ST Report: 24-Jul-92 #830
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 07/26/92-01:31:12 PM Z
From: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 24-Jul-92 #830
Date: Sun Jul 26 13:31:12 1992
*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
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STR Publishing
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July 24, 1992 No.8.30
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> 07/24/92 STR 830 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS
- IBM CUTS - ICD TRUE SCSI - BRACE SHOW REPORTS
- DELPHI DOIN'S - ALL 'ROUND GENIE - AES REFERENCE
- GFA-BASIC TOOLKIT - LEGAL RIGHTS III - STR Confidential
-* FORBES "FRIGHTENINGLY ACCURATE!" *-
-* ICD ANNOUNCES NEW LINK H/A *-
-* APPLE POSTS 3Q PROFITS *-
==========================================================================
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
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"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (July 24)
VENDOR LISTING UPDATE BEING PREPARED...
We're preparing an update to the VENDOR.DAT file that works with the
VENDOR.ACC utility. (This is a quick and easy database of current vendors
in the Atari community that runs as a .PRG or .ACC and written by Bill
Aycock.)
If you have any additions or corrections to our current information,
please post a message or send an Email to Ron Luks 76703,254 or Bill
Aycock 76703,406 as soon as possible.
INVISION ELITE
INVISION Elite is a black and white paint program. It has been in
intensive development over the past year and a half and is now being
introduced to the market from Power Thought Software. Download the
following files from LIBRARY 10 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS):
INVIPR.TXT - Announcement of INVISION ELITE, mono paint program
INVDM2.ARC - Demo of mono paint program, part 2 of 2
INVDM1.ARC - Demo of mono paint program, part 1 of 2
NEW IN ATARI VENDORS FORUM (GO ATARIVEN)
Now available in LIBRARY 17 -- the newest Calamus SL demo. A big
download, but worth it.
Also look in Library 11 for PG22B.LZH, a patch for version 2.1 of
PageStream updating it to version 2.2B. Brought to you by the folks at
Soft-Logik.
The folks from CODEHEAD TECHNOLOGIES have uploaded a series of files that
will enable you to print out font charts of all the available URW fonts
available for Calligrapher. The files are now available for most all
printers in LIBRARY 16.
NEW SYSOP IN ATARI 8-BIT FORUM
Please join us in welcoming SYSOP*Jeff Kovach 70761,3015 to the staff of
the Atari 8-Bit Forum (GO ATARI8).
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!"
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There comes a time when reality must be faced and the bottom line be
respectfully acknowledged. In the online scene, this time has arrived.
There has been a large number of our readers who have voiced their
unhappiness with the current state of affairs on GEnie in the ST RT. In
fact, they've gone so far as to fix "blame" on those who operate the RT
including Darlah. In STReport's opinion, there is no blame to be placed
on anyone at GEnie. Apparently, we are all seeing the culmination of many
unseen efforts and 'behind the scenes' pressures being applied.
In our opinion Darlah is, like STReport's readers and GEnie's
subscribers, caught in the middle. There appears to be a great deal more
occurring 'behind the scenes' than most folks are aware of. For example a
rather pointed request was directed, a short while ago at another online
service. The request was simple; dump STR's account blah, blah, etc.. and
online participation will increase. Naturally, in a mostly professional
world, such requests are routinely brushed aside as unethical, detrimental
and more importantly a waste of time.
Facts are facts. On GEnie, in the ST RT, the downloads and ancillary
usage accredited to STReport's Online presence is far from _not_ being "of
a significant value" as represented by certain, obviously biased
individuals who seem to have their own strange agenda. STReport's goal
is to continue to present the _whole_ truth to the users. We will never
support the Pollyanna like "tell 'em what they need to know" premise or
allow others to dictate our policy or content in any manner.
This past week, a confirming and "frighteningly accurate" story about
Atari broke in Forbes Magazine dated 08/03/92. Everyone involved with
Atari, even remotely, should read this article. Elsewhere in this issue,
appears a synopsis of the article. No doubt, we will soon be seeing
Forbes enjoying the reputation of being a "National Enquirer" type
publication at the hands of those "wreckspert information masters" in the
Atari arena. Especially since Forbes has now paralleled, fortified and
verified STR's Atari critiques reported in the past five years that gained
us the unique distinction. No matter, if and when they, once again, come
forward with such absurdities, it will only further substantiate our
sincere contentions; they are truly engaged in a campaign of utter and
complete disinformation. Obviously, showing absolutely no respect for the
intelligence of the userbase. For Atari to have any kind of a shot at a
decent future, the games, politics, and favoritism must be brought to a
screeching and complete halt. Jack is back and is in full control of the
company. Believe this... the frivolity and enemy cultivation by a few at
Atari is going to have to halt or, its all over but the crying. Atari
_needs_ all the friends it can get.
In closing, its far more important to realize Atari's now embarking on
a venue of new product releases. Products like the Falcon and FSMGDOS
that will use Bitstream Fonts. Its all very exciting. Now, if only we
can get the message across to certain people in Sunnyvale to use their
energies and budgets to promote the new product lines and once and for
all, forget the silly politics and vendettas. STReport has always been
highly supportive of the Atari hardware lines, its ease of use and
reliability. Our differences with Atari can be narrowed down to only a
person or two.
STReport's overall goal is to establish beyond a doubt, one basic fact
we support Atari, its hardware and its userbase. We will not however,
sell the readers short for a moment. STReport wants nothing more than to
be among those witnessing the grand resurgence of Atari in the worldwide
computer marketplace. This can only be done with the confidence of the
users and the continued support of _all_ loyal Atarians. STReport
believes the userbase, worldwide, is willing to forget the ills of the
past and is ready to build the future along with Atari. Now, the big
question; Is Atari ready? Only,, by their policy making decisions,
production, marketing and promotional efforts along with their willingness
to begin anew will we know.
Thank you for your strong support!
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
THE STORM IS COMING!
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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
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Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
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GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
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> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
=================
Issue #30
Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
-- EA to Develop Games for Sega SD System
Electronic Arts (EA) has announced it has signed an agreement with video
game maker Sega. The agreement allows EA to continue to publish game
cartridges for the Sega Genesis home game system and also allows for
the publishing of software for the new Sega compact disc (CD) system
planned for US introduction in November of this year.
Sega President Larry Probst said in a prepared statement: "Sega CD has a
chance to become the first successful CD peripheral for interactive
entertainment and enhance 16-bit market growth for several more years."
-- IBM to Promote 486SLC2 Chip on TV
IBM's new 486SLC2 microprocessor - which is said to nearly quadruple
performance of mid-range PCs - will be launched with a five week TV
campaign and a print campaign in PC trade publications. The TV spots
will include 30-second commercials on the Olympics, "Nightline," "Good
Morning America" and the Professional Golfers Association championship.
The campaign features a race car and includes a headline reading, "This
PS/2 SLC is so fast, it comes with its own speeding ticket."
-- Companies to Eliminate CFC Usage
Apple Computer Inc. announced today it has eliminated the use of ozone-
depleting chlorofluorocarbons -- better known as CFCs -- to clean elect-
ronic assemblies and manufacturing equipment. Sources say that Apple
was responsible for dumping 270,000 pounds of CFCs into the atmosphere
in 1990.
Intel Corp. has pledged to end all CFC use by year's end, while IBM re-
cently announced it has ended all CFC use at its disk drive plant in San
Jose, Calif., a facility that had the nation's largest amount of CFC
emissions in 1987.
-- IBM Cuts Prices by up to 30%
IBM this week cut some PC prices by up to 30%. The price cuts came on
various configurations of IBM's models 35, 56, 57, 70, 90 and 95 desktop
Pcs, as well as on its laptop and notebook-size portables. They ranged
from about 4% to 30%, with most of them falling in the 20-30% range.
-- Apple Posts 3rd Quarter Profits
Apple Computer has posted revenues for the third quarter ended June 26,
1992, of $1.740 billion, a 13.8% increase from the $1.529 billion
reported in the third quarter of the prior year. According to Apple, net
income for the third quarter of fiscal 1992 was $132 million, as com-
pared to a net loss of $53 million in the third quarter of fiscal 1991.
Apple's international sales were 44% of net sales, which the company
claims is unchanged from the third quarter of the prior year.
-- Intel Delays P5 Chip
Industry sources say that Intel Corp. is delaying for a few months
release of its next-generation microprocessor, code named P5, in order
to have more time to ensure a problem-free introduction.
Intel says the delay also will allow the firm to improve the manufac-
turing process for the chip "and in the interim to make more of its
current high-end chip, the '486, whose sales are exceeding expectations.
The '486s and the P5 would share the same production lines."
Ziegler adds, "Intel said there were no problems with the P5 design, but
that the delay would allow a more extensive test of it, both internally
and with users such as personal computer makers."
A few years ago, a bug found in the '486 as Intel began to accelerate
production became an Intel embarrassment.
The P5 contains about 3 million transistors on a sliver of silicon, more
than two times as many circuits as on the 486. It will be at least twice
are powerful as the 486.
-- NeXT Joins Object-Oriented Consortium
NeXT Computer Inc has become the latest company to join the 250-member
Object Management Group (OMG). The consortium, promotes the cohesive
development of object-oriented software technology. Other leading
developers that hold membership in OMG include Anderson Consulting, APM,
Canon, DEC, Group Bull, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Novell, Olivetti, Software
AG and SunSoft.
OMG is an international organization supported by information system
vendors, software developers and users. The group promotes the theory
and practice of object-oriented technology in software development. Its
charter includes the establishment of industry guidelines and object
management specifications to provide a common framework for application
development.
OMG says conformance to these specifications will make it possible to
develop a heterogeneous applications environment across all major
hardware platforms and operating systems.
OMG seeks to foster object technology's growth and influence its
direction in four areas: overall architecture, reference model and
terms, applications programming interfaces (APIs) for objects and
applications and distributed object management services.
-- Compaq Reports 2nd Quarter Earnings up 43%
Compaq Computer Corp. today reported second quarter earnings of $29
million (or 35 cents a share), up 43% over profits of $20 million (23
cents) a year ago. Revenues in the quarter rose 15% to $827 million,
compared with $718 million in the second quarter of 1991.
According to Eckhard Pfeiffer, president of Compaq, said that Compaq's
new aggressive pricing policy has helped it become a worldwide price
leader.
_______________________________________________________________
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
From the Atari Productivity forum.
I guess that sometimes even a SYSOP doesn't have all of the information
right at his finger tips. SYSOP Ron Luks tells Mike Fulton of Atari:
"Mike:
I was just asked if the latest HD software supports partitions bigger
than 32 Mb. I know that ICD software does, but that only works on
their hardware. I've used HDX ver 5.0, but never wanted to set up a
big (>32Mb) partition, so I couldn't give an answer. Can you tell me
if ver 5.0 can handle the big partitions, and if not, do you guys have
a version "in the wings" that will support bigger partitions?"
Mike replies and provides some useful information:
"AHDI has supported large partitions since v3.0. (Although you do
need TOS 1.04 or later... I think.) I've got a 50mb partition on my
drive at home for example, and I've seen bigger ones than that.
Basically, to do bigger partitions, one makes the cluster size larger.
A cluster is the 'atom' that makes up files in GEMDOS. In small
partitions, a cluster maps out to two physical sectors. In larger
partitions, more sectors are used per cluster. But I guess that
sometimes, too much of a good thing (even a large hard drive
partition) is not such a good thing."
Stefan Daystrom tells Mike Fulton:
"I don't feel confident using partitions greater than 16 meg because
the diagnostic program (and companion defragmenter) I use the most, DL
II, doesn't work with them. Is there an equivalent program you can
recommend (to analyze and fix lost clusters, crosslinked clusters, and
the like) that does work with any size partitions?"
Albert Dayes of Atari Advantage Magazine answers:
"Hard Disk Sentry by Beckemeyer works with large partitions (BGM)
works on any host adapter (supra/bms/icd/atari) for only $50."
Meanwhile, people all over are anxious to hear about Atari's next entry
into the computer market.
Ron Luks asks Jeff at Intersect Software:
"Since you're one of the best HW guys around, let me direct this
question to you, but anyone with the answer please feel free to jump
in.
Although I've never received any direct info about the upcoming
'Falcon 030' (or whatever its called), we've heard enough rumors that
it will contain a SCSI (or SCSI2) connector instead of the Atari's DMA
port.
Since I hope to run most of my current software on the new machine if
I get one, I am faced with how to move over all my programs. Floppies
are a pain, but I have this Supra FD-10 (10Mb floppy system) that
could prove quite handy. However, without the DMA connector, I cant
just plug this unit in-- OR CAN I? The back of the Supra FD-10 has
the usual DMA cable and DMA pass thru connector. It also has a 3rd
connector which the manual says is for daisy chaining to a SCSI
connector like the Macintosh uses.
Will I be able to get a cable made that will allow me to connect the
FD-10 right to the SCSI (or SCSI2) port of the new machine? And if
so, would I use the same SUPRABOOT driver to boot the FD-10 to the new
system? I understand you won't be able to give me a definitive answer
without seeing the new machine yet, but how about a good guess?"
Jeff replies and shares his thoughts and gives us all a lot to look
forward to:
-
"A good guess, hmmm....
I would hope that the Falcon has a ACSI port (DMA) since the Atari
Laser needs this port to connect to the computer. IF it doesn't have
a ACSI port then I hope...expect that Atari is planning on a SCSI
video laser controller.
In the first case (has a ACSI port) then it (your Supra 10 meg Floppy)
should plug right in and the Atari HDX (V5.0) software should allow
you to use your 10 meg Floppy since it supports removable media.
Everything I have heard says that it will have a SCSI port not a SCSI
2 port. The SCSI 2 drives are still pricey and are limited to very
large sizes =>300 megs or more.
There may be a big brother to the Falcon released next year that has a
SCSI 2 port => => considering all the Audio DMA, Appletalk LAN DMA and
56001 DSP DMA ports it needs VERY fast HD access. My suppliers have
IDE drives in all sizes from 20 to 400 megs but SCSI drives below 200
megs are harder to get. This may be why we hear that the INTERNAL
FALCON drive is going to be a IDE.
If the Falcon has a SCSI port like the TT then the Supra SCSI plug
should plug right into it. Cables (MAC Configured) for the TT are
easily available and average about $10.00 (half the price of the Atari
custom ACSI cable). The SPECS I've read on the Falcon suggest that
this machine is targeted at the following markets in this order:
1) PROFESSIONAL (high end) music industry. In this field it's a knock
their socks off "Power with out the Price" computer that sets as many
standards as the ST did in "85".
2) Personal Computer For the typical American it must play games and
this machine has that and more.
3) Who could ask for more, it potentially could be used in LAB
applications, on boats for EXTENSIVE SONAR imaging, the same monitor
could also display a Camera image in a window. It could be used in
the medical field in Ultra Sound imaging, DOPPLER (passive) Sonar
(measures the velocity of flow in blood vessels to find narrowing in
blood vessels) and more."
Again, Albert Dayes of Atari Advantage Magazine supplies information:
"With a SCSI-2 host adapter one can mix SCSI-2 and SCSI-1 devices on
the same bus without any problems. There is extra commands in SCSI-2
specifically for audio CD-ROM drives so to starting audio on a CD-ROM
drive will be standardized. Also the fast SCSI allows for 16-bits or
32 bits rather than the 8-bit transfer (oops that should be in
addition to 8-bit transfer). In the IBM hardware forum there quite a
bit of talk regarding SCSI-2 and SCSI-1 devices on the SCSI-2 bus so
most of it could be very useful to people who have both SCSI-1 and
SCSI-2 devices."
Jeff from Intersect replies to Albert saying:
"I didn't know they allowed SCSI 1 on a SCSI 2 buss. For sure the
plugs are different <grin>. That's good news, I'll have to read up on
the specs for SCSI 2."
George Richardson jumps into the conversation and says:
"Ron, you can get a cable made up to connect any SCSI Hard disk
directly to the Falcon without a host adapter. All you need to do is
supply power.
However, the driver need to be of the same type required to run the
hard drive on the TT. I don't believe Supra's software supports this.
ICD's software will support it, but allows formatting and installation
only if there is one of their host adapters in the system, and since
there is no ACSI bus on the Falcon, that means that it would have to
be set up on a TT machine which has both SCSI and ACSI ports.
The only software that I know that supports the whole mess without any
strings is Atari's HDX 5.X software."
George also later posts:
"Ron, you can get a cable made up to connect any SCSI Hard disk
directly to the Falcon without a host adapter. All you need to do is
supply power.
However, the driver need to be of the same type required to run the
hard drive on the TT. I don't believe Supra's software supports this.
ICD's software will support it, but allows formatting and installation
only if there is one of their host adapters in the system, and since
there is no ACSI bus on the Falcon, that means that it would have to
be set up on a TT machine which has both SCSI and ACSI ports.
The only software that I know that supports the whole mess without any
strings is Atari's HDX 5.X software."
Albert Dayes tells Ron Luks:
"If you run an ICD host adapter you can use the DMA cable to the SUPRA
FD-10 and be able to chain everything together without any problem.
I've noticed when connected other SCSI devices up to the SCSI port on
the back of the SUPRA host adapter it locks up the bus. It appears to
be related to the STe Hard Disk problems in the past. I've also
noticed that I can't hook up my Supra directly to a Atari STe since
both the power and lights and busy lights come and on and the bus gets
locked up. But by putting a ICD AdSCSI adapter before the SUPRA it
works just fine. Some things work just fine on the Supra bust most
seem to have a problem. I don't remember if Supra ever came out with
something to fix the problem with SUPRA's host a adapters or it could
be mine is just and older model (Supra v2.0 dma thru and Apple SCSI
thru) on the back."
Pat Augustine asks a question that popped into my mind while reading these
posts:
"But how are you going to use an ICD Host Adapter on a machine that
doesn't have a DMA? None of mine have anything but DMA connectors.
For that matter, I would imagine you could take the ICD host adapter
out and go straight to the SCSI drive (or Adaptec/OMTI adapter), but
that would mean you would lose the benefit of that wonderful ICD
software. Which I don't want to lose. I've been thinking along these
lines, too, since I have two external ICD hard drives, and don't want
to give up 180M of storage. Or the software. Sorry, Atari, but I'd
rather use ICD hard drive software than yours."
Albert Dayes, again from Atari Advantage Magazine replies:
"You don't need a DMA connection to attach an ICD adapter you could
just use SCSI right? If it is looking for an ICD host adapter in the
chain it should only look for it in the SCSI point of view rather than
the DMA. I'm sure ICD will address the issue when the FALCON is
shipping. They already addressed the issue of using ICD software on
NON ICD equipment if you own an ICD adapter."
Well folks, that's all for this week. I realize that I didn't even
touch on the Atari Art or Atari Developer forums, but I thought that most
would enjoy the discussion of what running your current hard drive with a
Falcon 030. Tune in again next week for more questions and answers.
___________________________________________________________
> STR Portfolio News & Information Keeping up to date...
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
On CompuServe!
by Judith Hamner 72257,271
The Connecticut AtariFest '92 is looming closer. If you are planning
to attend, why not drop by the forum and discuss your plans. You may have
a chance to meet your on-line friends in person. CTLYNX.TXT describes the
Lynx tournament to be held at the Fest. Head-to-head play will be featured
along with hands-on demos of the latest games.
Programming mystics will be interested in THETAO.COM. This is a PBREAD
file featuring the TAO of programming. PBREAD is available in the forum
library.
STDATE.ZIP is another aid for Star Trek fans. Now you can easily
convert from stardates to the Gregorian calendar and back again. This
program has been modified for the Portfolio from source found on another
forum.
Peter Bennett has created an electronic dice game. DICE.COM requires
pbrun.com, the PowerBasic runtime module to operate.
In response to a forum member's request, several useful utilities have
been located which work on the Portfolio. These were found in other
forums. RENDIR.COM is a command to rename a directory. KILDIR.COM will
delete a directory along with all the files it contained.
METRO.ZIP is a database of the telephone exchanges in the Washington
D.C. metro area. This program from another forum was also modified for the
Portfolio by BJ Gleason. Now you can use the phone number to determine the
area a place is located.
Peter Bennett has come up with a new game for the Portfolio. Zeros is
an addictive little game written in PowerBasic. ZEROPB.ZIP includes the
pbrun.com file needed to run the game. ZEROS.ZIP is for those who already
have the pbrun file.
Dr. Helmut Fender has uploaded several useful programs for the
Portfolio. UKCODE.DBF is a datafile designed to be used with CODE.COM.
This is a database of London telephone exchanges and postal codes which is
helpful to determine in what part of town a place is located. TD.COM will
tell you facts about today. QY.COM is a unique clock that tells the time
in words.
The Connecticut AtariFest is preparing an interesting experiment for
their younger guests. Junior and Senior High School students learn desktop
publishing while producing a daily newsletter for the show. CTKIDS.TXT
contains the details.
Don Thomas has uploaded PCLRES.TXT which contains the resolution to
the situation described in earlier postings.
__________________________________________________________________
> The LINK STR InfoFile NEW! External SCSI host!
"""""""""""""""""""""
THE LINK(tm)
============
AN ALL NEW EXTERNAL
SCSI HOST ADAPTER
FOR
ATARI ST COMPUTERS
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Rockford, Illinois, July 22, 1992
ICD, Incorporated, a leading designer and manufacturer of hardware
enhancements for Atari computers, today announced The LINK, a highly
integrated external SCSI host adapter for all Atari ST computers.
For the past five years ICD has enjoyed an enviable reputation as the
world leader of interfaces connecting Atari ST computers to SCSI devices.
Not willing to rest on its laurels, ICD is always looking for ways to push
the envelope for data transfer rates, to use the latest in hardware and
software technology in order to continually redefine state-of-the-art in
the Atari ST host adapter market. This path has given ICD customers the
fastest possible hard drives, with uncompromising compatibility and speed
at competitive prices.
The LINK, from ICD, allows Atari owners even more flexibility in their
choice of hard drives. The LINK is an external SCSI host adapter designed
to plug in to a standard 50 pin centronics style SCSI connector. In an
attractively-designed molded case measuring just 2.5 inches by 3 inches
and less than .75 inches thick (63x76x19 mm), The LINK will fit into most
any SCSI environment. The LINK is powered by the termination line of the
target SCSI device and will support up to 8 SCSI devices. This allows the
use of external SCSI drives originally designed for the Apple Macintosh,
IBM PC, Commodore Amiga, NeXT, Atari TT and Falcon, or most other standard
SCSI drives with Atari ST, STE, Stacy, and STBOOK computers. Just plug
and go. Since most drives require no modifications, The LINK won't affect
the drive manufacturer's warranty.
The LINK, along with ICD's highly acclaimed software, also gives multi
platform computer owners unprecedented flexibility. If the SCSI drive is
formatted under MS-DOS with FDISK, the user can directly read and write
files from Atari computers under TOS using the ICD driver, IBM PCs running
PC-DOS or MS-DOS, and Amiga computers running AmigaDOS 2.1 or later using
the integral CrossDOS utility.
Thomas Harker, President of ICD, explained;
"This is a real breakthrough in SCSI support for Atari ST computers.
Not only is this a great value in hardware connectivity, but the
software that comes with it is unbeatable."
CD-ROMs are now supported! Since The LINK supports extended SCSI
commands we wrote MetaDOS drivers to support the SCSI-2 standard for
CD-ROM players. Floptical drives are now fully supported! With the
Insite Floptical drive you can read and write IBM-compatible floppy disks
at 720K, 1.4Mb, and 21Mb configurations on your Atari ST computer.
Magneto-optical drives are also supported! We now support virtually all
R/W optical drives in the 3.5 and 5.25 inch formats."
The ICD LINK is competitively priced and will be premiered at the
Atari Messe in Duesseldorf, Germany in August. ICD is taking orders now
with shipments expected in mid-August. The LINK comes with a full one
year warranty.
For further information, contact Thomas Harker at ICD in the United
States by phone (815) 968-2228 extension # 120 or fax (815) 968-6888.
The LINK is a trademark of ICD, Incorporated. Other trademarks are
those of their respective holders.
ICD, Incorporated
1220 Rock St.
Rockford, IL 61101 USA
Telephone: (815) 968-2228
Facsimile: (815) 968-6888
Sales....: (815) 968-8550
***********************************************************************
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.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
***********************************************************************
> DELPHI DOIN'S STR Feature Looking over Delphi...
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
WAZZUP DOC?
===========
by Doyle C. Helms Jr.
Software Editor @ ST Report
I will be doing a weekly feature on the major on-line systems and
what they hold in store for you the user. Each week I will examine what
is in store for your file downloading pleasure. I will occasionally drop
in on some of the "forums" and see what is being said about various
software titles. This software is not limited to commercial applications,
the discussions will also surround the Public Domain and Shareware scenes.
Let's skip any further chit-chat and jump right into the
heart of things...
Delphi- The ST Advantage
Your Sysops are:
Clayton Walnum (ANALOG4)
Charles Bachand (BACHAND)
Gordie Meyer (BIBLINSKI)
Bryan Schappel (BBKBRYAN)
Let's take a quick look at Delphi-ST Advantage history in the Atari
community. Don't fret CIS (Compuserve) users, I will be featuring the
ATARIPRO/ART/VEND and etc. areas next week. :)
WAAAYYY back in the early days of ANALOG magazine when the Atari
computer was a strapping 8-bit monster among the computers of that day,
ANALOG magazine and their staff came on-line with Delphi to support their
magazine and Atari computers by virtue of helping the users understand
just how-to-do-what. The ANALOG sig on Delphi was MUCH more than just an
area where to post and download files, the ANALOG sig also supported the
users via "The FORUM". The FORUM is a free form discussion area where
users could discuss problems with using an application or just problems
with everyday life. Once the ST computer came on the scene, the ANALOG sig
was anything but slow in supporting Ataris' new baby. The tradition that
was demonstrated in the 8-bit sigs was also VERY much alive in the ST
computer support sigs! This tradition continues even to this day. Even
though the ANALOG/ST-LOG magazine has gone the way of Antic/STart and
others, Delphi-The ST Advantage has continued its' total support of the
entire computer line. The sysops in the ST Advantage sig on Delphi are
some of the friendliest, knowledgeable and personable people you could
ever wish to meet.
Let's take a look at what is happenin' in the ST-Advantage sig this
week.
Data-Lope
Shareware authored by David M. Seberg
P.O. Box 420466
San Diego, CA 92142-0466
Data-Lope is a HPDJ (DeskJet) envelope/database program that comes
VERY close to commercial quality envelope printing application. A HP
DeskJet (or compatible) printer is required to print with this program. I
currently use an Epson Action Laser II printer with all HP emulations
modes available and I have no complaints with Data-Lope printing.
Data-Lope use a nicely implemented GEM interface. Data-Lope includes
extensive on-line help. The accompanying documentation is very well
written and covers the features of the program completely. If you have a
HPDJ or compatible printer and you need the ability to address envelopes,
you need this program. Currently found in the RECENT ARRIVALS database on
Delphi.
F10 Address Book
Shareware authored by Frank Vuotto
F10 Software
P.O. Box 2201
Taos, New Mexico 87571
The F10 Address Book is a easy to use name-address-tele# database. The
program is quickly learned and implemented into everyday use. This program
can contain up to 50 records per alphabetic letter. This program will also
dial the requested number if you place you tele-receiver close to you
monitor speaker. The author states that he has had limited success with
this method of dialing. The phone can also be dialed using the MODEM
option with the AT command set. The modem has to be sent the ATH0 (hang up
modem) command after the number has been dialed.
Mr. Vuotto has also authored several other shareware applications.
These are: ROBO BOP-Graphic MIDI Rhythm Editor, LEXLAX01-Lexicon LXP1
Editor/Librarian Desk ACC., TX81-ZIP TX 81Z- Librarian Desk ACC., TIME
SHEET- recording studio point of sales and log book.
Spider 2.0 Solitaire Game (low rez color only)
Spider 2.0 Solitaire card game is for low rez color only. But oh my
how nice the colors are in this game! This game runs on classic ST's and
also TOS 2.05 MSTE also. The graphics in this game are quite nice and game
play is mouse controlled. The interface is similar to what is found in
STOS quality games. There is a help option available which will "cheat"
and show you the next best move. High score tracking is also available. If
you a computer card player, and especially a solitaire player, you will
enjoy this game!
DBWRITER version 1.8 Word Processor
FREEWARE by David Becker
DBWRITER is almost a full featured word processor for the Atari
ST/MSTE. Mr. Becker has been working on this program for quite a few
months and it is growing into a commercial quality program much like ST
WRITER ELITE from Atari/Dr. Noonan. Mr. Becker states that the program
originally started as an experiment in alternative user interfaces. Well,
suffice it to say that Mr. Becker has achieved his goal with DBWRITER 1.8!
I have not had enough time to really dive into DBWRITER, but from what
little I have used it, it might well replace WordWriter as my primary word
processor for non-professional layout work. DBWRITER also has a Thesaurus
and dictionary that the users can customize for there own particular
needs. DBWRITER also has the ability of a small address book/cardfile
database for mail merge operations. If you haven't tried this program, and
you would like to see something different in word processing, check out
DBWRITER 1.8!
Here are some other files found in the RECENT ARRIVALS data of The
ST-Advantage:
MUNCHIE Game
Ms. PacMan style game written in GFA
Basic with the new GP Graphics
Engine.Docs Included. Great Graphics
ROBO BOP MIDI v. 1.9
Graphic MIDI editor that works with
any drum machine or Synth. MANY
options! From F10 Software
SPX Viewer 1.8
View SpeCtrum eXtended graphic
files. Color monitor required!
Will not run on TT!
MOD Files! Musical STe STEreo
RAM JAMin'! Gotta have it!
Well, that about does it for this weeks look at the ST Advantage
files on Delphi for the Atari ST/STe/TT. Next week I will feature CIS
(Compuserve) and some more Delphi of course!
Serial Side Note: Rumor has it that InterNet can be accessed through
Delphi! I will look into this and let you know more about this rumor.
Until then...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
> TAYLOR RIDGE NEWS STR InfoFile AES Quick Reference & GFA TOOLKIT
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE TRB REFERENCE SERIES
========================
Manchester, CT. July 17, 1992
Taylor Ridge Books has announced the release of AES Quick Reference,
the first volume in the new TRB Reference Series, featuring a complete
guide to the AES library of functions, as well as an overview of the TOS
operating system. In this 100-page volume, each AES function is covered
thoroughly, including a brief description of the function, sample function
calls for both assembly language and C, and notes on function usage. Also
included are complete program shells that assembly language or C
programmers can use as templates for their own programs.
The AES Quick Reference's logical and attractive layout makes it easy
to locate quickly the information programmers need. Each function begins
on its own page and features the function name and number in large type at
the top. Moreover, the entire AES function library has been organized in
alphabetical order, further facilitating the location of a particular
function.
The AES Quick Reference sells for a low $11.95 plus $3 P&H ($4 outside
the U.S.). An optional disk containing the program shells is available
for an additional $5. The second volume of the series, VDI Quick
Reference, will be released in August 1992, with the third volume, TOS
Quick Reference soon to follow.
GFA-BASIC PROGRAMMING TOOLKIT
=============================
Manchester, CT. July 17, 1992
Taylor Ridge Books has announced the release of The GFA-BASIC Toolkit,
Volume 1, which contains a wealth of programming routines for GFA-BASIC
programmers. Written by John Hutchinson of Fair Dinkum Technologies, The
GFA BASIC Toolkit provides novice to intermediate programmers with over 50
useful routines they can plug directly into their programs. Whether the
programmer needs to unravel the mysteries of file handling or just wants
to add digitized sounds to his program, the Toolkit offers a treasure
chest of routines for making programs more professional.
Included in this volume are routines to load and save picture files,
flip screens, clip graphic elements from a screen, display graphics with
various video effects, play both regular sounds and digitized sound,
control a blitter chip, and much more. Even advanced programmers are
likely to find some helpful gems tucked away within its pages. Priced at
$34.95 plus $3 P&H ($4 outside the U.S.), The GFA-BASIC Toolkit comes with
a complete manual and a disk that includes an extensive sample program, as
well as all the routines in the book.
The GFA-BASIC Toolkit or the AES Quick Reference may be ordered from:
Taylor Ridge Books
P.O. Box 78
Manchester, CT 06045-0078
Books may also be purchased with Visa or MasterCard, please call:
(203) 643-9673
or
ordered via electronic mail on:
Delphi CompuServe GEnie
ANALOG4 70303,3633 C.WALNUM1
***********************************************************************
: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 Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
***********************************************************************
> LEGAL RIGHTS III STR FOCUS! STEALING FROM THE CALIFORNIA TAXPAYERS
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE GREAT SCHOOL COPYRIGHT ROBBERY
==================================
by Albert Silverman
From the Mac RT on Genie
Introduction
This is the third article in a series on "piracy"--with a reverse
twist. This series currently includes the following articles:
(1) Great Software Licensing Hoax (LEGAL RIGHTS PIRACY1)
(2) Software Copyright/License Quiz (LEGAL RIGHTS PIRACY2)
(3) Great School Copyright Robbery (LEGAL RIGHTS PIRACY3)
(4) San Diego County--Truth Squad (LEGAL RIGHTS PIRACY4)
(5) ADAPSO and SPA--Trade Pirates (LEGAL RIGHTS PIRACY5)
(6) Aldus--Snaring a Pirate Chief! (LEGAL RIGHTS PIRACY6)
-------------------------------------------------------------
This article deals with the computer software industry's piracy of the
legal rights of computer users, both in the California public schools
(grades K-12) and in the colleges and universities across the nation.
Although my direct K-12 experience is with the California public schools,
there is no question but that this software industry piracy is being
actively pursued nationwide. The direct cost comes out of the taxpayers'
pockets; the indirect cost is a loss in the integrity of computer
education.
STEALING FROM THE CALIFORNIA TAXPAYERS
In 1983, the California Department of Education placed the computer
software industry in charge of "educating" the public school districts
about the nature of the software copyright laws! This was purportedly to
permit the districts to enforce the laws and PREVENT software piracy.
Instead, the naive school districts found themselves on the RECEIVING end
of piracy by the software industry.
Under a charter grant, the industry's legal disinformation was
furnished to the public schools by the "International Council for
Computers in Education" (ICCE), an industry "front" organization
established to keep the schools in line--the industry's line, that is. The
ICCE (since renamed the ISTE, for undisclosed reasons) does not openly
admit its industry sponsorship, but claims to be a "nonprofit"
organization which is devoted to the pursuit of public school educational
matters involving computers. Perhaps an impressive- sounding name will put
the victims off the track.
A major software industry perversion of the copyright law, designed
specifically to pirate the legal rights of computer users in the public
schools, is embodied in the following ICCE cornerstone definition:
"Back-up Copy: The Copyright Act is clear in permitting the owner of
software a back-up copy of the software to be held for use as an
archival copy in the event the original disk fails to function." This
definition is promoted (by the ICCE) to the schools in the following
set of software handling instructions:
(1) You can make only ONE backup copy of a computer program.
(2) You MUST use the ORIGINAL copy until such time as it might be damaged
during use.
(3) If, and only if, the original copy is damaged during use, you may use
a backup copy, but only on an INTERIM basis while a new original copy
is being purchased from the software publisher.
(4) As soon as the new original is received, it MUST be placed into
regular service (just like the preceding original copy), with the
backup copy being returned to the "archives."
If these instructions are followed, the school district will PURCHASE
a copy of the program for EVERY disk that is damaged, from whatever cause!
YOU know, of course, that only one original copy need be purchased (for
use on a single computer at a time), no matter how many disks are damaged
during use. The accepted method is to use the backup copy on a regular
basis, with the original being put aside for use only in making further
backup copies as might be necessary.
Imagine the cost to the school district (translation: the taxpayers)
incurred by following this perverted software industry "interpretation" of
the copyright law. Also imagine the cost to the harassed classroom
computer teacher who attempts to obey these ludicrous instructions. Also
imagine the effect of telling such deliberate LIES both to students and
other school personnel, in order to advance COMMERCIAL interests.
Preposterous, you say? Not to the San Diego Unified School District
which, while constantly yelling and screaming for "more money" from the
taxpayers, has no problem in stealing from the taxpayers to line the
pockets of the software industry with undeserved profits! Presented below
is a letter from this school district's General Counsel, Christina Dyer,
to Dr. Thomas Payzant, the district superintendent. This letter contains
"her" legal opinion, provided in response to a request from Dr. Payzant.
This request was made in order to answer my pointed criticism of the ICCE
copyright law interpretation being used by the San Diego Unified School
District. Be sure to read the final two paragraphs of this opinion, if you
only skim through the rest; they are likely to have you rolling in the
aisles. However, as a courtesy to Ms. Dyer, try to hold down the laughter
as you read them; believe it or not, she is deadly serious!!
****
DATE: September 9, 1988
TO: Dr. Thomas W. Payzant Superintendent
SUBJECT: Computer Program Copyrights
By letter dated August 2, 1988, Mr. Albert Silverman asserted, among
other things, that the International Council for Computer Education
("ICCE") policies on the use of copyrighted computer programs are
in-correct. The ICCE is of the opinion that, absent specific authorization
by the copyright owner, only a single archival copy may be made of each
purchased computer program copy and that such copy is to be held for use
as an archival copy in the event the original disk fails to function. The
California State Department of Education has recommended that school
districts adopt the ICCE policies on computer program copying.
Mr. Silverman, on the other hand, is of the opinion that multiple disk
copies may be made from a computer program contained in a purchased disk,
and that the copies may be used in lieu of the purchased copy. In this
manner, the purchased copy would not be exposed to the risk of destruction
and would always remain available for the purpose of making additionally
needed copies. In support of his contention, Mr. Silverman cited a
November 9, 1987, San Diego County Counsel opinion advising that multiple
archival copies may be made from a single purchased computer program copy,
and that an archival copy may be placed in use in lieu of the purchased
copy to eliminate the risk of damage to the purchased copy.
In response to Mr. Silverman's contentions, we previously opined that
a court examining the issue would rule that copyrighted computer programs
may be copied, without the copyright owner's permission, only in the
manner suggested by the ICCE and the State. By letter dated August 23,
1988, Mr. Silverman appears to have requested a written opinion from this
office setting forth the rationale supporting our conclusion. In order to
enable you to respond to Mr. Silverman, we set forth below our analysis on
the foregoing issue.
DISCUSSION
Section 106 to Title 17 of the United States Code details the exclusive
rights of copyright owners, and states in relevant part:
"Subject to Sections 107 through 118, the owner of copyright under this
title has the exclusive right to do and to authorize any of the following:
(1) To replace the copyrighted work in copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."
Absent a statutory exemption, the unauthorized duplication of a copy-
right owner's computer program is an infringement of the copyright owner's
rights. (Atari, Inc. v. JS & A Group, Inc. (D.C.Ill., 1983) 597 F.Supp. 5,
8.) 17 U.S.C. Section 117 sets forth two exceptions. Section 117 states:
"Notwithstanding the provisions of section 106, it is not an
infringement for the owner of a copy of a computer program to make or
authorize the making of another copy or adaptation of that computer
program provided:
(1) that such a copy or adaptation is created as an essential step in the
utilization of the computer program in conjunction with a machine and
that it is used in no other manner, or
(2) that such new copy or adaptation is for archival purposes only and
that all archival copies are destroyed in the event that continued
possession of the computer program should cease to be rightful.
Any exact copies prepared in accordance with the provisions of this
section may be leased, sold, or otherwise transferred, along with the
copy from which such copies were prepared, only as a part of the
lease, sale, or other transfer of all rights in the program.
Adaptations so prepared may be transferred only with the authorization
of the copyright owner."
The first exemption listed above refers to the placement of a program
into a computer, or "inputting" of it. Inputting a computer program
entails the preparation of a copy. (Micro-Sparc, Inc. v. Amtype Corp.,
(D.C.Mass., 1984) 592 F.Supp. 33, 35.) Computer programs written on paper
cannot be used at all in a computer without being translated ("copied")
into machine readable form; and programs on disks cannot, as a practical
matter, be used without first being loaded ("copied") into a memory device
in the computer. (Apple Computer, Inc. v. Formula Intern., Inc. (C.A.Cal.,
1984) 594 F.Supp. 617, 621.) Because a person must input a program in
order to use it, each use constitutes a potential copyright violation.
(Micro- Sparc, Inc. v. Amtype Corp., supra, 592 F.Supp. 33, 35.)
Subsection (1) 117 (1) was enacted simply to permit the rightful possessor
of a program to input and use it. The permission to copy stated therein is
"strictly limited to inputting programs." (Ibid.)
The purpose of the second exemption in Section 117 is to protect the
use of a copy against a particular type of risk: "destruction or damage by
mechanical or electrical failure." (Atari, Inc. v. JS&A Group, Inc.,
supra, 597 F.Supp. 5, 9.) Computer programs are stored in a wide variety
of media, and not all are subject to mechanical or electrical failure. A
paper copy may be burned or shredded, yet it could not be destroyed by
mechanical or electrical failure. The medium of storage determines whether
the "archival" exemption under Section 117 applies. Section 117 does not
apply where the dangers of destruction are "physical" dangers. "Where, and
only where, a medium may be destroyed by mechanical or electrical failure,
the archival exception protects the owners of programs stored in that
medium by granting them the right to make back up copies." (Ibid.)
Although a program stored on a disk, instead of a computer's memory,
is less susceptible to destruction or damage by mechanical or electrical
failure, "it is not completely immune from such a mishap." (Vault Corp. v.
Quaid Software Ltd., (E.D.La., 1987) 655 F.Supp. 750, 759, citing
Micro-Sparc, supra, 592 F.Supp. 33, 35 n.8.) Accordingly, a program stored
on a disk could be destroyed or damaged by mechanical or electrical
failure, and may be copied to the extent authorized by Section 117(2).
(Ibid.)
While it appears reasonably clear that an archival copy may be made of
a computer disk by the rightful owner thereof, the Courts have yet to
define the precise meaning of the term "archival" as used in Section
117(2). The Court in Atari held that the defendant therein could not avail
itself of Section 117(2) to market a device which, essentially, served no
purpose other than to make copies of Atari's video game computer programs.
Atari's programs were contained in an electronic circuit, or "chip,"
housed within a plastic cartridge. The chips were "read only memory" and
could neither be reprogrammed or erased. Under these facts, the Court held
that archival copies could not be made of the programs because they were
not susceptible to destruction or damage by mechanical or electrical
failure.
In Apple, the Court addressed only the exemption provided under sub-
division (1) to Section 117. The Court therein stated its opinion "should
not be read as attempting to construe, in any way, the meaning or scope of
subparagraph 2 [to Section 117]." (594 F.Supp. 617, 620 n.2.)
And in Micro-Sparc, Inc. the Court held, in part, that Section 117(2)
did not authorize the making of disk copies of computer programs
originally sold in paper form in a computer industry magazine. The Court
stated the magazine purchaser could not authorize a third party to put the
programs in disk form because the paper programs, although subject to
physical dangers, were not subject to destruction or damage by mechanical
or electrical failure. (592 F.Supp. 33, 35-36.)
We note, however, that the copyright statutes contain only three other
exceptions for "archival" copying. (Atari, Inc. v. JS & A Group, Inc.,
supra, 597 F.Supp. 5, 10, n.2.) Libraries and archives may make a copy of
an unpublished work "for purposes of preservation and security . . ," (17
U.S.C. Section 108(b)) and may make a replacement copy of a published work
that is "damaged, deteriorating, lost, or stolen, if the library or
archives has after a reasonable effort, determined that an unused
replacement cannot be obtained at a fair price." (17 U.S.C. Section
108(c)).
Finally, 17 U.S.C. Section 112(a) authorizes a broadcasting
organization which has the right to transmit a particular work, other than
motion pictures or other audiovisual works, to make one copy or phono
record of a broadcast program embodying the work, if the copy or phono
record is used solely for the organization's own transmission within its
own area, "or for purposes of archival preservation or security . . . ."
(17 U.S.C. Section 112(a)(2)). The copy or phono record must be destroyed
within six months from the date of the program's first public
transmission unless it is "preserved exclusively for archival purposes."
(17 U.S.C. Section 112(a)(3)) In addition, public educational institutions
are expressly authorized to make thirty copies or phono records of certain
works, provided all copies and phono records are destroyed within seven
years, "except for one copy or phono record that may be preserved
exclusively for archival purposes . . . ." (17 U.S.C. Section 112(b)(2))
Given the foregoing, we are of the opinion that in enacting Section
117(2), Congress intended to grant owners of computer programs the right
to make an archival copy of each program where the program was purchased
in a medium susceptible to destruction or damage by mechanical or
electrical failure, as opposed to mere physical damage. We believe Section
117(2) parallels archival duplication rights granted by Congress under
Sections 108 and 112 inasmuch as Section 117 plainly states it is not an
infringement for "the owner of a copy of a computer program to make . . .
another copy . . . of that program provided . . . that such new copy . . .
is for archival purposes only . . . ."
The term "archival" means "of, relating to, contained in, or cons-
tituting archives or records." (Webster Third New International
Dictionary, 1981.) The term "archive," in turn, means,
"1. a: place in which public or institutional records (as minutes,
correspondence, reports, accounts) are systematically preserved . .
b: a repository for any documents or other materials esp. of historical
value . . .
c: any repository or collection esp. of information." (Webster, supra.)
In our view, Congress intended to permit the making of only one copy
of each lawfully acquired computer program copy, and that such new copy be
used for "archival purposes only." This interpretation is consistent with
the provisions of Section 108 and 112 wherein authorization is granted for
the reproduction of single copies of protected works for archival
purposes. Archival purposes would ordinarily be those relating to the
preservation of the new copy in a repository. In our opinion, the actual
use of the new copy in day-to- day operation would be inconsistent with
its use for "archival purposes only."
CONCLUSION
Not unlike many issues in law, the question of the scope of
permissible copying of copyrighted programs is subject to debate. We are
of the opinion a Court would conclude Congress intended to permit the
making of a single archival copy of each lawfully acquired computer
program copy, and that such archival copy be used only for archival
purposes. We further believe a Court would determine that day-to-day use
of an archival [backup] copy would be inconsistent with the provisions of
Section 117(2).
Sincerely,
CHRISTINA L. DYER
General Counsel
JOSE A. GONZALES
Assistant General Counsel
-------------------------------------------------------------
INCREDIBLE!!
This is a classic exposition of the software industry's copyright law
"interpretation," provided to the San Diego Unified School District (under
challenge from outside the system) as a justification for its adherence to
the ICCE software handling guidelines.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
The intent of the "archival backup" provision of the copyright law is
clearly to avoid financially and operationally penalizing the software
user, due to the fragility of the computer storage medium. The
universally-accepted practice within the computer-using community at large
is to use a backup copy as a day-to-day (working) copy, while setting
aside the original copy for use only in making more backup copies as might
be necessary to replace disks damaged during use. In accordance with this
practice, only ONE original copy need ever be purchased for use on one
computer at a time. By contrast, the perverted software industry (ICCE)
copyright law interpretation expressed in "Dyer's" opinion requires that a
NEW COPY BE PURCHASED FROM THE SOFTWARE PUBLISHER to replace every copy
that is damaged during use, for whatever reason!
Since following the correct interpretation of the copyright law is FAR
cheaper for the schools (and hence for the taxpayers) than is following
the grossly distorted software industry interpretation, two very important
questions arise.
(1) WHY should any school district (such as the San Diego Unified
District, which also has its own legal staff that is supposedly
capable of interpreting the law on its own) follow the industry
interpretation.
(2) WHY did the California Department of Education grant the industry the
right to indoctrinate the public schools with its own "special"
copyright law interpretation?
Can it just be possible that someone within the California Department
of Education was (illegally) compensated by the software industry in
exchange for permitting the industry to indoctrinate the public school
districts its own heavily-biased copyright law interpretation? Or can it
just be possible that someone within the San Diego Unified School District
was (illegally) compensated by the software industry in exchange for the
district's cooperation in forcing its computer-using personnel to follow
the ICCE software handling guidelines? These are indeed crucial questions.
Isn't it high time that California taxpayers and/or parents get some
straight answers from those who are responsible?
STEALING FROM THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES NATIONWIDE
EDUCOM was created by ADAPSO (the computer industry's trade
association) in 1987 to promote the industry's "anti-piracy" campaign in
the colleges and universities throughout the nation. This proud creation
was announced in an ADAPSO report to the industry, and was claimed to be
for the purpose of "preparing a program directed to the higher education
community which will be implemented in 1987."
EDUCOM claims to represent "a non-profit consortium of over 450
colleges and universities committed to the use and management of
information technology in higher education." What a marvelous sense of
humor! As "a service to the academic community" (the humor comes rushing
to the fore), EDUCOM published in 1987, for distribution to the academic
community, an engaging and imaginative little pamphlet entitled "USING
SOFTWARE: A Guide to the Ethical and Legal Use of Software for Members of
the Academic Community."
The following quote from this publication is preceded by a numeral
"one" within a large red circle and stands out prominently on the page.
Quote #1
"UNAUTHORIZED copying of software is illegal."
The Purpose:
to hide the fact that there are two situations, under the copyright law,
in which you ARE permitted to make unauthorized copies of copyrighted
software
The Truth:
(1) The making of backup copies of copyrighted computer software, without
the authorization of the copyright owner, IS permitted under Section
117(2) of the copyright law.
(2) The making of an unauthorized copy of computer software, without the
authorization of the copyright owner, IS permitted for the specific
purposes detailed under Section 107 ("fair use").of the copyright law.
The following quote appears in a little question-and-answer session about
using software. In response to the question "What do I need to know about
software and the U.S. Copyright Act?," we find the following (have you
seen this before?):
Quote #2
"If you have purchased your copy, however, you may make a backup for
your own use in case the original is destroyed or fails to work."
The Purpose:
to persuade you that the purchased disk must be used until such time as it
might be damaged, thus increasing the sale of replacement copies for
damaged original disks
The Truth:
A backup copy is made and placed into regular use, in order to guard
the ORIGINAL (purchased) copy against damage or destruction by mechanical
or electrical failure.
EDUCOM is very determined to impress upon the software user that
he/she is not permitted to use unauthorized copies of computer software
simultaneously. A past master in confusion and obfuscation (so what else
is new in legal-rights piracy?), EDUCOM will twist around a question to
mean something that it does not and then answer the perverted question in
order to emphasize some particular point. As an example of this technique,
consider the answers given to this question, in a little question and
answer session about using software:
Question
"Can I loan software I have purchased myself?"
Answer
"Copyright law does not permit you to run your software on two or more
computers simultaneously unless the license agreement specifically allows
it."
The Purpose:
(1) to convince you that you are using the software under a license
agreement, whether or not this may be the case (note the use of "the,"
rather than "a," preceding the word "license").
(2) to convince you that you are never entitled to use multiple
unauthorized copies simultaneously without the permission of the
copyright owner
The Truth:
(1) If you have not entered into a license agreement, you own the title to
the software and are not therefore using it under a license agreement.
(2) Copyright law may (under a "fair use" exception) permit the use of a
single purchased copy on two or more computers simultaneously.
But note that the response does not answer the question which was
asked! The question which IS being answered is: "Can I lend a copy of the
software which I have made myself, while keeping and using the original
copy?" The answer to this question is "no," UNLESS there is a "fair use"
exception. This is due to the transfer provision of Section 117 of the
copyright law, which requires that any unauthorized copies that are not
destroyed be transferred along with the original copy from which they were
prepared.
Summary
The common thread which links the ICCE and EDUCOM, in their piracy of
the legal rights of software users in educational institutions, is the
perverted copyright law interpretation which states that a single backup
copy can be made for (temporary) use in the event that the original disk
fails to function. Apart from this, EDUCOM is promoting the industry's
so-called "software license, which is discussed in the first of this
series on piracy--with a twist. EDUCOM's effort in this area is (falsely)
to convince the software user in the colleges and universities that
copy-related user conduct is regulated by the license agreement.
It is perfectly clear that these two organizations (both of which are
masquerading as "nonprofit") are disseminating their "copyright
information" in order to advance the commercial self-interest of the
computer software industry. They are NOT working for the benefit of the
educational institutions (i.e., for the public good).
-------------------------------------------------------------
Read all about it in "THE COPYRIGHT GAME, ETC.--A Strategic Guide for
the Computer Software User," by Albert Silverman. ISBN 0-9527435-1-8. 330
pages in nominal 8-1/2"x11" format, softbound with an attractive cover.
What is the purpose of this book? Replacing the legal Mumbo-Jumbo with
plain English, it provides an all-inclusive, detailed, and impartial
explanation of the computer software copyright laws, using past court
cases for clarification of obscure language in the written letter of the
law. Since there is NO commercially-generated distortion, it is likely
that you will find some surprises; i.e., which run contrary to the
industry's self-serving "interpretation" of the law. Thoroughly debunked
is the industry's attempt to pirate your legal rights by the use of a
phoney "licensing strategy." Included is a detailed and entertaining
analysis of several leading Software License Agreements. In summary, you
are provided with sufficient and accurate information (i.e., the legal
FACTS) to permit you to handle your computer software in the manner
intended by the U.S. Congress, while safely ignoring those industry
perversions of the law which seek to gain for it an unfair advantage.. at
YOUR expense.
Exposed in great detail is the outrageous software industry piracy of
the legal rights of unsophisticated software users (directed by
unconcerned educational administrators) within the California public
schools. For the first time ever, this well-hidden scheme has been
unearthed (with supporting and incriminating documentation from my
extensive research into the inner educational sanctum) and is being made
public. Although this ongoing effort is particularly well organized in
California, the premier "computer state," it blankets the entire nation,
leaving no educational level uncovered.
The disastrous result of this exceptionally cozy relationship between
the computer software industry and the California Department of Education
is explained. If you are at all concerned about the way in which this
illicit educational-commercial "partnership" affects the integrity of
computer education in your public schools and drains away your tax money
to line the software industry's pockets with unwarranted profits, this
book is essential reading.
What will NOT be found in this book? Since its sole purpose is to
ensure that you understand precisely what conduct is required for your
(simultaneous) compliance with federal copyright law and state licensing
law, there are no sermons about your "moral" or "ethical" obligations.
That is, it is only your hard and fast LEGAL obligations which are
addressed. The industry's "moral suasion" is most often an attempt to get
the software user to obey the law; i.e., it is a substitute for the
economically-unfeasible prosecution of small- scale violations of the
copyright law. On the other hand, there may also be a piratical attempt to
make an end-run around the law. That is, when there is NO ground for legal
action against the software user, the industry may seek to gain its own
way, either by shaming the user with claims of immoral and/or unethical
conduct or by the use of a phoney (and usually coercive) "license." This
book sorts it all out for you.
--------
The price of $19.92 (check or money order) includes $4.50 for
handling, shipping by UPS, and sales tax if shipped to a California
address. A street address is required for shipping purposes. Off-
the-shelf delivery from:
INTELLOGIC PRESS
P.O. Box 3322
La Mesa CA 91944
--------
Any questions? If you want information about the subject matter of
this article, or if you want more information about my book, send me a
message by GE Mail. My GEnie mail address is A.SILVERMAN4. Or you may
write to me at the above address, enclosing a stamped, self-addressed
envelope if you would like a reply.
_______________________________________________________________
> BRACE!! '92 STR SHOW NEWS EXCLUSIVE SHOW REPORTS
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
BRACE '92
=========
SHOW REPORTS
Well we did it! As far as I am concerned we pulled off one of the
biggest attractions in these parts of the U.S.A. The developers where TOP
NOTCH and very informative even to the NOVICES. I felt like a kid in a
candy store. Every where I turned there was excitement to be found. The
only thing missing was the Lions and Tigers and Bears, OH MY! The seminars
were just as good as the demo's. Even though Ralph put the Atari sales
rep on the hot seat, I felt there was a good reason for it. Since I "are"
a salesman myself, I could feel some concern for his position. When direct
questions were being asked, it would have sat easier with most of us if he
were straight forward and to the point.So I will give us all a pat on the
back and a "JOB WELL DONE" to all that made it possible, the supporters of
ATARI.
Russell Nicotri - BRACE Member
\\\~~~///
Since I was lashed to the camcorder for most of the show, I don't have
a real feel for the '92 Atarifest. Perhaps I will in several weeks, when
I've finished editing the video.
I did get to help some in Registration with Mary, a very nice lady
from KAUG. From what I saw there we may want to consider how we handle
things associated with the registration desk for the next show.
The most important reaction to the show has to come from the Dealers.
Since I didn't make the follow-up banquet, I don't know how they felt.
But, those few BRACE members who worked on the show should feel immensely
satisfied to have brought it off so well. Especially, Cliff for all of his
efforts at organization and Sheldon for his contacts with the Dealers.
Earl Newborn - BRACE Librarian
\\\~~~///
This year's ATARIFEST impressed me as being more action packed than any
previous year. We were blessed with software developers who had a wide
range of interesting programs to show off. We also had folks in process of
developing new programs. This type of input into a show like ours is
invaluable.
All in all, from the perspective of an individual who has a narrow
interest range in computing, this was a great show. Next year I would
urge anyone who wants to see the cutting edge of computers to attend. The
only drawback to the whole show was that I couldn't afford to buy one of
everything. IBM users- WAKE UP!!
Mike Zenowitz- BRACE Newsletter Editor
\\\~~~///
They came...They saw...They spent.
So went the third BRACE AtariFest.
On June 18, several hundred Atarians from North Carolina and
neighboring states converged on Asheville to get a chance to see first
hand some of the most innovative new products for their Atari computers
and to meet the developers and vendors. They were not disappointed!
The show had something for everyone, from light-hearted games to
industrial strength business applications. For those just interested in
learning about Atari computers, there were educational seminars and enough
information from developers to fill a large volume. By starting time at
10:00 am, the hall was bustling with activity. The pace was hectic for
the next several hours.
Between the displays, seminars, door prizes (graciously donated by
vendors and developers), and newfound Atari friends, there was something
to do all the time. If you missed it, you missed a good show. I'm
already looking forward to next year and the new technology it might bring
to the show.
Van eSTes - BRACE President
\\\~~~///
From GEnie's ST RT
Category 11, Topic 7
Message 179 Sun Jul 19, 1992
HAINES at 17:37 EDT
Well, after a few hours sleep, I thought I would post here for any
monitoring this topic as to what was shown at the show. Starting at the
front door was Accusoft, which has some really excellent and very clean
monochrome img files on a very wide variety of topics. I bought a sample
pak from them, consisting of 8 of their most popular disks, each with a
viewer program, for $24. It also came with a nice disk holder. Next was
Worldcomm, with Chris Roberts. I saw him inside at several booths, but
never saw him outside. He might have decided to look more than sit.
Registration desk next, with the Knoxville Atari Users Group (KAUG)
table beside it. They were showing some nice demo stuff when I went by,
but I don't think they were showing any product. When you went in the
front door to the main hall area, all the booths were on your left.
The first was Lexicor Software, which was showing the Phase 4 paint
and rendering software. They were running a videotape showing previous
efforts, and these could only be described as stunning. Some were done on
the Matrix card, some on their 24 bit video card. These videos were
incredible. You would never believe the video. If you ever saw the movie
Tron, you would have a idea of the possibilities. They just started there.
The video was a little worn, but running at every show would make it so,
because anyone that looked at it stayed for a while. Very impressive.
Next was SDS, showing the Deskjet Utilities pack, Newdesk icon editor,
and a product I was very excited about, the Logitech Fotoman Camera. This
is a new product, to be on the market August 15. It is a 372 by 256 pixels
256 grayscale camera than can take and digitally hold 32 pictures. The
software was very nice, and controlled the camera, though it still has a
few features they want to add. The SDS fellow (can't read his name) told
the guys at the Lexicor booth to smile, and snapped their picture. He
placed the Fotoman in its cradle, and selected the directory function in
the software. In a few seconds, a thumbnail preview of all the pictures in
the camera appeared on screen. They can be saved in TIFF, EPS, and another
I don't remember (IMG?). It connects to the serial port, and runs at 9600
baud now, release version will possibly run at 14 to 19k, depending on how
reliable they find these to be. At 9600 it is really fast. A seamless,
quick, and impressive way to get pictures in to the ST. They hope to have
a Calamus SL import module later. Priced at $700 for complete system, to
$100 if you already own the hardware. Separate versions for ST or TT
though, some specific functions needed for each.
Next was Step Ahead Software, showing Tracker ST and Gemvelope. I
think Nevin was a little late getting in, but he did make it, and showed
these excellent products to many interested users.
Craig Harvey of Edhak fame was next at the Clear Thinking booth,
showing his fast and excellent file/memory/disk/next editor. He was also
showing a Metapsychology primer program (?) which several people bought as
a package along with Edhak, I think it allows you to look at (I don't know
about editing) your head. Nothing really like it in the ST market, one of
the buyers can explain it more easily than I.
ABC Solutions was showing First Publisher 2, tbxCad, Kspread 4 and
Kspread Lite, First Word Plus, and the one I really liked, Firstgraph. If
you have played with he demo, you know this is an extremely powerful
graphing package. It is also very fast. They showed me the current
versions speed by having a 3d bar graph drawn, with a perspective view
shown from off center. He then grabbed a camera view icon, and dragged it
around, changing the perspective. Redraw was basically instantaneous. Very
fast, very clean. You can place labels anywhere on the graph, rotate then,
etc. Very powerful for the price. They were upgrading the other packages
at the show.
Next was DSA, showing their new product, the DP graphics engine. This
is program for drawing graphics, sprites, background screens and more, for
inclusion in your GFA Basic programs, somewhat similar to the utilities in
STOS, but more full featured. they were showing 3 games programmed in the
engine, for a total of less than 30 hours programming time. One was Ms
Pacman, the other an invaders clone, the other a nice platform game, as
good as anything I have seen out of Europe. Smooth graphics, detailed
sprites, and nice sounds. Looks good. They are also going to mail out a
shareware drawing program, they showed a version of it at the she, but it
was not complete enough to let loose. It has several functions not present
in any of the drawing programs I have seen, including the ability to grab
any portion of a picture and create an instant border around it. It has
text, and very interesting gradient fill brushes that can change
gradients as they move, making very nice pictures. It looks like a good
replacement for Printmaster.
Next was a music booth, but I can't read what I have written. I don't
know much about the music scene, but the software was very professional
looking, and the sounds very nice. Someone else can cover this.
Next was the Codehead double table. They needed it. From the time John
got there and set up, till he left, there was a group of people around him
2, and sometimes three deep, watching him put Calligrapher, Megapaint II,
and Avant Vector through their paces. If he sold as much as people were
interested, it should have been very successful.
Across the way was Joppa Software, showing their Straight Fax software
for the ST. They held a seminar, telling of the possible future features
to be included in the software as newer Fax modems come to the market, and
invited anyone to come over to their booth and try the fax software, using
a hand scanner or a page scanner. They have Pagestream and Calamus export
drivers, and the fax pages produced from these are virtually
indistinguishable from the original produced on a laser printer.
Beside them was Maxwell CPU, showing off Silhouette, the American, low
priced alternative to the European programs, combining autotracing and
editing of bitmap and vectors in one program. Very impressive.
Mobile Ohm Software was next, they got in a little late, I only got a
peek, showing some music software.
Twilight Zone Software was showing Transcendence BBS, which looking
very nice and full featured.
Steinberg-Jones had a seminar room set up, where they showed their
wares and held their seminar. Very interesting abilities with their
programs. The demo they held was like something off a rock concert stage.
I may have missed someone, as I jumped around some.
Ralph from STReport did have a table, and was handing out "No More
Real Soon Now" and STReport badges. He was a very interesting person to
talk to. A lot of people think he is down on Atari, but I found him to be
up on Atari, kind of down on the people at Atari, or certain ones anyway.
The seminars were very well attended.
Don Terp of Reed Mountain Press spoke some on publishing, but mainly
on how to use your system to run a business, and stay in business.
Joppa spoke on the features they have in their software, and future
development.
A KAUG member put on an interesting beginning Midi demo, as he is the
leader of his church choir, and uses his ST and midi software and
keyboards to make church music! Definitely a long way from the Rock and
Roll we usually associate with the St and Midi. Steinberg-Jones had a very
nice seminar demonstrating the abilities of their products, with very wild
sounds issuing forth.
Ralph of STReport's seminar was very well attended. He is pretty
upbeat about Atari this year, with the wait for the new machines, and
feels that Atari can make a real comeback, but they have to push the new
machine. If they wait, they will loose the advantage of the advanced
technology for the price like they used to have. He more or less stated
that a lot of the details everyone has been hearing from europe about the
Falcon contain a lot of the truth. He also urges everyone to write to
Atari to encourage them to push now. When he asked who plans to buy one of
the new machines, almost the entire room raised their hands.
Mike Groh of Atari had no formal presentation, but instead had a
question and answer period. He would not confirm or deny the Falcon and
its release date, but stated that if others in the company had stated it
might have a fall 92 release, that there might be a release then, as Atari
is always in product development, he just was not able to say what.
He stated the ST Stylus had been dropped because of the extreme
manpower needed to get market penetration with this type of new product.
He stated that the ST Book would not be sold here now, but is being sold
in other parts of the world. A 4 meg version, maybe or maybe not with
backlit screen will be available here later in the year, possibly fall
92.
FSM GDOS is to be rewritten so that it can use fonts that can be
obtained at any PC store, though he did not say which, Ralph thinks
Bitstream. He spoke about the advertising Atari is doing, and markets they
thing they can move into.
A lot of questions, many of which he could not give real answers to,
as the questioners knew, they were just hoping for a little slip, but Mike
was on top of it. Other than the above, and a little info on Multitos,
nothing new was released. Well, I probably missed as much as I saw. I
thought it to be a very successful show. I don't know about how many
attended, but every time I left a seminar, the hallway was packed.
Computer Studio had a line a the cash register each time I went in. I know
I enjoyed it, and hope it was good for the developers.
\\\~~~///
For those that couldn't attend the show, I think you missed one of the
best little shows in the south.
A special thanks to the following;
Accusoft-ST:
------------
I will be spending quite a few days looking through all the Clip-Art disks
I got. ABC Solutions: Sorry I was unable to visit your booth. Everytime I
started over your way, I was called to do something else.
Clear Thinking:
---------------
Will try the Metapsychology Primer in a couple of days. I hope I don't
prove to be sane, it's more fun when your slightly crazy. CodeHead
Software: John, thanks for checking on my version numbers. DSA: Every time
I looked, your booth was full of kids playing your software.
Computer STudio:
----------------
For the User group support year round. And for the 8-bit trade in special
on the MegaSTE.
Joppa Software Development:
---------------------------
Sorry I didn't get a chance to visit your booth until close to closing
time. From what I could see, your product does look like the one for me.
Have a safe trip back.
KAUG:
-----
Thanks for the assist with the registration desk.
Erik White (KAUG):
Good seminar.
Lexicor Software:
-----------------
Thank you again for the door prize. Maxwell CPU: With all the IMG clip art
I got at the Accusoft-ST booth, your program will get a work out.
Reed Mountain Press:
--------------------
For the second year in row, you've packed the seminar. Am looking forward
to reading your new book.
Software Development System:
----------------------------
As soon as I pick up my new MegaSTE tomorrow, I will install the NewDesk
ICON CPX.
STReport International Online Magazine:
---------------------------------------
Another lively, packed (standing room only) house in the seminar room.
Step Ahead Software:
--------------------
Nevin, sorry to hear about the flight snafu, but glad you made it. Your
southern drawl is getting better. Twilight Zone Software: Glad you make to
the show this year.
Applied Audio Marketing and Steinberg/Jones:
--------------------------------------------
Sorry I didn't get a chance to visit your demo room.
Thanks to developers for submitting door prizes. The attendees are
going to be busy using them.
Once again, thanks to all for making this show winner.
Cliff Allen BRACE
\\\~~~///
The Blue Ridge AtariFest '92 was another spectacular success. Our
show staff did a fantastic job of organization and making sure everything
went smoothly during the show. Exhibitors were kept busy throughout the
day at their booths, seminar sessions drew nice crowds, door prizes were
spectacular and abundant, and our own Computer STudio staff had nary a
dull moment as Saturday become our best sales day ever, blowing away even
last year's Blue Ridge AtariFest record-setting day. Several of our
non-Atari customers who dropped by for the show came away so impressed
that they're now talking with us about a possible 'upgrade' to the Atari
platform! <big grin>
Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
\\\~~~///
Most everything good to say about "The Best Lil' Ole Atari Show" in
the SouthEast has already been said. The user participation and enthusiasm
levels were far greater than predicted. The new software demonstrated was
outstanding and the discussions of plans for even more powerful versions
in the future. The seminars were all quite informative with the last two
seminars (STReport's & Atari's) being "standing room only".
Congratulations are in order to Sheldon Winick, Brace and all the
great folks who worked diligently to bring such a successful show about.
The dinner after the show was outstanding. The menu was _all_ American
and made from the freshest of fresh ingredients. Believe me, the fare was
superb. A hearty "WELL-DONE" to all.
_____________________________________________________________
> LOOKIN' AROUND STR Feature LOOKING GENIE OVER.....
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
ALL AROUND GENIE - #2
=====================
Compiled by Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
Senior Editor of ST Report
A few posts that I found interesting in my travels around Genie. Most
are related to computers and/or the ST, some are not.
------------------------------
From the Jerry Pournelle RT - Category 4, Topic 11 - Message 165...
Warning!
Do *not* have a bored gerbil in the house right before you plan on going
to bed! A gerbil with a toilet paper roll is noisy for only a few
minutes; a bored gerbil can be noisy for hours.
-----------------------------
Last week I had some posts from the Jerry Pornelle RT that were talking
about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and computers. Here's two more articles
about CT Syndrome from Al Fasoldt that were found in the Atari ST RT
file library -
2 columns on carpal tunnel syndrome
***********************************
Copyright (c) 1990, The Herald Company
WRIST INJURY EMERGES AS HAZARD OF COMPUTER USE
BY AL FASOLDT
Staff Writer
Can your computer hurt you?
Five years ago, this would have been a silly question. But recently,
many computer users have begun to notice stiffness and pain in their
wrists and hands.
The stiffness can even turn to an actual injury. In its worst case, the
injury can make it impossible to move your hands.
The name for this problem, caused by repetitive typing on keyboards, is
"cumulative trauma disorder." When the stiffness turns into injury, the
most common injury is called carpal tunnel syndrome.
It's a serious matter. Both my wrists are injured from carpal tunnel
syndrome, and there are times when they hurt too much to let me type.
Two of the editors I work with suffer from it, too.
The problem has been around a long time. The old name for carpal tunnel
syndrome was "jackhammerer's syndrome" -- an indication that workers who
operate those large mechanical hammers were the first to complain to
doctors.
In both jackhammer operation and keyboard typing, the wrists can be
flexed hundreds or thousands of times in rapid, jerky movements. After
years of this sort of abuse, nerves and cartilage can become pinched
inside the wrist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be avoided in two ways -- by changing your
typing style (holding your wrists steady while putting all the motion in
your fingers) and by using a keyboard and typing table that make easy
typing possible.
If you feel stiffness in your wrists or a tingling feeling in your hands
and fingers while typing or after you've used your computer, be sure to
mention the problem to a doctor. Sometimes treatment can be as simple as
wearing a wrist brace for a few hours a week. But if you delay, the
problem will only get worse.
***********************************
Copyright (c) 1992, The Herald Company
KEYBOARD WORK CAN HURT
By Al Fasoldt
Staff Writer
I want to buy a new gadget. You may think it's silly, but ever since I
saw it advertised, I've wanted it.
It's an electric pepper mill. You push a button on the top, and it
grinds out your pepper at the dinner table. You don't have to twist it
at all.
Don't laugh. This isn't one of those old Bob Newhart electric-fork
jokes. An electric pepper mill is a real thing - and very much needed
around my house.
Both my wife and I have carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by an adult life-
time of typing on keyboards.
WE'RE BOTH EDITORS, and I'm a writer and computer programmer. She types
faster and harder than I do, and I type for longer periods each day. The
result has been steady damage to our wrists, concentrated in the tunnels
that provide a passageway for the nerves, arteries and tendons that run
from our arms to our hands.
What happens is a progressive narrowing of the tunnels until they choke
off the passageway. The constant pressure can make both hands immobile.
Some days are worse than others. On the good days, carpal tunnel
syndrome shows up as nothing more than a tingling numbness along the
edge of the palm. On the bad days, the wrist swells up from pain and
locks up. Even the slightest movement is impossible when that happens.
WE EACH HAVE wrist braces, supplied free by the company we work for, and
the ergonomics experts - specialists in adapting working spaces and
equipment to workers - who interviewed everyone at the office have
prompted the purchase of new chairs. And we now have wrist rests on some
of the keyboards we type on.
But the problem has not gone away. It is an occupational hazard.
In the late 1800s, doctors used to call carpal tunnel syndrome
"jackhammerer's disease." The rapid pogo-stick-like jerking motion of a
jackhammer can wreck a worker's wrists in a couple of years.
Later, as the technology of the work force changed, carpal tunnel
syndrome was referred to as the "secretary's disease." But now, with
computer keyboards common in many homes and most offices, anyone who
types for long periods can succumb.
THE FIRST DOCTOR I went to when I felt a numbness on the edges of my
palms, eight years ago, told me I had a case of tennis elbow in my
wrists.
"Stop playing tennis and racquetball for a while," he said.
Since I hadn't played tennis or racquetball in about 15 years, I found
another doctor. This one knew a little more about modern injuries. She
diagnosed the problem after a couple of quick tests.
At my last checkup, another doctor looked at the medical history form I
had filled out and asked how long I had been using a computer. He looked
at me in a strange way, as if he were going to share an embarrassing
secret, and told me he, too, had carpal tunnel syndrome.
YOU MAY HAVE it, too. One estimate that I saw placed the number of
possible sufferers at 20 million in the United States alone. Of that
number, the study said, 80 percent - that's 16 million - may not realize
what is causing their pain and stiffness.
If you have the kind of pain or discomfort I'm describing, tell your
doctor to check for carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand-disabling
problems that can result from keyboard work, such as tendinitis. And
find ways to give your wrists a break when you are typing.
You may even want to have the doorknobs at your home or office changed
to levers so that you don't have to do a lot of twisting. There are many
other things that can be done; your health insurance company should have
some tips.
And you might look, as I'm doing, for that electric pepper mill. Some
gadgets are just plain common sense.
------------------------------
From the Jerry Pournelle RT - Category 4, Topic 6 - Messages 332-340...
R.CHUANG [Raymond]...
...I'm now seeing the new Maxtor 7213A (nice drive, IMHO) sold for
around $350 or so. Uses the same drive parameters (16 heads, 683
cylinders, no write-precomp, landing zone 683 and sectors/track 38) as
the Maxtor LXT-213A and Conner CP-3204F.
B.NASH [BNASH]...
...I am not familiar with Maxtor's designations. What is the capacity of
the 7213A?
V.PUNKKA [Gmalu]...
Could the Maxtor 7213A be a 213 MB drive? At least my 7120AT is a 120 MB
one.
R.CHUANG [Raymond]...
...the Maxtor 7213A has a formatted capacity of around 212 MB.
------------------------------
From the Jerry Pournelle RT - Category 4, Topic 16 - Message 287...
============ ALERT - Major computer viruses on the loose! =============
George Bush virus - Doesn't do anything, but you can't get rid of it
until November.
Ted Kennedy virus - crashes your computer, but denies it ever happened.
Warren Commission virus - won't allow you to open your files for 75 years.
Jerry Brown virus - blanks your screen and begins flashing an 800 number.
David Duke virus - Makes your screen go completely white.
Congress virus - overdraws your disk space.
Pat Buchanan virus - shifts all output to the extreme right of the screen
and prohibits importation of any new files.
Dan Quayle virus - forces your computer to play "PGA Tour" from 10:00 am
to 4:00 pm six days a week.
Bill Clinton virus - mutates from region to region - we're not exactly
sure what it does.
Richard Nixon virus - a.k.a. the "Tricky Dicky virus" - you can kick it
out, but it always makes a comeback.
H. Ross Perot virus - same as the Jerry Brown virus, but with nicer fonts
and it appears to have had a lot more money put into
its development.
Andre' Marrou virus - erases unnecessary programs, disconnects your net-
work and makes yours a stand-alone machine,
abolishes shared resources, and improves produc-
tivity by eliminating limits on resource allocation.
The above virus bulletin is from the MN Libertarian May-June newsletter.
----------------------------
From the Atari-ST RoundTable - Category 14, Topic 11 - Message 146 -
from V.PATRICELL1 [Vince]....
I am not aware of anyone who will refill the toner carts for the SLM804.
I guess the cost would be about the same, though, because the cart
itself is just a inexpensive piece of plastic.
However, E. Arthur Brown (1-800-322- 4405) will rebuild the SLM 804 drum
unit for you. You must send them both your old drum and toner hopper
assembly and they will completely clean the toner hopper assembly and
give an anti-static treatment to the magnetic dispersant roller. Then
they empty and vacuum the excess toner auger assembly, clean and anti-
static treat the wiper blades, apply a de-oxidizing treatment to the
drum surface and buff to a mirror finish. All this for only $39.95 and
they will re-do it within 90 days if you are not completely satisfied.
I have never tried this since I was reluctant to send in my toner hopper
and be without my laser for a couple of weeks, but they advertise this
in their catalog. I have ordered software from them and find them very
reliable, though.
From the Atari-ST RoundTable - Category 18, Topic 20 - Message 89 - from
C.KLIMUSHYN
Greetings All,
Since it's almost been a year to the day that I smugly left the Atari
World for DOS it's fitting I write this letter. I return from the dark
side battered, bruised, and broke.
It's not that I couldn't handle the PC's operation. I learned to write
my own config.sys and autoexect.bat files, I learned the difference
between expanded and extended memory (when is a 1 meg of RAM not a meg
of RAM <grin>), and I even had DR. DOS' graphic interface Viewmax (which
is stripped down GEM anyway) doing a reasonable imitation of my ST.
The problem was I always needed one more thing, be it a soundcard or an
extra meg of RAM. The last straw came when I found myself walking out of
a tradeshow with a new motherboard to replace the one in my eight month
old computer so I could run Wing Commander II "smoothly."
I really don't care if another program ever comes out for the ST, I'm
content with my system as it is. If Falcon comes out and looks like it
will give me another 4 years of minimal needs to upgrade like my faith-
ful ST, I will strongly consider buying one no matter if the rest of the
world has gone DOS-Mad.
---------------------------
More on "Modem Addictus" from the Jerry Pournelle RT - Category 4, Topic
40 - Message 61...
KSPROUSE [Ken],
I not only have "modem addictus" I also have information OVERFLOW! There
are TONS of things on GEnie that I would like to be reading both in the
Round Tables and here in *BASIC service bulletin boards. On top of this
I do have internet access and even with only a small sub-set of netnews
feed to my system I can't keep up with all the information that flows in
about telecommunications, ham radio and emergency medical services. Add
to this company email, a user group bulletin board that I run for one of
our product lines and email from internet GEnie and CIS$ and there are
times when I feel like "This is your brain on computers, any questions?".
H-E-L-P!
Good thing I do enjoy it all. One thing I have noticed is that I find
myself having to make a choice nowadays. Do I want to read that new
Michael Critchon book I just got, or do I want to catch up on netnews
and what's new on GEnie. Tough choice.
The thing that really scares me is that my children have discovered that
the best way to communicate with me as of late is to log-in on the Unix
system and leave me mail. I've just got to get away from the tube more
often. Even now I'm watching the evening news (on tape because I stayed
at work late) and entering this message. I'm saying some of this tongue
in cheek but it really does have it's serious side. Got to go, the wife
wants the phone line. (of which I have three but this one has the wide
area service on it)
Ken Sprouse / N3IGW
GEnie mail KSPROUSE
Internet sprouse@n3igw.pgh.pa.us
Compu$erve 70145,426
Packet radio n3igw@w2xo.pa.usa.noam
__________________________________________________________
> ATARI ON THE CHEAP STR Spotlight FORBES 08/03/92 SERVES TOAST!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
TOAST ANYBODY?
==============
Paraphrased by Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
Here's basically what the August 08, 1992 FORBES article said - PLEASE
people, I am not saying these things, I'm paraphrasing what the Forbes
article said...
Basically the article said the same things that have been said here,
in STReport, for years. The T's are 'penny-wise and pound foolish'. Jack
still hasn't realized that what worked for him at Commodore - spending
almost nothing on marketing, pro- motion or overhead, but undercutting the
competition with cheap computers - won't work in today's market.
The author goes onto give some examples of Jack's bad decisions and/or
cheapness....
Buying Federated for $67 million, losing $124 million in the first
year and putting his son Garry - then in his mid-20's - in charge.
Holding back the 7800 Prosystem videogame for 18 months and then
deciding to upgrade an older system that couldn't compete with Nintendo.
When Atari did release the Model 7800 in '86 they spent about $300,000 to
promote it while Nintendo and Sega spent $15 million each promoting their
systems. Now Nintendo has 80% of the market.
Even when Atari finally came out with the Lynx, according to the
author a superior system to Nintendo's Gameboy unit, Atari again went the
cheap route and spent almost nothing on national advertising. Also,
because Atari had cut their software development to almost nothing, there
were only 4-5 games for the Lynx compared to more than 80 for the Gameboy.
Atari's cheapness helped result in the Gameboy today having 81% of the
market and 16,000 outlets, while the Lynx has 3% of the market and
available in less than 3,000 stores.
Another example he gives of the T's cheapness is the confidential memo
to Sam T. that was leaked. The one where Gary T. refused to allow
computer games president (at that time) Michael Katz to spend $54 to air
freight two game cartridges to an important large client. And how Atari
employees say that Jack T. checks expense accounts to make sure tips don't
exceed 15%.
The article's author tells how Jack bought Atari for $240 million in
promissory notes and built up the sales to just under $500 million by '87
and how the stock traded at 16 in the same year. Then he shows that the
sales were down to $258 million last year and the stock now trades in the
1 5/8 range. Not only was last year bad, he says that this year (so far)
will be worse. Atari had losses of $14 million on $44 million in sales
for the first quarter and (according to company sources), the second
quarter will be even worse. He also tells how 27 Atari exec's have either
been fired or resigned in the past 30 months. How since Atari lost the
Nintendo suit, that Jack T. has taken day-to-day operations away from Sam
and is in charge of the company himself. He even took over Sam's 'fancy
corner office' and moved Sam into a normal office, next to purchasing.
Let's see, what else...according to the author, Atari's European sales
have 'collapsed' (to use his word) to $209 million last year - this was in
comparison to $342 million in '90.
He does talk about the Falcon 030 and the Jaguar. But according to
him, industry sources say that Atari needs at least $40 million in
promotions to give them a real chance to succeed and that's about all the
cash that Atari has on hand. Plus, Atari needs $24 million a year just to
meet its normal operating overhead.
He quotes one anonymous Atari official as saying, "The Tramiels are
not stupid. But their formula for success worked only once. They are not
adaptable people."
My personal opinion is the author isn't going to be investing any of
his money in Atari stock anytime in the near future.
_________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
"""""""""""""""""""""
- Chicago, IL MacSEE 2.0 SHIPPING!
-----------
MacSEE 2.0 will commence shipping on Monday, July 27, 1992. It is our
utility for both reading and writing to/from a Macintosh HFS formatted
disk. Supported media types include 800K Spectre format floppies, 1.44
Meg Mac floppies, Spectre GCR format HD partitions, and Mac formatted hard
disks including removables such as SyQuest drives formatted with standard
apple, PLI, Disk Manager, and QuikCore formatted packages (and probably
others).
The program sports a GEM user interface, and is capable of dealing
with both MacBinary files and raw Mac files. MacBInary is used when you
wish to be able to transfer a file back to the Mac and keep it intact.
Raw Translation is used for transferring data (i.e. TIFF pics, Postscript
files, SoundTracker MOD...etc). Retail price is $59.95 and through August
6, '92 we will be running a special for all pre-paid orders received (up
to 25) at $39.95.
- Sunnyvale, CA WHERE IS SAM?
-------------
According to our inside source, the representations made in the Forbes
article are absolutely accurate. So much so, that a parallel was drawn on
one incident related in that article. It seems something quite similar
occurred in 1977 at Commodore when Jack was in charge. He sent his oldest
son Sam on an extended leave to "mull things over". Sam is on an extended
vacation at this time. In the meantime, the flitting stories around the
office is a few heads will roll very shortly and resumes are flying
furiously. Also, more cost cutting measures are about to take place. It
is said that any expense not directly connected with the new products and
their delivery will not exist.
- Santa Fe, NM NETWORKS READY TO DROP ATARI CONNECTS
------------
Reports are filtering in that Ataris relay connects are close to
dropping the connections even though Atari is footing all the long
distance charges. It seems a large number of the connecting nodes are
beginning to realize the network is being polarized and divided by the
actions of Atari's Director of "Communications". The Atari Explorer
Online Conference has seen a number of nodes "locked out" recently and
this action by Atari's Director of Communications (Conference Leader) is
seen by many as an act of vengeance and serving no useful purpose at all
except to cause further separation in the network and ill-will for Atari
Corp. on an International level.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" "...SIGNIFICANT VALUES ARE CLEAR..!"
"""""""""""""""""
"MONEY TALKS.....
and
BULLHOCKY WALKS!"
... a wise old man
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> ABCO SPECIALS! STR InfoFile * NEW 1992 Prices! MORE Products! *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" --------------------------------
Special for the Summer! 15% off on all orders of 150.00 or more!
** 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)
(all cables and connectors installed)
- Available for all Platforms -
* ICD LINK HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY *
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE!!! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
VISA - MASTERCARD - NO SURCHARGE!
*** NEW!!! ULTRA MODERN "SUPER STYLE" CABINET ***
DELUXE 2 bay Cabinet W/65w Auto PS & Blower $119.00
Cabinet & ICD LINK Host [Hard Disk Ready] $ TBA
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: $35.00 NEW!
If you don't see what you want listed here, call us.
Odds are, we either have it or, can get it for you!
* GUARANTEED * AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE! *
** 800-562-4037 **
"WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL"
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555) >> ABCOFILE "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE *
--->> LIMITED TIME SPECIAL! NOW ONLY __$ 579.00__ <<---
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
Cart and Utility Software Included!
EXTRA CARTS: $ 69.50
DRIVE MECH ONLY: $ 339.95
****** 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!
THE CATALOGS ARE DONE! & BEING MAILED!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport International Online Magazine
[S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport
Available through more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" July 24, 1992
Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-92 All Rights Reserved No.8.30
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
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 # 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.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-----------------------------------------
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