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Silicon Times Report Issue 1021

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Silicon Times Report
 · 5 years ago

  

SILICON TIMES REPORT
====================
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
=============================

from
STR Electronic Publishing Inc.


May 20, 1994 No. 1021
======================================================================

Silicon Times Report
International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155

R.F. Mariano
Publisher-Editor
-----------------------------------------
Voice: 1-904-783-3319 10am-4pm EST

STR Publishing Support BBS Network System
* THE BOUNTY BBS *
ITCNet 85:881/253 JAX HUB ~ FNET 350 ~ Nest 90:21/350
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-----------------------------------------
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FNET. 690 : PASTE BBS....................1-206-284-8493
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MNET - Toad Hall BBS.....................1-617-567-8642
______________________________________________________________________

> 05/20/94 STR 1021 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
"""""""""""""""""
- CPU INDUSTRY REPORT - STAC WINS Again! - BLASTER AWE 32
- ALDUS PROPAK FREE? - CORELDRAW 5! - HP Contest!
- Cable Services - People Talking - NeoTerm
- Medusa - Lexicor - The Old Fishin' Hole

-* Apple Cuts Computer Prices Again! *-
-* Microsoft Unveils Video Server *-
-* Borland PowerPack for DOS Ships! *-

======================================================================
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 ITC/PROWL/USENET/NEST/F-Net/Fido Mail Networks. You
may also call The Bounty BBS direct @ 1-904-786-4176. Enjoy the wonder
and excitement of exchanging all types of useful information relative to
c o m puters, worldwide, through the use of excellent International
Networking Systems. SysOps, worldwide, are welcome to join the STReport
International Conferences. ITC Node is 85:881/250, The Fido Node is
1:374/147.3, Crossnet Code is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is #620. All
computer platforms BBS systems are welcome and invited to participate.
======================================================================
CIS ~ AOL ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ PROWL ~ ITC ~ NEST ~ EURONET ~ CIX
USENET ~ USPOLNET ~ CLEVELAND FREE-NET ~ INTERNET ~ FNET ~ GENIE
======================================================================

COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;

STREPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"

NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!

CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198

You will receive your complimentary time
and
be online in no time at all!

"Enjoy CompuServe's forums; where information is at its very best!

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""



Beginning next week, Comdex Spring'94 will be under way. I'll be
there... trying to inhale all the valuable information in one gulp. Well,
you know what I mean. Be prepared to read all about the show, the new
products and the goodies due in the next few months or, for Comdex Fall'94
in Las Vegas.

Comdex... new products, both hardware and software are waiting in the
wings to excite everyone. New monitors, laser printers and machines, all
with the "green" cliche, abound. The services are all humming about the
goodies that are soon to be announced. Quite a bit of preliminary
information is covered in this issue.

Now, for moment of silence for the poor souls on the Amiga and Atari
computer platforms. Hopefully, they'll see the light and make the move.
after all, only so many doors need stoppers.

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. Niles J. Deegan D. P. Jacobson


STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""

Michael Arthur John Deegan Brad Martin
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Doyle Helms Frank Sereno John Duckworth
Jeff Coe Steve Keipe Guillaume Brasseur
Melanie Bell Jay Levy Jeff Kovach
Marty Mankins Carl Prehn Paul Charchian

Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Tim Holt Norman Boucher Clemens Chin
Eric Jerue Ron Deal Mike Barnwell
Ed Westhusing Glenwood Drake Vernon W.Smith
Bruno Puglia Paul Haris Kevin Miller
Craig Harris Allen Chang Dominick J. Fontana

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..................... 1:347/147.3
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 #21

By: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.



******* General Computer News *******


** NeXT, HP to Ship Operating System **

A pre-release version of the NeXTStep operating system for Hewlett-
Packard Co.'s workstations has been announced by HP and Steven Jobs'
NeXT Computer Inc. This is the first major announcement since last year
when HP, the nation's second-largest computer company, formed a software
development alliance with NeXT.

Officials with the companies said the final version of NeXTStep
Release 3.2, designed to run on HP's current-generation RISC-based
(reduced-instruction set computing) workstations, will ship this summer.

NeXT Computer last year stopped building its own computers in order
to become solely a software maker and began selling new versions of
NeXTStep, which is designed to work on range of computers that run on
Intel Corp. microprocessors.


** High-Speed Cable Services Planned **

Intel Corp. and General Instrument Corp. announced this week that
they have signed memoranda of understanding with Tele-Communications
Inc. (TCI) and Rogers Cablesystems Ltd. of Canada that will allow the
companies to begin working on a project to deliver data to PCs at speeds
up to 1,000 times faster than today's fastest modems.

The companies hope to provide the infrastructure for a new class of
cable-based services for home PC users.


** Kyocera's Video-on-Demand Debuts **

Kyocera Corp. has developed adapters that can transform home television
sets into video-on-demand terminals, linking them through telephone lines
to banks of stored programs.

Reports from Tokyo say that the company plans to sell the new terminal
adaptor, called the "Set Top Box," to U.S. regional phone companies and
cable television operators working to develop video-on-demand services.

The system will allow home viewers to choose from an unlimited number
of stored programs provided by an outside vendor.

Time Warner Cable, AT&T and Bell Atlantic are also developing a
similar system that could be accessed through cable television.


** Disk Drive Shipments Up 16.5% **

Shipments in the disk drives market grew 16.5% last year to 51.5
million units and are expected to increase by the same rate this year,
says Dataquest researchers. The market research firm also says that
despite the increase in volume, price wars knocked 5% off the industry's
revenues to $18.1 billion from $19 billion in 1992.

Leading the drive business now is Quantum Corp., with a market share
of 20.7%, edging out Seagate Technology at 19.9%, says Dataquest.
Quantum, which was ranked third in 1992 behind Conner Peripherals and
Seagate, boosted its shipments from 6.75 million in 1992 to 10.65
million in 1993.

Conner is in third place now with an 18.7% share, followed by IBM
with 10.6%, Western Digital 10% and Maxtor 9.7%. In other words, the top
six producers have almost 90% of the market.


** Sony Creates Entertainment Company **

Sony Corp. of America has announced the creation of Sony Computer
Entertainment of America. The new company will market hardware and
software in the U.S. for Sony's upcoming CD-based home video game system,
the PlayStation.

Sony Computer Entertainment of America will also be responsible for
third-party video game software licensing in the U.S.

According to Sony, the PlayStation employs advanced parallel processing
by using a dedicated 32-bit CPU together with multiple processors for
graphics and sound and other functions. Sony notes that the architecture
allows for a dramatic increase in processing speed, enabling the
PlayStation to offer a real-time combination of 3-D images using "texture
mapping," multiple two-dimensional "sprites" and full motion video.

The PlayStation is scheduled to be released in Japan by the end of
1994 and in the United States in 1995.


** Borland PowerPack for DOS Ships **

Borland International Inc. has added Borland PowerPack for DOS to its
line of object- oriented software development tools.

According to Borland, PowerPack for DOS offers a complete suite of
DOS development tools and libraries that are designed to work with
Borland C++ 4.0. It provides support for DOS developers and other
software developers who are making the move from DOS to Windows. The
product includes 16- and 32-bit DOS extenders that integrate into the
Borland C++ 4.0 Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

"Most of our customers still develop or maintain DOS applications.
This product provides significant technology they have been requesting,"
says Michael Hyman, manager of Borland's languages business unit.

The Borland PowerPack for DOS is available from retailers or directly
from Borland. It's being offered at a 90-day introductory price of
$99.95, after which the price is scheduled to rise to $499.


** DEC, Tadpole to Market Notebook **

A strategic agreement has been signed under which Digital Equipment
Corp. and Tadpole Technology Inc. will jointly design and develop a
workstation-class notebook. Reports say the computer will be based on
Digital's advanced Alpha AXP DECchip 21066 RISC (reduced instruction set
computing) microprocessor.


** AT&T Offers Home, Office PCs **

A new line of '486 IBM-compatible PCs intended for the home and small
office markets has been introduced by AT&T, which says it will sell the
units at consumer electronics and computer stores nationwide.

AT&T officials said the computers, priced between $1,399 and $2,299,
will include a modem with fax capabilities and have software for various
OnLine services, including CompuServe, AT&T EasyLink, America OnLine,
GEnie, the Imagination Network and Prodigy.

Six of the new models have multimedia capabilities and are equipped
with audio cards, stereo speakers and four CD-ROM titles. Most of the
models will include voice messaging capabilities to answer calls and
store messages.


** Microsoft Unveils Video Server **

A low-cost video server, code-named Tiger, to control interactive
television systems is being rolled out by Microsoft Corp. this week.

The company says its prototype program can operate at a tenth of the
cost of rival technologies being developed by Silicon Graphics Corp.,
Hewlett-Packard Co. and IBM.

Microsoft "believes it can deliver programming such as movies on
demand by using personal-computer hardware, rather than basing the
systems on mainframes or supercomputers,"4.


** Zenith Launches New Notebooks **

A new line of IBM-compatible notebook computers, the Z-NOTEFLEX
series with multimedia capabilities and 16-bit sound, has been introduced
by Zenith Data Systems. Prices on the notebook series should range
from $2,529 to $5,519.


** IBM Expands ThinkPad Line **

IBM Corp. announced this week it will offer enhanced versions of its
premium line of ThinkPad mobile computers and introduce a new line of
entry-priced ThinkPad models.

The ThinkPad 360 series, which will offer the same modular design as
the award-winning ThinkPad 750 line from which it is descended, will be
aimed at new users with prices starting at $1,999.

The premium models in the ThinkPad 755 series will offer improved
multimedia capabilities, greater hard disk capacity and a choice of the
latest Intel Corp. 486-based processors and upgradability to future
processors.


** New Apple PowerBooks Foreseen **

A new line of PowerBook laptop computers are expected to be launched by
Apple Computer Inc. According to a report in The New York Times, the line
of six computers will be available immediately, priced from $2,269 to
$5,539.


** Sega Provides Cable Video Games **

Word is Japan's Sega Enterprises Ltd. is set to provide video game
software to homes, using cable TV networks.

Sources are quoted as saying, "The unique service enabling people to
play computer games at home will begin in the United States this month and
in Japan next month."

Reports say users will be able to play various video games for about
$29 a month on the Sega system.


** Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4 Near **

Lotus Development Corp. said this week it is almost ready to market
Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4 for DOS, a major upgrade of its spreadsheet soft-
ware. Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4 for DOS will ship in North America in June
with a suggested retail price of $495.

Lotus said 1-2-3 Release 4 for DOS is easier to use and features a
highly graphical user interface and integrated mail enabling.


** Apple Cuts Computer Prices **

Prices on Apple Computer Inc. desktop and portable computers for
business were cut this week by up to 27%. Apple cut the prices of
Macintosh Quadra 660AV and 950 models up to 20%. Both are equipped with
sound and video features. Apple also cut prices of existing PowerBook
models. In addition, the company also cut the prices of some accessories
such as monitors and toner cartridges for printers.


** Judge Rules for Stacker Again **

A federal judge, in a tentative ruling, has denied Microsoft Corp.'s
request for a permanent injunction against Stac Electronics' use of a DOS
preload feature in its Stacker products.

In a statement from Carlsbad, California, Stac has this means it will
continue to ship its Stacker data compression products without
interruption.

The tentative ruling from U.S. District Judge Edward Rafeedie follows a
Feb 23 jury's findings that Microsoft infringed two of Stac's patents.
The jury awarded Stac $120 million in compensatory damages.


** Dell Cuts Notebook Prices **

Prices on Dell Computer Corp.'s Latitude notebook computers have been
reduced by $150 to $300. Dell officials said its '486-based portable
computer with active-matrix color is priced less than $3,000, and a
'486-based monochrome notebook is priced below $1,450. The price cuts
range from 8-14% in the U.S. market, effective immediately.


** IBM Develops New Polymer **

Researchers working at the IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center
have developed a new circuit board polymer for use in existing and
emerging high-performance computer, aerospace, and automotive
applications.

According to IBM, the patented new thermosetting polymer, called CYTUF,
offers multiple technical and performance advantages over the conventional
epoxy resins widely used in printed-circuit boards found in notepad,
laptop, and desktop personal computers.

IBM noted that high thermal stability, excellent electrical insulation,
low moisture absorption, high strength, and inherent flame retardancy, as
well as the ability to bond securely to copper, make CYTUF an ideal
material for the fabrication of printed-circuit boards.

In addition, IBM said heat resistance gives CYTUF some of its most
attractive benefits. Computer chips can be bonded directly to its
surface, potentially eliminating an entire level of chip packaging and
its cost. Environmentally troublesome bromine-containing fire retardants,
used in conventional circuit boards, are not necessary with CYTUF.

CYTUF's electrical insulation ability, also better than current FR-4
epoxy boards, aids in packing chips into small spaces without "cross talk"
and other forms of electrical interference.


__________________________________________




> SOUND BLASTER AWE 32 STR Spotlight
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


SOUND BLASTER - AWE 32
======================
CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES


Creative Technologies' new Sound Blaster AWE 32 is a fully compatible
sound card offering superb sound and powerful features. It comes with the
SB 16 ASP thus, it supports all games and software designed for previous
SB models. The Digital Audio is excellent. 16 bit goes to 44.1Khz.

Also included is a superb Wavetable Synthesizer that employs the new
E-mu 8000 chip. AWE 32 is among the first products to be released with
this chip and its been reported E-mu themselves have a few synthesizers on
the way. 1Mb of sample ROM provides a full set of general MIDI sounds.
The overall Sound quality is quite a bit better than waveblaster and I
might add just as good as many of the pricey cards. The AWE 32 is an
excellent value.

The ASP chip is used for Text Assist, Creative's superb Text to
Speech application. Text Assist sounds very life-like. The ASP chip is
also used for the Q-Sound fuction. Q-Sound is a software controlled sound
effects generator used for implementing three dimensional sounds. Q-Sound
makes the sounds appear to come from a range of areas relative to the L/R
speakers. From the far left to the far right and all points in between.

The FM Synthesizer uses the SB interface (like previous models). The
Wavetable Synthesizer uses an MPU UART interface. As a result, it will
work with any MPU-401 software and General MIDI or GS in game software.
There are two DSP chips. One of which is used to perform real-time tasks
creating Reverb and Chorus effects. There are 8 catagories and variations
of each. The end results are excellent.

The card comes with 512k of ram. This enables one to add their own
Samples, Patches and Voices. Two sample banks are supplied with the AWE
32. These banks emulate an MT-32 and a GS synth. The AWE 32 supports
Full GS, with extra instrument banks, Reverberation and Chorus level
controllers. Two standard RAM SIMM slots are on the card, permitting the
addition of up to 28 Mb (2 x 16mb simms).

AFAIK, the AWE 32 is the first card that achieves the type of quality
many professionals seek. I am confident they will find the AWE 32 totally
acceptable. There are three CD-ROM interfaces on the card supporting
Creative/Panasonic, Sony and Mitsumi Drives. One might ask what about
SCSI? However with more and more systems being equipped with SCSI2 from
the factory, perhaps the duplicity is unfavorable. Maybe they will offer
two cards one with SCSI and one with an alternative such as mentioned
above.

The software supplied is plentiful and quite nice. Except for a few
DOS programs (utils) the good stuff is for Windows. (so what else is new?)
The Sound Blaster Mixer, (with functional LED's) Q-Sound and the superb
configuration software, a multimedia suite with MIDI file player, Cd Audio
player and WAV player. Of course, as an added "bonus" Voice assist (Voice
Recognition), and Text Assist (Text to Speech) are also included along
with all sorts of supportive goodies. Creative's Pro Wave Studio V.2 is
an excellent wave editor. HSC Interactive, also included, is an authoring
program for Multimedia and I might add, seems to offer the best features
of most available. Finally... there's Cakewalk Apprentice, a limited
edition of a great sequencing program that's guaranteed to entice you to
obtain the full program


Creative Labs - AWE-32 sound card

Compatability
Sound Blaster
Sound Blaster 16
General MIDI
MPU-401 UART level
Roland GS
Roland MT32
Q-Sound
E-MU-SoundFont
MPC-level-2

Specification (As standard)
8 & 16 bit playback & record
5KHz-44.1KHz (mono or stereo)
Mixer -dig audio/MIDI/CD/line-in/mic/PC speaker
output control -volume/bas/treble
E-MU8000 sample wave synth
32 note polyphonic
1MB GM samples
512KB user loadable samples
reverb, chorus, Q-sound, flange, deley, etc
32 channel, 24 bit audio DSP
Advanced signal processor (voice recognition, etc)

Specification (max spec)
as above but with
28MB for user loadable samples
additional 32 note polyphonic wave sample GM synth


I/O
CDROM interface Sony/Mitsumi/Panasonic/Creative
Joystick port
MIDI in and out
line in
mic in
audio out
synth connector (direct to board)
SPDIF for output from e-mu 8000
Pin connectors for external digital volume control

______________________________________________




> SYMANTEC/CPS DEAL STR InfoFile
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""




SYMANTEC PREPARES TO FINALIZE CENTRAL POINT ACQUISITION
=======================================================


--Strengthens presence in enterprise market--

CUPERTINO, Calif. -- May 5, 1994 -- Symantec Corporation (NASDAQ:
SYMC) announced today that, after review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Act, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has not opposed Symantec's
acquisition of Central Point Software, Inc. The acquisition is
expected to be finalized in the June quarter.

Symantec and Central Point, both well-known for desktop utility
products, have each been investing in the development and acquisition
of products in the rapidly expanding enterprise utility software
market. By combining with Central Point, Symantec will significantly
increase the resources committed to compete in the growing enterprise
market and be better positioned to take advantage of new operating
system opportunities.

Symantec markets a number of successful enterprise software products
including the Norton Administrator for Networks, Norton AntiVirus for
NetWare, Norton Utilities Administrator and Norton DiskLock
Administrator.

"Our Norton enterprise products are already well-received," said
Gordon E. Eubanks, Jr., Symantec's president and CEO. "We have
shipped more than 300,000 nodes of Norton Administrator for Networks.

By combining with Central Point, we will substantially increase our
ability to succeed in this competitive market."

The acquisition is a pooling of interests where all outstanding shares
of Central Point stock will be exchanged for an aggregate of
approximately 4 million shares of Symantec stock.

Symantec Corporation develops, markets and supports a complete line of
application and system software products designed to enhance
individual and workgroup productivity as well as manage networked
computing environments. Platforms supported include IBM personal
computers and compatibles, Apple Macintosh computers and all major
network operating systems. Founded in 1982, the company has offices
in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Information on
the company and its products can be obtained by calling (800) 441-7234
toll free or (503) 334-6054.

Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.


_____________________________________



> STAC WINS AGAIN! STR InfoFile
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



-----------------------------------------------------------------
STACKER NOTE STACKER NOTE
STAC WINS INJUNCTION HEARING
STAC FAX 1118 (05-13-1994)
-----------------------------------------------------------------


Microsoft Request for Injunction Denied

CARLSBAD, Calif., May 13, 1994 -- Stac Electronics (NASDAQ:
STAC) a leading supplier of data compression products for
doubling the storage capacity of personal computers, announced
today that Federal District Judge Edward Rafeedie, in a tentative
ruling, has denied Microsoft's request for a permanent injunction
against Stac's use of a DOS preload feature in its Stacker*
products. As a result, the Company will continue to ship its
Stacker products without interruption.

The tentative ruling follows a Federal jury's findings on
February 23, 1994 that Microsoft infringed two of the Company's
patents. In that decision the jury awarded Stac $120,000,000 in
compensatory damages. The jury also found in favor of Microsoft
on one of Microsoft's seven counterclaims with the result that
Microsoft was awarded $13,600,000 in damages for misappropriation
of a trade secret identified as a preload function in MS-DOS** 6.
In its tentative ruling the court said that evidence presented at
trial indicated that the information Stac used in developing its
product was no longer subject to trade secrecy protection.

Stac Electronics is a leading supplier of high-performance
data compression products for personal computers. Implemented in
software and silicon, Stac's products are sold direct from the
Company and through retail and OEM sales distribution channels
worldwide.

* Indicates trademark or registered trademark of Stac Electronics.
** Indicates trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Jennings & Company
Greg Peverill-Conti (415) 974-6200



Copyright 1994 Stac Electronics


_________________________________________




> CORELDRAW 5 STR FOCUS!
""""""""""""""""""""""





COREL REALIGNS CORELDRAW 5 STRATEGY
===================================



New strategy triples graphics product offerings
and
offers users greater purchasing flexibility



OTTAWA, Canada--May 17, 1994--Corel Corporation and its subsidiaries today
announced a new product strategy for CorelDRAW 5, which is scheduled to
ship on May 27. With the new strategy in place, Corel will offer a
CorelDRAW 5 graphics and publishing suite, including six modules and
several utilities, as well as stand-alone versions of both Corel VENTURA
5 and Corel PHOTO-PAINT 5.

"This new approach provides users with more flexibility and value than
ever before," said Dr. Michael Cowpland, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Corel Corporation. "Unbundling Corel VENTURA and Corel
PHOTO-PAINT provides users the flexibility to tailor their software
applications, while the CorelDRAW 5 suite will continue to provide users
with the 'all-in-one solution' and value for which Corel is famous."

CorelDRAW 5 Product Offerings
-----------------------------
Corel's new product strategy will involve the following three options:

CorelDRAW 5 Suite
-----------------
A CorelDRAW 5 suite which includes CorelDRAW, Corel VENTURA, Corel
PHOTO-PAINT, CorelCHART, CorelMOVE, CorelSHOW, CorelQUERY, CorelMOSAIC,
Corel TRACE, Corel CAPTURE, CorelKERN and Corel DB Editor .

The Corel VENTURA 5 module will not ship with the initial production
run of CorelDRAW 5. Instead, Corel will include a coupon in every package
of the CorelDRAW 5 suite. Users who return the coupon will automatically
receive the Corel VENTURA 5 module when the product ships.

"CorelDRAW 5 is ready for shipment," said Dr. Cowpland. "Corel VENTURA 5
is still undergoing rigorous testing in order that we deliver a solid
final release."

Corel VENTURA 5
---------------
Corel VENTURA 5 will also be sold as a stand-alone product.
Featuring a new and easier-to-use Windows interface, Corel VENTURA 5
provides users with powerful features for long and short document
publishing.

Scheduled to ship in July, this new product will include Corel
VENTURA, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, CorelKERN, Corel DB Editor and TagWrite. Corel
VENTURA 5 will carry a list price of $495 US/ $595 CDN for the CD-ROM
only version and $595 US/ $695 CDN for the diskette version.

Corel VENTURA 4.2 users can upgrade to Corel VENTURA 5 for $199 US/
$249 CDN, CD-ROM and $249 US/ $349 CDN for the diskette version. Users of
previous versions can upgrade to Corel VENTURA 5 for $299 US/ $399 CDN
CD-ROM and $349 US/ $449 CDN for the diskette version.

Corel will continue to sell Corel VENTURA 4.2 for $199 US/ $249 CDN,
CD-ROM and $249 US/$299 CDN diskette.

Corel PHOTO-PAINT 5
-------------------
Corel PHOTO-PAINT 5, Corel's paint and image-editing application,
will also be sold as a stand-alone product. Corel PHOTO-PAINT 5 will be
priced at $199 US/ $249 CDN, CD-ROM only version, and $249 US/ $349 CDN
for the diskette version.



Corel Corporation Announces
New Extensions to Technical Support Programs

New technical support options to provide increased access
for
users of CorelDRAW, Corel GALLERY, and CorelFLOW


OTTAWA, Canada -- May 17, 1994 -- Corel Corporation and its subsidiaries
today announced new technical support options for users of CorelDRAW,
Corel GALLERY, and CorelFLOW. Beginning June 1st, 1994, Corel will
replace its current system of providing free technical support on a toll
line with a new credit-based program on a toll-free line. Corel's new
technical support extensions are designed to provide registered Corel
customers with increased access to support services. The new program will
compliment Corel's current, free-of-charge support options, including a
fax-back service, CompuServe and Bulletin Board programs, and an
Interactive Voice Answering Network (IVAN).

"This plan is designed to make the support personnel more accessible to
customers who need the services most," said Dr. Michael Cowpland,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Corel Corporation. "We will also
continue to provide our users with a convenient selection of alternative,
free-of-charge services. These quicker methods of obtaining product
information should free the support technicians for more involved issues."

Toll-free Technical Support Programs
------------------------------------
With Corel's new technical support program, each registered CorelDRAW
user will receive a technical support credit valid for one 15-minute
technical support call on a 1-800 number. If the technician is unable to
resolve a technical support call because of a documented bug, the
technician will not use the customer's credit.

After the initial technical support credit has been used, Corel users will
have the following credit purchasing options:

$25 US/$30 CDN for an individual support call credits. $100 US/$120 CDN
for a five support call credits. $175 US/$240 CDN for a 10 support call
credits.

As an alternative to purchasing a technical support credit, customers from
the United States can also dial 1-900 896-8880 to access technical support
personnel. Customers will be charged $2 per minute by their telephone
company..

Corel's Primary Technical Support Services
------------------------------------------
Corel offers a selection of basic support services that are free of
charge. These services provide users with up-to-date product information
and answers to the most frequently asked questions. They include the
following services:

IVAN:
-----
IVAN, Corel's Interactive Voice Answering Network provides customers
with rapid access to the most current product information. Customers can
obtain this service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on a toll-line by
calling (613)728-1990.

Bulletin Board Service (BBS): This 24-hour information resource lets
customers access product information and helpful program files. To contact
the BBS, customers dial (613) 728-4752 or (613) 761-7798.

Automated Fax System: This service provides provides customers with a
convenient and easy-to-use method of obtaining technical information by
fax. Customers dial (613)728-0826 ext. 3080 and request document number
2000.

CompuServe Information Services: CompuServer subscribers can access the
Corel Technical Support forum by typing GO COREL.


Corel Corporation
-----------------
Incorporated in 1985, Corel Corporation is recognized internationally
as an award-winning developer and marketer of PC graphics and SCSI
software. CorelDRAW, Corel's industry-leading graphics software, is
available in 17 languages and has to date won over 150 international
awards from major trade publications. Corel ships its products through a
network of more than 100 distributors in 60 countries worldwide. Corel is
traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: COS) and the NASDAQ -
National Market System (symbol: COSFF).

Corel's technical support partners are National Tech Team, Inc. and
Software Support, Inc. All company or product names mentioned are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
CorelFLOW and Corel GALLERY are trademarks of Corel Corporation. Corel
and CorelDRAW are registered trademarks of Corel Corporation. Corel
Corporation Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corel Corporation.

All company or product names mentioned are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies. CorelDRAW, Corel VENTURA, Corel
PHOTO-PAINT, CorelCHART, CorelMOVE, Corel QUERY, Corel MOSAIC, Corel
TRACE, Corel CAPTURE, Corel KERN, Corel DB Editor are all trademarks of
Corel Corporation. Corel is a registered trademark of Corel Corporation.
Corel Corporation Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corel
Corporation.


_______________________________________



> ALDUS SUPPORT! STR FOCUS!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""


ALDUS PAGEMAKER 5.0 PROPACK
===========================

Aldus Corporation recently began a special four-month worldwide sales
program for new customers purchasing Windows or Macintosh versions of
PageMaker 5.0, the world's leading desktop publishing software
application.

Called the Aldus PageMaker 5.0 ProPack, the promotion offers a free
collection of type, art, and photos worth over $750 (U.S.) to customers
who purchase PageMaker 5.0 for Windows, PageMaker 5.0 for the Macintosh,
PageMaker 5.0 for the Power Macintosh (U.S. only), or the "Aldus PageMaker
Plus PhotoStyler" bundle (U.S. only) between May 1, 1994 and August 31,
1994. The program is being offered in the U.S., France, Spain, Italy,
England, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Scotland, Austria, and Sweden.

To receive ProPack, customers must register their product by
September 30, 1994. Customers can receive ProPack directly from Aldus by
submitting the portion of the ProPack sticker attached to each eligible
PageMaker box along with their registration card and dated proof of
purchase. Upgrades, education versions, not-for-resale versions, OEM
versions, and license pack builds of PageMaker are not eligible.

All ProPack components were specially selected to add value to
PageMaker by providing users with tools to create publications with more
visual appeal.

The PageMaker ProPack is available on two packaged CD's and includes
Type 1 typefaces from Adobe, including the Caslon and Lithos families;
Adobe's Type on Call, a CD library of 1,700 encrypted Type 1 typefaces, 13
basic Adobe typefaces, Adobe Type Manager, and the Adobe Acrobat Reader;
260 high-end, editable EPS illustrations from 3G Graphics; and 50
royalty-free Kodak Photo CD images from the Clement Mok Compact Disk
(CMCD) company. The U.S. version of ProPack also includes valuable
discount coupons redeemable for service bureau output, Aldus training
products, and specially designed PageMaker templates.

The Aldus PageMaker ProPack promotion is targeted to new PageMaker
customers who are not formally trained in graphic design and typography.
These customers work in small, independent desktop publishing or design
firms or in-house publishing departments of corporations. They produce
brochures, fliers, newsletters, documentation, forms, books, and manuals.

To use the ProPack CD, a CD-ROM drive is required. Additionally,
Adobe Type on Call requires Adobe Type Manager. 3G Graphics clip art can
be used with any application that reads EPS, PICT, BMP, or WMF files.
CMCD Kodak Photo CD images will operate on any Macintosh and PC platform
equipped with a CD-ROM drive that supports Kodak Photo CD format.

ProPack is available to existing PageMaker customers in the U.S.
through the Aldus Access catalog for $499. Customers can also order the
product directly by calling (800) 685-3508.





""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________

Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.

Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.

GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission



""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

___ ___ _____ _______
/___| /___| /_____| /_______/ The Macintosh RoundTable
/____|/____| /__/|__| /__/ ________________________
/_____|_____|/__/_|__|/__/
/__/|____/|__|________|__/
/__/ |___/ |__|_/ |__|_/____ Managed by SyndiComm
/__/ |__/ |__|/ |__|______/

An Official Forum of the International Computer Users Group

*** STReport available in MAC RT ***
ASCII TEXT
for ALL GEnie users!



MAC/APPLE SECTION (II)
======================
John Deegan, Editor (Temp)



> HP LJ4 FAQ STR Feature
""""""""""""""""""""""


HP LASERJET 4 PLUS & 4M PLUS PRINTER
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS



ISSUE:
------
What version of the Windows Printing System will be available with
the HP LaserJet 4 Plus/4M Plus printer introduction?

SOLUTION:
---------
The HP LaserJet 4 Plus and 4M Plus printers ship with Windows
Printing System version number 31.v1.30. It contains the same printer
driver that was previously introduced ( 31.v1.27 ), except that 31.v1.30
includes support for the HP LaserJet 4 Plus and 4M Plus printers. The
31.v1.30 Windows Printing System that ships in the box with the HP
LaserJet 4 Plus and 4M Plus printers will only allow installation of a new
HP LaserJet 4 Plus or 4M Plus printer. It will also update any driver on
the system currently used for any other HP LaserJet 4 series printer.

By 1-June-1994, users ordering the latest Windows Printing System
from the HP Driver Distribution Center ( 303-339-7009 ) will receive a
3-disk set. This 3-disk package will support all existing HP LaserJet 4
printer family products including the HP LaserJet 4 Plus and 4M Plus
printers.

NOTE:
-----
Unless you need support for the HP LaserJet 4 Plus or 4M Plus
printer, there is no advantage (nor is it recommended) to "upgrade" to
31.v1.30 from 31.v1.27.


ISSUE:
------
What version of the Windows PostScript (TM) Printer Driver is shipped
with the HP LaserJet 4M Plus printer?

SOLUTION:
---------
The HP LaserJet 4M Plus printer ships with version 2.1.1 of the new
PostScript Level 2 driver recently released by Adobe (TM). The driver
ships with a PostScript Printer Description file (PPD) for the HP LaserJet
4M Plus printer. The PPD customizes the Adobe driver, allowing it to
access many of the printer-specific features available on the HP LaserJet
4M Plus printer.

Version 2.1.1 is currently available from the HP Driver Distribution
Center. There are three separate disk sets available. The first disk set
includes version 2.1.1 of the Adobe driver and PPD's for the HP LaserJet
4M, 4ML, and 4MP printers. The second disk set includes version 2.1.1 of
the Adobe driver and PPD's for the HP LaserJet 4Si MX printer. The third
disk set includes version 2.1.1 of the Adobe driver and PPD's for the HP
LaserJet 4M Plus printer.


ISSUE:
------
What version of the Macintosh Printer Driver is shipped with the HP
LaserJet 4M Plus printer?

SOLUTION:
---------
The HP LaserJet 4M Plus printer ships with version 8.1.1 of the
PostScript Level 2 driver released by Adobe. The driver ships with a
PostScript Printer Description file ( PPD ) for the HP LaserJet 4M Plus
printer. The PPD customizes the Adobe driver, allowing it to access many
of the printer-specific features available on the HP LaserJet 4M Plus
printer. Version 8.1.1 will be available at the HP Driver Distribution
Center at introduction for the HP LaserJet 4M Plus printer. Additional
printers in the HP LaserJet 4 printer family are already currently
available.


ISSUE:
------
Will font SIMMs and cartridges from previous HP LaserJet printers
work in an HP LaserJet 4 Plus or 4M Plus printer?

SOLUTION:
---------
All font cartridges that worked in previous HP LaserJet printers will
work in an HP LaserJet 4 Plus or 4M Plus printer. Some font SIMMs ( such
as HP's custom Courier Font SIMM ) designed for previous LaserJet 4 series
printers will not work in an HP LaserJet 4 Plus or 4M Plus printer. This
is primarily due to the faster processor speed of the HP LaserJet 4 Plus
and 4M Plus printers.


ISSUE:
------
Since the HP Courier Font SIMM for the HP LaserJet 4 printer will not
work in the HP LaserJet 4 Plus or 4M Plus printers, is there a Courier
Font SIMM that will work in these printers?

SOLUTION:
---------
Yes, there will be a new Courier Font SIMM available from Custom
Products ( 503-750-5757 ) in June 1994. The new part number will be
36596E option 004. The part number for the Courier Font cartridge will
remain the same as for the HP LaserJet 4 printer (36596A option 004).


ISSUE:
------
When I put my font cartridge into my HP LaserJet 4 Plus or 4M Plus
printer, it seems to go in either way. Which way does the font cartridge
go into an HP LaserJet 4 Plus or 4M Plus printer?

SOLUTION:
---------
In some early HP LaserJet 4 Plus and 4M Plus printers, the font
cartridge can physically be inserted either way. However, it will only be
recognized if the label on the top of the cartridge is facing to the right
as the cartridge is inserted in the slot. If the font cartridge is
inserted incorrectly, neither the font cartridge nor the printer will be
damaged; the font cartridge will simply not be recognized. To correct
this problem, simply remove the font cartridge and reinsert it with the
top label facing the other direction.


ISSUE:
------
I have locked my control panel and forgotten the password to get
access to unlock my control panel. What can I do?

SOLUTION:
---------
You can do a Cold Reset on the printer (refer to your User's Manual
for directions). This will both unlock the control panel and reset the
password to 0. Note, however, that performing a cold reset will also
reset all other settings in your printer to the "factory defaults". After
a cold reset, the printer will have to be reconfigured. If you are an end
user, we advise that you consult your network administrator before
attempting a printer reset procedure.

Windows or MS Windows is a U.S. trademark of Microsoft Corp.
Adobe ( TM ) is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated
which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

PostScript (TM) is a trademark of Adobe
Systems Incorporated which may be registered in
certain jurisdictions.
Copyright Hewlett-Packard Co. 1994
This information is subject to change without notice and
is provided "as is" with no warranty.
Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for any direct,
indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages
in connection with the use of this material.


________________________________________



> DATAPERFECT CONF. STR InfoFile
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



DATAPERFECTION IN DENVER
A Conference for DataPerfect Users

* * * * * *

July 29 and 30, 1994
Friday and Saturday
9:00am to 5:00pm

Hyatt Regency Tech Center
7800 East Tufts Avenue
Denver, CO 80237
U.S.A.
303/779-1234


About the Conference
--------------------

Many of us who attended WordPerfect Corporation's 1993 DataPerfect
Conference were unhappy to hear WordPerfect Corporation wouldn't repeat
that in 1994. Soon after hearing the bad news, I and a handful of other
dedicated DataPerfect experts started phoning and EMailing each other with
the single-minded purpose of putting together a 1994 conference none the
less.

Well, we did it! This spectacular two-day event takes place on
Friday and Saturday, July 29 and 30, 1994. We'll offer classes on many
topics--some for beginners, others for the more experienced. And, just
like the 1993 Conference that WordPerfect Corporation put on, we'll offer
some "show and tell" sessions, where some DataPerfect application
developers demonstrate their wares. Call us if you'd like to show off
your stuff as well.

Now, unlike the 1993 Conference, we're offering something new. On a
"first come, first serve" basis, we'll offer individual consultations for
those with questions about particular problems they're having with their
applications. We'll offer up to two hours of "one-on-one" consultation
with an expert in the field! You'll probably have to call in advance for
this, because I doubt we can offer a full two hours to everyone. Let us
know the problem you want worked out--as best you can describe it--and
we'll line you up with the right expert, time permitting. There's no
additional charge for this, so get on the list right away if this
interests you.


Class Topics
------------

We don't have a firm line-up of who's teaching what, but we do have a
list of topics we're prepared to teach. Though we guarantee that
beginners, intermediates, and the advanced will be well served in this
conference, we're waiting to hear from you as to what you would like to
learn. Let us know your first five choices in order of preference (see
the Registration Information Sheet on the last page of this file).

To get some ideas, take a look at the following list of topics we're
prepared to teach. Some are clearly not for beginners, and others are
clearly not for the advanced:

- Defining a database on paper
- Database design
- Indexes, Links, and Lookups
- Formulas
- Menu creation, design, and management
- Report creation and design
- Report variables
- Exception list indexes
- DPDiagnostics
- Importing and exporting data
- Transaction logs
- Understanding STE files
- Protecting your database
- DataPerfect with Windows
- Printer control techniques
- DataPerfect/Shell/WordPerfect integration
- DataPerfect on LANs
- Backup strategies & disaster recovery
- Remote connections
- Add-ons, accessories, utilities
- Screen tricks
- STE file editing
- Developer needs
- Office automation design
- Special effects

Transportation
--------------

Transportation between the Hyatt Regency and Stapleton International
Airport is $8.50 each way, via the Airport Limousine Service (about thirty
minutes). The Hyatt Regency also offers a complimentary shuttle on a
"first come, first serve" basis, within a five-mile radius of the hotel.


Accommodations
--------------

The Hyatt Regency at the Denver Tech Center has given us a very nice
deal for conference participants. To get this deal, though, you must
reserve your room before July 1. Here's what we got for you:

Single room $65/night
Double room 65/night
Business Class 80/night

"Business Class" rooms include things like a fax machine. However,
all rooms have data jacks on the phones, making it convenient to stay in
touch with CompuServe after dinner! Of course, maybe I'm the only one who
does that.

You can call Hyatt's toll-free national reservation service to reserve a
room:

800/233-1234

When you call to reserve a room, mention the conference name:
"DataPerfection in Denver." That should get you the discounted room rate.
You're responsible for your own room reservation.


Hotel Amenities
---------------

As well as wonderful rooms to plop down in after an exciting day with
fellow DataPerfect users, this Hyatt offers an indoor pool, hottub,
exercise room, and an outdoor lighted tennis court. For ten dollars,
they'll transport you to the Greenwood Athletic Club, which has luxurious
facilities, including racquetball, squash, exercise equipment, an olympic
pool, running tracks, basketball and volleyball courts, etc.

Also nearby is the Cherry Creek Mall, with galleries, fancy shopping,
amazing restaurants, the "largest bookstore between Chicago and L.A."
You'll also find easy access to the Denver Zoo, Botanic Gardens, Museum of
Natural History, Planetarium, IMAX, Children's Museum, Coors Brewery,
Water World, U.S. Mint, and, of course, nice mountains.


Faculty Listings
(alphabetical order)
--------------------

(The following is a partial list of instructors. As the others submit
their curricula vitae, I'll update this list.)

RALPH ALVY, DC, is a chiropractor in Santa Monica, California, who runs
his practice with a DataPerfect application he wrote. He manages the
DataPerfect section of WordPerfect Users Forum on CompuServe, and has
authored numerous articles on DataPerfect in independent DataPerfect
newsletters, including DataPerfection.

DON FRIEDMAN is President & CEO of PRS Data Systems and Professional
Record Systems, Inc., of Pittsburgh, PA. He's developed dozens of
DataPerfect applications for a wide range of clients, including some of
the largest known DP applications. These huge applications are part of a
voter profile system he maintains for Democratic candidates for office in
Pennsylvania.

DANITA HELLMUND is a network consultant in Englewood, Colorado. Using
WordPerfect Shell and Shell macros, she specializes in integrating
DataPerfect with other products, including implementing DataPerfect as a
secondary merge manager.

MARK Y. NEPON, DMD, is a dentist in Winnipeg, Canada, and the developer of
DENTALOffice(TM), a dental office practice management program based on
DataPerfect, marketed by Telamore, Inc., Provo, UT. Using DataPerfect, he
placed third at the annual developers competition (87 teams worldwide) in
November 1993.

DEBBIE SHAFFER is the administrator of the Legal Department at Southwest
Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. She's written unique multi-user
applications with intricate tracking and reporting functions to manage all
matters handled by in-house counsel. In addition, she's served as an
in-house consultant to various research departments in planning special
DataPerfect applications for use in research and development projects, and
has taught numerous in-house classes on database development and report
writing to departments seeking to substantially increase productivity.

HEMAN SMITH is the publisher of DataPerfection, the DataPerfect User's
Newsletter, as well as the developer of AdSales!, an advertising client
management package, and SUBSCRIBE!, a subscription fulfillment package for
newsletters and magazines.

MICHAEL S. VICTOROFF, MD, is a family physician in Denver, Colorado, and
Director of Medical Informatics for HealthONE, Colorado's largest hospital
system. He's the developer of ChartR, a medical record system based on
DataPerfect.

TOM YUHAS is a trial attorney in Los Angeles, California. Besides having
developed a Case Management application used by four associate attorneys
and fifteen staff members, he also uses DataPerfect to help with product
defect litigation, by indexing, cross indexing, and managing
manufacturers' document production, which often numbers more than 100,000
documents for a single product.


Registration Information
------------------------

We're charging $350 for this two-day conference. Heman Smith, our
beloved publisher and editor of DataPerfection, has offered to collect the
fees for this event. Given that he has a DataPerfection merchant account,
you can pay for this with a Visa or Mastercard over the phone by calling
Heman at 208/357-5727. If you're registering by credit card, and you get
DataPerfection's answering machine (the message will clearly tell you that
you reached DataPerfection's office), leave the following information:

Name
Address
Day and evening phone numbers
Credit card number
Name as it appears on the credit card
Expiration date on the credit card

For those registering by check, make your check out to "DataPerfection,"
and mail it to the following:

DataPerfection in Denver
1120 North 1200 East
Shelley, ID 83274
Attention: Registration Dept.


* * * * * *


I hope to see you there!

Sysop Ralph Alvy
71333,2075
WordPerfect Users Forum




REGISTRATION INFORMATION SHEET
------------------------------

Whether paying by credit card or check, please fill out this sheet and
send it to the following:

DataPerfection in Denver
1120 North 1200 East
Shelley, ID 83274
Attention: Registration Dept.


PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name :
Address Line 1 :
Address Line 2 :
City :
State/Province :
Country :
Postal Number :
Day Phone :
Evening Phone :
Fax Line :
CompuServe ID :
Profession :
Job Title :

CLASS TOPICS PREFERRED

First Choice :
Second Choice :
Third Choice :
Fourth Choice :
Fifth Choice :


YOUR DATAPERFECT EXPERIENCE

Please describe your experience with DataPerfect, even if it's just
to say you just installed it yesterday and aren't sure what a database
manager is.

If you've developed some applications, tell us about them. Do you
use them in your business? If so, do you run them on a network? How many
work stations? Do you plan on selling DataPerfect applications?

You get the idea. We'd like to know who's coming so we can plan our
class offerings accordingly. Feel free to simply use the other side of
this page for this little essay. We need your help in making this a
wonderful event.


______________________________________



> HP CONTEST! STR FOCUS!
""""""""""""""""""""""

  




Win an HP LaserJet4P!!
Hewlett-Packard
Dashboard for Windows
1st Annual "Panel Madness" Contest


Hewlett-Packard's PC Software Division announces the 1st Annual
Dashboard for Windows "Panel Madness" Contest. HP will award exciting,
valuable prizes for the best "new Panel" designs for that fabulous, fun,
easy to use, award winning Windows 3.1 Shell Utility, Dashboard for
Windows.

First Prize:..........HP LaserJet 4P Printer
Second Prize:.........HP 100LX Palmtop Computer
Third Prize:..........HP DeskJet 520 Printer

Here's your chance to make your mark in software history and add to
the already dazzling array of Dashboard panels - Quick Launch, Extended
Screens, Resource Gauge, Printer Manager, Clock Calendar - by designing
the most useful, interesting, appealing, exciting, fun, to die for... new
panel for Dashboard 2.0.

Games! System Utilities! Education! Home! Graphic! Sound!...

Anyone can enter!
No Programming Required!
(Just ideas, pictures and descriptions!)
Enter as often as you like!*
Team up with co-workers, family members!*

If you have questions or would like information about purchasing a
copy of Dashboard 2.0

- Call 1-800 554-1305 and ask for the "Panel Madness Person" .
- Or send email to "Panel Madness Person"

Internet - flaherty@ppg01.sc.hp.com
CompuServe - Internet:flaherty@ppg01.sc.hp.com

CONTEST QUERIES ONLY - PLEASE.
(For support call US 408 345-8900, FAX 408 553-2918)

To be eligible entries must be received by midnight July 15, 1994.
Winners will be be announced August 1, 1994 at the following locations:

Internet:
comp.os.ms-windows.apps
comp.os.ms-windows.misc
comp.sys.hp.misc

CompuServe:
HPSYS Forum - Library 11 (Dashboard/misc apps)

Dashboard BBS:
US (408) 553-3777

(Winners will be notified individually by phone
or mail prior to announcement.)

*Only one prize per contestant or "team"

HP Employees or family members are not eligible.

All entries become the exclusive property of Hewlett-Packard Co.

Void where prohibited by law.



Please mail ALL entries to:

Hewlett-Packard Company
Panel Madness Contest
5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard MS 53U GC
Santa Clara, CA 95052-8059


All Entries Must Include:

Contestants Name:_______________________________________________

Company Name (if applicable):___________________________________

Phone #:________________________

Address: _________________________________ (Street)

____________________________________________(City, State, Zip)

email Address (if applicable):____________________________________

* * * * *

PANEL DESIGN:

NAME - What do you call it?_______________________________________

DESCRIPTION (In detail) - What does it do?_______________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

BEHAVIOR: What (if anything) happens when -

You right click on the panel? ________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
You double click on it? ______________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
You click on specific parts of the panel (e.g., buttons, menus...)
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Any Drag and Drop capability? _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Can the panel be customized (how)? ____________________________
_______________________________________________________________


PICTURES: Please include graphic representations of:
o The panel in its initial state
o The panel in any altered state
(Customized, changed by right or double click, etc)
o The panel "Preferences" (Customization) Window
o Any other Windows created by the panel

This form is meant as a guide - add lines or pages if necessary, or
create your own form. Just be sure to include all of the requested
information.




**********************************************************************


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 an extremely 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 20/20 Advantage Plan
20 Hours for Only $20!
-----------------------------

Advantage Members have always enjoyed the lowest DELPHI access rates
available. On the new 20/20 Advantage Plan, members receive their first 20
hours of access each month for only $20. If you happen to meet someone
online or find some other diversion, don't worry because additional usage
is only $1.80 per hour.

20/20 Advantage rates apply for access via SprintNet or Tymnet from
within the continental United States during home time or via direct dial
around the clock. Home Time is from 6pm to 6am weekdays. Access during
business time carries a surcharge of $9 per hour. These rates apply for
most services, but note that there are some surcharged areas on DELPHI
which are clearly marked with a "$" sign.

Who is eligible to take advantage of the plan? Any DELPHI member in
good standing. Applications are reviewed and subject to approval by
Delphi Internet Services Corporation.

It's easy to join. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can
apply online -- at any time -- for membership in the DELPHI 20/20
Advantage Plan. Your membership becomes active at 4 a.m. Eastern Time on
the first billing day of the following month.

The $20 charge will be billed to you at the beginning of the month to
which it applies. Any portion of the 20 hours not used in any month does
not carry forward into the next month.

Advantage rates may be changed with 30 days notice given online.

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 the BEST Value and getting BETTER all the time!


************************************************************


ATARI/JAG SECTION (III)
=======================
Dana Jacobson, Editor



> From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


It's nice to have the entire Atari staff back here at STReport, all
nice and rested! It certainly helps to make my life a lot easier having
Joe and John back in the fold once again!! Welcome back, guys!

There's been a lot of speculation and "what if..." messages regarding
what will happen to the now bankrupt Commodore. It's amusing to hear
people suggest that Atari buy Commodore, or the technical rights to their
machines, etc. and produce a machine using the combined technology. There
have been a number of other "fantasy" thoughts, as well. Let's get to
reality folks! Atari has ceased computer production because they are
focusing their efforts on the Jaguar, for one thing. Another, they don't
have the resources (i.e. MONEY) to warrant such a venture even if they
wanted to do so. What benefit would an Atari/Commodore computer venture
have that would make it a viable product, that Atari doesn't have already
between the TT and the Falcon? Not much, if anything. For Atari to
re-enter the computer world in the near future, they're going to require a
truly powerhouse computer that will not only attract new buyers, but offer
current Atari users something to upgrade to that they're looking to buy.
Forget Atari buying into such a venture with anything related to what was
once Commodore! As to what may happen to Commodore's technology, the
latest potential "buyer" is rumored to be Samsung. We'll keep you posted
here, in STReport, if anything further develops .

I received a letter from Lexicor's Yat Siu during this past week,
which is printed elsewhere in this section. Apparently, there's a
resurgence of message activity on Genie in the infamous STRT once again
claiming that Lexicor is not a distributor of the Medusa/Pandora clone.
This sort of thing is really getting to be extremely ridiculous. I've
seen numerous messages on the other services stating that not only does
Lexicor have Medusas (I SAW a Medusa during a Lexicor Demo at a usergroup
meeting last month!), but that Lexicor had already filled all pre-paid
orders. Not only that, but I've also seen messages that claim that
another Atari "developer" (Compo) is the exclusive North American
distributor. On the other hand, Lexicor has never claimed to be the sole
distributor even though it appears that they are the only ones currently
and actively doing so. Lexicor has often acknowledged that they have
knowledge that Compo may be _a_ distributor for the machines. Isn't it
time for this GEnie STRT-oriented pettiness to die a well-deserved death?
This fruitless activity is pointless and only succeeds in continuing to
foster ill-will within our dwindling community.

The summer CES show is rapidly approaching. The staff here is
anxiously awaiting this show; we'll have first-hand coverage from at least
two of our staff who will be in attendance. The CES promises to be an
interesting venture for Atari and the Jaguar. Be sure to look for various
bulletins online, and also full coverage of the show afterward!

Let's get on with the show!! Until next time...



Delphi's Atari Advantage!
TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (5/19/94)


(1) GUIDE TO THE INTERNET *(6) BATTLETRIS
(2) CANVAS V.1.7 PAINT (7) EPS TO CVG
(3) PROFILE 1.5 *(8) MASTERBROWSE 4.4
(4) LHARC 3.01 *(9) CAD/DRAFTING
*(5) SERIAL FIX CPX/PRG *(10) ST ZIP 2.6



* = 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 #10.20)
ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE (Current issue: AEO - VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8)

Look for the above files in the RECENT ARRIVALS database.


______________________________________



> CT AtariFest '94! STR InfoFile! - '94 ACT Show Gears Up For #4!!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


**********************************************************************
** O U R F O U R T H A N N I V E R S A R Y S H O W ! ! ! **
** /-----------\/------------/ **
** / / **BOSTON** **
** / CT ATARIFEST '94 / **
** ,/ / **
** **NY** ,/ __________/|\___________/ **
** /__,/ ** BRIDGEPORT ** **
** **
** CONNECTICUT ATARIFEST '94 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 8/27/94 **
** August 27-28, 1994 at the 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday 8/28/94 **
** Back at the BRIDGEPORT HOLIDAY INN **
** 1070 Main St. Sponsored by **
** Bridgeport, CT 06604 ACT Atari Group **
** (FACE,WMAUG,DBUG,AOGUGH,CCCC & STAR) **
**********************************************************************

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE FASTEST GROWING ATARI SHOW...
JAGUARs, LYNX, FALCONs, TTO30s, STs!
Atari Software & Hardware! Free Indoor Parking! Competition & Prizes

ACT Atari Group is running another _MAJOR_ Northeast computer event.
Last year's success meant only one thing: ENCORE! The Holiday Inn in
Bridgeport, CT - site of the original 1991 show, is just 1.5 hours outside
of New York City, making it easier for Big Apple Atarians to attend.

Bridgeport is located on the Connecticut coast, at exit 27 off of
Interstate 95. It is served by Amtrack Passenger Trains, Sikorsky Airport
Terminal, The Port Jefferson Ferry, and a multitude of highways; it is
just one block away from both the Railroad station and the Ferry, and has
a free shuttle service for guests from the airport.

This year we're having an All-You-Can-Eat Prime Rib Buffet for just
$12.95. In addition to the Sliced Prime Rib of Beef, the Buffet also
includes a mini Salad Bar, a Chicken dish, a Pasta dish, Rice or Potatoes,
Fresh Vegetables, Selection of Deserts and Coffee. Join us for an
informal, low cost dinner Saturday night, and mix with old friends.

What about the Jaguar? Come on out and get (64)BIT! We'll have the
largest Jaguar competition in New England, with the latest games and gear.
With all the excitement generated by this hot new machine, you owe it to
yourself to get the personal skinny (and the Lynx won't be overlooked
either)!

We expect an even greater number of vendors this year, surpassing the
excellent turnout of the past shows. CAF '93 vendors included:

* A&D Software * Gribnif Software
* ABC Solutions * Kurlan Music
* BaggettaWare Software * Lexicor Software
* Barefoot Software * Marcel Software
* Best Electronics * MegaType Software
* Clear Thinking * Oregon Research Associates
* Codehead Technologies * Soft-Logik Publishing
* CompuServe Information Services * Software Spectrum
* Computer Zone * Straight Edge Software
* Derric Electronics * Thin Air Labs
* East Hartford Computer Repair * Toad Computer
* Evangelo's Software * Wizztronics
* GEnie

In addition to our commercial supporters, many user groups came from
hundreds of miles away to be with us for CAF '93. Those in attendance
included The Boston Computer Society, Western Massachusetts Atari User
Group, Atari ST and Mega Users of Montreal, South Shore Atari Group
[Mass], Atari User Group of Greater Hartford, Scranton Area Atari User
Group (PA) and Long Island Atari User Group (DBUG-Danbury and FACE -
Fairfield [both CT] were represented in the ACT Atari booth). Most user
groups offered numerous demonstrations, public domain disks and great clip
art collections, with most of the groups offering "recycled" hardware and
software items.

We'll have our Lynx Competition, with multiple Comlynxed competitions
underway at all times, the Portfolio Corner, staffed with industry
experts, an endless stream of door prizes and seminars in abundance (in
the past we've had everyone's favorite Atari Corp. personality - Director
of Communications Bob Brodie, John Eidsvoog of Codehead, Jeff Naideau from
Barefoot, Dave Troy of Toad Computers, Joe Mirando & Dana Jacobson from
STReport and many others). Stay tuned for this year's list of speakers.

All in all, we hope to have our best show yet, and we look forward to
your participation. Make your plans now for the most exciting Atari
Weekend this summer!

CONNECTICUT ATARIFEST '94 TRAVEL TIPS

SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THE HOTEL IS FREE FROM THE AIRPORT, THE TRAIN
STATION OR THE FERRY! JUST PHONE 334-1234 WHEN YOU ARRIVE!

BY CAR: Bridgeport is located directly on Interstate 95 and Route 8.
* Northbound: Take I-95 to exit 27. At the end of the ramp, continue
straight, and follow the road till you come to the Railroad station. At
this point you will be able to see a large white parking garage on your
left. At the light on Fairfield Avenue, take a left, and then another
left on Middle Street, the entrance on left.

* Southbound: Take I-95 to exit 27, stay straight at end of ramp. At
next light, State Street, take a right and follow to end. At road's
end, the Railroad Station will be directly ahead of you. Take a left and
go one light north. At the light on Fairfield Avenue, take a left, and
then another left on Middle Street, the entrance on left.

* From Route 8: Take exit 2, go straight at end of ramp. Continue one
more block to State Street and go left. At road's end, the Railroad
Station will be directly ahead of you. Take a left and go one light
north. At the light on Fairfield Avenue, take a left, and then another
left on Middle Street, the entrance on left.

BY AIR: Many airlines serve Sikorsky Memorial Airport: Delta Airlines
800-345-3400, USAir 800-428-4322, and Continental Airlines 800-525-0280.
Flights between Boston, New York and Washington arrive hourly. The Holiday
Inn offers a courtesy van from the airport; call 334-1234 when you arrive.
To contact Sikorsky directly, call 203-576-7498.

BY RAIL: Rail passengers can reach Bridgeport aboard several trains that
run daily between Washington, D.C., Boston, and points between. For
information about fares, schedules, restrictions and connecting trains,
contact Amtrak by phoning (800) USA-RAIL.

BY FERRY: There are ferries leaving both Bridgeport and Port Jefferson
regularly, Monday-Sunday. Departure times are as follows (check to be
sure!): Leaving Long Island - 6a.m., 7:30a.m., 9a.m., 10:30a.m., 12p.m.,
1:30p.m., 3p.m., 4:30p.m., 6p.m., 7:30p.m., with a 9:10p.m. on Sundays.

Directions from New York - Take the Long Island Expressway to Exit 64,
then take route 112 North to the end, once in Bridgeport, take a right
out of the ferry and head for the white parking garage across the street.
Call 203-367-3043 for more info.

WHERE TO STAY: The Holiday Inn will be offering special rates for CAF '94
attendees, call them at 203-334-1234. Make sure to mention that you're
with the AtariFest!

WHAT TO DO: Hotel guest's can enjoy the Health Club and Swimming Pool,
and there are many other facilities nearby for golf, tennis, and salt
water fishing. Other highlighted activities include: Jai-Alai
(203-877-4242), P.T. Barnum Museum (203-331-9881), The Children's
Discovery Museum (203-372-3521), Beardsley Zoo (203-576-8082), Captain's
Cove Waterfront Shopping (203-335-1443), Downtown Cabaret Theatre
(203-576-1636). Call 334-1234 for further information.

If you have any questions, or need additional assistance, feel free to
call Angela or Brian Gockley at 203-332-1721. E-mail can be directed to
75300,2514 on CIS or D.FINCH7 on Genie.


_____________________________________________




> MTV Sues Former Jock! STR NewsFile - Battle Over Internet Site Ensues!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



INTERNET SITE PROMPTS MTV SUIT
==============================

(May 14)
Former MTV video jock Adam Curry has been sued by the cable TV music
channel because he has been using the MTV name as an attraction to a
feature he presents on Internet.

After a court hearing in New York earlier this week, Curry agreed
to remove all references to MTV from his Internet site, but told reporter
Dwight Silverman of the Houston Chronicle that he is not giving up the
rights to "mtv.com," the Internet address entered by net surfers seeking
Curry's mix of music data and gossip.

The 29-year-old Curry, who resigned from MTV last month to devote
more time to cyberspace, told the paper, "I registered it, and it's mine.
I was raised to believe that if something is yours, you don't give it up."
He said he thinks the dispute could be a landmark case for Internet.

Says Silverman, "An MTV spokeswoman said 'mtv.com' violates the
company's trademark and causes confusion among Internet users who assume
it's connected to MTV."

Spokeswoman Carole Robinson told the reporter that Curry is charging
rock bands $100 to post information about themselves and snippets of their
music on Internet, and she contends the bands "see the name on the
Internet, 'mtv.com,' and think they are becoming involved with a company
that has a position of power in the music industry."

Silverman says mtv.com "is one of the most popular Internet sites,
accessed an average of 35,000 times a day."

Curry's site features reviews and music ranking charts, as well as
his "CyberSleaze" gossip column, which also is distributed by e-mail.

After Thursday's hearing, Curry said he will sit down with MTV's
lawyers and remove any references to the music channel from mtv.com,
adding, "This would basically clear up 90 percent of what they are talking
about."

He also said that, while he will change the name of the site (he
won't say what the new name will be), he is insisting on keeping the
rights to the "mtv.com" address, which he gained by registering the name
with InterNIC, the body that governs Internet site designations.

Said Curry, "They are adamant about me giving up the mtv.com address,
and so this will go to trial. This is a matter of principle."

Curry, who established mtv.com about a year ago while working as
an MTV "VJ," told the Houston paper MTV has been aware of the site, and,
says Silverman, "although network officials did not officially sanction
it as their own, they did encourage his private efforts, even giving him
press material to post."

However, Robinson said Curry sought permission only from a
"lower-level production person," adding, "This was never approved through
the proper channels." She said that once the network's higher-ups became
aware, they asked Curry to quit using the name.

Reports from The Houston Chronicle, carried by Knight- Ridder/Tribune
Business News, are available on NewsNet, accessible through the IQuest
gateway (GO IQUEST).
--Charles Bowen


_________________________________




> The Old Fishin' Hole STR Feature
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



THE OLD FISHIN' HOLE
====================


-A Guide to the Online PD/Shareware Waters.

by John R. Duckworth


Just when I thought I'd have to dig up an old program I may have
missed to review for this weeks column, along came a great
shareware terminal package. Terminal programs are unlike any other
genre (obviously) of software for the Atari, many fill most needs of
users, but almost none fill their needs entirely. Many use STALKER,
which I must admit is the terminal program which I use most of the
time because of its ability to run as an accessory and download in
the background. Others swear by Flash 2 because of its flawless
emulation modes and easy to use script language. Shareware packages
have many of the same characteristics. ANSIterm is the program of choice
for ANSI emulation while CONNECT is an almost commercial-like package
capable of almost every task needed by the online user, but as a result
many times seems more complicated than it should be.

Neocom by Michael Lundgren (with support program Termwind by
Ulf Andersson) is a simple to use terminal package for all Atari TOS
users. Neocom has many emulation modes built in, includes an easy
to use dialing directory, and support for multiple transfer protocols.
When Neocom is first booted, the user immediately notices the
professional nature of the program as the Griffon Software logo
flashes onto the screen. As a matter of fact, the entire program reeks
of professionalism and it is clear that Michael has spent many hours
perfecting the presentation for us users. Another positive aspect is
the fact that the program appears to be a true GEM application...
something which cannot be claimed by ANSIterm.

The first task most users will want to undertake is adding phone
numbers to the dialing directory. This is easily accomplished by
choosing the EDIT CATALOG menu entry and then clicking on an empty
slot. Here a dialog box will pop up allowing the user to set the
system name, phone number, username, password, a default macro file,
modem initialization strings, baud rate, and the emulation to use.
Many emulation modes are available from within Neocom including both 7
and 8 bit versions of ASCII, ANSI, and VT52. One emulation noticeably
missing is VT100 which is what I end up using the most often since
almost all UNIX systems on the Internet default to this emulation.

Neocom has no built in transfer protocols, yet includes an
interface to .TTP programs such as Starfall Software's XYZ.TTP. An
EDIT PROTOCOL dialog is provided to set parameters to be sent to the
external program to initiate downloading or uploading. Such an
approach makes adding future protocols a snap.

Macros may be edited and saved for later use via the function
keys or by pressing the right mouse button. While the ten maximum
macro limit may not seem like enough at first, one must remember that
a unique macro file can be assigned to each number in the dial
directory, thus improving usefulness.

Neocom also has a menu entry to assist in calculating the cost
of being online. A specified amount (provided by the user) will be
added every minute (or any number of minutes) and a minimum cost for
the call can be set as well. I wish the terminal program I have been
using included this feature.

Other useful features include a log file which will record a
log of the calls which are made, and a capture file which is useful
for recording online sessions. Also, the BMI (BBS Menu Interface)
allows the user to use the mouse to choose menu options on many
bulletin boards.

Neocom is a great, but somewhat limited, terminal package.
Text display to the screen seems faster than that of many commercial
packages. While some features are obviously missing, like a script
language and VT100 emulation, Neocom will suit many hobby users who
call mostly local bulletin board systems as its ANSI emulation is as
good as any other shareware package. Ease of use, great presentation,
and wonderful compatibility add up to make Neocom one of the best
shareware terminal packages in the online waters.

That's all for this week, join us again next week in this
great online magazine for another edition of The Old Fishin' Hole.
E-mail: JDUCKWORTH@delphi.com.

+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Old Fishin Hole Tackle Box * |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Neocom |
| Delphi: Atari Advantage Area- READ NEOCOM |
| |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
* 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.

____________________________________________________




> STR Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
"""""""""""""


STReport's MAILBAG
""""""""""""""""""


Messages * NOT EDITED * for content
-----------------------------------


LEXICOR IS, ONCE AGAIN, FORCED TO DEFEND ITSELF AGAINST VICIOUS AND
MISLEADING SLAMS IN THE STRT, CAT 18 - TOPIC 22.


Dear Subscribers,

I would like to point out that Lexicor Software is an authorized
distributor of the Medusa Atari Clone in the U.S.A.; we have a written
commitment and confirmation from Medusa Systeme, Switzerland that
acknowledges this. Furthermore, Lexicor Software is currently the only
U.S. Company to own and to have shipped Medusa Computers to-date. These
were purchased directly from the manufacturer, reinstating our position
as a legal distributor for Medusa Systeme, Switzerland.

I write this because I was informed that there has been some talk
about Lexicor not having any distribution rights - this is completely
wrong; and whoever states this does _not_ know the facts (misinformed)
and I suggest that he re-check his sources. He may always contact Medusa
Systeme, Switzerland, the source directly and speak to Dipl.Ing. Fredi
Aschwanden.

Lexicor Software is constantly trying to offer the best price for
what they import and adapt. Currently, it is also only Lexicor Software
who has written a finished English Translation to the German Manual. I
will point out that the US Price for a full 8 Megabyte, 350 IDE Hard
drive, Tower, HD Floppy etc. full setup is priced around 3,200-3,400
(depending on SIMM Pricing, HD Pricing etc.) U$D (tax, shipping/handling
not included).

Sincerely,

Yat @ Lexicor Software



__________________________________________________




> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================


On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by
Joe Mirando




Hidi ho friends and neighbors. Well, another week has come and gone
and I'm slowly (very slowly) getting used to married life. Even though
things are hectic right now, I still find time to log onto my favorite
OnLine coffee house... CompuServe. So without further adieu, let's get on
with looking through all the cool news, hints, and tips to be found on
CompuServe. Let's "Rock 'n' Roll!"


From the Atari Productivity Forum
=================================

Danny Bull asks a straight-forward question:

"What is the difference between TOS 2.05 and 2.06? Should I upgrade?"

Robert Aries, an old hand by now, tells Danny:

"From what I understand, TOS 2.05 and 2.06 are exactly the same,
except that 2.06 has been modified to be *backward-compatible* with
older Ataris. This is why I can use it on my 8-year old 520st (thanks
to Codehead's TEC board).

TOS 2.05 expects to see hardware that is missing from my machine, for
instance the blitter chip."

On the subject of swapping disks between the ST and the Macintosh, Lou
Trapani posts:

"I have found if you do not have preformatted MS-DOS disk (one that
has been formatted ahead of time by the floppy disk company), it is
best to format the new disk (an unformatted disk) with the Apple File
Exchange rather than with the Atari. I have learned the same thing with
the Cross-DOS program for the Amiga platform when exchanging files from
Atari to Amiga disks.

The Atari does not seem to produce genuine MS-DOS disks even though
they are compatible with MS-DOS computers. The Apple File Exchange
program on the Mac, and CrossDOS on the Amiga have trouble with the
native Atari formatted ("MS-DOS") disks. Even when you write a MS-DOS
boot sector to the disk."

Etienne Girardet posts:

"I`m new. Nice to meet Atari friends. I`m looking for Gem-view newest
version 3.01. Could anyone tell me if I can download it somewhere in
Atari Computing?"

Danny Bull posts this little tidbit:

"Commodore is not dead. Negotiations for purchase by a large Asian
company are taking place now. Expect an announcement within a couple of
weeks as to the future of Commodore. (Samsung, Hitatchi?)"

Yat Siu of Lexicor Software posts:

"About upgradable graphics on a 1040 STe, I've gotten several requests
to post it, so I will be posting the data in a general post in the
appropriate topic I guess ;-

Just to answer it though..YES it is possible to upgrade a 1040
Graphics to 24bit true color graphics (at 640x400).

Not every modem can send faxes..only some can (most actually) it is a
matter of software support for the fax protocol that your modem will
understand. Most of the modern modems have fax potential, the most
popular standard is class II which will soon be supported by Connect
2.50, and I believe is already supported by Q-Fax Pro and Straight Fax?

2,400, 9600 or 14.4K modems all can have fax potential.. the speed isn't
important...only the fact that your modem has fax capability."

Greg Mee tells us:

"I just purchased a Zoltrix pocket modem, 14.4kb.

My problem is that when scrolling at that speed it will display two or
three screens of good text, garble the next, then the next two or three
will be fine, then more garbage. Every two or three screens I get this
stuff.

If I page with the prompts, one screen at a time, everything is fine.

I am using Flash 1.62, RS port set at 19k.

Is this a modem problem?"


Peter Joseph asks:

"I've heard a reference to Flash 1.62 before and I'd like to know what
gives. I have 1.60 and I was under the impression that it was the last
release of that program and even that was just a patch; that I got here
I might add."

On the subject of doing "work" on a monitor, Sysop Dan Rhea tells us:

"I think you can simply leave it unplugged for several days and they
will "usually" drop charge. I still work on the assumption that they
are fully charged though, since they often can be (the capacitors that
is). Anyway, the long nylon convergence tools will help. The tricky
part is when you need to fiddle around with the end of the tube (the
choke), at least, my instructions I used several years ago had me
adjusting it. By now though, I'm used to a small image on the SM124 so
I'll keep mine as is.

I don't have the numbers for Atari (at least, not current ones). If
nobody responds with them, try calling long distance information
(1-xxx-555-1212, where the xxx is the area code of the city at hat Atari
is located in... which of course I don't really remember right now..
maybe Santa Clara, CA? I'm not sure)."

Our friend Stefan Daystrom of Barefoot Software posts:

"Recently my Mega ST2 has developed problems powering up (once it's
on, it can work fine for days and even weeks if I leave it on, but if I
turn it off, the next time I try to turn it on I have the same
problems).

At first it was not initializing the keyboard correctly every time
(I'd get chatter until I pulled out the keyboard cable and plugged it
back in), but now it's gotten worse. It often takes _minutes_ (I'm not
sure if it's the amount of time, or the number of times I try cycling
power): The screen may come up black or flicker all-white, the drive
doesn't access, then eventually I get it access (perhaps with the same
keyboard initialization problem) and finally it comes up ok, from that
point on acting as if everything perfect.

Anyone had a similar problem or know what it is likely to be? I
presume it's somehow related to the power supply, but I'm wondering if
it's a simple fix or if I just need to replace the whole power supply?
And if the latter, how much does a replacement power supply for a Mega
cost (trying to figure out if it would be cheaper to fix it or just get
another used Mega as a replacement)?"

Yat Siu of Lexicor Software tells Stefan:

"Though I haven't had such problems with a Mega ST, I _did_ have these
problems with a TT and it's power supply. All it needed was a nice
spring cleaning :) i.e. a dust check here and there around the power
supply.., the TT has a fan too that likes to clog up lots of dust
too..

Maybe that will do it?"

Our own dear, sweet, teddy bear of an editor, Ralph Mariano, puts it to
Stefaan succinctly:

"Your power supply is going bad."

For those of us who crave more colors and better resolution from our ST,
Yat Siu of Lexicor Software posts:

"Some initial Details:

(released info from the LEXICOR-list@lexicor.com)

To build a NOVA VME Graphics board into a 1040 ST/Ste

You need (ingredients *g*): - One Processor adaptor from PLCC to DIL
(only for STE's) - one 68000 in DIL - one DIL (64 pin) port - One NOVA
Graphics Board (VME) - One Adaptor from DIL to Graphics board available
from Computerinsel

For 1040 STEs remove the PLCC Processor and replace it with the
PLCC-DIL Adaptor, this step is not required for regular ST's

Solder a socket port on the 68000er and socket the VME Adaptor and
slot in the NOVA Graphics Board and that's it.

Several Users in Germany have done this particular setup with the
PAK-030 and NOVA. What this does is:

Make a 1040 STe or f(m) into a 68030/16/25/32/50Mhz fast CPU and using
a patch for TOS 2.06 allows 2.06 to recognize a 68030 and the PMMU. The
PAK also offers additional ram slots.

This makes a lot more sense...as a True Color BOard on a regular
68000/8Mhz could be too slow (for such things as compression
algorithms)."

John Amsler asks:

"What exactly is SpeedoGDOS, in relation to GPlus+?"

Carl Barron tells John:

"SPEEDOGDOS is Atari's replacement for GDOS. It uses scalable
Bitstream SPEEDO fonts. Can use GDOS bitmaps, supports more printers
with the original package than GDOS. It also supports GEM/3 metafiles[
those with beziers in them]."


From the Atari Vendors Forum
============================

Tom Hudson asks:
"Can you point me to a _reliable_ hard disk defragmentation utility? I
have a couple of Supra hard drives that have never been defragmented
(and I've had 'em since '85!), and they take 4 or 5 seconds to create a
file.

I probably should ask the boys at Supra (Mark and Willie), if they're
still there..."

Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer OnLine Magazine tells Tom:

"Diamond Edge by Oregon Research is a good one and the current version
is 1.10."

Myles Cohen, another of the helpful guys here on CIS, adds his praise of
Diamond Edge:

"I would say that DIAMOND EDGE is your best choice...it's easy,
reliable...and 'state if the art'..."

Brian Gockley of ST Informer Magazine adds yet more praise:

"I believe that Diamond Edge is your best bet; the guys from Oregon
Research are very good. They have done a tremendous amount of work over
the last few years, and the product really shows it.

You can reach owner Bob Luneski at:

Oregon Research Assoc.
16200 SW Pac Hwy #162
Tigard, OR 97224
Work Phone: 503-620-4919
FAX 638-6182"


Well folks, that's about all for this week. Tune in again next time to
listen to what they are saying when...


PEOPLE ARE TALKING



""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

> A "Quotable Quote" "Ah Yes; The reality of things....."
"""""""""""""""""



"The Great Big Black Things that have loomed against the
horizon of my life, threatening to devour me, simply loomed
and nothing more. The things that have really made me miss
my train have always been sweet, soft, pretty, pleasant
things of which I was not in the least afraid."



- Elbert Hubbard





""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


> 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 486/66, VLB w/Math CoProcessor
4MB ram upgradable to 32MB 1MB SVGA VESA VIDEO CARD
Sound Blaster Compatible Stereo Sound Card
DOS 6.2 - Windows for Workgroups 3.11 Included
128K 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
66Mhz, S&H Incl 1695.00
695.00 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
Creative Technologies' Sound Blaster AWE 32 SUPER Sound Card
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

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

CompuSeller West
================
220-1/2 W. Main St.
St. Charles, IL., 60174
Ph. (708) 513-5220
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

(DEALERS; to be listed here FREE of Charge, please drop us a line.)

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport International Online Magazine
-* [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport *-
AVAILABLE ON OVER 20,001 PRIVATE BBS SYSTEMS
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" May 20, 1994
Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-94 All Rights Reserved No.1021
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
All Items quoted, in whole or in part, are done so under the provisions of
The Fair Use Law of The Copyright Laws of the U.S.A. Views, Opinions and
Editorial Articles presented herein are not necessarily those of the
editors/staff of STReport International Online Magazine. Permission to
reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Reprints must,
without exception, include the name of the publication, date, issue number
and the author's name. STR, STReport and/or portions therein may not be
edited in any way without prior written permission. STR, STReport, at the
time of publication, is believed reasonably accurate. STR, STReport, its
staff and contributors are not and cannot be held responsible in any way
for the use or misuse of information contained herein or the results
obtained therefrom.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

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