Volume 1, Issue 41 Atari Online News, Etc. December 10, 1999 Published and Copyright (c) 1999 All Rights Reserved Atari Online News, Etc. A-ONE Online Magazine Dana P. Jacobson, Publisher/Managing Editor Joseph Mirando, Managing Editor Atari Online News, Etc. Staff Dana P. Jacobson -- Editor Joe Mirando -- "People Are Talking" Michael Burkley -- "Unabashed Atariophile" Albert Dayes -- CC: Classic Chips With Contributions by: Bengy Collins Fred Horvat To subscribe to A-ONE, send a message to: dpj@delphi.com and your address will be added to the distribution list. To unsubscribe from A-ONE, send the following: Unsubscribe A-ONE Please make sure that you include the same address that you used to subscribe from. To download A-ONE, set your browser bookmarks to one of the following sites: http://people.delphi.com/dpj/a-one.htm http://www.icwhen.com/aone/ http://a1mag.atari.org Visit the Atari Advantage Forum on Delphi! http://forums.delphi.com/m/main.asp?sigdir=atari =~=~=~= A-ONE #0141 12/10/99 ~ Ziff-Davis To Sell! ~ People Are Talking! ~ Ted Hoff News! ~ Y2K Viruses Abound! ~ MagiC Game Contest! ~ CAB Replacement? ~ Are You Ready For Y2K? ~ Is Your PC Y2K Ready? ~ Y2K Tips! ~ Samsung To Use NUON! ~ New, Thinner Notebooks ~ Xena For N64! -* AOL Blocks AT&T's I M Here! *- -* E-Mail Privacy Dangers Alleged! *- -* U.S. Alleges Four Violations vs. Microsoft *- =~=~=~= ->From the Editor's Keyboard "Saying it like it is!" """""""""""""""""""""""""" I guess that I have some influence after all! Last week I mentioned that I wasn't ready for the winter's cold yet, and poof, it's been unseasonably warmer this past week! I can certainly live with 40's and 50's all winter! So, got all of your holiday shopping done yet? For the first time in many years, I can say that I'm almost done! I cannot believe it myself. I still have a few more things to get, but nothing to compare to past years when I waited until the last couple of weeks before the holiday to _start_ my shopping! New trend? I doubt it! Everyone ready for Y2K? We'll probably stay at home for New Year's like recent years. Under "normal" circumstances, there are too many crazy people out on the streets; I'm sure this year will be even worse due to the uniqueness of this new year. Wow, a new millennium! Another century coming to a close! It should be interesting. Until next time... It's Time To Vote For The MGC! You can now download the game entries and the vote form for the MagiC game contest, organized by the place2be/MagiC Online. All together there are 8 games in the compo. This is down from 11 (1 was disqualified for premature release, one was a no show, and one was forced to cancel at the last minute.) Please download and spread this archive. The more votes we get the better. Please try to spread all 8 games together, and the vote form along with voting instructions is included in the mgc archive. The games are all GEM and should work on most atari configurations. Well, may the best game win! Direct Download: http://www.place2be.de/mgc/mgc99.zip MGC Homepage English: http://www.place2be.de/mgc/contest.htm MGC Homepage German: http://www.place2be.de/mgc/contestd.htm PS: This is the first of many programming/etc contests. We learned a lot from this one so expect the next one to be even better! IMPORTANT NOTE: The Vote forms must be sent to collins@bulli.com no later then midnight of December 25th 1999. ASH CAB Replacement? I got this from Atari.org news section. I wonder how soon they will replace CAB if there has been rumors and announced CAB Ver 2.8 at the Atari Fair in Germany a week ago? High End Web browser in the works? (Dec 4) By Bengy on 1999-12-07 It's has been speculated for awhile now that ASH is working on a "CAB-Replacement" web browser that is to be fast and boast many modern features. Recently, some information has came out that suggests that this is exactly what ASH is doing, as they need to put a "browser in their catalog ASAP." The interesting aspect is that these recent rumors say that BOTH the Brothers Behne (NVDI) and the two K's (MagiC) are working together on this product! This is really something to watch out for. Fred Horvat =~=~=~= PEOPLE ARE TALKING compiled by Joe Mirando jmirando@portone.com Hidi ho friends and neighbors. Gee, the holidays are right around the corner and I haven't even started to do my shopping yet. Yes, I'm one of THOSE. Every year I wait until the last minute to do my shopping. It's not that I plan for it to work out that way, mind you. It just happens.... year after year after year. I have no idea of why that is, but after all this time I've come to simply accept it. Now that I think of it, that's about the only thing that I've "simply accepted". Usually I fuss and fight everything. Take Windows, for instance. When I got that spiffy PC laptop I pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I'd end up using Windows, like it or not. Then a friend of mine started preaching the virtues of Linux. Hmmm... a full-featured, stable operating system that doesn't rely on monopolies or strong-arm tactics, either to ensure its own popularity or that of other offerings by the same company. Sounds good to me... I'll give it a try. To my surprise, I really like Linux. I liked it so much on the laptop that I'm in the process of installing it on my TT. Of course, I haven't had much of a chance to do anything more than install it, but it looks pretty much like Linux on the PC. Expect a mini review in the next few weeks. Oh, by the way, the TEAM ATARI SETI@home group has now contributed a good solid SEVEN YEARS of CPU time to the search for signals from an extraterrestrial intelligence. Way to go folks! Let's just hope that ET doesn't have an answering machine! Well, let's get to the news and stuff. From the comp.sys.atari.st NewsGroup ==================================== Last week "Phantomm" asked: "I Was wondering if Cable Modems can be used on Atari Computers such as the Falcon?" Martin-Eric Racine tells Phantomm: "I use cable-net on my TT, but then I have a Riebl card on it. Anyhow, most cable-modems require a machine with Ethernet card. It works rather well, except I had to request my own static IP, because neither MiNT-Net nor STiNG support DHCP. However, on most operators, one cannot get a static IP or otherwise has to pay a rather hefty extra amount to get one. On average, using MiNT-Net 1.04 through the Riebl, I get between 18000 and 25000cps, using aFTP. Web pages load super fast on CAB (especially since 2.8, because it has improved JPEG unpacking)." Ken Macdonald asks Martin-Eric: "Martin! do you know if the MiNTnet ethernet drivers that come with the MiNT99 CD are capable of DHCP? These are copyrighted stuff and not available for downloading AFAIK. I wonder if Mario is considering this as he writes drivers for his Ethernet card?" Martin-Eric answers: "Nope. The only custom MiNT-Net stuff on that are Ethernet drivers for some more esoteric Ethernet cards, AFAIK. DHCP has nothing to do with Ethernet per se. You could use that on almost any kind of IP connection, to fetch boot parameters. Btw, DHCP is not always used. In Canada, Bell replaced it with PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet) recently, which has proven disastrous. So much, in fact, that most people switched to Rogers Cable-Net. Alex says the resource (in CAB) hasn't changed since 2.7, because the changes are mostly internal (PNG support, bug fixes) and don't affect any dialogue's content. CAB 2.7d resources should work." Brian Van Tilborg asks Ken: "1) What does DHCP stand for? 2) Am I to understand that you still don't have a graphics card for your TT or is there a throughput on the VME? If I am correct you were offering Mario's products at the TAF meetings. Will this be true with the ethernet card? Do you have any ide adapters? I need a trip to Toronto!" Martin-Eric jumps in and tells Brian: "RFC 2131: DHC = Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Basically, this fetches a dynamic IP at connection time, along with the gateway and netmask IP. It might also use your Ethernet card's MAC address (its serial number, sort-of) as means of authenticating you." Richard B. asks: "Does anybody know if there's any utilities that will allow you to read a 250MB 512/sec dos partition over scsi (250meg Zip drive) to get round the TTOS 32meg partition limit? I want to back up samples from my Korg Triton to my Atari scsi drive and be able to transfer *.WAV files between them." Dr. Uwe Seimet tells Richard: "This is possible with HDDRIVER. HDDRIVER supports an option for creating media that are DOS and TOS compatible at the same time and don't need any additional software to be accessed from TOS/DOS or Windows. With MagiC, MiNT or Big-DOS and HDDRIVER you can additionally directly access DOS compatible partitions > 32 MByte. See also http://home.nikocity.de/nogfradelt/atari_english.html" Charles Silver asks: "Ever run into this error message while downloading large web files? If so, how do you increase the "time" so that the web page isn't truncated. --- error 'ASP 0113' Script timed out /results.asp (this was about a 927k html file) The maximum amount of time for a script to execute was exceeded. You can change this limit by specifying a new value for the property Server.ScriptTimeOut or by changing the value in the IIS administration tools." Neil Roughley tells Charles: "It's nothing at your end, Charles. Send an e-mail to the site's webmaster." Brian Van Tilborg asks: "Is there a set up in NEWsie that will allow me to read the offline messages while I am online? " Sean Barbieri tells Brian: "I use MagiC so haven't tried this using single TOS (should still work) but after downloading to offline, disconnect host, Then open New Group Window and load default.grp (or whatever grp your using) and NEWsie loads the offline articles." Brian tells Sean: "Thanks. That was too easy. Yes it works in Single TOS from 1.0 to Falcon. As well as Geneva and of course Magic. Never had bothered to disconnect." Robert Levy asks: "Can anyone help me please with free version of Gemulator 98? How do you load more than one virtual drive (*vhd) at the one time?" Kevin Dermott tells Robert: "There are more disk image files on the site Inc an 80meg one that is split into 4 partitions." Joe Zorin jumps in and adds his experiences: "When I chose to have Gemulator simulate Atari disks, i.e. the virtual drive that came with Gemulator98 (free download)- I couldn't manage to put anything into it. I opened up a window to my PC's floppy, then a window to the virtual drive C- then tried to copy files from the floppy to the virtual drive and got a message saying that drive C was damaged! I'm obviously doing something drastically wrong." Kevin tells Joe: "I can only think that somehow your virtual file is damaged,there is a new beta page up at emulators Inc with more virtual drives maybe try one of them." "Lewis" joins in and posts: "I have Gemulator 98 ver 4.8 on disk(fast club) or ver 5+ free download. Which would be the best one to use. I have magic5 on two atari disks, can I use magic or do I need a tos image? Where can I get tos 2.6?" Kevin tells Lewis: "I think 5 is better. Although it says it can, I haven't succeeded in running any version of magic on it. You can get TOS from a real Atari or some daring site,if I find one I will place a link on my site." This has probably already been mentioned here in A-ONE this week, but I'll include it here anyway. Bengy Collins posts: "MagiC 7 network support! (Dec 4) A very reliable contact of MagiC online has informed us of some very interesting "rumors". The first one? It is a strong possibility that MagiC version 7 will have built-in networking support and that a TCP/IP shared lib. is now in final beta. Below you will find an agreeable quote from the informant: "Can you imagine MagiC with a built in IConnect compatible stack, and shared libraries that makes writing clients very easy? :-))))..... this means the end for MiNT/freeMinT/N-AES and other crap." High End Web Browser in the works? (Dec 4) It's has been speculated for awhile now that ASH is working on a "CAB-Replacement" web browser that is to be fast and boast many modern features. Recently, some information has came out that suggests that this is exactly what ASH is doing, as they need to put a "browser in their catalog ASAP." The interesting aspect is that these recent rumors say that BOTH the Brothers Behne (NVDI) and the two K's (MagiC) are working together on this product! This is really something to watch out for. MagiCMac now friends with OS 9! (Dec 3) Finally, ASH has released a patch to update MagiC Mac 6.x to a state of OS 9 compatibility. Previously, OS 9 would only work together with MagiC Mac if they were ran on older Macintoshes that had the ROM hard coded. (this excluded every recent Macintosh, including the original and current iMacs/G4's) The update is free of charge and can be downloaded from the link below. http://www.application-systems.de/magicmac/download.html -- For daily news and information pertaining to MagiC and modern Atari operating systems make sure to check out MagiC online @ bengy.atari.org (Yes, Its alive again!) PS: I will not be posting all the news from MagiC online in this group (unless there is a strong want for this? I just thought that the above articles were rather interesting." Dennis Vermeir adds: "Take a look at http://www.camelot.de/~zulu the website of Jürgen Koneczny, there's a hyp file there that explains the ins and outs of Sockets and IConnect... Have you considered that MagiC might have network capabilities? Since it's going to be the standard MilanII OS, it would be quite stupid if it couldn't address the ethernet network card, wouldn't it.... if this is so, I bet you anything that network clients for MagiC will appear very quickly. And in the ASH tradition these will be easy to install and maintain... It's not because NAES 2.0 and FreeMint have finally catched up with MagiC, that it's gonna stay like this. MagiC has not come to a stand still, and once again it will set new standards... Perhaps that new browser is going to make full use of the new features of MagiC, and if it's going to be a high end browser it probably will make full use of the Milan II hardware as well. So it sounds logical to me that it will be a MagiC only browser... What is more important is that Draconis which is supposed to come bundled with the Milan II, will not be able to deliver the goods... A new computer without a decent browser has no chance... and who knows, there might come a "light" version which is of benefit to all of us." Well folks, that's it for this week. Tune in again next week, same time, same station, and be ready to listen to what they are saying when... PEOPLE ARE TALKING =~=~=~= ->In This Week's Gaming Section - Xena! Samsung To Use NUON! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" 'Vigilante 8'! Billy-Bob! Midway & Konami Release Arcade Hits! Quebec Demands French Versions! And much more! ->From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is! """""""""""""""""""""""""""" Usually my console-gaming editorials are pretty positive. I mean how negative can you editorialize about games? Sure, there's the violence issue and warning labels. But for the most part, it's tough to find a cause that just screams out to be vocalized. Not so this week! We've all read stories and seen news reports regarding Quebec (Canada) and its attempt to secede from the country as an all-French speaking province. I grew up in southern Maine, near the coast where there are a lot of summer tourist areas. Every summer, those areas would be packed with French- Canadians, mostly from the Quebec province. I grew up thinking that many of these tourists were a little strange! Now before people start flaming me, my opinion is based on how these people behaved and looked as tourists. They were strange! Sorry, that's how I saw it. But anyway, back to my point. Alright, so Quebec wants its independence, but keeps failing. They're a stubborn lot, and are still trying. They've enacted laws requiring French to be used as the primary language for everyday things. Now they're going beyond ridiculous - they've demanded that Nintendo and Sega produce French versions of their popular games, or be sued! Give me a break! What do they want, French translations of "BAM!, "ZAP", and other sound effects?! We're talking about games, folks! If you don't like or want the products as they exist, don't buy them! These companies should pack up, take their jobs, and re-locate to Toronto or some other major Canadian city outside of Quebec! I love Montreal and the surrounding area, but if I had to live under those rules... And while we're at it, the United States should require that Quebec tourists speak only english when they're visiting, use U.S. currency only when spending their money, and not allow Quebec men and women with "beer guts" to wear "Speedo" swimwear and black socks with sandals! I hope I hear further news pertaining to these demands! Until next time... =~=~=~= ->A-ONE's Game Console Industry News - The Latest Gaming News! """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" The Darkness Is Coming To Sega Dreamcast: Acclaim's Shadow Man Makes Its Bloodcurdling Debut Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. announced that its acclaimed third-person action/adventure game, Shadow Man, has shipped to retail stores nationwide for the Sega Dreamcast. Developed by Acclaim Studios Teesside, Shadow Man takes video-gaming into the unexplored territories of the human psyche, challenging gamers to stop a marauding band of villains from unleashing unspeakable horrors upon the world as we know it. ``Shadow Man is the first game of its kind for the Sega Dreamcast," said Evan Stein, director of marketing at Acclaim Entertainment. ``Shadow Man's chilling gameplay, intense storyline and stunning graphics will offer gamers a unique adventure that is sure to keep them awake at night." Shadow Man is inspired by the Acclaim Comics title of the same name. The game encompasses two enormous, varied worlds. Adventurers travel Liveside, the land of the living, as mortal Mike LeRoi, and explore Deadside, the place where lost souls spend eternity in unspeakable horror, as his alter ego, the voodoo-warrior Shadow Man. Game play begins with an eerie dream sequence - a prophetic nightmare vision of Armageddon, as seen by Mama Nettie, a voodoo sorceress who created Shadow Man by implanting the powerful Shadow Mask in Mike LeRoi's chest. In her dream, Nettie foresees the coming of the Apocalypse and charges Shadow Man with a task of epic proportions. Gamers, as Shadow Man, must step across the veil into Deadside and stop an underground cult of lunatics from opening a gateway to Liveside and destroying our world. Shadow Man's ancient apocalyptic prophecy must be fulfilled through the unfurling of over twenty levels set across two worlds. On the way, players load up with an arsenal of artillery, such as the ultimate voodoo weapon, the Asson. They must also search for elusive clues to discover their true purpose and the meaning of the mysterious voodoo items they carry. Shadow Man's proprietary state-of-the-art 3D VISTA (Virtually Integrated Scenic TerrAin) game engine allows potentially limitless game environments that let the player see as far as the horizon without the need for an obscuring fog. All characters within the game are depicted using a highly advanced `softskin' system, which allows them to be accurately depicted to the highest detail. Acclaim has included a warning on the game's box cover informing purchasers of Shadow Man's adult content and language. Acclaim Publishing has released a comprehensive strategy guide for Shadow Man concurrent with the game's launch. The guide includes illustrated walk-throughs, highly detailed maps, exclusive screenshots, hints and tips, and insider information direct from the game's creators. Xena: Warrior Princess: The Talisman of Fate for Nintendo 64 Hits Retail Shelves Titus Software announced Tuesday that its much-anticipated title for the Nintendo 64 platform, Xena: Warrior Princess: The Talisman of Fate, has shipped to stores. The game promises all the action of the popular television series, ``Xena: Warrior Princess" and can include up to four players. ``The Xena license is an exciting franchise for Titus," said Frederic Oualid, vice president of marketing of Titus Software. ``We have taken the theme of the show and adapted it perfectly into a fighting game for the Nintendo platform, creating a thoroughly entertaining experience for the player. In addition, we have supported this launch with a multi-million dollar Marketing campaign." The four-player game features beautifully rendered 3-D graphics on 12 expansive backdrops, including ancient Greek and Roman settings. In these venues, players have ample space to control characters' signature maneuvers. With high jumps, Kung-Fu kicks, true heckles and the actual weapons from the series, this Nintendo 64 game offers all the bravado fans have come to expect from the ``Xena: Warrior Princess" television show. In four different player modes, gamers can enjoy single, head-to-head or team play. The game is also compatible with Rumble Pak, Memory Pak and Expansion Pak -- this compatibility ensures a gameplay experience that only the Nintendo 64's unique, advanced technologies can create. Xena: Warrior Princess: The Talisman of Fate is sure to please both diehard enthusiasts of the fighting genre and fans of the ``Xena: Warrior Princess" series. It is available at major retail outlets nationwide today at a suggested retail price of $59. The King of Auto Combat Continues Its Reign With the Release of Activision's Vigilante 8: Second Offense The king of auto-combat hits the road again when Activision, Inc. ships Vigilante 8: Second Offense for the PlayStation game console. Non-stop, high-octane vehicular warfare will tear across the U.S. and into retail channels the week of November 29, 1999. The game will carry a suggested retail price of $39.95. In Vigilante 8: Second Offense, players must stop the Coyote terrorist gang that has traveled back through time in an attempt change the course of events that will allow evil to dominate the world. In their quest to save the fate of the world, gamers get behind the wheel supercharged combat vehicles, each linked to an over-the-top character, as they battle through a series of death-matches spanning eight destructible arenas throughout the United States. ``Vigilante 8: Second Offense is the must have auto-combat title of the year," stated Mitch Lasky, executive vice president, Activision Studios. ``The game delivers all the breakthrough elements of Vigilante 8 and ups the ante by further redefining the auto-combat genre with its morphing vehicle advancements." Developed by Luxoflux Corp., Vigilante 8: Second Offense delivers non-stop intense full-throttle auto-combat complete with 18 new outrageous vehicles, which can be modified with high-tech enhancements and propulsion power-ups that morph into place. As players advance through the game, they have the ability to acquire ``salvage points" each time an enemy is destroyed. By collecting points, players are able to enhance and upgrade their vehicle with new attachments including wider tires and spoiler wings. The more points the player collects, the more upgrades they will receive; the ultimate upgrade is a completely new car chassis. The power-ups, which can be found throughout each arena, provide gamers with improved driving on snow and water and the ability to hover above the ground. The sequel expands on all of the breakthrough features of Vigilante 8 including one of the most popular and unique elements of the original game, the quest mode, by introducing larger and more challenging quests with more diverse objectives. From the bayous of the South to the Steel Mills of the East, each of the eight destructible arenas features unique interactive terrain-based gameplay elements that player's can use to their advantage. The game introduces an improved level of graphical detail including exhaust, fog, water effects, brake lights and bigger and better explosions. Additionally, the game features six different modes of play - quest mode, arcade mode, survival mode, two-player head-to-head, two-player cooperative and two-player quest mode. The game also offers multiple play perspectives, inside the car, behind the car and a split-screen option for two-player action. Midway's Billy Bob's Huntin 'N' Fishin for Game Boy Color in Stores Now Game Spoofs Fishing and Hunting Much Like Ready 2 Rumble Parodies Boxing Hey ya'all; Spit out yer' doggone tobaccy and listen here! Midway Home Entertainment, one of the industry's leading video game publishers and developers, announced that Billy Bob's Huntin `N' Fishin, an action/adventure game for Game Boy Color , is available now for holiday sales. Billy Bob's Huntin `N' Fishin puts a funny twist on the pastimes of hunting and fishing. ``With Billy Bob's Huntin `N' Fishin, Midway combines one of the most popular pastimes with a sense of humor to deliver a witty and entertaining game," said Paula Cook, director of marketing at Midway Home Entertainment. ``This unique approach to game design has already proven immensely successful, as demonstrated by the strong sales of Ready 2 Rumble Boxing and other Midway titles which incorporate satire with an exciting gaming experience." Deep in the backwoods of a tiny lil' town named Rock Crest lives the great hunter and fisherman Billy Bob. Billy Bob's dream, like others in Rock Crest, is to have the beautiful Daisy May become his wife. The only way he can win her hand is to become the best dadgum huntin' and fishin' sportsman in town. Players control Billy Bob through five huntin' and five fishin' levels and must tackle four locations -- the Lodge, the Bait Shop, the Thinkun' Spot, and Daisy May's house. Once gamers complete all of the missions, they can ask Daisy May's PA for her hand in marriage. Fail in your mission and you're cruisin' for a bruisin'! Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness For Nintendo 64 'Howls' in the Holidays; Konami's Prequel to Smash Hit Castlevania N64 Available December 9 Konami sinks its teeth into holiday sales with the highly anticipated launch of Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness for Nintendo 64. With vivid graphics and moody, orchestral music, and the ability to support expansion pak accessories Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness transforms players into a fierce werewolf battling the evil incarnate himself, Lord Dracula. Available on December 9, 1999, Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness is priced at $42 wholesale and carries an ESRB rating of ``T" for Teens. Konami of America, Inc., is a leading developer of electronic entertainment for the home video game markets. ``The original Castlevania N64 took console action adventure gaming to a new level of excellence," said Chris Mike, Director of Marketing for Konami. ``With updated gameplay and graphics, Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness will simultaneously thrill fans of the original game and entertain gamers new to the franchise." Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness sends players back in time to a period eight years before the original game begins, revealing the chilling history of Dracula's rebirth and plot to spread dark dominion over the entire world. Players will don the role of Cornell, a powerful werewolf warrior, seeking to unravel the mystery behind his sister's disappearance. As players plunge deeper into the this dark adventure, the evil Dracula is revealed to be the force behind the kidnapping of Cornell's sister. Vividly rendered hi-res 3D graphics, FMV cut sequences and a haunting orchestral score will immerse players in the gameplay and storyline. As Cornell, players will have the ability to morph from human to werewolf to dispatch enemies with all the fearsome natural weaponry of the lycanthrope. In addition, players will wield the traditional weapons of medieval vampire slaying, including axes, daggers and holy water, among others. Weapons can be upgraded through three strength levels for increased effectiveness. Gameplay will progress through 14 stages, as players guide Cornell through a foggy lake, forest, castle, underground passages, a church tower and do battle with enemies like skeletons, vampires, bats, dragons, Medusa and Death. Secret chambers and additional characters give Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness tremendous replayability. Acclaim Sports Ships NFL Quarterback Club 2000 for Dreamcast Acclaim Sports, Inc. announced that NFL Quarterback Club 2000 for the Sega Dreamcast has shipped to retail stores nationwide. NFL Quarterback Club 2000 takes advantage of the powerful technological capabilities of the Sega Dreamcast system to bring football fans an incredible NFL gaming experience. It was developed by Acclaim Studios Austin, creators of hit sports titles such as NFL Quarterback Club and All-Star Baseball, and utilizes Microsoft's Windows CE operating system. Acclaim Studios Austin worked with Microsoft on the development of the game to ensure that NFL Quarterback Club 2000 for Sega Dreamcast takes advantage of the powerful technological capabilities of the Windows CE development toolkit. The NFL Quarterback Club franchise has been critically praised for its outstanding graphics and authentic gameplay, and has received numerous awards from gaming magazines and websites. Working with the Sega Dreamcast architecture, Acclaim has focused on taking the already breathtaking graphics and animation of NFL Quarterback Club to the next level, recreating a true NFL football gameplay experience. To that end, Acclaim enlisted Charlie Weis, Offensive Coordinator of the N.Y. Jets, to mastermind the artificial intelligence and play-calling for the game. Key game features of NFL Quarterback Club 2000 for Sega Dreamcast include: Ultra Hi-Rez graphics for unprecedented NFL realism; player models featuring real-life faces, eye black, breathe strips, elbow pads, finger tape, and the highest polygonal counts of any NFL Quarterback Club title to date; over 1,200 motion-captured animations, including punishing wrap tackles and player celebrations; and total team management with trading, drafting, signing and releasing players, and managing the salary cap. Activision Introduces Multi-Platinum Hip-Hop Artists, Wu-Tang Clan, to the PlayStation Game Console Arena-Based Fighting Game, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style, Hits Retail Shelves One of the most influential rap groups of our time, the Wu-Tang Clan brings its own brand of Kung Fu fighting action the PlayStation game console with Activision, Inc.'s Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style. A multiplayer arena-based fighting game with an urban vibe, the title features three exclusive Wu-Tang Clan music tracks-the only new Wu-Tang releases in 1999. Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style marks the first time that an original video game property has been designed specifically for a rap group. The game is now available in North American retail stores and carries a suggested retail price of $49.95. ``With Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style, Activision has created a game that reflects the hip-hop phenomenon," states Mitch Lasky, executive vice president, Activision Studios. ``By partnering with the multi-platinum-selling Wu-Tang Clan, we were able to build on the artists' style and martial arts philosophy to produce a unique fighting game with an intricate action-packed storyline that takes players through ten urban/Asian arenas." Developed by Paradox, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style challenges players to battle as one of nine Shaolin warriors and advance -- as in ancient Chinese tradition -- through the 36 skill chambers of martial arts. Taking on the role of one of the Wu Tang Clan, including RZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man and Raekwon, gamers must master an arsenal of attack moves, multi-hit combos, taunts, fatality kills and counter attacks unique to each warrior. While fighting nine lethal alter egos, players travel through an intricate system of ten realistic 3D arenas-from Staten Island streets to a Chinatown warehouse and a mythological Shaolin temple in ancient China. Wu Tang: Shaolin Style's masterful in-game cinematics allow players to track their progress from arena to arena. Utilizing a highly advanced multiplayer engine, Wu Tang: Shaolin Style delivers fast Kung Fu fighting action featuring one- to four-player battles, hard-core attack animations and kill sequences. Players can choose from three battle modes, including Practice mode, Single Match Versus mode and Story mode. Queen Ruby Holdings served as a consultant on Wu Tang: Shaolin Style. NUON Delivers Interactivity to Samsung NUON Enhanced DVD Players Slated for Launch This Spring VM Labs and Samsung Electronics America announced that Samsung would incorporate NUON media processing technology in a new DVD player. Samsung's DVD-N2000 uses this new technology to enable advanced interactive features and dramatically enhance audio and video performance. The first NUON enhanced Samsung DVD players are anticipated to reach store shelves in the first quarter of 2000. NUON technology turns a DVD player into a complete video entertainment system. Standard DVD movies will not only run on NUON enhanced DVD players, but will benefit by vastly improved movie-viewing features. NUON enhanced players will also be able to play a wide variety of entertainment and educational software as well as bring audio CDs to life with stunning visual effects modes. VM Labs is licensing third party publishers to develop NUON interactive software that will serve the family market. At least six initial NUON titles are scheduled for release to coincide with hardware availability. Peripheral ports will allow users to plug in joysticks, keyboards and other devices, providing additional ways to interact with the DVD player. Samsung's DVD-N2000 will be the first of their DVDs to be produced using NUON and will be available in the first quarter of 2000 with a MSRP of $499. The DVD-N2000 offers exceptionally smooth Shuttle, as well as a new pan-zoom function that allows the user to select and magnify any portion of the picture up to twenty times. The NUON processing allows this dramatic magnification with little distortion thanks to advanced filtering algorithms. And this astounding flexibility is available any time, even while the movie is playing. NUON further allows the DVD-N2000 to play CD discs at half-normal speed or twice normal speed with minimal distortion. It can even play a CD backwards. CD Playback is even more interesting with the elaborate graphics options, including a colorful spectrum analyzer display and other dynamic images that respond to the musical content. Most exciting, however, is that the DVD-N2000 will also function as the family gaming console. Games are in development and soon consumers will be able to switch from watching, to listening, to playing, at the change of a disc. ``Samsung has been a leader in DVD Technology since the inception of the category," said Mark Knox, Senior Manager of Samsung Electronics America's Digital Group. ``Now, the combination of Samsung's leading DVD technology and NUON's advanced media processing will bring a new set of features and vastly improved performance to Samsung's extensive DVD line-up." ``Today's DVD players have great graphics...but with NUON, you get a total entertainment system packed with fun interactive activities and capabilities," said Richard Miller, CEO of VM Labs. ``With brands like Samsung on the hardware side and family-oriented content alliances, we have a spectacular, media-rich experience for consumers to enjoy." NUON has the speed and power to transform a DVD player into an interactive fun-center that will entertain the whole family. NUON enhanced digital video devices bring the television to life with interactivity in the form of games, educational software, interactive movie content and more. Future NUON enhanced features include Internet connectivity and Web-enabled movie experiences. The NUON media processing technology replaces the MPEG decoder chip currently found in digital video products. Analysts predict that digital video will supersede the current analog method over the next few years, and NUON is poised to become the new standard for interactive digital home entertainment. VM Labs Inc. is based in Mountain View. For more information and to download artwork, visit http://www.nuon-tech.com Midway Releasing Seven Titles for Game Boy Color Midway Home Entertainment Inc. announced that it will release seven titles for the Game Boy Color system for the holidays -- NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing, NFL Blitz 2000, Rampart, Marble Madness, Billy Bob's Huntin `N' Fishin and Rampage 2: Universal Tour. ``Game Boy Color is the hottest selling platform in the industry with sales up more than 250% this year to date, and Midway has always been one of the systems's strongest third party supporters," said Paula Cook, director of marketing for Midway Home Entertainment. ``We are continuing our support with a diverse Game Boy Color lineup that includes proven hits like Ready 2 Rumble Boxing and NFL Blitz 2000, and exclusives such as the tongue-in-cheek Billy Bob's Huntin `N' Fishin. The Midway Game Boy Color Line-Up Ready 2 Rumble Boxing features Michael Buffer's trademark call, ``Let's Get Ready to Rumble," announcing and gives players the opportunity to compete as one of 10 boxers, each with their own unique fighting style. Each boxer is hyper-realistic with motion-captured animation, full color FMV's (Full Motion Videos) and tons of special and hidden punch combos. Equipped with the Rumble Pak feature, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing is truly ready to rumble and promises to deliver an over-the-top blow in the handheld boxing market. NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC will be one of this season's hottest basketball titles with motion-captured crossover dribble moves, no-look passes, rim-rocking dunks, hidden characters, over 120 NBA stars and all 29 NBA teams. Gamers can choose to tip off NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC's 2-on-2 action in their favorite NBA arena or one of the game's fantasy courts. NFL Blitz 2000, the hottest arcade-style football game, has no refs, no rules, no mercy and features all 31 teams, each comprised of seven of the best offensive and defensive players from each team. With easy to run plays, new tackle animations and killer artificial intelligence, NFL Blitz 2000 sets the standard for Game Boy Color football games. Rampart is the highly addictive, classic combination puzzle and strategy game. Placing the player in the role of warlord of an enclosed castle, gamers must build and repair walls to protect against enemies. Single players can compete against a computer-controlled navy, or two players can battle each other. Marble Madness brings an arcade classic home for one or two players. Players steer marbles down a variety of courses trying to find the fastest path and record the best time. Billy Bob's Huntin 'N' Fishin is a comedic, action adventure hunting and fishing game. Players control Billy Bob through 10 off the wall hunting and fishing levels and an assortment of humorous mini-games in an effort to become the best sportsman in Wydville and win the affection of the beautiful Daisy Mae. Rampage 2: Universal Tour is the sequel to the immensely popular coin-op and console classic, Rampage World Tour. Players take on the role of three new mutants, a lobster, a rat and a rhino who wreak havoc on the unsuspecting universe and rescue their three predecessors. One or two gamers take control of these mutants and play in cooperative mode, cruising through the universe and into outer space, guiding them on their destructive rescue mission. Konami Arcade Classics Available Just in Time for 1999 Holiday Rush; Ten Classic Arcade Games Updated for the Sony PlayStation Konami puts the ``class" back in classic this holiday season with the highly anticipated release of Konami Arcade Classics for the Sony PlayStation. Veteran gamers from the '80's and rookies alike will enjoy updated versions of top ten arcade favorites, which stay true to the superlative gameplay that generated their original popularity. Konami Arcade Classics is now available at retail outlets nationwide with an "E" for Everyone ESRB rating, and priced at $29.99 SRP. ``Konami Arcade Classics gives new players a taste of what first put Konami on the map while giving old pros their fix for '80's style arcade fun," said Chris Mike, Konami's Director of Marketing. ``1999 is the perfect time to breath new life into these classic favorites as we get ready to roll into a new millennium of entertaining games." The Konami Arcade Classics collection includes ten signature games and offers a new level of accessibility and functionality while remaining true to their excellent gameplay mechanics. Designed for the Sony PlayStation, the Konami Arcade Classics allow players to opt between analog and digital control settings. Konami went to great lengths to insure that these arcade games accurately reproduced the arcade experience. Konami Arcade Classics includes the following games: Pooyan Players help Mama Pig protect her children from being kidnapped by the big bad wolves. Gamers are equipped with a bow and arrow, and heavy meat, to prevent the wolves from either reaching the ground or flying through the air on balloons. Scramble Fast paced gameplay where would-be pilots navigate space ships armed with single pixel shots and bombs. As players navigate through six different levels, their ships must be refueled by various fuel tanks sailing by. Super Cobra In this sequel to Scramble, players earn their wings by piloting their chopper through 11 levels of treacherous terrain. While dodging homing missiles, tanks and various enemies, players must look for flying fuel tanks to refuel their helicopter. Yie Ar Kung-Fu Having introduced fancy martial art moves, head-to-head combat and character picks in the 80s -- Yie Ar Kung-Fu set the standard for today's fighting games. Roc 'n' Rope Players embark on an archeological quest for a special golden bird through four white-knuckle levels. Enemies will attack them as they precariously climb ropes from ledge to ledge to catch the bird. It's a race to the top and only quick thinking and quicker reflexes will allow players to reach the golden bird before their enemies. Shao-Lin's Road An action game, where players must karate kick all the bad guys off the screen. While defending the screen, gamers will look for special power-ups when various colored enemies appear and ultimately prepare for their match with the Enemy Boss. Circus Charlie Join the circus as Charlie, whose goal is to amaze the crowd with six crazy events: Fire Rings, Tight Rope, Ball Walk, Horseback, Trampoline and the Flying Trapeze. Each event must be completed as quickly as possible to score bonus points and if time runs out, players lose one Charlie. Road Fighter In this vertical-scrolling driving game, players race through six levels of nerve-racking competitions. Drivers must dodge metal-crunching car crashes and overtake 39 cars to secure the first place position. Time Pilot One of the most popular Konami arcade titles, Time Pilot puts players behind the controls of various aircraft of the ages as they are transported through time -- from 1910, 1940, 1970, 1982 and to the year 2001. With the freedom to fly anywhere in the futuristic space ship, players attempt to shoot down 56 enemy aircraft in each time period before heading into the final challenge with the Enemy Boss. Gyruss Players travel through the solar system in Gyruss hoping to reach Earth. While traveling through the Gyruss universe, enemy ships block the players from warping ahead to each destination world. Featuring stereo sound by 15 tone generators and discrete circuits for synthetic drums and sound effects, Gyruss demonstrates some of the best music for an arcade game developed in 1983. Quebec Threatens Suing Sony, Nintendo Over French The Quebec provincial government threatened on Thursday to sue video game makers Nintendo Co. Ltd. and Sony Corp. if they do not provide French-language versions of their popular products by New Year's Eve. French Language Minister Louise Beaudoin told a news conference that she has met Canadian officials of both Japanese companies over the past 18 months and has come to the conclusion they would not offer their products in French in Quebec, Canada's only French-speaking province. Products include ``Pikachu" and ``Super Mario" -- the hugely popular video games -- as well as Pokemon cards, distributed in Canada by a unit of Hasbro Inc. ``Why not Pokemon in French? It exists elsewhere," Beaudoin said. ``I am launching an ultimatum. I conclude that it is time to act and to consider that negotiations have not been successful. The law must be applied," she told reporters. Asked what she had in mind, Beaudoin said: ``A legal warning to comply with regulations first and eventually suits. I hope we will not reach that stage," she asserted. French is the province's official language since 1977 and the Quebec Charter of the French language compels firms operating in Quebec to sell products at least in French, without banning any other language. The Quebec law also forces product packaging, instructions and guarantees to be written at least in French as well. Versions from France are incompatible with North American technology, Beaudoin said. =~=~=~= ->A-ONE Gaming Online - Online Users Growl & Purr! """"""""""""""""""" Ted Hoff, Previously of SEGA and Time Warner Interactive, Joins ClickMovie.com as COO ClickMovie.com, the leader in movie-on-demand technology, announced today that entertainment and electronics industry veteran, Ted Hoff has joined their parent company, Tranz-Send Broadcasting Network Inc., as its chief operating officer. Hoff joins the Tranz-Send management team as the company prepares to launch the world's most powerful personalized movie-on-demand site on the World Wide Web. ClickMovie.com is committed to its goal of providing viewers ``Every version of every film, in any language, when and where you want it". Hoff comes to Tranz-Send Broadcasting Network from an accomplished line of senior management positions with industry leaders, including Time Warner, Atari, SEGA and Twentieth Century Fox. Additionally, Hoff has lead key roles in early stage technology companies, including consumer electronics hardware and software. ``Ted brings us thirty years industry leadership with extensive sales, marketing and general management background," stated Scott Redmond, CEO/CTO of Tranz-Send Broadcasting. ``His experience in consumer products and media companies will play a key role in building Tranz-Send's www.ClickMovie.com and www.MyPersonalTV.com brands into household names. We are all very excited to have Ted on board to help us build ClickMovie.com into the leading entertainment destination," stated Redmond. Hoff is known for bringing a unique and innovative marketing approach to companies and the ability to create new product demand through both traditional and unconventional distribution channels. He has launched new products and companies, including NetLink, Atari Interactive, Fox Interactive and Reality Quest. ``I've come to ClickMovie.com at this exciting time because they truly have captured the leading edge in technology for the next stage of home entertainment -- movies and media on demand," said Hoff. ``Tranz-Send Broadcasting Network is showing the way in this convergent market of on demand entertainment. I wanted to be part of it, and this is the only place to be," stated Hoff. =~=~=~= A-ONE's Headline News The Latest in Computer Technology News Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson E-Mail Privacy Dangers Alleged Consumer and privacy advocates asked regulators Friday to force software akers to seal an e-mail feature that they say enables companies to track World Wide Web sites people visit. The groups fear that companies could exploit the technology to match up people's e-mail addresses and possibly other personal information with their Internet surfing habits. That could open the door for intensive marketing of services and products to people who have visited certain sites, they said. ``This feature is so subtle and difficult to understand that the average consumer can't be expected to avoid the invasion of privacy it causes," said Jason Catlett, president of Junkbusters Corp., a New Jersey-based company that specializes in Internet privacy matters. Junkbusters, along with the Electronic Privacy Information Center, Center for Media Education, Electronic Frontier Foundation and others filed a petition Friday with the Federal Trade Commission. It asked that Microsoft, Netscape and other software makers change the situation that makes such tracking possible. ``It's really incumbent on the FTC to protect consumers from the risks," Catlett said. The groups and security expert Richard Smith describe the problem as follows: Because some e-mail messages contain graphics that must be retrieved from the Web, a technical factor makes it possible for the person receiving the e-mail to be assigned an identification number, or ``cookie." That cookie can then be silently transmitted as the person surfs the Web, according to the groups. What's more, they say, the cookie could then be traced back to the person's e-mail address in certain cases. ``My concern here is where the Internet marketing business is heading," Smith said. He fears the feature will allow for more one-to-one tracking and direct marketing. The groups said they feel confident the software makers will work on the problem. Richard Purcell, Microsoft's chief privacy officer, said the company's engineers are investigating it. ``We are trying to determine if there is a true technology flaw involved, or if this is good technology being exploited for purposes that our unwanted by consumers," Purcell said. ``It is too early, unfortunately, to know what remedies could be put in place." Purcell also said safeguards exist for consumers to ensure that when they get e-mails displaying Web pages, they come from sites they trust. The advocates said they brought the matter to the FTC so that smaller companies also would be required to act on the issue. ``We will give it serious review," said FTC spokeswoman Vicki Streitfeld. Government Alleges Legal Violations by Microsoft The Justice Department and 19 states argued that Microsoft Corp. violated the U.S. antitrust law in at least four different ways, in papers filed Monday with the judge conducting the software company's trial. The government used Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson's findings of fact, issued last month, to argue the company had illegally erected barriers to competitors, tied the purchase of its monopoly computer operating system to acceptance of its other software, entered exclusionary agreements and campaigned to keep a rival Web browser from consumers. The 70-page brief focused in large part on Microsoft's competitive actions to assure that its Internet Explorer Web browser -- software used to surf the Internet -- would displace one by Netscape. The government has argued that Microsoft executives feared Netscape's browser could displace the Windows operating system, by serving as a substitute platform to run software. Netscape has since been sold to America Online Inc. The government argued that Microsoft ``illegally maintained the critical barrier to entry into, and hence its monopoly in, the market for operating systems for Intel-compatible personal computers," referring to chips made by Intel Corp. In an additional filing, the 19 states and the District of Columbia also alleged that Microsoft violated state laws in each of their jurisdictions. Ziff-Davis to Sell Publishing Unit for $780 Million Trade magazine publisher Ziff-Davis Inc., seeking to boost its sagging share price, said on Monday it agreed to sell PC Magazine, PC Computing and most of its other publications for $780 million in cash to private investment firm Willis Stein & Partners. Ziff-Davis said it would retain the publications Computer Shopper and its ownership interest in Red Herring, a Silicon Valley based-venture capital magazine. It will also keep its Internet properties, traded under the separate tracking stock of ZDNet. The deal includes a five-year deal under which ZDNet will pay royalties to use Ziff-Davis Publishing content online for five years. Ziff-Davis Publishing is the latest in a stream of businesses to be sold by Ziff-Davis, including education, market research and television units. The moves are part of the company's bid to boost the value of its flagging share price. Shares of Ziff-Davis, which includes print publishing, trade shows and conference businesses, ended down 1-3/16 to 17-1/16 in composite trade on the New York Stock Exchange. ZDNet shares fell 5/8 to 22-1/4, also on the NYSE. ``This is a major step toward our goal of unlocking value for our shareholders," Eric Hippeau, Ziff-Davis chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. He said he believed Willis Stein had the resources and commitment ``to leverage Ziff-Davis Publishing's global brands and marketing platforms" and to "build and expand upon their leadership position." The publishing unit transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2000 and is subject to financing and other customary conditions, the company said. The unit publishes PC Magazine, the world's No. 1 ranked computer trade magazine, PC Week, a computer industry weekly and PC Computing, the No. 2-ranked U.S. computer consumer monthly. It also includes Interactive Week, an Internet weekly magazine, and Yahoo! Internet Life, a popular Internet consumer magazine title. Avy Stein, managing partner of Willis Stein & Partners, said his company planned to work with the Ziff-Davis management team as well as ``partnering with ZDNet and Ziff-Davis's other business ventures." Willis Stein said it named James Dunning Jr., who ran Petersen, the largest U.S. publisher of special interest magazines, to be chairman and chief executive of the new Ziff-Davis Holdings LLC, the acquisition vehicle. Ziff said Dunning, who was executive vice president at Ziff-Davis predecessor Ziff Communications, from 1984 to 1986, will also serve as chairman of Ziff-Davis Publishing, the operating company. Mike Perlis will continue as president and chief executive of Ziff-Davis Publishing, Ziff-Davis said. Dunning was chairman and chief executive at Petersen, and also served on the investment group led by Willis Stein that acquired that publisher in 1996. He had left Petersen this fall, after Willis Stein sold it to British magazine publisher EMAP Plc (EMA.L). Last summer, Ziff-Davis said it had retained Morgan Stanley Dean Witter to explore strategic options. In August, the company sold ZD Market Intelligence, its market research unit, to direct marketing company Harte-Hanks Inc. for a total of $106 million. It also expects to close the sale of its ZD Education and its interest in ZDTV before the end of the first quarter of 2000 for $172 million and $204.8 million respectively. The ZDTV transaction will give Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul Allen a 97 percent share of the cable television channel focused on computers and the Internet. Toshiba, HP Offer New Slim Notebooks Toshiba introduced new corporate notebooks today, featuring the latest and greatest in mobile processors. Toshiba's new Tecra and Portege models run the latest Intel mobile Pentium IIIs and are designed for business users, the company said. In introducing the new systems, Toshiba is in step with the rest of PC makers, as most major manufacturers ready new Pentium III notebooks with larger displays and thinner cases. The new models reflect the industry's recent obsession with eye-catching designs achieved with silver magnesium cases and enlarged displays, as well as business buyers' love for consistent components for easy deployment across large companies. Along with Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard today introduced a redesigned version of its slim OmniBook 900 with a 500-MHz Pentium III processor. The portable will also come with a 13-inch screen for the first time. The new Portege 7140CT is 4.4-pounds and one-inch thick. Running on the Intel Pentium III at speeds up to 500MHz, the notebook also includes a 13.3-inch display. Offering options such as a 6 GB hard drive, 64 MB of memory and Windows NT, the $3,399 mini-notebook is targeted at image-conscious executives, according to Craig Marking, product manager at Toshiba. "It reflects on who they are--it says 'I'm successful,'" Marking said, noting that the new Portege also has been updated with a better screen and longer battery life. The new Tecra 8100 series is designed to appeal more to corporate budgets. The new notebook is based on the same design and components as previous versions, so that companies can easily integrate newer Tecras within existing networks of Toshiba computers. "It's evolutionary and revolutionary," Marking said of the new Tecra. "It's an island of stability in a sea of constant change," he said. The Tecra 8100, priced on a build-to-order basis, includes the Intel Pentium III processor, up to 256MBof memory, a 1.4-inch thick design, up to a 14.1-inch display and a DVD-ROM drive as an option. The Tecra 8100 also features a new leather grip on the case, for easy handling, Marking said. These notebooks are running on the fastest processors available until Intel releases new Pentium III notebook chips with "SpeedStep" technology on January 18. SpeedStep will allow a processor to run faster when plugged in than when running on battery power. A 600-MHz notebook Pentium III, coming in January, will run at close to 500 MHz when unplugged. The change is important because it will allow notebook makers to incorporate faster chips without compromising battery life, Intel executives and analysts have said. AOL Blocks AT&T In Messaging War, Part Two As AT&T prepared to link its customers to America Online's instant messaging service this morning, AOL fired off an instant message of its own: hands off. Following through on a vow to bar rivals from accessing its AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) member lists, AOL today began disconnecting AT&T customers from AIM just hours after AT&T released a product built to connect with AOL's huge installed base. Tribal Voice, which provides AT&T's I M Here messaging software, said AOL started rejecting registration requests from AT&T users at 10 a.m., five hours after AT&T's WorldNet Internet service first made the product available on its Web site. Ma Bell confirmed that AOL began blocking its users from AIM this morning, as it did with Microsoft and its MSN Messenger software this summer. But AT&T said it hasn't yet determined a response. "At this point I don't know what we would do," AT&T spokesman Ritch Blasi said. "We don't want to go through the same thing Microsoft went through." Despite warning signs, AT&T executives had been hopeful AOL would cooperate, especially given the online leader's recent push for so-called open access to cable networks. AOL did not return several requests for comment. Instant messaging, made popular by AOL, allows users to communicate with friends and family in a real-time chat format. AOL has dominated the niche by maintaining 45 million screen names in its AIM "Buddy List" network and an additional 40 million registrations in ICQ, the instant messaging software it acquired last year. Although today's move by AOL was expected, it sends another clear message that the company will not quietly let go of its enormous lead in the IM market by freely giving users of competing products access to its system. It is a position that has put the company at odds with efforts to establish an IM standard and with consumers who could reap major benefits from interoperability. Although AOL has said it supports open standards and has published its source code, it has refused to open its network to all comers. It battled Microsoft to a standstill over the issue, forcing the software giant to back off just last month. AT&T's arrival on the battleground could make it more difficult for AOL to refuse access to competitors over the long haul, analysts said. But with its huge base of users, the company faces no immediate pressure to capitulate. "AT&T is no slouch," said Rob Enderle, an analyst with Giga Information Group. "But even now, [AOL's competitors] don't have enough of an installed base." Joe Lazslo, an analyst with Jupiter Communications, agreed. "In the long term, this is a blow to AOL," he said. "But for now it doesn't give users much incentive to switch." The move by AT&T is an attempt to give the company and its 1.8 million AT&T WorldNet customers access to the millions of users on the AIM and ICQ systems. Providing access to AOL's audience for the roughly 50 percent of its customers who use the AT&T I M Here service would be a competitive advantage. Blasi said the company recognizes instant messaging as one of the fastest-growing areas in communications, and it wants to be competitive in that market. Like many messaging products, AT&T's supports voice chatting, a market that could grow as voice-over-Internet protocol technologies improve. AT&T has been embracing open Internet policies. Earlier this week the company struck a deal on principles for providing unaffiliated ISPs, namely MindSpring Enterprises, access to its cable modem network. Microsoft also has embraced openness, at least on the IM front. The software giant worked closely with Tribal Voice to create interoperability with the new version of AT&T's I M Here and Tribal Voice's underlying PowWow IM product. Not including AT&T customers, Tribal Voice pegs its installed base at about 5 million, including distribution through a partnership inked in the fall with British ISP Freeserve. What Tribal Voice and others have considered steps toward opening channels of communication, however, AOL has criticized their moves as unauthorized attempts to access its servers. "We will block [interoperability with Tribal Voice] because it's unauthorized access to our servers that jeopardizes member security and privacy," Tricia Primrose, an AOL spokeswoman, said when the Freeserve deal was announced in September. Having fended off one powerful opponent in Microsoft, AOL appears to believe it can do so again, analysts said. "AOL is extremely confident right now," said Giga's Enderle, who added that the company can stand a lot more pressure in the short run, even as more competitors line up alongside AT&T and Microsoft in the coming months. "But in the long term that might backfire," he cautioned, suggesting that the company's practices might lead to antitrust scrutiny, similar to charges against Microsoft. "The big exposure is that they will be called to task for their behavior. They might be next on the list for government intervention," Enderle said. Virus Trackers Report Bug Aimed at Y2K The computer world's mischief makers struck last week with the first in what is expected to be a wave of viruses set to go off Jan. 1, 2000, computer experts said on Friday. A virus was discovered in computer systems of a number of companies, set to go off at New Year's and erase data from users' hard drives, security experts reported. ``This is the first Y2K virus we've seen that has really infected a number of people," said Sal Viveros, of Network Associates Inc., the largest computer security firm in the world. Anti-virus firm Symantec Corp.director of research Vincent Weafer said, ``This is the kickoff for the Y2k -- which is going to be like the Super Bowl for virus writers." The new virus, called W32/Mypics.worm, is set to disable computers as people try to start them up Jan. 1. The virus writer apparently is hoping to mislead users into thinking they've been hit by the much-publicized Y2K software bug, which is caused by computers' inability to read the ``00" of year 2000. The virus is sent by e-mail with no subject line to a target user. Inside the e-mail is a message saying ``Here's some pictures for you!" Clicking on the picture launches the damaging virus, or worm, a kind of virus that does damage but doesn't continue to propagate itself inside the host computer. Like the earlier Melissa ``worm," the new infection uses the target computer's Microsoft Outlook mailing list to send itself to 50 people via e-mail. It can be detected ahead of the Jan. 1 ``payload date" through use of an anti-virus software, or by noting a suspicious switch in the default page of the user's Web browser. Computer security firm Symantech, the company that first sounded the alarm about the Y2K bug, said it has found five different Y2K viruses in recent days, but none reaching the level of the W32/Mypics.worm, which it classed as a ``medium to high-risk virus." Simon Perry, Computer Associate International Inc.'s eTrust Business Manager said, ``As the year 2000 quickly approaches, we are starting to see an increased frequency of dangerous viruses." The year has already been marked by a wave of destructive infections, including the CIH, or Chernobyl Virus, which wiped out data on thousands of hard disk drives, and Melissa, which was one of the most widespread infections ever, though not as damaging to individual computers. A concerted effort to sound the alarm by computer protection services has tended to dampen the spread of the viruses, though some see their alarms as self-serving, since most recommend a dose of their medicine, anti-virus software, as the cure. ``Once a virus is in the wild, and it's on everyone's detection lists, it tends to chill a bit. But that doesn't mean it's not still a threat," said David Perry, security firm Trend Micro Inc. (NasdaqSC:TIMC - news) pubic information director. The most basic advice the security experts give is to avoid opening unsolicited e-mails. ``Don't take candy from strangers," said Perry, ``and don't open suspicious e-mails on your computer." Self-Updating Virus Spreads on Web Computer security experts warned Tuesday of a new virus that can update itself with potentially malicious instructions from a Web site. The first of its kind, this virus primarily affects home computers and spreads through Microsoft software used for chat rooms. The W95.Babylonia virus comes disguised as a Y2K fix, making it the sixth known virus preying on the Year 2000 glitch. David Perry, director of public education at Trend Micro Inc., identified the virus' most worrisome aspect as its ability ``to add new capabilities as it rolls along." The virus writer can effectively control the infected computer remotely. Anti-virus experts worked to identify the specific commands for the virus, aware these could include erasing files and grabbing sensitive information. Trend Micro and other makers of anti-virus software reiterated warnings against accepting unsolicited files and urged computer users to update virus-detection software. But because this virus spreads through chat rooms, users should turn off any auto-download features. Unlike most viruses, which spread primarily by e-mail, W95.Babylonia takes advantage of chat rooms and makes home users more prone to infection. Few companies use chat rooms for business, although sometimes employees sidestep rules prohibiting personal use. When an infected user logs on to a chat room using MIRC chat software, the virus gets sent as a Y2K bug fix to anyone else in that chat room. If the user accepts the software, the virus will install itself and later obtain several files from Japan. Those files, in turn, carry instructions affecting the user's computer. ``There's nothing else even close to it," said Vince Gullotto, director of Network Associates' anti-virus research team. Vincent Weafer, anti-virus research director at Symantec Corp., said the virus can spread by e-mail as well, though home e-mail use is not as heavy as that of businesses. Thus, he said, this virus is not likely to spread as quickly as other viruses. Discovery of the new virus comes days after experts detected a virus timed to erase disks on Jan. 1 by posing as a Y2K problem. All told, there are three viruses known to trigger in the new year. Three others spread by posing as Y2K software and act immediately. The end of the millennium is prime time for many virus writers, security experts warn. ``I suspect we will see a (Y2K) virus at least every couple of days between now and the end of the year," said Perry, the Trend Micro official. ``If you were going to release a Y2K virus, this would be the time to do it." Smith Pleads Guilty To Melissa Virus David L. Smith, who was arrested for creating and releasing the Melissa virus in April, plead guilty on Thursday to the second-degree offense of computer theft. The maximum sentence for the crime -- which covers intercepting computer communications and damages to computer systems or data -- is 10 years in jail and a $150,000 fine. Smith appeared in Monmouth County, NJ, Superior Court at 7 AM PT and has an appearance scheduled in the U.S. District Court in Newark -- the Federal court -- at 1:30PM ET. According to law enforcement sources close to the case, Smith will enter a guilty plea in federal court as well. Edward Borden, Smith's attorney in the case could not be reached for comment. Court papers filed in August stated that Smith confessed to writing the virus. Smith had admitted his guilt at the time of the arrest, said Paul Loriquet, a spokesman for the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, in a ZDTV interview. "There was a statement made at the time of the arrest from Mr. Smith to our investigator... that, in fact, at the time of the arrest, he had admitted to creating the virus, and had said that he had destroyed the personal computers that he had used to post it on the Internet," Loriquet said in the report. How To Test for Y2K Bugs Even the personal computer isn't immune to the Year 2000 bug. While larger computers and networks used by business and government get most of the attention, the PC at home could be vulnerable, too. Risks are greater with older PCs, as well as banking, spreadsheets and other programs that use a lot of dates. Free remedies are available in most cases, but owners need to take the time to check their computers. Otherwise, come the new year, a PC might malfunction or corrupt data. An online banking program, for instance, might think a mortgage payment isn't due for another 100 years. Try explaining that to a bank preparing to foreclose on your home. ``It's important for consumers to think about it if they have files, personal finance and other date-based transactions that are important to them," says Steve Cullen, vice president at Symantec Corp., which sells a Y2K tester for PCs. Despite warnings, many computers owners haven't yet acted. Steve Thurlow, Y2K program director at Intuit Inc., says traffic is steadily growing at a Web site for its Quicken home finance and other software. Still, he admits, he's ``a little surprised at how people seem to be leaving things to the last minute." The Year 2000 bug, or Y2K, stems from a longstanding programming practice of using only two digits to represent the year. Computers might misread ``00" as 1900 unless they have been fixed. PCs have three areas that need checking: -Hardware. Computer processors do not care about the year, but other computer components do. Most PCs have a separate internal clock and a system called BIOS to relay date and time information to the computer applications. The BIOS in older computers won't relay the correct century. -Software, including the operating system. Word processors, Internet browsers and games may not care what year it is, but banking programs and spreadsheets do. -Personal files. Computer users may have put bugs into their own files by using two-digit shortcuts in spreadsheets and other programs. Most PCs manufactured since 1998 and Apple computers do not have hardware problems, although software and data files still need to be checked. A Web site at www.pcy2000.org has information for major manufacturers. Free programs are available to test the BIOS. In most cases, computer users can update their PCs by obtaining special software through the Internet or by manually resetting the clock to a date in the new century. Next, check the operating system. Microsoft's Windows 3.1, 95 and 98 are all good for Y2K as long as computer owners upgrade to the latest versions, which are available for free. Microsoft has Y2K information at www.microsoft.com/y2k and through a toll-free number at 1-888-MSFT-Y2K. The company is loaning free videotapes through Blockbuster stores. Apple says its operating system is Y2K-ready, and that the latest versions are good forever, although one piece of software needs an update before 2019. The company expects to have a fix by then. More information is at www.apple.com/about/year2000. Computer users also need to check with Microsoft and other software vendors for updates to other software. Older versions of Intuit's Quicken, for instance, have online banking problems. Microsoft has a CD-ROM to test and update its applications. A Web site at www.y2kbase.com lists Y2K information for major vendors. Don Jones, director of Year 2000 readiness at Microsoft, recommends that consumers assess what programs they use. Individuals tend to use less than 15 percent of more than 100 programs installed in a typical computer. Microsoft tested more than 4,000 programs and found a handful of bugs, mostly minor ones that incorrectly displays dates rather than cause malfunctions. Data files are the hardest to check because no two users are alike. The key is to manually convert years to four digits when possible. Commercial Y2K programs such as Symantec's Norton 2000 and McAfee's Y2K Survival Kit can help. Don't make the mistake of assuming everything's OK just because one program shoots back the correct date. ``No one component by and of itself will determine whether your whole system is capable," says Intel spokesman Bill Calder. ``This is a systemwide issue. You have to look at each individual component." Y2K Questions and Answers Y2K talk is everywhere. The Year 2000 bug has spawned several books, countless articles in magazines and newspapers, even a TV movie. It's enriched computer programmers and advisers. The Commerce Department estimates that government and businesses will have spent more than $100 billion by 2001 in the United States alone. So what exactly is Y2K, and what should you do about it? Here's a basic guide: Q. What is Y2K all about? A. Y2K stands for Year 2000 and commonly refers to computer problems that might arise from a programming practice of using only two digits to represent a year. Programmers adopted the technique decades ago to save memory, which was expensive at the time. At the end of this year, ``99" will roll over to ``00," much like a car odometer that has reached its limit. If left uncorrected, computers might misread ``00" for 1900 in the new year, disrupting systems that run power grids, control traffic lights and perform other key tasks. Q. What is being done about it? A. Over several years, programmers have examined trillions of lines of computer code, looking for date references and fixing the coding when necessary. Despite all the time and money, Y2K experts do not expect to finish the job. So, for less-critical systems, governments and businesses have come up with alternative ways to do the same tasks. Also, they are planning for the unexpected, in case some date references were overlooked. With such contingencies in place, widespread disruptions are unlikely, although sporadic outages are possible. Q. I don't even use a computer, so I have nothing to worry about, right? A. No. Older video cassette recorders might not record your favorite shows. Home burglar alarms might cease to function. Some coffee makers and microwave ovens have chips in them, although those appliances tend to care less what year it is. At any rate, check with manufacturers for guidance. Even if all of your appliances are OK, you could be susceptible to problems beyond your control. For instance, an errant computer elsewhere might send you a bill for all charges in the 20th century, thinking your last payment was in 1900. Utilities, banks, credit cards, phones and airplanes all depend heavily on computers. Q. So should I cancel all my travel and withdraw all my money from the bank? A. That might have been good advice had private industries not addressed the issue. But government officials are confident that the major systems have been fixed to correctly read the year. In fact, extreme behavior such as stuffing cash under a mattress might cause shortages unrelated to Y2K and make you more vulnerable to crime. That is not to say nothing will go wrong, either. Minor glitches are likely at the local level and with smaller businesses, and Y2K experts advise planning for temporary disruptions the way you would for an approaching winter storm or hurricane. And if traveling abroad, check the State Department's Web site at travel.state.gov/y2kca.html. Some foreign countries are less prepared than the United States. Q. What can I do to help? A. Plan for potential problems - and plan early. That means making sure you have fresh batteries for flashlights and radio, as well as stocks of nonperishable food and water. This way, should there be actual disruptions, you won't tax the emergency response system with your needs. And by planning early, you help prevent lines and shortages that procrastinators might cause. There is no need to overreact, either. Hoarding drugs, food and other supplies could also cause artificial shortages. One other thing: Try to avoid picking up the phone just after midnight to check for a dial tone. If everyone does that, the phone network could be overwhelmed. Q. I've heard that government officials will be monitoring Y2K problems all day Dec. 31. Why so early? A. Midnight strikes the Republic of Kiribati in the South Pacific when it is 5 a.m. Dec. 31 in New York. Midnight then hits Australia, Asia, Europe and eventually the United States. That doesn't mean you need to only pay attention to your local time. Many systems, including air traffic control, use a standard of Greenwich time, which is five hours ahead of Eastern time. After all, planes fly across time zones so quickly, it would be impractical - and even dangerous - for pilots to have to change their clocks while airborne. Q. What if the power goes out or the ATM won't give me cash? A. Don't assume it's a Y2K failure, and don't assume it's a problem everywhere. Power goes out all the time, and the electric companies have backup systems in place and can borrow power from neighboring utilities. If an ATM doesn't work, go to another a few blocks away. Q. So if I wake up on Jan. 1, and nothing went wrong, then should I assume that Y2K was much ado about nothing? A. Not really. Although computer failures are most likely to appear at midnight Dec. 31, Y2K troubles aren't restricted to that second or even that weekend. In fact, a few problems have already surfaced. Some federal agencies had minor trouble on Oct. 1, the start of fiscal 2000. And in Maine, motor-vehicle officials mistakenly classified model 2000 cars as pre-1916 ``horseless carriages." Pay attention to Monday, Jan. 3, the first business day of the new year. Some problems could also crop up as businesses go through the first billing cycle for 2000. Feb. 29 is another key date: Some computers might not recognize 2000 as a leap year because years that end in ``00" usually aren't. Q. Where can I get more information? A. President Clinton's advisory group has an Internet site at www.y2k.gov and a toll-free number: 1-888-USA-4-Y2K. The American Red Cross has information at www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/y2k.html. Both groups offer brochures, as do many other private organizations and government agencies. For more specific regional and local information, check with your local officials, utilities and hospitals. Q. Any other words of wisdom? A. Have a happy new year, and continue with your millennium plans. Whatever happens, there is no need to panic. Y2K planners expect they can handle any disruptions as long as the public stays calm. They have contingency plans in place, and so will you, right? =~=~=~= Atari Online News, Etc.is a weekly publication covering the entire Atari community. 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