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ST-ZMagazine 046
ST*ZMAGAZINE WEEKLY ONLINE MAGAZINE
----------------------------------------------
November 10, 1989 | Volume 1 Number 46
----------------- ||| --------------------
Publisher/Editor: ||||| Copyright (c)1989
Ron Kovacs ||||||| Rovac Industries,Inc
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The ZNet BBS ||| CompuServe:71777,2140
(201) 968-8148 | GEnie: ZMAGAZINE
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Xx CONTENTS
# (*) EXCLUSIVE INSIDE ATARI/COMDEX PREVIEW
### by John Nagy
#####
####### (*) ZNET NEWSWIRE SHORTS
##### Atari Updates, Commodore, Comdex, and more!!!
###
# (*) ST. LOUIS COMPUTER SHOW REPORTS
from GEnie ST Roundtable
# (*) ALICE AMORE'S SHAREWARE SURVEY
### New column debut with PD PUB from Mark Quinn
#####
####### (*) THE BEST OF THE PUGET SOUND ATARI NEWS
##### Macro Mouse Review and more...
###
# (*) THE REVOLUTION CONTINUES...
by Donald Thomas of Artison Software
# (*) KIDPUBLISHER PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCED
### Press Release from D.A. Brumleve
#####
####### (*) THE EDITORS DESK
##### by Ron Kovacs
###
# (*) expanded newswire included!
ZNET ONLINE
ROVAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
POST OFFICE BOX 59
MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY 08846-0059
(201) 968-2024
BBS: (201) 968-8148 3/12
Xx THE EDITORS DESK
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
by Ron Kovacs
Changes are taking place in many areas of our organization, a BBS system
has finally been put in place, and a new direction has been attempted by
Alice Amore. Alice's new column appears this week with a focus on
Shareware and the latest uploads to the services. Your comments are
encouraged and email can be sent to Alice directly on GEnie to her
address A.AMORE and CompuServe 71777,2140. Please write and let her
know your feelings!
We have finally put the ZNet BBS in action, (201) 968-8148, and can be
reached 24 hours a day at 300/1200 baud. Past and present issues of
ST*ZMagazine and ZMagazine can be found, message bases and download
libraries. Please keep in mind that we are only in BETA test mode since
we have NOT completely set the system up. We are using MICHTRON BBS
version 3.0. Give us a call with your ideas!!
A WORD ON VIRUSES
There are a number of messages circulating about Viruses. I cannot
express the importance for all users to use a virus detector/killer on
all new software you purchase, and files you download. The types of
viruses are limitless and can cause damage to your library and hard
disk. Both GEnie and CompuServe have files available to assist you,
search for killer or virus for the latest programs.
COMDEX REPORTS
ZNet will be in force at COMDEX with exclusive reports and ZBREAK new
releases if warranted. John Nagy will be reporting in next weeks
edition on all the happenings! Don't miss it!!
Xx COMDEX PREVIEW - ATARI TO LOOK GOOD!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
by John Nagy
Fall '89 COMDEX is billed as the "Gateway to the Global Marketplace" and
begins Monday, November 6. Atari is preparing a major exhibit featuring
a two-floor impressive booth, similar to the gala plazas from IBM and
ZENITH that dwarfed the Spring '89 Atari booth.
The placement for the Atari booth will again be outstanding, facing a
major entrance to the Las Vegas extravaganza that will feature over 1700
exhibitors. COMDEX is an international convention of computer industry
manufacturers who are looking for distribution. Everything is aimed at
the reseller, who comes to these shows to make deals and plans for the
next year's marketing and sales strategies. Vendors will include Micro
and Super Micro Computers and software, Mini computers and software,
CAD/CAM, peripherals, communications and board level products, Desktop
Publishing and graphics, custom software, furniture and accessories,
supplies, support, and more. Seminars are scheduled each of the five
days of the show, which will be one of the years larger Vegas crowds.
Atari will repeat their format of presenting -MANY- third party
developers at the sprawling Atari booth. The attendance list is like a
who's-who of Atari developers, each showing their product to help
demonstrate the power of the Atari market. This year, Atari will be one
of only two booths that will be showing a MAC compatible laptop.... Dave
Small's GCR cart in the STACY makes it just as capable at 1/3 the price
of the Apple version... and those who have seen both say the STACY has a
better screen! Dave will be at COMDEX, having just made some successful
last minute adjustments to his system after finding that the internal 40
meg hard drive in the sample STACY would not operate with the GCR.
Lots of Atari hardware will be shown, with the TT 68030 machines in the
spotlight. Numbers of popular applications will be shown running on the
new machines, many on the huge Moniterm monitors that will be everywhere
in the booth, in order to demonstrate the compatibility and speed
advantage of the new machine.
The PC line will be again shown, featuring the ABC nameplate (ATARI
BUSINESS COMPUTER), with the PC4-X AT 286 machine as the flagship.
Availability is posted as "first quarter 1990".
Portfolio will likely bring even more attention since the world has
found out about it since the last COMDEX, and may lure many dealers and
distributors to the full Atari lineup... or at least make them more
aware that there IS a lineup.
The STE will likely be there showing the first Atari software to make
use of the 4,096 color palette and digital stereo sound... a game called
"White Water" with lots of action, graphic sophistication, and super
sound. Some of us will moan, hearing that the STE will thus begin its
public life with a GAME branded on its screen. But what else should we
expect from an Amigakiller?
Atari will have several announcements during the show, including the
formal introduction of DESKSET II, actually ready for market and in the
warehouses. This long-awaited "typography" system differs from other
Desktop Publishing packages in at least one dramatic way... it ONLY will
print to an ATARI SLM804 Laser printer OR a LINOTYPE setup!!! This
incredible limitation will certainly make DESKSET II look for a very
narrow market.
Also long awaited is the "document processor" called WORDFLAIR. Long
under development by BLUE CHIP under contract to Atari, WordFlair rights
were released by Atari and it will be sold as a third party product.
Atari is rumored to have wanted changes in the product that Blue Chip
was unwilling to make, so they parted ways. Blue Chip will, however, be
at COMDEX as well, looking for their own distribution channels.
Look for COMDEX announcements from ST*ZMAG during the week as we will
keep up on any breaking news. ST*ZMAG will have reporters on the COMDEX
floor to bring the latest information to our readers. Also be sure to
get our next ST*ZMAGAZINE issue as we will present a detailed overview
of the COMDEX that may have the largest ATARI presence of all time.
Xx ZNET NEWSWIRE - SHORTS
=======================================================================
11/4 thru 11/10
* ANTIC EXODUS *
STart Magazine is in the middle of changes, recently Charles Cherry
resigned and was hired at Atari, and now following are Andrew Reese, the
editor and Heidi Brumbaugh, the editor or staff person in charge of the
disks.
* STXPRESS GONE *
An unconfirmed rumor has been circulating that STXPress Magazine has
called it quits.
* FRETTER SEZ NO *
Fretter, Inc. has been involved in negotiations with Atari Corporation
over sale of Federated. Federated is a consumer electronic retail store
chained owned and operated by Atari Corp. Fretter could not reach an
agreement with Atari and terminated the negotiations.
* GAMETALK *
Mediagenic, part of Activision, introduced Gametalk(TM), an object-
oriented game authoring system developed to enable efficient game design
and the creation of advanced graphics applications. The first title to
be released using Gametalk is Activision's "the Manhole" for IBM and
compatible personal computers, which was first shown at the Summer CES.
Mediagenic is a 1988 winner of the SPA Excellence in software Award for
best new use of a Computer.
* COMDEX TROUBLES *
The 4 day Fall Comdex show set for start next week may be greeted by
striking bartenders and culinary workers. The union has planned a walk-
out anytime in the next few days if new proposals are not offered.
Hiring of non-union workers has been discussed if the strike indeed
takes place. The word of strike has effected all hotels around Las
Vegas causing booked rooms and hectic times ahead for Comdex
participants.
* MICHAEL KATZ NAMED PRESIDENT *
Sega of America announced today, (11-10-89), that Michael V. Katz has
been named president of the company's Consumer division. Katz, who had
been president of the Atari Entertainment Electronics division since
1987, will assume his responsibilities at Sega immediately. Prior to
joining Atari, Katz served as president, chief executive officer and
director of Epyx Inc., a leading computer game software developer.
Katz' experience also includes serving as vice president of marketing
for Coleco Industries from 1979 to 1983 and as marketing director for
new products at Mattel from 1975 to 1979.
* HYBRID ARTS MIDI HOLIDAY SPECIAL *
For Atari user group members only
(Prices effective through November 30, 1989. S/H not included.)
ITEM RETAIL 1-3 4-7 8+
======================================================
SmpteTrack II (ST) $495 $450 $400 $325
EditTrack II (ST) $99 $89 $79 $69
EZ-Track Plus (ST) $65 $55 $45 $30
EZ-Score Plus (ST) $149 $135 $120 $100
Ludwig (ST) $149 $135 $120 $100
GenEdit (ST) $249 $225 $200 $175
GenPatch (ST) $149 $135 $120 $100
CZ-Android (ST) $99 $89 $79 $69
DX-Android (ST) $99 $89 $79 $69
MidiMaze (ST) $39 $10 $10 $10
Midi Cables (pr) $8.95 $8 $7 $5
MidiTrack III (8-Bit) $179 $89 $70 $53
MidiTrack II (8-Bit) $169 $79 $60 $43
Atari XM301 Modem $25 n/a n/a n/a
For details club officers should contact: Chez Bridges (User Group
Support) at (213) 841-0340, or mail to: Hybrid Arts, Inc., 8522 National
Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232.
* EDUCATION GRANTS *
Apple Computer is accepting proposals for a new grants program that
challenges educators to develop computer-based interdisciplinary
curriculums, that encourage students to become more self-directed in
their learning. The program called Crossroads, is aimed at economically
disadvantaged students. More information can be obtained by writing to:
Apple Education Grants, 20525 Mariani Avenue, MS:38J, Cupertino,
California 95014. Deadline for applications is Jan. 8, 1990.
* LET IT BE *
EMI Music Worldwide and Capitol-EMI Music Inc., and George Harrison,
Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono Lennon are very pleased to
announce the settlement of all outstanding lawsuits between the artists,
Apple, EMI Records and Capitol Records. The agreement, as a specific
term of the settlement, that neither they nor their representatives or
advisors will be permitted to make any comment or statement regarding
the settlement other than as appears in this announcement. "The
Beatles' recordings are a unique legacy in the history of popular music
which EMI has been privileged to represent since 1962. We are most
delighted to have resolved all the differences which arose between us in
recent years, and look forward to the continuation of our long standing
and close relationship with the artists and Apple."
* COMMODORE LOSES *
Commodore announced this week that their first quarter ended with a
loss of more than $6 million dollars. Loss of sales of the C64 and
delayed promotions are the major cause for the loss. Amiga sales were
up and well as the PC compatible series.
* ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING *
FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes said newspapers would be smart to join, not
fight, phone companies' efforts in online electronic publishing and
computer information services. Mr. Sikes urged papers to use their
expertise in publishing to boost the US telecommunications areas and move
into the electronic delivering of their product.
Xx MCDONNELL DOUGLAS ST. LOUIS COMPUTER SHOW
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright (c)1989 GEnie Services
Reprinted by Permission
Category 11, Topic 10, Message 15, Sun Nov 05, 1989
by RJROBINSON [Ron Robinson] at 00:44 CST
The McDonnell Douglas/St. Louis Computer Fair was held in Building 33 of
the McDonnell Engineering Campus today. Several thousand people enjoyed
viewing a wide variety of computers ranging from the Timex Sinclair to
the the NeXT.
Atari turned out to be the surprise hit of the show thanks to the well
orchestrated displays and demonstrations of the entire range of Atari
hardware. Crowds around the Atari area were typically two to four times
larger than those observing the other computer families. I couldn't
help but grin as I heard "Atari makes computers too?" from folks
strolling through. The various local Users Groups, Randall's Computers,
and Atari all contributed to the Atari area at the show.
Items demonstrated at the Fair never before widely seen in St. Louis
included the Stacy, Spectre GCR, MegaFile 44 removable cartridge drive,
Moniterm Monitor, Atari Laser Printer, the T16 Accelerator board, PC
Speed, and the Portfolio.
This was my first opportunity to see the Stacy. The machine at this
show was a production prototype that contained 4 meg of memory and a 40
meg hard drive. The blue back-lighted LCD screen was sharp and easy to
read. The keyboard had a very nice feel with a positive click when
pressing a key. The trackball will take some getting used to. I
thought a little extra friction on the ball would help keep the cursor
from running away. Bob Brodie indicated the machine did not have a
Blitter or internal modem in its current configuration. He also gave me
the impression Atari is as anxious to start shipping Stacy as are those
waiting. Atari is currently working towards FCC approval of the
machine. I hope so, Atari will not have any trouble selling these guys.
Calamus occupied a Mega 4 connected to the Moniterm Monitor most of the
day printing documents to the Atari Laser Printer. The Moniterm is as
wonderful as every one has claimed, the Atari Laser is faster than I
imagined. The MegaFile 44 was also connected to this machine. Bob
Brodie indicated he thought the MegaFile 44 should be very close to
release.
A VCR in the front rest area played ST generated video animations to the
enjoyment of those needing to rest their feet. Another ST displayed
animations real time. Sterling Webb, the author of Seurat (published in
the 3/89 issue of STart) demoed his latest creation that allowed full
screen manipulation of IMG files in color. He had not decide how to
sell/distribute the program at this time.
MIDI demo's made sure the entire hall knew where the ST area was
situated. Members of the MIDI Sig showed all the latest in MIDI
hardware and software. I noticed the Amiga Sig on the other end of the
hall never did get their MIDI hardware operational :-)
PC Speed performed flawlessly throughout the show. It also flawlessly
emulated how boring the PeeCee's really are ;-) The Portfolio generated
a lot of interest also. I wonder if Bob ever got a chance to show it
off over in the IBM end of the hall?
The Spectre GCR generated a great deal of interest from Atari and
Macintosh users alike (a Mac Portable was at the show also). Many of
the top Mac products were loaded into the machine and demonstrated.
Operation was so easy and straight forward most people didn't even
notice the GCR. Claude Bramwell of the MDC RCC Atari Sig was successful
in getting Adobie Type Manager operating under GCR with a Star printer
during the show, generating some very nice printed output. Towards the
end of the show, the Spectre GCR was moved to the Mega/T16 providing a
pronounced performance increase. Several people who use the Mac every
day were noticeably impressed (me too).
A couple of Atari 8 bit machines faithfully demonstrated Atari's roots.
Matt Ratcliff had his latest software creation displaying full
resolution Degas pictures on a monochrome 130XE screen.
Local Atari users particularly appreciated the visit by Bob Brodie of
Atari and Jeff Williams of GEnie. Bob and Jeff kept busy answering the
same questions a thousand times while showing off the Stacy and
Portfolio to all. After the show, members from the three local users
groups accompanied Bob and Jeff for supper before the area wide users
group meeting.
The Users Groups meeting was opened by Bob Brodie giving a little
history of how and why he came to Atari. Jeff Williams presented GEnie
and the services it offers (half those present have GEnie accounts).
The meeting then moved on to a very frank and open 2 1/2 hour discussion
of Atari and its future. The bottom line was the impression that Atari
users have a valuable resource in the form of Bob Brodie listening to
their needs within Atari. We, as Atari users, share responsibility in
having our needs met, by effectively communicating what we need from
Atari.
Category 11, Topic 10, Message 21, Sun Nov 05, 1989
by GREG at 11:07 CST
The Stacy shown at the McDonnell Douglas Computer Fair on November 4
was a 4 meg model with a 40 meg hard disk built in. Also the Stacy has
midi in and out ports. Being a self-contained system, the Stacy will
become the computer of choice for musicians.
The Stacy has a very readable blue LCD screen and a full size keyboard
that had a nice touch to it. It has a built in track ball and a port to
plug in a mouse. The track ball makes use away from home convenient. I
found the track ball to be a little to fast for me. A hope that the
final production version is slower.
The Stacy that Atari showed had the ADAP software from Hybrid Arts
installed on the hard disk. Since we just found out the details about
the show only two days in advance, our attempts to get in touch with
Hybrid Arts failed. Our calls to Hybrid Arts were answered by a
receptionist who tried to be helpful but didn't know the answers to our
questions and was unable to connect us up with anyone who did in time
for the show.
The Stacy with sampling and sequencing software installed in it will
make a killer system. The Atari Rep at the show stated that Atari was
shooting for an under $4,000 price for the 4 meg Stacy with 40 meg hard
drive. The Stacy has not yet been released in the United States.
As part of the midi demo at the show, we were running demo version of
Tiger Editor by Dr. T. It got a very good response from all who tried
it with the only negative comment being the amount of time to load a
.MID format file.
We demoed sequencer programs for most of the day ranging from Music
Studio 88 to Miditrack running synthesizers from Kawai and Casio. The
stereo Tweety Board was also installed on the system we were using.
A thanks goes out to Randall Kopchak from ACE Saint Louis and Tom
Bergeron, editor of Recording and Publishing News, for working the midi
area of the Atari booth all day.
Category 11, Topic 10, Message 23, Sun Nov 05, 1989
by MAT.RAT at 19:18 EST
Yes, Bob and Jeff did an excellent job. We should note that the STacy's
640x400 display is similar in resolution to a standard EGA display for a
PC. Just down the hall Epson was showing off its latest 80286 laptop
machine with EGA resolution, back-lit LCD graphics. The STacy's display
beat it hands down. The STacy was sharp and crips at every pixel. On
the Epson's display the screen was "mottled", inconsistent shades of
gray over a full screen - it was a bit difficult to look at.
The STacy display is quite impressive. It will sell very well, as soon
at it makes it to market in force.
Category 11, Topic 10, Message 29, Mon Nov 06, 1989
by BOB-BRODIE at 16:22 EST
Thanks for the kind comments, one and all! Of course, *NONE* of this
would have been possible without the efforts of the fine folk in the
St. Louis area! Kudos to the McDonnell Douglas Recreational Computing
Club- Atari SIG for inviting Atari to the show, Randall's Home Computing
for their presence, and willingness to act as a receiving agent for all
the material I sent, Eastside Users Group- President Hank Vize, who took
a phone call from me and made things happen, and PEOPLE show up (thanks
a lot, Hank. REALLY!!), the many members of St. Louis ACE that I got to
meet, and last, but certainly not least, my good friend, Matt Ratcliff
who was the personal chauffeur of the "Jeff and Bob Show", hauling us
all over town, to and from the airport, and to miscellaneous other
functions!
I had a great time, I think WE all opened a lot of eyes to the many fine
benefits that Atari Computers offer! I look forward to visiting St.
Louis again! Maybe by then we can give a Stacy for the door prize!! If
we do, let's hope an Atari user wins! The 520-ST FM was won by an IBM
user, who promptly approached Randalls about trading up to a 1040!!!!!!
I was really impressed with the effort put forth by all of the users at
the show. They helped put on 99.9% of the demos. Spectre GCR with the
Turbo 16 is very impressive indeed. The big Moniterm had the Mac users
looking at their Radius screen rather fornlornly. <<Thanks, Nathan!!
You nailed the problem on the head!!>> The others who have already
described the ongoing activities have already listed most of the events
of the day.
Thanks, once again, for inviting Atari, and supporting our efforts in
such a fine fashion!! It was indeed a pleasure...
Xx SHAREWARE SURVEY (NEW COLUMN)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Alice Amore's CARE enough to . . .
SHAREWARE
SURVEY S U P P O R T S H A R E W A R E !
Also see Mark Quinn's "PD PUB" below
What is SHAREWARE and why do we need it?
SHAREWARE is a generic term for "try before you buy" software. You are
encouraged to use SHAREWARE long enough to evaluate it and to decide
whether or not you will be using it on a regular basis. If you decide
that you will, it is your duty to register the program with its author
and send the requested registration fee to him/her.
Why?
Because SHAREWARE programmers have to make a living (just as you do) and
spend an enormous amount of time, effort, and money to produce their
programs (just as you don't).
Some programs are "donated" to the public and are in the public domain.
That's fine. But other programs are designated as SHAREWARE and should
be treated as such. There is no excuse to go on using a program,
sometimes for years, without making a monetary contribution.
SHAREWARE offers some programs that aren't available commercially, and
SHAREWARE sometimes exceeds commercial software in quality. Personal
contact between programmer and user is not at all unusual in the
SHAREWARE realm. What better way is there to have your voice heard
concerning programs you'd like to see developed, and suggestions you
have for improvements? And isn't it nice to not only get the latest
version of a program, direct from the programmer, but also to have
(usually free) upgrades mailed to you as soon as they're released? If
we all pitch in, SHAREWARE can only get better and better.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Filename: CHEETAHC.ARC Program Name: CHEETAH
Program Type: Disk Utility Version: 1.0
Programmer: Jay Jones Registration Fee: $20 (suggested)
CHEETAH is an extremely fast file-copying utility. Although designed
primarily for hard drives, it works quite well on floppies. It boasts
transfer rates of from 6 to 14 Mb/Min., averaging about 9 MB/Min.
After selecting source and destination paths, files are selected for
copying. This can be done by clicking or dragging, and "file masks" are
available. An "Auto Select" routine will select as many files as will
fit into the free space on the destination drive!
An "Extras" menu lets you see the size of the buffer or free memory,
change the file sort order, toggle a performance window after copying is
completed, zero a drive, and more. The program also has an "Archive
bit sensitive" box.
Most of these ultra-fast routines are accomplished through buffering.
If you have the memory, you can copy up to 200 files with one command.
The UNDO key can be used if you change your mind at any time. "Quick
keys" are available for a variety of functions.
If you do a great deal of file-copying, this program will be of special
interest to you.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Filename: DIARY_14.ARC Program Name: DIARY.ACC
Program Type: Desk Accessory Version: 1.4
Programmer: Craig Harvey Registration Fee: $5.
This program is a joy to use, rough edges and all. It's something just
about anyone can use. A word processor-like text editor holding up to
8K in memory at all times, DIARY stays resident in your ST as a desk
accessory (an .ACC file). Simply pull down the "DESK" icon, and click
on DIARY 1.4. A half-window will appear. Touch the MENU listing in the
upper left-hand corner, or hit the HELP key. This will give you a list
of all of DIARY's features. This latest version supports block
printing, string searches, cut and paste, the UNDO key, faster
scrolling, word wrap, and a full-size window toggle.
I just love this program. I used it to take notes on the programs I
reviewed, and I'm even using it now as a "note pad" while within
WordWriter. (And I used to rely on my PC laptop for such STuff!)
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Filename: DSKCHART.ARC Program Name: DISK CHART
Program Type: Disk Utility Version: 1.0
Programmer: Ron Sanborn Registration Fee: $10.
Disk-charting programs seem to proliferate on the PC, but we have
precious few of them for the ST. Here comes one which not only charts
your disks in the usual way (by using columns of numbers), but also lets
you see what's what graphically.
Basically, this program tells you how you're doing as far as disk space
goes. It will tally any drive between A and N. After a drive has been
seen, a visual chart is shown (sort of like a thermometer) showing how
much space is being used, and how much is free.
But if you're picky, you can access the "columns of numbers". All
information is given in bytes. You're first told the total space on
each drive, then the number of used bytes, then the number of free
bytes. Then the same information is presented using percentiles (what %
is used, and what % is free).
At the bottom of the chart is a cumulative total for all the columns. I
found out a lot about my hard drives using this program, not the least
of which was precisely how many bytes are available in my entire disk
system (82,501,632). You learn something new every day.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Also new and notable this week:
ADBASE14.ARC:
A dedicated address/phone database that can be used as a desk
accessory, if desired. Easy to use.
ADDRESS2.ARC:
Help for HP DeskJet owners! This is a fine envelope-addressing
utility with extra lines for memos.
FFIND_12.ARC:
"FileFinder" diskette cataloguer. Makes a catalog of your floppies.
Good documentation.
MINISCUL.ARC:
A miniature terminal program with ASCII/VT-52 capabilities. File
transfers can be handled using external programs.
STS17.ARC:
Bud Rasmussen's ST SWEEP, a directory/file manipulation program.
This latest upgrade is version 1.7.
STADRUN.ARC: - STADUTIL.ARC: - STADDOC.ARC:
These three programs comprise "STadel", a SHAREWARE BBS program
which features a room-structured message system.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Xx PD PUB by Mark Quinn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(The following two files run in high resolution ONLY.)
File name: TUZZLE.ARC
Program name: TUZZLE
Program type: Game
Programmed by: Armin Daubmann
Anyone who quickly grew tired of playing one of those hand-held tile
puzzles (those that use either letters or numbers, and have one
solution) as a kid will find this game challenging enough for an army of
young geniuses, or aged sages, for that matter. I don't think this
version will ever fit in the palm of a hand--at least in my lifetime--
and I wouldn't advise playing it in the back of your parents' car.
Perhaps there should be three categories of games: "Software" (easy to
play), "Hardware" (more challenging), and "Bearware" (well nigh
impossible to complete). I'm taking license here because I believe
TUZZLE fits into the third category.
At least it did for me. Here's the numbingly straightforward scenario
for this latest piece of German PD: The screen is divided into a 10 X
12 grid. Game play is confined to columns 2 - 11 of the grid. The
individual "squares" are comprised of straight and elbow-shaped pieces
of "pipe". Water begins to flow steadily down a pipe in column 1, and
the player must shuffle the pieces to create a single conduit to one the
"exits" in column 12 before the water reaches an unfinished section.
The above may sound simple enough, but it's not. After some hours of
playing the game, I came close to forming a pipeline a few times, but I
never finished one. That last piece always eluded me, so I did not
complete level one. I've got a lot of work ahead of me--it seems there
are thirty-nine more levels to complete.
The flashing grid has been "burned in" on my retina. I've been
"TUZZLEd".
File name: PUBPAINT.ARC; PUBPPICS.ARC
Program name: Public Painter; Public Painter picture files
Program type: Application
Programmed by: HJB '87
Yikes! A full-featured monochrome drawing program (the pics are in a
separate archive) that will handle D.E.G.A.S., NEOchrome, IMG, its own
"CMP" format, as well as "a few other file types". How's that for the
price of a download (or two)? "Unfortunately, the docs are in German"
states Craig Daymon in the README file in the first archive.
I'm afraid we'll have to wait for that translation. Anyone who is
familiar with the mechanics (a shaky term for navigating your way around
a piece of software) of various paint programs will find themselves
right at home. Additionally, anyone who expects Painter to meet or
exceed the quality of a program such as DEGAS Elite will be
disappointed. Additionally, I found that the monochrome TNY format is
not supported. Users who have "TNY STUFF", a utility that can convert
TNY-format files to .NEO or .PI3 format, won't need TNY compatibility.
The latest version of Public Painter is available overseas under a
different name as a commercial program.
(The following program will run in either medium or high resolution.)
File name: STNEWS44.ARC
Program name: ST NEWS, Volume 4, Issue 4
Program type: Demo/Text files
Programmed by: Stefan Posthuma, Richard Karsmakers, Others
Would you like to discover what to type in to activate the "cheat" modes
of various games? Do you want to see a 3-D demo (on color monitors
only) by John Phillips sufficient to make any ST neophyte space happy?
If you're willing to download this massive (nearly 500K) British file
you can do the above and much more. "ST NEWS" consists of travelogues,
interviews, previews, picture files, lots of non-MIDI music, and some
eyeball-scorching demos. One has to wade through QUITE a bit of
expositional material in the text, which can be attributed to the
youthful buoyancy of the authors. It seems as if in trying to "find
their muse" they lost it a few times. Included are interviews with Jez
San, Anita Sinclair, John Phillips, and many others.
"Quinn's Quickies":
COMCO101.ARC:
A "nifty" tool for learning how to send Morse code, or for improving
code copying abilities.
LIMERICK.ARC:
A Timeworks DTP file. Lots of "baudy", bawdy limericks. Wowee!
Download at your own risque.
Xx "REVOLUTIONARY CONCEPTS" PART 1 - "COMPATIBILITY"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
by Donald A. Thomas, Jr.
=1989 ARTISAN SOFTWARE
(This is PART 1 of a series of articles published and distributed by
Artisan Software. Please feel free to copy and distribute this
article as you please provided you include all unedited text. Also
feel free to upload to boards and communication services. These
articles are designed to entice you to take constructive action. Write
to involved parties and tell them how YOU feel about the subject.)
The "Concise" edition of the RANDOM HOUSE DICTIONARY defines
comzpatzizble as "capable of existing together in harmony". It falls on
page 179 in my edition... just under "compassion" and just above
"compatriot" and lost amongst the more than 70,000 entries from cover to
cover. It is interesting to note that a 1969 edition of the CONDENSED
COMPUTER ENCYCLOPEDIA published by the McGraw-Hill Book Company does not
have a definition for compatible listed at all.
Somewhere during the twenty years designated from 1970 to 1990, the word
"compatible" has leaped from the pages of our desktop dictionaries and
into our narrowly focused computer minds. It is possibly the most
referenced word we use while making an effort to describe a system or
inquire about one.
I can not be certain about you, but "compatibility" is extremely
important to me. "Compatibility to what?", you may logically ask.
Well, if you are reading an Atari orientated publication, we may be able
to assume that an article printed there would be about Atari computers.
Your assumption that compatibility is important to me relative to Atari
computers would be accurate. If I am very specific, I may be directed
to an Atari ST publication.
Atari Corp. has recently released Portfolio; an MS-DOS "compatible"
micro-wonder. They may soon release their threatened PC clones here in
the U.S. Now, while an Atari publication has the ability to instantly
be compatible to whatever Atari decides to manufacture, my disk drive
still clunks on anything except Atari 16-bit compatible software.
The Portfolio is a fine piece of equipment. It certainly has its
advantages to the non-traditional Atari consumer, but it does not
support the machine I invested thousands of dollars in.
When I am in the market for a Portfolio I will reference the honorable
mentions in the Atari publications. For in-depth coverage, I will buy
an MS-DOS magazine. I am extremely pleased to know that the Atari
publications are supporting the established base of Atari users... not
necessarily non-compatible electronics Atari decides to put it's name
on.
I can't imagine an established Atari magazine publishing an
"incompatible" issue, can you?
For information on how you can "JOIN THE REVOLUTION" and actively
support the exposure of Atari computers, send $6.00 to ARTISAN SOFTWARE,
P.O. Box 849, Manteca, California 95336. An ST/MEGA compatible disk-
based HANDBOOK will be rushed to you by return mail. The HANDBOOK is
also available from ST INFORMER, MEGABYTE COMPUTERS (Hurst, Texas) and
as a download from COMPUSERVE, GENIE and DELPHI.
Xx THE BEST OF PSAN
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ctsy PSAN
Reprinted by permission
Reprinted from the Puget Sound Atari News, November 1989
MACRO MOUSE - A GREAT TUTOR!
AN OPEN INVITATION FOR ST USERS TO HELP EACH OTHER!
A Review and Proposal by Tom Fisher, President of CRACE
It seems to me that there has always been a lack of clear and concise
tutorials for ST software! Recently a new program has come along which
allows ST users and "users groups" to create truly great demo's and on-
screen tutorials that could be of use to all ST user's, new and old.
This can be done easily and requires little programing knowledge. The
possibilities are limitless.
The program is "MACRO MOUSE", authored by Charles F. Johnson and
published by ANTIC. The program is an accessory which can be activated
by a key command (hot key). You activate it and from that point on it
records all mouse movements and key input.
While you are busy running your computer MACRO MOUSE is recording
everything. If you like you can pause and enter text which will then
playback, in the same place you entered it, for whatever length of time
you set (giving the user adequate time to read the information). The
recordings are stored in buffers which are user configurable.
If I had a complaint, I suppose it would be that there is no real way to
edit the MACRO MOUSE recordings after you make them. This means you
should do a lot of planning, and even write a script, before you start;
as this will save you time in the long run.
MACRO MOUSE has a tutorial that is adequate to get you off on the right
foot. And from there on out, your imagination would seem to be the only
limit. The program has many other features as well. For example, you
can chain several macros together and run them or loop them to run
continuously.
As well on the MACRO MOUSE disk, you get several other programs: McPlay
(which is not some kind of MAC software) is a PD run-only version of
MACRO MOUSE. It will allow you to circulate the macro's after you
create them. Another great program on the disk is MACRO UTILITIES
which allows you to call up some interesting utilities from almost
anywhere, execute them and return to what you were previously doing.
Some examples of the utilities are: Screen dumps to printer or disk;
Calculator; Adjust screen colors; Display time & date; Adjust key repeat
and delay; Toggle keyclick; Check freeram; Echo screen to printer (this
one I find really useful); Toggle verify on/off; Enter ASSCII code;
Enter printer code output; and Software reset (warm or cold). There are
other macro slots reserved for future use and some which are used by
Macro Mouse. Last, but not least, there is a program called STSELECT
which is a replacement for the gem file selector box and a fairly good
one at that.
You might ask how much does all this cost? Well, south of the border
slightly less than $25 would seem to to be the asking price; up here in
CANADA somewhere in the $40 range seems to be the mark.
My Proposal - And Everyone's Invited!
Well enough about the program, and more on the point of this article.
It seems to me that MACRO MOUSE presents users groups with a chance to
produce a library of really useful tutorials and demo's that we could
all use and benefit from. It would be too time consuming for one person
to produce and organize all the macro's that one can see being wanted in
such a library.
BUT! We are not one person. We are a collection of users groups banded
together to offer a support and information base which is greater than
that which any of us could do all on our own. So all we need do is
utilize our resources.
Since I am sure I am not the only one out there with this program and a
understanding of its potential, let's hear from some of you individuals
or users groups who are interested in working on a project of this sort.
Since this will require some coordination and I can manage some time for
the project, interested parties could start by contacting me at:
C. R. A. C. E.,
Attn: Tom Fisher,
241 Carnegie St.,
Campbell River, B. C.,
CANADA, V9W 2J4
In addition to this I will try and get a letter out to all the PSAN user
groups outlining the project and some of its benefits.
Bye for now, Tom Fisher
Xx KIDPUBLISHER PROFESSIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Press Release
ANNOUNCING:
Kidpublisher Professional
A Desktop Publishing Program for Young Writers
a kidprg(tm) in GFA Basic 3.0
Copyright 1989,1990 by D.A. Brumleve
Programmers:
D.A. Brumleve, M.A.
T.R. Brumleve, Ph.D.
Educational Consultant:
M.L. Marks, M.Ed.
The new Kidpublisher Professional (6.0) features:
* an expanded, improved, and completely-rewritten version of the
freely-distributed careware program, Kidpublisher
* a faster word processor with word wrap and an underline function
* an automatically-loaded user-definable font set (four sets included)
* an expanded drawing program with features such as LINE, BOX, CIRCLE,
FILL, and the all-important UNDO
* autobooting disk for completely independent use by children
* extra labels for use on the child's disk copies
* automatic loading of any title, story, or picture previously saved
to disk
* movement of text cursor with mouse or arrow keys
* drawing with mouse or arrow keys
* controlled keyboard repeat rate to prevent accidental over-deletion
by heavy-handed young typists
* picture icons and color-coding to speed program learning time
* familiar, consistent kidprg(tm) format
* a title-page option with automatic centering of title, author, and
illustrator
* limited alert boxes and options for ease of use
* (in contrast to children's desktop publishing programs available for
other computers) allows the child to draw his own pictures, type his
own words, express his own creativity; no adult-drawn graphics are
provided to discourage personal expression!
Recommended for Ages 5-11
Minimum Requirements: Color 520ST with Single-Sided Drive
Printer Must Accept an ST Screen Dump
Program Not Copy-Protected
(In fact, owners are encouraged to make multiple copies for all
children in their same household or school building!)
Package includes:
* specially-labelled red original disk, with an icon denoting this
program
* extra labels for your child's own copies
* simplified child's manual
* full instructions for parents and teachers
To order, see your dealer or send a check for US$25 with your name and
address to:
D.A. BRUMLEVE
KIDPUBLISHER PROFESSIONAL
P.O. BOX 4195
URBANA, IL 61801-8820
Dealer inquiries welcome.
Special versions are available to meet
special needs. Contact the developer for information.
#######################################################################
ST*ZMAGAZINE - ZNET ONLINE ISSUE #46 NOVEMBER 10, 1989
Copyright (c)1989, Rovac Industries, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
#######################################################################
