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Silicon Times Report Issue 1213
Silicon Times Report
The Original Independent OnLine Magazine"
(Since 1987)
March 29, 1996 No. 1213
Silicon Times Report International OnLine Magazine
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03/29/96 STR 1213 The Original Independent OnLine Magazine!
- CPU Industry Report - Another Java Flaw!! - D. Packard Dies
- Hayes & Zoom Sued!! - UltraEdit Tops! - ClarisWorks Updated
- WinFax Pro Update - Wiring Russia - AT&T to Sell DSS
- MSN at Million Users - PSX Million Sold - Atari Clearance!
Apple Projects Huge Loss!
Quarterdeck buys Datastorm!
WildCat! 5 Ships!
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The Staff & Editors
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Results: 3/23/96: 5 of 6 numbers with 3 matches in 1 play
From the Editor's Desk...
Well now. in these parts.. Spring has sprung! So has a great deal more.
according to our snoops. AT&T and a few other Long Distance carriers are in a
frantic tizzy. Yup! They've finally realized that their Golden Cash Cow is
about to go the same route as the "wacky cows" in the UK. The Internet's
voice modems has them all scurrying wildly, grabbing their lawyers on the way
to find a hook or two that'll save the gouge they've enjoyed for far too many
years.
Its already the time for each and every telephone user coast to coast to
contact the FCC and let the commission know they want the FCC to put AT&T
and the other Carriers on notice that the Internet and all its features are
HANDS OFF as far as regulating the use of voice modems is concerned. Let
these FAT CAT LD Carriers earn their corporate profit income with NEW
innovative services that enhance telephonic communications world wide.
People should only know just how long HIGH SPEED, HIGH QUALITY communications
have been "in the wings" with the "Bell Heads" simply sitting on the
technology. T1 and T3 technology along with ISDN, which is the current rage.
has been around since 1965! The World's Fair that year in New York City had
video phones on display and working. Sort of reminds one of the way the gas
companies bought up and killed the Fish Carburetor because of its very high
gas mileage per gallon. Let the FCC know that you want the LD Carriers to
keep their grubby hands off the voice modems and their usage on the Internet.
Talk about pressure. a few manufacturers of voice modems are a bit
nervous about the AT&T attitude and possible posture. So much so that one
has suspended making the voice modems. Of course none will openly state
they've been intimidated but you can bet that where there is smoke there is
fire.
Has anybody ever wondered why there is such a difference in the pricing
of ISDN from geographical location to another in the USA?? Take a look at
BellSouth's pricing structure from one state to another the variation just
for the installation is hundreds of dollars. Compare Tennessee and Florida.
Or, Tennessee and any other in the BellSouth area. It sure looks like its
time to start asking some very pointed questions of the various Public
Service Commissions in the areas mentioned. When are these Telephone
Companies going to be finally rid of the "Bell Heads" who have been there,
mucking up the market, far too long and really no longer "get it".
Ralph.
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Portable Computers & Entertainment Kid's Computing Corner
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STReport Headline News
LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson
Law Makes Feds 'Baby Sitter'?
"This law will set a trend for Congress to start regulating the
Internet, with the government acting as a great big baby sitter." So said
director Gerry Berman of the Center for Democracy and Technology, a witness
in yesterday's opening day of a trial on a new federal law that makes it a
crime to transmit pornography over the Net. Scott Bradner, a Harvard
University computer consultant and senior official on several Internet
administrative bodies, echoed Berman's sentiments, adding, "I believe that
the Internet of the future will be a combination of a promise of tremendous
reachability and availability of knowledge ... and a perceived threat to the
ability to control what the citizenry get. I personally would rather focus
on the promise."
As reported, plaintiffs in a lawsuit seek to block the Communications
Decency Act, a new federal law that prohibits distribution to minors of
"indecent" or "patently offensive" material over computer networks. A panel
of three federal judges in Philadelphia is hearing the suit filed by dozens
of plaintiffs, including the American Civil Liberties Union and online
providers, including CompuServe, Prodigy and America Online.
Reporter Rosa Michnya of United Press International says opening
witnesses for the plaintiff emphasized a deep flaw in the new act. "The
Internet is a global medium," said witness Brian Ek, vice president of
government affairs for the Prodigy online service. "The content is coming
from all over. This law has no effect on the individual in Denmark." Berman
concurred, saying that about 30 percent of pornography on the Internet
originates overseas. He told the court he thinks the problem of cyberporn
would be best handled by parental control software such as SurfWatch, Cyber
Patrol and NetNanny, which enables parents to block inappropriate material.
While the law bans "indecent" speech on the Internet that is available
to minors, opponents fear it also could be used to prosecute people who
discuss abortion, or AIDS- and gay-related issues on the Internet. Author
Patricia Nell Warren, who writes about gay issues, testified some people's
definition of indecent goes "way beyond the seven dirty words banned by the
Federal Communications Commission," adding, "The mere subject matter is
patently offensive to some people."
And Kiyoshi Kuromiya, who heads the Critical Path AIDS Project, told the
judges' panel the Internet was a vital tool for dispensing information about
AIDS prevention and treatment. Writes Michnya, "Kuromiya, who is HIV
positive, said the often explicit information could help prevent children
from being infected with the AIDS virus and should not be restricted."
Journalist Dave Ivey of The Associated Press says the judges also heard
testimony from a licensed sex therapist who said safe sex information should
be available to minors on computer networks.
William Stayton told the court, "Children have a right to know about
themselves as sexual beings. They have a right to information that will
protect them ... and help them make responsible decisions." Also, Ann
Duvall, whose SurfWatch Software program is designed to allow parents to
block sexually-explicit Net sites, took the court Net surfing, showing the
judges World Wide Web pages in London and Paris and demonstrated how the
software blocks Penthouse and Playboy.
Later ACLU lawyer Stefan Presser told Ivey, "She conclusively
demonstrated that SurfWatch is way more effective than having Uncle Sam
peering into our bedroom and deciding what's appropriate for us to see and
hear." And speaking with Randall Mikkelsen of the Reuter News Service,
Presser commented that however the panel rules on the suit, he predicts the
case will wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court. "The question is, who brings
it up?" he said. "If we lose, we go, if they lose, they go."
Plaintiff witnesses said the Net, because of the ease of access and
because all users can contribute, bears little resemblance to television or
radio. They argue it should have unlimited protection under the First
Amendment, which would still bar child pornography and other types of speech
that are banned or restricted. However, supporters of the ban -- whose
witnesses are scheduled to testify next month -- say free speech groups are
overreacting, and that the law applies only to the posting of indecent
material on public areas of the Internet where it is likely to be seen by
minors.
Judge Questions Telecom Law
One of three federal judges hearing a suit against a new law restricting
indecent material in cyberspace has commented in court that the explosive
worldwide popularity of the Internet came about because governments didn't
interfere. U.S. District Judge Stewart Dalzell said yesterday, "The very
exponential growth and utility of the Internet occurred precisely because
governments kept their hands out of this and didn't set standards that
everybody had to follow."
Covering the trial in Philadelphia for United Press International,
reporter Rosa Michnya said Dalzell's comments were in response to testimony
from Scott Bradner, a technical consultant at Harvard University, who
testified that the act would "stifle innovation" and that the strength of
the Internet is its democratic "chaos." As reported, Bradner was one of the
plaintiffs' lead-off witnesses in the suit over whether provisions of the
Communications Decency Act are constitutional. Supporters contend they are
simply trying to control the content available to minors, but Bradner and
others argue senders or providers of information have no way of knowing a
recipient's age.
Attorney Marjorie Heins with the American Civil Liberties Union told
UPI, "This law is technologically impossible to comply with unless you close
down the entire Internet and start over ... and have a centralized system."
(The ACLU is one of dozens of plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit that
includes library, newspaper and publishing associations, major on-line
providers, including CompuServe, and more than 30,000 Internet users.) In
court, plaintiffs' witnesses said that what is indecent to some is
expressive to others. For instance, Carnegie Library Director Robert B.
Croneberger testified the poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" brought
complaints from some parents because a "nip of brandy" is taken. "Some
people might not approve of parts of plays by Shakespeare, or the Bible and
on and on."
He said that trying to bring his online card catalog in line with the
act would "contradict the mission of public libraries," adding that his
definition of a library is "a place with material that offends everyone."
Said Croneberger, "We feel very strongly that it's the parents' decision on
what is appropriate for a child. (If) librarians are put into positions of
having to make those decisions for other people's children, we will fail
miserably." Also, Vanderbilt University professor Donna Hoffman told the
court she thinks computer-based communication is a "revolution" on the scale
of the Gutenberg press, has created an inherently "democratic form of
communications" and that regulations arising from the Communications Decency
Act "threaten the democratic nature of the Internet."
During the government's cross-examination, federal attorneys try to take
the court on what Associated Press writer Dave Ivey termed "the seamier side
of cyberspace" and a site called "Bianca's Smut Shack." The government
lawyers also showed that a computer search for information on Louisa May
Alcott's book "Little Women" might have surprising results. Writes Ivey,
"Their point-and-click tour in search of 'Little Women' turned up a sexually
explicit site titled 'Hot Pictures of Naked Women!'"
But when asked by Justice Department lawyer Jason Baron how she would
find information on Alcott's novel, Hoffman said, "I would probably search
for little plus women plus Louisa plus May plus Alcott." For its
demonstration, the government, using the World Wide Web search engine called
Infoseek, employed a broader search that did not include the 19th-century
author's name.
On this, ACLU attorney Stefan Presser commented, "I think the judges
know that those pages wouldn't have appeared if they had included `Alcott'
in their search. It was a pretty obvious attempt to try and shock the court -
- one with minimal effect."
UK Says Laws Can't Control Net
Legislation in itself cannot control the burgeoning content of the
Internet, Britain's technology minister has concluded. He proposes, instead,
a voluntary approach to Net regulation led by industry. Speaking at a recent
conference in London, Science and Technology Minister Ian Taylor said the
failure of a recent attempt by a leading Internet company to restrict access
to its service in Germany after a crackdown by authorities there showed the
Internet still is largely beyond the law.
Reporter Mark John of the Reuter News Service quotes Taylor as saying,
"An imposed regulatory regime is not likely to solve all our problems. The
British government's preference is for a voluntary approach. It is in the
commercial interest (of industry) to meet public concerns." Taylor added
the Internet's explosive growth had been largely the result of informational
freedom and Britain is concerned that legislation might stunt further
development of new services and companies hoping to use the network.
The UK government has met with the newly-formed British Internet Service
Providers' Association and backed the code of practice it was developing for
its members, Taylor said. As noted, the European Parliament last month voted
to seek a toughening of the law surrounding new media services and the
European Council of Ministers is set to decide a common European approach to
the issue in June. "The Council, along with the European Commission, is
thought generally to oppose wider Internet legislation," Reuters observes.
Apple Projects Huge Loss
Apple Computer Inc. reports that it will lose up to $700 million in the
current quarter, far exceeding Wall Street analysts' most pessimistic
projections. The computer maker had already projected a substantial second
quarter loss, but the $700 million shortfall would be the worst quarterly
loss in the firm's history, far surpassing the $188 million loss the company
reported in mid-1993.
Over half the $700 million loss will go toward disposing of excess
inventory, notes a statement issued by Apple Chairman and CEO Gilbert F.
Amelio. A quarter of the loss will be related to job-cut expenses. "We find
ourselves facing three major challenges," says Amelio. "irst, we anticipate
that revenues and unit shipments will be substantially below the levels of
last year's second quarter. Secondly, the slowdown in sales relative to our
initial forecasts will contribute to sizable charges related to inventory
valuation adjustments. Finally, as we've mentioned before, we will incur
significant restructuring charges in order to realign the company for the
future."
Amelio adds that Apple will begin to outline specific plans for its
recovery in May. "I'm confident at this point that I know what the problems
are and that they are fixable," Amelio says.
Researchers Find Major Flaw in Java
A flaw has been discovered in Sun Microsystems Inc.'s Internet-based
Java programming language that could enable online vandals to destroy files
or damage computers that use Netscape Communications Corp.'s Navigator Web
browser software. The Wall Street Journal reports this morning the flaw was
discovered by a team of Princeton University reseachers and was acknowledged
by the company. The paper says Sun plans to issue a repaired version of the
language software.
Journal reporter Don Clark quotes Edward Felten, a Princeton assistant
professor of computer science who helped discover the flaw, as saying
unscrupulous people who learned of the defect could boobytrap a Web page on
the Internet, essentially seizing control of the browser software of any PC
that tapped into that page. "The consequences of this flaw are as bad as
they can be," Felten told the paper, saying vandals could read or delete an
entire hard disk of data files.
At Sun's Mountain View, California, headquarters, Marianne Mueller, a
senior engineer specializing in security issues, acknowledged the problem,
commenting, "This one is a serious bug." Alerted by the Princeton team on
Friday, Sun already is testing a software fix it has developed for the
program and hopes to distribute it to Netscape and other users in about two
days so they can distribute updated versions of their Web browsers and
related products.
At Netscape, product manager Jeff Treuhaft told Clark, "We plan to fix
it and get it out to our customers as fast as we can." Java originally was
touted by Sun as a secure language, "but," writes Clark, "at least two other
flaws have already been discovered in the technology, including a less-
serious problem uncovered by the Princeton team last month." Mueller said
the problems have been correctable details in the way the Java code is
written, not problems with its basic design.
Netscape Works on Java Bug
While Netscape Communications Corp. is working with Sun Microsystems
Inc. to resolve a security flaw found in Sun's Net-based Java programming
language, Netscape officials also say actual damage to online computerists
from the bug seems remote. In fact, Jeff Treuhaft, a Netscape manager in
charge of the issue, told Sam Perry of the Reuter News Service his employer
is not aware of any damage yet caused by the Java flaw, saying this is
extremely unlikely.
"We've got an amazing dragnet of communications between partners and
customers and folks on the Net," Treuhaft added. "We haven't heard of anyone
losing data or being maliciously attacked by these potential problems." As
reported yesterday, a team of Princeton University researchers discovered
that Java flaw that could enable computer vandals to boobytrap a World Wide
Web page on the Internet, essentially seizing control of the browser software
of any PC that tapped into that page.
However, Treuhaft notes discovery of the fault was the result of an
extremely rigorous study by academics and that it would be very difficult to
exploit the flaw to cause damage. "The Princeton researchers are extremely
smart people," he added, "and it's taken them literally weeks looking at the
source code for Java to figure out that this problem exists." Treuhaft said
Netscape -- whose popular Netscape Navigator Web browser interacts with Java-
driven sites on the Net -- will examine Sun's fix when it is delivered this
week and decide how best to write it into its own implementation.
He declined to give a timetable for the solution to be available, but
Perry reports customers normally could expect a fix within a few days.
Refac Sues Hayes, Zoom
A patent infringement suit has been brought against modem makers Hayes
Microcomputer Products Inc. and Zoom Telephonics Inc. by Refac Technology
Development Corp. The Dow Jones news service says Refac's suit alleges
violation of a patent that covers basic data-compression procedures
recommended by the International Telecommunication Union Standards Section
(V.42 bis) standard, which most data modems currently use.
Dow Jones quotes Refac officials as saying the firm has the exclusive
worldwide right to license the patent, held by James A. Storer. "Refac also
said it is pursuing patent-license negotiations on a non-exclusive basis with
makers of modems and telecommunication products in which modem units use the
V.42 bis standard," the wire service added.
BBB Focuses on Cyber Business
The umbrella organization for the nation's 137 Better Business Bureaus
is urging businesses to adhere to ethical advertising and selling practices
in the online marketplace. "The consumer marketplace is poised for a
revolutionary expansion as a result of new opportunities presented by
electronic commerce," says James Bast, president and CEO of the Arlington,
Virginia-based Council of Better Business Bureaus. "The BBB urges companies
and entrepreneurs that do business online to adhere to ethical marketplace
practices. Only with consumer confidence can the vast potential of the
Internet as a trustworthy, convenient and expedient place to do business be
fully realized."
The council is urging businesses that operate in cyberspace to:
" Provide a physical location (address and phone number), so consumers can
check on the firm's reliability with outside organizations, such as the BBB
and consumer agencies;
" Refrain from using advertisements that are untrue, misleading,
deceptive, fraudulent, falsely disparaging of competitors or make insincere
offers to sell;
" Adhere to the basic principles embodied in the BBB Code of Advertising;
" Comply with local, state and federal laws and regulations governing
advertising and sales practices;
" Refrain from using words in a company name that would mislead the public
either directly or by implication; and
" Refrain from unauthorized use of company names and logos.
The council reports that it recently reached an agreement with an
organization that advertised online under the name Internet Business Bureau.
The IBB advertised consumer protection and business reliability reporting
services that purported to be virtually identical to services provided by
Better Business Bureaus. "We demanded that the company cease infringement
of our trademarks, says Bast. "By using a mark confusingly similar to the
Better Business Bureau's, the organization was likely to confuse the public
and jeopardize the BBB's long-held reputation as the source of high caliber
consumer protection services."
According to Bast, the company agreed to change its name to Internet
Business Broadcasting Inc. and to cease presenting itself as providing
consumer protection services or screening advertisers.
Borland Releases C++ Products
Borland International Inc. has released Borland C++ 5.0, the latest
version of its C and C++ programming language, and Borland C++ Development
Suite 5.0, a set of five C++ software development tools. Borland C++ 5.0
provides a native 32-bit hosted environment that lets developers target
multiple platforms, including Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows 3.1 and DOS.
Borland C++ 5.0 also includes a new version of ObjectWindows Library (OWL)
5.0, Borland's application framework. Also provided are Microsoft Foundation
Classes (MFC) compilation support and Visual Database Tools (VDBT), which
helps programmers visually create high-performance database applications.
Borland C++ Development Suite 5.0 includes Borland C++ 5.0; CodeGuard
32/16, a new version of Borland's automated bug detection and diagnosis
tool; PVCS Version Manager, a tool that oversees changes to all elements in a
software system; and InstallShield Express, which creates installation
programs. Borland C++ Development Suite also includes AppAccelerator for
Java, a just-in-time compiler which, according to Borland, makes Java
applications run five to ten times faster.
"We have designed both the Borland C++ Development Suite and Borland C++
5.0 to be the fastest and most flexible development environments for
software developers to build both 32- and 16-bit applications," says Richard
Gorman, Borland's vice president of product marketing and product
management. Borland C++ 5.0 sells for $349.95. Current owners of other
Borland products, as well as owners of Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft
Visual C++, Watcom or Symantec C or C++, can purchase the software for
$249.95. Owners of previous versions of Borland C++ receive an additional
$50 discount.
Borland C++ Development Suite 5.0 is priced at $499.95. Current owners
of other Borland products, plus owners of Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft
Visual C++, Watcom or Symantec C or C++, can obtain the package for $349.95.
Owners of previous versions of Borland C++ will receive an additional $50
discount.
Mac ClarisWorks Updated
Claris Corp. reports that it has released an updated version of
ClarisWorks 4.0 for Macintosh, its integrated software package for home and
small business users. The update -- ClarisWorks 4.0v4 for Macintosh --
includes improved drag and drop support, which allows users to more easily
move information within ClarisWorks documents and to other documents and
applications.
The software also provides a ClarisWorks 4.0 to 2.x/3.0 file converter
that lets users save 4.0 documents to the older format used in ClarisWorks
2.0, 2.1 and 3.0. Additionally, the ClarisWorks 4.0 mail merge feature has
been improved to eliminate empty "sliding" fields in printed mail-merged
documents; fields containing multiple lines of text now print completely.
ClarisWorks 4.0 for Macintosh is priced at $129. The update is now available
in the Claris Macintosh Forum (GO CLR-6). The forum's Library 13, "Updater
Library," includes updates for the U.S. and various international versions of
the software.
3-D Graphics Coming by Christmas?
Arcade-quality games with 3-D graphics and video may be available to PC
users by Christmas because of a new alliance between advanced chip
specialist Cirrus Logic Inc. and game producer 3DO Co. Financial terms
aren't disclosed, but United Press International reports from Redwood City,
California, that Cirrus Logic will license part of 3DO's M2 technology and
the companies will collaborate to develop new graphics microprocessors
designed to bring the arcade- game performance into desktop PCs at home.
Douglas J. Bartek, president of Cirrus Logic's Visual and Systems
Interface Co., told the wire service, "The combination of our technologies
provides a unique synergy that will enable us to deliver unsurpassed 3-D
reality to the power gamer." UPI notes this marks 3DO's first major move
into the PC marketplace and a way to diversify its business into areas
including software publishing and the Internet.
"Additionally," the wire service says, "the 3-D graphics market is
expected to be one of the fastest growing segments in the computer industry,
with entertainment fueling most of the growth." As reported earlier, Cirrus
Logic last week said it will cut about 450 jobs, or 13 percent of its work
force, in order to reduce its expenses and sharpen its focus on new products.
Computer City Beefs Up Service
Superstore retailer Computer City says it's sharpening its focus on
service by implementing several new programs, including a "110 percent Price
Guarantee." Under the 110 Percent Price Guarantee, the Tandy subsidiary says
it will match the advertised prices of other retailers on any in-stock item
it carries. If the item is advertised elsewhere at a lower price within 30
days of purchase, Computer City will refund 110 percent of the difference.
A new On The Spot Delivery policy provides for the delivery and set-up
of any computer system purchased at Computer City for $79.99. A Solutions On
The Spot program lets computer users receive 90 days of unlimited phone
support for $39.95. With Upgrades On The Spot, the chain is offering
complimentary installation and testing of most hardware and software
upgrades.
Additionally, Computer City has expanded its software training program
to include more than 130 different classes. Some of the courses offered
include Introduction to Windows 95, Excel, Corel Draw, Lotus, Pagemaker,
PowerPoint, Quicken, Word, WordPerfect, and Using the Internet. Most of the
classes are offered on three levels: fundamentals, intermediate and
advanced.
Computer City will open its 100th location worldwide on Wednesday in
Glen Allen, Virginia. The outlet will serve the greater Richmond area.
Computer City will open a location in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, on Thursday to
serve the Louisville market. "As we exceed 100 locations, our focus has
turned to service and execution," says John V. Roach, CEO and chairman of
Tandy Corp. "Offering the services our customers demand and providing the
best service in the market is key to our continued growth and success."
PB Has "Virtual Salesperson"
Packard Bell Electronics Inc. says it is offering retailers a new
interactive demo that serves as a 'virtual salesperson.' The seven-minute
computer demo installs from a CD-ROM. Packard Bell notes that the software
offers video images accented by background music, crashing waves, exploding
fireworks, galloping horses and rockets traveling through space. In its
interactive mode, the demo helps shoppers learn about Packard Bell's
computers and their features.
"Packard Bell is dedicated to developing new point-of-purchase marketing
techniques to assist its retailers in selling PCs," says Mal Ransom, the
computer maker's vice president of marketing. "We designed our new in-store
demo to be entertaining and informative, but we also want retailers to feel
like they've added a virtual salesperson to their showroom. This demo gives
our computers the power to help sell themselves."
HP Co-Founder David Packard Dies
Complications from pneumonia have claimed the life of David Packard, the
beloved 83-year-old co-founder/chairman emeritus of Hewlett-Packard Co.
Packard had been hospitalized since March 16. A service is planned for
Friday at Stanford University, where he and long-time partner Bill Hewlett
became friends in the 1930s. In a brief statement, Hewlett called his
partner's death "a loss to the company and to the country that he loved so
well."
Packard, who retired from active management in 1978 and stepped down as
chairman in 1993, remained "one of the most respected executives in American
business," says Associated Press writer Catalina Ortiz, who adds, Packard
... leaves a humane and sensible way of running a business that helped
Hewlett-Packard Co. grow into a electronics giant - a management style that
became an industry standard." Hewlett-Packard was started in a Palo Alto,
California, garage in 1939 with a borrowed $538 and a coin toss to decide
the name. It now has more than 100,000 employees and sales of $31.5 billion.
It first made electronic test equipment, but over the years branched into
calculators, computers and printers.
"But," says Ortiz, "Packard's influence reached far beyond the
electronics industry. He was admired for his philanthropy and personal
qualities and as much as his business acumen and values." Says AP, "When HP
went public in 1957, Packard wrote down the management beliefs he and
Hewlett shared -- a philosophy that scorned strict hierarchy and formality,
encouraged individual creativity and fostered respect and trust of employees.
It became known as the 'HP Way' and served as a model for many other
companies." Packard, preceded in death by his wife in 1987, is survived by
three daughters and a son.
Net Helps Find Doctor for Baby
The Internet is being credited by a U.S. doctor for helping him find a
surgeon to operate on a desperately ill Peruvian baby. In Newark, New
Jersey, Dr. D. Scott Alenick says he heard about the baby's plight from one
of her relatives in his state but he could not find a local hospital with
the resources or expertise to mend the hole in her heart. Her family in Peru
could not afford to come to the United States for the operation.
Alenick told the Reuter News Service he posted a notice in a discussion
group on the Net and received several offers of help. Reuters says Dr.
William Novick of the LeBonheur Medical Center's International Children's
Heart Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, performed the operation and provided
the family with housing as well.
Says Alenick, a pediatrician and cardiologist at Newark's Beth Israel
Medical Center, "She had a life-threatening condition and needed specialized
treatment. I feel she would have died if something wasn't done soon."
Reuters says the baby, Andrea Horna, was released from the Memphis hospital
earlier this week and the family was on its way to Newark to thank Alenick
personally.
Delrina WinFax Pro 7 Update STR Focus
WinFax PRO 7.0 Update
Resolved Problems and Enhancements
March 1996
This document lists the main fixes and program enhancements in the WinFax PRO
7.0 update, dated March 5, 1996.
Overall Performance Enhancements
ú improved speed and performance, including printing to WinFax from
another program to send a fax, PIM integration, and manipulating entries in
phonebooks and logs
Main WinFax Program
ú phonebook column headings (First Name, Last Name) now configurable in
Send Fax dialog
ú enhanced stability when printing to WinFax from certain programs
(addresses reports of occasional system lockups)
ú improved scanner support for Mustek 200 dpi and HP DeskScan 2.3
Phonebooks and Logs
ú fixed problems with recipient name lookup in Send dialog (typing
recipient name in "To:" field now synchronized with list of names in
phonebook)
ú fixed problems with upgrading unoptimized phonebooks from previous
WinFax versions
ú fixed problems with importing fax archives from WinFax PRO 3.0
ú fixed problems with viewing faxes from custom message stores created in
other locations (previously limited to default \DATA directory)
WinFax Viewer
ú improved speed when opening subsequent faxes in Viewer (quicker response
after the first fax)
ú fixed "squeezed image" problem when printing a received fax that has not
yet been viewed
Quick Fax Viewer
ú new tool for faster viewing/printing of fax and attachment files from
Windows Explorer or your desktop
ú right click on an .FX? file and select "Quick View" from the menu
PIMs
ú enhanced WinFax performance and integration with ACT! and other PIMs
Macros
ú enhanced and updated macros for Microsoft Word 6.0/7.0 and Microsoft
Excel 7.0
TalkWorks Telephony Option
ú enhanced support for US Robotics Sportster vi voice/fax modem
ú enhanced support for Unimodem/v
ú configurable "silence detection" controls sensitivity of TalkWorks in
detecting when to stop recording after caller leaves a message and hangs up
ú improved navigation when calling in to leave or check messages (now
pressing asterisk key returns you to main menu)
Hayes Whole Again! STR Spotlight
HAYES WINS! HAYES WINS! HAYES WINS!
HAYES REORGANIZATION PLAN
CONFIRMED BY COURT
Atlanta, GA -- March 1996 -- With the confirmation of its Plan of
Reorganization by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Hugh Robinson on 8 March, Hayes
Microcomputer Products, Inc. expressed today its enormous gratification with
the Court's order which permits Hayes to emerge from Chapter 11 as an
independent company.
"Our stated intent and primary objective from the very start of this
case was to put forth a Reorganization Plan that would pay all creditors in
full and that would permit Hayes to emerge from Chapter 11 as a strong
independent company making superior products backed by superior service,"
said Dennis C. Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Hayes. Continued Hayes,
"Confirmation of the Hayes Plan will allow Hayes to continue its nearly two
decades of leadership in the computer communications industry. We look
forward to competing in the fast changing computer communications
marketplace without the specter of Chapter 11 looming in the background."
The Hayes Plan of Reorganization calls for payment of all creditors'
claims in full plus interest. Proceeds from a combined equity investment of
$35 million by ACMA Limited and Northern Telecom Inc. (Nortel), a $70 million
debt facility with The CIT Group/Credit Finance, and the sale of surplus
land owned by the company will be used to cover the company's debts. In
exchange for their equity investment, ACMA and Nortel will together acquire a
49% stake in Hayes. The remainder of the company's shares (51%) will be
owned by Dennis Hayes and the Employee Stock Plan.
In issuing his order confirming the Hayes Plan rather than the competing
Plan of Reorganization proposed by the Creditors' Committee and Diamond
Multimedia Systems, Inc., Judge Robinson relied on Section 1129(c) of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Code relating to the preferences of creditors and equity
security holders. Judge Robinson wrote in his order, "The Debtor's Plan
[Hayes] is, therefore, preferred by at least $34 million of the $43 million
in outstanding unsecured debt, or approximately 79% of the unsecured
creditors' claims." With regard to the preferences of equity, Judge
Robinson wrote, "In this case, the Debtor's Plan is preferred by over 90% of
the equity security holders."
Summarizing his reasons for confirming the Hayes Plan, Robinson wrote,
"The Debtor has offered a plan which proposes to pay all of its creditors in
full plus interest. The Debtor's minority shareholder...is being afforded
fair and equitable treatment...The majority shareholder and the majority of
the creditors have come before this Court and expressed their preference for
the Debtor's Plan. Moreover, the public policy underlying Chapter 11
reorganization which serves to further the local economy, maintain and
create jobs, and preserve the value of an ongoing business is clearly
fulfilled by confirmation of the Debtor's Plan."
Dennis Hayes said, "Over the past 16 months, the employees of Hayes
around the world focused on our core business, fixed our operations
problems, and turned the company around to the point where we have been
consistently generating profits for the past year. We continue to develop
and ship new and exciting products and remain committed to our customers --
past - present - and future. With all the confusion caused by the Chapter 11
filing in November 1994, component shortages and other supply problems in
early 1995, an aborted merger attempt, two hostile acquisition attempts,
seemingly endless due diligence requests, frivolous patent infringement
claims, a dissenting minority shareholder, and numerous other challenges and
obstacles, the employees of Hayes have fought through it all. Confirmation
of the Hayes Plan is confirmation of their hard work and success and complete
vindication for those who stood by the company during its most difficult
period."
In consultation with ACMA and Nortel, the CIT Group, and legal and
financial advisors, Hayes expects to soon prepare a schedule for completion
of the agreements required to comply with the Confirmation Order. Further
details on the schedule will be forthcoming over the next two weeks.
Best known as the inventor of the PC modem, Hayes is recognized around
the globe as a leader in technical innovations, computer communications
standards, functional and feature-rich products, and superior support and
service. Founded in 1977, Hayes develops, manufactures, and markets value-
based computer communications solutions for software, business, network and
consumer market segments. The company maintains an extensive global network
of authorized distributors, dealers, mass merchants, VARs, system
integrators and original equipment manufacturers. Hayes customers include
Fortune 1000 corporations, mid-size companies and corporate branch offices,
small and home office businesses, on-line and telecommunications network
providers, and millions of individual PC users around the globe.
Contact for more information
Andrew W. Dod
Director of Corporate Communications
Tel: 770/840-6808
Fax: 770/441-1238
E-mail: adod@hayes.com
Web: http://www.hayes.com
UltraEdit 3.10b Released STR Spotlight
UltraEdit
16 & 32 bit v3.10b
The editor for all your editing needs.
(Designed for Windows NT and Windows 95. Do not use with Windows 3.1 /Win
32s - Use UltraEdit). UltraEdit-32 is an excellent replacement for NOTEPAD
and a lot more, with support for unlimited file sizes, 100,000 word spelling
hecker, full HEX editing capabilities, configurable syntax highlighting for
programmers, column editing. UltraEdit has all the features you will need.
UltraEdit handles multiple files at once, even if they are multi-megabyte
files. It is Disk based and only requires a small amount of memory, even
for very large files. UltraEdit also available for Windows .3x with no
additional fee.
Standard Features:
ú - Disk based text editing
ú - No limit on file size, minimum RAM used even for multi-megabyte files
ú - Multiple files open and displayed at the same time
ú - Column mode editing!!!, Insert columns/ delete/ cut/ add sequential
numbers
ú - 100,000 word spell checker
ú - Syntax highlighting - configurable, pre configured for C/C++ and VB
ú - Automatic word wrap at specified column with hard return
ú - Insert file into an existing document at cursor position
ú - Drag and Drop support from the file manager
ú - Insert and overstrike modes for editing
ú - Multi-level undo and redo
ú - UltraEdit-32 is Windows 3.x CUA compliant
ú - Find and Replace - Also allows selection of text between caret and
find target when shift key is pressed
ú - Goto Line Number/Page Break
ú - Font Selection for display and printer. (Supports all fonts installed
including TRUE-TYPE fonts)
ú - Print support with headers, footers, margins and page breaks.
ú - Automatic Line Indentation
ú - Tab Settings
ú - Word Wrap Support
ú - Hexadecimal Editor - Allows editing of any binary file - HEX Cut, copy
and paste support
ú - HEX Insert and Delete of characters
ú - HEX Find, Replace and Replace All
ú - Bookmarks - Unlimited number of Bookmarks
ú - Multiple Windows of the same file
ú - Comprehensive macro support, including saving and loading
ú - Context Sensitive Help
ú - Automatic backup file generated with (.BAK) extension in the directory
of the original file
ú - UltraEdit-32 retains its screen position each time it is used
ú - Line & column number display (line number display may be disabled)
ú - Pop-up menus with right mouse button.
ú - Text conversion to lower or upper case and capitalization.
ú - Unix/Mac to DOS Conversion
ú - DOS to Unix conversion
ú - Auto detect UNIX/Mac files
ú - Convert Word Wrap to CR/LF's allowing word wrap to be written to file
with hard returns
ú - Convert CR/LF's to Word Wrap (removes CR/LF's from file)
ú - Template Support
ú - More ...
Also: - UltraEdit accepts a command line input and so can be used to replace
NOTEPAD or other editors that are called up from a file manager by clicking
on a file.
Registration
You are limited to 45 Days of use for an unregistered version.
UltraEdit-32 is a shareware program. If you find it useful and continue to
use it you are obligated to register it with the author by sending $30.00
(Ohio Residents add $1.65 Sales Tax) to:
Ian D. Mead
8209 Chestnut Hill Ct.
West Chester, OH 45069
USA
VISA/MASTERCARD Accepted
For VISA/MasterCard orders, include:
1) Name of card holder
2) Address of card holder
3) Name and address of user if different from card holder
4) Expiration date of card
5) Card #.
Credit card orders may be faxed or telephoned to (513) 779 8549, or sent to
my E-Mail address (see below).
Compuserve Registration
UltraEdit-32 may also be registered online on compuserve by typing GO SWREG
and following instructions for registering using ID 4017.
This will entitle you to an authorization code, the latest registered
version, and technical support.
For CompuServe registrations, a newer version is not sent out if the latest
version is available on CompuServe.
E-Mail Address
Internet: IDM@iglou.com
CompuServe: 71613,2654
Return Policy
No refunds are issued after an authorization code has been issued. Exchanges
are allowed if appropriate.
This program may be freely distributed provided it is unmodified, no charge
is made for the software, and all of the following files are included:
1) UEDIT32I.EXE or UEDIT32.ZIP - Self extracting file
Latest Version
The latest version of UltraEdit/UltraEdit-32 may be found in several places:
In the WINUSER Forum on CompuServe, an official distribution and support
online resource for future updates. Search for ULTRAEDIT.ZIP, and
UEDIT32.ZIP.
The Windows Users Group Network (WUGNET), operators of the oldest and largest
independent support resource forum (WINUSER) for Windows Users on CIS with
nearly 1,000,000 active members is recognized in the press, user groups,
developers, and Microsoft as the foremost resource for shareware publishers
on CompuServe and the Internet.
On the Internet on several sites, including CICA and other sites.
Additionally, on the WWW on the following page:
http://members.aol.com:/idmcompsrv/index.htm
(This WWW page may be replaced. If you do not find it, send E-Mail to
idm@iglou.com and you will be provided with a new WWW page address).
EDUPAGE STR Focus Keeping the users informed
Edupage
Contents
IBM Gets Workers (And A Contract)
From AT&T
Trial Opens On Internet Indecency
Computing Comes To The Big Screen
Sun Buys U.K. Computer Products
Company
Online Trading
AOL Pokes Fun At Bill Gates
Porn Is A Gold Mine For IDT
Generation X Should Be "Generation
PC"
IBM Alliance With Italian Telecom
Christian Computing
Netscape To Get In On The Phone-By-
Internet Action
U.S. Considering Supercomputers From
Japan
Bingaman Sees Big Role For Justice
Under Telecom Deregulation
Cell Phones Do The Internet
Net Effect
Wit-Trade Resumes Stock-Trading On
Web
AT&T To Market Satellite TV Services
Another Java Flaw Discovered
Microsoft Network Gets Millionth
Subscriber
Big Increase In Cellular Phone Use
TV Could Unify Europe
Intel To Stop Making Cable Modems
International University College
Expands Degrees
Digital Gets Into E-Commerce
Microsoft Teams Up With Japan's
Softbank
Software Rentals Result In Lawsuit
David Packard Dies
Sony To Develop PC Operating System
Software Sales Lag, Too
AMD Takes On Intel's Pentium
The Evolution Of The Web
Students To Help Business On The
Internet
Internet Reporters Get Media
Credentials
Exporters Blame The Net
Clinton Will Relax Restrictions On
Satellites
Undiplomacy On The Net
Wiring Russia
Electronic Signature
Cabletron's SmartSwitch
It's 10 A.M.; Do You Know Where Your Employees Are Surfing?
IBM GETS WORKERS (AND A CONTRACT) FROM AT&T
Lucent Technologies, the company being formed out the breakup of AT&T into
three separate corporations, is awarding a multibillion dollar contract to
IBM's Integrated Systems Solution Corporation to manage Lucent's in-house
computer systems. To fulfill the contract, IBM will hire about 3,000 AT&T
employees who otherwise would have lost their jobs as part of the AT&T
divestiture. (New York Times 22 Mar 96 C7)
TRIAL OPENS ON INTERNET INDECENCY
A federal trial over free speech on the Internet started Thursday in
Philadelphia, where the recently passed Communications Decency Act was
challenged by the ACLU. Testimony is expected to last about six days, after
which the case will eventually go to the Supreme Court under fast-track
provisions written into the bill. "The question is, who brings it up? If
we lose, we go, if they lose, they go," says the ACLU's Philadelphia legal
director. (Investor's Business Daily 22 Mar 96 A17)
COMPUTING COMES TO THE BIG SCREEN
Gateway 2000 has unveiled a PC that looks like a TV -- complete with 31-inch
screen, and remote keyboard and mouse that can be operated from about 15
feet away. The system can be used for business use in making presentations,
or at home for playing interactive games, cruising the Net or just plain
old watching TV. Prices are expected to range from $3,499 to $4,699.
(Investor's Business Daily 22 Mar 96 A19)
SUN BUYS U.K. COMPUTER PRODUCTS COMPANY
Sun Microsystems is buying Integrated Micro Products, a United Kingdom-based
supplier of computer products for the telecommunications industry. Sun will
incorporate IMP's fault-tolerant technology into its own systems. Since Sun
and IMP products are based on the same microprocessor technology, analysts
say the two companies will fit together well. (Financial Times 22 Mar 96
p24)
ONLINE TRADING
Lombard International Brokerage in San Francisco and Pawws Financial Network
in New Jersey are two brokerage houses that have opened Internet trading
services, allowing customers to monitor their portfolios and retrieve
corporate and financial information from brokerage databases or through
links to other Web sites. "You're seeing the culmination of the information
brokerage -- with customer service, advanced analytical tools, and news
available at one place and one time on the most incredibly productive medium
that ever existed, the Internet," says Lombard's CEO. By incorporating a
Java applet into their Web design, Lombard's Web site refreshes its
information every 30 seconds so that intra-day trading charts are
automatically updated. The Pawws trading system, a tailored version of the
Security APL cash- management system, is used by several other investment
houses to display their wares. "Why should we spend time and money to tell
people how to get a modem to work? We provide brokerage -- not technical --
services," says one user. (Information Week 11 Mar 96 p64) And discount
broker Charles Schwab & Co. will begin this May to allow its customers to
trade listed and over-the-counter stocks, get real-time quotes, and access
account information using the Schwab site on the World Wide Web. (Atlanta
Journal-Constitution 22 Mar 96 F3)
AOL POKES FUN AT BILL GATES
Now that America Online and Microsoft are best of friends, AOL is introducing
a new area devoted to, who else? Microsoft CEO Bill Gates! But rather than
extolling his virtues, "The Secret Files of Bill Gates" features purported
email from Bill to his wife, trying to dissuade her from naming their first
child "Bob," etc. A spokeswoman from Microsoft responds, "Maybe Microsoft
Network will start offering `From the Secret Desk of Steve Case.'" (Wall
Street Journal 22 Mar 96 B1)
PORN IS A GOLD MINE FOR IDT
Tiny IDT Corp. has found a way to differentiate itself from the run-of-the-
mill Internet access provider. It pitches its service to porn aficionados,
with ads like: "With IDT, I access *all* Internet services. I said *all*
Internet services -- get that smirk off your face." In fact, its service
and pricing are similar to everyone else's, but its subscriber base has
grown six-fold to 65,000 in the past six months using this approach. "IDT is
looking for a marketing niche, and given how we think the primary Internet
audience is -- lonely 20-something and 30-something males - why not aim that
niche at hem?" says Gary Arlen, an Internet consultant. (Wall Street Journal
22 Mar 96 B4)
GENERATION X SHOULD BE "GENERATION PC"
A survey by Custom Research Inc. shows 99% of people born after 1971 had used
a computer before the age of 10. More than 66% of those under age 25 called
themselves "intermediate," "expert" or "power" users. Of those born before
1971, only 7% had used a computer before age 10, and only 19% rated
themselves "intermediate" or above. The survey was conducted at a kiosk
that's part of a traveling Smithsonian exhibit. (Investor's Business Daily
21 Mar 96 A8); revised from Edupage 21 Mar 96)
IBM ALLIANCE WITH ITALIAN TELECOM
IBM is said to be close to final agreement with STET, Italy's state-
controlled telecommunications holding company, to jointly exploit the two
global networks of the two groups and offer businesses and private customers
a broad range of network-based services. The two companies are supposedly
working around the clock to finish the agreement, but STET's CEO said that
"when lawyers are at work, it's better not to commit oneself on the
timetable." (Financial Times 22 Mar 96 p24)
CHRISTIAN COMPUTING
Many Christians are hoping to use computer networks as a new way to spread
the Gospel. Christian Computing Magazine has 90,000 subscribers in more
than 50 c
ountries, and its editor has said that the ability to create
inexpensive Web sites ''is going to change the way we think of our church.''
Hewitt said. (San Jose Mercury News - Mercury Center 24 Mar 96)
NETSCAPE TO GET IN ON THE PHONE-BY-INTERNET ACTION
Netscape co-founder Mark Andreessen says that within six months the company
will build into its Navigator program voice software (which it calls Insoft)
for making low-cost long distance calls via the Internet into its Navigator
program and that long-distance phone companies increasingly won't be able to
justify their rates for telephone service. (Sydney Morning Herald 13 Mar 96
via Individual Inc.)
U.S. CONSIDERING SUPERCOMPUTERS FROM JAPAN
Until now, no federal agency using supercomputers has ever considered
acquiring anything but one made in the U.S.A., but Japanese companies
Fujitsu and NEC are both giving U.S.-based Cray Research serious competition
in the current supercomputer procurement being conducted by the National
Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado. All the companies in
the competition, both U.S. and Japanese, say that political issues have so
far played no role in NCAR's decision-making process. (New York Times 25
Mar 96 C1)
BINGAMAN SEES BIG ROLE FOR JUSTICE
UNDER TELECOM DEREGULATION
Anne Bingaman, head of the Justice Department's antitrust bureau, is hiring
three new lawyers for the division's Telecom Task Force, an ominous move
from the perspective of the newly deregulated telecom industry. Although the
new law charges the FCC with deciding when a local phone company may offer
long distance service, it requires the FCC to give "substantial weight" to
Justice's recommendations. Says former antitrust attorney Ken Robinson: "It
signals that the Justice Department simply doesn't want to relinquish the
very important role they perceive themselves as having had."
(Wall Street Journal 25 Mar B1)
CELL PHONES DO THE INTERNET
Motorola has a new service that can check your e-mail and convert it into a
voice message you can hear over the phone. The service will also be able to
send and receive faxes, and by next year should be able to turn a voice
message into email and send it for you. It's expected to cost about $20 a
month for receiving e-mail and other messages, and 50 cents a minute to send
messages. Meanwhile, Finland's Nokia has a "smart phone" whose handset flips
open to reveal a small keyboard and screen that does much the same thing as
Motorola's service. Nokia's model, based on GSM technology, won't be
available in the U.S., where the technology has been blamed for interfering
with hearing aids. (Wall Street Journal 25 Mar 96 B10)
NET EFFECT
A study by the Cambridge (U.K.)-based consulting group Analysys says that the
Net is a disruptive technology that will force the convergence of
telecommunications, information technology, publishing and broadcasting, and
that it has "usurped elegantly engineered plans for expensive networks put
forward by the telecoms operators to become the focus of development and
innovation for advanced services." The study characterizes the Net as a
miniature model of the communications industry in the next century.
(Financial Times 25 Mar 96 p11)
WIT-TRADE RESUMES STOCK-TRADING ON WEB
The Securities and Exchange Commission is allowing The Spring Street Brewing
Company to resume the trading of its stock over the Internet. The company
was the first company to attempt to sell stocks through a World Wide Web
page, but was forced to suspend its activities, pending an SEC review to
decide whether the trading system should be registered as a broker-dealer
under the 1934 Securities Exchange Act. When Spring Street Brewing's "Wit-
Trade" activity recommences on the Internet, it will comply with an SEC
request that it place warnings on its Web page so that investors know the
stock might be difficult to sell because it can't be traded on a regular
stock exchange. (New York Times 26 Mar 96)
AT&T TO MARKET SATELLITE TV SERVICES
AT&T is wasting no time in getting into other communications businesses.
It's signed a deal with DirecTV Inc. and United States Broadcasting Co. to
market their satellite television services to AT&T customers in selected
markets beginning May 1, and to the rest of the country by mid-summer.
Customers who sign up for the AT&T package will receive an 18-inch satellite
receive dish, a set-top box and remote control, and a programming package of
more than 65 channels. Existing AT&T long-distance and Universal Card
customers will be eligible for special deals. (Investor's Business Daily 26
Mar 96 A9)
ANOTHER JAVA FLAW DISCOVERED
A team of Princeton University researchers has discovered another security
flaw in Sun Microsystems' Java programming language that could allow
unscrupulous crackers to "booby-trap" a Web page, and seize control of the
browser software use by any PC that tapped into that page. "This is one
serious bug," says a senior Sun engineer. The company is currently
preparing a patch to solve the problem and hopes to distribute it to Netscape
and other browser companies in about two days. (Wall Street Journal 26 Mar
96 B4)
MICROSOFT NETWORK GETS MILLIONTH SUBSCRIBER
MSN has one million subscribers after seven months of operation. It is now
tied with Prodigy but still behind AOL and CompuServe in total number of
subscribers. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 26 Mar 96 B3)
BIG INCREASE IN CELLULAR PHONE USE
With the year 1995 seeing a 40% increase in the number of cellular phones,
there are now about 33.8 million such devices in the U.S., according to the
Cellular Telephone Industry Association. (New York Times 25 Mar 96 C5)
TV COULD UNIFY EUROPE
The emergence of a single media market could serve to unify Europe faster
than its single currency project, and European TV moguls are already
building alliances with particular leaders and parties in various countries.
One aspect of the debate that is unlikely to disappear soon is the
resistance to American TV shows and films that has prompted France to push
for quotas, local-content rules and other Europe-wide tools being decried by
critics as "sheer protectionism." (Toronto Globe & Mail 22 Mar 96 A1)
INTEL TO STOP MAKING CABLE MODEMS
Intel will stop making cable modems, and instead will focus on developing
cable modem standards and technologies that it will then license to other
companies. (Investor's Business Daily 25 Mar 96 A7)
INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE EXPANDS DEGREES
The International University College, founded by Glenn Jones of Jones
International Ltd., is expanding its program offerings to include
undergraduate courses such as public speaking and ethical issues in
communication, as well as a bachelor's degree in business communication.
The courses will be offered over the Internet beginning in May. International
University College debuted last spring, offering a master's degree in
business communication. (Investor's Business Daily 25 Mar 96 A6)
DIGITAL GETS INTO E-COMMERCE
Digital Equipment Corp. has signed licensing agreement s with Netscape
Communications and CyberCash Inc. to incorporate their electronic commerce
software into Digital's high-speed Alpha servers. (Wall Street Journal 25
Mar 96 B3)
MICROSOFT TEAMS UP WITH JAPAN'S SOFTBANK
Microsoft and Japan's largest software wholesaler Softbank Corp. are setting
up a Japanese subsidiary to provide client- server software to businesses.
The new venture, SolutionsBank, will offer software solutions tailored to the
specific needs of smaller business with fewer than 300 employees.
Microsoft's WindowsNT Server software is expected to be a big part of the
solutions. (Investor's Business Daily 25 Mar 96 A7)
SOFTWARE RENTALS RESULT IN LAWSUIT
Some software heavyweights are suing three Canadian businesses for renting
out computer software. The Canadian Alliance against Software Theft, which
includes Adobe, Delrina, Lotus, Microsoft and Symantec, say rentals make it
easier for software pirates to copy programs. (Toronto Globe & Mail 22 Mar
96 B7)
DAVID PACKARD DIES
David Packard, who with his partner William Hewlett founded the Hewlett-
Packard Co. in 1938, died March 26. He was 83. (New York Times 27 Mar 96
B12)
SONY TO DEVELOP PC OPERATING SYSTEM
Sony plans to develop a new operating system focused on exploiting audio,
video and networking capabilities. A Sony executive says that "as the PC
merges with traditional audiovisual products, the office-oriented operating
system is not necessarily the best one." Apparently the new system will be
based on Sony's Apertos operating system, which requires only a small amount
of memory and is able to add "object" modules over a network, when needed for
a specific purpose (e.g., to receive the broadcast of a concert). (New York
Times 28 Mar 96 C6)
SOFTWARE SALES LAG, TOO
In the wake of slowing growth in computer sales, PC software sales rose just
12% last year, according to the Software Publishers Association, driven in
large part by sales of Windows-compatible programs. The fastest growing
segments, in terms of revenue, were entertainment, up 42%, utilities, up
39%, personal information managers, up 42%, and languages and tools, up 41%.
(Investor's Business Daily 27 Mar 96 A6)
AMD TAKES ON INTEL'S PENTIUM
Advanced Micro Devices has begun shipping long-awaited microprocessors that
are comparable in speed to Intel's 75 MHz and 90 MHz Pentium chips. Up
until now, AMD was relying on sales of its slower chips, compatible with
Intel's 80486 series. "This puts AMD back in the right ballpark," says one
analyst, "but they're playing on the fringes. I don't think Intel will even
blink." Intel is concentrating on its next generation Pentium Pro chips. In
the meantime, Cyrix Corp. has produced Pentium-class chips that, according
to some tests, are even a little faster than Intel's. (Wall Street Journal
27 Mar 96 B12)
THE EVOLUTION OF THE WEB
Peter Adams, director of interactive and creative services at Poppe Tyson
Advertising proposes the following evolutionary description of the World
Wide Web: "In the beginning, there was Genesis. Then came Renaissance,
followed by the Age of Enlightenment and the State of Nirvana." Genesis was
back a couple of years ago, when most Web sites consisted of little more
than scanned in annual reports and some navigational buttons. The
Renaissance occurred when marketers wrested control from the systems staff
and started putting up fancy graphics. "The wallpaper was beautiful, but
the sites were still static," says Adams. Now we're in the Age of
Enlightenment, where meaningful activity is beginning to take place and
return on investment starts. Adams predicts Nirvana will be achieved when
the Web sites becomes a routine extension of business. (Investor's Business
Daily 27 Mar 96 A6)
STUDENTS TO HELP BUSINESS ON THE INTERNET
Prime Minister Chretien announced about 2,000 students will be hired over the
next three years to help 50,000 small businesses plug into the Internet.
Under the $15-million Student Connection jobs program, third-and fourth-year
university students will gain work experience, new skills, business contacts
and wages to finance their educations, while training business people so
they can be more competitive in international markets. (Ottawa Citizen 28 Mar
96 D8)
INTERNET REPORTERS GET MEDIA CREDENTIALS
The journalists' committee that decides which journalists can get press
credentials that allow access to Congressional sessions and hearings has
ruled that Internet reporters are eligible to receive credentials if they are
engaged in the daily publication of general-interest news for dissemination
to a wide segment of the general public and meet certain other conditions.
(New York Times 28 Mar 96 C4)
EXPORTERS BLAME THE NET
German exporters, battling a strong currency and high labor costs, have found
another area to blame for their declining share of international markets --
the Internet. Germany's wholesale and foreign trade association said
companies were losing lucrative niche markets because the Net makes it
easier to compare prices, making competition tougher. (Toronto Financial
Post 27 Mar 96 p10)
CLINTON WILL RELAX RESTRICTIONS ON SATELLITES
The Clinton Administration plans to end the Pentagon's restrictions on
civilian uses of the government's satellite navigation system, which can
pinpoint the locations of users anywhere in the world. The restrictions
historically were based on national security concerns, but the White House
feels they no longer are necessary. (Wall Street Journal 28 Mar 96 A3)
UNDIPLOMACY ON THE NET
Spanish Ambassador Jose Luis Pardos has posted on the Internet a series of
angry, sarcastic statements and propaganda attacking former Fisheries
Minister Brian Tobin's handling of the Canada-Spain turbot war. The history
of the turbot issue was reviewed and the page included some decidedly
undiplomatic criticisms of several Canadian officials. (Montreal Gazette 27
Mar 96 A13) Canada has registered an official complaint with Spain's foreign
ministry in Madrid over material posted on the Internet by its ambassador to
Canada. (Ottawa Citizen 28 Mar 96 A3)
WIRING RUSSIA
Philanthropist and financier George Soros has pledged $100 million over five
years to link an estimated 30 regional universities in Russia to the
Internet. The program will establish "Internet centers" at each of the
universities, and will provide equipment, software and training at each
site. The Russian government will fund the satellite or fiber optic hookups.
"Universities in Russia traditionally have been a center of intellectual life
in each region," says Soros, noting that scholars in the provinces are eager
to participate in information exchanges with their colleagues throughout
Russia and the world. (Chronicle of Higher Education 29 Mar 95 A23)
ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
PenOp's $150 digital signature kit uses a stylus and a digitizer to scan in a
signature, and software then affixes it to a document. The system currently
is being tested by the Internal Revenue Service, and PenOp's CEO thinks it
someday will satisfy legal requirements for a signature on a wide variety
of documents. (USA Today 27 Mar 96 B6)
CABLETRON'S SMARTSWITCH
Cabletron's SmartSwitch uses ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit)
technology to hardwire, in one piece of silicon, many of the routing tasks
previously done by software. The result is a super switch that can link four
times as many computers as many conventional switches, and boosts data
transmission speed by a factor of five. "This is a mechanical problem and
I'm a machinery guy," says Cabletron's director of engineering. "So I built
a machine." (Business Week 25 Mar 96 p76)
IT'S 10 A.M.; DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR EMPLOYEES
ARE SURFING?
The use of the Internet by employees for non-employment-related Web surfing
is now being monitored in some offices by a program called SmartAlex, which
was designed to help parents prevent their children from accessing
pornographic material by analyzing computer graphics for their flesh tone
content. (Investor's Business Daily 28 Mar 96 A8)
Edupage is written by John Gehl (gehl@educom.edu) & Suzanne Douglas
(douglas@educom.edu).
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Educom -- Transforming Education Through Information Technology
MSI Ships NEW Program Suite STR InfoFile
MUSTANG SOFTWARE SHIPS WILDCAT! 5
FOR
WINDOWS 95 AND NT
Versatile 32-bit Interactive Web Server "Levels The Playing Field" For
Business And Consumers; Intranet, Internet Solution Available In Retail
Channel.
Bakersfield, California, March 25, 1996: Mustang Software, Inc. (Nasdaq:
MSTG) today announced it has shipped its Wildcat! 5 BBS/Web Server for
Windows 95/NT to retail outlets nationwide. Wildcat! 5 offers a unique
combination of Web server functionality with the interactive bulletin board
messaging features found on online services such as America Onliner and
Prodigyr. Manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the 2, 16, and 32 user
versions are: $149, $349, and $699 respectively. Add-ons, such as the
Internet Connectivity Pack (ICP), 8- and 32-line upgrade packs, wcExchange
(for placing BBS messages in Microsoft Exchange), wcCODE (for developing
custom applications), wcReports (for compiling and exporting data and usage
statistics), and the Custom Connector (a store-front customization package),
will be sold directly, through dealers and through system integrators at
prices ranging from $149-$799.
"Wildcat! 5 is designed to fully utilize the 32-bit operating system in
Windows NT and Windows 95. With the breadth of its features and
functionality, including customization, interactivity and multimedia
capabililities, we expect Wildcat! 5 to capture a healthy share of the online
communications market," said Jim Harrer, Mustang President and CEO. "We've
also leveled the playing field for individuals, groups, small office/home
office users and corporations competing to create Internet and Intranet
solutions because Wildcat! 5 reduces the need for major investments in
software, hardware and support. Now users need only a Windows 95-based 486-66
computer and a phone line, LAN, or Internet connection to get a presence up
and running."
Harrer noted that users are currently buying the ICP add-on (MSRP $249) at an
impressive 50 percent rate: the ICP turns the Wildcat! 5 platform into a Web
server, supporting inbound and outbound telnet , FTP and UUCP, offering
seamless Internet compatibility. "Now users have an alternative to other
Windows NT Web servers, such as Microsoft's Internet Information Server
(IIS)", continued Harrer. "Wildcat! offers a true interactive, multimedia
environment for a myriad of uses - from Web or FTP site, to building an
online community."
Additionally, Wildcat! 5 includes the freely-distributable Wildcat! Navigator
graphical Windows front end, which enables easy, point and click access to
powerful message features, chat conference areas, file libraries, instant
paging and outbound browsing to Web sites. The Wildcat! Navigator offers the
navigational ease of the most popular Web browsers; the optional Custom
Connector will allow companies and groups to add their logo directly to the
browser, creating a powerful branded tool for their site.
Mustang Software will be demonstrating its next-generation Wildcat! 5
technology at FOSE, in Washington DC, April 2-4, and Internet World, in San
Jose, April 29 - May 3. Wildcat! Navigator can be downloaded for free from
http://www.mustang.com, by telnetting to bbs.mustang.com, or via direct dial
modem at 805/873-2400.
Wildcat! 5 is distributed by Ingram Micro, Merisel and DistribuPro. Resellers
include CompUSA, Egghead, Computer City, Software Etc., Babbages, Best Buy,
Micro Center, Media Play, Fry's Electronics and Office Max. The Wildcat!
product line is a leader with an active install base of more than 50,000
sites.
Mustang Software can be reached by calling 805/873-2500, or 800/999-9619; or
via BBS 805/873-2400; and Web http://www.mustang.com. Mustang designs,
develops, markets and supports online communications software including the
Wildcat!, QmodemPro, and Off-Line Xpress product lines. Founded in September
1986, Mustang is a publicly traded company (Nasdaq: MSTG) and its
headquarters are located at 6200 Lake Ming Road, Bakersfield, California,
93306.
Kids Computing Corner
Frank Sereno, Editor
The Kids' Computing Corner
Computer news and software reviews
from a parent's point of view
Brighter ChildT Interactive Announces
Licensing of Marvel Super Heroes
Can Spider-Man teach children math and geography? Brighter ChildT intends to
answer this question with a new series of CD-ROM learning titles featuring
licensed characters from Marvel Comics. Three math and three geography
titles will be issued over the next three years.
The first title, Marvel Math, will debut at the Electronic Entertainment Expo
(E3) in May. It is designed for children ages eight to twelve and will
feature Spider-Man, She-Hulk, Wolverine and Iron Man battling against
Hobgoblin, Spragg and the Living Hill. Simultaneously children will learn
and sharpen essential math skills.
Richard Pam, CEO of Brighter ChildT stated, "We are very excited about the
opportunity to work with Marvel on this project. Marvel's Super Heroes are
among the most popular and recognizable characters with children throughout
the world. Our award-winning MuppetT software titles taught us that if you
combine well-known characters and exciting games with an educational message,
children have fun learning and therefore want to learn more."
Brighter ChildT recently opened its own World Wide Web site at
http://www.brighterchild.com. The site features a software sampler and
contains information about the company's products.
# # #
Activision Backs Zork Nemesis with Online
Advertising Campaign
Activision once again is using the Internet as a method of promotion for its
software. The latest offering to receive this treatment is Zork Nemesis.
Between now and May 10, the game will be promoted on Web site billboards at
Yahoo, Nuke, Happy Puppy and more. The campaign will also include extensive
print and radio promotion and a national sweepstakes.
The sweepstakes offers a vacation package for two to Wales including four
nights and five days of first class accommodations, round-trip airfare, and
select meals and entertainment. Also included is a one night stay at the
historic Ruthin Castle. The contest can be entered via entry cards included
in many publications, in-store counter cards and at Activision's World Wide
Web site at http://www.activision.com. The winner will be selected by random
drawing during the second week of July.
Additionally, five first-prize winners will receive hand-drawn Zork Nemesis
animation cells from the game's art director, Mauro Borelli (Batman Forever,
Dracula and The Godfather III). One hundred second prize winners will
receive win baseball hats and another one hundred will receive t-shirts
emblazoned with the Zork Nemesis logo.
As an added feature to this promotion, Activision is making the original
Zork I text adventure available for download from its web site. This is the
game that led to the Zork series and other spin-offs. It will also be
available on CompuServe and America Online.
Zork Nemesis will be available in April. Players will venture into the
Forbidden Lands of the Great Underground Empire. In this dark and foreboding
land, they must free the souls of the four great alchemists from Nemesis'
curse. By discovering an ancient secret of alchemy, they can free the
imprisoned souls and defeat Nemesis to win the game.
# # #
The Vampire Diaries CD-ROM from Her Interactive
Her Interactive is a software company devoted to developing software for
young women. This division of American Laser Games, Inc., was established in
November 1994 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their latest software creation is
The Vampire Diaries, based on the romantic thriller novels for young adults.
It will be available this fall for Windows 95 with a price of $59.95.
The game is set in a virtual 3-D world of Fells Church, Virginia. Players
undertake the role of Elena, a teenager who must defeat an evil force in her
town even as she falls in love with a vampire. The game features 360 degree
freedom of movement and 3-D rendered backgrounds. An internal game-time
clock will cause scenes to change for day to night. Some actions necessary
to complete the game can only be accomplished at certain times of day. An
option for closed-captioning of dialogue is available to the player also.
Patricia Flanigan, Executive Director of Her Interactive, stated, "Teen girls
told us they like spooky, scary stories, rich in character but without the
gore found in many games. We anticipate Vampire Diaries will appeal to
girls, women and men, really to anyone who enjoys a good suspenseful story."
You can learn more about The Vampire Diaries and many interesting subjects at
Her Online, Her Interactive's web site at http://www.her-online.com. The
site also contains information about the company's debut program, McKenzie &
Co., a comedy adventure about high school. The game consists of five CD-
ROM's and is available for Windows and Macintosh computers
# # #
N-TK Releases Four New Memorex Software Titles
N-TK (Entertainment Technology) is shipping four new CD-ROM compilation
packages for IBM compatible computers. The company has a wide assortment of
entertainment and educational titles aimed at children and adults.
The first package is Ace Eagles & Birdies. This addition to the Memorex
Gold Edition line is designed for golf lovers. It includes Golf Digest's
Best Places to Playr, Picture Perfect Golf and ESPNr Golf: Lower Your Score
with Tom Kite-Shotmaking. Gold Edition titles are available for $29.99.
Memorex's Classic Line packages incorporate three titles on a single CD-ROM
disc for $14.95. Dark Passages Volume I includes Dark Seed, The Psychotron
and Wraith of the DemonT. Dark Passages Volume II features Crusaders of the
Dark Savant, Demoniak and The C.H.O.A.S. Continuum. N-TK's final new
offering is Starhawks, Volume II. This package includes Buried in Time, Load
Star and Cadillac and Dinosaurs. Memorex software is available through most
computer retailers and also in many retail stores.
# # #
Activision Teams Up with EarthLink to Offer Internet Gaming
For the first time, a CD-ROM game has been enhanced with Internet access
and content. Through a special agreement, Activision and EarthLink Network,
Inc., are offering fifteen days of unlimited Internet access to purchasers of
Spycraft: The Great Game. Players will have access to a special Spycraft
Website where they can trade secrets, gather intelligence and surf government
Web sites.
Activision Chairman and CEO, Bobby Kotick stated, "There is little doubt that
the Internet will play a key role in the evolution of interactive
entertainment. At Activision, we are continually looking for ways to push
the gaming experience forward."
Internet access software will be included directly on the game disc. Players
will be able to load and go using EarthLink's TotalAccess package that
includes Netscape Navigator and Eudora e-mail.
# # #
Operation Neptune
Hybrid CD for Windows and Mac
Ages 9-14
Estimated retail price: $45.00
The Learning Company
6493 Kaiser Drive
Fremont, California 94555
(800) 852-2255
Program Requirements
IBM Macintosh
OS: Windows 3.1, Windows 95 OS: System 7.0.1
CPU: 386DX/33 CPU: 68030
HD Space: 1 MB HD Space: N/A
Memory: 4 MB Memory: 4 MB
Graphics: 640 by 480 with 256 colors Graphics:
256 colors, 13" monitor
CD-ROM: Double-speed recommended CD-ROM: Double-speed
recommended
Audio: 8-bit Windows compatible sound card
Other: mouse Other:
mouse
review by Angelo Marasco
Operation Neptune is another in a series of educational programs which The
Learning Company has upgraded and enhanced for CD-ROM. It is a math
education program that specializes in something I like to call "stealth
learning." Children learn math while having fun yet never realize that
they're learning something!
In Operation Neptune, members of a top-secret space mission send the results
of their explorations to earth in the Galaxy unmanned space capsule. On its
way back to earth, Galaxy somehow goes off course and crashes into the sea.
As the player, it is your job to use the Neptune mini-sub to find the pieces
of the broken-up Galaxy. Along the way you are going to get a math drilling
out of this world.
The opening scenes are nothing short of amazing. A control room with a wall
sized tracking screen shows the path of the Galaxy as it crashes while you
listen to the radio traffic describing what is going on. In the next scene
you see a Navy ship drop the Neptune into the ocean. Then you have the
option of continuing on into the game or getting an introduction. Watch the
intro. The sounds and the background music really make you feel like you are
getting involved in something serious.
Operation Neptune has a sort of video game quality to it. When I first
started the program, I thought it was going to be difficult to find any
educational value to it. My first impression was very wrong.
You maneuver Neptune through very colorful scenes trying to find and pick up
pieces of the cargo which Galaxy lost when it crashed. While searching and
recovering you encounter various kinds of underwater life that threaten your
sub and sap your strength if they touch you. By out-maneuvering the fish and
plants that threaten you and using torpedoes that surround threatening fish
with a sight-obscuring black cloud you continue on through the course until
you reach the supply station. Along the way you are presented with a variety
of math problems. You determine the level of challenge of these problems.
The graphics in this program are stunning. The scenes are bright and
colorful. The images are sharp. Everything moves without delay. Operation
Neptune definitely earned the perfect rating I gave it for graphics.
I also gave Operation Neptune a perfect score for sounds. As I mentioned
earlier, the sounds and background music in the opening are great. The
quality of the sound effects did not fall off in the game itself as happens
with some programs that are updated for CD-ROM.
The interface is good, although I would have really appreciated joystick or
mouse control in the game. It's a little awkward trying to play a game with
keyboard cursor controls, especially a game where you are maneuvering
something through some very tight areas. The Neptune mini-sub gets into some
really close quarters at times and it would really be nice to have better
control. On top of that, there were times when Neptune would get caught by
something in its way. It was a little too much of a challenge to free the
submarine because I could not tell what it was hanging up on. I lowered the
interface rating slightly because of these two flaws.
One other problem that lowered the interface rating was the game's
calculator. It is fine for all the regular problems. However, using it to
figure out fraction problems was a true pain-in-the-neck. It was extremely
frustrating and exasperating to use for these problems. The Learning Company
needs to find a better way to do fraction operations than the way they give
in the instructions.
Play value of this program is excellent. It is extremely challenging.
Because you never spend a lot of time in any one scene, the visuals are
constantly changing. This keeps you from getting bored with the program.
The challenge keeps the interest level high. At times it's hard to believe
that this is an educational program. My 13-year old daughter, who happens to
hate math, spent a couple of weeks working her way through this program. I
had a hard time getting her away from the computer. That is real play value!
Educational value of Operation Neptune is also very high. I was very pleased
with the variety of math problems that the program presents. The program
presents problems in different formats. The format and the type of problem
you are presented with apply to different aspects of the mission. For
instance, you may be asked to calculate a change in ballast, or to convert
the measurement of a window crack from centimeters to millimeters or to
calculate the total square miles you have explored. I looked forward to
being presented with new math challenges and problems because I never knew
what kind of problem to expect.
Bang for the buck rating is also high. The retail price for Operation
Neptune is around $45.00 that still seems high to me for educational
software. However, the quality of the graphics and sounds and the high
educational value and play value make the price a little easier to swallow.
I was very pleased with the overall quality of Operation Neptune. I am happy
to recommend that it be added to your educational software collection.
Ratings
Graphics . . . . . . . . . 10.0
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . 10.0
Interface . . . . . . . . . 8.5
Play Value . . . . . . . . 9.5
Educational Value . . . 10.0
Bang for the Buck . . . 9.0
Average . . . . . . . . . . 9.5
# # #
Beyond the Nine Dragons
Dual-format CD-ROM for Windows and Macintosh
ages 10 and up
$10
published by Essex Interactive
developed by The Black Box
Program Requirements
IBM Macintosh
OS: Windows 3.1 OS:
System 7.1
CPU: 486/25 CPU: Macintosh IIvi
HD Space: 2 MB HD Space: 4 MB
Memory: 8 MB Memory: 5 MB
Graphics: 640 by 480 with 256 colors Graphics: 256
colors, 13" monitor
CD-ROM: Double-speed recommended CD-ROM: Double-speed recommended
Audio: 8-bit Windows compatible sound card
Other: printer, mouse Other:
printer
reviewed by Frank Sereno
Beyond the Nine Dragons is a fascinating trip along the Mekong River in
southeast Asia. Follow the world's twelfth longest river from its headwaters
in Tibet through Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos to Vietnam where the river
empties into the South China Sea. This entertaining CD-ROM provides ample
opportunity to learn about the interesting peoples and cultures of distant
lands halfway around the globe.
The program is a documentary or travelogue of southeast Asia's Mekong River
basin. Beyond the Nine Dragons features an original score complemented by
the music of these cultures, intriguing photography, informative and
entertaining text, a professional narration and excellent video footage. It
is easy to see the amount of caring and dedication that went into this
project. The writers and photographers have an affinity for the peoples and
lands of this region.
Beyond the Nine Dragons is divided into four main sections named for the four
major sections of the Mekong. The section entitled Turbulent River is
devoted to the Mekong in China and Burma. In Thailand and Laos, the river is
known as Mother of Waters. The Mekong becomes the Great Water in Cambodia.
The Vietnamese call the river the Nine Dragons.
Each section has four subheadings. Lifestyles is an overview of each
nation's culture shown in a narrated slideshow. Religion is second
slideshow devoted to the spiritual culture of these nations. The Reference
section features the text and photography from the book, The Mekong: A River
and Its People by photographer Allen W. Hopkins with text by John Hoskin.
The Explorer section contains a lengthy QuickTime video profile of that
nation and has an extensive text reference that details the geography,
people, history and more. Also included is essential travel information such
as visa requirements, available transport, accommodations, points of interest
and even security and safety tips.
The program features a very simple user interface. The "point and click"
design features online help. Arrow buttons make navigation between sections
of the program easy. You can print out the text in the Reference and
Explorer sections. The information in the Explorer section is extremely
valuable should you ever travel to these lands. The only flaw I found is in
the Reference section. The text is presented in a virtual book format. You
can turn "pages" forward in the book to read the next page, but you cannot go
back in the book.
Beyond the Nine Dragons is a wonderful program for all who have an interest
in exotic lands. The beauty of the land and people of the Mekong basin is
intriguing and delightful. This artfully crafted program should delight
almost everyone. I highly recommend this amazingly affordable software
journey.
# # #
Cascoly Picture Puzzles
Windows CD-ROM
for ages 5 and up
retail price $10
Essex Interactive Media
Program Requirements
OS: Windows 3.1
CPU: 386SX
HD Space: 0 MB
Memory: 4 MB
Graphics: 640 x 480, 256 colors
CD-ROM: single-speed
Audio: 8-bit sound card recommended
Other: mouse
Cascoly Picture Puzzles is an interesting and entertaining diversion. For
the low price of $10, you can spend hours sharpening your skills of
perception by reconstructing puzzles ranging from two to two thousand pieces.
The program features a simple mouse interface that includes solution hints
and online help. A Hall of Fame list is maintained to encourage continued
participation.
The program comes on CD-ROM, but it could have easily be zipped up onto
floppies. It uses less than 5 MB of storage. It includes a number of WAV
files and ten image files. The images are in a special format, WZL, that is
specific to this program. The one flaw in this version of the product is
that you cannot convert your own images for use in puzzles.
If you browse through a lot of shareware programs, you might recognize this
program as Winzle! The new shareware version of this program is available
for $30. The programmers have somewhat improved the interface over the one
included in this CD-ROM. The shareware version includes only two images but
registration earns you additional images and a program for converting any BMP
file into the special format WZL file. The conversion utility will increase
your family's enjoyment of the program because you will be able to do puzzles
with your favorite images. Your children can create pictures and then make
their own puzzles. You could make puzzles from family portraits. The
possibilities are nearly endless.
Unfortunately, the CD-ROM contains no information about the conversion
utility. It does have an order sheet for purchasing additional images
directly from Cascoly Software. These original photographs are quite
impressive. Cascoly Picture Puzzles is an entertaining package at $10. If
you enjoy this version, consider purchasing the shareware version to get the
conversion utility to personalize your puzzle experiences.
Portable Computers Section
Marty Mankins, Editor
Quarterdeck and Datastorm STR Infofile
QUARTERDECK ACQUIRES DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES
DEVELOPER OF
LEADING COMMUNICATIONS PACKAGE PROCOMM PLUS
Combination of Technologies from Quarterdeck, DATASTORM And The Intended
Acquisition of Future Labs, Inc. Will Offer a Powerful Platform for
Collaboration and Communications on the Internet and Intranet
MARINA DEL REY, Calif., March 28, 1996 -- Quarterdeck Corp. today announced
it has acquired DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES Inc. in a stock-for-stock merger to be
treated as a "pooling of interest" for accounting purposes. Quarterdeck will
issue approximately 5.2 million shares in connection with the merger.
The acquisition of DATASTORM is a significant step in Quarterdeck's
collaborative computing and communications strategy. DATASTORM is the
developer and publisher of Procomm Plus, the industry's leading data
communications package. It recently shipped Procomm Plus 3.0 which runs on
Windows 95 and 3.1, which includes an integrated FAX package, a Winsock-
compliant TCP/IP stack, and a complete set of graphical applications for
accessing the Internet, including a Web browser, telnet, FTP, and a news and
mail reader.
Privately-held DATASTORM will remain in its Columbia, Missouri headquarters.
The company's revenues for calendar 1995 were about $39 million with a level
of profit before taxes of approximately 20%. The acquisition of DATASTORM is
expected to be accretive to Quarterdeck's earnings per share.
In addition to the DATASTORM acquisition, Quarterdeck announced it signed a
memorandum of understanding to acquire Future Labs Inc. Future Labs develops
TALKShow, a whiteboarding and collaboration technology that allows two or
more people to work together in the same application from remote locations.
"The combination of DATASTORM's communication technology with our advanced
Internet solutions will give us a unique position in the collaborative
computing environment," said Gaston Bastiaens, President and CEO of
Quarterdeck. "Adding Future Labs technology on top of this will push
Quarterdeck to the forefront of collaborative computing and communications
technologies."
"Partnering with Quarterdeck will allow us to take our technologies to the
next level quickly," said Tom Smith, Executive Vice President and co-founder
of DATASTORM. "Plus, Quarterdeck's world-wide marketing and distribution
muscle is among the most extensive in the industry, and this will enable us
to make Procomm Plus available to a much larger potential audience,
particularly in Europe and the Far East."
"Quarterdeck and DATASTORM are two highly recognized and respected names in
the software industry," said Bruce Barkelew, President and co-founder of
DATASTORM. "By combining the brand name equity and technology of both
companies, we will have an industry-leading marketing, technology, and
mindshare combination now and into the future."
Added Stephen Monaco, Vice President and co-owner of DATASTORM,
"Quarterdeck's powerful retail marketing organization will provide an
additional sales channel for Procomm into the SOHO and international markets.
This will help preserve and even expand our lead as the top broad
communications software developer in the industry."
Tom Smith has been appointed Senior Vice President of the Communications
business unit of Quarterdeck Corp., of which DATASTORM is an integral part.
Mr. Monaco and Mr. Barkelew will stay on as consultants to Quarterdeck.
About DATASTORM
World headquarters are located in Columbia, Missouri, with a European office
in Cambridge, England. DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES Inc. and DATASTORM
TECHNOLOGIES, Ltd. are privately-held corporations employing around 350
people internationally. DATASTORM markets their PROCOMM brand of
communications software products world-wide. PROCOMM PLUS and PROCOMM PLUS
for Windows consistently rank in the top ten best-selling software products.
About Quarterdeck
Quarterdeck Corporation is a pioneer in the development of software products
in four strategic business areas: Utilities, Internet Solutions, Internet
Services, and Communications. The company has led the industry in bringing
utilities solutions to the Windows and DOS environments with its award-
winning QEMM memory management software. The company also offers an entire
line of powerful, next-generation Internet tools for corporate, small
business and individual users, including the award-winning WebCompass, and
the company's first product in the Communications market, WebTalk.
Quarterdeck Corporation's headquarters are located at 3160 Mindanao Way,
Marina del Rey, CA 90292. The Dubliin, Ireland office serves as its European
headquarters, with offices in England, France, Germany, and Australia.
Further product availability and pricing information can be obtained by
calling (310) 309-3700, by accessing Quarterdeck's Internet Web site at
http://www.quarterdeck.com/, or by sending an e-mail request to
info@quarterdeck.com.
Quarterdeck and QEMM are registered trademarks and WebTalk and WebCompass are
trademarks of Quarterdeck Corporation. All other brand and product names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Media Contacts: Investor Contact:
Ellen Spooren Ina McGuinness or Cecilia Wilkinson
Quarterdeck Corporation Pondel Parsons & Wilkinson
310.309.4261 310.207.9300
ellen@quarterdeck.com investor@pondel.com
Kevin Bourke
Brodeur & Partners
617.622.2800
kbourke@broudeur.com
Atari Interactive - software/Jaguar/Computer Section
Dana Jacobson, Editor
From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
I'm actually at a loss for words this week, for a change. It's been a
really weird week at work and not much time to sit and relax to gather one's
thoughts to editorialize.
One thing I will comment on is the recent announcement (see text later
in this section) regarding a special limited time offer from Atari. It seems
that Atari is reportedly re-locating their warehouse and Atari's Don Thomas
discovered a cache of various hardware, etc. He got the okay to offer a
special sale offer on most of it; the offering looks terrific. Be sure to
check it out as soon as possible as this stuff can't possibly last long! I
wonder how my credit card will hold out after this offer! <g>
There won't be a "People Are Talking" column this week as Joe Mirando is
recuperating from a "Montezuma" bug he caught from his nieces and nephews
doggone kids just love to give relatives all of their germs! Look for its
return (the column, not the germs!) next week.
Until next time...
From CompuServe's Atari 8 bit area (GO ATARIGAMING)
from member David Schmudde who discusses a possible online Classic Atari
magazine:
First off, this might hit a big snag if I can't find anybody to do the 8-bit
hardware section. Now, I am not aware what exactly "Atari Classics" focuses
on, because I have never read it. Where can I pick it up? How many times a
year does it print? I'm guessing its online, am I correct?
Second "Classic Atari OnLine" is this: It is a MONTHLY magazine that focuses
on all Atari 8-bit, computers and game systems. It doesn't focus on
collection like I believe "The 2600 Connection" does. Although it probably
will hit on that section sooner or later. What this magazine is here for is
to fill an information gap that I feel I have found in the Atari community.
I believe that there is a large Atari user base of people like me. People
that bought Atari computers/Game systems wanting the classic programs, and
having an "adventure" (over dramatic word, but I could think of nothing
better) finding the right one. But this "adventure" is severely hindered by
the fact that there is no good way to start. I have hunted FidoNets,
CompuServe forums, Web pages etc... trying to find the right info, and I
would have liked it if there was a magazine, or a single easy source, to
tell me which 8-bit programs are the best, instead of constant asking
around. Same with hardware. This magazine is also covering a wide amount of
userbase in the fact that I'm trying toinstill "Classic Atari OnLine" with
novice, intermediate and expert information. So no matter what skill level
the person is on, they will find use from this magazine.
This magazine contains:
ú 2600/7800 Game reviews/Tips/Tricks
ú 8 Bit computer program/game reviews
ú 8 bit hardware tips/tricks/ reviews (I STILL NEED SOMEONE TO DO THIS!)
ú Current Atari News (no matter how long ago you joined Atari, I think
everyone should keep up with current Atari)
ú Atari History
ú A few other pending sections
Wherever possible, when I review a program I will tell the reader where they
can get this program. I will try not to review anything too rare (I have
some rare stuff though) and nothing that everybody already has.
Now where will it be available? It will be available on: CompuServe/AOL
(pending)/several WWW sites/GEnie (pending)/several BBS's outside of my
calling code. Expect it to be advertised on: FidoNets, WWW sites, CompuServe,
Youngstown FreeNet, Victoria FreeNet, Cleveland FreeNet, Heartland FreeNet,
several IRC channels, several BBSes. It will possibly be advertised on: "The
Jaguar Journal" (I need to contact Jeffrey Norwood), "The 2600 Connection". I
already have a deal with the publisher of "The 2600 Connection" for the
ability to reprint some of its articles, and hopefully this can be extended
to fit my (and his) advertising needs.
If it goes well, then I will keep on-line publishing and also extend to
publishing my own fanzine.
Does all this warrant "another" classic Atari magazine? Or should I just
throw in the towel and ask to write for "Atari Classics"?
Jaguar Section
Braindead 13 Released!
Sony PSX Hits Million Mark!
Atari Limited time Special Offer!
And more...
From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is!
I've been trying to get in some time to test out some of the more recent
Jaguar releases to start the review process on a couple of games, but my
wife has been tying up the Jaguar and playing them herself. I think that I
might get an opportunity about 3 a.m. on Saturday morning, but I may have to
pry the controller out of her hands as she sleeps! We'll see. In the
meantime, some of reviewers have some of the latest games in their possession
also, and their reviews should appear shortly. We still also have a few
long awaited reviews pending.
It's a quick wrap this week due to time constraints and a general blas
feeling waiting for Spring to spring!
Until next time...
Industry News STR Game Console NewsFile - The Latest Gaming News!
Sony hits 1 million in PlayStation sales
FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 25 (UPI) -- Sony Computer Entertainment America
reported Monday that 1 million units of its PlayStation game console have
been sold since its launch Sept. 9. The advanced video game machine, powered
by a 32-bit chip, retails for about $300. Major companies in the lucrative
$5 billion video game business have been scrambling in recent weeks to
capture the public's attention with announcements about their leading-edge
machines, powered by 32-bit and 64-bit chips.
3DO, Atari and Sega Enterprises Ltd. all began shipping advanced players
prior to Sony's debut of the PlayStation but the relatively low price and
the marketing muscle of Sony has made it the leader in the business with 76
percent of the "next-generation" unit sales since September. "A little over
a year ago, SCEA had one mission: to become the leader in next-generation
gaming and we have made that a reality," said Jim Whims, executive vice
president of Sony Computer Entertainment America.
Analysts have said Sony is unlikely to be making much profit from sales of
the consoles with the earnings coming from the lucrative software that runs
on the PlayStation. Sony reported software sales for the PlayStation have
topped 7 million. It said that during the September-through-December period,
PlayStation software outsold its closest next- generation competitor by a 3-
to-1 margin.
Sony said its "NFL GameDay" has sold more than 300,000 units and "NHL Face
Off" in excess of 200,000. In the next two months, "NBA ShootOut" and "MLB
Pennant Race" will hit the shelves.
Maxis to Acquire Game Developer
Maxis Inc. says it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase of
Cinematronics L.L.C., an Austin, Texas-based developer of action and arcade
software. Maxis, best known for its SimCity games, says the purchase is
subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed by
the end of the month. The agreement's terms weren't disclosed, although
Maxis notes that the acquisition will require it to take a one-time charge
of up to $2.3 million.
"Acquiring Cinematronics is an integral part of our strategy to expand into
the action and family entertainment markets," ays Sam Poole, president of
Maxis, which is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California. "The company
shares our high production standards. The expertise of their designers and
programmers will enhance and accelerate our plans to produce high quality
titles for the Windows platform." Cinematronics, which has 13 employees,
will retain its Texas office.
Jaguar Online STR InfoFile Online Users Growl & Purr!
TO: Atari Devotees at Large
FR: Earthbound Internet Inhabitant
(a.k.a. Don Thomas @ Atari)
REPLY TO: 75300.1267@compuserve.com or atari@genie.com
SUBJECT: *VERY* LIMITED OFFER (3/27/96 - 4/15/96)
AND WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
As you may (or may not) be aware, Atari Corporation has relocated our
corporate offices to a shiny new facility in beautiful downtown Sunnyvale,
California. Now, it's time to move our warehouse facility to a location that
makes more logistic and economic sense to our offices.
I am pleased to say that I have obtained Mr. T's and Mr. T's and Mr. T's (one
T didn't need to reply) authorization to dig among the muck and find some
worthwhile "stuff" for our long term friends and supporters on the Internet.
I was told to "put aside what you (meaning me) think people might like and
we'll consider letting you offer it on-line for a weekend or two". I've done
that and have gotten approval to give away the items below at incredible
prices.
Please, be advised that although these items are available at outstanding
values, they are "as-is" and probably don't have boxes or instructions all
games probably have instructions although they may be photocopies). These
are trade show returns, refurbs, store returns, reclaims, employee use
items, media review returns, developer on-loan returns, etc. There are NO
REFUNDS and the standard 90-day warranty will not apply.... BUT every item is
guaranteed to work for a 30-day period or it will be replaced or repaired at
Atari's option. Some of the items may have slight scratches or other small
cosmetic packaging flaws. None are being sold under new conditions. All items
are in limited quantity and subject to prior sale.
It will be best to order by credit card so that we can adjust the transaction
accurately if we are unable to ship everything requested.
Okay, enough with the protect my a$$ stuff here's how to order...
Send an E-Mail to:
75300.1267@compuserve.com OR atari@genie.com OR fax the information to
408/328-0909. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE on these items. You may also snail mail
your order with a money order (or credit card) to:
Don's Wonderful Wacky Way Out Deal for Internet Dudes & Dudettes
c/o The Atari Corporate Company that moved recently
P.O. Box 61657
Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1657
Also, you may send your inquiries to any member of the STReport staff and it
will be forwarded to Don Thomas of Atari ASAP.
From CompuServe's Video Gaming Forum and Asst. Sysop Larry Tipton
(via the Internet):
Here is a blast from the past. Enjoy. I got a pretty good laugh out of it.
rec.games.video.atari
Jaguar Developer Predicts Future!
Scott Le Grand <legrand>
From mid-1993, ahead of my time, Parenthetical (Don't capitalize
parenthetical - Steph) statements mine...
"...founder of the video game industry and (professional ball dropper) the
creative force behind some of the world's best-known titles (You mean
Atarigames, not Atari Computers, right?), has announced the (destined to be
delayed a year or so) launch of a revolutionary new (way to raise hopes and
ultimately heartlessly dash them) multi-media entertainment system, the Atari
Jaguar. The launch will be (real soon now, honest!) supported by aggressive
advertising (two ads on some coffee cans and an informercial), promotion (buy
an Atari Jaguar, and send for a FREE MANUAL!) and marketing efforts (Sam
Tramiel at the Winter CES screaming "Buy a Jaguar! Or I'll KILL YA!") be
centered in the New York market in the fall (5 prostitutes on Times Square
wearing nothing but a Jaguar and its peripherals), with a national rollout
of the product within one year. (tentatively codenamed: Operation Desert the
Lynx Storm)
"The Atari Jaguar, housed in a futuristic casing (Old 520ST cases
spraycpainted black), is an (out of date before its release) interactive
(you play it, it breaks) multi-media (works on ANY TV) system based on (the
assumption that Atari owners will believe anything they hear) an Atari-
designed (Uh Oh! Looks like Leonard got his hands on SPICE again!)
proprietary 64-bit RISC(Y BUSINESS) processor. The 64-bit system is four
times (16 bits) the technology currently seen in (reruns of Whiz Kids) the
market today (tomorrow, or EVER! - S. Tramiel). The Atari Jaguar features
over 16 mill
ion (design errors) colors in 24-bit true-color graphics (on the
case) and produces shaded 3-D polygons (3-D polygons? No such thing... Kind
of like Atari marketing) to be manipulated in a "real" world (Sam's World!
Sam's World! Atari Time! EXCELLENT!) in real time. The Atari Jaguar also
has (no chance) real-time texture mapping and creates spectacular video
effects (when you run a coin across its exposed contacts).
"The sound system is based on Atari's proprietary (We could tell you more
but then we'd have to kill you), high-speed compared to a TRS-80), Digital
Signal Processor dedicated to audio. The audio is 16-bit stereo (broken) CD
(player in a swimming pool full of Wesson oil) quality and processes
simultaneous sources of audio data (such as the owners (ranting and raving
over the absence of software), allowing for very realistic sounds, as well as
human voices (Free Sam Tramiel sample "Atari, no mistakes no apologies"
included for additional charge), which are essential for future multi-media
applications (such as the most creative use of a no software video game).
"The Atari Jaguar is truly expandable (if you put it into an oven and broil
it) and will include a 32-bit expansion port (which will never be used just
like on the 7800) which allows for future connection into cable (Like anyone
in cable will care) and telephone networks (Oh boy, phone phreaking), as
well as a digital signal processing port for modem use (which will require
the vastly superior Ataritech modem, schedule for April 1st 2000 release) and
connection to digital audio peripherals such as DAT players. The unit will
also have a compact disc peripheral, which will be double-speed and will
play regular CD audio, CD + G (Karaoke) (Sing along with Sam! Doin' the no
warez Polka!) and Kodak's new Photo-CD(R).
"Currently, there are multiple software titles in development, which will be
available on MegaCart(TM). Atari, known for (never releasing) such
groundbreaking 3-D titles as BATTLEZONE 2000 and TEMPEST 2000 will issue (but
never complete or release) spectacular new versions for the Atari Jaguar.
New 3-D game titles will include CYBERMORPH, ALIEN VS. PREDATOR, JAGUAR
FORMULA ONE RACING, and many more (Contest to determine which one gets
completed and marketed to be held next year). Atari will license third-party
publishers to (go broke and drink themselves to an early grave) join the
Jaguar family (Honey, I bankrupted the kids!).
"The Atari Jaguar system will revolutionize the (selection of carts at big
lots) state of home entertainment as we see it today," said Sam Tramiel (who
then went on to explain the connection between Elvis, the Men in Black, and
Christina Applegate's bust), president of Atari. "The idea of (Atari
releasing and supporting) a 64-bit system is earth shattering (so therefore
we'll just lead you on and on and on...) and kids and adults will be amazed
at (the $h!+ I'll spew to explain why it hasn't been released as the months
go on) both the imagery (That Korean factory was flooded with grape Jello
just as the first batch was completed, honest!) and manipulative
capabilities (My wife Morgan Fairchild, who I have seen naked, actually SAW
aliens steal the second batch, yeah that's it). And we are proud that (we
can still string you along after all these years) our entry into the multi-
media entertainment category will be fully made in America (except for chips,
wires, components and casing but hey it worked for Sam Walton so go for it)."
The Atari Jaguar will retail for approximately $200 (give or take $300) and
(one) will be available nationwide next year. The Atari Jaguar packaged unit
will include one software experience (TIC TAC TOE 2000) and a Power (Supply
and a) Pad (to beat your head against when you keep asking yourself why oh
why did you believe them this time?) (R) Controller with a ten-key pad and
other special features (secret key sequence brings up image of Sam Tramiel
laughing at you)."
Fooled me once, shame on you...
Fooled me twice, shame on me...
Reposted by...
--Larry T./Ass't Sysop
EDITORIAL QUICKIES
"Speak when you are angry and.
.you will make the best speech.
.you will ever regret!!"
.D. Helms
STReport International OnLine Magazine
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STR OnLine! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" March 29, 1996
Since 1987 Copyrightc1996 All Rights Reserved Issue No. 1213
