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Silicon Times Report Issue 1240
Silicon Times Report
The Original Independent OnLine Magazine"
(Since 1987)
October 04, 1996 No.1240
Silicon Times Report International OnLine Magazine
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STR Electronic Publishing Inc.
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10/04/96 STR 1240 The Original Independent OnLine Magazine!
- CPU Industry Report - Corel Updates - Killer Cancelbot
- Creative FAXBAK - Advert Rules? - Photo-OPS?
- China Loosens Grip - Mitnick Indicted - SPA Audits Subs
- USR Surprise? - People Talking - Dana's Tidbits
NEW PROPOSALS FOR MANAGING THE `NET
MS TO PROMOTE ISDN IN EUROPE
Iomega Ships 3 Millionth Zip Drive
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Results: 9/28/96: 2 of 6 numbers, eight 2 number matches
From the Editor's Desk...
I ran my mouth elsewhere in the issue, so I'll make this very short.
New products abound! Keep an eye on us. as we present a litany of the new
software and hardware over the next few weeks. From high performance
networks to children's educational software. from virtual reality to the
Internet its all going to be treat after treat. So, stay tuned its going to
be a blast.
Ralph....
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PC Section Mac Section Beginner's Section
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Gaming & Entertainment Kid's Computing Corner
Dana P. Jacobson Frank Sereno
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STReport Headline News
LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson
"Cancelbot" Wipes Out Messages
A rogue program known as a "cancelbot" wiped out more than 25,000 messages
posted to Internet's Usenet bulletin boards last weekend. Writing in The
Wall Street Journal this morning, reporter Jared Sandberg notes, "Anyone who
uses the Internet can retrieve and cancel any message they have sent and the
messages of others. While this contributes to the 'openness' of the system,
it can also lead to some unwanted destruction." Among the messages summarily
zapped in a matter of hours were those posted to electronic discussion groups
on the topics of women, gays, Jews and Eastern religions as well as
computer-oriented topics.
One software engineer who woke up Sunday morning to discover thousands of
electronic messages had disappeared told the paper, "Whoever did this has the
potential to bring Usenet to its knees and remove all the articles from
Usenet in a given day. That's Internet terrorism." Sandberg notes it also
"underscores the persistent vulnerabilities and resulting vandalism" that
still plague the Internet, adding, "Users have long been able to cancel
messages, even those of others, on the global net."
The paper says:
ú The Church of Scientology recently used the technology to cancel
messages that it believed contained copyrighted Scientology material.
ú Author Michael Wolfe, who writes books about the Internet, saw his
messages canceled by an anonymous user known only as the
"Cancelmoose," who apparently felt Wolfe's messages were "spam,"
widespread posting of irrelevant messages.
"It's a stupid Net trick,'" says William Cheswick, a security expert at
Lucent Technologies Inc.'s Bell Laboratories. "It's virtually trivial to
generate these cancel messages. Any doofus without much programming
experience can do this, and we're going to see this kind of thing all the
time." And the problem will likely get worse, says Richard Adams, founder of
MFS Communications Co.'s UUNet Technologies Inc.
"There are a certain percentage of idiots in any community," he said. "As the
comunity grows, the absolute number of idiots gets bigger." This ability to
cancel messages on the Internet had led to a philosophical face-off among Net
faithful. Some argue the function allows them to wipe out countless
commercial sales pitches that are plastered over the network weekly, while
the downside is "virtually anybody can censor speech," notes Sandberg.
Clinton to Order Encryption?
Word in Washington is that President Clinton is prepared to sign an executive
order instituting his administration's controversial plan that would allow
sale of powerful data-scrambling software. As reported earlier, the new plan
would enable companies to sell their advanced encryption technology abroad,
but would require the companies to give law enforcement agencies the ability
to break the codes under a court order.
The Washington Post reports this morning the administration hopes a
presidential order on the matter will break a deadlock between law
enforcement and the U.S. computer industry over encryption. Writing for The
Associated Press, reporter Laura Meckler notes the White House's most recent
plan could allow U.S. companies to export data-scrambling software using
codes that are up to 56 bits long. As it stands, codes may only be 40 bits
long in exported software. Bits are the electronic pulses that make up the
data being transmitted.
In return, U.S. companies would have to design a "key recovery" system that
would allow intelligence officials to obtain the code if they obtain a court
warrant. As noted, Clinton fears encryption will be used by criminals and
terrorists, so he insists law enforcement needs a way to break in. Civil
libertarians and cyber rights groups fear the government will misuse the keys
to spy on citizens.
Marc Rotenberg, director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, told
the wire service the latest plan also would transfer authority over
encryption export from the State Department to the Commerce Department, but
it would give the FBI power to review export plans. Says Meckle, "This plan
replaces the 'clipper chip' that the Clinton administration proposed in 1994.
That would have allowed computer or telephone communications to be scrambled
while giving the government a set of decoding keys to allow for
court-approved electronic surveillance. The latest plan is different because
it would make it more difficult for government to unscramble messages. The
keys could be held by third parties and their components would be spread
across several companies."
Meanwhile, The New York Times said in a story today, the administration
believes it will take some time for the United States to persuade other
countries to adopt the same systems, allowing governments to work together.
One unidentified senior administration official told the Times, "It is going
to take a while to persuade people that their data is safe under this system,
that it protects privacy, and yet that we can use the system to trace
terrorists or drug dealers." AP notes IBM and several other large computer
companies have signed onto the administration's plan, although others are
likely to object.
Bill Extends Protection to Net
California Gov. Pete Wilson has signed legislation extending standard
consumer protections to the state's Internet users. Reporting from
Sacramento, United Press International says the bill is intended to give
consumers who buy goods or services over the Internet the same protections
from financial scams, deceptive marketing practices and unfair service
agreements as exist for phone, mail order, catalog or other sales.
The measure -- sponsored by Attorney General Dan Lungren and carried by
Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame -- "will require Internet vendors
to disclose their return policy, legal business name and street address
before accepting any money," UPI adds. A related Speier bill, also signed,
requires the state's Department of Motor Vehicles to place information on its
Internet web site to help vehicle purchasers protect themselves from fraud.
Electronic FOI Bill Now Law
A bill ensuring the public has electronic access to government documents
available under the Freedom of Information Act has been signed into law by
President Clinton. As reported earlier, the new law updates the original one,
which, notes The Associated Press, was passed 30 years ago when the
government owned only 45 computers and provided information only on paper.
"The legislation was designed to clarify that the FOIA -- used by
journalists, researchers, businesses, local governments, public interest
groups -- also applies to federal records maintained electronically," AP
adds. Approved by Congress without dissent, the new Electronic FOIA requires
federal agencies when asked to share data in a specific format, such as on
computer diskette or CD-ROM. "It also broadens citizen access to government
by placing more information online, in hopes of easing the huge backlog of
requests for data," the wire service says.
Feds Appeal Net 'Decency' Case
The U.S. Justice Department has appealed to the Supreme Court to attempt to
save the government's controversial "indecency" ban on the Iternet, citing
among its arguments the government origin of the global network. At issue
is a June ruling by a three-judge federal panel in Philadelphia that the
"indecency" ban, enacted by Congress in February, is unconstitutional.
United Press International reports the Justice Department brief on the case
says the Internet "originated from experimental efforts" of the Defense
Department to link some of its computer systems. Adds the brief, "The
Internet originated from experimental efforts of the Department of Defense to
link defense-related computer systems so that research and communication
could continue even if portions of the network were damaged.
"Similar networks were subsequently developed to link universities, research
facilities, businesses and individuals around the world. All of those
networks were ultimately linked to one another and became the global network
known as the Internet." UPI notes that the Justice Department does not
contend that the Internet's origin makes it more susceptible to government
regulation. "The Supreme Court has always ruled that government entities have
less power to regulate speech than private entities," the wire service
observes.
Congress Toughens Porn Laws
Computer-generated child pornography is targeted in a new law that takes
effect this week, making it illegal to appear to depict children in sexual
situations, whether in computer images, films or photographs. However, the
American Civil Liberties Union calls the measure unconstitutional and a waste
of prosecutors' resources, since it expanded a law designed to protect any
actual children used to produce pornography. The ACLU also says the law is so
broad that adults portraying children in films could risk prosecution.
Reporting from Washington, Jackie Frank of the Reuter News Service notes that
previously, depictions of minors produced by computers without using children
had been outside the scope of federal law. "The new law expands the
definition of child pornography to include any image - photograp, video or
computer-generated image -- that depicts or appears to depict a minor engaged
in sexually explicit conduct," Frank reports.
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says
the law was designed to protect children from sexual exploitation and
pedophiles. "While federal law has failed to keep pace with technology, the
purveyors of child pornography have been right on line with it. Passage of
this bill will help to correct that problem," Hatch said.
On the other side of the debate, ACLU legislative counsel Daniel Katz told
the wire service the law has major ramifications for artists, the film
industry and journalism. Katz said it includes a waiver-of-privacy rule to
permit newsroom searches for information related to investigations of child
pornography, adding, "It is much broader, and the ramifications are
extraordinary, both for artists and for people in the cinema."
Of course, computers can be used to alter photographs, films and videos to
produce sexually explicit materials virtually indistinguishable from
unretouched photographs. "The new technology has hampered prosecutors in
their ability to obtain convictions because it can be impossible to identify
individuals or to prove that the materials were produced using real
children," Reuters notes. "The new law would allow prosecution of
pornographers whether or not the identity of the child could be determined,
so long as the person, even if an adult, appeared to be a minor." (Currently,
pornography is protected under free speech laws except when a minor child is
involved.)
Hatch contends computer-generated pornography posed many of the same dangers
to children as did pornography made from unretouched photographs in that it
could be used to seduce children into sexual activity or to encourage a
pedophile to prey on them. Mandatory prison sentences of 15 years are
established by the new law for production of child pornography, five years
for possession of the materials and life in prison for repeat offenders
convicted of sexual abuse of a minor.
China Eases Internet Rules
Limits on the number of Internet accounts in the country have been removed by
China now that the government there has restricted material on the computer
network that it considers unacceptable. Reporting from Shanghai, te Reuter
News Service quotes Zhang Weihua, vice president of the Shanghai Post and
Telecommunications Administration, as saying, "Some time ago, our security
arrangements were incomplete and there was a problem with pornographic and
politically unacceptable material, but our arrangements have now been
improved and new accounts are now being added without restriction."
Zhang said he was unaware of any restrictions on access to major
international news sites through China's Internet servers. Several providers,
including Dow Jones & Co., publisher of The Wall Street Journal, have
reported China has cut off access to such news sites. Zhang said that for
"security" reasons there was a need to control information and discussion on
the Internet and related bulletin-board services, "but surveys done on the
usage and interests of people in China with Internet access indicate that
virtually all the material they wanted to look at is domestic."
Guerrillas Blocked From Net
Internet connections for a guerrilla group currently involved in a bloody
offensive in the mountains and jungles of Colombia suddenly have been cut.
Reporting from Bogota, Karl Penhaul of the Reuter News Service says the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which has periodically
paralysed half the country with road blocks, found its route to the
information superhighway barred.
"The Communist insurgents, who rose up in arms in 1964, embraced new
technology last year in their fight to overthrow the government by launching
a home page on the Internet," writes Penhaul. "But in unexplained
circumstances, which a spokeswoman for the Mexico City-based Internet
provider Teesnet said may or may not be linked to external pressures, the
plug was pulled on the service on Monday -- a day after being publicized in
Colombia's leading daily, El Tiempo."
In Mexico City, FARC international spokesman Marco Leon Calarca admitted the
loss of the Internet page was a serious reversal, but vowed the computer-age
conflict was far from over. He told the wireservice, "This is an attack on
freedom of expression because we were not doing anything illegal. I cannot
say exactly how it happened but the hand of the Colombian government is in
this. The FARC is used to difficulties and this is just the latest challenge.
One way or another we will get back on to the Internet."
Reuters notes the guerrillas used their World Wide Web site to publish their
political magazine Resistencia, whose distribution is banned in Colombia, and
to offer explanations about their latest armed actions. FARC was labeled
"narcoguerrillas" since the 1980s when U.S. ambassador Lewis Tambs
highlighted the group's alleged connections with Colombia's drugs trade, and
has been dubbed "Cyberspace guerrillas" since their appearance on the
Internet.
On this Calarca commented, "Cyberspace guerrillas may seem a fun name but I
think it is pejorative and belittles what we're doing. We are looking to
topple the government and set up a new Colombia."
Mitnick Indicted in Thefts
Convicted computer vandal Kevin Mitnick has been indicted on charges he
carried out a spree of software thefts that cost corporations millions of
dollars during nearly three years as a fugitive. In Los Angeles, The
Associated Press reports a federal grand jury has indicted 33-year-old
Mitnick on charges he stole computer programs from companies, damaged
University of Southern California computers and used stolen passwords during
his time on the run.
Following an investigation by a task force of high-tech experts from the FBI,
NASA and federal prosecutor's offices nationwide, the 25-count complaint
also alleges that Mitnick used cloned cellular phone codes. As reported,
Mitnick pleaded guilty last April to a single count of cellular phone fraud
for using 15 stolen phone numbers to dial into computer databases. He also
admitted violating probation for a previous computer fraud conviction. In
return for that plea, prosecutors agreed to drop 22 other fraud charges but
warned that new charges could follow.
Mitnick, already awaiting sentencing on the earlier charges, could face up to
200 years of jail time if convicted, authorities said. In 1988, Mitnick
served a year in prison for illegally tapping computers at Digital Equipment
Corp. At age 17, he served six months at a youth center for stealing computer
manuals from a Pacific Bell switching center.
In 1992, he disappeared while on probation. Computer security expert Tsutomu
Shimomura tracked Mitnick to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he was arrested
in February 1995 after telephone technicians tracked his cellular phone
signal to an apartment complex there.
Mitnick Pleads Not Guilty
Famed renegade computerist Kevin Mitnick has pleaded not guilty to charges he
masterminded a multimillion-dollar online crime spree during his 2 1/2 years
as a national fugitive. In Los Angeles, the 33-year-old Mitnick told the
judge not to bother reading the indictment, which includes 25 new counts of
computer and wire fraud, possessing unlawful ccess devices, damaging
computers and intercepting electronic messages. "Not guilty," he said.
Mitnick is being held without bail on a fraud conviction.
As reported earlier, the indictment was handed up Friday by a federal grand
jury and follows an investigation by a national task force of FBI, NASA and
federal prosecutors with high-tech expertise. Mitnick is accused of using
stolen computer passwords, damaging University of Southern California
computers and stealing software valued at millions of dollars from technology
companies, including Novell, Motorola, Nokia, Fujitsu and NEC.
According to The Associated Press, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Schindler
said Mitnick, if convicted, will be sentenced to "multiple years," but
declined to be more specific, saying that computer crime was a new area of
the law. As noted, Mitnick went on the lam in 1992 while on probation and
was tracked by computer and telephone security experts who caught him in
Raleigh, N.C. The story of his arrest in February 1995 made national
headlines.
Last April, he pleaded guilty to a North Carolina fraud charge of using 15
stolen phone numbers to dial into computer databases. Prosecutors dropped 22
other fraud charges then but warned that new charges could follow. AP notes
Mitnick also admitted violating probation for a 1988 conviction in Los
Angeles, where he served a year in jail for breaking into computers at
Digital Equipment Corp. At 16, he served six months in a youth center for
stealing computer manuals from a Pacific Bell switching center. The wire
service reports Mitnick also has a new lawyer. He is Donald C. Randolph, who
represented Charles Keating Jr.'s top aide, Judy J. Wischer, in the Lincoln
Savings swindle.
IBM Offers New, Trimmer PC Line
IBM is introducing a new line of slick black machines that will be marketed
to those wanting to clear clutter from their desks. The new Aptiva S Series
separates the diskette and CD-ROM drives from the box that contains the main
circuitry, allowing people to place the compute box away from the work area
without sacrificing convenience, says business writer David E. Kalish of The
Associated Press.
"The foray into design by IBM signals that a recent industry trend toward
fashionable machines has entered the mainstream," Kalish adds. "It and other
PC makers are facing up to the reality that their machines are fundamentally
similar, built from the same processing chips and operating software." IBM's
Aptiva S series encases the drives and power controls in a discrete slim
"media console" that forms a base for the monitor, close at hand even when
the hardware box is stored off the desk.
"Previously, people could stow the bulky box away from the desk but would
then need to stretch to insert and eject diskettes and CDs," AP observes.
"The new system also features a distinctive monitor stand supported by
elegant wide arches to provide space for the keyboard when not in use." Its
lowest-cost model will use Intel Corp.'s Pentium 166 MHz microprocessor, with
prices starting at $2,499, excluding a monitor. The highest-cost machine, at
$3,099, will be run by a 200 MHz Pentium. All will have at least 16MB of main
memory, hard drives ranging from 2.5 to 3.2 gigabytes and 28,800 bps modems.
Monitors cost an extra $499 to $799, depending on display size.
Dell Ships Low-End Dimension P200v
Dell Computer Corp. says it has begun volume shipments of the Dell Dimension
P200v, a high-powered PC designed for cost-conscious small- and medium-sized
business and home office customers in the United States. The P200v
represents the first time Dell has offered the fastest-available Pentium
processor in an entry-level system priced less than $2,000. Dell introduced
and began shipping the P200v in limited quantities last month. The Dell
Dimension P200v mini-tower system includes 16MB of RAM, a 2.1GB hard drive, a
Dell 15TX Trinitron monitor and an 8-speed CD-ROM drive. Factory-installed
options include a 16-bit sound card and speakers for $99 and a 28.8K bps
fax/modem for $129.
OS/2 FaxWorks Pro Enhanced
Global Village Communications Inc. has introduced an enhanced version of its
FaxWorks Pro for OS/2 communications software. FaxWorks Pro for OS/2 3.0,
which is compatible with IBM's new OS/2 Warp 4, includes voice mail, message
forwarding, fax-on-demand, paging and remote message retrieval features. The
software also offers Internet Relay, which allows OS/2 users to forward faxes
and voice mail messages to Internet mailboxes. For mobile users, received
faxes and voice messages can be placed in an Internet mailbox, so that these
messages can be retrieved along with their e-mail. FaxWorks Pro for OS/2 3.0
ispriced at $129. Prices for the local area network edition start at $499.
Modem Allows Voice, Data at Once
The online community is abuzz over a new modem technology called Digital
Simultaneous Voice and Data -- or DSVD -- that will allow you to talk on the
telephone and send data on the same call. Reporting in Popular Mechanics,
writer T.J. Byers says DSVD models "are great for head-to-head game
competition, but they also have more serious applications," adding, "Business
during phone conferences, and video telephones become practical and
inexpensive."
With DSVD, the phone and modem share the same line. The key to its success is
"selective processing of the voice signal," the magazine said. During DSVD
calls, voice, normally analogue, is digitally modulated and compressed like
computer data. "The modem takes snippets of your telephone conversation and
stuffs them into a small frame, making them easier and faster to transport,"
Byers writes. When the frame is opened at the other end, the contents return
to their original form."
The digitized voice and data signals are mixed together in a process called
multiplexing, with the voice frames interwoven with data frames in a defined
pattern. In DSVD, the pattern typically is two data frames for every voice
frame. This robs the data channel of some of its speed. "Unfortunately,
there is a catch to DSVD technology," the magazine adds. "Minor difficulties
between each vendor's DSVD protocol limit the interoperability of all but the
newest products. Lack of standardization does not mean you must wait to buy a
DSVD model. The International Telecommunications Union has a DSVD standard in
the works."
DVD-ROM Software Sales to Soar
Digital video disc-read only memory (DVD-ROM) software products could
generate revenues of $100 million annually by 1999, and will begin to take
revenues away from CD-ROM beginning in 1997, according to a new research
report from SIMBA Information Inc. of Stamford, Connecticut. The report
estimates that DVD-ROM software sales will rach $35 million in 1997, $75
million in 1998 and $100 million by 1999.
SIMBA estimates that U.S. consumers, businesses and educational customers
spent $1.47 billion on multimedia CD-ROMs in 1995. CD-ROM sales will
increase 74 percent to $2.56 billion in 1996, led by "edutainment" and game
titles, says SIMBA. Although multimedia CD-ROM revenues will continue to grow
over the next several years, emerging platforms such as DVD-ROM and online
multimedia delivery will encroach upon its territory beginning in 1997, notes
the researcher.
Iomega Ships 3 Millionth Zip Drive
Iomega Corp. reports that it has shipped more than 3 million Zip drives
worldwide since the line's introduction in March 1995. The 100MB Zip drives
and disks provide up to 70 times the capacity of traditional floppy disks.
The Roy, Utah, company also says it has shipped its 5 millionth personal
storage solution, comprised of Zip and Ditto disk drives and Jaz tape drives.
Iomega recently announced that internal Zip drives for OEMs (original
equipment manufacturers) will boot computers containing updated BIOS (Basic
Input Output System) by early 1997. Zip drives can be found as standard or
optional features in computers made by IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Packard Bell,
NEC Technologies, Micron, Power Computing, Unisys, and Canon. Iomega's Web
site is located at http.//www.iomega.com.
Robotics at Work on Faster Modem?
Rumors are circulating again that modem market leader U.S. Robotics Corp. is
preparing to unveil a faster-speed modem, talk that caused the company's
stock to jump 6 7/8 points yesterday. In Chicago, the Reuter News Service
quotes Southcoast Capital analyst Jim McIlree as saying, "The whispers are
they're going to announce the high-speed modem soon." However, U.S. Robotics
spokeswoman Karen Novak said, "We have not announced anything and we have
nothing to announce." She repeated, though, the company's stance that the
33.6 kilobit per second modem currently in the market is not the fastest
possible, saying, "We believe 33.6 is not the end of the line."
McIlree and options traders said they are awaiting more details from U.S.
Robotics, which holds a dominant market share in modems. Reuters notes,
"Other companies, for example, have set dates. Motorola Inc. has said it will
unveil a modem with 56 kbps capabilities in 1997, and Rockwell International
Corp. has said it expects to demonstrate 56 kbps technology at a trade show
in November." Referring to U.S. Robotics, McIlree observed, "This would be a
very significant new cycle for them. It would have a large impact on their
desktop modem busines and it would have a significant effect on their network
systems business."
DVD Market Set to Take Off
Dataquest Inc. expects the digital video disc (DVD) optical drive market to
grow from $35 million this year to $4.1 billion in 2000. Analysts at the San
Jose, California, market research firm expect DVD to boost both the consumer
electronics and personal computer markets to new heights. But Dataquest also
forecasts that DVD revenue won't exceed CD-ROM revenue until the year 2000.
"With high storage capacities, faster data transfer rates and interactive
capabilities, DVD has moved the capabilities of optical storage forward by
magnitudes," says Mary Bourdon, a Dataquest senior analyst. "It should be
noted that the enthusiasm and competitive drive of DVD manufacturers could
lead to supply exceeding demand for DVD in the near term and cause some
temporary jolts and lurches in the market."
DVD can be thought of as the next generation of super CD drives designed
specifically for diverse applications ranging across computer, games, video
and audio markets, says Bourdon. "It offers consumers the prospect of a
single-media format for high-quality film and audio reproduction, as well as
high capacities and improved performance in multimedia
applications."
Compaq Sales Pass Packard Bell
For the first time, Compaq Computer Corp. became the No. 1 U.S. retailer of
PCs in July, outpacing Packard Bell Corp. That is the finding of Computer
Intelligence's "StoreBoard Channel" survey of retailers, which tracks sales
data from PC superstores, consumer electronic stores, and office superstores
throughout the United States, outlets that account for about 85 percent of
retail PC sales.
Eric Auchard of the Reuter News Service notes the survey does not cover mass
merchants like Wal-Mart, whose sales represent about 15 percent of the U.S.
retail market for PCs. (Traditionally, this market has been dominated by
Packard Bell, whose primary focus is U.S. retail sales, as opposed to
corporate or direct, mail-order distributon methods.) But, adds Reuters,
Compaq's market share steadily increased throughout the second quarter of
1996, and in July finally surged ahead of the long-time leader.
CI analyst Matt Sargent told the wire service, "Clearly, we're now seeing the
effects of the PC market shifting to a second-time buyer situation. It's
hurting vendors that cater to low-end, first-time purchasers, while helping
those that target second-time buyers, who typically emphasize quality over
price and favor premium brands." The study found market shares for the top
four vendors in the overall retail sales have shifted significantly since the
first quarter of this year:
Compaq held 22.7 percent of overall retail business in July, up from 18.0
percent in February.
Packard Bell slid to 17.5 percent in July from 30.1 percent in February, when
it was far and away the dominant retail PC supplier. IBM rose to 11.7
percent in July from 6.7 percent in February. Hewlett-Packard Co. accounted
for 10.6 percent of the product sold in those stores surveyed versus 7.4
percent in February.
Reuters says the most dramatic market share gains for Compaq occurred in the
consumer electronic stores market segment, causing Packard Bell to lose
market share in a distribution channel it had pioneered. "Compaq nearly
doubled its share of the consumer electronics market to 21.2 percent, up from
11.0 percent in February," said the wire service. "Packard Bell's share was
cut in half to 19.3 percent in July from 41.8 percent five months before."
Another Rescue on the Internet
It has happened again -- a disabled and ill Net surfer over the weekend
managed to summon help from a fellow computerist hundreds of miles away. In
Boston, Charles Drafts -- a double amputee who types using a stick in his
mouth -- was online Saturday with 159 other people in an Internet chess site
when he suddenly sent out a message for help: "i'm disabled and
havingshortness of breath, call ambulace." He also managed to type in his
address.
Associated Press writer Dave Howland reports that while several users tried
to find out what symptoms Drafts was suffering, Andy McFarland of Owensboro,
Kentucky, was calling Boston's emergency medical services on his second phone
line. "When he finally got through, he told dispatchers where he was calling
from and explained the situation," Howland relates. 'I think I lost them for
just a second,' McFarland said. 'It's not something they get every day.'"
AP says firefighters rushed to Draft's home, but no one answered the dor.
They called McFarland back to verify the address. McFarland told the wire
service, "The last thing I heard them say was, `We're going in,' and they
hung up." About 20 minutes later, a Boston dispatcher called to tell
McFarland that they had found Drafts inside and that he had needed help.
This morning, Drafts was listed in stable condition at Beth Israel Hospital,
though hospital officials declined to give details of the nature of his
illness. This is reminiscent of last February's incident when a minister
from Scotland messaged people taking part in a weekly online chat in
CompuServe's Genealogy Forum that he thought he was having a stroke. In that
case, forum administrator Dick Eastman tracked down The Rev. Kenneth J.
Walker in Arbroath, Scotland, and notified local emergency authorities, who
arrived in time to ensure his survival.
Judge Extends Appeal Time in RSI
The amount of time plaintiffs can sue computer manufacturers for repetitive
stress injuries they allege are caused by typing on keyboards has been
extended by a New York federal judge. The three-year statute of limitation
for filing a claim begins running when the plaintiff suffers pain and
symptoms of an injury, rules U.S. District Judge Jack Weinstein of Brooklyn.
According to the Reuter News Service, Weinstein said a New York state court
was wrong when it ruled last month that the statute begins to run when the
plaintiff first began to use the keyboard, even if the pain does not occur
for many years. The judge said that the Appellate Division, First Division's
application of the statute was not an accurate statement of New York State
law. He made his ruling in a case brought against Apple Computer Inc. by a
woman who began using computer keyboards in 1988. She did not begin to feel
pain until 1993 and filed suit 13 months later.
Net Commerce Group Gets Funding
A new organization that plans to address the legal issues and policy
questions arising from increased business activity on the Internet says it
has received over $100,000 initial funding from a number of companies
involved in Internet development. The Internet Law & Policy Forum plans to
produce the building blocks for a more predictable global Internet
environment, including model business agreements, uniform contracting tools
for electronic commerce, model codes of conduct, analytical reports and
recommendations for best business practices. The group's corporate sponsors
include AT&T, Bell Canada, BBN, British Telecom, Cisco Systems, Deutsche
Telekom, General Electric Information Services, General Magic, Hong Kong
Telecom, IBM, Mastercard International, MCI Communications, Microsoft,
Netscape Communications, Oracle and Visa International.
The Electronic Commerce World Institute in Montreal (www.ecworld.org), an
independent international organization that addresses strategic business
issues relating to electronic commerce, will provide administrative support
to the project during an expected six-month organizational phase. "Our
commitment to support the Internet Law & Policy Forum represents the desires
of our membership across five continents to promote the establishment of a
predictable, legally secure environment in which global electronic commerce
can reach its full potential," says Andre Vallerand, president of the
Electronic Commerce World Institute.
CREATIVE LABS AUTOMATED FAXBACK SYSTEM
405-372-5227
Last Updated: 9-24-96
If a customer would like to receive a faxback document:
1. Dial 405-372-5227.
2. Press 1 to order a document.
3. Press 2 to order a document catalog.
4. Follow the remaining voice instructions.
AVAILABLE CATALOGS
Doc# Description
1 Product Information Catalog
2 Technical Services Catalog
*********************************
* Product Information Catalog *
*********************************
SOUND BLASTER CARDS
Doc# Description
1000 Sound Blaster Audio Card Reference Chart
1010 Sound Blaster 32 PnP
1020 Sound Blaster AWE32 PnP
1030 Sound Blaster 16 Value PnP
MULTIMEDIA/CD-ROM KITS
Doc# Description
2000 Multimedia Kit Reference Chart
2010 Blaster CD 4x
2020 Sound Blaster Discovery CD 4x PnP
2030 Sound Blaster Performance 8x
2040 Sound Blaster Value CD 4x PnP
2050 Blaster CD 6x
2060 Sound Blaster Performance 6x
2070 Blaster CD 8x
2080 Sound Blaster Discovery CD 8x
2090 Aventura CD 4x (Espa¤ol)
2100 Aventura CD 4x (portugues)
2110 Sound Blaster Multimedia Home 8x
2120 Sound Blaster Value CD 8x
2130 Blaster CD-R 4120
GRAPHICS/VIDEO
Doc# Description
3000 Video Card and Accessories Reference Chart
3010 Video Blaster RT300
3020 Video Blaster SE100
3030 Graphics Blaster MA201/MA202
3040 Graphics Blaster MA302
3050 3D Blaster
3060 Creative TVCoder External
3070 Video Blaster MP400
COMMUNICATIONS
Doc# Description
4000 Modem and Communication Reference Chart
4010 PhoneBlaster
4020 ModemBlaster 14.4 PCMCIA
4030 PhoneBlaster 28.8 PnP
4040 ModemBlaster 28.8 External
4050 ModemBlaster 28.8 PnP
4060 ModemBlaster 28.8 PCMCIA
4070 Internet Blaster 33.6 PnP
COMPANION PRODUCTS
Doc# Description
5010 Wave Blaster II Gamepak
5020 Sound Blaster Speakers
SOFTWARE
Doc# Description
6010 Creative VoiceAssist
6020 E-MU SoundFonts
6030 Vienna SF Studio
DESKTOP VIDEO CONFERENCING
Doc# Description
7000 Desktop VideoConferencing Product Reference Chart
7010 ShareVision PC300
7020 ShareVision PC3000
7030 ShareVision MAC300 & MAC3000
PRODUCT PRESS RELEASES
Doc# Description
8010 Creative Unveils 3D Blaster For Pentium PCs
8020 Creative Offers Complete Range of High-Speed Communications Products
8030 Modem Blaster 28.8 PCMCIA Expands Creative's Communications Product
Line
8040 Creative Announces Phone Blaster 28.8 Upgrade
8050 Creative Introduces New Graphics Blaster Multimedia Accelerator Cards
8060 Creative Reduces ShareVision Desktop Video Conferencing Prices To
Under $1000
8070 Creative Announces ShareVision Products Will Support New Data Sharing
And Video Conferencing Standards
8080 Creative Announces a Complete Entertainment Platform for Windows 95
8090 Interoperability Testing Begins for New Videophone Standard
Transmitting over Phone Lines
8100 Creative Introduces New Line of 8x Multimedia Upgrade Kits
8110 Creative First to Deliver Direct3D Support
8120 Creative Introduces SoundFont 2.0 Sound Sample Format
8130 Creative Labs Takes Next Step in 3D Graphics Strategy
8140 Creative Announces PhoneBlaster 28.8 PnP
8150 Creative Unleashes the Power of the PC at E3
8160 New Entries in the Growing List if 3D Blaster Titles
8170 Creative Ships New Multimedia Kits for Latin America
8180 Creative Indroduces Complete Line of Sound Blaster Speakers
8190 Creative Ships Internet Blaster 33.6 PnP: The First Complete High-
Speed 33.6 Internet Solution
8200 Creative Teams with Industry Leaders to Offer High Speed 33.6
Internet Bundle
8210 Creative Technology Extends Industry Leadership In Desktop
Videoconferencing
8220 Creative Labs Showcases Complete Line of Multimedia Products for
Brazil
8230 Creative Labs Ships Brazilian Edition of 8x Multimedia Upgrade Kit
8240 Creative Ships Complete CD Recording Upgrade Kit Designed For
The General Consumer
8250 Creative's Sound Blaster Gets "Interneted"
8260 Creative's Partnerships Change the Face of the Internet
8270 Creative and Seer Deliver Low-Cost Wave-Table Audio to Sound Blaster
16
DEVELOPER INFORMATION
Doc# Description
9010 Sound Blaster Developer Kit 2.0
9030 Blaster Certification Program Intro. Kit
9040 Registered Developer Application
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Doc# Description
10010 First Quarter Fiscal 1996 Results
10020 Form 6-K for First Quarter Ending 9/30/95, Part 1
10022 Form 6-K for First Quarter Ending 9/30/95, Part 2
10030 Form 20-F for 1995, Part 1
10031 Form 20-F for 1995, Part 2
10032 Form 20-F for 1995, Part 3
10033 Form 20-F for 1995, Part 4
10034 Form 20-F for 1995, Part 5
10035 Form 20-F for 1995, Part 6
10036 Form 20-F for 1995, Part 7
10037 Form 20-F for 1995, Part 8
10038 Form 20-F for 1995, Part 9
10039 Form 20-F for 1995, Part 10
10050 Second Quarter Fiscal 1996 Results
10060 Third Quarter Fiscal 1996 Results
10070 Fourth Quarter Fiscal 1996 Results
USEFUL INFORMATION
Doc# Description
11010 The Creative Network of Addresses and Phone Numbers
11020 Creative Labs Warranty Agreement
11030 Creative Labs Product Reference Chart
CREATIVE IN THE NEWS
Doc# Description
12010 "Game for Anything," Introduction to the 3D Blaster (FamilyPC,
November, 1995)
12020 "Blast Into 3-D," Introduction to the 3D Blaster (ComputerLife,
November, 1995)
12030 "New! Sound Solution for Plug and Play" Review of Sound Blaster AWE32
PnP (PC Computing, November, 1995)
12040 "With New Boards, PCs Threaten to Blast Out of the Box" Introduction
to 3D Blaster (Wall Street Journal August 16, 1995)
12050 "Fast Companies," Report on the Fastest-Growing Companies in the U.S.
(U.S. News & World Report, July 3, 1995)
CORPORATE PRESS RELEASES
Doc# Description
15010 Creative And DataBeam Announce Intended Partnership for Application
Sharing and T.120-Based Technology
15020 Creative Technology Announces Results for Fiscal 1995
15030 Creative Garners Top Awards For 1995
15040 Creative Announces Resignation of Chief Financial Officer
15050 Creative Announces Its Support for Microsoft NetMeeting
15060 Creative Announces Resignation of President
15070 Creative Announces Cessation of CD-ROM Drive Manufacturing
15080 Creative Technology Names Chief Scientist
15090 Creative Details Newest Multimedia Strategy for the Internet
CHANNEL MARKETING
Doc# Description
20010 Creative Labs Distributor List
20020 MBA Introduction and Registration Form
20030 VAR Introduction and Registration Form
20040 Reseller Product Literature Order Form
20050 Channel Discount Purchase Program
20060 VARPak Product List
20070 Canadian MBA Registration Form
CREATIVE SOUNDS NEWSLETTER
Doc# Description
21010 Creative Sounds Newsletter for April
21020 Creative Sounds Newsletter for May
21030 Creative Sound Newsletter for August
CREATIVE SOUNDS CANADA
Doc# Description
22010 Creative Sounds Newsletter for Canada, May 1996
22020 Creative Sounds Newsletter for Canada, July 1996
*****************************
* Technical Support Catalog *
*****************************
SOUND CARD DIAGRAMS AND JUMPER SETTINGS
Doc# Description
51320 CT1320 Sound Blaster 1.0/1.5
51330 CT1330 Sound Blaster Pro I
51350 CT1350 Sound Blaster 2.0
51600 CT1600 Sound Blaster Pro II
51730 CT1730 Sound Blaster 16
51740 CT1740 Sound Blaster 16
51750 CT1750/1759 Sound Blaster 16 MCD
51770 CT1770/1779 Sound Blaster 16 SCSI-2
52230 CT2230/2239 Sound Blaster 16 MCD
52231 CT2230C/2239C Sound Blaster 16 Creative
52232 CT2230S/2239S Sound Blaster 16 Sony
52290 CT2290/2299 Sound Blaster 16 IDE
52291 CT2291 Sound Blaster 16 Value IDE
52740 CT2740/2749 Sound Blaster 16
52750 CT2750/2759 Sound Blaster EZ CD16
52760 CT2760 Sound Blaster AWE32, Rev. 1
52763 CT2760 Sound Blaster AWE32, Rev. 3
52770 CT2770 Sound Blaster 16 Value Edition
52830 CT2830 Sound Blaster 16 IDE
52910 CT2910 Sound Blaster 16 Value IDE
52950 CT2950 Sound Blaster 16 Value IDE
53600 CT3600 Sound Blaster 32 Plug and Play
53780 CT3780 Sound Blaster AWE32 Value Edition
53900 CT3900 Sound Blaster AWE32 IDE
53910 CT3910 Sound Blaster AWE32 Value IDE
53930 CT3930 Sound Blaster 32
53980 CT3980 Sound Blaster AWE32 Plug and Play
CD-ROM DRIVE DIAGRAMS
Doc# Description
50033 Sony CDU33A
50075 Sonu CDU75E
50200 Creative CD200F (Funai E2550UA)
50220 Creative CD220F (Funai E2800UA)
50271 NEC CDR271 / CDR272 / CDR273
50400 Mitsumi CD4000M (FX400 / FX400D)
50420 Creative CD420E
50422 Creative CD420F (Funai E2750UA)
50510 NEC CDR-510M
50511 NEC CDR-511
50521 Creative/Panasonic CR 521/CR 523
50530 Toshiba XM-5302B
50540 GoldStar GCD 540B
50563 Creative/Panasonic CR563
50574 Panasonic CR574
50581 Panasonic/MKE CR 581J
50620 Creative CD620E
52750 Sound Blaster EZ CD16
50730 Hitachi CDR-7730 CD-ROM Drive
50265 Funai E2650 CD-ROM Drive
50820 Creative CD820E CD-ROM Drive
INTERFACE CARD DIAGRAMS
Doc# Description
51331 CT1331 External CD-ROM Pass-Through Card
51810 CT1810 Creative CD-ROM Interface Card
51830 CT1830 Creative/Sony CD-ROM Interface Card
51860 CT1860 IDE CD-ROM Interface Card
51870 CT1870 PnP IDE/Creative CD-ROM Interface Card
TELEPHONY CARD DIAGRAMS
Doc# Description
55010 CT5010 Modem Blaster 19.2Voice
55020 CT5020 Modem Blaster 28.8
55030 CT5030 Modem Blaster 14.4
VIDEO CARD DIAGRAMS
Doc# Description
56010 CT6010 Creative TV Coder
56040 CT6040 Video Blaster SE
56042 CT6042 Video Blaster SE100
56050 CT6050 Video Blaster FS200
56060 CT6060/CT6061 Video Blaster RT300
56080 CT6080 Video Blaster MP400
SOUND CARD ISSUES
General/SB2.0 in DOS
Doc# Date Description
60001 8/22/96 SB 2.0 and No Throughput, No Mixer, Only DMA 1
60002 8/22/96 Buzzing from Sound Blaster Until Initialization
60003 8/22/96 MCV Bus Timeout Error
60004 8/22/96 Multi Config and Memory Management for SB2.0
General/SB2.0 in Windows 3.x
Doc# Date Description
60005 8/22/96 VSBPD.386 Not Loaded Error
60006 8/22/96 SB 2.0 and No Sound in Windows Until Mosaic is Entered
60007 8/22/96 No MIDI in Windows, All Other Sounds Work
60008 8/22/96 Difficulties with Monologue for Windows
SB Pro in DOS
Doc# Date Description
60101 8/22/96 Multi Config and Memory Management for SBPro
SB16 in DOS
Doc# Date Description
60201 8/22/96 16-bit DMA Problems
60202 8/22/96 Multi Config and Memory Management for SB16/AWE32
60206 8/23/96 SCSI-2 Installation Will Not Accept Disk 2
SB16 in Windows 3.x
Doc# Date Description
60203 8/22/96 Creative Mixer Does Not Save Setting Upon Exit of Windows
60204 8/22/96 Errors When Running Texto'LE
SB16 in Windows 95
Doc# Date Description
60205 8/23/96 Installing a Non Plug-and-Play Sound Card in Windows 95
SB32/AWE32 in DOS
Doc# Date Description
60301 8/22/96 MPU-401 Initialization Failed with AWEUTIL.EXE
60302 8/22/96 No Music on an AWE32 in Games
SOFTWARE ISSUES
Issues in DOS
Doc# Date Description
60502 8/23/96 Synthesizer Not Installed and SBAITSO
60504 8/23/96 Errors on Speed Installation
60505 8/23/96 Blaster and Sound Environment Settings
60507 8/23/96 MS Flight Simulator 5.0 and Choppy Sound
Issues in Windows 3.x
Doc# Date Description
60501 8/23/96 Photostyler SE 1.1a PhotoCDs causing GPFs
60503 8/23/96 Problems Running Screen Singer Under Windows
60506 8/23/96 Digital Morph Gives Errors When Trying to Load a Morph
Picture
60508 8/23/96 Monologue Dictionary Changes Have No Effect
60509 8/23/96 Groliers 6.X AVI Problems
60510 8/23/96 Groliers with Blank, White, or Black Screens
CD-ROM ISSUES
Issues in DOS
Doc# Date Description
61001 8/21/96 Omni CD Setting Errors
61002 8/21/96 Panasonic CR-562 on a Creative/Panasonic Interface
61004 8/22/96 Playing Audio CDs in DOS on a SB16
61005 8/22/96 Incorrect DOS Version when MSCDEX Attempts to Load
61006 8/22/96 MSCDEX Does Not Attempt to Load
61007 8/22/96 Not Enough Drive Letters Available
61008 8/22/96 List of Drives Supported by Various Versions of SBIDE.SYS
Issues in Windows 3.x
Doc# Date Description
61011 8/22/96 1995 Groliers and System Resource Problems
61015 8/27/96 Installing the [MCI] CD-Audio Driver
Issues in Windows 95
Doc# Date Description
61012 8/27/96 CD-ROM Not Working in Windows 95
61013 8/27/96 CD-ROM not accessible from MS-DOS Mode (NON-PnP)
61014 8/27/96 CD-ROM drive not recognized in MS-DOS under Windows 95 (PnP)
Hardware-Related Issues
Doc# Date Description
61003 8/21/96 No Sound from CD Audio
61009 8/22/96 Daisy-Chaining on a Creative/Panasonic Interface
61010 8/22/96 One-Channel CD Audio
TELEPHONY PRODUCT ISSUES
Doc# Date Description
63001 8/27/96 Compatible Modems and Initialization Strings
The Windows 95 Upgrade Packs for SB16, SB32 and AWE32 sound cards are now
available for immediate shipment through Customer Service in North, Central,
and South America, and the Asia Pacific area (the European area will have
the upgrade available soon). You can contact our Customer Service Department
at 1- 800-998-1000 in North America. (elsewhere see CONTACT.TXT, Lib 1 on
Compuserve).
Please note that the upgrade pack is ONLY available for legacy (non-PnP)
retail versions of the card. Retail versions of the PnP cards ship with
both DOS / Win 3.1 and Windows95 software. OEM customers should contact
their vendor to see if an upgrade is available for their card.
SB16 Windows 95 Upgrade Disk Pack (Part Number: 2000001230)
SB16 Windows 95 Upgrade CD-ROM Pack (Part Number: 2000001240)
* New 32-bit Creative Multimedia Deck applications
Mixer, CD player, Wave player, MIDI player, Soundo'le and Wave
Studio.
* 16-bit versions of Text Assist and Voice Assist that will run
properly with Windows 95.
* Sound drivers.
* CD-ROM drivers
SB32 and AWE32 Windows 95 Upgrade Disk Pack (Part Number: 2000001260)
SB32 and AWE32 Windows 95 Upgrade CD-ROM Pack (Part Number:
2000001250)
* New 32-bit Creative Multimedia Deck applications Mixer, CD player,
Wave player, MIDI player, Soundo'le and Wave Studio, AWE Control Panel.
* 16-bit versions of Text Assist and Voice Assist that will run
properly with Windows 95.
* 16-bit version of Vienna that will run properly with Windows 95.
* Sound drivers.
* CD-ROM drivers
Each Windows 95 Upgrade Pack costs $12.95 plus shipping and sales tax
(if applicable).
Windows 95 Upgrade Packs are not available for any of Creative's 8-bit
sound cards. All of the drivers required for 8-bit sound cards are included
with the Windows 95 operating system.
Customers who require one or more of the following drivers and/or
application patches can download them free of change from our BBS, FTP site
or CompuServe.
* The latest SB16, SB32 or AWE32 Windows 95 sound card drivers.
* The latest MKE and IDE Windows 95 IDE CD-ROM drivers.
Creative's new 32-bit applications WILL NOT be available for download or
free of charge. Those customers who would like to upgrade to Creative's new
32-bit applications must purchase the upgrade through
Customer Service. All of our legacy 16-bit applications (with the
appropriate patches) work properly in Windows 95. When contacting Customer
Service, please give both the part number AND the title of the upgrade that
you would like to purchase.
Creative Technology Ltd. is the world's leading provider of advanced
multimedia solutions for personal computers, including sound, graphics,
communications and video conferencing products. The company's Sound Blaster
technology has been accepted as the worldwide standard sound platform for
PCs, and the company's global distribution network is the most extensive in
the multimedia industry. Creative is focused on enhancing the overall user
experience by providing powerful, enabling, high-value technology for the
mass market. Sound Blaster and Blaster are registered trademarks and 3D
Blaster is a trademark of Creative Technology Ltd. E-mu is a registered
trademark of E-mu Systems, Inc. All other products mentioned herein are
trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby recognized as such.
This announcement relates to products whose launch are in the United States
of America. The product names, contents, prices and availability may differ
elsewhere in the world according to local factors and requirements. Sound
Blaster and Blaster are registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. All
other products mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners
and are hereby recognized as such.
EDUPAGE STR Focus Keeping the users informed
Edupage
Contents
New FCC Phone Regulations Put On Hold
Cancelbot Attacks Usenet
PC, Heal Thyself
Apple And Netscape Work On Audio/Video Conferencing
Microsoft To Promote ISDN Service In Europe
Content Really Is King
Gov't Documents To Be Made Available Electronically
Victoria Pulls Plug On Web Site
Microsoft Expects Slower Revenue Growth In FY97
Computer Delivers Fatal Drug Dose
The Ever-Morphing PC
Clinton Okays Encryption Plan With Key Recovery System
CyberCoin Targets Small Change On The Net
Bellcore Warns Smart Cards Are Vulnerable
New Proposals For Managing The Internet
VeriFone's Digital Cash Machine
Utilities To Offer Full Telecom Service
Netizens Ask, "Where's The Beef?"
SPA Audits Subscribers To Internet Service Provider
AOL Tries To Get New Subscribers And Keep The Old Ones
Netscape Fights Back
Educom's Conference To Be Web Cast
AT&T Offers Digital Version Of Its Cellular Service
Microsoft Gives Away ActiveX Technology
Netscape Launches InBox Direct
California Shuns Virtual University
Apple Shows Recovery Signs
PC Anti-Freeze
Silicon Beach?
Intuit Sells Insurance Via Internet
Satellite Digital TV In Japan
Teleglobe Clinches American License
Power Traveler's Notes
Oracle Chief Thinks Netscape's On Way Out
NEW FCC PHONE REGULATIONS PUT ON HOLD
A federal court in St. Louis has ordered a temporary stay on new regulations
developed by the Federal Communications Commission to control the way in
which the local phone companies open up their networks to new competitors
such as long-distance carriers and cable television operators. GTE and other
local phone service companies are arguing that the elaborate FCC rules are
an unreasonable government encroachment on the free marketplace. (New York
Times 28 Sep 96 p23)
CANCELBOT ATTACKS USENET
Last weekend, a computer cracker aimed a "cancelbot" computer program at
Usenet -- an Internet bulletin board system -- and wiped out more than
25,000 messages. "Whoever did this has the potential to bring Usenet to its
knees and remove all the articles from Usenet in a given day," says one
software engineer. "That's Internet terrorism." "It's a stupid 'net
trick,'" says a Lucent Technologies security expert. "It's virtually
trivial to generate these cancel messages. Any doofus without much
programming experience can do this, and we're going to see this kind of
thing all the time." The cr
acker's account on Oklahoma-based Cottage
Software Inc. was canceled immediately and the FBI has been notified. (Wall
Street Journal 27 Sep 96 A13A)
PC, HEAL THYSELF
CyberMedia Inc., which makes a software diagnostics tool called First Aid, is
working with Phoenix Technologies, which makes BIOS 4.0 (Basic Input/Output
System) system-level diagnostic software, to create a package that enable
PCs to figure out what's wrong with them, and fix themselves. "Together, we
have access to all the layers of the software stack and the hardware in the
system, so virtually any problem could be solved," says Phoenix's marketing
VP. The collaborative package, called ActiveHelp, will be able to prevent a
system crash from happening, and can change registry entries and replace
damaged or missing drivers if needed. Phoenix plans to make ActiveHelp
available to PC and motherboard manufacturers that license its BIOS chips,
and the package should be available on PCs in the first half of 1997.
(Information Week 23 Sep 96 p15)
APPLE AND NETSCAPE WORK ON AUDIO/VIDEO CONFERENCING
Apple and Netscape will work together to develop audio and video conferencing
over the Internet, with Apple's QuickTime conferencing bundled into the
Macintosh version of Netscape's Navigator 3.0 software for browsing the
World Wide Web. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 29 Sep 96 H2)
MICROSOFT TO PROMOTE ISDN SERVICE IN EUROPE
Microsoft, in an effort to build up its European following, is teaming with
France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom to promote ISDN (integrated services
digital network) phone lines in Europe. ISDN is widely viewed as the key to
broadening the Internet's appeal to European consumers. Under the agreement,
Microsoft will incorporate an easy way for Windows 95 and Internet Explorer
users to sign up for ISDN service with just a few mouse clicks. At the same
time the three companies will launch an ad campaign for ISDN service. The
phone companies will pay Microsoft for every new ISDN customer generated.
(Wall Street Journal 27 Sep 96 B8)
CONTENT REALLY IS KING
The massive amount of information that's now being generated may appear to
make the individual content provider less important, says a Walt Disney
Imagineering VP, but it actually means that branded content becomes much
more important. In the Information Age, "more information is worth less.
There's too much; you can't swallow it all. Content providers that will be
successful will be the ones that make the content mean something."
(Broadcasting & Cable 23 Sep 96 p54)
GOV'T DOCUMENTS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY
Congress has passed legislation directing federal agencies to make their
records available in electronic format and to make better use of the
Internet to distribute some government information. The legislation was tied
to efforts to improve government response to Freedom of Information Act
requests. "These changes will make access to government information
easier," says the bill's sponsor, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). "The
American people have a right to know how their government works, or doesn't
work." (Chronicle of Higher Education 27 Sep 96 A30)
VICTORIA PULLS PLUG ON WEB SITE
Victoria, the first city in Canada to put its tax-assessment rolls on the
Internet, has pulled the plug after British Columbia's Information
Commissioner announced an investigation into the practice, believing it
violates privacy laws. (Toronto Globe & Mail 27 Sep 96 A3)
MICROSOFT EXPECTS SLOWER REVENUE GROWTH IN FY97
Microsoft says its operating margins might be reduced in fiscal year 1997
because of slower revenue growth and higher operating expenses, including
expenses related to R&D. The company plans to "continue significant
investments in software research and development and related product
opportunities from which significant revenues aren't anticipated for a
number of years." (New York Times 28 Sep 96 p22)
COMPUTER DELIVERS FATAL DRUG DOSE
Terminally ill Bob Dent touched the keyboard of his laptop computer to give
the go-ahead to receive a lethal drug dose, making him the first person to
kill himself under the world's only voluntary euthanasia law. The
computerized "death machine," which sent a mix of barbiturates and muscle
relaxants into Mr. Dent's bloodstream, is equipped with software that asks
the potential suicide a series of questions. (Toronto Star 27 Sep 96 A3)
THE EVER-MORPHING PC
"The PC will fade into the background as we deliver technologies that allow
people to focus on their jobs, as opposed to focusing on the computer's user
interface," says Stephen Boies, head of IBM's interactive systems division
at the Thomas Watson Research Center. For instance, IBM is developing a
specialized device that car dealers can plug into their telephone line to
get credit approval for their customers in under two minutes. And physicians
and nurses at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in California use touch-
screen flat-panel displays embedded in the hospital's walls to track
patients' progress. Apple Fellow Donald Norman predicts that we're seeing
the dawn of computing's next generation: "We're at the end of the second
generation of the personal computer," which was marked by the graphical user
interface, promising ease of use. "But what happened," says Norman, "is
computers have become even more complex, expensive, and unmanageable." In
the third generation, "the focus will be on people and the tasks they want to
accomplish, not technicalities." (Information Week 23 Sep 96 p48)
CLINTON OKAYS ENCRYPTION PLAN
WITH KEY RECOVERY SYSTEM
Attempting to compromise with critics of its "key escrow" approach to data
encryption, the Clinton Administration now plans to begin allowing U.S.
computer companies to export software using powerful encryption codes (or
"keys") up to 56 bits long. However, the government will require those
companies to develop, within two years, a "key recovery" system allowing
U.S. law enforcement or anti-terrorist groups armed with a search warrant to
get the key from the several third-party companies, each of which would hold
one part of the key. IBM and some other large companies are supporting the
plan, but other companies are expected to oppose it. The system will be
successful only if the Administration can convince other countries to adopt
the same kind of system. (New York Times 1 Oct 96 C1)
CYBERCOIN TARGETS SMALL CHANGE ON THE NET
CyberCash has teamed up with six major banks, including Nations Bank, First
Union, First USA and PNC Bank, to offer an electronic payment system to
Internet users who want to make purchases ranging from 25 cents to $10. The
system, called CyberCoin, will charge a just a few cents per transaction,
making it economically more feasible than traditional credit card systems,
which charge 75 cents for a 25-cent transaction. The availability of
"micropayments" is a critical component in allowing publishers to charge for
online information, say industry observers. "What this is really about is
not selling old things more efficiently, but setting the stage to sell an
entirely new set of products," says Paul Saffo of the Institute for the
Future. "It allows you to buy things by the sip rather than the gulp."
(Wall Street Journal 30 Sep 96 B8)
BELLCORE WARNS SMART CARDS ARE VULNERABLE
Researchers at Bellcore have discovered that applying heat or radiation to a
smart card's embedded chip can make it vulnerable to reverse engineering,
allowing the data on the chips to be stolen. Michael Smith, director of the
Smart Card Forum, discounts the researchers' findings, however. He points
out that smart card transactions require security passes by several systems,
not just those on the card itself, and that exposing the card to heat or
radioactivity would not result in repeatable faults, which would be needed
for reverse engineering. "If what Bellcore says is right, that would mean
you could bake 10 personal computers, turn them on, run a spreadsheet, and
each one would show two plus two equaling five," says Smith. (Investor's
Business Daily 1 Oct 96 A8)
NEW PROPOSALS FOR MANAGING THE INTERNET
Representatives from the Internet Society, the International
Telecommunication Union and the World Intellectual Property Organization are
meeting with others in Washington to make recommendations on the future of
the registration process for assigning Internet domain names. One proposal,
advanced by Anthony Rutkowski of General Magic, Inc., suggests that
InterNIC, which currently assigns names, and the Internet Assigned Numbers
Authority, should be merged into a new, nonprofit, international InterNIC
committee, which would include a legal subcommittee to handle "trademark
disputes involving domain name registrations and warehousing of names."
Another proposal, put forth by Robert Shaw of the International
Telecommunication Union, recommends turning the process over to a new entity
that would embody a more formal legal and public policy framework: "The
Internet can no longer ignore the real world because it is rapidly becoming
the real world. Therefore, the challenge is to find the path towards an
international balanced dialogue and legal framework while fostering the
positive (and often chaotic) forces that have made the Net the wonderful
success story it is," says Shaw. (BNA Daily Report for Executives 27 Sep 96
A25)
VERIFONE'S DIGITAL CASH MACHINE
VeriFone Inc. has developed a small electronic device that can turn a
telephone into a dispenser of digital cash. Users can slip a smart card --
a plastic card with a computer chip inside -- into the little box, which is
smaller than a paperback book and hooked up to the telephone. The box dials
the user's bank, verifies the amount in the bank, and downloads digital cash
onto the smart card. VeriFone, which has an installed base of five million
credit-card verification terminals in businesses around the world, will try
to persuade its merchants to upgrade those devices to accept the digital
cash. (Wall Street Journal 30 Sep 96 B8)
UTILITIES TO OFFER FULL TELECOM SERVICE
Electrical utility Boston Edison Co. and cable and telecom-operator C-Tec
Corp. are building a $300-million data network to offer customers a
smorgasbord of cable television, Internet access, and local and long-distance
phone services. The network will capitalize on Boston Edison's already-
installed base of 200 miles of fiber- optic lines, which is currently used
for communications between its power plant and transmission stations.
Customers eventually will be able to use the network to order electricity,
home security, and monitoring for heating and cooling systems. (Investor's
Business Daily 1 Oct 96 A9)
NETIZENS ASK, "WHERE'S THE BEEF?"
Yankelovich's second annual Cybercitizen survey has bad news for Internet
entrepreneurs: "There are widespread complaints about reliability, value
and usefulness," says a Yankelovich managing partner. "People are looking
for a reason to stay." The survey reports a drop in average online time from
16 to 12 hours a month. Survey respondents reported that the online
services they value the most provide frequent updates, quick downloads, and
fast searches. The least useful sites included pictures, sound and bulletin
boards. (Tampa Tribune 30 Sep 96 B&F5)
SPA AUDITS SUBSCRIBERS TO INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER
After discovering that an unidentified customer of Intergate, a small
Internet service provider in Marietta, Georgia, had created a Web page
pointing hackers and crackers to sites containing serial numbers, codes, and
programs designed to defeat copyright protections, the Software Publishers
Association, a Washington, D.C. based trade organization, convinced
Intergate to submit to an ongoing audit which would allow the activities of
the company's 170 subscribers to be monitored for copyright infringements.
Intergate president Jeffrey McGough said, "I'm an easy target. The legal
issues take more time and money than I could ever spend," but argued: "It's
ridiculous that the SPA would apply the copyright law this way. The
knowledge is not illegal, the use of it is." One national Internet service
provider, Atlanta-based Mindspring, said through a spokesperson that,
although it cooperates with appropriate legal authorities, the company "could
not agree to an audit that made us responsible for monitoring what our users
put on their personal Web pages." (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 1 Oct 96 D3)
AOL TRIES TO GET NEW SUBSCRIBERS
AND KEEP THE OLD ONES
At the same time it is launching a $300 million advertising campaign to
attract enough new subscribers to boost its membership from 6 million to 10
million by next summer, America Online has admitted in a filing to the
Security & Exchange Commission that, because of increased competition, it has
had trouble retaining subscribers in the last year. The company believes
that a new pricing plan offering 20 free hours for $19.95 will be the
solution to the subscriber retention problem. (Washington Post 30 Sep 96)
NETSCAPE FIGHTS BACK
Netscape's newest version of its Navigator browser, scheduled for test
release sometime this month, will enable collaboration among groups without
the need for "groupware" software such as Lotus Notes. It will also make it
possible for users to create multimedia e-mail messages and their own Web
pages. The strategy is to continue persuading people to install Netscape's
browser and to buy Netscape server software. "That's where the money is,"
says CEO Jim Barksdale. Still, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison is doubtful that
this David will be able to win the battle against Microsoft's Goliath:
"Netscape has no chance. They will be wiped out." (Business Week 7 Oct 96
p34)
EDUCOM'S CONFERENCE TO BE WEB CAST
If you're unable to be with us in Philadelphia next week for the EDUCOM'96
conference, watch selected conference sessions via the EDUCOM'96 Web Cast,
produced by Apple Computer. Access is through the Educom Web site or the
Apple Web Cast site < http://live.apple.com/ >.
AT&T OFFERS DIGITAL VERSION OF ITS CELLULAR SERVICE
AT&T's new Digital PCS, a new digital version of its existing cellular phone
service, will offer caller ID, voice mail and electronic mail, though it
will not be providing genuine PCS (personal communications service) -- the
new generation of digital technology that allows transmission at a higher
frequency and with lower power than a conventional cellular network.
Responding to competitors who complain that AT&T is not offering true PCS
service and is merely trying to preempt competition, AT&T chief executive
Robert Allen says that "consumers really don't care about frequencies; they
care about services." A number of the competitor companies are planning to
offer true PCS service months before AT&T is ready to offer it at the end of
1997. (New York Times 3 Oct 96 C1)
MICROSOFT GIVES AWAY ACTIVEX TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft has agreed to transfer control over its ActiveX file-linking
software to the Open Group, a Cambridge, Mass. industry group, which now
will be able to set the software's future design standards. The move
signals Microsoft's realization that giving control over the software to an
outside entity might encourage software vendors to use the ActiveX approach
to creating software building blocks that can be arranged into customized
programs and linked to Microsoft's desktop operating software. "Microsoft
wouldn't be doing this if it didn't think it was in its best interests,"
says the president of a software consulting firm. Meanwhile, Netscape,
Oracle and other software companies are backing a rival technology called
Corba, which has also been shaped by industry groups. (Wall Street Journal
2 Oct 96 B1)
NETSCAPE LAUNCHES INBOX DIRECT
Netscape's InBox Direct software enables users to receive Web pages via the e-
mail client contained in its Netscape Navigator 3.0 browser. The new
technology means companies can send Web-page-type information to prospective
customers rather than waiting for them to come to their Web site. Yahoo! And
Clarinet Communications both have announced they will use the new technology
to deliver information to their customers. Industry observers have pointed
out that the proliferation of this technology could signal a new paradigm
in Web marketing, but also warn that it could backfire, by bolstering the
telcos' case for higher rates and increased regulation of Internet
connections. (Interactive Age Digital 2 Oct 96)
CALIFORNIA SHUNS VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY
California will not participate in the Western Governors' "virtual
university" project. Instead, Gov. Pete Wilson says the state may start its
own program to create and market college courses through the Internet. He's
enlisted the help of the state's three public-college systems, along with the
presidents of Stanford University and the University of Southern California,
and executives from the computer, finance and telecommunications industries
in the planning process. Unlike the Western Governors' project, the
California venture will not seek separate accreditation. "The control of
the academic offerings and the control of the curriculum would remain with
the campus," says a CSU VP. "We do feel that faculty should be in charge."
(Chronicle of Higher Education Academe Today 3 Oct 96)
APPLE SHOWS RECOVERY SIGNS
After three consecutive quarters of losses resulting from forecasting
mistakes, manufacturing problems and various kinds of internal turmoil,
Apple Computer is now confident that its reorganization efforts will return
the company to profitability "no later than March." (New York Times 2 Oct 96
C10)
PC ANTI-FREEZE
There's nothing worse than seeing your computer screen frozen, unresponsive
to either keyboard or mouse, with the latest version of your work still
unsaved. Symantec's new Norton CrashGuard with Anti-Freeze can take the
sting out of a Windows 95 software crash, offering a soothing message that
tells you it's working on the problem. If all goes well, users can then
save, quit and reboot their PCs. Symantec's Norton CrashGuard is available
without charge at < http://www.symantec.com/crashguard >. (Investor's
Business Daily 3 Oct 96 A8)
SILICON BEACH?
The state of Florida is going after the chip industry, hoping to lure
microchip manufacturing plants to its sandy shores via tax credits and a $15-
million cash incentive fund. The details must still be approved by the state
legislature, but government officials are optimistic the strategy will meet
with approval. "Florida has been considered a second-tier state by the
industry," says a VP at Enterprise Florida, a quasi-governmental agency that
promotes business interests in the state. And while Florida faces stiff
competition from other states after the same prize, the cash incentive
program is considered unique. It ties in with research grants at state
universities, which will match the grants with their own funds to provide
engineering, research and other support for the companies. (Wall Street
Journal 2 Oct 96 F1)
INTUIT SELLS INSURANCE VIA INTERNET
Intuit Inc. is now offering a service that allows consumers to gather
information on life insurance costs and purchase their policies through the
Internet. Quicken InsureMarket will expand later this year to include car
insurance rates and policies. (Investor's Business Daily 3 Oct 96 A5)
SATELLITE DIGITAL TV IN JAPAN
PefectTV in Japan has begun the country's first digital satellite service,
offering 57 TV channels and 4 radio broadcasts. With digital technology,
high-quality images can be transmitted simultaneously over dozens of
channels. (New York Times 2 Oct 96 C2)
TELEGLOBE CLINCHES AMERICAN LICENSE
Teleglobe has won a license from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission
to operate as a global telecommunications carrier in the United States,
putting Teleglobe on an equal footing with larger American competitors,
including AT&T, MCI and Sprint. (Montreal Gazette 2 Oct 96 D1)
POWER TRAVELER'S NOTES
American Airlines will be adding power ports at first class and business
class seats on some trans-Atlantic routes. The ports are 12-volt DC outlets
compatible with the universal cigarette-lighter adapter in automobiles.
(New York Times 2 Oct 96 C9)
ORACLE CHIEF THINKS NETSCAPE'S ON WAY OUT
Oracle chief executive Larry Ellison said an industry conference in Paris
that its sometime-ally Netscape has "no chance of surviving." Predicting
that Netscape's Navigator Web browser was doomed, Ellison said that "there
will be no such thing as a browser in a couple of years," because browsers
will have been replaced by central servers that will supersede current
searching and messaging software. Netscape executives have suggested that
Ellison is hoping to talk down the price of Netscape in preparation for a
takeover attempt. (Financial Times 3 Oct 96)
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Memory Lane
Last Week's picture was of Charles Cherry, formally of Atari Corp. under
Antonio Salerno. Charles was the front man.. for a short while, he handled
all the problems Salerno and Leonard created.
He was correctly identified by Matthew Shore of California.
ú Each week, we'll present a different new photo for our readers to
identify.
ú Tell us who or what is in the photo.. then send us your answer to;
photo@streport.com
ú The first correct entry will be published in the following week's issue
along with the new photo to be identified.
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Apple/Mac Section
John Deegan, Editor
Ads STR Feature
How to make adverts work for your client.
Ctsy Adobe forum
For ad creatives & marketing people about to spend their own money on print
advertising. A short article about the rules that have governed page layout
through the centuries, yet get routinely broken in the ad world & how to use
the rules to make ads pull. The following few paragraphs will upset most
"Art Directors" and some copywriters. They are about rules.
Not rules set out by any one person, but by several centuries of page layout
men, old grey-beard typographers who did it this way 4-500 years ago... those
same rules still apply. For about 2% of layout staffers this item will be
of no use. These guys are in mail-order, or are the 'old sweats' of the
industry. Creatives don't like constraints. Especially if they're contrary
to their own practice & put limits on their self expression. Much "General
Advertising" seems to be about art. I talk to many advertising creatives and
they consider me picky.
They want to 'create'. OK, usually because it's not their ad money being
spent. They want to create art. They're what we might "Ads for arts sake'
fraternity, its these 'creatives' that will stop reading right here. It's
these 'creatives' that most need to read this. If asked, they'd say their job
is to make things look good. Wrong, advertising is firstly about
communication, that's their real job, few art 'creatives' see themselves
only as performing this role. Yet that is what they're paid for. OK, if it
happens to appeal to the eye, well that's fine. . . but remember your client
would rather see an eyesore & the sales go skyward.
If you consider yourself a creative, then consider this:
If it were your advertising money, would you design adverts that break so
many of the'rules' ? I think not, I think we'd see very different ads. Ads
that all follow the same proven layout rules. OK, they would all look the
same & perhaps it would be a poorer less diverse world for the reader if all
layout staffers knew their jobs. And fortunately (or unfortunately)
depending on your viewpoint ie whether it's your money, most ad layout
staffers don't. The rules are broken most of the time by those that should
know better. For 98% of you it's not a question of a radical or even informed
breaking of the rules, you simply don't know them.
And... you're getting away with it because you customers don't know them
either. They leave it to you. . . the expert. And if you don;'t know them,
you don't know your job. Well. . . you were warned, you wouldn't like this.
It's "Ads for arts sake"
This school of advertising may work if the spend is high enough. I still
question it. If all advertising communicated quickly to the prospect what
there is in the product or service for the reader(ie the person No.1 in
their affections), we'd have more effective ads. If all ads, even the big
spends followed the standard layout tricks, and showed the benefits of
purchase right from the starting gate, the message would get through quicker.
So, why aren't ads written to work straight out of the starting gate? Usually
because the graphics staffers don't really know what is proven to work. Ask
these, er. . .professionals why they have put a layout element there and not
here and they'll will answer, "Because it looks best that way."
If it were not for the third-rate 'Art creatives' many clients would start to
reap the rewards quicker. Instead of the old 'chestnut" get-out line, we've
"built the brand" sales & profits would actually go up. Now. . . that would
be "creative". Dare I say art. It's high readability we want. High
readability is an art-form.
How mail-order cuts through the arty theories.
We'll get to the rules in a minute, but before we do, think of the world of
MO. In MO 'creatives" that don't know the rules get found out pretty quick.
I firmly believe 95% of advertising creatives are kept from the dole queue
because their clients do not require a direct response (a coupon/tel
no/response code) device in their work. Arty theories are fine in art &
literature, but shot down by the pull in mail-order & direct response.
Mail-order, is advertising in pure form. Undiluted. It's brutal. The rules
were set by the mail-order grey- beards of the 1920's & it's layout by the
scribes of the 15th century before them, tested by the likes of Ogilvy &
Caples. They haven't changed, because people haven't changed. They still
respond to the same basic emotions, so they have to appeal to those same
basic emotions. Don't let the Mac fool you into thinking things have changed
that much. The emotions are the same & the eye hasn't changed with what it
finds easy to read. Just because you can do some trick on a Mac, it
doesn'tmean you have to. You have to get that headline read. Its 85% of an
ad.
"Advice" to copywriters:
When you are assigned to write an ad, write a lot of headlines first. Spend
hours writing headlines or days if necessary. If you happen to think of a
headline while walking down the street or while riding the bus, take out
pencil and paper and write it down."
John Caples
"On the average, five times as many people read the headlines as read the
body copy. It follows that, unless your headline sells your product, you
have wasted 90 percent of your money."
David Ogilvy
Dare I venture to use those nasty words "sales & profits" again? Sorry, ads
have to pay. The rules weren't set out on my whim. I would not be as
presumptuous, but on the millions of dollars spent, before I was a father in
my twinkle, in the hey day of mail-order. The Sears catalogues and their
ilk, & the stuff done in the 40's & 50's. They have not changed and in
truth were borrowed from the newspapers of the time. The press still use
them now. The big MO houses still use them.
To ignore any of these rules is to drop readership. To drop even one rule is
to drop readership and waste advertising money on an arty whim. We leave art
for the Galleries. "So what" I hear you say, "only a 1-2%" drop in
readership" Sorry, but that's 3-6% over three ads. And the corresponding loss
in coupon returns. Over a big ad spend that's one big chunk of cash, thrown
away by a 'creative'. Profit or loss. Jobs or the dole queue. Not to stick to
them is to waste ad money. People break them routinely and still expect their
employer's pay cheque. Wasting the company's money deserves a UB40. The
rules can be broken, if the spend is big enough (it's here that incompetence
is not noticed, because if the spend is that high, it'll work in the end
anyway, but take longer), but MO/DR ads have to "hit the deck running" So,
these rules are set in stone.
THE RULES
Headline under picture layout
The ultimate layout. Headline under picture. Body under headline , coupon at
the right hand bottom corner.There has to be a very good reason not to stick
to this, and space aside, I haven't thought of it. The eyes tracks the
picture first. It drops to the headline, and if interested goes to the
dropcap on the body. The body leads you to the coupon. Its logical. You were
taught to read downward. Readership goes up another 1 or 2%. Any other
layout,that art directors "create" has the eye popping up & down, or side to
side or worse around the page, loosing readers as it goes. The usual sin is
to put the head reverse out above the picture. (if you've ever broken this
rule you're in the 98% Sorry) Advertising must shout for attention.
Communicate easily & quickly. People know they're being sold to, prospects
will not automatically read copy, as they do editorial. We cannot take
readership for granted. Fight for it.
Quote marks
All heads have quote marks, we're talking to our prospects. Not writing to
them. The time-served MO lads can prove the pull with this one. ie "How to
win Friends & influence people" (the killer headline of this century from a
40's and 50's MO ad. . . by Caples)
Reverse out
No reverse out. Reverse out makes the box stand out, not the copy. People
don't read boxes. Whatever you do in reverse out, will shout louder if it
weren't. From childhood, the eye reads black on white, it's how you were
taught. We want readership. Try reading a whole book reverse out. You can't.
Yet its advertisers that commit this sin. Why do news papers editors know
this and ad agencies don't. You don't see editorial put front page buy-line
heads reverse out. Cos, they know, it doesn't sell papers.
So head & body is black on white, or better still black on yellow.(the most
visible & memorable of all, after all, why is a wasp this combination?
Survival. The ad must survive too. Do not bury the copywriters sweat in arty
typography. All rules have an exception. To conform to advertising standards,
editorial sometimes requires the words "advertisement feature" We like this
white on black. Set upper-case. This is the exception. Good editors know
what you're doing, but they let it pass!
Another exception is theatre programs white on black in poor light, but until
the London Times is set white on black this is set in stone.
Upper-case/lower-case
As a child, you were taught to read lower-case, the eye can be shown the top
half of lower-case letters and still read. The only place in advertising for
upper case is the prospects name & address. The PRINT BLOCK CAPS request in
the coupon. Old road signs were set upper-case, For safety, a road sign must
be read quickly in poor light. It had to change, we see them set lowercase
now. The eye sees the shape of the word. In the UK today, they're reverse
out for two reasons, but in advertising we rarely have to worry about
reflective coating problems & route identification priorities! Break this
one and you lose 1-2% readership.
Typography
Serif faces for body. Sans if you really insist for subs & logos only. I
assume I don't have to explain why.
The Mac: Don't jerk around the work of Garamond, Bembo, Bodoni, Goudy,
Didot, Palatino etc. These grey-beards knew more about typography than
most will ever know. Faces like these are classics for a reason. They
work. The proof of this is that, two, three &c four centuries later, we know
their names. Don't you dare argue with 'em.
So, don't horizontal scale a font. It'll trip up the eye & 1-2% of
readability is lost. Editorial can do this, but rarely do: readers don't
know what's happening. They blame the trip on themselves & they continue
reading. There is no such luxury in the world of ads. So, if you couldn't do
it in leading 100 years ago, don't do it on the Mac now. You've messed with
the fundamental design of the font. You stop it working. There is a
relationship between stress ascenders, x-height etc that you can't play with.
If you have to scale, never more than 96%. So. . .
Use a narrower measure instead, Goudy, Times or Modern.
The Mac is responsible for the death of readable typography. The time served
craftsmen typographers have gone & Mac operators think it's a mouse click.
Wrong. Good typography props up bad copy. It makes good copy a delight to
read. Readership goes up another 1 or 2%. Use Monotype/Linotype fonts if
possible. The other "foundries" usually have a bad cut & trip the eye.
Advertising sometimes needs more radical typography to establish identity.
But use it with caution. Remember, it's communication we're talking about
here. So, keep tricks to the logo and 1-7 word subheads. Not body or the all
important headline.
Ads must look easy to read or they'll drop readership.
If you want to see top-line, easy to read typography, pick up any tabloid.
You'll see, accurate easy to read typography. It has to be that way, their
readership is not too bright. It's broken up into neat packets. Not a mass of
text. Even if the media is the FT & the Wall St. Journal, you'll still see
it. It sells newspapers. Don't dare argue with that either. The advertising
world could well imitate these time-honoured techniques. We want readership,
make it easy for the prospect.
Borrow another trick from the newspapers: Keep line lengths down to the 7-8
word optimum.
Two reasons:
1. The eye has to track less on the return, thus making for ease of
readership
2. It's a newspaper trick for getting long copy in restricted space.
In MO space is money. Landscape layouts give room for more copy, because they
allow 2-3 columns of text. Portrait gives 1-2. So, if it doesn't fit, try
landscape. Increase leading before increasing the point size. Type is made
more readable with more lead So, increasing the lead first.
Drop Caps
From before Gutenberg, before the printing press, medieval monks used this
trick. 7-800 years will not be argued with. Newspaper editors have used this
trick. Consider for one moment why. Get the eye into the body. To not use a
drop cap would be a sin. Readership goes up another 1 or 2%.
Soft leading
Use more leading for the first two to three lines of the first paragraph.
This takes the eye to where you want it to go. That's the art directors job.
To flag up the copywriters "sweat" and get it read. It has the affect of
making the copy look easy to read, no one wants to wade through something
when they know its a sales pitch. Good art direction is good communication,
not pretty pictures. It is not to make things look nice. The ideal direct
response ad looks a 'dogs dinner', and pulls the eye into the copy as a
result. This is why all the long running (ie successful) MO ads look awful.
Good copy is slavery. Lead the readers eye to it & get your copywriters
work read.
Indent first line of all paragraphs
..... It's an editorial trick. Keep the eye moving. Stuff the current
fashion, it's laziness, not fashion. The readers eye is lazy. When it gets
to the end of the previous paragraph, be sure it hasn't too far to go. Indent
first line of all paragraphs. Readership goes up another 1 or 2%. There is no
more effective way to keep the eye moving & keep communicating the author's
message.
All pictures captioned
It's an editorial trick ignored by most Art Directors. If the reader does
nothing else, they will look at the picture(s) and read the caption. Very
important. Captions insight the readers interest to read more. All pictures
must be captioned or watch the coupons stop. That's the art directors job. I
don't want to repeat this, but leadership goes up another 1 or 2%. Yet, why
oh why, do I see this sin repeated time & time again by third rate art
directors. Idiots.
Long benefit laden copy
The idea that people don't read long copy has always amazed me. No one reads
rubbish for long, but, people will read any amount if they want the
information. The adage, the more you tell, the more you sell, holds fast
now, as it always did.
Use the active voice.
Compare:
- The letter was sent by the secretary. Passive voice
- The secretary sent the letter. Active voice
They both communicate the same information. The active voice, however, is
more concise; it specifies who is performing the action and what is the
object. The passive voice is wordier and frequently less clear.
All space must be accountable.
Space costs money. It must earn its keep. If an Art Director can't justify
how & why every sq. inch increases sales, it probably doesn't. They like
white space, OK, but around the headline please. An ad is 80% head. Give it
room. Plenty of space to fill in the coupon.
Big coupons: big response. Make the dotted line go right round the ad if
necessary. Coupon at the bottom edge. Easy to cut out. Make sure you can
write a long address in the space. A large coupon is a larger call to
action, as is a scissors graphic.The words "cut here" do this too. Tell the
prospect what you want them to do. Don't be shy. Right hand pages pull more
than lefts, always have done. Design the coupon to be cut out from the bottom
right. Not from the gutter.
Space
Full pages are inefficient. Double spreads worse.The MO houses never use them
unless they have no other way to show a product. Full pages are bought by
'brand managers' of the big corporates, its not their money after all, and
there's no coupon, so they won't get caught. Full pages cost nearly double,
but don't double response. Usually only 10-15% up on a 1/2 page. It is
better to buy 2x1/2 page slots and increase coverage. Returns prove it's
better still to buy 4x1/4's (if copy can be made to fit) 1/2 pages do not
produce twice the coupons as 1/4's. Smaller ads don't pull as well, but
don't have to, the space is cheaper. 1/4 is the mail order optimum, that is
why you see it the most in MO. General advertisers buy full pages because ad
reps sell them full pages and for reasons of prestige or whatever. Usually
because they have not seen MO coupon return figures and it's not accountable
anyway. MO advertisers only buy the space that pays. Something to do with
different horses.
The "Originality cult"
Copy everybody. Yes, that's right. Learn the above rules and copy them. Why,
because they work. Copy other peoples work if it works. I hear you hold up
your hands in horror. I've heard your thoughts before. Creatives want to be
original. There is an "originality cult' amongst all too many of creatives.
Rosser Reeves says "Originality is the most dangerous word in advertising."
Hear, hear. Pre-occupied with originality 'creatives' pursue something as
illusory as swamp fire. Benton & Bowles would say "If it doesn't sell it
isn't creative" Mozart said: "I have have never made the slightest attempt
to compose anything original" You might of gathered by now that in MO we
don't like the word creative. To paraphrase Rosser Reeves again:
"Do you want masterpieces, or do you want the sales curve to go up?"
So, use what works and tread very carefully if its not proven. But then for
98% of you its not your ad money! Which explains why ads are like they are!
There's more, but I can tell you're bored/upset now.
But if you're not, there's further reading: Ogilvy on Advertising : David
Ogilvy: Pan Books
Kids Computing Corner
Frank Sereno, Editor
The Kids' Computing Corner
Computer news and software reviews
from a parent's point of view
Infopedia 2.0
Windows 3.1 And 95 CD-ROM
MSRP $39.95
For Ages 8 to Adult
SoftKey International Inc.
One Athenaeum Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Program Requirements
OS: Windows 3.1
CPU: 486SX/25
HD Space: 1 MB
Memory: 8 MB
Graphics: 640 x 480, 256 colors
CD-ROM: Double-speed
Audio: 8-bit sound card
Other: mouse, printer optional
reviewed by David H. Mann
Infopedia 2.0 is a wonderful reference tool created by SoftKey International
Inc. It contains the following works: The 29 volume Funk and Wagnall
Encyclopedia, the Hammond World Atlas, the Merriam Webster Dictionary,
Merriam Webster's Dictionary of English Usage, Merriam Webster's Dictionary
of Quotations, Merriam Webster's New Biographical Dictionary, The World
Almanac, and Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus. All these are integrated into a
true multimedia platform. It works with Windows 95's autoplay function, or
with Windows 3.1 with some limitations (the Tour Guide won't work from within
the program, "big deal").
One might say why would someone need that much information? One might say
that if he worked in a library or if he didn't have to commute to several to
get information for a term paper or a report for school or business. With
this tool you can get a report, any quotations, a description of an area and
its population along with its rainfall and native animals or insects. The
Infopedia is also very complete and accurate in its descriptions. It is not
watered down like some CD-ROM Encyclopedias that look good and are very
flashy, but lack real content.
You can copy text or pictures into the Windows clipboard and paste them into
your favorite word processor or you can print the text or pictures directly
from the Infopedia. You can use the Browser to point and click on a subject.
You can also type the subject you want into the Follow Me field and view a
list of all the books that have entries on the topic. The Follow Me section
is also character sensitive. As you type more characters, the search will be
more precise. The Index View allows you to search subjects by index. The
Media View allows you to view all media including sounds, videos, and
animations. The Search View allows you to do a concise search. It lists all
the books containing a single subject. You can do an expanded search by
using multiple related subjects and get a listing of all books containing the
combined subjects. The Book View gives you a picture of each book in the
Infopedia along with its table of contents to give you the feel of using a
real book. The Subject View allows you to search items by subject. The
Project View is the greatest feature of the Infopedia. You can gather a
number of subjects related to a project and the program will generate a
printed report including a timeline, bibliography, and listing of all text
related to the subjects you selected. All you add is the title, name, time,
and date. The Word Processor Link (if you have Microsoft WordT) will scan
WindowsT and ask if you want it installed. It allows you to use the Infopedia
as a tool of Microsoft Word, for definitions, phrases, or spelling. Intelli
Link lets you use any other Intelli Link product made by SoftKey as a
reference tool with Infopedia. There is also a context sensitive help
feature included in the package.
The Infopedia is the best reference package for the PC that I've seen to
date. With its extensive subject matter and ease of use, you won't find one
package that contains the information or the features in this one. It is the
ultimate encyclopedia and reference library.
Spycraft The Great Game
DOS/Windows 95 CD-ROM
MSRP $49.95
For ages 13 and up
Activision
P.O. Box 67713
Los Angeles, CA 90067
310-479-5644
Program Requirements
OS: DOS 6.0 or Windows 95
CPU: 486DX2/66
HD Space: 30 MB
Memory: 8 MB
Graphics: 640 x 480, 16-bit high color
CD-ROM: Double-speed
Audio: 16-bit sound card
Other: mouse
Optional: 14.4k modem, Win95 Web Browser
reviewed by David Mann
Spycraft is a collaboration between Activision, William Colby (the late, ex-
director of the CIA), and Oleg Kalugin (former KGB Major General). This is
about as real as gaming gets. With its collection of wonderful high tech
toys, challenging scenarios, moral and ethical dilemmas, spies and
counterspies played by real actors (that you recognize from theatrical
movies) in real video, you become virtually CIA.
You are Thorn, a good but not great CIA operative, who is suddenly thrust
into the head position of operation Eagle Shield because of the death of the
former team leader. Someone has assassinated a Russian Presidential
candidate and intelligence says our President is next. As head of Operation
Eagle Shield, it's your job to find out who did it, what they used, why they
did it, who is behind it, and then stop them. Your ethical and moral dilemma
is how to accomplish this. Do you coerce and trick the bad guys, or do you
use brute force to beat and torture them until you get the information you
need? Remember, our President's life is on the line!
As you progress in the game, you pick up tools (wonderful toys) to help you
get through each part of your mission. The Kennedy Assassination Tool
(K.A.T.) uses three-dimensional models and real photos to measure trajectory
and impact points to line up a path to the shooter. The Mix and Match uses
digital drawings to get a composite of the shooters face and match it to one
in the data base. Now you have him! Next you have to find out the weapon he
used, who helped him, and most importantly where he is. You will pick up
other tools to help in this matter including a weapons analysis tool, voice
analysis, and a cryptography to decode secret messages. You also pick up
dossiers on your opponents to learn their habits and level of expertise.
There is also a PDA called Intelink that keeps Thorn in touch with the team,
his superiors, and all facets of law enforcement via e-mail, video link, and
video messages. And if you are very, very good at what you do, you then meet
with William Colby to learn that one of your own team is a traitor.
Spycraft follows a linear format, meaning each solution leads to a
progression into the game. Some puzzles are easy while others are very
difficult. The game will kick you out if you mess up, so save your game
often. There is also a link to the Internet so that multiple players can
compete. Some video in the game is pretty gory, but there is a parental lock
out in the installation.
Spycraft is a great game because the video interspersed with thought-
provoking scenarios and great toys gives you the feeling that you are in the
spy game for real. It's what multimedia was meant to be.
For Immediate Release
Corel Corporation Reports 1996 Third Quarter Results
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--September 25, 1996- Corel Corporation today announced
results for its third quarter of fiscal 1996. Total revenue for the quarter
ended August 31, 1996 was $84.9 million, an increase of 37% from the $61.9
million posted for the third quarter of fiscal 1995. This translates into an
after-tax net loss of $3.2 million or a loss per share of $.05.
"It was unfortunate to face a shipping delay in the third quarter, but we're
optimistic and enthusiastic heading into the fourth quarter," said Dr.
Michael Cowpland, president and chief executive officer of Corel Corporation.
"CorelDRAWT 7 will be a significant and powerful upgrade for our graphics
users. Already, beta testers are commending the speed, productivity,
precision and power that CorelDRAW 7 brings to their desktops."
"Corel VENTURAT 7 is also positioned to be a strong desktop publishing
upgrade with our in-house Barista technology bringing HTML and Java PoweredT
applet conversion, and the product's ability to publish documents to paper,
to the World Wide Web and as portable electronic Envoyr files," said
Cowpland. The company also plans to release five or more multimedia and
medical series titles and it will continue developing its recently announced
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) as well as its Corel Office for JAVA which
will be available for preview shortly--directly from Corel's web page.
Corel Acquires Numera Source Code for Corelr Visual CADDT
OTTAWA, Canada - September 26, 1996 - Corel Corporation announced today
that it has acquired the source code and distribution rights for Corelr
Visual CADDT from Numera Software. Corel will assume immediate
responsibility for the future development of the product. Numera customers
can find additional information on CorelCADT products by visiting
http://www.corel.com or by calling 613-728-0826 x1342. Independent Software
Vendors (ISV) who have relied on Numera are encouraged to join Corel's CAD
ISV Program by calling Corel at (613) 728-0826 x1090 or email
CADISV@corel.com for more information on continued support and programs.
Corel customers will experience no change to service or support.
"With the Corel Visual CADD source code, we will be able to build on the
excellent standard set by Numera for the CAD industry. Corel Visual CADD and
CorelCAD together enable us to provide the industry with complete drawing and
drafting solutions," said Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and chief executive
officer of Corel Corporation. "We particularly look forward to forging new
and lasting relationships with Numera's valued ISVs."
Corelr Visual CADDT
. Corel Visual CADD, professional design and drafting software for new and
experienced CAD (Computer Aided Design) users, is a native Windowsr 95 and
Windowsr NT application. Its fully customizable and open architecture make
it easy for architects, mechanical engineers, civil engineers, and other
professionals to create custom applications using any standard Windows
programming language.
CorelCADT
CorelCAD is a 32-bit design tool that allows easy, accurate modeling of real
world objects in 3D and gives PC users the flexibility to conceptualize,
construct and revise product models and prototypes. With its native 32-bit
architecture, CorelCAD is designed to take advantage of the speed and memory
management enhancements of the Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems.
Superb management features, print capabilities, along with dimensioning and
2D drafting features round out the program.
Corel Corporation
Incorporated in 1985, Corel Corporation is recognized internationally as an
award-winning developer and marketer of productivity applications, graphics
and multimedia software. Corel's product line includes CorelDRAWT, the
Corelr WordPerfectr Suite, Corelr Office Professional, CorelVIDEOT and over
30 multimedia software titles. Corel's products run on most operating
systems, including: Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, MS-DOS, OpenVMS and OS/2 and
are consistently rated among the strongest in the industry. The company ships
its products in over 17 languages through a network of more than 160
distributors in 70 countries worldwide. Corel is traded on the Toronto Stock
Exchange (symbol: COS) and the NASDAQ--National Market System (symbol:
COSFF). For more information visit Corel's home page on the Internet at
http://www.corel.com.
Corel and WordPerfect are registered trademarks and CorelDRAW, CorelMEGA
GALLERY and CorelVIDEO are trademarks of Corel Corporation or Corel
Corporation Limited. All products mentioned are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Dole blind to truth??
About the upcoming election..
An opinion
by Ralph F. Mariano
The country is about to elect a President. We are being bombarded with
a bunch of goofy ads by candidate and Ex-Senator Dole & friends.. "Photo-Ops"
they're calling them.. It would appear Dole or, his advisors and planners
have a very serious memory problem when it comes to Photo Ops or as it should
be called. GRANDSTANDING.
Let's go back a few years and take a good look at the REPUBLICAN TACTIC
of Photo-Ops..
Reagan Campaign.
Carter, a Democrat, is up re-election.. There are US Hostages in Iran
dfor some time now. what do you know. The Ayatollah would rather take his
chances with a green President than continue his confrontation with Jimmy
Carter. Carter fought for a hard bargain. and won. So what happens?? The
military blows a shot at freeing the hostages and Carter takes the heat.
Meanwhile.. Songs are sung in the background, murmurs and rumors are made
about a pending hostage release right around election time... Reagan is
elected and within a few days the hostages are released. Quite a plan Stan??
Whom do we find taking ALL the credit for the release?? Why the Republicans
and Ronnie "Jellybeans" Reagan.
Reagan Administration.
The Monroe Doctrine.. How many of you have heard of it and understand
it?? Anti-aggression treaty among the American Countries.. essentially the
Western Hemisphere. Really?? Is that for everyone except the Republicans??
Don't you DARE mention the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. Why not start asking
question about the real owners of many of the old, familiar companies we all
recognize and have been doing business with for generations.
Bush Campaign..
For George Bush.. This sez it all... "READ MY LIPS. NO NEW TAXES!"
Bush Administration
First thing done is pardons and sealed issues in most all questionable
areas. Young Bush is exonerated in the Savings and Loan Banking scandals.
How many know Bush was.. at one time, the HEAD SPOOK at the CIA? Like during
the times the CIA is accused of bartering drugs for guns and other
political favor in South America? What about all the talk of the CIA Texas
Tower transportation routes used in bringing in contraband into the Gulf
States? Talk about closets filled with skeletons.. Lets start with Bobby
Seale, Vern Jones and a slew of other CI's the administration cold
shouldered and allowed to become sitting ducks? Was it because they knew
TOO much? You know like Noriega?? He worked as a CI for years for a
number of government agencies.
Is it any wonder most nations in the world do not trust the USA.
Someone ought to tell the Republican Flesh Eaters. that actions speak far
louder than mere words.
REPUBLICAN PHOTO-OPS
ú Ever hear of Noriega and Panama? What would happen if a Nation's
military stormed Washington DC and forcibly removed the President to stand
trial in their country??
ú Ever hear of Iran Contra? What about pouring billions into the pockets
of insurgents in South American countries to facilitate the overthrow of the
existing governments then in power? Why was it only Ollie North and Admiral
Poindexter who did this? They took the blame. Reagan and Bush knew every
detail because they were part of the White House Conferences and briefings.
ú Ever hear of Granada? A full force Naval Assault upon the shores of
Granada because they're getting an International sized Airport FREE from
Cuba's Castro?? We invade to stop the Airport's con
struction and free
hostage students?? Really?? Medical Students held hostage?? GRENADA?? Hard
to believe.
ú Desert Storm!! Was it really necessary?? Was Sadam Hussein possibly
encouraged by certain US actions and re-actions into grabbing Kuwait? Many
think so and the speeches of the US Ambassador to Iraq stated so when she
addressed the UN and then resigned. Bush attacked for too early. the WAR was
over way before his re-election campaign began. Had he run for re-election
immediately after the "victory" he'd be president now. Now, we hear of the
Desert Storm Syndrome. Syndrome my foot! The US GIs were subjected to
experimental drugs and inoculations. They were made into experimental lab
units all over again the same way they were in the fifties during the A-Bomb
experiments. The fact that experimental drugs were being administered to the
Troops by the then REPUBLICAN Administration was NOT going to be listed on
their Service Records. That is until a certain very honest Southern
Congressman was made aware of this fact. Letters were exchanged between the
Congressman and the Veteran's Administration. The outcome was a letter from
a big Whig in the VA stating that the inoculation etc.. would now be
appearing on the service people's records. Can you imagine where all those
VETS would stand now, if they had no record of such inoculations on their
service records? Anybody care to see copies of the letters?? The originals
are available too.
ú Ever hear of Haiti?? I lived and worked there for six months. We
invade Haiti after we bully and threaten the existing governments (2) to get
out or else.. Then we place our choice in power (Aristede) and proceed to
empower a slew of our appointees from the US to setup and regulate the Police
etc. We're still there and its costing the US taxpayers millions. But wait
its not the first time!! We did the same thing back in the early nineteen
hundreds. In fact, Haiti's paper currency is the only foreign country's
money that's backed by the US Treasury. Get a piece of paper Haitian money.
read it very closely.
Now then.. Ex-Senator Dole, Candidate etc., shall we continue to talk about
Photo-Ops???
Friends.. Dole's campaign ads have been nothing but flatulent chatter
with mostly no basis in fact. Is this the type of double talk artist we
really want in the White House?? I think not. Besides, We need a highly
educated President and Vice President. we have that now and its working. The
Internet is growing wonderfully. The economy is strong and the National Debt
is Down by almost fifty percent. In all the Republican Years since Jimmy
Carter.. Can the Republicans say the same?? The Internet was there.. But
the Republicans were, no doubt, fearful of the rapid connectivity and
communicative abilities the US Citizens would enjoy. The National Debt was
there. and the Economy was too. they were virtually morose in their behavior.
Becoming worse with every passing month.
Typically, every ad is slam against Clinton personally. how very
intelligent! Perhaps Dole & Co. have nothing factual relative to the issues
facing the US citizens to debate in the ads?? What is it the Dole & Co. crew
have to fear so much that they insisted on freezing out Ross Perot?? I
always thought this was a free country. Dole & Co. have proven to me it is
not. If the right political judicial strings are pulled. anybody can be
silenced. I am ashamed for and of Dole for the way he and his intellectual
buddies running the debates froze out Perot. Its wrong and in the years to
come its occurrence will stink worse with every passing day. The act itself
could very well be Dole's complete undoing. That is, if Kemp or Gingrich
don't sink him first.
Clinton and Gore. Good for FOUR MORE!
Gaming & Entertainment Section
with Atari User Support
Editor Dana P. Jacobson
From the Entertainment Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
Lots of news for you this week and little time to tell you about it. Time,
and still being a tad under the weather has limited my "thought processes"
for another week. It's really disappointing, but those are the breaks.
Let's get to the news and hopefully the only bugs I'll have next week will
reside in my computer.
Until next time...
WWW Wares STR Infofile
New STiK upgrades
Just a quick note to say that there is a load of stik updates now available
on my www page. The original WWW package is no more. Everything is released
separately and there is a new install program to install everything into one
neat directory structure for you. The updates include the following:
Cab 1.41
STiK 1.11
Cab.ovl 1.20
Finger 1.21
AtarIRC 0.61
cache ed 0.5
and www install 1.00
Have fun. New programs will be appearing from now on when they are ready for
release. No waiting back for other programs to release new www packages
although a cut down www pack including stik/cab/cab.ovl will be appearing
from time to time for the people only interested in the web.
Nick.
Nicholas Flintham
Nick@Flinny.demon.co.uk
N.P.Flintham@unn.ac.uk
nflintham@cix.compulink.co.uk
Http://www.flinny.demon.co.uk
Visual GFA STR Infofile
Face Value NOW shipping in North America!
PRESS RELEASE
FACE VALUE - "Visual GFA basic" for TOS computers Visual GFA programming is
now a reality. As the first GEM program generator for GFA Basic, Face Value
will create fully featured, solid, multitasking friendly programs almost at
a click of the mouse. It will revolutionize GFA programming. Now you can
devote your programming time to the task you set out to solve, and not spend
weeks - or even months - on creating a modern GEM interface yourself. Face
Value will do that for you.
How do you work with Face Value?
The program design is done in a resource-editor. Here you decide how the
program will be presented to the user. Face Value will then load the
RSC-file and write a complete, ready-to-run, solid GE-program LST file. All
you have to do is merge your own routines, and "connect" them to the Face
Value-written code. This is easy to do thanks to Face Values well commented
source code. The development time for your programs will be radically
reduced, and as a lot of effort has gone into ease of use, even relatively
inexperienced GFA programmers can now create first class, professional GEM
programs.
Some features of the program:
* Windows with toolbars or toolstrips (as seen in modern document
processors or paint programs)
* Menu bars in windows (Toolbox windows that will work in the
background)
* Modal and non-modal dialog windows
* Animated icons (even with samples)
* Animated mouse pointers
* Realtime scrolling popup listboxes (radio-, check- or menu listboxes)
* Radio- and menu image popups
* Multiline radiobuttons (round) and checkboxes
* Windowed progress indicator or animated busy-dialog
* Number scrollers for numerical values
* Switchable Menu bars with automatic shortcuts
* User windows with graphics or text (or both)
* Custom desktop that can be installed/deinstalled "on the fly"
* Alerts in windows - with standard, custom or animated icons
* Iconification on all systems
* Can run as accessory, just rename to *.ACC
* Intelligent ST-Guide support (context sensitive calls to ST-Guide,
automatic generation of ST-Guide sources for documentation of the
menu bars and dialogs)
You can also pick & choose from Face Value's expandable library:
* Fontselector support (xFSL)
* Full Selectric support
* Drag & drop support
* GEM clipboard support
* GDOS (all types) support
* Command line support
* Off screen bitmap support (with eDVI/NVDI 2.5+)
* Load & save IMG
* and more...
What are people Saying?
"ST Format seal of approval - 90%" (august 96): "If you want to give your GFA
Basic programs real 1990s interfaces, then Face Value is a must." - 90%
ST Computer: 5 of 5 mice! (january 96):"Face Value - das ist eine
Revolution furGFA-Basic-Benutzer....Und die ist jede Mark wert." - 5 out of 5
mice. (high points for those of us lacking German language skills: 5 of 5
rating, A Revolution)
What do I get?
The program and detailed reference are in English, and are supplied with a
printed English introduction,. The reference and documentation is in
ST-Guide format. Example programs are included. The on-line help System
ST-Guide is included on a second disk. You must supply GFA interpreter 3.5 or
3.6 and a resource construction set (ie. RCS2, ORCS or INTERFACE) these
programs are NOT included with Face Value.
How do I get my copy?
The North American Version of Face Value is distributed by Systems For
Tomorrow, with Technical support provided by our new software division:
Kordes Development. The North American version of Face Value is available
NOW for only $69.99. Dealer Inquiries invited.
To Order, call (800)875-4943 (US/Canada Orders Only) or (816)833-4738.
Or send E-Mail to sft@sound.net.
In Europe contact: Columbus Soft at 0049-6151-94383-0
Atari Computing Updates STR Infofile
Atari Computing magazine - North American subscriptions
The first issue of Atari Computing should have "gone to bed" by now; I regret
that I couldn't make an announcement earlier, due to the net.gremlins eating
the email, but...
I can now tell you that the magazine will run US$8 retail per issue,
including postage. Subscribers may have the cover disk emailed to them, or
for 50 cents extra per copy, a disk may be included in the surface mail, as
you prefer. If I can, I hope to drop the extra charge per disk eventually -
it will depend on the volume more than anything else (and finding a whole
bunch of blank disks really cheaply!).
I am accepting subscriptions now for 3 or 6 months (US$24 or US$48); for the
moment, I can only accept checks or money orders, but a credit scanner is
hoped for soon.
Distributor inquiries are welcome.
My "ther" address:
Rich Tietjens
8495A SW Hemlock
Tigard, OR 97223
ATARI COMPUTING - the new 60 PAGE printed magazine for all Atari users
NEWS - GOSSIP - FEATURES - REVIEWS - HUMOUR - HOW TO DO IT - Q&A
email for subscription details and further information
Europe: acg@coconut.demon.co.uk /|\ North America: atari@teleport.com
Out Takes STR Feature
Atari Built IBM's Preferred Computer...
By Jim DeClercq
As is not unusual when a big company undertakes to build a new product, IBM
moved the technical management and engineering staff for its proposed
personal computer about two hundred miles away from the home office, to
prevent interference in the creative design process. Sometimes this works.
Rob Lowe and his engineering staff had investigated what was available and
had decided on the latest Motorola chipset, as easiest to program for,
(National had the most powerful instruction set) and an operating system
featuring something called GEM as the top layer -- from Gary Kildall of
Digital Research.
That is what highly-skilled technical people thought a personal computer
should be. But two things were to interfere with IBM's building a good
machine. First, when IBM people of suitable stature to deal with a company
president went to talk to Gary Kildall, he was not at home. He had decided
to do something more fun than talking to IBM, and had taken his airplane up
for a spin. His wife Dorothy, quite correctly, declined to sign IBM's
one-sided confidentiality agreement; Gary simply never returned IBM's phone
calls.
Then IBM bought Intel stock, as an investment, and their accountants decreed
that the new computer should have an Intel chipset; those who knew better did
not complain; after all, the support chips for the Intel chip _were_ cheaper.
The marketing people agreed; they could sell _anything_ under the mystique of
the IBM name. People who could not tell a computer from a kumquat would feel
computer literate if they were using the same brand computer as the guys in
the air-conditioned mainframe computer room were using.
This is when Bill Gates came into the picture. He was contacted by Rob Loew;
Bill had written the BASIC interpreter for the Altair computer, and of course
he would write one for the IBM computer -- and, yes, he would also create an
operating system for IBM's new computer. Bill Gates knew that something
called "Quick-and-DirtyOperating-System" had just been completed by Tim
Patterson of Seattle Computer Products, as a test program to test their
memory boards with the new Intel chip.
It was a limited version of CP/M (Control Program/Microprocessor) to fit the
Intel chip. CP/M was a product of Digital Research, and itself was derived
from the TOPS-10 operating system for the PDP-10 computer. QDOS needed a
relocating loader, to make room in low memory for the record keeping needed
by a chip that could address only 64 K at a time, since QDOS had to swap the
program section being run into the 64 K of memory it could address. QDOS did
not have to be able to handle much memory, or to handle many files, for test
purposes. QDOS _did_ have to run CP/M programs to test their memory boards.
Bill Gates bought rights to QDOS, changed the name from QDOS to MS-DOS and
sold his MS-DOS to IBM by the copy, thus becoming a rich man. IBM's new
Personal Computer did well in the market, even though it was a computer
designed by accountants, because it carried IBM's name, a name that meant
"computer" to the masses of computer would-be-literates.
And, even though CP/M and MS-DOS could both run CP/M programs, as is usual,
the mediocre displaced the good from the market, and CP/M faded out of
existence. The ability to run CP/M programs still remains. Meanwhile, what
Atari built was what IBM technical people had intended -- a machine using the
latest chipset from Motorola and an operating system interface called GEM,
from Digital Research.
It was not easy to make a computing machine for about one quarter of what IBM
was selling theirs for, but Shiraz Shivji was up to the task. He was a man
far ahead of his time, having been hired away from Commodore after designing
the hardware for the Amiga. After he quit Atari in a huff when his staff was
cut, he appeared on the cover of _Byte_, pictured standing in front of his
new offices, holding a working prototype of a pen-based computer. His new
company, too far ahead of its time, folded in six months.
Editor Note.... Shiraz Shivji is now with Tandom Corp., He's still designing
top notch hardware. Remember Tandon was mainly a drive manufacturing
company. Take a look at their new product line. Where do you think it came
from?
Atari is not the only machine using GEM. That operating system interface
also appeared also with a Timeworks DTP program for QDOS machines, and still
is what one fairly good DTP program, Ventura Publisher, runs on. Most of
those using Ventura Publisher do not know it is running on GEM, and think tha
GEM is just a good part of a pretty good DTP program. Obviously, GEM is not
for everybody. It definitely was not for IBM accountants, who were inclined
to select a computer design by the pricetag of some parts.
So those people who use an Atari or Atari clone computer are using a machine
like the IBM technical people thought would be a proper computer for personal
use. Those who are not using such a computer are probably using a machine
designed and created by IBM accountants and marketing people who thought,
quite correctly, that their computer design could be sold at a profit to the
general public.
Entertainment Section
Nintendo 64 Sells Out!
Top 10!
Jag Server Update!
GTI Wins!
Sony NCAA!
And More!
From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is!
With all due respect to my fellow Jaguar owners, and no attempts to sound
bitter, it feels good to be able to go almost anywhere online and see news
about game systems. There hasn't been any shortage of news regarding the
Playstation, Saturn, or the new Nintendo 64. This is what should have been
for the Jaguar. Alas, it didn't work out that way.
But speaking of the Jaguar, it's been reported that there will be at least
three games released before Christmas. We do know that Telegames will be
releasing Towers II; and it's slated to be available late-November, early-
December. No other titles have been named yet. It's this editor's guess
that one of the remaining two titles will be Breakout 2000. Other titles
have been speculated. As soon as we hear something definite, we'll keep you
posted.
The Nintendo 64 has been flying off dealer shelves and they are difficult to
find. While this sounds great, remember that there were limited quantities
doled out to the U.S.. Industry experts have predicted that it's going to be
a tough time getting one of these machines for Christmas this year - an
availability decision that may prove to backfire during this holiday season.
People may opt to buy another system rather than waiting for one after the
first of the year. You know kids: when they want something, they want it
now!
Regardless, time will tell as to who the clear winner is going to be this
holiday season. My guess is that Sony's Playstation and the Nintendo 64
machines will walk away with most of the marbles - it really is a "no-
brainer".
Until next time...
Industry News STR Game Console NewsFile - The Latest Gaming News!
Nintendo 64 & Super Mario Available In US
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1996 SEP 30 (Newsbytes) -- By Richard Bowers.
Super Mario 64, and its game platform Nintendo 64, is now available across
the United States. After a huge Japanese roll out, stores in the United
States will be selling the new game and platform for a suggested retail price
of $199.
Nintendo says that sales of Nintendo 64 surpassed the one million mark just
10 weeks after launch in Japan. Nintendo is planning to deliver no more than
600,000 units to the US. According to Nintendo, American retailers have
already requested more than one million units.
David Cole, president of gaming market research firm DFC Intelligence, told
Newsbytes, "Don't expect much of a price reduction from the suggested retail
price. All signs are that Nintendo can sell as many units as they can ship.
Some retailers put them on the shelves early, and sales have been very
strong."
"It's apparent from our conversations with our US retailers that our
projected shipments will be exhausted well before the holidays," said Peter
Main, Nintendo of America's executive vice president, sales, and marketing.
"We're asking our parent company to do everything possible to increase total
shipments to North America."
Nintendo reports that the shipments will be staggered through the Christmas
season. They would not comment on how many were shipped in this initial
roll-out. "Super Mario 64 is the killer application that will guarantee
strong sales for the Nintendo 64," said Cole. "If the sales in Japan are any
indication, then Nintendo 64 will be out of stock well before Christmas,
creating the mystique of the Cabbage Patch. One major retailer has publicly
said that they would take all 500,000 Nintendo 64 units if they could."
Cole did point out that there is some risk to Nintendo. Its two major
competitors -- the Sega Saturn and Sony PlayStation -- will also have strong
sales during the Christmas season, and Nintendo takes a risk that not having
enough supply will lose permanent customers to the other system.
Strong Nintendo 64 Sales Reported
REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Nintendo of America reported Wednesday it has
sold 350,000 of its Nintendo 64 advanced video-game players, launched over
the weekend at a $200 price.
The company, the U.S. arm of Japan-based Nintendo Co. Ltd., predicted U.S.
retailers can sell more than 1.5 million units by Christmas if enough games
can be shiped from Japan. Nintendo had said in July that demand was so strong
in North America that it could not produce enough consoles for the customers
who indicated they wanted to buy them.
Nintendo is marketing the Nintendo 64 at a time when it has lost market share
in the video-game market as both Sega and Sony have launched 32-bit players
with capabilities far above the 16-bit Super Nintendo system. Both Sega and
Sony are selling their machines -- the Saturn and the PlayStation -- for $200
each after having started at a $300 price point. Nintendo said Americans
bought more than half of the Nintendo 64 consoles and software available
before they hit store shelves on Sunday, the official launch day.
"There were widespread spot shortages within hours of stores opening on
Sunday morning," said Howard Lincoln, chairman of Nintendo of America.
"Given the wide acclaim the system already has gotten from gaming experts
around the world, it was almost impossible to predict how huge the demand
would be. We obviously have a huge hit on our hands." Lincoln said he was
optimistic that the parent company will work to send as much product as
possible so there will be enough supply to last through the holiday season.
ADVISORY/NCAA GameBreaker Videogame Predicts ...
WHAT: NCAA GameBreaker, the first NCAA football game for the Sony
PlayStation videogame console, has simulated the winner of this Saturday's
college match-up between No. Nebraska and No. 12 Kansas St. The PlayStation
game console simulated a full game, complete with touchdown's scored, rushing
yardage, field goals and fumbles. The result had Nebraska defeating Kansas
State, 48-21. NCAA GameBreaker features all 111 Division I-A teams and their
respective stadiums. In fat, all the stadiums -- including UN and KSU
Stadium -- are re-created before your very eyes.
WHO: With the huge success of its games, NFL GameDay and NHL Face Off, Sony
Computer Entertainment America has firmly positioned itself as the new leader
in the sports videogame field. Since its introduction last year, the
CD-based PlayStation has sold more than 1.5 million units in the U.S.
GAME RECAP: Nebraska Defeats Kansas State, 48-21 The Nebraska Cornhuskers
overwhelmed the Kansas State Wildcats going away 48-21. Limiting the
Cornhusker rushing attack to only 65 yards rushing in the first half, Kansas
State crumbled in the second half, allowing three rushing touchdowns and 230
total yards rushing for the game. The Wildcats threw two touchdown passes
and went into the locker room trailing only 21-14. However, the second half
was a different ballgame. Playing inspired defense, Nebraska shut down the
Wildcats running game, limiting the Kansas State offense to a measly 85 yards
total offense in the second half.
GT Interactive Wins Injunction
A San Diego Federal District court judge has granted GT Interactive Software
Corp.'s request and placed an injunction against Micro Star Inc. The
injunction requires Micro Star to immediately remove from retail shelves all
copies of its Nuke It software, which GT Interactive says infringes on the
title of its Duke Nukem 3D game. The injunction is effective immediately.
Officials at New York-based GT Interactive say they expect to receive all
proceeds from the sale of the infringing game.
EA Ships Motorcycle Game
Electronic Arts. says it has started shipping Road Rash for Windows 95, a
high-speed motorcycle racing game. The San Mateo, California, software
publisher says the action game features multiplayer options, adjustable
graphics resolutions, plug-and-play installation and a user-friendly
interface. The game also includes a free player matching service on EA's Web
site (http://www.ea.com) for those gamers who want to engage in multiplayer
competition. Road Rash's multiplayer support includes network and modem
capabilities allowing up to eight players to compete on a network, or two
players via modem.
Road Rash for Windows 95 gives players a choice of five levels of difficulty
in any of five locations. The locations range from city streets to country
roads and are modeled after real geographical terrain. The game sports
extensive racing footage and frame rates of up to 25 per second. Road Rash
also offers stereo sound and music videos, featuring the music of six A&M
artists: Soundgarden, Paw, Swervedriver, Theray?, Monster Magnet and
Hammerbox.
VSDA VIDTRAC(TM) CHARTS THREE SONY PLAYSTATION ...
National Video Rental Spending Stabilizes With 2.2 Percent Increase This Week
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Video Software Dealers Association
announced its VSDA VidTrac(TM) results for home video rental activity for the
week ended September 29, 1996. Three of the top five renting video games
this week are Sony Playstation format. Two new Sony PSX releases, Madden NFL
'97 and Crash Bandicoot, chart at numbers three and five, respectively, to
replace longtime VidTrac charting Super NES format Ken Griffey Jr.'s Winning
Run and Mortal Kombat 3. Sony PSX format Tekken 2 remains on the VidTrac
chart at number four after four weeks in release.
These new video game releases contributed to this week's increase in
national video rental spending, up 2.2 percent to $113.7 million. Total
year-to-date spending increased to $5.5 billion. The MGM/UA release, The
Birdcage, holds onto the top spot after debuting at number one on the VidTrac
Top 10 last week. It earned over $3 million for the second consecutive week.
Executive Decision hangs on to the number two spot, while the new release
Oliver & Company enters the chart at number three. Up Close and Personal
drops one to number four, and The Quest rounds out the top five. From Dusk
Till Dawn and Muppet Treasure Island dropped off of this week's chart, while
another new release, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, enters the chart at
number eight.
Video titles scheduled for release during the week of September 29 -
October 5, 1996 include Warner's sell-through priced summer blockbuster
Twister, with a domestic box office of $290 million, and Polygram's
critically acclaimed Fargo, with a domestic box office of $24.1 million.
Initiated in January, 1996, VSDA VidTrac is the first service to collect
point-of-sale data from the largest and most representative sample of video
specialty stores in the history of home entertainment. Over 4,500 retail
outlets, including nin of the top ten video retail chains, participate in the
VSDA VidTrac electronic tracking system. VSDA VidTrac provides the industry
with the most accurate performance figures ever compiled on domestic video
rentals and will serve as the benchmark for future industry statistics and
projections. Results are compiled and disseminated on a weekly basis. For
more information contact VSDA at http://www.vsda.org.
Established in 1981, the Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA) is a
not-for-profit international trade association for the $16 billion home video
entertainment industry. VSDA represents over 3,300 companies throughout the
United States, Canada, and 22 other countries. Membership comprises video
retailers, both independent and large chain, video distributors, the home
video divisions of all major and independent motion picture studios, video
game and multimedia producers, and other related businesses that constitute
the home video entertainment industry.
Jaguar Online STR InfoFile - Online Users Growl & Purr!
- Jaguar Server Update 960929 -
The Jaguar Server pages has been updated with the Demo version of Gemulator
96. With this demo its possible to write Jaguar code on a PC emulating Atari
with all the good Development tools such as Devpac 3, Riscy, Codeass and
other utilities. The actual upload to the Jaguar still has to be performed
by a real Atari. PC -> Atari can be performed by null modem, or by floppy at
the moment.
Have a look yourself if you have a PC with Win95....
roine@stacken.ct.se
http://www.edu.isy.liu.se/~z94patsa/jsdata/jserver.html
Here's the latest posting at Jag Interactive from Stephen about his DOOM
update. It also includes an e-mail address if you wish to contact him.
Take care!
"Well, not that I actually consider myself part of the underground, I guess
you could call me a spin-off. Roine at the Jag Server has finally put
together a kit for PC/Windows 95 users. As soon as I can get some kind of
link going I should be starting on the correction of the DOOM networking code
and possibly some Wad-file add-ons. The Wad-files should prove tricky as many
of them were created with some characters that do not exist on the Jag Cart
(perhaps I should introduce them; it's all a question of feasibility)." "On
the rotten side, due to the number of Wad-files and my budget, I am going to
only be able to do a CD ver. Don't go buying another CD yet. I don't even
know if the CD and cartridge can co-exist. Slow as a Rabid Snail..."
Stephen Finton
Igor@texoma.com
ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
On CompuServe
compiled by
Joe Mirando
CIS ID: 73637,2262
Hidi ho friends and neighbors. As some of you know, I've been fighting off a
sinus infection during the past week. My doctor told me that if I wasn't
feeling better in five days, I should call. Well, I was feeling somewhat
better, but not as much as I felt I should have after being on antibiotics
for six days (okay, so I put it off for an extra day) and had developed an
annoying spasmatic cough that hits without warning and can last for up to ten
minutes at a time. Needless to say, these bouts leave me sore and tired. So
I called the doctor's office and was told that the doctor was not in and
that I'd have to see the doctor that was covering for mine. After a few
calls and set of directions I was off to see the new doctor.
After a cursory examination the new doctor informed me that the previous six
days of antibiotics had done nothing to defeat the infection which had now
moved down to include my throat and larynx and I still had a temperature of
101. According to my wife, the only good thing about the past week has been
that I've had bouts of laryngitis. <grin> Of course I made up for it with
the coughing episodes.
At any rate, the doctor prescribed a different antibiotic... for ten days
this time. And after a closer examination of my throat, he also quickly
wrote a prescription for a cough syrup with codeine. Heck, I didn't even
know that codeine was still used. It's too soon to know if this antibiotic
will have the desired effect or if it will be like the last one. Only time
will tell. I guess the reason I'm telling you this is so that you don't
expect too much from this week's column. So let's get on with the reason for
this column in the first place... all the great news, hints, tips, and info
available every week right here every week on CompuServe.
From the Atari Computing Forums
When Sysop Bob Retelle mentions using MOD tracking on a PC, Rob Rasmussen
asks:
"MOD tracking...errr...what is that? I know what MOD sound files are, is it
related?
Yes, I realize I am still working with just the software that came on this
PC, and that there's tons of more stuff out there that is better. I think
I'm still in shock and in denial. What a strange feeling I had, right after I
bought the PC, standing there in CompUSA with isles and isles of software
everywhere that I CAN use. It's intimidating! After sending in all my
warranty and registration cards for everything, all the magazine offers and
ads are starting to arrive. Slightly overwhelming! For so long I did
EVERYTHING on the Atari, but now it will be mostly for music and maybe
graphics. I considered converting all my new MS-Word files to TXT so that I
can have them on the Atari too, converting each database to dBase format for
cross compatability but it seems a lost cause (too much work!). So I will
try to keep threading a needle with a sledgehammer on this pee cee.
Case in point - a simple thing, merging text from another file into a word
processor document, or appending text to another file (ok, maybe ms-Works
can do this but I'm still on WordPad). This concept seems foreign to this
PC - I have to have both documents up and then cut and paste between them. On
the other hand, it does have other things that I do like."
Sysop Bob tells Rob:
"A MOD tracker is a program to create your own MOD files...
I've been looking for a good music system to use on my PC.. it's been years
since I used to create "SIDs" on SIDplayer on my C-64, and so far
everything has either been way too simplistic, or waaay to complex (and
expensive)..! MOD trackers let you use digital samples to sequence music
files on the PC.. no MIDI instruments needed, no "musical ablity" needed
(for playing an instrument in real-time), but with terrific sounding
results.
I haven't started creating anything just yet though.. I've been downloading
and playing as many of the existing MODs as I can find.. and there sure are
a lot of them..!"
Publisher Note. Hey Bob, Try, MidiSoft's Studio 4. Its terrific!
Phillip Lamarche asks for help using QuickCIS:
"I need more help with the program QuickCis. I can't even get it to dial
compuserve. I don't hear the phone clicking as i do when I use Flash. It
seems like an excellent program. The documentaqtti is obscure. For instance
in one section It it gives directions for entering data into lines 29,30, and
31, but I can't find these lines. What next. Thanks for your interested."
Sysop Jim Ness (who also happens to be the author of QuickCIS) tells Phillip:
"Check View Config to ensure that you have a valid dial string entered. That
dial string must begin with the dial command (usually "ATDT") and continue
with the phone number needed to access CompuServe."
Corey Klemow tells us:
"I've had a cracked CPU in my Atari 1040ST for years. The worst side-effect
was losing the sound. However, I recently -- aargh! -- dropped my monitor on
my Atari while moving it around, and now my Atari is seriously ill. Is
there anybody in Los Angeles who services Ataris, and could replace the CPU
(not to mention fixing the floppy drive, which has recently made a semi-
regular habit of trashing the directories...)? If not, do I have any other
options (other than buying an IBM-compatible)?"
Albert Dayes asks Corey:
"What about Mid-Cities or Alternative Computing. I believe they can still
provide service for your Atari computer... The contact Data I have for Mid-
Cities is
Mid-Cities Computers
9406 Flower St
Bellflower, CA
(310) 876-0626
Alternative Computing is by the some of the same people who ran TCN (The
Computer Network) in Glendale. I do not know the phone number however."
Sysop Bob Retelle adds:
"You might be able to find a used ST for sale here or on the Atari related
Usenet newsgroups for about what it would cost to get your current system
fixed... you might even be able to pick up a better model. Also, if there
are any local BBSs in your area that have Atari sections, you might want to
post a message indicating your interest in buying a used ST."
Angelo Vahatoura of Evangelo's Atariwares asks:
"[Does] Anyone out there have an ATARI Mega STE or 1040STE? If so, if a game
says on the box Mega ST will it work with the STE series? I don't see why
not but I have to know because I am selling some software to someone and he
has an STE."
Charles Cartwright tells Angelo:
"I have an STe (with 4 Meg of RAM) and have found that most games run on it.
A few older games have proved incompatible. However I beleive that the Mega
STe was somewhat less compatible (particularly with games) than the standard
STe. Also my TOS version is 1.62 and games tended to have more problems with
the higher versions 2.x etc. Certainly compatibility with a Mega ST is no
guarantee it will work with any of the STe range."
Angelo asks Charles:
"Do you have a lot of games for the STE? If not is it possible you can write
down which ones work with the STE, it is very important to me. Although I
have over 1000 games for the Atari computers it is very hard for me to sell
to STE users, so when I E-mail my lists I mention this."
Joe Villarreal adds:
"I've got a Mega Ste. I'm not much of a game player. I do know that some
games that run on a regular ST do not run on a Mega STe since it uses TOS
2.05 or 2.06, although they might run on a regular STe. On the other hand,
some games for the ST do work on the Mega STe."
Well folks, I know that this has been short as hell, but the codeine is
taking hold and the monitor is getting a bit hard to see. Be sure to tune in
again next week, same time, same station, and be ready to listen to what
they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
EDITORIAL QUICKIES
Brilliant Republican Rhetoric..
"Hawaii has always been a very pivotal role in the Pacific.
It is in the Pacific. It is a part of the United States
that is an island that is right here."
...Dan Quayle
STReport International OnLine Magazine
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The Fair Use Law of The Copyright Laws of the U.S.A. Views, Opinions and
Editorial Articles presented herein are not necessarily those of the
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reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Reprints must,
without exception, include the name of the publication, date, issue number
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STR OnLine! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" October 04, 1996
Since 1987 Copyrightc1996 All Rights Reserved Issue No. 1240
