ST Report: 29-May-92 #822
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 06/01/92-11:08:30 AM Z
From: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 29-May-92 #822
Date: Mon Jun 1 11:08:30 1992
*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
from
STR Publishing
""""""""""""""
May 29, 1992 No.8.22
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STReport International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
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_____________________________________________________________________
> 05/29/92 STR 822 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS
- REVOLVING DOOR ALIVE! - QUANTUM SETTINGS - APPLE'S NEWTON
- Earning Respect - BLUERIDGE FEST! - ATARI ADVANTAGE
- TRACKER/GEMVELOPE - SAM SEZ - STR Confidential
-* WARP-9 UPDATE OUT!! *-
-* USR SPORTSTER FAX-MODEM *-
-* AUA -> "ATARI ELITE/PACE" *-
==========================================================================
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
==========================================================================
STReport's BBS, The Bounty, invites BBS systems, worldwide, to participate
in the Fido/TurboNet/Atari F-Net Mail Network. You may also call our BBS
direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging information
relative to the Atari and other computers worldwide through the use of
excellent International Messaging Networks. SysOps, worldwide, are quite
welcome to join the STReport International Conferences. The Crossnet Code
is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is # 350. All BBS systems are welcome and
invited to actively participate. Support Atari Computers; Join Today!
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COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
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NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (May 29)
NEW FROM CODEHEAD IN ATARI VENDORS FORUM (GO ATARIVEN)
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
CODEHEAD TECHNOLOGIES HAS UPLOADED A FREE PATCH PROGRAM FOR WARP 9
OWNERS. SEE THE FILE W9UPGR.LZH NOW AVAILABLE IN LIB 16.
Codehead has uploaded a demo version of Calligrapher, the Ultimate
Writing Machine. See the file CALDEM.LZH now available in LIB 16.
NEW FROM ISD
ISD has uploaded two new files to their library in the Atari Vendors
Forum (GO ATARIVEN). One is a Desktop Publishers TradeUP Offer and the
other is a Calamus SL Printer Driver Generator. See the files TRADUP.TXT
and PRNGEN.ARC in Library 17, ISD Marketing.
SOFTLOGIK UPGRADE OFFER
SoftLogik announces a special upgrade offer! Please read message #
26555 in the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN).
NEW IN ATARI 8-BIT FORUM (GO ATARI8)
A transcript of our May 17th Conference with 8-bit developers Bob Puff
and Jeff Potter is now available in LIB 7 [News & Reviews]. If you're
interested in the future of our unique platform, see 8BITCO.TXT. If you
have comments, please leave a note on the message board!
NEW FOR THE PORTFOLIO
A Video Poker game now available for the Portfolio! Check out
PFPOKR.ZIP now in LIBRARY 4 of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO APORTFOLIO).
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
Almost release time, I must keep this editorial short as the remainder
of the issue is jam-packed with terrific articles and the latest of
information pertaining to our favorite activity.. computing!
Some people have been clamoring about us having an "Inquirer" type
publication.... well that, to us, is as strong a compliment as one can
possibly be. As most folks know, the Inquirer is a highly successful
publication. Of course, we realize the fact that those who promulgate
this hype are not among our "best supporters". Thus, this sort of thing
is to be expected. After all, when they have no real objections, all they
are left with is the name calling. <sigh> In any case, we will continue
to present both sides of the issues in an attempt to present a balanced
accounting for all.
It would also appear there are those who feel they know all the facts
surrounding particular incidents (PACE/AUA/ELITE) and amazingly, see no
reason why anyone else would 'need to know' any or all the facts
surrounding a particular incident. We care that you, our readers, have an
equal opportunity to "know all the facts" therefore the presentation of
the AUA series. We heard from everyone possible in the past who were
upset or felt they had to be heard for one reason or another.
Now, at last, we are hearing from the principals who were most
adversely affected by the hysterical accusations, condemnations and
punishments. If our (STReport) bringing out another side of the scenario
makes some people uneasy.. perhaps they have good reason to be uneasy.
Its sad to be witness to certain individuals in our small community who
seem to feel they "know what's best for us" along with "what we should or
should not know". Of course, to watch 'respected' members of the
community trying to sway public opinion through 'name calling' and
posturing is very sad and unfortunately, not very original or even
remotely responsible.
This week, we present to you the second article of six from the AUA
expose series written by Derek Signorini. After this series is completed,
we shall begin our probe into the politics, 'behind the scenes' power
brokering and arm twisting that has been occuring for the last two years.
This series too, will provide the users with another "illuminating
experience".
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
""""""""""""""""
Publisher - Editor
""""""""""""""""""
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Roger D. Stevens Charles Hill R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Lloyd E. Pulley Sr. Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Lee Richard Covert John Deegan
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Ben Hamilton Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
Clemens Chin
IMPORTANT NOTICE
""""""""""""""""
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
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FIDONET....................... 112/35
FNET.......................... NODE 350
NEST.......................... 90:19/350.0
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> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
"""""""""""""""""
Issue #22
Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
-- Shortage of 3.5" Diskettes
A sharp increase in the size of hard disks and the simultaneous release
of major programs by IBM and Microsoft Corp. has resulted in a worldwide
shortage of 3.5-inch diskettess. Although diskette manufacturers have
increased production, the shortage is expected to last through the end
of the year.
Although the supply of 720k diskettes have been effected, 1.44mb disk-
ettes are even in shorter supply.
Microsoft's updated Windows program and IBM's new OS/2 both introduced
at the same time is said to have contributed to the disk shortage.
Windows 3.1 is delivered to consumers on seven 3.5 inch, 1.44MB
floppies. OS/2 2.0 takes 21 disks.
-- Sega Announces New $99.99 Packages
Sega of America Inc. announced Thursday a new $99.99 suggested retail
packages for both top-selling Genesis and Game Gear product lines. Sega
will continue selling its industry-leading, 16-bit Genesis system with
"Sonic The Hedgehog" at $129.99(a), and its Game Gear system which will
feature "Sonic The Hedgehog" software in early July at $129.99.
As a result of strong retail sales in the first half of the year, Sega
also announced that it has increased its 1992 forecast to 5 million
Genesis units and 1 million Game Gear units.
Sega also announced the Sega CD, a CD-ROM peripheral for Genesis. Sega
CD introduces real video, stereo sound and animated graphics to create
awesome breakthrough video games.
With the new $99.99 Genesis package, a consumer can purchase the Sega
CD-ROM peripheral at $299 and create a complete home multimedia system
for a $399 retail value.
-- Nintendo Announces New $99.95 Package for Super Nintendo
Nintendo of America Inc. this week announced a new configuration for its
market-leading 16-bit Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The
new configuration, the "Control Set," comes packaged with the Super NES
control deck and one hand controller with a suggested retail price(A) of
$99.95.
Players still will be able to purchase the current Super NES Super Set,
packaged with two controllers and the SNES stereo cable as well as the
hit software title Super Mario World, with a suggested retail price of
$149.95.
Nintendo also announced the release of 75 new game titles for the SNES
in the second half of 1992 and projects sales of more than 6 million
Super NES systems in 1992, adding to the 2,100,000 systems it sold
following introduction in the last four months of 1991.
-- AT&T Offers 3 Megabit Speeds On Copper Wire
AT&T's Paradyne unit said it can run three megabits of data per second
on a four-wire copper cable, meaning phone companies will be able to
offer multimedia services on existing telephone networks.
In addition, Paradyne said, CAP technology can provide T1 data rates of
1.544 million bits-per-second on ordinary two-wire copper cable, the
same type of cable found in most homes. The technology emerged from Bell
Labs.
-- IBM Makes World's Smallest Transistors
IBM Research scientists reported this week that they've made the world's
smallest transistors. The experimental devices are so small that the
active area of a single one is just 1/75,000th of the cross-section of a
human hair. According to the researchers, these new transistors can be
further reduced in size by another factor of two. The previous smallest
transistor was 20 times larger.
This size in the future will permit memory-chip fabrication in the realm
of four gigabits and beyond.
-- Tandy & Casio to Work on Pocket Unit
Tandy has announced this week that Tandy Corp. and Casio Computer Co.
Ltd. have agreed in principle to work together to design and market a
new family of pocket-sized electronic units that use electronic pens
rather than keyboards.
The two firms expect to set the pace for the emerging market of hand-
held portable information devices by combining technology and distri-
bution systems.
-- 40,000 Electronics Industry Jobs Lost in First Quarter
In the first quarter of 1992, the U.S. electronics industry experienced
another 40,000 jobs lost, causing the industry to be at its lowest em-
ployment level in eight years. Employment was down 1.7% from the quarter
ending in December 1991.
-- AST Donates Computers To Rebuild LA
AST is joining the technology coalition formed last week by former base-
ball commissioner Peter V. Ueberroth to help the "Rebuild LA" extra go-
vernmental task force. AST is donating desktop and portable personal
computer systems to the task force. The coalition is now populated by
such companies as Microsoft, Novell, Epson America, Wordperfect, AST,
Symantec, and Compex, AST said.
***********************************************************************
: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 $4.95 back.
GEnie Announcements (FREE)
1. Sign up now for CA$H prizes in our first online tournament..CHESS
2. The GEnie Presidential Straw Poll Results Are In............*SURVEY
3. RTCs: CA Censorship and Western Naturist Gathering in.......CALIFORNIA
4. Create your own baseball team and win LOTS of free time.....FBL
5. HUGE SAVINGS on Laserdiscs NOW at...........................LASERCRAZE
6. The adult space fantasy joins the fun of the Faire..........FED
7. Special Amiga offer, for MEMBERS ONLY in....................SOFTCLUB
8. Free Speech Online ACLU, EFF lawyer Jerry Berman RTC 5/31...PF
9. Weather Support--Steve Root, WeatherBank, More at...........SCIENCE
10. The great MARLENE DIETRICH: her life, times, and films......GERMANY
11. Disney World Restaurant menus and prices now available in...FLORIDA
12. Find out about the GREATEST Flower show on Earth............TIS
13. Incredible PostScript SPEEDUP secrets on the................PSRT
14. Take the Home Office and Small Business Survey Free.........HOSB
15. The place that when you go there, they have to let you in...*HOME
Welcome to the Atari ST Roundtable
Download file #24202 today for a demo version of Codehead Technologies'
powerful new document processor, Calligrapher! For TT owners, you MUST
download file #24215 as well!
This must be the week of the Word Processor. The exciting new English demo
version of the best-selling French Word Processor Redacteur 3 has just
been uploaded to GEnie, file #24239. The demo is monochrome only although
the program runs in all resolutions. Download Redacteur 3 today. Check it
out!
Powerful mailing list software, perfect mailing labels, and gorgeous
bar-coded envelopes: Tracker/ST and GEMvelope...together! Read
TRAKGEMV.TXT, file 24272, for the exciting news of new versions to these
two fine programs, and the pairing of Tracker/ST and GEMvelope!
New Files in Your Library
No. File Name Address Description
----- ------------ ----------- -------------------------------------
24268 A_E_INFO.TXT T.BASHAM Arena Earth order info. Now 14.95!!
24267 AA_9205.TXT AD-VANTAGE May issue of Atari Advantage
24265 ZIP_ZOO.HOT WAYNED. ZIP/ZOO .HOT file for HotWire
24259 CSTEX4_2.ZOO B.ZAWALSKI1 TeX for Atari; V4; File 2 of 8
24258 DBWRITER.LZH D.BECKER8 dbWRITER Version 1.4 Mono freeware
24255 MRELIZA2.LZH P.LEFEBVRE Mr. Eliza - The Talking Psychiatrist
24254 8MM_2VCR.LZH P.LEFEBVRE Transfer 8mm Movies to Videotape
24253 XPTCHART.LZH S.SAMUELS Sample Color Pallettes
24252 TILING2.LZH S.SAMUELS 2nd of 3 Tiling Tutorials
24250 PRINTPAR.LZH P.LEFEBVRE Parallel Port File Printer Prog/Acc
24249 PRINTSER.LZH P.LEFEBVRE Serial Port File Printer Prog/Acc
24248 AEO_9202.LZH DARLAH Issue #2 of Explorer Online
24247 BATHVIEW.LZH GRMEYER BathPlug - for Bath BBS in the UK
24246 1SPOOL.LZH GRMEYER First Spool - printer spooler
24245 ANIMTOOL.LZH GRMEYER Animation Tool application
24242 FAZE_SRC.LZH R.GLOVER3 Assmebler source to DMJ's Faze prog.
24241 PLAYSPEL.LZH D.A.BRUMLEVE B.Ware's Play Spell spelling arcade
24240 CSTEX4_3.ZOO B.ZAWALSKI1 TeX for Atari. Part 3 0f 8
24239 RED.LZH A.HEYDUK1 Redacteur 3 - Word Processor
24238 CSTEX4_1.ZOO B.ZAWALSKI1 TeX for Atari, v4, Part 1 of 8
24237 STW48GS.LZH B.NOONAN GERMAN,SPANISH ST WRITER ELITE 4.8
24235 PFINDR13.ARC P.HULSE2 BBS file locator utility
24234 RAYTUTOR.LZH S.SMITH65 GFA Raytrace tips and tutorial doc
24230 PERF.ARC S.CRANDALL1 A collection of performance tests
24229 ONTIME22.ARC T.SAVINO DA Clock/Date/Calendar/Planner/Memos
24228 HPENVEL.ARC R.FOSTER1 Envelope printer for DeskJet
24227 3D_ICONS.ARC D.DREIBELBIS replacement icons for NEOdesk 3 - 3D
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
For the last two weeks we visited Delphi, this week we visit the Vendors
area of CIS. Also included are two posts from the Jerry Pournelle
Roundtable on Genie that I thought you might find of interest.
----------------
Soft Logik and PageStream information from Soft Logik...
IS SOFT-LOGIK ABANDONING THE ATARI ST/STe/TT
No. While we don't have any major announcements at this time, we are
not abandoning this market. We pre-announced too many products
before and this generates a lot of grief, so we're getting away from
that....Minor and major updates to the ST will continue for as long
as our users continue to support us.
Several import modules are on the way, including Calumus text,
Arabesque bitmap, ThatsWrite text, STAD bitmap and GEM/3. These
modules should be available in a month. We are also working on a CVG
module.
Some people have even asked where is HotLinks for the ST? HotLinks
actually started on the ST over 2 years ago, but we ran into several
problems, most of them related to the lack of multitasking.
PageLiner and BME will not be ported any time soon.
HOW COME ART EXPRESSION IS ONLY BEING WRITTEN FOR THE AMIGA?
Not every thing that happens on one machine will happen on the
other. With Outline, Arabesque, AvantVector... there really isn't
room for another program in the small ST market.
PAGESTREAM SUPPORT FOR THE NEW COLOR GRAPHICS BOARDS?
On the Atari, PageStream 2.1 already supports 256 colors if you can
display them. PageStream 2.1 Atari is 100% VDI.
IMPORTING MULTIMEG SCANS?
PageStream 2.1/2.2 supports embedded EPS comments. (This is not
documented.) You must have your TIFF's separated into 4 EPS files,
then import an FPO. This was created to work with our local
imagesetter's spin system used with Quark. The spin system is linked
to a Hell or Scitex scanner and will create 4 eps on to a Mac
system, (cyan, mangeta, yellow, black). It will also create a very
small eps with a tiff header that you use for position only, and
rough draft printing. PgS will send the small FPO eps when printing
"no separations" but when you print 4-color seps it places special
comments into the postscript file that tell a downloader to merge in
the external files. You don't even have to have the huge scans
anywhere near PgS.
APPLETALK PRINTING UTILITY FOR THE MEGASTe/TT?
The project was put on the backburner due to a lack of interest from
potential customers. We have put over one man year of work into the
project already, and committed to it when it looked like Atari might
sell a large number of MegaSTe and TT systems (the only Atari
computers with AppleTalk ports). However, Atari has moved hardly any
systems and there are only a few potential customers. Such is life
when you hook your sleigh up to a falling star and not a shooting
comet.
If you want to purchase this utility (to print to your PS printer
across the very fast AppleTalk port), give us a call and tell us
you're interested. If there is enough interest, it might change
burners.
POSTSCRIPT LEVEL 2 SUPPORT?
PS level 2 printers are available now, but PageStream does not yet
support them. Level 2 will add better memory cleanup, better pattern
fills, and more compatibility problems.
A question from Mark Hammond...
I recently got my upgrade to Avant Vektor, which allows me to import/
export EPS graphics, and for some reason I was under the impression
that PS2.1 would display EPS's on screen from AV. But no joy, i'm
still faced with a blank box. Is this correct? and is it likely to be
remedied ?
Answer from Michael at Soft Logik...
There is an updated import module on the way which will import Avant
Vector EPS files as objects, just like Illustrator EPS. I don't think
it has been released yet, but it shouldn't be long.
A hint from Charles Johnson at Codehead Technologies...
Here's how you can get your Avant Vector EPS files to display on
screen in Pagestream:
Load the EPS file into a text editor. (Avant Vector's EPS files are
just ordinary ASCII text.) At the top of the file, you'll see a line
that reads:
%Creator: Avant Vektor
Change this line to:
%Creator: Adobe Illustrator
and Pagestream will now display the graphic.
----------------
MegaTalk Questions from Simon at GST Software...
Thanks to people for the advice about getting Spectre 3.0 for use with
6.0.7. It works like a treat on my ST!
At work I have a TT which has only got an internal SCSI drive; I see
from the Spectre 3.0 release notes that only ACSI devices are
supported. Is there a version (perhaps a Beta version Dave?) that
supports the internal TT SCSI device and perhaps TT memory?
Answer from Mark at Gadgets by Small...
Support for the TT SCSI port (and internal SCSI drive) is a feature
that is planned for version 3.1 of Spectre. Dave has been working on
it (3.1) since the SSTs shipped. I do not know the exact status other
than to say that 3.1 has NOT yet gone into beta testing.
Question...Is MegaTalk shipping...
Answer from Mark at Gadgets by Small...
Unfortunately, MegaTalk is not yet shipping. I don't know the reason
for the delay. I try and remember to ask Dave about it the next time I
chat with him.
Answer from George Richardson at the Merlin Group...
Unfortunately, I have no idea what has been holding up the release of
Megatalk. The hardware was assembled almost a year ago. In fact, it
sat around so long that Gadgets lost the PAL code I sent them and I
had to send it to them again. This is what caused the "Bad Pal" snafu
that Dave mentioned some time ago.
I've been using one on and off for more than a year now. Outside of
the Beta testers who have them, I don't know when anyone else will see
them.
Comments from Steven Gold...
When I spoke to Dave a week ago he informed me that the final release
of the software was ready and was going to the disk duplicator this
coming week sometime. I would guess that would mean that he is ready
to ship.
----------------
A testimonial from Greg Wageman...
A brief testimonial:
My wife, Susan works at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose,
California. She uses Macs for a number of purposes there, including
managing the catalog of the Museum collection, writing and printing
newsletters, making labels for exhibit cases, etc.
She desperately needed to catch up on some work for an exhibit that's
scheduled to open next week, but since she commutes, it isn't conve-
nient for her to bring the Mac home; besides which it has an internal
hard drive (heavy) and is networked...
So I offered to buy her a Spectre GCR so she could work at home, since
I've had a monochrome monitor for years. This past Saturday afternoon,
we drove to our dealer (B&C Computervisions in Santa Clara) to get
one. They were out of the Mac 128k ROMs, but fortunately another near-
by dealer, San Jose Computer, had a couple of sets.
Armed with the above, we returned home. After about an hour of reading
the manual, installing the ROMs in the GCR and then carefully
following the instructions in the *excellent* manual.... it came up!
The first time.
And what's more, all of the software she needed (Microsoft Works in
particular) ran, the system (6.0.5) ran, all her floppies were read-
able. In short, it was the simplest, most trouble-free installation
I've had the pleasure of doing.
Thanks, Dave (if you're listening), Sandy, and all the fine people at
Gadgets by Small, Inc. (See? All those newsletters you sent us weren't
for nothing!)
----------------
Question from Beth Jane Freeman about her hard drive delay at powerup...
..Mine takes over a minute to get up to speed. Any advice as to how to
rectify this? I turn on the drive first then the screen and floppy
drive (drive B). Then I wait and turn on the computer itself.
Is it all right to put the modem on top of the hard drive? My
Prometheus modem has started acting strangely, not dialing,
disconnecting, and other weirdnesses.
Answers from ICD...
If it takes that long you may want to test the power supply. That
doesn't sound right.
Oh, and there shouldn't be any problem with the modem. Is the phone
cable secure?
----------------
Question about the new Supra v.32bis modem from Tim Yuhl...
When I send my Supra v.32bis modem an AT command, I usually like to
include reset, so that the modem is in a known state. For example,
ATZS0=1 to reset the modem and turn on auto-answer. The Supra never
sees the S0=1, however. I seems to get lost during the reset. Other
modems that I have used will see the other set-up commands after the
reset. Any plans to change this?
Answer from Jim Ness...
Most recent feature-packed modems have a problem with ATZ followed by
any other command. It takes up to two seconds to complete the ATZ
command. Also, it seems as though if you are trying to reset to power-
on defaults, you would want to start with a clear command buffer.
The way I get around it is to use &D3, which resets the modem whenever
the DTR line goes away. And, I have my term programs toggle that line
at the end of a call. Then, the modem is reset for the next call, if
any.
Won't work for all situations, but it's a good compromise.
Answer from Kenny, Supra Tech Support...
Like Jim said, the new modems actually takes about 5 seconds to reset
themself after receiving the atz. Because the atz is the reset command
the modem does it immediately upon seeing it. This is the way all of
the newer modems I have used work. As the modems become more "feature"
packed this is going to happen, there is simple more to be done now. I
don't see this as something that is going to change. It will probably
just get worse.
Another question for Supra from Brian Dhatt...
You say that the MNP 10 has not been implemented. When it is, will it
be in a free upgrade? The advertising for this modem clearly states
MNP 10 is included, so I hope the upgrade will be free.
Answer from Ken at Supra...
Yes the MNP10 will be a free upgrade.
----------------
Question from Neil Bradley about Double Click's DC Xtract...
Any idea as to when you will be getting a new version of DC Xtract
that will be using the Questor LZH format?
Also, what is the chance of putting the Encryption/Decryption
functions into DCX?
Answer from Mike at Double Click...
A new version of the DC Utils will be out in (at most) 3 months, which
will have the newest version of DCX+...
Another question from Neil Bradley...
You haven't answered my question about DC Extract yet. Will the new
version that is coming out later this summer support the "Questor" LZH
method of LZH?
Answer from Mike at Double Click...
YES! The new LZH and ZOO 'high' compression methods are supported. And
other enhancements as well.
----------------
Question about NEWDESK from Ian Braby...
I recall, some time ago, reading a thread which concerned the limits
imposed by the desktop on the DESKICON.RSC file (64K) and NEWDESK.INF
(??K) to the effect that it is possible to get "System out of memory"
errors from the desktop (with 3Mb+ free) because you can only assign
so many files to icons, a number which is well within the 64K limit of
the .RSC file.
There were ways around this suggested, but I can't find the reference
and can't remember what they were, but I'm now getting "out of memory"
when attempting to Save Desktop and don't know what to try.
TOS is 2.05, DESKICON.RSC is only 44000 bytes and NEWDESK.INF is 4202
bytes. Any suggestions?
Answer from Bill Aycock...
Your NEWDESK.INF file can only be 4192 bytes long at the very most.
Even one byte more will produce the out of memory error.
John Townsend at Atari did some research on this, and indicated that
it would NOT be a simple matter to produce a 'patch' to expand the
limit (to 8K at the least, preferably to 16 or 32K... the extra memory
used wouldn't be significant in these days of 4+ meg machines).
However, he said the limit would be addressed in some later release of
TOS.
In the meantime, all you can do is keep your NEWDESK.INF smaller than
the limit. If you're feeling adventurous, you can edit NEWDESK.INF to
trim it some. (For example, find an icon you've assigned to a specific
application, and remove the path from the real filename. Then the icon
will be assigned to that filename in any folder.)
----------------
Question about Superbase Professional from Ian Braby...
...can you please let us know the cost of upgrading from SB Personal 2
to SB Prof 3, pending the arrival of Pro 4 for the Atari ST?
Answer from Pat at Oxxi...
The delay in answering is because we didn't really have an upgrade
price for this upgrade -- but I have got a price fixed now.
From either Personal version to Pro 3 is an $85 upgrade cost. This is
only available through Oxxi in the US, unfortunately, since there is
no price for the UK fixed for this upgrade.
The upgrade includes full product, manuals and all. If you wanted to
order it online by credit card, you would probably want to leave the
info in E-Mail to me. You can also order by FAX or mail:
Oxxi, Inc.
P O Box 90309
Long Beach, CA 90809-0309
USA
FAX: (310) 427-0971
----------------
From John Cole at Lexicor about Lexicor's future in the ST market. Cat.
4, Topic 37, Msg. 218 - From the Jerry Pournelle Roundtable on Genie...
You are entirely correct about porting not always meaning compati-
bility. However, Lexicor will maintain file and data compatibility
between the UNIX SGI versions and the TOS Atari versions of our
software. This will give a low cost alternative to expensive graphics
workstations by allowing offline work to be done at home or office on
the inexpensive Atari's and final rendering or building on the SGI
machines. As long as Atari cooperates and conducts business in an
honest fashion, Lexicor is handing them a pot of gold! If not, then we
will give serious consideration to other platforms while continuing
support for the Atari line as long as possible since we do feel a debt
to the loyal people who have invested in Atari and Lexicor. We need
our customers, we don't need Atari corp :-)
----------------
For the folks who think that Atari is the only company that has problems
here's a post from W.SMYSER (an Amiga owner) - Cat. 9, Topic 7, Msg 154
- From the Jerry Pournelle Roundtable on Genie...
A definite onion should go to Commodore.
Not because of their continued non-existent advertising, or their joke
of a customer support department (even their registered dealers have
trouble getting support).
No, this onion is for their AmigaDOS 2.04. After it came out, they
were covering their but for software that didn't work right with the
line
"Developers used programming practices which violated reserved
memory locations. We now use these locations which is causing the
incompatibility"
So why is it that most of the hardware problems were with Commodore's
own stuff. (Duh.. they don't follow their own rules?)
----------------
Until next week.....
***********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International Online Magazine is available every week in the
ST Advantage on DELPHI. STReport readers are invited to join DELPHI and
become a part of the friendly community of Atari enthusiasts there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and...
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any
baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.
If you spend more than 200 minutes online a month, you'll save money
by enrolling in DELPHI's optional 20/20 Advantage Plan. You'll enjoy up
to 20 hours online each month for the ridiculously low price of just
$20.00! And if you go over that 20 hours, the rate goes up to only $1.20,
still 1/5th the price of other services.
There is no signup fee for joining the Basic Plan. There is a fee of
$39 when you join the 20/20 Advantage Plan, a one-time $19 signup fee and
your first month's $20 fee.
These connect rates apply for access via Tymnet or SprintNet (within
the continental United States) during home time (7 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays
and all day weekends) or via direct dial around the clock. Telecom
surcharges apply for daytime or international access via Tymnet or
SprintNet. See Using DELPHI online for detailed information on telecom
surcharges.
For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, Mass.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
DELPHI introduces the 10/4 Plan. Effective July 1, 1992, all Basic
Plan members will be upgraded to the 10/4 Plan and receive 4 hours of
usage each month for only $10! For full details, type GO USING RATES.
SprintNet home time to begin at 6:00 p.m.! Effective July 1, 1992,
you may access DELPHI via SprintNet beginning at 6:00 p.m. local time
without incurring a telecom surcharge. To find the SprintNet node nearest
you, type GO USING ACCESS.
***********************************************************************
> AIM Magazine STR FOCUS! "A magazine produced by people who care...."
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Earning Respect - What Does It Take?
====================================
by Dana P. Jacobson
A wise old relative once told me that you don't _get_ respect, you
must first _earn_ it (sorry, Rodney!). If you were fortunate to attend
the recent formal conference on Delphi Tuesday night, you learned a
little more about Atari Interface Magazine, and its editors, Pattie and
Bill Rayl. If you didn't attend, you may have already read the conference
transcript in this issue.
Unfortunately, I don't have a copy of that transcript yet to pull a
few quotes to which I'd like to comment, so we'll rely on my memory
(shudder!) and go from there. I don't remember the question that was
asked of Pattie, but her answer didn't sit well with me, knowing full
well that what she said was probably more true than many would admit.
Pattie stated that she would _like_ to say that Atari Interface Magazine
(AIM) is a success, but that she doesn't feel that way because AIM hasn't
gained the respect which she feels that it's deserved, or earned. She
added that many people still view AIM as a newsletter, from which AIM has
its roots (nee Michigan Atari Magazine).
I thought a lot about Pattie's remarks, and I saw _some_ truth in what
she was referring to and how she might come to that conclusion. It
bothered me, however, that people might still consider AIM in this
fashion; and I count myself as one who _used_ to think that way until a
couple of years ago. I also used to feel the same way about another
magazine who's roots originated from a newsletter: Current Notes. Both
magazines started out as the means to facilitate the needs of numerous
user groups in a specific geographic area by putting together one
newsletter to accommodate all the involved groups. What a great idea! In
time, these newsletters evolved into something that outgrew a newsletter
format: magazines. The same premise remained, however, and these
magazines were still considered the user groups' "newsletter", just in a
different perspective. From there, both magazines grew even more, and
their readership went beyond their "local" areas. Today, both magazines
are available internationally!
So, why is it that AIM is regarded as a less-than-serious venture?
It's too bad that I didn't have the opportunity to talk with Joe Waters
and see if he felt the same with regard to Current Notes. Is it because
of AIM's 'roots'? Do you have to be published by a big-money publisher
and have glossy covers and full-color pages to be regarded as a _real_
magazine? Do you have to have a large well-paid staff of writers,
editors, layout and graphics artists? Do you have to have a circulation
of 100,000 minimum to be accepted? Do you have to have mega-millions in
advertising revenue? I mean, what makes a magazine successful, and
worthy of "respect"? Look what we have available today, and what we've
lost in the last few years. Notice anything that sticks out? The
"money" magazines are all gone. The glossies are all gone. The big
publishers are all gone. I'd be kidding myself and you if I didn't
mention that certainly the current Atari market played a big role in the
loss of some of these magazines, or perhaps all of them. But, who
remains today? Correct, the folks who started out from user groups and
grew into something bigger! Forget about content for a minute (not that
we should ignore it), but determination and survival in today's market
and economy certainly shows me that these people deserve a lot of
respect for what they are trying to do: keep the remaining Atari users
informed about the Atari world around us, and succeeding!
You may not read AIM or Current Notes. You may not like what they
have to say all of the time. You may not appreciate that an issue may be
a week late on occasion. You may disagree with an editorial slant. You
may not appreciate that user groups are involved with articles or
reviews. And, there may be other things that you don't like. But, one
thing that magazines like AIM have earned over the years, is our respect.
Every scheduled month, you can expect an informative issue from these
people. If they're missing something that you feel is needed to
supplement the magazine, let them know!
Let's see if we can determine 'why' AIM might not be getting the
respect it deserves. I won't bother discussing the superficial appearance
of the magazine. Personally, I don't care if a magazine has color glossy
covers and/or pages; I care for what's printed inside. First of all, AIM
is published by Unicorn Publishing, by both Bill and Pattie. They _own_
Unicorn; they publish AIM. The magazine is printed by outside printers.
The Rayls don't have any regular staff on the payroll; everything you see
inside that magazine is submitted to them from "regular" contributors,
press releases, contributions from user group members from over 110
participating clubs, or written by either of the Rayls. Everything is on
a volunteer basis. That means that they don't pay the writers. Does
this mean that the magazine doesn't warrant our respect? Absolutely not.
I want to comment on the "over 110 participating clubs" comment I
made. AIM has over 110 user groups who have members that subscribe to
AIM, at a discount, and are recognized within AIM's pages. AIM represents
to these user groups, at the least, a supplement to a user group's
newsletter. Most user groups don't produce a newsletter anymore because
of time, financing, or other reasons. AIM serves to become that
newsletter with no requirement that the groups provide support in the form
of articles or reviews. For all intents and purposes, AIM is the
newsletter for these groups. In addition to the user groups, AIM is
circulated throughout the United States and parts of the world via
bookstores and dealers. AIM is not "just a user group affiliation", as it
started out as Michigan Atari Magazine in the early days. Yet, it is
important that these 110+ user groups receive the magazine and are able to
have articles included within AIM's pages.
AIM provides a lot of useful information within its pages. There are
plenty of product reviews, articles of all types, product announcements,
and more - like all of the magazines we've come to know over the years.
Do articles or reviews with a user group member's name attached to it
make that article any less worthy of note? Nope. Do articles have to be
written by "big-name" writers? Nope. What does it take?
Let's take a look at the contents of April's issue. There were
stories about the three major online services: CompuServe, Delphi, and
GEnie written by respective SysOps. There was an April Fool's piece.
There was a telecommunications overview. There were two articles about
8-bit BBSs (one described how to write one!). There were reviews of Turbo
BBS, FreeZe Dried Terminal, MaxiMiser and MaxiDoor, Menu Plus,
Knightmare, and Blackjack Plus 3. There was an article on how to program
in MCL for MichTron BBS. There was an article on a modification for
Spectre GCR. And there were some more articles related to the 8-bit
machines (something very few magazines write about anymore!). There are
31 different advertisements in this issue, so there is advertising
support. There are graphics. AIM maintains an ST and Spectre public
domain library, similar to that of Current Notes. In the center of each
issue is information about the user groups that participate in AIM's
program.
So, perhaps you understand my concern with Pattie Rayl's statement. I
understand why she said it, but I thought that AIM "outgrew" its
newsletter origins and became "one of the guys" in our sparse group of
available magazines. Maybe AIM has to prove something to you, but I've
been convinced for a few years now. Now that dealers are hard to come by,
I've subscribed. When that runs out, I'll renew and take advantage of my
user group's newly formed participation in AIM's great offer. Personally,
I feel that AIM has earned the same respect that many of us have accorded
other magazines, past and present. If you haven't seen AIM yet, I
recommend that you do. If there's no dealer or bookstore readily
available to you, write or call for a sample copy; it will gladly be sent
to you. If you've seen AIM in the past, pick it up again and renew
interest. If you belong to a user group and a newsletter is missing or
sporadic, check into AIM's user group offer. You can't beat it; and
you'll be happy that you did.
Unicorn Publications
3487 Braeburn Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(313) 973-8825
_____________________________________________________________
> WARP-9 UPGRADE INFO STR FOCUS! ONGOING STRONG SUPPORT FROM CODEHEAD!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
******************************************
* *
* Warp 9 Release Notes *
* Version 3.60 *
* *
* - Online Update Version - *
* *
* By Charles F. Johnson *
* Copyright 1992 CodeHead Technologies *
* Release date: May 29, 1992 *
* *
******************************************
ED Note: Contained herein are excerpts from the "readme" file that's with
the new upgrade.
Welcome to the first update for Warp 9 -- our new version of Quick ST,
formerly from Branch Always Software. This update fixes every bug that
has been reported in the two months since Warp 9's original release, adds
some important new features, and best of all...has even more SPEED!
IMPORTANT - Updating MultiDesk Deluxe
-------------------------------------
If you have an original Warp 9 master disk (as I'm sure everyone reading
this does), you've already upgraded your copy of MultiDesk Deluxe to
version 3.4 with the patch program supplied on the Warp 9 disk. You
should be aware that there is now a patch available to bring MD Deluxe up
to version 3.4a, which fixes a small bug that crept into version 3.4.
This patch has been posted on the major online info services (GEnie,
Compuserve, and Delphi). If you don't have access to one of these, give
us a call at the number listed below and we'll make arrangements to get
the patch to you some other way.
And now, without further ado, it's time to describe the:
--> NEW FEATURES!!! <--
Support for VDI and Line A Raster Copy
--------------------------------------
Warp 9 3.60 now handles the VDI and Line A "raster copy" calls, which are
often used for window scrolling. If you don't have a blitter chip in your
machine, you'll see a dramatic speed increase in most scrolling
applications, including Word Perfect, STeno, and Calligrapher; in fact,
Warp 9's raster copy routines are very nearly as fast as a hardware
blitter. If you do have a blitter, the difference will not be as
noticeable; but it's still slightly faster. Warp 9's raster routines are
optimized to avoid unsightly color flashing when scrolling windows on a
color monitor.
Our tests show that the new raster copy routines make scrolling about 30%
faster in Calligrapher, two times faster in Word Perfect, and three times
faster in STeno. Other programs will show similar improvements.
--> CRUSHED BUGS!!! <--
Bugs and Other Undesirables
---------------------------
As usual, we try and try to test things as thoroughly as possible, but as
soon as a program gets into general circulation the bugs start crawling
out.
Here's a list of all the bugs reported in Warp 9 3.50 that are FIXED
in version 3.60:
1. Problems with text display in ST Writer Elite, particularly when
using the "Hi-Res" option.
2. Problems in C-Lab's Notator MIDI sequencer. Slurs and ties drawn in
the notation editor did not display correctly.
3. The Cubase MIDI sequencer simply did not work with Warp 9 at all.
(See the section titled "Compatibility with Cubase" above.)
4. Problems with FONTGDOS, the "bit-map fonts only" version of FSMGDOS
from Atari.
5. Problems with FSMGDOS's new bezier curve functions. (See item 11d
below.)
6. Running a TTP program from the desktop disabled Warp 9's mouse
effects.
7. An obscure problem with the WARP9.DAT file caused a weird "jerky
mouse cursor" effect.
8. Entering CAD 3D's "Superview" mode caused strange things to happen.
9. The Interlink terminal program had an ugly fill pattern for its
desktop background.
10. Using the "bold" text style for GDOS fonts resulted in incorrect
horizontal character spacing.
11. There were several bugs (inherited from Quick ST) in Warp 9's line
drawing functions:
a. Warp 9 would only draw the first segment of some diagonal
polylines.
b. The start points of a polyline drawn in XOR mode would be
inverted, leading to "gaps" in the line.
c. Diagonal lines at certain angles in replace mode would be
drawn one pixel off from their true screen locations.
d. FSMGDOS provides the ability to draw bezier curves, by changing
the way v_pline is called. (I sure wish Atari had had the sense
to simply add a new VDI function instead...) Warp 9 3.50 did
not handle this correctly, but 3.60 does.
Word Perfect, MultiDesk Deluxe, and Warp 9
------------------------------------------
We recently discovered a bug in Word Perfect that can cause crashes if you
use both MultiDesk Deluxe and Warp 9, and try to open a nonresident
accessory while Word Perfect is running. The bug is patchable; we've been
circulating a program that fixes either the 08/18/89 version or the
04/18/91 version of Word Perfect to avoid this problem. The patch is
available on GEnie, Compuserve, and Delphi; if you don't have access to
one of these info services, give us a call and we'll get it to you another
way.
New Version of the Warp 9 Customizer
------------------------------------
This upgrade package also contains a new version of the Warp 9 Customizer,
the program that lets you edit fonts and fill patterns for Warp 9. There
are no new features; this new Customizer simply fixes some minor bugs in
the original version.
CodeHead Technologies Update Policy
-----------------------------------
At CodeHead, we update all of our software frequently; but due to postal
expenses we are not always able to notify our users. The easiest way
to find out the latest version number of any CodeHead Technologies product
is to call us at the number below, or to contact us on GEnie, Compuserve,
or Delphi.
Update prices vary, depending on several factors such as whether a new
manual is included. Again, it's probably best to contact us at the
address/phone number listed below, before sending disks or money.
CodeHead Technologies
P.O. Box 74090
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Voice: (213) 386-5735
Fax: (213) 386-5789
BBS: (213) 461-2095
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Please, remember that software theft hurts EVERYONE. If you have a
legitimate copy of our software, please accept our sincere thanks for
purchasing our product, and don't bother reading the next paragraph.
If you don't have a legal copy of this program, you might want to give
some thought to the consequences of your actions. We will not continue
to produce software for the ST if we can't make a living at it --
especially now, with the Atari ST's market share at an all time low. If
you steal a copy of any of our programs (by using it without buying it,
or allowing others to use it without buying it), besides breaking a
federal law, you're also quite literally stealing the food right out of
our families' mouths. Is that the kind of person you want to be?
Think about it.
Editor's Note:
""""""""""""""
I immediately installed this upgrade today and found the scrolling in
WPerfect to be the fastest I've ever seen while in WPerfect.
(I use WPerfect extensively)
In fact, this update absolutely gave my entire system a real super boost!
If you were thinking about getting Warp-9, think no more.... ACT! Its a
superb addition to any Atari ST/STe/TT system. I highly recommend this
program. It works!
__________________________________________________________
> USR Sportster FAX/MODEM STR InfoFile Only the very Best!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
U.S. ROBOTICS SPORTSTER FAX/MODEM
=================================
In addition to the ever popular Dual Standard HST 16.8bps US Robotics
modem, U.S. Robotics has announced a fabulous line-up of FAX modems
designed to fit the needs of computer applications worldwide. USR's Vice
President of marketing said; "The USR Fax/Data-modem affords USR's dealers
an opportunity to offer products that will be attractive to every
customer, including products for the home office, entry-level, small
business and portable use. Among the first of these new products now
shipping will be the WORLDPORT PALMTOP FAX/DATA modem & SPORTSTER high
speed fax products.
All of U.S. Robotics Fax/Data modems which include 9600 bps Group III
fax and data speeds ranging from 2400 bps to 14,400 bps. The new
Sportster and WorldPort fax products are designed for ease of use. The
included fax software is intuitive and user friendly, even for complex
operations such as broadcast, or group faxes, performing background
operations and sending delayed faxes with a specific darte and time for
transmission. The fax products include these features, phone books to
store frequently used phones numbers and fax groups, logs that record both
incoming both incoming and outgoing faxes and quick fax or express fax
capabilities for short faxes. What sets these modems apart from others is
the high quality and USR reputation for high speed reliability. No other
modem manufacturer is able to make the claim of this reliability and
affordability.
Computer Based Fax has several advantages over stand-alone fax
machines including cost savings and increased time efficiency. According
to the International Computer Facsimile Association, it takes
approximately 10 minutes to send a conventional document via fax (time
includes printing a document, retrieving it from the printer, walking to
the fax machine, feeding the document and waiting forthe transmission to
be completed). In contrast, sending a document via a computer based fax
takes approximately one minute or... one TENTH of the time.
SPORTSTER FAX MODEM PRODUCTS
Sportster 14,400 Fax: Fax/Data modem including $549.00 MSRP
14,400 data capabiltiy and Gruop III Fax.
Sportster 14,400/PC Fax: Internal versionof the $499.00 MSRP
Sportster 14,400 Fax for IBM PC and Compatibles.
Sportster 9600/PC Fax: Internal version of the $439.00 MSRP
Sportster 9600 Fax.
Portable FAX/DATA Products
WorldPort 9696: A portable Group III Fax Modem with $699.00 MSRP
CCITT V.32 9600bps data capability.
WorldPort Palmtop Fax/Data Modem: A portable $249.00 MSRP
send-fax modem with a 2400 bps data channel, designed for
palmtop computers. Converts ASCII text into fax format
without fax software.
COMING SOON!
An in-depth review of Straight Fax being used with the Sportster!
_____________________________________________________________
> JUMPERS! STR InfoFile QUANTUM DRIVE SETTINGS
"""""""""""""""""""""
QUANTUM DRIVE SETTINGS
======================
by Robert Dean
From the time I bought my Quantum LPS105S last year it didn't have any
documentation with it, I thought that perhaps I should share this
information with anyone else out there owning on of the Quantum Pro-Series
Hard Drives. This information applies to the following drives:
JUMPER SETTING DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION
------------------------------------------
SS OFF* Self-seek Test disabled
ON Self Seek test enabled. This test is initiated when
power is applied to the drive. The test will
continue until power is removed. On most drives, the
LED remains on during the test (a flashing LED
indicates a drive error).
EP ON* Parity checking is enabled. The drive generates
parity information and performs parity checking of
data across the SCSI bus.
OFF Parity checking disabled (Parity information is
generated, but not checked).
WS OFF* Wait/Spin disabled. Drive motor power is applied
when system power is applied to the computer.
ON Wait/Spin enabled. Drive motor power is applied
when the host a start/stop unit command. This option
permits unit power sequencing so that the computer's
power supply, in a multi-device system, is not
overloaded.
ProDrive SCSI Address Jumpers
-----------------------------
A2 A1 A0 SCSI ID#
-------------------------------------------
OFF OFF OFF 0
OFF OFF ON 1
OFF ON OFF 2
OFF ON ON 3
ON OFF OFF 4
ON OFF ON 5
ON* ON* OFF* 6*
ON ON ON 7
* indicates the factory default setting for these drives. Note that the
drives are shipped as SCSI device #6. For ICD and Supra host adapters
(and maybe other, I don't know) this address is reserved for the clock.
Also, my SLM804 was shipped as device #7. I highly recommend the ICD
brand host adapters and running ICD's HD software to identify SCSI devices
already connected before configuring your new hard drive. If you connect
a ProDrive to your system with the default settings, you will get a
message from the HD utilities telling you no SCSI device present. Also
ensure that you disable parity checking, and if using multiple drives ON
THE SAME HOST ADAPTER/CONTROLLER, remove the termination resister packs
from all except the LAST drive in the chain.
Hope this helps, would have saved me a lot of heartburn last summer to
have this information on hand...
_________________________________________________________
> TRACKER/ST AND GEMVELOPE! STR InfoFile Gemvelope & Tracker..HEAVENLY!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
=====================
PREFECT MATCHES THROUGHOUT HISTORY:
Antony and Cleopatra
Romeo and Juliet
Ginger and Fred
Bonnie and Clyde
Sonny and Cher
Tom and Jerry
and now....
=========================
TRACKER/ST AND GEMVELOPE!
=========================
Step Ahead Software, Inc. and Synergy Resources are proud to
announce the release of new versions of Tracker/ST and
GEMvelope!, and are further pleased to announce that a working
demo version of GEMvelope! will be included free of charge in
future packages of Tracker/ST. The teaming of Tracker/ST and
GEMvelope! is truly a match made in heaven for Atari owners who
need to maintain a mailing list, and want to print perfect
mailing labels and advanced, bar-coded envelopes.
The new version of Tracker/ST, v3.04, has a command which lets
the user quickly cut the current name and address to the Atari
Clipboard. Then, the user simply pastes the address into
GEMvelope! for perfect envelope printing using a variety of
different typefaces.
GEMvelope! v2.84 has a host of new features as well, including a
user-definable import function. Working closely with Step Ahead
Software, Synergy Resources has created a default setup which
imports standard Tracker/ST export files. In this way, Tracker
users can export their names, and then print out envelopes for
any entry at any time, without having to run Tracker.
GEMvelope's powerful new Browse command lets you scroll through
all of the names from an export file and quickly select which
name should be printed on the envelope. In addition, the program
allows you to print envelopes continuously or one-by-one from an
export file.
All new packages of Tracker/ST include a slightly modified
working program version of GEMvelope! The new Atari Font GDOS
(not FSM GDOS) is also included on the disk, as are three fonts,
and printer drivers for HP LaserJet and DeskJet printers (SLM
owners can use the SLM.SYS included with their printer). In
addition, each copy of Tracker/ST will come with a coupon for
33% off the full program and accessory version of GEMvelope! The
accessory version of GEMvelope lets you print envelopes from
within Tracker, without exiting to run the GEMvelope! program.
It's truly a joy to use Tracker/ST's unique QuickLetter
function, and then effortly switch to the accessory version of
GEMvelope to print out a clean, gorgeous envelope.
Upgrading to Tracker/ST v3.04 is free for owners of v3.0 or
above. Registered users on GEnie may receive their updates
through e-mail, and those without GEnie accounts may upgrade by
sending a check or money order for $5.00 (to cover shipping and
handling) to:
Step Ahead Software
496-A Hudson Street, #F39
New York City, NY 10014
212-627-5830
GEnie Address: NEVIN-S
Upgrades from Tracker/ST v2.0-2.51 are $30.00, and may be
purchased by check, money order, and all major credit cards.
All registered owners of Tracker/ST will soon be receiving a
flyer announcing a special offer for the complete program and
accessory versions of GEMvelope! for only $20--a huge 33%
savings. For those of you who can't wait, please contact:
Synergy Resources
754 N. Bolton Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46219-5902
317-356-6946
GEnie Address: R.RICHARDS2
Tracker/ST and GEMvelope! Truly a match for the ages....
__________________________________________________________________
> BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST '92 STR SHOW NEWS Southeast Summer Showplace!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST '92
========================
Press Release - May 28, 1992
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
--------------------------
The Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts (BRACE) and Computer STudio
invite you to participate in the third annual Blue Ridge AtariFest on
Saturday, July 18, 1992. The show will take place in the Courtyard Shop
area of Westgate Shopping Center in Asheville, North Carolina (Home of
Computer STudio).
Exhibitor's who have already made a committment to attend include:
Atari Computer Corporation (Mike Groh) ......
ABC Solutions (Peter Zalesak) ............... Publisher ST2, First
Word, First Graph,
tbxCAD, Kuma's
KSpread4/Lite
CodeHead Software (John Eidsvoog) ........... Midi Spy, TOS Extension
Card, Megapaint II Pro,
Hotwire, G+Plus,
LookIt/PopIt, etc.
Computer STudio ............................. Visit a 'real' Atari
Dealership in the mall
DSA (Robert Dytmire & David Munsie) ......... GP Graphics Engine -
New product unveiling!
Goldleaf Publishing (John Fox) .............. Wordflair II, Didot,
Retouche, Sherlook,
etc.
KAUG (Knoxville Atari Users Group) .......... P/D Library Disks
KAUG (Seminar by Erik White) ................ "Beginning MIDI"
Lexicor Software (John Cole) ................ Desktop Video Software
Reed Mountain Press (Don Terp) .............. Desktop Publishing
Seminar
Software Development Systems (Scott Sanders). NewDesk Icon Editor
CPX, Printer
Utilities Pak
STReport/ABCO Computer (Ralph Mariano) ...... Seminar on current
events in the Atari
marketplace.
Step Ahead Software (Nevin Shalit) .......... Tracker ST (Nevin is
Current IAAD Pres.)
Willard Productions (Clifton Willard) ....... Professional Desktop
Video
WorldComm (Ralph Roberts) ................... Author of several
computer books incl.
"Computer Viruses"
and hint books
Several additional Atari developers have also expressed an interest in the
show but have not yet made their committment. The list is obviously still
growing!
For additional information, please contact:
Sheldon Winick Cliff Allen, Show Coord.
GEnie: S.WINICK GEnie: C.ALLEN17
Computer STudio Internet: CALLEN@UNCA.EDU
Westgate Shopping Center phone: (704) 258-3758
40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D
Asheville, NC 28806
(704) 251-0201
or the Blue Ridge AtariFest topic on GEnie (Atari Roundtable,
Category 11, Topic 7).
_____________________________________________________________
> Atari Advantage STR InfoFile "The NEW Kid on the block!"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/// A T A R I A D V A N T A G E M A G A Z I N E ///
/// Contents -- May 1992 ///
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
ATARI ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE
========================
ARTICLES ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
== Toronto Atari Computer Expo ...
Canadians turn out in force to see what's new and exciting in
the world of Atari -- and have fun to boot!
COLUMNS ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
== Editors Desk ..... Just a few words from the humble staff.
== Rumor City ....... What's new and what's not.
== PORT-ability ..... How to get the most from Atari's small 'puter.
== MIDI Notes ....... Discover the world of MIDI.
== EuroGames ........ Reports from our European correspondant.
== Lynx Line ........ Hints, tips, and reviews on those hot games.
FEATURES //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
== New & Improved ... New and improved products and upgrades.
== Briefs ........... Late breaking news,
== Events ........... What's comming up?
REVIEWS ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
== The Atari MegaSTe ......... A powerful machine you can afford.
== The TOS Extension Card .... Upgrade your Atari to TOS 2.06.
== NewDesk ................... What's the fuss over TOS 2.06 about?
== TT Touch .................. Perk up that old keyboard.
== NewDesk Icon Editor CPX ... Get control of your NewDesk Icons
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Yet another way to take ADVANTAGE of us!
Find a friend and the two of
you can subscribe for $15 each!
Don't have any friends?
$30 will buy a two year subscription.
It's hard to loose either way!
Like all great offers, this one is good for only a limited time!
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Sorry, we can't take telephone or e-mail orders for a subscription
at this low price. Just print, clip and mail the following form:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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___________________________________________________________
> APPLE'S NEWTON STR FOCUS! NO.... ITS _NOT A FIG!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
APPLE UNVEILS NEW NEWTON TECHNOLOGY
===================================
Previews the Industry's first PDA Device
CHICAGO--May 29, 1992--After months of industry speculation and
anticipation, Apple Computer, Inc., today provided the first glimpse of
its Newton technology. This new technology will be the core of Apple's
first major new product line since the popular Macintosh personal computer
was introduced in 1984.
Shown today at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show, Newton devices
fall into an emerging new class of products that Apple calls Personal
Digital Assistants--devices that use digital technology to bridge the gap
between personal computers and consumer electronics. Newton is also the
first new technology announced from Apple's new Personal Interactive
Electronics division, which has been chartered with extending the company
into new growth areas, where Apple has unique technology and business
advantages.
"The possibilities for vendors and customers in this emerging market
are enormous," said John Sculley, Apple's chairman and CEO. "The
convergence of digital technology and information represents the biggest
opportunity for Apple and other vendors in the personal computer, consumer
electronics, telecommunications, entertainment, and publishing industries
since the advent of personal computers. And Apple is poised for success
with multiple projects and technology that will come to fruition over the
next several years.
"Newton is a technology that exemplifies the best of Apple's
strengths: using leading-edge software technology to allow people to do
things more easily and efficiently," he added.
Newton is an entirely new technology from Apple that will be the
basis for a broad array of new products. To assist in the proliferation
of Newton technology, Apple is licensing Newton to selected vendors to use
in their own versions of Newton devices. Last March, Apple announced such
a relationship with Sharp Corp. of Japan. Sharp has licensed Newton
technology from Apple for its own future products, and will also jointly
design and produce the first commercial product version of Newton
technology for both companies, due out early next year.
The first Newton products will be electronic notepads that
intelligently assist the user in capturing, organizing and communicating
ideas and information. These products will be small, portable devices
that allow freeform notetaking, drawing, calculating, scheduling, and
communicating. Newton's revolutionary new hardware technology offers
performance capabilities similar to a high-end personal computer, and
because of its unique software environment, is very easy to learn and use.
Breakthrough New Technologies
Groundbreaking technology from Apple has been under development for
more than four years and has provided the basis for a number of core
technologies in Newton.
Newton Intelligence:
Newton will actively assist users in their day-to-day tasks. As the
device is used, it will learn more about the user and actually propose
solutions to help them work more efficiently. For instance, if a user
wanted to schedule "lunch with Jane", they would simply write "lunch Jane
Thursday". Newton technology would know that lunch normally means noon,
and that Jane in the individual's address book is Jane Green, and that
Thursday probably means this Thursday. A Newton device would then suggest
this to the user, by opening their calendar to Thursday and scheduling
lunch from noon to 1 p.m. with Jane Green.
Recognition Architecture:
The goal for the recognition architecture is to make using Newton
products as easy as using a pencil and paper. Newton products will be
able to read a user's handwriting, transform it into text as they write,
and quickly refine and scale drawings or sketches. Newton technology
allows the user to write in a natural and freeform manner because it does
not limit the user to writing in boxes or on lines on the screen surface.
This Newton technology is different from other pen-based operating systems
because it is based on the simultaneous use of several recognition
technologies, rather than forcing the user to choose one at a time. The
benefit to the user is a higher recognition factor and greater
adaptability to personal style.
Information Architecture:
Newton devices will provide users with a single repository for all of
the little pieces of information they would typically accumulate in
various forms (phone numbers, business cards, directions, meeting notes,
birthdays). Because of the advanced object-oriented data structure,
Newton products will then allow users to organize the information so that
they can easily access it in any variety of ways. For instance, a user
could view the information for everything that relates to a specific
client, a specific week, or a specific subject such as "Jane Green".
Communications Architecture:
Newton technology was designed from the ground up to take great
advantage of communications. These new products will foster easy
communications between various Newton product users in meetings, on the
street corner, or during lunch. Newton devices will have built- in wired
and wireless communications capabilities. For instance, two Newton users
could compare calenders or exchange business cards. Newton users could
also fax a letter, check electronic mail messages or connect to a
satellite news service to obtain current news or stock information.
Hardware Architecture:
Newton technology is based on a new breed of powerful RISC processors
optimized for high performance, low power consumption, and low cost. The
Advanced RISC Machines, Ltd. (ARM) RISC processor Apple has chosen, the
ARM 610, gives Newton products the equivalent power of leading desktop
computers, yet consumes less battery power than a small flashlight. In
addition, the Newton architecture allows users to add intelligent cards to
increase the amount of information the products can access and store as
well as add more specific functions. Both Apple and third party companies
will provide a variety of intelligent cards to give users choices for
specific needs.
Industry Leaders Announce Support
The first group of a number of major companies have announced support
for Newton technology and have committed to development of future
complementary products. Representing many industry segments, the range of
products expected will be focused in the general areas of 1)
communications products--to enhance the use of Newton devices in a mobile
environment; 2) content products--to offer users a wide spectrum of
interesting and personal information for their Newton products; and 3)
compatibility--allowing users to use Newton devices easily in parallel
with existing computer systems. Motorola, Pacific Bell, Random House,
SkyTel Corporation and Traveling Software, Inc. today all made
announcements in conjunction with Apple.
Availability
The first Newton product from Apple will be available in English-
language versions in early 1993. Newton-based products from Sharp Corp.
are also expected to be available in the same timeframe. Pricing will be
announced at the time of delivery.
-30-
Apple, the Apple logo and Macintosh are registered trademarks and
Newton is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Morotola is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
Pacific Bell is a registered trademark of Pacific Telesis.
RANDOM HOUSE is a registered trademark of Random House, Inc.
Sharp is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation
SkyTel is a registered trademark of SkyTel Corporation.
END
Apple Press Releases
5/29/92
_________________________________________________________________
> STR Portfolio News & Information Keeping up to date...
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
On CompuServe!
by Judith Hamner 72257,271
David Stewart has uploaded his long awaited library of graphics
routines. PGRAPH.ZIP contains the Turbo Pascal source code reprinted from
David's Re:Port newsletter.
Another wish has been granted. Mike Barney has uploaded ARCBAT.ARC.
This file contains a batch file which will uncompress and load an ARC'd
file into one of the Port's built-in applications. The file can be
re-compressed after exiting. This is a great way to save precious space
on your 128k ram card. The archive file also contains fake.com and the
arc and de-arc programs which are needed with the batch file.
Why not visit the "Wish List" section and leave your request? Our
talented forum members have been very kind in granting wishes.
Coming attractions: Gerd Arnold has completed translation of the
Becker & Partner brochure featuring German products for the Portfolio.
I'll be uploading it as soon as I finish editing.
______________________________________________________________
> The UNTOLD Story! STR Spotlight PITTSBURGH.... Finally, the TRUTH!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE UNTOLD STORY OF PITTSBURGH, PA
==================================
=======
PART II
=======
[This is part 2 of a 6 part story concerning the Atari arena in the
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. You are encouraged to read all 6 parts
in their entirety. If you missed Part I, you are encouraged to read
Part I before reading further.]
ATARI ELITE/PACE
----------------
Here we are, in 1986, with a brand new 68000 platform hitting the
market. It was a prosperous time, and usergroups were popping up like
dandelions. PC magazines had extensive coverage of the ST and Atari was
really the talk of the town. Times were good. I can remember vividly the
BYTE magazine cover with the Atari ST on it! Almost every major PC
magazine had coverage of the ST -- the NEW KID on the block.
In Pittsburgh, the PACE organization was the only organization around.
Their membership was rumored to be around 400-500 at that time, and their
meetings drew a mere 100 to 150 people. These were mostly 8-bit people,
or as you would call them, prospective ST buyers. Yet, they were strong
and mighty.
Stepping back a few months, the president of PACE in 1985 was John
Karlovich. His Vice President was Bill Roberts, and his treasurer was
Steve Kotula. From what I am told, PACE was booming, and these three guys
just came into office. PACE was making a ton of cash selling blank disks
at the time, and from what I am told, that year, PACE would gross nearly
25,000 dollars in sales and memberships. They were big and strong.
It appears that a little greed was present within the organization and
that the disk librarian was not keeping very good records and that another
fellow made off with a 500 dollar "loan." Well, the officers John, Bill,
and Steve wanted to get the books in order because they wanted to begin
the long process of incorporating the organization and in order to do so,
the books had to be complete and concise. From what I am told, the 500
dollar loan was eventually paid back, but they could not get an accurate
account of just how many disks were being purchased and sold. I have also
been told that the secretary of the organization at the time had not taken
any minutes at all of the meetings for nearly a year. This would not
paint a pretty picture of an organization that aspired to be a
corporation. Since the ST was new the three officers had an idea and
suggested making two meeting dates during the month: one for ST, and one
for 8-bit. This apparently did not go over too well and there were some
bad feelings. Karlovich, Roberts, and Kotula saw that the ST would lead
to the death of the 8-bit and that it was time to move on. Others did not
share this view.
Note:
Now at this time in 1991, Bob Brodie has more or less buried the 8-Bit
line. In many of his appearances, he has mentioned that the 8-bit is
dead and that the STe or TT was the way to go. In 1986, 3 men saw
this day coming and made a courageous decision.
A few months passed and PACE was planning an "Atari Extravaganza"
which would welcome visitors from Atari Corp. to Pittsburgh. This was an
Atari only show that is similar to the shows we see today such as WAACE
and Glendale. Karlovich was in contact with Atari Corporation's Neil
Harris and from what John has told me, Neil was uncooperative and would
not send any promotional items to Pittsburgh, so John went over his head
to Sig Hartman.
Sig, on the other hand, was very enthusiastic, and supposedly sent to
Pittsburgh boxes full of Atari logo frisbees, T-shirts, and other items.
The show was a great success, and Atari made its presence known in
Pittsburgh. However, the 3 officers had a dilemma to solve with the
records and the policies of the PACE organization. I am told that they
three got up and spoke to the membership during a subsequent PACE meeting
and expressed that if the conditions of the organization were not cleaned
up, they would leave. Well, the problems were not corrected, and
Karlovich, Roberts, and Kotula (along with a few others) left PACE and
formed a new organization called the Atari Elite.
Anyone can see that at this point, there would be bad feelings. The 3
officers of PACE left disgruntled, and behind them was an organization
with a booming business but poor financial records. They left to form an
organization that would later be dubbed as "competition" to the PACE
group. Why they were viewed as competition was beyond me, since a
usergroup's first and primary function was support for the user and not to
make money. PACE viewed the new Elite as a threat to their existence as
they still do this day.
It is very unfortunate that this was and is the case. A metropolitan
area such as Pittsburgh could have thrived on having more than one group
-- each offering a different atmosphere as the two groups Atari Elite and
PACE did. But instead, there began a battle that neither organization
could win and the casualties of the war were the users in the area. I
would rather not elaborate on some of the things that were said about each
organization only to say that everything that anyone has ever told me
about statements coming from PACE were derogatory toward Elite and that
what Elite members said about PACE were hardly as harsh. After all, the
Atari Elite was in no way financially threatened by PACE. Their attitude
was completely different as you will learn, so their motives were not one
of survival of the organization, but rather of betterment of the ST.
Just the other day, a gentleman called the AUA BBS and had a few questions
he needed answered. I called him on a friday afternoon, and he and I
spoke for a while about the conditions in the Pittsburgh area. He
mentioned that a few years back, when he first purchased his ST, he was
looking to join an ST organization. He said that he had received
information from both Elite and PACE and of the two, he was impressed with
Elite and was planning on joining. However, he had received a call from a
high ranking PACE officer at the time and was told by the officer "the
horrors that were taking place with Elite." You see, he, as with other
stories that have been told to me firsthand by other ST members in the
area, was painted a picture of darkness and gloom surrounding the Atari
Elite. He said that he was told that the Atari Elite practiced piracy and
that their BBS was a pirate board. I must stress that this was told to me
by a man who did not know me, nor did he know that I was involved at
anytime with the Atari Elite.
Why would a high ranking officer tell this man these lies? What was
his motive? I then told the gentleman that in my four year experience
with the Atari Elite I had never encountered any evidence of piracy or
that the BBS had any commercial software for download. As I have told
many people who heard these "horror" stories, this simply was not the
case. I had never seen any evidence of such behavior -- period. Now, one
could easily say that I may be naive and at that I offer that for the
better part of 2 years, my experience with the group was one of complete
dedication and had there been any "ring" of piracy present, I would have
been the first to know.
Again, another question. What made the Atari Elite so believably
felonious? Many have suggested that the name "Elite" was synonymous with
software piracy. To this, I offer that the word "elite" in the computer
place was not first associated with piracy until the late 1987 period --
almost 2 years after the formation of the Atari Elite. It is ridiculous
to accuse them of piracy because of their name. Now, I have a question.
If they, the Atari Elite, were this band of pirates as they have been
accused of, do you think they would publicly advertise something as
criminal as software theft? I think not. And worse, they are accused due
to hearsay, and never has anyone found any first hand knowledge of
computer software piracy with the group. Instead, no one really has
stopped to hear as to why Karlovich chose the name "elite." If you look
up the word "elite" in a dictionary, you will be surprised to find that
there is no mention of software piracy anywhere. That definition was
never considered when Karlovich dubbed the name to the organization.
Instead, he wished to portray the group as "the best of the best...the
Atari Elite." And, that is what the group was. They had some of the
brightest people in the area as members -- many of whom either knew how to
program, solder, or telecommunicate as well as some of the most avid
gammers that I had ever met. Unlike the PACE organization that had always
given me the air of "family" style computing, the Atari Elite members were
not afraid to get their hands dirty inside the ST.
The recruitment process and restricted membership of the Atari Elite
served this purpose. There would not be those who came to the meetings to
breath air. If you wanted to be a member of the Atari Elite, you were
told up front that you were expected to participate. You simply did not
come to meetings to view. You acted and you did things such as software
demos, technical demos, sing and dance, and even run for pizza. You
simply were not a bump on a log. And, you were rewarded. To coin a
phrase, "read on, McDuff."
The Atari Elite had a very unique membership structure. There were 5
basic levels of membership. You see, the officer's of the Atari Elite
wanted to encourage group participation and wanted to get away from the
customary type of organization. So, they offered membership tiers that an
individual would be rewarded for performing tasks for the organization.
The five levels were called "Club", "Key", "Knight", "Software Master",
and "Khan." Each level had pre-requisite chores that had to be completed.
For example, to move from "Club" to "Key", you had to write 2 software
reviews, perform 2 Demo's at the organization's meeting, and perform 2
miscellaneous duties such as stuffing envelopes or carrying equipment to
and from the meetings. The higher the level, the more you had to do^AP To
become a "Khan", you had to have written 5 reviews, performed 5 demos, and
done some really heavy work, in addition to all of the requirements of the
previous levels. In exchange, each level had particular advantages and
incentives. The higher you were in the group, the greater your discounts
were at a few local software dealers who extended their services to the
group. Also, if you needed hardware repaired or hardware in general, it
was also offered at a greater discount for higher levels. Also, if you
were high level, you had first crack at beta testing hardware sent to
Atari Elite by vendors. You also had privileges over and above those on
lower levels.
When I left the Atari Elite, I was at the "Khan" level. I was the
only member in 4 years to attain that level from the bottom, and to my
knowledge, I was the last. The founders of the organization were all
"Khans" so the total number was I believe 7 when I left. There were
several people in the organization on the move up -- a lot of talented
people who wanted to see the Atari ST thrive. I am sure that they are
still working hard on their projects as you read this in order to attain
higher levels in the group. My high level in the group allowed me to see
everything that was going on. I was not a founder, but I built many of
the structures that exist today in the group. I did most of the PR stuff,
and did layouts on nearly all of the club's literature. If there was a
problem, I had first crack on it, or was given the responsibility to "pass
the buck" to someone in the group. Up until the time I attained Khan
status, I was "Sergeant of Arms." I oversaw group attendance and made
sure that everyone had paid their dues. I also was in charge of the
membership database and kept the Khans up-to-date on total membership
figures.
So you see, Atari Elite was a very well structured organization. The
level breakdown promoted group participation. Meetings always had "fresh
blood" giving demonstrations on new and exciting hardware and software.
The newsletter was always full of reviews from members -- good and bad.
The group thrived. Sure, there were those members who to this day are
still sitting at "Club" level, and this is their choice. But the group
was very active, and had a lot of active ST users.
Now, I must dispel a vicious rumor that was started by myself in order
to create an image of the organization. In most of our literature and our
media hype, we boasted that the group was very large. So much that the
PACE organization estimated that the Atari Elite was 300 members strong.
This figure is over 3 times larger than the actual figure. At no time,
and even in the heyday of the group, had membership exceeded 100. And,
now that the ST is dying a slow death, membership is dropping rapidly.
You see, I feel that PACE was either misinformed and they used the number
to their advantage when they spoke of the group saying things such as
"over 300 pirates" or that "the Atari Elite was stealing members." Atari
Elite was such a threat to PACE that they accused Elite of "stealing"
members. This is an interesting concept that probably reverts to the days
of slavery in my honest opinion and is ridiculous. If people left PACE to
join Elite, it was because they saw through all of the slander and
realized that the Elite was a good organization with growth. Elite must
have offered them something over and above what PACE offered it's
membership. Could it have been the energy at the Elite meetings that drew
people? Or perhaps was it the "mystique" of the group that drew members!
I don't really know and can only say that meetings were fun, everyone was
someone, and you left there knowing more than you did before you came.
Elite even held a "meeting after the meeting" at various pizza pubs or
restaurants where members could meet to just socialize.
This brings up one of the most controversial issues surrounding this
subject. The Atari Elite had a software review library. Now, before you
draw any conclusions, please read on. The software library was available
to members and was used so that the Atari Elite members could see the
software before they bought it. The officers of Atari Elite often told
stories about how they would buy something sight unseen and the software
turned out to be terrible. They, the officers, did not want to see the ST
community "ripped" off and offered the library as a solution.
Needless to say, the PACE organization used this as their pry bar.
PACE insisted that this did nothing but lead to widespread software
piracy. Others said that the library was nothing but a haven for software
theft. Atari Elite argued that the library was strictly watched and was a
boon for the Atari ST user in the area -- a user saw the product before he
bought and did not get stuck purchasing something he did not like or
could not use. There were many "dogs" published for the ST and I for one
do not enjoy wasting 30-40 bucks on junk...
Now, many will say that I am stupid to believe that no one copied the
software when they got it home. In all honesty, I can say that I have no
first hand knowledge of this happening. While I was not in the home of
any member when they had software from the library at home, I can not say
that this did not happen. However, Atari Elite took every possible legal
measure to insure against this practice by having members sign a waiver
stating that they would not copy the software. As far as I know, this
waiver was drawn by a paid lawyer, and was legally binding. So, if
someone was copying the software, they were breaking the law and the Atari
Elite had no way to enforce such actions.
Secondly, Atari Elite had always preached against software piracy. I
can not remember a meeting that went by without it's mention and warnings.
It was a constant policy of the officers to warn against software piracy.
Thirdly, and to the best of my knowledge, Atari Elite did not place
packages in the library that strictly prohibited such actions. They
always obeyed the wishes of the publisher.
This brings us to the ethics and moralities of software libraries.
What gives companies such as Wedgewood Rental, or RiteWay computers the
green light to rent software, (at a profit to boot), while a small
non-profit organization did it to service its members and the community?
Something is definitely wrong here. Another fact that has never been
told is that the Atari Elite has several pieces of software in that
library that were donated from the publisher for the explicit use in the
library. It is sort of like telling your son that he can go fishing, but
he can't real in anything that is on the end of his line!
My feelings regarding software libraries is still mixed, however.
I don't know if I am simply raw from the experience that left me in
the predicament that you will read about during the PACE show in 1990, or
if I am really upset because I know the real reasons that Atari Elite had
the library while others insisted they knew better. At this time and date
as I sit and write this article, I am convinced that those who condemned
the library, were those who were;
1) Mis-informed about what was actually going on.
2) Misled as to the intentions of the Atari Elite.
3) Completely ignorant of the TRUE facts surrounding what tension really
existed in Pittsburgh.
====================================================================
Permission to Re-Print is granted as long as no part of this work is
changed in any way and credit is given to the Author and the AUA.
====================================================================
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
"""""""""""""""""""""
- San Francisco, CA HYBRID ARTS MIDI SUPPORT CHANGED!
-----------------
Hybrid Arts MIDI product support and continued development is now
handled by Barefoot Software, Inc. Think of it as a new name for the MIDI
software division of Hybrid Arts. The separateness of Barefoot Software,
in its focus on only the _MIDI software_ products of Hybrid Arts, will
result in increased resources for support and continued development for
these products, including SmpteTrack and EditTrack (Platinum versions now
in development) and GenEdit (v2.0 available).
The address and phone number are as follows:
Barefoot Software, Inc
19865 Covello St
Canoga Park CA 91306
818-727-7143 voice
(new FAX and BBS numbers to be announced shortly)
In case you've called the old Hybrid Arts numbers and gotten a
"disconnected" message, don't panic. It's typical telephone company fun;
there's _supposed_ to be a forwarding "number has changed" message there.
The correct number to call for sales, customer service, and tech support
is 818-727-7143.
Please pass this information on to any Hybrid Arts users you know.
For legal reasons, we were not able to pre-announce this change, and thus
it will take some time before print sources (magazines, etc) will be able
to publish our new contact info. We are thus relying on telecommunication
and word of mouth to spread the word as quickly as possible. Thank you.
GO MIDIAVEN (MIDI A Vendor Forum) to get to Hybrid/Barefoot's online
support area (section 12 in MIDIAVEN) here on CompuServe.
- Sunnyvale, CA REVOLVING DOOR ACTIVE AGAIN!
-------------
Oh my, those pesky "rumors" again. The WEST COAST CRYSTAL BALL is
showing a few notables are obviously missing from the "hallowed halls".
Where is Don Mandel (Professional Systems Group) and Ted Mack (Dealer
Service & Parts)? How many others left last friday along with them in
this the latest layoff?
- Sunnyvale SAM SEZ IT ALL!
---------
:TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
After lengthy consideration, I decided to present this year's message
to you in a direct, straight-forward way. I am quite displeased with the
company's 1991 results, and hope that this message accurately coveys my
dissatisfaction, and the corrective actions we have implemented.
Net sales were down from $411 million in 1990 to $258 million in 1991.
This represents a 37% sales decline. While the computer industry, as a
whole, experienced a fall off, I do not believe it justified our poor
performance or alleviated me of any blame. As Chief Executive Officer, it
would be hypercritical of me to discuss sales or operational short comings
in the third party. My desk is where the buck stops, and it is also the
place where corrections and positive alternatives emanate. Please be
assured that new directions are now in place.
At the outset of 1991, we recognized that major competitive market
changes would negatively affect Atari's sales and profits for the year.
In anticipation of these competitive actions, we began to reduce our
costs. Measures were taken to carefully monitor worldwide inventories.
As the year drew to a close, the results of our efforts had begun to
appear.
Inventory was $81 million for 1991 versus $114 million a year earlier.
The 29% reduction of inventory is a step in the right direction, but we
still plan to reduce inventory levels further.
In addition to these corrective measures, our advertising programs
were refocused to target specific audiences and reduce costs associated
with broad based promotions. Research and development projects were
redefined as well and are now focused on high volume production.
Although our company is continuing to go through a difficult period,
the past year was not totally bleak. There were a number of positive
highlights. Combining an advantageous real estate market, our reduced
1991 production requirements, and our long range plans, we sold our
Taiwanese manufacturing facility and realized a gain of $40.9 million.
This transaction significantly strengthened our balance sheet. We
improved our cash position, reduced debt and increased shareholder's
equity. The usual start-up problems were encountered in our move to
independent subcontractors, however, these problems, for the most part,
are behind us.
As I noted in my message last year, we reduced the retail price of the
Lynx to $99. As anticipated, unit sales increased over 1990 by 80%. This
increase, together with the 42 software titles now available, is
positioning this product as a major contender in the portable category.
For the upcoming Christmas market we will have about 75 titles. In a
number of countries throughout Europe and in the U.S., we introduced new
advertisements and T.V. commercials during the 4th Quarter. These new
consumer messages proved successful and will be carried forward in 1992.
Our software development continues to be strong and we are licensing some
major titles, such as "Batman Returns."
As we previously stated, for the last few years we have been involved
in a lawsuit against Nintendo, alleging violations of anti-trust and
monopolistic practices. The trial finally commenced in February 1992, and
continued until April 27, 1992. The jury could not decide two of the
three claims so the court granted a mistrial on those two claims.
Considerable effort, management time, and money have been involved in the
presentation of our case. As post trial motions are still being
considered, we are unable to comment further.
A great deal of attention was focused on research and development
throughout 1991. In our opinion, this research will result in the
leapfrog development of a highly advanced family of personal computers.
These new systems are compatible with our flagship ST computers and will
use TOS (The Operating System) which has been refined for this family.
We have combined advanced technology in the areas of video, audio,
speed and versatility, in order to have a line of computers that will
offer consumers exceptional power at very competitive prices. We expect
to reap the benefits of this design for years to come. On the video game
front we are developing an advanced console which will have superb video
and audio capabilities. This product is now being debugged and is code
named "Jaguar." I am very excited about this platform, and I feel it will
mature into a very successful video game
system.
The financial statement that follows is not our usual, full color
annual report. Instead, you will find a reproduction of our Form 10-K. I
will apologize for its frugal appearance, but not for the money we have
saved.
Atari is building for the future. Our marketplace is worldwide, and I
believe that the many economies throughout this extensive area are
recovering for the recessions that have continued to plague sales
efforts. With the inception of our advanced products on the horizon, we
are positioning ourselves to aggressively increase our global presence.
1991 was a challenging year. Because of the changes, progress, and
developments that we accomplished, I am very optimistic about Atari's
present strength and its future in the world marketplace. As I look
forward to the year ahead, I would like to thank our shareholders,
suppliers, employees, customers and end-users for their continued
support.
_____________________________________________________________
> STR Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
"""""""""""""
STReport's MailBag
""""""""""""""""""
From Delphi
FORUM>Reply, Add, Read, "?" or Exit>
38087 27-MAY 23:38 General Information
RE: STR (Re: Msg 38002)
From: MRJOSEPH To: RMARIANO
The AUA story is an important one to tell, I agree. What I was getting at
was that there are a few other stories that you were alluding to (via re-
posting messages from Bob Brodie and pals from the F-NET). Setting user
groups up for the kill is bad, but so is setting up developers, and online
magazine editors. Tell THOSE stories, please.
Chris
Editor;
Chris, I assure you, the entire story will be told. From every angle.
The AUA expose is only the beginning. The manipulations, the E-mail
threats, the cajoling, backstabbing, dirty politics and most of all, the
attempts causing havoc and meyhem while fixing 'blame' elsewhere. In
time, the truth will be known. Why? Because more and more leaders of
Usergroups and users themselves are getting tired of the sniping against
STR, its supporters and "anybody" who does not agree with the "party
politik". The "favoritism", OBVIOUS by its obsessive manifestation toward
certain usergroups and other 'entities' within the Atari userbase has
grown to such monstrous proportions as to become a threat to Atari itself.
This is an intolerable situation and must be brought to a stop.
When Corporate little whigs try to 'control' all aspects of a
marketplace or, all of public opinion, they soon cross the forbidden line.
Onced crossed, its very difficult for them to pull back and return to
normal. Egos are running high. The practice, depicted in its very worst
scenario, is the Karen Silkwood story. The true story, not the movie.
She was aware of certain things and when she was about to reveal them....
well the rest of the story is a matter of record. As will this current
situation become.
The "Fun & Games group" out west will have to answer to everyone they
have approached either 'pro or con' in the last two years. Oddly enough,
had they all applied the same amount of time and energy to the promotion,
production & sale of machines they'd probably be better off financially.
And with far more respect in the computing community. <sigh> Its seems
they've perfected the old adage of spinning their wheels and going
nowhere. Actually, it becomes more and more believable when people come
forward and speak their minds as is occuring these days. In all
probabilities, the men at the very top have no idea abut what is really
happening at the street level. After all, when a certain midline warrior
often brags about "filtering everything" going Sam's way, how can we trust
that any of the customer's views make it his way unless they are extremely
lauditory.
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
from CIS
#: 62942 S6/Hardware specific
24-May-92 01:05:32
Sb: #62938-#TT/Sparc
Fm: SYSOP*Bob Retelle 76702,1466
To: Atari Advantage 70007,3615 (X)
Albert, from what I understand, the VME slot in the current line of Atari
computers will only support slave devices.. the internal CPU is the only
master device on the bus.
That's ok for video cards and modems, but coprocessors, transputer boards
or any intelligent peripherials that depend on taking over the bus are
out...
So you have to take a rather large grain of salt when you hear about all
the "thousands of VME cards" you can use with an Atari.
BobR
from GEnie
Category 25, Topic 10
Message 139 Thu May 28, 1992
LEXICOR [Lexicor] at 00:48 EDT
Notice to ALL:
I have just finished reading the threds relating to the AUA in topic 15
#7. Without making any political statements or siding in any way I feel
that the AUA is a valued resource and should be supported. Furthor I feel
that what ever may or may not have happned between members of the AUA it's
officers and others is now in the past.
As many of you know I have often said that "you should put your money
where your mouth is" and while it is true I have found my foot lodged
there, I must now go on record...........
I'll now pledge help to the AUA in the form of an offer of $300
dollars to help the AUA get back on it's feet. This pledge will be honored
at any time that an authorized officer of the AUA makes a request for
redemption of this pledge. This pledge carries no strings. I suggest that
other prominent members of the ATARI comunity match my offer. If those
like STreport are truly interested in the general wellbeing of ATARI users
then here is an oppertunity to show it. Further I suggest that Gribniff,
ISD, AIM, TOAD and all the rest step forward and lend a hand. Bear in mind
that if the current interest in ATARI computers and related software and
services continues to decline we the venders and ATARI its self will have
no customers to sell goods to.
By offering unconditional help you reaffirm and put somethi back in to
the atari comunity. It is not enough to just sell goods and services, it
is not enough to sell news or be critical of ATARI or some aspects.
In closing, I suggest that all the former AUA members slip just one
dollar in to an envelope and send it into AUA, Why? Because you can only
benifit from this gesture of trust.
Best of Luck AUA!
Lee Seiler Presicent of LEXICOR
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" "...We KNOW what's good for you!"
"""""""""""""""""
"YOU MUST PRESENT ALL ARTICLES TO US FOR APPROVAL...
...BEFORE YOU SEND THEM IN FOR PUBLICATION!"
....Heinrich Himmler
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> ABCO SPECIALS! STR InfoFile * NEW 1992 Prices! MORE Products! *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" --------------------------------
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Call for ABCO's * HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRICING! *
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SEND FOR YOUR NEW ABCO CATALOG TODAY!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport International Online Magazine
[S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport
Available through more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" May 29, 1992
Since 1987 copyright 1987-92 No.8.22
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors/staff, PCReport, STReport, AMReport, MCReport. Permission to
reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Each reprint
must include the name of the publication, date, issue # and the author's
name. The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in
any way without prior written permission. The entire contents, at the
time of publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The STR
editors, contributors and or staff are not responsible for the use or
misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-----------------------------------------
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