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ZIP Magazine Volume 3 Issue 6
Ú-----------------------------------------------------------¿
| É------------------» |
| ±±±±±±±±± Editors: | Volume 3 Issue 6 | |
| ±± Ron Alcorn | November 1990 | |
| ±± W.H. Lambdin È------------------¼ |
| ±± |
| ±±± Heres A Peek At What's Inside! |
| ±± ------------------------------- |
| ±± |
| ±± MURMOR MANOR ............... 5 |
| ±±±±±±±±± |
| VIEW FROM ZIPPOLIS ......... 6 |
| ±±±±±±±±±± |
| ±± READ YOUR MAIL OFFLINE ..... 8 |
| ±± |
| ±± ASMED ...................... 12 |
| ±± |
| ±± THE NEW PRINTSHOP .......... 14 |
| ±± |
| ±± DOUBLE DOS 5.01 ............ 16 |
| ±±±±±±±±±± |
| XTREE FILE MANAGER ......... 18 |
| ±±±±±±±±± |
| ±± ±± SLMR 1.0 ................... 23 |
| ±± ±± |
| ±± ±± |
| ±±±±±±±±± |
| ±± |
| ±± Ú¿ Ú-¿ Ú-¿ Ú-¿ Ú-¿ -Â- ¿  Ú-¿ |
| ±± | | Ã-´ | ¿ Ã-´ / | |À¿| Ã- |
| ±± Á Á Á Á À-Ù Á Á À-Ù -Á- Á ÀÁ À-Ù |
| ----------------------------------- |
| "For Home MS-DOS users" |
| |
| /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ |
| \ "Be sure to read every section in all issues!" / |
| / We hope you enjoy this issue a lot. Thank you! \ |
| \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ |
| ------------------------------------------------------- |
| Up coming reviews... |
| |
| We will continue to see what the Intelec network has |
| offer us. So far they have done more than we could |
| of ever hoped for. Thanks to the Intelec network!!! |
| |
| É-------------------------------------------------------» |
| | ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ A T T E N T I O N ® ® ® ® ® ® ® | |
| Ç-------------------------------------------------------¶ |
| | ZIP BBS supports the HST/V.32 standard at 9600 baud! | |
| | Call (606) 878-9500 from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M. [EST] | |
| | SnapShot Express supports the V-Series/V.32 standard | |
| | at 9600! Call in at (606) 843-9032 24 hours a day. | |
| È-------------------------------------------------------¼ |
À-----------------------------------------------------------Ù
É-----------------------------------------------------------»
| |
| TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| |
| VOLUME 3 ISSUE 6 |
| |
Ì-----------------------------------------------------------¹
| |
| EDITORS CORNER .................................. page 3 |
| FEEDBACK ........................................ page 4 |
| MURMUR MANOR .................................... page 5 |
| VIEW FROM ZIPPOLIS .............................. page 6 |
| USE THE DMP-130 PRINTER ON IBM CLONE ............ page 7 |
| READ YOUR MAIL OFFLINE .......................... page 8 |
| COLORADO TAPE DRIVE AS THIRD FLOPPY DEVICE ...... page 11 |
| ASMED ........................................... page 12 |
| THE NEW PRINTSHOP ............................... page 14 |
| DOUBLE DOS 5.01 ................................. page 16 |
| XTREE FILE MANAGER .............................. page 18 |
| COLORADO JUMBO TAPE BACKUP ...................... page 21 |
| PROGRAMMER'S CHALLENGE DEPARTMENT ............... page 22 |
| SLMR 1.0 ........................................ page 23 |
| QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ........................... page 27 |
| BBS LISTING ..................................... page 28 |
| USERS GROUPS .................................... page 31 |
| ZIP INFO ........................................ page 32 |
| |
È-----------------------------------------------------------¼
þþ EDITORS CORNER þþ
There have been quite a few changes since last issue of ZIP
Magazine.
SnapShot Express BBS (Co home BBS for ZIP Magazine is off
line. Maybe for good.
Intelec BBS and network have been a great help with ZIP
Magazine. Intelec BBS has set up three file areas especially
for ZIP Magazine.
1. Back issues of ZIP Magazine
2. Current issue of ZIP Magazine, and programs
reviewed in ZIP Magazine
3. Area for people to upload submissions for ZIP
Magazine.
Since the last issue, I am moderating two more conferences on
the Intelec Network.
1. Hard disk conference is a place to ask questions,
and maybe supply answers for hard Disk problems
2. Hobby conference: If you like to collect stamps,
coins, etc check it out.
Of course; Ron Alcorn and I still co-Moderate the ZIP
Magazine conference. If you have an idea, question, etc.,
about ZIP Magazine. Check it out!
If you aren't on the network; I would definitely recommend
for you to try it. Intelec has over 100 conferences and going
strong.
þþ FEEDBACK þþ
Ron, thanks again for your upload of current issue of ZIP.
Thought you might be interested to know that I have finally
put ZS to use and 'broke out' ZIP in my G-Files section for
online browsing as well. Will be getting some money off to
you guys soon in appreciation of your taking the time to get
ZIP to me and to further support your efforts. Erwin Reyer
I really love Zip magazine. As a matter of fact, I think
that Zip magazine is so much better than PC-Magazine, I
canceled my subscription! Tim Dirocco
I was having trouble with my computer, and I was asking my
local sysop lots of questions. He got tired of my deluge of
questions. So he said download Zip Magazine. It will teach
you everything you need to know.
I downloaded the -3-4 issue, and I was surprised at it being
so small. The issue was only 54 K (archived). I am used to
the other magazines being over 100K, and I thought ZIP was
on the skimpy side.
I didn't even bother to read it, and I left a message
something to the effect. How can it be any good; If it's only
54 K. The sysop broke in chat mode before I could save the
message. He said; "Zip Magazine does not waste your time with
pretty graphics. They have current information you can use,
and the jargon is almost NIL.
After this recommendation I decided to read the -3-4 issue.
Zip Magazine is great! Keep up the good work. Richard Adamson
Hi Bill: I just wanted to thank you for the back issues of
ZIP Magazine. What can I say? I love it! I think it is a
great magazine. The heck with those who want to complain
about the grammar. I can understand what people are trying to
say.
I printed all the issues. At the end of this session; my
little panasonic printer was almost smoking. I'm sending my
subscription form, and a small donation to keep ZIP Magazine
going.
The last issue I have is dated September 1990. I hope I
haven't missed an issue. If I have; send it on the disk with
my first issue. David Palmer
þþ MURMUR MANOR þþ
------------
by Patrick Grote
Associate Editor
Welcome to the latest edition of Murmur Manor. Since we last
met a lot of people have given me some great rumors, gossip,
and late breaking news you all should know about! Let's
start:
* The on again off again saga of John Friel releasing
Qmodem as commercial is now off again. No comments
were given as to why, but you would expect that user
sentiment may have something to do with it.
* Mark Mail Version 2.0 is beta testing. Whew. Fast,
light, and airy this version is the next best thing to
having a brain link with the host computer. Let's see
... Qmail 4.0 Beta against a fully tested, fully
documented Mark Mail 2.0.... If you were a sysop,
which one would you choose?
* SLiMeR is beta testing. The latest version features
improvements all around. Most notably, the ANSI
handling routines will be capsulated. (BTW, ever
notice how militant SLiMeR users are? Not to fear, the
company that produces the software isn't too far
behind.)
* Qmail is releasing a maintenance version of Qmail
Deluxe. Interestingly enough, there have been no
*major* bugs in this version. Congrats!
* The Association of Shareware Professionals is lobbying
hard against a bill in Congress that would make
renting software illegal. The problem with the bill
is that it would negate any copyrights that Shareware
authors have on their products. So, who do *you* side
with? The ASP or the commercial software groups trying
to prevent people from "borrowing" their software from
the library?
* Competition anyone? The ASP may have some pretty steep
competition soon from a newly formed group. The group,
started in the west, is pro-shareware, but it also
gives enough latitude to admit software that does not
meet the ASP guidelines.
* Old news flash... List will be releasing a commercial
version.
þþ VIEW FROM ZIPPOPOLIS þþ
by Patrick Grote
Associate Editor
"THE PILAGING OF RESOURCES"
The greatest fallacy we suffer in the personal
telecommunications field is the perception that someone is
just a message away. Whether we are trying to contact that
person via a public or private message, we always expect an
answer and when one doesn't come there is the letdown. That
letdown is the same feeling you experienced when you ordered
your first toy through mail order, only to find that the
disclaimer "6-8 weeks for shipping" was the rule not the
exception.
Tieing into all this is the people who we are trying to
contact. On some of the more visible networks there is a
trend towards wanting and needing an instant line to the
author of the Shareware that is popular.
Qmodem, DSZ, 4DOS, EZ Reader, Deluxe, Telix, {COMMO}, Qmail
among other packages have on-line support. In any of the many
Shareware conferences, you will always find authors giving
support even though they do not officially have a support
conference.
This information deluge can lead to permanent product let
down, as well as perception problems. A good case in point
was made when Eric Cockrell, author of the popular EZ Reader,
was unable to participate in any support conferences due to
hardware problems.
Users who frequented the conference began feeling abandoned.
Rumors surfaced concerning the viability of EZ Reader in
today's reader market. Erroneous support was being given. A
general sense of chaos reigned.
The popular perception had become "what can't the author do"
as opposed to "what has the author done." People began
believing that the program was on the downside and headed for
a tailored grave.
There are two problems here: 1) Users feel that they are
owed support from Shareware authors 2) Users feel that they
are owed immediate support from Shareware authors. If you
look carefully at all the evidence, these two problems ring
true.
The first emanates from the whole Shareware concept. Unlike
normal commercial sales routes, Shareware is try before you
buy. Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. Authors give
away free use of their program banking on the honesty of
those who use it.
To sweeten the return, authors make grandiose support claims
that would get any decent Customer Support Manager fired. 24
hour turn around on questions. Immediate availability. Bug
updates. The flow of information is promised, expected, and
desired.
The second point concerns immediacy. As Americans we have
this great sense of trivial urgency. We need to get
everything done now. No, don't walk for exercise, run. No,
don't drive to work, speed. No, don't spend time with the
kids, work. This pervasive attitude crops up when people
feel they need support.
Most users think that Shareware authors are just Shareware
authors. Nothing could be further from the truth. I know
Shareware authors who do everything from Software Engineering
to Cattle Herding, from being a Medical Doctor to being a
retired Colonel. Only 5-10% of Shareware authors make
Shareware their full time jobs, but they are squeezing out
the other authors by making grand promises.
Part time authors who spend their time producing a product,
could never dream of supporting that product to the fullest
extent. They may offer to support the program, but as time
moves forward a large chasm develops between support and
development. A chasm that only engulfs itself in
disappointment.
The solution to this never ending circular mess is easy:
Understanding. Shareware authors need to understand that
users, when promised something, expect it. Users need to
understand that documentation is included with the program to
answer all operating questions. RTFM (Read the Freakin'
Manual) should reign supreme before asking a support question
of an author.
Shareware is a unique marketing approach, but everyone
involved needs to do a little more back scratching and a
little less complaining.
þþ USE THE DMP-130 PRINTER ON THE IBM CLONE þþ
by Bill Austin
The Tandy Dot-Matrix Printer DMP-130 will not work on the IBM
or clone without modification. There are two ways you can
modify the DMP-130:
(1) Wire a new DB25 on your existing cable or make up
a new one.
(2) Make a permanent change on the connector inside
the printer.
The later modification is the one explained here because it
is easier and the printer would not be used on a Tandy
computer requiring the original configuration anymore.
Remove the cover to get access to the parallel interface
connector inside the printer. From left to right and
looking down on the printer from the front, pins 19 through
36 are on the bottom and 1 through 18 are on the top. Be
sure to leave the wire on the pins you clip long enough to
solder. Clip pins 13 and 15 on top of CN36. Clip pin 16 to
make pin 33 easier to cut. Clip pin 33 which is directly
under pin 15. Solder one end of a one inch piece of wire to
pin 33 on the printer pc board. Solder the other end of the
wire to the clipped pin 13 that goes to CN36 connector (this
does not go to the printer pc board). Resolder pin 16 to its
original position. Make sure none of the wires
þþ READ YOUR MAIL OFF-LINE þþ
by W.H. Lambdin
For people unaccustomed to reading mail off line; this
article will probably sound too good to be true. Let me
assure you. everything in this message is fact, and I am
living proof because I get my mail every day.
Intelec BBS is the host of the Intelec network. The phone
numbers are listed below.
(516) 867-4446 Hayes V-series modem
(516) 867-4447 Hayes V-series modem
(516) 867-4448 U.S. Robotics modem.
You do not have to call the numbers above to take part in
Intelec. I listed the numbers in case you can't find a BBS in
your area with Intelec conferences.
----------------
WHAT IS INTELEC?
----------------
Intelec Network is a network of more than 200 BBS's throughout
the U.S, Canada, and other countries that transfers messages
in more than 100 conferences.
---------
MAIL DOOR
---------
The mail door is the program you must run while you are
logged onto the BBS.
Here is a list of mail doors that are supported on the
Intelec network.
1. MarkMail: This is the most popular mail door for
PC-Board BBS
2. Qmail: This is another prevalent mail door for
PC-Board BBSs
3. TomCat!: This is a mail door for WildCat! Boards
There are several others, but I would recommend for you
to download your packets from a mail door that creates .QWK
packets, because you would have a wider choice of offline
readers.
-------------------------
CONFIGURING THE MAIL DOOR
-------------------------
Before you start downloading your mail; you must configure
the door for your use. You only have to do this once; unless
you decide to make changes.
Your configuration options usually include the following.
1. Setting your default protocol
2. Telling the mail door whether you wish to see new
bulletins, file lists etc.
3. Setting the conferences you wish to download
There are a few more options, but you get the idea.
-------------------
DOWNLOADING PACKETS
-------------------
When the mail door is waiting for your command. Press D or
some similar command to download your packet.
The mail door will scan for new bulletins, files, and
messages. It will archive the packet to save time in
transfer. Generally; they use PKzip, Arc, or LHArc. After the
mail door has created the .QWK file, the download will start.
You do not have to dissolve the .QWK archive. The mail reader
will take care of that.
I can usually upload my replies from the previous day, and
download 300 messages in 4 minutes (at 9600 baud).
-----------------
UPLOADING PACKETS
-----------------
Call the BBS, and open the mail door. Then use the U or some
similar command; To upload your .REP packet that the mail
reader created.
The mail door will dissolve your packet, and merge your
messages into the message base. Then the mail door will go
back to waiting for your next command, such as downloading
your next .QWK packet.
--------------
OFFLINE READER
--------------
Some of the prevalent offline readers are as follows.
1. EZ-Reader
2. SLMR
3. Session Manager
Before you can start reading your mail offline; you will have
to configure the reader. Below are some of the options.
1. Archive program to use
2. Word processor, or text editor you want to use.
3. Where to look for the .QWK, and .REP packets
4. color setup; etc
I use SLMR 1.0. It would be a good one to start with; because
it is easy to configure. You can always switch readers
because all .QWK compatible mail readers will work with your
.QWK files. The only exception is that SLMR or SM will not
work if a packet has previously been opened with EZ-Reader.
EZ corrupts the .NDX files in the .QWK packet.
With offline readers, and mail doors, you can read and reply
to your messages without paying Ma Bell.
There are several benefits from reading messages off-line.
1. It is economical. I can download 300 messages and
upload 15 to 20 replies faster than I could write
one message on line
2. You can use your favorite text editor (in most
cases); so there is no fumbling with cryptic
commands
3. You can quote parts of the original message to
remind the receiver what you are talking about
4. On a network; you can talk to thousands of people
from around the world.
5. This is the way to talk to famous programmers.
Marshall Dudley (author of Doorway) is in the
Door Way conference. Greg Hewgill (author of
SLMR) is in the SLMR conference. Jim Derr (author
of Shez) is in the Shez conference. Pat Hart
(Author of P-Edit, and Session manager) is in the
Session manager conference. This is only the tip
of the iceberg.
6. There are conferences to interest almost anyone.
SCI-FI conference for people that like to talk
about science fiction books or movies, and Star
Trek fans. Hard disk conference where you can ask
for or offer help.
I hope this article has interested some people in joining up
with the Intelec network, or some other network.
þþ COLORADO TAPE DRIVE AS 3RD FLOPPY DEVICE þþ
by Bill Broadhurst
-------------------------------------------------------------
EDITORS NOTE: This message appeared on the Hard Disk
conference of the Intelec Network.
Hoang Pham was asking how to set up a tape drive as the third
floppy.
I have no way to test this, so I can neither confirm or deny
this. I thought it might help someone.
This is the exact message. I only reformatted it for our
margins
-------------------------------------------------------------
Yes! It works very well. Don't have any third floppies
here but have done that for several customers without
incident. I have 14 or 15 systems in the field that are
having no problems with this setup.
OK, here we go...
1. Add a shorting block on JP-11 between pins 1 and
2. The pair on the far left (JP-11 has 6 pairs.)
2. Jumper the drive to be the last floppy device.
DS3 if the drive starts at DS0 or DS4 if the drive
starts at DS1.
3. Add a connector between the controller and the
first drive. This should go *before* any twist in
the cable.
4. Install the unit. Connect power leads. Connect
to the new connector you added.
5. Install the tape software. Tell the software the
drive is the third device in the floppy chain.
This has always worked well for me. You might want to add a
third floppy drive to the system first to bring it up and
*then* try the tape.
þþ ASMED þþ
The Programmer's Helper
by: Tim Dirocco
How many of you out there program in a few languages, but
hate having to memorize three or four different editing
interfaces? If you hate this part of new languages, then
Asmed is for you.
Asmed could be called the ultimate programmer's helper. With
this interfacing program, you will (most likely) never again
have to learn a new interface. As long as you can compile and
link programs outside of the compiler, it is compatible with
Asmed.
Configuration
Startup configuration is a snap. By running INSTALL.EXE from
DOS, Asmed looks through your hard disk for any compilers or
programming languages. Upon your confirmation, and if found,
configuration files will be made for: Assemblers, Pascal, C,
Prolog, C++, and many others. You can also make up your own
configuration files from inside Asmed. One good example is
QuickBasic v4.5, which I configured for Asmed in about 3
minutes.
Strongpoints
Asmed has many strongpoints:
1. Almost 100% compatibility with your current
editor(s)
2. Only 5k is needed to Compile, Assemble, and Run
programs
3. Mouse Support
4. Supports EGA 43 and VGA 50 line modes
5. Work on 2 Programs at the same time. (ie. Assemble
in one window while work on another in the other
window.)
6. Pull down menus
7. Integrated debugging/error checking.
8. 5k Dos shell
9. Macros
10. The ability to run any utility from Asmed (ie. NU,
etc.)
11. External Debuggers can be run right from Asmed
12. Pick lists and file switching
Asmed requires 512k to 640k of disk space, as well as a hard
disk to get the full power of all of its features. EMS is
also supported.
Registration
Asmed is made by:
Chicago Software Ltd.
1805 Brunetti Suite 555
Sparks, Nevada 89431
Telephone: (702) 356-5852
Chicago Software Ltd. has one of the best registration
policies I have ever seen. The registration price is $32, but
with this company, they do not necessarily want money. They
will take anything of value: Some floppy disks, some fishing
ties, a couple of recipes, some screwdrivers, etc. No junk,
though. If you don't want to do it that way, just volunteer
some time at a Hospital or nursing home and send proof. Or
send cans of food, which will be donated to the salvation
army. In short, send something of value or help out somewhere
and a registered version is yours. I wish more people were
like this.
In Closing
Asmed is one of the best programmer's shells I have ever
seen. I have not even gone into any of the regular languages
more than twice in the last 3 months. I have used Asmed
almost exclusively. This program is well worth checking out.
The only problem is that the interface is somewhat clunky at
first, but you will get used to it fast.
Rating: **** (out of *****)
þþ THE NEW PRINTSHOP þþ
Uncle Hank's Shareware (?) Reviews
by Hank Hurteau
Those who know me, know that I am a strong supporter of
shareware. For the last couple of years, I've been doing
reviews for our club newsletter. First, it was public domain
programs for the C= 64/128, and for the last year or so,
shareware for the MS-dos machines. I have always felt that
most high priced commercial programs had an equally good, or
better, shareware program available at a fraction of the
cost.
One of the categories that just does not have a shareware
equivalent is in the area of Desktop Publishing. And,
specifically the Print Shop and Print Master type programs.
This month I would like to let you know about two fairly
recent releases by Broderbound Software - "The New Print
Shop" and "Bannermania".
For years, one of the staples of every computer owner was
Print Shop. They had versions for just about every type of
computer. If you had a printer, and didn't have Print Shop,
you were among the minority. Posters, cards, and banners
created with this program could be found everywhere. The
company sold millions of copies. Month after month this
program was on the top of the list of programs sold. It went
unchanged for years. Until now, that is!
The New Print Shop has so many new features that it would be
difficult to go into all of them. One of the biggest changes
has to do with the addition of support for color printers and
laser printers. Now you can spice up those cards and banners
with color.
The area of graphics has also been improved. With the old
version, you picked one graphic per page and that was it.
Now, you can put in as many as space provides. This goes for
the fonts as well. Graphics are now in higher resolution than
previous versions which gives you a better quality print out.
WYSIWYG! This was the one feature that I really would have
liked in the old version. That was why I usually used Print
Master. I wanted to SEE what I was going to print before I
spent the time printing it. You had no way of knowing if your
graphic was going to be put on top of your text, or if it was
really what you wanted. Now, you can preview you work at any
point. Truly a great improvement.
Create huge posters! Want to make a very large poster?
Posters can now be printed out up to 10 pages by 10 pages.
Now there is a poster! What a great way to get someones
attention.
The New Print Shop is definitely a program that should be in
everyones library. One session playing with it is all it
takes to get familiar with most of the new features. Before
long, you will wonder why anyone would be without it.
BANNERMANIA! Ok, you say, I have The New Print Shop, and that
does banners. Why would I need or want Bannermania? Good
question. If you want simple banners, fine, Print Shop
handles them well. But, if you want to create really eye
catching banners, then Bannermania is worth a look. The
strong point that separates it from the banner option in
Print Shop is the way it handles the fonts. After you have
composed the text of your banner, the fun starts.
First choose your font. Decide whether you want it Bold,
out-lined, 3-D, or some other choice. Your text can now be
manipulated in ways you never saw before in a program
available for less than $400. Some of the many choices
include: taper up, taper down, arch up, arch down, ribbon,
etc. Your text can now be stretched or squeezed in any way
that you like.
One thing that is particularly nice is in the way it handles
previews. Not only does it show you what it will look like,
but it will also show you where the paper folds are. this is
nice if you want to print it out in a certain size.
Both of these programs will also print backwards. Great if
you want to print T-shirts.
I only wish I had opted for the color printer when
upgrading my old printer. In fact, I still might.
Bannermania can be found for around $30, and The New Print
shop for about $40. Both of which are well worth the money.
After your purchase of The New Print Shop, look around your
favorite BBS. There a 100's of Print Shop graphic file around
that were made for new version. If you can't find any, a
conversion file is included that will convert the old to the
new. Also, look for some added fonts. I found one file that
had what appeared to be converted Print master fonts. With
the addition of these, you should have an ample selection of
fonts for your project.
EDITORS NOTE: Welcome aboard Hank. If you would care to write
more articles for ZIP Magazine, let me know. Hank Hurteau and
I first met in the ZIP Magazine conference of the Intelec
network. Intelec Network has been a Godsend for ZIP Magazine.
þþ DOUBLE DOS 5.01 þþ
by
Ron Alcorn
SoftLogic Solutions Double DOS is definitely a winner in my
home. Just what is Double DOS? It is a two program
multi-tasker that works on any IBM PC, XT, AT, or PS/2
compatible. This means that you don't have to have a 386! It
will work with 8088, 8086, 80286, and 80386 processors. You
can run Double DOS under DOS 2.0 and higher. Also it will
take advantage of LIM EMS 4.0 or EEMS memory, depending on
your mother board and EMS card setup.
As I said, this is only a two program multi-tasker. Meaning
you can have two windows, each running about any program you
want. The first window is called the "TOP" partition, and of
course, the second window is called the "BOTTOM" partition.
You can call them partitions or windows, but I prefer to call
them windows. Anyway, to swap windows, all you have to do is
hold down the ALT key, and press ESCAPE. In case you have a
program that already uses ALT-ESCAPE, you can configure not
only this key sequence, but all of Double DOS's hot keys to
your personal preference.
There are other hot key functions available. For instance,
the ALT-DEL command, offers up to six functions.
1 - Swap windows
2 - Kill the visible (foreground) window
3 - Kill the invisible (background) window
4 - Suspend current window
5 - Boot computer (warm reset)
6 - Exit menu
Killing a window, is very similar to re-booting your
computer, but the other window stays in tact. The is useful
if you want to start from scratch in a window in case you
have some un-installable TSR's or what have you. It's also
good in case the program locks up. You can use this to
escape from other such odd occurrences also. Might I also
mention that Double DOS is quite stable! It's probably more
stable than I actually think. I have several devices loaded
in the CONFIG.SYS file, which are:
Disk Manager software for my 40 MEG hard drive
Tulin's external floppy drive software
DOS's DRIVER.SYS to work in conjunction with Tulin's drive
Double DOS's ANSI.SYS (Nansi, Ansi, and others work too)
Logitech mouse driver
Everex EMS driver
Everex RAM drive driver
Buffers
Files
Parameters for COMMAND.COM via SHELL command
And with all that installed, it works like an absolute charm.
Suspending a window is self-explanatory. It completely
freezes the current window. Similar to the "PAUSE" key, but
not exactly the same. There are options to either suspend
the foreground or background window.
The boot function is like pressing ALT-CONTROL-DELETE, a warm
reset. This is here, because that keystroke combination can
be over-ridden by Double DOS.
Although I like Double DOS very much, one thing that I
especially don't like about it is that you can't use 4DOS as
the "permanent" command processor shell. You must use DOS's
command processor! There is a simple solution though, just
have Double DOS load 4DOS via the configuration file to
either or both windows.
Configuring Double DOS in somewhat link a simple script
language. Just load of your favorite ASCII editor, I like
QEdit myself, and edit DDCONFIG.SYS. Changing and adding the
configuration file is some what simple, but you must refer to
the manual constantly. You can set items such as which
window has the most priority, which uses what amount of
memory, hot key settings, display type, print method, and you
can even load device drivers through this file. Of course,
you can also tell each window what to load. This part if
very similar to batch file language.
Speed is one thing I almost forgot to mention. On my BBS
computer, a 12 MHZ 286, which I have to force to run at 10
Mhz due to a slow hard drive controller; I can run at the
same visible and performance speed which I am used to. The
ZModem downloads from my BBS reach the 1600+ CPS mark, so I
haven't lost any speed what so ever. My BBS even runs faster
than some 386 BBS's which are multitasking!
Time for me to quit. I know, it's a short review, but I
haven't had time to master Double DOS yet. As I am using it
now, or at least to myself, it seems that the program is
doing exactly what I want and much no no effort is required
from myself. I just wish each window could have more memory.
This problem only arouses on 286's or less, unless you have a
386 with almost no memory.
Rating: ****
þþ XTREE FILE MANAGER þþ
Shareware Version
Review by: Tim Dirocco
How many hours have you spent looking for a file on your hard
of floppy disk(s)? How many menuing systems have you tried,
just to throw them away because you hate the atmosphere of
just one letter or number to do something, and would like
full access to your disk, running what you please, and
switching directories to any other one at lightning speed. If
you fit the above category, then Xtree is for you.
Xtree is a program similar to Pc-Tools Deluxe, but without
the price. 3 Commercial versions of Xtree are also available:
Xtree, Xtree Pro, and Xtree Pro Gold (which has internal
PKARC, with PKZIP in the next release). At first you may say,
"Oh, god...Not another file manager". Well, Xtree is just as
powerful as Pc-Tools Deluxe, but takes up about 1/20th of the
space, and only about 1/3 - 1/2 the memory required by
Pc-Tools Deluxe.
Just a note that this is the SHAREWARE copy of Xtree. The
Commercial versions contain many more features.
The commands are relational and easy to learn and use. You
will be surprised at the ease of use from the first time you
use it. The commands are as follows:
--------------------
Directory Commands
--------------------
(A)vailable - This lists the available space on any drive.
(D)elete - This will Delete a directory, but only if it
is already empty
(F)ilespec - With this command you can limit the files you
wish to see. Ex.: *.exe
(L)og Disk - This command let's you change between disk
drives. Logging a 32mb drive is not exactly
fast, coming in at about 15-30 seconds,
depending on how full the disk is.
(M)akedir - This command let's you create a new
directory off the highlighted dir.
(P)rint - This let's you print out a file/dir tree of
the current disk drive.
(R)ename - With Rename, you can change the name of any
file or subdirectory.
(^S)howall - One of the ^ (Ctrl-) commands, this will
show you all of the tagged files on the
current disk drive.
(S)howall - Shows all files on the current drive
(^T)ag - ^T Lets you tag all of the files in the
current drive or subdirectory.
(T)ag - This command will tag the currently
highlighted file.
(V)olume - Volume lets you change the volume label of a
drive.
e(X)ecute - If the highlighted file is executable, this
command will run that file.
---------------
File Commands
---------------
(^A)ttrib - This command will let you change the
attributes of all of the files tagged in the
current window.
(A)ttrib - Same as ^A but in single file mode
(^C)opy - This command copies all tagged files in the
current window to the path of your choice.
(C)opy - Same as ^C but in single file mode
(^D)elete - With this command you can delete all of the
tagged files in the current window, with the
option to confirm the deletion of each file.
(D)elete - Same as ^D but in single file mode
(F)ilespec - This command will change the current
filespec to be viewed. Allows wildcards
(L)og Disk - Same as the Log Disk in the Directory command
area.
(^P)rint - This command will print all tagged files in
the current window to the printer.
(P)rint - Same as ^P but in single file mode
(^T)ag File - Tags all the files shown in the current
window.
(T)ag File - Same as ^T but in single file mode
(^U)untag - Untags all the files shown in the current
window.
(U)ntag - Same as ^U but in single file mode
(V)iew - This command will view the currently
highlighted file.
e(X)ecute - This command will execute the current
highlighted program.
(-S)ort - This command will let you sort out the
directory of files by order of name,
extension, date, or Size.
e(-X)ecute - This is the same as e(X)ecute but you will
have more memory for the program you wish to
run.
As this is only the shareware version, file scanning about
20% longer than in the commercial versions takes about 25%
to 30% longer, but it still plods along at a decent pace.
Overall, the program is fairly decent. Be warned that this
review is being done by a regular user of Xtree Pro Gold, so
I might not have gone into enough depth.
The help on the program is quite minimal, and a little more
work on the help section would improve this program 100%.
Ratings:
Ease of use: **** (4 Stars)
Help Level : ** (2 Stars)
Overall : *** (3 Stars)
If you need a small simple file dos shell, Xtree is for you.
Just make sure you can learn without the sparse 7 pages of
help on all the commands.
þþ COLORADO JUMBO TAPE BACKUP þþ
by W.H. Lambdin
If you have lots of data to back up, I can recommend the
Colorado Jumbo
The drive bay be purchased for $250 to $320. It depends on
how well you are at shopping around.
This little drive can put up to 60 megabytes on a small
cartridge (About half the size of a standard cassette.)
There are several misconceptions about tape systems floating
around. I hope I ma able to clarify a few of them.
1. Tape drives are a lot faster than backing up data
to floppies.
In my case, the tape drive is about the same speed as backing
up to floppies.
2. Tapes will get hung in the drive.
The Colorado fast forwards the tape to the end, then re-winds
the tape before the backup software reads or writes to the
tape.
This is to prevent loose spots in the tape. If people would
re-tention VCR tapes as described above, the tapes would last
longer, and the VCR would eat fewer of them
3. Tapes will stretch, and not a secure way to store
data
Wrong! Due to the re-tensioning described above, the tapes
will not become damaged by loose spots.
During a test with my tape drive, I backed up; and restored
115 Megs During the restore process, the software reported a
total of 2 (two) errors, and both of them were recovered. I
usually have this many errors restoring 5 meg from floppies.
4. it is impossible to backup more than 1 32 meg
partition onto one tape.
Wrong! My 200 meg IDE drive was split into 7 30 meg
partitions. I backed up all 7 partitions onto three tapes.
Then I installed Dos 4.01. I set up the entire 200 meg drive
as one partition. Then I only had to restore the 7 backups. I
had no problems.
The Jumbo is affordable, and well worth the money. It is up
to you to decide you you need one or not.
My opinion would be. if you backup more than 40 meg, it would
certainly help.
With the Jumbo; you can backup 180 meg onto only three tapes.
If you use compression; you could get a lot more. It does not
compress files that are already compressed. (.ARC, .ZIP, .
GIF, and .LZH files) If you have lots of files with
extensions above; expect the compression to be less than you
expected.
Just imagine the ability to carry around 180 meg of data in
your shirt pocket.
You should be picky when buying tapes for the drive, but I
would recommend for you to either buy 3M tapes, Maxell, or
Carlisle. I used Carlisle tapes and had good luck with them.
One rule though. "DO NOT BUY SONY TAPES!" A paper is enclosed
with the Jumbo that advises not to use SONY tapes. I have
head several people say that Sony tapes were non-recoverable
when they needed to restore the tape.
I will try to do an in-depth review of this tape drive in the
volume 4 issue 1 of ZIP Magazine. Several people were asking
for information, and I wrote this in a hurry because the
release date for -3-6 is here.
þþ PROGRAMMER'S CHALLENGE DEPARTMENT þþ
As an editor of this magazine, I will be challenging you,
programmer or user, to make or find a program that is better
than one(s) I will be discussing. Usually I will only be
discussing one or two programs per issue. Reason being is
that I'll only be picking what I consider to be top quality
programs that are the best in their category.
Also you, as a programmer, are welcome to send in a challenge
yourself. If you write a program that you think is better
than anyone else's, send it to us along with an article, not
a document, about your program showing off its features so
that we can place it here in this department for others to
know about. This may help you make some money if your
program is Shareware, news can travel around pretty fast on
BBS's. Along with reception of your program and article, you
will get a reply from me in this department, whether it be
compliments, comments, suggestions, or criticism. So don't
complain about what I might say, because you can clearly see
what all possible statements can be made toward your program.
Remember, if you send in a program and article, it would seem
that you are confident in what you do. Also all statements
are toward your program, not you. I would not want to offend
any person and start a argument. Don't let these statements
scare you off, I'm not a bad guy, I just try to give public a
general view. Everything I will be saying will be my
opinions only, unless I actually run tests to get true
statistics about your program.
Reader's please send in your responses to me. Let me know if
you think my choices are good or bad. It doesn't matter to me
if you agree or dis-agree with me because everyone has their
own opinion.
þþ SLMR 1.0 þþ
by Patrick Grote
associate editor
Re-printed with permission from author
PROGRAM: Silly Little Mail Reader - Small, Fast QWK
Reader
AUTHOR: Technique Computer Systems
110-1841 Oak Bay Avenue
Victoria, BC, V8R 1C4, Canada
RELEASED: September 1990
REGISTRATION: $20.00 ($23.00 Canadian)
RESTRICTIONS: None
RATING: 8.0
NAME/SIZE: SLMR10.ZIP, 100K
When you start reviewing programs you notice that one thing
stands in the way between your review getting to people and
people getting to you: reputation.
A similar situation is happening in the offline mail reader
market today. Old standards such as EZ-Reader and Deluxe have
been forgotten or upgraded by the veterans of mail reading,
while most of the people new to mail readers have jumped onto
the new readers.
This sudden jump has caused a pull of inertia to the newest
mail readers. Silly Little Mail Reader (SLMR) is one of
them. The inertia, though, is blinding people.
The documentation for SLMR is non-descript. Pay attention,
for some commands are hidden in the documentation without any
mention of them while the program runs. (Try shelling into
DOS without reading the documentation.)
When you first fire up SLMR you notice the nice introduction
screen. Done in attractive colors and in higher ASCII
characters, you are immediately drawn to the fact that you
can hit P to print an order form.
Printing a sheet yields a nice looking order form, but since
it doesn't feed you can't see the bottom. Also up in the air
is the requirement for more postage to send the registration
in to Canada from the US. A line letting Americans know how
much postage would have put some people's minds at ease.
As you glance back to the screen, you notice that you have
to hit a function key to continue. This function key is
random upon each running of the program, ala {COMMO}, and can
lead to some frustrating times. Experienced users will find
their session disrupted by having to stop their routine and
hit a different key. Assuming that SLMR follows {COMMO}'s
registered path, you will not have to do that in the
registered version, though no mention is made in the
documentation.
Once into the program, the magical first screen is present.
This screen is magical, for it allows you to configure SLMR
and select which mail packets you would like to read.
Notice that three major commands are missing from this
screen: ALT-D to delete packets, ALT-O to sort packets, and
ALT-R to rename packets.
Selecting ALT-C allows you to configure the mail reader.
Selections include GENERAL, REPLIES, PACKERS, COLORS, HEADER
COLORS, MACROS, and PICK LISTS. If SLMR deserve a ten for
anything, configuration options is it.
You can control everything from swapping to disk while
archiving to the color of the private flag in messages. Some
of the better selections include three different quoting
styles, personal directories so that two or more people can
have mail packets, and lists of defaults for everything from
taglines to distribution lists. (...watch the SNOW CHECKING
section. It chokes on original XTs.)
The process of configuration couldn't be easier. Most
options allow you to hit the space bar to flip through all
options, while F1 always give you good, relevant help. The
only problem comes when you follow the onscreen directions
and hit F10 to save. The program pops you all the way back
out to the first screen, rather than the configuration menu.
After you run through the configuration, hold on, you are
about to get a handle on one of the more advanced programs,
let alone mail readers. SLMR is a good example to show people
when they say that shareware isn't well programmed.
When you hit enter to read your mail packet, the program
blazingly unarchives your mail, indexes the messages, and
lets you know the status. If you were used to getting a drink
while other mail readers start, you'll only have time for a
drip.
The main control menu of SLMR allows you to read mail, see
new files, check new bulletins, or check your statistics.
Reading mail presents you with a full screen list of
conferences that your host has available. You'll also notice
the neat status bar at the bottom of your screen that lets
you know how deep into the list you have gone. To actually
read the mail takes no more than a keystroke. Mail can be
sorted by subject, number, sender or receiver. Very efficient
and very fast.
SLMR includes a neat ANSI viewing routine that is only
flawed by consistently disrupting the last five lines of an
ANSI picture. If you try to trick the reader and save the
ANSI picture to CON (CONSOLE), the reader displays it, but
doesn't clear the screen! You could end up with hot lava over
blinking cyan in your message headers!
The neatest feature while reading a message has to be the
ability to steal taglines. Soon your tagline files will
reach record levels with this ability. Regardless of the
reader that created the tag, SLMR can sense the tagline and
steal it.
The most advanced feature in a mail reader can be found by
hitting F from the conference menu. Searching the mail packet
at dazzling speed for the string you inputted, the program
reports all instances. Fast is redefined as you witness the
program search message by message for your string. When
reporting the program should highlight the section it found.
The only problems with the mail reading section can be found
in replying to a message. If you were to make a mistake in
the TO: section of the message, you cannot scroll back and
correct it, for the program chastises you with a "FIELD
CANNOT BE BLANK" error.
After reading your mail, you pop back into the main menu and
decide to read some bulletins. Disappointed in the fact that
you cannot print the bulletin or even view it if it has ANSI,
you are surprised by the fact that it allows you to view more
than 200 lines.
Bulletins done, you move to the user statistics section and
start saying Sysop prayers. You notice that you've
downloaded too much and haven't written enough messages.
Whoops.
As you exit the program, SLMR cleans up itself very well. No
ghost files are left, nor are any directories that
shouldn't. Your REP files are kept nice and safe.
Overall, SLMR is a tiny and fast mail reader. Easy for first
time users, but advanced enough for veterans, the program
will keep you on your toes.
Rating Breakdown:
----------------
Perfrmance : Fast and tough, the program cannot keep
8 out of 10 snow off, but did I mention it is fast?
Documentation : As you page through the documentation,
3 out of 5 you start seeing that the documentation
is just enhanced on-line help.
Ease of Setup : EXCELLENT! The space bar choices and F1
5 out of 5 for help allows anyone to get up and
running.
Ease of Learning : Due to the power and lack of command
3 out of 5 advertising in the program, you
sometimes miss commands.
Ease of Use : Ready for disaster, anyone can use the
5 out of 5 program without fear. The commands are
common.
Error Handling : Error trapping was successful, but more
verbose explanations would have helped.
Mean rating : 28 out of 35 or a 8.0 rating.
(C) 1990 - Patrick Grote, 3440E Evergreen Lane, St. Louis,
MO 63125
-=> For Reprint Permission, Please Write <=-
þþ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS þþ
Q: I have been seeing several messages of a command
interpreter 4DOS. What does it do Janice McClaud
A: 4DOS takes place of COMMAND.COM. It takes less memory, and
offers twice the number of commands. I can deffinately
recommend it!
Q: What does low level format mean? Bruce Johnson
A: Low Level Format sometimes called LLF makes the magnetic
tracks on the platters of the hard drive. This is the very
first step when installing a new hard drive. The Only
exception to this rule is in the case of IDE drives. They are
low level formatted at the factory.
þþ BBS LISTING þþ
201 471-6391 PASSAIC BBS. Baud 300 - 19,200 using Hayes
V-series. Storage unknown. Sysop James Roy.
207 374-2303 CELEBRATION SHOP. Baud 1200, soon to be 2400.
Storage unknown. Operates 24 hours a day, Sysop Paul
Stookey. #3 Neworld Square, Blue Hill Falls Maine, 04615.
Paul Stookey was Paul in the singing group {Peter, Paul,
and Mary.}
216 264-5116 <TRI>-<WAY> BBS. Baud 300 - 2400 24 hrs.
Running Wildcat 2.0 multinode. Storage 130 meg. Carrying
ZIP Magazine. Over 500 files. Located in Wooster, Oh.
Sysop Dann Way
314 774-2736 The Waynesville BBS. Baud 300 - 2400. Running
Wildcat 1.13. with 104 meg. Sysop Raynond Andrell.
Specializes in FUN!!!
318 352-8311 Genesis BBS. Baud 300 - 2400. operating 24
hours a day. 65 meg storage. Sysop James Pottorff.
Genesis BBS is located in Natchitoches, LA.
318 457-1538 Toepfer's Electronics BBS. Baud 300-2400 Running
M&M BBS on a C-64. 24 hours of operation. Free
Registration. Storage 2 meg. Files for C-64, and MS-DOS
computers. Member of KSAT QDP. Home BBS of Citizens
Aligned for Better Television. SYSOP Darrel Toepfer.
Located in Eunice, La.
409 362-2020 Almost Heaven BBS. running Remote Access on 386
with 65meg HD. A Zip Magazine dist. point & other news
files. Online Reading of Zip and others news ; Caller
can d/l these on first call with no u/l's . 24 hour a day
. SysOp Woody Angel in Chireno,Texas
416 751-6337 (Data on 20 Node RBBS Customized System) Operate
BBS under the name of THE TORUS SUPPORT NETWORK,
Division of PCanada Systems Inc. 3 Giabytes on-line
including 4 CD-ROM's and operate primary server under
Microsoft OS/2 base LAN Manager (330 megabyte Priam Main
Server on a 386 20 Mhz Acer platform). System Sysop is
Bob Eyer, and we are currently in our seventh year of
operation.
501 273-9257 THE CHICKEN COOP. Baud 300 - 2400.
501 273-0152 THE CHICKEN COOP. Baud 9600. FOR HST, and V.32
modems. Running TBBS 2.1m. 130 meg of storage. Has many
online features including ZIP Magazine, InfoMat, and USA
Today. A member of the Software Distribution Network
which supplies virus and trojan free software direct from
the author's. SysOp Don Chick.
501 422-8777 The Personal Resource System. Baud 300 - 2400
501 444-8080 USRobotics Dual Standard (HST/V.32). This BBS
has several online publications such as InfoMat, Business
Sence, ZIP Beep, NASA Press, Online Digital Music Review,
USA Today, Amy Info, C-News Letter, and ZIP Magazine.
24 hours of operataion with 260 MEG of storage.
606 432-0879 STRAWBERRY PATCH. Baud 300 - 9600. Running PC
Board on a 286 machine. storage1000+ meg (with PC Sig
library on CD-ROM. Files for MS-DOS. No download ratio,
but uses a point system. 45 mins access on first call.
Sysop Terry West. Located in Pikeville, Ky.
606 789-3423 The AdventureComm BBS. Running ProLogon 1.0, and
ProDoor 3.2. Baud 300 - 9600 (HST). Storage 95 meg.
Sysop Charles Baldridge. Located in Paintsville, Ky.
606 878-9500 ZIP BBS. Baud 1200 - 9600 using USRobotics Dual
Standard (HST/V.32). Running Spit Fire 2.8 on 12 Mhz AT
machine. Storage 60 MEG. Files for MS-DOS. Download
ratio 25 to 1. Full access on first call, no
registration hassles. Operates from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M.
(EST) 7 days a week. Sysop's Ron Alcorn & W.H. Lambdin.
Located in London, Ky.
609 327-5553 UNION LAKE BBS. Baud 300 - 2400. Running PC
Board on an 8088 machine. Free Registration. Storage 94
meg. Sysop George Cuccia. Carries 29 mail conferences.
612 654-8372 G C B BBS. Baud 1200 - 9600 Using U.S. Robotics
HST. Storage 200 meg. Online 24 hours a day. SysOp
Christine Blount. 30 minutes access on first call. This
BBS is located in St. Cloud, Mn.
616 382-3555 BIOS. Baud 300 - 9600 HST. Running WWIV v4.10
on a 8 MHz 8088 Turbo XT Machine. Storage 100 Meg. WWIV
national network node 6650 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Large
MS-DOS file selection, interesting message base and many
on-line games. SysOp Scott Randall.
703 742-6279 CORVETTE DRIVERS. Baud 1200 - 19,200. Running PC
Board on a 386 machine. Storage unknown. Files for
MS-DOS Download ratio 25 to 1. 45 mins access on first
call. Sysop David Arline.
714 785-9176 THE SOLID ROCK (CACOL) BBS. Baud 1200 -2400
Running WildCat 1.13. 80 meg storage. Sysop Ron Hossack.
Christian oriented system and doors available.
818 961-7903 CALIFORNIA BUILDERS BOARD - (A MicroLink PCUG
SubBoard). Baud 300 - 2400. Running PCBoard 14.1/E3
919 383-8707 Bull City BBS. Baud 300 - 2400. Running Wildcat
1.13 on an 8088 machine. Storage unknown. 24 hrs
operation. Sysop Roy & Shirley Gurley. This BBS has over
55 doors.
If you would like to advertise your BBS in ZIP Magazine,
leave a message on either of the two home BBS's. If you have
access to the ZIP Magazine message conference (Part of the
Intelec network) you may leave you BBS ad's there. We would
allow you to leave a message on any support BBS, but they are
getting to numerous, and also the busy signal doesn't help us
any either.
þþ USERS GROUPS þþ
É-----------------------------------------------------------»
| |
| B.G.A.M.U.G. |
| The Bowling Green Area MS-Dos Users Group |
| |
| BGAMUG meets the 4th Tuesday of the month in the library |
| of Bowling Green High School at 7:00pm. Beginning Dos |
| classes are being planned and will be held in the |
| Computer Science classroom of Bowling Green High School |
| on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. |
| |
| For more information contact: |
| |
| BGAMUG |
| P.O.Box 20384 |
| Bowling Green, KY |
| 42102 |
| |
È-----------------------------------------------------------¼
P.A.C.E User's Group
(Prestonsburg Area Computer Enthusiasts). We meet at 7:00pm
each first and third Tuesday at the Prestonsburg Public
Library. All age groups are welcome. We provide guest
speakers, DOS instruction, and are preparing to start a Q&A
column in the Floyd County Times. The group also supports a
BBS, The PACE/Library BBS, 1200-2400 baud, 24hrs at (606)
886-8403.
þþ ZIP INFO þþ
by W.H. Lambdin & Ron Alcorn
This is ZIP, a paperless magazine. All submissions will be
printed, unless you ask us not to. We will not modify any
text you submit except for spell checking and delete foul
language. So views expressed here do not necessarily reflect
views of editors.
If you want to send us a submission, upload it to one of
BBS's with a * beside it. You can also send them to ZIP BBS
at (606) 878-9500, or SnapShot Express at (606) 843-9032.
When you upload a submission, use MAG as the extension. We
would appreciate it if all submissions were just ascii, and
margins set at 10 on left, and 10 on right. This isn't
demanded, it would just be easier on us. If you want to
submit programs you have written, send them along in an
archive with your text. We will check all programs and if
they prove to be unsuitable, we will reject them. (You know,
trojans, viruses, and other harmful programs).
If you submit a review, follow examples here. If you think
it is a very good program, rate it at 5 stars. If you think
it is of poor quality, then give it one star. If you think
it falls between grades, use a plus as this. ***+ This means
a rating of 3 1/2 stars, or a little better than average.
We will not make you run from place to place in order to read
one article. When we start an article, it will be printed in
it's entirety before another article will be started. All
advertisements will be found in back. I like to read articles
with as little trouble as necessary, and the same goes for
ad's. We will have advertisements, but the editors take no
responsibility in what you may see advertised, so buy at your
own risk.
With Volume 3 Issue 6 of ZIP Magazine, we are using Galaxy
Lite 1.5. It has all the features in Galaxy 2.43, but more
features have been added. Galaxy Lite is produced by Star
Lite Software. Omniverse has released version 3.0 of Galaxy.
I think they made a mistake!
In order for this magazine to survive, it will need help from
it's readers. If you wish to correct us on something, or
write an article or review for ZIP, please send us your
responses. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you
wish to reprint an article or review from ZIP, feel free to
use it any way you wish, we only request that you give author
credit, and report that the article appeared in ZIP.
