Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
Z*NET Online Magazine Issue 91-41
=========(((((((((( ==========((( ==(( ==((((((( ==(((((((( ===========
================(( ====(( ====(((( =(( ==(( ==========(( ==============
=============(( =====(((((( ==(( (( (( ==((((( =======(( ==============
==========(( ==========(( ====(( =(((( ==(( ==========(( ==============
=========(((((((((( ==========(( ==((( ==((((((( =====(( ==============
Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGZINE
September 28, 1991
Issue #91-41
=======================================================================
* CompuServe: 75300,1642 * Delphi: ZNET * GEnie: Z-Net *
* Internet: 75300,1642@compuserve.com * America Online: ZNET1991 *
=======================================================================
CONTENTS
THE EDITORS DESK.................................Ron Kovacs
Z*NET NEWSWIRE.............................................
CHICAGO COMPUTERFEST UPDATE......................Mike Brown
HARD DRIVES...................................Norm Wienress
BUILD YOUR OWN HARDDRIVE....................Terry Schreiber
REGULATIONS ON MAIL-ORDER PART 1...........................
PAGE-ASSISTANT................................Press Release
THE PALM-TOP FORUM............................Judith Hamner
THE ROAD TO 9600 PART 1..........................Wes Cowell
Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF.........................Ron Berinstein
=======================================================================
THE EDITORS DESK
----------------
by Ron Kovacs
=======================================================================
Welcome... There is much to tell you about this week as we are going
through a number of personal situations which have presented themselves
during the last few days.
John Nagy has suddenly been taken out of service due to a major back
problem and he is now confined to his bed! Get better John!! Since he
has been injured, his articles scheduled for this week have been
cancelled until he is well. We are looking forward to that material
next week.
I am also going through a few problems also and after 9 straight days of
what the doctor said is an "U.R.I", upper respitory infection, I am
starting to get better and hope to be back in action in a few days. The
biggest problem I am having is staying awake long enough to write. The
medication is GREAT if you like sleeping all the time.
I am looking forward to going back to work on Monday and really don't
want to see this computer for a few days!
We aplogize for any inconvience or expectations we have caused anyone
and appreciate your understanding of this matter.
=======================================================================
Z*NET NEWSWIRE
--------------
=======================================================================
ATARI ADVERTISING
You will find advertising from Atari in the brand new October issue of
Keyboard, specifically touting the MegaSTE and TT and the many music
programs available for the computers. Also, Warner Brothers Records has
released a hot jazz album featuring four superstars called "Fourplay"
where this prominent credit is given: Atari Programming by Harvey Mason
Jr.
DIRECT MAIL TO ATARI USERS
Spectrum Holobyte is trying the direct mail route to get Atari users to
purchase its excellent flight simulator, Flight Of The Intruder. Large
postcards have been sent out to their Atari mailing list announcing its
release as well as a free official A-6 Intruder Patch for folks
purchasing by mail or phone. Spectrum Holobyte is selling FOTI for
$59.95.
ATARI REPURCHASES STOCK
Atari Corporations board of directors approved the repurchasing of up to
$5 million of its common stock from time to time in the open market. In
a statement released by August Liguori, Sam Tramiel said, "The decision
to repurchase was made in view of the prices at which the common stock
has recently traded."
FIRST $400 PORTABLE PRINTER
Eastman Kodak introduced the first lightweight, portable computer
printer with a list price of less than $400. The Kodak Diconix 180si
printer weighs less than three pounds without batteries, and is roughly
the size of a standard office dictionary. It is designed for use with
IBM compatible computers. The printer runs on five "C" size
rechargeable Ni-cad batteries, and will print about 50 minutes before
recharging is necessary. User-replaceable ink-jet cartridges can print
from 300 to 500 pages.
=======================================================================
CHICAGO COMPUTERFEST UPDATE
---------------------------
=======================================================================
Atari Corp. and Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts welcome the
following exhibitors to the Chicago ComputerFest by Atari, November 23-
24, 1991, Ramada Hotel O'Hare Convention Center, 10:00AM to 5:00PM both
days:
Clear Thinking D.A. Brumleve
DataQue Products CompuSeller West
Micro Creations Mars Merchandising
Missionware Apple Annie
ICD, Inc. CSA Ltd.
WizWorks! CodeHead Software
Migraph, Inc. MegaType
M-S Designs ISD Marketing
Elect. Spinster Graphics Timeworks, Inc.
Newell Industries Roland Corporation U.S.
Dr T's Music Software Gribnif Software
Step Ahead Software Vortex Computersysteme GmbH
Atari Portable Entertainment Atari Interface Magazine
Babbage's Wico, Inc.
Motorola, Inc. Atari Canada (Scheduled to participate)
Atari Games (Game area support)
C.S.S. Bob Puff
The following user groups are participating in the ComputerFest:
Greater Chicago Atari Computer Enthusiasts (GCACE)
Atari ST/Mega Users of Montreal (ASTUM)
MilAtari Ltd. (MA)
Milwaukee Atari ST User Group (MAST)
Rockford Atari Computer Club (RACC)
Suburban Chicago ATarians (SCAT)
The Users Group (TUG)
Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts (LCACE)
To date, we have mailed over 275 Chicago ComputerFest information
packages to U.S. Atari user groups. If your User Group has not yet
received an information package, please contact us so that a duplicate
may be mailed out. Be sure to specify your mailing address and a phone
number that can be used for follow-up.
Our 8-bit "celebration" area is a great place for users of the "classic"
Atari computers to meet with 8-bit developers and to share ideas. We
plan a comprehensive set of 8-bit seminars and presentations in this
area.
Save a buck on the daily admission price- advance tickets for Chicago
ComputerFest by Atari are now available through User Groups or direct at
the address below. Each ticket includes an entry into the door prize
drawing- many wonderful prizes will be given away, including our grand
prize: a complete TT-030/8 color system donated by Atari Corp!
If you don't already have your rooms reserved at the Ramada Hotel
O'Hare, please don't delay! The hotel management has informed us that
the "reserved" tower area is filling up rapidly. When that block of 250
rooms is filled, the hotel will process reservations on a "space
available" basis. Call 800-228-2828 and mention "Chicago ComputerFest
by Atari" to get the $60.00 per night double rate. A limited number of
bi-level executive and meeting room suites are available for $90.00;
please call the Ramada to confirm availability.
Atari Corp. is planning a series of special retailer-oriented
conferences to run concurrent with the ComputerFest. If you are a
current Atari Dealer or authorized Atari service center, please contact
Bob Brodie at 408-745-2052 for more details on these Atari retailer and
technical presentations.
For questions on any of the above, please contact us at:
Chicago ComputerFest by Atari
C/O LCACE
P.O. Box 8788
Waukegan, IL 60079-8788
24hr Voice Hotline- 708-566-0682
(leave a message and we will call you back)
CompuServ- 70416,144
GEmail- M.Brown56
Python BBS- 708-680-5105 3/12/24 24hrs
Pegasus BBS- 708-623-9570 3/12/24 24hrs
=======================================================================
HARD DRIVES
-----------
by Norm Weinress
=======================================================================
The following article is reprinted in Z*Net by permission of AtariUser
magazine and Quill Publishing. It MAY NOT be further reprinted without
specific permission of Quill. AtariUser is a monthly Atari magazine,
available by subscription for $18 a year. For more information on
AtariUser, call 800-333-3567.
FASTER, BETTER, MORE: Hard Drives make Easy Lives
The reasons for having a hard disk drive with your computer are legion.
So the reason that most of you don't have one is either that you don't
know why you should; or, you KNOW you can't afford one. I want to
change your mind on both accounts! If you're considering buying a
second floppy, think Hard Drive instead.
Most people are aware that hard drives are mechanisms sort of like
floppies, but they hold lots more stuff and you can't change the disk.
True for the most part, but that doesn't tell the whole story. They're
also a heck of a lot faster than floppies, which does wonders for your
disposition when waiting for that program to load, or waiting for that
long file to copy, and so on.
Another thing that isn't so obvious when you haven't used a hard drive
is that most of the programs you use are immediately at hand. No
sorting through a box of floppies---just bring up the directory and
double click! It means you will use a wider range of programs (because
it's easy) and enjoy your computer all the more.
"Great," you say, "but I don't have a money tree!" Well, times are
changing, and hard drives are more affordable. You can buy a hard drive
system assembled and tested; or, if you are experienced, adventurous
(and/or foolhardy) you can roll your own and save some money. Even if
putting together your own apparatus is beyond your intent, the
information in this article will help you make an informed choice if you
buy one, and help you understand yours better if you already own one.
THE SYSTEM
A hard disk system consists of the drive mechanism, control electronics,
electronics to interface to the computer and a cabinet to hold all this,
as well as a power supply.
The system hooks up to the DMA port of your ST or STe. That's the sucker
in back with 19 pins. The signals and the arrangement of this port are
called ACSI, a custom interface invented by Atari and used by nobody
else. So, unless you buy an Atari made drive system, you have to
convert it to something more common.
The "more common" is usually an arrangement called SCSI, (Small Computer
Standard Interface) generally pronounced "scuzzy", but don't let that
scare you. There are a bunch of cards to do this conversion and they
are called HOST ADAPTERS. They are made by companies like ICD, Supra,
Berkeley Micro Systems and others; and run in the neighborhood of $100.
This includes the software needed to get your system running, the cable
to connect to the DMA port, and often, a battery-backed system clock.
Your choices among hard drives include the capacity (how many Megabytes
of data they will hold), the recording method, access time, and the form
factor. Presently, the form factor is a choice between 3.5" and 5.25",
the same widths that floppy drives come in. You will also see full-
height and half-height drives. Almost all new drives are half-height
(1.75") like your Atari floppies, though some new ones are even shorter
("third height" or 1 inch tall). If you are building your own system,
you will find most cases are made for 5-1/4" drives, so the 3-1/2"
drives hold no great advantage.
Choices of recording method include MFM (Modified Frequency Modulation)
and RLL (Record Length, Limited). Both of these methods actually use
the same drive mechanism. RLL gets 50% more data in the same space, but
requires tighter tolerances in the disk media specifications to do it.
The problem with these two is that you also need to get another card to
make these work. This controller card connects between the host adapter
and the drive. You can avoid this by selecting a drive with an
"imbedded" SCSI interface.
SCSI drives are really just RLL drives but with the controller
electronics included with the drive, so you can connect directly it to
the host adapter. You will notice the prices of SCSI drives are higher
than MFM or RLL drives, but since you don't need a controller, they
actually come out to be cheaper in the long run.
You will see some other drives advertised for the PC with interfaces
called IDE and EDSI. You can't use them on Atari's yet, though someone
may sell an IDE host adapter someday.
Access time is the average time it takes for the drive to shift from one
portion of the disk to another. It is expressed in milliseconds and
affects how fast your system will operate. Times above 40 ms. are slow,
24-28 ms. is quite acceptable and anything below 20 ms. is very fast.
If you haven't used a hard disk before, they ALL will seem blazing fast
compared to floppies.
Finally, we come down to capacity. Early hard drive systems often held
10 or 20 megabytes, but experience tells me that you will soon find this
too restricting on the ST, and simply inadequate for the TT. And the
price differential for a larger drive is small. I would set my sights
on 40 megs at a minimum.
So let's get practical. There are many MFM and RLL drives available
cheap, since they are already considered "old-fashioned" by today's
standards. Current prices are generally well under $200 for a lower
capacity drive, though expect to pay $200-$225 for a 40 or 50 Megabyte
one. Keep in mind, you also need a controller card in addition to the
host adapter to use these drives. I have seen controllers (Adaptech
4000 or 4070, or OMTI cards) advertised for $60, but you may have to
search around to find one. You CAN'T use "PC kits" or controllers for
IBM systems. I don't recommend buying these drives except to upgrade
existing MFM and RLL systems.
Current pricing on "bare" imbedded SCSI hard drives vary quite a bit.
Running my fingers through a recent issue of a magazine called "Computer
Shopper," an 800-page monthly of cover-to-cover ads, I found
particularly low prices from outfits like Hard Drives International
(Tempe, AZ), Lyco Computer (Jersey Shore, PA) and a place with the
descriptive name, Dirt Cheap Drives (or DC Drives) from Nassau Bay, TX.
I have not dealt with these businesses, so no endorsement is implied.
Here is what I gleaned from these ads. The Seagate 296N a 5- 1/4", 85
Meg drive, with a undeserved bad reputation is selling for as little as
$300. Various others of that capacity are going for between $350 and
$450. There are two different 104 meg drives, the Quantum PRO105S and
the Conner CP3100, selling for $430. Both of these makers have
excellent reputations. There are also 42 Meg SCSI models from these two
manufacturers selling for $270. All of these are 3-1/2" models with
fast access times.
Now you will need a box with a power supply in which to mount and power
your hard drive and host adapter. These boxes come in several styles
and shapes. The higher prices ones (about $125) are low and flat,
designed to fit under the computer or monitor. This may be you best bet
if your space is limited.
At the other end of the spectrum, you can buy a PC case and power
supply, generally for $60 or less. They take up a lot more room, but
can hold at least three drives and usually more. The power supplies can
power that many drives as well.
The "in-between" are the shoe-box cases, called that because that's
about their size and shape. They generally hold two half-height drives
and have a power supply adequate for that task. There is also room
enough for the host adapter card. These are generally advertised from
$75 to $99. Be warned, you may have to devise a bracket to hold the
host adapter. This is true for PC cases, as well. If you purchase a
3-1/2" wide mechanism, you may need brackets to mount it in a 5-1/4"
space, but these are cheap and commonly available.
An alternative to mounting the host adapter in the external box with the
hard drive is to mount it inside the ST. ICD makes a model of host
adapter that will mount inside Mega ST models, and it comes with
instructions on how to put the whole hard drive inside.
If your appetite is whetted, and you are now thinking of building your
own, I have some good news. No soldering required! All of these parts
plug together. You may have to do some mechanical things like drill
holes, etc. to physically arrange things in the case, but that is the
worst of it.
Now, if you decide you don't want to roll your own, please observe the
ads in this issue to see what is available "store- bought". In
addition, many Atari dealers will make up custom systems for you. As a
half-way measure, you can buy a Fast system from ICD, ($329) which is
the box, power supply and host adapter, already assembled. You just buy
a SCSI drive and install it. And Atari makes the Megafile 30,
(typically priced at $479) which makes a good system for a start.
Huh! Did I say start? Yes, I sneaked that in for a purpose. Whether
you buy a system or build one, be sure the box has room for a second
drive, and that the power supply is rated for two drives. Just as you
found it impossible to live with only one floppy drive (didn't you?) if
you use your ST very much, you will likely want more storage capacity
later.
The good part about this is, you don't just have to scrap your old drive
and buy a bigger one. You can buy a bigger drive, just the drive, and
install it in the same box, with the same power supply and connect it
together with the old drive to the same host adapter! Upgrading in size
is easier and cheaper than getting the initial system, which gives one
the option of starting small and easing into a monster setup.
While hard drives are often called "fixed disk units," in fact there is
a hard drive with disks that can be taken out and exchanged like a
floppy drive. The Syquest 44 is a 44 Megabyte drive that does this. A
ready-to-run system with one Syquest for your Atari is about $700. The
mechanism alone can be had for $400-$450 and the removable disks cost
$60-$90. There is a larger model (88 megabyte) now available--but the
price is still out of sight. Syquests come with the SCSI interface, and
can end your expansion problems forever.
The most significant word to use in describing hard drives is
convenience. Well, maybe speed. OK, the TWO most significant words are
convenience and speed. It makes using your programs so much easier that
using your computer becomes much more of a pleasure to use. Hmm...
pleasure... OK, the THREE most significant words are convenience, speed,
and pleasure...
BIO: Among other things, Norm Weinress designed early telephone
answering machines and dot-matrix printers (including the first one to
sell for less than $1,000), and since retirement continues to create
Atari hardware and software. He also is a regular writer for AtariUser
and is in his own words, in all possible ways, a real pain in the neck.
We disagree--he is never much worse than annoying. Well, hardly ever.
=======================================================================
BUILD YOUR OWN HARDDRIVE
------------------------
Edited by Terry Schreiber
=======================================================================
Have you ever wanted to upgrade your system with a harddrive? Perhaps
you already have one and wish it was larger. Harddrive slowing down,
fragmented? What is the limit of storage the ST can handle? These
questions and many more will be answered in the upcoming weeks.
Choosing a drive
Before you can begin to build your unit you must first decide what size
of drive will suit your needs. In the harddrive market biggest is not
necessarily the best. If you are an avid emulator user you could buy a
120 meg drive and split your drive into the required number of
partitions. The drawback with multi-formats on a drive of this size is
the back-up. The best scenario for this would be a Syquest removable
drive. Syquest makes two removables, a 44 megabyte and an 88 megabyte.
The larger one is still a little high in price but the 44 megabyte you
can usually find complete with cartridge for around $450.00. Although
the cost of start-up on a removable drive is higher in comparison to the
costs of a fixed disk the price drops with the amount of cartridges
purchased. Cartridges have been seen mail order for about $60.00.
Therefore a 44 meg Syquest with over 200 megs of storage will cost you
about $700.00 while a fixed disk of about the same storage will come in
about $600.00. The question you must ask yourself is "do I need all
that storage online at one time or is 44 megabytes enough."
In addition to the size of the drive we also must look at the features
of the drive. Platted media, auto-parking, cache, access time, these
are a just a few of the considerations before pulling out your wallet.
Also to consider is the type of drive. There are many on the market but
for our purposes we will only be considering SCSI (Small Computer System
Interface) devices. Using a SCSI (pronounced Scuzzy) eliminates the
need of interface boards such as the Adaptec 4000/4070 because the
interface is built in on the device itself.
There are a few drives that come to mind when it comes to thinking about
bang for the buck. The most outstanding and new on the scene is the
Quantum LPS series. The access time and data transfer as well as the
noise level make for this to be high on the priority list. For those on
a penny pinching budget you might try the Seagate line as they seem to
be cheaper on the average than most manufacturers equivilents.
Remember, there is no rule saying you must buy either a fixed or a
removable - you can purchase both. The removable drive makes a great
back-up system for the fixed drive.
Once you decide on a drive that suits your needs then you must look at a
case, power supply and Host Adapter. This will be covered in our next
issue.
=======================================================================
REGULATIONS ON MAILORDER
------------------------
Part 1
=======================================================================
(This document is from the Federal Trade Commission, San Francisco, CA.
It contains the various regulations regarding mail order purchases.)
Sec 435.1 The Rule.
In connection with mail order sales in commerce, as "commerce" is
defined in the Federal Trade Commission Act, it constitutes an unfair
method of competition, and an unfair or deceptive act and practice for a
seller:
(a) (1) To solicit any order for the sale of merchandise to be ordered
by the buyer through the mails unless, at the time of the solicitation,
the seller has a reasonable basis to expect that he will be able to ship
any ordered merchandise to the buyer:
(i) Within that time clearly and conspicuously stated in any such
solicitation, or
(ii) if no time is clearly and conspicuously stated, within thirty (30)
days after receipt of a properly completed order from the buyer.
(2) To provide any buyer with any revised shipping date, as provided in
paragraph (b) of this section, unless, at the time any such revised
shipping date is provided, the seller has a reasonable basis for making
such representation regarding a definite revised shipping date.
(3) To inform any buyer that he is unable to make any representation
regarding the length of any delay unless
(i) the seller has a reasonable basis for so informing the buyer and
(ii) the seller informs the buyer of the reason or reasons for the
delay.
(4) In any action brought by the Federal Trade Commission, alleging a
violation of this part, the failure of a respondent-seller to have
records or other documentary proof establishing his use of systems and
procedures which assure the shipment of merchandise in the ordinary
course of business within any applicable time set forth in this part
will create a rebuttable presumption that the seller lacked a reasonable
basis for any expectation of shipment within said applicable time.
(b) (1) Where a seller is unable to ship merchandise within the
applicable time set forth in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, to fail
to offer to the buyer, clearly and conspicuously and without prior
demand, an option either to consent to a delay in shipping or to cancel
his order and receive a prompt refund. Said offer shall be made within
a reasonable time after the seller first becomes aware of his inability
to ship within the applicable time set forth in paragraph (a)(1) of this
section, but in no event later than said applicable time.
(i) Any offer to the buyer of such an option shall fully inform the
buyer regarding his right to cancel the order and to obtain a prompt
refund and shall provide a definite revised shipping date, but where the
seller lacks a reasonable basis for providing a definite revised
shipping date the notice shall inform the buyer that the seller is
unable to make any representation regarding the length of the delay.
(ii) Where the seller has provided a definite revised shipping date
which is thirty (30) days or less later than the applicable time set
forth in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the offer of said option
shall expressly inform the buyer that, unless the seller receives, prior
to shipment and prior to the expiration of the definite revised shipping
date, a response from the buyer rejecting the delay and cancelling the
order, the buyer will be deemed to have consented to a delayed shipment
on or before the definite revised shipping date.
(iii)Where the seller has provided a definite revised shipping date
which is more than thirty (30) days later than the applicable time set
forth in paragraph (a)(1) of this section or where the seller is unable
to provide a definite revised shipping date and therefore informs the
buyer that he is unable to make any representation regarding the length
of the delay, the offer of said option shall also expressly inform the
buy that his order will automatically be deemed to have been cancelled
unless
(A) the seller has shipped the merchandise within thirty (30) days of
the applicable time set forth in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and
has received no cancellation prior to shipment, or
(B) the seller has received from the buyer within thirty (30) days of
said applicable time, a response specifically consenting to said
shipping delay. Where the seller informs the buyer that he is unable to
make any representation regarding the length of the delay, the buyer
shall be expressly informed that, should he consent to an indefinite
delay, he will have a continuing right to cancel his order at any time
after the applicable time set forth in paragraph (a)(1) of this section
by so notifying the seller prior to actual shipment.
(iv) Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit a seller who furnishes a
definite revised shipping date pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this
section, from requesting, simultaneously with or at any time subsequent
to the offer of an option pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section,
the buyer's express consent to a further unanticipated delay beyond the
definite revised shipping date in the form of a response from the buyer
specifically consenting to said further delay. Provided, however, That
where the seller solicits consent to an unanticipated indefinite delay
the solicitation shall expressly inform the buyer that, should he so
consent to an indefinite delay, he shall have a continuing right to
cancel his order at any time after the definite revised shipping date by
so notifying the seller prior to actual shipment.
(2) Where a seller is unable to ship merchandise on or before the
definite revised shipping date provided under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of
this section and consented to by the buyer pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)
(ii) or (iii) of this section, to fail to offer to the buyer, early and
conspicuously and without prior demand, a renewed option either to
consent to a further delay or to cancel the order and to receive a
prompt refund. Said offer shall be made within a reasonable time after
the seller first becomes aware of his ability to ship before the said
definite revised date, but in no event later change the expiration of
the definite reshipping date:
Provided, however, That where the seller previously has obtained the
buyer's express consent to an unanticipated delay until a specific date
beyond the definite revised shipping date, pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)
(iv) of this section or to a further delay until a specific date beyond
the definite revised shipping date pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this
section, that date to which the buyer has expressly consented shall
supersede the definite revised shipping date for purposes of paragraph
(b)(2) of this section.
(i) Any offer to the buyer of said renewed option shall provide the
buyer with a new definite revised shipping date, but where the seller
lacks a reasonable basis for providing a new definite revised shipping
date, the notice shall inform the buyer that the seller is unable to
make any representation regarding the length of the further delay.
(ii) The offer of a renewed option shall expressly inform the buyer
that, unless the seller receives, prior to the expiration of the old
definite revised shipping date or any date superseding the old definite
revised shipping date, notification from the buyer specifically
consenting to the further delay, the buyer will be deemed to have
rejected any further delay, and to have cancelled the order if the
seller is in fact unable to ship prior to the expiration of the old
definite revised shipping date or any date superseding the old definite
revised shipping date: Provided, however, That where the seller offers
the buyer the option to consent to an indefinite delay the offer shall
expressly inform the buyer that, should he so consent to an indefinite
delay, he shall have a continuing right to cancel his order at any time
after the old definite revised shipping date or any date superseding the
old definite revised shipping date.
(iii)Paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall not apply to any situation
where a seller, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of
this section, has previously obtained consent from the buyer to an
indefinite extension beyond the first revised shipping date.
=======================================================================
PAGE-ASSISTANT
--------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
PageAssistant - The Online Companion For PageStream 2.1
At Spar Systems we are dedicated to bringing the Atari user support
software for various high-end programs. Our new addition is
PageAssistant. This product is an online help companion and tutorial for
Soft-Logik's new and powerful PageStream 2.1. We are quite confident
that PageStream users, both advanced and beginners, will find our
program a welcome addition to their software library.
Since its incarnation, the Atari ST line of computers has been an
excellent tool for creating documents such as newsletters and brochures.
The first full-featured program to open desktop publishing on the Atari
was Publishing Partner, which was later renamed PageStream. As Atari
computer technology becomes more sophisticated, so has this premium page
layout program. This is the year of Atari Publishing! With the release
of Pagestream 2.1, Atari users can benefit from the addition of color
separation, loadable macros for automation of repetitive and complex
procedures, plus countless other features. PageAssistant will help to
quickly transform the beginner to a full fledged typographer. The user
will have immediate access to power tips and step-by-step examples to
clarify new concepts. Its straightforward approach, using the
overlapping pop-up menu layout will easily guide you through each and
every aspect of the PageStream program, feature by feature. Each menu
item is followed by manual references to indicate the exact pages in the
manual that discuss the feature. As the user progresses with
PageAssistant (s)he will find new, tremendously efficient means to
creating truly professional documents with PageStream 2.1. Prepare to
be come a PageStream Power User!
* PageAssistant runs on top of the PageStream 2.1 software, providing
fast menu interaction for speedy online command summaries.
* Includes a 52 page manual (8.5" x 7") packed with tutorials on how to
master the macro command, design textual and graphic effects (such as
rotating objects in a circle, place text on a path, etc), layout
tutorials and much more.
* Tutorial on color separation using the CMYK model.
* Adding color to black laser type!
* Information on Soft-Logik, CS and PostScript fonts.
* Includes complete page referencing to the PageStream 2.1 manual.
* Send online summary to printer for hardcopy reference.
* Resolution independent!
* Includes one PostScript Type 1 font.
* Easy installation!
* Requires only 75K of memory.
Suggested retail price is $49.95, See your local dealer or order from:
Spar Systems
381 Autumn Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11208
(718) 235-3169
MiGBase coming soon!
=======================================================================
THE PALMTOP FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
-------------------------------
by Judith L. Hamner 75300,2161
=======================================================================
The Palmtop Forum on CompuServe opened July 25. The new forum will
support those interested in small computers and electronic organizers
such as the Casio Boss, Sharp Wizard, and Poqet computer. Each of these
has its own section with support offered by representatives of the
manufacturers. Traveling Software, a pioneer in computer linking, also
has a section of its own with manufacturer support. There are also
sections for other computers, peripherals, and general discussion. You
will find the HP95LX and Atari Portfolio discussed here, although their
primary coverage is in the HPSYSTEM and APORTFOL forums respectively.
In its first few weeks of existence, the forum has already produced some
lively discussions on the pros and cons of the various machines.
Potential purchasers have also found a steady stream of advice to help
them determine which unit will best meet their needs.
In the Sharp Wizard section, Scott Campbell 75300,2046 of Sharp has been
busy answering questions about various models and peripherals, and
assisting them with their problems. Scott has also sparked a lively
debate over the merits of an orzanizer vs. a DOS based palmtop. Wizard
users will fine files of interest in Library 3. SK2WIZ.ASC answers
common questions about file transfer between the Wizard and Sidekick
2.0. WIZ1.THR is a collection of forum messages of continuing interest.
WIZLIN.EXE is Mark Tirschwell's program fo transferring files from the
Wizard to a PC. MACWIZ.CPT is a similar program for the Mac by Bill
Steinberg.
In the Poqet section, Wanda Ferraro, 75300,1736, has been busy answering
questions about the new 640K model. This model is currently available
only from Digital Equipment Corp. Poqet users have been trading
information about how to adapt their favorite DOS software to the Poqet
environment. Library 2 is the place to find files of interest to Poqet
users. CLKFIX.SYS and CLKFIX.DOC will fix the problem with date roll
over when the Poqet is not used daily. POQ1.THR is a selection of forum
messages of general interest. POQUTL.EXE is a collection of utilities
by Jim Dorsey. POQET.UPG is the announcement of the new model Poqet.
The Casio Boss section has been a gathering place for users to share
tips. In the library, CASIOB describes one user's experience with the
Boss. BOSS1.THR contains selected forum messages with announcements
from Casio and tips from BOSS users.
Check the applications library for a wide variety of programs suitable
for use on DOS palmtops. Among the popular offerings are editors,
outliners, calculators, and utilities.
=======================================================================
THE ROAD TO 9600 - PART 1
-------------------------
by Wes Cowell
=======================================================================
Not long ago, many data communicators thought that dial-up modem
manufacturers had pushed transmission speeds to the limit with the
introduction of 2400 bit per second (bps) modems. Recently, however,
several manufacturers have creatively combined relatively mature
techniques of data transmission with newer technology and have
introduced 9600 bps modems.
Unfortunately, a widely accepted standard for full duplex 9600 bps
transmission as defined by the International Consultative Committee for
Telegraphy and Telephony (CCITT) does not yet exist (the CCITT is
currently considering proposals for a new 9600 bps dial-up standard).
This means that today's 9600 bps modems do not offer cross-manufacturer
compatibility. The CCITT HAS endorsed a half duplex and a full duplex
9600 bps standard, but to date implementations of these relatively
flexible standards have been proprietary, i.e., even the "standardized"
modems from different manufacturers are not compatible.
All this means that modem users who want to enjoy the dream speed of
9600 bps must weigh the pros and cons of each 9600 bps technique before
committing to a particular 9600 bps design. This paper was written in
an effort to provide typical modem users with enough technical
information and insight that they will be able to consider the new 9600
bps modems from the position of an educated consumer and not have to
rely on information gleaned from sales brochures and advertisements. It
should be noted that the author, Wes Cowell, is an employee of
USRobotics.
THE ROAD TO 9600
High speed data communications via the dial-up phone network is limited
by the available phone line bandwidth and by random channel impairments.
Just as the diameter of a pipe limits its liquid flow capacity, so does
the telephone channel bandwidth limit its data flow capacity.
The roughly 3000-Hz available in the telephone bandwidth poses few
problems for 300 bps modems, which only use about one fifth of the
bandwidth. A full duplex 1200 bps modem requires about half the
available bandwidth, transmitting simultaneously in both directions at
600 baud and using phase modulation to signal two data bits per baud.
"Baud rate" is actually a measure of signals per second. Because each
signal can represent more than one bit, the baud rate and bps rate of a
modem are not necessarilly the same. In the case of 1200 bps modems,
their baud rate is actually 600 (signals per second) and each signal
represents two data bits. By multiplying signals per second with the
number of bits represented by each signal one determines the bps rate:
600 signals per second X 2 bits per signal = 1200 bps.
In moving up to 2400 bps, modem designers decided not to use more
bandwidth, but to increase speed through a new signalling scheme known
as quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).
In QAM, each signal represents four data bits. Both 1200 bps and 2400
bps modems use the same 600 baud rate, but each 1200 bps signal carries
two data bits, while each 2400 bps signal carries four data bits: 600
signals per second X 4 bits per signal = 2400 bps.
A technique known as adaptive equalization enables 2400 bps modems to
adapt to phone line impairments call-by-call. Essentially, if the modem
is experiencing problems with a noisy line, it looks for a "sweet spot"
in the bandwidth and attempts to avoid troublesome frequencies. This
technique makes 2400 bps modems more tolerant of line noise than their
1200 bps counterparts that use compromise equalization (a one-size-fits
-all approach).
While these advanced modulation and equalization techniques in 2400 bps
modems provide for double the data rate of 1200 bps modems, they also
result in a design at least four times more complex than 1200 bps
modems.
Which brings us to the problem of designing a 9600 bps modem.
Jumping to 9600 from 2400 bps is several orders of magnitude more
complicated than going to 2400 from 1200 bps. Telephone network
characteristics make it highly unlikely that success will be had in
extending the "data signal alphabet" (number of bits represented by each
signal) beyond four bits per signal.
Instead, modem designers must increase the bandwidth that is to carry
the signal, and this presents a very big problem. In fact, at speeds of
4800 bps (1200 signals per second), the transmit and receive channels
must be expanded to the point where they actually begin to overlap. A
9600 bps "band" requires roughly 90 percent of the available bandwidth,
making it impossible to have two-way communication without the bands
interfering with each other.
A helpful analogy to the problem might be to consider a two lane
highway: traffic must flow in both directions simultaneously, but to
carry more cars per unit of time, highway designers must either increase
the number of lanes in each direction or widen the two lanes to
accommodate driver error with a margin of safety. Unfortunately, these
options are not available to modem designers as the available bandwidth
is of a fixed size.
With these considerations and limitations in mind, let's examine three
basic ways to accomplish full duplex (two-way) 9600 bps communications:
echo cancellation, virtual full duplex (achieved by half duplex
systems), and a symmetrical frequency division.
ECHO-CANCELLATION
This method solves the problem of overlapping transmit and receive
channels. Each modem's receiver must try to filter out the echo of its
own transmitter and concentrate on the other modem's transmit signal.
This presents a tremendous computational problem that significantly
increases the complexity -- and cost -- of the modem. But it offers
what other schemes don't: simultaneous two-way transmission of data at
9600 bps.
The CCITT "V.32" recommendation for 9600 bps modems includes echo-
cancellation. The transmit and receive bands overlap almost completely,
each occupying 90 percent of the available bandwidth. Measured by
computations per second and bits of resolution, a V.32 modem is roughly
64 times more complex than a 2400 bps modem. This translates directly
into added development and production costs which means that it will be
some time before V.32 modems can compete in the high-volume modem
market.
Despite the fact that V.32 is a recognized standard, it is uneconomical
and unnecessarily complex for personal computer datacomm applications
that simply don't require simultaneous two-way 9600 bps transmission.
(Next Week - Part II)
=======================================================================
Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF
--------------------
by Ron Berinstein
=======================================================================
That's it boys and girls men and woman, September is here and that
means it's schooltime again. I'm going to expect that all of you be
punctual, well dressed, and ready for, (you guessed it), homework!
Well, we here at the Software Shelf School of Hard Knocks and Drives,
have detertermined to be kind and somewhat "easy" to please, but, we do
require certain regulations to be met on a timely basis. After all, no
pain no gain! Right? That's what my teacher always said. (Or, was
that my KARATE teacher?)
So, strict? Yes, you bet! We require that you fully read your choice
of Atari specific magazines, that you take not more than two days off a
week, and that everyday you must give thought and work toward improving
your computer system. To do that you might consider some of the goals I
share and desire so that my system will be top notch. For example, I
desire a new car (so that I can drive to the magazine stand, and buy the
just released issues quickly). Also, I desire a brand new house (with a
separate room for my computer gear). And, of course a brand new Georgio
Armani suit (so that I can look good while typing my input).
Well now, next week you will have to all gather more quickly, stand in
better lines, and make, sure to bring your lunch money. As for this
week, I direct you now to take out your three ring binders and take
notes, because the filenames that follow may be of great interest to you
when you grow up and become big people!
MANIPULR.ARC Manipulator is a german program in GERMAN but all good
students seem to learn how to manipulate and chances are you CAN do a
great deal with it without understanding a word of GERMAN. It seems to
be able to manipulate picture files in various ways. It needs to be
tested further in depth to learn the full depth of its capabilities.
MONO - ST mega - TT/ST mode - Not tested on the STE. Seems like a
perfect homework assignment! :)
And because we in the administration building are always trying to save
students money...
BUILDDRV.LZH This file will tell you how to build your own 720k drive
instead of having to spend a whole bunch on ATARI's model.
And for those of you who like to look at pictures during class..
TESS.LZH is a simple tesseract rotating in 4-space. Works as a desk
accessory, or program and in any resolution.
AV_DEMO.ARC CodeHead Software is proud to represent Avant Vector - the
world's best auto-tracing and vector graphics application! This ARC
file contains an English demonstration version of this powerful graphics
/DTP tool. A tutorial text file is included. Avant Vector is available
immediately, directly from CodeHead Software. AV_PRESS.TXT, 5504 bytes,
will tell you all about it!
And for those of you who insist on shortcuts!
WHATIS47.ARC Version 4.7 of What Is. It now identifies 86 types of
files. So, no more guessing. It lets you set a default path for files
to be identified.
MDDELUXE.ARC Is the demo version of MultiDesk Deluxe, a major upgrade
to CodeHead Software's desk accessory loader/unloader. A text file is
included that will help you get the ten minute limit demo going. This
gives you access to _more_ DAs, while using _less_ memory and booting up
faster! The secret is the new "nonresident DA" technique -- Demo
Copyright 1991 CodeHead Software.
ALADV130.LZH is the newest ST GEnie Aladdin, version 1.30. Can now be
configured to stay online after an autopass; has a custom autopass;
reads email first; and some other bug fixes.
KDP65.LZH Kwik Disk v6.5 fixes a bug in v6.3 & v6.4. This LZH file
contains docs and the Configuration Editor program which creates your
own custom versions of BOOT Kwik Disk, AUTO Kwik Disk, Kwik Disk ACC, &
the NEW Kwik Disk CPX for Atari's Xcontrol Panel. Speeds up BOTH floppy
and hard drives. Verified w/TT030 in TT/ST. Works well & doesn't show
the problems of previous ver.
MM_100.ARC Don't waste any function keys in FLASH to send commonly used
strings. Let this program do this simple task for you. You can define
up to 42 strings with 33 characters each. Uses the GEM interface, you
even use the mouse to send the macros. Options for RT, LF, and pauses.
Should work with other terminals that can execute programs. [ShareWare
v1.00]
FORMRN.ARC New version! Assembler source for enhanced form_do. 100%
compatible, plus: definition of keypresses for exiting dialog,
equivalents to clicking buttons, or substituting other keys; entry of
ANY character in text field; shift-arrows move to beginning or end of
text field; in PRG, objects highlight or exit when mouse passes over
them; more! V3.0
STUNAR.ARC Here it is, an ATARI ST version of the new hot PC
compression format: 'ARJ'. ARJ is the best of both worlds, compresses
slightly more than LHA at PKZIP speed. This ST version is between 2 and
3 times faster than ARC 6.02 or LHARC 1.13, Extractor only.
PFX_17E.LZH PFXPACK (V1.7E) will Automaticly Unpack PRG/APP/TTP/TOS
Programs and Unpack and run them at load time. Note: all PFX files can
be restored with this Utillity. This is Thomas Questers English
Version. Use any LHA/Z to eXtract.
AFX_12E.LZH AFX (V1.2E) will unpack Data and RSC files at the time they
are loaded. It is installed in the Auto Folder and Runs as a TSR.
Note: you will need LZH201D/E to generate the AFX data files. This is
Thomas Questers English Version.. Use any LHA/Z to eXtract..
LZH201E.LZH This program will support all the LH Formats and will
generate very small LZH Files, and Note is very Fast. This is Thomas
Questers English Version. Use any LHA/Z to eXtract. Note: all the
manuals are inside the lharc.ttp, you just type x -rm lharc.ttp to
eXtract them. TOS 1.0/1.4/COLOR/MONO
HDWAIT2.ARC HDWAIT2.TOS is a program that delays your computer coming
on-line as your hard drive spins up during a power up. Using multi-
outlet powerstrips, you can turn on your entire hard drive equipped ST
with only one switch.
BOOTPLUS.ARC Bootplus allows you to choose your ST's resolution at boot
time. It also allows you to specify certain programs to be run when the
ST boots, depending on the resolution chosen. Negative TT res's.
Bootplus is Shareware. Registered users recieve complete C source.
Works with an Mega STe by changing name of Newdesk to Desktop.
And for your first test!
NBM11.LZH Beta version of NBM v1.1 - Use NBM to test the speed of your
ST/STe/TT and its accessories. This version adds percent increase to
the display, and adds the ability to choose which test(s) you wish to
run.
And for those of you you like to play games during recess...
SBREAK.ARC This is a super breakout game that brings you through
various levels allowing you to capture different options such as guns,
a larger paddle, multiple balls and much much more.
PONG.ARC Pong is a game that gives you a choice between handball or
breakout. The game is in english but you must play it with a joystick.
It adds a difficulty that you do not have with the mouse. MONO/JOYSTICK
REQUIRED
AST_TUNL.ARC Astro Tunnel is a low res sprite master demo game by
Chris Skellern. This game gives you an idea of what you can do with
Sprite Master. You need the mouse AND arrow keys to play this fast
paced game. Cooridination and quickness seems to be the key to winning.
CLRSPACE.LZH Remember Llamatron? Well take a look at Jeff Minter's
second shareware release. Colourspace is a Light Synthesiser enabling
users to create flowing, iridescent graphic effects on screen. Don't be
left in the dark! MUST be run off of drive A - Low Res TT and ST Be
careful though, if you wish to delete the file from your disk, note that
one of the program files contained in this file was "locked," and must
be unlocked first.
And every student should know what and where everything is and how to
multiply, divide and/or print it!
MPYDIV32.ARC The 68000 microprocessor has a superb instruction
repertoire but it does not include instructions to multiply or divide 32
-bit integers. This file fills that void by providing assembly language
source code for a*b, a/b, and a MOD b. Incorporate this code into your
library. You need an assembler to use this file, ideally Devpac.
MLIST.ARC MLIST v1.17 by Dan Rhea. This utility is a formatted print
utility. Some of it's features include line wrap without disturbing
pagination, line numbering, variable tab setting, wildcards with shells,
line number biasing and many other options. Includes source code.
CareWare.
FINDER.ARC Finder will locate a file containing up to three chosen
phrases. Type in the phrases, select a folder to search, and Finder
will look for a file containing any, or all of the phrases. Search can
be case sensitive, or not, and phrases can contain non-ASCII characters.
Runs as a PRG or ACC on any ST or TT in any resolution. Short docs
included in the ARC.
ZOOSHL06.ARC This is a GEM-based shell that makes using ZOO.TTP to
manage file archives reasonably beginner-friendly. The file is in ARC
format -- since the whole reason for this program is you might find ZOO
difficult to use.
SCRDMP24.LZH This program that will enable your 24-pin printer to do
screen dumps.
And for those who simply must play music while studying...
MDFORMAT.ARC Musical Disk Formatter is a simple utility and 68000
assembly code tutorial. The program uses only Line_A and TOS calls yet
closely resembles a GEM Dialogue Box. When the "Format" option is
selected, music (the theme song from the movie Midnight Express) plays
while your disk is being formatted with a variety of options.
2100 BEEP.ARC Beep is a neat little program that will allow you to
replace the system bell with a .SND file of your choice. This makes
mouse click errors almost fun! One system was set up with CANT_DO.SND
a.k.a. HAL.ARC. Anytime a mistake is made, the voice of HAL says 'I'm
sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.' Ideal for students who are
turly 'wise guys.'
SEN_LST.ARC This file will put a piano on screen and allow you to play
it. You can then save, replay, or save as a .lst GFA Basic file. This
program is pd, and the arc file include the source code. Now works in
all three resolutions, and has some bug fixes, but some still remain.
Creates new Sheet off of Drive A.
And so that you can account for your lunch money...
FINSTMTS.ARC This one spreadsheet, will use the account balances from
your general ledger to prepare an income statement, capital statement
and balance sheet for a sole proprietor business. You will need OPUS
2.0 or greater to use.
Need help fixing your homework papers that the cat stepped on?
FIZ21.ZOO FIZ 2.1 is a companion program to ZOO 2.1. It will assist
in recovering data from a damaged ZOO archive. Comes with docs.
So that you can talk to your teacher...
CHATTE.ARC Term-program including 3-line "chat"-window with full edit
capabilities and 100-lines-cyclic buffer. Only monochrome screens, no
GEM, fast output routines (reprogrammed, can display at speed of 19200
bps). Includes vt52, vt100 and minitel emulation! Capture-display
fast, includes search function and labels. Is very practical for
interactive sessions. Mono only.
And finally here are two extracurricular files that may be of interest!
JFAXDRIV.ARC This archive contains Beta Test printer drivers for use
with Pagestream 1.8x, Pagestream 2.1, Calamus 1.09x and Calamus S/SL.
These drivers are for use only with the Joppa FAX! Send FAX software
and Joppa FAX! FAX Modems. Copyright (C) 1991 Joppa Software
Development. Remember these are beta versions, use caution! P.S. I
must say that I am really happy with my Joppa Fax!, which I use weekly
to send my advertizing copy to the LA Times.
9600LI.ASC A technical description of the various 9600 schemes and
modems now available. Not for the novice. Discussions include V.32
V.32bis V.42 V.42bis HST Telebit MNP. Includes phone numbers for Modem
Manufacturers, prices, features, compatibility.
Thanks for returning to Software School... see you all next week! And,
by the way, thanks too to Compuserve. Several of the neater files in
this week's column were found there.
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 INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE - CREDITS
+--------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Publisher: Ron Kovacs | Editors: Ron Kovacs and John Nagy |
+--------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Z*Net Canada: Terry Schreiber | Z*Net New Zealand: Jon Clarke |
+--------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Z*Net PC: Mike Davis/Jim Manda | Newswire Asst Editor: Mike Mezaros |
+--------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Research Asst: Kathy Johnston | Shareware Reviews: Ron Berinstein |
+--------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Staff Columnist: Stan Lowell | Reporter: Mike Brown/Dr. Paul Keith|
+--------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Z*Net USA BBS - (908) 968-8148 | Z*Net Canada BBS - (604) 275-5888 |
| Registered FNET NODE 593 | Registered FNET NODE 505 |
+--------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Z*Net Pacific -(011)649608485 | Z*Net So. Pacific - (011)644762852 |
| Michtron BBS III NZ HDQTS | Registered FNET NODE 693 |
+--------------------------------+------------------------------------+
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENIE
To sign up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon
connection type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt. Type
XJM11877,GEnie and hit RETURN.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
COMPUSERVE
To sign up for CompuServe service, call 800-848-8199. Ask for operator
198. You will be sent a $15.00 free membership kit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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-
8148 at 1200/2400 Baud 24 hours a day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Z*NET Atari Online Magazine
Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
