======================================== DIRECTORY (new articles and articles with changes are marked with an '*'): You may search for the capitalized keywords to find the related article. BOOKS What books are available for the Atari ST? DEV How do I become a developer for the Atari ST? ERR What does TOS ERROR nn mean? What do the bombs on my screen mean? FREE What is Free-Net and how can I get access? MAGS What ST-oriented magazines are available for the Atari ST? POWR Mailing list for serious Atari-users. TIPS TIPS AND HINTS from other users ZNET Where can I get copies of ZNET? Welcome to comp.sys.atari.st ============================ This newsgroup is devoted to discussion about 16 and 32 bit Atari micros. At present that includes the Atari 520ST, 1040ST, Mega ST, STe, STacy, Mega STe, and the Atari TT. There are also emulators for the Apple Macintosh and IBM PC/XT/AT available. Most of the people who read this newsgroup are technically oriented. The newsgroup serves as a resource for Atari users ... feel free to contribute to the discussions. Associated newsgroups include: comp.binaries.atari.st ! uuencoded binary programs comp.sys.atari.st.tech ! technical programming/hardware topics comp.sources.atari.st ! uuencoded/shar sources What sort of articles would interest people reading comp.sys.atari.st? ====================================================================== The most interesting articles are technical articles, impressions of software/hardware, information on Atari user-groups and shows, or helpful hints on how to make better use of the machine and its software. The least interesting articles are in the form of 'my computer is better than...', especially when cross-posted outside of comp.sys.atari.st. If you don't know how to eliminate other newsgroups from a reply to an article which is cross-posted, ask your systems administrator. 'FOR-SALE' articles should be posted to misc.forsale, and ONLY local distribution of comp.sys.atari.st. Those outside the United States have little desire to read about that neat bit of [hard/soft]ware you're selling when you live in the U.S.A. If you don't know how to restrict distribution of a posting, ask your systems administrator. There are two other postings which complete the 'welcome' information. In Part 2, general questions regarding software, including FTP and e-mail sites of Public Domain/Shareware software, are discussed. In Part 3, general questions regarding hardware are discussed. POWR Mailing list for serious Atari-users ==================================== Jari Lehto announced a mailing list for serious Atari users in October of 1991. The following information appeared in his posting: It is quite parallel to comp.sys.atari.st, but more expert-oriented and only for certain group of people; developers, hardware-wizards, hobby-importers, moderators, user-clubs etc. = really serious users. The address of the list is: ataripu@otax.hut.fi Requests and stuff concerning the list: jartsu@otax.hut.fi [use this address to subscribe, send a brief note about yourself and what you hope to get out of the list, DPZ]: Things concerning Atari, not especially the list: jartsu@nic.funet.fi (I am one of the Atari pd-area moderators at nic) The list has been up for several months now, and it has about 50 members now, majority is TT-users. Especially I would like to have more German members to the list, since their own group in news dnet.atari is not so widely distributed. FREE What is Free-Net and how can I get access? ========================================== A "Remodeled" Atari S.I.G. Opens By now many of you have heard of the Cleveland Freenet, or more specifically the Atari S.I.G. on the Cleveland Freenet. For those who haven't, the Cleveland Freenet is an experimental computer system providing free public community telecomputing. Basically, it's a lot like a public library of the future. Many of these systems are popping up all over the country. Don't be surprised if one pops up in your neighborhood in the future. Recently the Atari SIG has undergone a significant face-lift. All the regular areas are intact including its news sections, user group newsletter, online magazine sections, general as well as specific computer discussion boards (8 bit, 16/32 bit, Lynx, Portfolio), and our weekly Sunday night multi-chat conference. The conference starts at 8pm EST sharp and is on channel "+Ataricon". What the staff at the Atari SIG has added, has given the Atari SIG the potential to cover all grounds of Atari and its related products. The most noticeable addition to the Atari SIG is the Programming and Development Forum. This forum is intended to be used by developers, professional programmers, and Atari hackers (the old definition of "hacker") as a means to share ideas, help each other out, and find out the latest technical information on Atari's products. This board is ran by newly acquired SIG Operator, Peter Haller, a professional programmer who is running developer sections on hardware and software development, programming, MIDI applications development, Graphics Design, plus many other sections that can definitely become a programmer and developer's dream come true! Last, but definitely not least, the Atari SIG has a restructured Product Info and Support Board and a new Special Applications Board. The Support Board includes a vast library of support lists. These lists range anywhere from phone numbers of Atari dealers and producers, to software reviews for 8 bit, 16/32 bit, Lynx, and Portfolio software. To sum it all up this area covers what's out there, who makes it, and how to get it for all Atari products. The Special Applications Board is just starting out. Currently there is an area for users of MIDI on the ST. MIDI users are encouraged to use this as a means to discuss MIDI related topics. This section is expected to expand in the future. Accessing the Atari SIG has never been easier. One can access it via Internet by telenet'ing to 129.22.8.75 or "Freenet-in-b.cwru.edu" or by calling (216) 368-3888 300/1200/2400 bps. Once on the system, a user can apply for an account application and logon as a visitor. Once here, simply type "Go Atari" to get to the Atari SIG. A visitor can go anywhere on the Freenet and can read anything. They can't post messages until they get their permanent accounts, however. For additional information on obtaining access to Freenet write to myself via the e-mail addresses above or by writing the SIG at its US mail address: The Atari SIG P.O. Box 21815 Cleveland, OH 44121 USA Lastly, a freenet application is available in the mail by writing a request to the above address if you rather not download it from Freenet. The Atari SIG is ready to serve the thousands of Atarians throughout the world. We look forward to seeing you all real soon! Remember the staff of the Atari SIG are volunteering their time for no pay and the Cleveland Freenet, as well as the Atari S.I.G., is a non-profit organization existing for the free exchange of information. -- Mark Leair Atari SIG Public Relations Internet e-mail: aa338@Cleveland.Freenet.edu CIS e-mail : internet>aa338@Cleveland.Freenet.edu DEV How do I become a developer for the Atari ST? ============================================= Contact Gail Johnson, Atari Rep Person, (408)745-2022 [UNITED STATES ONLY. IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES, CONTACT YOUR COUNTRY'S ATARI HEADQUARTERS FOR MORE INFORMATION.] Gail can explain the program to you, and send an information packet if you desire. Atari has gone to a 2-tier developer membership. The 'higher quality' developer support goes to commercial developers, and costs $250. The 'no-hand-holding, no announcement of company future products, no access to discounted hardware' goes to noncommercial developers, at an initial cost of $125, plus $50 renewal fee each year. Both tiers receive the ST/TT Developer Kit and all developers have to fill in an application form and a non-disclosure agreement. Contact Gail for more information. ZNET Where can I get copies of ZNET? =============================== ZNET on-line magazine is available on CompuServe and GEnie. You can also get copies mailed to you by sending an e-mail message to stzmagazine-request@virginia.edu indicating you wish to subscribe. They won't get to you on Friday (which is when they're posted), but Greg Lindahl provides an excellent service to the networking community by sending these out. ZNET, ST Report and some information from the Current Notes user magazine are also available from the atari.archive server under /atari/magazines.