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Z*NET Online Magazine Issue 91-11
==(((((((((( == Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
=========(( === -----------------------------------------
=======(( ===== March 21, 1991 Issue #91-11
=====(( ======= -----------------------------------------
==(((((((((( == Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc.
EDITORIAL STAFF
Ron Kovacs...........................Publisher/Editor
John Nagy...............................Senior Editor
Terry Schreiber......................Assistant Editor
Jon Clarke........................Contributing Editor
Ron Berinstein....................Contributing Editor
Mike Schuetz......................Contributing Editor
Dr. Paul Keith..............Special Assignment Editor
Keith Macnutt...............................Columnist
Mike Mezaros......................Contributing Editor
CONTENTS
EDITORS DESK......................................Terry Schreiber
ATARI AT CEBIT '91..................................Press Release
Z*NET NEWSWIRE...................................................
ATARI SLM605 REVIEW...........................John King Tarpinian
CODEHEAD CONFERENCE..............................................
Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF...............................Ron Berinstein
VIDI-ST VERSION 1.29 UPDATE.............................John Nagy
VIDEO DATA CHANNEL - DOWNLOAD FROM TV...............Kevin Festner
ATARI PORTFOLIO GUIDE FROM ABACUS.......................John Nagy
PUBLIC DOMAIN UPDATE................................Keith Macnutt
=======================================================================
EDITORS DESK
------------
by Terry Schreiber
=======================================================================
Once again this weeks issue bulging with information for the Atari
community. Geoff Lacasse is away on vacation but will return next week
with part VI of his Calamus tutorial.
Canada is this year hosting three Atari shows - The Toronto, Windsor
-Detroit and Vancouver. Atari Canada is out in full support and by
looking at recent press releases on GEnie I can see their U.S.
counterpart is doing the same. Please support these shows when they
come to your area by attending and if your group is sponsoring the show
- volunteer to lend a hand. Let the people know that there are indeed
enthusiastic Atarians out there. Lets put the "Enthusiasm" back in
Enthusiasts.
"News Without The Views"(tm)
"Atari News First"(tm)
=======================================================================
ATARI AT CEBIT'91
-----------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
FACT SHEET: ST Notebook STPad
Processor: 68000 68000
Clock Frequency: 8Mhz 8Mhz
Main Memory: 1 or 4 MB 1 or 4 MB
Hard Disk: 20MB None
Interfaces: 2 x MIDI MIDI
RS232 RS232
Parallel Parallel
DMA + FDD DMA
Numeric Keyboard (external) Bus Connector
Bus Connector
Keyboard: 04/04 Keys (STE/TT Compat)
Built-in Joypad
Options: Fax Modem Keyboard compatible with
Hard Disk: 40 or 60 MB Atari Mega ST
External Keyboard
Mouse
1.44MB Floppy Drive (external)
Operating Time: ..................... Max 10 Hours
Slots: ..................... 2 Silicon Drives 4MB ea.
Screen: ..................... LCD (640/400 pixels)
FACT SHEET: Atari Developers Package V for Unix
- Includes Unix V, Release 4.0
- Includes elements of XENIX and BSD
- Virtual File System (VFS)
- X/Window, Release 11.4
- Motif user interface
- C (Version 1.37)
- C++ (Version 1.37)
- Debugger, shells
Only in the network version:
- TCP/IP
- Remote File Sharing
- BSD Sockets
The ST for the briefcase: ST-Notebook From Atari
HANNOVER - The ST world has been waiting for this: a power ST for the
brief case. The new ST notebook from Atari measures just 30 x 21 cm.
It contains everything that the ST fan needs on the road: 1 MB RAM,
20 MB hard disk, 84/85 keys which are STE/TT compatible, joypad instead
of mouse and an LCD screen with 640 x 400 pixels. And all of this
together weighs around a kilogram. As you can see, it's very portable.
In order to keep up-to-date at home or in the office, you need to be
able to swap data quickly too. This is why the new ST notebook is
provided with a wide range of interfaces: bus connector, RS232, parallel
and DMA.
There are also a range of extensions which do not belong to the basic
model but are useful for a number of tasks: e.g. there is still space in
the little notebook case for a data and/or telefax modem, which allows
you to exchange data and faxes from any telephone when you are on the
road. An external floppy drive lets you copy data to your disk.
The New STPad from Atari "READS" handwritting
HANNOVER - Through product innovation, Atari is continously developing
computer applications for a wide range of users. An excellent example
of the ideas that come from the house of Atari is a completely new
system - the STPad computer - which Atari is showing for the first time
as a prototype at the CeBit Fair Hannover 1991. In order to work with
this system you need neither a keyboard or a mouse. Data entry takes
place with a device that everyone knows how to use: a pen.
The user writes with a pen on a touch sensitive screen in the same way
as a piece of paper. The advantages of this new way of entering
information are numerous.
The device is independent of the type of handwriting and even accepts
Japanese characters or cyrillic characters just like it does
coventional Latin characters. Also, you can instantly swap between
writing text and drawing sketches. Furthermore, it makes it
particularly easy for beginners to learn to use modern computer
equipment.
Another special feature makes this device the ideal tool for people who
do not have much practice in working with computers.
After finishing a task, the STPad automatically switches to "stand-by"
without requiring the user to save the data manually. When you start
working with the pad again, the same picture appears that you were
working on before.
The STPad has the same footprint as a DIN A4 page. It is 3.5 cm high
and weighs only three pounds and is thus a featherweight under portable
computers. Due to a new type of hardware dedign, Atari has managed to
power this battery operated unit for more than 10 hours without
recharging.
The STPad is available in two versions, with a main memory capacity of
1 or 4 MB respectively. The unit runs the Atari TOS operating system
and is compatible with the ST and TT models - exisiting programs can
also be used if they have been designed for a monochrome screen with a
resolution of 600 x 400 pixels.
Instead of heavy disk drives which take up a lot of power, this system
has two so-called "silicon drive" slots. According to your requirements
you can use them either for RAM chip cards (for data storage) or ROM
chip cards (with application programs). Chip cards with a capacity of
up to 4MB can be used in eah slot, i.e. considerably more than with
conventional disk drives. The STPad is provided with a number of
interfaces to communicate with the outside world: MIDI, RS232, parallel
and DMA, and for those who want to write quickly with the conventional
10-finger system on external keyboard.
The new Developers Package V offers in addition to compilers powerful
tools for the interactive design of user environments.
HANNOVER - Atari is now offering a powerful Unix development
environment for the Atari workstation TT/030. It is based on Unix V,
release 4.0. Atari System V includes X/Window as the graphical
interface and thus offers a high degree of compatibility to
international standards. X/Windows is network-based and allows you to
operate programs from a local workstation that execute at a remote host.
For developing modern object-oriented solutions, the Atari Developers
Package V includes the powerful languages C and C++. Together with the
user environment VSF/Motif and a number of software interfaces, the
Developers Package V thus offers comprehensive design and development
possibilities for the Unix world.
With this Unix package, Atari wants to further extend its engagement in
technical and scientific applications. A large number of Atari computer
systems are already being used for applications in thise fields, and the
Unix standard is becoming more and more important in the CAD/CAM world
too. The Developers Package V for Unix is available in network or stand
alone versions and requires a TT/030 workstation with 8 MB RAM, 200 MB
hard disk and a TTM 194 19" monitor.
=======================================================================
Z*NET NEWSWIRE
--------------
=======================================================================
ATARI REPORTS BEST SALES MONTH
Atari's Entertainment Division reported this week that February was the
best sales month ever for its color portable video game system, the
Atari Lynx. Here is a list of the activity:
- Atari Lynx sales in February 1991 topped sales for the entire fourth
quarter of 1990.
- The Lynx had its best month in the face of shrinking consumer spending
during the current recession and the gulf war.
- In January, Atari dropped the price of the basic Lynx system from $179
to $99 and offered a $149 package that includes the Lynx, AC adaptor,
a ComLynx cable for multiple player games, a California Games four-in-
one game cartridge and a coupon for a free game cartridge.
- Nearly half of the Lynx systems sold in February were for the $149
package.
- Sales of Blue Lightning, Atari's action-packed flight mission game,
rose 300 percent since the beginning of the Persian Gulf war.
- Atari will be releasing more than 36 new games for the Lynx in 1991,
including action adventure games like Tournament Cyberball, Pacland,
Turbo-Sub NFL Football, World Class Soccer, Golf and Hockey.
- Atari is one of a handful of U.S. companies that is winning market
share back from Japanese competitors.
ATARI CORPORATION FINANCIAL STATEMENT - Press Release
The Atari Corporation reported at the Hannover CeBit 1991 show that the
turnover for the fourth quarter 1990 was 151.9 million dollars with a
net income of 8.8 million dollars. The sales for the financial year
1990, which ended on December 31, 1990, were 411.5 million dollars.
That corresponds to a decrease of 3 percent compared to the same
period in the previous year (423.6 million dollars). The net income
for 1990 was 14.9 million dollars against 4.0 million dollars for 1989.
Due to the general weak state of the economy and consumer concerns in
the light of the events in the Persian Gulf, the sales dropped by 11
percent in the fourth quarter of 1990 compared to the same quarter of
the previous year. During the fourth quarter of 1990, the company made
significant inventory reserves, including those of its traditional US-
manufactured video games, in order to reflect the current market value.
CALAMUS OWNERS UPDATE
CALASSISTANT, an online help accessory for use with CALAMUS DTP
software, is a new release of Spar Systems. Using a desk-accessory
approach to provide Hypertext-like interface, CalAssistant offers "tear
off" style menus leading to text, icons, and pictures giving instruction
and tips for using Calamus features. Two meg of memory and a hard drive
are recommended for simultaneous Calamus and CalAssistant usage.
Tutorial files, utilities and fonts are also included in the $34.95
package. Spar Systems, 381 Autumn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208, (718)
325-3169.
INDUSTRY GROUP FORMED
IBM, Apple and several other high technology companies said this week
they are forming an industry group to set standards for personal
computers using sound and video. The group is a nonprofit organization
known as the Interactive Multimedia Association, or IMA. Founded in
1988 as a trade group that specializes in video-disk technology, it now
includes more than 170 members including IBM, Sony, N.V.. Philips and
Intel Corp. The new group will develop specifications of programs to
run on a number of standard IMA-defined "classes," or combinations of
hardware and software.
COMPUTER PERIPHERALS NEW MODEM
Computer Peripherals announced the lowest-priced, high-performance 9600
baud modem, the ViVa 9642e this week. This high-speed, full duplex
modem is designed for IBM PCs, IBM compatibles and Macintosh systems.
=======================================================================
ATARI SLM605 Laser Printer: A Love Story
----------------------------------------
by John King Tarpinian
=======================================================================
I recently purchased the New ATARI SLM605 Laser Printer. I selected
this machine over the HP IIP Laser Printer. Dollar for dollar they were
about the same price; the basic HP sold for less, but by the time you
added the needed memory the HP cost about the same as the SLM605. List
price for the SLM605 is $1,200.00.
The SLM605 is a very handsome looking unit, about two-thirds the size of
the older SLM804, but 100% compatible in software. The control panel is
up front. There are setting for four sizes of paper, Manual paper
feeding, Thick Paper, and Manual printing. The SLM605 also has a 150
sheet capacity paper feed tray on the right side. The paper can be
ejected either face up, from the side or face down, from the top. The
SLM605 handles paper ranging from the standard 20 pound paper up to 65
pound card stock, effortlessly. It also has a single sheet feeder that
accepts envelopes and manual feed paper.
Its printing speed is 6 pages per minute with the first page taking only
25 seconds to print. When the SLM605 was announced I heard a few people
complain that its predecessor printed eight pages per minute so this
machine was a, "step down." Gimme a break, the difference per page is
only 2.5 seconds a sheet. Now granted, if you were printing 1,000
copies of a document this would make a noticeable difference. But a
laser printer copy - ANY laser printer's copy - is still more expensive
than going to the local copy store for multiple copies. Oh yes, the
print-out of this machine is fabulous. It is as good as any 300 DPI
printer on the market, with smooth, dense blacks and gradients.
The SLM605 has quite a few sister machines on the market, parallel
versions made by the same manufacturer under other names. One of these
sister machines is the Epson EPL6000 Laser Printer. The reason I bring
this up is twofold. One, it means you can get toner for the SLM605 all
over town. You can get toner from your local ATARI dealer, but if you
don't have an ATARI dealer convenient to you, you can get the toner
elsewhere. Or better yet, get your toner cartridge refilled; recycling
is the ecological thing to do. Two, there is an accessory tray
available for the Epson that will fit your SLM605. This tray fits on
the left side of the printer and catches the paper as it is ejected face
-up. You must use the side paper eject slot with thick papers and
envelopes. There are three actual parts that must be ordered, the tray
and the two brackets that hold the tray.
EPSON NUMBER DESCRIPTION PRICE EACH
EP E6000PT EPSON EPL-6000 PAPER BACK-TRAY $ 21.90
EP E6000TH EPSON EPL-6000 TRAY HOOK (order TWO) $ 1.68
These parts can be ordered from any Authorized Epson Laser Printer
Dealer or Repair Center. I found the one near me by looking it up on
the phone book. I also noted that other accessories were available,
like a large capacity input tray, for those who might be interested.
ATARI SLM605 Statistics:
Printing Method: Non-impact electrophotographic semiconductor laser with scanning beam.
Warm Up Time: 1 minute
Toner Cartridge Life: 1,500 pages
Drum Life: 10,000 pages
Printer footprint: 16.1" X 15.4"
Weight: 35 lbs.
Power Consumption: Printing - 250W Idle - 70W
I traded up to the Atari SLM605 Laser Printer from an HP DeskJet. The
DeskJet was a fine machine, but comparing the DeskJet to the SLM605 is
like comparing a nine pin printer to the DeskJet. The speed alone is
like night and day. I showed a Mac friend how fast my MEGA was with
Calamus and the SLM605. Before he could ask how much faster was this
set-up, the SLM605 was finished printing. He was in awe.
The NEW SLM605 is a very worthwhile replacement for the OLD SLM804,
which was no longer available from Atari's suppliers. It's a viable
alternative to any other brand of parallel laser printer, and the ATARI
offers first copy speed that cannot be matched. To me, this machine is
the best choice for ATARI owners looking for a laser printer.
(Remember, at least 2 MEG of RAM in your ST is required for efficient
use of an Atari Laser Printer!)
=======================================================================
CODEHEAD CONFERENCE
-------------------
Courtesy GEnie ST RT, Edited by Ron Kovacs
=======================================================================
JEFF.W>
What is there to be said about CodeHead Software that hasn't already
been said? Charles F. Johnson and John Eidsvoog have been publishing
outstanding freeware, shareware, and commercial utilities since the
early days of the ST computer. As good as their products have always
been, they continue to get better and better as time goes on. As
evidence of this, substantial upgrades to most of the CodeHead Software
product line have recently become available and that is what we're here
to talk about tonight, among other things. So let's get started.
C.F.JOHNSON>
Hi everyone! We're pleased to join you all for this RTC. At the
moment, John and I are *VERY* excited about the new batch of upgrades
that are going out the door. Several of the key "weapons" in the
CodeHead arsenal have undergone dramatic improvement, especially HotWire
and MaxiFile. We've been listening to the suggestions of our users, and
have implemented almost _everything_ that anyone has asked for in the
new release of MaxiFile. Wait til you guys see it. I honestly think
it's gonna blow the doors off the place!
J.EIDSVOOG1>
We're now shipping updated versions of nearly all four products except
for MaxiFile, and CodeHead Utilities. MaxiFile should ship early next
week, and projected date for Utilities is May 1st.
D.SHORR>
Can you tell us more about interleave 11, will maxifile allow greater
than 9sec/track with this new method, and why hasn't this method been
seen before?
J.EIDSVOOG1>
The interleave 11 trick relies on a 9 sector per track format in order
to trick the drive into finding the first sector of the next track right
away.
C.F.JOHNSON>
MaxiFile's "interleave 11" formatting is a technique which can result in
faster disk access. It does not allow more storage on the disk...the
"11th sector" is actually only a partial sector. This technique is also
known as "dead-sectoring."
LRYMAL>
Could you review us about upgrade costs? -- so many items between you
and DoubleClick. So many upgrades. Also, will small fonts be supported
as in NeoDesk (monochrome)?
J.EIDSVOOG1>
All upgrades are $10. Send in your master disk plus $10 for each disk.
Shipping is free.
LRYMAL> Are there any "packaged" upgrades?
J.EIDSVOOG1> If you still have the old red and black manual for HotWire,
send an extra $5 for a new manual. All other manuals are up-to-date and
we send printed release notes with the upgrade.
Larry Rymal>
Charles, any possibility on getting small font support for HotWire and
Maxifile? I'd love to be able to squeeze in more information/page. By
small font, I mean that which would be appreciated mainly by monochrome
users.
C.F.JOHNSON>
Larry: these upgrades don't have it. But MaxiFile already packs more
information into its screen display than any comparable program.
NEVIN-S>
First of all, I'd like to say that I certainly consider the CodeHead
products to be "Real Software". In fact, it's about as real as it gets.
Charles, all of your software seems to do something the ST should not be
able to do, like MultiDesk loading in more than six accessories, etc.
Where do you come up with your ideas, and do you have any plans for
other mind shattering stuff?
C.F.JOHNSON>
'Scuse me, folks, while I bask in Nevin's praise. <grin> <bask> <bask>
I always have plans for something, Nevin. I think MaxiFile 3.0 is going
to shatter a few cerebral cortexes when it's released. I'll have a demo
version of it ready soon. It does things that no other ST file-
maintenance program does....like search by time/date stamp, for example.
NEVIN-S>
Charles, you said in your category that you had sold only about 500
units of CodeKeys. To my mind CodeKeys is right up there with HotWire
as the single most indespensible ST thing I own. Why don't you think
it's moving a little better?
C.F.JOHNSON>
Nevin: I'm not sure, and I know everyone will have their own pet
theories. One reason is that, with the decline of magazines to
advertise in, it's more difficult to get the word out by advertising
even though we DO advertise in all the major ST magazines, the fact is
there just ain't that many of them, and they're just not available in
many parts of the country. I think that figure is really a reflection
of just how far the ST's popularity has lid in the US. It's more than
a little frightening, and quite sad (as a developer) to see.
JEFF.W>
Charles --- Is there anything remotely comparable to the "CodeHead
System" on other platforms and what do you imagine they might cost?
C.F.JOHNSON>
Jeff: Well, first of all, there really is no comparable system. You'd
have to put things together out of bits and pieces, and have all the
compatibility problems that entails, but the real point is, it would
cost much more.
R.ROBERTSON>
I wanted to ask if Codehead had an update policy in relation to the date
of purchase? i.e. Free update within 30 days of purchase?
C.F.JOHNSON>
If you give us a call at (213) 386-5735, you'll find that we're usually
very reasonable about situations like that. We don't have an official
policy, but if you call us we can work something out.
D.SHORR>
Charles, what do you think of Atari's new two-tier developer program?
Do you believe it is Too little, Too Late? Previous to this program I
found it hard to get STe info as a hobbyist programmer and wished the
info was more accessible.
C.F.JOHNSON>
To tell the truth, Dave, I haven't kept up much with recent developments
in that area. Anything that helps the Atari cause at this point is more
than welcome, though....things are at quite a dire point.
T.SCHREIBER1>
Thanks I would like to know if plans are in the making for a bundling of
software with Atari? I think the bundling idea is both beneficial to
Atari as well as developers. Also what are your thoughts on this type
of arrangement?
C.F.JOHNSON>
Terry: we've made several bundling proposals to Atari. At this point,
we're not holding our breaths. I think it can be a good thing though,
in general.
T.SCHREIBER1>
thanks for your view - perhaps you can tell me if a good disk catalogue
program is in the offering?
D.A.BRUMLEVE>
I was wondering, since you both have backgrounds in music, if you are
planning a CodeHead MIDI product written by yourselves.
C.F.JOHNSON>
We do have some MIDI-related plans, but I can't really talk about them
right now.
D.SHORR>
Charles, will disks formatted with Maxifile 3.0 be recognized by most PC
drives? What changes were needed, altering the boot sector?
C.F.JOHNSON>
Dave: Yes, we've taken a lot of care to be sure that MaxiFile 3.0
produces real MS-DOS disks. We provide the capability of using a
special 2:1 interleave which is needed by some PC machines, and also
create the MS-DOS executable boot sector which some systems need.
D.MOTE1>
I was wondering if you have considered doing any utilities for the Hard
drive, we as ST users are really lacking in that aspect. There are
plenty of utilities available on the IBM platform that would really be
nice to use on an ST.
C.F.JOHNSON>
We're always open to new ideas, and we have considered things along the
lines of what you mention. I can't really talk about anything at this
point though.
=======================================================================
Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF
--------------------
by Ron Berinstein
=======================================================================
CodeHead Quarters BBS
1610 Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90028
Okay you just downloaded that special program you read about in the last
issue of Z*NET, and it must be booted from a floppy in Drive A. You
have invested a near lifetime in earnings though on all those hard
drives that are sitting on your desk. Quickly you insert the floppy and
turn off those hard drives and reboot. NO.. NO..Crash, Boom, Bang!
Munged files on the floppy abound!
You tell your friend what happened, and you're told that although it
might seem to work on some hard drives, Atari has always recommended
unpluging your hard drive before you reboot, and to never reboot when it
is turned off, but still connected to your ST.
How else can it be done? ...Remembering the last time you tried
suspending yourself airborne while reaching to the back of your
equipment... Well, boot up while 'bypassing' the hard drive. To do
this, "Cold Boot" (using the keyboard Hot Keys), wait for the Floppy
drive "A" light to come on, then, right away press Control-Leftshift-
Alternate. If you hold these keys down for about 3-4 seconds you will
bypass the hard drive's autoboot, and your ST will boot from the floppy.
Yes, some learned timing is required because systems might differ due to
software and processor speeds, but your floppy will live instead of
dying a quick and violent death!
Under the heading: "Man, It's a Jungle Out There!"
JUNGLE.ARC might be anyone's best answer to a wonderful STE Demo. STE
required. Color. This file tells a little story, and it has my vote.
FANTASIA.LZH also a wonderful STE demo was posted this week. Same is
courtesy of Atari Australia. STE or TT and a color Monitor required.
* Beware that you might need a software program to change the video
shifter from 60hz to 50hz in order to run some European programs
without them continuing to scroll. CPANEL2.ARC provides a toggle
switch for this. CHNG50HZ.PRG also allows you do to this.
Under the heading: "He's Got the Whole World..."
WORLD.ARC displays what you can do with the Deluxe Paint paint animation
program. The earth revolves 360 degrees and three smaller earths do as
well. Created in part with the Fractal Map and Planet Generator.
Under the heading: "It's What You Make of It"
MAKELO.LZH will allow you to convert med. res. Degas pictures into low
res. Degas pictures for the purpose of converting same into editable
Art Director, or Low res. Degas, editing programs.
OBJSHE.LZH lets you convert your GFA Object .PI2 files to Art Director
for editing.
WIZDITH2.ARC should replace the original WixDithy module that came with
Dr. Bob's MVG (referred to in an earlier SOFTWARE SHELF)
Under the heading: "IMaGine That!"
COLRIMG1.LZH A drawing of a Nude Spaceship Occupant! Rarely have I
seen a description like that! The result is a 320x400 Color .IMG file
of this not exactly photo real lady. The key words here are,' COLOR
.IMG' though.. This is worth the experience even if as you find out in
the docs, that this file is a promo for the commercial program Seurat
v. 2.10.
IMGVIEWR.LZH is part of the promo for Seurat as well. But, you can use
this interesting program to view color .IMG files in four windows at
once! This may be the only viewer of this nature for the ST! Monoplane
pics as well are supported. All ST resolutions.
IMG2ICN.ARC will convert bit .IMG files (Mono) to Degas Elite .ICN files
for import into Degas Elite.. Must be 640x400 pixels or less in size.
This works with John Eidsvoog's HOTSWAP.PRG, and with Atari's RCS too!
Under the Heading: "Is the Situation Terminal?"
CTERM110.ARC (Shareware $10) Cowboy Term 1.10 a terminal program that
works in Medium and High Res., contains a dialing directory of 20
numbers, has auto log on macros, a VT52 emulator, and allows one to use
Desk Accessories inside the program.
XYZSHl31.LZH (Shareware) easy to use, good looking shell built to use
the popular shareware program XYZ 2.0 by Alex Hamilton (also wrote
"Right Move").
DTERM_1A.LZH (Shareware) includes Xmodem, Ymodem, Ybatch, Ymodem-G, and
Zmodem and Auto-Zmodem transfer protocols.. A capture buffer and a
simple auto-dialer. This version is mainly for those running at 16 mhz.
and corrects some prior bugs with same.
RUFUS102.ARC (Shareware DM10-) from the same folks who wrote the GEMINI
desktop. The docs are in German. Will provide background Zmodem
transfers and is a pretty complete program (file length apx.175k arc'd)
Expect about a 45% translation rate when using GERM2ENG.ARC to translate
the docs.
Under the Heading: "Now Just Picture That!"
MINITX2.LZH gives one the ability to not only read text prepared in the
TX2 format, but, to view graphic pictures as well..color and mono..
almost like reading a regular magazine. It takes some setting up, but
it is worth it.
Under the Heading: "Follow the Bouncing Ball"
AXELF.LZH contains an Axel F MOD music file. The song: Theme track from
Beverly Hills Cop. Needs NoiseTracker or Amiga MOD file player.
EYETIGER.ARC gives you, "Eye of the Tiger" from Rocky in a standard
MID format.
TWISTING.ARC gives you, " Twisting the Night Away" in a standard MID
format.
Under the Heading: "Check This Out"
CHECKBOOK.LZH and CHCKBOOK.ARC were both released this week. The
former is a GFA program that now adds STE compatibility with this
version. Med. Res. only. The latter program also is easy to use and
combines GEM and keyboard commands to allow you to keep track of things.
Run the program, click on CHECKING.CHK, and it will install itself.
Under the Heading: "That's a Date to Remember"
CAL47.ARC replaces CAL46.ARC and CALSH47A replaces the CAL SHOW
contained in CAL47.ARC.
TLCBOOK2.LZH A GEM program that supports any printer, will keep track
of dates as well.. Allows full manipulation of dates and addresses.
Supports several page sizes, labels. sorts any field, etc.
Under the Heading: "Now You See It, and Now You Print It!"
COMPACTDR.LZH a Chet Walters' program allows you to print in subscript
a directory listing to either an Epson Compatible or HP Deskjet printer.
It will print all the files on a disk organized by folders...Three
columns across...File size and date too! Some 225 files or so per page!
KXPSET.ARC will allow you to set the parameters of your printer easily.
Allows you to configure the actual control codes used for each feature,
and hence should work for most printers.
Under the Heading: "Lets Play Show and Tell."
SHOWMEM4.ARC is a tiny program (or .Acc) that will list all of the
GEMDOS blocks of memory currently used and currently available. TOS 1.4
and later compatible.
Under the Heading: "Help Always Isn't at Your Finger Tips."
DCBHLP.ARC makes the help button on your keyboard, (you know, the one
you hit accidently all the time when you think you are hitting the
Backspace Key) into a Backspace Key. For the real Help Key, just press
Control Help.
And Now for My Favorite Program of the Week! *Drum Roll Please*
HOTSAVER.LZH (Shareware) The screen saver that also places a clock on
your screen, and provides you with the ULTIMATE MOUSE ACCELERATOR! This
accelerator is totally revolutionary. You program it by picking the
exact amount of vertical acceleration, and the exact amount of
horizontal acceleration you want! Also contains special features for
HOTWIRE owners (and the program is free to them), as well as the HOTSWAP
Demo, so that folks can use their own icons.
And for the eccentric programers out there:
GCC124.LZH GNU C compiler.. executable, basic utilities, and library
sources. Minimal docs. Requires a larger than 1 meg machine, 850K free
needed to run it. The library is in source form, GCC needed.
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.
=======================================================================
VIDI-ST VERSION 1.29 - UPDATE
-----------------------------
by John Nagy
=======================================================================
The fastest video digitizer available for the Atari ST has yet another
version available. Although it bears a release date in May 1990,
version 1.29 of the Vidi-ST software has only recently been seen
stateside, packed with new VIDI-ST carts. Upgrades for existing VIDI-ST
owners are available, but just where to get them is not altogether
clear. Most of the early VIDI-ST packages into the USA came through
COMPUTER GAMES PLUS, in California. More recently, the Rombo products
from Scotland have been available through several major distributors and
most retailers, most of whom are not set up to upgrade users directly.
Rombo itself will do upgrades, but the complications of dealing with
even a very cooperative company that is half a world away make the
process unpleasant. Rombo is said to have directed a few US callers to
American Software, 502 East Anthony Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, for future
information. Another supplier of Rombo products, Pacific Software,
suggests that dealers can/should/might do software upgrades on the spot
for owners with original disks. As Rombo has not got an upgrade charge,
this would seem to be consistent with their intent. Piracy is not an
issue... the hardware is required for any significant use of the
software.
Version 1.29 of the Vidi software adds some refinements to version 1.28
and many to version 1.24, the first software supplied in the USA. The
most significant changes are in PRINTING and in the handling of
SEQUENCES. Version 1.28 added remarkable printer control routines that
made printing part or all of any VIDI (or DEGAS or NEO) picture in any
size (even tiled, huge walls of a picture) using standard Epson 9 and 24
pin standards. Also in 1.28 was the ability to save a series of
pictures in memory as a sequence of single pics by a single command.
Similarly, it let you load a group at once.
The newest version goes a bit further in the same direction, adding more
control and user-configuration of framing, memory status, etc. Other
miscellaneous improvements in the color version of 1.29 include STE
extended palette selection compatibility and sequence deletion.
The MONOCHROME version of the program, however, is finally also upgraded
to a genuinely usable form. The older versions did not allow adjustment
of the picture aspect ratio at all, and was VERY slow in grabbing
frames. Version 1.29 now comes up in the proper aspect for US TV, with
stable, full frames. Response is still much slower in monochrome than
in color, as the VIDI system actually delivers 16-incremented intensity
picture to the computer... ideally for use in the 16-color low
resolution mode. To use monochrome, each shade must be dithered into
varying density dot patterns BEFORE the picture can be displayed. That
takes time... though far less time in 1.29 than before. Sampling in
monochrome is nearly one frame per second, about twice the speed as
before. Color, by comparison, allows capturing up to about 14 frames
per second. Monochrome sequences still cannot be saved as a group, or
seen in the "thumbnail" multiple screen style... but at last the mono
version is worth using and not just a curiosity.
Also included with version 1.29 of the VIDI-ST software is a guide and
routine kit for using VIDI-ST with STOS, a popular game programming
language. Explanation and examples are given in several files on the
new disk as to how to write custom applications in STOS BASIC and STOS
compiled programs.
OTHER VIDI NEWS:
Pacific Software reports that as of Monday, March 18, they had received
a large shipment of VIDI products from Rombo in Scotland. This includes
VIDI-ST units, VIDI-CHROME color software for the VIDI system, and at
last, the VIDI-RGB splitter. This last item allow the use of VIDI-
CHROME and VIDI-ST to take "live" or videotape pictures from TV or pre-
recorded tapes. Without the splitter, you need to take three separate
shots of the same picture though three different colored filters, then
let the VIDI-CHROME software merge them. That requires a camera and a
stationary subject (like a color photograph). The automated splitter
will allow almost instantaneous grabs of video signals, breaking the
composite video into the red, green, and blue portions in "less than a
second". I'll have more to say about the VIDI-RGB after I've had a
chance to use it... soon!
VIDI-DISCUSSIONS ON GEnie:
Here's a condensation of a large message chain on GEnie about VIDI-ST
and VIDI- CHROME in particular. The questions and discussion are
perhaps more descriptive than any single article could be. These
messages are reprinted in edited form. Complete messages have been left
out as well as parts of messages in an effort to provide the most
information here. We encourage readers to review the entire message
area for more details. Category 31 is the Z*NET area, Topic 5 is for
VIDI-ST and graphics discussions. Also, see the earlier articles about
VIDI-ST and VIDI-CHROME in older editions of Z*NET.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 19 Sat Feb 02, 1991
Z-NET [John Nagy] at 17:02 EST
VIDI-CHROME is here!... And read the first review of VIDI-CHROME in
this week's Z*NET ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE, issue number 9104, also out
now. Specifically, we have arranged a $35 shipping included price with
Computer Network, 818-500-3900. VIDI-ST itself is also available from
them for $155, again, domestic shipping included. Tell them Z*NET sent
you!
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 27 Sat Feb 09, 1991
J.HARRIS32 at 20:24 PST
I recently became aware of a vastly improved version of the VIDI
hardware. I have an older version, which has only one control shaft for
brightness. The contrast must be adjusted with a screwdriver. The
newer units have two control shafts which in itself is an improvement.
But the big difference is the picture stability. On my unit, no matter
how well you try to adjust the scan frequency, there will always be some
jitter on the screen. The new unit I saw produced screens with
virtually no jitter at all.
In comparing the circuit boards, there are many changes, and all of the
capacitor values have been increased. My big question is, is there any
way to get a hardware upgrade? I got it through a computer store, and
I'm not sure where they got it.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 28 Sat Feb 09, 1991
Z-NET [John Nagy] at 23:54 EST
Terry, as for upgrades, I can't say. Computer Network is just one of
the stores who carry the hardware and software from the distributor.
The new software is for COLOR use only, and the older software is better
for many other uses... like SEQUENCES.
I do not believe that hardware upgrades are offered anywhere.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 29 Sun Feb 10, 1991
OUTRIDER [US Troops #1] at 15:02 PST
I've also found that setting the controls to a still screen is an
absolute must prior to capturing a series of frames. In other words
I'll get a good still from my VCR and camcorder and adjust the picture
the best I can and then rewind and record the series of frames, picking
out the best of the bunch for final save.
I think brightness is _everything_ and some scenes just aren't meant to
be captured by Vidi, especially lower light stuff. If I can't get
something to come out the way I want I just forget it.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 32 Tue Feb 12, 1991
T.HARTWICK at 19:37 EST
I have the older hardware also. Only one knob to turn. I take all my
scans from TV or video tape. Don't have a camera. Is the new software
only for camera use? Would there be any benefit to using it with scans
from the TV or recorded video? Also, every pic I do I dither with the
great utility dither.prg. Then I import into Spectrum for colorization.
A lot of effort, but the results are nice. I never play around with
changing the settings on Vidi. The only thing I do occasional fiddle
with is the white knob, which I believe is the contrast knob. I turn it
all the way to very little contrast then dither the pic.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 34 Tue Feb 12, 1991
OUTRIDER [US Troops #1] at 20:58 PST
I'm a little confused here. You say it's necessary to take three shots
of the same image, each with a color filter. Why can't you send the
same image three times with a VCR in still mode?
Fortunately I have a camcorder, but it would be a big handicap, to be
sure, not to be able to use a VCR.
That KITTEN pic is _excellent_! You are right that it is as good as any
Spectrum pic in terms of quality and proves that Vidi-Chrome matches up
very favorably with ComputerEyes. Makes me look forward to getting
Vidi-Chrome even more! Should be here any day.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 35 Wed Feb 13, 1991
Z-NET [John Nagy] at 03:45 EST
Terry... If you can figure how to get your VCR to deliver a RED, GREEN
and BLUE image, you won't need the filters. But what makes the color is
the integration of the three images, with the differences between them
determining what gets colored what. The VCR composite signal delivers
only LUMINANCE (total), not the RGB breakouts. At least MOST do. Three
"takes" of one shot will only be three identical takes, no matter what
"color" you say you are getting... when merged, you will still have
monochrome.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 36 Sat Feb 16, 1991
J.HARRIS32 at 01:23 PST
Terry, You will not regret buying an upgraded VIDI. As John and I said,
the difference is absolutely radical. The old hardware is the reason I
wrote the VIDI4 averaging software. Even at the best that will do, the
new version blows it away on base output.
My situation is even worse, as much of my VIDI use is for doing B&W line
art that gets ported to the Atari 8 bit. Without those gray shades
there, there can't be any pixels out of place. The new VIDI cuts
cleanup time to less than 1/10 what it used to take. Probably a lot
less, since I haven't gotten to use a new one very much yet.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 41 Sat Feb 23, 1991
G.HOUSER1 [Gary Houser] at 11:59 CST
What type of filters does Vidi-Chrome come with? Do they screw onto the
lens, hold it in place by hand or what. I also have a cannon scanner,
will it work with it?
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 42 Sat Feb 23, 1991
Z-NET [John Nagy] at 20:59 EST
The color filters are clear colored plastic, about 3" square each. You
MIGHT be able to use the scanner if you can get 16 shade scans from it
AND you can get the resulting scans into LOW RESOLUTION 16 shade PI1
pics. In other words, probably not.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 43 Sun Feb 24, 1991
R.CALSADA [Rich Sea] at 01:51 EST
John does Vidichrome save in a 16 shade PI1 pic? I thought Degas file
format saved in 8 shade since it predated ST hardware capable of
displaying a 16 shade pallet. What file format is used by the new Vidi
software? From what's been previously mentioned I thought for the 16
shades it was saving in a Spectrum format.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 44 Sun Feb 24, 1991
Z-NET [John Nagy] at 05:22 EST
Rich, VIDI-ST does 16 "shade" PI1 pics, but let me explain that on an ST
those will be 16 shades of different colors, the standard 16 color low
res limits. That means only 8 INTENSITIES of a SINGLE color are
possible, but VIDI uses 16 "shades" by using a tint for alternating
shades. So BLACK is pure, then the next up might be a touch of red.
Next, the first true grey (very dark), then up one to another small
touch of red... another grey, etc. The result is a fairly nicely
"tinted monochrome" PI1 pic that does exhibit 16 "shades". On an STe,
you can have a REAL 16 intensity pic of all exactly the same color, or
16 true grays. The "FULL COLOR" Vidi-Chrome pics are a 512 (or 4,096)
color Spectrum picture. It gets the color by merging three 16 shade PI1
type images.
As for using VIDI-CHROME with other input devices, it is certainly
possible, because you can import a set of existing PI1, NEO, HAM, or ART
pics that have been obtained any way you care to, and it will merge them
fine. If you can figure how to get 3 perfectly aligned pics in 16
gradients, each taken through a red, green and blue filter. Hard to
imagine, but not impossible without the VIDI-ST cartridge.
1.) A 16 INTENSITY single COLOR picture can be done using the VIDI ST on
an STe WITHOUT the VIDI-CHROME. Simply use a PALETTE that has every
intensity of a single color... 16 of 'em on an STe. The pic will be
a "normal" DEGAS or NEO pic, but only an STe will be able to produce
the correct display of the palette. You don't need to go to
SPECTRUM to do 16 colors/shades/intensities.
2.) Actually, a monochrome (B&W) camera could produce BETTER color pics
using VIDI-CHROME (or COMPUTER EYES or others) than a COLOR camera.
How? When you "filter" a picture with the lens color filters, the
BRIGHTNESS of each area is affected. Use a RED filter, and a RED
scarf will look BRIGHT while a GREEN sweater will look DARK. Merge
that image, tinting the BRIGHT areas with red, with another image
taken with a GREEN filter where the BRIGHT area is the GREEN, making
the BRIGHT areas in that pic go towards GREEN... you get the right
colors where they belong, all without ever having a "color" picture
in the first place. All "filtered" pics are MONOCHROME, see? Any
scanning device, whether color or monochrome, can do the same trick.
The real problem is maintaining perfect image register AND merging
the result. If you can get PI1 files that register, VIDI-CHROME can
make the SPECTRUM pic for you... regardless of where they came from.
3.) The actual palettes saved in each of the tree PI1 pics is discarded
by VIDI-CHROME anyway... it is looking for INTENSITIES and will know
that the first pic should be RED, the next GREEN, the last BLUE, and
will calculate from there. If you didn't filter the images
differently in the first place, they will all match in all areas for
intensity, and NO color will be created... you will get a SPECTRUM
pic in Black and White. Or the closest that your computer can
display to B&W.
4.) When (hopefully not IF) the VIDI-RGB unit is available, yes, you can
ditch the filters... UNLESS you want to use them with a B&W camera.
I'll keep you posted on what I find out about US availability.
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 50 Sat Mar 16, 1991
STACE [Mark] at 10:54 EST
I saw Vidi-RGB at Mid-Cities Comp Soft (in Bellflower, CA) yesterday. I
believe their price was right around $149 or so. Also, they told me
that Vidi-Chrome is NOT included with Vidi-RGB. Vidi-Chrome must be
purchased separately. <sigh>
$180 for Vidi-ST, $150 for Vidi-RGB, $40 for Vidi-Chrome...getting
pretty expensive. Nearly $400!
Category 31, Topic 5 Message 51 Mon Mar 18, 1991
BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.] at 17:23 EST
I tried VIDI-ST with a TT030/8 last weekend. <Sigh>
To say it doesn't work is an understatement. It took forever to boot,
and when the system finally came up, there were no icons on the desktop.
Nor could I install any!! The system thought that NOTHING was there!!!
I think I'm going to dig out some letterhead, and send a fax to
Scotland.
grrrrrr,
Bob Brodie
PS- John Nagy- don't even say it!! I can hear you all the way from LA,
"Gee Bob, if you're that upset, I'll take that TT off of your hands."
No chance...I'm not *that* upset! <grin>
=======================================================================
VIDEO DATA CHANNEL - DOWNLOAD FROM TV
-------------------------------------
Originally from PD JOURNAL, translated and expanded from German
by Kevin Festner for Z*NET
=======================================================================
The February 1991 issue of Germany's Die Praxis Atari Journal (PD
JOURNAL) reported on a new 'Means of Communication', The Video Data
Channel, an open channel TV broadcast from which a user can download
information directly off a television set or VCR to a computer. Such
advanced telecommunication satellite technology is favored in Europe,
especially in Germany, due to the high cost of telephone service. The
Video Data Channel is available not only in Germany but also on the
entire European Continent.
The Video Data channel is a close relative to the current video text
system, a signal which many television stations simulcast during their
regular programming. Video Text Simulcasting takes advantage of
retrace, the time between the electron beam moving from the lower right
corner of the video display terminal back to the upper left corner,
during which the signal does not have to be filled with data. In this
time, the broadcaster transmits a signal that is completely ignored by
the ordinary television receiver. A TV equipped with a Video Text
Adapter decodes this information and builds from it a page of Video
Text.
With the new video data system, a similar signal is broadcast, which is
then processed by a special decoder and fed into the computer through
its serial port. Not only can the user decode and down load 'live' but
the broadcast can also be video taped and played back or downloaded at a
later date.
The Video Data Channel is transmitted over PRO-7, an independent carrier
which has a "normal' television schedule for non-computer users
("viewers"). For the computerist, that is to say the "user" rather than
the "viewer", the daily computer schedule appears like any other with
around the clock service. The selection of programs and expanded text
services is a rich assortment of news and special broadcasts not only
about computers but also about politics, sports and entertainment.
Examples of downloadable titles are 'The Computer Market', 'The
Shareware Library',' The Computer Gallery', 'The Game Box', 'The Stock
Market Direct', 'The Sports Place', 'Video Journal', 'The Vacation
Corner', 'The Book Corner', 'A Report on The Environment', just to name
a few. Most programs are free to download while only a few are subject
to charge. Presumably each program is encrypted indicating its payment
status.
This additional information is a real bargain compared to other systems
not utilizing this technology. For example, regular reports from the
German News Dispatch Service, being received over Tele-Text, can cost as
much as $100 per half year. With the Video Text System, it is at the
discretion of the user whether the additional information is to be
downloaded.
The major advantages of this system are that it is easily connected and
extremely reasonably priced. Anyone with a cable service, a satellite
dish or simply an antenna connected to either a Video Recorder or
Television capable of transmitting a video signal can use this channel
to its fullest extent. The decoder interfaces between the VCR and the
computer. The transmission rate of 9600 Baud, 1200 Bytes per second,
guarantees a quick transmission of data. The decoder costs just over
$200 and is similar to a modem able to switch between the video
recorder and the computer.
The concept of the Video Data Channel is not new. The West German
Broadcasting Company has been using this technology on its Computer Club
Show for the last few years. Since its introduction the video data
system's data transmission speed has been increased and the Software has
become more user-friendly. The technology has also been used as an
electronic newspaper for the blind. Any user with a braille printer can
make a hard-copy of the latest news.
So what does this mean for the Atari User? PD Journal of Germany has
informed us that they will be participating in the March startup of
programming for Atari ST and TT users, and will tell us more about their
efforts in the coming months. Executable computer programs similar to
those exchanged on GEnie or CompuServe may become commonplace "under"
the regular TV fair. The Video Data Channel has the promise of becoming
a major means of computer communication and data exchange of the future.
=======================================================================
ATARI PORTFOLIO GUIDE FROM ABACUS
---------------------------------
Book Review by John Nagy
=======================================================================
Atari's "palmtop" Portfolio computer has been a big sales hit, called by
some "the executive toy of the year". But the miniature marvel is a
full blown MS-DOS computer, a feature well known but underutilized by
most owners. A new book from ABACUS will help change that.
"The Complete Guide To The Atari Portfolio" joins the large line of
Atari (and other brand) manuals from Abacus, at $17.95 retail.
Advertised to "make you a Portfolio Expert Fast", the Guide will indeed
thoroughly educate those who can force themselves through the nearly 200
pages of text. For the more typical computer user, the excellent table
of contents will direct the reader to an area he needs if and when he
needs it.
Author Michael Mueller has written an easy to read manual that begins
with a very worth-while overview of the Portfolio that will be useful
for any owner. Next is a hands-on tutorial of DOS that will scare most
users away, despite its importance. Even "big computer" users will find
some tidbits here about batches, environment, and commands that will
help in their use of any MS-DOS computer. Features and commands unique
to the Portfolio are also highlighted.
Complete tutorial sections covering the built-in applications are next.
The Calculator, Worksheet (a simple spreadsheet), Text Editor, Diary,
and Address Book are each explored with lots of examples and type-in
exercises. The last text section is a brief examination of the Setup
utilities and communication. Unlike the other sections, this last one
does not include sufficient examples while describing the important
facilities like printing and the internal clipboard utility. It is,
however, sufficient for anyone who has worked through the rest of the
book to get there.
An ASCII character set list plus a handy command tree printout finish
the book as appendixes. The command tree is a particularly handy item
to refresh your memory of just what the applications built into the tiny
Portfolio can do, and where the commands are nested. The four-page
index is also adequate for most readers to locate a key word definition.
The Guide to the Atari Portfolio is actually twice the physical
dimensions of the Portfolio itself. Abacus is to be congratulated on
completing and marketing this Guide almost simultaneously with the
release of the computer itself.
Given that the Portfolio attracts the gimmick-minded, and the "executive
toy" description may also be appropriate for some users, the likelihood
of actually reading such a Guide is small for many users. Most of us
will learn only what we need to use that part of the Portfolio that
originally appealed to us. Even for us, though, the Guide is
substantially more useful than the manual that accompanies the
Portfolio.
Keep in mind, though, that this book makes no attempt to address the
issue of using any programs or applications that are not included with
the Portfolio! In fact, the reader will all but be led to believe that
the internal applications are both sufficient and final as available
programs: "The Portfolio can't run all the standard PC programs. For
example, Microsoft Word, Lotus 1-2-3, and dBASE require too much memory,
so they cannot be used on the standard Portfolio.... However, this
limitation doesn't affect the Portfolio's usefulness as a PC because its
built in application contain many of the capabilities that the standard
PC programs offer and much more." Yikes. This ignores the reality of a
growing number of external programs, both public domain and commercial,
that have been tested and/or modified for the Portfolio. Even a BASIC
is now available in a beta-test version!
Even given that "The Complete Guide to the Atari Portfolio" limits
itself to using the pocket computer as it comes out of the box, and that
many (most?) users resist an organized and lengthy tutorial/manual/
guide, I still think that the Guide is a worthy investment for most
Portfolio owners. Both old and new users will find it useful as an
occasional reference book, and a lucky few may actually use it as a full
learning guide. At $17.95 retail, it makes a great companion or follow-
up gift, as well. And I suspect that a separate book about "getting
more out of your Portfolio" that covers porting and using external
programs will be next from ABACUS.
ABACUS, 5370 52nd Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49512, (616) 698-
0330.
=======================================================================
PUBLIC DOMAIN UPDATE
--------------------
by Keith MacNutt
=======================================================================
HOTSAVER V1.5
by John Eidsvoog
P.O. BOX 74090
LOS ANGELES, CA 90004
Anyone who uses their computer much has at one time or another been
called away to answer the door, the other phone line in the house or
greet their spouse at the door after a hard day at the office. While
most times a screen saver is not needed there are times that you walk
away thinking you will be back in a few minutes and end up coming back
1 or more hours later. Leaving the screen on for extended times will in
most cases not harm your monitor, but why take the chance of causing
screen burn which cause a ghost image of the screen to be permanently
etched into the phosphorous on the front of the screen. After using my
trusty SM125 now for almost 4 years, an average of 2- 5 hours a day,
there is still no evidence of burn on the face of the screen, but then
I've always been careful not to leave the screen on for extended periods
with the same screen showing. Probably always having a screen saver
activated could also have helped.
INSTALLATION
Hotsaver can now be used as an accessory, run as an auto booting program
or by double clicking from the desktop. Once installed and the computer
re-booted (necessary for accessory or auto folder use) Hotsaver can be
manually re-run to set the parameters for the mouse speed and screen
saver options.
Hotsaver Dialog Box
Time out value - the time that must pass before the screen saver
operates.
Reserve screen - this option allocates a block of memory large enough to
save a copy of the screen. This is about 32K for an ST and a little
over 153K for a TT. This block is used for animation of the HOTWIRE
logo so that the logo can jump around the screen looking for the
"Kilroy" drawing to bump.
Animation - this option must be set to get the logo to appear and move
on the Hotsaver screen.
Cycling - enables the Hotwire logo to go through the entire color
palette, which on the 520/1040 is about 512 colors or on the 1040STE,
MEGASTE and the TT about 4096 different colors.
Modem watch - if you are using your modem to read text, upload or
download the screen saver will not kick in.
Disk watch - any activity on any drive will also disable the screen
saver.
Printer watch - if you are printing a document screen saver will also be
disabled.
Text
watch - any text on the screen which is scrolling will also disable
screen saver.
Graphics watch - will monitor all graphic calls to disable screen saver.
Auto Park - enabling this feature will tell Hotsaver to park all hard
drives it finds connected every time the screen saver is activated. To
reactivate the hard drives you only need to move the mouse or hit a key
and each drive will unpark in the same sequence.
Date,Time and Seconds - you can activate anyone or all of these in any
combination to be displayed inside the Hotwire logo.
Inactivity timer - shows the time since the last activity.
Ignore alarms - using this feature and having an alarm go of in Hotwire
will cause the screen animation to freeze while the alarm rings five
times and then continue on as if nothing happened.
Ledger adjust - this feature will subtract the time it finds there was
no activity on the system while a program is being monitored by the
Ledger in Hotwire.
'No anim'=inactive - this feature, when active, will trip the 'no
animation' feature in Hotwire to tell it to stop the animation on the
screen. If you are using applications that are CPU intensive and the
screen saver with the animation were to be activated, it would take
longer to finish the job.
Rate - adjusts the rate a "Kilroy" is seen on the screen.
Code - Hotsave can be manually started by pressing the control/left-
shift/alt and then the tab keys. In this mode all input will be
disabled until the "code" is typed in. This code can be from 1 to 6
characters and can be in upper or lower case. You can also recover by
resetting the computer.
Mouse - under this option the user will find 8 pre-configured mouse
settings from a little mouse acceleration to a lot. Anyone of these can
be re-configured to suit different needs and saved for the default or
future use. Also you will find that for each setting there are ten
different values that can be adjusted for each direction of movement,
making this the most versatile mouse accelerator for any computer.
As you can see by the list of features included in this, the latest
release of Hotsaver, the user has almost complete control of the screen
saver and the movement of he mouse. People who have purchased Hotwire
will find that this program is provided free of charge but is shareware
to all others and will require a $15.00 registration fee to legally use
the program. Registered users of Hotsaver can use the $15.00 fee paid
towards the future purchase of Hotwire.
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Z*NET International 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,
Z*Net Newswire, 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. We can be reached on Compuserve at PPN 71777,2140 and
on GEnie at address: Z-Net. FNET NODE 593
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Z*Net International Atari Online Magazine
Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc..
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