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Silicon Times Report Issue 1220
Silicon Times Report
The Original Independent OnLine Magazine"
(Since 1987)
May 17, 1996 No. 1220
Silicon Times Report International OnLine Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155
STR Electronic Publishing Inc.
A subsidiary of
STR Worldwide CompNews Inc.
R.F. Mariano, Editor
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05/17/96 STR 1220 The Original Independent OnLine Magazine!
- CPU Industry Report - WS_FTP32 Viewed - Linux News
- The Kids Corner - Apple CUTS Lines - Apple Chips BAD
- ISDN Referrals - Brewer to Broker - Pet Peeves
- Nintendo 64 RSN - People Talking - NBA JAM Review
Prodigy SOLD!
Big "Doin's" at CIS!
Seagate Settles With IRS
STReport International OnLine Magazine
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Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
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STReport, with its policy of not accepting any input relative to content from
paid advertisers, has over the years developed the reputation of "saying it
like it really is". When it comes to our editorials, product evaluations,
reviews and over-views, we shall always keep our readers interests first and
foremost. With the user in mind, STReport further pledges to maintain the
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their products appeared. In closing, we shall arduously endeavor to meet and
further develop the high standards of straight forwardness our readers have
come to expect in each and every issue.
The Publisher, Staff &
Editors
Florida Lotto - LottoMan v1.35
Results: 5/11/96: 2 of 6 numbers with 0 matches
From the Editor's Desk...
Every so often, a program comes along that we find ourselves using with
such regularity that it becomes "second nature" in doing so. With the advent
of the Internet looming large as more a necessity than a luxury, this program
virtually became a "must have". The name of the program is WS_FTP32 by John
Junod.
For almost as long as I can remember, I've been using (with great
success) WinSock FTP 32 each and every week. In that time, I never paid much
attention to the nurtured growth of the program. That is.. until this past
week. It has been so closely supported that checking for updates became a
routine matter. So much so that doing so was actually a "habitual thing".
The program is about to "grow-up" ..so to speak. John Junod
<junodj@csra.net> should be an inspiration to the young budding programmers
out there. Especially when it comes to "how to do it to it" the right way.
WS_FTP32 has really come a long way from its very humble but classy and
efficient beginnings.
The latest version, and LE version of a soon to appear PRO version is
simply put.. elegant. Its available at a number of sites on the WEB
including the main site; <http://www.ipswitch.com> . Folks, this program is
the ultimate in FTP wares. In fact, the support and update efforts by Junod
should be observed by all programmers and perhaps, an industry standard set
to parallel Junod's examples. John has a firm grip on the meaning of
consumer support and responsiveness to their suggestions and needs. It is a
certainty that, in the future, his standards will assure him success in his
software development endeavors. STReport highly recommends the WS_FTP
ensemble.. its available in 16 and 32 bit versions.
On another front.. Changes at Compuserve. Some real shakeups or, should
I say "shakeouts" going on there. How long will Denny stick around now that
Dick is gone. This reporter fully expects to see COMPUSERVE COMPLETELY WEB
ORIENTED AND BROWSER DRIVEN within a year or less.
This reporter's opinionated observation is ..simply put; "A * Secret
Code Named Project * is seen as the "Battle of the Bulge" for CIS! Its now
or never ..if they are to be a first rate contender in the online marketplace
at all. Especially as "the hoped for" ..Super Internet Service Provider."
Secondly, about that "thing" called "WOW" .all that can be said about it, in
this reporter's humble opinion, is; NEXT! Compuserve simply must get with
the nineties and forget the old, worn out seventies/eighties concepts they've
seemingly been pursuing.
STReport has been asked by a number of users concerning the strange
disappearances of user posted info about the "do it yourself" modifications
of WOW software which involves swapping Internet Explorer and Netscape. We
had no answers for them at this time. STReport was unable to locate any such
message traffic that the users reported as having posted. Were the messages,
in fact, lost or perhaps deliberately removed? Compuserve's impeccable
reputation of "no censorship" is at stake here. Is WOW pursuing a different
philosophy? (Stay tuned, STR Confidential's "Super Snoop" is on the job.)
Compuserve is definitely going through some "changes". Its fairly
obvious more are needed. Will the "NEW, Secret Code-Named Project"
succeed?? Will the half-hearted ISDN implementation ever get off the ground?
Will Compuserve ever be "The Giant" it once was? Or, will it soon go the
route a few other, well known, services have gone. Sold and Re-organized?
Time will tell. Its certain "the suits" at the top are getting the much
needed wake-up calls.
Ralph.
Of Special Note:
http//www.streport.com
STReport is now ready to offer much more in the way of serving the Networks,
Online Services and Internet's vast, fast growing site list and userbase. We
now have our very own WEB/NewsGroup/FTP Site and although its in its early
stages of construction, do stop by and have a look see. Since We've received
numerous requests to receive STReport from a wide variety of Internet
addressees, we were compelled to put together an Internet
distribution/mailing list for those who wished to receive STReport on a
regular basis, the file is ZIPPED, then UUENCODED. Unfortunately, we've also
received a number of opinions that the UUENCODING was a real pain to deal
with. So, as of October 01,1995, you'll be able to download STReport
directly from our very own SERVER & WEB Site. While there, be sure to join
our STR list.
STReport's managing editors DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
Ralph F. Mariano, Publisher - Editor
Dana P. Jacobson, Editor, Current Affairs
Section Editors
PC Section Mac Section Atari
Section
R.F. Mariano J. Deegan D. P.
Jacobson
Portable Computers & Entertainment Kid's Computing Corner
Marty Mankins Frank Sereno
STReport Staff Editors
Michael Arthur John Deegan Brad Martin
John Szczepanik Paul Guillot Joseph Mirando
Doyle Helms John Duckworth Jeff Coe
Steve Keipe Guillaume Brasseur Melanie Bell
Jay Levy Jeff Kovach Marty Mankins
Carl Prehn Paul Charchian Vincent P. O'Hara
Contributing Correspondents
Dominick J. Fontana Norman Boucher Daniel Stidham
David H. Mann Angelo Marasco Donna Lines
Ed Westhusing Glenwood Drake Vernon W.Smith
Bruno Puglia Paul Haris Kevin Miller
Craig Harris Allen Chang Tim Holt
Patrick Hudlow Leonard Worzala Tom Sherwin
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STReport Headline News
LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson
IBM, Sears Sell Prodigy Service
As predicted, the Prodigy online service has been sold by founders IBM and
Sears, Roebuck and Co. The firms announced the sale Sunday of the company to
White Plains, New York-based International Wireless Inc., and a group of
Prodigy executives. The sale price was not disclosed, but United Press
International quotes sources as indicating it could have been as low as $200
million.
The sale was announced late yesterday by Greg Carr and Terry Dillon, co-
chairmen of International Wireless, and Prodigy President/CEO Edward
Bennett, who said the agreement calls for International Wireless to acquire
the entire Prodigy service. Federal approval of the sale, which was led by
Prodigy management, is expected next month.
"If the $200 million figure is correct," says UPI, "the sale price is far
less than the $500 million Sears was believed to have sought for the sale of
its half of Prodigy last year. Sears, IBM and original partner CBS Inc. had
invested more than $1 billion in Prodigy since 1984." Bennett, a former
Viacom Inc. cable-TV executive, was installed last year by Sears and IBM
after the service fell to third place in membership behind America Online
Inc. and CompuServe Inc. As reported earlier, Bennett was said to have
initiated the buyout plan after buyers failed to materialize.
UPI says International Wireless is a global communications company with
interests in cellular telephone properties, online services and Internet
content development. Also participating as a financial partner in the dealwas
Grupo Carso, a Mexican telecommunications corporation that includes TelMex,
the country's main telephone utility, among its holdings.
The agreement calls for Bennett to continue as Prodigy president/CEO of
Prodigy and to become a member of the International Wireless board. He led
the team of Prodigy senior executives in acquiring the service through the
investor-funded management buyout.
Sandy Trevor , Richard Brown Leave CompuServe
One of the online community's best-known innovators -- Alexander B. "Sandy"
Trevor - has, two weeks ago, left CompuServe, where he has been a vice
president for more than two decades. In a statement from the company's
Columbus, Ohio, headquarters, CompuServe says Trevor resigned last Friday in
order to join a family business. Trevor had been with CompuServe since
1971. He was appointed vice president in 1974, and was elected to the board
of directors in 1985.
He is best known to the Net world as the inventor of multi-user real-time
computer conferencing, originally known as CompuServe CB. "Sandy has been a
valuable asset to CompuServe," CompuServe President/CEO
Bob Massey said in the statement. "He helped us build our business from the
ground up. We wish him well in his future endeavors."
Richard Brown, known as an aggressive go-getter, was the driving force behind
the wobbly 40 million dollar WOW network CIS recently introduced. Many
industry observers offered the opinion that competing with "one's self" in
the Online business was a bit "far fetched". Its also been said the software
was pretty but the content was far too lean. Now, with this recent exodus
of a number of old-time "pinstripes" from Compuserve, there is a good chance
that the NEW, "Secret Code-Named Project" at CIS will stand a good chance to
succeed.
Apple Notes Chip Defects
Officials with Apple Computer Inc. say defective chips are freezing up some
of its most popular models, and the company has set up a program to provide
free repairs. Reporting from Apple's Cupertino, California, headquarters,
The Associated Press says the defects occurred only in a limited number of
computers, and problems will be fixed only as they appear.
"Owners of PowerBooks, Power Macs and Performas should not send healthy
computers in for a repair," AP says. "The notice to Apple's 8,000
distributors went out Wednesday." Apple spokeswoman Nancy Morrison told the
wire service the defects in the Performa and Power Mac desktops will be
repaired through dealers. In some models, color hues may change and the
system can freeze.
AP says the problem arises from defective memory and clock chips and that
Apple will fix the defects for free at any time over the next seven years.
Morrison told the wire service her employer hasn't yet determined if the
defective chips were installed only in certain factories or in certain lots,
and therefore the company can't estimate how many devices might be affected.
"In the PowerBook 5300 and 190 laptop models, the company has found cracks in
the housing around the hinge in some models," AP says, "and in others, the
AC jack may become loose or cease to work." Morrison commented, "On the
PowerBook side, we feel we can do a better fix if we have the customers send
the computer back to a central repair depot."
She added the PowerBook logic boards will also be upgraded, but emphasized it
will not include all of the approximately 1 million PowerBooks and Performas.
AP says the memo instructs dealers to take machines to Apple service
providers for repairs or to call 1-800-SOS-APPL. Owners of the machines who
think they have problems also should call the toll-free number.
Amelio to Cut Apple Product Line
Apple Computer Inc.'s new CEO says the struggling computer maker will cut
costs by reducing its existing product lines by half, while at the same time
racing into new markets. At yesterday's meeting of software developers in
San Jose, California, Apple chief Gilbert F. Amelio said the firm will focus
on the Internet
by:
1. Making current products like the Newton hand-held computer and the
Pippin CD-ROM player Net-compatible.
2. Creating new Internet products, such as a relatively low-cost
"information appliance" that provides Internet access and other features.
The Wall Street Journal this morning quotes Dr. Amelio, who joined Apple
three months ago, as saying the reducing the number of current Macintosh
models by 50 percent could cut Apple's costs and, says Journal reporter Jim
Carlton, "give it a chance to find new profit sources that aren't already
dominated by so-called Wintel competitors using Microsoft Corp.'s Windows
software and Intel Corp.'s microprocessors." Speaking to some 4,000
developers for Apple's Macintosh computer, Amelio, who has a doctorate in
physics, commented, "We are taking the necessary steps to permanently
strengthen our cash position and financial health. I think a year from now,
people will look back at this period and wonder what all the fuss was about."
Carlton writes Amelio already has cited innovation as crucial to his plan
because he eventually wants to restore Apple's ability to command premium
prices for premium products, "but," says the paper, "many industry observers
don't believe Apple has enough time." Noting Apple reported a $740 million
loss, or $5.99 a share, for its fiscal second quarter ended March 29, and
its operating losses are expected to continue for several more quarters,
Carlton commented,
"The new initiatives may be unable to produce significant revenues and
profits for years. What's more, there are signs that demand for Apple's core
product, the Macintosh, may be fading. While the personal-computer industry's
U.S. unit sales jumped nearly 15 percent in the first quarter, Apple's
dropped 22 percent." Furthering the difficulty, Apple's next major
technological advance - the Copland operating system -- has been delayed
until next year and, writes Carlton, "doesn't appear to have many features to
differentiate itself from Microsoft's products."
Still, some analysts and developers told the Journal that Amelio appears more
keenly attuned to Apple's problems and the steps needed to solve them than
his predecessors, John Sculley and Michael Spindler, each of whom was after
Apple slipped badly. "If anybody can do this, I think he is on the right
track," said Fred DeLisio, principal scientist at Digital Sapients Inc., a
developer in Pacifica, Calif.
And analyst/consultant Tim Bajarin told the paper, "Before today, I gave
Apple a 50-50 chance of surviving (as an independent company). "Now, I give
them a 60-40 chance. He set in motion vision and direction. Now, we have to
see the implementation." Amelio outlined other steps he believes can take
Apple beyond the battle of the desktop PC and into new markets, including:
1. A push into the so-called information appliance market of devices that
can peruse the Internet's World Wide Web but cost less than $1,000. (Apple is
designing its hand-held Newton computer to have wireless access to the
Internet.)
2. A Web-browsing version of the Pippin game-and-music player it recently
licensed to Japan's Bandai Corp. Amelio said there is great potential for
untapped growth, because far less than 10 percent of the world'spopulation
has computer access.
Judges Hear Net Case Arguments
The three-judge panel that will rule on the constitutionality of the new
Communications Decency Act that seeks to ban obscene speech on the Internet
now have heard final arguments in the case. "This is a criminal statute
that carries the penalty of fines and imprisonment and a criminal record,"
said plaintiff attorney Christopher Hansen of the American Civil Liberties
Union. "It is aimed at speech which all parties agree is constitutionally
protected speech, at least for adults."
As reported, the ACLU is among more than 20 plaintiffs asking the judges to
declare the three- month-old act unconstitutional. They claim the law fails
to define "indecent" and is vague, overly broad and impossible to comply
with. United Press International notes proponents of the act said the
decency standards are necessary to protect children from viewing sexually
explicit material.
In court yesterday, Anthony Coppolino, lead counsel for the Justice
Department, said, "The protection of minors is what the government's
compelling interest is." Hansen countered, "In the guise of protecting
children, we've required that all speech be brought down to level of the
most vulnerable minor."
UPI says Coppolino likened the Net to cable television and said it should be
governed by the same restrictions. Hansen argued, on the other hand, that
because of the ease of access and the fact that all users can contribute,
the Internet bears little resemblance to television or radio. He said the
Internet should have unlimited protection under the First Amendment. "It's
entitled to the highest protection because it empowers the most number of
speakers."
Also Bruce Ennis, a lawyer for another plaintiff, the American Library
Association, said the law would be useless in controlling the estimated 30
to 40 percent of sexually explicit material that originates in
foreigncountries. Said Ennis, "It's a truly global medium that Congress
forgot about. Everything that's posted abroad is instantly available in every
home in America."
Meanwhile, Randall Mikkelsen of the Reuter News Service notes the judges
hearing the challenge grilled government and civil liberties lawyers. "In
questioning that ranged from topics including the novel 'Tropic of Cancer,'
the 'Bianca's Smut Shack' Internet site and arcane computer jargon," says
Mikkelsen, "members of a special three-judge panel wrestled with fundamental
issues such as the nature of the Internet and definitions of indecency."
Reuters observed the judges' "clearly expressed frustration" with language of
the new law. "You're asking us to be the activist judges that some members
of Congress excoriate," complained U.S. Third Circuit Appeals Court Chief
Justice Dolores Sloviter, in questioning Justice Department Attorney Anthony
Coppolino on the definition of what is prohibited communication. "You're
asking us to rewrite the statute, to put words into the statute that aren't
there."
And the ACLU's Hansen found himself being grilled over his position that the
law was unconstitutionally vague, as the judges cited existing rules
prohibiting indecency broadcast programming. "But," says Mikkelsen, "the
judges -- while saying their questioning did not indicate how they might rule
on the case -- saved their heaviest interrogation for the Justice Department
lawyers. Questions focused on how someone communicating over the computer
networks could be sure of avoiding prosecution and the technical feasibility
of complying with the law."
U.S. District Judge Stewart Dalzell commented, "In First Amendment
cases...the chilling effect of prosecution is something we need to
consider." Citing the Justice Department's referral to the FBI of a recent
request by a Christian watchdog group that a portion of CompuServe be
investigated under the act, Dalzell said there was some urgency to the
issue. "We have to do this now," he said. "It (the act) is having effects
now."
The act, which carries a maximum two-year prison sentence and up to $250,000
in fines, was signed into law Feb. 8 and was immediately the subject of
lawsuits. A federal judge in Philadelphia ruled that it can't be enforced
until the legal challenge is resolved. UPI observes that while a ruling is
not expected for several weeks, Judge Sloviter appeared to sympathize with
the plaintiffs when she noted, People are entitled to know what it is they
may be prosecuted for."
FTC Asked to Probe Web Site
The Federal Trade Commission says it will look into an Internet web site that
a complaint from a private group contends is luring children to
advertisements and marketing surveys by posing as educational. At issue is
the Center for Media Education's complaint against the KidsCom web site,
operated by SpectraCom Inc. of Milwaukee. The Associated Press reports
SpectraCom officials insist their web site does not exploit children.
Says AP, "The company does, at one spot on the site, occasionally gather
information from children about their likes and dislikes, using 'standard
marketing techniques' that site developer Jorian Clarke compared to asking
people questions in shopping malls." Clarke told the wire service the
information, without the children's names, is passed on to the company that
paid for the survey, adding the area on the site that asks these questions
is optional, and includes a line encouraging children to get parents'
permission. Most of the site is educational or games, she asserts.
However, the media education center contends the site "was set up by a
marketing firm with the sole purpose of monitoring children's online
behavior, collecting personal data and aggressively promoting products,"
according to president Kathryn Montgomery. Last month the media watchdog
group released a report alleging that several firms, including SpectraCom,
have designed web sites - places on the Internet where companies or
individuals can be reached -- "to capture the loyalty and spending power" of
children.
AP notes the FTC does not regulate ads for children over the Internet, but
its jurisdiction over deceptive market practices does extend to the computer
network. The agency plans a conference next month on the issue of privacy in
cyberspace, with one day devoted to children's issues.
Ziff-Davis Buys Magazine Publishers
For undisclosed terms, the Ziff-Davis Publishing Co. has acquired the Sendai
Publishing Group and Decker Publications from founder and owner Steve Harris.
Based in Lombard, Illinois, Sendai and Decker publish Electronic Gaming
Monthly and six other magazines in the video game and electronic
entertainment category. Sendai also publishes a variety of buyers guides and
theme-specific newsstand annuals, has a leading gaming site on the World
Wide Web and operates a touring game showcase.
Harris will remain with Ziff-Davis after the sale, says a statement issued by
the company. After a transitional period handing over the reins of Sendai
and Decker's print publishing operations to the Ziff-Davis' consumer media
group, he will join the Ziff-Davis interactive media and development group as
vice president of online entertainment.
"Sendai is the nation's pre-eminent publisher serving the $7.6 billion market
for electronic game software and hardware," says Scott Briggs, president of
Ziff-Davis' consumer media group. "It is also one of the fastest- growing
publishing companies of any kind. We are extremely excited about the addition
of the Sendai and Decker magazines to our very successful titles in the Ziff-
Davis Consumer Media Group -- Computer Life, Family PC, and Computer Gaming
World. The Sendai magazines are a wonderful complement to our existing
positions and extend our reach into the vital teen market."
U.S. Challenges China on Piracy
The White House is challenging China over copyright piracy, a move to hit $2
billion of Chinese imports with punitive 100 percent tariffs that analysts
say could spark a retaliatory trade war. In Washington, reporter Donna
Smith of the Reuter News Service quotes U.S. officials as saying dozens of
factories in China are producing millions of counterfeit software compact
discs, music discs and videos, much of which is exported to third countries.
U.S. industries estimate their losses this year to Chinese pirates at about
$2.3 billion.
Reuters says the U.S. Trade Representative's office is set to publish a list
of $3 billion in imports from China that could be hit with punitive duties
to punish Beijing for failing to enforce a 1995 agreement to protect U.S.
copyrights, patents and trademarks from widespread counterfeiting. Says
Smith, "The list -- which is likely to include a wide range of items
including toys, sporting goods, textiles and electronics -- will be cut to $2
billion in goods to be slapped with duties in mid-June."
The wire service adds the 30-day process is intended to give U.S. companies
and other interested parties an opportunity to comment on the list, "but it
also gives U.S. and Chinese negotiators time to try to resolve the dispute."
(U.S. Trade Representative Lee Sands is in Beijing this week to talk with
Chinese officials, but some U.S. trade analysts believe sanctions may be
inevitable.)
Seagate Settles With IRS
Disk drive maker Seagate Technology Inc. has reached a settlement with the
Internal Revenue Service over $43 million in back taxes and $28 million in
interest allegedly owed by its Conner Peripherals Inc. subsidiary. Reporting
from the company's Scotts Valley, California, headquarters, United Press
International says the settlement calls for payment of $5.3 million for back
taxes and $4.3 million in interest.
The wire service quotes Vice President Donald L. Waite as saying, "We are
pleased that this case has been brought to a most successful conclusion."
Seagate bought rival Conner earlier this year for $1 billion. UPI says the
IRS notified Conner in 1994 of the tax payment shortfall for 1989 and 1990 in
a dispute over the allocation of income between Conner and its foreign
manufacturing subsidiaries. Conner filed a petition with the United States
Tax Court in March 1995 contesting the IRS ruling.
UPI says Seagate is on track to sell more than $8 billion of computer
components this year.
HP, Netscape Team on Intranet
Hewlett-Packard Co. has agreed to sell Netscape Communications Corp.'s World
Wide Web server and Internet-browser software as part of the package of
software applications included with HP computer systems. While other
computer makers -- such as Compaq Computer Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. --
have struck similar bundling arrangements, "this one involves cooperation on
a variety of fronts, such as marketing and product development," reporter
Ralph T. King Jr. observes in The Wall Street Journal this morning.
"Netscape's customers, for example, can tap H-P's worldwide service and
support," King writes, "and the alliance catapults H-P into the race to
provide Internet products, something it has done in only a limited way to
date, in contrast to rival Sun." The Journal characterizes it as "part of a
trend to exploit the accessible, universal features of the Internet by
grafting them onto corporate networks."
Says King, "The result, commonly referred to as the Intranet, enables users
to communicate and collaborate with colleagues anywhere in a way that until
recently was possible only with powerful, expensive software, such as
(IBM's) Lotus Notes." The paper adds that a company's Intranet allows its
employees, and eventually its suppliers and customers, to communicate
directly with the company's own databases, often in completely automated
fashion. "Another key aspect of the arrangement," says the Journal, "is that
the companies will provide Intranet capabilities for computers equipped with
either Unix or Microsoft Corp.'s Windows NT operating systems."
This could "complicate Microsoft's belated attempts to take advantage of the
Internet," King comments. Netscape President/CEO James Barksdale told the
paper, "We intend to work together to deliver cross-platform solutions,
products based on open Internet standards and innovative technology focused
on Intranets and collaboration," noting one example is that H-P's and
Netscape's electronic-mail systems will be compatible under their alliance.
National Semi Buys Cirrus Unit
For undisclosed terms, chipmaker National Semiconductor Corp. has agreed to
buy chipmaker Cirrus Logic's PicoPower components business. Reporting from
Santa Clara, California, United Press International notes Cirrus Logic, has
been hit hard this year by declining demand for its advanced design PicoPower
chips, which are used in power management applications and function as a
sort of "traffic cop" between central processing units and memories within
computers.
For Nat Semi, says the wire service, the disclosure is its first step since
last week's move to hire LSI Logic Corp. executive Brian Halla as its CEO to
replace Gilbert Amelio. "Analysts were pleased with Halla's hiring," says
UPI, "as it indicated Nat Semi was starting to move out of commodity chips
and more toward
higher-margin cutting-edge devices."
Officials with the companies say the firms have signed only a memorandum of
understanding and expect to reach a definitive agreement by the end of the
month. Nat Semi and PicoPower have been collaborating since early 1994 with
the first generation devices to be announced shortly, UPI notes.
ISDN Referral Program Launched
Bell Atlantic Corp. has launched a referral program that's designed to
promote the use of Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) technology by
its residential customers on the Internet. Under the program, Internet
service providers (ISPs) and online service providers will receive $15 for
each residential customer they refer to Bell Atlantic who signs up for the
high-speed digital telephone service.
"We believe our new referral program will benefit Internet service providers,
customers and Bell Atlantic," says Curt Koeppen, Bell Atlantic's vice
president for ISDN. "ISPs need to offer higher speed and higher quality data
services to attract and keep customers, consumers want to enjoy the services
they spend time and money on and Bell Atlantic wants to give customers
another reason to use ISDN at home," Koeppen says.
ISDN, recently introduced by Bell Atlantic in the residential market,
improves the speed and quality of cybersurfers' online time. The digital
service integrates voice, data and video signals on a single, high-speed
digital phone line and can support transmissions up to nine times faster than
regular analog phone lines. This allows users to quickly download large data
files or complex graphics. ISDN provides high-speed access to the Internet
as well as access to remote computers and LANs (corporate computer networks).
Participants in the referral program will include current or future ISPs and
online service providers who support dial-up ISDN service for consumers in
at least some part of the Bell Atlantic service area. ISPs may promote Bell
Atlantic's ISDN service to their customers in many ways -- such as
establishing a hyperlink from their World Wide Web site to Bell Atlantic's
home page, sending an e-mail message to their high-volume customers in the
Bell Atlantic service area or sending direct mail advertising to prospective
customers noting how ISDN service can enhance the customer's use of the
ISP's Internet service.
ISDN service currently is available to Bell Atlantic residential customers in
New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.
Bell Atlantic's request to offer ISDN service to consumers in Washington,
D.C. is awaiting approval from the D.C. Public Service Commission.
Unisys Unveils Aquanta PCs
Unisys Corp. is hoping it can make an impact in the PC market with a new line
of custom-built machines. The company's Aquanta systems can be ordered in a
specific configuration, including processor, storage and operating system
options, determined by the customer. The models sport a distinctive "wave"
design. The PC or server is built by one person, helping to boost overall
quality, says Unisys. Once built, a customized operating system is preloaded
into the PC and the system is extensively tested prior to shipping.
"The Aquanta products enable customers to order products specific to their
needs and rely on truly worldwide service and support from Unisys," says
Frank Brandenberg, vice president and general manager of Unisys' PC division.
"We deliver quality at a competitive cost by leveraging unique manufacturing
processes and working with our partners to offer the latest technology as
soon as it is available." "This announcement has more potential than
anything I have heard before from Unisys," says Richard Zwetchkenbaum,
director of brand research for market researcher International Data Corp.
Sony Agrees to Acquire Etak
Sony Corporation of America says it has agreed to acquire Etak Inc., a
leading developer of digital map data for automobile navigation systems.
The deal's terms weren't disclosed. Sony said it expects the acquisition to
become effective following the conclusion of customary government reviews.
Based in Menlo Park, California, Etak is currently a subsidiary of The News
Corporation Ltd. Upon the deal's completion, Etak will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.
"Strategically, this acquisition provides Sony with Etak's tremendous
expertise in digital mapping and navigation software to partner with Sony's
mobile navigation hardware," says Ted Kawai, deputy president of Sony
Corporation of America. "This will solidify Sony's position as a leader in
mobile navigation." "This commitment on Sony's behalf will be a benefit to
both Etak's automotive and non-automotive customers," says George Bremser
Jr., Etak's chairman and CEO.
"Sony is also interested in expanding the range of our software applications
to future platforms for mobile navigation." Etak's licensees include major
mobile electronics manufacturers, including Sony, Robert Bosch, General
Motors, Delco Electronics, Motorola, Clarion and Pioneer.
CompuServe to Rate Internet Content
CompuServe Inc. says it has expanded its commitment to the Platform for
Internet Content Selection (PICS) rating platform and announced that all
CompuServe content on the Internet would be PICS compliant by July 1.
Additionally, CompuServe has announced a corporate sponsorship of the
Recreational Software Advisory Council on the Internet (RSACi) content-
labeling advisory system, a PICS-compliant rating system that will be used
to rate CompuServe's Internet content.
CompuServe says it will encourage its third-party content providers and users
with personal home pages to use the RSACi rating system. RSACi, or RSAC on
the Internet, is the objective content-labeling advisory system for the
Internet created by RSAC, an independent, non-profit organization based in
Cambridge, Massachusetts. Besides rating its own content, CompuServe will
provide its members worldwide with access to RSACi through Microsystems'
CyberPatrol blocking software, already available for free to CompuServe
members (GO PATROL).
CyberPatrol, the first commercially available parental control software to
support the PICS standard, allows consumers to determine the kind of material
they choose to experience on the Internet. "CompuServe today strengthened
our commitment to empowering the user," says Denny Matteucci, president of
CompuServe's Online Services Division.
"It provides our users with the tools to shape the online and Internet
experience to fit their own values. We will ensure that anyone who wants to
use a PICS rating system to rate our content can do so. Further, we are
sponsoring RSAC and will serve on its advisory committee because we support
independent efforts to rate content without imposing censorship and limiting
Internet access."
The RSACi rating system is a fully-automated, paperless system that relies on
a questionnaire that the Webmaster, who owns/operates a specific Web site,
completes at RSAC's home page (http://www.rsac.org). The questionnaire runs
through a series of highly specific questions about the level, nature and
intensity of the sex, nudity, violence or offensive language (vulgar or hate-
motivated) found within the Webmaster's site.
Once completed, the questionnaire is then submitted electronically to the
RSAC Web server, which tabulates the results and produces the HTML advisory
tags that the Web master then places on their Web site/page. A standard
Internet browser or blocking device that has been configured to read the
RSACi system can recognize these tags, allowing parents who use the browser
to either allow or restrict their children's access to any single rating or
combination of ratings.
DRAM Chip Prices Seen Lower
Analysts predict the average price for four-megabit DRAMs (dynamic random
access memories) will be $6 this year and the average price for 16-megabit
DRAMs will be $24, both down from price levels in 1995. Speaking to seminar
in Tokyo, Dataquest senior analyst Jim Handy said today the price declines
reflect an oversupply in the market, but noted DRAM makers still are likely
to secure sufficient profits from the chips in 1996 because DRAM prices are
unlikely to fall below cost.
According to the Reuter News Service, Handy said the estimated manufacturing
cost for four-megabit DRAMs was $3.24. The four-megabit DRAM price could fall
to that cost level if world personal computer shipments in 1996 drop below
45 million units. However, Reuters says, Dataquest expects world PC
shipments in 1996 to rise to 72 million from 1995's 60 million. He added
that recent declines in DRAM prices were caused by fewer orders from PC
makers, but also said if prices fall, that would encourage PC makers to buy
more DRAMs this year.
Disney Buys Software Studio
For undisclosed terms, Walt Disney Co. has acquired Sanctuary Woods' British
Columbia entertainment software studio and game development technology.
Reporting from Burbank, California, United Press International quotes Disney
officials as saying the company will retain most of the 36 employees in
Victoria and expects the operation to produce four to six titles annually.
Vice President Steve Fields of Disney Interactive Edutainment & Multimedia
told the wire service, "This acquisition will help us meet an aggressive
schedule of new software title production. The studio, its talented team of
artists, programmers and designers and its unique software development tools
match Disney's creative vision perfectly."
The studio became available when Sanctuary Woods focused development solely
on its curriculum-based education products produced at its Toronto and San
Mateo, California, studios. Disney noted the technology being acquired is
highly compatible with Disney's CD-ROM products and will be utilized
throughout Disney Interactive business units. The deal is the second to be
announced by Disney since it completed its $19 billion buyout of Capital
Cities/ABC Inc. in February. It announced in mid-April it had acquired visual
effects studio Dream Quest Images for an undisclosed price.
Looney Tunes Headed to CD-ROM
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Virgin Sound and Vision say they
have finalized a multi-year agreement to create children's software
featuring the Looney Tunes characters. Targeting kids under 12, the titles
will be designed to fill a niche for entertainment CD-ROMs for older
children. The companies promise that all of titles will feature TV- quality
animation and character voices for the Looney Tunes gang, including Bugs
Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester & Tweety, Wile E. Coyote, the Tasmanian Devil,
Marvin the Martian and
others.
The first titles are scheduled for release in 1997. Virgin Sound and Vision
and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment say they will collaborate on
creative development and marketing strategy. Virgin Sound and Vision will
assume responsibility for implementation of all marketing, sales and
distribution efforts. "We are delighted to partner with Warner Bros.
Interactive Entertainment on the development of such an important global
property," says Tom Turpin, CEO of Virgin Sound and Vision. "The Looney Tunes
characters have great recognition and appeal among children and adults, and
therefore should be well-received by families everywhere."
"We feel that Virgin Sound and Vision's dedication to the highest-quality
software development and CD-ROM family entertainment is an ideal match with
our own goals for Looney Tunes and for Warner Bros. Interactive
Entertainment," adds Dan Romanelli, president of Warner Bros.' Worldwide
consumer products unit. "We look forward to bringing our characters to the
children's software arena where kids can actively participate with
their families."
Survey Profiles Cybernauts
A new survey of Internet and online service users conducted by A.C. Nielsen
finds that cybernauts tend to be young, male, smart and wealthy.
Specifically, the study notes that Internet and online service users areyoung
males with higher than average household incomes and education who hold
professional occupations.
Driven largely by a high level of disposable income, households with access
to the Internet and online services spend significantly more than their non-
wired counterparts on non-consumer packaged products, including:
ú 25 percent more in music stores.
ú 91 percent more in office supply stores.
ú 22 percent more in hardware/home improvement stores.
ú 21 percent more in automotive stores.
ú 15 percent more in toy stores.
ú 78 percent more in electronic stores.
ú 29 percent more in department stores.
ú 12 percent more in warehouse stores.
ú 36 percent more through mail order.
ú 17 percent more in pet stores.
ú 39 percent more in bookstores.
On the other hand, says Nielsen, there's little difference in expenditures
for consumer packaged goods, particularly groceries, between the two groups.
But the pattern of expenditures among certain categories of dry groceries was
very different, notes the market researcher. For example, Internet households
spend 24 percent more on breakfast foods and 13 percent more on soft drinks.
Surprisingly, wired households spend 10 percent less on coffee than
households that don't surf electronically.
Nielsen mailed its survey to 40,000 U.S. households. Overall, 24,488
households responded -- a response rate of 61.2 percent. Survey respondents
were the primary computer users within each household.
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EDUPAGE STR Focus Keeping the users informed
Edupage
Contents
Web Rating System Unveiled
FBI "Decency" Inquiry Criticized In
CIS Lawsuit
Microsoft & NBC To Market
Personalized News
MicroUnity's "Cray On A Tray"
Zenith To Build A Web-TV
BBC Goes High-Tech
New Anti-Theft Software For Cell
Phones
Does Information Technology Aid
Productivity?
Compaq Picks VideoLogic For 3D
Graphics
Copland Release On Hold
Student Charged With Online Child
Pornography
Apple To Take "Small Steps" For
Mankind
Prodigy Sold For $250 Million
Network Computer Standards Close To
Agreement
Brewer Turns Broker
More Computers = More Pay?
PCs In Europe Cost 34% More
HP, Compaq To Invest In Flat Panel
Start-Up
USTA Outlines Plan For Wiring
Schools
Novices Need Not Apply, Says PSInet
New Chip For High-Speed Analog
Communications
Phone Companies: Untwisted Pair?
More Mac Clones
"Universal" Computer
New Digital Cellular Systems All Set
To Go
Agriculture Network Sows Seeds Of
Success
IBM In Home Banking
Electronic Banking Could Be Big
Business
AOL Teams Up For E-Commerce
CIO Control Freaks Are Counter-
Productive
Internet In Africa
Horus Software Spells Reliability
Attempt To Block Use Of Canadian
Satellites
Hitachi Plans To Shake Up Laptop
Market
Nintendo's Next-Generation Video
Game Machine
WEB RATING SYSTEM UNVEILED
The long-awaited PICS (platform for Internet content selection) system is now
functional, allowing parents to screen and block content they deem
unsuitable for their children. Thirty-nine Internet-related companies plan
to offer their customers software that enables them to filter out pages
according to their own choice of tolerance level for violence, sex, nudity
and language. Web page sponsors can get their sites rated, on a scale of
zero (innocuous) to four ("X-rated"), by filling out an electronic
questionnaire. Parents can set the level at which content will be blocked
and can also block all unrated sites. A password gives parents access to
those areas they've blocked for their children. (Investor's Business Daily
10 May 96 A18)
FBI "DECENCY" INQUIRY CRITICIZED IN CompuServe LAWSUIT
An FBI inquiry into citizens' accusations that CompuServe was violating the
Communications Decency Act has been harshly criticized by one of the three
judges hearing a suit brought by CompuServe and groups such as the American
Library Association and the American Civil Liberties Union. The plaintiffs
are arguing that the law is unconstitutional because it constrains free
speech. The FBI inquiry took place despite the fact that the government had
promised to refrain from investigating complaints about online "decency"
while the lawsuit was being heard. The plaintiffs dismissed as a "semantic
fine quibble" the Bureau's assertion that it had conducted a "review" rather
than an "investigation." The Communications Decency Act is intended to make
it a crime for "indecent" or "patently offensive" sexual material to be made
available to children over computer networks. (New York Times 11 May 96 p8)
MICROSOFT & NBC PLAN TO MARKET THE NEWS
"The future of TV news is personalized -- it's giving users the ability to
draw on a huge source of information that will cater and be customized to
personal interests," says the president of NBC Cable. To achieve this new
vision, NBC is developing a "circle of cross promotion" for MSNBC, the new
venture between Microsoft and NBC. "MSNBC is very much a marketing vehicle.
It's a conscious way to use the brand power of a TV network to drive people
to become online users and the online service to become a regular part of
the way people use television." (Broadcasting & Cable 6 May 96 p43)
MICROUNITY'S "CRAY ON A TRAY"
MicroUnity Systems Engineering has spent the last seven years developing a
microprocessor that uses parallel processing to zip through video, audio and
data streams at speeds a thousand times faster than today's chips. "The PC
architecture is nearing the end of its life cycle," says Chairman John
Moussouris. If all predictions come true, the MicroUnity chip will not only
be super-fast -- it will also be super-cheap, inexpensive enough to be used
in budget-priced cell phones. And as technology changes, the chips will
upgrade easily, simply by loading new software. (Business Week 13 May 96
p78)
ZENITH TO BUILD A WEB-TV
Zenith Electronics is planning a television set that will incorporate a
microprocessor and modem, as well as technology developed by Diba Inc. that
allows viewers to surf the Web via a remote control device. (Wall Street
Journal 10 May 96 B3)
BBC GOES HIGH-TECH
The venerable British Broadcasting Corp. is getting a digital makeover --
with plans to spend more than $300 million on new subscription and
multimedia channels, on-demand news and sports, and an expanded presence on
the World Wide Web. "The BBC is going through a cultural revolution," says
a media analyst at Goldman Sachs. The company hopes that the new offerings
will help it rebuild a steadily dropping viewership, but some analysts say
that scenario is optimistic, given that it's unknown if viewers will be
willing to shell out hundreds of dollars for the set-top boxes required to
receive the new channels. (Wall Street Journal 10 May 96 A5B)
NEW ANTI-THEFT SOFTWARE FOR CELL PHONES
AT&T and Bell Atlantic are installing new anti-theft software in their
cellular service network computers, designed to prevent rampant "cloning" of
cell phones. The authentication software exchanges a series of passwords
between the cell phone and the wireless network exchange before a call is
placed or received. The system is already installed in AT&T's New York and
Florida systems, and Bell Atlantic Nynex Mobile has introduced the technology
in its New York and orthern New Jersey regions. (Wall Street Journal 10 May
96 B3)
DOES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY?
Economics Nobel Prize laureate Robert M. Solow suggests that claims of
increased productivity from information technology are highly exaggerated:
"The hype about productivity has been much greater than the performance.
Maybe we have gotten so good at hype that the information revolution seems
bigger to us than the electric motor seemed when it was invented. But the
electric motor had a big impact on how many shirts you could sew in a day."
(New York Times 12 May 96 Sec4 p1)
COMPAQ PICKS VIDEOLOGIC FOR 3D GRAPHICS
Compaq Computer has selected the U.K. company VideoLogic to supply 3D
graphics circuit boards to give Compaq's Presario line of computers "aracade-
quality" graphics capabilities. (Financial Times 10 May 96 p19)
COPLAND RELEASE ON HOLD
Apple Computer will delay until 1997 delivery of its new Copland operating
system for the Macintosh, to give the company time to improve Copland's
integration with the Internet. "Amelio has expressed his desire to integrate
Internet access much more seamlessly with the base operating system, and
that wasn't the original design goal for Copland," says the editor of an
industry newsletter. In addition, Apple may be considering making Sun
Microsystems' Java part of the mix in the same way that Microsoft is
embedding Java in its Windows 95 software. (Information Week 29 Apr 96 p15)
STUDENT CHARGED WITH ONLINE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
A student at Adelphi University in Long Island, New York, has been charged
with using a university computer to retrieve (from computers in Sweden and
the Netherlands) photos of children engaged in sex acts and to retransmit
the photos to people in the U.S. who requested them. The charge of
promoting the sexual performance of a child is a felony and is subject to
punishment by up to seven years in prison. (New York Times 11 May 96 p16)
APPLE TO TAKE "SMALL STEPS" FOR MANKIND
Declaring that his company is at a crosswords where one path will lead it to
a "decline into irrelevancy" while the other path will return it to its
mission of "changing the world," new Apple CEO Gilbert F. Amelio used his
first public strategy speech to promise a series of "small steps" that he
says will restore the company to its former prosperity. As part of Amelio's
new plan, Apple will focus on "megatrends" (such as the Internet and
multimedia products and services) and will refocus and simplify its product
lines, which will now be reorganized around four product groups: the
Macintosh computer line; the "information appliance" business comprising
products under $1000; printers and modems; and the Advanced Technology
Group devoted to "alternative platforms" such as the CHRP ("common hardware
reference platform") computer that Apple co-designed with IBM. (New York
Times 14 May 96 C1)
PRODIGY SOLD FOR $250 MILLION
IBM and Sears have sold their Prodigy online service for around $250 million
to an investor group, recruited by Prodigy's current management team.
Mexico's Grupo Carso, owner of telephone giant Telefonos de Mexico, is part
of the International Wireless Inc. purchasing group. (Wall Street Journal
13 May 96 B2) Prodigy management will retain their jobs under the sales
agreement, and have voiced plans to concentrate on Internet-related services
and global marketing. "The new Prodigy is going to be the world," says
Prodigy's CEO. (Investor's Business Daily 14 May 96 A8)
NETWORK COMPUTER STANDARDS CLOSE TO AGREEMENT
IBM, Oracle and Sun Microsystems are working up technical specifications for
a class of low-cost Internet appliances that can be used to tap into the
Web. The new specifications will be licensed to any appliance maker who
wants them. The joint effort is seen as a strategy to avoid a scenario
where one company overwhelmingly dominates the market, as is the case with
Microsoft and PC operating systems. The technical standards will make it
easier for software firms to write applications programs, and will allow
manufacturers to use a variety of operating systems or microprocessors, so
long as they work with Sun's Java. (Wall Street Journal 13 May 96 B2)
BREWER TURNS BROKER
Spring Street Brewing Co. soon will be cooking up deals instead of hops, says
company founder Andrew Klein. After an initial foray into online stock
trading a couple of months ago when Klein was granted SEC approval to offer
Spring Street shares for sale via a Web site, Klein now plans to "build the
world's first investment bank and brokerage firm dedicated to arranging the
public offering of securities through the World Wide Web." His new entity,
Wit Capital Corp., will offer businesses "an array of financial advisory
services" and "will act as an agent on the public offering of securities
through the Internet." (BNA Electronic Information Policy & Law Report 12
Apr 96 p15)
MORE COMPUTERS = MORE PAY?
A study by two professors at the Wharton School indicates an inverse
relationship between workers' and managers' use of computers and pay scales.
When managers' use of computers doubled, the workers' salaries increased by
3% annually. Conversely, when employees' computer use doubled, managers'
pay rose by 3.5%. The latter results suggest that when computers are
introduced into a company's operations, managers are freed from some types of
work and are able to take on more complicated duties, which often increases
their salaries. (St. Petersburg Times 13 May 96 p13)
PCs IN EUROPE COST 34% MORE
A new report from IDG Group says that after taxes, PC prices in Europe
average 34% higher than the U.S. for the same machine. Still, sales are
expected to continue to rise, with an anticipated 6.4 million units sold this
year, up from 5.4 million last year. (Investor's Business Daily 14 May 96
A9)
HP, COMPAQ TO INVEST IN FLAT PANEL START-UP
Hewlett-Packard and Compaq Computer are among 27 investors in a Silicon
Valley start-up that plans to manufacture a prototype of a flat-panel
display with full-motion color capabilities. Silicon Video's display
measures 1/4-inch thick and uses cathode-ray tube technology. The company
expects to have the prototype ready within a year. (Wall Street Journal 14
May 96 B
6)
USTA OUTLINES PLAN FOR WIRING SCHOOLS
The United States Telephone Association has proposed a plan to give schools
and libraries free access to the Internet and advanced telecommunications
services, to be paid for through a universal service fund that would collect
revenues generated through interstate telecommunications services. Providers
of the services would pay in an amount based on their interstate retail
revenues, and subscribers would pay a 4% to 5% surcharge on their calls. The
USTA estimates it will cost between $930 million and $1 billion to link all
the facilities over four years. (BNA Daily Report for Executives 8 May 96
A25)
NOVICES NEED NOT APPLY, SAYS PSINET
PSINet will gear its online access service toward experienced users rather
than the mass market, citing the expense of providing customer support to
computer novices. "We're going to no longer serve the low-end consumer,"
says the companies CEO. "We were not making money at that part anyway. If
AT&T gives away training to 80 million customers, we'll take their
graduates. I can make a billion-dollar company on their crumbs." (Investor's
Business Daily 13 May 96 A7)
NEW CHIP FOR HIGH-SPEED ANALOG COMMUNICATIONS
IBM and Hughes are planning to use a new microchip combining silicon and
germanium to develop extremely high-speed analog communications products,
such as a small radar system that could be installed in automobiles to help
prevent collisions. (New York Times 13 May 96 C6)
PHONE COMPANIES: UNTWISTED PAIR?
With the Internet increasingly used to provide such traditional phone
services as faxing and Videoconferencing, the British consulting group
Analysis is urging the phone companies to respond to new competitive
realities by breaking themselves into two parts, with one part managing and
selling network capacity and the other part offering services, including
voice service, news and financial data. (The Economist 11 May 96 p60)
MORE MAC CLONES
Several Taiwanese firms are gearing up to produce Macintosh clones, giving a
boost to Apple efforts to build market share. Umax Group began shipping its
high-end clones this month, with systems based on the 150-MHz and 180-MHz
PowerPC chips, and IBM's recent agreement to license the Mac operating system
will allow it to sublicense MacOS to two Taiwanese system makers. IBM
doesn't plan to build the machines itself, but hopes that bundling the Mac
software with its PowerPC chip will encourage other component makers to
comply with the PowerPC platform, freeing clone makers from exclusive
reliance on Apple for parts. (Information Week 6 May 96 p24)
UNIVERSAL COMPUTER
Saying "this is not a P.C" but rather "an appliance that is dramatically
cheaper and easier to use," Oracle CEO Larry Ellison heralded the "network
computer" (a cheap and simple alternative to personal computers) as "the
first step beyond personal computing, to universal computing." Oracle has
announced technology partnerships with a group of about two dozen companies,
including Mitsubishi, Nokia, Acer, Motorola, Digital, Cirrus Logic and
Corel, that will either manufacture or contribute hardware or software
components to a network computer, designed to receive its applications
software from the network on an as-needed basis. IBM and Sun are expected
to join Oracle and Netscape in an endorsement of standards for the network
computer. (New York Times 16 May 96 C2)
NEW DIGITAL CELLULAR SYSTEMS ALL SET TO GO
Despite lingering questions about the viability of CDMA (code division
multiple access) technology, AirTouch Communications has begun offering its
Powerband commercial digital cellular service in the Los Angeles area.
Meanwhile, Motorola has lined up contracts for CDMA networks in China, Peru
and Zambia, and PCS Primeco, a consortium of communications companies, will
launch a CDMA system later this year. Some critics have accused Qualcomm,
which owns the rights to much of the CDMA technology, of overselling its
capabilities, which were initially touted at 20 times the capacity of
traditional analog systems. AirTouch says actual increases are more like
nine-fold, but that's still an improvement over clogged analog systems.
(Wall Street Journal 15 May 96 B6)
AGRICULTURE NETWORK SOWS SEEDS OF SUCCESS
Forty chemical and agricultural companies are teaming up to develop an
intranet and secure Web site that will allow subscribers to access to
databases on regulatory and industry issues, conduct electronic data
interchange (EDI), and perform electronic funds transfer (EFT) over the
network. The PowerAg Network will also provide full access to the Internet.
Web site will enable agricultural chemical companies to manage inventory more
efficiently, reducing an annual overproduction of $1.5 billion worth of
tightly regulated chemicals. "It's eating the industry alive," says the
president of the consortium sponsoring the effort. (Information Week 6 May
96 p42)
IBM IN HOME BANKING
IBM is working with 10 large financial institutions to form a company to
provide a complete home-banking service. INET, as the venture is
tentatively called, would compete directly with banking services offered by
Microsoft and Intuit. (Wall Street Journal 15 May 96 B6)
ELECTRONIC BANKING COULD BE BIG BUSINESS
A new study by San Francisco-based Killen & Associates predicts electronic
transaction revenue growing to more than $10 billion by the year 2000. The
company suggests that rather than just concentrating on the payment side of
electronic commerce, however, banks and others should help merchants with
order fulfillment and shipment -- markets that are still up for grabs.
(Investor's Business Daily 16 May 96 A8)
AOL TEAMS UP FOR E-COMMERCE
America Online has cut deals to license encryption, digital signature, and
electronic transaction and funds transfer technologies from a variety of
companies, including CyberCash, IBM infoMarket, RSA Data Security, Terisa
Systems and VeriSign. "These new relationships will provide the building
blocks for a secure electronic commerce platform," says AOL's VP of product
marketing. The online service plans to integrate the electronic commerce
technologies into both its online service and its Global Network Navigator
Internet access service. (Investor's Business Daily 16 May 96 A9)
CIO CONTROL FREAKS ARE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE
A Forrester Research report says that businesses that force workers to give
up their favorite software tools in order to conform to a company technology
standard may be shooting themselves in the foot. "Out in the business
trenches, people need to solve problems yesterday. They will grab the tools
that work to get the job done. Flexibility and responsiveness are more
important than a corporate-wide infrastructure policy," says the report's
author. He warns CIOs to go slow in adopting technology standards,
particularly when it comes to the Internet, because "no one knows how the
Internet market is going to shake out." (Investor's Business Daily 15 May
96 A6)
INTERNET IN AFRICA
Speaking by satellite to a conference in Johannesberg, U.S. vice president Al
Gore announced a five-year program to improve Africa's access to the
Internet. Details of the program, estimated to cost about $15 million, are
being finalized. Ollivetti CEO Carlo di Benedetti told the conferene: "The
developing world now has a rare opportunity to make a quantum leap ... to
close the gap between rich and poor, not through traditional
industrialisation, but by joining at the same level in exchange of skills and
know-how." (Financial Times 15 May 96)
HORUS SOFTWARE SPELLS RELIABILITY
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a network reliability system
called Horus, which provides a set of software tools that can be tailored to
specific redundancy needs, such as data encryption or communications failure.
Programmers can choose which properties their system actually needs, and
custom-designed blocks can be developed for special circumstances.
< http://www.cs.cornell.edu/Info/Projects/HORUS/ >. (Scientific American May
96 p64)
ATTEMPT TO BLOCK USE OF CANADIAN SATELLITES
MCI Communications, AT&T and EchoStar Satellite all have filed additional
complaints this week with the FCC about proposals made by rivals Tele-
Communications Inc. and TelQuest Ventures that cite Ottawa's refusal to
allow American companies to beam their programs into the United States as
cause for the FCC to deny the application. (Toronto Financial Post 16 May 96
p3) An ex-FCC official says the American regulator is unlikely to approve
the use of four Canadian satellites by US-based TelQuest Ventures and Tele-
Communications Inc. to beam signals to the American market unless Canada's
market is opened up to U.S. services. (Montreal Gazette 15 May 96 G3)
HITACHI PLANS TO SHAKE UP LAPTOP MARKET
Hitachi Ltd. is launching its new notebook line this week, with machines
built for connectivity (the C series) priced between $2,000 and $4,000, and
multimedia machines (the M series) costing from $2,400 to $5,500. One way
they plan to differentiate themselves is by cutting their product update
cycle to six months: "What we're saying is that every six months we will do
major launches. The market is going to be shocked by that. Everybody has
talked about bringing it down from a year to nine months. But we're bringing
it straight down to six months," says Hitachi PC's CEO. (Investor's
Business Daily 15 May 96 A6)
NINTENDO'S NEXT-GENERATION VIDEO GAME MACHINE
Nintendo's new 64-bit video game player will be available in the U.S. this
fall for about $250, with performance levels substantially higher than those
possible on current personal computers. With industry analysts expressing
skepticism that standalone single-player game players will prove competitive
against multi- player gaming via the Internet, Nintendo of America chief
executive Howard Lincoln responds: "Like everyone else in the Industry we
have an Internet strategy, but we can't say what it will be yet." (New York
Times 16 May 96 C1)
Edupage is written by John Gehl (gehl@educom.edu) & Suzanne Douglas
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HEY! STR Focus
When will THEY ever listen??
By Ralph F. Mariano
How many times have you had to stop everything you were doing during a
program install to tell an install routine to stay the heck out of "Drive
C:"?? Then, to add insult to injury, found that it was "hard coded" into the
installation program or script? Why is it ..these "enlightened programmers"
and their development teams insist upon coding in the drive C directive
instead of offering the installer a choice? Granted, its not as prevalent as
it used to be.. but its still happening.
Better yet. how many times have you had to re-install a program and
found that the install routine did not have a "check for previous install" in
its routine? How nice it would be if it were there. No more repeated
entering that confounded serial number and the very basic information... like
your name and that sort of "noise" all over again. Oh! You mean those
install routines are "canned" and used by almost everyone? Sure they are but
those have the intelligent routines built-in. It the custom in-house stuff
that's the most offensive.
Would you like to see install routines have sub-routines like checking
for a previous install of both the current version and older versions?? Why
older version detection? Updates my friend, updates. Current version
detection? Easy. so the checker routine can, when properly prompted, replace
corrupted or older support files that may have come about as a result of
other crummy install routines that simply go in and clobber. There are
plenty of "crummy" install routines out there. Especially in the quickie
"gimmick" type shareware or freeware programs.
Got some "Pet Peeves" of your own?? Tell us about them and we'll put
`em here for everyone to see and be forewarned. Send your pet peeves to
rmariano@streport.com.
WS_FTP32 STR Infofile
WS_FTP - Version 4.00 - 96.05.13
Windows Sockets FTP Client Application
by John A. Junod
The most popular FTP client in the world is now available in two versions:
WS_FTPT Limited Edition (LE) and WS_FTP Professional (Pro). Both versions
include the superb Windows based file transfer capabilities that made the
original WS_FTP so popular. WS_FTP LE is available free of charge to non-
commercial home users, students and faculty of educational institutions, and
to U.S. federal, state, and local government employees. WS_FTP Pro, which
includes advanced capabilities, printed manual, and support, is available for
commercial users and others who do not qualify for free use of WS_FTP LE.
Commercial users are encourage to download WS_FTP LE for an evaluation. (See
below for Highlights, Description, and Pricing.)
Highlights
ú Advanced session profile support for timeouts, specifying port numbers,
passive file transfers, and firewall usage
ú Support for anonymous logons (read-only access)
ú Support for more than 20 remote file systems
ú Command-line file transfer option
ú Create, change, and remove directories option
ú View, execute, rename, or delete files option
ú Support for ASCII, binary, L8, and auto-detect file transfer modes
ú Options to change layout and operation of WS_FTP, such as showing full
directory information, automatic saving of host configuration, and verifying
file deletions
Advanced Features
ú Drag-and-drop file transfers
ú Auto re-get of failed transfers
ú Multifile transfers from command line
ú Preserve original file date/time from remote host (Windows 95 and NT)
ú Prevent overwrite of same or newer files (Windows 95 and NT)
ú Printed manual and technical support
ú Network utilities (Ping, Traceroute, Finger, Whois, and NSLookup)
ú Available for Intel, PowerPC, and DEC Alpha platforms
Description
Both WS_FTP LE and WS_FTP Pro take full advantage of Windows' point-and-click
capabilities. Designed for non-programmers but sophisticated enough for power
users, the original WS_FTP (now WS_FTP Limited Edition) is widely recognized
as the fastest, most popular FTP product on the market. Its highly intuitive
graphical user interface includes side-by-side directory windows and
simultaneous display of directory lists for both local and remote sites --
making it easy for users to select and transfer files. WS_FTP's flexible
design allows users to have multiple, active FTP sessions open, modify the
size of the directory windows, and execute multifile transfers. To automate
logons, WS_FTP includes an address book that lets users save site profile
settings for customized FTP sessions.
Advanced Features
WS_FTP Professional includes a number of advanced features that power users
and novices alike will find useful. The ability to initiate file transfers
using the convenient drag-and-drop capabilities of WS_FTP Pro will simplify
and speed up file transfer tasks. Command line support for multiple file
transfers allows users to automate and further streamline their file
maintenance operations. The optional auto re-get of failed transfers feature
saves even more time by automatically resuming interrupted transfers upon
reconnect. Windows 95 and NT versions also include attractive file
maintenance options that enable users to prevent overwriting of same or newer
files and to preserve the original file date and time on transfers from a
remote host system. In addition, WS_FTP Pro comes with a comprehensive
printed manual, technical support, and discounts on future upgrades. It also
includes a special bonus package of network utilities (Ping, Traceroute,
Finger, Whois, and NSLookup) that are very helpful when troubleshooting
network problems. WS_FTP Professional is available for Intel, Motorola
PowerPC, and DEC Alpha platforms.
This application is a standard File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client
application for Windows Sockets. The user interface for this FTP client is
designed with the novice FTP user in mind. Usage should be obvious. For
more information on FTP please refer to the many different NETNEWS groups or
one of the recent books on the Internet. WS_FTP32 is the 32 bit version of
WS_FTP for Windows NT, Windows 95 and Windows 3.x with Win32s.
You can not run WS_FTP32 or WS_FTP95 with 16 bit Trumpet stack on
Windows 95!!! WS_FTP32 and WS_FTP95 require a 32 bit network stack on a 32
bit operating system! (hint: get the 32 bit version of Trumpet if you want
to run Trumpet)
There are multiple versions of WS_FTP. These are included in the ZIP file
with an INSTALL program.
WS_FTP.exe (FTPPRO.exe) is designed to operate in a 16 bit environment but
will work in any Windows environment.
WS_FTP32.exe (FTP32PRO.exe) is designed to operate in a 32 bit environment as
provided in Windows 3.x with Win32s, Windows 95, Windows NT and OS/2.
WS_FTP95.exe (FTP95PRO.exe) is designed to operate in 32 bit multi-threaded
environment as provided by Windows 95 and Windows NT. Usage under Win32s is
not blocked but some features like remote edit may not work properly.
For information about the free WS_FTP Limited Edition distribution program
please visit www.ipswitch.com or send email to info@ipswitch.com or call
(617) 676-5700.
For information about distributing WS_FTP Professional please contact
Ipswitch at info@ipswitch.com or call (617) 676-5700.
For information about WS_FTP Professional, see the WS_FTP Limited Edition
About box, or visit www.ipswitch.com.
WHAT'S NEW
96.05.13
(4 window version)
all versions (16 and 32, le and pro)
ú - multiple file rename
ú - improved error messages, prompts
ú - command line argument changes!!!! (see end of file)
ú - right mouse popup menu changes (unique menus in listboxes)
ú - added chmod to remote listbox popup menus
ú - added move to listbox popup menus
ú - help file updated
ú - ws_ftp pro, ws_ftp32 pro
ú - implemented drag and drop between windows
ú - implemented auto reget of aborted transfers on reconnection
ú - multi-file command line arguments
ú - new pro options dialog
(2 window version)
ws_ftp95 le and pro
ú - eliminated rmdir buttons, fixed button spacing
ú - internal changes in window handling
ú - corrected keyboard interaction in listboxes
ú - improved external app TO ws_ftp drag and drop processing
ú - correction of remote to localname conversion on prompted transfer
ú - added auto link processing (UNIX hosts only!)
ú - saves sort options
ú - correction of file view applications to use registry
ú - multiple file view capability (mulitple file names)
ú - command line argument changes!!!! (see end of file)
ú - right mouse popup menu changes (unique menus in listboxes)
ú - added edit option to remote listbox popup menu
ú - added chmod to remote listbox popup menus
ú - added move to listbox popup menus
ú - help file updated
ws_ftp95 pro
ú - implemented drag and drop between windows + drag move
ú - implemented auto reget of aborted transfers on reconnection
ú - multi-file command line arguments
ú - new pro options dialog
ú - retain file times on remote to local transfers for popular host types
ú - overwrite prompt processing for newer or same files
ú - directory transfer updates (don't xfer same or older files)
Ipswitch Products
IMailT Server for Windows NT Family of Internet Servers
IMail Server for Windows NT - SMTP/POP3 mail server
Ipswitch NewsT - Internet news server (planned)
Domain Name Service - Domain Name System server (planned)
Full-Featured Client Solutions
CyberSuiteT - Internet applications suite for Windows
Acadia/VxDT - TCP/IP client/server networking for Windows
Piper/IPT - TCP/IP connectivity for DOS and Windows
Vantage/IPT- TCP/IP connectivity for OS/2
Standalone Windows Client Applications
IMail Client for Windows - SMTP/POP3 mail client
Ipswitch News - Internet news reader
IMosaicT - Enhanced MosaicT Web browser
WS_FTPT - File transfer client for Windows
VT320W - Telnet terminal emulator
TN3270 - Terminal emulator for mainframe access
Network Applications
WhatsUpT (formerly IWatch) - Network monitoring tool for Windows
Network Utilities
IPingT - Network connectivity diagnostic
Development Tools
Ipswitch Developer's Kit - Custom application tool for Acadia/VxD and
Piper/IP
About Ipswitch
Ipswitch, Inc. develops and markets internetworking software solutions for
the Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows NT, DOS, OS/2, VINES, and NetWare
environments. The Ipswitch product family includes TCP/IP transports, as well
as client and server applications for PC-based systems. Through technical
innovation, adherence to standards, and a commitment to excellence, Ipswitch
products provide solid solutions that improve day-to-day business
productivity.
Ipswitch, Inc.
81 Hartwell Avenue
Lexington, MA 02173
Phone: (617) 676-5700 ... Fax: (617) 676-5710
E-mail: info@ipswitch.com ...Web: http://www.ipswitch.com
Copyright c 1991-1996 by Ipswitch, Inc. All rights reserved. Acadia/VxD, the
Acadia/VxD logo, CyberSuite, the CyberSuite logo, the CyberSuite Desktop,
IMail, the IMail logos, IMosaic, the IMosaic logo, IPing, the IPing logo,
Piper/IP, the Piper/IP logo, Vantage/IP, the Vantage/IP logo, WhatsUp, the
WhatsUp logo, WS_FTP, the WS_FTP logos, Ipswitch News, Ipswitch, and the
Ipswitch logo are trademarks of Ipswitch, Inc. Mosaic is a trademark of the
University of Illinois. Other products or company names are or may be
trademarks or registered trademarks and are the property of their respective
companies. Information on this page is subject to change without notice.
Linux NewsLines STR Focus
Most popular and complete office suite
for
UNIX to be available for Linux.
Westboro, MA, - Applix Inc. (NASDAQ: APLX) and Red Hat Software, Inc.
announced today the availability of Applix's Applixware(TM) suite of office
automation products for the Red Hat(TM) Linux operating system. Under the
terms of an agreement between Red Hat Software and Applix, Red Hat Software
will bundle Applixware version 4.2 with the commercially available 3.0.3 of
Red Hat Linux. Also under the terms of the this agreement Red Hat Software
will distribute and support the combined products.
"We recognized a need in the Linux marketplace for high-performance office
automation tools" said Tony Giannelli, vice-president of business
development and marketing Applix Inc. "After and extensive review, we chose
Red Hat Software because we felt that Red Hat provides the most complete
platform for running applixware on Linux."
Applixware is the most popular and complete office automation suite for
UNIX(r) systems. Applixware for Red Hat Linux features graphical fully
integrated:
ú spreadsheet,
ú word processing,
ú graphics,
ú presentation,
ú electronic mail, and
ú HTML authoring software.
ú Applixware can be used to build integrated solutions on UNIX and now
Linux systems. The advanced Applix Builder rapid application development
environment is also included in the agreement.
Linux is a co-operatively developed POSIX-oriented, multi-user, multi-tasking
operating system in use worldwide in research and developer organizations.
It can be used as a low-cost, fully functional UNIX workstation for Internet
server and other applications. The Red Hat Linux operating system is
maintained as "freely distributable" software available from many sites on
the Internet.
"The opportunity for software developers to develop and run Applixware
applications on low-cost PC workstations will make Applixware more readily
accessible to a much broader audience." said Bob Young, president of Red
Hat Software, Inc. "Partnering with Applix ensures our customers are getting
the absolute best office automation suite possible for Linux. Red Hat
Software is committed to bringing serious development tools to the Linux
operating system and Applixware for Red Hat Linux is one of the most
important of these to date."
Applixware for Red Hat Linux will be available directly from Red Hat Software
and reputable Linux resellers, early this summer. The suggested retail
price is $495.00 per user.
About Applix Inc.:
Applix, Inc. based in Westboro MA provides solutions for the Real Time
Enterprise - those organizations that seek and gain competitive advantage by
converting raw data into effective action in the shortest possible time.
Applix develops, markets and supports Applixware and Applix Enterprise
software. Applixware for Real Time Desk is an open suite of integrated
personal desktop tools that enable individual users with time-critical and
historical data needs to access, analyze, display an communicate information
from a universal desktop across heterogeneous client/server environments,
including the Web. Applix Enterprise is an integrated suite of support
automation applications for handling the dynamic data needs of customer
interaction environments.
About Red Hat Software, Inc.:
Red Hat Software, Inc. based in Westport, CT builds and maintains the Red Hat
Linux distribution of the Linux operating system. Working in cooperation
with a huge development team of research, academic, and commercial software
developer volunteers, over the Internet, Red Hat's goal is the build the
easiest and simplest to administer advanced operating system. Red Hat also
publishes and distributes commercial applications for Linux of which
Applixware is one of the most significant.
(all trademarks, registered trademarks, and service marks, are property of
their respective owners)
Contacts:
Mark Prahl Lisa Sullivan
Applix, Inc. Red Hat Software, Inc.
(508) 870-0300 (203) 454-5500
mprahl@applix.com sulli@redhat.com
Red Hat Software, Inc. Makers of "The Red Hat Linux Distribution"
Home of the "ACC Linux Catalog"
(800) 454-5502 or (203) 454-5500 fax: (203) 454-2582
bob@redhat.com or http://www.redhat.com
Using Caldera Components and Applications
on
Non-Caldera Linux Systems
The Caldera Network Desktop is a complete operating system based on Linux.
It includes a complete Linux "distribution" and many other components which
are not included in other Linux distributions, such as a NetWare client, a
desktop metaphor, a font server, commercial X server, commercial backup
software, and a fully licensed copy of Netscape Navigator 2.0. In all, over
$2,500 worth of commercial tools is included with the 1.0 release of the
Caldera Network Desktop.
In addition, Caldera provides native Linux applications such as the NExS
spreadsheet and WordPerfect 6.0 for the X Window System. Caldera has
announced its intent to provide many other applications and systems on the
Caldera Network Desktop, including Wabi from SunSoft to run MS Windows 3.1
applications.
Many users within in the Linux community have been using Linux from various
distributions for years and prefer not to reinstall Linux with a Caldera
Network Desktop system. The question then arises, "Can I use part of the
Caldera Network Desktop on my existing Linux system without actually
installing the Caldera Network Desktop?" Or more recently, "Can I run the
Linux applications that Caldera sells (like WordPerfect or Wabi) on other
Linux systems that Caldera has not provided?"
To answer that question, a little background on Caldera is helpful to know.
Caldera, Inc. is a systems software company providing a complete OS solution
to organizations worldwide. This solution is based on Linux technology, and
Caldera contributes to that technology and supports the Linux development
model. Caldera is extremely appreciative of the efforts of the thousands of
contributors to Linux and its associated tools.
Other companies have sought to create a viable business by packaging and
adding value to Linux in accordance with the GNU General Public License
under which Linux is distributed. Caldera and these other companies, while
supporting Linux as the basis for their continued success, have a profit
motive which demands that they create products that provide solutions to
their customers.
Caldera, Inc. is very pleased that the response to our efforts has been so
favorable, and that we are able to offer so many diverse technologies as
part of the Caldera Network Desktop and as add-ons to it. Caldera's purpose
in developing and providing these technologies is to create a viable
business that customers can count on over time.
By providing this long-term viability, a worldwide product channel, and a
stable porting platform with regular software upgrades, Caldera is able to
encourage others, both users and developers, to consider Linux as a viable
technology, where often they did not previously consider it at all. In
particular, the strengths of Caldera's long-term business plan were
instrumental in developing some partnerships that require bundling of the
Caldera Network Desktop with components or applications.
For example, Caldera is an OEM partner for WordPerfect for Linux, allowing us
to offer WordPerfect at a fraction of the cost of other WordPerfect for UNIX
systems. But Caldera's contract stipulates that WordPerfect must be sold as
a bundle with our OS. Other companies who are reseller partners rather than
OEM partners may have more flexibility in what they are legally entitled to
do. A company's reputation is at stake when they provide a product on any
platform. Most have been understandably nervous about the volatility of the
Linux kernel; Caldera is able to ease those fears, but without these
restrictions, some products still might not be available on Linux. This
said, many dedicated Linux enthusiasts will find that they can with relative
ease add components of the Caldera Network Desktop to other Linux
distributions, or operate Linux applications sold for the Caldera Network
Desktop on other Linux systems. That is fine.
However, no one would buy the SCO UNIX version of WordPerfect to run on Linux
and demand support for it from WordPerfect. Caldera sells products for the
Caldera Network Desktop, in order to be able to provide more and better
products in the years to come by supporting a single, stable architecture and
enticing new developers to that platform. In cases where Caldera has no
choice because of contract obligations, we will restrict sales of products to
only those running licensed copies of the Caldera Network Desktop. In other
cases (such as Wabi), we will provide what support we can, such as listing
known bugs on other distributions, or assisting with FAQ lists for other
distributions as our resources allow. Other than these passive types of
support, technical support for packages installed on non-CND systems will
not be provided.
In conclusion, Caldera strongly recommends that those wishing to use the
technologies that Caldera has developed or licensed for Linux do so on the
Caldera Network Desktop.
Please address comments to info@caldera.com.
Ransom Love
Vice President, Marketing and Sales
Caldera, Inc.
Caldera, Inc.
633 South 550 East
Provo, Utah 84606
Kids Computing Corner
Frank Sereno, Editor
The Kids' Computing Corner
Computer news and software reviews
from a parent's point of view
In the News
7th Level Launches Kids' World
7th Level is creating a new, interactive website for children. Located at
http://www.kidsworld.com, the site will feature cartoon animation and
educational content. Kids' World will feature Lil' Howie, Virgil Reality and
other favorites from 7th Level's stock of animated characters. The site will
be in beta format until a formal launching in November.
The site will feature fun games, puzzles, riddles, experiments and activities
for kids ages six and up. They can even send electronic greeting cards to
friends or chat with other kids online. To get the full benefits of the
site, your browser must support the TopGun plugin created by 7th Level. The
company feels the use of this technology will allow them to create an
educational cartoon network that has the feel of interactive TV.
Sierra and America Online Announce The Realm
Due to be released this summer, Sierra On-Line and America Online are working
jointly to develop a new, open-ended online adventure environment. The Realm
will allow thousands of players to interact simultaneously in a medieval
fantasy setting featuring rich graphics, personalized graphics and
interplayer communication. The final version of the game will only be
available to AOL subscribers, the beta version is in beta testing on the
Internet at http://www.realmserver.com.
Morgan Interactive, Inc. Announces New Financing
Morgan Interactive, Inc., a San Francisco based multimedia company, has
closed a second round of equity financing with Itochu Techno-Science
Corporation and Pacific Mandarin Assets, Ltd. The money will allow Morgan
Interactive to expand into the Internet and other media ventures, including
television and film. The company also hopes to create new characters for
development in computer and other media.
At E3, Morgan Interactive will debut several new products including two new
CD-ROM titles featuring their trademark character, Morgan. The titles will
be Morgan's Adventures in Colonial America and Morgan's Adventures in Ancient
Greece. In addition, the company has entered into a publishing agreement
with HarperCollins Publishing to produce four books based on Morgan and his
friends. HarperCollins will co-publish the new CD-ROM titles.
Nordic Software Introduces Turbo Math FactsT 3.0
Turbo Math FactsT 3.0 has just been released for both Windows and Macintosh
computers. For children ages five to twelve, the program teaches basic math
skills. It also features an interactive race against Turbo Tom that will
lure them back time and again for more learning fun. By correctly answering
math questions, players gain points toward better cars that increases their
chances for victory. Pit Stop tutorials allow the program to personally
tutor each child.
The program is available on CD-ROM at a retail price of $59.95. It is
available from many resellers including Educational Resources, National
School Products and Fas-Track Computers. It can also be ordered directly
from Nordic Software by calling 402-488-5086 or faxing 402-488-2914.
New Report Documents Children's Access to Computers
A new report, America's Children & The Information Superhighway: An Update,
is now available that details the widespread changes that technology is
bringing to American education and documents the wide gap in computer access
that exists between families of varying income levels. The report proposes
solutions to level the gap through better access through schools and public
libraries. It also contains important suggestions for giving your child an
excellent education.
The report is authored by Wendy Lazarus and Laurie Lipper, co-directors of
The Children's Partnership, a national non-profit, nonpartisan research and
action organization. The Children's Partnership receives funding from The
Carnegie Corporation, The David and Lucille Packard Foundation, the AT&T
Foundation and many more. The report can be obtained by calling The
Children's Partnership at 310-260-1220, via e-mail to CPReport@koco.com or on
the World Wide Web at http://www.koko.com/CP/report.
Pacific Interactive Debuts New Science CD-ROM
Pacific Interactive has just released the first title under its own label.
Starring Bill Nye the Science Guy, the program is based on the same
principles of fun and learning that embody his Disney television show.
Officially titled Bill Nye the Science Guy: Stop the Rock!, the program
combines an intriguing story line, the time pressures of an adventure game
and the educational benefits of an earth science class. The intent of the
program is to inspire children to explore science and develop their
inquisitive natures.
L3 Interactive Announces The Atomic Files
L3 Interactive will soon be releasing a new CD-ROM chronicling the birth of
the Nuclear Age and its impact on the world. The Atomic Files will feature
the award-winning three-dimensional Learning Cube interface with an added
twist. A new feature will allow users to browse a Web directory and then
link directly to those sites with their favorite Web browser. But if you
don't have a browser or an account, The Atomic Files includes an Internet
package on the CD-ROM. For more information, you can visit L3 Interactive's
Learning Cube Factory at http://www.learningcube.com.
Essex Interactive Makes Two Announcements at E3
The Essex CD-ROM line has now been expanded to more than 175 titles with the
addition of twenty-five more titles for the second quarter of 1996. Among
the new titles are educational software, personal productivity and games.
Included are three titles from Quarterdeck and two games from Rocket Science
Software.
These high quality titles will bring more value to Essex Interactive's budget
line of $9.95 CD-ROM's. The Quarterdeck titles are Clean Sweep, a popular
uninstaller for Windows; Magna Ram, a program for increasing computer RAM
through virtual memory; and Win Probe, a diagnostic program for fine tuning
Windows for optimal operation.
The Rocket Science programs are Wing Nuts, an exciting flight simulator with
video animation and arcade-quality action; and The Legend of Tully Bodine, an
adventure game starring Ned Beatty that features arcade-quality special
effects.
Other additions to Essex Interactive's lineup include Shelley Duvall's
Digby's Adventures, The Sports Illustrated Almanac, Midi Classics 2, Real
World Math and more. Check out Essex Interactive's growing catalog at fine
retailers and discounters everywhere, including K-Mart, Tandy, Musicland,
Egghead, Wherehouse Entertainment or visit their website at
http://www/essexinteractive.com.
In another announcement, the company has announced that fifty of its products
will be shipped in with full packaging. The bulk of Essex's line is shipped
in CD jewel cases with minimal documentation. These fifty titles will come
with full box packaging featuring four color printing. The new boxed
versions will still only cost $9.95 each, but will have more appeal for
customers.
The boxes will be clearly labeled as containing CD-ROM software and software
genre will be identified by an easily identifiable icon on the packaging.
Essex has divided its product line into nine categories: Business,
Communications, Education, Entertainment, Games, Lifestyle, MPEG,
Productivity and Utility.
New Releases from The Learning Company
The Learning Company has upgraded the best-selling educational CD-ROM of
1995, Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading JourneyT. It now features a record
and playback feature that children can use to hear themselves read the
program's storybooks. A microphone is included with the package now. The
program also has more surprise animations to entice and entertain your
children.
Reader Rabbit's Interactive Reading Journey earned very high marks in this
column last year. The program features forty storybooks featuring
progressive difficulty and more than one hundred phonics lessons. This
Macintosh and Windows CD-ROM product is now an even better product.
A new addition to the Reader Rabbit line is Reader Rabbit's Reading
Development Library 3. Developed for children ages five to eight, it
features two famous children's tales, The Princess and the Pea and The Goose
That Laid the Golden Egg. Each story is told from three perspectives and
contains three activities. The program builds children's vocabularies, word
recognition and encourages independent reading.
The stories are beautifully illustrated and each page contains amusing
animations. Younger children can follow along with the story's narration
while older children can read the story alone. Available on a hybrid CD-ROM
for both Macintosh and Windows, Reader Rabbit's Reading Development Library 3
has a retail price of $50.
Grolier Interactive Introduces Greg Norman Ultimate Challenger Golf
Greg Norman is one of the world's best golfers and a highly recognizable
athlete. The "Shark" has lent his expertise to version 2.0 of Greg Norman
Ultimate Challenger Golf in an effort to provide the best golf simulation
available. The program features lush graphics captured from Norman's home
course, Medalist Golf Club of Hobe Sound, Florida. The program also features
a fantasy course inspired by great holes from U.S. Open and British Open
championships.
Players' shots are affected by hundreds of variables including weather and
course conditions. Each player can customize his computer alter ego by
choosing custom clubs, ball type and amount of spin. Visit the Lesson Tee to
gain valuable insight into playing different shots both in the computer
simulation and on a real golf course.
The program features 3DR graphics engineered by Intel. This technology
captures the most minute detail of the golfing environment and creates a
realistic simulation. Priced at $49.95, Greg Norman Ultimate GolfT Challenge
is available for IBM-compatible computers.
Brighter Child Interactive
Brighter Child Interactive is one of the fastest growing publishers of
educational software. At E3, CEO Richard Pam announced the release of
several new products. Amazing Math features Marvel Super Heroes in a CD-ROM
title that teaches and reinforces math skills in children ages eight to
twelve. Another new title features BBC Worldwide America's Madison the Cat
in a nature series title, Kittens & Kaboodles.
Brighter Child has entered a distribution agreement with Edunetics
Interactive. Among the titles are Go West, an interactive historical
adventure; Message in a Fossil, a study of archeology and dinosaurs; and
Violent Earth, an interactive CD-ROM that lets children explore natural
disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes.
Possible titles for fall release feature the Care Bears, the Cryptkeeper and
Rupert the Bear. It appears that Brighter Child is moving ahead rapidly in
the educational publishing field.
Grolier Publishes The 1996 Guinness Multimedia Disc of Records
Based on The Guinness Book of World Records, The 1996 Guinness Multimedia
Disc of Records presents more than 15,000 challenging feats. The program
uses video sequences, photographs and animation to bring these
accomplishments alive for users. The 1996 version features 300 additional
visuals and an interactive trivia game. The program will be available for
both Windows and Macintosh for approximately $19.95. Grolier Interactive has
a Web site at http://www.grolier.com.
Earthworm Jim
Windows 95 CD-ROM
approximately $35
10 and up
Activision
11601 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-473-9200
http://www.activision.com
Program Requirements
OS: Windows 95
CPU: 486/33
HD Space: 1 MB
Memory: 8 MB
Graphics: 640 x 480, 256 colors
Vesa local bus or PCI recommended
CD-ROM: Double-speed
Audio: 8-bit sound card
Other: mouse, gamepad recommended
reviewed by Frank Sereno
Earthworm Jim, an invertebrate for all media, is featured in a fun, action-
packed platform game for Windows 95. Lowly Jim has been transformed into a
super hero by a high-tech space suit from another world. Unfortunately for
Jim, heavy responsibilities and dangers come with the suit. The suit is
sought by Psy-Crow, an intergalactic bounty hunter working in league with an
evil Queen. Jim learns that the Queen has imprisoned her beautiful twin
sister, Princess What's-Her-Name. It is his duty to rescue the Princess and
save the world.
The game features twenty adrenaline-pumping levels featuring funky music,
cool sound effects, wild graphics and scatological humor. This makes the
game very appealing to boys ages ten to fifteen, but there is plenty of
challenges and fun for adults too. Earthworm Jim is a wonderful, thumb-
twitching time for all.
I tested this game on a 486DX-80 system using a Vesa local bus video card
featuring two megabytes of DRAM. I was running Windows 95 in a 640 by 480
with 256 colors desktop. During gameplay, the video would sometimes become
jumpy as frames of animation were dropped. This can be rectified by a faster
CPU or a better video card with VRAM. The dropped frames didn't cause any
problems with gameplay and for the most part the animations were quite good.
The game features lots of humorous details. For example, in the first level
you have to launch a cow by forcing a refrigerator to fall on a limb lying
beneath the cow. The cow's moo as it approaches orbital velocity is
hilarious. The puzzles can be quite tricky. Completing this game requires
more than quick reflexes and sharp vision.
As a bonus, Earthworm Jim includes a theme pack for use with Microsoft Plus
for Windows 95. And if you can't get your fill of the heroic worm from this
fine game, be sure to check out his Saturday morning cartoon show.
Graphics 8.5 (colorful, whimsical scenes, some frame dropping in
animations)
Sound FX/Music 9.0 (great tunes with much variety, cool sound effects)
Control 8.0 (Definitely use a gamepad!)
Entertainment 9.0 (Great visuals, frenzied gameplay and earthy humor)
Reviewer's Overall 9.0
Portable Computers Section
Marty Mankins, Editor
PORTABLE COMPUTING: Network Consulting
My Life As a Network Consultant
by Marty Mankins
Some people that I know that consider themselves "work-aholics" are indeed
very busy people. It's interesting to watch them work, how they follow a
tight schedule and the type of work they do night and day, literally. As I
sat back watching these people, I would often say to myself, "Boy, I don't
think I could ever be like that." But, taking a step back, I realize that
with my life and the multiple "hats" I wear, I was just as busy. And the
last 15 years since I've been adding more jobs to my experience ladder, I've
only realized the busy life I lead the last five years. So know I have a
greater understanding for those who feel the need to be multi-talented. And
as a network consultant and administrator, my life really is not my own.
Managing multiple sites, including data processing centers and hospitals,
means that if the network goes down at 3am, someone needs to get it back up
and running as soon as possible. When a new client comes on, it takes a lot
of extra time to get them up to speed, handling more requests for support up
front and making sure that the service they get is good enough for them to
stay on as a long term customer. Of course, if they feel they are getting a
good deal, then they'll recommend me to others they come in contact with.
And while I enjoy the challenge of performing multiple tasks and being able
to create an entire network from the ground up to a practical enterprise
system for all sorts of business functions, it gets old after a while. I've
been doing this on and off for over 10 years now and I'm getting to the point
of wanting to wind it down completely and devote my career to my publishing
and freelance writing efforts. There have been a few times in the last two
years where I've almost realized this goal, but it's not happened yet. But
this time, there is a definite winding down approach. At least 60% of the
work over the last month is being done by others who I've hired, which has
freed my efforts some, but increased my supervisory time a lot. And being
able to increase the number of remote administration paths has helped. So
the end of my outside work is nearing. But, rest assured that I still have
plans to freelance on the subject of networking with my growing network at my
home office. Currently I have a NetWare 4.1 server with 4 workstations and a
part time MS Windows NT 3.51 server.
For now, let me talk about my job and what I do. It's pretty busy, so I hope
it's not too boring or too much information.
AN AGENDA
One of the companies I am involved with is InfoStream, where we provide
network consulting and World Wide Web site management. I currently have
contracts with 8 different companies to provide regular service. Three are
web sites we manage and the other five sites are managing networks. One of
the sites which has kept me busier than I've ever been is a hospital in Salt
Lake City. When we came on board, there were a lot of problems that needed
to be solved. Things like no regular backups and machines not being able to
run Windows 3.1 needed to be solved in a quick time frame.
Solving these problems has not been easy. With over 140 computer users at
the hospital, the requests to fix problems were not being tracked, which
takes away a lot of time to maintain the server administration. All computer
environments in a business, no matter how small or large, needs to have some
sort of help desk solution. It's the only way to effectively manage repairs
and other needs. Since the needs were immediate, we quickly setup a
temporary database solution with FileMaker Pro 2.1. The computers being used
are a mix of PCs and mainframe terminals. The PCs run DOS and or Windows.
About one-third of all the PCs are Gateway 2000 systems with 486 and Pentium
processors. The rest are various other brands and clones. The NetWare 4.1
server runs on a Compaq Proliant with 9Gb of hard drive space and 120Mb of
RAM and has a user license for 125 concurrent connections.
The database is a simple solution, based on paper, e-mail, voice mail and
pager reporting methods. Here's how it works: A computer user has a problem.
They try to determine how serious the problem is. If they cannot get on the
network or the computer won't start, a page is sent to the IS department,
which is received by one of the technicians. They respond via phone to see
if they can fix the problem. During the call, a new record in the Computer
Support Order database is created, describing the problem, calling up the
user name. It brings up access to a database that tells the technician what
kind of computer they are using, how much RAM, etc. There is a notes section
that describes what has been done to solve the problem, which needs to be
somewhat detailed. This way, they can go into the database, do a search on
any text to find answers to common problems.
During this interim solution, we are building an MS Access 2.0 database,
which will be their permanent help desk. We are always taking notes, meeting
with managers and various computers users to determine the best ideas to add
to the database. The end result, which should be online soon for this
client, is to have e-mail access on all PC computers. Emergency requests
such as a machine down, will be sent to the IS department as a page or phone
call. Other non-critical requests are sent via e-mail using Novell GroupWise
4.1 and a customized form that gets information transferred to the Access
database with a new record being created. Then, notification goes out to the
IS department, as well as the user, that a new problem report has been filed
and that it will be responded to within 6-12 hours or sooner.
So far, the users are happy with the new solution that we've been testing.
We will be adding things like remote pager notification and an intranet for
internal information processing. Eventually, the problem reporting will be
HTML-based, which will allow even greater flexibility to the growing computer
users.
As we are seeing our goals being worked into solutions at the hospital, our
work will be more automated in the coming months and we can spin off the IS
needs to meet the demands properly, without needing my constant supervision,
allowing me to work on the next big task list of getting businesses on the
Internet.
WEB SITES GALORE
In managing web sites, there is a lot of work that goes into the installation
and initial setup of the web site. We use a local company that maintains
Unix machines that partition the systems into virtual servers, allowing many
web sites with their own IP address without having the added costs of
installing a local 56Kbs or T1 dedicated line with computer to have direct
Internet access. You have full control of all files on the server, CGI
scripts and other WWW tools. You FTP your HTML documents and graphics to the
site, test the links and it's done. Although it's more complicated than that
for some people, web veterans are very comfortable with controlling how their
site works. The basic limitations are those associated with not having a
live Internet server on site. This means tools like RealAudio cannot be used
to broadcast live, but you can post RA files to the site and link them to
pages. All in all, for the cost (which is much less than maintaining an
Internet server and dedicated line), it's a great way for businesses to get
onto the Internet.
One of the sites we manage is a radio station in Salt Lake City. Their needs
were previously met by a company who charged them per page, as well as other
costs to post new modifications to their site. Also, while they had their
own domain (.com), it wasn't mapped directly into their site. So we provided
them with a direct link to their site, set a megabyte limit, as opposed to a
page limit and offered our extra service of unlimited e-mail accounts and
messages for a flat fee every month. With a person on their end uploading
HTML documents, our costs to maintain the site are "behind the scenes", where
we add new e-mail accounts and fix small problems that may crop up at times.
Remot
ely managing the site from various locations is easy. All we do is
telnet or FTP to the site with the user name and password and we are in. I
regularly check the site from my laptop when I am on the go. Others who work
for InfoStream also are involved in basic support issues to keep users happy.
My job lately has been making personal visits to each site and making sure
things are running smoothly and trying to get new clients that are not
familiar with the Internet "lingo" and understand who does what. For
example, we do not provide any dial up services, but go through other
companies that offer SLIP connections. This reduces our costs greatly and we
are able to let the SLIP dial up provider handle any connection to the
Internet. This frees us up to deal with real problems. It sometimes takes a
while to explain the difference of who supports what, but once it's clear,
everyone is working happy.
Basically put, web site management is not all that time intensive once things
are setup properly and running smoothly, with very little work needed to keep
the customer happy. But, it's yet another "hat" to wear, and as the hat gets
heavier, it slows down my goal of writing full-time. So in the future, it
will be another notch in my belt. In the near future, I'll have my own 56Kbs
line coming into the home office for my own live connection to the Internet,
of which a plethora of articles will flow from.
THE PORTABLE SOLUTION
So how does portable computing fit into this picture? All of the networking
activities that I've been talking about are all local to the Salt Lake City
area. Now add in that last year, I spent several days and weeks in Las
Vegas, San Diego and Orange County, Calif. installing and consulting on
network needs. Bouncing between Utah, California and Nevada has not been
easy (although I have considerable frequent flier miles now <g>). So in
order to keep in contact with people, I had to devise a system that would
enable my clients and staff to reach me when on location. Locally, I use
numeric pagers for these ease of use and low cost. But for myself and a
couple others, we have nationwide pagers and cellular phones. For the pager,
we chose the Socket PageCard. This allows anyone to send a message via the
Internet to the pager, have the pager go off and then insert the pager, which
happens to be a PC Card device, into a laptop or PDA and receive the text of
the page. And while the PageCard does have an LCD display, it is limited to
one line for the message, making it really hard to track information in a
timely manner.
When the page is received, it downloads into the memory of the laptop or PDA
and can be extracted into a database of tasks. For the laptops users, it
goes into a FileMaker Pro database. For Newton MessagePad users, it goes
into a NewtDB database or a NotePak todo list. This system has been the best
solution as we can be reached at anytime. Then fitted with a cellular phone,
we can make a phone call or use a PC Card cellular-compatible modem to send
and receive e-mail and files from the Internet and online services (we use
CompuServe for most stuff, only bringing in AOL and Microsoft Network for
specific purposes). I choose to use the Motorola Power PCMCIA 14.4 modem for
my cellular use as it works with all of the devices I use on the road.
For laptop use, we can use a simple FileMaker Pro database to generate
invoices and price quotes to get information into the system right away. Our
use of paper is mostly print outs and faxes that need to be sent and
received. Sometimes, in a critical situation, we'll have a stack of sticky
notes around, but that's about it. We always have an Iomega Ditto 800
parallel port tape backup with each person on the road for those times when a
backup is needed. Our choice of programs for backups is limited, considering
we run Windows 95 on almost all of the notebooks and a restore in a disaster
is not pretty. We hope that our requests to Cheyenne to make ArcSolo for Win
95 much more capable in its support for external tape drives. We are looking
at using external storage solutions like Zip drives and the newer EZ135
format from SyQuest (which we use back at the offices), but they only work
for common data files, requiring us to reinstall programs.
We also have one Toshiba laptop that is running MS NT Server 3.51 for network
connections and other purposes. It has disk images off many programs on it
that we can copy off, along with an internal CD-ROM drive. The laptop is not
ours (yet), so we have to be picky of who gets it and for what purpose. It's
highly useful and we hope to get larger hard drives to be able to get NT on
more laptops, so that each person can have the same configuration.
Limitations like the availability of CD-ROM drives is something that still
needs to be addressed.
We have the capability of sending and receiving data on the laptops, but most
of the synchronizing of what we've done is taken care of when we get back to
the offices. Our database of choice is Access 2.0, even though most of the
machines are running Win95. This is because we have many programs that we
use with clients, who have not all moved to Win95 (just yet). Also, the
conversion of some programs we have written are compiled to a royalty-free
EXE file, which has no reason to be under Win95 unless all clients are Win95
and using the same program. While it has some limitations, Access 2.0 is
fine for our needs until we get some time to convert databases to Access 7.0
for Win95.
CONCLUSION
So you now see the kind of life I lead - a very busy one! As my career of
being a network consultant winds itself down, my experience with this part of
the computer industry will be translated into a lot of articles to help those
who manage networks. And freeing more of my time is something I am really
looking forward to, expanding the thing I love the most - writing about
technology.
Atari: Jaguar/Computer Section
Dana Jacobson, Editor
From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
It's mid-May. where is the Spring weather (other than an occasional day)?
Sheesh, I realize that I'm in New England, but the warm weather should be
the norm right about now.
It's been one of those weeks where not much is happening on the home front.
This is usually frustrating, but fairly predictable. What made this week
worse was the fact that I received my annual budget proposals package at
work. If you've ever had to do a budget proposal, you'll understand my being
a little cranky. As per usual, we're asked to cut expenses, yet again this
year. Of course, you can't cut some services that may be costly and
unnecessary because there's always "someone" who doesn't like the idea. Not
to mention that your department's workload keeps increasing and the demands
keep changing. And then I'm supposed to sound "up" in these pages?
Hehehe....
Speaking of positive attitudes, there's a potential new entrepreneur who is
considering a new Atari hard copy magazine. I included his online comments
and ideas below. As an Atari user and past & present subscriber to almost
every U.S. Atari magazine available, I'd love to see another magazine cover
my computer of choice. However, I hope that this gentlemen takes a long hard
look at a variety of factors, including the historical factors of Atari
magazines before making his decision. No, I'm not saying he shouldn't start
a magazine. I am saying that doing so will not be easy; and many others have
come and gone before him - some with zero to afew issues to show for it. If
the magazine happens, I'll look forward to reading it. If it's decided that
it's not possible, that will be fine also. Regardless, I thought his
comments & ideas were worthwhile and I hope to learn more in the near future.
Until next time...
High Hopes STR Focus
NEW ATARI MAGAZINE ON THE HORIZON?
Let me introduce myself. My name is Thomas (TJ) Ferreira and if you have not
noticed lately in the Atari newsgroups that I have been posting notes about
a possible new Atari based magazine that I may be producing. Here are the
letters I have posted thus far:
#1 message
Hello there folks! I am doing a little research and thought the newsgroups
would be a great place to start. I have been toying with the idea for years
to produce an Atari based magazine and would like to get some feedback from
all you Atarians out there.
Here in North America we do have (2) very fine Atari based magazines; Atari
ST Informer from USA and Current Notes from Canada. I want to feel the
waters and see if the current market would receive well a new
and fresh look at an Atari based magazine.
I have many very good, fun, and new ideas for this Atari magazine and am
almost to the point of jumping aboard and joining the Atari magazine crowd.
This magazine will mostly cater to the Atari computer line but
will have some info for the gamers at heart.
If you are one that currently subscribes to other Atari magazines and would
most likely subscribe to a new magazine, I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!
Please email me at:
tj@godfather.com
Just let me know your thoughts and if you truly believe you would be a
potential subscriber.
Thanks for help and look forward to many many responses. I would also love
to hear from other Atari based magazines on there ideas and insights of the
Atari magazine market.
Thanks Again!!!!
Thomas Ferreira
#2 Message
I have had this message posted online for a couple days and have had a good
amount of responses. If you have not responded so far my email about your
ideas and thoughts of this new magazine, THEN I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.
I wish to hear your ideas and responses. Do you want to keep the Atari
platform ALIVE and WELL?? Then respond and be heard. I want this magazine
to happen for me, for you, for advertisers, and for all computer enthusiasts.
This Atari platform is FUN and we have years of life left right now if we all
work together. You never know, if we keep the ball rolling long enough,
someone or some company may bring back the Atari concept! Would it not be
great if someone acquired the rights to say the never release ST BOOK
notebook that Atari was producing and revamp slightly for today's market!! I
would buy one for sure.
Anyway, I want to hear from you and need the further data to get the magazine
going. EMAIL TODAY!!!!!
Anyway, as you can tell I am actively collecting data so I can make this
possible venture a reality. Since you are still dealing with Atari product,
do you believe you would be interested in this new magazine to:
A.) Advertise
B.) Subscribe
C.) Sell Retail if you are a dealer
D.) Make available to your user groups if you are part of a club etc...
I want to make sure enough readers and advertisers are out there for this new
magazine. If you develop products, I would also like to discuss possible
special subscription rates for your registered users. If they buy your
product, they also get special rates on this new magazine, etc... Ideas like
this so we can all benefit and keep the user informed. I have many
dealer/developer ideas I would like to use when the time comes and would
like to discuss....
Anyway, just pop me a note about your thoughts on this project and we will go
from there.
Thanks,
Thomas Ferreira
Jaguar Section
NBA Jam TE Review! - Nintendo 64 News!
Atari Web Site Ranked in Top 5%!
Defender 2000 Easter Egg!
And More...
From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is!
I'm not a big local newspaper (Boston Globe and the Boston Herald) during the
week, but I do enjoy the USA Today. I don't often see many articles
pertaining to video gaming, but since E3 is upon us, there was an
articleconcerning to the pending release of the Nintendo 64 machine this
fall. However, after reading the article, it seemed to me that the author
was focusing more on the viability of the game console market more than the
N64 machine.
The article got me thinking more about the Jaguar (it's "failure") and the
other systems. None of the current game console systems have taken the world
by storm, including Sony's Playstation (supposedly the highest ranked system
available). The article did speculate about Nintendo's chances for success
with their new N64 system coming this fall.
The author felt that this "first" big 64-bit system (excuse me, but
apparently you're not aware of the Jaguar!) was going to be extremely
powerful and capable of "the best". We've all read similar rhetoric for past
systems, and will for any in the future. However, the points that caught my
eye was the future of console gaming and the effects of PC gaming on the
consoles.
Has the era of console gaming come and gone, again? The success and failures
of the current systems "seems" to bear this out. Will the N64 meet with the
anticipated success (read "hype") or will it be met with moderate success?
With the name Nintendo to back it up, this new machine may be more successful
than its predecessors, but I'm not sure. More and more people are purchasing
computers these days. That's a heavyinvestment. Do you spend another $250
on a console and then subsequent $40-$80 games; or do you purchase games for
the existing computer at a considerably less cost? For the average consumer,
this answer is a simple
one.
I believe that consumers will eventually, more sooner than later, focus on
computer games rather than the console ones. It may be a choice of cost,
quality, or convenience. The market seems to be heading in thisdirection,
but I could be wrong.
So, what does all of this have to do with Atari and the Jaguar? Maybe this
concept has played a role in the "failure" for the Jaguar to catch on.
Surely, Atari had a major role as well. But, did this "trend" toward PC
gaming enter the minds of those at Atari and influence their decision to
downsize the Jaguar support? We'll probably never know for sure. I just
thought that I'd throw the idea out there and see what you thought. Comments?
Until next time...
Industry News STR Game Console NewsFile - The Latest Gaming News!
Atari Web Site Wins Recognition!
Atari Corporation is Rated in the Top 5%
Sender: todd@lycos.com
Congratulations!
Greetings!
We're very glad to tell you that the editors of Point have reviewed your home
page for our "Top 5% of the Web" catalog.
Your page will now be listed with other great sites on Point, with the review
by our editors and a direct link to your site. (You can see our reviews at
http://www.pointcom.com)
Point is a free service which rates and reviews only the best, sharpest, and
funniest home pages on the World Wide Web. Our ratings and reviews have
been featured on CNN and in many publications around the world, including
our new Macmillan book "The World Wide Web Top 1000." A Point review should
increase your exposure and attract new visitors to your site.
We invite you to display Point's pretty-darned-prestigious "Top 5% of the
Web" badge. It's available in the badge directory at:
http://www.pointcom.com/badges/ And we invite you to link back to us at:
http://www.pointcom.com
Also, we've recently launched Point Now!, which offers details of daily
events across the Web, along with new sites, contests and world news. Please
let us know about new features on your site that you'd like to see featured
in such a calendar.
Here are a few questions people commonly ask about joining the Top 5%:
Q: Do I need to do something now to have my review posted?
A: No. Your site has already been reviewed and placed in our catalog.
Q: Is this one of those Ed McMahon sweepstakes scams, where everybody in the
world gets this letter saying they're a big winner?
A: Nope. Point really does choose only the best sites on the Internet. If
we didn't pick only the best sites, we'd have nothing to offer our users.
Q: Point, McKinley, Riddler... jeepers, tons of people are sending out
badges and logos. What gives?
A: It's true: lots of people are on this bandwagon. If we might blow our
own horn a bit, Point was the first to offer this service and we're still
the only service to emphasize quality, not mass listings. We think that
makes our badge something special.
Q: Isn't this badge just a way for you to get a lot of free advertising?
A: Nope. We are a commercial service, but the Point badge should benefit
you. It won't automatically make your site a hit, but it will tell visitors
it's worth their while to stop and look around. Posting or not posting the
badge is entirely up to you.
Q: Please, I want to know more!
A: For tons more straight talk about Point and its ratings system, check our
cheerful FAQ at http://www.pointcom.com/gifs/welcome/
Thanks for your time -- and again, congratulations on your fine site!
Sincerely,
Todd Whitney
Point Communications
Director of Network Relations
http://www.pointcom.com
212/674-0200 x155
212/674-2700 fax
Nintendo's N.64 Unit Unveiled
Things are heating up in the video game wars as Nintendo plans finally to
unveil its next generation of game systems, the long-awaited N.64 machine.
The debut is set for next week at Los Angeles' Electronic Entertainment Expo,
also known as E3. Business writer Evan Ramstad of The Associated Press says
Nintendo actually plans to grab the spotlight by introducing N.64 on
Wednesday, a day before the convention opens.
"The company, which trails Sega and Sony, needs the N.64 to help it regain
the No. 1 spot it once held in the video game business," Ramstad comments.
"So the company is using marketing strategy as well as technology to achieve
its goal." Word is the machine will be priced around $200 to $250, which
"could force Sega and Sony to lower prices on their machines, which came out
last fall at $300," Ramstad says.
AP says Sony's Playstation has dominated the first months of sales. (The
company a few weeks ago claimed to have shipped 1 million units to U.S.
retailers.) Sega, meanwhile, said it has sold 400,000 units of its Saturn
machine in the United States. Sales jumped after it cut Saturn's price last
month to $250. Says Ramstad, "Many video game owners are believed to have
been waiting for Nintendo's product so they can make a comparison before
buying an advanced system."
Sega's Saturn and Sony's Playstation are 32-bit machines that play games from
compact discs like those in stereos or personal computers. But Nintendo
will be a 64-bit system that plays games from custom magnetic
cartridges.
Sony Looks to Sell Game Unit
Sony Corporation of America says it has engaged SBC Warburg, an investment
banking firm, to assist it in evaluating all strategic options with respect
to its interest in Psygnosis Ltd., including the possible sale of the video
game developer and publisher. Psygnosis, based in Liverpool, England, is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of
Sony Corporation of America.
"In a highly competitive market, Psygnosis' developmental technologies and
marketing skills have distinguished the company as a leading-edge software
developer and publisher," says Ted Kawai, deputy president of Sony
Corporation of America and a Psygnosis director. "However, Sony's strategic
imperative is now centered on developing its successful PlayStation
business, whereas Psygnosis' strengths are as a multi-platform publisher."
Psygnosis, the largest developmental studio in Europe, has created and
published more than 100 titles for a variety of computer and video game
platforms. Current titles include Destruction Derby and WipeOut, which
together have sold more than 1 million units across all platforms worldwide.
In the coming year, the company is scheduled to release 50 new stock keeping
units (SKUs), representing 23 new titles, for the key platforms it supports:
Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn and PC CD-ROM.
LEGO CD-ROM Games Planned
The LEGO Toy Co. and Mindscape Inc. have announced the first title in their
agreement to develop and market a line of CD-ROM games for children.
Developed by Mindscape and marketed under the LEGO brand name, Adventures on
LEGO Island is a role-playing adventure game in which kids ages 6 to 12 solve
a series of missions as they interact, explore and build to in a world
filled with LEGO characters. Adventures on LEGO Island is scheduled for
release in spring 1997. No price has been announced.
"LEGO toys are a childhood staple found in millions of homes around the
world," says John Moore, Mindscape's CEO. "Our goal in translating LEGO
brand to a digital medium is to preserve all the time-tested fun and fantasy
role-playing aspects of classic LEGO System play themes, while adding a new
dimension of interactivity and first-person involvement."
"The LEGO CD-ROM game will reflect the values of our classic product line,
but will allow children to immerse themselves in LEGO toys in a new and
exciting way," adds Richard A. Garvey, vice president of
marketing for LEGO Systems Inc.
CD-ROM Game Now a TV Pilot
Ground Zero Productions says its live-action CD-ROM game, TERROR T.R.A.X.,
has become the first interactive computer game to be picked up for
development as a prime-time television series. Renny Harlin, whose credits
include the films "Die Hard II," "Nightmare On Elm Street IV" and
"Cliffhanger," will direct and produce, and Geena Davis will executive
produce the pilot for Paramount Television through their production company,
The Forge.
The TERROR T.R.A.X. game and television series both feature elite undercover
police officers who battle against the forces of evil. Operating under the
mission to Trace, Research, Analyze and eXterminate, the high- tech officers
respond to emergency calls regarding vampires, ghouls and other undead.
Ground Zero notes that the television series will be produced in a linear
format, presenting ongoing episodic stories and featuring the game's
characters and milieu. Interactive game designer and feature film/television
writer Flint Dille of Ground Zero Productions created the TERROR T.R.A.X. CD-
ROM and will executive co- produce the pilot. The TERROR T.R.A.X. game is
published by Grolier Electronic Publishing Inc.
Jaguar Game Title STR Review - "NBA Jam Tournament Edition"
Available Now
By Frank Sereno
Developed by: High Voltage Software
Published by: Atari Corporation
Price: $57.99
Cartridge game
"Welcome to N-B-A Jam!" shouts the game$s announcer and then you are ready
for ACTION! NBA Jam Tournament Edition brings arcade excitement and awe-
inspiring athletic action to the Atari Jaguar.
This game is a tour de force of the programming prowess of Adisak Pochanayon
and the crew at High Voltage Software.
The premise of the game is that NBA teams are having a 2-on-2 tourney. Each
team consists of three players with one on the bench available as a
substitute at the end of each quarter. If you can defeat all twenty-seven
teams (Vancouver and Toronto were not in the league when the arcade original
was released), you earn the NBA Jam Trophy and the opportunity to play many
special teams and experiment with new options. Defeating all twenty-seven
teams will be an arduous, but fun task!
The game features gorgeous graphics and uses fluid animation. Only one half
of the court can be seen at a time, so the "camera" pans along with the
ball. Often players are off-screen that makes defense very challenging,
especially when players break out early on a rebound for a home run pass.
NBA Jam TE features attention to small details with cheerleaders in the
corners, scorekeepers at center court and more. The visual effects are
impressive and the dunks are amazing.
Adding to the gaming excitement is the presence of an enthusiastic announcer.
He'll shout "boom-sha-ka-locka" after a dazzling jam or twisting layup or
intone "From downtown" on a three-point try. Occasionally he will announce
that a shot was missed when it was made, but having listened to Harry Caray
announce Cubs games, I'm used to announcer mistakes. It just adds to the
realism, heh. The crowd noises and grunts of the players add to the realism
of the game. The music is rather generic and isn't equal to the quality of
the game's other features, but it is acceptable.
The gameplay is quick, fast-paced and fun. NBA Jam TE supports the Atari
Team Tap so up to four human players can frenetically compete for basketball
dominance. The game features Head-to-Head mode against human or computer
opponents, Team Game that allows two players to be teammates against the
computer, and Practice mode that allows perfecting of passing, shooting and
jamming skills. You can customize many features of the game through the
options menu. The cartridge has a battery-backed memory that will record
your progress in the tournament mode. The cartridge recognizes when you are
playing a game against a human opponent and when you are playing against the
computer in the tournament.
The game's controls are very simple and accurate. NBA Jam TE uses the
directional pad for controlling movement and the A, B and C buttons for
initiating actions. The B button activates turbo mode on both defense and
offense. Using the turbo button in combination with the other buttons
increases the player's chances of success in the intended action (shot,
steal, block or rebound). The A button launches a shot if you have the ball
on offense or will cause the player to jump for a rebound if he is not in
possession of the ball. On defense, the A button is used to block shots or
rebound. The C button is used to pass on offense or to make a steal attempt
on defense. Using an A-B combo while driving the hoop can reward you with a
spectacular jam.
NBA Jam has always been noted for its cool codes. These codes allow the use
of secret players or game modes. It's neat to play the game as Bill or
Hillary Clinton or Benny the Bull. Who knows what codes you may discover in
the game! The Jaguar version even contains some exclusive codes, including
Leonard Tramiel as a secret player. Here's a partial listing of Jag codes:
Partial List of Cheats for the Jaguar Version of NBAJ TE
Standard Cheats
Team Substitutions at Player Substitution Screen
Hold DOWN+C+A at screen
Cheats entered at Tonight's Match-Up
BABY MODE babudlr
SHOT % ON dudbu
QUICK HANDS lrabrl
GOALTENDER ruddru
STRONG MEN rulrbda
FIRE POWERUP draabl
TURBO POWERUP bbddaaul
OFFENSE PUP aubdblr
3 POINT PUP uddllru
DUNKS PUP rlbaba
PUSH PUP bradarb
PUSH BOTH PUP dudullllaa
PUSH OTHER PUP dlrullllab
TELEPORT PASS drraadllrb
HIGH SHOTS ulldruabaaad
SPEED PUP uuddlrllba
SLIPPERY COURT badabrrrrr
BIG HEADS uca
SECRET CHARACTERS
For secret character cheats, '[' = space. Enter initials while pressing
appropriate fire and holding option for that initial. "N" means any fire
with no option. For example, to play as Larry Bird enter "B" while holding
option and fire A, then enter "R" while holding option and fire C, then enter
"D" while holding option and fire A.
CHEAT 'RBG',A,A,A,BobG ; HVS PEOPLE!!!
CHEAT 'KJG',B,B,N,Kerry
CHEAT 'ALP',C,B,A,Adisak
CHEAT 'DJD',A,B,C,Damion
CHEAT 'K[M',C,C,C,Morty
CHEAT 'HAM',A,N,A,Harold
CHEAT 'RJR',C,A,N,Rivett ;Jamie Rivett
CHEAT 'SAL',N,C,A,DiVita ;Sal Di Vita
CHEAT 'MJT',A,N,A,Turmell ;Mark Turmell
CHEAT 'BRD',A,C,A,BIRD ;Larry Bird [NBA.]
CHEAT 'BLZ',C,N,C,BLAZEKOWSKI ;Carol Blazekowski [NBA.]
CHEAT 'BNY',C,N,B,BENNYBULL ;Benny (Bull Mascot) [NBA.]
CHEAT 'HGO',A,C,N,HUGOHORNET ;Hugo (Hornet Mascot) [NBA.]
CHEAT 'CRN',N,B,A,CRUNCHWOLF ;Crunch (Wolf Mascot) [NBA.]
CHEAT 'GOR',B,B,N,SUNSGORILLA ;Suns Gorilla (Mascot) [NBA.]
CHEAT 'HC[',N,B,N,HClinton ;Hillary Clinton
CHEAT 'CIC',B,N,A,BILLCLINTON ;Bill Clinton
CHEAT 'ROY',N,A,B,PRINCECHARLES ;Prince Charles
CHEAT 'RAY',N,A,B,Danny ;Weasel [Acclaim.]
CHEAT 'AIR',B,N,C,Eric ;Air Dog [Acclaim.]
CHEAT 'XYZ',A,B,B,Alex ;Alex [Acclaim.]
CHEAT 'DAN',A,B,N,Kabuki ;Kabuki [Acclaim.]
CHEAT 'HVY',B,N,A,HEAVYD ;Heavy D
CHEAT 'JAZ',A,A,C,JAZZYJEFF ;Jazzy Jeff
CHEAT 'WIL',N,B,C,FRESHPRINCE ;Will "Fresh Prince"
CHEAT 'SOX',A,N,B,FRANKTHOMAS ;Frank Thomas
CHEAT 'MKD',C,N,C,MIKED_BB ;Mike D [Beastie Boys]
CHEAT 'ADR',B,C,N,ADROCK_BB ;AdRock [Beastie Boys]
CHEAT 'MCA',N,B,B,MCA_BB ;MCA [Beastie Boys]
CHEAT 'FIL',B,A,B,PhilG
CHEAT 'PAY',N,N,C,LPacey
CHEAT 'CRL',C,A,N,Correll
CHEAT 'FAR',A,N,N,Faran
CHEAT 'KC[',N,A,N,Kristine
CHEAT 'LAT',N,C,B,LeonArdTramiel
CHEAT 'THE',C,A,B,Theinvanich
CHEAT 'SR[',N,N,A,ShawnR
CHEAT 'WAN',B,N,B,Wanat
CHEAT 'GUN',C,C,A,Gunter
CHEAT 'SET',N,A,B,SethR
----- "Extra Jag Cheats" -----
Get Extended Roster
Hold 1+5+9 as select screen appears
Defeated 26 teams
Hold 2+4+6 as select screen appears
Defeated 27 teams
Hold 4+7+8 as select screen appears
"Extra Match-Up Cheats"
SHRUNKEN HEADS uuubcaaaaaa
SMALL BALL rrrrrrbbb
SMURF GAME abcddddddd
FLAME GAME alldraabbl
32X DOOM MODE abccbaabccba
"CD" MODE cdcdcdcdcd
Story: L1469 at attract mode roster from Pad 0
Adisak Attack: Extended Roster + Baby Mode + Wait
NBA Jam TE is a great game and a wonderful addition to the Jaguar software
library. If you enjoy sports, this is a must have in your collection. The
unfortunate news is that NBA Jam TE appears to be the last game that High
Voltage and Adisak will ever do on the Jaguar. It is very discouraging to
see another developer that has learned the Jaguar's intricacies and
harnessed its power has been forced to move to more profitable platforms.
Graphics 9.0
Sound FX/music 9.0/7.0 (tunes were a bit bland to my taste)
Control 9.0 (very responsive and accurate)
Manual 9.0 (easy to read, chock full of good
information)
Entertainment 10.0 (I LOVE THIS GAME!)
Reviewer's Overall 9.0 (The best sports game on the Jaguar)
Jaguar Cheats, & Hints STR InfoFile - Solving Those Riddles!
Similar to those other two easter eggs (NOLAN, OVINE), just enter "BEEST" as
your name for the scoretable. You'll hear an acknowledging "baaaaaah!"as the
score table is displayed. During play (D2K-mode) you can press "3" to
advance one level or "6" to enter warp. Have fun!
ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
On CompuServe
compiled by
Joe Mirando
73637,2262
Hidi ho friends and neighbors. If you read last week's column, you may
remember that I mentioned my new "neighbor", Alejandro Aguilar. Of course I
didn't mention his last name because I hadn't gotten his permission to show
you the email he sent me. The problem was that, when I tried to reply to
thank him for his email, I got a message from the Internet mail server that
said that the email was undeliverable. Well, Alejandro read that too and
replied right away. He told me that it was okay to let you in on his
thoughts and opinions, so I'm going to re-print some of his message:
"My name is Alejandro Aguilar and I am writing this letter from Costa Rica,
in Central America. Since I have access to Internet I am looking for
information for my favorite computer system (another lonely Atarian). Since
I found STReport I read your column with great interest, because of the
useful information that the forums provide me. I also looked in FTP's for
old copies of the magazine to read more from the ATARI world. It's a shame
that I don't have access to a forum like the one on CompuServe, for help and
guidance. Here in my country, the Atari community is very small (like in the
rest of the world, I suppose). We are dispersed in these days, but I will
want to join us again. This is the reason for the quest for information: The
Ataris are not Dead !!!!!.
Thanks to you and the other Atarians that believe in and continue supporting
our Atari Computers.
I'd like to make a few comments about a post by Richard Brown and "printed"
in your column of March 8, 1996 about ST emulation on other platforms and
developing programs for that platforms in this way:
The Atari Computers - and its programmers - are known for their efficiency in
making fast and efficient programs. For example, the Page Stream 2.2b that I
use on my standard 1040 STe (4 MB of RAM) runs at the same speed (and in
some aspects faster) as the Corel Draw 5.0c that I use in my job on a 486/33
Mhz. (without counting the fancy special effects and the extended drawing
capacities of C.D. and the D.T.P. functions of P.S. the programs are very
similar).
The Atari computers (and clones of course) had a very compact operating
system (256K in the ST's, 512K in the Falcon), versus aprox. 10-30MB or more
for System 7.5 on the Mac or Windows 95 on that infamous INTEL computers
(Gateputers maybe?), not counting the time that these computers need to load
their respective operating systems (obviously their O.S.'s can't charge
totally in RAM, augmenting the time when I need to access a function - like
opening a directory window for example - by accessing that function from
disk). Since TOS is accessible all the time from ROM (or RAM in the case of
MAGIC and MAGICMAC), and the structure is much simpler (and smaller) than
Windows/System 7.5, the performance of an ST computer with a less powerful
processor is better.
If you see at the hardware point of view, the ST's are still winning, because
of their architecture. All the components (video, memory, ports, interfaces,
etc.) are here. They don't have to wait to load modules (read drivers) for
the video card, mouse, hard disk, printer, keyboard, etc., etc., etc., etc.,
etc., ;-) that takes processor time and makes the O/S complex and slowwwwww.
At this point the ST's are the only computers that can use accelerators made
totally by software !!!!!.
The Atari Emulators for running ST/TT/Falcon programs on other platforms seem
to improve the execution of the Atari programs, at least in the area of
speed. Only translating the simplicity of the ST's via the emulators does the
trick. MagicMac does that by following very strict TOS programming
conventions, and Gemulator does it by making programs "think" that they are
running on a plain 1040STf/e.
If someone writes a program for a particular application that runs quicker on
an Atari computer, and can compete with, or better, outperform an
application running in a PC and/or MacIntosh computer, why not use an
application like a MagicMac to "port" a program to other platform and
"accelerate" that without much effort?. I have a project that involves the
use of a GEMmulator on my Office's computer for developing programs for
internal use, in many cases in a quicker manner with my ST programming tools
than using those Windows tools and conventions. Another advantage of doing
programs in this way is the instantaneous protection that my programs are
going to have - if someone wants to run my programs, he needs the Gemulator
card and program ;-) -. Programs developed with GFA Basic, for example, that
"fly" in my 1040STe, will run even faster in a Pentium "Gatesputer" with the
emulator.
For the facts described above, I think that Richard Brown can do whatever he
comments in his post, and I believe, like him, that MagicMac can serve as a
program accelerator and not only as a simple emulator.
I appreciate your efforts in maintaining your People... Are Talking column
and I hope that your column continues for many years more, as our Atari
computers too. I would like to continue establishing contact with you by
writing additional comments about topics published in your column, something
like this, you know."
Well folks, they you have it... The first Internet message published in this
column. I know, I know, it's not like man landing on the Moon or anything,
but you've got to take your victories where you can find 'em, right?
Well, let's get on with the purpose of this column... All the great news,
hints, tips, and info available every week right here on CompuServe.
From the Atari Computing Forums
Rosanna Van Gelder asks:
"Can anyone help my son? He has an Atari Falcon 030 and tells me his hard
drive crashed and he cannot reformat it. I download the files: HDX503,
EPRO210 & Epro 230. But these do not help. It says on screen: "Boot
corrupted" Any help or advice?"
Simon Churchill tells Rosanna:
"The Message "Boot Corrupted" mean's the very first sector or bit of the hard
disk is either damaged or as it say's corrupted. It would be wisest to
either purchase a commercial program like Diamond Edge 2 which can examine
and possably fix bug's like this or have a ST Repair company have an
examination of the Unit."
Michael Westeroth asks for help with MagicMac:
"I have some problems with MagicMac, to get some files ASCII from MagicMac
via Clipboard to MacOs. The clipboard evrytime is empty when I go to MacOs."
Mark Kelling tells Michael:
"The Clipboard you save to while in MagicMac is the Atari Clipboard, _not_
the Mac one! Look in your MAGIC_C folder and you will find a CLIPBRD
folder. This is where whatever you saved while in MagicMac will be found.
It would be nice if a future update to MagicMac would combine both clipboards
wouldn't it?"
Steven Gaskell posts:
"I have a gemulator 4 which I use on my pentium 100 which has a cheap 16 bit
sound card and matrox millennium graphics card. I works reasonably well with
serious software, although the sound does not work and screen updates can be
slow in high resolution colour modes. It is significantly faster than my STe
with t28 fitted on processor intensive applications however. Calamus SL
works very well as does Gemview 3, nvdi, Ease 4 and kobold. Calligrapher
works, however disk access is limited to Gemulators virtual drives. Over all
I'm pleased with it."
Ryan Ridgely asks Steven:
"Is the Gemulator readily available at my local computer dealer and roughly
how much is it?"
Albert Dayes jumps in and tells Ryan:
"It could be available at your local dealer. If not you can try Toad
Computers at 800-448-8623."
Steven adds:
"If you live in UK try FAST computer club nottingham. If your not in UK I'm
afraid I cannot help. Nice to see the Atari presence on line, though."
"Mark" posts:
"I have an ICD hard drive gone bad. Its not all that old (1993) It appears
to have a 40 Meg Seagate drive and a good host adapter. I of course want
more megs with a new drive. How far can I go? I have ICD HD utilities of
the same year."
Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Online Magazine tells Mark:
"With the new ICD HD utilites you can have a few gigabytes online. I believe
it requires the ICD AdSCSI host adapters or the link series of adapters.
This also requires a SCSI hard drive which are fairly inexpensive these
days."
Mark tells Albert:
"I already have an ICD host adapter which my current software recognizes.
Maybe it will only recognize a small size of partitions at this point. In
other words, to support a bigger drive, will I have to upgrade to a
new host adapter and software? I'm not quite through. I also have an older
"Astra" HD with a 32 Meg drive but it has extra room for a second drive.
What do you think are my options here. I'm using "Superboot" on floppy A for
boot up. According to my paperwork on the Astra, it won't auto boot. Well,
what do you think? Sure good to hear that there is some expertise on these
matters!"
Albert replies:
"It depends on the host adapter and which ICD one you have? Do you have the
Advantage series or the AdSCSI series? Partition size is generally due to
what version of TOS (the operating system) you have. TOS version 1.4 and
later can use 32 megabyte partitions. I have never used an Astra hard drive
or worked with them to know what type of host adapter or software used with
it."
Mark continues:
"Well, I see I'm due for a TOS upgrade as the best I have is 1.2. I'm pretty
sure I have the older ICD host adapter and assuming this, what would I be
limited to in Meg size with my present equipment?"
Albert replies:
"I am not sure of what the limits are the the Advantage series but I do not
believe the most current software ICD 6.5.5 supports it any longer. With TOS
1.2 the limit is 16 megabyte partitions but since you can have 12 partitions
of 16 megabytes each = 192 megabyte (so a 200 megabyte drive would work). On
TOS 1.4 you have 32 megabyte partitions and BGM partition support which is
larger still using the appropriate drivers."
Tom Sheets asks:
"I am wondering if there is any Atari Support out there for the Atari
computers anymore. I don't know of any up here in Alaska. I practically
don't know of anyone here in Alaska that has an Atari computer. I like my
Atari computer, but I may ot to mention that the so software isn't exactly
plentiful either. I would like to get any and all info there is on Atari
Support here in America. If anyone can supply me this that would be great."
Richard Rives tells Tom:
"I think the nearest store to you is Computer Direct in Canada in Edmonton,
Alberta. Tel 403 496-2488, 800 547-9203, Chris Krowchuk is the person in
charge. Very knowledgeable and helpful."
Tom tells Richard:
"Thank you... I could use a lot of help up here. NO one up here has an
Atari anymore. I don't find much people that do have one. Sometimes I
think that I am the only one here in Alaska that has an Atari computer
any more. I will have to give Chris a call sometime."
Well folks, that's about all for now. Feel free to drop me a line and let me
know what you're thinking. Tune in again next time, same time, same
station, and be ready to listen to what they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
EDITORIAL QUICKIES
(overheard on the Internet)
"Before going to Europe on business, a man drove his Rolls-Royce to a
downtown NY City bank and went in to ask for an immediate loan of $5,000.
The loan officer, taken aback, requested collateral. "Well, then, here are
the keys to my Rolls-Royce", the man said. The loan officer promptly had the
car driven into the bank's underground parking for safe keeping, and gave him
$5,000.
Two weeks later, the man walked through the bank's doors, and asked to settle
up his loan and get his car back. "That will be $5,000 in principal, and
$15.40 in interest", the loan officer said. The man wrote out a check and
started to walk away."
"Wait sir", the loan officer said, "while you were gone, I found out you are
a millionaire. Why in the world would you need to borrow $5,000?"
The man smiled.
"Where else could I park my Rolls-Royce in Manhattan for two weeks and pay
only $15.40?"
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STR OnLine! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" May 17, 1996
Since 1987 Copyrightc1996 All Rights Reserved Issue No. 1220
