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==(((((((((( == Z*MAG/A\ZINE ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
=========(( === November 4, 1991
=======(( ===== Issue #199
=====(( ======= ----------------------------------
==(((((((((( == Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Ind Inc..
Publisher/Editor : Ron Kovacs
Assistant Editor : Stan Lowell
Contributing Editor: Bob Smith
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CompuServe: 75300,1642 GEnie: Z-NET
Z*NET BBS: (908) 968-8148 BLANK PAGE BBS: (908) 805-3967
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
The Editors Desk.............................................Ron Kovacs
3-D Modeler For The 8-Bit....................................From F-Net
What Is An 8-Bit Atari...............................Barton M. Bresnik
Rumbles, Rambles, Rumors....................................Stan Lowell
Adventures In Structured Programming - Part 1.............Michael Stomp
Atari At Seybold..........................................Press Release
Z*Net Newswire.........................................................
Summertime Reads - Atariland Style............................Andy Eddy
=======================================================================
* THE EDITORS DESK by Ron Kovacs
=======================================================================
Is Z*Magazine saved??? For the time being yes...
There are a number of articles we have received by the readers out there
and it will keep us alive atleast until the end of the year. We are
going to release weekly issues until further notice and see what types
of download numbers we receive.
For the latest Atari news I suggest you read Z*Net Atari Online
Magazine, the sister of this magazine. It is released every Friday
evening. For the latest PC related news and feature stories, read our
newest publication Z*Net PC. Currently being released bi-weekly and
going to a weekly format in January 1992.
Please note that the end is still on the horizon. I really do not
expect this online magazine to last forever. If the readers continue
to provide material we will continue. We are looking for regular
writers and if you are interested, please let us know!
Thanks for the support!
See you next week.... Release dates will remain on Tuesday evenings!
=======================================================================
* 3-D MODELER FOR THE 8-BIT Captured from F-NET
=======================================================================
ChromaCad(tm) 3-D Model Builder 91 program
With the ChromaCAD Model Builder program, you can build any 3-D model
you can dream of. You merely start at the bottom and draw the contour
lines of the model as you work your way up. Add surface colours to the
model as you draw the lines. You decide you many contour lines to use
for each model (up to 158) and you decide the elevation of each line.
Huge scrolling 32767 x 32767 graph allows you to construct contour lines
as detailed as you want. Supports computer-assisted drawing of lines,
circles, arcs, ellipses. Displaces models in contour-line form.
With this program, you will be able to construct unbelievably
sophisticated 3-D modelsers -- completely free-form, sculptured surface
-- no -extrude- or -sweep- limitations. You will be able to construct
models of human heads so accurately that when you display them with the
ChromaCAD Surface Shader XE 91 program (described below), you will be
able to recognize the subject from the model!
ChromaCAD(tm) Surface Shader XE 91 program
The ChromaCad Surface Shader XE 91 program can display any model
constructed by the Model Builder program in surface-shaded format from
any point of view, using up to three lights. Lights can be individually
varied in intensity and individually set to strike the model from any
direction. Models can be displayed in a variety of modes, including
high resolution, colour, and 3-D stereo. Colours can be reassigned
instantly without replotting the model. Up to 61K of computer RAM can
be used for image display memory.
Up to ten models can be individually oriented in 3-D space and displayed
together to produce on compound multi-model scene. (Terrain model,
Airport model, airplanes, cars, etc. combined to produce one compound
multi-model scene.) The program also supports negative, mirror, and
stepped-tone rendering, automatic clipping, highlighting, ambient
lighting,, and inside viewing of models.
View any model in 3-D stereo! (with included 3D stereo glasses.) Watch
models virtually jump off the screen..
ChromaCAD(tm) Model Builder 91 program with 136 page illustrated,
indexed manual (requires 48K Atari) - Order # 21...............$29.95
ChromaCAD(tm) Sufrace Shader XE 91 program with 69 page manual, 2 pairs
of Stereo 3-D Glasses and sample Model Disk #1 (contains 10 models)
requires 130XE (128K Atari) - Order # 35...............$29.95
If that sounded like a commercial, it's because it was! :-)
If any Atari 8-Bit users out there are interested, or you know an Atari
8-Bit user that might be interested, here is the order information you
need:
American Techna-Vision
15338 Inverness Street,
San Leandro, CA 94579
Write to this address asking for a catalogue and say what computer/model
you own (say you saw this commercial on NANET).
OR
Phone 1-800-551-9995 for Visa/MasterCard ordering, or phone 1-510-352-
3787 if you have any other questions. (these are voice numbers and are
the correct numbers...I just verified them myself). Say you saw this
advertisement on NANET.
There are several pictures of rendered images, and they are UNBELIEVABLE
for an 8-Bit. They look much like Cyber series of software (Antic
Software) in B/W. *Very* good.
All this goes to prove that the Atari 8-bit is not hardware outdated,
only software outdated. These programs are *very* good (from the output
of them) and I intend to order them.
=======================================================================
* WHAT IS AN EIGHT-BIT ATARI? by Barton M. Bresnik
=======================================================================
You see a computer for sale at a flea market for only $50... is it
useful or just a door-stop? Can you play games on an Atari 400?
Program it in BASIC? Use it with a disk drive or tape recorder? Why is
this guy selling it?
The Background:
Atari made a number of games using the 6502 microprocessor, including
the 2600, 5200 and 7800. As the 6502 has eight address lines and
performs arithmetic internally in eight-bit chunks, called bytes, it is
termed an -eight-bit- microprocesor. Though the game machines have
neither a keyboard nor any means of data storage other than cartridges
which contain read-only-memory (ROM), yet they provided the experience
for building a line of very capable home computers based on the same
microprocessor. The Ataris are arguably equal or superior to the
Commodores (Vic, 64 etc.) and Apples (][, ][c etc.), which use the 6502
and which are still in use in many schools.
The genealogy of the Atari family begins with the 400, with plastic-
membrane keyboard, and 800, with type-writermstyle keyboard, both with
16 kilobytes of random-access-memory (RAM). Additional RAM boards were
usually added to expand this to 48 k. The operating system (OS) is
contained in ROM and utilizes additional RAM, occupying about 16 k of
address space. As the 6502 can address a maximum of 64 k, or 65,536
bytes using eight address lines, this leaves a maximum of 48k that may
be -seen- by the processor at once, sufficient for a surprising variety
of utilities and games. BASIC programming language and game cartridges
plug into a slot under a little door on top. Note that these cartridges
are NOT compatible with the 2600 game machine cartridges!
The XL series has more RAM hidden beneath the OS, a smaller case, no
cover for the cartridge slot, and a greatly reduced price. The 600XL
contains 16 k (expansion boards are still available to bring it up to
64k), the 800XL and 1200XL contain 64k. The 600XL and 800XL also
contain the BASIC language on ROM, freeing the cartridge slot. If you
find a 1450XL, it may have some value to collector's, as very few, if
any, were produced.
Internally, the 65XE and 130XE and, confusingly, the XE Game Machine are
similar to the XL series; the 65XE and Game Machine having 64k and the
130XE having 128k. To fit the extra memory into the 130XE (and into
compatible expansion boards for the XL series), a 16k block of memory is
switched with other, unused, blocks so that the 6502 never sees more
than 64k at once.
Needed Equipment:
In addition to an eight-bit computer, you need a monitor or television,
either color or monochrome; the monitor providing a somewhat sharper
image. The computer provides both RF output on TV channel 2 or 3 and
composite video output to a monitor (which has two RCA 'phone jacks in
back).
To record documents for word-processing, to load programs written in
BASIC or to play commercial games, you also need a disk drive or program
recorder. The early 810 drive is large, noisy and cannot read some
disks without internal modification to the drive. The 1050 and XF551
read and write progressively more data to disks, to 360 k for the XF551.
The 410 and 1010 recorders are usable, but MUCH less convenient and
reliable than even the 810 drive!
The BASIC cartridge is needed for programming and many games in the 800
and 400, but not in the XL and XE series. Alternatively, get the BASIC
XE cartridge for the XL and XE machines for one of the most complete
versions of this language.
All eight-bits also use standard joysticks and -paddle- (knob)
controllers, and can be programmed to read a track-ball, but do not
recognize a mouse. Graphic tablets such as the Koala-Pad are also
available.
Other Peripherals:
The eight-bit computers do NOT have standard RS232 prts for serial or
parallel communication. Printers may be designed specifically for the
Atari (such as the XMM801 dot-matrix or 1027 -ink-roller- types from
Atari or the Alphacom 42 thermal printer) or standard parallel and
serial ports are available from interfaces, such as the Atari 850 or the
P:R Connection. The 1020 plotter is an amazing device for its price
(under $20!), able to produce four-color graphs and alpha-numeric
characters on 4.25 - roll paper; replacement pens and paper are
available from Radio Shack.
Modems include the SX212 1200 baud model, which can directly connect to
either an eight-bit or ST. For most purposes, the older 300 baud models
may be too expensive to operate. Other -external- modems can connect to
the P:R Connection or the 850 interface.
Software:
So... you found an eight-bit Atari... How are you going to use it?
Word-processing is the most common use. Although you can only see 38 to
40 characters per line, the large text is easy to read. I actually
prefer typing straight text (as opposed to desk-top-publishing) on my
800XL, rather than my ST. Word-processing programs on disk include
AtariWriter Plus (my favorite; it even can alphabetize, which my ST
programs cannot do) and Speed-Script. AtariWriter cartridges are
instant-loading, ideal for the dedicated word-processor.
VisiCalc and other spread-sheets are ideal as a teacher's rank book or
the family budget.
The Atari BASIC language provides an ideal environment to learn
programming, though there are some -bugs- in two versions of Atari BASIC
which may cause problems when writing a program. The 'C' language is
available as shareware; it produces rapidly-executing programs which may
be ported to other computers, even mainframes. Assemblers, from Atari,
OSS and other software suppliers, allow you to program directly in the
language the 6502 understands, for greatest speed. A simulation by John
Horton Conway called -Life- which I interpreted for the Atari runs 800
times faster in machine language (which is produced by the assembler)
than in BASIC!
An incredible number of games have been released for the Atari, many
available as both disks and cartridges. Some games may be halted in
mid-play and saved to disk, to be resumed later. Both Atari and Parker
Bothers have versions of chess (the Parker Brothers' rulebook is
particularly well written). Other educational games are available.
Graphic programs, such as Fun with Art from Epyx, allow you to doodle or
create a scene for a game of your own design (as I used FWA to create my
simulatin, -Ecologian-).
In Conclusion:
The Atari eight-bit computers are still a viable tool, not only for
learning about computers, but for many tasks. As people abandon their
old -toys- for new ones, many of these computers have become available
at bargain prices. I hope one can provide you with as much pleasure and
utility as I am getting from my 800XL.
=======================================================================
* RUMBLES...RAMBLES...RUMORS... by Stan Lowell
=======================================================================
Z*Mag to end publication?
-------------------------
In a recent issue of Z*Net, Ron Kovacs stated that Z*Magazine would
cease publication with issue #200. Will this come to pass? Only time
and YOU, the reader will make that determination.
Whats the problem? It is the same problem that nearly ALL editors of
user group newsletters face as each deadline date approaches. Reader
support, or lack of it. Life is a little easier for a publication that
can actually pay their authors (How many of those are still around).
Those that can't, find it difficult at times to get it together every
month.
Another problem seems to be one of distribution. Many -potential
contributors- may not know about Z*Mag or know that we resumed
publication late last year! This came about because a user in another
city made a remark (on my Networked 8-bit message base) after I
mentioned Issue #200 being the -last- one. None of the boards in his
city carried Z*Mag and he didn't know it had resumed publication! One
of the suggestions offered on the FoReM-XEP Network was that Z*Mag go to
quarterly publication. Ron and myself ARE seriously considering this
suggestion. It *may* be viable if we get enough material uploaded to
us.
Contributing to Z*Mag is a GREAT way to get advertising and recognition
for your user group and/or yourself! More importantly, you are sharing
your hobby and enjoyment with others. As I write this, there have been
promises of material from some, so the jury is still out, but there is
hope! In MY OPINION, if your Newsletter has *ever* re-published
material from Z*Magazine, you should give something back. If you have
read Z*Magazine and enjoyed it, how about contributing something to it?
We can NEVER have too much material! There are things happening in the
Atari 8-bit world. I see little posts here and there on various
bulletin boards alluding to new Shareware and new -commercial- software
from across the oceans, tips, hints, tricks, ideas, etc. As you can
tell from the sporadic issues of Z*Mag the past year, I don't have the
time to continue searching and hunting for fresh material. So, we are
throwing it out to you, the readers. If you want us to continue
publication, help us. We are YOUR magazine. Z*Magazine, support it or
loose it.
When readers asked Ron to resume Z*Mag last year, he asked if I would
help with the effort by doing an article or column, I said that I would
do my best, but couldn't make any promises. I have spent many hours
with a modem looking for fresh material and getting permission to
publish the material in Z*Mag. I thank those who gave permission,
especially those who have called and uploaded material to us.
Lost, but not forever!
----------------------
Somewhere between here and Publisher Ron Kovacs, my last article got
waylaid. No problem, I will just re-upload it! Wrong! Murphy's law
strikes again! My disk with ALL my information for future articles,
past articles, and *that* article...got totally hosed up!
So, what follows is as much as I can piece together from memory.
ANSI for the Atari 8-bit?
-------------------------
The shareware author of the Atascii Emulator for the PC world, Robert
Sinclair, has been busily working on an -Ansi emulator- terminal program
for Atari 8-bits. Apparently, a 'beta' version is around. There are a
few wrinkles to iron out before its final release. Reports I have
gotten indicate that it really works (with some limitations)!
R-Time 8 Battery - Practice What I Preach Dept.
-----------------
My battery went 'nutso' a few weeks back. I dug out the article on
replacing it, threw caution to the wind, and did it! It works just
marvie! Thanks again to Jonathan Mordoski (SysOp - Atari Computer
User's Technical Exchange, 215-261-0620)!
Of course I ended up getting a different battery because I left the
battery number at home...sigh.
Other New Things
----------------
Bob Klass of K-Products is now selling a 'SpartaDos utility package' of
utility programs for both MIO and Black Box owners.
The following messages are captures from the repair BBS describe the
utility package.
Message: 2(#16773)
Title: New 8-Bit!
Author: Sysop*Bob
To: All
Posted: Mon 8-Jul-91 at 7:52:00am
Replies: 0
There are a few programers out there still supporting the Atari 8-Bit
user. Just released are DK-Utilities by Dan Knauf, who released all
rights to K-Products, 4267 W. Midway Dr., Salt Lake City, Ut 84120,
(801)-967-7400.
DK-Utilities is a set of utility programs intended for use with Sparta
Dos, the Black Box, and at least one hard drive. These utilities can
all be used from the Sparta Dos command line. They have been written in
two forms Com files and Command files (for BBS Express! Professional
Sysops), and are available on the Repair Shop BBS 801-967-8738 in the
online store, price $10.00 plus s/h.
The disk contains the following files.
BBFIG.COM -> You can load and save the the main configuration table for
the Black Box or MIO to/from a disk file.
BLOCK.COM -> Allows you to lock, unlock or check the status on hard
drives connected to the Black Box or MIO.
BOOTMENU.COM -> Is a bootup menu program for Sparta Dos users. It
provides a menu of up to 32 single Sparta Dos commands to be executed by
a single keypress.
BPART.COM -> Is a program to load, save and print partitions lists for
the Black Box from the Sparta Dos command line. This effectively
eliminates the 96 partition limit for the Black Box users!
BSWAP.COM -> This allows you to swap the drive assigns in the
configuration table to either the Black Box or the MIO interface from
the Sparta Dos command line.
DMENU.COM -> Allows you to enter either the Black Box menu or the MIO
menu from the Sparta Dos command line.
FLUSH.COM -> This will flush the print spooler on the Black Box.
LF.COM -> Turns on/off the line feed option on either the Black Box or
MIO.
PR.COM -> Turns on/off printer port works only on the Black Box with
any DOS.
RS.COM -> Turns on/off RS232 port works only with Black Box, but with
any DOS.
SOUND.COM -> Turns on/off the sound works only with Black Box, with any
DOS.
SPOOLER.COM -> Works with any DOS but only with Black Box and computers
with extended memory. Turns the printer spooler on/off.
WHO.COM -> Works just like Sparta Dos's HUH.COM only WHO works with
either the Black Box or the MIO, shows the status of all drives on the
system. If you are using the Black Box, the Hard Drive partition names
are listed after the drive assigns data.
Hope several of you find Dan's efforts useful...
Bob Klaas
(3/250+) ATARI 8-BIT:
If you are the owner of either a BB or an MIO, have a hard drive and/or
run a BBS, this looks like a very useful package to me!
BobTerm 1.21
-------------
After hearing about version 1.21 of BobTerm for months, what follows is
the Update.txt from the archive. Let me mention that this program is
*NOT* FREEWARE, it is Shareware! This means if you try it, like it, and
USE it, you *should* send the requested donation to the author. If a
program is 'good enough' for you to use on a regular basis, it is good
enough to have the donation sent to the author, whomever it may be!
BobTerm has long been acclaimed as one of the best full featured
terminal programs for the Atari 8-bit. On to Bobterm! Changes from
version 1.10 include 15 bug fixes and 37 enhancements and modifications!
Some things are gone, having been replaced by new things.
(UPDATE.TXT - Reprinted with permission.)
The following is a list of changes from version 1.10 of BobTerm to the
current 1.21 version:
Bug Fixes:
----------
1. Connects at 19200 Baud within the dialer will no longer switch down
to 1200.
2. The delay between redials has been increased to work with a wider
range of modems and settings.
3. The line editor now allows full ATASCII cursor editing (editing
filenames, macros, etc...).
4. The first character of a macro may be any character, including a
pause.
5. ATASCII<->ASCII protocol translation with MIO problem fixed.
6. FModem upload to FoReM boards finally fixed.
7. A couple bugs that caused the header and first blocks of each file
in a batch transfer to be repeated were tracked down and fixed.
8. Obscure XModem padding problem fixed.
9. Fixed various lockup points when using the MIO.
10. When saving the capture buffer, a disk error now causes an error
message to be displayed (none was shown before).
11. RAM-based OSes may now be used. An example of this is the HAPPYXL
program that gives high speed data transfer with modified 1050
drives.
12. A lockup problem occurring when capturing and using the XEP driver
was fixed.
13. The filename entry prompt for a full capture buffer makes sure the
name you enter is good before saving (it used to just erase the
buffer).
14. Doing a COPY <file> E: in the command processor interface for
SpartaDOS 3.2 now works.
15. The 835/1030/XM-301 modem handler has been re-written to properly
tone dial, as well as respond with the proper messages in the proper
timing.
16. Dialing manually drom the dialer no longer unmarks the highlighted
entry, and will not perform any automatic logon.
Enhancements/Modifications:
---------------------------
1. The non-batch receive protocols are self-adapting, in that they will
automatically adjust to the sender's protocol (If you select a CRC
protocol).
2. Protocol sends are slightly faster.
3. The FAST CIS XMODEM receive protocol now supports 1k block sizes. I
suggest you use the 1k block sizes (by specifying the protocol to
CompuServe with PRO:X1K), as it causes the data stream to be
continuous.
4. In the batch file selection area, pressing -A- at a file query will
mark ALL the rest of the files in the directory mask you have
entered. This saves having to hold -Y- for all the entries.
5. Separate pathnames are stored in the config for upload, download,
and capture. This saves having to type the path all the time.
6. Separate upload and download default protocols.
7. Spaces are inserted between successive RETURN characters in ASCII
Sends, so your formatting will be preserved in message editors that
normally 'eat' the blank lines.
8. Fine Scrolling is now available. Use Shift Control S to toggle.
Its status is saved in the system config.
9. The Word Wrap flag is now saved in the system config.
10. Parity is now supported. Use the VT-52E for Even, VT-52O for Odd,
and ASCII for No parity. Vidtex has not been eliminated, use the
VT-52O for CIS Vidtex emulation.
11. The VT-52 emulation is more compatible with VT-100, ANSI, and a few
other emulation modes. It does not support the entire VT-100
command set, but its better than it was before.
12. The timer/clock will keep the proper time on 50Hz PAL systems.
13. Internal BASIC is automatically disabled for all DOSes. This took
some serious probing into SpartaDOS to make work. Also, OSS carts
are also disabled under all DOSes except Sparta.
14. The Dialer's Print List option has been removed, and the buffer
size has been decreased by 256 bytes. This had to be done to make
room for the new features. If you wish to make a hardcopy of your
dialing list, you may use an older version of the term for this.
The dialing list format is the same.
15. The Capture buffer may now be viewed before it is saved. The view
function is accessed by the [C] command from the main term menu.
16. The TONE/PULSE selection was moved from the main menu to the dialer,
where it was actually used.
17. The modem's result messages returned when using the dialer are now
displayed. (BUSY, NO DIALTONE, etc...)
18. The dialer now depends upon the modem's result codes rather than the
carrier detect signal, and so should work with just about any hayes-
compatible modem, regardless of configuration (the messages have to
be returned in verbal as opposed to numeric).
19. The dialer now has an option of sending the first macro upon
connection. This can be used for automatic logons. I suggest
adding one or two Control Ps in the beginning of the first macro to
account for the time needed for the other modem to properly connect.
20. The Long Distance code feature now supports the ability to embed the
BBS number within the LDX code. See the main documentation for
information.
21. When a DOS function is completed, you are returned back to the DOS
Functions menu.
22. The DOS Functions have been assigned letters instead of numbers, the
letters corresponding to the same ones used by DOS 2.x. This should
make operation friendlier and easier.
23. The Command Processor interface for SpartaDOS now has a feel much
more like the real DOS.
24. The ability to copy a single file is now available in the DOS
functions!
25. The Atari 850 Interface handler is loaded every time; you don't have
to power it down prior to coldstarting.
26. Any handler BobTerm loads will be unlinked when the term is exited.
This should prevent random lockups that happened with various DOS
and handler combinations. Note: it is recommended you use the
[Q]uit command to exit the term, rather than pressing RESET.
27. The Control 1 function to start/stop printing may now be used in the
View a file, View capture buffer, and command processor interface
functions.
28. The macro processor has been enhanced with two new functions: a
Control D will cause a 1/2 second delay. This is useful for
generating the HHH sequence for logging on to GEnie.
29. A Control N in a macro will cause it to link to the next macro.
Thus, you are no longer limited to 31 characters in a macro! Note
that neither the Control N nor the RETURN that follows it will be
sent.
30. The curly brace characters in the Ascii character set are translated
to Control A and Control D characters (for open and close). The
braces may be sent by pressing the same keys.
31. The chat buffer may now be sent without a RETURN at the end. Type
an ESC prior to hitting RETURN. (Note: version 1.21 fixes a bug in
1.20 that would not let a space be the last character before the
ESC.)
32. The $7F character in the Ascii character set is now ignored. This
serves no useful function, and caused problems on GEnie.
33. Attract mode is disabled while the dialer is busy dialing numbers.
34. The messages on the top status line have been enhanced.
35. The term screen is displayed while using a transfer protocol. It
was found that BobTerm could keep up with 19200 Baud transfers with
the screen fully on; so the top three lines indicate the transfer
status, and the rest of the screen displays the term screen. Note
that any bad bytes received while in the transfer are sent to the
term screen, so if you start a transfer while the other side is
still sending, you will be able to see the incoming data.
36. The BOBTERM.CNF file is now larger, and is not compatible with
config files created by older versions. Delete any old config files
you may have.
37. The ST-specific VT-52 color setting commands are now ignored instead
of being displayed.
That's all I have documented that was changed. Its possible that there
may be a couple minor things that have slipped past me. Please be sure
to read the main documentation for more detail on the enhancements.
When uploading BobTerm to a BBS or giving it to a user, upload the whole
ARC file, or make sure the disk contains ALL the data files unaltered.
Thank you.
Bob Puff 04/27/90
Suite 222
2117 Buffalo Rd
Rochester, NY 14624
CompuServe Mail: 76702,1076
GEnie Mail: BOB.PUFF
Computer Software Services(CSS) has moved since Bob Puff acquired sole
ownership. The NEW voice phone number is: (716) 429-5639. Their BBS
number is still the same: 716-247-7157.
Until next time! If you would like to submit a review, article, or a
rebuttal (ANYTHING is welcomed!), feel free to upload to myself or Z-NET
Online BBS. I can be reached on my BBS (908-805-3967), GEnie(S.LOWELL),
and on Z*Net Online BBS(908-968-8148). Both of us are PCP node: NJNBR
Starlink node: 3319
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL USER GROUP!
SUPPORT ShareWare Authors and others who write for the Atari 8-bit!
Support Z*Magazine!
Support THOSE who support YOU!
=======================================================================
* ADVENTURES IN STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING - Part 1 by Michael Stomp
=======================================================================
I. ERROR FREE INPUT
The basic idea of structured, or top-down, programming is that one
breaks a program down into modules that are relatively self-contained
and produce a single, easily defined, result. Then each module is
further broken down into other modules, and so forth until one reaches
rather simple operations that can be used throughout the program. This
produces code that is clean, logical, and easy to read and modify.
Depending upon the language one uses, these modules are called
subroutines, functions, or procedures, and are an integral part of
programs written in C, ACTION!, or an extended Basic like BASIC XL/XE or
TURBO BASIC XL. The syntax may vary form language to language, but the
ideas remain the same.
One can think of these modules as 'black boxes' with one entry point and
one exit point. If the conditions upon entry and results upon exit are
clearly defined, the insides of the 'box' are immaterial -- at least at
the level of program design in which they are used. What is important
is that each module 'completes a thought'.
However, handling error conditions that may arise can get a little
tricky. The last thing you want to do is to just jump off to some error
handling section, as that will take you out of the well-structured
program logic, with no way to get back. In such cases, the best one can
usually do is to restart the program from the beginning -- not at all
satisfactory to the user. No, if the module is to be a 'complete
thought', any errors that may occur within a module should be handled
within the module.
As an example of this, I want to present a simple module for the input
of numerical values. This example is in TURBO BASIC XL, but can easily
be translated into other languages.
The 'complete thought' that we want this module to perform is this: when
calling the module, a string containing the prompt to be printed is
passed, the module gets the input from the user, and does not return a
value until it gets a legal value, which is returned. Period. That's
it.
PROC VALUES
DO
? PRMPT$;
TRAP #BADVALUE:INPUT S:TRAP 0
EXIT
# BADVALUE:? CHR$(253)
LOOP
ENDPROC
(I didn't include any line numbers, although they are needed when you
enter the code, because they are immaterial. Use any line numbers you
want; the program doesn't use them.) The essence of this routine is the
'infinite' loop bounded by DO...LOOP. The only way out of this is via
the EXIT command, and one only gets to it if a legal numeric value in
input. If something other than a legal number is typed, the INPUT S
command will produce an error, and the TRAP command directs control to
the line labelled #BADVALUE, where the console speaker is beeped and the
program goes around the loop again. The TRAP is turned off immediately
after the INPUT S statement, since one does not want an error somewhere
else in the program to dump one into the middle of this procedure! One
uses this procedure by a call like:
PRMPT$= -Altidude, in feet-
EXEC VALUES: ALTITUDE= S
(Don't forget to DIMension PRMPT$!)
While functional, this procedure has some drawbacks; one is that
repeated bad values will result in the prompt being printed down the
screen, which will cause the screen to scroll and mess up the whole
appearance of the thing. We can cure this by passing along the location
to print the prompt. (I like to pick a single line on the screen and
put all prompts there.) Another drawback is that it doesn't do any real
checking on the input. We can remedy that by passing along the legal
range for this value. And, I like to include a default option, one the
user can select by just pressing RETURN. This default can be almost
anything, but let's implement one in which RETURN means 'keep the
present value'. The 'improved' version looks like this:
PROC VALUES
DO
POSITION CLMN,ROW:? BLK$
POSITION CLMN,ROW:? PRMPT$;
INPUT A$
IF LEN(A$)=0
EXIT
ELSE
TRAP #BADVALUE:SS=VAL(A$):TRAP 0
IF (SS>=LR AND SS<=UR) THEN S=SS:EXIT
ENDIF
# BADVALUE:? CHR$(253)
LOOP
ENDPROC
One needs to DIMension a couple more strings here: BLK$ is a string full
of blank spaces -- enough to clean off one screen line. (I always like
to keep a BLK$ handy in a program; it can come in useful many places.)
A$ must be long enough to hold any input typed. CLMN and ROW hold the
column and row where the prompt is to be printed. LR and UR are the
lower and upper ranges of legal values for the variable being inputted.
SS is a temporary variable to hold the value typed in until it is
checked to see if it legal or not. One calls this procedure by
something like:
CLMN=5:ROW=15:S=ALTITUDE
PRMPT$=-Altitude in feet-
LR=0:UR=1000:EXEC VALUES
ALTITUDE=S
Notice that one must preset S to the old value since it will not be
changed if the default is chosen -- RETURN pressed. The reason A$ is
used for the input is so a simple RETURN can be used for the default --
anything is legal in string input! A string length of zero means only
RETURN pressed. Now the TRAP surrounds the VAL command, where the input
is converted to a number. An error here will mean the input was non-
numeric. And finally, the number input is checked against the legal
range, and rejected if it is outside that range.
The first EXIT command is where the default is implemented; doing
nothing means keep the old value, but there are other possibilities one
can use here. One I have used is to have the program pick a random
value within the range. You can do this by replacing the EXIT by:
S= LR+RAND(UR-LR):EXIT
Other possibilities should occur to you, should your program have some
special needs. Happy computing!
=======================================================================
* ATARI AT SEYBOLD Press Release
=======================================================================
Professional Systems Group
--------------------------
A division of Atari Computer Corporation NEWS RELEASE
Contacts: Harry Miller SEYBOLD BOOTH NUMBER 942
Public Relations Counsel
(510) 938-5663 Office
(510) 939-5655 Fax
Bill Rehbock
(408) 745-2082 Office
(408) 745-2083 Fax
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PROFESSIONAL SYSTEMS GROUP SHOWS NEW HIGH QUALITY, DIGITAL
PUBLISHING SOLUTIONS AT SEYBOLD SHOW
-Direct To Press- Products Offer Added Features, Speed, Quality
Compatibility With Existing Standards Makes New Platform
The Logical Alternative
Sunnyvale, California - September 23, 1991 -- The Professional Systems
Group, a division of Atari(tm) Computer Corporation, will show its
Direct To Press digital publishing solutions at the Seybold Publishing
Conference and Exposition on October 2-4 in San Jose. At their booth,
the Professional Systems Group will demonstrate the irrefutable logic of
choosing their TT030 computer as a publishing platform.
Each of the pre-press solutions possesses clear advantages over the
existing competition. Those advantages are manifest in a richer feature
set, quicker speed of operation, and in visibly higher output quality.
As if that weren't enough, the Direct To Press systems are affordably
priced compared to other alternatives. Direct To Press systems provide
output quality one would expect from much more expensive dedicated
typography system.
Direct To Press includes full-featured, high quality, and high
performance tools for every phase of pre-press work from document
processing ans design to photo retouching and imagesetter film output.
Direct To Press is a solution provided by the Professional Systems
Group. This solution combines software, hardware, and support to
implement a superior publishing system. Design and typography output
workstations take advantage of the sophisticated graphics and pure
processing power of the Atari TT030(tm), the company's high performance
computing platform. Available as custom configurable systems, Direct To
Press is targeted at pre-press and printing service bureaus and in-house
design and productions departments, as well as freelance designers,
artists and publishers. Systems based on the Direct To Press products
and concept are distributed through a network of value-added resellers
and dealers.
Publishing System Hardware Platform
The Atari TT030 provides the ideal computing platform for the Direct To
Press publishing tools. It features a 32MHz Motorola(tm) 68030
microprocessor with on-chip cache and memory management as well as a
68882 math coprocessor, 8MB of RAM (expandable to 26MB), and 80MB hard
disk, and a wide range of video and storage expansion options. Output
for proofing purposes is provided by the 300 dot per inch Atari SLM605
(tm) laser printer. The SLM605 features a small footprint, high quality
output, and fast 6 page per minute operation.
The TT030 performs even better in graphics-intensive applications than
the specifications would indicate. Several factors help explain this
phenomenon. First, the machine's architecture vastly reduces screen
redraw time by using a 64-bit wide video data path. Next, the TT030
uses DMA (Direct Memory Access) channels for disk, video, printer, and
sound data transfer. And, up to 10MB of video RAM can be used. These
hardware advantages are leveraged by an operating enviroment that
minimizes overhead without sacrificing ease of use or power.
-We designed the TT030 to be a great platform for sophisticated
publishing applications,- said Greg Pratt, Atari Computer Corporation.
-But the performance and output quality that our strategic software and
hardware partners have achieved makes these systems a compelling choice.
When you consider that most system selections are based on output
quality, speed of operation, ease of use, and affordability, we really
are 'the logical alternative.' You can't afford not to look at the
TT030 and the Direct To Press system solutions.-
Three Software Product Families Meet a Broad Range Of Needs
The Direct To Press solutions generally follow one of three
complementary approaches: Soft-Logik's PostScript(R)-based PageStream(R)
2 provides direct compatibility with that industry standard. The
Calamus(R)SL and tms Cranach Studio(R) family of high-end publishing
applications, including proprietary SoftRIPS(R) for specific models of
typesetters and imagesetters deliver a wide range of features and fast
performance. And the ReTouche Professional(TM)/Didot Professional(TM)
family of digital lithography, line art, and page layout tools uses
proprietary hardware technology to create raster images of pages within
the host software, eliminating the need for an external RIP, and uses
specialized hardware to greatly enhance output speed and quality. Files
can be easily exchanged among the tools, and with many other industry-
standard desktop publishing programs: The TT030's floppy disk format is
identical to that of MS-DOS, so data files on floppies can easily be
transferred. Similarly, file transfer can be accomplished via an
Ethernet network. Most of the applications can import and export files
from popular applications on other platforms.
Professional Systems Group is a new division of Atari Computer
Corporation whose mission is to provide superior computing solutions for
vertical market segments where output quality and execution speed are
the highest concern. Professional Systems Group combines its computing
platforms with high performance software and peripherals to meet and
exceed the needs of these demanding audiences.
Atari is a registered trademark, and TT030 and SLM605 are trademarks of
Atari Corporation. Motorola is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
PageStream is a registered trademark of Soft-Logik Publishing
Corporation. Calamus SL and Calamus Outline Art, Calamus SoftRIP are
registered trademarks of DMC/Ditek International. tms Cranach Studio
is a registered trademark of tms GmbH. PostScript is a registered
trademark of Adobe Systems. ReTouche Professional CD, Didot
Professional, ad the Image Speeder are trademarks of 3K Computerbild.
=======================================================================
* Z*NET NEWSWIRE
=======================================================================
ATARI DOES SEYBOLD
The Direct to Press division of Atari Corporation made another
impressive presentation at the SEYBOLD Electronic Publishing Show, a
20,000 square foot show in two halls held this week in San Jose,
California. This is the first time in two years that Atari has attended
this publishing show. The range of DTP solutions plus electronic
imaging and lithographic preparation for press included Pagestream,
Calamus, Codehead Software, and the wide 3K line of products. According
to reports from early in the show, floor traffic was light due to
exceptional conference presentations, but the Atari area was well
attended. Most show-goers to this internationally renowned publishing
trade show are getting used to seeing Atari now, and the demonstrations
of state of the art systems at reasonable prices seem to be well
received. See the press material from Atari for Seybold, later in this
issue of Z*Net.
ROLAND IMPRESSED, ATTENDING ALL ATARI SHOWS
Astounded by the great reception and product sales at the Glendale Atari
show in September, the keyboard and music hardware giant ROLAND is
planning to make Atari show appearances a regular thing. Company reps
have asked Atari to advise them of any and all user and trade shows that
will feature Atari products, and have booked a display at the upcoming
WAACE AtariFest in the D.C. area in mid October. Expect them again at
the Chicago Atari Fair in November. Groups that are planning shows
should be certain to coordinating their work through Bob Brodie at Atari
Corp in order to assure that Roland and other interested developers know
of the event. Call Bob at 408-745-2052.
NEW CD TITLES FOR ATARI AS CDAR505 NEARS
Production of Atari's first CD, the Softsource Collection, should begin
in late October and sell for about $30. The CDAR505 CD ROM player may
be in dealers at that same time, beginning the demand for third-party CD
releases. One such company, Computer Rock of the San Francisco area,
was responsible for the two existing domestic Atari ST CD disks and has
several more planned for immediate release. The ST Software Library,
released two years ago, contains the Public Domain library supplied by
Current Notes magazine at that time. The First ST Clip Art Disk was
released in late 1990, and has thousands of IMG and other format clip
art files. To be released in November '91, the Z*NET CD will have over
7,000 fully categorized and indexed programs, plus years worth of
ZMAGAZINE, ST-ZMAG, and Z*NET news releases and news photos. Coming
soon afterwards will be another ST release with complete text and disk
archives of a major print magazine. Planned for 1992 are another clip
art/graphics collection, a Z*NET supplement disk, and at least one other
Atari title, bringing the their catalog to a minimum of seven titles.
Prices for the CD's from Computer Rock, which will each carry up to 500
Megabytes of read-only data (over 700 floppy disks worth), will range
from $39.95 to $69.95. Details on availability will follow soon. To
order existing Computer Rock CD titles, call 415-878-9609, and be
certain to mention Z*NET.
MORE ON SOFT-LOGIK'S USER GROUP GIVEAWAY
Two weeks ago, Z*Net announced Soft-Logik's Pagestream giveaway. The
response has been so high that the company has asked us to share more of
the details of the offer to streamline their response time. Atari user
groups can get two FREE copies of the desktop publisher PageStream 2.1,
plus another demo copy for their library. A related program will offer
discounts for user group members when they buy PageStream from dealers.
The groups should send a previous and current newsletter, add Soft-Logik
to the groups mailing list, full adress information, group membership
and president name. Or, call Soft-Logik at (800) 829-8608 for specific
instructions before mailing your group's request. Soft-Logik, 11131 S.
Towne Square, St. Louis, MO 63123.
=======================================================================
* SUMMERTIME READS - ATARILAND STYLE by Andy Eddy
=======================================================================
The following article is reprinted in Z*Net by permission of AtariUser
magazine and Quill Publishing. It MAY NOT be further reprinted without
specific permission of Quill. AtariUser is a monthly Atari magazine,
available by subscription for $18 a year. For more information on
AtariUser, call 800-333-3567.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: AtariUser originally planned to include a monthly guide
to the contents of the major Atari support magazines. However, the only
magazine that was willing to cooperate was STart, and of course, they
are now history. So, we commissioned Andy Eddy, a magazine professional
with Atari experience, to do an objective look at Atari publications.
We promised a free hand, and he shared his opinions frankly. We didn't
think it was quite right to include a review of AtariUser with these, so
make up your own!]
Atari Interface
3487 Braeburn Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (313) 973-8825
Frequency: Monthly
Issues Reviewed: February, March, April/May 1991
Editorial Slant: Overall yet lightweight coverage.
3.5 STARS ***1/2
Summary--Atari Interface Magazine (AIM) bills itself as -a monthly
publication that also serves as an official newsletter of several
independent Atari user groups.- Several? It lists over 60
participating Atari user groups.
Look and Feel--AIM is an attractive package, from its color cover to its
basic layout design. (The great cover of the March issue, created on
the TT, looks like a painting.) It gets its information across quite
well, without many hitches along the way.
The production of the magazine is good, too. It's printed on good
paper, and the typography is clean--showing that the ability of the ST
in DTP is adequate.
Writing and Editing--The articles in AIM are friendly, for the most part
informative (more on this in a second) and easy reading. And,
similarly, the editing doesn't impose on the writers' musings.
One other thing that jumped out at me was an article called -Public
Domain, It Doesn't Have to be Sold to be Good!- While the article
starts off describing the benefits of PD software, it turns into an AIM
Monthly Disk pitch. Editorial should be clear of advertising, and a
magazine must be careful with that regard.
Utility--While issues of AIM I looked at are over 50 pages of editorial
material and advertising, I came away feeling like I was missing
something--there didn't seem to be enough -information- in there. For
example, the February issue had about 20 pages of ads out of the 55
pages, a sizable chunk. Add to that about a dozen pages of club news
(mainly listings of when the clubs meet and where, which would be best
run on an occasional basis, as opposed to every month). And the table
of contents spans two pages, including the 60-plus clubs that
contribute. This really doesn't leave much for the reader to sink their
teeth into.
Also, some of the editorial material seemed to be, as described in the
Atari Explorer review, somewhat limited in its focus. For instance, the
February issue included a 1-1/2-page -review- of Vampire Empire, an aged
ST game, which doesn't so much review the game as describe it. In that
same issue, there is also a long article comparing two MIDI keyboards.
Given the limited editorial space in AIM, I think it could have offered
a better mix of material to suit the reader.
In all fairness, the March issue seems to be a little better balanced
with articles on the STe, the issue of Byte magazine not covering Atari
products in its DTP overview, a piracy test and an article on London's
16-bit Computer Faire, among others. It still seemed to be a tad
-thin.-
Overall Rating--Though AIM is pleasing to read, I can't overlook the
fact that there just doesn't seem to be enough to dig into. Perhaps
this will change in future issues, and the foundation is there if it
does. 3.5 STARS.
Puget Sound Atari News
P.O. Box 110576
Tacoma, WA 98411-0576 (206) 566-1703 (Jim Chapman, coordinator)
Frequency: Monthly
Issues Reviewed: February, March/April 1991
Editorial Slant: Potpourri
2.5 STARS. **1/2
Summary--Self-described, the Puget Sound Atari News is the newsletter of
the -participating non-profit Atari computer users groups. The contents
of PSAN are a compilation of club news, hobby and industry news and
articles about Atari computers and supporting software and hardware.-
Look and Feel--Being a newsletter, PSAN is understandably rougher in its
appearance, and more basic in its layout. This doesn't hinder its
ability to pass on information, and the publication's staff does a good
job of putting it together. Also, the magazine is created using Atari
computers and related software.
On the critical side, some of the articles were composed at an
uncomfortably small point size. At the same time, there were some
filler cartoons unrelated to computers that could have been lifted for a
better, easier-to-read layout. The editor could also drop a story in
favor of a cleaner magazine.
But the bottom line is that the PSAN is a nice-looking package
considering that it's not a professionally created magazine (like Atari
Explorer), and is fairly comfortable and clean for a laser-printed
publication.
Writing and Editing--Much of the writing comes from other sources, such
as GEnie and other club publications, so some leniency needs to be given
for consistency of writing and editing. The expected quantity of typos
and grammatical errors are found, however they don't diminish from the
information that PSAN passes on.
PSAN also builds itself up by adding some supplements, such as Z*Net
(-The International Atari Newsletter-) and a Club News section.
Utility--Newsletters not only try to provide reviews and news within the
world the club was formed to partake in, but also cover the club news
itself. PSAN is no different, and does the job well. In the issues
looked at, there were articles and reviews on such subjects as database
programs, color printing, hardware projects and program reviews--there
was even a review of the same game by two different people for better
perspective. PSAN also includes the 8-bit user, devoting space to that
often-neglected community.
Overall Rating--Again, I don't want it to appear as a strong criticism,
but the PSAN is a newsletter in magazine format, and it suffers from
some minor attendant problems. However, its strength is that it offers
something for everyone. 2.5 STARS.
ST Informer
280 Peach Street
Merlin, OR 97532 (503) 476-0071
Frequency: Monthly
Issues Reviewed: March, April 1991
Editorial Slant: Wide and agressive.
4.5 STARS ****1/2
Summary--It's easy to spot ST Informer because it's the only newspaper-
style ST publication that's out. And its cover page is newspaper-like
also, featuring some newsier items like press releases and reports.
Look and Feel--ST Informer is a really nice presentation of material,
and jams a lot of information into its pages. Though it offers almost
no color to speak of, its neat four-column layout is smooth to follow
articles through. It appears that ST Informer keeps the same style from
month to month, placing new-product announcements and a feature on the
front page, columns near the front, etc. This makes the reader feel at
home with each issue, much like you'd feel driving the roads of your
home town.
Writing and Editing--The content of ST Informer is all top drawer, and
the editors make sure there is a good quantity of material for everyone,
as well as the specialty stuff. For instance, the April 1991 issue
contained articles on new Atari products in the works, the new NeoDesk
3.02, the second part of a RAM upgrade article, as well as a study of
electrostatic discharge and its effect on computers, in addition to many
reviews of ST products.
It also appears that the editorial staff has a good idea of what they
are doing. The material is showcased well and grammatically correct.
Utility--Even though there is a fair amount of advertising in ST
Informer, the staff still seems to put a load of stuff in there. Each
issue is chock full of reviews, product announcements, tutorials and
columns, among others. The columns in particular cover most of the
regular needs of the reader: game reviews, new products of interest, a
rumor column and a Q&A help section. The latter two are quite helpful--
the rumor column gives the readers a fill of hot tidbits (for instance,
did you know that a STacy was used on-stage at a Sting concert),
potential stories and insight, while -The Help Key- provides some basic
ST-specific techniques and answers questions that most users don't have
anyone handy to answer.
It's apparent that ST Informer can fill one other gap that most other
publications can't: timeliness. It would appear that ST Informer has
almost no lead time (the time it takes for a magazine to get into
readers' hands after it is completed) because the April '91 issue
featured a reader letter commenting on a review in the March '91 issue.
What this means is that ST Informer is more like a newspaper because the
editors can place stories into it at the last minute.
Overall Rating--ST Informer has something for everyone, and presents
special-interest material in a way that can draw in those readers who
may not normally raise their eyelids. This is a well-produced
publication. 4.5 STARS.
ST World
2463 Latona Court NE
Salem, OR 97303 (503) 393-9688
Frequency: Monthly?
Issue Reviewed: April 1991
Editorial Slant: Too early to tell.
2 STARS **
Summary--After a hiatus with a strange story behind it, ST World seems
to be back with new management, though there is some doubt that it has
returned to a regular monthly schedule.
Look and Feel--ST World is mainly a black-and-white publication, printed
on newsprint--some of the ink will end up on your hands after a good
read-through. It also employs a fairly large point size, which not only
makes it easy to read (like a kid's book), but also lets each article
take up more space, thus filling the magazine quicker.
Otherwise, the layout is very simple: three-column layout for most of
the magazine, switching to two-column for a feature article. The
magazine employs very few graphics, but offers an -identity- by showing
pictures of its columnists next to their work.
Writing and Editing--This is a problem area, one that the editors should
address in future issues. For instance, ST World uses the straight
quote marks that signal a less-than-professional look. Also quirky is
the schizophrenic mix of punctuation inside quotes in some articles,
while being placed outside quotes in others. This leads me to believe
that the editors are leaving it up to the writers, again showing editing
to be below standard. The writing could also use some tweaking, but a
few of the articles show great promise.
One thing that really bothered me was the Errata section. While error
gremlins always manage to creep into even the best publications, ST
World (with a long history of typos and layout errors) seems to dwell
too much on the mistakes of the previous issue. Apparently, the titles
on four articles were switched, which is bad enough on the surface, but
becomes worse when too much attention is paid to it. As a reader, I'm
not too concerned with the mechanics of why a mistake happened. But as
an editor, on the other hand, I can't subscribe to the explanation that
these were flukes--even the most difficult, four-color magazines have
room to check proof pages for mistakes, particularly those in headlines.
'Nuff said.
Utility--Unfortunately, this department didn't help my view of ST World.
While there are some attractive articles in the issue I reviewed, there
are also some pieces that are well-written but hit a very small
audience. How many of you are interested in a super-techie article
called -V.32, the CCITT and the Tale of the 9600 Baud Modem-? How about
an article on -Clients and Servers-? I'm not saying that technical
articles don't have their place in general-interest magazines, but this
stuff belongs in Byte or InfoWorld more than an Atari magazine, in my
view. A magazine that wants to gain subscribers can't overestimate its
market.
This is not to say that ST World is empty of helpful or well-directed
writings. It features a good mix of game reviews (both for Lynx and
ST), a smattering of press releases and a preview section, among the
previously mentioned articles. A better mix of game coverage, -serious-
hardware/software reviews and other articles of interest is needed.
Overall Rating--Suffice it to say that I wasn't that pleased with the
-new- ST World. It would be good to see more issues; I only had one to
work with, and couldn't prove the rumors of it being monthly. 2 STARS.
Hey, what about the -online- magazines? These are -free,-
electronically transferred, available on CompuServe, GEnie, Delphi,
F-Net, UseNet, and countless private bulletin boards.
ST Report
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32205-6672 (904) 783-3319
Frequency: Weekly
Issue Reviewed--May 24, May 31, June 7, 1991
Editorial Slant---A Current Affair- Meets the ST.
3 STARS ***
Summary--One -publication- takes the prize as the National Enquirer of
the ST world, and that's the electronic ST Report. Though over time it
has been proven to be a rumor monger, it has also been counted on by
many each week for insight and no-holds-barred reporting. What the heck
is ten minutes of downloading worth to you?
Look and Feel--Well, the look is what you make it. After all, ST Report
is a text file, so looks aren't really under consideration. But its
-flow,- how the magazines moves from article to article and the choice
of articles in each issue is smooth enough. ST Report also features its
share of regular columns that cover all subjects.
Writing and Editing--Room has to be given to a weekly publication for
some sloppiness. ST Report does a good enough job of making the
articles readable, though there are some of the traditional mistakes in
punctuation, grammar and spelling.
Another benefit about ST Report is the fact that there isn't much
advertising in it, though there are ads just the same. However,
advertisements for CompuServe, Delphi and GEnie help more people get
into a position of downloading ST Report--and getting involved with
online activities--so it's easy to overlook. Besides, the best thing
about an electronic publication is the reader's ability to skip ahead if
an article or advertisement annoys.
Utility--Wait a minute. Isn't the name of this publication ST Report?
Why, then, are there extensive articles on other PCs (-CPU Report-) and
the Macintosh (-Mac Report-)? It's certainly a change from when I used
to read ST Report regularly, and I'm not sure it's appropriate.
However, when I used to read it regularly, it was ST specific--and about
50K in size. Now the ST Report files fill about 120K each, so I guess
the readers can handle the extraneous non-ST filler. It's up to them to
determine whether other industry news is required reading--even though I
find it to be inappropriate for a magazine named ST Report. Yet, the
articles are in-depth, particularly the -CPU Report-, which is packed
with technical insights and views on the industry.
On the ST side, there are some helpful sections, such as the -A Little
of This, A Little of That- column, which singles out some of the more
important threads on the online services. This not only gives readers
who aren't online cruisers a view of what type of action takes place
there, but also answers some of the questions of the day, like what the
status of GCR and System 7-compatibility is and aging troubles with
particular hard drives. If only the rest of the -magazine- was more
beneficial.
Finally , the editor, Ralph Mariano, is one of Atari's biggest fans--and
detractors. He is brutally honest about when Atari messes up, perhaps
to a fault, which is something of a wake-up call for the company at
times. Though the readers get a
benefit out of his rantings, they often
go overboard, and have at times made him look like he is trying to
create headlines. Again, the National Enquirer provides an apt
comparison.
Overall Rating--If you can get by the snooty, smarmy rumor-slinging
theatrics, the -I know something you don't know- reporting (which
attempts to bring people back week after week like a soap opera) and the
non-ST text, ST Report isn't really that bad for what it tries to
accomplish. And it's pretty painless to download or have copied from
another ST user. 3 STARS.
Z*Net
P.O. Box 59
Middlesex, NJ 08846 (908) 968-2024
Frequency: Weekly
Issue Reviewed--May 17, May 24, 1991
Editorial Slant--All the News That Fits.
4 STARS ****
Summary--Ron Kovacs started ST Report as an offshoot of his ZMAGAZINE,
and then...well, it's not important. After too much bad blood, Ron
abandoned ST Report to Ralph Mariano, and now does Z*Net. It does its
best to stick to reporting, both the visible on the behind the scenes
stuff.
Look and Feel--Again, as with ST Report, Z*Net's layout is nothing more
than what you get when you load the file in your text editor of choice.
Hey, you can make it two or three columns if you want, but its the
content that matters.
The -Feel- of Z*Net is comfortable, the kind of vision you get by
peering in on the evening news on TV. Z*Net tries to keep the reader
informed of what the happenings are in the Atari community, without too
much fluff or non-specific reportage. In comparison to ST Report, Z*Net
also has its share of columns, though much better focused to the Atari
world. And no advertising at all.
Writing and Editing--The columns we just spoke of are nicely written
and, again, well focused. For example, the -Z*Net Software Shelf- by
Ron Berinstein is a regular porthole to the new software appearing for
the ST owner. Not only does this column offer a listing of new products
and what they can be expected to do, but it also leads in the body of
the article with some humorous and friendly--okay, sometimes eccentric--
chatter. As mentioned before, this adds personality and freshness to a
publication. Z*Net also has a nice mix of technical and non-technical
coverage.
The editing is subject to the usual breaks in consistency, but Z*Net
also features a good amount of reprinting--the issues I looked at
included transcripts of online conferences and reprints of features from
AtariUser--so it is pretty clean grammatically.
Utility--The fact that material is reprinted from other sources makes
Z*Net's utility rating suffer somewhat, although most conference
transcripts are mercifully condensed by the Z*Net editors.
An important issue, though, is that Z*Net features almost entirely
Atari-related news, with the exception of the -Z*Net Newswire,- which is
industry-wide coverage, though a lot less intense or technically
oriented than ST Report. (It, however, turned my head to see news
stories in the May 17, 1991, issue on the death of John Maher, publisher
of Down Beat magazine, the retirement of Harry Reasoner from the 60
Minutes TV show and the recent changes in Zenith computer prices. Hmmm,
must've been a slow Atari-news week.)
A major benefit is that 95% of Z*Net is solid Atari coverage, and the
issues generally were less than 50% the size of the similar ST Report,
clicking in at about 55K in size.
Overall Rating--Most of Z*Net is meaty Atari reporting, something that
makes it a big draw for Atari-computer owners. It doesn't take much
time out of your week to download and scan through it, and you'll
probably walk away with a few tidbits of knowledge that will help you be
a more-informed user. 4 STARS.
That about covers the regular periodicals, both print and electronic.
Certainly the cost wouldn't preclude you from getting a hold of a few to
receive the varied benefit that some of these publications offer. And,
needless to say, one man's ceiling may be another man's floor. For that
reason, you should look into the content of the magazines I covered here
to see if you get something out of them that I didn't--or even simply
disagree with me.
Finally, there are many European Atari coverage magazines being imported
with varied regularity. When reading foreign mags, understand that the
ST is treated differently in other parts of the world, and may feature
products not available or usable in North America. Also keep in mind
that the cover prices only indicate the price in their respective
countries; import costs may not enter into the equation. Check with
your local Atari store or contact the publishers directly for more
information on how you can get a copy. A pair of British magazines and
one German magazine were in my grab-bag:
ST Format, The Old Barn Somerset, Somerset, England TA11 7PY0458 74011.
Monthly, in English.
Atari ST User, Europa House, Adlington Park, Macclesfield, England SK10
4NP0625 878888. Monthly, in English.
Atari PD Journal, HolbeinstraBe 606000, Frankfurt am Main 70, Germany
06151 56057-8. Monthly, all in German.
Happy reading!
BIO: Andy Eddy, a long-time Atari journalist, is currently Executive
Editor for VideoGames & Computer Entertainment and TurboPlay magazines.
He can be reached on Delphi as VIDGAMES (where he is sysop for the World
of Video Games SIG), CompuServe at 70007,3554 or GEnie at VIDGAME.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
GENIE
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUSERVE
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198. You will be sent a $15.00 free membership kit.
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Z*MAGAZINE Atari 8-Bit Online Magazine is a bi-weekly magazine covering
the Atari and related computer community. Material contained in this
edition may be reprinted without permission, except where otherwise
noted, unedited, with the issue number, name and author included at
the top of each reprinted article. Commentary and opinions presented
are those of the individual author and does not necessarily reflect
the opinions of Z*MAGAZINE or the staff. Z*Magazine Atari 8-Bit Online
Magazine, Z*Net Atari Online Magazine, Z*Net are copyright (c)1991 by
Rovac Industries Inc, a registered corporation. Post Office Box 59,
Middlesex, New Jersey 08846. (908) 968-2024. Z*Net Online BBS 24
Hours, 1200/2400 Baud, (908) 968-8148. We can be reached on CompuServe
at 75300,1642 and on GEnie at Z-NET.
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Z*Magazine Atari 8-Bit Online Magazine
Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc..
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