ST Report: 11-May-90 #419

From: Phillip M. Chow (aa400@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 06/10/90-09:38:21 PM Z


From: aa400@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Phillip M. Chow)
Subject: ST Report: 11-May-90  #419
Date: Sun Jun 10 21:38:21 1990



  
                *---== CPU NEWSWIRE ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
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                   _____________________________________
                                   from
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  May 11, 1990                                                    No.4.19
  =======================================================================
  
                       CPU NewsWire Online Magazine?
                                 featuring
                             STReport ~ Online
                        __________________________
                          Post Office Box   6672
                          Jacksonville,  Florida
                               32205 ~ 6672
  
                               R.F. Mariano
                            Publisher - Editor
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    __________________________________________________________________ 
    
 > 05/11/90: CPU Newswire? #419  The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine! 
   ---------------------------- 
     - The Editor's Podium    - CPU REPORT        - CPU STATUS REPORT
     - EARNINGS DOWN 50%!!    - PITTSBURGH!!      - CPU ONLINE
     - MVG ARRIVES!           - WAZZUP??          - CPU CONFIDENTIAL

               ---===*** PRICE CUTS FOR MEGA 2/4! ***===---
              ---===**  NEC ATTEMPTING TO BUY ATARI? **===---
          --==** ATARI FOUNDER, N. BUSHNELL AT COMMODORE! **==--

 ==========================================================================
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        Current Events, Up to Date News, Hot Tips, and Information
             Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
 ==========================================================================
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 > The Editor's Podium?
  
     Heaven knows I am not at a loss for words but here I am trying to say
 what needs to be said and really, someone else has said it all by their
 actions... 1st Quarter Earnings down by 50%, even with the Lynx and
 Portfolio going for them.  Oh well, now is the time to roll up the sleeves
 and get busy, so here goes another issue of STReport.   We are about to
 enter the summer months and still we wait for the STe.  Ah... why squawk,
 if they ever get it out to the stores it's be a collectable doggone
 antique!
  
     Whoa Bunky!  You loosing faith in Atari?  As I turned around I saw in
 the distance an image of a dear friend of mine who had introduced me to
 Atari by helping me buy my first machine, the "800".  That vision brought
 me back to my senses and suddenly, I no longer was feeling sorry for
 myself.  Instead, I say if Atari doesn't get with the program by the end
 of June, the "Revolution" is going to look like a kindergarten birthday
 party.  That's right "D" Day is going to be 07/01/90, that is, if the
 promised hardware is not in circulation.  I promised myself this little
 luxury, "Hey Ninja!  You still think you'll see the TT in June???"

     We must keep on keeping on if this thing of ours is to survive, we
 have the greatest little machine that'll do just about anything we wish it
 to do and the company, well.... they're ready now to be trained by the
 userbase so let's get busy folks...

                                                   Ralph......






 **********************************************************************


                    :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
                     _________________________________

      To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.

               Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
                         Wait for the U#= prompt.

                 Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.

                       **** SIGN UP FEE WAIVED ****

           The system will now prompt you for your information.


                THE GENIE ATARI ST ROUNDTABLE - AN OVERVIEW
                ___________________________________________

 The Roundtable is an area of GEnie specifically  set aside  for owners and
 users of Atari ST computers, although all are welcome to participate.
  
 There are  three main  sections to the Roundtable: the Bulletin Board, the
 Software Library and the Real Time Conference area.

 The Bulletin Board contains messages from Roundtable members  on a variety
 of Topics,  organized under  several Categories.   These  messages are all
 Open and available for all to read (GEnie Mail should be used  for private
 messages).  

 If you  have a question, comment, hot rumor or an answer to someone else's
 question, the Bulletin Board is the place to share it.

 The Software Library is  where we  keep the  Public Domain  software files
 that are  available to  all Roundtable members.  You can 'download' any of
 these files to your own computer system by using a  Terminal Program which
 uses the 'XMODEM' file-transfer method.  You can also share  your favorite
 Public Domain programs and files   with   other   Roundtable   members  by
 'uploading' them  to the  Software Library. Uploading on GEnie is FREE, so
 you are encouraged to participate and help your Roundtable grow.

 The Real Time Conference is an area where  two or  more Roundtable members
 may  get  together  and  'talk'  in   'real-time'.  You can participate in
 organized conferences with special guests,  drop  in  on  our  weekly Open
 COnference,  or  simply  join  in  on  an  impromptu chat session.  Unlike
 posting messages or Mail  for other  members to  read at  some later time,
 everyone in the Conference area can see what you type immediately, and can
 respond to you right away, in an 'electronic conversation'.



  **********************************************************************




 > CPU REPORT?
   ==========

   Issue # 66


 by Michael Arthur


 Remember When....

       In March 1987, Lotus Corp. announced Modern Jazz, a new version of
 the "underpowered" Lotus Jazz integrated software package for the Mac
 (which was a sluggish seller because of its minimal capabilities), in an
 effort to establish a foothold in the Macintosh market?

       And how Modern Jazz soon became vaporware, which was first held up
 in beta-testing for an entire year,and then was delayed for several months
 for bug fixes and a redesign, until Lotus finally decided to scrap the
 entire project, which had taken up several man-years of R&D effort?


 CPU Systems Roundup? XXVII
 ========================== 

         FlickerFixers, Enhanced Chip Sets, and Amiga 3000 Follies
         ---------------------------------------------------------


       The Amiga 3000's Enhanced Chip Set, while providing enhanced
 graphics, also comes with the Amber Display Enhancer.  This chip has come
 to be known as the "FlickerFixer Chip" in the Amiga community, as it
 provides many of the capabilities now found in Microway's Flickerfixer
 board for the Amiga 2000.  MicroWay recently compiled this text file which
 provides much information about the Amiga 3000's version of the Amiga's
 Enhanced Chip Set, and the capabilities of the FlickerFixer:


                      ------------------------------

       Here is a file of answers to commonly asked questions about
 MicroWay's FlickerFixer, model AGA-2000.  Another file of technical
 information relating to the flickerFixer is available.  It can be found on
 many information services and BBS's as FFINFO.ARC or FFINFO.LZH.

 For additional information, the Technical Support staff at MicroWay can be
 reached at 1-508-746-7341.

 MicroWay's mail address is:   P.O. Box 79
                               Kingston, MA 02364.

 MicroWay maintains a vendor support conference on Bix.  I can be reached
 at the following E-Mail addresses:

     Bix: pselverstone         Peoplelink: pselverst
     CIS: 72527,2652           GEnie: pselverstone

   Peter Selverstone

                      -----------------------------

                                                        May 2, 1990


              FlickerFixer Questions/Answers, and the Amiga ECS
              -------------------------------------------------

 Why should I install a flickerFixer in my Amiga 2000?

    The flickerFixer will give you nearly the same display capabilities
    as the new Amiga 3000.  It's been doing that for over two years.
    It is the only compatible way to significantly enhance the display
    of the Amiga 2000.


 What is 2.0?

    Version 2.0 (it used to be called 1.4) of the Amiga operating
    system is great!  It can take full advantage of the overscan
    display of the flickerFixer.  FlickerFixer is compatible with 2.0
    which is scheduled to be available for the A2000 in September
    1990.


 What is the Enhanced Chip Set?

 (It is) Also called: The ECS
                      Non-interlace chips
                      New chips
                      New Agnus and new Denise
                      Super Agnus and Super Denise

    The ECS is Commodore's upgrade to the Agnus and Denise chips
    of the A500 and the A2000.  The new Agnus chip is available
    now and the new Denise is expected to be available when 2.0
    is released.  As of May 1990, the Amiga 2000 was being shipped
    with the new Agnus but NOT the new Denise.

    flickerFixer IS compatible with the ECS.


 If I install the ECS, will flickerFixer stop working?

    No.  It may be necessary to readjust the phasing when an old Agnus
    is exchanged for a new one, but the flickerFixer will work fine.
    See the manual for instructions on phasing adjustment and call
    MicroWay tech support at (508) 746-7341 if you need any help.

    flickerFixer will continue to operate exactly as before after
    the new chips are installed.


 What about the "new graphics modes"?  Isn't flickerFixer obsolete?

    Not at all.  When 2.0 and the new Denise are released, there
    will be two new modes.  These are "superhires" and "productivity"
    mode.  All the existing modes will be just as they are now.

    "Productivity" mode is a non-interlace 640 x 400 mode that,
    like the flickerFixer, requires a high scan rate monitor.
    It doesn't flicker, but it is limited to 4 colors from
    a palette of 64.  Moreover, bandwidth limitations will cause
    significant chip memory interference when the mode is used
    with 4 colors.  The slowdown will be similar to what is currently
    experienced in 16 color hi-res modes.  To obtain performance
    equivalent to the current 4 color workbench, "Productivity"
    mode must be limited to 2 colors.

    Since flickerFixer has no color limitations and does not slow
    down the computer, "productivity" mode is NOT a replacement for
    flickerFixer and flickerFixer owners would generally not have
    a use for it.

    "Superhires" is a 1280 x 200 (non-interlace) or 1280 x 400
    (interlace) mode that does not require a high scan rate monitor.
    It is also limited to 4 colors out of 64 and has the same
    performance problems as "productivity" mode when used with 4
    colors.  This mode will not display properly through the 
    flickerFixer, it may appear to work, but actually only every
    other pixel is visible.  This behavior is EXACTLY the same as
    the Display Enhancer in the Amiga 3000.


 If I plan on taking advantage of all of the new display modes
 will I have to give up my flickerFixer?

    No.  You NEVER lose any capabilities when you install a flickerFixer
    in the Amiga 2000.  It has a separate output connector and does not
    modify the signals on the standard Amiga 23 pin RGB connector.
  

 How can I use the new display modes if I have a flickerFixer?

    Just connect your monitor to the Amiga 23 pin RGB output.
    If desired, a standard 9-pin switchbox can be set up to switch
    a multiscan monitor between the flickerFixer and the Amiga
    output connectors.  Check with your dealer (or Redmond Cable).


 What about the 640 x 800 "Interlaced Productivity" mode?

    This is just the interlaced version of the 4 color productivity
    mode.  It requires a high scan rate monitor and it will flicker
    on that monitor.  There is no way to cure this with standard
    31.5 KHz monitors.  Set up a switchbox if you want to use this
    mode.


 What about the new 1280 x 800 mode?

    It doesn't exist.  Someone must have gotten confused.


 What about the new 1008 x 800 mode?

    This resolution isn't actually related to the ECS, but to the
    A2024 and Moniterm monitors.  These are special scan converting
    monochrome monitors which are capable of 4 level grey scale.

    Since the Moniterm monitor uses a video slot card, it cannot be
    used with the flickerFixer.  The A2024 monitor (also called the
    Hedley monitor) connects to the 23 pin RGB connector, so it will
    be possible to use it on a 2000 with a flickerFixer installed.


 Do I need a flickerFixer for an A3000?

    No.  The Video Display Enhancer that Commodore built in to the
    A3000 is very similar to the flickerFixer and performs the same
    functions.


 What does the Genlock Compatibility option do?

    The function of the Genlock Compatibility option is to allow the
    flickerFixer display to be used simultaneously with an external
    genlock.  While there is no problem using a genlock on a 2000 with
    a flicker fixer installed in the video slot, the monitor attached
    to the flicker fixer cannot be used at the same time as the
    genlock unless the compatibility option is installed.


 I use a VGA card with the Bridgeboard.  Can I use the
 same monitor on it and the flickerFixer?

    Yes.  With the right cables and switchbox this works fine.  Your
    dealer or Redmond cable should be able to help get the bits and
    pieces.

                      -----------------------------


 CPU MacNews?
 ===========

              Lawsuit over WordStar for the Mac now settled
              ---------------------------------------------

       WordStar International has announced that it has settled the series
 of lawsuits between it and Challenger Software Corp., the developer of
 what was to have been a version of WordStar for the Macintosh.  Challenger
 Corp. and WordStar Inc. signed an agreement in November 1987 which sold a
 Mac word processor that it had developed to WordStar Inc.  In March 1989
 WordStar sued Challenger, claiming that they had breached the agreement by
 not producing the application in a timely manner.  Challenger reacted by
 filing a cross-complaint suit against WordStar, alleging breach of
 contract as well.

       Under the terms of the settlement, WordStar and Challenger have
 agreed to drop both lawsuits in their entirety, and to transfer ownership
 of the program to Challenger, so it can find a third-party company which
 will purchase, sell, and market the product.  In return, WordStar Inc.
 will get a share (up to $1.3 million dollars) of the product's sales
 revenue, after Challenger has been paid $500,000 for completing the
 application's development.  If Challenger finds a buyer for the program
 before April 30, 1991, then WordStar will accept $350,000 as full payment,
 in lieu of the share in the application's sales revenues.  Curiously,
 WordStar had invested $1.1 million dollars on the product before the
 lawsuit began....


              Apple Plans Russian-Language Version of Macintosh
              -------------------------------------------------

       Apple Computer has announced that it is porting Version 6.0 of the
 Macintosh System Software to the Russian Language, and is working with
 Soviet programmers on "localizing" its other software for the Russian
 marketplace.  No legal distributors of Apple computers currently exist in
 the U.S.S.R, and illegal resellers are charging up to 1 1/2 times the list
 price for European Macintoshes.  Apple is now engaging in efforts to
 establish a legitimate computer distribution network in the U.S.S.R, and
 also intends to sell Macs to the Soviet Government.  While the first
 Russian Macintoshes will be Mac Pluses and SEs, Apple hopes that trade
 restrictions will be lifted so it can sell its high-end Mac II line in the
 future....




 But ponder, if you will, these questions:


 1)  Is "multimedia" a new technology in the computer industry?

 2)  Several industry consulting firms have found that for US Computer
     Companies, international sales of computer products were greater than
     American sales.  What, if anything, does this finding show about
     Atari's actions in supporting the European ST Market, even at the
     expense of the US market?





 > CPU STATUS REPORT?          >>> LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS <<<
   =================



 - San Jose, CA     MORRIS SENTENCED TO 3 YEARS PROBATION FOR INTERNET WORM
   ------------

       Robert Tappan Morris, recently  convicted of  creating a  "worm" (or
 self-replicating program)  which bogged down over 7,000 Unix-based systems
 accessing the  Internet network  in November  1988, has  been sentenced to
 three years  probation, 240  hours of  community service, and a $10,000.00
 fine.

       Morris was the first person to be convicted under the Computer Fraud
 and Abuse  Act, which  (among other  things) makes  it a  felony to access
 private systems (such as Government computers) without authorization.  But
 interestingly, while  many called  for Morris  to serve time in prison for
 his action, the Judge who rendered the verdict said that,"The total dollar
 loss (caused by the worm) overstates the seriousness of the offense." This
 opinion seems to be based on the fact that the worm did  not intentionally
 cause  any  damage,  but  simply  gobbled  up  CPU  time  because  of  its
 accidentally rapid rate of replication.... 

       Morris, a 1988 Harvard graduate, is presently suspended from Cornell
 University (where  he is  a graduate student) until September 1990, and is
 working as a programmer for Harvard University....



 - West Chester, PA          ATARI FOUNDER, NOLAN BUSHNELL NOW AT COMMODORE
   ----------------

       Commodore Ltd. has announced that Nolan Bushnell, who  founded Atari
 in  the  1970s,  will  be  General Manager of its new Consumer Interactive
 Products Division.  In this role,  Bushnell  will  be  helping  to develop
 "Interactive Multimedia  products" for  the Amiga, and has recently helped
 in the design of a "multimedia product" (rumored  to be AmigaVision-based)
 at the upcoming CES Show. He is considered a full-time Commodore employee,
 though he will still be working  for several  computer companies  which he
 helped  found.    Interestingly,  some  of  Bushnell's companies currently
 produce "multimedia" products....



 - Redwood City, CA                  NEXT INC. ANNOUNCES 68040-BASED SYSTEM
   ----------------

       NeXT Inc. has recently introduced a new version of the NeXT Computer
 which uses  a 25  MHZ 68040 chip (capable of speeds approaching 3.5 MFLOPS
 and 20 MIPS) to achieve performance levels several  times faster  than its
 current  68030-based  systems.    NeXT  plans  to start shipping it in the
 Fourth Quarter of 1990, and current  NeXT  Owners  will  also  be  able to
 obtain  a  system  motherboard  upgrade.    Upgrade  Cost:  $1500.00.  One
 significant thing about its introduction date is that NeXT was  one of the
 first companies to start development on a 68040-based product....

       Informix  has  also  announced  that  it  has  ported Wingz 1.1, its
 powerful 3-D graphical spreadsheet for the Mac, to both the  NeXT Computer
 System, and  the Open  Look Unix GUI.  Also, the William Morris Agency has
 announced that it will be purchasing over 250 NeXT Computers  by 1991, for
 use in  a new  computer-based Communication  and Information network which
 will be  the first  of its  kind in  the entertainment  industry.  William
 Morris has already bought over $800,000 dollars worth of NeXT Computers in
 the course of implementing this LAN Network....



 - Armonk, NY        IBM WINS PERSONAL COMPUTER CONTRACT WORTH $400 MILLION
   ----------

       IBM Corp. recently signed a $400 million dollar  contract to provide
 over 55,000  IBM PS/2  systems to Amadeus, over a 3 year period.  Amadeus,
 which controls over 60 percent of Europe's automated travel agencies, is a
 consortium founded  by several European Airlines (including Air France and
 Lufthansa), and has ties with several  international hotel  companies.  It
 is currently Europe's largest electronic travel marketing firm.

       To be  installed in  over 20 Amadeus Travel Bureaus worldwide, IBM's
 PS/2s will  be used  to establish  several computer  services (including a
 large Wide Area Network) for Amadeus and its partners.  This is one of the
 largest volume purchasing contracts that  IBM  has  ever  handled,  and is
 considered to  be one  of the largest volume purchase of microcomputers in
 the history of the  computer  industry.    Also,  this  contract  is being
 handled by IBM's West German Division....



 - Phoenix, AR     SECRET SERVICE BUSTS, SEIZES VAST COMPUTER CRIME NETWORK
   -----------

       Federal and  Arizona officials have announced that the United States
 Secret Service has engaged  in  an  18-month  nationwide  investigation of
 computer "crackers"  (or malicious hackers), involving alleged credit card
 fraud and crimes now illegal under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.  This
 has resulted  in over  21 indictments  for offenses from improper entry of
 computer systems  owned by  hospitals and  Credit Bureaus,  to credit card
 fraud and  theft of  telephone dialing codes for "phreaking".  Many of the
 people indicted are alleged to have exchanged this information via a large
 Bulletin Board System in Phoenix....  

       The  US  Justice  Department  chose  to announce this recently, as a
 "public awareness service"  to  alert  people  to  the  computer crackers'
 activities.  It seems that this investigation was triggered by an incident
 18 months ago where  some  people  tried  to  illegally  access  a medical
 database at the Barrow Neurological Institute, which is commonly consulted
 during operations....

       Over 150 Secret Service agents executed 28 Federal Search Warrants
 in 13 cities, including:

       - Chicago, IL     - Detroit, MI   - Richmond, VA    - San Diego, CA
       - New York, NY    - Miami, FL     - Tucson, AR      - Plano, TX
       - Pittsburgh, PA  - Phoenix, AR   - Saginaw, MI     - Newark, NJ
       - Cincinnati, OH

       Over 42 computer systems, thousands  of  floppy  disks,  and several
 BBSs were  confiscated as a result, pending their examination for evidence
 of any criminal wrongdoing.   Meaning  that software  piracy will  soon be
 added to  the list of alleged crimes.  To give a greater idea of the scale
 of this  investigation, it  should be  pointed out  that MANY corporations
 provided  a  great  amount  of  assistance, including several major credit
 card  companies,  and  Telecommunications  companies  like  AT&T  and MCI.
 Additionally,  is  was  reported  that  phone companies may have lost over
 fifty million dollars due to the elicit practices of the phreakers.






         _________________________________________________________








 > WAZZUP? CPU/STR FOCUS?     WHAT THE HECK?   Is really going on????
   =====================





                                             A DEVELOPER'S LAMENT
                                             ====================



 by R. F. Mariano

     While there is no disagreement from STReport that Software theft must
 be either brought to a halt (fat chance) or at least minimized, the
 premise of group accusation and punishment for Pittsburgh is equally as
 repulsive.  We, all of us, must review the entire situation and approach
 the real underlying cause of the loss of developers, dealers and users in
 the atari arena.  
  
     As much as it hurts to say this, if one were to draw a pie graph
 depicting the quantitive levels of responsibility for the OBVIOUS RAPID
 DECLINE of the Atari ST arena, there will be only one very large slice to
 the pie and a number of sliver slices left.  ATARI CORP. actually has
 done next to nothing in the USA for the better part of two years.  Users,
 developers, manufacturers and publishers have all begged and pleaded for
 advertising, marketing and support.  What they have received is rhetoric
 and nonsense answers like "we are advertising, look in..."  We realize
 that an ad here and an ad there is advertising but certainly all will
 agree to the simple premise that ..."If Atari were doing the right thing
 and ADVERTISING they would never have to call our attention to where the
 ads were.  The entire country would be very well aware of Atari.  Thus,
 there would be no need of Atari's tour guide to an occasional hard to find
 or unknown spotty ad spree.  Atari's leadership had better realize the
 that "The Day of the Carrot" is long gone.  Darn near every user out there
 is now "from Missouri".  All in unison say "SHOW US"! 
  
 As an example of the obvious contempt Atari's leadership holds for this
 nation's users....  we present an editorial from last year... please see
 if you notice any similarities with this year...


           The Editor's Podium    From STReport # 90; June 02, 1989

     Ah yes, the sweetest time of the year, the "June Brides", summer 
     vacation from school, the deserved vacation from work, the well
     planned trip and last but certainly not least, all the wonderful
     things from Atari are to begin arriving at the many new dealers they
     have energetically added since the first of the year.  Can you
     imagine the great new goodies we will be seeing available on the
     dealer's shelves as PROMISED BY SAM TRAMIEL DURING HIS MOST RECENT
     ONLINE CONFERENCE?

     Online, we saw where a number of individuals were asking about the 
     status of TOS 1.4, actually, the reason for the userbase asking so
     many questions is because of the OBVIOUS DELAYS surrounding TOS 1.4. 
     As most will agree, it has been rather trying on the patience of the
     entire userbase.  As a result, one of Atari's reps became somewhat
     emotional and began mentioning 'lawsuits'.  MERCY, AT A TIME WHEN
     ATARI IS BUSY TRYING TO ENHANCE IT'S IMAGE AND POSITION IN THE US
     MARKET YOU CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER WHATEVER BECAME OF THE OLD ADAGE OF
     "DISCRETION BEING THE BETTER PART OF VALOR".  

     Recently, we have received some mail asking why we are so "UP" on
     Atari, the answer is quite simple.  There is NO room to say a word
     until the self imposed (by Atari) release dates (June-July-August)
     have arrived and either we see all the promised hardware and software
     or, we find we have been had one more time.  We still feel confident
     that Atari is back, doing well and will follow the delivery schedule
     as faithfully as possible.

     Will somebody please pass the tray of CROW?  I am not hungry, but.. I
 deserve my fair share for being so darn optimistic and believing that
 Atari would do the right thing.  Here we are, a year later STACY - NO CDROM
            NO MEGAFILE 44 AND NOW, LITTLE OR NO DEALERS LEFT!

     They haven't changed their tune one little bit from a year ago!  Atari
 and its leaders are still rife with insipid, useless little excuses for
 all their "justifiable delays" and broken promises.  When in heaven's name
 is it gonna end???  Better yet, when the heck are they gonna straighten up
 and fly rerbase is rapidly depleting and the developers are migrating to other
 computer platforms.  At this rate, Atari is trying hard to become the
 "ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW" of the computer world.
  
     More and more it becomes easy to see why even the mention of the word
 software theft sends tempers spiraling sky high, when we see the
 developers leaving this platform or having to do without the nicer things
 in life while the company they are trying so darn hard to support is busy
 handing down pablum coated excuses etc..  
  
     There is no justification for outright software theft.  However, one
 must realize that the installed userbase for the ST is SHRINKING.  Look
 through the classifieds both off and online.  Plenty of STs for sale
 there, much more than seen in previous months.  Why?  People are loosing
 faith in Atari's future.  They certainly don't trust Atari's "words" any
 longer.

     When one takes these points into consideration, it becomes very easy
 to see why even the slightest amount of software theft can do serious
 damage.  The worst part is, as I write this, it becomes painfully apparent
 that I too was guilty of thinking an entire city of STers were all
 punishable for the dumb actions of a few jerks at the PACE Atarifest.  I
 was wrong.  Those I am upset with are the arrogant animals who attempted
 to scam the developers at this show, like the FOOL who bought Canvas and
 then returned later requesting a refund while bragging triumphantly about
 how he could get it elsewhere "cheaper".  It was only sold at the WOA, it
 was NOT in distribution...  This dope blew the whistle on himself!






          _______________________________________________________





 > PITTSBURGH REPLIES! CPU/STR PROBE?         Pittsburgh Calling!!
   =================================




 Dear Mr. Brodie (Atari User Group Coordinator),


 by Mark Spires

   I am from Pittsburgh, PA and I own a business that has  supported  Atari
 since 1984.   In 1982, I received my official Atari service  training from
 Atari Dallas when Atari had  three  Regional  service    centers  and gave
 diplomas.   That was  quite a long time ago.  Since  1984, I have serviced
 Atari computers in the Pittsburgh Area.   I   also  have been  a member of
 PACE since 1984 and a member of the  Atari Elite Organization since 1986.

   I am telling you that you know very little about the Atari  dealers, the
 Atari User Groups, or the Atari people in the   Pittsburgh, PA  area.  For
 the  record,   I  believe   that  you  have  publicly  reacted  and  spoke
 detrimentally about this area, and  caused  irreparable  damage  (of which
 you could  care less  about).   All this  was done prematurely, before you
 really could know the facts about  everything.   What  you have verbalized
 to many has been oblique, biased, and without neutrality.

    The main  reason why  PACE's Atarifest show did not do well is  because
 there were only two Pittsburgh area dealers at the show  (one music dealer
 and  one  8-Bit  dealer).    There  has  always been a  lack of supporting
 dealers in the Pittsburgh area.  This has been  because Atari can not HOLD
 any dealers in this area.  This  problem has existed even years BEFORE any
 "software library"  existed.  The lack of  dealers is  NOT piracy related!
 I personally  have known ALL the dealers that have come and gone.  MOST of
 the  dealers have had disagreements  with  Atari  and  MOST  of  them have
 discontinued their  dealerships with Atari bec facts that only I  could know,  because Atari   has gone
 through several corporate and personnel changes through  the years.

   Since 1985,  I have  had the  ONLY listing  for the  Atari name  in  the
 Pittsburgh Yellow pages (I have copies of all the ads).  That   means that
 since 1985,  NO dealer has even considered advertising  for Atari - a real
 shame!  Why?  Because Atari can not ou expect any software
 sales?  There are NO  software    houses  in  Pittsburgh  that  sell Atari
 software (such  as B.  Dalton's,  Software City, or Electronics Boutique).
 What is unreal,  is  the  fact    that  most  of  the  Atari  computers in
 Pittsburgh just  simply change  hands because people can not find software
 or anything  for their   machines.   I  know that  this is  true because I
 continually get  calls  from many people that own Atari computers, who ask
 me these type of questions:  "Where can I get  rid of  my Atari computer"?
 "Will you   buy my Atari"? or "Can you sell my Atari computer for me"?  NO
 dealers means NO new machines or  dealer  support.    NO  new  machines or
 dealer support  means a  DECREASE in  the user  base.   And a significant 
 DECREASE in the user base in our area has meant a major  DECREASE in   the
 PACE Atarifest  show attendance and performance.  The logic is  simple and
 undeniable.

   So who is to blame for this?!

   Certainly not PACE, and I feel  that you,  who represent  Atari to   the
 User  Groups   across  the   USA,  have   done  an  injustice  to  a  good
 organization by denying them of their  PROMISED  door  prizes  for   their
 show.   How dare  you punish  a good User Group because you  felt that the
 door prize would go  to a  pirate!   By now,  I wonder   how  many of your
 previous door prizes have been plundered by  pirates in other areas of the
 USA.  I hope that this does not send  the wrong  message to  all the other
 User Groups in the USA.  Your  job at Atari is to SUPPORT the User Groups!
 I think that Atari   needs  a more  knowledgeable and  educated user group
 representative.

   Certainly not  the Atari  Elite Organization  either.  I have sold  much
 more software to members of the  Atari Elite  Organization than   to PACE.
 They are  more aware of software availability due to  their review library
 and to the European magazines that I sell (I   have the  receipts to prove
 this).   I have  been to  most of PACE's  and Atari Elite's meetings and I
 have heard the presidents of both  user groups condemn  piracy (especially
 the president  of the  Atari  Elite, who in just about every other meeting
 "preaches" against  piracy).  I personally know  at least  90% the members
 of both  user   groups and they are people of good integrity.  Both groups
 are  Non-Profit and provide  many  good  services  to  their  users.   The
 software review  library is  a service  that fills a software VOID in  the
 Pittsburgh area.  The Atari Elite organization has  done much  to  support
 the very  few local  dealers in the Pittsburgh area and  continually sends
 them customers.  Both Atari Elite and PACE do not  practice  piracy at any
 of their meetings or condone it outside of  their meetings.

   I attended  the PACE  show both  days and  I personally knew just  about
 every one that attended the show.  Every Atari Elite and  PACE member that
 I had  talked to  at the  show had purchased software - because I took the
 time to ask many of them individually.

   So who is to blame for this?

   If you want to blame people, then blame  the pirates  outside the   user
 groups that  want to  flaunt their  piracy in front of the  vendors.  What
 pirate that would have the gall to flaunt their  bounty, would really NEED
 a user  group or vendor anyway (except for  bragging purposes and checking
 out the new stuff)?  Pirates  are   everywhere, in  and out  of every user
 group, in the Pittsburgh area  as well as for its inconsistent dealer
 policies and lack of product for the US market.

   If you want to blame one person, blame  yourself for  not supporting the
 Pittsburgh area - by punishing PACE or blaming the Atari Elite.

   I believe  that you  have made  a serious  mistake by blaming two of the
 Atari User Groups that  down through  the years  have supported  the Atari
 line of computers when others have not.

   This message  is my only message concerning this, and it will be left by
 whoever  will  post  it.    Any  person  who  posts  this  message  is not
 responsible  for  these  views  in  any  way.    This  message is free for
 distribution anywhere and is not to be modified in any way.


                           Mark Spires,

                          At Your Service
                          Pittsburgh, PA.






 Category 11,  Topic 11
 Message 95        Mon Apr 30, 1990
 BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.]     at 19:21 EDT
  
 Jeff,

 The group in question did not have a booth.  They did have members present
 at  the  show,  I  am  told.  What was incredible was the blatant way they
 discussed their practices *RIGHT  IN FRONT  OF THE  DEVELOPERS*!!!!!  They
 had an  obvious affect on the sales of software at this show. GRIBNIF sold
 about 1/10th of what they usually do.   An example:  someone bought  a new
 paint program  at the  show from  one of  the software companies. About 45
 minutes after making the purchase,  he  brought  it  back,  requesting his
 money back. The vendor was surprised, as he gave an excellent price on the
 product, and it was  still shrink  wrapped.   The explanation  was that he
 wanted to  return it  because "his  friend knew where he could get one for
 free."

 As far a future show for that area, good luck.   I  can't go  to Atari and
 recommend that  we go  back to  that area. Word reached me before I got to
 the show about what was going on, and I was angry when I got there.  Angry
 because this  developers are  my personal friends, angry because there are
 complaints about Atari not  having a  dealer (and  now we  know why!), and
 angry that  the people  at the show would be so cavalier in their attitude
 toward the developers. 

 We all have to fight this type of activity any way we can.

 Here's what I  did: 

 I had gotten approved a very nice selection of door prizes for  this show,
 a MegaFile 60, six sets of TOS 1.4, Gauntlet for the Lynx, Airball for the
 eight bit, AtariWriter 80 and an XEP-80. Quite similar to what I   did for
 the MidWest  Swapfest, except  it was  a 60  Meg HD  instead of  a  44 Meg
 removable. When I heard what was going  on  in  that  show,  I  decided to
 return all  of the  prizes to  Sunnyvale. It  is a  shame, as perhaps some
 legitimate user might have won a nice door prize. But from what  I saw, we
 just would  have helped  the wrong people out. So, all of the product came
 home with me, over $1000 worth of doorprizes. I'm not going to go to Atari
 and ask  them to  support a group/show that doesn't support the developers
 and dealers that show up to support them. It just isn't right.

 BTW, I was in Rochester the day before, and I did give  away everything to
 them that  I planned  to. They  got the  same prizes that I had planned to
 give at the PACE Show.


                         AND THE OUTRAGE CONTINUES
                         =========================


 AutoBoss\Atari Elite Bulletin Board Electronic Mail System
 You have 1 piece(s) of mail waiting.
 Select> r

 Read mail [F]rom you  [T]o you  [B]oth: t

 Electronic Mail
 Sent : May 8, 1990  at 8:00 PM
 To   : JOHN KARLOVICH
 From : LARRY HACKETT MAGE
 Subj : Pittsburgh Show

 I'm a little more  than discouraged  about the  reviews i've  been reading
 about the  recent Pittsburgh show. As a representative of the Atari Elite,
 would you care to make a comment on the allegations  that the  Atari Elite
ET. Please respond at
 your earliest convenience to LARRY HACKETT (not Larry Hackett Mage  , as I
 erroneously logged  in as...)  Please note that NO response would be taken
 as a "no contest" to the allegations.
 Thank You.
 Larry Hackett


     This message was sent to John Karlovich, President of the Atari Elite.
 We  have  reprinted  it  here  for  all  to see the sad state of affair  On behalf of all of us in the press
 corps. we apologize for the actions of this "overzealous" individual.





          ______________________________________________________






 > IS IT LEGAL? CPU/STR Spotlight?       ANOTHER LOOK AT THE (C) LAW...
   ==============================


     Dear Readers, This is here to  refresh  some  memories  and  provide a
     basis in fact for all those care to use it as a reference.


                            Copyright Law
                            =============

                          Jordan J. Breslow
                     1225 Alpine Road, Suite 200
                       Walnut Creek, CA 94596
                           +1 415 932 4828


         I am an attorney practicing copyright law and computer  law.
    I  read  a series of queries in net.legal about copyright law and
    was dismayed to find that people who had no idea what  they  were
    talking  about  were  spreading  misinformation over the network.
    Considering that the penalties for copyright infringement can in-
    clude  $50,000.00  damages  per  infringed  work, attorneys fees,
    court costs, criminal fines  and  imprisonment,  and  considering
    that  ignorance  is  no  excuse and innocent intent is not even a
    recognized defense, I cringe to see the network used as a soapbox
    for the ill-informed.  For that reason, this article will discuss
    copyright law  and  license  law  as  they  pertain  to  computer
    software.

         My goal is to enable readers to determine when  they  should
    be  concerned  about infringing and when they can relax about it.
    I also want to let programmers know how to obtain  copyright  for
    their  work.   I'll explain the purpose of software licenses, and
    discuss the effect that the license has on copyright.  For  those
    of  you who are programmers, I'll help you decide whether you own
    the programs you write on the job or your boss owns them.  I will
    also  mention  trademark  law and patent law briefly, in order to
    clarify some confusion about which is  which.   Incidentally,  if
    you read this entire essay, you will be able to determine whether
    or not the essay is copyrighted and whether or not you can make a
    printout of it.

         This is a long article, and you may not want to read all  of
    it.   Here is an outline to help you decide what to read and what
    to ignore: 


 1.  The Meaning of Copyright from the Viewpoint of the Software User

 1.1     A bit of history
 1.2     The meaning of copyright
 1.3     The meaning of public domain
 1.4     A hypothetical software purchase
 1.5     Can you use copyrighted software? 
 1.6     Can you make a backup copy? 
 1.7     Licenses may change the rules

       (C) Copyright 1986 Breslow, Redistributed by permission

                              Copyright Law 1

                              Copyright Law 2

 2.      Copyright Sounds Neat -- How Do I Get One? Or, How Do I Know
         If this Program is Copyrighted?

 2.1     How do you get a copyright?
 2.2     How do you lose a copyright?
 2.3     How do you waste a stamp?
 2.4     Do you have to register?
 2.5     How copyright comes into existence
 2.6     The copyright notice
 2.7     Advantages of registration
 2.8     A test to see if you understand this article

 3.      Who Owns The Program You Wrote?

 3.1     Introduction
 3.2     Programs written as an employee
 3.3     Programs written as a contractor

 4.      A Brief Word about Licenses

 4.1     Why a license?
 4.2     Is it valid?

 5.      Trademarks and Patents
 5.1     Trademark law explained
 5.2     Patent law

 6.      Conclusion



     1.  The Meaning of Copyright from the Viewpoint of  the  Software
         User
     1.1.  A bit of history

          If you're not interested in history, you can skip this para-
  and pictures in  mind.   Parliament,  lacking  the  foresight  to
    predict  the success of the Intel and IBM corporations, failed to
    consider the issue of copyrighting computer programs.

         At first, courts questioned whether programs could be  copy-
    righted  at  all.   The problem was that judges couldn't read the
    programs and they figured the Copyright Law was only could read
    without the aid of a machine.  I  saw  some  mythical  discussion
    about  that  in  some of the net.legal drivel.  Let's lay that to
    rest:  programs are copyrightable as long  as  there  is  even  a
    minimal  amount  of  creativity.  The issue was laid to rest with
    the Software Act of 1980.  That Act modified  the  Copyright  Act
    (which  is a Federal law bys stored  in  ROM
    rather  than  on  paper.    The decision in the Apple v. Franklin
    case laid that to rest:  it is.

    1.2.  The meaning of copyright

         Now, what is copyright?  As it is commonly understood, it is
    the  right  to make copies of something -- or to put it the other
    way around, it is the right to prohibit other people from  making
    copies.   This  is  known  as an exclusive right -- the exclusive
    right to reproduce, in the biological language of  the  Copyright
    Act -- and what most people don't know is that copyright involves
    not one, not two, but five exclusive rights. These  are  (1)  the
    exclusive  right  to make copies, (2) the exclusive right to dis-
    tribute copies to the public, (3) the exclusive right to  prepare
    derivative  works  (I'll explain, just keep reading), (4) the ex-
    clusive right to perform the work in public (this mainly  applies
    to  plays,  dances and the like, but it could apply to software),
    and (5) the exclusive right to display the work in  public  (such
    as showing a film).

    1.3.  The meaning of public domain

         Before we go any further, what is public domain?  I saw some
    discussion  on  the  net about public domain software being copy-
    righted.  Nonsense.  The phrase public domain, when used correct-
    ly,  means the absence of copyright protection.  It means you can
    copy public domain software to your heart's  content.   It  means
    that  the  author  has none of the exclusive rights listed above.
    If someone uses the phrase public domain  to  refer  to  freeware
    (software which is copyrighted but is distributed without advance
    payment but with a request for a donation), he or  she  is  using
    the term incorrectly.  Public domain means no copyright -- no ex-
    clusive rights.

    1.4.  A hypothetical software purchase

         Let's look at those exclusive rights from the  viewpoint  of
    someone  who  has legitimately purchased a single copy of a copy-
    righted computer program.  For the moment, we'll have  to  ignore
    the  fact  that  the  program is supposedly licensed, because the
    license changes things.  I'll explain that later.  For  now,  as-
    sume  you  went  to  Fred's  Diner and Software Mart and bought a
    dozen eggs, cat food and a word processing program.  And for now,
    assume the program is copyrighted.

    1.5.  Can you use copyrighted software?

         What can you do with this copyrighted software?  Let's start
    with  the obvious:  can you use it on your powerful Timex PC?  Is
    this a joke?  No.  Prior to 1980, my answer might have  been  No,
    you can't use it!

         People actually pay meprogram into RAM.  What have you just  done?
    You've  made  a copy in RAM -- in legalese, you've reproduced the
    work, in violation of the copyright owner's  exclusive  right  to
    reproduce.  (I better clarify something here:  the copyright own-
    er is the person or company whose name appears in  the  copyright
    notice  on  the box, or the disk or the first screen or wherever.   of  the program, you do not become the copyright owner.  You just
    own one copy.)

         Anyway, loading the program into RAM means  making  a  copy.
    The Software Act of 1980 addressed this absurdity by allowing you
    to make a copy if the copy "is created as an  essential  step  in
    the  utilization  of  the  computer program in conjunction with a
    machine and ...  is used in no other manner ...."   By  the  way,
    somebody  tell me what a machine means.  If you connect 5 PC's on
    a network is that a machine or several machines?  A related ques-
    tion  is whether or not running software on a network constitutes
    a performance.  The copyright owner has the exclusive right to do
    that, remember?

    1.6.  Can you make a backup copy?

         OK, so you bought this copyrighted program and you loaded it
    into  RAM  or  onto  a hard disk without the FBI knocking on your
    door.  Now can you make a backup copy?  YES.   The  Software  Act
    also  provided  that you can make a backup copy, provided that it
    "is for archival purposes only ...."  What you cannot do,  howev-
    er,  is give the archive copy to your friend so that you and your
    pal both got the program for the price of one.  That violates the
    copyright  owner's  exclusive  right  to distribute copies to the
    public.  Get it?  You can, on the other hand, give both your ori-
    ginal  and backup to your friend -- or sell it to him, or lend it
    to him, as long as you don't retain a copy of the program you are
    selling.  Although the copyright owner has the exclusive right to
    distribute (sell) copies of the program, that right only  applies
    to the first sale of any particular copy.  By analogy, if you buy
    a copyrighted book, you are free to sell your book to  a  friend.
    The copyright owner does not have the right to control resales.

    1.7.  Licenses may change the rules

         At this point, let me remind you that we have  assumed  that
    the program you got at the store was sold to you, not licensed to
    you.  Licenses may change the rules.

    1.8.  Can you modify the program?

         Now, you're a clever programmer, and you  know  the  program
    could  run  faster  with  some  modifications. You could also add
    graphics and an interactive mode and lots of otlaw say about your plans?  Well ... several dif-
    ferent things, actually.  First, recall that the copyright  owner
    has  the  exclusive right to make derivative works.  A derivative
    work is a work based on one or more preexisting works.  It's easy
    to  recognize  derivative  works  when  you  think about music or
    books.  If a book is copyrighted, derivative works could  incerivative works of songs might  be  new  arrangements
    (like  the  jazz  version  of  Love  Potion  Number  9),  a movie
    soundtrack, or a written transcription, or a long version,  (such
    as the fifteen minute version of "Wipe Out" with an extended drum
    solo for dance parties).  In my opinion, you are making a deriva-
    tive work when you take the store-bought word processor e  true  if  you
    translated  a  COBOL program into BASIC.  Those are copyright in-
    fringements -- you've horned in  on  the  copyright  owner's  ex-
    clusive  right to make derivative works.  There is, however, some
    breathing room.  The Software Act generously allows you to  adapt
    the  code  if  the adaptation "is created as an essential step in
    the utilization of the computer program  in  conjunction  with  a
    machine  ...."  For example, you might have to modify the code to
    make it compatible with your machine.

    1.9.  Can you break the copy protection scheme?

         Moving right along, let's assume your store  bought  program
    is  copy  protected, and you'd really like to make a backup copy.
    You  know  this  nine-year-old  whiz  who  can  crack  any  copy-
    protection scheme faster than you can rearrange a Rubix cube.  Is
    there a copyright violation if he succeeds?  There's room to  ar-
    gue here. When you try to figure out if something is an infringe-
    ment, ask yourself, what exclusive right am I violating?  In this
    case,  not the right to make copies, and not the right to distri-
    bute copies.  Public performance and display have  no  relevance.
    So  the key question is whether you are making a derivative work.
    My answer to that question is, "I doubt it."  On the other  hand,
    I  also  doubt that breaking the protection scheme was "an essen-
    tial step" in using the program in conjunction  with  a  machine.
    It  might be a "fair use," but that will have to wait for another
    article.  Anyone interested in stretching the limits of the "fair
    use" defense should read the Sony Betamax case.

    1.10.  Summary

         Let me summarize. Copyright means the  copyright  owner  has
    the  exclusive right to do certain things. Copyright infringement
    means you did one of those exclusive things (unless  you  did  it
    within the limits of the Software Act, i.e., as an essential step
    ....).

   2.  Copyright Sounds Neat -- How Do I Get One?  Or, How Do I Know
    if this Program is Copyrighted?

   2.1.  How do you get a copyright?

         If you've written an original program, what do you  have  to
    do to get a copyright? Nothing. You already have one.

   2.2.  How do you lose a copyright?

         If you've written an original program, what do you  have  to
    do  to  lose your copyright protection?  Give copies away without
    the copyright notice.

   2.3.  How do you waste a stamp?

         If you mail the program to yourself in  a  sealed  envelope,
    what have you accomplished? You've wasted a stamp and an envelope
    and burdened the postal system unnecessarily.

   2.4.  Do ter?

         Do you have to register your program with the U.S. Copyright
    Office?  No, but it's a damn good idea.

   2.5.  How copyright comes into existence

         Copyright protection (meaning  the  five  exclusive  rights)
    comes  into existence the moment you fix your program in a tangi-
    ble medium.  That means write it down, or store it  on  a  floppy
    disk,  orlend out, etc.  If you don't, someone  who  hap-
    pens  across  your program with no notice on it can safely assume
    that it is in the public domain (unless he actually knows that it
    is not).

   2.6.  The copyright notice

         The copyright notice has three parts.  The first can be  ei-
    ther  a c with a circle around it ((C)), or the word Copyright or
    the abbreviation Copr.  The c with a circle around it is  prefer-
    able,  because  it is recognized around the world; the others are
    not.  That's incredibly important.  Countries  around  the  world
    have  agreed to recognize and uphold each others' copyrights, but
    this world-wide protection requires the use of the c in a circle.
    On  disk  labels and program packaging, use the encircled c.  Un-
    fortunately, computers don't draw small circles well, so program-
    mers  have  resorted  to a c in parentheses: (c).  Too bad.  That
    has no legal meaning.  When you put your notice in the  code  and
    on  the  screen, use Copyright or Copr.  if you can't make a cir-
    cle.

         The second part of the notice is the "year of first publica-
    tion  of  the work." Publication doesn't mean distribution by Os-
    borne Publishing Co.  It means distribution of copies of the pro-
    gram to the public "by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by
    rental, lease, or lending."  So when you  start  handing  out  or
    selling copies of your precious code, you are publishing.  Publi-
    cation also takes place  when  you  merely  OFFER  to  distribute
    copies to a group for further distribution.  Your notice must in-
    clude the year that you first did so.

         The third part of the notice is the name of the owner of the
    copyright.   Hopefully,  that's you, in which case your last name
    will do.  If your company owns the program -- a legal issue which
    I  will  address later in this article -- the company name is ap-
    propriate.

         Where do you put the notice?  The general idea is to put  it
    where  people  are likely to see it. Specifically, if you're dis-
    tributing a human-readable code listing, put it on the first page
    in  the  first few lines of code, and hard code it so that it ap-
    pears on the title screen, or at sign-off, or  continuously.   If
    you're distribuhe notice  on  the
    gummed  disk  label or in some other fashion permanently attached
    to the storage medium.

    2.7.  Advantages of registration

         Now, why register the program?  If no one ever rips off your
    program, you won't care much about registration.  If someone does
    rip it off, you'll kick yourself for not  having  registered  it.
    The  reason  is  that pay your attorneys fees.   Registration  only  costs
    $10.00,  and it's easy to do yourself.  The only potential disad-
    vantage is the requirement that you deposit the first and last 25
    pages  of  your  source  code,  which  can  be inspected (but not
    copied) by members of the public.

    2.8.  A test to see if you understand this article

         Now, someone tell me this:   is  this  article  copyrighted?
    Can you print it?

    3.  Who Owns The Program You Wrote?

    3.1.  Introduction

         The starting point of this analysis is that if you wrote the
    program, you are the author, and copyright belongs to the author.
    HOWEVER, that can change instantly. There are two common ways for
    your  ownership  to  shift  to someone else:  first, your program
    might be a "work for hire."  Second, you  might  sell  or  assign
    your  rights  in  the  program,  which for our purposes means the
    copyright.

    3.2.  Programs written as an employee

         Most of the programs which you write at work, if not all  of
    them,  belong to your employer. That's because a program prepared
    by an employee within the scope of his or  her  employment  is  a
    "work for hire," and the employer is considered the author.  This
    is more or less automatic if you are an employee  --  no  written
    agreement is necessary to make your employer the copyright owner.
    By contrast, if you can convince your employer to let you be  the
    copyright owner, you must have that agreement in writing.

         By the way, before you give up hope of owning the  copyright
    to the program you wrote at work, figure out if you are really an
    employee.  That is actually a complex legal question, but  I  can
    tell you now that just because your boss says you are an employee
    doesn't mean that it's so.  And remember that if you created  the
    program outside the scope of your job, the program is not a "work
    for hire."  Finally, in California and  probably  elsewhere,  the
    state  labor law provides that employees own products they create
    on their own time, using their own tools and  materials.  Employ-
    ment  contracts  which  attempt to make the employer the owner of
    those off-the-job inventions are void, at least in sunny Califor-
    nia.

    3.3.  Programs written as a contractor

         Wait a minute:  I'm an independent contractor to Company  X,
    not an employee.  I come and go as I please, get paid by the hour
    with no tax withheld, and was retained  to  complete  a  specific
    project.   I  frequently  work at home with my own equipment.  Is
    the program I'm writing a "work for hire," owned by the  Company?
    Maybe,  maybrogram is not a "work for hire," and is  not
    owned  by  the  company,  unless (1) there is a written agreement
    between the company and the contractor which says that it is, and
    (2)  the work is a commissioned work.  A commissioned work is one
    of the following:  (a)  a contribution to a collective work,  (b)
    an  audiovisual work (like a movie, and maybe like a video game), of.   An example of a  collective work is a book of poetry,
    with poems contributed by various authors.  A piece of code which
    is  incorporated  into  a large program isn't a contribution to a
    collective work, but a stand-alone program which is packaged  and
    sold with other stand-alone programs could be.

         So where are we?  If you are a contract programmer,  not  an
    employee, and your program is a commissioned work, and you have a
    written agreement that says that the program is a "work for hire"
    owned by the greedy company, who owns the program?  That's right,
    the company.  But guess what?  In California  and  elsewhere  the
    company  just  became your employer!  This means that the company
    must now provide worker's compensation benefits for you AND UNEM-
    PLOYMENT INSURANCE.

    4.  A Brief Word About Licenses.

    4.1.  Why a license?

         When you get software  at  the  local  five  and  dime,  the
    manufacturer  claims  that you have a license to use that copy of
    the program.  The reason for this is that the manufacturer  wants
    to  place more restrictions on your use of the program than copy-
    right law places.  For example, licenses typically  say  you  can
    only  use the program on a single designated CPU.  Nothing in the
    copyright law says that.  Some licenses say you  cannot  make  an
    archive  copy.  The copyright law says you can, remember?  But if
    the license is a valid license, now you can't.  You can  sell  or
    give  away  your  copy  of  a program if you purchased it, right?
    That's permitted by copyright law, but the license  may  prohibit
    it.  The more restrictive terms of the license will apply instead
    of the more liberal copyright rules.

    4.2.  Is it valid?

         Is the license valid?  This is hotly debated among  lawyers.
    (What  isn't?   We'll argue about the time of day.)  A few states
    have passed or will soon pass laws declaring that they are valid.
    A  few  will  go the other way.  Federal legislation is unlikely.
    My argument is that at the consumer level,  the  license  is  not
    binding  because there is no true negotiation (unless a state law
    says it is binding), but hey that's just an argument and I'm  not
    saying  that  that's  the  law.   In any case, I think businesses
    which buy software will be treated differently in court than con-
    sumers.  Businesses should read those licenses and negotiate with
    the manufacturer if the terms are unacceptable.

    5.  I Have A Neat Idea. Can I Trademark It?  What About patent?

    5.1.  Trademark law explained

         Sorry, no luck.  Trademark law  protects  names:   names  of
    prarked name, all that means is that you
    can't sell your own similar program under the same name.  It  has
    nothing to do with copying the program.

    5.2.  Patent Law

         Patent law can apply to computer  programs,  but  it  seldom
    does.   The  main  reasons  it seldom applies are practical:  the
    patent process is too slow and too expensive to do much  good  in
    the software world.  There are also considerable legal hurdles to
    overcome in order to obtain a patent.  If, by chance,  a  program
    is  patented,  the  patent owner has the exclusive right to make,
    use or sell it for 17 years.

    6.  CONCLUSION

         I know this is a long article, but believe it or not I  just
    scratched  the  surface.  Hopefully, you'll find this information
    useful, and you'll stop passing along myths about copyright  law.
    If anyone needs more information, I can be reached at the address
    on the first page.  Sorry, but I do not usually  have  access  to
    the network, so you can't reach me there.

    Thank you.  JORDAN J. BRESLOW




         _________________________________________________________





 > Stock Market ~ CPU NewsWire?     Watchin' the Sheckles CROAK!
   ===========================


                                                     THE TICKERTAPE
                                                     ==============

 by Michael Arthur

 Concept by Glenn Gorman


     The price  of Atari  Stock stayed  the same on Monday and Tuesday.  On
 Wednesday, Atari Stock went down 1/4 of a point, and stayed the same price
 on Thursday.   On  Friday, the  price of  Atari Stock  went down  1/8 of a
 point.  Finishing up the week at 5 5/8 points,  Atari Stock  went down 3/8
 of a point since the last report.


        Apple Stock was up 7/8 points from Friday, April 27, 1990.
           Commodore Stock was down 1/4 of a point from 4/27/90.
                IBM Stock was up 3 1/8 points from 4/27/90.


                 Stock Report for Week of 4/30/90 to 5/04/90

 _________________________________________________________________________
 STock|   Monday   |  Tuesday   |  Wednesday  | Thursday  |     Friday    |
 Reprt|Last    Chg.|Last    Chg.|Last     Chg.|Last   Chg.| Last      Chg.|
 -----|------------|------------|-------------|-----------|---------        |             |           |  84,600  Sls  |
 -----|------------+------------+-------------+-----------+---------------|
  CBM |  7    ---- |6 3/4  + 1/4|6 1/2   - 1/4|6 5/8  +1/8| 6 3/4    + 1/8|
      |            |            |             |           |  18,300  Sls  |
 -----|------------+------------+-------------+-----------+---------------|
 Apple|39 3/8  +1/4|39 5/8  +1/4|39 3/M |109   +1 5/8| 108    - 1 |109 1/8      |109 1/4    |110 1/2  +1 1/4|
      |            |            |       +1 1/8|       +1/8| 1,512,300 Sls |
 -----'-------------------------------------------------------------------'

        'Sls' refers to the # of stock shares that were traded that day.
        'CBM' refers to Commodore Corporation.
        '----'  means that the stock's price did not change for the day.


      >>>> ATARI 1ST QUARTER EARNINGS DOWN 50% FROM LAST YEAR! <<<<<




   _____________________________________________________________________







 > GEnie Atari RT  CPU/STR InfoFile?    Summer "Fun Things" planned!
   ================================


                          SUMMER SPLASH CONTESTS
                          ======================

 The GEnie  ST Roundtable  will be  having some exciting things happen over
 the upcoming  summer months.  Starting the  week of  May 14th,  we will be
 adding a  trivia quiz  to our  menu on  page 475. Why not stop by and test
 your knowledge about GEnie and Atari tidbits. We will be  handing out free
 connect  time  to  the  top  eleven  winners. If you fail to get your best
 score, try it again. The winning  spots will  go to  the FIRST  top eleven
 perfect or  near perfect  scorers. Your score will be registered each time
 you take the quiz. Come onboard and join  the fun.  New trivia  tests will
 appear each month with new prizes.

 Summer  months  also  bring  back  our Summer Splash contests. Before they
 begin, we are having a survey to let us know just how to gear  this series
 of contests.  We need  your input. Within the survey (on page 475) will be
 questions to help GEnie and the ST developers find out  what you  want and
 need. We  ask that  you take  a few  moments of  your time to answer these
 questions as complete and honest as you can. The results  from this survey
 will help us to help you.

 I am  looking forward  to seeing you online. If you need anything, use the
 "Feedback to Sysop" option on page  475 or  type N  DARLAH with  a message
 attached and  I will certainly take the time willingly to help out or just
 chat, if I can. See you online............

                                  >>Darlah J Pine
                                      GEnie address = DARLAH





          ______________________________________________________





 > ONLINE TODAY  CPU/STR OnLine?          The wires are hummin'!
   ============================


                                             WHAT'S HAPPENING?
                                             =================

 by Oscar Steele


    I'm sorry I missed you the pass two weeks.  First, the PACE show was
 on and Ralph had a tight deadliou know how
 it goes.  Anyway.  As I promised before, I'm covering the downloads,
 conferences and message sections of GEnie.  Let's start with the
 downloads.

    There are a few other sources of coverage of the software downloads
 available on GEnie.  However, I think what is most crucial to users
 at first, is to discuss LARGE programs.  At 5 to 10 bucks a pop, it
 becomes discouragins about programs.

 File #   File Name      File Size
 -------------------------------------
 12457    GRAN_VOX.ARC   354,060 bytes

 Worth the download? No

 Requirements: Color monitor and money to burn!

 This is a simple demo of STOS and Maestro.  You push a button, and the
 computer plays a digitized sound that advertises a BBS.  And wait, there's
 more (not much); there's also a circling sprite!  If there was source code
 included, then it might be worthwhile for programmers.  Otherwise, save
 your money for something worthwhile.
 -----------
 10851     GRANSHOT.ARC    293,580 bytes

 Worth the download? Depends

 Requirements: Color monitor

 It depends on if you're just looking for some erotic entertainment or
 a decent game.  As a game, it has the IQ of a rock (and a stupid one
 at that).  It's like a job application that reads no skill required.
 It's... catch my drift?  There are over 550 downloaders that have put
 in their yes vote for the nude pictures.  If that's what you're after,
 then yes it's worth the download.

 It displays about a half dozen nudes as background pictures while a small
 man icon runs across the screen.  The goal is to shoot him and watch
 his brains splatter to the ground.  Pure 100% entertainment!  Just like
 a Lethal Weapon movie.
 -----------
 13964     ORBIT.LZH      61,740
 11084     ORBIT.ARC      88,200

 Worth the download? Yes

 Requirements: Color Monitor

 Although these are not HUGE files, there are two of them and they have
 the same name.  This is cause for confusion.  They're both the same
 program.  But, they have a number of different screens.

 The game is a Breakout clone, programmed fairly well in STOS.  For the
 time and money involved, it's well worth the download.  However, if you're
 not desperate for another 10 or so screens, just download the smaller one.
 -----------
 13361    GRANPRX2.LZH    105,840

 Worth the download? Yes

 Requirements: Color Monitor, Double Sided Disk Drive, Joystick

 Grand Prix's a racing game in the Rally X vein.  It is a bit rough, but
 considering there's not a glut of car racing games, it's worth the time.
 The concept is fairly simple, move the joystick to control the car, try
 not to crash, etc.
 -----------
 If you're interested in purchasing Calamus or Pagestream, then definitely
 download the demoou're looking for.
 -----------


 Conferences:

    If you've never attended a conference, you're missing out in a big
 way.  There are two types: formal and informal.  We just had a formal
 conference with Darek Mihocka (hi Darek) of Branch Always Software,
 creators the Quick Utilities and Quick ST II.  I had the luck of being
 disconnected in the middle of the conference due to a bae guest questions.
 The users are put in line by using the /RAI (raise your hand command).
 Both types are fun, but you can expect to get more questions answered
 on a specific topic (usually centering around the guest) in a formal
 conference.  The informal ones are a bit more wild and crazy - for those
 who like to live on the edge. <Grin>


 Message bases:

    One company that has been impressing me lately is Double Click.  
 But lately it's become overwhelming.  Mike, if you read this, Double
 Click is quickly joining the ST Hall of Fame, up there with the Codeheads,
 Gribnif and Gadgets by Small.  DC Squish is a popular program and there
 have been a slew of me of messages about it in the past few weeks.  Here's
 a few of the features Mike Vederman II has mentioned (for more info check
 Cat. 2, Topic 23):
  
  1) The next release will have a default config.

  2) It will also convert old squish (even v. 1.0) to new squish.

  3) Being worked on, semi-done is squishing text files and resources.

  4) Wildcard will "hunt and squish" everything in a directory.

  5) Half done is running Squish as a DA (which seems to be the way DC
     will be implementing the text file squishing).

    DC Squishing text and resource files takes the cake!  A lot of people
 are waiting for the update to DC Squish.  In other DC related matters,
 the DC Desktop topic (Category 2, Topic 18) has had recent activity;
 a new manual is being worked on.  And as a sidenote, it's unfortunate
 that Antic Publishing is not open to updating Shadow.  I'm sure there are
 wonderful things that Double Click could do with it.


 GFA BASIC NEWS

   According to J.SMITH, the latest version of the GFA BASIC interpreter in
 England is 3.03.  It apparently corrects many bugs that were in v. 3.01.
 Version 3.5 is available in Germany and 3.51 is expected soon.  GFA is
 also planning on releasing a PC version this summer.


 STOS INFO

    Dorothy Brumleve mentioned an STOS support club in Canada.  Their
 address
 is: STOS Canada Club, PO Box 2083 Station B, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada,
 N2H 6K8.  Membership dues are $25 a year in US funds (for more info check
 Cat. 3, Topic 9).  There's also an upgrade kit for STOS, check the same
 topic.


 DaVINCI

    DaVinci is scheduled to be released by Electronic Arts around June.
 It supports the STe and uses the 4,096 color palette.  Check Cat. 14,
 Topic 40 (specifics in Message 141 from John Kolak).


 ATARI EXPLORER

    Is it coming back?  Check Cat. 14, Topic 30.  John Jainschigg, one of
 the people involved with the old Explorer, is answering questions.


 USA TT? MAY B!

    The TT in the middle of certification at the FCC?  Nah.  According
 to Bob Brodie at Atari Corp. it's true.   Check Cat. 14, Topic 35 for the
 scoop.


 That wraps it up!  Expect a lot of new surprises in the upcoming weeks...





       ____________________________________________________________





 > AUA NEWSBRIEFS CPU/STR FOCUS?      ATARI USERS ASSOCIATION NEWS
   ============================



          ======================================================
           The Official Charter of the Atari User's Association
                              Amended 05/07/90
          ======================================================

                                  PURPOSE
                               =-----------=


      The Atari User's Association, or AUA, is an organization formed     
      to unite the Atari ST community under one common name thus         
      giving the Atari community collective bargaining power and a     
      central source of information and support.  It is my belief 
      that the Atari Community is in need of a central organization
      and that an organization of this type will help to better
      promote the Atari line of computers.


                                   GOALS
     comprising individual users, user groups, and user group 
         members.  In no way shall the AUA attempt to take over any
         said group but shall only help to strengthen user group 
         participation by encouraging Atari Users to join local user
         organizations.  Each individual Atari user will be granted
         membership in the AUA provided he/she fills out the AUnge of address at the user's earliest             
         convenience.  Each user group that wishes to be recognized 
         by the AUA must file a completed membership application with 
         the AUA initially and once per year.  In addition, as a user
         group, we ask that you provide a complete membership list to      
         us once per year including mailing addresses so n the community as possible.  This        
         information will also allow the AUA to better provide the user    
         base with statistical information and will allow open             
         communication between members of the AUA and affiliated user
         groups.

      3) To encourage software and hardware development for the Atari     
         ST by supporting developeery receptive population of potential            
         customers in the ST community who are very eager for new
         and innovative products.  The AUA will, from time to time, offer
         developers advertising space in the AUA publications at little
         or no cost.  The AUA goal is to provide up to date information
         to the Atari user base as it becomes available.
    
      4) To support and promote shareware software development and to     
         encourage independent software developers to continue in their   
         efforts.  The AUA will encourage all of it's members and the     
         entire ST community to register the shareware that they use and  
         to help support the shareware authors.
      5) To combat software piracy.  In no way shall the AUA tolerate the 
         practice of software theft, or piracy.  Software piracy hurts    
         you,  me, and the life of the Atari ST.  Software piracy destroys 
         the software industry.  Without the software industry, the Atari  
         ST will die.  Period.  If any member of the AUA or any affiliated
         user group is found to be practicing piracy, the AUA has the right
         to terminate their membership or affiliation immediately.

      6) To become a vast source of information for the Atari ST community 
         including user group listings, BBS listings, shareware library   
         listings, and product listings.  The AUA will also conduct       
         software demo distributions for a fee which covers the cost of   
         the disk and postage.  This practice will allow the user to      
         confidently purchase more software and thus spur more software   
         development for the Atari ST.  User group listings will provide  
         an ST user with information of user groups in his/her area and   
         will encourage users to join these support groups.  BBS listings 
         will also help the user to locate other sources of information   
         for his/her computer.  A shareware library will be started so    
         that authors may deposit their shareware in the library for      
         others to use.  Shareware will also be registered and a complete 
         list of all titles in the library will be provided to the ST     
         users.  The AUA will thus help promote the use of shareware and  
         will hopefully encourage users to send in their registration     
         fees.

      7) To become a leader in the Atari ST community by encouraging its  
         members and other users to support all of the items listed above 
         as an individual ST user, an individual as a member of a user    
         organization, a user organization, ave everyone  
         participate in the AUA no matter what type of Atari enthusiast   
         you are.  What ever walk of life you fall into, the AUA will     
         provide something for you.


         The information in this charter is amended almost every day.      
         Something new develops and I add it here.  This is due in part to 
         all of the positive feedbackt!!



         

                     =====================================

              ATARI USER'S ASSOCIATION === MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES
         ========================================================
         PACKAGE ONE:     ACTIVE AUA MEMBERSHIP W/DISK --  $15.00
         ========================================================

  Includes one year membership to  the  Atari times  a  year. Contains the newest in PD         
      software, reviews, columns,  advertising,  etc...  Compared to       
      other disk based subscriptions, this is a STeal!  What better way
      to get latest shareware releases and help support software 
      development AND get the latest news and information in and around
      the Atari world?

  o   Subscription to the AUA NewsBriefs, newsletter published  4 times a
      year.  This printed newsletter will contain up to date information
      on the happenings in the AUA and the Atari community. 

  o   Support and information of the AUA will be available to you on
      GEnie as well as several BBS's around the country.  You will be
      kept up to date on where you can find the latest news concerning
      the AUA that you can reach by dialing your modem.

  o   Special purchase prices available from the backing of participating,
      Atari ST user groups.  Numbers have Power!  Pick up some good deals!
      When buying anything in bulk, you can expect to find reduced prices.
      While no one likes to spend more than they need for something,
      this program will allow you to save a few pennys here and there.

  o   Special group discounts at MICROTYME and other selected dealers.
      While Microtyme is at this time unable to offer individual discounts
      to AUA members, we have negotiated with Microtyme and they have 
      vowed to help support the AUA by offering discounted prices on 
      mass purchases by the AUA.  This means, if we purchase 50 or more 
      pieces of software, Microtyme will extend a gracious discount to the 
      AUA.  We are also negotiating with other vendors and are confident
      other specials like this will be heading our way!

  o   Special  mailings from  both the AUA and any other usergroups who 
      wish to participate.  If you have elected to have your name placed
      on the AUA public mailing directory, you ve mailings from other clubs and organizations.  What better
      way to keep informed on what is happening in the community!

  o   ANY AND ALL BENEFITS of being a member of the LARGEST  Atari User    
      base in the world!  We anticipate that by the end of 1991, the AUA
      membership will exceed 5000.  What this means to you is one huge
      voice representing YOU in the Atari coms  one  year  membership  to  the  Atari  Users  Association and a
  subscription to the AUA NewsBriefs newsletter published 4 times a year.
  Your benefits will include all of the above items listed in Package
  One except the disk subscription to the AUA NewsBytes Magazine.


         ========================================================
         PACKAGE THREE:  NON-ACTIVE AUA MEMBERSHIP --  $$ FREE $$
         ========================================================

  Includes  one  year  membership  to  the  Atari  Users 
  Association.     This membership does not entitle you to the AUA
  NewsBriefs or the AUA NewsBytes Magazine but makes you  eligible 
  for any benefits listed in Package One above. The  only requirements for 
  free AUA  membership are that you must fill out the AUA  application once

  to  join   and  once  a   year  to  keep your information current.   This

  is by   far the most    popular package!  But you can show your support
  for the   Atari Community   and take  advantage of the other
  two membership  packages! 

     --------------------------- Clip Here ---------------------------

               //////////  //      //  //////////        ** ** **
              //      //  //      //  //      //         ** ** **
             //      //  //      //  //      //          ** ** **
            //////////  //      //  //////////          **  **  **
           //      //  //      //  //      //         ***   **   ***
          //      //  //////////  //      //        ***     **     ***

            THE ATARI USER'S ASSOCIATION        SUPPORTING THE REVOLUTION 

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>  MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

      Thank you for your interest in the Atari User's Association.
      Please take the time to complete this application and mail it 
      to the address below.
    
  ========================================================================

  First Name:_____________________ LastName:______________________________
  Address:________________________________________________________________
  City:________________________________ ST:____ Zipcode:__________________
  Country:_____________________________ Age:(optional)____________________
  Telephone: __________________________ Work: ____________________________

    [  ] Check here to place name in the AUA Public Membership Directory
    (This will allow you to be placed on national mailing lists for Atari
                        ST products and information)
  =========================================================================
  HARDWARE: [ ]520ST  [ ]1040ST  [ ]MEGA 2  [ ]MEGA 4  [ ]STacy  [ ]Other
            [ ]Spectre GCR  [ ]PC DITTO  [ ]PC Speed
  MONITOR : [ ]COLOR  [ ]MONO [ ]OTHER:____________________________________
  DRIVES  : [ ]Internal [ ]External [ ]HARD DRIVE   Size of Hard drive:____
  PRINTER : [ ]9 Pin Dot Matrix [ ]24 Pin Dot Matrix   [ ]Laser  [ ]DeskJet
            [ ]Daisywheel  [ ]Other 
     Printer Model:_______________________________________________________

  MODEM   : Max Speed [ ]300  [ ]1200  [ ]2400  [ ]4800  [ ]9600  [ ]14,400
      Modem Model:_________________________________________________________

  OTHER PERIPHERALS________________________________________________________
  _________________________________________________________________________

  EMULATORS IN USE:________________________________________________________
  _________________________________________________________________________

  =========================================================================
  Primary Use of your Atari Computer:                (check all that apply)
  [ ]Home Finance   [ ]BBS   [ ]CAD   [ ]Business   [ ]DTP    [ ]Games/rec
  [ ]Graphics   [ ]Programming   [ ]SpreadSheets   [ ]WordProcessing
  [ ]Music [ ]Communications  [ ]Other:____________________________________
  =========================================================================
  If you are a member of a User Group, Please fill in:
  UG Name: ________________________________________________________________
  Address: ________________________________________________________________
  City _________________________________State _____ ZIP ________Country____
  BBS # ______________________________________No. of Members_______________
  President's Name:________________________________Phone:__________________
  _________________________________________________________________________
  _________________________________________________________________________

  Comments:________________________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________________________________
  ========================================================================
  EMAIL ADRESSES: (please include fnet / fido Handles)
  FNET Node:________________________  FIDO Node:__________________________ 
  USENET:_________________________________________________________________
  GENIE:_____________________________ COMPUSERVE:_________________________
  DELPHI:________________________ OTHER:__________________________________
  Please list any ideas you have about what the AUA can do for you as an
  end user:_______________________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________________________________
  __________________________________________Use reverse if necessary!!!!!!
  Please list your favorite software titles: _____________________________
  ________________________________________________________________________
  If you have a friend who may be interested in the AUA, please list his
  name and address here so that we can contact him/her about the AUA:
  ________________________________________________________________________
  __ get this application:_____________________________________
  =========================================================================
  MEMBERSHIP FEES:   [ ] Non-Active AUA Membership        -- $ FREE $
                     [ ] Active AUA w/NewsLetter          -- $ 5.00/year
  Please Select ONE  [ ] Active AUA W/Newsletter & Disk   -- $ 15.00/year
  =======================================================================
  MicroTyme Computers is an official supplier of the AUA at: 1-800-255-5835
  =========================================================================


       ------------------------ Clip Here ---------------------------

      




     ________________________________________________________________





 > CPU NEWSWIRE CONFIDENTIAL?       S bugs in 3.01.  According to the head of Atari Uk it f fixes many
 bugs. Version 3.5 while out in Germany is not being used in England
 because 3.51 will follow very shortly.  3.51 has lots of new commands but
 all of them are about matrices.  It is also STE compatible.  (I'm not sure
 what that covers.)   GFA is very aware of the US situation and I was
 promised over and over that a change is coming soon which will include
 3.51 availability.   And the biggest news, actually, GFA will be releasing
 GFA  Basic for the PC in late summer.  (Atari UK are responsible for
 setting up Antic with  Gfa Basic after the Michtron fiasco.   I am
 personally convinced that GFA regrets that mess up and actually the guy
 responsible at GFA (the pres.) was fired 3 days later. If they are going
 to release a PC version they are going to need serious people in the US.. 




 - Sunnyvale, CA.                *** PRICE CHANGES REFLECT SOFT MARKET ***
   -------------

     According to Brad Martin, 05/07/90,    Atari Corp. announces price
 reductions on two most popular computers.  An Atari spokesperson today
 announced that Atari is lowering the retail price of their two most
 popular models of their ST computer line, the 1040ST and Mega 4 computers. 
 The 1040ST was lowered to a suggested retail of $699, while the Mega 4 has
 a new retail price of $1795.95.  The spokesperson stated that Atari has no
 plans to lower the current prices of the 520ST and the Mega 2.

     Atari hopes that the price reductions will boost sagging sales of the
 ST computer line,  but experts point more towards Atari lack of ability
 to deliver new product then high prices as the reason for the sales slide. 
 The Atari spokesperson did state that the new 1040STe, which will arrive
 in the United States within the next two months will have the same
 suggested retail as the current 1040ST.

 EDITOR NOTE:
     After making a few calls to dealers we found that there have been
 substantial price reductions announced, ie; dealer cost on Mega 2/4
 computers have been reduced substantially.  Perhaps this year is not going
 to be a replay of last year with the month to month dance.

  


 - New York City, NY               ***  N.E.C. EYEING ATARI COMPUTER?  ***
   -----------------

     Hmmm, some say it is just a silly rumor, other say its a distinct
 possibility, with "certain new modules" being in production and talk of
 the NEC monitors being bundled with the Atari computer line.  It could
 even be that the TT and NEC will be married.  One thing is for sure, at
 the rate things are going, any new blood will have a positive effect on
 the entire Atari Computer scene.



 - Pal Alto, CA.                      ****  NEW LASER IN THE OFFING?  ****
   ------------

     As an aside, there has been some talk of Atari releasing a new Laser
 printer, well the "smart money" sez, there is, at this time, a number of
 machines under consideration but a definitive choice has not yet been
 made.  The rumor persists that Atari plans to make sure the unit chosen
 will be usable on other computer platforms.




         _________________________________________________________






 > MVG IS HERE! CPU/STR InfoFile?          MultiViewer Graphica
   =============================




                                             MULTIVIEWER GRAPHICA
                                             ====================


 Ctsy GEnie


 by C.WALTERS
  
     MVG - Officially released on April 28th, 1990, MVG is b. 

     Featuring one of the rare editors which performs work on images larger
 than screen size, MVG will not bog you down with abysmal slowness (there's
 no speedometer necessary to show you how far into the task at hand MVG has
 progressed, the task is done!)  Capable of loading IMG (up to 32767 x
 32767), PI#, PC#, TN#, NEO, MAC, WAC, PCX, and SuperPaint files, MVG can
 edit these imasuch as a fast rotate and flip of image or
 clip, shrink/enlarge, masked clips and a fat-bit editor that must be seen
 to be appreciated, you'll create clip art that never looked better.  

     MVG applies a fully adjustable Floyd-Stienberg dithering algorithm to
 color pics for some very striking half-tones.  You can save in IMG, MAC
 (true compatible MACs for you Spectre owners and MacUsign affords an easy and
 inexpensive upgrade path and it comes with detailed documentation which
 allows those so inclined to write their own modules to expand MVG to
 whatever limits the universe or human creativity might impose.  MVG
 presently runs in monochrome only but work is underway for compatibility
 with big screens (and the future release of the Atari TT).  Planned
 upgrade modules will include scanner capability, text and fonts,
 intricate resizing, additional file handling, and more at very reasonable
 upgrade prices (even some freebies to be uploaded here so the good Dr.
 states).  Written by Mr. W. D. Parks and priced at only $49.95, this one
 is moving fast too.  Requires one meg of memory.

                                                  ______Chet :-{)

 EDITOR NOTE:
     After having used this program MVG, I can honestly agree with Chet
 that it is quite powerful and satisfies my needs to the "T".

 MVG  $49.95 may be ordered through:

                              W. David Parks
                          180 N. Hazeltine Avenue
                         Campbell, OH.  44405-1024


 And of course, don't forget IMAGE CAT! $24.95

                                WIZ  WORKS!
                                P.O. Box 45
                             Girard, OH. 44420



        ___________________________________________________________


  


 > Hard Disks CPU/STR InfoFile      Affordable Mass Storage....
   ===========================


                        NEW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!!
                       ============================


                      ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC.
              P.O. Box 6672  Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
                                Est.  1985
                 _________________________________________

                   Voice: 904-783-3319  10 AM - 4 PM EDT
                     BBS: 904-786-4176   12-24-96 HST
                    FAX: 904-783-3319  12 PM - 6 AM EDT
                 _________________________________________
                                        
                   HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
                   _____________________________________
                                        
   All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST
                 are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s).
                                        
             -ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE-
                 (you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!)
                   (all cables and connectors installed)
                                        
    * ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
     * ICD ADVANTAGE HOST  ADAPTERS *5mb #SG60101   619.95
         80mb #SGN296    709.95             100mb #SG84011D  839.95
        170mb #SGN2962  1369.95             260mb #SG60102  1849.95

                 >>ALL ABCO DRIVES ARE HIGH SPEED UNITS<<

                    Ask about our "TAX REFUND SPECIALS"

           CALL FOR SUPER SAVINGS ON ALL OUR OTHER CUSTOM UNITS
                                 FROM 30mb

     ABLE MEDIA DRIVE *

     - SYQUEST 44 MB removable media drive     - ICD ST Host Adapter
     - ICD Mass Storage Utility Software       - 3' DMA Cable 
     - Fan & Clock                             - Multi-Unit Power Supply
                          (1) 44 MB Syquest Cart.

                  COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
                    >> SPECIAL NOW ONLY __$865.00__ <<

                      *** SPECIAL SYQUEST OFFER!! ***
        ORDER YOUR SYQUEST UNIT NOW AND GET A SECOND COMPLETE UNIT!
                      ****** for $100.00 LESS! ******

      -> DO IT YOURSELF BARE SYQUEST UNITS $625.00ea  2 for $1150.00
                          * cartridge included *
                    Syquest Mechanism - 2 year warranty

   * TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
                        SPECIALLY PRICED  $1539.00 

    * SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
         - Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
          50mb SQG51   $1279.00           30mb SQG38    $1199.00
          65mb SQG09   $1339.00           85mb SQG96    $1399.00
                       
                 LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS

            *****  COMING SOON!   INSITE FLOPTICAL DRIVE  *****
                          August-September, 1990

             20 MB 3.5 FLOPPY DISK MASS STORAGE OPTICAL DRIVE!
            uses standard 3.5" floppy disks and Floptical disks
           Will access and read your present library of floppys
                              $789.95 approx.  

                      CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
           Listed above are a sampling of the systems available.
      Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations
    (over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited)
                                     
            *** ALL Units: Average Access Time: 24ms - 34ms ***

  ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - PC-DITTO/II - SPECTRE/GCR
             LARGER units are available - (special order only)

                        NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED!

       - Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets -
                   Keyboard Custom Cables Call for Info
                      ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED

                       -* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
                         (A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)

                 QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
                 _________________________________________

                     DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
                         please, call for details

                 Personal and Company Checks are accepted.

                        ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!

           CALL: 1-800-562-4037   -=**=-    CALL: 1-904-783-3319
           Customer Orders ONLY               Customer Service
                                9am - 8pm EDT
                                Tues thru Sat




  ***********************************************************************


   NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE    to the Readers of;

                        CPU NEWSWIRE ONLINE MAGAZINE
                                 featuring
                         STReport Online Magazine
                         """"""""""""""""""""""""
                  "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"

                         NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!

             Call any of the St Report  Official BBS numbers 
                              (Listed Above)
                                    or
                   Leave E-mail to St.Report - R.Mariano

           Be sure to include your full mailing address so your 
             Compuserve kit can be immediately mailed to you!


                            ATARI ST ARTS FORUM
     An overview

     The Atari ST Arts Forum is comprised of  f the
 world) who share your interest in the exchange of information and programs
 relating to Atari ST graphics and entertainment (games).

     The Atari ST Arts Forum, like all CompuServe  Forums, is  comprised of
 the following major areas:

                                 MESSAGES

     The Message  Board of  this Forum  is where  you will find many people
 corresponding with  each other  on a  24 hour  basis.   Being that message
 correspondence does  not require  you to be online at the same time as the
 person you are exchanging messages with, you can log-on at  any convenient
 time to  read your  waiting messages  and reply to them in order to keep a
 conversation on-going.  This is one  of the  best methods  for meeting new
 people  from  all  different  types  of backgrounds and who are located in
 different parts of the world

     Enter "MES" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select  the appropriate
 menu choice to access the Message Center.

                                 LIBRARIES

     The  Libraries  section  of  the  Forum  is a resource area containing
 thousands of  programs, text  files, picture  files, help  files, and text
 files  such   as  past   transcripts  from  online  national  conferences,
 professional reports, news, and reviews.  Most text  material can  be read
 online or  downloaded to  your computer system for lasting reference.  Our
 Libraries are also filled with a  wide  assortment  of  Public  Domain and
 Shareware entertainment and graphics-related programs which will make your
 ST do some unbelievable things!

     Enter "LIB" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select  the appropriate
 menu choice to access the Forum's Libraries.

                               CONFERENCING

     Electronic Conference  Rooms are areas where members gather for "live"
 conversation.   You  may  find  several  members  engaged  in  a regularly
 scheduled meeting  or participating  in a  special conference  hosted by a
 guest speaker.   Impromptu  Conferences  among  Forum  members  are always
 welcome!   In addition,  watch the News Flash and Conference Announcements
 for information on any scheduled Conferences.

     Enter "CON" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select  the appropriate
 menu choice to access the Forum's Conference Center.

                               ANNOUNCEMENTS

     Announcements are written by the Forum Sysops and are designed to keep
 you apprised of any scheduled events, hot topics,  new uploads,  and other
 useful information  pertaining to  the Atari  Community in  general or the
 Forum.

     There are two announcements  that are  automatically displayed  if you
 haven't read  the latest update.  The News Flash Announcement is dispt  enter  the Conferencing area. There are other
 announcements that are available for reading from the  ANNOUNCEMENTS menu.
 These   announcements   include:   The   General   Announcement,   Message
 Announcement, Library Announcement, Membership  Announcement, Sysop Roster
 Announcement, and New Member Announcement.

     Enter "ANN"  at any  Forum "!"  prompt or  select the appropriate m  members who share your interests.  If
 you are in menu mode, you will be greeted with the Member  Directory menu,
 which lists several choices for using the Member Directory.  If you are in
 "Command Mode" (non-menu mode),  you  will  be  greeted  with  the "Member
 Directory !" prompt.

     Enter  "MEM"  at  the  main  Forum  menu/command  prompt or select the
 appropriate menu choice to access the Member Directory.

                             USER OPTIONS AREA

     The User  Options  area  is  where  you  can  custom-tailor  Forum and
 Messages Options  to your preference.  After making changes in the options
 area, you will be given  the  chance  to  make  the  changes  permanent or
 temporary for  session only.   Any  change made  to the NAME, SECTIONS, or
 HIGH msg read options  are considered  permanent changes  automatically by
 the  Forum  Software.    Of  course,  you can always make changes to these
 options again if you change your mind.

     Enter "OPT" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select  the appropriate
 menu choice to access the User Options area.

     Forum Manager/SYSOP and contract holder for all of the Atari Forums on
 CompuServe, including the Atari ST Arts and Entertainment Forum, is:

                           Ron Luks [76703,254]

         Assisting Ron in the maintenance of the Atari Forums are:

     Mike Schoenbach    [76703,4363]**    Dave Groves      [76703,4223]**
     Charles McGuinness [76701,11]**      David Ramsden    [76703,4224]**
     Dan Rhea           [76703,4364]**    Bill Aycock      [76703,4061]**
     Dick Brudzynski    [76703,2011]      Don LeBow        [76704,41]
                       Keith Joins      [76702,375]

     All the assistant Sysops marked with an "**" in the above list are
 responsible for overseeing all the areas of the Atari ST Arts and
 Entertainment Forum, including the message board, the libraries, the
 announcements, and the conference area.


   NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE


  ***********************************************************************




 > A "Quotable Quote"?
   =================


                  "CARLSBAD CAVERNS ECHO POWER RIVALED!!"
               ATARI WAREHOUSE COMPETES IN ECHO POWER DUEL!
                  BOTH SEEK FIRST PLACE IN RECORD BOOK"!!


                                               ...Marvin Trotenberry


 --------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CPU/STR?             "Your Independent News Source"           May 11, 1990
 16/32bit Magazine           copyright = 1990                    No.4.19
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Views, Opinions and Arteprint articles  is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted.  Each reprint
 must include the name of the publication, date, issue #  and  the author's
 name.  The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in
 any way without prior written permission.   The  contents, at  the time of
 publication,  are    believed  to  be  reasonably  accurate.  The editors,
 contributors anf information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------


-- 


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