ST Report: 29-Mar-91 #713

From: Bruce D. Nelson (aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 04/13/91-06:33:11 PM Z


From: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 29-Mar-91 #713
Date: Sat Apr 13 18:33:11 1991

Also thanks to: Todd C. Miller.


           *---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
                  """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
                  "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
                                   from
                            STR Publishing Inc.
                            """"""""""""""""""


 March 29, 1991                                                     No.7.13
 ==========================================================================

                  STReport International 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 350 * Fido Node 1:112/35 * NeST Node 90:3000/350.0  **
             privately owned & operated STReport support BBS
           ALL issues of STReport International Online Magazine
                         are available along with
         A worldwide list of private bbs systems carrying STReport
    __________________________________________________________________

 > 03/29/91: STReport? #7.13  The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine!
   -------------------------
     - The Editor's Desk      - CPU REPORT        - MAC REPORT
     - Virus Study            - BIG IBM Layoff    - MAC Dealers HOT!
     - MORE CeBIT NEWS        - RADIUS & MAC      - Tandon - Appletalk
     - WP & Portfolio!        - PORTFOLIO NEWS    - STR Confidential

                       * PAGESTREAM 2.1 CONFERENCE *
                        * ATARI PORTFOLIO A WINNER*
                          * SYQUEST PRICES DROP *

 ==========================================================================
                  ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE?
                     The _Number One_ Online Magazine
                              -* FEATURING *-
                     "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?

     Spring is in the air,  and  the  expectations  of  new  is everywhere.
 Folks wait  all over  the country  for the  arrivals of  various new Atari
 products.  Users throughout the USA anxiously await the new wonders to be.
 All that  can be  said at  this time  is the  wait will  be well worth the
 effort.  How about that front end for the CDROM?



                         Happy Holidays to one and all!

                                      Ralph........



                           TODAY'S NEWS ..TODAY!

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



 > STReport's Staff              The regulars and this week's contributors!
   ================

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


 Staff Editors:
 --------------
          Michael Arthur      Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.     Dana P. Jacobson
          Lucien Oppler       Brad Martin              Walter Daniel
          Oscar Steele        Robert Allbritton        John Szczepanik

 Contributing Correspondants:
 ----------------------------
          Michael Lee         Richard Covert           Roger Stevens
          Brian Converse      Oliver Steinmeier        Ed Krimen


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

                 Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
                 GEnie......................... ST.REPORT
                 Delphi........................ RMARIANO
                 BIX........................... RMARIANO
                 FIDONET....................... 112/35
                 FNET.......................... NODE 350
                 NEST.......................... 90:19/350.0




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


   NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE

     COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME

                              to the Readers of;

                  ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL 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 (March 29)

 GOLDEN OLDIE FOR ATARI ST

 DOTS AND DASHES - This classy connect-the-dots strategy game runs  in both
 color and monochrome.  Match wits with the computer or up to three humans.
 Play on one computer or compete by way of modem and a phone hookup.  Start
 with dots  only or  with some dashes in place.  To introduce an element of
 luck, make beginning dashes invisible.  Fun for all ages and IQs.  Built--
 in,  printable  instructions.    Available  in LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Arts
 Forum (GO ATARIARTS) as DOTDAS.PRG.

                   PROGRAM OF THE WEEK FROM DOUBLECLICK

 DCJCHR.ARC - available in LIBRARY 13 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO

 ATARIVEN).   DC J-CHAR will simulate typing a character when you  push the
 joystick in one of the directions and press the trigger.  Great for repet-
 itive prompts (like BBSes) or scrolling.

 LASERJET FONT DOWNLOADER

 HPDNLO.ARC, available  in LIBRARY  1 of  the Atari  Productivity Forum (GO
 ATARIPRO) -  Enables HP  soft fonts to be downloaded from an ST to a Laser
 Jet; fonts can be Permenant, Secondary, Primary or  Temporary.   Will work
 as either a .PRG or an .ACC by renaming.

 AMP JUKEBOX FOR ATARI 8-BIT

 AMP Jukebox, by Steven Lashower, will automatically play all files on disk
 with .AMP extenders, one after another. Press [START] during play  to skip
 to next  song.   Press [OPTION]  during play to change disk or drive.  For
 use of  CompuServe Atari  8-bit Forum  members only.   Download AMPJKE.ARC
 from LIBRARY 1 of the Atari 8-Bit Forum (GO ATARI8).


   NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE


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



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


   Issue #104
   ----------


 by Michael Arthur




  CPU INSIGHTS?
  ============



              COMPUTER VIRUSES:  ARTICLES, TYPES, AND CURES
              ---------------------------------------------


       One topic  in the microcomputer industry that is always coming under
 much attention is the  subject of  computer viruses.   Much  has been said
 about them, as every computer-related magazine or column from Infoworld to
 Time Magazine has discussed them at some length.   But  in the  attempt to
 educate  the  computing  world  about  their  dangers, much of the current
 published information has been  repetitive, doling  out basic  facts about
 computer viruses  without either  going much into how they work, or giving
 more than "common sense" information on how to prevent them from infiltra-
 ting your  computer system.   This, in turn, has caused computer users who
 should have a healthy concern about viruses to become paranoid about their
 systems being infected with one, becoming overly suspicious of any and all
 sources of computer data, including BBS's and Online Services (which would
 normally screen  for viruses anyway in order to prevent any of their users
 from "catching" one), and  eventually thinking  that every  program bug or
 fault in  TOS (such  as the  40 folder bug) was indisputable evidence of a
 virus infection.  In order to fully understand viruses, though, as well as
 to see  how informative the current articles about them really are, let us
 go through a general outline of a typical essay about computer viruses.

       Generally, many articles first start with  a preface,  in which they
 bring up  some evidence  that computer  viruses are dangerous, in order to
 get the reader's interest.  After  this, they  attempt to  describe what a
 computer virus actually is, and how it operates, usually in this manner:
        A computer  virus is a program that enters your computer by stealth
 (that is, without your  knowledge), is  self-replicating, so  as to spread
 itself throughout  a system's  disks, and, once a triggering condition has
 been met, causes some damage to a component of your  system or  its opera-
 tion.   Usually, this damage is to a floppy or hard drive, but it can also
 be something like crashing your system, manipulating a weak aspect  of the
 operating system  so as  to trigger a bug (like causing the 40 Folder Bug,
 or fragmenting system memory so  the  OS  eventually  runs  out  of usable
 memory), or stealing CPU time away from other tasks....

      There are two categories of these programs:  Worms, and Viruses.  The
 main difference between Worms  and Viruses  is that  a virus  NEEDS to use
 another program  to both enter a system and replicate itself, while a worm
 is a self-contained program, and does not necessarily  depend on attaching
 itself to  another program  for its  operations.   Even though it is not a
 completely accurate  description, worms  are generally  classified as com-
 puter  viruses.    There  are  currently three main types of microcomputer
 viruses:


 Boot Block Viruses
 ------------------

       The boot sector of a disk is a section reserved  for any  program or
 instruction to run when the system is first booted up.  Since ANY code can
 go in the boot block, most viruses are designed to replicate themselves so
 as to occupy this sector.  This has MANY advantages, among them being that
 since it is the  first program  to run  on a  system, a  virus is  able to
 monitor EVERY  operating system  command, and  (if it involves accessing a
 disk drive or  a  LAN/mainframe  networking  link)  replicate  itself onto
 another boot sector through that device, as well as checking to see if the
 triggering condition that would put it into operation  has been  met.  Not
 surprisingly, since the virus has to STRICTLY adhere to a system's progra-
 mming guidelines in order to pull this off, they are  generally compatible
 with most  systems running that operating system.  But since they are in a
 localized region  of a  disk, anti-viral  utilities can  EASILY detect and
 remove boot  block viruses by simply clearing the boot sector of ANY code.
 And as only disk-based operating systems or self-booting games NEED to put
 any code into a disk's boot sector, this procedure is almost always safe.-
 ...

 Shell Viruses
 -------------

       A shell virus is actually a worm that attaches itself  to the begin-
 ning of  a program  so as  to ensure  that when that particular program is
 run, the virus is executed before  the program.   Well  written viruses of
 this type do not usually damage the program itself, but use it to hide the
 virus's existence to the user.   This type  of virus,  though not  easy to
 detect, CAN be removed rather easily.

       However, some types of shell viruses actually DO modify the program,
 by first analyzing its instruction code to find a code  segment that would
 be suitable  to make  the program  load the  virus.  Then it modifies that
 particular code segment, inserting a subroutine  call to  transfer program
 execution to  the virus.   In  this case,  while the virus is difficult to
 write properly so as to give it compatibility  with most  to all programs,
 it is VERY difficult to remove....

 Hidden Worms
 ------------

       Barring  any  of  these  eventualities,  a  worm (after entering the
 system through other means) could just simply not  rely on  using the boot
 sector or  another program,  but act  as a  self-contained program that is
 hidden from the user's sight.  Worms usually have well-hidden or encrypted
 file names,  as anything else would be spotted by a directory reading.  On
 the Atari ST, worms usually this by being an "AUTO-folder"  program with a
 hidden file  name, so they are automatically loaded into the system to act
 in a manner not unlike that  of  a  boot  virus.    On  the  Amiga  or IBM
 machines, such  a program  hides in  either the CLI's Startup Sequence, or
 DOS's COMMAND.COM file.  On the Macintosh, such a virus  would be  an INIT
 file (the Mac's equivalent of an AUTO program).  Once found, these viruses
 can often be removed by deleting them like any other file....

       While not actually being classified as a virus, but serving the same
 purpose,  Trojan  Horse  programs  were perhaps the precursors to computer
 virus programs.  Disguised as a normal PD Utility, desk accessory,or game,
 a Trojan  Horse program  functions just  like any  other piece of software
 UNTIL the triggering condition is met  (such as  75 percent  of a system's
 hard disk  being filled).   Once  that condition  is met, then the program
 causes some serious damage (such as reformatting the  hard disk).   In one
 case, a  Disk Cataloger  program (which was actually a Trojan Horse) would
 give prompts for you to let it "catalog" all of your disks. While the user
 thought his/her  disk library  was being organized, the Disk Cataloger was
 trashing the FAT tables of each disk.   Once it  was finished,  the user's
 disk library  was more  organized than  he/she expected....However, Trojan
 Horse programs  are now  not that  widespread, as  more stringent security
 measures (and  the fact  that once  the word gets out about a Trojan Horse
 program, not  many people  will use  it) have  made it  less efficient and
 effective than today's computer viruses.

       After giving a description of viruses, practically all of the essays
 on computer viruses give tips on how to prevent users'  systems from being
 infected.  Here is a list of some topics:

 Checking PD Software Sources
 ----------------------------

       Even though  the very safest way of not contracting a computer virus
 is to buy ONLY commercial packages, the very existence of Online Services,
 ARC.TTP, and  Megaroids (as  well as your reading CPU Report now) is proof
 that this is often not possible or preferable.  Therefore, the main objec-
 tive is to minimize the chances of infection.

       Actually, Online  Services such  as CompuServe or GEnie would be the
 best alternative in this area, mainly  for two  reasons:   Online Services
 have extensive  facilities/methods for  ensuring that  PD files online are
 virus free, and of course, more Public Domain files are  available for the
 downloading.   However, the MOST important reason that Online Services are
 uncommonly safe from viruses is that, simply enough, the people  who write
 computer viruses  are conscious  of the Online Services' security, and are
 less psychologically inclined to make a (futile) attempt to spread viruses
 through there than on a Bulletin Board Station....

       However,  even  though  BBS's  are more vulnerable to virus-infected
 programs than Online Services, one can still take preventive measures. The
 most sensible  method is  to ONLY  download software from BBS's that check
 all uploaded files for validation. A good indication of such a responsible
 BBS is  if you find that the BBS's Sysop checks the BBS's hard disk(s) for
 viruses whenever he/she backs the BBS  up.   Also, if  you buy  a software
 package "second  hand", or use another person's disks on your system, be a
 little bit more careful....

 Performing Generational Software Backups
 ----------------------------------------

       Even though most users ALWAYS backup their commercial  software, and
 backup their  hard disks at regular intervals, it is important to remember
 that viruses (and Murphy's Law) have long incubation periods.  Even though
 that hard  disk may  have been  backed up  a week ago, the computer system
 may have been infected by a virus (or shown signs of hard disk troubles) a
 couple of  days before  that.   Therefore, one may need to retrieve backup
 copies done weeks before the incident occured in order to  obtain a "safe"
 file.   But one problem is that most users, instead of periodically buying
 new media for backing up their software, usually  just reformat  and reuse
 their old backup disks.  In order to solve this dilemma, it is recommended
 that in addition to any normal software backup procedures,one occasionally
 make a SECOND backup of all system software, storing the extra backup in a
 safe place instead of reusing it the next time a hard disk backup needs to
 be done.   Even  though it  may cost  more to  buy extra  disks for backup
 purposes, the economic strain will be negligible to  any occuring  if both
 your regular disks AND your backups are messed up....

        Even even  though this may not help in preventing virus attacks, it
 can also  be of  use in  other areas.   If  your system's  hard drive ever
 becomes damaged  and needs  repairing, then  you will be out of commission
 for as long as the dealer takes to  repair that  hard drive.   And backups
 made by  some hard  disk backup software cannot be restored without use of
 the same hard disk.  Since most hard disk users keep ALL of their software
 on their  hard disk, such a "doomsday scenario" ISN'T that impossible.  To
 prevent such tragedies from occuring, it is recommended  that ALL computer
 users keep  a few "doomsday disks", with any programs necessary for you to
 use your system effectively  (word  processors,  flight  simulators, etc.)
 kept on  those floppy disks.  For hard disk users, operating a system with
 floppy disks may be a hardship  or  a  bother  (especially  having  to use
 emergency floppies),  but not  being able  to use your computer while your
 hard disk is in the shop MAY be a worse hardship....


 Protection on the Home Front
 ----------------------------

       Even though ALL of these precautions,  chances are  that your system
 still stands a good chance of being infected by a virus.  In order to make
 SURE that none of your disks has a virus, one, logically enough,  needs an
 anti-viral  utility.     The   Computer  Virus  Industry  Association,  an
 organization devoted to the study of viruses, has  developed a three-level
 classification system for these programs:

  -  Class  1  programs  monitor  the system to prevent illegal disk access
 (presumably caused by a virus), and  to  detect  viruses  before  they can
 infect software.

  - Class 2 programs analyze disks to detect software that has already been
 infected by a virus, and .

  - Class 3 programs both  detect  software  viruses,  and  repair infected
 disks while erasing the virus.

       There are  many suitable  anti-viral utilities  out for  the IBM and
 Macintosh, and VirusX (a Class  3  public  domain  utility),  is currently
 among the best viral defenses in the Amiga market.  In the Atari ST arena,
 VKILLER (written by George Woodside) and Bootsector Technician  (or Shotz,
 written by  Magnum Software)  are two of the best Public Domain anti-viral
 utilities.  Virus Killer, by the  CRL  Group,  is  the  most  powerful and
 complete anti-viral  utility currently  available for the Atari ST.  While
 it is a commercial program, it  covers several  areas (such  as protection
 against hard disk viruses) that the latter Public domain programs do not.

       Also, it  would be  a good idea to keep all of your newly downloaded
 Public Domain files on  a separately  designated disk,  so you  could both
 test out  all of  your PD files to make sure they are bug-free, and so you
 could lessen the risk of a computer virus  by using  an anti-viral utility
 to run a daily check on that disk to make sure none of the files on it are
 virus infested.

       With the advent of viruses and Trojan Horse programs, computer users
 of all  types need  to know  as much as possible about not only their dan-
 gers, but their internal operation,  so  as  to  take  preventive measures
 against the infection of their computer systems.  One aspect about viruses
 that is the most  perplexing is  the type  of person  that would knowingly
 develop programs  intended to  cause havoc  on any  and all computers.  In
 companies, the most likely person would be a disgruntled employee.  But in
 many other  situations viruses are created by a misguided/malicious person
 who has a grudge towards another person or group.  In other  instances, an
 ordinary programmer  has designed  a worm/virus to test his/her prowess at
 code writing.  Of course, there are MANY other better  ways to  test one's
 skills as a programmer....

       But  while  viruses  ARE  a  potentially  dangerous threat, the best
 advice in  protecting against  one is  to maintain  a rational standpoint,
 analyzing  all  suspicious  occurrences  calmly and logically, and not be-
 coming overly frightened or paranoid of  catching  one.    Given  that the
 chances of  actually catching  a virus are not overly large, and that cer-
 tain viruses may have been written to act  as terrorist  devices, inducing
 fear  and  suspicion  among  computer owners, taking reasonable preventive
 measures as well as eliminating ALL other possibilities  before suspecting
 a viral infection would be the sensible thing to do.




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


    Issue #14

    Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.



 - Sunnyvale, California           ATARI SALES DROP 11% IN 4TH QUARTER
   ---------------------

 Atari's sales for the 4th quarter ending December 31, 1990 were down 11%
 compared to the like quarter a year ago.  Sales for the 12 months ending
 1990  were  down 3%.   Net income for 1990 was $14.9 million  versus  $4
 million for 1989.

 Like  many other computer companies who's sales were also down  for  the
 same period, Atari blames the Persian Gulf war for the decline in sales.
 But Atari President Sam Tramiel is looking on the bright side, "Although
 sales  in  the fourth quarter  were  understandably  disappointing,  the
 company  continues to strengthen its balance sheet.  The Atari  STE  and
 TT030  computer  line,  based  on  Motorola's  68000  and  68030  micro-
 processors, continues to be a cornerstone of our business."



 - Washington, D.C.                CENSUS SAYS COMPUTER USE UP
   ----------------

 According to a survey just released by the US Commerce  Department,  15%
 percent of US households now own computers, compared to only 8% in 1984.
 Price  reductions  and availability of more uses for  the  machines  are
 attributed to the increase.

 The  survey shows that nearly 50% of those aged three to 17 used a  com-
 puter at home or in school compared to 30% in 1984.  28% of those 19 and
 up are using a computer at home,  work or school,  up from 18% in  1984.
 37% of the 115 million employed adults say they use a computer at  work,
 compared to 25% five years ago.   One highlight of the survey shows that
 more women, 43%, than men, 32%, use computers in the workplace.



 - Armonk, New York                IBM CUTS WORKFORCE BY 14,000
   ----------------

 After recently startling the financial community with its announcment of
 lower than expected earnings, this week IBM announced it will reduce its
 worldwide workforce by 14,000 people or about 4% this year.  The move is
 expected to save about $200 million this year,  $600 million next  year,
 and $800 million the year after.



 - Santa Clara, California         INTEL SETTLES SUIT WITH AMD
   -----------------------

 After U.S.  District Court Judge William A. Ingram ruled that Intel does
 not have a trademark on the 386 combination,  Intel Corp. settled out of
 court  with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) over the use of "386"  name  on
 chips.   The two firms also settled AMD's countersuit alleging misappro-
 priation  of  trade secrets,  and which named Intel General  Counsel  F.
 Thomas Dunlap.  Other, unrelated lawsuits, are still pending between the
 two firms.



 - Sunnyvale, California           NEW 386 CHIP 21% FASTER THAN INTELS
   ---------------------

 Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has released the AMD386DX-40, a pin-for-pin
 plug-in replacement chip that is 21% faster than Intel's 33mhz 80386 32-
 bit chip.   The 40hmz AMD386 has been shipping for several weeks and al-
 ready some of the smaller customers with "shorter design cycles",  i.e.,
 Northgate,  Bell Computer,  Orchid Technology and Cybertek, have started
 using the product.

 There are actually two versions of the AMD386 chip.  The AMD386DX-40 and
 the AM386DXL-40 which is a lower powered version.  According to AMD, the
 AMD386DXL-40  offers  a static design that "dramatically  reduces  power
 consumption and extends battery life in portable PC systems."

 After defeating an attempt by Intel Corporation to stop its release (see
 INTEL SETTLES SUIT WITH AMD),  AMD hopes the chip will break Intel's  3-
 year monopoly of the market.



 - San Jose, California            ALL DIGITAL ANSWERING MACHINE CHIPSET
   --------------------

 The DSP Group Inc.,  has announced the D6005,  a new member of its D6000
 family  of chip sets for all-digital telephone answering devices  (TAD).
 The  D6005 eliminates the need for audio tape by storing phone  messages
 on solid-state memory.  This eliminates all moving parts,  increases the
 reliability and ease of use of the TAD.

 In addition,  the D6005 performs all of the functions for  featurephones
 and  cordless  phones,  permitting designers of telephone  equipment  to
 develop a range of products,  from a stand-alone TAD to a complete phone
 center combining TAD, featurephone and cordless telephone.



 - San Jose, California            TAPE RECORDER ON A CHIP
   --------------------

 Information  Storage  Devices  (ISD) is producing a  silicon  chip  that
 enables the storage of up to 20 seconds of linear signals (voice,  music
 and sensor inputs), with system-level features that make the chip a true
 analog storage subsystem.  According to ISD, the chip plus a microphone,
 speaker,  and  battery  performs all the functions of  a  tape  recorder
 without a tape cassette or electromechanical mechanism.   Audio input is
 processed  by and stored in the chip and sent directly to  the  speaker.
 Storage  integrity  exceeds  10 years without power  with  the  playback
 quality exceeding telephone-grade audio.



 - Washington, D.C.                APPLE DISPLEASES DEALERS
   ----------------

 Apple  has  upset many of its dealers by running advertisements  in  The
 Wall Street Journal,  Fortune,  and The New York Times that carried  the
 following tag line in small print:  "Prices shown are suggested  retail.
 But who pays retail anymore?"

 According to the March 18th Computer Reseller News,  some resellers, who
 are  used to seeing firm prices from Apple,  were shocked to learn  that
 Apple's  advertisements  for  their  new  printers  carried  the  strong
 implication that dealers would immediately discount the printers despite
 reports that the low-priced StyleWriter and Personal LaserWriter LS  are
 in  very  short  supply  - Apple itself admitted  that  demand  for  the
 StyleWriter  far  outstripped supply and that the product  would  be  on
 allocation for 4-6 months.



 - Washington, D.C.                MAC VS. MS-DOS SOFTWARE SALES
   ----------------

 According to data recently released by the SPA concerning software sales
 for  the calendar year of 1990,  MS-DOS education and game software  are
 both  growing  more rapidly than Macintosh software aimed  at  the  same
 market.   Also, while the non-Macintosh and MS-DOS systems experienced a
 1000% increase in spreadsheet sales,  Macintosh experienced a 13%  sales
 drop.   Integrated  software dropped 4% for MS-DOS  systems,  23.4%  for
 "other" systems (mostly Unix) and a 1% increase for the Macintosh.  Both
 language  and  utility tools sales for the Macintosh  dropped  16%,  but
 increased 31.5% for MS-DOS systems.

 Desktop Publishing (DTP) software showed a 36.5% gain for the year, with
 graphics and DTP software sales for MS-DOS systems totaling $141 million
 for the 4th quarter to $68.8 million for the Macintosh for the year.

 DTP/graphics  software sales for the Macintosh are the largest  category
 of software sold for the Macintosh, with graphics programs making up the
 vast majority of those sales. But overall, the dollar value of DTP soft-
 ware, minus graphics programs, is almost the smallest applications soft-
 ware  category tracked by the SPA,  with only education  software  sales
 being lower.



 - Lake Success, New York          CANON PRODUCES STILL DIGITAL VIDEO
   ----------------------                  CAMERA FOR THE MAC

 Canon U.S.A. is bundling its electronic Xap Shot Still Video Camera with
 a  ComputerEyes  video digitizer and software  manufactured  by  Digital
 Vision.   The package will allow users to input,  adjust and store color
 and black-and-white video images directly on a computer.

 Versions of the kit are available for color and black-and-white PCs  and
 Macintoshes,  and for the Apple IIGS,  with prices ranging between  $899
 and $1,099.



 - Atlanta, Georgia                  IBM FINALLY RELEASES NEW LAPTOP
   ----------------

 IBM has finally released its new laptop,  the PS/2 L40SX,  in the United
 States.  The 7.7 pound box,  will retail for $5,995.  The 20mhz, 80386sx
 system comes stock with a VGA screen,  an external 101 key  keyboard,  a
 mouse, which doubles as a track ball, a 60-meg hard drive, 2-meg of main
 memory,  an  add-in slot,  a cigarette lighter adaptor,  a quick  charge
 adapter and a leather slip case.

 The  PS/2 L40SX a 'dashboard' above the keyboard which detects when  the
 power  is running down or when it's too hot or humid for the machine  to
 operate,  in which case it turns itself off.  The battery can be removed
 without losing data,  and a 'resume' mode brings the user back to  where
 they  were in the work in under 30 seconds.   Battery life is  rated  at
 about 3 hours.



 - Rochester, New York                 KODAK MAKES COLORSQUEEZE P/D
   -------------------

 Eastman  Kodak claims that its commercial product Colorsqueeze  software
 can compress high-quality color TIFF and PICT images stored in Macintosh
 format by as much as 93 percent.  To make it feasible for computer users
 to  download Colorsqueezed compressed files from bulletin board  systems
 or  to  purchase compressed files on disk,  Kodak  released  its  Color-
 squeeze decompression tools to public domain so it can be freely  copied
 and distributed for non-commercial purposes.   The decompression utility
 has  been  uploaded  to  America  On-Line,   Applelink,  CompuServe  and
 PressLink, as well as the GEnie online network.



 - Indianapolis, Indiana                 VIDEOVGA FINALLY SHIPPING
   ---------------------

 Almost  eight  months after its  initial  announcement,  Truevision  has
 started  shipping its VideoVGA,  a VGA to NTSC professional grade  video
 card  for PC-compatible computers.   The card,  an important device  for
 those  who wish to edit and produce high quality television images on  a
 standard PC,  provides simultaneous output of a standard  non-interlaced
 VGA  monitor signal and the television videotape compatible NTSC  (North
 American  Television  Standards Committee) video standard  used  in  the
 U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

 Two versions will be available,  a $1,000 512K memory card  and a $1,200
 version which comes with 1MB of onboard memory.





 > CEBIT STATUS REPORT?                 CLOSING NEWS FROM CEBIT IN HANNOVER
   ===================




    Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.



 - Private investment needed in Germany of the 90s

 This was the first Cebit fair to be held in the newly-united Germany and
 people are finding out that there are as many technical problems as sol-
 utions in re-unification.  Experts say it will take some time before the
 level  of voice and data exchange achieves Western standards because  of
 an  out-dated  and inadequate infrastructure in  Germany's  new  federal
 states.  This applies to telephone and mobile phone services as well  as
 to satellite links and EDP (electronic data processing)  communications.
 This poses a considerable obstacle to telecommunications investors.

 Jurgen W. Mollemann, German minister for economic affairs, said "Some 55
 billion DM have been allocated to this task between now and 1997.  There
 is a huge demand for products and services in the information technology
 sector  in  the five new federal states.  In addition  to  the  measures
 introduced by the federal Post Office's Telekom  company,  opportunities
 for  private  investment will also  be  considerably  extended.  Private
 companies  will  be  licensed to establish and  operate  mobile  commun-
 ications and satellite radio networks,"


 - Ashton-Tate Intros Applause II Version 1.4

 Ashton-Tate Corp. will be shipping the latest version of its Applause II
 presentation graphics program this month. The program combines charting,
 drawing and electronic slide show features and is designed to appeal  to
 business  professionals who need to turn spreadsheet data into  a  black
 and  white chart and print it on a laser printer;  executives  who  need
 high-quality color slides,  overheads or electronic slide shows for pre-
 sentations;  and graphic artists who need to create professional-quality
 color  graphics  for marketing collateral and  presentations.   The  new
 version will have a 80,000-word spell checker, as well as local area net
 work support and support for additional output devices.


 - Award Software Unveils New BIOS Chipsets

 Award  Software,  who's BIOS and system software products have  been  an
 alternative  to  the market-leading Phoenix BIOS for  desktop  PCs,  has
 joined in the PC laptop and notebook battleground with its new 'modular'
 BIOS  which  can be used with the new Intel 386SL  processors  for  por-
 tables.

 The  new BIOS features a new power management system - PowerMAX -  which
 claims  to minimize power consumption and maximize laptop  battery  life
 without sacrificing compatibility.  Up to six peripheral devices can  be
 individually  controlled  in addition to global  power  management  fun-
 ctions.   It  also has ability to customize power management  parameters
 through MODBIN;  support of system management interrupt; minimization of
 power  consumption  when  applications  are  idle  by  controlling   the
 processor  clock and a suspend and resume feature which allows users  to
 return to an application instantly without booting the system.


 - Goldstar Unveils New PCs

 Goldstar,  a  Korean computer monolith,  launched its first  80486-based
 tower system. The GS-425 tower uses a 25 MHz 80486 processor, comes with
 2MB of memory and includes 6 EISA-compatible expansion slots and two  A-
 bus slots.

 GoldStar also introduced a 386SX-based laptop machine which offers a  40
 MB hard disk,  a modest 16 MHz processor speed, VGA LCD display and at a
 weight of 5.9 kilograms.


 - New Version Of Battery Watch Debuts

 Travelling Software, one of the pioneers in developing applications spe-
 cifically for laptops,  has upgraded its popular Battery Watch  utility.
 Battery Watch Pro, which accurately assess just how much battery life is
 left  on  your laptop,  now includes direct support for  24  new  laptop
 models,  provides context-sensitive help,  offers a 'tune-up' feature to
 show  the  history  of battery performance in your  machine  and  has  a
 generic  install option for new or obscure systems.


  -Epson Launches Three New Products

 Epson  unveiled  three new state-of-the-art PC and printer  products  at
 Cebit.

 The  first of these was a tower style EISA-based PC which uses either  a
 25 MHz or 33 MHz 80386 or 80486 microprocessor.  Aimed at the PC  server
 market,  this is Epson's first EISA system and is an attempt to move its
 PC  offerings  upmarket.   The  basic machines comes with  4MB  of  RAM,
 includes  either  a 100 or 200MB IDE hard disk and  offers  seven  full-
 length EISA expansion slots.  In addition,  there's room inside for  RAM
 expansion to a full 64MB, a 128K RAM cache (64K is included in the basic
 system) and up to six half-height storage devices.

 Next was the introduction of the NB3,  a new 80386SX-based notebook sys-
 tem. It offers not only a 20mhz 80386SX processor, a weight of less than
 six pounds,  5MB of RAM and a removable hard disk system.  The removable
 hard  disk packs 2.5-inch units which come in 20,  40 or 60mb sizes  and
 are  supplemented by a 3.5-inch 1.44MB non-removable floppy disk  drive.
 Also,  it  will  plug  into an optional base station  unit  that  offers
 another  120MB  of  storage  and  space  for  two  full-length  AT-style
 expansion cards.

 Last was the European launch of its EPL-7500, its first fully PostScript
 compatible printer. The Epson EPL-7500 claims to offer better PostScript
 compatibility than most of its competitors as well as superior speed  --
 the  latter achieved through the use of a RISC  processor,  rather  than
 then  more  conventional  68000-series  microprocessors  used  in   most
 company's PostScript offerings.





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


                    :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!! <-


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





 > Soft-Logik Online STR Feature?  Conf. - SoftLogik Publishing Corporation
   =============================




                   ONLINE CONFERENCE WITH DERON KAZMAIER
                   =====================================



 ctsy GEnie Information Services


     The following  is a  transcript of the Real Time Conference with Deron
 Kazmaier, president of SoftLogik  Publishing  Corporation.  The conference
 topic was PageStream for the Atari ST and Commodore Amiga, and it was held
 on Tuesday, March 26th,  1991. This  transcript has  been edited  only for
 spelling and clarity.

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Hello everyone.  The room  is now  listen only.  Please bear with me for a
 second while I unlock Deron and Fred...

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Welcome to the second formal  conference  with  SoftLogik  President Deron
 Kazmaier. Before  we start, you should know how to raise your hand. If you
 have a question, please type /RAI and I will see that you have a question.
 You can  do that  any time, like now. OK, we will begin with Deron. Deron,
 do you have any opening statement or should we just start with questions?

 <DERON. K>
 I would like to tell everyone what is new here  at SL.  Bear with  me as I
 type it  in :-)  On the  Amiga, at the AmiExpo NY we showed Art Expression
 (an object oriented drawing program) &  BME  (a  simple  bitmap  editor) &
 PageLiner (a  simple text  editor) &  HotLinks (a program that runs in the
 background and allows live editing of  your pictures  and text)  That is a
 REAL brief  outline of  the Amiga.  On the  ST, we will be showing at CEPS
 pagestream v2. 1but you get to hear about it first  here (official announ-
 cement then)  CEPS if  the week of April 8th. I may get into other things,
 but that is a good roundup of what's new. ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 OK, thanks. Our first questioner is job 6... Go ahead...

 <[Jon] JONPETERSOHN>
 Hi Deron. . thanks for being here with  us. I'd  like to  know if  you can
 give us  a release  date for the ST version of PageStream, and any details
 on the upgrades...

 <DERON. K>
 No! (alright maybe something :-) I don't suppose you would settle for RSN?


 <[Jon] JONPETERSOHN>
 RSN?

 <DERON. K>
 The upgrade  will be  $75 for registered owners of PageStream 1. 8(or ear-
 lier) RSN mean real soon now.  Never mind.  Anyway, we  expect the upgrade
 notice to go out in about 2-3 weeks. we just got round one proofing out of
 the way. (thanks to Mike Loader and Brad Kazmaier) and as most of the Beta
 Testers can  attest to,  things have gone real smooth. They went from 0 to
 mostly done in a few weeks. I can say for  sure when  it will  be out, but
 I'm confident  that(make that can't!) but the manual should be the holdup,
 not the  program. BTW  the new  manual will  actually be  two manuals, one
 spiral  bound,  the  other  saddle  stitched.  Two color, and well written
 (again thanks to MikeL) ga

 <[Jon] JONPETERSOHN>
 Thanks for the info, I'll let someone else go now. . THANKS!

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Thanks, Jon. Now it is the Martin team:

 <[John & ] D. D. MARTIN>
 Thanks for the conference, Nevin. . good to  see you,  Deron. I'd  like to
 know if PgS 2 is going to support MAC postscript graphics on screen displ-
 ay? Also. . other features we may look forward to? ga

 <DERON. K>
 Gee, the list of features is LONG. But  Mac postscript  graphics on screen
 is a no go. The only postscript on-screen will be IBM EPS with TIFF heade-
 rs. As far as import modules, we will be adding  with v2,  TIFF, MacPaint,
 GIF, ProDraw  & DR2D  (object oriented Amiga drawing formats) IBM EPS, and
 also a IMG print to disk driver (mostly for faxes) OK? GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Anything else, John and DD?

 <[John & ] D. D. MARTIN>
 Seems odd that you would opt for IBM EPS when most of  ST users  are using
 GCR to  produce MAC  EPS... ?  ? Any reason for not oops. . yea... but why
 IBM?

 <DERON. K>
 Anyway, the reason is  that Mac  headers use  PICT, which  can be anything
 that the  mac can output, and then some (something like a GEM metafile) We
 have been working on just grabbing the PICT bitmaps, but it probably won't
 be done by then. Anyway, most MAC drawing programs can save the IBM header
 (including FreeHand) ga


 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 OK, next up is Steve Markow...

 <[steve] S. MARKOW>
 Deron, can we place  our orders  now, to  be first  in line  Also, looking
 ahead, is  there anything  in the  works for the next upgrade? (talk about
 jumping the gun!) . . ga

 <DERON. K>
 Well, yes we started taking orders about two weeks ago informally. We hope
 to be  able to  ship them all out about the same day. So don't fret. But I
 can tell you that when the notice goes in the mail the phone will  be busy
 a lot.  As far  as the  next version, I can't really say. But there is al-
 ready an upgrade in the works for HotLinks support on  the Amiga,  and may
 work its  way over to the ST. We are doing other things on the ST as well.
 Sorry I can't say more than that about x. x (3. 0? ) ga

 <[steve] S. MARKOW>
 So can I call in the morning with my Credit card #... ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Ok, thanks Steve.

 <M. REARDON1>
 Can you tell us about fonts? Will we be able to use the fonts we now have?
 ?
 Ga

 <DERON. K>
 You bet.  Not only  that, the  outlines will  display on  screen for point
 sizes above about 26pts,  but bitmaps  will print  to dot  matrix for very
 small sizes, plus you can use Adobe Type 1 outlines, Adobe Bitmaps, AFM's,
 and CompuGraphic Intelifonts. And you can have them matching up  with each
 other. GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Anything else?

 <M. REARDON1>
 thanks... ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Thanks. OK, next up is Ringo from California.

 <R. MONFORT1>
 My question  is about Linotronic output are the are the drivers update and
 how will the new font works and the old ones.


 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Deron, his question is  are there  new drivers  for Lino  printers and how
 will the new fonts work?

 <DERON. K>
 OK, there  is a  significant new  driver for  postscript. In fact there is
 only one driver now.  The  old  Postscript/Lino/ColorPS  driver  have been
 merged into  one driver.  It supports  EPS much better (fixing things like
 clipping and work better with illegal EPS files) and as  far as  the fonts
 and PostScript  goes,old .  DMF;s are  downloaded automatically, and Adobe
 Type1's as well. There is no support for printing Compugraphic to PostSCr-
 ipt, but  you can have both an Adobe type1 and CG font, one for Dot Matrix
 and on Screen, the other for downloading to PS. Answered? GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Ringo, do you have another question?

 <[Sysop#2] FRED. M>
 Also, you no longer will need the . PS and . PSF font files!

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 OK, I guess that's it from Ringo. Next up is Kibo... .

 <DERON. K>
 Unless you want built in fonts. Then you need PS still.

 <[Kibo] JPARRY>
 An arcane font question... what "hinting" will 2. 1 support for NON-PostS-
 cript printers?

 <DERON. K>
 Good question  actually. We  support very little of the PostScript hinting
 to non-postscript devices, but CG fonts are fully  hinted. Our  fonts have
 not changed,  and I  would rather  improve PostSCript hinting support than
 work on that. GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Anything else, Kibo?

 <[Kibo] JPARRY>
 Ga... I'm done

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Thanks. Deron, I have a question  here. Can  you rank  the quality  of the
 Compugraphic hinted fonts as compared to the regular fonts we are used to,
 and UltraScript fonts? Will we still need UScript if we're not printing an
 EPS file? ga

 <DERON. K>
 Well,  CG  Compugraphic  fonts  are  as good or better than PostScript. It
 doesn't use regularizing like PS does. The output for CG fonts will  be at
 least as  good as  US, but  you still won't get EPS files printing without
 US. GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Thanks. LOTS less printing to disk. Next up is #9. Go ahead...

 <[Ron] R. HARISCH1>
 Any plans to support the new 24 bit color boards  available for  the Amiga
 (like the ColorBurst board) ?

 <DERON. K>
 Well, we've been on MAST's a** for the last few months trying to get specs
 on their board. The big thing is that they are not supported  by the Amiga
 OS, and  you have  to play tricks to make it work, but we are looking into
 it (and others) just we don't know how  much work  lies ahead  of us. Easy
 Fred!HAM-E is even more
 work, and I would rather spend the effort on true 24-bit boards. ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Anything else #9?

 <[Ron] R. HARISCH1>
 Is Sl still planning to release the Image Club collection of fonts?

 <DERON. K>
 You bet,  we've finally  finished the  technical aspects, but we are still
 working on the manual. We are trying to  compile a  list of  programs that
 use type1's and how to make it work with them. GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Thanks, Ron. Next up from Virginia is Mr. Montgomery: Go ahead.

 <C. MONTGOMERY>
 5 quickies...
 1) can we use GEM pics from touchup ???
 2) can you mix types of fonts in a doc???
 3) mix fonts in a folder?
 4) what is a "built in font"?
 5) what is a hinted font??? thanks ga

 <DERON. K>
 ok, nice list.
 1) don't know what you mean! TouchUp can save in IFF, IMG,TIFF, and we can
 load those all. GEM is a object format that would  be meaningless  in tou-
 chup.

 2) Yes!  You can even have a normal DMF, and bold PostScript,and an italic
 Compugraphic. All in the same word if you wanted :-)

 3) Yes, you can mix them to your hearts content in the folders. I actually
 keep the fonts all over. back to #1The "dinky" file you refer to is worth-
 less. GEM Metafile has the ability to "

 <C. MONTGOMERY>
 When you save a scan it gives you a large  IMG and  a SMALL  GEM file. Why
 not keep  the dinky  one?   include The  dinky file is a GEM Metafile that
 includes an outside IMG file. In  other  words,  its  a  place  holder for
 programs that  can ONLY  import GEM Metafiles. Trust me, just delete them.
 (if you're using just PageStream :-) no, where were we, #4:

 <C. MONTGOMERY>
 built in font & hinted font?

 <DERON. K>
 A "built in" font I was referring to is those fonts that reside inside the
 PostScript  printer  in  the  ROMS,  or  PostScript Printers attached Hard
 Drive. The Font Disk A uses those fonts.


 <DERON. K>
 5. Hinted fonts are fonts that have commands built into  them that explain
 how to  print the characters better at small point sizes so that the width
 of the stems and other parts are better. In all,  it improves  the quality
 of the individual characters. OK? GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Thanks  for  those  questions.  Next  up,  on the rebound, are the Martins
 again:

 <[John & ] D. D. MARTIN>
 couple short questions... .  any  improvement  in  TABS...  Leaders... and
 Right/Left Justify  when on  the same  line? (like menu pricing or catalog
 price lists) ga

 <DERON. K>
 Well, in short, no. However, not much longer (it's #1 on the list) ga

 <[John & ] D. D. MARTIN>
 okay... Pantone color support? also... update to Font Editor? ga

 <DERON. K>
 You can now enter in colors via a full CMYK box. and if you  import an EPS
 file that includes custom colors, it will add those to your color palette.
 So, if you own Adobe Illustrator, you can import their  file call Pantone.
 EPS and  get all  the Pantone  colors, or  for $60 you can buy the Pantone
 Process color selector and enter them yourself as you need  them. However,
 we  find  that  the  best  thing.  I  know what you want, we do it all the
 time!Anyway, you can right now just  create some  color and  mark it  as a
 mechanical, and  name it  Pantone 405  or whatever. When you print it will
 separate that out and you can just give it to the printer, and he  will go
 from there.  If you  want color proofs, you can give it the CMYK colors as
 defined in the Process Guide. Understand? GA

 <[John & ] D. D. MARTIN>
 CMY is of no use to me... I need Pantone spot colors for screen printing

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Thanks, DD.  Next up  is Walt.  Deron, they  also asked  about Font Editor
 update ga

 <DERON. K>
 Sorry! Well,  Mike is  busy on  the C version of it, and it will have some
 enhancements in it. Something your looking for? He's  always interested in
 feedback. ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Apparently there  is a very good PGS compatible font editor out of England
 which Jay Pierstorff used to make his great Icecube font.  Deron, have you
 heard of this editor?

 <DERON. K>
 No, but  then again,  most people  think they have to reverse engineer our
 font format to get to it :-) ga

 [Editor's Note:
 The name of the great PageStream font editor is Font Designer Plus!
 Computer Safari has this item in stock.]

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 OK, next up is Walt. Go ahead, Walt.

 <[walt] W. WEBER>
 Does the $75 upgrade fee have anything extra needed (like print drivers or
 ex/im modules) ? ... ga...

 <DERON. K>
 Well, for  $75 dollars,  you get  the full  disk set,two new manuals, as I
 mentioned before, and a quick-reference card. GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Anything else, Walt?

 <[walt] W. WEBER>
 THANKS for getting the ST version out; can we fax orders tomorrow? ?

 <DERON. K>
 sure, 314-894-3280, or call 800-829-8608

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Thanks walt, is that it?

 <[walt] W. WEBER>
 yep - thanks!!

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 OK, next up is Nathan Potechin of ISD! Just kidding... Next up is Ringo...
 .
 Go ahead, Ringo.

 <R. MONFORT1>
 I only wanted to know how fast is the printout and the screen draw for the
 new PageStream. I hope the new TT030 is faster. Thank You.

 <DERON. K>
 Well, it's hard for me to say. I now use a TT, and its plenty fast  for me
 :-) We  can try and do some timing comparisons between 1. 8 and 2. 1 Some-
 things like typing and zooming in will work  much faster.  Some things are
 slower. ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Thanks,  Ringo.  Next  up  is  our  friend Bob Brodie, from Atari Corp. Go
 ahead, Bob.

 <BOB-BRODIE>
 Hi Deron, first I'd like to  congratulate you  on PageStream.  It's always
 been my first choice as a DTP program for as long as I have been doing DTP
 work. And the new version sounds really amazing from all that I have heard
 about it.  One of  the things that we at Atari are really excited about is
 our new scalable font technology- FSM GDOS. Is there any chance. .  that a
 future update to Page Stream might use FSM? GA

 <DERON. K>
 Well, will  future updates of GDOS include things like multipart polygons,
 definable screening, etc? Well, we hope that FSM will take off, and we can
 always write  a print  driver that  handles it. But to be honest, GDOS has
 always been a problem with users in the way of installation, etc, and with
 Imagen, oops,  QMS the way they are, perhaps you will ad PostScript type 1
 support? ... I know, you have nothing  to  do  with  this  Bob!  The short
 answer is maybe! ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Anything else, Bob?


 <[Sysop#2] FRED. M>
 What will  be the  minimum memory requirements for the ST with the new PgS
 v2.1 ?

 <DERON. K>
 1 meg of RAM, but tight if you get crazy (same as always... ) GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 OK, thanks Bob. next up is Ron again. Go ahead, Ron.

 <[Ron] R. HARISCH1>
 How is SL's structured drawing program for the  Amiga Comparable  in feat-
 ures to  ProDraw (i. e. autotracing bitmaps wrapping text to curves, etc)?

 <DERON. K>
 Yes, and then some. Things like  ease of  use, DR2D  support, Importing of
 Adobe Illustrator  files as objects, ability to place objects along a path
 transform, text along a path, text inside a shape, rotation about a defin-
 able points, etc. GA

 <[Ron] R. HARISCH1>
 What types of fonts can be used with the drawing program? ga

 <DERON. K>
 Adobe Type 1's. That's basically were we see the best future. GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 thanks. Deron, any chance of this coming to the ST? I am drooling... ga

 <DERON. K>
 well, we  have the  option, but  it honestly  depends on how PageStream is
 received

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 OK, thanks. Next up is J.VOGH...Go ahead.

 <DERON. K>
 disconnected. [Chatter while waiting for Deron to re-connect... ]

 <DERON. K>
 Sorry about that, Genie bumped me.

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 OK we'll continue...

 <DERON. K>
 About ST version of Art Expression we will see about that. Depends  on PgS
 2.1. We  do plan on fully promoting PageStream, and give it a good chance.
 we are also working on some  AppleTalk networking  stuff and  I think that
 shows we  are committed  to pushing the Atari ST. Besides, what the people
 at Atari have been doing, with  the new  machines, FSM,  color boards from
 others, etc,  and the  positive work being done by Bill, Bob, and others I
 think will pay off in the end. If  they can  only keep  a President longer
 than a few weeks. ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 BTW, folks,  Art Expression is the name of the amazing drawing program for
 the Amiga that was shown at the New York show last week.

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 OK, next up is number 16. Go ahead.

 <J. VOGH>
 Ok Does 2,1 or support object connection to text? Or will a future version
 support this.  Also , has the spelling checker been improved? ga.

 <DERON. K>
 No, if you mean graphics tagged to follow a point in the text.  It's still
 slow if that's what you mean. GA

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Anything else?

 <J. VOGH>
 Heres another vote for ST Art Expression. That's all.

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 OK, next up is #6.

 <[Jon] JONPETERSOHN>
 Hello again.  Are screen  redraws on  2. 1 faster than 1. 8?  What about a
 driver for HP DeskJet printers? Can I visit you next time in St louis?  ga

 <DERON. K>
 I think I answered that one about as  well as  I can.  What was  that last
 one? ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Driver for HP Deskjet.

 <DERON. K>
 Yes, there is a driver for the Deskjet. No problem, things like typing are
 faster in 2. 1, and if you are zoomed in  things are  much faster,  but as
 far as  full page,  it depends  on the fonts and memory. We don't normally
 except visitors. We are not really  geared for  that. Sorry.  Catch me and
 others at a show! GA

 <[Jon] JONPETERSOHN>
 thanks! later!

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Folks, any  other questions? Otherwise we'll wrap it up. OK, Montgomery...
 oops, Pattie is first. Go ahead, Pattie.

 <[Pattie] UNICORNPUB>
 Deron, I have two  questions... .  1st) Will  the colors  we put  into the
 color palette  CMYK be  actually visible  on the screen... I mean a closer
 representation than 4 colors in medium rez. ga

 <DERON. K>
 Well, I'm not sure what resolution/#  colors  you  are  talking  about. It
 doesn't  dither  on  screen,  but  it  does automatically pick the best on
 screen color. But the only good way to do color work is  with at  least 16
 colors, or better yet 256 colors. (or 24bit!!!) ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Anything else, Pattie?

 <C. MONTGOMERY>
 as we have spent a lot of time adding to the dictionary will we be able to
 transfer it ? and

 <[Pattie] UNICORNPUB>
 Will PS support the Printware 720IQ printer?

 <C. MONTGOMERY>
 will the create page speed up on a mega 4 ? ?

 <DERON. K>
 Pattie first,

 <C. MONTGOMERY>
 of course

 <[Pattie] UNICORNPUB>
 That's a 1200 DPI plain paper typsetter. ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 The other  question, from  Montgomery, was  can you  use your existing PGS
 dictionary and is printing to an SLM faster with 2. 1. ga


 <DERON. K> is the Printware postscript? I believe  it is,  and yes  we do.
 The dictionary  has not  changed format,  so yes,  and printing to the SLM
 will be direct (no more diablo!)  and  will  be  faster  for  most things.
 Clear as mud, but the best I can do until we do times! ga


 <[Jon] JONPETERSOHN>
 Just wanted  you to know that the newsletter I do for the local Elementary
 School on my ST with PageStream, was shown at the  state convention  as an
 example of  the RIGHT  way to do a newsletter... Thanks for the great pro-
 duct SAL and Atari! That's SL and Atari!

 <DERON. K>
 That was an easy question :-) Thanks for the compliment.

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>

                               ANNOUNCEMENT:
 Starting next Tuesday, there will be a conference every week  beginning at
 9:45. These  will be free-for all's. In April, we will have "Theme Month".
 Next Tuesday, the 2nd, will be a free  form followup  to this  formal con-
 ference, where  you can  ask the  sysops any  questions you  forgot to ask
 Deron. On the 9th the theme will be  Linotronic printing,  so if  you have
 questions on  this topic,  drop by.  On the  16th we will talk about color
 desktop publishing, from the  HP DeskJet  to color  seps at  3000 dots per
 inch. Finally,  on the  23rd we  will have a conference on making money in
 DTP. That's it. All times are 9:45pm eastern time. Deron, do you  have any
 final comments? ga

 <DERON. K>
 Well, nothing  more than I hope we answered most everyone's questions, and
 those that we didn't, please ask them later! Also, I hope to be getting on
 line for  the conferences  more often,  as well as try and get some of the
 others around here responsible for the new products on the Amiga and ST on
 line for some as well. Thanks everyone! ga

 <[Sysop] NEVIN-S>
 Ok, thanks  very much  for coming  here tonight Deron. We will now go into
 frenzy mode.

 [Editor's Note:
       The retail price will of PageStream 2. 1/ST will be $299.95.
                         Upgrades will be $75.00.]





      ______________________________________________________________






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




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


 by Michael Lee


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

 About DeskTop Publishing for the ST, from Bill Rayl (AIM) on Genie...

    In  my  opinion,  currently  there are really only  two  choices  for
    professional  DTP  on  the ST -- Calamus  and  PageStream.  Both  are
    excellent programs, and choosing the one that's best for you is going
    to  be  partly a matter of personal preferences.  I'm  not  going  to
    discuss  favoring one package over the other because of  user  inter-
    face,  except to say that I personally like 'em both.  Calamus had  a
    bigger  "learning  curve."  PageStream lacks some of  Calamus'  typo-
    graphic  controls,  like the ability to set grayscale and  offset  of
    shadows on text/objects.

    Here are some other,  more practical,  reasons why you might want  to
    choose one package over the other:

    If,  like most "normal" people,  you plan to output most/all your DTP
    masterpieces to a laser printer (other than Postscript),  DeskJet, or
    24-pin/9- pin printer, Calamus is going to be hard to beat. If output
    quality is a big concern,  Calamus beats the pants off PageStream. On
    a  page-by-page  comparison,  Calamus font and graphics output  on  a
    standard  LaserJet II or DeskJet is *noticeably* sharper  than  Page-
    Stream.  And,  in general,  Calamus outputs a page noticeably  faster
    than PageStream, as well.

    If,  on the other hand,  you plan to output to a Postscript laser  or
    photoprocessor,  PageStream  is currently a better choice.  By  using
    PageStream,  you  can take advantage of *any* service  bureau's  ser-
    vices. With Calamus, your options are seriously limited when it comes
    to 1200+ dpi output.

    If  you  plan  to  do  color  DTP - especially  four-color  (process)
    separations - PageStream is currently the only choice, and it does it
    very well.  In this respect, PageStream outshines DTP packages on the
    Mac.

    In  a  nutshell,  if you're outputting to anything but  a  Postscript
    device,  Calamus output is faster and more professional  looking.  In
    fact,  Calamus output on an HP LaserJet II is *as good* as Postscript
    laser output from PageStream. If you want/need to output to the local
    service bureau's phototypesetter or to do full color DTP with  separ-
    ations,  you're  going to need the Postscript capabilities  of  Page-
    Stream.

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

 Question from Pedro Aguilera on CIS...
    Does  anyone  know  what are the  differences  between  European  and
    American ST's? I've heard that some programs, especially games, don't
    run  correctly on the wrong version...what are differences?  Only  in
    TOS? In the case, can the problem be solved by changing TOS chips?

 Answer from Bob Retelle (Sysop) on CIS...
    ...there  are  several areas where STs made for other  countries  may
    differ...the TOS ROMs contain different information depending on  the
    country...the keyboards and character sets may be different depending
    on the language used locally...the voltage that the power supply uses
    ...the  display screen frequency (you may notice that  some  European
    games tend to flicker badly,  or may make the monitor roll.  They are
    written for a different frequency..)

    You might be able to use a voltage converter for the power  supply...
    replacing  the  TOS ROMs might work (although the  keyboard  markings
    would still be wrong,  of course).   You might be able to adjust  the
    monitor  to work with the 50hz display (the frequency  difference  is
    caused by the difference in line voltages.   In Europe, their "mains"
    run at 50Hz, so their monitors sync at that frequency.  The result is
    that some software may not sync correctly at 60 Hz...that's  vertical
    sync, not horizontal which isn't the same.)

    That's  all  theoretical  though,  as I don't know  of  anyone  who's
    actually tried it...

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

 Question from Mike Squire to Gadgets by Small on Genie...
    ...If I elected to purchase one of your SST boards,  what  additional
    modifications would I need to make to my MegaST2 in order to have the
    board  operate  properly...I am under the impression...that  I  would
    need to increase my system's memory from 2 Megs to 4 Megs in order to
    use the SST.

 Answer from George Richardson (Merlin Group) on Genie...
    ...the  SST board doesn't *require* 4 megs of ST  memory.  It'll  run
    with just 512k.  However,  the additional memory on the SST cannot be
    used  for all ST programs (all programs written for the TT's  Fastram
    should work though).  Screen memory must be in ST ram, all disk tran-
    sfers are to ST ram, all Blitter accesses are in ST ram.

    If you're at all familiar with the Amiga,  you could think of the  ST
    memory  as being like Amiga chip ram,  and SST Fastram as being  like
    Amiga Fastram...think of it this way.  Since screen memory must be in
    ST ram - to do really fast page flipping animation as many images  as
    possible  must  be put in ST ram (Amiga chip ram) - for  this  reason
    Commodore expanded the original chip ram area of the Amiga.  Now with
    the SST,  you can have 4 meg of "chip ram",  and up to 8meg of 32 bit
    memory that is used exclusively for the 68030.

    The  bottom line is,  you can expand your ST memory if you think  you
    may  need more "chip ram" but if you haven't expanded it before  now,
    you probably don't need to. The SST doesn't need it.

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

 From Capt. John J. Amsler on CIS...
    The  Mitsubishi  Diamond  Scan  multisynch  monitor  works  GREAT  in
    monochrome  mode,  but  absolutely terribly in either low  or  medium
    resolution.  I thought I was getting a good piece of  equipment,  but
    events proved otherwise.

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

 Question from Harry Wootan on Genie...
    I'd  like to get a copy of the latest complete set of  utilities  AND
    the documentation. How much do I send in to get the latest utilities?

 Answer from Tom (ICD) on Genie...
    $15 gets US residents the latest manual AND diskette.

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

 From A.BITTON1 on Genie...
    Horror  Zombies  From The Crypt by Millenium  (designed  by  Astral).
    Another one of them sideview scrolling platform games.  This one  has
    zombies, Frankenstein's monsters, and other nasties.

    The best horror game I've ever played is Night Hunter by UBI  Soft...
    available  through Electronic Arts.  It's a sideview  flick-scrolling
    game. You ARE the vampire! You can turn into a bat or a werewolf. You
    must retrieve a scroll,  a bottle,  a crucifix, and 5 keys. Then, you
    just  find  the blue door to exit the level.  You can  grab  assorted
    humans  to replenish your strength gauge (blood).  This  sequence  is
    quite  funny.  You grab 'em by the neck,  you bite 'em and you  drink
    their  blood,  to  the tune of nifty digitzed sound  effects  (Chomp!
    Slurp-slurp!).

    The enemy artificial intelligence is above-average.  The archers  can
    walk  backwards  and aim their arrows in 5 directions.  Some  of  the
    enemies on the later levels have everything from mirrors, holy water,
    and wooden stakes!! As time goes by, the moon makes it way across the
    sky, and when it reaches the right side of the sky, you must find the
    crypt to sleep through the day.

    That  annoying  extra border around the ST's screen is used  to  show
    what time of night it is:  it starts out very dark blue and  lightens
    gradually.  Very handy.  The sound is GREAT!!! It's all digitized and
    the samples only use one voice at a time.  It can play three  samples
    simultaneously!  The sound consists of howl hoots,  bat squeaks,  and
    assorted  night  critters  stuff.  As  day  approaches,  birds  begin
    singing.  All  the enemies have sounds too:  the twang of  an  archer
    firing an arrow,  the thud of an axe hitting you,  everything has its
    own sound!  When you walk through the forest or the graveyard, you're
    treated to a solid background of chirring crickets (I think), and all
    the  other sounds are still active.  Definitely the MOST  atmospheric
    soundtrack of ANY game!!!

    It's a hard game though. But you can save 10 positions on disk 2!

    2 disks,  single-sided.  This is a newer version. The old version has
    you retrieving 5 keys and 3 scrolls (numbered 1 through 3). Don't get
    that one! It won't let you save your game!

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

 From Joshua Mendolusky on CIS...
    The  Reflex  Graphic Card from Titan  Designs  Ltd.,  currently  only
    available in England,  will shortly be distributed by JOACQUIM  Soft-
    ware and Peripherals in the US. This graphic card is designed for use
    with monochrome monitors,  allowing 1280x800 resolution on a standard
    SM124.  The current version is only available for MEGA ST,  but  520/
    1040 support is only weeks away. Other features:

      * 9-pin  and  13-pin  ports for use with  standard  15  inch  "Page
        screen" and 21 inch CAD monitors
      * 1280x800 pixels on an SM124
      * 800x1280 resolution on a "Page screen", A3 monitor
      * over 2000x1500 resolution on a 21' CAD monitor
      * software included has a number of support features
      * compatible   with  a  number  of  monochrome  programs  such   as
        Calamus, Timeworks, etc.

    Price is tentative, but for the moment I expect it should run between
    $350.00 and $400.00 (depending on the rate of exchange.

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

 From Nathan (ISD) on Genie...
    I  spoke  to  Germany and NO,  they haven't released  Calamus  SL  in
    Germany yet.  (BIG SIGH)



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

 Until next week.....



       ____________________________________________________________





 > MAC REPORT?
   ==========

   Issue #004
   ----------



 by Robert Allbritton


 ***     RADIUS ROCKETS MAC INTO '040

         On Monday, March 25, Radius Inc introduced the  Radius Rocket: the
 first NuBus based accelerator for the Macintosh. The Rocket sports a 25Mhz
 68040, but it has been designed with a 33Mhz version  of the  '040 in mind
 and will  require no  modifications once  the 33Mhz version is released by
 Motorola.

         The Rocket is a standard NuBus  peripheral card  and will  work on
 any Macintosh  II. It has its own SIMM slots and can accommodate up to 128
 megabytes of memory that is 120  nanosecond or  faster.   Parity SIMMS may
 also be  used. Another  feature of  the Rocket is its incorporation of the
 Radius QuickColor graphics engine for general display acceleration and the
 Radius QuickCAD display list accelerator.

         The Rocket is significant in the way that it is the first acceler-
 ator for the Mac that does  not replace  the original  processor.  Because
 the Rocket is a complete "computer on a card" in its own right, the proce-
 ssor and memory inside the Macintosh are used as an input/output processor
 and sound manager while the Rocket concentrates on main program execution.
 This combination gives throughput of up  to three  times the  speed of the
 top of the line Macintosh IIfx.


 ***     TANDEM SPEAKS APPLETALK

         In June  of 1990,  Apple made  the proliferation  of the AppleTalk
 network protocol one of its long term goals. Another step  along that road
 was made  this week when Tandem Computers announced that they had licensed
 the AppleTalk protocol and  would be  using it  Tandem's new  DAL servers.
 Other companies  that have  licensed the protocol as a part of the program
 include Novell, Go Corp., AT&T, Digital, and Farallon.



 Mac Review?

            THE GHOST OF PORTABLES PAST AND FUTURE HAUNT APPLE
            ==================================================

         A year and a half ago, Apple introduced the Macintosh portable for
 $7,000. They  expected to  ship over  120,000 units  in the  first year of
 production alone, yet they failed to  sell even  80,000. It  was the first
 flop from  Apple computer since the Apple III. At a recent press conferen-
 ce, Apple chairman John Sculley, who oversaw much of the portable's devel-
 opment, admitted publicly that the machine had been a failure.

         Why? How  could a  machine that had a virtual monopoly on the por-
 table Mac market fail? Simple: Apple did not do its research very well. At
 a time in which notebook computers were gaining in popularity, Apple chose
 to build a 16 pound monster that measured 15 x 15 x 4 inches and could not
 be used  in any  but the best of lighting conditions. The Mac Portable was
 an oxymoronic design. The electrical engineers were told to make a machine
 that  would  last  up  to  10  hours on batteries, and could display rapid
 moving graphics - all other criteria could be sacrificed. What they produ-
 ced was  a machine  that had  the ability  to run  on batteries for a long
 time, but was too heavy and bulk for anyone to want to take it away from
 desk, much less a wall socket.

         The other problem was the price: at $7,000 for a  hard drive equi-
 pped portable,  it was  just way out of line with DOS based competitors. A
 MacUser review at the time joked that because of its weight and  size "the
 Portable will  be tricky to use on an airliner tray table unless you're in
 first class, and considering the price of the Portable, that's  where it's
 most likely to be seen anyway."

         Over time,  the price question was solved as Apple took on its new
 low price, high volume policy. Current Portable retail prices are hovering
 at the  $3,000 mark.  The question of using the Portable in marginal ligh-
 ting situations was also taken care of as back lighting  was added  to its
 active matrix  screen, but  all of  this is  not intended to save the Por-
 table, just extend its life.

         John Sculley has admitted that "we missed the  boat with  the Por-
 table, but we are not going to miss the notebook market." He further vowed
 that Apple will produce a notebook computer by year end.  The big question
 is what  will it  be? Well as usual, your MacReporter has the inside scoop
 on what's up in Cupertino.

         Much like Scrooge trying to rid  himself of  Moorley's ghost Apple
 will try  again to  do good on its promise of a better portable. Apple has
 planned not one new portable, but  a  whole  line  of  portables  with two
 different introduction dates.

         The top  of the line Mac Notebook will have a 16 Mhz 68030 proces-
 sor (but no math co-processor,) an active matrix, backlit, black and white
 LCD screen,  keyboard, track  ball, 1.44 Floppy drive, 2 Megs of RAM and a
 40 Megabyte hard drive for $4,800. It will weight under 7 pounds  and will
 measure 9.5 x 11 x 2 inches (or just one inch wider than a normal piece of
 paper.) It will have  battery power  for up  to 3  hours and  options will
 include  RAM  expansion  cards  and  an internal 2400 Baud modem. A second
 model will be identical to the top of the line, but it  will have  a 16Mhz
 68020 and  a supertwist LCD display that will have a slower screen refresh
 time (the Stacy uses a supertwist screen.) It will also have a lower price
   tag at under $4,000. Both the '030 and '020 notebooks are set for an
 October 15 debut.

         With a  little luck,  and Japan  willing, the  new star of the Mac
 line will be available by Christmas. Sony will be manufacturing  the smal-
 lest and  lightest of  the new Mac portables. At only 5.5 pounds and 8.5 x
 11 x 1.75 inches, this new notebook looks to be among the  best that Japan
 has to  offer in MS-DOS compatibles. It will use a 16Mhz 68000 (same as in
 the current Mac Portable)  and have  keyboard, track  ball, and  a backlit
 supertwist LCD  as standard.  Also included are 2 Megs of RAM and a new 40
 Megabyte 2.5 Inch Conner Kato hard  drive.  Retail  price  should  be only
 $2,500. If  Apple and  Sony can deliver, it could be more popular than the
 Classic.

         It is interesting to  note  that  the  Stacy  shares  very similar
 specifications to  the current  Macintosh Portable (Yes, the Stacy can run
 on batteries - internal packs are made by MultiByte of Sterling, Virginia)
 and the new Sony / Apple portable matches descriptions of the new notebook
 ST that Atari has shown at recent trade shows. Atari: call Dave  Small NOW
 get into a marketing agreement - get that puppy to market this summer! You
 can do it if you want to - look how quickly the  original ST  was designed
 and built, call Dad if you need instructions.

         In the next few weeks we will have reviews of A/UX - Apple's
 version of UNIX and legal Macintosh clones - how close are they?



    __________________________________________________________________






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



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

 On CompuServe



 by Walter Daniel  75066,164



     Beta testing  for the  PowerBASIC:   Portfolio compiler  has been com-
 pleted.  PowerBASIC should be available soon.

     The effort to produce a version  of WordPerfect  for the  Portfolio is
 back on track.  If it makes it to market, the product will be a version of
 LetterPerfect or WordPerfect Executive.  If you would  like WordPerfect on
 the Portfolio,  write, call,  or email  WP Corp. so they will know of your
 interest.

 Here is the address to send request letters for WP/Port:

                               Brent Garlick
                           Third Party Marketing
                          WordPerfect Corporation
                          1555 N. Technology Way
                              Orem, UT 84057

 or, they can call (801)225-5000 to log a request.  A letter to Brent (or I
 should say MANY letters to Brent) would be more effective.

     DIP, the British designer of  the  Portfolio,  has  been experimenting
 with adding  memory and  other features to the machine.  What do you think
 the next Portfolio should have?  More memory?  A larger screen?  Send your
 comments to John Drinkwater, Support Manager for DIP, at 75300,242 so they
 will know what we consumers want.

     John Feagans' software that enables a  Portfolio to  use a  Tandy Por-
 table Disk  Drive 2  (PDD2) is  now available.   The  PDD2 (catalog number
 26-3814) normally retails for $219.95, but is sometimes  on sale  at Radio
 Shack.   Used ones  can also be found in the Model 100 Forum (GO M100SIG).
 You need a Portfolio serial  interface  and  a  DB25  female-to-DB9 female
 cable (Radio  Shack catalog  number 26-3803)  for the  PDD2.  The software
 itself comes on PC disk ($40) or a 64k card ($70).   For more information,
 contact John  at 75300,703.   I'll pass along more information in the fut-
 ure.

     One user reported that he was able to run Infocom's Hitchhiker's Guide
 to the  Galaxy text adventure on his Portfolio.  The HHGTTG disk came with
 a program to set the screen size.  After he set the  screen size  to 40x8,
 he copied the COM and game data files to a 128k RAM card (it does fit) and
 ran the program without any problems.  Another  user reported  that Infoc-
 om's Deadline  also works  on the  Portfolio.   Yet another user suggested
 trying the various DOS text adventure creation games on the Portfolio.  If
 you know  of any  such games that run on the Portfolio, please let me know
 so that we can take advantage of them.

     It is possible to transfer files between a  Portfolio and  an Atari ST
 using the  parallel interface  if you have the right software.  STFOLI.LZH
 (program) and STFOLI.ASC (text file) were uploaded this week for just such
 purposes.   While it  does requires  a special cable, you do have the con-
 venience of parallel port transfers.

     Whenever you boot a Portfolio, the  keyclick sound  is turned  on.  If
 you  don't  like  the  keyclick,  download  NOCLIC.COM from library 1.  By
 calling this program from  your AUTOEXEC.BAT  file, you  can automatically
 turn off the keyclick when you boot.




        ___________________________________________________________






 > DOUBLE CLICK STR InfoFile?                                 DC SHOWER!!!!
   =========================





                             ================
                             NOW!  NOW!  NOW!
                             ================

 Available now!

 If you loved DC SHOWIT, you'll love DC SHOWER!
 (pronounced: Dee Cee Sho Ir)

 This is SHOW magic!  SHOW 'NUF!

 DC Shower  replaces the GEM desktop SHOW FILE function with up to seven DC
 Shower modules that let you view  text files,  binary files,  17 different
 picture formats, and (even extract) ARC, LZH, ZIP and ZOO archives.

 Use the DC Pick desk accessory to view files in any GEM program.

 Or, use  DC Shower  directly from  UIS 3.3  (simply drag a file to the <P>
 button in UIS 3.3 and click on SHOW).

 Or, you can install DC Shower as the ALTERNATIVE SHOW  in NeoDesk  3.0 for
 even more power!

 Fully compatible with all ST, STe and TT computers.  100% assembly!

 Check out what the April 1991 ST Informer says about DC Shower!
 They love it!

 Only $29.95!  Ask your dealer for a copy!

                              ++++++++++++
                              SPECIAL DEAL
                              ++++++++++++

 Get DC Shower for 1/3 off the retail price!

 As a special bargain, you can have DC Shower for only $19.95 (US)!

 Simply send  us a  disk with  a copy of DC Showit v1.0 or v1.1 and $19.95!
 (DC Showit is available online on  GEnie,  CompuServe,  the  DCS  BBS, and
 many, many other BBS throughout the world - in case you are interested.)

 (add $3(US) or $5(foreign) shipping/handling, TX residents add 8.25% tax)

 This offer ends June 1, 1991.

 Mail, COD, VISA and MC orders welcome.

 You can reach us almost everywhere!

                                  =======
                                  By Mail
                                  =======
                           Double Click Software
                               PO BOX 741206
                             Houston, TX 77274

                                 ========
                                 By Phone
                                 ========
                  Double Click Software  : (713)977-6520

 ======
 Online
 ======
 GEnie       :  DOUBLE-CLICK (CATegory 30)
 CompuServe  :  75300,577    (GO ATARIVend, area 13)
 Usenet      :  uace0@menudo.uh.edu
 DC BBS      :  (713)944-0108



           _____________________________________________________




 > CONDEMNED? STR Spotlight?               "We've been somewhat premature!"
   ========================





                      ALL THINGS MUST BE CONSIDERED!
                      ==============================



 by R. F. Mariano


     Recently,  a  situation  has  developed  that deserves our sincere and
 unbiased attention.  The reason this matter deserves the attention  of the
 users  is  because  it  depicts  a  very typical problem in our small, but
 highly communicative computing community.   It  appears that  a young man,
 Anthony Hall  age 27, a new and upcoming developer, decided to announce an
 exciting new  desktop accessory.   Below,  we present  for all  to see the
 exact announcement of this new program.




                 ==============  CalAssistant  ==============

                          THE  ONLINE  HELP  ACCESSORY
                            FOR CALAMUS DTP SOFTWARE


    o  Help is just a mouse click away!

    o  The first online help companion for Calamus DTP software.  CalAssis-
       tant is an accessory program that runs on top of Calamus.

    o  Using efficient code management and overlay swapping, memory re-
       quirement is kept at 90K maximum.

    o   This program uses text, icons and pictures to illustrate, explain
       and give tips for commands and functions step by  step.   Since the
       Calamus interface  is very icon oriented, the "Help Messages" func-
       tion under the "Extras" menu is used to navigate the user online.

    o  Complete page referencing to the Calamus manual is included.

    o  CalAssistant user interface is taken from the tear off menu  design
       used on the Amiga, TT and MAC computers.

    o  CalAssistant can be called from the accessory menu at any time while
       using Calamus, but we recommend 2 megs of RAM to do this.

    o  A hard drive is needed in order for the software to function at full
       speed; otherwise, it is not required.

    o  The software supports monochrome mode only.

    o   CalAssistant is to Calamus, as MicroSoft Word 5.0 online help scr-
       eens are to MS Word 5.0, but ours is better, much like  HyperText in
       concept.

    o   Oh, you also get a beautiful printed manual created entirely with
       Calamus.

     The package will be shipped with  CalAssistant online  help accessory,
     in addition  to tutorial  CDK files, utilities and fonts. CalAssistant
     is now available at a suggested retail price of $34.95.

                      Mail Check or Money Order Only To:

                                  Contact:
                                Spar Systems
                             381 Autumn  Avenue
                             Brooklyn, NY 11208
                               (718) 235-3169



     As a result of this announcement,  both STReport  and Z*Net  were men-
 tioned in a "less than positive" manner.

     "Now I  could stop  here but  I have another comment about this entire
     issue in that thanks to ST Report and Z-NET, the entire communications
     network is  aware of  this product to some extent and who do you think
     will be asked about whether it is a good product or not?"

                excerpt from message 112, Cat 16, topic 2
              posted on 03/25/91 @ 17:03 EST by ISD [Nathan]

     "Sounds like the guys at Z-Net and ST-Report may have jumped the gun a
     little in  publicising a  product that may very well be of a question-
     able nature."

                 excerpt from message 127, Cat 16, topic 2
                posted on 03/26/91 @ 07:47 EST by S.WINICK


     STReport & Z*Net are,  indirectly, being  urged to  gain some  type of
 approval  from  some  "higher  authority"  or  in fact, are actually being
 encouraged to allow some ridiculous type of censorship of their publicati-
 ons.  This, I assure you, simply will not ever happen.

     Knowing Nathan  of ISD  as I  do, I am certain this is not what he in-
 tended or even remotely alluded to.  I  do feel  however, that  the entire
 situation  was  in  its  extreme  premature  stages  and  the questions of
 validity and/or legality should've  never been  brought up  or made public
 until such time as all the facts were known and verified.

     To further  shed light on this matter, STReport contacted Mr. Hall and
 asked about obtaining the program and docs, he  in turn  consented to sen-
 ding STReport  a copy  of the  program for  review.  STReport is sending a
 copy of the program and our findings to  Z*Net for  further evaluation and
 opinion.   At the  same time,  STR inquired about the serial number of the
 version of Calamus that  was being  used by  himself and  his assistant in
 facilitating the  interface of  CalAssistant and  of course, Calamus.  The
 number he gave is: 300524.  Presumably, the  outcome will  be another fine
 software offering for the ST community to enjoy.  And as an added benefit,
 a greater number of  Calamus programs  will be  sold as  a result  of this
 helper program.

     Now to  the real  "meat" of  the subject.   Far too long we have stood
 idlely by while observing obvious "overreactions"  to different happenings
 and comments  made in  passing on  the electronic  services and  in the ST
 community in general.  To condemn  Hall's  program  to  obscurity  or Hall
 himself is  an outrage.   When this occurs, every precept of the Constitu-
 tion of this country is cast aside.  Anthony Hall should not  and must not
 be accused,  tried, convicted and punished of anything without irrefutable
 proof of wrong doing.  Although  all the  "accusations were  implied, they
 were still accusations that were unproven and actually only assumptions at
 best.  Yet, we find there are now those who are ever  so quick  to jump up
 to "condemn and punish."

     Nathan:

     "Well...... from  what you  said about  Spar Systems,  it's not likely
     that their  software will  be gracing  the shelves  at Computer STudio
     anytime soon  alongside Calamus,  Outline Art,  Font Editor, etc.!  Of
     course, there's always  the  remote  possibility  that  this  guy just
     didn't  bother  to  send  in  his registration card and is paranoid by
     nature.  But that doesn't  sound  like  the  kind  of  developer whose
     software I  would want  to purchase either.  And I definitely couldn't
     recommend such a product to my customers under these circumstances."

                 excerpt from message 127, Cat 16, topic 2
                posted on 03/26/91 @ 07:47 EST by S.WINICK


     Mr. Winick has stated his impressions and it seems like denying access
 to the  program for  his customers and thus is punishing both Anthony Hall
 and his (Winick's) clientele is the order of the day.  Certainly,  this is
 not the  right thing  to do.   The  bottom line  is simple, if the program
 meets the necessary criteria, then the decision should be up  to the users
 regarding its acceptance in the ST community.  Never, ever should a retail
 outlet practice selective marketing  unless, of  course, the  product is a
 poor seller.



         _________________________________________________________






 > WINDSOR! STR ShowNews?                              "A really BIG Show!"
   =====================




 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Windsor/Detroit International AtariFest Planned for May 4-5, 1991

 Ann Arbor,  MI/Windsor, Ontario,  Canada --  The Windsor Atari Users Group
 of Windsor, Ontario, Canada  and the  Washtenaw Atari  Users Group  of Ann
 Arbor, MI  are hosting  the Windsor/Detroit International AtariFest on May
 4-5, 1991 at the St. Clair College of Arts and Technology in Windsor. With
 support from  both Atari  US and  Atari Canada,  the show promises to be a
 "must attend" event for Atarians everywhere.

 St. Clair College is  conveniently located  in Windsor,  only minutes from
 the Ambassador  Bridge and  Windsor International  Airport.  Hotel accomo-
 dations, car rentals and a number  of restaurants  are also  near the col-
 lege. Regularly  scheduled flights  are available from Toronto to Windsor,
 and charter flights are available from Detroit Metro Airport.

 Exhibitors already committed to exhibit at the show include:

 Atari US                 Atari Canada             Branch Always
 Canoe Computer           Channel One Computer     Clear Thinking
 C-HQ Systems             CodeHead Software        Consortium Group
 DA Brumleve              DataQue Software         Double Click Software
 Fast Technology          Goldleaf Publishing      Gribnif Software
 ICD Inc.                 Innovative Concepts      ISD Marketing
 Joppa Computer           MegaType                 Micro Creations
 Musicode Software        M-S Designs              Nice & Software
 PDC Distributors         Phil Comeau Software     ReadySoft
 Soft-Logik Publishing    Talon Technology         Taylor Ridge Books
 Unicorn Publications     What's This?             Wiz Works

 Many other developers, including  Gadgets by  Small, Toad  Computer, Index
 Legalis and  RIO/Datel (marketers of Lexicor's CAD/Graphics software) have
 indicated interest in exhibiting at the show.

 Show times are 10-6 on Saturday and 10-5  on Sunday.  Tickets are  only $4
 Canadian per  day at the door, and children under 12 will be admitted free
 of charge when accompanied by an adult. Door  prize drawings  and seminars
 will  be  held  throughout  both  days.  Grand prize for the drawings is a
 complete Atari 1040STe system with color monitor donated by Atari Canada.

 Advance tickets can be  purchased for  $3 Canadian  ($2.75 US)  by sending
 check  or  money  order  to  Windsor/Detroit International AtariFest, 3487
 Braeburn Circle, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

 For attendees flying in for the show, Northwest  Airlines is  offering 40%
 off round  trip coach  airfares and  5% savings  on other applicable round
 trip fares. Canadian attendees  can save  from 25  to 40%  on coach fares.
 Call 1-800-328-1111  for reservations.  The "profile  number" for the dis-
 count airfares is 03257. Northwest Airlines is the official airline of the
 Windsor/Detroit International AtariFest.

 Special show  discounts on  car and truck rentals is available from Budget
 Rental, the official car rental company for the show. Low convention rates
 are available  on everything  from Ford  Escorts to  Lincoln Town Cars. To
 make your reservation, call 1-800-333-8840, identify yourself as an atten-
 dee of the show and give them the "rate code" of CNVNR1.

 As an  added bonus, there will be a large, FREE, flower and garden show on
 Sunday at St. Clair College, so bring your  spouse.   She'll keep  busy at
 the flower/garden show while you browse through the computer show!

 And  while  you're  at  it,  bring  your non-Atarian friends...we'll being
 showing off the great IBM and Macintosh emulation  capabilities of  the ST
 both days of the show!

 For more  information on the show, contact Craig Harvey, President of WAUG
 - Ann Arbor at (313) 994-5619 or Brian Cassidy, President  of WAUG  - Win-
 dsor at  (519) 966-0305. Developers interested in obtaining booth space at
 the show should contact Pattie Rayl at (313) 973-8825 ASAP.





            ___________________________________________________





 > FORMDOIT! STR FOCUS?              "...program replaces parts of the GEM"
   ===================




                          FORMDOIT! (VERSION 1.2)
                          =======================



 by Dan Wilga

         Copyright   1991, Gribnif Software.  All Rights Reserved.

 This program may be distributed without charge, provided that this text
 file is present and that it and the program files are unmodified.


 Overview
 --------

   The FormDoIt! program replaces the parts of the GEM environment that
   handles the standard dialog and alert boxes that appear in most Atari
   programs.  Enhancements that FormDoIt! offers include:

   o Keyboard Equivalents for dialog and alert box buttons.
   o [Undo] key to exit dialog and alert boxes.
   o Enhanced editable text fields.
   o Ability to insert extended characters into editable text fields.
   o Editable alert box icons.
   o Control over the default exit button in alerts and dialogs.


 Included Files
 --------------

   This archive should include the following files:

     1.  FORMDOIT.PRG  - The FormDoIt! utility.
     2.  FORMDOIT.TXT  - The file you are reading now.
     3.  ENGLISH .UND  - Sample English [Undo] keywords.
     4.  GERMAN  .UND  - Sample German [Undo] keywords.
     5.  DEFAULT .BL3  - FormDoIt! default alert box icons.
     6.  BORING  .BL3  - Original system alert box icons.
     7.  INVERSE .BL3  - Inverse version of original system alert box
         icons.


 Installation
 ------------

   Place the FORMDOIT.PRG in your system's AUTO folder.  Optionally, you
   can also install it by running it from the desktop of your choice.


 Enhancements
 ------------

   Default Button
   --------------

     Normally, if  you press  the [Return]  key while  in a dialog or alert
     box, the "default" exit button is selected.   This button  can usually
     be identified by its extra thick border.

     With FormDoIt! you can change which of the exit buttons is considered
     the default by holding down the [Alternate] key and pressing the [Tab]
     key.  When you do this, you should see the thick border move from one
     exit button to the next.

     This change is not permanent, many programs will automatically return
     the default button back once you exit that dialog or alert box.

   Exit Button
   -----------

     When using FormDoIt!, if you press the [Undo] key, the first button
     found  that  contains  the  word "Cancel", "Quit", "Exit", "Abort", or
     "No" will be selected.

     Since all buttons in a dialog and alert box are in an internal order,
     it will choose the button that makes the first match (even if there is
     more than one button with a string that matches).

     You can change the strings used by FormDoIt! for this feature by
     creating a  file called  FORMDOIT.UND.   If FormDoIt!  finds this file
     when it first runs (in the same directory it was run from), the file
     contents are used instead of the previous mentioned strings.  The file
     is a simple text file with each button string on a line by itself.
     There should be no empty lines in the file, and the carriage return
     should immediately follow the last letter of each line.  The included
     GERMAN.UND file can be renamed to FORMDOIT.UND if you happen to use
     German programs.  If you wish to create your own custom FORMDOIT.UND
     file, you can use the ENGLISH.UND as a guide.

   Buttons
   -------

     FormDoIt! provides keyboard equivalents for all the other buttons in a
     dialog or  alert box.   FormDoIt!  scans all the buttons in the dialog
     box and assigns each one  a  unique  keyboard  equivalent.    When the
     dialog box appears, it will look slightly different because there will
     be short  lines underneath characters in most of the buttons.   If you
     hold down  the [Alternate]  key and press the character that is under-
     lined, that button will be selected.  Up to 20 buttons in a dialog can
     have [Alternate] key assignments.

     The method for choosing which letter to assign to a specific button is
     rather simple.  FormDoIt! scans all the buttons in order and looks for
     the first unique character (that has not been used before) in that
     button.  Once it finds it, it assigns it that key and underlines the
     letter.  If a button has no unique characters (because they all were
     already used in the dialog box) then it will not receive a keyboard
     equivalent.  The scanning is done following the internal order of all
     the dialog box buttons.

     If you don't like the "underline" keyboard equivalents, you can turn
     this feature off.  This is done by holding down both [Shift] keys and
     pressing the [Backspace] key.  You will hear a short sound effect
     indicating your selection.  Pressing these keys again will turn the
     "underline" keyboard equivalents back on.

     See the "Configuration Options" section for more information on how to
     more permanently turn this feature on or off.

     Some dialog boxes will look odd if these underscores are not undrawn
     before control returns to the program that called FormDoIt. If this is
     a concern, you can permanently configure FormDoIt to always undraw the
     underscores. See the "Configuration Options" section.

   Alert Boxes
   -----------

     With FormDoIt! you can define what the standard alert box icons (stop
     sign, question mark, and exclamation mark) look like.  Once you use
     FormDoIt! you will see that it changes these (I got bored of the same
     old ones).

     If FormDoIt! finds a file called FORMDOIT.BL3 at bootup, the icons
     contained in that file are used in place of the default ones inside of
     FormDoIt!.  Included with this program are three files:

     BORING .BL3 - These are the old standard GEM alert box icons.
     DEFAULT.BL3 - These are the defaults FormDoIt! normally uses.
     INVERSE.BL3 - These are an inverse version of DEFAULT.BL3.

     The .BL3  files are  in Degas  Elite block format.  They can be edited
     and re-saved using Degas Elite.  If you  edit them,  you must  be very
     careful to  make sure  that the  new file  you save is a block that is
     exactly 32x96.  The "Snap" feature in Degas  is helpful  for this pur-
     pose.

   Editable Text Fields
   --------------------

     An editable text field is a string within a dialog box that has a
     vertical line cursor so that you can modify it with the keyboard.
     FormDoIt! emulates the normal GEM dialog text field functions:

       o The [Tab] and down-arrow keys move to the next editable field.
       o The up-arrow key moves to the previous editable field.
       o The left and right-arrow keys move the cursor within a field.
       o The [Esc] key clears an editable field.
       o The [Backspace] and [Delete] keys delete characters before and
         after the cursor.
       o The mouse can be used to select an editable field.

     It also adds a number of extensions:

       o [Tab] and down-arrow will move the cursor to the first editable
         field in a dialog box if it is already at the last one.
       o Up-arrow will also wrap, from the first field to the last.
       o [Shift] left-arrow will move the cursor to the leftmost character,
         and [Shift] right-arrow will move all the way to the right.
       o If there is no default button in a dialog box, the [Return] key
         will advance the cursor to the next editable field.
       o The mouse will position the cursor to the character closest to
         where the mouse button was pressed, not just to the end of the
         line.

     It also lets you enter extended (non-keyboard) characters (note that
     not every character is valid for all text fields and may be ignored):

       1.  Press the [Insert] key.  This opens a box that contains the
           entire character set.  Click with the mouse on the character to
           use.  You can click anywhere outside the box or press a key to
           remove the box if you decide not to use it.

       2.  If you know the ASCII value of a particular character, you can
           hold down the [Alternate] key and type it, in decimal, using the
           keypad.  A character is generated as soon as the [Alternate] key
           is released or three digits have been pressed.  For example, to
           enter an "A" (ASCII 65), you would do the following:
             Hold down the [Alternate] key
             Press 6 on the keypad
             Press 5 on the keypad
             Release the [Alternate] key

     It also evades a system bug:

       o If you have TOS 1.0, you may have run into the "underscore bug".
         Typing an  underscore ("_") character with certain types of edit-
         able fields would cause GEM to crash.

         FormDoIt! prevents this crash from happening.  If you type an
         underscore by accident, FormDoIt! will ignore it.


 Configuration Options
 ---------------------

     To temporarily disable FormDoIt!,  hold down  both [Shift]  keys while
     pressing the  [Delete] key.   A sound effect will indicate your selec-
     tion.  FormDoIt! will become  disabled  until  you  re-activate  it or
     reboot.  To turn FormDoIt! back on, press the same keys again.

     To temporarily disable the "underline" keyboard equivalents, hold down
     both [Shift] keys while pressing the [Backspace] key.  A sound effect
     will indicate your selection.  To turn the "underline" keyboard
     equivalents back on, press the same keys again.

     A more  permanent way  of setting these options is to run FORMDOIT.PRG
     from the desktop.  When it is loaded this way, you will  see an option
     labeled "Configure".   Using  this button  you can set the two options
     described above, and one additional option, called "Undraw Underscore-
     s".  If  this  option  is  "On",  then FormDoIt will always undraw any
     underscores it puts in buttons before  returning control  to the prog-
     ram. Some  dialogs look  better with  this option on, but some dialogs
     will be a bit slower. If you start  seeing lots  of underscores appea-
     ring in one button of a dialog, you may want to try turing this option
     on.

   The "Save" button will save your selection inside the FORMDOIT.PRG.  The
   "Set" option will set the options without saving them.  Changes do not
   take effect until you exit the configuration dialog box.

   If you have already run FORMDOIT.PRG once (say,  for instance,  in your
   AUTO folder),  then the  options will be saved to that copy. Otherwise,
   they will be saved within the copy you are currently running.


 Compatibility
 -------------

   While every effort has been made to assure that this program works with
   other programs, there are a few things worth mentioning:

   o Some programs use their own dialog and alert box manager and therefore
     will not benefit from FormDoIt!.  Examples of this are Tempus II,
     K-Resource, WordPerfect, and SuperBase.

   o Some programs only use their own dialog and alert box manager part of
     the time, and therefore still benefit from FormDoIt! within some of
     their dialog boxes.  The best example of this is GEnie's Aladdin.

   o Universal Item Selector's (UIS III) own keyboard  equivalents prevent
     the [Undo] feature in FormDoIt! from working.

   o FormDoIt! has stricter error checking for alert boxes than GEM has.
     Consequently, you may find one or two programs which use more than 30
     characters per line in the alert text or more than 10 characters in a
     button.  For these, FormDoIt! will chop off the remainder (unlike GEM,
     which can produce some very odd looking alerts!).


 Programmer Notes
 ----------------

   You can disable FormDoIt! so that it will not process some dialog boxes
   that a program uses.  This, however, is something that should be set up
   by the author of the program, as this entails modifying data in the
   resource file for a program.

   In the OBJECT structure, the element ob_type is a word, however only the
   lower 8 bits are looked at by GEM.  For this reason, one can use the
   upper eight bits as one sees fit.  If the root object of a tree contains
   the constant 113 ($71) in the upper nybble of the ob_type word, then the
   regular GEM form_do() will be used.  Alternately, any objects within a
   tree whose  ob_type field contains this value will not have an "under
   line" keyboard equivalent assigned to them.


 Version Changes
 ---------------

   1.2:  Works with keyboard equivalents in CodeKeys and MaxiFile.
         Works with right mouse button presses in MaxiFile.
         Does not need to be disabled to record a CodeKeys macro.
         Removed the UIS hack; should work with all  versions of  UIS, even
 II.
         Undo strings  work with buttons that have leading or trailing
         spaces.
         Added Undraw Underscores option.

   1.1a: Fixed a very rare bug that could cause certain alerts not to be
         processed.
         Control key handling has been changed so that, among other things,
         Control-M, Control-I, and Control-Return produce extended
         characters as they should.
         Response time for TOUCHEXIT objects has been improved. This is
         expecially noticeable for things like scroll bars in UIS.
         Objects that are SELECTED and EXIT but not SELECTABLE are handled
         correctly.

   1.1:  The "No" string was added to the [Undo] key.
         Shift-shift-backspace to disable underlines.
         Running it a second time in the AUTO folder has no effect.
         The configuration can be changed and saved.
         Opening a folder for the first time in UIS 3.0 should work.
         Added the ob_type flags for disabling.
         Added Alternate-Tab for swithching default button.
         Saved some code by always running in supervisor mode.
         Sped up mose clicking for objects that are not TOUCHEXIT.
         Can be compressed using DC Squish.

   1.0b: Objects that are SELECTABLE but not EXIT are handled correctly.
         Objects that are SELECTABLE and TOUCHEXIT are handled correctly.
         Will not crash programs that make AES calls in supervisor
         mode (like HotWire)
         As many brackets in an alert string as possible are ignored.
   1.0a: Fixed a bug that could cause GDOS detection code to crash.


 About "Colaware":
 ----------------

   You've heard of public domain, you've heard of shareware. This program,
   however, is Colaware:  if you like it, you are encouraged (though not
   necessarily required) to send copious quantities of highly caffeinated
   beverages (Coke, Pepsi, Jolt, etc.) to the address below (via U.S. Mail,
   please; UPS won't deliver to a P.O. Box) so that I can continue to
   create more products like this one.  Coupons are accepted.

     Gribnif Software
     P.O. Box 350
     Hadley, MA  01035

   Internet:  Dan.Wilga@saturn.ucc.umass.edu
   GEnie:     GRIBNIF


 If you like this program, you might want to take a look at some of our
 commercial products:


   NeoDesk 3 - The Ultimate Desktop
   ================================

     NeoDesk 3 is the most powerful, complete, and easy to use graphical
     desktop available for the Atari ST/TT.  Not only does it make your
     computer easier to use but it adds a very complete series of new
     features and enhancements.  These include improved file operations,
     custom icons, icon editor, desktop icons, desktop notes, independent
     custom windows,  macros, keyboard equivalents, and much much more!!
     The package a 150 page manual.  A free demo version is  available from
     GEnie or your local BBS.

   NeoDesk CLI
   ===========

     The NeoDesk CLI is a complete add-on command line interpreter for the
     NeoDesk 3 desktop replacement package.  It runs out of its own GEM
     window and includes a very complete batch programming language.  This
     allows for such things as the creation of powerful batch files which
     let you automate your computer.  The NeoDesk CLI uses both MS-DOS and
     UNIX style commands to simplify its use.  The package includes a 70
     page manual.  A free demo version is also available.

   You can order these products by calling our toll free order line (USA,
   Canada, Hawaii, PR, and Alaska only): (800) 284-4742 (orders only!)

   You can also order by sending us the correct amount from the chart below
   to: Gribnif Software, P.O. Box 350, Hadley, MA 01035:

     NeoDesk 3........................................$69.95 ___________

     NeoDesk CLI......................................$29.95 ___________

     Shipping (USA: $2.00 / Canada: $3.00 / Foreign: $5.00)  ___________

   If you have any questions or comments, call us at (413) 584-7887.
   You can also fax us at (413) 584-2565.




        __________________________________________________________



 Gribnif Software Press Release -- March, 1991

                   Gribnif Software announces FormDoIt,
                a "must have" utility for the Atari ST/TT.

   Gribnif  Software  has  released to the Atari community  the  new  and
 exciting  "FormDoIt" utility.   This utility,  when placed in  the  AUTO
 folder  will change the way all standard dialog and alert boxes work  on
 the system.  Changes caused by FormDoIt include:

   o  Keyboard Equivalents: Optionally, FormDoIt will underline the first
      unique character in every button.   By holding down the [Alternate]
      key while selecting the underlined character,  the user can  select
      that button directly from the keyboard.   This is somewhat  similar
      to how Windows 3.0 works.

   o  UNDO Key Support: Selecting the [Undo] key when inside a dialog box
      or alert box,  will automatically select any button containing  one
      of the following  strings:  "Cancel",  "Abort",  "Quit",  "No",  or
      "Exit".   These strings are editable for foreign language  software
      or other custom uses.

   o  Enhanced Editable Text Fields:  Clicking on an editable text  field
      containing  text  will  place the cursor  on  the  exact  character
      selected (without FormDoIt the cursor always goes to the end of the
      text  in the text field).   If there are no default buttons in  the
      dialog box,  pressing [Return] will advance the cursor to the  next
      editable text field.   Using the up arrow or down arrow to move the
      cursor from field to field will move the cursor from the last  text
      field to the first text field, and vice versa.

   o  Extended Character Support:  Extended (non-keyboard) characters can
      be  inserted into a dialog's editable text fields by  entering  the
      specific  ASCII  value  for  that character  or  by  selecting  the
      character  from  a special character display that  appears  at  the
      press of a button.

   o  Editable Alert Box Icons:  The default alert box icons (stop  sign,
      exclamation  mark,  and question mark) can be edited and  replaced.
      Included with FormDoIt are some examples of this.

   o  Default Button Control:  A simple key equivalent allows the user to
      control  which exit button in a dialog or alert box is the  default
      exit  button  (the one that is selected when you  press  [Return]).
      This  is  very  useful for those users who do  not  use  the  above
      mentioned "underline" keyboard equivalents.

   o  Programmer Control: Included with FormDoIt are some simple instruc-
      tions  on  how a programmer can optimize his dialog boxes  to  make
      maximum use of FormDoIt and have it skip over unwanted buttons.

   FormDoIt can also be configured to a user's individual taste.  One may
 enable or disable the "underline" keyboard equivalents or have  FormDoIt
 remain  active or dormant.   These settings can also be changed "on  the
 fly" by means of simple keyboard combinations.

   FormDoIt  has  been tested with hundreds of programs and found  to  be
 compatible with just about all of them.   While some programs use  their
 own custom dialog/alert boxes and are therefore unaffected by  FormDoIt,
 most benefit from its enhancements.   Examples of programs that  greatly
 benefit from its use are:

   Calamus,  1st Word,  1st Word Plus,  WordFlair, Aladdin, NeoDesk, Word
 Writer, Data Manager, LDW Power, and many many more!

   FormDoIt is almost unique in another manner.  You cannot buy it, lease
 it,  rent  it,  or pawn it.   It is not for sale.   Instead it has  been
 released under the new and untried "Colaware" system.   If you like  the
 utility  and find it useful,  we ask that you send us some cola such  as
 Coca-Cola  or Pepsi (that's fuel for us software  developers).   Coupons
 are accepted.

   This new and strange method of distribution was decided upon since  we
 decided that FormDoIt was just too good to keep to ourselves and as many
 people as possible should have easy access to it.

   For those of you who are not familiar with Gribnif Software,  we are a
 small  American software development company.   Our main package is  the
 NeoDesk 3 desktop replacement for the Atari ST/TT.  If you haven't tried
 it,  we  strongly  recommend  that you try the  freeware  demo  that  is
 available  on  bulletin board services.   The NeoDesk 3 package  is  the
 result of over 3 years of development,  and to be blunt...nothing  comes
 close.   If  you  REALLY  like FormDoIt,  you  could  always  show  your
 appreciation by buying a copy of NeoDesk 3!

   For  those users who do not have access to online services  or  cannot
 find FormDoIt anywhere,  it is available on our "Gribnif Utilities  Disk
 2.0" which sells for $10 (U.S.).   This disk is only available  directly
 from  us and includes several other utilities we've  written  (including
 MemFile 3.0 and a couple new utilities for use with NeoDesk 3).   If you
 wish  to  order  the utility disk,  send us $10 +  $2  (for  shipping  &
 handling)  to the address below.   That's a total of  $12  U.S.  Foreign
 payments must be made in terms of a U.S.  bank check or U.S. funds money
 order.

   For further information, you can reach us at:

   Gribnif Software, P.O. Box 350, Hadley, MA 01035
   Tel: (413) 584-7887, Fax: (413) 584-2565




      _______________________________________________________________





 > Hard Disks STR InfoFile?                 TAX TIME SPECIAL OFFERINGS!....
   =======================




                      NEW LOW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!!
                      ===============================
                     >> INCOME TAX REFUND 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 *

                   WE PAY SHIPPING!!!  >BLUE LABEL UPS!<

                           Conventional Shoe Box
                 ADD 35.00 for 4 BAY TURBO Cabinet w/250w PS
            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
            SGN1098     100mb 25ms   3.5"    Y          719.00
            SGN6277     120Mb 24ms   3.5"    Y          889.00
            SGN1296     168Mb 24ms   3.5"    Y         1069.00
            SGN4077     230Mb 24ms   3.5"    Y         1669.00
            ==================================================

                      ****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
              ---- FOR USE IN MEGA, MEGA STe & TT030 SYSTEMS ----

    >>>> 100mb SCSI HARD DRIVE Mech 25-28ms 3.5" ...ONLY $419.00!! <<<<

                      ****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******

               >>> 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!

                                 --==*==--

       * 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.

                   WE PAY SHIPPING!!!  >BLUE LABEL UPS!<

                  COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
                 --->> SPECIAL NOW ONLY __$ 685.00__ <<---
                        EXTRA CARTS:      $  78.95
                        DRIVE MECH ONLY:  $ 349.95

   * 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

                   WE PAY SHIPPING!!!  >BLUE LABEL UPS!<

           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)

                   WE PAY SHIPPING!!!  >BLUE LABEL UPS!<

                 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

                ABCO is EXPANDING!!  CALL FOR INFORMATION!




       ____________________________________________________________




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



                      "Some people are BAD ACTORS....
                           others are just BAD!"

                                        ....Fearless Fosdick




 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
                  STReport International Online Magazine?
     Available through more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide!
 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
 STReport?           "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE"          March 29, 1991
 16/32bit Magazine        copyright = 1987-91                   No.7.13
 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
 Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
 the editors, staff, STReport? CPU/MAC/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.
 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


-----------------------------------------
Return to message index