ST Report: 15-May-92 #820

From: Bruce D. Nelson (aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 05/20/92-01:09:01 PM Z


From: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 15-May-92 #820
Date: Wed May 20 13:09:01 1992



           *---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
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 May 15, 1992                                                       No.8.20
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 > 05/15/92 STR 820    "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
   ----------------
       - The Editor's Desk      - CPU Report         - PORTFOLIO NEWS
       - NEW RIPOFF REPORTED!   - CT FEST NEWS       - AUA TELLS ALL!
       - PGST 2 SUPER OFFER!    - BITMAKER V1        - GEMulator News
       - BLUE RIDGE FEST        - MegaKern           - STR Confidential
             -* ATARI LOSES $13.8 MILLION IN FIRST QUARTER *-
                       -* BCS UNVEILING ON AGAIN! *-
                          -* EXPLORER SHAKEUP! *-
                         -* CALLIGRAPHER SHIPS! *-

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                  WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (May 15)

 SOFTLOGIK UPGRADE OFFER

 SoftLogik announces a special upgrade offer!  Please read message #26555
 in the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN).

 UPDATES FROM CODEHEAD...

 A patch for Word Perfect users and an update for MultiDesk Deluxe (from
 ver 3.4 to 3.4a)  Now available in LIBRARY 16 of the Atari Vendors Forum
 (GO ATARIVEN)

 Codehead Technologies also announces the availability of a new word
 processing program.  See the file CALLIG.TXT now available in LIBRARY 16
 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN).

 A demo version of XBoot: the Boot Manager from Gribnif Software is now
 available in LIBRARY 8 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN).

 KEYBOARD SURVEY

 We ask all members to read and respond to the keyboard survey message
 #32438 in the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS).  (This is a new thread, so
 even if you've discussed this issue previously, please re-post your votes
 here.)

                          ATTACHED or DETACHED?
                          ---------------------
                             A SHORT SURVEY

     As published  in STReport 818, we would like your feedback about the
     attached/detached  keyboard  issue  in  future  computer  purchases.

               PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING THREE QUESTIONS;

   1 - Would you prefer a single case (1040 style) unit or a Mega ST/TT
       style unit with detached keyboard?  (pick one or the other only)

   2 - If price were a consideration, how much more would you spend for
       a detached keyboard:

                            A- $50.00 or less
                            B- $100.00 (approx)
                            C- $150.00 (or if price is no object)

   3 - Would you prefer (or be satisfied) with a connector that allowed
       you to plug in a detached keyboard such as that used on the Mega
       or TT style computers (the keyboard being an extra cost item)?

           """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
           We'd prefer your response in the following format:
           --------------------------------------------------
             1 - detached keyboard   (or attached keyboard)
             2 - B   (or A or C)
             3 - Yes   (or no)

           """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
 Your response  is greatly  appreciated and will be compiled along with
 the input received  from  private  BBSs  and  the  major online services.

 Usergroups are  urged to participate; Please, take a vote at your next
 meeting, and send the results to:  STReport Online Magazine via the most
 convenient means at your disposal.


 ATTENTION ATARI DEVELOPERS...

 Atari Developers please read message 60654 in the Atari Productivity Forum
 (GO ATARIPRO) for information on how to get your products included in an
 upcoming software catalog.


 CONFERENCE IN ATARI 8-BIT FORUM

 On Sunday, May 17th, in the Atari 8-bit Forum, Bob Puff and Jeff Potter
 will join us for a formal CO.  Bob Puff is the Head of Computer Software
 Services, a strictly 8-bit hardware company. Jeff Potter has written many
 fine programs for the 8-bit, and is now working on a fax program.  Please
 join us at 9pm Eastern
 Time as we talk about keeping an old machine very much alive!

 ATARI 8-BIT MAGAZINE?

 A dedicated 8-Bit mag?  Why NOT?? If enough people care, it could happen.
 See Message # 18446 in the Atari 8-Bit Forum (GO ATARI8) for more info on
 the "Campaign."  WE BELIEVE!!

 CONTEST IN ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM (GO APORTFOLIO)

 We are now running a NEW CONTEST for Portfolio Programmers.  You can
 submit any program you have written, in any language, in either compiled
 or source form.  Prizes will include free CompuServe connect time, ROM
 cards, and a subscription to "Take it With You."  Please read message #
 28538 for complete details.

                  THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
                          HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
                OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION

            "GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"


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




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

    Issue #20

    Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.


  -- ATARI LOSES $13.8 MILLION IN FIRST QUARTER

 Atari Corp. this week reported its operations for first quarter ended
 March 31, 1992.

 Net sales were $44.1 million as compared to $63.4 million for the same
 quarter in 1991. A significant portion of the company's business is
 derived from Europe and as a result, subject to fluctuations in exchange
 rates. In the quarter ended 1992, the company experienced a loss in
 exchange of $12.1 million as compared to a $4 million loss in 1991.
 These losses in exchange when added to operating losses and other income
 and expense items, resulted in a net loss of $13.8 million for 1992
 compared to a net loss of $2 million in 1991.

 Atari Corp. manufactures and markets video games and personal computers
 for the home, office and educational marketplaces throughout the world.
 Atari headquarters are located at 1196 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, CA,
 94089.

 CONTACT:  August J. Liguori of Atari, 408-745-2069



  -- ADAPTEC, COREL PLAN JOINT SCSI DEVELOPMENT

 Corel Systems and Milpitas, California-based Adaptec have announced an
 agreement to work together on SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
 products. The two firms, both of which already sell SCSI products, said
 they will cooperate on both development and marketing.

 Corel produces SCSI device driver software for peripheral products.
 Adaptec sells SCSI host adapters and created the Advanced SCSI
 Programming Interface (ASPI) software.

 Eleven-year-old Adaptec produces very large scale integration (VLSI)
 circuits, controllers for the imaging industry, and SCSI products. It
 employs approximately 1,000 people in the United States, Asia, and
 Europe. Corel, founded in 1985 develops SCSI and graphics software, and
 is best known for its Corel Draw software package.



  -- APPLE SUPPORTS WORLD LANGUAGES

 Reports from Apple Computer Inc.'s Cupertino, California facilities say
 that Apple has announced a new software technology which it says will
 allow its Macintosh PCs to handle most written languages.

 The new WorldScript reportedly technology "includes support to text
 input and display as well as for incorporating language attributes, such
 as date and time formats, for most written languages."

 Apple officials said the technology provides built-in support to handle
 non-Roman languages and that WorldScript will be part of Macintosh
 System 7, Release 7.1 software, which Apple said it expects to be
 available in fall 1992.



  -- INTERIM RELEASE OF WORDPERFECT 5.1 NOW SHIPPING

 An interim release of WordPerfect 5.1 for Windows now is being shipped.
 It includes enhancements such as "Drag and Drop," "Zoom Edit," "Bullet
 and Envelope macros" and other features for creating and editing macros.
 The new disks are dated April 30.

 The company says the new release also has an updated macro language that
 allows adding of dialog boxes to macros and a Macro Command Inserter
 Program, similar to the pop-up menu in the WordPerfect 5.1 for DOS Macro
 Editor that lists all the macro commands.



  -- DELL COMPUTERS LOWERS PRICES BY AS MUCH AS 26%

 Dell Computer Corp. this week lowered prices by as much as 26% on its
 full line of desktop and floor-standing personal computer systems, as
 well as its color notebook PC.  This is the fifth such price change in
 the last 12 months.



  -- 40 MB MEMORY, SUGAR CUBE SIZE

 Irvine Sensors says it has developed a technology for the US Air Force
 for quadrupling the amount of memory that can be placed in the same
 amount of physical space. The company maintains it is currently able to
 package 40 meg of memory in a physical space the size of a sugar cube.

 Irvine Sensors says this new technology can be applied to the micro-
 computer industry, especially to the new flash memory card technology.

 Called the "memory short stack," it is a stack of memory chips which is
 physically interchangeable with a single-chip package but offers mul-
 tiple chip performance.  The faster the microprocessor chips get, the
 more there is a need for speed in relaying information between
 components. Packing integrated circuits (ICs) closer together provides
 reductions in travel time and gains faster performance.



  -- SEGA PAYS $43 MILLION TO U.S. INVENTOR

 Japan's Sega Enterprises Ltd. says it will pay $43 million to U.S.
 inventor Jan R. Coyle to use his technology in Sega's video game
 machines, thereby settling a patent dispute over a mechanism that
 produces sound signals to control the games' color displays.

 Sega Vice President Tokuzo Komai as saying the total payment will cover
 Coyle's losses incurred from the use of his patent, which was registered
 in the U.S. in 1975, and for future sale of video game software.

 Komai also expressed regret over the company's earlier decision to
 appeal a previous verdict by a jury at the federal court of Los Angeles,
 which ordered Sega to pay Coyle $33 million in April. "We should have
 compromised earlier," Komai said.



  -- TI TO BEGIN VOLUME PRODUCTION OF NEW CHIP

 Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) announced this week it will begin volume
 production in September of its TI486SLC chip in an attempt to take more
 of the market from industry leader Intel Corp.

 According to the company, the TI microprocessor will provide 486 soft-
 ware compatibility, as well as serve as an upgrade to systems currently
 using a 386SX chip without having to redesign the circuit board.

 "TI's chip, when measured using industry-standard benchmarks, offers
 comparable 486 performance and twice the performance of the fastest 386SX
 chip,"
 the company said.



  -- SPA HOME COMPUTER USE SURVEY

 A lot of useful information for software marketers was garnered in the
 recent Software Publishers Association survey of nearly 1,200 home
 computer and video game users in the United States.  One fact is that
 personal productivity software users own an average of 3.6 programs,
 while entertainment users own almost ten.

 Home based business users operate a computer nearly 17 hours each week,
 while workers who take the office home with them at night spend about
 one hour per night on average working on the bosses tasks (based on a
 seven-day week).

 Education software comes in for about four hours use each week but
 recreation/entertainment programs get almost the same time.

 These numbers refer to hours of use in households that predominantly use
 a particular software category and don't mean that homes use education
 and entertainment programs about equal amounts, but that education
 program users run that software about the same amount of time that game
 players play their games.

 Personal computer usage at home is about double the video game usage for
 those with a four-year college degree, while those with some college use
 computers more than video games, but the numbers are much closer.

 For those with an education level up to and including high school
 graduation, personal computer use is less than one third that of video
 games.

 PC use is also tied strongly to household income, with 41% of homes with
 PCs having incomes over $50,000, versus only 23% for those with video
 games.

 Nearly 40% of entertainment software homes have no children, while only
 22% of education software is in childless homes and personal produc-
 tivity software comes out highest in homes with no children, but not far
 above entertainment programs.

 Forty% of entertainment software users in the survey, along with 26% of
 education software users admitted to the SPA that they copy software
 from friends, work, or from school. The SPA did not release any estimate
 of how much of that copied software would constitute pirated copies but
 most software in schools or businesses would be copyrighted, licensed
 programs which can't legally be copied.

 Resellers and advertisers will be interested to learn that word-of-
 mouth recommendations are the most important software buying influence,
 every bit as important as seeing an actual demonstration, and more
 influential than advertisements or even magazine reviews.

 The data for the survey was collected during 15-minute long interviews
 conducted with 1,190 U.S. households which reported having video games
 or PCs and the questions only covered five software categories:
 entertainment, education, personal productivity, business software for
 home business, and that used for work brought home.



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


                    :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
                     _________________________________

                       To sign up for GEnie service:

      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.


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 more than 100 services  including  electronic  mail,  online encyclopedia,
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        GEnie Announcements (FREE)

  1. VOTE TODAY in the GEnie Presidential Straw Poll II............*SURVEY
  2. Join the NEW Explorer RT to see GEnie in a new light..........EXPLORER
  3. NEW! GEnie's Reference Center: Your Personal Librarian.......REFCENTER
  4. Gimme a G, Gimme an E, Gimme some time, Gimme it free.........BASEBALL
  5. CONLINE VI - Online Gaming Convension 5/31....................TSR
  6. Get Dozens of Software Programs - Most $1 Per at..............SOFTDISK
  7. FREE hour of play with LiveWire Coupon in.....................TRIVIA
  8. RTC - Meet Robert Shaw, Air Combat and Tactics author, 5/17...MPGRT
  9. Thinking vacation -- it's Full Moon of SAGITTARIUS in the.....STARS
 10. ATTN Car Buyers: Bargain with POWER/SAVE $$.................AUTOQUOT-R
 11. ZILCH Author, Michael Riley, in conference May 17.............HOME
 12. The StarShip 5-MINUTE Weekend News Network....................AMIGA
 13. The great MARLENE DIETRICH:  Her life, times, and films.......GERMANY
 14. WordPerfect's 4/24 release of 1,162 printer drivers now on....WP
 15. Tomorrows Headline--"Deadly Asteroid Menaces Earth"...........*SPACE

 The Atari RT
  Last Week's Top Downloaded Programs/Utilities:

 23988 MULTI34A.LZH (LH5)LZH    X C.F.JOHNSON  920506   28416    196   2
       Desc: Updates MultiDesk Deluxe 3.4 to 3.4a
 23987 FIX_WP.LZH (LH5)LZH      X C.F.JOHNSON  920506    7552    188   2
       Desc: Patch to fix bugs in Word Perfect
 23962 HS_FIX.LZH (LH5)LZH      X V.PATRICELL1 920503    3968    138   7
       Desc: RTS/CTS fix for high speed modems
 23935 RE_BOOT.LZH (LH5)LZH     X GRMEYER      920501    8704    128   2
       Desc: Re_Boot2 - hard drive delay timer
 23966 RECV_CAN.LZH (LH5)LZH    X S.HUGHEY1    920504   16128    112   2
       Desc: Recoverable Trashcan for Neo/NewDesk
 23934 JCLABEL2.LZH (LH5)LZH    X GRMEYER      920501   56576     98   2
       Desc: JC Label2 - mailing label printer
 23977 IMGPRT42.LZH (LH5)LZH    X D.C.GOUTHRO  920506   19712     95  10
       Desc: Graphics program for HP Printers.
       -------------------------------------------------

         GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
            Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission


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




 > The Flip Side STR Feature           "... a different viewpoint.."
   =========================



                    A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT
                    ==================================



 by Michael Lee


 As many of my readers already know, Lloyd Pulley [Senior Staff Editor
 for ST Report] supplies me with most of my online posts.  It's been a
 long time since Lloyd has been on Delphi and CIS but this week he came
 through with almost 2 megs worth.  So this week and next most of my
 posts will be from Delphi, and the following two weeks from CIS.

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

 About Warp 9 from Codehead Technologies - From RMORROW...

   Well, my copy of Warp 9 (formerly Quick ST) came in a few days ago. As
   usual, the CodeHeads cleaned it up and did away with most of the com-
   patibility problems.  WordUp 3 bombed with QST 3.04 but not with 2.2
   (figure that one!).  WUP runs fine with W9 installed; in fact the only
   prg. I have that doesn't like it is the 4096 color demo I u/l'd here.

   But probably the best features of it (for me, anyhow) is the con-
   figurability of it. To get this you must have it's control panel.acc
   installed. The docs say that this .acc actually speeds things up if
   you have a bunch of AUTO stuff since it talks to warp 9.prg in auto.
   Well, anyhow, you can turn screen acceleration on/off, set mouse
   accelerator speeds, block the mouse from going to the Desktop menus
   (click and it will cross into that area) as well as a "mouse jump"
   feature that reads a right click and sends the pointer up to the
   title bar to access menus-from anywhere on the screen! Plus horizontal
   and vertical mouse-wrapping.

   As if that's not enough, you can load background pictures and change
   the ST system font! They supply about 70 different fonts on the double
   sided disk.

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

 Linotype and PageStream 2.0...

 Question from DRWARBEAU...

   Has anyone out there used Pagestream 2 to output a PostScript file to
   a service Bureau? I've been trying to all week with 3 different
   bureaus here on Long Island without success. I can print the file out
   fine to UltraScript and the service bureau's laser writer, but when
   they try to print to a Linotronic L300 it chokes.

   I called Soft Logik's support line but all they told me was it should
   work and check the manual under PS output. The bureaus say they can't
   print direct from DOS like the manual says:(.

   Not being well versed in the intricacies of the PostScript language or
   Linotronics, I'm at a loss as to how to accomplish hi rez printing.
   Any other insights or experiences would be great.

 Answer from ERSOFF...

   I use Pagestream 2 ALL THE TIME to print out to a Lino. The service
   bureau I use does print from DOS. They are networked with 2 Macs and
   one DOS machine. I use the DOS machine. All I do is type LINOPRINT
   filename PS X and the file prints perfectly every time. Don't get
   frustrated. It took me a few tries before I could figure out how to
   print a Lino....

   PS--- Don't forget to format your disk as an IBM (TOS 1.0 -1.2)

 More from DRWARBEAU...

   Thanks for your reply, Mayer. I called back SoftLogik today and got a
   different and much more knowledgeable rep. He spent a lot of time going
   over the details of Lino printing with me (I wish I could remember his
   name..) It seems one of the problems was in setting up the PostScript
   driver's page size. I had it 8 1/2 x 11 when it should have been 11 x
   8 1/2 (!). He also suggested how I could convince my bureau that it
   _could_ be done, if they used a little imagination and would try
   something a little different than their usual applications.

   ...to make a long story short, armed with my new found Lino expertise
   <grin> I returned to the last service bureau, and after a short dis-
   cussion tried it again.  It worked beautifully! I even fielded some
   questions regarding my "maverick" computer by some curious IBM and
   Mac-philes. One fellow had "heard rumors" about a DTP computer by
   Atari (he originally thought it was Nintendo!) Anyway, my faith in my
   beloved computer and software is restored.

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

 Now the same questions for Calamus...

 Question from MRBURKLEY...

   Can anyone give me the phone # of a place that will do Linotronic
   output of my Calamus Document? It would be nice if I could modem it
   there as well!

 Reply from JBEAU...

   I have used OMNICOMP several times for 2540dpi film negative printouts
   of my CALAMUS documents...and I also Modemed.

      1270 dpi $13.00 (2pg min.)
      2540 dpi $16.00 (?pg min.)

      (415)398-3377/(415)397-4534

   I think they are located in San Francisco, can't remember for sure.
   But they will BILL you in case you are in a hurry. Here's how we did
   it:

   1) Modem your file(s) and any weird font(s) your using to OMNICOMP.

   2) Include the name of your printer and have the neg(s) sent directly
   to them. Have Omnicomp bill the printer.

   3) Printer completes the printing order and sends you ONE bill for
   negative(s) from OMNICOMP and from them for printing. ALso saves time
   by cutting out the middleman!

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

 Can you upgrade a Supra 20 meg hard drive?

 Question from MRIVARDO...

   I really hope someone can answer this for me...I have a Supra 20 meg
   hard drive. Is it possible to take out the drive mechanism and replace
   it with a larger one? Say 52 or 105? Or is that asking for too much?

   As usual, any help at all is immensely appreciated as I'm dead broke.

 Answer from Gordie (Sysop)...

   The short answer is yes, you can upgrade to a larger capacity drive.
   But you'll need to know if the mech you have now is SCSI, RLL or MFM,
   and then make sure to get one that's the same. Beyond that, it should
   be a fairly simple swapout.

 More questions from MRIVARDO...

   Great. Thanks. I assume the information is in the Supra drive manual
   which I have somewhere around here...)

   I also assume that I'll need a drive that does not have an imbedded
   controller... Er, right?

 Answer from LMCCLURE...

   Yes...the Supra drive would use their ASCI-to-SCSI host adapter, so
   with a imbedded SCSI hard drive (such as the Quantum LPS52 or LPS105),
   it should be as straightforward as removing your old drive and
   installing the new (assuming you current 20 meg drive is a 3.5" unit.
   If it is 5.25", there would be a need to adapt the mount).

   To my knowledge, Supra only used imbedded SCSI drives, so you should
   not have to worry about dealing with ST506-type MFM or RLL drives.

   Open up your drive's case. If there is only on circuit board (aside
   from the one mounted to the drive itself), and the ribbon cable
   connecting the two is a 50-conductor cable, it's SCSI through and
   through.

 Answer from Gordie...

   If it's a SCSI drive, it has an embedded controller, and will need
   that in any new mech you install. Otherwise, there should be some kind
   of controller card inside the HD case somewhere. Either RLL or MFM in
   flavor.  As long as you stay with the same type of mech, you'll be
   fine.

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

 Confused about the different Spectrum modes...

 Question from LAMARTH...

   Can anyone tell me what the difference between a Spectrum .SPC and a
   .SPS file? I've got a few Spectrum .SPS files that my viewer
   apparently won't display. It'll view .SPC files just fine but
   completely ignores .SPS. Any help would be appreciated!


 Answer from JBEAU...

   You need SPCELITE.PRG - SPC is "compressed" Spectrum format - SPS is
   "smooshed" Spectrum format, even smaller.

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

 Confused as to what 68000 replacement to buy?

 Question by RMORROW...

   I just got the Best Electronics catalog today (what a catalog!!) and
   it lists a 68000NF8 PLCC MPU for the STE line. However, no real info
   followed.

 Answer from KSCHAFER...

   Thats a 68000 FN 8, right?

   68000 means 68000, FN means its a PLCC part, and 8 is the speed.

 Answer from Norm Wierness...

   From that number, I believe it is a full 68000, just in square
   packaging. The clue is that there are no other letters between the 68
   and the 000. N generally means plastic (as opposed to ceramic)
   package, the F like indicates the PLCC and the 8 means 8 MHz.  What
   was the price?

 Answer from RMORROW...

   Price of that chip was $18 I believe. In other words, it's just
   another box-stock 68k CPU chip?

 Question from MICKEYANGELL...

   What does the PLCC mean?

 Answer from LMCCLURE...

   The words 'Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier' come to mind for PLCC. I
   assume the 'plastic' part refers to the chip package, as plastic leads
   typically don't conduct electricity very well! <GRIN>

   I would however, wait for a confirmation of that definition from a
   second party before betting anything significant on its accuracy.

 More comments by Norm Wierness...

   'Fraid so. The normal price for a 68000-8, the DIP used in older
   Atari's is about $10, in single quantity....

   PLCC= Plastic, Leadless Chip Carrier. The square chips actually have
   leads, but they are folded under the case. Instead of being inserted
   through holes in the printed circuit board and soldered, they are put
   in sockets.

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

 From RMORROW...

   For those looking for various hardware upgrades or simply replacement
   parts, get the Best Electronics catalog. It's 44 pages long, with
   parts for stuff going back to the original PONG game! Cartridges,
   keyboard replacements, trackballs, light guns, CPU's , Math
   co-processors, etc. Even a 120/230v power supply that fits in without
   modification (& is better than the stock one).

   Best Electronics 408-243-6950

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

 More from RMORROW...

   For those looking for Atari 8-bit and ST/TT ham radio programs, you
   may want to check out The Atari Microcomputer Network by writing John
   Adams KC5FW, 1011 Impala Isla, Granite Shoals, TX 78654. They have a
   larger selection of 8-bit than ST stuff.

   The deal is pretty good-send them a formatted disk and SASE (make sure
   the postage covers the disk weight!) and tell them what you want based
   on their list, then they put it on the disk and send it back. No $
   involved. Other ham programs they may not have are always welcome-as
   long as they're PD or S/W.

   OR, they run an Atari net on 14.325 MHz @ 1600 GMT every Sunday. NCS
   is Dave, KD7VA in Las Vegas.

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

 Atari SC 1224 monitor problems...

 Question from GODRULES...

   I have an Atari SC 1224 Monitor on which the on off switch seems to
   have broken. I called my local Atari dealer and he said they can't be
   fixed.

   Is this true. My gosh doesn't someone else make a switch that can
   replace it????? This dealer told me I could bring my broken model in
   and trade for the newer one, but that seems ridiculous seeing as the
   part that needs to be replaced probably would cost 4-5$.

   If I am stuck buying a new model, what is the best way to go, the new
   Atari SC1435,(with planned obsolescence included?) or the Magnavox
   1CM135, which I believe works with the Atari line. Any feedback would
   be sincerely appreciated.

 Answer from LMCCLURE...

   Which model of SC1224 do you have? The original model, with the darker
   gray bezel, and swoop back? The middle model that looks like the
   SM124, or the later model that is rather squarish?

   If worse comes to worse, you could always bridge the switch circuit to
   the 'on' position and control the monitor power with a powerstrip, or
   one of those under-the-monitor rocker switch power centers (which some
   accessory companies in Computer Shopper sell for less than $15).

   Have you gotten your hands on a Best Electronics catalog to see if
   they carry the switch?

 More help from RMORROW...

   Call Best Electronics @ 408-243-6950. If they don't have it; it
   doesn't exist! :)

 More from GODRULES...

   I have the later model that is rather squarish. I suppose I could try
   bridging the circuit so it is on. I might give it a try. Thanks for
   the idea....

   Thanks for the phone number, they must be in No. Calif., by the looks
   of the area code, so they may be within driving distance of where I
   live. I hope they have the part, it seems like a waste of a good
   monitor if they don't.

 Further help from LMCCLURE...

   I just checked my Best Electronics catalog. The picture identifies
   your monitor as the model made for Atari by Samsung. It also lists the
   following:

      Samsung made SC1224 Color monitor
      On/Off push button switch (Rhombus shape 1" wide) (less button)
      C399230.....................$12.00

   The catalog lists their phone number as 408-243-6950. This price was
   taken from the Rev. 9 catalog, page 11. Their minimum order is $12,
   but they do NOT accept credit cards (or didn't when the catalog was
   issued), so you would either need to prepay or have it sent COD.

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

 Should you speed your TT up to 50mhz?

 Question from SCHUYLAR...

   All this 50mhz talk has gotten me fired up. Does anyone know what
   would happen if you switched out the 33mhz '030' inside a TT for a
   50mhz model?

   Any speed up? or nothing at all, and a total waste of $$? Thanks.

 Answer from Norm Wierness...

   Total waste. The clocking, the memory, and whole lot of other stuff
   has to increase to get any advantage. It's like putting 70 ns. RAM in
   an ST. It works, of course, but gains no advantage.

   ...[main memory]...That runs at a fixed clock, so faster RAM buys
   nothing. Cache RAM only needs be fast enough for the processor to read
   it (or write it) in the minimum processor-memory cycle...anything
   faster also gains nothing. But it's fairly easy to supply a Motorola
   processor with memory fast enough for fastest operation.

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

 About Flash II...

 Question from LMCCLURE...

   Has anyone purchased or upgraded to Flash II yet? If so, how about
   some feedback?

 Feedback from WAYNEDUNHAM...

   I received my Flash II update a few days ago and overall it's very
   nice, but there are a few mixed emotions. Naturally most of that is
   probably just having to adjust from the original Flash which I've used
   ever since it first came out. Kind of like a new pair of shoes, at
   first they hurt your feet and feel 'strange', but after a while they
   get comfortable.

   The type ahead buffer (using it now) is a MAJOR joy to use. You now
   have a full screen width 3 line buffer. You can type 3 lines of text
   before sending, and also edit it before sending it if necessary. MUCHO
   better than the old Flash type ahead.

   I've had good luck with my .DO files, but not all commands work and
   some not quite the same as in Flash. Some of these discrepancies are
   going to be fixed in future updates, and others that were left out are
   being talked about over on that other network. Overall unless your .DO
   files are VERY advanced you should have no trouble. The commands that
   are left out are very obscure ones that are rarely used and in most
   cases aren't necessary.

   Also all the ones that I've found so far that don't work the same as
   in the original are being fixed to work the same, but in the meantime
   only minor changes to your .DO files are required to fix them.

   There are MANY things in Flash II that weren't in the original Flash.
   MUCH better ANSI emulation, Zmodem built in, now The transfer path can
   be set separately from the normal path, etc, etc.

   One thing I have a major gripe with is the Silent Line background
   transfer program. It's a double-booter, i.e. it boots your machine
   twice. To me that is an unacceptable thing. Also no Zmodem in Silent
   Line yet. I have voiced my opinion about the double boot and they are
   going to try and eliminate the double boot. They have already said
   that they are going to try and get Zmodem into Silent Line on the
   first bug fix/update round.

   Overall I'm pleased with it. I've only been using it a few days, and
   am learning more about it all the time and becoming more comfortable
   with it.

 More questions from LMCCLURE...

   Okay...the big question. Is it, in your opinion, for a cash-strapped
   individual, worth the $30 upgrade fee?

   I gotta admit, the built-in Zmodem is what holds the greatest appeal
   to me, but finding out that Silent Line does not yet support it is
   something of a downer.

   None of my Flash .DO files use anything more fancy than displaying a
   dialog box, so I should be in the clear on that point.

 Answer from WAYNEDUNHAM...

   Is Flash II worth the $30 upgrade fee? Hmmmm that is something you'll
   have to decide for yourself. I'll answer any questions you might have
   to ask to help you make the decision, but the decision will have to be
   yours ultimately.

   Where do you find Flash deficient now? Does Flash II address those
   needs? After totalling up all your gripes about Flash and how Flash II
   addresses those needs does that come to a value of $30 or more?

   The built in Zmodem is nice. It also is automatic. If you select
   Zmodem download on a board or here the Zmodem transfer will
   automatically start as soon as the other end starts sending. It wasn't
   a major drawback to me with Flash though because I used XYZ 2.0 by
   Alan Hamilton (registered) and had it set up on a function key. So all
   I had to do was press F10 to download with Zmodem anyways. Zmodem
   uploads will be a bit easier with Flash II. I have Zmodem uploading on
   a function key with Flash also, but I still have to pump in the
   filename to upload. After the upload I also have to remember to change
   my default path back too due to the way I do the Zmodem upload on my
   function keys.(the function key automatically resets the default path
   on my downloads)

   Another major feature to me is the expanded Type Ahead buffer. It's
   now a FULL 3 lines instead of the single partial line of the original
   Flash.

   It can now round-robin style call several boards and keep trying them
   in rotation until it connects with one of the ones you've selected.
   After you logoff that board it will continue calling the other ones
   selected if you like also. There are .DO files out there to do that
   for Flash although I've never tried them since this isn't a major
   feature to *me*. Many users find this a very desirable feature though
   which is why I mentioned it.

   Although I can't confirm it since I don't have one it's supposed to
   work better than Flash on big monitors like the Moniterm, etc.

   Enhanced text editor features in the capture buffer. You now have cut
   & paste ability.

   More terminal emulation support. The Ansi is much better but I haven't
   used it a lot and *to me* it's still not as good as the ANSI emulator
   for Interlink.

   The setups for each board is separate. You can set things like the
   terminal emulation, word wrap, capture buffer on, 7 or 8 bit, duplex,
   etc, etc. This feature in itself will eliminate a major portion of my
   logon .DO files.

   There are many other things too. If you have a question feel free to
   ask away.

 More Questions from LMCCLURE...

   In STR817, there was a message captured from FNET that complained that
   Flash II seemed slow.

 More answers from WAYNEDUNHAM...

   Right now it does seem slow at pumping the incoming text onscreen, but
   I haven't been losing anything with the couple places I call at 9600
   baud.

   Naturally as with any brand new major application there are some
   glitches but overall it's not too bad. I'm not going to say waiting
   would be bad because if Flash is doing the job for you right now there
   isn't a pressing need to upgrade unless the upgrade offer runs out.
   There is frank and open talk on *G* with them about the problems,
   drawbacks, bugs, etc.  They seem very receptive to the users at this
   point so I have high hopes.

   To some degree the glitches in Flash II are glaring only because the
   original Flash was so robust and crash-proof.

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

 A cute post about "Modem Addictus" from the Jerry Pournelle RT on Genie
 that thought you might enjoy - Cat. 4, Topic 40 - Msg. 24 - From
 J.HILL57...

   It's Saturday night and I finally got my wife to sit up with me in
   front of the old VGA (our little fireplace). I got her interested in
   another board a couple days ago and today she told me she was ready to
   start a topic. In the past my wife has called me a nerd, but as I
   stared at her tonight, as she typed in her topic, I could not believe
   what I saw in her eyes. She has become "MODEM ADDICTUS", a disease
   which I have succumbed to. I know it's hard to .....

   "What was that dear? ....." "Oh, alright."

   Sorry, but we have to go. My wife wants to check to see if anyone
   replied to the topic she started fifteen minutes ago. I think I've
   created a "NERD- ETTE".

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

 Until next week.....



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

                             IMPORTANT NOTICE!
                             =================

     STReport International  Online Magazine is available every week in the
 ST Advantage on DELPHI.  STReport readers are  invited to  join DELPHI and
 become a part of the friendly community of Atari enthusiasts 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 Basic  Plan offers  access for  only $6.00  per hour, for any
 baud rate.  The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.

     If you spend more than 200 minutes online  a month,  you'll save money
 by enrolling  in DELPHI's optional 20/20 Advantage Plan.   You'll enjoy up
 to 20 hours online each month  for  the  ridiculously  low  price  of just
 $20.00!  And if you go over that 20 hours, the rate goes up to only $1.20,
 still 1/5th the price of other services.

     There is no signup fee for joining the Basic Plan.  There is a  fee of
 $39 when  you join the 20/20 Advantage Plan, a one-time $19 signup fee and
 your first month's $20 fee.

     These connect rates apply for access  via Tymnet  or SprintNet (within
 the continental United States) during home time (7 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays
 and all day weekends) or  via  direct  dial  around  the  clock.   Telecom
 surcharges  apply  for  daytime  or  international  access  via  Tymnet or
 SprintNet.  See Using  DELPHI online  for detailed  information on telecom
 surcharges.

   For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005

 DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, Mass.


                 DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!



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





 > BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST STR SHOW NEWS    "The Summertime Atari Event!"
   ==================================


                         1992 Blue Ridge ATARIFEST
                         """""""""""""""""""""""""



 Where: Westgate Shopping Center - Asheville, N.C.

 Take any  major highway  into Asheville  (US 19-23,  US 26 or I-40) to the
 I-240 loop, then  take  the  "Westgate/Hilton  Inn  Drive  exit"  into the
 Westgate Shopping Center parking lot.

                            When: 18, July 1992
                            Time: 10:am to 6:pm

 Points of contact:

               Van Estes, BRACE Pres.       Clifford E. Allen, V.Pres.
               704-685-8358                 GEnie: C.Allen17
                                            INTERNET: callen@UNCA.EDU
                                            704-258-3758

                              Sheldon Winick
                              GEnie: S.WINICK
                              Computer STudio
                              704-251-0201


                 Come for the day or come for the weekend,
                      but do come and enjoy yourself.


 Great Smokies Hilton Resort  Hilton Inn Drive        (704)254-3211
                  Toll-free reservation phone number 1-800-733-3211


 Radisson                    One Thomas Wolf Plaza    (704)252-8211
                  Rate: $62.00 per room (1-4 people)


          ====== Additional Hotel / Motel Information ===========

 Days Inn                       I-26 and Airport Road     (704)684-2281
                                I-40 Exit 55              (704)298-5140

 Econo Lodge                    US 70 East, I-40 Exit 55  (704)298-5519

 Holiday Inn                    275 Smoky Park Hwy        (704)667-4501
                        Toll-free reservation phone number1-800-HOLIDAY

 Red Roof Inn                   I-40 and US 19-23 Exit 44 (704)667-9803
                       Toll-free reservation phone number1-800-843-7663

 Buget Motel                    I-40 Exit 44 (Enka-Chandler)
                                   West  Asheville  Exit      (704)665-2100
 Best
 Western Asheville Central  22 Woodfin St                 (704)253-1851

       ========= Local Bed & Breakfast lodging Information =========

 Aberdeen Inn                64 Linden Ave                (704)254-9336
 Albemarle Inn               86 Edgemont Road             (704)255-0027
 Applewood Manor             62 Cumberland Circle         (704)254-2244
 The Bridle Path Inn        Lockout Road                  (704)252-0035
 Cairn Brae B & B           217 Patton Mountain Rd        (704)252-9219
 Carolina B & B             177 Cumberland Ave            (704)254-3608
 Cedar Crest Victorian Inn  674 Biltmore Ave              (704)252-1289
 Corner Oak Manor            53 St. Dunstan                   (704)253-3525
 Cornerstone Inn            230 Pearson Dr                (704)253-5644
 Flint Street Inn           100 & 116 Flint Street        (704)253-6723
 The Lion and The Rose      276 Montford Ave              (704)255-7673
 The Ray House B & B         83 Hillside St               (704)252-0106
 Reed House                 119 Dodge St                  (704)274-1604
 The Wright Inn             235 Pearson Drive             (704)251-0789]
                                                          (1-800-552-5724)

 A more  complete listing  of Bed  & Breakfasts can be obtained through the
 Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

 Reservations should be made immediately, as  July  is  the  height  of our
 tourist season.


                ===========  CAMP GROUNDS ================

           (reservations are a must during this time of season):

 Mount Pisgah:
     About 20  miles southwest  of Asheville  on the  Blue Ridge Parkway at
 mile post 408.6 (National Park Service).  690 acres.  Elevation 5000'. One
 of the  nicest campgrounds in Western North Carolina. 67 tent sites, 70 RV
 sites. For reservations: P.O.Box 749, Watnesville, N.C. 28786; phone (704)
 235-9109. No  showers. Groceries  and resturant.  Nature program.   14 day
 stay limit.

 Lake Powhatan:
     4 miles south of Asheville on  State road  191, 3.5  miles west  on FR
 806.  30  acres.  98  tent/rv  sites.  Reservation  available  thru Mistix
 1-800-283-CAMP.  Disposal   station.  No   showers.  Swimming;  lifeguard;
 fishing; nature trails; bicycles. 14-day stay limit.

     While in  the area,  you might  want to consider a little sightseeing,
 and include a visit to the Biltmore House  here in  Asheville (the largest
 single family  residence ever  built in the U.S.--its a "castle"). A visit
 to the Biltmore can be a full-day's activity as you will want  to view the
 house, visit the winery, and walk some of the grounds and gardens.
 Hours:
          The House 9 am to 6pm         The Gardens 9am to 7pm
                         Conservatory 9am to 5:30pm
          The Winery Monday-Saturday   11am to 7pm Sunday 1pm to 7pm

     Other areas of interest include; the Thomas Wolf home (adjacent to the
 Raddison), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Folk Art Center. A drive up the Blue
 ridge Parkway  to enjoy  the higher elevations and incredible views of our
 mountains. Perhaps a hike  up  to  Mount  Pisgah  and  look  back  down to
 Asheville(you  can  see  Mt.  Pisgah  from most anywhere in Asheville).  A
 short drive from Mt. Pisgah will take you  to Sliding  Rock (for  those of
 you  travelling  with  kids  who  are  still kids at heart), the Cradle of
 Forestry (first forest school in the country), waterfalls, trout hatchery,
 etc. For  the adventurous, white water rafting  on the Natahala River near
 Bryson City (approx one and a half hours from here).

     There's obviously loads  more  to  see  and  do  around  Asheville (in
 addition to  the Blue  Ridge AtariFest and a visit to Computer STudio :-).
 If any of y'all would like maps and additional tourist info of  the area I
 might suggest contacting the Chamber of Commerce:

                    Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
                            151 Haywood Street
                               P.O. Box 1010
                            Asheville, NC 28802
                      704-258-6111 FAX: (704)251-0926


    ___________________________________________________________________




 > BLUE RIDGE FEST! STR SHOW NEWS    BLUE RIDGE DINNER DANCE ANNOUNCED!
   ==============================




                     BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST '92 BANQUET
                     ================================



 Prepared by:  Sheldon Winick
 May 15, 1992  Asheville, NC

     Computer STudio  has finalized  arrangements for an after show banquet
 at the Pisgah View Ranch.  This will definitely be somewhat different from
 the usual semi-formal type hotel affairs of the other shows, and will be a
 real down-home, country party in the mountains!

     Dinner will be served family-style....... as long as  you keep eating,
 they'll keep serving!  And check out the menu:

                               Tossed Salad
                                Country Ham
                               Fried Chicken
                            Cornbread Dressing
                              Rice and Gravy
                                Green Beans
                           Sweet Potato Souffle
                              Homemade Rolls
                                 Beverages
                             Homemade desserts

     After dinner,  there will be live entertainment in the air-conditioned
 barn, guaranteed to bring out he  'country'  in  everyone!    There's also
 volleyball  and  shuffleboard  if  anyone  still  has the energy after the
 excitement of the show.  Or  how  about  just  sitting  on  the  porch and
 enjoying our clean mountain air.

     Advance reservations are required for the Blue Ridge AtariFest Banquet
 as seating space is  limited to  100 people.   Cost  is $17.50  per person
 (children  under  6  are  half-price).    If you're planning on attending,
 please return the following reservation form along with  you payment check
 as soon as possible.

     Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.  In the
 event we should receive  more reservations  than seating  space available,
 your checks will be returned.


                    cut here and return with your check
   =====================================================================

           BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST '92 - BANQUET RESERVATION FORM:


  Name:  _______________________________________________________________

  Address:  ____________________________________________________________

  City:  _________________________  State:  _________  Zip:  ___________

        Phone Number:  (       )  _________________________________

  Number attending:  ______  Adults @ $17.50 each     = $_______________

                     ______  Children under 6 @ $8.75 = $_______________

                     TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ............ $_______________

   Banquet tickets and a map of directions to the Pisgah View Ranch will
              be mailed to those with confirmed reservations.

  PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO "COMPUTER STUDIO" and mail this completed
                reservation form along with your check to:

                              Computer STudio
                         Westgate Shopping Center
                       40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D
                           Asheville, NC  28806

  ======================================================================
                    cut here and return with your check

     I'm  pleased  to  announce  that  John Cole will be attending The Blue
 Ridge AtariFest representing LEXICOR SOFTWARE.  He has advised us that the
 Lexicor booth will not only have loads of desktop video demos to show, but
 will also have Leonardo and possibly Monalisa (the 'NEW' stuff!!).

                              DON'T MISS IT!

                           Blue Ridge AtariFest
                 Saturday, July 18, 1992  ---  10am - 6pm
                Westgate Shopping Center ---  Asheville, NC



      _______________________________________________________________





 > BCS UVEILING STR FOCUS             "It's _ON_Again!
   ======================



                           ATARI UNVEILS AT BCS!
                            "IT'S _ON_ AGAIN!"



 by Dana P. Jacobson


     Earlier this year, Atari made arrangements to unveil their new
 computer(s) at the Boston Computer Society's general meeting in April.
 Atari had unveiled the "new" 520ST at a BCS meeting back in 1985; and
 this was to have been the first time since then that Atari has utilized
 the BCS' prominence in the computing arena to unveil its new machines.
 Unfortunately, Atari cancelled the meeting due to some unforeseen
 problems.  Since the new machine(s) weren't available (production models)
 for the CeBIT or Toronto shows either, that might explain the BCS
 cancellation.

     Regardless, Bob Brodie has _finally_ managed to contact the BCS to
 reschedule the Atari meeting with the BCS general membership.  According
 to BCS/Atari personnel, the meeting will be scheduled for the Fall, most
 likely in September, if the BCS docket is open.  Specific meeting details
 are naturally pending until the date is set.

     According to BCS/Atari President Mike Newhall, Bob Brodie provided the
 following information about the machine to be introduced at the upcoming
 BCS meeting ("real and implied" info):

     The announcement will be for _one_ machine (one main product,
 questionable _with_ accessory products).

     It will be a low-end, low-price consumer product, i.e. _not_ a new
 flagship computer (not a TT replacement), but will possibly take the place
 of the ST as Atari's baseline machine.  (Editor's note: outsiders who
 have seen the machine have guessed it will cost around $1200)

     September announcement with BCS if the BCS makes this date available;
 BCS Resource Center will get one immediately after the showing.  Possible
 Fall availability (just prior to, during, or shortly after the BCS
 meeting)  Reality - 1993?

     The machine will be an 030.  16MHz - possibly.  NO slots.  Of course,
 better sound and graphics, including hardware scrolling.  Digital sound
 in, implied.  Implied - analog controller ports (from the STe but dropped
 on the TT/MSTe).

     Atari is NOT currently considering marketing this machine as a
 high-end game machine.  (Editor's note: does "currently" mean possibly in
 the future it _will_ be?)

     MultiTOS - runs legally written off-the-shelf applications (most games
 violate Atari's programming rules).  MultiTOS _can_ be made available for
 older machines, but may or may not be (no special hardware required).
 Middle management is currently trying to convince upper management to do
 this even though it makes no sense to run MultiTOS on an 8 MHz 68000
 machine.

 (Editor's note: what about those people who have accelerator boards?)

     Atari IS working on '040' machine(s).  Also, all future slotted
 machines will continue to support the VME bus standard begun on the MSTe
 and TT machines.  As more details are learned, we at STReport will keep
 you informed.  So far, this machine sounds like a contender in the
 ever-growing price-competitive computer market.  Atari needs to get this
 new machine out into the streets as quickly as possible for any hopes to
 survive - let's hope so!!


       ____________________________________________________________





 > CALLIGRAPHER STR InfoFile      SPECIAL TRADE-UP OFFER FOR CALLIGRAPHER!
   =========================




 For immediate release
 CodeHeadQuarters
 Friday, May 15, 1992
 ----------------------


 NEWS FLASHES.....


     CALLIGRAPHER IS SHIPPING!

         SPECIAL TRADE-UP OFFER FOR CALLIGRAPHER!

             POSTSCRIPT INCLUDED WITH CALLIGRAPHER PROFESSIONAL!

                 FONT DISKS ANNOUNCED!


     It's an unusual event  in the  computer industry  for a  product to be
 released on schedule, but CodeHead Technologies has done it.  Calligrapher
 Professional and Calligrapher Gold are ready to go.

     We're convinced that Calligrapher is the Ultimate Writing  Machine and
 we'd also like to convince YOU.  As an incentive, we're offering a special
 trade-in discount to owners of other Atari word processors -- just send us
 your master disk for any one of the programs listed below and you'll get a
 $35.00 discount off of Calligrapher's normal price.

     That's  right,  you'll  get  Calligrapher  Professional  for  $140  or
 Calligrapher Gold for $215 !!

 Master disks for any of the following word processors will be accepted:

             Word Writer           Microsoft Word
             Word Perfect          1st Word Plus
             WordUp                Signum
             Wordflair             That's Write
             Regent Word           Write On



    """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

     We made  a mistake in our Calligrapher press release when we mentioned
     PostScript support.  We  didn't  realize  that  PostScript  support is
     included with Calligrapher Professional also.

     That's right...you  don't have  to GO  FOR THE  GOLD to get PostScript
     support, it's a standard feature!


    """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


   Font Disks
  ------------

 Calligrapher Professional and Calligrapher Gold each include the following
 outline fonts from URW:


    Zurich Medium          Zurich Bold          (like Helvetica)
    Holland Medium         Holland Bold         (like Times Roman)
    Holland Italic         Holland Bold Italic
    Math Symbols                                (includes Greek characters)
    Ornaments                                   (like Dingbats)
    Unitype Medium         Unitype Bold         (like Courier)


 Besides  these  fonts,  there's  an entire library of high-quality outline
 fonts available from CodeHead Technologies.  These fonts are licensed from
 URW, a font foundry well-known for its quality.

 Font disks  are $34.95  and each disk typically contains one main typeface
 and related weights (e.g. Garamond, Bold,  Italic and  Bold Italic).   The
 following typefaces are available:


    Washington Light       Windsor               Windsor Condensed
    Weiss Rundgotisch      Vag Runschrift        Vivaldi
    Vladimir Script        Arnold Boecklin       Arsis
    Alte Schwabacher       Alternate Gothic      Accolade
    American Uncial        Baskerville           Belwe
    Brittanic Extra Light  Brush Script          Blippo Black
    Binner                 Brody                 Broadway Engraved
    Broadway               Baskerville Old Face  Bodoni Black
    Bodoni Antiqua         Bodoni Medium         Bodoni Antiqua Condensed
    Berling                Brittanic Medium      Bodoni Ultra
    Balloon                Bernhard Antique      Bernhard Fashion
    Chelmsford Light       Chelmsford Medium     Cooper Black Bold
    Century Old Style      Century Schoolbook    Commercial Script
    Castle                 Cheltenham            Eurostile
    Clearface Gothic       Copperplate           Copperplate Condensed
    Congress Regular       Caslon Graphique      Davida
    Dynamo                 Dom Casual            Congress Bold
    Eurostile Expanded     Egyptienne Bold Cond. Egyptienne Black Cond.
    Egizio Condensed       Egyptian              Fette Engschrift Din
    Flyer                  Franklin Gothic       Garamond
    Garamond Condensed     Gill Kayo             Gill Serie


 IMPORTANT REMINDER:
     Remember  that  Calligrapher  uses  G+Plus  (like GDOS) so you are not
     required  to  purchase  any  of  these  fonts.     You  can   use  any
     GDOS-compatible  font  with  Calligrapher.   The availability of these
     outline fonts  is an  added extra  that gives  Calligrapher more power
     yet.


             """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


   Pricing
  ---------
                             Retail Price:   Trade-up Price:

    Calligrapher Professional    $175.00        $140.00
    Calligrapher Gold            $250.00        $215.00
    Font Disks                    $34.95 each


 Only one  $35 discount  is allowed per customer.  To take advantage of our
 trade-up offer send payment  and the  master disk  from any  eligible word
 processor  to  CodeHead  Technologies  at  the address below.  Mastercard,
 Visa, and American Express credit cards are accepted.   For  shipping, add
 $5 US and $6 Canada.

                           CodeHead Technologies
                              P.O. Box 74090
                           Los Angeles, CA 90004

                           Phone: (213) 386-5735
                       (Mon-Fri 9A-1P Pacific Time)
                           FAX:   (213) 386-5789
                           BBS:   (213) 461-2095


       _____________________________________________________________





 > NEWEST RIPOFF! STR FOCUS          Should computer users be taxed.......?
   ========================




                            THE SOUND OF MONEY
                            ==================


          Should computer users be taxed to benefit the US record
             business?  They will be if Congress has its way.



 by Peter Newcomb


     Should the  nation's computer users subsidize the super-rich moguls of
 the US record business?  Congress seems to think they  should.e Audio Home
 Recording Act of 1991 sailed through the Senate Judiciary Committee and is
 now awaiting approval there as well as in the House.

     Sponsored by Senator  DENNIS  DECONCINI  (D-ARIZ.)  and Representative
 WILLIAM  HUGHES  (D-NJ),  this  bill,  as  well  as  a  related House bill
 sponsored by CARDISS COLLINS (D-ILL.), WOULD  IMPOSE A  3% TAX  the record
 industry  prefers  to  call  it  a "royalty on all blank digital recording
 media": DAT cassettes  and  digital  compact  cassettes,  as  well  as the
 anticipated recordable mini disc due on the market by next spring.

     ON TOP OF THAT, A NEW 2% TAX WOULD BE IMPOSED ON ALL DIGITAL TAPE
                            RECORDING MACHINES.

              WHO WOULD GET THE MONEY?  THE RECORD BUSINESS.

     The  idea  behind  the  bill  is  that it would protect performers and
 songwriters  from  pirates  who  could  use  the  new   digital  recording
 technologies  to  make  perfect  copies  of songs.  Record companies argue
 that they lose $1.5  billion a  year in  revenues because  of home taping.
 The  cassette,  disc  and  hardware  taxes  would  be  collected by the US
 Copyright Office and distributed by the  Copyright Royalty  Tribunal. Each
 year, anyone  who feels  entitled to  royalty payments  could petition the
 Tribunal.

     Sounds like a fair idea.    But  is  it?    For  one  thing,  most DAT
 cassettes are  now used for computer data storage, which has nothing to do
 with music.  Wide-scale consumer audio applications are still another five
 years away.

     Within that  time the tax could raise as much as $100 million annually
 with computer users coughing up two-thirds of that  amount.    Where would
 the  money  go?    Nearly  40%  would go directly to the record companies,
 including Sony Music Entertainment,  and MCA  Inc's huge  record division,
 owned by  Matsushita Electric  Industrial Co.,  Ltd.   These companies are
 already coining money, selling records and tapes to music-mad adolescents.
 they really  deserve to have the federal government act as a tax collector
 for them?

     But the record and entertainment moguls pack plenty of lobbying clout.
 Another 17%  of the  tax would go to music publishers.  After the costs of
 administering the royalty fund get deducted, 44% of  the pool  would go to
 songwriters and performers.

     The  proposed  legislation  also  mandates  that a special anti-taping
 computer  chip  be  installed  in  all  consumer  models  of  digital tape
 recorders.   Shown as  the "serial  copy management system," the SCMS chip
 encodes a message onto every copied  tape that  instructs the  tape not to
 allow another copy to be made from it.   The SCMS chip, made by Sony, will
 add about $25 to the cost of the DAT recorder -- to be paid, of course, by
 consumers.

     If  copies  can  be  so  easily  limited, why are the record companies
 pushing for the 3%  tax on  cassettes?   Two reasons.     The SCMS  can be
 easily bypassed  by simply  sending the digital message through the analog
 jacks on the back of the tape unit.   But Wayne Green, former publisher of
 CD Review  and owner  of a  handful of small record labels, gets closer to
 the truth when he insists: "It's just a  way for  the record  companies to
 get a tax on blank cassettes."

 Forbes address (for letters to editor or whatever)

                                Forbes Inc.
                              60 Fifth Avenue
                            New York, NY 10011

 NOTE: this particular issue has a lot of other good articles and might
 be worth buying.  Particularly interesting is an article called "The
 Tax Tree" that shows where America's income and tax revenues come from.

       same old sample letter to Congress (for those who missed it)

 Since so  many people  wrote me privately that they wanted a sample letter
 to send to "the world's finest deliberative body", here it is...  (keep in
 mind what a politically-savvy person told me:  Congressmen assume that for
 every letter that comes in, there are 1000 constituents who  feel the same
 way, but  weren't exercised enough to write -- so a single letter can make
 a politician think that 1000 votes are at risk)



                     """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


 Senator [Representative]
 The Capitol
 Washington, DC 20510 [20515]

 Dear Senator [Representative]:

     I would like to  know  how  you  intend  to  vote  on  the  Audio Home
 Recording Act  of 1991  (AHRA).   This bill will injure consumers and help
 foreigners to compete  with  AMERICAN  CONSUMER  ELECTRONICS  and COMPUTER
 MANUFACTURERS.   Worst of all, by taxing digital audio media that are used
 for computer  data  storage,  this  bill  will  discourage  Americans from
 efficiently using information technology.

 1)    To  not  "promote  the  progress  of  the  arts," the constitutional
     justification for expanding copyright.    In fact,  struggling artists
     will  have  to  pay  more  for media and digital audio recorders, thus
     hindering them in their ability  to  compete  with  established stars.
     Will Michael  Jackson produce  better music  if the AHRA increases his
     income by 1%? will we be deprived of a future  Michael Jackson because
     an unknown artist could not afford a "professional" digital recorder?

 2)  To artificially restrain the American computer industry, which, in the
     absence of legislation, would use  the  same  blank  media  as digital
     audio  recorders.AT  tapes,  the  only  currently  available  consumer
     digital audio format, are  far more  popular for  computer data backup
     than for  copying CDs.     Why should  I pay  a tax  on tapes I use to
     backup my  Apple hard  disk to  Apple's foreign  competitors (Sony and
     Matsushita)?

 3)   To destroy  an emerging American industry manufacturing digital audio
     products and cause a substantial loss  of  manufacturing  jobs.     We
     invented  digital  signal  processing,  but  to  build a digital audio
     product, a small company  would have  to pay  thousands of  dollars of
     legal  expenses  to  review  the  AHRA  and  subsequent administrative
     rulings to see if  it was  in compliance.     This bill  requires cash
     strapped start-ups to hire lawyers instead of engineers.

 4)    To  help  create  a Japanese monopoly on manufacturing digital audio
     equipment.s bill  gives  a  tremendous  competitive  advantage  to big
     consumer electronics  companies that manufacture their own microchips.
     By mandating SCMS, the AHRA ensures that American companies will be at
     the mercy of their foreign competition.

 5)     To  injure   consumers,  especially   blind  consumers  (who  do  a
     disproportionate amount of audio  recording),  by  subjecting  them to
     price  discrimination   and  taxes   on  computer   data  storage  and
     non-infringing audio storage.

 6)  To increase the trade  deficit as  Japanese manufacturers  and foreign
     owned  record   companies  displace  American  suppliers  and  collect
     American tax dollars.

 7)  To set up a new government bureaucracy to take money out of  the hands
     of consumers  and feed  most of it to a few big private corporations.I
     don't care if the new bureaucracy  can pay  itself with  money skimmed
     off the  top.    I  don't want  my government involved in this sort of
     thing.

     This bill is  completely  unnecessary,  unwarranted  and  totally non-
 productive.    Firstly,  Congress's own OTA determined that most taping is
 done on material the consumer already owns.  I pay $15 for a CD that costs
 $1 to manufacture, is it really so unfair that I make a copy to play in my
 car?  And why should Sony get more money a tax?  They already  sold me the
 CD player,  the receiver,  the cassette  deck, the blank tape, and the car
 stereo, if not the car!  Haven't they made enough money??  I    think   it
 would be  much more interesting if Congress investigating why CDs sell for
 twice as much as  LPs even  though they  cost less  to manufacture.   That
 doesn't sound like perfect competition to me.

     Secondly, we are about to enter into an era of high-band width digital
 communications  and  machines  that  transparently  handle  computer data,
 video  and  audio  in  the  same  manner.      This  legislation will look
 ridiculously vague and silly in five years.

    Only lawyers will be happy with the resulting chaos and litigation.

     Finally, the idea that we Americans are all criminals doesn't sit well
 with me.    We paid $6 billion for prerecorded music last year despite the
 fact that we all have cassette recorders.   We  paid tens  of billions for
 publications despite widespread Xerox machines.   We paid tens of billions
 for software despite the ease of copying it with computers.   We  gave you
 the benefit  of the  doubt by  voting for you -- please... at least do the
 same for us the American Voters.

 Very truly yours,


            """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

     The above article obtained from Usenet  on the  DAT tax  issue, how it
 insults consumers,  and pads the pockets of those who don't need it at the
 expense of an industry unrelated to the music business.   I also  like the
 part in  the form  letter included  at the  end where  it point's out that
 congress is accusing it's citizens of piracy before the fact.

 Act on it as you will.

     On page 102 of the latest (May 11) issue of Forbes magazine,  you will
 find the  only real article on the destructive Audio Home Recording Act of
 1991 to have appeared in  a  widely  circulated  journal.      The article
 contains  some  errors,  notably  concerning  SCMS, but it is basically on
 target.   Forbes magazine is by far the best of the business mags  and has
 a reputation for printing meaty stories the other guys replace with fluff.


        ___________________________________________________________





 > STR Portfolio News & Information              Keeping up to date...
   ================================



                         THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM
                         =========================

 On CompuServe


 by Judith Hamner  72257,271

     The winners of the programming contest have been announced.  First
 prizemgoes to Don Messerli for PGCPZL, a pictorial version of the classic
 sliding tile puzzle.  Second place is awarded to Hugh Campbell for
 GOLF10. Dwight Lindley and Tom Showers tied for third place and will
 receive duplicate prizes.  Both had useful programs to supplement the
 built-in applications.  Dwight's DU1 is an add-on to the diary program.
 Tom's LISTER is a to-do list program.

     With all of the recent interest in sound for the Port, there has been
 discussion of the possibility of improving on the built-in speaker.  Bruce
 Coleman has described the construction of the Portfolio lid and given
 suggestions for possible modification.  If you want to void your warranty
 or are just curious see OPENUP.TXT for a description.

     Peter Bennett has uploaded QQHELP.ZIP which should be of interest to
 programmers.  It is designed to work with Qedit but can be used with other
 programs to provide extended help and useful charts from within the
 editor.  CRIB.COM is a version of cribbage for the Portfolio.

     There was some discussion of the use of the Portfolio to help
 diabetics in controlling their disease.  Look for the thread "Why I wrote
 Pbasic" to find out how the Portfolio is used in a life-saving
 application.


    __________________________________________________________________





 > CT SHOW NEWS STR SHOW NEWS              CONNECTICUT SHOW NEWS
   ==========================



                              CT SHOW UPDATE
                              ==============

     The ACT Group has just announced that there will be an exciting dinner
 dance Saturday evening featuring  luminaries from  the Atari  market.  The
 core band  will be  composed of Atari Explorer's John Jainschigg and Peter
 Donoso, as well as Sam Ash's Fadi Hayek.  Interested musicians are invited
 to sit  in.  At the cocktail hour, during the buffet, and between the live
 sets, pre-recorded Atari produced synthesized  music  will  be  played for
 your  listening  pleasure.      With  a spacious dance floor, cash bar and
 plenty of room for schmoozing, this should be a wonderful and fun evening.
 With some of the best names, latest products, and top vendors in the Atari
 market, we think  you'll  find  the  CT  Fest  to  be  both  thrilling and
 educational.   With a major emphasis on the musical side of the ST/TT (via
 major vendors like Sam Ash and Manny's Music).

     We'll have non-stop performances by  live  and  studio  musicians both
 days.   Of course, other aspects like DTP, graphics, video, telecomm, etc.
 will be equally represented.

     Raffles, door prizes, swap rooms, hands on DTP  classes, desktop video
 classes and  more! Smack  dab between New York and Boston, this may be the
 highlight of the summer! The following  are some  of the  special interest
 areas we will be highlighting:

 MIDI  -  In  addition  to  the  Sat.    night  entertainment, we will have
 continuous musical activities,  involving  both  performance  and classes.
 Representatives from  Sam Ash  Music Stores  and Manny's  Music will be on
 hand, as  will  several  important  software  vendors.    We  will  have a
 synthesizer set  up for  all who wish to bring in any pre-recorded samples
 on floppy disk or casssette tape.

 DTP - Representatives will be on  hand to  demonstrate Pagestream, Calamus
 and  Publisher  2  in  both  a  booth  setting  as  well as in a classroom
 environment.  Come see some of these exciting new products! Palmtops - The
 Atari Portfolio  will be  spotlighted as  an exciting  link to the desktop
 environment.    Its   size,   portability,   convienience   and  extensive
 capabilities    will     be    demonstrated     throughout    the    show.
 Telecommunications,    word     processing,     P(ersonal)    I(nformation
 M(anagement), file  transfer and many other features will be shown.  Atari
 Petting Zoo - Representatives from dozens of User's groups will be showing
 a wide  variety of  their created  applications, ranging  from business to
 entertainment.  Several  workstations  will  be  in  continuous operation,
 allowing attendees  to work with the systems directly.  Come see what your
 fellow Atarians have created!

 8-Bit - We have a strong 8-Bit presence here in  New England,  and we will
 be  making  every  effort  to  support  our friends.  With the noted 8-bit
 hardware vendor ICD Inc. present, we  expect there  will be  some wheeling
 and dealing going on.

 Finally, we  will be  having tons  of prize giveaways, and a very exciting
 raffle for the grand prize!

 For further information, contact Co-Chairpersons Brian Gockley (203)
 332-1721 and Doug Finch (203) 637-1034.



           _____________________________________________________





 > PAGESTREAM TRADE-IN OFFER! STR InfoFile   UPGRADE OFFER FOR ATARI USERS!
   =======================================







       SOFT-LOGIK ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL UPGRADE OFFER FOR ATARI USERS!
       =============================================================





 Press Release
 -------------

 ATTENTION CALAMUS, PUBLISHER ST, FLEET STREET, PUBLISHING PARTNER AND
 PAGESTREAM OWNERS!

 St. Louis, Missouri; Soft-Logik  Publishing, the  developer of PageStream,
 the  premier  desktop  publishing  program  for  the  Atari  ST/STe/TT and
 Commodore Amiga computers, is  proud to  announce a  special upgrade offer
 for the Atari version of PageStream.

 PageStream 2  retails for  $299.95. With  our special offer, owners of any
 Atari desktop publisher can upgrade to PageStream 2  at a  very low price.
 This upgrade  will make  you eligible for future PageStream upgrades. This
 offer expires on August 31, 1992,  so  order  your  copy  of  PageStream 2
 today!

      This offer is limited to the Atari version of PageStream only.

 UPGRADE PRICES
     PageStream 1.x                          -> PageStream 2 ...$ 75
     Publishing Partner                      -> PageStream 2 ...$100
     ANY OTHER ATARI DTP PROGRAM             -> PageStream 2 ...$120

 HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL OFFER:

 Owners of Programs other than PageStream or Publishing Partner:
 ==============================================================

 Send the following to Soft-Logik:

 - Atari  DTP manual title page (any Atari DTP program, but no photocopies)
 - your original program disk OR a photocopy of a disk or registration
   card showing your registration number
 - your name, address, telephone number - the upgrade fee - $5 for shipping
   ($15 outside of USA and Canada)

 Owners of Publishing Partner or PageStream 1.x:
 ==============================================

 Send the following to Soft-Logik or phone sales for faster service:
 - your program registration number
 - your name, address, telephone number
 - the upgrade fee; $5 for shipping ($15 outside of USA and Canada)
 - VISA and MasterCard are accepted for phone/fax orders

                     SOFT-LOGIK PUBLISHING CORPORATION
                        11131 F South Towne Square
                           St. Louis, MO  63123
                       1-800-829-8608 (314)894-8608
                             fax: 314-894-3280


 Just an update on our current Atari products:

     PageStream 2.1      -  $299.95 - desktop publisher
     TypeFace Library    -  $ 12.50/font - 600 PostScript Type 1 fonts
     Starter Fonts       -  $ 99.95 - 8 PostScript Type 1 fonts
     Newsletter Fonts    -  $ 99.95 - 8 PostScript Type 1 fonts
     Designer Fonts      -  $199.95 - 16 PostScript Type 1 fonts
     Classic Fonts       -  $199.95 - 16 PostScript Type 1 fonts
     Graphic Library     -  $ 99.95/volume - 21 volumes of Illustrator EPS
                                clip art
     Font Plus Pack      -  $ 79.95 - screen fonts, font metrics and
                                Soft-Logik font outlines for the standard
                                35 resident PostScript fonts.
     Font Disk A         -  $ 39.95 - screen fonts and font metrics for the
                                standard 35 resident PostScript fonts.
                                Requires a PostScript printer.
     Font Plus Pack      -  $ 39.95 - 14 Soft-Logik format outline fonts.
     Business Forms      -  $ 39.95 - 40 commonly used business forms in
                                PageStream format.


       ____________________________________________________________





 > A CONSPIRACY? STR Feedback        "Don't believe any of this..."
   ==========================




                          ATARI'S DEMISE PLANNED?
                          =======================



 Ctsy Delphi

 13361 14-FEB 01:33 General Information
      Stoned
      From: VGHOWARD     To: ALL

 (Miscellaneous mail to VG&CE that can't be answered in the magazine for
 various reasons -- usually legal -- will be done so here whenever time
 permits by MR. VIDEO GUY.  In this installment, MR. VIDEO GUY uncovers the
 Grand Video-Gaming Conspiracy.)

 Dear VG&CE:

     I'm a 16-year-old video-game player and was wondering if you could
 shed light on the first "Golden Age" of video games, the time when Atari
 was king.  What ever happened to this company?  How did they lose their
 position in the business to what it is today? Thanks, and I also wanted
 to write to tell you what a fantastic job you guys are doing!

                                        --Debbie Debs   Rainsalot, CA




 MR. VIDEO GUY RESPONDS:

     Upon losing millions by the end of 1983, Atari was sold by its
 parent, Warner Communications, and, thus, the Golden Age of video games
 came to an abrupt end.  Supposedly, this "crash" came due to Americans'
 waning interest in playing video-games with blocky graphics and dinky
 sound.  Nintendo revived the industry in 1985, through careful marketing
 and keen observation of what went wrong the first time around.  This is
 the "truth" according to many, including VG&CE's Arnie "Mr. Video-Gaming
 Know-It-All" Katz.

     Don't believe any of this for a second, Deb.  This textbook fairy tale
 is the biggest perpetrated lie in video-gaming today.  How could Atari
 Inc., one  of the top American corporations in the early 80's, be deemed a
 financial loser even though its losses didn't come close to overcoming its
 past profits, taking inflation into account as well?   Why did Warner act
 uncharacteristically jittery about these losses?  Couldn't one of the
 world's biggest media conglomerates absorb Atari's losses for a lot longer
 than they actually did?  Consider the smaller company NEC and their
 TurboGraphX-16.  In the book ZAP! -- THE RISE AND FALL OF ATARI,
 mismanagement is blamed for the video-game giant's demise.  But even if
 this were the case (which is dubious), why didn't Warner execs just ax the
 boneheads in charge of Atari and replace them?  And who says mismanagement
 itself justifies the dismantling of an entire industry?  Look at the
 American auto industry.  I know what you're thinking..."Whoa, Mr. Video
 Guy has gone off the deep end because of his bitterness from not getting a
 promotion where he works."  Yet before you write me off as another
 conspiracy paranoic, ask yourself these questions:

          (1) Who would've benefited from Atari's death?
          (2) Who could've pulled it off?
          (3) Who could've covered it up?  Who?

     Atari didn't die, Miss Debs.  It was killed -- by NINTENDO.  Some
 facts:  From the late 1970's to early 80's, Atari dominated the coin-op
 scene.  Clearly, the beginning of the video-game industry was not only
 American invented but influenced, too.  The only stride that the Japanese
 made during these times was Space Invaders, but they were still too busy
 hawking pachinko, their lame-o answer to pinball.  Eventually, it was
 clear to the Japanese entertainment industry that America, along with the
 rest of the world, would never be hip to Japanese pop music and Akira
 Kurosawa flicks.  Already the masters of consumer electronic gadgetry.,
 they, naturally, wanted to produce a cultural export.  After all,
 America's most profitable export is its culture, in the form of bad
 movies, dumb TV shows, and tone-deaf pop songs.  How else do you explain
 Jerry Lewis and the French?

     There was only one avenue left for Japanese entertainment to try
 pervading; video-games.  But one thing stood in their way, Atari. Not eve
 n the American companies Mattel and Coleco could topple Atari's grip.
 Competing coin-op game makers also failed to break the company's equally
 tight hold in the arcades, among them Sega.  So, you see, Debbie, lots of
 companies on both fronts wanted Atari dead.

     Let us now SPECULATE the events that might have occurred leading up to
 that tragic day in 1983...

 * - Japan's #1 cheesy LCD "card" game maker Nintendo (overconfident by the
     success of their Donkey Kong coin-op and sequels) forms a secret
     alliance with Japan's #1 coin-op game company Sega (producers of
     pretty looking but quickly boring-to-play arcade games) to look at the
     possibility of unseating Atari in the video-game marketplace.

 * - Atari sells over five million units of Pac-Man for their 2600 unit.
     Sears declares the cartridge the second fastest selling item they've
     ever carried.  Seeing how Atari is so powerful that it can literally
     slap together an atrociously bad arcade translation and make nearly a
     billion dollars unsettles the Nintendo/Sega alliance.  Prompted also
     by the fact that Mattel's superior Intellivision still isn't taking
     off (despite TV endorsements by boring George Plimpton and what
     Nintendo/Sega feels is its excellent pad controllers), they decide to
     back off for now.

 * - (Late 1982)  Nintendo cohorts with Coleco to bring Donkey Kong to the
     former leather company's new ColecoVision system, and Sega
     contributes their equally bland Turbo.  Despite much fanfare and
     moderate consumer interest, the system only does slightly better than
     mediocre.  The Atari 2600, primitive as it is, still manages to
     maintain its majority share in the industry.  The Nintendo/Sega
     alliance seems to be going nowhere.

 * - (Middle 1983)  Atari reports losses in the millions since its
     ownership under Warner Communications.  This is not unusual
     considering that the early years of the Reagan era were a time of
     recession for most American businesses.  To bring them out of this
     slump, Atari has big plans for the 5200 and even bigger ones for the
     still-on-the-drawing-board 7800, which promises to outperform all
     video-game systems.

 * - In a desperate move, the Nintendo/Sega alliance makes a deal with
     Warner Communications:  Sell off the consumer division of Atari to an
     idiot who would likely run it to the ground.  In return, the alliance
     would insure that its powerful lobbyists would petition Congressmen to
     lighten up on antitrust laws barring Warner from acquiring or merging
     with other media companies.  This should be a cinch to do, considering
     the Reagan administration's "free trade" and "hands off" policy
     regarding business.  Executives at Warner, preferring to control one
     big pie rather than having to worry about several pies, accepts the
     deal.

 * - (Late 1983) Warner publicly announces the financial losses of Atari
     for the year and states misgivings about the video-game business.
     Among their statements is that America is tiring of video games.  The
     mass media jumps on the bandwagon, adding that Atari's games are
     "blocky looking" and "dinky sounding", too. Atari stock plummets.

 * - Warner announces the sale of Atari's home division to Jack "The Patsy"
     Tramiel.  Tramiel, the mastermind behind the Commodore Vic-20 fiasco,
     declares that the new Atari, Atari Corp., will be in the business of
     selling computers which everyone can afford.  He fails to add,
     however, that hardly anyone will want them.

 * - Warner retains the coin-op division of Atari, renaming it Atari Games.
     Two years later, in keeping to their agreement with the Nintendo/Sega
     alliance , they sell it for a killing to the Japanese company Namco,
     the inventors of Pac-Man.

 * - In the same year, Nintendo introduces the NES.  After "careful
     evaluation of the previous market", they state that the time is right
     for a new generation of video games.  Among the NES' selling points
     are Robbie the Robot and its pad controllers, which are essentially
     improved versions of the Intellivision's.

 * - Having accomplished their mutual goal, Nintendo and Sega cease their
     alliance.  It's agreed that Sega will stick to the arcade coin-op
     industry , where it has become #1 after Atari's demise, and stay out
     of the consumer market.  Likewise, Nintendo promises to concentrate
     only on home video-gaming and keep out of the arcade scene, except for
     an occasional, badly produced coin-op such as Super Mario Bros. and
     Rad Racer that will only be available for play in kiddie "pizza-time
     theater" restaurants.

 * - Jack Tramiel nearly runs Atari Corp. into the ground, thanks to his
     purchase of the Federated electronic stores and saying stupid, already
     known facts such as Apple computers being "too expensive" and IBM
     systems as "inefficient".

 * - The temptation for Sega is too strong, and so they ally themselves
     with Tonka Toys and jointly enter the home market with the Sega Master
     System, sparking a blood feud with their former ally that continues to
     this day.  This venture fails, but Sega is even more determined to "do
     it all".

 * - (1988)  Warner Communications merges with Time Inc., forming the Time
     Warner company.  The new company acquires controlling interest in
     Atlantic Records.  Time Warner is responsible for the Batman motion
     picture and its inevitable, upcoming sequels.

 * - In the January 9th, 1992 issue of Rolling Stone (with Michael Jackson
     on the cover trying to look like a man) there's an article on Sigeru
     Miyamoto, the twisted genius behind Nintendo's "Mario" games.  David
     Sheff writes, "...Japanese software, such as books, movies and
     recordings, has had little impact outside Japan.  The exception is
     video games.  One Japanese writer. ..has noted that Nintendo is
     Japan's largest cultural export, 'bigger than Akira Kurosawa.'"

     Ever wondered how Nintendo got off so easily in their recent court
 settlement with California's Attorney General?  Killing off Atari was by
 no means easy for Nintendo, but they did it.  Thus, having their sentence
 reduced to a paltry $5 rebate plan couldn't have been that difficult for
 them to do.  And look at their past court cases against Tengen, the home
 division of Atari Games, and their attempts to acquire the Seattle
 Mariners.

     Also, why has Sega -- like their trademark mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog
 been such an annoying, arrogant pest to Nintendo?  Because they're
 aggressive competitors?  Right.  They're still resentful over their former
 pact because they felt they got the raw end of the deal.

     The one thing that didn't go as planned for Nintendo and Sega was that
 Atari didn't die completely.  Today, Atari Corp. would probably be
 nonexistant if it weren't for the Lynx, originally designed by Epyx, which
 has turned out to be their lifesaver for the time being.  Otherwise, the
 Nintendo/Sega alliance pulled off the perfect coup.  Software support has
 always been a problem for Atari Corp.'s hardware since the company doesn't
 have the resources of an arcade division.  "Divide and conquer" as the
 saying goes.

     I'm not the only one who knows of this insidious plot.  I suspect that
 Arnie Katz and the Game "Bill Kunkel" Doctor know it as well, have known
 about it all along, and are keeping mum.  However, I doubt they're doing
 this because they're covering up for Nintendo and Sega.  Rather, they
 might've been warned to keep their mouths shut by the perpetrators.  You
 have to remember that in the latter years of Electronic Games (just before
 the magazine was retitled Computer Entertainment), Katz and the Doc were
 mysteriously absent from its pages, for reasons they care not to
 elaborate.  Had they discovered the truth and already knew of Nintendo's
 plans as early as 1984?

     I'll bet Steve "Arnie Katz Lookalike-and-Wannabee" Harris of
 Electronic Gaming Monthly knows a lot about all of this, too.  His
 magazine has been bankrolled by Japanese investment from the very start
 (when it was originally Electronic Game Player).  Ever noticed how Harris
 and Quarterman are a lot like Katz and the Doc in terms of concept, though
 radically different in style?  I doubt this is coincidence rather than by
 design.

     Another whom I believe knows a lot more than he's willing to tell is
 Howard "TV Weatherman Dress-Alike" Phillips, the former Nintendo
 spokesperson who left his position for a conspiciously ambiguous role with
 Lucasfilm Games.  Did he learn the truth, too, and decide to get out for
 his own safety, thus, depriving Nester someone to be a sidekick for?  A
 while ago, I got a phone call from someone who sounded suspiciously
 familiar:

     "V-Video Guy!  Listen -- you've got to get out!  You're way over your
     head!"

     "Who is this?  Howard??  Is this Howard Phillips?!"

     "Didn't you read the ***damn business section today??  They got the
     ****ing California Attorney General?!  The ****ing Attorney General of
     California!!  Not even Larry Flynt's ****ing lawyers can protect you!
     I'm warning you as a colleague -- just drop it if you know what's
     ***damn ****ing good for you!!"

     Well, I'm not going to drop it, Howard (or whoever you are).  The
 assassination of Atari was the single most horrible event for an entire
 generation of video-gaming.  It tore the heart out from what promised to
 be a new age of electronic entertainment - - never mind that it had
 primitive graphics and anemic sound.  It robbed the dreams of those who
 were the first to put their hands around a joystick.  And, by golly, you
 can be sure that I'm going to keep at it -- till all the files and other
 relevant papers that are locked away in some big government building
 sort-of-place are released so that the video-gaming public can decide for
 themselves what really happened on that fateful day in 1983.

     So there you have it, Debbie.  The TRUTH.  Now you know why
 video-gaming is in the state it is.  And why movies and pop music have
 especially sucked lately.  I'll tell you, every day I wonder how safe it
 is to live in the U.S. of A. when even our own video games are dripping
 with corruption and greed.  Oh, and thanks for the kind words.  We at
 VG&CE always strive to do our best for readers like you!



       ____________________________________________________________





 > GEMULATOR! STR InfoFile                  Gemulator On Schedule
   =======================





               GEMULATOR ON SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASE!
               ============================================



     Gemulator, the Atari ST emulator for DOS based PC clones, is on
 schedule for a release in September at the Glendale show. After a
 successful demonstration at the recent Toronto ACE show, where Atari ST
 users were able to try (and see running) dozens of ST software titles on a
 PC, we have begun production of the plug-in boards that make Gemulator
 possible, and are ready to begin beta testing. If you are interested in
 beta testing or reviewing Gemulator, please contact us in writing.

     Gemulator has already been shown to run major ST applications such as
 Pagestream and Calamus flawlessly, and is compatible with hundreds of
 other programs including: GFA Basic, Laser C, ST Writer, Neodesk 3, Degas,
 LDW Power, Tempus, First Word Plus, Flash, Hotwire, Multidesk,
 GDOS/G+PLUS, Gemini, Quick ST, Warp 9, Sudden View, and Prism Paint. Even
 TOS 2.06 runs.


 Latest Gemulator Newsletter Now Available
 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

     The April 1992 issue of BraSoft news is now available. This newsletter
 gives the most up-to-date information on the Gemulator and includes an
 order form for pre-ordering Gemulator as well as for ordering the
 demonstration video.

     Gemulator may be pre-ordered for $199 (U.S. funds) until August 31,
 1992, after which time the regular price will be $399. The price includes
 the Gemulator plug-in board and emulation software. TOS ROMs may also be
 ordered.


 Gemulator Demos This Summer
 """""""""""""""""""""""""""

     Gemulator will be shown again at several upcoming U.S. Atari shows
     this year:

  - Indianapolis, July 25th
  - Glendale, September
  - WAACE, October (tentative)

     As was done at the Toronto show, if you attend the show, bring along
     some ST software to see for yourself how well Gemulator works.


 Gemulator Demonstration Video
 =============================

     If you didn't get a chance to see Gemulator at the Toronto show, and
 you won't be able to attend any of the other shows, then why not order the
 Gemulator Demonstration Video. This short video shows you how simple it is
 to install Gemulator, how it emulates both color and monochrome ST screen
 modes on the same PC monitor, how it can run different versions of TOS
 (including TOS 2.06) on the same PC, and even how it can multitask ST and
 PC software at the same time. The video includes demos of several ST
 programs including Pagestream and Calamus. The video is on a VHS cassette.
 Sorry Betamax users.

     The cost of the video is only $5 (shipping included). U.S. residents
 only.  Show the video to your friends and at user group meetings.


 Still Have Questions?
 =====================

     If you still have questions about Gemulator, phone us between 8 pm and
 11 pm Pacific time Monday through Thursday nights.


                          Branch Always Software
                      14150 N.E. 20th St., Suite 302
                            Bellevue, WA  98007

                          Phone/FAX: 206-885-5893



          ______________________________________________________




 > AUA TELLS ALL STR FOCUS      The real facts about what's going on.
   =======================



                               AUA TELLS ALL
                               =============


 Atari User's Association
 """"""""""""""""""""""""

     The following press release has been authored by Eric Lambeth.  It has
 been read,  edited, and  approved by Derek Signorini and Tony Parry.  This
 is our attempt to satisfactorily explain the current condition of the AUA,
 how it  got that way, and what will be done about it.  There will be those
 who dislike what they read, but this is  the situation  that we  face, and
 we can't  change that.   We  have decided to be completely honest with our
 members and the  Atari  Community  at  large,  and  the  following  is the
 uncensored truth  of what  happened to  us.   We would like to thank those
 individuals who have helped us to  distribute  this  text,  and  those who
 have continued  to support  the AUA  despite our  virtual disappearance in
 recent months.  We  hope that  we can  live up  to your  expectations, and
 prove that your trust was not misplaced.


 WHAT IS THE ATARI USER'S ASSOCIATION?

     For those  who weren't  familiar with  the AUA,  I thought I'd include
 this brief explanation of what the organization was.  Essentially,  it was
 an international  user's group,  which brought together users, developers,
 and dealers, under one roof.   The goals  and activities  of the  AUA were
 many: combating  piracy, sponsoring  a free  software library for members,
 running a member's BBS, a bimonthly diskette/newsletter, etc..  To  put it
 simply,  the  AUA  was  dedicated  to  improving  the  visibility  of, and
 supporting the users of, the Atari ST line of computers.


 WHY HAVEN'T I HEARD MUCH FROM THE AUA IN RECENT MONTHS?

     Last summer, the AUA undertook  a  very  strong  anti-piracy campaign,
 which included,  among other things, the forwarding of certain information
 about certain pirate BBS's/individuals  to the  authorities.   Although it
 may be  a coincidence,  it appears that someone did not like this campaign
 very much.  The next month, a total  phone bill  of $1864.00  was received
 due to  phone "phreaking."   Of  this amount, we settled for approximately
 half of it with the PUC and Ma Bell.  The only option available  to us was
 to use to the AUA budget, in its entirety, to help pay for the charges.


 WHAT HAPPENED TO MY MEMBERSHIP MONEY?

     The AUA  budget, including  all membership dues, was paid out to cover
 the phreaked phone charges.  All AUA equipment  and materials,  except for
 valueless items such as membership records, were sold to help cover costs.
 Even so, Derek Signorini, AUA founder, was forced to sell a great  deal of
 his personal  property, including all computer equipment and software.  He
 had to do it immediately, which  meant that  he sold  at fire-sale prices.
 The process  completely sapped  all financial  resources of both Derek and
 the AUA, not to mention Derek and Tony's  morale.   They boxed  up all the
 remaining AUA  property, and,  under the  advice of  an attorney, tried to
 reduce the visibility of the organization, to prevent  legal entanglements
 and allegations of fraud.


 WHY CAN'T YOU REFUND MY MONEY?

     Maybe you've  seen the  Steve Martin  movie, "The Jerk."  In it, Steve
 plays a bum who is catapulted into fabulous riches by the profits  from an
 invention of  his.  One day however, a consumer advocate group discovers a
 defect in the invention, and the  defect  causes  damage  to  everyone who
 uses  the  product.  100  million  consumers  file  a class-action lawsuit
 against Steve, and win.   The court awards them each $1.02.  That  may not
 seem  like  much,  but  since  it  was  paid out to such a large number of
 people, it sent Steve back into  bankruptcy.   After all,  $1.02 times 100
 million is quite a substantitive amount of money.

     The AUA  faces a  similar problem.  I understand that a lot of you who
 are reading this may  feel ripped  off, deceived,  and angry.   Anyone who
 reads my  occasional comments  in the  GEnie ST roundtables knows that I'm
 the first to cry "foul" when I feel that I've been taken in, and if I were
 an  average  AUA  member,  by  now  I'd  have filed a complaint with every
 authority on Earth in an attempt to get my money  back and  get revenge on
 the jerk  who ripped me off.  To all outer appearances, it may have seemed
 as if the AUA was a con  operation  from  the  start.    In  fact,  I have
 absolutely  no  proof  that  that  isn't  exactly  what happened.  But the
 simple, ugly truth is  this:  The  AUA  treasury  is  GONE,  stolen  by an
 inconsiderate  hacker  with  a  grudge.    You have lost money, along with
 others, but we did not purposely take it from you for that purpose.

     I know that you may feel like we should send you a  refund, but please
 consider our  scenario:   there are  many others  just like you who want a
 refund, too.  $10 or $15 is really not a  great amount,  but to  us, it is
 tremendous, since  we'd have to multiply that number by 253 (the number of
 members  who  purchased  the  AUA  disk   package  and   have  outstanding
 subscriptions.)   All I  can ask is that you consider how much Derek & the
 AUA as  a whole  have lost,  and not  hold any  of us  responsible for the
 theft of  your money.   If it is any consolation, I pledge to try to honor
 all outstanding AUA memberships, as finances permit.

     Many honest ST users joined the AUA simply to fight  piracy.   The way
 that I  look at it, is that this entire nightmare can't be allowed to wipe
 us out: it would be another  victory for  the pirates  and crooks  who are
 slowly but  surely killing  the Atari  ST.  That's why I've volunteered to
 take over operation of the AUA, and to rebuild it into the organization it
 once was, and beyond.


 WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE AUA?

     On March  10 of  this year, I returned from a 9-month stay in Germany.
 Shortly thereafter, Derek told  me the  basics of  what had  happened.  Up
 until  that  point,  I  had  had  some contact with the AUA, writing a few
 articles and  managing  the  software  library,  but  I  was  never highly
 involved with the management of anything.

     I was  shocked by  what he  told me,  as you  probably are as you read
 this.   I was informed that the AUA was essentially a  bunch of  files and
 miscellany stuffed in a garage and put out of mind.  Understandably, Derek
 is  somewhat  bitter  about  the  entire  ordeal,  and  wants  no  further
 involvement with the Atari community.

     I offered  to take  up the operation of the AUA, as I still have faith
 in the Atari community and would  like to  try to  breathe some  life back
 into the  organization.   Derek expressed  some surprise that I would even
 want to attempt to revive things after being  dumped on  so badly,  but he
 agreed  to  ship  all  remaining  AUA  materials  from  his  residence  in
 Pennsylvania to me in  Missouri,  and  he  authorized  me  to  continue to
 operate using the AUA name.

     Since that  time, I  have been  going through all the paperwork, data,
 and other information which has been forwarded to  me.   I have  also been
 working on  a plan for reorganization and resurrection of the AUA, which I
 am finally  ready to  present to  the public.   As  of today,  the AUA has
 officially  reopened.


 WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

     The rebuilding  of the  organization will  proceed in  stages.  I have
 several things in the pipeline, and one of the most  important is honoring
 those outstanding  subscriptions.   But, first and foremost, the AUA needs
 to save face in the eyes of the Atari community.


 STAGE I: Relaying the Foundations

     Beginning immediately, I am  reopening contacts  with user  groups. In
 the near  future, the  AUA will operate as a limited confederation of user
 groups. Essentially, we will offer three  services: a  software library, a
 directory of  user groups  for those  who are seeking local support, and a
 support base of articles for user group newsletters.   These  will both be
 primarily  aimed  at  user  groups,  and  are  not  generally intended for
 individual end users.

     The  software  library  will  work  as  follows:  I  am  currently  in
 possession  of  the  old  AUA/STX  library,  which numbers over 400 public
 domain  disks.    User  group  librarians  may  "swap"  disks;    that is,
 librarians can  request as  many disks  from the  library as they want and
 they will receive these disks at no charge.  However, they must  submit an
 equal  number  of  disks  with  new  software  to the AUA.  For example, a
 librarian who waited to obtain our 50 latest disks could do so  at no cost
 to the user group, but he would need to mail in 50 disks with other public
 domain/shareware/etc. in order to receive the  disks he  wanted.   In this
 manner, I  hope to  help user group libraries nationwide grow and prosper.
 There should always be something new  and  exciting  in  the  AUA library,
 since user  group submissions will be continually "feeding" it.  The costs
 of return postage will be passed on to the user  group, but  there will be
 no handling  fees or  any other  hidden charges.   I have always felt that
 quality freeware is a wonderful & ethical antidote to piracy.   By helping
 to distribute  freeware, I  hope to  indirectly combat the forces that are
 destroying the Atari market.  After all, if you could play a public domain
 game, or  play a  similar commercial  game and erode the Atari marketplace
 (not to mention, damage your conscience as well,)  which would YOU choose?

     As  for  the  database,  it  will  work  in  much  the   same  manner.
 Interesting  articles  and  information  that  can  be  used in user group
 newsletters may be submitted and swapped for other  such files  at a ratio
 of 1K to 2K.  This may be done by US Mail or GEmail.

     Finally,  the  AUA  will  continue  to  distribute  local  user  group
 information to users in search of such support.

     Individual users who wish to be members of the AUA  at this  stage are
 strongly encouraged to find a local user group and join via the group.  If
 this is absolutely impossible, however, users may join  as members  of the
 "home  chapter."    They  can  use  the software exchange just like a user
 group, and can trade as much as they  desire.   However, there  will be an
 additional fee  of 10  cents per  disk.   There are  two reasons for this.
 First of  all, I  have no  desire to  undercut local  usergroups and/or PD
 distributors, and  I feel that a small fee may discourage users from using
 the AUA when they could obtain  software  at  a  more  local  level.   And
 secondly, individual users tend to submit much smaller disk exchanges than
 groups.  It is much easier and  less  expensive  for  me  to  handle large
 orders, and  I don't  want to  receive hundreds  of single-disk exchanges.
 (For example, it would be much easier for me to  box up  and ship  out 100
 disks to  one address  than it  would be  to separately  pack and ship 100
 disks to different people.)

     Former AUA-UGAP member chapters  will be  receiving a  library catalog
 and  other  pertinent  information  on  a  disk in the mail.  (Last minute
 addendum: My disk supplier is running  behind,  so  this  may  take  a few
 weeks, but the information WILL get to you!)  Other interested user groups
 or individuals should send a SASE (or an international reply coupon) and a
 blank  disk  to  the  address  at  the  end of this text.  The catalog and
 information will be copied onto the disk and  it will  be shipped  back to
 you.   (Unfortunately, this  information may not be distributed on most of
 the major commercial computer  networks, since  they prohibit transmission
 of any information relating to software trading.)

     I do  ask that  once you  have tried  the new program, and if you find
 that you like it, you send a small  donation to  help keep  the AUA going.
 This is entirely voluntary, and I would like to suggest $5 for individuals
 and $25 for groups.  (Larger amounts would be _greatly_ appreciated.)  Not
 only  will  it  make  you  feel  good,  but it will help the AUA rebuild a
 financial base and advance to stage 2 of the reconstruction!


 STAGE II: BACK WHERE WE STARTED FROM

     Once the  user  group  network  is  firmly  established,  most  of the
 features of  the "old"  AUA will  be brought back.  Individual memberships
 will be  encouraged, and  the AUA  Disk Magazine  will resume publication.
 Outstanding subscriptions will be honored, and the AUA will take an active
 stance in the Atari  community, including  (but certainly  not limited to)
 show appearances and BBS net support.


 STAGE III: NEW & IMPROVED

     Finally, when  the AUA has successfully recovered its position and its
 support in the Atari userbase, I will introduce several new  projects that
 I have  in the  pipeline.  I am hesitant to say what these are, because at
 this point they are just vaporware, and I hate that as much as anyone.   I
 will mention,  however, that  I plan  to hire  additional staff  for a few
 major, full-time campaigns.


 WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE AUA IN THE FUTURE?

     Only time will tell.  The  success of  the "new"  AUA is  dependent on
 many things.   For  now, the response I receive to this press release will
 help me decide how much of my personal  time &  effort to  dedicate to the
 Association.   But, to  speak truthfully, any organization of this size is
 really too  much for  one person  to handle.   Not  only am  I a full-time
 college student,  but I  also work 2 jobs and am in the Army Reserve;  I'm
 hardly the ideal candidate for  President  of  a  massive,  time consuming
 project.  In the end, I suppose, it comes down to whether or not the Atari
 community is willing to continue to support the  AUA.   Not only  does the
 Association require financial support, but it also needs manpower to write
 newsletter articles, copy disks  for  the  library,  keep  records, answer
 mail, and  a million other things.  If there are enough interested parties
 who are willing to help out, the AUA will thrive.  If not, it  will wither
 and fold.   Frankly, with the departure of Derek Signorini and Tony Parry,
 it lost two individuals of outstanding ability, and it may not be  able to
 recover.   But I'm willing to contribute my resources to benefit something
 that I see as a worthwhile  project, and  I'd be  honored if  you, the end
 user, would be willing to do the same.

                                   Thank you for your time,

                               Eric Lambeth
                               P.O. Box 1062
                              Springfield, MO
                                65714-1062

                             GEnie: E.LAMBETH


  **********************************************************************
  You are permitted and encouraged to duplicate and distribute this file.
  Additionally, all back issues of the AUA Newsbriefs Disk Magazine, the
  AUA/STX catalog, and any and all additional AUA publications are hereby
             declared freeware and may be openly distributed.
  **********************************************************************




 > BITMAKER V 1 STR InfoFile        Fabulous Font Creator Announced!
   =========================




                             BITMAKER v1.1(c)
                PageStream(c) and GDOS(c) users REJOICE!!!


     MegaType Software is pleased to announce the release of 2 new programs
 for the Atari ST and TT line of computers.

     PageStream users can finally use PGS 2.1 without  taking a  nap during
 every screen redraw, no matter what format of fonts they are using!

     GDOS  users  can  FINALLY  have  a  choice of fonts comparable to what
 Calamus(c) and PageStream(c) users have had from the beginning.

     BitMaker allows the  user  to  create  fonts  in  the  following three
 formats for use on the ST:

 1) Render screen fonts (.12H, .18H, .24H) for use with PageStream (all
     versions) from .DMF printer fonts.

 2) Render  screen fonts (.ABF) for use with PageStream 2.x from Adobe Type
     1 (.PFB) printer fonts.

 3) Render SCREEN AND PRINTER fonts  for any  GDOS application  and printer
     from PageStream .DMF printer fonts.

     All bitmap font creation is done automatically with a few simple mouse
 clicks. No font creation knowledge by the user is needed to create  or use
 the rendered fonts. For PageStream, you just select a printer font, select
 a point size to create, and sit back and watch the font being created that
 will save  you hours of redraw time when using PageStream. For GDOS fonts,
 you also have to tell the program whether you wish  to create  a screen or
 printer  font,  and  what  resolution  to  use  based  on your monitor and
 printer.

              All this for the remarkable price of $49.95 us

     GDOS fonts can also  be created  from Type  1 fonts  and Calamus fonts
 with  the  help  of  FONTVERTER(c)  and  TYPE  1  CONVERTER(C),  also from
 MegaType.

     Registered owners of the  one  or  two  module  version  BitMaker will
 automatically receive  the updated  version by mail, as promissed when you
 purchased the earlier versions.  There is  no need  to return  your master
 disks. If  you did not return your registration card, be sure to do so now
 so you can receive your update.  There are  a few  serial numbers  that we
 have not got back registration cards for.

                               """""""""""""

 MegaKern(c) and MegaKern lite(c)

                      ATTENTION PAGESTREAM(c) USERS!!

     Auto-kerning has  arrived for  the ST!!   Works on PageStream .DMF and
 Adobe Type 1 fonts!!

     Have  you  ever  looked  at  you  PageStream  printouts  and  not been
 satisfied with the uneven character spacing you see?  We all have a LOT of
 times! This can be from a variety of causes: 1)The  lack of  kern pairs in
 the font.  2)The kern  pairs that  are supplied  are not set evenly. 3)All
 around sloppy setting of the character widths in the first  place when the
 font was created.

     These problems  are present  in the majority of public domain .DMF and
 Type 1 fonts out  there, and  in a  large number  of the  commercial fonts
 produced. This  is due  to the  immense amount  of time  and dedication it
 takes to produce a full kern set by hand.

     MegaKern has solved all of these problems. In a matter of less  than 5
 minutes (2  1/2 minutes  on a TT), you can have a precisely kerned font of
 more than 1200 KERN PAIRS ready to use with PageStream. MegaKern will even
 create kern  pairs which  make up  for sloppy  character widths within the
 font. The result is a perfectly kerned font,  which is  much more pleasing
 to the  eye. Fonts  that you  quit using  because of the erratic character
 spacing could now become  your  most  used  fonts,  once  they  are kerned
 peroperly. Users  of some  of the expensive genuine Adobe(c) Type 1 fonts,
 which are usually supplied with a  lot of  carefully done  kern pairs, can
 attest to the superior appearence of a properly kerned font!

 MegaKern will be sold in TWO versions:

                      *** MegaKern(c) ($79.95us) ***
     Kerns both  Adobe Type  1 fonts  (Mac and  PC/ST), and PageStream .DMF
 fonts. A special version  which also  kerns .ECF  fonts for  Font Designer
 will be  available for a very minimal charge for registered owners of Font
 Designer or Font Designer Plus so both .DMF and Type 1 / Type 3  fonts can
 be created from the same kern file.

                    *** MegaKern lite(c) ($49.95us) ***
     Kerns only  PageStream .DMF fonts.  Great for UltraScript(c) users who
 can't print Type 1 fonts from PageStream.  Also a  way to  save some money
 for present  users of the MEGATYPE product line who can kern the .DMF font
 and convert the kerns to their  Type using  Fontverter, Font  Designer and
 Type 1 Converter, although this would require a four step process.

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

              BitMaker 1.1 is Shipping as of Friday, May 8th

                    MegaKern lite is available NOW!!!

                  MegaKern will be shipping by May 22nd.


   Call MegaType (6:00 to 9:00 EST) or email DFTURNOCK on Genie with any
           questions or orders. Thank you for your support......

                                 MegaType
                                PO Box 645
                          South Bend, IN   46624
                             (219) 288-7468


     _________________________________________________________________




 > WARP 9 STR Review       SPEED CAN BE SAFE! ** WARP 9 IS PROOF!
   =================




                                - WARP 9 -

               THE SOFTWARE GRAPHIC/TEXT DISPLAY ACCELERATOR



 by Doyle C. Helms
 Senior Software Editor @ ST Report

     It is once again my pleasure to review a software product from
 Codehead Technologies.  The staff at Codehead have had a long standing
 reputation for producing relativity bug free and solid-to-the-core
 software.  With Warp 9, the tradition continues.

     Most veteran Atarians are familiar with the name Darek Mihocka of the
 8-bit Atari emulator fame.  A couple of years ago Darek began developing a
 software screen accelerator which he called Quick ST.  At the time there
 was really only one other competitor in this market, Turbo ST.  Turbo ST
 was a tough cookie to dethrone.  Darek's initial releases of Quick ST were
 shareware.  Once the program reached a relative stage of maturity, Darek
 transformed the program into a commercial release.  Darek soon added
 features to Quick ST that were quite unique.  These features included
 things such as custom fonts (screen) and background images that replaced
 the rather drab Desktop of GEM.  The user could not only design their own
 background picture, but could also create a custom fill pattern as well.

     Darek has since moved on to other projects and has allowed Codehead
 Technologies to continue support and development of his excellent software
 accelerator.  Warp 9 is the an appropriate name for an extremely FAST
 software accelerator.

     Warp 9 comes to the user on a non-protected disk that allows the easy
 installation on your hard drive or floppy system.  The manual is very well
 written (as always) and very informative as to the nuances of the programs
 features and functions.  Relative graphic examples follow the step-by-step
 set-up and use of Warp 9.

     Warp 9 is a program that is installed via the AUTO folder.  Warp 9
 also has an accompanying Desk Accessory that not only allows custom
 font/fill/background picture configurations, but also aids in acceleration
 of the graphic display offered by Warp 9 program.

     Once the user has Warp 9 installed and working, there is really
 nothing else the user HAS to do.  All operations from this point are
 transparent to the user.  If the user wishes custom screen fonts or fills
 or background Desktop pictures installed, the Warp 9 CP (Control Panel
 Accessory) will allow the user EASY point and click set-up.  The mouse
 acceleration factors can also be configured from the Warp 9 CP.  Before
 Warp 9 CP, I was using HotSaver (from Codehead also!) as the mouse
 accelerator program/Screen saver and SWITCH.ACC as the custom screen font
 install program.  Now I have all these options in ONE Accessory.

      Let's take a quick look at the differences between Warp 9 and Turbo
 ST 1.84.

      In the past Turbo ST (TST here on out) has enjoyed the honor of being
 more compatible with more software for the ST than Warp 9's predecessor,
 Quick ST.  Warp 9 has changed all that.  Warp 9 now is as compatible with
 current software offerings as TST.  Probably more compatible if Codehead
 is true to form.

     TST and Warp 9 are pretty close in the majority of the operations in
 terms of acceleration speed.  There are however a few of the more
 important screen acceleration functions where Warp 9 blows away TST.  The
 GEM Dialog display is one of the areas that Warp 9 is clearly FASTER than
 TST.  The Warp 9 CP and its configuration capabilities are another plus
 that TST cannot touch.  So if you are on the verge of purchasing a
 software screen accelerator or are thinking of switching, all I can say is
 "Engage"...

     Now if you are like me(gawd, I hope there aren't too many more of me
 running around loose) you will want some more facts before you drop your
 money on a different accelerator or on a new purchase altogether.  Let's
 look a little closer at the hard facts in nose-to-nose comparisons.

 JUST THE FACTS MA'AM...

     Here's the scenario.  MSTE4 with TOS 2.05.  The only program (TSR)
 will be the software accelerator that is being tested.  There will be no
 accessories loaded other than Warp CP Acc.  when necessary for testing
 purposes.  The test results will be discussed with the BLITTER chip in the
 ON mode and the OFF mode.  I will likewise note the status of the BLITTER.
 The two operating speeds will be tested, the 8Mhz "standard" mode and the
 16Mhz cache ON mode.  The 16 Mhz cache OFF mode will not be shown for
 reasons of brevity.  I will show the results of the software accelerators
 in the MEDIUM and HIGH resolution ST modes.  There is a difference in
 acceleration times between Color and Monochrome.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------
 8MHZ--COLOR--
           BLITTER ON

               DEFAULT        TST       Warp9 w/CP      Warp9 no CP
      -------------------------------------------------------------
 CPU MEMORY  |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU REGISTER|  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU DIVIDE  |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU SHIFT   |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 TOS TEXT    |  100%      |  341%    |     347%      |    342%
 TOS STRING  |  100%      | 1996%    |    2016%      |   2016%
 TOS SCROLL  |  100%      |  104%    |     104%      |    104%
 GEM DIALOG  |  100%      |  248%    |     443%      |    249%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------

 8MHZ--COLOR--
           BLITTER OFF

               DEFAULT        TST       Warp9 w/CP      Warp9 no CP
      -------------------------------------------------------------
 CPU MEMORY  |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU REGISTER|  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU DIVIDE  |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU SHIFT   |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 TOS TEXT    |   93%      |  341%    |     347%      |    342%
 TOS STRING  |   95%      | 1996%    |    2016%      |   2016%
 TOS SCROLL  |   78%      |  103%    |     103%      |    103%
 GEM DIALOG  |   76%      |  246%    |     385%      |    230%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------

 8MHZ --MONOCHROME--
           BLITTER ON

               DEFAULT        TST       Warp9 w/CP      Warp9 no CP
      -------------------------------------------------------------
 CPU MEMORY  |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU REGISTER|  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU DIVIDE  |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU SHIFT   |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 TOS TEXT    |  100%      |  307%    |     314%      |    310%
 TOS STRING  |  100%      | 1282%    |    1364%      |   1364%
 TOS SCROLL  |  100%      |  103%    |     103%      |    103%
 GEM DIALOG  |  100%      |  257%    |     455%      |    263%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------

 8MHZ --MONOCHROME--
           BLITTER OFF

               DEFAULT        TST       Warp9 w/CP      Warp9 no CP
      -------------------------------------------------------------
 CPU MEMORY  |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU REGISTER|  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU DIVIDE  |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 CPU SHIFT   |  100%      |  100%    |     100%      |    100%
 TOS TEXT    |  100%      |  341%    |     347%      |    342%
 TOS STRING  |  100%      | 1996%    |    2016%      |   2016%
 TOS SCROLL  |  100%      |  104%    |     104%      |    104%
 GEM DIALOG  |  100%      |  248%    |     443%      |    249%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------

 16MHZ CACHE ON --COLOR--
           BLITTER ON

               DEFAULT        TST       Warp9 w/CP      Warp9 no CP
      -------------------------------------------------------------
 CPU MEMORY  |  165%      |  165%    |     165%      |    165%
 CPU REGISTER|  204%      |  204%    |     204%      |    204%
 CPU DIVIDE  |  204%      |  204%    |     204%      |    204%
 CPU SHIFT   |  208%      |  208%    |     208%      |    208%
 TOS TEXT    |  111%      |  587%    |     568%      |    572%
 TOS STRING  |  117%      | 3383%    |    3119%      |   3119%
 TOS SCROLL  |  102%      |  104%    |     104%      |    104%
 GEM DIALOG  |  120%      |  306%    |     545%      |    348%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------

 16MHZ CACHE ON --COLOR--
           BLITTER OFF

               DEFAULT        TST       Warp9 w/CP      Warp9 no CP
      -------------------------------------------------------------
 CPU MEMORY  |  165%      |  165%    |     165%      |    165%
 CPU REGISTER|  204%      |  204%    |     204%      |    204%
 CPU DIVIDE  |  204%      |  204%    |     204%      |    204%
 CPU SHIFT   |  208%      |  208%    |     208%      |    208%
 TOS TEXT    |  158%*     |  589%*   |     568%      |    572%
 TOS STRING  |  155%*     | 3383%    |    3119%      |   3119%
 TOS SCROLL  |   88%      |  109%    |     109%      |    109%
 GEM DIALOG  |  124%*     |  374%*   |     579%*     |    359%*
 -----------------------------------------------------------------
 16MHZ CACHE ON --MONOCHROME--
           BLITTER ON

               DEFAULT        TST       Warp9 w/CP      Warp9 no CP
      -------------------------------------------------------------
 CPU MEMORY  |  165%      |  165%    |     165%      |    165%
 CPU REGISTER|  204%      |  204%    |     204%      |    204%
 CPU DIVIDE  |  204%      |  204%    |     204%      |    204%
 CPU SHIFT   |  208%      |  208%    |     208%      |    208%
 TOS TEXT    |  111%      |  506%    |     488%      |    492%
 TOS STRING  |  117%      | 1923%    |    2046%      |   2046%
 TOS SCROLL  |  102%      |  104%    |     104%      |    104%
 GEM DIALOG  |  120%      |  348%    |     564%      |    363%
 -----------------------------------------------------------------

 16MHZ CACHE ON --MONOCHROME--
           BLITTER OFF

               DEFAULT        TST       Warp9 w/CP      Warp9 no CP
      -------------------------------------------------------------
 CPU MEMORY  |  165%      |  165%    |     165%      |    165%
 CPU REGISTER|  204%      |  204%    |     204%      |    204%
 CPU DIVIDE  |  204%      |  204%    |     204%      |    204%
 CPU SHIFT   |  208%      |  208%    |     208%      |    208%
 TOS TEXT    |  153%*     |  505%    |     488%      |    491%
 TOS STRING  |  152%*     | 1923%    |    2046%      |   2046%
 TOS SCROLL  |   86%      |  109%*   |     108%*     |    108%*
 GEM DIALOG  |  120%      |  365%*   |     568%*     |    365%*
 -----------------------------------------------------------------

     Please note that the above "*"'s represent a interesting surprise I
 encountered while doing this review.  The BLITTER OFF setting while in the
 16 MHZ CACHE ON mode yields FASTER results than with the BLITTER is ON!
 The 16 NO CACHE mode and the "standard" 8 MHZ mode results in FASTER times
 with the BLITTER in the ON mode.

     Well friends, these are the facts as told to me via the QUICK INDEX
 2.2 program.  I CAN detect a noticeable difference in "real world"
 operations like PageStream, Touch-up and MANY other graphic/text intensive
 programs.  The Codeheads plainly state that the computational speed of the
 system is not enhanced by a software screen accelerator, but by golly it
 sure seems like it to me.

     Warp 9, the software graphic display accelerator, is the Next
 generation of speed for the Atari...

                           CODEHEAD TECHNOLOGIES
                              P.O.  BOX 74090
                           Los Angeles, CA 90004
                              (213) 386-5735


        __________________________________________________________




 > NEWDESK ICON EDITOR STR InfoFile      Software Development Systems
   ================================



                       SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS
                         TO ANNOUNCE NEW PRODUCTS
                       AT THE BLUE RIDGE ATARI FEST



 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Software  Development  Systems  is  proud  to  announce attendance at this
 years' Blue Ridge Atarifest. We  will  be  showing  off  our  Newdesk Icon
 Editor CPX  for the  newest TOS (>=2.05) from Atari Corporation as well as
 the updated version of  our top-selling  Deskjet Utilities  Pak called the
 Printer Utilities  Pak. In addition we will be premiering at least two new
 products on or before the date of the show (details forthcoming).

 The Newdesk Icon Editor CPX  is  a  control  panel  extension  for Atari's
 Extensible  Control   Panel  which   allows  editing,  import/export,  and
 assignment of the Atari's system icons. Users can import .ICE, .NIC, .RSC,
 .XIC, and  .ICN format  files as well as beign able to pull icons from any
 program using 32x32 icons. The Newdesk Icon Editor CPX can also be used to
 edit icon  files for use with Hyperlink and the Resource Construction Set.
 We also include a GDOS Icon  File Printer  and a  public-domain library of
 more than 1000 icons.

 The Printer Utilities Pak is a compilation of utilities designed to better
 implement the features of the HP Deskjet Series,  HP Laserjet  Series, and
 Atari  SLM  line  of  printers.  Among  the  programs  included is a setup
 accessory to control font/pitch/margins/printer  fx,  a  powerful envelope
 printer  that  prints  Postnet  bar  coding,  does  mail  merge  (with zip
 sorting), and maintains multiple return addresses,  a disk  labeler, and a
 mailing label  printer. All of these programs can optionally use GDOS (SLM
 owners _must_ use GDOS). In addition drivers for Wordwriter, 1st Word, and
 ST Writer  are also  included. We've  even been  able to  add Deskjet 500C
 color support to some of the programs!

 For more information on these products stop by on the  day of  the show or
 send  E-mail   to  S.SANDERS2.   We  also   maintain  active  support  for
 Deskjet/Printer Utilities Pak owners here on GEnie (Cat 4 Top  9), Deskjet
 500C users  (Cat 2  Top 3),  and Newdesk  Icon CPX  owners (Cat 2 Top 39).
 Other topics will be opened as new products become available.

                                             Scott Sanders,
                                             Owner Member IAAD

                       Software Development Systems
                           996 Redondo Ave. #404
                           Long Beach, CA 90804
                           Info: (310) 595-9799
                          Orders: (800) 237-4SDS
                    Fax: (310) 987-2205 (specify #404)



  """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
            EDITORIALLY SPEAKING - STR CONFIDENTIAL - MAILCALL
  """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



 > STReport's Editorial Page           "Saying it like it is."


  From the Editor's Desk
  ----------------------

     The times are a changin' so they say....  It sure looks that way.
 Changes coming up at Atari Explorer, Sam coming back from an extended
 trip to the Orient and more rumors or changes in Sunnyvale.  Judging from
 the various financial reports currently circulating, perhaps its time to
 make some sweeping effective changes.  Its obvious far too much company
 time and energy is being spent on frivolous "obsessions".

     The important points to dwell upon is the new software appearing for
 the Atari Computer Platform.  It refreshing to see new goodies appearing
 at the rate they are.  Many of which are explained in this issue.  We are
 trying to remain the informative, well rounded online magazine you have
 been accustomed to reading and now, with our added responsibilities the
 task has become even more interesting.

     The summer Atari shows are shaping up to become a superb prelude to
 the Fall extravaganzas. Like Comdex Fall'92 (Las Vegas) and WAACE'92
 (Washington D.C.).  Atari is still producing the best hardware value in
 the computing community its simply an outrageous shame that NOBODY knows
 it but the staunch Atari users.  When, in heaven's name, are they gonna
 advertise to fresh markets? <sigh>

     Hang in there my friends, someone out there is bound to wake up one
 day and when it happens Atari will once again be on the top of the heap.

             Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine




  """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""





  STReport's Staff                      DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
  ----------------

                            Publisher - Editor
                            ------------------
                             Ralph F. Mariano


          PC DIVISION         AMIGA DIVISION           MAC DIVISION
          -----------         --------------           ------------
          Roger D. Stevens    Charles Hill             R. ALBRITTON


  STReport Staff Editors:
  -----------------------
          Lloyd E. Pulley Sr. Dana P. Jacobson         Michael Arthur
          Lucien Oppler       Brad Martin              Judith Hamner
          John Szczepanik     Dan Stidham              Joseph Mirando
                    Steve Spivey        Doyle C. Helms

  Contributing Correspondents:
  ----------------------------
          Michael Lee         Richard Covert           John Deegan
          Brian Converse      Oliver Steinmeier        Tim Holt
          Andrew Learner      Norman Boucher           Harry Steele
          Ben Hamilton        Neil Bradley             Eric Jerue
          Ron Deal            Robert Dean              Ed Westhusing
          James Nolan         Vernon W. Smith          Bruno Puglia
                              Clemens Chin


                             IMPORTANT NOTICE
                             ================
      Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
                              via E-Mail to:

                 Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
                 GEnie......................... ST.REPORT
                 Delphi........................ RMARIANO
                 BIX........................... RMARIANO
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                 NEST.......................... 90:19/350.0


       ____________________________________________________________





 > STReport CONFIDENTIAL    "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
   =====================



 - Sunnyvale CA.                    ATARI POSTS DISMAL REPORT CARD!
   -------------



 From the San Jose Mercury News

 Atari lost $4.4 million on sharply lower sales

 Mercury News Staff Report

     Late Friday, troubled Atari Corp. reported a loss of $4.4  million for
 its fourth quarter on sharply lower revenues.

     The  8-cents-per-share  loss  for  the  Sunnyvale  maker  of  personal
 computers and video-game hardware came on revenues of  $96.2 million.   In
 the  fourth  quarter  of  fiscal  1990,  the company made a profit of $8.8
 million, or 15 cents per share, on revenues of $151.9  million.   The 1990
 quarter's profit  figure, though,  included $28.8 million in extraordinary
 credits.  The 1991 quarter included  a  $2  million  credit  for debenture
 repurchases.

     The company cut its operating loss for the 1991 fourth quarter to $9.4
 million from $22.2 million in the 1990 quarter.

     For the year, sales  dropped to  $258 million  from $411.5  million in
 1990.   Net income  for the  year was  $25.6 million,  compared with $14.9
 million for 1990.  But the 1991 figure includes a gain of $40.9 million on
 the sale  of the  company's manufacturing  plant in  Taiwan.  And the 1990
 profit included $35.7 million in extraordinary gains.

     The operating loss for 1991 was $18.7 million, compared with a loss of
 $25.2 million in 1990.

     Buying back  debentures helped the company cut interest expense, which
 fell from $4.1 million in 1990 to $287,000 in 1991.

     In a  statement, Atari  President Sam  Tramiel said,  "The company has
 restructured  its  overhead  and  is  focusing  on  the improvement of its
 balance sheet and the development of new products."

     On  Wednesday,  the  company  notified  the  Securities  and  Exchange
 Commission that it would delay reporting results for the fourth quarter.

                     ATARI CORP <ATC.A> Q1 LOSS WIDENS

                         1992                  1991
  Share loss             $0.24     loss       $0.03
  Net loss              13,848     loss       1,987
  Revs                  44,079               63,444

        (All Data Above 000s Except for Per Share Numbers)

 NOTE: 1991  FIRST QUARTER loss includes $1,960,000 or $0.04 per share gain
 on the buyback of 5 1/4 % debentures.




 - Sunnyvale CA.              EXPLORER TO MOVE TO SUNNYVALE?  WHY????
   -------------

     In what can only be termed a surprising move, one of our Atari
 observers reports of a rumor that Atari Explorer's base of operations may
 be moved from Astoria, N.Y. to Sunnyvale, CA..  If such a move were to
 occur, it was also stated that its highly successful Publisher/Editor John
 B. Jainschigg, would not be part of the move.

     Although all the facts surrounding this matter are not evident at this
 point in time, one can't help but recall the last upheaval Atari Explorer
 went through.  Most observers agree that; "without Jainschigg's capable
 guidance, the recovery of Explorer was indeed doubtful."  Also rumored was
 that a publisher/editor combination "familiar with the Atari community"
 would take over the operations of Explorer in California.

     The current edition of Explorer, (about to hit the stands) and the
 next issue or two will be last to enjoy Jainschigg's expert guidance.





 - Exton, PA            PRATT NOW PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
   ---------

     Intelligent Electronics, Inc. (NASDAQ-NMS: INEL) today announced the
 appointment of Michael R. Shabazian to the newly created position of vice
 chairman and Gregory A. Pratt to the position of president and chief
 operating officer.

     "Mike's legacy of achievement at Intelligent is one of determination
 and commitment to driving excellence in customer satisfaction," said
 Richard D. Sanford, chairman and chief executive officer of Intelligent
 Electronics.  "The company has grown to a point where it has become
 important to allocate a separate area of the business to ensure our world
 class service to our customers.  Mike will oversee this critical area."

     Shabazian joined Intelligent in August of 1989 as president and chief
 operating officer.  In July of 1990 he was elected to the company's board
 of directors.

     Pratt, who joined the company in April of this year as executive vice
 president, will report to the CEO.  Said Sanford, "I have worked with
 Greg in the past and watched his career development for the last 13
 years.  His bright sensitive management style, combined with his well
 rounded background in finance, manufacturing and consumer retailing, are
 already contributing significantly to the company's growth and strategic
 development."   Sanford said Pratt would focus on building synergies and
 maximizing efficiencies in the business.

     Pratt came to Intelligent from Atari Corp., where he served for the
 past seven years as president of Atari Computer Corp. and vice president
 of finance and chief financial officer of Atari Corp.  A certified public
 accountant who spent five years with the big six accounting firm Arthur
 Andersen, Pratt holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's
 Wharton School of Business.

     Intelligent Electronics is a leading source of office productivity
 solutions. Its network of 82 BizMart Supercenters and more than 1,500
 reseller and affiliates serves businesses in all 50 states and more than
 700 communities nationwide.

                             "Way to Go Greg!"



           ____________________________________________________




 > STR Mail Call             "...a place for the readers to be heard"
   =============


                            STReport's MailBag
                            ==================

 FROM THE FNET

 Conf : Atari 16/32 Bit
 Msg# : 30212/30222  Lines: Extended  Read: 1
 Sent : May 12, 1992  at 9:40 PM
 To   : WHITE DRAGON
 From : Stargazer at Fnet Node 657, The Round Table BBS - Node 657
 Subj : Re: <30090> Atari TT



                          TT030 COMPATIBLE GAMES
                          """"""""""""""""""""""

      Title                               comments

      -------------------------------------------------------------------
      3-D Pool                            HD installable, fast on the TT
      A.G.E                               2 disks, HD installable
      Advantage Tennis                    too fast on TT
      Afterburner                         auto-boot
      Another World                       2 disks, HD installable
      Arkanoid, Revenge of DOM            run from desktop
      Baby Jo                             auto-boot
      Ballistix
      Barbarian (old)                     run from desktop
      Barbarian II (old)                  auto-boot
      Battle Chess                        HD installable
      Battle Zone                         run from desktop
      Battlehawks 1942                    HD installable, turn off cache
      Battletech
      Black Tiger                         auto-boot
      Blue Max                            2 disks, HD installable
      Burgur Man                          auto-boot
      Captain Fizz                        Auto-boot
      Colorado                            HD installable
      Crime City                          HD installable
      Day of the Viper                    auto-boot
      DeathBringer                        2 disks,HD installable
      Disciples of Steel                  HD installable
      Dive Bomber                         2 disks, run from desktop
      Eagle's Rider                       auto-boot
      F-15 Strike Eagle II                2 disks,auto-boot
      Falcon (Spectrum Holobyte)          HD installable, V. 1.2 or higher
      Flight Simulator II                 HD installable
      Flight of the Intruder              HD installable
      Floyd the Droid                     runs from desktop, and HD
      Forgotten World                     2 disks, auto-boot
      Full Metal Planete                  auto-boot
      Garfield                            Use "24bit.prg" to fix
      Hard Drivin'                        Use "24bit.prg" to fix
      Hard Drivin' II                     run from desktop
      Heavy Metal Heroes                  auto-boot
      Hoyle's Book of Games I             HD installable
      Hoyle's Book of Games II            HD installable
      I-Ball                              very old
      Ikari Warriors                      auto-boot
      Indy 500                            run from desktop
      Joust                               run from desktop
      Knights of the Sky                  2 disks,HD installable
      Lotus Turbo Challange II            auto-boot
      Marble Madness                      run from desktop
      Metal Masters
      Metal Mutant                        very good advanture game
      Mig-29 SuperFulcrum                 HD installable
      Narco Police
      Night Shift                         HD installable
      Ninja Mission                       auto-boot
      Pacland                             very fast on the TT
      PowerDrome
      Recovery                            auto-boot
      Red Storm Rising                    run from desktop
      Return of the Jedi                  auto-boot
      Rolling Thunder                     Runs from desktop and HD
      Rubicon                             2 disks, auto-boots from floppy
      Satan
      Sex Olympics                        Runs from desktop
      Shadowgate                          Run from desktop
      Shufflepuck Cafe                    2 disks, runs very fast
      Silent Service II                   HD installable
      Space Quest I                       use "24bit.prg" to fix
      Star Raiders                        Run from desktop
      Stratego                            auto-boot
      Strider                             auto-boot
      Stunt Car Racer                     run from desktop
      Super Space Invaders                2 disks
      Team Yankee                         HD installable
      Test Drive                          auto-boots
      Tetris (Spectrum Holobyte)          HD installable
      The Duel, Test Drive II             HD installable, better on TT
      The Last Duel                       Auto-boot
      The Light Corridor                  auto-boot
      The Pawn                            run from desktop
      The Secert of Monkey Island         4 disks
      The Ultimate Ride                   2 disks, killer motorcycle sim
      Their Finest Hour                   HD installable
      Torvak the Warrior                  auto-boot
      Total Recall                        2 disks
      Violators                           Auto-boot
      Vixen                               run from desktop
      Volifed                             HD installable (Qix type game)
      Warhawk                             run from desktop
      Willow                              2 disks, auto-boot
      Zero Gravity                        auto-boot

 Some of these games are not 100% compatible.  Those that are not 100%
 compatible may not have any or part of the sound of the game.  Some may
 bomb at times.  The best games I've seen yet that run on the TT are the
 Flight/Combat sims. The higher clock speed of the TT really improves these
 games and make them more playable and enjoyable.

 My Favorite games for the TT030 are:

                                F-15 SE II
                            Test Drive I and II
                            Knights of the Sky
                                  Falcon
                             Their Finest Hour
                             Silent Service II

 This list is only the games that I have been able to run on the TT.  There
 are of course many that I haven't been able to try.



 From the FNET

 Conf : STReport Online
 Msg# : 20105/20113  Lines: Extended  Read: 1
 Sent : May 06, 1992  at 10:42 PM
 To   : Ty Hampton
 From : Jason Alexander at Fnet Node 736, The MIDI Clinic BBS
 Subj : Re: <20039> Keyboard Survey


 Here's my little tid-bit to this whole survey.

     I would like to see a lean, sleek looking machine, preferably as thin
 as possible (no high IBM type things, we all have monitor stands for
 THAT:-) and preferably with a front-loading floppy, none of this
 side-mounted stuff where you must keep the 1040 a good half foot out from
 the U-type monitor stand.  I like the MEGA STe/TT case, however, do away
 with the funny indentations, ridges etc.  You don't have to make it look
 like a space ship to make it powerful.  Make it smooth, rounded, but thin
 and solid.  I wasn't a fan of the 1040 simply because the case buckles (on
 the top when you put something heavy on it) and the side-mount disk drive.
 Oh, also, do away with the crappy ST keyboard.  Get the Mega/TT keys that
 have a bit of 'click' to them so you KNOW you've made contact with the
 board.  Oh, and perhaps..god, I know this is REALLY stretching my hopes,
 but for gosh sakes, why did they decide on "FALCON"????  I have mentioned
 this name to five of my IBM friends and they all came up with rude remarks
 about it being a toy.  And as if Falcon wasn't bad enough...what is this
 "Sparrow" all about?  Man, what's the palm-computer version of this thing
 going to be called?  "Chickadee"??

     Oh, and semi-gloss black is a good idea.  Not flat, and not glossy,
 just in between like the NeXT.  Forget the grey though.  ALso, if you're
 going to have a black computer, of course this means new monitors with
 black casings.  However, I have one comment on a black monitor.  Make the
 border molding around the CRT anything but black.  A black border may not
 be the best of colors next to a black screen.  Maybe it would.  Who knows.
 I'm babbling, but I would like to have Atari come up with not only a
 terrific computer, but a cosmetically appealing one as well!

 Jason Alexander - MIDI Clinic BBS -



 From CIS

 Date:  09-May-92 09:01 EDT
 From:  bill devonshire [73707,1656]
 Subj:  Keyboard issue

     Hello there.  Thank you for putting my letter about ACE Toronto into
 your issue of ST Report!  I thought I would drop you a line about the
 keyboard issue for the new Atari computers.  I would like to see the new
 computers incorporate a happy medium method of keyboard addition to the
 new line. Detached has the advantage of allowing you to source a keyboard
 of your choice for your machine, but it poses a pain when used as a
 portable system.

     It really becomes just another component to have to pack and lug
 around. This is particularly important to musicians that cart the ST with
 them to the concerts or gigs.

     The attached keyboard removes all flexibility in choosing your style
 or preference in keyboard feel and response (for instance, I like the ST's
 keyboard).  I would like to see a combination method used, where the key-
 board can be attached or detached from the main chassis.  As far as desk
 space is concerned it would be nice to be able to attach the keyboard to
 the computer and make it one unit, and then at another time, remove the
 keyboard (to sit it on your lap or a remote location).  This can be done
 with the present ST design by designing the case to accomodate a depress-
 ion where the present keyboard sits.  A separate keyboard can then be
 dropped into the 'keyboard' area and attached by use of the foot tabs that
 generally come with a detached keyboard.  Atari could design several types
 of keyboard to give everyone a price and quality choice.  At anytime, the
 user can detach the keyboard (with little detrimental effects to the
 overall appearance of the machine).  Thanks again.



 from CIS

 #: 32636 S8/Hot Topics
     11-May-92  13:05:28
 Sb: #32123-TinyTurbo 030 questions
 Fm: George Richardson 75275,1363
 To: Jim Ness 75300,3155

 I would have to say that the full blown Turbo '030 is probably going to
 be more than "a tad" faster than the SST, probably at least 20% faster I
 would guess. However, look for a price much higher than the SSTs.

 As far as compatibility goes, it should be pretty much the same. Jim
 seems to have made some patches to the TOS, but that shouldn't bother
 anything. He does have the ability to go back to the 68000 though, so
 that help a lot.

 The Turbo 030 can only have 4 or 16 megs of fastram (using 4 meg DRAM)
 though. And it has no expansion capabilities. You also have to buy the
 entire thing from Fasttech.

         George Richardson
         Merlin Group, Inc.

 P.S. That's the *full* 4 meg Turbo 030. The Tiny Turbo will never touch
 the SST in performance. And the Full Turbo beats us by running at 50mhz,
 which we may soon do......  :-)


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                      """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""



 > A "Quotable Quote"               "They'll Do It Every Time!"
   ==================




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