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GEnieLamp Atari Vol. 6 Issue 82
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~ WELCOME TO GEnieLamp Atari ~
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
~ GEnie Quick_Quotes Return ~
~ A Lighthearted Look at Virtual Reality ~
~ Preview of Upcoming Jaguar Games ~
~ A Visit to the Collectibles Roundtable ~
~ Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About: A Disk Cache ~
~ 'Little Gems' -- New Series on Exceptional PD/Shareware Software ~
~ Online Library: 57 Files Reviewed! ~
~ New 'Opposing Viewpoints' column featuring Reader's Opinions ~
~ and.... much more! ~
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GEnieLamp Atari ~ A T/TalkNET Publication ~ Vol.6, Issue 82
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Publisher.................................................John F. Peters
Editor...............................................Sheldon H. Winick
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>>> WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE ATARI ROUNDTABLE? <<<
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
~ July 1995 ~
THE EDITOR'S DESK ....... [FRM] ONLINE LIBRARY .......... [OLB]
Notes From My Desktop [*] Files, Files & More Files!
VIRTUAL REALITY ......... [VRT] OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS ..... [OVP]
Virtually Real, & Really Virtual W(h)ither Atari
CLAW MARKS .............. [CMK] COMPUTERS AND INVESTING . [CAI]
[*] Greetings again, Jaguar Fans! [*] Computer Technology Stocks
AROUND AND ABOUT GENIE .. [AAG] PRESS RELEASE ........... [MST]
The Collectibles Roundtable MIST AtariFest VII
MEL'S MANOR ............. [MNR] PRESS RELEASE ........... [UVK]
Cache Me If You Can Ultimate Virus Killer Book
LITTLE GEMS ............. [LGM] SEARCH ME ............... [SRM]
[*] MemWatch reveals RAM Online Puzzle Fun
Fragmentation
LOG OFF ................. [LGF]
OF MICE AND BYTES ....... [OMB] GenieLamp Information.
Mactari, the New Adventure
[IDX]"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
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*** GET INTO THE LAMP! ***
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
[EOA]
[FRM]//////////////////////////////
THE EDITOR'S DESK /
/////////////////////////////////
Notes From My Desktop
"""""""""""""""""""""
by Sheldon H. Winick
[GELAMP.ST]
The 'Dog Days' of summer have arrived here in the mountains of North
Carolina, with their usual warm days and afternoon thunderstorms. June
also brought the second annual Honda Hoot to Asheville, and with it nearly
6000 motorcycling fans for the week-long rally. A great time was had by
all, despite the daily dodging of afternoon raindrops.
Honda was of course well represented at the event, and Linda and I took the
opportunity to take one of their new Gold Wings out for a test drive tour
along the Blue Ridge Parkway and other twisty mountain roads. We had a
great ride, but had to eventually return the new touring bike and go back
to our 10-year old Gold Wing Aspencade. After looking over the price of
the new Wing, we decided to keep our old one just a little bit longer. ;-)
On the Atari front, the trickle of new Jaguar titles appears to be
continuing. Atari periodically releases an updated list of projected new
release dates for upcoming titles, but the bulk of new titles most always
seem to still be just a couple more months away. Realistically, though,
its probably reasonable to expect an increase in title releases during the
second half of the year so they'll be ready for the holiday shopping
seasons.
It should be noted that Atari did have a good Jaguar showing at the
Electronic Entertainment Exposition in Los Angeles, back in May. They
showed previews of many upcoming titles, and our staff Jaguar expert, Tim
Steed, gives his impressions, in his 'Claw Marks' column, of some of the
things that were shown. I must say that his reviews certainly make it look
like there's plenty of upcoming new things for our Jaguar fans to get
excited about.
Atari's Don Thomas has also been finding the time to be a regular visitor
to the Atari/Jaguar Roundtable here on GEnie, as an official Atari
spokesman. His dedication and honest approach to even the sometimes tough
questions he faces daily, is very refreshing. Atari, just like any other
company in this industry, isn't perfect, but as long as there are dedicated
folks like Don actively trying to make a difference, there is always hope
for the future.
On the other hand, there is also a group of discontented Atari fans, many
of whom have become quite vocal in the Atari Roundtable. Many of their
complaints are justified and understandable; things such as continued
delays in projected shipping dates of new products, or what they feel are
continued Atari mistakes in marketing the Jaguar.
Its easy to be an armchair quarterback, especially when you don't really
know all the details that go into any marketing decision by any company's
corporate management. As far as Atari goes, I'll be the first to express
my own frustration with the lack of marketplace success of Atari products,
especially when those of us familiar with them know full well that they
are clearly superior to most contemporary alternatives.
Much of the complaining concerns what some folks feel is Atari's lack of
committment to national advertising. While we would all like to see more
Atari advertising, it would be foolish to think that simply increasing
Atari's national advertising budget would solve the problems. Advertising
alone cannot possibly be effective if viewers cannot find local merchants
who carry and are willing to effectively market those advertised products.
But, that somehow seems to always be the problem Atari seems to be facing,
isn't it?
In any event, it's my feeling that problems cannot possibly be overcome if
one merely ignores them. Rarely will a problem simply go away if it is
ignored. The same goes for folks who are vocally critical of Atari. As
far as the negative posts in GEnie's Atari Roundtable, we must remember
that for the most part, even the folks who are most critical of Atari have
also been supporting Atari for years as loyal customers. Most have owned,
or still own, a whole assortment of Atari-produced products, and have
enjoyed using them for a long time. Their frustration frequently comes
from the fact that they know that the full potential of those excellently
designed products has unfortunately never been realized.
This month, we're starting an 'Opposing Viewpoints' column, which will
feature the opinions of our readers which may or may not be completely
mainstream. This month, our 'Opposing Viewpoints' column was submitted by
Brian Millson. Brian gives his viewpoint, as a consumer, of how he sees
the home game marketplace, along with his predictions for the Jaguar's
future. His frustration is clearly evident, and only time will tell
whether or not his dire predictions will come true. If Atari can follow
through with even a small percentage of their current predictions for
upcoming product releases for the last half of 1995, I doubt that Brian's
'doom and gloom' predictions will materialize. But, the ball rests solely
in Atari's court; it'll be up to them to do something with it.
Back on the Atari computer front, there is still a lot of life left in the
Atari platform. Our staff writers, this month, have reviewed several
software titles that should probably be on everyone's 'must have' list, and
the best news of all is that most are either public domain or shareware
that can be downloaded right here on GEnie from the library!
Our resident GEnie tour guide, Lloyd Pulley, will take you on a visit to
the Collectibles Roundtable in this month's 'Around and About GEnie'
column. Al Fasoldt will play with your mind a little this month in a
lighthearted look at Virtual Reality; and Mel Motogawa explains everything
you ever wanted to know (or didn't even know you wanted to know ;-) about a
Disk Cache. Richard Brown will bring you up to date with his MagicMac
experiences, as well as tell you about the new development work he's doing
on that hybrid platform to bring both new life to Atari's operating
system, and increased power to the Macintosh hardware. There's information
about a new Virus Book and information about the upcoming MIST AtariFest
VII in this month's Lamp, plus much more. No shortage of excitement, so
'nuff babbling from the Editor already. Happy reading!
///// GEnie Quick_Quote ///////////////////////////////////
/ /
/ ..... I'd guess they have NEARLY 100 TITLES ready /
/ should they ever aquire a game in need of a TITLE.:) /
/ /
////////////////////////////////////////// REALM ////////
[EOA]
[VRT]//////////////////////////////
VIRTUAL REALITY /
/////////////////////////////////
Virtually Real, and Really Virtual
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Al Fasoldt
[A.FASOLDT]
Copyright (c) 1995 by Al Fasoldt. All rights reserved.
I was adjusting the sound level of my virtual CD player the other day when
I suddenly realized how strange this act would have seemed a few years ago.
But "virtual" is the buzzword of the mid-'90s for computer users, so no one
who has mastered a modern personal computer is likely to find anything
strange in what I was doing.
I turned a knob in the middle of my computer screen. Not a real knob, of
course -- that would really have messed up the display when I was doing my
word processing. It was a virtual knob.
Then I pushed the "pause" button when the phone rang. It isn't a real
button, mind you. I mean, it IS a real button, since it does a real thing
-- it puts the CD player on pause. But it's not a real button, if you know
what I mean.
Don't feel bad. Sometimes I don't know what I mean or what others mean,
either, when talk comes around to the latest virtual machines. I don't
know of any other term for them.
They're all around us when we use personal computers.
You're told to click on a window. It's not a window, of course. It's a
virtual window. And you're told to press a button. It's really a picture
of a button.
Things can get complicated fast. In our standard PC setup at the newspaper
where I train journalists in the new technologies of our trade, reporters
click on a typewriter to start up their word processor. It's not a
typewriter, of course. It's not even a picture of a typewriter, if you are
thinking along the virtual reality path. It's a picture of a virtual
typewriter.
And so I have my virtual CD player. The controls look just like the knobs
and buttons on the Technics CD player that sits on the shelf beside my
computer, but it's a lot more fun to use. Any time I want to listen to a
compact disc, I can just slide the disc into my CD-ROM drive and put my
virtual player on the screen.
I can even slide the virtual player out of the way if I'm doing something
else. It sure beats trying to lug my Technics around.
What this means to the non-virtual CD-player business is anybody's guess.
I know typewriters all but disappeared when word processors and cheap
computer printers took over. Sure, you need a computer if you want to use a
virtual CD player, but that's no problem; every office has computers, and
maybe 40 percent of all homes do, too.
Computers can be turned into virtual telephones, too. And virtual TVs. I
guy I know has a virtual stereo FM receiver on his computer screen.
One of my friends made a big discovery in the area of virtuality the other
day. He found a virtual keyboard on his computer screen. It comes with
Microsoft Windows. If you press a virtual key on this virtual keyboard you
get a virtual letter on the screen, I suppose. It would have been a lot
easier for him to press the real letter on the real keyboard, but it
wouldn't have been, well, virtual.
And it wouldn't have been as much fun.
///// GEnie Quick_Quote ///////////////////////////////////
/ /
/ Atari's consumer base is NOT made entirely of /
/ pessimistic whiney armchair quarterbacks with 20/20 /
/ hindsight and a penchant for flaming. /
/ /
/////////////////////////// D.ENGEL [Thunderbird] ///////
[EOA]
[CMK]//////////////////////////////
CLAW MARKS /
/////////////////////////////////
[*] Greetings again, Jaguar Fans!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Tim Steed
[T.STEED1]
Welcome to another installment of Claw Marks! Last month marked a
beginning for the Jaguar in the GEnieLamp/Atari edition. In that initial
article, we took a look at the current situation of the Jaguar, and some of
its competition.
(Editors Note: A picture appears in the color/mono TX2 issues.)
This month we'll take a gander at what the Jag's future looks like, or more
precisely, what GAMES are coming to the Jaguar. As we've seen in the past,
with the ST and other Atari projects, the software is what drives the
system. Without it, the best technology in the world won't do us any good.
So, we'll take a look into the crystal ball and see what the future holds
for the cat's software line. And
"... TAKE A LOOK INTO THE CRYSTAL what, you ask, will we use as the
BALL AND SEE WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS crystal ball? The recent E3 show
FOR THE CAT'S SOFTWARE LINE." (Electronic Entertainment Expo)
in California is the best chance
for video game companies (and software designers!) to get together and show
their stuff for the media and the buyers for major companies like Best Buy
and Electronic Boutique.
One of Atari's best on-line magazines, Atari Explorer Online (AEO) sent
some personnel to the show to film the extravaganza, complete with direct
feeds of upcoming games! The tape AEO made was high-quality, and well
worth the price of admission. But some of you haven't seen it, so I am
going to spend a little space going over some of the treats I saw on the
tape, and some of the titles we can expect to see in the Jag's future.
I will talk about titles in the order in which they were seen on the tape.
I'm pretty much going to talk about the titles that caught my eye, or which
deserve special attention.
I used a little rating system, based on a school's grade-scale. Note that
these ratings are based on what I saw on the tape, and will possibly change
upon review of the final product!
RAYMAN - This cure platformer looks truly amazing. You play the part of
"""""" Rayman, an armless, legless little fella who runs about very,
very colorful levels gaining power-ups and other things, making his way to
the end-boss for each level. Fairies will give you new powers, and you
might even have other helpers along the way. This one is supposedly almost
finished, and will be a must-buy if you like platformers. This one is
definitely a cartridge, and is slated for mid-July. Colors, colors, and
more colors! I'd give this one an A.
SOULSTAR - This shooter came across from the Sega CD platform. All that
"""""""" was shown was an FMV intro which looked very promising. It is
set in the far future, and it appears to be a game where you fly in your
mech/ship through towns destroying bad-guys. The Sega CD version looked
nice, which means the Jag version will be about ten times better! This one
was a CD title, and is believed to be set for an August release date, along
with the Jaguar CD unit. So far, a B.
JAGUAR VR - I had read about this for quite some time, and finally got to
""""""""" see it in action. The Jaguar VR booth was reported to be one
of the busiest at the show, and after seeing the tape, I see why! The
Jaguar VR kit, developed in tandem with a company from the UK called
Virtuality, comes in a 3-piece set: the head-set, the control pad, and the
tracking unit. The headset is a sharp black and red, and looks very small
and light. The control pad was harder to see, but is the same color as the
headset, and appears to be quite different from the standard Jaguar
controller. The tracking unit is large and looks like a small, round TV
set! Dressed in black, this piece is the heart of the VR system.
Virtuality was showing a game called 'Zone Hunter', based on their
full-size Virtual Reality system. 'Zone Hunter' didn't make it onto the
tape, but, behind closed doors, and of course on the AEO tape, they showed
the title I am waiting for: Missile Command 2000! Virtuality had a TV
screen set-up so that AEO could tape the head-set's response and reaction,
and it was very nice. The demonstrator would lift the headset upwards, and
the view on the screen promptly and quickly pointed upwards. Responses in
all directions was sharp and very responsive. With Missile Command 2000,
in classic Missile Command fashion, you must defend your helpless bases
from nasties falling from the
"ATARI IS HOPING TO HAVE THE VR SETUP skies. In MC2000 (or MC2K),
OUT AROUND XMAS, AND EXPECTED PRICE you do the same, only in 3D!
IS AROUND $299." Atari is hoping to have the
VR setup out around Xmas, and
expected price is around $299. Heck, I'd pay that just for the Missile
Command 2000 I saw on the tape, and that was ONLY after TWO MONTHS of
programming! With this VR setup, Atari hopes to be the first to bring REAL
VR to the home market at an affordable price. Definitely up there, say in
the 'A' range.
FIGHT FOR LIFE - Atari's answer to Virtua Fighter on the Sega Saturn is
"""""""""""""" coming along rather nicely. The backgrounds look done,
and the fighters move VERY quickly. The music is a heavy-metal type
soundtrack. Don't believe the so-called 'reviews' you might see in other
magazines, this one isn't done yet, and I think the game's programmer,
Francois Bertrand, is doing all he can to make this kick butt! You must
choose your warrior from a list of dead fighters, fighting for your chance
to be returned to the land of the living, hence the name 'Fight For Life'.
This one is due out in September, plenty of time for Atari to fix the small
problems, and make this one a winner. Movements seem almost TOO fast! A
cartridge, for sure. From what I saw, I'd give it a B, or B+.
NERF MAX FORCE - A Jaguar exclusive for this Christmas, this one was
"""""""""""""" described as 'Doom' for kids. You get to shoot different
bad-guy robots using a plethora of Nerf weapons. No game play was shown,
just an advertisement. If it's like Doom, it could be a great alternative
for parents who held off buying Doom because of its violence. Not sure if
it will be cart or CD, but I am guessing CD. Look for it this winter!
Can't really rate it, but so far, I 'think' it will be a B-.
MYST - Yes, one of the all-time best-selling PC CD-ROM games is coming to
"""" our favorite gaming console, and all indications put it as being
one of the best versions yet! The programmer, who was recently seen
(cornered is more like it!) on CompuServe said that it should be as good
as, if not better than the Sega Saturn version! From what I've seen/read,
Myst will most likely be due out around the same time the Jaguar CD unit
hits the market near the end of August. Definitely on CD, and definitely
an A.
DEFENDER 2000 - Ahhhh, Jeff Minter at it again, and the goods were simply
""""""""""""" smoking! As with Tempest 2000, there will be a Defender
Classic, Defender Plus, and Defender 2000 on this title. Classic version,
except for a few small changes, is the classic version us older-types loved
in the arcade. Defender Plus is Classic on steroids. The ground pulsates
with tons of throbbing colors, and an effect Jeff calls the 'Aurora' glows
and changes just above the surface, giving an eerie effect reminiscent of
'melt-o-vision'. Defender 2000 should be even better, with funkier
graphics and, like Tempest 2000, a kickin' sound-track. We can only hope
that Defender 2000 gains some of the acclaim Tempest 2000 received.
Defender Classic and Defender Plus, except for some minor tweaking, are
done according to Jeff. Expect this title around August/September. Will
it be CD or cart? A really mystery, but according to the man himself, most
likely a cart. It was PLANNED as a CD title, with Redbook audio and even
an interview with the creator of arcade Defender, but that looks like it
will be cut out in favor of putting it on a cart. Shucks! Definitely an
A, close to an A+.
ULTRA VORTEX - This one is being done by a small group in Utah called
"""""""""""" Beyond Games', and is their answer to all the Mortal Combat
hype. They hope to succeed where Caesium Ninja failed. The sound is
awesome, and the voice of the demon who watches your fight is the most evil
I have ever heard. The fighters move smoother than they did in the Atari
video from last November, and the backgrounds are stunning. From the
warriors I saw fighting in the demo, they have moves that are much
different from typical ones you see in Mortal Combat and its clones
nowadays. One guy turned into a hawk and swooped across and popped his
opponent in the head, while another attack sent some sort of electrical
charge dancing along the ground towards his opponent. The character
movements seemed a bit jerky still, but I doubt we'll see that in the final
version. A very promising title, on cartridge. Oh, the latest scoop says
this one is VERY near production, if not there already. Beyond Games has
said that they might be able to have their game manufactured with someone
who can supposedly put it out in half the time! If this is the case, look
for it by the end of July. Oh, and it looks like it will support Atari's
new 6-Button controller, too! I'd give it an A-, possibly higher if a few
minor tweaks are performed.
BATTLESPHERE - Designed by a group of people called '4-Play', this one was,
"""""""""""" in my opinion, the king of the Atari booth. If you like
Star Raiders, Wing Commander, X-Wing, Tie-Fighter, or any of those other
space-sims, you'll definitely want to check this one out. Many races have
come together and decided that, instead of starting a war that would span
the galaxy, they would confine all their battles to one area of space known
as the BattleSphere, a space-coliseum of sorts. All the major races are
represented, even us lowly humans. Each race have three different ships,
totalling 21 in all! Each ship has its own cockpit, and particular weapons
set-up and armaments. Each races has its advantages and disadvantages, and
its own theme and style. When cycling through the ships available, you get
a nice picture of each one rotating on the screen, and you can pan the view
to see them at different angles. Selecting your ship, its off to the
BattleSphere to duke it out with your enemies. You'll encounter
beautifully-designed ships, space debris, background effects like nebula,
stars, and gas clouds, as well as large capitol ships you can fly through.
As if this isn't enough, the key
"THIS ONE IS DEFINITELY ONE TO to this game will be its ability
CHECK OUT WHEN IT ARRIVES...." to network! By using one of ICD's
Catboxes, you can hook up to (I
believe) 8 players for some simultaneous fun. Team play will be supported,
just begging for groups of friends to join each other for tournaments and
such. This one is definitely one to check out when it arrives, hopefully
in November. Cartridge, with future CD possibilities. Let's hope Scott,
Doug, Stephanie, and Tom have no delays when working on this one! An A+,
'nuff said!
THEA REALM FIGHTERS - Ok, so what's in a name? :-) Another Mortal Combat,
""""""""""""""""""" this one was shown VERY early. Atari had this one
there to show what they had done so far, and what was there looked ok.
Reports placed it at about 20% completed, I wouldn't expect it until next
year. Worth mentioning: the models used for the fighters might be familiar
when you finally see this one, as a few of them were the ones used for
Mortal Combat! To top that off, they were present, in person, at the
Jaguar booth to help promote the title. Cartridge from what I could tell.
For now, a C+.
BLUE LIGHTNING - Ok, so it had some AWESOME tunes. And the opening
"""""""""""""" sequence was sharp. And the planes you can select looked
pretty. However, game-play looked either A) just 'plane' bad, or B) very
early. Rumored to be the pack-in when the CD unit is released, I hope this
one isn't finished yet. If you liked the Lynx version, you'll like this
one, but if you've never seen the Lynx version, well... let's just call
this one an After-Burner clone, which needs work. CD title, due in late
August. From the video, a C+.
PRIMAL RAGE - VERY early version, but I was pleasantly surprised as I
""""""""""" didn't know they had started working on this one yet. A
translation of the arcade version, this CD title should be out
mid-November. With the release of BattleSphere in November along with
Primal Rage, I will be a very busy man! Not much shown, but I'd say a B or
B-, but if done right, it'll be up there.
BRETT HULL HOCKEY - The Jaguar has been shouting 'Make me some sports
""""""""""""""""" games!' for quite some time, and if you are a hockey
fan, you've got a surprise coming to you. This one has as much detail as
I've seen in any video game system hockey game, and the neat thing is, you
can play the game from 12 different angles, which you choose before you
begin play. I know the real teams are in there, and I THINK the NHLPA has
authorized the use of their players' names. We'll see, but if they can do
a football, basketball, and baseball game this good, the Jaguar could
become THE sports-system. A CD title, due out in September. Definitely a
B+, and if real teams AND real players are used, an A-.
BATTLEMORPH - So, the sequel to Cybermorph cometh! Better? Yep.
""""""""""" Earthshaking? Naw... One of the first planned CD titles,
the graphics seem to be improved somewhat from the original. If you are a
Cybermorph fan, you'll want this one, and if you just tolerated Cybermorph,
this one still might be worth looking at. A CD title due out in late
August. Ehhhhh, how about a B?
VLM - Short for 'Virtual Light Machine', Jeff Minter strikes again. This
""" mesmerizing light-show is built in to the Jaguar CD unit. Play your
normal audio CD's, and you get a very nice, colorful light show. There are
virtually hundreds of light patterns, and a lot of the VLM will be
customizable by the user. The
"THIS MESMERIZING LIGHT-SHOW IS BUILT light show actually REACTS to
IN TO THE JAGUAR CD UNIT." the music you put into it, so
Kenny Rogers will sound
different from say, Rush, which will sound different from say, Iron Maiden.
The cool thing about this? It's useable by anyone, since you can play
whatever music you like! Comes built in to the Jaguar CD unit, sometime in
late August. I'd give it an (psychedelic) A, dude!
HOVER HUNTERS - No, don't get this one mixed up with Hover Strike. The
""""""""""""" theme is sort of the same, but that's where it all ends.
HyperImage has worked hard to get this one up to speed, and hopes to have
full network support. You drive around in a hover-craft, blasting bad-guys
and such. The terrain is beautifully drawn, and already looks worlds
better than 'Comanche' for the SNES. In fact, this one will end up looking
a lot like the PC version of Comanche, as far as the terrain is concerned.
Definitely worth checking out, I believe HyperImage is hoping for a October
release. Cartridge. From what they have so far, it deserves a B+.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of titles in the Atari booth, just
the ones I thought were the best. Note the ratings are based on what *I*
saw on the tape, and could change when the final product hits the store
shelves.
Other titles I'd like to suggest include: White Men Can't Jump (Street
basketball with 4-player capability, said to be in production now, due in
mid-July, and packaged with the 4-Player adaptor!); Baldies, not much on
the tape, but from the computer version appears to be a mix between
Lemmings and Populous; SkyHammer, the closest thing I've seen to the
computer hit called 'Descent', this one looks great, even though the
footage was dated September 94!; Power Drive Rally, a rally-racing type
game, from an overhead view, very nice graphics!; and Ruiner, another
pinball game, with ENORMOUS (and ominous!) tables!
If you don't believe me, or want to see these games for themselves, contact
AEO for a copy of the tape! Their address is:
AEO.MAG (GEnie)
aeo.mag@genie.geis.com (Internet, CIS, and AOL)
Be looking for reviews of these titles, and more, when they hit the
shelves. You can bet I'll be covering them all!
If you have any questions or comments, you can contact me at one of the
various addresses below. I hope you enjoy what the GEnieLamp/Atari edition
can provide for you, and I hope you will join us again next month. For
now, Jag on!
CompuServe: 76123,3037
GEnie: T.STEED1
AOL: OTRTimS
Internet: otrtims@aol.com
t.steed1@genie.geis.com
///// GEnie Quick_Quote ///////////////////////////////////
/ /
/ The CDROM for Jaguar is a great idea and will do /
/ well when there are a million Jag consoles out..... /
/ but not now. The timing is just wrong. /
/ /
////////////////////////////////////////// ICDINC ///////
[EOA]
[AAG]//////////////////////////////
AROUND AND ABOUT GENIE /
/////////////////////////////////
The Collectibles Roundtable
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
[LEPULLEY]
As promised last month, this month we'll explore one of the hobby areas on
GEnie, The COLLECTIBLES RoundTable. GEnie has many RoundTables (RT) that
are devoted to particular hobbies; stamp collecting, photography, scuba
diving, etc. The COLLECTIBLES RT is devoted to hobbies that don't have
such a wide appeal (and thus don't need their own RT), but still has a lot
of interest.
Now the problem is, where to start? The COLLECTIBLES RT has so much to
offer and is so diverse, that it's almost impossible to figure out where
to begin. I've been a member of this RT for years and until I started
writing this column, even I didn't realize how many hobbies/collectibles
were handled in this RT. There's so much here that all I can do in this
article is touch on a few of the many hobbies/collectibles that this RT has
to offer.
Do you (your wife, your daughter, your 'whoever') like stuffed bears? Or
how about bear figurines or other bear paraphernalia? Category 3 in the
COLLECTIBLES RT is the place to go. Until I browsed through here, I
thought that Teddy Bears and Smokey the Bears were the only collectible
bears - boy was I wrong!!
They have 'Raikes Bears' - bears made by Robert Raikes' in a studio in Mt.
Shasta, CA. All have wooden faces. Each Raikes limited edition collector
original is individually signed and numbered. There's Boyds Bears - bears
from Boyds Collection Ltd. Boyd's makes Pandas, Teddy's, and many other
types of bears. Don't forget the 'Lucy and Me Bears' - the creation of
Seattle artist Lucy Rigg. These are only a few of the many different
types of bears collectibles that are discussed here.
Not only does this category discuss bears, but also bear figurines, music
boxes, mugs, cards, books and more. Did you know there's a special
magazine for bear collectors (I didn't)? It's called "Bear Prints". Do
you want to know where the nearest 'bear show' is going to be? This is the
place to ask.
Or maybe you're into Trading Cards. The RT has two categories devoted to
trading cards. One is for 'Sports' - baseball, basketball, football,
hockey, and other sports. The other is for 'Non-Sports' related trading
cards - Disney, Batman, etc. Both categories have topics devoted to
trading and selling cards, and telling you when (and where) the current
shows are going to be. Are you looking for a 'Joe Montana' to complete
your collection? This is the place to look.
Psst! Hey guy, you want a baseball autographed by Roger Maris? How about
some Cleveland Indians equipment? Do you need a used tire from a NASCAR
vehicle to complete your livingroom? If so, then the 'Sports Related
Collectible' category is the place for you. This topic is devoted to
things like uniforms, equipment and other sports related stuff.
When I saw the 'Hallmark Collectors' area I thought to myself, "Self, why
would someone save greetings cards?" Boy was I wrong! It's not devoted to
cards (although some are mentioned), it's for Hallmark collectibles:
Easter and Christmas ornaments, Merry Miniatures, Tender Touches, and just
about anything Hallmark markets. There's a lot of talk about what's new in
Hallmark, especially this time of year when Hallmark is getting ready to
premiere the 1995 Christmas ornament line on July 22-23.
Also, this topic enables Hallmark collectors to coordinate get-togethers
with other members in all parts of the country. As an example, there's a
lot of excitement about meeting each other at the Hallmark EXPOs that will
be held in various cities this fall, with the largest group of GEnie
Hallmark collectors planning to gather at the EXPO in Atlanta on October
14.
The 'GEnie On-Line Ornament Collector's Club' is connected to the Hallmark
collectibles. As was told to me by Ann Carter (the RT Associate in charge
of this category), "It opened in April and the primary purpose of the club
is to prompt the collecting of Hallmark ornaments, we cover all the
Hallmark collectibles in our meetings, which are held the third full week
of each month. Our first election of officers will be held in July. We're
hoping to be the first on-line club to be officially recognized by
Hallmark."
The COLLECTIBLES RT has more to offer than I have the time and space to
describe here. A few of the other collectibles discussed here are:
Porcelain Figurines, Cottages, and Related Collectibles
Garage Sale Junkies
Promotional and Advertising Collectibles
Movie, Radio, and Television Related Collectibles
Antiques & Vintage and Historical Memorabilia
Toys, New and Antique
Doll Collector's
The Barbie Board
Any Other Collections
Home Shopping Networks
Now for a couple of hobbies that you wouldn't think would fall into this RT
- Refunding and Sweepstaking.
What's 'Refunding'? That's where a manufacturer pays you to buy his
product. I'm sure all of you have seen the ads that say, "Buy 'Fozzball'
Shampoo, send in the empty box and get $2.00 back." Well there are people
who do this for a hobby - and make a nice additional income while doing
it. [I'm one - this is the category where you'll usually find me.] The
people in this category can tell you how to lower your food and hba (home
and beauty aids) bills - and maybe even make a little profit while doing
so.
Or maybe you're not into money, but like 'do-dads'. Many companies offer
premiums/prizes if you buy their products. My wife has a nice women's
leather motorcycle style jacket (it retails for about $300) that she got
free from Benson and Hedges (she doesn't smoke - but her friends do). How
about a free color tv? A nice 200 channel police scanner? There's 100's
of free premiums available. Come and visit and you can find out how to get
some of them.
Sweepstaking is another hobby where you can make some money. Probably the
most famous sweepstakes in America is the 'Publisher's Clearinghouse'
sweepstakes. But there are 1,000's of others available - others that you
have more chances of winning.
Maybe you've seen their ads/promotions in the paper, magazines and stores.
"Send your name and address and on January 1st, 1996 if we draw your name,
you can win $1,000/new car/tv/whatever". Believe it or not, there are ways
to increase your odds in these sweepstakes - and people in this category
can tell you how. Many are regular winners in these sweepstakes (but not
always 1st place). Pop in and see how you too can be a sweepstakes winner.
"THE COLLECTIBLES RT IS PROBABLY ONE The COLLECTIBLES RT is
OF THE MOST ORGANIZED AND SUPPORTED probably one of the most
ROUNDTABLES ON GENIE." organized and supported
roundtables on GEnie. They
have weekly Real Time Conferences (RTC's) for the Rebating, Sweepstaking
and Garage Sale Junkies, and twice a month RTC's for Hallmark Collectors
and General Collectibles. (A RTC is where you chat with the other people
online 'in real time' - just like you do over the phone. You don't leave a
message and wait until the next day to get a reply. The other people are
online at the same time you are and are replying immediately.)
Jody McFadden is the Chief Sysop of the RT (and a real nice person). Ann
Carter is her Assistant Sysop, Patsy Akers handles all of the RTC's and
Jon Rice the Libraries. On top of that, Jody has 'RT Assistants'. These
are people that handle individual topics - like Refunding, Trading Cards,
etc. So there's usually someone around that can give you help if you need
it.
So come on down and give it a try. The odds are that there will be
something in the RT that'll interest you (my son even found something -
the Trading Card area).
To get to The COLLECTIBLES RoundTable, simply do a 'M 1490' (Move to area
1490). If you're using Aladdin, simply add that number to your RT
configuration.
///// GEnie Quick_Quote ///////////////////////////////////
/ /
/ I don't think the Jaguar's really doomed at this /
/ point, but I find it rather disconcerting (for Atari's /
/ and the Jaguar's sakes) that in mid-1995 they haven't /
/ even been able to get half as far with the Jaguar that /
/ they estimated they'd be by the end of 1993 (1 1/2 /
/ years ago!). /
/ /
///////////////////////////////////////// STEVE-J ///////
[EOA]
[MNR]//////////////////////////////
MEL'S MANOR /
/////////////////////////////////
Cache Me If You Can
"""""""""""""""""""
by Mel Motogawa
[M.MOTOGAWA]
There's nothing like a little extra speed. You can spend some money and
get an accelerator boards which can really turn your system on its ear. A
faster hard disk works wonders for morale and those 28.8 modems are
breathtaking. Having your system work faster makes you feel many times
better and gets things done pronto.
"A DISK CACHE CAN REALLY SPEED UP THE What's really nice is when you
ACCESS TIME BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR HARD can get a big increase in speed
DISK FOR A VERY MODEST INVESTMENT IN for a low price. A disk cache
TIME/MONEY." can really speed up the access
time between you and your hard
disk for a very modest investment in time/money. Most disk caches for the
ST are freeware or shareware and are worth the time it takes to figure them
out.
Cache It In:
""""""""""""
In most cases caches are just a matter of popping a program into your auto
folder and then configuring it via a utility. Usually the configuration
information is saved to the auto folder program or a file that it reads
during bootup. Either disk reads, writes or both can be cached. The
better caches will also have a myriad of complex sounding options dealing
with buffers, read-ahead, hash tables, cache blocks and such. If this
boggles you, just go with the defaults, which are usually described in the
documentation and already set up for you.
Write Or Wrong:
"""""""""""""""
A good cache will, if you're using write caching, flush the cache before
allowing a keyboard warm reset to take place. Write caching is a bit of a
gamble since any data in the cache will be lost if your power goes out or a
program crashes your system, but the speed gains can be impressive. You'll
have to decide if the risk is worth it.
I ran a few informal tests on my system with and without a disk cache. The
results show how dramatic a difference a good cache can make.
Turbo Mode:
"""""""""""
For years I've been using ICD's disk cache which has served me well. Of
late, I've been toying with TCache 6.3, a shareware cache (file #36120)
from Germany. Although my benchmarks (with a similar cache size for both)
showed it just as fast as ICD's cache, it seems faster. But at any rate,
it and ICD's cache's are good examples of what one can expect in
performance over a non-cached system. Both Tcache and ICD's cache come
complete with a wide array of helpful features.
First, I used Quick Index and ran its DMA Read and GEMDOS Files tests on my
25mhz system. Uncached, I got 7066% and 167%. Turning on a 362k cache
with a half second write cache delay brought these figures up to 8277% and
415%. A nice gain.
Then I ran Data Diet Tools and told it to Calorize my C partition, showing
me how much space I was saving over a non-Data Diet/Squish system. It
analyzed the 601 files uncached in 78 seconds. With the cache on it was
noticeably faster, finishing in 53 seconds.
Then I copied 78 files from my C to D partitions via Maxifile. Uncached
this took a pokey 3 minutes and 21 seconds. But a cache blazed through
this task in 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Finally, erasing the above files required 20 seconds uncached, but only 6
seconds cached.
In Retrospect:
""""""""""""""
Keep in mind that the above numbers could have been better if I tweaked the
settings on the caches and fed them more ram. Generally, the more ram you
can devote to a cache the better. But I think these modest benchmarks help
you to see what a time saver caching is.
I wonder if there's anyone on the planet not using a disk cache this days?
It's a relatively painless way to give one's system a big boost in speed
seamlessly. If you haven't done so already, why not download one today?
[EOA]
[LGM]//////////////////////////////
LITTLE GEMS /
/////////////////////////////////
[*] MemWatch reveals RAM fragmentation
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Al Fasoldt
[A.FASOLDT]
Copyright (c) 1995 by Al Fasoldt. All rights reserved.
Multitasking has immense benefits, but it has a side effect that can leave
you stranded without enough RAM to run your favorite programs. The problem
is fragmentation of memory, which occurs when programs are unloaded from
memory in a different order from the way they were loaded, or when a single
program grabs different amounts of memory at various times. Sometimes the
only result is a slight loss of usable RAM. At other times, memory can
become so disjointed that only the smallest additional programs will be
able to run.
MemWatch is a freeware utility from Damien M. Jones, one of the longtime
GEnie regulars and creator of the most widely used GIF-to-Spectrum
converter, DMJ-GIF. MemWatch is
"MEMWATCH IS UNIQUE AMONG MEMORY unique among memory utilities in
UTILITIES IN THE WAY IT CLEARLY the way it clearly shows the extent
SHOWS THE EXTENT AND SERIOUSNESS and seriousness of fragmentation.
OF FRAGMENTATION." By keeping the MemWatch display on
your screen or by running it
whenever you want to check fragmentation, you'll be able to gauge the
effects of program loading and unloading -- and you'll know instantly
whether a reboot might be needed to clear away space in RAM.
MemWatch is available as a downloadable file from GEnie's ST Roundtable
file libraries (MEMWTCH4.ZIP, file number 36395). It can be run as an
accessory or as a program, and has a fully modern GEM interface. It is
contained in a GEM window that can be acted on (moved, resized or closed,
for example) without the need to bring it to the foreground under a
multitasking environment. I tested it under MagiC and Geneva, the two main
multitasking operating systems for the Atari, and also checked its
operation under single-tasking TOS. My normal setup includes a True-Color
Crazy Dots II graphics card, but I also ran MemWatch briefly on a standard
Atari monitor, in ST Medium, ST High and TT Medium resolutions after
bypassing the card. Although MemWatch takes up less than 10 kilobytes of
disk space, it occupies about 14 kilobytes of memory on my system -- not an
unreasonable toll in RAM for a utility this powerful.
(Editors Note: A picture appears in the color/mono TX2 issues.)
In all cases, MemWatch behaved perfectly, remembering its position on the
screen when I ran it again and even repositioning itself so that it was
still visible if I switched to a lower resolution that would have placed
the MemWatch window off the screen. (The programmer's first-class
knowledge of GEM operations takes this one step further: MemWatch is able
to remember its previous position on a large-resolution display, even after
you save its location on the lower-resolution screen. This is a superb
example of user-friendly programming, and should be of interest to anyone
who is able to choose resolutions at bootup.)
MemWatch uses a horizontal bar graph to show the amount of system memory in
use. On TTs and other Ataris that employ alternate memory, MemWatch
displays system memory (ST RAM) in an upper bar and alternate memory (TT
RAM) in a lower one. Black portions of the bar indicate memory blocks that
are fully utilized; red portions show blocks that are party used (and
indicate fragmentation), and green portions denote free memory blocks. On
monochrome displays, black and gray are used in place of the colors. Total
memory and the largest single free block of memory (for each type of RAM,
if necessary) are listed in a text display.
The MemWatch window's Fuller gadget (the button at the upper right corner
of GEM windows) toggles the display's two sizes -- fairly small, the
default, or tiny -- and a button within the window switches MemWatch
between a "real-time" mode in which the readings are continually updated to
a quiescent mode in which readings are updated only when you click the
mouse inside the window. Updates take place every two seconds in the
automatic mode.
Fragmenting memory is easy. If you launch your word processor, run Aladdin
while the word processor is still in memory, then quit the word processor
while Aladdin is still running, you have created a hole in RAM. If you
keep Aladdin in memory and then run a program that takes up more memory
than the word processor did, you'll see the lost memory readily in the
MemWatch display. You may be able to make use of that hole in RAM if you
run a program that can fit into that memory space, but often most
fragmented blocks of RAM remain out of touch for an entire computing
session.
The problem that MemWatch helps address is the finicky way TOS (like nearly
all other operating systems) insists on finding contiguous memory for
applications. If Program A requires 100 kilobytes of memory to run, every
single one of those 102,400 bytes has to snuggle up in the same bed in RAM,
so to speak. The memory space can't be divided up -- 30 kilobytes here, 60
kilobytes there, 10 kilobytes somewhere else -- and that means you'll
sometimes find that programs won't run even when they seem to have enough
memory space as indicated in standard memory displays, which add up all
free blocks of RAM. If you have 100 discontinuous 30K memory blocks free
and no other available RAM, you won't be able to run any program that takes
up more than 30K -- even though a typical memory readout would show 300K
free.
In its original freeware release, MemWatch did not show fragmented memory.
It provided little more than a handy way of checking memory usage, doing
the same thing as Glasnost or MenuInfo. (The others are also freeware.
Glasnost displays both RAM and disk space in graphical form, and MenuInfo
is able to list free memory, among dozens of other system parameters, in
its menu-bar display. Both are available from the ST file libraries.) But,
with its new fragmentation indicator, the current version of MemWatch has
no rivals.
[EOA]
[OLB]//////////////////////////////
ONLINE LIBRARY /
/////////////////////////////////
[*] Files, Files & More Files!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Mel Motogawa
[M.MOTOGAWA]
Falcon owners rejoice! There are a slew of applications and utilities for
you this month. It's good to see programs being written that take
advantage of this powerful machine. Rounding out the recent batch of
alternative desktop demos of late is Ease, from Germany. With 200+ files
uploaded last month there's something for everyone.
Any comments of my own are shown within double asterisks "**...**" after
the file description, in the
"IF YOU HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED READING ASCII GEnieLamp version, and
THE LAMP IN TX2 FORMAT, WHY NOT also in italics in the TX2
DOWNLOAD THE TX2 VIEWER (FILE #20441) version. (If you haven't
BY DAVID HOLMES?" experienced reading the Lamp in
TX2 format, why not download
the TX2 file viewer (file #20441) by David Holmes? You may be surprised at
the versatility and power of this program, above and beyond viewing TX2
Lamp issues.)
#36119 EASEDEMO.LZH 131200 Ease is the desktop distributed with
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" MagiCMac, and is the desktop of choice for
many users of the regular version of MagiC (the multitasking, super-fast
replacement operating system for all Ataris). This demo shows off the
features of Ease 3.0. Note: All menus in the demo are in German, but a
fully English commercial version of Ease can be purchased at Atari dealers
in North America. Extract with LHARC or the LHarc-Shell. Note: No
documentation or help file included within this archive. ** A screenshot
appears in the color/mono TX2 issues of the GEnielamp ST. **
#36120 TCACHE63.LZH 25856 Tcache is a German disk cache with all the
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" features found in the best caches in the PC
and Mac world -- fully configurable for any installation. This is the
first English-language release. Tcache can operate in read-ahead mode like
the ICD cache, or you can turn off that feature if you are cautious. (It
will intercept reboots to flush the cache first -- a first in the Atari
world.) A desk accessory/PRG shows cache info at a glance. Floppies and
cartridge disks can be cached also, and there are dozens of other features.
The uploader has been using Tcache (in German) for many months with great
results. Use latest Quester's LZH to extract. ** A screenshot appears in
the color/mono TX2 issues of the GEnielamp ST. **
#36128 RAMFREEE.LZH 18304 This is the English version of RAM_FREI.LZH,
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" file #36074. Only the Program and Resource
file has been translated. The DOC files are still in German.
#36129 GFASH105.LZH 45696 This is a shell program for GFA-Basic (and
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" other compilers). I converted the program to
English except for 2 help screens. The docs are still in German. This
shell allows you to set the compiler and linker options, pass command lines
to programs, has support for C compilers, assemblers, and RSC construction
programs. Use latest Quester's LZH or equivalent to extract.
#36130 ATTR.LZH 10624 ATTR Version 1.0. This is a TTP Command-Line
""""""""""""""""""""""" program that alters file attributes. It will
alter the following attributes: Archive, Read/Write, Hidden, and System.
Does NOT contain the 'C' source code as the docs say. Use latest Quester's
LZH or equivalent to extract.
#36131 GESS_V1.LZH 26112 GESS, version 1.0, 05/15/95. A ST-low
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" resolution game. GESS is a two (human)
players game, the computer is only an assistant. This game should run on
any Atari computer, ST or STe, and maybe also on TT and Falcon. Game
based on the "Puzzle And Games Ring" of the Archimedeans. It is played on
a Go board with stones. Not much in the way of instructions. Game is in
English. Sysop note: Falcon compatible in ST Low res. Use latest
Quester's LZH or equivalent to extract.
#36134 PROT_280.LZH 105600 Boot Protector version 2.80, released
"""""""""""""""""""" 05/15/95. Will protect you from 280 bootsector
viruses and programs. Should run on any Atari computer. Program is in
French. Runs in LOW resolution only. Sysop Note: Color monitor required.
Includes music files.
#36135 EVERDATE.LZH 2432 Everdate V1.0, a simply way to keep the last
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" system date and time. What is does is every
minute writes the current date and time to a file. Upon your next
boot-up, the AUTO folder program reads this file and sets the time/date.
Program is in German.
#36143 ISOLA350.LZH 139648 This is Isola v3.50. Isola is little 2
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" players strategy game. The goal of the
game is to place blocks in your opponent's path so that he or she cannot
move. It runs on every Atari computers on any resolution. This new
version has got a new artificial intelligence part with a constant time of
thought for each game level. The trace mode allows to realise when the
search of a move doesn't bring new results, so you can then interrupt it.
Use latest Quester's LZH or equivalent to extract.
#36145 BIG2.LZH 497536 This is BIG 2 (Big is Gem). It is a development
"""""""""""""""""""""""" package for user interfaces in C. This archive
is in French but you should be able to figure the stuff out. Uploaded by
request. Sysop unable to verify operation of this file. Use latest
Quester's LZH or equivalent to extract.
#36146 SEAWOLF.ZIP 70272 A great little blast-a-thon from Munsie.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" Ever had the urge to sit down in front of your
Atari and just blow things up on the screen? Well, if you have, then
Seawolf will quench that thirst. Seawolf 95 will run on your
ST(e)/TT/Falcon and is Freeware by Munsie. Color only. Use ST-ZIP to
extract.
#36149 SQUAROFF.ZIP 773760 Square Off brings the excitement of the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" original Tetris(tm) to your Atari computer
and adds a couple of twists also. Classic Mode brings a familiar feel to
the game, while Arcade Mode elevates your pulse through 20 levels of
action. Battle
Mode pits you against a friend through 10 matches of
duelling. STe/TT/Falcon 1+ meg. Previeware by Munsie. Sysop Note: COLOR
monitor required.
#36152 XIMG_13.LZH 32896 Virtual screen XIMG viewer XIMGVIEW - loads and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" displays any IMG or XIMG file. Intended for
monochrome monitores. XIMG snapshot utility XIMGSNAP - allows you to save
parts of a screen into a standard GEM IMG file. Includes 'C' source code
to both programs. ** A screenshot appears in the color/mono TX2 issues of
the GEnielamp ST. **
#36156 TOGGLE_B.LZH 896 This little program will toggle Drive B on and
""""""""""""""""""""""""" off. The assembly source code is included.
#36157 IMGIMP.LZH (LH5) 2048 Well, I tinkered some more and figured how
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" to add 24-bit true color IMG (XIMG) import
capability to the updated import module for PageStream 2.2. The IMG.IMP
routine distributed with PageStream would crash with attempted loading of
color IMG files. Not any more! Imports monochrome, 4-, 16-, 256-color,
and 24-bit True Color IMG files slick as you please. Enjoy. (Note: _NOT_
compatible with PGS 3.0 for Amiga). Please use the latest version of
Quester's LZH to extract.
#36160 M_READ29.LZH 100096 Mountain Reader II is the finest offline
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" message reader for the Atari ST/TT/Falcon.
MR2 supports QWK and Bluewave message formats, supports 65536 areas w/65536
messages per area, Online Hypertext Help system, Area Preselection, Message
Prescanning, Bookmarks, Email address book, internal message editor,
tagline editor with "stealing", offline conference configuration, user
lockouts, a user definable search system, and more. Version 2.9 fixes some
crashing problems on Falcons, and makes the address book more accessable.
Please use the latest version of Quester's LZH to extract.
#36162 STY2DEMO.ZIP 102016 STyle 2 is now available from Zocra
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Technologies. This demo version allows all
of STyle 2's functionality to be tried out. Image loads are limited, saves
are unavailable. Includes press release/order form. Please use the latest
version of ST Zip to extract. ** A screenshot appears in the color/mono
TX2 issues of the GEnielamp ST. **
#36168 Q_ENVEL.ZIP 13824 Do away with messy labels! Quick Envelopes is
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" a FAST and SIMPLE way of addressing envelopes.
Insert envelope into printer, load Quick Envelopes v1.1, enter address, and
PRINT! EASY!! Written in GFA BASIC. Works in hi-rez and medium-rez. A
shareware program from Canada. Use latest version of ST ZIP to extract.
#36170 BOUND5.LZH 184704 This is a demo for the Falcon computer. Falcon
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" Only. Demo works, but on a VGA Monitor, it
looks lopsided.
#36186 HOMEWORK.LZH 145536 Homeworker is shareware from Undersoft by
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Geoff Camp in Australia. It is an easy to
use wordprocessor with 15 fonts and a graphics/picture module that allows
freehand drawing as well as the ability to import .NEO and .PI1 image
files. ** A screenshot appears in the color/mono TX2 issues of the
GEnielamp ST. **
[Editors Note: The screenshot included in the monochrome TX2
edition is a conversion from a color screenshot]
#36187 POTHOLE2.TOS 99328 Pothole2 is a shareware game by Paul Grenfell
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" in West Sussex, England. It is a twenty
level "boulderdash" type game. This is a self-extracting zip file.
#36189 MORPH.TOS 32000 MORPH, the shareware morphing program by Karl
"""""""""""""""""""""""" Manning. It uses Degas type images and moves
points from one image to another image, thereby creating an animation
effect. Demonstration morph included. This is a self extracting file.
#36190 GRAFIEK.ZIP 93568 Grafiek V 2.0 is shareware by Kurt Vandamme.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" It is a tool for turning your statistics into
a visual form, which can then be incorporated into a word processor or DTP
program. Creates Line, Bar, and Pie Graphs, as well as 3-D graphs.
Exports files in IMG and PI1 formats. ACCessory program included for use
within wordprocessors, etc. High-Res only (SEBRA high resolution mono
emulator is included in the AUTO folder for use on color monitors). Use
latest ST-ZIP to extract. ** A screenshot appears in the color/mono TX2
issues of the GEnielamp ST. **
[Editors Note: The screenshot included in the color TX2 edition is
a conversion from a monochrome screenshot]
#36191 WELL_ARD.ZIP 212992 Well'ard is crippleware from Cybernation
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Software. Play the first 4 levels, and if
you want more levels, send in 4.99 for the password. Color only, not
Falcon compatible. Use ST-ZIP to extract.
#36202 TW14W12.LZH 71480 Here it is: TOS Window 1.4 with WWA 1.2. Run
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" TOS programs in the background or foreground
in their own window under MiNT! Do NOT use to run GEM programs, or things
will get ugly, and fast. Just tested it out on a TT030 with 10megs of RAM,
MiNT 1.12, TOS 3.06, SpeedoGDOS 4.0x, and Warp 9... Works like a champ!
Runs as a desk accessory or program simply by renaming extension ACC/PRG.
Use the latest unLZH'er to extract.
#36206 EPRO_210.ANN 6016 This text file announce the availability of
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" ExtenDOS Pro v2.1 and describes its features.
It also provides information on upgrading from earlier versions of ExtenDOS
/ ExtenDOS Pro. ExtenDOS Pro is a commercial product from Anodyne Software
that provides CD-ROM support for Atari systems. File can be <L>isted or
<D>ownloaded.
#36208 ELFBAK26.ZIP 77184 Now can save to other hard drives. New
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" compression method. Requires TOS 1.4 and 2+
Meg RAM. Archive contains both ST and TT versions of the program. Use
latest version of ST ZIP to extract.
#36216 RAINBOW2.LZH 400384 Rainbow II Multimedia is a Falcon030 only
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" truecolor paint package with many features,
such as: PictureeStudio, Sound Studio, Photo Studio, Slideshow Studio,
Sprite Studio, and even a built in game. From Addiction Software(
addiction@tripnet.se ). Distributed in US
#36220 ELFARC12.ZIP 75648 Just what the world needs - another archive
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" format. What's worse, GEnie won't let you
use it in the ST Library. Also, it can be used only by ATARI Computers.
But it has a nice interface, and can beat ZIP most of the time (in
efficiency, not speed). If I had any sense, I'd be writing .BAT files for
PC's. Use latest version of ST ZIP to extract. SysOp Note: Occasional
2-bomb error encountered in the file selector. Produces archives that are
not compatible with LZH and LHARC programs.
#36232 TERAHYP.ZIP 23296 Hypertext of TeraDesk for ST-Guide
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
#36233 AESHYP.ZIP 21120 ST-Guide hypertext of AES library calls. Not
""""""""""""""""""""""""" yet complete but usable. Looking for feedback
by those interested in using it...
#36237 SONGZ-FA.ZIP 65920 Database for your music collection (demo).
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Some features unavailable unless you have a
Falcon. Language selectable, but incomplete. (the incomplete part
defaults to French) Sysop Note: FALCON and TT computers only.
#36238 STOP104A.ZIP 131200 This is a boot up utility similar to Xboot,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Mouseboot, etc. It is for the Falcon only
and it's very nice looking. (shareware demo) @ Sysop Note: Falcon ONLY -
Unable to verify operation.
#36239 VI10.LZH 17792 Videl Inside v1.0 from Trisomic Development,
""""""""""""""""""""""" freeware. English version Videl Inside is a
utility developed for the Atari Falcon030, it allows you to configure
higher resolutions than the standard ones without any hardware
modifications. Videl Inside also features a virtual screen m manager, it
allows you to define a screen which size is only limited by your free
Ram-memory Sysop Note: Falcon ONLY - unable to verify operation.
#36240 MATRIX01.LZH 12288 Matrix by E.Breen and M.J.Maisey. English
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" version. Matrix graphically displays
information about the current status of the Falcon030 sound matrix. This
is the hardware that allows diverse parts of the sound system to be linked
together independently of the main processor. It also allows the monitored
track to be reset or locked, and the input to be switched from the external
A/D converter to the PSG.
#36241 WINRE141.LZH 259584 The best shareware direct to disk recording
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" software for the Atari Falcon030. Even more
DSP effects available in this new version.
#36242 FMSYNTH.LZH 18432 Atari Falcon030 DSP frequency modulation sound
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" generator. by bITmASTER/BSW Sysop Note:
Unable to verify operation.
#36243 DIGITRAK.ZIP 298624 demo of DIGIT Tracker ver 1.1 by Galactic
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Software. .MOD file player/recorder which
has MIDI input. Play samples of sounds via a MIDI instrument and record a
song that can be played back on any computer as a .MOD file. Mono only,
requires 1 meg memory. SEBRA mono emulator included in AUTO folder for use
on color monitors. NOTES: sensitive to AUTO programs and ACCessories.
Shareware registration information in Digit.txt file. Save function
disabled.
#36275 MGTK9646.LZH 134912 Megatracker v.094 mod tracker and Megaplayer
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" v.096 mod player (both beta versions) Nicely
done scrolling, pretty graphics,mod,avr,sam,etc... Plays/Tracks many
different sound types.A must see! Sysop Note: Falcon ONLY; unable to verify
operation.
#36278 GDOS_F_L.LZH 27136 If you use Speedo GDOS or NVDI 3.x, this is a
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" must-have utility. It checks font IDs and
prints samples of all the fonts you have installed in the system. It
handles Speedo GDOS and TrueType fonts in any mixture. Fonts are printed
using the full alphabet and a sentence that uses all letters. All docs and
program prompts are in German. Use latest version of LHARC to extract.
#36281 ALADSECR.LZH 4992 Latest in the author's "Secrets of ..." series.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" Concentrates on the features of Aladdin that
are not generally known. Use LHARC or the LHarc-Shell to extract.
#36282 OCTALYSE.LZH 119424 Octalyser v0.96 from the Octalyser eam Now
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" it is possible to edit 8 channel modules
with all the channels visible on the main screen! Some new UDCM replay
modules included. (real 50KHZ replay for STe computers) Octalyser will not
work on an ordinary ST as it requires a DMA soundchip. Falcon compatible!
Program is NOT TT compatible. Use latest version of LHARC to extract.
#36283 ACM_PR.TXT 4736 This is the press release for ATARI CD MASTER,
"""""""""""""""""""""""" from Homa Systems House. ACM is a series of
programs that allow access to popular CD ROMS from other platforms for
ATARI computers. The 4 pack ACM contains drivers for TIME ALMANAA OF 90s,
SPACE MISSIONS, UFOs, and AUDIO CD MASTER v4 (major upgrade from v3). Read
this PP for exciting news.
#36289 GDOS_E26.LZH 52352 This text was posted on the Internet June 9,
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 1995, and is the English translation of the
latest "Joy of GDOS," the definitive guide to GDOS and all its facets and
flavors. Use LHARC or the LHarc-Shell to extract.
#36290 DAWNIMG.LZH 717568 If you have a large collection of images for
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" the Before Dawn screen saver, you probably
have these images already. They are put together here for the convenience
of those who are just getting started. Extract with LHARC ot the
LHarc-Shell.
#36291 SARA_D23.ZIP 31360 This ZIP contains an upgrade to the Disc
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Passage Module for SARA with better graphics
support for Total Baseball, a fix for some versions of Family Doctor, and a
bug-squash for Falcon printing. You must have the full SARA 5 PACK package
to make use of this upgrade.
#36292 NODSKENG.ZIP 971008 no|Desk version 3.01, menu, text file,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" utility program, library, and extensive
pop-up menu translation. This translation is a professional one, and
although there are plenty of dialogues that have not been tuoched, for most
intents and purposes, the whole thing is now functioning in english.
Translation done by Howard Carson and Lorant Oswald of TAF. This is truly
an amazing replacement desktop . . . unique and extremely useful.
#36300 ATARIWLD.ZIP 171264 [Hello Devoted Atari Users] STeve's has the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" second Issue of Atari World,and it has
included two additional mini-mags (all three front cover .GIFs are included
in this ZIP). Subscriptions are available... STeve's [ STeve's Atari
SALES! Your Official Authorized Atari Dealer!!! ] Use latest ST-ZIP to
extract.
#36301 TWILIGHT.LZH 331136 This is an updated demo of TwiLight, the new
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" screen saver program from Delirium Arts in
Germany. The first demo release had some problems running on MegaSTEs.
This one seems to be a bit more stable. Even though the demo can be run as
a .PRG, I recommend you try running it as an .ACC which is how it comes.
Missionware Software is working on obtaining distribution rights in North
America for this program.
#36312 VYGER31A.ZIP 398976 If you're into this sort of thing, you'll
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" know better than I, what it does. All sorts
of Astronomical information in a handsome 3d interface (Falcon). Demo only
calculates up to 1994 - runs from A:\ only. Program calculates planetary
positions, phases, etc. Use latest version of ST ZIP to extract.
#36313 WD2D_PRO.ZIP 70016 Direct to disk Player for the Falcon.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Converts and plays various sample types.
Assembly source code included. Use latest version of ST ZIP to extract.
#36321 INSTALL.TXT 18224 Install text for the TAF WWW browser. File 1 of
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" 11. This is the WWW browser for the Atari,
complements of TAF (Toronto Atari Federation). This will run on a 4MEG TOS
1.04 to 14MEG Falcon 4.04 . Before you start to download the complete set
of files, read this one, it has the installation instructions, along with
the machine. SYSOP NOTE->THIS FILE IS LEFT UNCOMPRESSED AS IT IS MOST
IMPORTANT THAT YOUR READ IT BEFORE EVEN THINKING ABOUT DOWNLOADING THE REST
OF THE FILES! NOT FOR THE NEW USERS OR FAINT AT HEART! IF YOU WANT TO
LEARN WHILE YOU PLAY THIS IS FOR YOU. RUNS IN MONO OR 2 COLOR MODES!
#36322 INSTALL.ZIP 433168 WWW Installation programs. File 2 of 11 See
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" INSTALL.TXT for complete instructions TAF,
GEnie, and the RT Sysops do not assume _any_ responsibility for improper
installations. SYSOP NOTE->RUNS ON 4megST 1.04 to FALCON 4.04 IN MONO OR 2
COLOR. NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. IF YOU WANT TO LEARN WHILE YOU PLAY
THIS IS FOR YOU. ** Files #36323-36331 make up the rest of this set. **
#36332 INTOUCH.ZIP V1.5 97536 In-Touch is a specialized database for
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" organizing names, addresses, phone
numbers, notes, calendar dates and manipulating them with a couple clicks
of a mouse. The date reminder and built in calendar system keeps you in
touch with all upcoming events. Features galore include importing,
exporting and modem phone dialing. A wide variety of professional looking
envelopes, mailing and calendar labels, address and date books can be
printed using Speedo fonts. The latest upgrade provides a monthly calendar
and month event listing. Use the latest version of ST ZIP to extract this
file.
#36333 GODPAINT.ZIP 182400 This is a True color paint program for the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Falcon. It saves in a .GOD format which I
noticed to be importable to "Rainbow 2", a True color multimedia package.
Use the latest version of ST ZIP to extract this file.
#36334 INDY_1_5.ZIP 51584 True color paint program for the Falcon. Has
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" a couple of nice touches, but doesn't get
along with very many other programs. Try this out on a BARE system for
less stress. Uses it's own format but will load PI3's (degas mono?) Tools
are accessed by key command. (no Gem or Pseudo-Gem). Use the latest
version of ST ZIP to extract this file.
#36335 REMB_306.ZIP 146816 Anyone here know French? Well, here's an
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" interesting paint package for the Falcon to
brush up with....<G> Loads P?1, TGA, IFF, GIF, NEO, Spectrum, TPI (true
paint), and a few others. Use the latest version of ST ZIP to extract this
file.
///// GEnie Quick_Quote ///////////////////////////////////
/ /
/ .... and everyone whines about ATARI'S release dates, /
/ like Atari has a monopoly on release-date push-backs! /
/ /
//////////////////////////////////////// T.STEED1 ///////
[EOA]
[OMB]//////////////////////////////
OF MICE AND BYTES /
/////////////////////////////////
Mactari, the New Adventure
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
(or, How MagiCMac Revitalizes the Spirit)
by Richard Brown
[R.BROWN30]
As more and more people have begun to write off the Atari as a viable
platform, something big had to happen, or else the Atari would become not
only an orphan computer, but an orphan with a bad case of arrested
development.
Most of us know that the really serious Atari development hails from
Europe, and thanks to brilliant German programming, the wind has once again
hit the sails and Atari finds itself in excellent shape headed toward what
could be a stellar future.
The Tramiel family realized long ago that niche market computers had no
marketable chance against the too-well funded, antitrust-happy juggernaut
known as "MICRIBMINTEL," or Microsoft, IBM, and Intel. By "niche market,"
you can simply assume ANYTHING Motorola based.
Greed combined with a good dose of stupid business practice forced the
Amiga line to crash and burn long ago, even though Commodore had found a
respectable niche in "broadcastable" medium grade video. Various attempts
have been made to revive the Commodore legacy, but nothing has truly taken
hold.
Apple Computer has a devoted but waning throng of diehards, and there are
countless indications that the Mac OS has pretty much run its course,
offering consistently decreasing performance against its much better funded
Intel nemesis.
The Mac no longer has any real advantage in any area whatsoever, and in
following some very embroiled conversations online lately, the Mac diehards
are beginning to _really_ remind me of "the great Atari debates" of the
past. Like a child with a scruffy but favorite blanket having a temper
tantrum on the day the new blanket arrives, Mac users whine over Apple's
attempt to survive in the DOS world.
Apple's move onto the PCI bus, for example, finally brings some peripheral
speed to what has been a boorishly sluggish performer. It also brings down
the cost of peripherals like video boards.
You would think this a good thing until you hear some of the rantings on
various BBS's. Universal, fast, cheap, PCI in the Mac-ONLY, sluggish, and
expensive world of NuBus? Say it isn't so! How can our dearly beloved Mac
suddenly jump onto the coattails of Micribmintel???
Well, with the coming of the P6 and P7 chips linked to things like
Microsoft's intent to bring the incredible power of the once SGI-only
Softimage graphics package to the PC, the Mac will shortly be, at best,
quaint. If Apple hadn't jumped into the speedy world of DOS peripherals
now, then its demise (read "the end of MacOS, hello Windows 9x") would be
coming around sooner instead of later.
The fact is, Mac's only real hope is to keep some users by positioning the
Mac as a "support platform" to create elements usable within "real
machines" like Silicon Graphics workstations or the extremely high end PC's
of the near future.
And that is where Atari fits in as well. There is little doubt that
Motorola based computers will be, in general, eventually delegated to
supporting the power platforms unless something extreme happens.
However, given: 1) the Mac's dominance on the Motorola frontier, and 2)
Apple Computer's abysmal record on slowing down its OS to effectively
negate any CPU advances, the tide does not appear to be turning in a
favorable direction.
Still, for those of us not wanting to fund yet another Intel
snicker-chuckle-chortle-nudge-nudge "look at the latest Fortune 500 company
to chuck its Macs-HA-HA!" party by helping it further squash its
competition, the Motorola chip beckons us with the promise of _maybe_ being
a little less annoying than the "D.imwitted O.perating S.ystem."
And so, minus Ataris, minus Amigas (a nasty pattern, no?), and turning up
our noses at Micribmintel, we go to buy a Mac.
Asking for "Power Without The Price" in the Mac universe is to spur a
government investigation pertaining to your planet of origin. My new
company waited for the PCI/604-based 9500's, and just purchased one for the
super low-low price of.. well.. over $12,000. Plus three grand for
scanners. OUCH!
What's funny is that this machine won't be COMPLETE regarding our intended
use of the machine until we sink over $20K MORE into it. Over $30K, and
that's to make sure I don't spend ALL of my time in front of the TT030
(more on that later!).
So, you end up spending a fortune, and basically for less money you can buy
an entry level Silicon Graphics Indy 175Mhz R4400 with 20" monitor and
vastly greater base power.
For slightly more money, your eyes pop out over SGI's Indigo 2 Extreme,
where Power Macs truly become "support boxes."
More money still, and you're in the Onyx category, from $100K to $1 million
or more, but the magnitudinal increase in power softens the blow in
dollars. Very cool setups with high level "Hollywood" effects or "Madison
Avenue" TV commercial "WOW!" factors will set you back between $450K and
$750K on average.
Meanwhile, back on the planet in the world of the trenches, the reason you
DON'T buy SGI in the $32K price range: you get the box, sure, but NO
SOFTWARE to speak of: titles begin at about $1,500 and an average graphics
suite will set you back $20-$150K. It all boils down to a question of
power at ANY price, and the intend use for the equipment.
Like the stars of the night sky, computers in the real world exist with
many similarities, but can still be grouped by defining characteristics.
Borrowing from the astronomers, we might begin by classifying our computers
by their type, and for each computer, place it on a scale ranking it by
magnitudinal increases in power. A star's relative "magnitude," to the
naked eye, is indicated by its relative brightness in the sky. Dim stars
will have increasing postive numbers, and bright stars will achieve
negative numbers. Thus is born our little chart:
THE STELLAR COMPUTER SCALE
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
COMPUTER MAGNITUDE
TYPE (increasing power)
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Support Machines"
Atari 68030 +4.2
Mac 68040 +3.9
MagiCMac 68040 Atari Emulation on the Mac +1.9 to +0.5*
DOS Pentium/Mac PPC +1.0 to +0.2
"Real Machines"
DOS P6/P7 0 to -2.2*
SGI Indy -1.6
SGi Indigo 2 XL -2.8
SGI Indigo 2 Extreme -3.0
SGI Onyx Reality Engine 1 processor -5.5
SGI Onyx Reality Engine 4 processors -8.5
SGI Onyx Reality Engine 24 processors -20.0 or greater
*-depends on what category of performance you consider.
Up to zero magnitude, you're looking at "support machines." Below zero to
minus 25, you're talking "real machines" capable of creating anything
within the scope of imagination.
WHAT'S A SUPPORT MACHINE?
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
Chances are, you work on a support machine, just as I am in writing this
article (what would you call a PowerBook running MagiCMac - aside from a
REALLY FAST PowerBook?).
As the world of computing slowly redefines itself into what is becoming
"the second age" of computing, the changing definition of computers and
their purposes will begin to become evident. It is not to say that lesser
machines are "bad" but moreso that have different reasons for their
existance:
SUPPORT MACHINES
""""""""""""""""
- Exist as the center of personal creativity and improvement,
facilitating the expansion of knowledge, and assisting the user in
defining the id of the cyber- verse.
- Exist to support real machines in the creation of the cyberverse.
- Exist to free real machines from mundane alphanumeric or graphical
tasks.
Although I personally cringe at the overuse of the now catch-all "cyber"
prefix, the cyberverse represents, in my view, the one definition befitting
the byproducts of the computer age.
Further, it is my pleasure in the emergence of the "real machines" to
announce that Atari has joined the ranks of the "support machines."
Atari's presence on the cyberverse is tempered by the long-winded attack
waged on the platform by everyone from the Doomsayers to the Tramiels.
The evolution was bound to happen. So what if Atari Corporation saw the
end of its commitment in 1989? So what if the online community split down
the middle: those who gleefully stoked the fire consuming the Atari world,
and the faithful, offering a steadfast bucket brigade against the death of
what has become one of the stellar icons of operating systems?
Ay, there's the rub. We, the faithful, knew it from the start. It was not
quirky styling, not the lack of "newer, better" every six weeks, not the
so-called "advancement" of other systems. It was the Atari OS, that true
pinnacle of form and function which drew us in and kept us appreciating our
machines has the rest of the computer world attempted to grow up and race
by.
Did they?
Look at IBM's feeble OS/2 Warp. It ran (past tense) on a machine in my
office to serve one purpose: too expensive Internet connectivity with an
okay IBM-supplied browser. OS/2 is, well, _laughable_. We ended up
reformatting the drive and reinstalling the dreadful Micribmintel default -
but at least it works, far less cryptically - like a molasses in winter
version of TOS/GEM.
OS/2 amounts to a colossal blunder. Inept. Inadequate. Laughable, even
amongst DOS diehards. We found it frustratingly pointless to use it for
ANYTHING else: as a "windowed" (taken loosely) environment, it quite
literally, begs for the C:\ prompt.
We found it useful only in determining the direction of my new company's
forthcoming Internet presence (Atari users can begin rejoicing now. We
won't disappoint you.)
Look at Windows '95, uh, that is, "9x." 'Nuff said.
Look at the Mac OS. Version 7.5: released full of bugs, as each Mac OS
revision always is. Not quite PPC compliant, but that will be fixed,
complete with a robust new insect population, supposedly less susceptible
to extermination, in "Copeland," the NEWER! MUCH, MUCH, MUCH, MUCH, MUCH,
MUCH, MUCH, MUCH BIGGER! SLOWER! (don't break with tradition, please!)
System 8.0, which might actually work by revision 8.9! Perhaps a working
System 8.x will arrive just in time to witness Apple Corporation's next
great adventure: Chapter 11.
And now look at the Atari OS. Unencumbered. Lightning fast. Everything
works as it should. Multitasking (in several flavors). A wide range of
portable and desktop models - PORTABLE? - OF COURSE, I'm talking about the
future - and that future is called MagiCMac.
At first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh glance, MagiCMac
is doing for Atari what the Tramiels never expected - creating a new life
for the best OS. Rising as the phoenix from the flames of its unsung
death, the Atari OS has been perfected, multitasked, and unlike IBM's
broken promise, WARPED.
Like the phoenix, this is the stuff of mythological proportion. But this
is no myth: Atari is alive and well, thank you, and living on the
68030/68040/Power PC Macintosh of your choice. Despite certain design
stupidities (put RAM in a TT, try the same in a PowerMac 9500 - you'll
see), the Mac is actually a pretty well-built machine, hardware wise. It's
the Mac OS that causes a good design to languish in a river of molasses
choked by overzealous loggers.
Sure, you can admire the myriad tricks the MacOS tries to pull off at any
given millisecond - things done for the pleasure of the user - but things
precipitating in a log jam. Some things (especially at the desktop level)
are VERY, VERY slow on a Mac, and that's the way they like it.
Running the Atari OS (as a program), the Mac finds its destiny. Ouch! I
hear the doomsayers a-calling! Fine. Take a DOS floppy with a hundred
text files and stick it in your System 7.5 wonder for the first time. Now,
get that directory on screen! You might as well go out for lunch, and, if
the directory has not quite arrived upon your return, go have desert:
after all, life is uncertain. Just like the amount of time it takes the
Mac to negotiate simple things like floppies.
Due to the excellent programming of German programmers Thomas Tempelmann,
Andreas Kromke, and Sven and Wilfried Behne (of NVDI fame), Atari now has a
role in the future of the Mac as well as the cyberverse.
Who cares if Atari has ceased production? MagiCMac, in one master stroke,
allows Atari users to catch up on all the R&D that never was. It was nice
of the Mac people to be so competitive, don't you think?
Just how good is MagiCMac? Do the math: take the Mac on which you intend
to run MagiCMac, and multiply the chip speed by 12.5. That's about the
average "speed enhancement" you feel over the Mac OS. Perhaps liken the
Mac to a horse and buggy, and MagiCMac to a space shuttle. That works,
too.
SOAP BOX TIME
"""""""""""""
It is time to evangelize on the concept of PURITY! NO! MagiCMac does NOT
burden itself with countless background functions as the MacOS MUST. That
is because it is PURE! CLEAN! Full of VIRTUE!
As a result, there are things that MagiCMac WILL NOT DO that Mac WILL DO,
and for these things, we will NOT REPENT:
MagiCMac WILL NOT limit the graphical user interface!
MagiCMac WILL NOT feel SLOW at ANY time!
MagiCMac WILL NOT limit desktop file management!
MagiCMac WILL NOT make configuration a guru's task!
MagiCMac WILL NOT burn up your drive space for vanity!
MagiCMac WILL NOT have trouble with regular printers!
Although we've been working with MagiCMac's full version for only a short
time, it has been an intense time, and so, here's a quick summary of this
new Atari footprint and what we think about it:
Let me start by saying that my new company, DynaStar (or DynaSTar, for an
Atari flavoring) has determined that MagiCMac makes Atari development once
again a wise choice, given certain parameters. DynaSTar has a full-time
programming staff, and you will soon begin to see new programs and
utilities aimed at both the Atari and, especially, MagiCMac Atari
emulation.
Some small things we've already uploaded to the GEnie Library:
No. File Name Type Address YYMMDD Bytes
----- --------------- - ----------- ------ -------
36248 EDIT_KEY.ZIP X R.BROWN30 950604 26240
Desc: DynaSTar's MagiCMac Keyboard Editor!
This program allows you to completely configure the keyboard layout within
MagiCMac. Remap just about every key on the Mac keyboard from the
available ASCII set in each of three different keymaps: lowercase, Shifted,
and CAPSLOCK. Foreign languages are a breeze. Make a REAL delete key when
there isn't one! Save with elaborate description tags! Re-assign the
keyboard without rebooting!
36188 MAGICKEY.ZIP X R.BROWN30 950528 3200
Desc: MagiCMac POWERBOOK perfect KEYBOARD!
This is the file that led us to do the Keyboard Editor. It is a full,
standard, U.S. Keyboard, including a REAL delete key (mapped as
Shift+delete), and all the U.K. quirks are fully Americanized.
36272 MMSHUFFL.ZIP X R.BROWN30 950606 10496
Desc: MagiCMac Desktop Picture Shuffler!
If you use EASE with MagiCMac and prefer a desktop picture, this AUTO
program will allow you to have a random new picture on screen every time
you boot MagiCMac. You provide a set of *.IMG graphics, and the MagiCMac
Desktop Picture Shuffler does the rest!
To find further offerings from DynaSTar, simply search the ST Libraries
under the term "MagiCMac." Most of our software WILL BE sideways compatible
to the TT030, Falcon, and the rest of the Atari line.
Do to our further belief that Macs, PC's and the like are in fact, "support
machines" (as we have the SGI's to know the difference), you will find some
of our Atari OS programs to be heavily cross platform, "saving as" various
things SGI, loading Mac data files, etc. This is the benefit of needing to
make Ataris work in a cross platform environment.
Some of the "heavy" programs we will bring to the fore ARE NOT AVAILABLE ON
ANY PLATFORM at this time (hard to believe, but true), and thus (hopefully)
will bring a certain niche legitimacy to MagiCMac as a viable OS. Why not
just do it on the Mac? As it happens, to do just that would both take too
long to program as well be too slow once released (one of our future
professional programs has exactly one similar program existing on the Mac,
and it is TOO SLOW to be worthwhile on all but the fastest machines.)
Funny thing to find the Mac OS a limiting factor, but these are the days
when the need for speed outweighs all. (A point never clearer than when
purchasing Silicon Graphics workstations.)
MEANWHILE...
HOW MAGICMAC FITS INTO A MULTIPLATFORM SCENARIO
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
At DynaStar, we have Silicon Graphics, Ataris, Macs, and IBM clones - all
happily coexisting, as each has a defined purpose to which they are best
suited.
SILICON GRAPHICS: High end 2D/3D graphics and compositing. Internet
""""""""""""""""" authoring and serving. Final assembly of files from
the Mac and Atari. Video editing and multilayer compositing with effects.
ATARIS: Copywriting and general text editing. General DTP. Business
""""""" planning and proposal preparation. Creative writing for multime-
dia (film, radio, TV). Spreadsheet analysis and budgeting. Project
planning for the SGI and Mac. MagiCMac program develop- ment (hence, the
sideways compatibility!).
MACINTOSH: Slide/flat art scanning and 2D graphic editing and
"""""""""" manipulation. Logo and general graphic design upwardly
compatible to the SGI. Quicktime animations and live action editing and
effects. Image translations. World Wide Web page authoring. Color DTP
and prepress.
IBM CLONES: Internet exploration and competitive analysis. Review of
""""""""""" browsing softwares. IBM product programming and testing.
The office is very happy with this arrangement. To transfer files between
the computers, and given the file sizes involved, we generally lug Syquest
platters, hard disks, or, for small files, use a network between the
Macs/PCs/and SGIs or null modem between the Ataris/PCs/and Macs.
Funny thing, watching Silicon Graphics and Macs, including the 9500, take
orders from plans made on an Atari. <g>
A FEW NOTES ON MAGIC MAC
""""""""""""""""""""""""
First, the system on which we made the first tests:
PowerBook 145B, 8 Mb RAM, 80 Mb Hd (a baby Mac, to be sure)
Syquest 88 SCSI external drive
2x CD-ROM SCSI external drive
LaserJet 4MP printer
DeskJet 500C
Some operational notes:
HARD DRIVES, ETC.: Make sure you log your drives! The first time you
"""""""""""""""""" boot MagiCMac, you must assign your drives. If you
are going to use external drives, like the Syquest or CD-ROM drives
mentioned, the first time you boot, you want to log these drives as logical
drives in MagiCMac. It's easy to do, and especially important relative to
selecting your boot drive (C:\) which is, on the Mac, only a folder!
Speaking of drives, Syquest owners will have no trouble reading Mac, Atari,
and even DOS Syquest platters, but only platters of the same capacity and
format type (Mac only or Atari/DOS only, not Mac then Atari or DOS) will be
"hot swappable" within the same session.
Drive caveats: If you turn on your Syquest drive with an Atari formatted
platter before you boot the Mac, there is a chance that your Syquest
controller software will NOT recognize the Atari format and hang up the
boot process. This is particularly noticeable on the Syquest-supplied
control panel. To get around this, boot with no platter, and, at the Mac
desktop, load the platter. The Mac might not like the Atari platter, and
thus will ask you to format it. CANCEL THIS, OR THAT'S IT FOR YOUR DATA!!!
HINT: After you have successfully set up all your drives in MagiCMac, you
can skip loading the Syquest until you get to the MagiCMac Ease desktop.
Unlike TOS, MagiCMac allows you to load platters AFTER the boot, and the
disk will be recognized.
CD-ROM HINTS: CD-ROMs from the Mac and Windows universes work just fine.
""""""""""""" The trick is, you must use Command-W to toggle into Mac
mode any time you need to CHANGE a CD-ROM. As the Atari is merely reading
a Mac drive, BOTH operating systems must agree as to which CD is actually
present. MagiCMac won't even let you eject the CD, sort of a helpful
reminder that Macs do have some purpose in an Atari's life.
PRINTING (Part 1: Laser): Far and away the easiest thing to do is to get
""""""""""""""""""""""""" a PowerPrint serial to parallel cable (CompUSA
sells them for around $100). As it happens, PowerBook owners that bought
a Portable Stylewriter are all set, as the serial to parallel adapter that
comes in that package functions identically to the PowerPrint cable.
**Note: you DO NOT have to install the PowerPrint or Portable Stylewriter
software on the Mac to enable PowerPrint printing mode on the Atari side.
The printer configuration dialog has a drop down, selectable "PowerPrint"
mode - and the necessary driver for the Atari side is supplied through the
MagiCMac OS.
So far, I have successfully used my Portable Stylewriter cable (and
PowerPrint mode) to print from PageStream, Edhack, That's Write PS, and
even a desktop dump (which is textual as opposed to graphical, thank
goodness). While not as quick as Atari parallel, it works more than
adequately fast (about the same as the Mac in many cases).
Programs that use the internal PostScript fonts in the given laser printer
will, of course, print the fastest. The Marcel Word Processor, for
example, prints almost instantaneously.
Having to upload font data (as in PageStream) will take much longer, but
the results are perfect. Keep in mind that you tend to forget PageStream
is slower on printing because the program runs so much faster - a balance
definitely forms.
PRINTING (Part 2: DeskJet): I found printing to the DeskJet much the same
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" as printing to the DeskJet straight from the
TT030. In fact, the speed is almost indistinguishable, but only when
programs are actually set up with DeskJet drivers (such as Word Plus) and
not printing in graphics mode.
PageStream, for example, does print to the DeskJet from MagicMac, and,
while the speed to BEGIN printing is very impressive, the slow serial to
parallel speeds involved definately make the actual printing speed more
like a 1040ST, that is, WITHOUT OutburST acceleration. But work, it does.
Due to our programming needs, we haven't checked "Speedo" printing in lieu
of our receipt of NVDI MagiCMac - something we must have to support the
color resolutions on the platform.
CAVEATS
"""""""
MagiCMac is so fast and fluid that you will tend to become overconfident as
to its stability. You must keep in mind that MagiCMac is an emulation
running on top of a questionable, never as yet actually completed MacOS.
The 9500 we ordered, for example, runs something called "Marconi," yet
another version of the MacOS that is still an "in-betweener" and filled
with questionable judgment calls in its code.
A brutal example of this - after perhaps 50 perfect, flawless hours using
Word Plus to write this and other new GEnie Lamp oriented articles, I had
the occassion to see a cryptic crash of unknown origin. Unfortunately,
lulled into a state of complacency - after all - there were no problems,
quirks, hiccups, _or anything_ to report in many hours of intense text
editing... BINGO! There it was. An unrecoverable crash teaching the
lesson why you want to SAVE YOUR WORK as often as is convenient, or better
yet, use a program with autosave features.
Thus, GEnie Lamp readers are spared about six pages (and a significant
rewrite), but the show must go on... and tomorrow is another day... one
in which I will be purchasing some new ST word processors to find that
elusive autosave in a Word Plus style of environment.
'Til the next... (gee, it's deadline time... maybe I should've spell
checked!)
[EOA]
[OVP]//////////////////////////////
OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS /
/////////////////////////////////
W(h)ither Atari?
""""""""""""""""
by Brian D. Millson
[B.MILLSON]
Most of us in the ST\Jaguar Roundtable are Atari enthusiasts if not fans.
I can think of no machines I would rather have bought than my STE, I like
to call it my 4160 STE, and
"MOST OF US IN THE ST/JAGUAR ROUNDTABLE my Lynx 2 which was such a
ARE ATARI ENTHUSIASTS IF NOT FANS. I good friend in Bosnia, last
CAN THINK OF NO MACHINES I WOULD RATHER year. But of late I have
HAVE BOUGHT....." grown weary of Atari as a
company and I despair that
they will never again reach their previous lofty heights in the electronics
industry. The Falcon failed in the market and it now appears that the
Jaguar may follow it into history as an interesting concept that never
really took off. Why is the Jaguar not making the grade?
The present market for game consoles is an interesting one. I would divide
it into two parts: the serious electronic games consoles; and toys. In the
first category are machines such as the Playstation, the Sega Saturn, 3DO
and the Ultra 64 which we will see in April 96. Such machines are aimed at
gamers who grew up with Sega and Nintendo machines but who are now entering
their late 20's and want something a lot better and with their current
incomes they can afford a console in the $250-400 range. I think the Sega
Saturn will be a big hit with this group.
Another target group are middle income and professional men in their 30's
and 40's who have a good assortment of electronic equipment at home;
videos, TVs, stereos, a camcorder, probably a good computer in the office
and in the home, but are looking for something new. Spending hours in
front of a keyboard at work takes a lot of the desire off wanting to do it
at home. It is also somewhat more sociable to play a game with the kids in
the living room or den or at least have them nearby to watch you play. It
can also be used by the kids which is a nice way of justifying the
purchase. Such a buyer looks for quality and studies the market before he
makes a purchase. He may go for the Saturn but more probably the
Playstation. The quality of the games and something that looks a lot
better than 16 bit will be a major factor here. The CD will appeal to him
and so will the company name. Betamax not withstanding, the Sony name is
equated with quality and success. Both the Saturn and Playstation are
arriving in North America after having been very big successes in Japan.
This is a big plus in the eyes of many.
The other market for consoles is what I would call the toy market. These
are mainly sold to teenagers or the parents and grandparents of teenagers
who give them as gifts. Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis have been very
popular with this group and I think they will continue to be. With a price
of under a $100 and lots of games available for them, they are a hit.
Since so many of these systems have already been sold, it is also possible
to find used ones with lots of games for a very good price.
In my opinion, the Jaguar is not well suited for either of these markets.
The biggest reason is lack of software. There are not many titles
available even though it is close to being on the market for 2 years.
Jaguars can be hard to find and due to poor marketing a huge number of
people do not know it even exits. Coming from Atari does not do the Jaguar
any favours. We enthusiasts know that the hardware will probably be first
class but we wonder if we will ever see any major support from the software
houses. Atari is in a sort of Catch 22 situation. The software companies
will not support the Jaguar until it sells well but the Jaguar will not
sell well until there are a lot of good games for it.
Atari does not help the situation by making extravagant claims. In 1994
they projected sales of $400 million in Jaguar consoles and games and did
not even make 10% of this projection. A similar situation exists with
projecting a total user base of 2 million consoles by the end of 1995. I
doubt Atari will have sold more than 200,000 machines. Atari also has a
terrible problem meeting release dates. They are perpetually
over-optimistic and more than a few times promised games and peripherals
have never made it to the market place.
More than anything else games sell machines. No one wants to look at a
nice 64-bit machine that has no games. So far the Jaguar's games have
received poor marks on the whole and have been justly criticized for
looking too much like 16 bit games. There have been a few good games such
as Tempest 2000 and DOOM but most of the games have frankly not been very
good. Atari has promised much for the future but then again we all know
that Atari's problem has never been in making promises but in fulfilling
them. Vapourware does not sell games.
Availability of the Jaguar and its games has not been good. Most people
cannot go down to their local department store or computer shop and buy
Jaguars or Jaguar games. They cannot go down to their local video shop and
rent Jaguar games. But they can get them by mail order. Most of us in the
Atari community know all about mail order. I regularly use mail order with
dealers based in Canada , the United Kingdom and the United States. I have
had and continue to have a pretty good relationship with them. But I miss
something. I miss being able to go down to the stores and have a go with
the software to see whether I like it or not. My IBM and Mac friends can
do this all the time but I cannot. If I had a Jaguar I could not rent a
game to try it out to see if I wanted to buy it. This is a major drawback
with the Jaguar.
The Jaguar has not sold well and will most likely continue to not sell
well. I feel that it is poorly placed in the marketplace, neither having
enough first class games for the quality buyer nor having enough games for
the younger crowd. The games are not good enough for the former market
and not plentiful enough for the latter market. Tom Kalinske of Sega has
said a machine needs to have at least a 50% market share to attract the
games houses. The Jaguar will never sell in sufficient quantities to do
that. I see Saturn and Playstation carving up the market between them with
3DO M2 being a dark horse. We do not know enough about Ultra yet. I see
the toy market basically staying where it is. The Jaguar is not well-known
enough, cheap enough, and does not have enough titles to sell well in this
market.
This Christmas it may be GAME OVER for the Jaguar. Had Atari launched the
Jaguar with some strong titles and worked hard on distribution it need not
have been that way but they apparantly did not try hard enough to get it
right.
Brian Millson is an Anglican Priest serving with the Canadian Army at
Valcartier Quebec. He has lived in Canada, the UK and the US. You can
reach him at B.MILLSON here on Genie.
///// GEnie Quick_Quote ///////////////////////////////////
/ /
/ I can't help but feel that this particular marketplace /
/ is rapidly becomming as topheavy with competition as /
/ the personal computer market is, and due for a major /
/ shakeout before too long. In any event, all this /
/ competition will undoubtedly mean excellent values for /
/ holiday shoppers as prices get slashed in order to /
/ clear warehouse and dealer shelves of excess products. /
/ /
//////////////////////////////////////// S.WINICK ///////
[EOA]
[CAI]//////////////////////////////
COMPUTERS AND INVESTING /
/////////////////////////////////
[*] Computer Technology Stocks
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Sanford E. Wolf
[S.WOLF4]
Introduction
""""""""""""
Well, here we are once again admiring the insatiable appetite of the
investment community for buying stocks. Phew! As we saw last month,
technology stocks, as a group, are leading the way to the heights, but many
others are riding the rocket ship. We'll take a look at the S&P 500
average, and a comparison average which may offer some insight as to what
is driving the mania.
As for the computer world, we'll take a look at Micron Technology as an
example of what is going on in this arena, and another look at IBM which
seems to have encountered some important resistance as suggested here last
month. But, all may not be rosy, and Digital Equipment may be a harbinger
of things to come.
For Atari fans, myself included, nothing new. It continues to meander
along around 2_1/2, with a chart looking much as it has for the past 3
months. No point in revisiting the ATC chart, but I did encounter an
interesting viewpoint which may offer some hope. I met a long time
professional analyst -- a very successful investor -- who mentioned that he
has actually been buying Atari stock. He pointed out that the massive
overhead supply represented by the Time-Warner decision to sell its 25%
holding in ATC is actually a bullish factor. His reasoning is that demand
usually rises to meet supply, and the longer term outlook for ATC may be
helped by the increased supply, although the near term may still bring
lower prices. Well, if he is correct, then I have learned something which
may prove important in future situations. At least it's something to bring
some hope into the Atari picture.
S&P 500
"""""""
The weekly bar chart shows what must be one of the all time bullish rises
in this average. The rise of over 100 points (22%) over the past 6 months
has certainly surprised me, but that is to be expected. I was selling
stocks during the last quarter of 1994, expecting a general market
correction, ie down. HA!
(Editors Note: A graphic appears in the color/mono TX2 issues.)
Super-imposed on the bar chart is the interest rate on the 30 year treasury
bond for the past year and a half. During 1994, it rose steadily from
under 6.2% to over 8.2%. 1994 turned out to be a year of consolidation for
the equity markets, as made clear in the nearly horizontal trajectory of
the S&P 500 average during the year. In hindsight, this was a display of
unusual strength, as stocks usually retreat when interest rates are rising.
During the past 6 months, interest rates have been falling rapidly, now
back under 6.5% at the 30 year span, and stocks have responded in the more
usual opposite fashion. Indeed, it would be very fair to say this present
bull market is being driven by rapidly falling interest rates.
Personally, my only consolation is that I invested the proceeds from stock
sales into interest rate sensitive issues such as utilities, high yielding
preferred stocks, and bonds. So all was not lost, as these have
appreciated to some degree. Those who were reading this column last Fall,
may recall our examination of utility stocks and our conclusion that they
were pointing to lower long term interest rates ahead. At least we got
that one right.
What's ahead? Well, everyone and his uncle is expecting interest rates to
fall even further, with even the Federal Reserve expected by most to lower
their very short term rates in light of an approaching recession. Yup,
stocks are bulling ahead, even as recession talk fills the air and
companies are beginning to project lower than expected earnings. As the
famous and respected Marty Zweig always says, you can't fight the tape, and
the tape is surely saying the bull market is moving right ahead. Elaine
Gazzarelli too, famous for many good predictions, is talking about much
more to go on the up side. Frankly, I'm getting scared.
Computer Technology Stocks
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Taking our usual look at the computer technology family, the following
chart of Micron Technology serves as a good surrogate for what is going on.
Almost a triple this year, and a 15% jump this past week alone. Fortunes
are being made -- on paper.
(Editors Note: A graphic appears in the color/mono TX2 issues.)
Moving along to IBM, we have a more cautious picture. The vertical scale
is shown using a log scale which shows a 10% increment in price for each
equal vertical interval. As suggested last month, this chart indicates
that IBM has entered a region of important overhead resistance. The
downtrend line from the 1987 peak at 175, and the horizontal line from the
two 1992 trading peaks are projecting past resistance to the present time.
Indeed, IBM has spent the past 5 weeks just under this resistance zone. It
may break through any day, which could incite a rapid rise of as much as
30% - 40%, but one might well want to wait to see the breakout before
jumping aboard.
(Editors Note: A graphic appears in the color/mono TX2 issues.)
Finally, let's revisit Digital Equipment. Those who were reading this
column last summer, might recall our examination of this nearly classical
turnaround as it finished a 7 year decline from 200 and began its rise from
18. We projected a first resistance zone at 36, and this can be seen in
the chart. Recently, Digital rose up to 50, where it has encountered
resistance projected forward from early 1993. It may resume its rise, but
the price pattern over the past 10 weeks has the suspicious look of a "head
and shoulder" reversal. It's a little difficult to see the details on this
weekly chart, but the short horizontal line at the right edge of the chart,
at a price level of 41, has the appearance of a possible "neckline". A
brief downward penetration occured on Friday, June 23. A serious
penetration could forebode a substantial fall. OTOH (there is always one
of these lying around) 41 matches a trading peak which occured in September
of 1993, and this could now be a support level from which a substantial
rise might be launched -- a target of 80 would then be a technical goal.
DEC bears some close watching, and may be a harbinger of things to come in
this overall group.
(Editors Note: A graphic appears in the color/mono TX2 issues.)
[*][*][*]
[EOA]
[MST]//////////////////////////////
PRESS RELEASE /
/////////////////////////////////
MIST AtariFest VII
"""""""""""""""""""
When: Saturday, July 29, 1995, at Indianapolis, Indiana
Where: Best Western Waterfront Plaza Hotel
on U.S. 136 (Interstate 465 at Speedway Exit)
Mid-Indiana ST Atari User Groups announce their 7th annual MIST AtariFest
will be Saturday, July 29, at the same northwest Indianapolis hotel as last
year. Admission: $3. Double the space in two ballrooms is under contract
this year for swaps, sales and trades -- and a strong JAGUAR presence is
anticipated. We are encouraging Atari Corp. to set up a "Jaguar Jetscape"
and show off its soon-to-be-released Virtual Reality equipment.
MIST AtariFest VII begins at 10am Indiana and Illinois Time (11am EDT for
Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky visitors), and continues until 3pm (4pm EDT).
EASY MIDWEST MILEAGE: Detroit 285 miles Chicago 185 miles
Cleveland 318 Columbus 180
Cincinnati 110 Louisville 114
St. Louis 246 Toledo 195
MIST is comprised of three Central Indiana Atari user groups:
*- ASCII (Atari ST Computers in Indianapolis)
*- BL.A.ST (Bloomington Atari ST)
*- PAUG (Purdue Atari User Group)
All Atari users -- games, 8-bit, 16/32 ST and 32/32 TT030 -- all are
welcome to attend and/or offer equipment, software, etc., for sale, trade,
or swap. Table space that has been reserved AND PAID by June 29 is only
$60 for commercial vendors/developers; $20 for user groups (and includes
admission for two people). Electricity is included for commercial booths;
$10 extra if needed at user group booths. Add $10 a table if paid after
June 29. Solo tables: $10, space permitting. Admission is $3.
Mail reservations and checks to: MIST AtariFest
c/o Charlie Sears
551 Mooreland Dr,
New Whiteland, IN 46184
VOICE: ASCII Sec'y/Treas Charlie Sears 317/535-4829 Fest location again
is: Best Western Waterfront Plaza Hotel on Ind. 136, just minutes north of
the Indianapolis International Airport (complimentary transport from
airport). If driving, exit at "Speedway" from Interstate 465, the "ring"
road around Indianapolis. Special AtariFest rates for Best Western rooms
are $53 single, $59 double -- but only if you call the Indianapolis hotel's
Catering Desk, not the national 800-number. For special rates, call
317/299-8400 and ask for Catering Staff at x393 to get your discount rate.
Special facilities are available for the handicapped, for non-smokers, and
for guests with small children. (Best Western's national number is
800-528-1234 but won't know us.) For more detail, leave inquiries:
FidoNet 1:231/310.0 AtariNet 51:203/8 or SBE Net
Crossroads BBS / 317/878-4069 (Southside Indianapolis)
& BL.A.ST BBS / 317/780-5473 (West & Northeast Indy)
Numbers / 812/988-1069 (Bloomington/Nashville)
After July 4:
Internet: shuffman@ideanet.doe.state.in.us
GEnie: s.huffman5
Voice: BL.A.ST Sec'y/Treas Stu Huffman
Evenings and Weekends: 812/988-7558 EOF *s *S *H
[EOA]
[UVK]//////////////////////////////
PRESS RELEASE /
/////////////////////////////////
The Ultimate Virus Killer Book
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Richard Karsmakers
[LETS2780@STUD.LET.RUU.NL@INET01#]
I am pleased to announce that the "Ultimate Virus Killer Book" is now
finally shipping. This book, which I've been writing for the last few
years and which is the ultimate book for those of you interested in the
virus phenomenon or protection against it, is available for a limited time
only.
The book contains text on a variety of topics, such as...
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
o What to do against viruses.
o What viruses can and can't do.
o A history of viruses on Atari, MS-DOS, Apple and others systems.
o Extensive virus classification described.
o All sense and nonsense ever said about Atari viruses outlined.
o A full and extended "Ultimate Virus Killer" manual.
o A list
of all Atari viruses and their symptoms.
o The biggest glossary you ever saw.
Ordering conditions
"""""""""""""""""""
United Kingdom: !11.99 to be sent as a UK cheque made out to "Mr. J.P.
""""""""""""""" Karsmakers". Please *clearly* state your name and
address and send your cheque off to the address below.
Nederland / The Netherlands: Hfl 29,95 per Nederlandse cheque op naam van
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" "Dhr. R. Karsmakers". Let op: Het boek is
in het Engels! Vermeld s.v.p. *duidelijk* Uw naam en adres en stuur Uw
cheque naar het hieronder vermelde adres.
The rest of the world: US$ 25 (Germans: DM 30) to be transferred via an
"""""""""""""""""""""" IMO (that's "International Money Order") or cash.
Absolutely no cheques! Please *clearly* state your name and address and
send your IMO off to the address below.
The address to send your stuff to
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
International: For the Netherlands:
Richard Karsmakers Richard Karsmakers
P.O.Box 67 Postbus 67
NL-3500 AB Utrecht 3500 AB Utrecht
The Netherlands
Do note
"""""""
o Please allow up to six weeks for delivery.
o If you have an email account and specify it upon ordering, I will let
you know that I've received your payment.
o The prices include postage and packaging costs.
o Remember: The book won't be available anymore after December 31st
1995! Orders received after that date will not be processed.
///// GEnie Quick_Quote ///////////////////////////////////
/ /
/ I guess anythings possible but just based on Atari's /
/ past I'd say there's a whole lot of exageration and /
/ half truths in there somewhere. /
/ /
/////////////////////////////////////////// REALM ////////
[EOA]
[SRM]//////////////////////////////
SEARCH_ME /
/////////////////////////////////
Online Puzzle Fun
"""""""""""""""""
by Scott R. Garrigus
[S.GARRIGUS]
Cruisin' With Usenet "Where've you been?" is probably the question on
"""""""""""""""""""" many of your minds and I have to appologize for
not being more verbal as of late. You see, I've been doing a bit of
exploring; traveling to all ends of the earth and back (and maybe even a
little farther). I've been delving deep into my subconscious trying to
find out just what all those strange dreams mean; searching for different
ways to do different things; and most of all, just interacting with my
fellow man.
Of course I'm speaking of using the Internet... and a special part of the
Internet known as Usenet or Newsgroups. Newgroups are basically like BBSs
except they are available to people from anywhere at anytime. There you
can meet many people who have the same likes and dislikes as yourself and
make a few friends along the way. You can also make enemies but luckily
since you're not face-to-face you can basically ignore those types of
people.
Another great use for Newsgroups is information. You can pretty much find
out anything about any subject there is out there. All you have to do is
ask and usually within a day or two (or maybe not even that long) you'll
have an answer.
My general feelings about all of this are that the Internet is a good
thing. It's bringing us closer together as one people on one planet... the
home we call Earth. Through my adventures so far, I have met people (and
made friends) in Austria, England, Hong Kong, and Italy as well as
countless places within the U.S. And the funny thing is even though I've
never met any one of these people in person, I really feel like I know them
and consider them my friends. I'm even doing business in places I would
never have had the opportunity without this great global network. While
the Internet is not perfect (neither is the world for that matter) I
believe it's the next step in our sociological evolution.
So, anybody up for a little word-search fun? :-)
USENET
""""""
ALT.ASTRONOMY ALT.BONSAI ALT.CEREAL ALT.DREAMS
ALT.EMUSIC ALT.FASHION ALT.GOOD.NEWS ALT.HYPNOSIS
ALT.JOURNALISM ALT.LEMMINGS ALT.MUSIC.WORLD ALT.PARANET.UFO
ALT.ROMANCE ALT.SEX ALT.TV.SIMPSONS
X D Y B S M A E R D . T L A L Z D N I M A I G
M N B V A Q I W Q T S W J L Y I K G U L L S K
I D B I L I J X K U J Y E W M Y D E T I P K B
D L A L T . H Y P N O S I S O F R . D J L O A
E R N W . P G H R X H L A N N U P X B R L P I
A O F G J E O P B J P L B J O A N C B F T L Y
L W U I O V X X D H T F C O R L Q I P E D B D
T . Q V U E O M F . L O L A T R E F E C B D S
. C H X R Q S Y F I M C N J S O R A C F Z B G
T I H K N U U A A R V E I Q A B C L N N J F N
V S Q B A P S K U Q T T N Y . E Q T A O A J I
. U T H L H Z L C . A V B B T W H . M T R A M
S M B U I J A Q U F U A I N L Z F S O Q L F M
I . I O S D H F E Z S W R X A Y S E R T W N E
M T N W M Z O A L T . E M U S I C X . E G T L
P L F I A S N O B . T L A H A O S C T C V R .
S A S C A W I Z H J B M L N G H E Y L H G Q T
O D J J Q J G H H M W S L T A R J E A T R Y L
N J Q T P O S A R X D M L S E Z K G T P P B A
S K V V Y K C L A L G M R A O W S U C V F M T
Y Z A U C Y X T M F H H L A K Q D I I N N M F
A L T . G O O D . N E W S W R O P I U W X X Y
/\/\/\
GIVE UP? You will find the answers in the LOG OFF column at the end of
"""""""" the magazine.
This puzzle was created with a shareware program called
Word Search Puzzle Maker by Impact D. Publishing.
[EOA]
[LGF]//////////////////////////////
LOG OFF /
/////////////////////////////////
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"""""""
ETC. o Jim Lubin [J.LUBIN] Add Aladdin Scripts
"""" o Scott Garrigus [S.GARRIGUS] Search-ME!
o Mike White [MWHITE] (oo) / DigiPub SysOp
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""""""""""""""""""""""""""
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. . . . . . . . . . . . L . . . . . . . . . .
A L T . G O O D . N E W S . . . . . . . . . .
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