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ST-ZMagazine 041
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||||||| ST*ZMAGAZINE #41 October 6, 1989 |||||||
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||||||| Volume 1, Number 41 Ron Kovacs, Editor |||||||
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|||||||(c) 1989, Rovac Ind., PO Box 59, Middlesex, NJ 08846-0059|||||||
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||||||| News Headlines.... |||||||
||||||| *** Issue Actually Released 10/9/89 *** |||||||
||||||| * WAACE First Report |||||||
||||||| * ZNet Newswire |||||||
||||||| * ZNet European Newswire |||||||
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|||||||CompuServe: 71777,2140 GEnie: R.KOVACS|||||||
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CONTENTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue #41
/*/ The Editors Desk.................................Ron Kovacs
/*/ ZNet European Newswire.....................................
Latest happenings from overseas
/*/ ZNet Newswire..............................................
Latest happenings from First Stop Computers, Informer II,
Nintendo, MicroSoft and more!!
/*/ Codehead Software in Conference............................
Transcript of online conference with Charles Johnson and
John Eidsvoog of Codehead Software.
/*/ Public Domain Shelf.............................Alice Amore
Latest public domain files released and reviewed.
/*/ WAACE First Report...............................Ron Kovacs
Quick overview of the WAACE show this past weekend.
THE EDITORS DESK
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
by Ron Kovacs
This issue was released late for a number of reasons, one of which was
our attendance at the WAACE AtariFest this past weekend. Commitments
prior to the show and travel time required forced time constraints and
our failure to release on time. We apologize for the late appearance.
Included in this issue is a short quick overview of the show and my
comments about happenings there. Next week we will provide a more
expanded look at the products and seminars that took place.
It was a pleasure to see everyone who attended and the nice words many
had to say!
ZNET EUROPEAN NEWSWIRE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Editors Note: Please be aware that the following is a EUROPEAN REPORT
and software releases discussed here are NOT necessarily available in
the United States.)
~ Audio Visual Research will be releasing a 16-bit stereo sampler this
month. This system has been designed for professional musicians. AVR
is the same company which previously released ST Replay. AVR will also
be releasing a monochrome package called the ST14 which includes 12 bit
sampling with 14 bit output. Microdeal, the current publishers of ST
Replay 4 will be releasing Replay Professional, a new designed cartridge
and software that includes a cut and paste buffer.
~ Third Coast Technologies is offering an internal hard disk upgrade for
the Mega ST. The configuration consists of an ICD SCSI host adapter, 3
1/2 hard drive mechanism inside the Mega case. This upgrade involves
screwing the upgrade under the metal shield, and some slight
modification to the Mega case. Power is supplied and can be handled
from with Mega power supply which can handle up to a 100 meg capacity.
~ Computer Shopper Magazine will be sponsoring a show November 24-26,
1989 at the Alexandra Palace in London, England. 250 vendors are
scheduled to appear and support every make of computer.
~ Early 1990 is the date set for the UK release of the TT. The TT
(TT030/2), includes a 68030 at 16MHz, 2 MbRam, 30MbHard Disk, and VGA
standard color monitor. The resident operating system called TOS030,
will be a variation of the current TOS1.4. Not included is the Unix
multi-tasking operating system or the PC emulator.
~ The 1040 should be phased out during March/April 1990 and replaced by
the once called "ST Plus" or "Enhanced ST" now called 1040STE. The STE
will include 1 MbRam, fast hardware scrolling, 4096 color palette, 8-bit
stereo PCM sound, TOS1.4 operating system, and four SIMM (single in line
memory module) for easy expansion to 4Mb.
~ New game announcements this month: Iron Lord, Dynamite Dux, Blood
Money, Strider, Promised Lands, Xenon II, Conflict Europe, Curse of The
Mummy, and Sword of Aragon.
~ Moonwalker, the game endorsed by Michael Jackson will be available in
November. The story line of the game follows and features some of the
hits records Jackson recorded.
~ Atari Games is planning to release another five games. Enterprise - a
planet game, Grand Prix - a racing game, Hell Raider - an interstellar
piloting game, Starbreaker - rid your colonies of unwanted visitors, and
Prince - an action/strategy game. Look for Prince as the first release.
~ Atari's BattleScapes label has announced the follow up to the
successful game Borodino, Armanda. This is the next installment of the
popular wargame series.
~ Sierra On-Line has announced nine new games, the list starts with the
release this month of Sleephead, an action arcade game. November will
see the release of Hero's Quest, the user sets up his character's
attributes and fights off dragons, orcs, goblins and free the land of a
terrible curse. In December, look for two releases: Hoyle's Book of
Games, which included four popular card games like Gin Rummy, Old Maid
and Cribbage. The return of Leisure Suit Larry with a twist.
February's releases consist of Manhunter in San Fransisco and Codename:
Iceman. Two more releases follow in March with Conquest of Camelot with
the user as King Arthur, and followed by The Colonel's Banquest.
ZNET NEWSWIRE
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DUPLI-TWIX (Press Release)
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=-=-= =-=-=
=-=-= INTRODUCING =-=-=
=-=-= =-=-=
=-=-= DUPLI-TWIX BLITZ ST DISK DUPLICATOR =-=-=
=-=-= =-=-=
=-=-= From Magic Media Research =-=-=
=-=-= =-=-=
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Are you tired of running ProCopy or ACopy on your latest $39 or $59
program or game only to find that you can't make a backup of your
valuable software? Are you so close to bankruptcy from buying the
latest, greatest widget for your ST that the idea of forking out another
200 dollars for the Diskcovery Cartridge causes your ulcer to flare up?
Do you like to make FAST copies of disks for various reasons like for
user group library disk distribution? Well, wait no longer, Booby...
DupliTwix Blitz is here!
Magic Media Research in conjuction with 1st STOP Computer Systems Ltd
is gearing up for production and distribution of the best, fastest, most
reasonably priced disk duplicator for the Atari ST available anywhere!
If you have purchased any of the 1st STOP ST Disk Drives, the 3.5"
Economy drive, the 5.25" Deluxe drive, or either of the Auto-Switching
Dual drives (over-under or side-by-side), you know the quality of Magic
Media Research products. If you've ever purchased from 1st STOP
Computer Systems Ltd you know you will be treated fairly and honestly
and that you have purchased the best for your ST at the lowest prices
available.
ABOUT DUPLI-TWIX: What is it?
You will get a plastic case (wow!) with a cable and a disk and an
instruction sheet. The case, disk, and instruction sheet are (almost)
free. The cable is what you're paying for. One end of the cable plugs
into the printer port on the back of your ST. The second end plugs into
the floppy drive port on the back of your ST (or the output of your 1st
drive in case of early 520's). The third end plugs into the input port
of your second ST drive. Yes, you MUST have a second drive for
DupliTwix to work.
The software included (PRG and ACC versions) is public domain.... so is
the cable design. In fact, if you're so inclined, you can make your own
(if you're into that sort of thing). All we're doing is putting it all
together for you at a very reasonable price, in case you don't have a
soldering iron (of course you can make your own drives, too, if you're
so inclined). The program and idea come from Germany, the Mecca of ST
owners. The parts and labor come from Ohio, the Mecca of nothing that I
know of.
What does it do?
It copies disks. Fast. Copy protection and all. So far, the only disk
we've found that it won't back up have nothing to do with the copy
protection schemes. It has trouble with disks formatted with an
interleave of 6. This can be overcome easily (instructions included),
and we're working on our own version of the software that takes care of
the problem.
It even copies disks that the Discovery cartridges have trouble with.
Our Discovery cart took 15 minutes and 40 tries to back up our Populous
disk. It took DupliTwix less than one minute! Our Discovery cart
wouldn't back up our Batman disk at all. DupliTwix did it in less time
than it takes the ST to format a disk!
Sorry, but you can't put Mac ROMs into DupliTwix (OK, Dave?).
What can it be used for?
The obvious use is to make back-ups of your valuable disks. You may pay
anywhere from $30 to $60 or more for that new game or application for
your ST. Along comes a stray cosmic ray or magnetic field or maybe the
disk is just cheap. Boom, you've lost a sector of your disk making the
whole disk virtually unusable. You call the manufacturer of the
software and maybe you get through, maybe you don't. If you're real
lucky and get through (or you write a letter), you find out that for
only an extra $5 or $10, they'll send you another copy when they get
around to it. In the meantime, you're just sitting there without your
software. Well, now you can back up all those disks without going
bankrupt.
The second use for DupliTwix is for software developers, public-domain
collection distributors, and user groups. You can copy any disk with
DupliTwix faster that your ST can format a disk. No lie! Really! This
includes copying the format... you don't have to pre-format the disks.
This beats CodeCopy hands down (no offense, Charlie & John)!
What about pirates?
DupliTwix is not for folks that ruin it for the rest of us. Any tool
can be misused. This tool can be misused. We're trying to figure out
how to make copies blow up for pirates. We create and distribute
software, too. We know how piracy hurts everybody. Please don't use
any back-up software or hardware for illegal copying. Pirates hurt the
developers, distributors, retailers, other ST owners, and eventually
themselves (the dummies!).
How do I get one?
The DupliTwix will be available for mass distribution in November. Ten
(only ten) will be available at the WAACE Atarifest on October 7th in
Fairfax, Virginia. Pre-orders are being accepted now from 1st STOP
Computer Systems Ltd.
How much does it cost?
You can make your own for about $25. Or you can order it ready-to-go
from us for $44. We even include the instructions to make more of your
own. Believe me, the techies at Magic Media Research know their stuff
and get it right the first time. The suggested retail price is $49.95.
What is 1st STOP Computer Systems Ltd?
1st STOP is an Atari ST only software/hardware national retailer located
in Dayton, Ohio. We handle just about everything for the Atari ST line.
We ship anywhere in the world and have the best prices available
anywhere. We have a toll-free order line that you can call from all 50
states and a new 24-hour BBS order line going online in October. We
advertise in STart, ST Informer, Current Notes (starting in the October
issue), and Z*Net. 1st STOP is also a wholesale distributor for several
hardware and software products including the Magic Media Research disk
drives and our newest software product, ".ACCess", from Rock Digital.
1st STOP Computer Systems Ltd
7085 Corporate Way
Dayton, Ohio 45459
Order Line (Toll-free all 50 states)
800-252-2787
Information Line
(513) 438-0551
Send a self-addressed stamped envelope for our complete catalog.
Come see us at the DC Atarifest on October 7-8. We'll have 36 feet of
table space outside the main room right next to the Z*Net/ZMag booth.
You won't believe the bargain prices on our software! You can also see
.ACCess and DupliTwix Blitz in operation.
Bruce Hansford
Vice President
1st STOP Computer Systems Ltd.
=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=
INFORMER II (Press Release)
Soft-Aware Releases INFORMER II, a Data/Graphics Manager
Good news for database users and enthusiasts! Soft-Aware, Unlimited is
shipping INFORMER II, said to provide twice the power of The Informer,
its' predecessor. As graphic images relate to DTP, so do they relate to
this new concept in data/graphics management. Image files are logically
connected to records within the database and accessed for casual or
"slideshow" viewing. Images are also used as the background for
personalized "form-on-the-screen" input. Manipulating columns on the
list screen, input boxes on the form screen and utilizing the many
commands is as simple as using the mouse. As programmable-type file
manager, INFORMER II utilizes concepts found in word processors, forms
managers, report writers, and spread-sheet programs without the burden
of programming. Creation and duplication of data and graphic oriented
applications such as invoicing or realtor listings is commonplace.
The three disk system comes with a full-sized 120+ page illustrated
manual containing three tutorial training sessions. Converting to or
from INFORMER II is simple, a conversion program which converts many
data formats is available plus the program reads and writes delimited
text files. Available now on the Atari ST series, the program is being
tested on PC's for near-future release.
Deciding to publish themselves, Soft-Aware is introducing "FareWare" - a
logical combination of conventional and shareware concepts. Dealer and
user incentive programs allow for unrestricted dissemination of a demo
version containing that holder's unique REG number. Orders produced
from this REG# produce commissions for that holder. Dealer respond to
the concept since shelving and stocking is not required, commissions are
good, and an in-store demo is available. Users like the low, low price
and the commission plan. Products are shipped directly from Soft-Aware
who also provides the technical support. Users of The Informer upgrade
at half price.
CONTACT: Soft-Aware, Unlimited
334 "B" N. Euclid Avenue
Upland, CA 91786
Phone 714-982-8409 - FAX 714-985-2348
GEnie: R.SKRALY and Category 34 in the Atari RT (475)
~ A new international standard for data compression in high-speed modems
has been approved by Study Group XVII of the Consultative Committee on
International Telegraph & Telephone, an international telecommunication
organization. Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc., announced support of
the new standard for its V-series system products, the new standard --
called CCITT V.42bis -- "specifies the data compression technique used
to increase throughput of modems incorporating the LAPM error-control
protocol, bringing an average of three-to-one data compression
capabilities and as much as four-to-one on some files to the V-series
system products."
~ Nintendo is teaming up with Fidelity Investments to create an online
system to deliver financial services to American and Canadian homes via
the Nintendo Entertainment System machines. The system will be
available in the second half of next year and will include personal
portfolio management, trading of securities and mutual funds and access
to financial markets. Two years ago, Nintendo introduced a network
enhancement to its entertainment system in Japan and offers a similar
online home trading financial services system there in an agreement with
Nomura Securities Co Ltd.
~ Microsoft has received a patent covering technology for connecting a
mouse to a personal computer without the need for an external power
supply. Microsoft already holds a patent for the external design of the
the Microsoft Mouse.
~ Nintendo has received another patent on its Nintendo Entertainment
System game machine, this one related to an earlier patent that
describes a system for preventing the play of unauthorized game
cartridges on the console.
ZNET SPECIAL REPORT Nintendo VS Atari Ctsy CompuServe
======================================
This special report contains the news events over the last year between
Nintendo and Atari Games Tengen Inc.
The battle started in December 1988 when Atari first sued Nintendo for
100 million dollars. The suit was based on a claim of monopolization of
the home video game market with a system that locked out others game
cartridges. Atari's claims in the suit contended Nintendo's practices
limit competition and variety on the market and drive up prices, adding
Nintendo probably will earn more than $1 billion in revenue in 1988.
On December 29, 1988, the Software Publishers Association criticized
Nintendo for what is described as the firm's unilateral control of the
game market and believes that Nintendo has, through its complete control
and single sourcing of cartridge manufacturing, engineered a shortage of
Nintendo-compatible cartridges. The SPA's position is that a hardware
manufacturer of either video or games or of computers should facilitate
the development of third-party software.
On January 6, 1989 Nintendo sued Atari Games Inc. and Tengen Inc.,
alleging they violated a licensing agreement. The suit, accuses Tengen
of breach of contract, violation of federal and state trademark laws and
unfair competition, it accused Atari Games of conspiring with and aiding
Tengen's alleged violations of Nintendo's rights, interfering with
Nintendo's license with Tengen, and engaging in activities that violate
the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. In late November
1988 Tengen announced it would independently manufacture and distribute
certain games for the Nintendo system that previously were produced
under license from Nintendo.
On February 2, 1989 Atari Corp (not Atari Games) filed a 250 million
dollar anti-trust lawsuit against Nintendo who dismissed it as "sour
grapes."
On February 3, 1989 Nintendo sued Atari Games and Tengen Inc., alleging
patent infringement. The patent in question covers a novel system
designed to prevent the use of unauthorized computer software on
hardware systems. Nintendo places security hardware in the system so
that unauthorized software cannot run. Tengen's games use the system,
according to Nintendo and that infringes on the patent.
On February 16, 1989 Atari Games expanded its earlier suit against
Nintendo, adding allegations of patent infringement and wrongful
interference with business relations.
On March 6, 1989 Atari Games and Tengen, were granted a preliminary
injunction against Nintendo. The injunction, granted prohibited
Nintendo from suing Tengen retailers for patent infringement until all
disputes between the companies are formally resolved. The court
decision placed similar conditions on Atari Games.
On April 6, 1989 Nintendo signed a licensing agreement with the Soviet
Foreign Trade Association to market Tetris, a Soviet-designed video
game. Nintendo said Tetris cartridges will be available in the US in
the near future.
On April 18, 1989 Tengen sued Nintendo accusing them of infringing
Tengen's copyrights in its new home video game Tetris. The suit,
claimed Tengen had the exclusive right to manufacture and distribute
Tetris cartridges for use on the Nintendo Entertainment System machines.
Tengen cited a news release in which "Nintendo announced plans to
manufacture its own version of Tetris, which Tengen alleges infringes
Tengen's copyrights." Atari Games has made and sold the arcade version
of Tetris since February.
On April 19, 1989 Nintendo denied claims by Tengen Inc. that it is
infringing Tengen's copyrights in its new home video game Tetris.
Nintendo claims the lawsuit is absurd.
On May 26 1989 Nintendo filed a countersuit against Atari Games and
Tengen Inc. for infringing on Nintendo's rights to "Tetris." The
Soviets are siding with Nintendo in the dispute by stating that no one
other than Nintendo has been authorized to distribute Tetris on home
video game systems and that Tengen has never been granted such rights.
The suit seeks an injunction against further manufacture and sale of
the cartridge by Atari Games and Tengen.
On May 27, 1989 San Francisco-based federal judge denied a request by
Atari Games and Tengen to dismiss specific claims sought by Nintendo.
The case, in which Nintendo alleges Tengen violated a license and
trademark and patent rights by distributing unauthorized games for the
Nintendo Entertainment System, now will go to trial. June 15th was set
for a hearing.
On June 1, 1989 A US District Court judge in San Francisco denied a
motion by Nintendo to temporarily restrain Tengen from distributing its
independently manufactured, Nintendo compatible version game Tetris.
Judge Smith ruled that "Nintendo has failed to meet the high standard
necessary for this court to grant the relief requested. Although
Nintendo claims that it has the exclusive rights to the Tetris video
cartridge, the moving papers fail to fully support this claim. Further,
Nintendo has failed to show that it will be irreparably injured by
allowing Tengen to meet its existing commitments."
On June 22, 1989 A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction barring
Tengen from further sale of the game, "Tetris." Judge Smith sided with
Nintendo which has claimed it has exclusive rights to market the
software for its Entertainment System equipment.
CODEHEAD SOFTWARE IN CONFERENCE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ctsy GEnie
(C) 1989 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May
be reprinted only with this notice intact. The Atari Roundtables on
GEnie are *official* information services of Atari Corporation. To sign
up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection
type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt. Type XJM11877,
GEnie and hit RETURN. The system will prompt you for your information.
<JEFF.W>
Welcome to the CodeHead Software Realtime Conference featuring Charles
F. Johnson and John Eidsvoog.
Individually and collectively, John Eidsvoog and Charles F. Johnson have
contributed an impressive library of software to the ST community for
some time.
As CodeHead Software, Charles and John have produced programs that allow
the ST owner to squeeze more performance out of their machines or to
streamline the ST's operation.
With products like G+PLUS, MultiDesk, MidiMax, and CodeHead Utilities
garnering the praise of ST owners, CodeHead Software is hard at work on
their next products, some of which we will discuss tonight.
I'm glad to have Charles F. Johnson and John Eidsvoog as our guests this
evening. Before we take questions, do you CodeHeads have any opening
remarks?
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
CodeHead Software announces its new product, MaxiFile, by Charles F.
Johnson. MaxiFile is a major enhancement to CFJ's MultiFile, which is
included on the CodeHead Utilities disk.
When MaxiFile teams up with HotWire, they integrate to form a seamless
duo which completely replaces the ST desktop. Some of MaxiFile's
features include: Perform Move, Copy, Erase, Name, Touch operations to
any combination of single or multiple files or folders (including nested
folders). Thoughtful user interface makes for fast, easy file
selection. All MaxiFile functions have keyboard equivalents. View
files with sizes, date, or time. Sort by Name, Date, Size, Extension,
or No Sort. Rename folders with any TOS version! Up to 400 files or
folders may be acted upon (not including nested items). 10 types of
warnings may be separately toggled. 20 default paths make getting
around very quick. Flexible template options allow easy selectivity.
Disk info shows full statistics about the disk. Show/Print function
adds features beyond desktop's. Set files to Hidden, System, Fast Load
or Read Only. Unique comment feature allows you to make notes about any
file that will be shown whenever you Show Info! Mouse click rate may be
set and saved. Write verify may be turned off/on. File time stamps may
be retained/not retained. Flexible floppy formatting and intelligent
disk copying may be easily accomplished. Shows TOS version and date
plus free RAM size. Print directories with size, date, and time. Size
box show _actual_ disk space needed for any operation. When MaxiFile is
called from HotWire, you can double click on any program or document and
run it just like from the desktop!!
As one of our beta-testers mentioned, "Hotwire and Maxifile really 'beat
up on the competition'!! <grin> Seriously! I don't even use _______
anymore and try to avoid any trips to the (dreaded) standard desktop..
For sure, you'll need to package it in asbestos or some non-carcinogenic
substance because it is too hot." Thanks, M.
We had hoped to have MaxiFile ready for release this weekend at the
WAACE show, however the documentation and packaging are not ready yet.
We'll be showing it there, but the projected release date is now October
25, three weeks from today.
The current plans (subject to change) are to release MaxiFile as a
separate product for $24.95. We will also create a new package called
HotWire Plus which will include the latest HotWire (1.4) and MaxiFile
(2.0). HotWire Plus will be $49.95 and will give you the fastest, most
powerful, brute force alternative to the ST desktop yet available.
Current HotWire owners may upgrade to the latest HotWire plus MaxiFile
for the bargain price of $15. CodeHead Utilities owners may upgrade to
Release 3 plus MaxiFile for $15. We reserve the right to change this
proposed policy without notice.
<JEFF.W>
You say you are renaming folders in -all- TOS versions?
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
That's right, Jeff....in TOS 1.4, we can do a straight rename which
works quickly. In older versions of TOS, it's necessary to create a new
folder, move all files (and folders) into it, and delete the original,
which takes a bit longer.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
But the user only needs to change the folder name.
<SOLOPOLYFONY>
I've been given the thankless task of asking about a projected release
date for FatBack.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
OK...We're real sorry about this one, folks. It is definitely a case of
vaporware and there is still no date set although we are telling people
before the end of the century...no, the year. <grin>
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
However....development is continuing on it.
<SOLOPOLYFONY>
Oh well. I'll pass the word along, and give my club prez a hanky.
<J.D.BARNES>
How about renaming volume ID's in Maxifile? Does that mean you can do
it and it works? This has been a real problem.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Yes, I neglected to mention that. MaxiFile allow renaming TOS volume
names in all ROM versions also.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Well, this is an idea that we stole...er, borrowed from the Macintosh
Finder, which allows you to attach comments to files, so that every time
you "Show Info" on that file (by right-clicking the filename) the
comment shows up. This is very useful for little notes about program
operation, requirements, etc.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Comments may be optionally kept all in one directory.
<J.D.BARNES>
Does the comment thing interact with anything else in file attributes?
Don't want my files messed up you know.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
I'm not sure I understand what you're asking? The comments are kept as
separate files, they're not actually appended to the files in any way.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Right click on a file which brings up all info including comments.
<D.BENSON>
How much memory does this combo use and what does "flexible" mean?
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Flexible means single, double, 9 or 10 secs, 80 or 82 tracks. HotWire
takes about 45K and MaxiFile...CFJ, how much?
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
The two programs use about 50K each, but there is a great deal of
flexibility in the way you can configure the HotWire Plus system, since
MaxiFile will run as either a desk accessory or an ordinary program.
This means that if you have the memory, and can keep both programs
resident, you can. If you're short on memory, you can run either
HotWire or MaxiFile as ordinary, non-resident programs.
<DAVESMALL>
Since the obvious competitor seems to be Neodesk, how do you feel the
two products compare?
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
I think we're going to avoid direct comparisons as much as possible.
But I do want to stress the speed that MaxiFile has to offer, for file
manipulation purposes. The ability to instantly select one of 20
commonly-used paths for operations, with a single key press, really
streamlines things. And we have other features not seen before in a
program of this type, as well.
<DAVESMALL>
Well, perhaps a "philosophical" comparison, of what your goals were, as
opposed to some features-list?
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
HotWire is optimized towards easily running programs. MaxiFile is
geared toward easy disk operations.
<DAVESMALL>
Wasn't meant to be a tough question; more of a, "what was your goal in
writing the program?" I know NeoDesk; what were you improving on
(presumably in TOS) as your design goal?
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Mainly, the ability to quickly and easily manipulate large (or small)
groups of files/folders, without jockeying around with windows upon
windows upon, etc.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
For HotWire it is to quickly access any of hundreds of executable
programs or documents through an easy menu paging system.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Well, another nice feature not found in the desktop, or in any other ST
program (to my knowledge) is the ability to display multiple file types,
and choose to include or exclude certain types. For example, you can
show all ARC, TXT, and S files in a directory at once. Or all PRGs and
RSCs.
<DAVESMALL>
Okay; overcoming TOS' desktop limitations is always something to be
hoped for. Do I need to be running 1.4 / FOLDRxxx to be safe when using
this program?
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Dave....it's a good idea to use FOLDRXXX anyway, on general principles,
but MaxiFile does include code to prevent the 40-folder bug from biting.
As much as possible.
<JEFF.W>
A quick question. What happens with the comments files when a file is
renamed, copied, or moved?
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Jeff, you can designate a default folder to put your comment files in.
That way it doesn't matter where you move things to.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Otherwise it's up to the user to maintain orphan comment files.
<JEFF.W>
What about renaming files?
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
The comment files are not automatically renamed in the present version.
But that, and other features, are still being worked on.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
They're ASCII text files.
<J.ALLEN27>
Hi Charles, hi John. I have a dream. Can the Codeheads invent an
extensible control panel like the MAC has so that 3rd parties can have
HW control items? God only knows the Control panel is wimpy.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Hmm...do you mean a configurable template to talk to, say RS-232?
<J.ALLEN27>
No, I mean an extensible control panel so I or others can add programs
to control aspects of the ST hardware, like for instance a 3rd party
color board's palette!!! Etc. or even your own screen saver.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Jim, to a certain extent, MultiDesk already is that. All a developer
has to do is write his control application as a desk accessory, and it
can be loaded and unloaded via MultiDesk.
<J.ALLEN27>
I was just curious about it since you are opening the door to adding
Mac features to the ST, which is a Great Idea.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Have you seen MultiDesk, Jim? I do think you might find the means to
do what you're proposing is already here, as long as the control program
can feasibly be run as a DA.
<J.ALLEN27>
I use it EVERY DAY!!!! And I love it !!!
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
<yay!> Right answer. <smile>
<SOLOPOLYFONY>
Will this combo run in any resolution, or are we limited to medium and
high, as with "the competition"? Perhaps a trivial question, I realize,
but important to some of us.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Solo, HotWire works fine in low res. And MaxiFile will soon too. (It's
on the list of things still to be added.)
<J.D.BARNES>
How about taking on development of a good CLI? I like VAX VMS. Gulam
is too cumbersome. DO_IT is too limited. And don't give me UNIX.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Hmmm, I dunno, JD. John and I just aren't really CLI kinda guys. :)
<J.D.BARNES>
This is needed for batch processing and setting up auto procs for
beginners.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
HotWire has some pretty amazing command line features. We do all of our
assembly work using HotWire with an editor and MadMac. It's the fastest
one we've used.
<J.D.BARNES>
What is Mad Mac?
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Mad Mac is the assembler supplied with the Atari dev kit. If a CLI guy
bends his thinking a little, he could really get into HotWire.
<[Bill R] BREHBOCK>
MultiFile is now one of my standard installed D/A's. Is MaxiFile's User
interface similar, or 2 windows?
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Wait til you see MaxiFile, Bill. :) The user interface is very similar
to what you're accustomed to with MultiFile, but expanded. More info on
screen, more features, more everything.
<[Bill R] BREHBOCK>
Are the Source & Destination visible? It's the one thing I miss.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
You mean, both paths at once? No, that hasn't changed, but there is now
a button to let you swap the paths quickly.
<K.BAD>
Hi there, Codeheads. I was just wondering a couple of things. First I'd
like to reiterate my desire to see some cutsie little......icons in
MaxiFile, like those that are in Hotwire. And second, a question: Why
don't u guys use WINDOWS for your stuff? I'd love to see MultiDesk and
MaxiFile in real, honest to goodness windows, so I can move 'em around
and such.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
John, let's admit it, the truth is, we're scared. :) No, actually, the
additional code needed to handle all that window stuff is seldom needed
in the applications we tend to write.
Ken, about the icons in MaxiFile.....at this point, it's kind of a
battle to keep memory usage to a minimum. Maurice did some really nice
icons, and I'd really love to put em in there, but I can't really
justify the 4-8K it would take.
<K.BAD>
Excuses excuses. If you're getting up to 50k, it doesn't seem like it
would take up that much extra overhead ;-) Use really tiny icons. I
have a new version of MACCEL that's completely icon-ized, and it didn't
add much space at all to the thing. But back to the window thing, once
you've done it, you have nothing to fear. Complete window handling can
be done in less than a K of object. I think you should try it out some
weekend for fun.... you'll like it ;-)
<JEFF.W>
<Ahem!> So where is this new version of MACCEL, Ken? :-)
<K.BAD>
Available RSN, Jeff. Anyway, keep up the GREAT work, U codeheads!
<JEFF.W>
What about CodeHead Utilities? What's happening to products like
CodeCopy, etc?
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Well, they've been radically improved. John, you want to field this
one?
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
CodeCopy can now read any type of drive, if it fits in memory. So the
scenario is like this...
My hard drive AUTO folder has nothing but CODE_RAM.PRG in it. The new
CODE_RAM will install a .CCP file (saved by CODECOPY) if it finds one.
It then looks to see if there is an executable AUTO folder in the RAM
disk and if so continues executing the prgs from there.
CODE_RAM also is reset-resident. So when you do a warm reset, the AUTO
folder off the RAM disk takes over and boots fast again.
<JEFF.W>
And this whole process is faster than just running from the boot disk's
AUTO folder at boot up time?
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
We're talking about executing prgs about 3 per second! The loading of
the .CCP file might take about 1-1.5 seconds depending on your hard
drive speed.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
(This sets up all files and folders on the RAM disk.)
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
That's right and since CodeCopy now takes a command line, you can do
some great things with HotWire.
<[Bill] ABGRAF>
Do you have a product that will allow switching from PC DITTO to SPECTRE
without re-booting?
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
No, sorry, I don't know what would be involved there.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Bill, no we don't have anything like that at the present time, although
it sounds like a great idea.
<J.D.BARNES>
How about doing a developers' toolkit like Prototyper for the MAC? This
would open up the world to more programmers and make the machine more
viable.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
A lot of things would have been nice if there had been more forethought
in the development of TOS.
<[Bill R] BREHBOCK>
I really just wanted to put my vote in for windows. MultiFile seems to
be dying for a window-type interface.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Hmmm. Well, I'll think about it. My own philosophy is that windows
tend to slow things down more than anything, except in certain rigidly
controlled situations.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
We _do_ like the added speed gained by a stationary box.
<DAVESMALL>
I saw your disk duplicator; good stuff. Are you interested in the
blitz-board'ish disk duplicator technology for your product line?
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
What's that?
<DAVESMALL>
Analog disk duplicator...around $25 cost...copies nearly anything.
(patches read from A: to write on B:).
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Oh yes, I saw the file posted in the library here. Have you tried it,
Dave?
<DAVESMALL>
Yuppers.. it works. I used to sell a system that did exact same thing
for 8-bits; it made thousands of disks for Synapse, Broderbund, etc.
Hence if you're serious in the disk dup business... ?
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Well, we've got quite a disk-duping operation here. :) Could be
interesting. We'll have to talk about this.
<R.GILLIES>
Hi, guys, I have an older version of Multidesk, my friend has the
latest version and TOS 1.4.... we both saw a bug that reard it's ugly
head when an application was installed...
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
As an autorun application, right?
<R.GILLIES>
You bet! Do you know about it? ga.
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
Unfortunately, 1.4's auto-run feature doesn't wait long enough before
running the program.
<JEFF.W>
Is there a solution?
<[CodeHead] J.EIDSVOOG1>
HotWire is the best way to auto-run a program from any ROM version.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Well, Atari is working on the problem....they're aware of it. In the
meantime, as John said, HotWire is still the best way to autorun
programs under TOS 1.4.
<JEFF.W>
Well, I think that's about it for tonight. I would like to thank
everyone for coming tonight and our guests, Charles F. Johnson and John
Eidsvoog of CodeHead Software.
<[CodeHead] C.F.JOHNSON>
Thanks, everyone. I just wanted to say one thing before we finish. I
don't want to close this on a down note. But in the past few weeks,
we've become aware of _several_ bulletin boards in the LA area that have
all of our products available for downloading. It's very distressing to
us, and after this last summer when Atari products declined in
popularity _markedly_, it's especially important to remain vigilant
against the theft of copyrighted software. We're making our living by
this stuff folks. Please don't let the greedy few ruin things for
everyone.
That's all. End of sermon. GA. Frenzy, etc.
PUBLIC DOMAIN SHELF
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
by Alice Amore
TEX (01 thru 48)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This monster collection of files, totaling close to 5 megs in size,
requires at least 1 meg of memory and one double/sided drive. TeX
(pronounced "tech") is a document processor/typesetter that is common to
many computers. It contains its own fully-programmable language, and is
used primarily for typesetting documents containing complex equations
and diagrams. TeX isn't for everyone, but if you happen to be
typesetting a math book (who isn't?), you'll need it. Mono only.
FILENAMR
~~~~~~~~
Here's another winner from Tom Hayslett. "File Namer" will let you
change an existing filename to include any of the ST's 256 ASCII codes.
Now you, too, can include the Atari fuji symbol in your filenames!
ASCII codes and normal "keyboard" symbols can be easily combined.
You'll like the results.
MERRIEM
~~~~~~~
Speaking of Tom Hayslett, here's the ultimate .SND file. MERRIEM,
familiar to just about everyone, is the digitized soundtrack from the
beginning of all Merrie Melodies cartoons from Warner Bros. For best
results, use UNIPLAY to hear this peppy number.
ZOO_201G
~~~~~~~~
Are you sick of new/different archiving formats yet? If not, check this
file to see if ZOO's for you. All the necessary archiving utilities are
here, plus a text file comparing ARC/ZOO. Some of the advantages of ZOO
are its speed, the ability to store complete directories, and the
repairing of damaged archives. The ZOO utilities were written by Rahul
Dhesi, and implemented for the ST by Daan Josephus Jitta.
INF2DEMO, INF2HELP, INF2TUTR
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INFORMER II, a database system from Soft-Aware, Unlimited, is a program
available commercially. These three files contain a demo version which
has a few features missing, does not save, and holds only 3K of data.
Nevertheless, you can get a good idea of the program's many features
(graphics included) by taking a look at this demo.
GEMRED
~~~~~~
"GEM Redirect" will redirect output from TOS applications to a disk file
or to the printer. This is especially useful for programmers who wish
to redirect STDIN and STDOUT without using a command line shell.
Written by Jim Kershner in Modula-2.
SCAN_RSC
~~~~~~~~
This is a resource file viewer and lister. After loading a resource
file, you can view the "trees" or print a listing of file statistics.
Shareware from Dr. Bob.
CHECKING
~~~~~~~~
CHECKING, which runs in color or mono, will manage one or several
checking accounts. After your entries are made, they can be balanced,
listed, printed, edited, and more. CHECKING requires GFA BASIC 3.0 or
the PD run-only GFABASRO.PRG.
BIGPIC
~~~~~~
BIGPIC is a little program which lets you blow up low resolution DEGAS
(.PI1) pictures and view them a quadrant at a time. BIGPIC was written
in GFA BASIC.
ECOLOGY
~~~~~~~
Little is known about ECOLOGY. A never-released commercial game by
Ocean, ECO has no documentation, although there is a built-in help
screen listing joystick/keyboard commands. It's too bad this one never
was completed; its graphics and sound (MIDI, if desired) are impressive.
JIGSAW20
~~~~~~~~
"Electronic Jigsaw Puzzle, ver. 2.0" has had a major overhauling.
Messing around with it is a fun way to kill several hours, especially
when you should be doing real work (nobody's perfect). Simply load any
DEGAS (compressed or not), NEOChrome, or TINY picture file, scramble the
pieces, and then reassemble them. A picture can be broken up into as
many as 100 pieces, and a border can be added. Pieces can be rotated,
and scores can be tracked. A great job was done by Gordon Moore on this
piece of shareware.
WAACE FIRST REPORT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
by Ron Kovacs
The following is an overview of the show, next week we will expand the
report.
There were a few interesting things that happened during the show which
is probably worth writing about, one could be the appearance of ST-
Report editor Ralph Mariano, I'm sure a thrill for all. The seminars
throughout both days were interesting, and the 12 noon speech by Sig
Hartmann was of some interest. Lets go over some of the exciting
features of the show....
On Saturday, soon after the start, Sig Hartmann and Bob Brodie spoke to
the masses about the current state of affairs at Atari. As I have
previously stated, Bob Brodie is an excellent vehicle for sending the
Atari message, he can handle himself well and seems to leave the Atari
owner feeling needed. It is a nice change to feel you are important to
Atari, (even though you're not), Bob leaves you feeling you aren't
wasting your time.
Other Atari appearances took place near the end of the first day with
the Ask ST-Report Seminar. In my opinion it was an encouraging talk but
nothing having to so with the online magazine. Perhaps I expected
something different?? The bantering between Sig Hartmann and Ralph
Mariano was annoying to me, but might have been interesting to others.
To sum it up, it was like a stand-up comedian and a heckler. At times
Sig Hartmann interrupted Mariano and Mariano stating it was his seminar.
This wasn't worth the time attending if you were looking to ask Ralph
some specific questions about his magazine. I attended this seminar out
of pure curiosity and nothing more. There were a few parts that showed
some interest, but really nothing we didn't already know.
The next appearance by Atari personnel came at the evening banquet. Sig
Hartmann was the key-note speaker which followed our dinner of chinese
food. At this function the roles were reversed, this time Sig tried
speaking and Mariano interrupted his talk. The bantering back and forth
went over many heads of the crowd and I am sure some found it as
annoying as I did. I started wondering what the fun-loving bantering
was about, I can see some cute jabs being thrown from time to time, but
is was too much and annoying to me.
The banquet included Sig's talk, Current notes Author of The Year award,
and awards to winners of the Current Notes DTP contest, followed by more
fun in the get together in the hospitality rooms soon after the banquet
conclusion.
Atari displayed the STacy 4 along with an appearance of the PortFolio.
A VIDI-ST complete with a video camera, 8-bit games running, and many
asking Sig Hartmann and Bob Brodie a range of questions. Also on hand
in the Atari booth, Darlah Pine, Jeff Williams, and Sandy Wilson - GEnie
SysOps, WAACE user group volunteers, David and Sandy Small on Sunday.
Other attendees included: ISD, ICD, Calcom, Fast Technology, Michtron,
Orion Micro, ST-Informer, Analog Magazine, Toad Computers, First Stop
Computer, Strata Software, Best Electronics, Gribnif, Lantech, Gadgets
By Small, ZMAG/Znet, AIM - Unicorn Publications, and a few others. We
will provide an in-depth report on all of the products and features next
week.
New products on display included: STalker 2.0, a terminal emulator and
accessory from Strata Software, Dupli-Twix and Access from First Stop
Computer, Dupli-Twix is a software duplication program and cable set-up
that will copy protected software through the printer port, and Access
is a CLI program written by Douglas Hodson, a review of both in a future
issue. Neodesk 2.05 from Gribnif. A packaged finished release of GCR
was on hand from Gadgets, which is shipping now.
This is just a quick write-up of the Atarifest. Next week we will
provide a full report of the show along with our regular features.
=======================================================================
STZMAGAZINE Issue #41 October 6-9, 1989
Copyright (c)1989, Rovac Industries Inc.
=======================================================================
