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ZIP Magazine Volume 3 Issue 5
Ú-----------------------------------------------------------¿
| É------------------» |
| ±±±±±±±±± Editors: | Volume 3 Issue 5 | |
| ±± Ron Alcorn | September 1990 | |
| ±± W.H. Lambdin È------------------¼ |
| ±± |
| ±±± Heres A Peek At What's Inside! |
| ±± ------------------------------- |
| ±± |
| ±± MAGIC OF RE-DIRECTION 8 |
| ±±±±±±±±± |
| VIEW FROM ZIPPOLOS 10 |
| ±±±±±±±±±± |
| ±± INTERVIEW WITH GORDON HAFF 15 |
| ±± |
| ±± HAYES V-SERIES ULTRA 29 |
| ±± |
| ±± HIPZIP 32 |
| ±± |
| ±± PRNTGAL 24 36 |
| ±±±±±±±±±± |
| WWIV 4.11 39 |
| ±±±±±±±±± |
| ±± ±± PROGRAMMING CONTEST 45 |
| ±± ±± |
| ±± ±± |
| ±±±±±±±±± |
| ±± |
| ±± Ú¿ Ú-¿ Ú-¿ Ú-¿ Ú-¿ -Â- ¿  Ú-¿ |
| ±± | | Ã-´ | ¿ Ã-´ / | |À¿| Ã- |
| ±± Á Á Á Á À-Ù Á Á À-Ù -Á- Á ÀÁ À-Ù |
| ----------------------------------- |
| "For Home MS-DOS users" |
| |
| /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ |
| \ "Be sure to read every section in all issues!" / |
| / We hope you enjoy this issue a lot. Thank you! \ |
| \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ |
| ------------------------------------------------------- |
| Up coming reviews... |
| |
| We will continue to see what the Intelec conferenes |
| offer us. So far they have done more than we could |
| of ever hoped for. Thanks to the Intelec conferece! |
| |
| É-------------------------------------------------------» |
| | ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ A T T E N T I O N ® ® ® ® ® ® ® | |
| Ç-------------------------------------------------------¶ |
| | ZIP BBS supports the HST/V.32 standard at 9600 baud! | |
| | Call (606) 878-9500 from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M. [EST] | |
| | SnapShot Express supports the V-Series/V.32 standard | |
| | at 9600! Call in at (606) 843-9032 24 hours a day. | |
| È-------------------------------------------------------¼ |
À-----------------------------------------------------------Ù
É-----------------------------------------------------------»
| |
| TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| |
| VOLUME 3 ISSUE 5 |
| |
Ì-----------------------------------------------------------¹
| |
| EDITORS CORNER .................................. page 3 |
| FEEDBACK ........................................ page 4 |
| NEWS ............................................ page 6 |
| THE MAGIC OF RE-DIRECTION ....................... page 8 |
| VIEW FROM ZIPPOLOS .............................. page 10 |
| NOW VS THEN ..................................... page 14 |
| INTERVIEW WITH GORDON HAFF ...................... page 15 |
| QUESTIONS FOR ZIP EDITORS ....................... page 19 |
| FLOPPY DISK INFO ................................ page 21 |
| BBS GODS ........................................ page 27 |
| HAYES V-SERIES ULTRA SMARTMODEM 9600 ............ page 29 |
| HIPZIP .......................................... page 32 |
| LZEXE VS OTHER EXE COMPRESSORS .................. page 34 |
| PRNTGAL24 ....................................... page 36 |
| WWIV 4.11 ....................................... page 39 |
| TMODEM 1.01 ..................................... page 42 |
| PROGRAMMERS CHALLENGE ........................... page 45 |
| PROGRAMMING CONTEST ............................. page 45 |
| QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ........................... page 47 |
| BBS LISTING ..................................... page 49 |
| USERS GROUPS .................................... page 52 |
| ZIP INFO ........................................ page 53 |
| |
È-----------------------------------------------------------¼
þþ EDITORS CORNER þþ
The ZIP Magazine conference is going fairly well. If you call
BBS's that support conferences from Intelec. Ask your sysop
to pick up the ZIP Magazine conference.
Kerry L. Lord has written another article for ZIP Magazine.
It has virtually anything you would want to know about
diskettes.
ZIP Magazine has a new circulation manager, and a new
associate editor. ZIP Magazine's new friend is Patrick Grote.
If you have access to the Intelec network, leave him a
message in either the ShareWare conference, or the ZIP
Magazine conference.
Dennis Roberts wrote an article called BBS GODS, and it has a
bit of foul language. If you would be offended by the
language, please skip over that article. I inserted a
disclaimer before the article; to remind you, and I have
modified the ZIP Info department saying that foul language
will be deleted.
Ron Alcorn has written another ZIP Magazine utility
(CONVERT.EXE). This strips out the IBM graphic characters in
ZIP Magazine. You need this program if you print ZIP
Magazine on a printer that doesn't support the IBM graphic
characters.
þþ FEEDBACK þþ
ZIP Magazine is the best. I like the way it is laid out, with
margins, and page numbers. Kevin Dunman.
Aren't you a little unorthodox? You distribute a paperless
magazine, but yet you format it to be printed. Why? Lorin
McCowan.
EDITORS NOTE: Yes, it may seem a little strange, but we set
up the margins, and page break's with page numbers to add a
little style to ZIP. Several people commented that they print
each issue so they may read a hard copy. That is why we kept
this format. It would save us a bit of work by removing that
part of the workload, but our readers are more important than
two or three extra hours of work. W.H. Lambdin
Keep up the great mag! I like seeing a magazine geared toward
the novice-intermediate computer user. I have often been
referred to as a 'guru', but I still enjoy the simple
language and articles in ZIP! Charles Baldridge
Thank you very much for publishing ZIP. I have been reading
ZIP for quite some time. I feel that ZIP is absolutely
perfect! Henry D. James
ZIP Magazine is one of the best available. The articles
written so that an average computer user can understand them!
Patrick Grote
Thank goodness! Someone finally woke up, and started
supporting beginning computer users. ZIP is perfect! Tom
Meade.
I *LOVED* the article by Chip Staley concerning ASI. If you
can pass on a compliment, please do. It took a lot of effort
to state his point effectively without blowing up. I have
noticed ZIP Magazine is good at bringing you stories without
emotion when not needed. Patrick Grote
I have uploaded ZIP around the country. A local BBS here in
STL, that caters to a private gathering, dissected your
magazine and basically here is what they found:
* The magazine is written very well. The average
user knows what is going on, but the technical
user will not be bored.
* The punctuation, especially the 's, was horrible.
* The grammar was atrocious.
* The style, margins and columns, was great!
* The length was perfect, although they felt it
could be longer without impacting much.
* They really loved the diversity of articles.
I let them know that individual authors are responsible for
the grammar and spelling of their articles. Patrick Grote
We at ZIP Magazine received a letter from Dennis J. Tuchler.
He was complaining about bad grammar in ZIP Magazine. I would
enclose the complete letter here, but I don't feel like
typing in a page of text. Besides this issue is already late.
Apparently the 's I use to notate plurals is causing him some
grief.
Letters like this frustrates me. I mean, ZIP Magazine is a
free publication. Neither Ron Alcorn or myself claimed to be
professional writers, and we sure aren't english teachers.
We try to support the home users because 95 to 99 % of the
professional magazines cater to business. We support the home
users because we are home users. If a magazine truly
supported the home users, we wouldn't be here.
Whatever happened to the saying "If you can't say anything
nice, don't say anything"?
If a person has an idea to improve ZIP Magazine, we would
love to hear about it.
------------------------------------------------------------
EDITORS COMMENT: Steve Watson asked me if there was a BBS
door to view ZIP Magazine with. I placed his request in the
ZIP Magazine conference. Two day's later I picked up my mail
packet. This comment was in it. I hope this help's WildCat,
and PC-Board sysop's. W.H. Lambdin
If Wildcat can use PC Board Doors, which they can with a
utility, you can use Joe Sheppard's excellent text view
door. It is on Intelec, I believe. Patrick Grote
þþ NEWS þþ
ZIP Magazine has a new Mailing address.
ZIP Magazine
P.O. Box 118
East Bernstadt, Ky. 40729
You may address letters to ZIP Magazine, or either of the
co-editors.
Would any prospective ZIP Magazine subscribers refrain from
making the check payable to ZIP Magazine? We haven't opened a
business. It is just Ron, and myself. So make the check's
payable to W.H. Lambdin, because I am in charge of mailing
the diskettes.
Ron Balewski didn't get his column to us in time to make this
issue. I suppose he is busy with college again this year.
Please be patient till we can get a reliable method of
communication with Mr. Balewski.
Steve Fox uploaded Prncol to the ZIP BBS, so that Ron Alcorn
could review it. The reason it isn't reviewed in this issue
is because Ron can't get it to work with his Panasonic 1124
printer. He should be able to review it in the next issue
since he found out that he has to put his printer in Epson
mode. Steve Fox, if you read this, you should add IBM
ProPrinter compatibility.
The following was captured from the Hayes BBS. From the
looks of it, there may be another 9600 modem standard
released soon.
-------------------------------------------------------------
V.32bis is in final draft stage at this time. It is
backward compatible with V.32. In addition to V.32's speeds
of 4800 and 9600, V.32bis also supports 7200, 12000, and
14400bps, full-duplex, async or sync. It also supports a
"Rapid Rate Renegotiation" feature, which allows the modems
to quickly modify the data rate when necessary to respond to
changing line conditions (under 100 milliseconds, rather than
the 5-10 seconds it takes V.32 to change speeds).
V.32bis was technically agreed to by experts in Study Group
XVII at the April, 1990, meeting in Geneva. At the next
meeting, in October, it will be submitted to the CCITT's
"accelerated approval procedure". In order to become a
standard under this procedure, it must receive 100% approval
of the <S>topcountries attending the meeting. It is then
translated into the official CCITT languages, and sent by
mail to all of the countries in the United Nations. They
have three months to return their final vote; of those
returning a ballot, 70% must vote to approve the standard
for it to be accepted. Therefore, the earliest that V.32bis
will be an "official" CCITT Recommendation is around the end
of February, 1991.
-- Toby Nixon, Principal Engineer, Hayes
------------------------------------------------------------
We are planning to start a new column in ZIP Magazine. If
you are interested in this, get in touch with us.
The new column would be for tricks, tips, puzzlers, and the
unexplained. We could put interesting alias' for 4DOS in the
new column, or undocumented commands in programs.
I could start the new column in this issue, because I have a
few 4DOS alias'. One of them is for my BBS. It adds my
comment, tests the integrity of the ZIP file, then scans the
files in that ZIP file. I want to see if I can use Rons
TinyZip program in that alias first.
þþ THE MAGIC OF RE-DIRECTION þþ
Tom's Tidbits
Box 188
Battle Ground, WA. 98604
------------------------
Anyone who has attended a magic show has had a taste of
re-direction. The magician draws your attention away with a
wave of a wand while some clever trick is performed that
baffles the imagination. Re-direction can be used in your
everyday computing. If you master the art, others may even
think you are a computer magician. I will cover the simplest
of tricks in this brief article.
Re-direction is the art of sending information where you want
it to go even though it was originally bound for another
destination. Re-direction is usually used to channel
information that is bound for the screen to a printer, a
file, or a communications port instead.
DOS uses the > sign to activate re-direction. When typing
DOS commands, the > sign can be used to redirect output to
another device. When you type "dir," a disk directory
appears on the screen. If you type "dir >lpt1," the same
directory will go to the printer instead. "Dir >test.txt"
will send the same directory to a file called "test.txt."
Here are a few common uses of DOS re-direction.
dir >lpt1 ------------- Sends a directory to the printer
tree /f >tree.txt ----- Sends your hard disk tree to a file
copy *.* a: >test.txt - Copies files to drive A: and makes
a log of the items copied.
I think that the above examples should be enough for you to
get the idea. Experiment a little with the > sign next time
you are dabbling with DOS commands. A little re-direction
combined with the use of batch files can be a delight.
DOS re-direction does not solve everything. Suppose you have
an older type data base that has a lot of information in it.
You would like to export that information to a newer program
but the old program has NO export function and the data files
are not compatible with anything. The other day while
browsing a BBS, I ran across a program that uses
re-direction to solve such a problem. The program is called
"LPTX" by Mark DiVecchio. LPTX is a memory resident program
that redirects printer output to a disk file. I took a quick
look at it and shrugged my shoulders. "So what!", I thought.
About a week later, a dentist called and asked if I could
transfer names and addresses out of his patient files into
his word processor. "Sure!" was my bold reply. To my
chagrin, I discovered that his old program had no export
function. It would only print to the printer or the screen.
After puzzling over the problem for about an hour, I finally
remembered LPTX. After loading it up, I hit all the right
buttons to send the mailing labels to the printer, and
zippity zap!, they went to a disk file instead. It was then
fairly easy to import them into his word processor's address
book. In two hours, I saved the dentist about 60 hours of
work required to re-type all of his labels. Re-direction to
the rescue! LPTX is not a fancy program but it is a very
handy tool when you need it, and a fine example of the power
of re-direction.
þþ VIEW FROM ZIPPOLOS þþ
------------------------
by Patrick Grote
associate editor
Welcome to the first VIEW FROM ZIPPOLOS column. The goal of
this column is to sprinkle some of the latest Shareware
happenings around and to also provide some ideas for thought.
The first part of our column, MURMUR MANOR, deals with the
latest rumors, oddities, and trivia to come out of the
Shareware world. Feel free to let me know about any via
Intelec, InterLink, WWIVNet, Smartnet, PC RelayNet, and Mail.
See bottom for specific addresses.
The second part of the column offers interesting observations
mixed with predictions, news, ideas and/or horse pucks. Aptly
named DOGMA DOWNS, the words reflect my feelings on current
topics.
Enjoy and remember, your voice matters. Let ZIP magazine know
what you think!
MURMUR MANOR
-----------
Qmodem is now selling tshirts, jackets, and caps.
Could a clear, concise upgrade policy be next?
The latest Telix is making the rounds in the beta
shops. Early indications show that it is blazingly
faster than any other terminal program available.
One of the hotter programs to stroll down the lane
appears to be SESSION MANAGER. An all-encompasing
mail manager, sysops are saying it's the hottest
thing since tape backups.
It was a sad day when Dan Parsons, author of
Robocomm, went on vacation. His support conference
on PC RelayNet went a little Robocommie. Discussions
included the mystery missing file bug, how much money
did Dan Parsons really make from Robocomm, and a
recipe for cooking Robocomm up with different BBS
software.
Gordon Haff is tossing around the idea of MAJORLY
revising his fantastic DOS Shell, Directory Freedom.
Get your requests in...
If you haven't heard of Operator, but are a
professional who spends a lot of time on the phone,
get in touch with Rob Rosenberger. The outspoken
stalwart for the Association of Shareware
Professionals, Rob is sitting on a dynamite product,
the Operator. By tracking calls, people are saving
the bucks!
Also floating around was the report that Babbages
has now become the largest ASP approved disk vendor.
Supplanting Public Software in size, but not disk
shipments, Babages could really pull Shareware into
the big time.
Qmodem Again. Seeing that Labor Day was a fitting
day to release their latest effort, Forbin Project
was making sure people were fit to be tied when the
latest version didn't appear on "support" BBS'. Not
Forbin's problem, though, for the bandit BBS' were
actually renegade support centers.
DOGMA DOWNS
-----------
The role that a Sysop plays in distributing a
Shareware package has recently been called into
question. Is a Sysop really a distributive arm?
Should they pay royalties to the author as radio
stations do to music makers? The questions abound,
but few have the authority to issue a definitive
statement on the issues. The Association of
Shareware Professionals has been curiously silent;
almost to the point of agreeing with popular opinion.
A System Operator (Sysop) operates a Bulletin Board
System (BBS) for fun and sometimes profit. The main
attractions at any system can generally be ranked as
A) Files Available for Download B) Conference
Available to get Information From and C) Everything
else.
Not to violate copyright laws, a Sysop can only
allow downloads of software that is either Shareware
or Public Domain. Shareware software has been
produced for profit, but the author lets you try the
software before buying. You are usually obliged, by
an enclosed agreement, to register the software after
a certain amount of time. Public Domain, though, is
free to everyone.
A Sysop has a lot of liberties when it comes to
Shareware. Though the Sysop must not modify the
program in any way, he is free to work with anything
related to the file. This includes the following:
Adding comments to the archive in the form of
* a header shown when uncompressed or an
additional file inside the archive
* Charging for the download of the program
* Making the program available
* Changing the compression scheme that wraps the
program
* Sending the program through a network (if
available)
* Reviewing and posting user comments.
Authors on the other hand, have almost no liberties
after their program leaves the "shop." They cannot
even dictate the following. (Whoops, they can, but
they rely on the Sysop obliging.)
* Compression Scheme
* Comment Availability
* Program Availability
* Review Availability
Sysops seem to have the upper hand when it comes to
distributing Shareware. This is a misunderstanding,
though.
If we look at this from the radio analogy, radio
stations play records to attract listeners to
advertising. Almost the same way BBS' make file
available for downloading to attract subscribers.
Once a year, radio stations track what songs they
play, so they can pay royalties to the authors of
those songs. Sysops track the popularity of the files
available for information only.
Singers have no control over when, how, or why their
music is played. Shareware authors also do not have
that right.
The problem here is that Sysops are getting a free
ride off of the system. Why should an author spend
hours pouring over a program, see it downloaded 150
times from a popular BBS, only to receive two
registrations? Who is hurt here?
What would be nice is a program whereby Sysops are
required to pay Shareware authors based on the
number of downloads they allow.
Lets say that a really keen program called ABCDE.ZIP
has been released. A mega BBS immediately puts it up
for download and within 24 hours 50 people have
downloaded a copy. The author sees one registration
from this lot, although 25 people continue to use it.
The Sysop, though, receives three subscriptions to
his BBS. Looks like the Shareware just sold the BBS,
eh? Shouldn't the author get a piece of the action?
Lets look at another example. JASU megaBBS has over
500 paying subscribers (@ $50.00/year). This has
grossed the sysop $25,000 in annual income to run the
BBS. The BBS is based on four nodes that people keep
busy 24 hours a day. 75% of the people call for the
latest in Shareware files. The Sysop obliges by
calling other BBS' and getting the files they want.
One day, the Sysop decides not to do that anymore.
Slowly but surely, his base of 500 paying subscribers
sinks. The Sysop NEEDS the Shareware.
This is not a diatribe concerning the evil sysops,
but just a point to show you that the authors are
getting taken coming (the sysops) and going (the
users). Again, curiously, the ASP has not set
something up similar to the musicians union where
royalties are paid for downloading the files. It can
work, a BBS in Ohio works on the royalty factor for
writers. If a work by a writer is downloaded, the
writer gets credits he can convert into cash or
access time.
The time has come to take the Shareware Author off
the endangered species list.
Where to Contact Me:
-------------------------------------------------------------
If you have got a tip, rumor, or comment let me know about it
via one of the below addresses:
US Mail: 3440E Evergreen Lane
St. Louis, MO 63125
InterLink: Shareware Conference, NetUsers
Intelec: Shareware Conference, ZIP Magazine Conference
PC RelayNet: Shareware Conference, ANSI Conference
SmartNet: Shareware Conference, Legal Conference
The name to use on the above conferences is Patrick Grote.
-------------------------------------------------------------
EDITORS NOTE: Either I corrupted the bottom of this
article, or did not capture it all. Patrick gave two
addresses for people on WWIV-NET, and WWIV-LINK. Sorry for
any inconvenience. W.H. Lambdin
þþ NOW VS THEN þþ
by W.H. Lambdin
ZIP Magazine is starting into its third year. We didn't
expect ZIP Magazine to last three issues, let alone three
years. I guess a look back would be appropriate.
RAM
In 1988 , I paid $216 for 512K of RAM. Last week, I bought 4,
1 MEG SIMM's for my 386. The cost was $212 plus shipping.
386'S
In 1988, 386 computers averaged from $10,000 to $12,000. In
1990 prices have plummeted. Now you can buy a 33 MHZ 386
with 4 MEGs of memory, High density floppy drives, Super VGA
card and monitor, and DOS for $3400.
VIDEO
In 1988, VGA was new, and not widely accepted. The cost was
usually $600 to 750 for the card and monitor. in 1990, the
same monitor, and card can be bought for less than $400.
Today, you can get Super VGA. Some cards offer 1024 by 768
resolution with 256 colors. In 1988, you were lucky to get
320 by 200 resolution with 256 colors.
HARD DRIVES
In 1988, the largest hard drive you could buy was only 80
meg. In 1990, there are hard drives that hold several
Gigabytes.
RAM IN COMPUTERS
In 1988, people were flying if they had 640K to 1 Meg of
memory. In 1990, It is nothing uncommon to see several
megabytes in computers today.
CPU'S
In 1988, the 486 chip was a rumor, and 386's ran at 16 to 20
MHZ. In 1990, The 486 chip is a reality, and is capable of 11
to 11.3 MIPS, and 386's run at speeds as high as 33 MHZ.
As you can see, there has been tremendous leap's in the
computer industry. Over the last two years.
þþ INTERVIEW WITH GORDON HAFF þþ
by Patrick Grote
associate editor
This column will give you the opportunity to learn about a
Shareware author one on one, without any interference.
To achieve this, we have designed a set of 20 questions that
reveal pertinent, if not entertaining information about
today's hottest Shareware authors.
The authors usually fill the questions in on their own and
then submit them to ZIP Magazine. We then bring the answers
to you: unedited and uncensored, so that you can get a better
idea of who's program you are using day in and day out.
Our first guest is Gordon Haff. Better known as the author
of Directory Freedom (DF350A.ZIP), Gordon offers some
spectacular insight into the world of the hobbyist Shareware
author.
Directory Freedom, his fastest moving product, is a tight,
powerful DOS Shell capable of launching other programs, as
well as using external applications. The Last Word, his first
foray out of the utility jungle, is a game of trivia based on
quotes. Unique among software, in that it uses a special
algorithm that allows you to get an answer right without
spelling it right, Gordon has high hopes for the product.
(An example is if a question were "Who said the Gettysburg
Address?" and you answered "Lincon" the program would know
you meant "Lincoln."
Gordon can be found offering product support on the
Interlink and PC RelayNet Shareware Conferences.
QUESTION TEXT
What is your most successful ShareWare package?
The only shareware package which I have been marketing
for any length of time is Directory Freedom (DF), so by
default that qualifies as my most successful.
What is your latest ShareWare package?
I recently, however, released a game, 'the last word' (a
quotations trivia game.
How long did it take you to develop the latest ShareWare
package?
This is always a hard question to answer since I'm never
working full-time on any single project. I always spend
a lot of time just tossing ideas around and sketching
ideas in a notebook before I actually start coding. In
the case of 'the last word', as well, many of the
quotations came from a newspaper column I've done for a
number of years. In addition, I threw together a board
game for my own use about a year back based on the same
theme. With all the previous caveats, however, to
answer your question, the actual coding took about 3 to 4
months of semi-regular part-time work.
Using the following scale, please rate the registrations for
each of your software packages: PATHETIC -- FAIR -- AVERAGE
-- HAPPY -- EXCELLENT.
Directory Freedom - I'd have to say AVERAGE. I
certainly have gotten a somewhat regular stream of
registrations (which I guess is more than some authors of
shareware get). On the other hand, the registrations are
probably still a very small percentage of the copies in
use.
'the last word' -- too early to say.
What does the future of ShareWare look like to you overall?
In regards to your packages?
I think you'll continue to see a good stream of
high-quality "hobby" on the bulletin boards. While
software development is getting more complex in some ways
(look at the commercial standard for games from people
like Sierra for example -- music, VGA graphics, talk of
digitized sound on CD's for example), in other ways it's
getting more accessible through top-notch programmer's
libraries. There does seems to be a move towards
expanding the distribution of shareware through retail
channels. This is inevitable given the inherently
(relatively) limited market of electronically distributed
software. So far, this trend hasn't appreciably changed
shareware as an entity. Were retail distribution (in
some form) to become more widely available to authors,
this could have an effect, however. I don't really
anticipate any major changes to my packages or my
software development efforts though.
What do you think it takes to make a ShareWare package
successful?
Hard to say. Producing the right product at the right
time is part of it. For conventional distribution --
predominantly electronic bulletin boards plus some disk
vendors -- I think it also helps to have a product which
has a match with the distribution medium. So, all other
things being equal, a PC to PC communications program
will do a lot better than a 3270 emulator for
communication with IBM mainframes.
It also helps to have a program which people use
frequently. A once a year application is going to have
trouble getting registrations even if that once-a-year
usage is important for the user.
Last, but certainly not least, good documentation, error
handling, and product support. There are a LOT of
programs on bulletin boards and most people have a low
tolerance for applications which they can't make work in
a few minutes.
What is your opinion of disk vendors (Those who sell disks
full of ShareWare)?
As in every other line of business, some provide a
valuable, professional service, while others ride on
their coattails. As a group, however, they provide an
overlapping, but distinct, distribution medium for
shareware programs.
What is your opinion of the Association of ShareWare
Professionals (ASP)?
I'm an ASP member and I've certainly gotten my money's
worth out of my dues. And certainly the idea of a group
which sets a certain level of standards in the shareware
world is a good one. Of course, in an area as relatively
new as Shareware, not everybody's going to agree with
those standards (nor even with the 'seriousness' about
SELLING software which they imply).
What is your primary method of distributing your ShareWare?
Why?
Private electronic bulletin boards and Compuserve --
although I do some limited mailing out to disk vendors.
What is your profession?
Product manager for a minicomputer company.
What do you do for recreation?
Skiing, ice hockey, reading
How did you start programming on a PC?
1981 (on an Apple II Plus)
Why did you release your software as ShareWare?
I originally released DF as "Freeware" for a variety of
reasons.
As I started to get requests in for this or that
enhancement, it came down to a choice: Do I 1) Continue
as I had been doing and make additions or fixes as they
amused me to do so or 2) Make some money off of it and
treat the program seriously (with respect to
enhancements, documentation, distribution, and so forth).
I chose the latter route. The result is that I have
probably worked on fewer different things than I would
have were I not publishing shareware -- but I taken those
things more seriously.
When did you release your first package? What was it? Why
ShareWare?
Directory Freedom became shareware in 1989.
What advice would you give fledgling ShareWare programmers?
I described many of the things which make shareware
successful in an earlier answer. And I think that good
documentation and product support are critical for any
product.
Besides that, I think a great deal depends on why the
programmer is going into Shareware. If his intent is to
maximize his income, my advice would be different from
what I would recommend were he pursuing a hobby and
making some money on the side.
If the intent is to pursue a business, many of the same
factors which would govern retail software writing come
into play. By this I mean not that his program will or
should be more "professional" than that of the hobbyist,
but that the program should have some unique
functionality and meet some unique need which will make
businesses fall over themselves to site license it.
A game will not do this. I may be wrong, but to the
best of my knowledge, none of the "big" shareware
authors have made it there on the basis of games or other
"home hobbyist" applications.
What are the goals for your software?
I'd like to at least, more or less pay for my computing
hobby. Besides that I want people out in computer land
to think that my software is worthy of their use among
many competing alternatives.
What was the best user comment you have ever received?
No particular phraseology jumps to mind. I've received
various comments along the lines of" "This is my most
useful utility." or "I find DF as useful as PKZIP or
LIST."-- which are programs I admire greatly.
What is your favorite ShareWare package (Excluding your own)?
Probably LIST, although 4DOS comes close.
In one paragraph, describe your best ShareWare package.
Directory Freedom offers users a fast, compact
alternative to large, complex DOS Shells. Features
include user-defined function keys for running external
programs, a variety of file and directory operations
(e.g. copy, move), and a user-friendly configuration
process. Because it is written in assembly language, DF
performs its functions with an executable file of less
than 15KB. As a result, it can easily replace the DOS
'Dir' command and works well on even a laptop machine
with an 8088 processor and no hard disk. While easy to
use for beginners, DF is also suitable for expert users,
allowing them to easily manage their files and execute
commonly-used commands without a lot of typing.
þþ QUESTIONS FOR ZIP EDITORS þþ
by
Thomas R. Mooney
I called a local BBS, and listed new files. I saw the
following in the list.
ZIP-3-1.ZIP 40677 BEST COMPUTER MAGAZINE IN THE WORLD
I was intrigued with the description, and decided to download
it. After reading the Volume 3-1 issue, I have several
questions.
1. Is ZIP Magazine aligned with PKwares PKzip program? If
not do you think there will be any copyright
infringements?
2. Obviously there is not a great deal of monetary rewards
in this venture. I do agree with the assessment; that
ZIP is the best computer magazine in the world. I am
curious as to why you would bother to publish ZIP.
3. Where may I find the back issues ZIP Magazine? I would
like to see what I have missed.
4. I saw that ZIP Magazine is a bi-monthly publication. Are
there plans to go to a monthly format?
5. Why is there so many reviews on shareware programs?
6. Why is ZIP in a paperless format?
I would appreciate if either co-editor would take the time
from their busy schedule, and fill in the blanks.
EDITORS NOTE. I am glad that you like our little
publication.
1. PKzip and ZIP Magazine is not aligned in any way. ZIP
Magazine has been in print since before PKzip was
released. It was merely a coincidence that both have
(ZIP) in the name.
2. There are no monetary rewards to speak of from publishing
ZIP Magazine. We started ZIP because there was no
magazine for beginning, and intermediate computer users.
There are plenty of computer magazines reviewing
products for business, but we wanted to help out the
home users, because that is exactly what we are.
3. You may download all the back issues of ZIP Magazine from
either BBS below.
ZIP BBS
(606) 878-9500
7pm - 7am. seven night's a week
SysOp Ron Alcorn
U.S. Robotics Dual Standard modem
SnapShot Express BBS
(606) 843-9032
24 hours a day.
SysOp W.H. Lambdin
Hayes Ultra modem. V.32, and V.42 compatible at 9600
The filenames you will need for a complete set. are as
follows.
ZIP-1-1.ZIP
ZIP-1-2.ZIP
ZIP-2-1.ZIP
ZIP-2-2.ZIP
ZIP-2-3.ZIP
ZIP-2-4.ZIP
ZIP-2-5.ZIP
ZIP-2-6.ZIP
ZIP-3-1.ZIP
ZIP-3-2.ZIP
ZIP-3-3.ZIP
ZIP-3-4.ZIP
4. There are no current plans to switch to a monthly
schedule. Do not expect this to change. Releasing ZIP on
a bi-monthly schedule allows us to take a break between
issues.
5. We review Share ware programs for two reasons.
1. We review share ware programs because that is what
most of our reader's can afford. Would it make any
sense to recommend a $500 package when our reader's
can afford a $50 package. The software available
through public access channels, is as good, or better
than commercial programs.
2. Shareware has been taking a lot of abuse lately
from the virus paranoia. I have bought two commercial
packages. Dos, and PC-Tools. The other programs I use
all came from public access channels. I have never
seen a virus, but I did get bitten by two trojans.
ZIP Magazine is edited from start to finish with
Galaxy 2.43. How's that for a $59 program. It has
formatting features, header's. footers, Font
Capabilities, ability to edit two files at the same
time, and even has a spell checker.
6. Zip Magazine is in a paperless format, because that is
what we can afford to publish it as.
W.H. Lambdin
Co-Editor of ZIP Magazine
þþ FLOPPY DISK INFO þþ
by Kerry L. Lord
É-------------------------------»
| COMPUTER INFORMATION SERVICES |
È-------------------------------¼
PO BOX B
E. ORLAND, MAINE 04431
(207) 469-3096
Floppy diskettes ..... those almost always reliable friends
whose job is a thankless task. Yes, we all use them, but
many of us do not know much about them. Yet it wasn't too
many years ago, 1960, when the idea of storing data from
computers onto a floppy disk was turned down by a small but
growing company named IBM! Now the diskette is the computer
industry standard. The purpose of this article is to provide
a good foundation about floppy diskettes for the novice
computer users, and maybe teach some of you old pros a thing
or two <grin>.
The words floppy, diskette, and disk have the same meaning in
todays computer culture. Diskettes for the most part come
in two sizes (the old 8 inches are still around, but we won't
talk about them.) These sizes are 5.25 inches (also called 5
1/4) and 3.5 inches. I'll get into the differences later. A
diskette is very similar to a music cassette that most of us
use every day. A diskette contains magnetic particles that
get aligned a certain way when recording takes place.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 5.25 INCH DISK
We will discuss the anatomy of a floppy diskette commonly
known as a disk. First we will look at the more common 5.25
inch disk. Upon examination you will see many holes and
notches. Find now a diskette with a label on it. Place the
disk label side up on your desk so the label is on the top.
You will see the magnetic disk inside a flexible plastic
jacket. You may not be able to see a fabric liner that
cleans the diskette as it rotates. Notice the big circular
hole in the middle of the disk. This is called the Hub
Access Hole and allows the disk drive to turn the diskette
when the drive door is closed. Some diskettes will have a
"hub-ring". This ring helps make the disk stronger and
protect it during spinning. Now, find the little hole
located just to the right of the aforementioned bigger hole.
If you were to CAREFULLY turn the disk inside the jacket, you
would see another hole through the actual disk line up with
the hole in the jacket. This is called the index hole and
quite simply helps your computer to locate data on the disk
by indicating the start of a sector (more on sectors later).
Below the hub access hole you will see an oblong hole that
looks like a football field with a track around it when
you're in an airplane (grin, be creative). This is called the
Media Access Hole and allows the disk drive heads to read and
write information on the diskette. This is done in a similar
manner as your cassette tape records sound. When you insert
the disk into a drive this end with the hole goes in first
rather than the top of the disk. Just below this hole are
two dents in the disk jacket. These are called the Stress
Relief Notches and they help prevent the disk from warping
and bending during rotation. Finally, the notch most
everyone knows about and that is the Write Protect Notch
located in the plastic jacket on the upper right hand side of
your disk. If you bought a diskette with a commercial
program on it this notch may not be there. This notch when
covered up with a Write Protect Tab (those little rectangular
adhesive tabs) will NOT allow disk information to be changed.
That means the disk can be read only. I should point out that
depending on your computer drives you might need to know
about single sided disk drive where the name "flippy" floppy
diskettes came from. Prior to 1982 the IBM/clone world made
a single sided disk drive that stored information on one
side. You would have to physically turn the disk over to
store info on the other side. Chances are you do NOT have a
single sided disk drive unless you have an Apple, Commodore,
non IBM/clone computer. These drives then required a write
protect notch on both sides of the 5.25 inch disk. This
extra notch can be punched in with a regular hole puncher by
first tracing out the disk notch onto an index card. Then
take the card, place the traced notch onto the other side of
the disk, and punch the disk! Be sure the second notch is at
the same location and same depth as the first notch, only on
the other side of the disk.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 3.5 INCH DISK
Now take a 3.5 inch disk, place it on your desk with the
label side facing up and the label on the top of the disk.
Many people think since this disk is in a hard plastic that
it is called a hard disk. No, don't make this mistake or you
will confuse your computer literate friends. It still is a
floppy disk inside a plastic shell which helps stabilize the
floppy and therefore allows more info to be stored. Notice
the metal shutter at the bottom of the disk which prevents
the need for a disk liner fabric. Carefully slide it open
and see the floppy disk inside. This disk has the similar
magnetic construction that the 5.25 inch disk has. The door
is spring loaded and will closed on its' own. When you
insert a disk into a drive this end goes in first rather than
the top of the disk. The 3.5 inch disk is design to keep the
floppy inside cleaner and more free from environmental
hazards. Notice a square hole in the upper right corner of
the disk. This is the Write Protect Hole and if you turn the
disk over you will see a little door that can close or open
the hole. This is the write protect tab and can be moved by
using your fingernail, pen, etc. When OPEN the disk is write
protected and can be read only, which is just the opposite of
the 5.25 inch disk, therefore, confusing everyone. When the
tab is closed you can save, erase, format, etc, as well as
read data. Still looking at the back side of the diskette
notice that in the center is a metal hub with two holes. This
is the center hub and the square hole in the middle of the
center hub is where the disk drive connects and spins the
floppy. The rectangular hole location on the center hub is
the index hole which aligns the disk as well as lets the
computer know where the sectors begin.
Now, a few words from our sponsor .....
Hi, my name is Mr. Flope' Disquette. I want to tell you
about my line of goods. I am a durable long lasting product
with a shelf life of about 10 years. I can withstand a dusty
environment, however, I prefer a clean smoke free, food free,
liquid free room. Remember a smoke particle is bigger than a
BIT of computer information. I can be written on with
various tools ie: pens, pencils, crayons, etc., but my specs
recommend felt pens, so as not to scratch my magnetic
surface. Also, keep those eraser crumbs out of my life! I
am covered with a cleaning fabric and protected with a
plastic jacket. I should never be bent, folded, stacked, or
mutilated. Also, try to keep only one label per disk instead
of three or four stuck on top of each other like some schools
I know do. That way I won't get stuck in the drive. My
magnetic surface should never be touched, however, many times
fingerprints leave their mark without affecting my data. I
should never be left for extended periods of time in the
sun, in front of a monitor, TV, sound speaker, Jr's 20 pound
magnet, or anything of that nature. I must dispel the myth
about airport X Ray equipment. X-Ray will not harm
diskettes, computer, or even the EPROM Chips inside the
computer. BUT metal detectors can as well as passing
disks/computer to a security guard who is standing near the
detector. The safest place is the X-Ray machine. Static
electricity can cause problems with my data/computer, but for
the most part static has been given more hype than need be.
IF you work inside your computer or on computer parts then
ground yourself by touching the power supply preferably when
the power is off!
However, I do boast of being put through some horrible
conditions only to perform reliably. My favorite time was
when the contents of a coffee mug, who shall remain nameless,
accidentally found its way into my little home. Good thing
it wasn't too hot! Ouch! I was rushed to the E.R. at a local
hospital. Well, after a careful operation I was taken out of
my jacket, washed in warm water, and GENTLY dried. I was
then inserted into a new jacket, taped up, and with many
prayers put into the drive to see if I still had a heart
beat....... I guess I don't have to tell you the end of the
story, because you already know. Since, I am here talking to
you, that meant I survived. Although I'm hard of hearing
because the whole office went up in cheers over my
performance. Now, I'm retired and doing commercials spots
like this one.... which I need to get back to. Yes, I can
take abuse, but don't push your luck. Treat me with the care
I deserve, because I hold many costly hours of data entry. I
can be erased and reused on any computer as long as they have
a garage (disk drive) I can fit into. Also it is a good
habit not to put me in or take me out when the drive light is
on, indicating the drive motor is spinning. It's like
putting your hand into a washing machine when the spin cycle
is on! I am so inexpensive that at 25 to 50 cents each, it is
worth making backups of important backups and keep them in a
separate building in case of fire, water damage, theft,
floods by coffee, etc. So now I return you to your regularly
scheduled program and remember..... Mr. Flope' Disquette.
Don't leave home without me.
STORING DATA ON A DISKETTE
A disk is a disk until you stick it in a computer and format
it. That means a disk will work in an Apple computer, Tandy,
IBM, Commodore, etc. as long, that is, as it fits into a disk
drive. But once a disk is formatted by a specific computer
say an Apple, it can't be used in an IBM clone computer,
unless you format it again, this time with the IBM computer.
Formatting is a computer specific operation. Even within the
IBM clone computer world differences can appear among
formatting which I get into later. Formatting takes a new
disk or used disk and completely organizes the disk into
tracks and sectors, thereby totally erasing any previously
stored data. These tracks and sectors if you could see them
would be like a circular room with a brick floor. In the
center of the room would be a tiny circle of bricks and as
you walked toward the wall the circles would get bigger.
Each brick represents a block on the diskette. Each block
is labeled with an address. This address will be written in
a particular language depending on the computer doing the
formatting. For example, if I format a disk with an IBM
clone then the addresses of all the blocks on the disk will
be written in a language called MSDOS, a language specific to
IBM/CLONE computers. That is why an Apple computer can not
read the information on an IBM diskette, and the like.
TYPES OF FLOPPY DISKETTES
Disks are either hard-sectored or soft-sectored. Hard
sectored disks have a index hole for each sector and when
used in personal computer will mess up the system so don't
use them. Soft sectored disks have only one index hole and
are the type of disk to use.
Diskettes have two sides and are sold as a single-sided or
double sided disk. Note that there is a difference to the
manufacturer between single sided (SD) and double sided
(DD). That simply means the manufacturer has tested either
one side (single-sided) or both sides (double-sided) of the
diskette and will guarantee it to be free of defects.
Naturally a double-sided disk will cost more, but is the same
as a single-sided disk. Manufacturers found it wasn't cost
effective to make a single disk which contains magnetic
particles only on one side, therefore, all disks have the
magnetic coating on both sides. So in actuality when you buy
a single sided disk you will ALMOST always never have a
problem with the other side. I can remember only once that I
had a problem with a single side disk and even then it would
not format the second side, therefore, no data was ever
stored thus causing no problems.
A word about generic diskettes. A disk has to meet
manufacturers specifications and I have found that after
seven years of using generic (no-brand) diskettes they
perform just as well as the name brands. The cost of these
generic disks are sometimes two to four times cheaper than
the name brands and come with replacement guarantees. I buy
mine from MEI Micro and have had only to return six out of
four hundred or so disks. Call 1 (800) 634-3478 for a free
catalog and/or order.
Also, when you buy diskettes, you will notice there is a high
density (HD) disk and a double density (DD) disk. The
difference here is the amount of data or kilobytes (K) the
disk can be formatted to hold. For example a 5.25 inch DD
disk can be formatted with an IBM/clone computer to hold 360K
of information.
HIGH DENSITY (HD) 5.25 INCH DISKETTES
The high density diskette (HD) itself has a different kind of
coating than the regular (DD) floppies. You need a high
capacity disk drive to use the high density disks. A high
density floppy can be formatted to hold 1.2 megabytes of
information. That is more than three times the amount of
information a normal disk (DD) can hold! How does it do
that, you might ask? Well, with increased technology the
disk drive itself can be made to store information closer
without overwriting info next to it. Plus, the diskette has
a totally different coating enabling data to be stored closer
together.
Also, note that with high capacity 5.25 disks there is
essentially no such thing as a single-sided (SD). You should
never try to take a regular double density disk and format
it as a high capacity disk. I have had unreliable results.
One more physical characteristic of the HD disk is the usual
absence of any "hub-ring" in the center hole. The reason for
this is that it caused alignment problems rather than
helped, and it was harder to accurately place the ring on the
disk thus raising production costs.
HIGH DENSITY (HD) 3.5 INCH DISKETTES
Let's look at the smaller 3.5 inch disk enclosed in a hard
plastic jacket. The 3.5 inch disk is more rigid than the
5.25 inch and can therefore hold more info. This DD (double
density) diskette has two sides. IBM/Clone computers never
used a single-sided 3.5 inch disk drives, but Apple and
others did and hence some disks are single-sided and can be
used on double-sided drives. So you can purchase a single
sided (SS) or double sided (DS) disk. A DD disk can be
formatted to hold a whopping 720K of info! While the newer
high capacity 3.5 inch disk drives can format a DD/HD
diskette to hold a huge 1.44 megabyte of info! How can this
be that a smaller disk can hold more than the big 5.25 inch
diskette? Again technology has improved greatly to allow
this engineering marvel to occur. Let's look at the
difference between the DD and the HD 3.5 inch disk. Visually
everything is the same except you will notice only one hole
on the DD disk and two holes on the HD disk. This second
hole allows a high density disk drive to format the disk at
1.44 megabytes.
1.2 MEG DRIVES USING 360K DISKS
You can take a NEW high density disk, however, and format it
for 360K using a high density drive. But if the disk has
been previously formatted for 1.2 megs and had info stored,
then when you format it for 360K the drive heads will format
every other track leaving gaps with old info. If you plan to
use the regular (DD) disk in your own high density drive you
should have no problems. BUT if you are planning to take
this 360K regular (DD) disk that has been formatted on a high
density drive to use on another computer with a regular drive
you may run into problems of not being able to read parts or
all of it. The reason for any problems would mean the disk
you used had previously been used.
INCREASING REGULAR (DD) 360K DISK CAPACITY
You also can find programs through public domain and/or
computer clubs that will enable you to store 800K on a DD
disk using a regular capacity double sided drive. I have had
reliable results on just my computer. But the problem that
can arise and did was when I took that disk to another
computer which did not recognize the 800K format, therefore,
not accessing part of the disk. So beware.
þþ BBS GODS þþ
by Dennis Roberts
-------------------------------------------------------------
EDITORS NOTE: Mr. Roberts went overboard at a few points in
this article, and unfortunately used a few four letter words.
If you would be offended by language in this article, please
skip this article.
Our policy is hands off on articles we receive other than
formatting text, and spell checking.
I explained this delimma to some people in the ZIP Magazine
conference. 80 to 90 % of people with an opinion said to X
out the word's, or drop th entire article.
One person reminded me that covering the words would be a
form of censorship. This is still the U.S. Isn't it? I have
decided to let this article appear un-modified, but with this
disclaimer.
On all other reviews with foul language, the bad word's will
be covered with X's.
W.H. Lambdin
------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to know where some sysops get off at. I call
BBSs mainly to find new and interesting files. I am not
there to join the message bases, or become the sysop's
lifelong pal by sending him (her) a donation every year.
I want decent shareware. It doesn't matter to me if it is the
newest version available, because a lot of the new stuff
won't work on my XT with 512 K ram.
Recently it seems that almost everything requires 640K or
more. I am breaking off on the wrong tangent, but let me tell
you about my experiences with a BBS in the 312 area. I want
to avoid a libel suit if at all possible
I was looking around on a local BBS, and saw an ad for a BBS
in the 312 area code. The description said 1.7 Gigabytes
on-line. Call this number for thousands of files!
I called the BBS number expecting to get the file list, and
download the first thing that looked appealing. The phone
rang. I logged in. Then it asked for me to fill out the
questionaire for the sysop to review when he had the time. I
used 5 minutes just to fill out the stupid form. The form
wanted to know everything about me but my credit card
numbers. I tried to abort some of the personal questions, but
to no avail. If I had known then what I know now, I would
have hung up on the SOB.
When I got back into the BBS, I had 5 commands, and 15
minutes to use.
Here are the commands I had.
(G)oodbye
(C)omment to sysop
(U)pload
(F)ile area scan
(V)iew registration form.
First, I left a comment to the sysop. I was hoping he would
see me requesting for more time.
Second. I uploaded SHEZ54.ZIP. This wasted 8 minutes of
my time.
Third. I viewed the registration form. This damn ass hole had
a 3 to 1 download ratio with 20 minutes per day for non
subscribers. To become a subscriber to his board, he
requested that users send a cashiers check, or money order
in the amount of $130. Shit, I can call a thousand places and
not pay any registration fee at all
Fourth. I scanned the DOS utilities file area. His BBS has
SHEZ 5.5. So my upload of 8 minutes was totally moot.
Fifth. I left another comment to the Sysop, and told him what
I thought of his lousy Board, His lousy scam to rip people
off, and him as an individual. I threw a few choice words in.
Sixth. I logged off of the board.
Later that night, The sysop called me voice, and was chewing
my ass for being so abusive in the comments.
I replied with this. You can't treat people like shit, and
expect them to respect you, or your BBS.
I see nothing wrong with some boards asking for donations, or
reasonable subscription fees. In fact, I subscribe to two
BBSs. It is just that $130 a year for a BBS subscription is
too damn much. I don't care if they have 1.7, or 1000
Gigabytes.
Please don't think this hate letter is being directed to
every sysop around the US. This is directed to the select few
sysops that think they are doing the users a favor by
letting new callers spend 15 to 20 minutes online while
reading a bunch of bulletins, asking a lot of personal
questions, and then not getting anything for their time.
þþ HAYES V-SERIES ULTRA SMARTMODEM 9600 þþ
by
Ron Alcorn
Oh boy, another dilemma! Which is the best modem? The
USRobotics Dual Standard or the Hayes Ultra? Well I'll tell
you ten facts right off the bat.
The USRobotics high speed modems are faster, easier to use,
easier to configure, and are more popular. The Hayes high
speed modems are cheaper via sysop deals, but USRobotics
modem's street prices (mail order) are much better. Easily
over looked by some, yet quite important, the Hayes technical
support seems to be better, mostly because their technical
support BBS is toll free! On the other hand, USRobotics
voice technical support is free, where as the Hayes voice
support is not! While each has an advantage in technical
support, I've talked to both and would have to say that they
both are excellent, at least so during my experiences. So
all and all I would have to say that the technical support
equals out. The features are many against many, but for
international usage, I'd say that the Hayes has the better
hand. Looks is something else, both should call Vidal
Sasson. The Hayes is smaller, but the USRobotics has more
status LED indicators.
I know this is suppose to be a review about the Ultra itself,
but I want you to know about the competition. Suppose that
you never saw a Yugo car, but you heard talk of a Yugo all
the time. You think if you purchased this vehicle that you
would be satisfied with it?
NOTE: I am only using the Yugo as an example. If you like a
Yugo, that's fine with me. I am not meaning to criticize the
owners and such of Yugo cars.
Features, hmmmmm, there are a heck of a lot! For the most
part, I'll just discuss what would be interesting to the
sysop or BBS caller.
The Ultra supports the standard Hayes AT command set, plus
many extended commands. Of course, just about anybody knows
what command set a Hayes modem uses.
With the Ultra, you can connect with any V.32 modem or any
Hayes V-Series modem. The V.32 mode is the main mode of the
Ultra. The V-Series mode is only there for backwards
compatibility with the previous V-Series modems, although the
V-Series modems are still available for purchase. And in
case you are wondering, yes the Ultra does work with plain
old 300, 1200, and 2400 baud modems. 4800 baud is like 9600,
the same type of modulation must me used. Hence, the 4800
baud mode requires another V.32 or V-Series modem to connect
with.
Performance is somewhat deceiving. Normally the CPS is
around 1100 with Zmodem, 1125 with DSZ's Zmodem Moby Turbo,
and around 1150 with Ymodem-G Batch. These speeds are
respectable, but could be better. When I used to use the
Digicomm Systems V.32 9600 baud modem, I always got over 1125
CPS using ZModem. Every now and then I got over 1200 CPS,
the Ultra has also achieved over 1200 CPS, but not as near as
much as the Digicomm Systems modem. The Digicomm Systems
modem only supported MNP 5, well the Ultra supports V.42bis!
V.42bis is suppose to be more efficient when it comes to
compressing data, and better at recognizing data that's
already compressed, such as ZIP files. My conclusion is that
V.42bis isn't living up to it's proclaimed capabilities, or
Hayes hasn't implemented enough technology (or something else
which I don't really understand). I just know that the CPS
should be better than it is! The CPS's are true for me, but
I may come across an increase in speed once everything is to
be known about the Ultra. If you get around 1200 CPS on a
regular basis, please let us know what software you use, and
your Ultra's setup.
Features is something that the Ultra is loaded with. Here
are a few of the more important features.
300 to 9600 baud operation
Locked baud rates of 19,200 and 38,400
V.32 modulation
V-Series modulation
V.42bis compression
MNP level 2 through 5 compression
Hayes adaptive data compression
V.42 error control
MNP error control protocol
LAPM (Link Access Procedure for Modems) error control
protocol
LAPB (Link Access Procedure Balanced) error control
X.25 complete support (I won't go in to an explanation of the
X.25 capabilities. I know hardly anything about it to talk
about it, so I'll keep my mouth shut.)
The documentation is just like the V-Series modem's
documentation, horrible. The user's reference manual is less
useful than the so called reference card. The reference card
contains more information, but one flaw. Although it's
called a reference "card", it's more like a piece of wall
paper. The reference card measures around 26" X 15" when
unfolded all the way. You tell me, is it a card? I know one
thing, you can't stick it in your shirt pocket, or even your
back pocket!
Installation of the modem is simple, just plug in the phone
lines, serial cable, and power adapter. Configuration is
another story, it took me two weeks to completely learn the
in's and out's of this modem, where as with a USRobotics
modems it only took two days to master it! There still may
be a few things I have yet to discover. One thing I will let
you know, if you want the Ultra to imitate the BBS standard
USRobotics result codes, add S95=2 and W2 to your
initialization string. Maybe, just maybe, I'll give some
tips in the next issue on how to fine tune the Ultra. It's
up to your response.
I lack a lot to tell about the Ultra, but I better save it. I
could almost write a book about it, but I wouldn't want you
to any more bored than you already are with this sloppy
written review.
Last thoughts, the Ultra is a terrific modem once you master
it's capabilities and language. After that, be prepared for
trouble free communications!
Rating: ****
þþ HIPZIP þþ
by Patrick Grote
associate editor
This article originated on Intelec's Share Ware Conference.
It is reprinted with permission.
PROGRAM: HIPZIP - Work with ZIPs from the Hip
AUTHOR: Joe Emenaker
1167 Atascadero St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-6501
RELEASED: August 1990
REGISTRATION: $5.00
RESTRICTIONS: None
RATING: 6.8 out of 10.0
NAME/SIZE: HIPZIP20.ZIP, 16K
PKZIP is the bastion of command line utilities. If ever a
program screamed out for a full screen interface, it is
PKZIP.
New users are often frustrated with the lack of a logical
command line, an abundance of commands, and a set of
documentation that reads more like an assembly manual than a
tutor.
Until now, your only choices for a full screen interface
have been large, sometimes bulky programs. The programs do
everything, including cleaning the kitchen sink, but can be
overwhelming for the occasional user.
HIPZIP vows to break this mold by providing you with a "CRX"
rather than a "Cadillac". It fails, providing you with an old
FORD (Fix Or Repair Daily).
Documentation and HIPZIP. With a name like HIPZIP you can
expect that everything will be from the hip. The
documentation resembles this, with Helter Skelter outlines
and illogical flows, but at the heart of the documentation
you will find witty, understandable prose. You really get a
grasp of the program after reading the documentation.
After reading the documentation, you understand that HIPZIP
will allow you to tag files to add or move into ZIP files.
Hence, you now have complete control over all your ZIP
creation needs, right?
Not really, HIPZIP does not control directories. A pain if
you have a few levels of files to add. Nor does HIPZIP allow
you to use another name for PKZIP, which can lead to problems
if you have simplified your life by naming PKZIP PK or
another abbreviation.
After entering your command line, you expect to be presented
with a screen of your current directory files. You aren't.
If you type HZ and read the screen of help, it says to type
HIPZIP. Confusing, you finally type HZ and the command line.
You can start tagging away to add files to the ZIP you
specified on the command line. Don't hit return without
tagging files, though, or else HIPZIP will leave parts of
itself in your directory.
While in file tagging mode, you can select how you would
like your directories sorted. Two problems creep into the
picture here. 1) Be sure that you want one of the methods,
for you cannot get back to NATURAL unless you exit the
program. 2) The SIZE option is nice, but wouldn't be a little
easier to sort by SIZE and also give the sizes?
Having your files tagged, you proceed to hit enter. HIPZIP
does its thing, letting you watch along the way, and
proceeds to dump you to DOS. No query on whether you want to
do another creation.
There are two environment controls that are needed, color
and sort method. Color makes you figure out a formula for the
number you would like to have a s a color. Yes, it is that
confusing. Sort allows you to set your sort mode upon entry
to one of three options.
HIPZIP is a utility. HIPZIP is cheap. HIPZIP could be better.
Rating Breakdown:
----------------
Performance : HIPZIP is fast, furious, and fun. It has
8 out of 10 trouble with multiple commands, though.
Documentstion : Light and full of useful information, the
4 out of 5 documentation is needed.
Ease of Setup : Needing ten minutes to set up colors and
2 out of 5 an awful explanation of command lines,
confuse users.
Ease of Learning: Getting the tag and return under your belt
5 out of 5 is no problem.
Ease of Use : Sand gritting against teeth. The program
3 out of 5 is that hard to use at first.
Error Handling : With an unceremonious dump to the command
2 out of 5 line, the program lacks almost any error
control, including cleaning up after
itself.
Mean rating : 24 out of 35 or a 6.8 rating.
(C) 1990 - Patrick Grote, 3440E Evergreen Lane, St. Louis,
MO 63125
þþ LZEXE vs OTHER .EXE COMPRESSORS þþ
by W.H. Lambdin
It has been a while since I reviewed LZEXE; written by
Fabrice Bellard. This is only an update to the review. The
original review appeared on page 16 of Volume 3 Issue 3 of
ZIP Magazine.
Here is comparisons between Microsoft's EXEPACK, PKLITE
1.0á, and LXEXE .91. Please note the charts below. Your
tests may vary.
_____________________________________________________________
This test was performed on SCANEDIT.EXE. SCANEDIT.EXE
interfaces with my GS4500 scanner.
---------------------------EXEPACK--------------------------
Original file 140016 bytes
After compression 132323 bytes
Savings 7693 bytes
--------------------------LZEXE .91-------------------------
Original file 140016 bytes
After compression 68954 bytes
Savings 71062 bytes
-------------------------PKLITE 1.0á-------------------------
Original file 140016 bytes
After compression 67544 bytes
Savings 72472 bytes
_____________________________________________________________
THis test was performed on TAPE.EXE. THis program came with
my Colorado Jumbo tape drive.
---------------------------EXEPACK--------------------------
Original file 208912 bytes
After compression 197465 bytes
Savings 11447 bytes
--------------------------LZEXE .91-------------------------
Original file 208912 bytes
After compression 109537 bytes
Savings 99375 bytes
-------------------------PKLITE 1.0á-------------------------
Original file 208912 bytes
After compression 108840 bytes
Savings 100072 bytes
This race is too close to call. Both LZEXE, and PKLITE are
still in the beta stage. I have been using LZEXE for a while,
but I may be switching over to PKLITE. I am getting tired of
seeing a screen full of french when I want to compress files.
In speed PKLITE, and LZEXE are almost identical, and the
speed of loading.
Microsoft should re-write their EXEPACK, or they will be left
in the dust! Sorry Mr. Gates.
PKlite needs to be updated in three areas, because it is a
dangerous program without these updates.
1. PKlite doesn't create a backup file unless you tell
it to do so. with the -B option.
2. PKlite does not check for internal overlay's in the
EXE file.
3. PKlite doesn't check if a program has been
previously compressed with EXEPACK, or LZEXE.
In the Share Ware conference, people were talking about
PKlite being better than LZEXE. PKlite needs the three
routines above. before I will share their assessment.
I am not a beta tester for PKware. I happened to find it on a
BBS I call. Phil has asked for people not to distribute
PKlite. So I have stopped using it, and I asked the sysop to
remove it from his BBS. The only reason I put it in this
update was to let people know that soon LZEXE will have some
stiff competition.
þþ PRNTGAL24 þþ
by Patrick Grote
associate editor
PROGRAM: PrintGal - Control all your images for Print
Shop/Master
AUTHOR: Scott Bussinger
Professional Practice Systems
110 South 131st Street
Tacoma, WA 98444
RELEASED: February, 1990
REGISTRATION: $30.00
RESTRICTIONS: None
RATING: 7.4 out of 10.0
NAME/SIZE: PRTGAL24.ZIP, 87K
When you start amassing software right after you buy your
computer, you easily get swamped. Everyone and their little
pet dog wants to give you software. The boss gives you "free"
copies of the word processor from work, your friend gives you
a "game" that he picked up from his buddy in Accounting, your
neighbor invites you to something called a users group
meeting where you pick up 30 disks full of "software you
will use everyday", and lastly the computer store bundled
"packages on the cutting edge" on your new hard drive.
Cutting through the gunk, you always decide to keep a few of
the packages. Some are nice and neat, like your spreadsheet;
you can always tell what belongs where and what is out of
place. Others, like your word processor, may leave little
files all around your hard drive.
There is a third category, the unknown, that strikes fear in
many computer users. The unknown likes to create little files
all over the place that intimidates anyone from removing them
from the hard drive for fear that it may cause a system
crash. If you have ever worked with a graphical type program
you know what I am talking about.
I use The New Print Shop feverishly during the week. For
some reason, though, I end up with a lot of files that "I"
know "I" did not create. Like a group of rabbits, they keep
building and multiplying and multiplying.
Usually, I can handle this with an add-on product. The
ShareWare market is immersed in them. The commercial market
is a barren land of stand alone packages, with very few
utilities. Rarely, do their paths cross, until now.
PrintGal allows a user to get a handle on not only their New
Print Shop files, but also Print Shop, Print Master, and
NewsMaster files.
This handle is created by having various functions available
to a user. Converting, sorting, and meshing are all easily
accomplished between graphic formats for one cohesive set of
graphics.
Working from a top down approach, PrintGal demands that you
be in a file mode. This awkward structure only allows you to
work with one graphic type at a time, hence making any type
of melding a pain. To convert a graphic type, you have to
load under one mode and select the conversion type. An extra
ten to fifteen minutes is wasted on a nice size library. A
better method would be to select the graphic types you want
and convert at the end. A computer is supposed to automate,
let it.
PrintGal allows you to select a library to look at in its
native graphic form. By selecting a library to load into
memory, all pictures will be almost instantaneously
available.
If you would like to look at a graphic, you enter the VIEW
command. In the view command, you'll notice that many
intuitive commands are just plain wrong. You can tag and
untag images to view by using F9 and F10 respectively. A
simpler method would have been to make one key available to
do both functions. Also, during the actual viewing of a
picture, there is no indication of the tag status of the
picture you are looking at, although a command to TAG/UNTAG
is available. One more negative point about the VIEW command
. . . Say you were to tag a certain range of pictures to look
at, VIEW gives you ALL pictures, not just the ones you
tagged.
On the plus side for the VIEW command, is the ability to see
what the picture looks like in real life, as well as the size
indications in the banner. Also, when you are finished
looking at a particular picture, the program returns you to
the VIEW menu, instead of all the way out to the main menu.
Converting graphics is a pleasure. Simply select the library
to convert and in a matter of moments the program has
analyzed the library and let you KNOW what pictures are too
small or too large. The actual conversion is fairly speedy,
also.
The jewel of the program lies in its ability to dump all
your pictures to hard copy for latter viewing. Unlike the
Print Shop or the New Print Shop, batch printing can be done.
This aids in maintaining your database of pictures.
If batch printing is the jewel, then Set Up must be the
flawed pieces of gem surrounding the jewel. When you attempt
to set up the program, you'll notice that almost none of your
changes go into effect. Only when the program is exited and
restarted do you see your handywork.
Among the setup options, you'll notice that there is a
section that allows you to set your printer codes. The only
problem is they are set up for an Epson printer, which is a
problem if you have a Laser Jet. Before you say, "Shut up and
leave the programmer alone," I would have to let you know
that the printer codes for a Laser Jet are included in the
documentation. Why not have an option for printers?
A bright spot in the setup section is the Graphics Driver
area. In this area, you can specify what type of graphics you
have available. VGA does look better than EGA.
Its strong suit in consolidating and tracking, PrintGal is
not for those unaccustomed to using new programs. Neophytes
will be swallowed up by the illogical key choices, just as
much as experts will relish in the ability to control images.
Rating Breakdown:
----------------
Performance : The performance of PrintGal was very bold.
8 out of 10 Clean, quick and efficient, it buzzed
through many tasks.
Documentation : The documentation to PrintGal sported a
4 out of 5 table of contents and logical organization.
Ease of Setup : PrintGal was obnoxiously hard to set up.
2 out of 5 Taking several steps to accomplish a simple
item.
Ease of Learning: Once up and running PrintGal was a breeze
4 out of 5 to learn.
Ease of Use : In the middle of tasks, PrintGal seemed to
3 out of 5 loose the user. Easy to use for the most
part.
Error Handling : Error handling was well done. No crashes.
5 out of 5
Mean rating : 26 out of 35 or a 7.4 rating.
þþ WWIV v4.11 þþ
BBS Software
by Tim Dirocco
WWIV v4.11 is an IBM Compatible BBS program. 512k is needed,
although 640k is recommended. A Hayes compatible modem, and
10mb of hard disk space is strongly recommended, although
message only bbs's have been known to run off of 2 720k
drives. MS-Dos v3.2 or higher is needed. Regristration is
$60. With registration, you will get the source code written
in Turbo C v1.5.
Having run WWIV for over a year, I have had a lot of
experience with the ups and downs of this program. There are
a very few "quirks" in the program, and it is very well
written.
---------------
Configuration
---------------
Configuration of WWIV is quite simple. Upon running the
INIT.EXE program for the first time, it will create all of
the necessary files and directories needed to run the bbs.
The config program is divided up into 10 sections:
1. System Info - (BBS name, system password, newuser info,
etc..)
2. More System Info - (Net, System Status, etc..)
3. Paths - You probably would just want to leave these as is
4. Modem Info - Com Port/Speed/Init string set up
5. Result Codes - Unless you have a weird modem, leave these
as is.
6. Ext Programs - Term program, events, and compression setup
7. Ext Protocols - Protocol setup options.
8. Ext Editors - Setup are for Full Screen Editors.
9. Security Levels - Security Level Setup. WWIV allows 255
sec. levels.
10. Auto Validation - Setup for online Auto-validation.
---------------
Documentation
---------------
The documentation is very helpful in setting up the bbs. The
documentation was given a major facelift when WWIV v4.10 had
come out. Gone were the skimpy docs and in came full detailed
documentation that took all of the WWIV sysops by surprise.
--------
E-Mail
--------
WWIV allows Electronic Mail separately from the message area.
There are 2 forms of E-Mail:
1. Single User E-Mail
and
2. Multi User E-Mail
Both single and Multi E-Mail have their pros and cons.
Although Multi User E-Mail allows you to send mail to up to
20 people at a time, this sort of mail cannot be sent over
the WWIVnet (which I will explain later on). If you wanted to
send mail to 20 people through the WWIVnet, you would have to
do it using Single User E-Mail. Messages can have any of 8
predefined colors in them, which can be accessed by hitting
Ctrl-P, then a number from 0 to 7.
---------------
Message Bases
---------------
WWIV can handle up to 32 message bases at a time, of combined
local and WWIVnet subs. The messages can use the same colors
as the E-Mail, and with the same key combination. Each
message base can have anywhere from 1 to 255 messages in it
at any given point in time. When the message mase fills up,
all of the messages are moved down one number, with number
one being thrown away. By doing this, the message bases do
not have to be packed, as with other bbs systems such as
RBBS, QBBS, or Pc-Bored (spelling intentional).
---------------
File Sections
---------------
There can be up to 64 file sections in WWIV. Each one can
hold up to 400 files. That adds up to a grand total of 25,600
available file slots, which I doubt anybody could fill up
fast without a CD-ROM of PC-User's group shareware
collection. Included in the file area are:
Compressed file viewing/extracting/manipulation
Batch protocols (Batch protocols other than Ymodem require
the source code)
k ratios instead of file ratios.
To make things even better, if a user's Post/Call Ratio
doesn't stack up, they can't even access the file area at
all! What a way to stop file pigs!
-----------------
Online Programs
-----------------
As far as I can tell, there is no limit to the number of
chains (doors) that WWIV can have. There are over 100 WWIV
specific doors out there, if not more. Also, many converter
programs are available allowing you to run doors from (I have
run some of all): RBBS, QBBS, Pc-Bored, Telegard, Gap,
Genesis Deluxe, Opus, Fast Fingers doors, Forum, Emulex, and
Remote Access. I am yet to see this many types of doors run
on any other bbs in any way.
The chain menu is very specific on a lot of things, such as
allowing 300 baud callers to use (a nono on heavily ANSIfied
doors), have bbs intercept dos calls (depends on the
program), and is ANSI required.
-------------
The WWIVnet
-------------
The WWIVnet is a network for WWIV systems. At the time of
writing, there are about 300-400 WWIVnet systems in the USA,
Canada, 2 in Mexico, and one in Italy. (I'm not sure about
the last 2).
Each system is assigned a node number. Now with systems like
the Fidonet, I never could understand how the hell they
assigned node numbers. With WWIV, all node numbers are four
digits. The first 2 digits are the first and third digits of
the area code. The only exception is southern california,
where the systems are numbered one through seven. For
example, I used to run system 4352. 43 is the first and
third digits of the area code (413) and the 52 is the
increment that each board is given. Here is an example of how
the system was set up (Not all these node numbers exist
anymore): 4350 is the area coordinator (43 from the Area
Code, 50 is the first number assigned to the area code).
4351 was the next 413 system to enter the net, so he was
assigned the number 4351. Mine was next. i was given the
number 4352. And so on.
WWIV is also capable of carrying other nets, WITH the correct
"front door" software. I have seen WWIV systems with the
WWIVnet, FIDOnet, and BITnet all at the same time.
----------------
Overall Rating
----------------
Over the software is very good for the average sysop.
Although the internal editor leaves a lot to be desired, Full
screen editors are available left and right.
Rating: ****
Here is a list of some WWIV BBS's to call to get more
information and the WWIV software:
Amber (Home BBS of WWIV) 213-208-6689
3/12/24/48/9600 USR Dual Standard
Mr. Bill's Abode (WWIV Support BBS) 703-369-6140
3/12/24/48/96/14.4k/19.2k USR HST
Oh yeah..Tell them Kodiak sent'cha.
EDITORS NOTE: The file limit is 499 files per directory. This
is a maximum of 31,936 files. I know this because I too run
WWIV 4.11 as my BBS software. (SnapShot Express BBS) (606)
843-9032.
þþ TMODEM 1.01 þþ
by W.H. Lambdin
Tmodem claims to be one of the fastest protocols around, and
It has beat everything I have tested it against.
Tmodem is a product of Micro TECH Systems, 555 North Spring,
#39 Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701. If you continue to use Tmodem,
The author's ask that you send a $15 fee.
When I saw Tmodem for the first time, I thought that Tmodem
was a hacked version of the Puma protocol. It is a full
screen protocol like Puma. I like the screen layout for
Tmodem better than the screen layout in Puma. Tmodem only
gives you the data you need, like the size of the file, the
amount of the file received. and the % throughput. Toward the
bottom, there is a little graph with 25 % marks. So you can
see in an instant how much of the file has been received.
For my tests. I had Ron Alcorn to download QEEDIT21.ZIP from
my BBS. This file is 126776 bytes in size. We did the
transfers at normal 2400 baud with the protocols listed
below. We did not test against Xmodem, or 1K Xmodem. We
wanted to check the fastest protocols around.
TModem took 8:51 minutes. 238.5 CPS
Puma took 9:10 minutes. 233.0 CPS
ZModem took 9:16 minutes. 231.0 CPS
ZModem (Moby) took 8:57 minutes. 236.0 CPS
Tmodem beat all the fast protocols, but If the author would
re-write the buffer clear routine, Tmodem would beat them all
hands down. I say this because it starts out at the rate of
15 K per minute, But it gradually slows down after it has
downloaded 10 K.
Tmodem has a couple of limitations.
1. Tmodem only supports COM 1, and COM 2.
2. When someone uploads to my BBS, it put's the upload in
the current directory on the hard disk. I overcame this
problem by writing a batch file to change to the upload
directory, then initiate the transfer, then go back to
the WWIV directory.
Tmodem really impressed me with its speed. I hope the author
continues to update this program, and make it a little
faster.
Do not expect to get a lot of documentation for Tmodem. I
have enclosed the entire docs so you may see what Tmodem
will, and will not do for you.
------------------------------------------------------------
TMODEM
Tmodem may well be the worlds fastest file transfer protocol.
At least, none that I've tested can beat it.
Tmodem's derived from the HTMS protocol Translink with
special modifications so that it'll work well with BBS
systems and Terminal programs.
Tmodem has a built in commucations manager and doesn't need
any type of fossil, in fact you should make sure you turn the
fossil OFF if running it on a BBS that uses a fossil.
Tmodem requires a number of command line switches.
-B <Baud Rate>
-P <Port Number>
-L <Serial Lock Rate>
-R Receive files
-F <Filenames>
-K Keep interrupted transfers
(Do not use if running on a BBS)
-B, supported baud rates 300 - 115,200 Baud.
-P, Supported Com Ports, COM 1 and COM 2.
-L, Supported Locked Baud Rates, 300 - 115200 Baud.
-F, As many as DOS allows. Full drive, path, and filename
supported.
There must be one at least blank space between The switch and
the parameter..ie. -B<BLANK>2400
The -L switch is only for those that do not have COMx= set in
the envirnoment. If your running Osiris then Tmodem will use
the COMx= automatically.
Sample Osiris Command line (protocol control file)
Send : -B *B -P *P -F *F
RCV : -B *B -P *P -R
The Same for TelStar.
Tmodem may be freely used by Osiris and Telstar Owners. If
you do not own TelStar or Osiris, Tmodem must be purchased.
The price is 15 dollars (US Currency).
Mail to :
Micro TECH Systems
555 North Spring, #39
Cape Girardeau Mo. 63701
Revision History
Rev 1.00 : First Release
Rev 1.01 : Increased timer for start of transfer. Those
running slow XT's would time out before the
transfer could be started.
Added Crtl-X abort feature. A send session may
be canceled by sending 5 control-X's. This is
only effective BEFORE the actual transfer
starts. Once the transfer starts, it can not
be abort short of hanging up.
------------------------------------------------------------
I would give TModem a better rating if it had support for
more COM ports, and better docs.
Rating ****
þþ PROGRAMMER'S CHALLENGE DEPARTMENT þþ
As an editor of this magazine, I will be challenging you,
programmer or user, to make or find a program that is better
than one(s) I will be discussing. Usually I will only be
discussing one or two programs per issue. Reason being is
that I'll only be picking what I consider to be top quality
programs that are the best in their category.
Also you, as a programmer, are welcome to send in a challenge
yourself. If you write a program that you think is better
than anyone else's, send it to us along with an article, not
a document, about your program showing off its features so
that we can place it here in this department for others to
know about. This may help you make some money if your
program is Shareware, news can travel around pretty fast on
BBS's. Along with reception of your program and article, you
will get a reply from me in this department, whether it be
compliments, comments, suggestions, or criticism. So don't
complain about what I might say, because you can clearly see
what all possible statements can be made toward your program.
Remember, if you send in a program and article, it would seem
that you are confident in what you do. Also all statements
are toward your program, not you. I would not want to offend
any person and start a argument. Don't let these statements
scare you off, I'm not a bad guy, I just try to give public a
general view. Everything I will be saying will be my
opinions only, unless I actually run tests to get true
statistics about your program.
Reader's please send in your responses to me. Let me know if
you think my choices are good or bad. It doesn't matter to me
if you agree or dis-agree with me because everyone has their
own opinion.
þþ PROGRAMMING CONTEST þþ
If you like to program in any language (other than BASIC) we
have a contest for you. The winner will receive a one (1)
year subscription to ZIP Magazine on diskette.
The winning entry will be selected by Ron Alcorn, and myself.
Judges decisions are final.
The only reason we aren't accepting Basic programs is because
of their size. We want something small enough to enclose with
each new issue of ZIP Magazine.
Below, I have listed the functions we would like for it to
have. You are free to add anything you deem necessary to the
program.
* 1. Text searches
* 2. Pg up Pg dn, and cursor action
* 3. Printing capabilities
* 4. Load file from command line
5. enclose Ron Alcorn's Convert routines into program
6. show page number on command line
7. capability to print on both sides of paper
* 8. Command line at bottom
* 9. put program name on bottom right.
* 10. Configurable options
* 11. Utility must be released as PD.
12. Ability to jump to specific page number
* 13. press ? for help
The options with the asterisks must be put in the program.
The other options are options we would like to have.
All entries will be judged on their own merits.
þþ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS þþ
Q: What does the W.H. in W.H. Lambdin stand for? Deborah G:
Harvette.
A: The initials stand for William H. Lambdin. Don't ask what
the H. stands for. I despise my middle name. I use W.H.
Lambdin on all ID Card's.
Q: Could you please help me out with some initilal trouble?
MDA, DMA, CGA, EGA, VGA. etc. Beborah G: Harvette
A: Initial trouble.
MDA This stands for Monochrome Display Apapter. It will
display light and darker shades. The two major divisions
is AMBER (the text looking similar to a burnt orange, or
GREEN monitors
DMA This stands for Direct Mrmory Access.
GGA This stands for Color Graphics Adapter. CGA is capable of
displaying a choice of 4 collors on the screen out of a
pallete of 16 colors.
EGA THis stands for Enhanced Graphics Adapter. EGA will
display 16 colors on the screen from a pallete of 64
colors.
VGA THis stands for Video Graphics Array. VGA can display 256
colors on screen from a pallete of 262,144 colors
Hope this is the information you require.
Q: What does ZIP stand for? Harlan E. Jones
A: The letters Z-I-P do not stand for anything. When Ron
Alcorn, and I talked about starting an electronic magazine.
We couldn't decide on a catchy name for this publication.
We started talking about which BBSs we should upload it to.
We decided on three BBSs to test the magazine on. I said
"Doesn't some BBSs operate at 9600 baud?". Ron answered yes.
I said WOW! it will be zipping right along.
Any way, we never found a name for this magazine that we
liked. So ZIP was it.
Before someone jumps my case over naming ZIP Magazine after
PKzip from PKware. We released ZIP-1-1 in September 1988.
This was 4 - 6 month's before Phil Katz introduced his PKzip
package. It was a coincidence that ZIP Magazine, and PKzip
uses "zip" in the name. Even PKware BBS carries ZIP Magazine.
If there is a problem between Phil, and myself, he hasn't
mentioned it yet.
Q: What software , and how much memory would I need to
multitask? Troy Jameson
A: I haven't tried very many MT packages. It would depend on
your situation. If you have a 386, or an SX, Desqview 386
would serve your need's. I would highly recommend for you to
order a copy of QEMM 5.0. Qemm will let you load lot's of
system drivers, and other programs into high memory. If
you have a 286, the choice would be desqview, and Q-ram.
There are several share ware MT packages available. I can't
recommend one because I have never used one.
About the memory. I would recommend at least 4 mega bytes if
you have a 386. While you can multi-task with less memory. 4
meg would give you plenty room. With 4 meg, I can have 5 dos
windows going at the same time. Each window has 550K free.
Before someone writes me a note asking why would I need so
many windows. For the most part, I use two windows. 1 for the
BBS, and the second for me. I have had 4 windows open on two
occasions. Window 1 was running the BBS. Window 2 was
formatting diskettes. Window 3, I was tagging files to copy
to the diskettes. Window 4 had my Intelec mail packet. The
mail packet was on the back burner, but it was still active.
When I wanted to multi-task, I thought two windows would be
plenty, but sometimes you need more.
Believe it or not, I recently bought 4 more meg for my
computer. (8 meg in total). I didn't get it to open more
windows. This time I wanted a big ram disk so I could update
new uploads to my BBS; to reduce the wear, and tear on my
hard drive.
I don't think many people reallize how nice it can be to have
more than one task running simultaneously. I sure didn't
þþ BBS LISTING þþ
201 471-6391 PASSAIC BBS. Baud 300 - 19,200 using Hayes
V-series. Storage unknown. Sysop James Roy.
207 374-2303 CELEBRATION SHOP. Baud 1200, soon to be 2400.
Storage unknown. Operates 24 hours a day, Sysop Paul
Stookey. #3 Neworld Square, Blue Hill Falls Maine, 04615.
Paul Stookey was Paul in the singing group {Peter, Paul,
and Mary.}
216 264-5116 <TRI>-<WAY> BBS. Baud 300 - 2400 24 hrs.
Running Wildcat 2.0 multinode. Storage 130 meg. Carrying
ZIP Magazine. Over 500 files. Located in Wooster, Oh.
Sysop Dann Way
314 774-2736 The Waynesville BBS. Baud 300 - 2400. Running
Wildcat 1.13. with 104 meg. Sysop Raynond Andrell.
Specializes in FUN!!!
318 352-8311 Genesis BBS. Baud 300 - 2400. operating 24
hours a day. 65 meg storage. Sysop James Pottorff.
Genesis BBS is located in Natchitoches, LA.
318 457-1538 Toepfer's Electronics BBS. Baud 300-2400 Running
M&M BBS on a C-64. 24 hours of operation. Free
Registration. Storage 2 meg. Files for C-64, and MS-DOS
computers. Member of KSAT QDP. Home BBS of Citizens
Aligned for Better Television. SYSOP Darrel Toepfer.
Located in Eunice, La.
416 751-6337 (Data on 20 Node RBBS Customized System) Operate
BBS under the name of THE TORUS SUPPORT NETWORK,
Division of PCanada Systems Inc. 3 Giabytes on-line
including 4 CD-ROM's and operate primary server under
Microsoft OS/2 base LAN Manager (330 megabyte Priam Main
Server on a 386 20 Mhz Acer platform). System Sysop is
Bob Eyer, and we are currently in our seventh year of
operation.
501 273-9257 THE CHICKEN COOP. Baud 300 - 2400.
501 273-0152 THE CHICKEN COOP. Baud 9600. FOR HST, and V.32
modems. Running TBBS 2.1m. 130 meg of storage. Has many
online features including ZIP Magazine, InfoMat, and USA
Today. A member of the Software Distribution Network
which supplies virus and trojan free software direct from
the author's. SysOp Don Chick.
501 422-8777 The Personal Resource System. Baud 300 - 2400
501 444-8080 USRobotics Dual Standard (HST/V.32). This BBS
has several online publications such as InfoMat, Business
Sence, ZIP Beep, NASA Press, Online Digital Music Review,
USA Today, Amy Info, C-News Letter, and ZIP Magazine.
24 hours of operataion with 260 MEG of storage.
606 432-0879 STRAWBERRY PATCH. Baud 300 - 9600. Running PC
Board on a 286 machine. storage 1000+ meg (with PC Sig
library on CD-ROM. Files for MS-DOS. No download ratio,
but uses a point system. 45 mins access on first call.
Sysop Terry West. Located in Pikeville, Ky.
606 789-3423 The AdventureComm BBS. Running ProLogon 1.0, and
ProDoor 3.2. Baud 300 - 9600 (HST). Storage 95 meg.
Sysop Charles Baldridge. Located in Paintsville, Ky.
606 843-9032 SnapShot Express. Baud 1200 - 9600 with Hayes
Ultra 9600 modem. If you have a V.32, or V.42 modem's
you can call here at 9600! Running WWIV 4.11 on a 25 mhz
386 clone. Storage 200 meg. This BBS operates 24 hours a
day. Files for IBM-DOS and MS-DOS. Ratio 20 to 1. 30
minute access, and full priveliges on first call. Sysop
W.H. Lambdin, and Ron Alcorn. I am specializing in
Graphics. So far, I have over 500 gif pictures, and a
few mac pictures. Adult related files available. New
callers may only download 1 file, and then they must
upload a file. After you upload your file, the 20 to 1
ratio kick's in. This BBS is located in East Bernstadt,
Ky. If 30 minutes per day, and 20 to 1 ratio isn't
acceptable, I have subscriptions available.
606 878-9500 ZIP BBS. Baud 1200 - 9600 using USRobotics Dual
Standard (HST/V.32). Running Spit Fire 2.8 on 12 Mhz AT
machine. Storage 60 MEG. Files for MS-DOS. Download
ratio 25 to 1. Full access on first call, no
registration hassles. Operates from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M.
(EST) 7 days a week. Sysop's Ron Alcorn & W.H. Lambdin.
Located in London, Ky.
609 327-5553 UNION LAKE BBS. Baud 300 - 2400. Running PC
Board on an 8088 machine. Free Registration. Storage 94
meg. Sysop George Cuccia. Carries 29 mail conferences.
612 654-8372 G C B BBS. Baud 1200 - 9600 Using U.S. Robotics
HST. Storage 200 meg. Online 24 hours a day. SysOp
Christine Blount. 30 minutes access on first call. This
BBS is located in St. Cloud, Mn.
616 382-3555 BIOS. Baud 300 - 9600 HST. Running WWIV v4.10
on a 8 MHz 8088 Turbo XT Machine. Storage 100 Meg. WWIV
national network node 6650 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Large
MS-DOS file selection, interesting message base and many
on-line games. SysOp Scott Randall.
703 742-6279 CORVETTE DRIVERS. Baud 1200 - 19,200. Running PC
Board on a 386 machine. Storage unknown. Files for
MS-DOS Download ratio 25 to 1. 45 mins access on first
call. Sysop David Arline.
714 785-9176 THE SOLID ROCK (CACOL) BBS. Baud 1200 -2400
Running WildCat 1.13. 80 meg storage. Sysop Ron Hossack.
Christian oriented system and doors available.
818 961-7903 CALIFORNIA BUILDERS BOARD - (A MicroLink PCUG
SubBoard). Baud 300 - 2400. Running PCBoard 14.1/E3
919 383-8707 Bull City BBS. Baud 300 - 2400. Running Wildcat
1.13 on an 8088 machine. Storage unknown. 24 hrs
operation. Sysop Roy & Shirley Gurley. This BBS has over
55 doors.
If you would like to advertise your BBS in ZIP Magazine,
leave a message on either of the two home BBS's. If you have
access to the ZIP Magazine message conference (Part of the
Intelec network) you may leave you BBS ad's there. We would
allow you to leave a message on any support BBS, but they are
getting to numerous, and also the busy signal doesn't help us
any either.
þþ USERS GROUPS þþ
É-----------------------------------------------------------»
| |
| B.G.A.M.U.G. |
| The Bowling Green Area MS-Dos Users Group |
| |
| BGAMUG meets the 4th Tuesday of the month in the library |
| of Bowling Green High School at 7:00pm. Beginning Dos |
| classes are being planned and will be held in the |
| Computer Science classroom of Bowling Green High School |
| on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. |
| |
| For more information contact: |
| |
| BGAMUG |
| P.O.Box 20384 |
| Bowling Green, KY |
| 42102 |
| |
È-----------------------------------------------------------¼
P.A.C.E User's Group
(Prestonsburg Area Computer Enthusiasts). We meet at 7:00pm
each first and third Tuesday at the Prestonsburg Public
Library. All age groups are welcome. We provide guest
speakers, DOS instruction, and are preparing to start a Q&A
column in the Floyd County Times. The group also supports a
BBS, The PACE/Library BBS, 1200-2400 baud, 24hrs at (606)
886-8403.
þþ ZIP INFO þþ
by W.H. Lambdin & Ron Alcorn
This is ZIP, a paperless magazine. All submissions will be
printed, unless you ask us not to. We will not modify any
text you submit except for spell checking and delete foul
language. So views expressed here do not necessarily reflect
views of editors.
If you want to send us a submission, upload it to one of
BBS's with a * beside it. You can also send them to ZIP BBS
at (606) 878-9500, or SnapShot Express at (606) 843-9032.
When you upload a submission, use MAG as the extension. We
would appreciate it if all submissions were just ascii, and
margins set at 10 on left, and 10 on right. This isn't
demanded, it would just be easier on us. If you want to
submit programs you have written, send them along in an
archive with your text. We will check all programs and if
they prove to be unsuitable, we will reject them. (You know,
trojans, viruses, and other harmful programs).
If you submit a review, follow examples here. If you think
it is a very good program, rate it at 5 stars. If you think
it is of poor quality, then give it one star. If you think
it falls between grades, use a plus as this. ***+ This means
a rating of 3 1/2 stars, or a little better than average.
We will not make you run from place to place in order to read
one article. When we start an article, it will be printed in
it's entirety before another article will be started. All
advertisements will be found in back. I like to read articles
with as little trouble as necessary, and the same goes for
ad's. We will have advertisements, but the editors take no
responsibility in what you may see advertised, so buy at your
own risk.
ZIP is being written on an 25 Mhz 386, and a Tandy 1400LT
laptop using Galaxy 2.4. Galaxy is written by Omniverse
Incorporation. If you want to find a great Shareware word
processor, give Galaxy 2.4 a try. I liked it so much, I
registered my copy.
In order for this magazine to survive, it will need help from
it's readers. If you wish to correct us on something, or
write an article or review for ZIP, please send us your
responses. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you
wish to reprint an article or review from ZIP, feel free to
use it any way you wish, we only request that you give author
credit, and report that the article appeared in ZIP.
