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Z*NET Online Magazine Issue 91-25
==(((((((((( == Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
=========(( === -----------------------------------------
=======(( ===== June 14, 1991 Issue #91-25
=====(( ======= -----------------------------------------
==(((((((((( == (c)1989-1990-1991, Z*Net Publishing
"FLAG DAY"
"HAPPY FATHERS DAY"
CONTENTS
THE EDITORS DESK................................Ron Kovacs
Z*NET NEWSWIRE............................................
NEODESK ACCESORIES DISK REVIEWED.................Ed Krimen
Z*NET ATARIWATCH 1991 CALENDER............................
COME TO TERMS....................................Drew Kerr
MIST ATARIFEST UPDATE........................Press Release
GRIBNIF UPDATE...............................Press Release
REVIEWS FROM ATARIUSER...............................Quill
MS-DOS 5 FIRST IMPRESSIONS....................Mike Mezaros
=======================================================================
THE EDITORS DESK
----------------
by Ron Kovacs
=======================================================================
A high point this week, although NOT Atari computer oriented was the
New York City parade, "Operation: Welcome Home", for the soldiers of the
Iraq war. If you were there it was a spectacular event! I work just a
few minutes from the city and it was worth attending.
I've caught a few comments on line this week about Z*Net and AtariUser
being the same thing, and "why get AtariUser if Z*Net is going to
reprint everything from AtariUser". Let's put this notion to sleep
again.
AtariUser and Z*Net are very separate ventures by separate staffs on
separate coasts of the USA... a mere 3,000 miles apart. John Nagy is on
both staffs, but there is no management overlap. Z*Net provides a page
of Newswire items for printing in AtariUser, and AtariUser permits
reprinting of selected items in Z*Net. We run the monthly "viewpoint"
article plus one or two other items out of the 14-15 articles in
AtariUser each month.
It should be obvious to anyone that this cooperation shouldn't remove
the "value" of either publication. The fact is, there is only a small
percentage of readers who regularly read both Z*Net and AtariUser, but
together, Z*Net and AtariUser reach perhaps 100,000 different people in
a month. As far as we can see, nearly everybody gains by the
arrangement. We'll continue to cooperate, and the few vocal
isolationists can just get used to it.
By the way, we're told that the July issue of AtariUser is at the
printer this weekend, and should enter distribution channels by the 20th
of June, for delivery to most outlets by the 27th.
And last, I want some feedback on the following suggestion I received in
FNET email this week from three seperate individuals. Perhaps a set-up
is under way, but I will not judge these requests yet. Two of the
people sent me 8K reprints of the Constitution, requesting reprint in
a nearest July 4th Z*Net. Pass along your comments - sure - no - or
don't care.
=======================================================================
Z*NET NEWSWIRE
--------------
Information Not Innuendo
=======================================================================
THREE TAIWAN PLANTS UNDER ATARI CONTRACT
Although Atari has sold their Taiwan production facility for $60
million, it now contract with THREE plants in Taiwan alone. Production
is way up at last, and cash flow is greatly improved. Atari just
decided that it can do better as a contractor than as an owner. The
results of this and other moves should hit the US shores in July, when
literally up to 25,000 units a MONTH will arrive in the USA.
NEW MEGAS SHIPPING TO BE MEGA 1's
Most of the arriving Mega units will be the one-meg no-hard drive model.
These can be upgraded in seconds to 2-meg, but to go to 4 meg may
require installing a pair of sockets. The holes will be there, although
soldered closed. The operation should be able to be performed from the
outside of the case, opening only the hard drive cover. There is still
no word on what the range of offering or prices for Atari's hard drive
kits might cost for installing the internal drives.
WORDPERFECT REQUEST
Ataris' developer man, Bill Rehbock, has asked Z*Net to clarify what he
is looking for in support for a new revision of WordPerfect. The
company is hesitant to release version 5-point-something because of
fears of insufficient sales. Bill has been actively soliciting reports
from users as to their actual reasons for not buying WordPerfect to
date, including bug reports. So far, Bill tells Z*Net that his mail has
been primarily negative, bashing him and Atari for flubbing the WP deal.
What he NEEDS are letters to take with him to WordPerfect in July.
Those letters should say what YOU think about WordPerfect, both in the
current incarnation for the Atari and what would make you buy a new
version. Reasons you didn't buy the existing version are important too.
Atari Corp, Bill Rehbock, 1196 Borregas Blvd, Sunnyvale, CA 94088. And
/or direct to WordPerfect, 1555 North Technology way, Orem, UT 84057.
Z*NET INTERNATIONAL NEWSWIRE
NEW SUPPORT FOR ST
System Solutions will begin selling professional software and hardware,
including the MegaSTe and TT030. In addition to focusing in the UK,
products will be distributed throughout Europe and North America. SS
has alrady secured exclusive distribution rights to several products,
including a library of over 100 Calamus fonts, graphics programs and
hardware enhancements. The first products to be sold will be
accelerators from the US.
CeBIT MIDI NEWS
Steinberg showed Cubase working under M*ROS Midi multi-tasking system
and Synthworks SY77/TG77. C-Lab displayed Notator notation, Aura music
education and Midia analysing programs.
AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The Victorian Ministry of Education and Training have recommended Atari
computers. The 1040STE is recommended as follows: General Curriculum
Use - As part of the Atari ST range, the 1040STE supports a variety of
simple word processing, database and spreadsheet packages which operate
within a graphical user interface. A limited range of adventure game/
simulation software is available to support cross-curriculum activities.
A proprietary brand of LOGO is available as is a robotics kit. For
schools wishing to work with video, a Genlock is available.
CODEHEAD SELECTS SS
Codehead Software has selected System Solutions as their new UK
distributor. Available thru SS will be, MaxiFile 3.1, Hotwire 2.4,
MultiDesk, Lookit, Poppit, Codekeys and the Codehead Utilities for
$29.95 each.
REPRO SELECTS SS
Trade-it has selected System Solutions as their UK distributor for
Repro Studio and Repro Studio Plus. This software will be available,
bundled with Logitech scanners and retail for $399 plus VAT.
16 BIT SHOW IN JULY
The Fourth International 16 Bit Computer Show will take place between
July 12 and 14th at the Hammersmith Novotel.
Z*NET INDUSTRY NEWSWIRE
IBM INTRODUCES DOS 5.0
IBM announced DOS 5.0, an enhanced, single-tasking operating system that
provides lower memory requirements than earlier versions of DOS,
improved performance and an easier-to-use interface. DOS 5.0 offers the
simplest installation of any version of DOS yet, by allowing users to
choose from only two screens of installation options. In addition, a
DOS 5.0 Retail Upgrade Package is available for users who are upgrading
from a previous version of DOS. This package enables the system to
automatically retain configuration information, eliminating the need to
copy files and transfer them to the new version. DOS 5.0 is priced at
$165 and additional licenses are priced at $125. Customers can upgrade
from DOS 2.1 or later through the IBM Retail Upgrade Package for DOS 5.0
for $85. DOS 5.0 supports all models of the IBM Personal Computer and
Personal System/2 families, with the exception of the PCjr, PC XT/370
and PC AT/370.
MICROSOFT UNVEILS MS-DOS 5
Microsoft announced the immediate availability of Microsoft MS-DOS 5,
which contains major enhancements that bring greater functionality to
all DOS users whether novice or advanced. As in the past, Microsoft
will distribute MS-DOS through PC manufacturers for use on new
computers. Currently, more than 130 PC manufacturers worldwide have
licensed MS-DOS 5 for their customers. These 130 manufacturers
accounted for nearly 90 percent of the DOS-based PCs shipped last year,
according to Microsoft estimates. For more information on MS-DOS 5,
contact Microsoft at (800) 992-DOS5. Read Z*Net's first impressions of
MS-DOS 5 in this weeks edition.
=======================================================================
NEODESK ACCESSORIES DISK VOLUME I REVIEWED
------------------------------------------
by Ed Krimen
=======================================================================
When I received the April issue of ST Informer, I saw the small article/
press release at the bottom of the first page announcing a new set of
desk accessories for NeoDesk. One, called Item Chooser, selects items
in a NeoDesk directory window, depending on the criteria you have set.
Another, called Call NeoDesk, allows you to bring up a window containing
the NeoDesk desktop, complete with icons, desktop picture, and pull-down
menus. After reading about Call NeoDesk, I just had to have it. Item
Chooser, I could do without <grin>, but the two of them come bundled
together.
Of course, both desk accessories require NeoDesk, but they require
NeoDesk version 3.02. I had version 3.01, since I had sent in my
upgrade from 2.05, so I still needed to obtain the patch program.
Thankfully, the patch program which converts the NeoDesk 3.01 files on
your master disk to 3.02 was uploaded to Internet's atari.archive file
server. Gribnif charges $5 for this upgrade if you order it from them
directly. I do believe it's also being distributed on the on-line
services and electronic bulletin boards. Remember, however, that this
patch only converts NeoDesk version 3.01 to version 3.02; it does not
contain the desk accessories which I am about to review. The desk
accessories must be obtained directly from Gribnif for a price of $10
plus $2 shipping and handling.
I left Dan Wilga a note before I tried to order the desk accessories,
asking him about them. He told me that they weren't quite ready yet,
but that he'd send me a press release via e-mail soon. I received the
release in less than a week.
After waiting a couple of weeks for the press release to mature in my
mailbox, I called Gribnif, with credit card in hand. The pleasant voice
on the other end of the line told me that the minimum amount that one
may now charge is $17. It used to be $20, but Gribnif lowered it since
offering the desk accessories and the patch programs. They calculated
that people would order NeoDesk Accessories Volume I ($10) plus the
patch program ($5) and the shipping and handling ($2), so it would come
to a cost of $17. Alas, I had already obtained the patch program, and
really didn't want to spend an extra $5; besides, I wasn't THAT anxious
to get the desk accessories. <grin> So, I decided to mail Gribnif a
check for $12 to cover the cost of the desk accessories and shipping and
handling.
It took about 3 weeks to receive the package, which contains only a
NeoDesk Accessories Volume I disk and your pink invoice slip. There was
no hard-copy documention. The documention is installed on a READ_ME.TXT
file, which I think is a good idea because it cuts down on the cost of
the desk accessories. Such minute applications don't require paper
documentation; you can print it out on your own. Moreover, the single-
sided disk contains four files: CALL_NEO.ACC, I_CHOOSE.ACC,
I_CHOOSE.RSC, and READ_ME.TXT, for a total of 22565 bytes.
I skimmed the docs very quickly. It is a habit of mine to do so, even
for freeware and shareware files; I want to know what the program does
before it scrambles my hard drive. :^) I didn't expect the two NeoDesk
desk accessories to be too complicated, so I quickly jumped right in. I
entered 'CALL_NEO' and 'I_CHOOSE,' as required, in the Accessories
section of the Set Preferences box. I also copied them to my boot drive
(C: since I have a hard drive -- floppy users would use A:) and
rebooted.
Then, in the desk accessory slots under the Desk menu, "Item Chooser"
and "Call NeoDesk" appeared. Since I wasn't too thrilled about getting
Item Chooser in the first place, I selected "Call NeoDesk." I was
already at the NeoDesk desktop, so it reminds you that you're there.
After all, the purpose of the desk accessory is to allow you to access
NeoDesk from inside another program. It doesn't make any sense to allow
you to access it from NeoDesk. :^) Therefore, I loaded up WordWriter
and a document. I then selected "Call NeoDesk."
In less than a second, a full-screen window appeared, containing the
NeoDesk desktop I had just left. I had run WordWriter from an open
folder, so that open folder also appeared on the screen in its own
window, not restricted by the size of the NeoDesk window. All three
windows -- the NeoDesk desktop window, the open folder window, and the
WordWriter window -- were all selectable and resizable, like normal
windows. I selected the NeoDesk window, and it popped to the top of the
stack. I could also send it back to the bottom of the window stack by
holding down the ALT key and clicking on the full-size box (in the upper
right hand corner of the window). I was able to scroll around the
window, revealing different parts of the desktop. The standard NeoDesk
menus are available inside the window, but they are different from the
conventional drop-down menus you are accustomed to on the ST. They
resemble the pull-down menus on the Mac, where you must select the menu
by holding the mouse button down, and when you let go, it will execute
the menu item which is under the mouse pointer. For those of you who
have STeno, the NeoDesk window differs in that the STeno menus require
that you first select them with the mouse button, release it, and then
select the desired item again with the mouse button. Accessing the
NeoDesk menus in the window was a bit awkward at first, since I was
accustomed to the style which STeno uses -- but it's easy to adapt.
Quitting the NeoDesk window is as easy as selecting the close-window box
(in the upper left corner) or by hitting CTRL-Q, which is the same
keypress for quitting NeoDesk.
The NeoDesk window gave me access to every function, but two, I could do
at the desktop, except of course, I couldn't run a program from it.
Remember, I was already in a program and trying to run a program from a
desk accessory. It would have been nice to be able to do so, but it's
nearly impossible on the ST, since it would lead to memory
fragmentation. The two things I noticed that I could not do is reorder
files and edit icons. Another benefit to the desk accessory is that it
only takes up 7K, according to the READ_ME file.
The other desk accessory which comes on the disk is Item Chooser. I
wasn't real interested in it, but I took a look at it and it's pretty
nifty. When you have a drive window open, you can select Item Chooser
and enter in different criteria, explaining which files you want to
select. These criteria include templates, size, date stamp, time stamp,
types (read-only and archive). You can also tell it to select
everything BUT those files matching the criteria you have outlined. You
can save and load different configurations. It's a very handy desk
accessory.
So, my final assessment of these programs is the following: both
programs add to the flexibility of NeoDesk; however, you'd have to
decide for yourself if you may find them useful. I don't have a
particular need for Item Chooser, but I would see how some users may
want to copy or move some files with a certain date stamp, for example.
Item Chooser would be very helpful for this, expecially with a lot of
files to select. Before I got Call NeoDesk, I wondered if I would still
use Universal Item Selector. Well, I still have both installed, and
I've used Call NeoDesk quite a few times. I don't plan on getting rid
of either one. It's more convenient for me to copy files from within
NeoDesk using CALL_NEO than from UIS III using the CALL_UIS item
selector, but UIS III is still extremely useful as its main purpose, a
replacement file selector. Call NeoDesk also seems to be somewhat of a
nifty hack, however, to show that the desktop call be called from inside
a program. It can come in handy sometimes, but UIS III via CALL_UIS can
also do most of the things that Call NeoDesk will allow. My suggestion
is that if you really are indeed a NeoDesk fanatic or need specific use
of either program, I'd get the NeoDesk Accessories Disk. If you use
NeoDesk rarely, then don't bother getting the disk.
And, as always, I welcome suggestions, questions, and comments via my
GEnie address, E.KRIMEN.
=======================================================================
Z*NET ATARIWATCH 1991 CALENDAR
------------------------------
=======================================================================
THIS WEEKEND: June 15-16
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ATARIFEST June 15th and 16th at the Steveston Senior
Secondary School, 10440 Number Two Road, Richmond B.C. Canada. This is
the first major Canadian Atari show west of Toronto, and is just across
the US border from Seattle. Contact Terry Schreiber at (604) 275-7944.
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).
=======================================================================
~~~~ COMING TO TERMS ~~~~
-------------------------
Part One
=======================================================================
"Where Term Programs Go One On One In Death-Defying Comparison Tests!"
by Drew Reid Kerr
GEnie D.KERR1
DELPHI DRKERR
Crack open the "Telecommunications" section of any on-line library and
you're likely to find countless propgrams that seem to have the common
suffix "term." It seems every other programmer concocts their dream
terminal program, hoping to make it to shareware heaven. Then there are
the ones that you buy for real, reaching to be the upper echelon of term
programs.
So I decided to lay these programs side by side and let them strut their
stuff. I downloaded them from GEnie, DELPHI, Compuserve as well as
getting sample copies of on-market items. Some of them were only
available in demo format on-line, so this is what I had to go with.
Who would be the King of the Terms?
First let me share with you my approach and criteria. I am not what you
would call a real egghead type of guy. I don't have patience for the
real nuts 'n' bolts programming stuff like script languages.
When I go on-line, I don't want to think twice. I just want to see that
beautiful "CONNECT 2400" across my monitor and then let me do my dirty
work like file uploads and downloads. I don't want to spend the next
half-life figuring out what's what every time I turn my modem on. This
is my feeling towards selecting a term program.
Each program is being rated from 1 to 10 in these categories: EASE OF
USE, DOCUMENTATION, and FEATURES, plus an overall rating. I am not
saying this is the final word on any term program -- if you agree or
disagree, drop me a line.
I tried to upload the latest version of every PD program. Programs are
divided into three categories:
BASIC: DTerm
AVERAGE: VanTerm 3.8, ZC-Term, Cowboy Term
X-TRA LARGE: Flash 1.6, GIMETERM, Aladdin, STealth
(Note: John Nagy will be reviewing the new version of STalker/STeno, and
all current versions have been taken off the market. Therefore, I'm
leaving this one to John)
(I did not review Uniterm because it is at least three years old and the
documentation would give Herman Melville the willies)
One thing I noticed: that every program offered at least one very good
feature, which probably reflect the programmer's wishes. Gentlemen,
start your engines....
COWBOY TERM 1.10 by Troy H. Cheek (Shareware)
A good little program that has a lot of potential. Setting up the dial
directory is pretty straightforward. What makes this program stand out
is its autologon sequence -- none of the other PD programs could match
it. This means that when I click on Cowboy Term to dial DELPHI, it will
dial the number and automatically log on with my user name and password.
The send and receive set up is a little tricky, involving inputting a
command line from scratch and then the path of your protocol program.
Multi and single dials involve clicking on box to delineate the selected
bbs.
HAS: Make and delete folders, shows directory or files on screen, free
space indicator, function key macros.
DOES NOT HAVE: Z-modem, text editor, clock, V100 support.
EASE OF USE: 6 DOCUMENTATION: 7 FEATURES: 5
OVERALL: 5
D-TERM 1K by Don Pefley (Shareware - $10)
This is probably the simplest program of them all -- you quickly set up
the capture buffer, baud rates, your dialing directory. Bare
essentials.
But this baby's got one great feature -- built-in automatic Z-modem.
Those files go zippin' in and out, you barely have to worry. It also
keeps track of how many bytes are left and the timing.
One important weird part: make sure to fill in ATDT in the prefix string
in the dial directory or else nothing will happen. It's easy to get
used to programs that have this built in.
HAS: Z-Modem, function key macros, multi-dial
DOES NOT HAVE: A distinct way to hang up the modem from terminal screen,
text editor, auto logon, scripts.
EASE OF USE: 4 DOCUMENTATION: 4 FEATURES: 4
OVERALL: 4
ZC-TERM (DEMO) by Zissis Trabaris (Shareware $20)
This is one cranky demo. Firstly, it operates a desk accessory, so the
author claims it is "multi-tasking." Once you click on the accessory,
your terminal screen pops up. To get any kind of menu, you either have
to press "Help" or double click within the screen. Submenus are reached
by sliding your mouse over once you reach the category you want -
"Menu," "File," "Transfer," and "Parameters." The "Block" function is
disabled for this demo.
Beware - every time you set up one of the paramenters in the menu, it
jumps back to the terminal screen, so you have to click it up again.
Also, there are many atrocious spelling mistakes in both the program and
the documentation. For example; protocol is spelled "protocal" in the
program!
I never got this program working. I clicked on the DELPHI listing and
my screen read "Modem Reset" then "Dial Delphi." But no connection to
my modem was made.
The other annoying part of the demo was that when I saw my modem wasn't
connecting, I had trouble finding a way to abort the process. I clicked
on the little exit box in the upper left hand corner of the screen and
then my mouse pointer disappeared!
I will admit, I do like the idea of a desk accessory term program. This
one needs a lot of work.
HAS: Z-Modem, Clock, V-52 and V100 emulation, multi-tasking as accessory
DOES NOT HAVE: hangup signal, any clear documentation, text editor
EASE OF USE: 1 DOCUMENTATION: 2 FEATURES: 2
OVERALL: 2
(TO BE CONTINUED) ****
Drew Kerr edits "Four Corners," an on-line public relations newsletter
for small business and pr professionals. It can be downloaded from
GEnie's HOSB or DELPHI's Business Forum (in the library or under
Newsletters).
=======================================================================
MIST ATARIFEST III UPDATE
-------------------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
MIST Sponsors AtariFest III
Saturday July 27th, Indianapolis, Indiana
** News Flash ** News Flash ** News Flash ** News Flash ** News Flash **
Bob Brodie has CONFIRMED his attendance for the Third Annual AtariFest!!
Thanks, Bob!!
For a third year, an AtariFest is planned at Indianapolis, Indiana on
Saturday, July 27th, sponsored jointly by the user groups at
Indianapolis, Bloomington and Purdue known collectively as MIST (Mid-
Indiana ST).
Some of the people and companies scheduled to attend:
Bob Brodie : User group coordinator, Atari Corporation
AIM : Atari Interface Magazine
D.A.Brumleve : Critically acclaimed author of children's programs
Clear Thinking : EdHak text and binary editor
Compuserve : Online computer service
ComputerWorks : Indianapolis Atari Dealer
ICD : Hard drives, accelerators, and software
ISD : Calamus DTP, Outline Art, DynaCadd
Missionware : lottODDS, and Printer Initializer software
MS Designs : Calamus and PageStream fonts
One Stop : Chicago dealer specializing in cables and cases
SoftLogik : PageStream 2.1 DTP
User Groups : ASCII, BL.A.ST, PAUG, LCACE, EAUG, CinAtari, IMAGE,
MAST, and many more!
MIST AtariFest III will be held at the Castleton Mall Conference Center
on the north side of Indianapolis. The address is: 6385 Castleplace
Drive, Indianapolis, In. 46250-1902. There is a map in PageStream
format in the ST file area... the file is called : MIST_III.LZH. There
will be specific directions in a later posting. Public admission to the
'Fest will be $3.00, and will include a raffle ticket. We will be
raffling hardware from Atari Corp, hardware and software from attending
vendors and developers. Additional raffle tickets will be available for
purchase.
Anyone interested in attending or reserving vendor/developer tables
should contact MIST by one of the below methods:
Leave mail on GEnie to W.LORING1, or D.WARD10
Call the BL.A.ST BBS at (812)332-0573 2400bps, 24 hours.
Write us at BL.A.ST, PO Box 1111, Bloomington, IN. 47402
Call William Loring at (812)336-8103, or Dan Ward at (317)254-0031
Vendor packets are available. If you didn't receive one in the first
mailing, PLEASE let us know! We want you to attend our show!
Brought to you by MIST (Mid-Indiana ST). We are ASCII (Atari St
Computers In Indianapolis), BL.A.ST (BLoomington Atari ST), and PAUG
(Purdue Atari User Group).
Thanks for your interest, and we'll see you at the 'Fest!!
William H. Loring June 11, 1991
President, BL.A.ST User Group 11:29 pm
Co-Chairperson, MIST AtariFest III
=======================================================================
PDC PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS
-------------------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
STEALTH
Stealth, a revolutionary modem telecommunications terminal for the Atari
ST, has been released. A major new stand-alone terminal has not been
released for years and people have been out of touch with the latest
technological enhancements.
Stealth is perfect for new and experienced users alike. But most
interesting is the concept of Stealth's emulation of other terminals
such as Flash or Interlink. Users of these old and outdated terminals
can easily start using Stealth right away! Stealth will convert data
files from these terminal programs and will actually emulate them. Yes,
that's right. We had to use Flash for years and it'd be tough to learn
new menu bar slots and keyboard shortcuts. It's just like using one of
your under-the-sink cabinet doors to hold the trash can for the past
number of years. If the can gets placed in another door, you'll be
opening the old door a couple of dozen times. The same goes for using
a program. Not only that, but a construction-kit will be included in
the near future. It will allow users to setup commands how they want
them to be set up. What a simple yet revolutionary concept.
But that's only the beginning. Stealth includes a built-in GEM based
word processor that functions as its capture buffer (in fact, two
capture buffers are offered). And it's just a click or keypress away.
The Stealth interface is designed with somewhat of a concept of letting
the user decide the best method of interfacing whether it be via
keyboard, the menu bar, or icons.
Stealth supports all major transfer protocols including X, Y, and Zmodem
(as well as several variations such as Ymodem G). Stealth has a
powerful script language with over 90 commands. It blows away Flash's
.DO file system. Enclosed is ST Whiz, a GEM Desktop replacement
program; and it's free (it normally sells for $15). Also free is a
GEnie signon pack.
GEnie is the official support network of Atari and is very active. PDC
will be offering tech support directly via GEnie. There's much more;
Stealth is "one helluva program."
Stealth retails for $39.95 with shipping/handling an additional $4.
MONSTER STEREO CARTRIDGE
The ST's sound capability is just now being tapped with TCB Tracker and
amazing game programs being released with sounds that blow you away.
The only problem is that it's hard to be blown away by the ST's puny
monitor speaker. And it is very puny, ja? It needs to be pumped up.
That's where the Monster comes in. The Monster Stereo Cartridge (MSC)
that is. MSC allows users to pump the ST's sound through a stereo,
boombox, or mini-speakers. There have been others, but nothing like the
Monster. Tweetyboard required extensive installation. MSC is a simple
plug in device, no soldering! Playback from MichTron is not only more
expensive, but it also ties up the cartridge port, and that's a major
pain. MSC plugs into the printer port, and is easy to unplug without
damaging the delicate cartridge port.
What does it do? Specifically, it channels all ST sound through the MSC
into any sound equipment (via RCA jacks). It utilizes newly written
stereo software (such as TCB Tracker) to play in true stereo. Now your
ST can have the power of an STe!
TCB Tracker and many other programs have been updated to support the
MSC. The Monster Stereo Cartridge retails for $69.95 + $4 shipping/
handling.
XTRA-RAM/XTRA-RAM STE/FORGET-ME-CLOCK II
PDC proudly announces that PDC is now the exclusive supplier of Frontier
Software products in the USA. Frontier offers the best in quality RAM
upgrades for the ST and STe line of computers. The Xtra-RAM upgrade for
ST computers comes in three formats: Unpopulated, .5 MB (which upgrades
a 1/2 meg ST to 1 MB), and 2.5 MB (which upgrades Mega 2 ST's to 4 MB
and other STs to 2.5 MB). The Xtra-RAM STE upgrades STE's to 2 MB (2
Xtra-RAM STE's will upgrade the STE to 4 megabytes). All upgrades are
solderless and very easy to install. They are totally compatible with
all software. Each Xtra-RAM upgrade is supplied with free RAM-testing,
RAM disk, and printer spooler software.
Also available is the Forget-Me-Clock II, which is a clock cartridge
that doesn't tie up the cartridge port. Other cartridges can plug into
it while the Forget-Me-Clock II remains totally invisible to them. The
package also is supplied with time/date setting software, as well as
with an auto-run program that automatically sets the clock. Built-in
setting software offers the ability to stop the Forget-Me-Clock II to
save its battery life when it is not being used.
All products include professional and colorful packaging, as well as
complete documentation. But what's especially amazing is that PDC
offers a 10 day money back guarantee. If the user is dissatisfied for
any reason, he or she may return it for a full refund within 10 days of
purchase! No other RAM upgrade house offers that! But the support
doesn't stop there! All RAM upgrades carry a full twelve month
guarantee. And the Forget-Me-Clock II carries a two year guarantee.
The RAM upgrades are guaranteed to use new memory chips to make sure
that the upgrade boards are the most reliable anywhere!
PDC is introducing these products at a special introductory price.
Prices are as follows:
Standard Retail Special Price
Xtra-RAM Unpopulated $129.95 $99.95
Xtra-RAM .5 MB $179.95 $139.95
Xtra-RAM 2.5 MB $299.95 $199.95
Xtra-RAM STe 2 MB $149.95 $129.95
Forget-Me-Clock II $69.95 $49.95
Shipping is $6 per order.
PDC will have a representative at the Vancouver Atari Show demoing all
of our products, as well as selling them at massive discounts. Be
there!
=======================================================================
GRIBNIF SOFTWARE UPDATE
-----------------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
For Info Contact:
Gribnif Software
P.O. Box 350
Hadley, MA 01035
Tel: (413) 584-7887
Fax: (413) 584-2565
GRIBNIF SOFTWARE ANNOUNCES UPGRADE PROGRAM FOR PREVIOUS OWNERS OF STENO
(TM) AND STALKER(TM)
HADLEY, MA -- Gribnif Software announced today its upgrade plans for the
STeno(TM) and STalker(TM) programs, recently acquired from Strata
Software.
Since the new STeno 2.0 and STalker 3 packages are being released
independently, the legitimate owners of previous versions of these
programs have two different upgrade plans available:
1. Upgrade to STeno 2.0 (available immediately) for $15.00. Upgrade
includes the new 2.0 version of the program, a 40 page illustrated
manual, and free technical support from Gribnif Software.
2. Upgrade to STalker 3 (available July 31st, 1991) for $20.00.
Upgrade includes the new version 3.0 of this amazing terminal program
(including the new BackTALKTM script language, GDOS support, and more),
a complete illustrated manual (still being written), and free technical
support from Gribnif Software.
If you upgrade to both now (for only $35.00), you will receive the new
STeno 2.0 package first. The STalker 3 package will be shipped as soon
as it is released (July 31st, 1991). Or, if you want, just upgrade one
now and later on upgrade the other. To get the upgrades, follow these
easy steps:
1. Mail us your original STeno/STalker disk.
2. Include a note with your name, address, and daytime phone number
(in case we have some questions about the order).
3. Enclose a US Bank Check, US Money Order, or Credit Card for the
correct upgrade fee (see above) and the additional shipping and handling
charge: Shipping charges are $2 for U.S. orders, $3 for Canadian
orders, and $5 for all other Foreign orders.
Note: If ordering by credit card, it must be a MasterCard, EuroCard, or
Visa. With the order you should include:
1) Credit card number.
2) Expiration date.
3) Name as it appears on the card.
4) Cardholder's signature.
4. Wait between 3-4 weeks. The orders will be processed and sent out
on a "first come / first serve" basis.
If you have any questions regarding the STeno and STalker software
packages, please feel free to give us a call at (413) 584-7887.
STeno and STalker are trademarks of Strata Software. Exclusive world
wide marketing and distribution by Gribnif Software.
=======================================================================
REVIEWS FROM JUNE 1991 ATARIUSER MAGAZINE
-----------------------------------------
Excerpted
=======================================================================
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.
Defender II
A Classic is Back for the First Time (ST)
Defender for the ST! Finally! There have been many games for the ST in
the general vein of Defender, but despite their improved graphics and
sound (or perhaps because of them), none of the various Defender clones
for the ST has ever quite hit the mark in basic playability. This one
does.
The computer version of Defender II is actually three games, covering
each of the various arcade incarnations, the original "Classic"
Defender, Stargate, and Defender II. Recapping the basic scenario, you
are the captain of the Defender, a starship defending your planet from
alien invaders who kidnap your citizens. Stargate expands on this basic
idea by adding some new types of aliens and a special Stargate to
instantly spacewarp from one section of the planet to another, allowing
you to more effectively respond to and escape from alien attacks.
Defender II adds even more new aliens, as well as new types of weaponry.
You control the game with the keyboard alone or a combination of the
keyboard and the mouse, odd but actually pretty easy to use. The level
of difficulty and general feel of the game is pretty much the same as
the original arcade versions - pretty tough. But at the same time, it's
not so hard that a beginner should worry about not being able to learn
the game.
Compared with most games today, the graphics are nothing to get too
excited over. Except for some title and options screens which have been
dressed up with some neat fractal images, they emulate nearly perfectly
the original arcade Defender machines. The sound is somewhat improved,
however.
This package will appeal mostly to old-timers who would like to relive a
classic, and who haven't been satisfied with one of the clone versions.
But you young whippersnappers should check it out as well, to have a
look at the old days when games could not afford to slide by on terrific
graphics and poor gameplay, as all too many of today's games do.
$49.95, from ARC (Import, Atari UK Entertainment Division) - Michael
Alfred
Cleanup ST!
Hard Drive Scrubber (ST, TT)
What's in a name? Well, Cleanup ST! does not come in a spray bottle.
It works, very automatically and easily, inside your hard drive to
"analyze the disk, recognize different types of corruption, and repair
the damage where possible." Cleanup ST! will correct errors in the File
Allocation Table (FAT) and the directories.
Cleanup ST! requires an ICD ST Host Adapter as part of your system,
although it will work on drives connected to other makes of host adapter
if an ICD unit is also hooked in somewhere.
The software has many options. The Auto Mode is for routine check ups.
You click on this and go get a soda. When you are back the program will
have done its stuff. It only stops if it encounters an error. The Test
Mode checks for errors but does not correct them. It lets you decide
what to do or not to do. Optimising, defragmenting files for faster
access, is also available.
Cleanup ST! also allows you to back up just the load partition and boot
sector data to a floppy. This is the index and table of contents for
your hard drive. If this were to get corrupted, nothing but that little
backup would be able to save your data.
The first time I used Cleanup ST! I used the Auto Mode. It whipped
right through the partitions, that is until it told me I had some errors
on Partition D. The drive had some cluster errors. The software gave
me a few choices, I chose wisely and it fixed the offending files,
retrieving lost bytes. All worked perfectly. It's $29.95, by ICD
Incorporated, 1220 Rock Street, Rockford, Il 61101, 815-968-2228.
- John King Tarpinian
DIAMOND BACK II
Fastest HD Backups (ST, TT)
Hard drives are wonderful, but they aren't flawless. Backups, the
entire contents of your drive on a set of disks, are the only road back
when disaster (or operator error) hits. Diamond Back II is perhaps the
best of many utilities for creating backups to disk on the ST/TT.
With backups, its not so much what you get when you're done as how long
it takes to get done--and Diamond Back is the fastest. Writing full
(even extended format) disks takes well under a minute each, and if you
a pair of floppies, it will auto-switch between them for faster access.
Formatting is also faster than anything I have used to date. The per-
disk time is so short that you do even have time to be bored, let alone
get up from the keyboard. Backup night used to be good for a movie and
pizza. With Diamond Back, I don't have time to follow the plot or wipe
my hands.
Better yet, Diamond Back II incorporates every imaginable extra. Image
or file backups, Spectre partitions, incremental backup by date or
archive bit, optional compression or encryption, validation logs, big
partition support, selectable partial backup or restore, mixable floppy
formats on the fly, 1.44 meg floppy support, and, and, and... Yikes.
It even does -INCREDIBLY- fast partition-to-partition copies.
Included with Diamond Back II are utilities for formatting floppies and
file-finding. Both run as programs or accessories, and both are
remarkable in their own right.
I own LOTS of backup programs. I USE Diamond Back II. It's in version
2.20, and is now marketed by its author after less than satisfying prior
distribution. Bob Luneski has and will continue to improve the already
terrific system. The new version has a new (nice!) manual and improved
Spectre handling, plus other refinements. Owners of earlier versions
should contact him for upgrades ($7.50). Diamond Back II, $44.95 from
Oregon Research Associates, 16200 SW Pacific Highway, Suite 162, Tigard,
OR 97224, phone 503-620-4919. - John Nagy
A4 DAATASCAN PAGE SCANNER
It looks like a wringer washer, but it works like a champ. At a
thousand dollars, it had better. The new DaataScan A4 full-page scanner
from Rio Computer is a hybrid of hand and flat-bed scanner technology,
and the result is versatile and particularly enjoyable.
The 100, 200, 300, and 400 dot per inch scanner is built by Mitsubishi
and comes in two parts, an 8.5 inch wide scanning head that looks like
(and can be used as) a monster two-hand-scanner. The powered base unit
it snaps into converts it into an automatic feed sheet scanner. Just
set the paper in the slot, press the scan button, and the rest is
software controlled. Unlike previous scanner offerings from Rio, the
new software and interface is imported from a UK company called Pandaal,
and their scanning/editing software is remarkable. Like "flat bed"
scanning software, you may take a page scan, mark the areas you really
want, and re-scan them into a work screen. Precision is quite good for
repeated scanning. Magnification and pixel edit control is outstanding,
even more extreme than makes any sense. It provides a range of rotation
but no actual drawing tools, so you will still need something like Touch
Up from Migraph to really work on images.
A selection of three different simulations of half-tones (dither
patterns) plus line-art settings provide very good control and superior
results. Photographs come out looking better than with any non-
grayscale scanner I have used to date, certainly suitable for use in
commercial publications. Screen updates aren't really sluggish, but are
nearly instantaneous if using QUICK ST or TURBO ST screen accelerators.
With them, scrolling through a scan window is almost seamless motion.
Very impressive. Unmatched, really.
Drawbacks to the unit include the inability to scan an open book, easy
to do on flatbed scanners. You can use the scanning head by hand and
get scans that a flatbed couldn't, but the precision auto feed is lost.
I'd also like to see a wider range of control on the lighter/darker
adjustment. There are times when I'd like to get a too-light or very
dark scan for special effects. It's almost impossible to get a bad
scan--how's that for a flaw!
The DaataScan A4 unit is a treat, and it was with a tearful eye that I
sent back the demonstrator. It will certainly be a limited sales device
at $999.95, but it's the best I've seen in the price range. -John Nagy
=======================================================================
MS-DOS 5.0: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
-----------------------------
by Mike Mezaros
=======================================================================
Excerpted from Z*Net PC Online Magazine, Issue #10. This article may
not be reprinted without permission of the publisher. Copyright
(c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc.
So there I am, at my local computer store where I usually buy magazines.
It's Monday, the day before MS-DOS 5.0's official release. Some stores
are already selling it, but this one isn't. I inquire as to why, and am
told that they aren't finished with their display. But the clerk says
to me, "I'm about to install it on our demo PC's. Want a preview?"
Of course I did! I had already seen late beta copies of the software,
but I had never seen it installed. So I enthusiastically agreed, got my
first glimpse at the packaging (nicest DOS box ever), and off we went.
DOS 5.0 installs quickly, easily, and... perfectly. All the clerk had
to do was slip the Setup diskette into the drive, type Setup, and off we
went. Setup correctly determined the machine's configuration and asked
a simple question or two (Are you using a network? Do you want to
automatically start Dosshell?), and from then on, only diskette changes
were requested. A few diskettes and minutes later, the machine was
fully configured and running MS-DOS 5.0.
The Setup program was not unlike Windows' setup, only easier and
faster. Needless to say, I was impressed. I've installed a variety of
DOS versions (MS-DOS 3.3, 3.31, 4.01, IBM DOS 4.0, 4.01, DR-DOS 5.0) on
a variety of different machines, and I've never seen an easier install.
Things weren't quite as simple for me, two days later, when I bought the
package. Purchasing the software was more of a hassle than installing
it. I went to Egghead Software, where they were advertising it for
$39.95. But first I was required to fill out a one page, double-sided
form, and sit through a dozen sales pitches ("These disks are on sale...
This book will make it much easier... This program adds abilities you
REALLY need!") as I worked on it. Apparently, they're not making much
money off of DOS 5.0, but are using it to "hook" you into the store.
Actually, it wasn't the manual (I'm saving face) -- just the short
"Getting Started" guide. Right there, on the page labeled "Before
Installation," I found this note: "Remove all memory-resident
programs..." In other words, boot with a clean CONFIG.SYS and
AUTOEXEC.BAT. I did, and the problem was solved right away.
I was a little worried that the program might not install properly on my
DR-DOS 5.0 system. After all, it is an upgrade package for owners of
previous MS-DOS or IBM DOS versions. Would I have to re-install MS-DOS
4.01 before installing this new version? Thankfully, no. Setup just
determined that my current DOS version was "Other" and left it at that.
DOS 5.0 couldn't salvage my previous CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files,
though, as they contained specific DR-DOS commands. No big deal, I
would have to re-construct them anyway to take advantage of the new DOS.
Here's what my CONFIG.SYS file looks like now, after making a few
changes for MS-DOS 5.0... (I've edited out the unimportant stuff.)
DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS
DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE NOEMS
DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE
DEVICEHIGH=C:\HYPER386.EXE OR S C:4096:2048
DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\MOUSE.SYS
DOS=HIGH,UMB
The new Dosshell is also very nice, almost to the point where it is in
the same league as third-party shells. It obviously takes a few cues
from Windows; it looks quite similar. Of course, it can't run Windows
programs and doesn't have nearly as nice an interface. And it isn't as
good looking as DR-DOS's GEM-based ViewMax shell, but it is much more
functional and even easier to use. I'm sure that the new look of
Dosshell 5.0, coupled with DOS task switching, will drive more than few
diehard C:\> prompters to see what Windows is all about.
I especially like the new editor, Edit. It makes DR-DOS's Editor look
ridiculously hard to use, even though it isn't. With CUA (Common User
Access, the same standard used in Windows and OS/2 PM) drop down menus
and a complete help system, Edit has quickly become my favorite
DOS-based editor. If you're still using Edlin, you NEED this upgrade.
The new programming language, QBASIC, also looks very interesting. The
interpreter is CUA compliant and features the same basic interface as
Edit (which is no coincidence; it seems that Edit won't run if it can't
locate QBASIC even though it appears to be a stand-alone program). One
of the included programs, a simple video game called Nibbles, is
excellent. It is one of the most addictive games I have ever played (I
have used Nibbles more than any other part of DOS 5.0), and with better
graphics it might be worth the $39.95 alone! Simply put, QBASIC Nibbles
is to DOS 5.0 what Solitaire is to Windows 3.0.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ron Berinstein is out delivering pasta and will be back next week with
another Software Shelf.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Z*Net: Smaller by Design because news take less space than innuendo.
Better yet, news doesn't need to be explain the next week!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
=======================================================================
Z*Net International Atari Online Magazine is a weekly magazine covering
the Atari and related computer community. Material contained in this
issue may be reprinted for non commercial purposes 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..
=======================================================================
