*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---* """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" from STR Publishing """""""""""""" September 25, 1992 No.8.39 ========================================================================== STReport International Online Magazine Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32205 ~ 6672 R.F. Mariano Publisher - Editor ----------------------------------------- Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EST Support BBS Network System * THE BOUNTY BBS * * TURBO BOARD BBS SYSTEM * FNET 350 ~ Fido 112:35 ~ TNET 100:2/0 904-786-4176 USR/HST 24hrs - 7 days 1200 - 19.2bps V.32 - 42 bis 16.8 Dual Standard FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EST ----------------------------------------- FNET.. 18 ~ TNET 100:3/0: ///Turbo Board BBS Support...1-416-274-1225 FNET.. 75 ~ TNET 100:28/0 Bloom County BBS.............1-415-965-9347 FNET. 350 ~ TNET 100:2/0 The Bounty **...1-904-786-4176 FNET. 489 ~ TNET 100:22/0 Steal Your Face BBS..........1-908-920-7981 FNET 1031 ~ TNET 100:1/0 <<< INTERNET - UK>>>.... 011-44-296-395-935 _____________________________________________________________________ > 09/25/92 STR 839 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!" """""""""""""""" - The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS - Apple & Mot w/radio - 64m PCs IN USE - WAACE'92 NEWS - Gemvelope! - People Talk - Treasure Chest - Codehead Conf. - BCS Online - Extra BCS Coverage -* EYEWITNESS BCS FALCON COVERAGE! *- -* FALCON DOORPRIZE @ BCS! *- -* SOFTWARE BUNDLED W/FALCON030 *- ========================================================================== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE The Original * Independent * Online Magazine -* FEATURING WEEKLY *- "Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information" Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports ========================================================================== STReport's BBS, The Bounty, invites BBS systems, worldwide, to participate in the Fido/TurboNet/Atari F-Net Mail Network. You may also call our BBS direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging information relative to the Atari and other computers worldwide through the use of excellent International Messaging Networks. SysOps, worldwide, are quite welcome to join the STReport International Conferences. The Crossnet Code is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is # 350. All BBS systems are welcome and invited to actively participate. Support Atari Computers; Join Today! ========================================================================== CIS ~ GENIE ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ FIDO ~ FNET ~ TNET EURONET ~ CIX ~ CLEVELAND FREE-NET ~ INTERNET ========================================================================== COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME to the Readers of; ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY! CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198 You will receive your complimentary time and be online in no time at all! WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (September 25) GEO DISK SPHERE AND SURFACE PROGRAM Download file GEODSC.LZH from LIBRARY 14 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS) for a program that was written for the love of perfect symmetry and the beauty of geodesic domes. This is a program that allows one to create spherical triangles. Also contains a move movie feature for rotating the objects ... its great way to learn about surfaces, geometry and all of the fun things in math. USERS GROUP/BBS LISTING AVAILABLE... Download the following files from LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO): ACUGAK.TXT - Atari Classics magazine Atari User Group listing (listings for states A-K) ACUGLZ.TXT - Atari Classics magazine Atari User Group listing (listings for states L-Z) ACBBS.TXT - Atari Classics magazine Atari 8-bit/ST National BBS listing. SUPRA MODEM INFORMATION/ORDER FORM A revised version of Supra's UPGRAD.TXT file (containing information and order form for SupraFaxModem V32/V32bis ROM upgrades for registered owners) is now available in LIBRARY 15 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN). BILL REHBOCK CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT Many thanks to everyone who attended the Bill Rehbock conference! The transcript has been posted as file FALCO.TXT in LIBRARY 15 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS) THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION "GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM" """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!" """""""""""""""""""""" The unveiling of the Falcon030 in Boston Mass. at the Boston Computer Society was quite the "computing event" in North America. Its sad to see the attendance was somewhat disappointing. Undaunted, Atari proudly offered a Falcon030 computer for the door prize at the event despite there being less than 150 people (approx) in attendance. That makes two Falcons donated as prizes in the last month. It appears Atari is on a mission, a mission to ensure the Atari community and the computing community in general is made very well aware of the Falcon. With the WAACE'92 Atarifest occurring in a few weeks, one can't help but wonder if Atari will do the right thing and provide a Falcon as a prize and support personnel for this great east coast show. Only time will tell. We feel this will happen as its the right thing to do. On another note, it was brought to our attention that one of our colleagues published a blurb with 'low-ball' pricing contained therein. In retrospect, we feel this was a simple oversight that occurred while the issue was being pieced together. STReport has its own policy regarding the posting of obviously 'too-low' pricing, it is to be avoided. Our reasons are quite simple, there are precious few dealers left in the Atari community we do not wish to be counted among those who helped drive the remaining few away. It was explained to us as to why some dealers were quite upset. It was because the posted pricing was very low. Also, it was brought to our attention about those who answered the serious dealer complaint, in category 15 in GEnie's Atari ST RT, also found time to take cheap shots at STReport in an obviously lame attempt at sidetracking the issues before them. STReport is aware of the entire incident and we chose to not only ignore the shots taken at us but to ignore the folly of our colleague's attempts at blithely explaining away the problem. Its time, as was stated by the RT sysop, to "ignore the old tape" and begin anew. WAACE is coming up. The east is preparing to celebrate "ALL THINGS ATARI". If you've always wondered what a fun computer show is like, make it your business to attend this show and see all the wonders at WAACE. Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine THE STORM IS BREWING! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU! """""""""""""""" Publisher - Editor """""""""""""""""" Ralph F. Mariano PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION ----------- -------------- ------------ Roger D. Stevens Charles Hill R. ALBRITTON STReport Staff Editors: """"""""""""""""""""""" Lloyd E. Pulley Sr. Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms Contributing Correspondents: """""""""""""""""""""""""""" Michael Lee Richard Covert John Deegan Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele Ben Hamilton Neil Bradley Eric Jerue Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia Clemens Chin IMPORTANT NOTICE """""""""""""""" Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc... via E-Mail to: Compuserve.................... 70007,4454 Delphi........................ RMARIANO BIX........................... RMARIANO FIDONET....................... 112/35 FNET.......................... NODE 350 NEST.......................... 90:19/350.0 GEnie......................... ST-REPORT """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" "There is no comparison! The Atari Falcon is far superior to the PC platform." Sam Tramiel, 08/92 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS ================= Issue #39 Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr. -- Apple, Motorola Enter Technology Agreement Apple Computer and Motorola have agreed to jointly develop new wireless radio technology for personal communications devices. Motorola said its NewStream-based radio receiver would be incorporated with Apple's Newton person digital assistant now under development. The two companies said that by combining technologies they can take a step toward providing ready access to value-added wireless information systems. -- Microsoft and HP to Develop Printer Standards Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard announced this week that they will jointly develop standards to optimize printing on HP LaserJet and HP DeskJet printers through Microsoft Windows. The two companies said the agreement covers following goals: -:- to optimize printing and bidirectional communication under Windows. -:- to develop higher-speed interfaces for bidirectional communication. -:- to share resources and experience to maintain high levels of satisfaction among Windows and HP LaserJet printer users. -- Four Million Excels Shipped Microsoft Corp. said that it has shipped more than four million copies of it's Excel spreadsheet. Microsoft added, "On the Microsoft Windows operating system platform, more than one million former Lotus 1-2-3 for MS-DOS users have switched to Microsoft Excel." The publisher also said worldwide shipments have more than doubled from 1991 to 1992. -- IBM and Intel Develop Deigital Video Technology IBM Corp. and Intel Corp. this week announced plans for digital video (DVI) technology that will include enhancements to Actionmedia and their continuing partnership in the joint development of DVI. DVI technology allows digital full- motion video and audio to be com- pressed, stored and displayed on '386 and '486 computers with graphics, still pictures and text. DVI enhancements that IBM is planning include microcode improvements and enhanced software interfaces for developers and should support standards for stored video, videoconferencing and still images. In addition, IBM will release a new version of real time video software that will allow software-only playback on 486 platforms at reduced resolution and frame rate. It will also run at full resolution and frame rate when played through the Intel's Actionmedia II adapter. -- 64 Million PC's in Use New data from Northbrook, Ill., researchers at PC Watch indicates more than 64 million Americans now regularly use personal computers either at home, at school or at work. "It is interesting for us to learn that so many Americans find the personal computer to be a necessity, and that they use it both on and off the job," said Scott Johnson, president of Tech Scan, which launched PC Watch in June to gather industry statistics. "It certainly appears hardware and software manufacturers are battling for market share." According to a statement from the company, 34% of all U.S. households now regularly use an IBM or compatible or an Apple Macintosh PC. Johnson said IBM PC compatible and Mac users are quite different demo- graphically from non-users because they tend to be younger, are more likely to have children under 18 years of age, and have more education and greater incomes than non-users. The PC Watch survey found: -:- Four-in-five PC/Mac users own an IBM or IBM-compatible PC. About one in 20 (5%) use a Mac only, with 13% using both PCs and Macs. -:- About three-fourths of PC/Mac users have a word processing program installed. Roughly one-half have a spreadsheet installed, with 40% having a database. No more than one-third of PC/Mac users have any other type of software. -:- On average, PC/Mac users have been using their computers for five years, and use it about 18 hours per week. However, only one in five consider themselves an advanced or expert software user. -:- About 25% regularly read a computer publication. Windows users are more likely to read a PC magazine relative to non-users. -:- The work-at-home, recreational and educational market account for about 30% of end-users, small companies 27%, medium companies 18%, and large companies 29% ______________________________________________________________ > WAACE'92 STR SHOW NEWS "THE PREMIER EAST COAST SHOW!" """""""""""""""""""""" WAACE'92 AtariFest Press Release ================================ 25 September 1992 GENERAL INFO: The Washington Area Atari Computer Enthusiasts (WAACE) extend to you our personal invitation to attend AtariFest '92. The "Premier East Coast Atari Show" will be held this year on the 10th and 11th of October in the exposition facilities of: The Sheraton Reston Hotel 11976 Sunset Hill Road Reston, VA 22070. This fine convention facility is located just a few miles west of Washington, DC about midway to Dulles International Airport. Those of you who have attended prior shows know what to expect, and we ask that you spread the word to others. To those who have attended previously the associated Washington area user groups extend a heartfelt "Welcome Back". Admission is a paltry $5.00 per day, or you may obtain a two day pass for $8.00. Top rank vendors and developers will be exhibiting their wares. Codehead, Gribnif, ICD, DMC Publishing (formerly ISD), Joppa, MegaType, Missionware, Toad, and over 40 others will be in attendance. Free seminars are scheduled, along with many demonstrations in our demo rooms. A gamer's paradise is in the works, and for music aficionados, a great MIDI room featuring live performances, demonstrations, and special deals from local music stores. Want to check out the Falcon? See it here in yearling plumage and flying! Door prizes? You betcha. You've got to plug in to this event! For additional general information you may call Russell Brown at 703-803-6126, or contact Ken Fassler or Betty Burchell at 301-229-1886. HOTEL INFO: ---------- The Sheraton Reston has made special provisions for 'Fest attendees. Greatly reduced rates of $59/day (single or double occupancy), and $66 (triple or quad) are being offered. These rates are available from October 8th through the 11th, but you must mention AtariFest '92 to be eligible. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-392-ROOM, or 703-620-9000. Rooms are going fast so make those reservations soon! DIRECTIONS: =========== VIA Plane ---------- Fly to Dulles Airport and complimentary hotel shuttle. Via Train ---------- Take Train to Washington Union Station then transfer to the RED Metro train marked "Shady Grove" and go to the Metro Center stop. Transfer to the Orange Metro train marked "Vienna" and get off at the West Falls Church Stop. Catch the Metro Bus marked "5S" and "Reston/Herndon". Get off at the stop marked "Colt's Neck Road and Sunrise Valley". Proceed to the Sheraton Reston Hotel. Via Auto -------- Take the Capital Beltway, I-495 to Exit 12W to Washington Dulles Airport. Take the Washington Dulles Toll Road (Rte 267) Exit. Follow the Dulles Toll Road to the Reston Parkway, Exit 3. Turn left at the Traffic light onto Reston Parkway. Turn left again at the 2nd light onto Sunrise Valley Dr. Follow Sunrise Valley Dr. to the Sheraton Reston on the left. BANQUET: -------- The Banquet will be Saturday night with cocktails at 6:30 pm and dinner at 8:00 pm. The WAACE Banquet has always been a great place to meet and dine with the Atari worlds most famous developers authors, and just plain folks. For tickets contact Bob Janice at GEnie R.Janice or phone (703) 222-0318. Hurry, tickets are going FAST! VENDORS: -------- The following Vendors are scheduled to attend the 1992 WAACE AtariFest. Lexicor Software Corporation * eSTeem Joppa Computer Products * Gribnif Rising Star Computers * MegaType Missionware Software * Codehead Unicorn Pub.(A.I.M.) * WizWorks! Step Ahead Software * SKWare One Mars Merchandising * Taylor Ridge Books * CompuServe D M C Publishing * Maxwell CPU Barefoot Software * ST Informer Debonair Software * Accusoft ST A B C Solutions * Fair Dinkum Compucellar West * WizzTronics * BaggettaWare Oregon Research * D.A.Brumleve Dragon Software * Current Notes Computer Studio * Clear Thinking FAST Technology * Toad Computers J M G Software * ( WHO'S NEXT ? ) Call DTACK (Ken or Betty )about consignment opportunities at: (301) 229-1886 !!! PUBLICITY: ---------- In addition to our print magazine advertising and the on line services, and as a means to say hello to our Atari friends in foreign lands, the WAACE AtariFest '92 is reaching out around the world on the international shortwave radio bands. You may hear our advertisements by tuning to the broadcasts of Radio New York International (RNI) in the 41 meter band at 7435 KHz between the hours of 0100 and 0500 UTC on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th of September, and on the 5th of October, 1992. In the United States, these hours translate to 9:00pm until 1:00am EST, on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th of September, and on the 4th of October, 1992. SEMINARS: --------- For many years now the WAACE show has included a seminar series as a way to educate as well as to entertain our audience. The offerings listed below reflect the desire of the WAACE committee to help Atari users get the most out of their computers. Enjoy. WAACE Seminar Schedule - Ver 2.0 23 September 1992 Saturday - 11 October 1992 -------------------------- 1100 - The 30 Second Commute - Don & Carole Terp The authors of a new book tell how they run Read Mountain Press out of their home with the help of Atari computers and DTP hardware and software. Look for their new book. 1200 - Tele-Media on the Atari Platform - C. Smeton, Joppa SoftwareDev The developer of STraight FAX describes how techonological advances in Digital Signal Processing and semiconductor design are bringing "Power Without The Price" to FAX, Voice Mail, and Caller ID services using Atari's ST/STe/TT and Falcon 030 computers. 1300 - Professional CADD Using DynaCADD -S. Winick, Computer STudio The owner of Computer STudio, who is also a registered architect, will demonstrate why he chooses DynaCADD on a TT/030 to fulfill his high-powered CADD workstation requirements. 1400 - A Few Little Extras for Your ST - Steve Cohen - Wizztronics Want to switch between TOS ROM sets? How about selecting which cartridge to run using software? Or maybe you have more than one printer. 1430 - EditTrack Gold - Jeff Naideau, Barefoot Software Professional musicians demonstrate MIDI sequencing as used in live performances and studio work. 1500 - Fun with Calamus SL - Mario Georgiou, DMC Software DMC's DTP expert offers entertaining hints and kinks for getting the most out of your Atari based workstation for Desktop Publishing. Whether you use dot-matrix, a laser printer,or four-color film separations you'll want to attend this seminar. 1600 - The Online Experience - Using the major services Representatives from Compuserve, GEnie, and Delphi tell how to get computer help and enrich your life in general by using the online services. 1700 - STReport International Online Magazine The publisher and staff of the liveliest online magazine with news and views for the Atari computer user and enthusiasts alike will be onhand to to answer your questions. The topics will range from the future of Atari to the new product offerings. Sunday - 12 October 1992 -------------------------- 1100 - Professional MIDI with Cubase - Mike Cloninger, Computer STudio This seminar will describe the wide-ranging capabilities of Cubase 3.0 as used with a TT/030. Additional MIDI gear will include several KAWAI keyboards, a ROLAND drum machine, and various effect processors. 1200 - Souping Up Your Old ST - Panel Jim Allen, Dave Small, and Dave Troy with the latest on accelerators, network cards, memory add-ons, and disk drives for getting some extra mileage out of your old ST computers. 1300 - Getting the Most from Your Modem - Telecomm Software Overview Panel How to choose the best telecommunications software. Terminal emulations, file downloading, text capture, and scripting capabilities will be discussed by authors and users of telecommunications programs. 1400 - Meet Atari's Falcon030 (Panel Discussion) Developers who have been fortunate enoughto have access to the newest line of Ataricomputers will describe the machines andtheir capabilities. 1500 - Meet the Atari Press Question the folks who bring you the news in print. Meet with the publishers and staffers of AIM, Current Notes, and any others who happen to be on hand. CONTACTS: Phone... Russ Brown at 703-803-6126 for General info. Bob Janice at 703-222-0318 for Banquet Info. Ken Fassler at 301-229-1886 for Vendor Info. Online contacts are: CIS: Richard Gunter 70117,2565. GEnie: R.BROWN127 Delphi: JDBARNES Internet: Johnbarnes@enh.nist.gov From everyone making preparations for the WAACE AtariFest 92, we wish all our friends around the world the best of everything. SEE YOU AT THE FEST!!! ________________________________________________________________ > ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" PEOPLE... ARE TALKING ===================== On CompuServe ------------- compiled by Joe Mirando From The Atari Productivity Forum ================================= The first order of business this week is that pesky ST FORMAT version of SPECTRUM 512. For anyone who doesn't know, ST FORMAT is the premier ST magazine in Great Britain. Every month they provide at least one disk (for the past several months there have been two disks) chock full of programs for the ST. Last week Daniel Biron asked if anyone else was having trouble with SPECTRUM 512, which was provided on this month's cover disk. I also had experienced problems with SPECTRUM and was anxious to find out if it was a problem with the disk itself or if I was doing something wrong. I had tried to run the program on several different machine/TOS versions, all with the same effect: The work screen, which is supposed to be black, displayed a series of diagonal orange bands and pictures would not display correctly. It began to look like the disk was at fault. Continue through this stale monologue, dear reader, and see the old adage about the simple explanation being the best proven. Daniel tells Dazzz Smith: "Spectrum from ST Format does not work at all. The images I load are all fouled up. Is it only me?" Dazzz, being the helpful type, says: "I'll check my copy Daniel and let you know, what computer/TOS have you got." Daniel replies: "I have an 1040 STf with a SC 1435 monitor; I think I have TOS 1.02." Dazzz tries his copy of the ST Format disk and says: "Well i've just tried my copy of Spectrum 512 from the cover disk and it works fine on my 520 STM TOS 1.4 and 2.5 meg memory." Rob Huggins tells Daniel: "I have that disk and it is working for me - maybe someone used X-ray glasses on your copy of the mag??" Not to be outdone, Daniel tells Rob: "I hope the guy who X-rayed it got a whole "spectrum" of headaches!" Okay folks, here it comes. Remember that I said that SPECTRUM 512 came on the ST FORMAT cover disk? And remember that ST FORMAT is a _BRITISH_ magazine? Well, Europe used a different hertz rate for monitors than we do here in the 'States. Okay... anybody who still hasn't caught on can wait a moment more to slap their foreheads. Trevor Watkins posts: "This is the UK version ,you will have to run a change to 50Hz prg in your AUTO folder to use it. If you are using a T.V. then I think you will have to forget it." All right, that's enough of the head-slapping. I know because I've been slapping my forehead for the past three days. You see? It _is_ usually the little things that do the trick. Several hertz rate switching programs are available in the forums here on CompuServe. Well, now that we've solved that little mystery (all right, all right, so Trevor solved it), let's move on to other news. Last week John Zangrando asked about what was recommended to aide in the control and manipulation of desk accessories. Sysop Ron Luks replies simply: "My vote is for MultiDesk Deluxe. You wont be sorry." Mark Kelling tells John about a shareware alternative: "You might want to get "The Chameleon" DA.. It allows you to load and unload any one other ACC at a time. So, you can keep those ACCs you need loaded and then load Stalker or whatever to do your file transfers and then dump it and load another ACC. Also, you can have your ACC programs named with _any_ extender or stashed many folders deep out of the way and Chameleon and find and load it. I keep two copies of the Chameleon active so I can load and unload any two ACC programs I need at a particular time. Usually the ACC programs I find I need are a Binary/Hex calculator and a GEM Clipboard manipulator in addition to a control panel and UIS 3. By loading the Clipboard and Calc only when I need them, it saves time at boot up. The Chameleon also allows me to test ACC programs when I download them from CIS or when I write one myself. Sure beats rebooting my ST! The Chameleon is not perfect. Some ACCs refuse to unload, especially ones which tie themselves deeply into the STs operating system or Traps. Also, a few older ACCs (The STart TI 59 type calculator is one) simply refuse to load. But, 99% will work perfectly. Also, it is best to load the ACC and unload it from the same place. What I mean is if you load the ACC while you are inside a program, unload it before you exit. Otherwise you may not get all your free memory back. Look for CHAMELEON in the ACC library here!" Brian Campbell tells John: "I'm running Notator 3.1 on my Mega2, and the thing that I have found to be in invaluable in Desk Manager. It's located in the online libraries (ShareWare) You should be able to find it with the file finder. Desk Manager allows you to set up many different presets for your various needs. For example, I have one desktop with minimal Accs (Control Panel and MaxiFile) that will autorun Notator with max memory free. Others desktops for all my accs, memory intensive programs, etc... by the way, I've got Neodesk 3 running with all of this." Meanwhile, on the subject of advertising and media exposure, Steve Gould posts: "It's time one manufacturer woke up and realized that the big home computer market isn't with kids playing games (cos thats Nintendo/Sega land) and it isn't home accounts (cos thats PC land and Dad's too lazy to learn anything else) I reckon if they wanna sell big they have to go for the gap in between - Left school, working, loads of disposable income, links in with the HiFi ..Graphic EQ ... improve quality of analog tapes.. remove scratches from 45's...link to TV... CD-Rom ... It could be THE black box the world has been waiting for - to give a real excuse for getting longer leads for linking the Hi-Fi to the TV/VCR!!!!!! This machine has got so much going for it, I just can't stop myself from bursting. I can't wait to see how they're gonna market it in the UK. I think I've said enough - I wouldn't want the Tramiels on the phone offering me a job as European Marketing Manager! Or would I?" From The Atari Arts Forum ========================= Jim Linton asks about his new STe: "I have just bought an 1040STE I was using a 1040ST I have a few questions. Is the disk access slower then the old 1040ST with TOS ver. 1.2? It seems like it takes almost 10 sec longer to read the info file or the auto folder on my H.D. boot disk. What are the RCA jacks on the back for a head phone or what? I have owned atari computer years and this is the best yet!!!" Sysop Keith Joins tells Jim: "The disk access should be faster than under 1.2. Versions of TOS from 1.4 up have vastly improved OS software in the area of disk handling. The jacks allow you to set up the system for stereo sound output." In response to Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Magazine, who asked about a program to convert Degas PI3 format pictures to IMG format, Carl Barron posts: "Chet Walters, wrote a shareware program to convert various file formats to img. cvt2img comes to mind I do not know if it is here." Hey, isn't Albert the guy who usually _answers_ questions? Yep. that's him. Well, it just goes to show that everybody has to ask for help sometime. What's that? Oh no! Albert needs more help! He posts: "Thanks Carl maybe someone has cvt2img and will upload it. " Well, Albert answers so many questions here in the forums that I guess we should let it go... this time. ;-) Here's a program that sounds pretty neat. I'll bet that Albert already knows all about it! "[70007,3615] Lib:14 GEODSC.LZH/Bin Bytes: 126746, Count: 2, 22-Sep-92 Title : GEO DISK (sphere and surface program) Keywords: GEO-DISC GEODISC MATH GEOMETRY SPHERE TRIANGLE GEODESIC SYMMETRY DOMES This program was written for the love of perfect symmetry and the beauty of geodesic domes. This is a program that allows one to create spherical triangles. Also has a move movie feature for rotating the objects ... its great way to learn about surfaces, geometry and all of the fun things in math. This program is by Ray McKaig. This is also very interesting for anyone remotely interested in art. Very enjoyable learning experience." From The Atari Vendors Forum ============================ Bob Ledbetter asks Charles F. Johnson, Codehead extraordinaire, about upgrading to Warp 9, the screen accelerator: "I have Quick ST II (disk number 13259). How do I upgrade to Warp 9?" Charles replies: "You can upgrade from Quick ST by sending us your master disk and a check for $30.00. Send to: CodeHead Technologies P.O. Box 74090 Los Angeles, CA 90004 By the way, there's no need for a special envelope or disk mailer; just put the disk and check (and a short note explaining that you're requesting the upgrade to Warp 9) in a standard envelope and drop it in the mailbox." Adam Rogers asks for help with transferring data between an ST and a Mac: "I'm looking for a way to transfer information from an Atari ST disk to a Mac disk. I need to find an Atari Dealer on the Monterey (Ca.) peninsula or nearby. Any help would be appreciated." Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Magazine asks Adam: "What type of information do you want to transfer? If it is just text data you might see if you can upload it to a BBS and then just download to the destination MAC. Binary you could perform the same operation too. Does the MAC have a super-drive? (reads/writes 1.44m,meg floppy disks) If it does than you can format a disk on the MAC using the Apple file exchange and then copy all the files on your Atari too it and then you can read it on the MAC. When you use the Apple file exchange make sure you format it (the disk) as a 720K floppy disk. Also if you the file is very, very large it might be best to use the modem method described above instead. Dealers. The one I can think of off the top of my head is B&C computervisions they are in Santa Clara (408)-986-9960. ATY Computer in Oakland (510)-482-3775 and there is also one in San Jose ... also Best Electronics in the same area I believe." Up at the top of this week's column, I told you about ST Format magazine. Clive Parker of ST Format posts: "We now have a BBS based at the ST FORMAT office in the UK using MichTron v3 software. If anyone wants to leave a message or upload software then call this number. +44 225 461330 US and Europe 0225 461330 UK" Well folks, that's about all for this week. C'mon back and "kick yer shoes off" again next week and listen to what they are saying when... People Are Talking _______________________________________________________________ > STR Portfolio News & Information Keeping up to date... """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM """"""""""""""""""""""""" On CompuServe! by Judith Hamner 72257,271 Fans of the Science Fiction Channel can have a program guide in any of three versions. The broadcast schedule has been uploaded in Hyperlist, Diary, and Address Book format. Now you can be sure not to miss your favorite movie. See SFC_HL.ZIP, SFC_DR.ZIP, and SFC_AD.ZIP. NOTES.ZIP is a Pbasic program for keeping track of trip expenses. You can keep track of expenses with notes for meals, auto, etc. This program requires Pbasic which is available in the forum library. The most exciting news of the month comes from BSE. They have announced a new peripheral for the Portfolio. It combines a serial and parallel port and also includes an eprom with utilities which serves as a B: drive. An optional addition is a 512k upgrade. Both upgrades are compatible with the Flashdrive hard drive. See BSE.DOC for the announcement. These inexpensive upgrades together with the recently announced 1, 2, and 4 meg flash cards make the Port a powerful system. There are descriptive files in the library. *********************************************************************** IMPORTANT NOTICE! ================= STReport International Online Magazine is available every week in the ST Advantage on DELPHI. STReport readers are invited to join DELPHI and become a part of the friendly community of Atari enthusiasts there. SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI ====================== Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access DELPHI services via a local phone call JOIN -- DELPHI -------------- Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002 then... When connected, press RETURN once or twice and... At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN. DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online. If you spend more than 200 minutes online a month, you'll save money by enrolling in DELPHI's optional 20/20 Advantage Plan. You'll enjoy up to 20 hours online each month for the ridiculously low price of just $20.00! And if you go over that 20 hours, the rate goes up to only $1.20, still 1/5th the price of other services. There is no signup fee for joining the Basic Plan. There is a fee of $39 when you join the 20/20 Advantage Plan, a one-time $19 signup fee and your first month's $20 fee. These connect rates apply for access via Tymnet or SprintNet (within the continental United States) during home time (7 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays and all day weekends) or via direct dial around the clock. Telecom surcharges apply for daytime or international access via Tymnet or SprintNet. See Using DELPHI online for detailed information on telecom surcharges. For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005 DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, Mass. :IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: DELPHI INTRODUCES THE 10/4 PLAN. Effective July 1, 1992, all Basic Plan members will be upgraded to the 10/4 Plan and receive 4 hours of usage each month for only $10! For full details, type GO USING RATES. SprintNet home time to begin at 6:00 p.m.! Effective July 1, 1992, you may access DELPHI via SprintNet beginning at 6:00 p.m. local time without incurring a telecom surcharge. To find the SprintNet node nearest you, type GO USING ACCESS. Try DELPHI for $1 an hour! For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only $5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan, where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum $10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry, this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press once or twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press again. Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll officially be a member of DELPHI! DELPHI- It's getting better all the time! *********************************************************************** > The TREASURE CHESTS STR Feature NEW AVAILABLE FILES """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" GOODIES GALORE! =============== by Doyle C. Helms Jr. Software Editor @ STReport First off this week, let me apologize for the absence of TREASURE CHEST last week. I was feeling a little under the weather (understatement!) due to a virus of some type. I am now back to 100% and ready to get back to work! :) Speaking of viruses, I happened upon about 15 disks of mine infected with Signum/BPL Virus A the past few days. How they got there I will never know. After detection of this virus, I then jumped into my favorite disk/sector editor (MEMFILE 3.0) to see what this virus looked like. Once in MEMFILE I attempted to view the bootsector of drive A. MEMFILE notified me that the disk in drive A was not readable! Well, I dropped back to the desktop and attempted to display drive A contents. The drive A window only showed trash characters. All attempts to recover files from this disk were futile. I then proceeded to attempt to view 3 other suspect infected disks with similar results. Complete trashing of the disk fat tables. I am not positive if MEMFILE (or any other disk/file editor) is the "key" catalyst to this virus going off and trashing my disks, but something definitively exploded. I would STRONGLY recommend for you to obtain a virus checking program and protect you and your disks from possibly loss of data! On with the show... FILENAME : WARP 9 3.71->3.72 Update I.D. : [W9372U.LZH][CIS] - [#25842][GEnie] SIZE : 78388 UPLOADER : 76004,2232[CIS] - CODEHEAD[GEnie] STaR Value: UNRated Description: Yet another free bug-fix update from CodeHead Technologies! This LZH archive contains everything you need to update version 3.71 of Warp 9 to version 3.72. The update corrects reported problems in the automatic font/picture loading features, and adds communication with HotWire to adjust program ledgering data. NOTE: If you have version 3.70, you must first download and run the patch from 3.70 to 3.71, located elsewhere in the libraries. FILENAME : WARP 9 Update 3.70->3.71 I.D. : [#25743][GEnie] - [W9371U.LZH][CIS] SIZE : 62720 UPLOADER : CODEHEAD[GEnie] - 76004,2232[CIS] STaR Value: UNRated Description: Following closely on the heels of the release of Warp 9 3.70 at the Glendale Atarifest, here's another instant bug-fix update from CodeHead Technologies! This LZH archive contains everything you need to update version 3.70 of Warp 9 to version 3.71. The update fixes a bug that could cause crashes after booting up on a color monitor, and also provides a workaround for a conflict with the Cubase MIDI sequencer. WARP 9 -- now with Extend-O-Save, the modular screensaver! (PLEASE NOTE: this file is only for those who have purchased or upgraded to version 3.70 of Warp 9; it does not upgrade earlier versions.) Unrated because I do not YET have Warp 9 3.70! ;) FILENAME : EXTEND-O-SAVE CONSTRUCTION SET I.D. : [#25737][GEnie] - [W9MODS.LZH][CIS] SIZE : 15488 UPLOADER : CODEHEAD[GEnie] - 76004,2232[CIS] STaR Value: UNRated Description: Here's the Extend-O-Save Construction Set -- complete information on how to write modules for Warp 9's new "Extend-O- Save" screensaver! This LZH file includes the assembly language source code for a working module (Picture Fader), and a text file explaining the programming specifications in detail. Flying toasters, anyone? This file is Copyright 1992 CodeHead Technologies, but may be freely distributed provided it is complete and unaltered. Also unable to verify this file due to lack of Warp 9 3.70/1 FILENAME : HEIDISEEK 2.05a I.D. : [#25782][GEnie] SIZE : 54656 UPLOADER : C.HAFNER STaR Value: 6.5 Description: HeidiSeek 2.05a searches individual or consecutive drives for normal or hidden files matching a User Defined search string, which you can then View, Print or Unhide ! File maintenance features include R/W, R/O, Hide, FastLoad,Stamp,Thrash, Store,Delete,Copy,Move,Volume Labels & Folders. Supports User Defined mice, Install Application, File Protection, preferences and templates, PLUS MORE !!! ST/TT compatible in ALL resolutions! FILENAME : TOMS CLI SHELL I.D. : [#25641][GEnie] SIZE : 30464 UPLOADER : W.JONES43 STaR Value: 6.5 Description: Latest version of Tom Clegg's CLI... a very good command line system. Features filename and variable expansion and many MS-Dos and UNIX-style commands. Not recommended for BBS use (if you're running FidoNet, stick with TomShell 0.200). FILENAME : GEMULATOR I.D. : [#25662 & #25663][GEnie] - [GEMUL8.ZIP][CIS] SIZE : 1121280(Program)-16128(docs) UPLOADER : BRASOFT[GEnie] - 72567,302[CIS] STaR Value: UNRated Description: This is the shareware release of Gemulator - the Atari ST emulator for MS-DOS and Windows. If you own both an ST and a PC you can now run your ST software on the PC. Download this file to your PC, unZIP it with PKUNZIP, and then follow the instructions in the GEMUL8R.DOC file. Gemulator requires the use of the Gemulator ROM Reader board, available for $199.95 which includes TOS 2.06 ROM chips. Ordering information is in the DOC file. Gemulator emulates both color and mono ST screen resolutions, reads and writes ST disks on a PC, uses the PCs mouse, keyboard, hard disk and printer. A 386 or 486 machine with at least 4 meg of memory is required to run. (C) 1992 Branch Always Software. UNRated due to lack of 486 PC compatible system and GEMULATOR. FILENAME : BORDER BUNDLE 2.5 I.D. : [#25740][GEnie] SIZE : 23424 UPLOADER : G.RODGERS2 STaR Value: 6.7 Description: Border Bundle shareware accessory program for decorative borders and/or definable crop/register marks in Calamus Vector Graphic (CVG)format. 6 free functional and decorative borders included in this archive with many more available. Improvements include a search by name or number for larger libraries and the addition of an editable line thickness entry for crop/register marks. Small bug fixed in the cropmark feature as well. FILENAME : MOD CATALOG 1.1 I.D. : [#25730][GEnie] SIZE : 14208 UPLOADER : S.STANDIFORD STaR Value: 4.5 Description: MOD Cataloger version 1.01, now updated to support the TT030, also fixes some minor display bugs. MOD Cataloger helps you organize all your MOD music files. This MOD catalog database basically reads the MOD filename in extended format and places that name in a file for future reference. Do not expect any fancy bells and whistles. This program works as advertised, but is bare bones. I hope the author will expand this program to a full feature MOD database program. FILENAME : SMOOTH DRAW 2.0 I.D. : [#25725][GEnie] SIZE : 99200 UPLOADER : BALKCOM STaR Value: 7.0 Description: This is version 2.0 of Smooth Draw, with LOTS of great new features, squashed bugs, and cleaned up code. Has all the features of Degas Elite and more! Loads and saves lots of file formats, printing to EPSON compatible, clipping for programmers, sprite and mouse editor for programmers, and exact entry by pixel coordinate of most functions. Magnify, flip the picture, grab blocks for copying, move, flipping or saving and more - too much to describe here: download it and see for yourself! FILENAME : MULTI COLOR SPRITE GENERATOR I.D. : [#25718][GEnie] SIZE : 1792 UPLOADER : R.HARRINGTO1 STaR Value: 5.5 Description: This is an upgrade of the multi-color sprite generator for GFA. Two files included -- GFA list file showing example and including comments and instructions. Second file is an assembly routine used to generate the sprites. FILENAME : SOUNDKIT (SOURCE CODE) I.D. : SNDKIT.ARC[CIS] SIZE : 73483 UPLOADER : 76702,1466[CIS] STaR Value: UNRated Description: This is the C language SOURCE CODE for a group of sampled sound format conversion utilities. (It DOES NOT contain any executable program files,the source MUST be compiled before it can be used directly on an ST). The Sound Kit utilities will convert between SUN .AU, MAC HCOM, AMIGA/SGI AIFF,IRCAM, and IBM SoundBlaster .VOC sampled sound formats. Copyrighted by Lance Norskog, but freely usable by anyone. FILENAME : MICHTRON NETWORK 2.0 I.D. : [MICHTRON NETWORK 2.0 (MNET)][Delphi]-MNET20.LZH[CIS] SIZE : 115712 UPLOADER : DPJ[Delphi] - 71051,3327[CIS] STaR Value: UNRated Description: MichTron NETwork (MNET),version 2.0. This latest version has speeded up many of the networking processes and upgraded the way in which messages are maintained. This archive includes _all_ the necessary files needed to add networking to MichTron 3.0 systems, ONLY. This program is shareware. Join the MNET today - systems running MNET worldwide!! FILENAME : ST TO WINDOWS CONVERSION I.D. : [ST TO WINDOWS CONVERTER][Delphi] SIZE : 21176 UPLOADER : BACHAND[Delphi] STaR Value: UNRated This program is for Atari developers that want to port a GEM based program to Windows. It converts a resource file (designed for the ones created by Laser C resource editor) to a Windows .RC file. You'll need the .DEF file (on the Atari side) that contains the symbol names and wincvt will make you a new one with definitions appropriate for Windows. It does NOT convert icons or boxchar's but does get all your text, boxes, and edit entries in the right places. Source file is INCLUDED. As is. Runs only on Atari. FILENAME : VIOLENCE GAME I.D. : [VIOLENCE GAME][Delphi] SIZE : 164096 UPLOADER : ARAGONIA[Delphi] STaR Value: 6.5 Description: Violence- A great game from England. This is a full game, not a demo. This program will run from medium res., but will bomb sooner of later, so it's best to run it from low in the first place. Tested on TOS 1.0 to 1.4, works fine. Use the space bar to get to and FROM the weapons screen, the red END at the bottom of the screen will bomb on occasion. D.THOMPSON66 on GEnie recently uploaded a demo of the new version the HYPERLINK. Along with this demo there were several HYPERLINK "HAP" files. These .HAP files are the "data" portion of the HYPERLINK database system. The demo of HyperLink on GEnie is file #25781. The following files are the example HAP file for use with the demo to show the versatility of HyperLink. #25762 - Coinbook #25763 - Menu Manager #25764 - Planets #25765 - Racer 202 #25773 - Wine List #25775 - Baseball Cards #25777 - Inventory #25778 - Message/Address #25779 - NoteBook If you are looking for a premier database for your home or office, be sure to check out this HyperLink demo and associate files. Well that is about it for the highlights this week. If you would like to see a special article covering games, graphics or whatever, drop me a line and I will highlight some of the "special" file listings for your favorite on-line service along with a filename/number listing so you can quickly find the file you want or need. Until next time... *********************************************************************** :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT: _________________________________ To sign up for GEnie service: Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo) Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN. GEnie Announcements (FREE) 1. Your friends can STILL earn you GEnie credits.................*BUDDY 2. DISNEY Trivia Games BACK by popular demand - Win Prizes in....FLORIDA 3. Author TIM POWERS in RTC, Sunday at 8:00 Eastern in the.......SFRT 4. Request FREE Catalogs from Lands' End. Just type.............LANDSEND 5. FREE TIME x 10 makes you glad that you own a Commodore........FLAGSHIP 6. Telecommuting in the 90's RealTime Conference in..............PF 7. Special Offer, for MEMBERS ONLY in............................SOFTCLUB 8. The adult space fantasy welcomes its first Duke...............FED 9. REGISTER Now For Fall Term ONLINE COURSES.....................CALC 10. NEW SOFTWARE & UPGRADES at....................................PARSONS 11. ExpressFAX and MTEZ support files available on................WP 12. Powerful new FONT ELIMINATOR now available on the.............PSRT 13. Homebased and Small Business Owners -- Meet Your Peers........*HOSB 14. Hurricanes, Typhoons, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, all in the......SPACERT 15. Get Your Business Listed in a Searchable Online Database.....DIRECTORY The Atari ST RT |======================================================| | Real Time Conference Special Events Calendar | |======================================================| | Sept. 28 - A forum on CodeHead Graphic Tools, | | (Monday) including Megapaint, Avant Vector, Genus, | | Cherry Fonts and other utilities. Also | | featuring Warp 9's extensible screensaver,| | Extend-O-Save. Bring your wish list for | | modules. | |------------------------------------------------------| | Oct. 5 - Dan Wilga and Rick Flashman from GRIBNIF | | (Monday) will discuss Arabesque, Convector and | | their other fine products. | |======================================================| | All Real Time Conferences begin at 10:00 p.m. EDT | |======================================================| = DARLAH'S TREAT OF THE MONTH = This month's "Darlah's Treat of the Month" on page 475, Option #9 is Diamond Edge EDGEDEMO. Type m475;9 to receive this months "Treat". This archive contains a demo version of Oregon Research's new program Diamond Edge. The most advanced set of disk management tools available for your Atari ST: Disk and data recovery, Complete Undelete, file validation and disk diagnostics, Data protection, Disk optimization, Bad sector mapping, hard disk partitioning, Disk information archival editing and restoration, and much more. Diamond Edge will be released on September 12 at the Glendale show. Brought to you by Oregon Research Associates. Last Week's Top Downloaded Programs/Utilities: ------------------------------------------------- 25781 RUN_HLNK.LZH X D.THOMPSON66 920917 172032 119 2 Desc: Run Only Version of HyperLINK 25804 MEHRCPXE.LZH X W.DOHMSTREIC 920919 25216 98 2 Desc: Two CPX programs from Germany 25729 TOSWIN11.ZOO X E.SMITH10 920913 44160 74 2 Desc: Runs TOS programs in windows 25718 MULTICOL.ARC X R.HARRINGTO1 920912 1792 61 3 Desc: Assy. routines for GFA sprites 25782 HEIDSK25.LZH X C.HAFNER 920917 54656 57 10 Desc: File Finding/Maintenance Utility GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission *********************************************************************** > CODEHEAD CONF. STR OnLine Topic - Calligrapher """"""""""""""""""""""""" Monday Night Real Time Conference Host - Lou Rocha September 21, 1992 Guest - John Eidsvoog of CodeHead Technologies Topic - Calligrapher <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Our guest this evening is John Eidsvoog of CodeHead Technologies. Before getting started, some business about how an RTC works. While the RTC room is in Listen-Only mode, you can only address our guest when I let you talk. To get my attention, just /RAIse your hand. Just enter this from your keyboard: /rai I'll acknowledge your raised hand as soon as I can, but please be patient. I will let you know when your turn is coming up. Some other RTC commands are: ? - Lists all RTC commands. /sta - Status (list) of everyone in the RTC room. /exi - Exit the RTC, but you remain logged onto GEnie. /bye - Log off of GEnie directly from the RTC. /rai - Raise your hand. Lets me know you wish to address our guest. /nam - Lets you change your nickname. <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> John, welcome. <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Thanks. Welcome everyone, and thank you for coming this evening. I don't have a text file prepared so if Mike's ready, he can start firing away ... <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> The rest of you can /RAIse your hands. By the way, we are discussing Calligrapher tonight. <[Pesty Mike] M.ALLEN14> First let me say how much I appreciate the professionalism of the CodeHeads. I wonder if you have any words on the problem I have printing boxes - where I have one line followed by another and if I box the second line I lose the bottom half of the top line? I have a couple of others, but I'll wait in line. ga <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Mike, are you using a color monitor? <[Pesty Mike] M.ALLEN14> Yep - and a 120x144 printer - looks fine on the monitor - ONLY printing problems, ga <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> I know that from the start, I noticed that the printout of shadowed boxes would leave a single white line between the box and the shadow, but your problem sounds different. I actually have never tried printing from a color monitor or while using one, that is. I've also not seen this problem but to be honest, I haven't had time to try to reproduce your problem. GA <[Pesty Mike] M.ALLEN14> Possibly related. I notice when I import a barcode with numbers on the bottom, the numbers get chopped at the bottom - printing only. ga <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Regarding the barcodes... one thing to note is that the barcodes are GEM objects... but the text in them is GDOS text rather than vector objects. If you change the size, the text may become distorted. ga <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Thanks Mike. Sanjay Agarwal has the next question. <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Hi Sanjay. <[Sanjay] S.AGARWAL> Good evening. Can you tell me if the Calligrapher program can save and read WordPerfect 5.1 format ? What formats can it save in ? <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> We've been working a bit on a WP module for importing and exporting. So far, we do not have sufficient information about Calligrapher's structures to write the full PAK. We're expecting a disk any day now. As for how long it will take after we receive it, I can't say. We'll probably start with 4.x support. And later see if we can do 5.x. Since the latest WP can save 4.x format (I think), 4.x should handle most people's needs. ga <[Sanjay] S.AGARWAL> Thanks. I take it you will be at WAACE - any offers? <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> We haven't set the WAACE price yet, but it will definitely be better than the 35$ off you get with the trade-up. It will probably be $200 or less for the Gold. ga <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Next question is from Mike Allen, then Jarius. <[Pesty Mike] M.ALLEN14> I noticed on page 30 of the Gold manual it implies that there are .LAC files for Italic and Italic_bold for Holland and Unitype. Should they have been included or can I get them? ga <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Mike, that's a good catch. I didn't notice that myself...even when you or someone asked about it in our topic. I'll have to ask the UK boys about that. I don't have those files here. GA <[Jarius] J.JENKINS19> How well does Calligrapher work with MultiTos (and does it work with the Falcon's new resolutions?) ga <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Thanks for asking, Jarius. The author is in the final stages of beta testing Calligrapher 3, which will be assuredly MultiTOS compatible. I'm confident that by the time MultiTOS is available to the public, Calligrapher will be running on it. As for the Falcon, much the same applies. As soon as a Falcon can be obtained for testing, we'll know how well it flies with her. We should be getting one soon. GA <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Followup question Jarius? <[Jarius] J.JENKINS19> Has anyone had problems with the program bombing out? Mine did (demo). GA <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Was that on a Falcon? (Job 8)<[Jarius] J.JENKINS19> I wish... STE <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Let me give a little tutorial here, about the main problems people have with Calligrapher. Calligrapher has an install program which copies the files and sets up the fonts and ASSIGN.SYS. I've written up some special instructions for special cases. Many people have Desk Manager copying an ASSIGN.SYS file into the root of C. If the user reboots like the Install program tells him to, he may lose the ASSIGN.SYS file that was just created. Other possible problems are caused by having more than one kind of GDOS in the AUTO folder. Is it possible that you had this problem? There are other possible resident conflicting programs and ACCs. Hopefully you read the README.1ST file before trying to run the demo. <[Jarius] J.JENKINS19> No, mine worked one time, then just bombed out again... But I just realized why. Thanx the tutorial helped <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Only the G+CALDEM.PRG file may be in the AUTO folder (as far as other GDOSes are concerned). We've had several people state problems with the demo, but the great majority of those who've tried it have been successful. ga <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Ed Rosen is next. <[Ed Rosen] E.ROSEN> As mentioned by MM in the ST Informer review, scrolling in the demo is slow on my 8mz ST. How fast do I need to go to make it smoother? <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Calligrapher in many ways is modeled after Mac software. The scrolling is done by blocks of text to cut down on the frequency. If you move the cursor to the top of the screen, it scrolls back by lines, but there's no way to get it to scroll forward by lines.This is something that we've asked the authors for. As for the slowness, that seems to be a common complaint from those who've tried the demo. Calligrapher is not necessarily a speed demon for getting around in a document but it's speed is quite acceptable (even at 8mHz), while actually working in a document. When people load up the README.CAL document, they spend a lot of time exploring through the document. This type of operation is fairly time consuming on a finished document because there's a lot of graphics and formatting in that document. The actually typing of normal text that most folks are going to spend a lot of time doing, seems (at least to me) to go sufficiently fast. GA <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Followup Ed? <[Ed Rosen] E.ROSEN> Explanation accepted. I'm this far away from the buy. GA <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Too bad I can't see how far you kept your fingers apart (or hands) <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> John, can you give us a quick comment on your successes at Glendale. Excluding the party? ;-) <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> We did quite well at Glendale considering the average show these days. We probably sold about the same as last year at Glendale but remember that every year we keep adding new products. This is the only way we can survive in the Atari market because there are not enough new owners of Atari computers. <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> John, as one of the "flagship" developers, what do you hope the Falcon will bring? <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Hmm..... hmmmm.... <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> The Falcon... <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Just kidding. <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> ;-) Gee, must have been a real tough question. I thought the answer was SALES. <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> We hope to have one soon so that we can make our software worthy of this great machine. The Falcon has the potential to be what the ST was back in '85. If Atari can do some magic, such as get it out the door, get some from the manufacturers, get them to dealers, and do a lot of advertising, we could all start to party instead of being so glum and overworked. .... It actually parallels our economy...let's hope that we can swing the other direction. ga <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Back to Calligrapher... what is the current pricing for your fonts? Will FSM GDOS be part of the future for Calligrapher? I was really impressed with the demo you put up of the fonts. <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> We have not actually ever posted a special bundle deal that we have for Calligrapher's URW font packs. They are $34.95 retail for each disk of a set of 64 fonts. Three for $100. And any more than three in the same order is $25 apiece. As for FSM GDOS, I'm not sure if Atari's going to actually release FSM GDOS. If they do, we're going to try to figure out a way that it can easily coexist on the same system without rebooting. Since Calligrapher already has its own outline font technology, and it's here NOW, and it works FAST, we do not get too excited about FSM GDOS. GA <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> According to the Rehbock article in ST Informer, I thought FSM GDOS was really coming in the near future. Oh well... ;-) <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Like I said, if it does come out we'll make sure that it will be able to coexist... It would be a major change to Calligrapher to start supporting another outline font system. GA <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Mike Allen has the last question. Mike? <[Pesty Mike] M.ALLEN14> Oh, I have lots of questions - but I can E-Mail them to John 8^} John, what is the story on the new PS driver? also a`how about a x-ref of callig fonts to PS fonts? ga <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Let's see... Ok, the new PostScript driver will fix some "faults" that are in the current one. I'm not sure which faults they are. It also will have the A4/A5 page sizes changed to US letter size and half-page. This means that you can automatically generate a booklet exactly like we do for all of our CodeHead manuals and the "printer's spread" is calculated for you. This is how we printed the Gold manuals. It was printed to a PS file and taken to a lino bureau. He had to use A4 paper though, and this will no longer be necessary. GA <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> I would like to thank John Eidsvoog for spending the evening with us and best wishes on Calligrapher and the other EXCELLENT CodeHead products. John, take us home...;-) <[CodeHeadJohn] J.EIDSVOOG1> Thanks, all. If you have other questions about Calligrapher, be sure to visit us in Category 32, Topic 32. GA <[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Please join us next Monday when the CodeHeads will discuss their other fine products, including Extend-O-Save. Til then....... ========================================================================== (C) 1992 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May be reprinted only with this notice intact. The Atari Roundtables on GEnie are *official* information services of Atari Corporation. ========================================================================== > FALCON UPDATE STR FOCUS! STATS AND SPECS... """""""""""""""""""""""" ATARI INTRODUCES FIRST COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR PERSONAL INTEGRATED MEDIA News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Susan Bergesen or Anne Ellingson Ron Smith or Bill Rehbock Redgate Communications Atari Corporation (415) 777-3911 (408) 745-2000 (415) 777-0896 -fax (408) 745-2088 -fax Atari Falcon030 (tm) brings high-end capabilities to the market for less than $1,000. Boston (September 23, 1992) Atari Corporation today announced the first available personal integrated media system, the Falcon030 computer. From education to entertainment, personal integrated media (PIM) has the potential to change consumers' lives as dramatically as personal computers changed business offices. The system will be available in November at authorized Atari dealers across the country. A full scale computer based on the powerful 16 MHz Motorola 68030 microprocessor, the Atari Falcon030 is specifically designed for personal integrated media functions. It gives even inexperienced users the ability to combine and manipulate video, audio, animation, telecommunications, text, and graphics. The system is optimized for these functions and incorporates technology usually reserved for high-end production systems. "The Atari Falcon030 is an ideal entry into the new and growing personal integrated media market," said Sam Tramiel, Atari's president and CEO. "It's a powerful system that gives users access to a whole new world of applications. Yet the system remains easy-to-use and affordable." Consumers will be able to use the Atari Falcon030 as a color video phone, communicating in sound and pictures with other Atari Falcon030 users. The system makes it possible to create home videos complete with text and music; record lead vocals on a favorite rock 'n roll classic with the original musicians playing along; narrate and score a family album, produce a visual family tree, invent and play an adventure game set in a childhood home; and much more. Atari Falcon030 users have immediate access to advanced PIM capabilities thanks to the following features: o Atari's Graphic Environment Manager (GEM) and built-in graphics co-processor. o A true color mode that includes more than 65,000 colors, twice the capability of the Apple Macintosh LCII. o The industry's only standard-equipped MIDI input/output ports. o 16-bit stereo sound - input and output - for the highest quality reproductive available at sample rates up to 50 kHz. o Built-in composite and RF video outputs for easy connection to video cassette recorders. o External video sync for high quality genlocking. o Overlay mode for easy video titling and special effects. o Software for PIM applications such as desktop video production, animation, music and entertainment. No other computer provides this level of performance and PIM capabilities at a more economical price. APPLICATION HIGHLIGHTS ---------------------- PIM technology will make thousands of new capabilities possible, There are already hundreds of software applications available for the Atari Falcon030, making it easy for users to accomplish a variety of new goals. MOVIE QUALITY VIDEO ------------------- With the Atari Falcon030, users can explore new avenues in home video, from inserting titles and credits to professional quality editing. They can create music videos, cartoons, and school presentations. The Atari Falcon030 offers state of the art graphics, true color 16-bit mode allowing up to 640 X 480 resolution and a display of up to 65,000 on-screen colors. It accepts external video sync for high quality genlocking, and uses a unique overlay mode for effortless titling and special effects. In addition, users can obtain composite video signals directly from the Falcon030. HIGH QUALITY AUDIO ------------------ Atari takes the music-industry standard - MIDI - one step further. The only company to provide MIDI as a standard system component, the Atari Falcon030 also incorporates Motorola's 56001 digital signal processor (DSP) for the highest quality audio and special effects capabilities, allowing users to remove lead vocals and create their own Karaoke machine or run music education programs. The Atari Falcon030 provides users with features that are usually restricted to expensive, high-end machines. But without any additional equipment, Atari Falcon030 users can record on two stereo tracks and add graphic equalization and special effects such as surround sound, harmonizing, reverberation and echo. PRICING AND AVAILABILITY ------------------------ The Atari Falcon030 is a simple to use computer that doesn't require add-on boards or other costly optional hardware. The Atari Falcon030 already includes exactly what the user needs. The machine offers a wealth of ports for communicating with existing peripherals, and application software for the Atari Falcon030 is readily available. Priced at $799.00 with 1 MB of RAM, the ATari Falcon030 is ideal for users who want a powerful, efficient, and cost-effective tool that can take advantage of today's technologies. The system will be available in November through authorized Atari dealers. Atari Corporation (AMEX:ATC) is a worldwide manufacturer and marketer of palmtop through desktop computer systems. The company sells its systems, peripherals and software through authorized distributors, resellers and integrators. _______________________________________________________________ > Falcon030 Debuts STR FOCUS! Boston Computer Society hosts Atari """"""""""""""""""""""""""" ATARI'S FALCON030 DEBUTS AT BCS =============================== by Dana P. Jacobson Have you ever seen a falcon in flight? To watch one soar and then swoop down for a perfect landing is a majestic sight indeed. The same can be said of the new Atari Falcon030 computer; I saw it do just that at the official debut of the Falcon at the Boston Computer Society's General Meeting on Wednesday evening. These machines are _extremely_ impressive! Atari pulled out all the stops to make this showing a memorable one. According to Sam Tramiel, president and CEO at Atari, the BCS meeting was the first press conference and meeting in a very long time for Atari, a long-time in coming. Except for Jack, Leonard, and Garry Tramiel, I believe that the rest of Atari's corporate ladder was in attendance: Sam Tramiel, Richard Miller, Bill Rehbock, James Grunke, and Bob Brodie. All had some significant input into the press conference and BCS meeting presentation. Sam started the meeting off with a brief history of Atari; and followed that up with Atari's current status. He stated that Atari is currently reorganizing, and has been in the process of "right-sizing" (not to be confused with down-sizing). He also feels that the time is right for Atari to grow, once again, with the introduction of the new Falcon. According to Sam, with the release of the Falcon030, Atari is introducing the first computer designed for "personal integrated media", and at a reasonable price. Sam went on to define what he considered to be the five components of personal integrated media; and why they were important. o The reproduction of photographic-quality images. Atari feels that consumers spend over 1500 hours a year watching TV, videos and movies; that consumers will demand the same quality images in their computers. o High-quality audio reproduction which is equal to (or better) than current technology of CDs and digital audio tapes. With consumers listening to 1300 hours of radio and recorded music yearly; consumers have come to know the difference between poor and high quality audio. o Media-ready for instant gratification. This means that this new system must be ready to use right out of the box, and easy to use at the same time. Users should not be _expected_ to have to buy additional hardware before being able to do what they set out to do. o Availability of interesting, entertaining, and easy to use personal software. Personal integrated media applications should focus on a user's personal interests rather than their business needs. o Value. The personal integrated media system must provide "more bang for the buck," many features for a reasonable cost. Sam went on to state that the consumers of today or more experienced and discerning than in the past. Consumers have set their own standards and are not ready to accept new technology that will not, at the least, meet those standards. Richard Miller, vice president of technology, discussed the technical advances of the Falcon030. Some of the highlights include: o Based on a 16 MHz 68030 processor, the Falcon uses a 32 MHz DSP chip (digital signal processor). The DSP chip is extremely important for sound manipulation. This includes graphic equalization, channel manipulation, surround sound, and special effects (echo, flange, and reverb). Also, the DSP makes voice recognition for input and output possible. o Direct Memory Access (DMA), a standard feature of Atari computers. o Atari's GEM and built-in graphics co-processor. o True color, including more than 65,000 colors. o MIDI input/out ports, standard on all Atari systems. o 16-bit stereo sound allowing the highest quality reproduction, and available at rates up to 50kHz. o External video sync for high quality genlock use. o Overlay mode for video titling and special effects. o Software applications for personal media system applications. Miller included a number of personal anecdotes about his "Mum", which made his presentation extremely personable. With some of the things Atari currently has available for the Falcon, and things to come, even Richard's "Mum" might be convinced to buy one; she'll be able to keep in touch with her son a lot easier, even though it still won't make her a cup of tea! Bill Rehbock, technical director of software development, discussed some of the software already developed for the Falcon, and some of the projects currently being developed. Some of the applications discussed included: desktop video, animations, desktop photo libraries, presentations, telecommunications, and music and audio. Rehbock re-enforced what Tramiel had said earlier about consumers wanting to "produce" equal or better work that they have become accustomed to seeing in real life. Rehbock then demoed some of the audio capabilities of the Falcon030, which was very impressive. He emphasized that all of these capabilities were available on the stock machine; there is no need to purchase "racks of expensive audio gear." He also went on to describe some of the software that will be bundled _with_ each Falcon, at no additional cost to the user: o Direct-to-Disk Recording - a low-end recording software. o Audio Fun Machine - an audio special effects package. o System Audio Manager - the ability to record and use sounds for system uses such as warning bells, opening windows, set individual sounds for each keystroke (great for the visually impaired user), etc. o CalAppts - a feature-packed time-scheduler and a telephone book and dialer. o ProCalc - a full-featured scientific calculator. o A talking clock! o Two games: Landmines and Breakout. Rehbock also stated that the Falcon is the only computer in its class with true 16-bit true color capabilities. Also, with the addition of a low-cost telephone line interface, the Falcon can be used as a low-cost, high-speed fax-data modem or voice-mail system. There are also other developers working on low-cost video-phones, available next year, which will be shown at COMDEX. Rehbock also demonstrated the new desktop, with animated icons and much more! He also explained MultiTOS, which be be included in every Falcon. Unfortunately, the MultiTOS disk was left behind, so a demonstration of its capabilities wasn't possible. Rehbock also stated that the Falcon was compatible with all Atari-compliant applications currently available for existing machines. James Grunke, director of Atari music, then provided the audience with a very impressive description of the Falcon's audio capabilities, and the ability of Atari MIDI to be in a class of its own, unsurpassed or even equaled by any other platform currently available. Grunke also showed how a stock Falcon compared to a Macintosh II ci with regard to price and capabilities. The Falcon beat the Mac by a 3-1 margin in price, without the need to add on hardware! Grunke then demoed some of the available MIDI software on the Falcon which really impressed the audience. Sam Tramiel then led a question and answer period. He stated that Atari was ready to roll out sample machines to dealers in November; and more quantities in December and January. They will be doing regional advertising in those areas in which Atari currently has dealers. They will then work to increase that dealer network and once they've established a better dealer network, national advertising will then be pushed. Tramiel then stated that Atari is trying to re-establish good U.S. sales, as they had back in 1987. He explained that Atari sales in the U.S., at that time, started to decline because of the RAM-chip shortage, and that Atari then began to concentrate on Europe. He stated that Atari hasn't been able to re-establish itself in the U.S. since. With the Falcon030, Atari plans to come back into the U.S. in force. It was also stated that there are some new and old developers being brought onboard. There are numerous NeXT developers who have expressed a desire to program on the Falcon. Tramiel also stated that Atari suers will be pleasantly surprised at the former Atari developers who have expressed the desire to return to the Atari platform, because of the abilities of the Falcon. Tramiel also hinted at the future line of Atari computers, including a Falcon040, a separate keyboard configuration, and a tower configuration. We can all hope that these new machines come about as well as the Falcon030 has, in its current state. There were numerous interesting questions dealing with specific applications and capabilities of the Falcon. There were many questions from Atari and non-Atari users. In fact, questions were so plentiful that the panel from Atari had to finally cut questions short to give people an opportunity to get a hands-on look at the available machines. I was extremely impressed with the presentations. The people representing Atari did an excellent job setting up this event. I was impressed with the personal touch that Atari conveyed. Sam Tramiel and his staff presented themselves and information in a formal, but personal manner. They didn't come across like "stuffed-shirt" executive types, but like people who wanted to provide as much information as possible, and in a friendly atmosphere. Even their pre-planned speeches came across in way that the audience appreciated. All of the post-meeting comments that I heard, from Atari and non-Atari users, were extremely positive. There were plenty of "oohs and ahhs". If the presentation could have gone on all night, I believe that very few people would have left; the Falcon was that impressive. This is going to be the machine that re-establishes the Atari name; it's that good. I'd like to extend my gratitude to the people at Atari and at Redgate Communications for making this meeting/presentation possible, especially for me. Sue Baelen and Anne Ellingson, of Redgate, kept me up-to-date with details of the show, before and during the meeting. They did an incredible job of helping to put this thing together. I also want to thank Bob Brodie for his gracious hospitality throughout the day. I was allowed to "tag along" for an informal luncheon with Bob a few people from the BCS/Atari group, including Jim Allen. It was also enjoyable to help set-up the equipment and get a pre-show hands-on opportunity to check out the Falcon. The Atari travel bag will also come in very handy! Again, Bob, thanks! With all of the information about the Falcon030 contained in this issue, I think that you'll agree with me that this new machine will be a huge success. My hopes are that Atari will take advantage of this phenomenal machine and have an incredibly successful marketing and advertising plan in store for it. With all of the information provided at this meeting, it will take a well-considered plan to make it all happen. From all that Sam Tramiel said, I honestly believe that he believes in this machine and that Atari will be committed to make it a successful campaign and make Atari a household name once again. What he alluded to with the future of Atari and its new line of machines, I think that the Falcon will be a long line of successful Atari computers. I know one thing: I plan to get one as soon as I can! _____________________________________________________________ > BCS OverView STR FOCUS! BCS & Atari Falcon Debut """"""""""""""""""""""" BOSTON COMPUTER SOCIETY SHOWS FALCON 030! ========================================= by Steve Selick Well, I just got back from downtown Boston, where the Boston Computer Society gave the first public appearance of the Falcon 030 to the public (me). I forgot a notepad, so these notes are direct from the back of business cards...please bear with me if I get a name misspelled... :-) Bob Brodie started off the meeting, and immediately introduced Sam Tramiel after some boring business. Sam spoke for a bit on the history of Atari, and such, and then brought out Richard Miller, the head of the Falcon development team. He went into all of the gory details of the guts of the machine, all of which have already been confirmed numerous times already on the net. Perhaps the most exciting part of the night was when they announced several software packages that will be bundled with every falcon. Falcon 2d2 - software from Atari to start using the 8 channel direct to disk stuff immediately when you get your machine! Yeah Atari!!! We saw a brief demo of this program...very impressive! SYSTEM AUDIO MANAGER - attach sampled sounds to any system command, including a different sound for each key (note that these are handled by the dsp chip and do not detract from normal operations!) AUDIO FUN MACHINE - This is a cute dsp program to show the capabilities of the dsp chip for sound processing. It does reverberation, and DISTORTION! Very cool little program. Calapt - calendar/appointment utility ProCalc - Calculator prg Talking Clock - you figure it out! 2 GAMES especially designed to show off the Falcon! LAND MINES AND BREAKOUT! The prices they gave were consistent with net postings; $ 799.00 for the 1 meg $1299.00 for the 4 meg/65 meg version. These items are direct from Sam Tramiel: NOVEMBER - start shipping first units DECEMBER - shipping in quantity (for x-mas I suppose...) JANUARY - relief quantities for backorders will be shipped. Then came the q/a section, and some interesting facts came out... There are oscilloscope programs using the dsp in the works...to do fft's and all on your waveforms in "near real time" They played a Tina Turner video made in Australia of "You're the Best". 3 minute video took 100 meg of hard drive space which included video & audio. They used a 14 meg machine, and said it would not yet work on a 4 meg machine, but they have a compression algorithm in the works that may make it work...they also said the video was 24 frames per second. A company called Sack in Germany has a functioning 386sx board ready for production. Sam Tramiel said that "NeXT developers are coming to us and asking for development systems because they expect that we will sell more falcons in 1 month than NeXT sells in a year! ... We sure hope so!" He also said that Amiga developers, unimpressed with the 4000 are also coming to Atari for development kits. He said the Jaguar would be out in the summer of 93, and would not comment on it further because this was a "Falcon meeting" They forgot the multitasking os disk... typical... The roms will have different languages burned right in them to allow Atari to ship computers to different countries with the same roms. The disk will be for "minor updates, and language specific material" whatever that means. The roms will be 4 meg worth! The Falcon will actually display ST monochrome mode on a standard SC1224 color monitor! In total, they said that the Falcon supports over 130 different screen modes and resolutions. At the end, they played a complete sample of Boston's "Foreplay/Long Time". Sampled at 50 khz, it took 96 meg of hard drive space. They also mentioned that Atari was working on software modules to read and write different floppy disk formats, including the mac GCR! Somebody asked if Dave Small had spectre working yet, and Sam Tramiel responded "Well...I saw him in our offices last week..." but did not know what he had accomplished yet. When asked why they chose the 16 mhz 68030 instead of a faster one, Sam Tramiel said that with all of the separate processing centers (68030, dsp, blitter, optional co-processor, etc) that they felt the machine to be comparable to machines with faster "workhorse processors that have to handle everything". He said much faster machines would be appearing "very shortly". Well, that's enough typing for me for one night...That's all I can remember. Oh...they gave away a falcon as a door prize, and I didn't win it...darn! /comp/sys/atari/st/general/Boston Computer Society meeting information 1073.3.21642.3 9/23/92 19:29 102/4413 selick@csa.bu.edu (Steven Selick) ___________________________________________________________ > MOTOROLA & ATARI STR FOCUS! Motorola & Atari! """"""""""""""""""""""""""" MOTOROLA'S 68030 MICROPROCESSORS POWER ATARI'S FALCON030 PERSONAL INTEGRATED MEDIA COMPUTER Press Release EDITORIAL CONTACT: ----------------- Sally Winship, 617-494-8202 of Cunningham Communication, Inc. READER CONTACT: -------------- Roy Druian of Motorola, 512-891-2139 for Motorola AUSTIN, TX SEPT. 23, 1992 Motorola's (NYSE: MOT) High Performance Microprocessor Division today announced that its 68030 provides the processing power for Atari Corporation's new Atari Falcon030, the industry's first personal integrated media system. The Atari Falcon030 is a full-scale computer based on the powerful 68030 and is specifically designed for personal integrated media functions including video, audio, animation, telecommunications and graphics. Users of the Atari Falcon030 can create home videos complete with text and music; can record lead vocals on a favorite musical recording; can narrate and score a family photo album and can execute many more exciting applications. The Atari Falcon030 also incorporates Motorola's 56001 digital signal processor (DSP) to process and manipulate compact disc quality digital audio and voice signals which, combined with the 68030's processing power and Atari's integrated software, makes the Atari Falcon030 a complete personal integrated media system. This announcement is an example of how microprocessors are entering the home through the burgeoning availability of consumerized computing devices. "With the introduction of the Atari Falcon030, Atari is raising the standards of consumerized computing to a new level, providing integration of text, music and images with unparalleled levels of quality, performance and price," said Jim Reinhart, Motorola's manager of M68000 marketing and applications. "The robust processing capabilities of the 68030 make it an ideal microprocessor for such a graphically-based product as the Atari Falcon030." "The Atari Falcon030, with the help of Motorola's 68030 and 56001 DSP, is bringing production-quality graphics, professional-level recording and audio manipulation capabilities to the consumer," said Sam Tramiel, president and CEO of Atari. "The processing power of Motorola's 68030 allows the Atari Falcon030 to be a powerful full-scale computer, giving users access to a new world of applications while remaining affordable." The Motorola 68030 integrates advanced features into a full 32-bit microprocessor design, optimized for low-cost, memory-based applications. Its burst fill functionality provides an efficient bus and memory interface, enabling the 68030 to substantially increase overall system throughput. This capability is especially well-suited for multimedia personal integrated media products, such as the Atari Falcon030, that require large amounts of information to be continuously transmitted from external memory to the processor's dual internal caches. The efficient memory interface results in cost and time savings, allowing the Atari Falcon030 to achieve excellent price/performance ratios. Available immediately, the Atari Falcon030 is priced under $1,000, making it ideal for users who want a powerful, efficient and cost-effective device to harness today's myriad technologies. Having 1991 worldwide sales exceeding $3.6 billion, Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector is the largest U.S.-based broad line supplier of semiconductors, with a balanced portfolio of more than 50,000 devices. Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of electronic equipment, systems, components, and services for global markets. Products include two-way radios, pagers and telepoint systems, cellular telephone systems, semiconductors, defense and aerospace electronics, automotive and industrial electronic equipment, computers, data communications, and information processing and handling equipment. Motorola was a winner of the first Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 1988, in recognition of its superior company-wide quality management process. Atari Computer Corporation is a worldwide manufacturer and marketer of palmtop through desktop computer systems. The company, a division of Atari Corporation (AMEX: ATC), sells its systems, peripherals and software through authorized distributors, resellers and integrators. ___________________________________________________________ > GEnie BCS RTC STR OnLine Excerpt from Atari RT Open conference """""""""""""""""""""""" This is an excerpt from the open conference held every wednesday evening in the Atari RT on GEnie at about 10pm. (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Come on, Bob, how'd the meeting go? (15) True 16 bit color, DSP power, and 14 megs of ram. (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Which press was there? (15) Dorothy, the meeting went very well. The crowd was much smaller.. (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> The thing I like is the flexibility regarding monitors. (15) than BCS had told us it would be. However, the meeting went off (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> How many, Bob? (15) pretty well without a hitch. The press conference was also small, (15) but went very well. BCS had 100-150 people there. (14)<[Rich] WAFWOT> BCS? (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> That is small. (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> Boston computer Society, Rich (14)<[Rich] WAFWOT> ahhhh (7)<[Hutch] FAIR-DINKUM> Ouch! Tiny is more like it. (15) Yes, we were told they would have a minimum of 400 people. (9) So Bob we now have an official roll out of the falcon? (4) Bob, maybe you should try the Capitol PC Group they get more than (4) that at a monthly meeting. (15) Yep, now we've started and we can move on. (15) JD, not a bad idea. Stanford draws more than that, too. (15) And we could stay home that way, too. :) My wife would like it. (4) One of our developers who may have a Falcon soon goes to those (4) meetings maybe he can make contact for you guys. (15) That would be very nice. (16)** is here. (15) The thing that was very nice was just to DO IT, and get the... (11) Hi P (15) experience of doing it behind us. Tomorrow, Bill is going to ... (15) file a TV show on PBS called PC TV in New Hampshire. He's going.. (15) along with Ron Smith, our new GM, and the PR people. (15) This show claims an audience of 40 million people, but I've .... (15) not seen it before. (15) Seems that Computer Chronicles is dead, 'tis a pity. (11) it sure is..... (4) Bob, that sounds very doubtful for anything on PBS. (9) you mean no more Jim Kent interviews! (11) a pity that is (15) All the demos went well, no crashes, the videos looked great. (3)<[Ringo] LEXICOR2> Bob, so should we check our local TV station for times? (15) And the crowd applauded! :) (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> Was it running with MultiTOS? (15) I understand that they are filming in the AM, and televising in... (15) the PM on the SAME DAY! So yes...do check your listings. (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> which press was there? Did you answer that? (15) DD, no, we didn't run MultiTOS. (4) Any idea of the composition of the crowd? (9) chicken! (15) Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, InfoWorld,... (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Was Dana there? ;-) (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Or Jim Allen? (15) Yes, Dana was there. (15) Jim Allen too, they both just left about 10 minutes ago. (4) Is there a further demo session tomorrow? (15) They were very helpful, I appreciated their assistance. (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> Was it hooked up to a BIG stereo system?? %^) (5)<[Lisa] E.LAWRENCE3> Got to run, G'night all. See you at Atarifest if you don't hear from me again before the eighth of October. (15) Tomorrow night we're going to the BCS Atari Sig. (11) Nite, Lisa (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Bye Lisa! (7)<[Hutch] FAIR-DINKUM> Nite, Lisa. (4) Looking forward to meeting you KLisa. (15) Yes, DD. It was running on a 400 watt 16 channel stereo system. (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Is it smaller than the 100 tonight? (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> WOWZA, Bob... bitchin (4) Probably so, Dot. (15) All of our screen slides were done with Prism Paint, looked great (15) Dot, they project about 20-15 people. (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> Introduce any new software with it? (9) Just what I like to here! very good Bob brodie, you are doing (15) ooops, 20-25 (9) every thing right! (15) Yes, Falcon D2D, direct to disk recording software which will.. (15) be included free of charge with every Falcon sold. (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Woof. (15) It was favorably compared to Sound Tools, which sells for $1500. (4) Great! A novel application! (15) There are a total of 8 pieces of software bundled. (15) So, it's pretty cool. (7)<[Hutch] FAIR-DINKUM> No, not enough RAM for a novel... maybe just a short story. :) (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> which ones? (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Kidprgs, by any chance? ;-) (15) I knew I could count on you to ask, DD. Thanks... :) (17)** is here. (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> just trying to help JD get the whole story... LOLOL (11) Hi Joe (15) System Audio Manager (SAM) which allows the user to configure... (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> hi Jammer! (15) each key stroke to a specific sound. But has no system slow down. (17)<[Joe] J.MIRANDO1> Hi everyone! (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Wow, help for blind typists, eh? (15) It plays New Wave sounds, AVRs, all Mac Sounds including.. (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> ;-) (15) soundmaster, etc. Pretty exhaustive. Actually, Dorothy, we did... (15) a demo with someone singing the ABC song, and they assigned the.. (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> not the dreaded "monkey squeak" (15) correct name to each key...really funny sounding. (15) Lots of Star Trek sounds on our machines. :) Message sent to 12 (4) (he's dead, Jim) (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> I can sure think of a neat enhancement for Kidpublisher right now... (9) How about the tonal hello from Close Encounters? (15) Pro Calc, a full fledged programming and math calculator. (3)<[Ringo] LEXICOR2> Good idea Lee. (15) Calappt, a revised version of a rolodex style Calendar Appoint. (9) it could play every time you Boot or reset the system! (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Does it do symbolic logic? (15) keeper, with alarms, notepad, etc. (15) Yes. (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Cool. (15) a couple of games, LandMines and Breakout, in true color with... (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Are these Atari-specific applications, or are they ports from other platforms? (15) digitized sound. (15) These are all Atari specific, but they have drawn on others... (15) for a frame of reference. Like SoundMaster, for instance. (16) So how much is this all gonna cost us? (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> what about business/productivity applications, Bob?? (4) With enough hard disk to record sound, DP? (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Will any of these applications work on the ST? (15) That's all included at no charge with every Atari Falcon030. (15) SAM will work on an STE or TT, but not on an ST. No DMA sound. (16) which costs... (9) I think the tiny HD in the Falcon is so cute:-) (15) All the others should work fine, in their correct rez. (14)<[Rich] WAFWOT> is anything planned with updating Word Up? (9) Word up??? Barf! (14)<[Rich] WAFWOT> I use it every day! (15) 1 meg of ram, no HD = $799 list, 4 meg of ram 65 meg HD =$1399 (4) Bob, how about a public compatibility list for existing software? (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> This is very neat. Word Up aside... (6)<[Swampy] D.D.MARTIN> 4 meg - NO hd? (9) Thats a good price well done dude! (15) JD, you already asked Bill about that, remember? :) (15) 4 meg, NO hd, sorry...no such animal today. (4) Yes, Bob, I just wanted to know if there is anything new on it (15) All of the initial machines will have 4 meg 65 meg HD. (4) Good Idea. (15) JD, we've been very focused on BCS. :) Maybe soon. (5)** is here. (16) any idea when these will be available in the U.S.? (14)<[Rich] WAFWOT> any plans of putting the Falcon in a Mega-type case? (4) Has Pacific begun on the project yet? (9) hay for 799 some one with an external HD thats a great price. (15) JD, I have no idea. Bill is handling that. (15) Patton, in mid-late October. Check the Sam CO file in the library (15) There is lots of great Falcon info in that file, along with... (16) gotta go. Cya. Thanks for the info! (15) the conference that Bill Rehbock did. (3)<[Ringo] LEXICOR2> Lee, I seen a 21mb Floptical drive SCSI for $479.00. (2)<[Daryl] D.MONGE> Purple Mountain is offering a 2MB Floptical for 399 incl. ICD LINK. (10)<[John] J.EIDSVOOG1> 21MB (3)<[Ringo] LEXICOR2> That is even better. (2)<[Daryl] D.MONGE> oh well.... (2)<[Daryl] D.MONGE> fat fingers (3)<[Ringo] LEXICOR2> I was looking at a Mac mail order magazine. (12)<[Lou] L.ROCHA1> Sure, tell me AFTER I buy a Syquest... ;-) (4) Purple Mountain? The GEMulator folks? (9) I got 432 MB for about 399? (2)<[Daryl] D.MONGE> Yep. I've been wondering if this is a reasonable offer. (7)<[Hutch] FAIR-DINKUM> Hey, the Syquests are still good units, Lou! Not many folks have Flopticals. (4) How do folks think the floptical reliability will compare with (4) Syquest? (3)<[Ringo] LEXICOR2> Lou, their Syquest drive SCSI are $599.00 (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> I'm happy with my SyQuest. (15) Well, I have to sneak off for a while. Time for dinner. :) (15) I'll try to stop back by later on. (11) Nite, Bob and thanks! (4) Smoke hasn't killed it yet, Dorothy? (7)<[Hutch] FAIR-DINKUM> Later, Bob. Thanks for stopping by. (8)<[Baaad Dot!] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Bob, get me all those things I want, eh? (3)<[Ringo] LEXICOR2> Night, Bob Brodie! (15) Nite... ==================================================================== (C)1992 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari RoundTables. May be reprinted only with this notice intact. The Atari RoundTables on GEnie are the *official* information services of the Atari Corporation. ==================================================================== > GEMVELOPE! STR InfoFile ITS NOT ONLY FOR SLM USERS.... """"""""""""""""""""""" GEMVELOPE IS FOR EVERYBODY! =========================== Synergy Resources is proud to announce the release of a new version of GEMvelope! the envelope printer. GEMvelope allows you to print envelopes on virtually all laser printers and dot matrix printers, including the HP DeskJet. GEMvelope was developed to work hand in hand with most word processors and data bases to provide a complete solution. This latest version (2.9) continues to expand and refine a product which has been continuously upgraded and supported over the past two years. GEMvelope Features: ------------------- - Import allows extracting an address from a letter in almost any word processor format (or from the GEM/Atari clipboard). - Mail merge/browse allows printing one or many envelopes with an address imported from a database file such as Cardfile or Tracker/ST. (Database import is fully user-definable.) - ** NEW! ** Special HP DeskJet support! - Adjustable positioning for different size envelopes. - Load-able and save-able addresses and configuration. - POSTNET bar code printing for speeding your mail. (Will also save two cents per letter in the future according to the US Post Office!) - ** NEW! ** A new text line is available and is placed at the bottom left of an envelope. This is for adding messages like "Attention: John Doe" or "Personal & Confidential". - ** NEW! ** The program version runs in a window and supports a menu bar. - A desk accessory version ideal for using from within programs like Tracker/ST! - GEMvelope uses and includes GDOS and drivers for the following printers: Atari SLM804/605, HP LaserJet compatible, HP DeskJet, Epson FX80/LX compatible 9 pin, Epson/Panasonic compatible 24 pin, Star NX1000, Okimate 20. - Includes Swiss, Dutch and Typewriter fonts. Fully compatible with FSM and bitmapped GDOS fonts. - Compatible with all Atari ST and TT computers with 1 meg RAM. Atari SLM laser printers require 2 megs of RAM. ** Tracker/ST owners: Watch your mail for a special offer of 33% off on GEMvelope. GEMvelope is designed to be used hand in hand with Tracker/ST as a complete solution. List price of GEMvelope is only $30 and is available directly from Synergy Resources or your Atari dealer. (Dealer distribution is by Pacific Software) Upgrades from version 2.0-2.1 is $6. Upgrades from version 2.7 or greater is $3. Send original disk to Synergy Resources for upgrades. Synergy Resources 754 N. Bolton Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46219-5902 (317) 356-6946 GEnie Address: R.RICHARDS2 __________________________________________________________________ """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON" """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > A "Quotable Quote" "WILL THEY EVER LEARN?" """"""""""""""""" "When people proffer criticisms of Atari, its because they are sincerely responsive enough to survey the ecumenical predicament and offer a conducive critique and commentary. Unfortunately, there are those in this shrinking community who obdurately insist upon confronting this concept with a defensive, truculent stance. Its lamentable to see these types only understand the antediluvian concept of "Us & Them". Sadly, they persist in attempting to create antagonistic stiuations and circumstances upon which they conspicuously flourish." .....R.F. Mariano """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > ABCO SPECIALS! STR InfoFile * NEW 1992 Prices! MORE Products! * """"""""""""""""""""""""""" -------------------------------- ** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! ** NOTICE: ABCO will BEAT OR MATCH * ANY * Advertised or Invoiced price * WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD! ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS ========================= 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) - Available for all Platforms - -* ICD LINK & ADSCSI PLUS HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY *- WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE!!! >UPS!< (Cont. USA) VISA - MASTERCARD - NO SURCHARGE! *** NEW!!! ULTRA MODERN "SUPER STYLE" ABCOFILE CASE *** DELUXE 2 bay Cabinet W/65w Auto PS & Blower $119.00 Case & ICD LINK or ADSCSI PLUS Host [Hard Disk Ready] $259.95 Model Description Autopark Price ================================================== SGN4951 51Mb 3.5" Y 419.00 SQN1096 83mb 3.5" Y 519.00 SQN2055 120mb 3.5" Y 574.95 SQN1296 213mb 3.5" Y 839.00 SQN4055 340mb 3.5" Y 1310.00 ================================================== Standard "Shoebox Cabinet style is also available MODERN TOWER CABINETS AVAILABLE Call for Info! PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only! Many other configurations available. 20mb - 3.5gb NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" SPECIAL PURCHASE! * 83mb - 1345mb * Hard Disk Mechanisms Call for SUPER PRICING!! Limited Time Only!! FULLY ASSEMBLED SCSI DRIVES w/o ICD LINK Available ADD $35.00 for 4 BAY SUPER CABINET w/250+w PS EXOTIC TOWER CABINETS AVAILABLE Call for Info! PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only! FAST TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR UPGRADES AVAILABLE & INSTALLED ***** >> ABCO proudly offers ATARI PRODUCTS << Call for ABCO's * HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRICING! * ATARI COMPUTERS * STILL THE BEST VALUE! ***** Original Atari Mouse replacement: $35.00 NEW! If you don't see what you want listed here, call us. Odds are, we either have it or, can get it for you! * GUARANTEED * AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE! * ** 800-562-4037 ** "WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL" ****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ****** * SYQUEST 44MB (#555) >> ABCOFILE "44" & "88" * * REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES * --->> LIMITED TIME SPECIAL! NOW ONLY 44MB $ 559.00 <<--- 88MB $ 659.00 WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!< (Cont. USA) COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN! Cart and Utility Software Included! 44mb CARTS: $ 69.50 88mb CARTS: $ 109.50 44mb MECH ONLY: $ 339.95 88mb MECH ONLY: $ 439.95 ****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ****** * TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT * SPECIALLY PRICED ** $895.95.00 ** Includes: * TWO * cartridges! * SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS * - Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives - ** 50mb SQG51S $759.00 105mb SQG105S $959.00 ** Or, YOUR choice of Hard Disk Mechanism! LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE ** ANNOUNCING THE NEW! -> ABCO CD-ROM! ** :Special Introductory offer: ABCO CD-ROM $489.95 Listed above are a sampling of the systems available. Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations (over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited) * IBM - MSDOS - AMIGA - ATARI - APPLE - MACINTOSH * ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - AT/PC SPEED - GCR LARGER units are available - (Custom Configurations) *>> NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! <<* - Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets - Atari SLM 804, SLM 804PCV Laser Toner Kits Memorex 2108, 5287 Oasys Laserpro 5287, 5308, Express 830, Express Series II Silver Express, Gold Express ** $41.95 shipping Included ** Atari SLM 605 Laser Toner Kits AT&T 593, CAF Laser, DSI Laser, DTP Systems, Epson EPL-6000 Facit P6060, Fontx Syslaser, Harris3M 2006, M-Tally MT905 Microtek Turbo PS, OAS Laserpro Executive, Packard Bell 9500 TEC LB 1305, Toshiba PageLaser 6 ** $41.95 shipping included ** (TWO Toner Carts Incl.) Panasonic Laser Toner Kits Panasonic KX -P 400 series, Panafax UF-750 Facsimile ** $41.95 shipping included ** -- ALL TONER KITS * IN STOCK * -- * Toner Starter Kits-$62.95 * * Replacement (804) Drums-$186.95 * ABCO is PROUD to announce the acquisition of the exclusive U.S.A. distribution rights for ** Bitblit Software's ///Turbo Board BBS. ** This fine Atari ST BBS system software and user support is available through ABCO to all Turbo customers in the USA. Call for current pricing. >> MANY other ATARI related products STOCKED << ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED -* 12 month FULL Guarantee *- (A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE) WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!< (Cont. USA) QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! _________________________________________ DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED! please, call for details VISA - MASTERCARD - NO SURCHARGE! Personal and Company Checks 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 ABCO is EXPANDING!! CALL FOR INFORMATION! SEND FOR YOUR NEW ABCO CATALOG TODAY! """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport International Online Magazine [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport Available through more than 10,001 Private BBS systems WorldWide! """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" September 25, 1992 Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-92 All Rights Reserved No.8.39 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of the editors/staff, PCReport, STReport, AMReport, MCReport. Permission to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Each reprint must include the name of the publication, date, issue number and the author's name. The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in any way without prior written permission. The entire contents, at the time of publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The STR editors, contributors and or staff are not responsible for the use or misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""