ST Report: 23-Oct-98 #1435
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 11/07/98-01:01:23 PM Z
From: aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 23-Oct-98 #1435
Date: Sat Nov 7 13:01:23 1998
[Silicon Times Report]
"The Original Independent Online Magazine"
(Since 1987 - Our 11th Year)
[Image]
October 23, 1998 No.1435
Silicon Times Report International Magazine
R.F. Mariano, Editor
STR Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 58094
Jacksonville, Florida 32241-8094
Voice: 1-904-292-9222 10am-5pm EST
FAX: 904-268-2237 24hrs
streport@streport.com
STReport WebSite http://www.streport.com
STR Publishing's FTP Support Server
14gb * Back Issues * Patches * Support Files
(Continually Updated)
ftp.streport.com
Anonymous Login ok * Use your Email Address as a Password
Check out STReport's NEWS SERVER
news.streport.com
Have you tried Microsoft's Powerful and Easy to Use Internet Explorer
4.01?
Internet Explorer 4.01 is STReport's Official Internet Web Browser.
STReport is prepared and published Using
MS Office Pro 97, WP8, FrontPage 98, Homesite 3.01
Featuring a Full Service Web Site
http://www.streport.com
Voted TOP TEN Ultimate WebSite
Join STReport's Subscriber List receive STReport
Via Email on The Internet
Toad Hall BBS 1-978-670-5896
"Often Imitated, Never Surpassed!"
- Charges vs MS by DOJ - PENN International 965 - Lock-On-A-CHIP
- MS Witness Listing - Zapata ZAPPED! - Inkjets in Hotel Rooms
- Gov't Witness Listing - AOL Protected from Suit- Zulu's OL Adventure
- Key People in MS Case - FREE InterNet Service - NEWS Flash
Internet Founding Father, Jon Postel Dies
Yahoo Acquires Yoyodyne
MS gains over NS & Barksdale
STReport International Magazine
Featured Weekly
"Accurate UP-TO-THE-MINUTE News, Reviews and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, Gossip and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
IMPORTANT NOTICE
STReport, with its policy of not accepting any input relative to
content from paid advertisers, has over the years, developed the
reputation of "saying it like it is." When it comes to our editorials,
product evaluations, reviews and over-views, we shall always keep our
readers interests first and foremost. With the user in mind, STReport
further pledges to maintain the reader confidence that has been
developed over the years and to continue "living up to such". All we
ask is that our readers make certain the manufacturers, publishers
etc., know exactly where the information about their products appeared.
In closing, we shall arduously endeavor to meet and further develop the
high standards of straight forwardness our readers have come to expect
in each and every issue.
The Publisher, Staff & Editors
[Image]
From the Editor's Desk...
What's going on?? The time is literally flying by! This month is
almost gone and I do believe, it seems like it was the first just
yesterday. In any case... many democratic politicians are fast
realizing that defending President Clinton is very much in their best
interests. By that I mean people, from coast to coast, are sick and
tired of hearing the Republicans pushing this and urging that about
Clinton's sex life and the impeachment process. Of course, Ken Starr is
front and center as THE most disliked, inquisitional tyrant. In other
words, those Democratic Candidates that get up and say they are tired
of the persecution and want an end to it all are winning votes left and
right. I believe these events indicate the Republicans are going to
suffer the most embarrassing election results (party wise) in more than
a decade.
To those jellybacked democrats who shrunk away from defending their
President; Now is the time to stand up make yourselves heard and redeem
your, now lame, reputations. Who wants a reputation as a "weak knee'ed
fence climber"?
Also, please watch the D.C. political scenes very carefully. Al Gore
may have been keeping a low profile but that is just about all over
now. Gore comes from a Washington D. C. experienced family that's
steeped in federal politics. Gore grew up amidst the heaviest of D.C.
politics and believe this... he "knows the territory". Perhaps better
than any other politician who'll be running in the Y2K presidential
election. Gore is this nation's only real hope in extinguishing the
efforts of the "Bushwhacker Group" George H., George W., and "Jeb"
BUSH.
Daddy, George H., (a hardcore "over-performer") will definitely be
running the show from behind the scenes (one day the world will know
the truth about George H. Bush, Panama, Noriega and the MASS GRAVES in
Panama). George W. the current Governor of Texas wants to be
President and "Jeb" wants to be Governor of Florida. These three and
especially "Jeb" are monumental disasters. Jeb is against Gun Control,
Women's Freedom of Choice, Gun "cooling off" Waiting Times and favors
School Vouchers (a knife in heart of Public Schools). This guy "Jeb"
is a one man disaster. He has never held a public office and every
business he's ever ran never did well. This guy has no right wanting
to run Florida! His older brother, George, runs Texas on BLOOD. Texas
has; the worst crimes stats of the union, the highest rate of
executions in the union, a serious lack of disaster preparedness and
the worst human rights record in the union. Yessir, we "need this
egomaniacal bunch in power like we need a new, more powerful epidemic
of the Spanish Influenza"!
I'm voting for a straight Democratic Ticket.
The Republicans NEED a hard Slap in the Face as a wakeup call.
Republicans PROUDLY (right Newt? you and your goofy Republican
Revolution, what a joke!! On the American Taxpayers!!) jerked this
nation around throughout the entire Clinton Administration. It is now
payback time. The Republican Party has done absolutely nothing to be
proud of.
[Image]
http://www.streport.com
ftp.streport.com
news.streport.com
ICQ#:1170279
STReport's managing editors DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
Ralph F. Mariano, Publisher, Editor
Dana P. Jacobson, Editor, Current Affairs
Section Editors
PC Section Apple MAC Section Shareware Listings
R.F. Mariano Help Wanted Help Wanted
Classics & Gaming Bits & Bytes Kid's Computing Corner
Dana P. Jacobson Ralph F. Mariano Frank Sereno
STReport Staff Editors
Michael R. Burkley Joseph Mirando Victor Mariano
Vincent P. O'Hara Glenwood Drake
Contributing Correspondent Staff
Jason Sereno Jeremy Sereno Eric M. Laberis Angelo Marasco
Donna Lines Brian Boucher Leonard Worzala Scott Dowdle
Please submit ALL letters, rebuttals, articles, reviews, etc., via E-Mail
w/attachment to:
Internet: rmariano@streport.com
STR FTP: ftp.streport.com
WebSite: http://www.streport.com
STReport Headline News
LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson
Key Allegations Against Microsoft
Major allegations in the government's antitrust case against Microsoft
Corp. and the company's response:
Browser Bundling:
Government: Microsoft realized it had fallen behind in the market for
Internet browser software, dominated by rival Netscape Communications
Corp. To compete, Microsoft decided to include its browser within its
popular Windows operating system, an example of illegal "tying'' because
a customer who buys one product is then forced to use the other.
Microsoft: It decided to "integrate" the browser into Windows because of
consumer demand and technical advantages. The company's dramatic gains in
browser market share came about because of superior software and missteps
by Netscape. In a setback for the government, a federal appeals court
ruled in June that Microsoft's decision to bundle its browser with
Windows 95 was a "genuine integration."
Netscape Meeting:
Government: In an illegal attempt to divide the market, Microsoft met
with Netscape in June 1995 and offered a deal. Microsoft agreed not to
develop a rival browser for operating systems aside from Windows if
Netscape agreed to stay out of the Windows market. Netscape refused.
Netscape cofounder Marc Andreessen afterward compared the meeting to "a
visit by Don Corleone; I expected to find a bloody computer monitor in my
bed the next day."
Microsoft: Chairman Bill Gates calls the charge "an outrageous lie." He
said the meeting, a form of "co-opetition" by rivals, "was to discuss
various technologies Microsoft proposed sharing with Netscape, so that
Netscape's browser could take advantage of the cool new features we were
developing for Windows 95." He also notes that Andreessen later wrote to
a Microsoft employee: "Good to see you again today - we should talk more
often."
Exclusionary Agreements:
Government: Microsoft, with its significant influence due to Windows,
forced computer makers to sell its Internet browser as part of Windows.
It also signed restrictive agreements with some Internet service
providers to distribute its browser over Netscape's. And it encouraged
other Internet companies to design content for its browser, but not
Netscape's.
Microsoft: Computer makers were always free to sell PCs with Netscape
installed, but they couldn't remove Microsoft's browser. The agreements
with Internet service providers didn't preclude them from offering
Netscape if customers requested it, but required that at least 75 percent
of browsers they distributed be Microsoft's. Microsoft voluntarily waived
the agreements this year.
"First Boot":
Government: To force computer makers to help sell its Internet browser
over Netscape's, Microsoft prohibited them from altering the Windows
opening screen, which prominently featured an icon for the Microsoft
browser. This deprived computer makers of customizing the PCs they sell
to improve and differentiate their machines from rivals.
Microsoft: Computer makers are free to add other icons to Windows opening
screen, including one for Netscape's browser. Restrictions on changing
the opening screen help customers by giving them consistency. In
addition, in the past, some PC makers had made changes that
unintentionally disabled parts of Windows.
Intuit Inc.:
Government: To encourage customers to switch to its Internet browser,
Microsoft struck a deal with Intuit nc., which makes the popular Quicken
financial software. Gates sent an e-mail describing what amounts to an
offer to bribe Intuit Chairman Scott Cook into distributing the browser
as part of Quicken: "I was quite frank with him that if he had a favor we
could do for him that would cost us something like $1M ($1 million) to do
that in return for switching browsers in the next few months, I would be
open to doing that."
Microsoft: Intuit chose to distribute Microsoft's browser because it was
superior to Netscape's. It will use Intuit's public statements to support
that, as well as Netscape's own internal analysis of why it lost Intuit's
business.
Java and Sun Microsystems:
Government: Gates was "scared to death" of the potential for Java, a
programming language for software that runs even on non-Windows
computers, and he set out to "pollute" Java and distribute an altered,
Windows-only version.
Microsoft: Microsoft's version of Java, which requires Windows, allows
programs to run better and faster than Sun's version, and Microsoft's
changes to Java were permitted under a contract between the two
companies. Microsoft employees who referred to attempts to "pollute" Java
were using "humorous shorthand" to distinguish Microsoft's version from
Sun's.
Intel:
Government: Microsoft successfully discouraged Intel Corp. from
developing a new technology called Native Signal Processing, a technique
to use instructions from Intel's chips, rather than Microsoft software
code, to run multimedia and communications programs more quickly. An
Intel executive has said Gates was also "livid" about Intel's investment
in the Internet and wanted it stopped. Former Intel Chairman Andy Grove
told Fortune Magazine in 1996, "We caved."
Microsoft: Intel's NSP technology was designed for an earlier version of
Windows and didn't work properly with Windows 95. Microsoft calls it
"absurd to imagine that Microsoft could bully Intel, a large, successful
company with almost twice the annual revenues."
Key Players in Microsoft Lawsuit
Key players in the government's antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft
Corp.:
U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson: A Republican appointed in
1982 by President Reagan, Jackson has been a fixture in the case since
1995, when he approved the settlement in the government's first lawsuit
against Microsoft. The Justice Department later accused Microsoft of
flouting that settlement, and during hearings the company managed to get
on Jackson's wrong side: When he ordered Microsoft in December 1997 to
sell a version of Windows 95 without its Internet browser already
included, a decision later overturned by an appeals court, the company
complied but Windows didn't work anymore. "It seemed absolutely clear to
you that I entered an order that required you to distribute a product
that would not work?" he asked. "Is that what you're telling me?" Another
time, Jackson accused Microsoft of making "defamatory" comments about an
expert the judge had appointed. Since May, when the government filed its
lawsuit, Jackson has largely held his temper. But Microsoft's initial
brashness could come back to haunt it. Other high-profile trials Jackson
has overseen include the 1990 cocaine possession case against District of
Columbia Mayor Marion Barry.
Microsoft lawyer John Warden: A partner at Sullivan & Cromwel law firm in
New York, Warden, 57, is known within antitrust circles for his appeals
victory defending Eastman Kodak in an $87 million judgment in favor of
Berkey Photo. An appeals court reversed the verdict against Kodak,
agreeing that "innovation is clearly tolerated by antitrust laws," which
set a legal precedent that Microsoft itself now claims. Warden was born
in Evansville, Ind., and raised in the nearby farming town of Cairo, Ill.
He uses colorful metaphors, accusing the government of a "bait and
switch" by allegedly broadening its case inappropriately just weeks
before the trial. He doesn't enjoy the limelight, always politely
declining to talk with reporters. And he's careful not to offend the
judge, even after Jackson denied his request to delay the case and hold
trial months sooner than Microsoft wanted: "With the greatest respect for
your Honor," Warden said, "that isn't enough time for us."
Microsoft lawyer Bill Neukom: Neukom is the company's in-house lawyer,
its senior vice president for law and corporate affairs. Neukom, who
always wears a bow tie, is a former partner in the law firm of Microsoft
Chairman Bill Gates' father. Neukom negotiated a settlement with the
Justice Department in its first lawsuit against Microsoft. During
pretrial hearings, Neukom has left the courtroom arguments to Warden, but
it's typically Neukom who speaks with reporters outside the courthouse
about the company's legal strategy.
Justice lawyer David Boies: In one of the ironies of the case, the
Justice Department's lead lawyer is well-known for his successful defense
of another computer industry giant, IBM Corp., against a Justice
antitrust lawsuit that stretched 13 years and is known as the agency's
"Vietnam." Boies, who cross-examined a Justice economist in that case for
38 days, pressed to get the Microsoft case into court quickly. He's
familiar with delay tactics: "Been there, done that," Boies told one
reporter. A partner in Boies & Schiller of Armonk, N.Y., Boies was hired
by Justice as a "special government employee" for roughly half his usual
$550-an-hour fee. He frequently works without notes - even appeared once
before the Supreme Court without using notes - but has a highly polished
courtroom delivery. He isn't a high-tech person but is well versed in the
case's issues - although he stumbled recently when asked by the judge to
explain how software "streams" video across the Internet.
States lawyer Steve Houck: Lead lawyer for the 20 states plus the
District of Columbia, Houck of New York represents almost three dozen
lawyers working against Microsoft in attorneys general offices
nationwide. He was one of two government lawyers - the other was Boies -
who deposed Gates. Described by peers as "assertive with a capital A -
not an irritant, but he stands up for what is right, and he'll ask for
and receive his place at the table." At pretrial hearings, Houck had a
tough job following Boies, who was so complete he often left Houck
largely repeating arguments. Notably, Houck is among the only lawyers to
concede publicly that the case is destined to be settled in the Supreme
Court. Partly for Houck's efforts on Microsoft, the National Association
of Attorneys General awarded him its Marvin Award in July.
List of Microsoft Witnesses
Who will testify in the government's antitrust case against Microsoft
Corp.:
For the government:
James Barksdale, president and chairman, Netscape Communications Corp.,
which makes the popular Internet browser that competes directly with
Microsoft's.
David Colburn, senior vice president of business affairs at America
Online, which agreed to distribute Microsoft's browser to its 13 million
customers.
Steven D. McGeady, vice president of Intel Corp.'s content group, who led
some of the company's software development efforts and its work with the
Internet and with Java.
Avie Tevanian, vice president of programming at Apple Computer Co., among
those in charge of developing Apple's QuickTime software, which competed
directly with Microsoft's Netshow.
James Gosling, a chief Sun Microsystems Inc. architect for Java, designed
to make software that can run on any operating system, not just Windows.
John Soyring of IBM Corp., which makes computers with the Windows
operating software installed.
William Harris, president and chairman of Intuit, which makes personal
finance software. In the past two years, he was chiefly responsible for
the company's Internet activities.
Franklin Fisher, an MIT economics professor and nationally known
economics expert, who was IBM's economics expert during its lengthy fight
with the Justice Department decades ago; he worked with lawyer David
Boies, now leading the government's case.
Frederick R. Warren-Bolton, chief antitrust economist during the Reagan
administration.
David J. Farber, telecommunications professor at the University of
Pennsylvania.
Edward Felten, assistant computer professor at Princeton University.
Glenn Weadock, president of Independent Software Inc.
For Microsoft:
Paul Maritz, a Microsoft vice president the government contends helped
decide to bundle the company's Internet browser within Windows and
allegedly worked to persuade America Online to distribute Microsoft's
browser but not Netscape's. The government also contends he was partly
behind efforts to "blunt" the Java programming language.
James Allchin, a Microsoft vice president in charge of Windows 98, who
the government said wrote in a potentially incriminating e-mail that the
company should begin "leveraging Windows from a marketing perspective."
Maritz was Allchin's boss.
Joachim Kempin, a Microsoft vice president in charge of its contracts
with computer makers.
Brad Chase, a Microsoft vice president, who the government says warned in
an internal April 1997 memo that Internet browsers could "obsolete
Windows."
Robert Muglia, Microsoft vice president of developer tools, expected to
testify about Microsoft's work with Java.
Eric Engstrom, a general manager for multimedia at Microsoft, expected to
testify about meetings among Microsoft executives and those at Apple.
Cameron Myhrvold, vice president of Microsoft's Internet customer unit
and the brother of the company's chief technology officer, Nathan
Myhrvold. Cameron Myhrvold was in charge of dealing with Internet service
providers.
William Poole, Microsoft's senior director for Windows business
development.
Daniel Rosen, Microsoft's general manager for new technology.
John Rose, senior vice president at Compaq Computer.
Richard Schmalansee, interim dean of the Sloan School of Management at
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A top economist, he worked
with Microsoft during the last Justice Department investigation.
Michael Devlin, president of Rational Software Corp., a small California
company with a long business relationship with Microsoft.
Court Rules AOL Protected From Suit
A woman cannot sue America Online because one of its customers peddled a
pornographic video of her 11-year-old son in an online chat room, a state
appeals court has ruled. Federal law protects online services from being
held liable for the messages transmitted by their members, the 4th
District Court of Appeal said Wednesday in upholding a lower court's
dismissal of the lawsuit. But the appeals panel asked the Florida Supreme
Court to review the case and determine whether the law should apply to
activity that took place prior to 1996, when the federal Communications
Decency Act was enacted.
"I'm ecstatic we're going to be able to go to the Supreme Court to argue
this," said attorney Brian Smith, who represented the woman known only as
Jane Doe. "But I'm disappointed because I thought we might get a
reversal." Richard Lee Russell, 31, a school teacher from Wellington,
pleaded guilty in 1995 to both federal and state charges stemming from a
1994 assault on the Palm Beach County boy and the boy's friend.
Russell admitted he used AOL, the nation's largest online service, to
meet other men who have sex with boys. In one instance, he sold a lewd
videotape of the boy to an Arizona man he met online. Russell is serving
a 14-year federal prison sentence. The boy's mother had accused AOL of
knowingly allowing Russell to sell the videotape of the boy. Her lawsuit
also claimed AOL's rules prohibiting customers from posting obscene or
illegal material were so poorly enforced the provider became "a home
shopping network for pedophiles and child pornographers." AOL spokeswoman
Tricia Primrose said the company was pleased with the court's decision.
Netscape Releases Communicator 4.5 Browser
Netscape Communications Corp. on Monday released the final version of its
Communicator 4.5 Internet software, hoping to win users over from rival
Microsoft Corp.'s Internet Explorer browser. Netscape is hinging its
browser strategy on closer integration with the Netcenter Web site, an
Internet hub that is one of the most popular on the Web.
"We believe this version will help to open up the Net to many new users,
and everyone will appreciate the enriched content and superior features
it delivers through its integration with Netscape Netcenter," said Mike
Homer, senior vice president of Netscape client products, in a statement.
Several of the new features of Navigator, the browser component of
Communicator, tie the software directly to Netcenter: for example, a
button takes users directly to a personalized Netcenter home page, and
SmartBrowsing features that take advantage of Netcenter's Web directory.
SmartBrowsing's Internet Keywords feature allows users to type a
company's name into the location window, instead of typing a Web address;
the browser automatically looks up the company in the Netcenter directory
and takes the user directly to the company's home page.
The browser also includes a "What's Related" button that lists sites
similar to the location currently being viewed by the user. The What's
Related service is provided through Netcenter by Alexa Internet. The new
Communicator, which has been available for several weeks in beta-test
form, also includes several multimedia features previously available as
separate plug-ins. Macromedia Inc.'s Flash and RealNetworks Inc.'s
RealPlayer are both included with the Communicator installer. Beatnik, an
audio player from Headspace Inc., is included in the SmartUpdate feature,
which automatically downloads and installs software as it is needed.
Communicator's e-mail component, Messenger, also includes new features,
including an import wizard for transferring information and settings from
other e-mail programs. Netscape has been losing browser market share to
Microsoft since the software giant began giving away the Internet
Explorer browser a few months ago, as well as including it with other
software packages. The software has roughly half of the market at
present.
Yahoo! Acquires Direct Marketer Yoyodyne
Internet online directory Yahoo! Inc. said it had signed a definitive
agreement to acquire Yoyodyne Entertainment Inc. in a move that will
expand its interactive direct marketing efforts. Under the agreement,
Yahoo! will issue 280,664 shares of common stock in exchange for all
outstanding Yoyodyne shares, options and warrants. The transaction will
be accounted for as a pooling of interests. Yahoo! said it expects to
record a one-time charge of about $2 million in the fourth quarter in
connection with the deal. Yahoo! will integrate Yoyodyne's direct
marketing services, including online shopping sites and promotions geared
to small businesses, as a component of its extensive suite of advertising
and merchant services.
Doctors Weigh Pros, Cons Of Online Medicine
Diagnosing illnesses in cyberspace may be a distant reality, but more
physicians should take advantage of the Internet and e-mail to inform and
communicate with patients, researchers said. "E-mail has become a
ubiquitous tool for communicating with business associates, friends and
family. So there should be little surprise that et-savvy patients would
like greater digital access to their physicians," said Tom Ferguson, the
author of an editorial in a special edition of the Journal of the
American Medical Association devoted to the subject.
Only about 1 percent to 2 percent of U.S. physicians offer patients the
option of contacting them online, he said. Ferguson, the editor of a
newsletter about issues relating to health care and the Internet, and
other researchers discussed their findings on Tuesday at a conference in
Durham sponsored by the American Medical Association. "Physicians might
establish their own Web pages with lists of frequently asked patient
questions and answers, and annotated links to useful and authoritative
medical Web sites," Ferguson said.
But the researchers said there was no substitute for a face- to-face
diagnosis. Some pointed to the potential for online errors because of
inaccurately reported symptoms and had concerns about doctors' legal
liability for improper diagnoses. Questions were also raised about
patient privacy and authenticity of authorship. "But just as the most
caring, competent and sensitive physician of today would be hard-pressed
to build a successful practice without a telephone, those who choose not
to communicate electronically with patients may soon find themselves at a
similar disadvantage," Ferguson wrote.
In one example showing the Internet's potential, the authors of a study
from the University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany, sent a fictitious
query to 58 Web sites that offer dermatological information. Half the Web
sites responded and more than half of those mentioned the correct
diagnosis in their reply. All recommended seeing a physician. Another
study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston evaluated
a program where doctors used computers to make drug prescriptions. The
results showed fewer patients suffered adverse drug reactions, there were
fewer dosage mistakes and the problem of illegible handwriting in
physicians' prescriptions was solved.
Jon Postel Dies -- An Internet Founding Father
Jonathan Postel, the taciturn computer scientist who played a central
role in developing the Internet's core technologies, died Friday after
undergoing heart surgery. Postel, 55, had been best known for his role as
head of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, the technical body that
oversaw the Internet's Domain Name System and allocated Internet Protocol
(IP) addresses, the fundamental technologies for navigating and routing
on the Internet.
Postel and the IANA were at the center of the stormy debate over the
future of domain names, which increased in intensity over the past two
years as more commercial interests arrived on the Net. Most recently,
Postel was working with the U.S. government on the transition of the
IANA, which he had run single-handedly for many years, to a private,
not-for-profit corporation called the Internet Corporation for Assigned
Names and Numbers. Postel worked on the ARPAnet project - the network
that was a precursor to the Internet - in 1969 when he was a graduate
student at the University of California at LosAngeles. While working on
ARPAnet, he became the first editor of the Internet's "Request for
Comments" series of documents, which now are maintained by the Internet
Engineering Task Force and constitute the technical foundations for
Internet protocols.
In addition to being the Internet's most renowned technical caretaker,
Postel directed the networking research division at the University of
Southern California's Information Sciences Institute. According to
friends and colleagues, Postel considered his duties with IANA a kind of
public trust. "Jon has been our North Star for decades, burning brightly
and constantly, providing comfort and a sense of security while all else
changed," said Vinton Cerf, a senior vice president at MCI WorldCom Inc.,
current chairman of the board of the Internet Society and himself one of
the Internet's pioneering engineers. "He was the Internet's Boswell and
its technical conscience. His loss will be sorely felt not only for his
expertise, but because the community has lost a dear and much-loved
friend."
The Internet Society, which Postel helped found, said it plans to create
the Jonathan B. Postel Service Award in memory of his more than 30 years
of involvement with the Internet. The award will recognize service to the
Internet community.
A T T E N T I O N ** A T T E N T I O N ** A T T E N T I O N
[Image]
LEXMARK OPTRA C
COLOR
LASER PRINTER
Folks, the LEXMARK Optra C has to be the very best yet in its price range.
It is far superior to anything weve seen or used as of yet. It is said
that ONE Picture is worth a thousand words. The output from the Lexmark
Optra C is worth ten thousand words! Send for the free sample now. Drop us
an Email with your address.
A T T E N T I O N ** A T T E N T I O N ** A T T E N T I O N
EDUPAGE STR Focus Keeping the users informed
[Image]
Edupage
Contents
Congress Tries Again To Shield Kids
From Internet Porn Spoof On AOL Causes Misrouted Mail
Amazon Sued By Wal-Mart Over Trade Victories For Tech Industry In New
Secrets Budget Agreement
Intel's Merced Chip May Have A
Patent Problem Zapata Gets Zapped
News Flash New Displays Usher In The
Millennium
New Organization For Internet Europe Seeks Ways To Protect
Administration Online Consumers
School Computer Deal Draws High-Tech Coalition Gets OK For
Criticism Encryption Export
Another Try At Free Net Service Microsoft Trial Begins
Clinton Signs Y2K Legislation To Y2K Problem At Local Government
Encourage Info Sharing Level
Microsoft Says It Was Netscape That Silicon Valley "Divided And
Suggested A Deal Fascinated" About Microsoft
Lock-On-A-Chip Discounts Are Key To Web Shopping
Newsgroups Matter Most To The Microsoft And Bloomsbury
Marginalized Publishing Take On "World English"
Zulu's Online Adventure Hyatt Rooms To Get Inkjet Printers
Harris Sues Apple For Dropping The
Newton
CONGRESS TRIES AGAIN TO SHIELD KIDS FROM INTERNET PORN
The U.S. Congress has passed the Child Online Privacy Act to prevent
Internet merchants and others from giving children access to material
that is "harmful to minors," a phrase that supporters of the legislation
say "employs the constitutionally tested harmful-to-minors standard
recognized and upheld in federal courts for more than 30 years." The
legislation applies only to persons or organizations that produce the
material, and does not apply to Internet service providers or other
intermediaries if they do not themselves produce it. American Civil
Liberties Union executive Ann Beeson says the ACLU will file a lawsuit to
block the legislation, and will be joined in its suit by "a diverse range
of online speakers representing news organizations, gay and lesbian
groups, artists, booksellers and online video dealers," among others.
Michael Oxley, the Ohio Republican who was a primary sponsor of the bill,
explained: "There are literally thousands of Web sites dedicated to every
manner of perversion and brutality. A child may innocently search for key
words like 'doll house,' 'toys,' or 'pets' and be led to numerous
explicit sites." (New York Times 17 Oct 98)
SPOOF ON AOL CAUSES MISROUTED MAIL
Someone impersonating an America Online individual authorized to change
AOL's InterNIC records caused thousands of e-mail messages intended for
AOL customers to be misrouted to the Internet service provider
Autonet.net. AOL discovered the problem and corrected it, and says that
all misdirected messages should eventually be delivered to the proper
recipients. The company is working with legal authorities to identify the
perpetrator. (Washington Post 17 Oct 98)
AMAZON SUED BY WAL-MART OVER TRADE SECRETS
Wal-Mart, the giant retailing company, is suing Internet bookseller
Amazon.com and two of its affiliates for illegally duplicating Wal-Mart's
proprietary information technology that analyzes what products customers
buy in combination, such as meat and potatoes. With such a capability
Amazon.com could expand into other areas of online retailing. Wal-Mart
contends that Amazon recruited former employees and current vendors to
elicit information about the systems. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 17
Oct 98)
VICTORIES FOR TECH INDUSTRY IN NEW BUDGET AGREEMENT
A provision in the government's new budget agreement to dramatically
increase the number of high-tech foreigners who can be hired by U.S.
ompanies has cheered the country's technology industry. Other victories
or the industry include a temporary ban on Internet taxes and new
copyright protections for online content providers. Bill Hogan of the
Center for Public Integrity says, "The industry generally has a platinum
calling card. Few members (of Congress) are going to want to say anything
that might damage what they perceive as a high-growth, jobs-producing
industry." (AP 16 Oct 98)
INTEL'S MERCED CHIP MAY HAVE A PATENT PROBLEM
Graphic chip maker S3 Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., says that Intel's
latest chip, code-named Merced, might infringe on one of the patents that
it purchased, along with almost 50 others last year for about $10
million, from now-defunct Exponential Technology Inc. The details on
Merced, which is slated for mass production in mid-2000, are still
unavailable, but observers say it would be difficult at this point to
change the chip's technology in order to circumvent a patent dispute. The
Merced chip can process both 32-bit and 64-bit software, but eliminates
some redundancy because it allows the processors within the chip to share
the same resources such as the "register files" that store the data. The
patent owned by S3 describes the same technique. "It's the crown jewel of
the patents," says the patent agent who wrote the original patent for
Exponential, "because it's fairly broad and goes to a heart of the
problem" in a chip that runs two kinds of software. Intel had also bid on
the Exponential patents, but lost out to S3. (Wall Street Journal 16 Oct
98)
ZAPATA GETS ZAPPED
Zapata Corp., a Houston-based company founded by Texas Governor George
Bush, Jr. as an oil firm that has since turned itself into an Internet
hopeful, is abandoning its plans to buy up some 30 Internet entrepreneurs
as part of a new venture called Zap. Zapata had planned to transform
itself into the No. 1site on the Internet by amalgamating the resources
of numerous sites, such as Happypuppy.com and Rockmall.com. The company
then planned to go public, but says the falling prices of technology
stocks and inhospitable environment for IPOs were forcing it to shelve
those plans. "We are disappointed," says Zapata CEO Avram Glazer, "but
you have financial markets that are out of control. If Goldman, Sachs
pulled their public offering, you can't expect us to go ahead." (New York
Times 16 Oct 98)
NEWS FLASH
The message being told to newspaper executives at the annual conference
of Associated Press Managing Editors is that newspapers will not succeed
with online publications if they merely post another copy of their print
publications; instead, they must offer readers usable information about
restaurants, entertainment and services, and try to find profits from new
kinds of advertising -- such as having corporations sponsor Web pages
focusing on a specific news subject. (USA Today 16 Oct 98)
NEW DISPLAYS USHER IN THE MILLENNIUM
A new type of flat display called OLEDs, for organic light-emitting
diodes, could be widely available in a few years, ushering in an era of
video postcards, laptops with furling screens, and glowing ceiling panels
that illuminate jetliners. "This is probably the hottest research area in
the whole field of flat-panel displays," says the VP for display-industry
research at Stanford Resources Inc., who predicts that OLED sales are
likely to soar from almost nothing today to $400 million by 2004. "I
don't think there has ever been a new display technology that went from
nothing to 65 players in just three or four years." Physicist Richard
Friend, who is a co-discoverer of the light-emitting organic polymers,
predicts: "It's not fanciful to think of active electronic circuits that
are no more difficult to make than the glossy Sunday newspaper
supplement, which you throw away on Monday." (Business Week 19 Oct 98)
NEW ORGANIZATION FOR INTERNET ADMINISTRATION
The Clinton Administration has decided to support the creation of a new
nonprofit corporation to administer Internet domain names; the creation
of the new organization, called the Internet Corporation for Assigned
Names and Numbers (or "Icann"), will mean the end of the monopoly in
domain name administration enjoyed by Network Solutions Inc. of Herndon,
Va., which has had a government contract that generated $37 million in
the first half of this year by registering names with the ".com," ".net",
".org," and ".edu" suffixes. The Administration's decision happens to
come days after the untimely death of Jonathon B. Postel, the revered
Internet pioneer who was a key proponent of the plan. (New York Times 20
Oct 98)
EUROPE SEEKS WAYS TO PROTECT ONLINE CONSUMERS
The European Commission's proposed directive on electronic commerce has
sparked a debate between the EC's internal-market directorate, which is
supporting the notion that providers of goods and service be regulated in
their "country of origin," and the consumer directorate, which fears such
a rule will encourage companies to set up shop in countries with the
least rigorous consumer protections. Given the uneven consumer protection
laws across Europe, "what the commission is proposing -- a unilateral
country-of-origin principle -- is something we cannot accept," says the
legal advisor to the European Consumers Association. An internal-market
directorate official counters, "We have done a survey that shows that it
is impossible to design Web sites that comply with very distinct national
laws in 15 countries. What happens under that scenario is that small and
medium-size businesses don't go online or they issue disclaimers on their
Web sites saying, 'This service is not available outside of my home
country.' Clearly, this is not in the interest of consumers." (Wall
Street Journal 19 Oct 98)
SCHOOL COMPUTER DEAL DRAWS CRITICISM
ZapMe, a start-up program that provides free computers and Internet
connections to schools, is coming under fire from teachers and parents
unhappy about the advertising that appears on the computer interface. One
corner of the screen is devoted to ads from ZapMe partners like
Microsoft, Compaq and Tibco Software. The partners pay to run the adds
and provide the equipment and some software. Each school receives 15
Compaq PCs, a Compaq server and a printer, as well as a GE Americom
satellite dish. ZapMe installs Web filtering software if the school
requests it, and parents are required to give their permission for their
children to use the computers. The company recently concluded a pilot
program in the San Francisco Bay area, and began full rollout on Monday.
Critics say the ZapMe business model is reminiscent of Whittle
Communications' Channel One program, which put TVs in classrooms in
exchange for the right to air a small number of commercials each day.
(TechWeb 20 Oct 98)
HIGH-TECH COALITION GETS OK FOR ENCRYPTION EXPORT
The U.S. Commerce Department will allow a group of 10 technology
companies, led by Cisco Systems, to export a new encryption technology
that keeps messages private, while giving law enforcement restricted
access to an entire message at the beginning and end of network data
transmissions. Such "private doorbell" access points can reside in data
routers or in the software programs that control networks. The
government's latest move "is a policy middle ground," says Cisco's VP of
legal and government affairs. "Right now the international market for
encryption is fragmented, and American companies have been shut out. This
gives us a foothold in the market, our chance to try and compete." Other
companies in the coalition are Ascend Communications, Bay Networks, 3Com,
Hewlett-Packard, Network Associates, Novell, Red Creek Communications,
Secure Computing, and Sun Microsystems. (Wall Street Journal 19 Oct 98)
ANOTHER TRY AT FREE NET SERVICE
NetZero Inc. is offering free Internet service to consumers, operating on
an advertising-based business model. The company isn't selling your
typical banner ad, however. NetZero's banners can "follow" users from
site to site as they peruse the Web. The company says it's spent a year
developing software that tracks users' habits, enabling advertisers to
pinpoint their messages more efficiently. "We can target within a 12-mile
radius of where (a subscriber) lives," says NetZero's CEO. Idealab
Capital Partners, which is backing the venture, thinks subscribers will
like the free access despite the ads. "People are spending $21.95 a month
for AOL -- that's a lot of money," says Idealab's managing director. "We
offer a value proposition that's hard to beat." (Investor's Business
Daily 19 Oct 98)
MICROSOFT TRIAL BEGINS
The government's antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft has begun, and
opening salvos include a charge by Netscape chief executive James L.
Barksdale that Microsoft tried to "squelch competition in the browser
market" by engaging in "predatory acts designed to eliminate Netscape as
a competitor." Barksdale said Microsoft built "unnecessary technical
incompatibilities" into its Windows operating system in order to disrupt
Netscape's browser. Barksdale also charged that Microsoft deliberately
delayed providing important technical information to Netscape, and said:
"Apparently facing a worthy adversary, Microsoft could not resort to
competition in the open marketplace, but rather resorted to using its
monopoly to ensure a win." A Microsoft executive predicted confidently:
"We will show that Mr. Barksdale's testimony is long on rhetoric but
short on facts. His sweeping statements are often nothing more than
self-serving accusations with no factual basis." (Washington Post 20 Oct
98)
CLINTON SIGNS Y2K LEGISLATION TO ENCOURAGE INFO SHARING
President Clinton has signed legislation designed to encourage businesses
and organizations to share information that might help avert a Year 2000
computer crisis, when software that used only two digits to code "year"
fields may fail to make correct date calculations. The legislation gives
a limited liability protection to sharers of information, so that fear of
lawsuits will not discourage them from helping others. (AP 19 Oct 98)
Y2K PROBLEM AT LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEVEL
States are spending more than $2.5 billion to deal with the Year 2000
problem, but many of the nation's local governments, police departments,
and fire departments have not done anything to get ready. A survey found
that 54% of New York State's towns, 48% of its villages, and 26% of its
cities have not made plans for fixing the problem. Another survey found
that 42% of California cities, counties and special districts have no
funds budgeted to avert the problem. (USA Today 19 Oct 98)
MICROSOFT SAYS IT WAS NETSCAPE THAT SUGGESTED A DEAL
In the antitrust suit against Microsoft, Microsoft has introduced a
December 1994 e-mail message from Netscape chairman James Clark as
evidence that it was Netscape rather than Microsoft that first suggested
an arrangement to illegally restrain trade. Clark had written to a
Microsoft executive: "We have never planned to compete with you. We want
to make this company a success, but not at Microsoft's expense. We'd like
to work with you. Working together could be in your self-interest as well
as ours. Depending on the interest level, you might take an equity
position in Netscape, with the ability to expand the position later." He
added: "No one in my organization knows about this message." A Microsoft
attorney yesterday asked Netscape president James Barksdale of Netscape
chairman and cofounder James Clark: "Do you regard him as a truthful
man?" Barksdale paused and then replied: "I regard him as a salesman."
The Microsoft attorney said: "I'm not going to touch that." (New York
Times 22 Oct 98)
SILICON VALLEY "DIVIDED AND FASCINATED" ABOUT MICROSOFT
What does Silicon Valley think of the government's antitrust suit against
Microsoft? Industry analyst Tim Bajarin says, "You have to look at
Silicon Valley's view as divided and fascinated." Although companies such
as Oracle, Sun, and Netscape have complained bitterly about Microsoft's
aggressive business practices, many others are wary of government
activism and feel that Microsoft has made an important contribution to
the industry. Seybold Seminars analyst Craig Cline says, "Calmer voices
do recognize that Microsoft has provided the platform from which the
great chunk of wealth that the valley has earned in the past 10 to 15
years has come." (AP 22 Oct 98)
LOCK-ON-A-CHIP
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a way to build
a microscopic mechanical lock into computer chips, blocking hackers from
accessing whatever information that chip is handling, including data on
the hard drive. The lock's tiny gears are created as part of the
chip-making process, and only by typing a combination of six letters
selected by the computer owner will the chip turn on. The chip lock
design, which will cost only about a dollar more per chip, will be
perfected and brought to market in about two years, say the researchers.
(Wall Street Journal 22 Oct 98)
DISCOUNTS ARE KEY TO WEB SHOPPING
A study released Tuesday by Jupiter Communications shows that discounted
pricing is now the number one attraction for online shoppers. Pricing has
now overtaken payment security as the critical factor in persuading
people to purchase something online. (TechWeb 21 Oct 98)
NEWSGROUPS MATTER MOST TO THE MARGINALIZED
Two psychologists at New York University recently monitored participation
in 12 Internet newsgroups over a 3-week period. They selected four groups
that focus on mainstream interests (such as politics), four that concern
"culturally undesirable but conspicuous conditions" (such as obesity),
and four that focus on culturally "marginalized but concealable" behavior
(homosexuality, illicit drug use, sexual bondage and sexual spanking).
Judges who rated the messages posted found that online communities
mattered the most to participants in the "marginalized but concealable"
groups. Members of these groups posted far more frequently, often after
receiving positive feedback, than did members of the other groups. "This
is the sort of work that needs to be done, examining different types of
Internet users and different effects of computer use," says a
psychologist at Carnegie Mellon University. Many participants of the
marginalized groups said that participation in the newsgroup had enabled
them to reveal their secrets to friends or family members. (Science News
17 Oct 98)
MICROSOFT AND BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING TAKE ON "WORLD ENGLISH"
Microsoft and British publisher Bloomsbury Publishing have developed a
new dictionary of "world English," which will be marketed in both print
and electronic formats. The companies say the dictionary, which was
created with contributions from more than 250 lexicographers and
consultants from 10 countries, will reflect English "as the language of
the world." An adviser to the project says the Encarta World English
Dictionary's strength lies in its international flavor. "Dictionaries are
witnesses. They present observations on what English is like in different
places. This one was particularly good at assembling witnesses from
different places." (Chronicle of Higher Education 23 Oct 98)
ZULU'S ONLINE ADVENTURE
Zulu TV is planning to offer users of the Video Vamoose plug-and-play
device an unusual lineup of non-mainstream sports (collegiate soccer,
rugby and lacrosse), documentaries on adventure travel and scientific
expeditions, music concerts, political commentary, and live weddings. The
company, which plans its debut in mid-November, is basing its offerings
on the Vamoose an Etch-a-Sketch-sized portable device that plugs into
professional camcorders or any VCR to enable recording of Web events and
production of video content for streaming online. Zulu says its Zulu TV
will provide online broadcast services to organizations and companies
that want to deliver a message to an online audience. (Broadcasting &
Cable 19 Oct 98)
HYATT ROOMS TO GET INKJET PRINTERS
Although some hotels have offered in-room printers to business travelers
for several years, the Hyatt hotel chain is making a major commitment to
that idea by announcing plans to put inkjet printers in 5,200 rooms in 90
hotels by the end of this year. The machines were tested this summer at a
hotel in the Chicago area, and Hyatt says that 33% of the guests used
them. (USA Today 21 Oct 98)
HARRIS SUES APPLE FOR DROPPING THE NEWTON
Harris Corporation has sued Apple Computer for $17 million for allegedly
breaking a licensing agreement between the companies when Apple canceled
its Newton handheld computer technology in February. Harris said that by
that time it had already negotiated contracts to develop millions of
dollars worth of roducts based on the Newton. According to the suit,
"Apple deprived Harris of the basic benefits Harris reasonably expected
to receive from its dealings with Apple, and which Apple understood were
being conferred on Harris." (San Jose Mercury News 22 Oct 98)
NEW!
[BITSBYTES.GIF (64527 bytes)]
by R. F. Mariano
[Image]
Penn International 965
Premium Baitcasting Reel
Introducing the most advanced baitcasting reel ever - the American-made
Penn International 965. True to its legendary name sake, the gleaming
gold International 965 is designed and built expressly for saltwater
fishing ... and the raw power of saltwater fish! Featuring a compact, one
piece frame, this is the Penn baitcaster that serious light tackle
coastal anglers have been asking for. Super smooth and fast, it's ideal
for a wide range of inshore game fish - snook, permit, redfish, bluefish,
stripers, sea trout, jacks, salmon, barracuda, calico bass, bonito and
more. The new 965 is also perfect in heavy-duty freshwater applications -
casting for muskies and pike, trolling for large walleye or pulling big
bass out of heavy cover. No other baitcaster packs more performance or
more reliability than the Penn International 965. If you're looking for
the ultimate light tackle reel, look no further.
[Image] Forged, Precision Machined Aluminum Frame, Spool & Side Plates.
The new 965 is built like an International - with a
lightweight, one piece, forged, machined aluminum frame (not die cast
like other baitcasters). The left side plate and right side plate are
also forged, machined aluminum. The spool is machined from solid bar
stock aluminum. Both side plates are smooth and contoured, for a
baitcaster that's easy to "palm."
Handsome, Corrosion Resistant Gold Anodized Finish. The new 965's frame,
spool and side plates feature a deep, distinctive, gold anodized finish -
an International hallmark. Only Penn's International anodizing provides
the durability, corrosion resistance and good looks that serious
saltwater anglers demand. The 965 is the perfect light tackle complement
to your Penn International lever drag and fly reels.
[Image] Super Duty, High Speed Gears For Unfailing Strength & Fast
Retrieves. The 965 is built Penn tough - with a machined, high
strength stainless steel main gear and a machined stainless steel pinion
gear - for the strength to take on the world's most powerful inshore game
fish. The 965's retrieve ratio is a fast 4.75-1 - letting you gather up
to 20.6 inches of line for every complete turn of the handle.
"Infinite Anti-Reverse" For Rock-Solid Hook Sets. Penn's 965 offers the
advantage of an "infinite anti-reverse" - thanks to a specially designed
one-way roller bearing - that prevents "handle kick back." That results
in positive, solid hook sets. It also gives the 965 whisper quiet, silky
smooth performance.
[Image] Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearings. Penn's 965 features two
aircraft quality, sealed stainless steel ball bearings, plus a
third one-way roller bearing with stainless steel rollers. These features
- combined with other perfectly balanced components - give the 965
amazing smoothness.
Oversized, Multi-Disc HT100 Star Drag System. Penn's International 965
offers the smooth stopping power of reels twice the size, thanks to a
sealed, oversize HT100 multi-disc star drag system. A new ergonomically
designed star wheel is infinitely adjustable over a wide range of drag
settings. Penn's vaunted HT100 drag material is impervious to water,
salt, oil or grease - for a drag system that is more reliable and durable
than any other.
Other Features:
* Zirconium oxide line guide with titanium nitride coating
* Positive push button free spool z Auto engage with the turn of the
handle
* Adjustable, three-level centrifugal brake casting control
* Quick take-apart for easy service, even in the field
* Recessed stainless steel reel seat
* Loud, firm, easy-to-use clicker
* Double soft grip, paddle style handle
* Precision machined stainless steel spindle.
Model Line Capacity Gear Weight
Ratio
965 240/15 (Yds./Lb.) 4.75-1 11.8
Oz.
965 230/0.40(Meters.MM) 4.75-1 340
Grams
[northstar1.gif (8273 bytes)]
[nstar_951.GIF (48085 bytes)]
[Casts.GIF (10988 bytes)]
Got a question relative to something....
* We have covered or reviewed?
* Want something reviewed?
* Want to tell us a thing or two?
* Request a Brochure about a product?
* This is the place...
[email14.gif (38893 bytes)]
[Image]
STReport's "Partners in Progress"
Advertising Program
The facts are in... STReport International Magazine reaches more users per
week than any other weekly resource available today. Take full advantage
of this spectacular reach. Explore the superb possibilities of advertising
in STReport! Its very economical and smart business. In addition, STReport
offers a strong window of opportunity to your company of reaching
potential users in seventeen countries, on major online services and
networks, the Internet, the WEB and more than 200,000 private BBS's
worldwide. With a readership of better that 250,000 per week, this is
truly an exceptional opportunity to maximize your company's recognition
factor globally.
(STReport is pronounced: "ES TEE Report")
STR Publishing's Economical "Partners in Progress" Plans!
"Partners in Progress" Program.. Call Today!
STR Publishing, Inc. (STR, STReport, CPU Report);
* maintains a commitment to utilizing the power of the Internet and Web
to keep computer users, worldwide, both private and commercial,
informed of new trends in equipment, upgrade reports and future
planning.
* offers highly informative Hardware and Software Reviews, Press
Releases, hands-on stories, user experiences and show reports.
* presents the NEWS about new hardware, new software and how-to
publications within HOURS of its being made public.
* is dedicated to keeping the users informed of what your company has
to offer at incredibly, almost the moment its offered!
* Will maintain the free status STReport has the very best value in
online magazines today
Take full advantage of STReport's Exciting "Partners in Progress"
Programs!
MAXIMIZE your Company's Presence Worldwide. TODAY!
Your company's color ad, banner or teaser as described/submitted by you or
designed by us, will appear in either STReport International Magazine or
on our Website (your choice). STReport is published and released weekly on
Fridays Evenings. (except for July and August when it is released once a
month)
Trade-outs and Special Arrangements are available.
MAIL us at:
STR Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 58094
Jacksonville, Florida 32241-8094
Email us at: streport@streport.com
or, for quick action call us at: VOICE: 904-292-9222 10am/5pm edt * FAX:
904-268-2237 24hrs
The Linux Advocate
Column #24
October 23th, 1998
by Scott Dowdle
dowdle@icstech.net
ICQ UIN: 15509440
LOGIN:
What's going on gang? I think I've finally developed my time management to the point
where I might actually be able to crank out a column every week... but who knows? I
overlooked many, many Linux related stories in the press this week but nine of them
filtered through. Hopefully they will be to your liking.
NEWS:
Item #1: The Mighty Finn: Hacker, geek and software hero, Linus Torvalds has devised a
system that is challenging Windows - Time magazine does a personality piece on our
favorite computer industry hero. Check it out at the following URL:
http://cgi.pathfinder.com/time/magazine/1998/dom/981026/technology.the_mighty_f1a.html
Item #2: Project Heresy RealAudio Broadcasts - Brian Cooley and Dan Shafer continue
their coverage of the Linux market in a Radio Show they call Project Heresy. Somehow
I've been ignoring their broadcasts for some time and earlier this week I sat and
listened to about 2 hours worth of shows. Break out your favorite browser and the
RealPlayer client for some premium listening. Check it out at the following URL:
http://www.news.com/Radio/Features/0,155,205,00.html?st.bl.fd.se1.ne.-1325
Item #3: The joy of Perl: How Larry Wall invented a messy programming language and
changed the face of the web - Salon Magazine did a beautiful piece on the father of
PERL. Hmmm, Salon seems to be cranking out some real winning pieces over the past few
months. I learned that Mr. wall was famous before PERL with is authoring of rn and
patch. This article is a must read so check it out at the following URL:
http://www.salonmagazine.com/21st/feature/1998/10/cov_13feature.html
Item #4: Linux kernel development team buckles down - The development cycle for the
2.2 kernel has een a long journey indeed. Nothing really new there though because I
remember what the wait for 1.2 and 2.0. It'll get here when it is ready. It appear as
if Linus has been bogged down with the plethora of patches he receives and he just
couldn't keep up. Ok, so Linus isn't superman... so a plan to better co-ordinate the
development has been made by none other than the fellow who designed the development
models for Sun Microsystems. Check out he controversy (first URL) and the proposed and
seemingly adopted solution (second URL) if getting a better view of the Linux kernel
development process appeals to you. http://www.bitmover.com/bitkeeper/
Item #5: IBM beefs up Apache package: Big Blue hopes to break into new market by
enhancing the popular freeware - What has IBM been doing with Apache since they
announced in June that they decided to adopt it as part of their WebSphere Web Server
product line? It seems they have been busy. IBM made three announcements: 1) Apache is
available for the AS/400 now, 2) they have added SSL to Apache for secure
transactions, and 3) they have created Fast Response Cache Accelerator(FRCA) to boost
Apache's speed by two to three times. What's cool about this is that IBM, under the
agreement with the Apache group, has to give out the source code to all of this
(except for the SSL which is binary only). The #1 web server on the Internet just got
faster. Check out the full article at the following URL:
http://www.sunworld.com/swol-10-1998/swol-10-apache.html
Item #6: APPLE + LINUX = PERFECTION! - To be honest, I didn't get a chance to read
over this article too well but I thought I'd included it none the less. Anyone want to
let me know what they thought about it? In a book I'm reading (that I'll talk about in
a future column) I learned that Apple decided to choose between MS's Windows NT, Sun's
Solaris, NeXTSTEP, and BeOS as the foundation for what was to become Mac OS X. Too bad
they were deciding so long ago and picked NeXTSTEP because I think they could have
gotten so much further a lot faster if they had chosen Linux. Check out the article at
the following URL: http://www.MacKiDo.com/Opinion/AppleLinux.html
Item #7: Not Just NT That Linux Threatens - Here's another article I didn't get time
to read completely through and ponder so take it as you will. The URL follows:
http://www.internetworld.com/print/1998/10/12/opinion/19981012-ednote.html
Item #8: The Kiss of Death for Linux? - Here's an article where the author reaches the
conclusion that I came to many columns ago: Linux is in Microsoft's sites as being a
major competitor. How will Microsoft's campaign against Linux take form? Well, so far
it is anyone's guess but a recent letter by the General Manager of Microsoft France
may be set a new standard. I would have represented the URL for the letter I just
mentioned but it is in French and someone problematic but take it from me, Microsoft
shows evidence of starting and extremely baseless FUD campaign. Given my passing
comments enjoy the following URL:
http://webreview.com/wr/pub/98/10/09/frames/index.html
Item #9: Linux Press Coverage Drinking Game - Speaking of bad press, I ran into the
following web page that takes most of the silly things mainstream press people have
said about Linux and makes it into a drinking game. I'm not trying to condone mass
consumption of hard liquor or anything... the following piece is good for it's humor
value so check it out: http://segfault.org/story.phtml?id=361d6ea8-02ad87a0&mode=2
SPOTLIGHT: Linux vs Microsoft by Eric S. Raymond
I ran across this posting somewhere and I emailed the author asking permission to
reproduce it here and he granted it to me. But first an introduction for the author...
Eric Raymond has been a Unix person for a very long time. He has written several well
known papers (like the one that convinced Netscape to release the source code to
Mozilla) as well as a few books. Personally, I'm enjoying a book he co-wrote entitled,
Learning GNU Emacs, 2nd Edition for O'Reilly and Associates. I can't begin to tell you
how much I've learned about using Emacs with the help of that book, which means, look
out. perhaps there will be a future spotlight on Emacs... but I might just spare you.
:) Anyway, Eric has become known in the Linux community as the father of the term
"Open Source" which he actually trademarked if I understand correctly.
What follows is a fiery opinion news posting - classic flame bait. Enjoy.
--- begin long quote here ---
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 16:09:36 -0400
From: "Eric S. Raymond" esr@thyrsus.com
To: tim@lorien.demon.co.uk, richardb@upside.com
Cc: linux-kernel@vger.rutgers.edu
Subject: Re: Linux vs Microsoft
If Microsoft could crush us, it would already have done so. It is now several months
too late for them to succeed.
Their window began to close when the first of the enterprise database announcements
hit the streets. With Oracle's announcement of a bundled, supported, Oracle-over-Linux
combination on CD-ROM offering the 24/7 reliability unattainable with NT, it has
effectively slammed shut.
Microsoft would have to ship a truly production-quality NT 5.0 within the next month
to prevent Oracle's power play from working. And that ain't gonna happen, because the
5.0 development is turning into a disaster so hideous that Microsoft's own marketing
people are telling large customers not to expect it to ship anytime soon or be
production-ready when it does.
The bottom line is that NT server in the enterprise is doomed; the only question
remaining is what the speed of the collapse will be. And that fact kicks the stuffing
out of half of Microsoft's business strategy, which is as dependent on keeping large
customers locked in and on a perpetual upgrade treadmill as it is on hardware tying
agreements. (That other half, of course, is under threat by the DOJ.)
Microsoft knows all this, and I think they expect a revenue crunch coming; that's why
they recently stopped their regular (and, until now, continuous) stock buybacks.
They're hunkering down for a siege, hoping the analysis won't notice -- because if
their stock price takes any serious hits, the option machine they use to pay off
developers will collapse.
As you say, Microsoft's OS and app mix makes sense on the desktop. You could have
strengthened your point by adding that the desktop is Microsoft's cash cow, so that in
a strictly financial sense the loss of their server business would hardly hurt them.
The problem with this analysis is that Microsoft increasingly finds itself in a
strategically defensive rather than offensive position. The combination of an
open-source operating system and just *one* working Windows emulator could wreck their
desktop position irretrievably within months if Microsoft ever loses its image of
invincibility -- and Microsoft knows that, too.
Therefore, Microsoft's desktop-monopoly cash cow can only be sustained by continual
`prestige' design wins in other markets. And in *all* those markets, Microsoft is in
trouble. MSN was a failure. WinCE has failed to lock in the set-top-box and appliance
market. And, as I've pointed out above, they're about to lose the enterprise servers.
All this would make it hard for Microsoft to "crush" us even if the DOJ lawsuit didn't
make any visible FUD barrage a suicidal tactic.
Not only can't they crush us, but it will take a reversal of present trends for them
to avoid a collapse into irrelevance within eighteen months.
http://www.tuxedo.org/~esr Eric S. Raymond
--- end log quote here ---
SPOTLIGHT: The Wonderful World of Linux 2.2
I originally ran into the this article at the following on the Linux Today site (
which is become a leading resources for Linux news and information along with the
Linux Weekly News site, Slashdot, and Freshmeat. Since I've been talking about the
upcoming kernel for some time, and have even included earlier reports on the 2.2
kernel this article seemed natural for a spotlight this week. Hopefully this will be
the last such rundown of 2.2 before it comes out but the saying always is, it ain't
ready until it's ready. I would like to thank the author for granting me his
permission to reproduce it.
--- begin long quote here ---
The Wonderful World of Linux 2.2
by Joseph Pranevich
As any kernel developer can surely tell you, the advent of Linux 2.2 is nigh. Linux
2.1 is approaching near astronomical version numbers in its slow march to
completeness, 2.1.115 as of this writing, and all eyes are looking towards the day
when 2.2.0 will ship standard in the various distributions. Even if you don't actually
follow the Linux kernel version by version, 2.2 is an important milestone to
understand. So, submitted for your approval, here is my take on the Linux Kernel
Developments of late, with some significant bias towards Linux/i386 which is the Linux
that I use most often at home.
Please note that this document does not cover all the new hardware that Linux
supports. Many devices, such as scanners and printers, are handled exclusively in user
space. Other devices, such as video cards and mice, are handled by a combination of
user and kernel drivers. If you don't see a device class that you are interested in
listed in this document, it is quite likely that Linux 2.2 supports it -- just not
necessarily using the kernel to do so.
1) Chips Galore
The world of Intel chips is a fast and interesting thing to follow, if you have
nothing better to do. Merced, Celeron, MMX... the names of Intel technologies float
past to be replaced by new cutting-edge technology. (Whether or not these technologies
are worthwhile is a matter that I'm not even going to begin to try and debate.) In
addition, AMD, Cyrix, and other companies have become solid competitors in the market
and each have their own little optimizations, quirks, and bugs. It's a mess, to say
the least.
Linux 2.2 will be the first stable Linux to support processor vendor selection in the
kernel configuration tool for even better fine-tuning. Perhaps even more importantly,
Linux 2.2 (and later revisions of 2.0 for obvious reasons) supports bugfixes and
workarounds for widespread processor bugs including the infamous F00F Pentium bug.
Other bugs that can't be worked around, such as a couple AMD K6 bugs, are reported
during startup.
Merced hasn't arrived yet and probably isn't immediately forthcoming, but Linux 2.2
has already been ported to Sparc64, Alpha, and other 64-bit platforms so the
infrastructure for a 64-bit native kernel is already happily in place. (There are, of
course, other obstacles that would have to be overcome before Linux/Merced could be
released but having a 64-bit ready kernel is an important step.)
Multiple-Processor machines now will operate much more efficiently than they did in
Linux 2.0 with issues such as the global spinlock removed. Up to 16 processors are
supported (the same as with 2.0) but the performance difference should be amazing.
Also, there is now greater support for the IO-APIC on Intel boards that will make SMP
generally better supported.
In terms of other ports, Linux 2.2 will feature improved support for a large number of
'workstation' machines such as Sparc, Sparc64, and Alpha machines. As for 'desktop'
machines, Linux 2.2 has been ported to Motorola's m68k and PPC processors and now can
be expected to run on many of these platforms, including the Macintosh. (with varying
degrees of hardware support, of course.) Linux is also moving to processors, such as
ARM that are increasingly popular for embedded systems.
On somewhat of a tangent, there is continuing work to support a subset of the Linux
kernel on 8086, 8088, 80186, and 80286 machines. This project will never integrate
itself with Linux-proper but will provide an alternative Linux-subset operating system
for these machines.
In terms of memory consumption, the average Linux 2.2 setup will require more memory
than Linux 2.0. (Although a larger number of components can now be modularized or
compiled-out to allow a system administrator more flexibility if memory is tight.)
According to many sources, the absolute least amount of RAM required for 2.2 on
text-only systems is 5 megs. (Up from 4 with Linux 2.0) To get reasonable performance
without swapping, 8 megs are still recommended. (There have been reports of savvy
linux users getting running systems with only 3 megs, your mileage may vary.) On the
bright side, Linux 2.2 includes a number of new optimizations that should actually
improve the performance of machines with at least 16 megs of RAM. The more, the
merrier.
2) System Busses and Assorted Ilk
Although somewhat less crucial and cutting edge, Linux 2.2 will support a larger
percent of the existing x86 computers with the addition of complete support for the
Microchannel bus found on some PS/2s and older machines.
In addition to hundreds of minor patches to the bus system (including many new PCI
device names), larger improvements have taken place. The PCI subsystem, in particular,
has undergone several major changes. Firstly, the PCI device reporting interface has
been changed and moved to allow for easier addition of new information fields. This
particular change doesn't spell much of a difference for an end user but it makes the
lives of developers much easier. Additionally, it is now possible to choose whether
you want to scan your PCI bus using your compatible PCI BIOS or through direct access.
This allows Linux 2.2 to work on a larger set of machines as several PCI BIOSes were
incompatible with the standards and caused booting problems.
Sadly, there is still little kernel support for Plug-and-Play ISA devices. While that
would be a great addition, there are some problems with the currently proposed systems
that will need to be resolved sometime in 2.3 before inclusion. Fortunately enough,
there happens to be a great user-level utility, isapnp, for setting up PnP devices
that requires just a tad more work than we'd like but gets the job done in true Linux
fashion.
3) IDE, and SCSI, and USB... Oh my!
As far as Linux IDE is concerned, not much obvious has changed for Linux 2.2. The most
obvious change is that it is now possible to load and unload the IDE subsystem as a
module, just like SCSI. (This also has the added bonus of allowing one to use a
PnP-based IDE controller.) For less bleeding-edge machines, the updated IDE driver now
supports older MFM and RLL disks and controllers without having to load an older
version of the driver. Linux 2.2 now also has the ability to detect and configure all
PCI-based IDE cards automatically, including the activation of DMA bus-mastering to
reduce CPU overhead and improve performance. And finally, more drivers have been
developed for controllers that are buggy or simply different. It's amazing how even
excellent things can continue to get better.
Elsewhere in the IDE world, parallel port IDE devices have become more common and are
now supported by Linux 2.2, for the most part. It is a good assumption that many
devices that are not supported currently will be added as 2.2 progresses. The SCSI
subsystem's main improvements have been the addition of many new drivers for many new
cards and chipsets. Too many, in fact, to even begin to name here.
PCMCIA adapters (or PC-card slots, as they are called now) are not supported in the
standard Linux 2.2 but are supported by an external module provider. Thus, while not
in the kernel, PCMCIA support will be included in most distributions. IRDA devices
will also be supported in a similar manner as PCMCIA devices.
Alas, there is some bad news here. Despite ongoing efforts by several parties to
finish USB support, no support has currently been included in a Linux 2.1 release.
This could change before Linux 2.2 becomes finalized, but it is unlikely that such a
large feature would be included this close to release. It is more likely that USB
support will be provided by an external source as modules and would therefore still be
included in distributions (see the note on PCMCIA, above.)
4) Ports: Parallel and Serial
Nothing much new on this front, Linux has always had incredible support for these
basic building blocks. The parallel port driver has been rewritten with cross-platform
issues in mind and thus what was once just a 'Parallel Port' is now a 'PC-Style
Parallel Port' Functionality-wise, the only obvious change is that you can now
effortlessly share a single parallel port device with multiple device drivers. (Note
however that the naming convention used to label parallel ports has changed so you may
find that your lp1 has become your lp0. Distributions should allow for this change
automatically however.)
Serial support is chugging along as well as it always has but with one notable
difference. Previously, a serial device such as a modem involved two devices, one for
call-in and one for call-out. (ttyS and cua respectively) As of Linux 2.2, the two are
combined in one device (ttyS) and accessing the cua devices now prints a warning
message to the kernel log. On the bright side, Linux 2.2 includes support for having
more than 4 serial ports, it allows serial devices to share interrupts, and it
includes a number of drivers for non-standard ports and multi-port cards. My only
complaint with serial support is its lack of support for the standard methods for
modules to pass device parameters at module-load time via the modules.conf file and
kmod. (Instead, these parameters are set using the 'setserial' command. Somewhat
yuck.)
It should also be mentioned that Linux 2.2 will support newer UART chips than 2.0
which may translate into higher transfer rates using newer modems.
5) CD-ROMs, Floppies, and removable media
Thankfully, the hodge-podge of hundreds of CD-ROM standards has solidified behind the
'standard' of ATAPI CD-ROMs. This reprieve has given developers time to completely
rewrite the CD-ROM driver system to be more standardized in terms of support. Small,
quirky differences between the individual drivers have now all been fixed for better
support.
Rewritable CD-ROMs aren't supported nearly as well as one would like, unfortunately.
SCSI CD-ROMs are well done (and most IDE drives use SCSI-over-ATA, the SCSI-emulation
driver). With other rewritable CD-ROMs, your mileage may vary.
Floppies are working as well as ever. There are new developments in terms of large
volume floppies and it remains to be seen whether or not all of these will be
supported. Those devices that communicate using ATAPI (a large number of them,
actually) are already supported to some degree.
IOMEGA's zip drive, an increasingly popular storage solution, is fairly well supported
under Linux 2.2. These beasts come in three versions: SCSI, ATAPI (IDE), and Parallel.
Under SCSI and ATAPI, the Zip drives are supported just as any other disk would be.
The parallel version of these drives actually use a sort of SCSI-over-parallel
protocol that is also supported in Linux 2.2. (Other IOMEGA solutions such as DITTO
drives may also be supported using the ftape drivers.)
DVD drives are already supported, to some degree, under Linux as they represent
themselves largely as ATAPI drives. (SCSI DVD drives may not, but they will probably
work using the excellent SCSI CD-ROM driver.) Unfortunately, this does not necessarily
mean that all will be rosy in the Linux/DVD world as Linux does not currently support
any DVD-centric filesystems that have been proposed nor are any user-space tools
developed to display DVD movies and etc. Once the standards stabilize a bit, it is
highly likely that the requisite parts will be added to the Linux kernel sometime
during the 2.2.x cycle, following the initial release.
Other removable media may or may not be supported under Linux 2.2. If the device
connects through the parallel port, it is possible that it is supported using one of
the Parallel Port IDE device protocol modules that are included in the kernel.
6) Glorious Sounds!
At long last, the sound code has been partially rewritten to be completely modular
from start to finish. Distributions will be able to more easily include generic sound
support out-of-the-box for their users as well as making it easier for the rest of us
to load and configure sound devices. (Especially pesky Plug-and-Play ones.) Lots of
new sound devices are supported as well and it looks like this is one area where Linux
will really improve in the next year.
One very notable defect here is the remaining lack of support for the PC internal
speaker, if only for completeness. Then again, Windows 95/98 doesn't do it either so
who am I to judge?
7) Video4Linux
Linux 2.2 now has amazing support for a growing number of TV and radio tuner cards and
digital cameras. This is a truly bleeding edge addition to 2.1's roster so there may
still be some outstanding issues but it is reasonable to assume that they will be
fixed in time. In my humble opinion, this is just an amazing area for Linux to be in
at all.
8) Back me up, Scotty!
Linux 2.2's backup and tape device subsystem has not changed much since the 2.0
release. More drivers for devices have been written, of course and substantial
improvement has been made for backup devices that work off of the floppy disk
controller (including the IOMEGA DITTO).
Rewritable CD-ROMs have become a popular solution for backing up data and they are
supported under Linux 2.2 (either natively or using the SCSI emulation driver.) There
are still outstanding issues in this regard, see my note above on CD-ROMs for details.
9) Joysticks, Mouse, and Input Devices
Joysticks are better supported in 2.2 including a large number of new joysticks and
joysticks with an inordinate numbers of buttons. Likely, your joystick will work under
Linux 2.2.
Mice in 2.2 aren't really different from mice in 2.0. (As in 2.0, there are some
inconsistencies regarding mouse support that will be addressed in the future. For the
most part, mouse control is provided through a daemon external to the kernel. Some
mouse drivers however deliberately emulate a Microsoft standard mouse. The reasoning
behind this is obvious but it would be nice if it was decided on in one way or the
other.) It should be noted that, while not solely a kernel issue, mice with
Microsoft's spinning wheel extension are supported in recent versions of the XFree86,
Linux's most popular GUI. (However many Linux applications have not been designed to
take advantage of this feature.)
Additionally, several other input devices are now supported under Linux 2.2 including
some digitizer pads. If your devices emulates a mouse (as many do) then it is already
supported by Linux 2.2 (and, in fact, Linux 2.0).
10) Video
Perhaps the most surprising and cutting-edge addition to the Linux kernel version 2.2
is what is called the 'frame-buffer console' driver (or 'fbcon', for short.)
Previously, the Linux kernel (for Intel-based machines) only understood and
manipulated the video devices in text mode. Graphical support was to be provided by
two other systems: 'svgalib' for console-based graphics, and a specialized X Server
for window-based graphics. This kludgey system often required configuration
information to be repeated and each system supported only a limited slice of the
myriad of video devices in common use.
Since this addition is rather new, it remains to be seen whether it will truly replace
the previous and long-standing duality. Unfortunately, it could be nearly a year after
Linux 2.2 ships before this new system could be robust enough to support the cards and
technologies that we already take for granted as working. My personal opinion is that
this is the right idea, but I'm going to withhold judgment until we see exactly how
far Linus and the developers decide to take this feature.
As an added side-effect of this new feature, primitive multi-heading has been added
into the kernel for some devices. Currently, this is limited to some text-mode output
but it is reasonable to assume that this very new addition to the Linux kernel will
mature somewhat during the 2.2.x and 2.3.x cycles.
It should also be mentioned that it is now possible to remove support for 'virtual'
terminals as provided by the kernel. This allows very memory-conscious people to save
just a tad more.
Although unimaginable to the desktop user, Linux can now work even better on systems
that do not actually include any sort of video device. In addition to being able to
log in over serial or networked lines, as Linux 2.0 and previous Linuxes allowed, it
is now possible to redirect all the kernel messages (usually sent to the console
directly before any hardware was initialized) to a serial device.
11) Networking: Ethernet, ISDN, and the lowly modem.
I don't have a huge amount of experience here; I've been using the same network cards
in all my machines for several years. But, it doesn't take an Alan Cox to see that the
number of supported Ethernet and ISDN devices supported in Linux 2.2 has risen
sharply. I have been told that newer solutions such as cable modems are supported,
also.
My only gripe in this regard is the continued non-support of so-called 'Winmodems.'
Not that I blame Linux for their absence, making modems that are 80% software is just
a dumb idea anyway, but the idealist in me hopes that some day these pesky devils will
be supported like their less retarded cousins.
12) Amateur Radio people are Linux people, too.
Since before Linux 2.0, Linux has been one of the few desktop OSes to include native
support for computer-based amateur radio people. (Not that I actually know what that
entails but it seems to be a more popular option outside the US.) Linux 2.2 adds
support for NetROM and ROSE amateur radio protocols. The basic AX.25 layer has also
been materially enhanced.
13) Filesystems for the World
Linux 2.2 has a wide array of new filesystems and partition types for
interconnectivity. In addition, many of Linux's supported filesystems (including those
I haven't listed here) have been updated with a new caching system to markedly improve
performance. (In fact, not updating the drivers wasn't even an option if one wanted
them included in Linux 2.2.)
For the Microsoft nut, Linux will now read (and maybe write) NTFS (Windows NT) drives
and Windows 98's FAT32 drives (also used by some later versions of Windows 95). Linux
2.2 also understands Microsoft's Joilet system for long filenames on CD-ROMs. And
finally, Linux also understands a new type of extended partition that Microsoft
invented. Drivers to read and write Microsoft and Stacker compressed drives are being
developed but not yet included in the kernel.
For Mac connectivity, a HFS driver for reading and writing Mac disks has been
included. HFS+ and MFS (ancient floppy format) are not yet supported. Macintosh
partition tables can now also be read by the kernel; this allows Mac SCSI disks to be
mounted natively.
Sadly, OS/2 users will still not be able to write to their HPFS drives. Some updates
have been made to the HPFS driver to support the new 'dcache' system but not the
complete overhaul that some were hoping for.
If there are any Amiga users left, they will be pleased to know that the FFS driver
has undergone some minor updates since 2.0. This is especially useful as the new
generation of PPC Amigas will continue to support this format.
For connectivity to other UNIXes, Linux 2.2 has come forward in leaps and bounds.
Linux 2.2 still includes the UFS filesystem which is used on BSD derived systems,
including Solaris and the free versions of BSD. Linux 2.2 can now also read the
partition table formats used by FreeBSD, SunOS, and Solaris. For SysV-style UNIXs,
Linux 2.2 features a somewhat updated version of SysVFS. Linux 2.2 can also read the
Acorn's RiscOS disks. And finally, Linux 2.2 features a somewhat updated version of
the ever-popular Minix filesystem, which can be used for small drives and floppies on
most UNIXes. With so many incompatible formats (and Linux 2.2 reading so many of
them), it's amazing anyone ever got any work done.
In other news, support for 'extended' drives (the format used by much older versions
of Linux) has been removed in favor of the 'second extended' filesystem. (This
shouldn't matter to many people, 'ext2' is far superior to its predecessor.) With the
increased support of initial ramdisks, a 'romfs' has been created which has very
minimal overhead.
While not quite a filesystem, Linux 2.2 includes enhanced support for stretching a
filesystem across several disks transparently. At present, this support can be used in
RAID 0, 1, 4, and 5 modes as well as a simple linear mode.
14) Networking II: Under the Hood
On the protocol front, a lot has happened that I simply don't understand completely.
The next generation Internet protocol, IPv6, has made an appearance. SPX, a compliment
to IPX is new, as well. DDP, the protocol of choice for AppleTalk networking has also
been improved. And, just as you would come to expect by now, the existing protocols
have been improved, as well. I only wish I had the need to use some of this stuff...
On the low-end front, not much has changed. PPP, SLIP, CSLIP, and PLIP are all still
available for use. I guess some things don't need much improvement. (Although each of
those drivers have been updated in one way or another.)
The list keeps going, however. Linux 2.2 will have an excellent new networking core,
new tunneling code, a completely new firewalling and routing system called 'ipchains',
support for limiting bandwidth consumption, and a ton more. It's just amazing. I wish
I could keep track of it all. (But, who am I kidding?)
It should be noted that file and printer sharing protocols have also been improved and
markedly enhanced. SMB, the protocol for accessing Windows-based shared filesystems
has been somewhat improved with bugfixes and the like. If you are a fan of NetWare
(doubtful), you'll be happy to know that Linux 2.2 supports a large number of
improvements in this area, including access to two different kinds of NCP long file
names. Trusty NFS has also been improved, both at the server level and the client
level. And finally, those eggheads over at CMU have been hard at work developing the
new distributed network filesystem, Coda. This filesystem supports a large number of
highly-requested features including disconnected operations for laptops, an advanced
cache system, and security improvements.
On somewhat of a tangent, Linux 2.2 also includes a driver which will allow one to
share (and remotely mount) whole disk images over a network.
15) Not Everyone Speaks English.
Linux 2.0 is a very international OS with support for international keyboards and the
like. Linux 2.2 adds to this and other internationalization features the ability to
load some UNICODE codepages for translating filenames into Linux's native system.
(Currently, the only filesystems that use these UNICODE codepages include Microsoft's
VFAT and Microsoft's Joilet ISO 9660 (CD-ROM filesystem) extension.)
16) Unix98: The Next Generation
Linux 2.2 will be a more 'standard' UNIX in a number of ways. The most pronounced of
these ways to the end user will be the addition of UNIX98-style Pty devices using a
new filesystem (devpts) and a cloning device to provide the functionality.
17) And, finally...
In addition to those noted above, there are a large number of other drivers and things
that just don't fit in anywhere but should still be noted. So, in no given order, the
oddball updates of Linux 2.2: The loopback driver, which allows disk images to be
mounted and manipulated just like any regular drive, has been improved in a number of
ways. Of these improvements, the most notable difference to users will be its
increased support for encryption and the mounting of encrypted hard disks and disk
images.
A driver for accessing your computer's CMOS memory has also been provided in Linux 2.2
which may be useful in some applications. (Sadly, a similar driver to access your
BIOS's flashable RAM did not make it, it will still be necessary to boot from a DOS
floppy to flash your computer's BIOS to a new version.)
And finally, in the past, Linux used a half-user/half-kernel method of loading in and
out drivers (called 'modules') called 'kerneld' This method was good but inefficient.
Linux 2.2 has removed kerneld and replaced it with a smaller all-kernel solution
called 'kmod'.
This is the 'really final' version of this document, unless there are really stupid
mistakes or Linux 2.1 gets a really special new feature. (We're in a feature freeze...
again so that is unlikely.) I would however like to ask for interested people to
continue to send me suggestions and corrections at knight@baltimore.wwaves.com.
Thank you all for your support during the writing of this document. Unfortunately, in
the rush of suggestions and the rash of dozens of people correcting me on the same
items (Alpha as a 64-bit platform, for example), I completely lost track of
contributors. I'm sorry. In particular, I'd like to thank Alan Cox and Meelis Roos for
their contributions, they really helped out a lot in the preparation of this 'final'
draft.
Thank you, and Good Night.
Joseph Pranevich
--- end long quote here ---
LOGOUT:
I've been learning and doing a lot of PERL programming this past week and I must
confess that I fill both empowered and drained. Have you installed Linux recently? If
so, drop me a note and let me know what you thought about the processes. Enjoy
Scott Dowdle
Backlash '98?
[newt&clinton.jpg (6505 bytes)]
After dreading November's elections, Democrats now believe they will
benefit from an anti-impeachment voter rebellion.
BY JOAN WALSH
ctsy Salon
Democrat Jay Inslee says the best idea in his uphill campaign to unseat
U.S. Rep. Rick White came not from pollsters or pundits but from voters.
The aspiring congressman from suburban Seattle made national news this
week when he embraced the very issue experts had warned Democrats to run
away from: He broadcast TV ads attacking his Republican opponent for
supporting an unlimited impeachment inquiry against President Clinton.
"I was hearing the same message at the farmer's markets and the ferry
docks: People feel strongly that we need to get back to business, and
beyond impeachment," Inslee says. So he overruled his campaign brain
trust, which had opposed using the impeachment issue, and jumped onto the
airwaves with a TV spot declaring, "Rick White and Newt Gingrich
shouldn't be dragging us through this. Enough is enough." Nationally,
pollsters and political experts predicted Democrats would rush to
television studios with impeachment ads if Inslee's gambit paid off. "If
it rains," one pollster told the Los Angeles Times, "it's going to pour."
It's raining -- in Inslee's Seattle district, anyway. The challenger, who
trailed White in the state's open primary by 6 percent, had closed the
gap a little since then. But he jumped four points in the days after his
aggressive ad was broadcast, to move slightly ahead of the incumbent two
weeks before Election Day. "Yesterday a woman stopped her car in the
middle of one of Seattle's busiest streets," a bemused Inslee recounts,
"just to tell me, 'It's about time somebody had the guts to do this!'"
A month after the punditocracy predicted the Monica Lewinsky scandal
could cost Democrats as many as 30 seats in the House of Representatives,
some strategists are saying the mess could work in the Democrats' favor,
as scandal-weary voters use the election as a referendum on whether they
want to watch congressional impeachment hearings drag on well into 1999.
A relative handful of votes either way can matter: In 1996, 11 close
elections that gave the Republicans their 11-seat majority were decided
by a total of less than 12,000 votes.
The boldest -- or most partisan -- among campaign strategists are even
predicting that a national ground swell of disgust over the protracted
impeachment debate could actually help Democrats gain seats. "Democrats
should want their election campaigns to engage the impeachment issue,"
says a memo to Democrats from Clinton booster James Carville and
Democratic pollsters Stan Greenberg and Al Quinlan. "Do not run from it.
The impeachment inquiry is an opportunity."
According to the three strategists, their poll of 800 voters in
mid-October yielded good news for Democrats: The base of likely voters in
the coming election who are Democrats rose from 31 to 36 percent of the
electorate, compared to 31 percent Republicans. And after dropping in
polls just after the release of independent counsel Kenneth Starr's
report on the Lewinsky matter, Democrats nationwide have gained four
points in the last month. Carville urges Democrats to grab the
impeachment issue and ride it to victory.
"These last two weeks are likely to be very different from what we have
experienced up until now," Carville wrote in the memo. "Democrats have
been on the defensive ... But now is the time to use every free media
outlet you have because voters are ready to sit up and take notice. Hit
the Republicans hard."
To some Democrats, the best evidence that Carville and company are right
comes from the relative Republican silence on the impeachment issue in
the hundreds of congressional races around the country. Just over a month
ago, strategists were predicting a blitz of TV ads featuring Clinton's
many televised Lewinskyisms -- from denial to admission to semantic
hair-splitting in his grand jury testimony. But since then GOP candidates
have dropped the issue. The few Republicans who ran anti-Clinton ads
quietly pulled them when they yielded no gains.
But just as predictions of an impeachment-inspired Republican landslide
proved to be wishful thinking, so might the Democrats' dreams of an
impeachment backlash. Some Democrats and their supporters -- including
one of Greenberg and Quinlan's clients -- question the idea that running
hard on impeachment will help party candidates. The truth is no one
understands the inscrutable midterm electorate.
Traditionally, many fewer Americans vote in the elections held in between
presidential campaigns -- turnout usually drops by half -- and those who
do tend to be more conservative. While national polls show Democrats
leading in the congressional races by several points, the advantage goes
to Republicans when the polling universe is narrowed to likely voters.
So far, there's little hard data to suggest this election will be a
bellwether on impeachment. The real story might be that last month's
hand-wringing over the Democrats' congressional chances, in the wake of
the Starr Report revelations, had little basis in fact. There was no
difference in Democratic turnout or election support in primaries held
before the Starr Report and after according to Curtis Gans of the
Committee for the Study of the American Electorate.
And an analysis by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center in early September
found that Republicans outnumbered Democrats among likely voters in this
midterm election by eight points. But the gap was actually smaller than
the 10-point difference polls found before the 1994 midterm. (Because
Congress is already majority-Republican, where it was majority-Democrat
in 1994, an outcome similar to 1994 would merely maintain the status quo,
not doom Democrats.)
Pew's latest poll, released yesterday, says the picture hasn't changed --
yet.
"The supposed backlash against Congress hasn't made an iota of difference
in local races," says Pew director Andrew Kohut. Republicans still hold a
lead among likely voters, and in the 105 races analysts consider
"competitive," the Republicans lead 48 to 44 percent. Even though voter
opinion of Congress has "soured," Kohut says, leading to a decline in
support for incumbents to 58 percent of registered voters from 66 percent
last January, the percentage of voters who say they'll use the election
to vote against Clinton rose from 16 percent to 23 percent. Meanwhile,
only 19 percent say the Starr investigation is very important for the
nation and only 3 percent say they want candidates to talk about Clinton
during the campaign.
Yet Kohut says the Carville strategy could pay off for Democrats in
certain races. "If Democrats can bring it up in the right way, it could
be effective. But right now the anger about impeachment is mostly
confined to core Democratic constituencies -- who may not vote."
The two big questions about the election come down to who will vote, and
what will independent voters do. There's good news for Democrats on both
counts.
For two months the common wisdom has been that if the Lewinsky mess
inspires the Republican base to surge to the polls, Democrats are doomed.
But if Democrats get energized by what Clinton defenders call a
Republican coup d'tat against a popular president, Republicans are in
trouble. Most observers have expected the first scenario.
Two weeks ago, Wall Street Journal columnist Gerald Seib predicted that
public opposition to impeachment wouldn't help Democrats in upcoming
elections, because Clinton supporters tended not to vote. Likely voters,
Seib observed, were "older, richer, more conservative, more Southern and
more Republican than the overall population" -- and more likely to
support pushing on with the impeachment proceedings. "The opinions of the
millions of Americans who have checked out of the electoral process by
failing to vote don't really count for very much," sniffed Seib.
But the Pew Research Center poll released Wednesday shows that this year,
the base of likely voters is evenly split between Democrats and
Republicans. While in October 1994 -- just before the Republican
congressional landslide -- polls gave Republicans a 40 percent to 30
percent advantage, the Pew poll found Democrats and Republicans each make
up 35 percent of the likely electorate this fall.
Other Democratic pollsters are seeing trends similar to those described
by Carville and Greenberg. "I think it's safe to say that Democrats are
getting more interested in this election," says Fred Yang, a pollster
with Hart Research in Washington, D.C. "Intensity has risen and the
percentage of likely voters who are Democrats has too." Maybe most
disturbing for Republicans, independent voters -- who made up more than a
quarter of the midterm electorate in 1994 -- "are starting to go the
Democrats' way," Yang says. The Pew poll confirms this: It found that
independent voters are closer to Democrats than Republicans in their
opposition to impeachment and in their disapproval of the way Congress
has handled the inquiry debate.
But while voters' impeachment fatigue could help Democrats, some analysts
doubt that going aggressively negative against Republicans on the issue
is a winning strategy for Democrats. "I really don't think so," says
Stephanie Cohen, communications director for Emily's List, which supports
women candidates. Cohen says her group's polling -- which, ironically,
was conducted by Greenberg and Quinlan -- actually shows that women
voters, at least, are turned off by outright partisan attacks on
Republicans.
"That kind of tone -- continuing to raise the saber of impeachment with
very partisan attacks -- is not what they want," Cohen says. "Our polling
shows women want to know who has solutions: Who will fix the schools?
What are their plans to improve health care?"
Pollster Al Quinlan acknowledges there's reason for Cohen's concern.
"Stephanie is right: Women voters in particular want to hear about
issues, not politics," he says. Quinlan, Carville and Greenberg say the
best strategy is combining a critique of the impeachment mess with vocal
Democratic stands on key issues like education, health care and Social
Security.
"And we wouldn't advise a candidate to raise impeachment in certain races
-- pretty much anywhere in the South, for instance, and some places in
the Southwest. It's best seen as a strategy for Democratic challengers.
If it's done well -- and it looks like Jay Inslee did it well -- you'll
see a jump."
Impeachment or not, something is stirring the Democratic base. Turnout by
women declined by 2 million between the 1992 presidential election and
the 1994 midterm race, and more Republican women voted than Democrats,
thus erasing the gender gap that had favored Democrats in 1992. But Pew
polls show the gender gap is back: Democrats enjoy a 48 to 41 percent
edge among women voters.
"Despite what the pundits have been saying -- and they're really a bunch
of bed-wetters -- this is a very good climate for the Democrats," insists
California Democratic Party consultant Bob Mulholland. "P.T. Barnum said
it best: 'If you want to build a crowd, start a fight.'" California
Democrats are devoting $6 million to energizing their base, Mulholland
says, targeting districts with lots of minority voters and white liberals
with absentee ballot campaigns, a get-out-the-vote drive and "mailers
with photos of Ken Starr and Newt Gingrich."
Nationally, the AFL-CIO is sinking millions into grass-roots voter
turnout strategies. The Women's Vote Project is pledging to bring back
the 2 million women who left the rolls in 1994 with an aggressive
publicity and voter turnout drive. The national Democratic Party is
promising that ads and appearances by Jesse Jackson and Hillary Clinton
are planned to boost turnout among women, minorities and liberal
loyalists.
Some observers are skeptical that the Democrats really know how to
energize their base. "The problem is, they learned some of the wrong
lessons from their defeats: They learned to avoid dealing with their
base," says elections analyst Curtis Gans. "After going too far toward
identity politics in the '80s, they developed this studious, poll-driven,
middle-class appeal, and in certain ways narrowed their constituency. So
I think the Carville strategy is as good a strategy as the Democrats have
right now."
So far, though, the success of Inslee's aggressive campaign strategy
hasn't yet produced a storm of copycat advertising. No one interviewed
knew of another Democratic candidate readying similar ads. Only Ralph
Neas, a Democrat who faces a tough battle to unseat moderate Republican
Connie Morella of suburban Maryland, has hit the airwaves with an ad
attacking his opponent's impeachment stand, and he ran it before the
Inslee results were in.
"Impeachment is not a big issue in this race, ironically," says Beth
Davidson, spokeswoman for Cincinnati Mayor Roxanne Qualls, who is trying
to oust Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot in a closely watched
race. "Chabot voted against the budget yesterday, which gives us plenty
to work with on an issue that's important to our constituents."
But Inslee says his strategy was the right one for his district. Having
served in Congress for one term -- he was defeated in the Republican 1994
landslide, thanks largely to his vote for an assault-weapons ban -- he
knows the feel of a winning issue. "This didn't come out of polling. I
didn't approach this with a lot of campaign sophistication. I'm the one
out there listening to people and they're very angry. So my campaign
advisors just asked me to think about it -- did I really want to take
this on?
"And I told them I did. So we moved ahead together. I knew voters felt
strongly about it." In the Seattle area, at least, the polls are proving
him right.
Research assistance for this article by Daryl Lindsey and Fiona Morgan.
Vote Wisely Use this tool!
[capitolguy[1].gif (4789 bytes)]
[pvs[1].gif (5650 bytes)]
http://www.vote-smart.org
* A wealth of facts on candidates & elected officials, including
biographies, addresses, issue positions, voting records, campaign
finances, and evaluations by special interests.
* Track the performance of Congress using clear descriptions of major
bills. Follow the status of legislation of interest to you, examine
voting records and the text of bills, and look ahead to votes
scheduled for each week.
* Access information on elections, federal and state governments, the
issues, and politics. Includes our own references, plus thousands of
links to the most important sites on the Internet.
[Image]
Special Notice!! STR Infofile File format for Articles
File Format for STReport
All articles submitted to STReport for publication must be sent in the
following format. Please use the format requested. Any files received that
do not conform will not be used. The article must be in an importable word
processor format for Word 6.0 and/or Word Perfect 7. The margins are .05"
left and 1.0" Monospaced fonts are not to be used. Please use proportional
fonting only and at Twelve (12) points.
* No Indenting on any paragraphs!!
* No Indenting of any lines or "special gimmicks"
* No underlining!
* Columns shall be achieved through the use of tabs only. Or, columns
in Word or Word Perfect format. Do NOT, under any circumstances, use
the space bar. MS Word is Preferred.
* Most of all. PLEASE! No ASCII "ART"!!
* There is no limits as to size, articles may be split into two if
lengthy
* Actual Artwork should be in GIF, PCX, JPG, TIF, BMP, WMF file formats
* Artwork (pictures, graphs, charts, etc.)should be sent along with the
article separately
* Please use a single font in an article. TTF Times New Roman is
preferred. (VERY Strong Hint)
If there are any questions please use either E-Mail or call.
Many grateful thanks in advance for your enthusiastic co-operation and
input.
Ralph F. Mariano, Editor
rmariano@streport.com
STReport International Online Magazine
[Image] STR Editor's Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
Editor's MailBag
Messages * NOT EDITED * for content
From: G.L. Alston
Sent: Friday, October 09, 1998 11:29 PM
To: 'rmariano@streport.com'
Subject: Child's Play IV
October 1998
TRUE COLOR POWERED KID'S ART PROGRAM
Ruidoso, NM -- Alston Software Labs ("ASL"), developers of graphics
software titles for young users, announces the latest release of Child's
Play, a paint and colorbook program designed specifically for children
aged 5 to 12.
Features include a unique animated icon-only menu system, a built-in file
management system that eliminates the need for typing in file names, JPG
format file support for easier web postings, a page printing utility, and
dozens of kid-friendly drawing tools and special effects, sound effects
and a midi soundtrack, and support for 24 bit (16.7 million) color.
Child's Play IV utilizes the full viewing screen, which maximizes the
drawing area and prevents younger children from accidentally getting into
things on the family computer they shouldn't really be into -- such as
the family budget or checkbook! This means parents can be relaxed about
letting their children use the computer unattended.
Child's Play is available in a fully functioning test drive from various
web sites including www.download.com and www.hotfiles.com, which gives it
their highest possible (5 star) rating. Anyone can download it and try it
out for free, and are encouraged to do so.
Price: $26.00 for individuals, schools should contact ASL for site
pricing
No s/h for electronic delivery.
Requires: Windows95, 98, or Windows NT, 20 MB disk space.
Contact: ASL, P.O. Box 581, Ruidoso NM 88355
phone (507) 836 - 8494 or
fax (507) 836 - 8494 or
web -- http://alstonlabs.pair.com
Order: product #15795 at 1-800-242-4775, Ext 15795
1-713-524-6394, Ext 15795
1-713-524-6398 fax
[image87.gif (45316 bytes)]
Classics & Gaming Section
Editor Dana P. Jacobson
dpj@streport.com
From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
The high-profile news this week has got to be the Microsoft antitrust
case. This case _could_ have a major impact on the computer/software
industry for years to come - regardless of the "winner". I'm really
curious as to the outcome of this case (not that I understand all of the
nuances) and how it will affect the end-users overall as a result.
This week I've included articles which "bullet" the key points to the
case, the major players, and the likely expert witnesses. I hope these
may simplify the matter for those who are interested.
Otherwise, I don't have anything to add this week - surprise! Glad to
learn that Joe Mirando is back on his feet (or on his butt) and well
enough to rejoin the fray. Oh, and don't forget: Daylight Savings Time
this weekend - set your clocks BACK one hour Sunday morning. Enjoy the
extra hour of sleep (or play)!
Until next time...
DFW Atari Show - DEUCE 98
The Atari Users of North Texas (AUNT) Computer Exposition will be coming
again to Dallas this November in conjunction with the monthly DFW XChange
Super Saturday activities at the beautiful Dallas Infomart. Show date is
planned for Saturday the 14th. As with the last three DEUCE shows, the
actual show date will be finalized 120 days prior to the exposition. The
exposition, along with the Super Saturday activities, charge no admission
fees and are open to the general public. The one day exposition is
planned to begin at 8:30 AM and run until 4:00 PM. A Friday evening
pre-show get together and a post show get together are also being
planned.
November is still a great time to visit the Dallas Metroplex. The DFW
XChange Super Saturday activities are a monthly computer extravaganza
where thousands of computer enthusiasts get together, share their
computer interests and enjoy some of the best computer and high-tech
electronic buys in Texas. This November will again be special for us
Atarians because so many of our finest developers and dealers will be
participating in the activities. The Dallas Infomart facility, a replica
of the famous 1895 World Fair Crystal Palace, is located in the heart of
the Dallas commerce district at 1950 Stemmons Freeway (Interstate 35E).
The facility is leased by the DFW XChange each month to provide a
community service to all computer users in the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex
area. The Atari Users of North Texas is one of many participating user
groups that help support this community service by sharing our Atari
computer interests, general computer expertise and providing user
assistance to our local Atarians and the interested general public.
Vendors are being lined up. Systems for Tomorrow, chroMagic, Crawly Crypt
Corp and Emulators have already confirmed their participation in the
show. Vendors interested in participating can contact David Acklam at
(972) 242-9655 or via email at d.acklam@genie.com. You can also visit the
AUNT internet home page at
UK Show, November 1998
From: Atari Computing ataricomputing@zetnet.co.uk
Date: 20 Oct 1998
The Atari Computing Convention: ACC '98 Show Info Bulletin 9
First of all thanks to everyone who returned the survey forms in Atari
Computing issue 8. The majority of respondents wanted an Autumn show in
Birmingham and with that in mind we're delighted to announce the Atari
omputing Convention "ACC '98" will take place on Saturday November 14th
1998 at Bingley Hall, Stffordshire Showground, Stafford from 10am to 4pm.
The Showground is easily accessible by car from junctions 13 and 14 on
the M6 just north of Birmingham with ample free parking and they'll be a
shuttle bus service running from Stafford railway station.
Tickets will cost less than ever before - just 3 on the door with 1
further discount for Atari Computing subscribers, children, OAPs, UB40,
students and orange card holders.
Here's the current line up:
* Atari Computing
Our stand will carry all available back issues, Reader Disks and Offers
and for the first time ever we will be running demonstrations and advice
clinics covering all the major aspects of computing including MIDI/music,
DTP/word processing, Comms/Internet access and Atari emulation.
* Titan Designs
UK debut of Eclipse, a PCI adapter that enables industry standard PCI
graphic cards to be connected to the Falcon offering fast,
high-resolution, true-colour displays! Hopefully they'll also be a chance
to see a prototype of the TEMPEST 040 Falcon accelerator. DA's Layout,
Videlity and APEX Media and Nemesis will all be on display and Titan's
range of scanners, hard drives, SyQuest drives, CD-ROM drives, Falcon
14Mb memory upgrades, cables, etc. Larger items, monitors etc, can be
ordered on the day for despatch the following week.
* FaST Club
Will have the FaST Club CD#1 with Gemulator 4.8, Gemulator Pro (68030/040
Apple and Atari emulation), Imagecopy, and all the other FaST Club
software.
* System Solutions
Will be showing professional audio and MIDI products. Come and meet the
team for advice and see CD writing in action on an ST with the recently
released ExtenDOS Gold and CD Writer. Hear the fabulous sound of JAM and
boost your MIDI with the MO4.
Take a look at applications running on the new MILAN TOS compatible
computer complete with MINT'98 networking.
Of course we'll be bringing along the latest software including HD-Driver
7.6 and ASH's NVDI 5, CAB 2.7 and, making it's UK debut, jinnee
(pronounced Genie), the ultimate replacement desktop. They'll also be
show prices on hardware upgrades, modems, scanners, memory, graphics
cards, large screen monitors and more!
* Electronic Cow
Squash it! v2.0 is what we're waiting to see! This brand new sample
processor is aimed at creative musicians who want to do more than to just
cut and paste samples makes its Worldwide debut here!
They'll also be brand new releases other their other popular products
including MIDI Arpeggiator v3.0, Sound Chip Synth v3.1, Snippit Synth
v2.0, Scribble Synth v1.5 (both now support STFM playback!) and EC-909
v2.0 - which also now works on STFM machines.
Existing registered E-Cow owners can upgrade to the latest releases for
FREE but you must bring along your original master disks.
* The Upgrade Shop (TUS)
You've read the review of the Veloce+ in AC#10 now here's your chance to
meet the designer, see it in action, and book your machine in for an
upgrade - and don't forget to check out the STe IDEal interface and other
hardware goodies.
* 16/32
If you're looking for gaming or Jaguar/Lynx console action place this
stand at the top of your list. 16/32 are also the UK outlet for
SpeedoGDOS, PixArt and some other serious applications not available
anywhere else.
* FALKE Verlag/Milan Computer/Seidel Software Service
These premier German companies plan to attend and show their products
directly to the UK audience for the first time.
* Floppyshop
Check out the reviews in this issue of Sounds and Stuff and the Falcon
Select CD and you'll know what to expect. Their product line-up also
includes Positive Image, EZ-Art Professional, Easy Stitch, Family Roots
II, Power Up Plus, Tetris II, other CD-ROM titles and PD Library.
* Abingdon Synthesi Projects
Will be building CD-ROMs, hard disks and other SCSI devices into standard
PC cases and connecting them to standard Atari machines using the SCSI
burster expansion option.
Making its UK debut will be a Plug&Play serial mouse interface which
enables any PC serial pointing device to be connected to any
AtariST/e/TT/Falcon or compatible mouse port.
ASP will also be offering a back-up service to CDR in ISO9660 format so
bring along your bare hard disk mechanisms or cased drives (copyright
restrictions apply).
* * ImPrint Solutions
* Calamus SL 98 will be on display running on a Hades machine and
under MagiC Mac running with 21" monitors.
* * InterActive
* For the first time ever InterActive will be accepting registrations
"live" at the show and promoting the activities of the TransAction
translation crew.
* * CyberSTrider
* CyberStrider will also be accepting registrations "live" at the show
and promoting its commercial Internet services and products.
* * Atari Portfolio Club
The Portfolio is Atari's solution to palmtop computing and there's an
astounding range of software and extras available. Cross their palm with
silver and the Portfolio Club team will look after your future!
* Roy Golding
Will be launching the 2nd edition of his book "Users Guide to the
Internet for Atari", selling some promotional souvenirs and promoting the
activities of the Atari Wrinklies Club and its publications.
* Stevenage & Hertfordshire Atari Group (SHAG)
Will be promoting themselves and the benefits of user groups in general.
The non-profit making ST+ Fanzine will be promoted and Gordon Storey will
launch Michigan Mike 2, the sequel to his award winning game.
* Coventry Atari User Group (CAUG)
Intend to bring along a range of machines including an AB040, G3 MagiC
Mac, Veloce accelerated ST and more.
* Paul Jones and Matthew Bacon
If you're interested in programming here's your chance to have a chat
with the Atari Computing Dynamic Duo!
* Maggie, Atari Times, All Formats Magazine, The Tyne & Wear Atari User
Group, STAG (Scottish Atari Group), WAG (Wessex Atari Group), other user
groups and numerous other stands.
* Sharward Promotions also run a stand where you can offer your surplus
hardware and software for sale - or pick up some bargains.
There's also dozens of other stands dedicated to other platforms and
technology offering general computer hardware, accessories, cables, CDs,
books, satellite, telephone, radio and general electronics. Some User
Groups are organising transport and/or car shares. We'll do our best to
put you in touch if you email or post us your details. We're delighted
most of the UK based companies who supported previous Atari Shows have
signed up but there's still time for other exhibitors to get involved.
No doubt you're wondering how can we bring you a bigger and better Atari
show than ever before and keep the prices so low, well the reason is
simple. Atari Computing have decided to work together with Sharward
Promotions who have organised computer shows since 1988.
ACC '98 has been combined with their twice-annual general computer and
electronics show which means you effectively get two shows for less than
the price of one!
We've watched Atarians drift away from recent shows because there's
nothing left to do or see after several hours. We feel, after having made
the effort to travel to the show, you'll enjoy the extra dimension
offered by the other stands.
So in addition to checking out the latest hardware and software releases
and spending some time chatting with familiar faces there will still be
plenty to see with stands offering general computer hardware,
accessories, cables, CDs, books, satellite, telephone, radio and general
electronics.
Calling Shareware programmers and User Groups
ACC '98 is about Atarians having fun doing Atari stuff which means we
want YOU to take stands, bring along your systems, show off your wares
and meet your users face to face.
Non-profitmaking stand prices
A 6 foot (approx 2m) stand costs just 10.75 plus 5 for power. An 18 foot
(approx 6m) stand costs 48.00 plus 10 for power.
Commercial stand prices
An 18 foot (approx 6m) stand costs 100.00 plus 10 for power. A 36 foot
(approx 12m) stand costs 160.00 plus 10 for power. Tables and are
included BUT covering and places to mount promotional literature are NOT
included so we urge everyone to start thinking about how to make your
stand attractive NOW!
Contact
To reserve a stand please send me your name and address details and I'll
send you a booking form:
Email: jconnor@cix.compulink.co.uk
Joe Connor
65 Mill Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5LJ, England
Make a day of it
----------------
ACC '98 is just one part (the best naturally ;-) of the All-formats Micro
Show (AMS), now in its FOURTEENTH year at the Stafford venue. The show
includes stands covering all aspects of computing and general electronics
- so remember to tell your friends and bring them along too... We're
really looking forward to seeing you all at ACC '98, we'll keep you up to
date with the latest developments with further bulletins.
Regards
Joe Connor
* Atari Computing: The *printed* magazine written by Atarians for
Atarians!
* News*Gossip*Features*Reviews*DIY*PD/Shareware*Q&A*Tutorials*Letters*Comms
* Email: editor@ataricomputing.com
* Check out our web pages at: www.ataricomputing.com
* Visit the Atari Computing Convention "ACC98" on November 14th 1998
* in Stafford, England. The Event is organised by Sharward Promotions
and
* offers: Atari*PC*Mac*Spectrum*Satellite*Electronics*Comms*Radio* +
more!
* URL: http://www.keme.co.uk/~sharward/htmdocs/sproms.html
Regards
Al
al@ataricomputing.com
Gaming Section
* "MediEvil"!!
* "Slingo"!!
* "ST:TNG"!!
* "Body Harvest"!!
* "Tetris64"!!
* Dreamcast!
* And much more!
Industry News STR Game Console NewsFile - The Latest Gaming News!
Sega of America's First Dreamcast Title Debuts At Tokyo Game Show
Sega Signs Babylon 5 Special Effects Studio to Create Cinematics for Game
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 1998--At the Tokyo Game
Show in Japan last week, Sega(R) Enterprises, Ltd. unveiled the first
game developed by Sega of America's internal studio for Dreamcast(TM),
the ultimate gaming machine.
The game, called "Geist Force" in Japan, will be available December 1998.
Sega selected Netter Digital Entertainment, Inc. (NDEI), one of
Hollywood's premiere digital visual effects companies, best known for
their award-winning work on Babylon 5, to create cinematics for the game.
"Geist Force" is an enormous 3D flying shooter set on an alien planet in
the distant future. The game features hundreds of miles of 3D mountains,
deep canyons, erupting volcanoes and rushing rivers in which to fly and
fight. Players soar through detailed, hi-resolution 3D graphics that look
more like a sci-fi television show than a videogame. The game also offers
the first-ever full-3D special effects with true-to-life physics. When an
explosion occurs, a player's ship and the objects in the immediate area
will be jolted by the blast, as would occur in the real world.
In "Geist Force," there is no rest for the weary. The expansive memory
found in Dreamcast means no load times, creating non-stop action. And
"how" you save the planet determines your reward. The game's skill-based
reward system determines a player's fate even after he or she wins the
game. Sega enlisted NDEI to create detailed 3D cinemagraphics and visual
effects for the game. The visual effects featured in the title rival
those found in Hollywood's most elaborate television productions. Each
cinematic sequence seamlessly blends with gameplay to create a non-stop
gaming experience.
"Dreamcast can handle a more complex level of graphics than any other
video game system we have seen in the past," explained Jason Netter, vice
president, new business development, NDEI. "Knowing this, our team of
animators was particularly enthusiastic about working with Sega because
it allows them to move their work beyond the world of television and
motion pictures to a whole new outlet all of them enjoy." "The advanced
3D graphic and audio capabilities of Dreamcast allow our game developers
tocreate games that psychologically, emotionally and physically involve
the player, rather than just passively entertaining them," said Eric
Hammond, vice president, product development, Sega of America. "Working
with Dreamcast, we can now create games like 'Geist Force' where people
actually play and experience the stunning science fiction worlds they
typically only see on television shows such as Babylon 5."
Hasbro Interactive Ships STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
Klingon Honor Guard, a First-Person Point-of-View Action PC Game From
MicroProse BEVERLY, Mass. - (ENTERTAINMENT WIRE) - Oct. 14, 1998 -
Leading entertainment software publisher Hasbro Interactive announced
today the launch of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION Klingon Honor Guard.
Utilizing the Unreal 3-D engine, this first-person shooter re-creates the
look and feel of the Klingon Empire from the popular Paramount Television
series STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION with a new storyline, settings,
characters and weapons. The Windows 95 PC CD-ROM game was developed by
MicroProse and is being published under the MicroProse brand name.
"STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION Klingon Honor Guard offers a truly
intense interactive multimedia experience," said Tom Dusenberry,
President of Hasbro Interactive. "The Unreal 3-D engine gave the
development team the ability to bring the look, sounds and weapons of the
Klingon Empire to the computer screen." STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
Klingon Honor Guard plunges players into edge-of-their-seat real-time
action as they embark on a quest to save the Klingon Empire. An
assassination attempt has been made on their leader, Gowron, and it is
the player's mission to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The game features seven unique 3-D worlds and more than 25 fully
interactive levels including space stations, alien cities, ice caverns
and starships offering an extremely rich combat environment. The player
can blast his opponents with disruptor fire or cut them down with a
vicious D'k tahg blade. The game includes 10 powerful weapons, six of
which were created especially for the game.
STAR TREK fans will note that the game showcases the voices of veteran
Klingon actors from the series, including Tony Todd (Captain Kurn),
Robert O'Reilly (Gowron), Barbara March (Lursa) and Gwynyth Walsh
(B'Etor). Players match their wits against more than 20 highly detailed
creatures and enemies such as Andorians, Attack Droids, Lethians and
Nausicans. A highly sophisticated AI allows enemies to adjust to an
attack by ducking for cover, sounding alarms, running for reinforcements
and working together to defeat the gamer. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
Klingon Honor Guard provides players with two modes of play: a
plot-driven single-player experience and multiplayer action. Both modes
feature high energy combat as their focal point and utilize the same user
interface and gameplay elements. The multiplayer game supports Death
Match as well as cooperative play via LAN and Internet. Death Match
features five unique maps created by the Internet's top level designers
along with seven other maps from the single-player game.
The action begins with the player engaged in advanced training supervised
by Kurn, son of Mogh, brother of Worf. The final training mission is
suspended when assassins attack Gowron, leader of the Klingon High
Council. The player receives the briefing for the first real mission from
Korek, who is supervising the operation to capture the masterminds behind
the attack. This briefing details the player's objectives and sets the
storyline in motion. The player's mission is to win the game by
successfully battling his way to the final level and bringing to justice
those responsible for the assassination attempt. Further information
about STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION Klingon Honor Guard is available for
download from the MicroProse Web site at www.microprose.com.
THQ Ships "Disney's Mulan" for Nintendo Game Boy
CALABASAS, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Oct. 16, 1998--THQ Inc. is
adding to its extensive library of popular Nintendo Game Boy titles with
the launch of "Disney's Mulan." Based on Disney's summer blockbuster
movie, the game shipped nationwide to major retail outlets on Oct. 14,
and is now available for an SRP of $29.95. "THQ has always supported
Nintendo Game Boy and with its continued popularity, we are thrilled to
bring out a game like `Disney's Mulan' in time for the holidays," said
Germaine Gioia, vice president of marketing, THQ. "The title incorporates
the compelling storyline of a girl's formidable journey along with
innovative battles and levels, appealing to young gamers both male and
female."
Developed by Tiertex, "Disney's Mulan" lets enthusiasts play as the young
woman, Fa Mulan, as she attempts to regain the honor of her family name.
Disguised as a soldier, Mulan travels to the Imperial Army Training Camp
to prove herself ready for battle. She must then set out to save the
Empire by solving puzzles, battling enemies and ultimately defeating
Shan-Yu in the final confrontation. "Disney's Mulan" features many
favorite characters from the feature film, as well as diverse game play,
including battles, swimming and "shieldboarding" and a password system to
save progress. The title is also compatible with Super Game Boy.
Eidos Interactive's Ninja: Shadow of Darkness Brings Classic Arcade
Action Gaming to the PlayStation
Eidos Interactive, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of
interactive entertainment products, announced today the release of Ninja:
Shadow of Darkness for the Sony PlayStation. In Ninja, developed by Tomb
Raider creator Core Design, a solitary young warrior must battle an army
of goblins, trolls and dragons throughout a war-plagued feudal Japanese
landscape. This fast-paced, arcade-style game combines hand-to-hand
combat, classic platform traps and puzzles, as well as a variety of magic
spells and special effects that showcase the true power of the
PlayStation.
Players take on the role of Kurosawa, a young Ninja who must rid his
homeland of demons who are decimating Japan. An evil warlord, who sold
his soul to raise ghoulish forces in order to help him win a power
struggle, unleashes his hellish army, however, his plan backfires as the
creatures run amok and possess the souls of the living as well causing
mass chaos. Now, it's up to the lone Kurosawa to bring order back to
Japan. Ninja features 10 massive levels within a real-time 3D
environment. The dynamic cinematic camera system positions the player's
perspective according to the Ninja's surroundings and specific battle
conditions. Not only is there a variety of environments, but also a
variety of opponents as the player does battle with more than 50 enemies,
all with specific attack attributes. In addition, all of the hand-to-hand
combat and the weapons can be powered up to four different levels.
Ninja: Shadow of Darkness was developed by Core Design Limited, the
wholly-owned subsidiary of Eidos Interactive which also created the
phenomenally successful Tomb Raider game franchise starring action
heroine and virtual celebrity Lara Croft. "Core Design has really upped
the ante in arcade-style action games by bringing more depth and greater
playability," said Mike McGarvey, COO of Eidos Interactive. "Ninja:
Shadow of Darkness offers players many hours of graphically intense,
classic arcade action." Ninja: Shadow of Darkness is available now at
retail stores nationwide.
No Mask Necessary for This Face of Terror
FOSTER CITY, CALIF. (Oct. 19) BUSINESS WIRE - Oct. 19, 1998 - Psygnosis
unleashes a double dose of horror just in time for Halloween with O.D.T.,
an intense, 3D action-adventure with RPG elements, set in a world of
mystery, magic and mayhem. O.D.T. (Or Die Trying) slashes its way onto
store shelves on October 27, for both the PlayStation game console and
the PC. Picture the most terrifying haunted house you can imagine. Scary,
huh? Now watch--if you dare--as your nightmare becomes a reality. O.D.T
unfolds into a mythical, fantasy-gone-wrong landscape of insane visions,
frightening surroundings, and maniacal monsters. As you attempt to master
the mayhem, crooked paths will open up one step ahead of you, uncovering
volumes of undead material for your shattered soul to peruse.
Sorcery for Survival: When quick thinking, fast-action, and hand-to-hand
combat just aren't enough to berate the belligerent bad guys, you can
call upon your magical abilities to foil the powers that be. O.D.T.
incorporates an inventive and user-friendly system of spell-casting and
power allotment. Easily accessible drop-down menus and the ability to
divide your accrued attributes will help make your hellish journey a
little smoother. O.D.T. also offers frighteningly realistic enemy AI. The
hideous enemies will respond differently, depending on the situation at
hand. They will show multiple character traits, such as fear and hunger,
and will retreat and even use evasive tactics. Imagine you are chasing a
lone Rigorsqueem down a dark, narrow alley, and he suddenly stops and
turns on you...!
Cooperation between enemies is intensely involved, with smaller monsters
leaving, only to return with their larger and more powerful brethren.
Picture the terrifying vision of enemies terminating their vicious
assault on you to enjoy a quick bite of their newly fallen comrades, and
you'll understand the carnivorous challenges that await you. Food is
food, but eating is easier when the meal isn't moving. Available for an
estimated retail price of $49.99 on both the PlayStation and the PC,
O.D.T., with its menacing monsters, tantalizing twists, and mind-bending
puzzles, is the perfect way for gamers to spook up their Halloween. Dare
to plunge into the bizarre world of O.D.T., dare to wage your skills
against the most terrifying monsters, dare to solve the mystery . . . Or
Die Trying!
Capcom Announces First N64 Product, Magical Tetris Challenge
SUNNYVALE, CALIF. (Oct. 15) BUSINESS WIRE - Oct. 15, 1998 - Capcom today
announced they have teamed up with Disney Interactive, Inc. and the
creators of Tetris to create Magical Tetris Challenge for the Nintendo
64. Capcom's first N64 product brings together for the first time
Disney's world famous characters with Tetris, the all-time best selling
electronic puzzle game. The new games bring increased speed and
functionality to classic Tetris, as well as enables players to become
some of their favorite Disney characters and compete in a variety of game
modes. Magical Tetris Challenge is expected to be in stores in January.
"This is an exciting release for Capcom as it marks our entrance into the
N64 market and furthers our long-standing relationship with Disney
Interactive," says Robert Lindsey, senior vice president sales and
marketing, Capcom Entertainment. Magical Tetris Challenge unites the
unmistakable charm of Disney's loveable characters with Tetris' unmatched
gameplay. As a one or two player game, the Verses Mode enables players to
compete against a friend or the computer. In the Story Mode they can play
as their favorite Disney character -- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald
Duck or Goofy -- in a plot that develops differently for each character.
The story revolves around a mysterious stone, caught by Donald Duck while
fishing.
Magical Tetris Challenge offers three gameplay options. It enables
players to compete against each other on the computer. Players send Magic
Pieces to their opponents based on the number of lines they delete at one
time. The more lines deleted the bigger the Magic Pieces. Updown Tetris
is a head-to-head game. In this mode, as lines of blocks are deleted, a
new line of blocks appears at the bottom of the opponent's screen,
pushing their blocks higher. Endless Tetris is Standard or Magical Tetris
without the interactive story. Game Option provides players a variety of
configurations including the ability to set difficulty levels. Magical
Tetris Challenge is compatible with the Rumble Pack accessory. Now when
players clear four or five lines from the screen at one time, their
opponent will feel the vibration.
Magical Tetris Challenge adds two new features to the classic Tetris
gameplay. Quick Drop allows players to increase the speed of the action
by instantly dropping the Tetris pieces. Temporary Landing System
(T.L.S.) casts a shadow right below the falling piece so players can
easily tell where the falling piece is. These new features are sure to
please seasoned Tetris fans and new Tetris players alike. Magical Tetris
Challenge reunites Capcom's relationship with Disney Interactive. In
1988, Capcom became the first publisher of video games based on the
Disney characters. Capcom published 15 Disney games for the Nintendo and
Super Nintendo Entertainment System game machines. Among the most popular
were Disney's The Little Mermaid, Disney's Aladdin, DuckTales and Mickey
Mousecapade.
Over 45 million copies of Tetris have been sold worldwide over the past
10+ years. Originally created by Alexey Pajitnov, a specialist at the
computer sciences at the Computer Center of the Academy of Sciences in
Moscow, the Tetris brand is now managed by Blue Planet Software, San
Francisco, California. The object of Tetris is to position the falling
shapes, called "Tetraminoes," across the bottom of a rectangular pit.
Tetraminoes are shapes created from 4 blocks joined together into 7
different patterns. The Tetraminoes must be rotated as they fall and
positioned across the bottom leaving no open spaces. When an entire
horizontal line fills with blocks, the line clears from the screen. If
lines are not completely filled with blocks, they will not clear from the
screen, and the Tetraminoes will continue to stack up higher and higher.
If the stack of Tetraminoes reaches the top, the game is over.
Hasbro Interactive's New Tonka Workshop CD-ROM: Two Play Worlds
BEVERLY, Mass., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Kids get the hands-on experience
of a toy and the magic of multimedia software in one with Tonka Workshop
CD-ROM Playset, Hasbro Interactive's first title in the interactive toy
category and the newest addition to its best-selling line of Tonka
children's software. Tonka Workshop empowers children to create, build
and play the Tonka way -- while providing an easy-to-use, no-tech
interface with a cool Tonka tool toyset and a super fun CD-ROM. "The
merging of toys and computers is a natural progression for Hasbro
Interactive," said Hasbro Interactive President Tom Dusenberry. "Few
companies have the expertise of making toys and making CD-ROM games, but
for Hasbro Interactive this is a natural fit," Dusenberry added.
In Tonka Workshop, kids use six durable plastic tools contained in a
key-top playset to build cool projects, play exciting tool games and
complete repair jobs around Tonka town. The child-sized hammer, saw,
drill, sprayer, screwdriver and sander control 25 on-screen tools and fit
atop most standard computer keyboards. Installation is easy; parents and
even a three-year-old can simply fit the playset over the keyboard and
strap into place. There are no confusing cords or special computer
configurations required -- just strap on the toyset, put the CD-ROM in
the drive and the fun can begin. Friendly Tonka Joe is the first face
kids see as he welcomes them to the Tonka Workshop and guides them
through fun activities and games in the Barn, Cellar, Storage Shed,
Pickup Truck and Tree House. In the Barn, kids can build one of several
creative projects like an airplane, a doghouse or a spaceship. The Cellar
is a free-form building area where children are given a sheet of wood to
work with and can create anything they want to, and in the Pickup Truck,
kids drive out into the country to lend a hand in mending fences,
bicycles, etc.
In the Tree House, players are invited to play one of three different
tool games: Tool Tag, a game where kids try to shoo away pesky termites
that have invaded Tonka Joe's Workshop; Tool Challenge, where Tonka Joe
will challenge kids to various Olympic-type events; or Tool Tunes, a
memory game using sounds. Throughout the game, players have the
opportunity to print their creations to share with friends and family.
Tonka Workshop is for ages 3 and up and is playable on Windows 95 and
Windows 98 systems. It is available in stores for a suggested retail
price of $39.95.
Challenge the Powers of Darkness in the Gothic MediEvil(TM)
Sony Computer Entertainment America announced today the release of
MediEvil(TM), a spooky 3D action/adventure game developed by Sony
Computer Entertainment Europe's Cambridge studios. MediEvil will
challenge and amuse gamers with a surreal combination of swordplay,
puzzles, exploration and dark humor. Players assume the role of skeletal
knight Sir Daniel Fortesque -- a quirky, undead hero. "Sir Dan" must
gather his bones and rise from the crypt to destroy the evil sorcerer
Zarok, who has harnessed ancient magical powers to catapult the world
into eternal darkness -- awakening the dead and turning villagers into
crazed madmen along the way. Sir Dan battles the unearthly victims of
Zarok's magic with an arsenal of fiendish weapons, making his way through
a variety of eerie landscapes in this unforgettable gothic tale. The
game's cinematic qualities, including rich 3D graphics and stirring
originalsoundtrack, set the stage for a spine-tingling journey of epic
proportions.
"Our European development studio has created a fascinating gothic world
and a unique 'anti-hero' character with MediEvil," said Peter Dille,
senior director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America.
"Featuring a perfect balance of exploration, battle and puzzle solving,
combined with an excellent sense of humor, stylized graphics and
imaginative story line, MediEvil will appeal to a broad range of game
enthusiasts."
MediEvil Key Features:
1. -- Variety of fiendish puzzles and riddles ranging from simple runes
to complex brain twisters.
2. -- Gothic landscapes including eerie graveyards, spooky castles, a
mad village, a ghost ship in the sky, scary scarecrow fields and
other ghoulish places.
3. -- A mighty arsenal of weapons awaits: broadswords, daggers,
cross-bows, axes, lightning rods, clubs, the occasional chicken
drumstick and even his left arm!
4. -- Imaginative and challenging bosses like a stained glass demon, a
giant pumpkin with tentacles, a gargantuan dragon and more.
5. -- Uncanny enemies include zombies, mutants, transparent serpents,
crazed madmen, living scarecrows and more.
6. -- Lively interactive backgrounds with spectacular lighting effects.
7. -- Beautiful, "big screen" quality computer graphic (CG) movie
sequences.
8. -- A spine-tingling soundtrack perfectly compliments the haunting
atmosphere.
9. -- Takes full advantage of the Dual Shock(TM) Analog Controller.
To celebrate the launch of MediEvil, consumers who return a registration
card found in specially marked copies of the game will be entered into a
sweepstakes drawing. One lucky PlayStation(R) fan will win an all-expense
paid trip for two to London, England, the city full of all things
MediEvil. Marketing support for MediEvil includes a national television
campaign across network, cable and syndicated programming; a national
print campaign in enthusiast and consumer publications; a direct mail
campaign; and full promotional and retail merchandiser support.
Midway's Body Harvest Invades Stores Nationwide
Midway Home Entertainment, the leading third party publisher of Nintendo
64 titles, today announced that its industry lauded video game Body
Harvest is shipping to retail outlets nationwide. Exclusively available
for the Nintendo 64 game system, this genre-bending 3D game combines
heart pounding shoot 'em up action with intriguing role-playing elements
in an expansive virtual world that will both entertain and amaze gamers
for hours on end.
"The unique blend of action, adventure and role-playing elements makes
Body Harvest one of the most exciting and original video games to be
released on the Nintendo 64," said Paula Cook, Director of Marketing at
Midway Home Entertainment. "We are excited to deliver a title with such
depth to Nintendo 64 gamers across the country." In Body Harvest, the
human race has been harvested to near extinction by a race of monstrous
alien insects after more than a century. A small group of scientists has
survived and is working on a desperate plan to build a time machine to
transport a two-man crew back into the Earth's past. Adam Drake has been
chosen for this critical assignment that will hopefully change the course
of history.
Players take on the role of hero, Adam Drake, and their mission is to
destroy the onslaught of alien insects before the human race is
completely eliminated. With over 64 vehicles at their disposal, they must
blast their way through 1916 Greece, 1941 Java, 1966 America and 1991
Siberia in order to save humanity. This will not be an easy task. The
revolutionary game spans over 1,000 virtual miles and features fifty
different types of alien predators along the way.
Developed by DMA Design -- the Scottish division of Gremlin Interactive
-- Body Harvest has already won raves from the press. IGN64.com says
"with its colorful 3D graphics and a dynamic, always-changing soundtrack,
Body Harvest manages to be one of the most interesting and original games
to appear on the N64 yet." Game Pro hailed Body Harvest as a
"showstopper" at E3; the industry's largest trade show. Next Generation
Online adds that "Body Harvest could be one of the best Nintendo 64 games
on the horizon," and the unofficial Nintendo Web site, Nintendojo
predicts that it will be the "sleeper hit of the year."
Hasbro Interactive Ships America's Favorite Online Game Slingo for CD-ROM
BEVERLY, Mass., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading entertainment software
publisher Hasbro Interactive has announced that Slingo(R), the popular
online game that has earned millions of loyal fans, is now available on
CD-ROM. Slingo debuted on the America Online Games Channel in October
1996 and quickly became the #1 game for the country's largest online
service. A unique combination of slots and bingo, Slingo has stolen the
hearts of game players with its compelling game play and broad-based
appeal.
"Slingo is an irresistible game," said Tom Dusenberry, President of
Hasbro Interactive. "Once you start playing, you definitely are drawn
into the excitement," Dusenberry added. "We feel that fans of the online
version will be instantly drawn to the new variations of game play added
in the CD-ROM version." Play Slingo CD-ROM solo or multi-player with up
to six people. You can play the classic version of Slingo and four new
game variations. The object of the classic version is to fill in the 5x5
card, or to achieve your highest possible point score, within 20 spins.
Players click on the handle with the mouse to spin the five wheels and
match the numbers that appear in the card's columns. A match earns 200
points and if you cover 5 matches, vertically, horizontally or diagonally
you have made a "Slingo" earning 1,000 points.
In order to feed the appetites of Slingo's die-hard fans, there are four
new exciting variations of the classic game. The PC CD-ROM game offers
players the option of playing all of the game variations over a modem,
LAN, over the Internet through a TCPIP connection and through Hot Seat
play in which four players can play together using the same computer.
Players can also play the "Duel Slingo" version on Microsoft's Internet
Gaming Zone at In Super Squares, Classic Slingo takes a new twist, with
the addition of randomly placed "super squares." A match made in a super
square earns 1,000 points, while a Slingo completed with a super square
earns 10,000 points. Giant Slingo introduces a fun new character to the
Slingo family -- a helpful giant. When he appears in a spin, the Giant
waits until all matches are made and then he takes his club to the card
causing the wheel to spin again. The Mixed Matrix variation of Slingo
scrambles the numbers on the card making it even more challenging to find
matches. In the highly competitive Duel Slingo, two players, or a single
player and a computer opponent use the same card and take turns competing
for the highest score. Slingo is available for play on the Windows 95 and
Windows 98 platforms and has a suggested retail price of $19.95.
BioWare to Develop MDK2 for Sega Dreamcast and PC
BioWare Corp., announced today the ongoing development of their first
Sega Dreamcast title, MDK2. The sequel to last year's sci-fi action
thriller MDK, the game hosts an array of dynamic new features and
technology. Built with the breakthrough BioWare Omen Engine, MDK2
provides an unsurpassed single-player experience with totally new and
unique gameplay elements driven by ingenuity and creativity. Published by
Interplay Productions a release date of Q4, 1999 is anticipated for the
Sega Dreamcast, with a PC version to shortly follow. MDK2 will take
players back to the unique world of MDK as originally developed by Shiny
Entertainment. The MDK2 world will counterbalance shadows and mystery
with quirky situations involving a peculiarly engaging alien race. The
result will be a surreal adventure that focuses on stealth and guile as
well as outright aggression. Players will take a third person perspective
of the game's hero, Kurt Hectic, as they control him through eight levels
of creative gaming, bizarre 3D environments, and engaging storylines.
Rejoining Kurt in his adventures will be his friends, the eccentric Dr.
Fluke Hawkins and Max, the robotic dog.
Greg Zeschuk, President and Joint CEO of BioWare, captured the essence of
the game when he explained that, "MDK2 represents the pinnacle of single
player games. Our aim with MDK2 is to explore new directions and expand
beyond the constrictive environments established in other 3D games."
Regarding the Sega Dreamcast, Lead Programmer on MDK2 Cameron Tofer,
says, "The Dreamcast hardware gives us all of the features that we could
ever want from a gaming system. Because of the Dreamcast we are able to
take MDK2 further than we ever imagined."
MDK2 exploits the BioWare Omen Engine, a truly multi-platform engine
developed internally at BioWare Corp. Perhaps the most important feature
of Omen is the support for real-time level-of-detail control that allows
for round, smooth surfaces and highly detailed life-like characters and
environments, all the while maintaining high frame-rates. Other key
features include realistically modeled object physics and complex
scripted AI that provides the world with life-like inhabitants that
interact with the player in an intelligent manner.
Video Gamer's Film Competes for an Oscar
For the first time, an animated film derived from video game footage will
compete for an Oscar. Software developer Oddworld Inhabitants has
submitted "Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus for Academy-Award" consideration in
the Animated Short category. The 15-minute film, like the game, traces
the epic adventure of Abe, a fictional hero who tries to save his species
from extinction on the fictional Oddworld. In the process of developing
their games, Oddworld producers employed high-end Silicon Graphics
software and equipment similar to what computer-generated film companies
like Pixar and PDI use in making movies.
"Our production model is more accustomed to the feature-film industry
than to games," said Lorne Lanning, co-founder, and president of Oddworld
Inhabitants. The film will be released in Los Angeles for a limited
engagement from Oct. 27 to 29 to qualify it for Oscar competition. The
game, distributed by software publisher GT Interactive, will be available
later this month for both the PlayStation game console and PC.
ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
People are Talking
Compiled by Joe Mirando
jmirando@streport.com
Hidi ho friends and neighbors. Yes, I'm back and ready to bring you all
the little goodies that you've become accustomed to: all the little
tidbits of information, the news about what's going on, and what's coming
along "real soon now". But before we get into the meat-and-potatoes
portion of the column, I'd like to tell you a bit about why there was no
column last week.
Beginning last weekend I started to notice that my mental acuity was not
what it normally was. It slowly got worse until I found myself in a fog
that made it difficult to think clearly. Since this 'brain cloud'
(remember the movie "Joe vs. the Volcano"?) was accompanied by muscle and
joint aches, I am assuming that it was a virus that took hold and decided
that it liked the wide-open spaces... between my ears. I actually did try
to write a column last week, but it was such an uphill battle that I knew
that the result would only be a pitiful pile of words upon the pages and
decided that a no-show rating of "0" would be better than a "he really
stunk up the place with that one" rating of -5.
But I'm back to normal now with no ill effects whatsoever. My trusty TT,
Mega STE and Stacy sit at the ready, waiting for me to compose the column
that you are now reading so let's get on with it, shall we?
From the comp.sys.atari.st NewsGroup
Asked about why Word Writer would not work on a Falcon 030, Michael Olin
writes:
"My experience was the same. The base word processor worked OK with the
exception that it got pretty goofy about screen redraws when I used
BlowUp... I eventually gave up and used AtariWorks."
The Phantom tells Michael:
"AtariWorks is good also. Some one posted a reply that the version of
Word Writer ST they used worked fine on the Falcon. If there is a version
or way to get it working I'd like to hear about it."
Jim DeClercq tells Phantom:
"Word Writer ST also runs on the TT, unless you try to use the dictionary
or thesaurus. The reason I guess at is that those files are encoded, and
the decoding routine expects word-length, 16 bit, memory organization,
and does not find it on a Falcon or TT. If there is a better explanation,
please tell me."
Our own Dana Jacobson tells Jim:
"Just to satisfy my curiosity, I just loaded WW ST while online w/ Flash
II (on my Falcon). I loaded a text file, ran the spellchecker using my
own .PER dictionary file, changed spelling on a few words, saved, and
quit the program - no problem other than about 2 minutes to load my
dictionary file (it's large). I forgot to try the thesaurus but I've had
no problems with it in the past."
David Snowdon adds his own experiences:
"I used to have this problem [not being able to use the dictionary] with
WordWriter, and found that I could get the dictionary to work if I used
Geneva and limited the program's memory to 4Meg via the task manager."
Our old friend Terry May posts:
"I've been using Ease as my desktop of choice with MagiC for some time
now, and for the most part I like it. I've heard all the kudos give
towards Thing, though, so I thought I'd finally break down and give it a
try. Looks pretty good so far, though the jury is still out. (I really
miss Ease's dirtree popups.) If anyone has any tips that I might find
useful, I'd appreciate them. Also, is v1.27 the latest English release?"
Gordon Campbell tells Terry:
"Good choice.I have never tried EASE so I cannot comment how good or bad
the desktop is.The past few days I have been changing my mind in which
desktop to use.Because of memory problems I went back to Magxdesk but I
always go back to Thing.I am driving my girlfriend crazy because I am
always changing my mind.
Thing has popups as well.Just press the right mouse key anywhere outside
of the windows and it gives you access to your drives and if you right
click inside the window another popup comes with you can install apps.
and other things.Try it for yourself. Yes, 1.27 is the latest version."
Thomas Binder tells Terry:
"Well, the next version will have "spring folders" (like Jinnee or MacOS
8) for that. For now, Thing has an undocumented feature when PopFold is
running, but there's a good reason why it's not documented because it
only works when dragging files between directory windows and is not
configurable at all. Yes, 1.27 is even the latest release at all. And
please note (looking at the subject of your posting), that 'Thing' is
/not/ intended to be the English word 'Thing', but the Germanic (not
German) word for something like 'meeting place', which is pronounced
'Ting' or 'Ding'."
Terry now asks:
"I have a few directories with filenames apparently too long for Thing.
Everytime it reads the directory, it gives me an alert telling me that
filenames were too long and couldn't be read in. Very annoying. Is there
any way to get to these filenames in Thing, or do I have to load up Ease
or Magxdesk to shorten the names so that Thing can read them?"
Jo Even Skarstein tells Terry:
"Thing doesn't handle filenames longer than 32 characters. I agree, it's
annoying, but Thomas Binder is working on the problem."
Joshua Kaijankoski asks for hard drive help:
"I downloaded a couple of MSA files into my HD. I can't delete them! They
are hogging over 3 MB of disk space and all it says when I try to delete
is: Cannot delete. I can't even rename them. I've some other files with
the same problem. How do I delete them please? I have just a 44Meg SCSI
on my TT030 and I need all the space I can get. It's filled to the brim
now. Somebody please...."
Charles Silver tells Joshua:
"I'm assuming these are not "Read Only" files... You can use ST Tools to
edit the offending files using a Sector search (ascii) and edit the first
character to an E5, which creates a (squiggle) like character. This is
what a "delete file" normally does. However, there is some risk in doing
this. It does take some practice to do right. If you screw-up, you're FAT
is a mess and your HD files can be lost. I have no fear as I've done it
many times, plus I normally back stuff up before I do it. Well, sometimes
<grin>.
Because you HD is almost full, it would be safer and probably faster to
just back that partition up using floppies, zero the partition, then load
everything back up. Then just defrag you HD regularly so it doesn't
happen again :). It's up to you, but if you want to mess with the FAT,
practice on a RAM Disk partition first. Can't do any harm there while you
learn. It will take practice. Basically, you've got two problems. One,
learn how ST Tools (whatever) works; and two, what a normal FAT file
looks like with normal and deleted files aboard. If you can't backup your
files, you're playing with FIRE! Burn baby, burn <hehehe>. This is
another reason to defrag regularly with the "Optimizer". Ahhh, be
carefull about putting any PC files on your HD. Put'em in a RAM Disk. If
they can't be deleted normally, when you shut off your computer, they
will go bye bye."
Stephen Cornio tells Charles:
"This is only half true. This will mark the file as deleted, but will
leave the clusters still marked as used. You would also need to edit the
FAT to mark all of the clusters used by the file as unused, '00'. This is
what is tricky to do, although I have done it on occasion."
David Bolt tells Stephen:
"If you use something like Optimize, you don't need to. All you need to
do is edit the first character of the name to be E5 in STTools or a
similar disc editor, quit that and start up optimize and do a logical
check on the partition you just edited. If you're particularly paranoid,
don't turn on repair options the first time round. This will let you see
what errors there are without reparing them. Having said that, I've had
no problems with Optimize as yet, including when optimizing a partition.
One thing to note once you've done this, it's a good idea to do a reboot
when you quit Optimize to ensure any drive caches are refreshed
properly."
Bill Platt takes an easier approach:
"It looks like you have some files that are set to read only. Use the
Show Info item on the desktop to set the file to read/write."
Markus Egg tells us that he...
"Finally... got CAB working. At the moment I only switch off the pictures
to make fast testing. But todays WWW-sites are nearly unreadable in the
text mode. It's a bit senseless with all the underlined [IMG]. Is there
any good and fast viewer for the pics used mostly at WWW sites (jpg, gif
...). I just need a tool. Possibly showing the pictures at the CAB
window?- to dither the pictures in a reasonable way for my high res SM
124."
Bill Platt tells Markus:
"Try the version 2.7 of CAB, it handles the graphics and tables much
faster than 1.5. Cab also has an excellent monochrome mode, I think
that's only in vers 2.0 and up. There is a demo of 2.7 available."
Iggy Drougge asks:
"Is it possible to use PLIP on an Atari without installing Mint? StiK
does not support it, that much I know, but does STiNG support it, or is
there any other solution?"
Jo Even Skarstein tells Iggy:
"I don't know if STiNG supports PLIP yet, but IIRC it was planned. Beware
that you can't connect your Atari to a PC running PLIP, because
Linux-PLIP use some control-lines that's not available on Ataris. Perhaps
it can be done with some additional hardware." As a diversion, let's take
a quick look at one of the oddities made possible by being able to
communicate around the world whenever we want to.
Bill Platt posts:
"Today is the 16 of oct. But I saw several post from the 17th of oct. How
is that possible?"
Michael Freeman tells Bill:
"Different time zones. The 17th arrived somewhere else in the world
before it got to you. If that's not the case, some computer's date is set
wrong."
Dennis Bishop asks for help:
"I just did my morning D/L of the Newsgroups, now I have Newsie set for a
max of 50 messages per group. After I got the newsgroups I got my mail
and went offline, then re-ran newsie as I always do to read the groups,
on Sci-Astro.Am I see something I've never seen before, in the window
that shows me the count for the messages, on that newsgroup is a " -50 "
??? I access the group and see the message titles, BUT when I click on
each one, there is NOTHING! Blank ... ZIP ... Nadda ...etc. One question
... What the Hell Happened???
All other newsgroups seem ok."
Michael Grove tells Dennis:
"[I'm] Not sure, but maybe the articles were expired. I see this
sometimes from the newsfeed at work (not that I read them at work)."
Glenn Wilson asks for help:
"I am looking at the reality that my beloved 1986 Atari ST 1040 has
possibly died... When it boots up all looks well until you touch a key.
THEN you get one or more alphanumeric characters (including special
characters) instead of the key you touched. Anyone encounter this before?
I live an ST desert (Saint Louis) and would like some idea whether this
is fixable before I ship it off to either coast only to find
out it is 'dead'.
If you have encountered this or are more techincally inclined than I am
and have an idea as to what has happened, drop me an E-Mail at
"wilsong@nima.mil" please. If it is as I fear, I will be selling off
software and peripherals... My wife wants to get rid of the 'dead' ST and
but a MAC like the kids use at school despite the abominable way Apple
treated her years ago in supporting the IIE/IIC/IIGS market.) I'd rather,
if we can't get it fixed, upgrade our IBM at home... [I can't believe I
said that]."
Tony Greenwood tells Glenn:
"Yes I have.. (This is a serious answer although it may not seem it), It
happened to me on what seemed like an intermittent basis.. Exactly as you
explain it... Then I sussed out it was always after my son had been
playing a shooting game and left <Autofire> ON , Yes the joystick
autofire being left on caused the problem, This may not be your answer...
but I can assure you that this will also cause the same problem."
Nick Bales adds:
"Yes, I had this autofire problem too. The problem is definitely located
within the keyboard/mouse/joystick section. I also have similar problems
from time to time, usually because of those crappy mouse connectors, but
sometimes because of a bad mouse. Try unplugging the mouse to see if that
cures the problem too. Otherwise, take the machine apart, clean up all
the connections, reseat the keyboard connector and the socketed chip on
the keyboard PCB. At worst, find someone selling a cheap/dead ST, and
cannibalize the keyboard."
Bill Platt adds his experiences:
"Try booting up without a mouse or joystick plugged in. I have had
headaches with a joystick stuck on auto fire. It causes random charactars
to be generated. After years of unplugging and the stress on the mouse,
there could be a short in the mouse connector. The other problem that a
bad mouse or joystick will cause is for only half of the keyboard to
work."
Randall Bender asks:
"Does anyone have a copy of the last HD utilites that Supra offered to
the public? I need 21 MB floptical formatting capability."
Morely Dotes tells Randall:
"This was the last stuff on Supra's ftp server:
ftp://ftp.spambusters.ml.org/pub/ATARI/supra/"
Michael Grove adds:
"Believe it or not, if you go to the Supra site (I guess it is now
Diamond) and find the download area, the hd utils are there in the Atari
file area. I guess they thought they were comm files."
John McDermott asks:
"Does anyone know how to load TOS from a floppy disk? I have an Atari
520STM (external floppy and power supply) with a 2mb memory upgrade and
TOS 1.0 and I would like to see if there is any improvement loading a
later TOS. I have downloaded a few TOS images from the Little Green
Desktop site and would like to try some out. Any ideas anyone?"
Bill Platt tells John:
"There is a bit on the disk bootsector that you have to change, and then
TOS will auto matically load from the disk. My jazz drive crapped on my
and I can't get to the file that explains how to do it. Once I dig it
out, I'll send it to you. By the way: The TOS images are not legal
copies. You will probably get flamed for d-loading TOS images."
Nick Bales tells John:
"There is a program on Vezz's Hardware page that should do this.
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Way/8016/atari/sthard.htm"
"DRSACE" asks for info:
"I am just wondering if anyone knows if the Y2K bug will affect Atari's?
I am wondering because since the Macintosh uses a counter and NOT a
calendar for it's date, it won't be affected till 2043, but what does the
Atari use?"
Nick Bales replies:
"Most Ataris them don't even have a battery clock. The system will
happily go beyond 2000, but some old and badly written programs will
probably screw up the dates. This Y2K thing is really hyped up, probably
by people who have some interest in being hired to "solve the Y2K
problem". People seem to think that the world is going to come to an end.
Actually it will mainly interfere with large companies that still rely on
old IBM mainframe stuff. Your computer won't stop working because of
this. It might get some dates wrong, but, unless you do book keeping, I
doubt you have any date reliant software on your Atari."
Well folks, we'll end on that 'millennial' note. C'mon back next week and
bring a comfy pair of slippers and whatever else makes you comfortable.
'Till then, be sure to always listen to what they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
[abco2.GIF (21687 bytes)]
American Business Computer,
Inc.
PO Box 58094
Jacksonville, Florida 32241- 8094
904-292-9222
300+Mhz!! Riot!
$950.00 Ready to GO! - Y2K READY!
Nothing Else to Buy!!
1 - AMD K6-2 333Mhz 3D ext. CPU $1750.00
2 - INTEL PII 300Mhz CPU Celeron $1550.00
3 - AMD K6-2 300Mhz 3D ext. CPU $1350.00
4 - Cyrix P233 233Mhz MMX CPU $ 950.00
Note:
PII AGP 100Mhz PC100 BXcel 233-450 cpu for CPU #2
60 - 100Mhz MMX TOP GUN TX Pro 90-333
cpu for CPU #1&3
60 - 84Mhz MMX TOP GUN TX Pro 90-333 cpufor CPU #4
Featuring:
1mb Pipeline Cache (TXPro all models)
64MB DIMM FAST RAM
1.44 (3.5") Drive
6GB Hard Disk
4-HDD PCI EIDE HD Controller on board
EPP/ECP/Normal Hi-Speed Parallel Port
56kbd PCI V.90 Voice/Data/Fax Modem
Hi-Speed (16550) Serial Ports
S3 Hi Perf 3D 4Mb PCI SVGA Graphics Card
Microsoft Win95 compatible Keyboard
High Performance Ergonomic Serial Mouse
Multimedia Fast 36x CD-ROM Player/Reader
Plug & Play Stereo SB Sound Card
Network Ready (PCI NIC)
15" Digital NI Monitor - 28dpi
Amplified Stereo Speakers
250W Power Supply UL-CSA L6-TUV
Mid Size Tower Cabinet
Extras:
17" Digital NI Monitor- 28dpi $285.00
20" Digital NI Monitor- 28dpi $955.00
True Color Flatbed Color Scanner $115.00
HP DeskJet 692c Color Inkjet Printer$200.00
Want to Customize?? Call! 904-292-9222
Insurance, Shipping & Handling (North America)
Included on all prepaid orders
Business or Personal check - Money Orders - MasterCard
& Visa
Telephone: 904-292-9222 ** FAX: 904-268-2237
EDITORIAL QUICKIES
TOP TEN NEW INTEL SLOGANS FOR THE PENTIUM Pro
9.9999973251 It's a FLAW, Dammit, not a Bug
8.9999163362 It's Close Enough, We Say So
7.9999414610 Nearly 300 Correct Opcodes
6.9999831538 You Don't Need to Know What's Inside
5.9999835137 Redefining the PC--and Mathematics As Well
4.9999999021 We Fixed It, Really
3.9998245917 Division Considered Harmful
2.9991523619 Why Do You Think They Call It *Floating* Point?
1.9999103517 We're Looking for a Few Good Flaws
0.9999999998 The Errata Inside
Best experienced with
[ie_animated.gif (7090 bytes)]
Click here to start
STReport International Magazine
ICQ#:1170279
[S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport
http://www.streport.com
Every Week; OVER 850,000 Readers WORLDWIDE
All Items quoted, in whole or in part, are done so under the provisions of
The Fair Use Law of The Copyright Laws of the U.S.A. Views, Opinions and
Editorial Articles presented herein are not necessarily those of the
editors/staff of STReport International Magazine. Permission to reprint
articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Reprints must, without
exception, include the name of the publication, date, issue number and the
author's name. STR, CPU, STReport and/or portions therein may not be
edited, used, duplicated or transmitted in any way without prior written
permission. STR, CPU, STReport, at the time of publication, is believed
reasonably accurate. STR, CPU, STReport, Bits & Bytes, Casts & Blasts are
copyright and trademarks of STReport and STR Publishing Inc. STR, CPU,
STReport, its staff and contributors are not and cannot be held
responsible in any way for the use or misuse of information contained
herein or the results obtained therefrom.
STReport "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" October 23, 1998
Since 1987 Copyright)1998 All Rights Reserved Issue No. 1435
-----------------------------------------
Return to message index
