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Silicon Times Report Issue 1002
SILICON TIMES REPORT
====================
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
=============================
from
STR Electronic Publishing Inc.
January 07, 1994 No. 1002
======================================================================
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 ~ ITCNet 85:881/253 ~ FNET 350 ~ Nest 90:21/350
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 ................1-904-573-0734
FNET. 690 : PASTE BBS....................1-206-284-8493
FNET. 489 : Steal Your Face BBS..........1-908-920-7981
MNET - Toad Hall BBS.....................1-617-567-8642
______________________________________________________________________
> 01/07/94 STR 1001 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
"""""""""""""""""
- CPU INDUSTRY REPORT - DOOM SECRETS - APPLE's eWorld
- ADOBE Cuts Library $$ - Which Monitor? - Lotus makes BIG deal
- Intuit's QuickPay - PC SALES UP! - LEXICOR NEWS!
- Delphi Spotlite - People Talking - The Old Fishin' Hole
-* F/A Hornet 1.1 FAQ SHEET! *-
-* Microsoft Intro's Multimedia Schubert *-
-* CD-Rom Sales Reach $97.1 Million *-
======================================================================
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 BBS, invites all BBS systems, worldwide, to
participate in the Fido/PROWL/ITC/USENET/NEST/F-Net Mail Networks. You
may also call The Bounty BBS direct @ 904-786-4176. Enjoy the wonder and
excitement of exchanging all types of useful 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
computer platforms BBS systems are welcome and invited to participate.
======================================================================
CIS ~ AOL ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ 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;
STREPORT 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!
"Enjoy CompuServe's forums; where information is at its very best!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
Hail 1994! Big things are happening on all fronts. There's a NEW
Online service debuting. New Deals and products galore on all platforms
and a reaction to our article about the systematic erosion of our civil
rights. The response is outstanding. Over three hundred letters were
received in response to the article and I might add, each and every one
of them were supportive. As an added fact, a good majority of the
letters were from US Military Service Personel. Just this afternoon,
STReport received a call from a local TV station's general manager asking
for further information relative to the article and if we'd like to offer
it as an editorial "on the air". There are meetings planned for next
week.
My, my Apple is opening it "own" online service. Perhaps its now
time for certain MAC sysops to re-think their positions as they seem to
percieve themselves as high and mighty with everlasting dictatorial
powers. Their "moment of truth" is soon to be at hand. eWorld is
defintely going to be handing out generous doses of humble pie to those
who think they're unshakable. It will get interesting. In the ratings
of the online services the "deck" is shuffling rather rapidly. STReport
has found most sysops on every platform to be ultra cooperative. Of
course there's always going to be a few who seem to have an insatiable
need to feed their egos by whatever means they find. Thankfully, eWorld
will, by its mere exsistance, correct this glaring fault found on only one
of the major online services catering to the MAC community. Sooner or
later this sysop will learn that spouting rules and regs to the paying
users is not in the service's best interests at all times. Isn't, the
customer always right. You see, in the final analysis.. he's paying the
bills. Its ironic but very true... in every 'failed' enterprise one can
find where the principals "thought" more of themselves and their "rules"
that they did of the paying customers. They soon had no customers to
"rule" over.
CompuServe, (CIS) while often criticized as being the "most
expensive", is still the Online Service by which all the others are
judged. CIS is a true value in that its online speed and file transfer
rates are quickest among all the networks. It has the largest userbase
and the greatest number of features at this time. Among the fastest
growing in popularity is AOL, America Online, right there with AOL is
Delphi in the growth department... seems the PC and MAC areas of Delphi
are literally doubling and tripling with every passing month since Delphi
brought full Internet access into the light of day. GEnie is doing quite
well as Prodigy continues to slip due to a number of rather perplexing
reasons. One of which is the old fear of "Prodigy reading your hard
drive"... this fear alone has instigated droves to go online elsewhere.
Be sure to follow the monitors segments closely as we are getting to
the "nitty-gritty" as far as which are the best buys and which are liable
to break not only your heart but your wallet in the long run.
Ralph....
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
""""""""""""""""
Publisher -Editor
""""""""""""""""""
Ralph F. Mariano
Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor, Current Affairs
Section Editors
"""""""""""""""
PC SECTION AMIGA SECTION MAC SECTION ATARI SECTION
---------- ------------- ----------- -------------
R.D. Stevens R. Glover R. Noak D. P. Jacobson
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 Steve Kiepe
Guillaume Brasseur John Donohue Jeff Coe
Melanie Bell
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Tim Holt Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Clemens Chin Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
Frank Sereno John Duckworth
IMPORTANT NOTICE
""""""""""""""""
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
Compuserve................... 70007,4454
America Online..................STReport
Delphi......................... RMARIANO
BIX............................ RMARIANO
FIDONET........................ 1:112/35
FNET........................... NODE 350
ITC NET...................... 85:881/253
NEST........................ 90:21/350.0
GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
"""""""""""""""""
IBM/POWER-PC/PC SECTION (I)
===========================
Computer Products Update - CPU Report
------------------------ ----------
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Issue #01
By: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
******* General Computer News *******
** New Family PC Magazine to be Launched by Disney and ZIFF **
This week, the Walt Disney Co and Ziff-Davis Publishing Co. announced
the creation of a joint venture to publish 'Family PC', a new computer
magazine for parents and children. It's anticipated that Family PC will
be launched in the third quarter of this year. Jake Winebaum will be the
publisher and editor-in-chief.
J. Scott Briggs, president of the Ziff-Davis Consumer Media Group
said, "Jake Winebaum created the family magazine category with the la-
unch of FamilyFun. We're convinced that he'll create a hot new category
with Family PC. He's shaped much of the thinking that's gone into this
magazine, played a major role in putting this joint venture together,
and has the editorial and marketing expertise to make it a big success."
Family PC will publish two issues this year and will appear monthly
in 1995. The magazine's circulation and advertising rates will be an-
nounced at a later date.
** Worldwide Computer Sales Up in 1993 **
According to a survey from Dataquest, a market research firm, sales
of computer systems worldwide grew by $7.1 billion in 1993 to a total of
$120.7 billion. This was due in large part to the increased sales of
personal computers.
Reports say that personal computer revenues were up 16.2% to $66.3
billion, while workstation revenues grew by 8.6% to $10.1 billion.
Mainframe revenues dropped 9.5% to $21.2 billion, and midrange com-
puter revenues slipped 3.7% to $21 billion. Supercomputer revenues grew
6% from $2.06 billion to $2.2 billion.
** IBM and Apple to Seek VCR Standards **
Rumor has it that IBM and Apple Computer Inc. have joined an inter-
national group seeking to standardize digital video cassette recorders
for use in high-definition TV sets. According to reports from Japan's
business daily, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, the two firms decided to take part
in the 3-month-old industry council on expectations that the computer
business would be further involved in home-electronics markets in the
future.
The council was formed by 10 international electronics manufacturers,
aiming at completing standardization of digital VCRs by December this
year.
Japanese participants include Sony Corp., Matsushita Electric Indust-
rial Co., Hitachi Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp. Victor Co., Sanyo
Electric Co., Sharp Corp. and Toshiba Corp. Other council members are
the Netherlands-based Philips Electronics and French concern Thomson
Consumer Electronics.
** Adobe Cuts Type Library Prices **
Prices on its Type Library for Macintosh and IBM systems are being
lowered by Adobe Systems Inc. Adobe says it hopes the price reduction
will make its typefaces more available and will help existing customers
expand their type libraries.
Overall, individual typeface package prices are reduced by 25%. "For
example," Adobe said, "Lithos prior to the price reduction had a sugges-
ted retail price of $185 and is now $145. Special typeface combination
packages and products, such as Adobe Wild Type, Adobe Type Basics, and
the Adobe Font Folio, will retain their current pricing."
If you are interested, you can contact Adobe at 800/83-FONTS.
** CD-Rom Sales Reach $97.1 Million **
According to new figures from the Software Publishers Association,
sales of software on CD-ROM disks reached $97.1 million on 3.86 million
units for the first three quarters of 1993.
The SPA's survey of 53 leading software makers in the CD-ROM market
indicates sales grew progressively. The third quarter saw $38.3 million
in the total sales on 1.3 million units. Second quarter sales were $28.3
million on 1.2 million units, while in the first quarter sales were
$30.4 million on 1.3 million units.
The survey also found:
-:- 59% of the CD-ROMs reached the user from the original equipment
manufacturer, while the remainder were distributed through other
channels.
-:- Because of higher unit prices, revenues were split 69% to 31% in
favor of non-OEM channels.
-:- The average price was $42.28 per CD for sales through non-OEM
channels, compared with $13.09 for OEM-direct purchases.
-:- Traditional operating systems (DOS, Windows and Macintosh) acco-
unted for 85% of sales in the first three quarters (90% in the
third quarter).
-:- Content-based CDs continued to be the largest selling category,
accounting for 40% of sales in both the third quarter and the
first three quarters. Home education software accounted for 21%
of sales through the first three quarters. Games and other home
software accounted for 27% of sales.
** Six Face Chip Theft Charges **
Five men and one woman in San Jose, Calif. have been indicted on cha-
rges of conspiracy and attempted robbery in an alleged scheme to steal
$6 million in computer chips.
The six, all arrested Dec. 17, are being held on $5 million bail each
with arraignment is set for next week in Santa Clara County Superior
Court.
The suspects are accused of trying to hijack a truck they thought was
carrying Intel Corp. chips on U.S. Highway 101 in South San Jose. The
alleged heist was really a sting operation by San Jose police and the
FBI.
** SPA Raids 3 Singapore Firms **
Announcing raids on three operations in Singapore, the Software Pub-
lishers Association says it is taking its first action against software
pirates in Asia.
Three retail stores were targeted by SPA representatives, who, accom-
panied by Singapore police officials, seized software at the locations,
including business application software, education and home software,
CD-ROM applications and games. Also seized were copyrighted manuals and
other program documentation, according to a Washington statement from
the SPA.
Says the statement, "Under Singapore law, copyright infringement is
both a civil wrong and criminal offense. Remedies under a civil suit
would include an injunction, damages including exemplary damages, dis-
covery and legal costs. Maximum criminal penalties for persons convicted
of copyright infringement is a $100,000 (Singapore Dollars) fine and/or
five years' imprisonment."
******* General PC/Clone News *******
** Lotus Makes Big Software Sale **
Lotus Development Corp. and accounting giant Coopers & Lybrand anno-
unced this week that Coopers has signed a contract to equip 28,000 of
its PCs worldwide with Lotus' SmartSuite and Lotus Notes products.
The companies say the initial order will be distributed to 15 Coopers
& Lybrand firms and is likely to eventually increase to 40,000 PCs.
** Intuit Offers New QuickPay **
Intuit Inc. has announced enhanced versions of its QuickPay software
for DOS and Windows. The firm says QuickPay 3.0 provides more complete,
faster and more flexible payroll-processing capabilities.
Among QuickPay 3.0 new features are printing capabilities for W-2 and
W-3 information on standard forms and additional payroll reports such as
those showing year-to-date employee earnings, withholdings, hours
worked, sick and vacation hours, company payroll taxes and a liability
report listing all payroll liability account balances.
Both DOS and Windows platforms are included in a single package
selling for $74.95.
** Microsoft Introduces Multimedia Schubert **
Microsoft Corp has introduced Multimedia Schubert: The Trout Quintet,
a multimedia software program for IBM-PC compatible computers.
Reports say that the CD-ROM software highlights composer Franz
Schubert and one of his most popular works, "The Trout Quintet." It
features a digital stereo audio track that allows the novice or trained
listener to explore and experience this lively work of music with a
freedom and depth unequaled by albums and printed references.
"The music exploration series brings significant pieces of music to
life on the home computer and gives both expert musicians and new com-
puter users a chance to experience music on a new level," said Nils von
Veh, product manager, consumer division at Microsoft. "High-quality
interactive products like Multimedia Schubert allow users to signifi-
cantly expand their knowledge of music and important composers with
commentary that lets them actually see the shape of the music as they
listen to it. Full-color reproductions of art works that are expressive
of Schubert's era heighten the experience."
Other titles in the CD-ROM music exploration series from Microsoft
are Multimedia Beethoven: The Ninth Symphony; Multimedia Mozart: The
Dissonant Quartet; and Multimedia Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring.
Multimedia Schubert will be available this month and will sell for
$79.95.
******* General MAC News *******
** Microsoft Unveils New Mac Products **
Microsoft Corp. announced that it's bringing three of its popular
Windows multimedia titles to the Macintosh.
The Microsoft Encarta multimedia encyclopedia 1994 Edition, the Mic-
rosoft Cinemania 1994 interactive movie guide and the Microsoft Book-
shelf 1994 CD-ROM reference library are scheduled to become available in
March.
"We are delighted to respond to requests from our Macintosh customers
for these award- winning titles that demonstrate the extraordinary
range, power and ease of interactive multimedia," says Tom Corddry,
manager of the family reference business unit at Microsoft. "Encarta,
for example, is more complete and extensive than a printed encyclopedia
because it includes more than the full text of a major, printed ency-
clopedia, plus color photos, video, animations and hours of audio not
collected anywhere else. Our editorial staff for Encarta, headed by a
former senior editor from World Book, has been very busy with this
latest release."
Microsoft Encarta 1994 Edition for the Macintosh has a suggested re-
tail price of $139. Microsoft Cinemania 1994 for the Macintosh has a
suggested retail price of $79.95. Pricing details for Microsoft Book-
shelf for the Macintosh will be released upon the product's availa-
bility.
** Claris Ships MacWrite Pro 1.5 **
Claris Corp. reports that MacWrite Pro 1.5, a new version of its
Macintosh word processor, is now available. MacWrite Pro 1.5 works with
System 7 Pro, the new Macintosh operating system from Apple Computer
Inc. System 7 Pro includes support for AppleScript, QuickTime and
PowerTalk, a new feature that allows users to exchange electronic mail
and documents.
Also new to MacWrite Pro 1.5 is a Table of Contents feature that lets
users create a customizable table of contents for complex documents.
MacWrite Pro 1.5 is available now for a promotional suggested retail
price of $99. The offer runs through May 31, after which the price will
rise to $249. Claris is also offering "Bonus Bundle" coupons in the box.
** New Spreadsheet Aimed at Younger Users **
Davidson & Associates Inc. has developed a spreadsheet program for
younger Macintosh users.
The company is now shipping The Cruncher, an easy-to-use, talking,
animated spreadsheet program targeted to users ages 10 and up. Using
step-by-step tutorials, The Cruncher teaches spreadsheet and math
fundamentals. By using real- world examples such as party planning,
family budgeting and baseball statistics tracking, the $59.95 software
illustrates how to use math and spreadsheets in everyday life.
"Everyone knows what a spreadsheet is, and many adults use them every
day," says Jan Davidson, president and founder of Davidson & Associates.
"But never before has a spreadsheet been designed specifically for
students -- one that helps them understand how a spreadsheet works, how
it can be useful in their lives and how it can be fun to use. The
Cruncher does just that and it teaches math concepts at the same time."
** Apple Unveils Online System **
A new online service called eWorld has been announced by Apple Com-
puter Inc. Apple says the service is expected to be available in the
U.S. this spring and worldwide later.
Reports from Apple's Cupertino, Calif. headquarters say, "The service
will only work on Apple's Macintosh computers initially. However, Apple
will expand it to the much wider base of IBM-compatible PCs running
Microsoft's Windows software later this year and to devices based on its
Newton technology."
The computer maker says initial services on the system will be sup-
plied by the Boston Computer Society, Dow Jones Business Information
Services, InfoWorld, MacWorld, Regis McKenna Inc. and Reuters America.
The basic monthly subscription will cost $8.95, including two free
hours of evening or weekend use. Each subsequent hour of weekend or
evening use will be $4.95. There will be an additional network surcharge
of $2.95 an hour during business hours.
** WordPerfect Extends Introductory Upgrade Special **
WordPerfect Corp. has extended to March 15 its $59.95 introductory
upgrade pricing for WordPerfect 3.0 for Macintosh.
Besides allowing current WordPerfect Mac users to upgrade to 3.0, the
program also enables users of competing word processing package to trade
for WordPerfect 3.0 for $99.
In a statement from its Orem, Utah, offices, WordPerfect said sales
of WordPerfect for Macintosh have doubled with the release of version
3.0, and channel sales have exceeded company expectations.
The $495 package runs on any Mac with a hard drive and 2M (System
6.0.7 or higher) or 4M (System 7.x) of RAM.
_____________________________________________________
> MONITORS STR Review Monitors - A Comprehensive overview
"""""""""""""""""""
WHICH MONITOR IS BEST?
SHOULD ONE SHOP FOR PRICE, QUALITY or BOTH?
by Ralph F. Mariano
As we opened this series it was stated we would look at the benefits
of buying a quality monitor as opposed to buying "price". Most of you
have experienced the letdown of paying big money for an item only to find
a less expensive rendition was as good if not better. Or, so you
thought. That may or may not be the case with Computer Monitors.
The prices of say.. a 14 inch, non-interlaced color monitor can vary
by as much as two hundred dollars. One has to ask; "what can the
difference possibly be to cause such a price difference?" The answer is,
of course, not simple. Some of the main differences are caused by the
dot-pitch of the monitor and whether its interlaced or not.
The subtle causes for the price differences are many... the
benefits for such differences are not readily realized. They are,
however, realized over the long haul. One's eyesight is not easily
replaced. For this reason alone the purchaser should always pay
particular attention to the monitor's specifications especially in the
radiation, focus, reflection and dot-pitch size areas.
Much has been said about "matching the monitor to your needs"...
something like; "if you're going to be doing word processing and such go
for a monochrome monitor. Nothing is said about the above mentioned
factors at all. That's sad. In reality, a quality monitor will yeild
excellent results as far as readability and ease of use are concerned.
To go for a monochrome monitor simply because one is focused on word
processing is rather looney. What about six months or so down the road
when the individual may have to put together a presentation requiring
color? Oh, I see... that user can go out and buy _another_ monitor..
Great for monitor sales but not so great for the user. The smart money
is on the monitor that's purchased intelligently the _first time_. A
monitor that will provide first class performance regardless of the task
at hand. This my friends, is what the article is all about. STR has a
number of different monitors we are currently using for different tasks
and at the same time, rotating the monitors from task to task.
Among the monitors we are working with, two are absolute standouts
in every positive way imaginable they are; the 17" Mag Innovision Monitor
and the NEC 17" Monitor. Both are superb in both performance and overall
value. There's a total of seventeen monitors involved at this time,
ranging from a non-interlaced "no-name" monitor that is doing
surprisingly well compared to certain of the high dollar disappointments.
(two, to be spotlighted in a later segment) In this segment, we'll look
at the reliablity factor of the lower cost monitors, private label and
recognizable manufacturers. Samsung, Arex, NonInterlace, CTX and
Goldstar were among the fourteen inch, 28 dot pitch versions put through
their paces. The Noninterlace was by far, the strongest performer in the
value department. Half way through the series of use tests being
performed the Samsung simply went to sleep. The CTX performed as
flawlessly as the others but since it cost a little more, we gave it a
closer look. For the money, approx 50.00 more than it's competition, it
offered a nonglare screen that more than made up for the added cost in
the lower eye fatigue. All the units were used while Corel Draw 4 was
running true color pictures and text. That is a very nice
Art/DTP/Multifaceted presentation package. Look for an in-depth review
of Corel's powerful new packages in the near future.
In the fifteen inch category, the CTX once again proved to be the
better monitor in the price range it was in. The non-glare screen is
really easy on the eyes. No squinting to peek through background
reflections. The off brand monitors seemed to run on the hot side, by
that I mean they were far warmer to the touch than the brand name
monitors. In terms of long term reliablity, we all know heat in
electronics ios a killer, so... need any more be said?
In the seventeen inch category, the MAG Innovision model 17f is
quite the performer (very impressive in all categories). The monitor has
some of the fanciest of features available to the everyday user. LED
readout of the screen size and frequency (that's a nice feature)
especially when checking the video drivers in use. Programmable presets,
built in degausser and multi-platform connectors. Next, we 'll cover the
NEC and the other seventeen inch models in-depth. They were, all but
two, almost equals. One was a dismal disappointment and two others
simply were not worth the effort taken in hooking them up and to test.
Until next time......
_____________________________________________________
> DOOM SECRETS! STR Feature
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
Secret Openings for DOOM Anyone?
================================
LEVEL ONE
---------
Level one has two secret doors. The first is behind the Monsters
on the high left hand ledge. They throw fireballs at you as you're
trying to navigate along the path through the radio-active slime. The
second door is just past that room, on the right, it leads outside to
blue mega armor bonus.
LEVEL TWO
---------
You can get the chain saw on this level by entering the computer
area, finding the spot where the hall is flashing and has red ceiling
lights also, there's a green armor bonus nearby. Shoot the outside
wall. On the far side of this area, you'll find two bright metal strips
on the wall opposite a free standing monitor pillar. A number of waste
barrels are nearby. There's a secret door between the strips containing
an ammo backpack. Additionally, after getting the chain saw, search
along the left side of the wall on the way down to the computer area then
on the way out of the computer area, look in the alcove just to your
right. In the main area, the first Chaingun can be found OUTSIDE the
building. You must open the secret door by entering another secret door
in the main lobby. Its to your right as you enter at the far end of the
center edifice. Look for a slightly different color to the wall, push on
it. One inside, among the goodies is a switch to open the gate that's
upstairs on the ramp. You'll see it when its open... its the only way to
the ouside.
LEVEL THREE
-----------
This is a very interesting and challenging level. Don't waste your
time shooting at the monsters through the half-door. Its a waste.
Opposite the half door, is a staircase going down, proceed down there and
turn to your left. There's a switch there that opens a passgeway just
upstairs to the right. After throw the switch, you see a diagonal
passageway on your map (tab key)that leads to an upper computer room,
also "diagonal". The walls don't go N-S-E-W, but NW-SW-SE-NE. If you
explore the computer room for secret doors, you'll find two areas where
your character will not grunt when you push on the walls. You'll have to
retreat to the diagonal passageway and wait until you hear the doors
open. Then speed to either of them and glide on through. You'll have to
be fast so use the right mouse button full out. The door presents a cave
with radio-active slime running around the perimeter with a rocket
launcher and several rockets. Travel the radio-active slime stream
through the opening you fit into until you come to a small landing with a
switch. Activate the switch, it triggers the bridge across the infamous
radio-active slime pit. Also in that alcove is another secret door
leading to the second chain gun, along with other supplies and an
elevator leading to one of the rooms you've explored through a one-way
secret door by the staircase. Now, speed to the second secret door in
the computer room, go down the dark spiral staircase kill all the
Monsters down there. Throw the switch in the pillar and get the Life
Power Charge.
Go across the bridge, open the secret panel, and head down the
hallway. Be careful! There are two places down there which trigger
secret doors to rooms full of monters. After you've cleared the room,
find a small passage in the back of the last room along the gray wall.
This leads to the exit room to the Military Base, a bonus, secret level.
Before you go, turn around go straight back, open the wall opposite the
exit switch, ride the elevator. Up top, you'll find another box of
rockets.
LEVEL FOUR
-----------
There's a pair of landings at either end of the radio-active slime
trench. One leads to a switch, elevator, and a few goodies. The other
leads to a room with a monster, more goodies, a switch, and an elevator
to a Life Power Charge.
LEVEL FIVE
----------
There's blue mega armor you grab while running off of the rising
platforms in the radio-active slime pool. Opposite the pool are a series
of secret doors in the middle of the window. These lead to a Radiation
Suit, chain saw, and a Life Power Charge. On the right, in the room with
radio-active slime and a rising pathway connecting two
doors, is another secret door in the lower right. You may notice the
discoloration in the wall.
LEVEL SIX more next week...... Including the Military Base
---------
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
: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
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
___ ___ _____ _______
/___| /___| /_____| /_______/ The Macintosh RoundTable
/____|/____| /__/|__| /__/ ________________________
/_____|_____|/__/_|__|/__/
/__/|____/|__|________|__/
/__/ |___/ |__|_/ |__|_/____ Managed by SyndiComm
/__/ |__/ |__|/ |__|______/
An Official Forum of the International Computer Users Group
*** STReport available in MAC RT ***
ASCII TEXT
for ALL GEnie users!
MAC/APPLE SECTION (II)
======================
Randy Noak, Editor
by Randy Noak
Here we are. It's 1994 and the millennium approaches with
predictions of the apocalypse, continuing assaults on the First and
Second Amendments, wars, Whitewatergate, Troopergate and Beavis and
Butthead with their own TV show. At this point though, my main worry is
just remembering to write 1994 on all my checks! Now that the Holidays
are over, Mac Report will be getting back to our regular features and
schedule. Jeff Coe, Senior Associate Editor, and I have been discussing
changes we'd like to make in the coming year, and I think you'll like
them. Keep your eyes peeled!
Last issue I welcomed the new Mac Report staffers. I thought I'd
take a little space in this issue to let them introduce themselves to
you.
**Randy Noak - Editor** That's Me!
I've published, edited and written for hard copy publications and
have been involved with computers since I obtained a state-of-the-art
Atari 400 many moons ago. I've also toiled feverishly as a beta-tester
for system and application software for varied platforms. Besides
Editing Mac Report, I spend some time as a Quality Assurance Lab
Technician at one of Northwest Indiana's famous steel mills and am
President of Southlake, Incorporated.
I live in the cornfields of Northwest Indiana with my very patient,
understanding wife, Nikki, and my lovely children, Valerie and Andrew. My
older daughter, Megan runs a comic book store and my other daughter Anna
is in the U.S. Air Force.
**Jeff Coe - Senior Associate Editor**
Jeff Coe has been an avid computer hobbyist since the early 80s,
when he purchased his first computer for the sole purpose of playing
ZORK, and other text adventure games from Infocom. That first system, an
Atari 800XL, has since been replaced by an Atari 1040ST, a Tandy MS-DOS
system (which didn t stick around too long), and ultimately, a Macintosh
LCII. Jeff has been involved in several Users Groups over the years as,
at various times, newsletter editor, software librarian, and president.
He is also currently a parent volunteer for tech support in a program
that has put Macintosh computers in the home of every 4th grade student
in the local school district (although that s the subject of a future
article!).
Jeff is married to a very loving and patient woman named Debbie, and
they have two children whose talents he uses extensively to get into the
higher levels on the game software he reviews for STReport. He lives in
northwest Indiana, where he makes his living as an automotive service
technician (a mechanic). Jeff welcomes your comments and suggestions
about his reviews. He can be reached on-line at the following addresses:
on America Online, send mail to "STReportJC", and on the GEnie network he
can be contacted as "J.COE1".
**Guillaume Brasseur - Associate Editor, Games**
Guillaume Brasseur is a French student living in San Francisco. He
has been living in San Francisco for over ten years and looks forward to
going to college in the fall. He has been using Macintosh computers since
the age of twelve and has recently bought a new Mac, the Performa 550.
He enjoys snow boarding, when he has the chance to head to the mountains,
reading and talking with others. Guillaume is 17 and single and loves to
have fun.
**Steven Kiepe - Associate Editor, Applications**
Steven Kiepe has been a writer and editor for several computer
publications including Current Notes magazine. In addition to his current
use of Macintosh computers, his computing experience included mainframe
programming in Fortran in the 1970's and stints as an owner of Commodore
64, Atari ST and various MS DOS/CPM computers. Steve is a Naval Officer
and helicopter pilot serving in San Diego, Ca.
**John Donohue - Associate Editor, DTP & Graphics**
Born and raised in Pennsylvania (suburbs of Harrisburg). Started
playing golf at the age of 10, turned professional at the age of 23 and
moved to Florida. Became head professional at a country club in May of
1976 in Orlando, Florida and remained there until January 1988.
First computer purchase was a Tandy Model III with a whopping 24k of
ram and 2 internal disk drives. Soon moved on to the Model IV to increase
the ram up to 64k. Less than a year later it was on to the Model 1000 and
PC compatibility. I soon realized 1 computer wasn t enough for business
AND pleasure and purchased a PC XT with a huge 20 meg hard drive. I was
in heaven.
In October of 1987 I saw an Atari 1040 ST and thought (because of
the GUI) this is computing! I was hooked on the graphics capabilities
(Publishing Partner) and soon sold my Tandy 1000 and XT to purchase a
1040 ST. I gradually increased both power and productivity with purchases
of a Mega 4, a Mega STe and finally a TT Atari computer. Along with an
extensive library of clipart and Adobe Typefaces I soon found myself
completely immersed in how to layout a page of text and or graphics.
There weren t enough hours in the day.
In April of 93 I made the decision to switch platforms and pur-
chased my present hardware set-up. Finally made it to the rest of the
world . Currently my clients include 3 of the 5 major print shops in
Highlands County, Florida, and an advertising agency based in Washington
DC.
**Melanie Bell - Associate Editor, Education**
Melanie Bell, a Mac admirer, fell in love with the ease of use doing
work study at college. She is a first grade teacher and taught third
grade for two years. She is currently working toward her masters, in
Early Childhood Education. Besides teaching she also enjoys reading, and
meeting new people.
We are all dedicated to bringing you an even better Mac Report in
1994. Look for more reviews, more news and more views. In short, more of
what you've come to expect from Mac Report. Let us know how we're doing.
_____________________________________________________
> LucasArts NEWS! STR InfoFile
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
LucasArts announces...
REBEL ASSAULT, THE ALL-TIME BEST SELLING PC CD-ROM
ENTERTAINMENT TITLE, TO RELEASE FOR MACINTOSH CD
LucasArts' Top Ranked "Star Wars" Action/Arcade Game
Features 3D Graphics, Video, Speech and the Original Movie Score
San Rafael, CA - January 5, 1994 -- After only one month in the stores,
Rebel Assault from LucasArts Entertainment Company became the best-
selling PC CD-ROM entertainment title of all time. Noted in the Wall
Street Journal as the #1 multimedia title for the holidays, and hailed in
PC Review as one more compelling reason for buying a CD-ROM, Rebel
Assault s holiday demand nearly outstripped supply. Riding on this wave
of success, LucasArts announced its commitment to bring its blockbuster
game to Macintosh CD in the spring of1994.
Rebel Assault, with more than 400 megabytes of intense action, will
mount an assault on the Mac CD-ROM marketplace. Its ammunition: a
riveting story; detailed 3D graphics; dramatic voice-overs; the "Star
Wars" score as performed by the London Symphony Orchestra; and movie
footage from "Star Wars", plus original full-screen video footage. Its
goal: To set a new industry standard for Macintosh CD-ROM entertainment
by combining compelling content, improved interactivity and technical
achievement.
"With the rapid installation of Mac CDs in homes and Apple's aggressive
commitment to multimedia, it makes good business sense to bring our
leading PC CD-ROM title to the Mac CD marketplace," said Mary Bihr,
LucasArts' director of marketing. "We're confident Rebel Assault will be
as successful a title for Mac CD as it has been for PC CD-ROM."
Rebel Assault takes full advantage of the CD-ROM platform. "The game
art is rendered in camera-perfect perspective using advance 3D modeling
techniques. The result is astoundingly realistic game visuals," said
Vince Lee, Rebel Assault project leader. "Past games, like X-Wing, have
used 3D art sporadically, but this is the first time we've used it
throughout an entire game. We've immersed the player in a believable
'Star Wars' universe. Even human figures - one of the most challenging
subjects to capture - are rendered exquisitely in 3D."
The ultra-realisitic graphics are featured in both the cinematic cut
scenes, which move the story along, and the first-person interactive
sequences. Additional scenes include the smooth integration of digitized,
full-screen video. The result is a visually-consistent world that deftly
moves between first- and third-person 3D perspectives and live action,
and between interactive and non-interactive components. An innovative
streaming mechanism allows Rebel Assault to be accessed directly from
the CD without compromising game-play speed.
Complementing Rebel Assault's stunning visuals is composer John
Williams' original "Star Wars" score as performed by the London Symphony
Orchestra. Additionally, professional actors provide voices, and "Star
Wars" sound effects, borrowed from Skywalker Sound, are used liberally.
Rebel Assault features an internally-developed, four-channel sound system
that allows music, speech, sound effects and ambient sound to be played
simultaneously.
In Rebel Assault, players step into the boots of Rookie One, an aspir-
ing Rebel fighter pilot. Before the action starts, players have the
option of making Rookie One male or female -- the program will alter the
character's physique and voice accordingly. Fifteen extensive and
varied levels take Rookie One from training runs through Beggar's Canyon
in a T16 Skyhopper to the game's climax -- the trench run on the Death
Star in an X-wing starfighter. In between, Rookie One chases TIE fight-
ers through an asteroid storm, takes out a Star Destroyer, blows away
Imperial walkers and blasts through a Rebel base overtaken by
stormtroopers. A passcode system lets players return to different
sections of the game, and three levels of difficulty adjust Rebel Assault
to players' skill levels.
In addition to the PC and Macintosh CD-ROM versions, Rebel Assault will
be available for Sega CD (published by JVC) in the spring of 1994. The
PC and Macintosh CD-ROM games have a suggested retail price of $79.95.
_______________________________________________________
> F/A HORNET STR InfoFile
"""""""""""""""""""""""
**Mac Report Info**
**F/A Hornet 1.1 FAQ SHEET!**
F/A-18 Hornet 1.1 will be shipped to all registered users some time in
January. Here's a list of new features from the 1.1.0fc read me file.
1.1.0fc is a pre-release version and there may be some changes when the
release version ships.
- A STICK CONTROL pop-up menu has been added to the preferences dialog
fordirect support of third-party joysticks including Gravis MouseStick(R)
and thenew ThrustMaster(tm) Flight Control System.
- A DIFFICULTY DIALOG has been added for more control over SAM, AAA,
enemy pilot ratings, missile/Gun lethality, etc. In addition, your
aircraft's sustainable damage can be adjusted from "easy meat" to "flying
Tank" (minus the clever wording).
- ARA (Appletalk Remote Access) is now supported allowing direct modem-
to-modem connections using the built-in networking features in system
7.x. Please contact Apple Computer for information on ARA and network-
ing. Modems speeds of 9600 baud or better are recommended. 2400 will work
well but is not supported officially.
- RICHER TERRAIN, bases have more individual character for more flight
enjoyment.
- COMMAND-I will hide all instrumentation leaving the HUD and weapons
visible.
- COMMAND-N will (night/day toggle) adds 12 hours
to the world time.
- CYCLE through the four missions at the current pilot
level by pressing option key while clicking on the "Briefing" button in
the Pilot Window.
- ZOOM keys now available in forward (cockpit) view.
- "MEATBALL" or Freznel Lenz System has been added to all aircraft carri-
ers.
- GENERAL FLIGHT MODEL has been radically altered for more realism.
- VELOCITY VECTOR now shows accurate flight path in real-time and lags the
nose.
- VELOCITY VECTOR now flashes when HUD limited (at the edges of the HUD).
- AUTO-GEAR-UP mechanism has been removed in favor of a breakable gear
(watch it!)
- GEAR will now break at speeds in excess of 200 Knots on all NON-PAVED
surfaces.
- AOA INDEXER is now fully functional and keys only on AOA (as it
should).
- AOA INDEXER will now shut off as soon as you touch down.
- NOSEWHEEL steering has been incorporated. Rudder now steers nosewheel on
ground. - Radar modes now have independent range memories.
- Coverage for radar modes has been redesigned to take 'look down' into
consideration when imaging. Therefore, the higher you go, the wider your
coverage (up to the maximum ranging currently set). In addition 'SIL'
mode will be much more effective at low altitude.
- Low altitude now has LESS masking effect in active modes.
- Weapons can no longer be released while not flying (on ground).
- Electro Optical camera tracks the current target, designated with the
radar or with the E/O designate "Return." Camera resets to 'ahead'
position when AG weapons are cycled. Its now possible to cycle through
radar targets using (\) in #5 view.
- All weapons except the B-57 nuclear device are available in training.
- 20MM Cannon lethality has been increased.
- Color for "Fast" mode cue will now be the same as HUD color.
- Ejection seat will work at low altitudes.
- Missions will now end automatically when you STOP your engines.
- Panorama mode now also works with just two monitors
(main and secondary). - Network code has been radically redesigned.
- New network terrain.
- It is now possible to enter the net world without other players.
- Visible flares
- Autopilot now works at just under 100ft.
- No more "Altitude" warning when autopilot is on at low altitude.
- Blackout transition (from clear to black) has been slowed to half of
1.0. - COMMAND-I: Hides/Shows instrumentation
- COMMAND-H: Hides/Shows HUD readouts.
- COMMAND-C: Changes HUD Color
- COMMAND-R: Resets current mission (only in training and network.)
- Zoom in and out (0 and 9) now work while you are in the cockpit.
- COMMAND-N: Adds 12 hours to clock. (night/Day). Works in replay too.
=== These items have been fixed ===
- Replay/resume mission inconsistancy.
- Max. on-ground speed of 135 knots.
- Radar has been totally re-written to eliminate certain scaling
problems. - Heading displayed in Moving Map is now correct.
- AAMs can no longer be locked onto ground targets.
- Problems with PowerBooks connected to external monitors.
- Problem with keystrokes sticking on occasion.
- Panorama mode is now working properly in both color & B/W modes.
- HUD now defaults to Black on B/W Machines.
- Instruments now draw correctly in all instances.
- Custom sound driver has been removed to eliminate confusion.
- Problem with de-brief screen causing freezes.
- "SHOOT" cue will no longer flash while cycling through targets.
- AGM-62s are now modeled as true glide bombs.
- Some missions have been fixed for consistant play.
- HUD VSI now show positive numbers for ascent/negative numbers for
descent.
In addition to these changes, these others have been 'found'.
------------------------------------------------------------
- Pressing the up and down (or left and right) arrows together shows a 90
degree straight up view.
- shift 5 shows a view from outside your aircraft looking toward the
selected enemy. (Some people report this, others say it's not on their
copy. It's not on mine.)
- a full load of fuel is 12000 lbs. A drop tank brings it to 14500.
- An Easter Egg that lets you fly any airplane in the mission MIGs).
The main thing you will notice is that carrier landings are MUCH harder.
In addition to the glide slope, the AOA will have to be just right or
you will probably bolter. (I think thats the term.) It's when your hook
doesn't catch any wires and you have to add power and go around.
The scenery is improved, but all the people standing around have gone
home. No more buzzing people on the beach.
The airplane seems to be a bit more sluggish than 1.0. Apparently this
is more realistic. You'll need about 150 kts of airspeed to even get off
the ground. I guess 1.0 was a bit generous with thrust.
____________________________________________
> MAC PRICING STR InfoFile
""""""""""""""""""""""""
**Mac Report Hardware Pricing**
**Special Apple Pricing to User Groups!**
Here's some interesting info courtesy Rnady (hey, that's how he spells
it) Zeitman.
Apple's User Group Connection is now offering refurbished macs to user
group members. Here's the latest price list and November's to boot. I
dunno what happend to January.
January Price List
-------------------
M1383LL/A Performa 600 5/160 w/CD (monitor not included) $1,269.00
M1044Z/A 16 Inch RGB Monitor $ 999.00
UGC405 Performa 405 4/80 w/.39 monitor $ 659.00
SHIPPING CHARGES: $15.00 PER ITEM ORDERED. PRODUCT ORDERS WITH BUNDLES
(IE PERFORMA 600 W/ MONITOR) IS A $30.00 SHIPPING CHARGE.
THIS IS CONSIDERED TWO ITEMS ORDERED.
UGC will only accept orders sent in one of the following 3 ways:
FAXED ORDERS TO: 408-461-5701
APPLELINK: USER.GROUPS
AOL: APPLE UGC
Master Card, Visa or cashier's checks payable to:
USER GROUP CONNECTION
P.O. Box 67249
Scotts Valley,CA 95067-7249
January Promotion orders only taken from January 1 through January 31.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVED, WHILE QUANTITIES LAST.
SHIPMENTS PLACED THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1.
NOTE: THESE ARE REFURBISHED PRODUCTS
Refurbished products are equipment that has been returned to Apple by
existing resellers. It may have been returned for any of a number of
reasons, including discontinuation of that model, a return by a customer,
or a malfunction in the product. All returns are checked for proper
function, repaired if necessary, repackaged, and marked "refurbished" on
the box. Refurbished products include a 90-day warranty.
-------------------
November Price List
-------------------
M1383LL/A Performa 600 5/160 w/CD and 14" RGB Monitor $1,479.00
UGC405 Performa 405 4/80 w/.39 monitor $ 659.00
UGC450 Performa 450 4/120 w/.29 monitor $sold out
M2046LL/A Stylewriter II $ 229.00
M1174LL/A PowerBook 170 4/40 without modem $1,299.00
M1686LL/A Macintosh Performa 200 $ 549.00
______________________________________________________________
Thanks Rnady. Here's a _whole bunch_ of Apple press releases that just
happen to coincide with the San Francisco Mac Expo. I've left most of
them as they are except for removal of excess hype. One word of warning
though: Even though some of the hype has been removed, there is still
plenty left, so those that are overly hype-sensitive may wish to skip
this part of Mac Report. For those with the courage to go on, there is a
lot of info here. We'll be presentiong all the information in two parts
the first part this week and the remainder next week. More details on
Apple's planned on-line service, PowerPC info, AppleShare, StarCore and a
whole lot more.
> POWER PC UPDATES STR InfoFile
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Apple Details PowerPC Technology Upgrade Options
for
Current Macintosh Models
SAN FRANCISCO, California--January 3, 1994--In anticipation of the
debut of its next-generation PC platform, Macintosh with PowerPC ,
Apple Computer Inc. today unveiled how current Macintosh customers can
upgrade to PowerPC technology. Specifically, Apple announced plans to
offer both logic board and processor upgrades based on the PowerPC 601
chip for a wide range of Macintosh systems. The upgrades are designed to
provide current Macintosh customers with access to the power and
performance of the new PowerPC technology, developed jointly by Apple,
IBM and Motorola.
Logic Board and Processor Upgrades to Boost Performance of Current
Systems Both the logic board and processor upgrade products are designed
with the PowerPC 601 chip to provide 2-4 times the performance of the
existing Macintosh models when running native applications. Details on
the upgrade options are as follows:
- Apple expects to provide logic board upgrades for the Macintosh
Quadra 840AV, 800, 660AV, 650 and 610 models, the Macintosh Centris
660AV, 650 and 610 computers, and the Macintosh IIvx, vi and Performa
600 products. Additionally, owners of the Apple Workgroup server 60,
80 and 95 will be offered logic board upgrades to PowerPC processor-
based systems which will run a version of the Macintosh System 7.0
operating system for the PowerPC processor.
Logic board upgrades will provide these existing Macintosh models
with the full functionality of PowerPC technology. Dealer
installation is required.
- Apple plans to offer a lower cost processor upgrade card for the
Quadra 950, 900, 800, 700, 650 and 610 models, as well as the
Centris 650 and 610 computers.
This processor card will provide customers with a low-cost upgrade
option that is also user-installable. The processor upgrade card
takes advantage of the Processor Direct Slot (PDS) in these Macintosh
68040-based systems. With the addition of this processor upgrade,
systems run at twice the speed (megahertz) of the Motorola 68040-
based system they are upgrading. For example, a 25 MHz system will
run at 50 MHz with the addition of the PowerPC processor upgrade.
Availability and Pricing
Apple plans to ship the PowerPC technology upgrade products
simultaneously with the introduction of the new Macintosh with
PowerPC systems in the first half of 1994. Macintosh desktop upgrade
products are expected to range in price from less than US $700 to
$2,000.
Apple and Third-Party Options
Apple continues to work on upgrades for other Macintosh models. In
addition, Apple is working in conjunction with selected third-party
developers to provide an array of options for customers to upgrade to
PowerPC technology. In November, 1993, Apple announced a licensing
agreement with DayStar Digital, under which DayStar plans to develop a
high-performance processor upgrade car for the Quadra 650, 700, 800,
900 and 950 systems, and the Macintosh Centris 650.
___________________________________________________
> APPLE DEV TOOLS STR InfoFile
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
APPLE DEBUTS DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
FOR
MACINTOSH WITH POWERPC
Momentum Builds For Apple PowerPC Microprocessor-based Personal
Computers and Servers as New Tools Facilitate Development of Native
Applications
CUPERTINO, California January 3, 1994 Apple Computer, Inc. today released
a series of developer products that will accelerate the availability of
native applications for its next-generation of Apple PowerPC microproces-
sor based personal computers and servers. Apple announced its Macintosh
on RISC Software Developer s Kit (SDK) which includes all tools and
documentation necessary to create new applications or port existing
Macintosh applications to run native on future Apple PowerPC processor-
based systems. Apple also introduced the Macintosh with PowerPC Starter
Kit and a comprehensive, self-paced training course titled Programmers
Introduction to RISC and PowerPC. Additionally, Apple is offering a
bundle which includes the SDK and training course along with a new native
PowerPC development environment, CodeWarrior, from Metrowerks.
These new tools enable software developers to begin adapting their
applications to run native on PowerPC microprocessor-based computers
using current Macintosh development systems, before Apple PowerPC proces-
sor-based systems becomes available in the first half of 1994. A native
application is an application that has been recompiled for the PowerPC
microprocessor. Native applications take full advantage of the superior
performance of PowerPC technology.
Macintosh on RISC SDK
The Macintosh on RISC SDK is an MPW -based (Macintosh Programmer's
Workshop) environment that runs on a 68020, 68030 or 68040 Macintosh and
generates native code for Macintosh with PowerPC microprocessor based
systems. The comprehensive, cross-development environment enables
developers to jumpstart the application development process. As soon as
Mactintosh with PowerPC processor-based systems become available, devel-
opers can finish the port by testing and debugging their native Macintosh
with PowerPC applications. The Macintosh on RISC SDK includes:
- C/C++ compiler for high quality, optimized code
- PowerPC Assembler supporting the full PowerPC instruction set
- Two-machine PowerPC Debugger with an easy-to-use interface for
setting breakpoints, examining and changing memory, registers and
viewing code
- Universal System Header Files for both 680X0 and PowerPC processor
based platforms
- MacApp 3.1, an update version of Apple s object-oriented application
framework for accelerating application development. This gives
existing MacApp developers a path to port their applications native
on Macintosh with PowerPC.
- Apple Installer 4.0 which is capable of installing either 680X0 or
PowerPC environments from a common set of files
- MPW Development System 3.3 which provides a complete development
system
- Additional Tools and Sample Code including a PowerPC linker, complete
build tools and scripts and sample applications for Macintosh with
PowerPC
- Complete On-line Documentation including all documentation for the
Macintosh on RISC SDK and the PowerPC System Software
Macintosh with PowerPC Starter Kit
The Macintosh with PowerPC Starter Kit introduces developers to the
basics of the Macintosh with PowerPC. It includes a collection of docu-
ments for general information as well as detailed technical documentation
about both the PowerPC
microprocessor and System 7 for Macintosh with
PowerPC. The kit includes:
- PowerPC 601 RISC Microprocessor User s Manual (Motorola, Inc.)
- Complete instruction set and overview of the PowerPC architecture
- Inside Macintosh: PowerPC System Software
Documentation on the new Macintosh with PowerPC system software:
System 7 for Macintosh with PowerPC
- Migrating to Macintosh with PowerPC Checklist
Tips for developers porting an existing Macintosh application to run
native on Macintosh with PowerPC
- PowerPC Technology: An Overview for Apple Third Party Developers
- An overview of the path to PowerPC for customers and developers
Programmers Introduction to RISC and PowerPC
Apple's Developer University course 'Programmer's Introduction to RISC
and PowerPC' introduces developers to the technical issues associated
with RISC and PowerPC microprocessor technology. The format is an
interactive, multimedia CD-ROM designed as a self-paced learning tool.
It prepares developers for recompiling existing code for the Macintosh
with PowerPC while enhancing speed and portability, as well as writing
new code for Macintosh with PowerPC.
Metrowerks CodeWarrior
CodeWarrior is the industry's first native development environment for
the PowerPC microprocessor-based and 680X0 microprocessor-based
Macintosh. With quick turn-around time and an integrated user interface,
CodeWarrior enables programmers to quickly and easily develop applica-
tions for both platforms using the same source code base. CodeWarrior
comes in three versions, Gold, Silver and Bronze. The Gold version is
the most comprehensive and includes development releases of C, C++ for
the 680X0 Macintosh and for the Macintosh with PowerPC; a development
release of Pascal for the 680X0 Macintosh; and C and C++ cross-compilers.
The Silver version supports native PowerPC microprocessor development
only, and will be released when Apple ships Macintosh with PowerPC
systems. The Bronze version, available now in pre-release form, supports
680X0 development only.
Price and Availability
The Macintosh on RISC SDK is being made available at this time in pre-
release form, with an automatic upgrade to the final version at no addi-
tional charge. It includes a non-disclosure agreement, which the user
agrees to by opening and using the product.
CodeWarrior Gold is also being made available at this time in pre-
release form, with an automatic upgrade from Metrowerks to the final
version at no additional charge.
The Macintosh on RISC SDK, Macintosh with PowerPC Starter Kit, the
Programmers' Introduction to RISC and PowerPC and Metrowerk's CodeWarrior
Gold are available worldwide and can be ordered through APDA, Apple s
source for developer tools. The SDK (delivered on CD- ROM) has an APDA
catalog price of $399, the Starter Kit at $39.95, the Programmers Intro-
duction at $150 and CodeWarrior Gold at $399. APDA can be reached in the
United States at (800) 282-2732; in Canada at (800) 637-0029; or interna-
tionally at (716) 871-6555.
Apple is offering a bundle including the Macintosh on RISC SDK, the
Programmer s Introduction to RISC and PowerPC and Metrowerk s CodeWarrior
Gold for a price of $849 through APDA. A one-time, special price of $749
is being offered to all who purchase the bundle during MacWorld Expo,
January 5-8, 1994. The promotional bundle and individual products can be
purchased at the APDA booth in the Apple Developer Central area at
Macworld Expo in San Francisco (Room 200, Moscone Center). Prices will
vary outside the United States and customers are urged to contact their
local Apple subsidiary for pricing and availability information.
_____________________________________________________________
Apple Computer Participates at MACWORLD EXPO/San Francisco 94
Keynote Address
Date: Wednesday, January 5, 1994
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: San Francisco Marriott, Yerba Buena Ballroom
Speaker: David Nagel, senior vice president and general manager,
AppleSoft Division
David Nagel will highlight the successes of the Macintosh platform in
the ten years since its introduction, and outline some of the key direc-
tions for Macintosh in the future.
Apple Online Services (AOS) Press Conference
Date: Wednesday, January 5, 1994
Time: 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Location: Hotel Nikko, Nikko Ballroom; Mason and O Farrell Streets
Host: Gaston Bastiaens, vice president and general manager, Personal
Interactive Electronics (PIE) Division
Apple Computer, Inc. will announce eWorld, a new global on-line service
with a unique user interface. Well-known information providers will also
announce their services. Please bring your business card or press cre-
dentials.
AppleSoft Press Conference
Date: Wednesday, January 5, 1994
Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Location: Moscone Convention Center, Room 250
Host: David Nagel, senior vice president and general manager, AppleSoft
Division
Apple Computer Inc. will announce the availability of PowerShare
Collaboration Servers software. Updates on System 7 Pro, PowerTalk, and
the AOCE technology will be provided as well.
Please bring your business card or press credentials.
Exposition
Date: Wednesday, January 5 - Saturday, January 8, 1994
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Moscone Center, Ballroom 102/103
Apple Computer, Inc. will participate as an exhibitor at MACWORLD
EXPO/San Francisco in dedicated Apple Pavilion.
The year 1994 will mark the introduction of Apple Computer's PowerPC
technology-based Macintosh systems. Apple and several of the many
developers working on applications which tap the power and performance of
the new Macintosh systems will be demonstrating pre-release versions of
native Macintosh with Power PC applications in booths throughout the
Expo.
_____________________________________________________________
> eWorld ANNOUNCED! STR InfoFile "...added a new dimension..."
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Apple Computer's eWorld
To Change The Shape Of Online Services
CUPERTINO, California--January 3, 1994--Apple Computer, Inc. today
added a new dimension to the world of electronic information services
by announcing eWorld , a new family of online services which will
bring the world of electronic information within reach of millions of
people across the globe. eWorld services will keep people in-touch,
informed, and entertained, at home, at school, and at work.
eWorld for Macintosh will be the first of a series of eWorld
interactive services, and will be available to Macintosh personal
computer users in the United States in Spring 1994, with releases for
the global market later in 1994. eWorld for Macintosh will be
distinguished by its collection of meaningful information and
transactional services from popular, well-known publishers and
service providers, initially targeted to meet the needs of
professional users at work and at home, via a simple, intuitive and
engaging interface.
These publishers and service providers are expected to include such
industry leaders as the Boston Computer Society (BCS), Berkeley
Macintosh User Group (BMUG), Claris Corporation, Dow Jones Business
Information Services, Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc., Inc.
Magazine, INDIVIDUAL, Inc., InfoWorld, MacWorld, Regis McKenna, Inc.,
Reuters America, Inc., Tribune Media Services, USA TODAY Information
Center, WordPerfect Corporation, and ZiffNet/Mac, among others.
Following the introduction of eWorld for Macintosh, Apple will also
provide eWorld interactive services for Windows-based PCs, and for
devices based on Newton technology. The first eWorld messaging
service for Newton , NewtonMail , was announced in November 1993 and
will become commercially available during the first quarter of 1994.
Real World Metaphor
Recognizing the appeal of the familiar, eWorld is modeled on a real
world metaphor, presenting people with a bird's eye view of a
colorful and attractively-illustrated online community. The eWorld
community consists of an electronic neighborhood of buildings, each
representing a specific area of the online service--the Library for
research, the Newsstand for news and sports publications; the
Business and Professional Plaza for business information and
services; the Arts and Leisure Pavilion for after hours entertainment
and hobbies; the Computer Center for computer assistance and
software; the Marketplace for purchasing products and services; the
eMail Center for worldwide electronic mail; and the Community Center
for interactive communications ("chats" and discussion areas) and
online events.
As people explore eWorld--to read up-to-the-minute news, to plan a
business trip, or to scan reviews of the latest movies--the online
experience is made familiar and comfortable through the use of a
consistent interface design. This extension of the real world
metaphor is supported by color-coded organizational schemes, a
carefully-designed language of icons representing standard eWorld
functions, and a thoughtful sound design to provide useful cues and
helpful feedback. For example, each area of eWorld is distinguished
by a different color, and each online publication within eWorld is
represented by a unique icon. Both these navigational aids prevent
subscribers from getting lost or disoriented, and clearly indicate
when they have moved from one area of the eWorld community to
another.
This attractive, understandable, and familiar interface empowers
people to filter and select information according to their
professions, their interests and their needs. eWorld enables people
to find what they want efficiently, and revisit that location
quickly; to purchase goods and services conveniently; and to exchange
information interactively in real time.
Communications
eWorld provides customers with a powerful, easy-to-use global e-mail
service that offers professional features and reliability. eWorld
users can also easily communicate with users of the Internet, as well
as many other electronic mail services, through mail gateways that
allow the use of simple address abbreviations instead of complex
network addresses. eWorld offers a range of real-time interactive
communications capabilities, including lecture and information
sharing forums, or town meetings, that enable up to 250 people to
participate simultaneously. People can witness lectures, debates,
and discussions of topical issues by experts in a wide variety of
fields. Smaller groups of eWorld users can chat and collaborate
electronically in both public and private forums. In the future,
eWorld's communications capabilities are expected to include
incorporation of Apple's Open Collaboration Environment (AOCE)
technologies to provide integration with PowerTalk services.
Global
eWorld is uniquely designed to be a global online service.
Incorporated into eWorld"s distributed architecture are numerous
capabilities specific to supporting worldwide operation. These
include support for multiple languages for both content and
applications, a global/local content model that allows publishers of
all sizes to reach a global market and still offer information of
local interest, and network services from multiple vendors providing
local access points around the world. While initial availability
will be provided in the United States, eWorld services will steadily
expand their reach toward worldwide access and availability. English
language versions of eWorld for Macintosh will be extended to
countries around the world in 1994, followed by native language
versions for German, Japanese, and French.
Cross-Platform
eWorld services will be made available on a range of devices,
including Macintosh personal computers, Windows PCs, and Newton
devices, and people will be able to access common features across the
different platforms. For example, an eWorld customer will be able to
use the same e-mail address and mailbox from any supported device,
allowing consistent communications across a variety of situations. An
eWorld customer who uses a desktop computer for electronic mail in the
office or at home will be able to use a Newton MessagePad, or other
device based on Newton technology, to send and receive e-mail while
traveling. Services and information will also be consistent across
supported platforms, allowing Macintosh and Windows users to interact in
forums, post messages to bulletin boards, send mail, and perform
transactions without boundaries related to platform.
Publishing Tools
Publishers will find eWorld an appealing environment, rich with
intriguing business opportunities. Building on the principles of
empowerment which Apple pioneered with great success in the desktop
publishing industry, Apple Online Services has designed powerful
publishing tools to simplify dramatically the creation and
maintenance of online publications. Under the name eWorld Press,
these tools allow publishers to design and prototype new online
products and then to update those products cost-effectively by
migrating information from the publisher's existing repositories to
eWorld's global servers and online services infrastructure.
Pricing
In the United States, the basic monthly subscription fee will be
$8.95 which will include two free hours of evening or weekend usage.
Each subsequent hour of evening or weekend usage will be $4.95. An
additional network surcharge of $2.95 per hour will apply during
business hours in the United States. For customers who receive the
software bundled on their hard disk, there is no sign up fee.
Neither is there a surcharge for use of the Internet Mail gateway or
9600 baud access. Pricing for services outside the United States
will be announced later.
Availability
eWorld for Macintosh will begin beta testing in January of 1994 with
commercial launch slated for Spring of 1994 in the United States.
Some of the publishers currently working with Apple will be
furnishing eWorld with pilot versions of their services during the
beta testing period. eWorld for Macintosh will be bundled in most
Macintosh computers by the end of 1994 in the United States. eWorld
services will be made available outside the United States in stages,
starting with native language versions in French, German and
Japanese.
**********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International Online Magazine is available every week for
your reading pleasure on DELPHI. STReport's 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's Atari Advantage
TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (1/5/94)
(1) WORLD CONQUEST V.0.7B (6) US MAP
(2) STORM PATCH 1.01>1.02 (7) WARP9 CP UPDATE 1.51 --> 1.6
(3) PREMIUM MAH JONGG II (8) PLASMA MODULE FOR WARP 9
(4) DIRECT-DRIVE (9) MYCLOCK V.1.07
(5) FD144.TXT (10) MOUNTAIN VIEW 1.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------
HONORARY TOP 10
---------------
The following on-line magazines are always top downloads, frequently
out-performing every other file in the databases.
STReport (Current issue: STREPORT #10.01)
ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE (Current issue: AEO - VOLUME 2, ISSUE 22)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Look for the above files in the RECENT ARRIVALS database.
DELPHI-It's getting better all the time!
**********************************************************************
WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (January 07)
Please join us in welcoming PMC to the Atari Vendors Forum (GO
ATARIVEN)! Message Section 15 and Library 15 are now available for
PMC-related messages and files. You can address messages to Oscar Steele
[72662,1271].
The following initial files are available in LIBRARY 15:
GML8_P.TXT - Gemulator 3.0 information and special
GBNCH3.ZIP - Gembench 3.25 benchmarking for ST/Gemulator users
COMPUB.ZIP - Catalog of over 3000 books at 50% + discount!
CB_REA.TXT - Ordering information for used book catalog.
Download the following files from LIBRARY 6 of the Atari Productivity
Forum (GO ATARIPRO):
RN161P.LZH - Runner 1.61 Alternate Desktop
RN161N.LZH - New features and overview of Runner 1.61
RN161D.LZH - Docs for Runner 1.61(RUNR161P.LZH)
RN161B.LZH - Background pics for Runner 1.61
This is the newest release of Runner (1.61) by Dave Thorson!
Organize programs into easy-to-use menus, assign them to QuickKeys for
fast access. Use any PI1,.PI2,.PI3,.PC1,.PC2,.PC3 pic as a background
pic. You can also run programs and view text files from the file selec-
tor, for those that you don't place in menus. Built-in text file viewer
lets you search and move forward/backward and print screens as text.
Download file TOOL.LZH from LIBRARY 14 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for a replacement of version 1.0 of cadtool. This program
provides a nicer user interface, somewhat faster operation and a few bugs
were found and squashed. Cadtool V1.1 offers 3D2 object modification
similar to the object functions found in CAD3D but it is faster and
completes the operations correctly.
Also download LANDMN.ZIP from LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for a simple but habit-forming game, similar to the Minesweep-
er game that comes with Windows. Find out where the mines are buried...
carefully! Shareware, from the PTAUG Nov. 1993 disk. High rez or low rez,
source code included.
DON'T FORGET THAT ATARI PORTFOLIO SUPPORT CAN NOW BE FOUND IN
THE PALMTOP COMPUTING FORUM (GO PALMTOP).
ATARI/JAG SECTION (III)
=======================
Dana Jacobson, Editor
> From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
ACHOO!!
I knew it. I could have predicted it was going to happen. Not me;
I haven't had as much as a sniffle in over 5 years. Why do I need a flu
shot? Well, I'm certainly paying for it now, along with double the
interest! I can't recall ever feeling this sick before. I do know that
whatever I can do in the future to prevent this from happening, I will
do! (Famous Last Words) Cough syrups, aspirin, gel-caps this and
liqui-caps that, salves, lozenges, and whatever else could be found at
the local pharmacy just didn't seem to help at all. Solid food hasn't
touched my lips in over a week; and sleep, what's that?
I mentioned last week that if you didn't see the initial installment
of our online support staff article, it would be due to illness. Well,
the article was done and in - it just mysteriously never appeared!!
Don't ask...
Anyway, the Delphi Atari Advantage staff are highlighted in this
week's issue. If any of this medication starts to work, we'll have some
of the staff from Compuserve in next week's issue, with the remaining
staff the following week.
For the moment, I'll be content to let John Duckworth do some online
fishin' for me and Joe Mirando let me know what's happening in the
hallowed halls of Compuserve's Atari forums. A little of this and a
little of that, and I'm going back to bed!
Until next time...
______________________________________________________
> SUZY B Software STR InfoFile "A Honey of a Deal"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Suzy B's Software..."A Honey of a Deal"
Suzy B's Software is buzzing onto the scene of the Public Do-
main/Shareware supply services with a difference. Supplying single or
double-sided disks as requested, we will fill the disks full with com-
pressed self-extracting files (compatible with all TOS versions). That
in itself gives you a good deal, but Suzy B's goes on to give you what
the owner, Suzy B, calls "a honey of a deal." She asks, "How many times
have you wanted a utility and a game from a P.D. service but had to buy
two disks to get them both? With Suzy B's we put your individual selec-
tions on a single disk so you can pick and choose and get more of what
you want. Do you want a game, a children's program, a picture file or
two, the most recent version of ST Writer, and a NASA press release? You
can have them all on one disk! All our files are compressed in a
self-extracting format to give you even more of what you want. Right now
we have about 8,000 files from which to choose--our catalog is about 950
pages long--2.75 Megabytes of ASCII text, and it keeps growing! It's a
lot more work for us, but you get "a honey of a deal!"
To All Shareware Authors (please pass this along!):
--------------------------------------------------
Suzy B's Software is offering you an opportunity to increase your
Shareware registrations. If you will place a brief text description of
our service in your software's documentation (see below) we will give a
free two disk Suzy B's Software catalog (value $2) _and_ a $3 discount on
a Suzy B's Software disk to each person who registers one of your pro-
grams. If they register two they will get a total of $6 in credits.
Even if a person is just _upgrading_ your software (and if you charge
money for the upgrade!) they still get the $3 discount! Please get in
touch with us if you wish to participate in this program, or if you wish
to get one of our catalogs and see our selection first hand. Maybe we
can help each other!
Suzy B's Software
3712 Military Road
Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14305 U.S.A.
Phone: 716-298-1986 or 716-297-8514
Suzy B's carries an ENORMOUS selection of Atari PD/SHAREWARE software as
well as having a VERY unique approach to software distribution. Call
today for a catalog, I think you'll be pleased!
Suzy B's Software puts your individual selections on a disk so you can
pick and choose and get more of what you want. Do you want a game, a
children's program, a picture file or two, the most recent version of ST
Writer, and a NASA press release? You can have them all on one disk!
Right now they have about 8,000 compressed files from which to choose!
With Suzy B's software you get "a honey of a deal!"
Good News! Everyone who registers one of my Shareware programs will
receive a free two disk Suzy B's Software catalog (value $2) _and_ a $3
credit towards the purchase of a disk from the Suzy B's Software collec-
tion. Register two programs, get a $6 credit towards the purchase of two
or more disks; register three programs, get a $9 credit towards the
purchase of three or more disks...and so on! What if you've already
registered, but have an older version of my software? Just upgrade for a
fee of $x and you'll still get the Suzy B's discount. Now that sounds
like "a Honey of a Deal!" Just include a SASE with your registration fee
so that I can mail a certificate of registration back to you for use with
Suzy B's.
_____________________________________________________________
> LEXICOR NEWS! STR InfoFile DIGITAL ARTS PRODUCTS
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
DIGITAL ARTS PRODUCTS
Lexicor Software Corporation
EXCLUSIVE
North American distributors!
DA's PICTURE
Recommended Retail: - 199 U$D
DA's PICTURE works in any resolution with a minimum of 640x400 Pixels on
any Atari Computer with/out Graphics Board.
DA's PICTURE has an internal Virtual Memory Manager which will allow you
to handle large screen animations and pictures, even if you do not have
OUTSIDE, the Virtual Memory Manager and a 68030 Atari Computer.
Pictures can be zoomed in and out (31 different levels), has an effective
Palette handling system, elaborate lasso cut and paste functions. Great
Retouching and Painting tools such as Finger, Water, Detailer, Enhancer,
Spray can, crayon etc. Masking tools that allow you, for instance, only
to take the K-values of a CMYK color picture.
A very useful feature is also the definable UNDO buffer.
DA's Picture Animation Tools are very good and intuitive and have an
internal format that compresses faster and better than FLI/C/X/M and can
handle 24bit as well!
DA's VECTOR
Recommended Retail: - 189 U$D
DA's Vector is a color vectorgraphics program for an Atari ST(e)/TT or
Falcon Computer, with at least 2 Mb Memory. Runs in all color resolutions
from monochrome to 16,7 million colors with at least 640x400 pixels, and
with any graphic board that has a good and stable VDI.
Vector Graphics Editor
- Animation - Objects created with straight lines and bezier curves
- Vector animation editor for multimedia applications
- Scaling and Rotation of Objects
- Key frame animation techniques
- Projection into 3D bezier curves, mathematically transformed
- Movie player and full screen viewing
- Extrusion with user defined depth - light positioning - Auto Tracer
- any vector area can be filled with halftone or color pictures
- Automatic vectorization of halftone or color pictures
- Vector Text Functions
- Chart Generator
- Text can be be justified, circular, multiple lines
- Graphical presentation of statistics with pie charts
- Text can follow a linear user defined path - 2D or 3D bar charts
- Uses Postscript Type I fonts and CFN fonts - Self defined vector
objects
General
- Import/Export vector formats CVG, GEM-Metafile, Didot-VG
- On-line Manual and tutorial supplying help where you need it
- Added Utilities such as Graphics converter and Font Converter
- Gradient fill creator
DA's VECTOR PROFESSIONAL
Recommended Retail: - 289 U$D
DA's VECTOR big brother, more enhanced, more features, and inevitably
larger in size!
- Extended fill patterns
- Improved Animation tools for retouching and editing, post production
- Modular Port for external addition and extension
- Photo-CD Import, CLC 10 Scanner Support, Screen Eye Color Digitizing
control via Modular Port
- Various Filter Models
DA's VECTOR PROFESSIONAL has added external animation tools and will load
in also animations made by PHOENIX or ANM-Link. It has effective Anima-
tion tools to not only handle its own animation functions but has simple
editing tools available as well.
ALSO AVAILABLE ARE:
DA's Layout (CD) and DA's REPRO (CD) for photo retouching and editing
LEXICOR SOFTWARE CORP.
1726 Francisco ST.
Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone 510-848-7621
FAX 510-848-7613
________________________________________________________________
> The Old Fishin' Hole STR Feature
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The Old Fishin' Hole
-A Guide to the Online PD/Shareware Waters.
by John R. Duckworth
The holiday hustle and bustle is finally over, I hope all of our
STReport readers had a safe transition into 1994. Many of us
finally have our Jags in our grubby little hands, and after a brief
test period most have proclaimed the system a breakthrough. With the
proper support from Atari, the Jaguar should become a success with at
least the die hard game fans. But the Jaguar isn't the first Atari
system to play awesome games...our lowly ST's have been providing
gaming enjoyment to many of us for years. Maybe Atari will soon
release the long awaited Jeff Minter Falcon game supposedly finished as
well as some of the other promised games which were touted when the
Falcon was being promoted. While we wait for miracles to happen, I will
continue to fish the online waters for great PD/Shareware games that
are worthy of download. One of these gems I will review in this weeks
column.
"Towers" by JV Enterprises, is a 3-Dimensional Dungeon type game
for all Atari TOS computers. The game may be played solo or with a
friend via a midi connection or a null-modem cable. The game is
shareware (or as JV Enterprises like to call it...Tryware) and must
be registered in order to get the manual to play more than a couple
of demo levels.
The game is very reminiscent of "Dungeon Master", one of the all
time classic Atari ST games familiar to most users (unless they have
been living in a box for the past several years). The game will load on
any TOS based computer with at least one meg of RAM. A patch
program may be needed if you have a later TOS version and _only_ one
meg. The program even ran flawlessly on my Falcon and didn't even
need to be started in low resolution...other programmers should take
note. Another nice touch was the inclusion of an installation program
for those wishing to run the game from a hard drive. If a hard drive
is not utilized, the game needs two disks to fit all of the data
files, and a second floppy drive may be used to alleviate disk
switching agonies.
Once the game is up and running the user may watch a brief
introduction (which is nicely done in 16 colors), start a new game,
continue with a saved game, or allow a second computer to be
connected so that a friend may join in the quest. After a user has
selected the new game button, another menu appears so that he/she may
select which adventurer to incarnate. The characters apparently have
different traits and qualities, so ease of success may depend on what
characted a user is playing. After this important decision has been
made, the main playing screen will appear. This screen is divided
into several areas...a 3-D view of the dungeon, a spell list, a
character status window, and a representation of your character which
depicts items worn and carried. Players who have used the "Dungeon
Master" interface should feel right at home with the game.
The player may be moved through the tower (hence the name!) by
using the mouse pointer or with the cursor keys, the latter being
easier and faster. The screen updates rapidly, although scrolling is
not smooth like Wolfenstein 3D on the clones. Many items will be
found throughout the tower such as food, weapons, keys, and *gasp*
monsters (what fun would a game be without villains after all?). Scrolls
may also be found throughout the game which may reveal spell chants
which can be used the help the adventurer progress deeper into
the tower.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of "Towers" is the
multi-player capability. Many Atari users have dreamed of a "Dungeon
Master" type game which would allow for such computer linking...it
seems our dreams have come true. If the author receives enough
registrations...who knows...maybe he will program us a sequel which
allows for more than two players. Imagine, a sixteen player dungeon
game!
If you are a fan of the exploration/dungeon role playing
games...do yourself a favor and download "Towers" immediately.
Although the game is obviously not a commercial effort, it is worth the
$15 registration fee. Now if I can just find those blasted keys
so I can get some sleep...
Until next week...happy fishing!
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Old Fishin Hole Tackle Box * |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Towers |
| Delphi: Atari Advantage - read TOWERS |
| GEnie: Atari RT (#31277,#31278,#31508=patch) |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
* The Tackle Box is meant to provide assistance in finding files
mentioned in the column. It should not be considered a COMPLETE listing
and is provided for convenience only. Delphi Atari Advantage
files should be found in the Recent Arrivals section of the database
until moved to their appropriate sections.
WELCOME TO DELPHI'S
/\ /\
/ \ / \
//\ \ //\ \
// \ \ // \ \
//::::\ \ TARI //::::\ \ DVANTAGE
// \ \ // \ \
Your SIG Managers are:
Clayton Walnum (ANALOG4)
Gordie Meyer (BIBLINSKI)
Your 8-bit Manager is:
James King (KAMARO_KID)
Database Assistant:
Jim Cannon (JCANNON)
JOIN US EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT AT 10 P.M. EASTERN TIME
FOR OUR WEEKLY CONFERENCE.
And remember to check our CLASSIFIED area for some great deals!
> DELPHI'S AA AREA STR InfoFile Atari Online Community Support Staff
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Part One - Delphi's Atari Advantage
by Dana P. Jacobson
STReport Atari Editor
Ever since I got my first modem back in '87, I've been bitten by the
urge to learn more about my Atari computer and how to use it as effec-
tively as possible. Local bulletin board systems were plentiful, and
terrific for generalized info most of the time, but the need for more
information and new programs on a very limited computing budget existed.
Many recommended signing up for an online service, but the immenseness of
such a service scared me. Eventually, I did sign up for one, but limited
my usage to the downloads. Even then, the online time generated some
huge bills at only 1200 baud and a penchant for files larger than 50k!
Eventually, my online service activity was limited to perhaps a call or
two a week; and I forced myself to getting on and off as quickly as
possible.
About two years after my initial taste of online life, our user
group was fortunate to arrange a meeting with a representative from
Delphi. Since Delphi is local to us, it made sense. I had heard of
others in the group belonging to the service, but it didn't sound too
impressing at the time. Anyway, we got a first-hand look at what Delphi
had to offer. We were even offered the opportunity to start our own
Atari support area in the local Delphi/Boston area, which we readily
accepted. Since then, Delphi has been a personal favorite for me. The
people online have been extremely helpful and congenial. The support
staff, although much smaller than their counterparts, are some of the
best that I've come across in all of my years of online computing. It
gives me great pleasure to start this series of articles with Delphi's
Atari Advantage area.
These series of articles will focus on the various support staff;
their interests, background, responsibilities, and "history." We at
STReport thought that starting off the new year with providing you with
information about these individuals will help to give you a better
understanding of the people behind the online personae.
Clayton Walnum, perhaps best known for his recent achievements with
Taylor Ridge Books, is the manager of Delphi's Atari Advantage area.
Clay has been around Atari computers since 1981. His experiences in the
Atari arena have certainly played an integral part in his responsibili-
ties on Delphi.
He got his first computer, a Radio Shack Color Computer, sometime in
'81. About a week later, he saw the Atari 400. After comparing the two,
he realized that the 400 had 16K of RAM whereas the CoCo had 4K. The 400
also beat out the CoCo in just about everything else! His one complaint
was the Atari's membrane keyboard while the CoCo's was "real."
Nevertheless, he returned the CoCo and bought the 400 along with the
BASIC programming cartridge and the then-famous game, "Caverns of Mars."
Once he got the Atari 400, he spent every available waking hour
learning how to program it. Similarly to most of our wives' and other
loved ones' dismay, he was hooked. After a couple of years, he sold his
first program to a magazine long gone and even forgotten. The magazine
didn't even last long enough to see his work being published. That
program, a Yahtzee-type game would eventually appear in ANALOG Computing
magazine.
But, determined to keep at it, Clay kept on writing and releasing
his programs via Compuserve. Most of his early works were text adven-
tures such as "The Slave Masters of Golgoloth," "Slave II," and "The
Horrible Secret of Erotica-X." These games on Compuserve eventually
caught the attention of an ANALOG Computing magazine staffer named
Charlie Bachand; and a regular correspondence started between the two via
E-Mail. At the time, Clay was working on something to submit to the
Atari Program Exchange (anyone remember that?!) It was a checkbook
program called MicroCheck, but exemplary to the time, the Atari Program
Exchange went belly-up as well, along with the $10,000 prize he had hoped
to win. Clay mentioned MicroCheck to Charlie during one of their online
sessions, and he was asked to submit the program to ANALOG Computing
magazine.
ANALOG bought the program; and like a proud new businessman, Clay
still has a photocopy of that first check! MicroCheck "went on to be one
of the most popular programs of its kind ever published in ANALOG Comput-
ing (if I can boast for a moment)," added Clay. He continued to write
programs for ANALOG, selling quite a few. Some that Clay recalled were
Dragonlord, Nightshade, and One for the Road, a few popular games; and
MicroMail.
Less than a year after he started selling programs to ANALOG, Clay
got a call from Charlie Bachand. Bachand informed him that Tom Hudson,
ANALOG Computing's resident programming wizard, was leaving. Bachand
wanted to know if Clay was interested in interviewing for the position.
According to Clay, "I thoroughly hated my job at the time (an industrial
x-ray technician), and I couldn't think of anything I'd like more to do
than to be on the staff of ANALOG Computing. It was a dream come tru e."
He interviewed with one of ANALOG's publishers, Lee Pappas, got the
job and became the Technical Editor for the magazine. One of his first
assignments was to write a programming column for the Atari ST, which was
recently released. Little did he know at the time, but this was the
birth of "C-manship Complete." This column was a monthly series of
programming columns that lasted for several years. These taught ANALOG
Computing's readers not only how to program in C but also how to handle
"the confusing and touchy GEM operating system." In addition to the
programming columns, he wrote a series of articles on adventure game
programming, along with a number of games and applications which included
"Mr. Scratch" (written in what Clay referred to as "the bug-ridden ST
BASIC, shudder!"), "Atarzee" (the Yahtzee-type game mentioned earlier),
"Moonlord," "Moonlord ST," and "MicroCheck ST."
It was while at ANALOG that Clay was first introduced to Delphi.
ANALOG decided to take over the Atari area on Delphi and make it their
official on-line home. He and Charlie Bachand were in charge of the
area. Not only did it offer the usual uploads from typical Delphi
members, but also programs that were published in ANALOG.
As history has shown, the Atari ST, although starting off with a
bang, began to lose popularity. ANALOG Computing's subscriber list "took
a big nose dive;" and "in order to avoid bankruptcy, Mike Deschenes and
Lee Pappas sold ANALOG Computing to Larry Flynt Publications (yes, _that_
Larry Flynt, he of Hustler fame)." The magazine's production was moved
to Beverly Hills; Walnum and Pappas were all that was left of the origi-
nal staff. Although not able to move to California, Clay ended up as the
Executive Editor. His sole responsibility was to prepare and send two
complete magazines (ANALOG Computing and ST-Log) to LFP every month from
his office in Connecticut. Managing the ANALOG on-line h ome on Delphi
was also Clay's responsibility. So, not only did he have to produce two
monthly magazines; but he also had to check out new uploads, read the
various message bases, help Delphi subscribers, and every other conceiv-
able on-line duties! As Clay put it, "my candle was burning at both ends
and the wax was melting fast. My family started referring to my office
as 'the cave,' from whence the bear who was once husband and father
rarely emerged."
Lee Pappas went on to start new magazines for LFP, including
VideoGames & Computer Entertainment and PC Laptop Computers Magazine.
Both are still around although with practically none of the original
staff. Clay acted as Executive Editor for the first few issues of these
new magazines, but Pappas soon brought in other editors who could work
out of the Beverly Hills offices. The new editor of VG&CE was Andy Eddy,
a free-lance software reviewer who had worked often with Clay at ANALOG.
According to Clay, "Andy started to make a lot of good contacts in
the publishing world. A year or so after Andy had taken over VideoGames,
he recommended me to an editor at Macmillan for a Nintendo gaming book.
Andy and I worked together on the book, which was called "Beyond the
Nintendo Masters" and sold close to 30,000 copies."
At about this time, LFP decided to shut down ANALOG Computing,
leaving Clay out of work. He decided to see whether or not he could make
it as a free-lance writer. He also decided that he wanted to continue to
run the Atari area on Delphi. He started putting together book propos-
als, and, in addition, officially became the main guy for what was soon
to be reborn as "The Atari Advantage" area on Delphi.
"Delphi still keeps me pretty busy, although the attendance has
dropped down alarmingly in the last year or so. Thanks to the help I get
from my assistant managers: Gordie Meyer, Jim Cannon, and James King, I
manage to keep the bill collectors from the door by turning out as many
books as possible every year.
Walnum has now written 15 books, including "Master Populous"
(published by Sams), "Powermonger: The Official Guide" (co-authored by
Paula Spiese and published by Prima), "The First Book of Microsoft Works
for Windows" (Sams), PC Picasso (Sams), "DataMania" (Alpha Books),
"Borland C++ Power Programming" (Que), "QBasic for Rookies" (Que),
"Turbo C++ for Rookies" (Que), and "Adventures in Artificial Life" (Que).
His newest book, "Object-Oriented Programming with Borland C++ 4.0" will
be published in the first quarter of 1994. He also has two other books
in the works.
Knowing that Clay had other titles not listed above, I asked him
about them. To round out the complete list: "C-manship Complete," "The
ST Assembly Language Workshop," "AES Quick Reference," "VDI Quick Refer-
ence," "C for Rookies" (written with Paul J. Perry), "Show Me Excel 4,"
"Mathemagic" (a kids book for which he wrote the program only), and "The
Trouble with Harold (a short story). Walnum also added that he wrote the
book but not the accompanying paint program for "PC Picasso;" and for
"DataMania" he wrote both the book and the accompanying children's
database program.
Clay's final comments: "Hopefully, the Atari Advantage on Delphi
will be around for a long time to come. As long as it is, I'll be
there." (Editor's note: we hope so too!)
Rounding out the Atari Advantage area are three other hard-working
individuals: Gordie Meyer, James King, and Jim Cannon. We also should
give them their due, profiling them in the order that they came onto the
Atari Advantage scene.
Gordie Meyer is the Assistant Area Manager for Delphi's Atari
Advantage SIG. He "reluctantly" divulged himself as "pushing 40." He
hails from central Iowa. He attended college for 5 or 6 years, with no
degree. "...during the attempt," he adds, he majored in Advertising and
Public Relations. His real education, he says, is "running a small
business for almost 15 years." He's also happily married; his wife Jane
he call his "computer widow."
Gordie has a variety of Atari hardware, including an upgraded 4MB
1040STe with TOS 2.06, hard drive and 2 Syquest 44's, HP IIP laser
printer, ViVa Fax/modem and other typical paraphernalia. He also hopes
to soon add D.E.K.A. and a PC-keyboard.
"Being an a.m. (Assistant Manager) on Delphi occupies a sizable
chunk of the time I spend in front of my computer. And, I have to admit
that I find that time very enjoyable. It has given me the opportunity to
get a much larger view of the Atari community than I would have had
without it. And, I have met many fellow Atarians online, which has
greatly enriched my chosen hobby. I have always been something of an
information sponge, and having an online service to provide daily doses
of information is a dream come true. I have found that being able to
help others online has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have
had."
Gordie's other computer-related interests include desktop publishing
and the closely-related task of collecting fonts, an occasional game of
"Demolition Man" (a Clay Walnum game, BTW) or one of the "Unnkulian
Unventures." He also enjoys "surfing the bitstreams." According to
Meyer, "the opening of a full Internet gateway on Delphi greatly expanded
the well of information I have available; and I have often found myself
turning a bleary eye to the clock and finding 3 a.m. staring back at me."
Gordie's computing 'regret': "I wish I knew how to program on my
machine. I have found that I have become a computer user in the truest
sense of that phrase. I no longer use a program with an understanding of
the programming that lies beneath it. I only know how to use them.
<sigh> Of course, I can always learn to program. In my spare time..."
Like most Atari people who help support the Atari userbase, Gordie
has a "real" job. He and his partner run a pizza restaurant. "In fact,"
he adds, "the restaurant was the reason I got an Atari back in 1980. I
got tired of doing payroll by hand, and wrote a program to compute all
the taxes and give me the numbers I needed to write the payroll checks.
I wrote it all in Atari BASIC on a 32K membrane-keyboarded Atari 400. I
did move up to a 48K 800, and eventually a 130XE. I translated the
program I'd written into Turbo BASIC when it came along, too. But, ever
since I moved up to my first 520 STfm, I've gone back to writing payroll
by hand. I guess the work involved in learning how to program overshad-
owed the work involved in doing payroll. As it is, we don't use a
computer at the restaurant although we have been looking at the idea
again. I work 3 days a week at the restaurant, but before anyone gets
excited, I do put in between 45 and 50 hours a week. It may only be 3
days, but they're looonnnggg days. I do try to log onto Delphi after I
get finished working, to help unwind. Which, keeps me pretty current
with what's happening online and in the larger Atari community."
He and his wife, Jane, enjoy travelling in their "little" 20-foot
RV. They usually trek to some mountainous region of the western U.S. or
Canada, taking along the family greyhound. They tend to avoid the more
popular tourist attractions to get away from the pressures of everyday
life. Actually, Gordie states, "that's why we take them in the first
place, after all." They also enjoy gardening and canning every year.
Gordie enjoys reading, interests running anywhere from science fiction
and fantasy, to an occasional high-tech thriller.
As to how he got involved with Delphi, Gordie claims "this just
sorta snuck up on me. I was just a regular member, albeit an active one,
uploading as many files as I could find, and trying to post items that
I'd pick up from Atari developers and fellow users. Evidently, I at-
tracted Clay's attention at the right time, and got asked to join the
staff. I was a little worried about not knowing what to do, but I soon
got the hang of it all, and haven't really looked back. Clay and I share
some basic attitudes about how an online SIG should be run, and I think
that's greatly helped keep the place as friendly and informal as it is.
I tend to be more enthusiastic about some things, and thankfully, Clay
hasn't objected enough to have to slap me down."
Gordie sums his feelings up pretty closely to Clay's comments by
saying: "All in all, I've enjoyed the ride immensely and look forward to
many more years on the road."
James King is the Atari 8-bit Assistant Manager in the Atari Advan-
tage area. To sum up his activities, he's responsible for maintaining
everything 8-bit related.
He's a 25-year old DP Technical Specialist for the state of Utah.
His duties include maintaining Unix, Internet, statewide E-Mail, and BBS
system administration. He administers a SUN Sparc, an SCO Unix Server
(both attached to the Internet), the state-wide E-Mail system (using Word
Perfect Office 3.1, 4.0a, Office-Vision (Mainframe) and WANG mail).
His non-career work not only includes his 8-bit activities on
Delphi, but he's also the Exchange Editor for Atari Classics Magazine.
James' computer systems include a 1-meg upgraded 130XE, 320K upgrad-
ed 130XE, 256K upgraded 800XL all tied into a multiplexed LAN system
(using Bob Puff's CSS Multiplexer), 2 x hi-speed Hayes Ultra v.32 modems,
256K MIO, XF551 disk drive, Indus GT disk drive, 250MB hard drive, XEP80
80-column board, and miscellaneous printers (3 attached to the MUX
Server). Due to work requirements, he also has an NEC 486 running
Windows 3.1 and a "ton of other Peecee programming."
James has lived in Germany for most of his life, the son of a career
Army serviceman. He came stateside 6 years ago to Fort Douglas, Utah.
He decided to stay, and attended the University of Utah. He enlisted
into the Army and went to Warrant Officer Candidate school. From there,
he went into Helicopter School at Fort Rucker, in Alabama. After a year
there, he completed his studies and returned to a flight unit in Utah.
He got married, bought a house, left the Army, and started his computing
career with the State of Utah government.
Jim Cannon, the newest addition to the Atari Advantage area, is the
Database Assistant Manager. His responsibilities include checking out
new uploads and maintaining the various databases available to the
membership.
He and his wife reside in Seattle. They have 3 kids: 2 boys (18 and
12) and a daughter, 6, "who is the one that takes after me and the one I
will watch the closest..."
"I've spent the last 20 years living, working, and travelling around
the country and can say without a doubt that it's the most beautiful
place to live. I enjoy hiking in the mountains, roaming the city, and
strolling on the ocean."
"I play rock 'n' roll and the blues on my Stratocaster....no talent,
but my neighbors think it sounds good and don't complain. Problem is
that I've got a lot of soul, but no rhythm."
Jim got his first computer in 1979, an Atari 800 with 16K. He also
eventually worked his way up to a 400 and 130XE. He currently has 2
STes, one of which is currently a "doorstop waiting a trip to the shop'
while the other is a 4MB machine that keeps him busy on Delphi.
As to his responsibilities on Delphi, "I do a little of everything
and keep learning and expanding. I ready files in Preview (new uploads
area) for moving to Recent Arrivals." Jim is currently still going
through the several thousand files in the databases and removing old
versions, duplicates, reorganizing and cleaning up files. He's also been
working with Clay and Gordie on changes to the databases, which, accord-
ing to Jim, "should make life a lot easier for everyone."
In closing, Jim states that "I enjoy being able to contribute to the
Atari Advantage and I enjoy the education I'm getting -> from everyone <-
...user support as always comes from other Atari users. I think the
forum proves that."
_____________________________________________________
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
Hidi ho friends and neighbors. As I write this, the second major snow
storm in a week is beginning to swirl around me. I love snow! I like
the feel of it under my feet, the way it looks when the sun breaks over
the hills in the early morning, building snowmen... ummm, snowpersons to
be politically correct. About the only thing don't like about snow is
that I have to "dig out" but, hey, you can't have everything... right?
At this point, many of you are probably scratching your heads and
asking "what does any of this have to do with computers"? The answer
is: Absolutely nothing. Now that I've set your mind to rest, let's get
to the hints and tips to be found every week here on CompuServe...
From the Atari Productivity Forum
=================================
Rob Rasmussen asks:
"What are JPEG's? A different picture format?"
Jim Ness, creator of Quick CIS (and an all-around good guy), tells Rob:
"Yes, JPEG pics have the .JPG extension, and are the new second
"standard" on CompuServe, behind the old standby .GIF pic.
JPEG are heavily compressed using a routine which loses some of the
detail of the picture. Typically, JPEG is used for 24-bit (1.6M
colors) pictures, which would otherwise by extremely large files. It
brings a 1meg file down to 150k, or so.
GIF only supports 256 colors, so another pic spec was needed to handle
High Color and True Color pics."
Sysop Bob Retelle pops in and, as he so often does, adds even more
information:
"Actually, Jim.. JPEG is only a compression standard like ARC or LZH..
the graphics remain in whatever format they were in before being JPEG
compressed.. GIF, TIFF or whatever.
After being uncompressed (unfortunately a necessary step to actually
view a JPEG compressed picture), the file is in its original format
again.
(There are JPEG viewers, but all they do is uncompress and display the
GIF file "on the fly"..)"
Jim tells Bob:
"I've never seen a utility which returns a JPG file to some original
format.
As far as I know, JPG is a pic format in the same way that GIF is a pic
format. Both use compression schemes, both are included in modern
viewer utilities as separate format options. Both need to undergo a
decompression routine, before the results can be viewed, and the
decompression is performed with the aid of info stored in the header of
the file.
Programs like GEMVIEW for the ST, or Graphics Works for DOS or Windows
can convert from any of about 20 different formats to any other on the
same list. JPG is one of the choices, as are TIFF, GIF, BMP, etc,
etc."
Bob tells Jim a bit more:
"It's unfortunate that JPEG has been lumped in with all the "native"
graphics formats like that...
It's a situation like the .TNY graphics here in the Atari world,
although not an exact parallel..
TNY took a DEGAS picture and compressed it, but required a special
viewer to see the compressed form. It also allowed it to be
uncompressed back into the original DEGAS format. (NeoChrome files
worked too)
JPEG compression does the same for today's common formats.. the pair
of programs CJPEG/DJPEG compress/decompress the graphics from and back
to their native form... ufortunately so far we haven't seen the same
functionality in the Atari world.. only some viewers that do "on the
fly" uncompressing.
Essentially what the JPEG utilities do is to internally uncompress the
GIF images (which you were correct about.. they're LZH compressed
themselves), and recompress them using the "Joint Photographic..
er..Something" compression method. The main feature of the JPEG
routines is that they can achieve far greater degrees of compression
because they're "lossy" compression.. that is, when you uncompress the
image you lose some detail.. the greater the compression, the greater
the loss. You can control the tradeoff between file size and loss of
detail, depending on which is more important to you.
The DJPEG utility uncompresses the JPG file into a raw format, then
recompresses it into a normal GIF file (or TIFF, or whatever it was
originally).
It all adds an extra step of handling, but the compression makes it
worth the extra hassle... I've never been tempted to try viewing JPG
files on my 8 Mhz ST though..!"
Robert Birmingham asks:
"Does anyone happen to know of any software/hardware for connecting a
TT to a Novell or Appletalk (or whatever it's called) network?"
Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Online Magazine tells Robert:
"There is a German company that allows one to connect Atari's to a
Novell Network. The price is close to $1000 for it. Someone commented
about it before in this forum.
For networking Ataris together there is Power-Net which is marketed by
View Touch in Oregon. I'm not sure of the current version but it
should work with TTs, STs and Falcons. Chris Latham is the author of
UIS, Universal Network, and Power-Net which is a newer version of
Universal Network...
I don't have the phone number for view touch off the top of my head.
But I will get it for you."
Yat Siu of Lexicor Software asks:
"Will someone please clarify the situation about the PowerNET. Is it
Dragonware or View Touch?"
Albert Dayes tells Yat:
"It was both actually. Dragonware had distribution rights for a while
until Chris Latham pulled the rights. Then View Touch had them and
that is the last one to date. I think the switch came in mid to late
1992."
Charles Smeton of NewStar Technology adds:
"Power NET is written by Chris Latham. It is composed of 2 parts, one
is the networking part and the other is called Power DOS. Power DOS is
a multitasking replacement for the GEMDOS part of TOS, similar to (but
different in implementation than) the MiNT part of MulitTOS.
The Power NET/Power DOS combo is descended from the Universal Network
software in one form or another, as Chris Latham developed both (and
also Universal Item Selector).
When Power DOS was first released, it was distributed by Dragonware
(Chris Roberts). Dragonware actually released on-line the Power DOS
part of the package, while the complete Power NET package was available
via Dragonware commercially.
About a year ago Chris Latham joined View Touch, which is owned by Gene
Mosher. View Touch now sells Power NET, which is now Falcon030
compatible via the SCC LAN p
ort.
View Touch is located at:
4001 Potter Street
Suite 66
Eugene, OR 97405
503-344-7334/503-344-7990"
Meanwhile, continuing a conversation from last week, Brian Gockley of ST
INFORMER fame tells Milton Horst:
"If there is any computer I would _definitely_ stay away from, it would
be a NeXT! Falcons really should come down in price, as a purported
replacement for the 1040, it needs to get into that price range. If
they sold for around $599, they would move a lot more!"
Milton replies:
"If I could get a Falcon in a usable configuration for $599, I'd buy
one tomorrow! (And I imagine most other ST owners would do the same.)"
Brian tells Milton:
"I have seen so many ads for Macs and PCs that include monitors/hard
drives/ fax modems/software/toll free phone support etc., all for
$1,200.00. I don't know why huge companies like Compaq and Mac can
react to the market price structure - but Atari can't. At the same
time, they simultaneously show themselves to be astute re: pricing by
releasing the Jaguar at the perfect $."
From the Atari ST Arts Forum
============================
Chief Sysop Ron Luks posts:
"I'll be offline for a few days to attend the Consumer Electronics Show
in Las Vegas and look at the neat new Jaguar system and games. Back
online next Monday, but until then, the rest of the sysop staff will be
here to serve your needs. Espect some show reports upon my return."
Dazzz Smith takes the opportunity to "bust on" Ron:
"I dont know, these people who can wander off for a few days having
'Lovely Times'"
Rob Rasmussen asks about different types of GIFs:
"A lot of GIF pictures are in the 89a format which I've had to convert
to 87a to view on the Atari (hope I didn't get this backwards). I
assume those GIFs don't have to be converted by most people who view
them,namely IBM and Apple users. I want to send a GIF from a picture I
scanned to my cousin, who uses an IBM and just joined CIS.
My questions are: If I save the scan a a GIF in TouchUp, is it saved
in the 87a format?
If so, do I need to convert it t 89a for him to be able to use it?
What is a simple GIF viewer h could use on the IBM?"
Sysop Bob Retelle tells Rob:
"One of the best GIF viewers for DOS is "CompuShow" and for Windows,
"WinGIF". Both should be available in the Graphics Support Forum.
I'm not sure what format TouchUp would save in, but unless it's been
updated since the 89a standard went into effct (oddly enough, in 1989),
it's likely to save files in GIF87a format. Even an updated version
might do that for the sake of compatibility.
It shouldn't matter however, as both those viewers I mentioned (and
probably most any other IBM GIF viewer) will correctly display either
format.
Any GIF file you create on your ST should be viewable on an IBM..."
George Tyson asks about a viewer for the ST:
"HELP!!!!!!
I need a GOOD slide show program for GIF images. I want it to show all
images in a directory until told to stop. I also want the picture
quality that you get with 'SPEED OF LIGHT' or one of the better
viewers. Can anyone suggest a name ?"
Yat at Lexicor tells George:
"Unfortunately SOL is the only program I know that does the little
hardware tricks to give it's excellent display."
From the Atari Vendors Forum
============================
Rob Rasmussen talks about buying a computer:
"...don't worry, I intend to haggle when it comes down to that ;^) I
could get a Falcon locally for $1100 (price to be haggled down, that
it). It comes with 4 megs RAM but only 65 meg HD. I thought the later
Falcons had an 80 meg drive. So I'm looking into the possiblity of
mail order. I just hope it wouldn't break in transit. Then again if it
was going to break it could happen between Sunnyvale or Korea to the
store. What am I saying, it WON'T BREAK, it WON'T !"
Sysop Bob Retelle tells Rob:
"Actually, Rob.. the last we heard from Atari, you weren't suposed to
be able to mail-order a Falcon from anywhere outside your "local"
area...
I don't know if that's still in effect, or if it's been quietly
forgotten about."
CodeHead Extraordinare, Charles F. Johnson adds:
"Actually, it's starting to look like the whole computer line has been
quietly forgotten about..."
Bob Retelle mentions something that I had heard about, but haven't seen
yet:
"Ummm... have you seen the product registration card for the Jaguar..?
It asks what other systems you have... Nintendo, Sega, IBM, Macintosh..
One particular brand of computers is notably missing."
Rob Rasmussen asks another question:
"What is NEWBELL? What kind of sounds does it use?"
Bob Ledbetter tells Rob:
"[NEWBELL]... is a program that gives one a different bell sound than
the one that came with our 'puters. I don't know what kind of sounds
it uses, but the extenders are SND or SPL. I was looking for another
program on one of the local BBS's and in my search I noticed this file
called NEWBELL.ARC, and the description sounded interesting, so I
downloaded it and found there were no sounds with it. Hence the note
to the Gribnifs. I'll let you know what happens."
When Bill Tunczynski posts a message about having problems while using
another on-line service, Jeff at Intersect Software tells him:
"I stopped using Genie a couple of years ago. It's too slow, suffers
from bugs in the software (the system will ignore your user defaults
and change you to 7n1 no echo randomly).
As to your problem it's probably the system can't keep up with you.
Make sure you have RTS/CTS turned on (in your computer) and use the
latest RS-232 patch (The RS-232 drivers in the various versions of ROMS
before the Falcon have bugs in the RTS/CTS software)."
Bill tells Jeff:
"I don't lose my echo here. I don't lose it using my old Atari
800/Supra 2400/BOBTERM either. I've even switched modems and the same
thing happens.
I've tried every combination of XON/XOFF and RTS/CTS but nothing works.
It's some friction between InterLink and GEnie but everyone on GEnie
thats tried it, says no echo for them either, so I'll just forget about
it. The operation works but I just can't see it I'd like to, just in
case I get some line noise or whatever."
Jeff now understands what the problem is and explains it to Bill:
"The problem with echo loss is GENIE. It's one of their bugs. The
Genie OS defaults to 7N1 no echo. After a download or sometimes when
you change form one area to another, no mater what your terminal
defaults are set to, GENE switches to 7n1 no echo. It's very
irritating!
You won't see the echo loss on any other service."
Peter Bradshaw asks:
"Does the ICD Micro work inside the Mega STE?"
Howard at ICD (which, by the way, stands for "Incredibly Cool Devices")
tells Peter:
"The AdSCSI Micro ST is designed for the Mega ST. The bracket and the
power cable are only useful in this computer. However, if you are able
to build your own bracket for a drive in the Mega STE, to make your own
power cable and make your own interface cable (if you have the pin
layout) you should be able to use the AdSCSI Micro ST board in a Mega
STE. Get the point?!
We do not have any information on how to do it nor any pin layout. You
have to do it on your own risk. Nevertheless I have seen Mega STE's
where people used the AdSCSI Micro ST."
Phil Jensen asks a good question of the folks at Gribnif:
"I'm curious - does Geneva drive hard and floppy disks with the
interrupt on? I.e., can computation requested by another process
proceed while a disk read/write is happening?
Also (if you happen to know) what is the answer to the same question
as regards MultiTos?"
Rick Flashman at Gribnif tells Phil:
"Geneva is a multitasking AES. That mean's that it needs regular
system "events" to do its tricks. Most programs stop sending system
events when accessing a floppy drive or hard disk. Therefore, Geneva
is paused until that program is finished. However, some programs are
written so that they continue to send events even while accessing the
drives. GEMVIEW and NeoDesk 4 are examples of this. With these newer
programs, you can do other things while the drives are being accessed.
P.S. This is basically the same way Windows 3.1 works (for Windows
applications)."
From the Palmtop Forum
======================
George Parsons tells us:
"I think I have solved a compatibility problem that I was having
between 'Port *.WKS files and Lotus 1-2.3 Version 3.1. I could always
go from *.WKS to *.WK3 but not from *.WK3 to *.WKS. With Symphony 2.0,
it was possible to go either way and therein lies the solution. Lotus
1-2-3 has a translation utility (TRANS.EXE) that enables translation of
1-2-3 files to earlier 1-2-3 versions and to Symphony. I used that
utility to convert the 1-2-3 files to Symphony format and then renamed
them as *.WKS files. Everything came through just fine. Hope that
this helps some other frustrated 'Port/1-2-3 user."
Don Thomas at Atari tells George:
"That's a GREAT tip... Thank you!"
Now THAT is how you know that you've found something useful: a "thanks"
like that from Don Thomas... the guy at Atari who's done more on-line
support for the Portfolio than anyone else. Usually, Don is the guy
with the hot info, so if you find out something that he hasn't yet,
you're the cat's whiskers!
Duane Pendergast recounts a similar problem:
"I've found that Portfolio files transferred to Quattro Pro Version 5,
saved with the WKS extension and then moved back to Portfolio are
unworkable. Cell references are changed. Maybe this tip will work on
those?"
Sysop Marty Mankins tells Duane:
"Bummer! I use Quatro Pro 5.0 for Windows. I will have to get some
time to test this and see what we can come up with.
You may need to have some sort of translation utility to get the files
to the right format...
I just got Quatro Pro 5.0 for Windows and am going to try some
conversions for the WKS format. The manual says it will work, but I
hope that it will work well enough to make it easy, with no pains."
Well folks, that's about it for this week. I've just gotten a "ZOOMER"
which is a palm-sized Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). It is in direct
comtetition with Apple's Newton (I mention this not to create a rivalry,
but to give you and idea of what the zoomer is). You enter notes,
addresses, phone numbers, etc., by writing on the screen with a
plastic-tipped pen and retrieve data by using the pen like a mouse
pointer. Look for me to begin adding more and more info on systems like
this in the near future.
And speaking of the future, c'mon back next week. Relax in that
easy-chair and listen to what they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
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STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
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> A "Quotable Quote" "Las Vegas & CES!... "Tis the time of year!"
"""""""""""""""""
"DOOM IS BREAKING ALL RECORDS!"
"DOOM IS VASTLY SUPERIOR TO ANYTHING
AVAILABLE IN GAMING ON THE PC TODAY!"
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GET DOOM!"
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""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ---------------
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COMPUTER STUDIO
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