It is my understanding that the developer recently testified under oath
that no timeline nor written agreement existed relative to a design
project with our company, but thereupon when confronted with a copy of the
agreement he signed which contains a timeline, the developer changed his
testimony and admitted that he had indeed signed a document with our
company and that it did contain a timeline for completion of certain
specific phases.
Our company has contacted an attorney who has a long standing familiarity
with the developer and we have been advised that the developer's behavior
toward our company is neither new nor unique. The developer may have our
money for now, but he will not have our acquiescence to his attempts to
throw the story of our company's paid-up-front funds and his real soon now
never arriving design into a black hole of phoney confidentiality and
preposterous non-disclosure agreements from un-named companies and legal
personalities. To all who have read this developer's public comments
about being to sure to get the money up front, to all at ASCC who have
read his demands to receive all of his money up front, to all who have
been enticed to send the developer advance payment for a product which,
after a year and a half, is still not shipping, surely there are lessons
here. Among one lesson is clear ...no more money up front, or in advance
for someone who will not or cannot deliver the goods.
Gene Mosher,
President, ASCC
Further, this message appeared in the FNET on the 10th of Sep.
==========================================================================
Packet: Node
Date: 09-10-93 (02:00) Number:
From: GENE MOSHER Refer#: NONE
To: ALL Recvd: YES
Subj: .. Conf: ST Corner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
If anyone is thinking about sending Jim Allen, aka Fast Technology, any
money, I'd like to hear from you.
503-344-7990.
*Origin: Fnet Node 168, C.C.B.B.S. - Bridgeton, N.J.
Editor Note:
------------
The time has come to ask a few questions about this IAAD VOTING BOARD
MEMBER and his business activities. This reporter is lead to believe he
plans on attending the upcoming Glendale Faire and allegedly, take more
orders for his, yet to be delivered, TinyTurbo accelerator products!
To wit;
MARCH 1992
Category 4, Topic 11
Message 2 Tue Mar 10, 1992
J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 23:56 EST
Finally.......
FAST TECHNOLOGY proudly announces.....
TinyTURBO030
TinyTurbo030 is our entry level 68030 based accelerator for the Atari
ST and STE computer line. There are two versions, one for the ST, the STE
(including MegaSTE). They are identical in function and feature, differing
only in physical layout.
The TinyTurbo030 has the following features:
* Motorola's advanced "030" running at 40Mhz!!!!
* a spot for an optional 68882 FPU chip running at 60Mhz!!!
* Onboard 8Mhz 68000 chip for _100%_ compatibility, hard/software
* The most compact 030 accelerator design available anywhere
* Fits all models of the ST and STE line, even the STacy
* Optional Virtual Memory software for up to 128Megabytes of "ram"
* Super fast static ram cache design to speed up program AND video!!
* Makes your ST or STE up to 6 TIMES faster in real world use
* Equipped with Atari's new TOS 2.06, with some further enhancements!!
* Bundled with CodeHead Technology's QuickST acceleration software
* Specially designed to support and speedup Mega ST/VME video boards
* Fully BLiTTER chip compatible, works with them all!!!
* No auxiliary or replacement power supply needed!!!!
* Only 3.5" by 2.5", fits in the palm of your hand!!!
Fast Technology has been honing this design to perfection for a full
year now, we have numerous beta test sites and customers around the world,
so TinyTurbo030 customers are assured of solid performance and a no-hassle
installation and above all a _very_ high degree of compatibility in 030
mode, and total compatibility in 68000 mode. When you buy a TinyTurbo030
you are buying a proven design from the Atari accelerator design!!!
The 68000 onboard the TinyTurbo030 lets the user boot up as a stock
machine, able to run any software, or use any peripheral which isn't
compatible with an 030 chip...simply at the flip of a switch!! The 68000
may lso be set to boot off your original TOS roms, just in case TOS 206
compatibility is in doubt.
The 030 is running at a minimum of 40Mhz, when the final printed
circuit boards are here, we'll decide on 40...42...46......
The Virtual Memory option is a sneaky software way of making your
system "think" it has lots more than the standard 4Megabytes of ram ST/STE
computers are capable of. This does require you to have 4 Megabytes of
real ram in your ST/STE, but for those who need ooooodles of memory,
that's no big deal. The Virtual Memory option also includes an upgrade to
the 50Mhz 030 chip and perhaps a bit high clock speed ;-)
There is a spot for a 68882 math coprocessor. We say "spot" because
due to height restrictions a socket is not possible in most ST/STE
systems. Here at Fast Technology we have the ability to install and
remove PGA chips easily, so being soldered in is not a problem. We use the
PGA...pin grid array...package because that's the only one the 50Mhz 882
chip is available in. We've been using 50Mhz 882's at 60-75Mhz for months
without a single failure. The temperature range that desktop ST/STE
computers live at is low enough to allow this.
The TinyTurbo030 has been tested with Moniterm, ISAC, Matrix, Crazy
Dots, and a few other obscure video addon boards. When you dive into the
world of serious DTP and CAD work, and have invested in a big screen
setup, you REALLY
The basic design of the TinyTurbo030 is similar to that of the now
"World Famous" Turbo25. A small super highspeed static ram cache combined
with a very fast 030 processor produces a very healthy speed increase in a
Tiny package. Combining the proven design of the Turbo25, with the
tremendous speed of the 030 chip seemed a natural, and the TinyTurbo030
was born.
Using Atari's TOS 2.06 the TinyTurbo030 brings you the latest and
greatest of Atari's operating systems. This new OS has been enhanced and
made immune to speed, your system will feel like it was designed from
scratch, custom, just for you!! We've added some nice features too, like a
user settable boot delay, and other "goodies".
How fast is it? Take a look...
QINDEX 2.2, MegaST4, Blitter on, ST high resolution, QuickSTE(TT)
speed comparison versus Tos 1.4
Test TinyTurbo030 AtariTT
---- ------------ -------
Memory 497 812
Register 1024 827
Divide 1268 1024
Shift 4457 3661
Text 1032 894
String 5121 4756
Scroll 158 426
Draw 1508 1003
Tos 2.06 3.06
Mhz 40 32
Dynacadd 3D Cup 43seconds 50seconds
In real world use, like CalamusSL, the TinyTurbo030 is without
question faster than a fast ram equipped TT, just ask a Tiny user!!
How much does it cost?
The TinyTurbo030 has a list price of $999.00 US, compared to other
accelerators of similar speed on other platforms, like the Amiga and Mac,
this is a very reasonable price. But wait....
For a limited time only...till April 30th, 1992...the TinyTurbo030
introductory price is $599 !!!! Yes, only $599 will get upgrade your
ST/STE to the latest technology, with a massive speed increase, the new
Atari TOS, and still allow you to maintain total compatibility with your
favorite oldies!!!
The only requirement to lock in this price is that we receive your
deposit for 50%...$300...before April 30th. The other 50% due when your
TinyTurbo030 is shipped.
The FPU option is $299 ($50 deposit) and the Virtual Memory option is
also $299($50 deposit). Include with your order a COMPLETE description or
your system, and your option choices if any.
------------
As the months slowly drag by....
March '92 - April '92 - May '92 - June '92 - July '92 - August '92
September '92 - October '92 - November '92 - December '92 - January '93
February '93 - March '93 - April '93 - May '93 - June '93 - July '93
AUGUST - 1993
-------------
#: 31794 S17/DMC Publishing (CTSY cis)
15-Aug-93 17:05:24
Sb: #31779-Turbo020
Fm: Nathan @ DMC Publishing 76004,2246
To: Pierre Deschenes 71563,206 (X)
I contacted Jim Allen at Fast Technology regarding your interest in an
accelerator board for your Atari. He says:
------
In answer to the inquiry of the person on CIS, the Tiny030-STE will
work in his 1040STE. It comes with TOS 2.06, so it would be best not to
buy that seperately. It is made in two versions, 40Mhz and 50Mhz, which
cost $599 and $699 respectively. He may purchase one in a couple of weeks,
once the dust settles on the pre-ordered units. That should do it.
------
Jim hasn't yet shipped his new TinyTurbo accelerators. He expects to do so
shortly.
Thank you for your interest.
Sincerely
Nathan @ DMC
SEPTEMBER - 1993
----------------
#: 43159 S14/ST REPORT
15-Sep-93 16:58:48
Sb: #43146-#Fast Tech WOES!
Fm: Nathan @ DMC Publishing 76004,2246
To: LLOYD PULLEY 72637,745 (X)
There you go, putting words in Ralph's mouth again Lloyd. ;-)
If you are referring to the TinyTurbo boards, they have not yet started
shipping. No TinyTurbo boards will be available for general sale until
ALL backorders have been filled, of course.
Sincerely
Nathan Potechin - DMC Publishing
Nathan Potechin, who seemingly is never at a loss for a snide remark
or two, of DMC/ISD is the Canadian representative for Fast Technology, Jim
Allen's Andover MA. firm. Apparently, he is a spokesperson for Fast Tech
in addition to being a foreign representative for them too. He is also
"the Nathan" of the INFAMOUS NATHAN & DARLAH SHOW of the STRT.
We are also informed of; "there being a firm in Tennessee who
apparently has a Fast Tech "prototype" Mega ST system where its alleged
the mega computer itself belongs to one user from Sunnyvale, the board
inside belongs to another user from Baltimore...." etc.. One can't help
but wonder if the owners of the equipment are aware of its being out on
"permanent loan".
To add insult to injury, we were informed; "the Tn folks are not
going to return the "display unit" at this time.... or, possibly not at
all." The horror stories seemingly are becoming more abundant as each
week goes by. We are also apprised that Fast Tech is reportedly planning
on attending a computer show in Glendale California where their "products"
are anticipated to be on display and more orders are foreseen being taken.
CAVEAT EMPTOR!
__________________________________________________________
> OREGON RESEARCH NEWS! STR InfoFile
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
OREGON RESEARCH NEW PRODUCTS!
=============================
Continuing our commitment to bringing the highest quality software to the
Atari ST/TT/Falcon030 line of computers, Oregon Research is pleased to
announce the following new products:
P.F.M.+
-------
P
ersonal Finance Manager Plus is the perfect solution for home and small
business finance and accounting needs. An easy to use, mouse driven,
multiple windowed interface give you access to multiple accounts, budgets,
reports, and graphs. Automate your personal or small business accounting
with standing entries posted to multiple accounts and review you financial
progress with budget and spending trend analysis. Compatible with all
Atari Computers including TT and Falcon030. Retail price: $69.95
CALC-3D
-------
3D Calc is a true 3-dimensional spreadsheet with an integrated editor and
programming language, graphics and extended statistical functions.
Features include: 3D spreadsheets - 13 pages x 2048 rows x 256 columns, 3
spreadsheets open simultaneously; up to 3 windows per spreadsheet; works
in mono or color and supports all ST,TT, Falcon resolutions; full version
requires 1MB of memory but includes reduced half-meg version; graphics
module includes bar and line diagrams, pie chart, multiple bar and line
graphs, stacked bar graphs, function graph; enhanced statistical analysis
including averages and distribution parameters, scatter diagram with
best-fitting curve, regression and correlation, and many more; easy-to-use
GEM interface; reads ASCII and Lotus 1-2-3 files; Compatible with all
Atari computers including TT and Falcon030. Retail Price $54.95
Quartet
-------
Quartet is a 4-voice music composition and sound sample sequencer for the
Atari. It can run on any Atari ST or TT and does not require any special
hardware. Compose music on four scrolling staves by mouse input or playing
on a MIDI instrument. Choose from over 100 instruments and sounds included
with Quartet, or import your own from the Replay 16 or Stereo Replay sound
samplers (sold separately). Up to 20 instruments can be used in a piece of
music. Play back through your television, monitor, Replay 16 or Stereo
Replay's sound sampling cartridge. Digital processing is available for
manipulating samples. Routines are included for playing songs from GFA or
Hi-Soft BASIC 2, C, or assembler. Retail Price: $79.95
Replay 16
---------
The first low cost 16-bit sound sampler for the Atari ST. The hardware
cartridge contains 16-bit Analog to Digital, and Digital to Analog
converters. The system can record from any suitable sound source such as
CD player or any 'AUX' or 'Line" level signal source through the stereo
phono inputs. Stereo phono outputs are provided for playback to an
amplifier of mixer. The Replay 16 Editor software is fully desktop and
window-oriented, allowing samples to be loaded and edited separately. The
editor contains many sophisticated editing and effects commands as well as
a sample track sequencer, and MIDI sample dump. Drumbeat 16, included, is
a fully configurable sample-based drum machine. MidiPlay 16, also
included, transforms your ST into a flexible multivoice MIDI keyboard
emulator. Samples can be assigned to any individual note or range of notes
in a 9 octave range. Replay 16 is fully compatible with Breakthru
software. Retail Price: $249.95
Stereo Replay
-------------
High quality stereo sound sampler and output cartridge for the Atari ST
range of computers. Record in high-quality stereo from twin phono input
sockets. Twin phono outputs provide the user of a standard ST, STF, STFM,
or Mega computer with high-quality stereo output. Atari 1040STE, Mega STE,
and TT users may play samples through the stereo outputs in their
computers. Included is the advanced Stereo Editor software, allowing the
user to load 8, 12, or even 16-bit samples in mono or stereo formats, and
freely convert between them. Sample translations are handled
automatically, allowing effortless cut-and-paste between sample types.
Powerful editing functions include looping and cross-fading, as well as
effects. The Stereo Beat program allows "kits" of samples to be loaded and
sequenced, and responds to MIDI start, stop, and sync commands. Includes
routines for playing samples from assembler, or high-level languages.
Retail Price: $169.95
Stereo Master
-------------
A low cost, high quality, 8 bit stereo sound sampler. The sampler
cartridge plugs into the cartridge port and allows you to sample and
analyze sounds input from any stereo source such as CD players, modify the
way they sound with real time effects, or save them to disk. With powerful
editing software, Stereo Master provides all of the power and flexibility
you would expect in a professional audio editing suite.
Retail Price: $79.95
VideoMaster
-----------
Integrated personal multimedia Video and Audio sampler for the Atari ST.
Digitize monochrome, grey scale or color images at up to 30 frames per
second and combine them with sound from the integrated sound sampler. Easy
to use editing and video sequencing software allows the easy creation of
your personal video movies complete with sound. For all Atari ST,STe, and
TT computers. Retail Price: $139.95
Sequencer One
-------------
A high quality low price MIDI sequencer that's ideal for the beginner or
semi-professional user. Full MIDI capabilities with support for four
channel sample replay through the computer's own sound output (in stereo
where supported). Sample replay can be done at the same time as playing
MIDI instruments. Step time entry over MIDI or from computer. 32 tracks.
Track and cue sheet screen. Individual note editing screen. Music
arrangement page. Powerful global editing options (e.g.; quantize to
correct timing). Retail Price: $39.95
Sequencer One Plus
------------------
All the features of Sequencer One, plus many more! Includes revolutionary
Diamond Drag note editing system ("...by far the easiest grid edit system
I've seen..." --Ian Waugh, Music Technology review). Unique juke box page
allows up to 32 songs to be chained together into an "album" or "live"
performance. Also provides tempo map screen, extra sample replay
facilities (e.g.; external 8-bit sample replay cartridge support on
Atari), MIDI sysex handling, additional global editing options, and much
more! ST Review's "Essential Buy". A 1.5 hour instructional video is
included to help you get the most out of Sequencer One Plus. Retail
Price: $169.95
Breakthru
---------
A 64 track professional MIDI and sample sequencer. Includes all the
features of Sequencer One Plus, and in addition: conventional music score
notation, dedicated drum editor page, simultaneous multi-track recording,
sample palette screen, and much more! Breakthru also has a unique
advantage over other programs; at the same time as triggering MIDI
instruments, it can play back high quality 16-bit samples through a Replay
16 sampler plugged into the cartridge port! As with Sequencer One Plus,
but with superior results, 8-bit samples can be played through the
computer's own audio hardware or through a range of 8-bit sample replay
cartridges. ST Format magazine recently awarded Breakthru their
highly-prized "Gold Award", to add to the "Future Music Platinum Award"
already received! A 1.5 hour video is included to help you get the most
out of Breakthru. Retail Price: $349.95
Breakthru Plus
--------------
All the features of Breakthru, but supports 32 MIDI channels instead of
16. Very handy for users with more than one MIDI instrument. Includes a
hardware interface which plugs into the modem port, providing an extra
MIDI output socket. Retail Price: $399.95
The Hit Kit
-----------
Music composition system and ideas generator to use with Oregon Research
sequencers. Create professional rhythm tracks, bass lines, and other
accompaniments in a range of popular styles. Mix and match to easily
produce complete MIDI sequences. An ideal way to learn. Retail Price:
$49.95
The Sample Series
-----------------
A collection of 8-bit digital sound samples for use with Oregon Research
sequencers and some other programs. There are five volumes in the series:
Percussion & Effects, Guitars & Strings, Brass & Woodwind, Synth & Vocals,
Piano & Keyboards. Retail Price: $19.95 each, All 5 for $79.95
For more information contact:
Oregon Research
16200 SW Pacific Hwy., Suite 162
Tigard, OR 97224
Ph: (503) 620-4919
FAX: (503) 624-2940
Genie: ORA
__________________________________________________________
> HIGH SPEED MODEMS STR FOCUS! "...after the high speed modem arrives."
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitters (UARTs)
====================================================
by Robert J. Niland
re: What to do after the high speed modem arrives.
Edition 01 Apr 93
This article applies only to Windows 3.0 and 3.1, and not to NT, OS/2
or DOS apps not running under Windows.
One of the unadvertised limitations of most current Windows PCs is that
their RS-232C (serial, COM) performance is seriously deficient. Almost
everyone who purchases a high-speed modem (V.32bis, V.32, PEP or HST)
discovers the problem the first time they try to download a file or accept
an incoming FAX (at 9600+) after upgrading the modem. Overrun and retry
errors abound, even when the only active application is the datacomm or
FAX program. If the transfer completes at all, it may take even longer
than with the old 2400bps modem.
There are three reasons for the problem:
1. The Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitters (UARTs) used in most
PCs are primitive Ns8250 devices with single-byte FIFO buffers. If the
operating system/driver cannot read and flush each character at high
interrupt rates, the next incoming character overwrites the FIFO and
the previous one is lost. DOS, being a fairly single-minded
environment during datacomm, can usually keep up. Windows can't.
2. Windows has more operating system overhead than plain DOS, and
interrupts often take longer to service. Overruns are much more likely
than under DOS. As soon as you report to your PC/modem vendor that you
are losing data, you may be advised that "you need to upgrade to a
16550". More likely, since there seems to be a conspiracy of ignorance
about this issue, you'll get no useful advice at all. Most of the
store-front and mail-order sources I spoke with in attempting to solve
my own problem had never heard the term "16550" and many didn't even
know what a UART was.
3. Even your PC has Ns16550A UARTs (and PS/2's do), or if you can upgrade
your mother/COM board or add a new COM board, you may STILL experience
errors and overruns because the standard MicroSoft Windows COM drivers
don't take full advantage of the 16550. Windows 3.1 is improved in this
regard over 3.0, but I still recommend a driver upgrade. Applications
like ProComm+/Win (which is what I use) cannot get around this problem
by themselves.
If you have a modem CARD, you may not have a problem, as the modem part of
the card can be designed to be aware of the state of the UART, and avoid
overrunning it; however, I wouldn't want to bet that the card designers
were that clever, and will insist on a 16550 UART if I ever buy a modem
card. Some modem cards don't even have conventional UARTs, but if they
are to work with standard Windows drivers, they need to simulate one. Use
MSD.EXE (below) to see what the modem card is, or is pretending to be.
The Hardware Situation.
The UARTs on most PC COM ports are based on National Semiconductor Ns8250
or Ns16450 chips (or megacells inside VLSI chips where you can't replace
them). You can ID the UART type on your system by running the MicroSoft
diagnostic program \WINDOWS\MSD.EXE. Be sure to run it in DOS *before*
bringing up Windows. The Windows serial API may prevent MSD from
accurately identifying a 16550 if you run it from a Windows DOS prompt.
The Ns16550 UART has separate 16-byte transmit and receive FIFOs with
configurable trigger levels, and can run reliably at clock rates up to
460,800 bps, although with current modem technology, there's no point in
pushing your luck by going over 115,200 bps. The 16550 has shorted access
cycle times than the 16450 or 8250. The 16550 also has DMA capability,
but it is not clear that any PC drivers ever use this. For more technical
info, see National Semiconductor Application Note AN-491.
So, what UART component do you have?
Try to locate the UART on your mother board, multi-function I/O card, COM
board or ISA/MCA modem card. If you can't find a socketed component with
the numbers "8250" or "16450", your COM ports are probably buried in VLSI,
and you won't be able to perform a chip replacement. If you can DISABLE
your VLSI COM ports (as I chose to do), you can at least add an
aftermarket COM board.
If you have one or more socketed 8250 or 16450 chips, you can buy plug-in
Ns16550AFN or PC16C550CN (low power CMOS version) ICs from several
suppliers typically for $9 to $15 each. The "N" chip is the normal 40-pin
dual-in-line package. Other styles are available, but avoid any Ns16550
chips without the "A" (the 16C550C are presumably all OK).
Early Ns chips have bugs, although National will reportedly exchange those
of their own manufacture for free. Clone chips are available from various
IC makers other than National. The manual for the TurboCom drivers states
support for the following (apparently equivalent) chips:
National Semiconductor: 16550A, 16551, 16552
Chips&Technology: 82C607
Texas Instruments: t16c550a
Silicon Systems: 73M550
VLSI 16C550
TurboCom warns about the pre-"A" Ns16550 and Western Digital 16C550, says
that problems have been reported with early IBM PS/2 55SX and 70 systems
(IBM reportedly will upgrade them).
If you DON'T have socketed 8250/16450 chips on your card, you'll need to
buy an after-market COM or multi-function board. If this is a modem card
situation, you may be hosed. To add a new COM or multi-function card,
you'll need to either disable the COM1/2 port(s) you are replacing, or
re-assign them to COM3/4 (although watch out for IRQ conflicts without
TurboCom).
Although cheaper cards are available, in the interest of getting the
problem solved quickly I elected buy the Modular Circuit Technology
MCT-AIO+ card from:
JDR Microdevices
2233 Samaritan Drive
San Jose CA 95124
(800) 538-5000 voice US
(408) 559-1200 voice other
(800) 538-5005 FAX US
The MCT-AIO+ (and the "+" is important) sells for $89.95. It is an 8-bit
ISA card providing:
Port Type Connector Address and IRQ Comments
COM DB9M COM 1,2,3 IRQ 2,3,4,5 Ns16550AFN in socket
COM ribbon COM 2,3,4 IRQ 2,3,4,5 Ns16550AFN in socket
Parallel DB25F LPT1,2,3 IRQ 5,7
Game ribbon
The kit includes a ribbon cable and DB25F connector for the secondary COM
port, a ribbon cable/connector for the game port, two bulkhead plates for
the ribbon-based connectors and a 9F-to-25F adaptor cable. Each port can
be individually disabled, and the COM ports have TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR,
DCD, and DSR jumpers.
JDR also sells a Super-I/O m-f card that also has IDE.
I have heard from several people about less expensive m-f I/O cards with
16550s:
TSD Systems
(407) 331-9130
$19.95 for the card, plus $9.95 per 16550.
Greenfield Trading and Distributors
(518) 271-2473 (voice), (518) 271-7811(FAX).
Their card is $33 w/one 16550, $45 w/2, and they sell 16550AFNs for $13.
R&S DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
820 East Highway 434
Longwood, FL 32750
PHONE: (407) 331-1424
FAX: (407) 331-8606
2COM/LPT/Game card w/2 16550s for $39
I have no personal experience with any of the firms except JDR.
Meanwhile, back at the MCT card from JDR... I only needed two serial
ports, and am running out of IRQs on my PC, so I disabled my built-in
VLSI-based 8250 ports. However, with the TurboCom driver (below), I could
have set the internals as COM3 and 4, using IRQ sharing.
The Software Situation
Simply upgrading to 16550 UARTs will not completely solve common overrun
problems. The standard MS serial drivers don't take full advantage of the
16550. The Windows 3.0 drivers are even less capable, and the Windows 3.1
drivers have the following limitations:
- They enable only the receive FIFO, and only at rates above 2400 bps.
- They never enable the transmit FIFO, which results in an interrupt
rate of 10x during uploads.
- They set the trigger level at 14 bytes (too high - it's easy for 2
more bytes to arrive before the driver can read the FIFO).
- The Ports menu of the Control Panel only allows speeds up to 19200.
With a V.32bis modem, sparse data and text can easily compress 3:1
or more, suggesting that a host DTE connect rate of 57,600 bps would
be effective.
- The API won't accept rates above "CBR_128000".
- The API won't let DOS programs know there is a 16550 there, and even
if it did, DOS programs that aren't 16550-aware get little benefit
from a 16550 port with the standard drivers.
- They don't allow IRQ sharing for COM3,4.
- The BIOS doesn't initialize COM3,4 properly in many systems.
- Windows provides no workaround for apps that don't provide port
speed options above 19200 bps.
These problems are reportedly NOT solved in Windows NT or DOS 6.0, and may
or may not be addressed in any Windows releases after 3.1 (but before
4.0). Rumors suggest they "may" be solved in Windows "4.0".
You can get replacement drivers that solve all of those problems by buying
a copy of "TurboCom", current version 1.2, from:
Bio-Engineering Research
Pacific CommWare Division
180 Beacon Hill Lane
Ashland OR 97520-9701
(503) 482-2744 voice
(503) 482-2627 FAX
(503) 482-2633 BBS
MCImail: 344-5374
CompuServe: 71521,760
Price was around $50 as I recall. Bio-Eng is not set up to accept credit
cards, so I had to send a check. Egghead and 1-800-Software list TurboCom
but as far as I know, they don't stock it. Bio is not a software company
per se. They apparently needed reliable hi-speed serial connections for
an in-house instrument application, wrote their own driver, discovered a
market for it, revised it to be a general purpose COM driver suite. They
recently upgraded it for Windows 3.1. It is run-time licensed.
I now have my host (DTE) connect rate set to 57,600 bps most of my
datacomm apps, and I am having ZERO problems with downloads. I routinely
see transfer rates that exceed 2,000 bps. I am also using 115,200 bps when
linking an HP95LX to my PC, with lossless bi-directional I/O. Uploads to
various remote systems are another matter, because many hosts are still
using antique UARTs and drivers.
Note that 19200 is still the highest rate that the Windows 3.1 Port menu
in Control Panel will allow in configuring a COM port. TurboCom gets
around this by allowing you to specify, on each port, a factor that will
set the real UART rate to a multiple of the rate passed through the
Windows APIs and dialog boxes.
I also have CTS/RTS hardware flow control enabled, and I suggest that you
do the same. Even if you only ever transfer 7-bit ASCII data, Xon/XOff is
not a sufficiently reliable method of flow control. The informal (DEC)
standard for Xon/Xoff hysteresis is that the sender may transmit another
16 (yes, sixteen) bytes after receipt of the Xoff from the receiving
system or device. The 16 byte FIFO in the 16550 is clearly not big enough
to let us rely exclusively on Xon/Xoff. A well-respected datacomm
engineer has informed me that the 16550's can't really do CTS/RTS all by
itself in the DOS/Windows environment, so using data rates above 115,200
may still be risky.
Even with hardware flow control, a 16550 with TurboCom can still
experience overruns in very busy systems, with lots of apps running and
serious swapping in progress. If this is your situation, you may need to
buy a co-processed COM board, but this will cost you more than a
16550/TurboCom upgrade. A review of two such boards, and a review of
TurboCom, can be found in the Feb'93 issue of "Windows Sources" magazine.
I suggest trying a 16550/TurboCom upgrade first, and experiment with
process priorities and time slices if you are a "power user" whose
thrashing system still runs into comm problems.
Closing Soapbox Comments
The state of RS-232C serial datacomm support is an embarrassment across
the computer industry. Because it is the oldest standard I/O interface,
the job of designing hardware and writing software often seems to be
assigned to the least senior or lowest ranked engineers at computer
companies. The design of the average serial port is at least ten years
behind the state of the art. In my last job, with a major workstation
vendor, I lobbied for improved serial ports when they were doing the
initial designs of a new system. That family of machines was subsequently
introduced with 16550 ports. However, this is the exception. Few
computer companies seem to have any champions for decent
I/O.
You may as well learn what you can about serial I/O, because this
situation shows no sign of improving soon. When V.FAST arrives, I expect
cries of outrage from Windows users world-wide whose 8250 PCs "sort of"
work today with V.32, but will fail miserably with V.FAST. Without a
hardware-buffered UART (like the 16550) and without software drivers that
use that UART to best advantage, a V.FAST modem will be a waste of money.
Regards, 1001-A East Harmony Road
Bob Niland Suite 503
Internet: rjn@csn.org Fort Collins CO 80525
CompuServe: 71044,2124 (303) 223-5209
Copyright 1993 Robert J. Niland
All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted for automatic redistribution of this article, via
electronic, magnetic and optical media, in an unedited form, through any
Usenet newsgroup where the article is posted by the author. Permission is
granted for each CompuServe and Usenet reader subscriber and each person
who received this article from Compuserve, an ftp site authorized by the
author or via electronic mail from the author, to retain one electronic
copy and to make hardcopy reproductions of this edition of this article
for personal non-commercial use, provided that no material changes are
made to the article or this copyright statement. All other copying,
storage, reproduction or redistribution of this article, in any form, is
prohibited without the express written consent of the author, Robert J.
Niland.
________________________________________________________________
> GLENDALE COMPUTER SHOW STR SHOW NEWS
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
/|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\
/|\ THE GLENDALE SHOW, VERSION 7.0 SEPTEMBER 18TH AND 19TH /|\
/|\ GLENDALE CIVIC AUDITORIUM - 1401 N. VERDUGO ROAD /|\
/|\ GENERAL ADMISSION - $5.00 /|\
/|\ /|\
/|\ ATARI * DMC * GEnie * Oregon Research * Clear Thinking /|\
/|\ Branch Always * Steve's Software for Safari Fonts /|\
/|\ J&J Computers * S.D.S. * A&D * Toad Computers/Straight FAX! /|\
/|\ Best Electronics * chro_MAGIC * Compo * J.V. Enterprises /|\
/|\ Canoe * Gribnif * CodeHead * The Computer Network * MiGraph /|\
/|\ and more to come /|\
/|\ /|\
/|\ For more information leave GEmail to John.King.T /|\
/|\ or go to Catagory 11 Topic 9 for updates. /|\
/|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\
The show will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 18-19, 1993 at the
Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1041 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA.Hours are
10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday.
General Admission is $5.00 per person. If you plan on attending and you
live outside of Southern California you may get FREE admission by sending
a self-address-stamped-#10 envelope (the long one) to H.A.C.K.S., 249 N.
Brand Bl. #321, Glendale, CA 91203 and get TWO one day passes.
For those of you who will be needing lodging we have made arrangements
with the New Red Lion Hotel in Glendale. Regular rates are $129.00 per
night but if you mention ATARI/HACKS you will get a room for $79.00 per
night, single or double occupancy. Reservations may be made by calling
the Red Lion at 818-956-5466. The hotel has a free shuttle from the
Burbank Airport. The guaranteed reservation cut-off date is August 28th.
If you are quoted another rate ask for Janet Waldie in Sales.
Atari will be doing something very special in conjunction with this year's
show. Details to come.
If you have any questions send mail to:
H.A.C.K.S.
249 N. Brand Bl. #321
Glendale, CA 91203
or leave GEmail to John.King.T or call John King Tarpinian at 818-246-7276
before 9 pm PDT.
John King Tarpinian
Faire Chairperson
The Glendale Show
_________________________________________________________________
> STR Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
"""""""""""""
STReport's MailBag
""""""""""""""""""
Messages * NOT EDITED * for content
-----------------------------------
From CIS RE: Lexicor/STRT/IAAD Fiasco
#: 42130 S14/ST REPORT
31-Aug-93 17:48:18
Sb: #42128-Positive + Constructive
Fm: Nathan @ DMC Publishing 76004,2246
To: STReport - Ralph 70007,4454
Sure Ralph. I'll answer your question this time. Please do not delete it
as has been your previous response.
I expected no less than you'd hide behind STReport rather than face any of
us in public one to one. Probably a wise decision on your part,
considering.
In answer to your question:
WHO STANDS TO GAIN THE MOST BY WHAT'S HAPPENED TO LEXICOR?
I have no idea. I can offer an opinion on who stands to lose the most
though, Lexicor's customers.
Sincerely
Nathan Potechin - DMC Publishing
#: 42138 S14/ST REPORT
31-Aug-93 21:51:00
Sb: #42130-Positive + Constructive
Fm: STReport - Ralph 70007,4454
To: Nathan @ DMC Publishing 76004,2246
Hide?? ......HIDE??? Surely you jest!!
You still haven't ANSWERED the question..... as I fully expected you
twisted right around it. I'll ask again....
"WHO STANDS TO GAIN THE MOST BY WHAT'S HAPPENED TO LEXICOR?"
There you go.... another chance ....
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
#: 42135 S14/ST REPORT
31-Aug-93 21:06:10
Sb: #42127-Positive + Constructive
Fm: - Dazzz - 70374,2241
To: Nathan @ DMC Publishing 76004,2246
>The malicious nonsense has significantly increased since GEnie MANAGEMENT
>revoked the free account of Mr. Ralph Mariano. Using the journalistic
>intergrity for which he is famous (Hahahahahahaha) Ralph now blatantly
>uses STReport as his personal vehicle to take cheap shots at myself and
>my wife and a few others that refused to be intimidated by his outrageous
>tactics and journalistic style.
I dont support Ralphs editorial style which is altogether too rabid for
me, but I cant argue with SOME of the things that have come out via
STReport. His style has definitely become more hostile towards the ST RT
since he was forced out/left but thats hardly surprising given the past
history between them.
>Since this is Compuserve, it's possible that some of you aren't aware
>that the Atari Roundtables on GEnie are VERY successful. They've managed
>to thrive without Bob Retelle and even without Ralph Mariano. There are
>many customers online all the time, far more than Compuserve and Delphi
>combined.
As the ST RT is the base for Atari on-line support its hardly surprising,
however I bet CIS has more non USA ST users, since Genie doesnt make
itself available worlwide it cant be considered a serious proposition
outside of the USA.
>I have always felt it in bad taste to discuss GEnie on Compuserve but
>many of you insist on bringing it up again and again. I seek here to
>allow a small does of balance to enter into the discussion.
I think we can let you off this once Nathan, as you say it does seem to
coming up a lot lately, but then its hardly surprising...
>While I'm on the subject, next time anyone sees a post from Mr. Mariano
>of few YEARS for the Atari community that might be interpreted as
>POSITIVE and CONSTRUCTIVE!
I think that bringing out some home truths and exposing a number of lies
over the past few years have been quite constructive, you may not think
so, but many do.
>I realize that Mr. Luks would prefer I stuck to product support
>of Calamus SL and left the politics in this Forum alone BUT I have a
>tough time simply ignoring it all when I seem to get drawn into it again
>and again by the likes of Ralph Mariano.
Ah the problems of resisting temptation.... :-)
>Thanks for listening.
Actually I read it, I didnt know you were releasing it on Vinyl and CD
too.
:-)
Dazzz
#: 42131 S14/ST REPORT
31-Aug-93 18:21:38
Sb: #42127-#Positive + Constructive
Fm: Jim Ness 75300,3155
To: Nathan @ DMC Publishing 76004,2246
Having, just yesterday, caught up on Delphi messages, I see that you and
Ralph are saying the same things here as you both did over there.
I'd like to point out that comparing activity levels of Atari forums on
different services is a bit futile, since the Atari computer market is
dwindling to such a low level that I guess you could say there is no
longer a legitimate sampling to be made. But, that's all subject to
debate.
I will say that my own research indicates that CompuServe itself has over
four times the active members that GEnie itself has. I don't have figures
for Delphi. I don't know what those numbers tell us about Atari members,
but I wanted to throw them your way anyhow.
Whatever level of support the GEnie Atari RT has offered its members in
the past, current conditions are such that major Atari figures are
involved in shouting matches and even lawsuits, and the public airing
thereof. That's not the type of example that attracts new users - assuming
there are any - or endears existing users to you.
Having witnessed all that's been said about you and Darlah by STR, I can
sympathize with your position. But, I believe you have to take a certain
amount of the blame, based on your own actions against Ralph and his
people over the past two years. I won't say that anything you've done
has earned the level of lambasting you've received, but at the very least,
it has served as the trigger for all of this. Sometimes the best action
to take is none at all. Sometimes the best path is the least provocative
one. In hindsight, I don't think your policy toward Ralph has served you
well at all.
-JN
#: 42132 S14/ST REPORT
31-Aug-93 20:35:23
Sb: #42127-Positive + Constructive
Fm: Shawn Laughlin 76547,1032
To: Nathan @ DMC Publishing 76004,2246
Nathan-
I have only two questions and would be grateful if you would answer them
directly. They are quite simple so personalities and rhetoric need not be
brought into it.
1) Did the IAAD expell Lexicor software for video taping an online
session with the (obvious) dummy password "no flags" ?
2) Did any member of the IAAD who was directly competing with Lexicor
vote to expel Lexicor and if so why didn't that member abstain citing
conflict of interest?
The IAAD could be very helpful to the average Atari user in recruiting
new developers leading to more and better software. What a pity if it is
being used (abused?) to line someone's pocket. That should be of concern
to *all* Atari users. "Positive and Constructive" are just buzz words if
not backed up by action.
Thanks,
Shawn
#: 42147 S14/ST REPORT
01-Sep-93 06:32:14
Sb: #42140-Positive + Constructive
Fm: Shawn Laughlin 76547,1032
To: Nathan @ DMC Publishing 76004,2246 (X)
Nathan-
You answered neither of my questions. So I ask them again:
1) Was Lexicor software expelled for video taping an online session using
the *obvious* dummy password "no flags". I might add this video has
been reported to have been made to prove that Lexicor's flags were
flakey.
2) Did any member of the IAAD in direct competition with Lexicor vote to
expel Lexicor and if so why did that member not abstain citing
conflict of interest.
It is really quite simple. Are the allegations true or false ?
If you refuse to respond directly to the questions I have no other choice
but to believe the reported allegations. In that case the IAAD should be
damned ashamed of itself and expect the consequences it brings.
I can not believe you completely avoided my questions in your response.
They were quite direct.
And please Nathan, spare the rhetoric and the attacks on other people.
STReport is not the problem here. If STReport erroneously reported that a
member of the IAAD in direct competition with Lexicor voted to expel
Lexicor, then say
I am asking for simple facts.
Obviously *no* answers of substance have been given or I would not ask
these questions. So please do not quote the previous responses of the
IAAD that avoided the issue entirely. Are the allegations mentioned above
true are false??
Thanks
Shawn
#: 43234 S14/ST REPORT
17-Sep-93 03:24:01
Sb: #43226-#Peace in our time?
Fm: LEXICOR Software 75300,763
To: Jim Ness 75300,3155
JN,
Currently you could look at just one competition which has been
raging from the beginning and answer that question.
The Cyrell was priced at around $1,500..before they started using
WAR-SURPLUS and dropped the Price to $1,100 or so I understand. Just take
the initial price of $1,500 and calculate how many sales they won't make
because of the potential customers purchased a NOVA card at a much more
reasonable price.
Lexicor has now sold in it's cumulative markets 50 dozen cards. That
is 50X12X$1,500 = :-)
This is what they won't make...and considering that Lex- is starting
the fall sales with more software and new versions of the cards and a new
prices....I would suspect that Lex- introducing the NOVA just as CyberCube
started selling their own card is about as competitive as it gets......We
are talking about a substantial amount of money. I don't think there is
much question as to motives on that score.
Lee@Lexicor
#: 43250 S14/ST REPORT
17-Sep-93 04:36:34
Sb: #43192-#Peace in our time?
Fm: LEXICOR Software 75300,763
To: Nathan @ DMC Publishing 76004,2246 (X)
Why not try answering the questions?
In my Opinion, you are at the heart of the problem, not Genie.
You are right there from the time you intruded in the gemview topic to
posting the crap about Lexicor paying Rolf for it's gemview registrations,
to Lexicor's expulsion from the IAAD and further expulsion from genie.
As I mentioned you have done your worst.....all your angry letters and
calls to CIS to pursue Lex- are a joke here...you should hear the it...Ho
HA HA HA snicker Giggle.......you have no Idea .... the fact is we are
still here, still selling NOVA and many new and even better applications
for the NOVA means that while you have managed to disconnect the many
Genie Users over their you have failed to stop your competition. I am
still offering great trade ins on Calimus and the Cyrell to NOVA and
2ndWORD buyers.
It was a mistake to accuse me of things I just did not do. There are many
who know the truth and the fact that the leak you always said was lurking
around the corner continues and now has an excuse to post is a situation
created by The IAAD not me. While I might be tempted to leak stuff I was
smart enough to hand it all over to Lex- legal counsel just in case I was
accused. That's right I am being very careful about the situation, just
speaking what I "believe" to be true and waiting for the wheels to turn.
Waiting for...well you know.
I am waiting to see if you do the right thing and restore what was ...put
the post back, recluse yourself and just mind your own business.
Lexicor
#: 43260 S14/ST REPORT
17-Sep-93 06:52:55
Sb: #43250-Peace in our time?
Fm: Ralph @ STReport 70007,4454
To: LEXICOR Software 75300,763
At last! The bottom line is out.
As for the "leak"... Once again... it was not Lexicor a year ago, not two
years ago or, longer and it was not Lexicor or _anybody_ connected with
Lexicor who "gleefully" informed me of Lexicor's ouster from the IAAD. It
WAS a BOARD MEMBER.
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
____________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
"""""""""""""""""""""
- San Francisco, CA NOVA CARD SALES HIT 50 DOZEN!! NEW GOODIES COMING!
-----------------
The Nova Card and the Super Nova Card have won world wide acceptance. The
recent figures reflect over 50 dozen units sold. As a result, the card
manufacturer has made it known an adapter is right around the corner
that'll enable 520 and 1040 owners to own a Nova card too. Bear in mind
though, you must have more than 1mb of ram. Additionally, Lexicor is
about to announce a NEW highly compatible top end Desk Top Publishing
program.
- San Francisco, CA FIRST SHIPMENT OF FALCONS -> RF VIDEO B&W ONLY?
-----------------
According to our sources, the first shipment of Falcons had a problem with
the Chroma and thus, a choke is installed in the circuit to stop the
erratic color output from being seen. The black & white is fine.
Subsequent shipments are fine. The problem was/is fixed. To see if you
have a B&W "bugfix", connect a TV to your Falcon and see.... if you have a
fine color picture. If not, you might want to call Atari for information
on how to correct this situation.
- Sunnyvale, CA FALCON SALES NOWHERE NEAR EXPECTATIONS!
-------------
According to recent reports filtering in from Sunnyvale, the sales track
of the Falcon030 are not what they were expected to be. As one observer
stated, "to say they are slow sellers is an understatement." Bear in mind
though, the obvious lack of advertising and promotion have a great deal to
do with the poor sales being posted.
- Sunnyvale, CA JAGUAR TO BE DELAYED 'TILL AFTER CHRISTMAS?
-------------
Our ever vigilant observers have reported the Jaguar is now expected to
ship shortly AFTER Christmas 1993. This is in direct contradiction to the
plans announced detailing a drive to ship to New York City and Los Angeles
in time for Christmas. While some observers where somewhat disturbed by
this news others shrugged it off with the comments; "So what else is new
with Atari? They're running true to form!"
- Sunnyvale, CA ATARI RUMORED TO BE WORKING ON ITS VERSION OF POWER PC!
-------------
The Power PC, the future of computing according some highly informed
individuals in the computing community, is reported to be in Atari's
future. Our "super snoop" comes out of the Sunnyvale "conclave" with
information pointing toward the Power PC as being the top contender in the
way to go for the future. At this time however, since the reports of the
Jaguar delay, the whole "ball of wax" is up in the air.
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STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" "When do all the abuses STOP??!!!"
"""""""""""""""""
Unlike other countries, the USA's Constitution upholds people are
INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. The IAAD brazenly defies the law of
the land and "declared" Lexicor guilty! Then subsequently demanded,
in what appeared to be the ultimate expression of insidiousness, that
Lexicor prove themselves innocent!
...a concerned observer
"WHO HAS THE MOST TO GAIN
AS A RESULT OF
WHAT'S HAPPENING TO LEXICOR?"
... The USERBASE ASKS!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> DEALER CLASSIFIED LIST STR InfoFile * Dealer Listings *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ---------------
ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
=========================
P.O. Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155
Est. 1985
1-904-783-3319
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
IBM/MSDOS-PC-CLONES-MAC-AMIGA-ATARI
CUSTOM - MADE TO ORDER HARDWARE
SOFTWARE, SUPPLIES & INSTRUCTION
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
COMPUTER STUDIO
===============
WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTER
40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D
Asheville, NC 28806
1-800-253-0201
Orders Only
1-704-251-0201
Information
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
Authorized Atari Dealer
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
EAST HARTFORD COMPUTER
======================
202 Roberts St.
East Hartford CT. 06108
1-203-528-4448
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
Authorized Atari Dealer
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
MEGABYTE COMPUTERS
==================
907 Mebourne
Hurst, TX 76053
1-817-589-2950
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
Authorized Atari Dealer
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
SAN JOSE COMPUTER
=================
1278 Alma Court
San Jose, CA. 95112
1-408-995-5080
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
Authorized Atari Dealer
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
CompuSeller West
================
220-1/2 W. Main St.
St. Charles, IL., 60174
Ph. (708) 513-5220
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
Authorized Atari Dealer
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
(DEALERS; to be listed here, please drop us a line.)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport International Online Magazine
-* [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport *-
AVAILABLE ON OVER 20,000 PRIVATE BBS SYSTEMS
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" September 17, 1993
Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-93 All Rights Reserved No.9.38
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
All Items quoted, in whole or in part, are done so under the Fair Use
Provision of The Copyright Laws of the U.S.A. Penal Code. Views, Opinions
and Editorial 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. STR, STReport and/or portions therein may
not be edited in any way without prior written permission. STR, STReport,
at the time of publication, is believed reasonably accurate. STR,
STReport, its staff and contributors are not and cannot be held
responsible in any way for the use or misuse of information contained
herein or the results obtained therefrom.
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