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Syndicate ZMagazine Issue 191
==(((((((((( == Z*MAG/A\ZINE ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
=========(( === March 9, 1991
=======(( ===== Issue #191
=====(( ======= ----------------------------------
==(((((((((( == Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Ind Inc..
Publisher/Editor : Ron Kovacs
Assistant Editor : Stan Lowell
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CompuServe: 71777,2140 GEnie: Z-NET
Z*NET BBS: (908) 968-8148 BLANK PAGE BBS: (908) 805-3967
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
EDITORS DESK
============
Z*NET; WHERE ARE WE, WHERE ARE WE GOING?
by Ron Kovacs and John Nagy
Anniversaries... they make us think about the past and the Future.
Ron Kovacs is about to begin his SEVENTH YEAR of weekly online
publishing for Atari users. March marks the beginning of our third year
of Z*NET MONTHLY, our hard-copy newsletter supplement that has served
over 50 user groups world-wide.
ROVAC INDUSTRIES, Inc. was legally incorporated in 1989 in the State of
New Jersey by Ron Kovacs for the purpose of furthering what had, until
then, been a solo, totally volunteer effort to bring Atari users the
best information available. John Nagy became a regular contributor,
editor of the monthly newsletter, and staff manager for the growing
number of -Z*projects-. The online magazine remains to this day to be
100% volunteer supported, non-commercial and non-profit.
In 1990, -Z*NET International Atari Online Magazine- became the single
name for what had been ZMAGAZINE and ST*ZMAGAZINE. Distribution of the
weekly electronic magazine under Ron's editorship was on CompuServe,
GEnie, Delphi, USENET, and over 600 registered carrying private
bulletin board systems. Later in 1990, Z*NET entered the FNET system
and has primary distribution to 50 FNET BBS systems... and ultimately to
perhaps thousands more independent BBS systems around the world. Z*Net
maintains staff writers in the USA, Canada, England, Germany, New
Zealand, and Japan, with correspondents in many other countries.
On GEnie alone, JUST the 1990 Z*NET issues have been downloaded 30,000
times (thirty THOUSAND!), with another 8 THOUSAND downloads of related
files, pictures, Z*BREAK news bulletins, etc. This made Z*NET the
NUMBER ONE ONLINE MAGAZINE and the most prolific of ALL GEnie
contributors in 1990! We are convinced that part of what makes us
respected and popular is Z*NET's continued resolve not to preach, push,
pirate, or pander.
During 1990, Z*NET continued to evolve. First, the Z*NET NEWS SERVICE
was featured as a regular contributor to the German magazine PD JOURNAL.
Later, Z*NET NEWS SERVICE was recognized by several British Atari
magazines, and was also quoted as an original source in reports
appearing in non-computer-specific national news services. Reprints or
quotes of Z*NET articles appear regularly in almost every user-group
newsletter and have also appeared in many commercial publications
including COMPUTER SHOPPER, ST INFORMER, ST WORLD, CURRENT NOTES, AIM,
PSAN NEWS, and while in publication, ANALOG, ST-LOG, and ANTIC. In
1990, Z*NET became a continuing column in ST JOURNAL magazine, then moved
to become the exclusive news agency for START, the largest US Atari magazine.
Z*NET was first with major Atari stories. The 32mHz TT, Elie Kenan
resigning, layoffs, the MEGA STE introduction, and more stories were
broken by Z*NET special reports. Even though many of those stories were
denied vigorously by Atari officials and decried by other publications,
each of them came to be shown as true, accurate, fair, and FIRST. By
Z*NET's writers doing on-site reporting at major Atari events, including
live mini-conferences and pictures of the shows, often while they were
still in progress, Z*NET's credibility had crystallized; it had become
widely accepted that, if it was reported by Z*NET, you could depend on it.
That's not to say that we were always right... occasionally we reported
what was in fact true at the time of the report, only to have situations
change. And of course, we occasionally really blow it, and make a plain
error in interpretation or timing. We also have inadvertently angered
the occasional developer, dealer, user group, or Atari official with our
reporting of things that might not always put them in the best light.
But we haven't been shy about owning up to errors in reporting as soon
as they were detected, nor about offering reply space for any irritated
reader. And yes, we've been threatened with lawsuits on several occasions.
None, it turns out, have actually been filed, despite continued harassment.
Also in 1990 and since, Ron Kovacs began several Atari and non-Atari
projects under the Z*NET auspices:
* Z*NET MECHANICS ONLINE NEWSLETTER was the first, offering the proven
format of the online publication to automobile mechanics, both
professional and amateur. Gatewat Associates, a development company
formed by Bruce Kennedy, the original Z*Magazine editor and founder,
has been the co-publisher/editor of the publication since the start.
The MECHANICS ONLINE may be continuing or may change format and
distribution in support of a commercial sales effort of completely
databased auto service bulletins.
* Z*NET MACINTOSH ONLINE MAGAZINE had a trial run and is being
considered for continued status.
* Z*NET PC ONLINE MAGAZINE has just been test released, and is enjoying
remarkable startup success and favorable commentary, despite some
very vociferous complaints from Atari users who believe that it shows
Z*NET is abandoning Atari.
* Z*NET ATARI CD-ROM DISK was planned and prepared, but is currently on
hold due to the unavailability of Atari CD-ROM players. If that
situation reverses, the Z*NET disk will offer a terrific collection
of many hundred megs of Atari software, pictures, animations, sounds,
and information.
... and there is more that we just aren't ready to discuss!
Also, lets not forget Z*MAGAZINE. The online publication that started
it all. Back in May 1986, regular weekly editions, released locally as
NEW JERSEY ZMAG started and ran weekly until the end of 1989. In late
1990, we re-started the publication and release on a monthly basis to
die-hard 8-Bit Atarians. There are 190 editions of ZMagazine available
in BBS archives and by request.
Keep in mind that the ROVAC/Z*NET effort is entirely a -hobby- on many
levels... each of us involved have a -real- full time job, and do
Z*stuff on our own tabs on our own time. Only a few of our enterprises
actually pay for themselves. Some regular readers seem to forget that
and are less than charitable when Z*NET is not available for them quite
-on time-, or when the Z*NET BBS is down for a while due to waiting
hardware repairs or PHONE BILLS to be paid!
What will the future bring for Z*NET? No, we are NOT abandoning Atari
despite new activity in other areas. Z*NET International Atari Online
Magazine will continue to be published as long as there is Atari news
that deserves impartial telling. It may be that the staff will change
somewhat, but Ron Kovacs will remain the publisher and will retain final
editorial supervision. Z*NET MONTHLY will continue under the editorship
of John Nagy, supplementing user group newsletters until or unless it
becomes unnecessary or impractical. And our other projects will
continue to expand... to take up every spare minute of time available!
But Z*NET Atari Online remains as our center, our touchstone and
template for all our other projects. In some ways, the weekly magazine
is the engine that keeps all of our other projects in motion. We WON'T
be dropping it in the foreseeable future.
We DO need to solicit for more input, more contributors, and even more
-permanent- staff members. So, readers, consider yourselves solicited.
You can reach us to volunteer your talents (and heck, we wouldn't turn
down offers of hardware or cash, either!) via EMAIL, US mail, or phone.
The relevant numbers are at the top and bottom of every issue of Z*NET.
And Thanks for Reading! Your appreciation is our greatest reward.
Now let's begin our seventh year together...
RUMBLES - RAMBLES - RUMORS
==========================
by Stan Lowell, Assistant Editor
A note about the Oasis BBS in the FoReM-XEP network listings. Len
Spencer has re-located to Orlando, FL. and his new number will be listed
in our next edition.
Good news for Express! Professional SysOps! A soon to be released
version will join FoReM-XE Professional in having Y-Modem Batch Upload
capability. More on this later in the New Stuff Coming category!
More Dealers
------------
The -New- Atari Explorer magazine is out. In the letters section there
is a list of places to get Educational software. If you don't have it
yet, look for it at your local dealer, newstand, or bookstore!
More dealers who carry Atari 8-bit software:
Msg# : 2422 - Msgs 8-Bit
To : ALL
From : LARRY CHARPIAT
C-net: The Oasis BBS - Kissimmee, FL.
Subj : 8-Bit PD & Shareware
Nearly 500 disks of Atari 8-bit Public Domain and Shareware and all the
latest disk from Europe. Every program tested and Guaranteed to run.
Send for Catalog and FREE DISK coupon offers.
Bellcom
P.O. Box 1043-E
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9J7A5
Msg# : 2430 - Msgs 8-Bit - Net
Sent : 01/05/91 at 7:14 PM
To : LARRY CHARPIAT
From : ARIEL
C-net: Gateway-St. Louis, Mo.
Subj : 8-Bit PD & Shareware
We have ordered PD disks from Bellcom in the past and it is (in my
opinion) one of the best there is. The catalog is very well organized
and the guy that runs it seems to be very nice. I had a problem a few
years back with one of the disks I had ordered and not only did he
replace it (promptly) but sent another disk to make up for any
inconvenience. Bellcom gets an A+ from me.
Msg# : 2484 - Msgs 8-Bit - Net
Sent : 01/11/91 at 6:45 PM
To : ARIEL
From : RAY WILMOTT
Subj : 8-Bit PD & Shareware
BellCom
Ditto...it's one of the best. Good service and a large selection of
quality programs.
Msg# : 2514 - Msgs 8-Bit - Net
Sent : 01/13/91 at 8:02 AM
To : RAY WILMOTT
From : Tim Naber
C-net: Road to Damascus-Sacramento,CA
Subj : 8-Bit PD & Shareware
C&T Computer Active has a wide variety of PD & Shareware programs also.
What you don't see at Bellcom I'm sure C&T has it.
C&T Computer Active
P.O. Box 893
Clinton, OK 73601
I have purchased some News Room Clipart, nine disks of Sparta specific
utilities and a couple of good games like Dandy Dungeon, which is the
equvalent of Gauntlet. You can play four players if you are playing on
an 800.
Shareware News
--------------
Msg# : 2507 - Msgs 8-Bit - Net
Sent : 01/12/91 at 1:16 AM
To : JENNINGS FORD
From : Kyle Dain
C-net: Final Frontier-Philadelphia PA
Subj : Printer
Have you heard of the new PICPRINT software for the XL's that will load
ANY of the standard Atari graphic formats, and print them in Color! on
your NX-1000r? Many Many Many features! All for the incredibily low
price of $15.00 +$2.50 ship & hand.
FULL MONEYBACK GUARANTEE IF NOT SATISFIED!
If you're interested, write to
S.A.G.E.
P.O. Box 10562
Erie, PA 16514
Attn: 8-Bit Librarian
**********************************
I wrote PicPrint, and I'm the Librarian both. So if you'd like more
info, write SAGE or leave me msg. here. (You can leave a message on any
FoReM-XEP BBS that carries the 8-bit Networked msg. base - Stan)
***********************************
Rumor Mill
----------
Two rumors that I have seen around:
Rumor #1 - Atari will be coming out with a new line of 8-bits. (This
one first Cropped up on my Networked Message base, and things got a
little out of hand! It started looking like a convention of Wouldn't it
be Nice If...-)
Rumor #2 - Atari has sold the rights to the 8-bits!
These seemed a *little* contradictory. Having been an Atarian for a
while, it did seem 'possible' that one of these could be viable! <Grin>
Well, its not April 1st yet. These were checked into, and...
>>>neither one has *ANY* substance to it!<<<
Atari 8-bit Inter-BBS Networking?
---------------------------------
More than one person is rumored to be 'looking into the feasibility of
the various 8-bit BBS programs networking with each other, and possibly
even Forem-ST boards.
The 8-bit programs of which I am aware of that are now 'capable' of
networking are: FoReM-XEP, Express! Pro, Oasis, and Puff II BBS. There
may be more, but I don't know about them - yet! Of these, only FoReM-
XEP and Express! Pro can -thread- their networked message bases.
Some of the problems which need to be overcome are: different methods
and protocols used, different maximum message sizes, different
procedures used for Networking, and the different formats of the packets.
I will try to find out more information about this and pass it on in a
future article.
New Stuff Coming?
-----------------
Black Box owners might have an alternative to the R-Time 8 cartridge.
Nothing -firm- on this yet, but the concept has been investigated, and
is being pursued. Hopefully, it will come to fruitation. At this point
it will only be for BB owners though.
A New Version of Express! Professional will be released shortly! It
will be the second 8-bit BBS program to offer Y-Modem Batch upload, and
the First to offer Sealink Batch, L-Modem Batch in addition to Y-Modem
Batch! Bob Klass has F-Modem 'waiting in the wings' to sweeten the pot!
A New Multi-Pro! version is presently being Beta tested on three systems
and is working. This version will be capable of running up to 8 Atari
8-bit system off of one hard disk! It takes advantage of Bob Puff's Mux
for the 8-bit systems. As of this writing, I don't have a release date
for this baby, but it should be a hit for those Systems who suffer the
-Busy BBS Blues!- <Grin>
Well, 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).
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL USERS GROUP!
SUPPORT ShareWare Authors and others who write for the Atari 8-bit!
Support THOSE who support YOU!
8-BIT MODIFICATION
==================
by Dan Knauf
INSTALLING A DRIVE SELECT AND A RESET SWITCH IN YOUR 1050 DISK DRIVE
(This article originally appeared in the Puget Sound Atari News
magazine, the newsletter of the Seattle Puget Sound Atari Computer
Enthusiasts.)
When people see my 1050 disk drives for the first time they seem to
respond to all the levers, buttons, and lights with something akin to
awe. (Is that another way of saying 'confusion' maybe?) I have never
figured out whether this is because they are impressed with what they
are looking at or because they just don't understand why someone would
put all that stuff on his disk drive. Maybe I'm the first really lazy
person they have ever met. Naw... I think they're impressed with the
high technology.
All of my 1050's have one or two drive select switches and a RESET
button on the front. The one 1050 I own that isn't a Happy drive has a
write protect switch and accompanying LED on the front. Two of my Happy
1050's have Happy Controller boards which add two more switches and an
LED. There is nothing complicated about any of these switches - except,
maybe, for the ones on the Happy controller board.
In case anyone is interested, the RESET button RESETs the 555 timer
which causes the drive to RESET. While the RESET button would probably
be usless on a stock 1050, it is handy for Happy and US doubler drives
since both upgrades occasionally forget that they are upgrades.
Especially when used with SpartaDOS since Sparta kicks them into slow
speed sometimes when it encounters a disk error.
Here's how I install my drive select and RESET switches.
Parts: 1 - SPDT center off toggle switch.
1 - normally open pushbutton switch.
some wire and some solder.
Figure 1 is a view of the back left corner of the 1050 motherboard.
This view assumes that the board is upside down and the front of the
board is facing you.
--------------|SIO plug|
|
| 1 2 3 <-- Drive select
| o o w switch pads.
| (Switch wires
| o w w will go where
| 4 5 6 the w's are.)
|
|
|
Figure 1
Bottom of 1050 motherboard
To install the switch, open up the drive by removing the six phillips
screws from the bottom of the drive. Remove the top cover then the
front plate. Next remove the screws that hold the motherboard to the
bottom of the plastic drive housing and lift up the motherboard while
carefully bending out the two plastic ears that hold the sides of the
board down in the front.
Now the important part. You must decide where you want to mount the
drive select switch. I settled on a spot about two inches to the right
of the power LED next to the on/off switch. Once you have decided where
you want to mount the switch check carefully to be certain that
everything will fit ok when you go to put the drive back together.
Myself, I have never put a switch in the wrong place. Well, maybe just
once. (Ok, ok! I never said I was honest!)
Go ahead and mount the switch then run a wire from the center pin of the
toggle switch to pin 5 of the drive select switch as depicted in figure 1.
Run a wire from one of the end poles of the toggle switch to pin 3 of
the drive select switch.
Run a wire from the other end pin of the toggle switch to pin 6 of the
drive select switch.
Now when the toggle switch is in the center position, the drive is set
to drive 1. In one of the other positions it is drive 2 and the last
switch position sets the drive to D4:.
If you want to be able to make the drive D3: from the front, you can
install a SPST switch and run a wire from the two end poles of the SPDT
switch you just installed to the two poles of the SPST switch. Turning
the SPST switch on and setting the original toggle switch to either D2:
or D4: will make the drive respond as D3:.
Now for the reset button. Here is the layout of the 555 timer chip looking
at the bottom of the motherboard with the front of the drive facing you.
1 2 3 4
o w o o
w o o o
8 7 6 5
Figure 2
Decide where you want to mount the pushbutton switch then drill a hole
and mount the turkey. Next, run a wire from pin 2 of the 555 timer chip
(see figure 2) to one pole of the pushbutton switch. Run a wire from
pin 8 of the 555 timer to the other pole of the switch. You're done!
Now hurriedly, re-assemble the drive so you can test out the new bells
and buttons!
THE COMPUSERVE INFORMATION SERVICE
================================== Z*Net Special Report
by Scott Lapham
If you are reading this, you probably have a computer. If you have a
modem with your computer, you've probably heard of CompuServe
Information Service (CIS). If you don't have a modem, or haven't heard
of CIS, then read on. You may decide to get a modem just to be able to
gain access to this wealth of information, services and products. And
it's not expensive, either. Only $6.00 an hour connect charge for up to
300BPS, $12.50 an hour for 1200 or 2400BPS. 9600BPS service is being
expanded this year.
CIS certainly is a diversified service. The first menu you see when you
log on gives you a good idea of what's available. It currently looks
something like this:
1. Member Assistance (FREE)
2. Find a Topic (FREE)
3. Communications/Bulletin Boards
4. News/Weather/Sports
5. Travel
6. The Electronic MALL/Shopping
7. Money Matters/Markets
8. Entertainment/Games
9. Hobbies/Lifestyles/Education
10. Reference
11. Computers/Technology
12. Business/Other Interests
Choosing any of the above categories brings you to sub-menus that break
down the generic choices into specific choices. For instance, if you
chose -1- (Member Assistance) from the main menu, you would be given the
following choices in the sub-menu:
1. Tour/Find a Topic
2. Command Summary/How to Use
3. Ask Customer Service
4. Membership Changes
5. What's New
6. Practice Forum
7. Billing Information
8. Telephone Access Numbers
9. Order from CIS
10. Rules of Operation/Copyright
11. Membership Directory
12. Specials/Contests
You then make a choice from the sub-menu and you either get the
information you were looking for or another sub-menu to give you more
choices. How could it be any easier?
Not only is CIS a great place to get information, it's a great place to
go shopping! The Electronic Mall on CIS lets you shop to your hearts
content without ever leaving your home. And we're not talking about a
few stores. There are almost 100 merchants that sell items in
departments such as: apparel/accessories, arts/music/video, auto, books/
periodicals, business/finance, clubs/memberships, computing, gifts/
flowers/gourmet foods, health/beauty, hobbies/toys/pets, information/
services, merchandise/electronics, office supplies, sports/leisure and
travel/vacations. And you'll find many very familiar stores like Sears
and JCPenney. All it takes is a quick -GO SEARS- or -GO JCP- command at
any prompt on CIS and you're off and shopping. Beginning this spring,
the ELECTRONIC MALL will be free of connect charges.
Hobbyists will find CIS very useful too. Some of the hobbies supported
in the forums include aquaria/fish, astronomy, food/wine, ham radio,
model aviation, photography, and science fiction, just to name a few.
More on how forums work later.
Need to fly somewhere? Log on to EAASY SABRE and make your own flight
arrangements. Even write your own ticket and have it sent to your home!
There is a small monthly charge to use this service, but if you fly
often, it could be worth it.
CIS doesn't forget about your children's education either. The Groliers
Academic American Encyclopedia is available online to help with the
toughest homework assignments. And it's updated far more often than a
normal encyclopedia, too.
Or if you need to send someone a quick letter, CIS' electronic mail
service is also a snap to use. You can compose your letter online or
compose it offline on your computer and upload it. And your recipient
doesn't have to be a CIS subscriber. You can also exchange messages
with any TELEX or TWX machine, or a subscriber of the MCI Mail electronic
mail service. You may also send electronic messages to FAX machines.
CIS and ATARI
Now let's look at CIS from an ATARI point of view. And there is plenty
to look at, too. Whether you have and 8-bit, ST, game machine or
portable DOS machine, it's covered on CIS. All you have to do, once
you're logged onto CIS, is type -GO ATARI-. In a few seconds you're
taken to ATARINET (Atari Users Network). Once there, it's just a matter
of choosing the right forum. Your choices are:
1. What's New in the Atari Forums
2. Atari File Finder
3. Atari 8-Bit Forum
4. Atari ST Productivity Forum
5. Atari ST Arts Forum
6. Atari Vendors Forum
7. Atari Portfolio Forum
Each of the Atari hardware and software forums can be reached without
going to this menu if you want to save a little time. Type -GO ATARI8-
(Atari 8-Bit Forum), -GO ATARIPRO- (Atari ST Productivity Forum), -GO
ATARIARTS- (Atari ST Arts Forum), -GO ATARIVEN- (Atari Vendors Forum) or
-GO APORTFOLIO- (Atari Portfolio Forum).
The overall Forum Manager/SYSOP and contract holder for all Atari Forums
on CIS is Ron Luks. He can be contacted via electronic mail (userid
76703,254) or on any of the forum message boards if you have any
questions about ATARINET.
All the forums have message boards. They are used to discuss any and
all subjects pertaining to the particular forum. The boards can be very
handy, whether you are an old pro or a new Atari user. You can post a
question there you may have about your hardware or software and will
most likely get an answer from someone in just a day or so. There are a
lot of very knowledgeable people logging onto these boards that would
love to help you out if they can. Or you can just read the messages
there to keep abreast of what's going on in the Atari world.
All of the forums have libraries. The libraries contain thousands of
files that you can download; games, utilities, applications, demo's of
commercial software or just informational text files. Or if you have a
program or file you'd like to share with other Atari users, you can
upload it to the library. Not a bad place to try to sell your old Atari
400 when you decide you want to upgrade to a TT! All of the files
uploaded to the libraries are previewed by a SYSOP to make sure they
work as described.
With all those hundreds (or even thousands) of files contained in the
Atari libraries, how could you possibly find a particular file you may
want? No problem. The Atari File Finder to the rescue. The File
Finder is an online comprehensive keyboard searchable database of file
descriptions from Atari related Forums. It was designed to provide
quick and easy reference to some of the best programs and files
available in the Atari ST Productivity, Atari ST Arts and Atari Vendors
forums. It provides you with seven common search criteria for quickly
finding the location of a wanted file or files. You can search by
topic, file submission date, forum name, file type, file extension, file
name or submitter's user identification number. File description, forum
and library location are displayed for the matched files giving instant
information on where to find a most wanted file. You can access the
File Finder by selecting option 2 on the main ATARINET menu or type -GO
ATARIFF- at any CIS prompt. Once at the File Finder main menu, you get
the choices:
1. About File Finder
2. Instructions For Searching
3. How To Locate Keywords
4. Access File Finder
5. Your Comments About File Finder
Take your pick and off you go! It's very user-friendly.
ATART8 (Atari 8-Bit Forum)
The Atari 8-Bit Forum supports the Atari 8-bit line of personal
computers and Atari video game machines, including the portable Lynx.
They have a real-time conference every Sunday night at 9:00 PM EST in
Conference Room 4. These conferences give you the opportunity to talk
to and ask questions of a variety of people related to the Atari 8-Bit
Forum. It could be anyone from an Atari Corporation executive to the
author of your favorite piece of software. Try one some night. I think
you'd enjoy it. The library in this forum includes files in the following
categories (my comments, in brackets, do not appear on the actual menu):
1. New Uploads (all new uploads, regardless of category)
2. Telecommunications (helps get the most of online time)
3. System Utilities (various utilities)
4. Graphics/RLE/PIC's (mostly clip-art)
5. Productivity Software (be productive)
6. Sound & Music (pretty self explanatory)
7. News & Reviews (see above)
9. BBS Programs/Information (in case you run a Bulletin Board)
10. Games/Entertainment (self explanatory)
11. ZNET Online (Atari specific online magazine)
14. Programming Aids (in case you are a programmer)
15. Innovative Concepts (to support their software)
17. Misc./HELP (just as it says)
ATARIARTS (Atari ST Arts Forum)
The Atari ST Arts Forum supports various art forms for the Atari ST line
of personal computers. They have a Community Gab Conference every
Thursday at 10:00 PM EST. The exact conference room will be available
when you log-on to join this conference. Again, you could get to chat
with anyone related to Atari or Atari products in this conference. The
library in this forum includes files in the following categories (my
comments, in brackets, do not appear on the actual menu):
1. New Uploads (same as ATARI8)
2. Games (games)
3. Game Data Files (self explanatory)
4. GIF/RLE/FCP Pics (clip art in GIF, RLE and FCP format)
5. Music/MIDI (for music lovers/composers)
6. DEGAS/NEO/TINY Pics (more art, different formats)
7. SPECTRUM Pics (more art)
8. CAD3D/Animations (computer aided design stuff)
9. CYBER files A-M (software support)
10. CYBER files N-Z (more of above)
11. LEXICOR Software (supporting their software)
12. Demo programs (gives you chance to look before buying)
13. R-rated pics (mostly nude/semi-nude clip-art)
14. Viewers/Utilities (for viewing art in various formats)
15. News & Reviews (self explanatory)
17. Misc. Files (self explanatory)
ATARIPRO (Atari ST Productivity Forum)
The Atari ST Productivity Forum supports, naturally, productivity
related subjects. They have a Programmers/Technical Conference every
Friday night at 10:00 PM EST. You'll have to log on to find out which
conference room they are in. And like the other forums, you could meet
just about anyone. The library includes files in the following
categories (my comments, in brackets, do not appear on the actual menu):
1. New Uploads (guess!)
2. Telecommunications (we've seen this one before)
3. Programming Tools (for all you programmers)
4. Utility Programs (we all need these useful little devils)
5. Applications (to be productive)
6. ACC's & Setups (accessory-type programs)
7. *ATARI Registered developers (Restricted)
8. News & Reviews (self explanatory)
9. Printer/Fonts/Icons (mostly self explanatory)
10. Program Demo's (look before you buy)
11. Tutorials (to help with those tough programs)
14. GNC Compiler Files (you'll know if you need these)
15. TeX/LaTeX (ditto on these)
16. Xformer II (run 8-bit stuff on the 16-bit machines)
17. Misc. Files (self explanatory)
To gain access to the restricted developers section, drop a message to
ATARI DEVELOPER SUPPORT 70007,1072 and they will request that the sysops
activate your user ID for this section.
ATARIVEN (Atari Vendors Forum)
The Atari Vendors Forum supports numerous third-party vendors that offer
Atari-related products. I don't have any information that suggests they
have conferences here, but they do have a bulletin board and a library.
The library includes files in the following categories (my comments, in
brackets, do not appear on the actual menu):
1. Forum Business (self explanatory)
2. Intersect Software (supporting their software)
3. Michtron (product support)
4. Precision Software (supporting their software)
5. QMI (product support)
6. Maxwell CPU (product support)
7. ICD, Inc. (product support)
8. GRIBNIF Software
9. LEXICOR Software
11. PageStream/Publishing Partner (product support)
12. Practical Solutions (product support)
13. Double Click (supporting their software)
14. Gadgets by Small (product support)
15. Supra Corporation (product support)
16. CodeHead Software (supporting their software)
17. ISD Marketing (product support)
APORTFOLIO (Atari Portfolio Forum)
The Atari Portfolio Forum supports the Atari portable DOS computer.
This forum has been named by ATARI as an OFFICIAL online area for
Portfolio support. They have a conference every Thursday night at 9:00
PM EST. Log on to see in which conference room it is taking place.
There is also a private message section and library for registered Atari
Portfolio developers. To apply for access, send CIS Mail to -Atari
Developer Support-, userid 70007,1072. The library includes files in
the following categories (my comments, in brackets, do not appear on the
actual menu):
1. New Uploads (guess again)
2. Communications (kinda like telecommunications)
3. Utilities (of the DOS variety)
4. Entertainment (have fun)
5. Editors/Word Processors (self explanatory)
6. Database Functions (to keep track of things)
7. Applications (get productive again)
8. Programming (for programmers (really?))
9. *Registered Developers (must be registered to enter)
11. GRAPHICS (art)
14. *HyperList Testing (must be registered to enter)
15. *PowerBASIC Testing (must be registered to enter)
16. New Products (self explanatory)
17. Misc. Files (self explanatory)
That's about it. I could go on for pages on how I specifically use CIS,
but Ron Luks told me to keep it short (how am I doin', Ron?). There are
even programs that will help you navigate around CIS faster and easier
but I'll save that for another time. The bottom line is that CIS has a
lot to offer an Atari computer user. And since you are probably an
Atari user yourself, why not give it a try.
MIST PLANS ATARIFEST III
======================== Press Release
Indianapolis, IN July 27,1991
For a third year, an AtariFest is planned at Indianapolis, Indiana on
Saturday, July 27th, sponsored jointly by the user groups at
Indianapolis and Bloomington known as MIST (Mid-Indiana ST). The show
was formerly titled the MIST SwapFest, and took place in Nashville,
Indiana. While Nashville is a lovely and scenic place, we thought if
our show was to live up to it's true potential, we would have to
relocate to Indianapolis, where we could find a larger venue.
For swap, for sale or just for display... whether it's 8-bit or ST...
even game machines... all are invited to bring software, hardware,
gadgets, accessories, books, magazines, etc. Commercial sales and
displays also are invited. Past shows have seen folks like D.A.
Brumleve, SKWare One, AIM, MS Designs, Computer Works, Cal Com, One
Stop, T&H, and others. Last year's show was quite successful, and this
year looks like it'll be even better! We have tentatively lined up ISD,
who will be demoing DynaCadd and Calamus. There are others in the
works, so stay tuned!
MIST AtariFest III will be held at CADRE, Inc. on the north side of
Indianapolis. The address is: 6385 Castleplace Drive, Indianapolis, In.
46250-1902. There will be specific directions in a later posting.
Admission to the 'Fest will be $3.00, and will include a raffle ticket.
We will be raffling hardware from Atari Corp, and software from
attending vendors and developers. Additional raffle tickets will be
available for purchase.
Anyone interested in attending or reserving vendor/developer tables
should contact me by one of the below methods:
For more information, leave mail on GEnie to W.LORING1, or: Call the
BL.A.ST BBS at 812-332-0573 2400bps, 24 hours. Write us at BL.A.ST,
PO Box 1111, Bloomington, IN. 47402. Call me by voice at 812-336-8103.
Vendor packets are in the works, and should be ready to send shortly.
More details will be available at that time.
Brought to you by MIST (Mid-Indiana ST), the merging of the ASCII (Atari St
Computers In Indianapolis) and BL.A.ST (BLoomington Atari ST) user groups.
Thanks for your interest, and we'll see you at the 'Fest!!
Sincerely,
William Loring, President of BL.A.ST
=======================================================================
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 71777,2140 and on GEnie at Z-NET. FOREM FNET NODE - 593
=======================================================================
Z*Magazine Atari 8-Bit Online Magazine
Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc..
=======================================================================
