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Z*NET Online Magazine Issue 91-26
==(((((((((( == Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
=========(( === -----------------------------------------
=======(( ===== June 21, 1991 Issue #91-26
=====(( ======= -----------------------------------------
==(((((((((( == (c)1989-1990-1991, Z*Net Publishing
Publisher/Editor - Ron Kovacs Editor - John Nagy
PC Newswire Editor/BBS SysOp - Mike Mezaros
Z*Net Canada - Terry Schreiber Z*Net NZ - Jon Clarke
Z*Net Germany - Mike Schuetz Columnist - Drew Kerr
Shareware/PD Reviewer - Ron Berinstein
Contributors: Mike Brown, Dr. Paul Keith, Keith Macnutt
Research Assistant - Kathleen Johnston
CONTENTS
THE EDITORS DESK.............................Ron Kovacs
Z*NET FEEDBACK - NEWSWIRE UPDATE.......................
Z*NET NEWSWIRE.........................................
THE PORTFOLIO PICAYUNE........................Drew Kerr
Z*NET ATARIWATCH 1991 CALENDER UPDATE..................
BBS EXPRESS UPDATE........................Press Release
LYNX COLUMN...............................Clinton Smith
Z*NET CONFERENCE BBS MEMBERS LISTING...................
ST CARTRIDGE HOLDER...........................Ken Brick
ZMAGAZINE ARCHIVES....................Kathleen Johnston
Z*NET PC #10 CONTENTS..................................
=======================================================================
THE EDITORS DESK
----------------
by Ron Kovacs
=======================================================================
The staff is currently scheduling vacations, including myself and the
next three weeks will obviously show. There may also be an interruption
in issues during the week of July 4, 1991, but we will let you know more
next week.
Terry Schreiber's Vancouver Atarifest took place last week and will be
reported on next week. Terry needed the time off to recover. All in
all, it was a decent show and we look forward to Terry's report next
week. Also, I want to thank Terry for passing out the Z*Net buttons at
the show.
If you cannot locate an AtariUser Magazine near you, anyone interested
in more information should call (800) 333-3567 for ordering a
subscription. USA rate is $18.00 a year, Canadian rate is $22.00 (US)
a year, UK is 17.50 (UK) a year, EEC is 20.00 (EEC) a year.
Send your check or money order in US funds to:
Quill Publishing Co.
113 W. College Street
Covina, California 91723-2008
UK and EEC Subscribers should contact:
Bath Publications
43 Midford Road
Bath, BA2 5RW England
Voice: 44-0-225-836182
Fax: 44-0-224-840600
(cut here)
ATARIUSER SUBSCRIBER FORM
NAME:________________________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS:______________________________________________________
CITY:____________________________ STATE___________ ZIP:______________
COUNTRY:_________________________ PHONE:_____________________________
CHECK NUMBER/MONEY ORDER AMOUNT:_____________________________________
The July issue is near release! Sign up today!
=======================================================================
Z*NET FEEDBACK - NEWSWIRE UPDATE
--------------------------------
=======================================================================
From Atari Australia
While it was nice to see Atari Australia's exposure in the latest Z-Net
issue, regarding the Victorian Education Department, some of the
information was incorrect. Below you will find the press release that
went out advising of our successful tendering.
Press Release
SYDNEY, 7th May 1991.
The Victorian Ministry of Education have again appointed Atari Computers
as an approved supplier to Victorian Schools. After a detailed
evaluation, the Victorian Ministry of Education have chosen to recommend
the Atari STE, the Atari MEGA ST and the Atari TT computers as approved
computers for purchase by Victorian schools.
The criteria used within the evaluation process covered such issues as
ease-of-use, manufactured quality, value for money, upgradeability,
software support, reseller support and the ability of all the computers
to work within a larger school network.
Nigel Shepherd, Managing Director of Atari Computers, said "This
decision by a highly qualified reference group confirms that our current
range of computers offers outstanding value and suitability across the
K-12 curriculum". He noted that "The Ministry's decision to include the
new Atari TT computer on their list confirms that schools recognise the
benefits offered by a personal workstation in such areas as graphic
design, CAD, Classroom Publishing, simulationand video applications".
He went on to say "Combined with its ability to act as the central hub
in a classroom network together with its industry standard architecture,
the TT provides schools with an affordable platform that meets the
majority of their computing requirements".
The Atari 1040STe with a colour screen and 1 megabyte of memory has an
educ ational price of $1,319 and $1,210 with a monochrome screen. The
Atari MEGA ST with a colour screen, 2 megabytes of memory and a 30 Mb
hard disk has an educational price of $2,824. The Atari TT with 4
megabytes of memory, a VGA colour graphics screen and an internal 50
meg hard disk has an educational price of $4220.
For further information contact:
Mr Alistair Campion
Technical Director,
Atari Computers
277 Lane Cove Road
North Ryde, NSW 2113
Tel. (02) 805-0344
Fax (02) 887-2231
=======================================================================
Z*NET NEWSWIRE
--------------
=======================================================================
XCONTROL RELEASED
Atari Corp has released on GEnie the new XCONTROL panel for the STe and
TT. The arced file contains full documentation and the CPX control
files. Get it now on GEnie, CompuServe and the Z*Net BBS.
EDUCATION GRANTS ANNOUNCED
Apple recently selected 19 learning projects in elementary and secondary
schools across the US to participate in its Crossroads II Education
Grants program. Through the program, Apple provides computers,
printers, modems, and other peripherals, funds for teacher training and
curriculum development, and access to AppleLink. Claris and Microsoft
are donating software. Grants are awarded to schools where economically
disadvantaged students make up the majority of the student body.
FIRST SCSI HOST ADAPTER ANNOUNCED
Adaptec became the first company to announce a Small Computer Systems
Interface (SCSI) host adapter to support Insite Peripherals' new high-
capacity 21Mbyte Floptical drives, debuting next week. Adaptec's AHA-
1520 AT-to-SCSI host adapter, with Floptical drive support built into
its BIOS, enables Floptical drives to be integrated seamlessly into AT-
class microcomputers. A working demonstration of the unit with an
Insite Peripherals Floptical drive will be demonstrated June 25-27 at
PC Expo, Booth 5555, Javits Center, New York.
WORLDS FIRST GAS PLASMA DISPLAY
Toshiba announced it would start selling four new models of its Dynabook
32-bit notebook-size personal computers with gas plasma displays on the
Japanese market from July 1. They will be the world's first notebook-
size computers with gas plasma dislays which respond to instructions
faster than liquid crystal displays as well as offering a wider screen
viewing angle and a higher contrast ratio. The four models are priced
between $2,843 and $3,557 with a 3.5-inch internal disk drive.
DISTINCTIVE SOFTWARE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Electronic Arts announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire
Distinctive Software Inc. Electronic Arts will pay $782,900 and issue
488,157 shares of new common stock in exchange for all the outstanding
capital stock of DSI. DSI will be operated as a wholly-owned
subsidiary. Tarrnie Williams, 50, will continue as president and chief
executive officer of the new subsidiary. Don Mattrick, 27, founder,
chairman, and vice president of marketing and design for DSI, will
become vice president of strategic planning for Electronic Arts.
Distinctive Software has created over 40 titles and 90 SKU's for leading
publishers including Electronic Arts, Broderbund, Konami, Walt Disney
Computer Software, Mindscape and Accolade. It has participated in the
development of Test Drive and Hardball. It has designed Evolution and
The Duel: Test Drive II. It has also developed Ace of Aces, Dambusters,
Grand Prix Circuit, Hardball II, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
SMARTMODEM 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Hayes announced the Smartmodem Tenth Anniversary by kicking off a year-
long celebration, beginning with the biggest cash rebate ever on Hayes
modems in the United States and Canada. From June 17 to Aug. 18, 1991,
Hayes provides customers with a US$150 rebate on ULTRA 96 or V-series
Smartmodem 9600; a US$100 rebate on Smartmodem 2400, Smartmodem 2400P,
Smartmodem 1200, or Smartmodem 1200B; and a US$35 rebate on Smartcom
Exec or Smartcom II for the Macintosh when purchased with one of these
modems. Hayes has set no volume limitations on individual or total unit
rebates. Customers may also obtain rebate coupons in metropolitan
newspapers and major industry magazines as well as through Hayes
electronic bulletin board system at 1-800-US-HAYES or 1-404-HI-MODEM.
For more information, contact Hayes Sales Support at (404) 840-9200.
=======================================================================
THE PORTFOLIO PICAYUNE
----------------------
by Drew Reid Kerr
=======================================================================
GEnie D.KERR1 DELPHI DRKERR
SEEN RECENTLY IN THE LOVELORN SECTION OF AN ATARI BB:
SINGLE MALE PORTFOLIO, good memory,
looking for a hot "female" connection
to L.U.S.T. (Lovable Underrated ST).
Must be good communicator... fast....
Well, you've got that 128k baby and you want it to create beautiful
music together with your ST. No sweat. Just follow the easy
instructions and these two machines will be purring like lovebirds in
Atari Heaven.
1. Buy the serial interface for the Portfolio. This accessory not only
provides ST communication, but modem accessibility as well.
2. You need this configuration of a cable: 9-pin female to 25-pin
female. There are two ways of getting this cable: buy a null modem
cable with this configuration already or buy a null modem cable with
a null modem cable adaptor to make the 25-pin male into a female.
The advantage of the latter is that the adaptor can be removed so
you can hook the male end into a modem, leaving you a lot of
flexibility. Check out your local Radio Shack or electronic store.
3. The right term programs for both the Portfolio and the ST. For the
former, you can get XTERM2, available on CompuServe and GEnie
Portfolio SIG's or the DOS Utilities Card available from your Atari
dealer.
For the ST, there are a couple of PD programs avilable and they are
tricky, to say the least. No question about it, buy Transport by Donald
Thomas from Artisan Software (P.O. Box 849, Manteca, CA 95336). It goes
for something like $25 and is worth every penny. This program will make
your file transfers a breeze!
Now, it's simple. Attach the serial interface, connect the cable, boot
up Transport on the ST and XTERM2 on the Portfolio. Let's say you are
sending a file from the ST to the Portfolio. On Transport, go to the
Extended Options setting. Press [U] for "upload" and the program will
ask you what kind of file you are sending (.EXE, .COM, .BAT, etc.). A
file selector comes up, you choose the file you want to send. Transport
is now in waiting mode, ready for your Portfolio to say, "C'mon over!"
On your Portfolio, press [Function] 2 (capture) and it will ask you the
name of the file. Type in the exact name of the file you are sending.
If you're not sure, look on your ST monitor -- it will be written on
your screen. Press Return.
On your ST screen, Xmodem blocks will be sent to your Portfolio. On
your Portfolio, you'll see little dots, representing blocks, going
across the screen. When finished, it will say "Done!" Press [Function]
1 to exit XTERM2.
Now the new program will be siting in the directory in which XTERM2 is
located, ready to be used. Make sure you use "Check Disk" to assure
there is enough space in your drive for the new program coming over.
Once you transfer your first file, you'll be going hog-wild downloading
new Portfolio programs. Take my word, this is the way to do your
Portfolio/ST Love Connection!
*
THE MEMORY CARD MOTEL
At this time, memory cards come in three configurations: 32k, 64k, and
128k. If you are wise, you'll skip the 32k's and get a few of the
others. This is intelligent Portfolio-ing and here's why:
Your Portfolio can only handle so many files. If you've got a good-
sized address book and diary, keep worksheets, keep XTERM 2 in your C
directory, you'll have very little space left over. Your flexibility
lies in your RAM (memory) cards.
Using FDISK, format your C drive to 8k (16k if you use alarms). This
will save the bulk of your memory for doing the hard work. Put all your
address, editor, diary and worksheet files on the RAM cards. Do all
your work from these cards. This will give you plenty of space to work
the Portfolio while have maximum memory power punch.
This is especially true for XTERM2. Put it on a 64k or 128k card, and
you've got no space worries when tranferring programs in!
BOOK'EM, DAN-O!
The only book on the market devoted to the Portfolio is The Complete
Guide To The Atari Portfolio (Abacus; paperback). My advice is don't
bother -- everything you need to know can be found in two places: the
Portfolio manual (which is good) and the forums and libraries of
CompuServe and GEnie. From the latter, not only can you find plenty of
help and discussion, but post a question and you'll get personalized
help!
MODEM, LARRY & CURLY
Keeping the portability concept in mind, you may want to go on-line at
a moment's notice with your Portfolio and Serial Interface. There are
two pocket modems recommended, both the size of cigarette lighters,
powered by 9-volt batteries and useful up to 2400 baud.
The first is the Practical Peripheral Pocket Modem, personally used by
Atari's Bob Brodie himself.
The second, recommended by Transport's Donald Thomas, is the World Port,
manufactured by Touchbase Systems, Inc., 160 Laurel Avenue, Northport,
NY 11768 (516-261-0423).
I DIG SIG'S
Portfolio support on-line comes down to two services, CompuServe and
Genie. If you own a Portfolio, the best thing you could do is support
them -- they have terrific programs and help files, advice is there for
the asking, and it shows Atari (and the world) you dig their 16bit
portable thinking machine. Here's a look at the two services:
CompuServe
Type in APORTFOLIO and you'll have your mind blown Portfolio-style.
This is considered Atari's official forum for the unit. It shows.
There are an incredible amount of message forums but what will really do
it is the Libraries. Thousands of programs and help files ready for
your downloading.
Your first move should be to the New Uploads section to download the
list of all Portfolio files in all the libraries. Yes, it's a mother of
a list to print out, but worth it. Look through the utilities, games,
applications and graphics program descriptions. If you're curious about
something, circle it and bring it on down!
Programs have been coming in at a rather slow rate the last few months.
You'll also notice that Portfolio files are either downloaded by a dozen
people or hundreds.
GEnie
This SIG is in stall mode and really needs a good shot of support to
help it. As a matter of fact, the way this area is set up, it almost
seems like second-class treatment. There are literally only slightly
over 100 files in the library. Most of the files a very good, but scant
compared to CompuServe. The Portfolio newsletter needs updating and I
can't recall the last Portfolio conference either.
Part of the blame seems to be lack of a good Portfolio sysop. The SIG
needs pushing, cajoling, promotion and most of all, YOUR SUPPORT!!! If
you have good knowledge of the PT, send Atari sysop Darlah Pine e-mail
and let her know you are interested in being a Portfolio SIG caretaker
(her address is DARLAH).
Also, if you have a Portfolio, download the files and put up some
messages. The files may be small in number, but the amount of downloads
is impressively large.
The best thing about the GEnie Portfolio SIG (M 950) is the Bulletin
Board. It's easy to handle and navigate. Every topic is covered well
and in a friendly demeanor. You want to know about Portfolio
programming? Transferring files between a PT and a Mac? Portfolio
tricks? This is one area you should not miss!
GET YOUR HOT PROGRAMS!
There's a battery of dedicated Portfolio programmers who are always
uploading wonderful new programs to the SIG's. As a matter of fact,
they often get their ideas from user e-mail! Look for fine work by
folks such as B.J. Gleason, David Stewart, Jim Straus and Don Messerli.
Here's a smattering of top stuff:
DIAL.ARC: Dial program for XTERM2.
GO.BAT: Batch file with multiple utilities like backup, sort, etc.
BATCH.ARC: Uses a KeyFake program to automatically call a name, invoke
the editor, search for name in address book, etc.
BACKUP.BAT/DOC: Three backup programs.
PRTRIS: Tetris for the Portfolio! Great!
CASINO.COM: Blackjack... a big file so watch it!
PORTFOLIO TOOL KIT 2.0: Utilities including -- disk and system info,
system operation setter, tone generator (music!), document filter,
function key reassignment, directory display and more!
SKETCH: Drawing like the old Etch-A-Sketch!!
BATTERY MONITOR: Displays the number of days since you installed the
battery.
Is the DOS Utilities RAM Card worth buying? No doubt, it's convenient
having XTERM2 ready for input. But keep in mind that a good percentage
of the programs are now available on-line.
MY PORTFOLIO AND ME
I've had my Portfolio for one month, so I'd like to share my uses with
you, incase you're wondering if it's worth buying one or you're figuring
out what to do with the thing.
I run a one-man public relations firm in Manhattan, Four Corners
Communications. Portability, notes, appointments come to mind
immediately when you are a small business and on the run. I TAKE THE
PORTFOLIO EVERYWHERE. THAT'S WHAT IT IS FOR.
When I'm at a client and I need to take quick notes of ideas, out comes
the Text Editor (don't need a notebook). I have various media events
and calls to keep track of, so the Diary is my appointment guide. What
I have really made use of is the Address Book -- like an unlimited
Rolodex with the world's longest cards, I can call up tv stations,
writers, producers on the go without calling directory asssistance or
searching my own faulty memory.
I've transported some ST programs between by office computer and my home
computer. Instead of a floppy disk sitting around, easily susceptible
to damage, it's hibernating in my Portfolio, ready to get vacuumed out
to my STE!
THE CRYSTAL BALL
One great development in the works is the converting of popular text
adventure games to the Portfolio. Supposedly, the classic Infocom games
like "Leather Goddesses of Phobos" and "Wishbringer" are likely
candidates (easy to do and financially prudent) or original games. Keep
an eye open for these work distractors!
FACT: As of January 1991, 250,000 Portfolios had been sold worldwide!
****
Drew Kerr publishes "Four Corners," an on-line public relations
newsletter for small business and pr professionals. It can be
downloaded from CompuServe (PRSIG, WORK, USEN), GEnie (HOSB) or Delphi
(Business Forum).
=======================================================================
Z*NET ATARIWATCH 1991 CALENDAR
------------------------------
=======================================================================
CANCELLED !!!! June 29-30 CANCELLED!!!!
The Great Lakes Atari Computer Users Conference at the Mercyhurst
College Campus Center (501 East 38th St.) in Erie, Pennsylvania.
CANCELLED!!!! GLACUC, call Patty Marshall at 412-225-8637
July 20
Blue Ridge AtariFest, Noon to whenever, Saturday July 20, Westgate
Shopping Center, Asheville, North Carolina, at I-240 and US 19-23.
Contact B.R.A.C.E., Van Estes, 704-685-8358
July 27
MIST AtariFest III in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, July 27th,
sponsored jointly by the user groups at Indianapolis and Bloomington
known as MIST (Mid-Indiana ST). Held at CADRE, Inc., 6385 Castleplace
Drive, Indianapolis, IN. Bill Loring, 812-336-8103.
August 8-11
GEN CON, the world's largest Game Convention (12,000+), at MECCA in
Milwaukee Wisconsin. MilAtari Ltd. will host a computer gaming section
again.
August 23-25
Dusseldorf Atarimesse. This is the huge all-Atari show held annually in
Germany. Contact Alwin Stumph, Frankfurterstrasse 89-91, 6096 Raunheim.
Phone 49-6142-2090 FAX 49-6142-209180
September 14-15
The Southern California ATARI Computer Faire, Version 5.0, also known as
THE GLENDALE SHOW has been confirmed for September 14 and 15, 1991.
Contact: H.A.C.K.S., 249 N. Brand Bl. #321, Glendale, CA 91203, or call
John King Tarpinian, Faire Chairperson, 818-246-7286.
October 12-13
WAACE AtariFest '91, Sheraton Reston Hotel, Washington D.C./Virginia,
contact J.D.BARNES, 7710 Chatham Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
October 21-25
Fall COMDEX Las Vegas Nevada
November 23-24
Chicago Atari Computer Show BY ATARI. Contact Larry Grauzas, P.O. Box
8788, Waukegan, IL 60079-8788, phone 708-566-0671. Administrated by the
Lake County Atari Computer Enthusiasts (LCACE).
=======================================================================
BBS EXPRESS UPDATE
------------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
B B S E X P R E S S ! S T N E W S
V1.70 NOW AVAILABLE TO REGISTERED SUBSCRIBERS!
Support Line #1: The Rebel BBS......702/435-0786 FidoNet: 1:209/745
Support Line #2: ST Synchronicity...415/526-6471 PC Pursuit: "CAOAK"
Support Line #3: Psychlo Empire.....214/251-1175 Central Support (TX)
Support Line #4: Terrapin Station...203/656-0134 Eastern Support (CT)
Yet another major update, folks -- the third such major update in a row!
While others may add a feature here and a bug fix there, we're not happy
unless we keep giving you more and more power and flexibility with each
new release! (Does anyone remember what v1.30 looked like? ;^)
Here's just a sampling of what's new in v1.70 of BBS Express! ST:
>>> PROMPT.DAT >>> Those of us back in '86 running the old BBS Express!
for the 8-bits appreciated the ability to customize all our text strings
and prompts via the PROMPT.DAT data file. BBS Express! ST has always
enjoyed the reputation for being the most customizable BBS software for
the Atari ST. Well, that ability has been enhanced even more with the
addition of this great new feature! Customize nearly 260 prompts (with
more on the way) to your liking. Support ASCII/VT52/ANSI Color/Mono and
40/80 columns ALL IN THE SAME PROMPT, USING _ONE_ PROMPT.DAT!
>>> ONE-LINERS >>> So you think your a comedian, huh? Well, even if
you're not, you're sure to love the new one-liners that are displayed at
_random_ just before the main command prompt is displayed. "One-liners"
is actually a misnomer, since they can be as many lines as you can fit
into the 132 byte limit for each one. They are a part of PROMPT.DAT and
can be changed to anything you like. In addition, a new script command
has been added to toggle them ON/OFF, useful for giving your callers the
ability to turn them on and off, or, if you don't like them, you can
turn them off permanently.
>>> CHAT MODE ENHANCED >>> Chat mode now has word wrap that can be
toggled on/off by either the SysOp or the caller. In addition, with
each Carriage Return (by either party), Express! will automatically give
both ends a colored (provided the caller is in color) paragraph
separator, giving chat a nice 'neat' easy to follow look.
>>> STATUS BOX TOGGLE >>> You can now toggle the Status Box at the top
of the screen ON/OFF at will! This gives you the ability to see what
the caller sees -- especially useful for testing scripts. In addition,
a new ampersand variable tag has been added which will return the
condition of the Status Box!
>>> DEFAULT PATH IN SCRIPT >>> A new script command has been added that
will automatically restore your working directory to the path that you
load the BBS from! This is especially nice for passing scripts around
(no longer does each sysop have to edit their default paths), and for
when you change your BBS configuration around. Ah heck, it's just plain
EASIER!
>>> CALL EDITOR FROM SCRIPT >>> You can now use perhaps the finest
editor of any ST BBS program in any of your scripts! You choose the
title to be displayed, along with the maximum message size and you have
a real fancy editor in your very own scripts. If you've ever imagined
having things like word wrap, letter and word pasting, color (translated
for the caller) and all the other great features of the Express! editor
in your very own scripts, well, now you can!
>>> FILE SELECTOR >>> You can now instantly call up whatever file
selector is installed in your system with a single keypress from the
SysOp command shell! This is especially handy if you're using a custom
file selector with built-in file maintenance features. (You can use
that file selector's file handling routines, rather than Express!'s
CLI.)
>>> UE ENHANCEMENTS >>> The CLI (Command Line Interface) has been
dumped in the online UE (User Editor) in favor of Hot Keys, making
getting around much easier and faster. In addition, when editing user
flags, you can now terminate the typing of all the Y's and N's by
pressing Return, and all of the Y's and N's after that point will remain
as they were.
>>> UNLIMITED USER MASKS >>> You now have virtually an _unlimited_
number of User Masks at your disposal! If you don't know what User
Masks are, they are predefined security levels, time limits, DL:UL
ratios, etc., that you assign to a user by typing in a simple number.
In this case, that number can be _any_ valid user number in your
userlog, whether it's a real user or a 'dummy' account you have set up
previously. All pertinent settings will be extracted from that account
and placed into the account you're editing. That means the amount of
masks you can have is limited only by the size of your userlog!
>>> ZEPHYR! UPDATED AND EXPANDED >>> Thanks to XYZ author Alan
Hamilton, Zephyr! has been improved both in performance and in screen
display! Now, _all_ Express! transfers are done through Zephyr!,
freeing up yet even more memory for 1/2 meg SysOps. It also means an
improved Xmodem display and greater performance with Xmodem-1k. The
interface has also been greatly improved, with Express! now accurately
detecting the success of each and every transfer.
Of course, there are many other minor enhancements, not to mention a few
bug fixes <blush>. Suffice it to say, the best is only getting better!
Spread the word -- BBS Express! ST is growing by leaps and bounds!
To order BBS Express! ST:
First time buyers: The price is still $79.95 (cheap) and includes two
disks, documentation, Script examples, and the Script language Compiler,
of course. A special offer only at the time of purchase allows you to
buy (1) year of unlimited updates downloadable via one of the support
BBSes for only $15.00. This is normally $25.00.
Registered owners: The yearly subscription fee for unlimited updates
via modem is $25.00 -- you will be able to come online and grab the
latest version was soon as it hits the streets!
Send the applicable amount (personal check or money order) payable to
"T2 Ltd." to the address below:
T2 Ltd.
P.O. Box 1947
Fontana, CA 92334-1947
(C) 1991, T2 LTD. - PERMISSION GRANTED TO REPRINT ONLY IN ITS ENTIRETY
=======================================================================
LYNX COLUMN FROM ATARIUSER MAGAZINE, JUNE, 1991
-----------------------------------------------
by Clinton Smith
=======================================================================
Copyright, 1991, by Quill Publishing. This article may NOT be reprinted
without permission of AtariUser Magazine. Information and subscriptions
are available at 800-333-3567.
ALERT BOX ITEMS
NEC's TurboExpress portable game unit will not be released in Europe due
to the established popularity of the Lynx there, according to reports in
an online magazine from the Netherlands. Portable Addiction, edited by
Tjerk Heymens Visser and Yiri Kohl, is a new monthly Lynx and Portfolio
support magazine, distributed electronically from Europe via USENET, and
also available on U.S. BBS systems and pay services.
Consolidating its resources, Atari relocated its entire entertainment
division to Lombard, Illinois, formerly only the Lynx software
development center. Lawrence Siegel, a 20 year veteran of the amusement
and video game industry with Sega, Seeburg, and Williams and former head
of Lynx software development, has been appointed President of the Atari
Entertainment Division.
NEW LYNX GAMES - PREVIEW!
Insider's first look at games in development
By the time you read this, Warbirds and Blockout should both be out, but
I took advantage of my proximity to the new Atari Entertainment Division
in Chicago to get an early peek. I gave them a call and they invited me
down to their offices to check out some upcoming games and get the
lowdown on what is to come. These aren't quite reviews--I like to spend
some serious time with a game before I make a definitive opinion. I'll
give you the final word on these as soon as I get my hands on them.
WARBIRDS
Warbirds is a World War I dogfighting game where you fly in 3-D through
the skies, engaging enemy aircraft. The surprising thing is that this
isn't the shootemup that you would expect on a video game system.
Instead, it's more like the flight simulators that you're used to seeing
on 16-bit computers like the ST.
You view the game from your biplane's cockpit. Since they didn't have
radar in WWI, you have to scan the skies with your eyes to find your
opponent. Holding down your B button and moving your joypad will let
you look around and behind you.
Warbirds features exceptional graphics. The 3-D environment is very
smooth and even has clouds to hide in. When an enemy plane is damaged,
smoke starts pouring out of its tail. The game also has some nicely
detailed, digitized pictures at the end of the mission. If you feel
like making your friends crash and burn, you can ComLynx up to 6
players.
BLOCKOUT
Blockout is a 3-D puzzle game which is already available for most
computers. It's very similar to Tetris, but the action is viewed from
above. Three dimensional blocks fall into a pit, and you must rotate
them as they fall so they will fit together. Fill up an entire level
and those blocks disappear. If your block placement isn't very good,
the blocks will start to stack up and once they reach the top of the
pit, GAME OVER.
The 3-D graphics of Blockout fit in perfectly with the Lynx's 3-D
scaling abilities. Like other puzzle games of this sort, it's extremely
addictive and will be eating up a lot of man hours.
THIRD PARTY DEVELOPMENTS
A number of third party companies are working on games for the Lynx:
COLOR DREAMS is best known as one of the companies who has produced
third party NES titles without Nintendo's permission. Their first Lynx
title is Crystal Mines 2. CM2 is a puzzle/strategy game which looks
similar to the classic Boulderdash. They're also working on a game
based on the gruesome horror film, Hellraiser.
LORICIEL (one of the biggest French developers) is doing Superskweek, an
action game where you must repaint tiles, rescue imprisoned Skweekettes,
and kill the monsters that are infecting your planet. The game has 225
levels for you to get through.
SHADOWSOFT is a Canadian firm which is converting the arcade classic,
Robotron. They are also rumored to be working on a Lynx version of
Joust.
TELEGAMES USA is readying a comprehensive chess game titled Fidelity
Ultimate Chess. The game features 2-D and 3-D views. Next up is a 3-D
miniature golf simulation.
Most of these games are due very soon.
PLAY TIPS
In XENOPHOBE, the Poofer Gun is the most powerful. It has a short range
but is very effective right through the last levels.
Jump to level 144 in CHIP'S CHALLENGE with code GVXQ. And try code MAND
for the hidden Mandelbrot explorer, where every button has a new
function.
NEXT MONTH we'll have more on "games within games", hidden levels, and
more playing hints. If you have Lynx questions or suggestions for this
column, contact me in care of my quarterly newsletter. APE Newsletter,
2104 North Kostner, Chicago, IL 60639. I also can be reached on GEnie -
leave a message to me at C.SMITH89 - Clinton Smith
=======================================================================
Z*NET ONLINE MAGAZINE CONFERENCE MEMBERS
----------------------------------------
=======================================================================
Node BBS Name BBS Phone City, State, Country
---- ---------------------- ------------- ------------------------
55 Hi-Tech 203-776-2850 North Haven, CT, USA
68 CFB Atari 416----------- Toronto, ON, Canada
123 EastSide BBS 618-254-6077 Wood River, IL, USA
133 Hologram Inc. 908-727-1914 Old Bridge, NJ, USA
168 C.C.B.B.S. 609-451-7475 Bridgeton, NJ, USA
171 The Outland 403-475-9588 Edmonton, AB, Canada
204 Full Moon: FoReM Spt 508-752-1348 Worcester, MA, USA
224 Flash BBS 314-275-2040 St. Louis, MO, USA
266 The Patch House 212-824-5512 New York, NY, USA
300 ST.AT.U.S. BBS 203-528-7693 East Hartford, CT, USA
304 The Twilight Zone 407-831-1613 Longwood, FL, USA
378 Little Lulu's Playgrnd 415-458-3659 Pittsburg, CA, USA
390 HyperSpace II BBS 803-574-6738 Spartanburg, SC, USA
410 ACE Information Srv 513-233-9500 Huber Heights, OH, USA
422 Virtual Reality 817-547-1734 Copperas Cove, TX, USA
423 White Runes/Tinuviel 303-972-8566 Littleton, CO, USA
440 {{ Realm of Chaos }} 602-789-9426 Phoenix, AZ, USA
441 The Boiler Room BBS 313-562-1142 Detroit, MI, USA
467 Sherwood Forest 718-522-0768 Brooklyn, NY, USA
469 The Outer Region BBS 303-766-2778 AURORA, CO, USA
479 Cave Creek BBS 206-525-7046 Seattle, WA, USA
489 STeal Your Face 201-920-7981 Brick, NJ, USA
500 Battlezone 301-969-0621 Glen Burnie, MD, USA
501 STormShadow 301-360-1480 Pasadena, MD, USA
504 Media 2000 301-360-0397 Pasadena, MD, USA
505 ATARI WEST BBS 604-272-5888 RICHMOND, BC, CANADA
513 The Forgotten Realms 615-833-4971 Nashville, TN, USA
523 Leftover Hippies BBS 416-466-8931 Toronto, ON, Canada
532 Bill's BBS 403-461-7546 Edmonton, AB, Canada
534 Pinky's House of Horror 415-531-1576 Oakland, CA, USA
538 The Dragon's Lair 803-788-7806 Columbia, SC, USA
546 Bear Swamp BBS 513-644-0714 Marysville, OH, USA
555 The Grid BBS 415-351-1385 San Leandro, CA, USA
556 Thieves Guild 301-894-8516 Suitland, MD, USA
562 Midwest Connection 708-423-1568 Chicago Ridge, IL, USA
574 Asylum 505-897-4306 Albuquerque, NM, USA
592 The O-Mayer V BBS 213-732-0229 Los Angeles, CA, USA
593 Z*Net Online 908-968-8148 Middlesex, NJ, USA
595 Temple of Doom 403-436-0328 Edmonton, AB, Canada
596 Super 68 206-859-9644 Kent, WA, USA
602 Cartoon Haven 719-574-7406 Colorado Springs, CO, USA
610 The Songwriter's Den 908-859-0004 Phillipsburg, NJ, USA
616 MoDeM MaDnEsS BBS 516-295-3827 Woodmere, NY, USA
621 The Garage 618-344-8466 Collinsville, IL, USA
624 Paradox 314-631-5449 St. Louis, MO, USA
625 Phil's Hangout 412-331-2795 Mckees Rocks, PA, USA
633 The Dark STar BBS 801-269-8780 Murray, UT, USA
635 STormbringer 307-638-7036 Cheyenne, WY, USA
641 Midgard Serpent 718-714-1423 Brooklyn, NY, USA
643 The Ringworld 303-699-0402 Aurora, CO, USA
647 E.H.C.R. 203-528-4448 East Hartford, CT, USA
656 The Isle of Lucy 604-339-0006 Comox, BC, Canada
664 LaST C.A.S.T.L.E. BBS 719-390-9837 Colorado Springs, CO, USA
667 Star Ship Enterprise 602-247-9431 Phoenix, AZ, USA
=======================================================================
ST CARTRIDGE HOLDER
-------------------
by Ken Brick
=======================================================================
Everyone that owns an Atari ST and a plug in cartridge such as a Spectre
GCR has a problem with the cartridge. It always is in danger of being
knocked out by an accidental movement of your hand or the machine
itself. When that happens, you just hold your breath and wonder how
many dollars it's going to cost to repair this time. Most of the time
you make out and nothing happens, but I couldn't stand the suspense.
I wanted to figure out a way to hold this cartridge in its slot much
more securely. What came out of my brainstorming session was simple,
cheap, and effective. (sounds impossible I know). What you'll need is 2
mating pieces of velcro (one hooks and one loops) about 6 inches each.
One of them (either one) needs to be sticky backed and the other plain
backed. Try a fabric shop for these.
Here's how it works. Unplug your ST's power cord, and with your
cartridge device still plugged in, turn it over, back side up. Cut the
sticky backed velcro into 4 pieces about 1.5" each. Stick 4 pieces on,
two on the cartridge and two on the ST. Then take the velcro of the
opposite non-sticky gender and cut 2 pieces that are long enough to go
across the separation between your cartridge and ST and stick onto 2
opposing pieces of velcro you had stuck on previously. Repeat the
process with the remaining two pieces of velcro and you are done.
The velcro prevents the cartridge from being pulled out of the slot
without first removing the velcro. This is a very effective idea that
even makes it difficult to remove the cartridge when I want to. The
velcro is that tenacious. Try this, it will make you feel better about
those hanging cartridges.
=======================================================================
Z*MAGAZINE ARCHIVES
-------------------
Compiled by Kathleen Johnston
=======================================================================
ST DESKTOP PUBLISHING DeskTop Publishing for ATARI
Will the ST become a challenger to the Macintosh in the hot desktop
publishing market? According to the United Kingdom Atari magazine,
Page 6, a new software package, Fleet Street Editor, could change the
face of society newsletters and small publications. This full design
and layout system from Mirrorsoft is capable of driving a photo-
typesetter. Expected UK debut is next month. Meanwhile, stateside
computer market analysts are calling desktop publishing "the hula hoop
of 1986."
THE YUPPIE ST
"Atari's now computer serious threat to the Macintosh. Will the Amiga
survive?" You'll find this headline in Newsweek magazine, but it's not
on a news story. It's an advertisment.
JS&A, a nationwide mail order marketer that pitches high-technology
product. Their full-page ads claim "the ST will open up a major fight
in the personal computer market," and then proceed to make a detailed
comparison of the Macintosh to the ST.
In a bold approach, the Northbrook, IL company invites owners to "put
the ST next to your Mac or Amiga or even IBM," after a small down
payment, for a 30-day trial basis. The components are sold separately.
The ST computer and mouse for $299, disk drive $199, and monochrome
monitor $199.
NEW PRODUCTS
Epyx Software will release Winter Games, Rogue (originally a mainframe
adventure game popular on college campuses) and Temple of Apshai Trilogy
for the Atari ST and the Commodore Amiga in March.
Paul Henckel, of Quickview Systems of Los Altos, CA and the author of
"The Elements of Friendly Software Design," (Warner Books, 1985) has
finished Zoomracks for the ST and IBM PC family. It uses "racks" rather
than files to display information in a compact way on screen. Visualize
this as a stack of time cards. All of the cards are visible at once,
with most of one card hidden behind the next card, and only one or two
lines of information about each card visible.
ATARIS HELP BILK THE BANK?
How did Richard Mamarella get $22 million in bank loans from a New
Jersey bank? According to a recent Wall Street Journal account,
Mamarella bribed a junior bank officer with $30,000 and two Atari sets,
to approve the fraudulent loans. After pleading guilty to bank fraud
and extortion charges, Mamarella is serving a nine-year prison term.
AMIGA HAS TOS, TOO
What's in a name? Metacomco, the British company that developed LISP
and Metapascal for the ST also developed the operating system for the
Amiga PC. The name of a multitasking OS at the core of the Amiga OS --
TRIPOS.
DRI
Batteries Included may have a difficulty shipping Atari ST GEM
applications by their original April deadline. Like other programmers
and developers, BI is anxiously waiting for Digital Research of Monterey
CA to finish up the GEM 68K developer's kit. Industry analysts say
delays in shipment of final versions of the kit is a serious problem for
ST software developers.
Research and development seems to be continuing at the Monterey, CA-
based developer of the GEM operating system for Atari and IBM. DRI has
placed ads in the Silicon Valley-Area San Jose Mercury News searching
for graphics development Software Engineers. "Become involved with the
team responsible or developing this leading technology of the future --
right now!
Responsibilities include exploratory development and prototyping of new
products, writing graphics applications in C for the GEM environment,
and implementation of new device drivers."
=======================================================================
Z*NET INTERNATIONAL PC ONLINE MAGAZINE
--------------------------------------
This Week's Contents
=======================================================================
Z*Net PC is a free, bi-weekly magazine in electronic format that
features news, reviews, commentary, and other information of interest to
users of IBM PC and compatible computers.
This is merely a comprehensive table of contents.
The complete Z*Net PC Issue #10 is available on:
GEnie in the IBM PC RoundTable (IBMPC) as ZNETPC10.ZIP
CompuServe in the IBM Applications Forum (GO IBMAPP) as ZPC10.ZIP
THE EDITOR'S DESK..........................................Ron Kovacs
Z*NET NEWSWIRE, PC EDITION................................Z*Net Staff
The Latest Industry News and Events. Why Wait Weeks for the Print
Magazines to Bring You The News That Z*Net PC Offers Today?
- Apple Announces Education Grants
- PC Windows Expo for San Francisco
- IBM Establishes Soviet Division
- Adaptech Supports 21MB Floppy Drive
- IBM Launches IBM Networking Systems
- SyQuest's "SyDOS" Division for PC's
- Toshiba's Gas Plasma Notebook Display
- Tektronics Color Printer Uses Any Paper
- Electronic Arts Acquires Distinctive Software
- Sony Includes Jack Nicklaus Golf Demo as 11th Disk
- Hayes Smartmodem 10th Anniversary Rebates
- Abobe Photoshop 2.0 for Macintosh
- Excel 3.0 Released for OS/2 PM
- Apple's New AU/X Developer's Toolkit
- GRiD's CD-ROM Notebook PC's
- Phoenix Extends MS-DOS Agreement
- New CMS Drives for PS/2's
- Ashton-Tate's Framework IV
- MS-DOS 5.0 Released
- IBM DOS 5.0 Released
- MS-DOS 5.0 100% Upgrade Program
- MS-DOS 5.0's Major New Features
- MS-DOS 5.0 Support Forum on CompuServe
- IBM Trade-Up for Compaq, Mac Owners
- Computer Shopper in U.S.S.R.
- Erasable Ink for Printers, Copiers
- IBM's New PS/2's - 20Mhz 386SX, 2.88MB Floppies
- New Chinese Anti-Piracy Laws
- Ergo's New 486SX and DX "Brick" PC's
- Apple vs. Microsoft Swings in Microsoft's Favor
- IBM's 8516 Touch-Screen Monitor
- Apple/IBM Technology Sharing Talks
- AimTech IconAuthor 4.0 for Windows
- PC Multimedia Climbs, Mac Declines
- ZBASIC: Develop 32-Bit Windows 3.0 Applications
- Fujitsu buys Poqet, 32-Bit Poqet PC Planned
- 1-2-3 and Realtime for SPARC from Lotus
- Cirrus's Tiny VGA Adapter for Notebooks
- Bill Gates Memo Blasts IBM, OS/2
- FAST Sony Optical Drives, 40ms
- Norton Desktop for Windows Debuts
- PC Magazine Now In The U.S.S.R.
- 68040 Power for Macintosh
- Lotus, SCO Settle "Look and Feel" Suit
- Lotus, Borland "Look and Feel" Battle Rages On
THE GRAPHICAL EDGE.......................................Mike Mezaros
The Latest GUI News, Commentary, and Software Reviews.
- Apple Developing Windows Software!
- Microsoft Works for Windows?
- Sounder 2.0... Mac Sounds in 386 Enhanced Mode
- PowerBBS: BBS Software Designed for Windows!
- WinCLI Update
- A True Bargain in Latest DAK?
- Visual BASIC Banter
- Windows 3.1 Dialog Box Mystery Continues
- PC World Windows Survey: Surprising Numbers
- Reviewed: MicroLink Terminal Software for Windows
- Realizer BASIC for Windows
- Excerpts from Apple/Microsoft GUI Agreement
DRAWPERFECT CONTEST.....................................Press Release
Win free connect time on GEnie, or WordPerfect products, by entering the
WordPerfect RoundTable's DrawPerfect Contest.
MS-DOS 5.0: FIRST IMPRESSIONS............................Mike Mezaros
How is life with the new operating system going so far? What REAL
benefits does it offer? Is it worth upgrading?
NORTON 6.0 TO INCLUDE 4DOS...............................News Release
4DOS, the popular COMMAND.COM replacement, has been licensed in modified
form to Symantec, and will ship with Norton Utilities 6.0! This news
release from the makers of 4DOS explains the future of 4DOS as an
independent product, and as part of the Norton package...
ASYNC PROFESSIONAL......................................Press Release
Async Pro is an asynchronous communications library that allows
programmers to get their communications applications working FAST. This
press release profiles all of Async Pro's features, including Z-Modem.
SHAREWARE/PD SHELF........................Compiled from GEnie and CIS
Which new files are worth downloading? Z*Net PC lists some contenders.
Includes software for DOS, Windows, and OS/2, compiled from various
libraries on GEnie and CompuServe.
TRASH-IT: A TRASH CAN FOR DOS (ALMOST)...................Mike Mezaros
A complete review of the shareware program Trash-It, which promises to
bring the functionality of the Macintosh's trash can to MS-DOS PC's.
WILDCAT! BBS VERSION 3.0................................Press Release
WildCat!, the only BBS program available through retail outlets, has
been upgraded to version 3.0! Dozens of news features have been added,
as this is a complete re-write.
Z*NET CONFERENCES....................................................
A list of the FoReM-Net BBS systems connected to the various Z*Net
conferences. These conferences carry the three Z*Net online
publications, as well as discussion about the articles contained within.
=======================================================================
Z*Net International Atari Online Magazine is a weekly magazine covering
the Atari and related computer community. Material contained in this
edition may be reprinted without permission, except where otherwise
noted, unedited, with the issue number, name and author included at
the top of each reprinted article. Commentary and opinions presented
are those of the individual author and does not necessarily reflect
the opinions of Z*NET or the staff. Z*Magazine Atari 8-Bit Online
Magazine, Z*Net Atari Online Magazine, Z*Net and Z*Net PC are copyright
(c)1991 by Rovac Industries Inc, a registered corporation. Post Office
Box 59, Middlesex, New Jersey 08846. (908) 968-2024. Z*Net USA BBS EAST
24 Hours, 1200/2400 Baud (9600 Coming Soon!), (908) 968-8148. We can be
reached on CompuServe at 75300,1642 and on GEnie at Z-NET.
=======================================================================
Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc..
=======================================================================
