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Z*NET Online Magazine Issue 91-16
==(((((((((( == Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
=========(( === -----------------------------------------
=======(( ===== APRIL 19, 1991 Issue #91-16
=====(( ======= -----------------------------------------
==(((((((((( == (c) 1991, Z*Net Publishing
PUBLISHER\EDITOR: Ron Kovacs EDITOR: John Nagy
=======================================================================
CONTENTS
--------
April 19, 1991 - Issue #9116
=======================================================================
EDITORS DESK.......................................Ron Kovacs
NEW GRAPHICS FOR THE ST,TT......................Press Release
Z*NET INTERNATIONAL: CANADA...................Terry Schreiber
Z*NET NEWSWIRE...............................................
CALAMUS TUTORIAL - PART IX......................Geoff LaCasse
MICROSOFT MOUSE TO AN ATARI ST.....................CompuServe
MISSIONWARE SOFTWARE............................Press Release
Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF...........................Ron Berinstein
AUA EXTENDS VOTING DEADLINE...................Derek Signorini
PUBLIC DOMAIN UPDATE............................Keith Macnutt
Anyone interested in writing articles for Z*Net Publishing magazines
should leave email to Ron Kovacs, John Nagy on GEnie (Z-NET), to
Jon Clarke on Usenet, on GEnie (J.CLARKE6), to Terry Schreiber on
GEnie (T.SCHREIBER1) or email to SYSOP at Node 593.
=======================================================================
THE EDITORS DESK
----------------
by Ron Kovacs
=======================================================================
First I would like to welcome the new nodes now supporting this
publication in FNET. We are now available each week on 48 FNET
systems around the country and in Canada.
Issue #5 of the Z*NET PC is now available in the Z*NET PC Conference and
the Z*NET ONLINE BBS at (908) 968-8148, FNET NODE 593.
Congratulations to Ron and Dawn Luks on the the arrival of their
daughter Jennifer. The 7 pound plus girl was born last week. If your
on CompuServe, give Ron some things to read by sending mail to his PPN
76703,254! Tell him Z*NET sent you and pass along your best wishes! I
am sure he will be happy to read this? (smile)
ATARI NEWS FIRST
=======================================================================
PRESS INFORMATION FROM CEBIT
----------------------------
NEW GRAPHICS FOR ST, TT
=======================================================================
MATRIX Daten Systeme GmbH
Talstrasse 16, D-7115 Oppenweiler
Phone 07191/4088, FAX 07191/4089
The new graphics cards for the VME slot of the Atari TT and Mega STe:
Three alternatives are possible:
* MatGraph COCO (Color Controller)
Resolution up to 800 x 600 in 256 and 1024 x 768 in 16 colors, 720 x
512 in 256 colors on the TT's VGA monitor. Palette: choice of 256
from 262,144 or from 6 million colors. Color planes: 1, 4, & 8
equivalent to mono, 16 & 256 colors respectively. Video memory:
1Mbyte DRAM.
* MatGraph MOCO (Monochrome Controller (ECL)
Resolution 1280 x 960, 66(75)Hz with a 100(125)MHz pixelclock or
optionally 1664 x 1200, 60 Hz with 160MHz. Video memory: 256KB DRAM.
* MatGraph MICO Mixed Controller
Technical data same as COCO + MOCO. COCO and MOCO can be expanded to
MICO.
Powerful Graphics processor (i82786) with fast graphics functions,
supports variable resolutions, hardware windows, and hardware zoom.
Software: GEM/VDI driver, C Library for Turbo-C, Unix, and others on
request.
Consumption: typical: +5 V at 500 mA; +12 V at 300 mA
-----------------------------
MatScreen M110/120
Monochrome - Large Screen Systems
* Suitable for all ATARI Mega ST computers
* Display area 5 times greater than that of SMl24. Particularly
suitable therefore for CAD, DTP, word processing and spreadsheets.
* All systems use the same controller guaranteeing full compatibility
amongst themselves.
* The system excels through its most simple installation. Without
change to the Mega ST the controller is plugged into the internal bus.
* Two systems are available in the standard size of 19" (M110 & M110L).
The chief difference is in the anti-reflection technique. The OCLI
layer of the M110 permits a stronger display contrast.
* The system can work with or without the SM124. In dual-mode the
system can work with the large screen and the SM124 simultaneously.
* Fast dual-ported SRAMs (256 kbyte) allow access to the screen memory.
This allows bit-block transfers between main memory and screen memory.
* All systems can be extended with the C27 option. An additional 14"'
multisync monitor allows an image of 640 x 480, 66Hz non-interlaced
with a choice of 16 from 262,144 colours to be displayed. The GEM
driver is usable from TOS 1.4 upwards.
* Available optionally with the floating-point Coprocessor MC68881,
16MH.
* The use of the graphic processor ACRTC 63484 from Hitachi is unique.
Used to its fullest it is responsible for:
fast picture construction
background construction of second pictures
SM124 emulation mode (zoom): With a resolution of 640 x 400 the
whole screen area is used. The enlarged display is ideal for
training, demonstrations, and helping those with sight
difficulties. In this mode almost all software is executable.
* All GEM programs are executable with the resolution 1280 x 960. For
years the MatScreen systems have been used for professional CAD, DTP
and word processing.
* Two GEM drivers at once are delivered. Both work with all TOS
versions without hardware intervention.
DAVI - works without GDOS
GOLI - works with GDOS or AMCGDOS
* Wide ranging utilities (Night, Mouse Accelerator, Screen Dump to
SLM804, programming examples)
MatScreen C32
The Extendable Graphic System
The C32 graphic board is ideal for those that wish to grow with the
times. A powerful and reasonably priced basic system which provides an
easy entry without prohibiting the transition to professional
applications. The power of the system is increased simply by adding
options. Of particular interest is the "Extended Graphic" option which
apart from improved colour graphics includes the covetous high
resolution monochrome mode, Simply take off with this good basic system.
The sooner you begin the sooner your results will be achieved.
* The C32 is for use in the ATARI Mega ST, in the 1040ST (using an
adapter box) and with VME systems, for example ATARI TT.
* A broad spectrum of applications presents itself for ATARI users and
programmers. Worthy of mention is the colour display on common 14"
multifrequency or ATARI SC1224 monitors and uncomplicated extension
with a variety of options.
* The standard memory of 256kByte DRAM allows a resolution of 640 x 400
pixels with 256 out of 262,144 colours. A notable non-interlaced
picture rate of 8OHz is achieved through the use of a 32MHz pixel
clock. Memory options allow higher resolutions and at the same time
provide memory space for effective hardware windowing.
* The EG (Extended Graphic) option requires a memory option of at least
512kByte.
* An adapter box (in preparation) for the 1040ST allows the use at last
of controllers with the ATARI-bus on computers of this widespread
series.
* The graphic processor in use (Intel 82768) can be applied universally.
It supports variable resolutions (from video to hires), 1 to 8 bits
per pixel, and has fast graphic functions available e.g. h/w windows
and h/w zoom. The pixel frequency is selectable from 16, 25, and 32
MHz, optionally 50, 110, or 160MHz.
* The different resolutions and colours can be selected comfortably
using software.
* The choice of 16 or 256 colors can be selected from a palette of
262,144 colors.
* Available optionally with the floating-point Coprocessor MC68881,
16MHz.
* Further options e.g. genuine 3D with shutter-glasses are being
prepared.
* Interfaces for Modula-2, GFA-BASIC, C and Assembler. A development
packet which gives an insight to the technical details.
* All GEM programs are executable with the Colour-VDI-Driver in the
various resolutions. The computer must be equipped with a blitter and
run under TOS 1.4 or greater.
* Sales are conducted by specialist ATARI dealers.
MatScreen C110/128
Colour - Large Screen Systems
The C110/128 graphic board is designed for those who desire or require
the utmost in performance. One of the features of this series is the
VRAM based design necessary for the rapid image construction. This
advanced approach was necessary since conventional DRAM controllers
could not hope to cope acceptably with the arising flood of pixels. The
board excels in the market furthermore because of its unequalled
flexibility and performance.
* This series is suitable for all Mega ST and TT computers. Controllers
will be offered with ST-Bus or VME-Bus for the different bus systems.
* What are the differences between C110 and C128? Solely the clock
frequency of 11OMHz or 125MHz. It is noteworthy however that colour
monitors with a bandwidth of 125MHz are very expensive. For this
reason the C128 is provisionally recommended only for gray-scale
systems with an excellent EIZO monitor.
* The number of colours able to be displayed and the number of gray-
scales are equivalent. Gray-scale monitors compare very favorably in
price to corresponding colour monitors.
* All systems can also work in monochrome mode. This is particularly
important because programs which may not yet be suited to colour can
be used with the new hardware.
* The controller is available with 1MByte or 2MByte of memory. The
resulting differences in technical data can be seen in the table.
* The systems are offered complete with the matching monitor. When
purchasing a controller alone it is important to consider the
compatibility of the monitor. A utility to adjust the controller's
monitor parameters is provided.
* The full performance of the system emerges once a display of 1280 x
960 for the 20" colour or gray-scale monitor is reached. A less
expensive possibility is 1024 x 768 and a 16" monitor.
* The fast Intel 82786 graphics processor optimally employed by the GEM-
VDI driver refutes the common argument about loss of speed with GEM
programs. The graphic processor makes functions possible like h/w
windowing, zooming and overlaying. A blitter and TOS version of at
least 1.4 are required.
* The system leaves the free choice of resolutions and number of colors/
gray-scales within its limits.
* The pixel frequency Is variable within broad bounds (16 to 125MHz)
* 256 colours are available from a palette of 16 million.
* Available optionally with the floating-point Coprocessor MC68881,
16MHz.
* A True Colour (TC) option conjures one of 16 million colours for each
pixel on the screen with a resolution of 682 x 1024, 66Hz.
* An exciting supplement to the TC Option is the integrated real-time
digitizer for video and genlock applications with 16 million colours.
* Interfaces for Modula-2, GFA-BASIC, C and Assembler. A development
packet which gives an insight to the technical details.
=======================================================================
Z*NET CANADA
------------
by Terry Schreiber
=======================================================================
ATARI ATTENDS E.C.O.O.
Atari Canada will once again be attending the E.C.O.O. (Educational
Computing Organization of Ontario) conference being held this year in
conjunction with I.C.T.E. (International Conference of Technical
Education). The event will take place at Toronto's Harbour Castle
Western, May 7 thru 9th. Last year Atari Canada had its MS-DOS
compatible platform recognized by the Ontario's educational purchasers
which led to many large sales to schools in the educational market.
This year Atari plans to solidify this decision by demonstrating two
classroom networking systems. One planned network is for the PC
platform and one for the ST/TT platform. Ontario regulations stipulate
that a computer purchased for educational purchases must be networkable.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ATARI FESTIVAL
June 15th & 16th, Steveston Senior Secondary, Richmond B.C., Canada
The response to this show has been tremendous. We have completely
booked our main showroom and have moved the usergroup area in order to
facilitate more space. We have designated this area as a music area and
have moved most music related developers and stores into this room which
makes a few more booths available in the main show area.
Atari (Canada) Corporation Gadgets by Small
Application and Design Software Gribnif Software
Codehead Software ISD Marketing
PDC Software Branch Always Software
Sliccware Software Cherry Fonts
Phil Comeau Software Micro Creations
Roll-yer-Own Software Genus Software
Maxwell CPU DreamPark Developements
Soft-Logic MusicCode Software
ICD Mind Over MIDI
ST-Informer Magazine Z-Net Online Magazine
ST Report Online Magazine Puget Sound Atari News Magazine
Tom Lee Music Noteworthy Music
Infinite Grafix Minitronics Computer Center
Wizard Computers
Atari Canada will be using a smaller cut-down version of their large
booth on one of the stages while the second stage will be used for MIDI
expos and entertainment. Seminars will be running both days
continuously in two and possibly three seminar rooms.
Thank you to the people who have helped to insure this event is a
success.
=======================================================================
Z*NET NEWSWIRE
--------------
=======================================================================
APPLE POSTS $131 MILLION
Apple announced this week that unit shipments of its Macintosh personal
computer grew by approximately 85 percent in its second fiscal quarter,
compared to the same quarter last year. Net revenues increased by 19
percent, and earnings per share increased by 3 percent. Apple's fiscal
quarter ended on March 29, 1991. Apple's net revenues for the quarter
grew to $1.598 billion, compared to $1.346 billion in the year ago
period. International revenues accounted for 52 percent of total
revenues, compared to 47 percent during the second quarter of fiscal
1990.
FUJITSU TO START DATA SERVICES IN AUSTRALIA, N.Z.
Fujitsu Ltd and CompuServe of the US will join to offer computer-
information services in Australia and New Zealand starting in September.
The services will consist of data on corporate accounts, commodities
market prices, and other financial information which will be accessible
through personal computer terminals.
VENTURA SOFTWARE DISCOUNTS
Ventura Software announced this week, significant discounts on software
packages that complement Ventura Publisher desktop publishing software
(DOS/GEM, Windows, OS/2 and Macintosh versions). Under the program,
customers who purchase Ventura Publisher, Windows or OS/2 Editions can
purchase the CorelDRAW drawing program for $319, a savings of $376.
With the purchase of Ventura Publisher, Macintosh Edition, users can
purchase NEC's CDR-36 type storage and fonts for $479, a savings of
$618. Discounts will be effective on products purchased between April
15 and July 31 1991. Customers must provide proof of purchase, a
completed registration card and coupon which will appear this month in
Ventura Publisher advertisements in major trade and business
publications.
REDUCED-EMISSIONS VGA MONITORS
Compaq Computer introduced the Reduced Emissions Video Graphics Color
Monitor which complies with electromagnetic emissions guidelines
developed by the Swedish National Board for Measurement and Testing
(Swedish MPR 1990 documents). Compaq also announced this week that the
Video Graphics Monochrome Monitor now complies with the same guidelines.
The new Reduced Emissions Video Graphics Color Monitor, Suggested Resale
Price: $799, reduces ELF (extremely low frequency) emissions, VLF (very
low frequency) emissions and electrostatic potential on the face of the
screen in compliance with the emissions recommendations of the Swedish
MPR 1990 documents. It is offered in addition to the standard Video
Graphics Color Monitor ($699) which is currently available. A new Video
Graphics Monochrome Monitor ($299) replaces the existing model, and
delivers the same emissions reductions as the new color monitor.
NEW 68000
Motorola this week, introduced the 68EC0x0 family, a new family of low-
cost, embedded control microprocessors and added the 68330
microprocessor to its 68300 family of integrated microprocessors. The
new microprocessors are tailored for price-sensitive embedded-control
applications, such as palmtops, laptops and laser printers.
COMMODORE LAUNCHES PLAYER
Commodore introduced its CDTV player, an Interactive Multimedia product
that combines audio, video, graphics and text into a new form of
education and entertainment. The CDTV player, which is the first
multimedia product available for consumers retails for $999 and is
currently available at Software Etc. and Hammacher Schlemmer in the Los
Angeles area.
NEW HOME COMPUTER
Radio Shack introduced the Tandy 1000 RLX, the next generation of its
home computer. The Tandy 1000 RLX personal computer carries the extra
power of a 10 Megahertz (MHz) 80286 processor and one 3.5-inch 1.44 MB
floppy disk drive. A second 3.5-inch drive bay will accept either a
floppy disk drive, or a 20MB or a 40MB hard drive option. The system
also has one PC-compatible expansion slot.
BUSH TO LEARN HOW TO OPERATE A COMPUTER
President Bush said this week that he doesn't know how to operate a
computer and he's going to "begin study" next week to learn how.
APPLE PAYS $400,000
Apple, settling a race discrimination case, paid more than 400,000
dollars to 15 blacks who were refused jobs because of their race. The
15 black men and women who filed the complaints in January 1990 were
also offered employment in the settlement, the largest of its kind to be
negotiated in the San Francisco Labor Department. All but one accepted
the jobs. Apple, which admitted no wrongdoing in the settlement, paid
436,687 dollars in back wages to the plantiffs and agreed to reexamine
its hiring process to ensure fair evaluation of job candidates.
=======================================================================
CALAMUS TUTORIAL - PART IX
--------------------------
by Geoff LaCasse, GXR Systems
=======================================================================
MULTI-PAGE, MULTI-COLUMN DOCUMENTS II
Reload your document from last session. We left off with a multi-page
document, a header/footer (hereafter header) frame on the odd numbered
pages, and no frames on the even. Page numbering was set (with start
number at 3) but not visible on the even numbered pages because no
header frame existed.
Select the header frame from page 1, and copy (not cut) it to one of the
Frame Clipboards. Bring up page 2 of your document and paste (or copy)
the clipboard frame to the document. It's an exact copy of page 1,
including its placement on the page, except the number 2 will be visible
in the page number frame at the bottom of the document. At this point,
we need to move the frame to match the margins of the document page.
Click on dX (X POSITION) in the upper right of the screen, and replace
the present value with 0.75. When you press RETURN, the frame will
match the margins of the page. We now need to rearrange the header
frame components to create a document layout where the pages have a
mirror-image format (look at any computer manual, novel, or text book).
The component frames which make up a header frame can be modified only
when ungrouped. Select the header frame on page 2 and click on UNGROUP
FRAME (under FRAMES, FRAME GENERAL FUNCTIONS). When a dialogue box
appears asking if you would like to ungroup on CURRENT PAGE, ALL PAGES,
ALL PAGES BEFORE, or ALL PAGES BEHIND, select the last item. The header
will ungroup into its individual frames (including line frames) each
still selected, and which can then be de-selected by clicking on the
right mouse button.
Calamus allows you to designate any page as a Master Page, i.e. its
header frame is copied (automatically) to any following pages or until
we select another as Master Page. Master Page changes may be as small
as a new numbering scheme (various formats can be present in the same
document), or involve more major restructuring of the layout. Single-
sided documents have only a left Master Page, but in our example--i.e.
double-sided, the header frame we created on page 1 remains in force for
all odd numbered pages (go to page 3 to see how the header frame is
duplicated from page 1). To see other options, experiment with the
other commands in the UNGROUP FRAME dialogue box (ADD more pages for
greater effect). For example, CURRENT PAGE ungroups a header only on
the current page, and leaves intact headers on following pages. Current
Page is useful when creating title pages, temporary changes in format,
and the like.
Any changes we make to frame components on page 2 will, when individual
frames are recreated as a header frame, be reflected on all following
even numbered pages. Select the page number frame and move it over to
the left margin of the document (either by using the mouse, or by
changing its dX value to 0.75). We also need to change text
justification on the page number frame. Go to the TEXT icon pad, and
select the page number frame. If we click inside the frame with the
left mouse button, a text cursor will appear. If we click with the
right, a Text Ruler--looking like a small box--will appear stretched
along the length above the document's text frames. Cursor shape is now
a small cross.
You may have noticed [TEXT RULER] (as well as [STYLE)] in the Text
Editor. [TEXT RULER] shows Text Ruler placement in a text file, a Text
Ruler controlling paragraph formatting (paragraph tagging), including
indents, tabs, leading (or line spacing), word and letter spacing, and
justification (Centre, right, left, etc.). Text Rulers are complex,
time-consuming, and--at times--very unfriendly. Text ruler commands can
be found under TEXT RULER (in TEXT). Some of its commands are familiar.
At the top of the icon pad can be found the Tab/Paragraph Indent
functions, just below and to the right are those for line spacing, and
to the right are the various paragraph justifications.
In this Calamus introduction, I have space for only a brief overview of
Text Rulers. Rulers are composed of a number of components. Each must
have one (and only one) First Indent (hollow flag pointing right), and
Left and Right Indent (black flags pointing right and left,
respectively). Only one Ruler per line is allowed (this does not effect
style changes which are not governed by Text Rulers). A Ruler when
inserted takes either the default format (if first of new session) or
the last one selected. If multiple rulers are inserted into a document,
and major changes to format need to be made, it is sometimes easier to
reformat the entire document and start again. Go to TEXT, select a
frame, SELECT ALL from the EXTRAS drop-down menu, and change text
justification to eliminate Text Rulers. Alternately, click the small
cross cursor (with the left mouse button) on each ruler in turn and then
select DELETE TEXT RULER (the small trashcan at the bottom-mid of TEXT
RULER icon pad). Experiment with all the Text Ruler tools. The time
you spend learning the rules will not be wasted.
Return to your page number frame on page 2 and click on its Text Ruler.
A thicker border will appear and justification (as seen in TEXT RULER)
will indicate right. Select left instead to move the page number to the
left side of the frame. Go to the top frame (Geoff's Newsletter) and
change its Text Ruler to left justification also. Press ALT-E to bring
up the Text Editor and change the text to Magnificent. Double-click on
[STYLE]. Change the default point size and font in the dialogue box
which appears (perhaps to 25 points, Italics, ??font). Text will
reformat when you exit the Text Editor. Turn off the Text Rulers by
clicking on TEXT RULERS ON/OFF in the TEXT drop-down menu (not to be
confused with the Text primary icon pad). Re-create a new header frame
on page 2 from its two text and two line frames (note that page 4--our
number 6 will have the same format as page 2).
Go back to page 1 and UNGROUP its header frame. Go back to TEXT, then
DICTIONARY (icon pad to the right of TEXT RULER), select the top frame,
and bring up its text ruler. Dictionary also holds--besides the
dictionary functions--letter and word spacing commands which can be
found at the bottom of the icon pad. Select LETTER SPACING (above) and
change the default value to 4.0, and press RETURN. Select WORD SPACING
(below), and change its value to 6.0. Tracking (word & letter spacing)
increases the default letter and word spacing on any paragraph but is
particularly useful for large headlines (single-line paragraphs). Get
rid of the Text rulers and create a new Header frame on page 1 (again
two text and two line frames). Next session we add the text frames,
text, and graphics.
=======================================================================
MICROSOFT MOUSE TO AN ATARI ST
------------------------------
Captured from CompuServe Atari Forum
=======================================================================
Here's a repost of my article of wayyyy back (Feb 1989) on how to hook
a Microsoft mouse to an Atari ST. No software changes are required.
All it takes is creating a special cable between the mouse and the
Atari.
I've been using a Microsoft mouse now for around 2 years on my 1040,
with nary a glitch. It's so much better than the Atari mouse, I'd never
go back. (IMHO)
Well, here is how to connect a Microsoft Mouse to an Atari ST.
(520/1040) The Atari has a 9-pin D-type connector. The Microsoft Mouse
has a rather strange connector on the end. To prevent having to cut the
mouse cable up, I made this adaptor. If you still can't follow it,
please let me know and I'll try to redescribe it. This does work for
me. I've been using it for 6 or so months now, [Note, it's been 2 years
now!] with no problems at all. It does take some soldering skills, so
if you're not so hot at soldering, find a friend to help.
As far as I know, this does not effect your Atari's warranty. However,
I have not asked Atari.
Atari ST Microsoft Mouse ST expected signal
----- -- --------- ----- -- -------- ------
1 5 XB
2 3 XA
3 8 YA
4 9 YB
5 N/C N/C
6 2 Left button
7 N/C +5VDC (N/C)
8* 6 and also tie to pin 1 Ground
9 7 Right button
* = I am not sure why I have pins 6 & 1 tied together, but it does work.
The Microsoft mouse connector looks like this. This is the solder side,
with the leads pointing up.
---------------
| 1 |
| 2 3 4 5 |
| 6 7 8 9 10 |
| |
---------------
If you can not use the connector, the pins are numbered as follows.
This is the connector side from the Microsoft Mouse plug:
/------------\ This is a view at the front of the connector.
/ Blank "KEY" \ It is where the plug from the mouse would be.
/----------------\ The pin labeled 'n' is not connected.
| n 4 X 8 | The place labeled 'X' is filled, and does not
| 9 7 1 2 | have a pin.
| 5 6 |
\ /
\------------/
Have fun!
For those who don't want to face wiring up a Microsoft mouse to their
Atari, there is another solution. I just bought a Golden Image Mouse
and I'm very pleased with it. They have an Atari ST version, so you
just plug it in. The feel is similar to a Microsoft mouse, but the
mouse is slightly larger.
It's made my working time with the computer much less stressful. I
highly recommend it to anyone who works with their Atari a lot.
I'm not affiliated with this company in any way, I just like this mouse.
It cost me $70 Canadian, and was worth every penny. As a comparison,
the standard Atari mouse costs $45 here.
=======================================================================
MISSIONWARE SOFTWARE
--------------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
WELCOME TO MISSIONWARE SOFTWARE!
Missionware Software is a brand new company that will be focusing it's
development efforts for the Atari ST/STE/TT line of machines. We herald
from Palatine, Illinois, and plan to be around a long time, depending of
course on your support for our products.
About The Company and it's Founder...
The President of Missionware Software is John Trautschold. John has
been programming computers of all types for over 15 years. His first
computer was the veritable Altair 8800 (which still runs by the way!)
Later, he moved on to MSDOS machines, and of course, the Atari ST line.
His experience ranges from assembler through C.
Through the present, John has worked in television and radio
broadcasting as an engineer, both hardware and software. In between the
time he spends programming the ST, he works for CBS Television in
Chicago (WBBM TV) as an engineer doing maintenance on high-end video
tape and graphics systems. Additionally, he's developed a number of
hardware/software microcontrollers for use at CBS. When John isn't
programming a 68000 in the ST, he's programming and designing around the
68HC11 microcontroller.
About Our Products...
Missionware Software begins its existence with two packages.
lottODDS
The first is called "lottODDS" and is a lottery number generation
program. If you enjoy playing your state or local lottery, then this
program will make that much easier and more fun to boot! lottODDS
(pronounced "lotto odds") will help you maintain a database of numbers
chosen over the years, which can then be used either for generating
numbers to play (using 7 statistical and proprietary methods developed
in house by Missionware) or for your own statistical analysis.
lottODDS picks numbers using a "least" or "most" algorithm, statistical
averaging, "hot" numbers, and statistical "between", "consecutive" and
"pairs" match ups.
But lottODDS does much more than that! We've designed a special
wheeling method that distributes the numbers picked more evenly and over
a greater and more flexible range than any wheeling system yet
developed. You have total control over how your numbers will be
distributed. But that's not all! The program also permits you to enter
your own numbers (if you wish to play birthdays, special dates, or any
special numbers you wish). It will also generate random numbers (our
own version of quick picks) and then permit you to wheel them for best
distribution.
Once the numbers to play have been chosen, by whatever method you decide
to use, you can now print them out for transfer to your lottery playing
tickets, or you can use the handy on-screen dialog to scroll through the
chosen number.
If you play a lot of games each week, lottODDS will also keep track of
the numbers you've played. When the actual numbers have been picked by
the lottery agency, all you have to do is enter those. lottODDS will
then do a comparison between those numbers and the ones it (or you)
picked and display the games that have matching numbers in them.
lottODDS permits you to play in lotteries that pick between 3 and 10
numbers out of a field of 99 numbers. And that covers any known lottery
currently in existence. You can also use the program to play multiple
lottery games...just load in the file for the game you wish to play, and
you're off! Everything is handled through the easy to control GEM
interface.
lottODDS is not copy protected (although you must "register" your
software before it can be used) and is usable on either a color or
monochrome system. It's also installable on your hard disk. The
program lists for $34.95 and can be purchased directly from Missionware
Software. Dealer distribution is also being setup, and for now you can
also purchase directly from Pacific Software Supply.
Printer Initializer
The second program available from Missionware Software is called the
"Printer Initializer". This is an ultra-handy utility program that's
actually two programs in one!
But first, just what is "Printer Initializer" and what can it do for
you? The programs (installation and desk accessory) give you something
you've *never* had before...quick, total, and *easy* control over your
printer's control functions. Now we know that most programs, such as
word processors and database programs, have printer configuration menus.
But for the most part, they're a pain to use and setup, and when you
need to make a quick change in font style, line spacing, etc. not only
do you need to remember how to do it within that program, but you
probably have to dig out the printer operations manual to look up the
codes. That all takes time, and time is what Printer Initializer gives
back to you. It's there, waiting for you at the click of the mouse.
Want to change tab spacing to 4 from within your spreadsheet? Good
luck! With Printer Initializer, it's easy!
So, what are the two programs you receive and how do they work? The
first is called "Printer Install" or "pinstall.prg". This is the
program you use to generate your own printer drivers. You can generate
as many drivers as you wish, although you'll be permitted to use only
six later in the desk accessory. You can generate multiple drivers for
one printer or for multiple printers. As you generate the drivers, you
can easily test the functions too...just to make sure that what you've
created really works! The printers can be used from either the parallel
or serial port. If you have multiple printers online (one to each port
or through a selector switch) the program will automatically set
internal printer output redirection so that your GEM host program knows
where to send it's printer output.
The other part of the program is a desk accessory called, strangely
enough, "Printer Initializer", or "prt_init.acc". This is the program
you'd normally use on a day-to-day. The desk accessory is usable within
any GEM based program that permits the use of DA's. When activated,
you'll see the same dialog screen that you saw when you initially
configured your drivers, but now, instead of doing the configuration,
you'll be activating the functions in your printer. That includes the
output redirection between serial and parallel ports discussed earlier.
The distribution disk includes two ready-made drivers, one for the Epson
FX80 series of printers, the other for those cute Kodak Diconix 150
portable printers.
The programs started out as an in-house utility for us at Missionware,
but quickly became so useful, we decided to polish it up and offer it
for sale. We think you'll quickly find the program indispensable too,
and at only $24.95, it's truly a bargain. As do all of Missionware
Software's products, these programs run in both monochrome and color.
Although not copy protected, you must "register" the program before you
can run it (a very simple software procedure!) and once registered, you
can can use the programs on either a floppy or hard drive based system.
You can order this directly from Missionware Software, or through the
distribution network described earlier.
Demonstration Programs Available...
Demos are available of both of these programs. The demo itself (based
on Atari's DemoPlay program) will run in medium res color only, although
the programs themselves will run in either color or monochrome. In both
cases, the demo programs are fully functional except for being able to
save a file. You can find the lottODDS program uploaded as
"lottODDS.arc" and Printer Initializer uploaded as "prt_init.arc".
Demos are also available free of charge directly from Missionware
Software. Just send us a blank, formatted disk with a self-addressed
stamped return mailer and we'll get the demos out to you ASAP.
Our address is:
Missionware Software
354 N. Winston Drive
Palatine, IL 60067-4132
Thank you in advance for your support. We promise to support you as
well on most of the major online services. We're currently working on
setting up support on BIX, CompuServe and GEnie. See you there!
Telephone support is coming as well... Thank you, and we hope you enjoy
Missionware Software products.
Missionware Software is always looking for products to sell and support.
If you have a product you'd like to have us consider publishing for you,
please contact us either online or via our address above. Thanks!
=======================================================================
Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF
--------------------
by Ron Berinstein
=======================================================================
Why is this week different than all other weeks you ask? Because this
week was moving week! That's right I found a little house and today in
fact was it.. the official day that has ended my days as an apartment
dweller and has become the first day as a home resident. This though
I've been sampling the house for the past week, particularly the
jacuzzi! Yes, I must admit that I've already had the first few "warm
water retreats," and in fact if I can finish this column fast enough,
another is scheduled for tonight! I'll let you know all the details
next week.
So, I've discovered this new approach at viewing something that I use
everyday of my life. First, the background... Everything I moved today
(I saved a lot for the last moment) was really heavy! Nothing that I
moved today was more important than the functions that my computers
perform. Now, the meat of the issue... My software doesn't weigh
anything! I modem this to that, and that's that! Everything else that
is important to me, Margo, the dogs, the furniture, not to mention
little things like air, water, and food, all weigh something, if not in
fact a lot of something! So, next time I'm going to take charge of the
software, Margo and the dogs can take the furniture.
STEX14F.LZH replaces the previous issue and fixes the bug that prevented
a text block from being saved.
DTERM_1I.ARC is the new and improved DTERM terminal program.
TEMPUS II users should check out KEYSYS.LZH, which fixes problems with
the "\" key.
MAKEFAST.PRG according to rumor can be thrown away and replaced with
PRGFLAGS.LZH. With this you should be able to see the status of all
your programs and accessories. Set and unset the fastbit from a menu,
and set/unset the "use ST Ram & "Run in TT Ram" flags as well.
SIMMFIX2.ARC replaces SIMMFIX.ARC which allows an STE memory
configuration of 2.5 megs by changing a system variable.
TIMEDATE.LZH is a time and date setter for STs without a battery clock.
AREAL36.ARC is software that supports those with clocks.. This version
has been fixed to correct a problem when booting on an STe or when
running a RAM TOS on an STe.
CHECK_BK.ARC Fixes the bugs in version number one. Other than that
this little program combines both GEM and keyboard commands and lets you
handle your checkbook affairs. Note: My affairs almost never help to
balance my checkbook. <smile>
MINILEDG.ARC (Demo.- prg. cost: $39.95) Mini Ledger is the "easy to use
computerized financial accountant."
For those of you who like the TX2 format, and have downloaded the the
TX2 program, you might like to download TX2CNVT3.LZH as well. Same will
convert certain ASCII publications like the AUA Newsbriefs, etc. to TX2
format.
Beware of STOCKGRF.ARC Personally speaking though I haven't taken a lot
of time to try, it didn't run on my machine.. but, more importantly,
rumor has it that at least one of the files available for download has
been compressed with Magic Shadow and contains a virus. The copy I
downloaded from GEnie was not archived with MSA.
Gamesters may want to address themselves and their modems to:
DUNG306.LZH (Shareware $15) a maze type game which requires you to find
paradise in order to graduate with a congressional medal of honor. It
comes labeled, "University skill level."
REACTION.ARC (Shareware $10) a game that takes after the arcade game
ATAXX. A strategy game that was written in GFA 3.5. 512's ok, so are
STs and STe's.
If Graphics are your interest...
ARTST.LZH (Shareware $15) is a neat little drawing program that will
work in low, medium and high resolution. It has it's own slide show
feature which is useful because this program lets you use your
computer's memory to support multiple picture buffers. Perhaps 110 or
so, on a Mega ST4!
I_FLOYD.ARC A color .IMG file viewer for those with Monochrome
monitors.
Musicians, you may want to "conduct" a search to find these:
DIGIPLUS.ARC claims to be one of the best digitalized sound players ever
put into P.D. Built in Docs, and BASCODE.EXEs, 10 loadable sound slots,
compatible with five digitalized sound formats, six playing speeds,
"filtered averaging" sound graphing, plus it uses both mouse and
keyboard input.
ROBO_BOP.LZH (Shareware $20) gets at least 10 points for THAT name!
It's a Midi rhythm editor for the ST. You can create rhythms by pasting
notes into grids.. works with any drum machine.
Pagestream users might want to "address" themselves to two font files
uploaded this week.
MGSTRSNS.LZH similar to Letraset Superstar. Includes DMF, FM, 24H, PS,
& PSF files.
MGSTRSRF.LZH similar to Letraset Superstar with equal weight..
Programers might want to check out the new activity on the services and
BBS that include:
OLD2ANSI.LZH which converts old C CODE to ANSI STYLE function
protocols.
SCROLL_S This file is Dev Pac source code for fast scrolling.
DTREESRC.ARC Source code for a directory tree program
DB_CUJ.LZH a database program from the C USERS JOURNAL
DBF.LZH read/write Dbman and 3/Dbase 3+ files with C source code
LCFIX.LZH (NEW VERSION) for Laser C version 2.1 users.. an updated fix
replacing last weeks..
CFLOW.LZH which gives an overview of all the functions in a new C
program. It includes executable, documentation, and C source...
Compiler/hardware independent..
My favorite program of the week! Well it wins hands down.. Just
uploaded today (04/18/91), the new version of ARCSHELL! This is version
2.5! (Shareware) It will let you arc files (even those from different
directories!) by just making your choices right up front. Then, after
the chosen files are selected you can walk away.. no more one file at a
time waiting! Direct access to Maxifile 3, and many more features!
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.
=======================================================================
AUA EXTENDS VOTING DEADLINE
---------------------------
by Derek Signorini
=======================================================================
If you have not yet entered your vote in the Users Mark of Excellence,
you are in luck. The original April 15 deadline has been extended due
to heavy voting in the last 3 weeks. The new deadline is bumped up to
May 15 and you are encouraged to participate. The Users Mark of
Excellence is a group of awards given to the best software packages
available during the past year for the Atari ST platform. Instead of
re-printing the award information here again this month, we will only
give you the voting application:
AUA USERS' MARK OF EXCELLENCE ENTRY FORM
Note: By filling out this entry form, we will use this information as
your membership application to the AUA. All information regarding your
vote will be kept completely confidential!
First Name:_____________________ Last Name:_____________________
Address:_________________________________________________________
City:________________________________STATE:_____________ZIP:_____
AUA ID Number (if currently a member):___________________________
Telephone:_______________________ Alt.Tele:_____________________
GEnie Email Address:_______________ CIS Email Address:___________
[ Productivity ] [ Entertainment ]
TITLE: 1._______________________ 1._________________________
by: _______________________ _________________________
TITLE 2._______________________ 2._________________________
by: _______________________ _________________________
TITLE 3._______________________ 3._________________________
by: _______________________ _________________________
[ Utilities ] [ Hardware ]
TITLE: 1._______________________ 1._________________________
by: _______________________ _________________________
TITLE 2._______________________ 2._________________________
by: _______________________ _________________________
TITLE 3._______________________ 3._________________________
by: _______________________ _________________________
[ Miscellaneous ]
TITLE: 1._______________________ 2._________________________
by: _______________________ _________________________
TITLE 3._______________________ 4._________________________
by: _______________________ _________________________
TITLE 5._______________________ 6._________________________
by: _______________________ _________________________
Please complete and send all forms by 5/15/91 and mail to:
The Atari Users Association
Users' Mark of Excellence Voting
P.O. Box 123
Canonsburg PA 15317
USA
or Email your form electronically to the following areas:
GEnie: DC.SIGNORINI Compuserve: 72327,1060
Fnet Node 589 AUA Online BBS: 412-746-8699
=======================================================================
PUBLIC DOMAIN UPDATE
--------------------
by Keith MacNutt
=======================================================================
In this weeks column I'd like to change the format slightly and review
two very interesting utilities that I think may become indispensable to
a majority of ST users.
DCTOPPER by Double Click Software
program by Michael B. Vederman and Keith Gerdes
P.O. BOX 741206
HOUSTON, TX 77274
When Double Click challenged the ST community to witness their
commitment to the ATARI format by saying that they would produce a
program a week for 1 year, I for one thought that they couldn't keep up
the pace and produce the first rate utilities that have to this point.
This commitment shows no signs of slowing down, and the ST community is
reaping the benefit of some of the best utilities found on any machine
available today. On of these prized programs is DCTOPPER.
DCTOPPER will activate any window that the mouse arrow happens to be on,
unless a mouse button is pressed or a file is selected in one of the
windows. If you had 2 or more windows open at one time on the desktop,
the old way to select an active window would be to drag the mouse
pointer to the new window and click, but with DCTOPPER all you do is
move the mouse pointer to another window and which ever happens to be
under the pointer will automatically be highlighted. For power users,
this is gonna be sheer heaven in moving and copying files from one
window or drive to another.
Installation
------------
Simply copy the file DCTOPPER.ACC in to the root directory or where ever
all your other accessories reside, and reboot the computer.
Configuration
-------------
To configure DCTOPPER, first go to the DESK menu and find the accessory
called 'DC TOPPER V1.0'. Click on the accessory and an introduction
alert will appear. Click on the configuration button and choose either
ON or OFF will write the choice to the DCTOPPER.ACC file. Please insure
that the program is in the root directory or a 'save error' will result.
FREEWARE- no money requested but it cannot be sold or altered.
ABFORMATTER by Gregg Hungerford
1718 Ocala Ave #117
San Jose, CA 95122
ABFORMATTER is a program that I thought would never be written for the
ST. Everytime I used an IBM at work. I envied the manner in which it
would spare out the bad sectors on a floppy after it was formatted. I'm
sure that everyone has by now come across a disk that wouldn't format in
double sided double density, but would almost always format in single
sided double density. So you now have a single sided disk with a few
bad sectors on the other side, and half the possible storage gone due to
the inability to spare them out in the file allocation table.
FEATURES
--------
Multitasking in that 2 drives are supported and each is formatted
independently of the other. Drive one can be a 3.5" 80x9x2 sectored
disk and drive two can be a 3.5" 82x10x1 disk.
If a label is entered it will be written to the disk.
Both disks are formatted at the same time, with the program formatting
one track of one drive and then a track of the other drive.
Bad sectors are spared out in the File Allocation Table and a message
stating that the disk is a good format. Spared sectors must be non-
critical ones, meaning that they can be any sector but one found in the
File Allocation Table area.
Conclusion
----------
After trying this program on one of my bad disks, I was hooked. For the
price of a few lost K's on a disk, I never have to throw away another
disk again.
SHAREWARE donation of $5 requested.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Z*NET International Atari Online Magazine is a weekly online publication
covering the Atari ST, MEGA, TT, PortFolio 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 Rovac or Z*Net. This
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Z*Net, Z*Net PC, ZMAG, Z*Magazine, Z*NET International Atari Online,
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be reached on Compuserve at PPN 71777,2140 and on GEnie at address:
Z-Net. A FoReM BBS Supporter. FoReM FNET Node Number: 593 (Z*Net East)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
Copyright (c)1991, Z*Net Publishing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
