Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
Silicon Times Report Issue 1151
Silicon Times Report
The Original Independent OnLine Magazine"
(Since 1987)
December 22, 1995 No.1151
Silicon Times Report International OnLine Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155
STR Electronic Publishing Inc.
A subsidiary of
STR Worldwide CompNews Inc.
R.F. Mariano, Editor
Featured in ITCNet's ITC_STREPORT Echo
Voice: 1-904-268-3815 10am-4pm EST
STReport WebSite http://www.streport.com
STR Publishing Support BBS
THE BOUNTY INTERNATIONAL BBS
Featuring: * 5.0GB * of File Libraries
Mustang Software's WILDCAT! BBS v4.11
Fully Networked within the following Nets:
ITCNet 85:881/250 JAX HUB
FIDO Net 1:112/35 ~ Prowl ~ USPOLNet ~ FNET 350 ~ Nest 90:301/3
Delivered via Subscriber List through Internet
904-268-2237 MULTI-NODE 24hrs-7 days
ISDN Access 904-268-4116
2400-115.2 bps V. 120 -32-34 v.42 bis
USRobotics D/S Data/Fax 28.8 V.34 Everything
ISDN USRobotics I-MODEM
FAX: 904-292-9222 24hrs
The Bounty STReport Support Central 1-904-268-2237
FNET. 620 : Leif's World 1-904-573-0734
FNET. 690 : PASTE BBS 1-206-284-8493
FNET. 489 : Steal Your Face BBS 1-908-920-7981
MNET - Toad Hall BBS 1-617-567-8642
12/22/95 STR 1151 The Original Independent OnLine Magazine!
- CPU Industry Report - Apple TakeOvers - Genie Dreams
- Father's Note to Santa - Trekkie Xmas - SoftRAM95 Recalled
- Atari Karts Review - PSX Tekkin FAQ - ARCsolo Win95
- HMI Y/N? - People Talking - Jaguar NewsBits
Judge Rules Against Prodigy
Intel "AT IT" Again?
Apple Woes Raise CEO Doubts
STREPORT INTERNATIONAL 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, Fido, Internet, PROWL, USENET, USPOLNet, NEST,
F-Net, 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 all computer types, worldwide, through the
use of excellent International Networking Systems. SysOps and users alike
worldwide, are welcome to join STReport's International Conferences. ITC
Node is 85:881/250, The Fido Node is 1:112/35, Crossnet Code is #34813, and
the "Lead Node" is #620. All computer enthusiasts, hobbyist or commercial,
on all platforms and BBS systems are invited to participate.
WEB SITE: http//www.streport.com
CIS ~ PRODIGY ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ BIX ~ FIDO ~ ITC ~ NEST ~ EURONET ~ CIX ~
USENET USPOLNET CLEVELAND FREE-NET ~ INTERNET ~ PROWL ~ FNET ~ AOL
Florida Lotto
LottoMan v1.35 Results: 12/16/95: 3 matches in 3 plays
From the Editor's Desk...
Christmas is almost here. It gives every indication of being a "White
Christmas" and the "technological sales" for Christmas are doing much better
than expected. One thing is obvious though, the consumers are clobbering
their charge cards and credit limits.. Check writing hasn't been as low in
the last few years. So. the entire Christmas "economy" is seemingly based
on plastic. Could this possibly be an indication of "things to come"?
Plastic money, both types; backed by deposits and backed by credit is the
mode of tomorrow. I believe tomorrow is here already. I also believe we
shall all being using this mode of transaction within five years.
Christmas has, in recent decades, become more and more materialistic.
This is sad. After all, shouldn't we and our Children rejoice in the glow
of faith, good morals and hope in a bright future? What better time to do
so than Christmas. If one considers for a moment, this short story. it all
makes good sense.
"A very long time ago, an account of an incident that happened then..
sounds so much like today. A man and a woman pregnant with child are
virtually homeless, they're forced to take shelter from the cold in an old
animal shelter. After a few hours of painful labor endured by the woman a
boy child is born. The unwed mother, the man and the child are fine.
To me,this account accurately describes the plight of many young,
homeless couples in many cities across this nation. Yet it truly is an
account of the humble birthing of the Christ Child. This year. while you
are enjoying the company of your family, think of the homeless in your area.
Do something kind for them. Make your Christmas Holiday that much richer."
Merry Christmas to one and All!
Ralph.
Of Special Note:
http//www.streport.com
STReport is now ready to offer much more in the way of serving the Networks,
Online Services and Internet's vast, fast growing site list and userbase.
We now have our very own WEB/NewsGroup/FTP Site and although its in its
early stages of construction, do stop by and have a look see. Since We've
received numerous requests to receive STReport from a wide variety of
Internet addressees, we were compelled to put together an Internet
distribution/mailing list for those who wished to receive STReport on a
regular basis, the file is ZIPPED, then UUENCODED. Unfortunately, we've
also received a number of opinions that the UUENCODING was a real pain to
deal with. So, as of October 01,1995, you'll be able to download STReport
directly from our very own SERVER & WEB Site. While there, be sure to join
our STR list. In any case, our current Internet mailing list will continue
to be used for at least the next eight weeks. Each of our readers will have
by then, received their information packet about how they may upgrade their
personal STR News Services.
STReport's managing editors
DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
Ralph F. Mariano, Publisher - Editor
Dana P. Jacobson, Editor, Current Affairs
Section Editors
PC Section Mac Section Atari
Section
R.F. Mariano J. Deegan D. P. Jacobson
Portable Computers & Entertainment Kid's Computing
Corner
Marty Mankins Frank Sereno
STReport Staff Editors
Michael Arthur John Deegan Brad Martin
John Szczepanik Paul Guillot Joseph
Mirando
Doyle Helms John Duckworth Jeff Coe
Steve Keipe Guillaume Brasseur Melanie
Bell
Jay Levy Jeff Kovach Marty Mankins
Carl Prehn Paul Charchian Vincent P.
O'Hara
Contributing Correspondents
Dominick J. Fontana Norman Boucher Clemens Chin
Eric Jerue Angelo Marasco Mike Barnwell
Ed Westhusing Glenwood Drake Vernon W.Smith
Bruno Puglia Paul Haris Kevin
Miller
Craig Harris Allen Chang Tim Holt
Patrick Hudlow Leonard Worzala Tom Sherwin
Please submit ALL letters, rebuttals, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
CompuServe 70007,4454
Prodigy CZGJ44A
Delphi RMARIANO
GEnie ST.REPORT
BIX RMARIANO
FIDONET 1:112/35
ITC NET 85:881/253
AOL STReport
Internet rmariano@streport.com
Internet CZGJ44A@prodigy.com
Internet RMARIANO@delphi.com
Internet 70007.4454.compuserve.com
Internet STReport@AOL.Com
WORLD WIDE WEB http://www.streport.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE
STReport, with its policy of not accepting any PAID advertising, has over
the years developed the reputation of "saying it like it really is". When
it comes to our editorials, product evaluations, reviews and over-views, we
shall always keep our readers interests first and foremost. With the user
in mind, STReport further pledges to maintain the reader confidence that has
been developed over the years and to continue "living up to such". All we
ask is that our readers make certain the manufacturers, publishers etc.,
know exactly where the information about their products appeared. In
closing, we shall arduously endeavor to meet and further develop the high
standards of straight forwardness our readers have come to expect in each
and every issue.
The Staff & Editors
SYSOP NEWS & CYBERWORLD REPORT
"The Leading Hard Copy News Source
in
the BBS & Online Telecommunications World"
Your own personal copy mailed to your home every month; STReport's
special offer! Annual Subscription Rate of $15.95!! (normally 20.95).
Include the STR offer number (STR-21) for your discount.
Send your subscription to:
BBS Press Services, Inc.
8125 S.W. 21st Street
Topeka, KS 66615
Or, to order by phone, Please Call:
1-913-478-3157 (Voice)
1-913-478-9239 (Data)
1-913-478-1189 (FAX)
Checks, Mastercard & Visa ok, Please include Full Name, Address, home
Number, Card type, number & expiration date when ordering. If by mail,
please _sign_ your personal order.
STReport Headline News
LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson
Judge Rules Against Prodigy
The judge in a much-watched libel case has refused to vacate his
earlier decision holding Prodigy Services Co. responsible for messages its
subscribers post. As reported earlier, a $200 million libel suit against
Prodigy by Stratton Oakmont Inc. of Lake Success, New York, after one of the
online service's subscribers posted a message accusing the brokerage firm of
fraud.
Last May Judge Stuart L. Ain of the New York Supreme Court ruled
Prodigy could be held liable for damages because it exercised editorial
control over posted messages. In October, Stratton Oakmont dropped the case,
agreeing to forgo opposing Prodigy's challenge of the ruling in exchange for
an apology from Prodigy. Stratton later set up a restitution fund of at
least $1 million to handle investor claims against the firm.
However, The Wall Street Journal reports this morning, now Judge Ain
has refused to vacate that earlier ruling, in part because "there is a real
need for some precedent" for "this developing area of the law."
Furthermore, the judge noted Prodigy failed to explain why it hadn't
included important facts in its original case. Martin Garbus, an attorney
for Prodigy, told the paper he will fight, adding, "We will get the reversal
-- if not from Judge Ain, then from an appellate court."
Judge Denies AOL Injunction
An advertising agency's motion for a preliminary injunction to block
America Online from proceeding with a marketing program has been denied by a
federal judge in New York. The Wall Street Journal reports this morning
Judge Deborah A. Batts denied the motion yesterday because the plaintiff --
advertising agency Mezzina/Brown Inc. -- failed to demonstrate evidence of
irreparable injury and didn't meet standards showing likelihood of success
on the merits.
Meanwhile, an AOL spokeswoman told the paper the ad agency's claims are
"frivolous." The Journal reports AOL is being sued by Mezzina/Brown for
alleged breach of contract and unfair competition. In court documents filed
in the federal court for the Southern district of New York, Mezzina/Brown,
which had been in discussions with America Online to initiate a joint
marketing program, asserted that AOL "has misappropriated Mezzina/Brown's
confidential and valuable intellectual property and breached its contract."
The suit seeks unspecified compensatory damages.
Microsoft, NBC in Joint Venture
Microsoft Corp. has agreed to pay $220 million over the next five years
for a 50 percent interest in MSNBC Cable, a new 24-hour news service it is
forming with NBC. The companies also expect to invest approximately $200
million over five years to fund the operation's cable and online services.
Microsoft and NBC say MSNBC Cable will be developed from the outset to
integrate news delivery across broadcast, cable, and Internet platforms.
MSNBC Cable will feature NBC News correspondents, live coverage of world
events, news analysis and a multimedia presence. It will also include local
news coverage from NBC affiliates for both television and online media,
offering viewers the ability to watch local events as they unfold. In the
evening, the service will offer a "dynamic prime-time schedule," say the
companies.
"Microsoft will contribute on the technology side -- in understanding
software platforms and the need for new graphical interfaces and tools,"
says Bill Gates, Microsoft's CEO. "Advances in digital technology will give
people new control over news and information. They will be able to call up
news on demand, at their convenience. They will be able to customize their
news service. They will be able to watch breaking news on TV and then be
able to get more in-depth information on things of interest to them online.
We will be working with NBC to create innovative interactive news content
and an integrated media experience." NBC CEO Bob Wright adds, "By linking
the local, national and international newsgathering capability of NBC and
its affiliates, as well as NBC News archives, with Microsoft's technological
leadership in software development and commitment to Internet online
services, MSNBC will create a continuum of news delivery that meets viewer
needs at all levels." The service is scheduled to make its debut in mid-
1996 on NBC's America's Talking cable channel.
Online Super Bowl Site in Works
An Internet site available to football fans for the month leading up to
the Super Bowl game is being created by NBC and the National Football League
with the help of Microsoft Corp. A Super Bowl preview show being created by
NBC and the NFL will be shaped in part by suggestions made via the Internet
site, according to the Associated Press.
The wire service says the Net site will open later this month and will
remain in operation at least a week after Super Bowl XXX is played and
broadcast live Jan. 28 on the NBC network. "The service will feature
advertising along with coverage of news conferences and opportunities to
exchange views with principals in the battle for the NFL championship," AP
says. "On game day, NBC will offer analysis of the game as it is played for
computer users who can tear themselves away from the television set."
Site visitors will be able to suggest topics to be included in the one-
hour TV special on behind-the-scene game preparations, which will be aired
the night before the Super Bowl. AP says Microsoft will help create and
manage the service. As noted earlier, Microsoft last week announced it was
investing in a new 24-hour cable news network and online news service that
NBC hopes to launch next summer. Both NBC and the NFL are selling
advertising packages that include slots on the online service. Ann
Kirschner, an executive for NFL Enterprises, said the online ads were going
for about $100,000, and said at least seven slots were available.
Meanwhile, Microsoft plans to distribute a CD-ROM and seat cushions to the
80,000 people who attend the game in Tempe, Arizona.
Net Rating System Nearly Done
A system to let information on the Internet's World Wide Web be rated
like movies or video games is nearly done, but attenders of a conference
this week about the Web say important questions remain about its use.
Reporting from the Boston site of the Fourth International World Wide Web
Conference, business writer Evan Ramstad of the Associated Press says the
technique was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium, a group of more
than 90 companies and universities.
Ramstad reports a draft has been available on the Web for public
comment since last month (found at Web address http://www.w3.org/PICS),
adding that the consortium committee responsible for the technique will
close the comment period next month and may make some changes before
declaring it available for use. As noted, the effort began in late summer
in response to congressional pressure about "obscene" material on the Net,
but the consortium is interested only in providing a method for rating, not
determining how content is rated.
Says Paul Resnick, director of the public policy office at the AT&T
Research Laboratories and a developer of the technique, "With the right
tools, we don't need so many rules." AP says the consortium will encourage
producers of Web content to rate themselves and other groups to develop
rating standards. In addition, software needs to be developed to filter out
material based on its rating.
"Consumers are not going to be confronted by the familiar G, PG, PG-13,
R, X and NC ratings," says Ramstad. "Instead, many different ratings methods
are likely." Different values can be represented by different ratings. On
this, Resnick commented, "I'd like to see lots of rating services and many
choices of selection software."
But at the Boston gather, several Web site creators complained they may
ultimately be forced to spend more time working with various rating groups
than creating information. They said filtering software may come along that
doesn't allow access to any material that is unrated, a development that
would harm the reach of the Web.
Nielsen Net Study Challenged
A key adviser is criticizing results of Nielsen Media Research's recent
study that said 24 million people in North America use the Internet. Donna
Hoffman, a business professor at Vanderbilt University, charged the study
"isn't representative of the population, and therefore the projections are
flawed" and possibly inflated. According to The Wall Street Journal this
morning, Hoffman contends the study "is skewed toward people more likely to
be on the Internet, so that makes the estimates inflated," particularly in
respect to household income and education level. She called the Nielsen
survey "basically useless" unless mistakes are corrected.
Nielsen, a unit of Dun & Bradstreet Corp., which conducted what was
billed as the most comprehensive, random-sample survey of Internet usage,
stood by its work, which also found that 18 million people over age 16 in
North America use the Internet's multimedia World Wide Web.
Vice President David Harkness told the paper, "We are looking at all of
the issues being raised, but we haven't found anything yet that would change
the results in a substantial way." The Journal commented the controversy
"underscores the difficulty in producing reliable data on the usage of the
Internet," adding that critics say too often "surveys are based on the
biased audience of online users, which inflates the numbers of users and
time spent online."
House, Senate Near Net Smut Bill
An agreement reached last night by key House and Senate negotiators
would outlaw smutty materials transmitted to minors over computer networks.
The pact reconciles House- and Senate-passed bills to overhaul
telecommunications laws. Rep. Rick White, R-Washington, one of the primary
negotiators working on a final anti-smut provisions, told associated Press
writer Jeannine Aversa, "I do believe we have an agreement." And Sen. J.
James Exon, D-Nebraska, the other major negotiator, released a statement,
saying, "An agreement has been reached that I am very pleased with on the
computer pornography provisions."
Aversa says the measure:
ú Makes it a federal crime for providers -- such as a publisher of an
online magazine -- to transmit sexually explicit and other "indecent"
materials to minors under 18 years of age.
ú Would not hold liable companies that provide access to computer
networks, such as CompuServe or America Online.
ú Calls for violators to be sentenced up to two years in prison and fined
up to $100,000.
ú Defines indecency as "any comment, request, suggestion, proposal, image
or other communications, that, in context, depicts or describes, in terms
patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards, sexual
or excretory activities or organs."
Aversa notes that definition "closely tracks the legal standard now
used to determine what is indecent on television and radio." Officials of
the conservative Family Research Council and the Christian Coalition praise
the compromise, saying the measure will help parents keep their children
away from sexually explicit materials.
However, opponents call it an unconstitutional government restriction
on legal speech. At the Center for Democracy and Technology Policy, a group
representing computer users, Director Jerry Berman promises to challenge the
measure in court if it becomes law, adding the provisions would outlaw
electronic transmission of novels such as "Catcher in the Rye" and rap
lyrics.
Meanwhile, protests against the pending legislation took place in San
Francisco, Seattle and New York City yesterday. For instance, Linda Dailey
Paulson of United Press International says about 500 people gathered at San
Francisco's South Park, holding up signs with slogans such as "Save the
First Amendment" and "No Legislation Without Representation." Two people,
one wearing a rubber mask of Vice President Al Gore, the other in a Newt
Gingrich mask, burned a sign reading "First Amendment" at the start of the
event. Some wore T-shirts saying, "USA out of my URL," which refers to the
location of a website. Organizer Todd Lappin, an editor at Wired magazine,
quipped to UPI that if need be, the online community would hold a "Million
Geek March" in support of the First Amendment. "This single spark has
ignited a prairie fire," he added.
Paulson called the speaker roster at that rally a Who's Who of cyber
rights, including Mike Godwin, legal counsel for the Electronic Frontier
Foundation; John Gilmore, co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation;
Jim Warren, online activist; Howard Rheingold, author of numerous books
including, "The Virtual Community"; Audrie Krause, executive director of
Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility; and Michael Goldberg,
publisher of the Internet music magazine Addicted To Noise.
"If you really want to protect our children, find a better way to do it
than to force all of us who engage in public speech and expression to speak
at the level of children," Godwin said. "There are laws already on the books
that prevent the exposure to children of obscene speech, and that prohibit
child abuse. Before you start passing new laws, make sure you understand
what the old laws do. It may be that no new legislation is required at all."
Paulson said speakers were especially critical of Rep. Pat Schroeder, D-
Colorado, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, saying they were
disappointed such liberal Democrats did not support their views. Said UPI,
"The issue has centered around children's exposure to so-called 'indecent'
materials on the Internet. Parents present at the rally said the
responsibility for protecting their children lies with them, not Congress."
Lab Workers Punished Over Net Sex
About 100 workers at the federally funded Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory in Richland, Washington, are being disciplined for using their
work computers to access sexually explicit Internet sites. According to the
Associated Press, the lab has suspended the 21 workers who used the sites
most frequently. Another 77 workers will receive written reprimands. The
suspensions begin tomorrow and last as long as two weeks.
"Most of the scanning of adult bulletin boards occurred on workers' own
time," says AP, "but still violated company policy against using work
computers for personal business." Lab spokesman Greg Koller told the wire
service the usage was discovered when Battelle Memorial Institute, which
operates the lab, was trying to determine its Internet capacity for a new
building. The sexually explicit addresses showed up on Internet records. He
did not have exact figures on the usage. The lab on the Hanford nuclear
reservation operates under a contract with the Energy Department and has
about 3,700 employees. Battelle, based in Columbus, Ohio, does a variety of
research at Hanford, much of it on how to clean up the nation's most
polluted nuclear site, AP notes.
Cyber Speech Protests Continue
Organizers in Austin, Texas, say their community will join the
spreading protest aimed at prodding Congress into dropping efforts to
regulate "indecent" speech in cyberspace as part of a telecommunications
reform bill. As reported earlier, protests against the pending legislation
took place Friday in San Francisco's South Park, the Seattle Public Library
and New York City's Cyber-Cafe.
Now Linda Dailey Paulson of United Press International says a protest
is slated for Tuesday in Austin, part of what activist groups is a growing
nationwide movement. Todd Lappin, organizer of the San Francisco protest,
told the wire service, "The feelings of the online community have registered
in Washington. The Internet community is now mobilized and aware they have
to take action." At issue, as noted, is an agreement reached Thursday night
by key House and Senate negotiators that would outlaw "indecent" materials
transmitted to minors over computer networks. The pact reconciles House-and
Senate-passed bills to overhaul telecommunications laws.
Paulson says Voter's Telecommunications Watch, a New York-based
watchdog group that monitors telecommunications and civil liberties
legislation, attempted to track telephone traffic into legislative offices
as the week unfolded. Board member Steven Cherry told UPI, "The message
count peaked in the late afternoon Tuesday at over 70 per minute. Many of
those were from people who called several offices. ... By Wednesday morning,
the count was over 18,000. ...So all told, our very rough guess is there
were well over 50,000 phone calls and faxes made on the one day."
UPI says some of those calls came in on toll free lines established by
the Christian Coalition, which is pushing the issue based on protecting
children from pornography. Parents supporting the First Amendment say they
should screen material for their children rather than allow the government
to regulate it. Some aren't optimistic about the protests' potential for
swaying Congress. "It looks like this legislation is going to go in and no
one's going to contest it," says President Henri Poole of Vivid Studios, a
San Francisco web site developer. "I'm going to continue to make calls. I'm
going to let the politicians hear that this issue is extremely important to
me."
Paulson says that as the debate continues, several organizations with
World Wide Web sites have posted information about the pending censorship
legislation, including American Civil Liberties Union (ftp://ftp.aclu.
org/aclu/); Electronic Frontier Foundation (http://www.eff.org/); Electronic
Privacy Information Center (http://www.epic.org/); and Voters
Telecommunications Watch (http://www.vtw.org/). Also other websites contain
reports on the San Francisco First Amendment rally, among them MediaCast
(http://www.mediacast.com/); and Vivid Studios (http://www.vivid.com/).
Hayes Tries to Block Diamond
In an effort to thwart Diamond Multimedia Systems Inc.'s unsolicited
merger proposal, modem maker Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc. is seeking to
dilute the influence of a key shareholder. Mark Boslet of the Dow Jones
News Service says Hayes has filed documents with the Atlanta Federal
Bankruptcy Court saying it would offer the stockholder more for her shares
than the $10 million offered by Diamond Multimedia.
"In the filing," says Boslet, "the modem maker said it will offer the
shareholder, Melita E. Hayes, a minimum of $11 million for her 9.4 percent
holding in the company. The company reserved the right to increase the offer
to a maximum of $20 million should competing offers for the company climb."
This is just the latest in the hotly contested battle for Hayes. Modem
industry leader U.S. Robotics Corp. also has made an offer to buy the
company, though both it and Diamond are being spurned by Hayes
Microcomputer, which has sought financing to get itself out of bankruptcy
court on its own.
Apple Woes Raise CEO Doubts
Yesterday's warning from Apple Computer Inc. that it may report another
quarter of disappointing earnings sent the computer maker's shares down $3
and prompted analysts to raise doubts about Apple CEO Michael Spindler's
future. As reported yesterday, Apple says it expects to post a loss for the
final three months of 1995, despite recent price cuts that have resulted in
higher sales and shipments. The news pushed Apple shares down three points
to 35-1/4.
Also, the Reuter News Service quotes analysts as saying Apple officials
are considering several restructuring steps aimed at shoring up first-
quarter profitability including layoffs and outsourcing of some jobs. And
the company is considering narrowing its sales focus to target key business
geographies, in a strategy similar to a recently implemented plan aimed at
key segments such as education and high-end publishing, analysts said.
Since taking over for former Apple CEO John Sculley in 1993, Spindler
has tried to revamp Apple's operations and improve profitability. "A
combination of factors," says Reuters, "including stiff competition from
less expensive rivals like Compaq Computer Corp. and Packard Bell and
nagging production problems has hampered Spindler's efforts and stirred
doubts about his survival."
In fact, says consultant Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies, "it does
challenge Spindler's past performance. It means he has to get this thing
back in order if he wants to stay with the company." He added, "My
understanding is that everything is under review, including cutting costs in
manufacturing, staff, and R&D." Analysts also told the wire service that
executives are investigating a plan to focus business operations in core
geographies. Sales and marketing functions in certain other locations would
be significantly reduced or outsourced, Reuters said.
Apple Takeover Rumors Thrive
While Apple Computer Inc. struggles through a surprisingly poor
Christmas sales season, analysts say renewed speculation about takeover of
the computer maker may keep its stock from falling farther than the $3 dive
it took on Friday. As reported earlier, Apple announced Friday it expects
to post a loss for the final three months of 1995, despite recent price cuts
that have resulted in higher sales and shipments. That news pushed Apple
shares down three points to 35.25. Reporter Eric Auchard of the Reuter News
Service this morning notes Friday's closing price was just shy of Apple's
low for the year of $33.625, which came after the company cautioned that
unit shipments, revenues, and gross profit margins may slip below internal
goals for the fiscal first quarter ending in December. But securities
analysts are saying the stock price might have tumbled into the $20s range
if not for the takeover sentiment.
Said analyst William Milton of Brown Brothers, "The lower the price
goes, the more likely a takeover is. That's going to keep a floor on the
price." He predicts the stock will remain above $30, barring new
disappointments. Of late, Apple has been mentioned frequently as a
potential takeover target, and the general and computer media have named a
number of suitors from Canon Inc. of Japan to IBM, Hewlett-Packard Co. and
Oracle Corp. Reports have indicated a buyer might be willing to pay up to
$55 to $60 per Apple share.
Milton says industry analysts, who had expected a profit for the first
quarter ending this month, are preparing to chop earnings estimates for not
just the first period but the fiscal year, adding, "This is the big quarter
of the year, so if we are seeing a loss I wonder if we will see any profit
at all for the year." Meanwhile, says Auchard, "to dispel a perception that
Macintosh system computers have become lame ducks compared to low-cost PCs
running the Windows 95 system on Pentium chips," Apple has been forced to
slash prices to gain retail shelf space and consumer dollars.
On this point, analyst Richard Zwetchkenbaum of International Data
Corp. says, "They have had to be very sensitive to the lingering perception
that you have to pay a premium for Apple products." He added, "If Apple
wants to continue to participate in the hardware end of the business -- not
just license its Macintosh operating system to other players -- I don't see
any way it can avoid getting leaner and meaner and having to be more
effective at execution, time-to-market and forecasting."
Taligent to Become IBM Subsidiary
Apple Computer Inc. and IBM Corp. have confirmed recent press reports
that their Taligent venture will be folded into IBM. About 200 jobs will be
lost in the process. The Taligent Object Technology Development Center will
continue the development of Taligent technologies and accelerate their
integration into IBM products. IBM will assume responsibility for marketing
and distribution of all future Taligent products.
Taligent was formed in 1992 by Apple and IBM to develop a new
application system based on object-oriented technology. Hewlett-Packard Co.
became the third investor in 1994. "Taligent's pioneering technology is an
important element in our object-oriented software strategy for enterprise-
wide distributed computing," says Steve Mills, general manager of IBM's
software solutions division. "Today's announcement will allow us to
accelerate delivery to our customers. It reinforces our aggressive drive to
provide software developers with powerful, cross-platform, object-oriented
software that adheres to industry standards and meets enterprise needs."
The new technology center will be located at Taligent's headquarters in
Cupertino, California.
Electronics Employment Rises
The American Electronics Association is reporting that electronics
employment at the end of September 1995 was 2.543 million, the highest
monthly total in almost five years. The figure marks an increase of 134,000,
or 5.6 percent, over the 2.409 million people who held electronics-based
jobs in September 1994.
Employment in the industry's software sector increased by almost 60,000
from September 1994 to September 1995, notes the AEA. Defense/commercial
guidance systems was the only industry segment that failed to improve in the
period, falling 9.1 percent. "The dynamism and robust health of U.S. high
technology is creating high quality American jobs at a rapid rate," says
William T. Archey, the AEA's president and CEO. "Current employment in our
industry is more than 10 times that of the basic steel industry and three
times that of the automotive industry. We expect this trend to continue into
next year." The AEA's employment estimates are based on data provided by
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to later revision. The
AEA, a high-tech trade group, represents more than 3,000 U.S.-based
technology companies.
Company Recalls "Memory" Program
SoftRAM95, a Syncronys Softcorp program designed to mimic the benefits
of having more memory chips, is being recalled in the wake of a federal
government inquiry into claims the software doesn't work as promised. The
Associated Press says the software works as advertised for Windows 3.1, but
is ineffective with the newer Windows 95 operating system. "The company
said in November it would put stickers on its packages warning customers
that SoftRAM95 would work only for Windows 3.1," AP reports. "The company
issued the recall because stickers didn't make it onto all the packages."
The wire service says SoftRAM95 has been one of the biggest-selling for
PCs in the U.S. this fall, capitalizing on Windows 95's need for additional
memory to run effectively. Officials with the Culver City, Calif., firm
told the wire service the New York office of the Federal Trade Commission
has started an inquiry into SoftRAM and that the company is cooperating.
Also, two lawsuits have been filed against the company over the problem.
Meanwhile, Syncronys officials say the firm is developing a version of the
program that will work with Windows 95 and plans to ship the revised version
to registered users and make a program that repairs the original's trouble
available through online services.
Mattel Eyes Software Titles
A line of software built around toy giant Mattel's best-known brand
names -- including Barbie, Match Box cars and Cabbage Patch dolls - is to be
introduced sometime next year. Mattel spokesman Glenn Bozarth told United
Press International, "We've been working on interactive applications for
more than a year," adding the company will disclose its exact strategy at
the New York Toy Fair in February.
Look for the software to be in stores in time for Christmas next year,
according to Doug Glen, president of newly named Mattel Media, who told
Computer Retail Week his company has an advantage over other children's
software companies because it owns characters and brands that children
recognize.
Says UPI, "One of the planned software titles is Barbie Fashion
Designer, which will allow users to design a wardrobe for the doll on the
computer, then print the pattern on sticky-backed fabric using a personal
computer printer."
Home Page Wizard Goes With the Flow
Steve Lohr writes for this week's New York Times that the World Wide
Web "has helped bring the Internet to the masses...Without the Web, there
would be no Internet craze. No Wall Street fixation with Internet stocks or
instant Internet millionaires." The Times edition featuring Lohr's piece
contained no less than three Web-headlined articles and two additional
Internet features. CompuServe members are clearly a part of this major
trend, and the service is responding daily. The Internet Publishing Forum
has recently opened a new section, "CIS HPWiz & PubWiz," focusing on
resources for use with the new Home Page Wizard and Publishing Wizard. Home
Page Wizard allows any CompuServe member to build a personal World Wide Web
Home Page. There is no charge for Home Page Wizard, and it may be downloaded
with no CompuServe connect-time charges incurred, although communications
surcharges may apply. The download time does not count toward a member's
monthly five hours on CompuServe.
Internet Publishing Forum's Terry Cotant asks, "What's the difference
between the HPWIZ and the Publishing Wizard Program?" Christina Gibbs
replies, "HPWIZ is the name of the downloadable program. When you execute
it, it creates a number of programs and files. HpWiz is the Home Page
Wizard, which is an HTML editor. Publishing Wizard is the part that
publishes the pages by putting them on CIS's Web server for you." GO
INTERNET to access CompuServe's basic and constantly updated Internet
services. Check out the Internet Publishing Forum's Message Section 20, "CIS
HPWiz & PubWiz," "CompuServe Home Page Wiz," and other helpful message
sections and libraries for instructions on producing your own Home Page. GO
HPWIZ when you're ready to download. Once you're on the Web, find the home
pages of other CompuServe members by directing your search to the Web site
"Our World," http://ourworld.compuserve.com.
CHRISTMAS! STR FOCUS .......A familiar tale, with a new twist!
The Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the ship
Not a circuit was buzzing, not one microchip;
The phasers were hung in the armory securely,
In hopes that no aliens would get up that early.
The crewmen were nestled all snug in their bunks
(Except for the few who were partying drunks);
And Picard in his nightshirt and Bev in her lace,
Had just settled down for a neat face-to-face...
When out in the halls there arose such a racket,
That we leapt from our beds, pulling on pants and jacket.
Away to the lifts we all shot like a gun,
Leapt into the cars and yelled loudly, "Deck One!"
The bridge Red-Alert lights, which flashed through the din,
Gave a lustre of Hades to objects within.
When, what, on the viewscreen, should our eyes behold,
But a weird kind of sleigh, and some guy who looked old.
But the glint in his eyes was so strange and askew
That we knew in a moment it had to be Q.
His sleigh grew much larger as closer he came.
Then he zapped on the bridge and addressed us by name:
"It's Riker! It's Data! It's Worf and Jean-Luc!
It's Geordi! And Wesley, the genetic fluke!
To the top of the bridge, to the top of the hall!
Now float away! Float away! Float away all!"
As leaves in the autumn are whisked off the street,
So the floor of the bridge came away from our feet,
And up to the ceiling our bodies they flew,
As the captain called out, "What the hell is this, Q?!"
The prankster just laughed and expanded his grin,
And, snapping his fingers, he vanished again.
As we took in our plight and were looking around,
The spell was removed, and we crashed to the ground.
Then Q, dressed in fur from his head to his toe,
Appeared once again, to continue the show.
"That's enough!" cried the captain,
"You'll stop this at once!"
And Riker said, "Worf! Take aim at this dunce!"
"I'm deeply offended, Jean-Luc," replied Q,
"I just want to celebrate Christmas with you."
As we scoffed at his words, he produced a large sack.
He dumped out the contents and took a step back.
"I've brought gifts," he said, "just to show I'm sincere.
There's something delightful for everyone here."
He sat on the floor and dug into his pile,
And handed out gifts with his most charming smile:
"For Counsellor Troi, there's no need to explain.
Here's Tylenol-Beta for all of your pain.
For Worf I've some mints as his breath's not too great,
And for Geordi LaForge, an inflatable date.
For Wesley, some hormones, and Clearasil-Plus;
For Data, a joke book; for Riker, a truss.
For Beverly Crusher, there's sleek lingerie,
And for Jean-Luc, the thrill of just seeing her that way."
Then he sprang to his feet with that grin on his face
And, clapping his hands, disappeared into space.
But we heard him exclaim as he dwindled from sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good flight!"
Based on "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement C. Moore
Adaptation Copyright 1990, Eric R. Rountree
ARCsolo TBU STR Focus The "Rolls Royce" of Tape Back-
up Software
SCSI Tape Back Up Software that WORKS!
ARCsolo for Windows 95
From; Cheyenne Software Inc.
by Ralph F. Mariano
part one
Every once in a while, a "Masterwork" in software comes along. This
software package is a top notch "event" in the lines of software released in
support of Windows 95. After having gone through the "Death Valley"
gauntlet with the wanna be TBU software that has been impersonating Windows
95 support software, "ARCsolo 95 is a breath of fresh air." One must see
this powerful scsi tape backup ensemble to fully appreciate its thoughtful,
in-depth design.
Truly, "ARCsolo is the backup software package designed by computerists
for computerists of every level from beginner to advanced systems
engineers."
Its been a full week since I installed ARCsolo 95, it has done
everything claimed it could do with no difficulties at all. I purposely
created a disaster situation. actually, my Registry File did what it does so
well. It corrupted itself again. I felt it was a wonderful time to check
the disaster recovery feature of ARCsolo 95. What's to say other than it
worked as described and I was back up and running in no time at all. Among
the TBU software generally available. ARCsolo is by far, the very best SCSI
Tape Backup Software package on the market..
Partial List of Features
ú Full backup of Windows 95
ARCsolo backs up all Windows 95 files, including long file names, file
creation date and times and access dates.
" Fully protects Windows 95. Also protects important configuration
information.
ú Multiple Backup Options
ARCsolo provides several backup options: Full (with or without clearing the
archive bit), Incremental and Differential
" Network Administrator can customize his backup strategy balancing the
window with his own disaster recovery requirements.
ú Multiple Verification Methods
ARCsolo provides for two methods of backup verification. Scanning the file
headers or the more complete byte for byte comparison.
" This ensures integrity of data after it has been placed on the tape.
Scanning provides a faster check, byte for byte provides an exact check.
ú Filter Options
Filter options provide another level of user configuration for backup,
restore and copy. Filename, directory, date created/accessed/modified and
file extensions are among the available filter options.
" Allows customized strategy to include or exclude specific information.
For example, an executable application need not be backed up everytime a
full backup is performed. These can be selectively filtered by file
extension.
ú Open/Skipped File Handling Options
Multiple options for handling open files: skip, retry, deny none, deny write
and lock modes are among the available choices.
" User may choose how ARCsolo handles open files thus ensuring the backup
is handled according to his own priorities. ARCsolo will backup open files
as they appear on the disk at the time of the backup.
ú Tape Password Security
Each session is secured by user defined passwords.
" Passwords prevent unauthorized users from accessing and restoring
critical data.
ú File Grooming
Transfer older, seldom or unused files to tape for safekeeping.
" Frees important hard disk space for current information by archiving
older files on tape. Using the database, files on tape can be located and
restored quickly when needed.
ú Preferred Shares List
Allows the Administrator to create a list of preferred or commonly used
points which will be stored in the browser.
" Allows preferred share points to be easily located and selected without
having to browse through the Network provider tree to find them. This
feature is essentially a convenience for users who routinely select the same
files and directories for backup.
ú Flexible Scheduling Options
Backup and or restore jobs can be scheduled by various criteria includng
day/date, time and or repeat intervals.
" Backup and Restore can be scheduled to occur at the most appropriate
times which will accommodate each user's data protection strategy.
ú InocuLAN AntiVirus Scanning
Allows file to be scanned during backup, copy and count operations. If a
virus is detected, predetermined actions can be automatically executed.
Including; skipping, renaming or deleting infected files.
" Data is scanned for viruses immediately before backup, copy and count
operations. This virus scan provides an extra measure of security even if
regular virus scanning is employed. If the full InocuLAN for Windows 95
product is also installed on the server, ARCsolo intelligently uses the most
current virus scan engine and latest signature file kept in the InocuLAN
home directory otherwise, it uses a local copy of these InocuLAN modules.
Note; This feature does not serve as an alternative or replacement for
InocuLAN for Windows 95. It does provide a last minute check of files
that have been selected for backup as an extra precaution against putting
a virus on your backup tape.
ú Intelligent Restore/Multiple Recovery Options
The Database may be viewed in several ways;
1. server file directory tree
2. tape directory tree
3. direct query
Recovery from a specific tape without using the database is also supported.
" User can easily locate and select data for restores even to the dated
version of a selected file. The file versioning even shows the tape to
mount for the specific version required.
More next week...
ARCsolo is this Editor's Choice! Once you use it for the first time, it
will be your choice too.
Want more Info??
Call Cheyenne Software Inc., at 1-516-484-5110 ask for Paul Clapman he's a
great guy.
. Let `em know you "discovered" ARCsolo here.
ANOTHER INTEL FOOTSHOT? STR Spotlight WHO is running things out there??
IS INTEL "AT IT" AGAIN??
ABOUT THOSE MYSTERIOUS "BUS MASTERING"
TRITON DRIVERS
by Ralph F. Mariano
After some good old fashioned hunting and digging around the edges of a
"missing driver" story. This Reporter discovered that there is indeed fire
where there is even the slightest wisp of smoke. The Triton Chipset, a
widely used really quite good PCI component, has been getting a bad if not
ugly reputation lately. It seems that no matter what users do and no matter
which operating system they're using on their PC, Win95, Win3.1, OS/2 etc.,
they're experiencing unexplainable I/O errors, corrupted files and other
related nastiness. In digging deeper, it became obvious that there were
definite answers as to WHY these errors were appearing. After a week and a
half and almost exhausting my extensive sources of information a number of
things became rather obvious.
The Triton Chipset was causing the problems but only in an indirect manner.
The drivers that were in use on the various platforms were the culprits.
The story then began to get interesting. It seems that whoever was directly
dependent upon INTEL was extremely reluctant to talk about this matter.
Claiming everything from ignorance to lockjaw. Truth is, they were
obviously afraid of losing their sources of income. But as always, with
diligent digging, a few well informed and highly respected individuals who
shall remain unnamed. Volunteered the right combinations to gain access to
what we wanted to know. It all led back to INTEL. Once contacted, the
folks at Intel while very polite and professional proved to provide exactly
what this reporter was looking for. Verification that newer and better
drivers existed and that they were NOT being made directly available to the
end user.
They (Intel's SUITS) really feel that if they give.... GIVE the drivers to
the OEM's of the motherboards... they've met their responsibility to the end
user. Think about that for moment or two.... How many consultants who are
assembling and selling machines are there in North America alone?? Is the
motherboard maker going to track down each and every end user?? Not on your
life! Is each and every consultant still in business who was at this time
last year?? I doubt it. (Deaths etc..) The motherboard makers want
nothing to do with the end users, the distributors want nothing to do with
the end users. And.... apparently, INTEL wants nothing to do with the end
users!!!
They also say that since they're giving .. GIVING the driver to MS.... They
say.. MS will have it in their next Windows 95 update. Will that update be
FREE??? I think not. As usual, the user is getting set up to take it on
the chin AGAIN at the hands of the bright minds at INTEL. The Triton
Chipset has been around how long now??? How many more will be in use the
day AFTER Christmas??? Or, is this INTEL's method of paving the way for
Triton II?? Must Microsoft and Windows 95 take the "black-eye" for Intel??
People all over the world are experiencing weird problems using motherboards
equipped with a Triton Chipset because of the anemic drivers available at
this time for the Triton Chipset. Ask any Win95 user about the notice in
Device Manager about "Bus Mastering NOT enabled" ?? Why wasn't the
"almighty" INTEL ready with the right drivers for August 24th?? Better yet,
why didn't they provide the correct drivers WITH the CHIPSETS to begin with?
The first (beta Triones) set of drivers were available in July 1995.... then
usually another each month thereafter. I have a number of them at this
time. To be honest the use of the Bus Mastering Driver, the latest I have,
has dramatically enhanced the performance of both my of P133 PCI Triton
systems. Can you get them?? Where are they?? GOD only knows... According to
Intel's "informed people" ..the existence of such is a secret!! WHY?
Perhaps. Because Intel does not want to spend the money to provide the tech
support for something they created and sold ...the Triton Chipset!! Can
you imagine that??? INTEL suffering from a serious case of the CHEAPS!! I
don't care to believe this is the case, but every indicator points in that
direction. One can only imagine what will occur when the "Top Bananas" at
INTEL learn of this fiasco.
In my conversation with Pat Correia, I insisted all they had to do was make
the drivers they had ready for Windows 95, OS2 etc.. available on their
Website and it would alleviate many, many problems. I also assured them
that the various groups providing support for the different platforms would
only be TOO GLAD to help in the area of support. Deaf ears... it all fell
on deaf ears. They are going to supply the new Triton drivers to the
motherboard manufacturers and leave the "detective" work up to the end user.
How very original.... what the end user doesn't know won't hurt him type of
thinking. Its time, once again as far as Intel is concerned, that the end
user got a little help in KNOWING what is happening, why the write problems,
the corrupted files etc.. INTEL is sidestepping and skirting the real issue
here SUPPORT! Intel can more than afford to do the right thing. Even if
"somebody" neglected to PUT support into the budget for Triton Chipsets and
DRIVERS. (there are never any "atta-boys" for this kind of cost cutting as
it always comes back to haunt the goofy bean counters who encourage the sort
of thing)
These corporate whigs... they all think basically alike, they think THEY
know what the users want and how they want it. Trouble is ...they simply do
not ask the users. They rely upon a demographic poltergeist and then swear
by what they're told. Its no wonder we see seemingly strong companies go
right down the tubes. These corporate geeks have got to get out in the real
world, bump elbows, scuff their shoes as they hit the bricks and begin to
listen to the real people who, by the way, are PAYING the BILLS .. None
other than the Consumers themselves! Until they do... they'll continue to
dance the dance and trot the prance of the "demographic smoke and mirrors"
shell game. A game where the end user is a guaranteed loser and the
corporate zombie who followed the demographic poltergeist will "enjoy" a
dramatic career change.
How grotesquely arrogant or, is that perhaps ignorant ...can one company's
leadership at whatever level be??
After the recent "Pentium that couldn't multiply" disaster.... they're
_very_ sensitive. But obviously some at INTEL didn't learn a thing from the
jolting experience. UPI, API and Reuters would LOVE to play with this story
so soon on the heels of the Pentium zinger... Want results?? Bring THIS
story to the very same group that EXPOSED the Pentium screw-up "wall of
silence" cover-up. "They (Intel) had better become more sensitive to the
needs of the end users. after all, with the US Government (taxpayers = end
users) now having INTEL design the finest for Government use.. " said an
unnamed local elected official. The official expressed a desire to "give
Intel an opportunity to correct this annoyance". Thus, I agreed to withhold
the identity of said official. It is the Holiday Season. so Intel, do the
right thing.. take care of your consumers ..the real ones. The End Users!
They really are bungling this driver and support thing rather well. I did
raise a serious fuss with them and I am certain, as an "appeasement", after
I threatened them with exposure, they sent me their "latest" driver dated
11/17/95 ... of course I had been informed prior to this by one of my very
reliable sources that a 12/06/95 final beta driver existed. (Recent Folsom
Conference) Who are INTEL's pinstriped whigs trying to "kid"?? Wanna bet
they sent a "November" driver in hopes it would "show up" somewhere it
wasn't supposed to. Cute, real cute. All they've managed to do at this
point is thoroughly offend me!! Besides, this reporter is NOT, under any
circumstances, for sale!
Diana Wilson (PR Person) at 916-356-8064 or, Pat A. Correia at 916-356-5114
(he seems to be calling the shots)
E-Mail : Diana_T_Wilson@ccm.fm.intel.com & Pat_A_Correia@ccm.fm.intel.com
Folks, you have my permission to reprint this article anywhere you wish....
especially the desktops of API, UPI, Reuters etc..
A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N
FARGO PRIMERA PRO COLOR PRINTERS - 600DPI
For a limited time only; If you wish to have a FREE sample printout sent to
you that demonstrates FARGO Primera & Primera Pro SUPERIOR QUALITY 600dpi 24
bit Photo Realistic Color Output, please send a Self Addressed Stamped
Envelope [SASE] (business sized envelope please) to:
STReport's Fargo Printout Offer
P.O. Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32205-6155
Folks, t
he FARGO Primera Pro has GOT to be the best yet. Its far superior
to the newest of Color Laser Printers selling for more than three times as
much. Its said that ONE Picture is worth a thousand words. Send for this
sample now. Guaranteed you will be amazed at the superb quality. (please,
allow at least a one week turn-around)
A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N
Apple/Mac Section
John Deegan, Editor
EDUPAGE STR Focus Keeping the users informed
TOP STORIES
Viable, Meaningful, Fungible
Disputes
QVC On The Web
Quark For Multimedia
Untangling The Web
Apple Hints At Layoffs
Congress & President Agree On Major
Telecom Bill
Bell Atlantic, Nynex Flirt With
Merger
Dreaming Of GEnie
Digital Develops "Super Spider"
Seasonal Shopping Cheers Computer
Makers
You'd Better Watch Out -- For
Crackers
Europe Online, Sort Of
CNNfn's "Virtual Newsroom"
ALSO
Visible Woman On The Web
Ottawa Surfs The Net
Banks' Grip On ATMs Broken
More Internet Statistics
For Divorce, Press One...
Net Santas
More Suitors For Apple?
Calculators Banned In British Testing
Profile Of Web Users
PCS Licenses Granted
New High-Tech Fund Stalled
E-Zine Listing
Funding For Rural Internet And Montreal Free-Net
Pay Till It Hurts
VIABLE, MEANINGFUL, FUNGIBLE DISPUTES
The House-Senate conference committee working on the telecommunications
bill is struggling to express the conditions under which the Bell operating
companies could compete against AT&T, MCI, and other companies in the long-
distance market. The long-distance companies say that until the Bells face
real competition in their own local markets they should not be allowed to
provide long-distance services. How to describe "real" competition? The
long-distance companies are lobbying hard for descriptors such as
"meaningful" or "viable" or "fungible." Another dispute needing resolution
focuses on media-ownership restrictions in the bill. Democrats have refused
to accept Republican proposals to substantially increase the number of cable
operations a single company could own. (New York Times 15 Dec C1, 16 Dec
p17)
QVC ON THE WEB
QVC has taken its home shopping business online, setting up shop on the
Microsoft Network. QVC initially will offer computers and other home office
products, as well as jewelry and kitchen wares. The deal will give
Microsoft an unspecified percentage of total sales, and will allow QVC to
migrate to other online services if it so chooses. Broadcasting & Cable 11
Dec 95 p94)
QUARK FOR MULTIMEDIA
Quark Inc., maker of publishing software QuarkXPress, has developed a
program targeting Internet and multimedia publishers called QuarkImmedia.
Due out next spring, QuarkImmedia is expected to "do for multimedia
authoring and Internet publishing what QuarkXPress has done for publishing
on paper," says the company. The software allows publishers to assemble
interactive documents that include pictures, text, sound, video, scripts and
linked text, but doesn't use HTML -- Web users will need to use a special
viewer available free from Quark to see pages created in QuarkImmedia.
(Information Week 18 Dec 95 p107)
UNTANGLING THE WEB
A new system for labeling Internet content, developed originally to
provide a standard format for identifying objectionable material, could
ultimately provide a way to sort Internet content according to topical
categories, creating a sort of cyber Dewey Decimal system. The Platform for
Internet Content Selection (PICS), a product of the MIT-based World Wide Web
consortium, would enable organizations to easily add descriptive or
judgmental labels to newsgroups and Web pages, providing guideposts for
surfers who want to steer clear of superfluous or objectionable information.
PICS itself is value-neutral, says the project's spokesman, but it will
provide a standard for others to use in developing their own rating schemes.
"Ideally, the system will encourage rating not just by large-scale
commercial services, but also by individuals, school boards, political
organizations, and others," says Esther Dyson. (Technology Review Jan 95
p11)
APPLE HINTS AT LAYOFFS
After posting a loss for the fiscal first-quarter ending December 31st
(usually the strongest quarter of the year), Apple hints at cost-cutting
layoffs. CEO Michael Spindler, whose job has been under pressure for some
months, said: "We are currently engaged in an intensive review of all
aspects of our business, including the factors contributing to our first-
quarter results, and will take appropriate actions to address the
challenges." (New York Times 16 Dec 95 p17)
VISIBLE WOMAN ON THE WEB
Last year was the Visible Man -- soon there will be a Visible Woman on
the Web, courtesy of the National Library of Medicine. The body was scanned
by magnetic-resonance imaging and computed-tomography systems and then
shaved into 5,200 cross-sections that were photographed and compiled into a
huge database. The 39-billion-byte database will be online at
<http://www.nlm.nih.gov >. (Business Week 18 Dec 95 p94)
OTTAWA SURFS THE NET
The Canadian government launched its long-awaited primary Internet site
as the electronic gateway to more than 40 departments and agencies:
<http://canada.gc.ca >. (Toronto Globe & Mail 15 Dec 95 A1)
BANKS' GRIP ON ATMs BROKEN
Breaking the tight grasp held by chartered banks on the "Interac"
electronic banking network, Canada's Bureau of Competition policy ruled
that other companies offering new services, such as insurance companies and
retailers, will be allowed full access to the system that runs the country's
bank machines and controls the direct-payment debit-card system. (Toronto
Financial Post 15 Dec 95 p1)
MORE INTERNET STATISTICS
A report from Insight New Media says that there are now about 27
million Internet users in North America and quotes surveys indicating that
almost half of online users have an undergraduate degree and 20% have a post-
graduate degree and that the average Internet user has an above-average
income. (Internet Facts 1995 p29; info@insightnews.com)
FOR DIVORCE, PRESS ONE...
The info-highway is making it easier for you to tell your spouse to hit
the road: a Canadian entrepreneur is selling kiosks that make getting a
divorce almost as easy as getting cash from a banking machine. Called
"QuickCourt," the new kiosks -- complete with video instructions and touch-
screen buttons -- make breaking up easier on the wallet since lawyers are
cut out of the picture in undisputed divorces. (Toronto Star 13 Dec 95 A1)
NET SANTAS
Here are some "Santa" web sites :
<http://www.santaclaus.com>
<http://north.pole.org>
<http://santaland.northpole.qnet.com >
<http://www.netsurf.com/12sites.html>
<http://www.metaviolet.com/ xmas>
<http://yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au/mist/Smackerels/ SantaClaus.html>
(Toronto Globe & Mail 16 Dec 95 B19)
CONGRESS & PRESIDENT AGREE ON MAJOR TELECOM BILL
With the White House giving enthusiastic support to the final version
of major telecommunications legislation worked out by a House-Senate
negotiation committee, the bill is certain to become law. The legislation
will remove regulatory barriers that now separate the information industry
into protected components (i.e., local phone, long-distance phone, and cable
TV segments); the result will be vastly increased competition across
current boundaries, along with new mergers and strategic partnerships. In
the final bill, the Justice Department has been given a partial role in
deciding when a Bell operating company faces enough local competition to
justify allowing it to compete in the long-distance market. The bill
contains provisions for fines and imprisonment of persons who make
"indecent" material available to minors over computer networks - provisions
distressing to civil liberties groups, which say that "indecent" is too
vague a concept and that the legislation will violate the First Amendment
right to free speech. (New York Times 21 Dec 95 A1)
BELL ATLANTIC, NYNEX FLIRT WITH MERGER
Officials at Bell Atlantic and Nynex are exploring the possibility of
merging their companies into the second largest phone company, after AT&T.
The new entity would have more than $27 billion in annual revenue and $3
billion in profits, giving it a powerful head start in tackling the long
distance business. Approximately one-third of all U.S. long-distance calls
either originate in or connect to one of their combined regions. The two
sides are still "a long, long way off from signing legal documents. Right
now, they are just trying to figure out if this makes any sense," says one
executive familiar with the situation. (Wall Street Journal 18 Dec 95 A3)
DREAMING OF GENIE
GEnie, General Electric's online service, has been for sale since Nov.
13, and now it may have a buyer. Ed Perrone, who writes daily horoscopes
for the network, is working with about 40 other providers to raise capital
from investors for the service. Analysts estimate he'll need about $35
million for the purchase. (Business Week Dec 25 95 p6)
DIGITAL DEVELOPS "SUPER SPIDER"
A prototype of Digital's new Alta Vista high-speed search engine for
finding information on the Internet scans not only Web sites but also Usenet
discussion groups. The program works by creating complete indexes of every
word on every Web page or Usenet news group it encounters when it sends out
"a brood of spiders" (also called "threads") to scan the Internet, enabling
it to conduct very precise searches. < http://www.altavista.digital.com >
(New York Times 18 Dec 95 C2)
SEASONAL SHOPPING CHEERS COMPUTER MAKERS
Computer sales have picked up dramatically in the past couple of weeks,
but analysts disagree on whether this year can come close to the phenomenal
1994 Christmas sales, which surged 40% above the previous year's. While
International Data Corp. and Dataquest were predicting increases of 20% to
23% over last year's figures, a Link Resources analyst who tracks the home
PC market for the IDC division, believes a 30% growth rate is still
attainable. Many households are acquiring additional PCs, and "the demand
for high-performance systems is very strong," he says, adding that some PC
makers misjudged the consumer appeal of raw computing power. (Houston
Chronicle 19 Dec 95 C1)
YOU'D BETTER WATCH OUT -- FOR CRACKERS
The Computer Emergency Response Team at Carnegie Mellon is warning that
"hundreds of sites have been attacked" in recent days by computer hackers
and crackers, noting there's been a 75% annual increase in reported
incidents in recent years. "This is a great time for machines to sit idle
for a week -- which is a hacker's playground. These people are Scrooges,"
says a Bell Labs security researcher. CERT declined to specify how much
damage has occurred or who's been affected by the break-ins. (Wall Street
Journal 20 Dec 95 B2)
EUROPE ONLINE, SORT OF
Europe Online made its debut last Friday, but most customers aren't Net
surfing yet. Although the company promised service would be up and running
Dec. 15, would-be subscribers who called the toll-free number were told
they'd have to wait three weeks to sign on. The company also announced a
potential hook-up with Deutsche Telekom's T-Online service, the largest PC-
based online service in Europe. That alliance would be a blow to America
Online, which is putting a deal together with Bertelsmann AG and, it
thought, Deutsche Telekom, to offer an online service in Germany. (Wall
Street Journal 18 Dec 95 B9B)
CNNfn's "VIRTUAL NEWSROOM"
CNN will use Intel's Pro-Share videoconferencing software and an ATM
network to produce real-time interviews online for its CNNfn financial
network. Dubbed "inter.face," the computer link will allow CNNfn
journalists to interview financial experts live on camera from their place
of work. "It gives us the ability to get reaction to breaking financial
news immediately," says the VP for CNN Business News. (Broadcasting & Cable
18 Dec 95 p80)
MORE SUITORS FOR APPLE?
After spurning IBM's offer last year of $40 a share, Apple Computer now
apparently has more potential suitors waiting in the wings. Rumors are
circulating that Motorola, Oracle, Sony and Hewlett-Packard all are
considering a possible merger, but "The question for Apple now is who would
want to buy it," says an analyst at ChicagoCorp. (Wall Street Journal 18
Dec 95 A3)
CALCULATORS BANNED IN BRITISH TESTING
The British School Curriculum and Assessment Authority will ban calculators
from use during one of two math exams to be administered to 11-year-olds
next year, and is urging the country's Education Secretary to introduce a
similar ban for 14-year-olds by 1997. The Authority cited widespread
confusion over decimal places and a lack of competence with fractions, and
raised fears that overuse of calculators in the classroom has eroded
schools' ability to teach basic mathematical concepts. The move was
applauded by the London Mathematical Society, which, in a report last month,
had charged schools with failure to teach the basics and leaving
universities to provide remedial training. (The Times [London] 7 Dec 95
A1)
PROFILE OF WEB USERS
A new study of WWW users finds that the typical user has changed "from the
elite enthusiast to the skeptical shopper"; that women in general are less
likely to buy online, even in some categories where they generally buy more
than men; that concern for security of online transactions is currently an
important reason for their not making online purchases; and that commercial
WWW sources have moved up to second place (behind only newspapers/magazines)
as sources For information. < www.umich.edu/~sgupta/hermes/ > PCS LICENSES
GRANTED Industry Canada granted four companies licenses to offer consumers
personal communications services across the country as a cheaper and more
portable alternative to cellular phones. The first PCS networks are
expected to begin operation in Canada's largest centers within the next two
years. (Toronto Star 19 Dec 95 D1)
NEW HIGH-TECH FUND STALLED
A proposal to launch a new fund to encourage investment in new technology is
being debated by Canada's Cabinet after months of difficult planning. The
fund is a difficult sell since it needs between $150- and $300-million to
start and most government departments are struggling to preserve existing
programs rather than financing new ones. (Toronto Financial Post 20 Dec 95
p5)
E-ZINE LISTING
The URL < http://www.merak.com/~tkuipers/elists/elists.htm > has recently
been updated to point to most of the principal online newsletters (including
Edupage & STReport).
FUNDING FOR RURAL INTERNET AND MONTREAL FREE-NET
Canada's government granted $6-million in grants to 271 communities for the
development of free, community-based Internet service providers that will
assure universal and affordable access in rural areas. (Toronto Globe &
Mail 20 Dec 95 B2) .... The Libertel Free-Net, with a grant from the Quebec
government, will launch a toll-free Internet access service for Montrealers.
Montreal joins a community of 20 other Free-Nets across Canada. (Montreal
Gazette 18 Dec 95 A5)
PAY TILL IT HURTS
Sun Microsystems' John Gage wants Microsoft to feel his pain: "We want them
to pay enough money [to license Java] that it hurts a little bit. It has to
be something that you take seriously. For a company like Microsoft, you
charge them a couple of hundred thousand dollars, they don't even notice.
They blow that much on the fruit for one of their press events." (Investor's
Business Daily 20 Dec 95 A6)
The next Edupage will be dated 26 December 1995
Happy Holidays!
Edupage is written by John Gehl (gehl@educom.edu) & Suzanne Douglas
(douglas@educom.edu).
Voice: 404-371-1853, Fax: 404-371-8057.
Technical support is provided by the Office of Information Technology,
University of North Carolina.
EDUPAGE is what you've just finished reading. To subscribe to Edupage: send
a message to: listproc@educom.unc.edu and in the body of the message type:
subscribe edupage Marvin Minsky (assuming that your name is Marvin Minsky;
if it's not, substitute your own name). ... To cancel, send a message to:
listproc@educom.unc.edu and in the body of the message type: unsubscribe
edupage... Subscription problems: educom@educom.unc.edu.
EDUCOM REVIEW is our bimonthly print magazine on learning, communications,
and information technology. Subscriptions are $18 a year in the U.S.; send
mail to offer@educom.edu. When you do, we'll ring a little bell, because
we'll be so happy! Choice of bell is yours: a small dome with a button,
like the one on the counter at the dry cleaners with the sign "Ring bell for
service"; or a small hand bell; or a cathedral bell; or a door bell; or a
chime; or a glockenspiel. Your choice. But ring it!
EDUCOM UPDATE is our twice-a-month electronic summary of organizational news
and events. To subscribe to the Update: send a message to:
listproc@educom.unc.edu and in the body of the message type: subscribe
update John McCarthy (assuming that your name is John McCarthy; if it's
not, substitute your own name).
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE
The CAUSE organization's annual conference on information technology in
higher education is scheduled for the end of this month in New Orleans. The
conference will bring together administrators, academicians and other
managers of information resources. For full conference information check
out <http://cause-www.colorado.edu > or send e-mail to
conf@cause.colorado.edu.
ARCHIVES & TRANSLATIONS. For archive copies of Edupage or Update, ftp or
gopher to educom.edu or see URL: < http://www.educom.edu/>. For the French
edition of Edupage, send mail to edupage-fr@ijs.com with the subject
"subscribe"; or see < http://www.ijs.com >. For the Hebrew edition, send
mail to listserv@kinetica.co.il containing : SUBSCRIBE Leketnet-Word6
<name> or see < http://www.kinetica.co.il/ newsletters/leketnet/ >. For
the Hungarian edition, send mail to: send mail to subs.edupage@hungary.com.
An Italian edition is available on Agora' Telematica; connection and/or free
subscription via BT-Tymnet and Sprint (login: <agora) or via telnet
<agora.stm.it; mail: <b.parrella@agora.stm.it for info. For the Portuguese
edition, contact edunews@nc-rj.rnp.br with the message SUB EDUPAGE-P Seu
Primeiro Nome Seu Sobrenome. For the Spanish edition, send mail edunews@nc-
rj.rnp.br with the message SUB EDUPAGE-E Su Primer Nombre, Su Apellido.
Educom -- Transforming Education Through Information Technology
Kids Computing Corner
Frank Sereno, Editor
A Father's Note to Santa
by John Mackowick 74242,2411
Dear Santa:
My six-year-old boy scribbled out his Christmas list. It's here by the
fireplace. The Coke and M&M's are from him, in case you're hungry. You
know six-year-olds these days. By the way, the Cheezits are from me.
Santa, if you don't mind, I thought I'd go ahead and leave my list,
too. It's long, but please, do what you can. It's all I want for
Christmas.
A Christmas List From His Father:
Santa, let my little boy grow up still believing he has the funniest Dad in
the neighborhood.
Give him many close friends, both boys and girls.
May they fill his days with adventure, security, and dirty fingernails.
Leave his Mom and me some magic dust that will keep him just the size he is
now.
We'd just as soon he stayed six years old and three feet, nine inches.
If he must grow up, please make sure he still wants to sit on my lap
at bedtime and read "The Frog and the Toad."
If you can help it, Santa, never let him be sent into war.
His mother and I love our country, but we love our six-year-old boy more.
While you're at it, send our world leaders a copy of "The Killer Angels,"
Michael Shaara's retelling of the Battle of Gettysburg. May it remind them
that
too many moms and dads have wept at Christmas for soldiers who have died in
battles that needn't have been fought.
Let our house always be filled with slamming doors and toilet seats, which
are the official sounds of little boys.
Break it to him gently, Santa, that his Dad won't always be able to carry
him
to bed at night or brush his teeth for him.
Teach him courage in the face of such change.
Let him understand that no matter how nice you are to everyone, the world
will sometimes break your heart.
As you know, Santa, a child's feelings are fragile as moth wings.
Let him become a piano player, a soccer star, or a priest. Or all three.
Anything but a tax and spend politician.
Give him a hunger for books, music, and geography.
May he be the first kid in school to be able to find Madagascar on a map.
The kid's a born artist, Santa, so send more crayons.
May our kitchen window and refrigerator doors ever be plastered
with his sketches of surreal rainbows and horses with big ears.
Through the years, steer him oh so carefully to that little girl destined to
be his bride.
Let his mother and me still be around when he walks her down the aisle.
If there's a just God, let her daddy be obscenely rich.
Grant him a heart that will cherish what his parents did right and forgive
us
for the mistakes we surely will have made over a lifetime of raising him.
Let him not hold it against us that he was born with my chin and his mothers
ears.
Time will teach him that these are God's way of girding him for life's
adversities.
Hold him steady on the day that he learns the truth about you and the Easter
Bunny.
May he take the news better than I did.
While you're flying around the heavens, Santa, make sure God has heard our
prayer for this child:
Lead my little boy not into temptation; deliver him from evil.
Be careful out there, Santa. And please, close the flue on your way up.
Portable Computers & Entertainment Section
Marty Mankins, Editor
Tekken Mini FAQ Sony PlayStation STR Focus
Tekken Galaga
Mini-FAQ v0.1
by ¤k@¤ght
INTRODUCTION:
People have been having trouble enabling Devil Kazuya as a playable
character, which can only be done by beating the Galaga "Challenging Stage"
load-up game. The game consists of 8 stages, which are straight from the
old 80's Galaga arcade game. You need to beat all 8 without using more than
one continue. Of course this is easier said than done, thus this FAQ to
help people who've been having alot of trouble.
GENERAL TECHINIQUE:
The only basic advice for beating Galaga is PRACTICE PRACTICE. You need to
know the patterns, and be ready to shoot the fighters where they appear.
The BEST way I know, is to practice with the "dual-ships code," which gives
you double fighters from the beginning. Now this disables the "Devil
Kazuya" option, so beating Galaga with the code is only good for practice.
(The code is: hold UP, L1, X, and Triangle on Controller #2 at startup) You
can "earn" double ships by beating level 1 under something like 18.3 or 18.5
seconds. You can also "continue" by pressing select at the end of a stage.
Basic Strategy:
Use double-ships, and the "turbo-fire" button (the triangle button). Each
wave of enemies are basically similar in "attack formation."
ú Wave 1 : Fighters coming from directly above, generally straight down.
ú Wave 2 : Fighters and Galagas (which need two shots to kill) from the
left-hand side.
ú Wave 3 : Fighters from the right-hand side.
ú Wave 4 : Fighters from above, same as Wave 1.
ú Wave 5 : Fighters from above, but "mirroring" Wave 1/4.
This is a general overview, and not all stages can be beat the same way.
Here are the stages:
ú STAGE 1 : Yellow bees (easy)
ú STAGE 2 : Red Wasps (proabably the easiest)
ú STAGE 3 : Blue Dragonflies (can be tricky)
ú STAGE 4 : Scorpions (loopy, pretty easy)
ú STAGE 5 : Red things (loopy, pretty easy too.)
ú STAGE 6 : Green ships (easy)
ú STAGE 7 : Galaxians (easiest when you know how)
ú STAGE 8 : Blue ships (can be tricky)
STRATEGY BY STAGE:
Each of these strategies is for dual-ships, except where noted.
STAGE 1 : Yellow Bees
Anyone who's played Galaga in the arcade has probably gotten to, or at least
seen this stage before.
ú Wave 1 - Line up off-center to the right (just a tad). Fighters come
down from just off to the right, from above, to the center, then loop around
and off-screen. Get them as quickly as possible.
ú Wave 2 - Bees and Galagas this time, from the left, just above your
"plane-of-existance." Move to the left, and be ready for them. With turbo
on, they should be no problem. If you miss any, don't panic, but quickly
move to the spot for wave 1, because they loop around and come down there
before going off-screen.
ú Wave 3 - Bees from the right, opposite Wave 2. Same strategy, just
flipped horizontally.
ú Wave 4 - Same as Wave 1.
ú Wave 5 - Same as Wave 4, just flipped horizontally.
STAGE 1 - SINGLE SHIP
You need to be able to beat stage 1 without the Dual-Ship code if you want
to utilize Devil Kazuya. It's tough, but it can be done. You need to be
able to do it under 18.5 seconds, so you may need to start shooting before
the bees get on screen: learn the timings, they're critical!
ú Wave 1 - Same as dual-ship strategy, but again, start shooting before
they come on screen to win under 18.5 seconds.
ú Wave 2 - This is the hard one. Line up about a ship's-width-and-a-half
from the left, and turbo-fire, beginning with the 1st ship of the wave. If
you get them right, you should be left with only purple motherships, which
you can get when they loop around. This is the wave that'll drive you
crazy.
ú Wave 3 - Same as dual-ship, but watch-out. You need to get them as
soon as they come on screen, or you won't get it under the time limit.
ú Wave 4 - Same as #1.
ú Wave 5 - You know. This is the tough part of getting to Devil Kazuya,
but if you don't get it, don't push reset. Just play the stage again.
You'll get it with ease if you practice.
STAGE 2 - Red wasps
ú Wave 1 - These come down from above, off a-little to the left, stop in
the center, spin around 180-degrees, and go back the way they came. Line up
and fire away, and you should have no problem.
ú Wave 2 - Galagas from the left, wasps from the right. They travel
straight across right in front of you, loop around the screen, and come
again for another pass. Line up a 1/4 of the way from the left side of the
screen, and get the Galagas first, and then the wasps when they reach you.
You can move right while firing to get some extra shots at them. If you
miss any, don't fret. You can try to get them again at the top of the
screen, and again when they come around to the bottom.
ú Wave 3 - Same as Wave 2, but with wasps in the place of Galagas.
ú Wave 4&5 Same as Wave 1.
STAGE 3 - Blue flies
ú Wave 1 - They'll come down much like the wasps in Stage 2, and these
flies also go up the way they came, but in a more "evasive formation." They
sometimes outrun your missles. Just start firing before, or just as they
come on screen, and you should have no more than 1 or 2 stragglers that you
can blast away.
ú Wave 2 - At first, they appear much like Stage 2 Wasps & Galagas, but
they'll spin around at about the 1/4 and 3/4 marks, and loop from there.
Line up at the 1/4 mark, and get the Galagas as they spin. The remainder
will loop around the screen and come straight down from the top in a
straight line. Blast the flies then.
ú Wave 3 - Same as 2.
ú Wave 4&5 Don't miss!
STAGE 4 - Scorpions
ú Wave 1 - These loop around each other, in a criss-cross pattern coming
down from above, alittle off to the left, get to the bottom, and loop back
up the same way. The best place to line up is dead center. They spend half
their time on that side of their loop, rather than about 1/5 in the center
of their loop. Blast away.
ú Wave 2 - Galagas and scorpions from the left, looping about three times
and then going off screen to the top-left. Get some good shots in at the
left side, and then plug away as they loop. They should spend enough time
on-screen for you to get them all without problem.
ú Wave 3 - Same as 2, try to get them all as they appear.
ú Wave 4&5 Just sit in the center and fire away.
STAGE 5 - Red things.
ú Wave 1 - They appear at the top, loop around the screen counter-
clockwise, and go off screen. Line up along the left side and get them as
they fly down.
ú Wave 2 - Similar to Stage 4-Wave 2, but they loop in bigger circles and
less amount of times.
ú Wave 3 - Same as 2.
ú Wave 4&5 Should be no problem.
STAGE 6 - Green ships.
ú Wave 1 - These emerge from the top (a bit to the left), come straight
down, go right, go down, go right, and then down and off-screen. Line up at
the "coming down" points. The easiest place to get them is right before
they go off screen, along the right side.
ú Wave 2 - These won't stick around very long, so get them as quickly as
you can.
ú Wave 3 - Same as 2.
ú Wave 4&5 Boy, these green things are dumb.
STAGE 7 - Galaxians
ú Wave 1 - Don't be intimidated: this is the easiest stage, especially
with dual-ships. Go to the right edge. The ships will emerge from the top,
move straight across to the left, move diagonally to where you'll be
waiting, before they try to move left off-screen. If you line up anywhere
near the right edge, you'll get them all no-problemo (remember to use turbo-
fire!)
ú Wave 2 - DON'T MOVE! Stay about a 1/2 ship's width from the right
edge. The Galaxians and Galagas will loop around quickly, but come straight
down where you'll be waiting. Turbo-fire them into oblivion.
ú Wave 3 - As soon as wave 2 is done, move to the left edge, and do the
same thing.
ú Wave 4 - Same as Wave 1, but DON'T MOVE! These'll come to the left
side, so stay where you are.
ú Wave 5 - Move to the right side, and get 'em.
STAGE 8 - Blue Ships
ú Wave 1 - You'll be tempted to line up in the center, but you'll be
better off lining a ships-width to the left or right. These blue ships will
come down 2-by-2, loop around to the outside, cross at the center, and loop
around to the outside and then off screen. Line up to one side, as if you
only care about getting the ones on that side. Get the 1st 4 ships, and
WAIT until the 2nd 4 cross over to where you'll be waiting to blast them
away.
ú Wave 2 - This is the hardest wave in the game. They only loop once
before going off screen, so it's important that you get them as soon as
possible. When they've looped, any ships you've missed so far are more-or-
less home free.
ú Wave 3 - Same as 2. Get 'em... QUICK!
ú Wave 4&5 Same as 1.
Hopefully by then, you'll have done it without using more than one continue.
REMEMBER! YOU CAN USE ONE CONTINUE. I can't tell you how many times I
forgot that I can use one continue, and pushed reset before remembering.
It will say "Congratulations," and pressing start on Kazuya should give you
Devil Kazuya. Have fun, and Happy Tekkening!
P.S. There could be mistakes here. Please let me know of any mistakes or
suggestions. I don't think that there need to be any more versions unless
there are alot of mistakes.
Written by ¤k@¤ght, by request from members of Video Games Forum of the
CompuServe Information Service. Any portion of this document used without
permission is fine by me. I just hope this wasn't a TOTAL waste of time!
Atari Jaguar/Computer Section
Dana Jacobson, Editor
From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!
It's not difficult to believe that winter has arrived here in the
northeast. The past couple of weeks have been typically New England-ish
with a number of snowstorms already under our belts. We've had more snow
this month than all of last year's winter! I'm really starting to get sick
of it already. Bring back childhood when lots of snow meant a lot of great
winter fun, and school cancellations!
With the recent spate of winter "fun", I've spent more time dealing
with the snow rather than checking out the latest Atari CDs that have been
received. With the holidays almost here, things will slow down and
providing more time to really dive into these CDs and report back.
On a good note, while speaking with our illustrious "People Are
Talking" columnist and all around nice guy, Joe Mirando during one of our
typical "let's compare notes" phone discussions, I learned that we may be
seeing an Atari CIM like navigator for CompuServe use. It's still very
early and only in the "discussion" stage right now, but Missionware
Software's John Trautschold happened to mention it to Joe earlier this week.
Missionware, best known for the Flash II telecommunications software, would
be an ideal candidate for such a project. Hopefully, this project will take
off and Atari users will be able to take advantage of the new graphics
environment that CompuServe will be moving to in the months ahead. Also,
and if successful, perhaps Delphi Atari users can benefit from a similar
project [hint]!
Christmas is rapidly approaching. We, at STReport International Online
Magazine, would like to extend our warmest holiday greetings. Please
remember to not drink and drive; we want to see you around for years to
come.
Until next time...
C-LAB Falcon! STR NewsFile!
C-LAB Falcon MK-X ANNOUNCED!!
C-Lab of Germany announced the new Falcon MK-X at the ProTOS show held in
Bonn on November 25 & 26. The Falcon MK-X is the same basic Falcon MK-I/II
to which we have become accustomed, but in a new, sleek and expandable case.
Based on the successful FALCON MK-I specification and complete with the
audio quality improvements which distinguish C-LAB's machines from the Atari
original, C-LAB's latest machine is supplied in a new attractive desktop
housing which gives plenty of room for various important internal expansion
options. The MK X (signifying expandability) is controlled using a PC-AT
style keyboard and Atari- compatible mouse.
The MK X features the same basic connectivity as a standard FALCON with the
exception of the stereo mini-jacks for audio in and out which have each been
replaced by two standard size mono jack sockets. This gives a better
connection for the professional musician, as well as compatibility with
standard audio patch cables. The price for the MK-X machines has not yet
been announced, but it will be only a bit higher than comparable MK-I/MK-II
machines. Falcon MK-X machines will begin shipping sometime in January 1996.
INTERNAL DRIVE OPTIONS
The MK X can be purchased with an optional internal SCSI bus (like the MK
II) which can accommodate various 3.5" hard drives (up to 4GB), or
alternatively a SyQuest removable drive. Different aluminum blanking plates
can be fitted to the front panel depending on the chosen media.
DIGITAL INTERFACE OPTION
Along with the existing RAM and hard disk options, an optional internal
digital (DAT SPDIF) interface is available. Pricing has not yet been
announced. All Falcons (Atari, MK-I/II/X) are compatible with external SPDIF
interfaces from SoundPool and BlowUp.
UPGRADING TO MK-X
C-LAB Falcon MK-I/II owners can upgrade their computer to the MK X
configuration for just the cost of the new case. This is handled directly by
Toad Computers. This recasing might be a good time to add other hardware
upgrades like RAM, hard disks, or digital interface as well. Atari
FALCON030 owners can also take advantage of this upgrade, depending on the
exact model of their motherboard. The C-LAB audio modifications would be a
necessary part of this upgrade. Prices for this upgrade will be made
available soon.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Pictures of the new case are available on our web site at
http://www.toad.net/atari/c-lab, the new Official C-Lab Falcon Home Page. We
have also uploaded these pictures to Genie (TOADMKX.ZIP). The new case
design is sleek and supports many of the expansions Falcon owners want most
-- including the new BlowUP FX Board!! Keep reading!!
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL -- SAVE $200 ON THE FALCON MK-II!!
The Falcon MK II -- the top of the line in the C-Lab series -- started out
at $2495 for a machine with these features. Now, thanks to the success of
the product and economies of scale, you can take advantage of this HOT NEW
PRICE -- for a limited time!
Falcon MK II, 4MB RAM, 530MB SCSI Internal 2.5" HD........$1299.00
Current Note Lives! STR Focus
CURRENT NOTES MAGAZINE PRESS RELEASE
To: ALL ATARI/TOS/GEM USERS!!
Re: CURRENT NOTES IS BETTER THAN EVER!! NEW SUBSCRIBERS PRIZE DRAW!!
From: Current Notes Magazine
The Jan/Feb 1996(!) issue of Current Notes Magazine will be available
shortly, following hot on the heels of our big Nov/Dec issue! Look for the
Nov/Dec issue in your mailbox (if you're a subscriber), or on your favorite
Atari Dealer's newsstand. If there's a dealer in your area who can't find
the NEW CURRENT NOTES, let 'em know we can be reached anytime at:
Current Notes Magazine
#2-559 Birchmount Rd.
Scarborough, ON
Canada
M1K 1P8
E-mail: hcarson@io.org redfrog@io.org lianne@io.org
GEnie : R.Boardman Phone: 416-752-2744 416-261-5997
FEATURES! FEATURES! FEATURES! FEATURES!
The Jan/Feb issue will be PACKED with the very latest Reviews, News, Dealer
Specials, and Technical Support. Look for these Features too:
.........NeoDesk 4, CalAppt, Keyboard Gizmo, and Formatter Reviews!
.........The cutting edge of Desktop Publishing from DMC/MGI Calamus!
.........Getting the most for your TOS/GEM/Atari buck!
.........The State-of-the-Art in Telecommunications!
.........Using TOS, GEM, Geneva, NeoDesk, MagiC, and Ease for Business and
Pleasure!
.........The latest news from the UFO scene! Errol Bruce-Knapp explores and
asks a lot of tough questions!
.........The best in-depth series you'll find on setting up a Home Office!
CURRENT NOTES SUBSCRIPTIONS:
Current Notes Magazine is in its 15th great year! It is published bi-monthly
in Toronto Canada, and produced entirely in Calamus SL.
U.S. Subscribers 1 year/$25us 2 year/$46us
Canadian Subscribers 1 year/$35cdn 2 year/$65cdn
Foreign Subscribers 1 year/$48us 2 year/$90us
Send your subscription requests along with payment, to:
Current Notes Magazine
#2-559 Birchmount Rd.
Scarborough, ON
Canada
M1K 1P8
Please make all payments to: "urrent Notes"
U.S. & Canadian Subscribers may pay via check, money order or bank draft.
Foreign Subscribers should pay via bank money order or bank draft, drawn in
U.S. funds.
E-mail: hcarson@io.org redfrog@io.org lianne@io.org
GEnie : R.Boardman Phone: 416-752-2744 416-261-5997
WE'RE HAVING A NEW SUBSCRIBER'S SUPER PRIZE DRAW!!!!
We've got one prize only - and it's a great one!
On June 1st 1996 some lucky new Current Notes subscriber's name will be
drawn from all those who took out a new or renewal subscription postmarked
sometime between January 1st 1996 and April 1st 1996. The draw will be
completely random, and Current Notes employees, contributors, staff,
advertisers and volunteers are not eligible.
The Super Prize consists of the following: Outline Art 3, Calamus SL, the
entire series of SARA CD-ROM software drivers, SpeedoGDOS 5, tbxCAD, First
Graph, K-Spread 4 Lite, 1 year Membership in the Toronto Atari Federation
(includes subscription to the Phoenix Newsletter!), Atari Joystick,
CyberSculpt, and the Skyline CD (100's of megabytes of Shareware, Freeware,
and Public Domain software).
It's truly a great lineup of software and hardware - a $700 value! All you
have to do is subscribe to Current Notes sometime between January 1st 1996
and April 1st 1996, for a chance to win! We'll be adding more prizes to the
'pot'!
LETTERS, PRESS RELEASES, INFORMATION REQUESTS,
Letters to the Editor
Speak out, let us know what you want and need. Express yourself! Got a
problem with your computer? Got a problem with your software? Let us know
about it!
Send e-mail to hcarson@io.org or lianne@io.org, or regular mail to:
Current Notes Magazine
#2-559 Birchmount Rd. Scarborough, ON
Canada
M1K 1P8
Press/New Product Releases
New Software? New hardware? Telecommunications, the 'Net, the 'Web, industry
developments? We want to know what you're up to, and so do our readers. Send
all announcements and information to: dand@io.org
Information and Advertising Requests
Send mail to: hcarson@io.org, redfrog@io.org or lianne@io.org or the address
above! Phone us!
We'll e-mail, fax or mail you our latest Rate Card.
SEND IN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!
Current Notes is the best way to "keep up"!
We make it easy!
RELEASE ANNOUNCE : CLAv3
ANNOUNCING.....the availability of CLA Digital Developer Version 3.
A complete re-write of the CLA digital electronic design and simulation
system, providing improvements to every aspect of the design process,
wrapped up in a GUI to die for....
Here's a few features:
ú Fully GEM'ed, MultiTOS compatible, colour icons, windowed dialogs,
multiple design views.
ú Hierarchical design (block structuring) - CA always had it, now it has
a new Hierarchy Navigator as well.
ú New Simulator, with scrolling Logic Analyser & Word generator windows
(multitasks simulation even under single TOS).
ú GDOS support - printing & metafiles, Speedo Compatible.
ú VHDL compiler included.
ú New FSMsynth PAL synthesis program.
ú Graphical Finite State Machine designer.
ú Context sensitive help.
ú Drag & Drop module library.
ú Encapsulation (re-partition existing designs into blocks)
ú Group operations, all new schematic editor that's loads easier to use.
ú Faster Delete & Move operations.
ú NVDI / EdDI off-screen bitmap support to speed up re-draws.
ú Falcon, TT, ST & MagicMac compatible.
ú Auto-routing of wires (only useful on a fast machine).
ú Full color schematics (CLA2 was black on white only).
there's loads more....check it out.
Where is it?
ftp.uni-kl.de /pub/atari/incoming
ftp.cnam.fr /pub/Atari/incoming
Craig.
(author)
Iomega Drives! STR NewsFile! Iomega Ships First Jaz Drives
Iomega Corp. says it has begun shipping its 1GB removable disk Jaz drive.
The company, based in Roy, Utah, notes that limited quantities of the
internal version are being provided "to key partners within the professional
audio and video industries." Iomega adds that it expects to begin shipments
of internal and external Jaz drives to retailers and others in the first
quarter of 1996.
Recent press reports indicated that Iomega might be forced to delay Jaz
shipments. The company has experienced serious backorder problems for
several months on the parallel port version of Zip, its 100MB removable disk
drive.
Jaguar Section
More Games Out! Battlesphere Update!
Jaguar Now $99! Atari Karts!
And More...
From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is!
Well, Christmas is upon us. The Jaguar library consists of 44 games as
of this writing and the price is currently at $99. I can't say that this
holiday season was a success for Atari. I haven't seen any advertising
blitz to make the public aware of the Jaguar, although I have been told that
ads have been appearing on cable television. The best thing that Atari did
was to lower the price of the Jaguar; it can only help to sell more
machines. likely as after Christmas sales. The games have been coming out
on a fairly regular basis, with more coming shortly. Who knows what lies for
Atari and the Jaguar for 1996...
If you're lucky, you'll find some new (old?) Jaguar games under the
tree on Monday morning. I know my wife usually hides a few gifts from me so
there will be a few surprises for the holidays, but I don't know if she got
me anything for the Jaguar. I'll soon know!
We'll keep this week's comments short this week. It's Hanukkah and
Christmas time; everything is hectic these last few days before the holiday.
We all hope that you all have a great holiday and we'll see you back here
next week for our final issue for 1995.
Until next time...
Jaguar Catalog STR InfoFile - What's currently available, what's coming
out.
Current Available Titles
CAT # TITLE MSRP
DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER
J9000 Cybermorph $59.99 Atari Corp.
J9006 Evolution:Dino Dudes $19.99 Atari Corp.
J9005 Raiden $29.99 FABTEK,
Inc/Atari Corp.
J9001 T McFur/Crescent Galaxy $19.99 Atari Corp.
J9010 Tempest 2000 $39.95 Llamasoft/Atari Corp.
J9028 Wolfenstein 3D $29.95 id/Atari Corp.
JA100 Brutal Sports FootBall $69.95 Telegames
J9008 Alien vs. Predator $69.99 Rebellion/Atari Corp.
J9029 Doom $69.99 id/Atari Corp.
J9036 Dragon: Bruce Lee $29.99 Atari Corp.
J9003 Club Drive $29.99 Atari Corp.
J9007 Checkered Flag $19.99 Atari Corp.
J9012 Kasumi Ninja $29.99 Atari Corp.
J9042 Zool 2 $19.99 Atari Corp
J9020 Bubsy $19.99 Atari Corp
J9026 Iron Soldier $29.99 Atari Corp
J9060 Val D'Isere Skiing $39.99 Atari Corp.
Cannon Fodder $49.99 Virgin/C-West
Syndicate $69.99 Ocean
Troy Aikman Football $69.99 Williams
Theme Park $69.99 Ocean
Sensible Soccer Telegames
Double Dragon V $59.99 Williams
J9009E Hover Strike $39.99 Atari Corp.
J0144E Pinball Fantasies $59.99 C-West
J9052E Super Burnout $59.99 Atari Corp.
J9070 White Men Can't Jump $49.99 Atari Corp.
Flashback $59.99 U.S. Gold
J9078E VidGrid (CD) Atari Corp
J9016E Blue Lightning (CD) $59.99 Atari Corp
J9040 Flip-Out $49.99 Atari Corp
J9082 Ultra Vortek $69.99 Atari Corp
C3669T Rayman $69.99 Ubi Soft
Power Drive Rally $69.99 TWI
J9101 Pitfall $59.99 Atari Corp.
J9086E Hover Strike (CD) $59.99 Atari Corp.
J9031E Highlander I (CD) $59.99 Atari Corp.
J9061E Ruiner Pinball $59.99 Atari Corp.
Dragon's Lair $69.99 Readysoft
J9097E Missile Command 3D $59.99 Atari Corp.
J9091 Atari Karts $59.99 Atari Corp.
Supercross 3D $59.99 Atari Corp.
Fever Pitch Soccer $59.99 Atari Corp.
I-War $59.99 Atari Corp.
Available Soon
CAT # TITLE MSRP DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER
J9069 Myst (CD) $59.99 Atari Corp.
Mutant Penguins $59.99 Atari Corp.
Battlemorph $59.99 Atari Corp.
Breakout 2000 $49.99 Atari Corp.
Max Force $59.99 Atari Corp.
J9089 NBA Jam TE $69.99 Atari Corp.
J9021 Brett Hull Hockey $69.99 Atari Corp.
J9055 Baldies $59.99 Atari Corp.
Primal Rage $59.99 Time Warner
Hardware and Peripherals
CAT # TITLE MSRP MANUFACTURER
J8001 Jaguar (no cart) $99.99 Atari Corp.
J8904 Composite Cable $19.95
J8901 Controller/Joypad $24.95 Atari Corp.
J8905 S-Video Cable $19.95
CatBox $69.95 ICD J8800
Jaguar CD-ROM $149.99 Atari Corp.
J8908 JagLink Interface $29.95 Atari
Corp.
J8910 Team Tap 4-Player Adapter) $29.95 Atari
Corp.
J8907 Jaguar ProController $29.95 Atari
Corp.
J8911 Memory Track $29.95 Atari Corp.
J8909 Tempest 2000:
The Soundtrack $12.99 Atari Corp.
Industry News STR Game Console NewsFile - The Latest Gaming News!
CONTACT: Beth Whyte or Jennifer Hansen
Shandwick U.S.A.
800/444-6663 or 310/479-4997
Atari Corporation's Jaguar 64 Hits Mass Market Price
In Time for Holiday Sales, Jaguar now $99
SUNNYVALE, CA (December 15, 1995) -- In a bold retailing move to increase
its share in the interactive home entertainment market, Atari Corporation
announced that the Jaguar 64 system will be priced at $99.
A premier gaming platform launched nationally in 1994, the Jaguar is a power
home video game system designed to provide game enthusiasts with top-quality
entertainment products. Atari has developed an extensive software library to
support the Jaguar system, and is committed to aggressively expanding its
list of exclusive titles throughout 1996. Four new Atari titles have been
released this week alone for the Jaguar 64: "Atari Karts", "I-War", "Fever
Pitch Soccer" and "Supercross 3D". The new games will be available at retail
stores before Christmas.
As Ted Hoff, Atari's President of North American Operations explained,
"Atari is proud of the depth and breadth of current Jaguar platform software
titles, and we're committed to enhancing this already impressive collection.
Offering the Jaguar 64 at $99 will allow us to reach more consumers
nationwide with top-quality games."
Hoff indicated the Jaguar 64 systems will be offered at their new price in
retail outlets across the country effective Saturday, December 16. That
means there's still time for Christmas shoppers to benefit from the $99
price tag.
With its aggressive new pricing, Atari Corporation is offering consumers a
high-end home video game system at a mass market price. The action
reinforces Atari's commitment to the Jaguar gaming platform, as well as
providing consumers with superior and affordable interactive products.
For more than twenty years, Atari Corporation has provided consumers with
high quality value-priced entertainment. Atari Corporation markets Jaguar,
the only American-made, advanced 64-bit entertainment system and is located
in Sunnyvale, California.
Atari and Jaguar are registered trademarks of Atari Corporation. All rights
reserved.
CONTACT: Tracy Egan Public Relations Manager of Time Warner Interactive 408-
232-3213
TIME WARNER INTERACTIVE'S
'PRIMAL RAGE'
DOMINATES ...
MILPITAS, Calif., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- "Primal Rage(TM)," the hit video-
game featuring seven pre-historic creatures in a battle for earthly
supremacy, now sets out to conquer the Sony PlayStation(TM). Time Warner
(TWi) today announced that the new PlayStation version is available at
retail locations around the world. Video-gamers can expect an earth-
shaking, head-to-head battle with arcade-perfect graphics and game-play.
"Primal Rage" on the PlayStation promises to be one of the most exciting
versions yet, retaining all the characters, moves, and impact of the
original arcade game while offering home features such as three-dimensional
cinematics and new "Endurance" and "Tug-O'-War" game play modes. "Primal
Rage" is now available at retail stores nationwide for the Sony PlayStation
at an estimated street price of $59.95, and will be shipping on December 21
for the Atari(R) Jaguar(TM) CD.
"Primal Rage" was a number one hit at the arcades last year and TWi
developed a two-tiered launch to bring the title to home video-game and
computer systems in the second half of 1995. August 25 marked the launch of
the 16-bit, hand-held, and PC CD-ROM versions which zoomed to the number one
and top-ten positions on various U.S. retail charts, and achieved the 1
best-seller position in Europe's Gallup poll in September. Media coverage
has been plentiful including all major video-game publications, major
dailies such as USA Today, consumer magazines such as TIME, televised video-
game shows, and even elicited a comment from President Clinton acknowledging
the popularity of the product among children in his address to California in
September.
The "Primal Rage" line is being supported with an $8 million A-level
marketing and sales program. Media buys include two flights of TV ads on
network, syndication, and cable channels; top 15 metro market radio
promotions and contests; four-color half-page spread, and full-page print ad
campaigns breaking in all major video and personal computer publications;
and consumer promotions such as in-pack discount coupons, player strategy
guides, demo discs, and trading cards.
Time Warner Interactive is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.
(NYSE: TWX), and is the oldest and largest software development operation
within the Time Warner family. All product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Jaguar Online STR InfoFile Online Users Growl & Purr!
BattleSphere
Update 1995 4Play, all rights reserved
Work progresses on that long awaited 64-bitty title from the 4Play
Team, known as BattleSphere(tm). You will be happy to hear that work is
progressing on the long overdue weapons indicators on the HUD. Bandwidth
problems forced the re-re-writing of the 4Play sound engine, to ease DSP
accesses and allow the network code to have more time on the bus. Folks at
the recent Toadfest were treated to an incredible demo of what happens when
you don't give sufficient DSP bandwidth and then burn the uncorrected
version into demo ROMS. :-)
Work is also progressing on the ship-selector/ship customization
screen. This is where you get to pick your ship and then upgrade it's
systems after battles. The graphics are done, and a good part of the code is
written. So far, it looks nice and 64-bitty, with cool background artwork.
Also, recent work has eliminated an incompatibility problem discovered with
Jaguars containing the Motorola Chipset. It's amazing what testers turn up.
The game is pretty bulletproof.
Key routines have been optimized, and bandwidth has been re-allocated.
Our memory layout has been 'tweaked' as well. The result is a 5% gain in
framerate overall. This is pretty smooth. Yes, you _can_ get it to slow down
by playing wiseguy in network mode and bunching 8 ships together filling
100% of the viewing area... no system can possibly draw that many pixels at
any better speed... Steph continues to crank out more tuneage. Scott,
Steph, and Doug are meeting over the holidays for a massive code-o-graphic-o-
music-o-rama and hope to have more good news soon... modem code will be a
priority (local phone calls RULE!)
Until next time!!!
__________________
\hunderbird
Atari Karts
Sb: Atari Karts Opinion
Fm: Larry Tipton 74127,601
To: All
Game Title: Atari Karts
Publisher: Atari Corporation
Developer: Miracle Designs
Format: Cartridge
System: Atari Jaguar 64
# Players: One and Two Player Options
Review By: Larry Tipton
Atari Karts, a new racing game from the folks at Atari is, in a word, WILD!
The game features a weird cast of kart drivers, a crow, skeleton, sea
creature, bear, space alien, and several others forms of "life." Make no
mistake about it, this is a REAL arcade racing game. Each kart racer has
its own special strength and weakness -- What this really means is that each
kart has different handling characteristics.
There are a total of 10 worlds, each world having several different tracks.
There are dirt, asphalt, sand, cobblestone, snow and other types of tracks.
One really cool feature of this game is the ability to play the tracks flat
or with slight hills. The hill option makes a great game even better. Some
of the tracks are fast, others require precision control do to the constant
twists and turns.
Atari Karts includes four levels of play. Beginner, Warrior, Miracle and
Jaguar Aces. Initially, Beginner is the only level you have access too.
Each level has 3 circuits. A circuit is composed of 6 tracks. In order to
advance to the next level you must place first overall in each of the three
circuits in that level. The names of the circuits are Borregas, Carlton and
Tempest. You can race them in any order. Once you have successfully placed
first in each of the circuits you get to race on a track from an all new
world called the Miracle Race. This new world will be featured in the next
level. This is equivalent to and end boss. You race against one CPU
controlled player. If you beat the end boss character, that character is
added to the available kart personalities
at your disposal.
There are 4 boss characters:
Haratari - Beginner Level
Pum King - Warrior Level
Fire Bug - Miracle Level Miracle Man - Jaguar Aces Level
Each have progressively better racing specifications.
In order to advance you must earn race points. Only the top four seeds earn
points. If you place less than 4th, you must race again. You also lose a
car. You begin with 3. This game is a great one player game. The two
player option makes this a must buy. Go head to head against a friend. But
its not just the two of you. You have to compete against the rest of the
Atari Kart racers.
The framerate is lightning fast in two player mode too!
Atari Karts graphics are outstanding. There are at least 3 levels of
background scrolling. The frame rate is FAST. The tracks are detailed.
Dirt looks like dirt, asphalt looks like asphalt. The Karts scale in and out
nicely, they are also animated quite well. The music is very good. It fits
nicely with the game. The sound effects are also good. Its too bad that you
cant hear the engine sounds of the CPU controlled cars.
The game control is outstanding. I highly recommend the Pro-Controller for
this game. The left/right buttons are used to make sharp turns. I played
the game with the regular controller too. It too is very responsive.
What's an arcade style race game these days without bonuses and hazards?
Well, Atari Karts has em!
Bonuses include:
Rabbit - Long speed burst
Speed Arrow - Slingshot burst of speed
Wheel - No friction
Steer - No skids
Heart - Extra car
Ramp - Jump over terrain that may slow you down
Hazards:
Turtle - Slow down
Red Arrows - Reverses you pad controls (I hate this one!)
Green - Reverses your opponents controls (two player only)
There are other hazards like trees, snowmen, snowmobiles, barrels, oil
slicks, water, craters, ice, moguls, gongs, life guard towers, and other
obstacles scattered across the tracks.
The game starts off pretty easy, especially for a video racing game veteran
like me. <g> The Warrior level is a bit more challenging. I'm currently
playing the Miracle level. This one is a lot tougher. The CPU Kart
drivers are more aggressive. There are also more obstacles. The autosave
feature built into the game is a nice touch. There are no passwords to
remember.
OK, Game Rating on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest obtainable
score:
Game Graphics 9
Control 9
Sound F/X 8
Music 8
Fun Factor 10
Replay Value 9
Overall Score 9
Thats all for now,
Larry Tipton
ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
On CompuServe
compiled by
Joe Mirando
73637,2262
Hidi ho friends and neighbors. Another week has come and gone and
Christmas is upon us. Time to trim the tree... shop for gifts, shovel the
walk, shop for gifts, put up the wreath, shop for gifts, watch "How the
Grinch Stole Christmas, shop of gifts... well, you get the idea.
I remember how it was back in "the good old days" when there were lots
of us with Ataris. Friends of mine used to pick up programs for me for
Christmas... it was easy back then. Almost every computer store had a
decent selection of Atari stuff. I could pick things up for them as well
and not have to worry about mail-order, shipping charges, disk format, or
memory requirements.
But alas, those days are gone and now we even have to fight to remain
here on CompuServe. As you may know, CompuServe will be going to a
specialized format which is not available for ST computers. This means that
the areas of CompuServe that will use only this new format, known as HMI
(Host/Micro Interface), will be unavailable to those of us who use our Atari
STs to get online. And as time goes on, more and more of CompuServe will be
unavailable to those of us who are, as the politically correct would say,
HMI-deficient.
But it looks as if there just might be a light at the end of the
tunnel. It has been said (although not confirmed by CIS) that the policy of
not releasing the source code for HMI is being relaxed. What this means is
that it _may_ be possible to get a version for the ST. As a matter of fact,
there are one or two developers already checking on the possibility. I'll
keep you posted as the saga unfolds.
Meanwhile, let's get on with the good part of this column (no, not the
end, smartguy), all the news, hints tips, and info available every week
right here on CompuServe.
From the Atari Computing Forum
On the key-note subject of HMI and CIM, Henry Hahlbolm posts:
"I have not tried to obtain the information on the HMI requirements myself.
But, I have seen messages on several forums that the information is readily
available. Several commercial programs have announced that they will
support the HMI standard. TAPCIS and GOLDEN COMPASS got the information
from CIS so why can't you."
I replied to Henry:
"Because CIS will not release the source code, only the compiled version...
and the compiled version is only available for DOS, Windows, and MAC. There
is no "Atari source" for HMI and there aren't enough of us here on CIS (or
in the world, I'd wager) to to make it worth what CIS would have to expend
in terms of money or time to compile one and support it with the initial
release, upgrades, and customer support.
There is also a concern that the "lowly" ST wouldn't be able to keep up with
the demands that HMI would place on the user's computer. CIS now feels that
256 colors and something like 600 X 800 res is what is necessary for
accessing an online service. While I agree that the eye candy is is a nice
addition, I'd hardly call it necessary.
I for one would be perfectly happy with a program that used the ST's system
patterns instead of the multitude of colors that don't add to the "value" of
the messages I read, the mail I get, or the files I download.
The Sysops here are the best I've ever encountered, as are the folks who use
the service. CIS has been my online home for so long that I don't even
remember what year I signed up. I'll be very sad to loose access to
CompuServe when the last of the forums stops supporting ASCII, although Ron
has said that he'll keep ASCII as long as they let him, if the only service
we can access on CIS is the Atari forum, most of us will go elsewhere,
hastening the forum's demise. There is still a chance (about the same as
that proverbial snowball) that something can be done for we "orphans", but
I'm not holding my breath.
I'd recommend (as I have in the past) that you write to Feedback (GO
FEEDBACK). There is power, as well as safety, in numbers and the more folks
write, the more aware CIS will be aware of us... even if we comprise such a
small percentage of the membership. Gee, I didn't expect to be so long-
winded (although I should have learned by now). But in a nutshell, we're
not a big enough faction for CIS to worry about while they're trying to
accommodate the majority."
Dennis Bishop asks about CompuServe's announcement about dropping ASCII
support:
"I just read a notice that CIS is going to a Graphics interface format, and
that ASCII users will no longer have access. Does anyone have any ideas on
if there will be a graphics term set up for use with CIS for me to use on my
Atari Mega ST4?"
Head Sysop Ron Luks tells Dennis:
"Yes, its true that CompuServe is moving to a new software standard as they
upgrade their system. The change wont happen overnight but all new software
will be written only for the new HMI (host micro interface) protocol. CIS
has support for DOS, Windows 3x, Windows95, Macintosh, and OS/2, but they
are not developing software for the Atari.
We will keep running the Atari Computing Forum under the old system
software for as long as possible (perhaps years) in order to accommodate the
existing Atari userbase."
Dennis replies:
"In their notice it said ALL areas, so I think unless ALL of the Atari
people go scream at them, our days here will be numbered and I will not join
GEnie again, and none of the others have local node numbers here in Hawaii.
Can you say ... CIS-AOL?"
Stefan Daystrom tells Dennis:
"I'm not sure which notice you saw, but if you GO NEWFORUM you will see a
notice where they make explicit mention of the exception for forums used a
lot by Unix, Amiga, and/or Atari users.
Of course, it still remains a question how they'll interpret _which_ forums
need to stay with the old forum software. Yes, ATARI C is obvious, but
there are others that are less obvious but still needed. For example, there
are vendors who support Atari products (in a few cases exclusively, in other
cases non-exclusively) or products usable with Ataris (like external modems)
who are in scattered non-computer-specific vendor forums all around
CompuServe. (I represent one of those on CIS; Binary Sounds in MIDI A
Vendor Forum.)
What Atari users need to alert CIS about is _which_ forums (in addition to
ATARIC) they feel should stay with the old forum software (because of use by
Atari-only users)."
Ass't Sysop, Jim Ness tells us:
"They ask the forum administrator. No forum is converted without
permission. In some cases, an administrator will want a delay, in others a
permanent pass."
Michael Robillard asks Head Sysop Ron Luks:
"Seeing that we won't be able to access all of CompuServe will we receive a
lower rate.(ha ha).It looks like us Atari owners aren't wanted. Shouldn't
we just leave? I thought Atari computers were big in Europe doesn't
Compuserve function in Europe also you would think with a chance to expand
their market to other platforms that their competition doesn't support would
be welcomed."
Since I feel strongly about this subject, I tell Mike:
"CIS' new low price takes for granted that we'll be using some form of CIM.
CIM cuts down on the amount of work that CompuServe's host has to do,
thereby working more efficiently and cost-effectively. I'm afraid that, by
using ASCII, we are getting more processing time than those who use HMI
programs, even though we don't benefit by it.
I don't really think that it's a case of not being wanted here... simply a
case of economics. If CIS has to dump ASCII (and almost 10% of its
userbase) to be able to compete with that young upstart AOL, it's something
that they've got to at least consider. With the fact that a majority of
"orphan" users also have "acceptable" computers to use, they must hope that
a large percentage of us will simply switch to that Windows/DOS/OS2/System7
thing and use CIM. I for one don't own any of those machines, so I've been
screaming bloody murder at feedback.
What I'd like to see CIS do is to charge not for connect time, but for
processor time. That would remove the HMI vs ASCII price argument, although
it would still leave the fact that many of the new features cannot be
implemented in ASCII (for whatever reason), only in HMI.
And yes, the ST is more popular in Europe than it is here in the states, but
it's still a minor portion of the userbase.
And NO, we shouldn't leave! If most (or even many) of us leave, that will
only hasten the forum's demise. CIS might only allow Ron and company to
keep ASCII accessibility as long as there is a certain level of activity
here."
Sysop Ron Luks tells Mike:
"Atari computers are not 'big' in Europe or anywhere. Atari discontinued
their entire computer line and attempts to have 3rd party companies make
Atari-clones appear to have fizzled.
Can you blame an information service for not investing hundreds of thousands
of dollars in supporting a computer when the company that made the computer
has officially abandoned it?"
It might just be me, but I feel that there is too much emphasis put on
supporting computers, and too little on supporting users.
At any rate, Benjamin Eby asks Ron:
"Since when have the C-Lab Falcons Fizzled? (and they are not clones, they
are a fully licensed compatible) C-Lab just announced another model, too.
That doesn't sound like a fizzle to me. It sounds to me that you are just
angry at Atari for some reason. C-Lab makes the computer now, not Atari.
As far as the computer goes, just forget Atari, okay? We don't need
negativism right now. We need to all pull together."
Ron tells Benjamin:
"Since when have the C-Lab Falcons fizzled? Well, perhaps you could
consider them a success in a niche market, but what type of sales numbers do
you think they can report? 50,000 units? 20,000 units? even 10,000 units?
I'm not a mainstream musician by any means, but the ones I've talked to (I
also now manage the Rolling Stone Forum) don't seem to put a lot of faith
behind the Atari-based SW or HW marketplace, regardless of who is making the
units.
And by the way, I'm one of the few people who is NOT angry at Atari Corp, in
any way, for any reason. I like Atari and most of the folks that work there
and I still use an Atari computer for some limited tasks. In fact, I'm
typing this message on one right now.
However, I'm also a realist and don't see any future for this platform
except as a hobbyist collectors item. Its not mainstream computing or even
substantial off-mainstream computing."
Benjamin looks around CIS, comes back and posts:
"Hey Guys! I was just over in the Amiga forum, and a developer is already
gearing up to design a new program for Compuserve using the HMI protocols
that CompuServe has given him. Now I say that it is time for us to get off
our backsides and do something about this situation. I will commit right
now to saying that I will gladly pay $30.00 dollars for a similar program
for the Atari. Will SOME developer take this on? If I knew how to do it, I
would, just because I love my Atari, and want to keep using it as much as
possible. Citizens of AtariLand UNITE!!!"
Well folks, that's about it for this week. Please have a safe and
happy holiday... you deserve it! Tune in again next week, same time, same
station, and be ready to listen to what they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
EDITORIAL QUICKIES
Please.
Keep Christ in Christmas
STReport International OnLine Magazine
[S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport
HTTP://WWW.STREPORT.COM
AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE ON OVER 100,000 PRIVATE BBS SYSTEMS
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, CPU, STReport and/or portions therein may not
be edited, used, duplicated or transmitted in any way without prior written
permission. STR, CPU, STReport, at the time of publication, is believed
reasonably accurate. STR, CPU, STReport, are trademarks of STReport and STR
Publishing Inc. STR, CPU, 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.
STR OnLine! YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE December 22, 1995
Since 1987 Copyrightc1995 All Rights Reserved Issue No. 1151
