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GEnieLamp Apple II - Vol.2, Issue 22
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~ WELCOME TO GEnieLamp APPLE II! ~
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
~ POLISHING GREEN APPLES: Hooked on Classics, Part 3 ~
~ PROFILE: Randy Brandt, AppleWorks programmer ~
~ TYPESET on DR's Examining Table ~
~ TECH TALK: More About Apple II Hybrids ~
~ APPLE II HISTORY: Part 19a, AppleWorks ~
~ HOT NEWS, HOT FILES, HOT MESSAGES ~
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////////////////////////////
GEnieLamp Apple II ~ A T/TalkNET OnLine Publication ~ Vol.2, Issue 22
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Editor....................................................Douglas Cuff
Publisher.............................................John F. Peters
Copy-Editor...........................................Bruce Maples
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////////////////////////////
~ GEnieLamp IBM ~ GEnieLamp ST ~ GEnieLamp [PR] ~ GEnieLamp Windows ~
~ GEnieLamp A2Pro ~ GEnieLamp Macintosh ~ GEnieLamp TX2 ~
~ GEnieLamp A2 ~ A2-Central ~ LiveWire (ASCII) ~ GEnieLamp MacPRO ~
~ Member Of The Digital Publishing Association ~
GE Mail: GENIELAMP Internet: genielamp@genie.geis.com FTP: sosi.com
////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
>>> WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE APPLE II ROUNDTABLE? <<<
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
~ January 1, 1994 ~
FROM MY DESKTOP ......... [FRM] HEY MISTER POSTMAN ...... [HEY]
Notes From The Editor. Is That A Letter For Me?
HUMOR ONLINE ............ [HUM] REFLECTIONS ............. [REF]
Apple Pie. Telecom Training Centers.
BEGINNER'S CORNER ....... [BEG] REAL-TIME CHATTING ...... [RTC]
Polishing Green Apples, Part 6. WWUG Snapshot, Live!
CowTOONS! ............... [MOO] DR'S EXAMINING TABLE .... [DRT]
Beef Futures. Review of TypeSet.
PROFILES ................ [PRO] TECH TALK ............... [TEC]
Who's Who: Randy Brandt. Apple II Hybrids, Part 2.
WWUG NEWSLETTER ......... [WWU] APPLE II ................ [AII]
January 1994 Report. Apple II History, Part 19a.
LOG OFF ................. [LOG]
GEnieLamp Information.
[IDX]"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
READING GEnieLamp GEnieLamp has incorporated a unique indexing
""""""""""""""""" system to help make reading the magazine easier.
To utilize this system, load GEnieLamp into any ASCII word processor
or text editor. In the index you will find the following example:
HUMOR ONLINE ............ [HUM]
[*]GEnie Fun & Games.
To read this article, set your find or search command to [HUM]. If
you want to scan all of the articles, search for [EOA]. [EOF] will take
you to the last page, whereas [IDX] will bring you back to the index.
MESSAGE INFO To make it easy for you to respond to messages re-printed
"""""""""""" here in GEnieLamp, you will find all the information you
need immediately following the message. For example:
(SMITH, CAT6, TOP1, MSG:58/M475)
_____________| _____|__ _|___ |____ |_____________
|Name of sender CATegory TOPic Msg.# Page number|
In this example, to respond to Smith's message, log on to page
475 enter the bulletin board and set CAT 6. Enter your REPly in TOPic 1.
A message number that is surrounded by brackets indicates that this
message is a "target" message and is referring to a "chain" of two
or more messages that are following the same topic. For example: {58}.
ABOUT GEnie GEnie's monthly fee is $8.95 for which gives you up to four
""""""""""" hours of non-prime time access to most GEnie services, such
as software downloads, bulletin boards, GE Mail, an Internet gateway,
multi-player games and chat lines, are allowed without charge. GEnie's
non-prime time connect rate is $3.00. To sign up for GEnie service, call
(with modem) 1-800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH. Wait for the U#=
prompt. Type: XTX99014,DIGIPUB and hit RETURN. The system will then
prompt you for your information. Need more information? Call GEnie's
customer service line (voice) at 1-800-638-9636.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
//////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
/ "To tell the truth, I personally learn more about the /
/ Apple II here on GEnie's A2, and I definitely prefer the /
/ courtesy and respect that we have here in A2 a whole lot /
/ more than the chaos and anarchy of the Internet. But, /
/ every day, the Internet both amazes me and amuses me. If I /
/ were looking for some type of arcane bit of trivia on any /
/ subject, I know I'd turn to Gopher or WAIS before I turned /
/ anywhere else. But, if I had an Apple II related question, /
/ I'd ask it here on GEnie's A2." /
//////////////////////////////////////////////// J.KOHN ////
[EOA]
[FRM]//////////////////////////////
FROM MY DESKTOP /
/////////////////////////////////
Notes From The Editor
"""""""""""""""""""""
By Douglas Cuff
[EDITOR.A2]
>>> A MIND FOREVER FORAGING <<<
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The tale had a familiar theme, but it still unnerved me.
Tim Rogentine was regaling the denizens of GEnie's A2 RoundTable with
the story of an acquaintance planning to buy a new computer. Mr Rogentine
mentioned the Apple II to this acquaintance, who responded with derisive
laughter.
"Do you know anything about them?" he asked.
"Enough not to get one!" was the reply.
"I know enough not to need to know any more" is a phrase that scares
the willies out of me. It's the beginning of prejudice.
Mr Rogentine's story has a happy ending, for his acquaintance was
reasonable enough to allow him to demonstrate what an Apple IIgs can do,
and open-minded enough to be impressed by it. Occasionally, though, you
come up against someone incapable of understanding the difference between
making up one's mind and closing it.
One of my first lessons in keeping an open mind came from a digital
watch.
When I was in high school, my best friend and I both thought the
digital watch was a pretty neat idea. However, my best friend preferred
an LCD (liquid-crystal digital) display similar to the type now found on
solar-power calculators, while I had nothing but scorn for anything but an
LED (light-emitting diode) display of the sort that now graces our VCR and
microwave oven. After some good-natured but heartfelt debate, we
approached Mr Hicks, a teacher whose opinion we both respected, and laid
the matter before him.
"Which of the two do you prefer?" we asked.
I was confident of a judgment in my favor, a victory. I knew I had
right on my side.
"Oh, a liquid-crystal display," Mr Hicks smiled at both of us.
I was sure he had overlooked the ultimate advantage of the LED
display. "But with LED, you can check the time in the middle of the
night!" I insisted. (For younger readers: LCD watches have not always
featured a night light.)
"Yes, of course," Mr Hicks acknowledged. "That's why I have that sort
of alarm clock. But not on my wristwatch."
Before I could rally from my shock and offer a rebuttal (which ran, I
believe, "Er--"), Mr Hicks distributed another of his all-friends-here
smiles and closed the discussion by leaving us.
I had invested too much emotional energy in my watch to abandon it on
the spot; however, some years later I returned to a more traditional watch
with a dial face that showed time as a kind of distance instead of a
collection of numbers. It took a while, but I had learned a valuable
lesson about the way people think when they are convinced they are on the
side of the angels.
Such people make up their minds -- and then they close them.
Worse still are those who close their minds on the assumption that
they have all the facts. Opinions of one's friends are not facts. One
_own_ opinions are not facts. In short: opinion, no matter how widely
held, is never fact.
Apple II users are accustomed to those who only know enough not to
want to know any more. Occasionally we even find ourselves dismissing the
competition without examining it. Or perhaps we perform a grudging
examination of the alternatives, paying lip-service to the idea of being
open-minded, while determined to remain convinced that the Apple II is
superior. "We'll give 'em a fair trial... and then we'll find 'em
guilty!" It doesn't matter what your position is -- closing your mind will
weaken it.
My Apple IIgs can't do everything, but it does do everything I need it
to, and more. This doesn't mean I refuse to recognize the utility of other
computers; there are indeed tasks currently beyond the capacity of my IIgs.
However, here's the nub: I don't need to do any of those things!
Many years ago, when computers were just starting to become popular
acquisitions, I was given sage advice: counter sales talk of what a
computer can _do_ by reminding yourself what you was _need_ it to do. For
some reason, people seem eager to persuade themselves that they need
something they didn't know existed a minute before. Built-in animation
may be impressive, but not terribly useful if you use your computer for
word processing and telecommunications. Only once in my life have I need a
full-featured desktop publishing program... and that was when I was
working for a book publisher.
The responsibility of keeping an open mind involves a lot more work
than making a decision and sticking to it, come hell or high water... and
of course, there are times when sticking to your decision is the Right
Thing. But closing your mind isn't, not ever.
Once when I was in England, I saw a poster advertising beer which
simply consisted of the brand name and the slogan "I haven't tried it
because I don't like it". I chuckled appreciatively.
That was many years ago... when I was still wearing a digital watch.
[*][*][*]
One or two ancillary matters to deal with before I let you loose on
this month's issue.
First, we love for you to reprint GEnieLamp articles in your
non-profit newsletters, but do be aware that you're required to give us
credit. I read a lot of Apple II user-group newsletters and magazines,
and most are scrupulous about giving credit where credit is due. Last
month, though, I noted with some dismay that one editor had reproduced an
article by Darrel Raines and neither mentioned its source nor printed the
copyright information. Please... if you reprint us, give us credit. See
the end of any issue of GEnieLamp for further information.
Second, thanks to Peter J. Paul for responding to the November 1993
plea of Steven Weyhrich, Apple II historian, for a copy of _Fire in the
Valley_. Thanks also to Dan Cross, who also offered a copy.
-- Doug Cuff
GEnie Mail: EDITOR.A2 Internet: editor.a2@genie.geis.com
[EOA]
[HEY]//////////////////////////////
HEY MISTER POSTMAN /
/////////////////////////////////
Is That A Letter For Me?
""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Douglas Cuff
[EDITOR.A2]
o BULLETIN BOARD HOT SPOTS
o A2 POT-POURRI
o HOT TOPICS
o WHAT'S NEW
o THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
o MESSAGE SPOTLIGHT
>>> BULLETIN BOARD HOT SPOTS <<<
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
[*] CAT2, TOP3 .............. Computers of yesteryear
[*] CAT5, TOP3 .............. Recommend an Apple IIgs?
[*] CAT9, TOP5 .............. GS/OS disk cache setting
[*] CAT10, TOP10 ............ Apple II on the Internet
[*] CAT12, TOP6 ............. Best external speakers for IIgs
[*] CAT17, TOP9&10 .......... lastPATCH for AppleWorks 4.01
[*] CAT20, TOP12 ............ CD-ROM formats supported
[*] CAT44, TOP5 ............. At the Apple auctions
>>> A2 POT-POURRI <<<
"""""""""""""""""""""
AREA CODE CHANGES Starting tomorrow, our area code will change from
""""""""""""""""" (313) to (810). Actually, you will still be able to
get through if you use (313) but you'll get a recording reminding you to
use (810) the next time. By this time next year (313) will no longer work.
So if you want to fax something to us, the number is (810) 774-2698.
Our BBS number is (810) 774-2652. And our main voice number is (810)
774-7200.
Our toll-free order line remains unchanged at (800) 777-3642.
(QUALITY, CAT42, TOP1, MSG:9/M645;1)
>>>>> North Carolina has added an area code, and mine has changed:
"""""
Eamon Adventurer's Guild
7625 Hawkhaven Dr.
Clemmons, NC 27012-9408
(910)766-7490
(T.ZUCHOWSKI, CAT16, TOP1, MSG:2/M645;1)
BBS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR SALE The following came in over the APPLE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" echo on Fidonet this morning.
Please sit down and hold on to something before reading it :)
- cut here -
[Apple Users Conference #5]
[303/307]
From : Lance Taylor-Warren
To : All
Subject: Carry on a Apple II Software tradition...
Date : 29 Nov 93 16:00
Have I got a deal for you...
Have you ever wanted to be your own boss? Have you often
thought about writing your own BBS Program? Now is your chance
to do both. I have the following for sale:
1 - Apple IIgs ROM 03, RGB Monitor, Extended Keyboard (5mb RAM)
1 - Apple IIgs ROM 01, Green Screen, Regular Keyboard (1.5mb+Ram)
1 - 3.5" drive
1 - 5.25" drive
2 - 5.25" drives (w/ controller)
2 - ZipGS Accelerators (8mhz & 9mhz)
1 - Apple SCSI card1 - RAMFast SCSI card (rev c)
1 - Seagate 43mb Hard Drive
1 - Quantum 80mb Hard Drive
1 - Stereo Card for GS
1 - ProDEV DDT 16 Debugging board
And the icing on the offer, all the source code and commercial
distribution rights for GBBS Pro (Both ProDOS and DOS 3.3 versions)
and the source code and distribution rights for LLUCE as it stands
today. This means you will fully own BOTH products. I will also
include EVERYTHING I have Apple II related. The systems will include
everything on the hard drives. All the sources and other development
stuff as well as the DPS Support BBS as it is the day of the sale.
Also included is the index cards of all known registered owners of
GBBS Pro.
As you have by most likely figured out, I'm selling all my Apple
II stuff in hopes that someone out there has the time and the
motivation to finish LLUCE and make a run for the market that's out
there for it. I'm tired of looking at it and would love to see
someone else run with it.
Our projected marketing figures for LLUCE show that is has the
potential to make well over $100,000 once it's done. All that is
really left to finish is the docs and the installation/configure
program. Once someone has come up to speed on how things are setup,
you could have a new BBS product within a month. With the rapidly
declining prices of Apple II equipment it becomes an even better
platform to use as a base for a BBS. Why tie up a Mac or a IBM to use
as a BBS with that Apple II sitting in the corner collecting dust is
just perfect for the task. So now the BIG question...
How much do I want for everything listed above? Well, even tho
it's worth well over $20,000. I'm willing to let it go at a fraction
of that price to the right person. If you are interested, please
contact me at 702-322-5533 or via the following e-mail address,
Internet: lance@dps.com, Fidonet 1:213/312 or 1:213/0.
Visa/MC/Discover/AMEX accepted.
- Lance Taylor-Warren
--- GoldED 2.42.G1125
* Origin: Net 213 NC - Internet Gateway Reno, NV (702) 322-9796
(1:213/0)
- cut here -
My comments? I'm not sure how he was expecting to make $100,000 off
it with METAL being freeware... if it was going to make that much, why
didn't he finish it? But then who knows...
Dave
(JUST.DAVE, CAT41, TOP9, MSG:141/M645;1)
BACKDROP PATTERNS CONTEST Send us your original BackDrop patterns by
""""""""""""""""""""""""" January 31, 1994 and we'll pick the best one.
The winner will recieve a shiny new check for $25 (ok, it's not a lot, but
this isn't brain surgery either folks ;-) AND you'll get your name and
pattern published on an issue of Softdisk G-S!!!
You can send your patterns to SOFTDISK.INC or you can mail them:
Softdisk Publishing
ATTN: Softdisk G-S
606 Common Street
Shreveport LA 71101
Good Luck!
(SOFTDISK.INC, CAT34, TOP15, MSG:1/M645;1)
WORDPERFECT WASHES THEIR HANDS, THEN FLUSHES I received WPGS from a
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" parent of 1 of my students
when they got a Mac. The WPGS came with manual and 4 disks. . .No program
disk. They moved out of town. I sent in the registartion card to Utah and
requested a backup copy. WP called me back and said they copied over all
GS copies with Mac versions. No more copies available. Nice huh?
(M.SCHOOP, CAT8, TOP8, MSG:84/M645;1)
EASTER EGG IN APPLEWORKS 4 there's even an easter egg in AWKS 4.0 - go to
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" the very end of the main menu Help screen and
press OA-A...
Udo - ... just a IIGS freak -
(U.HUTH, CAT42, TOP29, MSG:170/M645;1)
TRIVIA DROPS TEXT MODE I would like to know how the TRIVIA board can get
"""""""""""""""""""""" away with kicking all Apple users off of TRIVIA?
TRIVIA no longer plays in TEXT format and they do not offer front end
graphic software for the Apple users IIE, IIC, or GS. They decided a couple
of weeks ago to stop playing in TEXT mode. I complained in an e-mail to the
Trivia feed back, and I will admit I called them Creeps for doing it but
that was after I spoke with customer service and they said they could do
nothing about it. The answer back to me was that they would not put text
format back and that my system was obsolete and I should buy a new one.
That they are not responsible for people who insist on keeping obsolete
systems. WRONG THING TO SAY TO AN APPLE USER!. They even informed me I
could buy inexpensive equipment from them. I think that the answer stunk
and I almost dropped Geanie services. I decided to give it another month
because Gene from the round table was supposed to get back with me, but I
have not heard anything. Another person is now investigating, I think her
name is Pat (I forgot to write it down). I really enjoyed playing trivia
and had friends that played there. It really isn't fair that TRIVIA is
allowed to disciminate like this. Please, the powers that be, consider
putting back Text mode or giving the Apple IIE & C, C+ & GS users front end
graphic software so we can fully enjoy ALL of Geanies services.
PeggyTheodorakis
(M.THEODORAKI, CAT3, TOP13, MSG:148/M645;1)
>>>>> There are a few multi-player GEnie games that require graphic front
""""" ends where none are available for the Apple II (Air Warrior and
BattleTech, I think.) But this is the first I've seen of a current game
that actually removed a text version for no apparent reason.
Most of the games have graphic front ends, but for the most part they
aren't required. I can't think of a reason why Trivia can't be played in
straight text unless they've made some major changes.
If you get a response explaining their reasoning, please let us know.
Tony Ward [via GEM 4.21/PT 3.1]
(A2.TONY, CAT3, TOP13, MSG:151/M645;1)
>>>>> <Sigh> I hate this.
""""" No, what's going on in NTN Trivia is not a "sign of things to
come." We're still gung-ho on Apple II support here, and plan to be here
for many years to come, and we're still at work on new products for the
Apple II to make GEnie a better experience.
Why the folks who run NTN Trivia are doing this is beyond me. I'm
offended by the "obsolete computer" line myself.
One of the things we have trouble making people understand is that on
GEnie, different people run different areas. We who run the A2 RTs have
nothing to do at all with the people who run NTN Trivia. What they say
does not go for us, and vice-versa.
I will have a word with them about their choice of language. I can't
argue with them about their software choices; apparently they feel that
the changes they're making to their own software makes an ASCII version
undoable. I can't argue with them about that because I'm not a
programmer. But I WILL speak to them about their attitude.
Dean Esmay
(A2.DEAN, CAT3, TOP13, MSG:158/M645;1)
EASTER EGG IN QUICKIE Has anyone else found Quickie's Easter Egg? <G>
""""""""""""""""""""" I'm using v3.1 so I'm not sure if it works with
earlier versions. Once you have a picture on screen (either loaded or
scanned), click on the empty space in the menu bar right of the Color menu.
A hidden menu! Now you can change the tone of your picture from Grey to
Brown, Green, Yellow, Red, or Blue.
-Ken (KEN.GAGNE, CAT40, TOP8, MSG:178/M645;1)
>>>>> Congratulations, Ken!
""""" As the first user to describe the Easter Egg, you get the prize -
specifically, a congratulatory message from me, the author. (Note
congratulatory message on first line of this post. :)
I had rather hoped that people would find and enjoy this feature of
Quickie 3.1, especially since I am a great fan of toning in my own
darkroom projects. For many images, toning provides character and depth
that is just not present in a simple gray-scale picture.
Have fun!
Steve
(S.MCQUEEN1, CAT40, TOP8, MSG:179/M645;1)
APPLEWORKS QUICK-DELETE FOR FILES Tonight I inadvertantly discovered
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" "expert" mode while in the file-delete
operations. Which is to say I pressed OA-Return while a file was
highlighted. I saw the hard drive light flash, suspected the worst and
immediately exited to ProSel and launched the exhume utility -- which,
thank Glen Bredon, salvaged a file that had several hours of work in it.
I think this is a dangerous feature, and I fear that a few people
will lose a few files because of it.
(D.CRUTCHER, CAT42, TOP29, MSG:224/M645;1)
DESKJET OR DESKWRITER Not quite the ONLY difference. The DeskWriter's
""""""""""""""""""""" serial port only speaks at a high baud rate
(56.6k?) meaning you need a special high-speed serial driver to use it on a
IIGS. Also, the DeskWriter has AppleTalk capability built in (although you
need a Mac to use this; there are no AppleTalk DeskWriter drivers for the
IIGS). The DeskJet has a parallel interface (in addition to its serial
interface) while the DeskWriter only has the serial/AppleTalk interface
(it's one port). Finally, the DeskWriter comes with Mac drivers while the
DeskJet does not (may come with Windows drivers; dunno).
The breakdown - DeskJet: IIe, IIc, IIGS with appropriate interface or cable
Works with GS/OS programs via Harmonie
Works with 8-bit programs that print plain text
or which have drivers (Publish It, AppleWorks)
Serial or parallel interface
Also the best choice for a PC
DeskWriter: IIGS only via serial cable
Works with GS/OS programs via Harmonie
Does not work with 8-bit programs (or any
programs which do not use the GS/OS
print manager, e.g. ORCA shell, etc.)
Also the best choice for Mac
Where I say Harmone, you can also use Independence (similar product).
(QUALITY, CAT12, TOP8, MSG:203/M645;1)
PICKFONTS WORK-AROUND Pickfonts is not compatible with AppleWorks 4.0.
""""""""""""""""""""" I would assume that it will be updated. In the
meantime, a good workaround is to create a database with three catagories.
(Font name, recno, and font code)
Place the following formula in the recno field.
@currecno (check the oa-f to be sure I've got it right)
Then put this formula in the font code field.
@join("<",[recno],"=",[font name],">")
Insert enough blank records to hold your fonts.
for all the fonts that reside in the superfonts standard directory,
type it's name into the font name field. ex courier.12, courier.10...
If the font resides elsewhere, type the full pathname. ex
/q1/system/fonts/new.york.24
When the file is complete, save it as Superfonts in an easy accessble
directory.
Create a glossary in the word processor that lists the font name and
returns the font code followed by a <rtn>.
There you have it. Pickfonts. You will need to have the database on
your desktop when you plan to use superfonts.
(W.CARVER1, CAT42, TOP29, MSG:323/M645;1)
WHO KILLED THE ROM 04 IIGS? One reason Apple supported the II as long as
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" they did was that there were some VERY loyal
people at Apple that still believed in the II -- they just happened to be
in the minority and weren't the ultimate decision makers.
For example: the fabled ROM 04 GS? From what I understand it was all
set to go into production and was killed at the VERY last minute by none
other than Jean Louie himself. <sigh>
Bryan
(SOFTDISK.INC, CAT5, TOP3, MSG:292/M645;1)
>>>>> Forgive me, but Jean Louis had long since departed Apple when the
""""" ROM 4 was killed. The principle person that killed off the ROM 4
was Bob (Petute) Puette.
Tyler
(A2.TYLER, CAT5, TOP3, MSG:293/M645;1)
>>> HOT TOPICS <<<
""""""""""""""""""
QUALITY WILL NOT BUY THE APPLE II I want to lay this one to rest once and
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" for all. There are three chances of
Quality (or anyone else) taking over the Apple II line: slim, fat, and
none.
It's not for sale. If it was, it would be priced to drive any
potential purchaser out of business shortly (or so that the machines could
not compete price-wise with the Macintosh, which amounts to the same
thing).
Apple is going to sell us THEIR technology so we can turn around and
compete with them? I don't think so.
We were able to get AppleWorks because it cost Claris basically
nothing to give it up. (They are saving enough in tech support staff and
getting enough in royalties to make it worth their while.) The fact that
we are selling AppleWorks does not compete with Claris in any way; if it
did, they never would have allowed it.
(QUALITY, CAT5, TOP3, MSG:205/M645;1)
WHILE AS FOR AN APPLE II POWERPC... Jerry - Could you comment on the
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" remarks in the latest Enhance about
Quality creating a II or IIGS emulator for the PowerPC?
Thanks...
Joe Kohn
(J.KOHN, CAT5, TOP3, MSG:206/M645;1)
>>>>> We're looking into it. An Apple IIe emulator would probably be
""""" pretty easy (actually, we'd likely try to get our hands on the
Laser ROM code); a IIGS emulator would likely require Apple's cooperation,
which I don't think we'll get. (We're still studying the technical
feasibility of that one yet.) And, of course, we're testing the waters.
If a lot of teachers tell us they'll buy such a thing, it would make us a
lot more interested in doing it. B)
I'm dubious it will come to pass. But then, I felt the same way
about the AW4 deal with Claris, so I've been wrong before. B)
(QUALITY, CAT5, TOP3, MSG:207/M645;1)
AUCTION REPORTS I know there is supposed to be a place to put
""""""""""""""" information about the auctions but I can't find it. So
if this message needs to be moved, please do so.
I want to let everyone who might be attending any future Apple
Auctions to get the word out loud and wide NOT to keep bidding up. It
makes not sense bidding up for items because then everyone pays a higher
price.
I got a IIgs, with a color monitor with a Superdrive (is that just a
regular 3.5 drive or is it the 1.44 drive?) for $350. I thought that that
was a good deal.
This is the way the auction works:
There is a list of items to be auctioned off and the list just keeps
getting repeated throughout the day with a different number of units
available each time around.
Here is a list of items and their prices the third time around:
Quadra 950 8 MB Ram, 400 M HD 2/ 16" RGB, extended keyboard : $ 3950
Quadra 700 4 meg ram, floppy same RGB and kb as above : $ 2400
Mac II vx 4/230 14" color monitor : $ 1300
Mac II vx 4/80 14" color monitor : $ 1000
Powerbook 170 (didn't get the price)
Powerbook 165 120 hd : $ 1550
PBook 160 120 hd : $ 1350
PBook 160 80 HD : $ 1150
PBook 145 80 HD : $ 1050
PBook 145 40 HD (all Pbooks w/ 4meg ram) : $ 950
PBook duo 210 80 HD w/ floppy adapter & floppy drive : $ 1050
II si, 3M ram, 40 HD, 12" Mon and standard Kb : $ 800
Laserwriter IIF : $ 825
Laserwriter IIg : $ 1000
Mac Classic II 4 mg ram, 40 HD : $ 525
IIgs RGB Monitor w/ 1 Superdrive : $ 350
Personal Laserwriter LS : $ 375
Select 310 Laserwriter : $ 700
Color Printer : $ 400
Color Scanner : $ 800
CD Rom 150 Drive : $ 150
They had other a few other items but I was unable to get those prices.
These were the prices for individual units. The prices when sold in lots
of 10 or more were lower. I was going to buy the CD Rom drive but two
people told me that the price was too high by about $50. Given some of the
bidding I saw and the prices, I wonder if Apple or the auction company had
some plants. I saw a few people who keep their cards up on a lot of items
until the price got to a certain point then never bid on the item again and
did not take any items. Wierd!
Sorry for the long message but I wanted to let people who were
planning on attending any future Apple auctions to know what the going
prices were, at least in New England. (RON.ROYER, CAT2, TOP4,
MSG:355/M645;1)
>>>>> Here is a list of the things auctioned off in Boston and the
""""" prices as the day went on and different lots were reoffered:
Quadra 950, 8mb Ram, 400mb HD $4,750 $3,950 $3,850 $3,900 $3,800 $3,700
w/ 16" monitor & Ext Keyb
Quadra 700, 4 mb Ram, Floppy $2,400
Drive, monitor & keyb
Power Book 170, 4R, 40 HD $1,400
PB 165, 4R, 120 HD $1,550 $1,450
PB 160 4R, 120 HD $1,350 $1,350
PB 160 4R, 80 HD $1,250
PB 145 4R, 80 HD $1,050 $975
PB 145 4R, 40 HD $950 $925
PB Duo 210, 4R, 80HD, $1,050
w/ Floppy adp & drive
IIsi, 3R, 40HD, 12"Mon, std Ky $800 $700 $575 $675 $700
LW II F $825 $850 $675 $700 $700
LW II G $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,050
Classic II, 4R, 40HD $525 $525 $425 $500 $525
IIGS Mon, Super Drive $350 $375 $300 $300 $300
Personal LW w/ Accs Kit $375 $400 $400 $425 $400
Select 310 LW $700 $625 $650
Color Printer $400 $375 $350 $350
Color Scanner w/ accs kit $800 $800 $800
CD rom 150 ROM $250 $175 $150 $140 $130 $140
Apple Speakers (pair) $115 $110
16" RGB monitor $800 $800 $775 $775
I missed a couple of prices here than there that's why the blanks.
The kidneys only last so long. Also the back in those fold up chairs.
My feeling was about the best price you were going to get was
wholesale. There was quite a few dealers there and if the prices were to
low they would keep bidding because it was a real good buy and where
trying to get the merchandise for there business. Once the price was no
long attractive the buyers would stop buying and the general public took
over. There was around 4,000 bidders there.
A good example of this was the MAC Classic at $425. Normally with the
price was in the $500 range and a lot of different people bought them at
this price. But the classic was bid on right after a comment from the
Ross-Davis people that no one was bidding up prices and they didn't care
what the prices were. This was in a direct response to a flyer passed
around saying Ros-Davis was trying to artificially inflate the prices
either in their own interests or Apple's interest. (I don't feel that was
happening) The bid on the Classic stopped at $425 and everyone was all
set to get a great price, but low and behold when the auctioneer asked the
high bidder how many machines he wanted the bidder replied "all of them".
No doubt a buyer who also knew a good price.
I think the individual buyer some times got caught up in the heat of
the auction and where not using there head. A lot of the time there were
hundreds of the items being bid and the price was bid to high by some one
and there ended up only be a few items sold and the rest ended up being
sold in large lots. Also people had there minds set on a particular
product and paid the price.
I sat next to a guy who wanted a Quadra but he had gotten a quote from
a local dealer several hundred dollars less than what the machines went
for.
Probably on the best bargains were the GS's. It was a Rom 3 machine
with keyboard, mouse, monitor AND they were giving you a Super drive for
the 3.5" drive (no 5 1/4). If I had known they were giving the super
drive I would have bought a couple more than the one I did buy. Parts
alone are worth a couple hundred dollars more than that. Live and learn.
All in all it was an interesting experience. I bought another GS, a
Mac IIvx and a cd rom player. I was happy with what I paid and got, just
wish I had bought a couple more GS's. I'd have my own network in the
house. Now I have to figure out how to network the ones I have.
(___)
|
Buzz \/\/. _|_ enjoy vino
(W.WALLING1, CAT44, TOP5, MSG:26/M645;1)
>>>>> I hit the auction in Herndon today. It never fails to amaze me
""""" what a**holes people are. People were bidding against each other
to get one machine that were in lots of 100+, even when they knew the high
bidder wouldn't take them all. The prices were outrageous! Apple
Computer made a bundle. They should probably think about getting rid of
their dealer network and just hold about 6 auctions a year. :) Some of
the audience had flyers from local sellers. The prices in the flyers were
often considerably less then what the stuff went for at the auction. They
did sell over 400 IIGS's at the auction though. That puts more out there
for our developers to reach!! I got one on the next to last lot (5th) for
$370. Not bad for a new ROM 3 with RGB monitor and SuperDrive.
I got my GS on the 5th lot and didn't wait to see what the last lot
went for. Can you believe that people were buying GS's for $575 and $550
?? They sold a bunch at that price too! I wonder how many of them went
home and were suprised that a GS isn't a model of Macintosh. :)
\\ ,;\\,, "It's better to be a big fish in a small pond
\\\;;::::::::::o:. than a small fish in the ocean"
/^^"""//////::::::< -Rod
(J.NICOLETTE1, CAT44, TOP5, MSG:37/M645;1)
>>>>> I bought 3 ROM 3 IIGSs with RGB and SuperDrives and two CD-150s. I
""""" bought the IIGS's for $400.00 and the CD-150s for $140.00. I had a
blast. Tony from AllTech was there. He was the only person there I had
seen before. Tony was buying up the large lots of IIGSs.
__
/ \
\__/ 3 GS.Ozoneman - IIGS Infinitum!
(GS.OZONEMAN, CAT44, TOP5, MSG:42/M645;1)
>>>>> Now THAT is really encouraging! Maybe we'll see his IIgs Portables
""""" after all! (Sign me up, Tony!)
|
-(+)-
|
|
...Will
(W.NELKEN1, CAT44, TOP5, MSG:46/M645;1)
>>>>> Was Tony Diaz the guy sitting towards the back of the room? Kind
""""" of ethnic looking and sort of nervous. At one point did he buy a
balance of a GS lot that included 18?
We (Apple II users) should have met at one place in the auction room.
One of us could have brought a sign that said something like "Apple II
Users Meet Here!" or something. That would have been cool.
(J.NICOLETTE1, CAT44, TOP5, MSG:45/M645;1)
>>>>> Yes, that was him. I was setting right across from him with my
""""" wife. I wish we Apple II users had meet in one place. If not to
do anything but meet the people we talk to online everyday. 8-)
He told me that he had been to all three of the Ross-Dove Actions, so
that most likely was him. When I talked to him he told me he had 800 IIGSs
in a warehouse back home. 8-) His portable was back in his hotel room.
He offered to let me come by and see it, but I had to get back on the road
after the auction for the 6 hour drive back home.
(GS.OZONEMAN, CAT44, TOP5, MSG:50/M645;1)
AUCTIONS END The party's over. There were only three Apple auctions.
"""""""""""" I called Ross-Dove to ask about what will happen to
whatever's left, and left a message, but they didn't return my call (I'm
not too surprised). I suppose:
1) Apple will decide to hold another auction sometime in the future
2) Apple will take a steam roller and roll over whatever's left
3) Apple might take back whatever's left to keep a small inventory
Someone better check the dumpsters in Herndon, VA, site of the last
auction. :(
__!__
| Terrell Smith
| tsmith@ivcfnsc.fullfeed.com
(T.SMITH59, CAT44, TOP5, MSG:55/M645;1)
>>>>> No WAY. They'll probably wind up with Sun Remarketing.
"""""
(GARY.UTTER, CAT44, TOP5, MSG:57/M645;1)
LASTPATCH CONTROVERSY I talked with John Link today to inquire about the
""""""""""""""""""""" lastPATCH arrangements. He explained that
initially he was only going to release it on his own SuperStuff bulletin
board. Then, persuaded by his good friendship with John Connelly, he
conceded to letting John release it in his NAUG area on AOL, and granted
NAUG the rights to duplicate the disk for their members.
So this did not start off as an anti-GEnie move at all, and was only
released to AOL and NAUG after some hefty negotiations with a good friend.
lastPATCH is a freeware gift from John to the Apple II community in
appreciation for the interest and support of the past. It represents about
forty hours of work and is thoroughly copyrighted. lastPATCH is an
AppleWorks 4.0-specific patch program offering the following options:
1. No return after pressing the number of the menu selection (hot keys).
2. Defeat automatic form feed in Apple-H screen dumps.
3. Overstrike cursor instead of insert at startup.
4. Change error tone on any Apple II.
5. Change "Do you really (etc)" to "Really?"
6. Change "Type entry (etc)" to "Enter any d*** thing you want".
7. Change "Preloading AppleWorks" message to anything you want.
8. Move Apple-Q Menu to upper right corner.
9. MouseText marks instead of text arrows in all menus.
10. Change "Carefully saving" message to anything you want.
11. Change "Path" to MouseText.
12. Change "Subdirectory" to MouseText.
13. Change "Disk" to MouseText.
14. Change "Disk volume" to MouseText.
15. Change "More" to MouseText down arrows.
16. Reverse all "No/Yes" queries to "Yes/No".
17. Change <cr> character to MouseText bent arrow.
18. Customize Page Break lines as MouseText.
John wants everyone to know that the program is available for a phone
call to the SuperStuff bulletin board at 1-616-381-1726. I'm not certain
yet if it is now available on the following boards, but it is expected to
be:
John Connelly's BBS (1-313-421-9144)
NAUG's BBS (1-615-359-8238)
Quality Computers' BBS (1-313-774-2652)
It is about a 3-minute download. At the right hour, that call should
cost less than mailing a disk for a copy from a friend.
|
-(+)-
|
|
...Will
(W.NELKEN1, CAT17, TOP10, MSG:46/M645;1)
>>>>> > Has anyone flamed-out long enough to call John Link and ask him
""""" > to reconsider?
I wrote him a letter, but not to ask him to reconsider or to ask him
why. Whether his program is on GEnie or not is none of my business or
concern. I did ask about some personal business, then lamented the lack of
DeskJet documentation on the AppleWorks 4.0 disk. In case anyone has been
on another planet, the reason we now have DeskJet Drivers built in to
AppleWorks 4.0 is thanks to John Link. The reason we don't know how to use
them is because nobody thought to include documentation other than the
Ctrl-A and other commands added by Randy.
(B.CADIEUX, CAT17, TOP9, MSG:194/M645;1)
DISCPASSAGE CD-ROM QUERIES > do the DiscPassage format CD ROMs work the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" > same on a GS with discQuest as they do on
> whatever platform they were "designed for"?
Yes, and in some cases, better (the PC version of the software really
bites).
> And will the package work with the Apple HS SCSI card, or do I need a
> RAMFast?
Yes. Only an Apple CD-ROM drive will work with the HS SCSI card, but
that onfiguration is fully supported by discQuest.
Jawaid
(PROCYON.INC, CAT20, TOP12, MSG:83/M645;1)
APPLEWORKS 4.01 UPDATES GOOF <Sigh> Apparently, in the fray of stuffing
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" all of those little white mailers, we ran
out of disks and one of the assembly line folks ran back to the duplicator
for a new set of disks. Sadly, they must have picked up a box slated for
re-duplication that contained v. 4.0 instead of the newly duplicated 4.01
disks. We think this only affects a small number of the updates sent out.
It would help us out a lot if any of you could report the version
number of AppleWorks that you get when you get this update. It comes in a
small white mailer, and it should arrive at your doors anytime from today
till mid next week.
Needless to say, we extend our apologies for the mixup.
(W.ARCHER2, CAT42, TOP29, MSG:265/M645;1)
OUTLINER FOR AW4 DELAYED I had hoped to finish Outliner by Christmas, but
"""""""""""""""""""""""" it's becoming obvious that it won't be done
until 1994 (maybe not started until then). AfterWork is getting close, but
I haven't been able to work on it for a few days. I hope to get back to it
tomorrow, and I expect we'll be shipping before Christmas.
(BRANDT, CAT42, TOP29, MSG:313/M645;1)
RECORDING MACROS IN AW4 Three or so people have mentioned limited
""""""""""""""""""""""" recording. As Steve pointed out, that's because
you're using the default set, which only has a handful of bytes free,
thanks to Steve packing it full of features. You can remove the macros you
don't need and then recompile and resave the default to leave free space,
or if you just want easy playback of temporary keys, use macro 0.
The reason you can't use OA-X to replace an existing macro is because
of the way commands like "next", "rpt" and "()x" work. This change was made
in AW 3 with Ultra 4 to allow maximum speed and to eliminate the old
problems with some "bad" numbers causing problems inside of loops. You can
record over any temporary recorded macros, but macros which were compiled
and are part of the set can't be replaced by OA-X.
(BRANDT, CAT42, TOP29, MSG:335/M645;1)
>>> WHAT'S NEW <<<
""""""""""""""""""
SPECTRUM SHIPS! Spectrum is a new graphics-based telecommunications
""""""""""""""" program written specifically for the Apple IIgs. It uses
the standard Apple IIgs "desktop interface" so it's easy to learn and use.
And you don't need to sacrifice speed or features.
Spectrum supports baud rates from 50 to 57,600 and includes many file
transfer protocols (including Zmodem and CompuServe B+, both of which
support auto- receiving and auto-resuming interrupted file transfers).
A powerful, yet easy to use, scripting language lets Spectrum be
tailored specifically for individual use. Scripts can do almost anything,
ranging from emulating a bulletin board to the daily automatic logging,
sending and retrieving of mail.
A rich text editor is built-in for convenience (supports text,
TeachText, and AppleWorks Classic file formats).
Spectrum requires System 6.0 (or later) and is compatible with The
Manager v1.1 (not available yet).
The retail price of Spectrum is $129.95.
Special Introductory Offer Through January 31, 1994 Spectrum is available
'''''''''''''''''''''''''' at the VERY special introductory price of only
$50 plus $3.50 shipping and handling. To order call 904-575-0566, M-F, 9-5
ET, or just submit your order via e-mail (provide your name, address, phone
number, and Visa/Mastercard/Discover number with expiration date).
Thanks, --Dave
(SEVENHILLS, CAT43, TOP15, MSGS:1&2/M645;1)
<<<<< ARRRRGGG! Well, after creating the master Spectrum disks we did a
""""" test Install to make sure the Installer scripts were working right.
Sure enough they did and SP ran on our system. HOWEVER, our system already
had a required file installed...Spectrum REQUIRES the "Hierarchic" INIT,
but this file was overlooked in our installation scripts, and it is not
included on either Spectrum disk.
SO, unless you already have Hierarchic (from owning Kangaroo, TransProg,
The Manager, or Super Menu Pack) this means you will not be able to run
Spectrum until you get Hierarchic. :( I will upload a copy of Hierarchic
into the A2 libraries and post the file number when I do. In the meantime
you can download Hierarchic (along with some extra tech info) from the
A2Pro library:
Type: M530;3 (A2Pro software library)
Then select option 6 (download a file)
Then specify file number 3552
I really apologize for this major oversight.
Thanks, --Dave
P.S. All disks shipped on 12/17/93 or later have this problem corrected.
(SEVENHILLS, CAT43, TOP15, MSG:10/M645;1)
DANGEROUS BUG CONFIRMED IN HARDPRESSED There have been a few (two or
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" three) cases where somebody has
reported that HardPressed + LZSS has flat-out trashed their files. I've
gone around in circles trying to duplicate it, but wasn't able to.
Well, finally somebody determined that if you use a profile that
compresses everything with the unlikely combination of differential + LZSS
+ adaptive Huffman (supposedly great for MODs), compressing and
uncompressing the same file a couple of times will leave you with a hosed
file. Guess what, I made it happen. :-(
The fix required is a replacement LZSS module, which I will upload as
soon as I verify that I haven't introduced any new problems. I'll be
sending a copy of it immediately to everybody who has had problems with it
before (assuming I still have their e-mail addresses), so they can verify
that the problems are gone.
In the mean time, turn "verify" on. It WILL catch any problems with
LZSS trashing a file. The nature of the bug is such that, if you haven't
seen any problems before now, you probably won't, but there's no telling
whether adding a new INIT to the system will shift things around enough.
The bug has been in there since HP v1.0, and VERY few people have reported
problems.
I'm glad we finally got this one... I've been worried about these
mysterious file trashings.
- Andy
(FADDEN, CAT37, TOP3, MSG:151/M645;1)
>>> THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE <<<
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
NO GENIE MASTER FOR APPLEWORKS 4? There is a legal holdup right now, so I
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" can't say when, if ever, we'll be
releasing an update to GEM to work with Appleworks 4. There's not much
more I can say about it at the moment.
Dean Esmay
(A2.DEAN, CAT29, TOP3, MSG:74/M645;1)
NEW COPILOT SCRIPTS BEGIN _SERIOUS_ BETA Okay, it's time for plan B.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The ProTerm scripts, while very CLOSE to being ready, just won't be
in shape for a 12/22 release.
The modified Installer (to handle Spectrum) is ready, but has not had
ANY Beta testing, which makes it a very iffy proposition to haul off and
attempt to produce a new version of CoPilot based on it by 12/22.
SO, here is what we are going to do.
On 12/22 I will upload the new scripts for TIC and Spectrum, complete
with all files needed to run Spectrum/CoPilot as an OPEN BETA. That means
that we have already run a Beta cycle, and things look pretty good, but we
are going to use y'all for guinea pigs for a couple of weeks.
The new PT scripts will also go up, with installation instructions,
as Open Beta, as soon as they are ready. (Very soon, but NOT on 12/22.)
After those of you who choose to download them and use them for a
couple of weeks, and after we have thoroughly tested the other stuff we
need to include, we will THEN put together a new release of CoPilot.
This will allow us to put out a better product in the long run.
Those of you who don't HAVE CoPilot should hold off for a few weeks
longer and download the new version when we have it all complete. (That is
a VERY strong suggestion...)
Those of you who are getting Spectrum, and want to use it with
CoPilot, will need to download CoPilot and install it for use with TIC,
then download the new Spectrum scripts and install them over the files you
just installed. I'll give instructions here for anyone who needs thme.
Gary R. Utter (GARY.UTTER, CAT29, TOP13, MSG:84/M645;1)
HARDWARE MYSTERY UNDER WRAPS Joachim Lange (J.Lange7) of SHH Systeme has
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" contacted me to handle doing some beta
testing of a new peripheral for the Apple //e and //GS that is in the final
phases of development. I now know exactly what this product is, and what
hardware it supports (and is capable of supporting). There isn't (to my
knowledge) any product currently available for the Apple // series that
does what this card does, or even comes close to it. I believe that it will
be of great use to many Apple //e and //GS users (myself included) once it
has passed some further real world testing and has had some further
development work done on the associated driver code (which exists but needs
some minor work done to fully support the capabilities of the hardware). I
expect to have a beta revision of this hardware in my hands soon, along
with the source code for the drivers. When this "vaporware" is firmly in my
hands (err... in my //GS :), I'll post a message confirming it's arrival.
-Harold
(using the new CoP/TIC scripts :)
(H.HISLOP, CAT2, TOP4, MSG:118/M645;1)
>>>>> > BTW, my guess is a device to use ISA cards in a GS. I've been
""""" > told Derek Taubert is working on one, too.
Derek would like to, but I have him quite busy working on something
else that will make FAR more money :-)
Jawaid
(PROCYON.INC, CAT13, TOP23, MSG:26/M645;1)
>>>>> Joachim gave a few hints in this topic a few messages back - was
""""" last week if I remember correctly. He said: what can be connected
to this gizmo is usually cheap(er) and you can connect more than one.
Udo - ... just a IIGS freak -
(U.HUTH, CAT13, TOP23, MSG:57/M645;1)
>>>>> The clues thus far,
"""""
> what can be connected to this gizmo is usually cheap(er) and you
> can connect more than one.
> There isn't (to my knowledge) any product currently available for
> the Apple // series that does what this card does, or even comes
> close to it.
> development work done on the associated driver code (which exists
> but needs some minor work done to fully support the capabilities of
> the hardware). I
Usaully cheaper; existing driver code. The only thing I can come up
with is a card that allows you to use 1.2 and 1.4 drives. They are the
only periphral that is cheaper and we already have 5.25 and 3.5 drivers.
(J.FENSKE2, CAT13, TOP23, MSG:64/M645;1)
WAITING SIGNATURE UPGRADE AND Q-FAX We'd hoped to have some Signature
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" upgrade or other by now, but D. Proni
(the program's author) had his hands more than full with his own company,
Econ. If we can get Q Fax finished up, maybe then we can start looking at
some new features for Signature. B)
(QUALITY, CAT42, TOP2, MSG:76/M645;1)
MULTI-LINE BBS FOR THE IIGS? > I think that most sysop's whould jump on
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > that wagon, if the option for a multiline
> BBS's systems got serius.
The existing GS hardware permits at least a 3-node BBS: two incoming
data lines and one local login. When my GS was at 8 MHz, it handled a
simultaneous console login and dialup login at 2400 bps very easily. I
doubt that a second 2400 dialup would affect performance noticeably. The
GNO serial drivers are quite efficient, so I would be interested in seeing
how fast I push both serial ports at the same time, while logged in myself.
(B.TAO, CAT13, TOP23, MSG:38/M645;1)
>>>>> One of the reasons Andrew (Roughan) and myself wrote Eclipse
""""" (BBS package with language), was to everntually get a multi-line BBS
running, on ONE machine. I believe it is possible, although in those days
the line speeds were slow enough to alow multi-threading etc. without the
user noticing any slow downs. I don't have GNO, so I don't know how it
performs, but a custom threader...
If anyone is interested, drop me some mail. We may just continue from
where we left off.
Regards,
Richard
(RICHARD.B, CAT13, TOP23, MSG:61/M645;1)
WILD RUMOR DEPARTMENT You know, I heard someone say that Apple Inc. has
""""""""""""""""""""" just came out with another new computer. But this
one is different. It's a 486 clone???
If this is true, then their either desperate for $$$ or they don't
have much faith in the Macs!
Tim Rogentine
(T.ROGENTINE1, CAT5, TOP3, MSG:245/M645;1)
IIGS STEREO GIZMO I'm wondering...
""""""""""""""""" How many people here would be intrested in an
inexpensive (under $30.00 + shipping) gizmo that would provide two (stereo)
"line level" outputs from the GS?
This would require an external amplifier and speakers (or cables to
your stereo system) to complete the setup. Absolutely no adjustments,
simply plug it onto the Molex connector (next to the Ensoniqs chip) and
hook up the cables.
If only so-so intrested, say so here, if _really_ intrested, and
willing to commit to a purchase, say so in e-mail. If enough people commit
to purchase, I'll start making them. (NO up-front money is being asked
for!)
If a "poor mans digitizer" is also desired, I can add that to the
design fairly easily, guestimate another $5.00. (you supply a mike, or
other audio source)
-Harold
(Running the NEW CoP/TIC scripts)
(being released RSN :)
(H.HISLOP, CAT12, TOP26, MSG:26/M645;1)
$200 REWARD FOR PRINT SHOP/HP UTILITY Regarding the offer of a reward for
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" a Print Shop driver, utility,
program or whatever that will allow printing of Print Shop generated
letterheads, greeting cards, signs, etc to Hewlett-Packard brand
printers...
The reward has been doubled, and it now stands at $200!
Softdisk Publishing has agreed to match the $100 reward offered by
Shareware Solutions II.
I'm sure Softdisk will post some type of offical press release in
their category, and print their offer in an upcoming issue of Softdisk.
In any case, Shareware Solutions II would like to offer a great big
thank you to Softdisk Publishing (THANK YOU Lee, Bryan and Dean) for your
additional and continued support!
Joe Kohn (J.KOHN, CAT28, TOP4, MSG:109/M645;1)
>>>>> How about really sweeting the pot? I will contribute $20.00 bucks
""""" to the reward. I am sure that there are others out there willing
to put up $20.00 for such a desparately needed "shareware solution." How
about it folks. Maybe if we have a big enough reward, it will get done a
lot quicker!
Pax! -=-Plato-=-
(A.HUTCHINSON, CAT28, TOP4, MSG:114/M645;1)
>>> MESSAGE SPOTLIGHT <<<
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
Category 28, Topic 4
Message 365 Sat Dec 04, 1993
L.DEVRIES [Lloyd] at 08:29 EST
I've suggested this to Quality Computers and I'll suggest it here: I
think we're all miss the bulk of current Apple II users.....teachers. I
don't think most subscribe to on-line services or Apple magazines and
newsletters. I don't think they know the rest of us exist, or that there
is any place to buy anything for the Apple II's any more. Every classroom
in my sons' elementary school has a IIe; none of their teachers yet has
known where she can get software.
So, if I were promoting an Apple II publication or service, I'd
advertise and publicize in teachers' publications. There are two national
unions (the National Education Association and the American Federation of
Teachers), and I'm sure each has its own publication for its members. Most
stations have a state union (a branch of NEA, probably), and each probably
has ITS own publication. Then there are the local newsletters (where I
grew up, it was the "Ossining Teachers Association.") And of course
professional journals.
What this means is that an advertiser like Joe (or QC or anyone else)
could start with some of the smaller, cheaper publications and build up to
the
bigger ones. Publication advertising is usually less expensive than
direct mail.
<<<Lloyd>>>
[*][*][*]
While on GEnie, do you spend most of your time downloading files?
If so, you may be missing out some excellent information in the Bulletin
Board area. The messages listed above only scratch the surface of
what's available and waiting for you in the bulletin board area.
If you are serious about your Apple II, the GEnieLamp staff strongly
urge you to give the bulletin board area a try. There are literally
thousands of messages posted from people like you from all over the
world.
[EOA]
[HUM]//////////////////////////////
HUMOR ONLINE /
/////////////////////////////////
Apple Pie
"""""""""
By Steven Weyhrich
[S.WEYHRICH]
(profuse apologies to Don McLean)
A long, long time ago,
I can still remember how those programs
Used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance,
That I could make those users dance
And maybe they'd be happy for a while.
November breezes made me shiver
With every upload I'd deliver
Bad news on the desktop
I couldn't make the text stop.
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about our faltered pride
But something touched me deep inside
The day
the IIe
died.
So, bye, bye to my Apple II pie
Hooked my RamFAST to the SCSI
But the SCSI was fried
And hackin' boys drank Mountain Dew and sighed,
Typin' "This'll be the day that I die.
This'll be the day that I die."
Do you know your Apple's core?
Do you have faith in Woz's lore
If the Red Book tells you so?
Do you believe in ROR and ROL
Can BASIC save your mortal soul
And can you tell me why Pascal runs so slow?
Well, I know you love that Lisa hack
'Cause I saw you mousin' in the back
Well, MacWrite was big news
But AppleWorks got great reviews, oooh
I was a twenty-something computer fan
With a loaned assembler and some program plans
But I knew I'd be just an "also-ran"
The day the IIe died.
I started singin'
Bye, bye to my Apple II pie
Hooked my RamFAST to the SCSI
But the SCSI was fried
And hackin' boys drank Cola Jolt and sighed,
Typin' "This'll be the day that I die.
This'll be the day that I die."
Now for twelve years we've been on our own
The software comes on my telephone
But that's not how it used to be
When ol' Steve Jobs planned a brand new box
With designs he borrowed from Xerox
And the cash, well it came from you and me
Oh, and while our Woz was looking down
Steve Jobs stole his designer's crown
The /// plan was adjourned
No money was returned
And while Wagner wrote "Assembly Lines"
We liked our BASIC programs fine
And most thought ProDOS was devine
The day the IIe died.
We were singin'
Bye, bye to my Apple II pie
Hooked my RamFAST to the SCSI
But the SCSI was fried
And hackin' boys drank Dr. Pepper and sighed,
Typin' "This'll be the day that I die.
This'll be the day that I die."
HUFFIN, PUFFIN, move files with MUFFIN
Single drive, lots of disks I'm stuffin'
Eight piles high, and fadin' fast...
With Macs out landing in the grass
The Pirates tried for a forward pass
Moving IIe to the sidelines, in a cast
Now, the IIc Fair was sweet perfume
And "Forever!" was our marching tune
We all got up to dance
Oh, but we never got the chance
'Cause the Mac-heads tried to take the field
Our Apple II's refused to yield
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the IIe died?
We started singin'
Bye, bye to my Apple II pie
Hooked my RamFAST to the SCSI
But the SCSI was fried
And hackin' boys drank Diet Pepsi and sighed,
Typin' "This'll be the day that I die.
This'll be the day that I die."
And there we were all in one place
An online conference lost in space
With no bucks left to start again
So come on, Tom be nimble, Tom be quick
Uncle-DOS made all our Apples tick
'Cause Merlin is the hacker's only friend
Oh, and as I watched him on the stage
My hands were clenched in fists of rage
No one that I could tell
Could break that Sculley's spell
And as the flames climbed high into the night
To light the sacrificial rite
I saw Sculley laughing with delight
The day the IIe died
He was singin'
Bye, bye to my Apple II pie
Hooked my RamFAST to the SCSI
But the SCSI was fried
And hackin' boys drank lemon tea and sighed,
Typin' "This'll be the day that I die.
This'll be the day that I die."
I met a girl who sang of Blues
And I asked her for some Apple news
But she just smiled and turned away
I went to the computer store
Where I'd seen the Apple years before
But the man there said the IIe couldn't play
And in the schools the children screamed
The teachers cried and the hackers dreamed
But not a word was spoken
The disk drives all were broken
And the news mags that I'd liked the most
Softalk, inCider -- were all toast
They'd grabbed the last train for the coast
The day
the IIe
died
And they were singin'
Bye, bye to my Apple II pie
Hooked my RamFAST to the SCSI
But the SCSI was fried
And hackin' boys drank Snapple soda and cried,
Saying, "This'll be the day that I die.
This'll be the day that I die."
They were singin'
Bye, bye to my Apple II pie
Hooked my RamFAST to the SCSI
But the SCSI was fried
And hackin' boys drank Snapple soda and cried,
Saying, "This'll be the day that I die.
This'll be
the day
that I die."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(c) Copyright 1993 by Steven Weyhrich
[EOA]
[REF]//////////////////////////////
REFLECTIONS /
/////////////////////////////////
Thinking About Online Communications
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Phil Shapiro
[P.SHAPIRO1]
>>> SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT TELECOM TRAINING CENTERS <<<
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Our society values learning enough that we spend 200 billion dollars
each year on our public school system. Likewise, in the interest of
promoting learning, we subsidize a large and robust public library system.
As we walk through the portals of the information age, thoughtful
people have been spending time thinking about the role that government and
industry can play in helping bring more of our nation's population online.
What types of social institutions can we construct that can help people
learn how to use communications software? Learn how to use bulletin
boards? Learn how to use the national information services? And learn
how to use the Internet?
Currently, just a small fraction of the nation's population is
online. This fact is drive home by considering that fewer than 10 percent
of all home computers are connected to a modem. Furthermore, market
studies have shown that the penetration of personal computers in the home
is approximately 35 percent of the nation's households. Taking one tenth
of 35 percent yields a paltry 3.5 percent.
The bare truth is that the vast majority of the nation's population
is not yet online. It behooves the nation as a whole to work vigorously to
train our fellow citizens in basic telecommunications skills. The more
people that can be reached online, the more each one of us can benefit
from communicating with them.
I can recall distinctly my own first faltering forays into the online
world. A leader in my local user group, Ken DeVito, spoke in an animated
voice about connecting up his computer to the online networks. This kind
fellow generously offered to take phone calls at his house to help people
get connected up themselves.
After buying a modem and communications software, I hesitantly called
Ken at his home. Having heard that telecommunications can be a complicated
subject I went out of my way making sure I had my modem and communications
software all set up correctly. Cautiously, timidly, I made my first phone
call. Lo and behold, the word CONNECT bounced up onto my screen.
I imagine that most of us who are already online had similar help and
encouragement from friends and colleagues the first few times we went
online. That type of informal learning was fine in the 1980s when online
communications was largely the province of computer hobbyists. But as we
plunge headlong into the information age, the time is long overdue for our
society to set up more formal channels for teaching online communications
skills. We cannot continue to rely on the goodwill of the Ken DeVitos of
the world to help everyone get connected.
What existing social institutions are best suited to take up this
task? Schools, for sure, can help train our younger population. User
groups, certainly, can help give online demonstrations and tutorials at
their meetings.
But neither schools nor user groups are equipped to handle the huge
numbers of people we need to train. The most suitable social institution
to help train our nation's populace is public libraries.
Public libraries already have a mandate to promote the dissemination
of knowledge and information. Calling upon our libraries to help train our
nation in online skills makes even more sense when you consider the great
overlap between basic telecommunications skills and basic research skills.
The skills of searching and capturing information from an online database
is closely parallel to the skills of searching and capturing information
from a CD-ROM database.
While public libraries serve as the perfect venue for training
sessions in online communications skills, no one for a moment would think
that libraries have the funds to initiate such services on their own. What
is obviously needed is a partnership between the private and public sectors
to help bring telecommunications skills to the masses.
Phone companies, naturally, can play an important role in giving
reduced rates for the installation of new phone lines in libraries. All
that would be needed would be about eight to ten new phone lines for each
library. Computer manufacturers should obviously step forward to make
donations of computer hardware for telecom training purposes. These
donated computers need not be an onerous expense since low-end computer
systems work perfectly fine for telecommunications purposes.
Modem manufacturers, obviously, have a social duty to make their
immensely useful devices available for use at library training centers.
Here again, the low-end slower modems serve eminently well for training
purposes.
It goes without saying that the national information services should
step forward to donate accounts that could be used in training centers.
Many of the national information services have probably already given
thought to how they could help support publicly funded telecom training
centers.
Larger software publishers could step in to provide communications
software and general financial support for the training centers. Mitch
Kapor, Steve Wozniak, and other luminaries in the computer world have
already taken bold steps to promote social causes with the Electronic
Freedom Foundation. The participation and support of these luminaries
would go far in making the training centers successful social institutions.
Finally, the public sector can assist by providing tax incentives to
the phone companies, computer companies, modem manufacturers, national
information services, and software companies that donate in-kind goods or
services to the telecom training center. The public sector could also help
with the issuance of "Online Citizen" certificates for those persons who
show mastery of basic telecommunications skills.
Few North Americans are aware that the public library systems in the
United States and Canada are held up as model systems in other nations
around the world. Early in our two country's histories the people of our
nations gave strong support to funding and promoting schools and libraries.
For the good of our nations, we need to take the next step to help
bring more of our citizens online. The time for a public/private
telecommunications skills initiative is long overdue. For the good of our
nations, we need to create social institutions that can take over the
supportive role of those who helped get the first 3.5 percent of us online.
After we're able to get the first 10 percent online, the momentum will
be strong enough that we can pull another 50 percent online before the turn
of the century. And with 60 percent of the population online by the year
2000, our countries will then be well positioned to move forward with the
exciting possibilities of the information age.
-Phil Shapiro
[*][*][*]
The author takes a keen interest in the social dimensions
of communications technology. He can be reached on GEnie
at P.SHAPIRO1; on Internet at: p.shapiro1.genie.geis.com;
on America Online at: pshapiro
[EOA]
[BEG]//////////////////////////////
BEGINNER'S CORNER /
/////////////////////////////////
Polishing Green Apples
""""""""""""""""""""""
By Steve Weyhrich
[S.WEYHRICH]
>>> HOOKED ON CLASSICS (Part 3) <<<
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STILL MORE CONTROL PANEL BASICS Yes, we are STILL slogging our way
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" through the IIgs CDA Control Panel. This
month, as you look at ways to lose that holiday weight, pay those holiday
bills, and shovel that holiday snow, why not take a break and join me as we
learn about "Options" (ROM 01), or "Keyboard"/"Mouse" (ROM 03). Scrape the
ice off your monitor, and turn on that heater (this time of year it would
probably be NICE to have a Pentium-based computer; they generate a LOT of
heat... :-) )
KEYBOARD/OPTIONS Here is another difference between the ROM 01 and ROM 03
"""""""""""""""" versions of the Apple IIgs. At this point in the CDA
Control Panel, the ROM 01 version is called "Options", and the ROM 03
version is called "Keyboard". They look something like this when you
select them:
(ROM 01) (ROM 03)
Control Panel Control Panel
Options Keyboard
~ Display Language: U.S.A. ~ Display Language: U.S.A.
~ Keyboard Layout: U.S.A. ~ Keyboard Layout: U.S.A.
~ Keyboard Buffering: No ~ Keyboard Buffering: No
~ Repeat Speed: |------*--------| ~ Repeat Speed: |------*--------|
~ Repeat Delay: |-------*-------| ~ Repeat Delay: |-------*-------|
~ Double Click: |-------*-------| ~ Cursor Flash: |-------*-------|
~ Cursor Flash: |-------*-------|
-Advanced Features- -Advanced Features-
Shift Caps/Lowercase: No Shift Caps/Lowercase: No
Fast Space/Delete Keys: No Fast Space/Delete Keys: No
Dual Speed Keys: Normal Dual Speed Keys: Normal
High Speed Mouse: No
Select <- -> V ^ Cancel: Esc Save <-|
(The "Double Click" and "High Speed Mouse" entries for the ROM 01
version will be discussed below.)
Display Language/Keyboard Layout The intent of the top two entries,
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Display Language and Keyboard Layout,
was to simplify the manufacture and use of the IIgs for foreign countries.
Older models of the Apple II would require a different character generator
chip for each country where it was sold, to account for local differences
in characters (for example, in Great Britain the character produced with a
Shift-3 was the British stylized "L", for "pound", whereas here in the
U.S. Shift-3 produces an octothorpe, which looks like the tic-tac-toe
board). Manufacturing and stocking all these different ROM chips increased
the cost of producing the computer. To have it built into the IIgs,
selectable through this Control Panel, simplified things considerably. A
separate keyboard is still necessary to be consistent with regional
differences around the world, and the Keyboard Layout needs to be adjusted
to match the type of keyboard that has been connected. In any case, the
modular design of the IIgs still makes that easier than on previous models
of the Apple II.
If you make changes in the Display Language you will see some unusual
characters substituted for characters like "{", "\", and so on. For users
in the U.S. this would be primarily a curiosity; however, if you are
developing software that might be used by IIgs owners in other parts of the
world, you should change the Display settings to ensure that you are not
using some characters that will not show properly with other language
layouts. (AppleWorks, for instance, may not show proper screen characters
with certain features when other Display Languages are selected).
One of the other uses of the Keyboard Layout would be to change from
the standard (also called "Sholes" or "QWERTY") keyboard to the Dvorak
system. This takes the arrangement of the letters on the keyboard and
moves them into something that can be much faster to use--once you become
accustomed to it. All of the most frequently used characters in English
are placed in the home row (where it currently holds "ASDFGH", etc.). If
you make this change and don't change the keycaps on the keyboard, you will
find that typing a "D" causes an "E" to appear on the screen.
I actually changed my Apple IIc keyboard layout years ago (via the
"Keyboard" switch in the upper left corner) to the Dvorak layout, and used
a typing program called MasterType to teach myself to use it. And I do
admit that my typing began to get faster and a little more accurate.
However, using a Dvorak keyboard is like being left-handed in a
right-handed world. If the ONLY keyboard you are ever going to use is YOUR
keyboard, you'll have no problems, once you get used to Dvorak. But since
there was a Dvorak keyboard at home, and a QWERTY keyboard at work, my
brain became too confused to keep making the switches, and so I went back
to the old standard.
On the IIc it was not TOO much trouble to pop the caps off of all the
keys and rearrange them into the Dvorak layout. However, I've never tried
this on my IIgs, and do not know how difficult it would be. If you want to
make this change, just be careful not to FORCE anything as you try to
remove the keycaps. If you break something, you'll probably have to pay
SOMEONE to have it repaired (or replaced).
Keyboard Buffering Keyboard buffering allows the user to continue typing
'''''''''''''''''' while the computer is busy doing something else, and
will save up the keystrokes until the program running is again ready to
accept them. I have not personally seen that this works very well in the
programs that I regularly use. IBM-type computers seem to buffer up nearly
EVERY keystroke that is entered, regardless of what else the system is
doing. If you know ahead of time which type of keystrokes will be needed
to carry out a certain function, this can be a time saving feature.
However, the IIgs buffer doesn't seem to be designed the same way, and you
will just have to try it out yourself to see if having this turned on helps
out in YOUR situation.
Repeat Speed/Repeat Delay Repeat Speed and Repeat Delay refer to the
''''''''''''''''''''''''' auto-repeat of keys pressed on the keyboard. On
the Apple II Plus, a separate key was included on the keyboard to allow a
key that was held down to repeat. On the IIe and IIc, an AUTOMATIC repeat
is built-in; if you press the "A" key and hold it down, it eventually
begins to repeat and continues to do so until the key is released. The
IIgs does the same thing, but lets you modify it to suit your style. The
Repeat Speed is a relative measure of how fast the repeated keypresses are
generated, and the Repeat Delay refers to how long a wait there is until a
pressed key begins to repeat. If you are a heavy-fingered typist and have
the Repeat Delay turned down too low, you may find some accidental
repeeeeeeeeetition of some keypresses. If you don't like the default
settings for these options, play with them until you find something more
suitable.
Cursor Flash This should be self-explanatory. If that pulsating cursor
'''''''''''' is not at a speed that seems comfortable for you, use this
to make it faster or slower.
Shift Caps/Lowercase The various advanced features in this next section
'''''''''''''''''''' of the Control Panel are primarily for those who
have become very accustomed to the feel of the keyboard, and want to work a
bit faster. Shift Caps/Lowercase changes the function of the Caps Lock key
slightly. When this feature is set to "No", the keyboard will generate
uppercase letters when the either the Caps Lock key or the Shift key is
down. If this feature in the Control Panel is set to "Yes", the Caps Lock
key will still cause letters on the keyboard to come out as uppercase;
however, pressing the Shift key while the Caps Lock key is DOWN will cause
letters to come out in lower case. In other words, the Caps Lock key will
now change the function of the Shift key--but for the letters A-Z ONLY.
Other characters on the keyboard (such as numbers and the symbols on the
number keys) will STILL require the Shift key be pressed to generate them.
Fast Space/Delete Keys, Dual Speed Keys These features allows more rapid
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' movement of the cursor if the
Control key is pressed along with certain other keys. If Fast Space/Delete
is set to "Yes", Ctrl-Delete causes the Delete key to erase text twice as
fast as other keys repeat, and Ctrl-Space causes you to insert spaces twice
as fast. When Dual Speed Keys is set to "Fast", Ctrl-Up, Ctrl-Down,
Ctrl-Left, and Ctrl-Right (arrow keys) will move the cursor twice as fast
as usual. If the Repeat Speed setting further up in this Control Panel is
set to the top speed possible, these particular features will appear to do
nothing, since it will not repeat faster than the fastest speed.
MOUSE On the ROM 03 IIgs, the ability to make the keyboard simulate mouse
""""" movements was built into the firmware code. This was intended to
make it easier for handicapped users who could not easily use a mouse still
handle software that needed one. Because of this, the mouse-related items
in this Control Panel were moved to a separate entry, which looks like
this:
(ROM 03)
Control Panel
Mouse
~ Mouse Tracking: |*-------------|
~ Double Click : |-------*------|
-Keyboard Mouse-
~ Delay To Start: |-------*------|
~ Acceleration : |-------*------|
~ Maximum Speed : |--------*-----|
Select <- -> V ^ Cancel:Esc Save: <-|
Notice that the setting in the ROM 01 version (under "Options") calls
Mouse Tracking a "High Speed Mouse". Setting that option to "Yes" makes
any movement of the mouse on your table top to cause the cursor on the
screen to move twice as far as usual. On the ROM 03, you have some finer
control over the specifics of the mouse tracking.
With enhancements the in System Software made available in System 6,
the distinction between a ROM 01 and ROM 03 became less apparent, as now
BOTH versions of the IIgs can make mouse movements accessible to
handicapped users that cannot handle a standard mouse. However, if a
program that does not run under GS/OS (or under System 6) needs this type
of access, a ROM 03 GS will still be necessary.
Double Click items are present with both versions of the IIgs
firmware. The Double Click control adjusts how quickly two clicks must be
made in order to be properly registered by programs that use them for
shortcuts (such as selecting and launching a program from the Finder). If
your double clicks aren't always being accepted, you may have this set too
high or too low for the speed you use. Try adjusting it and see what works
better for you.
The remaining items are specific for the keyboard mouse feature. This
is activated by pressing the Open-Apple (Command) and Shift keys at the
same time, and then pressing and releasing the Clear key. After you've
done this, the numeric keypad can be used to control the position of the
cursor on the screen, and the center key ("5") [15is used to] simulate the
button on the mouse. Other features involved in controlling the keyboard
mouse can be found in the ROM 03 IIgs Owner's Reference or the System 6
User's Reference.
Back to the Mouse Control Panel: Delay To Start is similar to the
Repeat Delay on the Keyboard Control Panel; this refers to how long the
keypad keys have to be held down before the mouse cursor will move.
Acceleration controls the speed at which the mouse cursor moves under
keyboard control, and Maximum Speed refers to how fast the cursor moves.
As mentioned above, if you are running System 6.0 or 6.0.1, you have
these features available on ANY version of the IIgs. The adjustable
Control Panel settings would not, of course, be available from this CDA
Control Panel. Instead, a ROM 01 user will need to access the NDA Control
Panel (from the Apple in the upper left corner) in a GS/OS program, and
make the changes in how the keyboard mouse works from there.
NEXT MONTH Well, the heater finally kicked in, and my monitor is not
"""""""""" fogging up any more from the melted ice. We are approaching
the end of this examination of the Control Panel Classic Desk Accessory.
Communication with your printer and modem like you've never seen it before,
RS-232 serial interfaces, and more--next time, on "Polishing Green Apples"!
Don't miss it!!
[*][*][*]
Steve Weyhrich is a family physician from Omaha, Nebraska.
He has been using Apple II computers since 1981, and writing
about them since 1990. He follows closely the events that
continue to shape the destiny of the legendary Apple II and
IIgs computers, and writes a monthly column called the "A2
News Digest" for A2-Central disk magazine. He is also the
author of the "Apple II History", available on fine BBS's
everywhere. Add water and simmer until well done.
[EOA]
[RTC]//////////////////////////////
REAL TIME CHATTING /
/////////////////////////////////
WWUG Snapshot, Live!
""""""""""""""""""""
By Gina E. Saikin
[A2.GENA]
[ The World Wide Apple II User's Group meets every Sunday. This month, we
though it would be fun to present you with the highlights of the WWUG
meeting, live, as they happened. There's only space for a short extract
with featured guest Jerry Kindall of Quality Computers, so drop in on the
WWUG meeting this Sunday to find out just how widely the conversation
ranges! -- Ed. ]
Room 1, Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered
Notice on door: Come on in..new? Never fear...we'll help you unlock the
secrets of A2 & GEnie with a few swipes of his magic lamp! Don't
forget...starting at 4 p.m. eastern, will be our 3rd meeting of the
WWUG...featuring AppleWorks 4.0!
[ We join this RTC in progress -- Ed. ]
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> I started with an AII + in 79
<[GEna] A2.GENA> I've got about 3-4 working II+'s in my basement... plus a
LOT of software, and other parts...
<[Paul] PMP> didn't get my ][+ until 82
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> I still have programs on CASSETTES!
<[GEna] A2.GENA> This is stuff from A2.Susan's store...over the next
several Sat's (after the holidays), I'm going to be taking a box at a time,
inventorying it, and then posting it up in the bb
<[Paul] PMP> but its an OLD ][+... a reconditioned ][
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Wow, Carl! Those ARE old...they're antiques!
<[Paul] PMP> oh, I actually have OFFICIAL Apple cassettes... like Hoppalong
Cassidy, Lemonade Stand, etc
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> My gs cant load them and I sold my old IIe. I should
have put them on disk
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Well...would they work on a II+?
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> Yes--They were written on a II+
<[GEna] A2.GENA> i.e., you culd use the II+ to transfer them over to disk?
I would suspect they're old dos3.3 programs, right?
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> I never thought of trying that
<[Paul] PMP> no o/s at all if they're on tape...
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Carl...someone with more expertise than I would have to
say if it would work, but...
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> Tey were written before DOS 3.3. THey work with
original ROM Applesoft
<[Paul] PMP> i used to save my BASIC and machine language programs on
cassette... used to mess up all the time, which annoyed me to no end then I
took the leap and spend $350 + $99 for the controller for a 5.25" disk
drive...
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> I would just start up the computer and cue up the
cassette and type load
<[GEna] A2.GENA> You could pose this ? in the bb... cat 2, topic 4
** <QUALITY> is here.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Hi, Jerry!
<[Paul] PMP> Greetings, Jerry. How's it going?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Hi all
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> HI Jerry
<[GEna] A2.GENA> So, shall we begin? Jerry, I'm going to make a few
announcments, then give it over to you. Since there's not a crowd, I don't
think listen-only is necessary...
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Oh, OK
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> Jerry--Love Quality--Thanks for your Apple II support
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Announce away. (Thanks, Carl.)
<[Fred] F.GREATOREX> Hello Jerry.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Alright...as you know, WWUG was the brainchild of Lunatic,
while we were sitting in a dorm room at kfest...and as Jeff and myself were
the leaders of the BBB, we were appointed to get this group off it's feet.
We figured that getting Apple II support out there was becoming more
andmore difficult, so we'd try to help with an online support group!
Our first area is "What's New in Appledom" -
As we all know...AW4.0 is now shipping and becoming very popular. In
a few moments, Jerry here will be telling us all about it!
Also, Spectrum is soon to come off the drawing board and into
production...it's a desktop communciations program...will undoubtedly
please those who use Manager and SwitchIt on a regular basis!
ANSITerm has come out with a new version, which will be shipping
soon. Paul didn't stick around too long for me to have him tell us a
little about it, but... as soon as I can find the time, I'm gonna abstract
our interview with him last month...all about ANSITerm!
Now, for a few previews of some library files I've found quite cool.
For holiday pics, file #21761 has christmas and Hannukah stuff... File
#21778 is the December Disk of the Month...loaded with goodies. File
#21740 is a real nifty little program - it is an auto-trash thing...that
is, when you dump something in the trash, it automatically erases it
without you having to hit OA-T. File #21728 is a general GS file utility,
and file #11631 is a real nice program to play sounds in the background.
Right now, I can't get it to work, but I suspect it doesn't like one or
more of my myriad da's/inits, and I haven't had time to find out which one
is offensive...
Does anyone have any questions???
<[Fred] F.GREATOREX> Are any of those files duplicated on the A2 Dom disk?
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Fred, I'm not certain...haven't looked at the contents yet
of the Dec. DOM...got most of those files from the Dean's List :) I can't
dl the DOM right now until I can get my 3.5" drive working :(
<[Fred] F.GREATOREX> Cool.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Alright...Here's (said in my best Johny Carson
announcement voice <grin>) Jerry! We're going to open the floor to
questions...you all know the basics of AW4.0, right?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Well, as you know, AppleWorks 4 has been shipping for
about a month and a half... A lot of people are already using it and
enjoying it. B) Anything I can help clear up about AW4?
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Jerry, I know that it incorporates many of the
time-outs...which ones are they?
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> What has been added since VERS. 3?
<[Fred] F.GREATOREX> can you send me a free copy?
<[GEna] A2.GENA> :)
<[Jerry] QUALITY> The majority of things that have been added are new
database features, GEna. TotalControl is now built in. Also, UltraMacros
is built in...
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> What is total Control?
<[GEna] A2.GENA> I haven't played around too much with TO's myself...but...
<[Jerry] QUALITY> TotalControl is an add-on Randy Brandt developed... It
allows one data base to access data from another data base, or from a
spreadsheet. It also lets you use formulas in the data base.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> That would have been a BIG help in the job I was on
earlier - at home!
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Similar features were added to the spreadsheet...
<[GEna] A2.GENA> I had multiple db's - one for each customer...and had to
make reports on totals (customer = client)
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> Can you set up seperate calc fields in the data base
for reports?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Reports no longer have calculated fields... all the
calculations are done in the data base itself... You can even set up
auto-calculate categories so that when you change one category, the
calculated category is automatically updated.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> In the DB, too? that could be done already in the ss,
right?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Right... the data base has gained a whole bunch of
spreadsheet-like features
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> Is this similar to the way AWGS hansles the DB?
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Cool! I was using DB's exclusively, due to the fact that
I had to cull out stuff...
<[Jerry] QUALITY> The spreadsheet remains the best place for
number-crunching and what-ifs, the data base is the best place for keeping
lists of things. Actually, I'm not sure if it's at all like the AWGS data
base. I've never used the AWGS data base. (Believe it or not <g>)
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Actually, the SS WOULD have been better for me (number
crunching), but I HAD to take out specific things, say, all records of a
given merchandiser from an entire list of merchandisers who worked for one
client
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> It's hard to explain how I use the data base for
customer order. But I need something that calcs tax and shipping after
culling the order from the inventory DB
<[Jerry] QUALITY> In the Word Processor, you get Glossary functions. Which
allow you, basically, to do mail merge one record at a time...
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Jerry, when I worked on the old xerox 860's - glossary
function was like a macro...i.e., type one letter, and a phrase would pop
up...that's what THEY called glossary
<[Jerry] QUALITY> In other words, you want to write a letter to someone, so
you pull up your name and address glossary; it gives you a list of the
people in your address data base... When you pick the name, it inserts the
name and address into the WP document
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Wouldn't the new formula thing in the DB fill Carl's
"order"?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Yes, you can probably do that all using the data base
now, Carl. The data base supports 60 categories instead of 30... so there
will be lots more room.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Indeed! (for my vendor database, how nice!) Jerry, one
thing...does it support, like the ss, sideways print for the db?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> You still need Sidespread for that... Unless of course
you have an HP Deskjet 500
<[GEna] A2.GENA> I thought SideSpread only worked with the ss!
<[Jerry] QUALITY> True... but you can easily copy the data base records to
the spreadsheet
<[GEna] A2.GENA> True...
<[Jerry] QUALITY> The DJ 500 driver lets you print sideways from any
application, but that's only because the DJ can print sideways.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Question...until I get my hands on AW4.0 (which may be a
while financially), can I copy the records from the DB into the SS in 3.0?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Yes, you can... anything from one module can be copied to
any other module, starting with 3.0
<[GEna] A2.GENA> (there are NO calculations...just data) (now, if I can
just find my 5.25" version of SideSpread <grin>)
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Let's see... AW4 also has three independent Desktops...
and three Clipboards. Built-in disk and file utilities... Better
mail-merge... Many of the most popular AppleWorks patches (for example,
cursor shape and blink rate) have their own option on the configuration
menu. There's a built-in clock display and screen blanker. Lots of other
stuff. B)
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Alright...anyone have any questions??? Don't all speak at
once :)
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Jerry...I think you've left them speechless :)
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> what are the prices for upgrade
** <PMP> is here.
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Upgrades from 3.0 are $79.95...from 2.x, $99.95... From
1.x, $119.95... Or if you don't have AW already, you can get the package
for $179.95. To upgrade, you just need to send your original disks (or
photocopies) to us...
Quality Computers, 20200 Nine Mile Rd., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> What original Time Outs are now part of the new 4.0
package?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Hmmm, TimeOut Paint... There aren't really any TimeOuts
included per se... that is, you don't activate them from the Apple-Escape
menu... It's more like AppleWorks ate 'em for lunch
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Oh...speaking of TO's...what about original TO's...are
they compatible with 4.0?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> For example, FileMaster is now incorporated...but you
access it from the Other Activities menu, not from the TimeOut menu
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> I uderstand--Waht features I should say--I understand
they have been incorperayted into the core program
<[Paul] P.JANETZKE> When's the world conf.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> NOW!
<[Paul] PMP> what about macros? Does 4.0 have something like UltraMacros
built-in?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> It has an UltraMacros 4 player built in...
<[Paul] PMP> cool!
<[Jerry] QUALITY> You need UltraMacros 4.3 or later to compile and record
your own
<[GEna] A2.GENA> What about compatibility with present TO's..? i.e., side
spread, etc.
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Some of them will work without modification. AW4 comes
with an updater which will update many of them. We hope to have more
working early in 1994.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Is there a list of those that will/will not, and those
that can or cannot be updated, or is it mainly "hit/miss"?
<[Jerry] QUALITY> I don't have the list handy, but it's been posted in Cat
42 Top 29.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Ah....alright!
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Sidespread has been, I think
<[Paul] P.JANETZKE> Hey, I know it's probably been asked already but what
is the status on the AWGS update Jerry???
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Actually, not, Paul :)
<[Paul] PMP> good question...
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Indeed!
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Well, we've got Jim Merritt as project manager... And
we're in the process of getting the source Claris sent us to compile... and
looking at the suggestion lists to see what we can do in a reasonable time
frame
<[Paul] PMP> :) thats always a problem...
<[Jerry] QUALITY> We hope to have something released next spring.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Great! oh, and make it like system 6.0.1, too :) right?
<[Paul] PMP> one feature, if it hasn't been mentioned yet... having the
spell checker work in PL...
<[Jerry] QUALITY> That might be doable, depending on how closely the two
data structures resemble each other
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> I am mostly using AWGS--I am also in the AWGS
Upgrade
<[Paul] PMP> and having 360 degree rotations of objects and text would be
nice :)
<[GEna] A2.GENA> I like AWGS for page layout...with an old imagewriter I,
print quality is better than Publish It...
<[Jerry] QUALITY> If you're going to rotate something 360 degrees, what's
the point?
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Besides...can't use Pointless with Publish It!
<[Paul] PMP> :/ 0-360 degree... like having angled text, etc.
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Not sure how feasible that is, but I'll add it to the
list Anyone else got any pet suggestions for AWGS? B)
<[Paul] PMP> oh... and having boxes with widths that scale properly in
condensed mode sorta like how GWIII does it... i always have to add
additional lines at the top and bottom to make them the same width as the
sides
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Since mine doesn't seem to like 6.0.1, I don't use it...
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> I would like to dee a better telecomm modual for AWGS
such as an outo logon modual
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Yes!...I'm certain that a LOT of people echo that, Carl...
and better "split-screen" capability?
<[Paul] PMP> oh... and a BIGGY... make it IPC-compatible with an "Extras"
menu kinda like the Finder for external/TimeOut-type programs
<[Jerry] QUALITY> I'm not sure how much effort we'll be putting into the
telecomm module, to be honest. Most AWGS users don't have modems, so the
telecomm is kinda low on our priority list.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Interesting note, Jerry, about users v modems
** <A.RAHIMZADEH> is here.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Hi, Auri
<[Auri Man] A.RAHIMZADEH> Hey Gena!~
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> I'm just looking for a good window (GS) interface for
my telecomm program
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Spectrum, Carl, when it comes out!
<[Jerry] QUALITY> My suggestion right now is to invesitgate AnsiTerm or
Spectrum
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> That sounds great jerry--
<[GEna] A2.GENA> ANSITerm, though excellent, is not a GS program, right?
er desktop, that is
<[Paul] PMP> right, its not a desktop program
<[Jerry] QUALITY> A stand-alone telecomm program is always going to be more
powerful than the one in an integrated package
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Hint, hint...Paul...for your next update :)
<[Paul] PMP> :/
<[Paul] P.JANETZKE> Well I'm probably going to get FLAMED for this but as
far as I'm concerned you can ditch the telecom altogether unless you make
it something that the GS can really use like full color ANSI and stuff like
that. That's my $.02 worth.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Poor Paul...he's gotten SO many suggsetions for his next
update :)
<[Paul] PMP> :) hey, 2.1 just came out, gimme a break!
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Well...maybe if we badger Paul...hehehe
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Paul: Sure, are you willing to pay $50 more for a better
telecomm program?
<[Carl] C.MANUELIAN1> Jerry--I saw your ad for spectrum--is it out yet?
<[David] D.PIERCE8> Has Quality received any shipments of Spectrum from
Sevenhills?
<[Auri Man] A.RAHIMZADEH> I'm using Spectrum :) It should be out soon!
<[Paul] PMP> Jerry, what about the "Extras" menu idea? I'm sure this has
been brought up before, since it would be a GREAT advantage for AWGS
<[Jerry] QUALITY> ANSI is a good way to slow down your baud rate. B) The
good thing about the AWGS comm module is that it will serve to get modem
novices online
<[Paul] P.JANETZKE> Well Jerry, my point is if it;s not the best why worry
about it when the best can be had elsewhere. If a major update to the
telecom would cost too much in time and/or money then find something else.
I'm happy with PT 3.1.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> So am I, Paul, but if I can use a 'com program that is
desktop, a good wp desktop program, etc., then I could use some of the
other goodies, like SwitchIt, The Manager and HardPressed...
<[Paul] P.JANETZKE> I mean Megaterm isn't slow and it does excellent color
ANSI for the GS.
<[Auri Man] A.RAHIMZADEH> Wait for MultiGS 2.0 Gena :)
<[Paul] P.JANETZKE> Good point about novice users, but the package deals
that are offered with modems usually provide a telecom package/
<[Jerry] QUALITY> It might get zmodem..
<[GEna] A2.GENA> True, Paul, but most of the modem packages nowadays offer
Mac and ms-dos com ware
<[Paul] P.JANETZKE> No Megaterm starts as P8 but then uses superhires for
complete ANSI emulation.
Hey Jerry is Quality working on some sort of FAX software for the GS, I
think I remember reading about this somewhere. If so what's its
status??
<[Jerry] QUALITY> I think the Q Fax software's gonna be a wash. Unless we
can get the author to finish it...
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Unless someone has some more questions about AW4 or AWGS,
I think it's time for me to move along.
<[Paul] PMP> what about the "Extras" menu, Jerry? :)
<[Jerry] QUALITY> It's a suggestion many have made, Paul
<[Paul] PMP> thought so :) thanks
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Alright! Thank you very much Jerry for your informative
talk!
<[Paul] PMP> Thanks for the info, Jerry. I'll be looking forward to the
new AWGS update!
<[Paul] P.JANETZKE> Thank for the answers Jerry!!
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Thanks for having me, GEna!
<[GEna] A2.GENA> You're welcome, Jerry!
<[Jerry] QUALITY> Randy has done a phenomenal job with AW4. I'M
impressed... and that's not easy. See y'all later.
<[GEna] A2.GENA> Laters, Jerry
<[Auri Man] A.RAHIMZADEH> l8rness Jerry! looking forward to my next II
Alive! :)
<[Paul] PMP> has anyone received the new II Alive yet?
<[Auri Man] A.RAHIMZADEH> not here... can't wait tho! :)
<[Jerry] QUALITY> New II Alive mailed the 7th so it's on the way.
<[Auri Man] A.RAHIMZADEH> awesome!
** <[Jerry] QUALITY> has left.
<A2.GENA> I suppose this concludes the formal part of the meeting :) I'm
going to TRY to get Brian for January - Internetting
[EOA]
[MOO]//////////////////////////////
CowTOONS! /
/////////////////////////////////
Beef Futures
""""""""""""
by Mike White
[MWHITE]
......j.............j.............j.............j.............j........
\\ \\ \\ \\ \\
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| (__) | (__) | (__) | (__) | (__)
//-_(++) //-_(++) //-_(++) //-_(++) //-_(++)
\/ \/ \/ \/ \/
Slaughterhouse Five
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
________________________________________ _
[________________________________________]==[_)
____________________________________________
/ . . . |_(__)
*~\____________________________________________|~(--)
Leather Belts
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Watch for another thunderin' herd of
__ __ Moo Fun from Mike White in the next
) \/ ( issue of GEnieLamp.
> {: _<
/ {: \ If you have an idea for a CowTOON, we
| -- {: -- | /^\ would like to see it. And, if we pick
|____/\____|* |/^\| your CowTOON for publishing in
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we will credit your account with 2
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[EOA]
[DRT]//////////////////////////////
DR'S EXAMINING TABLE /
/////////////////////////////////
Review of TypeSet
"""""""""""""""""
by Darrel Raines
[D.RAINES]
TypeSet
by WestCode Software Inc.
15050 Avenue of Science, Suite 112
San Diego, CA 92128
1-800-448-4250 (orders only)
or 619-487-9200
list price $49.95 (introductory price $29.95)
[*][*][*]
This time, we'll be putting a software package called TypeSet on the
examining table. This program was created by Steve Disbrow and Joe Wankerl
of _GS+ Magazine_ fame, and is distributed by WestCode Software.
TRUETYPE TECHNOLOGY A little over a year ago, many Apple II computer
""""""""""""""""""" users were surprised and pleased to find when
TrueType technology arrived for the Apple IIgs. With the introduction of
Pointless, Apple IIgs owners could use scalable fonts with many most
popular software packages.
TrueType fonts are available from a variety of sources. They only
limitation to the number of typefaces available from Pointless is the disk
space that a person is willing to allow his font collection to eat up.
Once the typeface definition exists and is visible to Pointless, the
software can generate a font in any size (point) that the user wants. You
can probably guess that many people find themselves with more fonts than
they know what to do with.
When WestCode Software updated their Pointless package this year,
they made many significant improvements. Some improvements will allow a
user to have even more typefaces available. The trade-off is that it can
be confusing to find all your typefaces and to remember what they look
like. It is at this point that TypeSet enters the picture.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION TypeSet claims to be a tool that will let you do
""""""""""""""""""" three things:
1) You can see a sample of each typeface in the pull-down Font menu.
2) You can choose which of the typefaces will be available from
pull-down Font menus.
3) You can print four types of reports to a printer or the screen.
TypeSet can be installed using the Apple Computer's Installer program
with scripts written for that specific purpose. The first item that the
installation process requires is the name of the user. The original can
then be copied -- there is no copy protection -- and used to install the
TypeSet program on a hard drive or on your favorite floppy system disks.
You can also simply take the appropriate file (that's right... only one!)
and put it in the System folder of your boot hard drive. If you gather
from this that installation is a snap, then I have described the process
correctly.
The TypeSet software works as a New Desk Accessory (NDA). This type
of program is available under the Apple pull-down menu within any standard
desktop program. From here, the software can set up and change the way
that other software gets information about the Font pull-down menu.
When you select the TypeSet NDA, you are presented with a number of
choices concerning how the Font menu appears under desktop programs. A
button is also available that will take you to the report menu for other
choices. When you have made your selections, the TypeSet NDA can be closed
and put away until the next time that you want to customize the Font menu
look.
Under the title of "Settings" you are given the option of whether or
not you want What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) Font menus. You may
also choose the size of the typefaces displayed. Another nice feature on
this page is the ability to change the keyboard selection sequence to your
own preference.
The main feature of TypeSet is available on the main page. You are
given the opportunity to create and manage typeface "Sets" that can be
selected on the fly. A set consists of any number of typefaces that have
been previously established under Pointless. Any typeface that Pointless
knows about is available; however, you can select which typefaces are shown
as a Font menu selectable item. Any number of sets can be created and the
set membership is available for editing on the first page. When you make a
set active on this page, then only those typefaces are shown on Font
pull-down menus until you change the set.
One of my favorite features of the TypeSet package is the ability to
print typeface reports. Four different reports are available: All
characters, key equivalents, various sizes (same typeface), and line
samples (multiple typefaces). The first three reports are meant to display
important information about any single typeface. The final report is meant
to be used for giving examples of many different typefaces in a small
space. About eight typefaces are shown per page on the line sample report.
These reports can be shown on the screen or sent to the printer using your
favorite print driver. This NDA, in conjunction with Harmonie or
Independence, provides fantastic reports on an HP IIP compatible laser
printer.
PROGRAM PERFORMANCE The first and last thing that hits me about this
""""""""""""""""""" package can be summed up in one word: speed.
TypeSet is too slow. I do not mean just a little pokey; I mean that you
can eat a heavy snack during some of the operations available in TypeSet...
even on my system, which has a 8 MHz Zip card and a RamFast SCSI
controller.
My major reason for buying the software was the promise of the
ability to handle many TrueType typefaces without having to go into
Pointless to change what was available. I wanted to be able to create sets
and use those sets to limit the typefaces shown on my menus.
TypeSet seems to slow down in direct response to the typefaces that
have been defined under Pointless. Therefore, the very reason that I
bought the package turns out to be its weakest point. WestCode indicates
that TypeSet is the perfect solution for managing large typeface selection
situations. I have to disagree.
The problem is not even limited to using the TypeSet NDA. Because
TypeSet is active whenever a desktop program is executing, .some unexpected
delays quickly become apparent. Every time you start a new desktop program
with a Font pull-down menu, TypeSet sets up the list of typefaces that will
appear on that menu. During the initial setup time (i.e. before the menu
titles appear at the top of the page), there is an extended delay while the
Font menus are created. This was an unexpected event! I have put together
some typeface sets that caused the Finder to take an extra two minutes to
start up. (It may be that this is due to slowness of the system software's
List Manager. However, this is only my personal theory.)
Another area that relates to overall speed concerns the Font menu
using WYSIWYG names. It takes a long time to move through the menu in this
mode. This happens because Pointless has to create the typeface on the fly
-- TypeSet's manual even suggests a way to speed this up. You must create
a fixed point size font for each TrueType file that you list on a menu.
This alternative takes up about 10-25 extra blocks for each typeface. It
can take more than 30 seconds to display a 20 item typeface menu.
During testing, TypeSet proved to be unstable; a serious concern. By
this, I mean that I have had the software crash a number of times while
trying to create sets, change sets, create reports or print reports. I
have never had a problem with stability in connection with the WYSIWYG Font
menu. The only pattern that I can glean from my testing indicates that the
more typefaces available from the Pointless setup, the more likely that I
am to crash the system. This "feature", combined with the speed problems
that I have listed, have made for some slow and frustrating evenings using
TypeSet.
My last concern may be related to the system crashing -- I cannot
honestly rule out that possibility; however, it seems to me to be a
different problem: I have had set definitions disappear from one session
to another. I will have created a set that has a few of the typefaces for
use with a particular type of program. Once I go to another desktop
program and reenter TypeSet, the set definition is gone. This tends to
serve as yet another area of frustration.
I do not want to leave this review without listing one of the
outstanding features of this package. The typeface reports are an
outstanding facet of the TypeSet NDA. It is extremely nice to be able to
choose a list of typefaces and have TypeSet print out a group of
professional-looking reports; however, I have found a few areas of
instability in this area also. There have been times -- though relatively
few -- when the system will crash while printing reports. On the whole,
this is the strongest feature of TypeSet in its current state.
RECOMMENDATION I cannot really recommend the purchase of TypeSet at this
"""""""""""""" time. I feel that additional testing is needed to iron
out some of the problems that I experienced. I also think that the program
needs to be significantly speeded up.
The only reason that I would recommend TypeSet at this time is for
its reports feature. However, this is an expensive way to handle that
task. Even when the software is used exclusively for reports, the speed
problems will still be a concern. Most people will want to wait and see
what WestCode Software does to address these problems. With some fixes for
the most serious defects, I should be able to recommend this software at
some point in the future. Until then, I will use Pointless to manage my
typeface selection.
[*][*][*]
Darrel Raines is an electrical engineer who works during
the day as a contractor to NASA building simulations.
During the evenings, he plays with his Apple IIgs computer
and writes articles like this.
[EOA]
[PRO]//////////////////////////////
PROFILES /
/////////////////////////////////
Who's Who In Apple II
"""""""""""""""""""""
By Tara Dillinger
[TARA]
>>> WHO'S WHO? <<<
""""""""""""""""""
~ GEnieLamp Profile: Randy Brandt ~
GEnieLamp> Randy Brandt is the programming wizard behind AppleWorks 4
""""""""" by Quality Computers, and he has his own software company
called JEM Software. He was one of the people that worked on AppleWorks
3.0 and also worked for Beagle Bros.
Well, Randy, let's start from the beginning... where were you born
and where did you grow up?
BRANDT> I was born in Morris, Manitoba and grew up in Kamsack,
"""""" Saskatchewan and Kola, Manitoba. Kola had a population of 80 (7
in my family). Kamsack was [named for] an Indian chief. My parents are
back in Kamsack. I have a sister in Phoenix and the rest are in Canada.
GEnieLamp> What is your educational background?
"""""""""
BRANDT> I have a degree in Sec Ed/English from Christian Heritage College
"""""" in San Diego. Circa 1983.
GEnieLamp> What had you originally planned to do with your life?
"""""""""
BRANDT> End it. Just kidding. I was going to be a scientist.
""""""
GEnieLamp> In what field?
"""""""""
BRANDT> I went to CHC as a Biology major. I dropped that after an "A" in
"""""" Genetics. I loved the theory, but hated the lab work. My virgin
female fruit flies kept multiplying.
GEnieLamp> How and when did you get started with computers?
"""""""""
BRANDT> I started with computers in college. In 1980 my school,
"""""" Christian Heritage College, got an Apple II, and I started
hacking. My first program
was a grading package for my girlfriend Joanna.
She is now my wife and pregnant with kids #4 and 5.
GEnieLamp> That first program must have impressed her, then! :)
"""""""""
BRANDT> Joanna wasn't impressed until I started making some money.
""""""
GEnieLamp> What was your first programming job, and when was that?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Beagle hired me in 1984.
""""""
GEnieLamp> What have you directly worked on for Beagle Bros?
"""""""""
BRANDT> My Beagle products were ProByter (a disk zap package) and
"""""" Extra K, doing docs and a bit of software. Then I wrote Big U,
followed by numerous others from MiniPix to MacroWorks.
GEnieLamp> What was it like to work at Beagle Bros?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Working at Beagle was great, although I was only there a month or
"""""" so, since I actually have worked at home for the last 8.5 years.
It was great at Beagle Bros because Bert Kersey is hilarious and everyone
got along. Bert was always pulling pranks, making phony ads, etc. He's
just a funny person.
His house had a trapdoor-looking pattern at the front door, with a
sign that said "Press doorbell once for trapdoor, twice to ring." At
Hallowe'en he had a battery-powered hand clawing at the window.
GEnieLamp> Who did you work with there?
"""""""""
BRANDT> I worked with Mark de Jong, Mark Simonsen and Alan Bird. Later,
"""""" in the Simonsen era, I worked with Mark Munz, Matt Reimer and
Dan Verkade. We used to get together every Friday for lunch since we all
worked at home.
GEnieLamp> No office to go to?
"""""""""
BRANDT> None of us _wanted_ to go to the office to work.
""""""
GEnieLamp> Tell us about each of your co-workers.
"""""""""
BRANDT> Alan is the genius. He's the only one with as many kids as I
""""""" have. Mark Simonsen is a good guy as well, and a very good
programmer, especially with graphics and printers. Mark de Jong didn't
program as much, but he loved messing with little SuperMacroWorks
programs, and even did a text-based game and paint program. Dan was a good
friend of mine before Beagle days, and I got him hooked up with Beagle.
Matt was a high school student and I met him while subbing his chemistry
class. Years later we found out his grandfather and mine had been buddies
in Canada in the 1930s. All the more amazing is that we met in San Diego.
GEnieLamp> You taught chemistry?
"""""""""
BRANDT> I subbed chemistry. I taught English, Geometry, History, Math
"""""" and Comp Sci.
GEnieLamp> For how long did you teach?
"""""""""
BRANDT> I student-taught a semester, then I taught a year, then I did
"""""" some subbing. Computers were my love and I couldn't land the
comp sci job at my school, so I left.
Rob Renstrom is another Beagle friend. He wrote PowerPrint and TimeOut
Graph and now owns WestCode. John Obberick of WestCode and Jon Simonsen
are also Beagle friends.
GEnieLamp> I didn't realize that an ex-Beagle Bros alumni owns WestCode.
"""""""""
BRANDT> Yes, John and Rob started out at Beagle.
""""""
GEnieLamp> How much were you involved with the AppleWorks 3.0 project for
""""""""" Claris?
BRANDT> AppleWorks 3.0 was developed by Alan Bird, Rob Renstrom and I. I
"""""" did a lot of design and my share of programming.
GEnieLamp> How did Claris approach you guys with this?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Claris contacted Mark and said it was between us and Pinpoint.
"""""" After lengthy acrimonious negotiations, the lawyers made a deal.
GEnieLamp> Was it a difficult project?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Hard to say. It had tough times and easy times, but was weird
"""""" because we were used to doing our own thing. AppleWorks 4 was
easier in that I had complete control, but harder because of the added
responsibility and pressure. However, Claris wasn't paying us much so the
motivation was lower: we got a flat fee. With AppleWorks 4 I get a
royalty. AppleWorks 3.0 is basically the only non-royalty project I've
done since 1985.
GEnieLamp> When did you start your own company?
"""""""""
BRANDT> I started JEM Software before my Beagle days, back in January
"""""" of 1984. My first products included Commodore 64 hardware and
my grading package. I came up with name in college using Joanna's
initials. I told her it might get somewhere someday, but she just laughed.
GEnieLamp> How has having your own company been for you?
"""""""""
BRANDT> JEM has been fun, but I'm really doing everything through
"""""" Quality now, except for one MS-DOS program.
GEnieLamp> So is JEM defunct now?
"""""""""
BRANDT> No, it's been around since 1984, just not very active at the
"""""" moment. To me, I _am_ JEM Software, so everything I do is JEM.
I don't have plans for any JEM-published products at the moment.
GEnieLamp> What are some of the products that you have at JEM Software?
""""""""" Or had?
BRANDT> My MS-DOS package is called the Volunteer Management System.
"""""" Past products included TotalControl, DoubleData, PathFinder, Mr.
Invoice, Late Nite Patches, DB Pix and probably a few I've forgotten.
Outliner and Ultra 4 were originally JEM products. OmniPrint is another.
GEnieLamp> JEM has been doing okay, then?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Well, we've been busy. That doesn't always mean there are
"""""" revenues. However, I'm supporting a big family on Apple II
income.
GEnieLamp> That's pretty amazing in itself! :)
"""""""""
BRANDT> My wife hasn't worked outside of the home since 1985.
""""""
GEnieLamp> Anything that you haven't done that you'd like to try?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Anything I'd like to try? Good question. Skydiving looks
"""""" interesting, but I have 5 kids now... I love playing hockey, so
I'll stick with that. I'd like to travel to Europe someday.
GEnieLamp> Which brings up the next question.... You seem to be a very
""""""""" competitive person. Why is that? Do you think that helps or
hinders you personally and professionally?
BRANDT> I _am_ competitive. I guess part of it is because I was a little
"""""" wimp all my life. I started high school as a 4'11" 85 pounder
who had just turned 13. Now I'm a 5'10" 155 pound brute! :)
I never shied away from the hitting in hockey and football, but I was
always small, wore glasses, and was called "runt" or "professor." Maybe I
decided to make up for it.
I always loved sports, so maybe that made me competitive, or maybe I
loved sports because I'm competitive. Hey, is this a therapy session?
GEnieLamp> What, besides computers and hockey, do you do?
"""""""""
BRANDT> I play church league softball. I play with my kids. I teach an
"""""" adult Sunday School class in my church. I read a lot. I mess
with computers a bit.
GEnieLamp> Fill us in a little on the background of the AppleWorks 4.
""""""""" How were you approached about this?
BRANDT> I wasn't. I approached Joe [Gleason, president of Quality
"""""" Computers].
GEnieLamp> How did that go?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Well, he had approached me to work with Quality, then I proposed
"""""" AppleWorks 4. He liked it. We did it. Claris was a pain, but
they finally came to an agreement.
GEnieLamp> Who else worked with you?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Dan Verkade, the author of ReportWriter and DoubleData. He was
"""""" an accountant when I met him.
GEnieLamp> Do you two have a good working relationship?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Very good. He's one of my best friends. Dan is the nicest guy
"""""" you could meet.
GEnieLamp> Was it a difficult project?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Yes. It still is. But I _liked_ it (old man voice).
""""""
GEnieLamp> How do you like working with Quality Computers vs Claris?
"""""""""
BRANDT> No comparison. Claris was a pain. For example, I put in a
"""""" spelling dictionary option so users could set the location, but
they said that was confusing and made me remove it. Then users accused me
of leaving it out so I could sell SpellCopy (another JEM product).
GEnieLamp> Really?
"""""""""
BRANDT> Really. I had total control of AppleWorks 4 since I was the
"""""" project manager.
GEnieLamp> And you like having total control?
"""""""""
BRANDT> YES. I'M POWER MAD! I HAVE A NAPOLEONIC COMPLEX!!!!
""""""
GEnieLamp> Is the current version of AppleWorks 4 a stable, bug-free
""""""""" program?
BRANDT> AppleWorks 4.0 isn't stable. AppleWorks 4.01 is. Debugging is
""""""" torture! There are bugs in every big piece of software on every
platform. There are a few in 4.01, but nothing too scary yet.
GEnieLamp> What did you use as a development system for AppleWorks 4?
"""""""""
BRANDT> I used a Centris 610 to develop AppleWorks 4. I use MPW with the
"""""" IIgs assembler connected to my IIgs via AppleShare.
GEnieLamp> Can you let us know ordering information and prices for
""""""""" AppleWorks 4?
BRANDT> Call 1-800-777-3642 (810-774-7200 if not in the US/Canada),
"""""" or send your order to Quality Computers, 20200 Nine Mile Rd.,
P.O. Box 665, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080. Prices: $79.95 for an upgrade
from AppleWorks 3.0, $99.95 from AppleWorks 2.x, or $119.95 from 1.x.
GEnieLamp> Are you working on AppleWorks 5?
"""""""""
BRANDT> AppleWorks 5 is not being worked on. It might [be] some day.
""""""
[EOA]
[TEC]//////////////////////////////
TECH TALK /
/////////////////////////////////
Apple II Hybrids
""""""""""""""""
By Jay Curtis
[J.CURTIS8]
>>> THE APPLE II AND MS-DOS <<<
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Gregg Keizer may have said it best in a 1991 inCider/A+ article about
the Macintosh LC: "The best bridge is one you can't see."(1) An ideal
AppleII hybrid would be one that allowed the user simply to stick a
foreign operating system's disk into a disk drive, open the directory and
either perform file maintenance or launch programs by clicking icons or by
highlighting menu items.
Many Apple II owners have discovered that something close to that
ideal is possible on a Apple IIgs equipped with a PC Transporter. Until
recently, owning an Apple IIe or IIgs with Applied Engineering's PCT card
was more like owning two computers inside one box, rather than one
integrated machine. Except for Applied's excellent file transfer utility
-- which runs only on the PC side -- there just wasn't much communication
between the PCT and the Apple II. The advertisements that introduced the
PCT card in 1988 claimed, "With PC Transporter, MS-DOS programs see your
Apple hardware as IBM hardware. You can use the same hardware you have
now."(2) While truthful, many claims made in Applied's ads could be
somewhat misleading. Users have often found that owning a PC Transporter
provided less convenience and integration than they imagined.
To be certain, the PC Transporter can (and did) make use of Apple II
peripherals. For example, users can store MS-DOS files on standard ProDOS
devices and on the PCT's own (MS-DOS) "Transdrives." Similarly, ProDOS
files can be stored on the Transdrives as well. However, both kinds of
data storage are nonstandard, and users have found that these nonstandard
disks cannot be read in disk drives on other machines. Users have also
discovered that MS-DOS files, even those stored on ProDOS devices, were
inaccessible in Apple II mode. Additionally, ProDOS files that had been
stored on the PCT's Transdrives, could only be read in those drives and not
in standard ProDOS drives.
Despite these limitations, a PCT card can also offer certain
advantages. For example, all 768 kilobytes of the PCT's RAM can be made
available to an Apple IIe or IIgs as a RAMdisk in ProDOS mode. With
Applied Engineering's special ProDOS software, the PCT's RAMdisk can be
used as expanded desktop for programs like AppleWorks. Additionally, PCT
users fortunate enough to own a PCT Transdrive system have found that they
can store up to 360K of ProDOS data on a single 5.25 floppy disk, a much
nicer alternative to the 143K available on standard Apple 5.25 floppy
drives.
An Apple IIe equipped with a PCT card and Transdrive system, remains
a formidable tool. Besides it's MS-DOS capability, it has nearly 1MB of
RAM available in ProDOS mode. With the additional disk drive storage
available through the PCT's Transdrives, all of AppleWorks can be run from
a single 5.25 or 720K floppy. Add in Mac file transfer programs for the
Apple II such as HFS Link, plus similar Mac file transfer programs for
MS-DOS (available from GEnie), which will run on the PCT side, and an Apple
IIe shares files with both Macintosh and MS-DOS systems with ease. Today's
Apple IIe, running with AppleWorks 4.0, a PCT card, and MS-DOS 5.0 can keep
up with the best of them.
FILE TRANSFER In recent months, the Apple IIgs has received a major boost
""""""""""""" as a "GS/PC" through the development of GS/OS System
6.0.1's MS-DOS file system translator. To make use of this FST, however,
you need at least one of the following: a Floptical disk drive, a
Superdrive, or a PC Transporter card. With the right equipment, the FST
opens and displays MS-DOS volumes right on the GS desktop in the same way
that it can open and display any standard GS/OS or ProDOS volume.
With the FST, you can copy files from MS-DOS volumes and
subdirectories to ProDOS volumes and subdirectories by dragging and
dropping icons -- in the same way that you can copy files between ProDOS,
GS/OS and HFS volumes. You can also open and display MS-DOS text files on
the GS desktop with utilities like ShadowWrite or Teach, simply by
clicking their icons. You can modify these files like any text file and
save them back to ProDOS. Besides being able to work with standard MS-DOS
diskettes, the FST can also open and display those special PC Transporter
MS-DOS floppy disk volumes that have been created on standard ProDOS
drives.
There are, however, some limitations. Using the FST you cannot, for
example, copy ProDOS files _to_ MS-DOS volumes or delete MS-DOS files from
MS-DOS volumes. The FST is a read-only translator. Additionally, the FST
won't recognize PC Transporter hard drive volumes. The FST does not have
a complete icon set and will not identify most file types under the "Icon
Info" menu bar selection. Blank page icons for unknown file types, text
icons, and directory folders are all that appear to be available.
Fortunately, MS-DOS filename conventions takes care of part of this
problem -- the three-character filename extension can help signal the
contents of a file.
Further refinement is called for. An ideal FST should have its own
set of icons for most of the important MS-DOS file types. COM, BAT, and
EXE, for example, are among those which need their own icons. The FST
should be able to open and display hard drive volumes on the desktop, and
it should be able to perform some basic file maintenance (i.e. copy, move,
delete) upon MS-DOS files. Such an FST should permit both reading and
writing. In view of the fact that Apple has discontinued the Apple IIe
and IIgs including plans for the Ethernet card, it seems most unlikely that
any refinements of the MS-DOS FST will be produced by the Apple II
development team. That task will be left to Apple II enthusiasts who have
the necessary programming skills to finish Apple's work.
If a full read/write desktop FST is ever developed for GS/OS, it seems
probable that the FST will be created as a system extension, NDA, or
separate utility program, rather than being fully integrated into the GS
desktop. Hugh McKay, an Apple II programer who had an MS-DOS copy program
available for the IIgs before Apple's team had released their own FST, is
one likely candidate to write a full set of MS-DOS desktop utilities for
the IIgs. You can download Hugh's MS-DOS file copy program from the GEnie
A2 Library (file #20669: MSDOS12.BXY). Another likely candidate is
Australian Peter Watson. In fact, Watson already has a nearly full set of
MS-DOS utilities which run under GS/OS (file #21414: MSDOSUTILS.BXY).
Watson's utilities were written as a set of integrated executable
files that will run under a GS desktop shell such as ProSEL-16, or under
Watson's own minishell which he has named, appropriately enough,
COMMAND.COM. The utilities use the text screen display rather than the GS
desktop. These 16-bit utilities will not run under ProSel-8 or as 8-bit
ProDOS utilities -- bad news for IIe owners.
Watson's utilities are good news, however, for PCT-equipped AppleIIgs
owners. The utility's shell program can be launched from the GS desktop
like any ProDOS system file. The utilities can poll all IIgs devices
online, searching for MS-DOS capable volumes. They can display files in
_any_ MS-DOS volume, including PC Transporter hard drive volumes. Watson's
command-line display is nearly identical to the MS-DOS command line
display. When the directory command "MDIR" is typed, the standard MS-DOS
header with MS-DOS drive designation, serial number, and directory are
displayed first, followed by a list of files for the directory by file name
and attribute, number of bytes, date and time -- just like MS-DOS. The
only difference for diehard MS-DOS users is that the Apple II's standard
text screen characters do not greatly resemble the funky MS-DOS font.
The program's command-line syntax is a bit difficult for the beginner,
but online help is available for all commands. The user has a definite
sense that this is a transitional interface between MS-DOS and ProDOS. The
syntax is MS-DOS-_like_ syntax. Command capabilities include format, copy,
delete, directory display, rename and type. The most obvious advantage to
this program is that the user has considerable control over MS-DOS volumes
and files without leaving ProDOS. The program offers more control than
that given by the GS/OS FST.
Watson claims that he wants to add "make directory" and "remove
directory" commands plus an "undelete" command and a "read-only version"
of FDISK, which would provide hard disk partition information. He also
says, "I want to make this a full desktop interface program -- Real Soon
Now!" As they stand right now, the utilities are solid and, at $15 for the
shareware fee, they are a real bargain.
PROGRAM LAUNCHING Applied Engineering improved on its software for the
""""""""""""""""" PC Transporter since its introduction. One upgrade
provided a BASIC utility called PC.LAUNCHER. This utility creates task
files that allow the user to directly launch any MS-DOS program from GS/OS
or ProDOS. On the Apple II side, each task file can be given names like
"DBase.IV," "MicroSoft.Works" "ProCOMM.Plus," or whatever applies. The
user simply double clicks icons for each of these files in GS/OS and the
corresponding MS-DOS programs are launched. The task files can be
installed anywhere on your hard drive, or you can create aliases of them
under 6.0.1 and place them in a launching menu right alongside ProDOS or
GS/OS applications.
Apple IIe users with PCTs are also able to take advantage of this
launching capability. Because the task files are ProDOS files, they can
be run from any 8-bit ProDOS launcher or desktop management program, such
as Byrd's Better Bye, Sneeze, or Copy II+. MS-DOS programs are launched
like any ProDOS program, by simply highlighting the selected file and
hitting <Return>. Because I use both AppleWorks classic and Microsoft
Works, I have Applied Engineering's MS-DOS File Translation program patched
to my AppleWorks TimeOut Program Selector with a PC.LAUNCHER task file.
This allows me to access the PCT's file translation program from within
AppleWorks, translate files directly into AppleWorks format from MS-DOS,
and then return directly to AppleWorks and call up the files. Of course,
I can also move things the other way (from AppleWorks to Microsoft Works)
when needed.
Launching an MS-DOS program occurs almost as smoothly as launching an
8-bit ProDOS program from GS/OS. The only difference is that (in contrast
to the GS's "One moment please...") the "PC Transporter" announcement
screen is flashed briefly on the screen, and then the traditional DOS
memory counter runs before the selected program itself is run. If you're
running MS-DOS from a hard drive with RamFAST interface, the time to load
MS-DOS is, subjectively, little more than it takes to run a ProDOS session
from GS/OS. If you're booting into MS-DOS from other devices (such as a
3.5" disk, much slower than the average hard drive), the wait will be
longer. Through use of another executable file on the MS-DOS side of
things, PCT.QUIT, it is also possible to quit back to the IIgs or IIe
desktop by simply typing BYE at the MS-DOS prompt.
While running MS-DOS, IIgs users will especially like the fact that
the IIgs control panel and all Classic Desk Accessories are always
available during an MS-DOS session, just as they are in GS/OS. Therefore,
the IIgs can take advantage of a kind of multi-processing, a capability
which Applied Engineering has taken special pains to insure in newer
versions of its PCT software. One particularly useful application of this
capability may be that it allows users immediate access to ProDOS
directories through any CDA file utility while an MS-DOS program is
running.
CONCLUSION As for the ideal Apple II hybrid posited at the beginning of
"""""""""" this month's article -- one that would allow any disk to be
inserted in a drive and then be available for copying files or launching
programs -- it seems to this writer that the evidence is now in. An Apple
IIgs with a PCT and/or a drive like a Floptical or SuperDrive is probably
the best integrated hybrid that you are likely to see, short of the
development of a PowerPC with an Apple II personality some time in the
future.
Next month we'll talk more about the kinds of disk drives that are
necessary for good integration in an Apple II/PC hybrid and about how the
PC Transporter does its work within an Apple II. We'll also talk about
low-level disk formatting or encoding schemes like MFM and GCR, something a
potential hybrid owner/user really needs to know about for successful use
of their machine. Until then, think hybrid!
NOTES
"""""
(1) Keizer, Gregg. "The MAC LC's Split Personality." inCider/A+.
July 1991. p. 26.
(2) Applied Engineering advertisement. inCider. August 1988. p. 46.
[EOA]
[WWU]//////////////////////////////
WWUG NEWSLETTER /
/////////////////////////////////
January 1994 Report
"""""""""""""""""""
By GEna Saikin
[A2.GENA]
INTRODUCTION The World Wide User Group (WWUG) was the brainchild of
"""""""""""" Lunatic E'Sex, conceived in a dorm room at KansasFest '93,
and nurtered down through the months, until we had our very first meeting
in October, 1993!
We have discovered that it is at times difficult to find local support
for the Apple II's, and so have created an online user group meeting, being
held once per month (the 3rd Sunday of every month) at 4 p.m. eastern time
in the Apple II Real Time Conference (RTC) center - page 645;2.
NEWS FROM APPLEDOM There are several new programs that are out or are
"""""""""""""""""" coming out very soon in the world of Apple II:
Spectrum has been a long-awaited desktop communications program, and
will be very handy for those who use the Manager and HardPressed on a
regular basis...it should be shipping very, very soon...
ANSITerm 2.1 has just started shipping. It's an update to Paul
Parkhurst's ANSITerm 2.0 with a lot of added features.
And, of course, the long-awaited update to the very popular AppleWorks
3.0, Appleworks 4.0 is now shipping. December's meeting featured Jerry
Kindall who told us all about AW4.0, and the cool updates it has!
DECEMBER'S FEATURE Jerry Kindall of Quality Computers was our featured
"""""""""""""""""" guest at the December meeting of the WWUG. He gave
us a very thorough look-see at AW4.0 - and told us of it's many new
features. I'll give you a brief outline here.
AW4.0 incorporates many of the time-outs that now have to be manually
patched into AW3.0, including TotalControl, which gives you the ability to
pull data from several databases and/or spreadsheets for a report. Time-
Out Paint and Time-Out Filemaster are two more TO's that have been
incorporated into the AW4.0 package. These TO features will be accessed
from the "Other" menu rather than the open-apple-control-escape method used
now.
Most of the external Time-Out features will be compatible with AW4.0,
and some that are not, will be able to be updated by the included Updater.
The rest will soon be made compatible.
There is also the added feature that allows you to use formulas in
databases, and will increase the number of categories to 60, up from the 30
now. This is a very handy tool for those who must use databases, in lieu
of spreadhseets for number-crunching, particularly if they have to pull out
specific peoples, places or things...when making a final report!
Another neat feature will be in the Word Processor. It's called
Glossary, and will allow you to merge letters individually from any
database of names/addresses...rather than having to tweak the database,
when you want to send only one or two letters out, as you do now!
Jerry also told us that an update to AppleWorks GS was in the offing.
For ordering AW4.0, here are the prices:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Update from 3.0 $79.95
Update from 2.0 $99.95
Original $179.95
NEWS FROM THE A2 LIBRARY There are several excellent files in the
"""""""""""""""""""""""" library that I'll recap here, but there are
thousands of files available...and all are good!
File #21778 is the December DOM - loaded with goodies.
File #21740 is called AutoTrash - wherein your trash will automatically
be dumped, when you drag it into the trashcan. No more having to hit
OA-T to do that! But, be careful!
File #21728 File Passage - a great little GS utility program.
File #11631 BGSound - plays music in the background - even in 8-
bit programs (like ProTERM), as it is a CDA
NEWS FROM A2 What's new? New files, new faces and much valuable
"""""""""""" information for the users of Apple II's! We are the best
online support for Apple II's of all the commercial online services! Come
visit us - we're on page 645 and have a bulletin board chock full of
informative stuff, a library with over 21,000 files, and nightly RTC's for
you to come in and either just talk or ask questions about any problems
you're having. See ya there!
[EOA]
[AII]//////////////////////////////
APPLE II /
/////////////////////////////////
Apple II History, Part 19a
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Steven Weyhrich
[S.WEYHRICH]
>>> APPLE II HISTORY <<<
""""""""""""""""""""""""
Compiled and written by Steven Weyhrich
(C) Copyright 1993, Zonker Software
(PART 19a -- APPLEWORKS)
[v1.3 :: 10 Dec 93]
INTRODUCTION With all the news recently about the latest version of
"""""""""""" AppleWorks, it seems appropriate to reach the part of the
History that deals with this long-lived and popular program. In this part
we will deal with the earlier incarnations of the program, and discuss some
of the enhancements made to it in the past.
APPLEWORKS There is one program in the Apple II world that has not only
"""""""""" showed amazing staying power in a world where this year's
software hit is next year's yawn, but has also gone on to spawn a number
of software companies and magazines that do nothing but sell products for
it. That program is AppleWorks. Originally released in 1984 by Apple
Computer, it has gone on to become one of the best selling computer
programs of all time, on ANY computer. Although few seem to mention the
influence it has had, it is evident in the number of computer programs that
have come out for the IBM and Macintosh that have the "Works" name on them
(Microsoft Works, ClarisWorks, Beagle Works, and others). AppleWorks was
one of the first "integrated" software packages, preceded on the Apple II
only by The Incredible Jack (published by Business Solutions in 1983; this
program ran under DOS 3.3). It put modules that performed word processing,
database management, and spreadsheet calculations into a single
environment, using similar commands in each module. Previous software
programs specialized for each of those jobs had their own unique keyboard
commands that were often very different from each other. If you went from
Apple Writer to VisiCalc, or from VisiCalc to DB Master, you had to learn a
completely different method of controlling the program. Furthermore, the
data files created by those programs were usually not compatible with each
other, making it difficult and awkward to move information directly from
one program to another. AppleWorks not only created a continuity between
these modules, but went a step beyond in allowing them to share data with
each other via a space of memory called a "clipboard". This clipboard was
part of a larger memory area called a "desktop", which could hold data for
up to twelve different files at the same time, which made data sharing even
more convenient.
AppleWorks was written by Rupert Lissner (who later changed his first
name to "Robert".<1>) Its earliest incarnation was in another product
sold by Apple, called QuickFile. QuickFile was an Apple III database
program written in Pascal. It was flexible and easy to use, and Apple
agreed to market it for Lissner in 1980. It was later translated into a
version for the Apple IIe (also in Pascal) called QuickFile IIe. As a
database program it was flexible and powerful, but somewhat slow due to the
inherent limitations of the UCSD Pascal system that Apple favored at the
time.
After seeing the Office System on the Lisa computer, Lissner
conceived the idea of a single program that would put word processing,
database, and spreadsheet capabilities together, and run on an Apple II.
It was originally called "Apple Pie", and he began work on it in 1982.
Lissner took two years to complete his program, and did it entirely in
assembly language to achieve better speed. He wrote versions of the
program to work on both the Apple II and Apple III computers, making use of
the same filetypes and data structures. Apple Pie files created on an
Apple II could be used on an Apple III, and vice-versa.
Apple decided to market the Apple II version themselves, and called it
"AppleWorks". Lissner was left with the rights to the Apple III version.
He sold those rights to Haba Systems, who brought it out under the name,
"/// E-Z Pieces". That program continued to be compatible with the
AppleII version up until Claris (the software company formed by Apple in
1987) upgraded the Apple II AppleWorks to version 3.0 in 1989.
A STAR IS BORN When it was finally released, AppleWorks was one of the
"""""""""""""" most comprehensive programs ever written for the Apple II.
Although neither of the three modules were significantly more powerful than
other standalone programs, they had enough power for the average computer
user to do what was needed. The memory management system was the extremely
flexible, eventually being able to handle not only the basic 128K on a IIe
or IIc, but also several different types of memory cards used on those
computers and on the IIgs. Far larger than the memory of the 64K Apple IIe
on which it would run (as a minimum memory configuration), the program was
smart enough to swap in or out from disk the parts it needed to carry out
its various functions. Considering that it would run on a computer whose
microprocessor could address only 64K of memory at one time, the power
achieved by this program is remarkable. There are few other software
packages ever released that have as smoothly and seamlessly made up to two
megabytes of memory on an 8-bit computer appear to be one contiguous space.
AppleWorks' user interface was designed with menu bars, rather than
the older command line interface (such as the one used in Applesoft,
Integer BASIC, and the Monitor). Apple's own researchers had put human
subjects in front of a computer keyboard to learn what was easiest to use.
They designed an interface that was based on using arrow keys to move a
cursor (or "bar") to different choices in a list, and then using the return
key to make the selection. They also came up with the concept of the
"desktop" (represented in text rather than in graphics as on the Lisa and
Macintosh), and a "clipboard" for transferring data between files. Apple
shared this information with Lissner, and he went on to use it in his
program design.<2>
APPLE'S "PROMOTION" OF APPLEWORKS The marketing decisions made concerning
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" AppleWorks have not been very clear to
the outside observer over the years. At the time that AppleWorks was ready
for release there was a considerable amount of company money and time being
spent in trying to make the Macintosh sell in the computer marketplace.
Those who had the most influence at Apple were not very interested in a
"simple" text-based program, when the Mac and its graphic interface was the
"cutting edge" in technology. Those people believed that the Mac
represented the future of Apple, and were not interested in wasting time
with old Apple II technology in any form.
Another problem was Apple's past record in selling software. Tom
Weishaar made these comments in the November 1987 issue of Open-Apple:
"...Apple was trying very hard to get the big MS-DOS developers to work
with the Macintosh. One of the reasons these developers gave for their
reluctance to work on the Mac was their fear that Apple itself would
compete with them -- Apple, obviously, had tremendous advantages in terms
of distribution and access to inside information. Apple had a reputation
for developing applications software for its machines that would kill the
market for similar software -- Apple Writer (which was at the top of the
Apple II software charts at the time) and a complete set of applications
software for the Lisa being major examples. Powerful voices inside Apple
wanted the company to get out of the applications software business."<3>
However, despite the concern about Apple selling AppleWorks, the
decision was eventually made.
"Apple's punishment for its indiscretion was immediate -- within six weeks
its illegitimate child sat at the top of the Apple II best-seller list.
AppleWorks achieved this without the benefits of a mother's love -- it
succeeded in spite of, not because of, Apple's meager marketing efforts in
its behalf. Since AppleWorks was released, for example, Apple has run 26
pages of ads in A+ magazine. The word 'AppleWorks' appears in those ads
exactly zero times. Four of the ads show screen shots of AppleWorks ...
the Apple IIgs ad in the September 1987 A+ [shows a screen shot of]
AppleWorks ... in the gutter between the pages and is the only one of the
23 programs shown that isn't mentioned by name. This is typical of the
treatment Apple's bastard child gets from its mother. [Del] Yocam,
[Apple's Executive Vice-President in 1987], didn't mention it or Lissner in
his birthday speech [at the 1987 AppleFest, celebrating the tenth
anniversary of the Apple II], and John Sculley, Apple's president, doesn't
mention it or Lissner in his ... book, Odyssey."<3>
When it first appeared on the market, AppleWorks STARTED at number 2
on Softalk's top thirty list. It moved to the number one spot in Apple
sales by the following month, and stayed there for a LONG time. By the end
of 1984, AppleWorks had moved into the number one spot in monthly retail
software sales for ALL computers, overtaking the MS-DOS best-seller Lotus
1-2-3 (a spreadsheet program with graphics and rudimentary word processing
capabilities). Some reports estimate that it was selling thirty to forty
thousand copies per month at one time.<10> But since it was not their
beloved Macintosh that put an Apple program into first place, corporate
Apple ignored the milestone. Since that time, though no longer in first
place, AppleWorks has continued to do very well, despite an absence of
advertising on the part of Apple, and minimal advertising on the part of
Claris.<3>
APPLEWORKS REVISIONS The first change to AppleWorks came with the
"""""""""""""""""""" released of version 1.1 in 1985, which was a
modification to help overcome problems with non-Apple printers and
interface cards. Later that year version 1.2 came out with the ability to
use more easily even more of this non-Apple hardware. Both relatively
minor updates were made available free of charge to existing owners of the
program.
Version 1.3 of AppleWorks came out in early 1986 for a $20 update fee.
It provided a bit more functionality for those users who had larger
capacity disk drives. Specifically, it better supported the new UniDisk
3.5 for file storage and made it possible to format disks on that device.
Previous versions could load files from 3.5 disks only by specifying the
ProDOS pathname; version 1.3 could access these disks with the more
familiar slot and drive numbers. Also, since Apple now sold a large memory
card which would plug into any free slot on the Apple IIe, this new version
of AppleWorks could expand the size of the desktop to as much as 1,012K. By
this time, Applied Engineering and other companies had already been doing
quite well selling RAM cards for the auxiliary slot on the IIe, and had
also included special software that patched previous AppleWorks versions to
allow a larger desktop. They went further than Apple, however, in also
allowing larger word processing and database files to be created.<4>
Up through the release of AppleWorks 1.3, the only changes that had
been made were bug fixes and enhancements to work better with new hardware.
In September 1986, along with announcements about the new Apple IIgs, Apple
released version 2.0 of AppleWorks. It now required a minimum of 128K
(previous versions would work with 64K, but allowed only a 10K desktop). In
exchange for the greater memory requirements, it gave users a built-in
ability to do mail merge, added more functions to the spreadsheet, and
supported Apple memory cards even better than v1.3. Furthermore, word
processing, database, and spreadsheet files could be larger than in
previous versions. Existing users were able to upgrade to v2.0 for $50,
which included a completely new manual, a very reasonable price considering
the extra abilities of this new version.<5>
July 1987 saw one change that had an impact on future distribution of
AppleWorks. Apple decided to create a separate company, named "Claris", to
handle some of the popular software that they had released for their
AppleII and Macintosh computers over the years. As mentioned above,
products released by Apple had a tendency to be the "kiss of death" for
third-party companies trying to market similar programs. For example,
after the outstanding success of AppleWorks, virtually NO text-based work
processors released for the Apple II made much of an impact on the market.
Claris had the responsibility of handling AppleWorks, Apple Writer, and the
various Macintosh programs that had been available from Apple for that
computer.
Claris has publicized AppleWorks via only three major ads since they
took the product over from Apple (as mentioned above, however, AppleWorks
had previously received NO advertising space). Their first promotion, run
in 1987, stated that AppleWorks 2.0 had received a unique upgrade -- its
own company. This was primarily a plug for Claris, of course. The second
ad was rather clever. This one had a white background with a red sports
car up on blocks with its wheels missing. The caption read, "There are
still some Apple II users who don't have AppleWorks", suggesting that
working without that program was like owning a sports car without wheels.
Beagle Bros did an even more clever followup to that ad, by using another
double-page spread with a white background, and four tires in the same
location as the blocks in Claris' ad. Their ad read, "There are still some
AppleWorks users who don't have TimeOut", suggesting that the sports car in
the Claris ad was AppleWorks, and TimeOut was the wheels for that car. The
third promotion run by Claris for the program was to announce the v3.0
upgrade in 1989. This one showed an old worn tennis shoe (representing the
old version) and a new running show (representing the new version).
A free update of AppleWorks to version 2.1 was released by Claris in
September 1988. It provided IIgs users some bug fixes that made it work
better on that computer, plus it was supposed to support a desktop as big
as eight megabytes, if that much memory was installed. However, because of
the way in which desktop memory in AppleWorks was handled, this turned out
instead to be a maximum of two megabytes. No further functionality was
added to AppleWorks at that time.
APPLEWORKS 3.0 In 1988, while Claris was issuing its minor update to
"""""""""""""" AppleWorks, they were making plans to do some major
improvements to the program. Since they primarily had Macintosh
programmers working for them, they first asked Robert Lissner, the original
author. He wasn't much interested, since he had already made good money
off the program and didn't really have the motivation for such a major
project. Claris then decided to turn to a third-party company to do the
work for their project, which was given the code-name "Spike". There were
planning to hire a company named Pinpoint Publishing to do the work.
Pinpoint was selling an enhancement package for AppleWorks that gave users
some features that MS-DOS users had available on their computers (a
"pop-up" calendar, terminal program, and other modules), and seemed to be
making a major effort to promote their product and stimulate more sales of
AppleWorks. By this time, however, Pinpoint was financially getting into
trouble, with sales of their products (AppleWorks-related and otherwise)
below what was needed to support the large user support network they had
set up. Consequently, they were eager for the chance to contract out to
Claris for the AppleWorks upgrade. However, they planned to make very
minimal changes to it, staying exclusively within Claris' specifications.
During this time, Claris kept hearing from AppleWorks users who were
much more loyal to Beagle Bros, who had a series of products called
TimeOut. These products worked in a fashion similar to those from
Pinpoint. After some complicated negotiations that nearly fell through
several times, Beagle finally took on the job to do the AppleWorks project
for Claris. Beagle programmers Alan Bird, Randy Brandt and Rob Renstrom
worked on it for almost a year, in between a few other projects that were
going on at the same time. They did their work on Macintosh II computers
running the MPW (Macintosh Programmer's Workshop) cross-assembler,
primarily for the sake of speed.<6> As enthusiastic Apple II programmers
who also knew AppleWorks inside and out, Beagle's team added a lot of power
Claris had not planned on in their original specifications. Occasionally
they called on Lissner for help in understanding why certain parts of the
code were written as they were, but all of the work came from these "Beagle
Boys". Viewing it almost as a labor of love, they went beyond what they
were asked to do, and enjoyed making AppleWorks into a program that they
would want to use. Randy Brandt stated, "I think it's safe to say the
AppleWorks 3.0 project yielded the worst hourly rate I've ever made in
AppleWorks-related programming, but it did give me a lot of insight which
came in handy on future projects."<7> Additionally, they fixed over one
known hundred bugs in AppleWorks 2.1.<8>
In June 1989, Claris announced the AppleWorks 3.0 upgrade at the
National Educational Computing Conference in Boston. The features that
were added or improved are too numerous to describe here; in brief, it
added nearly all the things users had wanted the program to do. It was
easier to use, it took better advantage of extra memory (going beyond the
two meg limit on the IIgs), and it was easier to customize special printers
to work with it. And it included a new feature that was becoming standard
in many commercial word processors: A built-in spelling checker. Because
of these extra features, the maximum desktop size on a standard 128K
AppleII was now reduced to about 40K (down from the original 55K). Also,
the program now loaded from TWO double-sided 5.25 disks (or a single 3.5
disk), instead of the previous one double-sided 5.25 disk.
Apple had for years included registration cards with their products,
both hardware and software, to identify the user in Apple's files as an
owner of that product. Unfortunately, although they had done a good job at
including those cards with everything they shipped out, they had done a
somewhat less satisfactory job of actually compiling the data from those
cards. Consequently, Claris really had no available information about who
was and who was not a "registered" owner of AppleWorks. They decided that
they would make an initial upgrade offer of $79 for customers that owned
ANY previous version of AppleWorks (from v1.0 to v2.1), and through
A2-Central magazine they even made available a special $99 offer: An
A2-Central subscriber could get the program from Claris for that price,
even if he could not prove previous ownership of AppleWorks.<9> Later,
owners of previous versions could still upgrade for $99 if they wanted.
Since that time, unhappily, Claris has concentrated exclusively on
Macintosh products and apparently has no plans for further updates or
upgrades to AppleWorks. This was unfortunate, since there were several
known bugs in the program, and Beagle Bros programmer Mark Munz eventually
decided to release his own AppleWorks bug-patcher program into the public
domain to correct these known problems. Rather than take the hint and make
a v3.1 release to officially acknowledge and correct these problems,
Claris' policy was to simply wait until a customer complained about them
and then to direct them to Mark's Patcher program.
ENHANCEMENTS: PINPOINT AppleWorks has been such a major influence in the
"""""""""""""""""""""" Apple II world that the program has itself spawned
a number of related products that act to enhance or expand its usability
for different purposes. This is a reflection on the widespread penetration
of the program, as well as the desire of Apple II users for more and better
features.
One of the first customization features that appeared for AppleWorks
was from Pinpoint Publishing. They had originally been called Virtual
Combinatics, and had sold a program for the Apple II called Micro Cookbook.
Suddenly in 1985 they burst upon the market with a new name and a
significant new product. Their Pinpoint Desk Accessories was primarily an
enhancement for AppleWorks, though it was also possible to install its
features for use under Applesoft, and eventually Apple Writer and Word
Perfect. Taking after the popularity of "pop-up desktop" programs for the
IBM PC like Sidekick, Pinpoint added some similar features to AppleWorks.
These features were available at any time, simply by pressing solid-apple
and P (option-P on the IIgs). At this point a little "Accessories" menu
would pop-up onto the screen, drawn using MouseText characters, and the
desired feature was selected by moving the cursor bar up and down the list,
pressing RETURN for the one you wanted (working just like AppleWorks). The
accessories included Appointment Calendar; Calculator; Communications (a
small terminal program for use with a modem, which could send AppleWorks
word processing files or save incoming text as a WP file); Dialer (just
highlight on the screen the number you wanted to call, and it would be
dialed for you via the modem); GraphMerge (which allowed you to print a
word processing document with all or part of a double hi-res picture
included with the text); Notepad (a miniature word processor, holding up to
32 lines of text and saving notes in AppleWorks WP format); QuickLabel
(take an address off the screen and place it on an envelope template for
printing); and Typewriter (type and print lines one at a time). This was
all very exciting at the time, multiplying the abilities of AppleWorks
beyond what it was built to do. Because of disk-space requirements this
was more convenient to use from a 3.5 disk or hard disk, but actually could
be used from 5.25 disks without TOO much trouble. Eventually a spelling
checker was also made available to use with Pinpoint.
[*][*][*]
NEXT INSTALLMENT: Magazines
""""""""""""""""
NOTES
"""""
<1> Weishaar, Tom. "Miscellanea", OPEN-APPLE, Nov 1986, p. 2.74.
<2> Williams, Warren, and Carlton, Steve. "AppleWorks", THE APPLE II
GUIDE, Fall 1990, pp. 36-45.
<3> Weishaar, Tom. "Reality And Apple's Vision", OPEN-APPLE, Nov
1987, pp. 3.73-3.74.
<4> Weishaar, Tom. "Does Your Mother Love You?", OPEN-APPLE, Jan
1986, p. 1.97.
<5> Weishaar, Tom. "New $999 Apple IIgs Arrives", OPEN-APPLE, Oct
1986, pp. 2.65-2.67.
<6> Deatherage, Matt. "Who's Who In Apple II", GENIE LAMP, Aug 1992.
<7> Brandt, Randy. (personal mail), GEnie, E-MAIL, Jul 1991.
<8> Brandt, Randy. GEnie, A2 ROUNDTABLE, Jun 1992, Category 13, Topic
16.
<9> Weishaar, Tom. "AppleWorks 3.0 A Blockbuster", A2-CENTRAL, Jul
1989, pp. 5.41-5.46.
<10> Brandt, Randy. "Enhancing AppleWorks" (video tape), Jul 1993,
Quality Computers.
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