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Atari Online News, Etc. Volume 01 Issue 35
Volume 1, Issue 35 Atari Online News, Etc. October 29, 1999
Published and Copyright (c) 1999
All Rights Reserved
Atari Online News, Etc.
A-ONE Online Magazine
Dana P. Jacobson, Publisher/Managing Editor
Joseph Mirando, Managing Editor
Atari Online News, Etc. Staff
Dana P. Jacobson -- Editor
Joe Mirando -- "People Are Talking"
Michael Burkley -- "Unabashed Atariophile"
Albert Dayes -- CC: Classic Chips
With Contributions by:
Dan Iacovelli
Kevin Savetz
Bengy Collins
Carl Forhan
To subscribe to A-ONE, send a message to: dpj@delphi.com
and your address will be added to the distribution list.
To unsubscribe from A-ONE, send the following: Unsubscribe A-ONE
Please make sure that you include the same address that you used to
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To download A-ONE, set your browser bookmarks to one of the
following sites:
http://people.delphi.com/dpj/a-one.htm
http://www.icwhen.com/aone/
http://a1mag.atari.org
Visit the Atari Advantage Forum on Delphi!
http://forums.delphi.com/m/main.asp?sigdir=atari
=~=~=~=
A-ONE #0135 10/29/99
~ MagiC Online Update! ~ People Are Talking! ~ Want "Cookies"?
~ Windows 2000 Delayed! ~ Alta Lista Updated! ~ AVC Meeting News!
~ Mac OS 9 Released! ~ Fastest Pentium III! ~ New bleem! Out!
~ Don't Get Ripped Off! ~ Centurbo II Updates! ~ Arcade Party Pak!
-* AOL Flagship Tops 19 Million *-
-* ExciteAtHome To Buy Blue Mountain! *-
-* Intel Unveils 15 New Pentium Processors! *-
=~=~=~=
->From the Editor's Keyboard "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
I realize that I probably do this fairly regularly; and, it probably annoys
some people (it does me at times!), but I cannot believe it's the end of
October already! Where does time go?? Boy, I could really get
philosophical here, but I won't!
I hope everyone is ready for the deluge of "trick 'o' treaters" this
weekend! Great Halloween costume suggestion: Jack Tramiel or Bill Gates!
What a great time of year, though. I can't wait to see what kinds of ghosts
and goblins visit us this weekend! A reminder - if you're out driving this
weekend, watch out for the kids at night! Have a safe and enjoyable All
Hallows Eve! And don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour this
weekend, for Daylight Savings!
Until next time...
MagiC Online Update
From: Bengy <bengy@atari.org>
Hi All,
Just a quick note to let everyone know important information about
certain issues:
I moved to a different city and currently don't have a computer, I'm
saving up from each paycheque though, so MagiC online will reopen at
that time, it shouldn't be too long, perhaps 1 month-1 1/2 more months.
The main thing I wanted to clear up was about the MagiC Game Contest, it
is of course still running, but I must say only because of Jan Daldrup..
wow, I can't thank him enough for the work he's put into the project, and
the nicest thing about it is that I didn't even have to ask him, he just
voluntarily took over where I left off! One thing that concerned me was
I saw a message saying that someone made a game for the MGC but had
already released it.. Remember all, if you do make a game for the MGC,
it Cant be released until the official release date.. these rules are on
the MGC homepage.
Anyway, I'm typing this at the public library which is "strictly for
research" so the librarians are giving me evil looks :) I'll be back
online in no time, and i'll make an announcement then.
Take Care,
Bengy
About Email, Unfortunately My Email account choked (it only has a limit of
200 emails, and at approx. 100 emails a week it didn't last long.) So if you
sent me something and it bounced back, thats why! :)
Alta Lista Updated to v2.6
Alta Lista, HTML and image catalogizer, has been updated to v2.6. This
release features new colour icons (up to 256 colours) which replace the
old monochrome ones. The dialogs got a new look and some not yet available
features have been disabled. Alta Lista can also be used to see how a HTML
page will appear in a web search engine because the program behaves almost
like the popular Alta Vista search engine.
The main program is completely in English language, an extensive ST-Guide
hypertext is - along with many other features - planned for v3.0 which will
be released later this year.
http://www.atari-computer.de/mjaap/prg/
New Centurbo II updates & Phenix 060 news
You can download the new versions of CENTscreen, CECILE 2.18, CBOOT,
PUTFLASH and FLASH.BIN for CT2 and the demo version of SANDRINE.
We signal you that the versions 2.15 and 2.16 of CECILE contain a bug that
may affect the CD-Rom software. Please change your CECILE if you have one
of these numbers.
We recall you that it is important to update all this programs together
or you may have some bad problems!
We have yet 14 CT2 in stock. Join the club of the 241-14= 227 users...
The Phenix R1 (prototype) goes to the Rev. A (Developer version).
The principal modification concerns the add of the two PS/2 ports for
standard Keyboard and mouse, because it seems that the USB keyboard doesn't
seriously appear on the market.
It will be possible to connect all models of keyboard and mouse on the
Phenix 060 with most attractive prices.
A new features list is on the site. Same thing with a new functional
diagram that is now presented as normalized ('north' and 'south bridge'
terms).
The Phenix 060 is now ready to be produce in a small quantity for the
developers.
Don't hesitate to contact us to encourage or for remarks.
CENTEK - CLASS4
42, rue Delegorgue
F-62970 COURCELLES-LES-LENS
FRANCE
Phone+Hotline : +33 (0)-3-2-1-409-400
Fax : +33 (0)-3-2-1-746-449
WEB : http://www.centek.fr
Atari Freeware from Japan
From: Kevin Savetz <savetz@northcoast.com>
Here you can find some quality freeware for Atari ST family of computers.
Especially midi and Japanese font oriented utilities.
http://www.geocities.co.jp/SiliconValley/9164/efreesoft.html
->A-ONE User Group Notes! - Meetings, Shows, and Info!
"""""""""""""""""""""""
AVC Meetings Update
Here are the remaining dates for the Chicago area Atari Video Club:
November 7th time 1:30pm till 4:30pm at Westchester Public Library in
Westchester,IL (I'll be bringing my Fest'99 video and Pac-man fever CD,
but I will need somebody to bring a VCR,and jaguar CD,and a TV; I can't
bring my stuff) Also plans for next year will be discussed at this meeting.
December 5th time 1:30pm till 4:30pm at Westchester Public Library in
Westchester,IL. (final meeting at this location; plans will for next year
will be discussed)
Please RSVP a week before the meeting (by e-mail) so I could tell you the
address and directions.(please tell me your address too so I could give you
the directions from your place to the meeting place)
Our next net meeting:
The next Atari Video Club net meeting will take place at the Atari Video
Club Chat room located at http://jupiter.beseen.com/chat/rooms/i/1858. and
ICQ
The date of the meeting is 11/13/99
This a special net meeting where you get ask questions to a special guest.
This months guest is Scott Walters the man behind the BJL and the invention
that will make unencrypted game work on non-modified jaguars.
The meeting is scheduled to take place at 5pm central time and end around
7pm central time. (for those who don't own ICQ use the web chat room to ask
your questions and I'll relay them to scott (who will be on ICQ) this will
be moderated meeting.
Daniel M. Iacovelli
AVC Chairperson
Editor of the Atari Zone Fanzine and E-zine
E-mail: AtariVideoClub@angefire.com
(ICQ #14050168)
AVC online=Http://www.angelfire.com/ia/AtariVideoClub/AVC.html
=~=~=~=
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
compiled by Joe Mirando
jmirando@portone.com
Hidi ho friends and neighbors. Well, old man winter just sent one of his
younger nephews to visit me. One chilly morning can be dismissed as an
anomaly, but three mornings of frost in a row can mean only one thing...
winter is well and truly on its way. Now don't get me wrong, I love
winter. I love cold weather, I love snow (as long as I don't have to
shovel it), and I love the holidays.
Most of the people I know hate the cold and would do anything to get
away from it. Their reasoning eludes me. I'd much rather have cold
weather than hot weather. I mean, after all, you can always throw on
another blanket or a sweater if you're too cold, but what exactly do you
wear when you're too hot??
I guess I'll have to just come to terms with the fact that not everyone
has a logical mind like mine. <grin>
Y'know, there's really not enough of that going around these days. The
coming to terms with the simple fact that not everyone has to think the
same way, I mean.
As far as some are concerned, if you don't conform to their ideas you're
anti-something. I get the sneaking suspicion that they're afraid that
you're anti-THEM. Truth be told, I probably am anti-them. I have a hard
time cutting someone slack when they won't cut anyone else any.
So... while we're all mulling over what the heck I was trying to point
out why don't we just take a look at what's being said on the UseNet.
From the comp.sys.atari.st NewsGroup
====================================
Willard VanderPloeg tells us about his success with GEMulator, the ST
emulator for PCs:
"I've got Gemulator running perfect - but have found that ONLY TOS 1.4
renamed to tos.img on the root of C is found.
My machine also seems to want a floppy in A to boot Gemulator right."
Andy Morgan tells Willard:
"This is all I needed to do too, then all of a sudden gemulator found
the TOS and runs in ST mode.
> My machine also seems to want a floppy in A to boot Gemulator right.
Mine does too [wants a floppy in Drive A] , but after searching the
drive boots ok.
I haven't had a chance to play with gemulator much yet - what already
bugs me though is that if the focus is on gemulator, the mouse only
works within the emulation screen, making gemulator impossible to turn
off by normal methods (I have to kill it using the task manager). Is
this right???"
Lewis Simcox adds his own little secret:
"I edited the .ini file to boot from partition Z. That where my ZIP
drive is. Gemulator set up on a ZIP disk works fine."
Someone mentions the following (sorry, I've lost the name and address of
who it was):
"I have an AUTO folder on C:\ with a program called WINSIZER.PRG. This
utility allows the 800x600 res to be selected at startup."
Ben Hall asks:
"Where can I find this..?
(Gemulator worked fine for me first time - at last an ST emulator that
can be used for some real work!)"
Roger Cain tells Ben:
"It's in the release archive of the FREE (June 98) of Gemulator (on
Darek's site)... or I could mail it to you if you don't have this to
hand.
Eeeeee 'eck, what am I doing wrong? There's you and Gerry O'Rourke as
happy as sandboys and me always crashing out at the first attempt to
display an emulated ST screen!"
Ben tells Roger:
"Well, I got a copy of TOS 2.06 and lo and behold: big screens now work!
ST Mono resolutions work nice and fast - I did 800x600 no problems.
The colour resolutions also work, although are a lot slower (again, some
fiddling with the parameters is probably necessary), but I do have a
fairly slow PC by modern standards.
So, it can be done!"
"Galen" adds:
"I've been unable to post for a few days, but I'm glad you figured it
out. Higher resolutions were added in TOS 2, TOS 1.x only truly
understands the basic 3 resolutions (some exceptions apply, as always)."
Andy Morgan tells Galen:
"I can see I'm getting deeply into RTFM territory here, but how do you
define the screen size? I've got TOS 2,06 but renamed to Magic.os - what
do I have to tweak and where?"
Ben tells everyone:
"This works for me: stick WINSIZER.PRG (which is contained in the
Gemulator 98 archive) into the AUTO folder. When the "ST" boots, a menu
comes up asking you to select a screen size (Normal, 640x480, 800x600
and so on)
I can have up to 1024x768 mono on this 17inch monitor, and it still runs
faster than my normal ST, which is quite remarkable...
Anyone know if Magic 2.01 supports larger screen sizes - I would have
thought it would do, but so far it won't work..."
Kasper Guaka asks for info on using and Atari TT:
"I just found another Atari at the dump: a TT030!
It came with a keyboard, and luckily I still have 2 Atari mice. I tried
a VGA monitor with it, and that's okay, but I want to run Cubase on it,
and that's not working. Some way I need to get the monochrome mode (?)
working. Would it be possible to connect a SM124 to it?
I'd also like to know how I can use the hard disk it has. Do I have to
run certain programs before it starts? Some kind of boot disk? (Now it
doesn't do anything...)"
My old friend Sheldon Winick tells Kasper:
"The TT030's standard graphic modes can run all of its resolutions,
except for TT-High, on a regular SVGA monitor. These resolutions
include ST-Low, ST-Medium, ST-High (640 x 400 monochrome), TT-Low, and
TT-Medium.
To run TT-High, you will need one of Atari's high-res 19" monitors
(TTM194 or TTM195). TT-High is obviously the best for Cubase, but you
can also run it nicely in ST-High res on a standard SVGA monitor.
You should note that the "unique" proportions of the Atari display will
probably require internal adjustment of most SVGA monitors to get a
properly proportioned picture. Best way to adjust the display is have a
program generate a graphic circle on the screen, then adjust the circle
so it is perfectly round."
John Garone asks:
"Is there a program to retrieve data from damaged Jaz disks?"
Mario Becroft asks John:
"How is the disc damaged? If the filesystem is damaged (owing to
physical disc damage or a software malfunction) you may still be able to
retrieve the data manually if you know what you are doing. If part of
the disc is physically damaged there is probably no way to retrieve the
data that was stored there, but that may not stop you from retrieving
data that was stored elsewhere on the disc.
There are tools such as Diamond Edge which can automatically repair
simple errors but otherwise you need to do it by hand with a disc
editor."
Justin, the self-proclaimed "hellraiser", asks:
"I've recently got a 520STE, basically just to have a bit of nostalgia
and play some of the classic old games, such as Dungeon Master, but I
have a few questions:-
1) Are there any major compatibility issues with the STE? I seem to
remember a few, but this was quite some time ago.
2) Is there any way of adding a hard disk to an STE?
3) Or how about a CD?
4) I have a CD containing numerous disk images of ST games. Now, I
realise I can use something like Makedisk to dump these images onto
floppy, but this would be a bit slow. Is there any way I can get the ST
to treat one of these images as, say, drive A? I mean, link the ST to
the PC by the parallel port for example, and use a device driver for it.
Does anything like this exist?
5) How picky is the STE about the 30 pin SIMMS it accepts? A friend has
a few pulled out of an old 486, but I'd like to know if they are likely
to work.
6) I know there are loads of sites with disk images of games, etc, on,
but are there any with disk images of utils disks, with stuff like
Assempro, Devpac, Fast Basic, that sort of thing? I can get hold of the
originals of most of these, but having been left in a cold, damp loft
for the best part of 7 years, most of them no longer work.
7) And finally, what is the maximum baud rate you can drive the ST's
serial port at?
Sorry if this goes on a bit, but I thought I'd get all the questions out
in one go!"
Robert Schaffner answers Justin's queries:
"1)Some games are directly made for STe machines, but other ones should
also work fine.
2) DMA (Megafile) DMA to SCSI Adaptor (LINK Adaptors) Internal IDE
Interface
3)Same way. External, DMA to SCSI Adaptor..
4) I've never heard about that and how it works.
5) Best way the simm had the same technical data as the simm what the
machine contain. Watch atari memory bank groups. I can remember that
the STe2 must be upgraded bank wise..
6) You are sure these sites are free, or they all piracy sites? Maybe
damaged disks can't be re-animated. Needs a long time to pick up working
parts from any disk and you can't got all data. I'm not sure anybody put
these utilities to the web. Mostly these sides contain games..
7) 19K2 without HSModem, without Hardware modification. Save an old 520ST
here, this machine contains "RS-Speed" so I have a maximum serial baud rate
of 115K2. But MagiC runs, as example, it's better to go down with the baud
rate. (CRC-Errors with MagiC) With single tos and coNnect 2.46, fine to
use."
Mike Freeman posts this idea:
"Consider this:
If you take the Web Browsers available for TOS machines (CAB, Adamas,
Wensuite, Newsie, and Lynx), combined you pretty much have the browser
that we've been wanting for a long time. But apart, they all fall short
in one area or another.
If we could get Alexander Clauss to release CAB's source code (since he
obviously isn't interested in supporting us any longer), and get the
authors of most, if not all the others to work together on one large
project, I think we would have something great on our hands!
Here's my idea of a great browser:
1. Take the HTML support, GUI, fonts handling, and other important
features from CAB that are lacking in the other browsers.
2. Add them to the JavaScript support and graphics display from Adamas.
3. Add that to the overall speed of Wensuite (if that's possible).
4. Add that to the FTP, News, and Mail support incorporated in Newsie,
Adamas, or Wensuite.
Just think, instead of a bunch of people working on different browsers
that are more or less incomplete, why not work together to bring what
they have into one complete browser? I think it is very selfish and
overly competitive for this market when we have everyone isolating
themselves creating software that really doesn't do what's needed
instead of bringing individual talents together and making one heck of a
great piece of software! I'd personally rather see one great browser
instead of bunch of mediocre ones. Just an idea... Any other thoughts?"
Joshua Kaijankowski asks Mike:
"Why not make an Atari version of Netscape since the source code is
available?"
Good question Joshua... why not?
Katherine Ellis tells Joshua (and me):
"1) PARTS of netscape only are available in src code (mozilla it would
be, the free one which is not netscape navigator src (as far as I know))
2) netscape src are written X11 in mind. (you have X11 on your atari?)
) Netscape wouldn't work well at all in 4meg of ram and a 8mhz cpu.
Netscape on linux with 48meg of ram installed just crawls with constant
swapping on the p133.
4) One OS would have to be chosen, unless there should be 3 ports of
netscape? one for single TOS, one for mint and one for magic?
5) What stack will be be made for? MiNTnet would be the closest thing I
could think of, but I am sure then magic people with iconnect would be
mad? what about stik? or wensuite internet API? "
Anyway, talking about netscape is not a realistic way to handle the web
browser problems we might have."
Well folks, that's it for this week. Tune in again next week, same time,
same station, and be ready to listen to what they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
=~=~=~=
->In This Week's Gaming Section - Midway's Arcade Party Pak!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 'Grandia'! bleem! Updated
'X-Files'! 'FIFA 2000'!
Microsoft Serious About X-Box!
New Game Modem! And much more!
=~=~=~=
->A-ONE's Game Console Industry News - The Latest Gaming News!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
bleem! PlayStation Emulator to Release Free v.1.5
Increased Support For Over 70 Additional Games,
Better Speed Management, and More
PC gamers can now enjoy a new and improved version of bleem!, the
eye-popping software that lets you play hundreds of PlayStation games on
your PC. Version 1.5, released last Friday via a free download from
www.bleem.com , delivers improved compatibility for over 70 games, dozens
of bug fixes, improved texture rendering in Direct 3D, new controller
profiles for easy, automatic configuration, and greatly- improved speed
management for more consistent gameplay in Microsoft Windows.
bleem! v.1.5 improves memory card support for popular games like WWF:
Attitude, Final Fantasy 8, Castlevania and Star Ocean: The Second Story,
adding over 40 titles to the 250+ games that were already fully-compatible
in previous editions of the software. In addition, bleem! will now work
with another 30 PlayStation games for the first time, including Dino
Crisis, Knockout Kings, Contra, Final DOOM, and G-Police. Because bleem!'s
code is so highly optimized, more powerful PCs actually played some games
TOO FAST so the ``heart" of bleem!'s emulation code has been entirely
re-written for more consistent and accurate game speed overall, resulting
in better sound synchronization and gameplay that more closely matches the
PlayStation console.
The new version also offers a ``texel alignment" option to eliminate faint
lines that can appear between textures when playing games in 3D hardware
mode; emulation support for NegCon and JogCon controllers, and added
automatic configuration profiles for game controllers including Microsoft
Force Feedback Joystick and Gravis GamePad Pro USB; an
installer/uninstaller program for easier download and installation; and
various other performance tweaks.
The new upgrade can be downloaded free at www.bleem.com .
3Com Scores With Modem Geared Toward Serious Gamers
A Selection of Exciting Activision Titles, Up to
43 Percent Faster Performance than Competition
Make Gaming Modem Ideal Holiday Stocking Stuffer
Geared at serious online gamers looking for some extra kick in their
connections, the new Internet Gaming modem from 3Com Corporation offers
users a level of performance that goes above and beyond the traditional
analog modem.
Optimized for faster ping times, more stable connections and reduced lag
times, the 3Com® U.S. Robotics Internet Gaming modem gives users a
smoother, more powerful game experience than analog modems currently on the
market. Built around 3Com's award-winning 56K (1) V.90 analog modem, the
internal PCI-controller-based Internet Gaming modem makes the entire game
experience more realistic. The chance of being disconnected during a key
play or experiencing a frustrating pause in a key action sequence has been
greatly reduced since 3Com has optimized the firmware to provide a better
level of connection stability.
Ping times are significantly faster with the Internet Gaming modem,
allowing players to get their games started quicker than ever before. In
fact, Henderson Communications Laboratories, an independent testing lab,
concluded that the 3Com Internet Gaming modem achieved up to 43 percent
faster weighted average ping times than five other competitor modems tested
this October when calling to 3Com Total Control or Ascend Max server
equipment.
Best of all, the Internet Gaming modem comes complete with two of the
hottest game titles available today: the mechanized combat game Heavy
Gear II and the intense strategy game Civilization: Call to Power.
Internet Gaming modem purchasers will also receive a coupon that gives them
the option of choosing one additional game, free of charge, from a
selection of titles that includes Asteroids, Jack Nicklaus 6, Heretic II
and Soldier of Fortune (special edition). The coupon also offers users the
chance to purchase the full version of Quake III Arena for $24.95, a $25
savings over the estimated street price.
``People who are serious about their online gaming need a modem geared
exactly for that purpose," said John Yoon, director of product management,
3Com Personal Communication Division. ``The 3Com Internet Gaming modem
gives true gamers an edge that other modems just can't match. And, when you
combine its great performance and selection of gaming software, the
Internet Gaming modem also becomes the ideal holiday gift."
Purchasers of 3Com's Internet Gaming modem also will receive an Internet
Gaming modem CD. This CD contains the 3Com Gaming modem configuration tool,
which allows users to either enable or disable the modem's gaming mode. The
CD also includes GameSpy, the most popular gaming utility for finding
Internet gaming servers, MP3Spy, modem drivers and the online version of
the manual.
As with all 3Com U.S. Robotics V.90 56K modems, the Internet Gaming modem
includes x2 technology to ensure backward compatibility with x2-capable
modems and server equipment. This way, users are always sure of getting a
connection, regardless of the technology with which they are communicating.
The Internet Gaming modem also takes advantage of 3Com's exclusive line
probing technology. This feature allows 3Com modems to dynamically create a
signal pattern that optimizes throughput for that particular line,
ultimately leading to higher levels of performance than other V.90 designs.
Furthermore, the 3Com U.S. Robotics Internet Gaming modem comes with a
5-year hardware limited warranty.
Scheduled to be available late October, the 3Com Internet Gaming modem will
be available for an estimated street price of $119.95.
Microsoft May Introduce Video Game Console
Microsoft Corp. is considering pouring billions of dollars over four years
into developing and promoting a home video game console, in a move to
control digital entertainment, the Wall Street Journal said.
The console is code-named X-box, a person briefed on Microsoft's plans
told the Journal, and would represent an attempt to head off Sony Corp. in
the home video-game market.
The Microsoft game system is expected to go on sale in the fall of 2000,
unnamed industry executives told the Journal. Sony's Playstation 2 is
expected to be launched in March in Japan and in the United States in
fall 2000. It's not clear when Microsoft could announce its system, the
Journal said.
The new Sony machine will be able to run high-quality three-dimensional
animation, play digital video disks, connect to the Internet and store
data in hard disk drives, the Journal said, potentially representing
competition for home personal computers, which use Microsoft software,
the paper said.
Atari's Pong Brings the Fun Home Again
Pong, Q*bert and Missile Command are Back in a Big, New 3D Way!
The 1974 holiday season was a high-scoring time in history as Atari's
arcade hit Pong came home and ignited the home interactive entertainment
industry. Just in time for the 1999 holiday season, Atari's doing it again
with a new 3D Pong for the PC and Sony PlayStation.
In new Pong, players go head-to-head, table-tennis-style, lobbing the ball
back and forth in pursuit of high score. Sharp reflexes are key, because
this time Pong packs the playing field with mischievous penguins, jagged
terrain and many more challenges over 20 new levels. Pong is available in
stores now at a suggested retail price of $19.95 (PC) and $29.95 (PSX).
Hasbro Interactive's first game for the Atari line, Frogger, hopped
straight to the top of the charts selling more than 2.5 million copies on
PC and Sony Playstation since its debut. This summer, Centipede slithered
onto the scene wowing action- and arcade-lovers alike with classic gameplay
and added '90s features. In response to the success of these front-running
titles, Hasbro Interactive will release a sequel to Frogger in 2000.
Other blasts from the past dressed up for the future include cool new
versions of classics Missile Command and Q*bert for the PC and Sony
PlayStation. In Q*bert, the premise of this puzzle game may be familiar but
the playing fields are a whole new frontier. Players navigate cube mazes,
turning all squares the same color before Q*bert's zany enemies - Ugg,
Wrong-Way and Coily the Snake - foil the plans. Only this time, Q*bert's
truly a hip hopper on a mission to blast through fantastic space worlds to
save his home! *%&^%!! Q*bert will bounce onto retail store shelves in
November at suggested retail price of $29.95 (PC and PSX).
1980s ``must-have" Missile Command has come full-circle, literally, as
players must protect six cities from incoming missile attacks - blasting
them from every angle! This ultimate twist on the classic Atari space-war
game is sure to delight a new generation of players. The new Missile
Command will fly onto retail store shelves in November at a suggested
retail price of $29.95 (PC) and $39.95 (PSX).
Also joining the Atari lineup this fall will be the first Atari title for
the Sega Dreamcast, Centipede. Exploiting the power of this new gaming
console to the fullest, Centipede for the Sega Dreamcast will feature
superior graphics and special effects as well as incorporating new
adventure elements.
Hasbro Interactive is also introducing new game concepts that capture the
essence of Atari's fast action-play. There's the character-driven puzzle
game Glover for Sony PlayStation and futuristic sports action game Nerf
ArenaBlast PC.
For more information on Hasbro Interactive's Atari games, visit
www.atari.com.
All-New Cool Boarders 4 Goes Big This Year With
New Moves, Riders, Courses and Boards
The Best-Selling Snowboarding Videogame Series On
The PlayStation Game Console Returns With All-New
Features and Gameplay
989 Studios, makers of the best-selling Cool Boarders snowboarding
videogame series, announced today that Cool Boarders 4 will be available
for the PlayStation game console Tuesday. With the involvement of 16
world-famous pro snowboarders, nine major snowboard manufacturers,
countless realistic maneuvers and fast arcade-style gameplay, Cool
Boarders 4 is setting the standard for real snowboarding action in a
videogame.
In Cool Boarders 4, gamers can ride like the pros with the inclusion of
more professional riders than any other snowboarding videogame on the
market. Gamers can emulate the moves of 16 snowboarding professionals,
including Jim Rippey, Ross Powers and 13-year-old phenomenon Shaun White
from Burton®, as well as J.P. Walker from Forum® and Michele Taggart from
Salomon.
``Each year, the Cool Boarders development team dramatically improves upon
the previous installment. This year, they'll deliver the most intense and
fun-playing arcade-style snowboarding videogame ever," said Jeffrey Fox,
vice president, marketing, 989 Studios. ``By involving numerous world-class
riders in this year's game, Cool Boarders 4 will be the best-playing
snowboarding videogame to hit the PlayStation. Game players, snowboarders
and snowboarding enthusiasts are sure to be impressed with Cool Boarders
4's incredibly realistic graphics, fast gameplay and all-new moves and
features."
With a newly-advanced 3D game engine, Cool Boarders 4 adds many new
features, which let the player experience the true feeling of snowboarding.
The new ``Trickmaster Mode" gives riders the opportunity to learn and
perfect their own tricks on long downhill courses filled with jump after
jump. ``Multiplayer Tournament Mode" lets gamers challenge their friends
on any event to see who can nail the best tricks and make it downhill
first.
Riders can choose from nine authentic snowboard manufacturers, featuring
more than 30 boards from Burton, K2, MLY, M3, Morrow, Ride, Salomon, Forum
and Santa Cruz. Each board is based on its actual performance ratings.
Players can also create custom snowboards as well as customize riders and
change their body style and clothing.
In addition to the Downhill, Half Pipe, Slope Style, CBX and Big Air
events, Cool Boarders 4 offers new ``Special Events" on each mountain for
the ultimate snowboarding challenge. Riders can bust into fresh powder of
varying depths and maneuver through tight courses, knock down snowmen on a
challenging downhill or outrun an avalanche.
Cool Boarders 4 features Burton pro rider Jim Rippey on the package.
Cool Boarders 4 Key Features:
-- One player, two-player or four-player mode
-- State-of-the-art enhanced 3D game engine featuring polygonal
characters, unprecedented courses and real-time rendering
providing the most realistic and entertaining snowboarding
experience
-- Hundreds of snowboarding tricks including hand plants, Stalefish
Tweaks and Method-Melons
-- Sixteen professional snowboarders, including: Jim Rippey/Burton,
Shaun White/Burton, Ross Powers/Burton, Chris Engelsman/K2,
Michele Taggart/Salomon, Chad Otterstrom/M3, Andrew
Crawford/Morrow, Noah Salasnek/MLY, Jimmy Halopoff/MLY, Brian
Savard/K2, Jason Brown/Burton, Jennie Waara/Ride, Tricia
Byrnes/K2, Darren Cingel/Santa Cruz, Natasza Zurek/Burton and
J.P.Walker/Forum
-- Dozens of authentic snowboards from nine major snowboard
manufacturers: Burton, K2, Salomon, MLY, Forum, Ride, Morrow,
Santa Cruz and M3
-- Create custom riders by changing body style and clothing
-- Create and customize snowboards by tweaking pattern, color and
performance
-- In addition to Downhill, Half Pipe, Slope Style, CBX and Big Air
events, each mountain includes its own "Special Event" to reward
only the most skilled boarders
-- New "Trickmaster Mode" teaches players to perfect tricks and ride
like the pros
-- All-new replay mode lets gamers slow down, speed up or stop the
replay camera while reviewing the last run
-- Five challenging mountains
-- New "Multiplayer Tournament Mode" lets the player challenge
his/her friends to see who can nail the best tricks and get down
the hill first
-- Authentic in-game partners include Mountain Dew and Slim Jim
-- Designed and developed by Idol Minds, LLC
Midway Goes Retro with New Arcade Party Pak
Coin-Op Classics Collection for PlayStation Game Console
and PC Value Priced to Enhance Consumer Appeal
Midway Home Entertainment announced Wednesday the availability of six its
all-time favorite coin-op games in its new Arcade Party Pak collection
which includes Rampage, Smash TV and KLAX. Arcade Party Pak shipped this
week for the PlayStation game console and PC and is value-priced for each
platform.
``Midway has one of the most extensive collections of classic games in the
industry and now parents and their children can enjoy more of these
classics on their favorite home system," said Paula Cook, director of
marketing for Midway Home Entertainment. ``Releasing Arcade Party Pak at a
value price point makes it a very attractive option for consumers this
holiday season."
Arcade Party Pak joins NFL Blitz and Mortal Kombat 4 among others in
Midway's value priced line of games which targets the under $30.00 software
PC and console markets.
``Never before have gaming platforms been so accessible from a pricing
standpoint, and as we've seen, many more consumers have embraced the
platforms for this reason," said Paula Cook. ``The next step in the
industry is to make sure that games are equally as accessible for these
consumers. As a leader in the gaming industry, Midway is meeting this need
by providing a spectrum of quality games in all price categories."
Arcade Party Pak includes:
Rampage - Become a scientist who morphs into one of three giant
monsters after a freak experiment goes awry. The monsters'
sole purpose is to destroy the city and at the same time
survive against the inhabitants who occupy the terrorized
city.
Smash TV - Be a contestant on a futuristic game show attempting to
collect prizes while fighting off a multitude of enemies.
If players survive, they will be awarded a visit to the
Pleasure Dome. Smash TV was the first game developed for
Midway by Mark Trumell who went on to become the lead
programmer and designer of NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC, NBA
Jam and NFL Blitz.
Super Sprint - Play as one of three racers who must cross the finish
line first while picking up bonuses. Win all of the
races to become the Super Sprint Champion.
Toobin' - Tube down rivers while fighting enemies before they damage
the tube. At each river's end is a whirl-pool taking players
to another wet and wild ride.
KLAX - Catch colored blocks rolling down a conveyer belt and stack
them vertically by color. Defeat all of the levels to become
the master KLAX.
Exclusive to the PlayStation version:
720(Degrees) - Skateboard through a ramp-filled park performing stunts
and tricks for points. Players must run to the nearest
tournament without getting caught by the killer bees.
Exclusive to the PC version:
Rampart - Build a castle with puzzle-like pieces for an upcoming
territory war. After building a castle, gamers combat rival
castles or an advancing fleet imposing on their land.
In addition to Arcade Party Pak's action, strategy, racing, and puzzle
solving games, the collection will include ``making of" video footage with
interviews from the games' original programmers and artists. All games in
the Arcade Party Pak allow players to save their high scores using a
PlayStation or PC memory card.
Grandia Brings Masterpiece Role-Playing Game
Experience to PlayStation Game Console
Sony Computer Entertainment America announced Tuesday the launch of
Grandia, one of the most popular role-playing games (RPGs) in recent
history, now available exclusively for the PlayStation game console.
Developed by Game Arts, the producers of the Alisa Dragoon and Lunar
series, Grandia features a strong character-driven story, combined with
imaginative, vibrant and detailed gameplay. With scenarios that will
captivate players for more than 70 hours, Grandia creates a challenging and
ultimately satisfying PlayStation gaming experience.
``Grandia is a creative and innovative title with an engaging storyline
that will appeal to both RPG enthusiasts and adventure gamers alike," said
Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment
America. ``Grandia's heritage as a classic RPG masterpiece makes it one of
the most popular role-playing games in recent history, and it represents a
strong addition to our already extensive PlayStation RPG library."
Grandia is an extraordinary story that pits magic and technology against
the feral guise of corruption. Long ago, before humans could claim their
superiority upon this world, a benevolent race with great knowledge and
powers lived in peace and harmony in the magical city of Angelou. As the
world evolved, humans began to establish their roots in these lands and
people began to believe that the existence of Angelou was nothing but a
myth. But the sinister General Baal knows otherwise and scours the world in
hopes to find the ancient city and unleash its secrets.
Players embark on an unforgettable journey as they assume the role of
Justin, a precocious 15-year-old boy, as he and his friends, Sue and Feena,
set out to stop the evil General and his diabolical plans. Justin's
adventure begins as he uncovers what happened to the ancient world and
tries to stop General Baal from awakening the deadly secret.
``Grandia was designed to challenge players with real-time battles that
require strategically planned attacks using distance, spells, placement and
order," said Blaire. ``The game truly evokes a sense of accomplishment,
delivering gratifying gameplay to RPG enthusiasts."
Key features include:
* Up to four characters to occupy the player's party in exploration and
battle
* Inviting and vibrant worlds, each with their own architectural style
* A Field Radar view, providing an overhead perspective for easier
exploration and item location
-- More than 200 enemies to battle
* Real-time battles where players are challenged with strategically
planning out attacks, distance, spells, placement and order; all four
characters can also attack simultaneously
* An impressive and captivating system of magic and character
development
-- More than 200 weapons and more than 200 items to collect
-- More than 80 spells and attack techniques
* Item collection to purchase magic, spells, weapons and other items -
players can customize purchases to fit their character's personality
for unique combination attacks
* Magnificent cinematic sequences and voice-over interaction with
non-playable characters that add another dimension of story
development
The X-Files Now Available For PlayStation
Fox Interactive announced Wednesday that it has shipped The X-Files for the
PlayStation game console to retail stores nationwide. The X-Files, which
features four CDs packed with original footage starring Gillian Anderson
and David Duchovny, is available at an estimated street price of $44.98.
As The X-Files celebrates its seventh captivating season, Fox Interactive
gives fans of Fox's spine tingling series a unique opportunity to immerse
themselves in the crime solving action. Players assume the role of field
agent Craig Wilmore, assisting Agents Scully and Mulder in their dangerous
investigation. Gamers will work along side Mulder and Scully to uncover
various cryptic clues, examine real crime scenes, conduct interviews and
make key decisions that control the final outcome of the story. Each
decision that players make will alter Mulder, Scully and Wilmore's
investigative paths and will serve as the backbone for the story's
progression. Players will have to use keen resourcefulness and intelligence
to crack this X-Files mystery.
The X-Files was developed by Seattle-based HyperBole Studios.
Electronic Arts Ships FIFA 2000
Electronic Arts Tuesday announced it shipped FIFA 2000: Major League
Soccer, the latest version of EA SPORTS' No. 1 worldwide franchise for the
PC and the PlayStation game console.
With lifetime-to-date sales exceeding 16 million units, the Electronic Arts
(EA) FIFA Soccer interactive titles are the world's best-selling sports
games. FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer is the first title shipped in North
America by EA featuring all 12 Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, more than
200 MLS players and in-game commentary by Julie Foudy, member of the U.S.
Women's National Soccer Team and ESPN broadcast commentator.
To add realism to the game, two-time MLS Defender of the Year and
three-time MLS All-Star team member Eddie Pope, from DC United,
participated in a motion capture session earlier this year. Motion capture,
a technique used in high end special effects, has been perfected by EA, and
adds to authenticity by accurately reproducing an athlete's moves in a
game. By motion capturing several of Pope's soccer moves such as leaping
headers and diving slide tackles, his exact moves are simulated in the
game. In addition to Pope, star defender Sol Campbell, who plays for the
English National Team was also motion captured. Pope, who is featured on
the North American package, and Campbell, who is featured on the UK
package, are both highlighted in EA SPORTS marketing and advertising
campaigns in their respective countries.
``A lot of MLS players, including myself, have been fans of the FIFA Soccer
series since the first games came out years ago," said Eddie Pope. ``After
MLS games and especially on road trips, we often compete playing FIFA
Soccer. This year it is especially fun to compete against my teammates and
my friends while seeing myself in the game."
FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer features:
* More than 75,000 words of commentary by Julie Foudy and Phil Schoen
(ESPN).
* More than 40 classic teams that allow game players to pit their
favorite legendary teams against one another or challenge a historical
team against a modern team.
* Game animations that capture the rough and tumble aspects of soccer
with increased physical contact, giant collisions and gnarly falls.
* Instant response to player commands for fakes, dekes, bicycle kicks,
volleys, headers, chest traps, scissors kicks as well as pinpoint
passing, shots and dribbling.
* An original musical track by UK pop sensation Robbie Williams, as well
as tunes from bands Apollo Four Forty, Elite Force, Gay Dad, Junior
Blanks, Lunatic Calm, Reel Big Fish and Sniper.
FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer (called FIFA 2000 outside of North America)
showcases the most extensive collection of celebrity commentators found in
any sports game. Depending on the territory in which the game is purchased,
the game contains localized speech and text for the following nine
languages/dialects: UK English, US English, German, Spanish, French,
Italian, Hebrew, Greek and Brazilian Portuguese (PC only). A Japanese
version is planned for shipment in 2000. The game is also localized to
support Swedish and Dutch text.
``Having been involved with EA's FIFA Soccer series since its inception in
1993, I am incredibly proud to be involved with a development team that has
raised the bar for interactive gaming year after year," said Marc Aubanel,
the game's executive producer at Electronic Arts. ``It was a pleasure and a
privilege to work with stars Sol Campbell, Julie Foudy, Eddie Pope and
Robbie Williams who graciously lent their talent and expertise to make FIFA
2000: Major League Soccer the definitive interactive sports entertainment
experience for the new millennium."
The PC version of FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer is optimized for use with
the 3Dfx Voodoo 2(tm) 3D-accelerator card, and it supports other major
Direct3D(tm) accelerator cards. These cards graphically enhance the playing
experience by adding richly textured players and stadiums, as well as
real-time lighting, scoreboards and shadowing effects.
FIFA 2000: Major League Soccer for the PlayStation game console supports
Analog Control delivering force feedback. A Game Boy Color version is
scheduled to ship later this fall. The suggested retail price for FIFA
2000: Major League Soccer PC and the PlayStation game console is (U.S.)
$39.95. Consumers may purchase the game directly at the EA Store(SM)
(http://eastore.ea.com) or by calling EA Direct Sales at 800/245-4525.
The game carries an ESRB rating of ``E" (Everyone).
Electronic Arts Ships CyberTiger Golf Video Game
Arcade Style Golf Game Tees Off with Tiger Woods
and Leaves Reality Behind
Electronic Arts Thursday announced it shipped CyberTiger, the newest game
from the Electronic Arts/PGA TOUR line of golf products. Focusing on golf's
lighter side, CyberTiger for the PlayStation game console is a fast-paced,
arcade-style video game that leaves the traditional rules of golf behind.
Taking lessons from PGA TOUR star Tiger Woods, Electronic Arts developed
CyberTiger to appeal to young, action-oriented game players with its
cartoon graphics, fantasy golf courses and easy-to-use controls.
``When I play in a PGA TOUR tournament, golf is fairly serious, so I like
that CyberTiger focuses on fun," said Tiger Woods. ``CyberTiger is the
perfect game for me to show my buddies just who has the best gaming skills.
It's fun earning special power-ups like a super ball to hit 450-yard drives
or a ghost ball to hit through a tree branch. Sometimes I wish I had these
power-up golf balls in my real golf bag!"
Cyber golfers can play four fantasy golf courses modeled after real PGA
TOUR venues, as well as Spyglass Hill Golf Course in Pebble Beach,
California. Throughout the game, players can unlock hidden characters,
special skills, trick shots and super-charged golf clubs. Consumers with a
Dual Shock analog gamepad can crush the ball in real-time using the
joystick. Real-time shot shaping adds a whole new dimension to golf by
allowing golfers to add extra sidespin and backspin to their shots.
``Anytime you work with someone like Tiger Woods, who knows a tremendous
amount about golf and video games, great things are bound to happen," said
Richard Hilleman, vice president and executive producer at Electronic Arts.
``Tiger clearly understands what makes games fun to play. CyberTiger has a
huge amount of gaming variety. You can challenge a buddy at the shooting
gallery, grow your golfing character from a child, to a teen, to an adult
or choose to play a more traditional stroke play tournament. We have stayed
true to our design vision of creating a golf game that takes a playful step
beyond reality and delivers surprises at every turn."
CyberTiger for the PlayStation supports the Dual Shock controller that
gives force feedback on all the big shots. The game is available for US
$39.95. CyberTiger carries an ESRB rating of ``E"(Every one). A Nintendo
64 version of CyberTiger will be available in the winter of 2000.
THQ Ships `Madden NFL 2000' for the Game Boy Color
THQ Inc. Wednesday announced the release of ``Madden NFL 2000" for Game
Boy Color.
``Madden NFL 2000" is the first EA SPORTS release to ship under THQ's
agreement with Electronic Arts (EA) to develop and distribute seven EA
SPORTS games. Those titles include ``NHL 2000," ``NBA Live 2000,"
``Madden NFL 2000," ``NASCAR 2000," ``Triple Play 2001," ``Tiger Woods
PGA TOUR 2000" and ``FIFA 2000."
Published by Electronic Arts, ``Madden NFL 2000" is available at major
retailers nationwide at the suggested retail price of $29.99.
``As the top third-party Nintendo Game Boy publisher, we feel very
confident in the release of `Madden NFL 2000' for the hugely popular Game
Boy Color system," said Michael Rubinelli, vice president of product
development, THQ.
``The game offers the juke moves, monster hits, sideline grabs and amazing
`Madden-style' plays that fans of the franchise have come to expect from
their favorite NFL players -- all in full-color in the palm of your hand,"
Rubinelli added.
THQ will also be shipping other EA SPORTS Game Boy Color titles in time for
the holidays, including ``Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2000," ``FIFA 2000" and
``NHL 2000." Officially endorsed by John Madden and licensed by the NFL,
``Madden NFL 2000" gives fans of both the NFL and the hand-held Game Boy
Color all the heart-pounding excitement the football season has to offer.
The game features over 150 offensive and defensive plays to choose from in
14 different formations. Up-to-date rosters and complete statistics for all
the teams and players will carry enthusiasts through five play modes
including Season, Playoffs, Exhibition, Sudden Death and Quick Start.
Enthusiasts will even be able to substitute any player into offensive and
defensive formations and witness the game's unique audible mode in calling
plays ``on the fly." When the fun needs to be placed on hold, hand-held
fans will be able to save their progress using the password system.
THQ And Nickelodeon Ship `Rugrats: Time
Travelers' for Game Boy Color
THQ Inc. and Nickelodeon announced the second installment of ``Rugrats"
games for the Game Boy Color, ``Rugrats: Time Travelers," shipped Wednesday.
Based on ``Rugrats," the No. 1 rated kids program on TV, ``Rugrats: Time
Travelers" is available at major retailers nationwide for a suggested
retail price of $29.95.
``'Rugrats' franchise games have won both critical and commercial success
across PlayStation, Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color systems," said Peter
Dille, vice president of marketing, THQ. ``The continued success of the
'Rugrats' property coupled with the strong demand for kid-friendly games on
every platform, positions THQ very well for the release of `Rugrats: Time
Travelers'."
``We've experienced tremendous success working with THQ on 'Rugrats' video
games," says Steve Youngwood, director, software, publishing and new
businesses, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. ``With direct input from the
show creators, `Rugrats: Time Travelers' offers a truly authentic
interactive 'Rugrats' experience on Game Boy Color."
In ``Rugrats(TM): Time Travelers," the familiar ``Rugrats" babies find
themselves in a toy store with an out-of-this world time machine.
``Rugrats" fans can play as Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, Angelica and Baby
Dil as they explore over 10 levels of gameplay in time periods ranging from
the Prehistoric era to the Wild West.
``Rugrats: Time Travelers," inspired by the ``Rugrats" television show,
features an original story and gameplay variations, including traditional
platform, puzzle, chase, and racing. The game also boasts a number of
hidden bonus levels and will allow players to save their progress through a
password system. ``Rugrats: Time Travelers" is featured on a dual mode
cartridge that is compatible with both Game Boy Color and Game Boy systems.
Sega Dreamcast Continues To Expand Internet
Gameplay Possibilities With Sonic Adventure
Leading the Way
When Sega Dreamcast launched on 9-9-99, it heralded the first videogame
console ever with its own network, thanks to a built-in 56K modem. In order
to take advantage of this distinct edge on the competition, Sega of America
is continuing to expand the gaming experience by introducing a new wave of
downloadable gameplay elements and online activities that will be
accessible only through ``Sonic Adventure" and Sega Dreamcast Network.
These events and activities include Sonic World Rankings contests, the
Sonic 2K competition (co-sponsored by AT&T and the Official Dreamcast
Magazine) and special downloadable levels for the holidays. Sonic
competitions are not PC-compatible, so only gamers with a Sega Dreamcast
can take part in these events.
Currently, Sega is the first and only videogame company utilizing the
Internet to expand and enhance the console gaming experience, recently
naming AT&T WorldNet Service as its preferred Internet Service Provider.
This pioneering effort is beginning with level augmentations and other
surprises that can be downloaded and integrated into existing game titles
such as ``Sonic Adventure." Additional Internet gameplay elements,
point-to-point play and true online gaming will be phased in next year.
``Sega's plan is to continue to phase in online gameplay elements, giving
consumers new experiences never seen before on a console," says Charles
Bellfield, director of marketing communications, Sega of America, ```Sonic
Adventure' is the first of many games that will be given additional `arms
and legs' through the Internet."
New gameplay elements and online activities include:
Sonic World Rankings
Finally, gamers can find out how they stack up against others worldwide in
``Sonic Adventure." The Sonic World Rankings contests require each
participant to complete an action stage taken from ``Sonic Adventure" and
upload their scores to the ``Sonic Adventure" Homepage. Each event will be
different, but all will use a pre-determined action stage taken from the
game and a specific Sonic character. Among the contests are: The Time
Attack, in which the quickest time wins; The Score Attack, which is judged
by points accumulated; The Fish Weight, challenging gamers to catch the
heaviest fish; and Twinkle Circuits, you're cart-racing against the clock.
The performance times of all of these events will be collected and ranked
throughout the world. Before the gamers upload their saved file, they can
also submit comments, brag about their score, etc. The World Ranking events
will be run every two weeks for a period of at least one year with all of
the times being tracked by Sega and ranked on the site. This contest goes
live for gamers on October 15, 1999.
Sonic 2K Contest Sponsored by AT&T and the Official Dreamcast Magazine
AT&T and the Official Dreamcast Magazine are collaborating with Sega to
promote a contest involving unique level adaptations from ``Sonic
Adventure." Participants will be able to download special levels of
``Sonic Adventure" and compete with other gamers for prizes. These special
levels -- which are only accessible through Sega Dreamcast and the Sonic
Adventure Homepage -- contain visually revamped courses with new objectives
and challenges. When contestants download and play the special levels, they
will automatically have their name and time posted to the Sonic Adventure
Homepage ranked in order of fastest times. Prizes include a year of free
Internet Access from AT&T WorldNet Service, subscriptions to the Official
Dreamcast Magazine and plenty of Sega Dreamcast merchandise, from T-shirts
to games. This contest is part of a series of 3 three-week competitions
scheduled from October 15 through January 14, 2000.
Special Holiday Downloads
As a special holiday treat, additional ``Sonic Adventure" downloads will
be available at Halloween and Christmas. Players will be able to access
these gameplay variations with their Sega Dreamcast by downloading them
with a copy of ``Sonic Adventure" and saving the unique levels to their
VMU (Visual Memory Unit). The Halloween download is currently available,
which features some spooky touches to Tremble Park (formerly know as
Twinkle Park), including such things as jack-o'-lanterns and new banners.
The Christmas download will be available shortly before December 25, 1999.
At launch, ``Sonic Adventure" was introduced with a slew of online
capabilities. Through the Dreamcast Network, gamers can download special
add-ons, post messages to bulletin boards, share tips and tricks with other
Sonic players across the globe, upload high scores and see rankings.
``Sonic Adventure" also features gameplay through the Chao component; an
in-game virtual pet that can be showcased and traded through the Dreamcast
Network. Upcoming Chao features include the Chao Black Market, where you
can purchase rare and exotic Chao; the Chao Race Rankings, which lets you
pit your Chao's race times against other Chao from around the world; and
the Chao Breeder's Guide, which teaches you how to create exotic Chao and
other breeding techniques.
=~=~=~=
->A-ONE Gaming Online - Online Users Growl & Purr!
"""""""""""""""""""
Atari Lynx/Jaguar update
* FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY *
Songbird $99 in '99 Special!
Buy Ponx, Lexis, and SFX for the Atari Lynx for only $99 including
USA/Canada shipping (add $5 for international shipping).
If you've been on the fence, now is the time to pick up these great games
at the best prices ever. But hurry! This offer is only good for the first
20 orders and your order must be postmarked by Nov. 5th to qualify.
Information on all these great games may be found on the Songbird pages at
http://songbird.atari.org. You must purchase the items direct from
Songbird (sorry, no credit cards through Multimedia 1.0) and mention
"Songbird $99 in '99 Special" when you place your order to receive this
pricing. Purchase of other items may result in a shipping fee applied.
Please email songbird@atari.org to confirm availability. This special
offer is subject to change or termination without prior notice.
* LAST CALL FOR JAGUAR PRE-ORDERS! *
Remember Atari fans, your pre-orders for the upcoming Jaguar games from
Songbird must be called in or postmarked by Nov. 1st. There are some great
games coming for the Jaguar, and pre-ordering is the only way to guarantee
your personal copy of each game.
Pre-ordering information may be found on http://songbird.atari.org.
Sincerely,
Carl Forhan
Songbird Productions
http://songbird.atari.org
=~=~=~=
A-ONE's Headline News
The Latest in Computer Technology News
Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson
New Apple Operating System Sales Start
Apple Computer Inc. said [last] Friday the latest operating system for its
Macintosh family of computers, beefed up with special Internet features,
hit store shelves last weekend.
The new Mac OS 9 operating system will carry a suggested retail price tag
of $99 and will include Sherlock 2, Apple's Internet search and shopping
tool that lets users find and compare products online, the company said.
``Mac OS 9 is the best Internet OS ever," Apple's interim Chief Executive
Officer Steve Jobs said in a statement. ``With great new features like
Sherlock 2, we think our customers are going to love Mac OS 9." Retailers
including CompUSA
Inc. and Sears, Roebuck and Co. held ``midnight madness"
events to promote the new operating system, which will also be available
online at Apple's Web site, http://www.apple.com, the company said.
Users of earlier Mac OS 8.5 or 8.6 operating systems will qualify for a
$20 rebate on purchases of the new system, Apple said.
Lawsuit Flares Up In Wake of Mac OS 9 Debut
Just days after its release, Apple's Mac OS 9 operating system is drawing
controversy.
Apple's latest operating system hit stores last weekend, with some
retailers holding "Midnight Madness" sales. Priced at $99, the new software
includes enhanced search technology, new security and password features,
and other improvements.
Today, an existing trademark infringement lawsuit filed against the company
was updated to include the new operating system. New York-based Imatec is
claiming that the ColorSync 3.0 technology in Mac OS 9 infringes on patents
held by the digital imaging firm.
Apple declined to comment on the specifics of the suit. "We don't comment
on pending litigation," a company spokesperson said. "But we believe the
claims are without merit."
Imatec filed a $1.1 billion lawsuit against Apple in February 1998,
alleging that the Mac operating system infringed upon patents first filed
by Imatec's president, Hanoch Shalit. Both companies have finished the
discovery phase of the case, and the trial is expected to start in the next
few months.
At issue in the original suit is Imatec's proprietary color management
system, which it licenses to PC companies. Apple's new ColorSync
technology continues to infringe on the patent, an Imatec spokesperson
said, and also infringes upon Imatec's technology which matches the
color on two monitors.
"In general terms, the patents cover how to match the color that you see
on your computer monitor to the printed version," the spokesperson said.
"[Apple's] ColorSync is using the exact same techniques as described in
three separate patents [from Imatec]," the spokesperson said.
Patent infringement claims are growing increasingly common in the
technology industry. Last week, Amazon filed suit against rival
bookseller Barnesandnoble.com, alleging that the company stole its
"one-click" sales technology.
Among computer makers, these suits are also flying, encompassing a
variety of hardware and software issues. Two notable examples: Apple has
gone after companies it claims illegally copied the iMac design, while
HP, Xerox, and others are tangling in the courts over various aspects of
printing technology.
In recent weeks, Apple's momentum has been slowed somewhat by legal
problems and customer service woes. The company, which has staged a
stunning financial turnaround driven by the popularity of the iMac
computer, last month was sued by Microware, who alleged that Apple
violated its "OS 9" trademark by naming its new operating system "OS 9."
More upsetting to Apple customers was the company's decision to cancel
some early orders of its G4 computers in the face of processor supply
problems and effectively raise prices on some orders. After numerous
complaints, Apple reversed its decision, although customers loudly
decried what they called shoddy customer service.
The inclusion of the Mac OS 9 ColorSync technology in the suit may have
implications on the amount of damages Imatec is entitled to, the company
spokesperson said. Because the new alleged infringement comes after the
original suit, "We will be able to prove willful infringement that could
lead to triple damages," the spokesperson said.
Intel To Launch Fastest Pentium III Monday
Intel Corp. planned to unveil its fastest-ever Pentium III chips Monday,
but analysts said the launch -- a key one for the chip giant -- may be
overshadowed by the lack of a much-anticipated chipset which will delay
products from some PC makers.
The Santa Clara, Calif.,-based chip maker said it will unveil 15
processors for desktop computers, workstations, servers and notebook
computers, including the much-anticipated chip family, code-named
Coppermine, with speeds above 700 megahertz. An Intel spokesman said he
could not provide any further details about the new products.
Coppermine is the name used internally at Intel for its next series of
Pentium III chips for desktops and mobile computers, designed using its
new 0.18 micron process technology, which creates transistors with finer
linewidths.
Intel said the launch Monday will include the next Pentium III Xeon
processors for the more powerful server computers and workstations,
code-named Cascades.
Analysts said the launch of this family of products is important for the
world's largest chip maker because the new processors, some expected to
run at speeds of 700 megahertz and higher, will let Intel again say it has
the fastest PC chips.
Rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. introduced a 700 megahertz version of
its Athlon chip family earlier this month, as it seeks to step up the
battle with Intel in the area of more costly computers used mostly by
businesses.
The launch is also key for Intel because manufacturing these next members
of its Pentium III family using this new process technology will
eventually lead to lower manufacturing costs for these higher profit
margin chips.
In Intel's most recent third quarter, its earnings were below Wall
Street's expectations, in part due to lower prices for its products and a
slower-than-expected move to its new process technology.
``It's extremely important for Intel because this is what is going to
allow them to deploy a lower-cost, higher-performance Pentium III and
continue to fuel the high-end of the product mix," said Mark Edelstone,
an analyst with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter.
Analysts said power consumption in the chips is also lower, because the
transistors are smaller, so Intel will now have the first Pentium III
chips for notebook computer users. Previous versions of the Pentium III
run too hot for laptop users.
But analysts said the launch is not expected to include Intel's 820
chipset, code-named Camino, which was suddenly delayed last month, to the
chagrin of some PC makers, like Dell Computer Corp. which had product
launches tied to the processor and the chipset.
The chipset, which accompanies the new Pentium III processors, is the
first use of a memory-enhancing technology developed by Rambus Inc., based
in Mountain View, Calif. Certain systems were experiencing intermittent
errors at extreme temperatures and voltages and the companies said two
weeks ago that they were working to resolve the bugs.
``They have the problem solved and they are testing the fix," said Linley
Gwennap, editorial director of the Microprocessor Report. ``They have to
make sure the fix doesn't cause another problem...Everyone wants to stand
up on the stage and say the chipset is ready. But they can't commit to
anything unless it is 100 percent validated."
An Intel spokesman declined to comment on the chipset status, or if it
will be introduced Monday.
Meanwhile, some PC makers are in limbo and unable to ship their new
products, until the 820 chipset is ready. Some are looking at
alternatives, such as Intel's other chipset, the 810E, but it does not
have the same graphics performance.
``PC makers are in a holding pattern," said Nathan Brookwood, an analyst
with Insight 64 in Saratoga, Calif. "Either they (Intel) sort out the
820/Rambus problems, or they will have an awkward launch next week."
Rambus couldn't be reached for comment.
A spokesman for Dell Computer in Round Rock, Texas said that Dell will be
introducing systems based on the new Pentium III chips, but he did not yet
have any further details, such as the timing of those products.
``We are going to have a server product next year that runs Coppermine,"
said a spokesman for International Business Machines Corp.
At least one PC maker, Nampa, Idaho-based Micron Electronics Inc., has
decided to go with a competing chipset from VIA Technologies Inc. of
Taiwan.
``Micron chose the new VIA technology because it found the chipset coupled
with standard 133 megahertz synchronous dynamic random access (SDRAM)
memory delivers virtually the same or better performance as systems
equipped with the substantially more costly RAMBUS technology," Micron
said in a statement.
``This has been a pretty painful transition for them (Intel) and for the
industry," said Michael Feibus, an analyst at Mercury Research. ``It's
very hard to work with Rambus. The bus is very fast and very alien to how
everyone is used to working...Intel is feeling a lot of pain there."
Intel Launches Family Of 15 New Processors
Intel Corp. Monday unveiled 15 new Pentium processors, including a
lightning-fast 733 megahertz version in a bid to reclaim its position as
the maker of the world's fastest microprocessors from rival Advanced Micro
Devices Inc.
Earlier this month, AMD scored an unusual coup against its Silicon Valley
rival by launching a 700 megahertz version of its new Athlon chip family,
unseating Intel whose fastest processor on the desktop was a 600 megahertz
Pentium III.
``It is the world's fastest processor," Paul Otellini, executive vice
president and general manager of Intel's architecture business group, told
reporters at a news briefing. He also pointed out that the product launch
was the chip giant's biggest in its 31-year history.
Intel's new chips also underscore efforts at the world's largest maker of
computer microchips to produce more powerful computer processors at lower
costs, which in turn should boost profit margins and fuel higher sales.
All the new products were made using a new process technology called 0.18
micron, resulting in semiconductors that have finer line widths between
transistors and thus more transistors on a silicon wafer.
Intel said the new Pentium III chips have 28 million transistors compared
with about 8.5 million in the Pentium III processors made using the older
0.25 micron technology.
The new technology enables faster processing that consumes less power.
Moreover, the new process was expected to lower manufacturing costs over
the long term. Intel was expected to detail those benefits during its
analyst meeting later this week, which will be broadcast to analysts over
the Internet Thursday.
In its recent third quarter, Intel's earnings fell below Wall Street
forecasts in part due to lower prices and a slower-than-expected move to
the new 0.18 micron process technology.
Monday, Intel launched chips targeted at four main product segments: the
desktop, mobile, workstation and server computers. Most of the major
computer makers announced a variety of products designed around the chips,
with various dates of availability.
The new manufacturing process enabled the first line of mobile computers
using Pentium IIIs, because of the lower heat dissipation.
Another key feature of the new Pentium line, previously code-named
Coppermine, is its advanced transfer cache technology, which resides on
the chip and enables a performance boost of up to 25 percent, when
compared with Pentium III processors running at the same clock speed.
On the older Pentium III line, the cache -- a temporary data storage point
-- resided on its own cartridge, which also was more costly to
manufacture.
Along with the new Pentium IIIs and the Pentium III Xeons for workstations
and servers, Intel also introduced a new 840 chipset for the computer
workstation and server markets, which uses the RDRAM technology for faster
memory developed by Rambus Inc. of Mountain View, California.
However, the 820 chipset, which is developed for the desktop PC market,
was still not available, after its launch was postponed last month, due to
some glitches. Otellini said the 820 chipset will be shipping later this
quarter, but he was not more specific.
``Things have accelerated at such a pace that they are having to flip
their whole product line to a new process at once," said Joe Osha, an
analyst at Merrill Lynch.
``Some of the hiccups notwithstanding, they have done a pretty good job."
Osha also said that Intel's pricing was a bit lower than he had been
anticipating.
For example, the Pentium III running at 733 megahertz was priced at $776,
in quantities of 1,000. The Pentium III Xeon for servers and workstations,
running at 733 megahertz, was priced at $826 and the 500 megahertz Mobile
Pentium III was priced at $530, both in quantities of 1,000.
Microsoft Sets Windows 2000 D-Day
Microsoft will launch its long-awaited Windows 2000 product on Feb. 17,
2000, officials told partners attending Windows 2000 Marketing Day in
Las Vegas this week.
The company will launch the product in San Francisco at IDG World Expo's
Windows 2000 Conference and Expo trade show slated for February 15
through 17 at the Moscone Center, said sources. Word of Microsoft's
plans to launch Windows 2000 in February began leaking out earlier this
month.
Between now and the launch, Microsoft is set to deliver its third and
final beta, Release Candidate 3, to a selected group of testers. A
subset of the more than 650,000 RC2 testers--mostly those in Microsoft's
Joint Deployment and Rapid Deployment corporate test programs--will
receive RC3.
Microsoft will use Fall Comdex to tout RC3 and drum up "excitement and
enthusiasm" for Windows 2000, officials told partners.
Microsoft still intends to release the final product to manufacturing
before the end of calendar 1999. Officials told partners it looks like
the product will go gold before Christmas.
While the Windows 2000 launch is not expected to rival in size or hype
Windows 95's launch five years ago, Microsoft is planning to make
Windows 2000 an international launch, officials told the estimated 600
attendees of its Las Vegas event.
Microsoft will emphasize four key marketing messages at the Windows 2000
launch, according to partner sources. These are the ability of Windows
2000 to "Internet-enable" businesses; its reliability; its
manageability; and its status as the "best platform for new devices"
because of its Plug And Play and streaming video support. Microsoft
officials did not return requests for comment on its Windows 2000 launch
plans by press time.
Can Marc Do It Again?
Less than two months after unceremoniously departing his America Online
post, Web pioneer Marc Andreessen is preparing to launch his second
Internet start-up, Sm@rt Reseller has learned. And he's assembled a
killer management team, chock-full of former Netscape gurus and other
Internet veterans, to catapult the company to success.
According to sources familiar with the new company's plans, Andreessen
and his pals are charging full bore into the hosted application space,
building a complete platform that'll comprise a database, application
server, directory server and other critical elements. Essentially, the
new company--code-named VCellar--will target Internet hosts and
data-center providers, which would offer this back-end platform to
dot-com start-ups.
While Andreessen and his colleagues are developing some pieces of the
puzzle internally, other elements may be added through acquisition.
Andreessen & Co. isn't alone in targeting back-end infrastructure for
hosted software. Microsoft, IBM, Oracle and other top software vendors
have been pitching their back-end platforms to application service
providers (ASPs) and data-center vendors for several months. Those
software giants also have been testing the software-rental waters by
partnering with ASPs to offer elements of their respective back-end
platforms on a rental basis.
Andreessen's hush-hush start-up currently is operating out of shared
workspace in Menlo Park, Calif., according to one source. It is not
known if VCellar will remain the company's name, but a member of the
executive team has secured the Web address, www.vcellar.com, according
to Internic records.
In a recent conversation with Sm@rt Reseller, Andreessen declined to
comment on any unannounced projects or investments.
Regardless, answers should come soon, as the company's publicity launch
is slated for the next week or two, according to multiple sources. After
that, the start-up is expected to seek venture funding, with former
Netscape boss Jim Barksdale's investment group likely chipping in some
dough.
"Every VC wants a piece of this thing," says a source familiar with the
companys plan.
A successful, high-profile launch could reestablish Andreessen's status
as one of the Internet's top visionaries.
After co-founding Netscape in 1994 with Jim Clark and taking the company
public in 1995, Andreessen came under heavy fire from Microsoft and sold
his Internet powerhouse to America Online in late 1998. Andreessen
surprised many observers by taking a role as chief technology officer at
AOL--a company he seemed ill-fitted to serve because of
corporate-culture differences.
But after less than six months in AOL's CTO role and another six-plus
weeks off the public's radar screen, Andreessen is set to emerge as
chairman of his new start-up. Meanwhile, longtime Netscape colleague Ben
Horowitz will serve as CEO.
No one should be shocked with Horowitz's CEO title. Fiercely loyal to
Andreessen, Horowitz told Sm@rt Reseller in February that Andreessen's
decision to stay at AOL beyond the merger compelled Horowitz to stay.
"If Marc didn't stay, I'd probably leave and join the new company that
Marc would inevitably start," Horowitz uncannily said at the time.
The new company also has snared former Netscape and AOL exec Timothy
Howes, widely credited for authoring LDAP (the lightweight access
directory access protocol), and In Sik Rhee, a seasoned veteran from
Netscape's Kiva application-server division.
In addition, the start-up has lured Jonathan Heiliger, a 23-year-old
Internet phenomenon from Frontier Ventures, the VC arm of Frontier
Communications. Prior to his VC work, Heiliger served as CTO of Frontier
GlobalCenter, developing the Web-hosting architecture used by clients
like Yahoo.
When contacted by Sm@rt Reseller, Heiliger would not comment on the new
venture, saying only that it was "an opportunity I could not pass up."
With the core staff seemingly in place, the company seems to be
well-positioned to pounce on the outsourced, back-end infrastructure
market.
But VCellar will have its share of competitors. And, ironically, one of
them, at least peripherally, is Microsoft. Moreover, a handful of
back-end infrastructure providers--like USWeb/CKS--are targeting ASP
outsourcing, too.
Competitors or not, Andreessen is about to get one more chance to knock
that Redmond monkey off his back.
ExciteAtHome Buying Blue Mountain
ExciteAtHome, a leading Internet destination, is buying the Blue Mountain
Arts electronic greeting card company for $780 million, a deal that will
broaden Excite's Web services by allowing visitors to send free messages
customized for special occasions.
The purchase announced Monday was the latest salvo by a giant Web portal
in the fight to attract more visitors and advertisers.
ExciteAtHome, the sixth largest Web destination, will take the No. 5 spot
from Disney's Go Network with the addition of Blue Mountain's Internet
traffic, according to the Media Metrix research firm. Excite also would
gain exposure for its high-speed residential Internet access business.
Blue Mountain Arts Publishing Co.'s Web site is ranked No. 14 with 9.2
million visitors.
``This is just the first step in what will be a very aggressive set of
steps for us," said Excite President George Bell.
Jared Schutz, executive director of Bluemountain.com, assured users that
the popular electronic cards, which feature dancing and singing
characters, will remain free of charge.
ExciteAtHome agreed to pay $350 million in cash and issue about $430
million in stock. The deal could include an additional payment of up to
$270 million in Excite stock if holiday traffic to bluemountain.com is
strong. The deal is expected to be completed by year's end.
ExciteAtHome, based in Redwood City, Calif., was created earlier this year
by the merger of Excite, an Internet search and directory service, and
AtHome, which operates a network of fiber-optic cables.
Based in Boulder, Bluemountain.com is an extension of Blue Mountain Arts,
an alternative greeting card company begun by Stephen and Susan Polis
Schutz, who were flower children in the '60s.
Jared Schutz, their son, took the privately held tiny company into the
high-tech age in 1996 by launching the Web site. Traffic peaked in
February at 12.6 million users. Bluemountain.com's traffic typically
increases sharply around the holidays.
Ken Goldman, Excite's chief financial officer, said Bluemountain.com
presented a relatively inexpensive way to expand his company's reach.
Drew Ianni, an analyst with the Jupiter Communications research firm, said
Excite officials will have to be careful about how they market their
high-speed Internet access to customers who are used to getting free
products from Bluemountain.com.
``When someone goes to Blue Mountain Arts, they're expecting to send a
greeting card to a friend or a loved one and they're not expecting to be
asked about their (Internet service provider) and whether they want to
upgrade to broadband," he said.
``The mentality of the consumer is a lot different when the consumer is
used to getting the product free," he said.
Bluemountain.com has more than 65 percent of the electronic greeting card
market, Bell said. He described the site's users as very loyal and more
likely than other Internet users to buy items online.
AOL Flagship Service Surpasses 19 Million Members
Internet media company America Online Inc. said Monday that worldwide
membership of its flagship AOL service had topped 19 million, up 5 million
from a year ago.
The leading online access and media company cited the growing popularity
of shopping online and the back-to-school season for continued member
growth and increased use of the site by members.
The fall is traditionally a time of rapid membership growth at AOL, as
well as a yearly marketing push and software upgrade. This year AOL
expects continued growth due to its new AOL 5.0 software, which among
other things, allows for members to send photos.
This year's seasonal push is backed by commercials featuring pre-teens
and seniors saying how easy the service is to use.
``Our rapid growth highlights the power of our mass-market brand and
broad appeal of our service's convenience and ease- of-use," Bob
Pittman, AOL's president and chief operating officer, said in a
statement. ``We're confident that the AOL 5.0 experience will drive
continued membership growth.
AOL members are averaging 55 minutes daily online, an increase of 8
minutes over one year ago, AOL said. Some 80 million e-mails are sent
daily compared with 40 million a year ago. AOL said more than 11 million
members now shop online.
AOL also operates CompuServe, positioned as a value brand at about half
the price. There are more than 2.2 CompuServe members.
Caere To Discontinue Hardware Business
Caere Corp. announced plans Tuesday to discontinue its hardware business by
the end of the year to focus on its software operations, including desktop
scanner and digital camera products.
Caere said it will cease developing and marketing its automated data
entry hardware products.
``Over the past year the older, transaction processing hardware business
has been declining and we do not see this trend reversing itself," Bob
Teresi, the company's chief executive officer, said in a statement.
The company expects to lay off about 36 employees at its Los Gatos
headquarters.
The cost of exiting the hardware business will be treated as a
discontinued operation, resulting in a fourth quarter write-off of
between $1.5 million and $2.5 million for costs to cover employee
reductions, facility consolidations, satisfaction of customer
obligations, and write down of assets.
Tips for Avoiding Online Rip-Offs
Consumers are expected to spend billions of dollars shopping on the
Internet this holiday season, and the American Bar Association is offering
tips on how to avoid getting ripped off.
``We want to encourage people to shop online but do so in an informed
manner," said Walter Effross, an American University law professor and
chairman of an ABA panel on electronic commerce. ``If you don't feel right
about buying a specific product online or from a particular Web site...
then maybe you shouldn't."
The ABA unveiled a Web site - www.safeshopping.org - that outlines ways
consumers can try to minimize their chances of running into trouble on
the Internet.
Among the suggestions:
-Look for symbols indicating the Web site uses security technology to
protect purchasers' credit card numbers.
-Pay by credit card instead of a debit card or check. Using a credit
card provides more legal protection if a dispute arises.
-Read the Web site's privacy policy to find out what information the
seller is gathering from you, whether it sells the information to other
companies, and how consumers can opt out of such information-sharing.
People might not want to deal with a Web site that lists no privacy
policy, the ABA site suggested.
-Check the ``feedback" areas of online auction sites, where customers
discuss their experiences with sellers.
-Read the warranty before buying an item and check for limits on the
company's liability if something goes wrong with the item.
-Make a printout of the Web page, the item being purchased, the warranty
and any messages between the buyer and seller. If the date doesn't
appear on the printouts, add it in writing.
Online shoppers are expected to spend about $9 billion on gifts during
the coming holiday season, according to the market research company
Harris Interactive of Rochester, N.Y. The company said about one-third
of all people with Internet access are expected to buy something online
this season, compared with about 8 percent last year.
``This holiday season many consumers will go on the Net for the first
time for shopping," said Gail Hillebrand of Consumers Union. She said
the vast majority of complaints about online transactions have been over
items bought through Internet auctions.
``Your instinct tells you you shouldn't buy a diamond ring from a
roadside vendor," said Thomas Vartanian, chairman of the ABA's
cyberspace law committee, adding that people need to develop the same
kinds of instincts for shopping online.
In addition to security of credit card numbers, he said people need to
be alert for ``identity theft," in which someone uses another person's
identity for a variety of transactions, such as taking out a loan.
``We can put a cop on every computer and we still will not eliminate
fraud in cyberspace," Vartanian said.
The National Consumers League has announced its own educational campaign
to help people stay out of trouble while shopping over the Internet.
A survey conducted for the group showed that most people who shopped
online were pleased with the result, but one in five reported problems
including products being misrepresented, products not being delivered,
and unauthorized charges.
The survey showed only 10 percent of consumers were concerned that a
seller might be fraudulent, although the consumers league said that
actually was a bigger danger than credit card number theft.
``Consumers need to check out unfamiliar companies before doing business
with them, online or offline," Susan Grant of the consumers league said
last week. ``You can't judge them simply on the basis of a nice-looking
Web site."
You Want Cookies on Your Computer?
Q: I keep hearing that some Web sites leave ``cookies" on the hard drive of
a personal computer. What are they, and should I allow my PC to accept
them?
A: A ``cookie" is a small file that a Web site deposits on your hard disk,
often with a unique number that identifies you. The next time you go back
to that site, the computer will know it's you.
Cookies can make browsing more convenient by allowing sites to ``remember"
how you like to view pages, what sorts of things you like to look at, and
so on. If it's a site that requires a user name and password, accepting a
cookie can allow the site to remember who you are so you don't have to log
in every time you visit.
Despite the conveniences they offer, cookies have raised concerns among
advocates for electronic privacy who say they can be used to track
personal information and preferences about Web surfers, such as which
other sites they visit.
``People feel that on the Internet they're fairly anonymous, but cookies
are one of the ways that are whittling down that anonymity," says Ethan
Preston, a legal researcher for the Electronic Privacy Information
Center in Washington, D.C.
To see what kind of cookies your browser has accepted, do a search for
files containing the word ``cookie." You should find a set of files
from different Web pages with some numbers in them.
Jason Catlett, founder and president of Junkbusters Corp., a privacy
advocacy group in Green Brook, N.J., says it's nearly impossible to tell
just from the cookie what kind of information the Web site has stored
about you, since often times all the cookie contains is a set of numbers
used to identify you, kind of like a bar code.
But Catlett cautions that online advertising firms can build up profiles
of Web users by tracking what kind of sites they visit and sending the
information back to the advertising firm's computer.
``Cookies can be used to customize sites, but they can also be used for
surveillance," he says, opening the way for marketers to target you
based on information gleaned from your online profile.
You can slow down the intrusion of cookies by instructing your browser
to only accept cookies that are sent back to the originating site, and
not forwarded to a third party. You also can block cookies entirely, but
you may find it inconvenient to remember all those passwords for Web
sites.
You can usually change these settings under your browser's ``preferences"
menu. For more help, look at Junkbuster's Web site, www.junkbusters.com.
Finally, in case you were wondering, the term ``cookie" comes from
computer science terminology and was not cooked up in a marketing lab,
Catlett says.
FEC To Offer Campaign Web Rules
Diving into the uncharted waters of Internet politics, the Federal Election
Commission Thursday began deciding what rules should be followed by Web
sites set up independently of any political campaign.
In addition, the FEC plans to seek the public's suggestions for future
regulations governing use of the Internet for political campaigns.
``We're getting into the new frontier here," FEC spokesman Ron Harris
said.
The commissioners discussed what criteria individuals must follow if they
want to set up their own Web sites, independent of a campaign, to tout or
oppose a particular candidate.
The discussion came in response to two requests for advisory opinions,
including one from Texas Gov. George W. Bush's presidential campaign.
Commissioners appeared to disagree over whether it was best to only
answer the narrow questions posed or offer broader guidance on Internet
use in politics.
``Many people have a lot of questions," said commissioner Karl Sandstrom.
``We best approach these one at a time. I'm going to be very supportive of
allowing volunteers to engage in this activity."
Chairman Scott Thomas said that if the commission was going to stick to
narrow rulings, he hoped others would pepper the FEC with more questions.
``I hope those in the audience encourage someone to give us other requests
if there is a problem," Thomas said. ``We would be well-served to get the
questions answered as soon as possible."
Commissioners are considering an FEC staff proposal that would instruct
campaigns they do not have to report as contributions Internet sites that
offer a link to the candidate's own site - so long as the individual
offering the link was doing it independent of the campaign and working from
a personal computer.
The issue was brought before the FEC by Bush's presidential committee,
which said it had discovered several independent pro-Bush sites.
Also on the agenda was the question of whether the Democracy Network, which
is partially supported by the League of Women Voters, could provide
nonpartisan information about federal candidates on the Web, including
links to the candidates' Internet sites. Candidates would be invited to
respond to e-mail and provide information about their positions on issues.
The Democracy Network Web site will be part of America Online's Election
2000 coverage.
The FEC is considering a proposal to allow the Web site to operate
without falling under federal limits on contributions or expenditures,
since it does not support or oppose a particular candidate.
``The Web site is a new type of multifaceted vehicle, owing in large part
to the technology involved," the staff's proposed opinion said.
Net Campaign Issues Remain Unresolved
Election regulators failed to set clearer guidelines for political Web
sites today, leaving questions unanswered about whether Web sites must
be reported as campaign contributions.
With the Net playing a wide-ranging role in politics, from being a forum
for debates to a mechanism for campaign fund-raising, the Federal Election
Commission has been deliberating how its existing rules for television and
print advertisements apply to the global network.
The FEC's meeting agenda today included several advisory opinions to
address some of these issues, including an inquiry by Republican
presidential candidate George W. Bush. The Republican front-runner wants
to know if volunteer Web sites supporting his campaign, whether they are
officially affiliated with him or not, need to be tallied as campaign
contributions. If Web sites must be counted, it could push candidates over
their spending limits.
Although the commission decided today to send the opinion back to the
drawing board, the draft to Bush seemed to be a departure from an opinion
issued earlier this year; the latest opinion states that Web sites
established by campaign volunteers aren't considered contributions.
"If a volunteer for the campaign chooses to prepare a Web site supporting
the campaign using his or her personal property at home, i.e., a home
computer, that action would not be a contribution," the draft opinion to
Bush states. "Further, the ongoing related costs, such as maintaining
Internet service with a provider, that are part of the upkeep of a home-run
Web site would also fall into this exception."
Free speech advocates hope that the FEC reporting exemption will include
all sites that include political opinions--not just those of official
campaign volunteers.
"[The draft opinion] is good news for the organized campaigns and their
official 'volunteers,' but it leaves in legal limbo the person who does
not wish to affiliate with a campaign as a 'volunteer"' but still wants
to speak his or her political mind," Ari Schwartz of the Center for
Democracy and Technology stated in an analysis of the draft today.
"As matters now stand, the ordinary citizen who is not a 'volunteer'
remains potentially subject to the campaign finance law, and his or her
Web site may be subject to regulation," he added.
Schwartz referred to a November 1998 opinion that lumped the Net in with
rules for TV advertisements and campaign finance reporting. The opinion
dealt with a Web site erected by Leo Smith of Suffield, Connecticut, who
advocated the defeat of the Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-Connecticut) and
endorsed her opponent, Democratic candidate Charlotte Koskoff.
In reference to Smith, the commission concluded that Web sites endorsing
or soliciting funds for federal candidates are considered political
advertisements and fall under the disclaimer and reporting requirements.
Thus, sites such as Smith's would have to disclose who is behind the
site and report expenditures for erecting the site if they exceed $250,
including the cost of hardware and software to build and host the site.
Public inquiry expected The conflicting opinions regarding volunteer Web
sites underscore the need for clearer rules regarding Net campaigns. This
need is not lost on the FEC. Commissioner David Mason today is expected to
call a vote to kick-start a public inquiry into how the Net is changing the
political process, which could lead to an official rule-making procedure.
"The commissioners are apparently ready to tackle these issues," said FEC
press officer Ron Harris. "The advisory opinions are only case specific,
and they don't have the force of rule-making, but they are often referred
to and used as precedents."
In addition to campaign sites, nonpartisan political sites are another
issue the FEC plans to address.
An opinion on the agenda today concerns the nonprofit and nonpartisan
Democracy Network (DNet), which has been holding online political debates
since 1996 and provides an array of election materials and news. DNet was
established by the League of Women Voters Education Fund and the Center for
Governmental Studies.
The FEC's draft opinion states that DNet's activities, such as
distributing voter pamphlets, encouraging voter registration, and giving
official candidates equal time during debates, fall under exceptions for
the "general public."
"The commission cautions, however, that there are certain circumstances
that may result in concluding that there has been express advocacy by
DNet," the draft states.
For example, the commission suggested that DNet could lose its exemption
if it does not provide an accurate sampling of newspaper editorials
endorsing candidates and therefore appears to endorse one candidate over
another.
But DNet claims that the concerns are unwarranted, as it gives every
candidate a fair shake.
"Candidates may directly post statements on the Web site in response to
any perceived injustices on the Web site," DNet's attorney, Trevor Potter,
stated in an October 20 letter to the FEC. "DNet rules are formally and
completely neutral: Candidates all have a 1,000-word limit, and their
position is solely dependent on their order of entry or update."
The FEC's move this week follows other Net campaign decisions.
In June, the commission updated its federal contribution matching rules
to include credit card donations made via the Net. And in another opinion
regarding the Secretary of State for Minnesota's Web site, the FEC
concluded that nonpartisan Web sites that link to candidate sites do not
have to report expenditures.
=~=~=~=
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