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Silicon Times Report Issue 1010
SILICON TIMES REPORT
====================
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
=============================
from
STR Electronic Publishing Inc.
March 04, 1994 No. 1010
======================================================================
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 *
ITCNet 85:881/253 JAX HUB ~ FNET 350 ~ Nest 90:21/350
904-786-4176 MULTI-NODE 24hrs-7 days
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-----------------------------------------
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FNET. 690 : PASTE BBS....................1-206-284-8493
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______________________________________________________________________
> 03/04/94 STR 1010 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
"""""""""""""""""
- CPU INDUSTRY REPORT - SONY Mega Drive - Apple Cuts PB $
- Hacked Tonya's ID! - 4 NEW DeskJets - Make the Switch!
- Media Vision CD ROM - PhotoFlash - CONNECT SYSOP OFFER!
- Rehbock on Radio! - People Talking - The Old Fishin' Hole!
-* SUPERCOMPUTER TO USE POWERPC! *-
-* CIS GLOBALIZATION SOFTWARE *-
-* QMPRO-4WIN V1.01 *-
======================================================================
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 1:374/147.3, ITC Node is
85:881/250 Crossnet Code is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is #620. All
computer platforms BBS systems are welcome and invited to participate.
======================================================================
CIS ~ GENIE ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ PROWL ~ ITC ~ NEST ~ EURONET ~ CIX
USENET ~ USPOLNET ~ CLEVELAND FREE-NET ~ INTERNET ~ FNET ~ AOL
======================================================================
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!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
The weather for most is horrid but then, what can we do about the
weather besides "try" to enjoy it. Truly, Spring is right around the
corner. Which means Spring Comdex! New products, revised products and
product updates and upgrades galore. How about... a 140mb flop that's
truly affordable? Can you say yes? Its in the wings. Let's see, hmmm a
new, super powerful BBS is coming from Mustang it'll be terrific and
it'll be highly affordable. Look for it in the fall or, maybe... sooner.
Word has it that there are a number of high powered software package
updates in the wings. The plethora of new wares for the computer is
dizzying! Compared to what I, in a sad tome from long long ago, had
become accustomed to. Now of course, the problem is not when but which
one!
Software that is capable of fully complimenting the marvelous
hardware that's emerging on both the PC and the MAC platforms is a wonder
to behold. Of course, interspersed with all this wonderment is the
occasional bogeyman. But honestly, its so far and few between. Even the
640k barrier has become virtually a myth from days gone by. Its a real
treat just to read about all the "new" becoming available each and every
week.
Talk about the old, familiar warm fuzzy feeling! It sure beats the
dickens out of the weekly hack and slash sessions resulting from a
userbase with little or nothing but grief to look forward to.
Unfortunately, there are a few platforms out there where this is
still happening!! Its sad. They are literally begging for software
support, lamenting over a real lack of hardware support, expressions of
hope are continually made about the possibility of a new product (likened
"secret weapons") that'll revitalize the platforms from death. Yessir,
folks don't know how "good" they don't have it until they finally open
their eyes and view the real computing community that surrounds them.
The "also-ran" computer manufacturers managed to create a small fuss
amidst the roaring boom of the global computing community throughout the
last decade. A few continue to try, even today with the handwriting on
the wall! They make a very small fuss indeed.. but highly expensive to
those who bought and continue to buy into the wretched nightmare.
When compared to Apple and the PC world early on, (1985-1987) it
looked quite good. The fussers managed to lead a number of very bright
and promising individuals down a, not so soon to be discovered.. wacky,
filled with deadly pitfalls, footpath of horror. The others, as it
turned out, were far more fortunate. Those who chose the PC and Mac
platforms were very busy travelling the highly successful expressway
directly to the Information Highway.
Early on, some of the travelers saw the future more clearly than
others and wisely made the quick and easy journey to the expressway.
Those who remained behind scoffed at them with silly remarks like "wait
'till Fall Comdex, we'll knock your socks off". Those who waited got
their "socks knocked off" alright. Right along with their hopes, dreams,
futures and wallets. Its almost a frightening tragedy to see other new
and old users alike still clinging to the same worn out empty sing song
of fantasia-like hopes. The majority of the 'old-timers' seem to be busy
bad-mouthing anything they are not or cannot use while at the same time
praising crusty ten year old technology. Its easy to feel sorry for them
because I too, once clung to that dream! I look at it now, think of what
was and what could've been by now and know in my heart the magnitude of
how well I was duped. I cannot sing enough praises for a couple of gents
who took the time to wake me up. It was indeed a rude awakening, but a
highly beneficial awakening. Many thanks to Glenwood Drake and Ron Deal.
To those of you who are still clinging to the veil of dreams. Are
you sure its still a dream? Please look around you. Go to a few local
shows for the "other" platforms. Ask yourself if there will ever be any
shows like that for the dream world you are still clinging to. The
answer is no. Make the move!! Feel the spark of true creativity come
alive in your heart again. Enjoy the wonderful feeling of not being
defensive/offensive or apologetic every time a discussion about computers
comes up. Enjoy being able to do the things you now can only dream
about. Drop that also-ran like a hot rock!
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
Doyle Helms Frank Sereno John Duckworth
Jeff Coe Steve Kiepe Guillaume Brasseur
Melanie Bell John Donohue
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
Glenwood Drake
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
Internet.............RMARIANO@DELPHI.COM
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> 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 #10
By: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
******* General Computer News *******
** Conner to Raise Some Drive Prices **
Prices will be raised 4% to 5% of some of Conner Peripherals Inc.'s
170MB and 340MB 3.5-inch hard disk drives.
"Prices for these capacity points have been artificially depressed by
previous price wars and do not support underlying costs," Conner Vice
President Peter Knight said in a statement from San Jose, Calif.
** Video Camera-on-a-Chip Introduced **
The Optical Systems Division of Marshall Electronics Inc. has
introduced the V-007, the world's first video camera on a single chip.
The company reports that the V-007 produces a usable black and white
picture for a variety of applications, ranging from hidden security
cameras to robotics, machine vision, computer video and teleconferencing.
The camera is so small that a prototype was built into a wristwatch.
The camera is integrated into a single CMOS VLSI and consists of a
0.5-inch format 312 by 287 pixel image sensor array and all necessary
circuits to drive and sense the array. Since the camera is more infrared
sensitive than standard CCD cameras, it can detect heat sources that
can't be seen by the human eye.
Evaluation samples of the V- 007 are available with a wide-angle lens
in a small aluminum housing that's half the size of a standard business
card. The unit can plug directly into any type of TV monitor or video
tape recorder. It operates on a standard 9-volt battery.
The complete V-007 in an enclosure with a 4mm lens costs $249 in
single quantities.
** Hewlett-Packard Replaces Four DeskJet Models **
Hewlett-Packard Co. has replaced several of its inkjet printers with
four new DeskJet models that offer a 600 by 300 dots-per-inch resolution,
twice the resolution of the previous models.
At $365, the new DeskJet 520 for PCs and DeskWriter 520 for Macintosh
systems feature HP's Resolution Enhancement technology (REt) for clearer,
sharper printing. The DeskJet 520 replaces the DeskJet 500; the
DeskWriter 520 replaces the DeskWriter.
The color versions of the new printers -- the DeskJet 560C for PCs and
the DeskWriter 560C for Macs -- cost $719 and add a new HP-developed
technology, called ColorSmart, for improved full-color printing.
** Supercomputer to Use PowerPC **
Motorola's RISC Microprocessor Division has announced that the PowerPC
601 microprocessor will be used in the design of Parsytec's Power Xplorer
new line of massively parallel processing (mpp) computers.
Parsytec, located in Germany, is the first company to base an mpp
system on PowerPC 601 microprocessors.
An mpp system relies on distributing computing tasks across many low
cost processors to complete sets of complex instructions. The Power
Xplorer offers between 4 to 64 computing nodes, each equipped with one
80MHz PowerPC 601 microprocessor.
"The PowerXplorer is designed to meet the growing demand for
computational performance in the workstation, scientific and embedded
super computing markets, as well as for educational purposes," says Falk
Dietrich Kuebler, president and co-founder of Parsytec. "The PowerPC 601
microprocessor delivers the computational performance required to meet
our design goals for the PowerXplorer."
The PowerPC family of microprocessors, developed by Apple, IBM and
Motorola, is based on a RISC architecture. The family's superscalar
processing capability enables the microprocessors to execute multiple
instructions simultaneously.
** Media Vision Unveils New CD-ROM Titles **
Media Vision has introduced a variety of new multimedia CD-ROM
titles. Included in the new releases are Wiggins in Storyland, a
children's CD-ROM creative writing program, and Grammy's Interactive, an
interactive entertainment experience based on the Grammy Awards.
Also announced was a Macintosh version of Media Vision's interactive
action- adventure movie, Critical Path, and the trivia adventure game
Peak Performance, which has been renamed Road Scholar.
** Man Accused of Using BBS to Help in Kidnapping Attempt **
Twenty-three-year-old John Rex Jr. of Chelmsford, Mass. has been
accused of using his computer bulletin board system to try to recruit
help in an alleged plot to kidnap and molest a young boy. Rex was
arrested this week after an intensive investigation by federal Customs
agents, and state and local police that lasted several weeks.
It is believed that Rex planned to abduct a child in Chelmsford or
Westford, Mass. The suspect allegedly used the BBS he operated in an
effort to solicit an unidentified teenager from Westford in the plot.
However the plan fell apart when the youth informed a teacher, who
notified police.
The D.A. said Rex was allegedly "very specific" in his description of
the kind of youngster he wanted abducted and "he offered computer
equipment and cash in return."
** Reporter Admits Hacking Tonya Harding's Olympic E-Mail System **
At least one U.S. reporter has admitted she invaded the computer
system at the Olympic Games in Norway with the security code for figure
skater Tonya Harding's electronic mail. Apparently, other journalists
also had access.
However, the reporter; Michelle Kaufman of the Detroit Free Press,
told officials she didn't actually read any of the skater's private
electronic messages.
Free Press Managing Editor Robert McGruder told Tim Sullivan of the
Cincinnati Enquirer that officials with the paper talked to Kaufman and
"she understood instantly this is not something she should have done.
She is a wonderful reporter and has a tremendous amount of integrity. We
did not question that."
Sullivan reports Kaufman "found hacking into Harding's electronic
mailbox is easier than pinning her down on details," adding that a
combination of Harding's birthday and her Olympic accreditation number
turned out to be the security code.
"Basically," Kaufman said, "over 100 reporters, editors, photographers
and others were passing around this four-digit number last week saying it
was Tonya's accreditation number. We all laughed and at 2 a.m. a few of
us plugged in the four digits to see if in fact it was her number. It
was. We immediately turned off the machine. We never looked at a message
or did anything else."
Meanwhile, another reporter; Ann Killion of the San Jose Mercury News,
was with Kaufman and she told the Denver Rocky Mountain News, "Hey, I was
just looking at the bus schedule when I saw some people around the
keyboard. Look, hundreds of people have the number. Come on, it's not
like it's a computer hacking crime. We just wanted to see if it worked."
Kaufman added, "Anyone who scorns us for what we did is not being
fair. Tell me a journalist who hasn't walked into an office, seen a
letter on someone's desk and read it upside down. You might never even
use what you saw, but we are a curious lot by nature."
** Online Services Gain 7.9 Million Users in 1993 **
The number of subscribers to online services grew 19.3% to 7.9 million
in 1993, according to statistics compiled by SIMBA/Communications Trends,
a market research company based in Wilton, Conn.
Consumer online services were the fastest growing segment of the
online industry, notes SIMBA/Communications Trends. The number of
consumer services users rose 28.2% to 5 million last year. Consumer
online services accounted for 63% of total online subscribers.
"Despite the rapid growth in consumer online service users, these
services account for less than 10% of online services revenue," says
Chris Elwell, vice president and group publisher for SIMBA/Communications
Trends. Business and professional services accounted for more than 90% of
all online industry sales, which exceeded $10.5 billion in 1993, Elwell
estimated.
** Illinois Student Charged with Threatening President **
According to reports, a University of Illinois freshman has been
charged with threatening via electronic mail to kill President Clinton.
James Reincke, 18, sent a message to Clinton at the White House on
Dec. 4 saying, "I am curious, Bill, how you would feel about being the
first president to be killed on the same day as his wife?... It would be
best, I think, to not continue with your immediate plans. Perhaps a
vacation. You will die soon. You can run, but you cannot hide."
The Secret Service determined that the message originated from the
University of Illinois, and campus police traced it to Reincke, who
reportedly admitted sending it.
He appeared today in U.S. District Court in Danville, Ill. where he
was released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is scheduled
for March 7.
******* General PC News *******
** Microsoft Ships New DOS 6 That Does Not Include DoubleSpace **
A new version of the MS-DOS 6 operating system software that does not
contain the DoubleSpace disk compression feature is being shipped by
Microsoft Corp. DoubleSpace was the subject of a surprise patent
infringement ruling last week against the company. In a statement from
Redmond, Wash., Microsoft said it was shipping MS-DOS 6.21 to 1,300
computer makers for sale with new machines and that manufacturing of the
MS-DOS 6.21 Upgrade, for sale directly to computer users, will be under
way by mid-month.
The Microsoft statement said, "In light of the verdict, the company is
taking the conservative step of removing some compression-related code
from the Flash File System for memory cards, from the Remote Access
Services feature in Windows NT, Windows NT Advanced Server, and Windows
for Workgroups 3.11, and decompression code from one of the help
facilities in Microsoft Excel 5.0, PowerPoint 4.0, Visual C++ and Fortran
Powerstation 32."
Vice President Paul Maritz of Microsoft's systems division commented,
"As to the Flash File System for memory cards, we are working on an
alternative for our customers. Compression is an incidental feature of
the rest of these products and its removal will not be noticeable to the
vast majority of customers. The changes to these products are minor, and
updates of the U.S. versions are being released to manufacturing over the
next 10 days."
** Stac Sued Over Advertisement **
Stac Electronics has been sued over an advertisement for Stacker, its
data compression computer software product. The plaintiff says the ad is
false and misleading.
Stac officials are quoted as saying the suit, filed in Alameda
Superior Court, in California, alleges Stac's claims concerning the
product's ability to increase disk capacity for PCs are false.
The complaint seeks restitution in the form of the price paid by
consumers, attorney's fees and also seeks to enjoin it from running
further such advertising. (Stac) denied the charges and said it plans to
defend itself.
** HP Palmtop to Add Voice Mail **
Rumor has it that Hewlett-Packard Co. is adding wireless voice mail to
its palmtop computers. Reports say that HP StarLink -- a wireless
messaging service that transmits voice, data and news updates to HP's
line of 100LX palmtops -- is expected to be available April 4.
** Sony Marketing Mega Drives **
Sony Corp. has started selling to PC makers its new MD Data drive,
which can store up to 140MB of data, about 100 times the capacity of a
standard diskette.
The 2 1/2-inch disks use the same kind of magnetic technology as
Sony's audio MiniDiscs. The drive is designed to replace the common
diskette drive in PCs.
** Work on Superbase Stopped **
Development of Superbase, a relational database for Windows, has been
stopped by Software Publishing Corp. which also has cut staff by 10% to
450 as part of a move to focus resources on its Harvard Graphics product.
******* General Mac News *******
** Apple Cuts PowerBook Prices **
Apple Computer Inc. this week reduced prices on selected models in its
PowerBook line of notebook and subnotebook computers by 9 to 14%. The
price cuts apply to an all-in-one PowerBook and two models of the Apple
PowerBook Duo.
"Apple is shifting from a margin-oriented to a value-oriented
company," said Jim Buckley, president of Apple USA. "We want customers to
know they no longer have to pay a premium to enjoy the benefits of
Macintosh."
** Apple Ships DOS-Compatible Mac **
A new $1,579 Macintosh Quadra, Apple Computer Inc.'s first in what is
promised to be a line of high-end models that will allow users to operate
software made for both Apple and IBM-compatible systems, has begun
shipping.
Reports say, "The new Quadra 610 DOS Compatible model could lure
consumers to Apple's Macintosh computers rather than to machines that run
on Microsoft Corp.'s MSDOS and Windows software. Until now, a Macintosh
owner had to buy cumbersome software to make the machine MSDOS
compatible."
Supposedly the user can flip back and forth with the touch of two keys
from Apple's own operating system and MSDOS/Windows.
The Quadra runs on a dual computer chip system, allowing users to work
in both Mac and DOS environments simultaneously. The Motorola Inc.
68LC040 chip powers the Mac environment, while Intel Corp.'s 486SX
microprocessor runs both DOS and Windows-based software.
Apple is also offering a $399 DOS compatibility upgrade card for
owners of Quadra 610 and Centris 610 systems.
** Apple Expects a Resumption of the PC Price Wars **
Vice President Ian W. Diery of Apple Computer Inc. is quoted in The
Washington Post this wee as saying he expects the company to price its
upcoming new line of PowerPC Macintoshes more than $200 below PCs powered
by Intel Corp.'s Pentium chips, which can be bought for as little as
$2,600.
The PowerPC is the chip developed by Apple, IBM and Motorola Inc. in a
move to challenge Intel's dominance in the chip market.
Diery told Sandra Sugawara of the Post he welcomes Intel's challenge
of a pricing war, because, he said, PowerPC chips are about one-fourth as
expensive as Pentium chips to make.
_____________________________________
> QMODEMPRO for WINDOWS 1.01 STR FOCUS! When only the very best will do!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
--------------------------------------
Changes to QmodemPro for Windows v1.01
--------------------------------------
Released March 2, 1994
Widespread General Availability
-------------------------------
General:
þ Changed code to prevent improper focus issues (active window) when
using the macrobar. When opening items that used overlapped windows
like the phonebook, the focus was sometimes not correct. Cosmetic
change only.
þ Changed the operation of the group flags. Loading a phonebook was not
clearing the current group thus the same entries that were highlighted
in the last phonebook are still highlighted in the new phonebook.
þ Modified the text editor so that when a wordwrapped file is saved it is
actually saved in the wordwrapped state. The default action was to
save it in an unformatted state even with wordwrap on.
þ Changed the dialer to accept lowercase letters in a prefix string.
þ Changed both the Viewer and Editors to store selected fonts.
þ Fixed default "Scrollback to file" file name - it incorrectly used
the Trap screen file name.
þ Changed startup code so if "Run minimized" is specified in the QMWin
icon and the last window size was maximized, QMWin will not try to
maximize itself on startup.
þ Added @HELP function key macro as was documented, but not previously
available.
þ Added the ability for the Esc key to exit from scrollback (review)
mode.
þ Fixed a problem with QMWin appearing to lock up after dialing an entry
if Scrollback mode was turned on.
þ Fixed a GP fault when you typed past the right edge of the screen in
split-screen modem.
þ Fixed a GP fault when using "Scrollback to File" and saving a large
amount of data to the file.
FAX:
þ Changed faxing from the phone directory to default to the setting
(Fine or Normal) in Options|Fax.
þ Changed FAX operation to automatically select a default font. If no
font was selected, strange things could happen!
þ Fixed a problem with rasterizing 256 color PCX files for faxing.
þ Added support for 24 bit per pixel (16 million color) PCX files for
faxing.
Emulations:
þ Screen height for each emulation (Options|Emulations) now has
validation code to limit screen height to a maximum of 50.
þ Fixed a problem with "printer controller" mode in VT emulations -
QMWin wasn't releasing the printer capture mode so the print mode
would stay on until you exited QMWin or changed to another emulation.
þ Fixed a problem with DG 100, DG 200 and DG 210 emulations.
þ Fixed a problem with VT-100 style line drawing characters.
þ Fixed a problem with capture and printer logging in TVI and Wyse
emulations, it was not logging CR and LF at the end of lines.
þ Fixed a GP fault in TVI emulation when logging on to certain systems.
þ Fixed a couple of problems with the TVI and Wyse emulations.
Protocols:
þ Changed handling of Zmodem transfer failures. Aborted or failed Zmodem
transfers were holding the file open until QmodemPro was exited causing
problems with auto-resume or deletion.
þ Fixed a problem that caused the protocol status window not to appear
when making a CIS B+ upload on Compuserve.
RIP:
þ Fixed problem with downloading multiple RIP icons one after another on
some systems.
þ Fixed a problem with RIP Icon directory not working for phonebook
entries.
þ Fixed the GP fault in RIP InvertRect.
þ Fixed the GP fault in RIP_WRITE_ICON with large icons.
þ Fixed a cosmetic problem in RIP when an invalid RIP_TEXT_WINDOW
command was given.
þ Fixed a problem with ANSI music playing while in RIP mode.
þ Fixed a problem with RIP buttons turning white when using a high color
or true color display adapter.
Scripts:
þ Added a SETDTR on/off script command:
Sets the DTR (Data Terminal Ready) signal high (ON) or low (OFF).
Syntax
SETDTR on | off
Remarks
This command is provided to allow direct control over
the DTR (Data Terminal Ready) line on the modem for
special applications. Normally lowering DTR (SETDTR
OFF) will hang up the modem the same action as the
HANGUP command with the modem hangup string set to
"DTR".
See also
HANGUP
Example
This example sends a command to log off an on-line
service, waits five seconds, then hangs up the modem.
send "bye"
delay 5
setdtr off
þ Changed the script compiler so it counts REM lines when reporting
error line numbers.
þ Fixed a problem that developed when running scripts in continuous dial
mode. If the first entry executed a script and the connection
terminated before the script was completed, the continuous dial would
not run scripts for any other entries in the dial sequence that had
scripts.
þ Added support for wildcards (* and ?) in the Batch upload script
command and the macro command.
þ Fixed a problem in which a wrong filename was passed to the
script quicklearner whenever a full path was specified in a phonebook
entry for a script.
þ Fixed the host script chat mode so it no longer sends a C/R when
backspace is pressed.
þ Fixed a problem with a WAITFOR triggering on a string with a double
quote character (") when using Quicklearn.
þ The POS function in the script language was documented as taking no
parameters, but it expected an integer. The compiler has been fixed to
match the documentation.
þ Fixed a problem with the Stop button in script debugger causing the
system to appear to lock up under certain conditions.
þ Added an error dialog message if you try to Quicklearn a script in a
path that does not exist.
þ Changed the script compiler so that GOTO statements in a WHEN block
are legal and execute as expected.
þ Fixed a problem with GOTOs jumping out of SELECT CASE statements.
þ Fixed a problem with the COPY command in the host mode DOS shell.
þ Changed the script SEND command so you can send a ^ by passing ^| to
the SEND command (like the dialer).
þ Fixed a problem with literal reals in PRINT statements in the script
language.
Phonebook converter:
þ Fixed a problem when converting QmodemPro for DOS phonebooks. The
**Current Device** and **Default Device** entries are now properly
converted to -Current- and -Default-.
Editor
------
While Word Perfect is continually praised for its high quality
customer services and product support, which they justifiably deserve,
Mustang Software must not be forgotten as they are indeed the support
leaders in the telecommunications world. These fine products; WildCat!
3.9 (a superb BBS), QMpro 152, (DOS version) QMPro for Windows 1.01, OLX
(off-line reader), QMGate 152a are among the fine family of telecomputing
solutions from Mustang Software. For more information, about any of
their products; call 1-805-873-2500.
________________________________________________
> COMPUSERVE SOFTWARE UPGRADE STR Spotlight CompuServe Globalization
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" forever forging ahead!
The CompuServe Globalization Forum Software
==========================================
An Overview
Document I
by Tom E. Pinkerton [70243,703]
Introduction
------------
Between Tuesday, 08-February-1994 and Tuesday, 01-March-1994,
CompuServe is installing the latest version of its forum software, known
as Globalization, in all forums. This version of the software adds new
features to better support the international membership of CompuServe as
well as expanding several other capabilities to serve all CompuServe
members. This software is a part of CompuServe's Globalization Project.
This document is intended to provide an overview of that project and
information on taking advantage of what the new Globalization forum
software has to offer.
An Introduction to Globalization
--------------------------------
CompuServe is rapidly becoming a world-wide company with members in
countries all around the world. As the number of members outside the
United States increases, the need for CompuServe to expand its
capabilities to better support these members also increases. That is the
main reason the CompuServe Globalization Project has been undertaken.
The main goal of the Globalization project is two-fold: (1) To
provide support for languages other than English in CompuServe's products
and user interfaces and (2) to provide support for Latin-1 (ISO 8859-1)
"extended characters" to allow easier communication in languages other
than English.
The Globalization forum software has been commissioned to move
CompuServe forums toward those two goals. In addition, the Globalization
software corrects several major bugs present in the older version of the
forum software known as Message Features and adds several new features.
Local Language Support
----------------------
"Local language support" will allow CompuServe members to use
CompuServe products, services, and software in their own native language,
rather than requiring them to use CompuServe in English, as is the case
now. CompuServe intends to provide local language support in the
CompuServe Information Manager and CompuServe Navigator software,
CompuServe navigational menus, online help text, and error messages.
Local langauge support is initially planned for English, German, and
French. English is, of course, already fully implemented throughout
CompuServe. Support for German and French is progressing and should
proceed rapidly. For example, a German version of the CompuServe
Information Manager is now available.
The Globalization forum software does not provide much local
language support at this time. The only support currently provided under
the Globalization forum software is the "Notices" menu of the CompuServe
Information Manager. Forum Administrators (Sysops) now have the ability
to set a forum's default language preference to English, German, or
French. Whichever language is selected is the language in which the
"Notices" menu will be presented to members by default. Forum members can
override the default language preference, if they wish, and have the
"Notices" menu presented to them in whichever of the three languages they
choose. In the future, the member's language preference will control how
more areas of the forum are displayed than just the "Notices" menu but,
at the present time, the "Notices" menu is the only area of the forum in
which local language support is provided.
To take advantage of the local language support in the "Notices"
menu, you must have the CompuServe Information Manager (CIM) software.
The "Announcements" menu - the ASCII interface's equivalent to the
"Notices" menu of CIM - does not provide local language support at this
time. For information on what versions of the CompuServe Information
Manager will provide this local language support and instructions on
enabling it, please see the sections "Globalization and Your CompuServe
Settings" and "Globalization and Your Software" later in this document.
Latin-1 Extended Characters
---------------------------
Up until now, all CompuServe products, services, and software were
limited to transmitting 7-bit ASCII text characters. While members could
always compose messages and files in languages other than English, those
messages and files could only contain ASCII text characters and, as such,
could not contain the 8-bit "extended characters" (accents, umlauts,
etc.) that many other languages use.
The Globalization forum software introduces support for an expanded
character set known as Latin-1, or ISO 8859-1. This character set allows
the transmission of 8-bit extended character such as accents and umlauts,
making it much easier for members to communicate in languages other than
English. In fact, the addition of support for the Latin-1 character set
will allowmembers to properly communicate in Danish, Dutch, Faerosse,
Finnish, French, German, Icelandic, Irish, Italian, Norwegian,
Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish! And, of course, all of the standard
7-bit ASCII text characters used in the English language are still fully
supported as well.
Under the Globalization forum software, the use of Latin-1 extended
characters is fully supported in the following forum areas:
o Message Board Section Names
o Message Headers (Subject, To and From Lines, Etc.)
o Message Text
o File Library Names
o File Titles
o File Keywords
o File Descriptions
o Text Files
o Conference Room Names
o Member Handles and Nicknames
o Conference Dialog
o "Talk" Windows (CIM Only) and SENds (ASCII Interface Only)
o "Who's Here" Displays (CIM Only) & UST Displays (ASCII Interface Only)
o Member Names
o Membership Directory
o User Log (ASCII Interface Only)
In those areas of a forum where searches may be performed (e.g.
Message Board subjects, file keyword, Member Directory interests, etc.)
you will also be able to search for text containing Latin-1 extended
characters. However, when you perform a search, you will receive results
containing both the Latin-1 text you searched for an its ASCII
equivalent. For example, if you searched for text with an "e" in it, you
would receive results which contained either the standard ASCII "e" or
the Latin-1 characters containing an accented "e".
To take advantage of the Latin-1 extended characters you must be
using communications software which supports the Latin-1 extended
characters and you must have your CompuServe settings set to display
Latin-1 characters. Please see the sections "Globalization and Your
CompuServe Settings" and "Globalization and Your Software" later in this
document for additional information.
JPEG Files
----------
In addition to its current support of GIF, RLE, and NAPLPS graphics
files, the Globalization forum software adds support for a fourth
graphics format: JPEG. JPEG is relatively new, compared to the GIF, RLE,
and NAPLPS formats, but is quickly catching on. Members will now be able
to select "JPEG" as a file type when uploading files to CompuServe
forums. Files which have been uploaded as JPEG files will then be able to
be viewed online, just as GIF, RLE, and NAPLPS images could be viewed
online in previous versions of the forum software. Of course, full
support for the GIF, RLE, and NAPLPS file types will remain as well.
JPEG support is provided in two file types. The first is carries an
extension of JPG, which denotes a standard JPEG graphic type. This is
probably the most common occurrence of the JPEG format you will see. The
second is the existing GIF file type, which can now support the inclusion
of JPEG images within GIF files.
In order to view JPEG images while online, you must be using
communications software which supports the viewing of JPEG files. Please
see the section "Globalization and Your Software" later in this document
for additional information.
Globalization and Your CompuServe Settings
------------------------------------------
With the release of the Globalization software, two new options have
been added to the Terminal Options and Settings Area (GO CIS:TERMINAL)
online. If you are a user of an HMI-based product, such as the CompuServe
Information Manager, only one of these new settings affects you. If you
are a user of an ASCII-based product (the standard text interface), both
of these choices affect you.
The two new settings control your default language preference and
your default character set. The default language choice option controls
what language certain parts of CompuServe which provide Local Language
support will be displayed in. The default character set controls whether
or not you wish to send and receive Latin-1 (ISO 8859-1) characters.
Users of HMI-based products such as the CompuServe Information Manager
need only concern themselves with the default language preference, as all
Latin-1 configuration is handled by HMI without any intervention from
you.
To set these two new options, you must first go to the Terminal and
Service Options area (GO CIS:TERMINAL). When you arrive in that area, you
will see a menu similar to the following:
TERMINAL/SERVICE OPTIONS
------------------------
Use this area to change your terminal type/parameters and/or service
options.
1 Instructions
2 Change permanent settings
3 Explanation of session vs. permanent
4 Show session vs. permanent
5 Change current session settings
Enter choice !
From that menu, you will want to select Option 2, "Change permanent
settings." Changes to the session settings will only be in effect until
you log off while changes to the permanent settings will remain in effect
for all future sessions as well. When you select option 2, you will see a
menu similar to the following:
PERMANENT SETTINGS
1 Explanation
2 Logon/Service options
3 Display options
4 Terminal type/parameters
5 Transfer protocol/graphic support
6 Make session settings permanent
Type EXIT when done
Enter choice !
From this menu, you should select Option 3, "Display options." When
you choose option 3, you will see a menu similar to the following:
PERM DISPLAY OPTIONS
1 PAGED display [NO]
2 BRIEF prompts [YES]
3 CLEAR screen between pages [NO]
4 BLANK lines sent [YES]
5 Line feeds sent [YES]
6 Language Preference [Unknown]
7 Character Set [ASCII]
Enter choice!
As you can see, Choice 6, "Language Preference," and Choice 7,
"Character Set" are the new choices which relate to the Globalization
software. Choice 6 determines in which language - English, German, or
French - areas of CompuServe with local language support are displayed
in. Although the only forum area that currently provides local language
support is the "Notices" menu of the CompuServe Information Manager,
ASCII users should set their language preference as well, as additional
local language support is planned for the future.
Choice 7 determines how CompuServe deals with Latin-1 extended
characters in messages and files you send and receive. If you set Choice
7 to ASCII, all Latin-1 extended characters will be mapped to their ASCII
equivalents. In other words, you will not see Latin-1 characters nor will
you be able to send them. This is the choice you should select if you
logon to CompuServe at 7 data bits and even parity or if your
communications software does not support Latin-1 extended characters. If
you set this choice to LATIN-1, all Latin-1 extended characters will be
transmitted intact. This is the choice you should select if you logon at
8 data bits and no parity and your communications software supports
Latin-1 extended characters.
Once you have selected the proper settings for your software and
personal preferences, simply type EXIT and press ENTER or RETURN.
CompuServe will ask you to confirm the changes you have made and, once
you confirm they are correct, will save them for all future sessions.
Globalization and Your Communications Software
----------------------------------------------
In addition to configuring your CompuServe settings properly, to
take advantage of the major new features of the Globalization forum
software (local language support, Latin-1 extended characters, and JPEG
viewing) you must be using communications software which supports the
feature(s) you wish to use and you must have it properly configured to do
so. Many software packages currently available for accessing CompuServe
provide support for these features and several others are working on
adding support for the new features.
Because of the large number of software packages currently
available, providing information on them would add a large amount of
information to this document. For that reason, information on what
software currently supports the new features of the Globalization forum
software and how to configure various software packages to take advantage
of these new features is contained in a separate text file. Please see
the file GLOSW.TXT for information on using your communications software
with the Globalization forum software. That file can be found in the same
library in which you found this file.
***
The CompuServe Globalization Forum Software
===========================================
and
Your Communications Software
Document II
by Tom E. Pinkerton [70243,703]
An Introduction
---------------
Taking advantage of the new features provided in the Globalization
forum software requires two things. First, you must have correctly
configured your CompuServe options online and, second, you must be using
communications software which supports these new features and have your
software properly configured. The topic of configuring your CompuServe
options online, as well as an introduction to the Globalization forum
software in general, is provided in the file GLOBAL.TXT, which may be
found in the same library in which you found this file. If you have not
reviewed that file, you should do so now.
This file covers the topic of what software supports the
Globalization forum software's new features and how to configure that
software to take advantage of these new features.
General Information
-------------------
In order to take advantage of the new support for the online viewing
of JPEG image files, your communications software must simply be capable
of viewing JPEG images.
In order to take advantage of the local language support and support
for Latin-1 (ISO 8859-1) extended characters provided in the
Globalization forum software, your software must (1) be capable of
logging on to CompuServe with settings of 8 data bits and no parity and
(2) be capable of correctly mapping characters between the Latin-1 (ISO
8859-1) character set and your computer's native character set.
Because of the vast degree of differences between computer platforms
and operating systems, the character sets used by each operating system
are, sadly enough, quite different. Most contain all of the same
characters, but they are located at different ordinal positions. For
example, while character code 1110 1001 would describe a "U" with an
accent to a DOS user, that same character code would describe an "E" with
an accent to a Macintosh user. As you can see, transmitting characters
from one computer type to another is not a simple task.
Luckily enough, the 7-bit, or ASCII text, characters which
CompuServe has supported up to now (letters, numbers, basic punctuation,
etc.) are the same across all character sets. Therefore, there was no
problem in members with all different types of computer platforms
accessing CompuServe. However, now that the Globalization forum software
will be adding support for the 8-bit extended characters, transmitting
these characters to all of the various computer types accessing
CompuServe becomes a difficult task for the reasons described above.
As a starting point, CompuServe had to choose a single character set
that it would use on its host computers. The standard that was chosen is
the ISO 8859-1 character set, commonly known as "Latin-1". (Note that
while some DOS manuals also refer to DOS code page 850 as Latin-1 it is
not the same Latin-1 character set being discussed here.) In addition to
being the character set CompuServe has chosen, this is also the character
set used by Microsoft Windows.
In order for you to be able to properly send and receive Latin-1
characters to and from CompuServe, you must, therefore, be using either a
Windows communication program or a communication program that has been
designed to properly translate characters between the Latin-1 character
set and your computer's native character set.
At the present time, the following programs are known by the author
of this document to either provide support or have plans to provide
support for the use of Latin-1 extended characters on CompuServe:
o CompuServe Information Manager (DOS, Windows, and Mac Versions)
o OzCIS
o TapCIS
o AutoSIG
o CISOP
o NavCIS
o GoCIS
o AutoPilot
o Arctic
The following sections of this document provide information on which
versions of the software listed above provide support for the new
features of the Globalization forum software and what configuration
steps, if any, are necessary to take advantage of these new features.
Please note that while the author of this document has made an attempt to
contact the authors of all of the common programs used to access
CompuServe, the list above is by no means guaranteed to be complete or
accurate. If your favorite program for accessing CompuServe is not on the
list above, please consult its documentation or contact its technical
support personnel to determine whether or not it supports the new
features of the Globalization forum software. If so, feel free to send a
message to Tom Pinkerton [70243,703] via CompuServe Mail. This file will
be updated on a regular basis.
The CompuServe Information Manager for DOS
------------------------------------------
The CompuServe Information Manager for DOS (DOSCIM), Version 2.2 and
later provides full support for all of the new features of the
Globalization forum software. If you are using DOSCIM Version 2.2 or
later, you will be able to view the "Notices" menu in English, German, or
French; send and receive Latin-1 extended characters, and view JPEG files
while online.
Support for JPEG file viewing in DOSCIM Version 2.2 or later is
automatic. There are no special procedures or configuration steps you
need to perform to be able to view JPEG files. However, local language
support and support for Latin-1 extended characters are not automatic. In
order to be able to take advantage of those two features, you must
configure DOSCIM to support them. Configuring DOSCIM to support those
features is a relatively simple process.
To configure DOSCIM Version 2.2 to provide local language support
and support for Latin-1 extended characters, use a text editor (such as
the one provided in DOSCIM) to edit the file CIS.INI. Under the default
DOSCIM configuration, this file is located in your CSERVE directory. For
DOSCIM to provide local language support and support for Latin-1 extended
characters, the following lines must be present in that file. If they are
not present, add them. If they are present, edit them as necessary to
make sure they read exactly as follows:
[DOSCim]
8bits=ON
Once you have made the necessary changes to CIS.INI, save the file
and reboot your computer. DOSCIM will then be properly configured to
provide local language support and support for Latin-1 extended
characters.
A Word About Terminal Emulation: If you are a DOSCIM user and need
to enter its Terminal Emulation mode, the simplest way to do so is to
logon normally and, once online, GO ASCII. This will switch you into
DOSCIM's Terminal Emulation mode. When you enter DOSCIM's Terminal
Emulation mode in this manner, you will still have full support for
Latin-1 extended characters. If you instead selected the "Terminal
Emulation" option from the Special menu and logged on to CompuServe via
that method, you would not have support for Latin-1 extended characters
during that session. For this reason, it is recommended that you always
logon to CompuServe via DOSCIM's standard method and then GO ASCII as
needed to switch to Terminal Emulation mode.
The CompuServe Information Manager for Windows
----------------------------------------------
The CompuServe Information Manager for Windows (WinCIM), Version 1.2
or later, provides full support for all of the new features of the
Globalization forum software. If you are using WinCIM Version 1.2 or
later, you will be able to view the "Notices" menu in English, German, or
French; send and receive Latin-1 extended characters; and view JPEG files
while online. Support for JPEG file viewing in WinCIM Version 1.2 or
later is automatic. There are no special procedures or configuration
steps you need to perform to be able to view JPEG files. However, local
language support and support for Latin-1 extended characters are not
automatic. In order to be able to take advantage of those two features,
you must configure WinCIM to support them. Configuring WinCIM to support
those features is a relatively simple process.
To configure WinCIM Version 1.2 to provide local language support
and support for Latin-1 extended characters, use a text editor (such as
the one provided in WinCIM) to edit the file WINCIM.INI. Under the
default configuration, this file is located in your CSERVE directory. For
WinCIM to provide local language support and support for Latin-1 extended
characters, the following lines must be present in the "General
Preferences" section of that file. If they are not present, add them. If
they are present, edit them as necessary to make sure they read exactly
as follows:
8bits=ON
Latin-1 = ON
Once you have made the necessary changes to WINCIM.INI, save the
file. WinCIM will then be properly configured to provide local language
support and support for Latin-1 extended characters.
A Word About Terminal Emulation: If you are a WinCIM user and need
to enter its Terminal Emulation mode, the simplest way to do so is to
logon normally and, once online, GO ASCII. This will switch you into
WinCIM's Terminal Emulation mode. When you enter WinCIM's Terminal
Emulation mode in this manner, you will still have full support for
Latin-1 extended characters without any additional work on your part, as
CompuServe will already know you can support Latin-1 characters.
If, however, you must logon to CompuServe in Terminal Emulation mode
via the "Special" menu of WinCIM, you will need to let CompuServe know
that your computer is capable of handling Latin-1 characters. The first
step is to make sure that the "Strip High Bit" option in your Terminal
Emulation Preferences is not turned on. When you logon via Terminal
Emulation mode, CompuServe's "Host Name:" prompt may appear garbled. If
so, it will look something like this:
HoUt Nie:
Type the following at that prompt:
+CIS
The plus sign lets CompuServe know that your computer is capable of
sending and receiving Latin-1 extended characters. At that point,
CompuServe should unscramble any future prompts and you will be able to
send and receive Latin-1 characters normally.
The CompuServe Information Manager for Macintosh
------------------------------------------------
The CompuServe Information Manager for Macintosh (MacCIM), Version
2.2 or later, provides full support for all of the new features of the
Globalization forum software. If you are using MacCIM Version 2.2 or
later, you will be able to view the "Notices" menu in English, German, or
French; send and receive Latin-1 extended characters; and view JPEG files
while online.
Support for JPEG file viewing in MacCIM Version 2.2 or later is
automatic. There are no special procedures or configuration steps you
need to perform to be able to view JPEG files. However, local language
support and support for Latin-1 extended characters are not automatic. In
order to be able to take advantage of those two features, you must
configure MacCIM to support them. Configuring MacCIM to support those
features is a relatively simple process.
To configure MacCIM to support Latin-1 extended characters, select
the "Connection Settings" option on the "Special" menu. Click the
"Session" button. Set the "Host Character Set" option to "Latin-1". Exit
this area and save your settings. MacCIM will then be properly configured
to provide local language support and support for Latin-1 extended
characters.
A Word About Terminal Emulation: If you are a MacCIM user and need
to enter its Terminal Emulation mode, the simplest way to do so is to
logon normally and, once online, GO ASCII. This will switch you into
MacCIM's Terminal Emulation mode. When you enter MacCIM's Terminal
Emulation mode in this manner, you will still have full support for
Latin-1 extended characters without any additional work on your part, as
CompuServe will already know you can support Latin-1 characters.
If, however, you must logon to CompuServe in Terminal Emulation mode
via the "Special" menu of MacCIM, you will need to let CompuServe know
that your computer is capable of handling Latin-1 characters. When you
logon via Terminal Emulation mode, CompuServe's "Host Name:" prompt may
appear garbled. If so, it will look something like this:
HoUt Nie:
Type the following at that prompt:
+CIS
The plus sign lets CompuServe know that your computer is capable of
sending and receiving Latin-1 extended characters. At that point,
CompuServe should unscramble any future prompts and you will be able to
send and receive Latin-1 characters normally.
OzCIS
-----
OzCIS Version 2.0c and later provides full support for Latin-1
extended characters. If you are using OzCIS Version 2.0c or later, you
will be able to send and receive Latin-1 extended characters. Support for
the online viewing of JPEG files is not provided at this time, but is
planned for the near future. Updates on the status of this feature may be
found in the OzCIS Support Forum (GO CIS:OZCIS).
Support for Latin-1 extended characters under OzCIS is not
automatic. You must first configure OzCIS to provide Latin-1 support.
However, this configuration is a relatively simple process.
To enable Latin-1 support in OzCIS, edit the OZCIS.INI file using
any text editor (such as the one provided with OzCIS) or by selecting the
"General Config" option from the "Configuration" menu. Locate the option
titled "Map7Bits". You should edit that line so that it reads exactly as
follows:
Map7Bits=Auto
Once you have made the appropriate changes to the file, save the
file and have OzCIS perform a Profile Configuration Pass online (consult
the OzCIS documentation for additional information on Profile
Configuration Passes). OzCIS will then be properly configured to provide
support for Latin-1 extended characters.
TapCIS
------
TapCIS Version 5.42 or later provides full support for Latin-1
extended characters. If you are using TapCIS Version 5.42 or later, you
will be able to send and receive Latin-1 extended characters. Support for
the online viewing of JPEG files is not provided under TapCIS.
Support for Latin-1 extended characters under TapCIS is not
automatic. You must first con
figure TapCIS to provide Latin-1 support.
However, this configuration is a relatively simple process.
To configure TapCIS to send and receive Latin-1 characters, you will
need to use the following option:
/LATIN1=Y
There are two ways you can make use of this option. The first is to
simply add it to the command line you use to start TapCIS. The second
method, which is probably better if you want Latin-1 support in all
sessions, is to insert that option into your TAPCIS.CFG file.
AutoSIG
-------
As of the time of this document's writing (11-Feb-94), the currently
released version of AutoSIG is 6.9a, which does not support JPEG file
viewing nor Latin-1 extended characters. However, the next version of
AutoSIG is currently in beta testing and it does support Latin-1 extended
characters. The beta test version is functional and will be made
available to anyone who wants it. If you are a current AutoSIG user and
would like to obtain the beta test version which supports Latin-1
extended characters, simply send a message to Jim McKeown [76702,1102]
via CompuServe Mail or in Section 1, "AutoSIG (ATO)" of the IBM
Communications Forum (GO CIS:IBMCOM).
Support for Latin-1 extended characters in the beta test version of
AutoSIG is not automatic. You must first configure AutoSIG to provide
Latin-1 support. However, this configuration is a relatively simple
process.
Assuming you are a DOS user (which is the environment AutoSIG is
primarily designed for) you must first have DOS set to support code page
850 before you can obtain Latin-1 support under AutoSIG. To configure DOS
appropriately, edit your CONFIG.SYS file which is located in the root
directory of the disk drive you boot your computer from. You may edit it
with any standard text editor. If the following line is not present,
insert it:
DEVICE=C:\DOS\DISPLAY.SYS con=(ega,437,1)
^^^^^^
Replace the drive and directory in the statement above (indicated by
the carat symbols below it) with the drive and directory in which the DOS
files are stored on your computer. Once you have added this line to your
CONFIG.SYS file, save the file and reboot your computer.
Once the changes have been made to your DOS configuration, you will
need to set two configuration fields in AutoSIG to indicate the desire
for Latin-1 support and to set the code page to 850. More information on
setting the appropriate fields in AutoSIG is available from Jim McKeown,
if you request it, when you request the beta version of AutoSIG.
CISOP
-----
CISOP Version 5.03a and later provide full support for Latin-1
extended characters. If you are using CISOP Version 5.03a or later, you
will be able to send and receive Latin-1 extended characters. Support for
the online viewing of JPEG files is not provided.
Support for Latin-1 extended characters in CISOP is automatic. There
are no special configuration steps necessary, other than setting the
Crosstalk or CCM packages (the communications software CISOP runs under)
to VT-220 or VT-320 emulation. As long as Crosstalk or CCM are set to
emulate one of those terminals, Latin-1 support under CISOP is automatic.
NavCIS
------
NavCIS Version 1.2 (which is expected to be released in April, 1994)
and above provides full support for Latin-1 extended characters. If you
are using NavCIS Version 1.2 or later, you will be able to send and
receive Latin-1 extended characters. NavCIS Version 1.2 will not support
the online viewing of JPEG files, but the developers of the program
expect to have an offline JPEG viewer built-in to the program so that you
can download the files and view them offline.
Support for Latin-1 extended characters in NavCIS Version 1.2 and
later is automatic. There are no special configuration steps necessary.
As long as you have NavCIS Version 1.2 or later, you will be able to send
and receive Latin-1 extended characters.
GoCIS (Formerly WinCIS)
-----------------------
GoCIS Version 1.01 and higher provide full support for Latin-1
extended characters. Unfortunately, there is a bug in the current version
of GoCIS which is preventing its Latin-1 support from working as
expected. The authorof GoCIS is currently working to correct the problem.
Once the problem is corrected, users of GoCIS Version 1.01 will be able
to send and receive Latin-1 characters. Support for the online viewing of
JPEG graphics is not provided.
Support for Latin-1 extended characters in GoCIS Version 1.01 and
higher is automatic. There are no special configuration steps necessary.
Once the author has corrected the bug in the software, simply having
GoCIS Version 1.01 or higher is all you need to send and receive Latin-1
extended characters.
AutoPilot
---------
The current version of AutoPilot does not support Latin-1 extended
characters or the online viewing of JPEG files. When the Globalization
forum software is fully implemented throughout CompuServe, a new version
of AutoPilot will be released which will fully support Latin-1 extended
characters. Another version of AutoPilot will be released at a later date
which will also support the online viewing of JPEG files.
At the present time, no information is available on what
configuration steps, if any, will be necessary to enable Latin-1 support
in the upcoming version of AutoPilot. As soon as information is
available, this file will be updated to provide those instructions.
Arctic
------
Arctic Version 2.31 or higher provides full support for Latin-1
extended characters. If you are using Arctic Version 2.31 or higher, you
will be able to send and receive Latin-1 extended characters. Arctic does
not itself support the online viewing of JPEG files, but it will work in
conjunction with the JPEG viewer of your choice to allow you to view JPEG
files while online. This support for JPEG files is provided in Arctic
Version 2.20 and higher.
Support for Latin-1 extended characters in Arctic Version 2.31 and
higher is automatic. There are no special configuration steps necessary.
As long as you have Arctic Version 2.20 or later, you will be able to
send and receive Latin-1 extended characters.
Other Software
--------------
All communications programs designed for Microsoft Windows that are
capable of using parameters of 8 data bits and no parity are also capable
of sending and receiving Latin-1 extended characters, as Latin-1 is the
character set which Microsoft Windows uses. In addition, there may be
communications programs for other platforms which are not listed here
that do provide support for Latin-1 extended characters and the online
viewing of JPEG files.
As was stated in the "General Information" section of this document,
this file by no means claims to be a complete or infallible list. If your
software is not listed here, your best bet is to contact the author or
technical support personnel for your software and ask them about Latin-1
and/or JPEG support. If you find that your software does support either
of these new features but is not listed here, please feel free to contact
Tom Pinkerton [70243,703] via CompuServe Mail with information on your
software.
Credits and Acknowledgements
----------------------------
This document was written by Tom E. Pinkerton [70243,703]. Please
send all comments and questions about this document to Tom Pinkerton at
that User ID Number either via CompuServe Mail or in the TrainNet (GO
CIS:TRAINNET) or Graphics Support (GO CIS:GRAPHSUP) forums. Special
thanks to Tim Barker, Paul Bradshaw, Michael R. McKinney, and Marianne
Shepard of CompuServe and to Steve Sneed, author of OzCIS. These
documents are Copyright (c) 1994 by Tom E. Pinkerton. All Rights
Reserved. These documents may be freely distributed so long as they are
distributed together and in their entirety.
_______________________________________________
> LEADING THE PACK STR Spotlight "Country Miles" are small here....
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY"
============================
"GET IN THE FAST LANE!"
The above is the focus of the newest retail promotion from
CompuServe, the world's largest and most progressive online information
service. The new and highly innovative campaign was recently unveiled in
well over 1,000 computer oriented retail stores across the USA on
February 01 and runs through April 30.
Colorful in-store displays with a "super highway" appearance
highlights the convenience of CompuServe's 14.4 bits per second data
transfer speed availability and a favorable rate reduction.
"CompuServe is committed to providing exceptional value for
its members," said Doug Martin, CompuServe retail marketing
manager. "In addition to having the greatest depth and
breadth of any online service, we're the only one to offer
14.4 kilobits per second access, and recently reduced our
hourly connect rates by 40 percent."
The CompuServe Membership Kit, carries a suggested retail price of
$49.95, contains the CompuServe Information Manager for Windows (WinCIM)
interface software. Also included:
-- CompuServe User ID and password
-- one month free, more than 60 basic services an $8.95 per mo. value.
-- $25 usage credit toward use of extended services.
-- User Guide with descriptions of all of CompuServe's areas.
-- Subscription to CompuServe Magazine CompuServe software is also
available for Macintosh and MS-DOS operating systems.
"CompuServe membership kits are consistently ranked among
the Top 10 selling Windows-related products on the market,"
Martin said. "Customers recognize the value, breadth and
depth of CompuServe, our OEM partners appreciate the pull
provided by our strong presence in more than 6,000 outlets,
and retailers recognize the opportunity to provide a
high-demand product."
Retail stores partaking in the promotion include CompUSA, Computer
City, Micro Center, Software Etc., Electronics Boutique, and Elek-Tek.
Retail distributors include Kenfil, Ingram Micro, and Merisel. Promotional
arrangements are being handled by the Consumer Products Marketing Group of
Pickerington, Ohio.
CompuServe members pay $8.95 per month for unlimited connect-time
access to more than 60 basic services. Members can access CompuServe's
other 2,000 extended services for $4.80/hour with a 1200 or 2400 bits per
second modem and for $9.60/hour with a 9.6 or 14.4 kilobits per second
modem. For additional information, call 800-848-8199.
Established in 1979, the CIS provides its worldwide membership of more
than 1.7 million with databases and services to meet both business and
personal interests. CompuServe can be accessed by any modem-equipped
personal computer utilizing general communications software. In addition
to the CompuServe Information Service, CompuServe Incorporated provides
frame relay, wide and local area networking services, electronic mail,
business information services and software to major corporations and
government agencies worldwide.
CompuServe is an H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) company.
3/3/94 /CONTACT: Debra Young or David Kishler of CompuServe Incorporated,
614-538-4553 or 614-538-4571, or CompuServe Mail 70004,336
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
: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.
Are your friends "busy" buddies? Are they being left out in the
cold because their online service doesn't have room for them? Is
"Almost OnLine" as close as they're getting to BEING online? Are
they faced with busy signals, "come back later" messages and slow
response?
Well, we know how frustrated they must feel. We've been there --
done that! But, that's no longer the Case on GEnie. We've got the
room, we've got the fun and we've got the greatest users....people
just like you! So why not invite your buddies to join you on GEnie?
We've designed a slick promotion in order to give you the
opportunity to be a hero to your friends. To get them back online,
get them some free time, and introduce them to GEnie Services. What
you don't have to tell them is that you get something out of the
deal, too!
For each new user you bring to GEnie, we'll waive their first
month's subscription fee, and give them a total of TEN free hours of
standard connect time -- that's a $38.95 (C$50.95) value! If you
and your buddy are still active GEnie subscribers three months from
the date your buddy signs up, YOU get five hours of FREE standard
connect time -- a $15.00 (C$20.00) value for each buddy you sponsor!
And, for a limited time, you can even qualify for SPECIAL PRIZES!!!
In addition to the five hours of standard connect time, prizes
will be awarded to the three sponsors who bring in the most
qualifying buddies between February 3, 1994 and March 31, 1994. The
third-place Buddy sponsor will receive a GEnie satin jacket. The
second-place Buddy sponsor will receive a 9600 bps modem. And the
first-place buddy sponsor will receive a $500 gift certificate good
at your favorite computer store.
Like everything good, there are a few rules for the GEnie Buddy
Bonus Program. You'll find the complete promotion rules on the
GEnie Services Buddy Bonus page (type BUDDY or M1111). Be sure you
review the complete rules before you contact your friends.
So, if your buddies have been bragging about that other online
service, just remind them that a pretty interface ain't worth squat
if it doesn't log on! Bring them over to GEnie....we may not be
pretty just yet, but we're definitely more fun! And, if a GUI is
that important to them, tell them that we'll have both Mac and
Windows front ends before the other guys get more computers!
Don't stand IN LINE ....get ONLINE!
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
Editorial Opinions
------------------
Soon after I finish my weekly column, I start to think about what
I'd like write in my next week's column. Usually, I change my mind
several times before I actually sit down to write. Sometimes, events make
the change for me, and other times things don't happen that were supposed
to and I have to scramble to find something to write about. This is one
of the latter times, so bear with me.
The relative dearth of Apple press releases can only mean one thing.
The PowerMacs draw near! March 14 is the day. There is an excitement
building on the various on-line services, and I'm excited too. More and
more developers have announced that they will have Native PowerPC
versions of their software ready to release alongside the PowerMacs, and
more and more computer manufacturers are jumping on the PowerPC
bandwagon. This is in stark contrast to other platforms.
Dos users may still have to deal with the 640K "barrier" and Windows
is probably far from being as easy to use as System 7. We often forget
how good we have it. Take (please) for example, a DTP program "popular"
on another platform. This program does not use Postscript, but rather a
proprietary rasterizing method. This means that users of that program are
out-of-luck if they have to have their files printed at a service bureau.
There are, I believe, only two bureaus equipped to print this programs
files at high resolution in North America. Need fonts? Sure, those are
proprietary also and just about the only game in town (excepting a few
shareware offerings) is the DTP program's distributor. Pay their prices
or do without. This program costs nearly $1000! By contrast, service
bureau's that can handle Postscript files can be found just about
everywhere and hinted Postscript fonts are available from many different
font houses. Not only that, but Mac DTP programs are available at deep
discount prices from many dealers and mail-order houses. We do have it
good, and it will only get better with the introduction of the PowerMacs.
This week, John Donohue reviews PhotoFlash, Apple's photo editing
software. Apple reduces Powerbook prices and more.
_______________________________________
> PHOTOFLASH STR Review
"""""""""""""""""""""
Apple's PhotoFlash
==================
by John Donohue - Associate Editor, DTP & Graphics
The manual is 202 pages. The last 14 pages make up the index. For some
reason I always judge the usefulness of a manual by the size and
quality of its index. This one s pretty good. There is a quick reference
card for useful keyboard shortcuts, etc. - always helpful.
Installation of the program is typical Macintosh. Insert the Install disk
into the floppy disk drive, double click on Install and follow the on
screen directions. Simple, straightforward and quick. The manual suggests
you have 10 MB of free hard drive space, but I installed everything,
(tutorials, etc.) and only 4 MB was used.
Overall view - In my opinion PhotoFlash is a poor man s Photo Shop, BUT
with some nice features that Photo Shop lacks. PhotoFlash lets users of
page-layout and presentation software enhance and add color or black and
white photos to their documents quickly and easily. One big plus to
PhotoFlash is its memory management and the ability to link up with
applications such as Pagemaker or QuarkXpress. But more on that later.
Lets look at the tools and menu s of PhotoFlash.
The tool box is broken down into three sections.
VIEW: Hand grabber to move the image around on the screen
Magnifier. You can zoom into 6400% and double click on the
tool to return to a 1:1 actual size ratio.
SELECTION: Marquee - user or fixed sizing
Lasso - Define a selected area in a freehand shape
Polygon - enclose an area with a series of straight lines
Magic Wand - select an area based on similar pixels of
color or greys. Nice if you need to select large areas.
One nice feature with all the selection tools is the ability to add or
subtract from multiple selections. In other words, if 2 sections
overlap they will merge into 1 selection. Neat.
ACTION: Move - (gee, guess what this does) moves a selected area.
Resize - (grin) errrrr resizes the selected image
Crop - remove unwanted parts of the image without changing the
resolution of the image.
Rotate/Straighten - the rotate tool is self explanatory but the
straighten tool is nice. Allows you to use an axis to
define a point of the image to rotate around. As you drag
the image the changing rotation angle shows at the
bottom of the toolpalette.
Blur Tool - soften the image in a selected area.
Sharpen Tool - makes the edges of elements appear crisper.
Dedust Tool - a nice feature if you re scanner isn t completely
clean. Dust can appear on your images. This tool removes
these flaws.
DeScratch Tool - works the same as DeDust only with a
scratched portion of the image. Great for re-touching.
One note on the tools ... (and this one I like ALOT) .... when using the
blur, sharpen, brightness/contrast, remove scratch, remove dust and
balance exposure controls you can view a preview box with slider con-
trols. The preview box gives you a before and after view. Also in the
preview box is a zoom tool and hand grabber to scroll around or zoom in
on the image for complete control. EXCELLENT!
Most of the tools in the tool box are also included in the drop down
menus with keyboard equivalents.
The integrated image browser in PhotoFlash is designed to make it easy
for you to find and place photos/images quickly. The browser displays
thumbnails of images that have been saved in industry-standard formats.
The browser also provides a direct link to other applications, so you can
simply drag and drop to place images into applications such as Pagemaker
or QuarkXpress. 9 royalty free sample photos are included to get you
started or experiment with.
Once you ve worked your image to your taste you can save it a variety of
formats. You can save as PICT, TIFF, JPEG, EPS or DCS (desktop color
separation). The JPEG save brings up a slider control box for low quality
image up to excellent quality image. TIFF allows for LZW compression.
Here s a nice trick when resizing your image before you save. Suppose you
are creating a newsletter in a page layout application, and that newslet-
ter is formatted in three columns. You can specify (according to what
you ve set up in your newsletter) the column size and gutter size set-
tings for your image measurement.
SPECIAL FEATURE! PhotoFlash has a powerful feature that allows you to
automate your work. You can record a series of steps as a script, and
when you play the script, PhotoFlash executes the whole series automati-
cally on whatever image you choose. Kind of like a Quickkeys option
within PhotoFlash!
Final thoughts: when I first saw PhotoFlash I wasn t too excited. I
already own and use Photshop quite a bit and thought - what could
PhotoFlash possibly offer me? . But after going through the tutorial and
testing some scans, there are quite a few features that are nice addi-
tions. For pure scanning, enhancing, and linking photos for use in your
favorite page-layout application, PhotoFlash gets a definite thumbs up.
PHOTOFLASH
Apple Computer, Inc.
Version 1.0
Suggested Retail Price $279.00
Mail Order (MacWarehouse)$215.00
Requirements 68020 or later processor
8 MB of RAM
3.5 available RAM required
System 7.0 or later
John Donohue is a DTP professional living deep in Florida's swampland.
_____________________________________________
> Apple PRs STR InfoFile
""""""""""""""""""""""
Here are this week's press releases.
Probably, the most interesting is the announcement of reduced prices on
Apple's Powerbooks.
THIS RELEASE MOVED OVER THE PR NEWSWIRE AT 11:38 AM, PST,
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1994
Apple Announces PowerBook Price Reductions
Selected models reduced up to 14 percent
CAMPBELL, California--March 2, 1994--In keeping with its strategy to
increase market share by offering superior technologies and solutions
at competitive prices, Apple Computer, Inc., today announced U.S.
price reductions ranging from nine to 14 percent on selected models
in its popular award-winning and market-leading Apple PowerBook line
of notebook and subnotebook computers. These reductions follow a
number of strategic price cuts initiated by Apple in recent months.
The price reductions apply to an all-in-one PowerBook and two models
of the Apple PowerBook Duo. According to an independent study by
Dataquest, a leading worldwide market research firm, the Apple
PowerBook Duo is the best selling subnotebook computer in both the
U.S. and Europe. With the introduction of the new PowerBook Duo 250
and 270c, Apple Computer shipped a record 200,000 PowerBooks in the
fourth quarter of 1993. According to Dataquest findings, the
PowerBook Duo held a 38 percent market share in the U.S. and a 29
percent market share in Europe against other subnotebooks. These
results underscore the Duo's number one position and the ongoing
success of Apple's market share strategy.
The Apple PowerBook line has received international awards since its
introduction, including recognition for "Best New Product" from
Fortune, BusinessWeek, Time and U.S. News and World Report.
Current and previous Apple prices for the affected PowerBook
computers are as follows:
Previous New Percentage
Apple price* Apple price* Change
PowerBook 180 4/120 $2,499 $2,219 11%
PowerBook 180 4/120 $2,749 $2,479 10%
with express modem
PowerBook Duo 250 4/200 $2,269 $1,959 14%
PowerBook Duo 250 12/200 $2,789 $2,479 11%
with express modem
PowerBook Duo 270c 4/240 $3,099 $2,789 10%
PowerBook Duo 270c 12/240 $3,619 $3,299 9%
with express modem
THIS RELEASE MOVED OVER PR NEWSWIRE ON WEDNESDAY,
MARCH 2, 1994 AT 11:31AM, EST
Apple, Aox, Analog Devices Announce Plans To Deploy GEOPort Across PC
Architectures
- OEMs Signal Support For Desktop Media Communications Plug-and-Play
Interface
- High-Speed, Real-Time Link To Enable Low Cost Audio, Video
Conferencing, Telephony Capabilities Over Analog, Digital Lines
- Cross Platform Architecture To Support Windows, OS/2, Macintosh,
PowerPC
SAN JOSE, California--March 2, 1994--Apple Computer, Inc., Aox Inc.
and Analog Devices, Inc. today announced their intention to provide
cross platform, plug-and-play connectivity between personal computers
and telephones on corporate desktops. Apple plans to open its
GEOPort technology to the PC and telephony industries, thereby
enabling desktop media communications from any computing device,
running any operating system, to any analog or digital telephone
line. Aox and Analog intend to play key roles in the deployment of
GEOPort to both industries.
Interoperability between computing and telephony products is an
essential element in the delivery of digital media and collaborative
computing capabilities for business users. As a high-speed
media communications interface, GEOPort can support voice, data,
telephone control, audio and video over any analog (POTS) or digital
(PBX or ISDN) telephone line to any desktop PC, workstation or
notebook computer. Apple has been shipping GEOPort for Macintosh
personal computers since August 1993, and will include the technology
in future PowerPC-based machines.
In a move to quickly facilitate GEOPort access throughout the
industry, Aox, a highly regarded integrator of digital media
technologies, plans to license GEOPort from Apple. Once licensed,
Aox will then provide cross platform GEOPort designs, development
tools and certification services to PC, PBX, and integrated circuit
manufacturers.
Aox has agreed to make initial GEOPort implementations available on
digital signal processors (DSPs) from Analog Devices and for the
PowerPC processor. Subsequent implementations will support other
DSPs and other host processors such as the Intel x86. Industry
standard software environments, such as Microsoft's Windows and OS/2,
will also be supported. Analog will serve as a primary silicon
channel to the computer industry by implementing the GEOPort hardware
interface within its line of codecs and ADSP-2100 family of DSPs.
These integrated circuits are in turn used industry-wide by sound
card, modem and PC manufacturers. Thus, GEOPort will be plugged into
the wave of multimedia and telecommunications demands now sweeping
the computer industry.
The GEOPort announcements were made at the Intermedia
Conference held here this week, and at a special exhibition of
information superhighway technologies hosted by Vice President
Al Gore at the White House. Representatives from PC, PBX and
multimedia companies have already begun to signal their support
for the GEOPort initiative.
A major GEOPort advantage is its ability to support any telephone
line, including digital T1 lines, which are more than 150 times
faster than the serial interface found on most PCs. In addition,
GEOPort has been designed to deliver isochronous, or real-time, media
streams at very low cost. With the media bottleneck finally broken,
computer and telephony suppliers will be able to offer their
customers such features as:
- high-quality, multiple party video conferencing over the PBX
- document sharing with workgroups for collaborative computing
- fax/modem from any desktop PC, even if connected to a digital
line, without the need for gateway services
- integrated telephone dialing, answering, caller ID, voice and
electronic messaging services from the desktop
- high-speed transfer of images and documents from scanners,
digital cameras or notebooks onto the desktop PC
- connect new and future high-performance V.32bis or V.34 modems
to any PC without a throughput bottleneck at the serial communications
port.
Analog Devices predicted that the availability of GEOPort will
cause an explosion in the market for business audio, sound card,
fax/modem and video functionality.
New GEOPort enabled products from PBX and PC manufacturers are
expected to be introduced to business users in 1994.
THIS RELEASE MOVED OVER THE PR NEWSWIRE AT 8:15 AM,EST,
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1994
Publishing Company Commits to Macintosh with PowerPC
CUPERTINO, California--March 2, 1994--Capitalizing on the superior
performance of native publishing applications on Apple's Macintosh
with PowerPC, Val-Pak Direct Marketing Systems, Inc. of Largo,
Florida has decided to upgrade most of its installed base of
Macintosh computers to PowerPC technology as soon as it becomes
available (Native applications have been recompiled for the PowerPC
chip to take full advantage of the speed of PowerPC technology). The
company also plans to purchase additional new Macintosh with PowerPC
systems to meet the expanding business needs of its high-volume
publishing and production facilities in Largo, Florida and Las Vegas,
Nevada.
The investment in Val-Pak's production and computer capabilities is
consistent with the philosophy of growth and automation of parent
company Cox Enterprises Inc. In 1994, Val-Pak will produce 6.4
billion coupons mailed in 340 million envelopes with all design,
layout, production and printing done in-house at its two plant
locations. Val-Pak, which runs its business mainly on Macintosh
computers, has developed a number of customized software innovations
such as transmitting four-color proofs electronically to franchised
dealerships to expedite the production process.
PowerPC is a family of RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)
microprocessors, developed jointly by Apple, IBM and Motorola. The
new chip will fuel the next generation of Macintosh computers. The
first Macintosh computers based on the PowerPC processor are slated
to be introduced in the first half of 1994 and join the Macintosh
family of computers in mid-range and high-end systems.
THIS RELEASE MOVED OVER PR NEWSWIRE ON MONDAY,
FEBRUARY 28, 1994 AT 8:38 AM, EST.
Apple Now Shipping Macintosh Quadra Computer With MS-DOS- and
Windows-Compatibility
CUPERTINO, California--February 28, 1994--Apple Computer, Inc. today
announced it has begun shipping the Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS
Compatible, a full featured personal computer with MS-DOS- and
Windows-compatibility.
Ideally suited for home office and small business users, where
being able to work in multiple computing environments is needed, the
Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible computer enables users to easily
switch from the Macintosh computer environment to DOS and back again
with just the touch of two keys.
Packed with the powerful Motorola 68LC040 and Intel 486SX
microprocessor, the Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS COMPATIBLE is designed
to provide users with more options than ever before, while allowing
them to protect their software investment. The system comes
preinstalled with MS-DOS 6.2. Announced at Fall Comdex 1993, the
Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible system was awarded first place by
Byte Magazine in the "Best System" category.
Users to Work in Two Environments at the Same Time
--------------------------------------------------
The Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible version features dual
processors, enabling users to work in both Macintosh and DOS
environments simultaneously. The system features a 25 MHz 68LC040,
powering the Macintosh computer environment, and a 25 MHz Intel
486SX, which runs both DOS AND Windows-based software. Because the
dual processors will work independently, users will be able to run
Macintosh and DOS or Windows' applications in tandem, and even cut
and paste information between the two environments.
The system has passed Microsoft's DOS and Windows hardware
compatibility tests, and it will appear on Microsoft's Windows 3.1
Hardware Compatibility List.
Enhanced Product Features
-------------------------
Dual monitor support is designed to provide customers with the option
of viewing the Macintosh and DOS environments at the same time,
allowing the user to add the second display monitor without
purchasing an additional video card. The Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS
Compatible version supports most VGA, SVGA and Multisync monitors as
well as the Apple 14" or 16" Macintosh Color Displays.
The same hard drive runs Macintosh, MS-DOS or Windows applications.
Apple also offers an optional internal CD-ROM drive designed to run
Macintosh, DOS and Windows CD-ROM discs, providing users with access
to the hundreds of exciting CD-ROM titles currently available. In
addition, DOS and Windows applications print to any Apple or
Macintosh-compatible printer through a built-in serial port or
optional Ethernet port.
The Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible also ships with Apple's PC
Exchange software. PC Exchange lets users manage their DOS and
Windows files in the Macintosh environment just like Macintosh files,
allowing users to open, copy, rename, delete and save documents and
folders. Users can also custom configure their Macintosh to open a
DOS or Windows file with a Macintosh application by simply double-
clicking on the file's icon.
Availability and Pricing
The Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible personal computer is
available today in the U.S. and selected international markets. The
U.S. Apple price is $1579 for the 8MB/160 with on-board Ethernet
configuration.
Upgrade Information
Apple also announced that the DOS Compatibility Card for Macintosh is
now available for both Macintosh Quadra 610 and Macintosh Centris
610 owners to upgrade their systems. The card is priced at the U.S.
Apple price of $399.
That's it for this week. As always, please feel free to send your
comments or questions to me at:
America OnLine: STReportRN
Compuserve: 70323,1031
GEnie: R.NOAK
**********************************************************************
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-It's getting better all the time!
**********************************************************************
ATARI/JAG SECTION (III)
=======================
Dana Jacobson, Editor
> From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Another week, another major snowstorm!! By the time you read this
column, the Northeast could be buried yet once more with snow and ice;
this hasn't been a good winter unless you're into snow activities. Oh
well, Spring is a few weeks away (or so the calendar says).
So what's been happening in the world of Atari lately? Sounds like
a broken record, but essentially, very little on both the computing and
Jaguar fronts. A few announcements and information a little later on in
this section, but overall, it's quiet.
Last week it was announced that we'd be soon publishing our issues
in Rich Text Format (RTF), but there was a tremendous amount of mail
voicing an overwhelming opinion that we should retain our ASCII format.
So, for the present, we'll continue as we have. By the way, I voted
against it too!
There are lot of discussions going on online about the progress of
the Jaguar and Atari's national roll-out. People are legitimately
concerned over the current visibility of Atari and the Jaguar.
TheChristmas season is over, and the big push was put on hold. Advertis-
ing, for the present, is mostly reserved for the game magazines. But,
March is slated for the beginning of the renewal of those ads in 10
additional target areas. The problem is, in my opinion, is that the
userbase, and perhaps potential customers who aren't committed to things
Atari, are waiting to see what happens. This isn't something new for
Atari, nor is it new for a lot of companies which develop products that
carry aftermath products (i.e. the Jaguar with new games coming out).
However, this period of inactivity is when customers become concerned
because there's nothing new to get excited about. New games for the
Jaguar are reportedly scheduled for late March, and following months.
Once those games start to make it to the retail outlets, enthusiasm will,
hopefully, ensue. That, coupled with an anticipated renewed advertising
campaign, will do much to calm any uneasiness occurring now.
One concerned user recently thought Atari was stalling with the
national rollout. A lot of times, if a company employee saw a message
such as this, he/she would either simply ignore it, or just "pooh-pooh"
it matter-of-factly. Well, we're fortunate to have someone online (via
Compuserve) who checks in almost daily, Don Thomas. Don saw the message,
and offered a reply:
"I don't think Atari is stalling in any particular way. We recognize
that the value of the system will be greatly enhanced with more software
and that is a priority. It's the kind of fever-pitched activity that end
users don't see until the software is finally available. <g>
The first three months are dog days for the retailing business. While we
are shipping to fill a delightful daily renewal of orders, the ads will
begin picking up again as we speak now. I'm told they have already been
restarted in New York."
-- Don Thomas
Atari Corporation
Now, while some will claim that this is just simply typical Atari
rhetoric, Don at least offers an explanation and just doesn't ignore the
question/insinuation. I must say that over the past few months, Don has
fielded many questions and has been the brunt of a few rounds of salvo
along the way. I respect the fact that he's handled himself well and has
stayed with the Atari Gaming Forum on CIS.
While we're on the subject of Atari's Don Thomas, he just recently
posted a few other interesting tidbits about Jaguar-related topics. One,
the long-awaited S-Video cables are ready and being shipped.
According to Don:
"Everyone might like to know that the first shipment of S-Video cables
has left our warehouse this afternoon. I understand we are back-ordered
for all shipments through April 1, so I will not be able to accept direct
orders until closer to that date.
If you were looking for an S-Video cable, visit your retailer within the
next 7 to 10 days as they begin to infiltrate the retail distribution
channels."
--Don Thomas
Atari Corporation
The other news is that Atari's Bill Rehbock, now a V.P., will be on
radio this weekend, hopefully to promote the Jaguar and related items.
Don managed to obtain a listing of those radio stations that will be
carrying the "On Computers" syndicated radio program.
The details:
"Atari's own head of Developer Services, William Rehbock, has been
invited to participate on the syndicated radio program, "On Computers"
with Leo Laporte and Gina Smith which will air this coming weekend 3/5 &
3/6.
I was not able to confirm everything about the content except that
Bill is excited about still another opportunity to pump the Jaguar.
Below is the schedule provided to me this afternoon which was quickly
retyped from a fax which Bob Brodie managed to obtain for everyone.
I urge you to tune to the appropriate station in your area if you
can. You may wish to call the station and let them know you like their
program content at those times. You may also consider writing a letter to
the station to share your views. In any case, I hope you can tune it in
in your area and will share your afterthoughts online!"
--Don Thomas
Atari Corporation
RADIO SHOW SCHEDULE . . .
STATION MARKET ST PWR FREQ DAY TIME
-----------------------------------------------
KENI-AM ANCHORAGE AK 5K 550 SAT 09P-12A
WJHO-AM OPELIKA AL 5K 1400 SUN 10A-12N
KWHN-AM PT. SMITH AR 5K 1110 SUN 12N-02P
KOLW-AM ARYO GRD CA 1K 1300 SUN 10A-01P
KNZR-AM BAKRSFLD CA 1K 1250 SUN 10A-01P
KKTR-AM FRESNO CA 1K 1430 SUN 10A-01P
KNCO-AM GRASS VLY CA 1K 830 SUN 10A-01P
KORV-AM OROVILLE CA 1K 1340 SUN 10A-01P
KFBK-AM SACRAMENTO CA 5K 1530 SUN 10A-01P
KFMB-AM SAN DIEGO CA 5K 780 SUN 10P-01A
KNBR-AM SAN FRAN. CA 30K 680 SUN 10A-11N
KVEN-AM VENTURA CA 1K 1450 SUN 10P-01A
KGTW-AM ALAMOSA CO 5K 1450 SUN 12N-02P
KFKA-AM GREELEY CO 5K 1310 SUN 11A-02P
KCSI-AM PUEBLO CO 10K 590 SUN 11A-02P
WRC -AM WASH. DC 5K 980 SUN 01P-04P
WDEL-AM WILMINGTN DE 5K 1150 SUN 01P-04P
WHNZ-AM ST.PETES. FL 5K 580 SUN 01P-03P
KOU -AM HONOLULU HI 10K 760 SUN 06A-09A
WOC -AM DAVENPORT IA 5K 1420 SUN 12N-02P
KQAM-AM WICHITA KS 5K 1410 SUN 12N-02P
WLXG-AM LEXINGTON KY 5K 720 SUN 12N-02P
KPEL-AM LAFAYETTE LA 5K 1420 SUN 12N-03P
WHDH-AM BOSTON MA 50K 850 SUN 01P-03P
WPEP-AM E.TAUNTON MA 5K 1570 SUN 01P-03P
WXYT-AM DETROIT MI 5K 1270 S/S 03P-04P
WPNT-AM FLINT MI 1K 1420 SUN 01P-02P
KMBZ-AM KANSAS CI MO 5K 980 SUN 12N-03P
KFRU-AM COLUMBIA MO 5K 1400 SUN 12N-03P
WQNX-AM ABERDEEN NC 1K 1350 SUN 01P-03P
WBZO-AM EDENTON NC 2.5K 1260 SUN 01P-04P
WNCT-AM GREENVILLE NC 10K 1070 SUN 01P-04P
KATK-AM CARLSBAD NM 1K 740 SUN 11A-12N
KVSF-AM SANTA FE NM 5K 1260 SUN 11A-12N
KRSN-AM LOS ALAMOS NM 5K 1490 SUN 12N-02P
WIIK-AM CLEVELAND OH 5K 1420 SUN 01P-04P
WKRN-AM YOUNGSTOWN OH 5K 570 SUN 01P-04P
KTOK-AM OKLAHOMA C OK 5K 1000 SUN 12N-03P
KXL -AM PORTLAND OR 5K 750 SUN 05P-07P
KYKN-AM SALEM OR 5K 1430 SUN 10A-12N
WCMB-AM HARRISBRG PA 5K 1200 SUN 08P-11P
KFON-AM AUSTIN TX 5K 1490 SUN 12N-03P
WTAW-AM BRYAN TX 1K 1150 SUN 12N-03P
KOBS-AM DALLAS TX 5K 1190 SUN 12N-03P
WOAI-AM SAN ANTON. TX 50K 1200 SUN 12N-02P
KSRR-AM OREM UT 1K 1400 SAT 11A-12N
KMOR-AM SALT L.C. UT 5K 1320 SUN 11A-12N
WLVA-AM LYNCHBURG VA 1K 590 SUN 01P-04P
WLEE-AM RICHMOND VA 5K 1320 SUN 12N-01P
WFIR-AM ROANOKE VA 5K 960 SUN 01P-04P
KING-AM SEATTLE WA 5K 1090 SUN 04P-06P
KXLY-AM SPOKANE WA 5K 920 SUN 10A-12N
WTZM-AM LA CROSSE WI 5K 1410 SUN 12N-03P
WTSO-AM MADISON WI 10K 1070 SUN 12N-02P
WCHS-AM CHARLESTON WV 5K 580 SUN 01P-04P
# # # E N D # # #
So, if you've got nothing better to do for an hour or so this
weekend, you may want to listen to, or tape the show. It sounds like a
potentially interesting program!
Well, it's been a long week, ending with more snow!! Boston just
set a record for the second all-time high for snowfall in a year withthis
past storm! Gee, just what we needed to know. So, let me stop rambling
for this week, and let you get on with the rest of this week's interest-
ing news and information.
Until next time...
Delphi's Atari Advantage
TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (3/2/94)
(1) BRODIE FEB 4 CONFERENCE *(6) WINGLORD
(2) Z*NET #94-01 (7) HSMODA02 HIGH SPEED PORT FIX
(3) MARCEL WORD PROCESSOR V. 2.2 (8) MASTERBROWSE 3.5
*(4) WHATIS 6.6 (9) WHYNTRNT.ZIP
*(5) DATABASE CHANGES (10) SLARTRIS
* = New on list
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 #10.09)
ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE (Current issue: AEO: VOLUME 3 - ISSUE 3)
Look for the above files in the RECENT ARRIVALS database.
____________________________________
> CONNECT SPECIAL SYSOP OFFER! STR InfoFile
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
CONNECT Magazine Offers Special Subscription Rate for BBS Sysops
================================================================
OK. You've heard about CONNECT, possibly even picked up copies of the
magazine at your local newsstand, bookstore or computer dealer. Maybe
you've seen our advertising in books such as the "Whole Earth Online
Almanac," or you saw the mention of CONNECT in the December 6, 1993
issue of U.S. News & World Report. Or maybe you've just heard about the
magazine from talk on the commercial online services, or seen the
CONNECT Online BBS Edition door on a local BBS.
But, you still haven't subscribed. As a BBS sysop, perhaps you've just
been too busy keeping your system in peak shape to send in that $18. And
maybe you've also been thinking about advertising your BBS via CONNECT's
International BBS Listing (at $12/year) or Service Ads (at $25 per ad).
Well, we're making you an offer that'll save you money *AND* give your
BBS some added international exposure.
Under this special introductory CONNECT subscription offer, you get,
absolutely FREE, a one-year listing in the International BBS Listing!
We're also throwing in a two-issue run of a Service Ad...again,
absolutely FREE. At the normal individual Service Ad and BBS Listing
rates, that's a total value of $62!
About now, you're probably thinking we're totally crazy. In a second,
you're going to be sure we are...because we're also discounting the
normal subscription rate for CONNECT! Instead of the normal $18
subscription rate for U.S. addressees, you'll pay just $15. That's a
savings of almost 20 percent off the normal rate, and a savings of over
40 percent off the newsstand price!
Each issue sent to you will contain the in-depth, unbiased coverage of
the commercial online services, Internet and bulletin board systems and
CompuServe Mail networks you've come to expect from CONNECT. Your BBS
will appear in CONNECT's International BBS Listing for a year, *AND* your
system will be highlighted in a Service Ad for two consecutive issues
..all for *NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.*
If you're not in the U.S., don't worry. We're offering the same kind of
deal for Canadian and foreign sysop subscribers, too!
Here's all it takes to qualify for this special introductory offer:
1) You must be a sysop of a currently up-and-running BBS, with plans
to continue running the BBS for the next year.
2) You must be a new CONNECT subscriber. This offer is not available
to current subscribers and, therefore, cannot be used to renew"
a CONNECT subscription.
That's all! Just fill out the form and e-mail, fax or snail mail it back
to us with payment. (Checks must be sent via normal mail, obviously.
Checks also must be made out in U.S. funds and must be drawn on a U.S.
bank.)
Send your orders to:
Pegasus Press
CONNECT Subscription Dept.
3487 Braeburn Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-2619
(313) 973-8825 Info
(313) 973-0411 Fax
(313) 973-9137 BBS (v.32bis, 14.4K bps)
If you wish to help us save some trees, please fill out the form below in
your favorite text editor and e-mail it back to us at one of these online
addresses:
CompuServe 70007,4640
GEnie CONNECT.MAG
Delphi CONNECTNM9
Internet pegasus@cyberspace.org
America Online CONNECT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONNECT Sysop Special Subscription Form
---------------------------------------
[ ] Yes, sign me up for a year of CONNECT (6 issues) at $15. Send my
issues to the U.S. address listed below. I'm a sysop of a currently
available BBS and plan to continue running the system for the
next year.
[ ] I don't have a U.S. address, but I am a sysop of a currently
up-and-running BBS and plan to keep the system running for the next
year.
Sign me up for CONNECT at the rate below:
[ ] $27 Canada/Mexico (surface)
[ ] $33 Foreign (surface)
[ ] $51 Foreign (air mail)
Name: _____________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________
City/State: _______________________________________
ZIP: ________ - _____ Country: ___________________
Voice Phone #: (______) ________ - ____________
[ ] Please charge my credit card
[ ] VISA [ ] MasterCard [ ] American Express
Card #: _______________________________ Exp. Date: ___________
Signature: _____________________________________________________
=======================
BBS Listing Information
=======================
Sysop Name/Handle: ______________________________________________________
BBS Name: |________________________| Phone #: 1: |___-___-____|
(24 chars) (12 chars) or
2: |____________|
System
Description: |_______________________________________________________|
(55 chars)
Max. Baud: |____________| Systems Supported: |__________________|
(12 chars) (18 chars)
Software In Use: |__________________|
(18 chars)
======================
Service Ad Information
======================
Type in up to 280 characters describing your BBS. Be sure to include
the BBS name and phone number at the start of the Ad text.
|______________________________________________________________________|
70
|______________________________________________________________________|
140
|______________________________________________________________________|
210
|______________________________________________________________________|
280
____________________________________________
> Falcon VOX-Mail STR InfoFile
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Falcon Voice Mail!!
According to AEO's Andreas Barbiero and STReport's John Duckworth:
I am pleased to announce that VOX-Mail, the voice-mail system for the
Falcon, is now finally available for release. The program is now fully
GEM and the hardware functions completely as an answering machine right
now.
Thank you for the interest that you have expressed in VOX-Mail. I shall
be sending VOX-Mail to the ftp sites very soon now. However, if you
want the evaluation copy fast, I can send you an UUEncoded version.
Feel free to write to me if you have any question s/suggestions. Thanx!
Ta Ta For Now,
Michael Fung
---Email: jf4y+@andrew.cmu.edu
CMU acct: emperor+@cmu.edu
Phone: (412)862-3692
________________________________________________
> STR InfoFile
""""""""""""
ATARI UNITED! ALERT
===================
ATARI UNITED! has recently confirmed rumors that Soft-Logik is on the
verge of releasing Pagestream 3 for the Amiga. On February 23, 1994
Ellen Kazmaier (Soft-Logik Marketing) confirmed to Andreas Barbiero
(Assistant Editor, AEO) that the Amiga version of Pagestream 3 would
probably be ready for release in March, and that the decision to release
an Atari version of the upgrade would be made at that time. Ms. Kazmaier
told Andreas that she has received a number of letters from Atari users
expressing interest in Pagestream 3.
Pagestream has always been a major asset for the Atari computer.
Desk-top publishing is something that the Atari computer does well, and
Atari DTP programs have rivalled and often out-performed the best DTP
software on other platforms. Most Atari users have found that while
Calumus and Pagestream compete (market-wise) with each other, the two
programs complement each other nicely, so that everyone is able to find a
software package that he or she feels comfortable. Diversity of software
is very crucial to the life of a platform, and the Atari users are in
danger of losing the support of a major developer.
ATARI UNITED! is asking that every Atari user get involved in asking
Soft-Logik to continue their support of the Atari line of computers,
even if you are not a Pagestream owner. Every Atari owner should be
concerned about maintaining software diversity and support, so we are
asking that you choose one of the two following sample letters (which
ever is more appropriate for you), which can be filled out as is, or
modify it to your desire, and send it to Soft-Logik. It is urgent that
you do so quickly, because the decision will be made in the next few
weeks.
There are many Pagestream users in the world wide Atari community, and
even if you use Timeworks Publisher 2, Calamus 1.09N, Calamus SL, or
advanced word processors like Calligrapher, AtariWorks, and Redacteur,
you should take the time to send off a letter to Soft-Logik and express
an interest in seeing Pagestream 3. If you are in a usergroup, please
print out copies of the letter for the members in your group. Your
letter is not a promise to BUY Pagestream 3, but is an expression of your
interest in seeing the program come out on the market for the Atari
platform.
The following letter is for Pagestream owners use.
----------------------------------8<---------------------------------
Soft-Logik Publishing
11131F South Towne Sq.
St. Louis, MO 63123
Attn: Ellen Kazmaier, Marketing
Greetings,
I am current Atari computer user and Pagestream owner. I am aware of the
development of Pagestream 3 for the Amiga and I would like to express my
sincere interest in seeing this package upgraded and supported on the
Atari platform. Pagestream is a valuable asset to the Atari platform,
and as an Pagestream user, an upgrade to this software package would be
an incentive for me to continue using Pagestream.
Name:__________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________
_______________________________________________
Phone:_________________________________________
Computer Owned: ( ) Atari ST series
( ) MegaSTe ( ) TT030
( ) Falcon030 ( ) STacy
-----------------------------------8<---------------------------------
If you don't own Pagestream
-----------------------------------8<---------------------------------
Soft-Logik Publishing
11131F South Towne Sq.
St. Louis, MO 63123
Attn: Ellen Kazmaier, Marketing
Greetings,
I am an Atari computer owner interested in seeing the continued support
for the Pagestream package on the Atari series of home computers.
Pagestream is a valuable asset to the Atari platform, and I would like to
see an upgrade and continued support as a serious incentive to consider
Pagestream 3. Please continue to support the Atari ST, STe, TT030, and
Falcon030 computers!
Name:__________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________
_______________________________________________
Phone:_________________________________________
Computer Owned: ( ) Atari ST series
( ) MegaSTe ( ) TT030
( ) Falcon030 ( ) STacy
-----------------------------------8<---------------------------------
ATARI UNITED! wants to help keep you up to date with what's happening in
the Atari communit
y. To join us, fill out the following form and send it
to the address below!
To register, please provide the information below, and mail to:
ATARI UNITED!
P.O. Box 691
or email your registration, questions, comments, etc to:
atariunited@delphi.com
Name (Last, First, MI): _________________________________________
Mailing Address: _________________________________________
_________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _________________________________________
Phone Number: _________________________________________
Online Address: _________________________________________
Computer Model: ___ 520 ST ___ 520 STe ___ TT
___ 1040 ST ___ 1040 STe ___ F030
___ Mega ST ___ Mega STe
Computer Serial Number: _________________________________________
(optional)
User Group (if a member):_________________________________________
( ) Yes! Please include me in your list of possible contacts
for isolated Atari TOS owners in my area.
( ) Also please make my name and address available to other
Atari related concerns.
( ) Please keep all information on my registration form
confidential.
_________________________________
> The Old Fishin' Hole STR Feature
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE OLD FISHIN' HOLE
====================
-A Guide to the Online PD/Shareware Waters.
by John R. Duckworth
Spring...in a few weeks it will be here, bringing an end to the cold
Winter days. It's a time for new life, new celebration, and new enjoy-
ment. While Mother Nature delivers fresh flower buds and a return of the
chirping birds whom it seems left not too long ago, we might also think
about what we can do to make spring a new beginning for our favorite
computer platform. For those who have been putting off finishing that
shareware program you've been working on for so long, why not think about
completing it. Perhaps you have wanted to learn a programming language,
but haven't yet started the basics...maybe now is the time to buy that
tutorial book. Even easier yet, pick up a copy of that utility or appli-
cation you've been meaning to buy. The bottom line is, to keep our plat-
form alive, we need to do all that we can to make 1994 a year of new
beginnings. Now on with a look at a few public domain/shareware games
which I received this week...
"Tartan 1.7" by Christoph Zwerschke is a public domain chess program
for one player. While the program and all of its documentation is entire-
ly in German, "Tartan" is very self-explanatory and the game options can
quickly be figured out with a bit of experimentation. The game offer
several levels of computer 'smarts' which should satisfy everyone, except
perhaps Kasmirov. Play is controlled completely by the Atari mouse and
will run in any resolution with at least 80 columns (sorry all you low
resolution lovers, you'll have to stick to Warwick's GNU chess). For such
a small and easily maneuvered program, "Tartan 1.7" will provide any
chess player hours of challenge.
Another game I received this week is called "Multi Bricks" and is by
a French group who go by the name of Parx. This game is _ONLY_ for the
Falcon030, one look at the graphics and you'l know why. The screens are
beautifully rendered in 256 colors and the ever present soundtrack is
fully digitized. The game is based on the 'Breakout" idea, but instead of
a single paddle at the bottom of the playing field..."Multi Bricks" has
four. The playing field have a paddle on each side, so the player almost
never has time to rest or look away from the screen. The paddles are
controlled in tandem, but hitting certain bricks may change their behav-
ior a bit such as reversing their direction or adding missile power. A
first for "Multi Bricks" is its option to allow the user to play the game
with Jaguar joypads, which I found much easier to use than the old Atari
style joysticks (besides, you can utilize the pause button when the going
gets tough). Although the version distributed online is only a demo with
three playable levels, the game seemed stable (with the exception of a
slight flicker every now and then) and very enjoyable. Now all Parx needs
to do is set up a company to be their U.S. representatives and all of us
Falcon users will be set!
One last game I'll take a look at is called "CBZONE" and is a port
from the original Unix X-Windows code by Roland Givan. Actually, the game
is based on the old Atari arcade game 'Battlezone'. This port will only
run in monochrome (or a resolution equal or greater than 640x400). The
game is interesting and is a nice blast from the past, but it is extreme-
ly _SLOW_. We can't really blame the author for this since he didn't
write the game specifically for the TOS computers. Obviously he is just
an Atari owner who wanted to see if he could port some C code with some
success, and that is exactly what he has done. There are several parame-
ters which may be selected to allow the game to be a bit more playable. A
few of them include a fast option (which turns off sound and has a bit
less detailed graphics), a quiet option, and options to choose how many
tanks/salvos may be present onscreen at once. In closing, only download
"CBZONE" if you have a bit of time to waste and don't mind playing in
what seems like slow motion. I can't wait to see if Roland can speed
things up a bit...it'll make for a great game.
That's all for this week...it sure seemed like a special games column
didn't it? I only review what I can get my hands on..I'll try to find a
few more utilities and applications for you game haters next week. See ya
then. JDUCKWORTH@delphi.com.
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Old Fishin Hole Tackle Box * |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Tartan 1.7 |
| GEnie: Atari ST RT - #32050 |
| |
| Multi Bricks |
| Delphi: Atari Advantage - READ MULTI |
| |
| CBZONE |
| Internet: Try atari.archive.umich.edu /games/cbzone.* |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
* 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.
_
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" No truer words......
"""""""""""""""""
"WHEN GOVERNMENT FEARS THE PEOPLE.. THERE IS LIBERTY...
...WHEN PEOPLE FEAR THE GOVERNMENT, THERE IS TYRANNY."
Jim O'Neil, North Pole, Alaska
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> DEALER CLASSIFIED LIST STR InfoFile * Dealer Listings *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ---------------
ABCO Incorporated
=================
P.O. Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155
Est. 1985
1-904-783-3319
1994 SPRING SPECIALS NOW IN EFFECT!
------------------------
ABCO manufactures custom storage devices!
INTEL 32 BIT 486[DX]33-66 Tower P24T READY
(HAS ZIF SOCKET) PLUG-IN UPGRADABLE (easy)
8MB ram upgradable to 32MB 1MB SVGA VESA VIDEO CARD
Sound Blaster Compatible Stereo Sound Card
DOS 6.2 - Windows 3.11 Included
256K CACHE - 1.44/1.2 FLOPPY Drives, Mouse & 101 deluxe Keyboard
250MB IDE hd - 2 SERIAL, 1 PARALLEL, 1 GAME PORTS
250W POWER SUPPLY TOWER SYSTEM
14" Non-Interlaced SVGA 1024x768, 28dpi Monitor
33Mhz ver. S&H Incl 1295.00
495.00 with order, balance COD
other higher powered packages available
or, design your own! Call for value added pricing!
Call: 904-783-3319 Anytime, Voice Mail
=====******=====
Syquest Removable 44-105-270mb SCSI Drives
All Size Platters Available
Diamond Speed Star 24x SVGA/VGA Video Card w/1mbVRAM
Diamond Stealth & Viper 1mb & 2mb - Call for prices
Enhances Windows SPEED and EFFICIENCY
Diamond High Performance Sound Cards Available
Soundblaster Cards and compatibles 8 & 16 bit
Pro Audio Spectrum STUDIO 16 - 16bit - Midi - Audio Recognition
Top of the Media Vision PAS Line - True Multi-Media
IDE Super IO cards & 16550 UART 2 & 4 Port Cards
Call: 904-783-3319 Anytime, Voice Mail
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
COMPUTER STUDIO
===============
WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTER
40 Westgate Parkway -Suite D
Asheville, NC 28806
1-800-253-0201
Orders Only
1-704-251-0201
Information
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
EAST HARTFORD COMPUTER
======================
202 Roberts St.
East Hartford CT. 06108
1-203-528-4448
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
MEGABYTE COMPUTERS
==================
907 Mebourne
Hurst, TX 76053
1-817-589-2950
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
SAN JOSE COMPUTER
=================
1278 Alma Court
San Jose, CA. 95112
1-408-995-5080
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
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CompuSeller West
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220-1/2 W. Main St.
St. Charles, IL., 60174
Ph. (708) 513-5220
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
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