*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---* """"""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original Online ST Magazine" _______________________________ June 16, 1989 Vol III No.92 ======================================================================== ST Report Online Magazine __________________________ Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236 ~ 6672 R.F. Mariano Publisher - Editor _________________________________________ Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EDT _________________________________________ ** F-NET NODE 350 ** FIDOMAIL NODE 1:363/37 ** Our support BBS carries ALL issues of STReport and An International list of private BBS systems carrying STReport for their users enjoyment _______________________________________________________________________ > Issue: #92 STReport The Online Magazine of Choice! ------------------- - The Editors' Podium - CPU REPORT - TOS 1.4 in LIMITED RELEASE!!! - Astronomy Lab - A Review - Usergroups get strong Support! - New Products from ATARI! - REGISTER YOUR USERGROUP! - GEnie Survey Results - CPU NewsWire Usergroup Offer! - ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL - GScan - An Indepth Review - WOA Mich. Updates & Info. ======================================================================== AVAILABLE ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ THE SOURCE ~ BIX ======================================================================== > The Editor's Podium What is going on in our Userbase? It is rather strange to see some folks awarding praise to Atari for acting like a two step, private label electronics distributor. Calculators, game machines and hand-held MS Dos toys ..(well almost). What is happening here? What has become of the Atari we all matured with? The Company who became a pacesetter in the home computer market, the company that gave the world the ST. Why all the ostentacious fanfare with elaborate shows, seminars, speeches and, of course, promises of what the future holds? Mind you now we have no problem with Atari making a bundle off the new game machine, calculators and other goodies. Our very basic question is; how is Atari ever going to be shed of the game machine image if the SAME name is used on the computers. Anybody happen to notice the simple fact that the release of the game machine received more coverage in one week that the ST did all year?? That segment on CNN reached many, many people, Atari is now once again well recognized, ..as a THE game machine. In this issue we are also presenting a list of the most frequently used telephone numbers at Atari. These numbers will allow the users to find the proper parties to seek efficient assistance from instead of openly complaining about a problem. Judging from the number of times we receive letters and calls for help in dealing with some of the departments at Atari, the online and offline customer relations people must be swamped. in any case, we hope the numbers we provide are a help. Atari is at the "turning roads" of it's US Business Career and by all indications is about to embark on a most notable journey, considering it's stock went 36 percent (%) in one week. The next few months will more than likely epitomize the natural process of it's metamorphosis, only in this case it will be a NEW Atari emerging from the clandestine, often confusing corporate cocoon to become a very open and extremely popular entity in the home and business computer market. Additionally, Atari has set it's sights on the educational marketplace. Ralph..... ATARI IS BACK! ************************************************************************ :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT: _________________________________ To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt. Type XJM11877,GEnie and hit RETURN. The system will prompt you for your information. THE GENIE ATARI ST ROUNDTABLE - AN OVERVIEW ___________________________________________ The Roundtable is an area of GEnie specifically set aside for owners and users of Atari ST computers, although all are welcome to participate. There are three main sections to the Roundtable: the Bulletin Board, the Software Library and the Real Time Conference area. The Bulletin Board contains messages from Roundtable members on a variety of Topics, organized under several Categories. These messages are all open and available for all to read (GEnie Mail should be used for private messages). If you have a question, comment, hot rumor or an answer to someone else's question, the Bulletin Board is the place to share it. The Software Library is where we keep the Public Domain software files that are available to all Roundtable members. You can 'download' any of these files into your own computer by using a Terminal Program which uses the 'XMODEM' file-transfer method. You can also share your favorite Public Domain programs and files with other Roundtable members by 'uploading' them to the Software Library. Uploading on GEnie is FREE, so you are encouraged to participate and help your Roundtable grow. The Real Time Conference is an area where two or more Roundtable members may get together and 'talk' in 'real-time'. You can participate in organized conferences with special guests, drop in on our weekly Open COnference, or simply join in on an impromptu chat session. Unlike posting messages or Mail for other members to read at some later time, everyone in the Conference area can see what you type immediately, and can respond to you right away, in an 'electronic conversation'. ************************************************************************ > CPU REPORT ========== Issue # 25 by Michael Arthur Remember When.... Seymour Cray started designing supercomputers for Control Data Corporation in the early 1960's, with the CDC 6600 and 7600, and when he formed Cray Research, his own supercomputer company, making the Cray-1 in 1976, a year before Apple started making Apple II's in 1977? CPU Systems Roundup IX ======================= Dream Computer Systems III: Workstations R Us ---------------------------------------------- Part I As the capabilities of microcomputers increased during the 1980's, they began to assume the place that workstations had held in the industry, and many began to focus on bringing the versatility of the more expensive workstations to the microcomputer. Unix, a prime example, was once the domain of workstations and non-IBM minicomputers, but now is available for almost every middle/high-end micro, and is competing to be the operating system of the future for the microcomputer industry. Also, while the performance of microcomputers grew, many workstation companies began making low-end workstations, in an attempt to combine the innovations microcomputers had fostered, such as the idea of graphical user interfaces, with the inherent versatility of workstation-class machines. So as to explore this, and to examine the growing power of computer systems, the series, Dream Computer Systems", will now begin to focus on workstation-class capabilities in its featured Dream Systems. To attempt to determine which Dream System really IS the best, I have made a list of the most powerful microcomputers on the market, comparing their features to make an objective opinion. I ignored variables like operating systems and software, and concentrated on the actual computers' features and speed, the greatest amount of mass storage you could attain, and the best graphics that system could provide. While operating systems and software are a definite factor in a computer, I wanted to aim for the best hardware itself, to which you could add the other items. However, since many of the high-end microcomputers featured here are beginning to rival workstations in both performance and price, this series will now include some low-end workstations in its analysis, in order to both study the state of high-end microcomputers as compared to low-end workstations, and to see whether these microcomputers outperform some workstations in certain aspects.... After doing some research, I found several configurations that could truly claim to be "Dream Systems". Shown in no particular order, here is my list: (Warning: Do not be surprised by the Retail Prices Shown.) System #1 --------- - Wells American CompuStar - Total Cost of System: $17,900.00 Dollars This IBM Compatible is a 33 MHZ 80386 system with 8 Megabytes of RAM onboard, built-in VGA support, a PC AT Bus Module with 7 AT Expansion Slots, and a Secondary PS/2 Expansion Bus Module with 5 MicroChannel Slots, for a total of 12 Expansion Slots.... To further enhance this system, I would add a 25 MHZ Weitek 3167 Math Coprocessor, with 3-4 times the performance of a 25 MHZ 80387 Math Chip, a 1 Gigabyte Magneto-Optical Drive made by Maxtor using Removable Cartridges, and an NEC Multisync Plus VGA Monitor. So with this system, you would have: Wells CompuStar w/1.44 Meg Disk Drive (Cost: $1610.00) Wells 33 MHZ 80386 CPU Module (Cost: $3500.00) 25 MHZ Weitek 3167 Math Chip (Cost: $2195.00) 4 Wells Memory Modules w/2 Megs of RAM Each (Cost: $3200.00) Maxtor 1 Gigabyte Magneto-Optical Cartridge Drive (Cost: $5995.00) NEC Multisync Plus Monitor (Cost: $1400.00) VGA Graphics Resolution: 320*200 with 256 Colors out of 256,000 640*480 with 16 Colors out of 256,000 Extended Mode has 640*480 with 256 Colors out of 256,000 800*600 with 16 Colors out of 256,000 800*600 with 256 Colors out of 256,000 1024*768 with 16 Colors out of 256,000 Faults with System: None whatsoever.... System #2 --------- - Macintosh IIx w/SuperMac Spectrum/24 Board - Total Cost: $29,300.00 This Macintosh uses a 16 MHZ 68030 with a 16 MHZ 68882 Math Chip, Four Megabytes of RAM, and 6 NuBus Expansion Slots. It also comes with a 1.44 Meg High Density Disk Drive, and uses the SWIM (Sander-Woz Integrated Machine) Disk Controller chip to allow the Mac to read/write to MS-DOS and OS/2 formatted disks. To FURTHER enhance this system, I would add a DayStar Digital 33/030 Accelerator II, which has a 33 MHZ 68030/68882 combo, Pinnacle Micro's REO-650 Magneto-Optical Drive, which uses 650 Megabyte Removable Cartridges like those found for the NeXT drive, four MicroSnap MacDIP 1 Megabyte RAM Cards from Microtech Inc. for 4 Extra Megs of RAM, and a axan Ultravision 1000 Monitor to accompany a SuperMac Spectrum/24 Video Card, which lets the Mac have a 1024*768 display with 16 Million colors at the same time. So with this system you would have: Macintosh IIx w/4 Megs of RAM (Cost: $7769.00) DayStar Digital 33/030 Accelerator II (Cost: $7000.00) 4 MicroTech MicroSnap MacDIP 1 Mb RAM Cards (Cost: $800.00 total) REO-650 Magneto-Optical Cartridge Drive (Cost: $5995.00) Spectrum/24 Video Board (Cost: $4000.00) Taxan 980 20-Inch Monitor (Cost: $3700.00) Macintosh II Resolution: 640*400 with 256 Colors out of 16 Million With Spectrum/24 it has 1024*768 with 16 Million colors at the same time. Faults with System: A VERY good Dream System, but oddly, its cost is far above that of the other systems.... System #3 --------- - Amiga 2000 w/CSA FastTrack Card - Total Cost of System: $17,100.00 This is an Amiga 2000 with 1 Meg of RAM and 7 expansion slots. Along with this would be a CSA FastTrack Card having a 14.23 MHZ 68030 and a 33 MHZ 68882 Math Coprocessor, along with 2 ProRAM 2000 RAM Expansion Cards from Progressive Peripherals with 4 Megs of RAM each, and a CSA DragStrip Card to speed up the the 16-bit RAM into 32-bit RAM, for a total of eight Megabytes of 32-Bit RAM. I would also add a 300 Megabyte Hard Drive made by ABCO, Moniterm's 19-inch monitor, which lets the Amiga have a 1008*800 display in monochrome, and Microway's FlickerFixer, which lets the Amiga have a noninterlaced 640*400 display with an NEC Multisync monitor. So with this system you would have: Amiga 2000 w/7 Expansion Slots (Cost: $2400.00) CSA FastTrack Accelerator Card (Cost: $3400.00) CSA DragStrip 32-Bit RAM Adapter (Cost: $800.00) 2 ProRAM 2000 Memory Cards w/4 Mb of RAM each (Cost: $2500.00) ABCO 300 Megabyte Hard Drive (Cost: $4000.00) Moniterm Viking I High Resolution Monitor (Cost: $2000.00) Microway Inc. FlickerFixer (Cost: $600.00) NEC Multisync Plus Color Monitor (Cost: $1400.00) Amiga Resolutions: (Not including Overscan) 320*200 with 32 colors out of 4096 320*200 with 64 colors out of 4096 (Extra Half-Brite) 320*200 with 4096 colors at the same time (HAM Mode) 640*200 with 4 to 32 colors 640*400 with 2 to 16 colors (interlaced) With Moniterm: 640*400 using Monochrome (noninterlaced) 1008*800 using Monochrome Colors With FlickerFixer: 640*400 with 2 to 16 colors (noninterlaced) Faults with System: Since the peak main processor speed for the Amiga has shown to be around 16 MHZ, its expandability is comparatively limited. Also, graphics resolution should be higher.... System #4 --------- - NeXT System w/670 Meg Hard Drive - Total Cost of System: $17,000.00 The NeXT computer features a 25 MHZ 68030 w/68882 Math Coprocessor, Eight Megs of RAM, 4 NuBus Expansion Slots, and a 256 Megabyte Canon Magneto-Optical Drive with Removable/Erasable Cartridges. To FURTHER enhance this system, I would add NeXT's 670 Megabyte Hard Disk Drive. That's it.... So with this system you have: NeXT Computer w/256 Meg Cartridge Drive (Cost: $10,000.00) 670 MB Winchester Hard Drive (Cost: $7000.00) NeXT Resolution: 1120*832 Pixel Display using Monochrome. (These are the prices BusinessLand, with sole rights to sell NeXT's to the US computer market, charges for NeXT Peripherals) Faults of System: Canon makes 512 Meg versions of their drive using Double-Sided cartridges. NeXT uses the Single-Sided, 256 Meg Drive. Also, there is NO Color Display.... System #5 --------- - Sun SPARCStation 1 w/16 Megs of RAM - Total System Cost: $21,500.00 This is a Sun SPARCStation 1 with a 20 MHZ SPARC chip running at 10 - 12 MIPS, a 20 MHZ Weitek 3167 Floating Point Math Chip, 8 Megs of RAM onboard, 1 S-Bus Expansion Slot, a Color Monitor, and a 1.44 Meg Disk Drive. Along with this would be a Pinnacle Micro REO-650 Magneto-Optical Drive, using 650 Megabyte Removable Cartridges, and two Sun Memory Expansion Kits, with 4 Megs of RAM each, for a total of 16 Megs of System RAM. So with this system you have: Sun SPARCStation 1 w/Color Monitor (Cost: $12,500.00) 2 Sun Memory Expansion Kits w/4 Megs of RAM each (Cost: $4000.00) REO-650 Magneto-Optical Cartridge Drive (Cost: $5995.00) SPARCStation Resolution: 1152*900 with 256 Colors out of 16 Million Faults of System: A higher monochrome resolution should be developed.... System #6 --------- - Abaq Transputer w/300 Meg Hard Disk - Total Cost of System: $21,000.00 This is an Abaq Transputer with a 20 MHZ T800 Chip having a built-in Math Coprocessor, 4 Megs of RAM, and 4 Expansion Slots. Along with this would be three Abaq M112 Expansion Cards, each having 4 T800 Chips and 4 Megs of DRAM onboard, for a total of 13 T800 chips and 16 Megs of System RAM. Since Helios can read/write to MS-DOS disks, and the ATW uses a Mega ST Motherboard as an I/O processor, an ABCO 300 Megabyte Hard Drive for the ST should be able to be used. So with this system you have: Abaq Transputer w/4 Megs of RAM (Cost: $7000.00) Three Abaq M112 Expansion "Farm" Cards (Cost: $6300.00) ABCO 300 Megabyte Hard Drive for the ST (Cost: $4000.00) Taxan Ultravision 1000 Monitor (Cost: $3700.00) Abaq Resolutions: 1280*960 with 16 Colors out of 16 Million 1024*768 with 256 Colors out of 16 Million 640*480 w/256 Colors out of 16 Million (Double Buffered screens for high speed animation) 512*480 with 16 Million Colors at the same time Faults of System: Hard disk storage is decent, but comparatively weak.... Notice I did not mention products that won't be shipping shortly, like the 68030 TTx, or products which have not been fully announced, like Commodore's new A2000 Graphics Card. In Part I of this series, I have given a list of the best systems to be found currently in the market, and shown the individual features which make the system. In Part II these Dream Systems will be compared to each other, in order to determine which is the "best" one. But this issue alone indicates that while it is one of the most powerful systems, the Mac II Dream System has not changed since the last "Dream Systems" essay, and is simply far too overpriced to be a true contender, given that the other systems rival or outperform its capabilities. The IBM Dream System, which has always been one of the most powerful Systems, has come out as the leader in price/performance for this list, and rivals the Sun SPARCStation in versatility. However, the SPARCStation 1 has made an excellent introduction, with blazing speed and power only equalled by the ATW, which actually surpasses the other Dream Systems in some aspects.... But ponder, if you will, this question: 1) Is the word, "Workstation" a more appropriate term than "Computer", given the type of operations that micro-computers now perform? CPU INSIGHTS ============= A Look at Flow Control ---------------------- Flow Control is basically a way for applications to "steal" time in which to process or receive information being sent from another source, such as a peripheral. For example, mot of you have seen in your terminal programs the phrases, Xon/Xoff and RTS/CTS. Xon/Xoff is a way that terminal programs can implement flow control in software. If a term program cannot keep up with the data being sent by the BBS or Online Service it is connected to, or vice versa, then it sends an Xoff to the other side, which tells it to stop sending information until the Terminal has had time to process it. Afterwards, it sends an Xon, saying that it is clear to the other side to send information again. RTS/CTS does the same type of operation, but the difference is that it is implemented in hardware, used by modems, for example, to implement Flow Control between it and another modem, much like a Terminal would use Xon/Xoff to implement Flow Control between it and another Terminal. Flow Control is most often encountered in terminal programs and BBS's because, while downloading and uploading files, System A may be so fast that it sends information too quickly for System B to take in. By sending a signal such as an Xoff or CTS, System B is able to tell System A to stop sending the information while it has time to receive and process it. If either System did not have Flow Control, then System B would not have a way of doing this, and since System A would just continue transmitting, oblivious to the fact that System B wasn't receiving the data correctly, the upload/download would be a wasted effort. However, while Flow Control is used mostly in modeming, it is also implemented in many areas. LAN Networks, for example, use a sophisticated form of Flow Control to both ensure that the data is sent to the right node, and to make sure that it is sent in an efficient, yet accurate manner, at the precise time that the data is required. Also, applications as diverse as PC fax machines and sound or image digitizing may use a form of Flow Control.... CPU STATUS REPORT ================== Geles, CA Canon has signed an agreement with NeXT Inc. to --------- import and sell the NeXT Computer in the Japanese market, beginning this summer. However, since Canon also handles the Macintosh's sales marketing in Japan, it will market the NeXT to Universities and Research Facilities. Cost: 2,000,000 yen, or $14,285.00, compared to Businessland, which sells the NeXT for $10,000 dollars.... Wood Dale, IL NEC is readying to enter the US Video Game market with ------------- the TurboGrafx-16 (or TGX-16), a $200.00 game machine which has a 16-bit processor, stereo sound, and superb graphics. In Europe and Japan, the TurboGrafx-16 has consistently outsold Nintendo's NES System, under the name "PC Engine". NEC will also be selling a $400.00 compact disk player for it, allowing the TGX-16 to play more graphics-intensive games, such as Dragon's Lair.... However, given that Sega's new Genesis System, having 10-voice stereo sound, 512 Colors out of a 4096 Color Palette, and a 16-bit processor, will be out before the Third Quarter of 1989 for $200.00, that Atari's new Portable Color Entertainment System will be out in August, and that Nintendo has shown a new Video Game System recently called the Game Boy.... Chippewa Falls, WI Due to the growing R&D costs of the Cray-3, a ------------------ 32-processor supercomputer made of gallium arsenide, Cray Research Inc. has decided to spin off its development into a new, separate company, named Cray Computer Corp. Cray Computer will be headed by Seymour Cray, who both founded Cray Research, and started the Cray-3 project. Cray Research will help Cray Computer's startup by giving $50 million dollars in facilities and equipment, 5 percent of its assets, and $100 million in operating funds over the next two years. Also, both companies will work in cross-licensing agreements in the future. Cray Research will now focus on their line of Cray X-MP and Y-MP supercomputers, and on making the C-90, the successor to the Cray Y-MP. This may be THE chance for Japanese supercomputer makers like NEC and Hitachi, since Control Data recently closed ETA Systems, the only other major US supercomputer firm. However, given that Steve Chen, a former Cray Research employee, is now working with IBM to enter the supercomputer market.... Cupertino, CA Apple is rumored to be developing up to five new models ------------- of the Macintosh, including a 33 MHZ Mac IIx, a $1000 - $1500 Mac Plus, and two Mac Laptops. One report says that a Mac Laptop will have a 16 MHZ 68000, and 1 - 2 Megs of RAM for $3500.00, and there have been sightings of a high-end Mac Laptop, with a 16 MHZ 68020 or 68030, 2 - 4 Megs of RAM, and a cost starting at $7000.00 or more.... __________________________________________________________________________ > GSCAN STR Review Using GSCAN by Alan Page... ================ NAVIGATING GENIE WITH GSCAN =========================== by Ron Brunk There is a trio of files in the Genie library that, used together, optimize the use of Genie. GScan 0.91 (Genie file# 7854) by Alan Page (Flash) is used for reading/replying to messages, setting the ignore permanent topic flags, and choosing new files to download. It does this by generating DO files for use with Flash. GE_AutoScan (file# 10307) is a pair of Flash DO files by Chris Mueller which automates the use of GScan by retrieving the files it needs and implementing the DO files it creates. GE_indx.do (file# 10460) by M. Easter is another DO file which will determine the current settings of your topic flags on Genie to prepare for the use of GScan and Autoscan. GScan.prg --------- GScan is a program that uses a GEM interface to process output from Genie. From a gem desktop similar to Flash a *.msg file of messages is loaded into memory and the programs splits it into individual messages grouped by topic. You can then move from one message to the next (or back) using the left and right arrow keys. The only problem I've had is that it chokes on files around 150K, but this shouldn't happen once you've been using it regularly unless you haven't been on in awhile or have chosen to follow all topics. This problem can be avoided by using Flash to break the large file into smaller ones. Additional features are: 1) Control-left/right arrow skips to the first message of the next or previous topic. Shift left/right arrow moves to the first/last message in the entire file. 2) "Help" or pulling down and choosing "categories" shows a list of all the categories that have new messages to read. Categories that do not have messages in the current file in memory will be shaded. Selecting an individual category allows you to read just messages in that category. 3) "Delete" erases the message displayed, and alt-d deletes all messages in the current topic. Undo recalls the last message deleted. Once you have deleted all but the messages you wish to keep, you can save the remaining messages. When prompted for a filename, if you select one that already exists, you will be given the option to abort the save, overwrite the file, or append the file in memory to the end of the file that already exists. An alternate method of saving the information you want to keep from your Genie session is the option to save or append each message as it is displayed to another file. 4) If you do not wish to follow a new topic that appears, or wish to drop an old one, simply pull down and click on ignore. At the end of the session you can "save ignores" and a DO file is written that will set the "ignore perm" flag on those topics on Genie. You will never see that topic again unless you go back and manually change the flag on that topic. Once you have selected ignore permanent, you can delete the topic from memory and the program will remember to include that topic in the ignore perm DO file. 5) You can search the file in memory for up to 8 preset case insensitive (does not distinguish between capital and small letters) keywords using the wildcards "?" (any single character) or "*" (any group of characters). These wildcards can be used in conjunction with the logical arguments "ALL" (all keywords must be present in the message) or "ANY (any keyword must be present). While the keyword option is selected, only those messages meeting specified keyword criteria will be displayed for perusal. The default keywords are set by saving the setup after entering the keywords you wish to be the defaults. It may be necessary to go find and retrieve the Gscan.set file generated as it doesn't always end up in the same folder. Changing from the default keywords can be done at anytime to search for messages with different keywords or none at all. 6) You can save messages to two clipping folders, each using 4 pairs of keywords. Each time a message file is loaded, copies of individual messages meeting the criteria are copied to the appropriate clipping file. Although wildcards and the any/all options cannot be used, you can specify "AND" between individual word pairs. Clipping folders can also be set to be case sensitive. 7) Message replies are composed with an editor similar to Flash with the ability to import/export text and the familiar "undo" and F10 (reformat paragraph) functions. Choosing "save all" at the end of the session generates a pair of DO files which will upload the replies the next time you are on-line. The DO files generated require Flash 1.5 or later. GScan needs at least one message from a topic in memory in order to compose a reply. This is because it pulls the category and topic number information from the message to write the DO file. The file Autoscan.msg contains a message from all topics, thus allowing you to enter a message into any topic while it is loaded. 8) It is possible to merge another *.msg file into the current one in memory. The entire resulting file will be sorted in order, and duplicate messages will be ignored. 9) TOS and GEM programs can be run from within GScan. 10) You can browse a list of files (sorted by name or number) uploaded since your last call and mark those you wish to download. A DO file is generated to automatically download the files you've chosen with Y-batch next session. Although a message appears here that says that this option is not implemented yet, I believe this message is referring to the Gnymodem.do file which will allow the option to use X-modem vs Y-batch since the DO files generated work fine. Generated DO files also seem to have a problem reliably downloading text files. 11) Files in memory are compressed up to 25%, and the program can display available memory available for merging additional files. 12) If messages are written with 80 columns, the right hand slidebar disappears to allow uninterrupted reading. 13) The current topic name always appears in the information line at the top. The total number of messages in memory appears in the information line at the bottom along with a familiar slide bar that shows where the current message is relative to the entire file. Note: the horizontal slider cannot be moved manually; it is just for display purposes. Genscan uses/generates the following types of files: *.cat list of categories in roundtable *= RT name i.e. atarist st_new#.msg captured file of messages st_new#.lst captured list of new files available for downloading atarist.lst list of replies to upload to atari-st roundtable c#t##.### ### reply, goes to category # topic ## *.F## Directs do file to reply ## in roundtable * for uploading download.do DO file for downloading files message.do DO file called by reply.do reply.do DO file to uploads replies and deletes from file setperm.do DO file to set ignore permanent flag on topic When the # reaches 7, the next session will begin by erasing all 1-7. I routinely rename the new files at the end of each session to to avoid losing them and identify them. Autoscan.do ----------- As handy as Gscan is, it is designed for use while offline, and the DO files it creates must be executed some other way. In steps GE_Autoscan, a pair of Flash DO files automate the entire process. GE_Auto.do logs you onto Genie and then calls up Auto_ST.do which does the rest. It browses all the new messages in topics you have not ignored permanently, checks all the files uploaded since you were last on, and then saves all this info into the proper files for Gscan to use. It will then run all the DO files that GScan made for uploading replies, downloading files, and setting the ignore permanent flags on topics you don't wish to follow. It will also capture GE-mail that is waiting (to GE_mail.txt), upload replies, and capture Genie bulletins (GE_news.txt) and Atari ST bulletins (ST_news.txt). Although these text files are not directly supported by GScan, they can be viewed by uploading them into a message reply window. Before running GE_Auto.do, there are a few things that you must do. 1) Your genie parameters must be set from page 905 item 2) iaw: 1. Prompt 63 (?) 2. Break char 3 (ctrl-c) 3. Page length 0 (scroll off) and the Roundtable prompt must be set to "brief". 2) Edit Atarist.cat to ensure it contains no more that 32 categories including 99 GE_Autoscan. Some categories are private and can be eliminated by most users to make room for new categories in GScan if necessary. Do not eliminate any categories unless you have all topics in that category ignored permanently. Otherwise the browse command will read them, but GScan will not recognize them. If any category names "wrap around" to the next line, edit them down to one line. 3) Ensure GE_Auto.do is in the default Flash pathname or else you must go find it each time you want to run it. Ensure that Auto_ST.do and the saved GScan DO files are in the default path specified in GE_Auto.do. 4) Enter the local Genie number into GE_Auto.do or specify the name in your flash directory. Enter your user#,password,475;1 into GE_Auto.do. (Note: I had to move this right after the HHH sequence, or else Genie did not recognize it). A control-r (^R) can be inserted prior to your password allows you to log onto Genie at full duplex, eliminating the need for ">DU HA" in GE_Auto.do. 5) Run GE_Auto.do and sit back while while all the work is done for you. Just prior to log off you will have a few moments to take manual control of Genie by aborting the rest of the DO file. Otherwise you will be logged off and given the option to go directly to GScan before the DO file ends. If you do allow Autoscan to call up GScan, when you quit GScan, you can allow Autoscan to take over again. It will go back up to Genie and upload replies, download files, and check GE-mail before it quits for good. It will not capture news heading or scan for new messages or files. (If this is all you wish to do for the entire session, you can send the command "$T "more"|" prior to running GE_Auto.do). If at anytime you wish to interrupt the message scan, a control-c will interrupt and the resulting Genie prompt will be recognized by Autoscan. It will then finish the session in an orderly fashion with all files intact. This is especially handy if you have opened a previously ignored topic and there is a backlog of messages that you have never read and don't wish to capture all of them. Ignore.do --------- If you have been using the "bro all new" command, you are ready to go. However, if you've been following messages with the "Mark" command, or just reading a few messages here and there from time to time, you will end up being overwhelmed by the output you receive the first time you use the "bro all new" command in Autoscan. This is because it will output every message you've never read in all the topics that are not ignored. If either of the above cases are true, there are two ways you can proceed. 1) You could replace the browse command with REA ALL NEW MARKED NOR CAT=1-31| but you would have to periodically check for new topics and decide if you wish to "mark" them; otherwise, you will never see any new topics. OR 2) By spending a little time to get set for the browse command, you will see the new topics as soon as they are started. You can then choose to use the "Ignore" option of Gscan to have them permanently ignored the next time you log on with GE_Auto.do. The following procedure will allow you to easily get initialized for your first session. (It's also handy if you inadvertently clear all your permanent ignore flags). You must first check the status of your flags. Unfortunately, asking for a list of topics from Genie does not show your flags. Fortunately, there is a DO file (Gen_indx.do) that, when run from the first page of the message base, will go through and get a list from Genie of all topics and your status (open, mark, ignore) in each. Use this list to determine which flags need to be set to ignore permanently. You can then write your own DO file off line to do this automatically. If the list is an extensive one, it will help to write down the category and topic numbers that you wish to ignore permanently into one list. To make this DO file, go to an empty Flash capture and type the following lines: ----------- perm| > wa ?| ign ----------- Ensure you include the space before the "perm". Mark these lines as a block (save it to a text file to recall if necessary), then use F4 to delete the block. We will be using the "undo" key to repeatedly recall this block. With the capture clear once again, type: ----------- set #1| >wa ?| ign #2 #3 #4 ... ----------- where #1 is the first category with topics to ignore, and #2 #3 are the topic numbers you wish to ignore in this category, separated by a space. Move the cursor to the space between #2 and #3 and press "undo" to recall the deleted block. Move down two lines with the arrow key and you will be between #3 and #4 (unless #3 is the first two digit number, in which case move right one space) and press "undo" again. Continue to do this until there is only an "ign" on the last line. Insert the following before the trailing "ign": ----------- set #1| >wa ?| ----------- where #1 is now the next category with topics to ignore. Once again enter the topic numbers to ignore (separated by spaces) after the trailing "ign". Repeat the above until all categories and topics have been covered. Delete the last two lines (">wa ?|" and "ign") and save the file with a .do extension. Now go to the Genie roundtable message base and execute the DO file by typing alt-a. All the ignore permanent flags will be set with just a few minutes of time online, and with less time overall than if you went online and attempted to do it manually. I know this from experience! Newtopic.do ----------- If you don't wish to "catch up" (read all the past messages) on any new topics you've chosen, you will need to read at least one message in each topic at the point you wish to begin following the topic. Once again a DO file can easily be made to do this. Start out with a new block to be repeatedly recalled as we did for Ignore.do: --------- | rea all * nor| >wa ?| set --------- (nor (no reply) tells Genie not to pause after each message) Substitute for * iaw the following *= last (to just read the last message posted in each topic) or dat>yymmdd (to read all messages posted after a particular date) Save the block and delete it so that it can be recalled with an "undo". In the resulting blank capture type -------- set# -------- where # is the number of the first category with topics you have opened. Press "undo" and enter the next category number, press "undo" etc. When you have finished, cut off the last two lines (>wa ?| & set) and either save as a DO file or append to the END of Ignore.do. Once you begin using these files to call Genie you will find yourself getting a lot more out of your sessions. Since all of your interactions can be done offline, you will no longer feel rushed by the thought that the time clock (and $) is continuing to tick away. You can take your time to get each reply exactly right, and download files without fumbling for commands. Nor will you have to scroll up and down through a cluttered capture to find a particular message. These files can be used for any roundtable on Genie, not just the Atari RT. To do this, just follow all the above steps with a separate RT.cat file. __________________________________________________________________________ > "LAN HO!" STReport InfoFile Finally ..The ST is "in business"... =========================== 10 MBit LAN =========== For Atari ST computer systems ----------------------------- The Lantech LAN is a 10 megabit per second local area network designed specifically for Atari ST computer systems. Each station requires a card that plugs into the cartridge port of any ST computer system, connecting to the other systems in the LAN using standard 75- or 50-ohm cable. The cartridge is connected to the LAN cables using a female BNC connector. Connect the cables using BNC couplers and other connectors available from local electronic stores. For longer runs some external circuitry may be required to balance the signaling in the cables. Access is accomplished at the BIOS level, making the LAN completely invisible to GEM & TOS applications and to the GEM desktop. Each system on the LAN has a configuration file, which is an alterable file containing information on which partitions are available for reading and which are available for writing. This file also contains other information used to locate each particular partition. Each partition controlled by each computer on the LAN may be included in or excluded from LAN access by the information in these configuration files. Each LAN must have at least one non-dedicated host system. Multiple non-dedicated hosts can also be configured. The LAN will operate with a minimum of two computers connected. The maximum number of computers on the system is not limited by the hardware, but will be limited by the frequency of disk accesses over the LAN and by the size of those accesses. The controlling software is written to automatically handle the delays and proper GEM errors that will occur if the non-dedicated host system becomes disconnected or is powered down or reset, making recovery as easy and as automatic as is practical. Although a simple E-mail system and some printer and other peripheral access systems are available for the Lantech LAN, custom routines may also be added using the guidelines listed in the manual. These access systems may be written as user-level programs operating on the computers controlling the various peripherals if the demand on those peripherals is high or they may be written as background routines allowing the computer to also be used for other applications. Suggested list price of the Lantech LAN is $179 per port. Hardware and Software are included in that price. Dealer inquiries are welcome. For more information, please contact Lantech Systems via the US Mail: Lantech Systems P.O. Box R Billerica, MA 01821, USA (508) 667-9191. _________________________________________________________________________ > Phone #s STReport InfoFile Those numbers we always seem to misplace! ========================== For Your Information ==================== Atari Corp. BBS Phone Numbers: 408-745-5308 -=- 745-5970 -=- 745-2642 300 - 1200 - 2400 Baud 745-4758 -=- 745-5664 Atari Corp. Main SwitchBoard Atari Customer Relations 408-745-2000 408-745-2367 -=- 745-5759 Atari Technical Support Group Atari Usergroup Support 408-745-2004 408-745-4743 Atari FAX Telephone Lines 408-745-4306 -=- 745-5179 Atari Customer Relations Address Information: Product Exchange: Atari Customer Relations 390 Caribbean Drive Sunnyvale CA. 94089 Atari Mail Order: Atari Customer Relations P.O. Box 61657 Sunnyvale, CA. 94088 Atari Corporate Address Listing: _______________________________ Atari Corp. USA Atari Canada 1196 Borregas Ave. 90 Gough Road Sunnyvale, CA. 94088 Markham, Ontario Canada, L3R 5V5 Atari France, SA Atari Germany GmbH 9-rue Sentou Frankfurter Strasse 89-91 92150 Surenes 6096 Raunheim France West Germany __________________________________________________________________________ > Usergroup News STReport OnLine A very special offer for Usergroups! ============================== CPU NewsWire International Usergroup Plan ========================================= ITEM ONE: -------- Beginning July 1989, STReport will offer it's hardcopy version, the CPU NewsWire to all Usergroups for a flat rate annual fee. This offer is designed with the usergroup in mind, we offer the latest news and reviews for all usergroups and their respective memberships to enjoy. Any proceeds derived from the use of CPU NewsWire in conjunction with the usergroup's newsletter belongs to those Usergroups doing so. CPU Newswire will provide to the subscribing Usergroups a camera ready setup of each edition. The usergroup may then distribute this as an insert in their respective group newsletters. In upholding our unwavering pledge to encourage and assist all usergroups supporting Atari, we have brought forward this offer with the the promotion and support of the usergroup a major priority. We felt that our regular subscribers would neither object to, nor feel slighted in any way since the usergroup has been and is the "backbone" of Atari's enthusiastic support worldwide. The regular subscription edition will, of course carry additional items pertinent to CPU and STReport. Much the same as the Usergroup newsletters will add their own copy to our supplement. Our goal is to provide the usergroup with a reliable avenue of information pertaining to the Atari Userbase and of computers in general. The idea is to augment an existing UG newsletter, not replace it. CPU NewsWire will continue to accept private subscriptions from all Atari enthusiasts. CPU NewsWire is sent to our subscribers in a protective carrier and via the US Mail first class. Those Usergroups sincerely interested may obtain more information concerning this very special CPU NewsWire International Usergroup Plan by either calling our offices at 904-783-3319 (9am - 5pm EDT) or via E-Mail on any of the major services or directly via CPU NewsWire PO Box 6672, Jax. FL. 32205-6672. --===**===-- ITEM TWO: -------- ATARI CORPORATION ATTENDS MEETING ================================= In attendance at the Cupertino Area ST Enthusiasts (CASTE) Usergroup meeting tonight, we had the Vice President of Atari Computers and their new, (it was his first day), USERGROUP COORDINATOR, Chris Roberts. Sig Hartman, Executive Vice President of Atari, scheduled to attend, was unavoidably detained and missed the meeting. Among the things Atari said was: ~ They were going to start advertising more and more in the US. When the DRAM shortage happened, they concentrated on Europe. Now that the DRAM shortage is over, they're gonna start concentrating on the US again. ~ They are going to try and start building dealers again. They say they are going to start various incentives for people to start selling Atari computers. They don't want to go the Computerland or Businessland route. They want to concentrate on independent dealers. ~ The ATW is starting to ship to developers. No date announced on when it would be made available to the general market. ~ When asked about the TT, the answer was "No Comment." So don't look for this product soon folks! ~ The gentleman who will handle usergroups said they will be actively participating in, and helping user's groups put on shows. ~ The Portfolio computer, about the size of a VCR tape (Their description) is ready to ship. They are being held up by FCC approval for the product and it's peripherals and cables. He said he figured about 30 days for the approval. ~ TOS 1.4 has begun to ship to dealers around the nation. Atari intends for 1.4 to become the standard for the ST line. ~ We had a test version of Midi Maze for the 8-bit line. The game worked well, but wasn't as pretty as the ST game. The actual maze part worked very nicely, but the other things, such as score chart, etc. Just doesn't look as good. The above information release was from a member of the CASTE usergroup host of the above mentioned meeting.... __________________________________________________________________________ > ASTRONOMY LAB STR Review Star Gazin' at it's very best! ========================= ASTRONOMY LAB ============= by Dale Dressler Every since I was a little boy on a dairy farm out in the wide open spaces of Washington state, my foster dad would take me out at night after all the chores were done and would show me the night sky with his cane. I was totally amazed by the brilliance of the night sky and the fascination that it would produce. Now with aid of a computer (such as the Atari ST) you can revisit the night sky at any particular time you wish. I have ran across several different types astronomy programs throughout the years and I recently took a look at one called "ASTRONOMY LAB" version 1.04 dated (May 7, 1989), by Eric Bergman-Terrell. This program is different than most astronomy programs for the ST, in that it deals mostly with the Solar System. Astronomy Lab shows planet information in the form of charts which can be sent to the screen or to the printer. It also shows simulations of such things as eclipse, orbits of Jupiter's four brightest moons and the night sky. Astronomy Lab is menu driven and is very easy to manipulate once you figure out all the astronomical terms that it uses. This program was designed with the intermediate to advance amateur astronomer in mind. The menus are simple to read and understandable. I know that if I can comprehend these menus then anyone can. I will briefly describe the menus and their functions; SET LOCATION This is to set the Latitude and Longitude of where you are viewing the night sky. In the back of the manual there are over 100 different cities with their Longitude and Latitude. When you quit the program it will ask if you would like to save the location. REPORTS Calendar: --------- You will be asked to give two dates. The starting and ending dates. Then you are to select either output to the screen or to the printer. It will then display the rising and setting of the sun and moon, and also the phases of the moon between the two dates that you have selected. Solar Eclipse: -------------- This shows you all the solar eclipse between two dates. It tells you all the pertinent information of each of the eclipse. Lunar Eclipse: -------------- This the same as the Solar Eclipse. Planet View Info: ----------------- Creates a report, on any given date. The report consist of such information as; Month/Day, Rise/Set, RA, Dec., Elongation, and Distance (in Astrological Units). Planet Distance: ----------------- Give the closest approach and farthest distance from the Sun for any chosen date of all the planets. Moons Distance: --------------- Shows the closest and farthest distance to the Earth. Dates of Easter: --------------- This show the date of easter on any given year. Almanac: -------- This is a combination of all the above mentioned items. CHARTS Jupiter's Moons: ----------------- Creates a chart showing the position of Jupiter and its four brightest moons on any particular date. Equation of Time: ---------------- This one I am not that familiar with. Planet Orbit: -------------- This is a chart showing the closest and farthest distance of the planets to the Earth on any date. Day Length: ----------- Shows the length of daylight from anywhere on Earth at any given date. Sun Angle: ---------- This show a chart depicting the angle of the sun at noon. Sun Shadow: ----------- Creates a chart showing the angle of the shadow at noon. Moon Speed: ----------- This show the speed of the Moon across the sky. MOVIES Night Sky: ----------- This show the motion of the Sun, Moon, and planets across the night sky for any given date. Jupiter's moons 1: This show the movement of the Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter down from the top of the planet. Jupiter's moons 2: The same as above except the view is from Earth. Ecliptic movie 1: Display a Solar Eclipse for any given year. Ecliptic movie 2: Display a Lunar Eclipse for any given year. Misc. This show the amount of free ram your computer has. FILE This allows you to quit the program. DISPLAY Scroll: ------- Scroll will continually display the screen such as reports. Stop: ----- The screen will not scroll until you hit the return key. Time Exposure: ------------- This will create star trails across the sky. Screen Dump: ------------ You can send the screen to the printer. Make Paint Files: ----------------- This will save the screen in Degas format. Overall this is a really good program for viewing the visible planets and to find out about Solar and Lunar Eclipse. The charts are very good for getting a general look of certain things. Astronomy Lab is good for those who wish to do general observing of the Solar System. If you want an extensive look at the Solar System only them this program is for you. For general or more in-depth information of the known universe I recommend either Planetarium ST, or Skyplot. Astronomy Lab really good for information only. This program is well worth $50-$60 easily, yet it is at a low price of $30. It includes a very easy to use manual that shows and explains all the different screens that it has as well as a comprehensive glossary. In our opinion, this program is well worth the list price of $30. For more information contact: PERSONAL MICROCOSMS P. O. BOX 33927 NORTHGLENN, COLORADO 80233 __________________________________________________________________________ > GEnie's Survey STR Feature The Results of the Survey -------------------------- SURVEY SUMMARY REPORT --------------------- as of 18:40EDT 06/15/89 ----------------------- * = Group Question *1. What do you like about the ST RT? --------------------------------- A. Programmers Online 172 25% B. Atari Online 235 34% C. St Sysops 146 21% D. Developers Online 146 21% E. Formal Conferences 78 11% F. Informal Conferences 71 10% G. Organization of the L 348 51% H. Organization of the BB 157 23% I. Discussion of Controv 118 17% J. Hints on Games 161 24% K. Transcripts on Formal 124 18% L. Transcripts on Inform 57 08% M. Archival of messages 34 05% N. Archival of topics of 67 10% O. For Sale/Wanted Libra 63 09% P. For Sale/Wanted Notes 70 10% Q. ST*Zmag Online Magazine 136 20% R. STReport Online Magazine 170 25% Response: 626 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *2. What do you dislike about the ST RT? ----------------------------------- A. Programmers Online 10 01% B. Atari Online 11 02% C. St Sysops 3 00% D. Developers Online 9 01% E. Formal Conferences 25 04% F. Informal Conferences 11 02% G. Organization of the L 33 05% H. Organization of the BB 81 12% I. Discussion of Controv 14 02% J. Hints on Games 25 04% K. Transcripts on Formal 4 01% L. Transcripts on Inform 11 02% M. Archival of messages 26 04% N. Archival of topics of 17 02% O. For Sale/Wanted Libra 56 08% P. For Sale/Wanted Notes 23 03% Q. ST*Zmag Online Magazine 26 04% R. STReport Online Magazine 32 05% Response: 287 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *3. What terminal program do you use? -------------------------------- A. Flash 379 56% B. Interlink 146 21% C. ST-Talk 28 04% D. ST Professional 21 03% E. ST Term 7 01% F. PC-Intercomm 3 00% G. Uniterm 26 04% H. Vanterm 26 04% I. Hagterm 1 00% J. XYZ-TERM 1 00% K. Other 31 05% Response: 669 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *4. On an average, do you download during a session: ------------------------------------------------ A. 1 file 216 32% B. 2 to 5 files 392 57% C. 6 to 10 files 30 04% D. 11 to 20 files 6 01% E. 20 or More 4 01% F. I do not download files 20 03% Response: 668 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *5. If you use Interlink, do you use: --------------------------------- A. Xmodem 81 12% B. X-Modem 1-k Block 59 09% C. Ymodem Batch 53 08% D. I can't get Interlink 16 02% E. I do not use Interlink 368 54% Response: 577 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- 6. Do you have a problem downloading? --------------------------------- A. Yes 50 07% B. No 611 90% Response: 661 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *7. Regarding the library, would you want: ------------------------------------- A. more libraries 155 23% B. fewer libraries 19 03% C. consistent keywords 266 39% D. better descriptions 237 35% E. shorter descriptions 13 02% F. library lists 194 28% G. index for bulletins 156 23% H. Top 100 lists 277 41% I. Show Reports 99 15% J. more Press Releases 112 16% K. Do not use the library 8 01% Response: 638 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *8. Library List Archivals - When? ----------------------------- A. beginning of the month 117 17% B. middle of the month 15 02% C. end of month 111 16% D. once a month 169 25% E. once every other month 67 10% F. don't use the library 187 27% Response: 642 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *9. Within the Bulletin Board, do you use? ------------------------------------- A. IGNore PERmanent 95 14% B. CANcel feature 46 07% C. BROwse feature 229 34% D. MARked feature 49 07% E. REAd feature 322 47% F. HELp feature 77 11% G. Do not use the BB 144 21% Response: 626 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *10. When using the REAd feature, do you: ------------------------------------ A. Read by author 13 02% B. Read by date 80 12% C. Read using the marked 38 06% D. Read a range of Cats 97 14% E. Read by Category 184 27% F. Read with no reply 152 22% G. Did not know about 50 07% H. Do not use the REAd 186 27% Response: 616 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *11. What Atari areas do you use: --------------------------- A. Michtron RT 263 39% B. SoftLogik RT 146 21% C. Gadgets by Small RT 196 29% D. Midi RT 87 13% E. Data Pacific RT 35 05% F. Developers RT 55 08% G. Atari 8 bit RT 76 11% H. Don't visit any above 175 26% Response: 645 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *12. Which areas on GEnie do you use? ------------------------------- A. Other computer specific 268 39% B. Games 173 25% C. Professional, ie. Law 78 11% D. Finance 36 05% E. Mail 228 33% F. CB 43 06% G. Travel 99 15% H. Shopping 169 25% I. News 80 12% J. Leisure (eg Scuba, etc 104 15% K. Reference 87 13% L. Do not use other area 107 16% Response: 651 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *13. How often do you call GEnie: ----------------------------- A. Once a day 79 12% B. Several times a day 27 04% C. Twice a week 204 30% D. Once a week 142 21% E. Once every 10 days 55 08% F. Once every two weeks 71 10% G. Once a month 57 08% H. Greater than a month 19 03% I. This is my first time 9 01% Response: 663 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *14. What system do you own? ---------------------- A. 520ST standard 67 10% B. 520ST upgraded 183 27% C. 1040ST standard 277 41% D. 1040ST upgraded 40 06% E. Mega 2 ST 83 12% F. Mega 4 ST 59 09% G. I do not own an ST 3 00% Response: 666 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *15. What additional hardware? ------------------------ A. hard drive 341 50% B. extra monitor 292 43% C. extra floppy drive 377 55% D. IBM emulator 251 37% E. Macintosh Emulator 122 18% F. printer 561 82% G. Discovery Cartridge 41 06% H. 300 baud modem 8 01% I. 1200 baud modem 375 55% J. 2400 baud modem 278 41% K. 9600 baud modem 21 03% L. midi equipment 208 30% M. Do not own any add-ons 2 00% Response: 665 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- 16. Do you navigate around GEnie: ---------------------------- A. Using script files or 50 07% B. Manually navigating 593 87% C. GSCAN 9 01% Response: 652 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *17. Do you ever refer to these areas: -------------------------------- A. Opening banners 220 32% B. Banners on the ST door 269 39% C. "About the Roundtable 83 12% D. "Roundtable News" 228 33% E. "Feedback to Sysops" 77 11% F. The GEnie Manual 31 05% G. The GEnie HELP files 56 08% H. I do not read or use 206 30% Response: 641 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *18. Regarding conferences, would you: -------------------------------- A. Want them on Sunday 91 13% B. Want them on Monday 17 02% C. Want them on Tuesday 17 02% D. Want them on Wednesday 55 08% E. Want them on Thursday 11 02% F. Want them on Friday 29 04% G. Want them on Saturday 79 12% H. Want them once a week 60 09% I. Want them twice a week 45 07% J. I do not use this item 344 50% Response: 633 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *19. What baud rate do you use on GEnie: ---------------------------------- A. 300 4 01% B. 1200 619 91% C. 2400 91 13% Response: 663 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- 20. What monitor do you own? ----------------------- A. Monochrome 53 08% B. Color 302 44% C. Both Monitors 309 45% Response: 664 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- *21. What other Services do you use? ------------------------------ A. CIS 280 41% B. The Source 11 02% C. People Link (Plink) 7 01% D. Delphi 101 15% E. BIX 19 03% F. The WELL 3 00% G. Usenet/Bitnet/Arpanet 39 06% H. Prodigy 5 01% I. Quantumlink/PC Link/A 8 01% J. Macnet/PC Macnet 2 00% K. Dow Jones 7 01% L. Dialog 5 01% M. BRS 2 00% N. Newsnet 5 01% O. Canada Remote Systems 6 01% P. Portal 8 01% Q. Fidonet BBS's 58 09% R. Local BBS's 375 55% S. I do not call others 120 18% Response: 653 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- 22. Do you wish to make comments? ---------------------------- A. Yes 150 22% B. No 512 75% Response: 661 out of 682 total visitors --------------------------------------- (C) 1987 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May be reprinted only with this notice intact. The Atari Roundtables on GEnie are * official * information services of Atari Corporation. _________________________________________________________________________ > Atari Stock ~ STReport Wallstreet is "BULLISH" on Atari. 36% up!! ====================== THE TICKERTAPE ============== by Glenn Gorman WALL STREET IS BULLISH ON ATARI CORP. STOCK Atari Stock went up 3/8 of a point on Monday, up 1/4 on Wednesday, up 7/8 on Thursday and up 7/8 on Friday. Finishing up the week at 8 1/2 points. Up 2 1/4 points from last Friday. Glenn Gorman +---------------------+ | ATARI STOCK WATCH | | Week 06-05 to 06-09 | +=======+==========+===========+=============+============+=============+ | | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | +-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+ | Sales | 1789 | 2899 | 2906 | 9938 | 5048 | +-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+ | Last | 6 5/8 | 6 5/8 | 6 3/4 | 7 5/8 | 8 1/2 | +-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+ | Chg. | +3/8 | ---- | +1/8 | +7/8 | +7/8 | +=======+==========+===========+=============+============+=============+ | From > THE CAVE ST BBS <> 609-882-9195 <> 300//9600 HST <> F-NET #351 | +=======================================================================+ __________________________________________________________________________ > "MORE LAN HO! STR FOCUS It's either Feast or Famine! ======================== LOW COST NETWORKING FOR THE ATARI STs! ===================================== Paradise Computers and SGS software have introduced SGSnet for the Atari ST and Mega series of computers. SGSnet allows multiple ST computers to share hard drives on a single "server" ST computer. All of the computers can be installed to have access to all the files on the server just as if each had its own hard drive. Data is transferred across the network at 31,500 bits per second using the STs built in MIDI ports. We have had ST systems more then 200 feet apart using coax cabling used on many Arcnet systems. SGSnet uses a SGSnet connector box for each ST computer on the network. These allow the network to operate even if other "node" STs are turned off or removed from the network. There is also an activity light on each SGSnet connector box to monitor the current network activity. SGSnet is a "Network Operating System". The server computer receives standard GEMDOS operating system commands from each computer on the network. The server is a non-dedicated system being able to run either TOS or GEM programs at the same time nodes are accessing the network. The speed of the server is minimally affected by network activity. Up to 32 ST computers may be logged onto the network and up to 100 files can be monitored by the server at one time. SGSnet is fault tolerant. Network data is constantly checked as is passes through the network. SGSnet will continue to work even if the MIDI cables are unplugged and plugged back in without interruption of the data to the nodes or the server. Furthermore, SGSnet was designed to insure hard disk data integrity. The SGSnet starter kit including server software & manual, node software & manual, two SGSnet connector boxes and six feet of coax cable has a retail price of $159.95. This is everything you need to network two ST computers together to share a hard drive or ramdisk. The SGSnet add on kit includes additional node software & manual, an additional SGSnet connector box and six more feet of coax cable. This is everything you need to add on a ST computer to the network and has a retail price of $109.95. Ordering information can be obtained by writing to: Paradise Computer Systems 3485 B Sacramento Street San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401 You may also call (805) 544-7127. If you have a modem you can call: (805) 544-3165 for the Paradise BBS. _________________________________________________________________________ > BLISTERING BLITTERS! STR FOCUS High speed and then Blitter speed.. ============================== --------------------------------------- CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator BOARD --------------------------------------- for the Atari 520 and 1040 ST computers NOW YOUR ATARI CAN RUN AT LIGHT SPEED ===================================== Up until now, all you dedicated ATARI users have had to dutifully work away at your ATARI computers dreaming of the day when you could turbo-charge your ATARI 520 or 1040 ST computers. You had to sit back and watch the expandability of other systems as they added processor accelerators, memory expansion boards, video adaptors, and musical instrument data interface (MIDI) adaptors, while there were virtually no upgrade products being produced for your ATARI. Well now it's happened --- your chance is finally here! Creative Microsystems (CMI) has developed an add-on processor accelerator board for the ATARI ST line of computers which will give you speed and efficiency never before available on your ATARI ST. The CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator Board offers you so many features that you will wonder how you ever did without it. Be the first ATARI user on your block to get one and watch the reaction of your fellow ATARI devotees as they gasp in amazement at the increased processing speed as you run your ATARI through its paces. TURBO CHARGE YOUR ATARI WITH THE CMI MC68000 BOARD So what will adding the CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator Board to your ATARI actually do for you? Extensive testing has shown that it can: * Increase system throughput 35-40% depending on the program being run * Increase instruction speeds from 8 MHZ to 16 MHZ * Increase ROM performance by 10-15% (Via Fast ROM) * Provide math co-processing expansion capability * Provide greatly improved graphic functions (Via blitter chip expansion capability) * Provide automatic clock update (with battery backed-up clock option) As if increased processing speed and system efficiency is not enough, the board also comes with a built-in Math Co-processor Socket and Blitter Chip Socket which allow you even greater expansion avenues. You can also order the MC68000 Processor Accelerator board to include a battery backed-up clock. With the addition of the CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator Board, a math co-processor chip, a blitter chip, and the battery backed-up clock option you can now have the many of the features available on the new ATARI Mega ST computer --- at a mere fraction of the cost. THE ENGINE DRIVING THE MC68000 PROCESSOR ACCELERATOR BOARD In response to the drastic need for add-on products for ATARIs, Creative Micro Systems (CMI) has developed the MC68000 Processor Accelerator specifically for the 520 or 1040 ST computers. The product is one of a kind ...there currently is no other product which offers similar features. Creative Microsystems is not new at offering PC expansion products. We have a wide range of successful, competitively-priced PC expansion products for the Commodore AMIGA computers. We have used our expertise to develop the CMI Motorola MC68000 ATARI Processor Accelerator Board. The CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator board contains the following hardware: * 16 MHZ SGS-Thompson 68000 chip * Built-in math co-processor socket * Built-in blitter socket * Built-in fast ROM chip * Optional battery backed-up clock The CMI Processor Accelerator board attaches to the MC68000 socket of your ATARI mother board. If you are a user who has some technical experience and likes to tinker with your ATARI, you can install the MC68000 board yourself. Otherwise, your ATARI dealer can easily install it for you. THE ADVANTAGE OF INCREASED INSTRUCTION SPEEDS The MC68000 Processor Accelerator board incorporates the new 16 MHZ SGS-Thompson 68000 chip. As a result, ATARI ST instruction speeds are increased from 8 MHZ to 16 MHZ --- this means that instructions are executed twice as fast. For example, with the original 68000 chip installed on the mother-board of the ATARI, 32-bit long division math instructions requires 70 clock cycles to execute. With a CMI MC68000 processor accelerator board installed in an ATARI, the same 32-bit math instruction is completed in 35 clock cycles. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FAST ROM The CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator board also incorporates a ROM chip on the circuit board. The addition of the on-board ROM chip with the ROM chip already existing in the ATARI will give the system "Fast ROM" access. ROM instructions will run at zero(0) wait-states, thus giving access to the ROM at a much higher rate of speed. Testing has shown ROM performance increased by 10-14% with the installation of the CMI MC68000 board. Fast ROM, when coupled with the 16 MHZ SGS-Thompson 68000 chip, can increase overall system throughput by as much as 35-40% depending on the program being run. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MATH CO-PROCESSING EXPANSION CAPABILITIES The CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator board incorporates a built-in Math Co- Processor Socket which is specially designed in accordance with ATARI's math chip specification requirements. All you have to do to have math co processing capabilities is to install a math co-processor chip in the Math Co-processor socket. This will allow you to achieve even faster production speeds in applications where math functions are used. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BLITTER CHIP EXPANSION CAPABILITIES The CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator board incorporates a built-in Blitter Chip Socket. A Blitter Chip is hardware which enhances graphic routines for moving graphics on a computer screen. By inserting a blitter chip in the MC68000 Blitter Socket, you can take advantage of greatly increased graphics capabilities of your software. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AUTOMATIC CLOCK UPDATING You can also order the CMI MC68000 Processor Accelerator board to include a battery backed-up clock. This feature will automatically set the internal clock so that you do no have to manually reset the clock/time every time you reboot. Imagine the convenience of not having to reset the clock --- who could do without this feature? CALL CMI AND LET THEM TURBO CHARGE YOUR ATARI TODAY The development of a Processor Accelerator board for the ATARI ST computers is long overdue. CMI has responded to the need for such a product and has included a number of other features which will allow you to expand your ATARI even further. Creative Microsystems Inc 19552 SW 90th Court Tualatin, Oregon 97062 (503) 691-2552 Copied from Original Press Release ..06/13/89 __________________________________________________________________________ > ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL Saying it like it is.... ====================== - Sunnyvale, CA. ****** TOS 1.4 ENROUTE TO DEALERS!! ****** ------------- THE LONG AWAITED ANNOUNCEMENT!! With great joy and pleasure we announce to our readers that Atari has TOS 1.4 ready to go and will have, by Monday, begun to ship, in all DTP systems at first, to it's dealers! Tos 1.4 is, in our humble opinion, a quantum leap forward for the ST operating system. It will be available in 6 chip configurations 6x256k. Although a number of machines have been sold that use 2 chip 2x1mb configurations, the actual "in the field modification" is quite simple and very "painless". The actual time table for the dealers to receive the upgrade set of TOS chips is still up in the air, however, Atari is shipping TOS 1.4 installed in new systems, with heavy emphasis on Desktop Publishing Systems ..as they require TOS 1.4 if the large screen monitors are to be used. Also, only registered developers are receiving TOS 1.4 upgrade kits. - Dayton, OH. ***** DEALERS UPSET OVER CO-PROCESSOR! ***** ---------- A number of dealers are expressing their displeasure over discovering that the Atari Math Co-Processor is out everywhere but in the USA. Atari alleges that it is available, does your dealer have it on the shelf for you to purchase? Ask your dealer to order it for you. - Sunnyvale, CA. ****** NEW USERGROUP CO-ORDINATOR APPOINTED! ****** ------------- Atari has announced the appointment of a new Usergroup Co-ordinator whose "credentials" are quite impressive...Chris Roberts, formally President of a Pasadena Usergroup, brings plenty of first hand experience with him. We wish Chris all the good fortune and success possible with his new responsibilities. Chris Roberts, new Atari Usergroup Co-ordinator, has requested that ALL usergroups kindly re-register their groups with his office, he asks that a simple postcard be used, please include the group's name, address, telephone number of contact person and of course, the meeting night and frequency of meetings. In addition, he requested that all users be reminded that if they care to have a listing of usergroups that are registered in their home state, all they need do is send in the request for same accompanied by a Stamped Self Addressed Envelope (SASE) and it will be promptly mailed out with the requested information. - Sunnyvale, CA. *** Atari & GEnie to make Official Usergroup Area *** -------------- Chris Roberts, the new Usergroup Co-Ordinator announced today that GEnie and Atari are organizing an area on GEnie for the exclusive use of registered Usergroups. Usergroups who are registered will have access to the area (it'll be ready within two weeks) and by mid July they will receive a support packet which will include the ACE Logo in various point sizes, he said. Mr. Roberts also pointed out that the Usergroups could expect better lines of communication as far as technical information is concerned, to help the usergroups efforts at developing either hardware or software, he added. Roberts also mentioned that the Dearborn show would be a super success as far as Atari is concerned. "We will be showing SX Express, AtariWriter-80 and Midi Maze for the 8 Bit and Word Flair, Stacey and Portfolio for the 16 bit area. __________________________________________________________________________ > WOA Dearborn STReport InfoFile Updates and Show Info.... ============================== *********************************************************** World of Atari is coming to Dearborn, Michigan June 24 - 25, 1989 Hyatt Regency Dearborn Make your plans to attend this great event for Atari users *********************************************************** Call (800) 842 - 9034 to make Hotel and Airline Reservations and receive FREE admission tickets when you call this number. (Chicago residents can receive round trip airfare as low as $38) Call (503) 673 - 2259 [ST World magazine] for show details. o The STacy laptop and Portfolio will be shown at the show. o Atari Corporation will have 10 - 15 representatives and a large booth at the show. On Display, will be the NEW Game Machine! o Most products and developers (including 15 new developers) at the Anaheim, CA show will also be at the Dearborn, MI show (i.e., David Small with Spectre 128 and Bill Teal with pc-ditto II). o TOS 1.4 conference and other Atari SURPRISES. o Larger show area than the Anaheim, CA show. DON'T MISS A SECOND CHANCE TO ATTEND THIS GALA EVENT!!! ======================================================= _________________________________________________________________________ > A "QUOTABLE QUOTE" -> Precious Jewels of Thought... ================== "FEEBLE ATTEMPTS TO IMITATE ..YIELD ONLY FEEBLE RESULTS!!". - Notary Sojak ATARI IS BACK! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ST-REPORT Issue #92 "Your Independent News Source" June 16, 1989 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED copyright 1989 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of ST Report or CPU Report. Reprint permission is granted, unless noted otherwise. All reprints must include ST Report or CPU Report and the author's name. All information presented herein is believed correct, ST Report or CPU Report, it's editors and staff are not responsible for any use or, misuse of information contained in this publication. -------------------------------------------------------------------------