Silicon Times Report "The Original Independent OnLine Magazine" (Since 1987) March 07, 1997 No.1310 Silicon Times Report International OnLine Magazine Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155 R.F. Mariano, Editor STR Publishing, Inc. Voice: 1-904-292-9222 10am-5pm EST FAX: 904-268-2237 24hrs STReport WebSite http://www.streport.com STR Publishing's FTP Support Server 10gb - Back Issues - Patches - Support Files (Continually Under Construction) ftp.streport.com Anonymous Login ok - Use your Email Address as a Password STReport published with MS Office 97 & Adobe Acrobat Pro v3 Featuring a Full Service Web Site http://www.streport.com Voted TOP TEN Ultimate WebSite Join STReport's Subscriber List receive STR through Internet Toad Hall BBS 1-617-567-8642 03/07/97 STR 1310 Celebrating Our Tenth Anniversary 1987-97! - CPU Industry Report - WUGNET CD - Newt's a Beaut! - NEW Macro Virus - Analog HDTV Dead - Apple to cut 2-5k jobs - EPSON 1440dpi Inkjet - Be a Prop Head - InteReach Browser - Diablo Update 1.02 - People Talking - Classics & Gaming Apple Offers Rebates & Discounts to Settle Microsoft Fixes IE Bug Intel Solves Firewall Problem 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. Please obtain the latest issue from either our Web Site or FTP Site. 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. 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 Celebrating Our Tenth Year! 1987-1997 Florida Lotto - LottoMan v1.35 Results: 03/01/97: 3 of 6 numbers, 2 three number matches From the Editor's Desk... How many of you have the ability to truly reach your congress person or senator? Am I mistaken or, Didn't these clowns all promise to WORK together to address the problems facing this nation and to also work for a more harmonious, smaller Federal Government. Are there any of you who are not now convinced that each and every one of them was lying through their teeth? The high powered sniping by the Republicans has reached an all time low. Newt & Friends haven't slowed down a bit! The entire Washington DC politcal scene is getting angrily ridiculous. Nothing concerning the actual business of governing the USA and REPRESENTING the people of the USA is actually taking place. Instead, the gross distractions of the political sniping by the SUPER sore-losing Republican Party is taking the nation's attention away from the topics that really matter. Like limiting the TERMS of these clowns, they. that's right THEY already quietly voted that out the door. These politcians are not representing the people who voted them in. By their actions, they actually RESENT them! Have they done anything to protect Social Security?? The Bill of Rights? The Constitution? Only if you construe and distort their revenous desire to re-write them doing "something". They should be getting the committees together to: Revamp the FHA to allow the average working stiff in this country to actually buy a house without being overwhelmed with all the hidden closing costs, extra "points" and fees that are not made evident until the poor slob has been strung out, stretched to the limit and dried out like a sheet of yellowed parchment. The FHA is not the only Federal Agency in sore need of re-organization and re-direction. The FAA is a outrageous joke wreaked upon the American public. The same goes for the FDA. The two of them no more look out for the average "Joe" than Joe Stalin did. They're more interested in protecting the revenue procurement of the Airports, Airlines and associated industries. The citizens and passengers on the aircraft invariably come last in the ladder of consideration. The FDA should be disbanded completely and started all over again without the hampering of the 100 year old procedures and rules its currently operating under. Has anyone noticed how the TWA flight 800 has quietly slipped beneath the blanket of obscurity? What happened to the super high powered FBI "scientific investigation"? Why is it we neither hear or read very little about the progress of that investigation?? It couldn't possibly be they have irrefutable proof the tragic end of flight 800 was indeed brought about by a deadly design flaw. A flaw that places the blame squarely at the feet of Boeing Aircraft? Nah. nobody would dare be that brazen to cover up such information. Or, would they? Seems I recall the Iran-Contra garbage that Ronnie and Georgie knew nothing about. Sort of reminds one of Sgt. Schultz in Hogan's Heroes. he knew nothing. Why is it Newt's ethics problems went to sleep and then away so fast? So, here we are a scant sixty days into the new administration and its still that same old, rancid hash that's being dished out to the American Taxpayers and Voters. Republicans busy tying up the House and Senate and MILLIONS OF DOLLARS (special investigative committees) trying to hang the Democratic Party and the Clintons. This decade will go down in American history as the beginning of the end of true, Democratic Government in the United States of America if this garbage of snipe and snipe and hipshot doesn't stop. The sad part is its you and I and every other working stiff out there that's actually paying for all this garbage. So please, reach out and tell your representative to knock off the fun and games and get busy with the job of governing and put the slimeball politics in the grave where it belongs. There's simply too much to be done in bringing the USA into the next Century. Professionally and with wisdom and dignity. The way it looks now, its reads like a slimy dime novel from the thirties. Whether you agree with me or not. let's hear from you! Tell us and our readers how you feel about the current state of the US Government and whether or not they're doing the right thing for both the nation, its citizens and taxpayers. Ralph.. Of Special Note: http://www.streport.com ftp.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 it is 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 AutoMailer 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 Shareware Listings R.F. Mariano Help Wanted Lloyd E. Pulley Classics & Gaming Kid's Computing Corner Dana P. Jacobson Frank Sereno STReport Staff Editors Michael R. Burkley Joseph Mirando Victor Mariano Allen Harkleroad Vincent P. O'Hara Glenwood Drake Contributing Correspondents Jason Sereno Jeremy Sereno Daniel Stidham David H. Mann Angelo Marasco Donna Lines Brian Boucher Ron Satchwill Robert Satchwill Leonard Worzala Please submit ALL letters, rebuttals, articles, reviews, etc., via E-Mail w/attachment to: Internet rmariano@streport.com STR FTP ftp.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 Senate Weighs Encryption Bill A U.S. Senate bill intended to let companies export more powerful devices than allowed by the Clinton administration to maintain the privacy of computer messages is drawing computer industry support. Both the Business Software Alliance and the Computer and Communications Industry Association say they back the legislation offered Thursday by Sens. Conrad Burns, R-Mont. and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. The Associated Press says the bill would liberalize the administration's export restrictions on software with strong encryption. As noted, the industry groups have complained the administration's loosened export rules, which took effect in December, didn't go far enough. "Unlike the administration's policy," says the wire service, "the Burns-Leahy bill would not require exporters to assure the U.S. government that police agencies -- upon court order -- would be able to crack their products' encryption codes and intercept communications. Computer groups oppose the concept of providing government with a back-door key to scrambled communications." McAfee Warns of New Macro Virus The virus-fighting McAfee Associates says a new macro virus called ShareFun.A is proliferating on the Internet, spreading by infecting Microsoft Word 6.x and 7.x documents on Windows and Macintosh platforms. Writing for the Newsbytes computer news service, reporter Wes Thomas says ShareFun.A is spread by e-mail message attachments. An announcement on McAfee's site on the World Wide Web advises, "If you receive a message with the following subject or banner: 'You have GOT to read this!' do not execute its attachment. Delete the entire message." McAfee says this is how the virus works: ú First, the macro virus saves a copy of itself. ú Then it checks to see if you are running Microsoft Mail. If so, the virus finds three random people in your mail list and sends a copy of the infected document with the following subject: "You have GOT to read this!" ú If MS Word is launched to read this attached file, the receiver becomes infected and above process will begin again. For more information, see the report on the McAfee site at http://www.mcafee.com/support/techdocs/vinfo/v3333.html. Macro Virus Initiative Formed The National Computer Security Association (NCSA) and Microsoft Corp. have launched the Macro Virus Prevention Initiative. Microsoft and the NCSA say the initiative aims to ensure that anti-virus software vendors have the information and support they need to build effective tools for detecting and eliminating macro viruses in Microsoft productivity applications. Components of the initiative include the early release of beta versions of Microsoft applications to anti-virus vendors to ensure a more timely delivery of anti-virus tools and an anti-virus developer newsgroup, managed by NCSA, to ensure a rapid, accurate information exchange between Microsoft and the anti-virus industry. The initiative also plans a joint effort between Microsoft and the NCSA to eliminate "false positive" results when scanning Microsoft applications with anti-virus tools. Additionally, a Web site supported by Microsoft and the NCSA, will provide PC users with information about the prevention of macro viruses. Finally, say the organizations, ongoing discussions between Microsoft, NCSA and anti-virus vendors will be held on the prevention of macro viruses. "Microsoft is committed to helping the anti-virus community address the industry-wide problem of macro viruses. The Macro Virus Prevention Initiative will result in more reliable anti-virus tools delivered in a timely manner," says Jon DeVaan, vice president of Microsoft's office product unit. "Customers should feel confident that we are doing everything possible to ensure that Microsoft applications provide a safe, secure computing environment." "The NCSA is pleased to be a part of this initiative between Microsoft and the anti-virus community," says Peter Tippett, president of the NCSA. "We are glad to see Microsoft assuming a leadership role in addressing the problem f macro viruses." U.K. Blocks Millenium Bill A move in the British Parliament has blocked a bill aimed at averting the risk of computers being unable to cope with the dawn of the new millennium. Arguing the bill would impose unwanted burdens on business, trade and industry minister Ian Taylor "effectively killed the measure by ensuring he was still talking when time ran out at the end of a brief debate," says the Reuter News Service, adding the bill now goes to the back of a long queue for debate if time allows. And, adds the wire service, the bill's "disappointed author, Conservative legislator David Atkinson, admitted (the necessary time) was highly unlikely." Atkinson, who had support for his bill from a number of leading companies, released a statement saying the action "represents a huge missed opportunity for the government to clearly show that it takes this problem seriously, and to provide a means by which the owners of companies can discover what their directors are doing to tackle the problem." Specifically, the bill would have required UK companies to assess and publish details of their readiness to adapt their computer systems to deal with calendar dates after Dec. 31, 1999. As noted, computer experts warn of possible "Millennium Meltdown" chaos because the year in most computer programs is expressed as a double digit, such as "97." While acknowledging the risk, Taylor contends the right approach is to make firms aware of the gravity of the issue rather than to impose new laws. Group Sues Over Net Addresses A California web page design firm called Image Online Design Inc. is suing the Internet's foundation that has ruled over online addresses for the past 25 years. The firm contends the foundation reneged on a deal giving it permission to register Internet addresses ending in .web. "The case," says reporter Elizabeth Weise of The Associated Press, "pits the notion of the Internet as an international resource subject to the public trust against the right to stake an online claim to commercial activities. It's also the first lawsuit filed over something that always had been decided by the famed 'rough consensus and running code' of Internet users themselves." In the suit filed yesterday, Image Online Design said it was authorized in July by spokesman Bill Manning of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority to register addresses ending in .web for $25 each. However, Christopher Ambler of Image Online Design said the IANA backed out their deal when a plan was announced earlier this month to revamp the current system for assigning Internet addresses by adding seven new endngs, such as .web or .store. Stuart Levi, attorney for the International Ad Hoc Committee, which proposed the new system, told Weise the proposal hadn't even been written -- much less accepted -- in July so there were no guidelines yet for how anyone would go about asking for authorization. Ambler says his San Luis Obispo, California, firm began assigning .web addresses in July and now has more than 1,000 customers. "But," says AP, "by his own admission, because his registry is not a part of the accepted Net order, only between 0.5 and 10 percent of Internet users can even see them, much as private streets don't always show up on official maps." He said he feels he staked his claim to those addresses first and hopes through the suit to force them to appear throughout the Net. Meanwhile, Levi said Ambler gambled and lost, adding, "He did it outside the structure of the Internet on something that is generally labeled as experimental." Bug Found in Microsoft Explorer A serious, potentially embarrassing security flaw has been discovered in Microsoft Corp.'s Internet Explorer browser that could allow a Web site operator to secretly run programs stored on someone's personal computer. The company told business writer George Tibbits of The Associated Press no customer reports of security breaches have been received, though a computer security expert said the problem is "extremely serious" and Microsoft is scrambling to fix it. Author/columnist Simson Garfinkel told the wire service, "It is as if you allowed someone to type on your computer and you go out to lunch," adding the flaw could result in all sorts of mischief, such as preventing another person's computer from starting up or sending e-mail from another person'account. From their Redmond, Wash., offices, Microsoft officials said they are testing a solution for the problem and expected to have it quickly posted to the company's site on the World Wide Web (http://www.microsoft.com/ie/def ault.asp). Product manager Paul Balle of Microsoft's Internet Explorer team said they learned of the flaw yesterday after it was discovered last week by student Paul Greene at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass., who posted it on his Web site (http://www.cybersnot.com). "We take this very seriously," Balle said. "The moment we found out about it, we got our developers and program managers on it." Tibbits says the problem appears only to affect Internet Explorer and not Navigator or other non-Microsoft browsers, adding the flaw involves basic functions found within Microsoft's Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems. "When a PC user clicks on a hyperlink on a Web page," says AP, "a malicious Web page creator could have that link connect to file known as a 'shortcut' in Windows 95 and NT. Shortcuts are widely used to start computer programs or functions. If the 'webmaster' for the Web page can guess the precise location and code needed on the user's computer, shortcuts on the Web page could surreptitiously 'point to' and start programs residing on the user's hard drive." Said Balle, "If they can guess it, they can get to it." Tibbits notes many widely available programs such as Windows 95 have standard locations or addresses where their components are stored on computers, adding, "Unless a PC user custom-installed or otherwise modified a program, the addresses would be simple to guess." Apparently not affected, though, are Internet Explorer's extensive security systems that are based on a Microsoft technology called Active-X. Those shortcuts, says Balle, "totally bypass that." Microsoft Posts Fixes for IE Bug Microsoft Corp. has posted a patch for its Internet Explorer Web browser to fix that flaw that could allow a Web site operator to secretly run programs or ruin files in someone else's personal computer. The patch can be downloaded from Microsoft's site (http://www.microsoft.com/ie) or can be ordered on a floppy-disk version by calling 800-322-9997. Microsoft officials told business writer George Tibbits the firm has had no reports from customers of security breaches, but the software publisher considers the flaw a serious problem because it potentially could allow an electronic attacker to bypass the browser's security system. As reported yesterday, Microsoft's Internet Explorer team learned of the flaw yesterday after it was discovered last week by student Paul Greene at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts. While Microsoft responded quickly to the problem, the incident demonstrates the need to emphasize security, legal counsel David Sobel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington, D.C., told the wire service. Said Sobel, "As we move more and more business, personal and financial information online, security problems are going to become a much bigger issue for the public t large." Intel Solves Firewall Problem Intel Corp. says its work with three of the Internet industry's major firewall vendors will allow business users to send and receive audio and video phone calls through company firewalls and over the Internet while maintaining the data security of corporate computer networks. The Santa Clara, California-based company notes that as a result of the collaboration, firewall products from Check Point Software Technologies, Cisco Systems and Trusted Information Systems will offer this new capability in compliance with the H.323 Internet communication standard. Intel says it has developed a technical solution to solve the problem of getting H.323 standards-based Internet communications through firewalls. Firewalls are the software programs that restrict the flow of information between a company's network and the Internet in order to keep sensitive information private. Intel produced a technical paper to document the solution for allowing H.323 to be supported in firewalls and then developed software to validate that solution. Intel also worked with the firewall vendors to validate the H.323 standard in their upcoming products. As a result of the collaboration, Check Point Software, Cisco and Trusted Information Systems have all stated support for the H.323 standard and have announced plans to offer standard-compliant firewall products later this year. "The Intel Architecture Labs are devoted to delivering technology that enhances Internet communications and makes interoperability over the Internet a reality for business," says Craig Kinnie, vice president and general manager of Intel's Internet and communications group. "Intel is promoting the adoption of the H.323 standard in firewall products so that Internet phone calls can be placed in a business-to-business or business-to-customer setting." Toshiba Has Mobile Communicator Toshiba Corp. has unveiled the GENIO PCV100, a pocket-size mobile communicator. According to Toshiba, the pen-based unit includes a buil- in Personal Handyphone System (PHS), which offers users easy access to World Wide Web sites, mobile telephone and high- speed data-access functions. The company notes that the GENIO is the world's first pocket communicator with built-in PHS to provide Web browsing. Sales in Japan are set to begin on April 25. The GENIO (the name means "genius" in Italian) also provides removable memory for 2MB of data in the form of an optional Smart Media memory card the size of a postage stamp. Data can be transferred between the GENIO and a desktop computer, either by direct connection using a serial cable or via an infrared communications port. More information is available on the Toshiba GENIO Web site: www2.toshiba.co.jp/genio/. HP, WebTV Team on Print Project To offer printing capabilities for subscribers of the WebTV online service, computer maker Hewlett-Packard Co. is set to collaborate with WebTV Networks Inc. Reporting from HP's Palo Alto, California, headquarters, the Reuter News Service says Hewlett-Packard has agreed to supply an application programming interface for printing from the online service and drivers for its popular printer products. The deal makes printer giant HP the first maker of printers to announce support for WebTV, Reuters adds. WebTV Networks, which introduced the service and its Internet set-top box in collaboration with Sony Corp. and Philips Electronics NV last fall, has said early customers have been eager for printing capabilities. Epson Unveils 1,440 DPI Ink-Jet Epson America Inc. has introduced the first 1,440 by 720 dots per inch (dpi) desktop color ink-jet printer. The company says its Stylus Color 800, with a street price of $449, provides photographic-quality output. The printer is Windows and Mac compatible with simultaneous autoswitching between both platforms. The Stylus Color 800 features a new "micro piezo" piezoelectric print head design. Epson notes that the device generates smaller dot sizes that allow a greater range of halftones for more realistic fleshtones and smoother color gradations. A color management tool gives users the ability to manually select levels of brightness, contrast, saturation and individual color (cyan, magenta, and yellow). The customized color settings can be saved for specific applications or different types of print jobs. Video/digital camera output, Windows 95 ICM and Apple ColorSync profiles may be selected in the printer driver. The print driver also features a new on-screen ink level display. "This is the fastest, highest resolution color ink jet printer available for the office," says Mark Radogna, Epson's high-end ink-jet printer product manager. Hitachi Has 2X DVD-ROM Drive Hitachi America Ltd. says it has developed the first double-speed DVD-ROM drive. According to Hitachi, the GD-2000 offers full support for 4.7GB capacity single-layer and planned double-layer DVD media. The unit has a transfer rate of 2.76MB per second with DVD media, twice the performance of first-generation drives now on the market. The GD-2000 also reads CD-ROM and CD-R discs at up to 20x (3.0 MB per second) data rates. Hitachi notes that a single-layer 4.7GB DVD disk can store more than two hours of video material with a picture quality that approaches the CCIR-601 studio quality standard. "With the GD-2000, Hitachi is the first company to deliver true multimedia performance for personal computers," says Werner Glinka, director of marketing for Hitachi America's storage products group. System designers and end-users who want maximum flexibility and performance in optical storage can move to DVD drives immediately, with assurance that they have a system compatible with the standards of today and tomorrow." The GD-2000 will primarily be marketed to PC manufacturers for factory installation. Sample quantities of the drive, priced at $750, will be available in April. Visit Hitachi America on the Web at www.hitachi.com. Clones Help Mac Sales Rebound Despite the well-publicized problems of Apple Computer Inc., the success of Mac clone vendors is helping the Macintosh platform take market share from Intel's X86 platform in the U.S. dealer channel. According to the La Jolla, California-based market research firm, Mac desktop systems accounted for 11 percent of sales in January, up from 9 percent in January 1996. Meanwhile, the market share of X86 systems declined from 91 percent to 89 percent over the same period. Unit shipments of Mac systems climbed by 61.4 percent between January 1996 and January 1997, says Computer Intelligence. X86 unit shipments fell by 5.1 percent over the same span. "Thanks to Mac OS clones, the Mac platform is anything but dead in the dealer chnnel," says Matt Sargent, a Computer Intelligence analyst. "Our figures show that the Mac OS platform actually took market share away from the X86 platform in January in this channel." Computer Intelligence's figures are based on the sales of desktop systems through traditional computer vendors such as Entex, Inacom and MicroAge, and are derived from CI's StoreBoard service. StoreBoard tracks monthly sales of PC hardware, software and peripherals in more than 1,100 U.S. dealers and retail stores. Apple Announcements March 14 March 14 has been set by Apple Computer Inc. for announcements of further details of its restructuring, including the number of layoffs that are planned. Reporting from San Francisco, the Reuter News Service reports Apple Chairman Gilbert Amelio says in a letter to employees that the computer maker also will announce how much money it planned to set aside to pay for the program. Says the letter, "On March 14, we are planning to give more detail on what we'll do, what we won't do, the number of layoffs and the charge we will take to second-quarter earnings" to cover the cost of the restructuring. As reported, Apple last month unveiled a plan to consolidate its marketing and development units in an effort to cut costs and concentrate on key computer markets. At that time, specifics of the plan, such as layoffs and possible charges, were not disclosed. Industry experts have speculated Apple will cut 2,000 to 5,000 jobs from its worldwide workforce of 11,000 employees. "The company is also expected to take a charge of between $300 million to $350 million to pay for the cuts," Reuters says. Florida Firm Enters Browser War Move over, Netscape and Internet Explorer. A St. Petersburg, Florida, Internet service provider called InteReach is elbowing its way into the great Net browser wars. InteReach President David Pollock told United Press International the company's customers found it difficult to use the Internet because of installation problems so it developed a browser that simplifies the process. The One Button Access 32-bit browser "offer more features than Netscape Navigator, Mosaic or Microsoft Internet Explorer and downloads web pages faster," UPI says, quoting Pollock as saying the browser was designed to curb the number of complaint calls the company was receiving from clients. Said Pollock, "As a nationwide Internet service provider, InteReach faced technical problem after technical problem when creating starter kits for our subscribers. We were overwhelmed with technical support calls when attempting to get new users online." He said neither Netscape nor Microsoft was able to resolve the technical issues, forcing his company to develop its own browser, adding, "We knew we had to make it simple to install, simple to use and feature-rich. One Button Access 32-bit browser even automatically configures Dial-up Networking, making it the easiest browser to install." UPI says the system displays graphic images "more clearly and even support enhanced magnification levels for those who have vision difficulties." InteReach currently is offering One Button Access browser with six months of Internet access at a monthly cost of $12.95 and plans to launch its new browser through retail stores later this year. Microsoft Buys Web Software Firm Microsoft Corp. says it has acquired Interse Corp., a Sunnyvale, California-based software developer best known for its Interse Market Focus 3 Web site analysis software. Microsoft says it plans to integrate Interse Market Focus 3 into its BackOffice line of Internet and intranet Web site products. The deal's terms weren't disclosed. According to Microsoft, Interse Market Focus 3 is designed to help Web professionals integrate, manage and examine Internet user behavior data, providing maximum business results from marketing investments. "Understanding usage patterns on your Web site is the best way to see what your customers are interested in so you can deliver the most targeted content," says Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman and CEO. "Interse is the team that had this vision and is delivering on it." Combining the resources and vision of Microsoft and Interse will promote the adoption and integration of our technologies into an expanded group of Innovative Internet products," adds Terry Myerson, Interse's president and CEO. "Our collective knowledge and expertise will enable us to deliver even more powerful solutions to our customers." Myerson, along with other Interse personnel, will join Microsoft's Internet services business unit. Ex-Apple Executive Returns Home Apple Computer Inc., which has recently lost several high-level executives, says one has returned to the company. David S. Manovich, 45, has moved back to Apple to become the computer maker's executive vice president of worldwide sales and service. Manovich was formerly vice president of Apple's U.S. consumer/retail sales division, and most recently vice president of sales at Fujitsu PC Corp. Manovich will report to Gilbert Amelio, Apple's chairman and CEO. Manovich has over 14 years of sales and marketing experience in the microcomputer industry. Prior to joining Fujitsu PC, he spent over 10 years with Apple Computer in a variety of general management and sales executive positions. "David is a well known and respected sales executive, both inside and outside of Apple. He brings an especially strong reputation with the sales channel as well as international experience," says Amelio. "We are very pleased that he has chosen to return to the team." "I want to help reestablish Apple's strengths in our core markets," adds Manovich. "My number one priority is to meet the expectations of Apple's customers and fulfill customer demand. Given my previous experience at Apple, I think I can make an immediate contribution." Prodigy Pulls Plug on Grandma The Prodigy online service has pulled the plug on a grandmother's online pen-pal program for U.S. soldiers, alleging the site was transmitting sexist and racist jokes. The Indianapolis Star-News says Prodigy accuses Pat Dwigans of transmitting pornography over the network. Reporting from Greenwood, Indiana, United Press International says Prodigy's action has "left her, the troops and about 6,000 volunteers temporarily incommunicado." Prodigy had provided Dwigans with free access in exchange for her efforts handling some Prodigy services, including Operation MALE (Make A Life Enriched). "Now," says UPI, "Dwigans is trying to involve just about everyone from President Clinton on down to revive what she sees as a vital effort to bost the spirits of the Bosnia brigades. It all began in January when a brigade executive officer in Bosnia-Herzegovina ordered Dwigans to stop communicating with his soldiers, accusing her of sending offensive 'jokes' he described as pornographic, racist, sexist and bigoted." Lt. Col. Victor Robertson's message to Dwigans included several jokes she had sent to members of his unit, "including one joke in which two homosexuals are hanged by the Ku Klux Klan," UPI says. Robertson said that because some military members read the jokes on government-owned machines, they violate Department of Defense regulations against computer pornography and messages that "reflect adversely on the Department of Defense." Dwigans says jokes are only a small part of her Operation MALE programs, which send soldiers cards, letters and packages, in addition to regular correspondence with e-mail pen pals. Study Finds E-Commerce Lagging New research from Computer Intelligence finds that the percentage of U.S. businesses conducting electronic commerce via the Internet runs far behind the uses of some other Internet-related applications. The research also discovered that businesses engaged in electronic commerce across the World Wide Web tend to be small firms (fewer than 50 employees) that are not generally affiliated with large U.S. corporations. Analyzing data collected from more than 85,000 telephone interviews conducted at U.S. computer installations, the La Jolla, California-based market researcher found that 31 percent of the installations surveyed had some kind of Internet applications. That base figure, projected to the total U.S. market of business establishments, indicates that more than 600,000 locations are now using the Internet for business purposes, notes Computer Intelligence. But applications leading electronic commerce included research, intranets, Web home pages and education. "While E-Commerce ranked fifth as an Internet application in our research, this does not mean that it is not a viable or growing markt," says Jerry Berry, senior industry analyst for Computer Intelligence. "As a matter of fact, our interviews show an increasing number of sites that indicate they have implemented or are planning to implement an e- commerce solution at their location. In interviews completed during the past year, we have seen e-commerce triple in percentage as an Internet application answer." AOL Chat Area to Run Ads America Online Inc. says it will open its "People Connection" online chat area to advertisers, effective immediately. Ads will be placed in public chat, but not in private chat rooms, says the online service, which adds that the ads will be refreshed and rotated every 60 seconds. AOL claims the ads will generate 360 million impressions every month. "We think this opportunity will appeal to smart marketers who currently spend significant advertising dollars on television," observed Myer Berlow, AOL's senior vice president for interactive marketing, in a statement issued by the online service. Berlow added that AOL would offer special deals to charter advertisers. A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N LEXMARK OPTRA C COLOR LASER PRINTER For a limited time only; If you wish to have a FREE sample printout sent to you that demonstrates LEXMARK Optra C SUPERIOR QUALITY 600 dpi Laser Color Output, please send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope [SASE] (business sized envelope please) to: STReport's LEXMARK Printout Offer P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32205-6155 Folks, the LEXMARK Optra C has to be the very best yet in its price range. It is far superior to anything we've seen or used as of yet. It is said that ONE Picture is worth a thousand words. The out put from the Lexmark Optra C is worth ten thousand words! Send for the free sample now. (For a sample that's suitable for framing, see below) Guaranteed. you will be amazed at the superb quality. (Please.. allow at least a two week turn- around). If you would like a sample printout that's suitable for framing. Yes that's right! Suitable for Framing. Order this package. It'll be on special stock and be of superb quality. We obtained a mint copy of a 1927 COLOR ENGRAVER'S YEAR BOOK. Our Scanner is doing "double duty"! The results will absolutely blow you away. If you want this high quality sample package please include a check or money order in the amount of $6.95 (Costs only) Please, make checks or money orders payable to; Ralph Mariano. Be sure to include your full return address and telephone number . The sample will be sent to you protected, not folded in a 9x12 envelope. Don't hesitate.. you will not be disappointed. This "stuff" is gorgeous! A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N AS400 Lexlink Instructions for the External AdapterSTEP 1: Issue the command to create the printer device.Select one of the following: 1. User tasks 2. Office tasks 3. General system tasks 4. Files, libraries, and folders 5. Programming 6. Communications 7. Define or change the system 8. Problem handling 9. Display a menu 10. Information Assistant options 11. Client Access tasks 90. Sign off Selection or command ===> CRTDEVPRT F3=Exit F4=Prompt F9=Retrieve F12=Cancel F13=Information Assistant F23=Set initial menu STEP 2: Input the required parameters below and press Create Device Desc (Printer) (CRTDEVPRT) Type choices, press Enter. Device description . . . . . . . ANYNAME Name Device class . . . . . . . . . . *LAN *LCL, *RMT, *VRT, *SNPT, *LAN Device type . . . . . . . . . . 3812 3287, 3812, 4019, 4201... Device model . . . . . . . . . . 1 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 13, 301... Bottom F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F10=Additional parameters F12=Cancel F13=How to use this display F24=More keys Parameter DEVD required. + STEP 3: Fill in the required fields (>) below and press Create Device Desc (Printer) (CRTDEVPRT) Type choices, press Enter. Device description . . . . . . . > ANYNAME Name Device class . . . . . . . . . . > *LAN *LCL, *RMT, *VRT, *SNPT, *LAN Device type . . . . . . . . . . > 3812 3287, 3812, 4019, 4201... Device model . . . . . . . . . . > 1 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 13, 301... Switched line list . . . . . . . > TKRING Name This is the name of the Line that you are attaching the printer too. + for more values LAN remote adapter address . . . > 0020000358D6 UAA or LAA of the Marknet Adapter Adapter type . . . . . . . . . . > *EXTERNAL *INTERNAL, *EXTERNAL Adapter connection type . . . . > *PARALLEL *PARALLEL, *SERIAL Port number . . . . . . . . . . > 1 0-17 This is the port of the adapter Parallel 1 = 1, Parallel 2 = 2, & Serial = 0. Online at IPL . . . . . . . . . *YES *YES, *NO Font: Identifier . . . . . . . . . . > 11 3, 5, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19... Point size . . . . . . . . . . *NONE 000.1-999.9, *NONE Form feed . . . . . . . . . . . *TYPE *TYPE, *CONT, *CUT, *AUTOCUT Separator drawer . . . . . . . . *FILE 1-255, *FILE Separator program . . . . . . . *NONE Name, *NONE Library . . . . . . . . . . . Name, *LIBL, *CURLIB Printer error message . . . . . *INQ *INQ, *INFO Message queue . . . . . . . . . QSYSOPR Name, QSYSOPR Library . . . . . . . . . . . *LIBL Name, *LIBL, *CURLIB Activation timer . . . . . . . . 170 1-2550 Inactivity timer . . . . . . . . > *SEC15 1-30, *ATTACH, *NOMAX... Host print transform . . . . . . > *YES *NO, *YES Manufacturer type and model . . > *IBM4039HP or the appropriate printer type Paper source 1 . . . . . . . . . *MFRTYPMDL *MFRTYPMDL, *LETTER... Paper source 2 . . . . . . . . . *MFRTYPMDL *MFRTYPMDL, *LETTER... Envelope source . . . . . . . . *MFRTYPMDL *MFRTYPMDL, *MONARCH... ASCII code page 899 support . . *NO *NO, *YES Character identifier: Graphic character set . . . . *SYSVAL 1-32767, *SYSVAL Code page . . . . . . . . . . 1-32767 Text 'description' . . . . . . . > 'DESCRIPTION FOR EXTERNAL LEXLINK ADAPTER' STEP 4: You now need to add SSAP's to the line description. This is the same for Internal or External You must vary off the line to make these changes. This will bring the Line Down on the AS400 side ( Do Be Advised). Select one of the following: 1. User tasks 2. Office tasks 3. General system tasks 4. Files, libraries, and folders 5. Programming 6. Communications 7. Define or change the system 8. Problem handling 9. Display a menu 10. Information Assistant options 11. Client Access tasks 90. Sign off Selection or command ===> WRKLIND F3=Exit F4=Prompt F9=Retrieve F12=Cancel F13=Information Assistant F23=Set initial menu STEP 5: You now need to vary off the device and add the additional SSAPs. You must work with the status to do this. Type options, press Enter. 2=Change 3=Copy 4=Delete 5=Display 6=Print 7=Rename 8=Work with status 9=Retrieve source Opt Line Type Text 8 ETHERNET *ELAN Ethernet Line Description QESLINE *SDLC QTDL435300 *TDLC CREATED BY AUTO-CONFIGURATION QTILINE *SDLC TKRING *TRLAN Token Ring Line Description Bottom Parameters or command ===> F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F6=Create F9=Retrieve F12=Cancel F14=Work with status STEP 6: NEXT SCREEN after working with status, you must vary off the Line. Type options, press Enter. 1=Vary on 2=Vary off 5=Work with job 8=Work with description 9=Display mode status ... Opt Description Status -------------Job------------- - 2 ETHERNET ACTIVE ETHERNET ACTIVE ETHERUSR ACTIVE/WRITER ETHERUSR00 ACTIVE/WRITER ETHERUSR01 ACTIVE/WRITER Bottom Parameters or command ===> F3=Exit F4=Prompt F12=Cancel F23=More options F24=More keys STEP 7: Add SSAP's 12, 16, and 1A with the appropriate values. Put a + in the line above the number and then press enter to get blank lines for adding the additional SSAPs. Ethernet is as follows: __ Source service access point . 12 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . 1496 *MAXFRAME, 265-1496, 265... SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR Source service access point . 16 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . 1496 *MAXFRAME, 265-1496, 265... SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR Source service access point . 1A 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . 1496 *MAXFRAME, 265-1496, 265... SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR + for more values Token Ring is as follows: __ Source service access point . 12 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . *MAXFRAME *MAXFRAME, 265-16393 or use 4096 for this value SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR Source service access point . 16 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . *MAXFRAME *MAXFRAME, 265-16393 or use 4096 for this value SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR Source service access point . 1A 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . *MAXFRAME *MAXFRAME, 265-16393 or use 4096 for this value SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR + for more values STEP 8: You should be able to vary back on the LINE, the DEVICE, start the WRITER and then print. **NOTE** For best results with the External Adapter, we recommend getting PTF SF29307 from IBM and the latest flash file from Lexmark. (You need .95. level at least for this PTF to work, but the most current level would be recommended.) AS400 Lexlink Instructions for the Internal AdapterSTEP 1: Issue the command to create the printer device. Select one of the following: 1. User tasks 2. Office tasks 3. General system tasks 4. Files, libraries, and folders 5. Programming 6. Communications 7. Define or change the system 8. Problem handling 9. Display a menu 10. Information Assistant options 11. Client Access tasks 90. Sign off Selection or command ===> CRTDEVPRT F3=Exit F4=Prompt F9=Retrieve F12=Cancel F13=Information Assistant F23=Set initial menu STEP 2: Input the required parameters below and press Create Device Desc (Printer) (CRTDEVPRT) Type choices, press Enter. Device description . . . . . . . ANYNAME Name Device class . . . . . . . . . . *LAN *LCL, *RMT, *VRT, *SNPT, *LAN Device type . . . . . . . . . . 3812 3287, 3812, 4019, 4201... Device model . . . . . . . . . . 1 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 13, 301... Bottom F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F10=Additional parameters F12=Cancel F13=How to use this display F24=More keys Parameter DEVD required. + STEP 3: Fill in the required fields below (>) and press Create Device Desc (Printer) (CRTDEVPRT) Type choices, press Enter. Device description . . . . . . . > ANYNAME Name Device class . . . . . . . . . . > *LAN *LCL, *RMT, *VRT, *SNPT, *LAN Device type . . . . . . . . . . > 3812 3287, 3812, 4019, 4201... Device model . . . . . . . . . . > 1 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 13, 301... Switched line list . . . . . . . > TKRING Name This is the name of the Line that they are attaching the printer too. + for more values LAN remote adapter address . . . > 0020000358D6 UAA or LAA of the Marknet Adapter Adapter type . . . . . . . . . . >*INTERNAL *INTERNAL, *EXTERNAL Online at IPL . . . . . . . . . *YES *YES, *NO Font: Identifier . . . . . . . . . . > 11 3, 5, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19... Point size . . . . . . . . . . *NONE 000.1-999.9, *NONE Form feed . . . . . . . . . . . *TYPE *TYPE, *CONT, *CUT, *AUTOCUT Separator drawer . . . . . . . . *FILE 1-255, *FILE Separator program . . . . . . . *NONE Name, *NONE Library . . . . . . . . . . . Name, *LIBL, *CURLIB Printer error message . . . . . *INQ *INQ, *INFO Message queue . . . . . . . . . QSYSOPR Name, QSYSOPR Library . . . . . . . . . . . *LIBL Name, *LIBL, *CURLIB Activation timer . . . . . . . . 170 1-2550 Inactivity timer . . . . . . . . >*SEC15 1-30, *ATTACH, *NOMAX... Host print transform . . . . . . > *YES *NO, *YES Manufacturer type and model . . > *IBM4039HP or the appropriate printer type Paper source 1 . . . . . . . . . *MFRTYPMDL *MFRTYPMDL, *LETTER... Paper source 2 . . . . . . . . . *MFRTYPMDL *MFRTYPMDL, *LETTER... Envelope source . . . . . . . . *MFRTYPMDL *MFRTYPMDL, *MONARCH... ASCII code page 899 support . . *NO *NO, *YES Character identifier: Graphic character set . . . . *SYSVAL 1-32767, *SYSVAL Code page . . . . . . . . . . 1-32767 Text 'description' . . . . . . . > 'DESCRIPTION FOR INTERNAL LEXLINK ADAPTER' STEP 4: You now need to add SSAP's to the line description. This is the same for Internal and External. You must vary off the line to make these changes. This will bring the Line Down on the AS400 side ( Do Be Advised). Select one of the following: 1. User tasks 2. Office tasks 3. General system tasks 4. Files, libraries, and folders 5. Programming 6. Communications 7. Define or change the system 8. Problem handling 9. Display a menu 10. Information Assistant options 11. Client Access tasks 90. Sign off Selection or command ===> WRKLIND F3=Exit F4=Prompt F9=Retrieve F12=Cancel F13=Information Assistant F23=Set initial menu STEP 5: You now need to vary off the device and add the additional SSAPs. You must work with the status to do this. Type options, press Enter. 2=Change 3=Copy 4=Delete 5=Display 6=Print 7=Rename 8=Work with status 9=Retrieve source Opt Line Type Text 8 ETHERNET *ELAN Ethernet Line Description QESLINE *SDLC QTDL435300 *TDLC CREATED BY AUTO-CONFIGURATION QTILINE *SDLC TKRING *TRLAN Token Ring Line Description Bottom Parameters or command ===> F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F6=Create F9=Retrieve F12=Cancel F14=Work with status STEP 6: NEXT SCREEN after working with status, you must vary off the Line. Type options, press Enter. 1=Vary on 2=Vary off 5=Work with job 8=Work with description 9=Display mode status ... Opt Description Status -------------Job------------- - 2 ETHERNET ACTIVE ETHERNET ACTIVE ETHERUSR ACTIVE/WRITER ETHERUSR00 ACTIVE/WRITER ETHERUSR01 ACTIVE/WRITER Bottom Parameters or command ===> F3=Exit F4=Prompt F12=Cancel F23=More options F24=More keys STEP 7: Add SSAP's 12, 16, and 1A with the appropriate values. Put a + in the line above the number and enter to get blank lines for adding the additional SSAPs. Ethernet is as follows: __ Source service access point . 12 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . 1496 *MAXFRAME, 265-1496, 265... SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR Source service access point . 16 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . 1496 *MAXFRAME, 265-1496, 265... SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR Source service access point . 1A 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . 1496 *MAXFRAME, 265-1496, 265... SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR + for more values Token Ring is as follows: __ Source service access point . 12 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . *MAXFRAME *MAXFRAME, 265-16393 or use 4096 for this value SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR Source service access point . 16 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . *MAXFRAME *MAXFRAME, 265-16393 or use 4096 for this value SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR Source service access point . 1A 02-FE SSAP maximum frame . . . . . . *MAXFRAME *MAXFRAME, 265-16393 or use 4096 for this value SSAP type . . . . . . . . . . *NONSNA *CALC, *NONSNA, *SNA, *HPR + for more values STEP 8: You should be able to vary back on the LINE and DEVICE and get it to print. How to Setup a Remote OS/400 Output Queue for a Lexmark TCP/IP Printer (LPR/LPD) The following information is for setting up a remote output queue so that print jobs can be automatically routed to a MarkNet, MarkNet XL, or MarkNet XLe attached IP printer. Following are the steps to take and a brief explanation. On page two is an example. This document assumes TCP/IP is already set up and running on your system, and that a host table entry has been created for the printer, or MarkNet XLe. Refer to the IBM publication, "AS/400 TCP/IP Configuration and Reference Version 3 (SC41- 3420) for more information. This document also assumes the MarkNet device is configured as well. Refer to the documentation that came with your MarkNet device. ú From an AS/400 command line, type CRTOUTQ, press F4 ú Fill in the output queue parameter. This is the output queue name as it will be known on the AS/400. ú Fill in the Remote System name. This should be the HOST name for the printer, or Marknet XLe, as defined in the OS/400 host table (go cfgtcp, option 10). ú Fill in the Remote Printer Queue name. This can be any name. If using the MarkNet XLe, then end the name with a 1, 2, or 9 for parallel 1, parallel 2, and serial port, respectively. For example, to send a job to the printer attached to parallel 2, you would use anyname2 as the Remote Printer Queue. ú Fill in the number of Writers to Autostart. Note: You may need to issue the STRRMTWTR CL command before you print. ú For Connection type use *IP ú For Destination type use *OTHER ú For Transform SCS to ASCII select *YES if sending to an ASCII printer. ú For Manufacturer Type and Model select the printer type that you are using. You can Prompt (press F4) on this line for a list. ú Press enter and the queue is set up. Following is the OS/400 screen for a remote printer called JEDI that sends print jobs to the printer attached to the serial port of a MarkNet XLe: Create Output Queue (CRTOUTQ) Type Choices, press Enter. Output Queue . . . . . . . . . > IPPRINTER Library . . . . . . . . . . *CURLIB Maximum spooled file size: Number of Pages. . . . . . . *NONE Starting time . . . . . . . Ending time . . . . . . . . + for more values Order of files on queue . . . *FIFO Remote system . . . . . . . . > JEDI Remote printer queue . . . . . > ANYNAME9 Writers to autostart . . . . . > 1 Queue for writer messages. . . QSYSOPR Library. . . . . . . . . . . *LIBL Connection type. . . . . . . . > *IP Destination type . . . . . . . > *OTHER Transform SCS to ASCII . . . . *YES Manufacturer type and model. . > *IBM4039HP Destination options. . . . . . *NONE Text 'description' . . . . . . *BLANK Additional Parameters Display any file . . . . . . . *NO Job separators . . . . . . . . 0 Operator controlled. . . . . . *YES Data queue . . . . . . . . . . *NONE Library. . . . . . . . . . . Authority to check . . . . . . *OWNER Authority. . . . . . . . . . . *USE WUGNET CD Update STR Infofile WUGNET CD Sampler for Windows 95 MEDIA, Pa., Mar 27/PRNewswire/ -- WUGNET, the Windows Users Group Network, today announced the availability of version 1.1 of the WUGNET CD Sampler for Windows 95 containing more than 140 applications including 70 commercial trial versions of the most popular and exciting software designed for Windows 95. The CD provides an easy way to test drive the software industry's leading trialware for Windows 95. Traversing the CD, previewing, installing and deinstalling the software becomes effortless with the an enhanced hypertext navigational utility. Complete product and company background information are also included per application. Priced at $29.95 for a two CD-ROM collection loaded with over 1 gigabyte of the hottest commercial titles now available for Windows 95, the CD Sampler for Windows 95 helps the undecided try out solutions from commercial and shareware publishers. Software categories found on the CD Sampler include internet, productivity, training, remote control and file transfer, general communications, virus scanning, performance and system utilities, tape backup, games, and graphics and page layout. This is the third CD that Windows 95 users should put in their CD-ROM drive right after they install Windows 95 and PLUS!," said Howard Sobel, Executive Director, WUGNET. "The CD Sampler for Windows 95 is the best way to quickly explore the power and fun of using software designed for Windows 95 and quickly make intelligent decisions about buying them." "There is a lot of industry momentum for applications which take advantage of the technology Windows 95 enables," said Microsoft product manager, Suzi Davidson. "This sampler is a great example of that industry support." Some of the hottest Windows 95 titles can be found on the CD. "The CD Sampler for Windows 95 is a great way to examine outstanding software titles," said Philippe Kahn, chairman and co-founder of Starfish Software, Inc. "We are delighted to have trial versions of our award-winning Sidekick 95 and Dashboard 95 on the CD." "This CD is an excellent offering for all serious computer users looking for the best Windows 95 products on the market, and we're happy to be a part of it," said Gaston Bastiaens, President and CEO of Quarterdeck."It is a must-have for Windows 95 users looking for native Windows 95 applications to replace their Windows 3.1 applications." "The WUGNET Sampler is the MOST comprehensive sampler I have seen. It is the first true place an end user can actually 'test' an enormous variety of software BEFORE actually purchasing it. The interface is intuitive and extremely well written, and installation is a snap. The extensive help system is clear and concise, and novices to 'power users' should find something they will love," said Richard Duff, an independent consultant and owner of Duff Consulting. As an added bonus, WUGNET, operator of CompuServe's WINSHARE Forum, also selected over 70 of the top Windows 95 shareware titles that exploit Windows 95's 32-bit features to be on the CD. "The WUGNET CD Sampler for Windows 95 is a great opportunity for shareware authors writing for Windows 95 to showcase their applications," said Nico Mak, author of one of the hottest shareware utilities available for Windows 95. "It was important for us to have WinZip included in the utilities category." WinZip won the 1996 Windows Magazine Win100 Award, was a finalist for the 1995 PC Computing MVP Awards, and was voted "Best Utility" at the 1994 annual Shareware Industry Awards. The WUGNET CD Sampler for Windows 95 is immediately available for $19.95 U.S., plus shipping and handling (s/h: $4 in the United States and Canada,$7 Overseas]. Orders can be placed by calling 1-800- WINUSER, Fax: 610 565-7106, via electronic mail request to 70631.324@ compuserve.com, via the world-wide web at http://www.wugnet.com, or by ordering direct from CompuServe's Windows 95 support center [GO WIN95]. WUGNET is the premier independent online support organization for the Microsoft Windows environment and related products and technology. Launched officially on CompuServe in 1989, WUGNET is the oldest and largest independent online organization supporting the Microsoft Windows environment. WUGNET operates 14 forums on CompuServe including WINSHARE, the Windows Shareware Forum and Microsoft's WINNEWS Forum. It provides services and resources for the Windows user communities through its CompuServe based support forums. WUGNET hosts real time chats and conferences and also maintains special interest group message/library areas for all areas of Windows computing on CompuServe. WUGNET's internet site, www.wugnet.com, features news and resources for Windows 95. Other WUGNET resources include: publications, books, software, and CDs. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows 95 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. WUGNET is a registered trademark of WUGNET Publications, Inc. All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Press Contact - Howard Sobel, 610 565-1861 internet:howards@wugnet.com Reseller Inquiries George Papadapalous, 610 565 1861 Inernet: georgep@wugnet.com EDUPAGE STR Focus Keeping the users informed Edupage Contents PowerPC Chips Beat Intel At Speed Vendors Gear Up For NetPC Launch Java Rings A Bell In Computer Telephony Home PCs Rank First In Doing Nothing Cyber Promotions Turns From Junk E-Mailer To ISP Execs More At Home With Technology Some Predictions For The Net Group Plans E-Mail Link For Ad Complaints Breaking News In Cyberspace Security Hole In Microsoft Explorer Nevada May Ban Junk E-Mail Motorola To License VocalTec Software Gov't Testing Public Key Infrastructure Standards TeraStor Technology Boosts Storage Capacity Japan Set To Abandon Analog HDTV Apple Offers Rebates, Discounts To Settle Charges Microsoft May Create Plant In India Be A Propeller-Head Computer Security Is "Not Protection, It's Delay" The Shrinking Of Shrink-Wrap FCC Chair Opposes Access Fees For Internet Service Providers Microsoft Puts A Patch On Explorer Web Publishing Undercuts "Prior Restraint" Orders Digital TV Studio Equipment From Sony Mac Clones Selling Well Virtual Chicken Seeks Caring Parent TVs And PCs Will Duke It Out For Dominance POWERPC CHIPS BEAT INTEL AT SPEED The PowerPC alliance between IBM, Apple and Motorola has inched ahead of Intel's next microprocessor generation with its G3 family chip, code-named Arthur (for the 6th century British king), which is slightly faster and cheaper to manufacture than Intel's Pentium II chip (code-named Klamath), due out in the second quarter of this year. Another high-performance PowerPC chip, code-named Mach 5, is planned for summer or fall release, says an IBM VP. Arthur, with initial speeds of 250 MHz, is purported to be 90% faster than the current PowerPC 603c chip, and slightly faster than Klamath. The fact that the PowerPC chips generate much less heat than the Pentium chips will make them ideal for laptops, a market that will be critical for Apple in the next couple of years. (Wall Street Journal 28 Feb 97) VENDORS GEAR UP FOR NETPC LAUNCH Five of the most influential companies in the computer industry -- Compaq, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Microsoft -- will announce on March 19 the final specifications for the NetPC, a stripped down version of a PC. The specs will focus on ease-of-use and cost-efficiency, as well as reduced maintenance and administration requirements. The NetPCs will be built around Intel's NLX motherboard and Microsoft's Zero Administration Windows. HP will provide expanded remote management features based on Open View; Dell will contribute a comprehensive PC lifecycle services program; and Compaq will concentrate on incorporating many of the low-cost technologies that will define NetPCs. "We're past the stage where people haven't heard of cost of ownership and asset management. Now vendors are seeing that more as a user requirement," says a Gartner Group research director. (Information Week 24 Feb 97) JAVA RINGS A BELL IN COMPUTER TELEPHONY Several companies plan to unveil products that should boost computer telephony, based on the new Java Telephony API (JTAPI), at next week's CT Expo in Los Angeles. "The beauty of JTAPI is that runs on multiple platforms and environments," says an industry consultant. Lucent Technologies will introduce its PassageWay software, an applications development tool that links to any telephone system and Sun Microsystems will debut a development kit called JavaTel that allows users to build telephony functions, such as call control and routing, into Java-based applications. A recent survey by Sage Research showed that only 13% of companies currently are using computer telephony, but fully half plan to use it within the next two years. (Communications Week Interactive 28 Feb 97) HOME PCs RANK FIRST IN DOING NOTHING Forget about productivity -- a recent study by the NPD Group found that the majority of the time that home PC is running, it's doing... nothing! The study monitored 10,076 computer-owning households and used its PC Meter software to tally the time the computers sat idle following an initial 60 seconds of no activity on the keyboard or mouse. Fifty-four percent of the time the machines were switched on, they were not being used, and when they were used, the biggest chunk of time (29%) was devoted to "futzing" -- fiddling around with operating systems, organizing files, changing "wallpaper" and screensaver patterns, and altering the speed of the cursor blink. Meanwhile, word processing and business software use took up 16% of the time, and Internet surfing accounted for only 12%. The Sierra Club points out that turning a computer on and leaving it on unused for three hours a day results in about 200 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution every year. (Wall Street Journal 28 Feb 97) CYBER PROMOTIONS TURNS FROM JUNK E-MAILER TO ISP Cyber Promotions, which has been cited in several lawsuits over junk e- mail, is setting itself up as an Internet Service Provider (ISP), specializing in sending unsolicited mass mailings for its customers. The company has been widely criticized for its activities, which violate the established "culture" of the Internet, and its plans to turn itself from a promotional firm into and ISP are reportedly the result of refusals by other ISPs to sign Cyber Promotions as a customer. (InfoWorld Electric 1 Mar 97) EXECS MORE AT HOME WITH TECHNOLOGY A survey of 100 CEOs at companies in North America, Europe and South America by U.S.-based consulting firm A.T. Kearney Inc. found that managers in areas other than information technology now initiate 46% of technology projects, while 17% are initiated at the board level. In some industries, fully one-third of technology decisions are made at the board level. Almost half the chief executives surveyed said they spend more than 10% of their time learning about technology. In telecommunications and electronics companies, that jumps to 70%. (Toronto Financial Post 27 Feb 97) SOME PREDICTIONS FOR THE NET The 1997 Price Waterhouse Technology Forecast predicts that U.S. export regulations on encryption technology used on the Internet will ease; the fortunes of Sun's Java programming language will not be constrained by Active X, the competitive product from Microsoft; electronic commerce on the Web will begin to accelerate, with estimates from $44- to $200- billion worldwide annually by 2000; the rate of consolidation of Internet service providers will continue; and Moore's law, the idea that micro- processor performance doubles every couple of years, will continue to hold true this year. (Toronto Globe & Mail 26 Feb 97) GROUP PLANS E-MAIL LINK FOR AD COMPLAINTS The Canadian Advertising Foundation will start an e-mail system for consumer complaints by the middle of this year and plans to name advertisers and advertisements that violate industry codes. The foundation takes complaints about paid advertising in print and on television, radio, billboards and transit signs and is now developing a strategy to deal with Internet advertising. (Toronto Star 26 Feb 97) BREAKING NEWS IN CYBERSPACE The Dallas Morning News seems to have set a cybernews precedent by reporting an Oklahoma City bombing-related story on the paper's Web site before it appeared in the newspaper. The attorney for the bombing suspect in the story said that "they put it on the Internet because they thought we were going to come over here and try to get a temporary injunction," but a Dallas Morning News executive said: ``We put the story on the Web site because it was, in our view, extraordinarily important and we got the story finished this afternoon and we felt we ought to publish, so we published.'' (Associated Press 1 Mar 97) SECURITY HOLE IN MICROSOFT EXPLORER Microsoft says it is moving quickly to plug a security hole in its Explorer Web-browsing software that was discovered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute student Paul Greene. Microsoft says the flaw, which involves basic functions within Microsoft's Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems, bypasses the highest levels of the software's security systems. (Washington Post 3 Mar 97) NEVADA MAY BAN JUNK E-MAIL The Nevada state Senate has introduced a bill that would make sending unsolicited ads directly to e-mail accounts a misdemeanor. "Most e-mail users pay for their service, so unsolicited e-mail is like receiving direct mail with postage due," says the Senate's majority leader, who notes the bill is modeled on a previous measure that bans unsolicited advertising over fax machines. California, Virginia and Connecticut are considering similar measures, but the Nevada legislature is widely viewed as closest to passing the ban. (St. Petersburg Times 3 Mar 97) MOTOROLA TO LICENSE VOCALTEC SOFTWARE Motorola will license and sell VocalTec's Internet telephony software, opening up a much broader market for the technology. VocalTec's Internet Gateway server, which hooks up to corporate switchboards, routes long- distance calls to the Internet rather than the long-distance telephone supplier, essentially eliminating long-distance charges. A general manager at Motorola says the VocalTec software will "give intranet managers a solid support system as they add voice and video" to corporate communications networks. (Wall Street Journal 3 Mar 97) GOV'T TESTING PUBLIC KEY INFRASTRUCTURE STANDARDS The U.S. government is sponsoring public key infrastructure pilot projects in 10 federal agencies in an effort to determine which technologies should be adopted as standards. Agencies currently using encryption employ either the Digital Signature Standard (DSS) or the Digital Encryption Standard (DES). In considering other standards, the government is primarily interested in technologies that are royalty-free and that do not expose digital signatures when encrypting data for confidentiality. The pilot projects will enable the government to test a variety of technologies to determine what will work best before it spends large amounts of money on any particular technology. (BNA Daily Report for Executives 27 Feb 97) TERASTOR TECHNOLOGY BOOSTS STORAGE CAPACITY New technology from TeraStor Corp. could be a major breakthrough for the computer storage industry, say analysts. The company's "near field recording technology" is a hybrid of magnetic storage systems found in most PCs and the laser-based optical storage more common to compact disks. TeraStor's founder predicts that by next year, the new technology will be used to create a disk that holds 20 gigabytes of information on each side, 10 times the capacity of a single disk today. (Wall Street Journal 3 Mar 97) JAPAN SET TO ABANDON ANALOG HDTV Japan appears ready to scrap broadcasting plans based on analog high- definition television signals, in favor of switching over to digital HDTV, thus paving the way for a digital future for Japanese TV. "Satellite broadcasts that began overseas recently are all based on digital systems, and this will be the international standard," says a report by an advisory committee to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. Japan pioneered analog HDTV in the 1980s, but only about half a million TV sets have been sold, and the advisory committee's report expresses concerns that Japan will miss out on global markets if they postpone the switch to digital. (Wall Street Journal 3 Mar 97) APPLE OFFERS REBATES, DISCOUNTS TO SETTLE CHARGES Apple Computer has agreed to offer $599 bargain upgrades to consumers who purchased its entry-level Performa machines in the belief that upgrades would be both timely and inexpensive. As it turned out, "The upgrade was not offered for at least one year after Apple began representing that these computers were upgradeable," said the Federal Trade Commission in a statement. "Once offered, the upgrade was so expensive it cost almost as much as an entirely new PowerPC computer." Consumers who purchased the original upgrade at $1,375 are eligible for a rebate of $776. "Apple's offer to compensate thousands of consumers will help assure the public that advertising must be truthful," says the director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. (Reuters 3 Mar 97) MICROSOFT MAY CREATE PLANT IN INDIA In India on a visit to discuss collaborations in software development, Microsoft CEO Bill Gates says his company won't grow as fast as it has in the past, but that it will still grow at a faster rate than the growth rate for the personal computer market as a whole. He says Microsoft will decide within the next two years whether it wants to establish a plant to produce software in that country. He has told the Prime Minister that India must improve its telecommunications networks so that it can keep up with new technology and seize business opportunities. (AP 4 Mar 97) BE A PROPELLER-HEAD Jean-Louis Gassee, the founder and CEO of Be, Inc., the company Apple was considering acquiring for its operating system before it decided instead to purchase Next, says that Be is targeting the emerging digital- media applications on the creation side, as opposed to the playback side. "We believe the playback devices are going to be driven by the pressures of consumer technology. And we may or may not be able to offer the best way to do playback. That might come in the future, but certainly not as an entry strategy in the marketplace... We should make it clear that we are still a not-for-everyone OS. We are not mainstream; we are propeller- head OS." (Upside Mar 97) COMPUTER SECURITY IS "NOT PROTECTION, IT'S DELAY" Conducting a security audit of 15,000 Pentagon systems in which vulnerabilities had previously been pointed out to systems managers for correction, the Information Warfare Division of the Defense Information Agency found that it was able to gain access to almost nine out 10 of the systems simply by using publicly available techniques. A top agency administrator says that security managers need to focus less on preventing outside penetration and more on detecting intrusions and reacting with immediate shutdowns. "You have to view security as buying you time. It's not protection. It's delay." (Computerworld 3 Mar 97) THE SHRINKING OF SHRINK-WRAP Proposed legislation being circulated by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws would give formal recognition to "shrink-wrap licenses" -- not always currently enforceable -- that make purchasers subject to the software license terms once they break the packaging seal. Consumer groups say that validation of shrink-wrap licenses would prevent computer users from seeking financial compensation for software with a virus or a bug. Todd J. Paglia of the Consumer Project on Technology, says: "Used cars and used jeans are 'as-is.' But new software? It doesn't make any sense and it's completely anti-consumer." But J.D. Fair of the Business Software Alliance says that "all software is imperfect" and that if software companies were held liable for problems caused by bugs and viruses the cost of software would increase dramatically to pay for additional liability insurance. (Washington Post 6 Mar 97) FCC CHAIR OPPOSES ACCESS FEES FOR INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed Hundt says he opposes requiring Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to pay local phone companies the kind of "access fees" they charge long-distance phone service providers for connecting to local networks in order to serve their customers. ISPs have been exempted from such fees for more than a decade, on the grounds that they could kill a fledgling industry. In the past year, local phone companies have been arguing that the ISP market is flourishing and no longer requires such protection. (San Jose Mercury Center News 6 Mar 97) MICROSOFT PUTS A PATCH ON EXPLORER Microsoft is offering a "software patch" for the security flaw discovered last week in its latest version of Microsoft Explorer browser software. The patch can be downloaded from the company's Web site. (Investor's Business Daily 6 Mar 97) WEB PUBLISHING UNDERCUTS "PRIOR RESTRAINT" ORDERS The Dallas Morning News's decision last week to publish a purported confession by Oklahoma City bombing suspect Timothy McVeigh underscored the way the Internet is changing the rules in the publishing business. Says one First Amendment lawyer: "The Web site gives the advantage of making a decision to publish very instantaneously and not waiting for subsequent events." The newspaper's attorney declined to say whether the Dallas Morning News editors had discussed the prospect of a legal injunction against publishing the story in the print version of the paper, but editors at other newspapers admit they have considered putting stories online first to circumvent any possible restraining order. "While the Dallas Morning News may be the first newspaper to use the Internet in this fashion, I'm confident it won't be the last," says an attorney who represented the New York Times in the 1971 Pentagon Papers case. "I've thought for some time that if we had a recurrence of the Pentagon Papers case today, the source would put it on the Internet first rather than linking it to any newspaper." (Wall Street Journal 5 Mar 97) DIGITAL TV STUDIO EQUIPMENT FROM SONY Sony Corporation is introducing a variety of cameras, monitors and other equipment that will enable TV studios to produce and disseminate digital, high-definition television programming. This month the federal government will begin assigning every U.S. television station a second channel for such broadcasts, as part of a transition plan from the current analog technology to full-scale all-digital broadcasting a decade from now. (New York Times 5 Mar 97) MAC CLONES SELLING WELL The Computer Intelligence market research firm says that overall sales of Macintosh-platform computers are growing, and that computers from Apple and Macintosh clone makers made up 11.2% of sales in computer- only retail stores, up from 9.5% in December and 7.8% in November. Because of the growing demand for clones, Apple is said to be considering an increase in its licensing fees. (Los Angeles Times 6 Mar 97) VIRTUAL CHICKEN SEEKS CARING PARENT The demand in Japan for Bandai's virtual chicken toy (tamagotchi or "cute little egg") is so strong that the toy can trade on the black market there for up to 25 times its suggested retail price of about $16. The plastic egg has a small liquid crystal display on which a chick "hatches." The owner or "parent" can press buttons to feed, clean and play with the chick - which if bored, underfed or over-fed, will emit a piercing noise, change into an old man and die. However, if properly cared for, the chick ruffles its feathers, hops about, and lives happily for about a week and a half. Bandai is increasing production of the toy by a factor of five, and is planning to introduce it soon into the European and American markets. (Financial Times 6 Mar 97) TVs AND PCs WILL DUKE IT OUT FOR DOMINANCE A recent report from In-Sat predicts that, rather than merging peacefully into one big happy family-room appliance, television sets and personal computers will continue to compete for dominance: "This emerging battle is poised to fracture the Internet along a consumer and corporate fault line." In-Sat sees a future where the Internet is split into two parts - the "computer-centric" side and the "TV-centric" side. (Investor's Business Daily 6 Mar 97) 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! Choice of bell is yours: a small dome with a button, like the one on the counter at the dry cleaners with the sign "Ring bell for service"; or a small hand bell; or a cathedral bell; or a door bell; or a chime; or a glockenspiel. Your choice. But ring it! EDUCOM UPDATE is our twice-a-month electronic summary of organizational news and events. To subscribe to the Update: send a message to: listproc@educom.unc.edu and in the body of the message type: subscribe update John McCarthy (assuming that your name is John McCarthy; if it's not, substitute your own name). INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE The CAUSE organization's annual conference on information technology in higher education is scheduled for the end of this month in New Orleans. The conference will bring together administrators, academicians and other managers of information resources. For full conference information check out or send e-mail to conf@cause.colorado.edu. ARCHIVES & TRANSLATIONS. 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: settings -> Control Panel -> Display -> Settings -> Change Display Type -> Click on "Change..." under Adapter Type -> show all devices -> Manufactures: Standard Display Types. Models: Standard Display Adapter (VGA) then click OK -> close -> Apply & Close then Yes to Restarting the computer. (let the computer boot normally) 3.) Click on start -> settings -> Control Panel -> Display -> Settings -> Change Display Type -> Click on "Change..." under Adapter Type -> Have Disk -> Browse to "X:\win95drv\display\atigt\macxw4.inf" (X=cdrom drive) & click on OK twice -> Select ATI 3DExpression PCI mach64 (Direct Draw) & click on OK -> Close -> Apply & Close then Yes to reboot the computer, this should fix the problem. H. Alliance Promotion: Download the DirectX 2 at: "http://www.blizzard.com/support/d- directx.htm" Download the DirectX 2 compatible driver for the alliance promotion video card at: "http://www.alsc.com" NOTE: These drivers are also available from the Alliance BBS at (408)383-4994 If you have the DirectX 3 drivers installed and the manufacturer's DirectX 2 driver, you might see two hands. I. Virge Video Drivers: If a Direct X application asks to overwrite the preinstalled drivers, answer NO. Currently, there is not a diskette release of the Virge graphics drivers/Direct X drivers, so if you overwrite the Virge drivers with a Direct X application, you will have to run the QuickRestore utility to get the preinstalled drivers back. 2. SOUND NOTE: The first step that should be taken in isolating sound problems is ensuring that you have the most current drivers from your sound card manufacturer. A. SB Sound Cards: "www.creaf.com" As of 2/13/97 the latest version is "4.35.00.0018" B. Fatal exception ** has occurred at: (with SB 16/32/64) The problem was linked to a old version of the sound driver. If you do not have at least version "4.35.00.0018" dated 2/13/97 then download it at: "http://www.creaf.com/wwwnew/tech/faqs/drv0001.html" 3. MULTIPLAYER A. Trying to get onto Battle.net: 1.) If you are using a third party TCP/IP implementation, try installing Microsoft's TCP/IP protocol (use Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel) 2.) Use the Telnet program to test your connection to Battle.net. From a command prompt, type: telnet battle.net 116 telnet battle.net 118 If Telnet can't connect to Battle.net, contact your Internet provider or network administrator about opening up those ports. 3.) Delete the file "Bncache.dat" from the Diablo directory. This file contains cached data that has been downloaded from Battle.net. Deleting it will remove any data that may have been corrupted during download. 4.) Verify that the Diablo directory is writeable, and that there is plenty of free disk space on the drive that holds the Diablo directory. B. Retail to Spawn: 1.) One player can create the game but the other can't see the game to join. Make sure ALL are playing spawn or ALL playing retail copies! Spawn cannot play retail. C. Can't see the other person on the network (IPX Games): 1.) Make sure that everyone is logged into the network. 2.) Make sure everyone is using the retail version. 3.) Make sure everyone has upgraded to the patched version. (Version 1.02 cannot play against version 1.00) 4.) Make sure the IPX frame type is correct. Click on start -> settings -> control panel -> network -> IPX/SPX -> properties -> advanced -> frame type: Make sure all people playing have their frame type set to the same value. Then set the Max Sockets to 32 and the Max Connections to 16. Click on OK and reboot the computer, then try to start the network game. 4. GENERAL TIPS A. Is there anything I can do to boost game performance? To speed up game play on slower systems, turn off music by bringing up the Diablo Options menu and setting the Music Volume all the way to the left. Also, clearing up hard drive space can improve performance on systems with low memory. THE FIRST TRANSPORT IS AWAY! DIABLO Copyright (c) 1996 BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT, All rights reserved Diablo and Battle.net are trademarks and Blizzard Entertainment is a trademark of Davidson and Associates, Inc. For news, updates, and additional troubleshooting visit WWW.BLIZZARD.COM Classics & Gaming Section Editor Dana P. Jacobson dpj@streport.com From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!" I was starting to think that people were just about ready to begin sending me messages that they were getting tired of my web page-writing escapades, week after week for the past few issues. Then, I started getting mail from people who became interested in writing their own pages - interest sparked from my tales of enjoyment. Culled from some of those respondents were hints that STReport should write some "how-to" articles, or tips, or "command" lists, etc. I thought that this was a good idea and I have begun such an endeavor. However, I must confess that, like many of you, I consider myself a beginner and a "dabbler" in the art of web page design/construction. I'm also doing them "by hand" while many people, Atarians as well, are using programs on their PC (or Mac?). No problem... I'll finish up my "introduction" article for next week, and move on from there. If more of you have suggestions for subsequent web page (or just plain HTML questions or topics) articles, let me know. I'm also planning to contact the developers of HomePage Penguin and WebSpinner - two Atari web page design programs - to get their views, etc. So, what's the latest status of my pages, you ask? Great! I've been getting excellent response (still) for additions to the pages. Additions as in adding Atari- related links. And, there have been responses from people who are in user groups and/or run BBSs that want their info added to the pages. I've added a few of these already and hope to hear from more of you. Also, while there an official STReport web site - and an excellent one at that! - I've added a small link to an STReport page where you can immediately see the "teaser" contents for the current issue of STReport. You can also download that issue from the same page. I also recommend that you take a look at the official page (http://www.streport.com) for the full effect of a terrific page (and I'd say that even if I had no affiliation with STReport - the page is terrific!). So, where do I go from here? Well, in addition to adding links and other pertinent information, I want to do some "cosmetic" work on the pages. Change some color schemes to be gentler on the eyes, maybe add some small graphics to break up the text, and just make the pages more visually appealing in general. Remember, I'm still learning! If you have some ideas/suggestions, please let me know - constructive criticism, good or bad, is always welcome. So, other than web sites, what's in store this week? Well, how about some history from 12 years ago (courtesy of Newsbytes). Atari was rolling out the "Jackintosh" and starting to solicit developers. At what cost?! Phew! How's JTS doing these days? I'll let you decide as we've included a couple of reports, including the latest figures. Well, let's get on with this week's issue, shall we - I've probably gone on too much for this week already. Until next time... Newsbytes NewsReel - 12 Years Ago This Week MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1997 MAR 5 (Newsbytes) -- By Nick Gorski. Twelve years ago these Newsbytes stories were filed: Wanna Work For Jack?; Apple Scoops; HP's Graphic Boost; and Experts For Less. These stories were taken from the extensive archives at the Newsbytes Web site at http://www.newsbytes.com. Wanna Work For Jack? Atari is about to begin shipments of its "Jackintosh," the ST, to selected developers, provided they cough up $4,500 for each one. James Copeland of Atari says the high price is designed to weed out the serious from the part-time programmers. That ST is supposed to be officially unveiled at a West German trade show in late April, which means software companies with the cash and the gift of flying fingers just might be able to show their software alongside the new machine. Apple Scoops It was a miserable week for Apple. Stock prices dipped. The chief financial officer, Joseph Graziano (credited with helping change Apple into a big money maker), resigned, the Wall Street Journal reported that Steve Wozniak sold off $70 million-worth of Apple stock before he left last month, and the following eye-opener was published: "Apple has completely shut down production of Macintosh cases," reports California Technology Stock Letter. If true, this could simply mean excess inventory -- CTSL adds about 650,000 Macintosh cases are in warehouses -- but it could also signal that a new Macintosh project is being completed and the 650,000 cases in inventory will be the last for the current Macintosh model. CTSL calls the rumored new machine the "Pretty Mac." Further, the newsletter claims the new IIc flat panel display drops the entire first column when in 80 column mode. HP's Graphic Boost Hoping to revive interest in its family of micros, HP introduced no fewer than 282 new programs at a New York press conference last week. Among the offerings are Graphics Gallery and n Executive series which enable computers to mix graphics and text in a report. In addition, there's software which allows HP and IBM computers to exchange information in a data network. The new software brings the number of software packages for HP micros to 550 in the US, and 1,500 worldwide. Experts For Less Provided you don't have a heck of a lot of expertise, there's an expert system software package available now for Commodore 64, Apple II, and Atari 800 computers. Retailing for $1,000, Ultimate Media Enterprise's new "Think!" will allow you to input information on any subject for later retrieval and analysis. What if, for instance, you want to store your knowledge on cooking? You use user-friendly prompts to enter the data and to decide how it is to be used. This is the first expert system program for a home computer, and the first to be priced this low. From Mille Babic: Hi! There are updated versions of M_Player v2.42 and MPSTE v2.42 at: http://www5.tripnet.se/~mille/tello/tello.html Both capable to display Video for Windows (AVI), QuickTime (MOV) and flicker files (FLI/FLC/FLH), for (Mega)ST(F/FM/E), TT030 (graphics card) and Falcon. Can create animated GIF. Best Regards Mille Babic eMail: mille@mail5.tripnet.se http://www5.tripnet.se/~mille (English, German, Swedish, Croatian) Atari Falcon CPU40MHz:DSP50MHZ (12MB RAM 540MB+1.0GB HD) N.AES Operating System with MiNT Kernel and N.Thing Desktop JTS Corporation Reports Record Results For Fourth Quarter SAN JOSE, Calif., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- JTS Corporation (AMEX: JTS) today announced record revenues for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 2, 1997. Record unit shipments for JTS disk drives lifted the Company's revenues for the quarter ended February 2, 1997 to $55.5 million, up 67% from the third quarter of fiscal 1997. Revenues from JTS disk drive operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997 grew 337% to $53.7 million compared to revenues of $12.7 million for the comparable period a year ago, For fiscal year 1997, the Company's disk drive operations generated revenue of $119.5 million, up 560% from fiscal 1996 disk drive revenues of $18.8 million. JTS Corporation incurred a net loss of $25.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997 compared with a net loss of $125 million incurred in the third quarter of fiscal 1997. he Company reported a gross margin deficit of $5.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, which was driven primarily by inventory write-offs associated with a mix shift to its higher performance 3.5-inch disk drive products. These new products will begin shipping in the first quarter of fiscal 1998. The Company also wrote-off $2.2 million of obsolete equipment associated with the initial production of its first generation 3.5-inch disk drives. On July 30, 1996, JTS Corporation and Atari Corporation merged, and therefore only the third and fourth quarters of the current fiscal year reflect the combined operations of the merged company. The third quarter net loss included a $110 million non-cash charge for in-process research and development resulting from the merger. In addition, $2.9 million of expenses included in each of the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 1997 represents amortization of other intangibles arising from the merger. Prior to the merger, Atari's business had been downsized considerably and will not be a significant part of the Company's operations going forward. "We are very pleased with the record revenue results for the forth quarter and for the 1997 fiscal year, particularly regarding the revenue growth rate of 67% in comparing JTS' fourth quarter revenues to its third quarter revenues," said Tom Mitchell, President and Chief Executive Officer of JTS. "As announced in our fourth fiscal quarter, JTS will begin shipment this month of the latest addition to its Nordic family of hard disk drives, the 2.1GB 3.0-inch disk drive for notebook computers. In addition, the Company will commence production of its new Champion Family of 3.5-inch performance IDE disk drives focused on major OEMs and its existing distribution network." In January 1997, JTS completed a $25 million private financing involving the sale of its Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, which are non-voting shares convertible into JTS common stock. At the end of the fiscal year, the Company had $24.8 million n cash. Gaming Section Resident Evil! New PSX in Japan! PSX Price Drop! Capcom News! And More! From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is! We're still waiting for the final versions of reviews on Towers II and Breakout 2000; I'm one of the reviewers involved! I'm having too much fun with Breakout 2000 that I want to get into the game more rather than write about it. Mario Perdue did a terrific job with this game! I hope that we'll have these reviews soon - we haven't forgotten! Rumors are about that Iron Soldier II might be delayed a little. No surprise for Jaguar owners! If the delay occurs, it's reported that it will be a very short one. The game is supposed to be released today, but we'll see what happens. Lot of Playstation news this week. The major stories are that prices are coming down. Also, there will be a new PSX released in Asia which will allow the user to play VideoCD disks as well as game CDs. Interesting stuff. I'll keep it short this week. Between web page ideas and Breakout 2000 and Towers II, I'm at a loss for words this week! Until next time... Industry News STR Game Console NewsFile - The Latest Gaming News! Sony Cuts PlayStation Pricing In Europe, Australia TOKYO, JAPAN, 1997 MAR 3 (Newsbytes) -- By Martyn Williams. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today fired the latest round in the home video gaming war when it announced price cuts for the PlayStation console in Europe and Australia. Its sister company, Sony Computer Entertainment America, is expected to announce similar price cuts in the United States later today. In the UK, the price is being cut from UKP199 to UKP129, in France to FF990 from FF1,490, in Germany to DM299 from DM399, and in Australia to AUS$299 from $399. At the same time, SCE announced it had sold 12 million PlayStations as of February 14. The majority of these, 5.6 million, were sold in Japan, with a further 3.8 million sold in the United States, and 2.6 million units sold in Europe. The unit first debuted in Japan in December, 1995. In Japan, the console is leading the market, ahead of Sega's Saturn and the Nintendo 64. The dominance, which has so far only been shown in sales data, entered the spotlight recently with the release of both Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, two eagerly awaited games, onto the PlayStation platform first. Sony Drops US PlayStation Hardware Software Prices SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1997 MAR 3 (Newsbytes) -- By Richar Bowers. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., has announced a series of price reductions for both PlayStation hardware and software, led by a suggested retail price of $149 for the PlayStation console. The reductions is somewhat of a surprise since the PlayStation has been in short supply in North America. Similar Playstation price reductions were announced for Japan and Europe this morning (See "Sony Cuts PlayStation Pricing In Europe, Australia 03/03/97 in Newsbytes.) According to Sony the PlayStation has sold 3.4 units in North America since its debut in September 1995. Worldwide sales are over 11 million units. Software price reductions center on a new suggested price on all new titles of $49,95, down from $59.95. Sony said special ad prices for new titles will go down to $39.95. In addition Sony is repricing a line of previous titles called "Greatest Hits." Five previous best sellers will be reduced to $24.95, with special ad pricing down to $19.95. Included in the "Greatest Hits" released now are; NFL Game Day, Twisted Metal, NHL Game Day, and WarHawk. According to Sony, future titles will be added after they have been out for one year, and have reached 15O thousand. In a press conference attended by Newsbytes, Jack Tretton, Sony Computer Entertainment America vice president of sales, said, "Since we have released the PlayStation the price has been now dropped in half, while margins for our retailers have doubled." Sony Computer Entertainment America chief operating officer Kaz Hirai said that Sony is producing 1 million units per month, but this still represents a "supply constrained market." Sony Launches New PlayStation For Asia TOKYO, JAPAN, 1997 MAR 6 (Newsbytes) -- By Martyn Williams. Sony Computer Entertainment, the unit of Sony Corporation [TOKYO:6758][NYSE:SNE] responsible for the PlayStation, has launched a new version of the best-selling video game for Asia, except Japan. The announcement came just a day after price cuts were announced for the system in many regions of the world. The new Asian model features the ability to play VideoCD disks in addition to PlayStation games. VideoCD is very popular as a medium for home karaoke disks, one of the most popular leisure-time activities in many Asian nations. The new system is expected to hit shelves across the region in mid-March and has a retail price of $HK2,580 (US$333). Sony's own PlayStation games are stored on CD-ROM disks, so adding the VideoCD support was very easy for the company. It's also not something that Nintendo, which is fighting Sony for top spot, can replicate. Nintendo 64 games are stored on cartridges, so adding VideoCD support would mean adding a CD drive and be a considerable task. In addition, Nintendo's 64 machine is not even available in the Asia region, with the exception of Japan. At the beginning of this week, Sony announced plans to cut the price of its PlayStation in the United States to $149, down $50, and also announced similar price cuts in the European and Australian markets, but not Japan. Nintendo followed by saying it would not be following the price cuts. Capcom to Cease Production on Resident Evil SUNNYVALE, CALIF. (March 3) BUSINESS WIRE -March 3, 1997--Capcom Entertainment today announced that effective March 31, 1997, it will cease production and shipment of Resident Evil for the Sony PlayStation. With the announcement, Capcom hopes to allow the retailers sufficient time to present their last orders for the extremely successful PlayStation title. The date of March 31 marks the one-year anniversary of the release of Resident Evil, a groundbreaking game which has sold more than 2 million units worldwide and ranks as one of the highest-selling PlayStation titles in the history of the game console. Capcom anticipates the strong sales Resident Evil has enjoyed since its release to continue until the last game is sold off the shelf. Resident Evil 2 is currently scheduled to release in the fourth quarter of 1997. "The decision to cease production of Resident Evil is two-fold," said Bill Gardner, president of Capcom Entertainment. "We want to assist retailers in clearing out their stock of Resident Evil and at the same time, build excitement with the trade and consumers for this upcoming sequel. Resident Evil 2 is already being hailed as one of the most highly anticipated new eleases for 1997. Resident Evil has been a fantastic title for Capcom and we predict Resident Evil 2 to surpass it in terms of overall success and popularity." Taking off where Resident Evil ended, Resident Evil 2 will deliver even more spine-chilling graphics, a new compelling storyline, and endlessly demanding action. Enhancements to Capcom's blockbuster smash hit include, an entirely new cast, faster gameplay, and new weapons and monsters leading to intense, nail-biting action scenes. The latest word from Capcom's developers in Japan are that the game will be a two disk product. The game will also develop quite differently depending on which character you choose and what actions your character takes or doesn't take. Imagine Publishing Creates the Ultimate Gaming Network BRISBANE, CALIF. (March 3) BUSINESS WIRE -March 3, 1997--Imagine Publishing, leading publisher of six monthly consumer technology magazines, announces the launch of the Imagine Games Network (IGN). IGN is a network of integrated game content Web sites. Encompassing over 18 sites, Imagine Games Network is the largest and most in-depth games content site on the Internet. The core of IGN encompasses Imagine's leading Web sites -- PC Gamer Online, Next Generation Online, Ultra Game Players Online, and bootnet. In addition to these four sites, IGN includes three dedicated console sites -- N64.com, SaturnWorld.com, and PSXPower. IGN also boasts a unique affiliate program, bringing together two very powerful worlds: the industry's best professional gaming sites and the Web's most exciting fan sites. IGN affiliates are among the best home grown sites in the world, including the top ten fan sites on the Web-Gaming Enthusiast Online, PlayStation Galleria, Tekken Web Project, and more. In order to be included on IGN, the fan sites have to pass severe editorial scrutiny to maintain the high-quality of Imagine products. Also, by being a part of IGN, the fan sites' owners are earning a percentage of the advertising revenue generated acrss the whole IGN network. For advertisers, these fan sites provide an added value by providing direct access to the most enthusiastic end-user. "The sheer depth and variety of content makes IGN a must-visit for dedicated gamers," states Jonathan Simpson-Bint, VP of Publishing for Imagine. "Viewers go specifically to IGN to gather the most complete and up-to-the-minute information on gaming and to interact with other gamers, making it the ideal place for advertisers in the gaming market who want to reach passionate end-users." On the business side, IGN can specifically target its audiences. Each page of IGN can be tagged based on its content to assure advertisers that their ad will reach their specific audience. For example, if as company has an advertisement for a PlayStation sports game, with IGN they can target that advertisement to appear only on pages that have PlayStation stories and/or sports stories. In this way, IGN takes the nebulosity out of advertising on the Web. To meet the special needs of IGN advertisers, Imagine formed a new sales operation team headed by Associate Publisher Simon Whitcombe. Whitcombe, formerly the new business development manager for Ultra Game Players, is distinguished in the business community as the first person to secure a million-dollar sponsorship package on the worldwide Web. Along with in-depth content, IGN also takes advantage of the immediacy of the Internet by hosting live daily events. Each weekday one of the IGN sites hosts a special live event, which includes live chats with editors, special polls, exclusive game footage, interviews with industry leaders and more. IGN's live events have quickly become one of IGN's biggest draw. A monthly listing of these events are listed in Imagine's print magazines. By enabling viewers to take a participatory role, these events help to build the strong gaming community that IGN possesses. PlayNet Teams with IBM and Says "Let The Games Begin" NEW YORK (March 5) BUSINESS WIRE -March 5, 1997--Like playing games over the Internet, but tired of "busy, try again" messages? PlayNet Technologies (NASDAQ Smallcap:PLNT) has an answer that puts IBM and its global network at the heart of the solution. Today, PlayNet announced it will join with IBM to provide patrons of "sports" bars, restaurant chains and international hotels with dependable, high-speed, worldwide access to a new line of pay-per-play Internet entertainment products from PlayNet, networked through the IBM Global Network. PlayNet encompasses a team of industry leaders including Nolan Bushnell, whose creation of "Pong" and founding of Atari is credited with launching the video game revolution. IBM Global Services, featuring a corps of Internet professionals, is one of the world's largest Internet service providers and operates the IBM Global Network, which has more than 830 locations in 49 countries through which consumers can access the Internet. PlayNet is offering products that will "create a new form of entertainment, revolutionizing social play," according to Mouli Cohen, PlayNet president and chief executive officer. "Today, under 15 million households -- out of more than 100 million -- in the U.S. can enjoy on-line entertainment. By going into bars, restaurants and other public places where people socialize, PlayNet is bringing on-line entertainment to millions more people in this country as well as throughout the world. You don't need to knn." "All you have to do is pop in a couple of quarters, or a dollar bill, or swipe a credit card, and you can truly bring the world to your barstool," said Bushnell. "Sure you can play games, but it's more than that. You can pick the latest news and sports scores. You can 'chat' with others across the bar or in other bars thousands of mils away. You can join in local and national networked sports tournaments. And you can select from thousands of songs and buy merchandise. And it's all driven by touching a screen or talking into a phone rather than using a keyboard." "IBM's experience hosting large, scalable Web sites was a big factor in our decision," said Scott Folcarelli, vice president of operations for PlayNet. "We expect our games and prize tournaments to be very popular. With that will come a lot of traffic. Of great concern for us was whether or not we could identify the most robust Internet service provider that could deliver us global coverage, continuous connectivity and security. With IBM, we've found it all." For the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, IBM hosted the biggest e-business Web site in Internet history, taking in five million dollars in ticket sales and handling an average of 12 million hits -- or "visits" to a Web site -- per day. Last year, IBM also hosted "Deep Blue" -- the chess match between Gary Kasparov and an IBM computer -- and will host "Deeper Blue" this May. Already this year, IBM hosted the Australian Open on the Internet, and will host the French Open, U.S. Open, Wimbledon, Masters and PGA Championship as well. "For us, the message is clear. When you think of the Internet, and you mean business, think IBM," said Scott Powell, director of network services, IBM Global Services. "PlayNet had the products. What they needed was an industrial-strength Internet service provider. They needed global reach, a high-speed, dependable Internet connection, security for financial transactions, and people who understand what it takes to host large-scale Web sites. We were the only Internet service provider with the ability to offer it all." As part of the agreement, IBM will build a dedicated server farm exclusively for PlayNet, with high-speed connections from the IBM server farm in Schaumburg, Ill., to PlayNet's technology centers. The initial products PlayNet will make available on the IBM Global Network are PlayNet Web and PlayNet Music. According to Cohen, "We have a unique business model with profitable economics. We will share in diverse, predictable, recurring revenue streams." ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'! PEOPLE... ARE TALKING On CompuServe Compiled by Joe Mirando jmirando@streport.com Hidi ho friends and neighbors. Well,another week has come and gone and I'm no less flustered than I was last week. Things just seem to keep piling up. I know that I owe several of you email replies, but I haven't been able to free up the time to do it right. Rest assured, I haven't forgotten. You can also feel free to send more email my way without worrying about my getting mad... I don't get mad very often, and when I do it's not for anything as small as an email message. So go ahead and write! Meanwhile, the big news is that the Crystal Atari Browser (CAB) will no longer be freeware starting with version 2.0 and will be distributed through Application Systems Heidelberg beginning with this version. It is scheduled to be released on March 20, 1997 so stay tuned for updates and reviews. Now let's get to all the great news, hints, tips, and info available every week right here on CompuServe. From the Atari Computing Forums Jondahl Davis asks me about getting CAB working on CompuServe (since I'm one of few who have set it up successfully): "I'm glad to see somebody can get the PPPKit to work... I couldn't get Mint to boot. I got a funny symbol in the lower left corner of the screen and the system died. I gave up and used STiK to connect via SLIP. The SLIP connection is now working fine,but CAB won't load anything. I'm using CAB 1.5 and have CAB.OVL in the same folder. When I load a URL it says, "Resolving Host","Connecting to Host",Requesting Data" and "Receive data(0) bytes". Evrything stops at that point,with no modem activity at all. Antmail almost works. It will check mail and download small messages,but a 62K message stops loading after a variable number of bytes,usually a few thousand. The RD light flashes once in a while,but nothing happens. ESC won't work, the menus don't either. I have to do a hard reboot. Any suggestions?" I reply to Jondahl: "First of all, are you using Warp9 when you try booting MiNT? That's what I tried doing first, and I had the same problem as you... it just hung there like a two dollar painting on a motel room wall! Try booting with ONLY MINTNP active in the auto folder and make sure that you have a MINT folder in the root of drive C. Inside this folder should be MINT.CNF and 2 other files (SLIP.XIF and SOCKDEV.XDD). You'll have to configure the MINT.CNF file to your particular setup as far as the drive assignments go, but that's fairly easy with the PPPKIT docs. The crash-on-bootup could also be caused by specifying a device that is not present in your machine (specifying MODEM2 on a 1040 STF, for instance)... I'm not sure what MiNT would do in that situation. BEWARE of using MiNTnet because I've found that it has a tendancy to screw up the FATs of whatever partition I have the MINTNET folder and CAB on. I've got one partition that I use only for this purpose, so if I loose it, I can just de-archive a "good" copy and take another shot at it. I've corresponded with the author of PPPKIT and he's stumped as to why this happens (doesn't happen for him). All in all, I'd recommend waiting for the PPP package from Oregon Research and CAB 2.0 from A.S.H. With the reputations of these two companies, I expect great things! Oh, one other thing you might look at is the configuration of either HSMODEM7 or FastSerial, or whatever Serial port accelerator you happen to be using. I've found that sometimes under MiNTnet CAB "misses" a signal from the modem and sits there waiting just as you described. (Hint: - -C will quit CAB from MiNTnet when it locks up like that)." Jondahl tells me: "Thanks for the info. I did have Warp 9 loaded. Would NVDI be a good substitute? I wasn't using a serial accelerator,just Fpatch2. Maybe that's the reason I'm having problems with STiK and CAB. I downloaded HSModem7,but I haven't loaded it yet." I tell Jondahl: "NVDI works GREAT under MiNT. With NVDI running, there is VERY little system slowdown. I hope you read german! There are a lot of things that MAY need to be configured in HSMODEM, and I ended up doing them one at a time to see what worked because my german is as bad as my french (both are non-existant). If you don't need to get on the Web right this minute, I still recommend waiting a few weeks for the new CAB and TERMite (from Oregon Research). This combination will allow us a PPP connection without the need for MiNT. You might also want to take a look at FastSerial. It isn't as configurable as HSMODEM, but it's easy to use (but still in German). It consists of an AUTO folder program and a CPX module (for the x-control panel)." Mark Showalter jumps in and posts: "I am trying to get STIK to work, and am having some problems. Is it useable through Compuserve, or TYMENET? Also, can you give me the author's e-mail address to ask about set-up? The first time I tried to use it, I got a message saying " Stick not initialized ". Then I tried it the next day & it seemed to have fixed itself. Also, this is a web browser, correct?" I tell Mark: "Unfortunately, STiK is NOT a browser. It is only the dialer. The reason that it didn't work the first time but did work the second time may be that STIKTSR.PRG had not been activated (in the Auto Folder). StiK needs this program to be running when it loads. STik does not handle PPP protocol, which is what you need to access the Web via CompuServe. There will be at least one package available shortly which will allow you to surf from CIS. I haven't seen it yet, as the established lines of communication seem to be a bit slow, but it's sure to be easier than using MiNT and a script file to access a PPP connection (which is what you have to do now). By the way, the Browser that STiK works with is called CAB. I believe that version 1.5 (the most recent) is available here in the libraries. This is the last freeware version of CAB, as it is now handled by ASH beginning with CAB 2.0." Mark asks: "...will CAB work through STICK, or do I need to install it in some special way? Also, how does STICK get to Compuserve? I acesss through TYMNET, so I have to reconfigure my modem port after I connect, will either prg be able to do this?" I tell Mark: "The ONLY way to use CAB on CompuServe right now is to use it, MiNTnet, and the Cab_for_MiNT overlay. PPPKIT14 provides dialer scripts for use instead of using STiK (which won't work under MiNT at all). There is also a dialer called GLUESTiK available which DOES work under MiNT, but I haven't used it at all. The setup does seem quite a bit more complicated than STiK, though. The commercial version of CAB and the Oregon Research PPP program are supposed to be out in about 2 weeks... I'd HIGHLY recommend waiting for them. The TERMite programs from ORA are supposed to be VERY easy to set up, and CAB 2.0 should not be any harder to set up than version 1.5 is. The only problem is going to be cost. We've been spoiled with CAB in that regard... it's been freeware up until now. I haven't heard what ASH may charge for CAB 2.0, but I'd expect it to be in the $40-50 U$D range. TERMite is supposed to be about the same. If they both work as I expect them to, it will be worth it except for the fact that CAB 2.0 still will not handle JAVA programs. Your modem/modem port should not need to be reconfigured between TYMNET and CIS (assuming you find a way to access a PPP connection). You may, however, need either HSMODEM7 or FastSerial to increase the serial port buffers. HSMODEM7 works slightly better, but it's a royal pain unless you read german. FastSerial is painless to install and use because it is less flexible than HSMODEM." Kevin Sheridan asks: "Do you know anything about Oasis? I downloaded it a few weeks ago but have not been able to get it to work completely yet. I also couldn't find a web browser but it claims to be able to do E-mail, FTP and Internet." I reply: "I've seen the latest demo of Oasis... and it is just that.. A DEMO. You cannot access anything over the 'net with it. You can only load and display HTML files from your hard drive (or floppy). As far as the Email, FTP and Telenet, I really don't know how any of them will work because the demo version is crippled as stated above. It does look like a very nice program, but I wish they'd found another way of crippling it... like maybe allowing 10 minutes of access, then you have to delete and re-install it, or maybe only having access to their site." Dennis Larson asks for info about switching platforms for MIDI applications: "...I'm considering switching platforms . How has the pc platform worked out for you with MIDI applications? I'm particularly interested in notation software (FINALE, etc.) but have heard about midi timing problems, card compatibility, etc. What can you tell me about it?" Stephen Wilson tells Dennis: "I'm afraid I can't tell you too much as yet Dennis. Although I use the PC for everything else, up till a week ago I was still using the Atari for midi. Now however my hand has been forced coz the Atari monitor has had a fit. I really _don't_ want to spend any money on it, and yet I simply don't have the time at the mo to learn a new PC sequencer - Dr T (what I've been using for the past n years) hasn't been ported as far as I know. When I do start sequencing seriously on the PC, I'll probably go with Cubase (there's safety in numbers :). From what I've seen, there won't be _too_ much of a culture shock, although there _does_ seem to be just a leedle bit too much emphasis on graphics as opposed to straight data display. And the pop-up toolbox is just plain silly. Maybe there are keyboard shorcuts . . . I hope so. The PC is a good choice, not because it's architecturally superior to the ST family (it ain't) but because _everyone_ writes software for it. Like most other software types, there's a host of music scoring programs out there for you to choose from. But I've not used any as yet - sorry. I've heard stories of timing problems too. The Atari was rock solid in this respect, a) because it had a sensibly sized operating system, and b) coz the midi port had a dedicated ACIA chip. I actually built a midi sequence playing program run off one of the system interrupts, and such was the machine's stability that during development, while I would frequently succeed in crashing the system, the concurrently playing midi file would typically continue unabated. In other words, the computer would lock up, but still continue playing the music. Bizarre. But good! Running commercial software, my Atari would crash about once a month or less. Pc's OTOH lock up if you look at them in the wrong way! Software / hardware compatibilty is a minefield on the PC. Once you get an assortment of both working on a particular machine, you should be alright. Apart, that is, from the obligatory thrice-weekly lock-up. But the real problem comes when you try to add something else. Far too often, the incoming device's installation routine will compromise another component on your system, so reinstallation is a way of life for many many C owners. Look at any of the related mailing lists or newsgroups and you'll see that a fair amount of bandwidth is devoted to tales of woe of this type. Speaking of which, if you want to get a spectrum of opinion on the matter, you can't do much better than lurk around some of these for a while. The more you add to your system, the more unstable it seems to get. I'm running MS Office, Pagemaker, Paint Shop Pro, Cubase, a scanner, two printers, and two or three compilers on my P75 W95 setup, and it's infuriatingly unstable. But I'm pinning all my hopes on Windows NT - it's _supposed_ to be virtually uncrashable, and I'll be upgrading imminently. I think it's a pity that the Atari wasn't developed in time to offer a better challenge to the other platforms. The TT might have been good, but unfortunately it turned out a bit of a commercial limp squid. Wasn't it released before there was any software available? Rather like hoping to sell cars in a country without roads . . . Hmmm. This is probably a little longer than you might have preferred, and not all strictly relevant either. This must be my way of saying goodbye to my little Atari (sniff) " Ben at TOC Oz jumps in and says: "Mind if I drop in here? Steve, it's good to see someone who actually has a handle on the difference between Atari's, and P.C's. Don't bother switching platforms ... hunt around for a S/H NEC 3D multisync, or compatible. These used to be expensive monitors, but are old models now. You should be able to pick them up quite cheaply. A multisync monitor can display Low Res, Med Res, and High Res ! They start at 14" and get larger. Then expand, and accelerate your Atari. If you think about it, that's what you are spending your money on when you switch platforms ! And when it comes to MIDI, and hard disc recording, nothing beats a Falcon, for the price ! One last point : If it 'aint broke don't fix it !!!!!! If your working tools WORK ..... why re-tool the work shop, it's just a recipe for tears. You're better off maintaining, and enhancing the tools you've got." Michael Pappas asks for help with extracting an archive: "I downloaded the Extendos Upgrade for my TT. Unforunately when I downloaded and tried to unzip it, the program said there was a file error and couldn't unzip it. I tried downloading and unzipping it again 3 times with no results. Is the download damaged?... I'm using a nice unzipping program I found online once when ST-ZIP v2.6 didn't work. I will download it again and let you know how it works out... I just downloaded the unzip program you suggested. Was the file named "unzip.lzh"? Anyway, after opening the program, I still couldn't unzip the Extendos upgrade program. I really would like to get this program running and if there's anything else I can try, please let me know." Carl Barron jumps in and tells Michael: "When I had problems with STZip refusing zip files, I used dc extract. [should be in these libs]." Albert Dayes adds: "Unzip.lzh sounds like the right file. I think Carl mentioned using DC extract (in the library) to see if that works if unzip.lzh fails." " Well folks, that's about it for this week. In the coming weeks, we hope to have reviews of at least one of the upcoming Web Browsers, a continuation of Alejandro Aguilar's EMULATOR WARS series, and lots more Q&A from the Atari Forums. 'Till then, remember to always listen to what they are saying when... PEOPLE ARE TALKING EDITORIAL QUICKIES OFFICIAL BULLETIN: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has determined that the maximum safety load capacity on my butt is two persons at one time, unless I install handrails or safety straps. As you have arrived sixth in line to ride my ass today, please take a number and wait your turn. The response............ I believe that the load rating you are referring to is actually a per cheek rating. You are not required to install auxiliary equipment until you regularly exceed Four persons (total) riding your butt. However in your situation, you are correct in asking the 6th person to wait (as should you with the 5th). These rules may seem arbitrary, but they are really designed to keep people from slipping through the cracks. STReport International OnLine Magazine [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport HTTP://WWW.STREPORT.COM AVAILABLE through the Internet and OVER 250,000 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. STReport "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" March 07, 1997 Since 1987 Copyrightc1997 All Rights Reserved Issue No. 1310