*---== CPU NEWSWIRE ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---* """""""""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" _____________________________________ from STR Publishing Inc. """""""""""""""""" April 27, 1990 No.4.17 ======================================================================= CPU NewsWire Online Magazine¿ featuring STReport ~ Online __________________________ Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32205 ~ 6672 R.F. Mariano Publisher - Editor _________________________________________ Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST/14.4 FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EDT _________________________________________ ** F-NET NODE 350 ** 500mb Online ** STR'S owned & operated support BBS carries ALL issues of CPU/STR Newswire and An International list of private BBS systems carrying CPU NewsWire for their users enjoyment __________________________________________________________________ > 04/27/90: CPU Newswire¿ #417 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine! ---------------------------- - The Editor's Podium - CPU REPORT - CPU STATUS REPORT - MIDITASKING - PACE SHOW - EXCLUSIVE? - SUPERCHARGER NEWS - TURBO BOARD BBS - CPU CONFIDENTIAL ---===*** BRAIN DEAD MMU CHIPS? REALLY? ***===--- ---===** MARK WILLIAMS CLEARS THE AIR **===--- ---====*** PACE SHOW SLATED TO BE A WINNER ***====--- ========================================================================== CPU NEWSWIRE¿ "Only UP-TO-DATE News and Information" -* FEATURING *- Current Events, Up to Date News, Hot Tips, and Information Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports ========================================================================== CPU/STR's support BBS, NODE # 350 invites systems using Forem ST BBS to participate in Forem BBS's F-Net mail network. Or, Please call # 350 direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging ideas about the Atari ST computers through an excellent International ST Mail Network. ========================================================================== AVAILABLE ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ BIX ========================================================================== > The Editor's Podium¿ The P.A.C.E. Show is on for this weekend, from all the reports we have received its easy to see where it is drawing folks from all over the country. This is fast becoming a popular place to be this weekend. One observation related to me was very interesting. This young man said; "Maybe just maybe the people will use this show as a statement directed at Atari, show them by the attendance at this show that we can and will support the Atari computer platform". After hearing this I thought hmmmm, not a bad idea, now if the potential attendees are listening.... The AUA has been growing in leaps and bounds across the USA, and rightfully so, being the only National Organization dedicated to the Users and the Groups to which they belong. The AUA will be at PACE 'strutting' their stuff and signing up new members. While there has been some reference to a 'colorful' past this comes strictly from an association with another club located in the Pittsburgh area. As a result, STReport has thoroughly checked out the rumors and folks, as usual, they were just that ..unfounded rumors. On to other show related matters, we see where the folks who promoted the Anaheim WOA show are very busy claiming to be "on the move" and are indicating they plan shows for June & August of 1990 and April of 1991. STReport finds it extremely difficult to believe WOA plans to schedule shows for June and August on top of a number of shows already scheduled on both coasts. The June date is far too close at hand to hold any credibility. Especially for those folks who must use the airlines and schedule saver fares at least thirty days in advance. As for the show in August? In the dead heat of the summer? And at the peak of summer vacation time? Hard to believe it'll amount to anything. Unless, of course, WOA is planning a few shows at those times in Borneo and Diego Garcia. If however, such is the case, this publication will find it very easy to wholeheartedly support only those Atari shows that are Usergroup operated and sponsored. Most of all, the usergroup and its members must benefit from all the profits, if any, realized from the show. Meanwhile back to the present and the PACE show, STReport will be there and of course, we encourage every Atarian capable of attending to do so. This show is fully and only usergroup sponsored by Atarians for Atarians. Thanks for your support, Ralph...... AT ATARI, USERGROUPS AND USERS COME FIRST! *********************************************************************** NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME to the Readers of; CPU NEWSWIRE ONLINE MAGAZINE featuring STReport Online Magazine """""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY! Call any of the St Report Official BBS numbers (Listed Above) or Leave E-mail to STReport - R.Mariano Be sure to include your full mailing address so your Compuserve kit can be immediately mailed to you! ATARI ST ARTS FORUM An overview The Atari ST Arts Forum is comprised of a set of communication tools which together create a unique environment where you can exchange information with a whole community (located in different parts of the world) who share your interest in the exchange of information and programs relating to Atari ST graphics and entertainment (games). The Atari ST Arts Forum, like all CompuServe Forums, is comprised of the following major areas: MESSAGES The Message Board of this Forum is where you will find many people corresponding with each other on a 24 hour basis. Being that message correspondence does not require you to be online at the same time as the person you are exchanging messages with, you can log-on at any convenient time to read your waiting messages and reply to them in order to keep a conversation on-going. This is one of the best methods for meeting new people from all different types of backgrounds and who are located in different parts of the world Enter "MES" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the Message Center. LIBRARIES The Libraries section of the Forum is a resource area containing thousands of programs, text files, picture files, help files, and text files such as past transcripts from online national conferences, professional reports, news, and reviews. Most text material can be read online or downloaded to your computer system for lasting reference. Our Libraries are also filled with a wide assortment of Public Domain and Shareware entertainment and graphics-related programs which will make your ST do some unbelievable things! Enter "LIB" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the Forum's Libraries. CONFERENCING Electronic Conference Rooms are areas where members gather for "live" conversation. You may find several members engaged in a regularly scheduled meeting or participating in a special conference hosted by a guest speaker. Impromptu Conferences among Forum members are always welcome! In addition, watch the News Flash and Conference Announcements for information on any scheduled Conferences. Enter "CON" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the Forum's Conference Center. ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements are written by the Forum Sysops and are designed to keep you apprised of any scheduled events, hot topics, new uploads, and other useful information pertaining to the Atari Community in general or the Forum. There are two announcements that are automatically displayed if you haven't read the latest update. The News Flash Announcement is displayed when you first enter the Forum, and the Conference Announcement is displayed when you first enter the Conferencing area. There are other announcements that are available for reading from the ANNOUNCEMENTS menu. These announcements include: The General Announcement, Message Announcement, Library Announcement, Membership Announcement, Sysop Roster Announcement, and New Member Announcement. Enter "ANN" at any Forum "!" prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the Announcements Section. MEMBERSHIP INTEREST DIRECTORY The Member Directory is an area where members voluntarily enter their interests or seek out other Forum members who share your interests. If you are in menu mode, you will be greeted with the Member Directory menu, which lists several choices for using the Member Directory. If you are in "Command Mode" (non-menu mode), you will be greeted with the "Member Directory !" prompt. Enter "MEM" at the main Forum menu/command prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the Member Directory. USER OPTIONS AREA The User Options area is where you can custom-tailor Forum and Messages Options to your preference. After making changes in the options area, you will be given the chance to make the changes permanent or temporary for session only. Any change made to the NAME, SECTIONS, or HIGH msg read options are considered permanent changes automatically by the Forum Software. Of course, you can always make changes to these options again if you change your mind. Enter "OPT" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the User Options area. Forum Manager/SYSOP and contract holder for all of the Atari Forums on CompuServe, including the Atari ST Arts and Entertainment Forum, is: Ron Luks [76703,254] Assisting Ron in the maintenance of the Atari Forums are: Mike Schoenbach [76703,4363]** Dave Groves [76703,4223]** Charles McGuinness [76701,11]** David Ramsden [76703,4224]** Dan Rhea [76703,4364]** Bill Aycock [76703,4061]** Dick Brudzynski [76703,2011] Don LeBow [76704,41] Keith Joins [76702,375] All the assistant Sysops marked with an "**" in the above list are responsible for overseeing all the areas of the Atari ST Arts and Entertainment Forum, including the message board, the libraries, the announcements, and the conference area. NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE *********************************************************************** > CPU REPORT¿ ========== Issue # 64 ---------- by Michael Arthur Remember When.... In 1985, Dayna Communications introduced Mac Charlie, a $1800.00 Hardware IBM Emulator for the Macintosh which featured a 4.77 MHZ 8088, 640K of RAM, two 360K 5 1/4" Disk Drives, MS-DOS Version 3.1, and complete compatibility with most MS-DOS business software at that time? Or how it was half the size of a Mac Plus, and had to be connected vertically at the side of a Mac Plus or SE? CPU Systems Roundup¿ XXVI ========================= Dream Systems VI: Changes, and "Peripherals of Note" ---------------------------------------------------- Change is the only constant in the computer industry. As the capabilities of microcomputers increased during the 1980's, they began to provide the versatility, performance capability, and speed found in the workstation field. However, at the same time the workstation field began providing the functionality, standardization, and price/performance found in the microcomputer world. During CPU Report's inception, it attempted to cover this trend using the "Dream Systems" Essays. This series, which has tried to examine the industry's rate of change by configuring a list of several powerful microcomputer/workstation systems which could truly be called the "state of the art". It then had a Comparison/Contrast Section, which compared them using things like industry standard computer benchmarks. However, benchmarks can often fail as a general determinant of computer performance. For example, the results of many computer performance ratings and benchmarks (VAX MIPS, Quicksort, Sieve, etc.) can often be skewed by factors such as large amounts of CPU Cache RAM, susceptibility to being greatly optimized by certain compilers, or flaws in their design. Resulting in that the "Comparison/Contrast" segment, originally intended as an objective tool, ended up being subjective and less accurate in its comparisons. Therefore, the "Comparison/Contrast" Segment of this series has been eliminated. In its place a new segment, "Peripherals of Note", is now featured in this essay. As implied, "Peripherals of Note" will feature examples of hardware peripherals and computer systems which are both noteworthy as innovations in the computer industry, and are unique in their respective markets. "Peripherals of Note" will join the "State of the Art Systems" List in helping to explore the rate of innovation and change in the computer industry. In order to explore this situation in depth, while providing a broad timespan in which to cover new developments, this "Dream Systems" series appears once every three months. The "Dream Computer Systems List" series itself will also continue and expand its focus on workstation-class system configurations. After doing some research, I found several pieces of hardware that could truly claim to be "Peripherals of Note". Shown in no particular order, here is my list: Peripheral #1: IBM RISC System/6000 Workstation ------------------------------------------------ The IBM RISC System/6000 uses a new RISC chip architecture, called the "Performance Optimization with Enhanced RISC", or POWER chipset. This processor is made up of a "superscalar architecture" consisting of seven separate units, including: - A ANSI-compatible Floating-point unit (FPU) - A Fixed-Point Unit (FXU) performing integer processing, memory addressing operations. - An Instruction/branch Unit, which distributes instructions to the FPU and FXU, and coordinates other processor functions. - A Data/Instruction Cache Unit, which interfaces the POWER chipset physical memory. It provides either a 32K or 64K CPU Cache. - A built-in I/O Controller Unit - MicroChannel Bus Interface Unit Each of these units receive instructions and operate concurrently, enabling the POWER processor to process up to four instructions per clock cycle. The POWER chipset has a 128-bit memory path width, and 20 Megabit optical links for quickly sending bursts of data to other systems. All of this results in the POWER chip's capability of processing from 27 - 41 million instructions per second (MIPS), and from 7.5 - 13 million floating point math instructions per second (MFLOPS). Meaning that the POWER chip is 2-4 times as fast as Intel's 80486 chip, the Motorola 68040, or any other microprocessor currently available. Furthermore, IBM has indicated that in the future, the POWER chip's Microcode (embedded in ROM) will be field-upgraded to allow it to run sixteen or more instructions per clock cycle. Meaning that the POWER chip will support upgrades to provide a significant increase in processing speed at a comparatively low cost to present RS/6000 Owners. However, a large part of a computer's performance is based more on the data transfer speed of its bus architecture than its MIPS or MFLOPS rating. Therefore, the RISC System/6000 also features an improved version of the MicroChannel Expansion Bus Architecture, which allows the RS/6000 to fully utilize its processing capabilities. This version features: - A 64-bit data/address bus width for the low-end POWERstation Line, with high-end models of the RISC System/6000 using a 128-bit version of the MicroChannel Architecture.... - Vastly improved Data Transfer rates, using a new "Streaming DMA Burst Mode" to achieve data transfer rates of 40 Megabytes per second, with sustained transfer rates of 25 - 30 Mbps (Megabytes Per Second). This is several times greater than many other computer bus architectures. - Parity Checking on all data. In addition, IBM has licensed Silicon Graphics' Geometry Engine chip (which can generate 91,000 3-D Vectors/second) as standard equipment on the RS/6000. IBM is selling two types of graphics boards for the RS/6000: 1) An Entry-level Graphics board, with two versions: A Monochrome board, able to display 4-bit gray scales (or 16 shades of gray), and a color board able to display 8-bits per pixel, or 256 Colors at the same time, out of a 16 million color palette. 2) An optional graphics adapter board called the SuperGraphics Processor Subsystem (partly developed by Silicon Graphics), which can generate almost a million 3D Vectors a Second, and has a 24-bit color palette. It comes in two versions: An 8-bit Per Pixel board (for 256 displayable colors), and a 24-bit per pixel board which allows the RS/6000 to display 16 million colors simultaneously. The IBM RISC System/6000 has a 1280*1024 graphics resolution, and comes with SCSI and Ethernet LAN Ports, as well as 8 Megabytes of ECC RAM (which can automatically find and correct memory parity errors) as standard. IBM will be selling several models of the RISC System/6000, including these systems: PowerStation 320 ---------------- The low-end model of IBM's RISC System/6000 line, it uses a 20 MHZ POWER chip to achieve speeds of 27 MIPS and 7.5 MFLOPS. It comes with 8 Megs of RAM standard, 6 Expansion Slots (2 of which are Memory Slots), a 120 Meg Hard Drive, and a monochrome display w/256 levels of gray shades. Cost: $13,000. PowerServer 540 --------------- Meant for the upper-end of the traditional workstation market, the PowerServer 540 uses a 30 MHZ POWER chip, enabling it to achieve 41.5 MIPS and 13.0 MFLOPS. Coming with 16 MicroChannel Slots (8 of which are for expansion memory), it has 64 Megs of RAM standard, a 640 Meg Hard Drive, and a 128-Bit MicroChannel Bus. Cost: Around $100,000. PowerStation 730 ---------------- The High-end Model of the POWERStation line, it uses a 25 MHZ POWER chip to achieve 35 MIPS and 11 MFLOPS. It comes with 16 Megs of RAM, and is the only model to bundle the SuperGraphics Processor Subsystem as standard. Cost: $74,000. Peripheral #2: Hercules Graphics Station Card (Video Board) ------------------------------------------------------------ Hercules Inc., who established the Hercules Graphics Standard for IBM PCs in the early 1980s, has recently introduced a new Video Board called the Hercules Graphics Station Card. This board is one of the first boards to combine support of both the new SuperVGA standard, and the TIGA Video Standard, at a price/performance ratio far better than ANY of the other video boards available in the IBM marketplace. The Hercules Graphics Station Card comes with 1 Megabyte of Video RAM as standard, support for both interlace and non-interlace monitors (with the ability to be run with almost any multisync monitor), and built in register level compatibility with CGA, EGA, IBM VGA and the SuperVGA Standards. Under these modes, it provides these resolutions: Resolution| # of Colors | Video Mode ----------+-------------+-------------- 320*200 | 4, 16, 256 | CGA, EGA, VGA 640*200 | 2, 16 | CGA, EGA 640*480 | 2, 16 | VGA, SuperVGA 800*600 | 16, 256 | SuperVGA As mentioned before, the Hercules Graphics Station Card also supports the emerging TIGA Standard. TIGA is a software interface for 34010-based video boards which works independent of graphics resolution, the size of the color palette, and the amount of displayable colors available on a board. It is actually a set of functions (or primitives) which act as a programming "language" in much the same way that a program can use GEM's VDI to display graphics. TIGA is made up of three elements: - Applications Interface, which is the actual set of commands which applications use for graphics operations. This basically provides the same function as GEM's VDI. - Communications Driver. This is a TSR program which sends commands given by the AI to the 340x0-based video circuitry, and passes the results back to the computer. - Graphics Manager. This program communicates with the CD, and acts as the board's driver software. It accepts commands given to it by the CD, processes them with the video circuitry's hardware, and outputs them back to the CD. Several applications now have Software Drivers to make their applications take advantage of TIGA, including Digital Research's IBM version of GEM (as well as X/GEM, a multitasking version of GEM), AutoCAD, WordPerfect, Time Arts' Lumena, and Microsoft Windows. Under TIGA, the Hercules Graphics Station Card has a 16-million color palette, and supports resolutions ranging from 512*480 with 32,768 displayable colors, to 1024*768 with 256 displayable colors. Most TIGA boards currently out only give a 1024*768 resolution, and only provide 16 displayable colors. One of the most unique aspects of Hercules' new graphics card is its price. While ALL other TIGA boards which provide the same capabilities (besides VGA Support) cost around $3000 - $5000.00, the Hercules Graphics Station Card only costs $1024.00. It seems that this may be yet another example of "Power Without the Price".... Peripheral #3: Elmtech Research's PARSEC ST Graphics Unit ---------------------------------------------------------- Ever since the Atari ST was introduced, one of its weakest points has been its graphics capabilities. Even though it is fast and versatile, the Amiga, Mac II, and IBM have always had the upper hand in the graphics arena. A few hardware boards in the US, including the Moniterm 1280*960 monitor, and Image Systems' High Resolution Color Board, have aimed to remedy this situation. Recently, Datel Computers introduced the Parsec Graphic Interface, an ST Peripheral from England which may rank as one of the best video boards available for any computer.... The Parsec comes in an Aluminum Case which (at 11 1/2 inches wide, 11 1/4 inches long, and 2 inches high) resembles a Mega ST in both size and style. It uses a 50 MHZ version of Texas Instruments' TI 34010 graphics processor, which is capable of processing graphics operations independently of the ST's CPU. Here is an average list of its performance capabilities in certain applications: Line Draw Rate : 1.25 Megapixels/Sec. Copy Block : 3.12 Megapixels/sec Average Blit Move : 25 Mbits/Sec. 32-Bit Multiply: 0.29 MIPS Horizontal Line/Fill: 50 Mbits/Sec. 32-bit Multiply: 6.25 MIPS The Parsec Unit has external RS-232, SCSI, and Video Ports. It also has support for internal expansion cards like the ELM 8768 (discussed later), and Video RAM Expansion Cards. It requires a non-interlaced monitor, and supports a 640*480 resolution for use with less expensive multisync monitors.. Three versions of the Parsec Unit are currently available: 1) Parsec 4768. This is the basic model, which is currently sold by Datel Computers in North America. It has 768K of Video RAM, and a 1024*768 resolution with a 4096 color palette. It displays 16 colors per line, meaning that it can display 4096 colors at the same time onscreen. Cost: $1400.00.... 2) 8768-8 Upgrade Kit. This card, which fits inside the ParSec Box, uses a Brooktree Bt473 RAMdac, enabling it to have a 16 million (24-bit) color palette. It has 1.875 Megs of Video RAM onboard, supports up to 4 Megs of VRAM, and also has an external connector for Elmtech's Digitizer/Genlock, an optional product which also works with the Parsec Unit. Here are its resolutions: - 1024*768, with 32,768 displayable colors - 1024*768, with 256 displayable colors. This mode is double-buffered, providing for smoother graphics for CAD and Animation design. 3) 8768-16 Upgrade Kit. This Version of the 8768-8 has 2.5 Megs of Video RAM, and has a double-buffered 768*576 resolution with 32,768 displayable colors out of its 24-bit color palette. This board, and the 8768-8 Card, aren't available in the US.... However, while the Parsec has extremely powerful graphics capabilities, it does not support ordinary ST GEM applications. In order to solve this, Elmtech Research has also developed the Topaz GEMulator, a tool which converts GEM-based programs to the Parsec, so that they then pass all of their GEM Calls to the Parsec board. Programs ported in this manner will then run faster, taking advantage of the processing and graphics capabilities of the PARSEC board. At this time, Datel Computers is bundling two "GEMulated" programs (Chimera F/X and Da Vinci Art) with the Parsec. However, other software companies are also considering support of the Parsec board.... Peripheral #4: Xircom's Pocket Ethernet Adapter Cartridge ---------------------------------------------------------- Most Ethernet solutions available in the computer industry consist of two alternatives: A Built-in Ethernet Port, or an Expansion Slot Card which provides an Ethernet Port. However, while these solutions are both relatively inexpensive and extremely efficient, there are several arenas in which they are not feasible. For example, the majority of Laptops and Portable Computers now available don't have an Expansion Slot, and almost no Laptops have a built-in Ethernet Port. However, a new product called the Xircom Pocket Ethernet Adapter has the potential to allow almost any computer to access an Ethernet LAN (Local Area Network). Xircom's "Pocket Ethernet Adapter" is actually a pocket-sized Cartridge with a built-in Ethernet port which plugs into a bidirectional parallel printer port. Using a National Semiconductor Ethernet Chip, it also has a 32K Data Buffer. However, because it uses the parallel port, performs data transfers 10-15 percent slower than ordinary Ethernet Boards. Software drivers are now available for Novell Netware, TCP/IP, and other LAN Network products. Cost: $600.00. Xircom Inc. can be contacted at 1-818-884-8755. One noteworthy fact is that all of the products in this list are now shipping.... Part I of this series has featured a list of several hardware peripherals in the microcomputer/workstation field which can truly claim to be both uniquely innovative, and noteworthy in their specific marketplaces. In Part II, CPU Report will attempt to compile a list of "Dream Systems", or noteworthy configurations of several microcomputer and workstation systems that could currently be the best in the industry, and shown the individual features which make the system. But just as this issue alone indicates several changes in the structure of the Dream Systems Essay, the hardware peripherals shown above certainly indicate certain trends in the computer industry.... CPU MacNews¿ =========== Electronic Arts, 32-Bit QuickDraw, and Studio/32 ------------------------------------------------ At MacWorld, Electronic Arts recently announced Studio/32, a new version of its Studio/8 graphics program which supports 32-Bit Quickdraw, enabling it to display up to 16 million colors simultaneously with the use of a 24-Bit Color Video Board. Studio/32 also features: - Support for the Pantome Color Matching system, CMYK, HSV, and RGB Color models. - Image processing tools for performing functions like resizing, rotation, and anti-aliasing of pictures. - Internal support for four-color separations. STudio/32 will be shipping in the Summer of 1990. Cost: $700.00, with upgrades from Studio/8 available for $150.00. But ponder, if you will, this question: 1) IBM is rumored to be preparing to introduce a $1500.00 80286-based MS-DOS System, with 640K of RAM, VGA Graphics, and CD-ROM support. If this comes to pass, how will it affect the Atari ST and Amiga's chances of penetrating the US Home/Small Business market? 2) Should Atari market the ATW and 68030 TT as Unix machines and systems for "higher education" in the US? > CPU STATUS REPORT¿ >>>LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS<<< ================= - Washington, DC JAPANESE COMPANIES DOMINATE TOP 10 U.S. PATENT LIST -------------- The Department of Commerce's Patent and Trademark Office has now released a list of the number of US patents obtained in 1989 by companies worldwide. Curiously, Japanese companies made up the bulk of the top ten firms to obtain the most patents for original technologies, designs, and idea implementations. This list includes: 1) Hitachi Ltd. - 1,053 patents 6) Mitsubishi Corp. 2) Toshiba Corp. - 961 7) Phillips (Europe) - 745 3) Canon Inc. - 949 8) Siemens (Germany) - 656 4) Fuji Corp. - 884 9) IBM - 623 patents 5) General Electric - 818 10) Eastman Kodak Corp. - 589 - West Chester, PA COMMODORE ANNOUNCES AMIGA 3000, HYPERCARD CLONE ---------------- At the recent "WHICH COMPUTER?" Show in England, Commodore announced the Amiga 3000, a 68030-based version of the Amiga. The A3000 has 2 Megs of RAM Standard (or 1 Megabyte of slower "Chip" RAM and 1 Meg of standard, or "Fast" RAM), an SCSI/DMA Port, and an improved version of the ECS (Enhanced Chip Set). It also features four Zorro III 32-bit Expansion Slots, and a "beta" release of KickStart 2.0. Kickstart 2.0, while 512K large, has hooks for Virtual Memory (using the 68030 chip), and will later support Compugraphic Outline Fonts, as the new Amiga font standard. The new version of the Amiga's Enhanced Chip Set features a "flickerfixer" chip which eliminates interlace flicker from Amiga graphics. It also supports NTSC/PAL Video, and has these resolutions: - 320*200 with 4096 Colors displayable at the same time. - 640x256 with 64 displayable colors out of a 4096 color palette. - 640x960, with 4 displayable colors out of a 64 color palette. - 1280x400, with 4 colors out of a 64 color palette. Interestingly enough, Commodore also indicated that Amiga Unix won't be available for at least another 6-9 months. Also, the A3000 supports up to 6 Megs of RAM on board. 3 models of the A3000 are currently planned: 1) Amiga 3000 with a 16 MHZ 68030 chip, 16 MHZ 68881 Math Chip, and a 40 Meg Hard Drive. Cost: $3300.00. 2) Amiga 3000 with a 25 MHZ 68030 chip, 16 MHZ 68881 Math Chip, and a 40 Meg Hard Drive. Cost: $4000.00. 3) Amiga 3000 with a 25 MHZ 68030 chip, 16 MHZ 68882 Math Chip, and a 100 Meg Hard Drive. Cost: $4500.00. Commodore also announced AmigaVision, a new Hypercard-like program allowing one to design "courseware" which uses graphics, text, and sound elements. Unlike Hypercard though, it allows "courseware" to run without its own menus being visible, and uses a "flowchart" environment for creating programs. It also supports the AREXX Interprocess Communications protocol standard. Interestingly, Commodore, taking advantage of the current excitement over "multimedia" applications, called Amigavision an example of "multimedia authoring software". Cost: $150.00.... - Redmond, WA IBM TURNS OVER MUCH OF DOS, OS/2 DEVELOPMENT TO MICROSOFT ----------- In a recent reorganization of its OS/2 Programming Centers, IBM has scaled back on direct design efforts for DOS, OS/2 Standard Edition and Presentation Manager. IBM will now give Microsoft a list of its requirements for DOS and OS/2, and will help to design certain aspects of OS/2 Presentation Manager. IBM has also integrated its DOS and Windows development in a new "DOS/Windows" department.... Reason: IBM has redirected its programming efforts towards OS/2 Extended Edition, an enhanced version of OS/2 Standard Edition which features an SQL Database Manager, a Communications Manager, and other elements of its Systems Applications Architecture (or SAA). SAA is designed to help make software on any IBM computer, from the PS/2 to IBM Supercomputers, easily portable to another IBM system. Interestingly, it also seems that while over 300,000 copies of OS/2 have been sold, that over two-thirds of OS/2 sales have been for OS/2 Extended Edition, with OS/2 Standard Edition only selling 100,000 copies.... - Indianapolis, IN PUBLIC DEBATE BEGINS ON NEW PHONE TARIFF FOR BBSes ---------------- The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has recently permitted Indiana BBS Users and Sysops to obtain Public Hearings debating a new BBS Tariff instituted by Indiana Bell, which classifies all Bulletin Board Systems there as Businesses. This means that Indiana BBS's will now have to pay more expensive business phone rates, even if they do not ask for money or donations. Interestingly enough, Indiana Bell rationalized this move by saying that BBSes "occupy a lot of time" on its Phone System, and that they require "additional equipment to handle the load." They also managed, at first, to institute this BBS Tariff without a previous Public Hearing.... _____________________________________________________________ > MIDITASKING CPU/STR PROBE¿ LET'S GET TO THE BOTTOM LINE! ========================== ctsy GEnie RT IS MIDI-TASKING MULTI-TASKING OR NOT? OR WHEN IS MIDI-TASKING NOT MIDI-TASKING TOWNS [John @ Atari] at 01:30 EDT I spoke with Leonard Tramiel, Vice President of Software about this issue. Leonard is my boss and the majority of his responsibilities center around the management of Operating Systems Software Development for the ST/TT product lines. He assured me that I am right on this issue. Miditasking is designed as a software solution for MIDI programs out there. It is not broad enough to be a complete solution for TOS in regards to multitasking. As I stated earlier, if you are a developer and would like info on the Miditasking standard that has been adopted by Atari for MIDI APPLICATIONS, please give Frank Foster a call and ask him about it. -- John Townsend Atari Corp. REMO at 21:57 EDT John T. Leonard also spoke with Frank and he now concurs with your statement. MIDI-Tasking is to be viewed as a "specific response to power MIDI users". This is not to say that it cannot work with non MIDI applications but these cases are fortuitous and not the offical Atari-supported goal of MIDI-Tasking. All Atari developers, regardless of ilk, should contact Frank if you are interested in the software. Frank's actual quote went on to say that the Atari policy is that 68000-based machines are not viewed as desirable for multitasking support. This, presumably, deferrs to the 68030 machines (TT) which come with a MMU for hardware assistance in multitasking. And so it goes. Jim Pierson-Perry D.BECKEMEYER at 21:11 PDT Right, so this leaves Atari with the perfect "solution". When it is for media hype, midi-tasking is a full blown multi-tasking system and when it comes to support, midi-tasking is midi-only. I appreciate your offers Jim. I realize you are just trying to help. It seems to me like Atari's got the engineering department and then there's Frank Foster and his pals -- the two don't seem to mesh all the time. I think by Frank evaluating and selecting midi-tasking and defining it as a "standard", thereby ramming down our respective throats, he isn't starting in on the best terms. -- David TOWNS [John @ Atari] at 01:02 EDT I would like to address this issue again: 1. The Miditasking system was presented to over 80 MIDI developers at the recent NAMM show. It was adopted as a standard there and was information was given to all of the developers who wanted it. 2. The standard is for MIDI APPLICATIONS! Please say that again. It is not designed as a solution to a multitasking TOS. Please read that again. While it does work with a number of Non-MIDI programs, it is not being promoted as a multitasking system for the ST related products. 3. There is NO media hype involved. We are not promoting this as a Multitasking System at all! Is this clear? Does this make sense? -- John BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.] at 16:21 EDT Let me turn over the keyboard to Frank Foster for a couple of moments: When I met with several key MIDI developers over two years ago, they all agreed that a multiple program envirnment standard would be a good idea. Never the less, they all went and did their own thing. ie; M*Ros, MPE, HybriSwich, SoftLink, ST-Ram. But this discussion continued at MIDI developer meetings at every NAMM show since. and now even arch-rivals C-lab and Steinberg are ready to support this system. Believe me, its hard enough to get the MIDI developers to agree on something let alone everyone else. The selection of the early version of ST-Ram as our choice for the system to be refined into "MIDItasker" was after a study of each of the MIDI based systems on the market. Please try to remember that I am a marketing person trying to keep the ATARI platform as the best possible system for MIDI. The purpose of this standard is to make MIDI software as compatible as possible in real-time use. The most important parts are actually the data-sharing and SMPTE and MIDI driver capabilities. The fact that the Atari MIDI community was able to get together on this is something that deserves your support, at least that's my opinion. I wish that Atari could do more things like this. The bottom line is, if you can run more than one sequencer at the same time and not have to buy a new SMPTE interface for each program. Musicians will buy multiple products from different companies. Developers will sell more product. Unlike some of the other application areas in the MIDI arena there are all most too many choices. This utility is designed to allow the end user to use the best of both together. We did it for the developers and end users knowing that in the long run we will sell more computers because of it. Thanks for your support ... Frank Foster A final note from me: I think that it is important to make very account!! clear that we are NOT shoving this down anyones throat. The current version of the product is clearly described as BETA, it is clearly in testing stages right now, and is in no way a final product. The next time we plan a face to face with the MIDI developers is at the NAMM show in Chicago. If you think you ought to be there, then please feel free to send me e-mail, or contact Frank directly at the office. I am asking for e-mail because I usually do not frequent CAT 18. Thanks for your time, and attention. Best regards to all, Bob Brodie D.BECKEMEYER at 23:17 PDT OK, so what about all us non-MIDI developers? I still say you actually are ramming this down our throats, whether you say you are or not. I mean I could *say* that I wasn't posting this message, but really I am. I am not going to go to a Namm show just so I can be told about midi-tasking. I don't have any reason to be at a Namm show -- I don't do MIDI. My point about, is it doens't mattter whether you *say* it is only for MIDI or not, people are going to expect it to be usable and supported for other stuff too, meaning that all of us are stuck with it, whether it's the official way or not. John, I know you are just in the middle on this. I didn't mean to flame you. I also realize that Frank thinks he's doing something great too and probably had no intentions of hurting developers. -- David Editor Note: We have often been categorized as too critical when it comes to Atari and its dealing with the userbase. We ask only one question here; "Is this miditasking TRUE multi-tasking or are we again involved in a shell game of words?" On one hand we are told it is multi-tasking and on the other hand, we are told it is a means to an end and not necessarily multi- tasking. As far as 80 developers in attendence that's great. Now, if only they develop goodies for the ST too! The bottom line is; The 68000, while an excellent CPU, is not an efficient multi-tasking CPU. While midi-tasking may provide a solution of sorts to the midi world, it is by no means a multi-tasking environment for general use in the ST community. This was erroneously reported the case by a number of publications shortly after the recent NAMM show in California. Again, we mention that if any MIDI developers care to gain solid, correct information pertaining to midi-tasking development you must participate in the discussions on the PAN network. _______________________________________________________________ > PACE ATARI SHOW CPU/STR FOCUS¿ Let's meet at the Show! ============================= Announcing THE NORTH EAST ATARIFEST '90 Sponsored by PACE (Pittsburgh Atari Computer Enthusiasts) Where: Chartiers Valley High School, near Pittsburgh, PA Located just off I-79 at the Heidelburg / Kerwin Heights exit Within 15 minutes of the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport Easy access from from the PA Turnpike via Exit #3 When: April 28th & 29th Time: Saturday the 28th - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday the 29th - 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Users Groups: Tables are available to any Officially Atari Recognized User's Group for only 25.00 per table. Need more Information?: Call the PACE BBS at 412-571-0891 and read the show message base. Validation is immediate! Or call 412-843-0628 voice after 5:00pm EST If you've ever been to a show that PACE has put on before, you'll know that they are well attended by the best of retailers & developers. The show is being held at: Chartiers Valley High School. Directions: From the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport: Get on the Parkway (I-279)heading towards Pittsburgh. (The Parkway is directly in front of the Airport.) When you see Interstate 79, get on it going south. (The on-ramp has a sign indicating that I-79 will take you towards Washington, PA). Get off I-79 at the Heidelberg / Kerwin Heights Exit. Then simply follow the signs to the High School. (The signs will tell you to go Left at the light, and left at the next light.) The school is a little ways down on your left side. It is surronded by a cyclone fence. From the PA Turnpike: Get off at exit 3 Bear to your right when getting off. (Heading towards Pittsburgh/Wexford). Get on I-79 going south. Get off I-79 at the Heidelberg / Kerwin Heights Exit. Then simply follow the signs tot he High School. (The signs will tell you to go Left at the light, and left at the next light.) The school is a little ways down on your left side. It is surrounded by a cyclone fence. Need Furthur assistance? Call 412-843-0628 after 4:00 EST. Dear Fellow Atarian, Have you been looking for support for your Atari computer? I have a suggestion for you. Make plans now to attend the upcoming North East ATARIfest '90 being sponsored by the Pittsburgh Atari Computer Enthusiasts (PACE)! The ATARIfest will be held on April 28th (10:00am - 5:00pm) & 29th (12:00pm - 5:00pm) at the Chartiers Valley High School. Chartiers is easily accessable to many major highways as well as an International Airport. If you've ever been to a PACE show, you already know they are attended by the biggest names in the Atari world. Among those already signed up are Best Electronics, Alpha Systems, I.C.D., Seymour-Radix, Cal-Com, Joppa Computers, Toad Computers, 2econd Childhood, Innovative Concepts, Etc. Aside from the dealers, there will also be many Users Groups on hand ready and willing to stock your personal library with the best Public Domain software available today! If you've been "Looking for support in all the wrong places", come to the North East Atarifest '90 and find out some of the right places! To Atari 8-bit users, We know the market and support for your machines has dropped off over the past couple years. To help you we are making sure we've got some place for you to turn as well. 2econd Childhood has a ton of titles for the 8-bits, and they will be there in full force. Innovative Concepts has some great products for you as well, and so does Best Electronics. We are still looking for more companies to come to provide you with the help you want & deserve. To Atari ST/MEGA owners, come see the latest products in an everchanging & growing 16-bit world! Come see what you've been reading about all winter! As a fellow Atarian, I know the problems we all have to deal with in the Atari world. They are not undefeatable! To see Atari Computers become a force to be reckoned with, WE NEED YOU! Attend and show the dealers that your still there and that you appreciate them selling products for our computers! Thank you fellow Atarian! Bruce J. Markey PACE Address: P.O. Box 13435 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 PACE ST BBS 412-571-0891 3/12/2400 24 hours PACE 8-Bit BBS 412-343-1422 3/12/24/9600 24 hours PACE/show Information: Bruce J. Markey, President P.A.C.E. 616 16th Ave Beaver Falls, PA 15010 (412) 843-0628 (voice) (After 4 EST) This file updated last at: 12:54am on 4/21/90 This is the current vendor/developer/supporter list for the North East ATARIfest '90 being sponsored by the Pittsburgh Atari Computer Enthusiasts. THESE are the REALLY dedicated ATARI supporters. If your on this list, Thanks, We can't wait to see you in Pittsburgh. If you're not, you should be, contact us at (412) 843-0628 (after 4 EDT). We still have some space left, but it's being grabbed up quick. North East ATARIfest '90 show dates: Saturday April 28th 10:00am - 5:00pm Sunday April 29th 12:00pm - 5:00pm Current Vendor List ------------------- 1st Stop Computers 2econd Childhood Computer Workshoppe Alpha Systems Antic Publishing ATARI Corp. (Note: Sunday only appearance by Bob Brodie) BEST Electronics Branch Always Software Cal Com Inc CodeHead Software Diverse Data Products Double Click Software Enigma Software Gribnif Software ICD Inc. Innovative Concepts Joppa Computers Michtron Music Sweet Music Rite-Way Computers Seymour/Radix Talon Technology Toad Computer Services Unicorn Publications WizWorks Users' Groups Attending ----------------------- Pittsburgh Atari Computer Enthusiasts [P.A.C.E.] North East Ohio ST Atari Group [NEO-STAG] Spectrum Atari Group of Erie [S.A.G.E.] Southwestern Pennsylvania Atari Computer Enthusiasts [S.P.A.C.E.] Atari Users' Association [A.U.A.] Westmorland Atari Computer Organization [W.A.C.O.] Midi Atari Users Group [MAUG] Seminars Planned ---------------- Desktop Publishing - ISD. Nathan himself will be conducting it! Featuring the entire Calamus Desktop Publishing Solution. ISD has also donated an entire Calamus Solution Package as a Door Prize! (719.00 value!) MIDI - Cal-Com Grant will be putting on a MIDI seminar featuring some of the latest developments in the MIDI world. Dr. T's demo disks, T-shirts, Pins, etc have been donated. Mass Storage - Toad Computer Service David & Co. will be on hand to answer all your questions, and clear up any confusion you may have. Multi-Club Newsletters - Unicorn Publications Bill & Patty will be talking about the advantages of combining forces. Emulation (IBM) - Talon Technology. Rich will be there to show you SuperCharger. This unit has an ungrade path, and rates 4.4 on the Norton Scale. Emulation (MAC) - Shane.. Unfortunatly, Gadgets by Small won't be able to make the show. They have however donated 2 Spectre's for Door Prizes. (Which we haven't recieved yet..) I got an offer last night on the PACE BBS from someone I only know as "Shane". He offered to show MAC emulation (GCR) with his newly recieved STacy 4!!! ST-Report's Ralph Mariano will be giving 2 seminars SAT/SUN!! Derek from Branch Always will be giving a seminar too!! He has also donated a couple Quick ST 2.0's for door prizes!^[! For you 8-bitters, DATAQUE will be demoing their TURBO 816 Board!!! And Last but certainly not least, Bob Brodie will be on hand on Sunday to answer all of your questions about Atari Corp. All this and Much, Much, More! Don't forget all the Users' Groups that will be on hand with the latest Public Domain Software available, and that great one-on-one support only a Users' Group can provide! Door Prizes ----------- We've received bunches of door prizes to give away over the 2 day span. Thanks to all supporters that have donated so far!! (BTW: If you promised us a door prize, and haven't sent it yet, please don't forget us or, bring it with you! Remember, we can't announce what company donated something if we don't have it to give!!!) If you are a supporter and can't make it to Pittsburgh, Please help us out with a couple door prizes.. Simply send your door prizes, and some literature on your products to: PACE % Bruce J. Markey 616 16th Ave. Beaver Falls, PA 15010 This is my home address, UPS will not deliver to the clubs PO Box! Lodging for the North East ATARIfest '90 being held in Pittsburgh. April 28th & 29th. Knights Inn (412) 221-8110 I-79 & State Route 50, Bridgeville, PA This is a nice motel located within 3 miles of the Atarifest. Single 29.95/night Double 37.95/night Knights Inn (412) 922-6900 Steubenville Pike, Crafton, PA (Crafton Exit of I-79) This is a nice motel located about 5 minutes from the Atarifest. Single 34.47/night Double 35.92/night Reserve 2wks ahead! Marriott (Airport) (412) 788-8800 Parkway West (I-279), Coraopolis, PA This is a very nice hotel located between the airport and the Atarifest, Approx 10 minutes drive to show. Single 79.00/night Double 79.00/night Fri/Sat Package 69.00/night Reserve 2wks ahead! Marriott (Greentree) (412) 922-8400 Marriott Drive Greentree, PA (I-279 & Greentree Exit) This is a very nice hotel located between the Atarifest & Downtown Pittsburgh. Approx 10 minutes drive to show. Fri/Sat Package 59.00/night includes Cont. Breakfast Motel 6 (412) 922-9400 Steubenville Pike Crafton, PA (I-79 & Crafton exit) This is a decent motel, no frills, good price, clean. Single 23.93/night Double 30.47/night Parkway Center Inn (412) 922-7070 Parkway Center Mall Greentree, PA (I-279 & Greentree Exit) This is a "Best Western" style hotel. Pretty nice. Fri/Sat/Sun 48.95/night (package) Clubhouse Inn (412) 788-8400 Cambells Run Road Robinson Twp. Single 64.00/night Double 72.00/night This is a very nice hotel. Located between Airport & Atarifest. Access limited coming FROM airport (you have to get off an exit earlier) Reserve Early! Fri/Sat (1 or 2 persons) 49.95/night (package) Hampton Inn (412) 922-0100 Steubenville Pike Crafton, PA (I-79 & Crafton Exit) Located about 5 min. from Atarifest. No room service, but everything else. Single 61.00/night King or Double 66.00/night Envoy (412) 922-0120 Trumbull Drive Greentree, PA (I-279 & Greentree Exit) Single 24.95 Double 30.95 Hilton (412) 262-3800 Parkway West Corapolis, PA (I-279) Very Nice Hotel. Reservations a good idea King 65.00/night (inc. Cont. Breakfast) Double 55.00/night (Inc. Cont. Break) Also, Weekend Romantic Getaway (Fri. Sat) 75.00/night Includes Cont. Break. & Champagne Holiday Inn (412) 922-8100 401 Holiday Drive Greentree, PA (I-279 & Greentree) Single 101.00/night Double 111.00/night Fri/Sat 57.00/night Holiday Inn (412) 787-2244 Steubenville Pike Robinson Twp. (I-279 & Robinson Twp. Exit) Single 69.00/night Double 76.00/night Fri/Sat 34.95/night Red Roof Inn (412) 787-7870 Steubenville Pike Robinson Twp. Nice place. Clean. Single 33.95/night Double 40.95/night 1 week reservation needed Between Airport & Atarifest Royce Hotel (412) 262-2400 Thorn Run Road Ext. (Airport) Fri/Sat/Sun 55.90/night Nice! 1 week Reservation needed Sheraton Hotel (412) 343-4600 Fort Couch Rd (South Hills) Fri/Sat/Sun 59.00/night If you have any questions, Call 412-843-0628 (after 4 EDT) Thanks & we'll see you at the ATARIfest '90!! ___________________________________________________ > SUPERCHARGER NEWS CPU/STR FOCUS¿ The latest developments and news =============================== SUPERCHARGER ============ by R. Betson It's been a very busy week here at Talon Tech.. If you currently have a SuperCharger on order you may get it in the next couple of days. We shipped out over a hundred just today. If you have any tech support problems and have called Talon, and have not had your call returned, please be patient just a little longer. We will return your call as soon as possible. As you would expect with a new product like ours, our new customers have lots and lots of questions. So if you have left a message for someone to return your call, look for it in the next day or so. PCTOOLS 5.5... Our mouse driver is not compatible with this version of PCTOOLS. Even some older versions of MOUSE.COM are not compatible with PCTOOLS 5.5. I would suggest using a newer version MOUSE.COM or other mouse driver. OUR ADS... Because of the lead time required by many magazine publishers some of our current adds do not reflect changes made to SuperCharger. So to keep you informed of the new changes I will list them now. First, SuperCharger is being shipped with a joy stick power adaptor and not the external five volt power supply as advertised. SuperCharger is sold with one megabyte of memory and not 512k. The memory in SuperCharger can be used by your Atari ST as a 1meg ram disk. The price is $450.00 and not 399.00, due to the added memory. Next Stop P.A.C.E I will be at the P.A.C.E show in Pittsburgh this weekend. So if your in the area, come by and see me. I will will give a seminar on SuperCharger. Mouse Movement... Mouse movement on a real 286 is moderate at best and really can't be compared to the ST's mouse movement. Some factors that determine mouse movement are; screen resolution, mouse driver and the program. Sometimes using a different mouse driver can help. I like to use a Mouse Systems Mouse driver if it is available. The "Hot Key"... Your right the "Hot Key" feature is at present a little tricky to work. I hold down both the Control and Alternate keys at the same time, while I am holding down those two key I hit the Back-Space key quickly a few times. This usually does the trick for me. We are looking to have this problem fixed. Inverse Video... This feature only works in Hercules mode only. The key sequence to toggle between white on black or black on white will only work while in Hercules monochrome. To get into Hercules mode you will have to have monochrome monitor. Run "SETVIDEO.COM H" this will change your screen resolution to Hercules mode. Support?.... We too, would like to have the reputations that the likes of Gadgets, Gribniff and Code Head have achieved. As a long standing member of the Atari community I too understand the value of support. Unlike the above mentioned developers we do not manufacture our product. We instead import products from around the world. The only draw back to importing a product is the response time in correcting a specific problem (IE: Software changes). Here at Talon we communicate with our product developers sometimes on a daily basis. In SuperChargers case this means calls to London and Germany. You can be assured that Talon is here to stay and is committed in supporting it's products. Compatibility List... I am still compiling a compatibility list. You can help by continuing to list the programs you have successfully run. Thanks to those who have allready listed programs. >Richard Betson >Talon Technology Inc. __________________________________________________________________ > TURBO BOARD ST BBS CPU/STR InfoFile¿ A far better way to go =================================== YOU WERE WONDERING ABOUT ///TURBO BOARD'S NEW FEATURES? NEW Features: -Conference Fmail (in any message base) -Ability to View, and Type Fmail arc files -Force Email read option -Optional Password Save after Newuser.txt -More file extensions recognised as Binary files (no ascii? prompt) -Improved Message Editor (also R-emacs support if you so desire) -ARC(V6.02) LHARC, and ZIP verbose listings -TYPE a text file from any ARC or LHARC file -LZHdl.LZH in the ARCtools (ZIPdl.ZIP still under developement) -Integrated MSDOS style CLI/BATCH shell for running Batch files, and BinkleyTerm mailer support -External program hooks, Executive, Chat.prg, Survey.bat, Syspas.bat, Fmail.bat, Logon.bat -Greetings message can be entered at logoff by registered users. -Sysop can now have a No-window VT-52 option if he chooses -Help key for Function key assignments displayed -Undo key will attempt to abort any file transfer in progress -Any alternate CHAT program can be used by the sysop if he so chooses -Improved (greatly) paging control ( *More?(Y/N/C) prompt) -Ringback working for long distance callers -Many bugs that were present in FoReM ST are eliminated in this program (you sysops know what they were...) -MSH program NO LONGER needed for the Doors programs -Program size 200K, saves memory, and doesn't loose any! -Faster execution than FoReM ST on initialization, and operation -Smaller Window Size, frees up 2 lines on the Window -PLUS all the features of FoReM ST, including FULL F-net and Crossnet support -Fidonet message bases, are under developement, but Binkley and Fidodoor work just fine. This board is FoReM ST data file compatible, meaning that all the data files that you use for FoReM will work on this board. Please Remember that ///Turbo Board ST ver 1.0 is only a start. Future Features will include: - Fidonet Message bases - KByte Ratios - Batch uploading - Ymodem-g uploads for HST users - BBS handles - User definable Prompts, and menus - Sysop Defineable User Macros (like Fcustom) ******* Limited Time Offer! April 20/90 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Our List price for ///Turbo Board is $85 US ($99 CDN). For a limited time, we will offer ///Turbo Board ST at a reduced price! Until May 31,1990 you will be able to order ///Turbo Board ST with it's manual and one Year's free support for only: Canadian residents please add 8% PST. If you would like to have ///Turbo Board ST sent to you on Overnight Delivery, please add $20 to cover costs, otherwise we will ship via the postal service regular Air Mail. ///Turbo Board is not yet released, but we hope to have it ready by the end of May. We are giving people this opportunity to sample our program and to also reserve their copy of our program. John Miller ----------------------------- Cut here -------------------------------- TURBO BOARD SPECIAL OFFER ORDER FORM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SYSOP'S REAL NAME:_______________________________________________ STREET ADDRESS :_______________________________________________ TOWN/CITY :_______________________________________________ STATE/PROVINCE :_______________________________________________ COUNTRY :_______________________________________________ ZIP/POSTAL CODE :_______________________________________________ BBS NAME :_______________________________________________ NUMBER :_______________________________________________ FNET NODE # :____________ FIDO NODE # :____________ Amount Enclosed:* $60 US ($75 CDN+ 8% PST if Ont resident)* $20 for Overnight delivery _______ Total:_______ * Remember this price is only good until May 31, 1990, then there will be no discount! (Regular price is $85 US $99 CDN) Send your cheque or money order to: Bill Miller 1580 Liveoak Dr Mississauga, ON Canada, L5E 2X6 American residents, remember to check for correct postage. _________________________________________________________ > "EXCLUSIVE"? CPU/STR OnLine¿ "WAR OF THE WORDS" ============================ WHEN IS EXCLUSIVE, EXCLUSIVE? ============================ In the world of news and reporting, there are, unfortunately, few (very precious few) principles most professionals and semi-professionals are expected to follow. This is because there are many resources and methods employed in obtaining the news, some so sensitive that the law respects confidentiality in the world of news reporting and investigation. On this basis, those principles that are in place are tenaciously adhered to. Without the stabilizing force of these principles of respect, plagiary would run rampant. Online magazines are no exception. When 'reporting the news', one has a number of responsibilities that 'come with the territory' and in the final analysis, the most important of these is showing respect for the intelligence of the readers you are intending to reach. In using the terms; "exclusive or original" when, in fact, the story(s) are continuations or retransmissions of either feature items from other publications or, ongoing news developments is ambiguous and not in the best interests of the readers. Additionally, while there is no implied copyright on news, it is possible to copyright the format and presentation methods or the news itself when it is obtained from independent sources of news, as API, UPI, REUTERS, NEWSBYTES and NEWSGRID will firmly attest. Regarding the ongoing Atari Explorer storyline, Mr. Nagy writes; "Ralph chose to run the story before we did, but that didn't make him a "source". Hmmmm Talk about sour grapes. STReport candidly responds; Ralph didn't run anything, STReport did. And it is true, STReport did run the story first. STReport thanks Mr. Nagy for confirming this fact. Pointing out further, since STReport released the original bulletin first and was the only publication carrying the story at all at the time, then by God, we were an "exclusive source" of information pertaining to the story at that time. The point of confirming the story is made mention of and vaguely insinuates that STReport did not verify its information. What better confirmations than the magazine in question and, in this case, our irreproachable industry contact who confirmed every last bit of information presented in both our bulletin and story? While there is no owning a general news story based on who is or was first to report the story unless possibly, the publication of origin is at the time, the sole source of the story and has the item copyrighted at the time of release. However, in most all situations, there remains the common courtesy of "exchange of information." (If publication A picks up a story or item from publication B or, runs an item that parallels a story of the same event in another publication, the right thing to do, at least, is to make mention of, or refer to the originator of the story.) We find, once again, continued ongoing attempts being made at trying to detail the particulars on how STReport performs its investigative reporting and its timetables in both releasing its news and the efforts taken to obtain newsworthy information. For the record, the postmark on the envelope in which the copy of the Spring 1990 Explorer arrived was dated 04/02/90. Our bulletin was dated 03/24/90 and we reprinted the bulletin by combining it and the "Official Atari Press Release" in STReport 413, 03/30/90. Further, in STReport 414, 04/06/90 in the STReport Confidential column, we presented "Explorer Dared Atari to ACT" which presented actual excerpts and quotes from both the editorial by Staples and the article by Ahl. As far as how many person(s) have been contacted and interviewed concerning the Explorer matter, this is totally irrelevant. What is of utmost importance is; "of all those who were contacted, how many had real information about the story." The truth, as we found it, revealed there were few people who had ANY solid information prior to, or at the time of, the story's release and now too, for that matter. STReport does compliment Mr. Nagy on the composition and presentation of the Explorer story. Which, by the way, actually was enjoyable reading. Also, STReport welcomes the opportunity to relish Mr. Nagy's verifying that STReport was, without a doubt, first to break the news story concerning the Explorer matter. In fact, we find it most gratifying to find ourselves thanking Mr. Nagy for including a number of the quotes we submitted in our earlier release thus, reinforcing their accuracy and authenticity. ________________________________________________________ > CPU NEWSWIRE CONFIDENTIAL¿ Sayin' it like it is..... ========================= - Chicago, IL. **** MARK WILLIAMS CO. WILL SUPPORT ATARI **** ----------- Contrary to the information received concerning whether or not Mark Williams will be upgrading their "C" program, we are happy to announce that the individual who relayed the information was "mistaken." After a telephone conversation with Mr. Robert Swartz president of Mark Williams, it appears that they are deeply engrossed in developing a program called COHERENT for the IBM and therefore, the upgrades for the ST are currently in a holding pattern but definitely not dropped. The current version of Mark Williams C is 3.0.5.... Released 1988-89 Atari Corporation has contacted the Mark Williams Company concerning their support for the Atari ST Computers. The following is their statement: Last week, issue number 416 of CPU News Wire Online Magazine printed a story entitled "Mark Williams Co. Kisses Atari Off" in the CPU NewsWire Confidential. In it, an unamed source within Mark Williams Co. was attributed with the statement that Mark Williams Co. had "...no intentions of providing any further upgrades for the Atari ST market." This is incorrect. Mark Williams Company is fully committed to the Atari ST marketplace, and looks forward to both additional upgrades for our existing products, as well as ports of future products, such as Coherent. Mark Williams Company regrets any problems this misinformation may have caused. Robert Swartz President Mark Williams Co. Category 26, Topic 2 Message 254 Wed Apr 25, 1990 TOWNS [John @ Atari] at 02:35 EDT I also hope that you will pay attention to the file recently uploaded by Bob Brodie and print it _verbatim_. This is regarding the information you published on Mark Williams Co. future plans for the ST computer. -- John As John has so "diplomatically" requested, we present the item that he has "demanded" be published verbatim. Verbatim? Did he expect that we would change it? Sheesh! Amazingly John saw fit to post this absurd message, for what purpose I'll never know. Perhaps he, in his infinite wisdom was unaware that the entire matter was rectified at a higher level long before he posted this nonsense. And.... the saga continues, below we present two very recent posts pointing out the glaring need for an update to MWC. ctsy CIS 24-Apr-90 11:39:41 Fm: J. N. To: D. S. Have you heard anywhere what it is that causes TOS 1.4 to choke on the MWC files? I'll be receiving a free copy soon, and I can experiment a bit with it. Under the best of circumstances, maybe there is a way to run MWC programs through a filter to fix them. 24-Apr-90 18:09:05 Fm: D. S. To: J. N. I had a reasonably long talk with the tekkie and the bottom line seemed to be the compiler and linker bindings - he seemed to feel it went beyond simply re-directing the GEM AES/VDI files. I'm sure a patch to the BIN file prg modules could be whipped together by the original author(s) at minimal expense in terms of time and expertise, but MWC is not currently disposed to either patch or upgrade ... When you get your copy, do just the basic GEM Menu routine from the lexicon under menu. If you can manage to get it to run, let me know ! - Sunnyvale, CA. **** MMU CHIP "FINE" -> ATARI **** -------------- It appears that the MMU chip we labeled as "brain dead" isn't dead after all, its a newer design that collides with certain third party items which do not comply with Atari's guidelines. A old friend pointed out a familiar, but forgotten expression used in R & D circles regarding the memory upgrades that fail to work properly with the new MMU chip, they are as follows; B.A.D. "Broken As Designed". As we promised, the tests revealed that the upgrades that were having a problem with the newer MMU chip seemed to become miraculously cured when an older MMU chip apparently having a different design was inserted. This means that the newer chip seems to have much tighter tolerances than its predecessor and therefore, will have problems with memory upgrades that do not follow the rules. - San Francisco, CA **** NEW ST SOFTWARE PRODUCTS TO DEBUT **** ----------------- The DaVinci contract has been finalized, and now, this fine product is set to be released by Electronic Arts UK end of May beginning of June. A most important feature of this new program insisted upon by EA was STe compatibility and utilization of the 4,096 color palette. DaVinci brings Deluxe Paint's versatility and power finally to the ST. Another new blockbuster about to debut Lexicore's powerful new 3D animation program said to arrive late this summer. Lexicore, by the way, is a group of former Antic programmers. Reportedly this new software product will deliver more than all the features of Sculpt to the ST. Since it is mouse driven, it is said to be very user friendly. ______________________________________________________________ > Hard Disks CPU/STR InfoFile¿ Affordable Mass Storage.... =========================== NEW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!! ============================ ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC. P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672 Est. 1985 _________________________________________ Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT _________________________________________ HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET _____________________________________ All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s). -ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE- (you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!) 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Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations (over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited) *** ALL Units: Average Access Time: 24ms - 34ms *** ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - PC-DITTO/II - SPECTRE/GCR LARGER units are available - (special order only) NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! - Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets - Keyboard Custom Cables Call for Info ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED -* 12 month FULL Guarantee *- (A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE) QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! _________________________________________ DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED! please, call for details Personal and Company Checks are accepted. ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY! CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319 Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service 9am - 8pm EDT Tues thru Sat ********************************************************************** :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT: _________________________________ To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN. **** SIGN UP FEE WAIVED **** The system will now prompt you for your information. THE GENIE ATARI ST ROUNDTABLE - AN OVERVIEW ___________________________________________ The Roundtable is an area of GEnie specifically set aside for owners and users of Atari ST computers, although all are welcome to participate. There are three main sections to the Roundtable: the Bulletin Board, the Software Library and the Real Time Conference area. The Bulletin Board contains messages from Roundtable members on a variety of Topics, organized under several Categories. These messages are all Open and available for all to read (GEnie Mail should be used for private messages). If you have a question, comment, hot rumor or an answer to someone else's question, the Bulletin Board is the place to share it. The Software Library is where we keep the Public Domain software files that are available to all Roundtable members. You can 'download' any of these files to your own computer system by using a Terminal Program which uses the 'XMODEM' file-transfer method. You can also share your favorite Public Domain programs and files with other Roundtable members by 'uploading' them to the Software Library. Uploading on GEnie is FREE, so you are encouraged to participate and help your Roundtable grow. The Real Time Conference is an area where two or more Roundtable members may get together and 'talk' in 'real-time'. You can participate in organized conferences with special guests, drop in on our weekly Open COnference, or simply join in on an impromptu chat session. Unlike posting messages or Mail for other members to read at some later time, everyone in the Conference area can see what you type immediately, and can respond to you right away, in an 'electronic conversation'. ********************************************************************** > A "Quotable Quote"¿ ================= "TIS BETTER TO REMAIN SILENT AND BE THOUGHT A FOOL..." .. THAN TO OPEN ONE'S MOUTH AND REMOVE ALL DOUBT!" ...Ziggy Zircon -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CPU/STR¿ "Your Independent News Source" April 27, 1990 16/32bit Magazine copyright ½ 1990 No.4.17 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of the editors, staff, CPU NEWSWIRE¿ CPU/STR¿ or CPU Report¿ . Reprint permission is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. All reprints must include CPU NEWSWIRE, CPU/STR or CPU Report and the author's name. All information presented herein is believed correct, the editors and staff are not responsible for any use or misuse of information contained herein. --------------------------------------------------------------------------