*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---* """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" from STR Publishing """""""""""""" October 16, 1992 No.8.41 ========================================================================== 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 _____________________________________________________________________ > 10/16/92 STR 841 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!" """""""""""""""" - The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS - USR -> NEW MODEM - Software Seized! - Apple Modems! - Ninetendo & Sony Join - STraight FAX News - Tracker PC - Software Sells CPU's - Supra/FAX - STR Confidential -* WAACE EYEWITNESS REPORTS! *- -* POLITICS AS USUAL? *- -* FALCON030 A BIG HIT! *- ========================================================================== 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 (October 16) GIF TO JPG CONVERSION Be sure to download file JPEGST.LZH from LIBRARY 14 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS) for a program that will convert between .GIF and .JPG formats. FAVORITE FILES... Be included in CompuServe Magazine! Please read and respond to message # 34449 in the Atari ST Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS) regarding your favorite Forum files! NEW SYSOP INFORMATION FROM SUPRA Revised information and order form for sysop purchase plan offered by Supra for their SupraFaxModem V32 and V32bis. Download file SYSOP.TXT from LIBRARY 15 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN). 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 WAACE Show was, as usual, a very pleasant experience. In travelling to the greater Washington - Virginia area once a year to 'celebrate things Atari' the fun of seeing old friends and making new ones never seems to diminish. This year had extra special meanings to most all of us attending WAACE'92. The appearance by Atari in the presence of Bill Rehbock was a delight indeed. But the real pleasure was seeing the Falcon first hand and using one for some time. There were ten Falcons in the Washington Scene, all were providing visual and auditory delights to one degree or another for all who attended. Bill Rehbock has proven to all that his ability to deliver an informative, enthusiastic seminar is above reproach. The demonstrations he gave relative to the Falcon on Saturday, Saturday night at the banquet and on Sunday were outstanding both for the information and entertainment content. What more can one ask for? It was a great show that was well attended with the latest in Atari hardware readily available for all to see, hear, touch and drool over. To the folks at WAACE, a hearty thank you for another job well done. To Atari's Bill Rehbock, thank you for doing the right thing and of course, thanks a bunch! Next time, I think we ought to rehearse any duets we become involved in. You did a great job Bill! To all the exhibitors, as always a 'tip-o-the old hat' to all for making the show so very exciting and interesting. 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 #42 Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr. --Toshiba to Cut Chip-Making Costs Toshiba is instituting a number of measures to cut the cost of manufac- turing semiconductors by 20%. A Toshiba spokesman said that part of the savings will come from lower-cost clean rooms being developed by equip- ment suppliers. Toshiba will also try to save money by cutting the cost of the chip- baking process and increasing automated production to take advantage of cheaper nighttime electricity. -- U.S. Robotics Offers Modem Sharing Kit U.S. Robotics Inc. has announced its new Modem Sharing Kit Version 1.5 which it says allows for pooling of modems on a local area network so any user can dial out and access remote host systems. Also, the system enables remote users to dial in to the LAN through the shared modems to run applications and transfer files. The single-port version of the kit lists for $995, while a two- modem version lists for $1,595. -- Nintendo and Sony to Create Next Generation Video Games Nintendo Co. Ltd. and Sony Corp. announced this week they are joining forces to create the next generation of video game technology. According to sources, the two Japanese companies will manufacture and market a new game system that will offer clearer pictures and more life-like action by combining Nintendo's Super NES home video game system with a CD-ROM drive. In addition, the agreement calls for Nintendo and Sony to license other companies to develop, manufacture and sell disc software. Nintendo will continue to work with Philips Consumer Electronics to develop a way to make Super NES compact disc software compatible with Philips Compact Disc Interactive hardware. -- Intel to Manufacture "GREEN" Chips Intel Corp. announced this week that it will support the U.S. Environ- mental Protection Agency's voluntary "Energy Star Computers Program" by incorporating energy saving technologies developed for the mobile computing market into all of the company's future microprocessors. This will provide personal computer makers with one of the key building blocks for making energy-efficient computers -- or "green machines" -- in the near future. The EPA program, which promotes the creation of energy efficient com- puters, encourages the manufacturing and marketing of computers and monitors that have the capability of going to a low-power state when not in use. The low-power state would use 30 watts or less of power, compared to several hundred watts typically used by computers today. Dataquest, a Silicon Valley market research firm, reports that over 80% of today's PCs are built using Intel chips with more than 20 million new PCs based on Intel microprocessors produced each year. -- Apple to Release Low-End Modems Rumor is that Apple Computer Inc. will introduce a pair of low-priced, high-speed internal modems for its newest notebook Macintoshes. The $320 PowerBook Express Modem will provide a base data transfer rate of 14.4Kbps and 9,600-bps send-and-receive facsimile capabilities. -- Fujitsu Makes 3-D Graphics System Fujitsu Ltd. and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. say they have developed the world's fastest three-dimensional computer graphics system. Reports say that the prototype SUBARU system "cannot only render solid images using standard shape and color functions but can use shadow and light reflection functions to generate photorealistic images in real time." Fujitsu says the system uses a new computer architecture, called "reconfigurable parallel processing architecture," that enables it to generate photorealistic animation images for television and movies in real time. The firm adds the system also can be applied to computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing requirements. -- Small Business BBS Established A computer bulletin board service (BBS) has been launched by the federal government's Small Business Administration to provide free information on starting or running a small business. The number for callers with a 2400-baud modem is 1-800-859-INFO. The number for 9600-baud modems is 1-800-697-INFO. SBA administrator Patricia Saiki said, "This is high-tech help for small business owners when they need it. It's free, it's fast it's easy and it's a government service that never sleeps." Sources say that the BBS will include information on the agency's loans and on specialized programs for women, minorities and veterans as well as information on agency events and seminars. -- IBM to Study Links Between Miscarriages and Computer Chip Manufacturing An IBM-commissioned study finds a high incidence of miscarriage among women who manufacture computer chips. Researchers at Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University found a 33.3% miscarriage rate among 30 women who worked with two chemicals widely used in making the chips. The New York Times reported that, while the small sample involved only 10 miscarriages, researchers believe the rate is significant. "The suspect chemicals are diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and ethylene glycol monethyl ether acetate, solvents that help etch away material deposited on a silicon wafer." Reports say that some chip makers are offering other jobs to workers exposed to the solvents, "Intel, Texas Instruments, AT&T, Advanced Micro Devices, Signetics and National Semiconductor have issued warnings about the chemicals in recent weeks." The Johns Hopkins research, examining workers at IBM plants in East Fishkill, N.Y., and Burlington, Vt., from 1980 to 1989, found that the miscarriage rate among workers who did not use the solvent was 15.6%, compared with 33.3% among workers who did. The Times notes IBM made no public announcement of the findings but reported the company notified its employees, the Environmental Protection Agency and members of the Semiconductor Industry Association. -- Marshals Grab Counterfeit Software According to Microsoft Corp., U.S. marshals in California and New Jersey have made the largest-ever seizure of unauthorized computer software, impounding more than 150,000 counterfeit copies of its MS-DOS operating system. The software retails for approximately $60 a copy, bringing the value of the seizure to more than $9 million. ____________________________________________________________ > WAACE'92 STR SHOW NEWS THE PREMIER EAST COAST SHOW * REPORT 1 """""""""""""""""""""" SIMPLY THE BEST! ================ by D. D. Martin It's hard to believe that another year has gone by and another WAACE show over. As a long time Atari computer user, I have come to look forward to sharing 'things Atari' with fellow users and developers at the annual WAACE gathering. This year's show was no disappointment. I arrived at Dulles International Airport about 3:00 PM Friday and got checked into the Sheraton Reston by 4:00. After quickly unpacking and freshening up, we (John and I) joined GEnie friends and developers in the lounge for drinks and gossip. It was so much fun seeing the faces at the other end of the fingers that post messages and upload files. I was busy passing out "I (heart) GEnie" ribbons so that we could identify each other during the weekend. By the end of the show I think I had passed out about 120 ribbons. I'm sure I missed a lot of folks, but hopefully next year the registration committee will be sure to put names on the attendee's badges. One thing I really enjoy about WAACE is the informal ambience created by the hotel setting. It allows for meeting and chatting with people during non-show show hours and tends to set a cordial atmosphere. John and I had dinner Friday night with George Richardson, Ted Evans, Jeff "STer", John Eidsvoog, and Tomas Ensley. It was most interesting to gain insights of the Atari market from the developer point of view. After dinner we gathered again in the lounge and met more Atarians and GEnie users. The show opened Saturday at 10:00 AM and I was torn between hitting the booths and shopping for great show specials or attending Dave Small's seminar. I opted for Dave Small. Dave's seminars are always fun and full of surprises. Dave showed us a video of his Camaro (Sandy at the camera, Dave at the wheel and the kids in the back seat). We all got to ride along at "Warp Speed" (150 MPH) to the thunderous sound of the well tuned engine. Dave again regaled us with stories of Hacker's Con." and updates on projects of Gary Hudson and Tom Hudson. Dave advised us that Spectre 3.1 is right around the corner. Seems he was encountering problems that appeared to be in the Spectre code only to find out that his TT had a bad DMA chip. Now that that is solved, he says to keep your eye out in the Gadgets RT library for the upload of version 3.1 (TT support). He also said that version 3.7 will follow shortly (also as an upload to the on line services) and explained the jump in version numbers as being appropriate since version 3.7 will deal with System 7 stuff. Dave invited everyone to stop by his booth to get some hands on time on a Falcon, take pictures and peek inside the mystical bird. After Dave's seminar it was off to shop! So many goodies! So little time! I finally got my turn at the popular CodeHead booth where Tomas was helpful in checking out my many disks and advising which ones needed updating. Along with a new Warp 9 and Codekeys update I got a copy of LookIt-PopIt and a neat CodeHead tee shirt. One "must have" on my list was Diamond Edge. I had the opportunity to chat with Bob Luneski and also got a Diamond Back II update. If you own a hard drive, Diamond Edge is the most powerful tool available. The optimizing routine alone is worth the price. There is also a feature that lets you undelete files on your hard drive! I've already used that feature since getting back home. Next a peek at Mission Software's Flash II. John Trautschold gave me a quick rundown on features and installation. I'm going to have to find a quiet weekend to study up on this one, but it will be fun exploring new worlds. We rode with John back to the airport in the hotel van. Turns out that John is a pilot and flew into WAACE in his Cherokee! My day is not complete unless I get up in the morning, have a cup of coffee (or two), read the paper and work the daily crypt-o-quote. Hutch (John Hutchinson) at Fair Dinkum Technologies assured me that his Cryptographer program would provide hours of fun and challenge. It does just that! I'm hooked. Now if I can just get someone to encode new puzzles for me... Since I just received my HyperLink update a couple weeks before the show, I wanted to stop by the JMG booth and congratulate George and Dave on the great improvements in the latest version. We also discussed possible ways to improve the report generation. I look for even greater things for HyperLink in the near future. At last year's WAACE show, I failed to pick up Clear Thinking's EdHak. I didn't make that mistake this year. Now I can't believe I've gone this long without this fantastic text editor installed as an accessory. I love the Kwicksend feature which is about as close to the MAC clipboard cut and paste feature as anything on the Atari platform. I think everyone at the show made a trip by the Wintertree Software booth to pick up a copy of Spelling Sentry. This spell checker works in real time and it even works in telecommunications programs. I was very impressed with Computer Studio's booth and Sheldon Winick. Sheldon brought along his family and they were doing a bustling business. They brought six TTs and sold them all. John bought one of them along with the BIG Atari moniterm monitor! How big was it? Well, when we got back to the Orlando airport and picked up our car the only place it would fit was in the front seat. So, I made the two hour drive from Orlando home in the back seat while the monitor rode shotgun. Bill Rehbock of Atari Corp. (USA) was the guest speaker at the Saturday night banquet. Many thanks to Atari Corp for sending Bill and all the Falcon 030s to the WAACE show. Bill gave us a demonstration of the powerful multi media features of the Falcon at both the banquet and at a seminar on Sunday. One can not appreciate the graphics and sound capability of this computer until you see something like Tina Turner's Olympic video "Simply The Best" played in full color and surround sound (or Bill Rehbock and Ralph Mariano singing a duet in distorted sound.) At his seminar on Sunday, Bill Rehbock introduced a new software package for the Atari computer called SUTRA. Sutra is billed as Atari's version of the popular Microsoft Works. He was asked if Sutra would be bundled with the Falcon or sold separately to which Rehbock replied that its marketing has yet to be determined, but his vote would be to bundle the software with the machines. He also demonstrated the Speedo-GDOS (based on Bitstream postscript fonts). This scalable font GDOS was well received by the audience. Sunday was another day of demos and visiting. I took a peek in the midi room and was delighted by an informal jam session of Atari midi musicians. The education room was bustling with kids doing neat things on computers and having fun. Late Sunday afternoon I finally got a chance to chat with Dave Small and George Richardson in the Gadgets booth. As promised, Dave had a Falcon up and running and another one opened up so the techies could ohhh and ahhh over chips and solder traces. Dave was kind enough to explain to me in simple terms what causes Spectre to lock up sometimes when I'm in the middle of a Freehand project. I managed to catch Neil Harris (V.P. marketing for GEnie) in a quiet moment while his two daughters had lunch. We had a chance to catch up on old friends and share some fond memories. Congratulations to the winners of the three grand door prizes and the donors: ABCO Computer a 130 meg hard drive, DMC a Calamus SL package, and Fast Tech a 25 mhz accelerator board. To the WAACE committee... WELL DONE! "Simply The Best!" Hugs...Swampy _______________________________________________________________ > STraight FAX!STR InfoFile GOOD STUFF! """"""""""""""""""""""""" STraight FAX! Version 1.05 Enhancements ======================================= (C)1992 Joppa Software Development All Rights Reserved Joppa Software Development P.O. Box 214 Dallastown, PA 17313-0214 Tech Support Line (717) 428-3231 FAX Line (717) 428-0424 - If either Shift Key is held down when selecting the Save command in the Preferences menu, the File Selector will appear allowing the system preferences to be saved to a user selected preferences file. The user selected preferences file may be later passed as a parameter to the STraight FAX! (i.e. via the new GEM Desktop drag and drop method of launching programs with parameters). - In the Page Preferences dialog, a new option exists for the Failed Pages Popup Menu. 'Re-Send Failed Pages w/Cover Page' will cause a new Cover Page to be sent before the remaining pages of a FAX transfer made to complete a previously partially completed transfer, if a Cover Page has been specified for the FAX document. - In the Page Preferences dialog, a new popup menu exists: Page Height. The Page Height Popup Menu specifies the height of a FAX page that is transferred (i.e. Letter, Legal, A4 or B5). The Page Height is used during ASCII Text to FAX conversions to determine the number of text lines per page, for GEM Meta File to FAX conversions, for Image and DEGAS to FAX conversions and for the Full Page Scan maximum page height. The heights will be displayed in Inches or Centimeters as per the Units parameter in the General Preferences dialog. - In the Receive FAX Preferences, a new option exists for the Auto Receive Popup Menu. 'Selectively Enabled' allows the user to specify the time interval that the Auto Receive mode is active. When this mode is specified, the start (From) and end (To) times may be entered by clicking on the Up and Down Arrow Buttons in the Receive Time field. The 'Always Enabled' option is the same as the 'Enabled' option from earlier versions of the software. - In the Print Preferences dialog, a new popup menu exists: Page Size. The Page Size Popup Menu allows selection of the size of the paper used in the printer of the selected Printer Device. The choices are Default, Letter, Legal, A4 and B5. The Default choice will utilize the Default Page Size (that is displayed at the bottom of the dialog box) that is currently configured into the selected GDOS printer driver. Note: Some GDOS printer drivers may ignore the Page Size and use an internal page size that is not configurable (i.e. a Laser Printer may assume the page size of the paper tray in use.) - When selecting files via the File Selector, a File Type Warning alert box will be displayed if the extension of the selected file is not the proper extension for the type of file being selected. This alert box will present three button choices: Select - Re-Display the File Selector to select another file. OK - Use the File Selected as is. Cancel - Cancel the File Selection. The user may change the default button choice by holding down the Alternate Key while making the selection. The default button choice will be saved with the system preferences. - The user may abort an ASCII Text to FAX Conversion in progress by holding down the Undo Key. - In the Receive Log, a new command is in the Receive Log Popup Menu that appears when an entry in the log is double-clicked on. This command, Rename, allows the name of the FAX files that are received to be renamed to a user specified name. When this command is selected, the File Selector will appear allowing the user to specify a new name that the received FAX files for the log entry should be renamed to. - The maximum number of View Windows that may be opened has been increased from 4 to 7. - The Send Log and Receive Log limits of 500 entries has been removed. The Log sizes are now only limited by available memory. The Loading, Saving and Re-Ordering times have also been reduced. - The user may now print the entire Send/Receive Log or the selected entries in the Log. When there are selected entries, the alert box that is displayed when the Print button is selected will allow three button choices: All - Print the Entire Log. Select - Print ony the Selected entries in the Log. Cancel - Cancel the printing of the Log. - The STraight FAX! now incorporates more detailed error message alerts. - The STraight FAX! will now recognize all serial ports on the Atari TOS computers including the TT/030 and Atari Falcon 030 computers. - The Print FAX/Print Image problem with GDOS messing up status message dialog has been corrected. - The STraight FAX! now supports improved Wild Card support for selecting multiple FAX Files at a time from the Send Multiple Files dialog box. Multiple FAX files may be specified at a time from the File Selector by manually entering a file extension of ".J??". All FAX files starting with the extension of ".J01" through ".J99" that exist will be loaded (up to the 33 file limit). Multiple FAX files may also be specified from the File Selector that is presented when the (Print) FAX command is selected in the File menu. - The Company Name field in the FAX Phone List will now allow ordering of proper names as follows: A name entered as: Last_Name|First_Name will appear in the Send FAX Status and Cover Page as: First_Name Last_Name This will allow sorting the Phone List by a last name. Registered STraight FAX! users may order the upgrade directly from Joppa Software Development by sending the master disk and $2.00 (US funds, no checks drawn on foreign bank accounts) to the address above. Users with a STraight FAX! manual Version 1.00 manual may also purchase a new Version 1.04 manual for $5.00 (US funds), by also sending in the cover from the old manual. Atari Corporation's FONT GDOS is available direct from Joppa Software Development to registered STraight FAX! owners. The three disk FONT GDOS package comes complete with the FONT GDOS program, three Desk Accessory/Control Panel Module utilities for customizing the FONT GDOS setup, bit mapped screen and printer fonts in various point sizes for Swiss and Dutch styles, printer and use. The FONT GDOS package may be ordered direct from Joppa Software Development for $10.00 (US funds). Joppa Software Development currently has available a scanner driver program for use with the STraight FAX! to allow direct scanning from a Navarone/ Canon Full Page Flat Bed (IX-12F) or Sheet Feed (IX-12) Scanner. Drivers for other full page scanners are being considered for development. The Navarone/Canon IX-12 Series Scanner Driver has a suggested list price of $19.95 (US funds) and is available for a limited time for only $14.95 (US) directly from Joppa Software Development. The prices listed above are for shipping inside the continental USA. Please contact Joppa Software Development for information on additional shipping charges outside the continental USA. Please do not send checks drawn on any foreign bank accounts. Please include your name as it appears on the Registration Card and your Registration Number with all orders. _____________________________________________________________ > The Junkyard Pussycat STR FOCUS! Getting in Step! """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" SOFTWARE SELLS MACHINES ======================= by John D. Barnes (Reprinted with permission from the Oct. '92 issue of Current Notes.) Once again, the marketplace is all a-twitter with expectations of new hardware from Atari. From the information being spread all over the place, it appears that Atari's engineering wizards have put together a fine piece of hardware in the new Falcon 030. The hardware specifications have been widely published (see, for example the September 1992 Current Notes, pp 8 & 9) and they have generated a lot of excitement, as it appears that the Falcon is pretty much up to date in this respect. Much less is being said about software, in spite of the fact that hardware does not sell itself any more. Software sells hardware. Back in the days when personal computers were a novelty, users were content to see software development lag behind hardware advances. Nowadays, however, people will not buy a computer if they cannot get software to do the jobs they want to do. Worse yet, the agonized screams of people who already have substantial investments in software accompany every new upgrade. Even neophytes expect to have plenty of things to play with as soon as they finish taking their new machines out of the boxes. This seems like as good a time as any to suggest ways that Atari can make their new product attractive to people who have never owned one of Atari's 680x0 based machines. Atari has been notably skimpy in this area in the past, and a break with this tradition would be a real morale booster for the legions of new dealers that Atari hopes to recruit. Load 'Em Up Almost any clone that is sold these days comes with a pile of software. It is usually not the top drawer stuff, but it is enough to give the user something to practice with. While the Pussycat does not know all of the business details on this, there are surely ways to make the purchaser of a new Falcon feel that he is getting in on the ground floor of something big. There are even ways for the Tramiels to do this in a manner that somewhat approximates their idea of what things ought to cost. First of all, put in lots of leaflets, one for each reasonable product now on the Atari commercial market. Describe products like Word Perfect, Touch-Up, Image Cat, Mug Shot, Flash, dBMAN, Superbase, LDW Power, .... Cover the whole spectrum of commercial productivity software and games. There is not even any real need to verify that the stuff actually works because the user will not be running these products in any case. The Pussycat remembers how impressed he was when 100 or so leaflets tumbled out as he unpacked the Apple CD ROM drive for his system at the office. Second, put in disks with demonstration versions of products like DynaCADD, Calamus, Calligrapher, etc. The object is to provide a representative sampling. The choices should be made in such a fashion as to inspire awe. Machines that have such powerful software in their repertory must be very powerful, indeed. There is no need to supply documentation, a short guide with a tutorial on disk should be adequate. If the authors of these programs are willing to have the demos downloaded from the online services, they should surely be willing to have Atari package them with new machines. The burden of preparing the hundreds of thousands of disks required might be a problem, and Atari might have to pick up the tab for the disk duplicating. Next, include a couple of real applications. These could be selected from the vast library of available shareware and Atari could make bulk purchase deals with the authors. The authors could incorporate registration forms for more advanced versions into the bundled versions, which might have some of their functionality limited. Finally, Atari should seed the development of new software. Perhaps they can do this be subcontracting for specific software products like CPX modules or desk accessory applications. They should come to terms with successful software developers for packages that can be bundled with the new machines. Such developers have to be given the sense that they will get worthwhile rewards if Atari is successful. Point to After-the-Sale Support It would certainly be desirable to let the new purchaser know that there are places he can expect support after the sale. Sign-up offers for CIS, Delphi, and GEnie should be included in the package, along with working versions of QuickCIS and ST Aladdin, just to get the user hooked on the support provided by the online services. Introductory offers for all of the Atari magazines should be included. A free year of Atari Explorer should be available via postcard. This gives the purchaser an impression of vitality in the user base. The registry of user groups should be screened to weed out the ones that are no longer viable, the contact names should be updated, and the whole business put into a small booklet to be included in the package. Capture the Names The registration cards for purchasers of these machines should be filled in by the dealer and the results should be captured on a database. This database should be made available to all valid commercial interests in the community for the purpose of promoting their products. This is needed to provide an infrastructure for direct mail advertising. Each piece of direct mail that comes into a user's home is a reaffirmation of the validity of his purchase decision. If an outfit like Toad Computers can find the resources to do this in an efficient manner surely Atari ought to be able to do so as well. Share the Lifeboat These kinds of collaboration have been seldom practiced in the Atari marketplace. The Titanic has, however, gone down and everyone is sharing the same lifeboat. The rollout of the Falcon promises to generate as much excitement as shooting off 100 rescue rockets. The proposals outlined above require substantial effort that is not directly related to writing software. The developer community has to get together and establish a standardized format for the leaflets, the magazines have to prepare offers and ads. Atari has to make room for the stuff in its packages. The user groups have to get their act together. The shareware authors have to whip their products into shape. The direct benefits of all of this are probably as difficult to predict as the casting of bread upon the waters was in the biblical parable. All too often we have seen people in the Atari community take the view expressed by "I'll be damned if I advertise my product only to have the customer buy from someone else." The small size of the market encourages this kind of thinking, but the market will never get any bigger if people keep thinking along such narrow lines. There have been some isolated instances of collaboration in recent months. Atari has become more open about their documentation. In the former Soviet Union this openness was called glausnost, and we have all seen the changes that were brought about. The former Soviet Union analogy is apt in yet another way rebuilding the Atari society will take effort on everyone's part. No one entity possesses the means to effect the required restructuring on its own. The Costs In order for these proposals to work their cost has to be kept below about $50 per machine. The entry cost to an individual developer or publisher should not be much more than the cost of a full page magazine ad. The costs can be spread out over some time because Atari does not plan to fire off both barrels of the shotgun at once. This means that the material can be prepared in small batches of one or two thousand units for test marketing and evaluation. One hopes that the response will be enough to trigger production and sales of 100,000 units or so, in which case the prospective gain will become well worth the risk. A New Tomorrow Over the next several months the community will be watching for signs that the community can regain the vigor that it possessed in those halcyon days when the ST line was first introduced. Many costly mistakes were made in that era. There was a big tendency to expect that Atari would do it all. There was a fervent belief that "Atari knows best." The players in that game have grown more mature now. One can hope that they now understand that the market has many niches and that those who occupy those niches are the ones who can cope with the demands of their own environments. Atari makes fine hardware they are fulfilling that promise by making something that should be even finer. There are able people in the developer community. They must be nurtured and encouraged to produce their best. There are fine people in the user community, they must be inspired to carry the message to the four winds. There are some indications in Bill Rehbock's online conferences that Atari is being more open in encouraging outsiders than it has been in the past. This tendency needs to be expanded into full working partnerships that recognize the value of the contributions of the software publishers and of the other allies who aid Atari in its cause. The new hardware, targeted on new markets, encouraging the opening of new horizons in software, provides a vehicle that may allow everyone a fresh start. Let us not drop the ball this time. Current Notes: Your Monitor on the World of Atari Vol. 12, No. 8, October, 1992 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 - EDITORIAL, by Joe Waters As a new "era" is introduced with the FALCON030, we look back briefly at Atariland five years ago when the MEGA ST4 was introduced. 6 - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 8 - ST UPDATE, by Frank Sommers. Trials and Tribulations of the Amiga. 10 - ATARI INTRODUCES FALCON030, Atari Press Release. 11 - ATARI SHIPS NEW MULTITASKING OS, Atari Press Release. 12 - MYTHS AND MYSTERIES, by Dave Troy. Atari launches another valiant shot at appliance status. 16 - WORLD PREMIER OF FALCON030, by Oliver Steinmeier. First hand account of the 1992 Atari Show in Dusseldorf, Germany where Atari introduced the new Atari Falcon030. 22 - STARTING BLOCK, by Richard Gunter. Some (mostly) recent downloads. 24 - ST TOOLBOX, by J. Andrzej Wrotniak. Idealist and Publisher II on the PC. 28 - CONVECTOR PROFESSIONAL, by David Barkin. This gem of a program does everything it's supposed to do, and more! 34 - GOLDEN IMAGE MOUSE, by James Parker. A real Atari Trek to Naples in search of the Golden Image Mouse. 36 - POWER ON THE MOVE, by James Parker. A battery pack that will put a little more portability in your portable Atari STacy. 38 - JUNKYARD PUSSYCAT, by John Barnes. Software sells machines. 42 - 8-BIT TIDBITS, by Rick Reaser. Comparing GEnie and CIS. 46 - FRED, by Roger Meston Hours of entertainment, intrigue, and just plan fun (8-bit). 48 - MAKING BATCH FILES WORK FOR YOU, by John Sandgren. Using menus to get the most from your Atari 8-bit. 50 - ADVENTURES IN HIGH SCHOOL, by Albert Bagetta. Using Atari 8-bits in the educational environment. 56 - STRAIGHTFAX! UPDATE, by Frank Sommers. Getting the fax straight into your computer. 58 - LEGEND, by Alfred GIovetti. A unique game with many fine attributes. 60 - KALAH ST, by Bill Moes. A game of skill or thought for one or two players. 62 - POPULOUS II, by Mickey Boyd. Secrets [of the Gods] revealed! 66 - CALLIGRAPHER PROFESSIONAL, by John Godbey. Perhaps the premier word processor for the Atari. 70 - FALCON030 ONLINE CONFERENCE - CIS Here is the transcript from the Bill Rehbock Falcon online conference on CompuServe, September 8, 1992. 72 - ATARI INDUSTRY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS The Link ORA Announces Diamond Edge and Ultimate Virus Killer DC Announces Storm DragonWare Releases PowerDOS as Freeware Lexicore Becomes Silicon Graphics Iris Vendor GFA-Basic Programming Toolkit DMC to Market Invision Elite Purple Mountain Freedom Floptical Drive Wintertree Announces Spelling Sentry ST NEWS! Announced CodeHead Announces Warp 9 V3.71 w/Extend-O-Save Screensaver Straight Edge Announces OutBurST! Revision 6.20 of the Sales-Pro System Barefoot to Support Hybrid Arts Owners E.Z.Arithmetic Elfin Magics' Tinker Board DAK's FREE Computer Club Fair Dinkum Announces CyberDrome STYLE: Image File Manipulator JMG Announces HyperLink Runtime Package WP Trade-Up is Back Synergy Resources Announces New GEMvelope Current Notes: Your Monitor on the World of Atari is published 10 times a year, monthly excluding January and August. Annual subscription price is $27 Current Notes 122 N Johnson Rd Sterling VA 20164 (703) 450-4761 *********************************************************************** 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! We will have a live CO, direct from Las Vegas, on November 17th, at 10 p.m. We hope to have special guests from Atari Corp. join us to talk about how things are looking for Atari, after a day or two at Comdex. TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (10/14/92) (1) STR840 (2) ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE 9215 (3) DROIDS (4) VIOLENCE GAME (5) CINDY CRAWFORD SPECTRUM (6) GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS (7) PAULA20D.LZH (8) SILKMOUSE 2.6 (9) POWERDOS 1.2 (10) SPC-THUMB All of the above files can be found in the RECENT ARRIVALS database for at least one week after the posting of this list. Please Note that in the case of online magazines, only the most current issue in the database at the time of this compilation is considered for the Top 10 list. Also, for all files, a submission is eligible for the Top 10 list for only four weeks after its original uploading. DELPHI- It's getting better all the time! *********************************************************************** > WAACE'92 STR SHOW NEWS THE PREMIER EAST COAST SHOW * REPORT 3 """""""""""""""""""""" WAACE OVERVIEW ============== Preface: In the spirit of the WAACE Show, I asked John Trautschold of Missionware Software to write his impressions of the show and the wonders planned for the future by Missionware down for your reading enjoyment. John has provided us with a marvelous view of the very successful WAACE Show and many more things too. by John Trautschold, Missionware Software As you know, Ralph, this was my (and Missionware Software's) first trip to WAACE. I have to say it was very well organized this year; the folks handling the show like Ken and J.D. did an excellent job at making me and the other developers/dealers feel quite at home. I really enjoyed myself, as did my partner-in-the-booth, Bob Carpenter. We came with three products to sell this year, and a fourth to show. I'd like to talk a bit first about the products we sold, then about the one we only showed - but what a reception it got! lottODDS (pronounced "lotto odds") is a program that's just plain fun, especially if you like to play local or national lotteries. This program maintains a database of numbers already picked, and then uses those numbers statistically in trying to determine what numbers to pick for the next lottery game. There aren't any guarantees, naturally, but it is fun to see how well the program stacks itself up against the odds. The seven statistical methods used include: Least, Most, Average, Hot Number, Between, Consecutive and Pairs. The user selects any of the seven to use (or any combinations thereof). After the numbers are calculated they are "merged" into a final set of numbers, which are then "wheeled" over the number of games you wish to play. (Wheeling is a distribution process based on odds for a particular game - it tries to evenly distribute a universe of numbers over a set of games played.) You can also let lottODDS pick random numbers, or wheel numbers you choose manually. It's quite a flexible program. Finally, one of the neatest feature in the program is it's ability to check to see which lottery tickets have matched numbers from those picked by the lottery. Let's say you play a LOT of games - say 50 or more. It can be kind of a pain to have check all 50 games to see if any matches have occurred. With lottODDS it's done automatically. All you need to do is enter the picked numbers and lottODDS will go through all of the games you played looking for matches. I must say that, next to Flash II (which I'll discuss in a bit), lottODDS was our best selling program at WAACE. I really enjoyed demoing it to the many folks asking about the program too! Printer Initializer is one of the other programs we sold at the show. This is a desk accessory program that permits you to set your printer up (serial or parallel printers only) for specific text output from within any GEM-based program. You can create the drivers yourself from "pinstall" which is included with the accessory. The program comes preset for such printers as Epson compatibles, Diconix portables, and the DeskJet 500. However, it's easy to create your drivers as well. We showed a number of folks how simple it was to create a driver using the Star Micronics SJ48 (Canon BJ10 compatible) printer we had with us at the show. Although most word processors (and other programs) support codes that place the printer into certain modes, such as italics, bold, etc, they normally don't support the selection of fonts or font sizes/styles. And that's where Printer Initializer comes in really handy. Most other non-word processing programs don't support much in the way of printer control at all, and in those cases, Printer Initializer is a must-have accessory. Finally, our top-of-the-line program, Flash II, was received quite warmly at WAACE. This program succeeds the original Flash telecommunications program. As you know, Flash was the number one telecom program for Atari STs. Unfortunately, it never went any farther than that. Although it will run on STEs, it won't run on a TT. That's the first area we attacked with Flash II. We wanted to make sure that it would run on all current production model STs/STEs/TTs - and that it does, all the way up to 1280x960 using a TTM195 monitor on the TT (and gee, is that nice!) We also wanted to maintain the "look and feel" of the old Flash, and there again, I think we've succeeded. The right mouse button is still used for switching between editor and terminal modes. The "insert" key is still used to activate the command line. We support DO scripts (although they aren't as necessary as they once were). But that's where things stop! And I must say Ralph, it's always enjoyable watching folks' eyes light up when they see the enhanced editor we have in Flash II version 2.01. Almost every menu function has keystroke equivalents. The cursor can be fully controlled from the keyboard, the cursor keys, or with the mouse. You can delete characters, words, complete lines, text to the right of the cursor or text to the left of the cursor - all using keystrokes! You can also block text starting in the middle of a line and ending in the middle of a line! Either the functions keys or the mouse can be used to set a block. And we support block moves and copies, as well as deletes, saves, and reformatting. The terminal has been greatly enhanced as well. We support all of the old Flash emulations (such as TTY, VT52 and VIDTEX) but also support true VT100, 101 and 102 emulation, ANSI emulation with the option of using the IBM character set for graphics (yes, you can play games now that use ANSI graphics characters!), and other DEC emulations as well, such as VT200 and VT300. And for you DEC users, we also support DEC character sets in all languages! DO scripts can still be used. We've already enhanced the scripting language somewhat to support some of the new features in Flash II. However, scripts really aren't needed any more for simple log ons to BBS'. All board setups can be done with simple "pointing and clicking". Each board (and there are 40 boards per file) can be setup to include specific emulations, character sets, RS232 & Modem options, Type Ahead options (we now support an editable 3-line Type Ahead window), transfer protocol options, block lockout hours, and statistics for each board. Additionally, each board can now have its own 20 function key macros in addition to 10 global macros! And all of this stuff gets loaded automagically when the board is dialed and connected. Ralph, there are so many new features it would take a book to explain them all (oh yeah, we include just that with the program - a 228 page manual that explains everything with examples!). We've already released one upgrade and are working on a second. Our number one concern, with this program especially, is support. It's a complex program and will continue to grow and be enhanced over the years. We've got a list about a mile long already asking for enhanced features. And there'll be more to come after that! Version 2.1 is just around the corner and will be sent free (automatically) to all registered owners. 2.01, which is being shipped right now, can be had for free to any owner of 2.0 just by sending in their 2.0 master disk along with 75 cents in return postage. Cyber Paint: We're really excited about this program. Although Cyber Paint has been around for a long time, it's the case of another program that was specifically written for the ST that wouldn't run on a TT. Well, that's being changed! Jim Kent, the original author of Cyber Paint, has been working closely with me and Ian Lepore (the new programmer for Cyber) in getting it updated to work on the TT (and all other current Atari computers) as well as the new Falcon. The program is also being ported to Lattice C from Alcyon C and the improvements are already outstanding. We were showing Cyber Paint at WAACE on a TT, and those folks that had a chance to play with it were absolutely astounded! Our current beta works (although with some color glitches) and was really fast! We're not sure yet just how far we'll go with Cyber Paint. A lot will depend on how well its re-release goes, and also on how well Atari does with the Falcon. Cyber Paint is being developed on a Falcon to ensure compatibility, and hopefully we'll have it ready quite soon. Naturally, ST Report readers will be some of the first to know when that happens. As you can probably tell, we're very excited about this project. It'll add a lot of creditability to our other fine products. As I mentioned earlier, I really enjoyed attending this year's WAACE. I met a lot of new folks (including you Ralph, and Dana) and just had a lot of plain old-fashioned fun going to the show. I really look forward to next year's show. I think you know that I flew my own airplane to Dulles. That was an adventure onto itself. Although we hit a few clouds and rain coming in on Friday, it was our return flight on Monday that got a bit interesting. Although we had clear weather almost all of the way, a strong high pressure system really kicked up the winds and slowed our old Piper Cherokee 180 way down. What should have been a 5 hour trip back to Chicago took closer to 6 1/2 hours! After passing a front in Ohio, we hit direct, headon, 45 to 50 knot headwinds! Subtracting that from our normal cruise speed of 120 knots left us with a ground speed of only 70 to 80 knots (about 100 miles per hour). Thanks to the fine folks at Chicago Approach, we managed to cut a few corners and make it back to DuPage airport (in West Chicago, IL) before running out of fuel. If things had gotten a bit tighter, we had planned on landing at either the Kankakee or Joliet airport. But we made it, with about 45 minutes fuel to spare! All told, it was a great trip. But, with no more major shows to look forward to this year, it's back to the grinding board to get some work done. Flash II is still being worked on as is Cyber Paint. I'm working on an upgrade to lottODDS (adding features and making it MultiTOS compatible) and will also be looking at enhancements for Printer Initializer. Of course, I also need to spend some time with the family here too! John Trautschold Missionware Software ______________________________________________________________ > OH YEAH?!? STR FOCUS! MY DOG'S BIGGER THAN..... """"""""""""""""""""" BETTER THAN WHAT? NOT _MY_ MACHINE? ==================================== by Dana P. Jacobson Recent messages and a few brief mentions in recent issues here have prompted me to provide my own insight into this whole "defense of one's computer" mentality. This "my computer is better than your computer" and "I'll defend it to the last drop of _your_ blood" is, in a nutshell, one of the most stupid actions a rational human being could indulge oneself! And yes, I've got myself involved in it more than once myself, but not for a number of years. Every time I see such messages, especially between users of different types of computers (or different models of the same brand!), my blood begins to boil and I'd like to shake these people until they realize the futility in such foolish debates! Let's see if we can make some sense out of this because I know already that I've caused a few ruffled feathers just by stating that such "debates" are stupid. Let's state the obvious: computers are just machines. They are only as good as the user sitting at the keyboard. A computer can't run by itself; it needs input from the user. It doesn't matter what computer that you use, no matter how sophisticated or archaic; it cannot perform its functions without us mere mortals. End of "Man vs. Computer 101." Think about it. Okay, you're saying about now that I have no conception of reality. Well, now rid yourself of your emotions. That also means forgetting about the brand name label attached to your computer. It also means forgetting the hardware specs. Now you're sitting in front of _a computer_. It really doesn't matter what the brand is; you're using a functional machine. It really doesn't matter what type of computer is being used. For the moment, let's stick with the Atari line of computers, since that's what I'm most familiar. Running Pagestream on a 520ST is no different than running the same program on a TT. The output is exactly the same, barring any printer differences. So, does that make the TT a better computer than the 520ST? Not in this instance. Let's play Dungeon Master, shall we? I'm assuming that the game runs on the TT, and if it does, will it play any better on the TT than the 520ST? Nope, playability will be the same. Let's try graphics. One of the few paint programs that I own is Cyber Paint. Let's do some artwork. I know, I can hear those graphics mavens now saying "ahhh, here's where we catch him with some differences!" Not really. I'm no artist. To me, drawing some graphics on a TT is no different from doing the same thing on an ST; they're both going to look like an 8-year old did it! True, the TT will provide more colors, but the program doesn't. Starting to get the picture (pun intended!)? Playing games that contain graphics with tons of colors on a TT doesn't make the TT a _better_ machine because your ST can't provide those same colors? Using WordWriter ST on your ST doesn't make it less of a machine because it also runs on a TT and a big screen monitor. This whole idea of "better" is, for the most part, a subjective matter. It really depends on the user and what he or she wants to accomplish that determines which computer is best for that person. What I usually see when I read these computer "war" messages is that "my computer, taking advantage of _every_ optimum capability it can provide; add that to using the most complete software package for a given application, is better than your computer attempting a similar application on a comparable computer." Now how many users take advantage of such capabilities, most of the time? Compared to the total number of users, very few. Yes, a computer artist using a TT or Falcon with software taking advantage of the machine's capabilities will consider his machine better than an ST, and rightfully so. And yes, a magazine editor/publisher using Calamus on a TT to get his magazine done professionally and quickly can claim that his machine is better than the ST. And I could go on. But now we're getting down to the real nitty-gritty here. These users are using the machines that are best for them because the machine (and software) fulfills a specific need. The 520ST just won't fulfill those same goals as effectively and timely; it wasn't built to do so. So why are people arguing over "better"? I blame it on a number of people: the advertisers, the PR people, the retailers, and so on. They're the ones who keep telling the consumer that bigger is better; that faster is better; that more colors is better, that more expensive is better; that this name is better; ad nauseum. While some of these "claims" may be true, some of the time, for some specific uses; one cannot make that generalization and have it hold true for every instance. But people will argue these generalizations as if they should hold true for everyone. Rubbish. So, what's the bottom line? What I usually do when I see these typical debates is to ask the users one question: "Does the computer you use do exactly what _you_ want it to do?" If they answer affirmatively, then I tell them that their machine is the best for _their_ needs. It's _better_ than a machine that won't accomplish those same needs. If you don't _need_ a fast machine; if you don't _need_ a gazillion colors; etc. - your ST is the best machine for you. This is not to say that having a faster machine, like the TT or Falcon is not desirable, but wanting or preferring such a machine is _not_ the same as _needing_ it. As far as I am concerned, the computer that does all that I have the need to do in the time that I have to do it, is the best machine. I like the look and feel and ease of use of the Atari computer; so a comparable machine on another platform doesn't even enter into the picture. The next time you decide to get involved in a "mine is better than yours" debate, remember that it's really a no-win argument (not that someone actually has to win). Just ask whether or not the machine does what is required. If the other party says yes, tell him he has the better computer for his needs; why bother getting into an argument trying to convince him that it isn't so? It's just wasted time and energy. So, what's the best machine as far as _I_ am concerned? Well, until I see the Falcon, that machine is an early model 520ST with 2.5 megs of RAM, a multisync monitor, a laser printer, and a couple of hard drives with never enough available space!! Would I _like_ a newer Atari computer? Of course!! _______________________________________________________________ > WAACE'92 STR SHOW NEWS THE PREMIER EAST COAST SHOW * Report 2 """""""""""""""""""""" WAACE AtariFest '92 =================== Atari East-Coast Style by Joe Mirando Over the Columbus Day weekend, in Reston Virginia, the Washington Area Atari Computer Enthusiasts held the WAACE '92 AtariFest. Attended by at least 1,200 patrons and more than 40 vendors and developers, WAACE has again secured it's place as the east coast's premier Atari-only computer show. The show, which took place on Saturday and Sunday, October 10th and 11th, included not only a vendor's room, but seminars and a "swap room" as well as game, education, productivity and MIDI rooms. On the evening before the show, many GEnie users gathered in the hotel lounge to meet face to face, swap computer stories, and generally just have a good time. I Love GEnie ribbons were provided by Dee Dee Martin, a long time GEnie user and ST enthusiast. It was fun to finally meet people you've never seen but often read on-line. The phrase "Gee, you don't look anything like you 'sound' on GEnie" was heard often but kept no one from having a good time. The Exhibit room, in which vendors displayed and demonstrated their products and services, remained busy throughout most of the show. Vendors such as Toad Computers, Computer Studio, Joppa, and Compucellar West provided just about anything that a hungry ST or 8-bit user could want in the way of hardware or software while developers such as Codehead Technologies, Gribnif Software, Fast Technology, Gadgets by Small, DMC Publishing, and Barefoot Software proudly demonstrated their own particular offerings. The show volunteers were at first a bit disappointed by what they perceived as a meager attendance until they discovered that at least 200 people were in attendance at the early-morning seminar hosted by Dave Small of Gadgets by Small. Dave always attracts large numbers of people to his seminars. When the seminar concluded, show attendance seemed to jump dramatically as the crowds filed out of the seminar room. With the "mystery of the missing patrons" solved, the exhibit room filled to capacity with ST users looking for the latest in hardware and software. Perhaps the most interesting booth at the show belonged to Lexicor Software. Although Lexicor's graphics programs are outstanding, this year the constant crowd around the booth was due to the fact that they brought at least two FALCON030's with them and were displaying their wares on them. Quite impressive. Both the software and the FALCON030, Atari's latest computer. Although the constant crowd prevented any in-depth use of the machines, the graphics capabilities of this machine is simply astounding. Although I didn't see it, I was told that Dave Small had a FALCON030 minus the case, with it's "guts" exposed for all to see. Many of the comments I've heard were along the lines of "Did you see the size of the hard drive in that thing? It was smaller than a pack of cigarettes!" The general consensus seems to be that the FALCON030 will be THE home entertainment computer in a very short while. The Banquet was held on Saturday evening and consisted of salad, beef or chicken and dessert. The highlight of the Banquet was, as is usual at these events, the guest speaker. Bill Rehbock, head of FALCON030 development, gave a well received talk on the FALCON and its capabilities as well as its place in the computer marketplace. The demonstration that followed Mr. Rehbock's speech was quite impressive. An approximately two minute demo which consisted of at least CD-quality sound and colorful graphics showcased the FALCON's capabilities well. Parts of the graphics portion gave the impression of a stop-action Rock video. My only complaint has to do with the size of the display monitor used in the demonstration. It was a standard ST monitor that, because of its relatively small size, made viewing slightly difficult from most parts of the room. Despite this one shortcoming, the demonstration was well received by all in attendance. In addition to the technological portion of the presentation, the humor and enthusiasm displayed by Mr. Rehbock himself added to the overall "feel" of the evening. He seemed to genuinely enjoy both showing off the FALCON and meeting the people in attendance. In his speech, Mr. Rehbock said that he had enjoyed the show and would be back next year even if "I have to buy my own plane ticket". After the presentation and a question and answer period, Mr. Rehbock stayed to answer questions about the new machine and related topics. What struck me most about the evening was not the FALCON, but Bill Rehbock. I was impressed by his obvious energy, intelligence, and his enthusiasm for the FALCON and for Atari in general. Sunday saw another respectably large crowd. Although smaller than Saturday's crowd in size, purchases were reportedly higher. People often "window shop" on the first day of a show and save the second day for "power shopping", hoping that vendors will have lowered prices in order to reduce the amount of inventory to be lugged back home. This year's swap room was large enough to avoid the congested conditions of last year. The swap room, set aside for individuals selling used software and hardware, stayed busy through the weekend on "both sides of the counter". Items in the swap room ranged from old copies of "Star Raiders" up to complete computer systems. The seminars encompassed subjects from MIDI music to Souping up your current machine to Meet the developers/press to using DynaCADD and Calamus and were well attended. The STReport seminar began with comments by the three STReport editors in attendance: Ralph Mariano- Editor-in-Chief, Dana Jacobson- Staff Editor, and Myself- also a Staff Editor. Following the opening comments, the floor was opened to questions from the audience. Questions ranged from what is involved in the production of an on-line magazine to the future of Atari to the FALCON's place in the U.S. market. According to Mr. Mariano the FALCON may herald the creation of the "Home Computer Appliance" market: a market in which computers will be regarded much as "toasters and washing machines are now". The WAACE Inc. folks did not disappoint me with their '90 and '91 AtariFests, and continued the trend again this year. With its place assured as the largest Atari show on the east coast, WAACE can now sit back and relax for a while. They have provided yet another extraordinary show. Enjoy the rest while you can, WAACE members: Someone will start talking about plans for next year's show before you know it. Hmmm... I wonder it it's too early to make reservations for WAACE AtariFest '93. ;-) ______________________________________________________________ > TRACKER WINDOWS! STR InfoFile Tracker for the PC & Windows """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" Tracker/ST...For Windows! ========================= New York City,NY After fielding an ever-increasing number of requests for a Windows version of their leading mailing list/mail merge software, Step Ahead Software is proud to announce the arrival of Windows Tracker/ST. The unveiling of Windows Tracker/ST will take place at the WAACE Atari Fest on October 10-11, 1992. Tracker/ST for Windows is practically identical to the current version of Tracker/ST for the Atari ST, STe, and TT (v3.04). The program looks the same, runs the same, and has the same features. Like its Atari cousin, the Windows version of Tracker?ST has no limit to the number of names in a file, no limit to the number of separate databases, and contains its unique unlimited "Long Notes," "Quick Letter," and automatic mail merge features, and more. Transferring data from existing copies of Atari Tracker/ST is a breeze, and this includes all names, Long Notes, and mail merge letters created with the Atari version of Tracker/ST. There are a few enhancements in Windows Tracker/ST, namely: Mailing Labels can use any Windows font, including PostScript fonts and TrueType fonts. Mailing label positioning is also greatly enhanced as standard measurements (to 1/100 of an inch) are used, instead of the older 'characters per inch' and 'lines per inch'; The user interface has been improved in numerous ways. Windows Tracker/ST uses true dialog boxes with radio buttons, check boxes, and keyboard equivalents for each function. All menu bar items are accessible from the keyboard using the standard Windows "ALT" conventions (ALT + F, then X for Exit, etc.); Windows Tracker/ST has the ability to search for words contained in the unlimited Long Notes. This works extremely quickly, even in a system with hundreds of large Long Notes files. You may search for any word or phrase and print out all the names which have those words in their Long Notes, or print out the actual Long Notes themselves; When in edit mode, users may click the mouse on any field for editing, without having to press [Tab] or [Return] to go to the field they wish to change. Tracker/ST for Windows is the direct result of numerous requests from our registered users, who have long asked for a Windows version of Tracker/ST. Now, owners of the leading mailing list/mail merge software for the Atari ST, STe, and TT can use the same trusted program at work, or on a second computer at home. Windows Tracker/ST will begin shipping next month, at a suggested retail price of $119.95. A substantial discount will be offered on Windows Tracker/ST at the WAACE Atari Fest, with an additional price break for our many loyal registered Atari Tracker/ST owners. For further information on Tracker/ST and Windows Tracker/ST, please contact: Step Ahead Software, Inc. 496-A Hudson Street, Suite F39 New York City, NY 10014 212-627-5830 GEnie Address: NEVIN-S GEnie Topic : Category 6, Topic 23 of the Atari RoundTable *********************************************************************** :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. Take the FINAL GEnie Presidential Straw Poll Today............*SURVEY 2. Check out GEnie's newest product, a database of job listings..ADNET 3. Stocks Catch A Bad Case Of The Big Blues......................SOS 4. Author VERNOR VINGE, Sunday at 8 Eastern in the...............SFRT 5. Internet gateway in Beta Test - LIVE Help Desks and more in...UNIX 6. Educating The Bright Ones ==>RTC w/Jerry Pournelle 10/21......ERT 7. Take a quiz about movie & TV show theme song lyrics over at...SHOWBIZ 8. Team GEnie goes for the National Championship in our..........AUTO 9. Barbara Young tells YOU how to be a game designer.............TSR 10. New files, RTCs, topics, a new staff-it's a new GE-MUG........MAC 11. Complete Information on Disney's Empire and SPECIAL RTC in....FLORIDA 12. Free time giveaway in our NEW Real-Time Conferences...........A2PRO 13. Version 1.5 of ST Aladdin NOW available.....................STALADDIN 14. Still time to get your October issue of.....................GENIELAMP 15. Discuss Ventura Publisher 4.1 for Windows in..................DTP The Atari ST RT |======================================================| | Real Time Conference Special Events Calendar | |======================================================| | | | Oct. 21 - Bob Luneski of Oregon Research Associates'| | (Wednesay) Come on in and talk to the programmer of | | Diamond Back II and Diamond Edge. Also, | | the North American distributors for | | Ultimate Virus Killer and Hisoft products.| |======================================================| | All Real Time Conferences begin at 10:00 p.m. EDT | |======================================================| = Atari ST Help Desk = Atari ST Roundtable holds a Sunday Help Desk to answer your questions on GEnie, Atari ST Roundtable and the line of Atari computers. Stop in and ask questions or just visit the Atari RT staff and users. The Help Desk starts at 7:00 pm EST Sunday on page 475;2. Last Week's Top Downloaded Programs/Utilities: 26005 PYROTECH.LZH X J.EIDSVOOG1 921003 1408 204 2 Desc: Improved Fireworks module for Warp 9 25998 CALLTIM3.ARC X K.VANDELLEN 921003 11904 204 2 Desc: Calls Naval Observatory, sets time 26080 AUTOSRT4.ARC X EFS 921010 10112 150 2 Desc: Version 4.1 of autosort. 25999 LIFEEXPC.ARC X K.VANDELLEN 921003 14464 150 21 Desc: Calculate your life expectancy 26045 SPC3375.LZH X J.PIERCE5 921006 14848 148 28 Desc: New version 1.61 -- Bug fix 26043 PDOS_SER.TTP X DRAGONWARE 921006 1792 142 21 Desc: PowerDOS Modem port ALIAS/CONFIG 26081 BLITZ_13.LZH X E.MONACO 921010 27648 118 2 Desc: Latest Version!!! 26105 DOUBLE2.LZH X S.JOHNSON10 921012 2688 109 2 Desc: STE screen height doubler - v2.0 GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission *********************************************************************** > WAACE'92 STR SHOW NEWS THE PREMIER EAST COAST SHOW * REPORT 3 """""""""""""""""""""" WAACE'92 - The Atari Tradition Keeps Getting Better! ==================================================== by Dana P. Jacobson The rain started as soon as I hit Baltimore, at about 6:30 a.m. Friday. I had been on the road since 10:00 the night before; and this didn't appear to be an ominous omen until I took the Washington D.C. Beltway, the wrong way! 45 minutes later, I managed to circle it around until I came back to where I wanted to be; and the Sheraton Reston loomed ahead. At 7:30 in the morning, not much was happening, but I tried to check into the hotel anyway. Sorry, it's much too early, the receptionist declared, come back after 9. I looked around and saw few people in the lobby. I went out to the car to try to get a few winks, but the caffeine had done its stuff, I was wired. Watching the leaves fall was getting boring, so I wandered back to the front desk. My luck wasn't getting any better, Ralph's reservation wasn't there. Ugh, I asked the kind woman to check further, but to no avail. Come back a little later, she said, and check to see if there's a room; the hotel is booked solid! Fortunately, there was something a little later, and I grabbed it. I was not looking forward to telling Ralph that the hotel lost his reservation! He arrived about an hour later. I can't wait to learn where the reservation disappeared! The weekend was not off to a good start! I was hoping that this wasn't an omen of things to come... We semi-unloaded everything, and JD Barnes offered to take us to lunch, and then visit Toad Computers. Dave and Jennifer Troy were holding a Fest before the Fest, and it was an opportunity to see what a real Atari dealer looked like again!! What a nice store! Best wishes for success in the new location, Dave and Jennifer. We then made a stop at the "Junkyard Pussycat's" lair to pick up some equipment for the show. When we arrived, people were beginning to arrive; and the GEnie get-together was just beginning - we headed up to the lounge where we met D.D. Martin, John Donahue, and a few others. This was more like it, the party had started! It was an early night as most of the early-comers were winding down from their long trips to the Fest. Finally, I could get some rest after being awake since the previous morning. Saturday came soon enough, and after a quick bite, we hit the showroom floor minutes before the doors officially opened. I managed to get to the CodeHead booth ahead of the crowds, anticipating the usual long lines to get upgrades and the various products readily available. I even bought a few of the font packages for Calligrapher, and I _had_ to have at least one of the CodeHead's new tee shirts! After I dropped off the beginnings of my many newly acquired goodies, the crowd began to enter the show. In previous years, lines were out the door by the time the show started. Not so this year. My guess is that the torrential downpour kept most people away, or until later. JD Barnes had a frown on his face when he noticed the lack of an early "mob" at the registration desk. What had they done wrong was all he could think about. Well, as it turned out, there was no burst of people early on, but the crowds were steady throughout the day instead. By lunch, JD and the other organizers were smiling more. WAACE '92 was a hit, and getting better as the day progressed. There were quite a number of new developers and dealers attending WAACE this year for the first time, a good sign. These folks only add to the pleasure of the WAACE experience. John Trautschold, from Missionware Software, was showing off "Flash II", a completely rewritten version of the popular Flash telecom program. He also was showing off a beta version of CyberPaint, running on a TT! This soon-to-be-released upgrade will be a welcome sight and capable of taking advantage of the Falcon's capabilities! John "Hutch" Hutchinson, of Fair-Dinkum Technologies was showing off "Crossword Creator II", "Word Search II", "Cryptographer", and "Cyberdrome". I can't wait to get involved in Cyberdrome, and I plan to check out Hutch's other products soon, being a word puzzle enthusiast!! Oregon Research had a number of new products which were interesting, but unfortunately, they weren't on my list of "must-haves" for the present. However, I will be keeping their product line in mind for the near future. Sheldon Winick and his family were in attendance from Computer STudio in North Carolina. It was nice to see another Atari dealer in the ranks of WAACE attendees. According to Sheldon, sales were quite good. He sold out of the TTs he brought, including some TT/DynaCADD workstations. The Lexicor demos were, simply put, outstanding!! I wish that I had a use for their products because they're terrific programs. Watching some of the work done with them was a pleasure to behold. Bill Rayl, from Atari Interface Magazine, was kind enough to give me a demo of STorm, a pending telecom program. I hope that there's a demo available soon because this is one program that seems to be a hit even before it makes it out to the streets. There was plenty of everything for everybody at the show. There was simply too much to relate with regard to who was there and what they were showing/selling. And, I know that there are going to be plenty of those reports elsewhere in this issue so I'll let those people relate their reflections. I think that the biggest highlight of the show, and the one that was the least expected, was the presence of Atari's Bill Rehbock. Atari was not expected to have any kind of representation at this year's WAACE show; and the WAACE organizers didn't appear to pursue the matter - it was really up to Atari only if they wanted to be a part of the tradition. I believe, that sometime around the BCS show in September, that Bill realized (on perhaps a personal level) that presentations such as was available to the BCS was a necessity to let the existing Atari userbase know that Atari was serious with the advent of the Falcon. From what I had heard at the show, Bill was going to attend even if he had to pay for his own way to Virginia. This, to me, shows a serious outlook to the determination that some at Atari have with regard to the Falcon and Atari's userbase. It was a pleasure to meet Bill, finally, and listen to him speak. Although he didn't have the tons of professional equipment accompanying him as was used at the BCS meeting, this was a plus for him because we all saw the personable Atari executive instead of the "stuffed-shirt" stereotype (not to say that Bill was a "stuffed-shirt at BCS!). Bill was kept extremely busy throughout the weekend. We got our first taste at the Saturday night banquet. If you missed it, you really missed something! Prior to Bill's presentation, Joe Waters presented the annual Current Notes Author of the Year Award to Richard Gunter, author of the monthly "Starting Block" series of articles. Richard was a well-deserved recipient of this award - congratulations from all of us at STReport, Richard!! After the award, Bill Rehbock, with the help of John Morales on the VCR, presented the banquet attendees with a similar talk as given at the BCS meeting. The presentation lasted for quite some time, including some video demos - definitely a worthwhile experience. Bill then was available for questions which he answered quite candidly. With a number of rounds of applause throughout his talk, Bill received the largest applause when he announced that he was more than happy with the success of the WAACE show and that he was already planning to return next year. Bill was also available during the weekend demonstrating the Falcon in the Productivity Room; and his seminar Sunday afternoon was standing-room-only; and the seminar went _well_ beyond the normal 1-hour limit! Everyone that I talked with during the show was very impressed with Bill Rehbock and his enthusiasm for the Falcon and those who came to see it. It was a pleasure to see people elated to get this opportunity and have a good feeling about Atari Corporation again, something that's been lacking for far too long. My overall reaction to this year's show was, in a single word, fantastic. I thought that last year's show was the highlight of the past shows I've attended. Not so. This year's show proved to be as good as last year, with attendance. This year I heard that developers and vendors did better in sales than last year, and last year was their best! All I could hear throughout my wanderings of the show floor was how much people were enjoying the show and that they spent too much money (and wanted to spend more)! In these tough times, I had to force myself to a limitation of spending but I know that I will be eventually getting some of the fine products that I saw that I just couldn't get this time around. I think that one of the most enjoyable part of the WAACE experience and tradition is the opportunity to meet, either for the first time or getting re-acquainted, the people whom I've had the pleasure of "talking" with on the online services or public bulletin board systems. Seeing and talking with these people face to face, whether they be users like myself or developers and dealers, is an unforgettable experience. THIS is what makes WAACE so enjoyable for me. Who can forget Dee Dee Martin handing out "I Love GEnie" ribbons at the Friday night get-together in the lounge? Who can forget those who saw those "No More RSN" and STReport buttons passed out all weekend, and looking for more to take home?! Who can forget Bill Rehbock's voice doing a "surround sound" imitation at the banquet, or the Rehbock/Mariano "duet" during Bill's Sunday seminar? Or Tomas, from CodeHead, asking a customer "do you _really_ want me to get up for that upgrade?" with a BIG smile on his face. How about those smiling kids who saw Albert Baggetta's "Eliemouse" for the first time? These, and many more, little anecdotes make the difference between a good show and one that is simply a fantastic experience. For all those WAACE organizers and volunteers who made this year's WAACE tradition a reality, my heartfelt thanks for a job WELL done!! Special thanks go to Ken Fassler, Russ Brown, Steve Rigby, and JD Barnes for being an integral part of it. Without you all, this show would not have been the success that it was. I _know_ that I'll see you next year and we can relive it all over again, only better. It was a pleasure to be part of the tradition. Congratulations on another successful show! ______________________________________________________________ > SUPRA/FAX UPGRADE STR InfoFile SUPRAFAXMODEM ROM UPGRADE 1.2J/H """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" USING YOUR SUPRAFAXMODEM ROM UPGRADE 1.2J/H =========================================== The 1.2J/H ROM upgrade provides several sophisticated enhancements to your SupraFAXModem. These instructions explain how to use those enhancements. RATE RENEGOTIATION Several commands and S registers combine to provide improved rate renegotiation on your SupraFAXModem: %G0 Disable rate renegotiation on V.32bis. %G1 Enable rate renegotiation on V.32bis, and enable rate renegotiation with retrain on V.32. %E Has not changed, but if both %G1 and %E1 are set, then the modem will renegotiate the rate during a retrain. This is also the only way the SupraFAXModem V.32 can rate renegotiate. &F1 Default now includes %G1. &F2 Default now includes %G1. S Register S109. Decimal Value Explanation 1 reserved 2 4800 bps 4 7200 bps 8 9600 bps 16 12000 bps 32 14400 bps 64 reserved 128 reserved The slowest possible carrier speed can be limited by S109. Some modems (including SupraFAX-Modem V.32 and V.32bis modems with early ROMs) can only up-shift a few times, and then they will lose the connection. The solution to this problem is to change S109 so that the modem does not need to up-shift as many times if S110=3. S Register S110. 0 Connect at V.32 only. 1 Enable V.32bis on V.32bis modems. 2 Enable V.32bis and automatic rate renegotiation. 3 Connect at the slowest possible V.32 or V.32bis speed, and then upshift if quality is good. The V.32bis standard negotiates carrier speed at 4800 baud, and then jumps to the agreed carrier speed to negotiate error correction/data compression. On noisy lines this can cause various con-nection problems. Supra's solution is to set S110 to 3. This causes the modems to connect at the slowest possible V.32 or V.32bis speed. With S110=3, as long as the line is clean enough, the modems will up-shift to the next possible carrier rate. The slowest possible carrier speed can be set by S109. COMPATIBILITY WITH A WIDER RANGE OF FAX MACHINES Rockwell chipset-based modems, including SupraFAXModems with older ROMs, cannot connect with a select few brands or models of fax machines. To provide increased compatibility with these fax machines, Supra has modified the fax tone emitted by the modem, so that the modem can communicate with a wider range of fax machines. This feature is in effect automatically; you do not need to do anything to invoke it. However, please note that you may hear a slight "rattling" noise when dialing out (on fax calls only), which is the sound of the tone that allows this compatibility. Silent Answer Silent answer lets one telephone line be used for two purposes: receiving faxes with the modem, and receiving voice calls with an answering machine or telephone. When set to this mode, the modem lets your answering machine answer all incoming calls. If it detects fax "CNG" tones, it routes the call to your fax software. Otherwise, it just sits silently on the phone line while you or your answering machine takes the call. You must be able to modify your fax software initialization string to take advantage of this feature. Your software probably does not allow you to modify the initialization string. Supra is currently working with several software vendors to add Silent Answer support to their software. To obtain a version of your software that supports Silent Answer, please contact the software company. Once you have software that supports Silent Answer, if your software uses register S0 to enable Auto Answer, set S0 to a number larger than your answering machine. This will allow the answering machine to answer first. When the phone rings, the modem will start monitoring the telephone line after the second ring. If it detects a fax tone, it will do one of the following: If S0 = 0, the modem will immediately answer the phone and attempt a fax connection. If S0 = 0, the modem will quickly issue up to 9 "RING" messages, expecting the fax software to issue an ATA. When installing the modem, DO NOT plug the answering machine into the telephone jack on the back of the modem. Instead, do ONE of the following: Plug the answering machine and modem into different wall jacks (i.e. jacks in different rooms). Plug the answering machine into a wall jack and the modem into the answering machine. Also, if you have an older answering machine that does NOT automatically turn itself off when it detects that a person or the modem has answered the call, you need a $7.95 adapter from Radio Shack, part #43-107. This adapter disconnects the answering machine from the phone line when the call is answered. It goes between the answering machine and the wall jack. Adaptive Answer Adaptive answer allows the modem to decide if an incoming call is fax or data, and handle it appropriately. To take advantage of this feature, you must have a software driver that knows how to switch between fax and data. Your fax or data software may have this driver built in. The driver must use the following commands to enable Adaptive Answer: AT +FCLASS=0 AT +FAA=1 (if using class 2) or +FAE=1 (if using class 1) S0=(1-255) (or ATA after RING message) The following result codes can be returned in Adaptive Answer mode: CONNECT XXXX if the call is a data call, or FAX if the call is a fax call. Caller ID In addition to the features described earlier, Caller ID is available as a low-cost upgrade option. If your upgrade includes this feature, you will want to understand the information in this section. Caller ID is only available in some areas of the country. You can only take advantage of it if your tele-communications software supports Caller ID. In between the first and the second ring of an incoming call, the phone company will send information on who is calling you. For example, if you are in terminal mode and have told the modem to answer on the third ring, you may see the following on your screen: RING DATE = 0321 TIME = 1405 NMBR = 5039672400 NAME = SUPRA CORPORATION {Optional. Info may vary from one phone company to another.} RING Caller ID can be used by many computer applications for improved security, efficiency, and convenience. Here are a few of the potential applications: Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs). A BBS can positively identify callers without the normal tedious logon sequences, and prevent unauthorized entry due to lost or stolen accounts and passwords. Screening Calls. Your computer can display the number and possibly name of who is calling, so you can decide if you want to answer or not. Professional billing. Your computer can match incoming calls to your client list and automatically create a charge to the client's account for your phone time. Database Lookup. Your customer's record or account can be displayed on your computer screen before you answer the call. The following AT commands enable and disable Caller ID: #CID=0 Disables Caller ID #CID=1 Enables Caller ID in formatted format #CID=2 Enables Caller ID in unformatted format (ASCII printable hex numbers) As with any AT data commands, you can issue these commands from your telecommunications software terminal mode, or include them in your telecom software's init string. For example, to enable Caller ID, type the following in your telecom software's terminal mode, where [CR] represents a carriage return: AT #CID=1 [CR] The SupraFAXModem Reference Manual provides more information on AT commands. Solving Problems If you need further assistance after following these instructions, please contact Supra Technical support. Supra Corporation Technical Support (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. PST) IBM DOS 503-967-2490 IBM Windows 503-967-2491 Macintosh 503-967-2492 All Other 503-967-2440 Also available by BBS, fax, or mail at: BBS 503-967-2444 FAX 503-967-2401 MAIL 7101 Supra Drive SW Albany, OR 97321 USA ________________________________________________________ > POLITICS AS USUAL? STR FOCUS! Is this nonsense really necessary? """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" OF BEES, HONEY & VINEGAR ======================== by R.F. Mariano Atari, through the years, has had some of the very best developers in the industry supporting their hardware. Unfortunately, once again a perception of the zany politics that's driven other developers away from this platform is rearing its ugly head again. Its reprehensible to witness the Codeheads doing without a Falcon while other, either much newer or lesser developers have one or more Falcons. In fact, its an outrage. Without a doubt, the Codehead Technologies name is synonymous with total support, outstanding software and hardware products along with top notch creativity. The burning question is why must _they_ do without a new Falcon030 for development purposes while other devs whose products simply do not serve any where near the number of Atari users Codehead's does? Codehead serves a complete, in depth, cross section of the worldwide Atari market. For Codehead to continue to support Atarians worldwide with the very latest in utilities, applications and enhancements they must, simply put, be provided with only the best of developer support by Atari. From CIS; #: 29083 S16/CodeHead Tech. 16-Oct-92 10:29:03 Sb: Political Correctness Fm: john barnes 73030,2307 To: All What's the Difference Between a Utility and an Application? At the GEnie conference of October 14th John Eidsvoog of Codehead software came out with the following lament: J.EIDSVOOG1> "Boy, it sure does hurt inside to keep hearing about all of the other developers writing stuff for the Falcon... kinda like not being invited to the biggest party of the year." Bob Brodie indicated that developers of "Applications" might be receiving preferential access to Atari Falcon030 machines over developers of "Utilities." On the surface of it there is some sense to this, as applications software is much more visible to purchasers of new machines ("Can I get WordPerfect, or Lotus, or.... for this machine?"). This viewpoint totally misses the fact utility programs like Warp 9, Hotwire, MultiDesk, MaxiFile, or Universal Item Selector may have an equally important long-term impact because they dramatically influence the way the machines respond to the users' wishes. In that sense utility programs are at the very core of the software development effort because they represent enabling technology that facilitates the users' access to the true capabilities of the machines that they have bought. The rationale for dividing the developer community into two camps appears, therefore, to be flawed. Perhaps, however, this rationale is merely a facade for a different, darker agenda? The guys from Codehead have long been outspoken in their criticism of Atari's mistakes in the software area. Is it possible that access to development systems for the next generation of Atari software is being used as a carrot to induce more "politically correct" ways of thinking? This issue will only be cleared up when the supply of Falcons begins to outstrip the demand for development systems. Let us pray that this happens soon enough to prevent the loss of valuable talent in the developer community. ==\\//== Another very important fact to make mention of is highly relative to the "application vs utility premise" (if you _care_ to call it that). Calligrapher, Mega Paint and Avant Vektor are a far cry from "utilities" yet they are not considered at all. Sure there will be those who will lament; "they are _imported_ by Codehead, _not_ developed by them." The answer to that is simple... Codehead has invested quite heavily in the Atari marketplace in support of its users and machines. Also Codehead has developed many modules for one of the programs and superb drivers for another of these programs. Further, God only knows how much support code has been generated by the Codeheads and then sent abroad for inclusion into the main programs. As an afterthought, many Atarians have used Maxifile and Hotwire for so long they've begun to take them for granted. They are, (Hotwire and Maxifile), top notch applications that serve many people's wide and varied needs while using Atari computers. To continue, its time the petty politics and vendettas came to a complete end if in fact, that's what is really going on. If not then the system used to determine the distribution spread is in serious need of re-examination and stricter evaluation. To leave the Codeheads "out in the cold" is a grievous logistical error. This situation serves no useful or productive means to an end for either Atari itself or its userbase both real and hoped for. It must be corrected forthwith. How do you feel about this matter? Let us hear from you. _________________________________________________________________ > STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips" """"""""""""""""""""" - Sunnyvale, CA. Ken Badertscher Joins Taligent -------------- Ken Badertscher, a long time Atari employee, has left Atari for greener pastures. Ken, noted for his work with the TOS group and other outstanding software accomplishments, left after a 'marathon' session of weeks of long hours to bring the Falcon Tos to reality. - Sunnyvale, CA STOCK FOR A BONUS? ------------- Recently, a number of Atari employees were offered a bonus for working long, long well over 40 hour weeks in a drive to get Falcon Tos up and running. It has been reported by our sources that the employees were not too happy with the stock offering as a bonus. In fact, there were those who asked and received a cash settlement instead. The cash settlement was reported to be in the neighborhood of 600.00. - New York City, NY TEST MARKET AREA REPORTED ----------------- Our sources have let us know that one of the test market areas will be New York's metropolitan area. The Falcon ads and marketing push is reported to be destined for this area along with others. Many market analysts report the Falcon is Atari's final escapade and must succeed for the company to survive. By all indications, the Falcon may very well pull the company up from its long sleep. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON" """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > A "Quotable Quote" """"""""""""""""" "A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad..." """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > 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! *_*_*_* WAACE'92 SPECIAL "CELEBRATE THINGS ATARI" ABCOFILE 80mb Hard disk System - $ 419.95! Assembled Ready to run! Includes either the ICD ADSCSI PLUS _or_ THE LINK & DMA Cable Installed in our NEW "Super Style" Case! (exp 11/15/92) *_*_*_* *** 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 10,002 Private BBS systems WorldWide! """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" October 16, 1992 Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-92 All Rights Reserved No.8.41 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 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. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""