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Z*NET: ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE Copyright (c)1993, Syndicate Publishing
Volume 8, Number 10 Issue #494 March 21, 1993 File:93-10
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Publisher/Editor..........................................Ron Kovacs
Writer............................................Michael R. Burkley
GEnie Online Editor........................................Ed Krimen
CompuServe Online Editor............................Michael Mortilla
Contributing Writer.........................................Len Stys
Article Contribution......................................Nick Berry
Contributing Writer........................................Bob Smith
AtariNet Coordinator\Telecommunications...................Bill Scull
Contributing Editor...................................Dr. Paul Keith
Z*Net News International Gateway - New Zealand............Jon Clarke
Z*Net News Service\AtariUser Magazine-Publisher\Editor.....John Nagy
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GEnie..............Z-NET CompuServe....75300,1642 Delphi.........ZNET
Internet...status.gen.nz America Online..ZNET1991 AtariNet..51:1/13.0
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CONTENTS
|#| The Editors Desk...........................Ron Kovacs
|#| Z*Net Newswire.......................................
|#| Delphi Multi-Tos Online Conference Transcript........
|#| The Unabashed Atariophile.............Michael Burkley
|#| Flash II Update.........................Press Release
|#| Kidprgs From Brumleve....................Announcement
|#| AtariNet Update............................Bill Scull
|#| Spelling Sentry Update..................Press Release
|#| Quest For The Falcon.......................Nick Berry
|#| Perusing CompuServe.....................Mike Mortilla
|#| Z*Net Calender.............................Ron Kovacs
|#| Outline Art 3.0.........................Press Release
|#| Adventions..............................Press Release
|#| New Falcon Magazine Coming..............Press Release
|#| Closing Commentary.....................Dr. Paul Keith
###### THE EDITORS DESK
###### By Ron Kovacs
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
It is nice to be back especially after the horrible weekend and the
"Blizzard of '93."
This is an expanded edition containing the Unabashed Atariophile, a
short story submitted by Nick Berry, and numerous press releases.
I also want to pass along some strange feelings just experienced this
week. From time to time when putting together these weekly issues,
(when we are weekly), I go back over previous issues produced during or
close to the same date in previous years. Having not pursued this task
in the last few months, I found an issue from 1988 where I announced the
birth of my son Adam. Well, Adam just turned five a few weeks ago, and
it is hard to believe that I am still performing the same task.
Way back in 1986, I announced the birth of my daughter Jessica. Later
this year we will turn seven! Time really does fly when your having
fun!
While were on the subject of "old material", if you are interested in
any of the archived editions, you can still find them on GEnie in the
ST RT Library. We have also placed many back issues up on the Z*Net
BBS.
Lastly, at the end of this edition, there is a special guest editorial
from our Contributing Editor Dr. Paul Keith pertaining to his thoughts
on ABCO Computer.
###### Z*NET NEWSWIRE
###### Latest Industry News Update
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
FINAL BETA VERSION OF NT SHIPS
Microsoft has announced shipment of the second pre-release version of
the Microsoft Windows NT operating system to 70,000 customers and
software developers. The second beta contains significant improvements
in the areas of performance, application support, networking and
hardware compatibility, installation and ease of use. Windows NT is
aimed at providing the power, reliability and openness required for
client-server computing. Windows NT is also compatible with a large
number of peripheral devices, including 268 printers, 44 SCSI devices,
12 display adapters, 23 network adapters and more than 800 hardware
platforms.
PURPLE MOUNTAIN UPDATE
Purple Mountain Computers (PMC) has developed a recycling program for
computer books, magazines and software. Users can buy, sell and trade
their unwanted items for ones they do want. Trial testing of the
CompuCycle program has been a success. All computers are supported
including PC, Mac, Amiga, Atari ST and 8 bit, Apple, Commodore 64, CP/M,
and others. PMC publishes CompuNews which includes the list of
available recycled software. It also has current news and articles (the
next issue includes an interview with members of the Floptical
Technology Association). CompuNews is free to anyone who requests it.
Thousands of books are listed on disk to conserve paper; this disk
catalog is available for just $1. Software is listed in CompuNews which
is free. Users can make requests by contacting: Purple Mountain
Computers, Inc. (PMC), 15600 NE 8th St. Ste. A3-412, Bellevue, WA 98008
(206) 399-8700, GEnie E-mail: PMC.INC, CompuServe: 72567,302.
NEXT'S CO RESIGNS
NeXT has announced that Peter van Cuylenburg, president and chief
operating officer of the company since March 1992, is resigning and will
be departing at the end of April. Now that NeXT is becoming a software
company, NeXT and van Cuylenburg mutually agreed that the restructured
200-person company no longer requires both a CEO and president/COO.
ACCOLADE GETS $11 MILLION INVESTMENT
Accolade has received an $11 million investment from Prudential Equity
Investors. The investment is a combination of $4 million in common
stock and $7 million in convertible preferred stock. It represents the
first major venture capital investment in Accolade's eight-year history.
In 1993, a strong line-up of games, both for leading personal computers
and video game consoles, will include "Jack Nicklaus Power Challenge
Golf," "Brett Hull Hockey," "Pele' Soccer," "Mike Ditka Football," "Al
Michaels Announces HardBall" and Accolade's own "Bubsy Bobcat," which
has already been acclaimed as one of the year's best video games.
JUDGES RULES AGAINST FEDS
A federal judge has ruled that the Secret Service broke the law when it
seized computer records from an Austin publishing company. The ruling
by U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks was hailed as a ground breaking
decision by computer buffs and civil libertarians who have been watching
the case for the last three years. It was seen as a test case for
extending First Amendment protections to computer information. The
judge awarded more than $50,000 and attorneys fees to Steve Jackson
Games and $1,000 to other plaintiffs who sued because their private
electronic mail was seized and read by federal agents.
US ROBOTICS CUTS PRICES
U.S. Robotics has announced a dramatically reduced pricing schedule on
its Sportster fax and data modems. The company reduced list prices on
the entire product line; prices on high-speed Sportster models were
lowered 42 to 52 percent. The new pricing is effective immediately.
New Pricing Effective Immediately
Product New List Previous Percent
Name Price List Price Reduction
Sportster 14,400 Fax $299 $549 46
Sportster 14,400 Fax/PC $259 $499 48
Sportster 14,400 Mac&Fax $329 $599 45
Sportster 14,400 $259 $519 50
Sportster 14,400/PC $229 $475 52
Sportster 9600 Fax $249 $439 43
Sportster 9600 Fax/PC $239 $409 42
Sportster 9600 $229 $399 43
Sportster 9600/PC $219 $379 42
Sportster 2400 Fax $169 $249 32
Sportster 2400 Fax/PC $159 $229 31
Sportster 2400 Mac&Fax $199 $329 40
Sportster 2400 V.42 bis $149 $229 35
Sportster 2400 V.42 bis/PC $139 $199 30
Sportster 2400 $129 $199 35
Sportster 2400/PC $119 $179 34
For more information about US Robotic modems and Fax modems call:
1-800-DIAL-USR.
###### DELPHI - MTOS CONFERENCE
###### MARCH 9, 1993
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
This transcript is copyright 1993, DELPHI and DELPHI's Atari Advantage
SIG. Permission to reprint is granted, as long as the transcript is
left intact and unchanged. To try DELPHI for 5 hours free, use your
modem to call 1-800-365-4636. Press <RET> once or twice. At Password:
type IP26 and press <RET>. If you have questions about DELPHI, call
1-800-695-4005 and ask for member services.
Official Transcript - MTOS Formal Conference DELPHI's Atari Advantage
.Gordie> Welcome to DELPHI's Atari Advantage, and tonight's special
Formal Conference. The topic tonight is MultiTOS, and we have with us
some Atari staffers who can tell us everything we want to know about
MTOS. I'd like to welcome John Townsend back to DELPHI after an absence
of a couple years. And, I'd like to welcome Eric Smith to our friendly
little community for the first time. And, it's always nice to have Bob
Brodie with us.
For those of you who don't get out much, Eric is the author of MiNT, the
basis for MultiTOS. MiNT originally stood for MiNT is Not TOS, but has
evolved into MiNT is Now TOS. <G> John is a longtime TOS programmer,
and between the two of them, they know MTOS better than any other two
people. Maybe any other 5 people...
.Bob @ Atari> Once again, I'm delighted to be here on Delphi! It's been
quite a while since COMDEX when I last participated in a formal live CO
here! Our correspondent for Atari Explorer Online Magazine, Andreas
Barbiero has been instrumental in encouraging us to arrange tonight's CO
here on Delphi, along with Gordie Meyer of the Atari Advantage SIG.
Thanks to both of you for your efforts at making this evening possible!
Tonight, I'm pleased to welcome two of the engineers from our software
group, Eric Smith and John Townsend to join us online to discuss
MultiTOS. I know that you're all very anxious to hear as much as
possible about the capabilities of MultiTOS, and Eric and John are well
equipped to answer those questions about MultiTOS. As many of you may
know, Eric developed a program called MiNT (which stood for Mint is NOT
TOS). Originally, MiNT didn't multitask with GEM applications, but
rather gave users a multi-tasking environment to operate TOS
applications from. MiNT is now incorporated into MultiTOS, and has
changed dramatically since Eric first wrote it. Obviously, we were
impressed enough with his efforts to offer him a position within Atari!
Tonight, Eric is using the Ataritech account here on Delphi.
John Townsend has been with Atari over five years now, and has been an
important member of the software engineering group during the last 3
years of his tenure with us. John has also been one of our stalwart
online support people as well, and I know that he's excited to be here
with us tonight on Delphi!! John is using the AtariCorp account
tonight!
Before we begin with the MultiTOS portion of our CO, I'm sure that you
are all very interested in the status of the delivery schedule for the
Atari Falcon030 here in the US. We have had a small setback in the
manufacturing of the unit. One of our suppliers is running about 10
days behind in providing us with a couple of components that we need for
the US machines. This means that the machines will probably arrive in
late March to early April. We expect to be able to provide our dealers
with demo units this month, and quickly follow that up with a better
supply of units that can be sold to the public. All of the units that
we will have during the month of March will be configured with four megs
of ram, and sixty-five megabyte hard disks.
The reception that we've had for the machines has been nothing short of
sensational!! The phone has been ringing constantly, with many, many
people interested in signing up as Atari dealers. As you might expect,
a significant amount of interest is coming from the music field, as few
other computer systems can match the digital sound capabilities of the
Atari Falcon030 right out of the box!! We have enough orders in hand
that we expect to be sold out quickly.
This is the same type of reception that the Falcon030 has gotten in the
rest of the world, for instance in Germany, where it was literally sold
out in a matter of hours!!!
Much of our efforts here in Sunnyvale over the course of the last month
has revolved around finalizing plans for dealer agreements. It is our
hope that we'll be able to restore the value of an Atari dealership, and
help the dealers be able to be more profitable. We will be soon going
over the new arrangements with all of our current dealers, as we release
the pricing, and other sales related information to our current dealers.
This means that we will be speaking to every one of our existing
dealers, either directly ourselves or via one of our rep firms. Among
the very firm requirements that we will have is that the dealer must
have a storefront in order to sell the Atari Falcon030.
Now, we'd like to tell you a little bit about MultiTOS! After all,
that's the main thrust of our visit tonight here on Delphi is to discuss
MultiTOS with you!
MultiTOS provides your Atari computer with multitasking, the ability to
run more than one application at a time. Since your computer spends
much of its time waiting for user input, multitasking makes more
efficient use of processing power--when one application, say, your word
processor, is waiting for input, the rest of your computer's attention
is turned to other tasks.
MultiTOS includes several important features that make multitasking
reliable and efficient. Adaptive prioritization gives the most
processing power to the most important program running-- the word
processor you're typing into receives higher priority than the processor
-hungry compression program running simultaneously in the background.
Memory protection prevents one program from interfering with another
active program's data in memory. And if one program quits unexpectedly
or "crashes," MultiTOS protects other applications, which continue to
run; only in the most extreme circumstances will you need to restart
your computer.
MultiTOS runs existing, correctly-written TOS programs--as many as your
computer's memory allows. Some programs are already being upgraded to
take advantage of MultiTOS features, and more programs written
especially for MultiTOS are on their way, from Atari and third-party
companies.
MultiTOS can run as many programs simultaneously as will fit in memory;
GEM programs, Desk Accessories, and TOS programs can all peacefully
coexist under MultiTOS. You can move from one to the other, using
whichever you need. When one program is busy, you can set it aside and
work on something else until it's done. When you finish with a program
and exit it, the memory it occupied is freed for other tasks.
All running programs share the screen, each putting up its own windows;
with several programs running, windows may overlap or be hidden
altogether by one another. The application that receives input, like
keystrokes, from you is called the foreground or topped application, and
other programs running simultaneously are background, or untopped
applications.
Unlike TOS, MultiTOS allows you to operate any window's gadgets to move,
resize, or scroll the window, even if the window is not topped. When
you click within a window (but not on its gadgets), that window is
topped, and so is the application that owns it. The topped application
menu bar is displayed, unless it doesn't have a menu bar--in that case,
the menu bar is unchanged.
Running GEM programs under MultiTOS is straightforward: simply double-
click the program's icon. The MultiTOS Distribution Kit includes two
simple GEM programs, "Clock" and "Lines." Double-click on CLOCK.APP,
and an analog clock appears in a window, but the Desktop's icons and
menu bar are still visible. Double-click on LINES.APP, and a graphics
demonstration appears in a window. Resize the Lines window so that you
can see the clock and some of the Desktop. Both programs and the
Desktop are running simultaneously! From here, you can run still other
programs, or perform Desktop operations like file copies.
As with TOS, you can access your Desk Accessories from the "Desk" menu.
Unlike TOS, MultiTOS can load Desk Accessories as you need them. Double
-click on a ".ACC" file to run it, just as you would another GEM
application. You may want to keep only the essential Accessories loaded
at all times, and load others when needed. You can do this by putting
your ".ACC" files in a directory other than the root of drive C:\.
TOS programs present a special problem for multitasking, because they
usually assume they are the only programs running, and that they have
the whole screen to themselves. Since TOS programs don't know how to
share the screen, MultiTOS does it for them, by giving them their own
"screen," within a window. When you double-click a ".TOS" or ".TTP"
program, MultiTOS runs another program, "MINIWIN," which sets up a
window in which the TOS program runs. MINIWIN lets you select the size
of the window TOS programs are given, and the font they use. You can
change this information by choosing "Configure..." in the leftmost menu
when running a TOS program. Note: TOS programs assume they're using a
"monospaced" font, where all characters are the same width.
MINIWIN allows you to choose "proportionally spaced" fonts, where a "w"
is wider than an "i," for example. If you choose a proportionally
spaced font, the program may look strange, but is otherwise fine.
When several applications are running, the topped application presents
its menu bar and receives your keystrokes. The others are in the
background, where you can still move and resize their windows, but you
can't click on their menus or give them keyboard commands. MultiTOS
provides several ways to manage all the applications you may have
running, and to choose which of them is topped.
The leftmost menu in the menu bar is called the "Desk" menu, because
that's what it's called when the Desktop is topped. When another
MultiTOS-friendly application is run, and the application has its own
menu bar, the application's name replaces "Desk" in the menu bar--this
is one way to tell which program is topped. Some older applications
will not do this, but will otherwise work fine.
The Desk menu contains the names of all installed Desk Accessories and
below, the names of all applications currently running, with the topped
application indicated by a check mark. You can top another program by
clicking on its name in this menu; its windows (if it has any) spring to
the front, and its menu bar (if it has one) appears.
You can run as many programs as your available memory allows, but there
are reasons why you may not want to. Often, there is very little
difference in system performance with several programs running, since
many of these programs are just waiting for input. When programs are
actively processing, or reading and writing data on a disk, they consume
more of your Atari's processing power. You may be tempted to leave
things running in the background because it's so easy, but if they make
too many demands on the system, performance will suffer. It's best to
shut down any programs you're not planning to use, just as you would
exit them in TOS. This makes the most memory and "computing horsepower"
available for the programs you really need. Experiment, and see what
combinations of programs work well together.
Shut programs down with MultiTOS the same way you would with TOS: save
whatever you're working on, then select "Quit," click the "close" gadget
on a window, type "exit," or whatever. This gives the program a chance
to save and close any files it has open and exit cleanly, returning your
computer to its normal state. As always, it's best to save your work
and exit from all running applications before restarting or turning your
computer off.
Occasionally, a program may "hang" in a state where it is no longer
running correctly, but does not exit. When this happens, you can shut
the program down from the Desktop. Select "Install Devices" under the
"Options" menu, then open drive U:\, and then the "PROC" folder. This
folder contains "files" that represent all the programs currently
running under MultiTOS, along with parts of MultiTOS itself. To stop or
"kill" a program, simply drag it to the trash. Be very careful with
this technique. Kill only programs which have not responded otherwise,
or are otherwise behaving incorrectly. Be careful what you throw away,
because it is possible to shut down a part of MultiTOS itself, after
which it can be difficult to recover without restarting. If you aren't
sure what something is, don't kill it.
Although Atari has made every effort to accommodate even ill-behaved TOS
programs, you may occasionally encounter programs that are not
compatible with MultiTOS. These programs may "crash," (exit
unexpectedly) or "hang," (keep running without accepting input, refusing
to exit). Usually when this happens, MultiTOS continues unharmed, along
with any other programs running at the time of the crash. Sometimes, if
a program crashes in an especially spectacular way, it can interfere
with other parts of MultiTOS operation, or other programs. If you see
error messages on your screen, or if you notice peculiar behavior from
other programs, save your work and reboot your computer. Try to isolate
the problem to the particular program and action that caused the crash,
and report the problem to the program's authors or publisher.
When you encounter a program which doesn't run under MultiTOS under any
circumstances but you need to run nevertheless, you can temporarily
disable MultiTOS, and restart your computer with TOS. To do this, save
any work in progress, shut down any running applications, and restart
your computer. You can use the Reset button, or hold down <Control> and
<Alternate> and press <Delete>.
Immediately after restarting, hold down the left <Shift> key. You will
be asked, "Load MultiTOS? (y)es (n)o." Press the <n> key, and your
computer will start up without MultiTOS.
With the power of MultiTOS comes responsibility. Since some older
programs expect to be the only thing running, they may not guard against
some things which can happen "when their backs are turned." You can
avoid these problems by not using one program or the Desktop to
interfere with another active program. For example, don't move
configuration or open document files for your word processor while it's
running; the program may assume the files are in their original place,
and behave unpredictable. Similarly, be careful with programs that
manipulate disk data directly; don't run a hard disk defragmentation
program in the background and save a file to the same disk, or the
results could be unpleasant. As more MultiTOS-aware programs become
available, these problems will be minimized.
It was hoped that we would be able to simply upload MultiTOS to the
online networks, and "allow nature to take it's course." During the
course of that discussion, it was pointed out that we have an
arrangement that requires the payment of a royalty for each copy of GEM
that we sell, which makes the uploading of MultiTOS impossible to do.
Pricing on MultiTOS hasn't been set, but it would not be unreasonable
for you to expect it to be selling at a suggested list price of $75 US.
At this point, we're ready to take on all your questions about MultiTOS,
or any other Atari specific topic that you might want to ask about.
.Bill in ATL> Thanks Bob, I am indeed excited about the MultiTOS as
everyone else. And was curious as to whether the dealers would be the
first or would that be strictly a distributorship handling affair.
.Bob @ Atari> The first people that we will be dealing with is the
dealers. We are crafting a separate agreement with the distributors.
.Hudson> Will Multi_TOS work with all versions of TOS?
.Eric @ Atari> It should work, but we haven't tested it with TOS 1.0.
We strongly recommend that users upgrade if they're still using such an
old version of TOS.
.Joseph T.@ATA> Would you consider supporting the idea of, if necessary,
helping ensure that MultiTOS can work on an Atari emulator running on an
Amiga? I'm certain that if it was done, there would be plenty of
"Workbench's" ditched in favor of a better OS and more powerful
computer, I know this because the SysOp of a local Amiga BBS seems very
interested in the Falcon, particularly the DSP and the MultiTOS
operating system....<It's nice I CoSysop both a 486/33 and Amiga 2000
BBS, this gives me access to many potential new customers!!!!>
I love my ORPHAN, STill!!!! >>>
.Towns @ Atari> I don't think so ;-)
.Joseph T.@ATA> Why not?
.Bob @ Atari> I don't think so either,...
.Joseph T.@ATA> Think of it, stick 'em with something they can't touch
unless they get the real thing!!!!
.Towns @ Atari> Why should we bother supporting Hardware that we don't
sell?
.Joseph T.@ATA> And, couldn't you sell MultiTOS in a way that it'd be
an upgrade of GEM, and perhaps bypass royalties?
.Towns @ Atari> Royalties isn't the issue. It's licensing. Atari can't
just give away other people's property on an online service.
.Gordie> What are the minimum requirements to run MTOS, and what's the
maximum number of programs that can be run?
.Eric @ Atari> MultiTOS will run on any ST, STE, TT, or Falcon. We
suggest that users have at least 2 megabytes of memory and a hard disk,
but it will run on a 1 megabyte system with a floppy disk. You can run
as many programs as memory will hold.
.Nick> I understand that MultiTOS is disk-based. How much space will it
occupy on a hard drive (approximately)?
.Eric @ Atari> It takes up about 800K or so. (Actually a bit less; it
will fit on a double sided floppy.)
.Nick> Does MultiTOS work equally well with programs whose flag bits are
set to load and/or allocate from ST RAM (on a TT), as with those set to
use TT RAM?
.Eric @ Atari> Yes.
.Hudson> Since software sells hardware, maybe you can give a little
insight on the players (Microsoft, NeXT) that you've rounded up to
produce some high profile software for the Falcon and other Atari
Computers.
.Bob @ Atari> We presently don't have anything in the queue with
Microsoft, or NeXT. We do have some other very interesting discussions
underway with other developers, especially on the game side of things.
However, since those products are still in development, it wouldn't be
prudent to mention those names at this time.
.Gordie> Can you comment on rumors about video manipulation software
(Toaster-type) from anyone?
.Bob @ Atari> Are you referring to the post from the German non devs in
Germany that was on Usenet a couple of weeks ago?
.Gordie> I was thinking about someone a little closer to home, actually.
Lexicor?
.Bob @ Atari> Ah, gotcha! Lexicor has a number of very interesting
products in line for the Falcon030. For example, Phoenix Render...which
looks very fast, and is very, very fast! I've heard that Lee Seilor has
plans for a product (working title of Toaster Roaster) which should blow
the doors off of the Video Toaster.
.Gordie> LOL! I asked because that kind of thing would fit in perfectly
with the concept of Personal Integrated Media that Atari has developed.
(Which, by the way, is a big enough subject for a whole other CO...)
.Bob @ Atari> Which we'll be happy to do at another time with Lexicor.
.Paul> What type of manual will accompany MultiTOS? Will it be just a
user's guide, or will it have some meat in it? I.E. technical/
programming info?
.Eric @ Atari> The guide that comes with MultiTOS is for users (it's
similar to the manuals that come with other Atari products). We will
have extensive documentation for developers.
.Bill in ATL> Bob, What type of support can the new user to the Atari
platform reasonably expect Atari Support via an 800 number?
.Bob @ Atari> Bill, I think I have the gist of your question now. We
have had discussions about adding an 800 number for customer support.
At this point, the dealer is still going to need to be the forefront of
the support effort, and as business improves, we'll be able to add
additional support mechanisms, like 800 numbers.
.Gordie> That seems to fit in with the requirement that dealers have a
storefront.
.Bob @ Atari> Exactly, Gordie. We're very set on that requirement, too.
CMILLAR> You mentioned that the expansion bus is a "Direct Parallel
Processor" slot. Does this mean that a 486 emulation card would allow
DOS and TOS apps to be run concurrently?
.Bob @ Atari> To be honest, Chris, I don't see anything to prevent it.
But I have only seen it demo'ed with one or the other running. You sure
started a discussion here in the office with that one. <grin> I have
seen the PC Card, as did Gordie, at COMDEX.
.Towns @ Atari> The slot wouldn't prevent such a thing, but the emulator
software would have to support it. That's up to Compo.
AMWILLIAMS> Can programs needing to be run in different resolutions be
run at the same time?
.Towns @ Atari> Sorry.. When you are running programs under MultiTOS,
they must all be running in the same resolution. Does that answer your
question?
AMWILLIAMS> yes
.Towns @ Atari> Atari encourages its developers to make their
applications work in any resolution ;-)
.Gordie> Run in, or be launched from?
.Towns @ Atari> same thing, Gordie.
BONDSERVANT> Will larger IDE drives w/software be available from Atari
or Dealers later?
.Bob @ Atari> Hi Richard, there will be larger drives available from
Atari, as well as many other PC vendors that sell standard IDE 2.5"
mechanisms. We're planning on getting 80, 120, 200 meg units and they
will come with Speedo GDOS, and MultiTOS on each of the drives that we
will be selling here at Atari, to add an incentive to purchase the drive
from us.
.Gordie> If the hypothetical 2 piece cased Falcon were to come out,
would it still be restricted to a 2.5" drive? Hypothetically?
.Bob @ Atari> Gordie, sorry...we can't comment on non-existent product.
.**JJ**> In light of the recent second shipment of falcons to Germany
that is bouncing around the Internet, what kind of numbers can we expect
to see on the first shipment to the US?
.Towns @ Atari> Shipments of Falcon's bouncing around the Internet?
Wow! ;-)
.Bob @ Atari> Hi JJ, first of all, I doubt that the Falcons are on the
Internet although the idea of it is really interesting...<grin>
.Bob @ Atari> Second, we're not confirming or denying how many shipments
we have made to any of the countries that we do business with. Our
initial shipment for Falcons in North America will be for dealer units
and perhaps some review units, or perhaps even some support people
(Hello, Gordie!). After that, there will be a good supply of units
going out for sale. Overall, we're really pleased with the amount of
demand that we are getting for the product, and very pleased that there
is good press as well.
.Hudson> What is Atari planning planning for advertisement (Print as
well as TV, etc.) to help hype the US debut (selling debut at least:))?
.Eric @ Atari> Just a sec...
.Bob @ Atari> OK, I ran out to check with Garry Tramiel our GM for the
US to make sure that I had everything down right for this answer, and
apologize for the delay in responding. At this point, as we have
started re-signing our dealers, we are making arrangements er...that
should be provisions for advertising plans by our dealers via a market
development fund. Then, as production continues to ramp up, and we can
supply the demand that we will create with the advertisements, we will
be doing print ads on a national basis. I don't foresee TV at this point
it's a truly extraordinary expense. Although via the market development
fund program, we'd be pleased to do things like local cable TV ads,
which can be done in some areas of the country for a very, very
reasonable amount of money.
.Joseph T.@ATA> You mention that tasks should be turned off if unused,
is there a feature that allows you to "turn off" a program, yet it still
be ready and waiting to resume, sort of like a pause mode?
.Eric @ Atari> Joseph: You can just "ignore" a program. Every program
has its windows on the same screen, so you can very easily switch
between programs. They're all ready and available all the time. If the
program isn't doing anything, it won't take up any processor time. Does
that answer your question?
.Joseph T.@ATA> I think so, but can MTOS pause or shut it down and leave
it intact while doing nothing, with MTOS in control?
.Eric @ Atari> The MultiTOS desktop is always available, so in some
sense MTOS is always "in control". The Desk menu has a list of all
accessories and applications, and you can switch to a different
application by selecting it from the menu (or by clicking on one of its
windows).
.Andreas@AEO> Eric, I was wondering if you could expound on the need for
an 030 to run MTOS and the less-than-stellar results that can happen
from running MTOS on a 68000.
.Eric @ Atari> On a 68000 based machine (like an ST or STE) there will
be no memory protection (since the 68000 doesn't provide this feature).
On a 68030 (a Falcon or TT) programs can be protected from one another.
.Andreas@AEO> Just so no-one has any doubts or misunderstandings.
.Eric @ Atari> That generally means that badly behaved applications will
crash only themselves on a 68030 machines, whereas on a 68000 they can
cause trouble for other applications that are running at the same time
(or even crash the system). Plus, if you have several applications
running at the same time, the extra speed of the 68030 will really help.
.Andreas@AEO> On my Mega STE, programs would run nicely together several
times in a row, and then when a spurious bit of data would be
encountered blammo! It was STILL a REALLY nice experience to have
several programs ALIVE at once, and have those Atari Falcon030 icons
around. I know all the hackers out there will be happy to run it on
their venerable STs!!!
.Eric @ Atari> ATARIPOWER7: There is no "pause" feature such as you
describe built into the desktop, but the OS could support this if a 3rd
party supplied it.
AMWILLIAMS> I hear that its better to run MultiTOS on a 68030 rather
than a 68000. If this is true do you know of any problems with using
MultiTOS with the SST board ( P.S. I love my Mega ST ).
.Eric @ Atari> MultiTOS should work fine on 68030 boards. I don't know
about the SST specifically, but I'm sure it would be OK. (I know that
some of our developers were running MultiTOS on 68030 equipped ST's.)
.Bob @ Atari> We're really excited about the amount of interest that has
been exhibited by our user groups for the show schedule this coming
summer. KCAC is planning on having a terrific show, as our many other
groups throughout the US. At this point, because our plans for CES are
unclear, it's difficult to project what our exact participation will be
at ALL the shows upcoming this summer. In particular, June looks to be
a VERY busy month, with events in Indy, Asheville, and Kansas City.
From time to time, I do like to spend a weekend at home (and my family
still likes it, too), so we'll see what happens. I certainly want to
take this opportunity to encourage everyone to get out to as many of
these events as they possibly can...in particular the KC Show, as it is
their very first effort at a show. I wish you every success!
.Bill in ATL> Bob, as director of Communications would it be impractical
to ask for a more frequent presence here on DELPHI even though The "G"
is the Official Atari Online service?
.Bob @ Atari> Actually, it's not unreasonable to ask, but at this point
I cannot commit to it. With the work load of the dealer agreements and
dealing with the press, I actually haven't been posting on any of the
online services very much at all. Part of the reason that we have
obtained the extra accounts for use on Delphi is to have another group
of people that we can send online to provide you with the support that
you deserve. We certainly enjoy being on Delphi...but you are also
correct when you note that GEnie is our number one online service. I
expect our arrangement with GEnie to remain a VERY long term one, but
will make every effort to be on Delphi as much as time permits. At this
point, the ATARIMUSIC account has been assigned to one of the Music
staff, and Mike Fulton from Developer support will be using the
AtariTech account here. So, we are TRYING...but one of the more
precious commodities that we have here at Atari right now is PEOPLE, and
TIME. We must be certain that we use both of them as wisely as
possible.
WIMP> What do you see as the demographics of the Falcon market? And
what platforms do you see as competition for the Falcon?
.Eric @ Atari> There really is no competition <grin>
.Bob @ Atari> The intent of the Falcon is to finally penetrate the home
market with a machine that brings the promise of multimedia to the home
user, and provides them FINALLY with a reason for them to purchase a
computer. Many thousands of people (unlike you and I) still fail to
find a compelling reason to purchase a computer. We believe that the
Falcon030 will give those people a new reason to consider purchasing a
computer. In addition, there are some compelling professional
applications that will make people that have specific professional needs
(like MUSIC) that will place the Atari Computer line in the limelight of
the computing world.
WIMP> so you think the Falcon can compete with the Mac and PC clones on
their turf?
.Bob @ Atari> Re Competition...the part of me that is the company man
says there is no competition...we have the superior product! On the
other hand, the realist in me says that the competition is the PC Clones
and they are not doing anything that is in any form technically
innovation in their hardware. All of the innovation is coming in
software. This is where we have an advantage...we have innovative
hardware, and compelling software applications as well!
BONDSERVANT> any news on prices on the various Falcons considering the
market changes since fall?
.Bob @ Atari> The MSRP for the Falcon is unchanged since fall, with the
exception of the additional pricing for two models: The Atari Falcon030
with four megs of ram, and no hard disk will retail for $999, and the 14
meg with 65 meg hard disk will retail for $1899. We have also expanded
the accessory line to include things like SCSI-II cables, hard disk
drives, and added a composite video adapter for people (like G44!) to
use with their monitors.
.Glenn> I read an article about how you can plug a guitar in and use it
as a de facto multi effects machine, and record direct to disk and
master to DAT. What kind of software is complete for this type of
application and what is planned?
For comparison, the SGX-2000, the top of the line guitar processor, is
nearly as much as what the Falcon costs, and it is not a full fledged
computer. By touting the Falcon's ability to be a "studio in the box"
it would certainly get people to buy, me included, since as long as the
applications are there, conforming to some MS-DOS or MAC standard (a
business concern) is not important.
.Bob @ Atari> Glenn, thank you for your question! You're referring I
believe to the article in BYTE Magazine, where Tom Halfhill of BYTE
described plugging his electric guitar directly into the Atari Falcon030
and using Musicomm, from COMPO Software to do all of the special effects
that he did. BTW, Musicomm's list price is just $69! In addition to
Musicomm, you can probably do similar effects with things like the Audio
Fun Machine, which is one of the eight software titles that we bundle
together with the Atari Falcon030.
.Glenn> Is the Falcon capable of multitrack recording without an
interface? What is needed?
.Bob @ Atari> Yes, it can record two tracks out of the box. For more
than two tracks, you need an external box connected to the DSP port,
like the product that Singular Solutions is offering. The Atari
Falcon030 ships with a product called FalconD2D that will allow you to
do direct to disk hard disk recording. With the addition of the
external boxes, you can do up to eight tracks at the present, although
technically it is possible to do 16 tracks. One of the limitations on
the number of tracks is the speed of the hard disk (actually, the access
time of the HD). As the HDs get faster, it will be easier for our
developers to create more tracks to be recorded at once.
.Gordie> Okay, we've been going for almost 2 1/2 hours. Time to wrap it
up. I'd like to thank John, Eric and Bob for their time tonight. I
learned a few things, I know, and I hope they enjoyed themselves as much
as I did. Closing comments, guys?
.Bob @ Atari> We're very excited to have been here with all of you here
tonight and look forward to the opportunity to come back again in a few
months to discuss things with you. I hope to be online more often, and
if there is anything that you wanted to ask tonight and didn't have a
chance to, please send EMAIL to me. Eric is just using the AtariTech
account for the night...and I will be happy to forward any of your
questions on to him for his review. Thanks again for coming....and
good night!
.Towns @ Atari> Good Night everyone!
.Eric @ Atari> Thanks for having us here!
Some minor editing of the transcript was done to facilitate readability,
and correct minor spelling and grammar errors. Portions were omitted to
enhance readability, and to cover up any glitches DELPHI was having.
<g> -- Gordie Meyer <BIBLINSKI>
###### THE UNABASHED ATARIOPHILE
###### By Michael R. Burkley
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
The wind is howling as I write these words. The snow covers the window
screens and the snow drifts are threatening to cover my car. I spent
just a few minutes outside today "playing" with my kids, and I came back
inside watery-eyed and snowy bearded, looking like an under dressed
arctic explorer. It was cold! It was snowy. The wind was blowing at
40 mph! Isn't Spring supposed to begin in just a few days?
And yet...here I am, sitting in front of my STE, warm and comfortable,
with a full stomach after a delicious meal of Nubby burgers (one
hamburger, one toasted roll with mayo, one fried egg, cheese, and
lettuce--yumm!). I don't have anywhere to go, because I can't go
anywhere. It's a very comfortable situation. Really, all I need to do
now is finish this article so I can go and spend time being with my
family.
May God bless you all. Listen to each other; care for each other, and
be family to each other. Don't follow the example of so many who hate,
and kill, and ignore each other. You know who they are. Live instead.
Now on to the greatest PD and SHAREWARE software available for any
computer!
3D2POV is the 3D2 to POV v.1.0 Converter by Bill Devonshire (dated March
------ 4, 1993). POV is an excellent RayTracer whose C source code can
be found on line (but not the compiled program as of yet--you need to do
that yourself). It can output 24 bit Targa pictures (viewable with
PhotoChrome). POV is "programmed" via ascii text files that describe
objects and light sources, creating intricate, realistic 3 dimensional
scenes, complete with shadows, reflections, textures and anti-aliasing
(standard RT functions), from mathematical object modelling. 3D2 to POV
program inputs a *.3D2 object (from Cad 3D) and spits out an ascii text
file describing the object in the POV format. Of course, you can
specify all sorts of parameters in the conversion. ST--TT compatible.
Color only? Docs included.
4GEM_SND is another set of sounds in .SMP format for all of you Gem
-------- Sound fans out there. Adapted to the .SMP format by R.
Stutzman, these sound files are just waiting to be used! They are:
VIDEOGAM; PLANCRSH; PHONE; OPENDOOR; JETOVER; DORCLOSE; CLOSDOOR;
CHIMES; CARSTART; CARHORN, and BEEPBEEP.
AEO_0205 is the March 6, 1993 issue of Atari Explorer Online. Atari
-------- Works' WordProcessor - Andreas dives in!; Modem Madness, or
just what do Bell and "vee dot" standards mean?; Bob Brodie and Eric
Smith' GEnie RTC; Atari's Falcon030 & MultiTOS plans; Caesar reviewed;
UNIX and the Internet: Part 4; Ron's Random Ramblins--Falcon Shareware;
New upgrades to great programs!, and Snapshot Specials: 3 Atari Works
WordProcessor shots (.PI3).
ARTIS3 is the ARTIS 3 Demo. ARTIS 3 is a modular drawing program. As
------ with many German programs it is icon based. I like that because
it keeps everything right in front, before you. This program, which runs
in all rez and on any ST to the Falcon, allows you to access almost any
drawing tool you can imagine. Load pictures of any rez into any rez and
the program automatically converts them. It supports FSMGDOS, Signum!
and the system font for inserting text into your pictures. Save is
disabled in this version. Docs and program are in German, but Dorothy
Brumleve has provided a simple English guide to the program (thanks
Dorothy!). Requires at least one meg of RAM. Ordering info included.
ASA_9302 is the February, 1993 issue of the Electronic Journal of the
-------- Astronomical Society of the Atlantic. The main thrust of this
issue is an excellent article by Larry Klaeson on the exploration of
Venus by both the US and former Soviet Union's deep space probes. Well
done.
CARTMAST is a series of programs for CartMaster owners (the hardware
-------- device that allows multiple cartridges to be connected to the
cartridge port at one time). These programs will allow ports to be
switched without any user input. Docs included.
CB is CB Ver 3.1, the C/C++ Beautifier and Source Code Formatter by Drew
-- Wells (dated Oct. 13, 1992). CB tries to change your source file as
little as possible while still imposing a standard format on it (and the
standard is not someone else's standard, but one you design!). It will
correct all the indenting and add some line-feeds here and there to
pretty things up. CB also works with POV-Ray scene files. Docs and C
source code included.
CCOLORD is the Cyber Color v.1.0 Demo by John C. Stanford. This program
------- is a save disabled demonstration version of Lexicor's Cyber
Color object coloring utility Cyber Color is a three dimensional object
coloring tool for editing your 3D2 format objects which then may be used
with Phoenix Object Renderer, Chronos Keyframe Animator, or CAD-3D 2.0.
Cyber Color allows you to change the color of any face in your object
using a simple point and click interface. Objects will be displayed
using their actual colors on compatible color systems. Individual faces
may also be subdivided for adding finer detail. Though unrelated to the
actual coloring of the object, Cyber Color also has the capability of
flipping the direction of a face to repair any "holes" which may have
occurred during the modeling process. ST--Falcon compatible. At least
one meg of RAM needed. Color or mono. Docs included.
CNF_3 is the text summary of the Third International Conference on Cold
----- Fusion written by Peter L. Hagelstein of MIT. This summary was
presented on Jan. 16, 1993 and refers to the conference held in Nagoya,
Japan between October 21 and 25, 1992. I remember when the first Cold
Fusion results were heralded, and then debunked by most of the
"established" scientific field. This paper presents reproducible
evidence (or so it is stated) for all sorts of "cold fusion" effects. I
found it very interesting. I wish there would be more research in the
field. Oh well, it will all be found out in time!
DBF_INFO is DBF_INFO v.1.0 by Albert Dayesa (dated Feb. 11, 1993). The
-------------------- program DBF_INFO.TOS is a designed to display all
the fields in a dBASE III data file. The main reason for writing this
program is to view the structure of HyperLink database files which are
dBASE III compatible. It also contains two utilities that provide dBASE
data file creation, load ascii data in, unload dBASE data to ascii and
finally the removal of all records in any given database. ST--TT
compatible in all resolutions. Docs included.
DRAC_TIL is a .TIL file for use with Mahjong 3.0 from Cali-Co software.
-------- Just place this in the TILE folder and play away. It is for
all of you who liked playing DRACHEN. I haven't checked to see if this
will run under their demo.
D_SOUND by Vince Valenti is a GFA Basic program (.GFA, .EXE AND .SPL
------- files) that allow you to program your GFA programs to play
digitized sounds in an interrupt. ST--TT compatible (though some
problems with the TT). Docs included.
FAL_BOOT is FALCON BOOT, a FALCON freebie from Mike of SINISTER
-------- DEVELOPMENTS. The program on the disk installs a boot sector
onto the disk in drive A that, when re-booted, gives you the following
options: 1 - Toggle the 68030's cache, 2 - Toggle the Falcons internal
speaker, 3 - Autoboot a boot disk - must be present in drive! 4 - Quit
and bypass hard drive, 5 - Quit and continue as normal. If you don't
have a Falcon, don't bother with this file, because it won't work on
anything other than a Falcon.
FANTASY1 is a fantasy scenario for the Strategem. The author has added
-------- a new "weapon" to this scenario, and created the map with the
FRACLAND fractal landscape generator. Requires Strategem to be of any
use.
FINDER20 is Finder v.2.0 Text File Locator by Bill Aycock (dated Oct. 1,
-------- 1992). Finder is a simple GEM based utility that can help you
locate a file that contains a particular combination of words or
phrases. You can specify up to three phrases to look for, and Finder
will search all the files in a folder, including subfolders if you wish,
looking for one which contains any or all of the phrases. You can limit
the search according to file size or date stamps, and if you wish you
can create a report file on disk that shows the results of your search.
Finder runs as a program or desk accessory on any ST or TT in any
resolution, and uses under 55K of memory (including a 16K file buffer).
Mouse and/or keyboard controlled. Docs included. SHAREWARE.
FRG_DC by Bill Devonshire (dated Feb., 1993). This .TTP program allows
------ you to input coordinates of a 3D object and then let FRG perturb
the vertices creating a fractal .3D2 output file. Example files are
included. Works on all ST/TT computers in any resolution.
FULLYEAR is a Calamus SL file by D. McAndrew that allows you to print
-------- out a full-year calendar (1993) that fits on a single sheet of
paper. Use it with fliers and announcements to pinpoint your even. Six
months are printed vertically on one side of the paper, a large blank
space is left in the middle for your imported information, and the
remaining six months are printed on the opposite (still facing) side.
GFASCRL2 by Vince Valenti is a GFA .LST file (commented) that shows you
-------- how to scroll through a picture file. The graphics have been
modified from the game (and an excellent game at that!) Cops and Robbers
Too by Kevin Scott. This program requires a joystick in Port 1.
GFA_4_PD is a new and tasty tidbit from GFA Germany (dated Dec. 12,
-------- 1992) for all of you GFA Basic fans. They have released the
editor for their soon-to-be-released GFA Basic 4.0 into the public
domain. It is fully windowed, MultiTOS compatible, and uses icons for
its functions, in addition to the drop down menus. Up to 256 editing
windows can be open at once, and each one has its own drop down menu!
Only ASCII source code is supported at this time. It can even use non-
proportional GDOS fonts! The program and docs are in German, but an
English translation should be found wherever you find this file (like
on GEnie--hint). ST--MultiTOS/MiNT compatible in all resolutions.
KILL201 is Maxi*Kill v.2.01 by Erik Williams (dated March 10, 1993).
------- Maxi*Kill is mainly for those BBS sysops who want to fine-tune
their control over how they delete files automatically. But even if
you're not a SysOp, you will still find Maxi*Kill if you have files that
you regularly delete. ST-TT compatible. Color or mono. Extensive docs
included.
LIGHTOFF by Lars Rohrbach (dated March 8, 1993) is a small program that
-------- solves the problems of the floppy drive light A remaining on
after you boot up with your hard disk. This doesn't happen to everyone,
but if it happens to you, and it bugs you, then this AUTO folder program
is for you. Docs included.
LUSCHER is the Luscher Color Test developed a number of years ago by Dr.
------- Max Luscher of Switzerland and (recently) programmed by Alan
Denison. Here's the idea behind it (of which I am a bit sceptical, but
seems OK as long as you don't swallow it whole, hook, line, and sinker):
This text purports to detect personality traits based on prejudices and
preferences of very specific colors. Unfortunately, those colors aren't
the same as the ST low rez palette, which throws the test results for a
loop! The author points that out, and as well cautions that this is
really designed to be coupled with professional observations. But it's
still fun. Make sure to take the results with a grain of salt (unless,
of course, that the program tells you that you are absolutely the best
thing that has ever shown up on this planet (well, that is, for at least
2000 years!). Color only. GEM based. Docs included.
MCGUN is Machine Gun by Harlan Hugh. It is an .ACC that has been around
----- for awhile now, but has recently been uploaded again. It's
designed for use just after you have really ruined something. Use this
.ACC, it's cheaper than getting a new ST. Color or mono.
MIDIKEY2 is the Midi Keyboard Desk Accessory v.2.0 by David Schwinn
-------- (dated March 10, 1993). This .ACC allows you to play your MIDI
sound modules while running any program (that allows access to .ACCs).
It allows you to select any Midi channel, note number, and key velocity.
The playing area is "velocity sensitive" depending on where you click
your mouse. A MIDI instrument is required. I'm a bit puzzled by this
in that it seems that you ought to be able to load and play MIDI sound
modules, but the .ACC seems geared towards playing your own music by
clicking on the displayed piano keyboard. Color or mono. ST--TT
compatible. Docs included.
MTRLACPU by Ken Baum is a technical comparison between Atari's new
-------- Falcon 030, Commodore's new Amiga 1200 and Apple's new
Performa 400. Do you want to see how the Falcon measures up? Read
this!
OL3_DEMO is the full-featured demo of Outline Art 3 from ISD (the
-------- Calamus people). Dated Feb. 24, 1993, this demo of this superb
vector graphics package allows you to create high quality vector drawing
that you can then save in Outline Art format (.OL), Calamus Vector
Graphics (.CVG), Encapsulated PostScript (.EPS) This version works in ST
mono, TT med. and high and supports external video boards. This demo
requires at least 4 meg of RAM. Save and export are disabled, and the
online context sensitive help has been left out, but the remaining parts
of the program are fully accessible. I have the old version of Outline
Art and love it, but this looks so much better!
P12 is P - The Source Code Printer v. 1.2 by Andrew P. Studer of
--- Pandamonium Software (dated March 6, 1993). P allows you to print
text files in ASCII format to your printer, screen, or RS-232 device.
You can specify printing with line numbers, page header, left margin,
tab size, etc.. You can run P with or without a command line, or if you
have Neodesk or TOS 2.06 (or above) you can just drop your text file
into P's icon and print away. Docs included. ST--TT compatible. Color
or mono.
PASCALII is JB's Pascal Shell v.2.0 by John Buchanan. It is a freeware
-------- replacement shell for use with Personal Pascal. If you use
P.P. this program looks like it might be useful to you. Docs included.
PICSW101 is PicSwitch v.1.0.1 the Graphics File Viewer/Printer by John
-------- Brochu. Do you remember PicSwitch v.0.7? This is the long-
awaited update. Now GEM based (with enhancements!). While PicSwitch
v.0.7 was a conversion utility that allowed you to freely convert
between a large variety of picture formats this new version is primarily
a very FAST display and print utility, though it does allow you to
convert your various picture formats to .IMG for importation into your
DTP programs. Many new picture formats have been added, as well as a
new 'Adjustments' control panel, windowed displays, and much-enhanced
printing support for Epson 9-pin, 24-pin and HP LaserJet compatibles
(tiling available with the HP's). There are many types of dithering,
for best output on monochrome displays, fully adjustable brightness,
contrast, and scaling, and color optimization for excellent color
rendition in any of the ST video modes. TT and Crazy dots video card
support as well. It displays the following picture formats, and does it
fast and well! Neochrome [NEO]; Degas [PI1-3]; Degas Elite [PC1-3]; Tiny
[TNY, TN1-3]; Art Director [ART]; Spectrum 512 [SPC, SPU]; Prism Paint
[PNT]; GEM IMG [IMG]; Atari Image Manager [IM]; Compuserve GIF [GIF];
Compuserve RLE [RLE]; PC Paintbrush (Monochrome, 16-color, 256-color)
[PCX]; Amiga IFF (1-5 planes HAM) [IFF]; MacPaint [MAC]; Mac Startup
Screen [MAS]; Atari Portfolio Graphics File [PGF, PGC]; Atari 8-bit
Koala [KOA]; Atari 8-bit MicroPainter; [MPT] Atari 8-bit Graphics 8
[GR8], and Atari 8-bit Graphics 9 [GR9]!! Yikes! What a list! It does
more as well. It allows you to access your .ACCs, tells you the
statistics about your picture files, and much, much more. Docs are
included. Color or mono. I recommend this program. SHAREWARE.
PTPLAY12 is the PT-PLAYER v.1.02, a Protracker Mod player by Petri
-------- Kuittinen and Martin Griffiths (dated Feb. 24, 1993). This
program will play Noise- and Protracker .MOD files using your ST's
Yamaha-2149 sound chip. The sound output is very good, being 17.1 Khz
mono PCM sound with 11 bits linear dynamics. This program works on all
resolutions and on all screen refresh rates. ST/STE/TT (with TT you must
turn off cache) compatible (even with 512K RAM, though you won't be able
to play very large .MODs). It hopefully works on Atari Falcon (but not
tested). Mouse and keyboard controlled. Docs included.
PUNKMAN1 is PunkMan v.1.2D by Robert Quezada (March 10, 1993). This
-------- PacMan clone allows you to create your own boards (up to 50),
save your high-scores, and play (though I have to say PunkMan is quite
slow, and the ghosts go faster that he does!). This game was programmed
in STOS and is compatible with any ST--TT! Color only. Docs included.
PYRAMID is a welcome screen and a stereo digitized sound sample for use
------- with Super Boot. The picture is of a glowing, cycling rainbow
colored pyramid, sphere, and cylinder floating over a grid. The sound
sample is of Pink Floyd's "Welcome To The Machine." STE, TT, or Falcon
(DMA) required to play the sound.
TJSBPIC1 is a SuperBoot startup digitized sound/picture combo compiled
-------- by T.J. Girsch. This file shows you Bugs Bunny eating a carrot
and saying "What's Up Doc?" Color.
TJSBPIC3 contains two SuperBoot startup digitized sound/picture combos
-------- compiled by T.J. Girsch. This file shows you: Duck Dodgers
(Daffy Duck) saying: "I claim this planet in the name of the Earth!",
and Duck Dodgers yelling: "Duck Dodgers in the 24th and a halfth
cennnnturyyyy!" Color.
TJSBPIC4 is a SuperBoot startup digitized sound/picture combo compiled
-------- by T.J. Girsch. You might have to play with the sample speed
on an 8-MHz ST/e to get this to sound right. This file shows you Marvin
Martian, saying "I claim this planet in the name of Mars....ooooh...
isn't that lovely?!?" Color.
WHATIS65 is the WHATIS File Identifier v6.5
by Bill Aycock (dated Nov.
-------- 12, 1992). WHATIS is a simple program that will identify over
125 different types of files (why bother listing them--if you have them,
this program will likely identify them!). It is mouse-driven and is
easy to use; everything is done from a single dialog box. Why use
Whatis? Let's say you're on your local BBS, and download a file called
SIMPSON.ARC. You fire up your favorite Arc Shell to get the file, and
it says "I don't know how to handle this file!". Whip out Whatis and
take a look, and you find out the file is really an LHarc archive - the
uploader used the wrong extender! Just rename the file and you're all
set. Another, darker scenario...a virus sneaks into your system and
erases your hard drive's directory. Fortunately, you have a program
that can recover your files - unfortunately, it names all the files
FILE0001, FILE0002, and so on! Spend a little time with Whatis, and you
may not figure out each file's original name, but at least you'll know
which are programs, which are .PI1s, which are Calamus docs... a real
help if you need it. It runs as either a .PRG or .ACC (just rename it)
and will work with any ST, STe, or TT. Do you wonder what in the world
that .??? file is? This program can tell you! Color or mono. Docs
included.
It's time to send this off and then spend some winter-time warmth with
my family!
All of these files can be found on one or more of the following on-line
services: GEnie (M.BURKLEY1), Delphi (MRBURKLEY), The Codehead BBS
(213-461-2095), Toad Hall (617-567-8642), and The Boston Computer
Society's Atari BBS (617-396-4607) (Michael R. Burkley). Drop me a
line!
Michael lives in Niagara Falls, NY. He is a former Polyurethane
Research Chemist and is presently the pastor of the Niagara Presbyterian
Church.
###### FLASH II UPDATE
###### Press Release
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
Now shipping version 2.1!
FROM:
MISSIONWARE SOFTWARE
354 N. Winston Drive
Palatine, Illinois 60067-4132
phone 708-359-9565
Missionware Software is pleased to announce the release of version 2.1 of
Flash II. This is our second update in the past year. Flash II
originally went up for sale in April of 1992. Version 2.0 was our first
release, followed a few months later by version 2.01. Version 2.1 fixes
a number of problems discovered by our customers and beta testers over
the past few months. It's also our first full upgrade, and as promised,
it is being sent out to all currently registered customers *for free* on
a brand new disk. We'll be sending these disks out during the next
couple of weeks in order of serial number. Those with low numbers will
get their upgrades first. If you haven't received your upgrade by the
middle of April, please contact us to make sure you are properly
registered.
In addition to the enhancements listed below, this upgrade is being sent
out with our new installation program. You'll need to re-register (on
your disk only!) this version of Flash II. Future maintenance upgrades
will be handled online (you'll be able to download a patch file) so it's
imperative that you properly register your new version.
Flash II is the update to the most popular Atari ST telecommunications
program ever! It's available exclusively from Missionware Software and
at an affordable price! Flash II is completely rewritten by Paul
Nicholls of Clayfield, Australia. But don't let that fool you! Flash
II has the same look and feel as previous versions of Flash...plus a
slew of new features to boot! And it's just as easy and fast to use for
the telecommunications beginner or pro! Take a look below for just some
of what Flash II can offer you now...
ù DO script files compatible with older versions of Flash!
ù All macros use the familiar Flash DO script format!
ù Easily setup the parameters for each BBS you call...this includes
everything from ASCII upload/download options to baud rate!
ù You can program up to 20 individual and separate macros for each BBS
plus an additional 10 global macros!
ù Displays RLE & GIF pictures either on or off line! You can also save
or load these pictures for later review!
ù Supports the following terminal types: TTY, VIDTEX, VT52, ANSI,
VT100, VT101, VT102, VT200, VT300 & PRESTEL.
ù Now includes full support for RTS/CTS. This mode can now be turned on
and off by the user.
ù Includes Automatic Answer mode!
ù Includes Auto Boards mode - Preselect the board(s) you wish to dial
and when Flash II is launched either manually from the desktop by you,
or automatically by some other program launcher, Flash II will wake up
and dial the board(s) you've got selected. It will also wait for the
proper time to dial these boards.
ù Includes full featured GEM text editor with: merge, block commands,
cut & paste, search & replace, paragraph reformatting; user tab
settings, page width, full keyboard cursor and delete control and
more!
ù Supports the ST, IBM and DEC character sets, including IBM graphics
characters!
ù Includes Silent Line for background file transfers!
ù Supports the following upload/download protocols: ASCII, Xmodem,
Ymodem, Ymodem-G, Zmodem, Modem7, WXmodem, CIS B, Kermit and SEAlink!
And all of these protocols are built into the program...no external
modules required!!!
ù Zmodem now supports the selection of AutoStart and Streaming options.
If you prefer to use an external Zmodem protocol with Flash II, you
can now force Flash II's Zmodem autostart mode to off. For BBS' that
don't support "streaming", this too can now be turned off.
ù Logs all on line time and calculates your approximate costs for you!
ù New version written in assembler! Fast!
ù Runs on all ST, STe and TT's
ù Now supports "Install Application". You can create a DO script that
can be used to launch Flash II from the desktop and force it to dial
up and go online for you, all automatically!
ù Both the Terminal and Editor have been enhanced significantly for both
speed and ease of use. You'll be amazed at how fast the new Flash II
is!
ù A new "BReak" script command is added which permits the sending of a
terminal break to the host computer while a script is running.
Missionware Software's upgrade policy remains the same for the new
Version 2.1! We will continue to upgrade any old version of Flash!
(copyright Antic Software) for just $30 US, plus $4 shipping and
handling (US and Canada), $8 worldwide. Or, you can purchase Flash II,
version 2.1 outright, for only $49.95 US plus the shipping and handling
charges applicable to your area. To order, or for more information,
contact:
Missionware Software
354 N. Winston Drive
Palatine, IL 60067-4132
phone 708-359-9565
###### KIDPRGS FROM DA BRUMLEVE
###### Announcement
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
D.A. Brumleve's kidprgs all share a uniquely kid-friendly user
interface. Consistent use of color coding, large targets for the mouse,
simplified options, auditory and visual verification of selections,
limited use of alert boxes, and automatic loading and saving combine to
make these programs easy to learn and a joy to use. The programs
described below offer your budding journalist, artist, or mathematician
purposeful activities that will challenge as well as entertain. Kidprgs
grow with your child; parents and teachers can configure the child's
disk to match the child's current needs, and the disk can be
reconfigured as those needs change.
Kidpublisher Professional
A Desktop Publishing Program for Young Writers
(for ages 5-11) version 6.4--US$40
------------------------------------------------
* publish your own illustrated stories, posters, etc.
* instantly transform messages to a secret code to share with your
friends!
* four built-in font styles
* extensive drawing program now includes mirror-imaging!
* title page option with title, date, author's and illustrator's names
* 32 columns and 7 lines of text per page
* 5 pages on a 520ST, 10 on a 1040ST
* word wrap feature, underlining, mouse control of cursor aid later
transition to adult word processors
Multiplay
Math Exploration, Discovery, and Practice
(for ages 5-11) version 3.4--US$40
------------------------------------------------
* think about numbers in new ways!
* practice multiplication and addition facts while playing self-
motivating games
* make your own picture puzzles for use in a math facts game
* print number patterns and fact tables
* configurable to appeal to the entire age range: choose to deal with
the numbers 0-9, 0-19, or (with a 1040 or greater) 0-29; addition
only, multiplication only, both multiplication and addition; etc. --
even choose the symbol for the multiplication operator!
* includes puzzle game, math patterning activities, test, puzzle maker,
more!
Kidpainter
A Paint Program for Young Artists
(for ages 5-11) version 2.3A--US$35
------------------------------------------------
* create intricate onscreen patterns and colorful pictures
* print your own coloring books, puzzles, posters, paper dolls, etc.
* add text in several sizes and styles within pictures
* make and solve your own onscreen puzzles
* extensive drawing tools
* horizontal and/or vertical mirror-imaging
* "rubber stamp" option offers unique experiences in patterns and shapes
* "blind" drawing and other unusual activities
* 3 pictures in memory on a 520ST/STe, 9 on a 1040 or greater
Super Kidgrid
For Creative Graphics Design
(for ages 3-11) version 1.6--US$25
------------------------------------------------
* create beautiful onscreen designs and pictures
* print color-by-number pictures
* modify twelve challenging built-in samples
* fourteen colors to choose from
* automatically save/load up to 10 pictures
* challenges and supports creative thinking skills
Telegram
The Silly Song Player
(for readers only) version 2.5--US$25
------------------------------------------------
* a you-can't-do-that-in-software program: music, math, reading, and
humor all in one unique game
* use coordinates to deliver singing telegrams around a little onscreen
town
* practice reading skills while singing along with the computer
Program Collections
(each includes disk box and instructions)
Creative Discovery Packet: 11 programs especially designed for use in
Early Childhood Classrooms -- $120
Learning Games Packet: A compilation of 10 educational programs from PD
and shareware realms -- $40
ATARI ST/STe WITH COLOR MONITOR OR TELEVISION REQUIRED.
PRINTER MUST ACCEPT AN ST SCREEN DUMP.
Fuji (Atari logo) Rubber Stamps - Small fuji--$5 Large fuji--$6
D. A. B R U M L E V E
P.O. BOX 4195 / URBANA, IL 61801-8820 / USA
Telephone: 217 337 1937 FAX: 217 367 9084
MasterCard and Visa accepted!
Our Development Team
D.A. Brumleve, M.A., is involved with computers and kids in a variety of
ways. She has written some two-dozen kidprgs for various age-groups.
She and Dr. T.R. Brumleve (co-author of Kidpublisher Professional) have
five children ages 6-14. T.R. Brumleve, Ph.D., a research chemist by
profession, contributes to many kidprgs as a programming consultant.
M.L. Marks, M.Ed., is the Director of Creative Discovery School in
Champaign, Illinois. He has worked with preschool- through elementary-
aged children for the past twelve years. He is concerned with tapping
the best qualities of the computer and with making useful programs of
educational and creative value accessible to young children.
###### ATARINET UPDATE
###### Compiled by Bill Scull
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
So, you've heard about AtariNet. This is a network for any BBS that
supports the Atari platform of home computer. There are already several
bulletin board systems worldwide participating and more are joining. If
you are a Sysop and would like more information of would like to join,
simply contact the Host that is nearest you. If you're a user and would
like more information, ask your Sysop to contact the Host nearest him.
A listing of the current BBS's that are participating and the echoes that
are available follow:
Zone 51 AtariNet Headquarters
Region 100
Host 1 - Twilight Zone, Longwood FL, Bill Scull 1-407-831-1613
4 - Steal Your Face, Brick NJ, Ed Lynch 1-908-920-7981
6 - MySTery BBS, Goose Creek, SC, David Blanchard 1-803-556-9730
8 - Alien BBS, Burlington NC, Mark Cline 1-919-229-4334
9 - Z*Net Golden Gate, Sunnyvale CA, Bob Brodie 1-510-373-6792
10 - Atari Base, Sunnyvale CA, Robert Brodie 1-408-745-2196
13 - Z*Net News Service, Middlesex NJ, Ron Kovacs 1-908-968-8148
14 - Information Overload, Riverdale GA, Ed June 1-404-471-1549
15 - Flightline BBS, Minneapolis MN, Craig Peterson 1-612-544-5118
Host 4 - Hologram Inc, Old Bridge NJ, Dean Lodzinski 1-908-727-1914
3 - Assasins Grove, Oshawa Canada, Jeff Mitchell 1-416-571-6965
4 - Aces High BBS, Matawan NJ, Richard Guadagno 1-908-290-1133
5 - StormShadow, Pasadena MD, Robert Lovelace 1-410-437-0243
Host 102 - Sunfox's Realm, Raleigh NC, Erik Williams 1-919-867-1844
Region 200 - AtariNet Headquarters II
Host 2 - AtariNet Nevada, Las Vegas NV, Terry May 1-702-435-0786
4 - Sports Line BBS, Henderson NV, Nick Hard 1-702-565-5271
5 - Left Over Hippies, Toronto Canada, Lesley Dylan 1-416-466-8931
10 - STarship, Lake Charles LA, Rich Tietjens 1-318-474-9432
11 - The Choice BBS, Las Vegas NV, Mark Woolworth 1-702-253-6527
12 - Thunder Hold, American Fork UT, Todd Harrington 1-801-756-2901
13 - Conqueror Connection, Fort Hood TX, John Curtis 1-817-539-1469
137 - The VORTEX BBS, Fort Towson OK, Jim Jackson 1-405-873-9361
Host 201 - The DarkSTar BBS, Salt Lake City UT, Randy Rodrock
1-801-269-8780
4 - The Halls of Asguard, Orem UT, Gerald Homeyer 1-801-221-1150
5 - Acme BBS, Salt Lake City UT, Eric Nikolaisen 1-801-272-4243
6 - Thunder Hold, American Fork UT, Todd Harrington 1-801-756-2901
7 - The City Of Nimrod, SLC UT, Dave Marquardt 1-801-969-5485
Host 202 - The Wylie Connection, Wylie TX, Wes Newell 1-214-442-6612
7 - Aaron's Beard, Dallas TX, Troy Wade 1-214-557-2642
13 - The Wylie Connection, Wylie TX, Wes Newell 1-214-442-6612
20 - Outland Station, Ft Worth TX, John Stiborek 1-817-329-1125
21 - Psychlo Empire, Irving TX, Mark Corona 1-214-251-1175
30 - The Foundation BBS, Azle TX, CR Hamilton 1-817-444-0155
Host 203 - AtariNet Midwest, Indianapolis IN, Bill Jones
1-317-356-5519
1 - The Zoo BBS, Indianapolis IN, Bill Jones 1-317-356-5519
2 - The Music Station, Webb City MO, Chris Richards 1-417-673-4926
3 - The Maligned ST, Urbandale IA, Mike O'Malley 1-515-253-9530
4 - The Crawly Crypt, Joplin MO, Jim Collins 1-417-624-1887
5 - BLAST BBS, Bloomington IN, Steve Johnson 1-812-332-0573
6 - Bear Swamp BBS, Marysville OH, Mark Antolik 1-513-644-0714
7 - The Dugout BBS, Independence MO, Brient Leslie 1-816-373-9589
Region 300 - AtariNet Headquarters_III
Host 3 - The Space Station, Canyon Country CA, Tony Castorino
1-805-252-0450
3 - Atari ST Connection, Fresno CA, Brian Watters 1-209-436-8156
4 - Autoboss Atari Elite, Bunola PA, John Graham 1-412-384-5608
5 - The Yakima Atari ST BBS, Yakima WA, Pat Moffitt 1-509-965-2345
6 - FIDOdoor Support BBS, Vandenberg AFB, Bryan Hall 1-805-734-4742
7 - cyberSecT BBS, Cheney WA, Chuck Aude 1-509-235-4875
9 - The Mosh Bit, Vancouver WA, Mark Wallaert 1-206-574-1531
10 - Target Range, Paramount CA, Alan Dietrich 1-310-634-8993
11 - Sanctuary From The Law, Inyokern CA, Sean Price 1-619-377-3611
12 - MASATEK, Torrance CA, Valeriano Meneses 1-310-518-9524
13 - The Mind Keep, Citrus Heights CA, Jeff Fehlman 1-916-723-1657
15 - ST-Keep, Citrus Heights CA, Andrew Studer 1-916-729-2968
16 - H.B. SMOG, Huntington Beach CA, Jim Thingwold 1-714-969-5486
17 - Acey BBS, Yakima WA, Dick Grable 1-509-966-8555
18 - Dusty Atcic, Riverside CA, Rodney Bennett 1-909-656-3707
Region 400 - AtariNet Headquarters IV
Host 5 - The Brewery, Ajax ON Canada, Don Liscombe 1-416-683-3089
3 - Rather Digital, Sudbury ON Canada, Steve Barnes 1-705-560-3115
Region 500 - AtariNet UK
Host 6 - AtariNet NW England, Stockport Cheshire UK, Daron Brewood
44-61-429-9803
2 - STun NeST Central, Stockport Cheshire UK 44-61-429-9803
3 - DigiBBS, Nykobing F Denmark, Flemming Nielsen 45-54-858385
4 - System ST BBS, Leicester UK, Mark Matts 44-533-413443
5 - Black Cat Penarth, Penarth Wales UK, Mark Butler 44-222-707359
Region 600 - AtariNet Headquarters VI
Host 601 - AtariNet Germany, Koeln Germany, Frank Brodmuehler
49-221-248285
8 - Apolonia, Essen, Peter Kaszanics 49-201-237509
Hub 100 - Hub AC, Aachen, Benedikt Heinen 49-241-408593
101 - Firemark BBS, Aachen, Benedikt Heinen 49-241-408593
102 - Dao-Lin-H'ay, Luegde, Joerg Spilker 49-5281-79372
Region 700 - AtariNet Headquarters VII
Host 701 - Peace Counter Computers, Fort ST John BC Canada
1-604-785-9512
2 - Prime BBS, Fort ST John BC Canada, Bill Marsh 1-604-785-7098
Host 710 - Temple of Doom, Edmonton Alta Canada, Barry Torrance
1-403-436-0328
2 - Bill's BBS, Edmonton Canada, Bill Butler 1-403-461-2222
Region 800 - AtariNet Headquarters VIII
Host 801 - Znet South Pacific, Wellington New Zealand, Chris Thorpe
64-4-4762853
2 - Waikato Amiga, Hamilton, Barry Blackford 64-7-846-6918
3 - Southern Vortex, Dunedin, Chris Pheloung 64-3-454-3900
5 - Cyberlink 2, Palmerston North, Dean Richards 64-6-359-2658
12 - Wizards Lair, Wellington, Shane Storey 64-4-233-8538
21 - InterAction One, Hamilton, John Lawrence 64-7-855-0293
22 - Ice Cave, Hamilton, Vaughan Irwin 64-7-846-7236
31 - Jail Break BBS, Invercargill, Willy Hemopo 64-3-216-2042
32 - Lands End, Invercargill, Ken Sutton 64-3-214-1021
40 - On Line Support, Christchurch, John Clarke 64-3-366-7324
Host 802 ACE BBS, Coogee NSW Australia, Ian Mackereth 61-2-898-0873
102 - OGRE BBS Mercy College, Koondoola WA,Craig Valli 61-9-247-1249
106 - That Which is Not, Adelaide Sth Aust, Michael Smith 61-8-232-5722
||| AtariNet Message Echo Backbone |||
/ | \ Compiled by Terry May @ 51:2/0 / | \
* EFFECTIVE 28-Dec-92 *
-> The following echo is _required_ for ALL AtariNet sysops.
-> ONLY AtariNet sysops may have access to this echo.
Echo Name Description Moderator
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A_SYSOP AtariNet SysOps 51:1/0 - Bill Scull
-> The following echoes are _required_ for AtariNet moderators
-> and hosts, but may be picked up by ANY AtariNet sysop.
-> ONLY AtariNet sysops may have access to these echoes.
Echo Name Description Moderator
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A_ECHO AtariNet echoes discussion 51:2/0 - Terry May
A_TEST AtariNet test echo 51:1/0 - Bill Scull
-> The following echoes are available to all interested AtariNet sysops.
-> These echoes can and should be accessible to all users and points.
Echo Name Description Moderator
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A_4SALE Atari products for sale/wanted 51:102/1 - Erik Williams
A_ATARI Atari general discussion 51:2/4 - Nick Hard
A_BBS_ADS Atari supported BBSes 51:2/0 - Terry May
A_BBS_DOORS Atari BBS doors (externals) 51:1/6 - Dave Blanchard
A_COMMERCIAL_ADS Atari commercial ads 51:102/1 - Erik Williams
A_DTP Atari DeskTop Publishing 51:102/1 - Erik Williams
A_EXPLORER Atari Explorer Magazine 51:1/13 - Ron Kovacs
A_FDS AtariNet FDS announcements 51:203/0 - Bill Jones
A_FIDODOOR FIDOdoor support 51:3/6 - Bryan Hall
A_GENERAL General discussion 51:2/4 - Nick Hard
A_GRAPHICS Atari graphics 51:2/0 - Terry May
A_MAXI_SUPT MaxiDoor/PhidoQwk Support 51:5/4 - Shawn Smith
A_PROGRAMMING Atari programming 51:5/0 - Don Liscombe
A_SOUND Atari sound/music 51:2/0 - Terry May
A_TECH Atari hardware tech talk 51:202/0 - Wes Newell
A_BINKLEY BinkleyTerm ST support [* Gated from Zone 1 *]
A_FIDO_ST FidoNet ST discussion [* Gated from Zone 90 *]
A_IOS_HELP IOSmail Support [* Gated from Zone 1 *]
AtariNet File Distribution System
The following file areas are either currently on the AtariNet FileBone,
or are awaiting approval. If you'd like to receive one of these areas,
please contact your host. Hosts are not required to carry all areas,
however all areas will be available from 51:203/0.
Current File Echoes:
FileEcho Description Origination at
=======================================================================
A_NODES AtariNet node administration Bill Scull, 51:1/0
ABBSUTIL BBS-Related Utilities Bill Jones, 51:203/0
ABBSGAME BBS-Related Games (Doors) (open)
ABBSOTHR BBS-Related other software (open)
AFDOOR FidoDoor Updates (includes ST-QWK) Bryan Hall, 51:3/6
AUTILS ST Utilities (open)
AGAMES ST Games Rich Tietjens, 51:2/10
ANETWORK FidoNet-Related Software Bill Jones, 51:203/0
AZNET Z*Net On-line magazine Ron Kovacs, 51:1/13
AOTHER Other ST Software (open)
AGRAPHIC Graphics and related programs Terry May, 51:2/0
ASOUND Sounds, samples and related programs Terry May, 51:2/0
=======================================================================
Any questions or comments should be directed to me at 51:203/0.
Bill Jones, AFDS Coordinator
###### SPELLING SENTRY UPDATE
###### Press Release
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
Wintertree Software Inc.
43 Rueter St.
Nepean, Ontario Canada K2J 3Z9
Phone: (613) 825-6271
NEPEAN, ONTARIO -- Bigger, better, faster. These three words describe
Spelling Sentry 1.20, Wintertree Software's latest upgrade to the
popular spelling checker for Atari computers.
Spelling Sentry is a spell-checking desk accessory. It watches
keystrokes as you type into other GEM programs and accessories, and
alerts you when you make a spelling error. Spelling Sentry can also
check disk files and the GEM clipboard. Spelling Sentry includes a built
-in abbreviation expander that can substitute a text string whenever you
type its abbreviation.
BIGGER
Wintertree has added over 11,000 words to Spelling Sentry's dictionary,
bringing the total word count to over 115,000. At the same time,
Wintertree reorganized the internal structure of the dictionary to make
it both smaller and faster. The result: While the number of words in
the dictionary increased by 10.5%, the size of the dictionary increased
by only 6.2%.
BETTER
Wintertree listened to requests and suggestions made by Spelling Sentry
owners. Spelling Sentry 1.20 contains a host of new features and
improvements:
* 16 alternative words are now displayed instead of eight.
* Spelling Sentry can now optionally locate alternative words that are
phonetically similar to the misspelled word. For example, Spelling
Sentry correctly suggests "Atari" in place of "Uhtarry." Spelling
Sentry's original method of locating alternative words, based on
typographical similarity, is still available.
* You can now try a new spelling for a misspelled word, and Spelling
Sentry will check it for correctness.
* Spelling Sentry's abbreviation feature can now substitute the contents
of a disk file wherever an abbreviation is used.
* Spelling Sentry's new keyboard capture feature saves time when
defining new abbreviations. The keyboard capture feature magically
inserts the last few words you typed into the dialog field used to
define abbreviations.
Other improvements:
* Screen flashing now works on all monitors
* Improved compatibility with Calamus
* Undo key now works reliably when checking disk files
* Maximum size of an abbreviation expansion (including files and
chaining) is now 1024 characters.
FASTER
When Wintertree reorganized Spelling Sentry's dictionary to make it
smaller, they also made it faster -- 15% faster. When optimally
configured, Spelling Sentry can check 2400+ words per minute on a stock
ST.
The list price of Spelling Sentry 1.20 remains at $59.95.
Registered owners who purchased Spelling Sentry on or before 31 December
1992 can upgrade to 1.20 by sending a check or money order for $10.00 to
Wintertree Software Inc. Customers who purchased Spelling Sentry 1.00,
1.10, or 1.11 on or after 1 January 1993 can upgrade to version 1.20 at
no charge (proof of purchase date is required). All update requests
should include the original Spelling Sentry diskette.
# # #
For more information, contact Wintertree Software Inc. at the number or
address listed above.
###### QUEST FOR THE FALCON
###### By Nick Berry
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
An adventure with the great Detective Fuji Holmes and his able
assistant, Dr. Tos Watson.
ACT ONE
Our story unfolds at the home of our fearless detective at 21 Baker
Street in busy Sunnyvale, California. The sound of a violin frantically
playing away Beeth oven's Flight of the Bumblebee. Inside there is not
a violin in sight but rather Detective Holmes hunched over a synthesizer
keyboard madly flailing away at the keys. A gray computer sits next to
the keyboard, musical notes dancing about its screen, and a pair of
wires connecting the computer to keyboard.
Dr. Watson enters the room and although the good doctor has not made a
sound, Holmes immediately straightens up and turns to look at him.
Then, strangely, although he removes his hands from the synthesizer, it
continues to play. Holmes reaches over and touches a key on the
computer and the music stops, the last note echoing in the air.
"Did you find any?", asks Holmes. "This is the last one of the pack,
I'm afraid.", says Dr. Watson as he holds out a brightly colored can
with the letters J-O-L-T emblazoned upon it. Then he adds, "And we ran
out of Twinkies days ago, but I did manage to find these." offering in
his other hand two small round black cookies with a white center layer.
Holmes quickly snatches the cookies and munches them down, then opens
the can and 'shotguns' the beverage in a single gulp. "Really Holmes,
you ought to do something about this caffeine and sugar addiction of
yours, its truly getting out of hand." exclaims Watson. "Don't worry
about my sweet tooth" Holmes barks back, "and the caffeine beverages
help me keep my sharp edge!".
"We both need all our wits about us today Watson, we've a tremendous
task ahead of us." says a now calm Holmes. "Whatever do you mean? I
thought we were to spend the day formatting disks and backing up the
hard drive? We've been putting it off for weeks now." the good doctor
responds. "The hard drive can wait for another day. We have to . . ."
Holmes is interrupted by a hideous noise. A sort of rattling and
crashing and crunching, followed by an abbreviated yet ear piercing
screech, then silence, all emanating from the small gray computer.
Holmes continues, "You see my old friend, the dilemma has solved itself.
No need to bother backing up the hard drive now."
"So just what is this tremendous task which you mentioned lies ahead of
us?" questions Dr. Watson. "It is a quest, not unlike that which the
knights of old set upon in their search for the Holy Grail." says Holmes
mysteriously. "A quest!?" exclaims Watson, "I certainly hope it is not
wrought with dangers like killer rabbits and powerful knights who say
'neee' to us. Tell me, Holmes, just what is it that we must search for?
"The FALCON" says Holmes, almost whispering it as he gazes out the
window. B-B-But Holmes!" sputters Watson, "I thought that the FALCON
was simply a legend, a mere fairy tale. Certainly something as wondrous
and powerful as the FALCON would bring the holy words of old back into
people's hearts." The doctor hesitates a moment, then continues, "Power
Without The Price". They both bow their heads at the mention of the
sacred words.
Holmes jumps to his feet and commands the doctor, "Grab your coat
Watson. We haven't a moment to waste!" The two courageous comrades
make their way downstairs and out into the morning air filled with the
unburned hydrocarbons spewed forth from the passing motorcars. They
hail a taxi and jump inside, speeding off to a destination determined by
the ingenious Detective Holmes.
ACT TWO
The taxi carrying our two heroes pulls up to a storefront in the high
tech 'silicon district'. The garish neon sign above the store reads a
flashing 'CompuBlah', a store known for its advertisements proclaiming
itself as the leading edge in computers and peripherals. Detective
Holmes and Dr. Watson exit the cab and enter the store in the first stop
of their quest.
"I say Holmes, is this where we will find the FALCON?" quizzes Watson.
"Anything is possible old friend, but don't get your hopes up. I'm
really hoping that these people, if they are as informed and current as
they claim, will be able to lead us in the right direction." answers
Holmes as he looks about for an intelligent looking salesperson. Dr.
Watson walks over to an innocent looking beige box and begins examining
it. "Would the wondrous FALCON look something like this computer here?"
asks Watson. "Certainly not!" answers Holmes, "A computer as logical as
the elusive FALCON would not be contained in such a brutish monstrosity.
Firstly, examine the back of the box and notice it has but one parallel
port, two serial ports and a monitor port. The FALCON sports all this
PLUS SCSI II, DSP, two joysticks, two enhanced joysticks, MIDI in and
out, microphone in, stereo sound out . . ." Watson cuts Holmes off in
mid sentence, "But Holmes, how can this be? Surely with all these extra
ports and related hardware the box MUST be bigger." "All the more proof
of the superiority of the FALCON." retorts Holmes. "Notice too the mis-
shapen mouse of this poor clone. Three buttons rather than two. A sure
sign of inbreeding and an outward indication of the machine's inherently
unstable design. Rather like someone with six toes. The extra digit
has no real use and simply gets in the way." Just then a salesman walks
up and says "Is there something I can help you two gentlemen with
today?" Holmes quickly evaluates the fellow noting his three-piece suit
and a name tag with one word, 'BOB'. Dr. Watson blurts out "We seek a
wondrous new computer and wonder if you might be able to help us locate
it." "You have come to the right place friends" says salesman Bob,
"surely you are seeking the new 486DX2-66/50 EISA SVGA system. We're
blowing them out today only for just $2899." "I'm afraid you don't quite
understand" interjects Holmes, "we seek the FALCON a powerful new
computer designed for the home user. Your 486 whizbang is designed and
priced for the business community." Without batting an eye, salesman
Bob replies, "Look, we all get our parts and cases from the same factory
in Taiwan. It doesn't matter if the label says FALCON or CompuBlah or
anything else. What you're really looking for is the best price and
good service which we offer in spades. And if its a less expensive home
style computer you desire, then the 386sx/33 SVGA for a killer price of
only $1199 should do you nicely." Detective Holmes grabs a verbally
dazed Dr. Watson and begins pulling him towards the store's exit.
Salesman Bob continues spouting off irrelevant numbers and specs,
quoting system configurations and Winflops numbers as our intrepid
travellers escape out the door, the salesman's words and numbers still
ringing in their ears.
"Good God Holmes! I thought we weren't going to make it out of there
alive!" croaked Watson, still staggering from the verbal assault. "This
is going to be a tougher case than I had anticipated." sighed Holmes,
"But we must press on in our quest." Then Holmes and Watson proceed
down the avenue going from computer store to computer store in search of
clues which would lead them to their goal.
ACT THREE
The dauntless duo have spent the better part of the day in countless
computer stores receiving much the same response and treatment as in the
first. Row after row of indistinguishable beige boxes performing
pointless parlor tricks. They were growing weary when they entered a
store which seemed somehow different. "Look Holmes!" cried Dr. Watson,
"I believe we've found the FALCON! The case is smaller and the desktop
display on the screen seems familiar. And see the sign here, it makes
mention of '68030'. Is that not the secret number inside the FALCON?"
Detective Holmes rushes over, takes a close look and breathes a large
sigh, "I'm afraid 'tis not the FALCON dear Watson.
Look closer and you will see the aberrations. Look again to the mouse.
You remember the mutant clones with their deformed three button mice.
See how this one only has a single button, a sign of a less advanced and
incomplete design. See also the picture of the partially consumed
fruit. It is a warning to all that while it looks appealing, one bite
proves it is unripe and not worthy of consumption. They turn to leave
the store only to find a snappily dressed salesman standing directly in
their path. Dr. Watson nudges Holmes in the side and whispers "I say
Holmes, this fellow's nametag says BOB just as each of the past store's
salesmen have also been named. Is it a conspiracy of some sort?"
Before Holmes can even open his mouth the salesman starts in, "Hi there
boys, you havin' a Mac attack? Well you've come to the right place.
We've got 'em all, from the Classic to the Performa to the Bacon Double
Cheese. Ooops, you'll have to excuse my slip there.
Just last week I was flippin' Macs, now I'm Assistant Manager here at
Whack-A-Mac Computer Discount Center. Anyway, these babys are loaded to
go with the latest File Finder Foozle, Hyper Whachoozle and System
Bamboozle 7.6, or is that 6.7. Well it doesn't matter anyway since we
expect an new system file upgrade soon so you can get the latest semi-
functional O.S. - for a nominal fee, of course. Did I mention that we
have a wonderful new plan where you simply leave your credit cards with
us and then we automatically send you all the new system and program
updates so that you don't have to bother coming back every few weeks."
"Actually," relates Holmes, "we were searching for the new FALCON.
Would you by chance know anything about it?" Salesman Bob scratches his
chin for a moment and says "My uncle had a Falcon once. He claimed it
was the best car Ford ever made. I didn't know they were bringing it
back out." This time Watson grabs Holmes and makes haste for the door
as salesman Bob recollects about his uncle's Falcon getting 23 miles to
the gallon on a trip through the Ozarks.
Back outside our despondent explorers sit at the edge of the road, their
heads in their hands, wondering if perhaps the FALCON is really nothing
more than a wishful tale. Like the end of the rainbow, always just
beyond reach and never physically graspable.
ACT FOUR
While plodding their way back to 21 Baker St., Holmes and Watson stop at
an intersection and await for the crosswalk sign to flash 'Walk'. A
beleaguered Watson leans up against a utility pole only to jump back
with a shout when a staple from a poster attached to the pole pricks his
arm. "It ought to be illegal to post things like that!" cries Watson.
"On the contrary" exclaims Holmes, "You have found the clue we've been
searching for all day. See for yourself what the poster says!" Dr.
Watson dons his spectacles and reads, 'Now Open. Professor Moriarty's
Computer STation. Come see the powerful new FALCON.' "Eureka!"
screeches Watson, "We've found it at last." "Yes Watson," replies
Holmes, "the game is afoot."
ACT FIVE
The sun is starting to set as we find both Doctor and Detective entering
Professor Moriarty's Computer STation. Standing in the center of the
small but well kept store, Holmes and Watson scan the computer displays
all around them in an attempt to discern which one might be the
fantastic FALCON. A man emerges from behind the main counter and
approaches them. He is casually dressed and does not bear a name tag
with the name BOB, so they wonder if this person could actually be a
salesman.
"Good evening gentlemen" says the man, "I am Professor Moriarty,
proprietor of this establishment. How may I help you?" "We seek the
FALCON!" says an exuberant Dr. Watson. "Quite so" interjects Holmes,
"we have spent the entire day in numerous computer shops trying to find
the new FALCON when we saw one of your posters nearby. We had nearly
given up hope of ever finding our goal." "Your search has come to end
my friends" declares the professor, "I am the only dealer in town to
carry the FALCON." Moriarty pauses and looks about nervously.
"However, the shipment I've been expecting has not arrived yet. Perhaps
you would like to place your name on our waiting list. There are quite
a few people who have placed their order and paid in full to ensure they
receive one from the first shipment. If you were to give me a check or
credit card for the full amount today, I can guarantee you a FALCON from
the first batch I receive . . . which should be by the end of the week."
"So you don't actually have any FALCONs right here and now to see and
buy?" questions a now suspicious Holmes. "Well, no, not really." states
Moriarty, now fidgeting noticeably. "I would have some right now but
the ah - ah - the UPS truck got in an accident, yeah that's it, the
truck got rear ended, flipped over, rolled off a cliff crashed into a
deep ravine, exploded and burned down to the axles. Anyway, there's a
big demand for these FALCONs so it may be a while but definitely by the
end of the week if you pay me now." Professor Moriarty stares at them
intently, seeming as though he is at the verge of foaming at the mouth.
Detective Holmes quickly surmises that the Professor is hiding something
and is more likely interested in taking his money than in delivering any
goods. "I'm afraid we are just shopping at this time and are not truly
ready to make a purchase." says Holmes, carefully choosing his words,
"We were just hoping to see a FALCON and determine what it can really
do." "Suit yourself!" bellows Moriarty, his words nearly exploding as he
speaks, "but if you don't get your prepaid order in today you'll be
waiting a looong time to get one." Moriarty turns and stomps back
towards the counter. Realizing their quest had led to another dead end,
the two adventurers make their their way out of the store.
ACT SIX
Back at 21 Baker Street, our battered brothers puzzle over what path to
take next. "I fear we may have exhausted all our avenues of finding out
about the FALCON." sighs Dr. Watson, "I just wish we had some sort of
clue." I wish we did too." echoes Holmes, "Wait a moment Watson!
You've just given us our clue." "Whatever do you mean Holmes? asks the
bewildered doctor, "I didn't speak of anything which might help us."
"On the contrary," counters an exhilarated Holmes, "you were making a
wish. And who can grant wishes? A genie!" "Good grief Holmes, have you
lost all your senses?" cries the exasperated Dr. Watson, "First we go
looking for a computer which we're not sure is anything more than a
fairy tale. Now you want to make a wish to some fictional being which
lives in a lamp!" But Detective Holmes doesn't respond to the good
doctor's words. He is busy searching the room for something obviously
important to his plan. Finally, after uncovering several weeks worth of
laundry lying in a pile on the floor, he stoops down and picks up a dark
gray laptop computer, a dirty sock still hanging off the parallel port.
He knocks loose the sock, places the computer on his desk and opens it
up. "How could I have left you sit unwanted for so long." he whispers
to the computer, "Quickly Watson, remove the modem cable from our now
disabled Mega and bring it over here." Watson, though still oblivious to
Holmes' plan, removes the modem cable, snakes it through a tangle of
power cords hanging off the back of the desk and inserts it into the
Stacy computer. "I beg of you Holmes, please tell me what on earth you
are going to do?" "We are going to do what we should have done in the
very beginning." replies Holmes as he boots up the computer. "I suspect
that the answers to our questions lie within a vast store house of
knowledge and assistance. I speak of GEnie, the online service, not of
some vaporous character in a bottle.
The dauntless Detective spends much of the night at the keyboard of the
Stacy, gathering and reading an abundance of messages and news files
regarding the FALCON. The good Doctor sleeps soundly curled up on the
couch, a pile of empty beer cans heaped on the floor. Finally, as the
early morning light begins to filter in through the windows, Holmes
turns off the computer and rubs his weary, bloodshot eyes. "Watson,
wake up! Today is our date with destiny." Dr. Watson sits up grimacing
and clutching his throbbing head. "Please don't shout so." pleads the
unsteady Doctor, "I'm afraid I partook of too many malt beverages last
night, and my head is . . ." Holmes cuts him short shoving a bottle of
aspirin at him. "We must get underway as soon as possible Watson, we've
a long drive ahead of us."
ACT SEVEN
Detective Holmes struggles to keep his bleary eyes focused on the road
as he pilots the motorcar borrowed from a neighbor. "Well Watson, I'm
glad you were able to convince our neighbor of our need to use his
vehicle. I find it quite appropriate that we should journey to find the
FALCON while driving a Falcon." "Quite so Holmes." replies Watson, "Bob
is quite a talker, he wouldn't give me the keys to this auto until he
finished telling me about how great a car it is and that it got 23 miles
to the gallon on a trip through the Ozarks. By the way, I'm getting a
bit famished. After all, you didn't even give us a chance to eat
breakfast before we left." "Don't worry old boy." reassures Holmes, "I
wired a can of chili to the engine's manifold and it should be piping
hot by the time we stop for gas." "I say Holmes," counters Watson, "if
that's the case, then I wager we'll end up with more gas than we
bargained for."
Several hours and many miles after they started out, Holmes steers the
wheezing Ford into the parking lot of the Gemtown Convention Center.
The sign out front reading 'Atari Party Today'. "Holmes," announces
Watson, "I do believe we've reached our ordained objective." Detective
Holmes and the Doctor quickly make their way into the convention center
and begin moving excitedly from booth to booth like hyperactive
children. Stopping just long enough to pick up a pamphlet and see what
was truly new and interesting. There would be time enough to make a
second round and look closer at some of the hardware and software. They
did take a few extra minutes at the CodeNoggin' booth to get the latest
version of their WarpedNein software and then another stop at Towed
Computers for a good deal on a new hard drive to replace their dead one.
But at the center of all the hubbub was their goal, their 'holy grail'.
The Atari display and the FALCON! There were over a dozen machines
running various programs and demos. The main display consisting of a
FALCON hooked to a big screen television and huge speakers. The audio
and visual assault was so intense it brought them to their knees with
tears in their eyes. The FALCON was even more than they had expected
and after all the toil and trouble and delays they had endured, it was
worth it! Their quest was fulfilled.
- THE END -
(c)1993, Nick Berry.
Permission to reprint entire text unaltered.
About the author:
Nick is a machinist living in Vaughn, Washington. He bought his first
Atari, an 800XL, in 1985. Since then he has acquired a 1040ST and a MEGA
ST4. He still owns and uses them all. Nick is past president (3 terms)
of S*P*A*C*E, the Seattle area Atari computer group. He can be reached
on GEnie as 'NBERRY'.
###### PERUSING COMPUSERVE
###### By Michael Mortilla
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies."
Aristotle [384-322 B.C.]
It's not surprising that there is an Atari area in the MIDI Forum, given
the MIDI capabilities built into ST line. Covering Atari activity on
CIs, it's impossible to ignore the music area (especially as I am a
musician for a living). Recently, however, there has been a rash of
activity in the Atari area of the MIDI Forum.
It seems there is a renewed interest in the old "game" computer and this
is a very good sign, indeed! Not only are folks asking about the Falcon
030 and beyond, but they are very curious about what's available in
screen accelerators, music programs, and a whole bunch of topics.
Perhaps it's all the recent articles in Keyboard, Electronic Musician
and other music publications, all of which seem very positive. But
whatever the cause, it's is refreshing to see Atari activity outside the
Atari forums on CIs. That might indicate that more people will end up
with an Atari and there will be an increase in *our* members in the
Atari forums.
Not all the Atari discussions in the MIDI forum revolve around music,
and you might want to pay a quick visit over there and check out the
action. Maybe even field a few Atari questions in the process? AND BE
SURE TO MENTION THE ATARI FORUMS ON CIS! This kind of cross activity
can only serve to enhance all our experiences on CIs. And if we can
pick up a few new forum members in the process, all the better.
As reported in the last issue, the "for sale" items in the Atari area
are on the upswing, and based on the messages we've read, our members
are checking out other STuff off-line as well. One CIs user "dropped
in" to say he was doing a job some place where, previously, a large
number of STs were networked. They went to another platform, and the
STs were just "sitting around." Not having used an Atari before, he
asked what they were and if they had any value. Now how many of you
reading this wouldn't mind making *that* discovery?
When it comes to used equipment, it seems that the most requested
information is price (not surprising), and this is something that just
cannot be easily determined. How bad do you need it? How bad does the
seller need the money? Condition of the unit and demand, as well as
supply, are all additional factors to be considered. But the rule of
the jungle applies. The buyer wants to get it for as little as possible
and the seller wants to get as much as he can for it.
Original pricing of the unit is, at the very least, a starting point,
and unlike a Steinway grand piano or fine wine, the price of computer
hardware generally goes down with age. But beyond that, it's a crap
shoot, of sorts. Most of the time the seller will ask for the best
offer (a practice I personally dislike) or will set what they think is
the highest fair price they can get. But people do make mistakes and
you can end up paying way too much or wind up saving a bundle and
getting a lot for it.
I mention this issue of resale because of the increased activity and
because it would appear that as more of us upgrade to the newer models
of Atari, we'll be wanting to sell off our old STuff (maybe to some of
the MIDI users who will be swarming to the Atari Forum?). It's also
good to keep track of how your investment is faring in the market place,
so that when upgrade time comes, you won't be shocked by how much you
can actually get for your hard/software.
Having bought several items which I "found" in the Atari area, I might
also add that it is important for the buyer and seller to agree on who
pays shipping and how it is accomplished. Fortunately, I have never
been burned. But I have always required that if I am selling something,
it will be sent UPS C.O.D. Cash, which means the UPS delivery person
will only accept cash or a certified check before leaving the package;
then UPS will send a check to the seller. This is a very convenient way
to assure the seller gets their money and the buyer gets the goods.
Also, don't forget that CIs in an international network. If you are
buying something from someone outside your country, make sure it will
work on your voltage system. You might not get burnt, but the equipment
might!
See you next week!
###### THE 1993 Z*NET COMPUTER CALENDAR
###### Schedule of Shows, Events and Online Conferences
###### ----------------------------------------------------------------
### March 1993
CeBIT, the world's largest computer show with 5,000 exhibitors in 20
halls, is held annually in Hannover, Germany. Atari traditionally
struts its newest wares there, usually before it's seen in the USA or
anywhere else. In '93, the Atari 040 machines should be premiering, and
this is the likely venue. Third party developers also use this show to
introduce new hardware and software, so expect a wave of news from CeBIT
every year. Atari Corp. and the IAAD coordinate cross-oceanic contacts
to promote worldwide marketing of Atari products, and this show is an
annual touchstone of that effort. Contact Bill Rehbock at Atari Corp.
for information at 408-745-2000.
### March 21-24, 1993
Interop Spring '93 in Washington DC.
### March 30 - April 1, 1993
Intermedia 93 at the San Jose Convention Center, San Jose CA.
### April 2, 1993
Dateline Atari! with Bob Brodie on GEnie. This online conference begins
promptly at 10pm EST.
### May 3-5, 1993
Digital Video New York/MultiMedia Exposition at the New York Sheraton
in New York City.
### May 4-5, 1993
The 3rd Annual Networks and Communications Show returns to the Hartford
Civic Center. Companies such as Intel, Microsoft, DEC, DCA, IBM, and
MICOM will be exhibiting. For more information, contact: Marc Sherer
at Daniels Productions, 203-561-3250; fax: 203-561-2473.
### May 7, 1993
Dateline Atari! with Bob Brodie on GEnie. This online conference begins
promptly at 10pm EST.
### May 11-13, 1993
SunWorld '93 exposition and conference, held in San Francisco at the
Moscone Center. The second annual event is the largest trade show in
North America dedicated to the Sun, SPARC and Solaris industry.
SunWorld '93 will feature a full day of in-depth tutorials, which are
being developed in association with Sun Educational Services, to be
followed by three days of conference sessions and an exposition. The
three-day exposition will feature more than 175 leading vendors in the
industry including Adobe Systems, AT&T, Computer Associates, Hewlett-
Packard, Informix Software, Insoft, SAS Institute, Solbourne, SPARC
International, Sun Microsystems, SunPro, SunSoft and WordPerfect. For
more information about attending SunWorld '93 call Lynn Fullerton at
(800) 225-4698 or to receive information about exhibiting contact David
Ferrante at (800) 545-EXPO.
### May 22-23, 1993
Pacific Northwest Atari show will be held in Vancouver Canada. The
Vantari User Group will be sending out developers kits in the very near
future with more details and pricing. The show will be held in the
Metrotown Centre Mall, which is the 2nd largest in Canada with over 400
stores. The traffic in the mall is amazing! In addition the Holiday
Inn Hotel is attached to the mall as well so travel time is nil. If you
have any questions in the meantime leave email (G.Norton) on GEnie.
### May 24-27, 1993
Spring COMDEX in Atlanta Georgia.
### June 3-6, 1993
Summer Consumer Electronics Show, (CES), in Chicago, Illinois.
### June 12-13, 1993
CT Atarifest '93 at the Windsor Court Hotel in Windsor Connecticut.
This year the Atarifest has relocated to a new hotel with excellent room
rates ($35.00 per room), free and plentiful parking, easy access from
Interstate 91, I-95, I-90, I-84, I-80, an in house Sports Bar, a bigger
ballroom and is located just 1 mile from Bradley International Airport
(free shuttle service for hotel guests). Tentative commitments from A&D
Software, Gribnif Software, Barefoot Software, Toad Computers, Computer
Studio, Baggetaware, Derric Electronics, E.Hartford Computer Repair,
MegaType Software, Wizztronics and GFA Software Technology. For further
information, call Brian Gockley at 203-332-1721 or Doug Finch at 203-637
-1034. E-mail can be directed to B.GOCKLEY or D.FINCH7 on GEnie or to
75300,2514 or 76337,1067 on CIS.
### June 22-23, 1993
Lap & Palmtop Mobile Computing Expo at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim,
California. Exhibitors will show the latest in mobile computing,
software, pen, peripherals and communications from the industry's
leading manufacturers. In conjunction with the exhibits is the Mobile
Systems Solutions Conference series. Featuring over 80 leading industry
experts speakers, the conference provides vital information needed to
build or improve your world of mobile computing.
### June 26-27, 1993
The Kansas City AtariFest '93. The location for the show is Stadium
Inn, 7901 E 40 Hwy. Ticket prices at the door will be 5.00 dollars each
day. Advance tickets will be 4.00 dollars each, for advance tickets,
please send 4.00 dollars per ticket to: Kansas City AtariFest, P.O. Box
1653, Lee Summit, MO 64063 or if you belong to a user group please mail
a request for a user group information pack. To make room reservations
please call 1-800-325-7901, we are also working with a local travel
agent to get special airfares for the show. You may call 1-800-874-7691
to take advantage of the special fares. For more information please
leave Email as follows; GEnie, B.welsch, J.krzysztow, for CompuServe,
Leave for Jeff Krzysztow at 74027,707, or you can call (816)224-9021, or
mail to the address listed above.
### August 3-6, 1993
MacWorld Expo at the Boston World Trade Center, Bayside Exposition
Center and sponsored by MacWorld Magazine. This event is titled Boston
'93.
### September 18-19, 1993
The Glendale Show returns with the Southern California Atari Computer
Faire, V.7.0, in suburban Los Angeles, California. This has been the
year's largest domestic Atari event, year after year. Contact John King
Tarpinian at the user group HACKS at 818-246-7286 for information.
### September 20-22, 1993
The third MacWorld Expo, titled Canada '93 at the Metro Toronto
Convention Centre, sponsored by MacWorld Magazine.
### September 21-23, 1993
Unix Expo '93 in New York City, New York.
### October 7-8, 1993
Lap & Palmtop Mobile Computing Expo at the Chicago Mart/Expo Center in
Chicago, Illinois. Exhibitors will show the latest in mobile computing,
software, pen, peripherals and communications from the industry's
leading manufacturers. In conjunction with the exhibits is the Mobile
Systems Solutions Conference series. Featuring over 80 leading industry
experts speakers, the conference provides vital information needed to
build or improve your world of mobile computing.
### October 27-29, 1993
CD-ROM Exposition at the World Trade Center, Boston MA.
### October 27-29, 1993
EDA&T Asia '93. The Electronic Design and Test Conference Exhibition
at the Taipei International Convention Center in Taiwan. Exhibit space
is still available. For more information contact: Betsy Donahue,
Chicago, fax: 708-475-2794.
### November 7-10, 1993
GeoCon/93, an international conference and showcase for software
products developed outside the U.S. at the Royal Sonesta Hotel,
Cambridge, Mass. The conference program will include three days of
workshops on topics of interest to overseas developers entering the
U.S. market. Workshop presenters will discuss such issues as how to
negotiate distribution and licensing contracts, setting up a business in
the U.S., manufacturing and fulfillment, technical support, packaging,
research sources, and how to market through direct, retail, and catalog
channels. For additional information, contact Tom Stitt, associate
publisher, Soft letter, 17 Main St., Watertown, Mass. 02272-9154;
telephone 617-924-3944; fax 617-924-7288, or Colleen O'Shea, director,
Soft letter Europe, 2 um Bierg, 7641 Chirstnach, Luxembourg, telephone
35.2.87119; fax 35.2.87048.
### November 15-19, 1993
COMDEX Fall '93. Las Vegas Nevada.
If you have an event you would like to include on the Z*Net Calender,
please send email via GEnie to Z-NET, CompuServe 75300,1642, or via
FNET to node 593 or AtariNet node 51:1/13.0. Show listings are also
published in AtariUser Magazine.
###### OUTLINE ART 3.0
###### Press Release
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
PRESS RELEASE February 25, 1993
DMC Publishing
2800 John Street, Unit 10
Markham, Ontario
Canada L3R 0E2 Tel: (416) 479-1880 Fax: (416) 479-1882
GEnie: ISD
Compuserve: 76004,2246
Delphi: ISDMARKETING
Contact: Nathan Potechin
DMC Publishing is proud to announce the release of Outline Art 3.0.
This long-awaited upgrade to the original Outline Art standard includes
all the features that made the original famous, plus color, eps/ps
export, macro keys, user-definable UNDO, context-sensitive help which
explains each and every feature and more. Two variations of this
program are currently available, in two megabyte or four megabyte
configurations depending upon your existing hardware. When placing your
upgrade or order, please indicate your specific Atari computer.
To all of our existing registered owners of Outline Art, the
introductory upgrade charge until May 30, 1993, is US $49.95 or $59.95
Canadian.
The introductory retail price of Outline Art 3.0 is US $149.95 or
$175.00 Canadian.
Effective immediately, the new price for the industry-standard Outline
Art 1.0 is US $89.95 or $109.95 Canadian.
The July/August 1992 issue of Atari Explorer carried the winners of the
second annual Outline Art contest. The contest attracted entries from
professional and amateur Outline Art users, worldwide and is indicative
of the position long held by this vector graphic drawing program from
DMC. (Note: All winning entries are available for downloading from our
library #30 in the Atari Roundtable Library on GEnie.)
The 4 Megabyte DEMO version of Outline Art 3.0 is now available for
downloading. Although Save and export functions have been disabled, and
the context sensitive help has been left out, the program is entirely
functional and will give you a complete preview of the capabilities that
have made DMC's Outline Art famous.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact your nearest
Atari Dealer or DMC directly. We will be pleased to answer any
questions you might have.
Nathan Potechin
President
DMC Publishing
###### ADVENTIONS
###### Press Release
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
*** THE BIG NEWS THIS TIME:
ADVENTIONS announces the release of their new games, "Unnkulia One-Half:
The Salesman Triumphant," and "Unnkulia Zero: The Search for Amanda".
To find out more about them, read on. Or, if you're *really* impatient,
forget the rest of this note and grab the exciting new wares pronto from
ftp.gmd.de:
PC (MS-DOS) version:
ftp.gmd.de: if-archive/games/adventions/unnkhz10.zip
Others:
ftp.gmd.de: if-archive/games/adventions/unnkhz10.tar.Z
Note that for the "others" you will need the TADS 2 run-time for your
machine. (Look for these on the same site in if-archive/programming/
tads.)
The .tar.Z file must be extracted with the tar and compress programs,
which run on most Unix machines:
uncompress unnkhz10.tar.Z
tar xvf unnkhz10.tar
The resulting .gam files will run on any machine that runs TADS 2. (Be
sure to transfer files in binary mode!)
Mac users will have to set the file owner and type of the .GAM files to
TADR and TADG to get the TADS run-time to recognize them. This is
temporary; we will post special Mac versions to ftp.gmd.de within in a
few days.
Unix ports of TADS 2 are in the works and should be ready very soon.
(Specifically, we have it running on a
Sparc, but it still needs a bit
of tuning. Ports to other Unix boxes should be straightforward, and can
hence be expected soon.)
An Amiga port is also in the queue.
The Unnkulian Unventure Series
Interactive Fiction for the 90's
Remember the good old days, when adventure games challenged you with
great puzzles and evocative descriptions without resorting to any
graphics at all? We really miss that emphasis on game play rather than
glitz, so we've decided to write our own adventure games along the lines
of the early text games we liked so much.
If you're looking for top-quality interactive fiction comparable to
1980's commercial offerings, check out the Unnkulian Unventure series,
available from an archive site near you!
In _Unnkulian Underworld: The Unknown Unventure_ you play the part of
Kuulest's slave, and must recover the Orb of Studosity from the evil
Unnkulians. Kuulest, the old geezebag, has died and left you with
nothing to go on but a cryptic message about saving the planet. You'll
encounter amazing Acme products, the infamous Guardian, those witty
creatures known as Drolls, a giant beaver, and even the Dread Unnkulian
Warrior. <Gasp!>
In _Unnkulian Unventure II: The Secret of Acme_ your adventure continues
as you try to create some good press for yourself -- wouldn't want to
fade into anonymous obscurity, now would you? Along the way, you'll
find the answers to these compelling questions, and more:
o What happened to the Unnkulians?
o Why are Acme products so bad?
o What is this cheez stuff, really?
Plus, you'll get to explore Dawg Rock, a Duhdist Retreat, Acme's
clandestine prototypes laboratory, and even pay a visit to Acme HQ.
In _Unnkulia One-Half: The Salesman Triumphant_, you'll play the role of
a down-and-out Acme salesman, forced to work out of the Golden Dragon
Inn, dangerously near Dread Unnkulia. Will you accumulate enough loot
in this frightful backwater berg to turn your fortunes in your favor?
And, in _Unnkulia Zero: The Search for Amanda_, will you, the Valley
King's most trusted warrior, rescue his Lady Amanda from the gruesome
clutches of the evil Unnkulians?
Along the way to victory (or, <shudder>, defeat!), you will:
o Find out about the ancient days of the Valley,
o Meet the King's faithful (but not so bright) Valley Patrol,
o Explore *beautiful* Lake Draounheer,
o Discover the ancient burial ground of your ancestors,
o Become frustrated with the pesky Stoll and his Stoll Bridge,
and, of course,
o Meet that wondrously wacky Wowsa Willy!
The Unnkulian Unventures have already gotten rave reviews from numerous
adventure game connoisseurs around the world, so why not give them a
try?
The games are available for FTP from ftp.gmd.de:
PC and compatibles:
------------------
if-archive/games/adventions/pc/unnk1v30.zip
if-archive/games/adventions/pc/unnk2v30.zip
if-archive/games/adventions/pc/unnkhz10.zip
Mac:
---
if-archive/games/adventions/mac/unnk1v30.sit.hqx
if-archive/games/adventions/mac/unnk2v30.sit.hqx
[Special Mac versions of One-Half and Zero coming soon!]
Atari ST/TT/Falcon:
------------------
if-archive/games/adventions/others/uu1v20.tar.Z
if-archive/games/adventions/others/uu2v30.tar.Z
if-archive/games/adventions/others/unnkhz10.tar.Z
Amiga and Unix:
--------------
Don't worry, we fully intend to support these machines! Unix versions
should be available very soon. Amiga versions are in the works.
Unnkulian Unventures I and II are shareware ($10 registration fee each);
registering gets you spiffy maps and agony-sparing hint sheets.
Unnkulia One-Half is free -- don't pay us for it! Consider it our gift
to you -- guilt-free!
Unnkulia Zero is US$25 and is available via mail order from ADVENTIONS
or via phone (credit card order) through High Energy Software. Unnkulia
One-Half comes with a playable demo of Unnkulia Zero, which includes
information on how to order the complete version.
Happy adventioning!
Dave Baggett
ADVENTIONS
Internet: dmb@ai.mit.edu
Compuserve: 76440,2671
GEnie: ADVENTIONS
DELPHI: internet%"dmb@ai.mit.edu"
A Word About TADS
-----------------
We at ADVENTIONS use a programming language called TADS to write our
games. TADS is a product of High Energy Software, and you can get it
via FTP.
TADS (and TADS goodies) are available for the PC, Mac, and Atari ST,
from ftp.gmd.de. Look in the if-archive/programming/tads directory.
TADS is also shareware, and we strongly encourage you to register it if
you use it, since we feel it is a powerful, innovative, and very
inexpensive development system that deserves to be paid for.
###### TWO WORLDS PUBLISHING ANNOUNCES MAGAZINE
###### Press Release
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
Public Announcement
by Two Worlds Publishing
on March 9, 1993
Two Worlds Publishing is currently developing the first domestic Falcon
magazine, titled Processor Direct. The magazine will be dedicated to
giving the latest news and reviews of software and hardware add-ons that
will be available for the Atari Falcon030. The first issue will be
published in July, 1993. Expected prices are as follows:
o $3.00, newsstand
o $7.50, 3 issue trial subscription (will be limited offer)
o $12.00, 6 issue subscription
o $20.00, 12 issue subscription
The magazine will include sections on:
o Editorial o Reader Mail
o News/Events o Hints/Tips
o Future Products o Product Reviews
o Columns o Help Desk
o Online Computing o Closing Comments
The contents of Processor Direct will also be relevant to ST/STe/TT
users, not only Falcon030 users. Due to the Falcon030's high
compatibility with the ST and the existing base of ST/STe/TT users, it
is very likely that software will still be written to run on these older
machines. We plan to include as many software reviews and news items as
the magazine allows.
Are you interested in contributing articles to Processor Direct? We are
looking for interested reviewers and column writers for all subjects.
Contributors will be compensated for published articles. Are you
interested in advertising in Processor Direct? Quarter, half, and full
page space is available at low prices. Do you operate a store and are
interested in stocking Processor Direct? Contact via one of the methods
listed below for more information on all of these.
Mailing: GEmail:
Processor Direct S.DOUGHERTY1
c/o Sean Dougherty
4722 Windflower Circle
Tampa, FL 33624
********** Do not send money at this time. If you would like to
* NOTICE * subscribe, send us a letter and your mailing address as
********** soon as possible by one of the above methods. Information
for subscribing to Processor Direct will be sent to you as soon as
publishing details can be finalized.
Contents are Copyright 1993, Sean Dougherty, Timothy Miller, Robert
Fernandez, and David Prichard. Reprints of this public announcement are
allowed only if reproduced in its entire unmodified form. Above prices
and rates are subject to change. The Two Worlds Publishing name is
Copyright 1993, Sean Dougherty. The label Processor Direct is Copyright
1993, Sean Dougherty, Timothy Miller, Robert Fernandez, and David
Prichard. The names Atari, Falcon030, ST, STe, and TT are the property
of Atari Corporation. Neither Two Worlds Publishing (TWP) nor the
publishing staff of TWP is in any way affiliated with Atari Corporation.
###### OPINION - WHY DOES THIS MAN HAVE A COMPUTER SYSTEM
###### Guest editorial by Dr. Paul Keith
###### ---------------------------------------------------------------
It's been sometime now since the first signs of trouble with ABCO
Computer Consultants surfaced. You might recall that a number of users
appeared on GEnie, claiming that Ralph Mariano of ABCO Computer
Consultants had taken money from them, but had failed to deliver the
promised goods. Some of you might know Ralph Mariano better as the
publisher of the on-line magazine ST Report.
In some instances, the customers had been sold hard disk drive systems,
others modems, and one poor fellow had actually been sold TWO TT030
systems. It turned out that the systems Mariano was selling were USED,
not new like the customer expected. And it also turned out that ABCO
Computer Consultants was not an authorized Atari dealer, so there would
be no factory warranty with the TT030s sold by ABCO.
Among the people that had been mistreated by ABCO, was a fellow named
Don Harris, who actually lived in Jacksonville, Florida. Since Don was
local to Ralph Mariano, he filed a lawsuit against Ralph Mariano and
ABCO Computer Consultants. Don "told all" in a text file that he
uploaded to GEnie, entitled "Customer Support - The Continuing Saga of
Caveat Emptor". Quickly, a topic opened up in the Category 18 of the
GEnie RT to debate the situation about Mariano and his ABCO business
problems.
At first, there was no commentary from Ralph Mariano himself.
Predictably, then came his followers who tried to separate the Ralph
Mariano of ABCO from Ralph Mariano of ST Report. In fact, as many
on-line persons noted, ABCO's ads primarily appear in ST Report. In a
conference on DELPHI a few years ago, Mariano himself stated that ST
Report's existence was funded by ABCO! To say that there is no
connection between the publisher and the chief advertiser is absurd!
They are in fact the same person, and use ST Report as the primary
advertising vehicle for ABCO Computer Consultants.
So, now that Mariano has had some time to rectify things, just how are
they proceeding? Sadly, it's apparent that as long as the wheel isn't
squeaking, there isn't any need for any grease. Don Harris was
fortunate, a dealer who read of his plight sent him a TT030 at no
charge. While Don had a benefactor that provided him HALF of the
product that Ralph owed him, Don acknowledged that Ralph had promised a
payment plan to refund his money. But what about the others?
In an article in ST Applications, a well respected UK Atari Journal
published by The ST Club, the chant was "Don't Trust This Man!" in an
article entitled the same in the March '93 edition. It would appear
that Mariano's misdeeds are not limited just to America, but rather
include Scotland, Britain, and even Luxembourg.
Serge Weber of Luxembourg described in the International Communications
conference in Turbonet and the FNET how his user group had purchased
hard disk systems worth more than $3000 from Mariano, only to receive a
_used_ hard disk drive and a defective syquest mechanism without
cartridges. He also complained that when they made the purchase, they
were assured that they would get fully assembled systems. Instead, the
few systems that were actually delivered had a European power supply
simply thrown in the box, not installed and ready to go.
One of the members of Serge's user group visited Ralph's home while on
vacation in the US, and attempted to get satisfaction. Instead, he was
given a tour of ABCO Computer Consultants, which he described as "...a
trash house, with nothing but a TT system, a fax machine, and a modem.
ABCO had _nothing_ in stock. It looks as though Ralph takes the money,
and then buys the products and re-sells them." He returned to his
homeland empty handed, convinced that they would probably never see
their money, nor their product.
Complaints to Mariano via the ST Report Conferences in the FNET and
Turbonet only resulted in Mariano dropping the complaining nodes from
his conferences, and ultimately cutting the link between the UK and
North America. Undeterred, sysops in New York and Canada began picking
up the slack to call the UK to re-connect the networks, and added
additional conferences that began telling the tales of Mariano's
business practices.
During the outcry on GEnie, Mariano dropped his advertisements for ABCO
in ST Report. GEnie's Atari ST Roundtable revoked Mariano's free
account, closed his library, deleted his message bases, and refused to
accept future editions of ST Report. A brief exodus by Mariano to the
GEnie Lamp Roundtable followed, but was short lived. There is no place
on GEnie where ST Report is presently being accepted. Mariano's
longtime friend Ron Luks, head sysop of the Atari Forums on CompuServe
seemed nonplused by the entire events, and renewed his support for
Mariano and his magazine. ST Report editor emeritus Lloyd Pulley
commented on CIS that apparently "...they (the ST Report publication and
staff) were not politically correct enough for GEnie." Luks replied
"...that's one of the things about you that I like the best!" And now,
after his exile from GEnie, the ads for ABCO Computer Consultants are
again appearing in ST Report!
Despite a statement from Atari's legal department that "...ABCO Computer
Consultants is not an authorized Atari dealer" Mariano advertises in ST
Report that he sells Atari products. Perhaps in a technical sense, this
is correct. He does sell products that can be used with Atari
Computers. But the phrase "Atari products " also conjures up images of
an authorized Atari dealer, which ABCO is not.
But why is ST Report being distributed anywhere with these
advertisements? Why hasn't Mariano satisfied the claims of his current
customers that are still awaiting their products? What guarantee do we
have that he isn't going to look for new sheep to shear? We have no
such guarantee. All that Mariano ever stated regarding his problems
with ABCO is that "...ABCO will satisfy their customers." But as to
when they will satisfy them, and via what means, we're left to our
imaginations. No time frame for compensation, no shipment schedule.
Lee Seilor of Lexicor Software reported that ABCO sent him a package
purported to contain the Syquest cartridges that he purchased. In fact,
the box was empty! Another unfortunate error by Mariano, or a new low?
Remember the story of the burning UPS truck Ralph told one of his
customers? The customer became suspicious, contacted UPS, and found
that there had been no such incident. Once again, Mariano had acted
dishonestly.
There has been enough time for Mariano to begin taking care of his
customers. He owes the userbase explanations for how he has used ST
Report to get customers for ABCO. He owes explanations about how he
plans to make remunerations to customers around the world. And in the
meantime, it's my opinion that ALL the networks should refuse to carry
ST Report until ABCO has in fact satisfied all their customers. I
cannot see any sysop of good conscience allowing the magazine to be
distributed via their system with the continuance of the ABCO
advertisements. It's clear that he hasn't acted in good faith with his
customers.
The time for Mariano to make right is NOW. If he no longer has neither
the means to acquire the products that he sold, then he should begin
filling the orders from his personal equipment!!
Ralph's BBS, The Bounty BBS operates with a US Robotics Dual Standard
Courier HST modem, in fact Ralph has boasted publicly that he has two of
them. They should be shipped out to the customers that Ralph owes
modems to. Ralph owes Don Harris a TT030, yet Ralph owns one. He
should give it to Don Harris! According to Ralph, The Bounty BBS has
over 500 megabytes of hard disk storage. Those drives should be taken
down, and shipped to the users in Luxembourg that haven't gotten their
products.
Simply put, Mariano has made the rest of the world wait long enough. He
should fill the orders with whatever he has on hand, and make up the
difference for the used equipment later. If that means that The Bounty
BBS goes down until he can afford new modems, so be it. If it means
that Ralph himself no longer has a computer for his personal use, so be
it. If that means that Ralph has to pass the baton for ST Report to one
of his staff members, so be it. The time for patience is through. The
time for excuses is over. No more burning UPS trucks, Ralph. Ship the
customers what they paid for. Do it today!!!
# # # # # #
**--DELPHI SIGN-UP--** **--GENIE SIGN-UP--**
============================|============================
To sign up for DELPHI call | To sign up for GENIE call
(with modem) 800-695-4002. | (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection hit return | Upon connection type HHH
once or twice. At Password: | and hit return. Wait for
type ZNET and hit <return>. | the U#= prompt and type in
(Free 5 Hours of online time| the following: XTX99436,
available - See Article) | GEnie and hit return.
============================|============================
**--COMPUSERVE SIGN-UP--**
------------------
To sign up for CompuServe service call (with phone) (800)
848-8199. Ask for operator #198. You will then be sent a
$15.00 free membership kit.
=========================================================
**--ATARINET INFORMATION--**
--------------------
If you'd like further information or would like to join
AtariNet-please contact one of the following via AtariNet
or Fido: Bill Scull Fido 1:363/112 AtariNet 51:1/0, Dean
Lodzinski Fido 1:107/633 AtariNet 51:4/0, Terry May Fido
1:209/745 AtariNet 51:2/0, Tony Castorino Fido 1:102/1102
AtariNet 51:3/0, Don Liscombe AtariNet 51:5/0, Daron
Brewood Fido 2:255/402 AtariNet 51:6/0. You can also call
the Z*Net News Service at (908) 968-8148 for more info.
========================================================================
Reprints from the GEnie ST Roundtable are Copyright (c)1993, Atari
Corporation and the GEnie ST RT. Reprints from CompuServe's AtariArts,
AtariPro, AtariVen, or Aportfolio Forums are Copyright (c)1993, CIS.
========================================================================
Reprints from AtariUser Magazine are Copyright(c)1993, AtariUser. NO
AU article MAY BE REPRINTED without the written permission of the
publisher. You can subscribe and read ALL of the informative articles
each and every month by contacting AU at (818) 246-6277. For $15.00 you
will receive 12 issues. Send your payment to AtariUser Magazine, 249
North Brand Boulevard, Suite 332, Glendale, California, USA, 91203.
Foreign delivery is $30.00 in US funds.
========================================================================
Atari is a registered trademark of Atari Corporation. Atari Falcon030,
TOS, MultiTOS, NewDesk and BLiTTER, are trademarks of Atari Corporation.
All other trademarks mentioned in this publication belong to their
respective owners.
========================================================================
**--** Z*NET OFFICIAL INFORMATION **--**
=========================================================
Z*Net Atari Online Magazine is a weekly online publication covering the
Atari and related computer community. Material published in this issue
may be reprinted under the following terms only: articles must remain
unedited and include the issue number and author at the top of each
article reprinted. Reprint permission is granted, unless otherwise
noted at the beginning of the article, to registered Atari user groups
and not for profit publications. Opinions present herein are those
of the individual authors and do not reflect those of the staff. This
publication is not affiliated with the Atari Corporation. Z*Net, Z*Net
News Service, Z*Net International, Rovac, Z*Net Atari Online and Z*Net
Publishing are copyright (c)1993, Syndicate Publishing, PO Box 0059,
Middlesex, NJ 08846-0059, Voice: (908) 968-2024, BBS: (908) 968-8148,
(510) 373-6792.
===~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~==
Z*Net Atari Online Magazine
Copyright (C)1993, Syndicate Publishing - Ron Kovacs
===~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~==
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