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Z*NET Online Magazine Issue 91-32
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Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
August 2, 1991
Issue #91-32
Publisher/Editor: Ron Kovacs
Editor: John Nagy
Z*Net New Zealand: Jon Clarke
Z*Net Canada: Terry Schreiber
PD Editor: Ron Berinstein
=======================================================================
* COMPUSERVE: 75300,1642 * DELPHI: ZNET * GENIE: Z-NET*
=======================================================================
CONTENTS
THE EDITORS DESK.............................Ron Kovacs
ZNET NEWSWIRE..........................................
MIST ATARIFEST SHOW REPORT...................Bob Brodie
GENIEUS UPDATE.............................Announcement
Z*NET NEW ZEALAND WORLD TOUR - Part 1........Jon Clarke
LYNX NEWSLETTER...........................Press Release
BRACE ATARIFEST SHOW REPORT..........Staff - Bob Brodie
CPU UPDATE................................Press Release
ATARI 8-BIT OWNERS UPDATE.....................AtariUser
LEXICOR/CIS ONLINE CLASSES................Press Release
INTERVIEW WITH BOB-BRODIE....................Ron Kovacs
DIGIFLY...................................Press Release
Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF.....................Ron Berinstein
=======================================================================
THE EDITORS DESK
----------------
by Ron Kovacs
=======================================================================
This week's issue was released 12 hours late for another problem. After
completing the issue, I started to feel very ill and in a matter of 20
minutes, I was located in a local hospital. By my side was my son Adam,
3 years old, also sick. The two of us had eaten some bad food, as the
doctor said, and it felt like it. I am home again with my son and will
attempt again to release the issue. Apologies for releasing the issue
late, but some things can't be controlled!
Last week's editoral was focused on the possible pirate activities that
are taking place in FNET. If you remember, FNET is a network od BBS
systems running FoReM BBS software which communicate daily with the
purpose of transferring message bases and conference file transfers.
I want to apologize again here for the poor editing I actually did on
the piece. I was in a two hour race to get out the door last Friday and
paid little attention to the structure of the comments.
Well, to save myself possible work next week, I will leave you with
appreciation and thanks for the support of Z*Net. Have a great week!
=======================================================================
Z*NET NEWSWIRE
--------------
=======================================================================
ATARI BACK IN KEYBOARD
Atari is back advertising in Keyboard magazine, the most widely read
professional musician's magazine in the country. In the August issue
(with Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman on the cover), Atari has taken co-op
ads with C-Lab (Notator, Creator) and Dr. T (numerous editor/librarians
and sequencers). The Atari logo is large and clearly seen in both ads.
There will be an Atari/Dr. T ad in Electronic Musician this month as
well. Bob Brodie of Atari says "We've also done similar things in PC-
related magazines with some of our Portfolio developers."
ATARI CANADA PROMOS
Four promotions were announced this week by Geoff Earle at Canadian
headquarters in Markham Ontario. Package One (BTS Mono) includes a
1040STE, SM124 Monochrome monitor, Star NX1000, First Word Plus and
HyperPaint II. Package Two (BTS Color) inlucdes a 1040STE, SC1224 Color
monitor, Star NX1000, First Word Plus and HyperPaint II. Package Three
includes same products except a Mega 2STe in place of the 1040STe. The
final package #4 (MIDI) includes a 1040STe, SM124 Monochrome monitor and
Super Librarian.
DAMARK UPDATE
As previously reported in Z*Net, Damark has purchased a number of Atari
SX212 300/1200-baud Hayes-compatible modems. The latest Damark catalog
(September 1991), shows a reduced price of only $19.99, a full $10 off
their earlier price. Shipping and handling is an additional $5.50. (A
large picture of the modem appears on page 5 of the catalog; while the
word "Atari" had been difficult to read in the previous catalog, it's
quite legible now.) Damark's order lines are open 7 days a week, 24
hours a day: 800 729 9000. When ordering, purchasers will be asked to
supply the item number for the modem (B-375-181504) and the "Damark
Code" on the catalog (B-375-2006).
ST-REPORT'S MARIANO IN CONFERENCE
The August 3rd Conference in conference room 5 is a GO. Join Ralph
Mariano of ST Report and AABCO fame in talking about current events in
the Atari market. Be there at 7pm western - 10pm eastern time THIS
SATURDAY.
COMPUTER FAIR ANNOUNCED
The Atari Special Interest Group (SIG) of the McDonnell Douglas
Corporation Recreational Computer Club (MDC-RCC) in St. Louis, Missouri,
will be holding their fourth annual Computer Fair at the North County
Recreation Complex in St. Louis on August 31, 1991. This will be a
general-interest show, with many different kinds of computers
represented (not just Atari). The Fair will open to the public at 11:00
a.m. CDT and close at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact: Ray Perry
(GEnie address R.PERRY6) MDC-RCC Atari SIG Director.
ISRAEL AND ATARI
Plans to build a plant in Israel are nearly gone. Atari is alledged to
be attempting to borrow money from the Israeli government for building
the plant. Talks on this have failed and it looks like Atari will be
searching for another area. As previously reported, Atari has been
closing plants in Taiwan and sub-contracting work to other manufacturers
in the United States and abroad.
SONY TO MAKE PORTABLE PCS FOR APPLE
A Sony spokesman said this week that it will produce notebook-size
personal computers for Apple. However, an Apple spokeswoman denied the
article, saying that although Apple deals extensively with Japanese
firms, no contract has been struck with Sony or any other company
regarding the production of its computers.
COMPACT DISC RECORDERS HIT MARKET
This was the week to snap up three of the first compact disc recorders
to be marketed in the United States, each of them having a pricetag of
$20,000. The Denon DN-7700R CD recorders, which can record music onto
blank compact discs, went on sale at Dow Stereo in La Jolla, a San Diego
suburb. The blank discs for the machine are available at $40 apiece.
Sony is expected to introduce a recordable CD, dubbed a Mini Disc
because it is half the size of the standard 5-inch disc, late next year.
SEARS TO SELL TOSHIBA
Sears and Toshiba announced that Toshiba's T1000LE and T1200XE notebook
computers and accessories will be available in about 350 more Sears
Brand Central departments beginning in early September. The laptop
computers currently are available in 22 Office Center at Sears
departments. Sears was the first national department store to sell
Toshiba laptop computers.
LOGITECH THREE-DIMENSIONAL MOUSE
Logitech announced a new breed of mouse pointing device for a variety of
applications and hardware. The Logitech 3-D Mouse is a five-button
pointing device providing input capability for applications and hardware
supporting multi-dimensional, spatial graphics, such as CAD/CAM and
virtual reality workstations. It also works as a conventional Microsoft
/Logitech- compatible three-button mouse.
=======================================================================
MID INDIANA ST ATARIFEST SHOW REPORT
------------------------------------
by Bob Brodie,
Director of Communications, Atari Computer Corp.
=======================================================================
For the last two years, a small gathering of Atarians has met in
Bloomington, Indiana. The groups have used the gathering as a chance to
have a swap meet, and attract a few small developers. MIST is an
association of three users groups that has shared members, and needs
over the past few years. The groups that form MIST are ASCII- located
in Indianapolis, BLAST- located in Bloomington, and PAUG- located in
West Lafayette on the campus of Purdue University. Their goal has been
to share information, ideas, make new friends.
In making the move to Indianapolis, the members hoped that they would
share the burden of putting on the event a little bit better. This
years show was put on at CADRE, Inc, a local CAD firm. The show area
was a comfortable seminar area at CADRE, with carpeting, air
conditioned, and easy access to hotels and local eateries. The wide
open seminar room was laid out logically, so visitors would have an easy
path in making their way around the show.
Exhibitors at this event included:
Atari Corporation MP Graphic Design
Gribnif Software CompuServe
AT/Com Electronics Clear Thinking Software
Unicorn Publications Randall's Home Computers
MegaType Electronic Spinster Graphics
Mar's Merchandising Touch Technologies
SKWare One Softlogik
Computer Works ICD
Cal Com DA Brumleve
Apprentice Software One STop
MS Designs Wiz Works
also attending were a number of user groups:
Milwaukee Atari ST of Milwaukee, WI
Cin'tari of Cincinnati, OH
STar of Belleville, IL
Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts, Waukegan, IL
Eastside Atari Users Group, Alton, IL
From the moments the door opened, the show was very, very busy. Show
organizers were pleased with the turnout for Atarifest III! Once again,
the combination of inexpensive tables for developers ($50 a table!) and
low admission made this event a can't miss affair! While the turnout
was great, and the crowd was active, I never felt like I was in a rush
to get to the next person. Instead, I found people to be quite patient
waiting for their turn to talk with me about what was going on in the
Atari Community. I was quite surprised at the distance that some people
drove to attend this event. Spotted in the crowd was Paul Plants of the
WACO User Group from the Pittsburgh, PA area! Attending from
Huntsville, Alabama was John Cole, ST Vice President of the Huntsville
Atari Users Group. Other people told me that they had driven up from
Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, and Michigan. I met so many new faces, I'm
sure that I've overlooked a number of people in this report.
The MIST organizers set up the exhibition area in a large open area of
CADRE's conference center. In addition, they had seminars set up in a
room down the hall from the main area, which sat around 150 people. The
entrance to the show was in yet another area, which also had a MIDI-Maze
ring set up in it. Dan Ward from ASCII set up a large "white board"
that he posted all door prize winners on. Nice touch, Dan! There was
even a convenient Coke machine!
A number of developers that couldn't attend this show demonstrated their
support for MidWestern Atarians by sending along door prizes or
advertising in the show program. Among them was ISD Marketing, which
donated Calamus, Outline Art, The Calamus Font Editor, a copy of the
Guide to Calamus Desktop Publishing. Current Notes, the Washington D.C.
area based magazine offered a subscription to Current Notes, as well an
ad in the show program. Fonts by Guber sent 3 PageStream font disk
certificates.
The show organizers kept trying to tell me that they only had 250 people
or so that had shown up. I couldn't believe it, I've been to enough of
these events that I just *knew* that the crowd was much better than
that! Sure enough! During teardown the show officials acknowledged
that they had miscounted. The attendance was 450+! Now there's a
number I can believe in!
The developers expressed great satisfaction with this event. Tricia
Metcalf from Gribnif Software told me that sales were better than they
had been at the Windsor Show, which was a two day event with much higher
booth prices! ICD sold out of a number of items. Wiz Works was
badgered by people all day that wanted to buy Migraph scanner modules to
use with MVG, and I was one of them! Some of the user groups expressed
disappointment with the sales of their PD libraries, while others did
just great. The LCACE gang did a bang up business, and EAUG had a
terrific looking booth.
For me, one of the highlights of the day was the MARC Meeting. Under
the leadership of Hank Vize, MARC (Midwest Atari Regional Council) is
trying to make sure that all of the groups in the midwest stay in good
contact with each other. This meeting was open to user group officers
only, and had a fine turnout. MARC started in the St. Louis area. I
visited them in late '89, and just kind of casually remarked to Hank
that it was a shame that the local groups didn't talk more. He took the
idea and ran with it, and now MARC has an e-mail list that goes from St.
Louis to South Bend, Indiana! Keep up the good work, guys! Look for
the gang from St. Louis to have a bigger role in next years MIST Show.
Maybe they'll have to give the show a new name!
Another bright spot was a tour of Purdue University. Professor Dennis
Short of Purdue's Technical Graphics Department is an Atari fan! He's
got a number of labs at Purdue that are crammed full of IBM/PS2's and
Macs. But in his office, he's got an Atari TT, running DynaCadd and
NeoDesk3! Professor Short is excited about the high speed performance
of DynaCadd. He's proposed a lab of TT's to Purdue University, all to
be running DynaCadd! Professor Short is faculty advisor to the Purdue
Atari Computer Enthusiasts, and spent several hours at the show. During
dinner on Friday night, he expressed sincere appreciation for all of the
support Atari developers have provided him as he's learned the ins and
outs of the TT030! Not without a fun streak in him though, I caught the
professor taking a hard look at a Lynx! Hmmm, what that line about all
work and no play? MP Designs is the Indianapolis based VAR that is
servicing Purdue's Atari needs.
I'm grateful to the organizers of the MIST Atarifest III for allowing me
to participate in this event. Congratulations on a job well done!
=======================================================================
GENIEUS UPDATE
--------------
GEnie Annoucement
=======================================================================
Hi there--me again. Your charming and delightful GEnie Users' SysOp,
with word of a couple of Hot Summer Nights RealTime Conferences I
thought you might be interested in.
This Thursday, August 1st, at 9pm Eastern time, GEnie General Manager
John Barber and VP Chip Chiappone will be our guests in the GENIEus
RealTime Conference, in Room 3. If you have any questions about how
GEnie is being run, what the plans are for the future or why things are
the way they are, you can find no one better to ask than these two, I
assure you. Plan to be there early, to meet GEnie's management staff
and find out what's in store for GEnie in the '90s.
And Saturday, August 3rd, we'll be hosting the GEnie programming staff
in our regular Saturday Night GEnie-Jam! If you've ever wondered what
kinds of computers GEnie runs on, or what language GE Mail is written
in, or how the Bulletin Board software works, this is your best chance
to find out. The conference is open to programmers and non-programmers
alike. All you need is an interest in the code behind the node to enjoy
this one. Again, that's Saturday night, at 9pm Eastern time, in RTC
room 3.
We hope to see you there, and in future Hot Summer Nights RealTime
Conferences, movers and shakers of the online world. Remember to check
in with Category 14 to find out what's going on, and mark your calendars
for the GENIEus RealTime Conferences that most interest you!
=======================================================================
Z*NET NEW ZEALAND
-----------------
World Tour - Part 1
by Jon Clarke
=======================================================================
Three weeks ago I was sitting in my office in Auckland contemplating
popping onto the weekly GEnie RTC when in wandered my boss and said
"what do you have planned for the next two weeks, Clarkie?" Checking
the local diary (2 seconds later) I saw I had nothing on so I said "not
much why?"
What a silly question that turned out to be. "Well we want you in New
York and when you have finished there we want you to pop into London,
Germany and then head office in Hong Kong. "Getting my breath back I
said "what, ok when?" To cut a long story short two weeks later and a
few zillion phone calls, fax's, telexes, swift and email messages later
I was on the plane jetting off towards Hawaii.
I had by this time managed to contact a few friends and the Z*NET crew
world wide to say I would be there in their towns and lets met each
other for a social hour or two (or was that three or four). I had the
pleasure or as I was later to discover the displeasure of flying on
Continental Airlines. They are a little like their old adverts "We
know the Pacific" "Yes sure, you have been in it enough" we always used
to joke.
For those of you (most of you) who have flown in an commercial airline
you will have read the emergency information in the seat pocket in front
of you (hmmm I am even sounding like a hostee) or seen the
demonstrations where they show what to do if the emergency air supply
drops down.
Picture this if you will. A lovely winters Friday evening. We takeoff
into the sunset out of Auckland on our first leg to Hawaii. I am
sitting next to a MAC fanatic from a place called Christchurch. With
all the formalities out of the way like why do you have a MAC and why do
I use an IBM and a what, an Atari? We are half way down the runway
heading for the big blue yonder. Now forced firmly back in my seat as
the Boeing 747-400 tries to defy nature and become lighter than nature
intended and become airbourne.
When all of a sudden there is a row of oxygen masks in my face. Well I
can not be called slow but I had the sucker on my face in a few seconds
flat. Then I realised. Opps! We were the only ones with the Oxygen
masks. Now either we were the only lucky ones or we had a fault with
the aircraft and it spat them at us to make sure we stayed awake all the
trip. I am lucky to say it was the later and after a quick whiff of
recycled air (they did not work, YIKES) the hostess crawled up to us and
said in a pleasant voice "Don't worry false alarm (in her best American
accent)" We spent the rest of the haul talking about the new Macintosh
packages and the new products they were about to release on the world
markets and how great Spectre GCR is even if it is on an Atari.
It was interesting to note the comments about the Atari from people I
speak to and this conversation was no different. The chap next to me
had seen, heard and used "A-MAX" for the (dare I say it) Amiga but was
suprised to hear there was on for the Atari ST. I then informed him
that Otago University, the largest MAC dealers in New Zealand and only a
few hundred miles from his home used them. I guess this got his juices
going as he was a principle of a high school in Christchurch. To hear
the author of A-MAX was from Wellington my old stomping ground suprised
him even more I think. (Wellington is NZ'z capital city)
Well after another attack of the oxygen masks we landed at Hawaii. I
guess half the population of Japan was on holiday (Vacation) this
Saturday. There were 2000 of them along with our plane all trying to
clear customs and immigration. I wonder who was looking after the
country?
Now as I said before we left home in winter . It was 10 degrees celsius
at home and here we are in summer at 30 degree celsius (you work out the
conversions to F.) so the old body suddenly rebelled and dropped 10lbs
of water all over my face. We cleared customs and officially entered
the USA. This all over we headed for the flights to Los Angles in
another building via the local bus.
Now a word of warning here for all confirmed smokers out there. This
jolly flight from Hawaii to LAX takes five and a half hours and _NO_
SMOKING_ . Ah heck my body can handle three to four hours but five
hours! Hmm so I took the easy way out I went to sleep for four and a
half hours of the flight.
For those of you who love statistics here is a good one for you. I
arrived in Los Angles one before I took off from New Zealand. I arrived
at 6pm on Friday night and I flow out of New Zealand at 7pm on Friday
night. I always say you chaps are behind the times.
While I was on the plane I meet several couples from NZ doing the same
sort of trip I was so we decided as we had a six hour stop over in LAX
(Air Port speak for Los Angles) we would go to one of the lounges we
belonged to. We to cut a long story short we ended up in the Air
America Lounge. If it was not for this oasis in the wilderness so to
speak I would have gone nutty waiting in the Continental lounge for six
hours. Heck these guys even had New Zealand and Australian beers.
Well after a few hours and a quick phone calls later (Help I could not
fly the phones.. grrrr) it was "here's Johnny time". I had arranged to
meet John Nagy at the airport a few days earlier and low and behold here
he was along with John King Tarpinian.
John (which one there were three of us) Nagy mentioned Bob Brodie was
going to try and get down to say hi. But I guess Bobs wife was
swapping recipes with Nacy and Bob had to entertain Ronny, times are
tough Bob. But thanks for the thought anyway.
Now I guess it is an old American habit to take "care packages" for
those from countries less fortunate than the USA. What John had with
him was incredible. I must confess I had never seen such goodies, that
most of you take for granted each and every day. John (yep the Nagy
one) had a bag full of goodies, from the ATARIUSER magazine, to Licence
Plate holder which say ATARI (these are now on my car John, thanks) to
cups and hats with the Lynx logo's on them.
We sat for a while over several beers talking about what was happening
in the Atari world here in the USA and at home in New Zealand and the
Pacific. My first shock was to find out the lack of retail outlets in
the USA. When I explained to the John's that my countries population is
3.3 million (1/8th of LA`s population) and we have a total of 32 dealers
throught both the North and South Islands.
You see over the years I have come to believe as others have, that as
the USA is the home of Atari Inc. all things that are Atari were to be
found in there. I guess you could say alot of us out there think of
the USA as the "Land of Oz" (like Alice in Wonder Land) for Atari
computers.
Well if nothing else this confirmed what I had read on all the On-line
systems I use in the USA. Alice packed her bags and went to Germany,
but more on this next week.
All of a sudden I realised it was nearly time to catch my connection to
New York so I said my farewells and was about to give some duty free
cigarettes to John and John when I realised they did not smoke. So I
guess by now they will have had a headache from the Scotch Whiskey
instead. I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Nagy and
John King Tarpinian for popping over to see me it was great guys. Next
time we do it in Auckland or at the "Green Onion" down the road from LAX
(grin).
For those of you who have not read ATARIUSER yet may I suggest that you
get a copy and read it. I am sure you will be more than suprised at
the quality as I was. I had several copies I dropped off all over the
world in the next fourteen days and the comments were the same
everywhere, "great stuff" , and the most common remark was "where do I
get from ?"
So it was onto another flight to New York this time. Another four hours
and yet again no smoking. Guess what? I slept all the way again.
On Saturday morning the 20JUL91 (or 20/07/91 as we write it) I arrived
at Newick airport. I am sure Dan McNee knew that I was flying into here
and did a rain dance from the comfort of his home in California as I
arrived to 12 inches of rain.
Next week New York "What a neat city" to Germany .
=======================================================================
LYNX NEWSLETTER
---------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
Cumberland, RI. July 8, 1991. E&M Publishing in cooperation with
"Computer Zone" of North Attleboro, MA is proud to announce the shipment
of "On Target", a newsletter devoted entirely to the Atari Lynx Portable
Color Entertainment System. Published bi-monthly, "On Target" covers
the world of the Lynx from software to accessories right down to secret
playing hints.
Each issue contains up to the minute news, reviews of the latest
software and Lynx related products, previews of upcoming software,
rumors about the Lynx, tips and hints to the latest games and much more.
Subscribers around the world will be able to "Lynx Up" with other Lynx
owners by posting their names in the "Lynxing Up" column where you can
meet Lynx owners near you for the purpose of connecting two or more Lynx
systems together to play multi-player games. Your first listing is free
while non-subscribers will be charged.
A sample issue costs only $1 ppd or a six issue (1 year) subscription
for only $4. For more information or to order use the form below or
call (401)-658-3917.
Genie: R.Levetin
Compuserve: 73267,101
------------------------------cut here----------------------------
___ YES, please send me a sample issue. Enclosed is $1.
___ YES, please enter my six issue subscription. Enclosed is $4.
___ NO, I do not wish to order but would like more information.
Name______________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________
City_______________________________State_____________Zip__________
Telephone_________________________________________________________
Send to:
On Target
18C Boyle Avenue
Cumberland, RI 02864-2306 USA
=======================================================================
BRACE ATARIFEST SHOW REPORT
---------------------------
by the Z*Net Staff and Bob Brodie,
Director of Communications, Atari Computer Corporation
=======================================================================
Saturday, July 20th was a great day in Asheville, NC. Atarians from all
over the southeast came together once again to enjoy their hobby at the
second annual Blue Ridge Atarifest. The event is co-sponsored by the
Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts, and the local Atari dealer,
Computer STudio. Sheldon Winick is the well known owner of Computer
STudio.
This was the second time Atarians had come to Asheville for the Blue
Ridge Atarifest. Last year was the first event, inspired by a visit
from Bob Brodie of Atari. When Bob arrived, he found an exceptional
Atari dealership, and excited users. A total of about 150 people turned
out for the inaugural Blue Ridge Atarifest. Most of the rest of the
exhibitors at the first "show" were other Atari owners who enjoyed
sharing their expertise in particular areas of their hobby. Included in
last years exhibitors was a number of members from KAUG, the Knoxville
Atari Users Group. Clifton Willard, a video professional, returned with
the rest of the gang from KAUG for the second Blue Ridge Atarifest.
No one has ever accused Bob Brodie of hiding a good thing! He was sure
to tell one and all about the great impression Asheville's fine folk had
made on him. This year, the show moved itself up by several notches!
There were a number of other professional developers that attended the
Blue Ridge Atarifest this year, and even more people! As before, the
show was held in the lovely Westgate Shopping Center, in which Computer
STudio is located. In a major switch from the norm of most other Atari
shows, BRACE and Computer STudio made this event *FREE* to everyone!
There was no charge for admission, and no charge to any of the
developers that chose to display their wares in Asheville for the day!
Computer STudio is a full service Atari retailer, carrying the full line
of Atari products. On display in the store was the TT030, with 8 megs
of ram, a Mega/STE with four megs of ram, 1040 STEs, Stacys, Lynx, and
the Portfolio palmtop computer. Computer STudio is a well stocked
dealer, with over 500 software titles available on the shelf.
Folks from all over the southeast came to see this event. User groups
were reported present from KAUG, the Knoxville Atari Users Group, the
East Tennesee Atari Computer Enthusiasts, and other groups from North
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and even Florida was
represented at this event.
Among the people that drove up to this southern style gathering was the
colorful and controversial Ralph Mariano. Most Atarians recognize Ralph
as being the publisher of ST Report, a weakly rumor column distributed
primarily on the FNET. In addition to ST Report, Mariano also has his
own hard drive business, ABCO Computer. The vocal Mariano, ever a
curiosity to the end users and developers alike, elected not to take a
booth to show his famous ABCO hard disks, but rather opted to try to
mingle with the crowd at the event. Bob enjoyed an opportunity to meet
Ralph's sons, who also came for the journey north. Hmmm, wonder if they
read ST Report? The once influential journalist hosted his own seminar
toward the end of the day entitled "Current Events". It was an event
not to be forgotten: entertaining, humuorous, and unclouded by facts.
D.A. Brumleve and her family took time out from their vacation to swing
through Asheville. Dorothy had her KIDPRGs on display, and enjoyed
speaking to the many new users that she encountered there. Unlike many
of the booths at shows, Dorothy's is one that the parents can encourage
their children to use the computer! No worries about lost data at
Dorothy's booth. She's always glad to get the little ones up to the
screen. It's usually not too longer after the kids get busy with the
KIDPRGs that Mom and Dad notice that maybe their kid isn't too young to
use a computer after all! Always a seminar favorite, Dorothy gave a
session on "Empowering You Learners Through Technology".
Located down the hall from his wife, was Dr. Timothy Brumleve, who has
written his own librarian for a Kawai synthesizer. Tim hosted a MIDI
seminar to demonstrate his K5/K5m Voice Librarian. Many of the great
sounds heard throughout the Westgate Shopping Center this day were
courtesy of Tim Brumleve! Along with Tim, Mike Cloninger was on hand
from Dragon Studio to show off some his stuff, done with Cubase.
GEnie was well represented by Darlah Pine, head of the Atari Roundtables
on GEnie. Hooked up live to GEnie, Darlah showed how to get around the
system to the new users. Most of them were impressed with Atari's
official online service! Genie's Basic Services are an exceptional
value! Darlah also showed the new subscribers how to locate the
developers of their favorite programs, most of whom are probably online
on GEnie now! Got a problem with a program? Here's how to send
electronic mail to the company! Did you say that you were interested in
public domain software? GEnie has simply the *best* online libraries
around! Darlah remarked how wonderful it was to find so many new users
at a show! It had been a long time since so many new folk had appeared
at a show.
John Fox of Goldleaf Publishing was on hand, his usual wacky self, to
wow the crowd with WordFlair II. Word Flair II takes advantage of
Atari's FSMGDOS, utilizing scalable outline font technology. A truly
unique product, a document processor, Word Flair II let you integrate
text, graphics, and data all on one page!
Jeff Williams is a familiar sight to show goers as one of the syops from
GEnie. Jeff has long been a fixture as the moderator of the Wed. night
conferences on GEnie. Now Jeff is also with ICD, and ICD sent him to
Asheville with an ample supply of host adapters, AdSpeed accelerators,
and great deals on close out 8 bit stuff! Jeff displayed a STacy 4 with
an AdSpeed up and running. ICD's products just seem to get better and
better!
Located inside the Computer STudio store, hidden behind a wall of people
that constantly surrounded him was none other than Nathan Potechin of
ISD Marketing. Nathan was showing off Calamus S/L on the Atari TT030 at
Computer STudio. People were lined up three and four deep from opening
till about 2:30 to speak with Nathan, and to see the power of Calamus
S/L. Nathan also gave a seminar later in the day on Atari Desktop
Publishing using Calamus. Always easy to approach, Nathan spent time
with new friends discussing Calamus, Outline Art, DynaCadd, and the
Independent Association of Atari Developers.
Nevin Shalit of Step Ahead Software is the author of Tracker/ST.
Tracker is a powerful application that offers a complete mail manager
with a quick letter option, label printing and more. Nevin is one of
the sysops of the SoftLogik Roundtable on GEnie, and also gave folks a
look at the powerful new version of PageStream. Better known in some
circles for his Rumor City column in ST Informer, Nevin proves every
month that you can kiss & tell if you do it right! Everyone likes to
keep up with the latest scoop on the Atari community. Nevin shares his
rumors with little flash and no slash, and lots of class. Refreshing
reading for everyone! Other pseudo journalists would do well to
consider his approach! Nevin sold out of Tracker/ST at this show! In
addition to Nevin, ST Informer was also represented by Brian Gockley.
Brian and his lovely wife had great supplies of ST Informers' A & D
Software, including the Universal Item Selector and the Universal
Network.
Down from Virginia for the Blue Ridge Atarifest came Don and Carole
Terp. These longtime Atarians might be remembered by some for their
writings in the Atari community. They started ST Business magazine, and
then published their original material in ST Applications. Now under
the name of Reed Mountain Press, Don discussed the business side of
desktop publishing.
Clifton Willard was again on hand from Knoxville to show off his
fabulous video creations, all generated using an Atari computer. Those
doubters that the ST's video capabilities should have been present. His
creations are simply fabulous!
While not showing an Atari specific products, author Ralph Roberts spent
time discussing Computer Viruses...the topic of his book. He has also
written a series of Leisure Suit Larry hint books. Ralph autographed
copies of his book as a special bonus to show attendees.
Although not exhibiting per se, any report would be remiss if it didn't
mention the attendance of Bill Aycock, Compuserve Sysop. Bill was easy
to approach, and quite open about discussing the current state of
CompuServe. If your a Portfolio user, CompuServe has an excellent
Portfolio forum!
Last, but certainly not least was Bob Brodie of Atari Computer
Corporation. Bob spent most of his time helping out Darlah Pine showing
of GEnie, and meeting new friends from the south. Bob especially
enjoyed being right across the way from Computer STudio. It made it so
easy for him to refer people to a great store just a few feet away to
have their needs met. Instead of having to suggest that a dealer
*might* have what the user needed, chances are that Computer STudio
would already have the product in stock.
And speaking of Computer STudio, Sheldon Winick and staff were on the
go from almost before opening the store to the very end of the day.
Lines are the cash register were typically about 4 deep. Sheldon was
all smiles by the end of the day. I'd bet that this day goes down in
Computer STudio history as one of the best. Did you say *the* best?
Could be! The many specials that were run were sure to please any
budget, and developers seemed to be all aglow as well. Beyond a doubt,
this gathering brought together a fine balance of buyers and sellers!
Clearly, credit for this event must go to the Blue Ridge Atari Computer
Enthusiasts and Computer STudio. How many other shows in recent memory
offer to provide developer space for free, and *no admission* charge?
Hmmm, sounds like a pretty REVOLUTIONARY idea to me! A show in a
shopping center?? Even more REVOLUTIONARY stuff! Don Thomas would be
pleased.
And could there be any doubt that there will be a repeat performance?
How could it go wrong! With free booths for the developers, the major
cost that they will have to deal is more like transportation and hotels.
What a pleasant change from other recent shows! Look for this event to
grow into an even bigger event than the 500 people that attended this
year. Look for the friendly people at Computer STudio to be host to
*the* gathering point for southern Atarians! Sheldon told Bob that he
is already in discussions with a major mall in Asheville to relocate
Computer STudio there. Imagine how many non-Atarians will see next
years show! Kudos to Sheldon and his fine staff, and the Blue Ridge
Atari Computer Enthusiasts for putting on such a fine event! I'm
looking forward to next year!!
=======================================================================
CPU UPDATE
----------
Press Release
=======================================================================
Lots of exciting news and information from Computer Publications, Unltd.
this month.
ST CONNECTION TO BE AVAILABLE FROM ATARI DEALERS STARTING IN SEPTEMBER
It's getting close to press time and we're getting excited about our
"new" publication. Each issue of the ST Connection will now be a
minimum of 16 pages (we're shooting for 24 by the first of the year),
include color on several pages, feature original artwork for the cover,
include our new ST Link desktop publishing section and much more. In
addition to all that, beginning with the September issue, ST Connection
will be available on many Atari dealer shelves. If you can't find STC
the next time you visit your favorite dealer, have him contact us at
303/423-6805 or get in touch with our distributor at 303/777-3883. If
you've never seen our publication, we'll be happy to send you a sample
issue if you just give us your name and address.
CPU ANNOUNCES CREATION OF ARTISTIK DESIGN SOFTWARE LABEL
CPU is trying to bring the 'power without the price' theme back into the
ST arena with its new Artistik Design Software label. The first
commercial release from Artistik is MAKE*A*DATE, a personal information
manager written by Jonathon Carroll. Look for an offical press release
on this excellent Scheduler/Phone Book/Notes/ToDo List package very soon
as well as a demo version which will be available in the software
library on GEnie. The projected release date for MAKE*A*DATE is
September 1, 1991 and everything is right on schedule. Future products
tentatively include the Border Design Set, QwikArt and WordWar! If
you're a programmer interested in our new label, please don't hesitate
to contact us via E-Mail or visit our new Category on GEnie (See below).
ISSUE NUMBER 1 OF GAMEMASTER SET FOR SEPTEMBER DISTRIBUTION
If you're a Lynx enthusiast you might want to leave us your name and
address so we can send you a free sample copy of our newest publication,
GameMaster. This newsletter will carry Lynx product release
information, news, reviews, hints, clues and more. Subscription cost is
$10 for 10 issues.
2ND EDITION OF ATARI USERS COUPON BOOK SET FOR PRE-HOLIDAY DELIVERY
The deadline for our popular Atari Users Coupon Book is rapidly
approaching. We must have coupon confirmation by August 1st and copy by
the 10th of August. Users groups will be receiving the same amount of
books as they did the first time around. If you need more (or less)
than last time around, please let us know and we will adjust our
database. Books will be distributed to users groups in time for October
/November meetings. Copies will also be sent to ST Connection
subscribers and will be available at several major Atari shows this fall
as well.
1st ANNUAL PROGRAMMING COMPETITION SET OPEN TO ALL ST ENTHUSIASTS
Get ready, all you programmers out there. CPU and Artistik Design have
announced their 1st Annual Programming Competition. The contest is open
to all ST users with a public domain/freeware division as well as
commercial division competition. Cash and prizes will be awarded to
winners in both categories. Complete information will appear in a
future issue of the ST Connection and posted on GEnie as well. Stay
tuned for more details...
CPU OPENS CATEGORY ON GENIE - COME ON OVER AND VISIT!
With so many different products to discuss, we've thought it was about
time to make it easy for customers and interested ST users to get in
touch with us and discuss the things we're doing. If you have any
questions about any of our products, please drop by and discuss them
with us. CATEGORY 15 - TOPIC 21
HOW TO REACH US: Computer Publications, Unltd.
P.O. Box 2224, Arvada, Colorado 80001-2224
PHONE: 303/423-6805
GEnie E-MAIL: STCONNECTION
=======================================================================
ATARI 8-BIT OWNERS UPDATE
-------------------------
Reprinted from AtariUser Magazine
=======================================================================
The following column is reprinted from the July 1991 ATARIUSER magazine
by permission. It may not be reprinted in any other form or publication
without specific permission of Quill Publishing Co. Information and
subscriptions to AtariUser are available: 113 W. College Street, Covina,
CA 91723, phone 800-333-3567.
8-bit ALERT:
Are you a die-hard Atari 8-bitter, looking for an upgrade path with more
horsepower? Check CATegory-16, TOPic-11, on GEnie, called "Turbo-
Babbleware!" Ideas being kicked around include an 8MHz 1600XLE computer
system design, which would fit into a baby-PC chassis, and have eight
expansion slots. If 4 times the speed of a normal XL weren't enough,
the processor mentioned is the 65816, the 8/16-bit version of the 6502,
which means it would address a whopping 16Mb of memory.
Trade-in deals are being offered by Atari Canada now, and soon from the
USA too, to get 8-bit owners into ST's. Atari is ending their support
and liquidating their stock of 8-bit items by year's end '91. The
Canadian deal is $250 and an 8-bit Atari (any condition) in exchange for
a new-old-stock 520STFM. US is expected to soon follow with similar
terms. Of concern to some of us is "What will Atari do with all those
perfectly good 8-bit computers?"
THE 8-BIT STATE: Connectivity with your Classic Atari 400/600/800/XL/XE
Connecting your 8-bit system to other computers provides exciting new
possibilities for gathering and sharing information and programs. Ways
to expand the communications capabilities of your system include modems,
direct connection, and special diskettes.
The most popular method used to connect 8-bit computers to other systems
is the modem. Several models are available which were designed
specifically for the classic Atari. The SX-212 from Atari features
direct compatibility with the Atari 8-bit systems.
The SX-212 features both the Atari SIO (the custom 13-pin Atari
peripheral interface) and standard RS-232 connections. It'll allow
connection between your Atari and other systems at either 300 or 1200
baud using standard telephone lines. While prices vary, you may be able
to find the SX-212 modem priced as low as $18 to $40.
"Baud rate" is the speed at which data bits are transferred. A higher
number means your data will take less time to be moved from one system
to the other. If you divide the baud rate by 11 that will give you a
rough estimation of how many characters per second you can expect to be
transferred. Systems like Compuserve, Delphi, and GEnie which are
servicing hundreds of users at any given time will usually take longer
to transfer files than a single user BBS.
If you're using a standard (non-Atari brand) modem, you'll need an RS-
232 interface for your computer. These devices convert the Atari SIO
signals to the industry standard RS-232 levels. There are several
different types with varying features and costs. Some are small and
simple, like the P:R: connection from ICD, Inc., or the 850 interface
made by Atari. Both of these interfaces provide connections for RS-232
serial devices, and a parallel printer. If you have a few more bucks in
your budget and own a computer with a PBI (600XL/800XL) or ECI (130XE)
expansion connector, the ICD MIO or CSS Black Box interfaces provide not
only the serial and printer ports, but also connections for hard drives.
If you happen to own a PC, ST, or other computer with a standard RS-232
port, you can connect to your classic Atari directly. By using what is
called a "null modem" cable, both computers will think they are talking
via modem, when none is there. The big advantage is that you can
transfer files at 9600 or 19200 baud (depending on your interface).
Once connected in this fashion, each computer can access the resources
of the other system.
To support the connection between your 8-bit and either a modem or
directly connected computer, you'll need a telecommunications program
("terminal"). A popular program, written by Bob Puff and called
(strangely enough) BOBTERM, offers all of the popular file transfer
features plus a few special ones. The option to translate ASCII to (and
from) ATASCII (Atari's own version of text that includes graphics and
inverse characters) during binary transfers is a useful and unique twist
that only BOBTERM offers. BOBTERM is shareware, available from all of
the services, most bulletin board services, and of course Bob himself.
Another direct connect solution offered by Nick Kennedy, is the program
SIO2PC.ZIP, a shareware offering. The nice thing about this package is
that you don't use a terminal program with it, because it makes your PC
look like a normal disk drive! You can access the PC's memory as a
RAMDisk, or the PC's disk drives and Printer. Instructions are included
on how to construct the custom cable required. It's a fairly easy
project, only using a handful of readily available components. Nick
also offers a pre-assembled cable, for a reasonable fee. Remember--
shareware is NOT free, so if you use it, don't forget to pay for it!
Charles Marslett (author of A65 and MYDOS) has produced a unique program
for the IBM type PC's to allow them to format diskettes which can be
read by both the PC (using his program) and the 8-bit. This shareware
program, MYDOSPC.ARC, is available on most bulletin boards and services.
It features commands to format, read, write, catalog, and list files on
the modified format disks. There is the option to automatically
translate ATASCII and ASCII control characters as files are copied to
and from the diskette.
For those of you which own an ST computer (as your second system <grin>)
get the shareware program ST-XFORMER by Darek Mihocka. This program
will allow you to actually run, although slowly, many 8-bit programs on
the ST, provided that they are written "by the book." The later
versions of this emulator also support a custom cable which allows you
to connect your 8-bit disk drive directly to the ST. This simplifies
moving files to the ST, so make sure you get most recent version (2.55)!
- Chuck Steinman
Resources:
ICD Inc., 1220 Rock Street, Rockford IL 61101, 815-968-2228
Computer Software Services (CSS), P.O. Box 17660, Rochester NY
14617, 716-586-5545
Nick Kennedy, 300 South Vancouver, Russellville Arkansas 72801
Darek Mihocka, 14150 N.E. 20th St. #302, Bellevue WA 98007, 206-885-5893
BIO: Chuck Steinman is one of those fellows which just will not let the
classic computers die. Often snubbed by them sixteen/thirty-two dudes,
he continues to support and develop hardware and software for the
machines with the REAL hidden power. He can be contacted on GEnie,
Delphi, and CompuServe.
=======================================================================
LEXICOR/COMPUSERVE ONLINE ANIMATION CLASSES
-------------------------------------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
Fairfax, CA -- Lexicor Software, makers of the new Phase-4 animation
products currently available on the Atari ST/TT computer, has announced
the start of their online animation classes. The classes, which go into
full swing on August 1, will be held each Saturday at 5 PM Eastern time
in the Atari Vendor's Forum on CompuServe.
The classes are open to the public, with no special fees being charged.
Users of all computer systems interested in learning more about
animation are invited to attend and participate. The classes are not
Atari-specific and deal with concepts and information useful to all
computer animators.
The first introductory class is scheduled for August 1 at 10 PM Eastern.
This class is merely to "get to know" each other. It is not essential
that you attend this first class in order to participate.
Formal classes begin on Saturday, August 3 at 5 PM Eastern in the Atari
Vendor's Forum (GO ATARIVEN). Classes are currently planned to run from
August to December. General categories for the classes are:
August/September -- Animations Using Paint Programs
September/October -- 3D Object/CAD Animations
November -- Color and Animation
December -- Putting It All Together
Specific topics within these broad categories will be dealt with in-
depth via lectures written by Lexicor's Lee Seiler, an EMMY award
winning animator. At the end of each lecture, the class will be opened
for a Question and Answer period. Actual homework assignments will be
"handed out" after each lecture class. Picture files, CAD objects and
animations necessary for each homework assignment will be provided.
In order to give students ample time to complete each assignment, there
will not be a lecture delivered during each and every class. Classes
not containing a lecture will be used for Q&A and further discussion of
the topic presented in past lectures.
Prior to beginning a new lecture, students will be asked to "turn in"
their homework to be graded. Some of these turned in assignments may,
at the discretion of Lexicor's staff, be made publicly available so that
students can download them as examples.
All lectures, homework assignments, animations and picture files
necessary for each class will be made available for download in the
Lexicor Library (LIB 9) of ATARIVEN prior to the lecture.
If you're a novice animator or just a user with an interest in computer
animation, these classes will teach you the animator's "tricks of the
trade." If you're a traditional "pen and ink" animator, these classes
show you how you can use the computer in place of the traditional paper,
pencils, film and paint. Regardless of your level of computer animation
expertise, these classes should have something for everyone!
See you there!
=======================================================================
INTERVIEW WITH BOB BRODIE
-------------------------
by the Z*Net Online Staff, and Bob Brodie
=======================================================================
Z*Net: Bob, Atari has announced their first AEGIS Conference to be
held in Sunnyvale this next week. What exactly is the intent of the
Aegis Program? Some people seem to think it's the same as the old
"Business Computer Center".
Bob: Nothing could be further from the truth. The old BCC has
nothing in common with the AEGIS Program. The AEGIS program is designed
to aid, and train our dealers. Under the BCC program, dealers had to
spend money to keep certain minimums on hand. Yet with the AEGIS
program, we're charging them NOTHING for their involvement. All of the
training is provided free of charge.
Z*Net: Is training the dealers all that is involved with the AEGIS
Program? Or is there more to it than that?
Bob: I'm not at liberty to discuss all the details at this time,
but I can assure you that it involves much more than just training the
dealers. We have additional opportunities for the dealers that we'll
share with them next week. It would be inappropriate for them to be
shared with your readers before the dealers all hear the program.
Z*Net: So, what about some of the other things people have been
reading about? Like minimum sales orders, monthly volume, etc.?
Bob: I've read some of those things as well. (Laughing) It's really
kind of weird to be here, see the program developing and then read
online what the program is supposed to be! All I can tell you is to
consider the source of the information your reading. I don't have much
to say to National Enquirer type of publications.
Z*Net: Sounds like a reasonable suggestion to me! But does the Aegis
program in any way slow down the process of signing up more dealers for
Atari?
Bob: Not in the least! Atari has returned to distribution with
their products with the specific intent of making Atari Computers more
readily available to any dealer that wants them! We are presently
dealing with a number of distributors nationwide, including one that is
a MIDI specialist! While it's true that the TT will not be in the
distribution channel, we think that's an appropriate move. Customers
who purchase the TT deserve the finest support that they can get, from
dealers that really know the product.
With the lone exception of the TT products, all the rest of our products
are available to any dealer via distribution! That includes laser
printers, Mega STE's, hard drives, 1040 STE's, etc. We've even invited
some significant distributors to the AEGIS training seminar.
Z*Net: Anything else about the AEGIS seminar our readers might be
interested in, Bob?
Bob: The AEGIS seminar is most assuredly NOT just an Atari program.
We have also secured the assistance of our developers in training our
dealers at the AEGIS seminar. Only by the dealers understanding our
products, and recognizing the *power* of the developers products will
sales be generated. I've seen some comments online from some of the
developers about their products in response to questions from new users.
Frankly, some of their descriptions surprised me! It was some of the
best presentations that I have seen on their products. Since we
recognize that not all of our customers are online, it only makes sense
to pass that information along to the resellers that will directly
interface with the customer. That can best be accomplished by having
the developers present at this event.
Some of the developers that will at the AEGIS seminar include Nathan
Potechin of ISD Marketing, Nevin Shalit of Step Ahead Software, Darin
Kazmaier of SoftLogik Publishing, Lauren Flanagan-Sellers of Gold Leaf
Publishing, Rick Flashman of Gribnif Software, Lee Seilor of Lexicor
Software, and John Eidsvoog of CodeHead Software. Those are the ones
that I can think of off of the top of my head. I'm sorry I don't have
the list in front of me at the moment. James Grunke has arranged for
some significant MIDI developers to be there as well, from Dr. T's and
Steinberg Jones.
Z*Net: This looks like a good mixture of products to me, Bob! Atari
has provided a balance there between productivity packages, utilities,
and MIDI. Certainly not just high end unaffordable applications!!
Bob: This was exactly our goal. As always, there are people that
wish they could have attended this event but could not. That includes
both developers and dealers. The important thing to recognize is this
is the first step! We're making some good moves with this, and it gives
us a foundation to build on. We've considered the needs of *all* of our
users, not just the high end ones.
Z*Net: Thanks for taking time to speak with us, Bob! We're sure that
our readers will appreciate this information on the Aegis program.
=======================================================================
DIGIFLY
-------
Press Release
=======================================================================
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!
NOW YOU CAN PERMANENTLY GROUND THE MOUSE AND TAKE OFF WITH THE MAXX(R)
CONTROL YOKE, YOUR ST/MEGA/STE AND DIGIFLY!!
Are you serious about capturing that "FLYING" sensation? Then you must
start flying with a flight yoke! Nothing else will do. After all, how
many airplanes have you been in with "RODENT CONTROL"?
Let's get serious about how to interface the yoke and your computer.
DIGIFLY is the analog to digital interface that translates the yoke
movements into signals that the computer can understand.
DIGIFLY is powered directly by the mouse port and the yoke replaces the
mouse. True smooth, proportional control is present at all times, not
the jerky joystick action! The sensitivity of the yoke is fully
adjustable, and DIGIFLY is extremely stable. There is no cursor
wandering or other undesirable effects!!
What about the kit assembly? A double sided plated epoxy pre-drilled
printed circuit board will give years of service. The resistors,
capacitors, integrated circuits and sockets are of the highest quality;
and reliable interconnect cables are included in the DIGIFLY kit.
PLEASE NOTE: THE MAXX(R) IBM CONTROL YOKE MUST BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY,
IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE DIGIFLY KIT.
If you know how to solder PC boards, then you can build DIGIFLY! If
not, then contact an Electronics Tech for assistance.
After 4-6 hours assembly and check out time, the final alignment is a
breeze - only three internal adjustments are required. The illustrated
manual with the extensive voltage check list ensures that your completed
DIGIFLY interface will work perfectly!
Just how good is DIGIFLY? The in-flight control and stability is top
notch. Climbs, turns, landings and takeoffs have never been easier!
DIGIFLY can run for hours on end and deliver maximum in flight
performance.
DIGIFLY and the yoke are a perfect pair with any type of driving game or
other mouse controlled ARCADE program.
Our fully equipped service department takes care of warranty and out of
warranty repairs. DIGIFLY has been carefully designed to avoid
component overstress and potential breakdowns.
Join our world wide user base and EARN YOUR WINGS with DIGIFLY!!!
ORDER YOUR DIGIFLY KIT TODAY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!
*********************SPECIAL OFFER*********************
ORDER DIGIFLY AT THE REDUCED PRICE OF $39.95!(was $74.95)
(Calif. residents add 8.25% state sales tax)
PLUS $5.00 SHIPPING and HANDLING
********************LIMITED TIME ONLY*******************
| NAME __________________________________ |
| ADDRESS _______________________________ |
| CITY ______________________________ |
| STATE ______________________________ |
| ZIP CODE _______________ |
| YES!! I WANT TO PERMANENTLY GROUND THE MOUSE |
| SEND ONE DIGIFLY KIT IMMEDIATELY |
| DIGIFLY KIT $39.95 |
| (CA. ADD 8.25% TAX) ____ |
| SHIPPING & HANDLING 5.00 |
| TOTAL ENCLOSED $_________ |
|PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO RASCOM |
| THANK YOU. |
| RASCOM |
| 22128 NEWKIRK AVENUE
|
| CARSON, CALIFORNIA 90745 |
|_________________________________________________________|
=======================================================================
Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF
--------------------
by Ron Berinstein
=======================================================================
Summer is the perfect time to clean up the house. After all when during
the year do you host more cook-outs, have more guests over after having
gone to the beach, host more parties, or, have more relatives visit?
So... don't forget your computer!
It is with great pleasure and pride that we at Software Shelf announce
and bring you the "First Annual Summer Tune Up" edition! That's right,
clean up that hard drive, attack those files that don't belong to
anything anymore, check your filters, change your programs, and put your
computer in shape!
So it's been a while since you've done that? Well, to break the ice and
to help you recognize those files that you don't, make sure you download
WHATIS.ARC WHATIS 4.6 recognizes 84 types of files: ARCs, LHarcs,
PRGs, pics, ACCs, animations, etc... no more "what is this one, did the
kids use my computer again?" problems! It runs either as a .PRG or an
.ACC, on your ST or TT and in any resoulution. WHATIS the new version's
difference? It allows wildcards, and adds keyboard equivalents, plus
covers data on Opus and Wordflair files.
And now that you've identified those loose ends, why not download some
new versions of those other programs you have as well. Remember this is
Summer Tune Up! But, to do it you'll need to tune up your Arc Shell as
well.
ARCSH26A.ARC Following closely on the heels of ARC Shell 2.6 comes --
ARC Shell 2.6a! With a new feature that adds more configurability to
the 'Quester Mode' switch. ARC Shell is shareware (remember to pay for
it if you use it). Copyright 1991 Charles F. Johnson & LGF Software,
and it makes downloading a real pleasure.
If you have a desire to expand your computer's duties and maybe start a
BBS, or if you just plan to talk to BBS's in order to find those new
program files...
OMNI_101.ARC For those of you who are future sysops, and you would like
to investigate a Mutiline BBS program, you might download this file and
see what it is all about. Prior to OMNI, I believe that there has been
only two other multiline BBS programs written for the ST. This is a
public domain release.
UTERM2.TOS is UniTerm V2.0e a very good file transfer VT100 emulator.
Works well if you have Vaxen in mind. Additional UniTerm utilities are
in the ATARIPRO Telecom section on CompuServe.
And while I'm on the subject of modem fun...
TELEB1.LZH TELEBASE Version 1.61: NEW VERSION! Keep track of all
your phone and fax numbers; plenty of room for notes with each number!
Dial out through a modem! A variety of print options; features so you
can remember appointments! V1.61 ADDS ability to control when or if
modem disconnects (full modem config.!); more control of printer! (use
any printer easily!) (c) but FREEWARE!
POSTDE.LZH This file allows users of Flash 1.6 (Antic) to compose a
message offline, and after they log on just hit F1 to go to the desired
Forum and post the message.
Desktop Publishers Alert! A FONT-Tain of SUMMER is at your beck and
call! A lot of fonts, and things to do with them for some Font-Tastic
fun, have been recently posted.
DIANE.ARC is based on a Broadway type face called Dolmen. This font
was created with the Calamus Font Editor, and it's soon to be released
replacement called 'Type Art,' that will be available soon from ISD.
TIEMPOLI.ARC TIEMPO LIGHT ITALIC are now added to the TIEMPO 2 font
family, giving a total of 6 TIEMPO typefaces. A Calamus Font.
FORMSSET.ARC Here is a collection of forms from business cards to work
orders. Uses mostly Times and Swiss fonts. Complete useable forms,
customize them for your use. Perhaps you will at least find the
business card form very useful. For use with Calamus!
LASERCPX.ARC This is a new CPX file that checks your SLM's Status and
ID# for you. It reports all ERROR messages and Status message and can
come in handy when the Laser starts acting up. If the author feels
that his program is being supported he will provide updates, including
one for the Diablo Emulator. A good bet for Laser Printer owners.
FONTS.DOC is a Pagestream 2 doc file of the Compugraphics fonts (39)
just posted on Compuserve. These are PD fonts converted from the MAC.
You must have 4 megs to print this file but a 2 meg machine can display
the doc file.
Pagestream users will find these converted fonts:
ALBATR.LZH, ASHLEY.LZH [Ashley], CALIGU.LZH [Caligula], CARAWA.LZH
[CARAWAY], CAS.LZH, CLASSR.LZH [CLASSICAL ROMAN], CRACKL.LZH, CRILLE.
LZH, DAVYSR.LZH, DRGNWC.LZH [DRAGON WICK], EIRE.LZH, FAUSTU.LZH
[FAUSTUS], FRANKT.LZH [FRANTIM], GOUDYM.LZH [GOUDYMED], GRAPHI.LZH
[GRAPHICAL], GREECA.LZH [GREENCAP], HELENA.LZH, INKWEL.LZH, KUS.LZH,
MANZAN.LZH, MES.LZH, MIAMIN.LZH, MIDDLE.LZH, MURIEL.LZH, NORDIC.LZH,
NUS.LZH, PARISM.LZH [PARISMET], PARKHA.LZH [PARKHAVEN] PIXIE.LZH,
PLAYBI.LZH [PLAYBILL.LZH], POLO.LZH, RHYOLV.LZH [RHYOLVER], RICHAR.LZH
[RICHARD], ROOSTH.LZH, SAINTF.LZH, SANSSE.LZH [SANSSER], SHARKT.LZH,
STYLE.LZH, TOULOU.LZH [TOULOUSE] WINDSO.LZH [WINDSOR], ZALESK.LZH
MACTOI.ARC This program will convert a large percentage of Mac Type 1
fonts into IBM format which PageStream can recognize (PGS 2.0 and
greater). Tested on a variety of fonts with about 75% success rate. It
all depends on whether the Mac font has the correct files. If it does,
you are in business.
RECODEPS.ARC provides a sample of how to recode the ASCII mapping for a
Postscript font in order to gain better compatibility with, for example,
Pagestream.
*** And voila! *** Why not consider printing Pagestream files out a
little faster? <smile>
FPPRNT.LZH <--- Put this program in your auto folder and it will speed
up your printing with PageStream!
ST_ENV42.LZH Demo of v.4.2 of the envelope program. Some bugs are
fixed and a new option has been added. You can now choose the font and
type style of the print for the labels and Envelope's, as well as all
the other options in the old version. Another version is also planned.
Now to update your Game files...
BEYOND.ARC As the world was created there arose a sign upon the
horizon. Slowly as one walked in that direction one could read that it
was a billboard announcing TETRIS. Then it seemed with every new day
another billboard became visible announcing another clone. And today is
no different! Yet another clone! The object of this game is to keep
the screen clear and build the highest score.
WARSHIPS.ARC faithfully recreates classic ship-to-ship battles from the
golden age of sailing. The first version of this game allowed for large
fleet actions. It was accurate, but too slow and a single game could
last up to six hours! Then it was decided to try single ship
engagements. Try it and see..
JEPARDY3.ARC Here it is...the final version of jeopardy! (Yah, well
time will tell!) Now included is a dispute key so you never get
penalizied for an answer which is correct. Four new games to play are
included. This is the ultimate game for jeopardy lovers.
STARTREK.ARC 322688 bytes of Galactic Fun! You can guess the rest!
And three ways to skin a cat... Choose your favorite...
FRMD12C.LZH The FormDoIt! program replaces the parts of the GEM
environment that handles the standard dialog and alert boxes that appear
in most Atari programs. Enhancements that FormDoIt! offers include
Keyboard Equivalents for dialog and alert box buttons and much more!
This is version 12c.
LETEMFLY.ARC A dialog box manager like Form_Do_It. It lets you drag
around the dialog box (solid if you have a blitter). It also can turn
off the grow/shrink boxes and a lot more. Plus it has a great
configuration CPX for XControl. Freeware from Germany!
FORMRN.ARC New version, adds key equivalents for buttons! Assembler
source for a replacement form_do function. 100% compatible plus these
features: definition of command keys for exiting the dialog, extended
character entry allows any ASCII character to be entered in an editable
field, up/down arrows can 'wrap around' first to last editable field.
In a PRG, objects can highlight or exit when mouse pointer passes over
them. Demo included, docs in the source. (v2.1)
Fan response...
NEW_WRK.ARC is another product from a Happy CodeHead Camper fan! That
is a happy Hotwire user has put this together as an aid for other
HotWire users. This set of programs were designed to minimize the work
involved, and the possibility of errors, when changing from working on
one program to another.
Summer is a great time for Music!
LOC_1_2.ARC is "Local Control" is a little utility written to access
the "Local On/Local Off" modes of MIDI keyboards. By turning Local Off
only note coming in through MIDI are played, and not notes played on the
keyboard. This is very useful for keeping these notes from being
triggered twice. Ver. 1.2 Mono, Low Fixed!
MAPIT.LZH This is the first release of MapIt! It works with High and
Medium resolutions only. It allows you to re-assign any incoming MIDI
note on/off event to another Note / Channel. You can even set the
velocity to be a constant, or to be passed through! Hence, now there is
no need to buy an expensive mapper box.
PANIC_09.LZH Version .9 of the "Panic Button" This small .ACC (.5k)
sends an 'All Notes Off' command on all 16 MIDI channels. This can
'unstick' a 'stuck' note. This especially useful with a few PD
algorithmic composers which get ocassional stuck notes, or any GEM MIDI
program. *all rez* GFA .LST file included.
JUKEBOX.LZH plays back Amiga MOD song files in the background while you
do other things! It also lets you control the speed as well as the
tone. This DA requires an STE or TT.
Now for Summer School... Pretend you are a doctor, imagine this: Doctor
Atari, Room 1040 STAT, STAT! Doctor Mrs. Processor has no heart beat
what do we do? - Well, see how you react to this medical situation
with:
CODEBLUE.LZH Cardiac Arrest Simulator, Teaches you how to run a code.
This is a fully working demo version that only will run for a short
while then stop. (hopefully, not like Mrs. Processor's heart, though)
AIDOCTOR.ARC Artificially Intelligent Doctor. Have fun diagnosing you
and your loved ones illnesses using baysian logic in an expert system.
Includes GFA source code and docs. Shell could be used for other expert
systems by using a new data file, i.e. teach it to do something else.
And for your Demo collection...
SILODEMO.ARC is the DEMO version of Silhouette, version 1.0, a new
commercial program for the Atari ST/TT. It is a bit-image and vector
graphics drawing program with auto-tracing feature.
ACCTS3.ARC V. 3.00 of the Hi-Tech Accounting Series including General
Ledger, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. This is a complete
system with entry limited to 50 records per file, for evaluation
purposes only. Includes extensive data management, lists, reports and
much, much more.
INVPRO.ARC is V5.75 of the popular Inventory-Pro from Hi-Tech Advisers.
This is a complete working copy of the system with the only limitation
being 50 records maximum entry. Provides complete inventory control,
reorder lists, labels, many reports, etc., etc.
And last, but not least..
BLRUT1.ARC contians Rasmussen's ST utilities - version 1.8 - 26 general
.PRG and .TOS programs plus a doc file which describes each program -
all are written in assembly language, and all are inter-active.
The above files were compiled by Ron Berinstein co-sysop CodeHead
Quarters BBS (213) 461-2095 from files that were either directly
uploaded to CodeHead Quarters BBS, or downloaded from GEnie, Compuserve,
and Delphi online services.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Z*NET Atari Online Magazine is a weekly publication covering the Atari
and related computer community. Material contained in this edition may
be reprinted without permission except where noted, unedited and
containing the issue number, name and author included at the top of each
article reprinted. Opinions presented are those of the individual
author and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff of
Z*Net Online. This publication is not affiliated with Atari
Corporation. Z*Net, Z*Net Atari Online and Z*Net News Service are
copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries Incorporated, Post Office Box 59,
Middlesex, New Jersey 08846-0059. Voice (908) 968-2024, BBS (908) 968-
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Z*NET Atari Online Magazine
Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc..
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