ST Report : 01-Feb-91 #705
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 02/03/91-12:37:32 PM Z
From: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report : 01-Feb-91 #705
Date: Sun Feb 3 12:37:32 1991
*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
_____________________________________
from
STR Publishing Inc.
""""""""""""""""""
February 01, 1991 No.7.05
==========================================================================
STReport Online Magazine?
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EST
BBS: 904-786-4176 USR/HST DUAL STANDARD
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EST
_________________________________________
** Fnet Node 350 * FidoNet Node 1:112/35 * NeST Node 90:19/350.0 **
STR'S privately owned & operated support BBS
carries ALL issues of STReport Online Magazine
and
AN INTERNATIONAL LIST OF PRIVATE BBS SYSTEMS
carrying STReport Online Magazine for their user's enjoyment
__________________________________________________________________
> 02/01/91: STReport? #7.05 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine!
-------------------------
- The Editor's Desk - CPU REPORT - Sublogic Snubs ST!
- CBM Declines - ReCycle Floppies! - Mega STe Overview
- SLM Power Mod - Informer Released - Menu Plus Debut
- PORTFOLIO NEWS - STALK the MARKET! - STR Confidential
* ATARI TO GO THROUGH DISTRIBUTORS! *
* PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS CLOSED! *
* NEODESK # 1 IN UK! *
==========================================================================
ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE?
The _Number One_ Online Magazine
-* FEATURING *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Hot Tips, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
==========================================================================
STReport's support BBS, NODE # 350 invites systems using Forem ST and
Turbo Board BBS to participate in the Fido/F-Net Mail Network. Or, call
Node 350 direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging
information relative to the Atari ST computer arena through an excellent
International ST Mail Network. All registered F-NET - Crossnet SysOps are
welcome to join the STReport Crossnet Conference. The Crossnet Conference
Code is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is # 350. All systems are most
welcome to actively participate. Support Atari Computers; Join Today!
==========================================================================
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON: GENIE ~ CIS ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ FIDO ~ F-NET
==========================================================================
> The Editor's Podium?
This week's online conference was perhaps one of the most important
for Atari in quite some time. Atari's President, Sam Tramiel, was trying
desperately to get his message across to the users but the continued
online difficulties made the effort virtually insurmountable. The expec-
tancy of some "good news" by the userbase caused the session to draw well
over 150 callers. The workload proved to be a bit much for the occasion.
The next online conference scheduled for late Feb., in the CIS Convention
Center, promises to be a totally different situation as the Convention
Center will handle 600+ callers. In addition, Greg Pratt will particip-
ate in another online conference on GEnie during Feb. and Sam Tramiel may
re-appear in March. The bottom line is; Atari is engaged in a new, posit-
ive and extremely productive endeavor that is expected surpass all prev-
ious efforts at reaching their goals. The price reductions alone will
prove to be an excellent catalyst for increased market penetration this
year. Thus providing a modicum of good news for developers and of course,
the userbase in general.
Recently on one of the online services, a dealer was busy making men-
tion of his practice of "charging the installed price for TOS 1.4 whether
they installed TOS 1.4 or, the customer took the chips and did it him-
self". How sweet of this dealer! In a time when most folks realize that
accommodation and service can mean the difference between a sale and a sad
song, this "professional" decides to become "Joe too strict". It is this
very attitude and practice that has caused the demise of many dealers
across this great land. There were, at one time, dealers who felt content
and "correct" in charging 'list price' (MSRP) plus shipping and handling
for noraml, over the counter sales. Needless to say, thankfully these
bandits are no longer in business. Atari has enough headaches of its own
without the "Legion of the Golden Gouge" joining the ranks of its dealers.
However, in all fairness it must be pointed out that the majority of the
dealers left who support Atari products are fine, upstanding members of
the business community. When we see or read of an isolated incident as
represented above, it usually is generated by a week or two of rather
dismal business results.
The future is looking quite nice for Atari especially since they plan
to announce the release of Unix in Germany during the show at Dusseldorf
in March. And of course, the new pricing and distribution structures will
go a long, long way in getting the Atari Caravan back on track.
Of special note, beginning next week STReport will be running a very
special series on monitors, from Multi-Sync to BIG-SCREEN and back again.
All aimed at keeping the users informed. This is not a series designed
to generate a 'war of the monitors', its a fact finding series. With of
course, the usual spate of highly informed opinions from members of the
staff and volunteers.
Thank you for your strong support,
Ralph.......
***********************************************************************
NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE
FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;
STREPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE?
""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198
You will receive your complimentary time
and
be online in no time at all!
WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (Feb. 1)
ATARI REGISTERED DEVELOPERS
Please download file CPXDOC.ARC from LIBRARY 7 of the Atari Produc-
tivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO) for the new control panel specification (XCont-
rol) for the ST/Mega/ STE/TT computers. Contains source code of examples,
bindings, startup module, and header tool.
Atari Developer Support has uploaded NEWLAN.ARC to LIBRARY 7 of the
Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO) for Atari Registered Developers.
This is a replacement for TTLANG.ARC. Contains changes to HINSTALL, HDX,
and the way GENERAL.CPX will handle cache on the TT or Mega STE.
Please note that Library 7 is only accessible to Atari Registered
Developers. To gain access, please send a CompuServe Mail message to
70007,1072.
PORTFOLIO PBASIC USERS
All users of PBASIC: Please read and respond to message #8539 in the
Atari Portfolio Forum (GO APORTFOLIO). It's our turn to help the author
by providing the needed replies.
(Please note that John Feagans has a new User ID number. You should now
address all messages to John at 75300,703.)
NEW IN ATARI VENDORS FORUM
MAXWELL CPU announces that EXPOSE is now shipping. Please read the an-
nouncement in file EXPOS1.ARC now available in LIBRARY 6 of the Atari
Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN).
Another great utility from the prolific folks at DOUBLE CLICK SOFTWARE.
Check out DC's CRC utility which helps check against file corruption. Now
available in LIBRARY 13 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN). A FREE-
WARE program.
ATARI FILE FINDER REMINDER
Don't forget that the Atari File Finder is ready and able to help you
locate ST files among the three CompuServe ST Forums. Enter GO ATARIFF at
any CompuServe service prompt to access the file finder.
NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE
***********************************************************************
> CPU REPORT?
==========
Issue #6
----------
Temporary Editor - Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
> CPU STATUS REPORT? LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
=================
- New York, New York COMMODORE REPORTS TRIPLE EARNINGS
------------------
Commodore International reported a tripled net income on sales totaling
$384.1 million for the second quarter which ended December 31, 1990
compared with sales of $310.1 million in the same quarter in the previous
year. While reported sales increases were 24%, net income went from $.35
per share ($11.3 million) to $1.12 per share ($36.5 million), in the
quarter ending December 31, 1990.
For the first two quarters ending December 21, 1990, Commodore reported a
nine-fold net income increase from $.15 per share ($4.8 million) for the
previous years first two quarters to $1.34 per share ($43.5 million) for
the first two quarters ending December 31, 1990. Sales increased 23% to
$584.4 million which compared to $476 million in the same period the
previous year.
According to Irving Gould, chairman and CEO, the December quarter was the
2nd largest sales quarter in Commodores history with most of the sales
coming from their European operation. The European operations accounted
for 85% of the total sales for the quarter, with some European countries
experiencing sales growth of over 50%.
The sales growth in the 2nd quarter was mainly due to the Amiga product
line which had a unit growth of over 50%, a strong PC product line, such
as the C286-LT notebook computer, and the slim-line 386sx machine and the
Commodore 64 continuing to sell strongly with sales equal to the previous
year.
However, all is not roses for Commodore International. Its US division
reported fiscal year 1990 earnings of $1.5 million, down 97% from last
year.
- New York, New York NOVUS ADDS 2 NEW SIGS FOR PERSIAN GULF WAR
------------------
Two new Special Interest Groups (SIGS) have been added to the Novus on-
line service. The War Forum can be reached by typing "go gulf" from any
menu prompt. The War Forum will feature chat, news and an electronic
mail (E-Mail) service for those who wish to correspond with soldiers in
the Gulf. This e-mail service will be called DesertMail and will be at
no charge. The other new SIG will be The Israel Forem, which will be a
forum for Jewish-related discussions.
The Novus online service is available through SprintNet as well as the
international Minitel network. It costs $1.40 per hour, plus packet
charges, and can be reached via modems set to 8 bit words, 1 stop bit,
and no parity at 212-721-1206.
- Irvine, California NEW HIGH-CAPACITY 3.5 INCH HARD DRIVES
------------------
Optima Technology has announced the release of three new Small Computer
Systems Interface (SCSI) hard disk subsystems. Each will contain a 500
megabyte (MB) drive mechanism, the highest capacity drive mechanism
currently available in the 3.5 inch format. These drives will have a 12
millisecond average seek time, transfer data at rates of 20-25 megabits
per second while only using 11 watts per spindle.
- Butler, New Jersey RECYCLED FLOPPY DISKS?
------------------
Paul and Deborah Bader, owners of Covenant Recycling Services, a home-
based business, are recycling thousands of floppy disks each month. The
Baders' say that they have processed as many as 30,000 disks in a single
month.
The recycled disks are purchased from over 40 sources, mostly software
publishing firms such as Micrographics and Britannica Software, for four
cents each for 5.25" and 12 cents each for 3.5" floppies. According to
Deborah Bader, the original manufacturer or company is indemnified from
any kind of liability. The disks are then sorted and counted in the
Baders home before being shipped to a Boston subcontractor where they are
degaussed (demagnetized). The then blank disks are sold as reconditioned
with a blank label. Bader says that they are bought by several buyers,
such as liquidation companies who frequently resell them at computer
shows.
Proceeds are divided equally between the source of the disks and a
charity of their choice. The donation is made in the name of the company,
and is a charitable tax-deductible donation for them.
- New York, New York AT&T DONATES $1 MILLION FOR FAMILY CARE
------------------
The year old Family Care Development Fund, a joint project of AT&T, the
Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers, has distributed the first $1 million to programs
sponsored by its employees.
The fund will distribute a total of $10 million over the next three years
to child care and elder care facilities. Child care programs in 50
communities received grants of between $1,400 to $60,000. The money, AT&T
said, goes to expand and improve family care centers and create before-
and after-school programs.
- Fort Worth, Texas TANDY COMPUTERS USED AT SUPERBOWL
-----------------
At the request of the Professional Football Writers Association (PFWA),
the press room at Super Bowl XXV was equipped with Tandy Radio Shack
model 102 portables and dot matrix printers. According to Don Pearson,
president of the PFWA, "It's been my experience that up to 90% of our
writers use some form of Radio Shack product. For as long as I can
remember, it's been the model of choice for professional football
writers."
- Redmond, Washington MICROSOFT CONTINUES TO SUPPORT OS/2
-------------------
While denying a report that appeared in The Wall Street Journal that it
plans to abandon OS/2, Microsoft did offer a partial confirmation to
rumors that it plans to produce a version of OS/2 that will run Windows
3.0 applications.
OS/2 has not been as successful as Microsoft and IBM had anticipated.
While Windows 3.0 has sold more than 3 million copies since its release
last May and has at least 1,000 applications available, OS/2 has sold
only about 300,000 copies since it was announced 4 years ago and only has
approximatly 100 applications available for it.
According to Microsoft's official statement, "Microsoft and IBM are
continuing the joint development of OS/2, with Microsoft adding to the 11
OS/2 applications currently available from Microsoft." Steve Ballmer,
Microsoft's vice president of systems software, was prompted to shout:
"OS/2 is not dead!" at the opening of a software conference at Microsoft
headquarters. Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft, was quoted as saying "We
will continue to enhance it [OS/2] in the future and enable it to run
Windows applications." It is suspected that Gates was talking about the
product that is already being referred to in the industry as Portable
OS/2: a version of OS/2 that could run any DOS, Windows or OS/2
application.
Microsoft is also said to be working on a 32-bit version of Windows,
which could take full advantage of the 386 or 486 processors. Windows 3
(except when running in "real mode" for 8088 compatibility) is actually
written for 16-bit 286 systems.
- Brisbane, Australia SOFTWARE MONITORS PHONE CALLS
-------------------
In an attempt to control "non-productive" (personal) phone calls, Softel,
a New Zealand company, has developed Calldata Telephone Accounting
Software. Calldata runs on any IBM/compatible PC or network and will
automatically monitor call duration, destinations and charges, collating
the information on a personal computer or network. Calldata can handle up
to 2,000 calls per hour (incoming and outgoing) and the program can be
used on normal or PABX systems of up to 2,000 extensions.
Besides controlling "non-productive" calls, it will allow the easy
costing of calls to clients and company departments. Once the
information is collected, reports on usage can be calculated, including:
usage by extension or person; daily usage; international and toll calls;
and departmental usage.
It is said that response to Calldata has so far been "tremendous," and it
is hoped that Calldata will be installed in every large corporation in
Australia by 1995.
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
**** SIGN UP FEE WAIVED ****
The system will now prompt you for your information.
-> NOW! GENIE STAR SERVICE IS IN EFFECT!! <-
***********************************************************************
> The Flip Side STR Feature? "A different viewpoint..."
=========================
A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT
==================================
by Michael Lee
You'll probably be seeing quite a few hardware related posts in this
column for a while. With all of the new hardware coming out for the ST
and the new systems finally becoming available, hardware is what many
folks are talking about. I hope you non-hardware folks will still find
something in the column that will interest you.
One thing that needs to be discussed again and that's hardware modifi-
cations. We bring you the posts about modifications for general infor-
mation only. We cannot advocate doing any of the modifications discussed
in the posts on your systems. If you perform any of the modifications,
you do so at your own risk.
----------------
From Mark Stace (Gadgets by Small R/T sysop)...
With the release of Spectre 3.0, Gadgets has gone one up on Apple...to
use DOS Mounter on a Apple Macintosh you must own a Mac with a Super-
Drive (1.4 meg) installed. With Spectre 3.0, however, DOS Mounter works
just fine with a standard double-sided drive and 720K MS-DOS disks.
DOS Mounter is easy to use. It works in the background...automatically.
Simply place DOS Mounter in your System folder and reboot your Spectre.
That is all there is to it. You can then freely insert a MS-DOS format
disk (true MS-DOS format...NOT ST format) and copy files directly to and
from the disk!
----------------
From Dennis (STARDATUM) on Genie (Note: edited slightly to be easier
to read)....
I modified the SLMC804 interface nearly a year ago to run off the Mega
power supply and have never had a single problem. I can turn the laser
printer on or off at any time and it does not effect normal computer
operation at all.
The modification is fairly simple if you have any electronics know-how
at all....
You tap into the 5-volt output on the Mega's power supply....
The run a shielded line between the SLMC804 and the Mega...
(I made the shielded line by using standard Radio Shack 24 gauge
microphone cable with shield 278-1277, coaxial power plug 274-1569,
and jack 274-1563 to make it easy to unplug from the Mega when
necessary)
Cutting a trace in the SLMC804 and soldering the hot wire (5 volt) to
the circuit trace you cut...(on the circuit side of the cut...NOT the
connector side of it).
A ground connection isn't necessary since the DMA cable provides the
ground. However the shield and ground wire of the microphone cable
should be grounded in the Mega to prevent RF interference.
Any time you power up the Mega the SLMC804 is powered and the Diablo
emulator loads fine, without even having the printer on. If I decide I
need to print something, I just flip the switch on the SLM804, wait
until the green light comes on, and print. When I finish printing, I
just shut the SLM804 off, and continue computing without any
interruption at all. In around eleven months I have not had a single
problem and avoid unnecessary noise and power consumption.
*NOTE* This WILL void all warranties on your computer and laser printer.
Also this modification is at your own risk, and I accept no
responsibility for any damages caused by your efforts. If properly
performed, with good precautions it will work, I have done it to three
systems with no problem.
----------------
From Rob Bergeski (RGB Computer Service) on Genie...
Well, I've put a MegaSTe through its paces during another jaunt through
Canada. After 4+ hours at the helm, I can verify that the MegaSTe specs
out the same as an AdSpeed equipped STe, as far as Quick Index is
concerned. The values obtained are: CPU memory:164, Register: 204,
Division: 204, Shift:207.
The PD program STATS yields the following info: TOS version: 2.5, GemDos
version: .25. The former is new, the latter is the same as the TT. Get
this! The date read from the ROMS is 12/5/90! It looks as if Atari is
MOVING on this one. When I got my STe in June '90, the ROMs were
already almost a year old! Maybe this heralds a change in protocol in
the future...
The MegaSTe evaluated had 4 MB, an ST157N hard drive, and the new SC1445
monitor. Opening the hard drive bay is simple - a few screws and the
cover with the HD mech lifts out effortlessly. The board is CLEAN! The
new host adapter looks great. RATEHD yielded 550K/s, 33ms (slightly
faster than that achieved with my ICD host adapter running the same
mech!) This MegaSTe had an RF modulator onboard, and composite video
available on the standard 13 pin ST monitor connector. Hopefully Atari
will retain these features in future production - don't cripple this
machines video applications!
Unfortunately, I was unable to continue with my testing, using the "real
world" tests I had run previously (and posted in the TT topic) due to a
virus munging the root sector of the C: partition of the MegaSTe's
drive! I plan on returning in a few weeks, and will complete my
performance testing at that time. Running many commercial applications,
as well as same of the most ill behaved (from a "legal" programming
standpoint) European demos, leads me to believe the MegaSte is AT LEAST
as compatible as the 1040STe.
Now, onto one of the most interesting tidbits overheard... Atari Canada
supposedly told its dealers that by the end of this year, all STe's (it
was not clear if that meant 1040STe and MegaSTe's or just the 1040
version) would incorporate an AT Speed '286 PC emulator as standard. It
was not clear if this meant built onto the motherboard or simply
installing the German produced boards at the Atari factories. Now THAT's
something to ponder.
----------------
From Mario (ISD) on Genie (slightly edited)...
Calamus 1.09N is certainly TT030 compatible and it really flies.
Printing is approximately four times as fast as on a ST. As far as '030
boards (3rd party) are concerned, you should see about the same
improvements in speed as you would with the TT. As we have yet to test
one, we can only assume so.
When the S, SL and SLC versions (of Calamus) get here, they will be
definitely faster, as they will be compiled to run on the 030 with its
32 bit bus. We have output documents on the TT and it seems that the
only thing really slowing us down at times is the 8 page per minute
limit.
----------------
From Lauren (WordFlair) on Genie....
Hi all. Sorry to be late answering--was at Uniforum all last week. We
have fixed all the bugs on the list and are doing a final testing now.
Will go to duplication this week. Sorry about the delays, but we want to
send you as bug free a product as possible.
....our offer (trading in your old word processor for the new WordFlair)
is good through February 15th.
----------------
Question about SIMMS for the STe's from Jonathan Budil on Genie...
Where can you buy SIMMS at $30? Do they come with installation inst-
ructions for my 1040 STE?
Answer from Terry (OUTRIDER) on Genie...
I paid $38 apiece for my SIMMs from The Chip Merchant at 619/268-4774.
They didn't come with instructions, but then, how hard is it to unplug
four cards and replace them with four others? Well, you do have to be
careful that you remove them right, else you might break off the locking
tabs. You can find your SIMMs underneath the shield, between your floppy
and power supply.
Answer from Chet Walters (WizWorks) on Genie...
The SIMMs are locked in place with a little tab and you must first pop
the tabs off either end of the resident SIMMs and then pull them and
insert the new ones (pay attention to the direction of travel since I
don't remember if it is indeed possible to plug them in the wrong way).
----------------
Until next week....
_________________________________________________________
> Expose Released! STR InfoFile "...new artwork program.."
=============================
EXPOSE FOR THE ATARI ST
=======================
Maxwell Computer Products Unlimited is now shipping the new desk
accessory program Expose for the Atari ST personal computer.
Expos offers ST users two valuable functions: a notepad and a
graphics window from a desk accessory. Expos also offers quick display
of the disk/partition free space, an editable date/time, quick access to
the file selector, a screen snapshot function, a diskette formatting
function, access to the extended ASCII character set and a display of
the free system RAM.
With the Expose notepad, the ST user can create, edit or load text
files and then send portions of the notepad directly from Expose to the
main program being utilized (e.g., a word processor). The notepad is a
valuable tool for keeping notes and for inserting stored information
into a developing document.
The Expose GEM graphics window will allow the ST user to load and
view graphics files. Load DEGAS, DEGAS compressed, Neochrome, Tiny, IMG,
GEM and Macpaint file formats. Low or medium ST pictures are converted
to high resolutions. Clip out areas of the image and save in IMG format.
Use the configurable pen/eraser to edit your image before saving.
The extended ASCII character set is accessible from Expose. Select
the special characters quickly, create a phrase and have the option to
send it directly into the main programs document or backward into the
Expose notepad.
You will find Expos functions to be quickly accessible. Go
directly to a particular function by depressing a control-alt key
combination while selecting the desk accessory. Expose offers a mouse
oriented interface that presents pertinent information on the main
interface and valuable functions that will round-out and enhance your
Atari ST desktop.
Retail Price: $39.95
Available Now. Shipping to dealers near you or purchase
directly from Maxwell C.P.U.:
Maxwell C.P.U.
P.O. BOX 576
Louisville, CO 80027-9998
9AM-5PM MST @ (303)666-7754
_________________________________________________________
> STR Portfolio News & Information? Keeping up to date...
================================
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM
=========================
On CompuServe
by Walter Daniel 75066,164
The help file contest winners were announced (see message 8368 for
details). The files have been moved to library 17 with the keyword CON-
TEST. I'll review all entries in next week's column. Do you use PBASIC,
the free Portfolio BASIC interpreter by BJ Gleason? If so, please reply
to message 8539 and let BJ know how you use it. He is also working on
updating his Portfolio Turbo Pascal Unit for version 6.0.
Atari is preparing an APB (Accessories and Peripherals Bulletin, but
"Atari Portfolio Bulletin" sound better to me) that lists all the third-p-
arty software and peripherals for the Portfolio. The APB also includes
many answers to questions asked of the Atari customer support staff. It's
not yet clear how the APB will be distributed, so I'll forward details
when I learn them. Hyperlist, an outliner for the Portfolio, is in beta
testing. A restricted message section and library, much like the ones for
the PowerBASIC, has been opened in the forum for the beta testers.
A message from Scott Webster Wood indicated that there is a new Inter-
net archive for Atari public domain and shareware programs. Internet is
the nationwide (if not worldwide) electronic mail and file transfer system
that connects universities, NASA centers, government labs, and others. If
you're interested, read message 8454 or send messages to swood@vela.acs.o-
akland.edu.
There was more disk drive activity to report this week. John Feagans
is working on a file manager so that a Portfolio can use a Tandy PDD2 por-
table floppy drive connected to a serial interface. A couple of mes-
sages alluded to Portfolio software drivers for the Pacific Rim parallel
interface floppy drive mentioned in last week's column. Another message
(#8587) mentioned that a company in San Jose called Interloop is making an
HPIL adapter (whatever that is) for the Portfolio. HPIL seems to be some
sort of networking interface that can run printers and disk drives and
uses inexpensive cables (sure sounds like AppleTalk to me). It looks as
if floppy drive interfaces for the Portfolio might happen, so stay tuned.
Uploads this week: ADEMO.ZIP contains several PGC graphics files and
a PBASIC 3.1 program to create an animation demonstration. I couldn't try
it because I ran out of RAM card space. Don Messerli uploaded PGC Grabber
for the Mac (PGCG.SIT, Mac file that needs Stuffit for extraction) that
takes a Portfolio screen-sized chunk of a MacPaint file and converts it to
a PGC file. I found out that I could not transfer the resulting PGC file
directly to my Portfolio using a serial interface because XMODEM file pads
disrupt the file format. I'll let you know what the eventual solution is.
DOSEDI.COM is a DOS command line editor that works on the Portfolio.
AG2POR.ZIP contains Lotus Agenda ver 2 macros to export to Portfolio .adr
and .dry files.
Please send Portfolio news to me in the forum or email if you wish to
remain mysterious. For example, if you're a third-party developer, let me
know what you're working on so I can pass word to STReport readers. Got a
gripe? Let me know about it. Have any interesting "I used my Portfolio
for/at/during..." stories? Share them with me. Remember, the truth is
often stranger than fiction!
____________________________________________________
> DIAMOND BACK II STR FOCUS? Upgrade and Changes
=========================
DIAMOND BACK II
===============
Upgrade and Changes in Distribution
By Bob Luneski
I have canceled Data Innovations license to distribute Diamond Back II.
The effective date of cancellation is March 8, 1991. On this date, North
American distribution and support of Diamond Back II will be made by my
company, Oregon Research Associates, and overseas distribution will be
made by SofTrek (distributors of TurboST).
The next version of Diamond Back II will remain in development (it will
give me a chance to add even more new features to the upgrade than are
already there!) and be released for sale on March 8, 1991. After March
8, 1991 current owners of Diamond Back II may upgrade to Version 2.20 by
sending your original disk and $7.50 ($5 if you purchased after January
1, 1991 and send your receipt) to:
Oregon Research Associates
16200 S.W. Pacific Hwy.
Suite 162
Tigard, OR 97224
There will be no patch program available for this upgrade, you must send
in your original disk to Oregon Research to receive the upgrade and
obtain a Diamond Back II owners registration number. Any upgrade orders
received prior to March 8, 1991 will be shipped on March 8, 1991 (I am
not legally allowed to distribute it in North America before then).
What you get for your upgrade fee:
1) V2.20 of Diamond Back II including many new features and updates
to the utility programs and the addition of several new utility
programs.
2) A User Registration number
3) A completely new Oregon Research Diamond Back Manual (done the way
I wanted it in the first place) and Oregon Research license
agreement.
4) Product support from Oregon Research Associates.
I have been advised to and am requiring that original disks be returned
to obtain the upgrade for the following reasons:
1) From a legal standpoint, your current user license is from Data
Innovations and is slightly different from the standard recommended user
license. The only way for me to ensure that you have agreed to Oregon
Research's license agreement(and therefore eligible for support) is to
distribute upgrades complete with new manuals and disks enclosed in
sealed envelopes with opening the envelope generating implied consent to
the agreement. A lawyer made me do it.
2) Having a tightly controlled distribution of the first version of
Diamond Back II distributed by my company(V2.20) is the only way for me
to accurately develop a registered user data base. I have no confidence
in the accuracy of any user list Data Innovations may or may not provide
me. There is reason to believe that such a list cannot be accurately
made.
3) I am implementing a registered user/disk serialization program and
will be implementing new program support procedures. Your owner
registration number will be required to obtain user support, no
exceptions. I am very sorry that it has come to this and I know it
doesn't relate to anyone participating in this forem, but I receive many
more support requests than can be accounted for by program sales. If I
am to continue to provide the level of program support that I pride
myself on giving(and that you have come to expect), then I must restrict
that support to those who deserve to receive it.
A complete description of the new support procedure will be included
with the upgrade, however I will present a brief summary here.
1) Oregon Research Associates will only provide product support for
Diamond Back II versions 2.20 and above and you must provide your user
registration number to obtain said support. This implies that you must
upgrade to V2.20 and receive a registration number to receive support.
No exceptions. I am very sorry, but from a liability standpoint I must
have legal proof that you have agreed to the Oregon Research license
agreement. In addition, the situation created by an unknown user base
leaves me no alternative other than this to develop a registered user
base and to ensure the continuation of the high level of service you
deserve.
2) The excellent product support that I have always given will be
provided via phone, FAX, US Mail, or E-MAIL directly to me at B.LUNESKI1
on Genie or boblu@tekgen.BV.TEK.COM on Usenet and your name and user
registration number will be required to receive said support. Diamond
Back II product support will no longer be provided in an open forem.
3) All general product questions will be answered directly via one of
the mechanisms in 2) However, if you have a more serious problem or
believe that you have found a bug, there is a new troubleshooting
procedure form that will walk you through a series of steps that will
resolve 95% of the problems and provide the necessary diagnostic
information for me to solve the rest.
I continue my 100% commitment to providing the highest quality product
and product support available. I hope that the last two years of support
and product evolution (10 upgrades with all but the move from V1.04 to
V2.00 free) demonstrate my commitment. I am not trying to be an
unreasonable hard a*s, but are taking these measures because I have no
other choice. The combination of no verifiable list of legal owners and
the necessity to protect against legal exposure make these policy
decisions an absolute business necessity. I am attempting to make the
transition from Data Innovations to Oregon Research Associates as
painless as possible and am very sorry for any temporary inconvenience
that this may cause.
On behalf of myself and Oregon Research Associates, I thank you for your
patience and continued support,
Bob
_______________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL? "REAL ATARI NEWS FIRST!"
=====================
- Upland, CA Soft-Aware Releases INFORMER II VERSION 2.03!
----------
Good news for database users and enthusiasts! Soft-Aware, Unlimited
continues to support and upgrade it's products by shipping the latest
version of it's unique and highly versatile data/image manager. Image
files are logically connected to records within the database and
accessed for casual or "slideshow" viewing. Images are also used as the
background for personalized "form-on-the-screen" input. Columns on the
list screen and input boxes on the form screen can all be easily
manipulated with the mouse. And all of the commands can be accessed with
either the mouse or keyboard. INFORMER II utilizes concepts found in
word processors, forms managers, report writers, and spread-sheets
without the burden of programming.
The latest version comes on 3 double sided disks with a completely
new and revised manual in a 8x5 3 ring vinyl binder. Version 2.03 offers
the user many new and enhanced features. The number of data fields is up
from 36 to 52. You can now view external image or text files, even HEX
files. Managing records is even easier now that you can Delete or Clear
a record from the FORM or the LIST. You can also Move/Copy a record to
another Table in the database. Most of the Change, Find and other options
have been enhanced or expanded. This Latest version of INFORMER II also
has a fresh look, since the main work screens and many of the dialog
boxes have been worked over as well.
Included with each package is a self running demo, a version of which
is available on GEnie and other information services. This demo will give
the user a general overview of the program and acquaint them with the
basic features. As in previous versions, INFORMER II comes with a
conversion program which converts many data formats and as always the
users first upgrade is FREE. Available now through all dealers, this
release also marks Soft-Awares entry into mainstream software distribut-
ion.
INFORMER II runs on the Atari ST, STe, & TT series of computers with
the PC version being avaiable soon.
Contact your dealer or,
Soft-Aware, Unlimited
334 "B" N. Euclid Avenue
Upland, CA 91786
Phone 714-982-8409 - FAX 714-985-2348
- Hadley, MA NEODESK 3 # ONE IN THE UK!
----------
ST FORMAT magazine in THE UNITED KINGDOM has just released the results
of a reader survey they ran in which NeoDesk 3 was voted "Best Utility of
1990". Last year ST World UK another British magazine, completed a reader
survey that voted NeoDesk 2.0 (the version available at that time) as
"Best Utility of 1989", "Best Overall Program of 1989" and "Editor's
Choice: Best Utility of 1989". Neodesk, once again for 1990, proves
itself to be the "users choice" in the marketplace. Congrats guys!!
- Sunnyvale, CA ATARI ADVERTISE? YES! BIG TIME!
-------------
Advertising is among the number one priorities at Atari. Although
many thought advertising was brushed aside during a recent online con-
ference, rest assured that this was simply a lack of effective communicat-
ions.
The advertising program that's about to begin is slated as the most
ambitious and effective ever embarked upon by Atari for use in building
and strengthening its computer marketplace. To begin with, the plan is
aimed at building individual market areas for those dealers already es-
tablished. This means the dealer chooses the mode(s) of advertising felt
best for the locale, either TV, newspaper etc. The good news is this not
a co-op advertising program, its a "market builder" advertising program.
This translates into the facts that the dealer is not required to pur-
chased a minimum amount of product to become eligible to take advantage of
this program's features and benefits.
- Sunnyvale, CA "FLAGSHIP" DEALER PROGRAM SOUND FAMILIAR?
-------------
"Flagship dealers" does this mean that there are dealers and then...
there are DEALERS?? If this is the case, does this mean any one dealer is
LESS the Atari source than another? No, of course not. Every Atari
computer product except the TT030 will be available through three national
distributors. They will, in turn, market the Atari product lines to their
dealers. This translates into aggressive and timely marketing by Atari in
a very positive way to re-establish the Atari computer lines to their
rightful place in the US market. In other words, everything but the
TT030 will be available through the three distribution networks. This
method of marketing virtually assures the userbase of full accessability
to all of Atari's fine products at reasonable prices.
- Champaign, Il HELP!! SUBLOGIC MIGHT SNUB ATARI ST!
-------------
A.T.P from SubLogic
Many of you are probably familiar with FLIGHT SIMULATOR II by
SubLogic. They have recently released a new simulator program.
For the GOOD news, they have just released A.T.P., a new flight
simulation program. Now for the BAD news, its only released for the
I.B.M. - Messy DOS platform!
A.T.P. stands for AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT. This program enables you
to fly a BOEING 737, 757, 767, A300 AIRBUS, and a SHORTS 360 Turboprop.
Outstanding features include 26 major airport cities (hubs), 350 U.S.
airports and 480 Nav-Aids. Also Flight-Plan briefing including weather
reports and aircraft load specs. Fully detailed instrument panels for
each aircraft including Auto-Takeoff/Land,Auto-Weather and Intelligent Air
Traffic Control. All existing scenery disks are completely compatible.
SubLogic was contacted this past week regarding this program and the
information received was that the ST conversion is under "discussion" at
this time. But.. they emphasized that nothing was final at this time.
If you loved Flight Simulator II and want to see A.T.P. for the ST.
Help us help Atari and you. Send in a Postcard today!
Please Write: "I WANT A.T.P. FOR MY ATARI ST!"
Send it to:
SubLogic Corp.
Attn: Chairman of the Board
501 Kenyon Road
Champaign, Il. 61820 U.S.A.
* YOUR INPUT CAN HELP MAKE THIS PROGRAM A REALITY FOR YOUR ST*
PLEASE, SEND YOUR POSTCARD TODAY!!!!
- Tucson, Az PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS CEASES OPERATIONS!
----------
Ctsy: CIS
: 25167 S17/Community Square
: 31-Jan-91 22:21:55
Sb: Farewell PS
Fm: Practical Solutions 76004,2000
To: All
To the Atari community:
I am saddened to report that, as of the end of business today (1/3-
1/91), Practical Solutions has ceased business. From what I understand,
the phone lines are now answered by an answering machine and will soon be
disconnected.
A slow summer and fall season, coupled with diminishing returns on
hardware products and the onset of the recession, have conspired to sap
Practical Solutions' revenues. Practical Solutions' investors and bankers
decided it was time to call it quits, despite protests from management and
employees alike. "Business in business," I guess.
I, personally, was laid off three weeks ago. I have been maintaining
the Practical Solutions presence on CompuServe as a favor to the company,
who are all good folks, and as a favor to the Atari community. This is
not a huge sacrifice, since I enjoy doing it anyway.
Because there will still be Practical Solutions products in the
"pipeline" for a while, I hope to still maintain a presence on-line in a
purely unofficial capacity. I have permission from the former Practical
Solutions management to perform this service, providing it is okay with
the SysOps and CIS officials.
From now on, the Practical Solutions name associated with the PPN
(76004,2000)-(Compuserve) will be changed to Richard Whitsell/P.S. in
order to emphasize the fact that the my presence is unofficial.
Thank you one and all for supporting Practical Solutions over the past
few years.
Richard Whitsell
Former Tech Support Rep
- Vista, CA MENU PLUS RELEASED FOR ATARI ST!
---------
FROM: Rimik Enterprises
Richard Betson, Owner
RE: New Product Announcement -> Menu Plus
Rimik Enterprises is proud to announce the release of a revolutionary
new software product called Menu Plus. Menu plus is a full featured "Desk
Top" enhancement that allows you to quickly launch (run) any program on
your hard disk or floppy disk. Menu Plus uses a creative menuing system
that allows you to set up a Main Menu with corresponding Sub-Menus. Let's
say you set up a Main Menu selection called games. You could then assign
the Sub-Menu selections with the names and locations of your games. This
type of menu system allows you highly organize all the programs on your
hard disk or floppy disk. You also have the option of launching programs
directly from the Fileselector. But Menu Plus is much more than a program
launcher just read below.
Menu Plus uses only 30k of memory when running as an application.
This means users with only 512k will have no problem using Menu Plus.
Quick access to over 160 of your favorite programs. If you need more
selections simply save your present menu and start a new one. Access to
the Fileselector as well as the ability to launch programs directly from
it. You can view Degas, NEO and Spectrum 512 pictures. You can also show
or print a text file. The show text feature uses the left and right mouse
buttons for scrolling text up and down the screen. Menu Plus also allows
you play and edit ST-Replay sound files. A special AUTOPLAY feature
allows you to play all the sound files in a directory. Menu Plus supports
the popular "SND" file format for sound files. System settings like
screen colors and key repeat rate can be changed directly from Menu Plus.
An accessory version of the sound player/editor, picture viewer and
show/print text features is included. This allows users with larger memo-
ries in their computers to have access to those features will running
other programs.
For further information concerning Menu Plus, please contact:
Rimik Enterprises
836 Osborne St.
Vista, Ca. 92084
(619) 630-1217
- Dallas, TX "STALK THE MARKET" VERSION 2.00 UPDATE INFO!
----------
Status of Stalk the Market Version 2.00
Last spring, ST Informer reported that Version 2.00 would be released
in the fall of 1990. Well, that's exactly what we told them; but, alas,
it's not ready yet. We ran into some hardware problems in July which we
JUST RECENTLY solved. We're now working furiously on finishing up the new
revision -- and getting close.
For those of you considering buying STALK THE MARKET; you can buy it
now (registered owners get Version 2.00 FREE), or you can wait (there will
be NO price increase for Version 2.00).
For example, here's some of the new stuff Version 2.00 will include:
- Integrated downloading from CompuServe, Dow Jones News/Retrieval,
and ... GEnie (yea!).
- Portfolio capabilities (consolidated ledgers, performance reports,
"batch" downloading, etc.)
- Dividend and Capital Gain transactions.
- Various convenience features: "Desktop" Save & Load, Save Window
Size and Price-Time Range, Movable Dialog Boxes, and Auto-Desktop
Load on Startup.
- and much more...
Again, we'll try and check in here at least once a week and try to respond
to anything that's come up. If your in a hurry, feel free to call us at
(214)-243- 0663 (after 5PM CST).
Regards...
Quidnunc Software
_________________________________________________________
> Hard Disks STR InfoFile? Affordable Mass Storage....
=======================
NEW LOW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!!
===============================
ALL SPECIALS
** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! **
ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC.
P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
_____________________________________
All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST
are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s).
*-ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE-*
(you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!)
(all cables and connectors installed)
* ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
* ICD ADSCSI+ HOST ADAPTERS * FULL SCSI COMMAND SET SUPPORTED *
* SCSI EMBEDDED CONTROLLER MECHANISMS *
Conventional Shoe Box
Model Description Autopark Price
==================================================
SGN3038 31Mb 28ms 3.5" Y 419.00
SGN4951 51Mb 28ms 3.5" Y 519.00
SGN6177 62Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 619.00
SGN1096 85Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 649.00
SGN6277 120Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 889.00
SGN1296 168Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 1069.00
SGN4077 230Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 1669.00
==================================================
WE HAVE A COMPLETE LINE OF 3.5 LOW PROFILE HARD DRIVES
for
USE IN MEGA ST COMPUTERS AND RELATED CONFIGURATIONS.
20mb #AI020SC 379.95 30mb #AIO3OSC 419.95
50mb #AI050SC 449.95 65mb #AI065SC 499.95
85mb #AI085SC $559.95
MEGA ST Internal Hard Drives
CONNOR HIGH PERFORMANCE MECHANISMS
>>> ALL ABCO DRIVES ARE HIGH SPEED UNITS <<<
(500 - 600k per sec @ 16 - 33ms)
CALL FOR SUPER SAVINGS ON ALL OUR OTHER CUSTOM UNITS
FROM 30mb 28MS @ $419.00!
Ask about our "REBATE SPECIALS"
--==*==--
** SHIPPING AND INSURANCE INCLUDED IN COMPLETE UNIT PRICES! **
============================================
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555)>> ABCO "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE *
- SYQUEST 44 MB DRIVE - ICD ST ADVANTAGE PLUS H/A
- ICD Utility Software - 3' DMA Cable
- Fan & Clock - Multi-Unit Power Supply
(1) 44 MB Syquest Cart.
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
--->> SPECIAL NOW ONLY __$ 719.00__ <<---
EXTRA CARTS: $ 79.50
DRIVE MECH ONLY: $ 439.95
*** SPECIAL SYQUEST OFFER!! BUY WITH A FRIEND! ***
ORDER YOUR CUSTOM SYQUEST UNIT NOW AND GET A SECOND COMPLETE UNIT!
***** for $75.00 LESS! *****
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED ** $1329.00 **
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
50mb SQG51 $ 939.00 30mb SQG38 $ 819.00
65mb SQG09 $ 969.00 85mb SQG96 $1059.00
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
Listed above are a sampling of the systems available.
Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations
(over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited)
*** ALL Units: Average Access Time: 24ms - 34ms ***
ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - AT/PC SPEED - GCR
LARGER units are available - (special order only)
*>> NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! <<*
- Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets -
* SLM 804 Replacement Toner Cartridge Kits $42.95 *
Replacement Drums; CALL
Keyboard Custom Cables Call for Info
ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED
-* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
_________________________________________
DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
please, call for details
Personal and Company Checks are accepted.
ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319
Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service
9am - 8pm EDT
Tues thru Sat
____________________________________________________________
> A "Quotable Quote"?
=================
"Please pray for the safe return of all our Folks in Desert Storm!"
Ralph.....
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport Online Magazine?
Available through more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport? "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" February 01, 1991
16/32bit Magazine copyright = 1991 No.7.05
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors, staff, STReport? CPU/STR? or ST Report?. Permission to
reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Each reprint
must include the name of the publication, date, issue # and the author's
name. The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in
any way without prior written permission. The contents, at the time of
publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The editors,
contributors and/or staff are not responsible for either the use/misuse
of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-----------------------------------------
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