SILICON TIMES REPORT ==================== INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ============================= from STR Electronic Publishing Inc. September 23, 1994 No. 1039 ====================================================================== Silicon Times Report International Online Magazine Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155 R.F. Mariano Publisher-Editor ----------------------------------------- Voice: 1-904-783-3319 10am-4pm EST STR Publishing Support BBS Network System * THE BOUNTY BBS * ITCNet 85:881/253 JAX HUB ~ FNET 350 ~ Nest 90:301/3 904-786-4176 MULTI-NODE 24hrs-7 days 2400-115.2 bps V.32-34 v.42 bis 28.8 Hayes Optima 28.8 V.FC Data/FAX USRobotics Dual Standard 28.8 V.FC Ready Fax FAX: 904-783-3319 12am-6am EST ----------------------------------------- Fido 1:374/147.3 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 ______________________________________________________________________ > 09/23/94 STR 1039 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!" """"""""""""""""" - STR INDUSTRY REPORT - MAC OS Made Over - Picture Pub 5 - GUS, A Review - QEMM & CDROM - Designer 4.1 - Canon Rebate Details - WP & WIN Resources - Internet Info - GEM DeskTop Explained - People Talking - Jaguar NewsWire -* HP DEBUTS NEW COLOR LASER! *- -* IBM TO DROP $100 MILLION ON PC ADS *- -* MS DEBUTS BACKOFFICE *- ========================================================================== 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 ITC/PROWL/USENET/NEST/F-Net/Fido Mail Networks. You may also call The Bounty BBS direct @ 1-904-786-4176. Enjoy the wonder and excitement of exchanging all types of useful information relative to all computer types, worldwide, through the use of excellent International Networking Systems. SysOps and users alike worldwide, are welcome to join STReport's International Conferences. ITC Node is 85:881/250, The Fido Node is 1:374/147.3, Crossnet Code is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is #620. All computer platforms and BBS systems are invited to participate. ========================================================================== CIS ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ 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!" """""""""""""""""""""" As fate would have I guess it was "my turn in the barrel this past week. You see, Florida is known for its storms and numerous lightning strikes. Need I say more? The system now has a new modem, hard disk, and a fresh supply of tranqs for the operator. Many things are new and neat this week. The new software that's been hitting the lines since Seybold has been amazing. Be sure to read about Picture Publisher and Designer 4.1 from Micrografx. You'll be amazed. The hardware that's coming on the scene is "sinfully mahvelous"! One gig IDE drives that will work just fine with the older BIOS is the "order of the day" as far as Western Digital is concerned. Not only does it do the job, its plenty fast too. In the next few week's we'll explore a number of the newer goodies that are just now hitting the marketplace. Many of the items were only wishes a year ago. This year's Comdex promises to present an unbelievable amount of new software and hardware. Much of it is already hitting the shelves. Thank you for your support! Ralph.... Of Special Note: ---------------- STReport will be branching out further to Internet's userbase in the very near future. We've received numerous requests to receive STReport from a wide variety of Internet addresses. As a result, we're putting together an Internet distribution/mailing list for those who wish to receive STReport on a regular basis, and we'll UUENCODE each issue and mail it to you. If you're interested in being added to our mailing list, please, send your requests to either "dpj@delphi.com" or, RMARIANO@DELPHI.COM. Look for mailings to begin by October first. We are also considering a number of Internet ftp sites in which to post our issues for as well. Whatever we can do to make STReport available to you. we'll try it! """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 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. Niles J. Deegan D. P. Jacobson STReport Staff Editors: """"""""""""""""""""""" Michael Arthur John Deegan Brad Martin John Szczepanik Paul Guillot Joseph Mirando Doyle Helms Frank Sereno John Duckworth Jeff Coe Steve Keipe Guillaume Brasseur Melanie Bell Jay Levy Jeff Kovach Marty Mankins Carl Prehn Paul Charchian Contributing Correspondents: """""""""""""""""""""""""""" Tim Holt Norman Boucher Clemens Chin Eric Jerue Ron Deal Mike Barnwell Ed Westhusing Glenwood Drake Vernon W.Smith Bruno Puglia Paul Haris Kevin Miller Craig Harris Allen Chang Dominick J. Fontana 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..................... 1:347/147.3 FNET........................... NODE 350 ITC NET...................... 85:881/253 NEST........................ 90:21/350.0 GEnie......................... ST-REPORT Internet.............RMARIANO@DELPHI.COM STReport, with its policy of not accepting any paid advertising, has over the years developed the reputation of "saying it like it really is". When it comes to our editorials, product evaluations, reviews and over-views, we shall always keep our readers interests first and foremost. With the user in mind, STReport further pledges to maintain the reader confidence that has been developed over the years and to continue "living up to such". All we ask is that our readers make certain the manufacturers, publishers etc., know exactly where the information about their products appeared. In closing, we shall arduously endeavor to meet and further develop the high standards of straight forwardness our readers have come to expect in each and every issue. The Staff & Editors """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > STR INDUSTRY REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS """"""""""""""""""" IBM/POWER-PC/PC SECTION (I) =========================== Computer Products Update - CPU Report ------------------------ ---------- Weekly Happenings in the Computer World Issue #39 Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr. ******* General Computer News ******* ** Microsoft Introduces BackOffice ** BackOffice, a new integrated information system, has been introduced by Microsoft Corp., aiming to make it easier for businesses to make decisions, deliver goods and reduce costs. Reports say BackOffice was one of several announcements made at the Windows World trade show by Microsoft Chairman/CEO Bill Gates and Vice President Jim Allchin of Microsoft's business systems. Reports say the system includes Microsoft Windows NT Server operating system Version 3.5, SQL Server Version 4.21 database management system, SNA Server 2.1 for connectivity with for IBM enterprise networks, Systems Management Server 1.0 and Microsoft Mail Server 3.2. BackOffice runs on computers built around Intel x86 and Pentium microprocessors as well as RISC designs. Microsoft also introduced: -:- SNA Server Version 2.1 for the Windows NT Server operating system Version 3.5. -:- SQL Server Version 4.21a, the newest release of its client-server database server for PC networks. -:- A simplified approach to licensing client-server software. -:- Systems Management Server Version 1.0 for the Windows NT operating system Version 3.5. ** Verbatim, Sanyo Set CD Venture ** Verbatim Corp. and Sanyo Laser Products Inc. say they have agreed to form a joint venture that will create one of the largest independent CD- ROM and audio CD producers in North America. The companies note that Sanyo's Richmond, Indiana-based CD manufac- turing plant will be augmented by Verbatim's optical disk technology and sales and marketing expertise. In addition, Verbatim will contribute an undisclosed amount of cash for capacity expansion at the Sanyo Verbatim facility. ** PC-Install Gets Instant Access ** 20/20 Software has introduced an "instant access" capability for new customers who need the company's PC-Install program immediately. The company notes that PC-Install provides developers and corporate users with an easy and professional way to distribute and install software and data files. It adds that the use of a program like PC- Install can eliminate the need for highly skilled end users or on-site technical assistance when files are distributed and installed on remote computers that are stand-alone or networked systems. The new Instant Access allows potential customers who are also CompuServe members to purchase PC-Install directly from 20/20 Software and have it sent to them within a few minutes. The company notes that the complete PC-Install program can be transferred via CompuServe Mail, in most cases in less than 15 minutes. The new Instant Access to PC- Install is available now. It can be ordered via 20/20 Software's toll-free telephone number, 800-735-2020, and requires a valid credit card and access to CompuServe. The Instant Access to PC- Install for Windows is priced at $179, which includes a mailed copy of the program as well as delivery via CompuServe. ** Alps Targets Peripherals Market ** Alps Electric USA Inc., a major supplier of products to some of the world's largest computer companies, says it will introduce a new line of Alps-branded peripherals. The new peripherals, including pointing devices, keyboards and key- pads, will be launched in October with a national advertising campaign. The line will feature Alps- branded products, designed for the small office/home office market, in point-of-sale packaging. The new focus will include national distributors, large computer chain stores, and computer superstores. ** Matsushita Develops New CD-ROM ** A new CD-ROM player that can record data on special disks has been developed by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Matsushita officials said the device can store up to 650MB of data on an erasable disk. Of course, conventional CD-ROMs are pre-recorded by manufacturers and can't be altered by consumers. "Matsushita said the new system, called PD, uses new, recordable op- tical disks. A laser records and reads data from the disks," reports say. "It is selling prototype players for $1,000 and recordable disks for $100." Spokesman Toshiyuki Nakahara said those prices likely will come down as volume increases, adding that Matsushita expects to market consumer versions in Japan and overseas next spring. ** GDT Buys Printer Software ** GDT Softworks Inc. a Canada-based printer driver manufacturer, says it has purchased MacPrint, a competing Macintosh-to-PC printing program, from Insight Development Corp. GDT says the move is designed to solidify its position in the Macintosh-to-PC printing market. GDT says it will support MacPrint users by offering them an upgrade path to its own PowerPrint software. "The acquisition does not leave current MacPrint users in the lurch because we are offering them an affordable upgrade to our diverse family of PowerPrint products," says Jim McIntosh, president of GDT. MacPrint users can upgrade to PowerPrint for $75. MacPrint users requiring LocalTalk network connections can upgrade to PowerPrint/LT for $200. The retail prices of PowerPrint and PowerPrint/LT are $149 and $299, respectively. ** Compaq Offers New Contura ** The new Contura 400 family of notebook PCs, the next generation of Compaq Computer Corp.'s notebook line, has been announced at the company's Houston headquarters. The new line includes two 486DX2/40-based color models, one active- matrix and one advanced passive-matrix. Compaq Vice President Hugh Barnes, general manager of the firm's portable PC division, said all models feature an industry-standard NiMH battery that lasts 3.5 to 5.5 hours in typical use, a status panel showing current battery life and other notebook conditions, two PCMCIA slots for enhanced functionality and communications capability and 4MB of memory (upgradeable to 20MB). Also, a center-mounted matte trackball just below the space bar allows users to keep their hands on the keyboard as they use the pointing device, UPI says. The Contura 400 weighs 5.9 pounds and has a new attachable handle for easier carrying. Also, a new keyboard tilt feature provides a four- degree angle tilt, making typing easier and more comfortable, and the palm rest at the base of the keyboard also enhances ease-of-use and comfort. Prices range from $2,599 to $3,299. ** HP Lowers Prices on Color Printers ** New color inkjet and laser printers at sharply lower prices are being announced this week by Hewlett-Packard Co. The HP DeskJet 540 inkjet printer for the home is priced at $300, with an optional $45 color package, while for the corporate market the company is offering the new HP Color LaserJet at about $7,300. The inkjets will be in stores Oct. 6 and the laser printer will be available in February. The HP Color Laser Jet produces two pages per minute when printing full color documents, compared with 10 pages per minute in monochrome. ** IBM to Spend $100 Million on PC Ads ** The Wall Street Journal reports the computer maker will spend $20 million to promote the Aptiva models, which are meant to replace the four-year-old PS/1 line and are due out this week. The paper notes the Aptivas are priced from about $1,200 to $2,600, excluding monitors, and all include a CD-ROM drive, sound equipment and software. The WSJ says IBM will consolidate its PS/2 and ValuePoint brands into a line called "IBM PC," which will get $80 million for advertising. ** Hitachi Supplying Sub-Notebook ** Hitachi Ltd. is set to supply its first sub-notebook computer, a 486SX machine equipped with an 8-inch color screen, to an unspecified U.S. firm on an OEM basis. Hitachi predicts annual sales of 20,000 of its Flora 1010MA model. ** Radio Shack Gets Advantage PCs ** AST Research Inc. reports that Radio Shack will carry its Advantage! line of family- oriented personal computers in its stores nationwide. AST notes that the move is a part of its ongoing relationship with Radio Shack. AST is the retailer's number one PC supplier. It is also a part of Radio Shack's new personal computer strategy to carry name-brand PC products. ** Mac Operating System Made Over ** The Apple Macintosh operating system is getting a make-over, a new name and a new logo. "The operating system will be known as Mac OS," say reports from Apple's Cupertino, Calif., headquarters, and "the logo, a blue rectangle showing a smiling face and the words 'Mac OS,' will appear on Apple's products and literature." Apple officials said the Mac OS designation will apply to future versions of the operating system, while the company's new operating system, Macintosh System 7.5, will continue to be known under that name. "The new Mac OS logo is based on the 'Happy Mac' icon but adds a profile so the face is at once seen from the front and the side." ** Apple to License "Mac OS" ** Apple Computer Inc. this week announced a high-stakes licensing pro- gram for its "Mac OS" that reverses a long-standing company policy to keep the Mac operating system proprietary. Reports say that Apple hopes the new strategy of licensing the Mac OS will help the company recoup market share at the rate of 1.3 percent annually. "We set aside a war chest to effectively go out and market the Mac OS," said John Mracek, director of OS platform marketing. Although Apple will not yet name the vendors, Mracek said the company has already negotiated licensing agreements in the United States and overseas. In addition, PC vendors will be announcing Mac OS products in the second half of 1995. ** Microsoft Readies Price Plan ** Microsoft Corp., seeking to boost its sluggish corporate sales, will try a new pricing structure when it launches the latest version of its high-end Windows NT operating system. Under the new pricing strategy, Microsoft will charge program users a set price for each server and client on a network. Sources note that the simplified pricing scheme, which generally will result in price cuts, will be announced at an industry conference in Dallas on Wednesday, where Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates will discuss the company's vision of enterprise computing. While Microsoft dominates the PC software market, it has had far less success selling into the corporate market, where rival Novell Inc. holds a commanding lead in network solutions. ** New Storage Technology Makes Debut ** Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. has developed an ultra-high density data storage method that's capable of storing a two-hour movie in 0.2 square centimeters of space. The method uses an "atomic force microscope probe" to increase storage density to several thousand times the capacity of conventional optical disks. Commercial applications are still years away, but that the technology but would be ideal for multimedia, medical X-rays and other areas requiring high density data storage. A 3.5- inch disk using the technology could store 6,000 times the capacity of a conventional 5- inch compact disk. The method requires only minute power consumption. One battery could supply sufficient power for as long as 20 years. ** Superchip to Decipher Genetic Code ** Scientists at the Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago say they have created a "superchip" that will rapidly speed up deciphering of the human genetic code and eventually could help doctors treat congenital diseases before they develop. The 1-inch-square chip will be capable of decoding the chemical sequence of hundreds of genes at once, officials say. Argonne, whose work was paid for by the U.S. Energy Department, is one of 350 labs involved in the $3 billion Human Genome Project, a worldwide effort to locate and describe the function of each of the 100,000 genes found in a human cell. Hyseq Inc., a Sunnyvale, California, biotechnology company, has the patent to make the chip and expects to have "sequenced," or identified the specific order of the DNA within each of 15,000 genes, by 1997. In the last 20 years, only 5,000 genes have been sequenced worldwide, according to Hyseq researcher Radoje Drmanac. ** Allen Sells America Online Stake ** Billionaire Paul Allen, who made his fortune co-founding Microsoft Corp., now has sold his entire stake in America Online. Allen, who at one point owned about 1.4 million shares of the Vienna, Virgina, online services company or about 25%, last week had cut his stake to 7.87% from about 9.7%t previously, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. He sold the rest of his shares this week. Allen has recently acquired a majority interest in Ticketmaster, the computerized ticketing service, and in a virtual reality headset company called Virtual Vision. He also is chairman of software publisher Asymetrix Corp. and owns the Portland Trailblazers, a National Basketball Association team in Portland, Oregon. _____________________________________ > CANON'S FIRST! STR FOCUS! """"""""""""""""""""""""" CANON'S FIRST EVER PC REBATE! ============================= Receive $50 when you purchase a Canon PC and printer at the same time. Beginning September 15, 1994, until December 31, 1994, purchase a Canon PC and a Canon printer at the same time and be eligible for our $50 rebate. Choose any model including our newly introduced desktops, minitowers, MultiMedia, MultiMedia minitowers, notebooks, subnotebooks, and our exclusive notebook and Bubble Jet printer-in-one, the Canon NoteJet. Here's the Canon Innova PC line-up: Innova Desktop Series (2 models): High performance, generous 420 megabyte harddrive, Pentium upgradeable, fax modem & Eclipse software, EPA energy star compliant, with compact design & compact price Innova Mini Tower Series (3 models): High power performance with fastest Pentium processors available, highly expandable with six drive bays, Local Bus Video and pre-loaded with software Innova Media Series (2 desktop models & 5 minitower models): Entry level to extremely powerful MultiMedia PC's, Sony dual-speed CD ROM, 16-bit sound card, Sound Blaster, stereo speakers, MultiMedia library including Compton's Interactive MultiMedia , Mayo Family Health Clinic, AAA Trip Planner, MultiMedia software Mozart Sound & Sound Impressions, MultiMedia titles include award-winning 7th Guest, Digiclips, and pre-configured with MS-DOS, Windows, Claris Works, CompuServe, Eclipse Fax Innova Book 150C (3 models): High performance, built-in MultiMedia ready digital audio, dual passive or active matrix color, Local Bus Video with Widows Accelerator, two PCMCIA slots and long lasting battery Innova Book 10/10C (2 models): High performance & fast speed in a very compact design, monochrome or dual scan color screen, comes with external floppy & carrying case, pre-loaded with MS-DOS & Windows, PCMCIA slot Innova NoteJet (3 models): High performance notebook and Bubble Jet printer in one compact design (weighs 8.8 pounds including battery), large monochrome or dual scan color screen, two PCMCIA slots, pre-loaded with MS-DOS & Windows, printer has 360X360 dots per inch resolution, handles letter and legal size paper-plain or bond paper, even transparencies Combine any of these with one of our award winning Bubble Jets or proven technology laser beam printers. With the recent price reduction, Canon printers are now more affordable than ever. (See "Huge Price Cuts on All Canon Bubble Jets & Scanners") This $50 rebate applies to all new product purchases made in the United States. It does not apply to Canon authorized or non-authorized resellers. The offer expires December 31, 1994; all claims must be postmarked by January 31, 1995. To receive a $50 rebate you'll need your product receipt showing both the PC and printer purchase and a completed rebate coupon. If you have access to a fax machine you can get a rebate coupon faxed immediately by calling our automatic fax-back number 800-526-4345. Call the Canon Computer System's Dealer Referral number 800-848-4123 to have a rebate coupon mailed or to have rebate questions answered. You can also call the Canon Dealer Referral number if you'd like product literature mailed or the name, address & phone number of your local dealer. ____________________________________ > Frankie's Corner STR Feature """""""""""""""""""""""""""" The Kids' Computing Corner -------------------------- GUS GOES TO CYBERTOWN ===================== by Frank Sereno Last week I had promised to review some shareware packages. Two things changed that plan. First, I need more time to do research and playtesting on the shareware packages. Second, STR carried news that Creative Labs would be involved with the future distribution of the Gus/Cybertown series of programs. I feel a review of Gus Goes to Cybertown was more relevant considering those facts. Gus Goes to Cybertown by Modern Media Ventures is a multimedia learning experience available on a CD-rom containing both Windows and Macintosh versions of the program. The Mac version requires a 256-color display, System 7.x, four megs of ram and a CD-rom drive. For IBM compatibles, this program requires Windows 3.1 or later, a 386DX-25 or greater CPU, 256 color VGA display, four megs of ram, and a mouse. A sound card is recommended. This program was playtested on a 386DX-40 machine running with eight megs of ram and a Sound Blaster Pro audio card. Installation consisted of running the SETUP.EXE file on the CD-rom which automatically transferred necessary files to the hard drive and then created a program group and icons for Gus. The program does alter your CONFIG.SYS file but it does make a backup of the original. Double-clicking on the GUS icon begins the game with a short animated title sequence, then a screen offering various options. In the center, Gus the dog sits on a park bench. In the upper left quadrant is an icon for leaving Cybertown while in the upper right quadrant is an icon for entering Cybertown. In the lower left quadrant is an icon for getting audible help while in the lower right are buttons for adjusting the difficulty level. Below Gus is an icon for viewing the credits for the program. Clicking on the icon for entering Cybertown brings up the main interface. In the center of the screen is a park bench where Gus sits with a young friend. Behind them, across a street, are four storefronts. Beside them is a small sign denoting "to the park." These are the five main play environments of Cybertown. These are Addie's Market, Cybertoys Toy Shop, Benny's Pet Shop, Lulu's Laundry and the Park. Other objects on the main screen are "hot" and will start fun and informative animations when clicked upon. For example, clicking on the traffic signal will start an animation in which a Cyberbuds explains that one should always wait for the green and check both ways before crossing a street. In the upper right corner of all screens is a help icon in the form of Gus's face. Clicking on that icon will bring up a choice of two icons. The first is another picture of Gus for audible help. The second is a picture of the Cyberbuds which activates the Bud's Meter, which graphically indicates the Cyberbuds which the child has found in each environment. In the upper left corner of all screens is a red door icon for exiting that screen. The main objective in each environment is to find the three hidden Cyberbuds by clicking the mouse on various objects in each screen. Hidden within most of the five environments are additional learning games which are activated by clicking on the correct object in the screen. Other objects are linked to humorous animation sequences. There are three levels of difficulty for finding the Cyberbuds. Once all fifteen Cyberbuds have been found, the child will be rewarded with an animation featuring all the characters in the game. The first store is Addie's Market. The child can click on dry goods on the shelves or produce in the bins. Clicking on the "Today's Specials" bulletin activates the Shopping List Game. In level one, the child browses through shelves for a match to a displayed picture. Clicking on the icon in the lower left corner changes the game level. On the second level a word is displayed and the child must find the object which matches the word. The next store on the street is Cybertoys Toy Store. Many objects hold surprises for your child. Clicking on each book starts a different full motion video. The jukebox allows the child to choose from three different songs for his listening pleasure. Clicking on the spaceship leads to the game of Alphabet Asteroids. A letter or object will be shown on a panel on the spaceship and the child must find the matching letter from those displayed on several asteroids. In level one, an object and its spelling are shown and the child must find the first letter of the word. In the second level, again the object and word are displayed but now the child must choose all the letters for the word in the proper order. In the final level, only the picture of the object is shown and the child must spell out the word correctly by shooting the asteroids in the proper order. This activity will teach letter and word recognition plus spelling. And the final activity hidden within the Toy Store is the Digital Photo Puzzle and it is accessed by clicking on the triangle on the drawing on the table. This game has two levels. The first requires clicking and dragging the simple geometric shapes to their matches within a rectangle. Upon matching all the objects, a digital image will be shown. In the second level, the puzzle is a jigsaw puzzle using complex polygons which are interlocked. The third store is Benny's Pet Shop. By clicking on the castle in the aquarium, the child accesses the bubble count game. The scene switches to inside the aquarium. A fish with a number upon its side near the castle can be clicked upon to change the difficulty level of the game. There are four levels. On the bottom of the screen is a row of the numbers one through ten. The various levels of this activity teach counting, addition and subtraction. In the first level, a single fish blows bubbles and the child must choose the correct answer. Incorrect answers will cause the program to eliminate answers until only the correct response is left. When the correct answer is given, the fish will cycle rapidly through many colors. On the second level, two fish blow bubbles which must be added or counted to find the correct number. On the third level, the two fish blow numbers (but no bubbles) which must be added. The final level requires that the child do a subtraction problem placed on the screen by the two fish. The next shop is Lulu's Laundry. The hidden game is Dress for the Weather and it is accessed by clicking on the window. This game is played by clicking on Gus's body parts to cycle through seasonal clothing until he is wearing something appropriate for the scene shown on the screen. When Gus is properly dressed, cheers will erupt and a short video is shown. The final environment is the park. Gus stands in the park and various objects from this time are shown in the scene. On the lower right portion of the screen, a time line is displayed which is divided into eleven time segments. Click on a time segment and Gus will be transformed into a character of that time and he will speak about that era. Clicking on the other objects on the screen and they will be changed to something corresponding with that period. This is a fun way to learn a bit about history but remember to find those Cyberbuds! The graphics are fairly good with lots of color and variety. In most of the animations, the characters' lips did not sync with the audio and some animations were a bit slow on an MPC Level One machine. Sounds are quite good. Each screen is entered and exited to the strains of an original acoustic folk song, the kind that young children love so well. Sound effects, though sparely used, are crystal clean. The interface is very easy to use and the audible help is quite good. This program does not use negative feedback and the positive feedback seems appropriate. The game manual is very short but it is very thorough. Play value is only fair since the game changes little from play to play but it will take several plays to find all the secrets in each environment. Educational value is good. Children should learn to count and spell, and maybe one or two safety tips. Bang for the Buck is good. You can pick up Gus Goes to Cybertown for under $20. Kids' Computing Corner Ratings Graphics ................. 7.5 Sounds ................... 8.5 Interface ................ 8.0 Play Value ............... 7.0 Educational Value ........ 8.0 Bang for the Buck ........ 8.0 Average .................. 7.83 Thanks for reading! ___________________________________________ > QEMM & CDROM STR InfoFile """"""""""""""""""""""""" INFORMATION ABOUT USING A CD-ROM DRIVE WITH QEMM ================================================ OVERVIEW -------- In general, CD-ROM drives should present no problem for QEMM users. As with almost all pieces of hardware, however, there are a few details to consider when installing a new CD-ROM drive or when installing QEMM on a system which has a CD-ROM already. This document offers suggestions for configuring QEMM and your CD-ROM drive for best results. CONFIGURING QEMM WITH A CD-ROM DRIVE ------------------------------------ Refer to the documentation for your CD-ROM drive to determine if it uses addresses between 640K and 1MB for a ROM or RAM buffer. In most cases, QEMM can detect ROMs and EXCLUDE those addresses automatically. RAM buffers are somewhat more difficult for QEMM to detect; these should be specifically EXCLUDEd on the QEMM386.SYS line in the CONFIG.SYS file. If your documentation is unclear on this issue, or if you are having difficulty determining what addresses your drive is using, try the QEMM Analysis procedure as described in your QEMM manual, or refer to Quarterdeck Technical Note #219, "Using QEMM-386's Analysis Procedure" (EXCLUDE.TEC). Many CD-ROMs are Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) devices, and many SCSI controllers access data through a technique called "bus-mastering". Again, refer to the documentation that came with your drive. If your controller is bus-mastering, refer to Quarterdeck Technical Note #121, "QEMM: Using Bus-Mastering Devices" (BUS-MAST.TEC). Bus-mastering conflicts often result in a system crash when accessing the bus-mastering device. As described in BUS-MAST.TEC, the best solution is to obtain a VDS driver from the manufacturer of that controller. If you are attempting to access the SCSI device under Windows Enhanced mode, loading SMARTDRV low may provide a temporary workaround. Otherwise, if you are not attempting to access the SCSI device under Windows Enhanced Mode, adding the DB=2 parameter to the QEMM386.SYS line in your CONFIG.SYS file may provide a temporary workaround until a VDS driver is provided by the manufacturer. MICROSOFT CD-ROM EXTENSIONS TO DOS ---------------------------------- Most CD-ROM drives use the Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions to DOS. They typically use a TSR called MSCDEX.EXE to provide these services. Users of MS-DOS 6 or later should use the MSCDEX.EXE driver that was included with that version of DOS. Users of Novell DOS 7 can use the NWCDEX.EXE driver, which utilizes Novell's DPMS memory. MSCDEX takes two parameters that affect how much memory it uses: /M:XX and /E. The /M:XX parameter, where XX is some number, allocates memory for buffering I/O. Each buffer uses about 2,067 bytes of conventional memory. If you use the /E parameter on MSCDEX it will load these buffers into expanded (EMS) memory, using about 2,457 bytes of expanded memory and about 20 bytes of conventional memory per buffer. QEMM users will thus benefit by more than 2K per buffer by loading the MSCDEX buffers into expanded memory. Versions of Optimize prior to the one included with QEMM 7.03 may fail to load MSCDEX high. This may be due to older versions of MSCDEX inaccurately reporting their initialization size during the Optimize process. If you have this problem, there are a few potential workarounds. The first is to acquire the latest version of MSCDEX from the manufacturer of your operating system or CD-ROM drive. Another workaround may be to reduce the initialization size of MSCDEX; you can do this by adding the /M:4 parameter to the MSCDEX line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Another option, which will work if the previous suggestion does not, is to inform Optimize that the initialization size of MSCDEX is larger than Optimize is led to believe. After the Analysis phase of Optimize is complete (after the first reboot), you will see the screen titled "ANALYSIS COMPLETE". Select "O" for Options, and then select Option "2". You can now modify the data that was collected during Optimize. Change the initialization size of MSCDEX to 80K (81920 bytes), as in the following example. Once you have made that change, press to accept it. Press again to continue with Optimize. MSCDEX should then load high. Program Try to Load Squeeze Initial Final High? Frame? Temp? Size Size ADRIVER.SYS Y - - 10698 9975 ANSI.SYS Y - - 6544 2724 BANANA.SYS Y - - 13392 6224 MSCDEX.EXE Y - - 81920 16160 <--- MOUSE.COM Y - - 27965 17435 The values listed above are fairly typical of MSCDEX as of this writing. If MSCDEX refuses to load high after Optimize is run, increase these values in 5K or 10K increments until MSCDEX loads high. Smaller values may work, especially if you have added the /M:4 parameter to MSCDEX. Current versions of MSCDEX seem to do well with 24K initial size and 17K final size; you may wish to try these values first. MITSUMI CD-ROM DRIVES THAT UTILIZE THE MTMCDAE.SYS DRIVER --------------------------------------------------------- MTMCDAE.SYS is a popular driver that provides an additional method for creating CD-ROM buffers. It creates buffers via the CD-ROM device driver in the CONFIG.SYS file, and uses the same /M:XX syntax that is used by MSCDEX.EXE. The buffers can be loaded into extended (XMS) memory by adding the /X parameter to MTMCDAE.SYS. There is no clear advantage to creating CD-ROM buffers via this driver rather than MSCDEX, or to creating buffers with both. In the following example, 64 buffers of approximately 2,500 bytes each have been created. The addition of the /X parameter allows these buffers to be loaded into extended memory. The MTMCDAE driver, however, is loaded into conventional memory, unless it has been loaded high by Optimize. DEVICE=C:\CDROM\MTMCDAE.SYS /D:MVCD001 /M:64 /X ID:CR QEMM: Using QEMM with a CD-ROM Drive Quarterdeck Technical Note #261 Filename: CDROM.TEC by Michael Bolton CompuServe: CDROM.TEC Last revised: 9/9/94 Category: HW ************************************************************************ * Trademarks are property of their respective owners. * *This technical note may be copied and distributed freely as long as it* *is distributed in its entirety and it is not distributed for profit. * * Copyright (C) 1992-94 by Quarterdeck Office Systems * ************************ E N D O F F I L E ************************* _____________________________________________ > MICROGRAFX NEWS! STR InfoFile """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" MICROGRAFX PICTURE PUBLISHER 5.0 CONTINUES TO DEFINE INNOVATION IN IMAGE EDITING COMMAND LIST PROVIDES MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH INFINITE UNDO Richardson, Texas (September 15, 1994) -- Micrografx Inc. (NASDAQ: MGXI) today announced the immediate availability of Micrografx Picture Publisher 5.0, the latest version of its award-winning Windows-based image editing software. Announced at Seybold Fall 1994 in San Francisco, Picture Publisher 5.0 is the ideal solution for PC-based photographers, graphic designers and desktop publishers. In addition to Picture Publisher 5.0's feature-based innovation, the company also announced plans to offer a CD-ROM version of the product for the introductory price of $149.95 until Dec. 31, 1994. This is a full version of Micrografx Picture Publisher 5.0, including all online help and clipart images. The printed documentation is also available to users for an additional $29.95. The foundation of Picture Publisher 5.0 is an innovative concept: Command List. This intelligent macro provides productivity-enhancing benefits such as Infinite Undo and Command Layering - which allows rearranging and editing of all commands applied to an image. By giving digital photographers and graphics professionals complete creative control over an image, Micrografx Picture Publisher 5.0 has once again raised the bar for innovation in image editing. By integrating a drag-and-drop Clipboard Browser and Customizable Toolboxes, Micrografx Picture Publisher 5.0 continues to be the easiest-to-use image editor for Windows. "Micrografx Picture Publisher 5.0 continues the tradition of a strong balance between image editing power and intuitive ease-of-use," said J. Paul Grayson, President and CEO of Micrografx. "We've refined and added many features to Picture Publisher, while ensuring it continues to run quickly on 386 and 486 machines." Command List Benefits --------------------- In providing peak productivity through technical innovation, Micrografx has implemented an intelligent macro called Command List. By transparently attaching an ASCII file to the Picture Publisher file format, the macro records all commands applied to the image - with no unique memory demands. The Command List provides the following benefits: o Infinite Undo - unlimited undo capability for all commands within Picture Publisher o Command Layering - ability to rearrange, edit all commands that are applied to an image o Low-Rez Post Processing - work quickly on a low resolution proxy, then apply functions to high resolution o Full Macro Facility - save and replay any set of steps Ease-of-Use Enhancements Comparative reviews in computer publications have consistently recognized Picture Publisher as the easiest-to-use image editor, and Picture Publisher 5.0 continues to be even easier-to-use and learn with: o Bubble Hints - visual, yellow-colored "pop-up" menus to describe icons o Power Right Mouse Button Support - instant access to functions from right mouse button o Customizable Toolboxes and Workspace - create and save any tool, menu or macro in floating toolboxes o Extensive Hot Keys - virtually all menus have hot keys for faster access and use. o Enhanced Visual Previews - larger, more accurate previews during effects and color balance o Interactive, CD-ROM-based On-Line Tutorial - speeds initial learning and on-going use Improved Performance -------------------- Optimized for Windows 3.1 (or WFWG 3.11), Picture Publisher 5.0 has been architected to excel on 486-based PCs with 8MB of RAM. Unlike competitive products requiring high-powered Pentium systems with at least 16MB of RAM, Picture Publisher performs exceptionally quickly in lower-powered machines. Leading Industry Standards -------------------------- As a leading technology provider, Micrografx is the first image editor to offer extensive OLE 2.0 support including drag-and-drop and in-place activation. OLE 2.0 provides a tremendous improvement in productivity by allowing users to bring compelling graphics to other applications such as spreadsheets and databases. In addition to OLE 2.0, Picture Publisher 5.0 fully integrates the Kodak PRECISION Color Management System. This color management system ensures color fidelity from scanner, to monitor to printer. The Best Value in Image Editors ------------------------------- Micrografx Picture Publisher 5.0 is available now and retails for $595 SRP for the diskette version * $200-$300 less than competing products. A CD-ROM only version is also available for $395 SRP. A special introductory price of only $149.95 for the CD-ROM version will be offered through December 31, 1994. Registered users of previous version of Picture Publisher (including LE versions) can upgrade to Picture Publisher 5.0 for $99.95 for the CD-ROM only version, or $149.95 for the diskette version. System Requirements ------------------- 386 PC (486 recommended), 4MB RAM (8MB+ recommended), hard drive, Windows 3.1 or higher, DOS 5.0 or higher, mouse, VGA or better display. Note: CD-ROM drive required to access additional of photos, Kodak PRECISION Color Management System and on-line tutorial. Micrografx Designer 4.1 Technical Edition ========================================= Information on Designer 4.1 Technical Edition (TE) This message outlines product strategy and direction regarding Micrografx Designer and hopefully answers some questions that have been posted recently. I will attempt to keep the marketing rhetoric to a minimum and provide information as candidly as possible so you can understand the reasons behind the release of Designer 4.1 TE. Quick Background Overview (Designer 4.0 to 4.1 TE): The release of Designer 4.0 (last year) represented a major step from Designer 3.1 . A major new interface, a major new code base and many, many new features. Although great in many ways, Designer 4.0 also created some unhappy customers. Many of you have voiced your concerns on this forum. Through comments from people like yourself and through our research, it was clear that Designer 4.0 did not achieve its mark. We needed to regroup and ensure we were providing the right solution to our target audience. The strategy behind Designer 4.1 TE was a two part process: One, determining who our target audience was and then secondly, ensuring we were providing the right features that solved their needs. Although a "minor" (point) release, Designer 4.1 TE represents a "major" release in providing what our customers have asked for: speed, quality and functionality. Also, the "Technical Edition" or "TE" in the product name was used to highlight the technical orientation of Designer and catch the eye of people needing a technical illustration tool. It is the next version of Designer (ie. from 4.0 or 3.1, people should upgrade to 4.1 TE) and there are no plans for other "editions". The Designer 4.1 TE Target Customer: As a long time product in Windows, many different types of customers bought and used Designer over the years: engineers, desktop publishers, home computer enthusiasts, professional artists, and occasional drawing users to name but a few. As we researched our user community to determine what was required moving forward, we found that the majority of Designer users from around the world were either technical illustrators or engineers. Furthermore, as we researched emerging growth opportunities in the Windows illustration category, we discovered a great opportunity for technical illustration (for a more complete explanation, see the Jesse Berst column in the PC Week June 27 issue, but in summary Jesse states "Micrografx found an unexploited market"). As the software industry evolves, companies will continue to succeed based on their abilities to understand and deliver appropriate products to their target customers. Micrografx is no exception. The release of 4.1 TE represents a clear focus on this technical illustration target customer. Does this focus mean it is not good for desktop publishers, or for the graphic artist? Not at all. Many of the same features technical illustrators need are what desktop publishers or graphic artists use. However our marketing message and focus will be aimed at the technical illustration market. New Functionality ----------------- The target audience asked for 3 main items: improved performance, specific functionality and a quality product. Designer 4.1 TE provides all of these. Improved Performance: --------------------- Designer 4.1 TE is significantly faster than 4.0. Customers will see noticeable speed improvements in key areas. One is initial start up. To give you an example, on a 486/33 with 8 MB RAM, initial start up time has improved almost 20% over 4.0a. Further items that have been significantly improved include text redraw that is faster, gradients that draw faster, screen redraws that are more "intelligent" (and faster) and the return of a number of the Designer 3.1 keyboard shortcuts and commands (e.g., Print View command, all commands available for right mouse button, and opaque text to name a few). In fact, a number of our own employees who tried 4.0 (and went back to use 3.1) are now using 4.1 TE since the performance is so much better. Another way we have improved performance is eliminating the 3D code from Designer 4.1 TE. Unfortunately, the current state of Windows 3.1 (a 16-bit operating environment) does not lend itself well to working quickly with 3D. In fact, as many of you know, we delivered a 32-bit graphics engine with Designer 4.0 in an attempt to rectify some of the limitations. Unfortunately, this did not work as well as we would have liked. Furthermore, when we researched 3D use amongst our users, we found very little use of 3D. And when we asked if they would give up 3D to get a speed improvement, an overwhelming majority said yes. So based on this feedback and the resulting speed improvements, 3D was removed from Designer 4.1 TE. Specific Functionality ---------------------- There are a number of enhancements in Designer 4.1 TE that will be a welcome addition to our customers. Listed below are the key highlights. Import/Export Filters --------------------- Designer 4.1 TE's import and export filters have gone through a complete overhaul and now support over 40 import and export filters. Perhaps not a "glamorous" feature on the surface, it is an essential feature addition. Enhancements includes a new DXF filter that supports layers (in and out, keeps layer information in tact), a new CGM filter, a brand new IGES import filter and significant improvements to our EPS filter. All created knowing corporations need to seamlessly transfer data in and out of graphics programs. Also added was a new PageMaker 5 filter. Now Designer files can be placed in PageMaker 5 for great looking technical documentation or desktop publishing work. ClipArt Manager --------------- A new "drag and drop" clipart manager provides quick visual thumbnails of the 1500 clipart symbols (10,000 more are on CD-ROM). And many of these symbols are specifically targeted for technical illustration. Additionally, we have licenced and provided 500 (of the 1500) specific TechSymbols from a company that specializes in technical symbols. Also, this new ClipArt manager takes up much less workspace, has configurable thumbnail sizes and helps you quickly get the clipart piece you want. New Easy-to-Access Status Bar ----------------------------- Designer 4.1 TE has a new expanded status line, it introduces quick one button access to what used to be hard to access elements (fill colors, line styles, snap points, etc). And the new way to add colors to palettes is real fast and easy. New detailed selection information is also displayed on the status bar. The status bar can be displayed as a single line or two lines of information or turned off altogether. New Dimensioning Tool --------------------- Easy to use and create dimensioning lines that retain "associative" status when resizing an object. The new dimension lines can be horizontal, vertical or aligned and you have full control over automatic extension lines and gaps as well as arrow heads, fonts, unit of measure and amount of displayed precision. Ease of Use -- CD-ROM-based Training/Tutorial --------------------------------------------- To assist in learning Designer 4.1 TE, it comes with a new interactive, on-line CD-ROM tutorial. Old and new customers alike will be up and using new Designer 4.1 TE quicker than ever before. Other ease of use features include bubble hints that pop up next to all buttons in Designer 4.1 TE and a floating hint window that contains context-sensitive hints on what buttons and dialogs do as well as step by step instructions for using Designer 4.1 TE’s tools. Of course, these features can be easily turned on or off. New Text along a Curve ---------------------- Now creating text along a path (curve) is easier and faster than before. A completely new interface makes creating and editing text more intuitive to new and old customers. Included are many predefined placements for open and closed shapes as well as interactive placement. When interactively editing the placement of text along a curve, a new ribbon is displayed that contains buttons to control the direction, offset, and formatting of text placed along a curve. Quality Improvements -------------------- To be accepted in corporations and by users around the world, software must be reliable. Although some of our competitors continue to release significantly buggy code, it is not acceptable for Micrografx and our renewed focus on customer satisfaction to release anything less than fully tested software. Once again, Designer 4.1 TE will stand out with its quality. As some of our QA group said, 4.1 TE is "10 times better than 4.0". In Summary: ----------- Designer 4.1 TE represents a complete commitment to our customers to deliver what they have asked for. Designer 4.1 TE delivers a product that will rank as one of the fastest in its category. It provides essential new functionality to ensure our customers can perform their jobs easier, faster and with more accuracy. And finally, it is a quality product that users can depend on. This release is not just a bug fix as some folks have suggested. Yes it does fix bugs. But it also provides the additional functionality and speed that our customers have requested The value that is delivered with Designer 4.1 TE is well worth the upgrade price of $49.95 ($149.95 for Designer 3.x users). I encourage you to try Designer 4.1 TE. Only after you use Designer 4.1 TE will you share my belief that this is one of the best products available in the Windows market today. I look forward to comments and will be on the forum over the next few days to answer questions. Grant Wickes Vice President - Professional Graphics Micrografx **** Contact: Katrina Krebs Dave Walters Company: Micrografx, Inc. Alexander Communications Phone: (214) 994-6247 Phone: (404) 325-7555 MCI: 636-1653 MCI: 323-0259 CompuServe: 72662,1175 Founded in 1982, Micrografx is the international leader in creativity software for personal computers. Micrografx creates, publishes and markets applications that enable and enhance visual communication and creative expression in the mainstream business, home and professional creativity markets. Driven by customers * from children who play with Micrografx Crayola Amazing Art Adventure to corporate managers who rely on ABC FlowCharter * Micrografx provides tools for visualizing the future. The company’s U.S. operations are based in Richardson, Texas with a satellite office in San Francisco. International locations include Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, the Netherlands and Japan. _______________________________________________ > QEMM & GAMES STR InfoFile """"""""""""""""""""""""" CONFIGURING QEMM FOR BEST RESULTS WITH TODAY'S COMPUTER GAMES OVERVIEW -------- You just went to your local software retailer and purchased the hottest new game off the shelves. You've been reading about how great this new game is for the past month. The reviews have said the sound reminds you of the latest action blockbuster movie, and the graphics are so detailed, you'd swear it was real. You open the box, and the cover sheet says: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS- Processor: 386 or better Operating System: MS-DOS 5 or later Memory: 4 Megabytes RAM Video: VGA Disk Space: 10 Megabytes Pointing Device: Mouse OPTIONAL- CD-ROM Sound Card Joystick Fifteen minutes later, after installing the game, plus the special sound and graphic options, you try to start the game up. Your screen flashes, and instead of being presented with the opening graphics, you see a little black and white message that says "Not enough memory." "What do I do?" you ask yourself. Solving problems like these is the topic of this technote. Q. WHY WON'T MY GAMES RUN? A. Today's games are pushing the limits of what they want from a system. Many actually require a minimum 386SX or faster machine, 2MB of RAM, and VGA graphics. They also want most (if not all) of conventional memory so they can dazzle you with the newest set of thrills. Requirements of 610K or more of free conventional memory are becoming more commonplace. QEMM can easily free up well over 620K of conventional memory on most systems, even after loading the drivers and programs that you like to have at your fingertips. Note that most of the current game publishers recommend not loading very many TSRs, and some games will not run with *ANY* memory manager at all. Q. WHAT DO I DO? A. What you should do is create a "bare system", also known as a "clean boot". A bare system is one in which you load only the TSRs and drivers absolutely necessary to run the game in question, and nothing else. This will ensure that the game will not only have the memory that it needs to run, but that the chances of another program or TSR interfering with the game are minimized. What will be discussed below is how to create a clean boot floppy, or a multiple configuration if you are using DOS 6.x. A clean boot floppy will allow you to insert a floppy disk in the A: drive, boot the computer, and load a configuration from the floppy that is optimal for the games that you are using. Users of MS-DOS 6 and PC-DOS 6 can alternatively set up a "multiple configuration" that allows different configurations to be chosen when booting the computer (thus, placing a floppy in the A: drive is not necessary). Please note that QEMM 7 is required to fully support multiple configurations. CREATING A BOOT DISK -------------------- To create a game boot disk, you do the following: 1) Find a blank, unformatted floppy that'll fit in your A: drive, or a floppy disk containing nothing you wish to save. 2) Label this floppy disk "GAME FLOPPY". 3) From the DOS prompt, type the following: FORMAT A: /S This will format the floppy disk, as well as making it bootable. 4) After the format is complete and you are back at a DOS prompt, type: COPY C:\CONFIG.SYS A:\ COPY C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT A:\ A: 5) Edit your A:\AUTOEXEC.BAT file. a) DOS 5 users will be able to type EDIT AUTOEXEC.BAT and b) DOS 3 or 4 users will need to use their favorite text editor or EDLIN. c) DR-DOS users will be able to type EDITOR AUTOEXEC.BAT and 6) Make the following changes: a) Insert the letters "REM " (the word REM followed by a single space)in front of every line EXCEPT the following: CD-ROM (commonly MSCDEX.EXE) Mouse (commonly MOUSE.EXE or MOUSE.COM) Sound (most likely statements that start with the word SET and/or the lines that are added by your Sound board. Common ones are SBCONFIG and MVAUDIO.) Path (usually looks like PATH=C:\DOS;C:\ ...) Prompt (usually looks like PROMPT $P$G) Joystick (if you need a driver to run your joystick) b) On the line that reads MSCDEX.EXE, if there is an /M:xx, make sure that the number is less than 15 (/M:15). If it is not, please feel free to change it. Then, if there is not a /E on that line please add one. EXAMPLE: MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001 /V /M:4 /E c) Save the file and exit. EXAMPLE: Before =================================== @ECHO OFF SET TEMP=C:\TEMP SET NU=C:\NU SET NORTON=C:\NORTON REM THE "CHECK" LINE BELOW PROVIDES ADDITIONAL SAFETY FOR STACKED DRIVES REM PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE IT C:\STACKER\CHECK /WP PROMPT $P$G PATH=C:\PROAUDIO;C:\QEMM;C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;C:\FUSION;C:\STACKER;C:\;C:\MOU SE SET MOUSE=C:\MOUSE C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\MOUSE.EXE C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE /L:500 /F:5100 C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001 /M:20 SET BLASTER=A220 D1 I5 T3 IMAGE C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DRIVERS\FASTLNK.EXE /Q After =================================== @ECHO OFF SET TEMP=C:\TEMP SET NU=C:\NU SET NORTON=C:\NORTON REM THE "CHECK" LINE BELOW PROVIDES ADDITIONAL SAFETY FOR STACKED DRIVES REM PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE IT C:\STACKER\CHECK /WP PROMPT $P$G PATH=C:\PROAUDIO;C:\QEMM;C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;C:\FUSION;C:\STACKER;C:\;C:\MOU SE SET MOUSE=C:\MOUSE C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\MOUSE.EXE REM C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE /L:500 /F:5100 C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001 /M:4 /E SET BLASTER=A220 D1 I5 T3 REM IMAGE REM C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DRIVERS\FASTLNK.EXE /Q 7) Edit your A:\CONFIG.SYS file. a) DOS 5 users will be able to type EDIT CONFIG.SYS and b) DOS 3 or 4 users will need to use their favorite text editor or EDLIN. c) DR-DOS users will be able to type EDITOR CONFIG.SYS and 8) Make the following changes: a) Using the REM command, remark out all lines except the following: DOSDATA.SYS QEMM386.SYS DOS-UP.SYS SHELL=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM FILES BUFFERS CD-ROM Driver (commonly DEVICE=C:\CDROM\MTMCDAE.SYS) Sound Driver (commonly DEVICE=C:\MVSOUND\MVAUDIO.SYS) Disk Compression Drivers (commonly DEVICE=C:\STACKER\STACHIGH.SYS DEVICE=C:\STACKER\STACKER.COM DEVICE=C:\QEMM\ST-DBL.SYS DEVICE=C:\DOS\DBLSPACE.SYS) EXAMPLE: Before ======================================= DEVICE=C:\QEMM\DOSDATA.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\QEMM386.SYS RAM X=B000-B1FF R:1 ST:M DEVICE=C:\QEMM\DOS-UP.SYS @C:\QEMM\DOS-UP.DAT DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:1 C:\QEMM\QDPMI.SYS SWAPFILE=DPMI.SWP SW... DEVICE=C:\STACKER\DPMS.EXE DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\STACKER\STACHIGH.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\CD-ROM\TSLCDR.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:3 /S:330 DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\DOS\ANSI.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:1 C:\DRIVERS\SPEEDVID.SYS /VGA FILES=40 BUFFERS=25 LASTDRIVE=Z STACKS=0,0 SHELL=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.COM /R:2 C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM /P /E:512 After ======================================= DEVICE=C:\QEMM\DOSDATA.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\QEMM386.SYS RAM X=B000-B1FF R:1 ST:M DEVICE=C:\QEMM\DOS-UP.SYS @C:\QEMM\DOS-UP.DAT DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:1 C:\QEMM\QDPMI.SYS SWAPFILE=DPMI.SWP SW... DEVICE=C:\STACKER\DPMS.EXE DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\STACKER\STACHIGH.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\CD-ROM\TSLCDR.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:3 /S:330 REM DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\DOS\ANSI.SYS REM DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE REM DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:1 C:\DRIVERS\SPEEDVID.SYS /VGA FILES=40 BUFFERS=25 LASTDRIVE=Z STACKS=0,0 SHELL=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.COM /R:2 C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM /P /E:512 b) If any of the following parameters are on the QEMM386.SYS line, please remove them: ST:M ST:F XST=C000 XST=E000 XST=F000 Please add the following parameters to the QEMM386.SYS line: DMA=128 RH:N SH:N XBDA:L Example: (Before) DEVICE=C:\QEMM\QEMM386.SYS RAM ST:M XST=C000 R:1 (After) DEVICE=C:\QEMM\QEMM386.SYS RAM DMA=128 RH:N SH:N XBDA:L R:1 c) Save the file and exit. 9) Type the following: C: CD\QEMM Optimize /B:A /NOST This will begin the Optimize process, which will provide as much conventional and upper memory as possible. When asked, select "Express Optimize" to speed the Optimize procedure up. 10) You are finished with this part - go to the ** CONCLUSION ** section at the end of this technical note. CREATING A MULTIPLE BOOT CONFIGURATION -------------------------------------- *** NOTE: THIS SECTION IS FOR PC-DOS & MS-DOS 6.x SYSTEMS ONLY *** MS- and PC-DOS 6 support multiple configurations, which allow you to choose which group of drivers you would like to load. QEMM 7 fully supports multiple configurations; this section is intended to help you create one quickly and painlessly. If you need any additional assistance, contact the manufacturer of the DOS that you are using. To create a game configuration, you need to do the following: 1) From the DOS prompt, type the following: C: CD\ EDIT AUTOEXEC.BAT This will allow you to edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file on the boot drive. 2) Add the following lines at the very top of this file: GOTO %CONFIG% :NORMAL 3) Go to the bottom of your AUTOEXEC.BAT (hit the down arrow until you are at the end of the file) and add the following lines: GOTO END :GAME 4) Do the following a) Using Copy and Paste, copy the following lines from your NORMAL configuration (everything between the :NORMAL line and the GOTO END line) to the GAME configuration (below the :GAME line): CD-ROM (commonly MSCDEX.EXE) Mouse (commonly MOUSE.EXE or MOUSE.COM) Sound (most likely statements that start with the word SET and/or the lines that are added by your Sound board. Common ones are SBCONFIG and MVAUDIO.) Path (usually looks like PATH=C:\DOS;C:\ ...) Prompt (usually looks like PROMPT $P$G) Joystick (if you need a driver to run your joystick) EXAMPLE: GOTO %CONFIG% :NORMAL @ECHO OFF SET TEMP=C:\TEMP SET NU=C:\NU SET NORTON=C:\NORTON REM THE "CHECK" LINE BELOW PROVIDES ADDITIONAL SAFETY FOR STACKED DRIVES REM PLEASE DO ONT REMOVE IT C:\STACKER\CHECK /WP PROMPT $P$G PATH=C:\PROAUDIO;C:\QEMM;C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;C:\FUSION;C:\STACKER;C:\;C:\MOU SE SET MOUSE=C:\MOUSE C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\MOUSE.EXE C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE /L:500 /F:5100 C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001 /M:20 SET BLASTER=A220 D1 I5 T3 IMAGE C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DRIVERS\FASTLNK.EXE /Q GOTO END :GAME @ECHO OFF SET TEMP=C:\TEMP REM THE "CHECK" LINE BELOW PROVIDES ADDITIONAL SAFETY FOR STACKED DRIVES REM PLEASE DO ONT REMOVE IT C:\STACKER\CHECK /WP PROMPT $P$G PATH=C:\PROAUDIO;C:\QEMM;C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;C:\FUSION;C:\STACKER;C:\;C:\MOU SE SET MOUSE=C:\MOUSE C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\MOUSE.EXE C:\QEMM\LOADHI /R:2 C:\DOS\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001 /M:4 /E SET BLASTER=A220 D1 I5 T3 GOTO END :END REM -- END OF MULTI -- b) On the line that reads MSCDEX.EXE, if there is an /M:xx, make sure that the number is less than 15 (/M:15). If it is not, please feel free to change it. Then, if there is not a /E on that line please add one. EXAMPLE: MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001 /V /M:4 /E c) Go to the very end of the AUTOEXEC.BAT d) Hit a couple of times to make a blank line and add the following line: :END e) Save the file and exit. 5) Edit your CONFIG.SYS file by typing the following: EDIT CONFIG.SYS 6) Type the following as the first lines in your CONFIG.SYS: [menu] menuitem=NORMAL, Normal Configuration menuitem=GAME, Games Configuration [NORMAL] 7) Go to the bottom of your CONFIG.SYS file. (Press the down arrow until you get to the bottom of the file) and type [GAME] 8) Do the following: a) Copy the following lines from your Normal Configuration: DOSDATA.SYS QEMM386.SYS DOS-UP.SYS SHELL=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM FILES BUFFERS CD-ROM Driver (commonly DEVICE=C:\CDROM\MTMCDAE.SYS) Sound Driver (commonly DEVICE=C:\MVSOUND\MVAUDIO.SYS) Disk Compression Drivers (commonly DEVICE=C:\STACKER\STACHIGH.SYS DEVICE=C:\STACKER\STACKER.COM DEVICE=C:\QEMM\ST-DBL.SYS DEVICE=C:\DOS\DBLSPACE.SYS) EXAMPLE: MENUITEM=NORMAL, Normal Configuration MENUITEM=GAME, Games Configuration [NORMAL] DEVICE=C:\QEMM\DOSDATA.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\QEMM386.SYS RAM X=B000-B1FF R:1 ST:M DEVICE=C:\QEMM\DOS-UP.SYS @C:\QEMM\DOS-UP.DAT DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:1 C:\QEMM\QDPMI.SYS SWAPFILE=DPMI.SWP SW... DEVICE=C:\STACKER\DPMS.EXE DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\STACKER\STACHIGH.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\CD-ROM\TSLCDR.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:3 /S:330 DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\DOS\ANSI.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:1 C:\DRIVERS\SPEEDVID.SYS /VGA FILES=40 BUFFERS=25 LASTDRIVE=Z STACKS=0,0 SHELL=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.COM /R:2 C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM /P /E:512 [GAME] DEVICE=C:\QEMM\DOSDATA.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\QEMM386.SYS RAM X=B000-B1FF R:1 ST:M DEVICE=C:\QEMM\DOS-UP.SYS @C:\QEMM\DOS-UP.DAT DEVICE=C:\STACKER\DPMS.EXE DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\STACKER\STACHIGH.SYS DEVICE=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.SYS /R:2 C:\CD-ROM\TSLCDR.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:3 /S:330 FILES=40 BUFFERS=25 LASTDRIVE=Z STACKS=0,0 SHELL=C:\QEMM\LOADHI.COM /R:2 C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM /P /E:512 b) If any of the following parameters are on the QEMM386.SYS line, please remove them: ST:M ST:F XST=C000 XST=E000 XST=F000 Please add the following parameters to the QEMM386.SYS line: DMA=128 RH:N SH:N XBDA:L Example: (Before) DEVICE=C:\QEMM\QEMM386.SYS RAM ST:M XST=C000 R:1 (After) DEVICE=C:\QEMM\QEMM386.SYS RAM DMA=128 RH:N SH:N XBDA:L R:1 c) Save the file and exit. *** For further information on creating Multiple Boot Configurations *** *** please refer to your DOS 6 Manual *** 9) Type the following: CD\QEMM Optimize /NOST Select the Games Configuration followed by the Express Optimize option. 10) You are finished with this part - go to ** CONCLUSION **. ** CONCLUSION ** You are now ready to play! Q. My game says it *STILL* does not have enough memory. What do I do now? A. At this point, re-run Optimize. When it asks to do Stealth testing, hit for Express Stealth Testing. Do not be too concerned with the strange things that may appear on your screen. After Optimize is complete, run the game. If you experience any conflict, the STEALTH.TEC technote in the \QEMM directory will help you fine tune Stealth for your configuration. ** SPECIAL NOTE - KNOWN INCOMPATIBILITIES ** The following games are known to be either incompatible with QEMM, or require special handling. Some games will not run with any memory management software because the game designers are taking memory management into their own hands. Tornado (by Spectrum Holobyte) - Do not load COMMAND.COM or Stacks high. Links386 (by Access) - Make sure you are using their latest version, QEMM 7.04 (or later), and add VS:Y to the end of the QEMM386.SYS line in your CONFIG.SYS. DOS4GW v1.9 Extended Games: Rebel Assault, SimCity 2000, DOOM. The DOS-Extender these games use does not function properly with AMI BIOS systems using the Hidden Refresh option. For the games to function properly, disable this option, or obtain the latest release from the game manufacturer. Comanche (by NovaLogic) - Will not run with any Expanded memory manager by design. You must use HIMEM.SYS or equivalent XMS manager only. ID:QG Using QEMM with Games Quarterdeck Technical Note #284 Filename: GAMES.TEC by Michael Bryant II CompuServe: GAMES.ZIP Last revised: 9/14/94 Category: QEMM ************************************************************************ *This technical note may be copied and distributed freely as long as it* *is distributed in its entirety and it is not distributed for profit. * * Copyright (C) 1994 by Quarterdeck Office Systems * ************************ E N D O F F I L E ************************* """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" :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. GEnie Information copyright (C) 1994 by General Electric Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ___ ___ _____ _______ /___| /___| /_____| /_______/ 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) ====================== John Deegan, Editor (Temp) > HP COLOR LASER!! STR InfoFile """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" HP COLOR LASERJET PRINTER DATA SHEET ==================================== MODEL NUMBER C3100A HP Color LaserJet Printer SERIAL NUMBER Located on back of printer above power cord receptacle or on the Self Test printout. PRINTER DESCRIPTION The HP C3100A HP Color LaserJet printer provides 300 dots per inch resolution plus built-in Resolution Enhancement technology (REt), for black and white printing only, with a throughput of up to 10 pages per minute for black and white and 2 pages per minute for full color documents. It has the ability to scale fonts, hot I/O's, dual bin input, PCL 5 Language with Color Extension, and the HP-GL/2 enhancement for plotter output. It also has an optional rear feed tray. PRINTER FEATURES PCL Printer Language PCL Level 5 with color extension Interfaces Bi-tronics parallel Optional I/O (MIO) Yes Status Checking for HP Optional 3000 Video I/O No AppleTalk I/O Optional Font Cartridge Slots 2 Total Memory 8 MB Fonts Per Page Limited Only By Memory Downloadable Soft Fonts Limited Only By Memory Macros/Forms Limited Only By Memory Forms Overlay Yes Rules, Gray Shades, Yes Patterns Character Height Limited Only By Memory & Page Size Duplex No Auto Font Rotation Yes Macro Cartridge Support Yes Page Count Yes RESIDENT FONTS The HP C3100A Color LaserJet printer contains the following resident Intellifont and TrueType typefaces with the following styles and stroke weights: Intellifont Typeface Albertus Medium, Extrabold Antique Olive Medium, Italic Clarendon Condensed Coronet Courier Medium, Italic, Bold, Bold Italic Garamond Antiqua, Cursiv,Halbfett, Kursiv Halbfett Letter Gothic Medium, Italic, Bold Marigold CG Omega Medium, Italic, Bold, Bold Italic CG Times Medium, Italic, Bold, Bold Italic Univers Medium, Italic, Bold, Bold Italic Univers Condensed Medium, Italic, Bold, Bold Italic True Type Typeface Arial Medium, Italic, Bold, Bold Italic Symbol Times New Roman Medium, Italic, Bold, Bold Italic Wingdings Bitmapped Typeface Line Printer Medium (16.66 pitch) Note The HP Color LaserJet printer automatically rotates fonts to the orientation specified. Thus all fonts (resident, cartridge, SIMM, and soft) can be printed in portrait, landscape, reverse portrait, and reverse landscape. CARTRIDGE FONTS The HP Color LaserJet Printer will accept all HP cartridge fonts. Language Cartridges such as the Epson/IBM Emulation Cartridge and the PostScript Cartridges do not work in this printer. MEMORY (RAM) EXPANSION Any combination (up to 4 SIMM boards total) of the following optional SIMM memory may be installed: C3130A 1 Mb SIMM 1,024 Kbytes C3131A 2 Mb SIMM 2,048 Kbytes C3132A 4 Mb SIMM 4,096 Kbytes C3133A 8 Mb SIMM 8,192 Kbytes C3146A 16 Mb SIMM 16,384 Kbytes OPTIONAL MEMORY REQUIREMENTS Full-page (letter-sized) 150-dpi graphics None Half-page (letter-sized) 300-dpi graphics None Full-page (letter-sized) 300-dpi graphics None Full-page (legal-sized) 300-dpi graphics None TEXT AND GRAPHICS RESOLUTION (DPI) TEXT RESOLUTION WITH STANDARD MEMORY Text 300 x 300 Dots Per Inch (DPI) GRAPHICS RESOLUTION WITH STANDARD MEMORY: 75 dpi Full-page 100 dpi Full-page 150 dpi Full-page 300 dpi Full-page PERFORMANCE Black and White Printing Up to 10 ppm Full Color Printing Up to 2 ppm Color Transparencies Up to 1 ppm First-Page-Out Speed (after receipt of data) Black Text Printing 25 seconds Full Color Printing 42 seconds Warm-up Time 3 minutes or less Duty Cycle Up to 15,000 pages per month PAPER HANDLING Standard Input Tray 1 Capacity (Letter Paper Tray 250 Sheets - Regular Paper) Capacity (Transparencies, 50 Sheets Letter/A4 size only) Standard Output Trays 2 Upper Tray Capacity- face 100 Sheets down (correct order) Lower Tray Capacity- face up 50 Sheets (reverse order)*** Optional Standard Input Trays 6 Capacity (letter) 250 Sheets Capacity (legal) 250 Sheets Capacity (Executive) 250 Sheets Capacity (tabloid) 250 Sheets Capacity (A4) 250 Sheets Capacity (A3) 250 Sheets Optional Rear Feed Unit 1 Letter/A4/Executive 250 Sheets** Transparencies (Letter/A4 50 Sheets size only) Manual Feed Option* 1 Letter/A4 Single Sheet Executive Single Sheet Legal Single Sheet Tabloid (B-size)/A3 Single Sheet Job Offset No Maximum Paper Size 11" x 17" Minimum Paper Size 7 1/4" x 10 1/2" The HP Color LaserJet Printer does not support printing of envelopes or labels. * Manual Feed is available through the Optional Rear Feed Unit only. ** 250 sheets or 1", depending on paper weight and type. *** Transparencies exit through the Lower Output Tray. PAPER SPECIFICATIONS Paper Cassette 20 to 24 pound (75.2 to 90.2 g/m sq) Caliper (thickness) 3.0 to 7.0 mils Moisture Content 4.7% +/- 1% by weight Smoothness 100 to 190 Sheffield Acid Content 5.5 pH minimum Grain Long Grain Fusing compatibility - must not scorch, melt, offset material or release hazardous emissions when heated to 392 deg. F (200 deg. C) for 0.2 second. Finishing (Cutting Dimension Tolerance & Angle) - Cut sheet to within +/- 0.03 inch (0.8 mm) of nominal, corners 90 deg.+/- 0.2 deg square. Ash Content - Not to exceed 10% or contain large amounts of clay or talc. Furnish (Composition) - 100% chemical wood pulp and/or cotton fiber. SPECIAL PAPER Transparencies Supported HP Overhead transpariencies only (Part No C2934A Letter C2936A A4) NOTE: For additional information concerning paper specifications, refer to the LaserJet Printer Family Paper Specification Guide (5002- 1801). PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS Width 23.7 in (620 mm) Depth (body,with trays 21.5 in (490 mm) installed) Depth (w/optional rear feed 24.6 in (625 mm) unit) Height (printer only) 14.9 in (375 mm) Height (w/optional rear feed 17.9 in (378 mm) unit) Weight (with developers,toner 108 lbs (46.5 kg) and options) TONER The HP Color LaserJet Printer Toner Imaging System uses four (4) toner containers and a Toner Collection Kit. Cyan C3102A Magenta C3104A Yellow C3103A Black C3105A Toner Collection Kit C3120A (includes a Toner Collection Box, Ozone Filter, and Toner Cleaning Cloth.) ELECTRICAL C3100A #XXX - 115 Volt printers Voltage 115 V to 127 V +/- 10% Frequencies 50 or 60 Hz +/- 3% Power Consumption at 115 V AC Printing (average) 520 Watts Standby (average) 135 Watts Power Save mode 40 Watts Highest one second average 14.0 Amps RMS C3100A #XXX - 220 to 240 Volt printers Voltage 220 V to 240 V ń 10% Frequencies 50 Hz +/- 3% Power Consumption at 220 V AC Printing (average) 520 Watts Standby (average) 125 Watts12 Power Save mode 40 Highest one second average 7.1 amps RMS ENVIRONMENTAL Temperature (Operating) 50-83 deg. F (10-28 deg. C) Humidity (Operating) 20-70% Relative Humidity Altitude (Operating) 0-10,000 ft (0-3,100 m) Acoustics (Printing Maximum) 6.8 Bels Acoustics (Standby Maximum) 5.4 Bels WARRANTY 1 year parts and labor, onsite, from the original date of purchase. All original consumables have a 1 year warranty. Additional purchased consumables have a 90 day warranty. The HP Color LaserJet has an optional Support Pack which can be purchased to extend the warranty to three years. SAFETY (UL, CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT) UL 1950 listed; C-22.2-950 certified; complies with IEC 950/EN 60950, FCC Class B certified, CISPR-22 level A, Product CDRH certified Class 1 Laser Product(safe for office/EDP use). NOM IEC. See User's Manual for more detailed information. MANUALS C3100-99001 HP Color LaserJet User's Bundle, which includes: 1) HP Color LaserJet Printer Getting Started Guide 2) HP Color LaserJet Printer User's Guide 3) HP Color LaserJet Printer Refernce Manual 5961-0701 Technical Reference Bundle, which includes: 1) PCL 5 Printer Language Technical Reference Manual; 2) PCL 5 Comparison Guide; 3) Printer Job Language Technical Reference; 4) PCL 5 Printer Language Technical Quick Reference Guide. 5) The PCL 5 Color Technical Reference Manual C3100-90916 The HP Color LaserJet Printer Service Manual C3119-90900 The Rear Feed Unit Installation Instructions C3112-90901 The Postscript Simm Installation Guide C3112-90902 The Postscript Technical Reference Manual PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Copyright Hewlett-Packard Co. 1994 This information is subject to change without notice and is provided "as is" with no warranty. Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this material. ********************************************************************** 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 an extremely 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 20/20 Advantage Plan 20 Hours for Only $20! ----------------------------- Advantage Members have always enjoyed the lowest DELPHI access rates available. On the new 20/20 Advantage Plan, members receive their first 20 hours of access each month for only $20. If you happen to meet someone online or find some other diversion, don't worry because additional usage is only $1.80 per hour. 20/20 Advantage rates apply for access via SprintNet or Tymnet from within the continental United States during home time or via direct dial around the clock. Home Time is from 6pm to 6am weekdays. Access during business time carries a surcharge of $9 per hour. These rates apply for most services, but note that there are some surcharged areas on DELPHI which are clearly marked with a "$" sign. Who is eligible to take advantage of the plan? Any DELPHI member in good standing. Applications are reviewed and subject to approval by Delphi Internet Services Corporation. It's easy to join. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply online -- at any time -- for membership in the DELPHI 20/20 Advantage Plan. Your membership becomes active at 4 a.m. Eastern Time on the first billing day of the following month. The $20 charge will be billed to you at the beginning of the month to which it applies. Any portion of the 20 hours not used in any month does not carry forward into the next month. Advantage rates may be changed with 30 days notice given online. 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 the BEST Value and getting BETTER all the time! ************************************************************ ATARI/JAG SECTION (III) ======================= Dana Jacobson, Editor > From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!" """""""""""""""""""""""""""" There's an old New England saying that states: "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute!" You could almost swap the topic for Atari computing news this past week. During the last few weeks, I've really been discouraged with the amount of interesting news that's been available. As I mentioned a week or so ago, the Atari support staff for STReport is minimal, so there's not a real lot of time for original articles - especially at the level which I would like to see each week. Essentially, I rely on being able to gather up as much news as possible from the various sources available to me - Compuserve, Delphi, and the Usenet (with the Internet coming shortly). I spend most of my week editing and re-formatting the items that I find so that it looks and reads more easily for our readers. So, what happened this week? Well, on Monday I received my upgrades for NeoDesk 4 and Touch-Up 2.5. Then on Tuesday, I received the beta version of Flash 2.3! I also received my order of tapes for my tape back-up unit that I desperately needed, but that was just the icing! Now if I can find some time to test these new items and put them to good use! But, it's also been an interesting week for news. We've got some informative articles for you this week such as Internet newsgroup information, CD-ROM info, DESKTOP.INF finally really explained, and a lot more! I hope that you find these articles as interesting and informative as I have. I know that I will be filing away a few of them for future reference! As mentioned last week, we announced an E-Mail distribution service for our Internet readers, via Delphi's E-Mail system. The response to a few messages posted in the Usenet Atari newsgroups on Tuesday resulted in almost 50 "sign me up" messages in two days! The response has been terrific so far; and I hope to be able to put the initial distribution list together a week earlier than expected in order to satisfy this early response. So, I'm hoping that this will be accomplished during this weekend. Thanks to the few of you who sent me E-Mail with birthday greetings - where the &$#@* did you get the information????? I turned 40-something a few days ago - a few less hairs and somehow a lot of new grey ones! Well, let's get down to the really important stuff and on with the news! Until next time... Delphi's Atari Advantage! TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (9/21/94) (1) DC XTRACT PLUS 2.2C (6) DL VIEWER (2) GEMVIEW 3.06 *(7) TURBOGIF 1.3 (3) JENS SENDS GIF VIEWER *(8) PUNT II (4) THINGY SCREEN TOY *(9) JENS SENDS PATIENCE (5) LHARC VERSION 3.10 *(10) TELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILITIES * = New on list HONORARY TOP 10 The following on-line magazines are always top downloads, frequently out-performing every other file in the databases. STREPORT (Current issue: STREPORT 10.38) ATARI ONLINE (Current issue: AEO: VOLUME 3, ISSUE 11) Look for the above files in the RECENT ARRIVALS database. _______________________________________ > C.S.A.S. Intro! STR InfoFile! - Mini Internet Tutorial! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" Introduction to comp.sources.atari.st From: Annius Groenink Date: Mon, 19 Sep 1994 10:17:18 GMT Submitted-by: avg@cwi.nl (Annius Groenink) Posting-number: Volume 8, Info 2 This article is posted regularly. It gives a short introduction to comp.sources.atari.st and describes how to submit sources or digressions to the group. I am always looking for suggestions on how to improve the usefulness of the newsgroup, and can be contacted at the following internet address: avg@cwi.nl Annius Groenink, Moderator. ABOUT comp.sources.atari.st The moderated usenet group comp.sources.atari.st contains publications or announcements of sources and texts about programming for Atari TOS computers. The publications on comp.sources.atari.st may be freely distributed as long as modifications are documented and the original authors are mentioned. THIS IS A MODERATED GROUP. YOU CANNOT POST TO IT BY YOURSELF. Read the instructions below for submitting material intended for publication on comp.sources.atari.st. SUBMITTING SOURCES OR DIGRESSIONS FOR PUBLICATION Items intended for posting or queries and problem notes should be sent to avg@cwi.nl. If you are on a UUCP-only site, you can send them to uunet!cwi.nl!avg. If you want verification of arrival, say so at the beginning of your submission, or in a cover note. I try to verify that a program works, and if I can't get it to work, I may hold up posting it for a couple of days. Please note that, except in rare cases, software without documentation will not be published. The backlog from receipt to posting varies from one to four weeks depending mostly on the set of submissions currently in my queue. If you are submitting both sources and binaries, PLEASE send the two separately. If I have to separate your sources from your binaries by hand, your submission will most likely sit on the back burner for a while, or be rejected outright. Sources can be submitted in ASCII form, but for large packages, a ZOO 2.1 archive encoded using Dumas uuencode is preferred. Please include a description of your program at the top of your article. Look at old issues of comp.binaries.atari.st for examples of the sorts of descriptions I'm looking for. In general you should indicate what the program does, on what types of Atari TOS computers, whether your program requires a certain amount of on-board memory, a hard disk or a certain screen resolution. If necessary, I may rewrite or add to this information in order to make the postings to the group more uniform. I can't check your submission in all possible configurations, and see what works and what doesn't. Without a description, your submission is likely to be rejected. THE STRUCTURE OF COMP.SOURCES.ATARI.ST ARTICLES There are two types of articles in comp.binaries.atari.st: "information postings" and "sources". The source postings are also called "Issues". For a while, 'announcements' were also accepted, but there is now a dedicated group, comp.sys.atari.announce, for that purpose. The type of a posting can be distinguished by the subject line: Subject: v02INF1: Introduction to comp.sources.atari.st This first word in the title identifies this as the first info posting of volume two. Similarly, the subject line shown below: Subject: v06i081: godsrc -- Universe simulator identifies this as the 81st source article in Volume 6. Large sources are broken up into smaller pieces, and have subject lines that look like this: Subject: v06i088: decbustr -- VMS clone in ST-LOGO, Part03/08 Certain information about the system configuration required to use the program is given on the keywords line. Keywords: MWC, Megamax, 1meg, high This means that the program compiles with Mark Williams or Megamax C, requires at least one meg of RAM and only runs in high resolution. Following is a list of keywords; new ones may be added as needed. They are mostly self- explanatory. Alcyon - Alcyon C (included with Atari developer's kit) MWC - Mark Williams C Megamax - Megamax C Laser - Laser C Lattice - Lattice C C - Any C compiler OSS - OSS Personal Pascal BASIC - ST BASIC (this is not a joke!) uuencode - program is uuencoded (uudecode required to unpack) arc - program is archived (arc required to unpack) zoo-high - program is archived (Zoo 2.1 required to unpack) lharc - program is archived (lharc required to unpack) high - high resolution medium - medium resolution low - low resolution 1meg - needs 1 meg of RAM The References: line, if present, points to the previous part of a multi- part program, so that newsreaders (trn, nn, etc.) which can follow threads will recognize a large program as a single thread. The first few lines of an article are auxiliary headers that look like this: Submitted-by: david@bdt.UUCP (David Beckmeyer) Posting-number: Volume 6, Issue 80 Archive-name: micro-rtx The "Submitted by" is the author of the program. If you have comments about the sources published in comp.sources.atari.st this is the person to contact. When possible, this address is in domain form, otherwise it is a UUCP bang path relative to some major (backbone) site. The second line repeats the volume/issue information for the aide of notes sites and automatic archiving programs. The Archive-name is the "official" name of this source in the archive. Large postings will have names that look like this: Archive-name: desktop/part01 REPORTING AND TRACKING BUGS AND PATCHES TO POSTINGS Most of the time, bugs and updates will be posted to comp.sys.atari.st. Sometimes, "official" updates from the author will be posted submitted to comp.sources.atari.st so that they are archived with the sources. Since there is no easy way to apply source code patches on the ST, changes to a program often result in a whole new version being posted. To report bugs, contact the person listed in the Submitted-to header. Often there is a contact address in a README file, too. I do not maintain the sources I moderate, so don't send your bug reports to me. -- Annius V. Groenink | avg@cwi.nl | Private/Edith/ZFC: CWI, Kruislaan 413 | A.V.Groenink@zfc.nl | P.O. Box 12079 1098 SJ Amsterdam | Room M233 ext. 4077 | NL 1100 AB Amsterdam The Netherlands | Phone: +31 20 592 4077 | Phone: +31 20 695 9901 >OCR 1.3! STR InfoFile! - Optical Character Recognition updated! """""""""""""""""""""" OCR V1.3 - Optical Character Recognition for Atari ST/STE/TT/Falcon Available at: ftp.uni-kl.de /pub/atari/misc/ocr13.lzh ftp.isbiel.ch atari/diverses/ocr13.lzh ftp.cnam.fr /pub/Atari/Text/ocr13.lzh atari.archive.umich.edu atari/Applications/Other/ocr_13.lzh Features of OCR 1.3: - FREEWARE - RSC files in English, German, French, Dutch included. - DOCs in English, German. - Supports GDPS scanner drivers. - It works in any resolution (>=496x200). - Hypertext On-line help is available using ST-Guide or 1st-Guide. - It works under MTOS, MagiC (=Mag!X), Geneva (not tested). - Windowed dialogs. Author: Alexander Clauss Stresemannstr. 44 D-64297 Darmstadt -- Germany -- email: aclauss@rbg.informatik.th-darmstadt.de >MULTIGEN Genlock! STR InfoFile! - MULTIGEN Genlock specs! New to the Delhi scene, Atari dealer Frank Succardi provides members with the vital stats: Here is the spec sheet on the MULTIGEN Genlock. If you have any questions, please drop me a line at (505) 474-2861 or FSUCCARDI@DELPHI.COM or FSUCC1004@SANTA-FE.CC.NM.US. Features: o Genlock Overlay Facility o RGB, S-Video, and Composite/PAL Outputs o S-Video and Composite Inputs o Simultaneous Monitor/TV Output o Supports PC, MAC, ST/MEGA, Falcon030, Archimedes o Supports up to 640x480 Resolution in 256,000 Colors o Computer Fade Facility o Overscan/Underscan o Flicker Reduction Feature The MultiGen is a true scan converter. There is no need for additional driver software, or internal installation. Simply plug it in to your computer's display output port. It's light weight and small size also make it ideal for use with a laptop. The MultiGen has three output signals. RGB allows high-quality computer output to TV's and projectors with a 21 pin SCART connector. The output is comparable video recorder. The S-Video output is suitable for both TV's and VCR/Camcorders with S-VHS or Hi-8 inputs. The composite video output can be connected to standard VCR's and monitor-TV's. The S-Video gives the best display results. Video can be input to the unit via S-Video or Composite connections. The MultiGen is used not only as a scan converter, but a genlock too. It allows you to overlay computer graphics onto live video. Use video input from a camera or a pre-recorded tape. Overlay graphics such as titles or animations. The MultiGen uses flicker-reduction circuitry to help eliminate the 'flicker' associated with fine-line graphics. This is a real benefit when using CAD packages or programs within WINDOWS. The MultiGEn can display the video image in overscan or underscan mode, and is built to maintain the proper aspect ratio. There are two types of computer fade. When using the MultiGEn to overlay a computer title on a video, the fade will dissolve the title into the video image. When outputting a computer image direct to video, the image will fade to black. The Multigen supports 320x200, 640x350, 640x400, 720x400, 640x480 in up to 256,000 colors, or standard 525/625 non-interlaced RGB. All resolutions maintain proper aspect ratio. Pretty impressive, huh? Especially when you consider the, price, $695 retail, $665.99 our price. Drop us a line if interested. Happy Genlocking! Frank Succardi Owner, CyberTech Computers ********** [Editor's note:] In my quest to learn more about the various possible add-ons for my system, I have been considering a CD-ROM. After reading a number of related messages in various places, and seeing a few at the recent CT AtariFest, I decided to ask for more info. It's All Relative's Greg Kopchak has been informative in the past, so I asked him for more info dealing with CD-ROM players and available CDs for the ST. Greg was kind enough to post an elaborate description so I thought that I'd pass this info along to our readers. Personally, I'm getting more excited about the prospects! Here's the latest CD list you were asking about. All the CD's listed are Atari ready and are very functional on Atari machines. Each disc contains hundreds of megabytes of data and can keep you busy for days. Winning Pictures MPC - Kodak Photo CD GEMini CD - Atari shareware Public Domain and Shareware Volume 1 - German Atari shareware Public Domain and Shareware Volume 2 - German Atari shareware GIF's Galore Space and Astronomy The Travel Adventures Disc Fractal Frenzy Clipart Cornucopia Visions ** NEW Super collection of royalty free stock images Sentimental Wings ** NEW Must have disc for aircraft fans - images info and more QRZ ham radio CD ** Call letters and ham radio info Project Gutenberg Internet Info ** NEW over 12,000 files gathered from the internet ExtenDOS 1.21 ExtenDOS Pro ** NEW Latest and greatest version of ExtenDOS Audio CD Master version 3.1 Photo Show Photo Show Pro version 2.2 Photo Show animation module - ** NEW add FLI graphics to your Photo Show Pro scripts Photo Show STe ** NEW View Photo CD on the STe machines too View_PCD Leave e-mail to GREG (Delphi) here for more information on any product and to get a copy of our latest newsletter. Write It's All Relative, 2233 Keeven Lane, Florissant, MO 63031 USA. Here is the additional information on our new CD offers............ Visions CD Rom The Visions CD rom is a collection of 500 great photographs from the Preferred Stock photo archives All images are royalty free and come in 640 by 480 and 800 by 600 resolutions. The images are categorized into subjects are varied as: animals, art, backgrounds, churches, fractals, holidays, plants, Eastern US, Western US, seasons, still lifes, and ray traces. Visions has a retail price of $39.99 Sentimental Wings Sentimental Wings looks at the aircraft that helped set the pace of the future, from the beginning of the Cold war through the fall of the Soviet Union. You get dramatic full color 24 bit images, performance data, and historical information surrounding the development and production of the aircraft. Images were taken by long time aviation buff, Fred Lloyd, and have not been previously published. They are all new. You'll see pictures of such classics as the P-51, Mustang, P-40 Warhawk, the F-1xx series including the F-100, F-101, F-102, F- 105, F-106, SR-71 Blackbird, U-2 spy plane, B-47, B-52, the Phantom F-4,and more. All images are in GIF,TIF, JPG, and BMP formats for easy viewing with your favorite image viewer. The CD is dated June 1994. Sentimental Wings has a retail of $39.99. QRZ Ham Radio The QRZ Ham radio Cd rom, version 3, has the most up to date US FCC ham radio license information with 643,000 names, addresses and call signs. Included are 115,000 call signs from the UK, Italy, and England. USENET Ham Radio News archives WAV files for TNC testing QRZ Ham Radio has a retail of $29.99. Internet Info The Internet Info CD contains a sample of the wealth of information available on the Internet. The Internet is a network linking thousands of universities, research labs, and high tech companies throughout the whole world. The Internet has been called the "Information Superhighway". You get 12,000 documents about computers and networks: Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ's) Internet FRC's and IEN's Computer security documents Internet network maps Usenet technical discussions Ftp sites and descriptions of the files they contain. Extensive bibliographies and technical book reviews Documents and standards from IEEE, ISO, NIST, and ANSI plus more Internet Info has a retail of $39.99 It's All Relative offers all the above CD's at $10.00 off the suggested retail price. Write Randall Kopchak, It's All Relative, 2233 Keeven Lane, Florissant, MO 63031 USA. All orders are shipped postpaid, worldwide. ___________________________ > Atari Desktop Explained! STR InfoFile! - Everything You Ever Wanted to """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" About Your DESKTOP.INF file, and more! ATARI TOS DESKTOP SURVIVAL KIT *********************** A GUIDE TO THE DESKTOP.INF AND NEWDESK.INF FILES by Thomas J Hopper CONTENTS -------- Legalities - Rights, etc. Welcome - An introduction of sorts DESKTOP/NEWDESK Basics - Get to know the INF files Editing the INF File - Basics about editing the INF files The Keyboard and Installing Apps - Keyboard functions Neat Hacks - Some suggestions INF File Composition - Explanation of INF file structure Annotated NEWDESK.INF file - A real-life example LEGALITIES ---------- I make no warranty as to the usefulness or accuracy of this document. copyright = 1994 Thomas J Hopper This file may only be distributed in its entirety and at no charge. No portion of this document may be distributed for profit without the explicit permission of the author. WELCOME! -------- There are lots of things you can do with the new Atari desktops (and with the old ones!); almost as much as with a replacement desktop like NeoDesk? from Gribnif Software! Unfortunately, the manuals Atari gives us with the computers don't tell you about all of these great features. I will try to rectify this deficiency. I have compiled as much information on the NEWDESK.INF file that I could, and thrown in some info on TOS 2.06. This file focuses on Atari's NEWDESK.INF file, and in particular on TOS 2.06, since they are what I have. If you don't have TOS 2.06, don't worry; most of the really useful info in here is applicable to *all* versions of TOS, and some info specific to TOS 4.0x is included, too. I have tried to point out where information may be specific only to certain versions of TOS. With this as a reference, you should be able to modify your DESKTOP/NEWDESK.INF file to do almost anything with your desktop! I have learned all of this partly through trial and error, and partly through discussions on online services. A lot of the information came to me by way of the NEWDESK topic on GEnie in the Atari Roundtable. GEnie, by the way, is an excellent source of information and support for the Atari line of computers; being the only official online Atari service, there are more Atarians there than anywhere else. I highly recommend this service. I suppose I should state that I have no connection with GEnie other than as a satisfied user. Another excellent source of info and programs is the Internet, where Atarians from all over the world can (and do!) converse and share programs. If you find that something is wrong, please let me know! If you see something I missed, or if you think I should include some information that isn't in here, let me know that, too. And of course, suggestions are always welcome. When contacting me, include your machine type, TOS, GEM, AES, MiNT, and MultiTOS versions (whichever apply). This will help me decipher different, unknown parameters. If you don't know some of this information or don't have MiNT or something, don't let that stop you from contacting me! But please, try to include at least the TOS version (TOS date will suffice, if necessary; just give me the copyright dates in the "Desktop Info..." menu). Also include your name and some way that I can get in touch with you, such as email address or postal address. I can be reached at: GEnie T.HOPPER Internet hopper_t@msupa.pa.msu.edu or Thomas Hopper 2910 BeauJardin #203 Lansing, MI, USA 48910 DESKTOP/NEWDESK BASICS ---------------------- The DESKTOP.INF and NEWDESK.INF files in Atari computers contain all the information your computer needs to configure itself. It contains all the names, positions and (for appropriate TOS versions) icon numbers for your desktop icons. It stores all the info on Installed Apps, desktop icons, and window positions (even for windows that have been closed!). If you leave a window open when saving the desktop, the location, current directory, and file mask (for those versions of TOS that support masks) are saved. It stores info on whether or not the key click and system bell are turned on, the repeat rate for key clicks, mouse double click rate and tracking rate, current resolution, keyboard shortcuts for menu items (in TOS >= 2.0x), and lots more. In short, it stores every piece of information that you can configure from the desktop or the standard Atari Control Panel. When you boot up your machine, the computer loads in auto programs and then reads the DESKTOP/NEWDESK.INF (hereafter referred to collectively as simply "INF") file for information on resolution, windows, etc. If you have Atari's Control Panel (or a replacement), the key repeat rate, printer and serial port configuration, and other information is also loaded from the INF file and configured. To change the INF file, you need simply alter a setting from either the Control Panel (not the extensible control panel, however) or one of the desktop menus, and then select "Save Desktop." If you do this several times and display the INF file after each save, you will get a feel for which changes to the desktop correspond to changes in the INF file. Before doing this, of course, make a backup of your original INF file by renaming it to DESKTOP.INX. This way if you somehow "break" the INF file, you can always be sure to have a working one handy. You can view the file directly from the desktop; the INF file is simply an ASCII file! This means that not only is everything in the file plainly visible from the desktop, but you can load it into just about any word processor, text editor, or DTP program and edit it by hand. This has the advantage of allowing you to make certain changes that the desktop doesn't allow for. If you're really familiar with the INF file, you can also make multiple changes in much less time than it would take you from the desktop. The editor, however, must be able to load and save files in ASCII format, and it must not strip trailing spaces from lines (more on this in a moment). One important bit of information to know and understand when editing the INF file is how TOS reads and applies the information in it. Not surprisingly, the INF file acts as a filter, through which TOS sifts programs and files to apply various actions (running files, assigning icons, etc.). What *is* surprising is that these filters work in reverse order from what you see in the INF file. The *last* entry in the INF file is the *first* filter applied! The way this works is as follows: For icon assignments, TOS reads from the end of the file to the beginning, comparing each file in a directory to each filter (icon assignment) until a match is found. When TOS finds a match, it moves on to the next file. So if you have a program SQUISHII.APP, and assign an icon to it, that assignment should go toward the end of the file, that way it will be filtered out early on. If you have an icon assignment like #I xx xx xxx @ *.*@ @ *below* the assignment for SQUISHII.APP, then SQUISHII.APP will be filtered out at the *.* (and assigned that icon) rather than at #I xx xx xxx @ SQUISHII.APP@ @ . Hence, you would never see the special icon you assigned to SQUISHII.APP. This is important to understand, for two reasons. The first is that when editing the INF file, you want to work down the file from most general to most specific; getting this order wrong will give you results other than what you wanted. The other reason is that when you make an icon assignment from the desktop, it is saved at the end of the INF file. If you were to make lots of assignments, then do a generic (*.*) icon assignment, all your files would use the generic icon (until you edited the INF file to have *.* be the last filter applied). For program assignments, TOS reads the INF file in the same way as for icons, and applies filters in the same way. When you double click on a file (whether it's executable or not), TOS starts looking for matches from the bottom of the INF file and works its way to the top. If you were to install a program VIEWER.APP for file type *.*, this assignment would be saved at the end to the INF file, and hence be the first filter TOS saw; all files, no matter what type they were, would cause VIEWER.APP to run and they would be loaded in to it. This is true even for PRGs, APPs, TOSs, etc.; in the INF file, these are just treated as applications installed with no file type. As with icons, if you edit the INF file make sure you work from most general at the top of the INF file to most specific at the bottom. EDITING THE INF FILE -------------------- Before you begin editing your INF file, make sure that you have a backup of you current, working version! It is possible (and fairly easy, really) to change the INF file so that the computer will become "confused" and not boot! Probably the first thing to remember when editing your INF file is that NEWDESK.INF can't be larger than 4kb (4096 bytes), and starts causing trouble with the system around 3900 bytes. Similarly, the DESKICON.RSC can only be 64kb (65536 bytes). The newer DESKICON.RSC (the color icon resource for TOS 4.0x and up) can be larger than this, though I don't know if there is a limit. If you try to exceed the limit, you'll get "Out Of Memory" errors and lots of headaches. On earlier versions of TOS (less than 2.0x), the limit on DESKTOP.INF is even more restrictive; it can't be larger than 1kb (1024 bytes)! However, you also don't have a lot of icon assignments eating up that space, so it's a fair trade. One excellent way around this is to have a directory full of different INF files; a specific one for each task. If you put only those application and icon assignments necessary for a particular task, you should have no problem avoiding the size limit. To switch between INF files, then you can just install either Charles F Johnson's shareware product Desk Switch 1.1 or Klaus Pederson's public domain Load Inf as the application for file types of *.INF. That way, when you want to change to a different task, just double click on the appropriate INF file, and away you go with all the key assignments, installed apps, desktop icons, and icon assignments you want for that task. Another way around this is to get a program like GEMRAM, which loads GEM into RAM, and the program Shell Buffer (SHBUFxxx.PRG), which lets you configure the allowed size of the INF file. Both solutions should work great on any Atari, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Give them both a try and see which works best for you. Something else to keep in mind when editing your INF file is that TOS expects to find certain formats at certain locations in the file. Line #d, for instance, has to have a certain number of spaces in it since TOS looks roughly 124 bytes into the INF file for the next line (#Z if you have TOS >=1.04 and a program set to auto boot, or #K for the menu key equivalents). That number for the bytes, incidently, also includes carriage returns (EOL characters). Before changing your desktop file, be sure you know *exactly* how many spaces belong in line #d; the wrong number can produce unpredictable results and fatal errors. To find out, of course, just load the file into a text editor that doesn't strip trailing spaces (Word Writer, Alice, Everest, and tons more) and start counting! Most other lines (but not all of them) in the INF file require a trailing space, so if you edit your file be sure to know which ones need a space and which ones don't. What this all means, of course, is that if you edit your DESKTOP.INF or NEWDESK.INF file make sure you're using an editor that doesn't strip trailing spaces, and which saves files as ASCII text. And, as always, KEEP A BACKUP OF YOUR ORIGINAL INF FILE! THE KEYBOARD AND INSTALLING APPS -------------------------------- With the newer TOS versions, you can open a drive into a window by pressing and the drive letter. If you want to open a drive into the current top window, you don't have to close the window and then open the drive; just hold down and press the drive letter! The window will automatically be changed to the root directory of whatever drive you selected. With TOS versions 2.0x and up, Atari has made it possible to assign a keyboard equivalent to any of the desktop menu items. That way you can select a file and hit "I" to get info on it. Unfortunately, the mneumonics can get pretty complicated, since there are also items that could use "I" like "Show as Icons" and "Install Icon." "D" could be used for "Sort by Date," "Delete," and "Install Devices." The desktop appears to only allow normal characters (capital A through Z) for these assignments, which gets pretty limiting. Luckily, you can also use control-key combinations! When changing the menu assignments in the Desktop Configuration menu, just hold down the key while pressing your key. Now, instead of accidently deleting a file by pressing "D," you can assign (or , if you prefer) to "Delete," and never have to worry about accidentally deleting a file! Take note! If you use a control-key combo for a particular menu item, that combo will no longer be available for normal desktop usage. For instance, if you assign to "Show by Date," will no longer be used to open drive D into the currently active window, instead it will be used to delete selected files. Remember: Alternate + (A-P) = Open the drive's directory into a window Control + (A-P) = Open the drive's directory in the active window You can get all of the normal Desktop key commands by pressing while at the Desktop. Not only can you assign a key combo to "Delete," you can also remove the trash icon completely, and free up space for more important icons! Just select the Trash icon and then the menu item "Remove Icon." In fact, since TOS versions 2.0x and up allow you to open drives by pressing and the drive letter, you can remove all the drive icons, too, and replace them with programs, folders, and files! If you need to actually see what's on drive D, just press . Something users of *any* TOS version can do is install more than one document type for an application! To do this, first install the application for one of the file types you want. Then load the DESKTOP/NEWDESK.INF file into an ASCII editor. Make a copy of the installed application line, making sure to keep all the copies together with the original in the .INF file. It will look something like: #Y FF 04 000 C:\path\GEMVIEW.GTP@ *.PI3@ @ Then rename the installed file type ("*.PI3") to whatever other file type you want. Make sure to keep all of these lines together. After doing this a few times, you might have the following lines in your ..INF file: #Y FF 04 000 C:\path\GEMVIEW.GTP@ *.PI?@ @ #Y FF 04 000 C:\path\GEMVIEW.GTP@ *.PC?@ @ #Y FF 04 000 C:\path\GEMVIEW.GTP@ *.GIF@ @ Editing your INF file manually like this is the only way to install one application for more than one file type, since using "Install Application" from the desktop will just overwrite any previous assignment, rather than adding to it. Of course, instead of installing an application for a particular extender, you might try editing the lines for a particular *prefix*! You could do something like: #G 03 04 000 C:\UTILS\FILE_VIE.WER\AV380.PRG@ READ*.*@ @ So that whenever you double clicked on a file like "READ.ME", ASCII View 3.80 would be run and the file loaded into it for viewing! In fact, you can replace the Desktop's boring old [ SHOW | PRINT | CANCEL] by installing an application for all file types. Be careful; since this works as a catch-all, you have to make sure that such an installation is the *last* line TOS checks when you double click. That means it has to be the first application line in the .INF file (remember, TOS uses the DESKTOP/NEWDESK.INF file as a sort of filter, working from the end of the .INF to the beginning. Basically, the place to install an app like this is the line just before the *.APP, *.PRG, *.TOS, etc. is defined. See the annotated INF file below for an example. NEAT HACKS ---------- In any version of TOS you can, of course, change the name of any desktop icon to anything you want. This is true of the Trash can, which can be renamed HAZARD or whatever you want. It's also true of any programs or folders you put on the desktop (in TOS >= 2.0x); Just look at the line of the INF file where that file/folder appears. It will look something like: #X 07 01 7B FF C:\UTILS\VIEWERS\VIEWER.PRG@ VIEWER.PRG@ The name seen on the desktop will be "VIEWER.PRG." You can change this to "SEE IT!" just by changing the line to something like: #X 07 01 7B FF C:\UTILS\VIEWERS\VIEWER.PRG@ SEE IT!@ Of course, as I said above, you don't really need the trash or drive icons on TOS >= 2.0x, so why not just get rid of them? You can free up tons of space on the desktop for commonly used programs, files, and folders. It also has the nice side-affect of freeing up space in your INF file, allowing you to have a few more lines of icon or application assignments. This is a great tip for people who use Desk Switch or Load Inf; you can replace the drive icons with INF file icons, allowing you easy access not to your drives but to the work you need to do. One feature that deserves to be recognized, though it isn't a hack, is the drag and drop feature of TOS >= 2.0x. With this feature, you can put your commonly used programs on the desktops and then just drag the file you want to work on over the app (until the app is highlighted), then "drop" the file. This has the advantage of requiring fewer steps to get working, as well as not requiring you to install the application in the INF file, thereby saving a few bytes of space. Create INF files specific to programs, put them all in a common folder, and use Desk Switch or Load Inf to switch between them. You can have a DTP.INF, WORDPROC.INF, GEMDRAW.INF, DEGAS.INF, TELECOM.INF, UNARC.INF, etc. This frees up a lot of space in any particular INF file. And with each INF, each type of file used with that task can have its own unique icon, so it's easy to distinguish file types, and you can also have all the installed application info you want! Using just one INF file really limits you in what you can do, so make more! Reset your keyboard-equivalents for the desktop menus so they make sense! Use normal keys for one menu, and -key combos for the other. You can even try -key combos. Require two keys to be pressed when deleting or formatting. Get a resource editor (like MKRSC; this works with TOS 4.0x icons) and build your own icons, then assign them by hex number to files in your INF file. Put a folder on the the desktop and save the INF file. Then edit the INF file so that the line containing that folder begins with #X instead of #V. Now when you double click on the folder, the default document displayer is run, and the contents of the folder are loaded in a batch mode. This is an excellent way of viewing new pictures or text files! You can even use masks to control what sort of files load in. Of course, your viewer has to be capable of processing batch jobs. Make yourself a blank icon (no mask, nothin'). You can now assign short notes to the name of the icon, such as Fkey assignments, short reminders, and whatnot. If you have TOS >= 2.0x, you can put these "sticky notes" on the desktop, too. They are easily editable from the desktop. INF FILE COMPOSITION -------------------- Below is a (fairly) complete explanation of the lines in the DESKTOP.INF or NEWDESK.INF files. Some parameters only apply to specific versions of TOS. Compare what's below to what is already in your .INF file, and if it's not already there, DON'T ADD IT! TOS expects certain lines to have a particular format, and adding to these lines can confuse TOS and give you headaches. On the other hand, deleting things can have the same effect, so don't do that either. Where a description is given by "bits," the following procedure will produce the needed hexidecimal number: start with the high bit (e.g. bit "7"), and begin writing down the desired configuration as a binary number (1's and 0's) from left to right. Unlisted bits should not be changed. When the number is complete, convert it to hex. Any decent calculator will do this without a fuss. For example: For the "Other configuration parameters" (see below), I want bit 4 set to "filname," so I write a 0; bit 3 I want set to "top window", so to the right of the zero I write another 0; then bit 2 I set "size to fit" on, so I write a 1 to the right of bit 3; bit 1 is not listed so I write a 1 (since that's what it was originally); finally bit 0 I want set to "sort on," so I write a 0. The resulting number is "00110." I set my calculator to "bin" and plug this number in, then convert it to hex (by changing the calculator mode to "hex"). The resulting number, which goes in the fourth column of line #E is 06. If you aren't familiar with doing this, I suggest you try it out a couple times and compare it with what's already in your desktop file. Don't try changing anything until you are confident you can get it right! Wrong values can do unpredictable things to your system, including causing it to crash! I have been unable to determine the usage of some bits. In these cases, I list the bit with a question mark and give the current value in my NEWDESK.INF file. Yours may be different, so check it and use whatever your INF file uses. To check it, convert the current hex value to binary: the rightmost number is bit 0, the digit to the left of that is bit 1, and so on. Converting hex 06 to bin is 110: bit 0 = 0; bit 1 = 1, bit 2 = 1, bit 3 = 0 (not shown), and bit 4 = 0 (also not shown). And remember, if you find you've made a mistake, just delete the broken .INF file and re-load the old version that you backed up. All "@" symbols must be followed by a space. Keyboard equivalents (available on TOS >= 2.0x) #K xx xx xx xx ... @ next 28 columns = hexidecimal value of kbd equiv. (00 = none) next 2 columns = 00 next column = Video prefs. key (not on all TOS versions) last column = @ Video settings (some features not available on some versions of TOS) #E PR BR xx OP LD CM xx xx xx... PR = Preferences (Confirm file copy, delete, and overwrite; display options) bit 7: show files as 1 = show as text 0 = show as icons bits 6,5: sort 00 = by name 01 = by date 10 = by size 11 = by type bit 4: confirm deletes 1 = yes 0 = no bit 3: confirm copy 1 = yes 0 = no bit 2: ? 0 bit 1: ? 0 bit 0: confirm overwrites 0 = yes 1 = no B = Blitter 1 = on 0 = off R = Resolution # 1 = ST Low or RGB 320 x 200 2 = ST Med or RGB 640 x 200 3 = ST Hi or RGB 640 x 400 4 = Falcon 80 col x 240 or 480 5 = TT monochrome(?) 6 = Falcon 40 col x 240 or 480 OP = Other configuration parameters bit 4: Input parameter (from "Desktop Config") 0 = filename 1 = pathname bit 3: Default directory (from "Desktop Config") 0 = Top Window 1 = Application bit 2: Size to fit 0 = off 1 = on bit 1: ? 1 bit 0: Sort on, off 0 = Sort on 1 = Sort off LD = Line Doubling or Interlace 00 = Line Doubling or Intlace off 01 = Line Doubling or Intlace on CM bit 7 - ST Compatibility: 0 = non-compatible; 1 = ST compatibility on bit 4: Hardware Select 0 = RGB mode 1 = VGA mode bit 3: number of text columns 0 = 40 columns 1 = 80 columns bits 0-2: number of available colors 000 = 2 colors 001 = 4 010 = 16 011 = 256 100 = Truecolor mode Desktop & Window settings #Q xx xx xx xx DC WB D = Desktop Background Pattern 0 = transparent 1 = Pattern #1 2 = Pattern #2 ... 7 = Solid C = Desktop background color 0 = Color #1 1 = Color #2 A = Color #10 ... F = Color #16 W = Window Background Pattern 0 = transparent 1 = Pattern #1 2 = Pattern #2 ... 7 = Solid B = Window background color 0 = Color #1 1 = Color #2 A = Color #10 ... F = Color #16 Installed Applications have the following info #n 04 04 000 C:\path\progname@ *.*@ @ Where #n is any of the following: #G for GEM prg #Y for GTP prg #P for TTP prg #F for TOS prg The first 04 is the prg icon. Changing this has no effect The second 04 is the document icon. Changing this has no effect. Both of these should be set to the same value. 000 contains the following information : First Digit - Number Meaning 0 Default Directory = Top Window Parameter = Filename Only 1 Default Directory = Application Parameter = Filename Only 2 Default Directory = Top Window Parameter = Full Path 3 Default Directory = Application Parameter = Full Path Second and Third Digit = Function key assignment F1 to shiftF10: 00 = no assignment 01 = F1 0A = F10 0F = F15 10 = F16 14 = F20 Following this is the full path and file name, followed immediately by an "@" symbol. After the "@" is a space followed by the installed document type (if any), followed by a second "@". Next comes another space followed by any parameters that are to be passed to the program (for GTP or TTP programs). Finally comes another "@" and a space. For example, #P FF 04 009 C:\PATH\VIEWER.TTP@ *.*@ @ would install the program VIEWER.TTP as the default document displayer (this then supercedes the desktop [ SHOW | PRINT | CANCEL ]). This line also sets VIEWER.TTP to run when F9 is pressed. There are no parameters passed to this program. Default window icons- Example: #G 03 03 000 @ *.PRG@ @ First column = type #I = specific file or file type * #N = non-specific file * #D = folder #G = Gem app #Y = GTP app #P = TTP app #F = Tos app second column = default icon # for #G, #F, #Y, #P New default icon can be installed for app type by changing this # third column = default icon # for #N, #D New icon can be installed for non-prg files by changing this # Both the second and third column should contain the same hexidecimal number. fourth column - function key assignment. Leave at 000 (no assignment) fifth column - @ filename.ext@ @ wildcard * #I assigns an icon to the specified file or file type. It does not assign an action. #N assigns an icon to the specified file or file type and specifies it as a non-executable file. If the line #N 0B 0B 000 @ *.*@ @ appears below the default lines for APP, PRG, etc. (i.e. #G 03 FF 000 *.APP@ @ @ #G 03 FF 000 *.PRG@ @ @ etc.), programs will not execute when double-clicked on. Desktop Icons- Example: #X 08 02 18 FF C:\UTILS\VIEWER\VIEWER.PRG@ SEE IT!@ first column = type #M = Storage Device #T = Trash #O = Printer #X = Application #V = Directory second column = horizontal position in icon widths third column = vertical position in icon widths fourth column = Hex value of Icon number in DESKTOP.RSC fifth column = FF (function unknown) sixth column = Device ID (A-P) or space Finally: full path and filename@ icon label@ (for a file or folder) Device name@ @ (for a device) Annotated NEWDESK.INF File: --------------------------- #a000000 Stores serial communication info. Not very important since the terminal program alters this info anyway. #b000000 Printer Configuration: digit \ setting 0 1 1 dot matrix daisy wheel 2 black & white color 3 1280 dpl 960 dpl 4 draft final 5 parallel serial 6 continuous single sheet #c7770007000600070055200505552220770557075055507703111103 Color palette settings, mouse double-click response, key-click, bell sound, key delay and key repeat rate. #d Reserved. Needs to have roughly forty-seven spaces since GEM looks roughly 124 bytes into the file for the next line. #Z 01 F:\RUNPROG\PROGRAM.PRG@ Program to Auto-run at bootup. Does not apply to TOS earlier than 1.04. #K 4F 49 53 1F 46 20 43 00 41 4D 00 09 14 0E 04 13 05 0F 00 00 00 01 00 12 00 52 00 44 00 00 @ Keyboard assignments for desktop menu items. (should all be on one line) #E 50 13 00 06 Default screen resolution; window sorting method; show as icon or text; confirm copies, deletes, etc. Second digit of the second byte is for screen resolution: 13 = blitter on, ST High rez. #Q 41 00 43 40 43 40 #W 00 00 02 07 4B 11 00 F:\RUNPROG\*.PRG@ #W 00 00 16 02 35 0B 00 @ #W 00 00 2E 0E 22 0A 00 @ #W 00 00 00 0C 21 0C 00 @ #W 00 00 00 04 4C 0C 00 @ #W 00 00 02 0D 4C 09 00 @ #W 00 00 0E 0F 2A 09 00 @ #W 00 00 06 01 34 09 00 @ Default window locations, sizes, and open directories and masks. #P 03 04 000 C:\UTILS\FILE_VIE.WER\GUCK18\GUCK.TTP@ *.*@ @ This line installs Guck as the default file viewer. When the file is double clicked on, TOS checks all the #G, #P, #Y, and #F assignments below, and if the file doesn't match any of those, Guck is run and the file is loaded in. Notice that it is the first assignment in the INF file, and hence the last assignment TOS checks. If you moved this one down a few lines (say, underneath #F 03 04 000 *.TOS@ @ @ ), you'd never get any programs to run; everything (except the .INFs and archives) would be loaded directly into Guck! #G 03 FF 000 *.ACC@ @ @ - This line lets you run an ACC as a program, if the ACC is capable of it, by double-clicking on the ACC in any window. #G 03 FF 000 *.APP@ @ @ #G 03 FF 000 *.PRG@ @ @ #Y 03 FF 000 *.GTP@ @ @ #P 03 FF 000 *.TTP@ @ @ #F 03 04 000 *.TOS@ @ @ #G 03 A0 200 C:\UTILS\ARC\STZIP26\STZIP.PRG@ *.ZIP@ @ #G 03 2F 200 C:\UTILS\ARC\TWOINONE.PRG@ *.ARC@ @ #G 03 2F 200 C:\UTILS\ARC\TWOINONE.PRG@ *.LZH@ @ #G 03 2F 200 C:\UTILS\ARC\TWOINONE.PRG@ *.ZOO@ @ #G 03 2F 200 C:\UTILS\ARC\TWOINONE.PRG@ *.ARJ@ @ #G 03 2F 200 C:\UTILS\LOADINF\LOADINF.PRG@ *.INF@ @ Executable programs and programs to run when files with the appropriate mask are opened. The second two digits of the third column of numbers ("00" of the "200") is the hex number of the function key assignment. "0A" would be F10. Other parameters (for GTP or TTP) can be included before the last "@". #D 0A 0A 000 @ *.*@ @ Default folder icon #I 0B 0B 000 @ *.*@ @ Default file icon #I 0C 0C 000 @ *.PR?@ @ #I 11 11 000 @ *.AC?@ @ #I 2E 2E 000 @ *.CPX@ @ #I 3A 3A 000 @ *.TTP@ @ #I 0D 0D 000 @ *.TOS@ @ #I 39 39 000 @ *.APP@ @ #I 39 39 000 @ *.PRG@ @ #I 12 12 000 @ *.ACC@ @ #I 52 52 000 @ READ*.*@ @ #I 52 52 000 @ *.ME@ @ #I 2C 2C 000 @ *.INF@ @ #I 13 13 000 @ *.RSC@ @ #I 3B 3B 000 @ DC*.*@ @ #I 1B 1B 000 @ *.HLP@ @ #I 6F 6F 000 @ G+*.*@ @ #I 3C 3C 000 @ DATADIET.*@ @ #I 46 46 011 @ WORDUP.PRG@ @ #I 49 49 004 @ QVIEW.PRG@ @ #I 51 51 000 @ SUPER*.PRG@ @ #I 63 63 002 @ PGS2.PRG@ @ #I 70 70 000 @ WARP9_ST.PRG@ @ #I 73 73 000 @ DFORMAT.PRG@ @ #I 3D 3D 00A @ SQUISHII.APP@ @ #I 6D 6D 001 @ TWOINONE.PRG@ @ File icons and function key assignments. Notice these act as filters also, and hence files are applied from the bottom up. For example, SQUISHII.APP is assigned icon 3D, but a file called SQUID.GHU doesn't match any filter, it would be assigned the default icon 0B. #D 4E 4E 000 @ TELECOMM@ @ #D 3E 3E 000 @ AUTO@ @ #D 37 37 000 @ CLIPBRD@ @ #D 53 53 000 @ ACCS@ @ #D 55 55 000 @ CPX@ @ #D 35 35 000 @ TEXTE@ @ #D 36 36 000 @ BILDER.PAD@ @ #D 36 36 000 @ MYDRAW@ @ #D 36 36 000 @ META@ @ #D 36 36 000 @ GRAPHICS.Z@ @ #D 4F 4F 000 @ GAMES@ @ Folder icon assignments. Again, assignment is from bottom to top. #M 00 00 00 FF A FLOPPY DISK@ @ #M 01 00 02 FF C BOOT@ @ #M 02 00 02 FF D PUBLISHING@ @ #M 03 00 02 FF E FILES@ @ #M 04 00 02 FF F PROGRAMMING@ @ #M 05 00 02 FF G GRAPHICS@ @ #M 06 00 02 FF H TELECOM@ @ #M 05 01 05 FF M RAM DISK@ @ Drive icon, letter, position, and label assignments. #O 06 01 08 FF PRINTER@ @ Printer icon, position, and label assignment. #T 07 00 09 FF GARBAGE@ @ Trash icon, position, and label assignment. #X 07 01 7B FF C:\UTILS\RECV_CAN\RT.PRG@ TRASH CAN@ Executable file on the desktop. Icon, position, and label assignment. #V 04 01 3E FF C:\AUTO\SUPERBT\*.INF@ DESKTOP@ Directory folder on the desktop. Position, icon, pathname, and label assignment. COMMENTS -------- Notice if a file is clicked on and is not a *.INF or one of the listed archival types, TOS then checks to see if it is either TOS, TTP, GTP, PRG, or APP (in that order), and if so executes it. If it is not one of these, the remaining installation for types *.* "catches" it, so GUCK will be run and the file will be loaded in. This then replaces the desktop [ SHOW | PRINT |CANCEL]. Remember that each of these acts as a filter and that TOS applies them from *bottom* to top; so when you double-click on a file, TOS first checks to see if it is *.INF, and if so runs LOADINF.PRG, then it checks for type *.ARJ, then... through the executables (TOS, TTP, GTP, PRG, APP in that order), and finally if the file wasn't one of those, TOS type *.* (that's everything left) is loaded into GUCK. *******************************END OF FILE*************************** -/- Long-lost Jules Verne Novel Found -/- A long-lost novel written by science fiction author Jules Verne that predicted the invention of faxes, underground railways, cars and the electric chair was published today for the first time. Reuter correspondent Lee Yanowitch reports from Paris, France that the novel, "Paris in the 20th Century" was written more than 130 years ago and contained prophetic predictions of modern technology and the effect it would have on society. Set in 1963, the story is a gloomy tale of a young poet who becomes a homeless vagabond in a society dominated by finance and technology. The manuscript was rejected by Verne's publisher, Pierre-Jules Hetzel, because it was too far-fetched to be believed. Imagining the fax and the telephone, Verne wrote: "Photo-telegraphy allowed any writing, signature or illustration to be sent far away, and any contract to be signed at a distance of (12,400 miles) ... Every house was wired." When Verne tried to sell the book in 1863, his publisher rejected it, writing in the manuscript's margin, "My dear Verne, had you been a prophet, no one today would believe your prophecy." Unknown to Verne's descendants, the manuscript was locked in a safe of bronze, steel and cement. "When (Verne's son) Michel died in 1925, he left this (1,980 pound) safe to his children. But no one wanted it. Everyone thought it was empty and useless," the writer's great-grandson Jean Verne, told the newspaper InfoMatin. It was thought to have been destroyed in World War II until the stack of neatly hand-written pages was found by Jean Verne in 1991. Experts in Paris confirmed it had been written by Jules Verne. The book was published today in French by Editions Hachette-Le Cherche Midi. Negotiations for the rights to foreign language editions are currently underway. Verne's other books include "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and "Around the World in Eighty Days." JAGUAR SECTION ============== "Three months and counting..." > From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is! """""""""""""""""""""""""""" It won't be long before we start to see Christmas sales flyers and holiday paraphernalia on sale at our favorite stores and malls. There's been an extremely loud silence from Atari lately. One can only hope that the silence is due to the fever pitch of preparation resulting in getting the purported numbers of new games out in time for this holiday season. Rumors have been mentioned of a press release coming from Atari telling us of the official release of Alien vs. Predator to production, along with news of other games soon to follow. Knowing that Atari really wants to make this holiday season a great success, my theory is that Atari is building up the public's anticipation and exploding with a terrific holiday push. The downside to this, potentially, is that users, current and potential, are getting impatient. Yes, it's easy to say that it all will have been worth the wait, but that doesn't help the gaming community now. Hopefully, this news is imminent and we'll have something concrete to look forward to in a few weeks. We haven't received our copies of AvP yet, but hope to have it shortly. We're also expecting our review of Brutal Sports Football very soon along with our continuation of our developer spotlight series. I expect that we'll be extremely busy within the next few weeks with all kinds of interesting new items. My disappointing news of the week deals with our "Promote the Jaguar" photo contest. As you may remember, we started this contest about two months ago. We offered all kinds of terrific prizes including a Jaguar in-store promotional banner, teeshirts, and a "Jag Rules" rubber stamp. Well, I must say that disappointment understates my reaction to the response. We got exactly ZERO entries for this contest!! We'll be discussing the possibility of running another contest in the near future. Meanwhile, the banner remains in my study, tempting me to hang it up and display my favorite game console! Until next time... ________________________________ > Activision Re-vitalizes Games! STR NewsFile! - Activision to re-do """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Atari 2600 games for the PC market! LOS ANGELES -DJ- Activision Inc. (ATVI) plans to introduce personal computer versions of games it originally designed for the Atari 2600 system. These games were previously only available for play on Atari Corp.'s (ATC) Atari 2600, a video game system popular in the early 1980s. In a press release, the company said it will distribute compilations of popular Atari 2600 titles, including ''Pitfall!,'' ''River Raid'' and ''Chopper Command,'' on either floppy disc or CD-ROM for about $29.95 at retail. The first compilation, slated for a February 1995 introduction, will include 10 games. (END) DOW JONES NEWS 09-20-94 4:12 PM As a follow-up, a couple of notable comments from Compuserve users: The headline for that article is "Activision to release Atari video games for PC." I presume a Jag version is likely if they do any console versions. A rep from Activision said the other day that the Jag is an active part of *all* their future plans. -/- Computer Games Addictive for Kids -/- It's 4 p.m. on a school day. Do you know what your kids are doing? If they're playing computer games, you might want to switch off the machine and encourage them to play outside, do their homework or even watch television. Computer games can be as addictive for children as alcohol and gambling can be for adults, according to a study by researchers at England's University of Plymouth. Reuter correspondent Maggie Fox reports from Cambridge, England that a survey conducted by researchers Mark Griffiths and Catherine Hilton of 147 11-year-old boys and girls found that 48 percent played computer games most days. "It's the excitement that's keeping the kids going," said Griffiths, an expert in gambling addictions. The children were asked seven questions that could indicate addiction, including whether they played daily, whether they played for three or more hours at a time, whether they sacrificed other activities and whether they became restless if they could not play. More than one-third of the kids answered "yes" to four or more of the questions. However, Griffiths told Reuters that the most important factor is something he calls salience. "Even if they are not playing it, they are thinking about it," he said. "They also show tolerance -- having to play more and more." Griffiths explained that some kids play the games for stimulation, while others do it to escape. "It's a mood modifier," Griffiths said. "The reinforcement is their own excitement, which they get partly by high scores," he said. "And if you nearly win, it is almost as exciting as if you do win." From CIS' Jim Ness: ------------------- Following is text I received from Dave Davis [74274,2511] of Bits of Fun, a mail order house which handles Jaguar and Lynx items. I had requested info on the Pro Stick, a new controller for the Jaguar, and here's what I got. For price and delivery, please contact Dave or your personal favorite Jaguar dealer. ************************************************************** JAGUAR SUPER PRO-STICK CONTROLLER The Super Pro-Stick Controller has been rated "The best controller ever RELEASED" by EGM magazine Feb 94 issue. It is the ultimate joystick and pushbutton unit available. In the turbo unit rapid fire and slow motion are available for use as needed. What you get: 1 standard Jaguar controller which has been modified to accept input from the Super Pro-Stick controller which is also included. How it works: The Super Pro-Stick unit controls the Jaguar control pad functions using the Super Pro-Stick Joy Stick and the A,B,C fire control buttons. The Super Pro-Stick unit is connected to a standard Jaguar controller by a 2 Foot hard wired cable. All controls and buttons of the Jaguar control pad function normally and the Jaguar controller is connected to the Jaguar as usual. With the Pro-Stick Turbo unit you can put the Jaguar into slow motion and set any of the A, B, and C buttons to rapid fire as needed. ************************************************************** NEW FOR THE ATARI LYNX! SUPER OFF ROAD - A four player, comLynx version of the classic, racing game from Tradewest, Inc. Experience the thrills of off-road racing with all-out, dirt grinding, high gear competition. Watch out for mud holes, jumps, and other obstacles as you negotiate 32 stadium off-road tracks. PROM version only. MSP $39.99 BUBBLE TROUBLE - Where you must guide your hermetically sealed space bubble thru perils during the exploration of strange, new worlds. Look out for a variety of space aliens just aching to puncture your bubble and devour your being. Hundreds of new adventures await your power-ups. PROM version only. MSP $39.99 -/- Virtual Reality: More R&D Needed -/- The National Research Council has concluded that unless the U.S. government aggressively pursues now-lagging technology needed to create virtual reality applications, people won't be able to use it effectively in their work. Associated Press correspondent Lauran Neergaard reports from Washington, D.C. that there is a large gap between the expectations for virtual reality and the machinery that will make the futuristic concept possible. "With the limited technology that is currently available, there is a tradeoff between realistic images and real-time interactivity," said Dr. Nathaniel Durlach of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who chaired the NRC study. The entertainment industry is the only area that is actively exploring virtual reality, including interactive television and 3-D games. However, the research being done for entertainment is not of the caliber and quality that needs to be performed for virtual reality to be used in medicine and other fields. "In entertainment, it doesn't have to very good, it just has to be real-time interactive," explained the NRC's Anne Mavor, who directed the study. "But if you use this to operate on a person, you would want the image to be pretty clear." AP reports that the NRC has grand ideas for the potential of virtual reality: A medical student touches a beating human heart and cuts it open. A program that Superman would call X-ray vision lets her watch how well the heart pumps in an ordinary person going about his daily business. She performs surgery using a telerobot that doesn't have the hand tremors of mere mortals and can move with the heartbeat so patients don't need their hearts stopped for surgery. In addition to medicine, virtual reality could be used to explore outer space more economically and develop new manufacturing processes. However, the technology scientists need to develop these and other applications isn't available and won't be anytime soon unless the government begins a major program to push it along, insists the NRC. > Jaguar Online STR InfoFile Online Users Growl & Purr! """""""""""""""""""""""""" ...in the mailbag Does STReport have any advance preview reviews coming up this week? I mean with all these games ready to hit production and one already there you would think that someone at STReport (how do you like the little plugs every couple of lines) would know exactly whose butt (oops I mean backside) to kiss to get a copy of Maybe AvsP or one of the others. I could see them not wanting to give you one that hasn't reached production but why Not give the Fine People of the STReport (G another plug for you guys but only since you guys do more coverage in one issue than EGM has done in the last 3 months) a copy of AvsP which could no longer possible change since it is in production. See you should not have put down the music in Wolf 3D which was very in keeping with the tone of the game. Great (or should I say Grating) background music just to keep your nerves frazzled, your skin crawling and your head jumping as those confounded NAZIs kept jumping at us from everywhere. From the Usenet: A post from Id Software From: John Carmack Date: 16 Sep 1994 06:09:46 Wow, there is a lot of rabid advocacy in this group... I hope this isn't a really bad idea to poke my head in here. Please, please, please do not send me mail arguing something I say here. DOOM is almost done. Music and modem code is about all that's left. Its good. To address the two main topics of discussion: Is the Jaguar doomed?: This christmas will tell. If atari sells close to their estimates, they will be a serious market target for next year. I really don't think 3DO will bury the jag. Its too expensive, and it doesn't have a technical edge to make up for it. The sega 32x is a nice machine, and they are shipping good numbers for christmas. It is less powerful than the jaguar is when really pushed, but it is easier to get things going at a decent speed. The sony psx and the sega saturn will both cost $100 to $200 more than the jaguar (CD machines). They are both more powerful (to a greater or lesser degree), but neither one will have a wealth of games when they debut. The ultra-64 is over a year away. It will probably be damn good, but a year is a long time. 3D engines: For 24 bit parallax scrolling graphics, the jag will outperform a pentium, but it is only about as powerful as a low end 486 for texture mapped games. Its not really an apples to apples comparison because of the parallel nature of the jag, but that is a fair approximation. The jaguar CANNOT make a fully textured, full screen, full resolution game that runs at 30 fps. The bus will simply not take that many accesses. The 64 bit bus will let you do really fast shaded polygons, but texture mapping is done a single pixel at a time. DOOM had to be significantly reworked to get good performance, but it wasn't designed from the ground up to take advantage of the Jaguar. If I was designing a game from scratch for the Jag (I'm not), I would target 20 fps with a 256*180 view window in 16 bit color as a reachable goal. Doom runs 15 fps at 160*180 because the basic design is non-optimal for the jag's characteristics. I wrote it for the pc. There are a lot of tradeoffs you can choose. AVP made very different choices than I did. They have a lot more pixels on the screen, but it runs slower (about 12 fps) and the engine is a lot more limited. The engine is essentially the level of Shadowcaster on the pc (90 degree walls, transparent segments, floor/ceiling texture mapping, strictly diminishing lighting and a rear clipping plane). They chose to use higher resolution bitmaps, so they have less variety. John Carmack Id Software From CIS' 'Net surfer, Dimitri LaBarge: Since someone already kindly posted John Carmack's fascinating post on Doom and the Jaguar, I'll not post or summarize it here. However, it should be noted that many of the specs he bandied about, like the Jag's ultimate potential and the AvP frame rate, have either gone unverified or are subject to fierce debate. An excellent post, but as always with something that has yet to be proven, view it with a dispassionate eye... Now a little third party news from Beyond Games. First, a *slight* bit of a bummer. Battlewheels will not be out this year, but sometime early next year. Beyond Games is currently choosing from a variety of approaches to make a real killer of a game. They are *not* just going to shine up the Lynx version with a few new graphics and shove it out to the market for a few quick bucks. They are seriously reworking the game so that it takes maximum advantage of the Jag. And yes, it will be Jag Network and modem-compatible. (YES!!!!) So, while it won't be here this year as hoped, it should be an excellent, well-though out game. Also from Beyond Games, word on Ultra Vortex. Don't depend on the SCES video footage--the game has been reworked 110% since then and looks hotter than ever. Be on the lookout for new screen shots in the next few weeks. And Beyond Games has reaffirmed that the Jag is their machine of choice, though they probably will port Ultra Vortex to the 3DO some time after it's been available to the Jag (an interesting comment: the designers say the 3DO is the *only* other machine that could possibly handle UV at all, and the 16-bitters don't have a hope of it. This is a game designed to maximize next-generation potential). The Jag is the machine that gives them the most flexibility to do what they want to do. Anyway, that's it for now! Dimitri _______________________________________ > ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" PEOPLE... ARE TALKING ===================== On CompuServe ------------- compiled by Joe Mirando 73637,2262 Hello again friends and neighbors. Well, it's been quite a week for me. Sunday morning, while bouncing my two year old nephew around, I wrenched my back... but good! For most of the past week I've been flat on my back. I've had back problems for years but this time scared me because I have intense pain running down the entire length of my right leg. Of course the medical profession's first two lines of defense are surgery and medication. I'm opposed to surgery unless there is no other choice and, at this point, I'm not sure that there is no other option. I've therefore succumbed to the second line of defense: medication. I can't remember what is in this little cocktail, but it seems to affect my head more than my back. While I still have major pain in my back and leg, I just watched the text on my monitor fall off the screen one letter at a time. Then I realized that I wasn't using a screen saver. I'm just glad that during my "convalescence" I was able to "compute". I asked my wife (in a very nice voice) to bring my Stacy and portable modem into the bedroom. Once I convinced her that she wasn't going to break anything by lifting the case up onto the bed, I set everything up and tried to access CompuServe. After about 10 minutes of cursing at STalker, Flash II, Storm, the phone company, and Practical Peripherals, I realized that I couldn't connect because we don't have a phone line in the bedroom (something which I'll be fixing as soon as I get back on my feet). At any rate, I was able to sit long enough to get the info for this column, so you'd better read it! (big grin). Well, let's get to it... From the Atari Computing Forum ============================== Rob Rasmussen tells us: "I just got a Syquest removable 105 hard drive that I connected to my Falcon's SCSI 2 port. I hope it doesn't require a Link. How do I get the Falcon to recognize the drive? All I have are the Atari hard disk utilities that came with the Falcon. When I run AHDI.PRG it hangs when it gets to the Syquest, I guess because it hasn't been formatted yet. But how can I format it when the Falcon doesn't recognize it's there? I want it to install the SCSI drive but not mess with the IDE internal drive already installed. Any help is appreciated." Brian Gockley tells Rob: "There are a couple of things you might need to do. First of all, some Syquests are finicky about whether or not the platter is spinning. Try it both ways. Also, there is a file that is in the Atari HDX Utilities called ALLDRIVE. Wha it is is a replacement SHDRIVER.SYS that recognizes non contiguous ID #s. The old version would stop looking if there was a break. If your Syquest is #3 and your internal drive was #1, then this would help. You shouldn't need to run AHDI anyway, since the Falcon is already using SHDIVER.SYS to find it's internal drive. AHDI.PRG is the manual version of the booter, SHDRIVER.SYS is the automatic version. If you have SHDRIVER.SYS on your disk, then it should find the Syquest without a Link." Rob asks Brian: "Are you talking about the removable cart? I assume it's spinning when I put it in and don't know how to make it not spin except turn off power. It didn't come with much instruction, for does the Falcon manual address this. There is a SHDRIVER.SYS on my C drive. I want to partition the Syquest, like drives H,I,J,K. It is set for SCSI device 0. Since its the only scsi device I have, I guess I don't need ALLDRIVE. How do I get to the place where I partition and name the drives?" Brian tells Rob: "I'd try Alldrive and see what happens, if it doesn't work, it surely won't hurt anything. Do you have an ALLDRIVE folder?" Rob tries it out and tells Brian: "Thanks, it works now! Yes, HDX.PRG was the one to use when I finally _could_ use it. Apparently I had the device number dip switch set wrong, and didn't realize how the switch in the front works. I still don't know why the Syquest has this swing-type switch, why not just an on/off button? As I said, the doc doesn't mention anything about this, though I called Toad yesterday which helped. Isn't the platter in the cart either spinning or off? Also, I guess these removables don't have to be 'parked.' The Syquest has to be scsi device #0, but the internal drive is a different #0. Apparently the HD cartridges (I got 4) were already formatted by Toad, but when I try to partition it, an alert tells me "This dik was formatted by a previous version of HDX. Please reformat." Too bad it doesn't recognize the older format. When my Falcon boots, it shows "AHDI 6.05C", which is what the Computer Studio where I got Falcon formatted the internal drive with. The version of AHDI in my Atari utilities is 6.04, with HDX 5.02. So all these version numbers are a little confusing, especially when some are not compatible. I don't have ALLDRIVE, but there is a SHDRIVE.SYS with the utilities. Maybe that is the one that allows non-contiguous drives? There is a file called WINCAP. Anyone know what this is?" John Damiano tells Rob: "I have a couple of Syquest 44's ..they are wonderful. The lever type switch locks the cartridge in place and opens the cover on the cart I think. I just leave it a cart in there all the time. I power down with it still in place with a Master switch on a power switchin system...in other words...I don't even throw that lever switch unless I am going to change carts (seldom). If you do..make sure the thing has stopped (no lights/noise) before you try to pull it out. I can't help you with the SCSI since I use a Link to run mine with a couple of Mega ST's. Its nice to know I can just pull the Link and put in on my clone anytime as a SCSI device though. Good luck with it..glad you got it all going." Rob tells John: "Thanks, those are things I had wondered about. The Syquest power switch is inconveniently located on the back panel, so I'll look into a power strip. Is your Mega ST also on the power strip? The info I have does say the Syquest should be powered up before turning on the computer. A few times I have forgotten to turn it on first, so booted up without it, then rebooted. Heh, I saw yesterday where there's a new Saturday morning cartoon show for computer-literate kids called...Reboot. I may leave one cart in the Syquest at least for awhile too, until Ifigure the right scheme I need to use for backing up the internal HD. I also want to use it for HD recording with the Musicom 2 program I just got. Toad said it is fast enough." John tells Rob: "Yep..they are pretty fast devices I think. I got some dogs the first round but Syquest sent me all new units and they have been perfect. They do need to come up before the ST but I have a prg. in there that delays the ST so the HD's can come up to speed. I just turn everything on at once. ...Its working ok for me." Rob asks: "What program in the Atari hard disk utilities do I use to get my Falcon to recognize the Syquest removable HD that is connected to it's SCSI 2 port? Toad, where I got it from, said ICD utilities are better, but that it can be done with the Atari utilities. Is the SCSI device (I only have this one) supposed to be a different device # than the internal IDE drive? I don't see how to format or give drive letter names to Syquest partitions. The Falcon may be recognizing it but I can't get at it. I have a SHDRIVER.SYS on my C drive which installs my internal drives fine, and I don't want to mess that up by trying to install the Syquest." Mike Mortilla tells Rob: "I have 2 Syquests on my STf via the Link and use their software. Unfortunately, you need the Link to run the progs. I know that doesn't help at all. But at least you know that if the Syquests work on my dinosaur they'll work on your Porsche..." Andy Grist tells us: "I have just become the proud owner of a US Robotics 14400bps Fax Modem, when compared to my old 1200 its amazingly fast !! So I can take full advantage of its facilities I'm looking for a PD or Shareware Fax transmission software - all I seem to be able to find in my usual FTP archives are in German and having been educated in England I only speak English :-) Does anyone know of any - or failing that a good Commercial product available in England." Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Online Magazine tells Andy: "Straight Fax v2.x is the Commercial Fax software to get." Andy asks Albert: "Any idea if its available/supported in the U.K or will I have to get from the Statesby mail order." Albert tells Andy: "NewStar technologies is the developer of the product and the author is in this forum from time to time. I don't know what the distribution is like outside of the US. Probably all US dealers stock the product so it shoud not be a problem getting it from the US if you cannot find it over there. Toad Computers in the US is one place that has the product." Barbara Weinmann posts: "Hello out there in Atari land. I have two Atari ST 520's and haven't used them in about six years. I'd like to get one up and running to have as a backup for my ibm clone which is having intermittent problems. I'm wondering how much it would cost me to get up and running with the equipment I have, providing it all still works. If it all still works, I might be willing to buy a hd. It would be REALLY hard to depend on my floppies after using a hd. (Probably I should spend the money on making sure my clone doesn't get sick, but it would be nice to have my ST in working condition.) I haven't used my Atari's in so many years, I haven't the faintest idea how to get one of them up and running again. Never knew too much anyway, my son always set up everything for me. Now it is time to become a bit more independent. Son is going to be out of state frequently. If my clone gets sick, 'm in big trouble if I can't get onto CIS (where all the help is.) Now,I have not been using my Ataris for about six years. My son originally introduced me to the 8 bit Atari when he was a teen ager many years ago. We both LOVED the Atari. My son learned much of what he knows by using the Atari. I still have my old 8 bit, 850, and RANA tored safely away and wouldn't part with it, even though I don't use it. One of my 520's was upgraded to 1 meg. (thought that was a lot at the time.) I have two SF 314 floppy drives and one SF 354 floppy drive. I have an Avotex 1200 modem, don't know if it still works. Question: 1) my US Robotics modem for my clone is 14.4, COULD I USE THAT with an ST??? It's an external. 1200 seems so slow now, but it might do for an emergency if I can't use the Robotics. A week or so ago, someone told me that everything is much cheaper for the Atari now. I was told that I could get a hd very inexpensively. That would be great if it is true. Question 2) How much are Atari hd's running now? Question 3) Are there any automatic navigators for CIS which I could get online, inexpensively? I know there used to be one, but I've forgotten and I'm sure there is something new by this time. question 4) Does one use CIM on the Atari, or something else? (I prefer an automatic navigator, and use OzCis on my clone.) Am I correct in thinking that I can't dl a com program or anything else on my ibm clone, and then use it on the Atari." Mike Mortilla tells Barbara: "Welcome back to Atari! I don't know what may have happenedto your ST since it went into hibernation, but if it wasn't damaged and was working when you put it away, it should work again. I'll assume you know how to hook up the hardware...(the monitor goes into the monitor jack, the disk drive goes into the disk drive jack...etc). If you put a disk in the main drive, it should speed up booting. If you can find the manual that would help too. QuickCIS (QCIS) is used to navigate on CIS and in available in the libraries here. You may well be able to use an IBM style disk in te ST. You can't run IBM programs without a special prog, but the later model STs can readIBM disks. Whether or not you can is dependent on the OS you're under, but that can be upgraded. At least TOS 1.4 is recommended. As for the HD, you will either need to buy a HD for your ST or buy The Link or similar device to hook up a SCSI drive. In addition to you questions here (which I know others will answer ....... I'd suggest calling TOAD computers at 1-800-HIT-TOADfor their newest catalogue. You might be able to find a whole ST system usedhere (with a HD) for what you might expect to pay for JUST the HD!" Simon Churchill tells Barbara: "1) The US Robotics 14.4 modem does not realy worry what it is connected to and as long as you have a lead from your serial port (farthest way from the pwer switch, 25 way 'D') then it will work o.k. once you have the software. I.e. QCIS etc... 2) In the U.K. I would expect to pay about L300 for a 170Mega Byte Complete drive. The price has droped like a stone and I will be getting one soon when I get a tower case. 3) Answered by someone else. 4) Again pass. 8-) You can download any file onto any machine. If it's a text file, document file, picture file or sound file then you can use it on any machine once unpacked. (Most files are packed in some way on CIS.) But and here is where thing's get fun, any executable file downloaded on any machine can be used ONLY on the machine which has the operating system to execute it. I.e. a 'TOS' or 'PRG' can only be used on an ST, But a 'COM' or 'EXE' can only be used on an IBM or clone. (For those who are picky - This applies unless you have a hardware emulator fitted to your machine for another machine.) Hope that help's and welcome back to the Atari forum. The more the merrier is what we say.............." Simon Moore asks: "Has anybody here managed to access the Internet using an Atari ST? If anybody has could you please let me know what is needed to let me do this from England." Dazzz Smith tells Simon: "You need to join a Network provider like Demon to get full Net access however you can get the benefits of Internet access from places that offer Net access without a SLIP connection. CIX is one, it offers TELNET, FTP, GOPHER, USENET etc, as well as its own conferences. Plus the ST OLR software is second to none. There are other choices as well. Look out for a sample issue of .net magazine, gives you lots of details there." Sysop Jim Ness tells Dazzz: "This is a good place to mention that CIS currently offers USENET access, and has announced that Telnet and FTP will be here before year's end." Christian Roth asks Jim: "Where do I have to search for the internet access? Do I need to have special software for accessing internet through CompuServe? BTW, why doesn't the cis magazine mention anything of that news?" Jim tells Christian: "You can GO INTERNET to get to the main menu, but remember that right now only USENET access is offered. GO USENET skips the INTERNET menu. This is new enough that it will probably appear in the next CIS Magazine. The new service is supported for standard terminal programs, as well as WinCIM and its siblings." Michael Evans posts: "I have a Gasteiner Hard disc which usually works fine. Every so often, however, when you boot up, it comes up with a message at the bottom right hand corner of the screen - " Read failed # 0018/00" All the icons then come up as usual but when you try and run a program on the hard disc the following message comes up - "Data on the disk in drive C: may be damaged - cancel or retry" There is then nothing you can do. It happened yesterday and try as hard as I could nothing could get the thing to work properly. This morning it is fine again without me having done anything.I have tried using Diamond Edge to check the hard disc and the program tells me that there is nothing wrong with it." Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Online Magazine asks Michael: "Have you tried reformatting the hard drive?" Michael tells Albert: "I've tried reformatting the drive before but the problem still comes back. At the moment its working fine and so I'm not keen to go to all the trouble of reformatting and restoring all my data. Could a fault on the actual lead to the hard drive or the socket where you plug it in cause this?" John Devlin asks: "Does anyone know of any problems why when upgrading the internal 40Mb HD on a Mega STe. A friend has tried three SCSI HD's in the machine and none of them are recongised by the ST ? We have checked and made sure all the connections are correct. Any help would bemost greatfully received." Brian Gockley of ST Informer Magazine tells John: "I assume that you are booting the new drives without any other hard drives hooked up to te external port? If a drive were hooked up extern ally and was set to the same LUN# then you would not find the right drive. There sould also be a problem with termination, cable reversal, or who knows what else!" John tells Brian: "There is only one HD connected, the new one, which my friend is trying to uses to replace the old 40Mb. We have check for Termination. Cable reverse ?, don't think so, because when we try the old 40Mb it works first time everytime." Brian tells John: "All I can tell you is it _ought_ to work! There, now don't you feel better?" John tells Brian: "My friend has spent almost seven week in all sending Hard drives back and forth to the retailer, thinking they where sending him faulty goods." Albert Dayes asks John for more information: "What software are you using? Atari's, ICD's or Supra's, etc? Did you disable parity on the hard drive? Does it work with other host adapters like ICD's?" John tells Albert: "We have tried Atari's & ICD's software to attempt to carry out a format, but it simply does not recognise the HD. When the new HD is fitted onto the SCSI of his PC we have no problems formating the HD." Andreas Rosenberg asks John: "Who are the manufacturers of the new SCSI drives you like to connect to your STE? I've read about some differences in the drive state after a reset (or power on). Some drives get into a 'UNIT ATTENTION' state and only accept a 'REQUEST SENSE' command in this state. The HD-driver or any HD-FORMAT Software usually send a 'READSECTOR' or 'MODE SENSE'/'MODE SELECT' command. Some Seagate and Quantum drives react this way. But there should be a jumper to disable this 'feature'. You should check your data sheets. Also have a look at the id number of your new SCSI drives. ATARI's HD software stops scanning for further drives if an id doesn't respond. So if your new drive is set to ID#1 or higher it won't be recognized, because ID#0 does not exist." Mitch Brown tells John: "If the drive is a Quantum (the type I have), you might have to dissable parity. The only way to dissable it on a Quantum (much to my surprise) is through software. There is a program that Quantum has on their BBS that will do it, but you must call a technician to get it." Well folks, that's about it for this week. Tune in again next time and be ready to listen to what they are saying when... PEOPLE ARE TALKING """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON" """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > A "Quotable Quote" ...and the faithful wait. """"""""""""""""" "But the Atari Jaguar, the world's first 64-bit multimedia home entertainment system, already is available. "By Christmas 1994, Jaguar fans will be playing 30-50 new game titles on their 64-bit systems while our competitors continue to play catch up and beg their followers to be patient," said Sam Tramiel, Atari president and chief executive officer. "It's nice to know American companies are once again leading the way in technology." .. Atari Corp. 8/29/94 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > DEALER CLASSIFIED LIST STR InfoFile * Dealer Listings * """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" --------------- ABCO Incorporated ================= P.O. 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