ST Report: 5-5-May-1995 #1118
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 05/22/95-03:53:33 PM Z
From: aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 5-5-May-1995 #1118
Date: Mon May 22 15:53:33 1995
SILICON TIMES REPORT
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> 05/05/95 STR 1118 "The Original * Independent * OnLine Magazine!"
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> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
In today's modern society, with all its fancy doodads and gadgets,
one thing remains the only real constant in the human scheme of things.
That is the ability of man to choose. To make choices. Many of us,
especially when we're buzzing down the block in the car on our way to the
corner store to get the newspaper, make either a conscious or unconscious
choice. Anybody know what choice that is?? The SEAT BELTS!! Yes, that
is it. Just yesterday, the reality of how much good a seat belt can do
was really brought home. As I sat working on a project, I heard all sorts
of squealing and screeching of car brakes and finally the scrunching of
the brakes of an eighteen wheeler. As I got up to go look I said to
myself "this is a bad one". I had no idea how bad. After having walked
the two blocks to I-295's shoulder, I saw a mass of confusion to the
northeast of where I stood. I walked up there. Lord knows, was _I_ ever
so sorry I had done so.
A family from New York State (saw the tags) was obviously on their
way back up north in their late model van. Not being aware of the
sequence of events that led to this crash, all I can say is it left one
child dead and another badly hurt. They were not wearing their seat
belts. As parents and as responsible adults its incumbent upon all of us
to get the message out to our neighbors to use those "uncomfortable, pain
in the neck" seat belts. I am willing to bet I'll become a seat belt
evangelist after having seen what hitting the Interstate at sixty or so
miles per hour into oncoming traffic can do to a tender young body. Wear
those belts! They work! Its the summertime folks and its also vacation
time all over the country. Buckle-Up! Please??? And teach the kiddies
how to do it too.
On the computing scene, we see where the Macaroons are busy sending
silly memos around their Cupertino office taking "pot shots" at Win'95.
How quaint. Could this possibly be the first sign they realizing that
Win'95 is something to give rise to a great of concern in the land of
sauce? Personally I think they've got a great deal to be worried about.
They're headed down relic row and some of them already know it. In fact,
its been reported that many in Cupertino are busy talking about the "new"
_ultra high end_ clone line that'll soon make its glorious debut. Time
will tell. Or, maybe one of our "snoops" will get an advance peek at the
new shining light for Apple. Its allegedly code named "Golden Gates".
Who knows??
Of Special Note:
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Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor, Current Affairs
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> STR INDUSTRY REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
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IBM/POWER-PC/PC SECTION (I)
===========================
Computer Products Update - CPU Report
------------------------ ----------
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Issue #18
Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
******* General Computer News *******
>> Dell Cuts Dimension PC Prices <<
Dell Computer Corp. says it has reduced prices on its Dell Dimension
PCs by an average $125 to $150.
The price reductions vary by system configuration. For example, the
Dell Dimension XPS P120c system configured as an office workstation,
which was $3,149, is now priced at $2,999. The configuration includes
16MB of RAM, a 256K pipeline burst cache, a 1GB hard disk, a 15-inch
color monitor, a 64-bit peripheral component interconnect (PCI), 1MB of
video RAM, a quad-speed CD-ROM drive and preinstalled Microsoft Office
4.3 and Microsoft Bookshelf software.
Dell says it was able to make the pricing move because its direct,
build-to-order business model allows it quickly to pass along component
cost savings to customers.
Also, the computer maker says it has begun fee-based software tele-
phone support for DOS, Windows and Windows for Workgroups programs
bundled with Dell systems. Effective immediately, U.S. customers who
purchase Dell systems can obtain software support after an initial
complimentary 30-day startup period by paying a fee of $29 per call by
credit card. Dell plans to provide a similar software support offering
for Windows 95 upon its expected release later this year.
Dell says that customers who purchase its new support service will
receive priority access to software specialists.
>> Suggestions Made for CD Future <<
A group of hardware and software makers has urged Toshiba Corp. and
an alliance of Sony Corp. and Philips N.V. to put aside differences and
settle on one format for future five-inch compact discs.
The group -- comprised of Apple, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and
Microsoft -- also has issued recommendations for the companies that are
competing to create the discs.
Since December, Toshiba and the Sony-Phillips alliance have been
trying to win favor for their different ideas for new CDs:
-:- Toshiba, which has won backing from more studios and consumer
electronics makers, plans to use both sides of a disc.
-:- Sony-Phillips, which designed the original CD, plan to layer data
on one side.
The hardware and software firms met with Toshiba and Sony-Phillips
representatives last month, but took nearly two weeks to agree on a
public statement of their objectives.
Released this week, the statement said the firms hope the new discs
work on today's PC, are interchangeable with stereos, video game players
and other devices and have a cost comparable to today's discs. Also,
they said, they want the discs to not require a special caddy or
cartridge.
>> Apple Memo Mocks Windows95 <<
Rumors say an internal memo at Apple Computer Inc. is poking fun at
Microsoft Corp.'s much-delayed Windows95 environment, now due for
release in August. Reports say the memo, playing on the idea that
"historically, Microsoft's operating system products have always sounded
better six months before release than when they actually ship," reads:
"It is important to remember that the only hardware platform that the
final version of Windows95 is able to run on today is a slide projector!"
>> 3DO Offers New Game Player <<
An upgraded 64-bit machine will be released later this year by inter-
active game producer 3DO Co. which says the unit will re-shape home
entertainment.
Reports say the company, which currently sells a 32-bit Multiplayer
for $400, as saying the M2 format will enable the device to offer the
same performance as computer workstations and arcade players.
The announcement comes more than a week before 3DO's rivals are
expected to unveil demonstration models of 64-bit players. Sega
Enterprises Ltd., Nintendo Co. and Sony Corp. have already announced
plans to put the next-generation systems on store shelves by the end of
the year.
3DO's new player, which uses a compact disk format, currently faces
competition in Japan from 32-bit players by Sony and Sega. Atari Corp.
sells a 64-bit Jaguar, "but," says reports, "it is not considered a
major contender because it offers relatively few titles."
3DO President/CEO Trip Hawkins said the M2 machine will offer far
sharper graphics and much faster speed, adding, "It's a quantum leap for
the industry in both graphics speed and quality. We're raising the bar
again."
Hugh Martin, 3DO's chief operating officer, said M2 will enable
software developers to create titles that provide a whole new level of
realism and experiences not previously available on advanced CD
entertainment systems.
>> Handheld Computer Market Grows <<
Dataquest reports that the worldwide handheld computer market grew by
39% in 1994, with 950,000 units shipped, and is expected to reach 5.6
million units by 1999.
The market researcher notes that Hewlett-Packard Co. continued its
dominance of the standard handheld market, with 27% of the market. It
adds that Sharp is still the market leader in the expandable organizer
market, but Psion is clearly gaining ground.
>> Global Cuts Mac Modem Prices <<
Global Village Communication Inc. has announced price reductions on
its Macintosh 14.4K bps data/fax modems.
The TelePort Gold II for Macintosh desktop computers now costs $130,
down from $155. The PowerPort Gold for low-end PowerBook notebook
computers now sells for $229, down from $299.
"With the recent surge in popularity of online services and the
Internet, our fax/modems have been in unprecedented demand," says Neil
Selvin, president and CEO of Global Village. "High volume has allowed us
to decrease production costs, and we're happy to pass these savings
along to our customers."
>> Mac Version of Doom II Set <<
A Macintosh version of Doom II: Hell on Earth, the popular PC combat-
action game, is set for release.
Originally developed by id Software, published and distributed by GT
Interactive Software and ported to the Macintosh by Lion Entertainment
Inc., the program is scheduled to reach stores in June. Shortly there-
after, a shareware version will be distributed via CompuServe and other
online systems.
"The PC version of Doom II has done phenomenally well at retail and
we expect the Mac version to follow suit," says Allan Blum, vice
president of marketing at New York-based GT Interactive Software.
Doom II for Macintosh offers single-player and multi-player modes.
The multi-player mode allows up to four players to join forces for
cooperative play or go head-to-head in a "Deathmatch." Players can
communicate with each other during combat by typing comments or sending
preset messages like "Look out behind you," "Follow me," or "I've got
you in my sight."
Doom II for Macintosh will be available in CD-ROM and floppy disk
versions. It will cost between $45 and $55.
>> Hard Disk Drive Market Up 35% <<
According to Dataquest, the worldwide market for hard disk drives
grew 35% last year to 69.3 million units. The growth was thought to be
driven by strong sales in home and small office PCs.
Quantum Corp. was the leader with sales up 60% to more than 16
million drives, followed by Seagate at 12.9 million, Conner Peripherals
at 10.9 million, Western Digital at 8.9 million and International
Business Machines Corp. at 7.95 million.
Dataquest doesn't expect market shares for the top companies to
exhibit dramatic changes in 1995 or 1996. (Quantum's market share
increased nearly 3% points to 23.1% in 1994, while Seagate dropped to
18.7% from 19.9%.)
>> Radius to Ship Mac Clones Soon <<
Radius Inc. will ship its first Apple Macintosh clones in limited
quantity by next month, with volume shipping to begin by September.
Reports say that Radius CEO Charles Berger told the Hambrecht and
Quist technology conference that the first systems will be high-end
computers aimed at the professional desktop publishing workplace. They
will be 110-megahertz machines, he said.
Radius was one of the first companies to license Apple Computer
Inc.'s Macintosh operating system in December last year.
>> RasterOps Unveils Name Change <<
RasterOps, a pioneer in the color graphics and desktop video markets,
says it plans to conduct its business under the Truevision name.
RasterOps and Truevision Inc. merged in 1992. Together, the companies
provide a line of high-performance color graphics, display and desktop
digital video products.
Truevision says its primary focus will be to compete in the rapidly
expanding desktop digital video market with the company's line of cross-
platform video processing and authoring products. The company will
maintain the RasterOps brand name as a product line consisting of high-
performance, high-value graphics acceleration products.
>> Apple Cuts Course Prices <<
Apple Computer Inc. says it has lowered prices by 30% or more on all
of its Developer University self-paced training products.
The computer-based courses are designed to help users begin or extend
software development efforts on Apple Macintosh and Mac-compatible
computers running the Mac OS. The products are used by programmers in
corporate IS departments, as well as developers of commercial and
educational software.
Course prices now range from $70 to $559.
>> 130 MHz Pentium to Be Offered <<
A 130 MHz version of the Pentium chip is be introduced by Intel Corp.
within the next 60 days, the company says. And Intel also will introduce
its 150 MHz chip by the end of the year.
Intel sources also said they expect more than 20% growth in the PC
market both in the U.S. and worldwide and doesn't expect Intel to become
a major supplier of "motherboards" itself.
>> CD-Erasable Format Planned <<
Ten major computer hardware and media manufacturers are banding
together to develop a new CD-Erasable (CD-E) disc format.
CD-E would allow users to store large amounts of information without
sacrificing expensive hard disk space. CD-E drives would also be able to
read all current-generation CD- ROMs.
The project's backers are Philips Electronics, IBM, Ricoh, Hewlett-
Packard, Mitsubishi Chemical Co., Mitsumi Electric Co., Matsushita
Kotobuki Electric Industries, Sony, 3M and Olympus.
"We see CD-E as the next logical extension to CD-R and to the
existing CD format as being used in the computer world," says Philips
spokesman Cornelius Klik. "Whereas CD-R can be used in small-office
environments for applications such as file exchange and archiving, CD-E
can also serve as a reliable, cost-effective medium for backup in
business- critical applications. At the same time, CD-E drives will
preserve users' investment in software by playing all existing CD-ROM
discs."
>> Packard Bell Leads PC Market <<
While IBM has staged a moderate comeback, Packard Bell Electronics
Inc. has improved its lead as the U.S.'s top PC seller in the first
quarter.
International Data Corp. reports Packard Bell increased its share of
the domestic market to 12.7% from 11.3% a year ago. Meanwhile, No. 4 IBM
saw its share rise to 8.8% from 7.9%, partly reversing major losses last
year.
Compaq Computer Corp. and Apple Computer Inc. remained No. 2 and 3,
respectively, but lost share to Packard Bell and IBM. Gateway 2000 was
the fifth-biggest seller in the U.S., with a 5.4% share.
>> Planes May Ban Electronic Units <<
Aviation experts are warning that airline passengers could face a
worldwide ban on electronic gadgets that some fear can inadvertently
plunge planes into danger.
Reports from London say, "Research shows that electromagnetic inter-
ference, whereby radio waves baffle plane instruments, has affected up
to 100 flights and may have caused the Lauda Air disaster over Thailand
in 1991 that killed 223 people."
A story in The Sunday Times newspaper cites British and U.S. govern-
ment safety reports that showed alerts had risen sharply in the past
three years.
"Electromagnetic interference from camcorders can cause planes to
bank sharply to the left, laptop computers cut communication between
aircraft and ground control and personal stereos may make planes drift
off course," the story says.
Meanwhile, a U.S. federal committee reported, "During the past three
years the number of events relating to computers, compact disc players
and phones has dramatically increased."
>> Shapeware Unveils Name Change <<
Inspired by the success of its flagship Visio software, Shapeware
Corp. says it is changing its name to Visio Corp.
The company says the switch will provide it with a single brand
identity that leverages upon the software's name recognition. Visio is a
drawing and diagramming program designed for mainstream computer users.
"Our long-term investment in the value of the Visio brand and in the
constant enhancement of our products made the decision to move from
Shapeware to Visio Corp. a natural choice," says Gary Gigot, the
company's vice president of marketing. "The evolution to Visio Corp.
also marks the next wave of business opportunities upon which we are
embarking: deepening corporate usage of Visio beyond early adopters and
technical experts, expanding distribution of Visio worldwide and an
aggressive marketing strategy positioning Visio on the forefront of
Windows 95- based technology."
>> 2000 Chip Market Seen Tripling <<
Frost & Sullivan researchers predict the worldwide market for memory
chips will nearly triple to $59 billion in the year 2000, growing at a
16% compound annual rate.
In a statement, F&S says by 2000:
-:- DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) revenues will account for a
heightened 67% of total market revenues.
-:- SRAM (Static RAM) 15%.
-:- ROM (Read-Only Memory) 7%.
-:- Flash memory chips 6%.
>> Apple Updates HyperCard <<
Apple Computer Inc. has introduced HyperCard 2.3, a new version of
the Macintosh software development tool that allows users to organize
text, graphics, sound and video into "stacks" of electronic cards.
According to Apple, HyperCard 2.3 provides performance improvements,
ease-of-use enhancements and new color and multimedia capabilities.
"Apple is committed to HyperCard as a strategic development
platform," says Ike Nassi, vice president of Apple System Software
Technology. "Version 2.3 provides our customers with the capabilities
they require to further reduce development time and enrich the user
experience."
HyperCard 2.3 includes both Power Macintosh and standard Macintosh
versions. Users may save their stacks as standalone applications for
Power Macs, standard Macs or both.
New HyperCard features include automated Button Tasks, 24-bit color
paint tools, text- to-speech capabilities and multimedia software and
utilities.
Set for delivery this month, HyperCard 2.3 is priced at $129. Hyper-
Card 2.2 customers can upgrade to HyperCard 2.3 for $39 by ordering
through the Apple Developer Tools Catalog.
______________________________________________
> Win'95 Game Dev STR InfoFile
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
For Release 6 a.m. PDT
April 24, 1995
Microsoft Releases Beta Version of Windows 95
Game Software Developers Kit
at
Computer Game Developers Conference
Top Game Companies Announce Support for Windows 95
SANTA CLARA, Calif. April 24, 1995 As part of a broad initiative to
help make the Microsoft Windows 95 operating system a premier game
platform, Microsoft Corp. today announced the beta release of the Windows
95 Game Software Developers Kit (SDK) . The SDK delivers tools and
technology that will enable game developers to create high performance
games for Windows 95 quickly and easily. As a sign of early game-
developer momentum behind Windows 95, top game-industry companies,
including 3DLabs Inc., 47-Tek, Acclaim Entertainment Inc., Accolade Inc.,
Activision Inc., Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Alliance Semiconductor
Corp., ATI Technologies Inc., Brooktree Corp., Cirrus Logic, Creative Labs
Inc., Crystal River Engineering, Deep River Publishing, Interactive Magic,
Matrox Graphics Inc., MicroProse Software, Mindscape Inc., S3 Inc.,
Spectrum Holobyte Inc., Viacom New Media, Virtual i-O Inc., Worlds Inc.
and Yamaha System Technology, announced their intent to support Windows 95
as a game platform.
"Microsoft is committed to making Windows 95 the hottest game platform,"
said Brad Silverberg, senior vice president of the personal systems division
at Microsoft. "The tools and technology we are delivering to developers will
result in new levels of fast, action-packed game play."
The Windows 95 Game SDK contains tools, sample code, documentation and a
new game subsystem designed specifically to enable high performance and more
engaging game play on Windows. The game subsystem provides a new set of game
application programming interfaces (APIs) including the following:
DirectDraw APIs for hardware-accelerated display performance, which enable
better graphics for animation.
DirectSound APIs for high-fidelity, low-latency sound and sound mixing,
which enable more realistic sound effects
DirectPlay APIs for simple multiplayer game connectivity, which enable
game players to compete against each rather than against the computer
DirectInput APIs for digital joystick support and control, which enable
effective game control
Currently, the Windows 95 game subsystem is available only as part of
the Windows 95 Game SDK. The game subsystem is royalty free and the run time
will be redistributed by game developers with their Windows 95-based games.
The game subsystem will be built into future versions of Windows.
"Mindscape has made a long-term commitment to the Windows platform,"
said Bob Lloyd, chairman and chief executive officer of Mindscape Inc. "Our
product, The San Diego Zoo Presents ... The Animals!, was the first
commercial product to support Video for Windows, and we are proud to be among
the first to support Windows 95."
Fast, Easy Game Development, Lower Support Costs The Windows 95 Game SDK
makes developing games for Windows 95 faster and easier than for the MS-DOS
operating system by providing game developers a standard set of system
services they previously needed to implement and maintain themselves. The
Game API provides device independence and broad hardware support for a wide
range of game peripherals to game developers. Additionally, releasing
Windows 95-based games will result in lower support costs because Windows 95
will make installing and configuring games and game peripherals dramatically
easier.
Windows 95 also provides AutoPlay support for automatic startup of CD-
based titles and legacy device detection, further reducing installation
difficulties. Consumers will benefit from
Plug and Play-enhanced easy installation and from scalable performance as
they upgrade their hardware.
"We see a great opportunity to reach a new community of gamers by
developing for Windows 95," said Stephen Gass, senior vice president of
product development at Viacom New Media. Using the tools in the Windows 95
Game SDK should make development faster and easier than before. We look
forward to delivering Windows 95-based games.
Game peripheral vendors and hardware manufacturers will benefit additionally
from the Game SDK. Peripheral vendors supporting the Game subsystem
automatically will be compatible with a large number of Windows 95-based
games.
"The game market has been ready to embrace new technological
advancements," said Henry Quan, vice president of marketing at ATI
Technologies Inc. "We re pleased to be working with Microsoft to deliver the
new generation of fast-action, arcade-like games by providing game-
acceleration features in our products, including the GRAPHICS XRESSION board
and the mach64 accelerator chips."
The Windows 95 Game SDK is the most recent offering that is part of
Microsoft s initiative to make Windows 95 a leading PC game platform. In
February, Microsoft acquired RenderMorphics Ltd. and announced its intention
to incorporate the Reality Lab real-time 3-D rendering engine into future
versions of Windows. Reality Lab enables world-class, real-time 3-D games
and other applications. Its APIs bring developers advanced 3-D features,
reduced development cycles, a royalty-free development environment for
Windows, and cross-platform capabilities, making it a powerful and cost-
effective tool for a broad range of games and multimedia products. The Win32
Reality Lab version 2.0 SDK beta is expected to be available later this
spring.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ MSFT ) is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products
and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of
making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full
power of personal computing every day. Microsoft, Windows, MS-DOS and Win32
are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the
United States and/or other countries.
______________________________________
> STR Feature
"""""""""""
The Kids' Computing Corner
--------------------------
THE LATEST & GREATEST
=====================
by Frank Sereno
About one year ago, I reviewed an excellent video entitled "I Dig Fossils."
The video teaches children and parents how to begin the fascinating hobby of
fossil collection. A genial boy, with the assistance of his father, explains
many of the intricate details of fossil hunting. The video also provides a
book list and other sources of information to assist families in the fossil
hobby.
The producers, Mazon Productions, have just released "Astronomy 101." This
video promotes amateur astronomy as a fun and fascinating family activity.
Young Michelle and her mother explain the basic equipment and methodology
used to stargaze.
Computer animations are used to show the solar system in action, to explain
how the sky changes from day to day and to aid in recognizing the
constellations. Many aspects of astronomy are explained with common English
rather than difficult technical terms. Michelle also explains the three
types of telescopes and what to look for in home equipment. The video also
shows the tremendous difference between observatory images and those you can
expect on an amateur telescope.
Michelle's mother explains that binoculars are a good tool, especially for
moon-watching. Binoculars can be a very inexpensive way to get into
astronomy. The video shows several of the moon's features as seen through
binoculars.
The video has some familial humor and realism due to interplay between
Michelle and her brother, Scott. They say funny put-downs to each other
based on their hobbies. The kidding is good-natured. In the end, Michelle's
enthusiasm for astronomy has rubbed off onto her father and brother.
A short book list is provided for additional material on astronomy. Also
included is an address for obtaining information on astronomy clubs and
planetariums. These resources should make your venture into astronomy much
easier.
"Astronomy 101" has good pacing. It is entertaining and educational.
Science is shown as a fun hobby. Children so often think of science as some
sort of torture rather than seeing it as the adventure in thinking and
exploring that it truly is. If you are looking for an educational hobby that
you can share with your children, astronomy is an excellent choice. View
this video with your children to gauge their interest in the subject.
"I Dig Fossils" and "Astronomy 101" are available in video stores and other
retail outlets. Each can be purchased directly from Mazon Productions for
$19.95 plus $3.95 for shipping and handling. You can call toll-free to 1-
800-332-IDIG or by U.S. Mail at:
Mazon Productions Inc.
P.O. Box 2427
Northbrook, IL 60065-2427
###
Super Solvers Gizmos & Gadgets
Dual format CD-ROM for Macintosh and Windows
ages seven to twelve
suggested retail $49
by The Learning Company
6493 Kaiser Dr.
Fremont, CA 94555
510-792-2101
IBM Requirements Macintosh Requirements
CPU: 386/25 CPU: Mac Color Classic
RAM: 4 megs RAM: 4 megs
Video: 16-color VGA (256 SVGA rec.) Video: 256-color
Hdisk: 1 meg Hdisk: 1 meg
CD-ROM: Double-speed CD-ROM: Double-speed
OS: Windows 3.1 OS: System 7.0.1
Misc.: Sound card, mouse
Super Solvers Gizmos & Gadgets combines science learning with racing
competition. Children must decipher science puzzles to gain access to the
parts they need to build racing gizmos. They must defeat Morty Maxwell, the
Master of Mischief, or he will take over the research laboratory.
The object of the game is to build faster racing vehicles than Morty. To do
this, children must examine a blueprint and then look for parts in a
warehouse maze. Morty's chimps cavort about the maze, taking items away from
the player. The chimps will take a short nap if they are tossed a banana
snack. To enter locked rooms, children must solve puzzles involving physical
science. Puzzle topics include identifying simple machines, building
machines, completing electrical circuits, magnetism and more. Hints are
available in text and audible formats.
To defeat Marty, the child's gizmo must be built using the best parts. He
will learn mechanical and scientific facts from building each racer. For
example, a blimp will travel faster if it has an internal gondola rather than
an external one. The program also teaches the rudiments of aerodynamics by
showing that sharply sloped, thinner bodies move faster.
Moving through the maze takes logic and planning. Not only must the child
avoid the chimps in the maze, but the use of various springboards and
trampolines must be planned so he can reach his objectives. Sometimes these
devices are an aid, at other times they are an obstacle.
Movement through the maze is accomplished with the cursor keys. The control
key is used for jumping. Personally, I disliked this method of control.
Unfortunately, no option for a joystick or gamepad is offered. Perhaps
children of the intended age group will have the proper dexterity.
The graphics are full of bright colors. They are not too detailed, but they
are more than adequate. The sounds are excellent. The voices are clear and
distinct. Many sound effects are used throughout the program. While the
music isn't "Top 40", it is very enjoyable.
Gizmos & Gadgets uses a point-and-click interface with audible help available
in the science puzzles and blueprint reading portions of the program. The
program also includes a number of text helpfiles which detail gameplay and
educational focus. The program can be customized so the focus is on certain
types of puzzles. Solved puzzles are tracked so the child's progress can be
gauged. Other than the cursor key maze control, I found the interface to be
very good.
The game is fun, but I think improved controls would make it even more
enjoyable. It is very entertaining to watch Morty lose and then see his
reactions to his defeat. That is a lesson in itself.
Gizmos & Gadgets offers a tremendous value for education. The program
teaches many of the basic concepts of physical science. It also promotes the
strengthening of deductive reasoning, logic, problem-solving and
experimentation skills.
With a suggested retail price of $49, Gizmos & Gadgets is a very good buy.
The program is available at a reduced price on floppy diskette, but the CD-
ROM is enhanced greatly over the floppy version. The CD-ROM includes
additional puzzles and voices. The Learning Company offers a 30-day
moneyback guarantee on its products. If you are not satisfied with this
product, you can return for an equivalent product or a full refund. You have
zero risk when trying this product in your home.
Ratings
Graphics ........... 8.0
Sounds ............. 9.0
Interface .......... 8.5
Play Value ......... 8.0
Educational Value .. 9.0
Bang for the Buck .. 9.0
Average ............ 8.58
As always, I thank you for reading!
____________________________________________
> TVRO & YOU STR Feature
""""""""""""""""""""""
DISK SLIPPAGE
=============
by Paul Guillot
This weeks article is on the elusive monster called DISK SLIPPAGE.
First off, there is no such thing. It should be called COUNT LOSS because
that is what happens to your system in time. Your system has a motor on it
that drives a worm gear or chain pulley system to move your dish along the
arc.
Now if there was no way to tell the system where it was a any given
time, your system would not be able to find the same satellite each time. So
the manufacturers have developed a way of telling how far the dish has moved.
It is called a pulse count and it is not as accurate as you might wish it to
be. Here's what happens...
Inside your motor is a gear setup that moves a magnet or magnets by a
point where there is a simple switch inside a glass tube. This switch opens
and closes according to the magnets that pass by it. This is simply like
turning on and off a light switch. Now there is a circuit in your system
that counts how many times this switch either opens or closes. Most systems
require you set the limits of your system first so it can establish a base
count and then work in that number. Your installer has set your system to
tell it where each satellite is according to a certain number of that count.
Each system is different and even the same make/model can be different.
Some motor manufacturers use various numbers of magnets to induce the
count. The owner should be concerned with two other things when it comes to
moving the dish. One is the extension per revolution and the speed of the
motor.(EPR) If the intention per revolution is high and the speed of the
motor is high then your accuracy to fine tune a satellite is hard but your
dish moves fast from sat to sat. One lost count here is devastating. More
and more manufacturers have made a compromise and provided good EPR and speed
with a count of about 9 per degree. These motors work very well and are
quite reliable. There is only one other consideration to make when buying a
motor for your dish. THRUST LOAD. Motors are rated according to the amount
of push or pull required to move the dish.
Naturally, a bigger motor is needed to move a big dish and a smaller one
could be used on a small dish. The thrust load is directly related to the
type of worm gear in your motor and how well it is built. An arm with a high
EPR will strain to move a big dish but move it fast.
There have been motors equipped with dual speeds to make the travel
faster but the possibility of a lost count increases with the speed of the
motor. The magnetic field that is produced at the sensor switch is blurred
on a motor that is too fast causing a count to get confused.
In conclusion, If you want a faster motor so it doesn't take so long to
go from sat to sat, Use a counter balance on the dish to lighten the thrust
so you can use a faster motor. If not, be happy with a motor that keeps
your count accurately. A new motor has been introduced into the market
called Skylighter Gold. It is a fast arm with fair counts but it seems to
operate just outside of the accuracy parameters that most people like to
have. You know if your system needs a better motor if you have to reprogram
or fine tune the satellites one a month because of the ill fated term and
condition known as "DISK SLIPPAGE".
______________________________________
> Microsoft Plus! STR FOCUS!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
MICROSOFT PLUS! FOR WINDOWS 95
==============================
For Release 6 a.m. PDT
April 24, 1995
Microsoft Announces Microsoft Plus! for Windows 95
Add-on Software Package Improves Looks and Performance of PCs;
Includes Bonus Internet Jumpstart Kit
REDMOND, Wash. April 24, 1995 Microsoft Corp. today announced Microsoft
Plus!, a companion software package for the Windows 95 operating system.
Microsoft Plus! is designed to enhance the look and performance of Windows
95-based personal computers and includes a bonus Internet Jumpstart Kit. The
software package will enter beta testing at already-selected beta sites in
early May and is expected to ship simultaneously with the release of Windows
95.
Microsoft Plus! consists of System Agent technology and disk utilities
that work behind the scenes to keep the user s PC running at peak
performance; Desktop Themes that incorporate sounds, fonts, color schemes,
wallpaper, screen savers, photo-realistic icons and animated cursors to
improve the looks of a user s computer; and a bonus Internet Jumpstart Kit
that provides easy sign-up and one-button access to the Internet.
Microsoft Plus! is mag wheels and chrome trim for Windows 95, said
Brad Chase, general manager of the personal systems group at Microsoft.
"This product will be a must-have for Windows 95-based 486 and Pentium PC
owners."
Microsoft Plus! System Agent and Disk Utilities
-----------------------------------------------
The Microsoft Plus! System Agent and disk tools automate PC maintenance,
making it faster and easier to keep a computer in top shape. Microsoft Plus!
disk utilities are part of the regular recommended care and feeding of a
computer and include functions many users neglect or rely on information-
services managers to take care of. Microsoft Plus! includes DriveSpace 3.0,
Compression Agent, and System Agent-aware upgrades to the Scandisk and Defrag
utilities that will ship with Windows 95.
The Microsoft Plus! System Agent is a smart assistant that works in
the background to keep a system optimized for top performance. While the
system is idle, the System Agent works with the disk utilities to compress
data to free up hard disk space and to clean up the hard disk, correcting any
disk errors and defragmenting the hard disk. Microsoft Plus! also can be
configured to back up files automatically. All these functions keep a
computer running at peak performance.
DriveSpace 3 is an enhanced version of the DriveSpace disk compression
that will ship with Windows 95. DriveSpace 3 supports large compressed
volumes (up to 2 GB) and greater compression ratios. DriveSpace 3 is also
optimized for improved performance on Pentium processor-based systems.
The Compression Agent is an intelligent offline compression utility for
DriveSpace 3 that automatically chooses the most appropriate compression
algorithm for each file on a system. When used in conjunction with the
Microsoft Plus! System Agent, the Compression Agent allows users to maximize
compression levels as well as PC performance by automatically compressing
data when their PCs are not in use.
Microsoft Plus! Desktop Themes
------------------------------
Microsoft Plus! Desktop Themes provide sounds, fonts, color schemes,
wallpaper, screen savers, photo-realistic icons and animated cursors. Each
Desktop Theme sets more than 75 different desktop parameters for Windows 95,
using a common theme to guide the choice of selections. Microsoft Plus!
Desktop Themes include Travel, Nature, Mystery, 1960s USA, Leonardo da Vinci,
Science, Dangerous Creatures, Sports, Moderne, Inside Your PC and Windows 95.
Customers can coordinate and switch easily among elements, adding fun and
variety to their computing experience. Microsoft Plus! includes themes
designed for customers with 8-bit or 16-bit color capability.
Additional Microsoft Plus! features include Multimedia Pinball, a game
that takes advantage of built-in multimedia support in Windows 95 to look,
sound and play like an authentic pinball game, and full-window drag and font
smoothing. With full-window drag, windows are dragged as solid blocks rather
than outlines. Font smoothing is performed using anti-aliasing techniques
and hinting of fonts, making them smoother and easier to read.
Microsoft Plus! Bonus: Internet Jumpstart Kit
----------------------------------------------
Microsoft Plus! Internet Jumpstart Kit provides easy sign-up and one-
button access to the Internet via the Microsoft Network. Microsoft Plus!
Internet Jumpstart Kit includes a Set-Up Wizard to assist customers in
signing up with an Internet service provider; the Internet Explorer, which is
Microsoft s Windows 95-based World Wide Web browser; and an Internet mail
reader for the Windows 95 Exchange mail client. In addition, Microsoft Plus!
Internet Jumpstart Kit extends the Windows 95 shortcut functionality, so
customers can create shortcuts to favorite Internet locations and then reach
these locations with a single mouse click. The Internet Jumpstart
components also will be available for downloading from The Microsoft Network,
other online services and Microsoft s FTP server.
System Requirements
-------------------
Microsoft Plus! requires a Windows 95-based PC with a minimum of a 486
processor and 8MB of RAM. Depending on which Desktop Themes are installed,
disk requirements vary from 25 MB to 40 MB of disk space. A sound card is
recommended for Desktop Themes and Multimedia Pinball. A modem or LAN-based
connection is required to access the Internet. Pricing has not yet been
determined. Microsoft Plus! is expected to be available wherever Windows 95
is sold.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ MSFT ) is a worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products
and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of
making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full
power of personal computing every day. Microsoft and Windows are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States
and/or other countries. Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corp.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N
FARGO PRIMERA PRO COLOR PRINTERS - 600DPI
For a limited time only; If you wish to have a FREE sample printout sent to
you that demonstrates FARGO Primera & Primera Pro SUPERIOR QUALITY 600dpi 24
bit Photo Realistic Color Output, please send a Self Addressed Stamped
Envelope [SASE] (business sized envelope please) to:
STReport's Fargo Printout Offer
P.O. Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32205-6155
Folks, the FARGO Primera Pro has GOT to be the best yet. Its far superior to
the newest of Color Laser Printers selling for more than three times as much.
Its said that ONE Picture is worth a thousand words. Send for this sample
now. Guaranteed you will be amazed at the superb quality. (please, allow at
least a one week turn-around)
A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
GENIE Information Services copyright 1995 by General Electric
Information Services/GENIE, reprinted by permission
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
___ ___ _____ _______
/___| /___| /_____| /_______/
/____|/____| /__/|__| /__/
/_____|_____|/__/_|__|/__/
/__/|____/|__|________|__/
/__/ |___/ |__|_/ |__|_/_____
/__/ |__/ |__|/ |__|______/
________________________________________
/_______________________________________/
MAC/APPLE SECTION (II)
======================
John Deegan, Editor (Temp)
> NEW Graphics File Format! STR FOCUS!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Subject: PNG Letter - Msg Number: 188633
From: Diana Gruber 72000,1642
To: ALL
Forum: GRAPHSUPPORT Sec: 09-Publishing Projects
Date: 01-May-95 18:31:27
---------------------------------
PLEASE COPY AND DISTRIBUTE WIDELY
---------------------------------
GRAPHICS COMMUNITY ENDORSES A NEW FILE FORMAT
=============================================
May 1, 1995. A coalition of major software developers, publishers and
technical writers announced today its endorsement for the new PNG graphics
format. PNG (Portable Network Graphics, pronounced "ping") is a flexible and
open format for storing bitmapped graphics images. This effort began in late
1994, when CompuServe and Unisys stunned the online world by announcing that
royalties would be required on the formerly freely used GIF file format.
Several companies claim a patent on the LZW compression algorithm, which is
an integral part of the GIF file format. Unisys is now requiring developers,
publishers, and vendors to pay royalties on any software that either creates
or displays GIF files. In response to this announcement, developers hastened
to replace the GIF file format with an improved royalty-free format. A
coalition of experienced independent graphics developers from the Internet
and CompuServe formed a working group and proceeded to design the new format.
The result is the PNG format.
PNG is a major advance over the venerable GIF format. By adopting PNG, you
would not only be helping the computer graphics community free itself from
the Unisys patent, but you would be enjoying the advantages of a powerful new
graphics file format. Converting your GIF collections to PNG offers the
following benefits:
* PNG retains GIF's strength as a simple and portable graphics format.
* PNG's compression method has been thoroughly researched and judged
free from patent problems.
* PNG allows support for true color and alpha channel storage. Its
extensible structure leaves room for future requirements.
* PNG's feature set allows conversion of all GIF files.
* On average, PNG files are smaller than GIF files.
* PNG offers a new, more visually appealing, method for progressive
display than the scanline interlacing used by GIF.
* PNG is designed to support full file integrity checking as
well as simple, quick detection of common transmission errors.
* Implementations of PNG are royalty-free.
The advantages of making PNG an industry-standard file format are clear. We
are now presented with a rare opportunity to move forward in the area of
royalty-free graphics display and archiving software. Please help with the
adoption of PNG by supporting it as your preferred graphics file format. For
more information, source code, file specifications, developer tools, and
freeware file converters, you can contact the comp.graphics Internet
newsgroups or the Graphics Support Forum on CompuServe (GO GRAPHSUP). For
files, check the ftp.uu.net:/graphics/png directory, or email
png-info@uunet.uu.net.
Thank you for supporting this project.
Signed by:
----------
Michael Abrash, author, Zen of Graphics Programming
Michael Console Battilana, Cloanto (Personal Paint/Write, etc.)
Bradley Bell & Elizabeth Piegari, TriSoft (Depth Dwellers)
Andrei Belogortseff, ChaoSoft (FM StepUp, FM Toolbar, FM Guard, etc.)
C. Steven Blackwood, Cytherean Adventures (Cargo Bay)
Robert K. Blaine, ECONO-SOFT
John Bradley, author of XV
John Bridges, author of GRASP, PC Paint and PICEM
Rick Byrnes, The Software Development Group (NoteWorthy, MoneyWise,
Eventz, and various shareware products.)
Tony Caine, ARCaine Technology
George Campbell, OsoSoft (Winclip, etc.)
Mike Ceranski, President, Dvorak Development
Lee Crocker (Piclab, PGIF, GTools)
Karen Crowther, Redwood Games (Math Rescue, Word Rescue, Pickle Wars)
E. Nicholas Cupery, Farba Research (Farba Utilities (tm))
Thomas Boutell, author of the gd library and the World Wide Web FAQ
Gary Elfring, Elfring Soft Fonts (Clip Art)
Steve Estvanik, Cascoly Software (Winzle, Windows in Time, MVP Bridge)
Jim Faliveno, Monumental Computer Applications, Inc. (TagVue-CaddView)
Dan Farmer, POV-Team (POV-Ray)
Oliver Fromme, TBH-Softworx (QPEG, PicDex)
John Gallant, First Magnitude (3-Ball Juggler, Beat the Bomb, Math
Sampler)
Lawrence Gozum, author (VIDVUE)
Phil Grenetz, Ivden Technologies
Diana Gruber, Ted Gruber Software, Inc. (Fastgraph)
David Hofmann (Computer Graphics Artist, Germany)
Michael D. Jones, Insight Software Solutions (Finance/Hobbies/Word Games)
Lutz Kretzschmar, coauthor of Ray Tracing Worlds (Moray)
Tom Lane, organizer, Independent JPEG Group (IJG JPEG software)
Steve Lee (Atlantic Coast plc)
Ralph Mariano @ STReport International Online Magazine
David K. Mason, author of Morphing on Your PC, coauthor of Making Movies
on Your PC (DTA, DFV, DMorf)
Randy Maclean, Formgen Corp.
Brad McLane, Caladonia Systems Inc. (Code.Print, ToolThings)
Al Meadows/Fineware Systems (Author of Space Hound, Peeper, etc.)
Scott Miller, Apogee Software, Sultans of Shareware
Jeff Napier, Another Company (Computer Magic)
Peter Nielsen, Raja Thiagarajan, Julie England (PMView & PMSnap for OS/2)
David Noakes, Fugue Software
Dick Oliver, author of PC graphics books and software including Tricks of
the Graphics Gurus, PC Graphics Unleashed, and FractalVision
Dan Richardson, illustrator, author of Create Stereograms on Your PC
John Richardson, Rogue Marketing (Amazing Secrets Series, Gambling
Secrets, JobDisk)
Steve Rimmer, Alchemy Mindworks Inc. (Graphic Workshop, etc.)
Greg Roelofs, Info-ZIP (Zip, UnZip and related utilities)
Guy Eric Schalnat, Group 42 (PNGLIB, GraphX Viewer)
Paul Schmidt, Photodex Corporation, GDS (The Graphics Display System)
Monty Shelton, CrystalWorks (EZCosmos, SIRDS for NIRDS, Language Wiz)
Steve Sneed, Ozarks West Software, Inc. (OzCIS, OzWin, OZBEXT/OZGIF)
David Snyder, MVP Software (MVP Paint)
Chuck Steenburgh, Tay-Jee Software (Palantir for DOS & Windows, S.O.S.)
Peter Tiemann (author of TrueBase)
Glen Tippetts, NeoSoft Corporation (NeoPaint, NeoBook, etc.)
Rod Underhill, Computer Fine Artist (CIS Comic Forum's Underhill Gallery)
John Wagner (Improces)
Bruce F. Webster, Pages Software Inc (WebPages by Pages)
Tim Wegner, author of Image Lab and Fractal Creations (Fractint)
Rosemary West, R. K. West Consulting (By The Numbers, LoveDOS, etc.)
Thomas R. White, Recreational Engineering Associates (MultiMedia Swiss
Army Knife)
Charles L. Wiedemann, Rexxcom Systems (XL2001, E-Z-Book, etc.)
Terry Wilkinson, CIO, AffNet Publishing
Ben Williams, Black Belt Systems Inc. (WinImages, Imagemaster, etc.)
Jeff Woods, deltaComm Development, Inc. (Telix for Windows)
**********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International OnLine Magazine is available every week for your
reading pleasure on DELPHI. STReport's readers are invited to join DELPHI
and become a part of an extremely friendly community of enthusiastic computer
users there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN --DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and...
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's 20/20 Advantage Plan
20 Hours for Only $20!
-----------------------------
Advantage Members have always enjoyed the lowest DELPHI access rates
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or find some other diversion, don't worry because additional usage is only
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20/20 Advantage rates apply for access via SprintNet or Tymnet from within
the continental United States during home time or via direct dial around the
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carries a surcharge of $9 per hour. These rates apply for most services, but
note that there are some surcharged areas on DELPHI which are clearly marked
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Who is eligible to take advantage of the plan? Any DELPHI member in good
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Internet Services Corporation.
It's easy to join. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply
OnLine -- at any time -- for membership in the DELPHI 20/20 Advantage Plan.
Your membership becomes active at 4 a.m. Eastern Time on the first billing
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The $20 charge will be billed to you at the beginning of the month to which
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TRY DELPHI FOR $1 AN HOUR!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and receive 5
hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only $5. If
you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of the
calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account active,
you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan, where you can
use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum $10 monthly
charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry, this special
trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this limited offer, use
your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press <RET> once or twice. When you get
the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press <RET> again. Then, just answer the
questions and within a day or two, you'll officially be a member of DELPHI!
DELPHI-It's the BEST Value and getting BETTER all the time!
-* ANNOUNCING: DELPHI INTERNET JET *-
--------------------------------------
Windows-based graphic interface for the otherwise text-only Delphi online
service. In addition to providing the user with a graphic interface, Delphi
Internet Jet can be configured to automatically gather Delphi Internet e-mail
and forum messages, and place them into a QWK packet for the user's existing
QWK mail reader! Complete instructions for setup, operation, Delphi
membership, and a FREE five hour trial included in the INTJET.TXT file.
************************************************************
ATARI/JAG SECTION (III)
=======================
Dana Jacobson, Editor
> From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
I'm usually complaining about how long the weeks have been lately;
this week just flew by! I can't believe I'm just going to make my
deadline this week!
Before I forget, I wanted to take a moment to thank the folks at
Merlin Software, in the U.K., for sending me out the premier issue of
the newest Atari magazine to hit the streets: Atari World. I've begun
a review of this innovative magazine, but it hasn't been completed yet.
I did want to say that this magazine is quite good from the start.
It's also unusual in that there are actually three distinct magazines:
Atari World, ST Source, and Atari Pro. Atari World is the primary
magazine. ST Source is a "how-to" magazine providing helpful hints for
the beginning ST user, or so it seems. It's very informative; and I
actually learned something that is essentially very basic, but never
realized before. Atari Pro is more advanced, and also very informative.
Both Source and Pro are both very small magazines, page-wise. However,
they're nice. More details next week!
Well, we have a lot of information and news for you this week, so
let's get on with the issue!
Until next time...
_________________________________________
Delphi's Atari Advantage!
TOP FIVE DOWNLOADS (5/3/95)
(1) SPEED OF LIGHT 3.8
(2) UNIVERSAL PRINT CONTROL ACC
(3) SILKBOOT 3
*(4) NISHIRAN!
(5) LITTLENET/MIDI PORT NETWORK PRG.
* = New on list
HONORARY TOP 5
The following on-line magazines are always top downloads, frequently
out-performing every other file in the databases.
STREPORT (Current issue: STREPORT 11.17)
ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE (Current issue: AEO: VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4)
Look for the above files in the RECENT ARRIVALS database.
_____________________________________________
> The Atari WEB Pages STR Feature
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Atari Web Pages Latest News
~~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~
Version 1.0
~~~~~~~ ~~~
Date 21/4/95
~~~~ ~~~~~~~
by
Mark Stephen Smith
~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~
5th Update
~~~ ~~~~~~
Foreword
~~~~~~~~
Hello and welcome to the news item on the Atari Web pages. This
document will describe the Atari Web pages as provided by Mark Stephen
Smith and will include a list of the latest updates for the month.
Each month I hope to update this text with the very latest additions
and news on the Atari Web pages.
Hopefully these pages will provide an invaluable service to their users,
but they are still at an early stage and developing all the time. As
such any feedback and support you may have for these pages is more than
welcome, it is in fact encouraged. The more input I get from its users
the better, as then I will know what is good and bad about these pages
and can change them appropriately in the hope of increasing their value
to their readers.
Now on with the show.
News and Changes
----------------
Well since the original description a lot has happened. I'm now
involved in several projects, and submit work to several Internet and
diskmag sources for inclusion. I have also officially took over the
maintenance of the Atari FTP list from Hallvard Tangeraas of which
there have been a couple of updates.
New items in this document since the last copy will be marked with **,
updates will be marked with a U. All new items are also listed below
according to the date they were added.
This update is special as it contains the updates from the last two
months rather than one month as is usual for the updates. This is a
one off however and has happened due to the fact that my Web pages had
to close down in March and a new site had to be found before the
service was resumed. A new site was successfully found but I felt
there were insufficient updates that month because of these events and
therefore this update is larger containing both months. Please make a
note of the sites new address and update any links or bookmarks to the
Atari pages to the new address. Thank you!
The new items this month are:
-----------------------------
21/4/95 -- Nova Graphics Board Announcement
21/4/95 -- Sozobon C Announcement
21/4/95 -- FTP site Announcement
20/4/95 -- Speed of Light v3.8 update
18/4/95 -- Atari FTP list updated
18/4/95 -- Doom Review for Jaguar by Robert Jung
18/4/95 -- ECTS News
18/4/95 -- Kasumi Ninja Moves List
18/4/95 -- Coming soon for the Jaguar title list updated.
18/4/95 -- HENSA Atari TOS Newsletter Volume 8. No.7.
12/4/95 -- Speed of Light 3.7b update
12/4/95 -- Fried Bits Eastern Coding Convention 3 Announcement
12/4/95 -- CAIN Newsletter Volume 2. No.3
12/4/95 -- Apex Media Demo for the Falcon
12/4/95 -- HENSA Atari Falcon Newsletter Volume 8. No.3
12/4/95 -- Raiden Tips for Jaguar
12/4/95 -- Lynx FAQ Updated
12/4/95 -- Jaguar FAQ updated
05/4/95 -- Jaguar Game Cheats
05/4/95 -- Theme Park review for Jaguar by Robert Jung
05/4/95 -- AEO Newsletter Volume 4. Issue 4. in text and ZIP format
28/3/95 -- Jaguar Reviews pages format updated by Holger Kipp
27/3/95 -- Falcon Demo FAQ Updated.
27/3/95 -- 50/60 Hz Jaguar games adjusting to resolution list
27/3/95 -- Iron Soldier Jaguar Review by Holger Kipp
27/3/95 -- Syndicate Jaguar Review by Holger Kipp
27/3/95 -- Cannon Fodder Jaguar Review by Holger Kipp
27/3/95 -- Theme Park Jaguar Review by Holger Kipp
24/3/95 -- HENSA Atari TOS Newsletter Volume 8. No.6.
23/3/95 -- Pages re-open at new site, links being updated.
22/3/95 -- Pages closed down.
17/3/95 -- Given the news these pages must close at Daresbury by the
22/3/95.
15/3/95 -- Portfolio Club
14/3/95 -- Atari FTP List Update
14/3/95 -- Towers II : Plight of the Stargazer
14/3/95 -- HENSA Atari TOS Newsletter Volume 8. No.5
10/3/95 -- Questions and Answers question 15 answered
10/3/95 -- Towers II release announcement
07/3/95 -- Atari Related Links Page
07/3/95 -- Information on viruses
07/3/95 -- CAIN Newsletter Volume 2. No.2
03/3/95 -- Lynx FAQ updated
03/3/95 -- Jaguar FAQ updated
02/3/95 -- Wolfenstein 3D Jaguar Review by Robert Jung
02/3/95 -- Iron Soldier Jaguar Review by Robert Jung
02/3/95 -- Jaguar Bubsy Bobcat (In Fractured Furry Tales) Review by
Robert Jung
02/3/95 -- Jaguar Val D'Isere Skiing and Snowboarding Review by Robert
Jung
28/2/95 -- AEO Newsletter Volume 4. Issue.3 in text and ZIP format
What are the Atari Web pages?
-----------------------------
These are a collection of pages covering all formats of the Atari. In
these pages may be found the latest news, reviews, software for
downloading, and various other information and links to other places of
interest to Atari users.
I have tried to make the structure of these pages easy to follow and as
intuitive as possible but there is still a lot of work to be done yet.
How do I access them and what is the Web?
-----------------------------------------
First of all I shall look at what the Web is or to use its full name
the World Wide Web. The Web is new way of accessing the Internet,
unlike previous methods where you were required to enter commands into
the program you were using the Web uses a more user driven method of
getting around the Internet. This method is much more graphical than
former methods and as such is much easier to get to grips with.
When using a Web browser (the name given to a program used to access
Web pages) the control method usually consists of a point and click
operation. A Web page will consist of text and graphics which are
sometimes highlighted in some way to indicate that they are selectable
and link to more information or a particular piece of data.
Such a link is referred to as a hyperlink. In fact the whole system is
a variation on hypertext and uses a script to create each page. Each
script is written to a HTML (HyperText Markup Language) standard which
contains the main body of text in the page and a few command tags for
the browser as to how to format the page and what to do with links,
etc.
Web pages may contain text, graphics, sounds, and animations, although
the later two are normally supported through external software. It is
also possible using the Web to gain access to newsgroups, ftp sites,
and gopher services all through the one program. As such this makes
this a very powerful tool for Internet access, and coupled with its
ease of use this has suddenly became the big thing in the recent
Internet explosion into the media.
Browsers can handle all properly written HTML scripts but may vary in
operation when scripts are incorrect or contain mistakes. Browsers can
be divided into to distinct types, graphical and text only. Popular
graphical browsers include NCSA's Mosaic and the recent new browser
NetScape. On the text side Lynx is the most popular textual browser
(NOTE: text browsers don't show any form of graphics).
To access the Web you must either use one of the above mentioned
browsers on a machine such as a Sun, PC or Macintosh, or if you want
to access it via your Atari you will need a copy of the Lynx browser as
unfortunately there aren't any graphical browsers YET for the Atari.
Where do I find the Atari Web page?
-----------------------------------
From your Web browser choose to open URL and enter the following
address:
http://www.mcc.ac.uk/~dlms/atari.html
If you can store a hotlist of addresses or something similar on your
browser then it may be worth including this address for quick access in
the future.
Once you've done that you should see my main page so I hope you enjoy
it, and don't forget to write with your thoughts.
(*NOTE*: This is the new site for the Atari Web pages, take note of it!)
What you will find in the Web pages every month.
------------------------------------------------
From the main menu you have several links available to you, some under
miscellaneous and others specific to a particular machine, or collection
of machines. It is now possible to mail me directly from the Web
pages, special thanks also to Frank Charlton for the new Atari Logo.
First I will look at what will be in the Miscellaneous section.
Atari Related links, Documents, FAQ's and Newsletters
-----------------------------------------------------
First in the list are "Atari Related Links", these links are to other
sources of Atari information or data (such as files, etc.).
There is a link to many of the major Atari holding FTP sites on the
Internet. Links to several Web pages by different people on the Atari.
This will grow as worthwhile sites come up. At the moment you can
visit:
- HENSA to download Atari files (Moderated by Denesh Bhabuta)
- ZFC's Atari Pages by Annius V. Groenink. This has links to various
Atari related places, along with talk of his own work on Edith and
his new Drive U Project. Annius is also working on a version of the
Mosaic browser for the Atari and the best of luck goes to him on
that.
- Christer Gustavsson's Atari Gem Programmers Page. Very useful
information for programmers grappling with Gem and the operating
system. Also offers help via his questions answers page. Some links
can be found to Atari related places.
- CAIN Atari Pages. CAIN is the Central Atari Information Network and
they create a newsletter which is updated monthly on all things new
to do with the Atari. There are also links available here.
- Martin Maisey's Atari Pages. Contains information (downloadable) on
programs written by himself for the Atari. Again there are links to
other Atari places.
- Toad Computers Pages. Stockiest and retailer of many Atari goods.
- ST Format Pages. Information and previews of ST Format issues.
**Volker Burggraf Atari Pages (German).
**Desert Star Software Home Page.
**ST Assembler Page
**BSM's Home Page
**ST Beer Mat Page
**The Organised Chaos Licenseware Home Page
**Index of /~jschlich/Jaguar/
**Lynx Pages
**Atari Lynx Page
**Atari Page by Frank Post (Partially German, partially English)
**MiNTOS Distribution and Information Page
**Julian's Atari Page
**Atari Ghostscript
**Atari Page by Robert Krenn
**Simon Gornall's Atari Pages
**Ben Halls Page (KSculpt + Calamus Information)
**"Data Uncertain" Software
**Kay's Home (MintNet)
**CNAM Atari Pages
**EMAGIC Users Page (Covers Atari)
**Helmut's Project contains Atari Links (English and German)
**Eero Tamminen's Atari Pages
**Atari Programmers Page
**The Vulcans Home Page
**Atari Users List
**Impulse Home Page (Demo Crew)
**NPG Home Page (Demo Crew)
**Atari Page by Dirk Klemmt
**Steve's Atari WWW Pages
**The Guitar Reference (For the Atari)
**Musings of an Amateur Hacker
**The Atari Home Page by Martijn Dekker
**Tecnation Sonovista (Falcon based computer)
**Cybercube WWW Page (Atari Products)
**Yak's Zoo
**Atari Jaguar 64-Bit Game Machine Stuff
**8 Bit Atari Page by Ivo van Poorten
**Atari Jaguar Homepage by Christian Svensson (very good and kept up
to date)
**Jaguar directory
Documents
---------
Useful documents will appear in here. At the moment there is:
Atari FTP List by Mark Stephen Smith (essential for the latest news
on who provides Atari FTP sites).
- Atari TOS Desktop Survival Kit by Thomas J Hopper. An essential
guide to getting the most out of your DESKTOP.INF and NEWSDESK.INF
files.
- Recommended list of software for the Atari by Denesh Bhabuta. List
compiled by Denesh for me of his best software for the Atari (updates
coming soon). Mostly PD and Shareware, this list contains links to
download most of the software mentioned.
- Information on picture formats by Dave Bagget. Lots of information
on the format of different picture files for the Atari.
**Information on Viruses.
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
----------------------------------
Useful FAQ's will appear here. At the moment there is:
- Atari ST SLIP FAQ. This is a guide to connecting your Atari to a
network. All you want to know about networks and the Atari.
- Atari CD FAQ. Information on getting and using CD's on the Atari.
Regular updates to this can be found in my pages.
- GDOS FAQ by Gerd Castan. Got a question on GDOS then this is the
place to look.
- MiNTNet FAQ by Christer Gustavsson. Everything you wanted to know
about MiNTNet.
- AtariNOS FAQ by Frank Charlton. Answered questions and information
on NOS.
Newsletters
-----------
Although there may be more to come the following newsletters are
updated promptly as I receive them. These have been re-organised to
make it easier to keep track of. At the moment there is:
CAIN Newsletter containing the latest Atari news.
HENSA Newsletter containing the latest updates to the HENSA Atari
archive.
AEO Newsletter containing the latest Atari news.
Newsgroups
----------
Atari related newsgroups. Send updates. The currently supported news
are:
comp.binaries.atari.st
comp.sys.atari.advocacy
comp.sys.atari.announce
comp.sys.atari.st
comp.sys.atari.st.tech
comp.sys.atari.programmer
rec.games.video.atari
alt.games.lynx
Questions and Answers
---------------------
Submit your questions to here and get them included in this page.
Answers are open to anyone who has something valid to say, and help is
provided to me on Programming and Music questions by several
knowledgeable sources. Please support this section, only by your
interaction and questions will it survive. All answers are included in
this page for anyone else with the same question and answers are also
sent back to the person who submitted the question for those without
Web access.
If you feel you have an expertise in a particular area concerning the
Atari and would be willing to answer questions on that area when and
if I submitted them to you, then please let me know and you can join
the team. Programming and Music are fairly well covered and I can
cover Graphics programs, help with Technical questions would be
appreciated.
Reviews
-------
Here I hope to include reviews of Atari products both new an old. So
far I have the following reviews:
- Kobold review by Andy Curtis (ST Format)
- Flash 2 review by Frank Charlton (ST Format)
- Edith Professional review by Frank Charlton (ST Format)
- MagiC review by Andy Curtis (ST Format)
- Stello v2 review by Mark Stephen Smith (Myself)
- Sportster Modem review by Frank Charlton (ST Format)
- Storm Tracker review by Andy Curtis (ST Format)
- Connect review by Frank Charlton (ST Format)
- Zero 5 review by Frank Charlton (ST Format)
- MIDI Grid review by Andy Curtis (ST Format)
There are several reviews on the way by the above mentioned people as
well as some by myself. This section is now growing well now and Nick
Peers from ST format recently expressed his interest in writing some
reviews also.
Again if you feel you would like to submit reviews for inclusion then
please write to me. Please note these pages don't include Lynx and
Jaguar Reviews, as they are contained within their own pages.
News and Announcements Pages
----------------------------
Latest Atari news, and announcements from the Atari World. Currently
contains the following:
**Nova Graphics Board Announcement
**Sozobon C Announcement
**FTP site Announcement
**Fried Bits Eastern Coding Convention 3 Announcement
**Portfolio Club Announcement
**Towers II release Announcement
- Universal Virus Killer Book Announcement
Updates and Information on these Web Pages
------------------------------------------
All updates and news on the Atari Web pages goes in here. Previews of
what's to come soon are included and new items or updates to the pages
are listed according to date with the most recent being first. Most
updates contain links to the new material for instant access.
Other things to be found in here are the number of accesses to the
Atari pages. At the moment this is not supported.
This now concludes the Miscellaneous section. Now onto the Other
Pages. These pages are specific to a particular machine, or collection
of machines. These are going to go through some major changes and you
can expect a fair number of changes to be made to these in the next
month or so.
Falcon Page
-----------
This will contain information and files relevant to the Atari Falcon,
currently this page is divided into the following areas:
News and Previews
-----------------
In here expect to see any news or previews that come my way, whether
they be small descriptions or full features with pictures. At the
moment there is:
- Pinball Dreams and Llama Zap News.
- Apex News. This contains some information I got on Apex Media for
the Falcon when I spoke to Douglas Little on the phone a few weeks
back. Not very detailed unfortunately, but I'm waiting on my copy of
Apex to give a full review so expect that to be rectified soon.
- Dextrous News. Small description of some of the features of Dextrous
with a picture. Only at an early stage of development, if I hear
more it will go in here.
- Towers II : Plight of the Stargazer. Pictures and description of
this great looking Falcon only sequel to Towers. Expect the demo
soon.
- Towers II : Plight of the Stargazer Update! The latest news on
developments.
Newsletters from HENSA on Falcon section of archive.
Misc
----
Miscellaneous information on the Falcon, including:
Falcon Demo FAQ. List of Demos for the Falcon, including some form
of information on each.
- Compatibility list of games with Falcon.
- Compatibility list of applications with Falcon.
- Falcon Specifications and Information compiled by Rod McCall.
New Software
------------
The latest Falcon/enhanced software available for download. Major
revisions to be done with updates here. All files now list their size
so you can see how large they are before downloading. At the moment
the following software is included, with more to come:
**Apex Media Demo (Demo version of the animation and art package for
the Falcon)
**Towers II (Shareware game)
- Super Bomber Man (freeware)
- Play MPEG v0.70 by M.D.Griffths (shareware)
Speed of Light v3.8 (shareware picture viewer)
- Scape a planetary landscape generator.
- Digital Tracker demo of commercial version.
- Obsession 1 level demo.
FOG issue 8 diskmagazine for Falcon.
Other software worth having
---------------------------
Software worth using on the Falcon.
- Backward v2.52. For compatibility with the ST. Please send any
versions which are newer than this.
- MultiBlow. Configurable overscan utility.
- Starball. Excellent pinball game (Falcon enhanced).
- Berzerk. Excellent version of Berzerk (Faster on Falcon).
- FOG issue 7 diskmagazine for Falcon.
- FOG issue 6 diskmagazine for Falcon.
Atari ST/STE/TT/Mega STE Page
-----------------------------
This will contain information and files relevant to all the above
mentioned Atari formats, currently this page is divided into the
following areas:
News
----
In here expect to see any news or previews that come my way, whether
they are small descriptions or full features with pictures. At the
moment there is:
Newsletters from HENSA on TOS section of archive.
New Software
------------
The latest (most recent versions) software available for download.
Major revisions to be done with updates. All files now list their size
so you can see how large they are before downloading. At the moment
the following software is included, with lots more to come:
Speed of Light v3.8 (shareware picture viewer).
- ST Zip v2.6. Latest version of ST Zip.
- Obsession demo. 1 level of this great pinball game.
Other Software worth having
---------------------------
Software worth having on the Atari.
- Utopus. Two player shootem' up (STE only).
- Ozone. Good platform/puzzler.
- Starball. Excellent pinball game.
- Berzerk. Excellent version of Berzerk.
Lynx Page
---------
All the latest news and reviews on the lynx, along with cheats, etc.
This page is divided in to the following areas:
News
----
News on the Lynx and related material. At the moment there is:
- Lynx Summer Steal Deal Extended to the Fall. News of price
reductions for a limited period.
Reviews
-------
Reviews for just about every Lynx game ever released will appear in
here. All reviews are by Robert Jung. At the moment the following
reviews are included:
APB Awesome Golf Baseball Heroes
Batman Returns Basket Brawl Bill and Ted's
BlockOut BattleWheels Blue Lightning
California Games Checkered Flag Chip's Challenge
Crystal Mines 2 Dino Olympics Dirty Larry:R'gde Cop
Dracula the Undead Double Dragon Desert Strike
Electro Cop European Soccer Chal. Ultimate Chess Chal.
Gauntlet:3rd Encounter Gordo 106 Hard Driven'
Hockey Hydra Ishido:Way of Stones
Jimmy Conners' Tennis Joust Klax
Kungfood Lemmings Lynx Casino
Malibu Bikini Volleyball Ms.Pac-Man
NFL Football Ninja Garden
Ninja Garden III : The Ancient Shop of Doom
Other Lynx Stuff
----------------
Other items of interest to Lynx owners. At the moment there is the
following:
Lynx FAQ
- Lynx Tips and Tricks
New Software Announcement
-------------------------
Currently empty.
****************************
Jaguar Page
-----------
All the latest news and reviews on the lynx, along with cheats, etc.
This page is divided in to the following areas:
News and Previews
-----------------
All the latest news and preview information I can find related to the
Jaguar.
**ECTS News
**Hyper Image page linked to (Makers of Jaguar game Hover Hunter).
- Jaguar CD Specifications
- Rebellion Development News
- Sinister Developments News
- Sensible Soccer News
Coming Soon!
- Hand Made Software News
Reviews
-------
A collection of reviews from different sources, hopefully I will be
contributing more to this section myself. This page has been
re-formatted thanks to Holger Kipp. Reviews so far include:
Aliens vs Predator - by Eric S.Boltz
Aliens vs Predator - by Robert Jung
Brutal Sports Football - by Randy
** Bubsy Bobcat (in
Fractured Furry Tales) - by Robert Jung
Checkered Flag - by Robert Jung
** Cannon Fodder - by Holger Kipp
Cybermorph - by Robert Jung
** Doom - by Robert Jung
Dragon: The Bruce Lee
Story - by ?????
** Iron Soldier - by Robert Jung
** Iron Soldier - by Holger Kipp
Raiden - by Robert Jung
** Syndicate - by Holger Kipp
Tempest 2000 - by Robert Jung
** Theme Park - by Holger Kipp
** Theme Park - by Robert Jung
Trevor McFur in Crescent
Galaxy - Jer Howitz
** Val d'Isere Skiing and
Snowboarding - by Robert Jung
Wolfenstein 3D - by Robert Jung
** Wolfenstein 3D - by ?????
There are many more reviews to come.
Other Jaguar Stuff
------------------
Miscellaneous information on the Jaguar. Information included
presently is:
Jaguar FAQ
- Raiden Tips
- Jaguar Game Cheats
- Kasumi Ninja FAQ
- Ultra Vortex FAQ update for Jaguar
**50/60 Hz, games adjusting to resolutions list
**Jaguar Game Cheats
**More Raiden Tips
**Kasumi Ninja Moves List
Other Jaguar Pages
------------------
Other pages specific to the Jaguar included in here. Currently there
is:
- Atari Jaguar Homepage by Christian Svensson
There are others that will be included, some containing more recent
news, but the one above is the most organised and intuitive one I've
came across.
8 Bit Atari Page by Ivo van Poorten
-----------------------------------
Not maintained by me these pages cover the 8 bit formats of Atari
machines and are very comprehensive. Nearly everything you could hope
to find is contained within these pages.
What to expect in the future
----------------------------
Some structural changes are likely to appear in the next months. I
have introduced an announcements page where you can tell the World of
anything you have to announce. Please send news of updates to your
programs, Atari stuff for sale, and any other Atari announcements here
(NOTE : Commercial companies should send information on products to be
included in here and in the news sections).
Also coming soon will be a monthly editorial. In this I will try and
sum up the month past and to give my opinions on how I saw things for
Atari at that time. Hopefully I will be able to look back over many
good developments in my pages and summarise them as they happened.
There is an outside possibility of starting a programmers and/or MIDI
section in these pages but this is as yet undecided. I will judge
whether or not to do this based on the kind of response I have. I do
not want to repeat any of the good work done in these fields however by
other Web page writers such as Christer Gustavsson (Where is the
response for these pages?)
More support is needed for the questions and answers pages, although
initially successful people just stopped posting their questions.
Although the odd one is still coming and answers are still forthcoming.
Please support this, it is of benefit to anyone who uses it.
The Jaguar section should have a lot more news, pictures and reviews in
the future. I have tracked down a fair bit of news and am in contact
with a few companies now and hope to get news from them on there
products.
Both the ST and Falcon sections should contain much more news in the
future, along with more of the best PD/Shareware, and PD/Shareware
reviews. I should have several demos hopefully in the near future for
games coming out on these formats.
The Lynx section is to continue to get reviews and I will update the
news as and when I get it. Sorry about the lack of updates recently,
more to come.
Expect more links to Atari related pages in the future. There will be
more newsletters, documents, updates to the FAQ's.
Expect further reviews from Andy and Frank, along with myself (watch
out for the Apex Media review). Hopefully I can include more
screenshots, and do a few program tutorials. Nick Peers of ST Format
and Holger Kipp have offered to support these pages with contributions
in the future.
Please write with your ideas, critcisms, comments, submissions
(software, news, reviews, questions, etc), to me and don't forget that
I am now the official maintainer of the Atari FTP list originally by
Hallvard Tangeraas. All updates to this list should now be sent to me.
Thank you and see you with the updates to these pages next month!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Mark Stephen Smith : msh@dl.ac.uk +
+ Atari Web Pages : http://www.mcc.ac.uk/~dlms/atari.html +
+ +
+=====================================================================+
+ Atari FTP List maintainer, Atari Web Page creater and maintainer. +
+ Atari 1040STF, 4Mb Falcon 127Mb HD, Atari Jaguar, Atari Lynx +
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
______________________________________
-/- Court Orders Help for Hayes -/-
A federal judge has ordered emergency relief for modem maker Hayes
Microcomputer Products by issuing a temporary injunction compelling
Rockwell International Corp. to deliver all chips and chip sets required
for Hayes' modem production through July.
"We made every effort to negotiate with Rockwell so we could avoid
this lawsuit," Hayes Chairman/President Dennis C. Hayes said in a
statement from Atlanta, "but everyone, including our creditors, channel
partners, customers and employees, stood to lose if we did not take the
action necessary to acquire the chip sets we need."
Hayes said the ruling will allow his firm "to resume full product
delivery and meet continuing strong demand for our products in the
marketplace."
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Hugh Robinson said, "Hayes'
unrebutted testimony that Rockwell's top management promised to furnish
sufficient chips to Hayes' in exchange for a paid-up '302 Patent' license
negates Rockwell's purported concern for its other customers. Testimony by
Rockwell shows that it was the creator of its own product shortage.
Rockwell's admitted knowledge that other customers were 'overbooking' while
Hayes could not do so under limitations in its cash collateral order and
Rockwell's failure to take customers' existing inventory levels or financial
circumstances into account further indicate the lack of fair and reasonable
allocation."
Hayes filed a voluntary Chapter XI bankruptcy petition last November,
due in part, the firm said, to operational difficulties which caused the
company to have a temporary cash shortage. As reported earlier, the company
has posted operating profits both fiscal quarters since filing.
___________________________________
-/- CompuServe Tops 3 MILLION MEMBERS -/-
CompuServe Inc. reports it now has more than 3 million active
accounts and is signing up as many as 60,000 new members each week. The firm
attributes the growth to the rising interests in online services,
CompuServe's improved Internet access and increased content. In a statement
from his Columbus, Ohio, office, Vice President Barry F. Berkov says
CompuServe has the largest active membership of any online service and is the
only global service with members in more than 150 countries.
"Although many people think of CompuServe as the place for business
and computer support services," said Berkov, "the majority of CompuServe's
members are individuals who see us as the place for
multimedia involvement through CompuServeCD, dynamic online news and
entertainment services through CNN, Sports Illustrated, People Magazine
and much more. With the industry's only direct dial-PPP connection to
the Internet and World Wide Web, and a global presence that offers our
members citizenship in a true world community, we expect to grow even
faster in the coming year."
_________________________________
-/- Clinton Proposes Anti-Smut Bill -/-
The Clinton administration apparently is putting together a plan to
keep obscenity and child pornography off computer networks, racing, says
observers, to stay ahead of Congress on the issue. Kent Markus, an acting
assistant attorney general at the Justice Department, wrote in a letter
yesterday to senators, "We are currently developing a legislative proposal
that will best meet these challenges and provide additional prosecutorial
tools."
Associated Press writer Jeannine Aversa notes that while the
administration "has raised constitutional concerns about other plans to
restrict smut in cyberspace," Markus said the Clinton team's own
legislative package will take into consideration "the need to protect
fundamental rights guaranteed by the First Amendment."
Adds Aversa, "It's not clear how the administration would do this."
Details haven't been released. As reported earlier, Senate legislation
reforming telecommunications laws contains a provision outlawing smut in
computer communications and over telecommunications networks of the future.
Written by Sen. James Exon, D-Nebraska, the proposal would punish
people who transmit "obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy or indecent"
materials and would impose fines of up to $100,000 and jail terms of up
to two years on violators. Exon's provision has drawn fire from the Clinton
administration, the American Civil Liberties Union, computer users and
privacy groups, all raising First Amendment concerns and saying it would
outlaw indecency, which is constitutionally protected speech. But Exon says
his proposal is consistent with the First Amendment because the courts have
permitted regulation of protected speech in the interests of children.
Meanwhile, Markus says the administration has other concerns,
specifically that Exon's plan would thwart enforcement of existing laws
regarding obscenity and child pornography, threaten privacy rights and
have the unintended consequences of jeopardizing law enforcement's
ability to conduct court-ordered wiretaps.
Markus wrote that the Exon proposal would thwart enforcement by
creating a higher legal standard than now exists for the government to
prove guilt. Only those persons with "actual knowledge" of the "specific
content of the (unlawful) communication" could be held criminally liable, he
said.
AP notes the administration is recommending Congress undertake a
comprehensive review of current laws and enforcement resources for
prosecuting online obscenity and child pornography.
_________________________________
Jaguar Section
==============
Hover Strike!
Atari Tours Again!
Fight For Life Updates!
JaguarCD Survey!
And much more!
> From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The delay of the JaguarCD has been dominating the message forums
on many areas of the online community lately. So, with the aid of
one CompuServe user, Bob McCauley, we're going to conduct a survey of
your feelings about this, and how you might react with regard to buying
this piece of hardware. Please send your comments and we'll publish
the results shortly. All correspondence should be addressed to:
dpj@delphi.com.
Atari is in the midst of their second "dog and pony" tour of the
Los Angeles area promoting the Jaguar. We missed getting in last
week's announcement in last week's issue, but we do have reactions to
that tour. We also have this week(end)'s information for those of you
who can get a chance to drop by a location where Atari personnel will
be visiting. It sounds like a lot of fun. My feeling is that this is
something that might work well nationally - these "regional" promotions
just aren't enough. Although this is just a test promotion, I'd wager
that it would go over well in a more widespread promotion. Atari could
also enlist Jaguar-support groups to help out. We'll see what happens.
I've recently received Pinball Fantasies from Computer West (I may
have mentioned this last week). The game is a lot of fun so far, but I
need some more time for some more intense playing (I'm a big pinball
fan from way back!) before I start on the review. I hope to have that
done and ready for you in two weeks. The game should be available for
sale around the first week of June, according to C-West's Peter Curry.
I have a lot more to say this week, but this section is already
bursting at the seams! It can wait until another week; I seriously
doubt that there will be any major changes or updates before then
anyway!
Be sure to check out the JaguarCD survey further on in this
section. We hope to hear from as many of you as possible.
Until next time...
___________________________________
> Jaguar Catalog STR InfoFile - What's currently available, what's
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" coming out.
Current Available Titles ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CAT # TITLE MSRP DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER
J9000 Cybermorph $59.99 Atari Corp.
J9006 Evolution:Dino Dudes $49.99 Atari Corp.
J9005 Raiden $49.99 FABTEK, Inc/Atari Corp.
J9001 Trevor McFur/
Crescent Galaxy $49.99 Atari Corp.
J9010 Tempest 2000 $59.95 Llamasoft/Atari Corp.
J9028 Wolfenstein 3D $69.95 id/Atari Corp.
JA100 Brutal Sports FtBall $69.95 Telegames
J9008 Alien vs. Predator $69.99 Rebellion/Atari Corp.
J9029 Doom $69.99 id/Atari Corp.
J9036 Dragon: Bruce Lee $59.99 Atari Corp.
J9003 Club Drive $59.99 Atari Corp.
J9007 Checkered Flag $69.99 Atari Corp.
J9012 Kasumi Ninja $69.99 Atari Corp.
J9042 Zool 2 $59.99 Atari Corp
J9020 Bubsy $49.99 Atari Corp
J9026 Iron Soldier $59.99 Atari Corp
J9060 Val D'Isere Skiing $59.99 Atari Corp.
Cannon Fodder $69.99 Computer West
Syndicate $69.99 Ocean
Troy Aikman Ftball $69.99 Williams
Theme Park $69.99 Ocean
Sensible Soccer Telegames
Double Dragon V $59.99 Williams
Hover Strike $59.99 Atari Corp.
Available Soon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CAT # TITLE MSRP DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER
Pinball Fantasies $ 59.95 Computer West
Jaguar CD-ROM $149.99 Atari
Hardware and Peripherals ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CAT # TITLE MSRP MANUFACTURER
J8001 Jaguar (complete) $189.99 Atari Corp.
J8001 Jaguar (no cart) $159.99 Atari Corp.
J8904 Composite Cable $19.95
J8901 Controller/Joypad $24.95 Atari Corp.
J8905 S-Video Cable $19.95
CatBox $69.95 ICD
>Industry News STR Game Console NewsFile - The Latest Gaming News!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-/- Mac Version of Doom II Set -/-
A Macintosh version of Doom II: Hell on Earth, the popular PC
combat-action game, is set for release.
Originally developed by id Software, published and distributed by GT
Interactive Software and ported to the Macintosh by Lion Entertainment
Inc., the program is scheduled to reach stores in June. Shortly
thereafter, a shareware version will be distributed via CompuServe and
other online systems.
"The PC version of Doom II has done phenomenally well at retail and
we expect the Mac version to follow suit," says Allan Blum, vice
president of marketing at New York-based GT Interactive Software.
Doom II for Macintosh offers single-player and multi-player modes.
The multi-player mode allows up to four players to join forces for
cooperative play or go head-to-head in a "Deathmatch." Players can
communicate with each other during combat by typing comments or sending
preset messages like "Look out behind you," "Follow me," or "I've got
you in my sight."
Doom II for Macintosh will be available in CD-ROM and floppy disk
versions. It will cost between $45 and $55.
-/- 3DO Offers New Game Player -/-
An upgraded 64-bit machine will be released later this year by
interactive game producer 3DO Co. which says the unit will re-shape home
entertainment.
Reporting from Redwood City, California, United Press International
quotes the company, which currently sells a 32-bit Multiplayer for $400,
as saying the M2 format will enable the device to offer the same
performance as computer workstations and arcade players.
Adds the wire service, "The announcement comes more than a week
before 3DO's rivals are expected to unveil demonstration models of
64-bit players. Sega Enterprises Ltd., Nintendo Co. and Sony Corp. have
already announced plans to put the next-generation systems on store
shelves by the end of the year."
3DO's new player, which uses a compact disk format, currently faces
competition in Japan from 32-bit players by Sony and Sega. Atari Corp.
sells a 64-bit Jaguar, "but," says UPI, "it is not considered a major
contender because it offers relatively few titles."
3DO President/CEO Trip Hawkins said the M2 machine will offer far
sharper graphics and much faster speed, adding, "It's a quantum leap for
the industry in both graphics speed and quality. We're raising the bar
again."
Hugh Martin, 3DO's chief operating officer, said M2 will enable
software developers to create titles that provide a whole new level of
realism and experiences not previously available on advanced CD
entertainment systems.
____________________________________
> Jaguar Developers STR InfoFile - Current Developer Lists & Titles
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Game Title Date Game Type MSRP Publisher
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Cars 2Q/95 Racing $59.99 Midnight Ent.
Alien vs Predator NOW Role Play/Adventure $69.99 Atari
Arena Football 2Q/95 Sports TBD V Reel
Assault 2Q/95 Action/Combat $59.99 Midnight Ent.
Barkley Basketball 2Q/95 Sports TBD Atari
Batman Forever 3Q/95 Action TBD Atari
Battlemorph 2Q/95 Flying/Action $59.99 Atari
Battlesphere 3Q/95 Flying/Action TBD 4Play
Battle Wheels 2Q/95 Racing/Combat TBD Beyond Games
Blue Lightning (CD) 2Q/95 Flying/Action $59.99 Atari
Brett Hull Hockey (CD) 2Q/95 Sports Atari
Brutal Sports Football NOW Sports/Combat $69.99 Telegames
Bubsy NOW Action/Adventure $49.99 Atari
Cannon Fodder NOW Action/Adventure $69.99 Comp. West
Casino Royale 2Q/95 Gambling Sim. TBD Telegames
Checkered Flag NOW Racing $69.99 Atari
Club Drive NOW Racing $59.99 Atari
Creature Shock (CD) 2Q/95 Adventure/Sci-Fi TBD Atari/Virgin
Cybermorph NOW Flying/Action $59.99 Atari
Dactyl Joust 2Q/95 Action TBD Atari
Defender 2000 (CD) 3Q/95 Flying/Action TBD Atari
Demolition Man 2Q/95 Action/Combat $59.99 Atari
Doom NOW Action/Combat $69.99 Atari
Double Dragon V NOW Action/Adventure $59.99 Williams
Dragon:Bruce Lee Story NOW Combat $59.99 Atari
Dragon Lair (CD) 2Q/95 Adventure TBD Ready Soft
Dreadnought (CD) 2Q/95 Adventure TBD Atari
Dungeon Depths 2Q/95 Action/Adventure $59.99 Midnight Ent.
Evolution: Dino Dudes NOW Puzzle/Adventure $49.99 Atari
FIFA Soccer --- Sports TBD Elec. Arts
Fight For Life 2Q/95 Combat TBD Atari
Flashback 2Q/95 Action/Adventure TBD US Gold
Frank Thomas Baseball 1996 Sports TBD Atari
Hardball Baseball 2Q/95 Sports TBD Atari
Highlander (CD) 2Q/95 Action/Adventure $59.99 Atari
Horrorscope 2Q/95 Combat TBD V Reel
Hover Strike NOW Action/Combat $59.99 Atari
Hover Hunter 2Q/95 Action/Combat TBD Hyper Image
Iron Soldier NOW Action/Strategy $59.99 Atari
Jack Nicklaus Golf(CD) 2Q/95 Sports TBD Atari
Kasumi Ninja NOW Combat $69.99 Atari
Mortal Kombat 3 1996 Combat TBD Williams
NBA Jam TE 4Q/95 Sports TBD Williams
Pinball Fantasies 2Q/95 Arcade $59.95 Comp. West
Primal Rage 4Q/95 Action TBD TWI
Rage Rally 2Q/95 Racing TBD Atari
Raiden NOW Action/Adventure $49.99 Atari
Rayman 2Q/95 Action/Adventure TBD UBI Soft
Robinson Requiem 2Q/95 Adventure TBD Atari
Ruiner 2Q/95 Arcade TBD Atari
Sensible Soccer NOW Sports Telegames
Soccer Kid 2Q/95 Sports TBD Ocean
Space War 2000 2Q/95 Action/Adventure $59.99 Atari
Star Raiders 2Q/95 Space Simulation TBD Atari
Super Burnout 5/95 Sports TBD Atari
Syndicate NOW Simulation $69.99 Ocean
Tempest 2000 NOW Action/Adventure $59.99 Atari
Theme Park NOW Simulation $69.99 Ocean
Tiny Toon Adventures 2Q/95 Action/Adventure $59.99 Atari
Trevor McFur NOW Action/Adventure $49.99 Atari
Troy Aikman NFL Ftball NOW Sports $69.99 Williams
Ultimate Brain Games 2Q/95 Puzzle TBD Telegames
Ultra Vortex 2Q/95 Action/Adventure $69.99 Beyond Games
Val D'Isere Skiing... NOW Sports $59.99 Atari
Varuna's Forces 2Q/95 TBD Accent Media
VidGrid (CD) 2Q/95 Puzzle TBD Atari
White Men Can't Jump 2Q/95 Sports TBD TriMark
Wolfenstein 3D NOW Combat/Action $59.99 Atari
Zool2 NOW Action/Adventure $59.99 Atari
[Editor's note: Titles, scheduled release dates, and prices are
all subject to change]
__________________________________
> Jaguar Online STR InfoFile Online Users Growl & Purr!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> JaguarCD Survey! - What Are YOUR Feelings Regarding the Purchase
"""""""""""""""" of the JaguarCD?
Sb: #77732-Jaguar 2 Specs!
Fm: Bob McCauley 73160,3542
To: Dana P. Jacobson 71051,3327 (X)
>>Come up with the survey that you feel would work and _I'll_ make sure that
it
gets run in STReport! <<grin>>
Dana,
Thanks for the reply --
I will give it a start, maybe others could come in and add to the survey.
Maybe something like
If you are waiting to buy a Jag:
a. Is the delay of the CD affecting your purchase decision:
1. If so, has it caused you to back out of buying a Jag?
b. Is it a "don't care" -- I would buy or not buy a jag independent
of the CD availability.
c. If you are planning to buy a PSX, U64, etc...
1. Would availability of a Jag II (that leapfrogs the PSX)
change your mind?
a. if it were available in Sept?
b. if it were available in Dec?
c. if it were available in Jan 96?
d. if it were available in April 96??
e. if it were available in Sept 96?
(assume the PSX availability in Sept 95)
d. Do you think that Atari management broke promises to you with
all the delays?
e. Do you think that Atari management made good faith effort in
trying to solve their delay problems?
f. Would it change your attitude if Atari had been more candid in
providing more insight into problems that caused the delays?
Bob
[Editor's note: send all comments addressed to "dpj@delphi.com".