SILICON TIMES REPORT ==================== INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ============================= from STR Electronic Publishing Inc. February 18, 1994 No. 1008 ====================================================================== Silicon Times Report International Online Magazine Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155 R.F. Mariano Publisher-Editor ----------------------------------------- Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM-4 PM EST STR Publishing Support BBS Network System * THE BOUNTY BBS * ITCNet 85:881/253 JAX HUB ~ FNET 350 ~ Nest 90:21/350 904-786-4176 MULTI-NODE 24hrs-7 days 2400-57.6 bps V.32-42 bis 16.8 USR Dual Standard FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM-6 AM EST ----------------------------------------- Fido 1:112/35 The Bounty STR Support Central 1-904-786-4176 FNET. 620 : Leif's World ................1-904-573-0734 FNET. 690 : PASTE BBS....................1-206-284-8493 FNET. 489 : Steal Your Face BBS..........1-908-920-7981 MNET - Toad Hall BBS.....................1-617-567-8642 ______________________________________________________________________ > 02/18/94 STR 1008 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!" """"""""""""""""" - CPU INDUSTRY REPORT - SEGA NoteBook - HP earnings UP 43% - PCTW Ver 2.0 OverView - Stacker 4.0 - AJ's World - Review - People Talking - Eric's Solitaire - Dr. Ruth on CD ROM - Supra 28.8 MARCH - LEXICOR NEWS! - The Old Fishin' Hole -* Intel Unveils 150Mhz PENTIUM! *- -* IBM Makes 250,000 PowerPC Chips! *- -* Boca Research Ships 28.8k BPS Modem! *- ====================================================================== STReport International Online Magazine The Original * Independent * Online Magazine -* FEATURING WEEKLY *- "Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information" Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports ====================================================================== STReport's BBS - The Bounty BBS, invites all BBS systems, worldwide, to participate in the Fido/PROWL/ITC/USENET/NEST/F-Net Mail Networks. You may also call The Bounty BBS direct @ 904-786-4176. Enjoy the wonder and excitement of exchanging all types of useful information relative to computers, worldwide, through the use of excellent International Networking Systems. SysOps, worldwide, are welcome to join the STReport International Conferences. The Fido Node is 1:112/35, ITC Node is 85:881/253 Crossnet Code is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is #620. All computer platforms BBS systems are welcome and invited to participate. ====================================================================== CIS ~ GENIE ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ PROWL ~ ITC ~ NEST ~ EURONET ~ CIX USENET ~ USPOLNET ~ CLEVELAND FREE-NET ~ INTERNET ~ FNET ~ AOL ====================================================================== COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME to the Readers of; STREPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY! CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198 You will receive your complimentary time and be online in no time at all! "Enjoy CompuServe's forums; where information is at its very best! """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!" """""""""""""""""""""" Eight weeks into the new year and already there is speculation as to the whereabouts of the Jaguar's "stupendulous... awe inspiring... never before seen" National Rollout.... {sigh} How sweet it would be to see it happening instead of all the second guessing. What's that about cat's and spots and Atari? Central Point Software has done it again. PC Tools for Windows version 2 is an absolute knockout! See the article in this week's issue to find all the wonders it has to offer and then some. Ralph.... """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU! """""""""""""""" Publisher -Editor """""""""""""""""" Ralph F. Mariano Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor, Current Affairs Section Editors """"""""""""""" PC SECTION AMIGA SECTION MAC SECTION ATARI SECTION ---------- ------------- ----------- ------------- R.D. Stevens R. Glover R. Noak D. P. Jacobson STReport Staff Editors: """"""""""""""""""""""" Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur John Deegan Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando Doyle Helms Frank Sereno John Duckworth Jeff Coe Steve Keipe Guillaume Brasseur Melanie Bell John Donohue Contributing Correspondents: """""""""""""""""""""""""""" Tim Holt Norman Boucher Harry Steele Clemens Chin Neil Bradley Eric Jerue Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia Glenwood Drake IMPORTANT NOTICE """""""""""""""" Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc... via E-Mail to: Compuserve................... 70007,4454 America Online..................STReport Delphi......................... RMARIANO BIX............................ RMARIANO FIDONET........................ 1:112/35 FNET........................... NODE 350 ITC NET...................... 85:881/253 NEST........................ 90:21/350.0 GEnie......................... ST-REPORT Internet.............RMARIANO@DELPHI.COM """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS """"""""""""""""" IBM/POWER-PC/PC SECTION (I) =========================== Computer Products Update - CPU Report ------------------------ ---------- Weekly Happenings in the Computer World Issue #08 By: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr. ******* General Computer News ******* ** Sega to Make Notebook for Kids ** Sega Enterprises Ltd., best known for its video game machines, is set this September to introduce in the U.S. a simple electric notepad for users between ages 7 and 15. The unit will start at $45 and will have such functions as computing and storing data, video game programs and telephone numbers. A Sega spokesman is quoted as saying the new products are "toy-like" electronic gadgets and form a part of Sega's new "youth electronics" line. ** Nintendo Rejects CD-Roms ** Not compact discs but high-capacity cartridges will be used by Nintendo of America Inc. to store games with its new video game system. Marketing Vice President Peter Main said the company chose the cartridge format over CD-ROM for its new 64-bit system, code-named "Project Reality," because the former is faster. Nintendo plans to bring out the new system for arcades this fall and for home use next year. Said Main, "The cutting edge silicon technology, which will be housed in the new Nintendo cartridge, is the fastest technology available. When it comes to speed, no other format approaches the silicon-based cartridge." Nintendo said the cartridges will have at least 12.5MB of memory, five to six times the memory of 16-bit Nintendo games. The system is being developed with San Francisco workstation maker Silicon Graphics Inc., which will license its 3D graphics technology to Nintendo. Nintendo plans to market the home version for less than $250, AP says. Main said that Nintendo will continue to study compact disk technology and has designed Project Reality to accommodate a CD-ROM attachment in the future. ** Boca Research Ships 28.8k BPS Modem ** Boca Research Inc. says it's shipping a new 28.8K bits per second (bps) modem. The external version costs $445; the internal ISA/EISA-compatible model is priced at $395. Boca notes that the V.Fast modem offers both 28.8K bps data and 14.4K bps send/receive fax capabilities. The unit is Hayes compatible and backwardly compatible with lower speed V32.bis, V.32 and V.22bis modems. The modem ships with SofNet FaxWorks and Data Communications software for Windows and DOS. ** IBM Makes 250,000 PowerPC Chips ** IBM says it has built more than 250,000 PowerPC 601 microprocessors, the new chip developed by IBM, Apple Computer Inc. and Motorola Inc. and sent them to computer makers. The wire service said Apple is believed to be the largest buyer of the chips, since it has already announced it will start selling a new version of its Macintosh PC based on the chip next month. In addition, IBM uses the chip in one of its RS6000 workstation computers and plans to launch some personal computers based on the chip later this year. Also this week, IBM announced the first price cuts to the PowerPC chip, which went on sale in September: -:- The 80MHz version will sell for $417, down from $490. -:- The 66MHz version now costs $298, down from $350. -:- The 50MHz version costs $232, down from $275. (For such prices, computer companies must buy the chips in quantities of 25,000.) ** Claris Readies PowerPC Applications ** Claris Corp., Apple Computer's software subsidiary, says it will ship five of its leading applications in "native" versions for the Macintosh with PowerPC. The RISC-based PowerPC computers are set for release in March. Some of the applications are set to ship this spring while others are due out later this year. Claris says the "native" applications have been recompiled for the PowerPC chip and take advantage of the PowerPC's speed and processing technologies. The five applications are ClarisImpact, a business graphics application; ClarisWorks 2.1, an integrated software package; MacWrite Pro 1.5, a word processor; FileMaker Pro, a database; and ClarisDraw a drawing program. ** Hewlett-Packard's Earnings up 41% ** Hewlett-Packard Co. this week reported earnings of $368 million (or $1.42 a share) for its first quarter, up 41% from earnings of $261 million (or $1.03 a share) a year ago. Reports say that revenues for the quarter ended Jan. 31 were $5.7 billion, up 24% from $4.6 billion in first quarter of fiscal year 1993. ** Hearst Joins "How-To" Multimedia Venture ** The Hearst Corp. says it has entered into a co-publishing agreement and acquired an undisclosed equity interest in Books That Work, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based developer and publisher of multimedia software for the home "how-to" market. Hearst and Books That Work will jointly develop and market multimedia software products. Books That Work currently publishes two software titles: Design and Build Your Deck and Home Survival Toolkit. ** Dr. Ruth's Sex Data Hits CD-Rom ** Dr. Ruth Westheimer's Encyclopedia of Sex will be in a new format, CD-ROM disk. The CD-Interactive product is to be among the first new titles released under the Education and Reference Publishing Group recently formed by Philips Electronics NV's Philips Media unit. Computergram International said the disk "has been developed mainly for the schools market to help address the problem of sex education," adding, "The CD-I program will be adapted from a 324-page print version of the encyclopedia, which will be published by the Continuum Publishing Group this year." ******* General PC News ******* ** Intel Unveils 150mhz Pentium ** Intel Corp. has developed an ultra-fast version of its Pentium microprocessor. The new CPU runs at 150 MHz, more than twice as fast as the 66 MHz Pentium, Intel's current top-of-the-line microprocessor. Intel says it used its new 0.6 micron chip process technology to develop the chip. The technology is currently in production at two factories, including Intel's microprocessor plant in Leixlip, Ireland. Intel hasn't yet announced when the 150 MHz Pentium will be available commercially. ** Microsoft Money 3.0 for Windows Debuts ** Microsoft Corp. this week introduced Microsoft Money 3.0, a major new version of its popular personal finance software for the Microsoft Windows operating system. Reports say that this latest version features remote delivery of financial services, allowing users to take advantage of online banking. The Bank On-Line feature offers immediate 24-hour electronic access to checking, savings and credit card accounts and lets users check balance information, transfer funds between accounts, and automatically reconcile their checkbooks from home. In addition, new financial planning software in Money 3.0 helps users plan for and make more informed decisions about loans and mortgages, savings planning and retirement planning. The introductory retail price is $34.95. After April 15, the product will sell for $69.95. Users of Microsoft Money 2.0, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Works can receive $5 off the suggested retail price with an in-box rebate coupon. ** Microsoft to Buy Softimage ** Softimage Inc., which develops computer animation software, is to be acquired by Microsoft Corp. under an agreement signed by the firms this week. The 8-year-old Softimage develops 3-D animation and simulation software and produces software programs for two-dimensional purposes, including post-production editing of graphics, text, sound and special effects. Its products are used by film studios, animation houses, broadcasters, graphic artists, designers and engineers. ** Dell Sets Omniplex Prices ** Dell Computer Corp. has set the price of its OmniPlex personal computers to start at $2,599 for the OmniPlex '486. Reports say the new OmniPlex 486 systems are available immediately. ** Lotus Organizer for Windows Hits One Million Mark ** Lotus Development Corp. reports that its Lotus Organizer for Windows personal information manager (PIM) has reached the desktops of one million users worldwide. The product was released in August 1992. The software publisher says the one million milestone makes Lotus Organizer for Windows the best selling networked PIM. ** Compaq Targets Education Market ** Compaq Computer has announced a major push into the education market. The Houston-based computer maker says it will target both kindergarten through-grade-12 (K-12) and higher-education institutions. Compaq has established key distribution channels, partnerships and marketing programs that will enable education customers to purchase its portable, desktop and server PCs. Compaq says it has begun authorizing Certified Education Partners, resellers with high levels of networking expertise, to sell and support its products to K-12 and higher education institutions. Compaq Certified Education Partners are the only resellers who can offer special education pricing on all Compaq products, excluding Presario models. The resellers will receive ongoing training and support from Compaq as well as sales leads and other marketing incentives. ** Stacker 4.0 Increases PC Storage Capacity ** Stac Electronics this week introduced a version of its data compression technology that is the first such product to increase personal computer storage capacity beyond a 2-to-1 compression ratio. Reports say the new Stacker 4.0 software, which is designed to operate with Microsoft Windows and DOS, uses Stac's Stacker SmartPack developed through a cross-licensing deal with Novell Inc. Suggested retail price of the new program is $149 with upgrades from previous versions available for $49.95. ** Texas Instruments Develops New Chips for Portables ** Texas Instruments has developed a highly integrated set of chips that combines a T1486 central processing unit with other key system components to create portable computer systems. The chips will allow computer manufacturers to design smaller and lighter weight portable computers because they will use fewer chips with lower power consumption. Texas Instruments said it has taken key computer functions that previously required six or more devices and put them into just three computer chips. ******* General Mac News ******* ** Apple Offers New Inkjet Printer ** Apple Computer Inc. has introduced its new Color StyleWriter Pro, a $629 inkjet printer for Macintosh systems. Reports quote Apple as saying the printer offers print quality with 360 dots per inch and will be available worldwide late next month. The computer maker is gearing the printer to the small office or home office user. ** WordPerfect and DeltaPoint Offer Macintosh Software Suite ** WordPerfect Corp and DeltaPoint Inc. say they have joined forces with Intuit Corp., ChipSoft Inc. and Advanced Software Inc. to offer The Home Office, a Macintosh software suite. The package features WordPerfect 3.0, DeltaGraph Pro 3, Quicken 4, MacInTax and InTouch to offer word processing, charting, presentation graphics, personal and home office finance, tax preparation and personal contact management capabilities. The Home Office is available now. The software retails for $599, but has an estimated street price of under $200." __________________________________________________ > A.J.'s World STR Review """"""""""""""""""""""" KIDS' COMPUTING CORNER A.J.'S WORLD OF DISCOVERY by Frank Sereno A.J.'s World of Discovery is a new educational program for children ages 4 through 7 years from Sierra On-line. It was developed by Sierra's subsidiaries Coktel Vision and Bright Star Technology. A.J.'s World of Discovery includes many activities for children, but beyond that it serves as a graphical environment for add-on modules. Currently Sierra offers 4 modules. These are A.J.'s World of Math for ages 4-5 and a second math module for 6-7 year olds, plus A.J.'s World of Language for ages 4-5 and another language module for 6-7 year olds. A.J.'s World of Discovery is available for IBM compatible computers with a 286-16 mhz CPU, a supported sound board (including Sound Blaster, Ad Lib and their compatibles), VGA graphics, 550k free memory, 6 megs of free hard disk space, a 3.5 inch high density disk drive and a Microsoft compatible mouse. The program comes on three 3.5 inch high density diskettes. This program can be run from Windows but does not require it. A.J.'s can also be set up as an application and run from KidDesk. A.J.'s graphical environment is a small house with a garden near a lake with various objects placed on the screen. The cursor is represented by three variations of a hand. If the hand is full then it is in an inactive area of the screen. If the hand shows a tan index finger, then it is at an active object which will show a humorous animation when clicked upon. If the hand shows a red index finger, then the cursor is at an activity which can be played by clicking the mouse button. Sierra divides the activities into two types, Introductory Activities and Discovery & Learning Activities. The Introductory Activities are The Clock accessed via the clock on the house, The Garden which is accessed via the garden and The Music Room which is accessed via the headset earpiece on the house. The Clock teaches the concept of time by showing both a digital and analog clock. The different hours can be clicked on and a graphic will show typical children's activities for that time. The Garden allows the child to grow several varieties of flowers and to harvest them when in bloom. The Music Room allows the child to chose from 12 different songs. The Discovery and Learning Activities are The Writing Game accessed via the ink pot and pen, The Picture Maker accessed via the bricks and trowel, Make a Funny Face via the face in the tube, The Racetrack via the racecar, The Paint Pot via the paint can, Disappearing Blocks via the racket and the ball, and The Puzzler via the Rocketship. Each of these activities has three difficulty levels. When each of these activities is run, four icons are available. The Juggler is the level icon. A circular snake is the restart icon. A.J.'s face is the help icon. All help is both written and audible. A.J.'s house is the quit icon to return to the main screen. The Writing Game allows the child to use the computer keyboard or to click on keys on an on-screen keyboard to make stories. The level one game shows a picture of an object and the word name on a label. The child must recreate the name. If the child has difficulty, letters will be removed to make the selection easier. After three incorrect answers, the letter will be given. The second level game shows an object and two action verbs. When the child correctly types either of the verbs, the corresponding action will take place on the screen. The level three game is a variation of hangman in which an object is shown along with the first and last letters of its name with dashes representing the missing letters. Letters may be selected in any order. If the child chooses a letter not in the name, then part of a witch's face will be drawn. The child must fill in all the blanks before the witch's face is completed. These activities will teach spelling as well as letter and word recognition. The Picture Maker allows the child to build scenes on two different backgrounds. The level one game asks the child to identify an object in the scene from the graphics on the left. Once the child identifies the object, it will be animated and its name is shown on the screen. The level two game shows the name of the object and flashes the object on the left side of the screen. The third level merely shows the word and asks the child to find the corresponding object in the scene. These activities teach children to identify objects and to associate words with those objects. Make a Funny Face allows children to combine various facial and body features with outrageous results. In the level games, the child must compare and reconstruct a character. In the first level, two faces appear on screen simultaneously and the child makes the face on the right to be identical to the one on the left. In the level two game, the two faces appear again but the target face fades to a silhouette. The target can be made to reappear for comparison. In the final level, the child can only show the target once. These activities encourage development in comparing, recognition and memory. The Racetrack allows children to design tracks and race cars against friends or the computer. The various levels allow for a tougher computer opponent. This game teaches manual dexterity and strategy. My two sons really enjoy this activity. The Paint Pot is a painting and art program designed to allow children to express their creativity. With the higher levels, the child has access to more complex drawing tools. The child can create his own art or he can use landscapes and objects that are provided. With the provided objects, it is much like the old Colorforms pictures. You pick the background and then "stick" objects onto it. The child can chose a young man or woman and then dress them by clicking and dragging various clothing to them. Also available are many cartoon and fantasy characters such as a talking banana and a roller blading alligator. Pictures can be saved to the hard drive for later viewing. Disappearing Blocks is a simpler version of the old arcade favorite, Arkanoid. The task is to use the mouse to control a racket or paddle to bounce a ball off the colored blocks, thus causing them to disappear. There are eight different tables and the three levels allow for faster ball movement. This game will develop hand-eye coordination, judgment and reflexes. The Puzzler asks that the child reconstruct a picture by moving disordered rectangles back to their proper places. There are three different pictures. At level one, there are 9 pieces. At level two there are 12 pieces and at level three there are 20 pieces. In each puzzle there is one open rectangle. Clicking on any rectangle will move it to the open rectangle. When the puzzle is completed, it will be animated as a treat for the child. This game is intended to develop visual discrimination and spatial relationship skills. Included as an enticer to buy the add-on modules, Sierra includes four sample exercises, one from each of the available modules. Access is gained to these samples by clicking on the door to A.J.'s house and then clicking on the EX square. In these exercises, additional icons are added to the interface. A box in the lower left corner counts the number of correct answers. An icon of a thumb must be clicked when the child is satisfied with his response to the program. An eraser icon allows the child to change his answer. The Animals' Food is the exercise from the World of Math for ages 4 to 5 years. The child develops skills in basic counting, one-to-one correspondence and visual memory skills as they provide an equal number of pieces of food for the animals displayed. In level one, there are smaller number of animals. In level two the number of animals is increased. In the last level, larger numbers are used and the animals disappear from view forcing the child to remember the number of animals. Matching Pictures is the sample from World of Language for ages 4 to 5 years. This exercise develops observation of details, visual memory and matching by having the child compare and match pictures. A single picture or part of a picture is displayed for a short time and then the child must find the match among five pictures at the top of the screen. Visiting the Castle: Who's Left? develops counting, adding and subtracting skills. It is World of Math for 6 to 7 year olds. A bus transports people to and from the castle. The child must provide the number of people in the castle after each transport. Level one uses four transports while level two has six transports and level three has eight transports. The final sample is from World of Languages for ages 6 to 7 years and is Find the Animal's Home. This game develops matching, visual memory, picture/word association and reasoning skills by having the child turn over two cards at a time from a deck of fourteen. In level one, the child must match the animal to a picture of its home. In level two, he must match a picture and a name, for example a picture of a donkey with the word "stable." In level there, he must match either two names or a picture and a name. Sierra also includes a scoring and evaluation screen for parents and teachers to evaluate the child's progress. Unfortunately, it only works with the add-on modules but the manual does explain the many features. It is available by pressing F10 from the main screen. The child can judge his progress by earning candies for each five points gained in an exercise. Once he quits a game, the candies will be placed on the tree on the main screen. A.J.'s World of Discovery is being offered FREE directly from Sierra. All that must be paid for this program is a $7.00 shipping and handling fee. Sierra has always had high fees for shipping and handling. The add-on modules are available for $19.95 each or two for $34.95 plus $4.00 for shipping and handling. The Sierra On-Line Sales Department can be reached Monday through Friday from 7:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. Pacific Time at 1-800-326-6654. This program is excellent and the price cannot be beaten. The many activities and levels will offer many hours of fun and learning for children of the target ages of 4 to 7. The example lessons from the add-on modules look promising and I hope to do a review of these at a later date. As always, thanks for reading! ______________________________________________________ > PCTOOLS FOR WINDOWS V2.0 STR FOCUS! THIS IS THE ONE! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" PCTOOLS FOR WINDOWS VERSION 2.0 HAS EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANT FOR WINDOWS! Summary of New Features ----------------------- Central Point Electronic Registration ------------------------------------- New electronic registration for PC Tools for Windows Central Point Anti-Virus ------------------------ New detection and cleaning engine Virus Analyzer for generic detection of unknown viruses Scan compressed files using new scan option Customize alert sounds VSafe audit trail Ability to detect more than 2000 viruses Central Point Backup -------------------- Redesigned user interface Configurable menus, toolbar, and context-sensitive pop-up menus Options and Configure menu consolidated into tab-style dialog boxes New include/exclude file selection dialog box Unlimited number of include/exclude statements Auto-compare during or after a backup New quick access to device configuration dialog box CrashGuard ---------- New CrashGuard application Desktop ------- New File Companions Configurable Desktop Title Bar Path requirement removed Enhanced Task Manager Multiple selection supported Ability to delete file pointed to by desktop item Enhanced search dialog WYSIWYG ordering of Launch List/Autostart/Template folders New command to Restart Windows "Hot spot" and "cold spot" support for screen savers Zip file directory items Quick Launch available on any menu Item/Folder Templates Ability to print, mail, and view from item popup Support for replacement Task Managers New Auto-sync Folders and Desktops New Desktop Builder application DiskFix ------- Advanced DoubleSpace Support New MAPI/SMI Mail Support Emergency Disk -------------- Option to save current AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files New MAPI/SMI Mail Support File Manager ------------ Sorting on all columns of File List Moveable and resizable File List column headers File List column header Popup Menu New File Type column in File List Enhanced Advanced Settings dialog New Compare Files dialog New File Information dialog Added support for PKZip 2.x and LHA 5 files Enhanced Compress File dialog Ability to Show File Icons New Drive Information dialog Enhanced Select Files menu/dialog Ability to print files as generic text Added support for File Manager extensions Viewer added to Find/Browse Dialogs Enhanced Print List dialog Added support for user specified text editor Enhanced Associate dialog Added ability to create disk image files Direct access to Backup, Optimizer, and Diskfix History list of most recently accessed directories New File Type and Location Sets Enhanced viewer functionality Background sorting and drive logging Integrated SmartFind and Undelete Ability to find duplicate files and deleted files New DOS-like command line New MAPI/SMI Mail Support Icon Editor ----------- Ability to import multiple icons via drag and drop Install ------- Automatically Invokes the Applications Desktop Builder Menus/Toolbars (all applications) --------------------------------- Balloon Help New Customize dialog Mini-Icon and Spacer support in the Toolbar Toolbar is now File Drop Aware Optimizer --------- DoubleSpace support Faster optimization Added Drive Map Color customization dialog New MAPI/SMI Mail Support Scheduler --------- Run missed events option Screen Capture -------------- New Screen Capture application Screen Savers ------------- New Sand Sculpture screen saver New Clock screen saver SmartFind --------- Now integrated with File Manager System Consultant ----------------- Additional Recommendations Implement and Undo Ability for Recommendations New Administrator Mode for Disabling Recommendations Added System file Explanations and Editing New Topic for WNUSER.INI Ability to View User-Specified .INI Files Ability to Print Non-Formatted Reports New MAPI/SMI Mail Support Tutorials --------- New interactive tutorials Undelete -------- Now integrated with File Manager Viewers ------- Zooming and auto-sizing ability New clipboard support ZIP drag and drop support Over 20 new formats supported In Depth Overview ----------------- Central Point Electronic Registration ------------------------------------- New electronic registration for PC Tools for Windows. You can register PC Tools for Windows Version 2 on-line with our automatic registration program. Central Point Anti-Virus ------------------------ New detection and cleaning engine. Virus Analyzer for generic detection of unknown viruses. The Virus Analyzer uses an expert system to look for virus code inside your files. The expert system is designed to use the accumulated expertise of Central Point's virus team to identify new viruses. Scan compressed files using new scan option. You can now scan for viruses in compressed files, including compressed files within compressed files. Viruses are sometimes placed in compressed files to evade signature based detection methods. Customize alert sounds. If you have a sound card or speaker driver, you can now play a .WAV file when a virus is detected. Select one of your own or use the supplied SIREN.WAV file. VSafe audit trail. VSafe now creates an audit trail containing a log of VSafe alert messages, the time and date they occurred, and the user's response. Network administrators can use this file to keep track of any verification alerts for users on the network. Ability to detect more than 2000 viruses! The new expanded virus detection can scan for more than 2000 different viruses. Central Point Backup -------------------- Redesigned user interface. Configurable menus, toolbar, and context-sensitive pop-up menus. Options and Configure menu consolidated into tab-style dialog boxes. New include/exclude file selection dialog box. You can now access the selection commands from either the Toolbar or menu. Unlimited number of include/exclude statements. There is no limit to the number of directories or files selected for backup or restore. Auto-compare during or after a backup. You can now choose to have Backup automatically compare files during or after the backup is complete. New quick access to device configuration dialog box. It is now quicker and easier to configure your backup devices by selecting a new device from either the Toolbar or menu. CrashGuard ---------- New CrashGuard application. Highly-configurable CrashGuard displays system memory usage, system resources, clock, calendar, disk space, and current desktop and current office names. CrashGuard gives warnings when available memory, resources, and disk space become dangerously low. Desktop ------- New File Companions. File Companions give you access to file operations from within your application's Open and Save dialog boxes by clicking on the mini File Manager button next to the system close box or by clicking the right mouse button anywhere within the dialog. The list of commands can be customized by editing the [FileCompanions] section in the WNUSER.INI file. Configurable Desktop Title Bar ------------------------------ You can configure all three sections of the Desktop Title Bar. Double-click on any section of the Desktop Title Bar to cycle through PC Tools for Windows title, two different date/time formats, office name, Desktop list, and resource display. Path Requirement Removed. PC Tools for Windows no longer requires that its base directory be in the DOS PATH environment variable. Enhanced Task Manager --------------------- The Task Manager has been improved to show a mini-icon for each entry in the list, the amount of memory used by an application, and the desktop name on which it is running or the 'Tag Along' status of an application. It can be brought up by double-clicking on the background, pressing Ctrl+Esc, or selecting Task Manager from the Desktop Window menu in the desktop. Multiple Selection of Items Supported ------------------------------------- Multiple items can be selected and operations performed on the set of items. Methods of selection are: rubberband selection, left mouse click, Ctrl+left mouse click, and Shift+left mouse click. Ctrl key combination toggles the specified items selection state and shift key combination adds to the current selection. Ability to Delete File Pointed to by Desktop Item ------------------------------------------------- A file item can be set to be directly linked to the file system. The data file is deleted when the item is deleted and the following conditions are met: Delete Referenced File On Item Delete checkbox is checked in the File Item Properties dialog and the Use file Item Delete Referenced File Property is checked in the Advanced Settings dialog. Desktop does not delete executable files. Enhanced Search Dialog ---------------------- The search dialog has been enhanced to search for items based on type, field and/or contents. The scope of search can be set to current desktop, current office, or all desktops. WYSIWYG ordering of Launch List/Autostart/Template folders ---------------------------------------------------------- The order of the quick launch menu list can be controlled by placing the items in the desired order in the folder. System will order the menu items by scanning left to right and then top to bottom. Same is true for templates folder. The initial starting order of the applications in Autostart can be controlled. New Command to Restart Windows ------------------------------ A Restart Windows command is now available. You can place this command anywhere on the menu or on the tool bar. "Hot Spot" and "Cold Spot" Support for Screen Savers ---------------------------------------------------- A hot spot for screen saver is provided in lower-left corner of the screen to initiate the screen saver within few seconds if a mouse is left in that position. Similarly, a cold spot is provided in upper-right corner of the screen to indefinitely disable the initiation of the screen saver. Zip File Directory Items ------------------------ A directory item can now also refer to a zip file. The system will treat the zip file as a directory of zipped files. Quick Launch Available on any Menu ---------------------------------- Quick Launch and Template are now enhanced menu item commands and can be placed anywhere in the menus. Item/Folder Templates --------------------- A folder can be set up as a template folder (similar to quick launch folder). You can put all of your template documents in it and use that item to create new documents. To create an item based on a template, select the Template command from the container menu in which the new item is being created. The system will ask for the new file name and refer the new item to the newly created document file. An empty folder will be treated as a folder template and all the settings of the folders will be transferred to the new folder being created using that template. Ability to Print, Send Mail, and View File from Item Popup ---------------------------------------------------------- Three new menu items appear on the item pop-up menu: Print, Send Mail, and View. The file referred to by the selected item will be printed, mailed as an attachment, or viewed. Support for Replacement Task Managers ------------------------------------- When PC Tools installs, it replaces the Windows Task Manager (TASKMAN.EXE) with its own Task Manager. You can change it to use TASKMAN.EXE or any other task manager by changing the line in SYSTEM.INI that reads "taskman.exe=c:\cps\wndt /tm". New AutoSync Folders and Desktops --------------------------------- AutoSync folders allow the synchronization of a directory with a folder or desktop. The synchronization can be automatic or manual. For manual synchronization, the menu command "Folder (or Desktop) Synchronize" will cause the folder (or desktop) to be synchronized with the specified directory and file types. The directory and file types to synchronize are specified in the Properties dialog box of the folder or desktop. To specify a directory tree (i.e. a directory and all of its subdirectories), a '+' can be added to the directory name (e.g. "c:\winword\+"). To specify multiple file types, separate each with a comma (e.g. "*.xlc, *.xlw, *.xls"). Wildcard characters can also be used when specifying the file type (e.g. "*.xl?"). When a folder (or desktop) is synchronized, an item is created (if it doesn't already exist) to represent each file in the specified directory that matches the specified file types. Any items that represent files that have been deleted are deleted as well. Sub-folders or manually created items are left undisturbed. If Automatic Mode is checked in the folder or desktop's properties box, synchronization will be automatic. This means that when a file gets deleted from a linked directory, the corresponding item disappears from the AutoSync folder or desktop. Also, when a new file is created in a linked directory, a corresponding item is automatically created in the AutoSync folder or desktop. Any desktop or folder can be made into a AutoSync desktop or folder via its Properties dialog box. New Desktop Builder Application ------------------------------- When installing PC Tools for Windows, a new Applications desktop will be created in your default office. The Applications Desktop creates file items that point to the application executable and directly beneath the application item a AutoSync folder is created that is linked to the associated data files for that application. The Desktop Builder Icon is located in the Setup Folder in the PC Tools Desktop. It can be used to create a default office, build a PC Tools desktop, build an application folder, or import all program manager group files. Diskfix ------- Advanced DoubleSpace support ---------------------------- DoubleSpace drives can now be fully analyzed and repaired. New MAPI/SMI Mail Support ------------------------- The drive analysis report can be mailed via either MAPI or SMI. The mail option is available from the report dialog. Emergency Disk -------------- Option to Save Current AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS Files. The AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files from the boot drive can be saved to the Emergency Disk. New MAPI/SMI Mail Support ------------------------- The files that would normally go on the EDisk can be mailed via either MAPI or SMI. The mail option is available from the settings dialog. File Manager ------------ Sorting on All Columns of File List ----------------------------------- Sorting can be performed on all columns of the file list. This may be done by left mouse button clicking on any of the column headers or going to the Custom Sort dialog box from the View menu. Moveable and Resizable File List Column Headers ----------------------------------------------- The file list columns may be moved and resized. To move a column, drag the column header to a new location. To resize, move the cursor on top of the dark separator line to the right of the header that you want to resize. File List Column Header Popup Menu ---------------------------------- A right mouse button click on the file list will bring up a pop-up menu from which you can display/hide any or all of the available columns. New File Type Column in File List --------------------------------- In version 1, the Type column displayed the file extension. This is now labeled "Ext." The File Type column shows a description of the file. This may be Application, Directory, Compression, a registered document description, or simply the extension and "File" appended to it if no other category applies. Enhanced Advanced Settings Dialog --------------------------------- The virus scanning and the tree caching options which were in separate dialogs in version 1 have been consolidated and moved into this dialog. Several unnecessary advanced settings options present in version 1 have been removed. At the bottom of the dialog are two entry fields where a user-specified text editor can be specified. New Compare Files Dialog. This dialog is used to perform a direct binary comparison of two files. New File Information Dialog. This dialog displays file and directory information. The Branch Size button computes the total size of all files in all subdirectories when you are viewing information about a directory. Added Support for PKZip 2.x and LHA 5 files ------------------------------------------- File Manager now compresses and decompresses files using ZIP 2.xx and LHA 5 compression methods. In regards to the LHA archive program File Manager only supports the -lh5- compression method. Enhanced Compress File Dialog ----------------------------- You can compress files to a file that does not have a standard compression file extension (.zip, .arc, .pak, .lzh) and specify which compression method you want to use. You can also choose between using ZIP 1.0 and ZIP 2.0 compression methods. Ability to Show File Icons -------------------------- The file list can replace the standard bitmaps displayed at the left of the file name with either a normal-sized icon or a miniature icon, based on the file type or application. New Drive Information Dialog ---------------------------- This dialog displays the physical and logical characteristics of the drive. If the drive is a DoubleSpace drive, additional information is given at the end of the Type: field. Enhanced Select Files Menu/Dialog --------------------------------- A cascade menu contains file selection options. The Select Files dialog is available by selecting the Some... menu option. Select All selects all files and directories whereas Select All Files selects only the files (including compression files). The Select Files dialog no longer has the Invert button. There is a new Sets... button that allows you to access predefined file type sets. Ability to Print Files as Generic Text -------------------------------------- The ability to print any file as generic text has been added. When the appropriate checkbox is checked, all files, whether they are real text files or binary files, will be printed as if they were plain ASCII text. Added Support for File Manager Extensions ----------------------------------------- Microsoft File Manager Extensions are now supported. The extension menu items are placed at the bottom of the Tools top-level menu. There are certain File Manager Extensions that are designed to specifically look for the Windows File Manager and will not function correctly with the PC Tools for Windows File Manager. Viewer Added to Find/Browse Dialogs ----------------------------------- All Browse and Find dialogs that display filenames now have a viewer at the bottom of the dialog. The viewer is displayed or hidden by clicking on the Viewer button. Enhanced Print List Dialog -------------------------- You can now choose any standard Windows font to be used to print the list. The selected font is displayed at the bottom of the dialog. Added Support for User Specified Text Editor -------------------------------------------- Selecting the Edit Text menu command launches the text editor specified in the Advanced Settings dialog box passing in the first selected file as a command line parameter. Enhanced Associate Dialog ------------------------- This dialog has been redesigned. Please refer to the manual or help for details. Briefly, you can now create new document types and the associations are listed by type rather than by application file name. Added Ability to Create Disk Image Files ---------------------------------------- You can use Copy Disk to make an exact image of a floppy diskette to a file. Direct Access to Backup, Optimizer, and DiskFix ----------------------------------------------- Some of your favorite PC Tools are now only a menu item away. You can launch DiskFix and Optimizer by clicking on the DiskFix... and Optimizer... items in the Disk menu or the drive popup menu. You can launch Backup by clicking on the Backup... item in the Tools menu or from the file, directory, or drive popup menu. History List of Most Recently Accessed Directories -------------------------------------------------- File Manager keeps track of the last nine directories you navigate into. You can easily change to any of those directories by clicking on the Back To item in the Tree menu, and then clicking on the desired directory - a convenience if you have been looking at directories on a variety of disk drives. New File Type and Location Sets ------------------------------- File Manager provides the ability to associate a list of file masks to a file type set name and a list of drive and subdirectories to a location set name. This can be accomplished by selecting the Edit File Type Sets... and Edit Location Sets... commands, respectively. File Type Sets are supported in the following dialogs: SmartFind, Find (the Find dialog is accessible in the file command dialogs like Copy Files and Move Files), Custom Filter, and Select Files. Location Sets are supported in the following dialogs: SmartFind and Find (the Find dialog is accessible in the file command dialogs like Copy Files and Move Files). Enhanced Viewer Functionality ----------------------------- The ability to reduce the size of an image file (bitmap, GIF, etc.), enlarge the size of an image file, fit that image file to the display window, and copying all or selected portions of most viewed files have been added. See the Viewers section below and the manual for more information. Background Sorting and Drive Logging ------------------------------------ While File Manager is busy scanning your drives and directories for files, or busy sorting the files it has found, you can continue to work in other applications. Integrated SmartFind and Undelete --------------------------------- The Undelete and SmartFind applications present in version 1 have become part of File Manager. File Manager has a Show Deleted Files menu command to display deleted files and an Undelete command to undelete selected deleted files. You can also Undelete To... files to a different directory from where it was deleted and Purge deleted files from a directory. Version 1 File Manager's Search... command has been renamed to SmartFind... and incorporates all the features of the Version 1 SmartFind application's search options as well as adding a few new ones such as Find Duplicates and Find Deleted. You can use the new location sets and file type sets with SmartFind by clicking on the Sets... button. Ability to Find Duplicate Files and Deleted Files ------------------------------------------------- SmartFind has added the ability to find duplicate files (files with identical file names) and deleted files. New DOS-like Command Line ------------------------- You can manage files with the File Manager command line, using DOS commands or special File Manager commands, such as ENCRYPT, DECRYPT, and SCAN. Please refer to the manual or Help for details. Help on a specific command is displayed by using a "/?" parameter after the command, e.g. "COMPRESS /?". The command line is displayed and hidden by selecting the Command Line command from the Options menu. New MAPI/SMI Mail Support ------------------------- Selected files can be mailed via either MAPI or SMI. The mail option is available from the settings dialog. Menus/Toolbars (all applications) --------------------------------- Balloon Help ------------ Toolbars in icon-only mode can now display a Balloon text description of the button the cursor is on top of. This setting can be controlled via the Toolbar styles dialog or the Toolbar popup. New Customize Dialog -------------------- All Applications have new Customize dialog boxes for configuring menus, shortcut keys, toolbars, and custom commands. Mini-Icon and Spacer Support in the Toolbar ------------------------------------------- All Application Toolbars now support the use of mini-icons. You can customize each toolbar to fit your needs including specifying the placement of spacers between toolbar icons. Use the Customize dialog box to customize toolbars. Toolbar Is File Drop Aware -------------------------- Dropping a file on a custom command will initiate that command with the file as its parameter. For example, dropping a Write file onto a Write command bar will open the Write application with the corresponding Write file. Optimizer --------- DoubleSpace support ------------------- DoubleSpace drives are now fully supported and optimizable. Faster optimization ------------------- Optimization speed has increased by the addition of the Turbo Mode. The Turbo Mode retains all of the safeguards but doesn't allow the user to switch to other apps while optimizing. Added Drive Map Color customization dialog ------------------------------------------ One can now control the individual block colors of the main screen fragmentation panel. New MAPI/SMI Mail Support ------------------------- The fragmentation and analysis report can be mailed via either MAPI or SMI. The mail option is available from the report dialog. Scheduler --------- Run Missed Events Option ------------------------ This option is enabled by default. When enabled on Scheduler startup, Scheduler will attempt to run those scheduled events it found during the last shutdown and this current startup. When this option is disabled, all such missed events are skipped and treated as if they had occurred. System Consultant ----------------- Additional Recommendations -------------------------- System Consultant can now generate over 45 different recommendations, including recommendations based on an analysis of any hard drives attached to your system. To see the recommendations for your system click the 'Recommend' button on the System Consultant Toolbar. Implement and Undo Ability for Recommendations ---------------------------------------------- System Consultant can now implement many of the recommendations in its recommendation list. To implement a recommendation just click the 'Do It' button. A complete history list of implemented recommendations is maintained so that you can undo recommendations at any time in the future. New Administrator Mode for Disabling Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------- An Administrator Mode has been added for network installations of PC Tools for Windows in which the administrator desires to limit user access to selected recommendations. To switch to Administrator Mode press Ctrl+Shift+F12 from any System Consultant Topic. System File Explanations and Editing ------------------------------------ System Consultant now provides line-by-line explanations and context sensitive editing of all your system files. Select AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS from the DOS menu, or any of the three .INI file items from the Windows menu. New Topic for WNUSER.INI ------------------------ The PC Tools for Windows WNUSER.INI file has been added to the list of .INI files that can be viewed and edited by System Consultant. Ability to View User-Specified .INI Files ----------------------------------------- The user can now add .INI files to the System Consultant menu to view any program's .INI file (line-by-line explanations are not provided). Ability to Print Non-Formatted Reports -------------------------------------- A 'Print without Formatting' checkbox has been added to the System Consultant 'Print Report' dialog so that reports can be printed to text-only files without bold or underline formatting. New MAPI/SMI Mail Support ------------------------- A 'Send Mail' button has been added to the System Consultant 'Print Report' dialog so that reports can be mailed directly from System Consultant on systems with MAPI or SMI mail support. Viewers ------- Zooming and Auto-Sizing Ability ------------------------------- While viewing a graphics file, such as a bitmap, you can view at 25%, 50%, 100%, 200%, or 400%, or fit the graphic to the window, by selecting from the View menu or viewer popup menu. When Fit to Window is selected, the graphic will be either reduced or enlarged to fill the entire window. The QuickZoom feature allows you to toggle between faster zooming and better quality zooming. This feature is only available in the File Viewer application. Clipboard Support ----------------- While viewing a file, you can select text or graphics and copy the information to the clipboard for pasting into another application. Formatting will be preserved when copying text. You can use the keyboard or the mouse to make a selection in a text, spreadsheet, or database file. You must use the mouse to select from a graphics file. The copy command can be selected either from the application menu or from the viewer popup menu. ZIP Drag and Drop Support ------------------------- You can now drag a file from within an archive file in File Manager and drop it on the standalone File Viewer application, which will then open and view that file. Disk Image (DSK) Viewer ----------------------- You can view vital statistics about disk image files created by PC Tools' File Manager or Copy Disk applet. AutoCAD Drawing Interchange Format (DXF) viewer AutoCAD DXF files view as vector files. Font Viewer (FON,FOT,TTF) Viewer -------------------------------- You can view information about raster, vector, and TrueType font files, as well as viewing a font sample in that font. Icon Library (ICL,NIL) Viewer ----------------------------- You can view the Icon Libraries created by PC Tools for Windows (ICL) and by Norton Desktop for Windows (NIL). You can also view any icon library stored in a format that is a Windows resource-only DLL stub. Program Manager Group Files (GRP) Viewer ---------------------------------------- You can view the icons and text for Program Manager Group Files. This can be useful, for example, when you wish to preview a GRP file before importing it into our Desktop. Wave File (WAV) Viewer ---------------------- You can view interesting information about a WAV file, such as the sampling rate, mono vs. stereo, type of file, and so on. Video for Windows (AVI) Viewer ------------------------------ You can view information about an AVI file, such as the length in minutes and seconds, the frame rate, the dimensions of each frame in pixels, and so on. AutoDesk Flick and FLI (FLC,FLI) Viewer --------------------------------------- You can view information about the older AutoDesk Flick and newer AutoDesk FLI files, such as the number of frames, frame dimensions, and so on. MIDI File (MID) Viewer ---------------------- You can view summary information about a MIDI file, such as number of channels, playing time, and so on. Quattro Pro for Windows (WB1) Viewer ------------------------------------ Spreadsheet files created by Borland Quattro Pro for Windows 1.0 are supported. Enable (DOC) ------------ You can view files created by Enable's word processor, versions 1.1, 2.0, and 2.15. WordPerfect 4.x, 5.2, and 6.0 (WP) Viewer ----------------------------------------- We have added support for WordPerfect files created by versions 4.x, 5.2, and 6.0. Office Writer (DOC) Viewer -------------------------- You can view OfficeWriter files created by versions 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 6.a. Q&A Write (DOC) Viewer ---------------------- You can view Q&A Write 1.0, 3.0, and 4.0 files. Disk Image (DSK) Viewer ----------------------- You can view vital statistics about disk image files created by PC Tools for Windows 2.0, PC Tools Pro, and DR DOS 7.0. DCA FFT (FFT) Viewer -------------------- You can view DCA Final Form Text files. MS Works for DOS Viewer ----------------------- You can view document files created by Works 2.0 for DOS. MacWrite II Viewer ------------------ You can view files created by MacWrite II versions 1.0 and 1.1. Microsoft Word for Macintosh Viewer ----------------------------------- You can view files created by Microsoft Word for Macintosh versions 3.0 and 4.0. This is the second of four installments covering Central Point's PC Tools for Windows version 2.0. This is a very powerful desktop system that deserves to be a part of everyone's system. Order PC Tools Version 2.0 for Windows or PC Tools Pro version 9.0 for Dos by Calling 1-800-333-0744. Call today to upgrade... either for Windows or Dos 49.95. Order before 3/29/94 and get Drive Rocket FREE! And... you can also get Print Cache or Uninstaller for only 29.95ea. Or... take advantage of PC Tools BUNDLE DEAL: Get PCtools for Windows or DOS with Uninstaller, PrintCache and Drive Rocket for only 99.95. Order Now! 1-800-333-0744. """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT: _________________________________ Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo) Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN. Are your friends "busy" buddies? Are they being left out in the cold because their online service doesn't have room for them? Is "Almost OnLine" as close as they're getting to BEING online? Are they faced with busy signals, "come back later" messages and slow response? Well, we know how frustrated they must feel. We've been there -- done that! But, that's no longer the Case on GEnie. We've got the room, we've got the fun and we've got the greatest users....people just like you! So why not invite your buddies to join you on GEnie? We've designed a slick promotion in order to give you the opportunity to be a hero to your friends. To get them back online, get them some free time, and introduce them to GEnie Services. What you don't have to tell them is that you get something out of the deal, too! For each new user you bring to GEnie, we'll waive their first month's subscription fee, and give them a total of TEN free hours of standard connect time -- that's a $38.95 (C$50.95) value! If you and your buddy are still active GEnie subscribers three months from the date your buddy signs up, YOU get five hours of FREE standard connect time -- a $15.00 (C$20.00) value for each buddy you sponsor! And, for a limited time, you can even qualify for SPECIAL PRIZES!!! In addition to the five hours of standard connect time, prizes will be awarded to the three sponsors who bring in the most qualifying buddies between February 3, 1994 and March 31, 1994. The third-place Buddy sponsor will receive a GEnie satin jacket. The second-place Buddy sponsor will receive a 9600 bps modem. And the first-place buddy sponsor will receive a $500 gift certificate good at your favorite computer store. Like everything good, there are a few rules for the GEnie Buddy Bonus Program. You'll find the complete promotion rules on the GEnie Services Buddy Bonus page (type BUDDY or M1111). Be sure you review the complete rules before you contact your friends. So, if your buddies have been bragging about that other online service, just remind them that a pretty interface ain't worth squat if it doesn't log on! Bring them over to GEnie....we may not be pretty just yet, but we're definitely more fun! And, if a GUI is that important to them, tell them that we'll have both Mac and Windows front ends before the other guys get more computers! GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission From GEnie's Atari Area: = LAST TWO WEEK'S TOP 10 DOWNLOADED PROGRAMS/FILES = ------------------------------------------------------ 31767 LZH_299.LZH X GRMEYER 940126 175872 177 40 Desc: LHARC 2.99 with shell 31787 SHOCKER2.ZIP X D.DREIBELBIS 940129 480384 169 8 Desc: great mono shareware game 31782 GBNCH330.ZIP X GRMEYER 940129 97024 140 2 Desc: GEMBench v3.30 benchmark program 31869 DEAD_MON.TXT X R.CONSTAN 940206 14592 135 27 Desc: How to fix that dead SM124 Monitor! 31784 PROFILE.LZH X GRMEYER 940129 77952 127 2 Desc: Profile - System Information Display 31770 SURPRISE.LZH X MUSE 940127 13440 125 16 Desc: The Elephant of Surprise EOS module 31864 TWINDOWS.ZIP X G.FUHRMAN 940205 9600 110 16 Desc: another Throne clone for Warp 9 EOS 31748 TVST15.LZH X AEO.5 940125 18944 108 2 Desc: TotalView, a text file viewer. 31728 CS63B.ZIP X M.MOTOGAWA 940123 17664 107 2 Desc: Version 6.3b of CalShow! 31768 TWRPTCH2.ZIP X V.VALENTI 940127 54400 105 8 Desc: Towers ver 1.2-- fixes a few bugs. """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ___ ___ _____ _______ /___| /___| /_____| /_______/ The Macintosh RoundTable /____|/____| /__/|__| /__/ ________________________ /_____|_____|/__/_|__|/__/ /__/|____/|__|________|__/ /__/ |___/ |__|_/ |__|_/____ Managed by SyndiComm /__/ |__/ |__|/ |__|______/ An Official Forum of the International Computer Users Group *** STReport available in MAC RT *** ASCII TEXT for ALL GEnie users! MAC/APPLE SECTION (II) ====================== Randy Noak, Editor "RAH, RAH, SIS BOOM BAH, GET THAT MOUSE AND DESIGN" Sorry. I couldn't help myself. I'm all fired up after a day at Aldus University. Aldus University is Aldus Corporation's series of seminars on the use of PageMaker and Freehand. The course I took was titled, "Mac PageMaker Tips, Tricks & Techniques". Very intense. Very worthwhile. I learned the "right" way to do all sorts of neat design elements, and, I'd have to say, probably doubled my knowledge and efficiency in the use of PageMaker. The only downside of all this was that the course cost $295. The upside to that was that my company paid for it. What a deal. That's not all that's been going on here at Mac Report HQ. First, my wife had jury duty. This means that your humble Editor received the call to perform many of the functions that had, heretofore, been the sole province of my spouse. Needless to say, it's not as easy as it looks. Second, I've been, among everything else, trying to get the first issue of Mac Report Monthly out the door. It's now in the hands of the Associate Editors for proofing, so it should be available for download soon. Last, but not least, I picked this week to come down with a nasty cold. I've been miserable. I'm feeling better now though. I'm still sick, but a couple of neat things happened this week to boost my spirits. I finally figured out which extension was causing me some problems with some of my applications. I dumped it, and all has been well since. No more crashes! Life is good. I also received the books I had ordered from the Mac Professionals Book Club, "Desperately Seeking Solutions", "Macintosh Secrets", "Live Wired", "Guide to System 7.1", and "The Mac is Not a Typewriter". Lotsa good reading there. This week's issue contains a review of "Eric's Ultimate Solitaire" by Jeff Coe and a passle o' press releases. Let's go! >Eric s Ultimate Solitaire STR Review """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ERIC S ULTIMATE SOLITAIRE ========================= by Jeff Coe Most traditional board games and most card games don t translate very well to the computer. First of all, you usually play them with two or more people, and since most computer game players play solo you loose the human interaction that makes the game fun in the first place. Secondly, if you do get a multi-player game on the computer, it s usually a real pain trying to cram everyone around the keyboard to play. Then you have to put up with the "Don t look while I set up my pieces " (or take my turn or whatever...)". It s more bother than it s worth in most cases. Solitaire on the other hand is supposed to be played alone. You just can t do it any other way. What s more, the computer takes care of moving all those piles of cards for you, and you never have to worry about the family pet running across the table and scattering your deck! With that in mind, I'm going to sum up the rest of this review for you right now. If you enjoy solitaire, go buy this game. Eric s Ultimate Solitaire is the very best solitaire program I've ever played on any computer platform. Period. There are probably hundreds of different solitaire games or versions of the same game out there, but the programmers at Delta Tao chose to include only seventeen of them in Eric s Ultimate Solitaire. Why seventeen? Because that s how many names fit in a menu on a Mac Plus without having to scroll. Works for me. All the common titles are here; Klondike, Yukon, Poker Square, Towers, etc.. and some that I had never heard of, such as Spider, Forty Thieves and Calculation. There are more as I said above, but I don't see much point in listing them all. Every game is rated as to how difficult it is to play, and to how much time it takes to play it. There is also a help screen for each game that gives you the basic rules of play, but it doesn't tell you everything. There are a few surprises hidden in there for you to figure out on your own. Game Options There are a few options you can choose from when you play. One of the most handy is called Autoplay. With Autoplay turned on, cards will be automatically played (hence the name) up to the Foundation piles. For those not familiar with solitaire, the foundations are the piles you are trying to get all the cards onto, usually in order and in suit, starting with the Aces and going up to the Kings. In some cases you might not want to automatically move those cards up, and Eric's Ultimate Solitaire (EUS from now on) is smart enough to know when not to do it for you. Sound effects can be toggled on or off. While I personally like the sound of the cards being shuffled and dealt, it's nice to have the option of not hearing that stuff. There is also an option where you can have every game you play be a winnable game. If you've played solitaire much, you know that even if you play every card perfectly and make no mistakes, there are games that just can not be won. It's the luck of the draw as they say. EUS has a database of sorts with games that can be won, and in fact as you use the software and win some games, it adds those games to its database. However, just because a game is winnable, it doesn't mean you will win it! It just means that it's possible to win it. I should also take this time to tell you that EUS keeps track of every game you play, and keeps you updated as to how many times you've played a particular game, and how many times you've won at it. You can review this information for all seventeen different solitaire games. However, if you have the Always Winnable option turned on, these games do not get figured into your statistics. EUS has very nice graphics. Every game has it's own deck design, and all the cards are easy to read. A nice touch is that you are given the option of selecting the background design to be used for your games. There are several to choose from, ranging from a nice looking leather texture to some subdued designs incorporating the card suits (clubs, diamonds... ). None of these are what you would call wild, so that they don t in any way distract you from the cards. You can even choose a solid color for a background if you prefer. Other items found under the Options menu allow you to review your Statistics for wins and losses, or check on how other players are doing. You can set up some Preferences for yourself too. Things like whether you're right or left handed, whether you want the Autoplay option on all the time, whether you want to see your stats after each game and stuff like that. This is also where you can review the rules of the current game, and get a list of some keyboard shortcuts. Other Menus In addition to the Options menu, there is a Game menu that lets you choose from the entire list of solitaire games. Under the Players menu you can add or delete the names of different players from the list, or select which player you are. Every player has his or her own stat information saved in their preferences file, so everyone that uses EUS should have their own entry in this menu. There is a File menu where you can end a game (give up), restart the same game over again, or quit. One of the nicest features of EUS is found in the Edit menu. You can take back your previously played cards with the Undo command. I haven t tested this, but I think you could almost backspace your way all the way from the end of a game to the first card played! Game Play Basically the entire game is mouse controlled. There are a few keyboard equivalents for those that prefer to type, but the best bet is the mouse. Cards can be drug in the same way you'd drag anything else on your desktop. A single click on your deck will cause the correct number of cards to be dealt. You can also double-click on a card and it will automatically be moved to the most logical new location, whether that would be to your foundation or another pile. The most fun way to play your cards is to toss them. You do this by starting a drag, and just give the card a little flick and release the mouse button. The card will fly across the screen and home in on the correct pile or foundation. It's pretty cool to get your cards flying around and curving back and forth while you play. EUS will not let you make an illegal move either, so you can toss cards all over the screen and they ll always end up where they belong! The only other feature you would need to know about, is the use of the Shift key. When you hold down either Shift key, all the currently playable cards on the screen will be highlighted. It doesn t tell you where they go, but at least it gives you your options. Sometimes you can stare at a screen for minutes on end and not be able to come up with a good move. The Shift key can point you in the right direction. Read the Book The only other item I want to tell you about is the instruction manual. In addition to giving you everything you need to know about installing, troubleshooting (although I have yet to see a bug!), and playing the game, it's just down right funny! These are people that don t take themselves too seriously, which is a nice change. I look forward to seeing more software from Delta Tao. The Technical Stuff Eric s Ultimate Solitaire is published by: Delta Tao Software, Inc. 760 Harvard Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 730-9336 Eric s Ultimate Solitaire requires a Macintosh computer with at least 2 MB or memory, running System 6.0.5 or greater. It supports color or monochrome monitors, but you really should get color to get the most from the graphics. EUS runs fine off of a floppy, but the publisher recommends installing it on your hard-drive for speedy loading. In closing, as I said at the start of this review, if you like solitaire, buy this game! Enjoy! ________________________________________ > Supra FAX/Modem STR InfoFile """""""""""""""""""""""""""" It had to happen. I bought a Performa 450 and immediately, prices plummet and Apple brings out even faster models for less money. I buy a 14,400 baud modem and, of course, a 28,800 is fast on it's heels. Why me? SupraFAXModem(tm) 288 Offers V.Fast Speeds for Under $400 ========================================================= ALBANY, OR, FEBRUARY 1994- The SupraFAXModem 288 raises the standard on performance with data speeds of 28,800 bps while maintaining Supra's commitment to value-oriented pricing. Scheduled to ship in March, the external model will carry a selling price of $399 while the internal SupraFAXModem(tm) 288i will debut at just $349. "These products represent a huge leap forward in technology," said Kenny Richards, Manager for PC Products at Supra. "Not only can users benefit from speed that's twice as fast as the current V.32bis standard, they also get the benefits of an outstanding feature set at an unbelievable price." Based on the Rockwell(tm) V.FC (V.Fast Class) chipset, Supra's new modems utilize the core technology that is expected to be defined by the ITU-TSS in the V.34 (V.Fast) standard later this year. When the V.34 standard is finalized, it will be incorporated into the full line of SupraFAXModem 288 products. In the interim, V.FC appears to be the clear leader as a standard for 28,800 bps data communication. Wide-spread acceptance of the V.FC standard will ensure compatibility with modems from more than 60 other vendors, including Hayes, Microcom, and US Robotics. By contrast, the V.32terbo standard, which is accepted by a smaller number of modem manufacturers, can go no faster than 19,200 bps. And despite the fact that these modems are half as fast as Supra's 288 products, they do not offer a competitive price advantage. True Top-Of-the-Line Technology Both Supra's internal and external modems offer technology that goes beyond the basics of V.FC technology. By utilizing flash ROM, both of these V.Fast Class products add a new level of flexibility to modem communications. Future enhancements can be made without any hardware adjustments-just download new code information into the ROM. Plus, the SupraFAXModem 288i utilizes SupraSmart(tm) UART technology buffering to reduce the risk of data loss during high speed transmission. This includes a16550 UART which, combined with V.42bis compression, enables data speeds of up to 115,200 bps. The product also includes a Windows driver called RHSI (Rockwell High-Speed Interface) which increases the throughput capabilities ofthe on-board UART. The SupraFAXModem 288 external, packs this performance into Supra's highly-praised tiny desktop modem with a revolutionary alphanumeric status display which makes it a breeze to track all modem activity. It also includes a hardware handshaking cable that enables up to 115,200 bps communication on computers equipped with a 16550 UART. Both modems also include custom Supra features such as Silent Answer(tm) which allows both voice and fax communication on a single phone line. If it detects fax "CNG" tones, the modem routes the call to fax software. Otherwise, the modem sits silently on the phone line while the call is answered by the user or by an answering machine. Another feature, Caller ID, lets users identify incoming calls before answering. Full-Featured Functionality Both modems support industry-standard protocols including the full range of Bell, MNP, and ITU-TSS (formerly CCITT) standards. Among the supported features are MNP10 for improved performance on cellular connections. Both modems support the highest-available fax speed of 14,400 bps. They also support Class 1 and 2 fax commands and are compatible with Group 3 fax machines. The modems also feature a five-year warranty, Hayes compatibility, extended AT commands and result codes, compatibility with most popular telecommunications software, autoanswer/autodial, a modular phone jack, and non-volatile memory that stores two user configurations and four phone numbers. Both the desktop faxmodem and internal card include all the software, cables and instructions the user needs for getting started with high- speed data and fax communication. The bundle includes FaxTalk(r) for Windows for flawless fax transmission, CompuServe Information Manager(tm) for Windows, and COMit(tm) for DOS and Windows-a data communications program designed specifically for high-speed communication. For Macintosh owners, Supra offers the SupraFAXModem 288 Mac package for desktop users and the SupraFAXModem 288PB an internal modem for PowerBook models 100-180c. Both packages include all the software, cables and instructions the user needs for getting started with high-speed data and fax communication. The bundle includes MicroPhone(tm) LT, CompuServe Information Manager(tm), and the CCL scripts required for Apple Remote Access(tm). Packages also include FAXcilitate(tm), fax software that brings a new level of flexibility and ease-of-use to Macintosh faxing. For additional information, contact Supra's customer service at: 1-800-727-8772. _______________________________________ > APPLE'S Press Releases STR Feature """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" THIS RELEASE MOVED OVER PR NEWSWIRE ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1994 AT 8:36 AM, EST Apple Launches Low-Cost Color Inkjet Printer Makes It Easy for Small Offices and Home Offices to Produce Colorful Documents at an Affordable Price TOKYO, Japan--February 16, 1994--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced the Apple Color StyleWriter Pro, a color inkjet printer for Macintosh computer systems that delivers professional-looking color documents at an affordable price. Priced at $629 (U.S.), the Apple Color StyleWriter Pro is particularly well-suited for the small office and home office. It provides superior print quality, color performance and versatility. The Color StyleWriter Pro offers superior print quality with 360 dots per inch (dpi). It has a 44 percent greater resolution than the standard 300 dpi, enabling quality images from an ink jet printer with sharp text and vibrant color. Users may print color documents in one of three ColorSync modes depending on their needs: photographic, business graphics or spot color. Apple's ColorSync delivers optimized color matching so that the colors the user sees on the display monitor are the same colors that the printer outputs. Individual color ink cartridges and plain paper printing decrease the cost of printing for the Color StyleWriter Pro user. Individual ink cartridges allow the user to easily replace only the color that is empty. Previously, all colors were available in the same cartridge making it necessary to replace the entire color cartridge when one color was empty, wasting the other colored inks. Plain paper and a draft mode option for proofing that uses less ink also decrease the cost for the user. Other media types, like transparencies, may be used for added quality and flexibility. The Color StyleWriter Pro prints up to two pages per minute in monochrome and a half a page per minute in color. The Apple Color StyleWriter Pro includes 64 TrueType fonts and allows printer sharing and password protection using ColorShare software. The Color StyleWriter Pro is designed for use with any color capable Apple Macintosh personal computer with 4MB of RAM, a hard disk drive and System 7 or later. It ships with a 100 sheet paper tray that automatically feeds up to 15 envelopes and is compact, weighing only 11 pounds. Apple plans to make the Apple Color StyleWriter Pro available in late March 1994 through Apple authorized resellers worldwide. For further information, customers in the United States should call the Apple Referral Center at (800) 538-9696. Customers outside the United States should contact their local Apple representatives for information. THIS RELEASE MOVED OVER PR NEWSWIRE ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1994 AT 8:30 AM, EST Apple Launches Digital Camera for Macintosh and Windows Personal Computers QuickTake 100 Delivers Price/Performance Breakthrough; Offers Fastest Way to Bring Images into Documents TOKYO, Japan--February 16, 1994-- Apple Computer, Inc., today announced the QuickTake 100, a digital color camera that makes it easy for people to bring photographic images into their computer without film development or scanning. Priced at just $749 (U.S.), the QuickTake 100 delivers fast, digital color image capture that was once available to professionals only. A lightweight, portable device for use in mainstream business, education and design the QuickTake 100 will work with both desktop and portable models of Macintosh and Windows computers. The camera features point-and-shoot simplicity and includes the basic set of functions that users have come to expect from an automatic camera such as, automatic exposure, a built-in flash and focus free operation. Within seconds, images can be downloaded from the camera into any standard software application for use in business documents, presentations, reports or design projects. Easy Operation and Connection to Personal Computers The QuickTake 100 is designed for ease of use and fast, quality capture of natural images. To use the camera, users simply complete three easy steps: point and shoot a picture, load images into the computer and manipulate the images as desired. Point and Shoot a Picture ------------------------- Weighing only a pound with its batteries installed, the QuickTake 100 is portable and easy to use. It comes equipped with a built-in automatic flash and easy-to-read icons that monitor the flash, battery, number of pictures, selected resolution and self-timer. The QuickTake 100 captures images in two sizes, 320x240 and 640x480 pixels, and stores those images in internal memory until users are ready to download them. The camera's memory can store up to 32 standard-resolution images or eight high-resolution images. The QuickTake 100, which runs on standard AA batteries, includes three NICAD batteries and an AC battery recharger. Load Images into the Computer ----------------------------- To load images into the computer, users simply plug a serial cable into the printer or modem port and run the installed QuickTake software. Images are transferred within seconds. The camera's software control panel offers drag-and-drop copying of images or direct import into any common publishing software program. Manipulate the Image -------------------- Once the image is loaded into the computer, users can adjust and manipulate it in a variety of ways. For example, images can be cropped, rotated or scaled to different sizes. QuickTake 100 Availability -------------------------- Apple , the sole supplier of the QuickTake 100, plans to make the product available through Apple authorized resellers and Apple direct sales channels. The Macintosh version of the QuickTake 100 camera is expected to ship worldwide in late March of 1994. The Windows version is scheduled for worldwide release in June, 1994. THE FOLLOWING RELEASE MOVED OVER PR NEWSWIRE A 8:15am, EDT, Wednesday, February 16, 1994. Apple's Multimedia Leadership Takes Center Stage at MacWorld Tokyo Largest Macintosh Show in the World Highlights New Multimedia and Imaging Products. MACWORLD, TOKYO--February 16, 1994-- Apple Computer, Inc. plans to emphasize its leadership in multimedia computing in front of more than 120,000 expected attendees at this week's MacWorld Tokyo exposition. At the show, Apple will rollout the world's first affordable digital camera--the QuickTake 100--as well as a suite of new products that make it easy for people to work with vibrant, colorful images on their computer. Additionally, Apple will formally announce that it shipped--according to plan--more than 1 million CD- ROM players in 1993. Independent industry research reveals that Apple's Macintosh computer holds the number 2 position in sales in Japan, with approximately 14 percent of the booming Japanese market for personal computers. In a series of keynote presentations during the week, Apple executives will discuss the following: Executive Keynotes Underscore Multimedia, New Technologies In his MacWorld Tokyo keynote address on February 17, Ian Diery will highlight the QuickTake 100 digital camera for Macintosh and Windows personal computers and the Color StyleWriter low-cost color printer, along with the recently introduced Macintosh LC575. Diery will also discuss the progress Apple has made in its efforts to continue its leadership in innovation in the multimedia area and will give an update on the soon to be announced "Macintosh on PowerPC". In their joint MacWorld Tokyo keynote address on February 18, Gaston Bastiaens, Vice President and General Manager of Apple's Personal Interactive Electronics Division, and Dr. Rick LeFaivre, Vice President of Apple's Advanced Technology Group will explore new ways of computing. Bastiaens will talk about Newton's pivotal role as the launchpad for sophisticated mobile communications. LeFaivre will lead the audience through a parade of demonstrations featuring technologies that will profoundly change the user's experience in the future. Satjiv Chahil, Vice President of the New Media Group at Apple, and Eikoh Harada, Apple Japan's Director of the Business Market Division, will open the February 19 keynote, highlighting the impact of multimedia on business, personal productivity and entertainment. New technologies such as FireWire, QuickTime 2.0, the Apple Media Authoring Solution and the Apple Professional Video Production Solution will be demonstrated, along with interactive MIDI, video performances and multimedia kiosks. Special guest appearances by famous Japanese and American musical artists will be featured. World renowned musician Peter Gabriel will close the session with a demonstration of a new art form that combines technology, video and music. MacWorld Tokyo Exposition Organized by IDG World Expo/Japan, The Japan Industrial Journal, and Nippon Broadcasting System, this year's MacWorld Tokyo will provide a showcase for over 300 companies, displaying products in more than 1140 booths. With 65 booths at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center, Apple Computer's exhibit will occupy the largest space at the exhibition. Apple will highlight a wide range of hardware and software products, including its popular PowerBook line, Macintosh desktop models, Newton MessagePad technologies, imaging products and the latest in system software. Following are highlights of Apple's newly announced products: Apple QuickTake 100 ------------------- The QuickTake 100 digital color camera makes it easy for people to take pictures and bring the images into their computer without film development or scanning. The QuickTake 100 delivers fast, digital color image capture that was once available to professionals only. The Macintosh version of the QuickTake 100 camera is expected to ship worldwide in late March of 1994. The Windows version is scheduled for worldwide release in June, 1994. Apple Color StyleWriter Pro --------------------------- The Apple Color StyleWriter Pro color inkjet printer for Macintosh computer systems delivers professional-looking color documents at an affordable price. The Apple Color StyleWriter Pro is particularly well-suited for the small office and home office. Apple plans to make the Apple Color StyleWriter Pro available in late March 1994 through Apple authorized resellers worldwide. THIS RELEASE MOVED OVER THE PR NEWSWIRE AT 8:16 AM, EST, FEBRUARY 16, 1994 Apple USA Spins Off User Group Function CAMPBELL, California--February 16, 1994--Apple USA, a division of Apple Computer, Inc., today announced it has negotiated a three-year contract with User Group Connection. User Group Connection is a privately held company that was formed out of the nucleus of Apple's former user group department. The contract provides for User Group Connection to continue overall management of the Apple user group program and to maintain the relationship between Apple and user group members. In addition, the User Group Connection announced several new marketing opportunities for vendors. By making the internal user group management function an independent company, user group members get access to expanded information. User Group Connection continues to interface closely with Apple to provide Apple-specific product and program information, but has the additional advantage of providing information from other companies as well. For example, User Group Connection distributes a monthly mailing that includes detailed information about software solutions from outside vendors in addition to Apple hardware products. "We will continue with the services we've always provided to user groups," said Ray Kaupp, president of User Group Connection. "Now, however, we are able to include non-Apple vendor information as well. As an independent company we can broaden our scope of information to user groups and open up new marketing opportunities for developers." "User groups have always been extremely important to Apple," said Jim Buckley, president of Apple USA. "They are a market voice that we've always listened closely to, especially for product evaluation and feedback. By becoming an independent company, User Group Connection can take advantage of a very strong relationship with Apple while growing as a service company. And in the current economic climate, moving from a cost center to a profit center not only makes good business sense, it also allows User Group Connection to maintain a certain amount of focus in providing support information and centralized services to the user group network." Enhanced Marketing Opportunities User Group Connection broadens visibility and elevates interest in user groups as a qualified target market. User Group Connection has devised several new programs to reach this target. These programs include customized mailings to user groups; sponsorship of the Macworld user group breakfast meetings in San Francisco and Boston; and promotion of developer products on UG-TV, a periodic satellite broadcast to user groups. An additional benefit to user groups is the User Group Member Purchase Program. This program allows members of Apple Authorized user groups to buy refurbished Apple equipment at reduced rates. User groups interested in becoming Apple Authorized should call 1-800-538-9696, ext. 500. Vendors interested in exploring marketing opportunities through User Group Connection can call Sam Decker, manager of vendor relations, at 408-461-5725. Located in Scotts Valley, Calif., User Group Connection was incorporated October 1, 1993. The staff of seven includes Ray Kaupp, president and general manager, Carmela Zamora, manager of User Group programs and events, Andrea Sutera, manager of marketing and communications, Sam Decker, manager of vendor relations, Robert Venter, manager of operations, Sherri Jackson, customer relations, and Mary Anne Mather, editorial development and special projects. User Group Connection can be contacted via telephone: 408/461-5700, AppleLink: USER.GROUPS, or America Online: APPLE UGC. THIS RELEASE MOVED OVER PR NEWSWIRE ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1994 AT 8:34 AM, EST Apple Computer's PowerBook Duo Ranked as the No. 1 Selling Subnotebook in the U.S. and Europe by Dataquest Record 200,000 PowerBooks Shipped During Apple's 4th Quarter of 1993 CUPERTINO, California--February 7, 1994--Apple Computer, Inc., today announced that independent research shows the Apple PowerBook Duo to be the best selling subnotebook computer in both the U.S. and in Europe. The research was conducted by Dataquest, a leading worldwide market research firm, and is made available as a part of a complete report which tracks unit shipments for a variety of computer product categories. With the introduction of the new PowerBook Duo 250 and 270c, Apple Computer shipped a record 200,000 PowerBooks in Q4 of 1993. Although independent findings have not been published, this record shipment underscores the Duo's number one position and the success of Apple's market share strategy. According to Dataquest findings, the PowerBook Duo held a 38% market share in the U.S. and a 29% market share in Europe against other subnotebooks. These results are based on Dataquest's most recent research available of subnotebook and notepad market shares for the first three quarters of calendar 1993. Dataquest projects the notebook market as a whole to grow at an average annual rate of 22% from 1993 to 1996, but during this same period the subnotebook market is expected to explode at an average annual rate of 104%. Dataquest defines the computer subnotebook category as a notebook computer without an internal floppy disk drive that weighs approximately 4 pounds or less, and has computing capability similar to desktop computers. Apple focuses its PowerBook Duo development efforts on a subnotebook which stresses performance and functionality, balanced with size and weight, without sacrificing performance and functionality to achieve small size and weight. ____________________________________________ That's it for this week. Next week I hope to be over this cold. As always, please feel free to send your comments or questions to me at: America OnLine: STReportRN Compuserve: 70323,1031 GEnie: R.NOAK ********************************************************************** IMPORTANT NOTICE! ================= STReport International Online Magazine is available every week for your reading pleasure on DELPHI. STReport's readers are invited to join DELPHI and become a part of a friendly community of enthusiastic computer users there. SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI ====================== Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access DELPHI services via a local phone call JOIN --DELPHI -------------- Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002 then... When connected, press RETURN once or twice and... At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN. DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online. For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005 DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, MA. Try DELPHI for $1 an hour! For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only $5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan, where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum $10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry, this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press once or twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press again. Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll officially be a member of DELPHI! DELPHI-It's getting better all the time! ********************************************************************** ATARI/JAG SECTION (III) ======================= Dana Jacobson, Editor WHAT'S NEW IN COMPUSERVE'S ATARI FORUMS (February 18) LOWER CONNECT TIME RATES CompuServe members billed under the Standard Pricing Plan now pay lower rates for access to extended (hourly priced) services. The new rates forCompuServe's extended services are $4.80 per hour for access at 300, 1,200 and 2,400 bps, and $9.60 per hour for access at 9,600 and 14,400bps. This pricing change reflects up to a 40 percent reduction from previous rates for extended-service products. Communications network andproduct-specific surcharges still apply. The monthly basic services rate of $8.95, which provides access to more than 50 product areas, remains unchanged, as do rates for CompuServe members billed under the Alternative ("pay-as-you-go") Pricing Plan. Through this pricing reduction, CompuServe is passing along cost savings realized by the use of advanced technology and "commodity"-priced hardware in its host computer systems. For complete information about CompuServe's Standard and Alternative Pricing Plans, to check your current billing option or to change from one billing option to the other, GO CHOICE. JAGUAR LOGO DEMO Check out JAGUAR.ZIP in LIBRARY 11 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS) for the ATARI Jaguar Logo in 3D format! All created with CyberTrace, CyberSculpt Chronos-3D Keyframe animator and Prism-Paint 1.5. Resolution of the animation is 640x480 16 color TT Med. A must download for Jaguar fans. requires the FLM player and an ATARI system that can display 640x480 16 colors NOVA graphics card users can play the animation. NEW VERSION OF WHATIS! Download file WHATIS.ZIP from LIBRARY 6 of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO) for WHATIS 6.6. This program identifies over 160 file types -ARCs, LHarcs, PRGs, pics, ACCs, animations, etc... no more "what kind of file is this?" problems! Runs as a PRG or ACC or a TTP-like program on any ST/TT in any rez. Short docs included in the ARC. All the features of previous versions, plus adds Redacteur file types to the list. Download LHA299.ZIP from LIBRARY 4 of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO) for LHArc version 2.99. Now includes a great GEM shell, fully MTOS compatible and with many neat features. Allows for processing of multiple archives and many additional functions. _____________________________________________ > From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!" """""""""""""""""""""""""""" I hope that you all had an enjoyable Valentine's Day. It's actually been an enjoyable week, with no snowstorms or other poor weather, for a change. It may even reach 50 degrees here in the Northeast!! It's about time. Last week I briefly touched upon something that seems to continue to be supported by my observations. During periods of anxious waiting for new products, tempers and attitudes tend to flare and show signs of impatience. So it seems to be with new games for the Jaguar; and for some, the Jaguar itself. I can understand the impatience for new games. People always seem to have a "need" to have a _lot_ of new games to choose from. For many, four available games for the Jaguar seems to be too little. For others, it's enough to keep them interested and playing while waiting for new games. Still, for some, they've taken a "wait and see" attitude to see where the Jaguar is heading; and they haven't bought the Jaguar yet. Personally speaking, I haven't bought one yet. I'd like to, but I fit into that last category, and then some. I know there will be more games coming out soon. How many more, I don't know. Will they be games that _I_ might enjoy? I don't know that either. I don't want to make a $250 investment in a game machine right now because there are only a few games available. I want to wait until there is a good amount of titles available to make some good decisions as to what to buy rather than buy games just to have something to play, regardless of the type of game it is. I'm sure that many have bought some of the available games just to have a new game to play rather than something new that will definitely interest them. I used the same decision process when buying my Lynx, and have never regretted it. I made a wise purchase and enjoy playing it still. I want that same enjoyment, and then some, with the Jaguar. I also want the time to enjoy it, something I don't have right now!! So, I guess that people need to spend more time enjoying their Jaguar play rather than concentrate (for now) on the lack of new games. As I mentioned last week, the Jaguar is only a little more than 2 months old. It takes time to develop and produce the quality games that will make us marvel at the power of the Jaguar. Let's see what happens in the next few weeks... The last few weeks I've been concerned with the lack of new Atari computing news, including new hardware and software. I happen to also do an occasional review of new software for Current Notes. I just recently received a note from Paul Lefevre, CN's new Atari editor, about some new products he's received to review. He mentioned quite a few, so things aren't as bleak as they may appear. Now if I can just finish the current product review so I can take a look at another, I'll be happy!! Anyway, look for some new things to be out soon, if not already. I also recommend getting a copy of Current Notes to check out; it's a great magazine! I got my first view of signs of Spring the other day when I saw a message, the first this year, of news of the Connecticut AtariFest '94 show in August. News of Atari shows always piques my interest, especially if the show is within reasonable driving access for me! I hope to start to see more of these announcements in the near future as an AtariFest is an integral part of the Atari computing "lifestyle." Look for the CAF '94 announcement later on in this section. Last week I dropped a subtle hint that we'd see a review of Geneva in this week's issue. Apparently, the hint was too subtle! Joe Mirando has called me a number of times to apologize, but that review still isn't ready. Joe's getting married in the summer, and he and his fiancee have been extremely busy doing some apartment hunting. After numerous calls, Joe has promised that it will be ready soon! Speaking of reviews, in last week's issue I put out a call for reviewers, etc. I left the available online addresses that I could be reached and inadvertently left the wrong Compuserve address! Since I don't often leave myself messages, I simply had a memory loss. The correct CIS address is 71051,3327. I do want to emphasize, while I'm at it, that STReport can use your help to provide as much useful information as possible each week. We all have our opinions of the Atari scene. Many of us are online and are active. Reviews of new software and hardware is the best alternative to learning about a new product without having to buy it first. And more. We need people to help bring such information to our readers. We're not looking for professional writers. We're more than happy to go over your writing and make necessary corrections. All contributions are welcome, regardless of the subject. We're also looking for feedback, especially directed toward the Atari section of STReport. What are your likes or dislikes? What would you like to see in future issues? Be specific, or generalize - whatever your opinions are, we want to hear them. We're striving to make STReport informative. To do this, it helps to have a good-sized staff to work with each week. STReport doesn't write itself; at least I don't think so! If you're interested, even on an irregular basis, I'd like to hear from you. Everyone will benefit from your contribution(s). On that note, let me cut this short. We have quite a bit of news and announcements in this issue. Meanwhile, enjoy the nice weather while it lasts!! Until next time.... -Dana Delphi's Atari Advantage TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (2/16/94) (1) BRODIE FEB 4 CONFERENCE *(6) MASTERBROWSE 3.5 (2) COMPUTER PATIENCE *(7) NEODESK 3D ICONS SET 3 (3) JENS SENDS SHOCKER 2 (8) TWO COLUMN PRINTER RELEASE 6 (4) HSMODA02 HIGH SPEED PORT FIX *(9) TEDDY TERM 2.10 (5) MARCEL WORD PROCESSOR V. 2.2 *(10) NEODESK 3D ICONS SET 2 * = New on list HONORARY TOP 10 The following on-line magazines are always top downloads, frequently out-performing every other file in the databases. ST REPORT (Current issue: STREPORT #10.07) ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE (Current issue: AEO: VOLUME 3 - ISSUE 2) ______________________________________ > STR Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard" """"""""""""" STReport's MailBag """""""""""""""""" Messages * NOT EDITED * for content ----------------------------------- It's always welcomed to get feedback from our readers. Needless to say (but I will anyway!), I was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter the other day from a reader that has been away from the Atari scene for quite some time, but recently ventured into the Atari Forums on Compuserve. Here's what he had to say: To the Publisher/Editors of STR magazine: I have just **discovered** your magazine on CompuServe. I have been downloading it from the Mac Club forum, section 8. It's terrific!! Where has it been hiding all this time?? How many issues in total are available on CompuServe? I have found No.1003 to present. As a long time Atari owner, I particularly like the Atari section even though I am a Mac freak at the moment. I am going to drop a line to Dana as well. Many thanks. CompuServe always amazes me when I find a pearl like this hidden in its massive database. Regards, Peter. cc: Dana Jacobson [71051,3327] --- ~ QMPro 1.52 ~ Compuserve; The Service by which all others are judged! Date: 16-Feb-94 21:01 EST From: Peter J. Visima [74065,252] Subj: STR / Atari Dana: I have just left a message to the Publisher regarding how I have just discovered STR on CompuServe. It's terrific. As I mentioned in my note to the Publisher, I am a long-time Atari user. There's a 400 and 130XE in the closet gathering dust and also a not over-used 1040ST sitting beside my Mac. That brings me to my main reason for this note. Although we have enjoyed many years with the Atari, it just doesn't get the use it once did. Do you have any feel for what my system may be worth? It consists of an original unmodified Atari 1040ST, color monitor, 20 meg. hard drive, and various software (store-bought but probably worth zilch). An Atari friend of mine says that musicians are particularly nuts over wanting these machines (because of the built in MIDI, no doubt). My guess is that if I can get a few hundred bucks out of it, I can turn that money into some of the game software for the Mac that the kids have enjoyed on the Atari (they both have Lynx machines as well!!). I appreciate your contribution to the newsletter, and even if I dump the old ST, I will always have a soft spot for Atari. (The 400 I'm keeping for 50 years for its antique value ). P.S. I left this message to your address as listed in STR #1006 (73057,327) and it bounced back as being no good. I hope this address from GO DIRECTORY works! Receipt of message acknowledged (Editor's note) Peter, Thanks for the pleasant surprise waiting in my mailbox. While I occasionally get some letters from our readers, it's rare that I get one who "discovers" STReport after being away from the Atari scene for some time. I'm glad that I can be that gritty piece of sand to help generate the "pearl" that you've recently discovered! As to selling your Atari equipment and software, I'd recommend that you set it up and use it a little. Perhaps the excitement you once had might be rekindled! The Atari computers, while not as actively supported as it once was, is still a viable and enjoyable machine. It might also be a great gift for one of your children while you use the Mac!! To be perfectly frank, your system is not worth anywhere near what you may have paid for it originally. Systems like yours may fetch a couple of hundred dollars, at most. You may find that you can't get that much. The older machines just aren't holding any monetary value with many new machines of any platform going for under $1,000 new. In fact, I just purchased one of my BBS user's MegaST 4 systems, including a _ton_ of commercial and PD software and a number of peripherals for $100!! Granted, I got one helluva bargain, but used equipment is not worth what it once was. You may be better off, as I mentioned, letting your children enjoy it while they can. No matter what it may be worth, it's still a fine machine! I appreciate your kind words and compliments for our Atari contributions to STReport. Comments like these only make the effort more enjoyable and worthwhile. I hope that you continue to read STReport and keep track of what's happening in the Atari community. I also hope to hear that you and/or your children start to use your 1040 ST again. Thanks for the letter. P.S. Thanks for the reminder about the errant CIS ID I posted last week! I almost forgot to make the correction in this issue, but your letter was a great reminder. Here's another letter I received from NewSTar Technology Management's Charles Smeton regarding the latest version of STraight FAX! February 17, 1994 Dear STraight FAX! Owner, NewSTar Technology Management would like to inform you about the availability of STraight FAX! Version 2.10. Our records indicate that you are a registered owner of a copy of STraight FAX! between Versions 1.00 and 1.07 that has not yet upgraded to STraight FAX! Version 2.10. If you have already upgraded to STraight FAX! Version 2.10, please disregard this offer. If you have upgraded to STraight FAX! Version 2.00, then you are eligible for a FREE maintenance upgrade to Version 2.10 by calling our support BBS and requesting the maintenance upgrade as a file to download (see below for details). As a registered owner of STraight FAX! Version 1.xx, you are eligible for a special upgrade price for a limited time. From now until March 31, 1994, you can upgrade to STraight FAX! Version 2.10 for only $25.00 (US). If you purchased a new copy of STraight FAX! Version 1.xx on or after June 1, 1993, then the special upgrade price is only $20.00 (US) (proof of purchase date is required). After March 31, 1994, the upgrade price will be $30.00 (US) + $3.00 (US) for shipping and handling. Note: All orders shipped outside of North America will require a $5.00 (US) shipping and handling fee, regardless of when the upgrade is ordered. Registered owners in the UK and other parts of Europe can order the upgrade from the STraight FAX! UK distributor, System Solutions (see below for details). If you have sold your copy of STraight FAX! to someone else, please let us know about the change of ownership by sending a letter via postal mail or E-Mail that indicates the name and address of the new owner. Please include your name, address and the 10 digit Registration Number. Also, if possible pass this upgrade notice on to the new owner, or let the new owner know that they can contact us and we will send them the upgrade information. STraight FAX! 2.10 ------------------ STraight FAX! has been a leading Atari FAX software package since its introduction in April of 1992. But since then, we've added a host of features that make it easier to use, more accessible and more compatible, Now, with the release of STraight FAX! 2.10, popular Class 1 and Class 2 FAX Modems are fully supported. This means that STraight FAX! is compatible with a wider range of FAX Modems that ever before, including less expensive Class 1 Only FAX Modems and high end Class 1 and Class 2 FAX Modems. Support for Class 1 also means greater compatibility and reliability with remote FAX devices, so you can FAX around the world without worry. We've also added features to make STraight FAX! 2.10 a joy to use. Like a Quick Dial feature, for sending Faxes to locations that you don't plan on Faxing every day. Or you might like the new STraight FAX! Manager for seamless, system wide Faxing from your favorite applications, including Pagestream, Calligrapher 2/3, That's Write 2/3, Calamus, and Speedo GDOS based applications such as Atari Works. Just create a document using one of the applications above, select the special STraight FAX! "Print to Disk" driver from the application's printer driver selector, (optionally activate the STraight FAX! Manager CPX to select the path/filename for the generated FAX files), and print the pages of the document from the application's print command. If you are using MultiTOS or Gribnif's Geneva, you can have STraight FAX! sitting by idle and ready to send the generated FAX without quitting the application. Just tell the STraight FAX! Manager to send the FAX and the STraight FAX! pops up with all the generated FAX files ready to go! Normal TOS users can run STraight FAX! as a Desk Accessory and also send or receive Faxes without quitting the application. If you are limited on available memory and do not want to run STraight FAX! as a Desk Accessory, you can quit the application, run STraight FAX! and it will automatically find the generated FAX files and be ready to send! Don't wait another day to discover the FAX revolution. It's here and working now on your Atari computer. Get it straight with STraight FAX!. STraight FAX! 2.10 Features --------------------------- Send and Receive Faxes using any Class 1 or Class 2 FAX Modem. Runs as a program or Desk Accessory. Send Faxes using a SendFAX Modem. Print Received Faxes to any GDOS supported printer with special support for the Atari SLM Laser printers. Export Faxes to Image, PCX, TIFF, Windows/OS2 Bitmap or Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) formats. EPS files can be printed directly from the GEM Desktop to a PostScript printer or printed with a PostScript Interpreter. Send ASCII Text, Mono Image, High Rez Degas/Degas Elite, Mono PCX, GEM Metafiles, First Word, First Word Plus, Word Writer ST and FAX files. Broadcast Faxes to up to 100 Destinations. Phone List editor with Load, Save, Merge, Sort, Insert and Delete capabilities. Flexible Import of Gribnif's CardFile 4 Data files directly into Phone List. Schedule FAX transmissions at a later time (up to a year in advance). Quick Dial feature allows entry of a FAX name/number on the fly for infrequent destinations. Manual Send and Receive features allows initiating a FAX Send or Receive from a voice call. Supra FAX Modem Caller ID support (including support for the Canadian Caller ID format). Caller ID/Remote FAX ID can be used to reject incoming "Junk" Faxes from a user defined list of Bad FAX callers. Direct scanning from within STraight FAX! via the ScanLite Desk Accessory. Automatic merging of left and right scans from a hand scanner when used with The Tray scanning tray. Full Page direct scanning support for the Navarone/Canon IX-12 series scanners with our optional driver ($19.95). View up to 7 Image, Degas, PCX, GEM Metafile or FAX files at a time, each in a GEM window. Enhanced Image editing/processing features such as copy/paste a defined clip area to/from a selected file or the Atari Clipboard, Clear/Invert/Thicken a defined clip area, Reduced (50%) View and Enlarged (FAX page size) view, Clean Up stray pixels, Rotate and Flip Image and Draw/Erase pixels. Supports enhanced user interface features on Falcon TOS 4.02+, MultiTOS and Gribnif's Geneva such as 3D buttons and sliders and Hierarchical drop down menus. Supports MultiTOS features such as Drag and Drop and Iconifying windows. Enhanced FAX Send and Receive Logs now contain additional information: - Date and Time of transfer. - Name of destination (send) or Comment (receive) which may be edited by the user to allow annotation of the logs. - Destination FAX Number (send) or Caller ID (receive). - Remote ID string from destination FAX. - Name of first FAX file sent or received. - Transfer attempt number (send only). - Total pages sent or received. - Duration of transfer. - Resolution of transfer (Normal or Fine). - Established baud rate of transfer. - Cover Page sent (send only). - Modem Type (SendFAX, Class 1 or Class 2). - Status of transfer. The detailed FAX Send or Receive Log information for an entry may be printed to a line printer or copied to the Atari Clipboard. FAX Receive Log Management Commands: - View FAX. - Print FAX (via GDOS). - Rename received FAX files. - Delete received FAX files. - Export received FAX files to Image, PCX, TIFF, Bitmap or EPS files. - Add the Caller ID/Remote ID to Bad FAX List. - Add the names of the received FAX files to File List. - Add the Comment/Caller ID or Remote ID to the Phone List. "Print to Disk" drivers included to print pages of a document from with the following applications: - Softlogik's Pagestream 1.8x - Softlogik's Pagestream 2.x - DMC's Calamus 1.09x - DMC' Calamus S/SL - Compo's That's Write 2.xx - Compo's That's Write 3.xx - Codehead Technologies' Calligrapher 2/3 - Original Atari GDOS based applications (GEM Output, Migraph Outprint) - Atari FSM/Font GDOS based applications (Goldleaf's WordFlair II) - Atari Speedo GDOS based applications (Atari Works) The STraight FAX! Manager (Auto Folder TSR and CPX Module) simplifies the "Print to Disk" of FAX files from an application. The STraight FAX! Manager allows the user to name generated FAX files and it keeps track of them and communicates with STraight FAX! to automatically enter the generated FAX files into the File List in STraight FAX!. Also included are special printer drivers for Ditek International's DynaCADD 2 to generate Image files (.IMG) in the proper resolution for import into STraight FAX!. Support's Supra's Silent Answer feature to allow single line Voice/FAX sharing. Enhanced Atari Clipboard support: - Paste Image, GEM or ASCII Text from the clipboard into a defined clip area in a window. Pasted Image files may be scaled to fit into the clip area with or without preserving the aspect ratio. - Image files may be pasted in either Replace, Transparent, Reverse Transparent, And, Reverse And, Xor or Reverse Xor mode. - Copy a clip area defined in a window to the clipboard. - Copy/Paste text fields from the Cover Page to/from the clipboard. - Copy detailed FAX Send/Receive Log Information to the clipboard. Context sensitive on-line Help available with the Help Key or "?" button in dialogs. Over 60 user selectable parameters such, including the new: - Quick Dial dialog enable. - Time Format (12 or 24 hour). - Desktop color and fill pattern. - Prompt on File Overwrite. - Default ASCII Text File Extension. - Default File Path for Image, Degas, PCX, GEM, ASCII Text, First Word/Plus and FAX files. - GDOS Print Quality (Final or Draft). - Tab Width in ASCII Text File conversion. - Ignore Busy Signal - Local Area Code. - Maximum AT command size (for newer FAX Modems that support 255 character command buffer). - Init String for FAX Modems that require special initialization. - Auto Baud parameter for FAX Modems that support automatic baud rate detection. - Caller ID parameter for FAX Modems that support Caller ID detection. - Clipboard Image Paste options for scaling, preserving aspect ratio and expanding clip area to fit. Optimized FAX import and export routines to reduce conversion times. Load and Save user preference files to change the entire system configuration on the fly. Run an external text editor from within STraight FAX! Enhanced Dialog User Interface: - Popup Menus and Check boxes to ease setting user selectable parameters. - "Fly Dial" dialogs can be dragged to any position on the screen. - As a dialog is dragged to a new position, the screen is restored to display what is under the dialog. - Enhanced text edit field key commands. - Keyboard equivalents for button selection. Compatibility ------------- STraight FAX! 2.10 requires an Atari 520 ST, 520STFM, 1040ST, STacy, Mega ST, STe, ST Book, Mega STe, TT030 or Falcon030 computer with a minimum of 1 Megabyte of RAM. 2 or more Megabytes of RAM are recommended for printing and viewing Faxes due to the large size of uncompressed FAX images. STraight FAX! will operate with TOS 1.00, 1.02, 1.04 (Rainbow TOS), 1.06, 1.062, 2.105-2.106, 3.05-3.06, 4.01-4.04 and MultiTOS. TOS 1.04 or higher is recommended due to memory allocation problems on earlier TOS versions. 4 or more Megabytes and a 16 MHz or higher speed CPU is recommended when used with MultiTOS. Due to the size of FAX files, a hard disk is recommended. Printing FAX documents and importing GEM Metafiles requires a version of GDOS and an appropriate GDOS printer driver. The original Atari GDOS (and compatibles), Font GDOS, FSM GDOS, and Speedo GDOS are supported. Font GDOS or Speedo GDOS are recommended. Importing GEM Metafiles requires the MEMORY.SYS GDOS driver to be installed as device number 61. Speedo GDOS is required to render text objects in GEM Metafiles. STraight FAX! 2.10 will send or receive FAX documents using an industry standard Class 1 or Class 2 FAX Modem. STraight FAX! will also send FAX documents with a SendFAX Modem (based on the Sierra Semiconductor chipset). To determine the Classes supported by a FAX Modem: Type the command: AT+FCLASS=? from a terminal program (end the command with a carriage return). The response will be of the form: 0,1 for a Class 0 (Data) and Class 1 FAX Modem 0,2 for a Class 0 (Data) and Class 2 FAX Modem 0,1,2 for a Class 0 (Data) and Class 1 and Class 2 FAX Modem ERROR for a SendFAX Modem or Data only Modem. Upgrade Details --------------- STraight FAX! 2.10 has a suggested List Price $109.95 (US). Registered STraight FAX! 1.xx users can upgrade to version 2.10 by sending in their 10 digit Registration Number, original master disk and $25.00 (US). Registered users who have purchased STraight FAX! version 1.xx on or after June 1, 1993 can upgrade to version 2.10 for $20.00 (US). Proof of purchase date is required to qualify for this price. These special upgrade prices are available until March 31, 1994. The upgrade price includes a new version 2.10 master disk, a 164 page manual, a quick reference guide and shipping within North America. Upgrade orders outside of North America, please add $5.00 (US). US funds only. Major Credit cards accepted. Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery. After March 31, 1994, the upgrade price will be $30.00 (US) + $3.00 (US) for shipping and handling. For orders outside of North America, the shipping and handling fee will be $5.00 (US). Please mail upgrade orders to: STraight FAX! 2.10 Upgrade Offer 570F Ritchie Highway Severna Park, Maryland 21146 USA For more information contact: Voice: +1 410 544 6943 FAX: +1 410 544 1329 BBS: +1 410 544 6999 (300-14400 baud, allow up to 60 sec to connect) GEnie: C.S.SMETON CompuServe: 73047,2565 Internet: c.s.smeton@genie.geis.com Registered STraight FAX! 1.xx owners in the United Kingdom and Europe may upgrade to STraight FAX! 2.10 by contacting System Solutions at the following locations: The Desktop Centre (London Showroom) 17 19 Blackwater Street London, England SE22 8RS Voice: 081 693 3355 FAX: 081 693 6936 Windsor Business Center (Windsor Service Center) 47/48 Building 2 Vansittart Road Windsor, England SL4 1SE Voice: 0753 832212 FAX: 0753 830344 CIX: SSOLUTIONS Internet: ssolutions@cix.compulink.co.uk Please contact System Solutions for the exact upgrade price in UK pounds, as the price will vary due to the exchange rate. Please mail change of ownership notices to: NewSTar Technology Management P.O. Box 122 Columbia, Maryland 21045-0122 USA or send private E-Mail to: GEnie: C.S.SMETON CompuServe: 73047,2565 Internet: c.s.smeton@genie.geis.com BBS: +1 410 544 6999, Charles Please include the previous owner's name & address, the new owner's name & address and the 10 digit Registration Number. Registered STraight FAX! 2.00 owners can request the STraight FAX! 2.10 maintenance upgrade for FREE as follows: Please call our tech support BBS at the number listed above. Send private E-Mail to user "Charles" requesting the maintenance upgrade from version 2.00 to 2.10. Please include your name, address and 10 digit Registration Number. Call back within 2-3 days, and the maintenance upgrade file archive will be in your mail box. Users on GEnie can also send private E-Mail to the GEnie address listed above to request the upgrade. The maintenance upgrade archive will be sent as an attached file in your GEnie mail box. Sorry, the maintenance upgrade archive file can not be sent via CompuServe or via the Internet. To be eligible for this FREE maintenance upgrade from version 2.00 to version 2.10 (as well as future maintenance upgrades), you must be a registered owner of STraight FAX! 2.xx, which means that we must have your Registration Card on file. If you have not done so, please fill out and return the Registration Card in order to become a registered owner. Only registered owners are eligible for technical support and upgrade offers. Registered owners of STraight FAX! 2.00 can also receive the maintenance upgrade to 2.10 by sending $3.00 (US) to the upgrade address listed above. Please include your name, address and 10 digit Registration Number and also indicate that you are requesting the maintenance upgrade from version 2.00 to 2.10. STraight FAX! is marketed for NewSTar Technology Management by Toad Computers and is distributed in the United Kingdom by System Solutions. All programs and products mentioned are trademarks or copyright's of their respective companies. ____________________________________________ > PHOENIX 2.0 STR InfoFile """""""""""""""""""""""" PHOENIX U.S.A. - XENOMORPH Update (Version 2.0) =============================================== LEXICOR SOFTWARE is proud to announce the release of PHOENIX 2.0 in the U.S.A. The following pricing structure is U.S.A. only, European Prices and Distribution at your closest Lexicor Dealer. For European Sales you may contact: * For North American Sales contact: * * email: europasales@lexicor.com * email: usasales@lexicor.com * LEXICOR EUROPE * LEXICOR SOFTWARE CORPORATION 36 Queensberry Street, Suite 6 * 1726 Francisco Street Boston, MA 02215 * Berkeley, CA 94703 Tel: (617) 437 0414 Fax: (617 437 9413 * Tel: (510) 848 72 -21 / Fax: -13 Pricing Structure is as follows (these Prices are valid for North America, European prices vary from Country to Country!) PHOENIX 1.0 Upgrade Policy, return the original disk and payment of 49.95 U$D and you will receive your PHOENIX 2.0, PHOENIX 1.0 will be known as entry level PHOENIX and be still available for 69.95. PHOENIX 2.0 Standard Price will be only 89.95! All Prices do not include, tax, shipping and handling costs. Now to some inside information on Phoenix 2.0 NEW GEM BASED INTERFACE and MULTITOS Support -------------------------------------------- Runs Completely under MultiTOS (tm) and supports it completely i.e. you can Render your images in the background! so now rendering your images will not tie up your computer completely. NEW TOOLBOX INTERFACE ===================== Options to render in Polygon Gouraud Phong Phong/Shadows You can now also preview in the resolution of your choice, when Rendering Phoenix will open up a window of the rendered image and a status bar. New Palette options, next to best and fixed, you can now render with the Palette of your choice in the option custom designed palette! This is a very important new feature that is extremely useful for 8bit animations and fast playback! NEW ENHANCED OBJECT WINDOW -------------------------- Shadows, No Shadows, Caustic Shadows This New set of features will allow you to turn off the Shadows for individual objects, this would decrease rendering times for objects that may never need to cast shadows. Caustic Shadows will simulate the caustic focusing of lights due to refraction, works best with partially transparent objects.As well as..... the usual powerful functions such as specular refraction, break points, individual glow factors for objects and object transparency and a new Surface Texture and enhanced Color Texture Menu! New improved Textures --------------------- Alongside the old wood grain, marble and image mapping many new texture as well as bump mappings have been now included! Surface Textures ---------------- - Ripples creates a rippled water appearance with small random ripples - Waves creates ocean type waves - Bump Mapping produces a bumpy surface - Eroded very similar to bumps, a small variation of it - Image Mapping will allow you to use an image (SPC, GIF, TGA) to pertubate the surface. Additionally, you can control the animation factor to every respective Surface Texture for example in Waves or Ripple produce an animation cycle of any frames per cycle of your choice! Create realistic moving waves and ripples! Color Spline Textures --------------------- This is the new texture mapping in Xenomorph that allows you to have a lot more control over the individual texture rather than the old textures. You can specify the texturing method, describe the color spline, sequence of colors thus adding various texture layers over each other. It is nearly like a user defined texture mapper with Bozo, Gradient, Agate, Granite, Marble, Wood type layers per texture layer. Color Spline has to many features to go in detail about them, check out our 24bit Color Texture Images (TEXTURES.TGA) to see just some of the power of this new option. On the disk there are over 100 new textures and texture layers available to the user. A Texture list at the end of this message. NEW RENDERING OPTIONS --------------------- - Fog Create your own fog effects of your rendered images. - Background Color, select the color to render in the background of your choice - Background Image, select the image of your choice to render in the background COLORED LIGHTS -------------- Now Xenomorph can light an image with a user-specific light so you can produce a red-light spotlight, mix it with other lights of different colors to produce some amazing and interesting effects. TEXTURE MOTION CONTROL and MORPHING LOCK ---------------------------------------- Control your textures in animation so your texture will flow with your animation as if it is a real part to a moving object! With the new morphing lock function this can be now be done with morphing animations done with Chronos and combined with ANM-Link the missing link to render CHRONOS animations with the power of the Phoenix Rendering Engine! Standard Features of Phoenix ---------------------------- o Render Objects with smooth shading, no more polygon edges! o Objects will render with highlights o Objects may be textured with wood grain, marble, or wrap and image around the object o Each Object may have it's own color palette o Number of Objects is limited only by memory o 4 different light source type, up to 21 lights in a scene. o 3 different camera types. Maneuver the camera anywhere in a scene. o Graphical object, light and camera positioning editor. o View and save rendered images as 512 color Spectrum SPC files, 2 to 256 color GIF files, or true color (24bit) Targa files at any resolution. o Simple animation capabilities, or render CTL script animations (Cyber Control v.1.1 required for CTL animations) or use the new ANM-LINK (relativity) to render Chronos Key-frame animations with morphs and cycles. o Several tutorial and sample objects included o Runs in any 80 column color or monochrome resolution o Full math co-processor support o Plus much much more! There is a lot more to the new Phoenix, especially the new powerful Color Spline to give you close to absolute texture control. Lexicor Software will soon come with a special disk of over hundreds of new textures for use in Phoenix, but here a small list of the Textures available straight away in the Phoenix 2.0 disk. - Wood User definable with grain color and width, Object Texture Ratio, view - Marble User definable with color bands, turbulence, base color, grain, view, Object Texture Ratio and more - Image Mapping Load SPC, TGA or GIF to map in S map (Plane, Cube, Cylinder or Sphere), O Map (Reflection, Obj Normal, Obj Center, S Map Norm), Tiling (single or tiled, morph lock, view control, turbulence and Mask (no mask, foreground or opaque mask) on the object of your choice with your own created image. Brand new Textures that come with Phoenix 2.0 (and only useable in Phoenix 2.0) can be altered in the Color Spline Texture Control, also only individual layers of that Texture can be saved, loaded and/or manipulated. WOOD Types: STONE Types: SKY Types: MISC Types: ----------- ------------ ---------- ----------- Cherry Wood Agate Blue Apocalypse Brass Dark Wood Agate Brown Clouds Candy Pine Wood Agate Sapphire Sky Blue1 Cork Rose Wood Gradient Pink Sky Blue2 Fire/Flame Sandy Wood Jade Sky Blue3 Peel Tanned Wood Marble Blood Sky Bright Rust Toned Wood Marble Red Sky Blood Iron Rust White Wood Marble White Yellow Wood Pink Lab And 7 more Wood and 24 more Stone types! Each having their own individual characteristics! * Texture Layers not included on the list, only complete named Textures * All in all 125 Textures are included on the Phoenix 2.0 disk for the User And LEXICOR will be releasing texture disks loaded only with brand new textures such as Popcorn that will look like real popcorn when rendered! Absolutely amazing! The true strength of Phoenix lies in its ease of use, and this ease of use has been thankfully preserved in Phoenix 2.0, don't be baffled by the wealth of new Textures and the incredible new functions, it will only take a very short while to master it. On the Internet you may contact us on staff@lexicor.com or support@lexicor.com, optionally you may also email Lexicor@world.std.com On COMPUSERVE contact 75300,763 or 73073,142 or visit us in topic 11 (LEXICOR) on atariarts or atariven (type go atariarts). GENIE contact LEXICOR or Y.SIU or visit us at the GRAPHICS RT on page 1415 (type m1415) in Category 22 (LEXICOR SUPPORT) or just type GRAPHICS to enter the forum. On DELPHI contact LEXICOR or LEXICORWORLD or visit us in the Atari Advantage Area (type go com atari). __________________________________________________ > CTFEST '94 STR SHOW NEWS """""""""""""""""""""""" ********************************************************************** ** O U R F O U R T H A N N I V E R S A R Y ! S H O W ! ! ! ** ** /-----------\/------------/ **BOSTON** ** ** / * * / ** ** / / ** ** ,/ CT ATARIFEST '94 / ** ** ,/ ________________________/ ** ** **NY** /__,/ ** ** ** ** CONNECTICUT ATARIFEST '94 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 8/27/94 ** ** August 27-28, 1994 at the 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday 8/28/94 ** ** Windsor Court Hotel, ** ** Windsor Locks, CT Sponsored by ** ** (Hartford area). ACT Atari Group ** ** (WMAUG,DBUG,AOGUGH,CCCC & STAR) ** ********************************************************************** THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE FASTEST GROWING ATARI SHOW... Atari Software & Hardware! Free Parking! Low Room Rates! TT030s, FALCONs, JAGUARs! ACT Atari Group is running another _MAJOR_ Northeast computer event. Last year's successful move to the Windsor Court Hotel means only one thing: ENCORE! CT Fest '94 is just as convenient to reach as ever - only two hours from Boston or New York. The hotel has excellent room rates, free and plentiful parking, easy access from Interstates 91, 95, 90, 84, 80 and is located just 1 mile from Bradley International Airport (free shuttle service for hotel guests). Join us for an informal, low cost dinner Saturday night, and mix with old friends. What about the Jaguar? Come on out and get (64)BIT! We'll have the largest Jaguar competition in New England, with the latest games and gear. With all the excitement generated by this hot new machine, you owe it to yourself to get the personal skinny. We expect an even greater number of vendors this year, surpassing the excellent turnout of the past shows. CAF '93 vendors included: * A&D Software * Gribnif Software * ABC Solutions * Kurlan Music * BaggettaWare Software * Lexicor Software * Barefoot Software * Marcel Software * Best Electronics * MegaType Software * Clear Thinking * Oregon Research Associates * Codehead Technologies * Soft-Logik Publishing * CompuServe Information Services * Software Spectrum * Computer Zone * Straight Edge Software * Derric Electronics * Thin Air Labs * East Hartford Computer Repair * Toad Computer * Evangelo's Software * Wizztronics * GEnie In addition to our commercial supporters, many user groups came from hundreds of miles away to be with us for CAF '93. Those in attendance included The Boston Computer Society, Western Massachusetts Atari User Group, Atari ST and Mega Users of Montreal, South Shore Atari Group [Mass], Atari User Group of Greater Hartford, Scranton Area Atari User Group (PA) and Long Island Atari User Group (DBUG-Danbury and FACE- Fairfield [both CT] were represented in the ACT Atari booth). Most user groups offered numerous demonstrations, public domain disks and great clip art collections, with most of the groups offering "recycled" hardware and software items. We'll have our Lynx Competition, with multiple Comlynxed competitions underway at all times, the Portfolio Corner, staffed with industry experts, an endless stream of door prizes and seminars in abundance (in the past we've had everyone's favorite Atari Corp. Director of Communications Bob Brodie, John Eidsvoog of Codehead, Jeff Naideau from Barefoot, Dave Troy of Toad Computers, Joe Mirando & Dana Jacobson from STReport and many others). Stay tuned for this year's list of speakers. All in all, we hope to have the best Northeast show yet, and we look forward to your participation. Make your plans now for the most exciting Atari Weekend this summer! CONNECTICUT ATARIFEST '94 TRAVEL TIPS BY CAR: Traveling Interstate 91 Northbound, take Exit 41, a right off the exit ramp and another right at the next stop sign. You can see the hotel from there. Southbound, take Exit 41 and bear right; the hotel is straight ahead. Call the CT Tourism Division at (800) CT-BOUND. BY AIR: Many airlines serve Bradley International Airport. Call your travel agent for a list. Many area lodgings offer a courtesy van from the airport; make arrangements by using one of the phones in the baggage claim area. BY RAIL: Rail passengers can reach Windsor Locks aboard several trains that run daily between Washington, D.C., Boston, and several points between the two. For information about fares, schedules, restrictions and connecting trains, contact Amtrak by phoning (800) USA-RAIL. WHERE TO STAY: The Windsor Court will be offering special rates for CAF '94 attendees, call them at 203-623-9811 (Fax 9808). There are many other hotels in the area: Bradley International Motor Inn, Budgetel Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Days Inn - Tobacco Valley, Fairfield Inn, Harley Hotel, Holiday Inn - Windsor Locks, Homewood Suites, Journey's End - Springfield (Mass.), Ramada - East Windsor, Sheraton - Hartford (Downtown), Sheraton Tara - Springfield and Simsbury Inn. WHAT TO DO: For further information, call Angela or Brian Gockley at 203-332-1721. E-mail can be directed to 75300,2514 on CIS. _______________________________________________ > The Old Fishin' Hole STR Feature """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" THE OLD FISHIN' HOLE ==================== A Guide to the Online PD/Shareware Waters. by John R. Duckworth One piece of computer hardware that almost no system owner is without these days is the printer. Not long ago even 9-pin dot matrix printers were priced out of the reach of many hobbyists. Presently though, printers such as bubble jets or even some of the moderately priced lasers are more readily available to the masses. Seeing that the Atari platform had been lauded as the ultimate desktop publishing system, many public domain and shareware programs have been released over the years to take advantage of the inexpensive combination of Atari computers and better than letter quality output. One such program is the center of this week's column. "Two Column Printer" by Jonathan Corey is an extremely useful printing utility which will allow users to conserve resources while maintaining high quality output. The program does it's conserving by printing ASCII files in a two column (hence the name) 'magazine style' format. To save even more paper "Two Column Printer" feature an option to format the output to print on both sides of the paper. Using "Two Column Printer" couldn't be easier. The program is entirely GEM based, and all functions and options are set from pull down menus. The first step which must be completed before trying to print is the selection of a printer driver. There are approximately ten drivers included with the package and most printers should be compatible with one of them either directly or by adjusting a dip switch. I tested the program on a Canon bubble jet, and although there was no direct support for the Canon mode, one flick of a switch set my printer to emulate an Epson LQ and the program printed perfectly. If someone does create a BJ-10 driver....please...e-mail it to me, I hate having to reset the mode each time I want to print using the "Two Column Printer". The documentation provided with the program does contain _detailed_ instructions for creating your own drivers, but after spending an hour or so trying to look up the correct information in my manual, I gave up...I just wasn't meant to program printer drivers. After loading and testing a driver, it may be merged with the program itself to make it the default driver. Next an ASCII file may be loaded and formatted for printing. A simple viewer is available to make sure that the file loaded is actually the correct file you wish to print. At this point a dialog box is displayed allowing the user to change many format settings such as the font to be used, width and length of pages, blank line filter, type of sort to be used, and whether to print to the printer or disk. Most of the options are self-explanatory, but those which may be slightly unclear have built in help buttons (as a matter of fact the program also have a nifty help menu). Once you are sure of the settings, press the 'print' button and....presto! The user now has his/her file printed in an easy to read, paper saving format. I can't recommend "Two Column Printer" enough, especially for printing source code to those long programs. The latest version is 6.0 which was released about a month ago, and the author seems to continually enhance and upgrade the program to be compatible with as much hardware as possible (even though he expects no payment for his hard work!). Download the program and then drop the author a note...most people don't realise how important feedback is to programmers. That's it for this edition. Nibbles from new programs were practically non-existent this week, hopefully we'll have better luck in the coming month. See ya next week...same time...same place. As always e-mail and suggestions, comments, or late Valentines to:JDUCKWORTH@delphi.com. Go USA! +----------------------------------------------------------------+ | Old Fishin Hole Tackle Box * | +----------------------------------------------------------------+ | Two Column Printer | | Delphi: Atari Advantage - read TWO COLUMN | | GEnie: Atari ST RT - #31631 | +----------------------------------------------------------------+ * The Tackle Box is meant to provide assistance in finding files mentioned in the column. It should not be considered a COMPLETE listing and is provided for convenience only. Delphi Atari Advantage files should be found in the Recent Arrivals section of the database until moved to their appropriate sections. ______________________________________________ > ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" PEOPLE... ARE TALKING ===================== On CompuServe ------------- compiled by Joe Mirando Hi there friends and neighbors. I must say that I really can't believe that we've gone almost a full week without a snow storm here in the northeast. Perhaps we'll be able to coast right into spring without any more of that white stuff falling from the sky... nah, my luck has never been that good. Well, at least phone service hasn't been affected. So no matter what the weather has been like outside, I've been able to log on to CompuServe to catch up on the goings-on in the computer world from around our world. And being the nice guy that I am, I'm going to share some of it with you right now. So let's take a look at what people are saying on CompuServe... From the Atari Productivity Forum ================================= First off, our own dear, sweet, unassuming Editor/Publisher, Ralph Mariano asks: "Is it just me or, does GIF make a smaller file than JPEG?? I took about 20mb worht of Image files (all high quality line art B/W) that I've collected over the years and converted it to GIF format. A friend suggested JPEG. I tried it on a few of my larger image files and it made a file quite a bit larger than the GIF version of the same image file. I check both the conversions for quality and they were all as good as the original IMG file. Is it just me or does JPEG make BIG files compared to GIF???" Sysop Bob Retelle tells Ralph: "The compression achieved with JPG depends on what you specify when you run it to compress graphics files... I don't know what the default is if you don't specify, but in general the JPG versions of graphics files I've seen are around 1/3 the size of the GIF version of the same file. That's with some loss of graphic detail though... at 100%, it might indeed end up with a larger file. I've never tried that though..." Dan Koudelka posts: "I tried to download QuickCIS from utility libary QWKCIS.PRG during decompression got message error while writing then bad zip header what is a zip header? is this error on my side or is there something wrong with the file?" Sysop Dan Rhea tells the other Dan: "Dan, you might want to try the decompression again, but make sure you have plenty of free disk space first. If that doesn't work, I can only imaging that you got a bad download (it happens every once in a while). Oh yea, you are set up as 8bit, no parity right? Finally, have you had trouble getting other files? Oh yea, one more, if you still have problems. Let me know what Modem, Comm program and setup string you are using, as well as your download protocol." Henri Tremblay posts: "I just received the January issue of ST Informer and one thing I notes is that there are no more ST or STE for sale in the advertisers' ads. The Falcon is mentioned with "CALL!" as a price. One cannot find a new monitor, it seems. So, where are we going? I would have bought a Falcon if I had seen one, but here in Canada all dealers have turned belly up or to other platforms. What am I supposed to do if I wished to upgrade. Il would have bought Atari Works if my ST had more than 1 meg, and maybe Straight Fax and other products. Now the PCs all come with a built-in faxmodem/answering machine, etc. Some with built-in CD-ROM. Should I buy a clone and a GEMULATOR to upgrade my ST's memory. It seems the only alternative left. These were just reflections I have from time to time. I often go to see the PCs and Macs but I keep on waiting for something else. All my ST friends now have clones and are enjoying them. It is strange though how some people would have hesitated to buy Atari Works for $109 and then go to buy a clone for $3000." Master Sysop Ron Luks tells Henri: "The ST and STe's have been cancelled by Atari. According to Sam Tramiel, Falcons are still available, but are primarily of interest to musicians and the MIDI market. Atari plans to devote all its efforts to the Jaguar game machine and "may decide at a future date to re-enter the computer marketplace." Henri replies: "I did not know Sam Tramiel had said that about the future of the Falcon. That explains why we don't hear much about it. I wonder if the Falcon is selling well even in the music world. I hope Atari succeed with the Jaguar but I have doubts." Ron tells Henri: "Sam said that to me at the recent WCES show in Las Vegas this past January. I don't know that there have been any major public pronouncements from Atari Corp about the fate of the current computer line (i.e. the falcon) other than "Atari is putting all its present resources behind the Jaguar..." Frank Hense tells Ron: "One of the better Atari dealers told me he just received a large order of TTs :-) offered me a trade for my MSTE4.... I don't think the Falcon will last long at the price--to my knowledge only one has been sold to the Atari user base here in S.A. even tho they are in stock at the local music store. Of course we don't have a working dealership here either..... Now if the keyboard was detached, then maybe it would sell, still the price is really questionable when 386s are around $800.....( now don't anybody fuss at me about what kind of 386 you get at that price - just walk thru BEST BUY and look)." Sysop Bob Retelle tells Frank: "Actually the "benchmark" for PC prices seems to have dropped even more than that.. a good reference now is that '486 systems are lower than $999! I just saw a Pentium based system listed for $1995 too.. how much Falcon can you buy for that..?" Frank replies to Bob: "Don't blink or they'll be givin' 'em away. Well almost anyway. The price on CD -ROMs is really falling also. I paid $299 for a TEXEL 3028 for xmas. That's about half what they were last year and not half the performance. I saw some in Computer Shopper for $289 last issue. I picked up a 345mb MAxtor for my BBS for $289 from Dell in Austin and I remember paying $500 for my Sh204 in 1987. Remember what we were paying for STs in those days." Bob continues the thought: "And just think... I paid *more* for my 8-bit Atari 810 disk drive than I did for my *entire* first 520ST system..! Amazing the way prices and features work in inverse proportion to the "norm" of the world here in the computer world..." Frank extends the thought yet again: "Funny I can remember what I paid for my 600XL in 1982, but not my 1040s( that's plural)... I guess what we are seeing in the computer world is market forces at work, too bad it doesn't work for autos. Actually it's truly amazing what's being crammed into those little chips... The cuthroat nature of the computer world is a little frightening. I'm amazed that the little local guys can survive, yet somehow they do, must be more a factor of local support than price. I know I'm happy I bought mine(386) from the guy next door. SAD Atari users can't find a guy next door anymore. We're in the 10th largest city and are without a full service dealership..." Sysop Ron Luks jumps in and adds his thoughts: "Yes, at the selling price, the Falcon was about 18 months too late to be price attractive compared to other platforms. The attached keyboard was also a major drawback from the beginning. I still like my MSTE4, although I can see where the TT might have some appeal in specialty situations where more horsepower is needed." John Devlin asks for help: "Around two months ago there a message posted about a CD rom for the Atari St computer. Can anyone point me to the message number, as a friend would like to order one for his ST board." Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Online tells John: "That is the Gemini CD-ROM disc (for the Atari ST) and its available from Walnut Creek. Also its being sold by Its All Relative ... his CIS ID is 70357,2312. Greg is also the developer of Photo Show for the Falcon. The CD-ROM is ISO-9660 complaint so it will work on any platform." Rob Rasmussen asks Sysop Bob Retelle about Falcon video modes: "You had said Falcon True Color can be displayed on a SC1224 monitor, but that it would look very blocky, since each pixel is 15 bits. But the ST's limited 32K of video RAM is not a factor here, since the Falcon's VRAM is programmable. Is it the 1224 itself that's limited to showing this blocky display? I was told a VGA monitor can display a maximum rez of 640 x 480. Does this mean you can't go beyond this if you use ScreenBlaster or BlowUp? I realize a monitor has to be capable of displaying the highest rez you want to display from the computer(without interlacing?), even if you have extra VRAM like from a TT graphics card. I take it the multiscan monitors go way beyond VGA. For that matter I've been wondering how high a rez SuperVGA can display, and how it differs from VGA. A dealer recommended a Magnavox CM2089 for use with the Falcon (I'm real close to making a purchase). Do you know if this is VGA, SVGA or multiScan? Does anyone know if there's anything special about this monitor as opposed to another brand I could get locally at Comp-USA?" Bob tells Rob: "I think the "blocky" true-color display was when I was talking about the hypothetical possibility of doing 24bit color on an Atari 800.. the Falcon's display is actually quite nice..! You're right that the capabilities of the monitor can limit the highest resolution you can display, even if the video card in your computer can go higher... it's a matter of the monitor simply not being able to scan fast enough to display all the data the video card is sending it. For example, I have a Super VGA video card in my PC that's capable of displaying up to 1024 x 768 x 256 colors... but the monitor I'm currently using is only a regular VGA monitor from an IBM PS/2 model 30... if I try to switch into the Super VGA modes, the monitor goes berzerk, displaying only jagged bars of random colors, and whining pitifully as it tries to keep up with the video card. (This is one of those "don't try this at home" kinds of things, as I understand the wrong display modes can actually damage a monitor.. I just wanted to see if I could push it...) I'm not familiar with that monitor model you mentioned, but you should be aware that the Falcon can only display normal VGA modes as it comes out of the box.. a Super VGA monitor would be wasted, unless you plan to eventually add hardware modifications that would make use of the extra resolution capabilities. (Or if you plan to eventually migrate to a different computer platform that CAN use the higher resolution easily)." Danny Bates tells us: "I have a 1040st with an external hard drive (atari sh205). For some reason I cannot get the computer to acknowledge that a hard drive exists, even when I do a disk install, and I'm wondering if there is supposed to be a systems boot disk that should have come with the hard drive (I bought it used so there's no telling what was supposed to be with it) to give the 1040 the ability to look for this hard drive? I guess my three basic questions are: 1. Does anybody out there own one of these hard drives and could possibly tell me how to get this thing configured so it will read? 2. Does anyone have a manual and/or systems disk for this hard drive that I could somehow get a copy of? 3. Is there such a thing as Atari customer support anymore?" Sysop Dan Rhea tells Danny: "There is a disk with a set of utilities that format and partition you SH205. It also sets up the drive to autoboot (i.e. the HD boots, not the floppy drive). I'll look around and see if I can find the utilities here for you (and make sure they work with your machine and not just the newer ones). If not, you should be able to get Atari to help you by sending you a new disk (there may be a nominal fee though). For now, try this... 1. Turn everything off 2. Put a blank (formatted) floppy in drive A: 3. Start up the hard drive and wait about 15 seconds 4. Turn on the monitor and then the ST. 5. If the HD is still setup properly, it should boot after looking at the floppy drive once. I hope this works for you. If not, we'll dig deeper. Let me know what your results are with the above instructions." John Devlin tells us: "I must admit I didn't want to leave the Atari scene, but I want to start storing my photograghs on CD rom, and the my STe was not capable of providing good enought graphics, unless I wanted to spend plenty of money on a 24bit graphics card. My PC has a 24bit SVGA colour card that cost 57.58 UK pounds. The PC so far has cost me 240 pounds, to build, I have sold off my STe and Hires monitor, so from the cash from that I am about to go shopping for a SVGA colour monitor. Oh, well I better get ready to go out, I am off to Tottingham Court Rd, this has the most number of electrical retailers, so all going well I should have a nice new monitor later." From the Atari ST Arts Forum ============================ Wes Pinter asks: "Can somebody tell me why I'm only getting 205 bytes per second with my downloads at 19,200 (14.4)baud??? I just downloaded a file that was 295296 bytes. This should have taken from 3-5 minutes by my calculations (1000 bytes per sec) but ended up taking about 25 minutes. This is crazy! I know I should be able to get about 1,000 bytes per second, since this is what I average on the local BBS's. I'm using Flash II and I have tried CIS-B, CIS Quick B, and Ymodem. Not one of them was faster than 217 bytes per second. Could there be a problem with CIS??? What about Flash 2? I would greatly appreciate any help in this matter, since I can't allow myself (or afford) to d/load in such an inefficient manner." Sysop Jeff Kovach tells Wes: "You may have your port set at 19200 and are using a 14.4 modem, but are you calling a high speed CompuServe node? When you connect, what speed does your modem report it's connecting at? It sounds like you are calling a 2400 bps node. If you ARE calling a high speed node, you'd be best off typing GO FEEDBACK and leaving a message to CompuServe detailing the problem. You may also be able to get your account credited for the time that you had the slow download." Carl Barron tells Wes: "At 9600 I get between 850-1000 cps from flash II/cis B/vidtext mode, depends on system load. As this node I use is 9600 I don't set it faster. Make sure FII is configured for 19200 baud, rts/cts, and you are calling the 14400 baud number. Flash II does work at 19200/14400. but I don't currently have a 14.4 local node at this time." Well folks, the column is kind of short this week, but I figure that it just leaves more room for someone else. Besides, its getting late and you really shouldn't be up this late. Just be sure to come back next week, same time, same channel, and be ready to listen to what they are saying when... PEOPLE ARE TALKING """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON" """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > A "Quotable Quote" "How's yer game machine doin'?" """"""""""""""""" "AMUSEMENT IS THE HAPPINESS OF THOSE WHO CANNOT THINK!" ...Ziggy ZAGnut """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > DEALER CLASSIFIED LIST STR InfoFile * Dealer Listings * """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" --------------- ABCO Incorporated ================= P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155 Est. 1985 1-904-783-3319 1994 TAX RETURN SPECIALS IN EFFECT! ------------------------ ABCO manufactures custom storage devices! INTEL 32 BIT 486[DX]33-66 Tower P24T READY (HAS ZIF SOCKET) PLUG-IN UPGRADABLE (easy) 8MB ram upgradable to 32MB 1MB SVGA VESA VIDEO CARD Sound Blaster Compatible Stereo Sound Card DOS 6.2 - Windows 3.1 Included 256K CACHE - 1.44/1.2 FLOPPY Drives Mouse & 101 deluxe Keyboard 250MB IDE hd - 2 SERIAL, 1 PARALLEL, 1 GAME PORTS 250W POWER SUPPLY TOWER SYSTEM 14" Non-Interlaced SVGA 28dp Monitor 33Mhz ver. S&H Incl 1595.00 595.00 with order, balance COD other higher powered packages available or, design your own! Call for value added pricing! Call: 904-783-3319 Anytime, Voice Mail =====******===== Syquest Removable 44-105-270mb SCSI Drives All Platters Available Diamond Speed Star 24x SVGA/VGA Video Card w/1mbVRAM Diamond Stealth & Viper 1mb & 2mb - Call for prices Enhances Windows SPEED and EFFICIENCY Diamond High Performance Sound Cards Available Soundblaster Cards and compatibles 8 & 16 bit Pro Audio Spectrum STUDIO 16 - 16bit - Midi - Audio Recognition Top of the Media Vision PAS Line - True Multi-Media IDE Super IO cards & 16550 UART 2 & 4 Port Cards Call: 904-783-3319 Anytime, Voice Mail """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" COMPUTER STUDIO =============== WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTER 40 Westgate Parkway -Suite D Asheville, NC 28806 1-800-253-0201 Orders Only 1-704-251-0201 Information FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" EAST HARTFORD COMPUTER ====================== 202 Roberts St. East Hartford CT. 06108 1-203-528-4448 FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" MEGABYTE COMPUTERS ================== 907 Mebourne Hurst, TX 76053 1-817-589-2950 FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" SAN JOSE COMPUTER ================= 1278 Alma Court San Jose, CA. 95112 1-408-995-5080 FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" CompuSeller West ================ 220-1/2 W. Main St. St. Charles, IL., 60174 Ph. (708) 513-5220 FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" (DEALERS; to be listed here FREE of Charge, please drop us a line.) """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport International Online Magazine -* [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport *- AVAILABLE ON OVER 20,001 PRIVATE BBS SYSTEMS """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" February 18, 1994 Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-93 All Rights Reserved No.1008 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" All Items quoted, in whole or in part, are done so under the provisions of The Fair Use Law of The Copyright Laws of the U.S.A. Views, Opinions and Editorial Articles presented herein are not necessarily those of the editors/staff of STReport International Online Magazine. Permission to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Reprints must, without exception, include the name of the publication, date, issue number and the author's name. STR, STReport and/or portions therein may not be edited in any way without prior written permission. STR, STReport, at the time of publication, is believed reasonably accurate. STR, STReport, its staff and contributors are not and cannot be held responsible in any way for the use or misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""