ST Report: 10-Nov-94 #1046
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 11/16/94-09:52:49 PM Z
From: aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 10-Nov-94 #1046
Date: Wed Nov 16 21:52:49 1994
SILICON TIMES REPORT
====================
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
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from
STR Electronic Publishing Inc.
November 10, 1994 No. 1046
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Silicon Times Report
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______________________________________________________________________
> 11/10/94 STR 1046 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
"""""""""""""""""
- STR INDUSTRY REPORT - QuickTime 2.0 Ships - Frank's Corner
- Adobe Drops Products - ZEOS Pantera P90 - Cactus B-Ball
- TOSHIBA * SUPER HDS! - 32bit Disk & File - Mankins Editorial
- DELL * NEW 486 LINE! - PEOPLE TALKING - DORFMAN AGAIN!
-* COMDEX FALL'94 IS HERE! *-
-* XEROX & HP DO DEAL! *-
-* NEW TAPE BACKUP DEBUTS! *-
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
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Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
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"Enjoy CompuServe's forums; where information is at its very best!
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> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
Comdex Fall'94 begins in a few days...(Monday to be exact) the
"heap" of release material on our incoming desk is enormous. Believe this
the new goods both hardware and software is amazing. Networking (both
large and small) without the need for extra cards etc.. is but one superb
example of the technology that's being shown for the very first time
anywhere in the world. Its really a great feeling to know you "can do" at
any time your little heart desires. Or, if some one asks; "Do you have or
know of a program that'll..." You know you can safely say yes as the odds
of that program not being there are a million to one. Nothing like the
old days of... I wonder when and if we'll be able to ... Lord knows I do
not miss those days for a second.
Recently, I came across someone "remarking" that I had some sort of
"thing" going re; trying to put down Apple and Apple products. Nothing
could possibly be further from the truth. What was said and continues to
be said and will be said is simply put... if they continue as a niche
market supplier they're done for. But that's really all moot now isn't
it? The Power PC has/is and will change all that as the various operating
systems will be made to comfortably "talk" to each other. Apple has
turned its rudder slowly but surely toward the mainstream of PCs and thus
reflects the bottom line, survival through joint, cooperative efforts.
As each day goes by, more and more of the major, high powered, high
dollar applications on the MAC platform are appearing in the GUI
environment (Windows-OS/2) of the PC world with the same, if not more of
their powerful features. The extremely liberal cross-platform
conversion/exchange costs are making the transition virtually painless.
The massive integration of the Operating Systems is, at last, going quite
smoothly.
Look for a great deal of Comdex Coverage over the next few weeks and
remember... computing is fun!
Today is Veteran's Day... My heartfelt sincere thanks to all who
gave of their precious youth to make the world free for all us. God Bless
each and every one of you.
Thanks for reading us!
Ralph...
Of Special Note:
----------------
STReport will be branching out further to Internet's userbase in the
very near future. We've received numerous requests to receive STReport
from a wide variety of Internet addresses. As a result, we're putting
together an Internet distribution/mailing list for those who wish to
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of Internet ftp sites in which to post our issues for as well. Whatever
we can do to make STReport available to you. we'll try it!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
""""""""""""""""
Publisher -Editor
""""""""""""""""""
Ralph F. Mariano
Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor, Current Affairs
Section Editors
"""""""""""""""
PC SECTION AMIGA SECTION MAC SECTION ATARI SECTION
---------- ------------- ----------- -------------
R.D. Stevens R. Niles J. Deegan D. P. Jacobson
STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Arthur John Deegan Brad Martin
John Szczepanik Paul Guillot Joseph Mirando
Doyle Helms Frank Sereno John Duckworth
Jeff Coe Steve Keipe Guillaume Brasseur
Melanie Bell Jay Levy Jeff Kovach
Marty Mankins Carl Prehn Paul Charchian
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Dominick J. Fontana Norman Boucher Clemens Chin
Eric Jerue Ron Deal Mike Barnwell
Ed Westhusing Glenwood Drake Vernon W.Smith
Bruno Puglia Paul Haris Kevin Miller
Craig Harris Allen Chang Tim Holt
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
----------------
STReport, with its policy of not accepting any paid advertising, has over
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it comes to our editorials, product evaluations, reviews and over-views,
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appeared. In closing, we shall arduously endeavor to meet and further
develop the high standards of straight forwardness our readers have come
to expect in each and every issue.
The Staff & Editors
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> STR INDUSTRY REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
"""""""""""""""""""
IBM/POWER-PC/PC SECTION (I)
===========================
Computer Products Update - CPU Report
------------------------ ----------
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Issue #46
Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
******* General Computer News *******
** CD Player Offers Many Formats **
Multiwave Innovation has created a new CD player that accommodates
six major formats: audio CD, Video CD, CD-1 full-motion video, Karaoke
CD, CD+G, and Kodak Photo CD. The unit also features built-in surround
sound.
Multiwave Innovation says the player, called MovieWave Station, is
designed to give users access to major CD formats while avoiding the
cost of purchasing multiple players.
As a Video CD player, MovieWave Station provides full-motion MPEG
ISO11172 video decompression and MPEG ISO11172 layer II audio decom-
pression. The unit also supports the playback of Video CD (White Book)
discs and Philips CD-1 Digital Video format discs.
When playing Kodak Photo CDs, the player allows selective or sequen-
tial viewing of images, and provides selection, rotation and zoom func-
tions via a remote control The player provides a composite video output
(NTSC and PAL) through RCA phono jacks.
For audio CD playback, MovieWave Station has a backlit LCD panel that
shows time and track information and offers controls for bidirectional
search, shuffle play, repeat, intro scan and programming.
For karaoke entertainment, the unit includes two microphone inputs,
microphone echo, a 17-stage key shift, surround sound, and a voice
cancel function that removes the vocal track from a CD.
"With so many home entertainment formats based on the Compact Disc,
consumers face a dilemma when considering a CD player purchase," says
James Tan, president of Multiwave Innovation. "Many are uncertain which
formats they should have. MovieWave Station tackles that dilemma head on
-- it accommodates every major consumer CD format."
MovieWave Station is set to ship in early 1995 for $399.
** Microsoft Exec Discusses Windows 95 **
Microsoft Corp. this week revealed that it hopes to launch its new
online service, code-named Marvel, at the same time it releases its
Windows 95 computer operating system software next year.
Steve Ballmer, Microsoft executive vice president, confirmed releas-
ing the two together is "our goal." However, he would not forecast just
when this will take place, other than to repeat the company's already-
announced goal of getting Windows 95 to market sometime in the first
half of 1995.
With the second major beta test of Windows 95 set to begin in a few
days when copies are shipped to users, Ballmer said the results of this
test will give Microsoft a more accurate idea of a launch date for the
product.
Among the promised new features of the system are a streamlined user
interface, faster response and easy access to the Internet through
Microsoft's online service, reportedly to be called the Microsoft
Network. Ballmer did admit that the online service will be more limited
in content than CompuServe or America Online.
Industry analysts are predicting Windows 95 will be Microsoft's
largest product launch ever and will generate $1 billion or more in
revenue.
** Seagate Buys Applied Magnetics **
Drive drive maker Seagate Technology, continuing its spending spree,
has agreed to buy the tape head subsidiary of Applied Magnetics for
$21.5 million cash.
In the past 12 months firm also has acquired Palindrome Corp., a de-
veloper of data protection and management software, for $69 million and
announced plans to built a $21.5 plant in Malaysia and a $135 million
manufacturing facility in Singapore.
** QuickTime 2.0 for Windows Ships **
Apple Computer Inc. has released QuickTime 2.0 for Windows.
The computer maker notes that QuickTime 2.0 for Windows gives
developers a crossplatform standard for creating, using and sharing
multimedia content between Apple Macintosh and Windows-based personal
computers. Additionally, it offers Windows PC users higher- quality
video and other multimedia features. QuickTime technology makes it
possible for users to view and edit video, music, text, animations and
other dynamic information on their computers.
Apple states that a number of developers have already agreed to use
QuickTime 2.0 for Windows in their upcoming products, including Simon &
Schuster Interactive for its new Star Trek: The Next Generation
Technical Manual. Voyager, a New York-based multimedia developer, is
also utilizing QuickTime 2.0 for Windows in its new titles Spinal Tap
and For All Mankind.
The QuickTime 2.0 for Windows Software Developers Kit is expected to
become available in early 1995 for $195.
** Adobe Discontinues Products **
Adobe Systems Inc. has announced that it is discontinuing a pair of
image and video editing products.
With its merger with Aldus Corp. completed the company says it is
making the change in order to eliminate overlap and provide better
product development and technical support for customers.
Effective immediately, Adobe will discontinue the retail version of
Aldus PhotoStyler for Windows and offer current users an upgrade to
Adobe Photoshop 3.0 for Windows for $199. Adobe, however, plans to
continue providing PhotoStyler Special Edition (SE) via its original
equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners.
The company also announced that Hitchcock, a video editing tool
previously distributed by Aldus, will be discontinued.
** Toshiba to Sell Super Drives **
A 2.5-inch computer hard-disk drive with a storage capacity of 1.08
gigabytes, said to be the largest in the world, is to be sold by Japan's
Toshiba Corp.
The company is quoted as saying it will begin sample shipments of the
hard drive in January at a price of 150,000 yen, or about $1,500.
Toshiba officials said the popularity of portable computers, which
generally use 2.5-inch hard drives, is stimulating demand for hard
drives with greater capacity. The firm said the market for 2.5-inch
drives will grow 40 percent in fiscal 1994 to about $2.5 billion.
Toshiba also has announced development of a 3.5-inch optical-disk
drive with a 1.3-gigabyte storage capacity, which it said is the world's
largest for an optical disk. The 3.5-inch drives are more popular in
desktop systems.
** Xerox Signs Pact with HP **
A marketing agreement has been signed by Xerox Corp. to integrate its
production laser printing systems with Hewlett-Packard Co.'s commercial
Unix system-based servers.
The pact calls for Xerox and Hewlett-Packard to each continue to
maintain sales and marketing units for their respective product lines,
but also to collaborate to identify markets and customers.
** Lotus Unveils CD-ROM SmartSuite **
Lotus Development Corp. says it will begin shipping a Windows CD-ROM
version of its SmartSuite business suite software next week.
Like its floppy disk-based counterpart, SmartSuite 3.0 CD-ROM Edition
includes the 1-2-3 Release 5 spreadsheet; the Approach 3.0 database; the
Ami Pro 3.1 word processor; the Freelance Graphics 2.1 presentation
graphics application; the Organizer 1.1 personal information manager
(PIM); the ScreenCam 1.1 multimedia screen and sound- capture utility;
and SmartCenter, an application switching tool that provides cross-
application user assistance.
Lotus' SmartPics Sampler for Windows and SmarText DocOnline are new
to SmartSuite 3.0 CD- ROM Edition. The SmartPics Sampler, a clip-art
library, includes more than 100 pieces of clip art that are ready to use
in SmartSuite applications. Lotus' SmarText DocOnline reader, available
in all of Lotus' CD-ROM Editions, provides users with full product
documentation.
SmartSuite 3.0 CD-ROM Edition will sell for about $499. The product
will be available to users of current Lotus standalone desktop applica-
tions and to users of qualifying competitive suites, spreadsheets, word
processors, databases and presentation graphics packages for $299.
Lotus has also announced that it is shipping Lotus Gallery, a free
CD-ROM that features full 45-day trial versions of several Lotus desktop
applications. Additionally, the company has announced three separate
Knowledge Base CD-ROM databases for its Notes, SmartSuite and cc:Mail
products.
** Dell Unveils Dimension 486D **
Dell Computer Corp. has introduced the Dimension 486D, a new line of
business computers for home office and small business users.
The Dell Dimension 486D models are available in desktop and mini-
tower configurations. The system range from a base 66MHz 486DX2 machine
to a top- of-the-line 100MHz 486DX4 model. All Dell Dimension 486D
models offer Pentium microprocessor upgrade capabilities.
The Dimension 486D line incorporates the Enhanced IDE interface, a
new standard for high-performance peripherals. With Enhanced IDE,
Dimension 486D systems can accommodate hard disks with capacities
ranging up to 1GB.
The Dimension 486D line is available immediately. A desktop model
with a 66MHz 486DX/2 CPU, 8MB of RAM, 1MB of video RAM, a 340MB hard
disk, a 15-inch color monitor sells for $1,599.
The Dimension 486D family replaces the Dimension V line.
** IBM Voice Software Available **
IBM's voice-activated software, called VoiceType Dictation, now is
available to run on Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system.
Reports say the software has a 32,000-word vocabulary and types about
70 to 100 words per minute. The Windows version will cost about $1,000.
VoiceType, formerly known as the IBM Personal Dictation System,
already runs on IBM's OS/2 operating system and can be adapted for
portable computers. It is available in English, French, German, Italian
and Spanish on OS/2. Foreign-language versions will be available for
Windows next year.
** NEC Offers Fastest Supercomputer **
A supercomputer that can process a trillion instructions a second --
making it the fastest in the world -- has been announced in Tokyo by NEC
Corp.
The top-end model of NEC's new SX-4 series will use a total of 512
microprocessors to accelerate to a maximum processing speed of 1.024
teraflops (trillion floating point operations per second).
NEC said it will start taking orders for deliveries at the end of
next year.
** Dell Unveils Multi-CPU Servers **
Dell Computer Corp. has introduced its first multiprocessor network
servers: the Dell PowerEdge SP-2 and XE- 2.
The new servers will be targeted at corporate and government network
users who require additional processor scalability for applications such
as Oracle database and Lotus Notes groupware.
The new servers are based on Intel's 90MHz and 100MHz Pentium micro-
processors and are compliant with the Intel Multiprocessing Platform
Specification (MPS) version 1.1, the de facto standard for
multiprocessing.
Available this month, the Dell PowerEdge SP-2 will be priced starting
at $6,598; the XE will be priced starting at $7,601 (both configured
with one processor, 16MB of RAM, a 256KB cache, a 1GB SCSI hard disk, a
VGA monochrome monitor and a 101-key keyboard). Both new servers can be
purchased with either one or two microprocessors installed,
Dell has also introduced a new Dell Server Management System, pro-
viding a set of server management tools for all Dell PowerEdge servers.
The new management system features a Windows graphical user interface
(GUI) that enables a network administrator to remotely monitor a
server's key functions.
** Apple, IBM, Motorola Sign Pact **
A pact was announced this week by IBM, Apple Computer Inc. and
Motorola Inc. concerning a new hardware reference platform for computers
built around the PowerPC chip they designed together.
However the machines covered in the agreement will not be available
to consumers until at least 1996 and the deal doesn't include a common
operating system.
Also:
-:- The agreement does not end the incompatibility of Apple and IBM
systems sold during the past decade.
-:- The companies did not disclose financial terms of the agreement.
-:- They did say, though, that Apple will be responsible for pre-
paring its Macintosh operating software for the new machine. IBM will
prepare its own OS/2 system, and Motorola will handle Microsoft Corp.'s
Windows NT.
In a press release, the companies said the new platform defines an
architecture (that is, a framework made up of open technical concepts,
definitions, specifications and interfaces) that can be used by any
hardware or software vendor to build compatible PowerPC-based computer
products that are ready to run a tremendous variety of applications
written for a number of industry operating systems.
More technical information on the new hardware platform will be
published next spring.
** New Tape Backup Technology Debuts **
Hewlett-Packard Co. announced this week that its Colorado Memory
Systems unit is offering a new QIC-compatible system that stores up to
680 megabytes of data.
Reports say that Hewlett-Packard used thin-film heads to create a
high capacity system at a low price. Selling for $384, the Jumbo 700
uses data compression and runs on long-lenth, 400-foot tapes.
The integration of thin-film mangeto-resistive technology has been
combined with new minicartridges in a new format known as 900 Oersted
media and dramatically increases recording densities.
Hewlett-Packard said the Jumbo 700 conforms to the new QIC-3010-MC
standard, which ensures data interchange with other QIC-compatible
systems and backward compatibility with earlier QIC-40 and QIC-80
drives.
"The Jumbo 700 fills the void that has existed between low-cost
minicartridge drives and the higher-capacity data-cartridge systems,"
said Robert LiVolsi, marketing manager for the Colorado Memory Systems
division.
** 'What's Online' Service Launched **
A new service called "What's Online" that will allow newspaper
readers to keep up with online events has been created by Chicago's
Tribune Media Services.
The newspaper group says the service will provide readers "with up-
to-date listings of celebrity guest appearances and other major events
on the nation's online services," as well as "highlights, previews,
reviews and tips." The listings will be available in daily and weekly
formats.
TMS Vice President Michael A. Silver said in a statement, "Interest
in online services grows every day and online events are getting more
and more interesting. Just like newspapers become a source for radio
listings and now print television listings, we think the time is right
for newspapers to begin to help readers find out what's online."
The company said the new service will cover the major national online
services such as CompuServe, Prodigy, America Online, GEnie, Delphi and
eWorld, "as well as significant events from regional services, such as
those operated by newspapers."
** New PCMCIA Card Standard Set **
The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA),
in conjunction with the Japan Electronic Industry Development
Association (JEIDA), has announced a new industry standard.
The PCMCIA notes that the new PC Card standard is designed to enhance
compatibility and functionality among PC Card products and provides for
future high-performance PC Card applications.
PC Cards are credit-card- sized peripheral devices that provide users
with universal expansion capabilities for mobile and desktop computing
platforms as well as communications and peripheral devices. PC Cards are
used in a wide range of applications to provide memory, data/fax modem,
local area network (LAN), mass storage, wireless communications
capabilities and other functions.
The PCMCIA notes that the new PC Card standard contains a wide
variety of new enhancements and features designed to broaden the market
for PC Card technology. The new standard includes support for multiple
function I/O cards, low power cards and hosts and DMA. It also includes
an interface to industry standard power management services, a 32-bit
CardBus interface, and several features to enhance PC Card
compatibility.
PC Cards designed to the new standard will be able to offer users
multiple functions on the same card, energy saving solutions by
extending battery life, and support for performance-intensive
applications such as multimedia, full-motion video and 100Mbps Ethernet.
The PCMCIA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1989 to
establish technical standards for PC Card(TM) technology.
_____________________________________
> 32bit File & Disk Access STR FOCUS!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
When the update to Windows, v.3.11 appeared and then WFWG v3.11
became available a term became a buzz word in the computing community.
That was.. 32bit access. As far as a technical explanation is concerned,
we'll leave that to the boring technocrats. We more are interested in
letting you know its worth the effort to get it working properly on your
system. As stated elsewhere in this issue, (the Zeos Pentium article)
waste no time in obtaining WGWG v3.11 and upgrading your Windows setup to
this level. The increased performance and reliability is well worth the
minimal investment required. Windows will become the considerably more
reliable and faster as an added treat. The 32 bit file and disk access
configuration setup that's available in the virtual memory area of the 386
enhanced choice on the control panel is straight forward and easy to
configure.
One point though. MS has always seemed to tell its users to make
these huge swap files etc.. Not really needed! If you are running a 4mb
machine... get more memory please ...get more memory. You will find that
8mb is more than sufficient for most everything except the high demand
Graphics and DTP applications. Back to the swap file, a swap file of 4-
7mb is more than enough with a systme running 8mb of ram or more. The
32bit cache should be allowed to configure itself progrssively. I use a
2048k 32b cache and a 4mb swap file. Its plenty. Needless to say, my
system flies. Anybody can use 32bit access if they approach its setup
carefully. Its not difficult at all its simply new. Below are a few
pointers and more detailed information about its use as applied to a few
of the most popular and reliable hard disk mechanisms in use today.
A point of information WDCTRL.DRV, the 32bit drive from Western
Digital will work with types of drives other than their own. This is
good. It makes the overall process easier.
Readme File For Caviar Drives
AC2540/AC2700/AC31000
06/17/94
Please read the appropriate section(s) in this file before attempting
installation of your Caviar drive.
Section 1. IBM PS/1 and PS/Value Point Computers.
Section 2. Gateway 2000 VESA Local Bus systems.
Section 3. Gateway 2000 PCI Bus Pentium systems.
Section 4. Gateway 2000 PCI Bus 486 systems.
Section 5. Using Windows 32-Bit Disk Access with Enhanced IDE drives.
Section 6. DMA Mode Problems on PCI Machines
Section 7. Using Windows For Workgroups 32-Bit File Access.
Section 8. Disk Capacities: Mega bytes versus Million bytes
Section 9. AST Desktop Systems With Translating BIOS
Section 10. Installing OS/2 2.1 On Drives with More Than 503Mb Capacity
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 1.
Special Information for Owners of IBM PS/1 and PS/Value Point Computers.
IBM 386SLC based systems
Some models of these systems will not support drives with more than
1,024 cylinders (528 Million bytes which equals 504 Megabytes). This is
a limitation of the system BIOS in these machines. The systems in question
are primarily 386SLC based computers. In these models, the maximum
capacity you will obtain from a drive that has more than 1,024 cylinders
is the following:
AC2540 12.3 Megabytes
AC2700 202.3 Megabytes
AC31000 26.8 Megabytes
It is not possible to circumvent this limitation using the Disk Manager
software.
In order to determine if you have such a machine prior to installation of
the Caviar drive, you can use the DOS debug program to examine the system
model identification bytes. In order to do this do the following.
From the DOS prompt enter
debug <ENTER>
You will then see the debug "hyphen" prompt, a -
at the hypen prompt enter
d F000:FFFE <ENTER>
You will see the following display:
F000:FFF0 F8 30
enter the following to exit debug at the hypen prompt:
q <ENTER>
If the numbers on the right side of the display match those above
(i.e., F8 30) then you have one of the machines that will not support
the drive.
IBM 486 based systems
These systems will support drives with up to 1,024 cylinders. It is not
possible to obtain full capacity on some 486 models because of the way
these machines cloak, or hide from view, the hard disk registers. This
prevents Disk Manager from "seeing" the drive.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 2.
Special Information for Owners of Gateway 2000 VESA Local Bus systems.
If your Phoenix BIOS revision level is below 4.03, you may not be able
to properly install any drive with more than 1,024 cylinders in your
system. This situation requires a BIOS upgrade. Micro Firmware of Norman
Oklahoma sells Phoenix BIOS upgrades that will permit the drive to
function properly in these machines. They can be reached at 405-321-8333.
In order to allow the drive to function correctly, albeit at reduced
capacity, you must *manually* enter the following drive parameters instead
of using the "AUTO CONFIGURE" option in the CMOS setup.
Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track Capacity
User definable 1,023 16 63 503MB
IMPORTANT! DO NOT use "AUTO CONFIGURE" to set up a WD drive that has more
than 1,024 cylinders if you have a VESA Local Bus System. Choose User
Definable instead.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 3.
Gateway 2000 PCI Bus Pentium systems.
The Gateway P5-60, P5-66, and P5-90 systems have a BIOS that will support
the AC2540/AC2700/AC31000 drives at full capacity. In order to accomplish
this, the CMOS drive typr MUST be set to "AUTOCONFIGURE". In the Advanced
CMOS Setup option screen, "LBA Translation" should be "Enabled".
Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track Capacity
AUTOCONFIGURE 1,048 16 63 516MB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 4.
Gateway 2000 PCI Bus 486 systems.
The Gateway P4D-33, P4D-66, and P4D-100 systems also support the
AC2540/AC2700/AC31000 drives at full capacity. In order to accomplish
this , the CMOS drive type MUST be set to "AUTO TYPE". In the Advanced
CMOS Setup option screen, "LBA Translation" should be "Enabled".
Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track Capacity
AUTOTYPE 1,048 16 63 515MB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 5.
Using Windows 32-Bit Disk Access with Enhanced IDE drives.
If you are using Windows v3.1 or Windows For Work Groups 3.11, you will
not be able to use the built-in 32-Bit Disk Access driver named *WDCTRL.
This is due to the fact that this driver was written prior to the
introduction of Enhanced IDE drives and it therefore does not recognize
drives with more than 1,024 cylinders. Included on this diskette is
a replacement driver, WDCDRV.386, which will provide 32-Bit Disk Access
on Western Digital Enhanced IDE drives.
However, be aware that some third party software can interfere with
32-Bit Disk Access. Below is a partial list of software that has been
identified as having an adverse impact on 32-Bit Disk Access drivers.
There may be other software that prevents WDCDRV.386 from loading.
The following lists some of the more common reasons why WDCDRV.386
may refuse to load, or may lock up the system in Windows 3.1 and Windows
For Workgroups 3.11.
1. HIGHSCAN is present on emm386.exe command line.
Remove the HIGHSCAN option.
2. There is another Virtual Device Driver (VxD) loaded in system.ini, or
a DOS device driver loaded in config.sys, that is also talking
directly to the hard disk drive. This includes but is not limited to
the following:
* VL-bus IDE controllers with drivers.
* PCI-bus IDE controllers with drivers.
such as DTC2130.SYS and DOSEIDE.SYS for Gateway 2000
PCI Bus Computers.
* symevnt.386 from Symantec's Norton Desktop and
the Norton Utilities version 8.0.
In order for WDCDRV.386 to work, you must remove the other drivers
from the system.ini and/or config.sys files.
3. DOS Undelete is in use (it uses Int 26h).
Do not use UNDELETE.
4. "NoEMMDriver=ON " in system.ini causes 32BDA driver to lockup
and will prevent 32-Bit FIle Access from working
in Windows For Workgroups 3.11.
You may have other software that *requires* this entry. However you
must check the documentation for your other software to determine
what impact removing this line will have on your system.
5. QEMM in Stealth mode must be setup as follows
device=qemm386.sys RH:N SH:N XBDA:L
or
device=qemm386.sys ST:M
must be changed to
device=qemm386.sys ST:m
Stealth mode moves certain data into high memory changing the address
at which this data is located. This makes it impossible for the 32BDA
driver to find this data and prevents it from loading.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 6.
DMA Mode Problems
If DMA mode was selected but the IDE channel does not support DMA, the
system will lock-up. To prevent this, you must set the DMAFlag=Off
option in the [WDCDRV] section of your system.ini file.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 7.
Using Windows 32-Bit File Access.
Windows 32-Bit File Access will not load if there is a file open when you
start Windows For Workgroups. Some TSR programs will maintain an open file
for such things as Print caching (the program PrintCache does this), or
virus checking.
Windows 32-Bit File Access will not load if there is disk compression in
use. 32-Bit File Access can be made to work with Stacker 4.0 and
Doublespace 6.2 by replacing the line
device=*BLOCKDEV
with the following two lines
device=ios.386
device=VxDLdr.386
in the [386Enh] section of system.ini. In addition, the file RMM.D32,
the Real Mode Memory Mapper, must exist in the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM
subdirectory. The line
device=C:\WINDOWS\ifshlp.sys
must exist in the config.sys file and the file ifshlp.sys must exist in
the Windows subdirectory.
The line
NoEMMDriver=ON
must NOT appear in the [386Enh] section of system.ini as it will prevent
RMM.D32 from loading which will prevent 32-Bit File Access from loading.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 8. Disk Capacities: Megabytes versus Million Bytes
ALL drive manufacturers state and advertise capacity in Millions of Bytes.
Some utility software will state drive capacity in what is called binary
millions (1,024 squared which is a Megabyte), while some software will
state drive capacity in decimal millions (1,000 squared). FDISK and the
CMOS will use Megabytes (1,048,576) while CHKDSK uses millions of bytes.
For example, an AC2540 at full capacity will be described by FDISK and the
CMOS as having a capacity of 516Mb: this is equal to 540.3 million bytes,
which is what CHKDSK would report.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 9. AST Desktop Systems With Translating BIOS
In order to obtain full capacity with an AC2540/AC2700/AC31000 drive the
system BIOS must support some form of translation in order to accomodate
the number of cylinders these drive have.
The following AST desktop systems support CHS to CHS translation. All
these systems have AST FlashBIOS support so that they may be field
upgraded using a BIOS upgrade disk from AST. The BIOS Revision column
indicates the first BIOS revision released by AST which supports CHS to
CHS translation.
System BIOS Revision
Premmia 2.00
Premmia MTE 2.00
Premmia SE 2.00
Premmia LX P/60 (AMI BIOS) -
Premmia Business Multimedia 2.00
Bravo LP 1.01
Bravo LC 1.01
Bravo LC Business Multimedia 1.01
Bravo MT 1.01
Advantage! Pro (Bravo LC) 1.01
Advantage! Plus (Bravo MT) 1.01
Advantage! Adventure (Bravo LC) 1.01
Advantage! Adventure 486DX266mt (Bravo MT) 1.01
Advantage! EXP/60 (AMI BIOS) -
The AST Technical Support numbers is (714)727-9630 and (800)727-1278. The
AST BBS telephone number to obtain AST FlashBIOS upgrades are
(714)727-4132.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 10. Installing OS/2 2.1 On Drives with More Than 503Mb Capacity
There is a problem installing OS/2 on drives with more than 503Mb. This is
due to a bug in OS/2 that won't allow it to boot from a partition larger
than 503MB (528 million bytes). OS/2 will not install into or boot from a
partition larger than 503MB. The following information will allow you to
install and boot OS/2.
1 - During the install process, your are asked to accept or define the
partition to install OS/2. CHOOSE DEFINE PARTITION, this will
run OS/2's FDISK utility.
2 - Define the primary partition to be less than 503MB. Set the remaining
disk space to an extended partition. (Normally the remaining free
space is set to an extended partition or other configuration as
desired).
3 - Set the primary partition to installable.
4 - Exit FDISK utility and follow the prompt to replace the floppy disk
in drive A and reboot the PC.
5 - The installation should now continue normally.
NOTE: If you initially tried to setup the whole disk as one bootable OS/2
partition, you will get a big red screen (INSTALL ERROR) from disk 1.
Solution:
- Boot DOS and run the DOS FDISK utility.
- Check the current partition data using option 4, DISPLAY PARTITION.
- If it shows 516MB and a file system (FAT or HPFS), go back to the main
FDISK menu and choose option 3, DELETE A PARTITION OR DRIVE.
- From the next menu choose option 4, DELETE A NON-DOS PARTITION, and
delete the OS/2 partition.
- Exit DOS's FDISK utility, and reboot to the OS/2 installation diskette
and continue at step 1.
In order to get the additional drive space formatted (13MB) in the
extended partition, you will need to format that drive using
the HPFS file system. (DOS's FAT16 file system is not supported
because this drive will start above cylinder 1023.)
****
Western Digital Corporation
32-bit Disk Access Issues
WDCDRV.386
October 1, 1994
Quick List Of Error Messages Covered In This Document
1. WDCDRV can not load due to conflict with another virtual device.
2. WDCDRV can not load. Unrecognized disk software installed.
3. WDCDRV Validation Failed At Phase 01,00.
4. This program tried to access your hard disk in a way that is
incompatible with the Windows 32-bit disk access feature
(WDCTRL). This may cause your system to become unstable.
5. WDCDRV Validation Failed at Phase 09,1F.
6. Application Error: Control Caused a Load Segment Failure in
module CPWIN386.CPL at address 0001:3CCA.
7. WDCDRV Validation Failed at Phase 0A,1F.
8. None. Windows For Workgroups locks up after the customer exits
Windows For Workgroups and then restarts it.
9. None. Windows For Workgroups locks up when the customer starts
Windows. Page 8
10. Fatal Error #2 - Turn Off Your Computer Now!
The following; lists the error message (where applicable), along with
the probable cause of the error message, and one or more actions to take
to correct or eliminate the problem.
Error Message:
--------------
WDCDRV can not load due to conflict with another virtual device
Probable Cause:
---------------
1. The line
device=*int13
is probably missing from the [386Enh] section of SYSTEM.INI.
2. There is another VxD (Virtual Device Driver) loaded through the
[386Enh] section of SYSTEM.INI. This is probably the SYMEVNT.386 driver
from the Norton Desktop for Windows or the Norton Utilities v8.0. This
driver must be removed for 32-bit disk access to load.
3. The CMD Windows VxD CMD640x.386 or the CMD DOS TSR driver
CMD640x.SYS is loaded. If using these two drivers. WDCDRV.386 is redundant
and should not be loaded. This is seen on the Gateway BATIP-3 Anigma 486
PCI motherboard. These drivers provide EIDE functionality and 32-bit Disk
Access.
Action:
-------
1. Insert the line
device=*int13
in the [386Enh] section of SYSTEM.INI.
2. Remove the SYMEVNT.386 driver from SYSTEM.INI file. Or contact
Symantec for an updated version of this driver.
3. Try to identify other recently installed VxDs or other device drivers
that attempt to program the hard disk controller I/O ports directly.
Remove them if you want to continue using WDCDRV.386.
Background:
-----------
The WDCDRV driver was unable to register itself to Windows 3.1 as a
device driver, or it wasn't able to take over exclusive control of the I/O
ports used by the hard disk controller. At this point, the controller has
passed compatibility tests but software initialization of the control
parameters hasn't been done yet. Some other VxD has already registered
with the same VxD ID as WDCDRV or has already taken over the I/O port
addresses that WDCDRV wants to take over. This can happen if you try to
load WDCDRV more than once, or a vendor-supplied VxD wants to reserve the
same I/O addresses or uses the same VxD ID as WDCDRV. Microsoft registers
all VxD IDs to try to prevent these conflicts. The proper action is to
identify recently installed VxDs or other device drivers that attempt to
program the hard-disk controller I/O ports directly and remove them if
you want to continue using FastDisk.
Error Message:
-------------
WDCDRV can not load. Unrecognized disk software installed.
Probable Cause:
---------------
1. The most probable cause is STEALTH mode in QEMM v7.0x.
2. This error can also mean that a DOS device driver has hooked the ROM
BIOS Int 13h incorrectly. WDCDRV checks for correct hooking of the
interrupt by looking at the address of the interrupt handler. If it
is not in conventional memory, and WDCDRV is loading , WDCDRV
considers the address incorrect. Begin removing device drivers that
hook Int 13h until you can successfully enable FastDisk. These device
drivers can be identified by most diagnostic programs. If you still
have problems, verify that all device drivers that hook Int 13h are
up to date and follow Microsofts guidelines for hooking disk
interrupts.
NOTE: WDCDRV checks the BIOS Int 13h interrupt vector value to see if it
is "acceptable". It broadcasts an Int 2Fh that asks DOS Int 13h hookers if
they are "BLOCKDEV Aware". If they are aware of BlockDev and want fastdisk
drivers to load then they will return 0 in CX.
Action:
-------
1. Removing the command line option ST:M (or possibly ST:F) from the
QEMM command line will disable STEALTH completely. The customer can
also use the command line options XSTI=13 x=ssss-nnnn, where ssss is
the segment address of the Int 13h handler and nnnn is the offset
address. Information on obtaining the correct numbers for ssss and
nnnn are contained in the file XSTI.TEC on the Quarterdeck BBS and on
their Compuserve forum.
2. Run FINDHOOK.COM (available in Lib 1 of IBMHW on Compuserve in the
compressed file FHOOK.COM) to identify the software hooking Int 13h.
Determine if this software is critical to proper system operation. If
it is not, remove it. If it is critical, do not use 32-bit disk
access.
Error Message:
--------------
WDCDRV Validation Failed At Phase 01,00
Probable Cause:
---------------
1. The values returned by Int 13h Function 8h (Read Drive Parameters) do
not match the values stored in the Drive Parameter Table or Enhanced Drive
Parameter Table pointed to by Int 41h (drive C:) or Int 46h (Drive D:).
This can happen if the STEALTH feature of QEMM v6.0 and above relocates
the DPT or EDPT to protected mode memory. Since the FastDisk device is in
its initialization phase and running in real mode, it cannot access the
DPT or EDPT and cannot verify the the values contained therein match the
BIOS Int 13h FUnction 8h values.
2. The BIOS is operating the drive in LBA (Logical Block Addressing) mode
but has not built a valid Enhanced Drive Parameter Table. Either the
signature is invalid (does not conform to the Axh pattern) or the checksum
is invalid.
Action:
-------
1. Removing the command line option ST:M (or ST:F) from the QEMM command
line will disable STEALTH completely. Customer can also use the command
line options XSTI=13 x=ssss-nnnn, where ssss is the segment address of
the Int 13h handler and nnnn is the offset address. Information on the
correct numbers for ssss and nnnn are found in the file XSTI.TEC on the
Quarterdeck BBS or their Compuserve forum. These options prevent Stealth
from relocating the Drive Parameter Tables and the Int 13h handler.
2. Run WDTBLCHK.EXE to determine if the BIOS is operating the drive in LBA
mode and whether it has created a valid EDPT. If there is no valid
Enhanced Drive Parameter Table, WDCDRV cannot determine the translation
mode and therefore cannot load. A BIOS upgrade is necessary in this case.
(WDTBLCHK.EXE is available in Lib 1 of IBMHW on Compuserve in the file
CHKBIO.COM)
Error Message:
--------------
This program tried to access your hard disk in a way that is incompatible
with the Windows 32-bit disk access feature (WDCTRL). This may cause your
system to become unstable.
Probable Cause:
---------------
A device driver, TSR, or application tried to access the hard-disk
controller ports directly while WDCDRV was loaded. WDCDRV returns an error
code without performing the operation. This is probably a Virus Checker
writing directly to the drive. This also occurs with the DOS UNDELETE
program when run from a DOS window.
Action:
-------
Find the application or device driver that attempted to program the
hard-disk controller ports directly. If you discover that the offending
application or device is essential to the operation of your system, your
only alternative is to disable FastDisk. Disable the 32-bit disk access
checkbox in the Change Virtual Memory Settings dialog in the 386 Enhanced
section of the Control Panel.
Error Message:
--------------
WDCDRV Validation Failed at Phase 09,1F
Probable Cause:
---------------
You attempted to use WDCDRV.386 in a system with no Western Digital high
capacity drive installed. WDCDRV.386 will only load if there is at least
one Western Digital drive in the system.
Action:
-------
1. Remove the line
device=WDCDRV.386
from the [368Enh] section of SYSTEM.INI.
2. Install a Western Digital drive.
Error Message:
--------------
Application Error: Control Caused a Load Segment Failure in module
CPWIN386.CPL at address 0001:3CCA
Probable Cause:
---------------
WDCDRV.386 has a Block Count set which is greater than 0 and Windows For
Workgroups is using 32-Bit FIle Access which uses Scatter/Gather DMA .
This only occurs under the following conditions:
Windows For Workgroups is in use
32-bit File Access is enabled
WDCDRV.386 is loaded
ROCKET.BIN is loaded in config.sys
Action:
-------
1. Run the CAVIAR.EXE program and set the WDCDRV.386 Block Count to
zero (0). If the customer has the older version of CAVIAR.EXE have
them insert the following line in the [WDCDRV] section of SYSTEM.INI:
BLOCKINGFACTOR=0
or
2. Place the command line option /W=1 ( or /W=1,1 for a two drive
system) on the device=rocket.bin command line. This disables block
writes in rocket.
Error Message:
--------------
WDCDRV Validation Failed at Phase 0A,1F
Probable Cause:
---------------
The BIOS has built an invalid Enhanced Drive Parmeter Table.
Action:
1. Run WDTBLCHK to verify that there is an invalid/no Enhanced Drive
Parameter Table.
2. Inform customer that a BIOS upgrade is necessary.
Error Message:
--------------
None. Windows For Workgroups locks up after the customer exits Windows
For Workgroups and then restarts it.
Probable Cause:
Customer is running WFWG on top of Novell Netware 3.12 and using the
Microsoft supplied ODI support layer VxD MSODISUP.386 (in the [386Enh]
section of SYSTEM.INI). The Microsoft supplied ODI support driver
MSODISUP.386 is incompatible with WDCDRV.386 v2.5.
Action:
1. Disable WDCDRV.386. This allows network drivers to load.
2. Start WFWG with the /N command line option. This prevents the network
drivers from loading and allows 32-bit Disk Access but no network
access.
Error Message:
--------------
None. Windows For Workgroups locks up when the customer starts
Windows.
Probable Cause:
Customer is running WDCDRV with DMA transfers set to "Auto-Detect" and the
motherboard PCI-EIDE chipset does not properly implement DMA transfers.
Action:
1. Start Windows with the command line option /D:F to prevent WDCDRV.386
from loading.
2. Run CAVIAR.EXE and disable DMA transfers and Scatter/Gather DMA.
Error Message:
--------------
Fatal Error #2 - Turn Off Your Computer Now!
Probable Cause:
Customer machine has a Phoenix BIOS v4.03 dated prior to July 1994 (7/94).
This BIOS does not build a valid Enhanced Drive Parmeter Table yet it
performs LBA translations.
Action:
-------
1. Start Windows with the command line option /S to prevent WDCDRV.386
from loading.
2. Disable WDCDRV.386.
3. A BIOS upgrade is required from the motherboard/system OEM. One is
available from Phoenix, but only to the OEM.
_____________________________________
> Monker's Goodies! STR Feature Frank's Corner... for Kids
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The Kids' Computing Corner
--------------------------
Monker's Math Factory
and
Monker's Spelling Submarine
reviews by Frank Sereno
This week's article will include reviews of two more of Western
Publishing's Step Ahead Software products. These programs are available
for both IBM compatible computers running Windows and Macintosh computers.
Monker's Math Factory and Monker's Spelling Submarine have the following
IBM requirements: 386SX-20 CPU or greater, Windows 3.1, 5.5 megs of hard
drive space, four megs of ram, video display of 640 by 480 with 256
colors, a Windows compatible sound card and a mouse. Requirements on the
Mac are: color Macintosh II series or later with a high density drive,
System 6.0.7 or later, two megs of ram, 7.0 megs of hard drive space and
an 8-bit color monitor.
Installation is the same for both programs. On an IBM compatible,
simply insert the first disk and then run that disk's SETUP program while
in Windows. The program will prompt you to insert disks when necessary,
copy all files from the floppies to the hard drive and then create a
program group and icons. On the Mac, insert disk one, then click on
INSTALL. On screen instructions will again prompt the user to swap disks
while it copies files to the hard drive and creates a "Step Ahead" folder
and icons. Double-clicking on the proper icon on either type of computer
will start the program.
Monker's Math Factory is designed to teach early math skills to
children ages six to eight. Among the skills learned are place value,
one- and two-digit addition and subtraction, number families and counting
in multiples. Math Factory also increases children's computer skills,
problem solving and creative thinking skills. These skills will be
learned by playing fun games involving mazes or the math machine.
The main screen shows Monker and his friend Echo standing near the
Math Factory. A green hedge maze is located on the right side of the
screen. A picture consisting of three tiles is on the front of the math
factory. Children can match and mix animal parts to create new creatures
by clicking on each part. Several hotspots are located on the screen
which will run amusing animations. Clicking on the hedge begins the maze
games while clicking on the door to the math factory begins the math
machine games. The quitting icon is a picture of a hole in the ground
with a ladder emerging from it.
There are two maze games with two levels of difficulty. These games
require the child to guide Monker through a maze made of hedges and
slippery mud puddles. The maze screen features a large picture with an
overhead view of the maze. To the left are ten boxes which will be filled
with toys as problems are correctly solved. Along the left edge of the
screen is a box showing the number which is the key for the current maze
problem. Below that is an icon for going to the math machine. Next is an
icon featuring a pink flamingo. This moves the current game to a higher
difficulty level using larger numbers and placing a randomly moving
creature in the maze to impede Monker's travels.
An icon showing a plus sign and the number series "2,4,6" allows the
child to choose between the two available games. Below the maze is a
picture of the math factory which will take the child back to the main
screen when it is clicked upon. To move Monker about the maze, simply
move the cursor to the desired destination and then hold down the left
mouse button. Children will build problem solving and creative thinking
skills as they determine the best path to take to gather the numbers.
Often there will be no straight path to a number. Monker may have to walk
to several locations to access a single number. In some mazes the child
may have to use teleportation discs which magically transport Monker from
one disc to another.
The default maze game is the first level addition game. The child
will direct Monker to select number pairs which add up to a target sum.
Four numbers are in the maze. If the child picks an incorrect pair,
Monker will add the two numbers, give the sum of the numbers and then
repeat the target sum. On the second level, six numbers are now in the
maze and the number pairs can total up to twenty. In both levels, as each
number is chosen, it will be shown to the left of the maze as part of an
addition equation.
The second maze game teaches children skip counting or multiple
addition. In the first level, four numbers in a series will be placed in
the maze. Monker will ask the child to count in multiples of the target
number or to keep adding that number. After finding the first number, the
child can get a hint for the next answer by clicking on Monker and he will
give the math equation. If the child chooses an incorrect number, Monker
will tell him which number should have been selected. On the second
level, two numbers not in the series are added and the child must find six
numbers in the series before he gets his toy prize.
Now let's examine the math machine. Available by clicking on the
door to the math factory or from the math machine icon in the maze games,
the math machine features ten chutes for dispensing toy prizes. These
chutes surround a large oval screen which is used to display a math
problem. Below that oval are ten ovals displaying the numbers zero
through nine. To the left of the math machine is a door back to the main
screen. To the right is the entrance to the maze games. Below the math
machine are the icons for controlling gameplay. When the green button is
depressed, the activity will be on the first level. The red button starts
the second, more difficult level. The plus sign starts adding games and
the minus sign starts subtracting games. The icon of a bar graph moves
the gaming to larger numbers. In each game, Monker will announce the
problem as it is displayed on the oval.
In the addition games, the first level features problems which will
add to less than ten. Each number will have a like number of objects
placed next to it so the objects can be counted to find the answer. The
child can click on the correct answer or type it in from the keyboard. On
the second level, the numbers can add up to twenty and no objects are used
to represent the numbers. If a wrong answer is chosen, Monker will tell
the child that the correct answer is either higher or lower. By clicking
on Monker, he will tell the child to "find the sum." Monker will repeat
the math problem if the child clicks on it.
The subtraction games are very similar. Monker will now tell the
child to "find the difference." On the first level, the minuend is placed
on the screen along with a representation in objects. Next the subtrahend
will be displayed and that number of objects will be crossed out so the
answer can be found by counting the remaining objects. The second level
removes the representation of the numbers and involves numbers up to
twenty.
The last two games involve big numbers. The lower level game teaches
place value by making graphical representations of numbers. The program
then asks the child to count the ones, tens and hundreds and then
correctly pronouncing the resulting number for the child. The second
level game mixes addition and subtraction problems. The numbers will be
represented graphically. In subtraction problems, the subtrahend will be
shown by turning the blue symbols of the minuend to orange or yellow. The
child will then be asked "how many ones" and then "how many tens." None
of these problems will involve carrying over numbers to the tens column.
The graphics in Math Factory are bright and colorful. The animations
are smooth and lifelike. Monker's lips are in sync with his voice, even
on a slow computer such as 386DX-40. His lips and tongue actually make
the correct movements to form the words he speaks although some movements
may be a bit exaggerated. The hotspot animations are very cute and
amusing. The sound portion of this program is excellent. The sounds are
vibrant and distinct. Monker's voice is clear and easily understood.
Many amusing and appropriate sound effects are used throughout the
program. The background music in the title and the main screen aren't
particularly interesting but that doesn't detract from the program.
The interface is extremely user friendly. From installation onward,
Math Factory is easy to use. The program provides much positive feedback.
Negative feedback is always very gentle. The user manual is concise and
easy to read. If it has a flaw, it is that it lacks a technical support
section to aid the user in case of problems. Support is provided by
calling to Washington state.
Math Factory is a very enjoyable computer activity. The animations
should provide much entertainment for your child. The toy prizes should
provide good incentive for your child to continue using the program.
Educational value is excellent. Children should learn the basics of
addition, subtraction, place value and other math lessons from this
program. The maze games not only promote math skills but also logic and
problem-solving skills.
This program has a suggested retail price of $24.95. Some
discounters will be selling it for under $20. Monker's Math Factory is a
very good program at an exceptional price.
Ratings
Graphics ............ 9.0
Sounds .............. 9.0
Interface ........... 9.0
Play Value .......... 9.0
Educational Value ...10.0
Bang for the Buck ...10.0
Average ............. 9.33
###
Monker's Spelling Submarine teaches word-building skills such as
rhyming, consonant blends and digraphs, long and short vowels and
beginning, middle and ending sounds of words to children ages six and
older. The main screen consists of the interior of a submarine. One set
of activities is accessed by clicking on the X on the large wall map and
the others are accessed by clicking on the ladder.
The map games are maze games which require the child to find or build
rhyming words. The maze is shown from an overhead vantage. Reefs and
islands serve as impediments to navigation. Various currents can aid or
hinder the player in his quest. Also available are two whirlpools which
can be used as shortcuts from one whirlpool to the other. Monker will
announce a target word and then it will be displayed in a small box.
The default game involves collecting words which rhyme with the
target word. On the first level, two rhyming words are placed in the
maze. Use the cursor to move about the maze and gather the words. Click
on the green sea creature to go the second level. This action adds
randomly moving obstacles such as waterspouts. Also adding to the
difficulty are more words, including one which doesn't rhyme with the maze
target.
Click on the "_op" icon to find word beginnings. These can be single
letters or two letter combinations. The resulting words must rhyme with
the target word. The first level only has two choices available and both
make legal rhyming words. On the second level, at least one choice will
not make a proper English word.
I think that the program designers missed some excellent
opportunities to teach children in this section of the program. When the
child clicks on a correct letter to form a rhyming word or a complete
rhyming word, it is not pronounced to the child. Wrong choices are not
pronounced either. When words are added to the list under the target,
these cannot be clicked on to have them read aloud either. If this had
been done, I believe it would aid children in reading and enunciation.
Click on the ladder to play more word games. Upon reaching the
observation bubble, the child will see a fish graphic separated into three
sections representing the beginning, middle and ending of words. When the
child clicks on that area of the fish, he must provide the missing
letter(s) from the corresponding section of the word. He will have three
choices. On the first level, a graphic of the object will be shown along
with a partial spelling of the word. The child will then have a choice of
three single letter answers. The sun lever is the difficulty switch. On
the second level, no graphic is shown and the answers can be two letter
combinations.
When the child makes an incorrect choice, that answer will be removed
and he will be prompted to "try again, Matey." Again, when the child
makes an incorrect choice, Monker doesn't pronounce it. Such an action
would help children identify better the sounds associated with those
letters.
Graphics and sound are again excellent. It is a delight to watch the
many animations and Bright Star's lip-synching technology is incredible.
The sound effects and voices are done extremely well. Monker's Spelling
Submarine even includes a bit more music than Math Factory, including some
songs from a steel drum band.
The interface is again very simple yet powerful. Navigation from one
section of the program or from one exercise to another is a simple mouse
click away. The manual is written well but it is missing information for
solving technical problems.
Play value is very good. Children should be entertained by this
program for many hours. The hotspot animations and animated toy prizes
will bring them back for more fun learning exercises.
Educational value is good. Children learn much about spelling,
rhyming and phonics. I do feel that some excellent teaching opportunities
were missed when rhyming words and combination letter sounds were not
pronounced.
This program is an excellent buy. Monker's Spelling Submarine offers
a great combination of entertainment and education at an extremely
affordable price.
Ratings
Graphics ........... 9.0
Sounds .............10.0
Interface .......... 9.0
Play Value ......... 9.0
Educational Value .. 8.0
Bang for the Buck .. 9.0
Average ............ 9.0
###
STR and The Kids' Computing Corner Educational Software Ratings
Title Software Publisher Rating
Alphabet Blocks Sierra 9.67
Beginning Reading Sierra 9.67
Monker's Math Factory Western Publishing 9.33
A.J.'s World of Discovery Sierra 9.16
1-2-3 with Hickory and Me Western Publishing 9.16
A-B-C with Hickory and Me Western Publishing 9.16
Early Math Sierra 9.09
Busytown Paramount Interactive 9.00
Monker's Spelling Submarine Western Publishing 9.00
Thinkin' Things Collection 1 Edmark 8.83
The Tortoise and the Hare Broderbund 8.75
The Greatest Paper Airplanes KittyHawk 8.70
Stradiwackius T/Maker 8.67
EcoQuest Sierra 8.58
Crayola Amazing Art Adventure MicroGrafx 8.50
Just Grandma and Me Broderbund 8.41
Millie's Math House Edmark 8.41
Bug Adventure Knowledge Adventure 8.25
Gus Goes to Cybertown Modern Media Ventures 7.83
Mario's Fun with Numbers Software Toolworks 7.75
Muppet Letters American Education Pub. 7.67
What Would You Do? At Home Digital Theater 7.25
Lenny's MusicToons Paramount Interactive 7.17
Math Rabbit The Learning Company 7.17
Reading & Phonics American Education Pub. 7.17
Mixed-Up Mother Goose Sierra 7.08
Word Tales Time-Warner Interactive 7.00
Snoopy's Game Club Accolade 6.83
Yearn 2 Learn Peanuts ImageSmith 6.50
Fatty Bear's Fun Pack Humongous Entertainment 5.25
These ratings are a combined average of scores for graphics, sound, user
interface, play value, educational value and bang for the buck. Readers
are invited to send comments, program ratings or suggestions to the
following addresses:
FidoNET: Frank Sereno, 1:2235/10
Internet: Frank.Sereno@uti.com
U.S. Mail: Frank Sereno
528 West Ave.
Morris, IL 60450-1768
_________________________________
> ZEOS International STR InfoFile STReport Mini-Series
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
ZEOS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
A DREAM SYSTEM!
Let's begin the fourth article in an STReport mini-series on what can
only be called a "Dream System" with the ZEOS International 90Mhz Pentium
at the center. Through the course of the mini-series, we shall cover in
detail the installation of each of the custom peripherals which are listed
below.
The Peripheral List:
--------------------
A)- 2 1083 Mb Western Digital 31000a Enhanced IDE Hard Drives
B)- 1 Teac CDROM CD55a 4x Drive
C)- 1 Mitsumi IDE CDROM Drive
D)- 1 Archive Viper 250mb SCSI Tape Backup
E)- 1 Sound Blaster AWE32 Sound Card w 2mb & Roland SCD-15 Daughter
Board.
F)- 1 Maxtor 340Mb SCSI Hard Disk
G)- 1 Canon IX-4015 SCSI Color Scanner 1200lpi w/ADF
H)- 1 Fargo Primera Pro Color Printer 600dpi
I)- 1 Hewlett Packard Laser Jet 4P Printer 600dpi
J)- MAG Innovision MX17F Color Monitor 17" Non-Interlaced
K)- 1 USRobotics Dual Standard V.34/V.FC/28.8 External Modem
L)- Adaptec 1542cf SCSI Busmaster card & EZ SCSI Software
along with a few other items yet to be made mention of.
Installation of DOS 6.22 & WFWG 3.11
SET-UP of System
by Ralph F. Mariano
First things first, DOS 6.22 was installed in almost the blink of an
eye. Now then, during my ramblings and lurking about the various
messaging pipelines, I came across some banter about what I do or do not
write. I thought I'd mention it as a way of saying "thanks for reading
us" for whatever reason. For the record, STReport is put together with
the dedicated effort of quite a few people who really do care. Now, let's
get on with the installation of Windows for Workgroups v 3.11. The ZEOS
Pantera has performed flawlessly since it came out of the box. What will
WFWG do to the speed? We shall see. The installation was a breeze. Disk
after disk was gobbled up, (I used gobbled because the entire process was
fast) as the installation moved right along. Once completed, the re-boot
prompt smilingly greeted me and re-boot we did. Up came WFWG just as
neatly as you please.
Elsewhere in this issue you'll find all you need to know to get the
32bit disk access and 32bit file access working properly. If you ever
wanted to experience superior performance in a Windows environment, then
do not hesitate..... In Fact, RUN to your nearest software outlet and
obtain a copy of Windows for Workgroups v 3.11. You will thank your self
repeatedly. WFWG is a "sneak preview" of things to come as far as Windows
95 is concerned. I'll talk about that a little later. While WFWG is a
far cry from W95, it does give a very clear indication of what the new OS
in W95 will be capable of. Once the 32b D&F access is complete, the speed
performance is appreciable and of course, with this ZEOS Pantera Pentium
90, it is simply a blur. WFWG comes with many new faster drivers. Among
those are the comm dirvers, comm.drv and serial.386. One of the most
important features of WFWG 32bd&f access is that even though you may be
using smart drive when you boot, WFWG will "turn it off" when it boots if
you are using the 32bit disk and file access. This is a faster, highly
efficient mode, greater than smartdrive can possibly offer.
Many times in the past we've seen and heard the remarks about
Window's speed. Believe this... its a thing of the past. Sure, when I
began in Windows its performance left a great deal to be desired. But
now, once I began to use WFWG v3.11 there was a remarkable difference. My
old system flew (486dx50) with WFWG. With the Zeos, its amazing.. simply
amazing. I mentioned that I'd have a thing or two to say about W95. It
up to build two or so and one for the core group but the important thing
is its obvious reliability, compatibility and without a doubt its high
speed performance. Its not lacking any of these at all. In fact, its
"detractors" are going ot be hard pressed to find any real faults. I'm
willing to bet the best they'll be able to do is squawk about "cosmetics".
Now comes the fun, the installation of the various software packages
on this system. The Awe32 Sound Card by Sound Blaster and the daughter
board SCD-15 by Roland will also be covered, not only its installation but
the setup and configuration of the card and the CDROM it serves. So far,
everything has been a breeze to do. Needless to say the machine I'm
working with has a great deal to do with this. We've been calling a dream
machine but the truth is its a very access machine that's a real pleasure
to use. The Zeos Pantera is fast, reliable and simply put.. fun to use.
Next week, the installation of the AWE32 card, its entourage and the Corel
5 package. Once the software installations are done, we shall proceed with
the SCSI intallations.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N
FARGO PRIMERA PRO COLOR PRINTERS - 600DPI
For a limited time only; If you wish to have a FREE sample printout sent
to you that demonstrates FARGO Primera & Primera Pro SUPERIOR QUALITY
600dpi 24 bit Photo Realistic Color Output, please send a Self Addressed
Stamped Envelope [SASE] (business sized envelope please) to:
STReport's Fargo Printout Offer
P.O. Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32205-6155
Folks, the FARGO Primera Pro has GOT to be the best yet. Its far superior
to the newest of Color Laser Printers selling for more than three times as
much. Its said that ONE Picture is worth a thousand words. Send for this
sample now. Guaranteed you will be amazed at the superb quality. (please,
allow at least a one week turn-around)
A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
Fire up that high-speed modem and head for your favorite GEnie Software
Library! Effective October 10, 1994, you'll be able to participate in an
open beta test, offering access to GEnie Services at 9600 bps for as
little as $5.00 per hour.
As a result of an arrangement with Sprint, GEnie will be offering 9600 bps
access from almost 300 SprintNet locations. Best of all, this high-speed
access will not be subject to high-priced surcharges. The normal $2.00
per hour SprintNet surcharge will apply...even at 9600 bps! This open
beta test is expected to run through the end of the year.
To find the number of the SprintNet access number nearest you, simply type
PHONES at any GEnie menu prompt (or use the "Move To Keyword" option in
Genie for Windows and type PHONES). Remember, this rate applies only to
9600 bps access via SprintNet. So be sure to choose the access number
showing "9600" in the "Baud Rate" column AND "SprintNet" in the "Network"
column.
From the "Fine Print" department, please note that the $2.00 per hour
surcharge for SprintNet access is applicable even during your initial four
hours of monthly usage.
So, whether you're into downloading software, reading bulletin boards, or
accessing databases, it's about to become cheaper to do it faster!
GEnie Information Services copyright (C) 1994 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
___ ___ _____ _______
/___| /___| /_____| /_______/ The Macintosh RoundTable
/____|/____| /__/|__| /__/ ________________________
/_____|_____|/__/_|__|/__/
/__/|____/|__|________|__/
/__/ |___/ |__|_/ |__|_/____ Managed by SyndiComm
/__/ |__/ |__|/ |__|______/
An Official Forum of the International Computer Users Group
*** STReport available in MAC RT ***
ASCII TEXT
for ALL GEnie users!
MAC/APPLE SECTION (II)
======================
John Deegan, Editor (Temp)
> NBA THRILLS! STR InfoFile A Thrill a minute!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
************************************************************
CACTUS LEAGUE PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL UPGRADE NOW AVAILABLE!
************************************************************
Cactus League Professional Basketball Version 4 is now available.
Here is a listing of new features and enhancements to the award-
winning Cactus League Professional Basketball Computer Simulation:
1. The rules enacted by the Professional Basketball Board of
Governors on October 6, 1994, have been added. These rules,
which went into effect at the beginning of the 1994-95 season,
include awarding 3 Free Throws when a player is fouled while
attempting (and missing) a 3-Point shot.
2. You may optionally save the Play-By-Play Text of a game. This
is the actual text that is displayed by the simulation when
you play a game. You can save the Play-By-Play text of a game
even if you play the game in Instant Mode!
3. Improved Computer Coach, especially at the end of close games!
4. More Rare Plays!
5. Improved Records Module. The simulation now automatically
maintains 198 different records for each league. You can View
and/or Print each league's Record Book independently. Now, you
can easily carry a league's Record Book from season to season,
without affecting the Record Book of other leagues. Also, you
may combine all of your leagues' Record Books to a Master
Record Book that contains your All-Time records!
6. We have taken the Play-By-Play text to a new level! The Play-
By-Play text has been freshened and lots more "Game Specific"
text has been added... especially at the end of close games.
The excitement of a close game is now incorporated more than
ever! You won't believe how realistic and exciting it is!
7. There is a new Game Speed option: "Fast 'til Close." The Game
Speed will be set to "Fast" (a key is required to continue at
the end of a quarter only) at the beginning of the game (or
whenever you select the "Fast 'til Close" option. If the game
is close in the final minute of play, the simulation will
automatically change to "Slow" game speed. "Slow" requires a
key press after every basket and dead ball. This game speed
allows you to savor the excitement of a close game. If the
game is not close, the game speed will remain "Fast." You may
adjust the text scrolling speed independently.
8. You may select "Instant 'til 4th" or "Fast 'til Close" as the
default Game Speed in the Configuration Module.
9. The Import/Export functions have been enhanced and made more
versatile and easier to use. Now all Export File are saved to
a separate subdirectory on your hard disk. You may then,
optionally, use an archiving program (such as PKZip) to
archive the files. Then, copy them to a floppy to be sent to
your league's statistician, or upload them to a BBS for him or
her to download. You statistician then unarchives them, places
them in an Import subdirectory on his or her hard disk and
runs the Import Program! Easier, faster, and more efficient!
Archiving utility not included. Because of the function
enhancements, all league members must use Version 4.
10. We are constantly "tweaking" the game's algorithms and
improving the simulation's accuracy. This version includes our
very latest efforts.
11. The Statistics Module now recognizes the changes in Minimum
Qualifications for Individual Leaders. These minimum
requirements have changed over the years. For example, before
the 1990-91 season, a player must have made 25 3-Point Field
Goals (over a complete season) to be eligible to be included
in the 3-Point Field Goal Percentage Leaders. In 1990-91, the
minimum was increased to 50. The criterion used to determine
some of the leaders has also changed. For example, before
1969-70 the Scoring Leader was determined by the total number
of points scored. Beginning in 1969-70, the Scoring Leader was
the player who averaged the most points and met a minimum
games played criterion. This simulation now allows you to use
(or change) the requirements that were actually used for each
season. Some later Version 3 Game Disks included this feature.
This feature was also available for downloading from The
Cactus League BBS.
12. When the "Home Court Advantage" option is enabled, the name of
the arena is now displayed during games played from the
Basketball Simulation or in Manual Mode from the AutoSchedule
Module.
13. When the "Display Tenths of Seconds" option is enabled, tenths
of seconds are included during the final minute of each period
in the Play-by-Play Report file (PLAY.TXT).
14. If you own Cactus League Professional Basketball AutoMerge, you
need AutoMerge for Version 4. Just mention that you own AutoMerge
when you order, and we'll include the upgrade free! (if you ordered
your original AutoMerge from Cactus) If you upgrade to AutoMerge for
Version 4 seperately, the cost is $5. plus shipping and handling.
This offer is only valid if you order the upgrade and AutoMerge for
Version 4 directly from Cactus.
15. Other miscellaneous enhancements have been incorporated. Many
of these are not visible to the user.
This is a listing of Version 4 enhancements only. Read the Cactus League
Professional Basketball bulletin for complete details about his
award-winning product.
Cactus League Professional Basketball System Requirements: DOS
Version 3.0 or later. At least 1 floppy disk drive. At least 1 hard
disk drive. 580K free memory. Printer recommended.
Copyright (C) 1994 Cactus Development Company, Inc.
**********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International Online Magazine is available every week for your
reading pleasure on DELPHI. STReport's readers are invited to join DELPHI
and become a part of an extremely friendly community of enthusiastic
computer users there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN --DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and...
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's 20/20 Advantage Plan
20 Hours for Only $20!
-----------------------------
Advantage Members have always enjoyed the lowest DELPHI access rates
available. On the new 20/20 Advantage Plan, members receive their first 20
hours of access each month for only $20. If you happen to meet someone
online or find some other diversion, don't worry because additional usage
is only $1.80 per hour.
20/20 Advantage rates apply for access via SprintNet or Tymnet from within
the continental United States during home time or via direct dial around
the clock. Home Time is from 6pm to 6am weekdays. Access during business
time carries a surcharge of $9 per hour. These rates apply for most
services, but note that there are some surcharged areas on DELPHI which
are clearly marked with a "$" sign.
Who is eligible to take advantage of the plan? Any DELPHI member in good
standing. Applications are reviewed and subject to approval by Delphi
Internet Services Corporation.
It's easy to join. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply
online -- at any time -- for membership in the DELPHI 20/20 Advantage
Plan. Your membership becomes active at 4 a.m. Eastern Time on the first
billing day of the following month.
The $20 charge will be billed to you at the beginning of the month to
which it applies. Any portion of the 20 hours not used in any month does
not carry forward into the next month.
Advantage rates may be changed with 30 days notice given online.
TRY DELPHI FOR $1 AN HOUR!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and receive 5
hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only $5. If
you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of the
calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account
active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan,
where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum
$10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry,
this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this
limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press <RET> once or
twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press <RET> again.
Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll officially
be a member of DELPHI!
DELPHI-It's the BEST Value and getting BETTER all the time!
************************************************************
ATARI/JAG SECTION (III)
=======================
Dana Jacobson, Editor
> From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
It's amazing what an irregular work schedule can do to your
system, as I can reluctantly attest these days. It's getting to the
point where I sometimes don't know whether I'm coming or going! It's
still difficult adjusting to these odd working hours - hopefully they
will be resolved before the end of the year.
This week, we've learned of some additional CD releases from It's
All Relative's Greg Kopchak. The world of CD for Atari computers seems
to be growing, making it very inviting to consider this additional
hardware. A year ago, I would have told you that you'd be wasting your
money (as well as my own!) to consider a CD-Rom add-on. Now, with
ExtenDOS and a number of available players and software, it's not a bad
decision for those who plan to keep their Atari computers and looking
for ways to improve your systems. We've also heard that there will be
some additional announcements forthcoming to make this consideration
even more attractive. IAR's current announcement is contained later in
this issue.
We've also included an interview with TraceTech's Keith Gerdes, by
TAF's (Toronto Atari Federation) Howard Carson. Gerdes offers a candid
overview of his past and present experiences with the Atari platform,
as well as some thoughts for the future. My congratulations to TAF's
Carson for a great interview and a thanks for the opportunity to bring
it to you. I think you'll enjoy it.
Until next time...
Delphi's Atari Advantage!
TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (11/9/94)
(1) AHDI CONFIGURATION PRG. (6) AVP MAPS (SUB-LEVEL 3)
(2) GUCK 1.8 (ENGLISH) (7) OBSESSION PINBALL
(3) SPEEDO GDOS FONTS *(8) GUCK V1.8B ENGLISH DOCS
*(4) HACE NEWSLETTER ARTICLES (9) ESS-CODE V6.2
*(5) COMPLETE MAPS FOR AVP *(10) PAGESTREAM LABEL PRINTING
* = New on list
HONORARY TOP 10
The following on-line magazines are always top downloads, frequently
out-performing every other file in the databases.
STREPORT (Current issue: STREPORT 10.45)
Look for the above files in the RECENT ARRIVALS database.
_________________________________
> Atari CDs Available! STR InfoFile! - New From It's All Relative!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The rain has started. We had promised users who bought Photo Show Pro
and a CD rom drive when it was the only thing available for the Atari
a flood of new CD's for the holidays. They are now arriving.
ATARI SPECIFIC CD's
Crawly Crypt CD .......................NEW................... $29.99
Atari Mega Archives CD ................NEW................... $39.99
CD Service German CD Volume 1 ............................... $39.99
CD Service German CD Volume 2 ............................... $39.99
CD Service German CD Volume 3 .........NEW................... $39.99
Atari Skyline CD ......................NEW................... $39.99
Atari GEMini CD ............................................. $29.99
Winning Pictures MPC CD - Falcon Edition .................... $29.99
Audio CD Master - CD Audio Accessory ........................ $29.99
GRAPHICS
--------
GIF's Galore CD ............................................. $29.99
Travel Adventure CD ......................................... $29.99
Visions CD .................................................. $29.99
Sentimental Wings CD ........................................ $29.99
Fractal Frenzy CD ........................................... $29.99
Clip Art Cornucopia CD ...................................... $29.99
Art For Kids - the world's loudest art program .............. $59.99
Multimedia Mania CD ......................................... $14.99
TEXT, INFORMATION AND DATABASES
-------------------------------
Internet Info CD ............................................ $29.99
QRZ Ham Radio CD ............................................ $19.99
Project Gutenberg CD ........................................ $29.99
Space and Astronomy CD ...................................... $29.99
Check here next week for a "coming soon" list. Got a few real surprises
in the works.
Photo Show Pro is now available for the STe as well as the Falcon for
$59.99. This is Kodak Photo CD at its best. Pick up ExtenDOS Pro for
$29.99 with any order from us. We highly suggest it for best use on all
Atari machines and SCSI-2 CD rom drives. If you are using anything else,
your not making the most of your CD rom drive. If you have any questions
about any of the above products, please post your questions here. Ask at
your favorite Atari dealer or order from us direct. All orders are
shipped postpaid, worldwide. Write Randall Kopchak, It's All Relative
Software, 2233 Keeven Lane, Florissant MO 63031 USA.
________________________________________
> TAF Interview with Keith Gerdes! - From Double Click to TraceTech!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Reproduced in electronic form by permission of The Toronto Atari
Federation (TAF). Originally published in the September/94 issue of
Phoenix (the TAF Newsletter). (c)Copyright 1994, Howard E. Carson,
Keith Gerdes and The Toronto Atari Federation. All rights reserved.
REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART IS PROHIBITED. QUOTES MUST BE
ATTRIBUTED.
[Editor's note]: The following message was received in our query
to reproduce this interview. Our request was made to Keith Gerdes and
passed along to Howard Carson. Mr. Carson's reply:
"You have permission to reproduce the unabridged, unexpurgated and
unedited version of the Parameters I-Way Interview with Keith Gerdes.
Excerpting is forbidden, and any quotes must be attributed."
"I hope you can use the interview. It was a genuine pleasure doing it;
Keith Gerdes is forthright and presents well thought out opinion, and
thoroughly interesting viewpoints."
Regards, Howard
Editor's note: We agree with your assessment. We hope that our readers
will enjoy it as much as we did.
PARAMETERS
by
Howard E. Carson
"I-Way interviews with people who have been instrumental in making Atari
a brilliant computing platform."
=Interview with Keith Gerdes of Trace Technologies, Houston, Texas.
=Interviewed by Howard Carson via GEnie E-Mail
Phoenix: Keith, you've had a lot of time to think about the demise
(changeover?) of Double Click to, Trace Technologies. Are you happier
with the organization of TraceTech? Many are unaware that DC has
metastasized into TraceTech, and that Gerdes is not, in fact, dead(!).
Keith: That seems to be the popular misconception....
And I never "went on to greener pastures" either. As a matter of fact, I
never left the Atari market! There was a transition period in 1992 where
I was mainly behind-the-scenes (of GEnie primarily) trying to start a new
company and get two products beta-tested for release.
To be frank, there really wasn't a "changeover" from DC to TraceTech.
My only connection with DC, was DC's distribution of some of the programs
I wrote, but always retained complete control of. I'll try to be brief
and give a bit of history.
DC was a partnership composed of 3 people: Paul Lee, Michael Vederman
and Gilbert Callaghan.
The first real product DC released was DC Format. I helped work on
different versions with Paul and Mike.
STuffer was my first major programming project release. Since Shadow,
by Paul and Mike, was being commercially distributed through Antic,
I thought I'd try that route too. But it turned out Antic was on its
last legs, so I went with DC as the shareware distributor.
You'll find other programs by me, in the DCUtilities, DCDesktop and
DCShower packages. Basically, I was a part of every 'DC' commercial
release except Gilbert's DCPort cartridge. Get the trend? Everything
I wrote, published by DC, was actually just 'distributed by DC'. And
along the way, I was never an official part, just associated with them.
Looking back, I guess my mistake was not using a company name in
addition to my own name.
My last project distributed by DC was Data Diet v1, completely written
by me. Looking in my clouded crystal ball, I made sure I retained complete
control of this project from start to finish.
DC began "shutting down" during the beginning of 1992, although no
official statement was ever made to the effect - even 'til today.
Mike had been the only active partner for several years prior to '92.
I was working on the Data Diet v2 upgrade for a Summer '92 release.
Since details related to that upgrade became a washout, I started
working on a new project to be debuted by my company, Trace Technologies.
I assembled a team of beta testers that relied on GEnie Mail for message
and file transfers, gone were the "luxury" days of a beta CATegory, a DC
perk. This project, Data Rescue, was released in November 1992. It was
a new challenge for me since I had to do all phases of development and
marketing: manual, advertising, distribution, etc. Luckily I had
experience from my volunteer work in DC's office (to keep them going),
and from watching Mike use PageStream.
In December 1992, I mailed out a flyer announcing Data Diet v2 to
registered users, and shipped the upgrade later that month, which
also included a manual. Thus you could say I had been semi-busy
for a few months with beta testing and the two manuals.
In July 1993, just after moving beta testing from GEmail to a private
message CATegory (a nice step up), I released Squish II, an upgrade to
Squish v1 (aka DCSquish), available with Data Diet v1/v2 and the DCUtils.
Skip ahead to late 1994, and Missouri is being wrapped up for release.
This is a file viewing package similar to DCShower. It will include
ShowPics & ShowHex (my programs formerly distributed in Shower) and
two new modules, ShowText and ShowMe.
Back to your original question.....
Yes, I am much happier with the organization of TraceTech. Though as
chief bottle washer and sole proprietor, I find that I miss the team
atmosphere and the fact that I could program and not worry about
mundane (to me) chores, like documentation and advertising. Manuals
are fun, but writing is tedious, especially for THIS programmer.
I would much rather be *coding* in this Text Editor!
Phoenix: At the Toronto Atari Federation, we've currently got a group of
managing executives who are perhaps more dedicated to Atari computers as
eminently useful tools, than any other previous executive committee. We
feel that TOS and GEM provide a working environment (along with the
requisite software of course!), that is suited to a vast array of
endeavors and interests. Why have *you* stuck with Atari all these
years?
Keith: 'Beats me!' That's the usual answer us loons always give....
I started out with a 16K 800 in 1981. In 1986, I bought a 520STm.
Today I use a Mega2 and Falcon030.
I always ask people one question: Are you being productive with
your computer? I can honestly say that my computers allow me to
do just that! And I'm lucky enough to use them for both personal
and business purposes. Plus make a little money along the way.
Not a lot mind you, as most developers are too aware.
Actually the real reason I've stayed with Atari the past few
years is the users. Not because they're all so great (they are
though!), but because I feel it's my obligation to continue
developing software for the userbase and to continue supporting
the products my users have bought with their hard-earned cash. Way
too many companies have abandoned the market without a word; left
users in limbo waiting on product and/or support; etc. And don't
kid yourself, sadly it's still happening even today!
Phoenix: I'd like to get this question out of the way before we get too
deeply into philosophy, Keith (or maybe we can avoid the philosophy
altogether): What new products - commercial ones, that is - are you
planning on releasing over the next few months, including updates?
What about Shareware releases? What about Freeware releases?
Keith: I just released a program called Fast Path. It's
definitely the best adjunct anyone can add to their File
Selector! Installing FASTPATH in your Auto Folder, calls FASTPATH
every time any program calls for the File Selector (any File
Selector, actually: Geneva, Selectric!, UIS III, Boxkite, LGS and
so on). FASTPATH comes up and presents you with *32* different
file paths (and a choice of *34* different file extensions!),
enabling you to configure your most often used paths, save them
and then - forever after - be able to go directly to the data
files you want. My beta-testers have been absolutely raving about
FASTPATH. It really *is* an amazing time-saver; inexpensive
Shareware, too! The demo of FASTPATH is on most BBS's now - and
GEnie and CIS. Registration levels are rising - which shows that
FASTPATH is genuinely *useful*. There are three more projects in
the queue for release over the next few months: Falcon030 Toolkit
(F030TKIT)(ed. note: F030TKIT is out now), Missouri and Fast Menu
(tentative name).
There are plans for an upgrade to Data Diet v2, up to v2.5, maybe
by early next year. And I imagine both Data Rescue and Squish II will
see upgrades at some point next year as well. However, please do NOT
put off buying anything just because you are waiting on an upgrade. Many
times an upgrade is held up just because there are not enough registered
users, so never put off a buying decision!
Updates tend to be merely bug fixes, so I never know when they'll
pop up. They are generally "free" and uploaded to the online services.
Phoenix: There are rumors about the possible early '95 release of
TOS 5. I have been in contact with Mike Fulton about it actually.
Although Mike has not suggested a date (or even admitted to the
existence of anything but a buggy beta version of TOS 4.92), he
did state that TOS 5 should incorporate MultiTOS AES v1.08b (or
'c' ?) plus the rest of TOS 4.04. As long as the newest version
is only a software beta of TOS 4.92 (that seems to have escaped
the confines of Sunnyvale), what direction do you think Atari
should take with a new version of the OS?
Keith: That's all news to me. Atari's Developer Support Group has been
nonexistent for a few years. There have been rumors of a "TOS 5",
but it hasn't been seen in any developer online area. No file, no
messages. I suppose this is yet another time it pays to be
"in the grapevine".
It was kind of sad, or should I say maddening, to see the real TOS team
leave Atari: Pratt, Townsend, KBad, etc.
They should release the infamous "fast" MTOS. Yes, it does
purportedly exist and would be a welcome sight for users and
developers, not to mention nice competition for Geneva and MagiC.
As far as a suggested direction, I'd say continue with the
multitasking AES. It's a step in the right direction.
Phoenix: How often do you get to speak with other Developers,
Programmers and Distributors? I guess I'm asking whether or not you have
serious opportunities to bounce new ideas off other people who are also
working with the Atari platform; besides your beta-testers, I mean.
Keith: I speak with other developers on a periodic basis: daily, weekly,
monthly, once-in-a-blue-moon, only when I have to, etc. I try to help
other programmers whenever I get a chance.
Distributors are few and far between. With the weak market, I don't
get to talk to them enough. And we all know what that means...
When it comes to floating new ideas, I rely almost exclusively on
my beta testers. I will consult with other developers on occassion.
Distributors have a keen insight into the market, however they tend
to look way beyond my means of project development, ie: type and
required manhours. Gone are the days of longterm projects, such
as productivity software, for someone like me.
Phoenix: There has been a lot of talk about all the new operating
systems and desktops that have appeared in recent months: MagiC,
NeoDesk 4, OMEn, Geneva, SMS2, Ease and the upcoming DeXterous OS. Are
all of TraceTech's products (and the older DC stuff that you seem to be
upgrading) getting along in these new environments (except for the
OMEn environment, of course)?
Keith: Yes, all of TraceTech's products seem to be doing okay in the
compatibility department. I see that you left out MTOS; it *can* be a
problem for some TSRs.
Of the list, I have only used Geneva. Due to the change to AES4,
I did have to update a couple of programs while Geneva was in the
initial beta test release. I don't foresee any problem with
MagiC. NeoDesk 4 and Ease are simply desktops, not OS extensions
or replacements, so they shouldn't be an issue either.
Phoenix: Multitasking (pre-emptive or otherwise) is certainly a popular
word these days. But it's debatable whether most users actually have a
legitimate place for such software in their day to day work. How about
your opinions on the inherent value (or stupidity, if you prefer), of
all the effort being concentrated in this area of programming? After
all, Atari users still don't have any legitimate legal accounting
software. And Canadian Atari users don't even have a single income tax
package! I guess I'm asking if a lot of effort is being concentrated in
the wrong direction?
Keith: I see the debate boiling down to multi-processing, not
multitasking. A majority of users will never take advantage of running
multiple tasks at the same time. But they *will* have multiple processes
sitting in memory ready to be switched to when needed. So you end up
with a fancy "task switcher".
In theory, multitasking would be great, but I don't see the software
being updated/upgraded to take advantage of it. I guess that's where
the type of multitasker is critical, although I still do not see
steadfast singletaskers really taking full advantage of multitasking
due to their past computer usage (bad habits?), available software,
memory requirements and CPU speed.
Is it stupid to program such an environment? Nope. I'd say the
companies that have are doing quite well moneywise, right now. We'll
have to see if this is a manufactured or actual user requirement.
Is it stupid to program for such an environment? No, not at all.
Although most developers do not plan to update or upgrade their
product line. Taking advantage of AES4 is basically a step up:
enhanced system calls, new calls, etc. My first major experience
with AES4 programming started early this year with Fast Menu --
which works just fine on pre-AES4 machines, but gives extra features
under AES4 such as program launching and custom process tracking!
It's going to be another nifty Shareware release that will find a
lot of good uses, for a lot of current Atari users.
I guess I already stated my view on "productivity" software. Face
it, "utilities" take a fraction of the time and energy to publish.
Writing anything else takes the right perspective, gumption and
backing; the latter being what's lacking nowadays. Money to finance
a project and then some type of guaranteed payoff are hard to come by!
Phoenix: In a recent conversation, Peter Zalesak of ABC Solutions in
Toronto (distributor of 1st Word Plus, the K-Spread line, tbxCAD,
Timeworks, Home Accounts 2, etc.) stated clearly that he believed
many products - software products, that is - should be assigned a
legitimate shelf life in the marketplace. For instance, he doesn't look
for the venerable 1st Word Plus to be upgraded here in North America
(although it already has been upgraded in Europe), because he feels it
is now at the logical limit of what it was originally developed to do:
process words in a couple of different formats. Do you agree that such a
philosophy is good for the marketplace, noting that the WordPlus 4
upgrade includes SpeedoGDOS compatibility and a host of other features
which place it in the realm of Document Processor, and that WordPlus 4
looks an awful lot like That's Write 3. It was programmed by the same
team, from Compo, that coded TW3.
Keith: A product lifespan depends on the product and the publisher.
Obviously if the publisher dissolves, its product line will too if
(it's) not picked up. That would be considered natural attrition.
My belief is that the process of assigning a "shelf life" would be
very difficult. What do we do? Start putting expiration dates on
packages? I say leave this up to the entire marketplace: developer,
distributor, dealer and user. Otherwise you will not see longterm
support for, or upgrade of products, ie: Data Diet (v2), Squish (v2),
Data Rescue, Missouri, FastPath, LoadAlad, Geneva, NeoDesk (v4), etc.
Phoenix: Do you feel there is *always* an upgrade path? If so, does such
program mobility really allow for healthy competition between
developers? Or does the psychology of endless upgrading prevent real,
creative advancement in software development (or for that matter, the
most extensive exploitation of Atari hardware)?
Keith: Upgrade a program version or upgrade from one company's product
to another's product?
Phoenix: I'm interested in hearing your opinions on both scenarios.
Keith: Yes, I do feel upgrades are always possible. That seems to be
the nature of software development, whether the developer comes up
with new ideas or improvements, users make suggestions, or both.
Competition is completely reliant on the product and marketplace;
perhaps somewhat more on marketplace. I feel that we are long
past the competitive stage since there are a limited number of
users to sell to, although the number is comfortably stable.
If I have a choice of whether or not to write a program which
competes with a current or "announced" product, I would choose
not to write it. Different factors play a part in the decision
process, so this really is not very common.
One recent example was whether to write a full-blown alternate
file selector or write an extension to all file selectors. The
decision was to write Fast Path, enhancing File Selectors across
the board. In that arena, trying to compete against what's
currently available, not to mention those supposedly in the
works, was considered impractical, so a better solution was
devised.
However, if you are working on a competing product, then sure,
you will do everything in your power to upgrade this product
to ensure your current userbase and hope to expand the base
with new users and converts.
So, I would tend to agree that endless upgrading does hurt
creativity and advancement of software. A point is reached
where you have milked the market dry (a too-common occurrence
with many pricey upgrades I see) and you need to move on.
I do not feel there is always an upgrade path for a user.
The market dictates the availability of software and there are
not as many avenues available to a user currently. Sometimes
you have a fairly direct path, other times you will have to adapt
and on occassion you will be stuck with what you've got, which is
not always that bad a situation. Competition? Don't get me started!
Phoenix: Data Diet, Data Rescue and Squish II never went through the
frightening teething problems that beset Microsoft's DoubleSpace. That
would seem to indicate that Microsoft is so large, even monumental
errors like DoubleSpace can be absorbed, lawsuits and all. Has a
negative perception of disk compression caused by Microsoft's high
profile, affected the sales of Data Diet, Data Rescue and Squish II?
Keith: Months before DoubleSpace's snafus, I would have to say that
sales of TraceTech compression products were already affected by a
general slump in the Atari "compression" market. Various factors
have been attributed (to the slump): falling hard drive prices,
dwindling userbase, product confusion, user perception, etc. But
Data Diet v2 is an extremely stable, reliable product; it *will*
save enormous amounts of hard drive space, and provide the user
with superb control.
Phoenix: Not long ago, I registered LOADALAD, one of your very useful
Shareware products. It was certainly a relief to use Aladdin once again
to access GEnie. My Falcon had prevented me from using Aladdin up until
I acquired LOADALAD. Have you had a lot of requests for Falcon upgrades
of Double Click/Trace Tech products?
Keith: Most requests have been for DC Programs of the Week; a combined
programming effort by Mike and me. When I can, I try to oblige.
It really helps if I was the author, since I still have my source
code. Insider's note: the first name in the credits was always the
sole author. Otherwise, updating takes me a little longer.
The only required TraceTech updates were due to unannounced changes
in TOS4's GEMDOS. That seemed to catch several programmers by surprise,
and most of them still have not updated. After purchasing a Falcon for
development and support, all TraceTech programs were updated as soon
as I was made aware of a problem.
I've even received requests to work on other programs. We will have
to wait and see where that leads.
Phoenix: Your TOS4TRAP has been a boon to every Falcon owner I know,
principally because of how your excellent utility has fixed TOS 4
problems with MaxiFile and STalker - two programs which are used by
thousands of Atari owners. Has rooting around in TOS 4.XX code given you
some new ideas for another major application of your coding skills? I'm
asking specifically if you are planning any major projects as large as
Data Diet, Data Rescue and Squish II? There are certainly a lot of
people who would like to see TT's and Falcon's hooked up in LAN's!
Novell Netware is a royal pain to set up on DOS/Windows boxes; but once
it's in place, it is *useful*!
Keith: TOS4TRAP v1 has been upgraded to TOS4TRAP v2. It will be
available in the Falcon030 Toolkit (F030TKIT).
During the fourth quarter '94, a project tentatively named FastMenu
will be released. I would say it is fairly major. If you want instant
access to the menu bar anywhere on the screen or want to quickly run
programs under Geneva, FastMenu can do it; although that's only a small
part of its capabilities!
In the past I looked into writing drivers for devices hooked up
to the parallel port (ie. pocket LAN adapter, hand scanner and
tape drive), but that is so top secret, it's frustrating!!
Phoenix: What's secret, Keith? Your projects? Or the developers info
from Atari, necessary to access (via programming code), the various
ports and chips?
Keith: Funny you should say that! I guess I sometimes treat
'compression' and other specialized subjects I develop, as top secret.
So maybe I shouldn't gripe.
Yes, those third party parallel port devices are top secret. The
communication protocol to use each of them is kept under lock-and-key.
I made decent headway with pocket adapters, but the others were deadends.
Atari has been forthcoming with most of their hardware information.
The only chips I still have questions about are the Ajax floppy
controller and the Falcon030's video controller. The Ajax chip
was my main concern a few months ago since I was updating a floppy
disk formatter, TraceTech Formatter Jr CPX (fka DC Formatter Jr CPX),
for release in the F030TKIT. Atari Dev Support never replied to my
queries. I figured it out anyway!
Phoenix: There are important programs around right now (the
Marcel Word processor, for example), which are quite delightful in
their own right, but nonetheless suffered from some notable
errors in their commercial release. I feel that while Marcel is a
highly useful and worthwhile piece of work, its market