Z*Net: 03-May-91 #9118
From: Michael Current (aj848@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 05/06/91-03:21:57 PM Z
From: aj848@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
Subject: Z*Net: 03-May-91 #9118
Date: Mon May 6 15:21:57 1991
==(((((((((( == Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
=========(( === -----------------------------------------
=======(( ===== May 3, 1991 Issue #91-18
=====(( ======= -----------------------------------------
==(((((((((( == (c)1989-1990-1991, Z*Net Publishing
CONTENTS
Z*Net Newswire................................................
Bob Brodie Report....................................John Nagy
Z*Net AtariWatch 1991.........................................
AtariUser Magazine In Conference....................Ron Kovacs
Gribnif Update - Part II.........................Press Release
Calamus Tutorial - Part XI.......................Geoff LaCasse
ColorScan and Seurat 2.2.........................Press Release
Z*Net Software Shelf............................Ron Berinstein
Great Lakes Computer Conference..................Press Release
Public Domian Update.............................Keith Macnutt
GFA Basic Update.................................Press Release
=======================================================================
Z*NET NEWSWIRE
--------------
=======================================================================
ATARI TO BEGIN DIRECT SHOW SPONSORSHIP
The first Atari-run Atari show will occur this November in Chicago, with
the local assistance of the LCACE user group there. This will pioneer
a new effort to provide wide-ranging shows with a variety of companies
involved, including non-Atari-specific vendors in a large trade show
atmosphere. Real working seminars and training sessions are to be
developed as well. The Chicago show is also planned to be a major
gathering of 8-bit developers and users. Atari will not reduce their
support for user-group sponsored shows, nor will they compete with them.
FSM GDOS "Under $100", IN 60 DAYS
Atari's Bob Brodie and Mike Fulton announced that the long-awaited
scalable font GDOS will very likely be sold to existing users at a price
"under $100" and that it will include a full single font family of
Ultrascript fonts. Plans also are to include it automatically with new
Mega STe and TT computers, already installed on their hard drives.
WORDUP! PURCHASE BY ATARI CONFIRMED
Atari is in fact purchasing the source code and rights to WORDUP!, a
graphics and word processing system that pioneered the document
processing field in the Atari market. While plans are not complete at
this time, Bob Brodie said when asked at a Southern California user
meeting that Atari may revise the program and re-name it. Possibilities
include bundling it with the FSM GDOS and offering it as a free startup
package in all new Mega STe and TT computers. While Atari is NOT
supporting existing WORDUP! owners at this time, it is possible that the
eventual Atari product will be made available as an upgrade for WORDUP!
owners.
WORD PERFECT PULLS ATARI DEVELOPMENT
Word Perfect gave preliminary notice that they intend to abandon support
efforts for the Atari platform for their high-end word processing
system, currently at version 4.1 on the Atari and 5.x on most other
platforms. Support has continued until now with small revisions and
upgrades every few months. Reasons for the decision are based on the
cancellation of a standing 10,000 unit order from Atari Germany, who had
been including Word Perfect with all high-line Atari computers sold.
The bundle has been canceled under pressure from German developers who
don't want their own word processing products to be slighted. While the
last word is not in on this matter, it looks dim for any hope of
eventual new Word Perfect versions for the Atari.
1.44 MEG FLOPPY TO COME FOR MEGA, TT
Existing Mega and TT computers still have the 720K drives, while many
computers now offer higher density 1.44 meg drives. Atari explains that
the Western Digital controller chip used by Atari (and required at the
BIOS level for compatibility with nearly every ST program on the market)
will not run at a sufficiently high speed to reliably handle the high
density format at the unusually high data speeds used in the Atari
computers. When negotiations with Western Digital began regarding a new
custom chip, Western notified Atari that it wasn't even planning to
continue to produce the unit Atari already uses. Agreements for
engineering a totally new chip were made, and Atari's facility in
Israel is nearly finished with a more capable alternative. Best news is
that Atari made sure to SOCKET the controller chip on new machines,
allowing even users to upgrade the chip and drive unit when they become
available.
LYNX AUTO ADAPTOR RELEASED
Lynx owners will be able to plug in to the cigarette lighter in any
automobile for power by using the new adaptor from Atari. To be
released immediately, it will provide power for a pair of Lynx units,
allowing ComLynx games to be used as well. Pricing was not available at
press time but is expected to be well under $20.
=======================================================================
"BRODIEFEST" A HIT IN SOTHERN CALIFORNIA
----------------------------------------
by John Nagy
=======================================================================
Atari's Manager of User Group Services, Bob Brodie, has been making
appearances at user group gatherings across the US for all of his 18
months on the job. But perhaps the most organized and largest
appearance was last Saturday, April 27, in Glendale, California.
Over 200 people from more than six different clubs came to see Bob in a
theater setting above the Glendale Public Library. Bob addressed the
group from a lectern on the stage, and had a warm reception to his talk
about Atari, history, and his own experiences both before and after
joining Atari. Of particular interest were his observations of where
Atari is going now, and how recent professional shows were changing the
perception of Atari in the commercial world.
Bob spoke for about an hour, then returned after a break to take
questions. These were done in an unusual manner. All visitors were
given a numbered ticket when they entered, and tickets were pulled from
a fishbowl one at a time for questions. While some persons did not have
a question, most did, and in about an hour of Q&A, all tickets were
drawn, assuring that every visitor had their chance to ask whatever they
wanted. In the remaining half hour, Bob took more lively questions via
traditional hand-raising.
The answers to hard questions were characteristicly clear and pointed.
Bob only said "I can't tell you the answer" when the matter was
something he truly didn't know about... and he said so.
Specific newsworthy announcements and information from the meeting are
in the NEWSWIRE, but in general:
* Atari is moving to market itself in the areas where it excels. These
now include the Publishing field, as demonstrated at the recent CEPS
show. Bob was himself impressed with the showing of professional
level hardware and software at CEPS, and described the warm and
excited reactions of the attendees there.
* Future machines from Atari will continue as extensions from the ST/TOS
lineup, and software portability up the range of coming machines is
absolutely to be expected.
* The 8-bit line is officially dead at Atari as a production machine.
While still competent, it cannot compete in price comparison and
marketing viability with the lower line ST. Bob talked about plans to
institute a trade-in program for 8-bit Atari owners. It may come this
summer or fall, and give a terrific discount on the remaining 520STFM
units in stock. The 520STe is coming, and the older model is ripe for
a special deal. It was suggested that ST owners be allowed a trade
deal to move to TTs as well, and Bob promised to take that suggestion
back to Atari President Greg Pratt, who is engineering the plans for
the 8-bit trade deal.
* Atari is taking a leadership role in organizing and producing what
have been known as "Atarifests". There is to be careful avoidance of
any stepping of user group efforts where the groups want to do them,
and Atari will support responsible efforts wherever they can. But
Atari will initiate and execute major shows of their own. These, too,
may be using volunteer and paid help from local Atari clubs. The
first of Atari's Computer Shows is scheduled for November in Chicago.
It will be billed as a cross-brand show, sponsored by Atari, and
efforts will be made to bring in other major manufacturers of
computers and peripherals.
Also attending the talk was Mike Fulton, Atari's newest technical
support man for developers. Mike was able to add a great of tech detail
for a variety of questions when Bob was out of his depth.
Other notable visitors were representatives from CODEHEAD, SOFTAWARE,
GADGETS BY SMALL, SLICCWARE, THE COMPUTER NETWORK, ST INFORMER, Z*NET,
and ATARIUSER MAGAZINE. Copies of Z*Net Monthly and AtariUser were
freely distributed and held the attention of most of the crowd through
the break.
When the meeting adjourned, it was only to re-form at The Computer
Network, a nearby Atari Dealer. There, an open house had been
advertised via direct mail and posters, as well as a handout at the
Brodie talk. The above-mentioned developers had arranged display
stations at the store, and refreshments were offered by the store.
The crowds in the store were dramatic and enthusiastic. Special pricing
was offered and snatched up by the buyers. Tony Lee, one of the co-
owners of The Computer Network, reported that the three-day sales total
for Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday (they are closed Mondays) around the
open house was more than $25,000 above the average for the period (about
$4,000). Needless to say, he's very happy. So are the developers who
saw a great reception and sales resulting from their efforts. Visitor
logs at the store show that people came as far as several hundred miles
to see the Saturday events.
The result of the very satisfying meeting and open house may bring about
a new concept for Dealers and User Groups. "BrodieFests" are easy and
inexpensive to arrange, and can give everyone a great Saturday event.
Less than a show and more than a visit, this type of event can really
offer an attractive forum for Bob and third-party developers to meet
with users and to support dealers.
This BrodieFest was arranged by John King Tarpinian and his group
H.A.C.K.S. of the Los Angeles area. John has already begun plans for a
series of similar events, and has invited such developers as Nathan
Potechin of ISD (CALAMUS, DYNACADD) to give technical seminars or
training meetings. Given the proven potential for attendance and sales,
these targeted events could be the next wave for user groups to sponsor.
=======================================================================
Z*NET ATARIWATCH 1991 CALENDAR
------------------------------
=======================================================================
Here's the schedule of 1991 Atari appearances as scheduled at this time.
Entries marked "Bob Brodie at..." are typically speaking engagements or
appearances at clubs, dealers, or small non-Atari specific shows.
May 4-5
The Windsor Atari Users Group of Windsor, Ontario, Canada and the
Washtenaw Atari Users Group of Ann Arbor, MI are hosting the Windsor/
Detroit International AtariFest on May 4 and 5 at the St. Clair College
of Arts and Technology in Windsor. Atari Canada and U.S. will both
attend. Contact Craig Harvey, WAUG - Ann Arbor at 313-994-5619 or Brian
Cassidy, WAUG - Windsor at 519-966-0305.
May 18
Bob Brodie in Orlando Florida
June 1-4
Summer Consumer Electronic Show (CES) Las Vegas Nevada
June 12
Bob Brodie in Sacramento California
June 15-16
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ATARIFEST June 15th and 16th at the Steveston Senior
Secondary School, 10440 Number Two Road, Richmond B.C. Canada. This is
the first major Canadian Atari show west of Toronto, and is just across
the US border from Seattle. Contact Terry Schreiber at (604) 275-7944,
T.Schreiber1 on GEnie, or Node #505 Atari West BBS on F-Net.
July 20
Bob Brodie at BRACE, Asheville North Carolina (Sheldon Winnick)
July 27
A third AtariFest is planned at Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, July
27th, sponsored jointly by the user groups at Indianapolis and
Bloomington known as MIST (Mid-Indiana ST). MIST AtariFest III will be
held at CADRE, Inc., 6385 Castleplace Drive, Indianapolis, In. Leave
mail on GEnie to (Bill) W.LORING1, or call 812-336-8103.
August 8-11
GENCON Gamers Convention in Milwaukee Wisconsin
August 23-25
Dusseldorf Atarimesse. This is the huge all-Atari show held annually in
Germany. Contact Alwin Stumph, Frankfurterstrasse 89-91, 6096 Raunheim.
Phone 49-6142-2090 fax 49-6142-209180
September 14-15
The Southern California ATARI Computer Faire, Version 5.0, also known as
THE GLENDALE SHOW has been confirmed for September 14 and 15, 1991.
Contact: H.A.C.K.S., 249 N. Brand Bl. #321, Glendale, CA 91203, or call
John King Tarpinian, Faire Chairperson, 818-246-7286.
October 12-13
WAACE show Washington DC
October 21-25
Fall COMDEX Las Vegas Nevada
November 23-24
Chicago Atari Computer Show BY ATARI. Contact Larry Grauzas, P.O. Box
8788, Waukegan, IL 60079-8788, phone 708-566-0671. Administrated by the
Lake County Atari Computer Enthusiasts (LCACE).
=======================================================================
ATARIUSER MAGAZINE IN CONFERENCE
--------------------------------
Courtesy GEnie ST RT
=======================================================================
Edited by Ron Kovacs
<[Sysop] JEFF.W> The past few weeks have seen the premier of a new
magazine for users of Atari products. AtariUser Magazine from Quill
Publishing is here and we have some of the people who put it together
with us this evening.
Included among our guests are editor-in-chief John Nagy, assistant
editor John King Tarpinian, and coordinating editor Gantry Gappmayer.
They may have sneaked one or more staffers in on me, which is fine...the
more the merrier. I'll let them introduce themselves.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Hi! Glad to see so many people interested in
ATARIUSER! We used to be ST JOURNAL... but the glossy mag business is
VERY expensive. We can do 10 issues in the ATARIUSER format for each
we did in Gloss.
We have done 30,000 issues in our first issue and it went out EARLY!
Our turn around time is only about 1 week between final edits and
mailing... making us almost as timely as the online magazines. But more
colorful.
I have lots to say, but lets go to questions, and I;ll fill in as we go.
John King Tarpinian is the Vice-Editor and he is here too, along with
Gantry Gappmeyer,office manager.
<[Sysop] JEFF.W> Let's start with the cover price, guys. How can this
magazine be free (or close to free)? I love great value like this, but
how does that work? :-)
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> OK, well, we found that charging 4.50 wasn't
enough to make a profit, so we dropped it altogether. Seriously, the
turnout time for getting the cover price back to us from news stand
sales made it unusable for real functioning as a startup magazine, so we
tried something that has worked regionally here in California.
The free computer mags are paid for by the ads. Its that simple. Now,
making that work nationally with such disparate distribution, that's
been the biggest hurdle. But the first 30,000 are gone, and we at least
broke even. Next month, 35,000+ and maybe even a profit.
<[Ronaldo] P.PEPIN> Where can I get this Magazine, I live in CT, and
unfortunately there are not many Atari users here - I have only seen 2
ST magazines, START and ATARI Explorer..
<[John King T.] G.GAPPMAYER1> Ronaldo, leave us E-mail and we will tell
you where we shipped.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> We do 90% of our distribution to dealers of
Atari "stuff", plus to every user group we can find. Bob Brodie was a
help on both those fronts. We have a slew of corrections for him now,
too!
<[John King T.] G.GAPPMAYER1> We still have a lot of groups that only
have P.O. boxes. We have to have a street address to ship UPS.
<[Sysop] JEFF.W> Renaldo, are you a member of a user group?
<[Ronaldo] P.PEPIN> Well, I just got an Atari a few months ago, when I
was invited to a F.A.C.E. meeting (An Atari User group based in
Fairfield) but for the last few months there has not been a meeting.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> We have distribution through TOWER BOOKS and
are trying to get into other chains, but we are hitting an understanding
problem... They can't understand how to take a free mag. We even let
them charge a dollar if they want to. They can't fathom it. We do
offer a subscription program for those who cant find it otherwise. For
$15, you'll get us every month at your home... call 1-800-333-3567 and
we'll sign you up. We really want to get more dealer drops and user
groups listed too. TELLUS.
<[duane] D.BRANKLEY> Are you going to try to be like Current Notes, the
mag for the Washington DC area?
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> For those who have not seen us yet, AtariUser is
a newsprint-ish 40 page color and b&w magazine, covering all the Atari
lines. Even the 8-bit. And we put it in dealers and groups FREE, 50 a
pop.
<D.BRANKLEY> I just got my frist issue Sat at my user group meeting.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> We are not like any other mag, in that we are a
professional Atari Monthly covering even the Lynx and Portfolio, NOT a
user-group collective. We also go to 30,000 places, not a few thousand.
How did it go over there, Duane?
<[duane] D.BRANKLEY> it is great and please Include the Store L&Y
electronics in woodbridge on your list to put them out... we L O V E it!
thanks very much!!!!!
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Our writers are professionals from many other
magazines who are excited about the direction we are taking... not
preaching or pandering, just trying to help USERS to USE their ATARI's.
We are offering a special deal for those attending tonight... not only
do we have a free magazine, those here RIGHT NOW can have one 25 word
FREE classified ad in our July issue. We normally charge $25 for this,
and the reach (35,000 ATARIUSERS) is great. And we'll send email to
each with the details. More goodies a bit later.
<[Bad Dot] D.A.BRUMLEVE> I'd like to say that I am very impressed with
the editorial content and features of your mag. But what I'd like to
discuss is the mini-reviews.
I'm afraid you may take some flack because they are not in-depth
reviews, but, in fact, it's really neat to see four products on an open
leaf. I hope you will expand this feature so that mini-reviews take up
4-8 pages.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> We have had no negative comments (til now) about
the short reviews... if you are complaining... we do want to go a third
page anyway, but pages cost plenty.
<[Bad Dot] D.A.BRUMLEVE> Your reviewers gave me a real feeling for
whether I'd like these programs.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> That's our intention. Its great fun editing a
1,000 word review (the writers think that's short) to 300 for the mag.
<[Bad Dot] D.A.BRUMLEVE> It isn't necessary to know about every feature
to make that kind of judgment, and I hope the mini-reviews will
continue. I hope also that you'll have the money to expand.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> We will go to 48 pages soon (hopehope) We have
a great 6 page review of Document Processors in the next issue by Jim
Peirson Perry, doing 6 programs in depth. I am very impressed with this
one. But i bleed when I see 6 pages go away. Oh well. You'll like it.
<B.MALATESTA> Well first great magazine and second, have you ever
thought about putting AtariUser were no Atari magazine as ever gone
before. With the expanded information and the excellent price a freeby
to lynx and other Atari buyers would certainly enhance Atari's position
in the future.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Have you any suggestions as to where that might
be? We want those ideas. Call us.
<B.MALATESTA> Ok here goes, how about getting such a great magazine were
the Atari buyers of tomorrow spend their money. Not just bookstores.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> We also are doing some overseas and Canada
distribution, but it COSTS A LOT to ship. That's why we ask Dealers to
pay shipping, and we also are asking groups that CAN to send $6 a bundle
too, to be sure we can ship to those who can't.
<B.MALATESTA> See many people say " Atari they still" why not use this
great product to let alot more people know on the other ends of the
computer world.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> We are working thru a list of 2,000+ dealers...
We sure want to expand, and we find that we can probably place 100,000
copies into distribution... if we could PAY for it. We can't, not with
the resources of the current advertisers. But we're working on it.
<[Mike @ LCACE] M.BROWN56> John/all- Can you elaborate on the
"preferred" method for authors to submit materials to you? What kind of
material are you currently in need of for the mag?
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Mike, talk to us via EMAIL here. We need
reviewlets most of all.
We have a GREAT staff of writers... Clint Smith, he's here tonight too,
does the LYNX column and is uniquly qualified to cover it.
<[Mike @ LCACE] M.BROWN56> Also- would you please post a textfile with
your ad rates?
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> BJ GLEASON, writer of PBASIC and great stuff for
the Portfolio, is covering the Port. We have Norm Weinress, JKT here,
Jim Pierson Perry, Dave Plotkin, and lots more. We have special
articles authored by Nathan Potechin, George Woodside (VKILLER) and
more. But submissions are welcome. Now the announcement:
We are now going to include the well-known Z*NET NEWSWIRE service
starting with the next issue. Z*Net is in STart magazine now, and is
also part of the support for PD JOURNAL in Germany and soon to be in a
major UK glossy. Jeff, can you have Ron Kovacs take a bow?
<[Sysop] JEFF.W> Ron...take a bow.
<[Ron Kovacs] Z-NET> Hi... Bowing......
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Thanks, Mike! You too are part of Z*NET, so you
are part of the base of AtariUser already.
<[Ron Kovacs] Z-NET> John.. Just a note... You forgot to mention Dr.
Paul Keith... and just another note to say thanks and good luck with
AtariUser and we are pleased to be a part of it!
<[John King T.] G.GAPPMAYER1> I want to ask any user groups to send me
ideas for articles. My column is supposed to be for all clubs. I will
consider any idea submitted.
<[Mike @ LCACE] M.BROWN56> Thanks all-
<[Chuck ==>] DATAQUE.1> I think for AU to hit the big ##'s, there has to
be a good balance between the $15 Individual and $72 UG cost. There are
quite a few small UG which cannot swallow $72, but do not want to take a
freebee, or pitch half the mags.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Come again with the 72$ UG cost??
<[Chuck ==>] DATAQUE.1> $6x12
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Oh, yearly. Sorry, that's to 600 issues.
Divide that up and see if its cheaper. As I said, we are asking the
groups who can afford it to pay, so that the others can ride it out. By
the way, Chuch is the 8-bit writer for us, and does know the 8-bit Atari
as well as anyone anywhere.
<[Chuck ==>] DATAQUE.1> Well, if there are only 10-15 users, they end up
pitching 40 mags. Just seems there could be a middle ground somewhere.
Also, I think some larger bookstores (as you mentioned earliier) need to
carry it, for those isolated people.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> We also suggest that groups do a page or two
newsletter and stuff AtariUser with it, place them at the dealer, and
watch their membership grow.
<[John King T.] G.GAPPMAYER1> We gave out 200 magazines with an insert
when Bob visited Sat.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Pitching 40 copies is ridiculous.. put them at
a library or school. I can't imagine not finding a home for 50. We
also imagine that getting the new issue MIGHT be a draw for the
meetings... just maybe,,, ;^}
<[john@GE_Lamp] ST-GUEST> The $385 STe price on the inside cover. Have
you figured a way around dealing with that @ keeping the "dealers" happy
and the advertisers happy too? I can see both sides - who do you make
happy? (BTW:Great issue!)
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Good question. Probably not. Seriously.... I
am offended, at first, that dealers are upset with an ad in our mag that
would not draw the first comment when it appears (SOON) in START or ST
INFORMER... I suppose we must take a different profile to an extent
because we are "free" whether it makes sense or NOT....
But we have made new policy re price ads for discounted Atari hardware.
I think we will find a happy medium. I hope. Ideas, again, are
solicited.
<[john@GE_Lamp] ST-GUEST> Interesting situation. I feel for ya... good
luck. Thanks
<R.CARPENTE18> Exactly how does a user group (or a store, for that
matter) get on your distribution list?
<[John King T.] G.GAPPMAYER1> Our first mailing was to groups registered
with ATARI.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> With the degree of reader support we have had to
date, the dealer objections really pale, BTW.
<[John King T.] G.GAPPMAYER1> The only registered groups that did not
get them were those that had a P.O. Box. We have to have a STREET
address for UPS.
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Thanks John... we are also helping Atari update
their own list. Everybody wins.
<R.CARPENTE18> Yep, how do we get you guys a street address?
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> Send EMAIL to ATARIUSER or call us 800-333-3567.
Easy?
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> We are still looking for suggestions for what to
put on the T shirt OTHER than our logo... ideas?
<[John Morales] ATARI-MIDI> some one say something watching Nolan Ryan
do another no Hitter
<[John Nagy] ATARIUSER> We considered. "I'm an ATARIUSER... please speak
slowly..." just kidding.
Winning so far is "ATARIUSER... FREE, PICK ME UP!"
Any other ideas, let us know. If the world could see the SENDS I'm
getting just now!!!
Bob Brodie suggests, "FCC TYPE B Approved User"
=======================================================================
(C) 1991 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May
be reprinted only with this notice intact. The Atari Roundtables on
GEnie are *official* information services of Atari Corporation. To sign
up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection
type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt. Type XJM11877,
GEnie and hit RETURN. The system will prompt you for your information.
=======================================================================
=======================================================================
GRIBNIF UPDATE - PART II
------------------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
GRIBNIF SOFTWARE ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT TO
CARRY CARDFILE? PROGRAM
HADLEY, MA (April 23, 1991) -- Gribnif Software is proud to announce
that effective immediately an agreement has been reached with GT
Software under which Gribnif Software shall take over all marketing,
distribution, and support of GT Software's powerful CardFile? address/
phone/appointment book program for the Atari ST.
Rick Flashman, president of Gribnif Software, stated "CardFile is one of
those practical programs that you can not do without. Probably its
greatest attraction is its aesthetic simplicity, which makes it so easy
to use".
Gribnif Software will immediately be releasing a brand new version of
CardFile which includes several enhancements and a brand new manual.
Owners of previous versions of CardFile will be able to upgrade to the
new Gribnif Software version for a reasonable fee. Registered owners of
older versions of CardFile should contact Gribnif Software for upgrade
information.
CardFile? is a trademark of GT Software. Exclusively marketed and
distributed by Gribnif Software. All Rights Reserved.
GRIBNIF SOFTWARE ANNOUNCES CARDFILE? 3,
AN EXITING NEW VERSION OF THIS AMAZING PROGRAM
Gribnif Software is proud to announce the release of the newest addition
to their software line:
CardFile? 3 - The Personal Information Manager
This amazing program is a complete Rolodex> style address book and phone
list manager. Each card holds up to 14 different fields of information.
A powerful "filter" feature lets you instantly find any specific address
or phone number.
Its powerful appointment calendar keeps track of all your appointments
and important dates. At the touch of a button, it will even print your
daily or weekly agenda. Never forget another birthday or meeting!
CardFile also can insert an address into your word processor, address
envelopes, print mailing labels, or even dial the phone. To make things
even more convenient, both program and desk accessory versions are
included to allow access to your data at all times.
CardFile data can easily be imported into your spreadsheet, mail merge,
and database software. It works with all Atari computers and even has
special hooks to interface with NeoDesk> 3 - The Ultimate Desktop.
When you call CardFile, it displays its information in a convenient GEM
window with all the necessary control buttons clearly visible within its
window. This visual approach makes CardFile one of the easiest to use
programs of its class.
Owners of previous versions of CardFile should contact Gribnif Software
for complete upgrade information.
CardFile 3 is available immediately for $39.95 from Gribnif Software and
includes a complete, easy to read, manual. To order, either call us at
(413) 584-7887 or use the following order form:
==== CardFile 3 Order Form ============================================
Shipping Info:
Name: _______________________________ Company: _______________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________
Town: ______________________ State/Province: _________________________
Country: ___________________ Zip/Postal Code: ________________________
Daytime Phone Number: _________________________________________________
(In case we have any questions about your order)
Order Info:
CardFile 3 - Personal Information Manager.................. __$39.95_
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If in Mass, please add 5% sales tax........................ _________
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Payment Info:
Payment Method: Check ( ) MasterCard/Visa ( ) Money Order ( )
Credit Card #: ____________ - ____________ - ____________ - ___________
Expiration Date: ___ / ___ Bank card is issued by: ___________________
Cardholder's Name (exactly as on card): _______________________________
Cardholder's signature: _______________________________________________
Note: If paying by check or money order, be sure to enclose payment in
U.S. funds issued on a U.S. Bank (or U.S. Branch). We cannot take
payment on checks issued in a foreign bank (even if it is in U.S. funds)
Mail To:
Attn: CardFile Orders
Gribnif Software
P.O. Box 350
Hadley, MA 01035
Expect about 2-3 weeks to receive your order. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact us at (413) 584-7887. We would
be glad to answer any questions you might have.
CardFile? is a trademark of GT Software. NeoDesk> is a registered
trademark of Gribnif Software. All other trademarks belong to their
respective holders. CardFile is exclusively marketed and distributed by
Gribnif Software. All Rights Reserved.
=======================================================================
CALAMUS TUTORIAL - PART XI
--------------------------
Copyright by Geoff LaCasse
=======================================================================
GXR Systems, Vancouver, B.C.
This session, I wrap up the Calamus tutorial with a discussion of
several advanced topics. Calamus at its highest level is a very
powerful program, but its mastery can take several hundred hours. Ten
short sessions can do little more than indicate Calamus's areas of
utility. Such efforts will be rewarded, but you will need to expand
your vision beyond the bounds of this tutorial. Here are a few topics
which need to be explored.
I have alluded to--on several occasions--the CALAMUS.HLP file which
forms an integral element in Calamus (located in the SYS folder). The
HLP file supplies the help messages in the upper right screen, but more
importantly is the means to a mouse-less quick-key command structure.
We have seen a few examples: the main icon pads are accessible with the
function keys f1 through f5, ALT-E brings up the Text Editor, and ALT-P
the print menu.
The HLP file is a text file with 'hooks' to Calamus's icon command
structure. Use a text editor or word processor to look at the file.
Each line begins with a number. The numbers 1-385 signify the tertiary
icon pad (Calamus's basic commands); 2049-2087 are Calamus's secondary
icon pad; 4097-4116, the primary icon pad; and 8196-8277, commands in
the drop-down menus. To the right of each number is a familiar Calamus
command, to its right in some cases a letter or number (the latter
preceded by f or F). The letter is the keyboard equivalent for the
icon, used in conjunction with ALT (ALT-E, ALT-P). The function keys
differ slightly: f plus a number designates the standard function keys
along the top of the keyboard, F includes the SHIFT key. Substitute
custom for default values, add other keyboard keys, and save the file in
ASCII format (no word processor codes).
Keyboard 'quick-keys' are particularly useful when moving from one
primary icon pad to another. No need to move your hands from the
keyboard to the mouse, or waste time clicking on several levels of
icons. Press ALT-A or B or C, or F1 or 2 or 3. These quick-keys
provide one means to speed document production, macros are another.
MACROS is one of the more powerful, albeit least understood, features of
Calamus. Macro is probably a misnomer. Snapshot would be a better
word: a snapshot of a current Text Ruler (including tabs and Paragraph
Justification), Text Style (Font, Point size), or text.
Import a moderate size plain text file (no codes) from your favorite
word-processor into a document, load the default macro file which came
with your Calamus disks, and open the text editor. Macros are active
with the key combination CONTROL plus a designated key. Place the
cursor at some point in the text, and insert one of the macros. Insert
it again. Return to your document layout. The first insertion places a
[TEXT RULER] or [STYLE] at the insertion point. The second insertion,
because it's last in a chain, overrides the first and becomes the
default value until the next [TEXT RULER] or [STYLE] code is
encountered. One of the insertions is superfluous.
Chaining can be a serious problem; different Text Rulers or Styles can
mask one another. Insert the BODY TEXT macro, then the HEADLINE macro,
at the same point in the text. When you return to the document,
HEADLINE will take precedence.
Because placement is critical, insert Rulers or Style changes in the
Text Editor, rather than from the document. Indiscriminately adding
macros at the document level can cause undesirable text changes. For
example, replacing the Headline style with some other in the example
above from the document will be successful only if we are able to place
the cursor right after Headline. This will not always be possible,
particularly in complex formatted documents. Delete the old and place
the new from within the Text Editor.
Create macros from clean, un-styled text. The macro menu (TEXT, far
right icon pad) contains four icon options, including LOAD MACRO FILE,
SAVE MACRO FILE, DEFINE MACRO, and CHANGE MACRO. MARK START and MARK
END OF BLOCK (and their Text drop-down menu equivalents) are used with
the text clipboards and not Macros. If you do not get what you want on
the first attempt, go into the text editor and delete the old macro,
then try again. When satisfied with the results, save your macros to
disk. Different Macro files, each with a different purpose, may be
saved and loaded. My thanks to Ron Grant for the material on Macros.
ROTATING TEXT in Calamus is easy, and very powerful. Select a text
frame (preferably a headline), go to FRAMES, ROTATED TEXT, and FRAME
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS. Replace the default 0.0 (degrees) value with
another, press RETURN, and click on ROTATE FRAME. Repeat the process
with a new value. Rotation is from right to left in tenths of a degree.
An entire frame contents will be rotated. Click on RECONVERT ROTATED
TEXT to reduce angle to 0.0.
MERGE DOCUMENTS from the FILE drop-down menu. Documents should have
similar document formats (single or double-sided, letter or legal,
portrait or landscape) otherwise Calamus may be unable to complete the
task or rather unusual effects will occur.
QUICK ST, TURBO ST, and BUTTONFIXER can improve Calamus's efficiency.
Atari 1040s and old Megas have slow screen refresh and scrolling. Quick
ST and TurboST will boost this performance substantially, certainly
enough to justify their cost. Buttonfixer, a public domain program,
improves selecting one frame from a stack. Buttonfixer is especially
useful if you have TOS 1.4 and above.
Calamus comes with two fonts, Swiss and Times. Neither are very
satisfactory: kerning values are poor, and print quality sub-standard
on a laser or inkjet printer. Use instead the Compugraphic fonts
available from ISD or third-party from a variety of sources. I use
Cherry Fonts because the quality is excellent (and the family font
packages are cheaper than those available from Compugraphics). Some of
the public domain fonts are good, but most have the same faults as those
which come with Calamus.
Other features include the ability to use a monochrome and high
resolution (1280 by 960) monitor at the same time. Documents can be
saved with or without creating a backup (.BAK) files. You can Search
and Replace text and style features. Its possible to export text
created in Calamus. Document size is limited only by available memory,
although those longer than 20 pages can become unwieldy. Documents
which exceeds your computer's memory will crash Calamus.
I hope you enjoyed this rather brief introduction to Calamus. Within
the next few months we should see the next generation of Calamus which
will replace many of the features presented here. The wait will be
worth it.
Next week, I begin a column which I modestly entitle ATARI'S FUTURE.
The column will focus on Atari hardware and software and their
application to a rapidly changing computer environment. How does Atari
fit in the computer world of the 1990's? What software will keep the
company at the forefront and encourage sales? What does the user need
and want?
=======================================================================
COLORSCAN AND SEURAT 2.2
------------------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
ANNOUNCING THE COLORSCAN PROGRAM TURNS YOUR MiGRAPH HANDSCANNER
INTO A COLOR SCANNER!
An AMAZING New Product from SKWare One! IT DOES WHAT NO OTHER PROGRAM
CAN!
Don't you wish your MiGraph Handscanner could SCAN IN COLOR as easily as
it does in Black-and-White? Wouldn't that be wonderful? Well, guess
what, IT CAN!
No, it doesn't require hardware modification. ALL YOU NEED is the
Amazing New COLORSCAN program from SKWare One! COLORSCAN converts those
scanned monochrome .IMG files that the Handscanner produces into sharp,
detailed brilliant COLOR PICTURES!
COLORSCAN's Great Color Conversions can be saved in virtually every
Atari Picture Format, eight in all! You choose from Degas, NeoChrome,
TINY, Deluxe Paint .IFF, Atari HyperPaint, the NEW GEM COLOR .IMG files
(in ST/TT format), and extended range (20-color) SPECTRUM Files (in STe
colors)!
COLORSCAN is fully STe-4096-Color Capable and contains a powerful multi-
featured palette editor so you can customize your colors! Yet,
COLORSCAN is simple to use, with a host of convenient features (like
self-scrolling windows) and lots of options.
I can't compare the COLORSCAN program to any other program, because the
totally NEW COLORSCAN is UNIQUE! There simply is NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT!
And, it's as easy as 1-2-3! Just load your scanned .IMG file, click on
the Convert button, and watch as COLORSCAN's fast and powerful
algorithms turn black bits into a dazzling color picture that develops
right before your eyes! Just save your great picture and you're ready
for another... and another!
COLORSCAN produces remarkable results at a surprisingly affordable
price! (Have you priced a color scanner lately?) If you own the MiGraph
Handscanner, the COLORSCAN program is a MUST BUY!
COLORSCAN IS ONLY $59.95!
With 6,000-word User's Manual on-disk (prints two-side on DeskJet).
(Requires Color Monitor and 1-Meg ST/STe)
MasterCard/VISA accepted
THE ONLY WAY you can get the Amazing COLORSCAN is to send your Check,
Money Order, or Credit Card Information to:
SKWare One / P. O. Box 277 / Bunker Hill, Illinois 62014 USA
SHIPPING: SKWare One pays postage on all USA AND CANADIAN orders. For
overseas orders (not on North American continent), include an additional
$3.00 for surface mail or an additional $4.00 for air mail delivery.
(All prices given in US dollars.)
UPGRADE POLICY: All Upgrades Are Free For Six Months From Date of
Purchase!
COLORSCAN will debut at the Windsor-Detroit International AtariFest,
May 4-5. Come see it in action if you want to see if it's as good as I
say! (It is!) Or, download the COLRIMG8.LZH from GEnie or other major
national BBS (requires IMGVIEWR.PRG to view). Having previewed
COLORSCAN at a local show last week, what I heard was "You made THAT
picture with this program? Uhh, how can I get a copy?" If you have to
see it to believe it, then you'll be convinced by seeing COLORSCAN!
ANNOUNCING S E U R A T V E R S I O N 2 . 2
The BEST BARGAIN in Atari ST Graphics Programs CONTINUES to get BETTER!
SEURAT Version 2.20 adds UNIQUE FEATURES to what was already a GREAT
DEAL!
* Now you can Create and Edit Graphics in virtually EVERY ATARI PICTURE
FORMAT: Degas, TINY, NeoChrome, Deluxe Paint .IFF, MacPaint, and GEM IMG
files, including the NEW GEM COLOR .IMG files (any size color .IMG, in
ST/TT format; SEURAT is the first program to support these Color .IMG
files)! Yes, Now SEURAT Loads and Saves Eight Atari Picture Formats!
* EIGHT Image Buffers! Instead of having to work on only a single .IMG
file in a single image window, with SEURAT you can edit and exchange
between up to eight .IMG (and Degas and Tiny and IFF...) files at once!
* Whether you are using the full resources of SEURAT to create and edit
Mono .IMG's for your Desktop Publishing or giant Color .IMG's, you can
use powerful raster tools and work in a familiar Paint Program
environment with full-screen access to .IMG's! Enjoy the best of both
worlds!
* NOW STE-4096-COLOR Capable! SEURAT's Powerful Palette Editor, with
video-like color controls which modify whole palettes with a single
mouse stroke, now works in BOTH STe AND ST modes. And, if you work on
a ST, it will save your pictures with STe-compatible colors!
* SEURAT will load lo-rez COLOR pictures directly into the MONO program
and convert them to mono .IMG files, and loads mono .IMG and pix into
COLOR and converts them into medium-rez Color .IMG! Lo-rez color
converted with editable dithers for superbly detailed printing of color
images! SEURAT re-scales color pix to correct for monitor aspect ratio,
automatically reproducing the true proportion of color images. No more
squashed conversions!
* PRINT FROM SEURAT! With built-in drivers for HP DeskJet (and LaserJet
& all HP-compatibles), and Epson Nine-pin, too! DeskJet driver outputs
at 75/150/300 dots-per-inch in BOTH Portrait and Landscape orientation,
and it's positionable on the page to the dot! But that's not all...
* Complete PRINTIMG.PRG (it's included with SEURAT) for GDOS printing!
PRINTIMG.PRG offers the same capabilities as desktop publishing programs
like PAGESTREAM and CALAMUS. Images can be scaled to ANY size, from
full-page down to "thumbnail-sketch," re-proportioned, stretched or
squished to fit, can be placed anywhere on the page you want it, and in
either portrait or landscape orientation, all on any printer for which
a GDOS driver exists! (GDOS program not supplied.)
* With BOTH BEZIER and SPLINE CURVE DRAWING Tools! Lets your ST draw for
you, with a virtually infinite variety of natural-looking curved lines.
Quick and easy-to-use, they really speed up your drawing! And
SlowMouse, variable-speed mouse makes free-hand drawing easier, too!
* FAST Multi-Ratio Zoom (2X to 8X) and BEST ZOOM Interface!
* SO MANY FEATURES! System, Degas and GDOS TEXT fonts to scale, style,
color and rotate! 11 block functions to shape & twist image blocks; 92
color & mono fill patterns; 42 brushes including user-defined and multi-
colored brushes; 4 graphic write modes & 21 block & mask write modes;
circle, ellipse & filled disc in free, repeat & concentric modes; round
& square-cornered rectangles & solids; rays; airbrush; clear-circle &
clear-box; vertical, horizon- tal & free lines; polylines & polygons in
line-edge or spline-curve; area & seed fill; user-set clipping; color
remap; mirror; screen shift, flip, invert & rotate; fill editor; brush
editor; line editor; gobs of great disk functions like Format and a
Super File Directory; and a hundred or so other features & tools that
there's no room to mention here... Whew!
* INDISPENSIBLE for GEM .IMG graphics for your Desktop Publishing! More
graphic tools and operations for creating and editing .IMG files than
ANY OTHER PROGRAM (no matter how much it costs)! And NOW COLOR .IMG
FILES, TOO! SEURAT Loads and Saves Almost EVERY Atari Picture Format!
* DON'T BE MISLED by SEURAT's continued LOW PRICE! VERSION 2.2 is a
POWER TOOL that out-performs many of the "big-name" programs!
SEURAT VERSION 2.20 IS ONLY $39.95!
Two-disk set, with 36,000-word User's Manual on-disk: COLOR AND MONO
Programs! You Get BOTH! Plus 195 utility and application files (fonts,
fills, pix)! (Requires 1-Meg ST with doublesided drive) MasterCard/VISA
accepted. THE ONLY WAY you can get a copy of SEURAT is to send your
Check, Money Order, or Credit Card Information to:
SKWare One / P. O. Box 277 / Bunker Hill, Illinois 62014 USA
DeskJet DOC Printer Disk Also Available: You can print out a self-
collating two-sided copy of the 92-Page User's Manual on the Hewlett-
Packard DeskJet in draft mode with this print package. (You just print
the LEFT.DOC, put the stack of paper back in without re-arranging it,
then print the RIGHT.DOC, and end up with a collated copy of the User's
Manual printed on front and back sides, with staggered margins, ready
for binding. If you want a copy of this print package, just ask for the
"DeskJet DOC Printer Disk" and include an additional $3.00 ($4.00
overseas air mail).
UPGRADE POLICY: All Upgrades Are Free For Six Months From Date of
Purchase! And, yes, SEURAT owners, announcement of Version 2.2 means
that YOUR upgrade disks will be coming in four to six weeks!
=======================================================================
Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF
--------------------
by Ron Berinstein
=======================================================================
It was an icy cold night... quickly we closed the car doors and ran to
the house... A voice told me that I should be careful... I opened the
house door slowly and inspected the room... With finesse I reached for
the dimmer switch and created the mood. She swept passed me with the
grace of a ballerina, and made her way to the tape collection... No
doubt, she was seeking through the assembled collections of Vivaldi,
Mozart, Pink Floyd and The Moody Blues. I closed the blinds, and then
with deft touch, lit the candles. I imagined that she then would want
me to whisper sweet nothings in her ear. Looking up she asked for the
soft wear... I knew I was on my way to home plate, she wanted to choose
from the assortment of silks and satins reserved for "special" events.
The show started and then like a lumber jack she stopped me, "Give me
your back up tape," she yelled, ... it appeared that she was yet
another woman out to only get my soft"ware."
You want to play Games you say?
CW.ARC (Shareware $5) Colawars v.1.0 is an unusual scrolling action,
arcade like game. You will get to travel through five different worlds
with only your soda pop projectiles to help you survive.
CARD GAMES BY CHARLES BAILY features the first enhanced game of Hearts,
with both regular and expert modes of play. Also included, a two deck,
four handed Pinochle.
HERO II DUNGEON contains four levels.. The first two are modified
versions of the original dungeon. Expect to find this file much more
difficult than the first.
SPLATTER.ARC Two to four player strategy game to be run in low res.
This game can very addictive. It is fashioned after REACTION. Source
code is available for this game for $3.00.
Well, to speak Graphically...
WRLDBT.PRG is World Beat, a new STE demo from France. Noel, our STE
Demo Spy, tells me that the graphics are "pretty nice." They picture a
bouncing world! Also, a side note... This file contains some adult
language.
FUJISPIN.LZH is a cyber sequence animation of a spinning FUJI logo with
it's shadow cast on a checkerboard background. Each frame was run
through RezRender's Phong shading routine. You will need ANIMATE4.PRG
or CYBER PAINT to view this file.
WF_ICONS.LZH will please WordFlair owners... Within the file are custom
made ICONS.. Those environmentally concerned computer users will like
the RECYCLE ICON intended for use as a replacement for your ST's stock
trash can.
Has COMIC RELIEF come to ST Users?
RICK KEENE COMIC BOOKS has been posted this past week. You will be
able to download two computerized comic books, both by Rick Keene.
These according to "Gordie" should be reviewed by you first and then if
you wish, given to your kids.
Calamus Fans can find a new font posted recently.
BRNDTNGO.ARC contains Bernard Tangle, a clone of the Bernhard Tangle
Font. It has two sets of upper case letters and a set of lower case
letters. All of the International characters are included. Compatible
with Calamus v.1.09N and with Outline Art. This font is an italicized
font with a set of script style upper case letters.
PageStream Fans also can rejoice.
AMRCNHSD.LZH is the Dictionary Fix for PageStream 1.82 and above.
Portfolio users wanting to transfer data may wish to download the file,
STFOLIO.LZH. It will tell you how to build a cable to do exactly that
between your Portfolio and your ST via the parallel interface.
Transferring data is an important issue. Networking has been
particularly popular amongst groups of young professionals on the rise
in corporate America today. As it relates to ST's, well that is another
story. Wanting to make that story a believable and realistic one though
are the folks behind UNIVERSAL NETWORK, a low cost solution. They say
that theirs is an easy to use network which supports Lantech and SGSnet
hardware. You will find more information about this in, UNVET.TXT
CALLMAXI.ARC This document describes how programmers can easily call
CodeHead Software's powerful MaxiFile III utility, and use it as a
"multiple item selector." (LGF's ARC Shell and Aladdin Extractor both
make use of the MaxiFile "back door" to select multiple items in a
directory.) Extremely detailed information is given here, with example
code in assembly language and GFA Basic that can be plugged right into
your programs with very little work. Possible applications: word
processors (open several documents with one call), terminal programs
(choose a list of files to send), graphics programs (load several
pictures or images at once), etc. Copyright 1991 CodeHead Software.
UIS3_TOO.ARC Read these ARCed files and you too can access UIS's
directory buffer. Use UIS 3.3 to select multiple files! Sample assembly
code included, as well as a ready to run GFA BASIC LIST file (you'll
learn how to read Atari's Cookie Jar as well!). The first in their
series of, "It's a GFA BASIC program AND a text file as well!" series of
support files.
DC_BOOTIT.ARC V.1.0 lets you run boot disks from the desktop. Choose
drive A or B, 50 or 60 Hertz, and resolution. A needed addition for
accelerated computer owners. LOW REZ ONLY! 100% Assembly. ST, STe,
and TT compatible.
FUNKALRT.ARC (shareware $10) a BRAND NEW utility from the development
labs of LGF Software -- Funk Alert!, a really *tiny* (but powerful!)
program that lets you use the function keys F1, F2, and F3 to select the
buttons in any GEM alert box! Highly compatible with all ST/TT GEM
programs, Funk Alert uses less than 1K of your precious memory when
installed. The fully operational program and complete documentation are
included in this ARC file. Funk Alert is Copyright 1991 Charles F.
Johnson & Little Green Footballs Software. Support shareware!
2BSFKEYS.ARC V. 0.92 allows you to assign text macros to function keys
(20 total). It can be run as a program from the desktop as well. The
previous version required you to use DC_FKEYS. The program now works in
low, medium, or high resolution.
MAXI_PAT.PRG This small, easy to use program will patch two very minor
bugs in CodeHead Software's recently released MaxiFile III, the file
management SuperTool. Simply run the program and follow the prompts; be
sure to modify a COPY of your MaxiFile III program file, just in case
something goes wrong. And remember, CodeHead Software _means_
"support!" (NOTE: This program is NOT ARC'ed or LZH'ed. Just download
it and run it.)
VIDEO.LZH The Bells & Whistles Videotape database, version 1.2, a full-
featured program which will help you keep track of your movies, specials
etc. on videotape. Makes full use of GEM, with menus, buttons, and
dialog boxes.
DJENV141.ARC is an HP Deskjet envelope printing utility. Same recently
posted by Las Benedict.
CAL50.ARC which will allow you to display calandars, and remember dates
is up on CompuServe. A major update with new features. Now, HotWire
alarms and DC-Squish compatibility! With CAL50 you can see any calendar
of any month/year. Also it allows you to attach events to days by date
or position in month. CalShow runs as AUTO program OR as a GEM program
or desk ACC! Browse over or search for events, etc. Custom Desk menu
entry makes it easy to distinguish multiple copies (Birthdays, Holidays,
etc). Preloaded with over 100 events! Runs on any ST/TT, any rez.
And talking about CompuServe...
QWKCIS.TOS QuickCIS version 1.60d - Automated CompuServe QuickCIS is a
CompuServe navigator, capable of visiting CIS Mail and up to 6 forums,
per call. Retrieve messages and post replies at the highest speed your
modem will handle. Read and write offline, at your leisure, while the
billing clock is off. Also supports downloading. 300-9600bps, color/
mono. Self-extracting archive. "Run" this file to dearc.
TELEBA.ARC TELEBASE v1.4, GEM-Based Phone/Fax No. Manager Many
enhancements and new features! 56 buttons per TBF file instead of 25!
15-character memory tickler buttons rather than 8 character.! Double
the room for notes on each button! New SEARCH and PAGE features!
Printing function completely revamped! Freeware.
BROWND2.ARC This is a replacement for the one previously mentioned last
week. If you downloaded the previous program, change the file BARRET.
PI3 to BARRETT.PI3 and it that should work, or you can download this
file.
Programmers will find EMACS information up this week.
UE_311.ARC This archive contains the Micro Emacs 3.11 text editor, the
executable program and documentation, including a Postscript file of the
manual and numerous command files. Emacs is freeware.
UE311C.LZH, UE311H.LZH, UE311MAK.LZH will also be attractive.
GPLDOC.ARC GNU G++ Documentation for TeX This is the TEX
documentation for the GNU G++ Compiler Version 1.35. Same is from a
distribution package from Tim Oren.
The above files were compiled by Ron Berinstein co-sysop CodeHead
Quarters BBS (213) 461-2095 from files that were either directly
uploaded to CodeHead Quarters BBS, or downloaded from GEnie, Compuserve,
and Delphi online services.
=======================================================================
GREAT LAKES ATARI COMPUTER USERS CONFERENCE
-------------------------------------------
Press Release
=======================================================================
June 29th and 30th, 1991
Mercyhurst College Campus Center
Erie, PA
The Great Lakes Atari Computer Users Conference will be held Saturday,
June 29th, and Sunday, June 30th at the Mercyhurst College Campus Center
in Erie, Pennsylvania. Erie is located on the southern shore of Lake
Erie midway between Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, NY. It is within an
easy drive of many other major cities including Detroit, Chicago,
Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Toronto, London, Syracuse,
and Albany. Many of these cities have strong user groups supporting the
Atari computers who will be participating in this event.
With fourteen flights daily, USAir provides the primary air service into
Erie International Airport and is the host airline for the conference.
For conference attendees traveling by air, USAir is offering 35% off
regular round trip coach airfares and an additional 5% savings on
published discount fares. Call 1-800-334-8644 (800-334-8644 Ext. 7702
from Canada) for reservations or additional information. Refer to Gold
File Number 13190000 and the Great Lakes Atari Computer Users
Conference.
Most national motel chains are represented at the seven exits off
Interstate 90 which provide access to Erie. Rates are reasonable and
well below national averages.
Mercyhurst College is located at 501 East 38th St. and is easily
accessible from Exit 8 (PA Route 8 - Pine Ave./Parade St.) or Exit 7
(PA Route 97 - Glenwood Park Ave.) off I-90. Signs on the campus will
direct you to the ample parking areas near the Campus Center.
Show times are 10 AM to 6 PM om Saturday and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.
Tickets are only $3 at the door. Advance tickets are available through
participating user groups and by mail at the discount price of $2. Door
prizes drawings will be held throughout the day. Seminars on technical
topics and commercial products for the Atari computers will also be
offered on a continuing basis.
To order tickets by mail, register as a seminar speaker or reserve
exhibit space write to GLACUC, PO Box 10562, Erie, PA 16514 or call
Patty Marshall (Vendor Contact) at 412-225-8637 or Dennis McGuire (User
Group/Seminar Contact) at 814-833-4724.
=======================================================================
PUBLIC DOMAIN UPDATE
--------------------
by Keith MacNutt
=======================================================================
TAKE NOTE CALCULATOR V1.1
J.L. Jacobi
Take Note Software
285 Divisadero #3
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 431-9495
Logging on to any BBS or PAY service will convince most people that
calculators are not one of the things the ST is short on. They come in
every size and description, in both acc or prg and even a few in tos
formats, printing or non printing, memory misers or hogs and some that
are included as features in 8 in 1 style programs. Now since I love
utilities, I've possibly tried half to three quarters of all the
calculator programs out there, looking for one that I could say did
everything I needed.
For the moment my search has ended, and though bigger or better, smaller
or faster ones may come along, I think this one fits the bill for what I
think I'll need in the future.
This calculator has some very nice features such as the ability to
rename the extender to acc or prg, print after each entry or as a group
of entries, and one that I really love is the ability to reposition the
calculator window anywhere on the screen. Even though it takes up 100k,
most people will find that this is not a real problem if they have the
extender named as a program instead of an accessory.
TAPE BOX
On the right hand side of the calculator there is a small window which
is the tape box. Inside that window you can see 18 of the last
operations with a limit of 999 before the window starts to over write
itself. Under the window you will also find buttons to:
1) tape off - turn tape box off
2) dec- decimal (base 10)
3) print- print entire tape
4) clear- clear the tape
5) space- insert blank line between operations
NUMBER FORMATS
Six possible formats can be displayed.
1) dec- decimal or base 10
2) $ - decimal with values in dollars and cents
3) hex -hexadecimal or base 16
4) oct -octal or base 8
5) bin -binary or base 2
6) rt -running total
OPERATORS/FUNCTIONS
Programmers will find these helpful
AND- logical AND
NOT- LOGICAL AND + NOT
OR - LOGICAL OR
XOR- LOGICAL XOR
SHR- SHIFT RIGHT
SHL- SHIFT LEFT
ROR- ROLL BITS RIGHT
ROL- ROLL BITS LEFT
LONG- controls the numbers of bits used by the shift and roll functions.
BSET- set a bit on
BCLR- set a bit off
SIN- sin of a number
COS- cosine of a number
TAN- tangent of a number
ATAN- the arc tangent of a number
ASIN- the arc sine of a number
ACOS- the arc cosine of a number
DEG- convert radians to degrees
RAD- convert degrees to radians
SQR- the square root of a number
LOG- the logarithm of x base e
EXP- the xth power to the base number
TRUN- return only the whole portion of a number
FRAC- return only the fraction of a number
ROUN- round the number off
MOD- returns only the remainder or modulus of an integer of division
SEND
On the left of the calculator is a button called send. If this is
selected and you were to exit the program, the contents in the top
display box would be sent to any program monitoring the keyborad (such
as word processors).
PRINTER
Normally all printing is done on the right side of the printing page,
but if you click on left justify you will now have all calculations at
the left, which is nice if you are using narrow calculator paper that
comes in rolls.
KEYSTROKES
All numeric and regular keys are the same as the on-screen equivalents
with the exception of these:
F1 -cycle through the main display box format numbers
F2 -cycle though the translation display formats
F3 -cycle through the tape box formats
UNDO -CE clear entry
CLR/HOME -CA clear all
) - on the numeric keypad is equivalent to "^"
/ - on the numeric keypad is divide (ascii 246)
The latest version has also included the ability to save all operations
in the calculator box to disk. If you save one or more files to disk it
will first look for tape####.asc and if it finds say a file called
tape1.asc your calculations are then saved as tape2.asc. So as you can
see there are more than enough features to satisfy most peoples needs in
a calculator.
=======================================================================
GFA UPDATE
----------
Press Release
=======================================================================
GFA SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - NEWS RELEASES ENCLOSED
DRAMMATIC RECEPTION OF COMPANY'S ANNOUNCEMENTS AT CeBIT '91
Hanover, Germany. March 20, 1991. GFA Systemtechnik GmbH,
headquartered in Dusseldorf had very positive responses to its key
announcements at CeBIT'91 this past week.
First, the company announced the availability of GFA-BASIC for IBM
compatible PC's. For the first time, programmers will be able to use
the language's simple constructs to create applications that use Menu
Bars, Windows, Alert Boxes, and Pop-up Menus under both the MSDOS and
WINDOWS 3.0 operating systems from Microsoft. All GFA-BASIC programs
written for Atari ST and Amiga are compatible to these new versions.
The company also demonstrated for the first time the Atari TT version of
GFA-BASIC. This new version brings to the TT compatibility with all
software that has been written for the ST. GFA-BASIC is now compatible
to all Atari, Amiga as well as IBM compatible programs.
And finally, the company announced the establishment of its U.S.
subsidiary, GFA Software Technologies Inc. to support and market its
products in North America. Demonstration versions of these products are
available for evaluation.
GFA SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - NEW RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Maurice Giguere Tel: 508-744-0201
GFA OPENS US SUBSIDIARY TO SUPPORT AND SELL GFA-BASIC!
Salem, Ma. March 20, 1991. GFA Systemtechnik of Dusseldorf, Germany,
publishers of GFA-BASIC for the ATARI ST and Commodore AMIGA announces
the formation of GFA Software Technologies, Inc, a wholly owned
subsidiary, to support and market GFA-BASIC in North America.
Maurice Giguere, the President of this new subsidiary, announced that
his goals were to "expand the use of this powerful language by providing
call-in as well as bulleting board access to GFA technical personnel to
assist programmers in their development efforts."
The company currently publishes GFA-BASIC version 3.5 for the Atari ST
and AMIGA computers. The current list price of the Interpreter and
Compiler are $94.95 and $54.95 respectively.
Also, GFA has recently released GFA-BASIC for MSDOS and Windows 3.0
which will allow ST and AMIGA programs written in GFA-BASIC to run also
on these platforms. The List Prices start at $249 for the MSDOS 286
version and range to $495 for the 386 Windows 3.0 version.
GFA is committed to helping its customers gain efficiencies and extend
the value of their investment in ATARI ST and AMIGA programs that are
written in GFA-BASIC.
For more information contact:
GFA Software Technologies Inc.
27 Congress St.
Salem, Ma 01970
Tel: 508-744-0201
Fax: 508-744-8041
VISA/MasterCard accepted
MCI MAIL: MGiguere
Salem, Ma. March 20, 1991. GFA Software Technologies, Inc. today
announced the availability of GFA-BASIC on the Atari TT. The typical
Atari user was very happy to see the number one BASIC for the Atari on
this new generation of Atari computers. Frank Ostrowski, chief
technologist for GFA said "this implementation will exhibit all the
speed and functionality we have appreciated on the other Atari
platforms".
The product is shipping with both an Interpreter and Compiler. The
List Prices of each are $94.95 and $54.95 respectively.
GFA SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - BACKGROUNDER
GFA Software Technologies, Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of GFA
Systemtechnik of Dusseldorf, Germany. GFA Systemtechnik has been
supplying high technology tools and solutions to companies like Mercedes
Benz and BMW through its affiliates around the world. Based on his
experience with computer language editors and compilers, Frank
Ostrowski, the chief technologist for GFA saw an opportunity to develop
a powerful higher level language that would provide portability across
the most popular PC platforms. One year ago Mr. Ostrowski began
development of this product which would provide the basis for allowing
programmers to easily create applications which not only could run on
many computers, but also would conform to the "Graphic User Interface"
which most users would be demanding on PC's as they had on the Atari
line of computers. The corporate goal was then apparent: give a simple,
well-known language powerful commands to accomplish this task and bring
to the PC the user friendliness of the applications that were possible
on Atari. Mr. Ostrowski as the original developer of GFA-BASIC for the
Atari had now created a tool which not only provides the power
programmers need for this task, but also the variety of platforms needed
whereby these applications can run effectively.
GFA Systemtechnik in Germany has attractive an aggressive group of
bright young developers dedicated to bringing to the applications
programmer tools which he can use to maximize the market size for the
systems he develops. GFA Software Technologies, Inc is the US
subsidiary responsible for supporting these products.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
=======================================================================
Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE - ISSUE #9118 - MAY 3, 1991
Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc.
=======================================================================
--
Michael Current '93| Internet : currentm@carleton.edu
Carleton College | Cleveland Free-Net : aj848
Northfield, MN 55057 | (507) 663-4962
-----------------------------------------
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