ST Report: 1-Nov-91 #743
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 11/05/91-10:09:57 PM Z
From: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 1-Nov-91 #743
Date: Tue Nov 5 22:09:57 1991
*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
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"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
November 01, 1991 No.7.43
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> 11/01/91: STReport #7.43 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine!
-------------------------
- The Editor's Desk - CPU REPORT - COMDEX & ATARI
- CODEHEAD NEWS!! - IAAD NEWS - ABBREVIATOR ST!
- Grammar Expert - MAIL CALL! - STR Confidential
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (November 1)
NEW LIBRARY SOFTWARE
Now that CompuServe's Forum Libraries support "Across Library Searching",
we will be closing down the New Uploads Library in ATARIARTS and ATARIPRO
over the next few days. You can use the handy BRO LIB:ALL command to
browse through all of our Forum Libraries at one time.
NEW VERSION OF CAL!
Cal 6.0 lets you look at any month/year, and schedule events by date,
position, or every so many days. All new screens, more room to describe
each event, cyclic events, save/load/merge events, keyboard shortcuts,
auto conversion from previous versions, much more! Includes new Calshow to
show upcoming events at boot, full docs. Download file CAL.ARC from
LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO).
UUENCODE AND UUDECODE FILES
Download file UUCODR.ARC from LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Productivity Forum
(GO ATARIPRO) for UUCODER 1.0, a GEM-based uuencoder/uudecoder by Steve
Yelvington and Up-At-The-Lake Software. This program uuencodes and
uudecodes files quickly and easily. Splits uuencoded output into multiple
files if desired when uuencoding, automatically joins a split file when
uudecoding. Nice! Public domain.
NEW VERSION OF B/STAT
B/STAT is a shareware statistical analysis and graphics program. This is
version 2.41F. It fixes a major bug with 95% confidence limits on
regression. The program requies an absolute minimum of 1 megabyte of
memory and a double sided drive. It will use GDOS if available but GDOS is
not required. Download file BSTAT.LZH from LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Arts
Forum (GO ATARIARTS).
The CompuServe Modem-to-Modem Challenge Board (GO CHALLENGE) now supports
the following two modem games by Forum member David Becker. Both of these
games are available in LIBRARY 2 ("Games") of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS):
Download these games, find an opponent through the Challenge Board, and
even play them against your opponent through CompuServe at reduced
connect rates via the MTM Gaming Lobby (GO MTMLOBBY):
PAIGOW.ARC - Las vegas style PaiGow poker. Play against the computer or
over the phone line with a friend! Monochrome freeware.
BGAMMO.ARC - Online backgammon can be played over the phone lines with
a modem. Many options including the ability to play the computer make this
a fun and challenging monochrome game. Freeware.
ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM (GO APORTFOLIO)
BJ Gleason, Don Messerli, and David Stewart have accepted the challenge
to upload a new program to our Portfolio Forum Libraries EVERY DAY,
beginning November 1st, through the end of the year !!!! (And in return,
they challenge the rest of the collected membership to match their output
with an equal number of uploads)
When combined with the 300+ Portfolio files we now feature in our forum
libraries, Portfolio owners will have access to an incredible wealth of
software, far in excess of other palmtops.
Besides making your own uploads, you can help out the team of wunderbar
programmers by dropping suggestions for specific programs or utilities
that you'd like to see them write in our WISH LIST section in the
forum.
Can they do it??? Tune in and check for their daily uploads starting
Friday, November 1st.
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
***********************************************************************
> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
=================
Issue #44
Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
--Compuserve Not Liable
In the first US court action to determine standards of liability for
distributors of computerized databases, a federal judge in New York has
ruled that CompuServe Inc. cannot be held liable for defamatory state-
ments contained in an electronic newsletter available on its system.
US District Judge Peter Leisure ruled late Tuesday that computerized
databases are equivalent to news vendors or bookstores and cannot be
held liable for information unless they know beforehand that it is
false.
Saying "technology is rapidly transforming the information industry,"
Judge Leisure ruled that if computerized databases were held to a higher
standard of liability than public libraries, bookstores or newsstands,
it "would impose an undue burden on the free flow of information."
"CompuServe and companies like it are at the forefront of the informa-
tion industry revolution," Leisure wrote in his decision. "While Compu-
Serve may decline to carry a publication, it will have little or no
editorial control over that publication's contents."
In dismissing the suit, Judge Leisure agreed with CompuServe's argument
in court that it is a distributor, not a publisher, and could not be
held liable because it did not know about the statements.
-- Did You Ever Have One of Those Days?
Prodigy Has!!
Have you ever had one of those days when nothing went right? It looks as
if Prodigy is having one of those years!! In the past, Prodigy has been
accussed of censoring bulletin board messages, now they're being faulted
for not censoring messages.
The Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith has gone public with comp-
laints it found anti-semitic material being broadcast on its bulletin
boards. The B'nai B'rith wants Prodigy to censor comments such as
"Israel is the source of all the problems in the Middle East" on the
grounds it is offended by them.
The messages were not bulletin board messages, but were private notes.
-- Atari Games to Develop Software for Seaga Systems
Atari Games Corp. said today it will develop and market software for
Sega of America's video game systems under its Tengen label.
Tengen, which is one of Sega's largest third-party software developers,
will introduce more than 40 titles over the next two years for all Sega
video game formats, including Sega Master System 8- bit machines, the
16-bit Sega Genesis and Sega Mega-Drive systems, and the color portable
Sega Game Gear. The games will be marketed in both the US and Europe.
Atari Games is a privately held company not affiliated with Atari Cor-
poration.
-- Fujitsu and Roland Join Forces
Fujitsu Ltd. and Roland Corp., a major electronics music equipment
manufacturer, have joined forces to produce and market an integrated
circuit music board that will allow computer users to compose and play
their own scores without using a musical instrument.
The music board can be installed in Fujitsu's FM Towns personal
computers. Roland will produce and supply the integrated circuit board
to Fujitsu, which Fujitsu will then sell under its name.
Three years ago, Roland developed a similar musical board for NEC
Corp.'s 9800 series personal computers. Roland has sold some 100,000 of
these units for NEC's machines.
-- Do You Want a Cray?
Cray Research has announced the Y-MP EL supercomputer, its entry level
system which is targeted at companies buying their first supercomputer.
The Y-MP EL is air-cooled and has a starting price of about $300,000.
-- One Gigabit Chip Technology Now Available
NIT claims to be the first in the industry to have developed the fun-
damental technology that can be used to create a 1 gigabit (1 billion
bit) memory chip. NTT was also the first to have established the
technology to make a 16-megabit and a 64-megabit chip.
-- Intel to Introduce Clock Doubler CPUs
Intel is reported to be ready to introduce a line of '486 cpu's with an
internal clock doubler technology. According to Intel, a user will be
able to replace a '486 chip running at 20mhz with a '486 chip running at
40mhz with performance gains of up to 100% possible.
Intel says the internal clock doubler chips will be available as a stra-
ight replacement for the current '486 chips, or another version can be
placed in the math co-processor slot on a '486sx machine. The new clock-
doubler chips will also contain an internal math co-processor as well,
the company said. Intel hopes to have the chips available sometime in
mid-1992.
-- Motorola Predicts Lower Chip Revenues for 1991
A Motorola executive said that the worldwide semiconductor market has
been sluggish and is unlikely to meet 1991 growth forecasts for a 15%
increase in revenues over last year's levels. A predicted growth rate
of 10 to 12% is more likely.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
As a reader of STReport International Online Magazine, you are entitled to
take advantage of a special DELPHI membership offer. For only $29.95 ($20
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NOTE: Special offers can be found in your favorite Atari magazines:
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on DELPHI as part of the Advantage Perks.
Other telecom services may have additional charges. Canadian Tymnet users
have an additional telecom charge. Office Time access (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
weekdays) may have an additional charge. And of course, other restric-
tions may apply. But this is still an amazing deal!
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
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As a reader of STReport International Online Magazine, you are entitled to
take advantage of a special DELPHI membership offer. DELPHI has waived the
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Service for FREE! Members can access DELPHI worldwide through hundreds of
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For more information please contact:
DELPHI at 1-800-544-4005 and ask for Member Services.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
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> IAAD UPDATES STR FOCUS News from the President
======================
FROM THE DESK OF: Nevin Shalit
Nevin Shalit of Step Ahead Software, Inc., was elected President of
the Independent Association of Atari Developers (IAAD), at a meeting of
the IAAD during the WAACE Atarifest. Shalit replaces Nathan Potechin of
ISD Marketing, who stepped down after serving as President for the first
two years of the IAAD's existence.
The IAAD is a group of registered Atari developers who work together
in various marketing, instructional, and educational areas. Currently more
than 50 developers make up the IAAD, which includes representatives from
Canada and Europe as well as a full complement of US developers.
"I look forward to building on Nathan's excellent work in the coming
year, by increasing our membership, and having IAAD members work together
on specific projects which will benefit developers, dealers, end users,
and Atari itself," says Shalit.
IAAD business is conducted mostly on GEnie, the national on-line ser-
vice. Developers interested in joining the group should send e-mail to
PERMIT$.
***********************************************************************
: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 costs only $4.95 a month for unlimited evening and weekend access to
more than 100 services including electronic mail, online encyclopedia,
shopping, news, entertainment, single-player games, and bulletin boards on
leisure and professional subjects. With many other services, including
the biggest collection of files to download and the best online games, for
only $6 per hour.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! Any time during your first month of membership if
you are not completely satisfied, just ask for your $4.95 back.
GEnie Announcements (FREE)
--------------------------
1. NEW FCC COST INCREASE THREATENS COMPUTER SERVICES..........
2. CompuCopia starts TODAY. To find out all about it, type. *COMPUCOPIA
3. Need help with a Unix question: stop by and ask in.....UNIX
4. We're KICKING OFF a new Apple II programming course in..A2PRO
5. Play the weekly Pro Football Pool and win $$............PRO
6. Visit the GEnie Info Library today.....................*LIBRARY
7. GeoWorks RT Expands with NEW GW Product Line............GEOWORKS
8. Update - Redecorate; Get advice from the experts in.....*REAL ESTATE
9. Thinking about a Fall/Spring Cruise Check out the Travel BB...TIS
10. AutoVantage OnLine announces on-screen Used Car Valuations....CARS
Atari RT
--------
Join us on Monday, November 4th, for a FREE Conference in the Atari ST
Real Time Conference area. Type M475,2 to get there. The conference runs
from 10 PM to Midnight, Eastern STandard Time! On hand as our Special
Guest during this conference will be John B. Jainschigg, Publisher/Editor
of ATARI EXPLORER magazine. Also online will be Marc Needleman,
Explorer's Art Director, ready to answer your Desktop Publishing
questions, or just questions about Explorer itself!
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
***********************************************************************
> The Flip Side STR Feature "....a different viewpoint"
=========================
A Little of This, A Little of That
==================================
by Michael Lee
This week we'll have some follow up information, rumors and impressions
about Comdex. Also, we'll include some information and rumors on new
products and rumors from Atari.
----------------
About TT ram upgrades from Gary Gray on CIS....
GE SOFT from Germany sells a ram board for the TT that uses ordinary
SIMMs. This board will support up to 32 megabytes of TT-Ram in
addition to whatever ST ram is in the TT.
----------------
Attention!! Unix information from Randy (Intersect Software) on CIS...
Atari SYSTEM V Release 4 now shipping
Atari is now shipping UNIX V release 4 with X-Windows to Developers.
Minimum hardware requirements are 8 megs of RAM (4 megs of TT and 4
megs of ST RAM => requires the 2 meg ST ram upgrade and the 4 meg TT
ram upgrade to a STOCK TT030), a Monochrome (TTM195 monitor) and a 3
button mouse (included with the UNIX kit). 10 megs of TT ram are
recommended for speed.
Included in the basic kit is a 213 meg HD drive already formatted and
setup with UNIX V release 4, X-Windows, XFacemaker 2 (a SUPER
Resource Construction set for X-WINDOWS), FULL AT&T - BSD - XENIX
utilities, TCP/IP, and many more features. Looks like a FULL develo-
pers implementation.
Man pages included on the HD but paper documentation covers only the
XFacemaker 2, Face, Wish and Atari Style guide. Since SYS V X-windows
is a "STANDARD", documentation (suggested reading) is available off
the shelf.
Price for this software/hardware kit is $1850.00 (does not include
TT030)
From talking to the "UNIX" people at the Atari booth at COMDEX it's
done, shipping and only 4 known bugs...currently being fixed. It's
extensively tested and still undergoing tests in Germany. Plans are
for fast turn-around on bug reports (a complaint that my Intel UNIX
friends have is the slow bug fixes in the Intel UNIX arena).
My impressions-questions to the UNIX people at Atari...
<What about Color> - well, ahhh, yes we have plans about for Color
support, not on this version of the TT
<why> - well we felt that the additional color planes would slow down
the display.
<Is there another TT in the works> - I can't comment on that.
At the Developers Dinner, SAM T. mentioned the new TT but wouldn't
comment on features other than it was going to be a 030 or 040
machine with more color support. Also mentioned was a new machine
with a 68020 MPU (no further comment on that either).
My impressions of the Unix software on a TT030 with 12 megs of RAM
are that it's quite fast, at least when compared to a ISA 386 machine
Weak points still not addressed in this release: Can not read a TOS
floppy or a TOS HD partition. This is an obvious omission and I think
that we should see this "fixed" by the German Developers.
----------------
Some more Comdex information - from Randy (Intersect Software) on CIS...
COMDEX NEWS
Atari is releasing (SOON <grin>) a CDROM external drive. I believe
them this time as it's a CHINON drive in an Atari case/power supply.
They don't even have an ASCSI interface on the back, it's straight
SCSI.
This means that they don't have to do anything that just repackage
the SCSI CHINON drive. This has benefits that Atari dealers will soon
realize. It's the BEST (350 MS), least expensive external CDROM drive
available and will work with a PC or MAC as well as straight out of
the box with a TT030 or Mega STE. ALL new Atari machines will have
SCSI ports on them, ASCSI is being phased out as NON-PROFESSIONAL.
Price for the CD-ROM is $385.00 RETAIL!!!!!!!******!!!!!!
Third parties are already gearing up to produce a ASCI to SCSI box
for this CD-ROM drive (for those of you with ASCSI only ports.)
RUMORS - OBSERVATIONS
A new TT is in the works, will have a 68040 MPU and more resolutions/
colors. This new machine is being built in a Tower Configuration for
the UNIX (more VME SLOTS) as well as the professional DTP market.
The current TT will stay as is, may have an easier RAM upgrade path
in future.
The Mega STE will have a 68020 at probably 16 Mhz, whether it's still
called a STE is another matter.
68000 machines will be found in the GAME machines that Atari is still
to release. They have narrowed their development to one machine they
had two on-going research projects and have now closed one and are
concentrating on the final choice.
A new ROM set/kit is available for older ST's that allows them to run
the TT desktop. The board plugs into the current ROM plugs and has
two wires that connect to the MMU.
FSM GDOS is now done and shipping. Wordflair now includes it with
their program. Rumor has it that later TT roms will include the GDOS
Driver in ROM, currently it's a CPX (new control panel extension).
There are 150 font faces available at this time.
Demo dealer packs (5 disk set) will be sent to developers later this
year, some dealers were receiving them at COMDEX.
----------------
Some more Comdex rumors and impressions from Randy (Intersect Software)
on CIS...
The impressions I got are that Atari is pushing the more professional
Image with DTP (high end) Didot (similar to Correl Draw) and RETOUCHE
which is a high end Image editor and laser separation program. Cost
for DIDOT $1000.00 and for a RETOUCHE system $20 - 30 thousand $$.
The obvious reason for the RETOUCHE cost are hardware as this package
includes a Matrix 24 bit color card for the TT (16 million colors) a
24 bit color digitizer, a 19 inch monitor with an amazing display,
and a laser color printer with a Atari Laser for proofing.
Retouche will produce print ready color separations with screening at
the necessary DPI. Also built in is a feedback system for color
correction so that images on screen and final prints are corrected
for inherent hardware color errors.
Mentioned at the show when asked...is this better than a MAC system?
The Atari DMA lends it's self to this application, it's more
efficient and the professional saves time when printing and editing
an image.
Something to give Mac and Atari owners a brighter day. Although
almost everyone at COMDEX was showing Windows programs, very glitsy
displays that made you want to eat your heart out, many were
complaining about the CLUNKY, SLOW windows environment. It's finally
getting bad press with reviewers and developers.
Anyone who has used a Mac with SYSTEM 7 or even a lowly ST will be
totally floored at the amount of hardware necessary to get windows to
perform at ho-hum speeds. Almost all machines at the COMDEX show
displaying windows were EISA 486 machines with State of the art Tigra
boards.
----------------
Some additional comments about Atari and Comdex - Cat. 11, Topic 9, Msgs
91, 92, 103, 105 - from the ST Roundtable on Genie -
From Jeffrey C. Davis (CEO, Magnum Software)...
Just a note here guys & gals: Atari spent approximately $700,000 to do
the COMDEX show.
Another thing: I wish I could say more about the new TT machine, but
I am under non-disclosure. Just believe me when I say you're going to
LOVE IT!!
From: George @ JMG...
Well, David and I just got back from COMDEX (and a bit of gambling to
boot). Before I get some needed sleep, I thought I'd add some
personal views.
I don't think Atari's showing at this year's COMDEX was a run-away
roaring success, but that's because I think COMDEX '91 as a whole was
slower, more boring, and less exciting. There were simply less
interesting people wandering around (I don't know attendance figures,
so I use the term "interesting people" to mean people who actually
looked interested in seeing the show and checking out vendors besides
just IBM and Microsoft). But maybe it is not fair to make comparisons
to the last four years of COMDEX, since it is still by far the
biggest show of its kind in North America.
But on the other side, I thought Atari's showing was very good
indeed. The DTP section was the focus, and the products being shown
are "world class". Even at our end of the booth (as a late addition,
we weren't in the "best seats" :-) ) we received a good deal of
interest about HyperLINK and the capabilities of the Atari in
general. And I was surprised at how many dealers wandered by saying
"HyperLINK? Oh, I carry your product in my store..." It was nice
seeing stocking Atari dealers in the flesh. And some of these people
are still quite enthusiastic.
Since both David and I went down to Vegas, we both got a chance to
tour most of the show. In all of it, there were only two things that
impressed me. OK, I may be getting thick-skinned after 11 years in
this business, but the new Macs, the thousand or so new clones, the
pen based computers, etc, are nice in the way of evolution of the
industry, but they are not terribly exciting to normal people. Try to
afford a Mac Quadra or try to find an everyday sort of use for a pen
based computer...
The two things that impressed me are 1) the inroads made in the area
of multimedia hardware and standards. In fact, the "Best products of
COMDEX '91" award went to an IBM/Intel room displaying DVI (Digital
Video Interactive, I believe) technology, a very high tech combina-
tion of full motion video with graphics, sound, etc. With our product
being a multi-media based product this new stuff is of particular
interest to me, and early in the new year I am very eager to incor-
porate some of the technologies I saw displayed into an Atari plat-
form under HyperLINK. Some of it is a little unreasonable with
current hardware, (ie full motion video in a window on a medium rez
colour 1040 is not possible), but it appears that Atari has noticed
what is required of them for the next generation of ST/TTs and is
addressing some of these hardware/software issues.
Additionally, 1992 is without doubt the year you will see CD-ROM take
a foothold in the Atari market. If Atari themselves don't do it by
1st Quarter '92 -- and at the dinner Sam seemed quite confident that
Atari would ship CDARs, stating that the "order had been placed" and
the units were in production -- but if Atari doesn't ship then I KNOW
for a fact that third parties WILL ship early in the year. And I
can't speak for other companies, but I can assure you that we will be
right in the front lines providing software for CD-ROM use,
specifically in tailoring HyperLINK to be an ideal front-end for CD-
ROM data.
But I digress -- back to the things that impressed me at COMDEX. Item
2) was a simple little device - the new drive from Syquest.
Many of you know the traditional Syquest removable hard drive
mechanism, a 44 megabyte 5.25 inch cartridge-based drive (used in
Atari's Megafile 44, for instance). A top notch product, even David
Small likes 'em :-) Well, these guys introduced and are producing a
drive they call the "Iota" series, using 2.5 inch (yes, two and a
half inch) cartridges storing 44 megabytes. For less than the size of
standard floppy, using a drive that takes about half the size of a
normal 3.5" hard or floppy drive, you can store 44 megabytes. More
amazing than that, these drives will sell for LESS than the old unit,
in quantities under $300 each for the drives and under $50 for each
44 megabyte cartridge. In comparison to other new technologies (ie
floptical, etc) the drives are cheaper, the media cheaper per
megabyte, the disks smaller, and the technology more proven. I would
LOVE to have one of these drives in each ST I own :-) (BTW, Syquest
has a six month backlog of orders on these units, so don't look for
'em at the corner store just yet).
Follow up on the Syquest 2.5' drive from Norm Weinress...
Electronic News (I got it today) reports that Syquest dropped the
other shoe. It seemed strange that they would jump directly from 5-
1.4" to 2.5", with nothing in between. Well, they have also announced
a 3.5" removable media drive! 105 Megs per cartridge, but no pricing
as yet.
More from J.LYONS16...
I read that those 2.5" drives will sell for $300 in quantity and the
cartridges will go for around $50. 44 meg on a 2.5" drive.
----------------
Some chit-chat from Delphi about upgrading your ST to a STe and also
about some various mail-order houses.
From Jim Cannon....
In case anyone besides me is in need of trading in an old, defunct
1040 ST to Atari for a NEW STe, Atari Customer Relations has given me
this info...Send a note requesting a new STe with a check or money
order for $300 by UPS, to:
Atari Computers
390 Carribean Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94809
Attn: Customer Relations
The woman I spoke with was named Barbara and she said that the old
computer did NOT have to be insured and the box it came in was suf-
ficient for shipping. She said to allow 3-4 weeks for the new unit to
arrive. Mine is about to head out. I will let you know how well this
goes and how many phone calls it take to find out who got my money
and where my new STe is.
Some comments by Kwai...
Here's some companies [mail order] that may interest you:
Joppa Computer Products
800-876-6040 Orders
301-676-1948 Technical questions, etc.
Rising Star Computers (formerly 1st Stop Computers, if you're
wondering)
800-252-2787 Order Line
513-254-3160 Order Status
Computer Games +
800-443-8189 Orders
714-639-8189 Inquiries and CA residents
Rising Star Computers is my favorite mail-order company.
From Paul (SANZA)...
Computer Garden has good prices on Atari Hardware and Software. You
can reach them at this address/phone #
Computer Garden
West Side Mall #50
Edwardsville, PA 18704
phone (717) 288-6140
From TRAHERNE...
Another FANTASTIC store that I've dealt with often, both in person
and by mail order is L&Y ELECTRONICS. John and Susie are great to
deal with and I have nothing but good to say about them. Their
address and phone are:
L&Y Electronics
13644C Jefferson Davis Hwy
Woodbridge, Virginia 22191
(703)494-3444
Until next week.....
__________________________________________________________
> COMDEX PRESS RELEASES STR SHOW NEWS ATARI COMDEX PRESS RELEASES
===================================
PEE CEES!
=========
Las Vegas, Nevada, October 21, 1991- Atari Computer Corporation announced
today the launch of three new 386-based computers at the Comdex trade show
on October 21-25 in Las Vegas. Atari is introducing two desktop models
and one notebook computer. The Atari ABC386SXII is a 20 MHz 80386SX based
desktop system. The Atari ABC386DXII is a desktop system based on the 40
MHz Am386 processor chip. The Atari ABCN386SX notebook computer is
powered by a 20MHz 80386SX and weighs less than 6 pounds. The three new
machines combine very powerful hardware with the wide range of traditional
MS-DOS application software.
"These new machines offer the best performance and value in the PC
marketplace," said Sam Tramiel, Atari Corporation CEO. "We believe that
the speed and power of these systems combine with an aggressive pricing
philosophy and our commitment to product quality and reliability to
provide our customers with the best overall computing solution."
The Atari ABC386SXII is a desktop system that comes equipped with a 20
MHz 80386SX processor, 1 MB of RAM, a fast 40 MB hard drive {average
access time is 17 ms), and two 8-bit and four 16-bit ISA (Industry
Standard Architecture) expansion slots. Up to 8 MB of RAM can be
installed on the system's motherboard. An Intel 80387SX floating point
math coprocessor is optional. The ABC386SXII uses an industry standard
Phoenix BIOS and comes with a SuperVGA video adapter that displays at a
resolution of 800 x 600. The Atari ABC386SXII carries a suggested retail
price of $1,195.
The Atari ABC386DXII is a high-powered desktop computing platform that
used a 40 MHz Am386 processor from Advanced Micro Devices, 2 MB of RAM, a
fast 80 MB hard drive (average access time is 17 ms), and eight 16-bit
expansion slots (plus one 32-bit slot for RAM expansion). Up to 64 MB of
RAM can be installed on the system's motherboard. The system comes with
64K of Cache RAM, which is expandable up to 256K. An Intel 80387 or
Witek 3167 floating point math coprocessor is optional. The ABC386DXII
uses an industry standard BIOS by AMI and comes with a SuperVGA video
adapter that displays at a resolution of 1024 x 768. The Atari ABC386DXII
carries a suggested retail price of $1,995.
Both desktop systems use a small footprint "minicase" chassis, with a
200 watt power supply, a 3.5" 1.44 MB floppy drive, three 5.25" drive
expansion slots, a 101 key enhanced AT style keyboard, one parallel and
two serial ports, and a game/joystick port. Both desktop units come
standard with both MS-DOS 5.0 and Microsoft Windows 3.0.
The Atari ABCN3865SX provides the power of a desktop system in a
convenient notebook size. It uses a 20 MHz Intel 80386SX processor and a
AMI BIOS. it comes with 1MB of RAM, a fast {19ms average access time}
hard disk drive and an internal 3.5" 1.44MB floppy drive. Up to 4MB of
RAM can be installed as options, bringing the maximum installed RAM to
5MB. An optional 60MB hard disk is available. The ABCN386SX features a
20MHz bus speed, almost three times faster than most competitors. The
built-in 8" x 5" screen displays bright crisp 16-level grayscale images.
The ABCN3865SX keyboard features 85 keys, 10 function keys, and four
cursor control keys with standard, full-size spacing between the keys. A
numeric keypad is optional equipment. MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.0 comes
standard with the ABCN386SX. The ABCN3865SX is packaged in an extremely
convenient and portable format: the 5.9 pound system measures 8.3" by
11.5" and is 1.5" thick. The battery will last 1.5 hours before needing a
recharge, and will recharge in eight hours if the unit is on and 1.5 hours
if the unit is off.
The Atari ABCN3865SX carries a suggested retail price of $2,895.
These systems will be available in the first quarter of 1992.
Atari Computer Corporation is dedicated to providing its customers
with the highest quality, most powerful, and most reliable computing
platforms and the best dollar-for-dollar computing value available
anywhere. Located in Summyvale, Califormia, Atari Computer is widely
recognized as a worldwide leader in personal computing innovation.
UNIX!
=====
Las Vegas, Nevada, October 21, 1991 - Atari Computer Corporation announced
today the development and imminent availability of the Atari System V(ASV)
Developer's Kit. A pre-release version of the Developer's Kit will be
exhibited and demonstrated at the Comdex trade show on October 21-25 in
Las Vegas. The Developer's Kit is also available to selected software
developers interested in creating new of porting existing applications
onto the powerful, low-cost Atari TT030 personal workstation.
The ASV Developer's Kit contains a rich set of developer's tools
conforming to a wide range of industry standards based on Atari's
implementation of UNIX System V Release 4.0 for the Motorola 68000 series
processors and Atari's workstation graphical user interface. The
interface is based on the hardware-and operating system-independent
XWindows system standard and the Open Systems Foundation {OSF}/Motif
style. Thus, ASV applications take on a sculptured three-dimensional
Presentation Manager-like appearance. The Atari Style Guide is an
enhancement to the Motif style that sets standards for consistency among
ASV applications.
The tools that comprise this developer's kit will help key software
vendors to efficiently port their applications to ASV and take advantage
of the most cost-effective UNIX workstation platform, our TT030, said Sam
Tramiel, Atari Corporation CEO. "We're excited about the value that these
applications will add to the TT030 and about providing the UNIX
workstation market with a low-cost, high powered platform."
The Developer's Kit has three main tool groups {core tools, graphic
user interface tools, and language compilers and debuggers} and one group
of tools for networking services. The core tools include: AT&T System B
Release 4.0, BSD and XENIX Convergence, Virtual File Systems, Virtual
Memory Management, User-Controlled Process Scheduler, Device Driver
Interface/Device Kernel Interface, Internationalization, and Extensible
Linking Format {ELF}.
The Graphic User Interface tools include X Window System Release 11.4,
Motif User Interface, XFaceMaker2, and the WISh2 Desktop Manager. ASV
application designers can quickly create a Motif-compliant interface by
using XFaceMaker2 to paint an application screen from a palette of Motif
objects such as labels, push buttons, scroll bars, and message boxes.
With FACE, a built-in C-like programming language, the designer can easily
mold the behavior of the interface.
The programming tools include the efficient GNU C and C + + compilers
and the GNU gb debugger as well as the AT&T System V sdb debugger. The C
compiler is fully compatible with the System V ELF object format and with
the ANSI C Issue 5 extensions. The tools and styles in the ASV kit
assures the developer of compatibility, portability, and inter-operability
with other workstation vendors conforming to an open systems architecture
and such industry standards as POSIX, X/Open, XPG3, FIPS, NFS, X Window
System, and Motif.
The networking package adds the Network File System {NFS}, Remote File
Sharing {RFS}, TCP/IP {the DARPA protocols} and BSD Sockets.
The Atari System V Developer's Kit will be available in general
release form in the first quarter of 1992.
Atari Computer Corporation is dedicated to providing its customers
with the highest quality, most powerful, and most reliable computing
platforms and the best dollar-for-dollar computing value available
anywhere. Located in Sunnyvale, California, Atari Computer is widely
recognized as a worldwide leader in personal computing innovation.
____________________________________________________________
> CODEHEAD NEWS!!! STR Spotlight MegaPaint Professional is Available NOW
==============================
For immediate release
CodeHeadQuarters
Friday, November 1, 1991
------------------------
MegaPaint Professional is Available NOW from CodeHead Software
--------------------------------------------------------------
Surprise! CodeHead Software has the graphics drawing program _you've_
been waiting for...and we have it NOW! MegaPaint Professional is a
full-featured bit-map and vector graphics tool for Atari ST and TT
computers. We're proud to include it in our new line of "CodeHead GT"
Graphic Tools -- along with Avant Vector, Repro Studio, and Genus
(which we'll tell you about later).
To call MegaPaint Professional 4.0 "full-featured" is a vast
understatement! Here's a partial list of its features (and this list
barely scratches the surface):
o Virtually any drawing function imaginable is available, making a
complete listing impractical here. Besides the normal tools, there
are such obscure features as rhomboid, equilateral polygons with 3
to 32 sides, circular or elliptical ringsectors, dropping
perpendicular lines, or parallel lines...all available in either
bit-map or vector graphics.
o Text support is extensive, including bit-mapped and vector fonts, as
well as support for the vast Signum font library. You can also
easily create your own fonts or symbol tables from any graphics
block.
o Vector graphics can be projected into a bit-map picture and bit-map
graphics can be faded into a vector picture giving you unique
flexibility when working with any type of graphics.
o Whether working with bit-map graphics, vector graphics, or text, the
user interface and features are tuned to give you the power and ease
of use you're accustomed to with CodeHead Software.
o Coordinate systems and even screen aspect ratios can be adjusted.
o FAST block and lasso functions.
o Editable fill patterns and line styles.
o Up to four planes of color separation may be manipulated, overlayed,
viewed with varied intensities, and printed to a color printer.
o There are 197 dropdown menu selections and 377 submenu dropdown
selections!
o Unique overlapping pop-up menus give you 120 selectable icons.
o Choices in the pop-up menus may be assigned to any of the available
functions in the dropdown menus. Icons in the pop-up menus can be
selected from over 240 predesigned icons or redesigned to the users
specification, even changed to text.
o MegaPaint can be used with virtually all printers. Supplied printer
drivers can be easily edited to adapt to any printer.
o Pictures can be loaded in MegaPaint's .BLD format, standard .IMG
format, MS-DOS .PCX format, Degas, straight 32K format, or STAD
format (.PAC). Vector graphics can be exported in CVG format.
o MegaPaint can call external modules, allowing infinite expandability
for new functions. Import and export modules are already in the
works (from CodeHead) for several other picture and vector formats.
o Runs on any ST/TT with a monochrome monitor from 640x400 up to
8192x8192.
o Virtual page size may be as large as 7680x7680. Pictures may be
loaded into any area of the virtual page.
o MegaPaint has network support.
o MegaPaint is available for MS-DOS machines, supporting the same file
format.
o Scanner support currently includes interfaces for 3 different
scanners. External module support allows the future interfacing of
any other scanner.
And best of all -- MegaPaint is unbelievably FAST!!! We've never seen
a drawing program anywhere, on any platform, released or not, that
even comes close to the speed of MegaPaint. That's why MegaPaint fits
so well into the CodeHead line of products.
If you've ever seen Tempus work with text, you'll remember your first
reaction to its incredible text-scrolling speed, even without a screen
accelerator. MegaPaint is the Tempus of graphics processors! It's so
fast that the windows actually update the display AS YOU DRAG THE
SLIDER! And you simply won't believe how quickly MegaPaint loads IMG
pictures and rotates blocks or entire images.
We'll be releasing a demo version of MegaPaint Professional soon so you
can see for yourself just how amazing this program is. Meanwhile we're
gearing up our shipping department because once you get a taste of
MegaPaint, you'll want it immediately and won't want to wait.
MegaPaint is available NOW, and retails for $175. For more information,
contact your local dealer, or;
CodeHead Software
PO Box 74090
Los Angeles, CA 90004
voice (213) 386-5735
fax (213) 386-5789.
__________________________________________________________________
> ABBREVIATOR ST! STR Review
==========================
ABBREVIATOR ST 1.1 REVIEW
=========================
by Daniel Stidham
My favorite programs are those that are pure and simple in their
implementation and provide a converse degree of productivity. Think about
it. Apple is now advertising their Mac computers as being the most produc-
tive solely because more people get more done with the computer, oweing to
its down-to-earth approach. They don't spout about the speed of their
microprocessors or the complexity of their architecture. The captitalize
on its ease of use.
That's why when I first set eyes on Kyle Cordes utility, Abbreviator
ST, I knew that this was going to be one of those UIS III-type programs:
Something I paid very little for, spent about 20 minutes learning, and
have taken it for granted the rest of my computing days (I wouldn't boot
up without it). Lots of return for little money and no incompatibility
headaches to wrastle with.
Abbreviator ST is a text macro program. With it you can abbreviate
ascii text strings up to 200 characters long and assign then to a 1 to 8
letter abbreviation. 'AL' become Alabama, 'DS' becomes Daniel Stidham,
'add' becomes 3809 Feather Lane. I have an abbreviation that I use in my
resume business quite a bit, 'res'-- when I need to captialize this at the
beginning of a sentence I just capitalize the 'R', typing in 'Res' and the
expanded string keeps the capitalization.
The expanded macro is triggered after typing in the abbreviation and
any trigger key: a space, a period, or other punctuation. The punctuation
used to trigger the expansion will appear at the end of the expanded
string. Seeing as there would be special times when this wouldn't always
be desirable, Kyle allows you to suppress the trigger key by adding a con-
trol sequence to the end of your abbreviation when creating it. For
instance say there is a string that you want to use as a root, sometimes
you want to pluralize, or add an appropriate suffix, you would type in
your expanded string and at the end type a Control-S (for suppress).
Control characters also allow you to control cursor movement. Certain
combinations (in the interest of foiling the common software thief I will
not elaborate) will replicate pressing the up arrow key, the down arrow
key, the right and left arrow keys, the return key, the tab key, backspace
key and the escape key. Priming your imagination can you see how this can
be put to use on form letters, etc.?
Another useful feature is the ability to capture the last 200 charac-
ters typed in and assign them to an abbreviation. The Abbreviator ST crea-
tion form has a button labeled 'Capt' and it will spill the last 200
characters onto the form, leaving you to assign an abbreviation.
Everything else on the creation form is self-explanatory, with some
buttons allowing loading and saving of '.abr' files--use different abr
files in different programs if you wish. Buttons are there also to allow
you to delete an abbreviation or clear out all abbreviations in an abr
file.
Abbreviator ST is installed as a desk accesory and looks in the root
directory for the default abr file to auto-load into memory as designated
on the configuration page. The configuration page also gives information
on the number of abbreviations and percentage of memory used by these ab-
breviations. The amount of memory is user-designated in the configuration
as well as a hotkey combination to turn Abbreviator ST on or off without
having to go to the GEM desktop and access the accessory directly.
A print key allows a hardcopy of the abbreviations in memory.
Use Abbreviator ST to type in month and days of the year, common
misspelled or typo'd words ( 'recieve' properly converting to 'receive'),
convert 'i' to I. Use your imagination.
I have found Abbreviator ST to be very useful in my business as I
find myself typing repetitively in the resume business: manager,
management, position, responsible, University, college, etc. It has saved
me lots of time and prevented lots of typos. I find it a perfect
complement to my other macro powerhouse, Codekeys. Using abbreviations for
commonly used phrases and words is mnemonic and Abbreviator ST is
simlicity itself in handling this limited macro applciation, while I use
Codekeys for mouse action, full keyboard usage and programming and
automating repetitive and complex tasks.
Any program has room to improve and I have a few suggestions: allow
hotkey usage for changing abr files on-the-fly, provide an audio tone to
confirm that a macro has been executed (so you can go on typing and not
have to worry that it didn't take as a result of a typo).
I have Abbreviator ST installed in MultiDesk and it works perfectly.
MultiDesk handles the on,off switch quite well.
I paid only $25.00 for this program and I think that was the full
retail price, as I bought it directly from Kyle. The version reviewed here
is Abbreviator ST 1.1, run through its paces on a Mega ST4 and installed
in MultiDesk.
Kyle Cordes
3815 Greengrass Drive
Florissant, MO 63033
Cordata, Inc.
(call information and they will give you Kyle's listed phone number and he
will be glad to get this out to you directly)
___________________________________________________
> GRAMMAR EXPERT STR FOCUS "A fully functional Grammar Expert Program"
========================
P R E S S R E L E A S E
========================
Release Date: 1 November 1991
NEPEAN, ONTARIO -- Phil Comeau Software announces the release of a new
version of the Grammar Expert program for the Atari computer family.
The new release, version 1.10, contains several improvements designed to
make Grammar Expert easier to use. These improvements are listed below.
* Users can now search Grammar Expert's table of contents or
index for a text pattern. When the pattern is found, the
corresponding page is automatically displayed. For example, a
Grammar Expert user might search the index for the text
"persuade." Grammar Expert would respond by locating an index
entry containing the text "persuade," then would display the
page associated with that index entry. Grammar Expert's new
search feature can locate the first occurrence of a pattern or
subsequent occurrences. This feature greatly reduces the time
needed to locate information in the index or table of contents.
* Grammar Expert now permits users to select the way it presents
links. (Links are mouse-sensitive "hot spots" that provide
pathways to further information on a topic.) Users can choose
their link-presentation preferences from "inverted," "bold,"
"underlined," or "none." Users can combine this feature with the
new text- and link-color feature (see below) to gain control
over Grammar Expert's presentation style.
* Users can individually select the colors Grammar Expert uses to
display normal text and link text. For example, a user could
select black normal text and red link text. This feature and
the link-presentation feature allow Grammar Expert users to
customize the appearance of Grammar Expert to individual taste.
* Several kinds of keyboard shortcuts have been added to Grammar
Expert. First, pressing the "Alternate" key and a letter opens
the first link that starts with that letter. Second, pressing
the "Alternate" key and a letter when the index is displayed
positions the index to the first entry that starts with the
letter. For example, pressing the "Alternate" and "C" keys
positions the index to the entries starting with "C." Third,
the "Esc" key now closes the Grammar Expert window. These
keyboard shortcuts make Grammar Expert easier to use for users
who prefer interaction via the keyboard over the mouse.
* Grammar Expert users can now save the position and size of the
window, so Grammar Expert will present the window at the
preferred configuration each time it runs. This saves users the
extra step of having to adjust the window location and size
manually.
* Grammar Expert now remembers the current window position in the
index and table of contents. For example, when a user returns
to the index after viewing a page, the index will be positioned
as it was before the user viewed the page.
* Grammar Expert now uses a linked-in resource file, so it needs
less memory.
This upgrade is the first major enhancement to Grammar Expert since it was
released in September 1991.
Grammar Expert is an online reference for the rules of English grammar,
punctuation, and effective writing. Grammar Expert runs as a desk acces-
sory on Atari's family of 16- and 32-bit computers. The program is
intended as an aid for professional and casual writers.
Grammar Expert provides its users with access to over 120 pages of infor-
mation on grammar and writing -- the equivalent of a moderate sized book.
The information is organized to provide practical answers and help to wri-
ters who may be unsure of the correct rules to apply or the best way to
organize their writing for maximum effectiveness. To make locating infor-
mation on a specific topic fast and easy, Grammar Expert uses hypertext
technology and an online index and table of contents. Once a Grammar Ex-
pert user has located a topic of interest, he or she can obtain more deta-
iled information or explore related topics by simply clicking the mouse
button.
Grammar Expert 1.10 is available now. The price of Grammar Expert remains
at $59.95 US ($66.95 Canadian). Grammar Expert can be purchased from Atari
dealers or directly from Phil Comeau Software (Atari dealers can purchase
Grammar Expert through their usual distributors).
Registered owners of Grammar Expert can upgrade to version 1.10 by sending
their original Grammar Expert diskettes and a check or money order for
$5.00 to Phil Comeau Software.
For further information contact:
Phil Comeau Software
43 Rueter St.
Nepean, Ontario
Canada K2J 3Z9
(613) 825-6271
GEnie: P.COMEAU1
CIS: 72060,3056
Internet: comeau@crc.sofkin.ca
__________________________________________________________
> STR Portfolio News & Information Keeping up to date...
================================
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM
=========================
On CompuServe
by Judith Hamner 72257,271
New Uploads this week:
PA02.TXT and PA03.TXT uploaded by bj Gleason contain issue 2 and 3 of
Portable Addiction. PR0791.TXT also uploaded by bj Gleason contains the
Portfolio Resource column from Atari User.
22WEIG.BAS and 22RUNW.BAS were uploaded by Robert Kelsoe. These two
programs will calculate the weight and balance, and the runway length
needed for a BE-24R Sierra. They can be adapted for other small planes.
MACPTX.SIT and MACPOR.SIT contain information provided by George Gooder-
ham. One of these files will be helpful to Mac users trying to transfer
files to or from their Portfolio.
Announcements:
The new forum software has now been installed. It is now possible to do
searches across all libraries in the forum, instead of having to do a
separate one for each forum.
Ron Luks and Don Thomas shared the news from Comdex with forum members.
Steve Kostelnik provided updated information for the Nov. 23 & 24 Chicago
Computerfest.
There is speculation about the new 1 meg card released in England by DIP.
DIP has been represented online answering questions for forum members.
The Wish List section is still very sucessful for matching would-be
programmers who are looking for ideas with those who have needs for a new
program.
Sysop Ron Luks announced the programming challenge. Three forum members,
BJ Gleason, David Stewart, and Don Messerli have agreed to join forces in
a programming marathon. They have agreed that at least one new program
will be uploaded every day through the end of the year. They further
challenge forum members to contribute by matching their number of uploads.
Programs, tips, help files, etc. would qualify.
___________________________________________________
> GFA RAYTRACE UG STR InfoFile JOIN TODAY! PARTICIPATE!
============================
WHY A GFA RAYTRACE USER GROUP?
==============================
As an avid Raytrace user, I am interested in contacting other users,
sharing operational tips, and seeing some of the creations others have
been able to produce with the program. I feel that by forming an informal
sort of User Group, we can all benefit from each other's experience and
get the most out of our purchase.
My primary motivation however is to find other Raytrace users to join a
grassroots campaign to get GFA to produce a converter for raytraced pics,
so we are not permanently trapped in Raytrace's native format.
Finally, it is my hope to build a Community Library showcasing the
talents of Raytrace users, and making it availiable to anyone who is in-
terested enough to send in a disk of thier work to contribute to the
library. An informal User Group indeed! There is no cash of any sort
involved here. All that will be required is a floppy disk of your
Raytraced creations to get on the mailing list.
CONVERSION UTILITY NEEDED!!!
My main reason for organizing this group is to get people asking GFA Ger-
many to release a pic conversion utility for Raytace users. Ideally, one
that converts .SUL/.SCL files to Spectrum 512 format is much needed and
long overdue. However, a well written 16 color converter might be a
simpler alternative. (SPU2DEG.TTP included with Spectrum 512 does a
fairly good job of analyzing a 512 Spectrum pic and reducing it to 16
colors. Either or both are needed. And if GFA can't produce such a
program they should at least be encouraged to provide enough detailed
info on Raytrace file format to the public domain so that one could be
written.
THE DISK LIBRARY
The 'cost' of subscribing to this newsletter is a disk, single or double
sided with some examples of scenes you've created in Raytrace. We all know
that there's alot of trial and error in creating a scene. But once in
awhile you get the objects, the lights just right and its worth saving.
Whether its some Wireframe data, or a 10 frame full-blown animation, ren-
dered screens, or Spectrum, Neo, or other pics you use for ground, sky or
texture maps, put them on a disk with your name and address. You be put
on the list for the newsletter and get your disk back filled with the
best works of other Raytrace users. Your 'subscription fee' becomes part
of the library, and the best of the library will be mailed back to you
promptly.
HOW TO GET YOUR NEWSLETTER
Send your disk to:
GFA RAYTRACE USERS USA
c/o Nick S. Smith
4406 5th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55409-2124
GEnie E-mail - S.SMITH65
__________________________________________________________
> A REVIEW? STR Feature "Decisions, decisions, decisions"
=====================
THE ANCIENT ART OF ....
=======================
by Dana Jacobson
This was going to be a review of one of the new pieces of software
purchased at WAACE, but, unfortunately a decision couldn't be made as to
which one to review! But, after thinking about it for a few days, it was
determined to narrow the choices down to two. Decisions, decisions,
decisions. Which program held the most potential interest for the reader,
and potential user?
More time went by trying to resolve this dilemma. Better sleep on it
one more day. Ah, that's better. Let's take a look at the two programs
again and see what we want to do. Boot up the first. Oops, better re--
read the manual again on this one to make sure most of the details are
known. Let's see if the second one is any easier to figure out...
After booting this one up, getting it configured and ready to
go....8:00 o'clock!! "Dinosaurs" is on!! Must see if 'Baby' is going to
conk 'Not the Mama' a few dozen times! That "kid" makes the whole show.
Funny episode tonight, wasn't it? Well, back to the ST. Hmmm, might
as well call a couple of boards to see what's happening before it gets too
late. Then back to the second program again. A lot of new messages
tonight! Last board! Sheesh, it's too late to really get into this
program. Tomorrow is another day.
Okay, nothing on the agenda for tonight, so there's plenty of time to
look this other program over. * Time passes on * There's a lot of _stuf-
f_ here! The gist of the program is pretty straightforward, but better
read the manual. After first couple of chapters (real dry reading), time
to hit the hay. Finish both manuals tomorrow.
This is starting to read like a diary!! Both manuals read, from
cover to cover each. Phew! Okay, both programs are understood well
enough to look around the programs and check them out. Let's do it!
Hours later.....done.
Chose the first program. Boot up Word Writer. Crack the old knuck-
les. Plenty of cigarettes and hot tea. Ready. BLANK!! Right about
now you're probably ready to pull out your hair, right? Ooh, sorry -
you've already started. Call Sy Spurling. What's the purpose of all this
gibberish above, you ask. Well, actually, I had a few ideas as to what I
wanted to write about this week. I did make a few nice software purchases
at WAACE a couple of weeks ago. I had anticipated reviewing at least one
of them here. The above comments are more or less a true, albeit slightly
exaggerated, synopsis of what I went through attempting to accomplish my
goal.
I've seen quite a number of software reviews over the years; and I've
been amazed at how thorough most of them have been. It's not an easy
task, especially if the reviewer doesn't take the time to really learn the
program. Games are fairly easy - play it a few times and you have the
basics to write about it. But, an application or utility really needs to
be thoroughly "tested" to mean anything worthwhile when writing about it.
You cannot keep finding 'excuses' not to explore the program and read the
manual, as I did. What you write may influence a user to decide to pur-
chase the program, or not. What you don't write may also play a role.
You must decide what to include in the review and what to skip over.
Unless extremely complicated, you can skip such items as installation
processes. What the reader wants to know is what the program does, and
how well. Concentrate on that. Unique features should also be included.
Is this program an upgrade of an older version? What new features are now
present? Does it have memory requirements? Does it run with all versions
of TOS? Can it be used on mono and color systems? Run better on a hard
drive?
These are some things that must be considered when doing a review.
If you're looking for excuses, as I did, to find a way not to learn the
program enough to write about it, you shouldn't review the program until
you do. It would be unfair to the readers and the software/company.
What was my excuse? I needed a topic to write about this week. I
thought that I could do a review but realized that there was no way to
really get the meat of one of these programs; so I kept putting it off.
Here it is late in the week, and I still don't have a review. So, what
better way to help prevent others from doing the same thing but to point
out a few of the pitfalls!
And, I also have an article for this week and bought myself some more
time to play around with these new programs!
Until next time...
________________________________________________________
> STReport's Editorial Page "SAYIN' IT LIKE IT IS!"
=========================
From the Editor's Desk
----------------------
I can remember back to when I got my first ST.... <sigh> I WAS one of
those diehard 8 bit users who felt he could do anything he wished with his
8 bit and didn't need an ST.
Picture this... I had just booted "Star Glider" (I believe that's the
name).. and the digital voices began singing the theme song. I was total-
ly mezmerized... and I might add, at that time the ST was riding high on
the crest of its phenominally successful introduction to the computer
market.
The point of this discourse is to illustrate how the Tramiels indeed
had the whole 'ball-o-wax' right in their hands and seemingly, let it slip
on by. The ultra successful intro of the Atari ST put the company right
on top and at that time, had they really advertized aggressively... I feel
they'd easily be where Apple is now, if not in a much better position.
Sure hindsight is very clear, but how many situations must become reality
before any experience is gained?
Truly, Atari is a company marketing a very fine product but, at the
same time, some of their underlings insist on treating their customer base
and supporters of the company like dirt. The company, at times, appears
to be hanging on by its fingernails and still, the underlings are as ar-
rogant and argumentative as those poor souls in the Middle East. Almost
to a point where one of their "illustrious reps" found it necessary to
threaten folks rather pointedly in public. Its sad and very unfortunate
to be happening.
The success story for the ST was indeed a 'fairy-tale' like event.
You know, one of those... "it only happens once in a lifetime" type
things. I am glad to have been a part of it. It was great... watching
all those very well respected computer publications praise the "new kid on
the block" with being the greatest package and value available. The hard-
ware is still a super great value. The latest group of offerings are ex-
ceptional values and will compete with most anything in the same market
bracket. The users realize this, in fact, most all of us do. What needs
addressing is the petty politics and ego trips. The "tempest in a teapot"
must be brought to close. Now.
As an aside, I'll use my ST computers for many years to come, and I
know I'll be using a marvelous computer system thats tailored to fit my
needs and provide the greatest benefits. The most important thing I'll
take comfort in is knowing the high quality support from the developers
and other users has always been first rate and shows no signs at all of
diminishing.
Thanks for your ongoing support
Ralph......
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> STR Mail Call "...a place for readers to be heard"
=============
STReport's MailBag
==================
#: 22842 S17/ISD Marketing
25-Oct-91 13:04:51
Sb: #22829-CONVERT2X
Fm: mark hammond 100010,2517
To: Bob Brodie [ATARI] 70007,3240
Bob,
Frankly, I would rather that you hadn't 'muddied' the waters on this one.
However, seeing as you saw fit to get involved ...............here we go
1). The distributors for DMC in the UK are Signa Publishing. And it so
happens that it was from them that i purchased my TT 8M + Eizo 6500 etc.
Reason being that they have the best reputation amongst high-end Atari
dealers in the UK. And were originally designated as sole distributors
for the TT (although it now turns out that you buy one from any ole 'box
shifter'). These people have been supporting Calamus etc. since day one,
probably longer than ISD have; however when I called them to inquire
about a CVG->EPS convertor, they didn't know what I was talking about.
Hence my plea to Nathan.
I prefer Pagestream to Calamus, but would like to make use of Outline Art,
which, of course, only produces Calamus CVG's. BTW. One of the reasons for
the former is that there are only 2 bureau in the UK for Calamus, and
they are expensive compared to the hundreds of Postscript bureaux.
Besides which, I find the Calamus interface particularly nasty to use, if
only SoftLogic would fix some of the bugs, and put out some of the many
things that have been added to their 'wish list', they would have an even
more wonderful product.
2). Mike Dale is the owner of Signa Publishing, and is a very respected
name in the UK Atari scene (the now defunct ST World mag, used to be
nicknamed - Mike Dale World). BUT...if I fancy a good wingeing session
about the problems of using Atari in the real business world, Mike is the
person I go to see, cynical is not the word for him, he is positively
warped, too many years of trying to present the Atari as a serious busi-
ness alternative has left him a mentally crippled man. And mention Atari
UK to him, and well I couldn't repeat a word of what spews from his lips.
I have now crossed out the Atari Help Line number from my address book.
Examples:
Q. "I need a GDOS driver for HyperChart on an HPLJ2"
A. "We do'nt have one, try the PD libs"
A. (PD libs) "There isn't one !"
Q. "Can I use 4M SIMMS in my TT?"
A. "Maybe, i'll get back to you" ....never heard a thing
Q. "Could you let me have the number for GEnie in the States"
A. "No, we don't have it"
I could go on about Silica Systems, who I believe are your main
distributors here, but i've got work to do.
Nuff sed.
Regards,
Mark.
Synkra Publishing.
Conf : Atari 16/32 Bit
Msg# : 23054/23132 Lines: 6 Read: 1
Sent : Oct 27, 1991 at 10:47 PM
To : Roy Holierhoek
From : Shawn Zweers at Radio STation ~NIAGARA~
Subj : Re: <23049> Advertising....
Well, today, in the SUN I saw a Sear's advertisement.. And guess what I
saw in this Sear's Ad? An Atari 1040STE with Mouse, and the new colour
monitor!! AND! Guess what?? You could even read Atari! Everywhere! Even
the symbol on the mouse! Monitor! And Keyboard!!
Conf : Atari 16/32 Bit
Msg# : 23180/23183 Lines: 13 Read: 1
Sent : Oct 31, 1991 at 12:18 AM
To : Tom D'Ambrosio
From : Zenobot at The O-Mayer V 592: Los Angeles
Subj : Advertising....
Atari doesn't deserve us...
They don't deserve the army of utterly dedicated Atarians that form the
core of Atari computer users.
They reward our dedication being screwing us over time and time again...
I'm not surprised to see certain users "defecting" to other platforms.
I will stick to the ST personally because it's cheap, fast, and ideal for
my needs (which are somewhat limited, for now...).
Z (Enough is enough. Atari can do what they want, I don't care anymore...)
________________________________________________________
STReport's Staff The regulars and this week's contributors!
----------------
Publisher - Editor
------------------
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Robert Retelle Charles Hill R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
-----------------------
Michael Arthur Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr. Dana P. Jacobson
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham
Contributing Correspondents:
----------------------------
Michael Lee Richard Covert Roger Stevens
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Ben Hamilton
Neil Bradley Eric Jerue Ron Deal
Robert Dean Ed Westhusing James Nolan
Joe Mirando Vernon W. Smith
IMPORTANT NOTICE
================
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
GEnie......................... ST.REPORT
Delphi........................ RMARIANO
BIX........................... RMARIANO
FIDONET....................... 112/35
FNET.......................... NODE 350
NEST.......................... 90:19/350.0
____________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "REPORTING ABOUT ATARI...NOT FOR ATARI!"
=====================
* "Rumors - Tidbits - Predictions - Observations - Hot Tips" *
========================================================
- Little Rock, AR. TOS 1.62 HAS PROBLEMS?
----------------
TOS 1.62 apparently has a grievous bug which keeps it from working on
any processor but the 68000, although it is supposed to work on any of the
680xx series. TOS 1.6 was fine, but apparently someone may have linked in
the wrong code, it seems the TRAP #1 (GEMDOS) handler doesn't check the
$59e magic word (it says which type of processor is being run - long or
short stack size), and thus doesn't know how to work correctly for the
long stack size.
This just means a bit of a headache for someone who wants to plug in a
68010, or someone who has a new processor board without a new ROM set...
from an 'anonymous developer.'
_____________________________________________________________
> A "Quotable Quote"
==================
"I NEVER GIVE THEM HELL;....
....I JUST TELL THEM THE TRUTH AND THEY THINK IT
IS HELL..."
.....Harry S. Truman
__________________________________________________________
> FALL SPECIALS! STR InfoFile * NEW Prices MORE Products & SPECIALS! *
=========================== HOLIDAY SPECIALS!
** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! **
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)
* ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
* ICD ADSCSI+ HOST ADAPTERS * FULL SCSI COMMAND SET SUPPORTED *
* SCSI EMBEDDED CONTROLLER MECHANISMS *
WE PAY SHIPPING!!! >BLUE LABEL UPS!<
Deluxe 2 bay Cabinet w/65w auto-switching PS
TIME PROVEN to be the most reliable!
Model Description Autopark Price
==================================================
SGN4951 51Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 479.00
SGN6277 65Mb 28ms 5.25" Y 519.00
SGN1096 85Mb 24ms 5.25" Y 549.00
SGN2055 105mb 12ms 3.5" Y 649.00
SGN6277 120Mb 12ms 3.5" Y 789.00
SGN1296 170Mb 12ms 3.5" Y 1019.00
==================================================
FULLY ASSEMBLED SCSI DRIVES DEDUCT $60.00
ADD $35.00 for 4 BAY SUPER CABINET w/250+w PS
EXOTIC TOWER CABINETS AVAIALABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
FULLY ASSEMBLED SCSI DRIVES DEDUCT $60.00
ADD $35.00 for 4 BAY SUPER CABINET w/250+w PS
EXOTIC TOWER CABINETS AVAIALABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
CPU ACCELERATOR & MEMORY UPGRADES AVAILABLE & INSTALLED
>> ABCO now offers 1040 & MEGA STe Computers <<
(when available)
Call for ABCO's Introductory prices!
ATARI COMPUTERS * STILL THE BEST VALUE!
If you don't see what you want listed here, call us.
Odds are, we either have it or, can get it for you!
AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE!
"We service what we sell"
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555) >> ABCOFILE "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE *
- SYQUEST 44 MB DRIVE - ICD ST ADSCSI PLUS H/A
- ICD Utility Software - 3' DMA Cable
- Fan & Clock - Multi-Unit Power Supply
(1) 44 MB Syquest Cart.
--->> SPECIAL! NOW ONLY __$ 645.00__ <<---
**** SCSI UNITS -> ONLY $585.00 ****
WE PAY SHIPPING!!! >BLUE LABEL UPS!<
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
Cart and Utility Software Included!
EXTRA CARTS: $ 74.50
DRIVE MECH ONLY: $ 349.95
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED ** $1019.00 **
Includes TWO cartridges!
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
50mb SQG51 $ 819.00 85mb SQG96 $ 1019.00
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
WE PAY SHIPPING!!! >BLUE LABEL UPS!<
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)
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
** $54.95 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 Facimile
** $41.95 shipping included **
-- ALL TONER KITS * IN STOCK * --
* Toner Starter Kits-$62.95 *
* Replacement (804) Drums-$186.95 *
ABCO's Replacement Toner Advantages
===================================
A Few Pointers about the NEW and SUPERIOR replacement Toner Cartridges
for the SLM 804 and SLM 605 Laser printers.
Quality
-------
o Better density the OEM Toner under all testing conditions.
(AVG 1.40-1.50)
o Formulation completely compatible with the OEM initial toner and
supply toner. This replacement Toner may be added to the Laser
Printer along with OEM initial toner or supply toner.
o The NEW replacement initial toner will maintain a high level of
quality "much longer" using the replacement toner.
o Much smaller drop in density is realized when printing in the
continuous mode.
Test Pattern:
10 graphic pages
1000 text pages (3 alternating pages)
Time Schedule:
330 prints continuously
1 hour pause, 3-4 times a day
normally 1000 copies a day
maximum 1400 copies a day
OEM ABCO'S NEW STANDARD
--- -------------------
Density 1.30 - 1.40 1.40 - 1.50
Yield 92.1 g/1000 copies 95.3 g/1000 copies
Waste toner 20.3 g/1000 copies 14.3 g/1000 copies
Transfer Rate 78% 85%
>> MANY other ATARI related products STOCKED <<
ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED
-* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
WE PAY SHIPPING!!! >BLUE LABEL UPS!<
QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
_________________________________________
DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
please, call for details
Personal and Company Checks are accepted.
ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319
Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service
9am - 8pm EDT
Tues thru Sat
ABCO is EXPANDING!! CALL FOR INFORMATION!
GOOD NEWS!
==========
ABCO Computer Consultants now has a SUPER computer goodies catalog
available. Drop us a note and we will mail your copy to you! You'd be
surprised at the variety of products we offer at substantial savings.
Don't wait! Send for your catalog now and get the great Christmas
Discount Coupons. It'll make Santa feel great about the holidays!
ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
=========================
P.O. BOX 6672
Jacksonville, Florida, 32205-6672
904-783-3319
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport International Online Magazine
Available through more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" November 01, 1991
16/32bit Magazine copyright 1987-91 No.7.43
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
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 editors,
contributors and/or staff are not responsible for the use/misuse of infor-
mation contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-----------------------------------------
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