Silicon Times Report The Original Independent OnLine Magazine" (Since 1987) October 18, 1996 No.1242 Silicon Times Report International OnLine Magazine Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155 STR Electronic Publishing Inc. A subsidiary of STR Worldwide CompNews Inc. R.F. Mariano, Editor Voice: 1-904-292-9222 10am-5pm EST STReport WebSite http://www.streport.com STR Publishing Support BBS THE BOUNTY INTERNATIONAL BBS Featuring: * 5.0GB * of File Libraries Mustang Software's WILDCAT! Client/Server BBS Version 5 95/NT Featuring a Full Service Web Site http://www.streport.com Voted TOP TEN Ultimate WebSite Join STReport's Subscriber List receive STR through Internet MULTI-NODE Operation 24hrs-7 days Analog & ISDN BRI Access 904-268-4116 2400-128000 bps V. 120-32-34 v.42 bis ISDN V.34 USRobotics Courier Internal I-MODEM FAX: 904-268-2237 24hrs BCS - Toad Hall BBS 1-617-567-8642 10/18/96 STR 1242 The Original Independent OnLine Magazine! - CPU Industry Report - Corel Draw 7 - WinFax 7.5 - USR 512kbd ISDN - USR x2 57.6bps - Dream 3D - Mac Spkr Fone Ships - Cisco buys NetSys - Java Office - Win95 T2K Ships! - People Talking - Dana's Tidbits POLITICS HOT ONLINE SONY FILES RICO SUITS APPLE POSTS SURPRISING RESULTS STReport International 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 International BBS, invites all BBS systems, worldwide, to participate in the provision and distribution of STReport for their members. You may call The STReport Home BBS, The Bounty @ 1- 904-268-4116. Or obtain the latest issue from our WebSite. Enjoy the wonder and excitement of exchanging all types of useful information relative to all computer types, worldwide, through the use of the Internet. All computer enthusiasts, hobbyist or commercial, on all platforms and BBS systems are invited to participate. ** WEB SITE: http//www.streport.com ** CIS ~ PRODIGY ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ BIX ~ AOL IMPORTANT NOTICE STReport, with its policy of not accepting any input relative to content from paid advertisers, 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 Publisher, Staff & Editors Florida Lotto - LottoMan v1.35 Results: 10/12/96: 1 of 6 numbers, no matches From the Editor's Desk... So begins the procession of goodies. in this issue, you'll find some astounding news about modems and superfast devices from US Robotics. You'll also discover a great deal about the new Corel Draw 7 and the new WinFax 7.5 that faxes conventionally and on the `Net. This is just the tip of the Iceberg. there is so much more to come both hardware and software it'll keep us busy right through the New Year. At times like this. when we, as a nation and a civilization, are about to embark upon a journey into the next century, what do we find? A Presidential Election Campaign that make the Watergate and Teapot Dome affairs look like child's play. Clinton cannot escape his own tracks and Dole is busy trying to bury him in those tracks. Its amazing how Dole and Kemp cannot seen to address the issues with any detailed illustration but they can find all the time in the world to sensationalize in their vain attempts at garnering badly needed votes. Clinton may not be perfect but then, who is? At least he's brought this nation closer to balanced budget than any other administration. In fact, its almost halfway there. Imagine, if you will where it will be in another four years. I doubt we'll see it anywhere near where it should be Dole (the KING of MuckRaking) gets in office. Please, take a look at your disposable income and compare it to when Ronnie or Georgie were in office. you have more to spend today. Why? Because the Nation's wealth is where it should be. in circulation not in some fatcat corporation's stash. The nation's schools and health care are well on the way to being the best this nation has seen in at least three decades. Dole wanted to eradicate Medicaid and the Department of Education. You think we have homelessness now? Dole will show you exactly what homeless really is. He doesn't believe Tobacco is addictive. could not possibly be because the tobacco interests contributed heavily to his campaign fund.. Could it? I firmly believe we need to see Clinton's goals through with him. If anybody can withstand it Clinton can. Clinton has shown he is more than capable. He has withstood every vicious onslaught the Republicans and arch- Conservatives have attempted to do him in with. From sliming his daughter's education to his wife's support.. they've tried it all and failed. Get the picture?? Not even "tough old Bird" Lyndon Johnson was able to withstand the broadsides like Clinton has. Amazing how Clinton is standing tall through it all. That debate the other night was his best yet. Dole looked sad. generated little or no charisma and certainly lacked an aura of self confidence. Please get out and vote. It could be your vote that makes the difference. Ralph..... Of Special Note: http//www.streport.com STReport is now ready to offer much more in the way of serving the Networks, Online Services and Internet's vast, fast growing site list and userbase. We now have our very own WEB/NewsGroup/FTP Site and although its in its early stages of construction, do stop by and have a look see. Since We've received numerous requests to receive STReport from a wide variety of Internet addressees, we were compelled to put together an Internet distribution/mailing list for those who wished to receive STReport on a regular basis, the file is ZIPPED, then UUENCODED. Unfortunately, we've also received a number of opinions that the UUENCODING was a real pain to deal with. So, as of October 01,1995, you'll be able to download STReport directly from our very own SERVER & WEB Site. While there, be sure to join our STR list. STReport's managing editors DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU! Ralph F. Mariano, Publisher - Editor Dana P. Jacobson, Editor, Current Affairs Section Editors PC Section Mac Section Beginner's Section R.F. Mariano J. Deegan Lloyd E. Pulley Gaming & Entertainment Kid's Computing Corner Dana P. Jacobson Frank Sereno STReport Staff Editors Michael Arthur John Deegan Brad Martin John Szczepanik Paul Guillot Joseph Mirando Doyle Helms John Duckworth Jeff Coe Steve Keipe Victor Mariano Melanie Bell Jay Levy Jeff Kovach Marty Mankins Carl Prehn Paul Charchian Vincent P. O'Hara Contributing Correspondents Dominick J. Fontana Norman Boucher Daniel Stidham David H. Mann Angelo Marasco Donna Lines Ed Westhusing Glenwood Drake Vernon W.Smith Bruno Puglia Paul Haris Kevin Miller Craig Harris Allen Chang Tim Holt Ron Satchwill Leonard Worzala Tom Sherwin Please submit ALL letters, rebuttals, articles, reviews, etc... via E-Mail to: CompuServe 70007,4454 Prodigy CZGJ44A Delphi RMARIANO GEnie ST.REPORT BIX RMARIANO AOL STReport Internet rmariano@streport.com WebSite http://www.streport.com STReport Headline News LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS Weekly Happenings in the Computer World Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson Clinton Offers Three-Step Net Plan A three-pronged strategy to make Internet access universal has been unveiled by President Bill Clinton during a re-election campaign swing through Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. As reported earlier, the initiative is part of a five-year, $500 million program to install more advanced Internet access. Reporting from the Knoxville, Tennessee, campaign stop, Steve Holland of the Reuter News Service says the three steps of Clinton's new Net plan include: ú Urging the Federal Communications Commission to approve at a Nov. 8 meeting a proposal that schools and libraries be given basic Internet services free. Telecommunications companies would pay for this by putting money into a fund, much as they currently subsidize poor and rural phone users, Reuters said. ú Persuading industry leaders to help raise money to match government technology-literacy grants to buy computers for schools and ensure that teachers are properly trained. ú Launching a $100 million Internet upgrade project to "help develop a new generation of the information superhighway that would be 100 to 1,000 times faster than the existing computer system that is rapidly reaching capacity," the wire service said. The president told his Democratic supporters in Knoxville, "Let us reach for a goal in the 21st Century of every home connected to the Internet and let us be brought closer together as a community through that connection," adding he wants to see the day "when computers are as much a part of classrooms as blackboards." In his first major technology speech on the stump, Clinton added, "Like any other piece of critical infrastructure, it has to be repaired and upgraded to meet all of our education, medical and national security needs. It is now time to invest in the next generation of Internet." Reuters quotes Greg Simon, technology adviser to Vice President Al Gore, as saying the initial $100 million of the project would be included in the budget for the 1998 fiscal year and would be paid for with $70 million from the defense budget and $30 million from domestic discretionary funding. Clinton said the improvements envisioned would enable the Internet to transmit the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica in less than a second, allow the Defense Department to send intelligence to troops anywhere in the world and let doctors scan patients for cancer by tapping into supercomputers. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones news service notes the president seemed to want the new initiative dubbed "Internet II," telling the partisan crowd, "America must have an Internet that keeps pace with our future. So let's give America Internet II, the next-generation Internet." He added, "I know it is hard to imagine that the Internet is getting too old... but believe it or not everything ages and the internet is straining under its growing popularity. Like any other piece of critical infrastructure, it has to be repaired and upgraded to meet all our education, medical and national security needs." Law Outlaws Online Mischief A bill outlawing various forms of computer mischief and increasing penalties on repeat offenders has been signed into law by President Clinton. Reporting from Washington, the Reuter News Service says the new National Information Infrastructure Protection Act: ú Creates federal penalties for theft of computer information across state lines. ú Outlaws the transmission of threats against computer networks across state or international boundaries. ú Makes it a felony to trespass in a computer system and use computer time worth more than $5,000. Reuter's Aaron Pressman quotes Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona), a sponsor of the measure, as saying, "This law is very good news for American businesses and our national security. It brings the law up to speed with technology." He introduced the measure along with Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa). As reported, online vandals recently have broken into government Internet sites, replacing official data with protests against the Communications Decency Act. Last month, the Central Intelligence Agency's World Wide Web page was defaced and renamed the "Central Stupidity Agency" home page. Judge Restrains Net Threats A temporary restraining order has been issued against a man accused of using the Internet to harass and threaten a Texas couple. Writing in The Wall Street Journal this morning, reporter Jared Sandberg says the case is seen as "underscoring the coming clash between First Amendment protections of online communication and the need to prohibit electronic 'stalking.'" Computer consultant Kevin Massey has been ordered by Judge Joe B. Brown in the district of Dallas County, Texas, to stop posting messages about Robert and Teresa Maynard, who operate the Dallas-based Internet America Inc. access service. The paper says the order directs Massey to stop posting any messages alleging vulgar and obscene conduct by the Maynards and "embarrassing private information" about them. "The judge's order comes at a time when broad First Amendment protections have been afforded to the Internet by three federal judges in Philadelphia," Sandberg notes. "But it also comes when states have taken measures to prohibit comments that go too far and enter the realm of threat." As reported earlier, some states have broadened their efforts to prohibit harassment or stalking to include statements that don't constitute an immediate physical threat. For instance, last June, Connecticut passed a bill that makes it a crime for sending an online message "with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person." Legal experts tell the Journal they worry that the Texas judge may have gone too far. Ann Beeson, staff counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, told Sandberg, "If the judge went much broader in the legal definition of harassment in his order, then he has violated this person's First Amendment rights," adding not all "vulgar or embarrassing" statements constitute libel or stalking. This particular dispute began last month when Maynard said he began to see messages from Massey suggesting that Maynard's wife slept with company employees and had cosmetic surgery. Mrs. Maynard asked Massey to stop making vulgar statements. However, says the Journal, "when the Maynards saw a tag line on Mr. Massey's messages, they decided to take action. It read: 'Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change ... and the wisdom to hide the bodies of the people I had to kill ...'" Maynard told the paper, "This is now turning into a stalking case." He added he spent $20,000 on security measures and to investigate the incident. Massey, 30, denies he ever stalked the Maynards or threatened them. He said that he was frustrated with Internet America's lack of service but that the rewritten prayer in his messages wasn't intended as a threat. Reporting from Dallas, Associated Press writer Melissa Williams says Judge Brown's order also prohibits Massey from coming within 500 yards of Robert and Teresa Maynard's home or business. Williams said Massey was never served with the order in person and that as of last night, he still had not been served. Massey told AP he was left with "a bad taste in my mouth" after trying to reach the company to price its services. Then he said, he made the postings about Mrs. Maynard, but said he "wholeheartedly, 100 percent" disputes that there was anything threatening about the messages. He claims he was just responding to others online with the same kind of sarcastic language that is used on the Internet all the time. Meanwhile, legal counsel David Sobel of the Washington-based Electronic Privacy Information Center, told AP the case is ironic because Internet service providers -- such as the Maynards -- have been the ones leading the fight against efforts to regulate content. Said Sobel, "If you establish the legal precedent that certain content can be restrained, in most cases those orders are going to be directed against the Internet service provider. This opens the door to holding ISPs liable for information that's transmitted through them -- which would put a pretty big burden on them of policing everything that goes through their system." Poll Finds Politics Hot Online Nearly a third of those logging on the Internet's World Wide Web these days are using it to get political information, says a new poll by Louis Harris and Associates. According to United Press International, the survey of 1,005 adults nationwide found that 14 percent of the people surveyed have used the World Wide Web, up from 7 percent a year ago. That translates into 21.5 million Americans. Of that group, says the pollsters, 28 percent -- or the equivalent of 8 million people -- said they use the Web to get information about politics. "The progress of the presidential campaign is apparently boosting usage," UPI comments. "Users said they sought out political information five times last month, compared to once in August." However, Harris officials found the Web is not considered the pre-eminent source of political news. Instead, half those questioned said TV is the most important source, followed by radio with 21 percent, newspapers with 15 percent and the Web with 8 percent. Other findings in the poll -- which was conducted Sept. 26-30 and has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points -- were: ú Web users are voters, with 69 percent of those who use it and 76 percent who use it for politics likely to vote in next month's general election. ú There were more Republicans (36 percent) and Independents (30 percent) than Democrats (28 percent) among the Web users group. ú Americans ages 18 to 49 are more likely to use the Web than those 50 years or older. ú The more educated an American, the more likely he or she will use the Web for political reasons. ú Men appear to use the web politically slightly more than women. Netscape, Others Form Media Pact A proposed open standard governing delivery of real-time multimedia information over the Internet is being advanced by Netscape Communications Corp., RealAudio producer Progressive Networks Inc. and 40 other companies. Microsoft Corp. is conspicuously absent from the group of backers, which includes such industry giants such as Apple Computer Inc., Autodesk Inc.'s Kinetix unit, Cisco Systems Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM, Silicon Graphics Inc., Sun Microsystems Inc. and Macromedia Inc. The Reuter News Service says the new standard -- known as the Real Time Streaming Protocol, or RTSP -- is a communications protocol for control and delivery of real-time media. "Its backers compare development of the standard to similar standards efforts in other broadcast media such as FM, or Frequency Modulation, in radio and the NTSC, or National Television Standards Committee, which is the U.S. and Canadian television industry standard broadcast quality video," Reuters adds. The wire service says widespread support for this unified standard "is considered crucial to ensure interoperability and give software developers more flexibility in developing multimedia programs." Editor Jerry Michalski of the Release 1.0 industry newsletter told the wire service, "Until now, each vendor of Internet multimedia systems had a different approach, which has led to confusion. This, combined with the impressive group of industry- leading companies that support RTSP, should catalyze streaming media development on the Web." Reuters says RTSP, which evolved from work done at Progressive Networks and Netscape, incorporates aspects of the International Telecommunications Unions H.323 videoconferencing standard and is designed to minimize the amount of data necessary to produce high quality sound and pictures over the Internet. "The standard anticipates the convergence of telephones, videoconferencing and multimedia broadcasting over the Internet," the wire service added. About Microsoft? It has not commented on whether it plans to support the industry standards-setting effort. Firms Seek to Curb Web Abuse On the heels of a survey that suggests employees from IBM, Apple and AT&T together spent the equivalent of 1,631 eight-hour days visiting the Penthouse World Wide Web site in one month, companies are taking steps to restrict office Net surfing. In San Francisco, United Press International quotes officials with Nielsen Media Research as finding corporate America is cracking down on employees caught spending too much time on Web sites unrelated to work. As reported earlier, more than a dozen Compaq Computer Corp. workers in Houston were fired after registering more than 1,000 visits each on sex sites from work, and, says UPI, Microsoft Corp. denies temporary workers access to the Web. But a Nielsen spokesman says that, while the Internet can take time from work, restricting employee access to the Web may be hasty. Jack Loftus says companies are finding the Internet and e-mail beneficial, and abuse by the minority should not result in decreased access. He added, "The more employees use the Web, the more they can use it for business applications. There will always be a segment who use it for entertainment while they're working -- in that sense it is like the telephone -- but the business application is great with opportunity." The alternative, said Loftus, is to turn the computer off, which could be disastrous. And the amount of time people spend at Web sites can also be misleading, he said. People can stay at a site for hours while never looking at the page. Loftus told the wire service, "You cannot automatically jump to conclusions. If the purpose is to make a case against having access to the Internet for business use then you end up shooting yourself in the foot." 'Euthanasia' Kit Coming to Net And you thought online porn was controversial? An Australian doctor says he plans to bring to the Internet computer software and an instruction kit for building "the death machine" he used in the world's first legal mercy killing. In Melbourne, Dr. Philip Nitschke -- who last month connected cancer sufferer Bob Dent to the machine in Australia's outback Northern Territory -- has told reporter Mark Bendeich of the Reuter News Service that Internet users will be able to copy the software and instructions from a home page now being developed, adding, "We see no reason in restricting it in any way." Reuters notes Nitschke is to display the machine at an euthanasia conference this week in Melbourne. Says the wire service, "The death machine used in the Northern Territory, which has the world's only voluntary euthanasia law, enables people to give themselves lethal injections with the tap of computer keys." Last Sept. 22, Nitschke hooked the machine by an intravenous tube to Dent, a 66-year-old former carpenter and one-time Christian missionary, who then started the flow of lethal drugs by entering three computer commands. Nitschke commented, "Once the intravenous line is put into the patient... then it's a simple matter of the patient pressing the response to the questions on the screen." The computer program asks three times if the patient wishes to go ahead, he said. The doctor said the idea of an euthanasia home page on the Internet's World Wide Web was a response to strong interest in Dent's death and the new law (though he said he was having some logistical problems getting the page up and running). "It's to let people know and give them some idea of the way this is being done in a responsible fashion in the Northern Territory," he said, adding he already has sent how-to-do-it kits overseas and around Australia using electronic mail. Nitschke dismisses suggestions he could face criminal charges if a machine built from material supplied on the Internet was used in mercy killings outside the remote outback jurisdiction. Said the doctor, "I feel very safe as far as giving the details of the equipment and as far as providing the software and the like," adding the software is a "trivial" part of the device. Intel Has Rosy Third Quarter Intel Corp. says its third quarter was a record setter, surprising Wall Street analysts and the company itself. The chip maker reports that third quarter revenue and earnings per share set new records, rising 23 percent to $5.14 billion and 41 percent to $1.48 from the year earlier period, respectively. The quarter marks the first time in the company's history that quarterly revenue surpassed $5 billion. "We are delighted with the excellent acceptance of Pentium and Pentium Pro processor-based PCs and servers, which has produced a stronger third quarter than we had originally expected," says Andrew S. Grove, Intel's president and CEO. Revenue for the first nine months of 1996 rose 24 percent to $14.41 billion from $11.62 billion a year ago, and net income grew 20 percent to $3.25 billion from $2.70 billion. Earnings per share in the first nine months increased 20 percent to $3.67 from $3.06. Apple Posts Surprising Results Apple Computer Inc. has posted unexpectedly upbeat fourth fiscal quarter financial results. After three consecutive losing quarters, the computer maker returned to profitability in the period ended Sept. 27. Net income for the fourth quarter was $25 million, or $0.20 per share, compared with $60 million, or $0.48 a share, in the same period last year. The profit included a special gain -- resulting from fewer layoffs than expected -- but even without it, the company would have earned $8 million. Apple's revenues were $2.321 billion, a decrease of $682 million from the fourth quarter a year ago, but an increase of $142 million from the third fiscal quarter. For the company's fiscal year, revenues were $9.833 billion, an 11 percent decrease from the prior year. The net loss for the year was $816 million, or a loss of $6.59 per share, compared with net income of $424 million or $3.45 per share in fiscal 1995. Five Days at Computer = $7.5 Mil. An Australian says he spent only five days writing a program that now has earned about $7.5 million, sold primarily through the Internet. The program is Hot Dog, which simplifies the process of putting information on the World Wide Web. It is distributed through the World Wide Web site of Sausage Software (http://www.sausage.com). Company founder/programmer Steve Outtrim, 23, has told the Dominion Daily in Wellington he wrote Hot Dog while unemployed last year and now has sold 100,000 copies. In fact, according to the French Agence France-Press International News Service, Hot Dog is said to be currently the third-most frequently downloaded software application on the Web. Outtrim, a management student, now has seen shares in Sausage Software listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Outtrim floated 20 percent of the shares of the company, holding on to the rest. Sun Unveils JavaChip Technology Sun Microsystems Inc. has revealed details surrounding its JavaChip technology, which will be used to power Internet- connected smart phones, Net computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and set-top boxes beginning in the second half of 1997. Sun says its JavaChip picoJava I microprocessor core is a highly efficient Java execution unit design that is expected to deliver up to 20-times the Java performance of X86 and other general-purpose processor architectures, as well as up to five times the performance obtained by just-in-time (JIT) compilers. LG Semiconductor, Mitsubishi Electronics, NEC, Samsung and Sun have all previously expressed their intent to build products with the picoJava I technology, says Sun. "The proliferation of Java technology has created a demand for hardware platforms optimized for network-centric applications," says Chet Silvestri, president of Sun Microelectronics. "Our picoJava I processor core will optimize Java performance and deliver the industry's smallest system footprint -- critical for go-anywhere Internet appliances in communications, enterprise and consumer applications." Kit Includes 12X CD-ROM Drive Diamond Multimedia Systems Inc. has expanded its multimedia upgrade line to include a kit with a 12-speed CD- ROM drive. "Diamond is one of the first companies to introduce a twelve-speed kit," says Paul Nahi, director of product marketing for Diamond Multimedia. "Users can greatly benefit from the increased throughput of the 12X Multimedia Kit to perform common tasks such as installing software and running applications from disc. In addition to the 12-speed CD-ROM drive, the $399 kit includes a Windows 95 Plug- and- Play wavetable sound card, nine software titles and amplified stereo speakers. Toshiba Launches Slimmer Drive A new super-slim CD-ROM drive for notebook computers that is said to bring performance into line with desktops has been launched in Tokyo by Toshiba Corp, which also has unveiled two other CD-ROM drives for desktop computers. According to the Reuter News Service, the super-slim drive, with an average 10-times rotational speed, is 0.5 inch thick and can read an average of 1,500 kilobytes of data a second while using little electric power. Toshiba said the compact, high-speed drive brings to portable computers a level of CD-ROM performance previously limited to desktop personal computers. The two other new drives are 1.6 inches thick, offering a maximum 12-times rotational speed and a data transfer rate of 1,800 kilobytes per second, providing desktop computers with increased levels of performance, Toshiba said. Toshiba has started selling the new drives in Japan and the United States. Microsoft Offers Publisher Trial Microsoft Corp. is offering a free 60-day trial version of its Microsoft Publisher 97 desktop publishing program to home office and small business users. The software giant says the trial edition is designed to show potential buyers how they can create professional-looking newsletters, brochures, business cards, fliers and Web sites economically. The Microsoft Publisher 97 trial version can be obtained by calling Microsoft at 800-426-9400 or by downloading the software from the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/publisher/. Microsoft also says it's donating one copy of Microsoft Publisher 97 to each of the 950 Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) around the country. SBDCs provide free counseling, training and resources to more than a half-million small businesses each year. Microsoft Publisher 97, priced at $79.95, is available on 3.5-inch diskettes or a CD-ROM. Fast Mac Modem-Speakerphone Ships Global Village Communication Inc. has introduced Teleport Speakerphone Edition, the first 33.6K bps Macintosh modem that doubles as a standalone speakerphone. The Sunnyvale, California, company notes that the $269 unit continues to work as a speakerphone, even after the computer has been turned off. Microphone mute, speaker volume and answer/hang-up buttons are available on the product's exterior case. The device also comes with Global Village-developed telephone and fax software. "If you think about how people expect a speakerphone to work, they would expect to be able to answer the phone whether the computer is on or off," says Charlie Oppenheimer, vice president and general manager of Global Village's communication systems division. "The TelePort Speakerphone Edition gives customers the highest possible modem speed with high-quality speakerphone features to make this product a tool people can easily use and appreciate." EFF to Launch Privacy System Working with CommerceNet, online civil liberties group the Electronic Frontier Foundation plans early next year to launch a service to protect the privacy of Internet surfers. Reporting from San Francisco, the Reuter News Service says, "Aiming to ease consumer concerns about Web sites collecting their names and other vital information and marketing it, the two groups set up a system to discourage commercial firms from tracking someone's online travels." The system involves a "voluntary accredidating system" for businesses with commercial Web sites, under which accredited companies would disclose on their Web site how much of a visitor's information is being collected. "Currently," notes Reuters, "people surfing the Net with even casual visits to different sites are leaving an electronic trail of their visits, often including many details beyond their name." EFF has been working on the privacy system, dubbed eTRUST, for months, with plans to commercialize it in early 1997. Canon Ships Digital Camera Canon Computer Systems Inc. has started shipping its first "point-and-shoot" digital camera. The $949 PowerShot 600 features the look and feel of a traditional camera while offering an 832- by 608-dot digital resolution. The camera's 570,000-dot CCD sensor produces a 24-bit image in up to 16.7 million colors. The PowerShot 600 ships with 1MB of internal memory to store up to 18 images. The camera can also store up to 72 images with an optional 4MB flash memory PCMCIA card. Additionally, an optional 170MB hard disk drive PCMCIA card makes it possible for users to store up to 900 high- resolution images and more than 3,000 compressed images. Canon, based in Cost Mesa, California, says the PowerShot 600 is the only digital camera priced under $1,000 that allows users to attach voice recordings or comments to images as sound files. Intuit Updates Quicken Software Intuit Inc. is offering new versions of its Quicken and Quicken Deluxe personal finance management programs for Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 computers. The Mountain View, California, company says the updated programs feature a streamlined interface and new technologies that significantly improve the day-to-day user experience. Among the new features are enhanced audio and video support and improved Internet connectivity. "Our absolute priority this year was to knock down the barriers that people encounter when using personal finance software for the first time," says Scott Cook, Intuit's chairman and co-founder. "This new design keeps the best of what our customers know and love about Quicken but makes accessing Quicken's features dramatically faster and more efficient. This is without a doubt the easiest Quicken ever." Quicken and Quicken Deluxe are priced at $29.95 and $59.95, respectively. Upgraders are eligible for a rebate ($10 for Quicken, $20 for Quicken Deluxe). U.S. Robotics Offers New Modem A new superfast modem intended to allow users to get online at speeds nearly double those currently available over regular phone lines has been unveiled by market leader U.S. Robotics. Reporting from Skokie, Illinois, United Press International says the firm's new x2 technology boosts the top speed of a standard modem to 56 kilobytes per second from the current standard of 28.8 or 33.6 Kbps, adding field trials of the new equipment begin next month. Steve Tabaska, executive director, MCI data services engineering, told the wire service, "As the Internet continues to evolve from a novelty into an important business tool, customers are demanding faster and more reliable service." And U.S. Robotics Chairman Casey Cowell predicted x2 technology will have a widespread impact because most Internet access continues to take place over regular telephone lines. "The x2 uses an asymmetrical technology," says UPI, "and takes advantage of a special network configuration commonly encountered when an analog subscriber connects to a digital network. Data, especially images, can be transmitted over less bandwidth than current modems require." The company added that since the technology is software- based, consumers will be able to upgrade their current U.S. Robotics equipment without having to invest in new hardware. "Initially, at least, U.S. Robotics said the technology will not be applicable to modems manufactured by other companies," UPI added. Sony Enters Data Backup Market Sony Electronics is moving into the PC data backup market with the StorStation, its first-ever tape drive system. Developed in association with Iomega Corp., the StorStation is a 1GB native, 2GB compressed tape drive for home and small office users. The system offers 10MB per minute backup performance via Travan-1 and QIC-WIDE technology. The unit will be bundled with a tape cartridge, backup software and CompuServe Sprynet software with the Netscape Navigator Web browser. "Our marketing research has shown that while a majority of PC users have experienced a data loss due to a hard drive crash only a minority backup regularly," says Bob Striano, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Sony Electronics' recording media and energy group. "PC users' average hard drive capacities have increased. What these customers need is a high capacity, easy-to-use and affordable backup solution to prevent data loss. With 2GB of capacity, 'one step' backup software and a suggested retail price below $200, the StorStation fulfills these PC users' needs." Microsoft Overhauls Network A radical overhaul of Microsoft Network switches to using TV-like programming among its new features to attempt to attract viewers/users/surfers. Writing in The Wall Street Journal this morning, reporter Don Clark notes, "The long-awaited makeover of the Microsoft Network, based on World Wide Web technology, includes special software to make it easier to navigate through MSN's original information content. It also offers six content 'channels' and 20 so-called shows that are structured like TV fare and designed to present new material to consumers, rather than waiting for them to explore on their own." MSN Vice President Laura Jennings told the paper, the changes reflect Microsoft's new effort to transform the Web into a true mass medium from only about 10 million regular users today. She said Microsoft will spend $100 million on promotion in the next 12 months, and has no plans to make money for three years. Clark said the strategy "adds a potent weapon to the arsenal Microsoft has aimed at Netscape Communications Corp. and other Internet competitors." The Journal adds, "Most of the most compelling new features of MSN, such as animation and news feeds, unlike typical Web material only will be available to PC users running Microsoft's Internet Explorer 3.0 browser and its Windows 95 operating system. Both are pivotal products in Microsoft's attempts to set Internet standards." This prompted analyst Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies Inc. in San Jose, California, to comment, "It's the hooks to move everybody to their world." Nonetheless, Clark sees "significant risk" in the move, because "Netscape and most Web and online services are catering to the broader audience that uses earlier versions of Windows or other operating systems." Jennings and others said the browser and Windows 95 were essential to create cutting-edge content. The new MSN pricing includes a $19.95 package for unlimited monthly Internet access as well as the service's content. Information access alone costs $6.95 for people who use another Internet service. As reported, MSN was launched along with the Windows 95 operating system in August 1995 and became the third-largest online service with 1.6 million subscribers. "But," as Clark observed, "just four months after launch, Microsoft junked its original format as part of a companywide shift toward the Internet. MSN originally used proprietary technology and was open to any entrepreneur who wanted to contribute content and services. But that approach couldn't hope to match the endless variety of the Internet, executives concluded. So the company reversed course and said it would create a Web-based service that was based on content it developed or selected." Prodigy Reinvents Itself on Web Starting next week, the struggling Prodigy online computer service will remake itself as an Internet service provider on the World Wide Web. Reporting from Prodigy's White Plains, New York, headquarters, The Associated Press says users will reach Prodigy's services directly through the Web and that the company will charge $19.95 a month for unlimited use of its new service, which will offer live chat, discussion groups and electronic mail. President Paul DeLacey told the wire service all the material currently available on Prodigy will be accessible to Prodigy Internet subscribers by the end of the year. Added Prodigy Chairman Gregory Carr, "As of today we are a new animal. We are a value-added Internet service and no longer an online service." Prodigy was the third-largest online service a year ago, behind CompuServe and America Online, but growth has stagnated and now observers say Prodigy, with a million subscribers, has fallen behind newcomer Microsoft Network, which signed up 1.5 million subscribers in its first year. Last May, International Wireless Inc. bought Prodigy from co-owners IBM and Sears for $250 million. Commenting in The Wall Street Journal this morning, reporter Jared Sandberg noted, "Some industry watchers think Prodigy's efforts may be too little, too late." He added, "As an Internet-service provider, Prodigy is entering hostile terrain. The market is extremely price competitive and is expected to rapidly consolidate into a handful of huge service providers that have the financial muscle and marketing might to wage a global battle for customers." Sandberg quoted people close to the company as saying Prodigy plans to move onto the Web with a new $100 million ad budget to be spent during the next year on radio and print ads, though Carr declined to comment. Cisco Buys Netsys Technologies For $79 million in stock, Cisco Systems Inc. has agreed to buy closely held Netsys Technologies in what observers say is an effort to acquire software that helps technicians design complex computer networks. The Reuter News Service reports Cisco, the world's biggest maker of computer networking equipment, also is canceling plans to repurchase 16.8 million of its own shares because of uncertainty over a recent interpretation of an accounting rule by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cisco officials told the wire service the company could be liable for more taxes if the interpretation is applied to its practices. Netsys makes software that simulates the operations of a computer network, enabling technicians to build a model of a planned network on a computer to see how well the network can handle the flow of computer information. Since February 1995, Cisco has had a minority stake in Netsys, which has about 50 employees and now will becomes part of Cisco's central engineering unit. Reuters notes that since 1993, Cisco, based in San Jose, Calif., has bought 14 networking and software companies "to plug holes in its product lines and to acquire technology that makes it easier for customers to use its networking devices." Lotus Plans Rent-a-Site Software Lotus Development Corp. says it will develop a family of collaborative Web applications, called Domino SPA (Service Provider Applications), that will allow users to rent their own Web site. According to the IBM Corp. subsidiary, Domino SPA will allow users with little or no technical expertise to create their own secure, interactive and collaborative Web site by using a Web browser. Domino SPA will be hosted by Lotus Notes Public Networks (LNPNs) and Internet service providers and rented by small and medium size companies, home office users and consumers. Lotus states that Domino SPA will allow users to create a Web site without purchasing and installing a server, hiring a Webmaster and investing time to create and manage Web content. "With these ready-to-use applications, users in a matter of minutes can create a Web presence that ranges from an interactive home page to a virtual private community that enables collaboration among partners, customers and suppliers or even family and friends," says a statement issued by the software publisher. Domino SPA is slated to become available in early 1997, says Lotus. Pricing will be set individually by the service providers. Sony Files Property Rights Suit In a move designed to protect intellectual property rights of its PlayStation game console and software, Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed several lawsuits against companies that allegedly are selling counterfeit and grey market PlayStation games. In a coordinated litigation effort, the firm has sued companies based in New York, Toronto, Miami and Orange County, Calif. The suits were filed under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), as well as trademark and copyright laws. One of the suits charges that National Console Support and other companies have marketed a device that enables counterfeit and grey market games to operate on the PlayStation game console. Companion suits filed simultaneously charge Super Collector and Video Games Plus with unlawfully selling and distributing counterfeit games in the U.S. The companies are accused of marketing and selling games via the Internet, e-mail and the U.S. Mail. "On behalf of the consumers that purchase the PlayStation and its games, we will go to any length to protect the integrity of our products," says Riley Russell, director of legal and business affairs for Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We hope this suit sends a clear message that Sony will not tolerate illegal actions as they relate to our products and that we will vigorously prosecute all infringements to the greatest extent of the law." Sony Interactive Entertainment's actions take advantage of an amendment to the RICO act recently signed into law by President Clinton. The reach of the act was expanded to permit suits against organizations dealing in pirated intellectual property, particularly counterfeit goods or goods bearing counterfeit marks. The suits seek to impound infringing products in addition to recovery of damages. "We believe that these actions may be the first of their kind since the Congress amended the RICO act to include counterfeiting as a predicate offense to protect intellectual property," says Joel Linzner, an attorney with the Townsend and Townsend law firm in San Francisco. USR DATABURST STR Focus U.S. Robotics continues to lead the way U.S. ROBOTICS ANNOUNCES DATABURST ISDN 128K External Terminal Adapter Provides Parallel Port Connectivity Over ISDN & Enhanced Throughput With Turbo PPPT Feature Set SKOKIE, Ill., -- September 1996 -- U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ: USRX) announced the new DataBurst ISDN 128K, a desktop parallel port terminal adapter (TA) providing a cost effective, high-performance solution for ISDN-only connectivity. The product allows U.S. Robotics to provide a solution for users who have applications that require a higher bandwidth of ISDN through parallel port technology. The DataBurst lSDN 128K will be available in October, 1996. "The DataBurst gives users high speed access to the Internet and on-line services," said Jennifer Schuster, product marketing manager for client products, U.S. Robotics Network Systems Division. "It will provide telecommuters and employees working from home direct access to the corporate LAN, and enable the Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) user with a single PC to reap the advantages of ISDN bandwidth." Advanced Parallel Port Performance The DataBurst will enable users to reach the full potential of ISDN at 128 Kbps plus compression for higher transfer rates up to 512 Kbps. Parallel port connectivity has no speed restrictions and with the multiple types of compression available, it is possible to achieve a faster transfer rate. This is in comparison to external serial port devices, which are limited to 115.2 Kbps. TurboPPP: Enhanced Throughput A key component of DataBurst is TurboPPP, a set of capabilities developed by U.S. Robotics to maximize performance over ISDN. TurboPPP is a collection of features designed to work with industry standards that gives users maximum ISDN performance on every call no matter what device they're connecting to. Multilink PPP TurboPPP includes Multilink PPP, allowing two 64 Kbps B channels to be aggregated for total uncompressed throughput up to 128 Kbps' achieving faster transmission of graphics, large files and LAN-based data. Compression TurboPPP enhances the data transmission by supporting multiple forms of data compression software for ISDN transmissions (including Stac, Microsoft, Ascend). TurboPPP enables the DataBurst to adjust the compression type based on the device on the other end of the call with potential throughput up to 512 Kbps. Other devices execute compression in hardware which is limited to supporting a single type of compression. Windows 95 Enhancements The addition of TurboPPP to the DataBurst also opens up the potential of ISDN to Windows 95 based applications that do not support Multilink PPP or data compression. TurboPPP enhancements provide the benefits of Multilink PPP and multiple compression types up to 512 Kbps, even when the application supports only single link PPP (64 Kbps). "For Internet access, Telecommuting, and remote applications requiring higher-performance ISDN connectivity, DataBurst provides excellent throughput, taking the best advantage of any available compression standard," said Schuster. "As part of our full line of ISDN access solutions, the DataBurst allows U.S. Robotics to put in place complete, end-to-end solutions for the fastest access to information." Additional Features: Integrated NT-1, Multiple Interfaces, Security With the integrated NT- 1 version, the DataBurst provides a complete solution for a direct connection to the ISDN wall jack, saving the space and the cost of an external NT- 1. The product also supports Windows 95 Dial Up Networking and Win ISDN interfaces for use with popular Internet, remote LAN access and data communications software packages. Security features support PAP and CHAP protocols through PPP. Diagnostics & Logging Features Features include D-Channel protocol monitoring, line diagnostics and call logging for quick resolution of telephone service provider problems. The protocol monitor translates network signaling messages for interpretation of the interface to the public network. ISDN line diagnostics and self-tests will determine if the Basic Rate Interface (BRI) line is configured correctly. The call logging function enables users to view activity histories and trace potential problems. Availability The DataBurst ISDN 128K will be available in two versions. Integrated NT-1 version, list priced at $279, provides a direct connection to the ISDN wall jack. S/T version, list priced at $239, is designed for use with a standalone NT-1 or PBX's that support S/T interfaces. What is the DataBurst ISDN 128K? The DataBurst ISDN 128K is a parallel port terminal adapter (TA) designed to connect to an Integrated Digital Service Digital Network (ISDN) Basic Rate Interface (BRI) access line. It is a passive device, in that, it uses the processing power of the PC to communicate over end-to-end PPP or Multilink PPP connections. What is a BRI access line? BRI stands for Basic Rate Interface. A BRI access line typically consists of two B-Channels and one D Channel. The B-Channels are 64 Kbps and the D-Channel is 16 Kbps. The B-Channels send or receive the data traffic while the D-Channel is used for call control to setup or bring down a connection. The DataBurst supports two B-Channels and one D-Channel. Why is ISDN important? ISDN is a digital technology that provides end-to-end digital service over the public switched network. It works over the same twisted pairs that have already been installed in offices or homes. Some of ISDN's main advantages over the analog public switched telephone network (PSTN) are as follows: ú ISDN is a totally digital network. The transmission is inherently more accurate and reliable than analog. ú The ISDN network is capable of increased transmission speeds, up to 64 Kbps per channel, 128 Kbps with Multilink PPP or higher with compression. ú The increased accuracy, reliability and transmission speed translates into increased bandwidth, fewer errors and faster connects and disconnects of calls. What are the key features of the DataBurst? ú Integrated NT-I - no external device needed. Simplifies installation and reduces cost of ownership. ú Multi-Vendor Interoperability - supports a variety of ISDN standards (V. I 10, V. 120, Asynchronous to Synchronous PPP, Multilink PPP, multiple compression types). ú TurboPPP - for high performance, including Multilink PPP and multiple forms of compression. ú Windows 95 Enhancements - opens ISDN to applications that do not support Multilink PPP or compression, even when the application supports only PPP (64K). ú Multiple Interfaces - supports Windows 95 Dial up Networking and WinlSDN interfaces. ú GUI Interface - graphical interface that displays B and D-Channel connections for easy configuration. ú Security Features - supports PAP and CHAP protocols through PPP. ú Diagnostics and Logging Features - for quick resolution of telephone service provider problems. ú Simple installation and configuration. Why is an integrated NT-1 important? The NT-1 allows the DataBurst to be connected directly to the U-interface jack provided by the telephone company. It combines the S/T interface, the NT-I, and a power supply for the NT-I into a single connection on the back of the DataBurst. An external NT-I can cost up to $600 if purchased separately. The integrated NT-1 interface saves money and simplifies installation. Does the DataBurst support PPP? Yes. DataBurst will support PPP in the form of Asynchronous to Synchronous PPP. The DataBurst converts the asynchronous data from the computer to synchronous data so it can be sent across the TCP/IP network. What is Turbo PPP? TurboPPP consists of three major features designed by U.S. Robotics to maximize performance over ISDN. 1.Multilink PPP - allows two 64 Kbps B-Channels to be aggregated for an uncompressed throughput up to 128 Kbps. 2.Compression - supports multiple forms of compression (includes Stac, Microsoft and Ascend) with a potential throughput up to 512 Kbps. 3.Windows 95 Enhancements - opens up the potential of ISDN to Windows 95 applications that do not support Multilink PPP or compression. What is the main benefit of the DataBurst? The main benefit of the DataBurst is pure, raw speed! What are other benefits of using the DataBurst? ú Allows users to connect a PC to a remote computer network using a standard parallel port on a computer. ú The remote network can be the Internet or, if the user is a telecommuter, the office network. ú If the user is connecting to the Internet. they will be able to utilize all the features offered by the ISP. This includes browsing, uploading and downloading files, electronic mail, World Wide Web sites and chat rooms. ú Permits the Windows 95 telecommuter access to the of rice network just as if they were at work. This allows access to the office network for file retrieval/storage and email over the LAN at work from the home site. ú Allows the Windows 95 user to connect to a single, remote PC using another DataBurst. This allows peerto-peer network programs for file sharing between two PCs. What types of users will benefit from using the DataBurst? Users who wish to increase bandwidth for high-speed data transfer, remote access and Internet browsing over ISDN with improved reliability and quicker setup times. What are the key applications to target for the Databurst? ú High-speed file transfer ú Telecommuting ú Remote LAN Access ú Internet Access What are the minimum requirements for the DataBurst? First of all, you need an ISDN BRI phone line which is available through the local telephone company. Secondly, your PC must be configured to meet the following minimum system requirements: - PC 486 CPU-based or higher - Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 operating system - DB-25 Parallel port Connector on PC - 4 MB RAM (8 MB RAM for Windows 95) Why use a parallel port instead of a more common serial port connection? When a conventional serial port connection is made, data is transferred to a PC one bit at a time. Once data reaches the serial port, it is stored in the system's Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (WART) until it is processed into the main memory. Common buffer capacity in a serial port's UART is one or 16 bytes. When a DataBurst-to-PC connection is made through the parallel port, data is transferred eight bits at a time instead of one bit as in serial mode. This results in increased performance because the parallel port uses eight data pins while the serial port uses one. The parallel port has an internal buffer size up to 64 bytes to store data compared to the one or 16 bytes in a serial port's buffer. What is the price of a DataBurst? Description List Price Part Number DataBurst ISDN 128K NT-I U Interface $279.00 001280-0 DataBurst ISDN 128K S/T Interface $239.00 001281-0 What support is available for the DataBurst? (general Tech Support - 800-550-7800 I-Team - Offered through a new toll free number: 1-888-USR-ISDN. I-Team: Complete ISDN Support Since June 1995, U.S. Robotics has ensured complete interoperability with the I-Team for ISDN support; now offered through a new toll free number: 1-888-USR-ISDN. The I-Team is a customer service group focused on providing end-users with area specific information regarding ISDN availability, installation charges services contact information, tariffing and support for ISDN products. The service is designed to make obtaining and installing ISDN products and services as simple as possible. Please refer DataBurst inquiries to U.S. Robotics at 800-USR-CORP. Parallel Port Technology: Terminal Adapter-To-PC Connection through the parallel port The high speeds that can now be reached by today's communication devices have increased the demand for bandwidth to support mass data transfer for Internet, remote access and Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) applications at an affordable cost. Today's users need devices that deliver higher performance to the desktop utilizing existing technology. Expanding the use of the parallel port for higher connection speeds between external devices and PCs exploits the advantages of ISDN's higher bandwidth. This white paper explains the advantages of parallel port connections and how they can increase the data transfer rate. Differences Between Parallel & Serial Port Connections When a conventional terminal adapter (TA)-to-PC connection is made, it is done through a serial port interface. Data is transferred to a PC one bit at a time. Once data reaches the serial port. it is stored in the system's Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART). The DART receives the data and stores it in its own internal buffer until processed into the main memory. Common buffer capacity in a serial port's DART is either one or 16 bytes. When a TA-to-PC connection is made through a parallel port interface, data is transferred eight bits at a time instead of one bit at a tinge, as in serial mode. This results in increased performance because the parallel port uses eight data pins, while the serial port uses one. The parallel port has an internal buffer size up to 64 bytes to store data compared to the one or 16 bytes in a serial port's buffer. Advantages of Parallel Port Connectivity Using the parallel port solves the frequently encountered serial port bottleneck. Since TAs provide connection speeds of 128 Kbps and higher with compression, the ability to transfer megabytes of data increases, as does the chance of losing data when transferred through a serial port interface. In a majority of PCs, the serial port does not have the ability to process data at the high speeds required by TAs. As data is transferred one bit at a time in serial mode through one data pin, it is collected in the WART's internal buffer. Once the buffer is full, files cannot be transferred at the maximum rate. This can result in frequent retransmissions, increased line charges, damaged files and lost data. Transfer errors occur because the serial port buffer is unable to handle the data arriving at such a high speed. The data stored in the WART's buffer is then overwritten by the new data before it is stored in the computer's memory. Once the data is overwritten, error-correction protocols signal the transmission failure and request that the information be resent. The problem is not just that lost information is resent. The entire chunk of data is resent, which takes time and increases transmission costs. What does Parallel Port Connectivity Mean to U.S. Robotics Customers? With a parallel port connection, data transmission and increased buffer capacity unite to transfer data faster with less interruption, This in turn utilizes less of the computer's system resources to transfer data at higher speeds, which allows the user to perfornn other functions while sending or receiving data. For example, over ISDN, the parallel interface allows the system to reach speeds of 128 Kbps (up to 512 Kbps with compression) without interruption. Compression As defined in Newton's Telecom Dictionary, compression is "reducing the representation of the information without reducing the information without reducing the information itself." Compression refers to the compacting of information before it is transmitted over a communications link. With compression, it is possible to achieve effective data transfer rates 2-4 times the actual rate over analog and digital lines. There are several different compression methods that can be supported between two communicating devices. A majority of manufacturers implement hardware based compression, which limits them to supporting one type of compression. Devices implementing compression through software al ow multiple types of compression to be available, insuring maximum performance. The major forms of compression used today over ISDN include Microsoft, Stac, and Ascend. Applications The greatest demand for parallel port connectivity comes from telecommuters and corporate users working from home that require access to the Internet and/or the corporate LAN. It also provides SOHO users without LANs, as well as consumers, faster access to the Internet and online services. As the use of these applications increase, so does the need for more bandwidth and decreased line charges. Internet and Online Access Parallel port connectivity provides high-speed access to the Internet and online services with fewer interruptions. With the increase of content on the Internet, users can improve performance by utilizing ISDN for faster World Wide Web transfers. Less time is spent waiting for graphics, documents and large files to download. Telecommuting and Corporate LAN Access Users working from home will always require access to a LAN at the corporate office. Telecommuters can establish high-speed connections to their corporate LAN with immediate access to applications such as email, database access, image and graphics transfer. All benefit from the high bandwidth provided by a parallel port connection. SOHO [Small Office/Home Office) With parallel ports already available on every PC, the potential home-based uses include access to the Internet and connections to the office after hours. Parallel port connection also provides small branch offices of a corporation and home-based sites faster access to information. DataBurst ISDN 128K With these applications in mind, U.S. Robotics offers the DataBurst ISDN 128K. The DataBurst is a external, parallel port TA that provides a cost-effective, high performance solution for ISDN. Since DataBurst contains an integrated NT-1 device, users can connect directly to a digital line, with no additional devices neccessary. Use of the parallel port eliminates the loss of performance associated with existing external serial port-attached devices. The DataBurst enables users to reach the full potential of ISDN at 128 Kbps plus compression for a higher transfer rate, up to 512 Kbps. TurboPPP, a unique set of capabilities developed by U.S. Robotics to maximize ISDN performance, is a key component of DataBurst. TurboPPP includes Multilink PPP, which combines two 64 Kbps B-channels, achieving throughput of 128 Kbps. Databurst also opens the potential of ISDN to software that does not support Multilink PPP or data compression. Turbo PPP brings multiple forms of compression over ISDN Stac, Microsoft and Ascend) to the DataBurst, for data transfer up to 512 Kbps. A Parallel Thought Always remember that when mass amounts of data are transferred, the chance of losing data increases. Parallel port technology is a convenient and inexpensive solution for those searching for improved communications. Parallel connectivity is readily available on any PC. It doesn't require disassembly of existing hardware and no extra interface devices are needed. Plugging in one cable connects informational resources within the corporate network for improved access for the small office/home office and the Internet. U.S. ROBOTICS SHATTERS SPEED BARRIER: DELIVERS 56 Kbps OVER STANDARD TELEPHONE LINES Internet Service Providers Embrace New x2 Technology; Plan Field Trials & Roll-Out Skokie, Ill., October 16, 1996 -- U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ:USRX) today announced a key breakthrough in modem technology that provides Internet and on-line connections at speeds nearly twice as fast as those currently available over standard telephone lines. U.S. Robotics' new x2 increases the top speed of a standard modem for downloading data from 28.8 or 33.6 Kbps to 56 Kbps -- equivalent to many Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) connections, but without the need for expensive new central office equipment required by other high-speed technologies. Service Providers Sign Up for x2 U.S. Robotics also announced that the world's leading Internet and on-line service providers support x2. To date, more than 30 service providers worldwide have agreed to participate in field trials with broad roll-out plans to follow. "As the worldwide leader in providing consumer Internet on- line services, America Online is excited about the x2 technology that will provide our more than 6.2 million members the ability to access AOL at even faster speeds," said Matt Korn, vice president, operations, America Online. "We will continue to work with innovative technology, like x2, which will expand our members' experience and enable them to use a variety of multimedia services on AOL." "We plan to aggressively deploy this new high- speed modem technology across the IBM Global Network's more than 500 local calling points in the U.S.," said Gary Weis, general manager, worldwide operations, IBM Global Network. "As soon as this new feature becomes available, the IBM Global Network will implement x2 via our automated software download process that enables customers to obtain network enhancements like this easily and quickly," he said. In the near term, IBM Global Network will use x2 technology in the U.S., Canada and 14 other countries. "If you'd said a year ago that an average home user could be on the Net at 56 Kbps, people would probably have accused you of being mad -- but the future seems to keep arriving ahead of schedule," said Paul Rivers, technical director at UUNET PIPEX, a leading Internet Service Provider in the United Kingdom. "U.S. Robotics has 'come up trumps' again, and UUNET PIPEX will upgrade its network to the fastest speed possible the instant the technology becomes available." These service providers already use U.S. Robotics' Total Control Enterprise Network Hub, a remote access server, which will enable them to quickly and easily upgrade their networks and offer x2 service to millions of existing subscribers. With the introduction of x2, U.S. Robotics will deliver the industry's only immediate, end-to-end higher speed solution for both individuals and service providers. "No other company has both the market presence and systems architecture to immediately provide on-line and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with a significantly faster and better Internet experience," said Casey Cowell, chairman, chief executive officer and president of U.S. Robotics. U.S. Robotics submitted a proposal for 56 Kbps modem speeds to the ITU-T in September. As a key contributor to many past standards, the company plans to lead the effort to standardize 56 Kbps technology worldwide. However, because of the typically lengthy time to bring a standard to fruition, U.S. Robotics is bringing x2, a proprietary technology, to market immediately. "The unique combination of USR's market leadership in modems and Texas Instruments' market leadership in DSP (Digital Signal Processor) solutions will set a new standard in Internet access for the networked society," said Rich Templeton, SemiConductor Group president for Texas Instruments. "USR's new x2 technology enables solutions for a wide variety of communications products, and TI is pleased to be part of this innovative technology." Why Faster is Better Surfing the World Wide Web has become immensely popular, but the increase in complex graphical content on web sites has slowed the downloading process. x2 substantially speeds up the delivery of information and reduces time wasted waiting for information, thereby increasing productivity for users. "As the Internet continues to evolve from a novelty into an important business tool, customers are demanding faster and more reliable service," said Steve Tabaska, executive director, MCI data services engineering. "Through the use of .S. Robotics' x2 technology, MCI will be able to offer our dial-up Internet customers faster connectivity without the added expense of an ISDN line." Most Internet access continues to take place over regular telephone lines, so x2 technology is expected to have a widespread impact. "Increasing the speed at which data can be delivered will dramatically improve service for those already using the Internet, and it will encourage more people to get connected," Cowell said. x2 Enhances Corporate Remote Access Any corporation can easily add x2 to existing Total Control systems through a software upgrade. This flexible pgrade path is unmatched in the industry and is the reason many major corporations have standardized on Total Control. The system was designed with "investment protection," which allows customers to easily take advantage of new technologies without completely changing to new hardware in their networks. U.S. Robotics' corporate and smaller ISP customers also will benefit from the company's other remote access products that will offer x2. "Corporate applications are fueling tremendous growth in remote access," Cowell said. "As the top remote access provider, U.S. Robotics will be the company that delivers multiple higher-speed solutions," he said. x2 Technology Boosts "Downstream" Data Delivery U.S. Robotics develops its own modem technology, unlike competitors who purchase "chipsets" from third parties. By using DSPs, which are programmable modem engines, U.S. Robotics has the flexibility to innovate new capabilities, unlike most other companies. x2 is an asymmetrical technology that supplies 56 Kbps "downstream" for transmissions from service providers. It takes advantage of a special network configuration commonly encountered when an analog subscriber establishes a connection with a data server that is digitally connected to the Digital Telephone Network (DTN). This new transmission technique differs fundamentally from the modulation techniques used for high speed modems. This model is ideal for Internet or remote access because information sent to the individual desktop is typically graphics-based and requires a high- performance channel. User requests, such as http commands, require less bandwidth and can be transmitted quickly "upstream" at conventional 28.8 or 33.6 Kbps speeds. Because of U.S. Robotics' flexible software-based modem architecture, the company also has the capability to add both proprietary protocols and standards to its products, ensuring compatibility and connections with other products at the highest speeds available. It's Easy to Upgrade to x2 In many cases, individuals will be able to obtain a simple, inexpensive upgrade for their U.S. Robotics modems. U.S. Robotics Sportster modems now on retail shelves worldwide can be upgraded to x2; Sportster x2 upgrades will be available in January 1997. The vast majority of homes and offices will be able to take advantage of x2, although some locations may not be able to achieve these speeds because the configuration of the local telephone loop will not accommodate the service. The connection at those locations will fall back to the highest standard modem speed available on that line. U.S. Robotics will conduct field trials in November and begin shipping x2 to Internet and on-line service providers as well as end users during the firstcalendar quarter of 1997. INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS WORLDWIDE SUPPORTING U.S. ROBOTICS x2 TECHNOLOGY North American and Global Providers America Online ANS Commonwealth Telephone CompuServe CyberGate HookUp (Canada) IBM Global Network Netcom MCI Mindspring Prodigy TDS Telecom U S West Web America Australia Microplex Netexpress Austria Netway France Grolier Interactive Europe Germany Bertelsmann ZI/MediaWays metronet Hong Kong Hong Kong Star Internet Hong Kong Telecom Japan ASCII Business Network Telecom Global Online Toyko Internet Norway Telenor Online Taiwan New Silkera Network WowNet United Kingdom Cable Online UUNET Pipex U. S. Robotics and the U.S. Robotics logo are registered trademarks of U.S. Robotics. DataBurst is a registered trademark of U.S. Robotics. TurboPPP is a trademark of US. Robotics. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Ascend is a registered trademark of Ascend Communications. Stac is a registered trademark of Stac Electronics. US. Robotics' World Wide Web page may be accessed at www.usr.com. U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, enterprise communications systems, desktop/mobile client products and modems and telephony products that connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include Internet service providers, regional Bell operating companies, inter-exchange carriers and a wide range of other large and small businesses, institutions and individuals. The company's fiscal 1995 sales were $889.3 million; sales for the first nine months of fiscal 1996 were $1.37 billion. Special Notice!! 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Mariano, Editor STReport International Online Magazine Symantec and NetCentric Announce Alliance to Deliver Internet Fax Solution to Millions of Users Internet Expo, Boston, Mass.-October 16, 1996-Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq:SYMC), the worldwide leader in communications software, and NetCentric Corporation, the leading provider of software for the Internet Infrastructure, today announced an alliance to develop, co-market and deliver a comprehensive Internet fax solution later this month. By working with NetCentric, Symantec is offering its millions of WinFax PRO users access to the Internet as a reliable, inexpensive network for worldwide transmission of their faxes. WinFax PRO 7.5, the latest upgrade of Symantec's leading desktop faxing technology, will include seamless connectivity to high-performance NetCentric servers inside the Internet, enabling WinFax PRO users to easily send secure, point-to-point faxes over the Internet to any fax machine in the world Hat exists off the Internet. "By working with NetCentric, Symantec is helping to make Internet fax an everyday business tool rather than a hobbyist toy," said fax industry analyst Peter Davidson of Davidson Consulting. "The millions of WinFax PRO customers understand the power of desktop faxing and are the people most likely to embrace Internet faxing as a logical extension to their current business activities. The Internet will profoundly impact fax technology and drive it to the level of rapid technological change that is coming from the Internet." Benefits to Users Faxing constitutes 40% of a company's telecommunications bill, with the average Fortune 500 company spending almost $15 million annually on fax-related transmission charges, according to a 1996 Gallup/ Pitney Bowes Survey. The Internet infrastructure provides a more cost effective network than the existing public phone network to carry major segments of this faxing traffic. Users can send multiple faxes at once directly through their Internet connection and save up to 80% of the cost of sending a fax over the long distance telephone network. In addition to reducing transmission costs, WinFax PRO and NetCentric can eliminate the need for individuals and organizations to invest in dedicated fax lines, fax machines or expensive LAN fax servers. WinFax PRO is a powerful productivity tool for Small-Off'ce/Home Office (SOHO) users, but they will also find additional benefits using Internet fax services. These users tend to communicate by fax on a regional basis, and often face higher long-distance charges as a result. They often cannot benefit from the deep discounts offered on interstate long distance. With Internet fax they gain the benefit of consistent competitive rates. "With over 10 million copies shipped, WinFax PRO has clearly become the standard for desktop faxing," said Christopher Calisi, vice president of Symantec's Communications Product Group. `'This new offering dramatically raises the bar in the faxing industry. By potentially eliminating the need for dedicated phone lines and fax servers, while reducing telecommunications charges, WinFax PRO users can see dramatic savings in their fax costs using the Internet. How It Works Faxing over the Internet is very easy using the new WinFax PRO 7.5. Once users have established an Internet account with NetCentric through the WinFax PRO setup wizard, they have the option of sending desktop faxes either over the telephone lines or through the Internet. Once a user has selected to send a fax over the Internet, WinFax PRO 7.5 compresses and encrypts the fax and sends it through a NetCentric server, which then uses intelligent routing algorithms to route the fax over the Internet, at the lowest cost possible, to the recipient. Throughout the entire process, WinFax PRO 7.5 provides real-time status to the user. "The Internet is clearly the telecommunications architecture of the future," said Sean O'Sullivan, co-founder and CEO of NetCentric. "With this release of WinFax PRO, Symantec is leveraging their strength on the desktop with NetCentric's presence and capabilities inside the Internet to advance the state-of-the-art of fax and telecommunications at large." NetCentric develops POPware network software located inside the Internet at the points of presence (POPs) where the phone network and the Internet meet. POPware enables communications such as faxes to be delivered over the Internet to computer users and through phone lines to everyone else. It allows business communications to be shifted from the legacy telecommunications infrastructure to the Internet. Symantec Upgrades WinFax PRO 7.5 To Embrace Internet Fax Version 7.5 Also Includes TalkWorks Telephony Internet Expo, Boston, Mass.-October 16,1996-Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq:SYMC), the worldwide leader in communications software, today announced WinFax PRO 7.5, the latest version of its award-winning fax software for Windows 95. WinFax PRO 7.5 delivers all the traditional productivity benefits of computer based faxing, plus the ability to send faxes through the Internet to fax machines that exist off the Internet. WinFax PRO 7.5 becomes the first major computer fax application to embrace the emerging technology of Internet fax. TalkWorks, the WinFax telephony option, is now included with WinFax PRO 7.5, giving users with supported voice modems' voice answering and telephony capabilities, along with a full-featured fax program in one box. "The best way for us to keep in touch with our clients is by fax and this contributes substantially to our long distance telephone bills," said Thilo T. Newman, President of Newman & Lord Enterprises Inc., "The ability to fax over the Internet is the kind of cost saving technology we have been looking for. All our employees have direct access to the Internet through our computer network, which means they can now start faxing right from their desktop's without incurring additional hardware expenses such as installing dedicated telephone lines and purchasing modems. It is great to finally be given an opportunity to lower our overheads." Newman Lord has 1,000 employees worldwide, and is involved in T.V, Film and Television Production, as well as Medical and Real Estate Droducts and services. How Fax Embraces The Net WinFax PRO 7.5 takes advantage of the Internet infrastructure and gives users a low-cost alternative to the traditional telephone network for long distance faxing. WinFax PRO 7.S uses the Internet as a medium to transport faxes to traditional fax machines or computers equipped with a fax modem that are not directly connected to the Internet. Together with NetCentric, the leading provider of software for the Internet Infrastructure, WinFax PRO 7.5 delivers point-to-point faxing from the user's desktop to any fax machine or device worldwide. This is done through an Internet connection, thus eliminating the need for a separate, dedicated fax line or fax machine. Internet fax is secure,with RSA's encryption engine employed. Faxes can also be sent through the Internet, even if a corporation uses fire wall technology. How Internet Fax Works To the user, the process of sending a fax through the Internet is the same as sending a fax through the telephone network. Once the user has enabled the Internet fax service through the setup wizard, sending a fax over the Internet is easy. After preparing their document for faxing, the user is given a choice in which method of delivery-through a normal phone line or through the Internet-they would prefer to use. To the user, transmitting a fax appears to be the same for either method, however, behind the scenes the process differs. Once a user has selected to send a fax over the Internet, WinFax PRO 7.5 compresses and encrypts the fax and sends it through a NetCentric server, which then uses intelligent routing algorithms to route the fax over the Internet, at the lowest cost possible, to the recipient. Throughout the entire process, WinFax PRO 7.5 provides real-time status to the user. Internet Fax Service Pricing The cost of sending an Internet fax from anywhere in the world to a destination within the United States is 15 cents per minute. A user can also submit a fax from anywhere in the world and have the U.S. based server fax it to any fax machine or device outside of the U.S. for substantially less than a direct phone call. For faxes sent to destinations outside the United States, the price varies depending on the actual destination, with a discount up to 80% off standard long distance telephone rates being offered. A comprehensive rate list will be posted on the Internet to help users determine their savings when using Internet fax. TalkWorks TalkWorks, the WinFax telephony option, is now included in the box with WinFax PRO 7.5. TalkWorks offers users a number of enhanced features and capabilities, including enabling a computer equipped with a voice-capable fax modem to answer the telephone, and record and store voice messages. TalkWorks automatically discriminates between fax and voice calls so that users are also able to share a single analog phone line for both fax and voice. TalkWorks also includes telephony features such as speed dialing, conference calling, and hands-free operation through a full duplex speakerphone. In addition, TalkWorks supports multimedia PCs by enabling users to record greetings or play back messages through their .WAV-based sound boards. Pricing and System Requirements General availability of WinFax PRO 7.5 in distribution and retail channels is expected in late October 1996. The product has an estimated street price of US$99 (Can $139) and includes a 60-day money back guarantee. WinFax PRO 7.0 users can upgrade to version 7.5 for US$19.95 (Can $29.95), however, users who purchased or upgraded to WinFax PRO 7.0 on or after August I, 1996 can call Symantec to get a free up&race. Users of WinFax PRO 4.0 or earlier versions can upgrade for US$49.95 (Can $69.95). Users of WinFax LITE and any other Symantec product can upgrade/crossgrade for a cost of US$59.95 (Can $79.95). Upgrade prices do not include shipping and handling fees. WinFax PRO 7.5 requires a minimum 486-based PC running Microsoft Windows 95, a Class I or Class 2 fax modem, 16 MB RAM and 28 MB hard disk space for a full install. A voice-enabled fax modem is required to use the functionality of TalkWorks. About NetCentric Corporation NetCentric (:orp., headquartered m Cambridge, Mass., was founded in January 1995 with the mission of providing extended network communications services by leveraging the capabilities of the Internet imtrastructure. NetCentric has developed a new technology category called POPware that provides Internet-based telephony and computer services to organizations and individuals. Privately-held, NetCentric was recently identified by Upside magazine as one of the "fifty hottest" Internet companies. You can reach NetCentric on the World Wide Web at http:// www.netcentric.com or by calling 1-888-POPWARE toll free, or (617) 720-5200. About Symantec Corporation Symantec Corporation develops, markets and supports a complete line of application and system software products designed to enhance individual and workgroup productivity as well as manage networked computing environments. Platforms supported include IBM personal computers and compatibles, Apple Macintosh computers as well as all major network operating systems. Founded in 1982, the company's global operations span North America, Europe and several fast growing markets throughout Asia Pacific and Latin America. 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EDUPAGE STR Focus Keeping the users informed Edupage Contents Internet Users Value Their Privacy Consortium To Develop Net Privacy Principles Microsoft Overhauls MSN AT&T Offers New Wireless Twist Laptops Built To Take A Lickin' Kleiner Investment Approach? "Keiretsu" Interactive Shopping Court Says Microsoft Contractors Are Really Employees Coalition Announces New Data Standard Voicemail Over The Net Motorola's M-Star Reaches For The Sky Forget The Home PC -- Now It's The "Information Furnace" New Groupware Products From Network New Twist On Web Advertising The Evolution Of Web Law New York Cable Channel Warfare Network Vandals Truth-In-Silliness Prodigy Reinvents Itself As Web Service "Key Recovery" Replaces "Key Escrow" In Encryption Plan Lotus Notes For Rent Specialized Search Engines Needed For Research Some Provisions Of New FCC Phone Regs Put On Hold Scientology Copyright Decision Reaffirmed Inmarsat's New Global Phone Postal Service E-Mail Plans McGraw-Hill Plans E-Journals Tellers As Sellers At Bank Of Montreal Judge Orders Dallas Man To Cease Harassment On Net INTERNET USERS VALUE THEIR PRIVACY The 1996 Equifax/Harris Consumer Privacy Survey for the Internet reveals that Internet users place a high premium on their online privacy, relative to non-Internet users. Sixty percent of the Internet users interviewed said their anonymity shouldn't be compromised when they visit a Web site or use e-mail. Only 45% of non- Internet users were sympathetic to the desire for online anonymity. About half (49%) of the Internet users who participated felt that the federal government should be restricted in its ability to scan Internet messages, compared to only a third (34%) of non- users. Seventy-one percent of Internet users did not want online service providers to track their Web surfing patterns for marketing purposes, while 63% of non-users felt this activity was intrusive. The telephone survey of 36 million people also found that Internet users tended on average to be better educated, earn more money and have a somewhat more liberal outlook than non-users. (BNA Daily Report for Executives 10 Oct 96 A24) CONSORTIUM TO DEVELOP NET PRIVACY PRINCIPLES A group of companies involved in electronic commerce via the Internet have banded together to develop a set of privacy principles for doing business over the Net. The Privacy Assured group includes WorldPages, Inc., Four11, I/PRO, Match.Com and NetAngels.Com, and was sparked by recent reports of database services such as Nexis/Lexis providing sensitive information to paying customers. Privacy Assured, which is a pilot program of the Electronic Frontier Foundation's eTrust project, will post its blue PA logo on Web sites that adhere to its standards. These standards include: not knowingly listing information about individuals that has not been volunteered for publication; not allowing reverse searches to determine individuals' names from e- mail addresses, phone numbers or other information; releasing only aggregated usage statistics, not individual information; and giving individuals the option to delete personal information from lists. (Broadcasting & Cable 7 Oct 96 p87) MICROSOFT OVERHAULS MSN Microsoft is taking a new tack to boost the popularity of its online service, switching to a television-like line- up of six "channels" and 20 "shows" that are structured to deliver new material to consumers, rather than wait for them to explore on their own. The company plans to pour some $100 million into promotional efforts over the next 12 months, and doesn't expect the service to begin making money for three years. The restructured Microsoft Network will require a combination of Windows 95 and Microsoft Explorer browser software to access the most compelling content, such as animation and news feeds. "It's the hooks to move everybody to their world," says an analyst at Creative Strategies, Inc. (Wall Street Journal 11 Oct 96 B5) AT&T OFFERS NEW WIRELESS TWIST AT&T 's new Wireless Office Service allows corporate customers to use wireless phones internally, via a private wireless network, as well as outside, via AT&T's digital cellular network. The service will be jointly marketed with Nortel, and will cost between $700 and $1,000 per user to install the on-site micro-cells necessary for receiving and transmitting phone calls. For internal calls, any cellular handset may be used, and external calls require AT&T's new Digital PCS handsets. Saint Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, Calif. has found the new system improves patient care: "Nurses can be reached immediately," says the hospital's information technology director. (Information Week 7 Oct 96 p30) LAPTOPS BUILT TO TAKE A LICKIN' Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. is selling an accident-resistant laptop designed for the worst-case scenario. Sold under the Panasonic brand name, the machine is encased in a magnesium alloy cabinet, the disk drive is mounted in a shock-absorbing gel, and the liquid crystal display is protected by internal dampers. The super- rugged model, reputed to be coffee- and drop-proof, has been available in North America and Europe for about a month, and will begin selling in Japan on Oct. 20. (Investor's Business Daily 14 Oct 96 A8) KLEINER INVESTMENT APPROACH? "KEIRETSU" Kleiner Perkins, the venture capital firm that has distributed $880 million in start-up funds over 24 years to support the incubation of more than 260 companies (including AOL, Compaq, Genentech, Lotus, and Netscape) says its mission is to found industries, not just companies. Kleiner partner John Doerr developed what he calls the "Kleiner keiretsu" -- using the Japanese word keiretsu to describe a network of companies that share experiences, knowledge and connections. (Washington Post 13 Oct 96 HO1) INTERACTIVE SHOPPING Discussing the fact that the Home Shopping Network (HSN) had a 1995 operating loss of $80 million, an article in The Economist says that one reason TV shopping has not prospered more is that it favors impulse buying rather than a conscious search for a particular product, and therefore attracts only people who have time to sit watching television for hours. In contrast, shopping on the Net rewards the efforts of active searchers, such as those who order books from a service such as . (The Economist 12 Oct 96) COURT SAYS MICROSOFT CONTRACTORS ARE REALLY EMPLOYEES A Federal appeals court in San Francisco has ruled that hundreds of individual workers hired by Microsoft as "independent contractors" (and therefore not eligible to receive such employee benefits such as participation in 401(k) or stock option plans) must be reclassified as regular employees because they worked under close company supervision and were provided work spaces inside Microsoft facilities. Microsoft will appeal the decision. A company spokesman says: "Throughout the software industry, companies use temporary workers and independent contractors because our industry is so cyclical and the demand for product development is cyclical and often drops off. The alternative is something along the lines of typical manufacturing where you hire and lay off, hire and lay off." (New York Times 12 Oct 96 p17) COALITION ANNOUNCES NEW DATA STANDARD A coalition of 38 companies led by Netscape and Progressive Networks is proposing a new Internet data standard (called RTSP, or Real Time Streaming Protocol) that will allow the transmission of streams of digital information so that systems on the Net will be able to receive TV-like as well as 3D graphics. The acceptance of this new standard is likely to speed the introduction of stripped-down, low-cost "network computers" that will rely on the Internet as a file server for downloading software and data for just-in-time use. The coalition includes IBM, Apple, Sun, Digital Equipment, Hewlett-Packard, Silicon Graphics, and other large companies, but does not include Microsoft. (New York Times 14 Oct 96 C3) VOICEMAIL OVER THE NET Several voice-messaging companies, including Lucent Technologies, Northern Telecom and Siemens Rolm Communications, are working with the Electronic Messaging Association to set standards for sending voicemail and fax attachments over IP networks. The group will submit its Voice Profile for Internet messaging draft specification to the Internet Engineering Task Force before the end of the year. The technology would allow companies save money by moving their voicemail systems to the Internet or private IP wide area networks, thus consolidating information traffic on one network, says a Nortel standards engineer. (Information Week 7 Oct 96 p89) MOTOROLA'S M-STAR REACHES FOR THE SKY Motorola has a new $6.1-billion satellite project on the drawing board, comprising 72 low-orbit satellites capable of transmitting voice, video and data worldwide. The M-Star project is separate from Motorola's Iridium project, in which it's a 30% owner. M-Star is expected to take four years to complete from the time it receives FCC approval and lines up investors. The network will offer speeds of up to one gigabit for satellite-to- satellite laser communications and 155 megabits for satellite-to-earth transmissions. (Wall Street Journal 14 Oct 96 B4) FORGET THE HOME PC NOW IT'S THE "INFORMATION FURNACE" As computer companies and industry analysts look toward the future of home computing, they're predicting that standalone desktop units will give way to a micro version of a client-server network, with one central server computer connected to several home-based clients. Compaq and IBM are both working toward this vision -- IBM has introduced a new line of Aptiva computers featuring a minitower that can be positioned separately from the compact console that houses the CD-ROM and floppy drives and their power controls. Compaq is working on a wireless network solution so that homeowners don't have to worry about pulling cable through their walls. Hewlett-Packard has dubbed the concept an "information furnace" that runs the rest of the household. "All of these devices will one day be interconnected using a high bandwidth home network that is easy to install, maintain and expand," says HP's senior VP for R&D. "Many of the technologies needed to realize the vision of a home information furnace and its attendant network are available today." (Investor's Business Daily 15 Oct 96 A8) NEW GROUPWARE PRODUCTS FROM NETWORK In addition to announcing the new 4.0 version of its Navigator browser software, Netscape is introducing new group aimed at the corporate market and featuring enhanced e-mail, group scheduling, filing sharing, and audio software. The audio software will support two-way phone calls over the Internet. (Wall Street Journal 15 Oct 96 B7) NEW TWIST ON WEB ADVERTISING Nissan is trying an unconventional method to lure Net surfers to its Web site. It will pay somewhere around $1 to Internet visitors who click into its Nissan Pathfinder ad. The ad requires viewers to go on a techno- safari ride through a jungle setting and then answer a question about the ad. The novel approach underscores advertisers' frustrations with the new medium: "Web advertising is a very sexy thing to claim to do," says a Harvard business professor. "It's like, 'I have a Web site. I am hip.' But personally I don't know anyone who is an advertiser who is happy with the return on the money they are spending." Ad spending on the Web is estimated at $43-million in 1995 and $72-million this year. Projections call for spending in the $2-billion range by the year 2000. (St. Petersburg Times 14 Oct 96 p13) THE EVOLUTION OF WEB LAW Lawsuits over alleged occurrences of trademark infringement or defamation on the Web are expanding the traditional notion of legal jurisdictions and causing headaches for companies that use the Internet to advertise or sell their products. One recent lawsuit filed in California was decided in favor of the Vermont-based plaintiffs who claimed that a negative comment about their company sent by e-mail to an employee of Pacific Northwest Bell in Washington amounted to defamation because the message could be read by anyone on the system. "While modern technology has made nationwide commercial transactions simpler and more feasible, even for small businesses, it must broaden correspondingly the permissible scope of jurisdiction exercisable by the courts," reasoned the California court. The outcome of many of these jurisdictional disputes may hinge on the way that federal appeals courts interpret a 1984 Supreme Court decision in which a woman residing in New York State sued Ohio-based Hustler magazine in a New Hampshire court for libel. The court decided that the magazine company "continuously and deliberately exploited the New Hampshire market," thus making it possible to be sued there. If the courts follow this precedent, presumably anyone who operates a Web page could be sued in any jurisdiction in which that page can be accessed. (Investor's Business Daily 15 Oct 96 A4) NEW YORK CABLE CHANNEL WARFARE A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani from allowing Rupert Murdoch's Fox News Channel to use one of the five cable channels allotted to the city on the Time Warner cable service to transmit its programs (without commercials) to New York cable subscribers. Time Warner says its First Amendment rights would be violated if it is forced to use one of its channels to transmit information it doesn't want to; the Mayor, who thinks the Fox News Channel would provide a welcome relief from what he regards as the liberal bias of the general media, says that the First Amendment rights being violated are those of New York City -- which should be able to choose what it transmits on its own channels; and Fox argues that Time Warner is giving unfair advantage to its own products, such as those offered by Time Warner-owned CNN. Stay tuned for further developments ... but check for local listings, especially in New York. (Wall Street Journal 14 Oct 9 B3) NETWORK VANDALS An unidentified person or persons used bogus, anonymous e-mail messages in mid-September to overwhelm network routers in the Northwest, preventing legitimate e-mail messages from reaching their destinations for nearly six hours. Carnegie Mellon professor Daniel Sleator says the perpetrators shouldn't be called hackers: "Call them vandals. 'Hacker' implies somebody sophisticated." Computer Security Institute analyst Richard Power says the Internet service providers "and the Microsofts, Lotuses, and Netscapes" are "throwing this stuff on the marketplace. They're making fortunes with software, but they're not building security in a way that is appropriate to the threat out there." (Seattle Times 11 Oct 96 A1) TRUTH-IN-SILLINESS AT&T has been offering "True USA Savings" and "True Rewards" long-distance phone service plans ... but now rival MCI has introduced a competitive offering called "True Rate." AT&T considers MCI's use of the phrase "True Rate" to amount to a truly false marketing ploy, and is suing to stop MCI from using the word "True" MCI regards the AT&T lawsuit as truly "silly." (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 15 Oct 96 B3) PRODIGY REINVENTS ITSELF AS WEB SERVICE Prodigy Inc. has decided what it wants to be when it grows up - another Internet service provider. The company is scrapping its proprietary online service and relaunching itself as a route to the World Wide Web. "As of today, we are a new animal. We are a value-added Internet service and no longer an online service," says Prodigy's chairman. The company plans a $100 million ad campaign over the next year to build its new image. (Wall Street Journal 17 Oct 96 B11) "KEY RECOVERY" REPLACES "KEY ESCROW" IN ENCRYPTION PLAN The latest government proposal for encryption software controls touts a new approach called "key recovery." This provision would allow law enforcement officials to rebuild, or "recover" the mathematical key to encoded messages with the help of third-party code-breakers. The new policy reflects suggestions made in a National Research Council report released earlier this year. Under the Clinton plan, encryption keys would be expanded from 40 bits to 56 bits in products to be exported, provided the company agrees to the key recovery process. In addition, authority to issue licenses for overseas sales of such products would move from the State Department, where they're handled as "munitions," over to the Commerce Department. The Business Software Alliance, however, is still not completely happy with the compromise. "We expect to go back to Congress," says a BSA spokeswoman. "Although the announcement was clearly a step in the right direction, it's not at all what the industry was looking for in its entirety." (Investor's Business Daily 17 Oct 96 A4) LOTUS NOTES FOR RENT Lotus Development Corp. plans to allow PC users to "rent" a new version of its Lotus Notes program called Domino, allowing users to create their own Web pages at bargain prices compared to those charged by outside Web consultants. The Domino software will be housed on servers at Internet service providers and other networking entities. (Wall Street Journal 16 Oct 96 B8) SPECIALIZED SEARCH ENGINES NEEDED FOR RESEARCH Most scholars are agreeing that the average, run-of-the-mill Internet search engine doesn't produce much of value to their academic research efforts. One philosophy professor at the University of Evansville has taken matters into his own hands and created a search engine for his area of expertise, the ancient world. His engine, called Argos, filters out unwanted information by limiting searches to preselected Web sites deemed by a group of editors to be scholarly and topical. "We're imagining a whole series of these search engines to serve academe," he says. The Argos search engine can be found at < http://argos.evansville.edu/ >. (Chronicle of Higher Education 18 Oct 96 A23) SOME PROVISIONS OF NEW FCC PHONE REGS PUT ON HOLD A panel of federal judges in St. Louis has extended a temporary restraining order on regulations issued by the Federal Communications Commission to determine how much a local phone service provider can charge a competitor for access to the provider's networks. The case will be reviewed on its merits in January. In the meantime, the FCC is appealing the ruling to the Supreme Court. (New York Times 16 Oct 96 C1) SCIENTOLOGY COPYRIGHT DECISION REAFFIRMED A federal judge in Virginia reaffirmed her earlier ruling that an individual who used the Internet to republish, without permission, copyrighted material of the Church of Scientology, was liable for damages; however, the judge indicated that she will probably award only the minimal $2,500 sought in the lawsuit brought by the Church. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 17 Oct 96 D3) INMARSAT'S NEW GLOBAL PHONE The International Maritime Satellite Organization is selling a new, slimmed- down version of its mobile phone that can be used anywhere in the world, even in the remotest areas. The new laptop-size phone weighs about 4-and-a- half pounds and costs $3,000 -- far less than its predecessor. Inmarsat's global phone is used by about 66,000 customers and currently has little competition, although ventures such as Motorola's Iridium project hope to cut into that market significantly. (Wall Street Journal 16 Oct 96 B9) POSTAL SERVICE E-MAIL PLANS The U.S. Postal Service has signed agreements with three California companies (Cylink, Sun and Enterprise Productivity) as part of its expanding activities in electronic mail services. Cylink will provide a system for electronically postmarking and encrypting messages; Sun and Enterprise Productivity will provide software that will let bulk mailers calculate the price of mail shipments on the Internet. (Washington Post 17 Oct 96 A21) McGRAW-HILL PLANS E-JOURNALS McGraw-Hill, the information company that publishes numerous books and periodicals, has developed several electronic journals called McGraw-Hill Science Online, and will begin to test them early in 1997. The journals, which will have full academic peer-review to ensure quality of the scientific information, are expected to speed up the information dissemination process as well as make it considerably more economical. (Financial Times 17 Oct 96) TELLERS AS SELLERS AT BANK OF MONTREAL The Bank of Montreal is in the middle of a $300-million revolution that uses computers to build branches into sales sites, not just transaction points. The bank is redesigning older branches and developing new sites with more bank machines and special terminals that let customer service representatives open accounts and market products. (Toronto Star 16 Oct 96 B1) JUDGE ORDERS DALLAS MAN TO CEASE HARASSMENT ON NET A district judge in Texas has issued a restraining order against a Dallas man who was using the Internet to post sexually derogatory remarks about the wife of a couple who run an Internet service (and saying in a message: "By the way, I have a .45 too."). The man said he had developed "a bad taste in (his) mouth" after trying unsuccessfully to reach the company to price its services; however, he now "wholeheartedly, 100 percent" denies that his messages were threatening and insists that they merely adopted the sarcastic language typically found on the Internet. (Atlanta Journal- Constitution 17 Oct 96 D3) Edupage is written by John Gehl (gehl@educom.edu) & Suzanne Douglas (douglas@educom.edu). Voice: 404-371-1853, Fax: 404-371-8057. Technical support is provided by the Office of Information Technology, University of North Carolina. EDUPAGE is what you've just finished reading. To subscribe to Edupage: send a message to: listproc@educom.unc.edu and in the body of the message type: subscribe edupage Marvin Minsky (assuming that your name is Marvin Minsky; if it's not, substitute your own name). ... To cancel, send a message to: listproc@educom.unc.edu and in the body of the message type: unsubscribe edupage... Subscription problems: educom@educom.unc.edu. EDUCOM REVIEW is our bimonthly print magazine on learning, communications, and information technology. Subscriptions are $18 a year in the U.S.; send mail to offer@educom.edu. When you do, we'll ring a little bell, because we'll be so happy! 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For archive copies of Edupage or Update, ftp or gopher to educom.edu or see URL: < http://www.educom.edu/>. For the French edition of Edupage, send mail to edupage-fr@ijs.com with the subject "subscribe"; or see < http://www.ijs.com >. For the Hebrew edition, send mail to listserv@kinetica.co.il containing : SUBSCRIBE Leketnet-Word6 or see < http://www.kinetica.co.il/ newsletters/leketnet/ >. For the Hungarian edition, send mail to: send mail to subs.edupage@hungary.com. An Italian edition is available on Agora' Telematica; connection and/or free subscription via BT-Tymnet and Sprint (login: >Atari enjoyed moderate success with the Jaguar system and managed to lure shallow promises from third-party companies to support the system. Hardly shallow. What Atari didn't provide to third-party companies was, very simply, sales. It barely made sense to develop for the Jaguar at all. Add on the fact that if you did, you wouldn't make anything like the money you could on any of a number of other systems, and do you wonder why most big names stayed far, far away from a time and money suck? >Jack's introduction of the 16-bit computer was initially hearty in the United States but it went extremely well in Europe. < For a while. Then, the limitations of the ST became clear, the advantages of the Amiga even clearer, and Atari's sales in Europe plummeted. >On a technical level, Atari 16-bit computers were designed beyond their time.< On a technical level, Atari STs were crap. Limited, badly built, with capabilities considerably less than the competition offered and never significantly enhanced. The only thing they had going for them was the fact they were cheap. >For less than $1,000, consumers could enjoy "multimedia" before the phrase was ever really widely used. >"Multimedia" predated the ST by more than a decade. The icon-based working environment proceeded Windows popularity although the essential attributes of the two environments were very similar. Yep. They both worked badly. TOS/GEM was a joke. MIDI was built-in and became an instant hit in the high-end music industry. It became an instant hit in the *low* end music industry. The high end used, and uses, Macs. >Clearly, Jack's experience with the world beating a path to the door of a company making a better mousetrap no longer applied. < Jack Tramiel wouldn't know a better mousetrap if it snapped shut on his d***. What he built were *cheaper* mousetraps. Too bad that "cheaper" mean cheaper in every sense of the word. >Apple Computer was born in a garage by ex-Atari employees. Only one of them.< Woz never worked as an Atari employee, only a consultant/contractor on a very low level. And Jobs wasn't exactly their shining star, either. >Why has no company stepped forward to adopt the remaining attributes Atari has to offer?< Because those attributes are confined to debt, a very small market, and a completely obsolete product. Not the best of things to go out and buy, IMHO, unless the price were *really* cheap. Like $10,000. >I'd spend money for a thorough retrospect on Atari. Wouldn't you?< Only if it were honest. That'd be enough to provide a laugh or two. Be sure and include the number of times Atari has been refused credit by components suppliers (they're legendary), the number of times they announced products which never shipped, the number of times they had breakthrough technology in their hands and let it slip away, their unique view of what "developer support" meant, and their inability to manufacture a decent, reliable product regardless of cost. And don't forget to tell the story of what happened to the *original* 16-bit 68000 computer, and why the only thing left of it after Tramiel got finished gutting the project was the image of J.R. "Bob" Dobbs in the ST's character set ROM... Don Thomas replies: Mike Farren, A message of your was recently forwarded to me and I am delighted to reply. >Atari enjoyed moderate success with the Jaguar system and managed to lure shallow promises from third-party companies to support the system. Hardly shallow. What Atari didn't provide to third-party companies was, very simply, sales. It barely made sense to develop for the Jaguar at all. Add on the fact that if you did, you wouldn't make anything like the money you could on any of a number of other systems, and do you wonder why most big names stayed far, far away from a time and money suck?< I apologize for offending you and I can see how my choice of words may not have been the best. However, my summary is pretty factual, so I'll be happy to explain my position to your reaction. You are correct that it "barely made sense to develop for the Jaguar at all". I think the majority of my article emphasized over and over that Atari never came close to critical mass. When I referred to "shallow" promises, I am speaking of the fact that a great number of huge companies indicated early support with promises to convert their already successful titles on other systems to the Jaguar. I don't blame them for not following through considering how weak the Jaguar was in the marketplace, but that doesn't change the fact that they virtually "promised" support by publishing Jaguar titles and they didn't follow through. Regardless of the reasons why, such promises were "shallow". I do not wish to pick on any one of the companies because it's not my role to single any out, but it does apply to several of the large companies. >For a while. Then, the limitations of the ST became clear, the advantages of the Amiga even clearer, and Atari's sales in Europe plummeted.< Yes, I pointed out how Atari lost any footing in Europe, however, the Amiga suffered the same history as did the Atari computers and for much the same reasons. In fact, Commodore closed shop long before Atari did. >>On a technical level, Atari STs were crap... I don't recall using foul words in my article. Furthermore, such an expression is an opinion. I have learned long ago that it is pointless to argue opinions. If you post your opinion in Commodore support forums, everyone will agree. If you post it in an Atari support area, everyone will disagree. Personally, I think it's silly to argue which of two obsolete machines made by defunct companies may have had a few more features over another when either had no relevance to purpose of my vigil to Atari and both are largely based on personal preferences. >For less than $1,000, consumers could enjoy "multimedia" before the phrase was ever really widely used. "Multimedia" predated the ST by more than a decade.< If you were to make your statement to argue with me accurately, you would have to say: "'Multimedia' was a phrase which was widely used by the home computer industry since the mid 70's; more than a decade before Atari launched the 520 ST". In fact, as you and I both know, the term "multimedia" was *not* a catch phrase within the home computer industry in the seventies and most of the eighties. >Yep. They both worked badly. TOS/GEM was a joke.< Again, a personal opinion. >MIDI was built-in and became an instant hit in the high-end music industry. It became an instant hit in the *low* end music industry. The high end used, and uses, Macs.< I apologize. How in the world did I conclude that Fleetwood Mac, the Pointer Sister's Band, Arsenio Hall's Posse and hundreds others were part of the high-end industry? My mistake. >Jack Tramiel wouldn't know a better mousetrap if it snapped shut on his @#$%.< End of conversation. Your inclination to use foul expressions is indicative of what kind of person you must be. I have no desire to communicate with you any further. --Don Thomas And on a more positive note... FR: Dana Jacobson 10/5/96 71051,3327 Don, Very nice article. Let's hope people "take to the streets" to try and find some answers. I will certainly do my part! Dana @ STReport International Online Magazine FR: Mario Perdue 10/5/96 71524,207 Don, Great letter. Thanks for copying me on it. As you know, things are a bit different for me. I'm still a Jaguar developer. (I guess I the last of a dying breed.) So Atari/JTS is still a company I do business with (they need me to help unload the warehouse.) But you're right, their passing is really sad. BTW, rumor has it that Breakout 2000 will actually be released soon. The official announcement should come any time now. Mario PS: How's it going at Sony? Tell Bill, Mike and everyone else I know there, I said "Hi." Sender: mgrove@ridgecrest.ca.us As I walk through the local thrift shop with my 13 year old son, we both jump with excitement as we find a 1040ST and SC1224 for only $10.00. We both run to gather the hardware. It looks almost new. A lady across from us notices the outburst and then points to an old XT keyboard and says "here's another over here." We hardly noticed her. It took a few minutes to set in. Then, at almost the same instant, we both remembered. Atari died. As it is with most children, when their parents pass on to early, they feel betrayed. No good bye's, no last words. It's the only emotion left of the Atari Corporations name that I have. Betrayed. After a good game of AVP or Primal Rage, or a trip with Apex Media we both look at each other and wonder how this could happen. However, this IS hardware were talking about. The rest of the family is still here. I talk to one of them everyday. There was a movie called Short Circuit. In this movie, "Johnny Five", a robot of sorts, was brought back to life. It seems so simple. Just like in Never Ending Story. All you have to do it to give it a new name. Wizztronics was willing to do this. All they needed was the right to include TOS in their operating system. Something that many others have done in the past, and some are currently doing. It's just that their out of reach of the American Patent laws. Never the less, Wizztronics is bound to United States law, and the whims of the former Atari CEO. What made this system so desirable was that it is based on probably the most advanced "outdated" machine of this time, the Atari Falcon 030. If this was the future, and Jack had the money to live on as a clone, do you think he would not do this for himself? As one last great gesture Jack, let the world you created live on. You don't have to give it away, but for TOS's sake, make them a reasonable offer. We don't need another set-top- box. Thank you Don, for the Atari Warehouse sales. I felt that I recovered the $250.00 I paid on our first Jaguar:) With Respect, (and please excuse the spelling) Michael and Son, Jason Grove. 3 Atari Falcons 1 MegaSTE 1 MegaST 4 1040ST's 1 TT 030 6 SC1224's 1 SC1435 1 800 1 800XL 1 800XE 2 Jaguars 1 Jag CD Rom 2 2600's 1 7800 No Saturn No Playstation No Nintendo 64 accessories upon accessories and finally, Pong......... Sender: mbrent@awinc.com Thank you for writing that, Don... if nobody else ever does a tribute, that was a touching and fitting tribute to Atari... and I dare say it had me dreaming back to the days when Atari was the "big" one... when I swore I would one day make games for Atari. :) I came close, I think... myself and a few friends worked very hard to try and do work for the Jaguar... we had our design, our team, our time and motivation.. we needed only a devkit.. we kept hitting walls, unfortunately... eventually the experience left myself and my main partner rather soured. My partner wrote a rather tongue-in-cheek timeline of our experience at his web page, if you have time to check it out, at http://www2.awinc.com/users/ghaddrell ... it's not glamourous... but it's sometimes amusing.. and sadly true. Perhaps... we tried to push a bit too hard... a company that was already pushed on all sides. Anyway... I have taken enough of your time. I hope all is well for you at your new job... and I'm forwarding your mail to the main "local" paper, anyway. (Vancouver Province). I also sent a note to dateline as you suggested... I suspect they'll get a "few" notes. :) Sender: cb541@piglet.ins.cwru.edu Don. Thanks for the article. Have you seen the article about Atari in Oct. 'Wired' mag? It has a flow chart of dozens of people and developments of Atari over the years. So, I can't figure how to get an article about Atari from dateline@nbc.com. I www.nbc.com, but there was no dateline I could see with my Lynx browser. How do I get this 'Goodbye' article about Atari from the e-mail address? Thanks, and good luck. Sender: beancity@newport.ntcnet.com Don, I have owned the 2600, 7800, Jaguar, Lynx, 400, 1200XL, 128 (I think it was called), 512 & 1040ST. I have supported Atari and enjoyed their hardware/software through the years. I'm sorry to see them go. If you hear of any deals to purchase Lynx products from the one warehouse you mentioned, let me know. Good Luck with Playstation. The King is dead, long live the King. -- MikeJ Sender: j.trautschol@genie.geis.com Goodbye Atari... And thanks for the retrospective Don. Great job. It truly is a sad ending... :-( John Sender: cudabert@magicnet.net Donald, Thanks for your email! I'm sure you have plenty of responses to wade through, so I'll keep this short. I've been a regular on rec.games.video.classic for over two years now, and I'm an avid (read: rabid) 2600 collector. I have over 300 distinct 2600 games in my collection, and although my wall unit is hardly a 'vault', I do keep all my equipment in great condition and it includes many items still in shrinkwrap. I also have a 7800, a Lynx (thanks to your Wacky sales), and I've used/owned Atari computers since 1979. I show my collection to everyone who visits, and the reaction is almost always the same. Usually the conversation goes like this: Bud: "Uh-huh...I think I had an Atari. I had *all* the games for it!" Me: "Oh, then you'll probably recognize all of these..." Bud: "Oh...my....gawd!" Then we'll sit and handle a number of the cartridges, picking out old favorites and some of the more unusual ones, usually playing some of them. I've had people go home afterward and pull their Atari out of the closet and start messing with it all over again. Anyway, my point is that of the collectors on RGVC, my collection is probably pretty unremarkable. Some people have tons of stuff. But each of us does help remind others that Atari was *the* company to compete against at one time, and Atari had some great products. In fact, some RGVC members have produced new games for the Atari. So, rest assured, Atari is missed by some and isn't likely to be forgotten as long as we're still around. In closing, I'd like to ask you something. Some members of RGVC are interested in writing games for the 7800, but without knowing more about the numbers used in the 7800 checksum scheme, there is no way to write a game without distributing a set of custom ROMs. I am aware that the information about the checksum has not been publicly released, and I was wondering if you knew who held the rights to it now? Thanks, and good luck to you. Bert Whetstone Sender: dbush@aldus.northnet.org Hey Don, How's things at SONY????? I tried out Crash Bandicoot at the local Toys R Us. I have to agree with an article I read in the local newspaper .it beats the hell out of Sega's Knights and the new Mario game. At the moment I'd buy a Sony system over all others. Obviously that isn't the reason I'm writing. I found your article very interesting. I too have questions, and have written nbc as requested. A copy of my letter is below for your reading enjoyment. I'm lucky that I have a good electronics knowledge. I had a 3rd lynx that I picked up from someone on the net. Well this guy always used an ac adapter and the thing had -OLD- corroded batteries inside. I can't exactly send it to Atari for repair, so I ended up disassembling the thing and cleaning it up. It was horrible! One of the springs was totally gone! I ended up using a spring from a pen to fix it. Not exactly a direct replacement, but it worked. Now my 4 year old son has "his own Lynx" which will keep him happy. I hope everything works out with a story on Atari. I hope you will keep us all informed if there is a story so we can make sure we watch it. Keep in touch, - Dave Bush I was contacted by a former representative of Atari that wanted Atari fans to send a letter expressing how we feel. I own 3 Atari Lynx systems, and previously owned one of their computing marvels of the 1980's - the 520 ST. I still use my Lynx systems quite regularly. I have a 4 year old son with a heart condition and the Lynx is excellent for keeping him amused at the doctor's office. I first became familiar with the Lynx in 1990 while working for Electronics Boutique. At the time there were three handheld systems on the market (Turbo Graphics hand held the Turbo Express, Nintendo's game boy, and Atari's Lynx - a fourth was released within the following year, the Sega Game Gear). The Atari Lynx was by far and large the best of the four. The main problem with the Lynx is that Atari owned it. Epyx originally designed it and sold it's rights to Atari, so this excellent system went from one economically doomed company to another. Atari never had the funds or the marketing ability to properly market the Lynx. As such, I sold Game Boy and Game Gear systems by the dozens for every couple of Lynx systems I sold at Electronics Boutique. (The Turbo Express, while an excellent system, was very overpriced as well as being in very short supply. As such - people got upset that they couldn't find the system, so they gave up on it.) So now I have 3 Lynx units with a full complement of games, and would like to find additional games that were manufactured. No retailer wants to dedicate space to these systems because they are "dead". I cannot find any access to where I can buy these games through whatever happened to Atari. I understand that there is a warehouse of equipment out there, but I as well as a bunch of other Lynx enthusiasts all wonder what will ever happen to it all. Naturally we'd love to get our hands on it. Surely Atari has left over debts from the Lynx and Jaguar systems that were passed to Atari's new owners. Wouldn't these owners like our cash for those games to help pay some of this debt? Maybe I'm rambling, but it seems very strange to me that an entire company - a former industry mover and shaker no less - can just disappear one day without a trace. Surely there is a story in there some where. Please feel free to contact me. My personal information is as follows: Dave Bush [Info deleted] dbush@aldus.northnet.org Thank you,- Dave Bush Sender: mkudd@aol.com Hello Don, I just received a copy of your Atari article. I would have paid for it if I had to, it was that good. Maybe you should write the book yourself? I'm 29 years old, and played Pong as an 8 year old. I saved $$ from a paper route at the age of 11 to buy a 2600. I was constantly fascinated by Atari's arcade games - I feel they made the best, and that they were the true innovators. Atari was the arcade. I currently own a mint Gravitar, Space Duel, Major Havoc, and Black Widow. I restored them to pristine condition - they are like classic cars to me. I got to go to Sunnyvale in 1982 to play in the national Gravitar tournament, representing the northeast US... I will never forget this. It is really sad to think that the company is gone. I think there should be a documentary on PBS or something. They were the fastest growing company in the history of the U.S., and possibly the world. It was Atari that created a nationwide shortage of quarters, and tried to cure the problem with lobbyists who brought us the SBA dollar coin. I feel Atari has had the greatest assembly of talent in the world within a 15 year period, the only rival would be NASA between 1962-1972. Thanks again, and please feel free to message me back if you want to talk more. Michael Kelley Sender: d.fangmann@genie.geis.com Don - Thanks for the info, very interesting. Atari's computers are brilliant examples of 'ahead of its time' technology. They never got the widespread coverage they surely deserved. I myself have been using Atari Computers since 1985. Still use the MEGA STE + a Pentium machine. Also have the Lynx and Jaguar. It's a real shame what happened to Atari and now the same thing is going on at Genie at the ST Roundtable. Soon, it to, I believe will be a thing of the past. Thanks for your 'Internet Deals' and for the info on Atari. Keep in touch. Daniel Fangmann dfangmann@worldnet.att.net Sender: d.iacovelli1@genie.geis.com Don, That letter was very well said. And to put your mind to rest I too also did a special article in my Fanzine (Which should be mailed out by next week) called "The end of an era, or Is it". It goes to the video game wars from the 8-bit years till today and it explained how Atari was the king of games and how it fell. At the end of article It states the Jaguar may be dead but the Spirit of Atari still lives on. dan ps. I don't know if you knew about this but there's a petition on the net to have telegames produce all the unfinished games Atari did not to mention a underground group of programmers are working on making shareware games for the Jag also. (I'll post your letter in my next issue) Sender: fxites@aol.com Hi Don, I'll make this quick, I'm sure you've been flooded with mail, but I just needed to thank you for the very moving and inspirational letter of yours which I just read. I'm sure that I speak for those who have not written you, we appreciate all you've done for the Atari loving public, and will always associate your name with the best Atari ever had to offer. Sincerely, Jon Savory Sender: gonzalez@lainet.com Don, Good to hear from you once again....I thought that you would be lost in Sony land and not heard from anymore! :-) I read your letter on saying goodbye...I personally think its 'bull **** that everyone has passed on the passing of Atari without saying a word. I have posted your letter on my home page (the first page that comes up) and hopefully we'll get some people to honor this unfortunate thing in the correct way that it should be done. Talk to ya later! juan p.s. got any crash bandicoot stuffed animals that you wanna get rid of? hehee He's a funny character!! Sender: robert.coleman@ncal.kaiperm.org Don, Thanks for all the time and effort that went in to composing this letter. It is a poignant epitaph to Atari's rise and slow burnout into computer oblivion. I don't know how many Atarians are still out there. I still keep in contact with friends through GEnie (my current on-line network) and there is still a large database of topics and categories on GEnie that caters to those of us who still use our Atari computers. Though the amount of activity has certainly dwindled down over the past years. It wouldn't surprise me if GEnie decided one day to archive the whole Atari section and free up their hard drive space :( I certainly have a wealth of Atari history to fall back on. I still have the complete collection of STart magazines and 90% of ST Informer magazines. I also have a very large collection of the European mags, ST Action (primarily a gaming mag) and ST Format (of which I discontinued my subscription last year when I realized they were becoming redundant in their articles and there was just nothing more they could say that was new or unique). Our family now lives in 3 computer worlds. My wife is a teacher and uses a grading program on the Macintosh almost exclusively. She composes handouts and posters on the ST for her classroom. We have 4 ST's still: two at home, one at school and one stored away for future use or backup. Then there's the Toshiba laptop I recently purchased for work and "real games" that never came out on the ST. Windoz 95 + a fast processor + color graphics and sound + CD ROM drive = computer bliss. Our kids still use the ST for report writing and my son is a heavy game addict. He uses the Toshiba almost exclusively now; wouldn't you after seeing what is out there for the PC? I still enjoy using the ST and do not plan to switch (yet). I've got too much money invested in software and hardware! :o I'll pass your message along to other present and past Atarians. If there is any historical documentation you might be looking for, keep in touch, I may have some materials that would be of interest to you. Hey, there might even be another Sacramento Atari Show next year!! Best regards, Bob Coleman Sender: abaggs@beta.is.tcu.edu Don: Thank you for your recent E-mail. I will send an E-mail to Dateline. Maybe we will see a story. Did you see the detailed story on the history of Atari in the recent addition of Wired Magazine? You might want to pick it up. I am curious as to the status of all the Jaguar games that were completed or near completion. John Scruch (sp?) insists that they are still working on new games. How could that be with such a small staff? Also, I believe their was a lawsuit filed in the mid-1980's against Mattel for not releasing an advertised keyboard add-on for the Intellivision. I wonder if anyone would have a case against Atari for the slew of unreleased products. I saw a VR system by Virtuality at Six Flags recently. It was playing Missile Command 2000. I assume this was the system planned for home use by Atari and Virtuality. Thanks again for the message, Don. Adam Baggs FR: Jon D. Sanford 73223,3243 >The disappearance of Atari should rate up there with a lot of big news events. Why isn't anyone in the mainstream media doing anything? < IMHO the Mainstream Media doesn't do anything it doesn't get paid for. To quote a journalist i know "There is no censorship but. You learn not to write anything that wont be accepted" We need to get used to the idea that news is advertising. Sender: stuart@hal.com Just a note to say Thanks: I'm sure that you'll get some very annoyed responses from your mailing, stuff to the effect of "That was Last Week! Atari is History. Don't Waste Bandwidth." Here's my 2 cents: Thanks for writing. I'm not a History major, but I've always been fascinated with the "stories behind the technology." As "History is written by the victors," Apple, H-P, Microsoft, and (recently) even Intel folks have written "how the miracle happened" books. History helps us understand who we are, and how we got this way; for example, I've always marvelled at how many standards came about by accident. Atari's sorry ending doesn't make its story any less compelling; we just need somebody to write it down. I'm not at all sure the best party to do this is MSNBC, either. I would suggest a book. My first thought was "He's interested, he's articulate, he's knows all the stories, so Mr. Thomas should write it." Then it occurred to me that you may not feel adequate to the task. Well, maybe you just need a nudge, or some advice. Don't ask me; I know nothing of book authoring or publishing, and "anything is easy for the man who doesn't have to do it." However, there are many successful authors of similar books that you could talk to. While writing this, several names occurred to me: Michael Malone Author of "The Big Score," (I haven't read it yet) and many other works chronicling the growth of the Valley. Occasionally writes an article in the Mercury News. Leigh Weimers (sp?) Regular column in the Mercury. Wrote a short "Guide to the Silicon Valley," including a self-guided tour of the original sites of many important Valley institutions. Atari's former HQ is on the tour. ? Kaplan Former CEO of GO, recently profiled as the CEO of www.onsale.com . I understand he wrote a book about his experience at GO (I haven't read it). You may think of many others, possibly better qualified than my list. Mr. Kaplan merits mention as someone that has written a book similar to what seems to be needed, yet he has no incentive to write Atari's story himself. Some questions for you: Who knows all the stories? The Actors? The Places? I know nothing of any of these, except that you clearly know a great deal. Even if you don't write the book yourself, you could at least work with a "Ghost Writer." (In my opinion, your command of english is more than sufficient to write such a book.) I would meekly suggest you speak with these folks, and (especially) their publishers. The folks that print and sell such books probably have a good idea of what works (and sells). (You already know the frustration of crafting a superior product that doesn't sender.nelson48@genie.geis.com Don ~ What a wonderful article. How strange to feel nostalgia so strongly in so short a time! Because of you and your wacky warehouse sale I own a TT that I could never otherwise afford. It is a great machine and I will use it for years to come while the IBM clones laugh at me. But I turn out product as fine and as quickly as they do, so who has the best laugh? Sure, someday Atari will no longer compete, maybe in two years, maybe less the desire to get on the net in full color with a good browser or use a CD ROM with proper software will make me break down, but in a year or two won't those IBM machines have grown ever so much more like our basic ATARI? U know, User friendly. Maybe they will even allow you to remove and insert disks without telling them first that you are about to do it. Anyway, thanks for posting. It made my night! (:{ Grouch. Sender: jsb@fkq.com Great piece. I'm not an Atari person, but I've always respected the technology and innovation. Signed - A Mac fanatic Sender: stuart.ewen@barrhead.wwquaker.quakereurope.gb.sprint.com Don I enjoyed your article, and I too would like to know what exactly happened to the once giant of the video games industry. Especially after splashing out on a Jaguar and now feeling the squeeze of software availability. It seems to me it's only ever the connoisseurs of computers that appreciate the best tool for the job, or the best system for the game, and sadly there just ain't enough connoisseurs. I'll definitely miss those bassy overtones that seem to be deliberately programmed into each and every Atari product. Sigh... Anyway, before I go mailing dateline@nbc.com, what/who is it? Thanks. Rgds Stuart Sender: layne@sonic.net Dear Don, You've done a good retrospective of Atari here. I am happy to be able to read this.... We are proud owners of an Atari Falcon which we just purchased and will be using for hard disc recording (using CuBase and the Steinberg system). We have two good musician friends here in Santa Rosa who are recording with the same setup. So, you might say, we have our own little Atari music users group. We also are proud owners of an Amiga 1200 which is also fabulous. We're not giving up on the Amiga yet. There is still some hope there.... And, sure, we have a pentium for all the mainstream uses.... And we used to have a bedroom too! I appreciate time, energy, and devotion you put into your well written article. If I see a place to send it, I will. I will make sure our two Atari musician friends see it. A tip of the hat.... Layne & James Russell Santa Rosa, CA layne@sonic.net Sender: dooley@infomatch.com Man... I agree with you 100% that was a great letter..! I sent it to about 45 people.. (everyone in my address book) hehe They have jumped ship and let us go down with it! Give the remaining product to whoever wants it.. what's tramiel going to do with it..! Keep it in case Atari products become antiques! <- (did I spell that right) Damn we have to find his personal e- mail address and have all the remaining Atari users e-mail him with their opinions..! NOT flame him, but let him know there is quite a few people out there that still support it!! Gee... we almost deserve the remaining stock for FREE for the Circus ride we've been on! Oh well... it's been a fun ride.. To bad it over! Just a question.. Please don't flame me for this.. but I just gotta ask! And I feel I have good reason to feel this way! Now that Atari is no-more.. Just about all the Programmers are no-more (Companies I mean) Is it almost Legal to copy what was once commercial software?? I mean.. there is almost NO software coming out for the ST platform.. a few Independant prgs. but not really any Commercial stuff! So were have virtually no software support! I think the people that have hung around this long almost deserve the right to experience the Atari the way it was meant to be! I know there is only 1 STore in Western Canada that still caters to the ST and it is only about a 10% of his store that he dedicates to ST Software + hardware. I know there is Toad in the States.. but for me who has spent probably over close to $15000 over the last 10 years.. (Believe me that is a loose estimate! It is probably a lot more!) supporting Atari.. I'm not really wanting to spend say $50.00 on a new game anymore! Especially since Atari don't even support Atari anymore! I dunno!!! I'm so confused!! hehe. I just feel if people can use some of the software that they could never afford.. it might prolong the real death of Atari and we might be able to keep it alive for a few more years! But then there is the guy who wrote the game and spent a good year of his life working like a dog..! He deserves the money for all his hard work! But ya know what's really weird.? . People post in comp.sys.atari.st to trade stuff through e-mail and nobody even flames them anymore! I guess they've all accepted the dead in a way! Hmmm... The memories! That's all they are now... Well except for the 1040STe, 4megs, TOS 2.06 computer that sits upon my desk, which I might add.. gets about -42 hours use outta me a day. And my 2600, 400, 800xl that is packed up in boxes in the closet that get pulled out about once or twice a year..! Hmm... yup some very good memories! Thanks for your letter and your time to read this one! John Dooley Sender: amsler@nevada.edu > Did you hear anyone say "Goodbye"? > by Donald A. Thomas, Jr. (10/4/96) > [snip] >But for some pathetic reason Atari's final days came and went with no fanfare and no dignified farewells. Why? Where did all the talent are all the archives? Where are the vaults? Where are the unpublished where are the originals of those that were? Why has no company stepped to adopt the remaining attributes Atari has to offer? Didn't a German company do that in 1995, enhancing the TT and Falcon to Motorola 68040/68060 variants ("Eagles" and "Medusas") ?< >Where are the creditors? What has happened to all the properties and sites? Where are the warranty cards, promotional items, notes on meetings, unanswered mail? > P.O. Box 61657? Who goes to work in Atari's old offices? Where do their systems fixed? < Now, *that* is a critical question for non-Las Vegas people. (Here, Dave Wiser has stuck with and provided outstanding service to the Atari user base through thick and thin ... mostly thin.) >Who is publishing new games? Who still sells Atari products? Why are there still a lot of people talking about Atari on-line?< The company might be dead (and as far as the "management" goes, good riddance!!), but the users and fans of the technology aren't! Our loyalty - - and appreciation of what the expression "easy to set up and use" *really* means -- remains largely intact. (Recall the pithy T-shirts from August 1995: "Win95 = MAC85!") >I'm an ex-Atari employee and proud to have been. I'm still an Atari proud to be. So am I!!!! I'm typing this on an Atari MegaSTe ... for which much of the "ancient" applications software (e.g., PageSTream, STeno, STalker, Arabesque, MegaPaint, EasyDraw, STipple, Silhouette, Zoomracks, etc. etc.) is *still* much easier to load and use than the inefficient, disk-hogging garbage on Wintel machines! Considering that there are used TTs "floating around" out there in the secondary market, not to mention (looking ahead) used Medusas and Eagles, I expect to be using Atari computers for a *long* time to come! Oddly enough -- or perhaps *not* oddly enough! -- the current issue of "Wired" magazine has an article entitled "Atari's Amazing Alumni." If you can get a copy, read it! The Tramiel-era demise of Atari -- which numbers among its early employees two Steves surnamed "Wozniak" and "Jobs" (!) -- is both horrible and heart-rending. When I really get down to pondering this dissolution, I may just shed a tear or two. >To me, these are questions which all deserve an answer, but who will ask them?< >The best people to ask these questions are those who have exposure to the public. If you believe Atari left us without saying goodbye, contact dateline@nbc.com. If you REALLY believe, then send this article to 10 friends in e-mail. AND if YOU REALLY, REALLY believe, mail a few to or other news programs. A letter in your own words would be great!< >I'd spend money for a thorough retrospect on Atari. Wouldn't you? Wouldn't it at least be nice to say "Goodbye"?< Considering the contempt with which the post-Warner "management" treated the user base (not to mention the shoddy treatment of their own developers, retailers, and dealers!), did anyone really expect such a courtesy under these (admittedly, trying) circumstances?! < - John J. Amsler amsler@nevada.edu Motorola Inside! Sender: tlschwie@oakland.edu Dear Don, As a longtime Atari devotee, I have for several years had a very positive and respectful view of yourself (as well as my beloved Atari) your recent statements about Atari and it's demise have touched me a great deal and I want to Thank you for putting into words a great many of the feelings I have experienced since "The Fall". It seems as if History has been abandoned and betrayed, it's like a death without a funeral. Today's my birthday and I turn 24, for 19 of those 24, Atari played a deep and personal role in my life. The demise of Atari is more than just a death in the family, it feels more like a murder. But thank you for doing all that you have for as long as you have, your hard work and devotion to a just cause was not in vain, you are one of the great heros of Atari History, a sincere soldier. You will be remembered. Thanks again Sincerely, Rodney Sochocki Atari 2600 May 5 1977 Atari 5200 Dec.25 1982 Atari 800XL Dec.25 1984 Atari 1040st Aug.29 1986 Atari 7800 June 15 1987 Atari Lynx Dec.25 1991 Atari Jaguar Oct.4 1995 ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'! PEOPLE... ARE TALKING On CompuServe compiled by Joe Mirando 73637,2262 Hidi ho friends and neighbors. It's been a couple of weeks since we've talked and I apologize for that. I've been sick with "the infection that wouldn't die". I'm now on another antibiotic which seems to be working, but I'm not completely recovered yet. I really hope that this is not a sign of the way things are going to be this winter. On the brighter side, next week our friend Alejandro Aguilar will be bringing us a comparison of three software-only Atari ST emulators for use on a PC. Look for Emulator Wars next week. Now let's get to the reason for this column in the first place... all the great news, hints, tips, and info available every week right here on CompuServe. From the Atari Computing Forums Let's drop in on a conversation in progress about calculating a person's age using Superbase Professional 2. David James posts: "I haven't been able to find a direct formula to return a person's age however the DAYS expression should work. The format of the expression is varaible = DAYS (datefield). It should therefore be possible to work out somebody's age age = DAYS(TODAY) - DAYS(birthdate). I haven't tried this so I don't know exactly what you will get. It may even be much simpler, have you tried age = TODAY - birthdate?" Bob Ledbetter tells David: "Thanx for the idea. I have tried age = TODAY - birthdate. Didn't work. I'll let you know about your suggestion.... Back again. age = ( DAYS (TODAY) - DAYS (birthdate)) / 364.25 is actually the formula. This calculates leap years also. Thanx for the jump start!!" Bob Ledbetter also posts: "I'm thinking about getting a color printer and would like to know if has any experience using color printers with PageStream 2.2" Unka Dana himself, Dana Jacobson, tells Bob: "I got an HP DeskJet 540 for my wife's use and use Pagestream to do some color work. It works just fine. My only "problem" is the program doesn't have an immense assortment of colors to select from. Overall, I can't really complain (and my wife is happy with the results!)." Nathan Potechin of MGI (formerly DMC) tells Bob: "You might consider using Calamus SL. It works just fine with most printers out there. There are no limits in the color output except the actual physical limit of the printer itself. I don't know if this was an option for you but I thought I'd mention it regardless." Eric Hall adds: "I have an HP DeskJet 660 and it works great with PageStream. I especially like its ability to print color GIFs and other clipart on documents. Even low-res Degas pictures turn out well, and it includes about a million other graphic formats that the printer can handle when printing a PS document." Stewart Taylor asks for help for a friend: "A friend wants to get on-line but has no idea if or how he can with what he's got now. I've shown him CIS and the Web using my PC and he's now interested in both. His present computer is a 520stfm. What he would like to know is, 1. is it possible 2. what hardware upgrades would be needed 3. what software would be needed." Dana Jacobson tells Stewart: "Regarding your friend's questions: 1. is it possible?? Absolutely! Most of us here are using Atari computers to log on to CIS. However, the Web is more of a challenge, but it _is_ possible. 2. what hardware upgrades would be needed?? Hardware _upgrades? None. However, your friend will need an external modem attached to his 520 (and a telephone line). 3. what software would be needed?? Any Atari telecomm program should work fine. I prefer Flash II; there's a demo of it here in the libraries. It works extremely well and is still supported (Missionware Software, CIS member also)." Albert Dayes adds: "He can log onto CIS with any terminal program that supports emulations like VT-100 or VT-52. You can try commercial software for telecommunications such as Flash II v3.x or STalker v3.x or some of the shareware software you can find in the library. An external modem is also needed of course ... stay clear of RPI modems and Winmodems." And in the continuing conversation on the true identity of TOS Error #35, Mike Fulton posts: "TOS error #35 is a general error message given when the values found in the program header do not make sense for some reason. Since these values are used to determine where the various portions of the program will go into memory, and low large they are, the OS cannot proceed if they don't make sense. Typically this means the file is corrupted in some way. Note that it does NOT mean the disk is bad, as a general rule. As a very reliable rule, physical disk errors don't make it past the BIOS (meaning you would see the BIOS error alert saying "The disk in drive A (or B) may be damaged..." Duane McCullough asks: "Does anybody know how to translate the sequence animation files created by Cyber Studio or Cyber Paint into animations readable by a PC or MAC? I've heard that the Adobe Acrobat Reader program on a PC can play SEQuence files created on an Atari - is this true?" Albert Dayes tells Duane: "I never heard of Acrobat Reader having that capability. Of course I have not looked into Adobe Acrobat very such either. Have you asked in the (GO ADOBE) forum about it? There is a book called Encyclopedia of Graphic File Formats, 2nd Edition by O'Reilly, 1116 pages that covers quite a bit in that area. Conversion of file formats with example code and I know it includes some Atari file formats. It might be a good book to take a look at. The book also includes a CD-ROM with software tools, links to the web and a complete hypertext version of the book. You can also look at O'Reilly's web site ... http://www.ora.com They have a special page dedicated to book and anything graphic file format related. You can also send e-mail to the address. info@ora.com" Carl Barron adds: "There was some seq reader source code on 'the other network'. All frames are ST Low [320x200x16] when expanded. Does a few possible compressions, may be delta'd or indivual frame, etc. 'Fairly messy' EGFF is a very good book, If the questioner is not a programmer, can he read PI1 files. Might beable to get gifs by a round about method... readseq author, Jim Kent, does compile under Lattice. Have not figured out where to dump the screen images.:) Might just rewrite it as it is K&R and aztec C I believe. The problem is solvable, if its not here I can upload the readseq.arc [Yes its that old;)] See also CyberPaint docs, if available." Duane tells Carl and Albert: "Thank you for your informative answer - I'll try to do what you suggested. Someone I know suggested that I should also try the Quick-Time animation program reader. The problem is that I am very comfortable with the SEQuence animation format on the TOS system - and most other computers cannot run TOS software, thus most people cannot see my annimation work. I have access to several PC's and some Mac machines, but the simplicity of the Atari TOS system and several "dated" programs like the Cyber series programs keeps me happy for now when creating 3D animation sequences. I understand that Tom Hudson, the main author of many early Atari based software graphic programs, has since created the 3D-Studio program on the PC. This program is used in many popular computer animation sequences that have been seen in the movies and on TV. Perhaps the 3D- Studio program is capable of playing the TOS SEQuence files... CAD 3D, together with Cyber Sculpt and Cyber Paint are, in my opinion, still viable programs in creative animation sequences. The ST low resolution may be "chunky" when compared to the many new higher resolutions available nowadays, but when animated on a standard TV format, it still can be effective art in presenting important information. The Chronos and Pheonix programs are equally good in generating 3D sequence animation files, but sharing the animation files with the "greater public" - i.e. the PC and Mac machines, is the problem. The popular solution would be just get a PC or a Mac and learn the newer animation formats and abandon the Atari programs. However, it seems wrong to give up a perfectly good method of creating 3D animations just to be able to share my animation work with the greater public. When you get a chance, check out my SEQuence files in Library 19. Also, my ATLANST2.TXT file in Library 23 - and my HyperGEM program in Library 10." Steve Norman asks for help from Tom at ICD: "A few weeks back I asked you about some problems I was having getting ICD BOOT to run on my Falcon. I have now tried ICD BOOT version 6.5.5 about a billion ways, but in every conceivable combination of events, ICDBOOT REFUSES to recognize by Quantum lighting 520 meg SCSI drive, or my Syquest EZ drive. It is quite beyond me why Atari utilities would have no trouble with these devices. but ICD can't see them. Please reply and let me know what I might do about this. I bought the pro package in good faith a couple of months ago, and so far have not been able to do anything at all with them." Tom tells Steve: "You need to be more specific. A billion ways are too many ways to try something and isolate the problem. How many SCSI devices are in the SCSI chain? What are they? How is it terminated? Etc. If Atari HDX has no problems then why are you trying to change to ICD SCSI Pro? You are using 6.5.5 SCSI Pro and not AdSCSI or Link software right? We can solve the problem but you need to get specific." Richard Rives jumps in and suggests: "Maybe if you run ICDBOOT from the floppy, then run the utilities prg or desktop prg. I think one can install a bootable version from one of those prgs." Steve tells Richard: "I installed ICDBOOT from the floppy to the hard drive, and the Falcon will now boot from the hard drive using ICD, but again, only if I have no SCSI devices powered up. I even used the utilities to scan the SCSI chain by powering up the SCSI devices after booting the system and it found nothing. I think I really need help from ICD on this one." Sven Bauer asks for help with his keyboard: "The [Control] key on my Mega Ste keyboard doesn't work. Any ideas what could be wrong? ... Am I out of CONTROL?" Having just cleaned my keyboard, I tell Sven: "Usually this is caused by one of two things. Either there is a bit of dust, dirt, ash, or whatever that is keeping the key switch from connecting to the trace on the mylar circuit film underneath it, or you have a broken connection on the mylar film itself. It's probably only a speck of dust because, if it was a bad trace, you'd be seeing other keys not functioning properly. What you need to do is this: 1) Print this message out. 2) Shut off your computer an disconnect the Keyboard cable. 3) Remove the three screws from the back of the keyboard cover. 4) Flip the keyboard over and CAREFULLY remove the top of the cover. 5) Disconnect the grounding wire in the upper right-hand corner. 6) Carefully slide the keyboard unit toward the back of the case until it clears the little tabs that hold the front of it down. 7) Now, you'll see two little mylar circuit strips that connect the keyboard to the circuit board which is attached to the bottom of the casing. GENTLY pull them straight out from their connectors on the circuit board. 8) You can now remove the keyboard assembly from the case. 9) Flip the keyboard assembly keys-down and you'll see a lot of little black tabs holding the metal cover on. Gently push them while lifting ever-so slightly on the metal cover. Continue to do this until none of them are holding the cover on. 10) You'll now see the mylar circuit film. Gently lift it off, being careful not to bend, crease, or tear it. 11) Examine the mylar and the keyswitch (the little black rubber "horse shoe" looking thing under the control key. 12) Gently wipe both the mylar and the keyswitch with a no-lint pad or cloth and a small amount of alcohol. 13) Re-assemble the unit in reverse order and don't forget to re-attach the mylar strips to the circuit board. Can you tell I just cleaned my keyboard over the weekend? If it is a broken trace on the mylar film, don't bother trying to fix it. It's more trouble than it's worth. Just call Best Computers and purchase a "Best" MegaSTE keyboard mylar. They are thicker than the originals and are as easy to install as re-installing the original mylar up in step 13. Good luck and let us know how it turns out." Well folks, that's about it for this week, tune in again next time, same time, same station, and be ready to listen to what they are saying when... PEOPLE ARE TALKING EDITORIAL QUICKIES CLINTON & GORE GOOD FOR FOUR MORE! STReport International OnLine Magazine [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport HTTP://WWW.STREPORT.COM AVAILABLE through OVER 200,000 PRIVATE BBS SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE All Items quoted, in whole or in part, are done so under the provisions of The Fair Use Law of The Copyright Laws of the U.S.A. Views, Opinions and Editorial Articles presented herein are not necessarily those of the editors/staff of STReport International OnLine Magazine. Permission to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Reprints must, without exception, include the name of the publication, date, issue number and the author's name. STR, CPU, STReport and/or portions therein may not be edited, used, duplicated or transmitted in any way without prior written permission. STR, CPU, STReport, at the time of publication, is believed reasonably accurate. STR, CPU, STReport, are trademarks of STReport and STR Publishing Inc. STR, CPU, STReport, its staff and contributors are not and cannot be held responsible in any way for the use or misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom. STR OnLine! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" October 18, 1996 Since 1987 Copyrightc1996 All Rights Reserved Issue No. 1242