ST Report: 18-Mar-94 #1012

From: Bruce D. Nelson (aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 03/19/94-11:40:00 AM Z


From: aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 18-Mar-94 #1012
Date: Sat Mar 19 11:40:00 1994



                            SILICON TIMES REPORT
                            ====================
                       INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
                       =============================
                                                        
                                    from
                       STR Electronic Publishing Inc.
                                     
                                     
   March 18, 1994                                               No. 1012
   ======================================================================
                                      
                            Silicon Times Report
                       International Online Magazine
                            Post Office Box 6672
                     Jacksonville, Florida  32221-6155
                                                        
                                R.F. Mariano
                              Publisher-Editor
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          MNET - Toad Hall BBS.....................1-617-567-8642
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 > 03/18/94 STR 1012  "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
   """""""""""""""""
 - CPU INDUSTRY REPORT    - Dell, 6 new 486s  - QUANTUM -> NEW HDs 
 - Lotus Lowers Improv $  - MS Fine Artist    - NEW GameBoy DEAL!
 - Connect News           - People Talking    - 25% Homes have PC
 - Mother Goose           - INFOCENTRAL       - The Old Fishin' Hole

                  -* WPERFECT WINDOWS 6.0a HIGHLIGHTS! *-
                       -* ADOBE & ALDUS TO MERGE! *-
                          -* POWERMAC REFERENCE *-

   ======================================================================
                   STReport International Online Magazine
                The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
                           -* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
                 "Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
      Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
             Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
   ======================================================================
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 participate  in  the Fido/PROWL/ITC/USENET/NEST/F-Net Mail Networks.  You
 may  also  call The Bounty BBS direct @ 1-904-786-4176.  Enjoy the wonder
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 > From the Editor's Desk             "Saying it like it is!"
   """"""""""""""""""""""


      Goodness Sakes! Spring is this Sunday.... and lo and behold the NE
 is getting dumped on again!  Bear up my friends!  Spring is literally
 right around the corner.  As is Easter.  No, I am not trying to be a
 living calendar, only drawing us closer and closer to Spring Comdex!  You
 cannot fully appreciate the joy of knowing there will be plenty of new
 software, updated software and other goodies galore unless you are from a
 platform that literally dried up except for a few, very few, great
 developers.  When one comes from such an arena to the PC and Mac worlds,
 its like being rescued from the deepest regions of the Sahara Desert and
 being brought back into the lap of civilization.
   
      Spring Comdex promises to deliver the facts on the new P4, P5 and
 other Pentium oriented product lines along with the advent of the new,
 Power PC goodies both hardware and software.  Yessir, these markets are
 very much alive and quite well.  Elsewhere in this issue, you'll find
 info on the new WordPerfect 6.0a and all its wonders.  Don't miss it
 you'll be missing a great read.
    
                                              Ralph....


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



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

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

                  Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor, Current Affairs


 Section Editors
 """""""""""""""
      PC SECTION     AMIGA SECTION       MAC SECTION    ATARI SECTION
      ----------     -------------       -----------    -------------
      R.D. Stevens     R. Niles           R. Noak       D. P. Jacobson
      

 STReport Staff Editors:
 """""""""""""""""""""""

           Dana P. Jacobson         Michael Arthur      John Deegan
           Lucien Oppler            Brad Martin         Judith Hamner
           John Szczepanik          Dan Stidham         Joseph Mirando
           Doyle Helms              Frank Sereno        John Duckworth
           Jeff Coe                 Steve Keipe         Guillaume Brasseur
           Melanie Bell             Jay Levy            John Donohue
           Jeff Kovach              Marty Mankins       Carl Prehn
                                    Paul Charchian
 Contributing Correspondents:
 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""
           Tim Holt            Norman Boucher           Harry Steele
           Clemens Chin        Neil Bradley             Eric Jerue
           Ron Deal            Robert Dean              Ed Westhusing
           Glenwood Drake      Vernon W. Smith          Bruno Puglia
           Paul Haris          Kevin Miller             Craig Harris
           Allen Chang                                  Dominick Fontana

                              IMPORTANT NOTICE
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      Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
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   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


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



                        IBM/POWER-PC/PC SECTION (I)
                        ===========================



                   Computer Products Update - CPU Report
                   ------------------------   ----------
                  Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
   
                                Issue #12
   
  
 by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.



                  ******* General Computer News *******


              ** New Nintendo Product Transforms Game Boy **

    Nintendo of America Inc. this week unveiled a new technological ad-
 vance that will allow millions of video-game enthusiasts to play more 
 than 350 Game Boy cartridges on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System 
 (Super NES), displaying them in full color on the television screen for 
 the first time.  The new product, called Super Game Boy, links the capa-
 bilities of a portable video-game system with a home video-game system.

    It is a Super NES cartridge that contains a Game Boy adapter.  When a 
 Game Boy cartridge is inserted into the product, it is transformed from 
 a 2-by-2-inch, black-and-white game to a bright, multicolored image on a 
 big television screen complete with stereophonic sound. The product also 
 allows players to customize colors and designs.
  
    Future Game Boy games will be programmed to take advantage of special 
 Super Game Boy capabilities. The first new Game Boy title to capitalize 
 on Super Game Boy's capabilities will be "Donkey Kong," a best seller in 
 arcades. It will be released at the same time as Super Game Boy.
  
    Super Game Boy will be available June 6 at a suggested retail price 
 of $59.99.
  

                   ** Quantum Introduces New Drives **

    Quantum Corp. this week announced two early-to-market, high-quality 
 3.5-inch hard disk drive families designed for the full array of IBM-
 compatible and Macintosh desktop PCs.

    The Quantum Maverick and Quantum Lightening drive families are the 
 latest in a line of desktop PC storage products that have garnered a 
 worldwide installed base of more than 12 million units and has made 
 Quantum Corp. the worldwide volume leader in desktop storage products.

    Quantum Maverick drives offer formatted capacities of 270 and 540 MB, 
 have an average seek time of 14 ms., and support of advanced interface 
 technology including Fast SCSI-2 and Local Bus IDE-AT.

    Quantum Lightning drives offer three key capacities - 365, 540 and 
 the first two-disk 730MB drive designed for high-end PCs. Performance-
 matched to Pentium, 80486 DX and PowerPC-based systems, Lightning drives 
 spin at 4,500 RPM and offer an extremely fast internal data rate of 47 
 megabits-per-second - the fastest rate of all drives in the desktop PC 
 market.

    Quantum's new Lightning drives premier an important new feature - 
 SCCI Plug-and-Play, that allows system users to automatically configure 
 peripheral devices on SCSI-based systems. This feature eliminates the 
 need to manually adjust jumper settings when adding a device.

    Another important feature of Quantum's Maverick and Lightning IDE-AT 
 drives is their ability to break the 528MB barrier normally imposed on 
 IDE-AT drives running DOS or Windows. Quantum's drives support both the 
 Logical Block Address (LBA) and Extended Cylinder Head Sector (CHS) 
 addressing methods in overcoming this capacity barrier.

    Evaluation units of the new drives are currently being shipped to 
 OEMs. Single-unit OEM evaluation pricing is as follows:

    Quantum Maverick drives      Quantum Lightning drives

         270MB   $199                 365MB      $249
         540MB   $299                 540MB      $329
                                      730MB      $399
  
  
         ** More Than 25% of American Households Now Have PCs **

    A new survey by the Software Publishers Association says that more 
 than one out of every four American households, 27%, now owns a personal 
 computer.  Two of the reasons given for attracting new buyers in the last 
 two years were falling prices for high performance and multimedia 
 machines.

    Some interesting facts the survey found:

    -:- 60 percent of the PC-using households attended or graduated from 
    college, compared with 51% in 1993 and 21% of households in the 
    general population.
  
    -:- Ownership among high school dropouts dropped to 2% in the latest 
    survey, from 10% the previous year.

    -:- Household income levels of PC owners remain high and steady.  In 
    both 1993 and 1994, about one quarter of computer households had in-
    comes over $75,000 (versus 10% of U.S. households), and about half 
    had incomes over $50,000 (versus 25% of U.S. households).


  
                     ******* General PC News *******

                  ** AMD to Ship 900,000 AM486 Chips **
  
    After its recent victory in the courts over rival Intel Corp., AMD 
 (Advanced Micro Devices) says it expects to ship 900,000 Am486 micro-
 processor units in the current quarter. Earlier it predicted it would 
 ship some 700,000 units in the quarter ending March 27.
  
    Sources at AMD said they expect their court victory "will further 
 broaden customer acceptance of our Am486 products while encouraging us 
 to redouble efforts for a rapid production ramp under a recently 
 announced foundry agreement with Digital Equipment Corp. to augment our 
 internal production capacity."


                 ** Watcom to Develop for IBM PowerPC **

    WATCOM International, a subsidiary of Powersoft Corporation, this 
 week announced its intention to develop a version of the WATCOM 32-bit 
 multi-platform C/C++ development tools for the PowerPC with Workplace 
 OS. This will enable the development of applications for the PowerPC 
 with Workplace OS from a number of host environments, and the use of 
 Workplace OS as a host development system for other target environments.

    WATCOM intends to deliver the components of its new WATCOM C/C++ 10.0 
 product on the PowerPC with Workplace OS, including WATCOM's new C++ 
 class browser, advanced GUI debugger, profiler and other tools.

    Ian McPhee, president of WATCOM, said "The PowerPC performance and 
 multiple execution environments of Workplace OS promise a very 
 attractive environment for our cross-platform compilers and graphical 
 development environment."
   
  
         ** LBMS announces SE/Open for Microsoft Visual Basic **

    LBMS Inc., the leading provider of Windows-based client/server CASE 
 and process management tools, this week announced SE/Open for Visual 
 Basic, which will bidirectionally integrate Microsoft's Visual Basic 3.0 
 with LBMS' application development tool, Systems Engineer 5.1.

    Visual Basic is a versatile, productive programming system for build-
 ing custom solutions in Windows. It brings robust client/server capabi-
 lities and application integration to the desktop with visual forms 
 creation, a large selection of standard and third party custom controls, 
 and an event-driven programming model.

    SE/Open for Visual Basic will provide developers with a seamless en-
 vironment for the complete analysis, design and development of both the 
 client and server portions of LAN-based production quality applications. 
 The product's capabilities will include object management, reuse manage-
 ment, database design, and prototyping management within a common 
 repository.


           ** DPT Cuts Price of New ISA-to-SCSI Host Adapter **

    Distributed Processing Technology (DPT), a leading supplier of high 
 performance SCSI and disk array solutions, this week announced a 14% 
 price reduction for its SmartCache III ISA-to-SCSI host adapter kits, 
 effective immediately.
  
    The SmartCache III PM2021 is a 16-bit ISA-to-Fast SCSI host adapter 
 that is fully SCSI-2 command set compatible, features 10Mbytes per 
 second throughput across the SCSI bus, and up to 10Mbytes per second 
 across the ISA bus.
  
    SmartCache III adapters are fully compatible with the latest releases 
 of all major operating systems.
  
    The new worldwide list price for the SmartCache III Storage Manager 
 Kit model PM2021/90 is $245.00 and model PM2021/95, which includes a 
 floppy controller, is $265.00.
  

                   ** NexGen Announces Pentium Clone **
  
    Plans for the first clone of Intel Corp.'s Pentium chip have been un-
 veiled by NexGen Microproducts Inc. Reports say the Nx586 chip is desig-
 ned to run the same software as the Pentium.

    The chip runs at 60MHz and 66MHz, which sources say "could create a 
 problem, since Intel just introduced upgraded Pentiums that will run at 
 100MHz". The 60MHz version will sell for $460 (about $300 less than the 
 equivalent Pentium), while the 66MHz version will sell for $506. The 
 coprocessor will cost $128.

    Four computer makers -- Tangent Computer Corp., Compu-Tek Interna-
 tional Inc., Adisys Corp. and Lucky Computer Co. -- have announced they 
 will use the NexGen chip in their machines.
  
  
                ** IBM to Manufacture Modular Computer **

    TelePad Corp. this week announced that IBM will manufacture the new 
 TelePad 3, a combination multimedia desktop, notebook and tablet 
 computer that can be customized for the needs of specific field workers.

    The TelePad 3 features a modular device architecture developed by 
 TelePad. Three removable modules accommodate hard disks, CD-ROM drives, 
 video cameras, global positioning systems and a variety of mobile 
 communications options.


                   ** Dell Offers Six New '486 Units **

    Six new systems based on Intel Corp.'s 486 processors with prices 
 starting at $1,499 have been unveiled by Dell Computer Corp.  The six, 
 designed for entry-level to mid-range computing, are encompassed in 
 three new product lines, including NetPlex, Dell Dimension and OptiPlex. 
 The central processors range from a 25MHz SX to the top-end 66MHz DX2.
  
  
                   ** Microsoft 'Fine Artist' Debuts **

    Microsoft Corp. introduced Fine Artist, Version 1.0, a creative arts 
 program for children ages 8 and up that combines painting, drawing and 
 multimedia art projects.  Reports say that Fine Artist can be used with 
 Creative Writer, to provide an electronic environment that encourages 
 creativity.

    The products take full advantage of multimedia computing in a disk-
 ette format with integration of text, high-quality graphics, sound and 
 animation to provide an enriching experience for children.

    Retail price is $64.95.
  
  
                    ** DEC Unveils Pentium Systems **

    Three new systems in its DECpc XL server line and five new low-cost 
 Pentium-based PCs have been unveiled this week in Hanover, Germany by 
 Digital Equipment Corp.


                      ** Lotus Cuts Improv Price **

    Lotus Development Corp. has cut the price of its next- generation 
 Improv 2.1 for Windows spreadsheet program from $495 to $129.

    Designed to perform multidimensional data analysis, Improv provides a 
 multidimensional structure, dynamic views, and English- language 
 formulas.


                     ******* General Mac News *******


                        ** Power Mac Introduced **


    Apple Computer Inc.'s long-awaited Power Macintosh -- built around 
 the PowerPC 601 RISC chip it developed with IBM and Motorola Inc. -- is 
 being introduced this week, ranging in price from about $2,100 to more 
 than $6,000.

    The Power Mac's most touted feature is its capability to run programs 
 for Mac, MS-DOS and Microsoft Corp.'s Windows environments.

    Sources quote analysts as saying Apple's future is at stake here.
  
    "I think it's a fair statement," adds Apple Vice President Ian W. 
 Diery, who is in charge of Apple's personal computer division, "but I'd 
 rather phrase it a different way: If we don't innovate, we're dead."
  
    Diery said Apple hopes to sell a million Power Macs in the first 
 year, about a third of the company's projected sales of $8 billion.
  
    Noting this is "an unusually ambitious target for a machine with a 
 new chip," Ortiz says analysts think Apple has little choice but to 
 proceed with PowerPC.

    It is felt that Apple lost a key advantage when Microsoft Corp.'s 
 Windows software for IBM-compatible PCs made those machines as easy to 
 use as a Macintosh.  No longer could Apple charge higher prices than the 
 competition.
  
    Three Power Macintosh models are being released initially:

    -:- The 6100/60 which, with a basic monitor and keyboard, will retail 
    for around $2,100.
  
    -:- 7100/66, priced at $3,200.
  
    -:- 8100/80, at $4,500.

    Croft says Apple also is announcing a range of logic board and proc-
 essor upgrades, starting at $699, that will allow users of many current 
 Macintosh systems to take advantage of PowerPC technology.

    Reports say that the PowerPC has been demonstrated in a Mac running 
 at 80MHz, but that Apple estimates emulated programs will run at 25MHz 
 to 33MHz, the speed of Intel Corp.'s 486 and high-end 386 microchips.
  
    Meanwhile, Apple said 40 to 80 programs written specifically for the 
 PowerPC soon will be available and it hopes between 200 and 300 will be 
 ready by this summer.
  
  
     ** Apple Forecast to Ship 700,000 PowerPC Macs by End of Year **

    According to market research firm, Dataquest Inc., Apple Computer 
 Inc. will likely ship 700,000 of its soon-to-be-released PowerPC-based 
 Macintosh computers by year's end.

    The new PowerPC-based Macintoshes have a low entry price, offer 
 better price/performance value than workstations, and the high-end 
 models are competitive with the 90-MHz Pentium desktop computers 
 announced this week.


                          ** Which is Faster? **

    In independent Macworld magazine tests, Apple Computer's new Power 
 Macintoshes beat Pentium-based personal computers.  [Macworld magazine 
 is the leading authority on Macintosh computing and is in no way 
 affiliated with Apple.]
  
    Tests published in the magazine's May issue show that all three Power 
 PC-based Mac models outperform PCs that use Intel's Pentium chip.  To 
 realize that performance, the Power Macs must use new versions of Mac-
 intosh software written especially for the PowerPC, a chip developed to 
 challenge Intel's 80486 and Pentium chips.
  
    Macworld Lab test prototypes of all three Power Macs -- the 6100/60, 
 7100/66, and 8100/80 -- with prototype PowerPC software, against a 
 Compaq Computer Corp. Deskpro 5/60M, which uses Intel's 60MHz Pentium 
 chip and is recommended by Intel as a top-notch performer.

    The Compaq surpassed the performance of all earlier Macs, but achie-
 ved only about 93% of the speed of the slowest Power Macintosh (the 
 6100/60, which uses a 60MHz PowerPC 601 chip) and 67% of the speed of 
 the fastest Power Mac (the 8100/80, which uses an 80MHz chip). The 
 Macworld Lab tests use standard business programs to provide a realistic 
 indication of performance.

    "The introduction of Macintoshes based on the PowerPC microprocessor 
 is a breakthrough in the evolution of personal computers," said Adrian 
 Mello, Macworld's editor-in-chief.

    Because of strong interest among Mac owners in maintaining the option 
 of Microsoft Windows compatibility, Macworld Lab also gauged Windows 
 compatibility for the Power Macs.

    On a mid-range Power Macintosh using Insignia Solutions' SoftWindows 
 program, Macworld Lab found that Windows performance was equivalent to 
 that of an entry-level business PC. Windows compatibility was strong for 
 most programs.

    But owners of many earlier Macs may want to delay Power Mac purchases 
 until the software they rely on is available in PowerPC format. Macworld 
 Lab found that Power Macintoshes run almost all software designed for 
 older Macs, but with performance often falling well below that of the 
 fastest Macintoshes produced before the new Power Macs.

    Macworld Lab tests show that PowerPC versions of the same software, 
 when they become available, should boost performance 200 to 600% over 
 the fastest previous Macs.


                  ** Radius' Products to be Upgraded **

    Radius Inc this week announced that its color and monochrome displays 
 have been or will be upgraded to include support for all of Apple 
 Computer's new Power Macintosh computers.

    Power Macintosh software upgrades for Radius display products are 
 provided free of charge via Radius' Internet library (FTP.Radius.Com), 
 Bulletin Board Service (408/954-1689) and such conventional on-line 
 services as AppleLink, CompuServe, and America On-line. Users can also 
 call Radius Customer Service at 408/434-1012.

    Radius Inc. also confirmed that its popular lines of QuickDraw grap-
 hics accelerator products have been upgraded to include support for all 
 of Apple Computer's new Power Macintosh systems - including the 6100, 
 7100 and 8100 models.
  
  
                   ** MicroNet Supports PowerPC Mac **

    MicroNet Technology Inc. is ready to support Apple Computer's PowerPC 
 Macintosh products with new versions of its SCSI Utilities 6.2.1 and 
 hardware enhancements.

    The utilities give PowerPC users across-the-board compatibility with 
 hard disk drives, optical drives, removable cartridge drives, CD-ROMs 
 and tape devices. MicroNet also announced a new version of its Raven 
 Disk Array product to support Apple's next generation Macintosh systems.


         ** Apple to Offer Mac Environment for HP Workstations **

    Hewlett-Packard Co. and Apple Computer Inc. this week announced an 
 agreement under which Apple will make its Macintosh Application 
 Environment (MAE) available to HP 9000 Series 700 workstation users.
  
    MAE will give HP workstation users the ability to run most Macintosh 
 applications alongside their UNIX applications.
  
    MAE is a software implementation of the Macintosh environment that 
 runs in a window on Series 700 workstations. Applications will have the 
 same "look and feel" and functionality as that of the same applications 
 running on a Macintosh. With MAE, Series 700 users will be able to run 
 many Macintosh applications without modification.
  
  
              ** Microsoft Developing Power Mac Software **

    Microsoft Corp. this week announced new versions of Microsoft Office 
 business productivity applications are under development for the Power 
 Macintosh computer, a new RISC-based Mac system introduced this week by 
 Apple Computer Inc.

  
             ** Apple Announces "Second Generation Newton" **

    Apple has announced the "second generation" of the Newton, along with 
 an upgrade program for original MessagePad owners, new "business appli-
 cations" for the Newton, and enhanced editions of the Newton Toolkit and 
 Newton Connection software.

    The upgraded Newton is available in two versions: 
    The Newton MessagePad 110, which ships this week at a price of $599, 
 features a protective lid, round telescopic pen, and narrower, sleeker 
 form factor, along with three times the amount of memory available for 
 data storage, longer battery life, a "fast recharge" feature, improved 
 handwriting recognition, and easier infrared transfers.
  
    The Newton MessagePad 100, slated for release in April for $499, of-
 fers the same ROM (read only memory)-based software features, but in the 
 form factor of the original Newton MessagePad.

    Owners of the original MessagePad who wish to upgrade to the new 
 software functionality will be able to do so starting in April for $99.
  
  
                ** Apple Cuts High-End Powerbook Prices **

    Apple Computer has again announced price cuts on its popular line of 
 its Powerbook notebook computers. The reductions of between nine and 14% 
 are mostly in the company's high-end monochrome Powerbooks and in both 
 color and monochrome models of the Powerbook Duo product line.


          ** Apple's New Quadra 610 Runs MS-DOS/Windows Apps **

    Apple has announced that shipments of its new Macintosh Quadra 610 
 DOS Compatible system with MS-DOS- and Windows-compatibility have begun.

    The system uses both a Motorola 25 megahertz (MHz) 68LC040, and an 
 Intel 25MHz 486SX microprocessor which runs DOS and Windows-based 
 software. The system comes preinstalled with Microsoft's MS-DOS 6.2 
 operating system. The Quadra's dual processor approach reportedly allows 
 users to work in both the Macintosh and DOS environments at the same 
 time.

    Apple claims that, because the dual processors will work independen-
 tly, users will be able to run Macintosh and DOS or Windows applications 
 in tandem, and even "cut and paste" information between the two environ-
 ments.  However an Apple spokesperson said hat the user cannot view a 
 Macintosh application and a Windows application in separate windows on 
 the same screen at the same time. To see them both simultaneously you 
 need two monitors. You can cut and paste between a Mac application and a 
 Windows application though.

    As a result, there is dual monitor support, which lets the user add a 
 second display monitor without purchasing an additional video card.

    The same hard drive runs Macintosh, MS-DOS or Windows applications.  
 The hard disk is not partitioned into a DOS part and a Mac part. All the 
 files are on the same hard disk together.

    The Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible personal computer is avail-
 able, priced at $1,579 which includes 8 megabytes (MB) of RAM, a 160MB 
 hard drive and on-board Ethernet configuration. Users can also buy the 
 DOS Compatibility Card for Macintosh separately, designed for both the 
 Macintosh Quadra 610 and Macintosh Centris 610, priced at $399.

    The Macintosh Quadra features two system cards: the first has the 
 68LC040 to power the Macintosh environment; the second contains the 
 486SX that runs DOS and Windows applications.


              _______________________________________________



 > CONNECT STR InfoFile       Telecomm Magazine, March/April issue
   """"""""""""""""""""



                   CONNECT Magazine Table of Contents
                   ==================================
                   Vol 2 No 2        March/April 1994   


 FEATURES

 Newspapers in the Electronic Age by David Noak
      Newspapers have found new life in the electronic world. This article
      looks at a number of newspapers making the move to the digital
      marketplace.

 Confessions of a Conference Junkie by Annina Anton
      A genuine real-time conferencing addict explains what it is like to
      be hooked on chat.

 How to Choose an Online Service by Rich Hower
      Want to get online but are baffled by the many choices available to
      you? This article helps you decide which online services are best
      for you.

 Teaching the Old Dog by James Rock
      An "old dog" who recently entered the world of telecomputing tells
      how he's found a new online home, and learned a few new tricks, on
      the Cyberia BBS in Pennsylvania.

 DC NET v2.1 -- An Online Window to Creativity by Dan Dearmond
      Durand Communication's DC NET Online Photographic Database software
      is the focus of this in-depth review.

 A Second Look at DC NET by Jeff Worchester
      Another DC NET user reviews Durand's online database allowing
      callers to view text and graphics together online.

 Accessing the Online World of Electronic Bulletin Boards by Russell Frey
      The author of PowerBBS for Windows takes you through the ABCs of the
      BBSing world, discusses BBSes and networking, and points you to a
      number of excellent BBSes that are just a connection away.

 Turn Your PC into a Usenet Site by Edward Branley
      This article shows you how to get your IBM PC or compatible system
      connected to the "Outernet," allowing Usenet newsgroups and Internet
      mail to be accessed directly on your PC.

 Highlights of COMDEX/Fall '93 by Steve Richardson
      After attending the Fall COMDEX show in Las Vegas, the author shares
      his impressions of what was offered for telecomputer users.

 Commworks for Windows by Jim Mallory
      The author reviews the new Windows-based communications package from
      Traveling Software, makers of LapLink and Remote Access.

 COLUMNS
 -------
 The Inside Line
      Editorial Staff Columnist Michael A. Banks points out online
      "hang-outs" for writers of books and publications, as well as other
      topics.

 Eye on America Online
      Columnist Julia Wilkinson takes us through the areas on AOL
      supporting palmtops and Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) like the
      Apple Newton MessagePad and Casio Zoomer.

 Connecting with Compuserve
      Your CompuServe guide, columnist Jim Ness, spotlights some of the
      service's ever-expanding European offerings.

 Telecomputing the DELPHI Way
      DELPHI's Internet SIG and Custom Forums SIG are revisited by      
 Columnist Dick Evans, who also discusses his recent in-person tour
      of the DELPHI facility.

 GEnie's Treasures
      Columnist Jim Mallory takes us to the Medical RoundTable on GEnie
      and shows why this RT may be the cure for what ails you.

 The Internet Gateway
      Using the Internet Gopher to its fullest potential, and thereby
      saving you valuable time and resources, is the focus of this issue's
      offering from Columnist Paul Gilster.

 Clear to Send
      The MicroLink shareware Windows terminal program from MicroWerks is
      reviewed by PC Columnist Victor Volkman.

 Dial M for Macintosh
      Macintosh Columnist Ross Scott Rubin talks about Apple's latest
      foray into the modem/serial communications market with the GeoPort.

 Staying Connected for about a Pound
      Palmtop Columnist Marty Mankins shows how to stay in touch via fax
      with your palmtop or PDA.

 CONNECT magazine is available at the following magazine outlets: B.Dalton
 Bookseller,  Bookstop,  Bookstar,  Barnes & Noble, Doubleday, Scribner's,
 Crown  Books,  Tower  Books, Little Professor, Lichtman's News and Books,
 Coles  Book  Stores,  CompUSA, Computer City and Software Etc. chains, as
 well as other chains and independent newsstands, book stores and computer
 dealers  in the U.S. and Canada. Call (313) 973-8825 to find the magazine
 dealer nearest you who carries CONNECT.

 CONNECT  is  a  bi-monthly  magazine covering the major commercial online
 services  (such  as  America  Online,  BIX, CompuServe, DELPHI, GEnie and
 Prodigy),  the  Internet,  and  bulletin  board  system networks (such as
 Fidonet,  WWIVnet,  and GlobalNet). The magazine is platform-independent,
 with interesting columns focusing on PC-specific   (DOS   and   Windows),
 Macintosh-oriented, and Palmtop/PDA-related topics.


                 __________________________________________



 > ALDUS & ADOBE TO MERGE! STR FOCUS!
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



                       ADOBE SYSTEMS AND ALDUS CORP.
                       =============================
                        ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT TO MERGE




 MOUNTAIN  VIEW,  Calif.--(BUSINESS  WIRE)--March  15, 1994--Adobe Systems
 Inc.  (NASDAQ:ADBE)  and  ALDUS  Corp.  (NASDAQ:ALDC)  today  announced a
 definitive  agreement to merge through an exchange of common stock of the
 two  companies, creating a new half-billion dollar leader in software for
 authoring and publishing electronic information.

      Under  the  agreement,  which  has  been  approved  by the boards of
 directors  of  both  companies,  Adobe  will  exchange 1.15 shares of its
 c o mmon  stock  for  each  share  of  ALDUS  common  stock.    Based  on
 approximately  13.8  million  shares  outstanding  of ALDUS stock and the
 current  Adobe  stock  price,  the  transaction  will  have  a  value  of
 approximately  $525  million.    The  merger  is intended to qualify as a
 tax-free  reorganization  and  a "pooling of interests" for and financial
 purposes.    "We are committed to achieving the cost savings necessary to
 make this transaction non-dilutive in the first full year of the combined
 operations,"  said  John  Warnock,  chairman and chief executive officer,
 Adobe Systems Inc.

      The  merger  will be considered for approval by shareholders of both
 companies  at  separate meetings anticipated in July 1994 with the merger
 to   be  effective  immediately  following  shareholders  approval.  Paul
 Brainerd, president, founder and major shareholder in ALDUS has agreed to
 vote his shares in favor of the merger and has given Adobe an irrevocable
 proxy for all of his ALDUS shares in connection with such vote.

      In  addition,  ALDUS  and Adobe have each agreed to the payment of a
 break-up fee if under certain circumstances the transaction should not be
 completed.  The merger is subject to numerous conditions.

      "We believe our two companies, each with a rich history of inventing
 different  aspects  of  the  electronic publishing revolution, are simply
 much stronger together -- both technologically and financially -- than we
 would  be  by  remaining  separate,"  said  Warnock.   "Combined, the two
 companies  offer  products  that  address  every  aspect  of  information
 authoring  and  representation,  and  in  the  future, can draw from that
 expertise  to  pioneer the process and provide the tools required to help
 our customers move from today's paper-based information infrastructure to
 tomorrow's digital world."

      "The  challenges of the competitive landscape and the breadth of new
 market  opportunities  offered by the digital revolution can be much more
 effectively   met  by  merging  our  companies  than  by  either  company
 individually,"  said Chuck Geschke, president and COO, Adobe Systems Inc.
 "The  combined company offers tremendous opportunity for more competitive
 marketing, higher levels of customer service and better responsiveness to
 customers' evolving needs."

      Brainerd  said  the  merger offers both short-and long-term benefits
 because  of  the broad array and depth of products that the companies can
 n o w   market  and  distribute  together,  as  well  as  the  tremendous
 technological  synergy  that  exists  between  the  two companies for the
 development  of future products.  "Together, Adobe and ALDUS can generate
 tremendous  momentum  to meet customer requirements. The new company will
 have the largest,most respected full bodied typeface library, the world's
 top-selling  page  layout  solution, and the best-of-breed  illustration,
 photo-editing, presentation, image retrieval  and full  video-production
 applications.

      These  technologies  are  the  foundation  for today's most powerful
 publishing  and authoring solutions and tomorrow's tools for creating and
 distributing information digitally."

      Brainerd,  Warnock and Geschke are widely recognized in the software
 industry  for having  created  the desktop printing (DTP) and  electronic
 publishing  phenomena,  which  has grown into a $2 billion industry since
 the  early  1980s.    Adobe,  founded  in  1982,  provided the first open
 standard  for  representing  the  printed  document,  PostScript  and the
 technology to support that standard.   

      Brainerd,  who  founded  ALDUS  in  1984,  coined  the term "desktop
 publishing"  and  created  the top selling PageMaker software system that
 allows visually-rich documents to be created on personal computers.

      Under  terms  of  the  merger  agreement,  Warnock,  53, will become
 chairman  and  CEO of the new company with headquarters in Mountain View.
 Geschke, 54, president of Adobe, will retain the same position in the new
 company.   Brainerd, 46, and another current member of ALDUS' board, will
 become  members  of  the  board  of directors of the new company once the
 merger  is complete.  The structure of the merged company will consist of
 operating divisions including Systems Products, Application Products, and
 Consumer  Products.   Facilities will be maintained in both Mountain View
 and Seattle.  Current plans call for the new company tocontinue to market
 and  support  all  major  products  of  both  companies.  Futurecorporate
 identity plans will be determined when the merger is final.

      Each  company  has  sales and distribution operations outside of the
 United  States.  In Europe, Adobe is headquartered in Amsterdam and ALDUS
 is  based  in  Edinburgh.    Both  ALDUS  and  Adobe maintain Pacific Rim
 operations in Tokyo and other major cities.

      On  a  combined  basis, the companies had revenues last year of $520
 million  and  more than 2,100 employees located throughout the world. For
 fiscal  1993,  Adobe  reported revenues of $313 million and net income of
 $57  million,  while  ALDUS reported total revenues of approximately $207
 million  and  net  income  of $9.5 million.  Adobe has approximately 45.7
 million  shares  outstanding,  and  ALDUS  has approximately 13.8 million
 shares outstanding.

      Adobe  develops, markets and supports computer software products and
 technologies  that enable users to create, display, print and communicate
 electronic  documents  and  manipulate digital content to moving pictures
 and  sound.    The  company licenses its technology to major computer and
 publishing suppliers, and markets a line of type and application software
 products worldwide.

      A L D US  creates  computer  software  solutions  that  help  people
 throughout  the  world effectively communicate information and ideas. The
 company  focuses  on  three  main lines of business: applications for the
 professional publishing, prepress and video markets; applications for the
 consumer market; and applications for the emerging interactive publishing
 market.

            CONTACT:  Adobe Systems Inc.
                      Linda Prosser, 415/962-3840
                ____________________________________________



 > WORDPERFECT CORP. STR Spotlight "THE COMPANY WITH USERS IN MIND!"
   """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""




                       WORDPERFECT - ONWARD & UPWARD!
                       ==============================

                          WORDPERFECT FOR WINDOWS
                          -----------------------


 by R. F. Mariano

      A few weeks ago, this author was accused of having made mention of
 WordPerfect for Windows being the "Premier" DTP solution for most small
 business operations.  After some thought about this, I concluded I was
 wrong.  WordPerfect for Windows is the ideal DTP solution for any
 business; large, small or whatever.  Of course WPWin is not the ultimate
 in DTP solutions ..yet.  I wouldn't be surprised though.. if one day it
 became such.  In the following article, you'll find some of the newest
 features introduced to WPWin6 in the latest product update.  (another
 fine customer support practice WPCorp. is well known for).
   
      In any case, for everyday DTP application in any size business along 
 with the increased usage of WPWin6.0a in smaller businesses for a wider
 variety of applications, WPWin is definitely a very wise and prudent
 investment no business should be without.  WordPerfect for Windows is
 truly a powerful and equally excellent DeskTop Publishing Solution that
 includes the world's most powerful word processor at no extra charge. 
 Cross-platform file compatibility is a breeze with 6.0a, we regularly
 receive files in .wri, .asc, .doc, .wp3 (mac), and many other saved file
 formats.  So many its too numerous to mention here and.. each and every
 one of them are loaded right in without any hassles.  A large percentage
 of software publishers worldwide, have awakened literally, "seen the
 light", when it comes to file sharing.  Alas.. there are still those who
 insist upon operating in the dark ages with propietary file formats. 
 They'll soon be nothing more than rather "not so fond" memories.


                        WORDPERFECT FOR WINDOWS 6.0
                        ===========================

      WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows offers the most comprehensive set of
 tools to easily and automatically create any kind of document: powerful
 word processing, drawing, charting, spreadsheet functionality within
 tables, direct spreadsheet and database import, and direct integration
 with other Windows applications. 

      "With WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows, users may never need to leave
      their word processor," said Todd Titensor, product marketing     
      director for WordPerfect for Windows at WordPerfect Corporation. "No
      other word processor offers the power and breadth of features with
      such an accessible interface."
      
      With this version, WordPerfect Corporation introduces an intelligent
 and customizable interface, innovations in ease of use, and features that
 make the most of the Windows environment.

 INTELLIGENT AND CUSTOMIZABLE INTERFACE
 --------------------------------------
 QUICKMENUS.  Working in Windows is easier with context-sensitive
 QuickMenus that are accessed by clicking the right mouse button virtually
 anywhere in WordPerfect. For example, clicking the right mouse button
 anywhere in a document presents a QuickMenu to change fonts, spell check
 or center text, while clicking in the left margin presents a menu to
 select text, change margins or addcomments to a document. QuickMenus vary
 according to location and text selected.

 FEATURE BARS.  Feature Bars automatically appear for more than 20
 different tasks giving users additional feature-specific options.  For
 example, when working with graphics, the Graphics Feature Bar appears
 with buttons to add a caption, change position and size, or add borders
 and fill patterns. 

      "Today's word processing users demand more than a checklist of
      editing tools," said Titensor. "Users want intelligent tools,
      such as QuickMenus and Feature Bars, that automatically
      anticipate their tasks."

 BUTTON BARS.  The WordPerfect Button Bar is the most versatile interface
 tool in any Windows product. Users can place any WordPerfect feature,
 function or macro on a Button Bar for quick access, as well as any other
 Windows application.

 COMPLETE CUSTOMIZATION.  To make the product more applicable to
 individual users, every aspect of the interface can be completely
 customized:  Button Bar, Power Bar, status bar, menus, and keyboards.

 INNOVATIONS IN EASE OF USE
 --------------------------
 TEMPLATES.  Templates simplify the creation of professional-
 looking documents by giving users pre-created documents.
 WordPerfect 6.0 ships with more than 70 ExpressDocs, pre-created
 templates for common forms, fax sheets, memos, newsletters, and
 more. ExpressDocs are more than customized documents; they are
 interactive and prompt users for information such as the name and
 fax number on a fax cover sheet. Users can also edit these
 templates or create their own with customized Button Bars, menus,
 styles and macros.
      
 COACHES.  Like a personal instructor, a Coach prompts a user
 through a variety of common tasks with step-by-step instructions.
 Coaches are written with WordPerfect's macro language so users
 can write their own to add to the Help menu.
      
 PREVIEW WINDOWS.  Preview windows in many dialog boxes let users
 see how changes in a document--such as columns, margins, and line
 spacing--will look before making them.
      
 ONLINE TUTORIALS AND IMPROVED HELP.  To lessen a user's dependence on
 printed documentation, a variety of online tutorials are available. Help
 is also more visual and intuitive with context-sensitive icons. For
 example, Help for the Power Bar actually displays the Power Bar so users
 can click any icon for help. A non-scrolling region at the top of the
 Help screen keeps the topic constantly in view, as well as related Help
 terms.

 EASIEST TRANSITION FOR WORDPERFECT DOS USERS
 --------------------------------------------     
 FILE COMPATIBILITY.  WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows gives WordPerfect DOS
 users the easiest transition to Windows with feature and file
 compatibility. WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows seamlessly imports WordPerfect
 5.1 DOS files. In addition, WordPerfect 6.0 for DOS and WordPerfect 6.0
 for Windows share the same file format so no conversion is necessary
 between the two products. 
      
 WORDPERFECT DOS TEMPLATES.  Users can select a WordPerfect 5.1 or 6.0 for
 DOS template that will change the interface to look and feel like
 WordPerfect for DOS.
      
 KEYSTROKES.  WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows includes a WPDOS keyboard layout
 if users want to maintain familiar WordPerfect DOS keystrokes.
      
 MACRO CONVERSIONS.  WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows provides macro
 conversions for WordPerfect DOS macros. Users can also write macros that
 will work in both WordPerfect 6.0 for DOS and WordPerfect 6.0 for
 Windows.

      "No one moves DOS users to Windows better than WordPerfect," said
      Titensor. "Although other products may claim to imitate
      WordPerfect, WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows offers the best
      compatibility with WordPerfect files, macros and keystrokes, as
      well as cross-platform compatibility."

 MAKING THE MOST OF WINDOWS
 --------------------------
 WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows takes advantage of the Windows environment
 more than any other Windows word processor.
      
 PROGRAM LAUNCHING.  Any Windows program or file can be placed on a Button
 Bar for quick access from within WordPerfect. For example, a user could
 drag the program file for Quattro Pro from the Windows File Manager to a
 Button Bar and then be able to launch Quattro Pro while working in
 WordPerfect. Or a user could place a Microsoft Excel file on a Button Bar
 and with a click of a button launch Excel and load the file.
      
 DIRECT SPREADSHEET AND DATABASE IMPORT.  Spreadsheet and database
 information can be directly imported into WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows.
 All leading spreadsheet formats and a variety of database formats such as
 Paradox, dBase, Oracle and popular SQL servers are supported. Users can
 perform queries on database files to extract only the needed information.
 Spreadsheets and databases can also be linked via Dynamic Data Exchange
 (DDE) or Object Linking and Embedding (OLE).
      
 FILE MANAGEMENT. Users now have the power of the WordPerfect File Manager
 available right from the Open File dialog box. With the File Options
 button, users can copy, move, rename, delete, print and change file
 attributes, as well as create and rename directories. Files can be
 displayed and sorted by filename, extension, size, date/time, and
 descriptive name and type.
      
 WORDPERFECT DRAW.  WordPerfect Draw contains the sophisticated drawing
 and charting tools from WordPerfect Presentations including BEZIER CURVES
 and the ability to CONTOUR TEXT on a curve. The charting module lets
 users turn table and spreadsheet data into a variety of charts:  3-D,
 bar, line, area, hi-lo, pie, and exploded pie charts. WordPerfect Draw
 works through OLE and is easily accessed by double-clicking any chart or
 graphic image.  WordPerfect Draw also supports the TWAIN standard for
 direct access to scanners so users can easily scan any image into a
 document.

 OTHER FEATURES
 --------------     
 SPREADSHEET IN TABLES.  WordPerfect is the only Windows word processor to
 include advanced spreadsheet capabilities. The Tables feature contains
 nearly 100 built-in formulas, numerical cell formatting, automatic
 calculation, data fills, floating cells and named ranges. 
      
 TEXTART.  Co-developed with Bitstream Inc., TextArt lets users instantly
 create special effects with type using shapes, colors, fills and shadows. 
      
 QUICKFINDER.  The QuickFinder rivals standalone packages with some of the
 fastest indexing and text retrieval in the industry.  Users can index
 directories or groups of files and perform nearly instantaneous searches. 
      
 GRAMMATIK 5.  The most popular grammar checker is now fully integrated
 into WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows. Grammatik 5 is published by WordPerfect
 Corporation's award-winning Consumer Products Division.
      
 BORDERS.  WordPerfect 6.0 ships with more predefined and customizable
 border styles and fill patterns than any other word processor. Borders
 can be used for paragraphs, pages, columns, tables, table cells and
 graphic images.

 WORDPERFECT FOCUS ON USABILITY
 ------------------------------
 WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows was completely designed and developed around
 usability studies conducted in WordPerfect Corporation's state-of-the-art
 Usability Center. Nearly every feature in the product went through
 extensive usability testing to ensure that this product would be the
 easiest Windows word processor to learn and use. 

 More than 1,000 users participated in usability studies; participants
 were chosen according to skill level, experience with other graphical
 environments, and experience with particular word processing tasks.

 WordPerfect Corporation also invited representatives from accounting,
 legal, education and business accounts to attend a week-long conference
 at the Usability Center. Participants brought their own work and were
 asked to accomplish their regular tasks using WordPerfect 6.0 for
 Windows. They had daily contact with developers to offer suggestions for
 improvements and changes.

 In addition to improvements from usability testing, more than 653 unique
 enhancements have been added to WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows, representing
 nearly 12,000 customer requests. 

 INTERNATIONAL VERSIONS
 ----------------------
 WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows is available in the following languages: 
 English-UK,  English-OZ,  English-Canada, Dutch, Finnish, French,
 French-National, French-Canada, German-National, German-Swiss, Italian,
 Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, Danish and Portuguese-National.

 EASY MOVE.  With the flexible Easy Move program, WordPerfect 6.0 for DOS
 users may become licensed to run WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows free of
 charge by calling the Easy Move Hotline at (800) 228-5040.
      
 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
 -------------------
 WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows requires a 386 machine or higher, a VGA
 monitor, at least 4M (preferably 6M) RAM and Microsoft Windows 3.1. The
 product also ships on CD-ROM with online documentation in a Folio VIEWS
 Infobase.



                          WORDPERFECT FOR WINDOWS
                          =======================
                      6.0a INTERIM RELEASE INFORMATION

 Executive Summary
 -----------------
 WordPerfect Corporation has always had a policy of responding to customer
 needs  between  major product upgrades with interim releases.  In keeping
 with  this  customer-oriented  focus,  WordPerfect  will  ship an interim
 release of WordPerfect for Windows, version 6.0a, in March 1994. The four
 major objectives for WordPerfect 6.0a are reliability, speed, ease of use
 and transition tools.  

 WordPerfect  6.0a  for  Windows  will  be available free of charge to all
 registered users of WPWin 6.0 upon request.  If users have not registered
 their  software,  WordPerfect representatives can register them when they
 call (800) 321-4566.   

 Enhancements:
 -------------
 *    SPEED-Speed improvements have been made in the following
      areas:  basic formatting, scrolling, printing, graphics
      handling, table manipulation and editing, importing 5.x
      documents, generate, document compare, outline, launching
      WPDraw, automation of ExpressDocs Templates and opening
      large documents. 

 *    RELIABILITY-Many changes have been made to improve the
      overall reliability of the product. Every effort was made to
      address the issues raised by our customers.   
      
 *    PRINTING-With the Windows or WordPerfect (*.PRS) printer
      drivers, the printing of tables, borders, and bitmap
      graphics is much faster. In addition, with
      WordPerfect-supplied Postscript and Hewlett Packard printer
      drivers, WPWin 6.0 printed ATM and TrueType fonts as
      graphics, which caused large output file sizes and long
      total print times. WPWin 6.0a now downloads ATM and TrueType
      fonts to these printers, improving overall printing speed.  

 *    INTEGRATION-WPWin 6.0a now works better under Windows NT
      and OS/2, including seamless integration with the OS/2
      Advanced Workplace Shell. The OS/2 Integration Tools Disk is
      available separately by calling (800) 321-4566. 

 *    CONVERSION OF FONTS-In WPWin 6.0, converting WordPerfect
      5.x documents to the WordPerfect 6.0 format would sometimes
      result in fonts not converting correctly. Fonts will now
      convert correctly if the same printer is selected in WP 5.x
      and WPWin 6.0a. In addition, round-trip compatibility from
      6.0 to 5.2 and back to a 6.0 format will result in
      accurate font matching.

 *    FONTS-The last four fonts used are now displayed at the
      top of the font list, accessed by clicking the font button
      on the Power Bar. This is similar to the existing capability
      to display the names of the four most recently used files on
      the Files pull-down menu.

 *    GRAPHICS-You can now easily save a graphic as a WPG, PCX,
      TIFF, and BMP file from within WPWin 6.0a by selecting the
      graphic and choosing Save As from the File menu.  

 *    FULL WYSIWYG DISPLAY-Character widths are now displayed
      more accurately on screen, resulting in a truer graphical
      representation of fonts. 

 *    WPDRAW-With some scanners, the error message "Scan
      Operation Failed..." would appear and prevent an image from
      scanning directly into WPDraw. This has now been corrected.

 *    256 COLOR DRIVER-If a problem is detected with a 256 color
      driver, WPWin 6.0a will advise you to add a /fl startup
      switch (for example, c:\wpwin60\wpwin.exe /fl) to the
      command line under Properties for the WPWin 6.0a icon. This
      will eliminate known problems with certain video drivers.

 *    DDEML.DLL-We are aware of conflicts with a Windows file,
      DDEML.DLL, dated 4/22/92. The correct version of this file
      should be found in the System directory (c:\window\system).
      If the version of this file (DDEML.DLL, 4/22/92) is     
      found in the Windows directory, and the correct version is
      found in the Windows System directory, the file will be
      automatically deleted from the Windows directory. 

 Additions:
 ----------
 *    QUICKCORRECT-This feature automatically replaces errors in
      mistyped or misspelled words. For instance, if you
      accidentally type adn, it is automatically replaced with and 
      as soon as you press the space bar or another word delimiter
      (comma, period, semi-colon, etc.). QuickCorrect can
      automatically fix hundreds of  commonly mistyped or misspelled
      words as you type. QuickCorrect can also automatically expand
      abbreviations on the fly.  For example, you could type  wpc
      and have  WordPerfect Corporation  appear as you press the
      space bar. QuickCorrect will also fix two initial caps such as
      WOrdPerfect.

 *    QUICKSELECT-WordPerfect 6.0a understands that you need the
      ability to select complete words, sentences, and paragraphs as
      well as individual letters. QuickSelect gives you the
      flexibility to select precisely the text you need. Click
      twice, holding the mouse down the second time, then drag to
      select word by word. Click three times and drag to select
      sentence by sentence, and click four times and drag to select
      paragraph by paragraph. In addition, WordPerfect 6.0 has
      always let you click in the left margin to select a
      sentence,and double click to select a paragraph, or use the
      right mouse button in the left margin for more QuickSelect
      options.

 *    QUICKSTART-Coach When you first launch WordPerfect 6.0a, an
      interactive QuickStart Coach appears to give you an overview
      of the product. This will assist WordPerfect for DOS users, as
      well as users of other word processors such as Microsoft Word
      and Ami Pro as they make the transition to WordPerfect for
      Windows.

 *    TRANSITION ADVISOR-Accessed from the Help menu, the
      Transition Advisor helps WordPerfect DOS users make a smooth
      transition to Windows. The Transition Advisor displays
      keystrokes and commands from WordPerfect 5.1 for DOS and then
      shows how to perform the equivalent tasks in WordPerfect 6.0a
      for Windows. Also available is a WordPerfect 5.1 for DOS
      keyboard that retains familiar keystrokes as you work. 

 *    EXPRESSDOCS TEMPLATES-WPWin 6.0a will ship with a WPLite
      template which provides a scaled-down menu and feature list.
      WPWin 6.0a will include several other templates: WPAmiPro,
      business card creation, workgroup, pleading, term paper, and
      an additional form letter template.

 *    PLEADING TEMPLATE-To answer requests from the legal
      community, a pleading macro (PLEADING.WCM) and a pleading
      template (PLEADING.WPT) will ship with WPWin 6.0a. This
      automated template guides you through creating a pleading
      document. 

 *    SAVE-A "fail safe" save option will now save the document
      twice, check the file date/time, and then report any possible
      problems.

 *    UNINSTALL-The setup program includes an Uninstall
      facility which allows for a standard or custom uninstall of
      WPWin 6.0a. Improvements have also been made to the
      installation routine.

 *    PARAGRAPH NUMBERS-Paragraph numbering is now equivalent to
      the functionality found in WPWin 5.2 and is part of the Bullet
      and Numbers feature. 
      
 *    TABLES-You can now save table data to the clipboard with
      tabs that allow you to read data into a spreadsheet or save it
      as an ASCII file. In addition, you can save table data to a 
      Quattro Pro format.

 *    IMPORT/EXPORT-A conversion for Professional Write files has
      been added, as well as ODBC support, which provides direct
      support for Microsoft Access and Excel 5.0.

 *    NEW BUTTON BARS-Three new Button Bars have been added to
      WPWin 6.0a: Design Tools, Utilities, and Legal.

 *    NETWORK USERS-WPWin 6.0a includes UNC (universal naming
      convention) support as well as shareable paper size forms for
      Windows drivers. 

 *    ENCRYPTION-Password protection has been improved, with
      support for both the old and new formats for compatibility
      with existing WPWin users and documents, as well as 
      "case-sensitive" password protection.

      WordPerfect Corporation (WPCorp) has always had a policy of
 responding to customer needs between major product upgrades. The
 mechanism for this response is typically updated software in the form of
 interim releases.  In keeping with this customer-oriented focus, WPCorp
 will make available an interim release of WordPerfect for Windows,
 version 6.0a, in March 1994.  WPWin 6.0a is an example of our commitment
 to better serve our customers.

      WPCorp will send WPWin 6.0a free of charge to all REGISTERED USERS
 of WPWin 6.0 upon request.  In addition, users who call WordPerfect
 Customer Support and report a problem that has been resolved in WPWin
 6.0a will receive the interim release free of charge.

      If the user has not registered their software, our support operators
 can register them at the time they call. Therefore, we encourage all
 current users of WPWin 6.0 to register their software to receive the
 interim release.

      The four major objectives for WPWin 6.0a are as follows:

                     1.  Reliability     
                     2.  Speed
                     3.  Ease of Use tools
                     4.  Transition tools for WPDos users


            WORDPERFECT CORPORATION ANNOUNCES NEW SUPPORT PROGRAMS

 New Programs Ensure Quality of Free Support, Add Options

 WordPerfect Corporation implemented an expanded customer support offering
 which includes a registration system for free support, redefined no-cost
 Classic Service, new instant-access Priority Service and corporate Silver
 Support the new Premium Service program for small-to medium-sized
 accounts. These offerings provide various free and fee-based options
 tailored to customers' service requirements.

      "Providing free, toll-free technical support for 14 years has been a
 wonderful part of our company's history, and we have answered more than
 60million questions for our customers and others," said Kim Cooper, vice
 president of customer services at WordPerfect Corporation. "With these
 new support programs, we will continue to provide outstanding free and
 toll-free technical support to our registered users for a substantial
 period of time between projected upgrade releases and will also provide
 fee- based support options for users with more technical needs."

      Under WordPerfect Corporation's new support programs, registered
 users in the United States and Canada will receive 180 days of free,
 toll-free support for business applications and 90 days of free support
 for workgroup applications. The additional fee-based options offer
 priority access to second-line technicians on a per-incident or
 per-minute basis, or a variety of annual contracts for large accounts.
 The company will announce its customer support offering for the consumer
 products line Main Street at the end of the first quarter when the new
 line is scheduled to ship.

      "WordPerfect Corporation is preparing for continued changes in the
      market," said Ad Rietveld, president and CEO at WordPerfect      
 Corporation. "With these new programs, the company upholds its   
 reputation as the industry's customer support leader by addressing    its
 customers' growing needs for accessible and flexible technical   
 support." Users Need To Register.

      To qualify for the free Classic Service program, customers need to
 register with WordPerfect Corporation. Customers who are not registered
 can do this by completing and returning the registration card attached to
 the Certificate of License, which is included in WordPerfect Corporation
 product packages, or by providing the information to a support technician
 when calling for technical assistance. Beginning Feb. 1, customer support
 representatives will give registered and non-registered customers a PIN
 (personal identification number). Users will need their PIN each time
 they call support, as this number tracks a caller's eligibility for free
 Classic Service; multiple products can be assigned to one PIN. Beginning
 July 1, WordPerfect Corporation will use an automated system to verify
 that customers are registered and eligible to receive Classic Service.

      "Customer registration is one way to preserve the world-class    
      quality of WordPerfect Corporation's classic service. By registering
      customers we ensure that the customers who buy our products are the
      same customers who benefit from the free service," said Cooper.

  Classic Service
  ---------------
      A registered customer will receive free Classic Service technical
 support for current products, beginning with the day the customer makes
 the first call for technical support. The free support period is 180 days
 for business applications and 90 days for workgroup applications. If
 users continue to need assistance beyond the free period, they may choose
 from various Priority Service or automated support options.

  Priority Service 
  ----------------
      The Priority Service program promises access to second-line
 technicians.  The program does not require customer registration, has no
 limited time period and technicians will support current and most of the
 mature versions of WordPerfect Corporation products. Customers can pay
 for the support incident by credit card $25 per incident or $2 per minute
 for business applications and $150 for workgroup applications. The
 Priority Service program begins March 1 for workgroup applications and
 April 4 for business applications.

  Premium Service
  ---------------
      Large account customers may now choose from among three support
 options including WordPerfect's new $2,500-per-year Silver Support
 program geared to small-and medium-sized organizations with 50-300
 end-users. The Silver Support program complements WordPerfect's recently
 announced $15,000-per-year Platinum Support and $10,000-per-year Gold
 Support programs for large-and medium-sized enterprises.  Silver Support
 offers priority access to a second-line technician, a toll-free line and
 monthly updates to WordPerfect Corporation's customer support infobase on
 CD-ROM.

  Automated Support Services
  --------------------------
      WordPerfect Corporation's free automated support options are
 available to all customers at any time. These include fax-on-demand
 InfoShare, BBS (bulletin board service), or existing online forums such
 as SpaceWorks, CompuServe and America Online.

      "Our new programs are in the WordPerfect tradition of providing the
 highest quality support to our customers," said Cooper.

                  ________________________________________



 > MIXED UP MOTHER GOOSE STR Review
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""




                           KIDS' COMPUTING CORNER
                           ======================



 by Frank Sereno

      This week I will review Mixed-Up Mother Goose from Sierra On-line,
 another of the older but excellent titles available at huge discounts to
 careful shoppers.  At the end of this article I will mention some methods
 of purchasing software at a discount.

      Mixed-Up Mother Goose is available on many computer platforms
 including IBM compatibles, Atari ST, Amiga and Macintosh.  The version I
 am reviewing is the IBM CD-rom version, one of the first 'multi-media'
 releases.  Requirements are a CD-rom drive, VGA graphics, 640k of base
 memory, a mouse or joystick , an AdLib or Sound Blaster compatible sound
 card and a 286 or better CPU.  The game comes on two CD-ROMs, one of
 which is an English-only disc and the second is the multi-lingual disc
 which allows the speech in the program to be a choice of English,
 Japanese, German, French and Spanish.

      Installation is very easy.  Simply select the drive letter of your
 CD-rom and then type INSTALL.  The install program will then create batch
 and configuration files on your hard drive to start the game quickly. 
 Upon starting the game,  the title screen comes up and the player is
 given the choice of playing a saved game, a new game, changing the
 language or viewing the credits.  Games in progress are automatically
 saved to the hard drive.  Upon selecting a new game, the player is given
 the choice of 12 different on-screen alter egos.  There are six boys and
 six girls of different ethnic heritages.  Once you have chosen the on-
 screen character, the game will begin.  The opening shows the on-screen
 child resting in bed.  Clicking on various objects will result in the
 display of humorous animations. Clicking upon the book in the bookcase
 will cause the on-screen child to sleep and  to dream of  flying to
 Mother Goose land on the back of her goose.  Mother Goose then explains
 her dilemma to the player.

      Mother Goose is a children's adventure game.  Using a simple point
 and click interface, the child helps Mother Goose fix her mixed up
 nursery rhymes by finding items or people in the game and returning them
 to their proper places.  In all, eighteen rhymes must be fixed including
 Humpty Dumpty, Little Tommy Tucker and Peter Pumpkin-Eater.  The items
 are spread throughout Mother Goose land.  The player can only carry one
 item at a time and picks up an item by moving their on-screen character
 past the item.  The rhyme is fixed when the player takes the item he is
 carrying to the correct nursery rhyme character. 

      Movement is accomplished by moving the on-screen cursor and
 clicking.  When encountering any of the characters from Mother Goose
 land, clicking on the mouth icon will allow the player's on-screen
 character to converse with the nursery rhyme character.  This will give
 the player clues as what items that character needs to complete his
 rhyme.  If there are no nursery rhyme characters on screen, selecting the
 mouth icon will cause the player's character to say a small bit of
 personal information such as "Grandma makes macaroni and cheese for me
 when I visit."  As Sierra's first multi-media effort, real people spoke
 the lines but the performances are only adequate.  This is audio that is
 directly off the CD-rom disc.

      Other icons available to the player are a map icon which will show
 his location in the game as well as any locations of interest to the
 game, a volume control for the background music which is generated by
 your sound card, a speed icon for adjusting how fast the on-screen player
 walks and finally a stop icon so the player can exit the game.  In the
 lower left portion of the screen, 18 small depressions are visible.  As
 each nursery rhyme is complete, a gold ball will appear in one of the
 depressions.

      When the player finds an item and is ready to deliver it to the
 proper nursery rhyme character, simply find that character on-screen and
 then use the mouth icon to talk to that character.  The nursery rhyme
 will then be animated on the screen and a song of the rhyme will be
 heard.  Once all eighteen nursery rhymes have been fixed, the on-screen
 player will meet with all the nursery rhyme characters and then be flown
 home by Mother Goose's goose.

      Mixed-up Mother Goose is an excellent way to familiarize children
 with the classic nursery rhymes.  The graphics and animation are quite
 good and the songs are bright and lively.  Not only is this is a good
 game for younger children, but it can be used as an introductory
 adventure game for people that are unfamiliar with computers.  The game
 is completely non-violent and the puzzles are easy.  Players will learn
 how to use the mouse and to click on icons.  I've played the game with my
 children and it is amusing, at least the first few times through the
 game.  I recommend this game quite highly for children ages 3 through 8
 years.  Despite being written several years ago, it is still an excellent
 program even in comparison to today's latest releases.

      Floppy disk versions of Mixed-up Mother Goose can be found for $10. 
 Many stores sell the CD-rom version for $20 or less.  During the recent
 Christmas season, WalMart stores in northern Illinois were clearing out
 the CD-rom version for only $10.

      Now let's list some of the ways you can buy software at deep
 discounts.  One method is to order your software through a high-volume
 mail order house.  These merchants often have low overhead and offer the
 lowest prices on the latest releases.  They also heavily discount older
 stock and often advertise those specials in computer magazines.  A second
 method is to check the bargain bins of your nearest large computer store. 
  As new software is released, the older stock must be removed to make
 room for the new and the quickest way to remove it is to heavily discount
 it.  A third way of finding software at a discount is to visit stores
 that pick up discontinued software and sell it at low prices.  Stores
 such as KayBee Toys often sell older software at huge discounts.  These
 are all regular retail channels for buying software.

      Other ways of saving on software exist outside of these retail
 methods for saving.  In many metropolitan areas, computer shows are being
 held.  These shows are a gathering of computer software and hardware
 wholesalers and retailers.  Often great savings can be gained from
 shopping these shows.  Probably the items with the greatest mark-downs
 are CD-rom discs.  Sometimes Hamfests and flea markets will have
 individuals selling computer equipment and software.   Also gaining
 popularity are re-sale or used software stores.  These stores buy
 software from end-users that no longer need the programs, add a markup
 and then resell the programs to their customers.  Savings can be 50% or
 more, but most often it is about 25% off retail.  Obviously, savings
 would be greater if you cut out the middleman in the purchasing of used
 software.

      One way to purchase used software directly from the owner is to shop
 want ads in newspapers, computer magazines such as Computer Shopper and
 regional want ad magazines.  Here in northern Illinois we have Tradin'
 Times which has several pages of ads for computer items.  Probably the
 best way is to shop For Sale echoes on Bulletin Board Systems.  Many BBS
 systems have message bases dedicated to the sales of computer items. 
 Many times these bases are limited to the users of that particular BBS. 
 One way of reaching more people is to post on a message base that is
 networked between many BBSs.  There are a myriad of networks out there
 such as RIMEnet, Vnet, Fnet, etc.  Probably the oldest and most respected
 of networks is FIDOnet.  FIDOnet has national and international echoes
 devoted to the selling of computer items.  There are specific echoes for
 selling CD-ROMs, for commercial vendors and for private individuals.

      Most people dealing on these networks are reputable and honest, but
 every once in a while someone will try to pull a scam by accepting money
 and then either not shipping the goods paid for or  by shipping broken or
 worthless merchandise.  There are legal methods to protect yourself when
 shopping via BBS systems, but it also best to use common sense to avoid
 the scam artists.  Read the messages in the echo for several weeks before
 trying to make any transactions.  This will give you a chance to see who
 the regular and most dependable sellers are in that particular echo. 
 Also note if there are any complaints about anyone involved in any
 transactions and avoid those people until those complaints are rectified. 
 If a deal sounds too good to be true, it may very well be so.  If someone
 insists on prepayment on a large purchase, exercise extreme caution. 
 Some sellers are cautious to ship COD because if the shipment is refused,
 then they are stuck with the shipping costs.  If they give you a tale of
 being burned on COD shipments, offer to send payment for shipping charges
 first but reserve payment for the merchandise until it arrives via UPS or
 other means.

      I hope that you find these reviews useful.  As always, I thank you
 for reading!

               _____________________________________________


 > INFOCENTRAL STR InfoFile
   """"""""""""""""""""""""


                              Technology Update

                   WORDPERFECT INFOCENTRAL 1.0 FOR WINDOWS
                               IN BETA TESTING

                  Intelligent Personal Information Manager
                    Set To Ship By End of First Quarter

 WordPerfect  Corporation's  consumer  products division has announced the
 company's  new  intelligent  personal  information  manager  for Windows,
 WordPerfect InfoCentral, has entered beta testing.

 WordPerfect  InfoCentral, as part of the WordPerfect Main Street consumer
 product line, takes advantage of object-oriented technology to help users
 organize people, places, things and events.

 WordPerfect  InfoCentral  (previously  code  named  CIA)  is  a  personal
 productivity  tool  that  allows users to organize and manage their daily
 information  and  contacts.  The PIM offers calendaring, address book and
 to-do  features  all of which are integrated with patent-pending iConnect
 technology, in a simple interface.

 WordPerfect  InfoCentral  has  created  a  new  paradigm  for information
 management, said Ad Rietveld, president and CEO, WordPerfect Corporation.
 The  product  is truly an intelligent information manager. With more than
 five  years  of  development  and  with  patent-pending  technology,  the
 superior  capabilities of the PIM will make it easy for users to organize
 and manage their documents, contacts and appointments.

 Connections.   WordPerfect InfoCentral intelligently connects information
 between  people,  places,  things  and  events  with  iConnect.  The  PIM
 automatically  sorts  information into an easy- to-read outline that lets
 users  describe   the  relationship  or  connection   between  pieces  of
 information.

 "iConnect"  allows users to enter and find information from multiple view
 points.  For  example,  a  user  can  enter  the  name  George  Bush into
 WordPerfect InfoCentral and include the companies, organizations, places,
 and people to  whom George was formerly or presently associated. The user
 connects  George to all of the categories and George can now be instantly
 retrieved by looking up any of the connected categories.

 Related  File  Launch.  Through related file launching technology and OLE
 2.0, users can now manage any type of information produced in any Windows
 applications including editors, word processors, databases, spreadsheets,
 presentation programs, etc.

 For  example,  to  write  a  letter to George Bush, the user simply finds
 George's  name  in  the PIM, clicks on the Related File launch button and
 WordPerfect  InfoCentral  automatically  launches into the user's Windows
 word  processor.    Within  seconds  the  program organizes a letter with
 George's name, address, opening salutation, and closing while putting the
 cursor in the exact location to begin writing a letter.

 After  the  user  completes,  saves,  and  closes the letter, WordPerfect
 InfoCentral  takes  the  user  back  to  George's name in the PIM where a
 "document" entry appears. By clicking on the document entry, the user can
 find  the  letter and any other document the user has connected to George
 Bush.

 Mail-enabled.   The PIM is mail-enabled through WordPerfect Office or any
 e-mail application that supports VIM or MAPI standards.

 Enter  Information  Once.   WordPerfect InfoCentral is unlike traditional
 contact and information managers because users are only required to enter
 information  once.  The  PIM's  intelligence  reuses  information already
 entered  into  the  PIM  such  as names, addresses and phone numbers. The
 benefit  for  the  user  is  that  WordPerfect InfoCentral eliminates the
 redundant entering of data, saving valuable time and hard disk space.

 The  time has come to deliver a true intelligent information manager that
 is  designed  with the user in mind,  said Jeff Mallett, senior director,
 consumer  products  division.    We  haven't  forced  an  old information
 management  or  paper contact system into a software package. Instead, we
 have maximized object-oriented technology and put the user in charge, not
 the program.

 Tabs.    Tabs,  similar  to file folders, allow users to keep information
 they use most in an organized, easy to use format. Information updated in
 one tab, is automatically updated within all tabs.

 Outline  View.    WordPerfect  InfoCentral  presents  information  in  an
 easy-to-understand  Outline View. The Outline View shows users how all of
 their information is interconnected. No outlining is ever required by the
 user user's information is outlined in the PIM automatically.

 Calendar  View.   The program's Calendar View includes day, week and year
 views.  Users can easily drag and drop appointments between days or weeks
 and  schedule  tasks  in the same view. WordPerfect InfoCentral will also
 print  information  in  all  standard planner sizes for users who wish to
 carry their information in hard copy format.

 Address  Book  View.  The Address Book View allows users to access names,
 addresses,  phone and fax numbers, cellular numbers, and e-mail addresses
 of related persons and places.

 Information  Bases.    Another  unique feature of WordPerfect InfoCentral
 that  sets  it  apart  from  other PIMs is the four information bases, or
 iBases,  that  ship with the product. The four iBases include information
 on the top 500 consumer product companies, computer hardware and software
 companies, world business travel and wines of the world.

 All  four  iBases  are presented using the PIM's technology that provides
 users  with  an instant reference and an excellent foundation or starting
 point  for  users  to  add  their  own  personal information. WordPerfect
 Corporation  will  continue to develop iBases and work with other content
 providers to give users updates and additional iBases.

 Templates  and  quick  tours.   Templates and quick tours will help users
 quickly  get  started  using  WordPerfect  InfoCentral.   Several  iBase
 templates will help users begin entering and connecting their information
 right away. Quick tours take users step by step through various functions
 of the PIM.

 System Requirements and Pricing: Requirements for WordPerfect InfoCentral
 are  a  386  processor or higher with 4M of RAM. Microsoft Windows 3.1 or
 later  and 4-6M of hard disk space are also required. The PIM can be used
 with  any  pen  computer  using  Microsoft Windows for Pen Computing. The
 expected  shipping  date  of  version  1.0  is  first quarter 1994 with a
 suggested retail price of $149 US/$179* CAN.

 WordPerfect InfoCentral is one of 28 products included in the WordPerfect
 Main  Street  consumer  product  line.  Several  other  new  products are
 expected  to  ship during 1994 to meet the computer software needs of the
 home and small business markets. WordPerfect Presentations.

 ADDITIONAL  INFO  FROM  ANOTHER  SOURCE:  WordPerfect InfoCentral 1.0 for
 Windows  is  a  new personal information manager (PIM) that creates a new
 paradigm  for  organizing  people,  places  and  things  with  the use of
 object-oriented computing along with  tight integration  between  Windows
 applications,  OLE  2.0,  connecting of objects and simple user-definable
 fields.  Information  is  presented in an Outline View, Calendars, To Dos
 and Address Books. Several helpful information bases, templates and quick
 tours ship with the PIM to help users get started.

 WordPerfect  Works  2.0  for  Windows  is  a powerful integrated software
 package  that  gives  users  instant  integration  with a word processor,
 database,  spreadsheet,  draw and paint module. Communications support is
 also  included.   WordPerfect Works for Windows gives users the power  to
 draw, paint, write, budget and file all within one application.

 WordPerfect  ExpressFax+  3.0  for Windows integrates fax, data and voice
 communications  all  in  one  easy-to-use  interface.  Optical  Character
 Recognition  (OCR)  support  is  provided  through Xerox Imaging System's
 TextBridge Technology.

 ExpressFax+  3.0  for  Windows  will  have  a  suggested  retail price of
 $99US/$120CAN  and  WordPerfect  InfoCentral  and  WordPerfect  Works for
 Windows will have a suggested retail price of $149US/$179CAN

                 __________________________________________




 > COREL OPEN LETTER STR InfoFile
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""

                          COREL STEADILY IMPROVING
                          ========================

 To All:

 Greetings from Corel's Sales & Marketing department. I daily monitor the
 discussions here on Compuserve and I do appreciate your comments,
 suggestions, concerns regarding Corel's pricing and distribution
 policies.  There are many issues that you have raised and although I
 cannot address all of them, I would like to say that your opinions matter
 to us.

 Many of you have expressed concern over the upgrade price, our
 'all-in-one' software strategy, and now the shipping of upgrades. First,
 I'm not here to make excuses for Corel, but rather, to add my perspective
 to your discussions.

 First, Corel's upgrade price for CorelDRAW 4 was set after extensive
 consultation with users and with respect to the relative value in the
 box.  Please consider the value of 650 Bitstream and ITC fonts, the
 comprehensive pre-press controls,  desktop publishing features, OCR
 technology, additional clip-art and data manager, all user requested
 features and implemented within a 12 month development cycle. We're 
 continuing to bring innovations to market with features like Powerlines,
 not found in any other package on any platform. We're confident you'll
 agree that the additions to the CorelDRAW module, fonts and clipart
 alone are worth the price of the upgrade.

 Secondly, you helped make CorelDRAW a success and we need you to continue
 to provide us with valuable feedback. Your suggestions regarding
 unbundling of the software modules are taken seriously. CorelDRAW 3 was
 the first 'all-in-one' graphics software package and sales virtually
 doubled in 1992.  The strategy popularized graphics on the desktop and
 catapulted our company into another league with over half a million users
 worldwide. The strategy was right for the times and version 4 maintains
 that tradition with refinements throughout all of the modules. We are
 reviewing the product's future directions and your input is welcome.

 Finally, when CorelDRAW 3 shipped last year, we simultaneously shipped
 full versions and version upgrades to resellers and both products
 appeared on resellers shelves at the same time. This year, Corel was
 determined to process all upgrade orders directly through a 1-800 service
 until June 25. CorelDRAW 4 full versions and upgrades were manufactured
 within days of each other and while full versions were shipped first to 
 wholesalers, CorelDRAW 4 version upgrades followed quickly and your
 orders are currently being processed through Federal Express. Computer
 stores will carry CorelDRAW 4 upgrades in July. We anticipate that if
 you placed an 'early bird upgrade' you will have your software within
 days of this announcement. 

 I apologize for any inconvenience and confusion these company decisions
 may have caused you and I know you are eagerly awaiting your order. We
 trust that as we perfect this new system that our contact with you the
 loyal user of Corel will strengthen  and you will continue to believe in
 the product and the people at Corel who enjoy bringing it to you.

                                         Warm regards,


                                         Arlen Bartsch
                                         Director, Sales & Marketing




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

                    :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
                     _________________________________

      Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
                      Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
               Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
                          Wait for the U#= prompt.

                  Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.

     Are  your  friends  "busy"  buddies?  Are they being left out in the
     cold  because  their  online service doesn't have room for them?  Is
     "Almost  OnLine"  as  close as they're getting to BEING online?  Are
     they  faced  with  busy signals, "come back later" messages and slow
     response?

     Well,  we  know  how frustrated they must feel.  We've been there --
     done  that!  But, that's no longer the Case on GEnie.  We've got the
     room,  we've  got the fun and we've got the greatest users....people
     just like you!  So why not invite your buddies to join you on GEnie?

     We've   designed  a  slick  promotion  in  order  to  give  you  the
     opportunity  to be a hero to your friends.  To get them back online,
     get them some free time, and introduce them to GEnie Services.  What
     you  don't  have  to  tell them is that you get something out of the
     deal, too!

     For  each  new  user  you  bring  to  GEnie, we'll waive their first
     month's subscription fee, and give them a total of TEN free hours of
     standard  connect  time  -- that's a $38.95 (C$50.95) value!  If you
     and  your buddy are still active GEnie subscribers three months from
     the  date  your  buddy signs up, YOU get five hours of FREE standard
     connect time -- a $15.00 (C$20.00) value for each buddy you sponsor!

      And, for a limited time, you can even qualify for SPECIAL PRIZES!!!
      
          In  addition to the five hours of standard connect time, prizes
     will  be  awarded  to  the  three  sponsors  who  bring  in the most
     qualifying buddies between February 3, 1994 and March 31, 1994.  The
     third-place  Buddy  sponsor  will receive a GEnie satin jacket.  The
     second-place  Buddy  sponsor will receive a 9600 bps modem.  And the
     first-place  buddy sponsor will receive a $500 gift certificate good
     at your favorite computer store.

          Like everything good, there are a few rules for the GEnie Buddy
     Bonus  Program.    You'll  find  the complete promotion rules on the
     GEnie  Services Buddy Bonus page (type BUDDY or M1111).  Be sure you
     review the complete rules before you contact your friends.

          So,  if your buddies have been bragging about that other online
     service,  just remind them that a pretty interface ain't worth squat
     if  it  doesn't  log  on!  Bring them over to GEnie....we may not be
     pretty  just  yet,  but we're definitely more fun!  And, if a GUI is
     that  important  to  them,  tell  them  that we'll have both Mac and
     Windows front ends before the other guys get more computers!

                   Don't stand IN LINE      ....get ONLINE!

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

                                      
                                       
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        ___   ___    _____     _______
       /___| /___|  /_____|  /_______/           The Macintosh RoundTable
      /____|/____| /__/|__| /__/                 ________________________
     /_____|_____|/__/_|__|/__/
    /__/|____/|__|________|__/
   /__/ |___/ |__|_/   |__|_/____                  Managed by SyndiComm
  /__/  |__/  |__|/    |__|______/

          An Official Forum of the International Computer Users Group
    
                    *** STReport available in MAC RT ***
                                 ASCII TEXT
                            for ALL GEnie users!



                           MAC/APPLE SECTION (II)
                           ======================
                             Randy Noak, Editor


      Whew! The PowerMacs are here and STReport has all the info! By all
 accounts, the PowerMacs are a smash success. Reports have surfaced of
 60mHz PowerMacs running PhotoShop at _four times_ the speed of PhotoShop
 on 80mHz Pentium chips. That's _FAST_! There's a bunch of PowerMac info
 in this issue, so be sure and check it out. Also, Associate Editor,
 Education, Melanie Bell, reviews "Busy Box", a fun children's shareware
 program.

      Mac Report Monthly is now available for download on America OnLine,
 CompuServe and GEnie. Mac Report Monthly (MRM) is an all-Mac monthly
 magazine containing some of the articles that have appeared in Mac Report
 the previous month. Be sure and check that out too.

      I'm sure you're all anxious to get to the PowerMac info, so I'll
 keep my opener short this week. Read on!


                   ______________________________________


 > The Ultimate Busy Box 3.3 STR Review
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



                         THE ULTIMATE BUSY BOX 3.3
                         =========================


 by Melanie Bell, Associate Editor - Education

      The ultimate busy box is an educational shareware program I found on
 America OnLine .  The program is a HyperCard stack that  focuses on 
 letter recognition , and number recognition skills.

      ULB opens with an all familiar voice of  that  purple dinosaur
 saying "Hello to all my friends".   After which  you see what looks like
 a typewriter. A voice then says "find" and calls out a letter randomly.
 The letter is also displayed at the top of the typewriter.  The child is
 to match the lower case letter shown at the top, to the upper case letter
 on the typewriter.  The child must use the mouse to navigate to the
 correct letter and click on it.  Keyboard answers are not accepted. If
 the child does not choose the correct letter nothing happens. When the
 child matches  the correct letter, he or she is rewarded by various
 sounds.  A few of these sounds are a cats meow, a dogs bark, a simple
 melody, and a quack. Besides matching lower to upper case letters, the
 child is also asked to find  numbers.  When the correct number is clicked
 the child is rewarded by a "quack" the number of times equivalent to the
 number chosen. 

      These sounds can also be heard by clicking on their buttons at the
 bottom of the typewriter.  Along with  these sounds, the child can click
 on a button of a typewriter and is rewarded by hearing what sounds like a
 typewriter. There is also a light bulb, that when clicked makes the
 screen flash.  To add to that there is an ABC button that when the child
 clicks on it, a bar at the bottom flashes the letters and a voice recites
 the ABC s.  There is also a button  that has numbers on it, when the
 child clicks on it the bar at the bottom flashes numbers and a voice
 counts to nine.
  
      As a teacher, I really liked this program.  The documentation
 referred to a toddler using it, but I could see my first graders benefit-
 ing from it.  A lot of children have a difficult time matching lower case
 letters to their upper case counterparts. They also have a hard time
 recognizing numbers. Using the mouse to navigate to the correct letter or
 number  develops hand- eye coordination.  The sound and action buttons
 keep the child interested, the voice is that of a child and is under-
 standable.

                      The Ultimate Busy Box Collection
                             Shareware- $12.00
                               Alex G"nrieser
                              422 NE 82nd St.
                              Seattle, WA98115
                          America OnLine :StimpyJ
                         Internet: stimpyj@aol.com

      Melanie Bell is an elementary teacher from Rockwood ,Tennessee.


                     __________________________________



 > POWERMAC! STR InfoFile
   """"""""""""""""""""""


                      THE COMPLETE POWERMAC REFERENCE
                      ===============================



           "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."
                                               Alan Kay, Apple Fellow

  Power Macintosh: What's it all about?

      It's been ten years since people began talking about the computers
 that smiled back at them.

      The second decade for Apple Macintosh computers will certainly bring
 a sea of change in the realm of personal computing, but perhaps the most
 fundamental change will be the introduction of Power Macintosh computers. 
 This new computing platform is based on PowerPC, a powerful new micropro-
 cessor that is designed to provide the foundation for the future of
 personal computing.

      This microprocessor is the result of a sweeping technology alliance
 made up of Apple, IBM, and Motorola that was formed in 1991. This alli-
 ance called for developing IBM's POWER RISC microprocessor architecture
 into a RISC chip that could be used for desktop computers.  Apple chose
 this chip design because it combines state-of-the-art technology and the
 backing of major computer vendors that have a proven ability to produce
 chips in volumes large enough and cost effective enough to accommodate
 the massive personal computer market.

  Apple had four design goals when developing its Power Mac platform:

  =>  Provide tremendous performance at a reasonable price.  This alone
      was a daunting goal, since no other personal computer vendor had
      been able to offer a system that was as affordable as it was robust.

  =>  Create an advanced computing environment that would pave the way for
      new kinds of applications.

  =>  Offer a smooth migration path for both Macintosh and PC users to
      PowerPC processor-based computers by offering a variety of upgrade
      options.

  =>  Make sure the new systems would be compatible with existing software
      and peripherals, and maintain a "look and feel" that users would
      recognize.

      No doubt about it, these were lofty goals. But intentions don't mean
 much unless they're carried out. This document will explain how Apple has
 addressed these goals and come through with a next-generation computing
 platform.

      In terms of Apple's specific roll-out plans, the company is intro-
 ducing Power Macintosh first into the midrange and high-end of the
 Macintosh family.  The company will also integrate the PowerPC processor
 into its entire line, including desktop computers, workgroup servers, and
 notebook computers, over the next few years.

  Here are some of the highlights of Power Macintosh:

  => It uses an advanced microprocessor that provides workstation-like
     power.

  => The PowerPC 601 microprocessor outperforms its major competitor,
     Intel's Pentium processor.

  => It performs significantly better than computers running on 68040 and
     80486 microprocessors.

  => It raises the ceiling on what a computer and its users can do.

  => It features an operating system, optimized for the new chip, that
     will make it easier to use a computer.

  => It retains the hallmark Macintosh look and feel.

  => It runs high-performance software applications that have been specif
     ically designed to take advantage of the power of the new chip.

  => It's highly compatible with software that runs on 68040 and 80486
     microprocessors (including both DOS and Windows software).

  => It allows users to upgrade their current Macintosh systems to take
     advantage of the PowerPC chip.

 INSIDE APPLE'S POWER MACINTOSH SYSTEMS
 --------------------------------------
  Apple's Choice of PowerPC Chip
  ------------------------------
      The PowerPC family of microprocessors is built on RISC (reduced
 instruction set computing) technology and developed as part of the Apple,
 IBM, Motorola alliance formed in 1991.

  Why RISC?
      First, this microprocessor design takes the approach of streamlining
 the internal workings of computers.  Whereas traditional CISC (complex
 instruction set computing) processors Intel's Pentium chip, for example
 contain a vast number of instructions to handle nearly every task that a
 computer carries out, RISC processors contain only the instructions that
 are used most often.  The result: RISC processors execute basic instruc-
 tions very quickly.  To handle a more complex instruction, RISC proces-
 sors simply build it from its basic instructions.  This powerful proces-
 sor, until now, was used only in systems designed for raw computational
 power, such as engineering workstations and database servers running the
 UNIX operating system.  The introduction of the RISC-based PowerPC chip
 brings the power of a workstation to the personal computer.

  Why PowerPC?
      Apple's decision to go with the PowerPC chip was influenced by a
 combination of factors.  The linchpin was that IBM was willing to adapt
 its POWER RISC architecture already used on IBM's RS/6000 workstations to
 create a RISC-based microprocessor appropriate for personal computer
 users.  That move provided the alliance with a known product that already
 had a set of application development tools that could be revamped for the
 PowerPC chip.  And, having three major companies going in on the chip was
 a sure-fire way to call on considerable research and development re-
 sources to produce several versions of the chip simultaneously. The
 strength of the alliance companies has the additional benefit of ensuring
 that the PowerPC chip will become a mainstream processor in short order. 
 Finally, on the logistics side, Apple was satisfied that PowerPC could be
 produced cost-effectively in large quantities, since the alliance compa-
 nies had already established that they could pump out the millions of
 microprocessors needed for the personal computer market.

      The PowerPC microprocessor family currently comprises four models,
 ranging in speed from 60-MHz to 80-MHz clock speeds.
   They are:

  => PowerPC 601 for midrange to high-end Macintosh systems

  => PowerPC 603 an energy-saving, lower-cost design for entry-level
     desktop Macintosh computers and PowerBook models

  => PowerPC 604 the next level in high-performance computing

  => PowerPC 620 a very high-performance processor designed for
     workstations and servers

  How PowerPC Stacks Up Competitively
      Though Apple chose the RISC-based PowerPC chip to be the brain of
 its new line of computers, the company realizes there are other technolo-
 gies on the market. Here's how they stack up.

      Intel's Pentium, based on CISC technology, is the most powerful
 microprocessor that DOS and Windows computer vendors use.  Intel insists
 that it is not necessary to use RISC technology in microprocessors
 designed for powerful personal computers.  However, in benchmark tests,
 even the first generation PowerPC 601 microprocessors were on par with
 Pentium and more than 30% faster than Pentium in floating-point calcula-
 tions (such as 3-D graphics and CAD).  The bottom line for computer users
 is that RISC-based microprocessors will help their applications run
 faster than if they were running on CISC-based microprocessors.

      Not only does PowerPC outperform Pentium, but it does so in a
 smaller and cooler package.  Size affects the cost of a microprocessor
 (smaller ones are less expensive), while heat output determines which
 computer models it can be used in (hotter processors need more space and
 electronic power, which means they are not well-suited for notebook
 computers).  The PowerPC 601 microprocessor is roughly half the size,
 heat output, and price of the Pentium chip.  Couple those advantages with
 the performance statistics, and, in the end, the PowerPC 601 is a less
 expensive, more versatile personal computer chip.

      The PowerPC chip also does well when going head-to-head with today's
 mainstream personal computer chips.  PowerPC processor-based machines,
 when running "native" applications, offer two to four times the perfor-
 mance of the 68040-based Macintosh Quadra line or  Intel 80486-based
 computers.  Native applications are those which have been either origi-
 nally designed or re-tooled to take advantage of the PowerPC chip.  In
 benchmark tests, native applications that rely on floating-point calcula-
 tions ran as much as 8 to 10 times faster than the fastest Motorola 68040
 and Intel 80486 based personal computers on the market.

  More Power Means the Computer Does More
      Power Macintosh raises the ceiling on what computers can do and is
 well-suited to handle power-hungry tasks.  This means that many capabili-
 ties are at the hands of mainstream computer users for the first time.
 For instance, "power user" applications such as animation and full-motion
 video can be used on Power Macintosh; this enables more people to easily
 create snappy multimedia presentations.  This also holds true for ad-
 vanced desktop graphic design and illustration long the domain of pub-
 lishers using souped-up computers which will become feasible for main-
 stream computer users, thanks to significant speed advances.  New collab-
 orative communication services, including live-screen sharing (for remote
 proofing of documents) and video conferencing, are on the agenda as well. 
 Power Macintosh also allows Apple to expand its AV technologies, such as
 speech recognition, text-to-speech conversion (for practical applications
 like language instruction training), and voice and language processing.

      The increased power of Power Macintosh computers allows both Apple
 and third-party developers to introduce across-the-board computing
 advances.  The PowerPC processor-based systems open the door to advances
 in the user interface, so the interface can progress from easy-to-use to
 invisible.  Someday, intelligent agents will allow the computer to learn
 the users habits and automate those tasks that the user does most often.
 Other improvements will include more sophisticated help systems and
 future advancements such as OpenDoc, an open architecture that will make
 it easier to share information across many computer platforms. These are
 just a smattering of the technologies that Power Macintosh will enable. 
 The net gain of Power Macintosh is simple, but important: it provides
 ample headroom for a vast number of new computing technologies.

  Delivering the Power in a Familiar Package
  ------------------------------------------
  Maintaining the Macintosh Look and Feel
      PowerPC will take the Macintosh platform to a new level.  But it's
 important to remember that each Power Macintosh system is still a
 Macintosh.  Although Apple is not the only manufacturer building a
 computer with the PowerPC microprocessor, it is the only company that has
 elected to combine RISC technology with an advanced, mainstream personal
 computer operating system, System 7.  So while other vendors move users
 to a new operating system in order to benefit from RISC, Apple has chosen
 to bring its operating system to Power Macintosh. Apple's first-genera-
 tion models will appear just like other Macintosh systems, providing its
 users with a familiar user interface smiling computer face and all and
 will not require retraining.  Whether copying a file or launching an
 application, users will interact with the computer as they have in the
 past.

  Operating System Optimized for PowerPC
  --------------------------------------
      While the user interface will look familiar, the operating system
 will advance.  Apple has optimized portions of System 7 so that it
 achieves high performance on the PowerPC chip.  For example, most appli-
 cations constantly access the Macintosh Toolbox, a set of system software
 modules that handle common tasks.  Those toolbox procedures that demand
 the most computational power (such as QuickDraw routines for redrawing
 the computer screen) have been modified to take advantage of RISC. And,
 because Apple will be converting more and more of the operating system to
 native PowerPC code, the system will  actually get faster (way faster!)
 as Apple releases new versions of the system software.  In fact, later
 versions of the software will begin to take on  additional qualities,
 incorporating intelligent agents and other enabling  technologies.  These
 types of advances will go beyond making it easy to use a computer they
 will make it easier for the user to get right to the work at hand without
 thinking about the computer.

  Native Applications
  -------------------
      System software is not the only software that's getting a makeover.  
 Applications are also being revamped to take advantage of the new sys-
 tem's power.  Major software companies are leading the effort and many
 others are following suit to produce hundreds of native PowerPC applica-
 tions (those that have either been designed or recompiled to exploit the
 PowerPC chip's performance potential).  Applications are under develop-
 ment in virtually every category, including publishing, general produc-
 tivity (such as word processing), scientific and engineering, education,
 and more.  Among the software developers are Adobe Systems, Inc., ACIUS,
 Inc., Aldus Corporation, Claris Corporation, Deneba Software, Frame
 Technology, Insignia Solutions, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Quark, Inc.,
 Specular International, and WordPerfect Corporation.

  Protecting the User's Investment
  --------------------------------
  Compatibility: Making it Easy on Users
      Apple knew that developing a new platform for running applications
 at breakneck speed was a good idea, but ignoring the computer user's
 current investment was not.  For that reason, Apple has worked to make
 sure that Power Macintosh is compatible with existing personal computer
 products.  In tests conducted with developers worldwide during the past
 year, 90 percent of existing Macintosh applications tested on an early
 Power Macintosh prototype ran without a problem.  Lab results indicate
 that these applications will range in performance from that of a fast
 68030- to a 68040-based Macintosh computer.  Apple realizes that the
 world is more than just Macintosh computers. Apple and third-party
 vendors have made strides to ensure that other PC users can get in on the
 Power Macintosh action. Insignia Solutions, Inc. is  manufacturing a
 software product called SoftWindows, which gives users the ability to run
 both DOS and Windows applications on Power Macintosh computers.

      But compatibility means more than just running applications. 
 Utility software such as INITs, CDEVs, and printer drivers also work on
 Power Macintosh systems. So do NuBus cards (such as networking and
 accelerator cards), AppleTalk devices (such as printers), SCSI devices
 (such as hard disks and scanners), ADB devices (such as a mouse, a
 trackball, and a keyboard), and other Macintosh cards and peripherals.

      Compatibility will extend to future computer innovations as well. 
 For instance, Power Macintosh systems will be able to run new operating
 systems, including the UNIX-based PowerOpen and object-oriented Taligent
 operating systems.

      Apple Continues Current Computer Line, Offers Upgrades A discussion
 of compatibility naturally leads to two related issues: What's going to
 happen to the current line of computers, and how do people who want to
 upgrade go about it?

      Apple has been developing the Macintosh line of computers for a
 decade and, with Power Macintosh, begins a new era.  The Macintosh family
 will continue to be offered with a wide range of prices and features, and
 the 680x0-based (also known as 68K) computers will play an important role
 in its future.  The company will market entry-level Macintosh Quadra
 systems, Performa and Macintosh LC lines based on the 68040 chips to meet
 the needs of people who are looking for a very affordable computer and do
 not require the power of the new chips.  The 68K family will, like Power
 Macintosh, undergo further technology advancements, such as system
 software upgrades.

      People who want to keep their current computer systems and upgrade
 them to the PowerPC chip have options as well.  Providing upgrades
 wherever possible has been Apple's goal since Power Macintosh was a glint
 in the engineer's eye.

      Apple expects to offer logic board and processor upgrades for
 Macintosh computers based on 680x0 chips.  With a range of options to
 suit different users, Apple will sell upgrades starting at approximately
 $700.  Logic board upgrades will be available for the Macintosh Quadra
 840AV, 800, 660AV, 650, and 610 models; the Macintosh Centris 660AV, 650,
 and 610 computers; and the Macintosh IIvx and IIvi; and the Performa 600. 
 In addition, people who own the Apple Workgroup Server 60, 80, and 95 can
 also purchase logic board upgrades to Power Macintosh.

      Another upgrade option is a lower-cost version that users can
 install  themselves: a processor upgrade card.  These will be available
 for the  Macintosh Quadra 950, 900, 800, 700, 650 and 610, as well as the
 Macintosh Centris 650 and 610.  These cards connect to the computer
 through the processor direct slot (PDS) and allow the machines to run at
 twice their original clock speed.

      Apple has also announced its intent to provide future upgrades for
 entry-level Macintosh systems, such as the Macintosh Quadra 605, LC 475,
 the Macintosh LC 520, 550, and 575; and the Performa 470 series and
 Performa 550.

  New Power Macintosh Models
  --------------------------
      Apple begins the roll-out of Power Macintosh by introducing three
 different systems:

  =>  Power Macintosh 6100/60.  Powered by a 60-MHz PowerPC 601
      microprocessor, this is the most affordable system in the new line
      and features a slim-line design (like the design of the Macintosh
      Quadra 610).

  =>  Power Macintosh 7100/66.   This model uses a 66-MHz PowerPC 601
      microprocessor and shares the design of the Macintosh Quadra 650. 
      It is designed to be a mainstream business system.

  =>  Power Macintosh 8100/80.  The highest-performance computer in the
      current line, this system uses an 80-MHz PowerPC 601 microprocessor
      and is well-suited for power users, such as professional publishers,
      engineers and other technical people.  It features a Macintosh
      Quadra 800 mini-tower design.

      Each system is also being sold in an AV model, which includes video
 in and out, telephone integration, and sound and speech recognition.  In
 addition, there  are separate configurations to support CD-ROM and
 SoftWindows.  All models come standard with Ethernet, 16-bit stereo sound
 and connections for  Apple's GeoPort telecommunications adapter, so users
 can send faxes from the computer and connect to on-line information
 services.


  Building a Bridge to the Future of Computing
  --------------------------------------------
                  "Look with favor upon a bold beginning."
                                                   Virgil

      Apple plans to use the PowerPC processors first in its midrange and
 high-end Macintosh computers.  Over time, Apple will be offering PowerPC
 versions in all its product lines, including the Macintosh Quadra,
 Performa, Macintosh LC, PowerBook, and WorkGroup Server systems.

      This, however, is not the end of the technological road for Apple's
 new line.  The company plans to continue to design new systems using the
 next PowerPC chips the Power PC 603, 604, and 620.  The current operating
 system will advance, and new operating systems for Power Macintosh
 computers will be introduced (such as PowerOpen and Taligent).  The user
 interface will advance, new industry-standard hardware will be developed,
 and many more native applications will hit the market.

      These are some of the specific plans for Apple's vision for the
 future of personal computing.  Countless details go into the implementa-
 tion of a next-generation computing platform, but all can be compressed
 into one singular goal: providing systems that enable a whole new world
 of personal computing. And that means offering the power and flexibility
 to build a bridge to the future.

      Apple believes that by using Power Macintosh, people and businesses
 will have the tools to unleash creativity and innovation as never before.

  Quick Reference Guide
  ---------------------
  680x0 or 0x0
      The microprocessor family used in all Macintosh systems before the
 introduction of the PowerPC microprocessor.  Manufactured by Motorola,
 the current versions of this microprocessor are the 68030 and 68040 (also
 referred to as the 68K family).

  80x86 or x86
      A line of Intel microprocessors, including 386 and 486 models that
 are the primary processors used in personal computers running DOS,
 Windows, and OS/2 operating systems.

  CISC
      CISC stands for complex instruction set computing.  This is the name
 of a computer chip design.  CISC technology contains a vast number of
 instructions to handle many different tasks (as opposed to RISC (see
 definition) which only contains those instructions that are used most
 often).  Intel's Pentium microprocessor, for example, is based on CISC
 technology.

  Microprocessor or processor
      The piece of equipment in a computer where all instructions that are
 carried out during an operation (everything from launching an application
 to calculating a spreadsheet) are processed.  Also known as a microchip
 or chip.

  Native application
    An application that has been either recompiled or originally designed
 for use with a particular microprocessor.  Native applications are
 optimized to take full advantage of a microprocessor's speed.

  PowerOpen
    A new version of the UNIX operating system being developed by Apple
 and IBM. PowerOpen is a major new open-systems platform that combines
 features of IBM's RS/6000 AIX family and Apple's A/UX operating system. 
 As with A/UX, PowerOpen will support Macintosh as well as UNIX applica-
 tions.

  PowerPC
      The microprocessor developed as part of an Apple, IBM, and Motorola
 alliance. This microprocessor, based on RISC technology (see definition),
 is used in Apple's family of Power Macintosh computers.

  RISC
      RISC stands for reduced instruction set computing.  This is the name
 of a computer chip design.  RISC chips contain only those instructions
 that are used most often.  When a complex instruction is needed, a RISC
 chip builds it from a combination of basic instructions.  PowerPC chips
 are based on RISC technology.

      Until PowerPC chips were introduced, RISC technology had been used
 only in systems designed for raw computational power, such as engineering
 workstations and commercial database servers.

  Taligent
      This is the name of a company and its product. Funded by Apple and
 IBM, Taligent (the company) is creating a new object-oriented operating
 system of the same name.  Taligent software will run on Apple's RISC-
 based systems.

               _____________________________________________




 > APPLE PR LEADS STR InfoFile
   """""""""""""""""""""""""""


  THIS RELEASE MOVED OVER PR NEWSWIRE AND FIRST CALL ON MONDAY, 
  MARCH 14, 1994 AT 3:03 AM, EST


  Apple Debuts Power Macintosh Line

  Three New Models Combine the Power of RISC with Mainstream Software,
  Including Macintosh, DOS, and Windows; Prices Start at Less than
  $2,000

  NEW YORK, New York--March 14, 1994--Apple Computer, Inc. today
  unveiled Power Macintosh --a new line of Apple  Macintosh  personal
  computers that offers the power of workstation computers, the
  affordability of mainstream personal computers, and the capability to
  run applications for Macintosh, MS-DOS, and Microsoft Windows.

       The company believes that Power Macintosh represents the platform
  for the next generation of personal computing.  Power Macintosh running
  System 7 marries, for the first time, the power of RISC (reduced 
  instruction set computing) technology with a mainstream personal 
  computing operating system.  As such, Apple believes that it has 
  established a foundation that is, at once, so robust and approachable
  that it will catalyze the development of richer applications, more
  intuitive software, and--ultimately--wholly new ways of using computers.

       The three new Power Macintosh models--the Power Macintosh 6100/60,
  7100/66, and 8100/80--join the midrange and high-end of the Macintosh
  family.  Fueled by the PowerPC  601 microprocessor, which was jointly
  developed by Apple, IBM, and Motorola as part of their historic 1991
  alliance, Power Macintosh computers offer the highest performance of
  any personal computer available today.

       When running new versions of application software optimized for
  PowerPC, Power Macintosh systems offer two to four times the
  performance of today s Intel 486 and Motorola 680x0-based personal
  computers.  Power Macintosh computers also outperform systems based
  on Intel's advanced microprocessor, Pentium.  Applications that require
  complex computation, such as graphics and engineering applications, may
  run up to 10 times faster on Power Macintosh than on current personal
  computer offerings.  More than 150 software developers worldwide have
  committed to shipping PowerPC optimized or "native" versions of their
  applications.

       Apple is also providing a bridge from its Power Macintosh systems
  to thousands of existing applications for DOS and Windows with a new
  software program called SoftWindows from Insignia Solutions.
  SoftWindows comes bundled with certain Power Macintosh configurations
  and is also sold separately.

       With their cross-plaftorm compatibility, Apple expects the new
  systems to attract Macintosh, DOS, and Windows users. Power Macintosh
  computers should be particularly popular in professional and
  mainstream business sectors with customers whose appetite for
  increased speed and power was only previously met through more costly
  workstations.  These customers would typically use computers for
  high-performance tasks, including publishing, graphic arts, science
  and research.

       Mainstream Operating System
       ---------------------------
  Power Macintosh computers run an optimized version of the Macintosh
  System 7 operating system. This means Power Macintosh users can enjoy
  the ease of use, simple plug-and-play, and thousands of software
  applications that have distinguished the Macintosh platform to date.
  Additionally, System 7.1.2, the version of the Macintosh operating
  system for Power Macintosh, has key features, such as the QuickTime
  multimedia architecture and QuickDraw  graphics architecture, that
  have been tuned for even better performance.  Apple plans to add
  additional new features for the PowerPC processor and introduce new
  technologies that capitalize on its advanced power.

       Exceptional Compatibility
       -------------------------
  Because Power Macintosh computers run the mainstream Macintosh
  operating system, these new systems are compatible with previous
  Motorola 68000-based Macintosh systems.  This means that Power
  Macintosh customers can choose from thousands of current Macintosh
  applications, peripherals, and cards--including Apple s existing
  family of LocalTalk , Ethernet and Token-Ring products--and run them
  unaltered.

       With the addition of the SoftWindows emulation software, DOS and
 Windows users have the ability to run most of their current applications
 on their Power Macintosh computers with performance similar to that of
 Intel 386 and 486 computers, depending on the application and system
 configuration.

       Strong Developer and Applications Support Virtually all the major
 players in the software developer community today have announced strong
 support for the platform worldwide, including industry leading vendors
 such as Adobe, Aldus, Claris, Lotus, Microsoft, Quark, and WordPerfect. 
 More than 50 native applications are scheduled to ship at or within 30
 days of introduction, with hundreds slated to be available in the first
 six months. Native applications (meaning those written specifically to
 tap the power of PowerPC) span a broad range of titles and categories,
 including publishing, education, multimedia, technical markets and
 general business (see related release, March 14, 1994, "Hundreds of
 Optimized Applications Announced for PowerPC").

       The first wave of Power Macintosh applications will primarily take
 advantage of improved speed. Apple expects that, in the future, Power
 Macintosh will enable new and enhanced capabilities in the area of
 intelligent software, animation and high-resolution video, integrated
 video and telecommunications, and advancements in speech recognition and
 language processing.

       Availability and Pricing
       ------------------------
      Power Macintosh systems and a range of PowerPC 601 processor-based 
 upgrades will be offered worldwide through Apple authorized resellers.
 Systems are available immediately in the U.S. and other selected regions
 worldwide.

       The U.S. Apple price ranges from $1,819 for the Power Macintosh
 6100/60 base system equipped with 8MB of DRAM and a 160MB hard disk, to
 $4,249 for the Power Macintosh 8100/80 base system offered with 8MB of
 DRAM, a 250MB hard disk and 2MB of VRAM.

      Product availability and pricing will vary outside of the U.S.
 Server Products.  Apple Business Systems also announced that it plans to
 introduce Apple Workgroup Servers based on the PowerPC microprocessor in
 May.  The client software for Apple client/server applications, including
 AppleShare , AppleSearch  and Apple Remote Access, is compatible with
 Power Macintosh systems today.  Apple server software, including
 AppleShare and AppleSearch, will also be upgraded to run under emulation
 on the servers and will be available in May.  Specifics on the various
 server upgrade options will be made available in the coming weeks.

  Power Macintosh
  ---------------
  Product Specifications, Upgrades and Pricing

  -  Power Macintosh 6100/60; The most affordable Power Macintosh computer
 runs at 60-MHz, offers full storage and expansion features (including one
 7" NuBus  slot and an optional built-in CD-ROM) in a slim-line design. 
 The base model, equipped with 8MB of DRAM and 160MB hard disk, has an
 Apple price of $1,819.

                                            Apple Price/CPU Only
  8/160                                             $1,819.00
  8/250CD                                           $2,289.00
  8/250CD/AV/2MB VRAM                               $2,599.00
  16/250/SoftWindows                                $2,519.00

  -  Power Macintosh 7100/66; Running at 66-MHz, this is ideal for general
 business computing. Based on Apple s Macintosh Quadra  650 design, it
 offers greater expansion (three NuBus slots) and support for more colors
 and larger displays.  The Apple price for a configuration with 8MB of
 DRAM, 250MB hard disk, and 1MB of VRAM starts at $2,899.

                                             Apple Price/CPU Only

  8/250/1MB VRAM                                    $2899.00
  8/250CD/1MB VRAM                                  $3179.00
  8/500/CD/AV/2MB VRAM                              $3989.00
  16/250/SoftWindows/1MB VRAM                       $3379.00

  -  Power Macintosh 8100/80; Based on the familiar Macintosh Quadra 800
 mini-tower design and running at 80-MHz, this is the highest-performance
 Power Macintosh model with the most flexibility.  It accommodates three
 NuBus expansion slots, built-in video support for up to 16.7 million
 colors, extensive storage options, dual-channel SCSI and Level 2 cache
 memory.  A configuration with 8MB of DRAM, 250MB hard disk, and 2MB of
 VRAM starts at $4,249.

                                              Apple Price/CPU Only
  8/250/2MB VRAM                                    $4249.00
  8/250CD/2MB VRAM                                  $4519.00
  16/500CD/AV/2MB VRAM                              $5659.00
  16/1000CD/2MB VRAM                                $6159.00
  16/500/SoftWindows/2MB VRAM                       $5309.00

  -  Configuration Details
      All models come equipped with a built-in floating-point math
 coprocessor; on-board Ethernet; 16-bit, CD-quality stereo sound; and
 connections for the Apple GeoPort Telecom Adapter, so users can send
 faxes from the computer and connect to on-line information.  In addition,
 there are separate configurations of each Power Macintosh model to
 support a CD-ROM drive, SoftWindows, and Apple AV Technologies speech,
 telecommunications, and advanced video capabilities. PlainTalk speech-
 recognition and text-to-speech software comes  standard with AV systems,
 and is also sold separately for all models.

       In addition to Apple s existing family of LocalTalk , Ethernet, and 
 Token-Ring products, Apple plans to offer a high performance, 7 Token
 Ring card for all NuBus-based Macintosh systems.  The new card includes
 driver software that supports Novell Inc s Netware protocols when used in 
 conjunction with Insignia Solutions  SoftWindows product.  This new
 driver is planned to be included with version 1.4.4 of Apple s Network
 Software Installer disk and will provide performance enhancements and
 Netware support for the existing Apple Token-Ring 4/16 NB card.

  - PowerPC 601 Processor Upgrades
      Apple announced Shipping a range of logic board and processor
 upgrades based on the PowerPC 601 chip for many current Macintosh sys-
 tems.  Logic board upgrades, which provide existing Macintosh models with
 the full functionality of PowerPC technology, are available for the
 Macintosh Quadra 840AV, 800, 660AV, 650, and 610 models; the Macintosh
 Centris 660AV, 650, and 610 computers; the Macintosh IIvx and IIvi, and
 Performa 600 products.

      Lower-cost processor upgrade cards are now available for the
 Macintosh Quadra 950, 900, 800, 700, 650, and 610 models, as well as the
 Macintosh Centris 650 and 610 computers.  The processor upgrade card
 takes advantage of the processor-direct slot (PDS).

      Additionally, Apple Business Systems will provide PowerPC micropro-
 cessor upgrades to customers of Apple s Workgroup Server 60 and 80
 models.  These PowerPC processor upgrades will allow customers of
 Motorola 68000 server systems to upgrade to servers running Macintosh
 System 7 on PowerPC.

      In the future, Apple plans to provide PowerPC technology upgrade
 products for the Macintosh Quadra 605; LC 550, 575, and 520; and the
 Performa 550. Apple also plans to continue to work on upgrades for other
 Macintosh models. In addition, Apple is working in conjunction with
 third-party developers to provide an array of options for customers to
 upgrade to PowerPC technology.

  Apple Price
  Power Macintosh Upgrade Card                   $699.00
  Power Macintosh 6100/60 Logic Board Upgrade    $999.00
  8MB DRAM
  Power Macintosh 6100/60AV Logic Board Upgrade  $1399.00
  8MB DRAM/2MB VRAM
  Power Macintosh 7100/66 Logic Board Upgrade    $1499.00
  8MB DRAM/1MB VRAM
  Power Macintosh 7100/66AV Logic Board Upgrade  $1699.00
  8MB DRAM/2MB VRAM
  Power Macintosh 8100/80 Logic Board Upgrade    $1899.00
  8MB DRAM/2MB VRAM, 256K Cache
  Power Macintosh 8100/80AV Logic Board Upgrade  $1999.00
  8MB DRAM/2MB VRAM, 256K Cache

  - Power Macintosh Accessories
    Power Macintosh 6100/60 NuBus Adapter Card      $99
    Power Macintosh 256K Cache Card                $299
    (for the 6100/60 & 7100/66)
    Power Macintosh Display Adapter                 $29


 That's it for this week.  As always, please feel free to send  your
 comments or questions to me at:

                         America OnLine: STReportRN
                           Compuserve: 70323,1031
                               GEnie: R.NOAK



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

      STReport  International  Online Magazine is available every week for
 your  reading pleasure on DELPHI.  STReport's readers are invited to join
 DELPHI and become a part of a friendly community of enthusiastic computer
 users there.

                           SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
                           ======================
       Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
                   DELPHI services via a local phone call

                               JOIN --DELPHI
                               --------------

                Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
                                  then...
                 When connected, press RETURN once or twice
                                   and...
                At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.

      DELPHI's  Basic  Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any
 baud  rate.   The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.  For
 more  information,  call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005 DELPHI
 is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, MA.

                         Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!

          For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
 receive  5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only
 $5.    If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end
 of  the  calendar  month  with  no  further obligation.  If you keep your
 account active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic
 Plan,  where  you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a
 minimum  $10  monthly  charge,  with additional hours available at $3.96.
 But  hurry, this special trial offer will expire soon!  To take advantage
 of  this  limited  offer,  use  your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636.  Press
 <RET>  once  or  twice.  When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and
 press  <RET>  again.  Then, just answer the questions and within a day or
 two, you'll officially be a member of DELPHI!  

                  DELPHI-It's getting better all the time!

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



                          ATARI/JAG SECTION (III)
                          =======================
                           Dana Jacobson, Editor


 > From the Atari Editor's Desk              "Saying it like it is!"
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""

  
      I have to say this softly as I don't want to cause any backlash:
 a week has gone by and we haven't seen any snow in the Northeast!  I've
 also noticed that the snow is rapidly melting; the sure signs of Spring
 are starting: big puddles, plenty of mud, and jam-packed car washes!
 Who said Spring had to have a poetic air?!

      The past few days have been really exciting due to the overwhelming
 response to my request for Jaguar reviewers and writers in last week's
 issue as well as online!  As of Monday, I've received over a dozen "SIGN
 ME UP!" responses; and I expect more by the time this issue is released. 
 I plan to utilize as many people as possible for a variety of Jaguar
 related articles, so keep those cards and letters coming.  I'll be
 announcing the names of the new staff members later on in this section. 
 Some of the folks who have accepted have had some terrific writing
 experience both in and out of the Atari community; I'm sure that you'll
 recognize a few of the names.  I'm looking forward to working with these
 new members of the STReport Atari/Jaguar team; it's going to be a lot of
 fun.  If things go as planned, I hope to start ourexpanded Jaguar cover-
 age 2 weeks from today.

      What will we be covering with regard to the Jaguar?  Well, the
 obvious will be the games themselves.  Some members of our newly-added
 staff are veteran game reviewers so you can expect some excellent and
 unbiased reviews.  We'll also be covering the Jaguar online discussions
 to learn what's being said by the online community.  As new hardware
 peripherals come about, such as ICD's "Cat Box," we'll do our best to
 cover them as well.  We'll also do our best to provide game tips,
 access codes, cheats, "Easter Eggs," and other pertinent information
 pertaining to game play.  It should be an interesting and enjoyable
 experience for all involved, including you.

      Last week's issue of STReport contained some negative comments
 regarding two topics, neither appearing in the Atari section.  The
 reason that I'd like to make a few comments/observations is that I
 received a few private messages and phone calls regarding these.

      One group of comments pertained to the publisher's decision to
 table the decision to change STReport's format from ASCII to RTF (Rich
 Text Format).  People should realize that, no matter what feedback a
 publisher receives, the final decision is his alone.  For whatever
 reasons he makes that decision, it's his call.  Randy Noak's comments
 (and I have not discussed this with him) were, as far as _I_ could
 determine, as a result of frustration.  Apparently he had been
 anticipating the changeover to RTF and was extremely disappointed at
 the abrupt change in those plans.  To blame that decision on a particular
 platform's users was probably not the tactful route to take, as there
 were users of a number of platforms to voice their concerns.  But, it
 happened.  Had I been in Randy's shoes, I may have had similar feelings
 about the situation.  Enough said...

      The other comments were based on Ralph's editorial regarding what
 is now growing into a "re-born" debate of the "Gem-View Fiasco" that
 erupted some months ago and led to the persecution of Lexicor Software
 and its staff.  STReport made its stand on this fiasco months ago.  The
 subject died down and Lexicor's alleged "besmirched" reputation was
 regained.  Their visibility online, along with new products coming out
 rapidly, showed their resilience and their ongoing support of the Atari
 community.  Things were quiet.  Perhaps this is one reason why all of
 this madness erupted again.  The same "attackers" are back again,
 apparently with a few allies to start anew.  Naturally, Lexicor has
 been "forced" to respond.  And, since Ralph decided to make some
 comments in his editorial last week, STReport is involved.

      The latest bit is based on Gem-View's author and his posting of a
 message via the Internet to a number of "players," but ignored to
 include Lexicor.  This post essentially stated that Lexicor has no
 rights to have any relationship with this shareware program, regardless
 of the involvement.  This Internet post had then been forwarded here and
 there, copied to and fro, and has been posted in a number of variations
 since.  The text of the message has been left intact, but there have
 been questions as to the Internet header and the _possibility_ that
 there are some inconsistencies.

      Personally, I believe that this shareware author is being misled,
 or misinformed.  He apparently has signed a contract with Lexicor stating
 that they can provide support of various degrees.  The program's docs are
 not consistent with what's being said online.  And now, the author has
 allegedly claimed that Lexicor has no affiliation with the program.  A
 lot is wrong with this, and needs to be cleared up.  Whether or not
 that will happen is anybody's guess.  Whether or not anyone really
 cares is another.  We're talking about a shareware program here, folks!
 This is absolutely ridiculous and doesn't deserve the activity that's
 been generated!  What _does_ deserve attention is the continued behind
 the scenes actions by a few that continue to stir up some controversy.
 Eventually and inevitably, it will be STReport that will be blamed for
 the entire matter.  We've seen it happen so many times before...  Will
 we cover any further developments, or investigate it ourselves?
 Perhaps, but I honestly believe that this will not be resolved.  What
 should happen is for the two parties concerned to discuss it - period.
 Leave the outside influences out of it, for a change.  End of story.

      So, let's get back to some refreshing news and information again!
 Since the time that I started this editorial, I received yet another
 Atari Weekend promo in the mail!  Yep, they're doin' another one.  We
 should start a pool to see how many consecutive weeks this occurs!
 Anyway, you'll see those details in a minute or so.  I want to now
 announce the names of those interested parties that will be helping me
 in the near future to get our Jaguar coverage going full-tilt!  Since
 there are still just a few Jaguar titles currently available, you'll
 obviously not see a lot of these people in every issue, but you will
 eventually.  I wish that I had the ability to assign them all something
 to do immediately, but we'll try to get them all involved as soon as
 possible!  So, here we go (in no particular order!)....

 John "Ducky" Duckworth - our current online fisherman guru and all-
 around games fanatic!

 Jay Levy - A University of Florida journalism grad who has been an avid
 games player since he was able to handle Pong!

 Jeff Kovach - Editor of the former online gaming magazine, Atari Gaming
 Gazette.  Jeff also runs his own BBS and is a SysOp in the Atari
 Forums on Compuserve.

 Marty Mankins - Marty is a SysOp in Compuserve's Palmtop Forum and
 writes an online newsletter called "Palm to Palm." He also writes for a
 few other publications, including CONNECT.

 Frank Sereno - Frank currently is a contributor to STReport, having
 done about 10 reviews of educational software for the PC section of the
 magazine.

 Paul Harris - An avid Jaguar fan and an active CIS ATARIGAMING
 participant.

 Kevin Miller - One of our "local" guys who happened to be the first
 "kid" on the block to get a Jaguar in our area.  Kevin is also an
 active SysOp on Toad Hall BBS.  He also threatened to get his Air Force
 MP buddies if I didn't include him!!  (Just kidding!)

 Craig Harris - Another active CIS ATARIGAMING member who has written a
 number of reviews but never submitted any of them until now!!

 Carl Prehn - Another "started with the original Atari Pong!"  Carl is
 interested in being involved in the video gaming industry, so a likely
 candidate for industry news and reviews.

 Paul Charchian - Another journalism major from the University of
 Minnesota.  Paul is the publisher of the Jaguar 'fanzine' "The Prowler"
 and is the publisher of a "real" magazine entitled "Fantasy Football
 Weekly."

 Allen Chang - All the way on the other side of the globe, Allen will
 provide us a perspective from the land "Down Under," from Australia!
 Allen is an avid CIS ATARIGAMING member, as well.

 Dominick Fontana - Dom is yet another ATARIGAMING member.  Dom will
 have some future reviews in AEO, and would also like to contribute to
 STReport's Jaguar section with different reviews and articles.

      Well, there you have them!  There have been more offers and in
 time I hope that we'll have the opportunity to add their contributions
 also.  I will be letting all of the "applicants" know that anything
 that they submit unsolicited will be considered for publication, as I
 would for anyone.  We're all looking forward to more Jaguar coverage in
 the upcoming months; and I'm sure that this is going to be an enjoyable
 and informative experience for all!!

      Well, as fate would have it, my earlier comments about no more
 snow apparently jinxed me!!  We just got another snowfall mid-week and
 another forecast for Friday!!  Hmmm, I wonder if this is related to the
 "wash the car and it will rain" syndrome!  Did someone say that Spring
 starts next week?  Where, in the Bahamas?  <<sigh>>

      Until next time...

            ********************************************
            *  ATARI'S WEEKEND MADNESS CONTINUES . . . *
            *                                          *
            *       W E E K  3 - DIE HARDER!           *
            *     expires 4:59 PM 3/21/94 (PST)        *
            *                                          *
            *   STARTS 5PM Friday, March 18, 1994      *
            *                                          *
            *     Watch this space for details.        *
            *                                          *
            * Keywords: DIEHARD, LYNX, $49 value FREE! *
            ********************************************


                        Delphi's Atari Advantage!
                       TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (3/16/94)                       
                                                                           
  
   (1) DATABASE CHANGES               (6) REVENGE DOCUMENT DISPLAYER 3.1 
  *(2) Z*NET #94-02                  *(7) ST-ZIP 2.4 FIX                 
   (3) WINGLORD                      *(8) MOUSE-KA-MANIA II VERSION 2.1  
   (4) WHATIS 6.6                    *(9) CLEVELAND FREENET ATARI NEWS   
  *(5) AU! USER GROUP DIRECTORY      *(10) DOMARK'S F1 PLAYABLE DEMO     
                                                                           
                           * = New on list                                
                           HONORARY TOP 10                                
                                                                           
  The following on-line magazines are always top downloads, frequently   
  out-performing every other file in the databases.                      
                                                                           
               STREPORT (Current issue: STREPORT #10.11)                
     ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE (Current issue: AEO - VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4)      
       Look for the above files in the RECENT ARRIVALS database.         
    

                  ________________________________________



 > Diehard Game Fan/Lynx Offer! STR InfoFile   
    """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

                 ATARI'S WEEKEND MADNESS CONTINUES . . .

                     W E E K  3 - DIE HARDER!
                   expires 4:59 PM 3/21/94 (PST)

 Online Die-Hards have spoken and they say they like Atari's  newest
 weekend fanatic frenzy hosted by Bob Brodie and Don Thomas of Atari
 Corporation.

 By buying, using and promoting Atari products online, Die-Hards benefit
 from outstanding deals exclusive to online users. Atari benefits from
 your review of the items you buy and your endorsement of our products.
 This exchange seems to be working and appreciated by all of you, so
 let's try it again...!

 The following offer is available to members of all popular online ser-
 vices including the Internet and public access BBS's. It is also avail-
 able to readers of popular online magazines who choose to support their
 readers by reprinting this offer.

           FREE _PRIORITY_ FULL YEAR DIEHARD GAME FAN MAGAZINE
                      SUBSCRIPTION ($49.99 VALUE!)
                 or extension to existing subscription.
              when you buy any Lynx Cartridge this weekend!

                        Priority means PRIORITY.
         Issues shipped direct from printer second day service.
                   Get the news before everyone else!


  SPAN:         Offer good from Friday, 3/18/94 5   pm (PST)
                        through Monday, 3/21/94 4:59pm (PST)
  OFFER:        Buy any of Atari's in-stock carts and
                     GET A PRIORITY DIEHARD GAME FAN
                     Subscription for a full year.
  PLUS:         Tell us you have or will test drive the new
                Atari 64-bit Jaguar game system and you may
                choose up to 3 more Lynx Carts for 50% off.
  CHOOSE FROM:  see complete list at end of file.

  We suggest you read this offer carefully! It is packed with Die-Hard
  savings!

  If you do not yet own a Lynx, remember Atari is offering 2 free carts
  with purchase of the $99.99 base system through June 1, 1994. Sorry,
  we cannot offer DIEHARD GAME FAN subscriptions on base system purchases,
  but once you have the Lynx, you can go for all the other Lynx deals.

                             WHAT IS A LYNX?

  Atari(r) Lynx(tm) is the ultimate portable video game machine. It
  delivers over 4,000 colors, up-to 8-player connectivity potential,
  16-bit graphics engine, 3.5" diag. playing screen, hardware scaling,
  headphone jack, right/left handed controls and lots and lots of
  cartridges to choose from....Arcade video game fun everywhere you go.

                        WHAT IS DIEHARD GAME FAN?

  DIEHARD GAME FAN Magazine is the "Next Generation Video Game Magazine"
  covering the hard news as well as the subtle rumours of the gaming
  industry.  DIEHARD GAME FAN caters to the most avid game players with
  exclusive game tips, reviews, previews and cover to cover collectable
  coverage of every popular game system and cartridge available.

                          BLAH, BLAH, BLAH . . .

  Terms subject to change without notice. Offer valid only to North
  American locations.  Only one free DIEHARD GAME FAN subscription per
  family/customer/address.  Online dealers can participate too. Contact
  Don Thomas via Email this weekend for details.

            HOW TO ORDER ATARI CORPORATION OFFERS: (It's easy)

  1) Fill out the order template below.
  2) a. Fax order to 408/745-2088. (BEST METHOD)
     b. E-Mail (PRIVATELY) this order to:
         Don Thomas <75300.1267@compuserve.com> or
                    (75300,1267 on CompuServe)
         Bob Brodie <bob-brodie@genie.geis.com>

     c. Call your order to 408/745-2098 (9-5 PST)
        Note: Phones are often jammed with excited Jaguar
              callers. Please be patient!

        FULL NAME TO SHIP:
          ADDRESS TO SHIP:
    APARTMENT, SUITE, LOT:
    CITY, STATE, PROVINCE:
              POSTAL CODE:
         DAY PHONE NUMBER: (    )
       NIGHT PHONE NUMBER: (    )
     ON-LINE SERVICE USED:
  ON-LINE USER I.D./ADRSS:

  ----- Complete if first order in 12 months -------
      NAME ON CREDIT CARD:
   MASTERCARD/VISA NUMBER:
          EXPIRATION DATE:
  --------------------------------------------------
  EDIT ORDER BELOW:

   DESCRIPTION           QTY      EACH    EXTENDED
  ================================================
   ??????? cartridge      1   $  xx.xx    $  xx.xx
   1 YEAR GAME FAN SUBSCRIPTION (PRIORITY)    FREE
   ??????? cartridge      1   $ 1/2 OFF      xx.xx
   ??????? cartridge      1   $ 1/2 OFF      xx.xx
   ??????? cartridge      1   $ 1/2 OFF      xx.xx
  ================================================
   SUB TOTAL ............................ $  xx.xx
   CALIFORNIA TAX (8.25% if applicable).. $   0.00
    (multiply subtotal by .0825 round off)
   SHIPPING & HANDLING* ................. $   4.95
  ==================================================
   TOTAL (U.S. funds) ................... $ 104.94

   *Shipping and handling: $4.95 minimum plus $5
    for each increment of $100.

                    TITLES AVAILABLE FROM ATARI . . .

  $49.99
  ======
  BATMAN RETURNS     NINJA GARDEN III     PITFIGHTER

  $39.99
  ======
  A. P. B.              STEEL TALONS
  AWESOME GOLF          S.T.U.N. RUNNER
  BASKETBRAWL           SUPERSKWEEK
  BILL & TED'S          PINBALL JAM
   EXCELLENT ADVNTRE    TOKI
  BLUE LIGHTNING        TOURNAMENT CYBERBALL
  CALIFORNIA GAMES      TURBO SUB
  CHECKERED FLAG        VIKING CHILD
  CRYSTAL MINES II      WARBIRDS
  SWITCHBLADE II        XYBOTS
  HARD DRIVIN'          DRACULA THE UNDEAD
  HOCKEY                POWER FACTOR
  HYDRA                 DINOLYMPICS
  KUNG FOOD             DIRTY LARRY, RENEGADE COP
  LYNX CASINO           WORLD CLASS SOCCER
  NINJA GARDEN          JOUST
  ROADBLASTERS          GORDO 106
  SCRAPYARD DOG         JIMMY CONNORS TENNIS
  SHADOW OF THE BEAST   LEMMINGS
  N. F. L. FOOTBALL     MALIBU BIKINI VOLLEYBALL

  $34.99
  ======
  BASEBALL HEROES       RAMPAGE
  RAMPART               RYGAR

  $29.99
  ======
  CHIP'S CHALLENGE      BLOCKOUT
  ISHIDO                ELECTROCOP
  MS. PAC-MAN           GATES OF ZENDOCON
  PACLAND               GAUNTLET THE THIRD ENCOUNTER
  PAPERBOY              KLAX
  SHANGHAI              ROBO-SQUASH
  TODD'S ADVENTURE
      /SLIME WORLD      ROBOTRON 2084
  XENOPHOBE             ZARLOR MERCENARY


             __________________________________________________



 Jaguar Developers Conferences STR InfoFile
 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
 Atari  will be sponsoring a series of Jaguar Developer Conferences begin-
 ning  on  March  21-22 in the Bay Area, Northern California (Santa Clara,
 San Jose, Sunnyvale) site to be determined.  It will be a two-day confer-
 ence  of  technical  information  intended  for  Jaguar licensees who are
 currently involved in Jaguar programming projects.

 Other conference sites will be announced but the UK has been confirmed in
 conjunction  with the ECTS show which is April 10-12. Interested develop-
 ers  who  are  not  licensees should contact Atari by fax at 408-745-2088
 giving  us  your  mail address, phone, fax, primary company contacts, any
 relevant experience and planned Jaguar projects.  You will need to return
 a  signed  license  agreement and purchase a Technical Reference guide in
 order to attend any of the conferences.  Reference manuals are $299 which
 is applicable towards purchase of a development system.  Other conference
 sites tentatively planned are Chicago and Texas.
  

            ___________________________________________________




 > The Old Fishin' Hole STR Feature
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



                             THE OLD FISHIN' HOLE
                             ====================


 -A Guide to the Online PD/Shareware Waters.

     While fishing the online waters this week, I started to get a bit
 depressed. Although I caught several small guppies...that giant bass
 that I've been dreaming of just never seemed to surface. But
 suddenly, and without notice, my line tightened...and after a long
 struggle I reeled her in. That's right...I had finally caught that
 one fish that made the entire trip worthwhile. In this week's column
 I'll take a quick glance at a couple of smaller programs that
 surfaced this time around as well as a look at the return of an
 all-time favorite which is sure to put that sparkle back into your
 Atari computer.

     First up is a small accessory from Europe called "The Ultimate
 Tracker". This is yet another SoundTracker module player for the STe
 and Falcon series of Atari computers. It has the standard options of
 load, play, fast-forward, rewind, pause, and kill. On a Falcon the
 buttons take on a 3-D appearance...something other Falcon programmers
 should take note of. The accessory will also play the desired module
 in one of several Khz settings (which alter the clarity of playback)
 set by the user. While "The Ultimate Tracker" is far from 'ultimate',
 it does a wonderful job of playing single SoundTracker modules in the
 background while working on other applications. Some features I miss
 that would make the accessory top notch are a jukebox mode (to play
 those many megs of modules non-stop) and an instrument list display.
 Perhaps a better name would have been "The Mediocre Tracker".

     The next program in line is for Falcons only. It is a 3D2
 object viewer called "3Danimation" (I suppose...the docs never really
 state the name) by a group in Belgium. 3D2 files are those which are
 created by applications like "Cyber Studio" and are representations
 for 3-dimensional objects. The viewer program first presents the user
 with a file selector to load the desired 3D2 object. After a short
 time (_very short_) the program displays the object in the center of
 the screen, fully shaded with a proper light source, ready to allow
 the user to rotate it in real time with the mouse. The DSP in the
 Falcon is utilized for sorting,rotating, and filling the objects
 faces and is _very_ efficient. There are only two drawbacks to the
 program. First, the file selector has a nasty bug which makes it not
 totally appear sometimes. Second, only small files (7l or less) can
 be loaded. This leaves out many of the excellent 3D2 files on the
 Internet which are considerably larger and more complicated. The
 included readme file states that the programmers are well into an
 updated version of the program...I for one can hardly wait!

     The last package I want to talk about this week is called
 "Mouse-Ka-Mania II" by Charles F. Johnson (I saved the best for
 last). The original "Mouse-Ka-Mania", written seven years ago, was
 the best custom mouse editor and installer known to the Atari world.
 This update fixes some of the compatibility problems of the classic
 version (after all, it is hard to foresee how the new computers were
 to be designed) and adds a few features.
  
     "Mouse-Ka-Mania II" is installed as a desk accessory in any
 resolution with a horizontal pixel count of 640 or greater. Once
 loaded, the user can load and design custom mice...either single framed
 or animated! Included with the archive is a plethora of new
 and exciting mouse shapes...there's almost no incentive to create
 your own...it seems Charles has thought of everything. But if you do
 wish to take the time to create your own shapes a full set of editing
 tools and functions are at your disposal. Any and all of the standard
 mouse shapes can be changed and the resulting alterations may be
 saved to an auto folder file to be loaded upon bootup (thus making
 the accessory only necessary for editing). Mouse data may also be
 exported for those who like to use them in their own programs. The
 only flaw with the accessory involves switching resolutions...DON'T
 DO IT! Mr. Johnson explains the reasons and theories behind the bug
 in the entertaining documentation.

     I could go on and on about how "Mouse-Ka-Mania II" really adds
 that extra pizazz to those sometimes dull computing sessions. Don't
 delay...download this great program (and register it too! I know I'm
 saving my dollars to register), install it, and have a blast!
  
     That's all for this week...hopefully there's a program that
 sounds interesting enough to download. They just don't get any better
 than "Mouse-Ka-Mania II". Join me again next week...same time...same
 place.

  +----------------------------------------------------------------+
  |   Old Fishin Hole Tackle Box     *                             |
  +----------------------------------------------------------------+
  |  The Ultimate Tracker                                          |
  |     Delphi: Atari Advantage Area - READ  ULTIMATE              |
  |                                                                |
  |  3D Animation Viewer                                           |
  |     Delphi: Atari Advantage Area - READ FALCON .3D2            |
  |                                                                |
  |  Mouse-Ka-Mania II                                             |
  |     Delphi: Atari Advantage Area - READ MOUSE-KA               |
  |     GEnie: Atari ST RT - # 32206                               |
  |     CompuServe: AtariPro - MKM221.ZIP (library 4)              |
  +----------------------------------------------------------------+
   *  The  Tackle  Box  is  meant  to  provide assistance in finding files
 mentioned  in  the column. It should not be considered a COMPLETE listing
 and is provided for convenience only. Delphi Atari Advantage files should
 be  found  in  the Recent Arrivals section of the database until moved to
 their appropriate sections.

                 _________________________________________



 > ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine          The wires are a hummin'!
   """""""""""""""""""""""""""""
         
          
              
                            PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
                            =====================
             
              
  On CompuServe
  -------------
  compiled by
  Joe Mirando



 Well folks, its time again to look in on all the cool stuff that's going
 on over on CompuServe.  But before we do that, I'd like to vent just a
 bit of steam about our favorite computer company.

 A few years ago, Atari decided to design a couple of new computers.  The
 first was the ST Book.  It was basically an 8.5" by 11" notebook
 computer based on the STe design.  It had great battery life, but had a
 non-backlit monochrome display, no monitor port, and no internal floppy
 drive.  Needless to say, Atari had gone a bit too far extending battery
 life.

 The second computer that Atari designed was the STYLUS, or ST Pad.  This
 is the one that has given me the need to blow off some steam.  The
 STYLUS was an ST-compatible computer that could accept text written on
 the LCD display.  The hand-writing recognition was said to be very good
 and, because it would run most ST software, there would have been much
 more software available for it than any of the current PDAs (Personal
 Digital Assistants), which also use handwriting recognition.

 PDAs are all the rage today.  Companies that market them now include
 Apple, Sharp, Casio, Tandy, and AT&T.  None of these pocket sized
 computers will accept existing programs, nor is the handwriting
 recognition on any of them any better than that of the STYLUS.

 Clearly, Atari could have grabbed a lion's share of the now-substantial
 PDA market.  In their infinite wisdom Atari decided that the world was
 not ready for a computer that could recognize writing instead of text
 input from a keyboard.  Apple, on the other hand, was so sure that the
 world was ready for it that they actually paid a licensing fee to
 Nabisco to be able to use the name Apple Newton.  Of course, we have all
 heard of the Newton.  That's because the Newton has been "hyped".  And
 we all know how Atari feels about advertising, don't we?

 Well, now that I've gotten that off of my chest, let's get on with the
 column...

 From the Atari Productivity Forum
 =================================

 Greg Kopchak tells us:

   "We have a disc of the month for Atari users. January was GEMINI CD by
   Walnut Creek, February was Photo CD Sampler - Volume 1, March is
   Project Gutenburg.
   
   There are thousands of discs that can be used with your machine. We are
   planning to offer the best of what is available to Atari users at
   special prices every month. Stay tuned to see what disc is next. Got a
   couple of super discs lined up for the coming months."

 Jonnie "new modem" Santos tells Greg:

   "You know I get CD catalogs at work and at home and I usually toss
   them out because I previously thought there was no point because I
   didn't know about CD-ROM compatibility.
   
   I've been getting some help here and I'm getting more interested."

 Brian Gockley of ST Informer tells Greg:

   "A disk of the month in CD format? What a great idea! Now I'm really
   tempted. to get a CD-ROM!"

 Greg tells Brian:

   "That's the whole idea of "CD of the Month".
   
   It's All Relative, Compo, DMC, Anodyne Software, ICD, and others
   currently offer CD rom drivers or include a driver with some of their
   software."

 Steve Sathue asks Nick Coady:

   "What was the tip you got for converting Atari files to PC files (i.e.
   how can you read Atari formatted disks on the PC?). I'd like to convert
   some work in STWriter Elite (Atari) to WordPerfect (PC)."

 Nick tells Steve:

   "I have to say at this stage that I'm a complete novice at this, but it
   would appear that if you find a way of saving your word processor files
   to disk in ASCII format (read your software manual!) they will load up
   perfectly well on a pc, with no need to use separately formatted disks
   or whatever.   I have discovered that files saved on a program called
   "ST WORD" (on the Atari) will load into the pc with no problems if they
   are saved onto disk as ASCII files.   Astounding, but true!!!!   Does
   this help?"

 Brian Robson tells us:

   "I have a friend in Germany who is on the German 'MausNet' network
   (which is very heavily, if not exclusively as far as I understand it,
   concerned with Atari) and he says that he often sees messages from
   CompuServe users in the message bases.  Is there a way to access
   'MausNet' from CompuServe?"

 Sysop Ron Luks tells Brian:

   "Nope.  No way to link to MausNet from CompuServe directly at this
   time."

 Lexicor's Yat Siu tells Ron and Brian:

   "Actually, that is not correct :), there IS a way to connect into
   MausNet i.e.  send mail to the MausNet from CompuServe via the
   Internet.
   
   The message delay however would be tremendous as it would be going
   through the Internet as well...about a 3 day delay...still faster than
   regular snail mail though <g>.
   
   I am not to sure about the implementation, here's what I think it
   should be from CompuServe: INTERNET: test_person@ort.maus.de , now the
   _ort_ is the location where the maus box is, i.e. a2w or w2 is in
   Vienna etc. etc.
   
   test_person is just a dummy name of course :)"

 Ron tells Yat:

   "Thanks, Yat.  I said there is no direct access to MAUSNET but you can
   reach many systems (at least EMAIL) via Internet links."

 Sysop Jim Ness joins the discussion and posts:

   "Many BBS networks are available via Internet, so I suspect that what
   you heard about are CIS Mail/Internet messages.
   
   There is no other way to access external systems on CIS."

 In response to a question about the voice mail capabilities of fax
 modems, Charles Smeton of NewSTar Technology tells Jonnie Santos:

   "I would recommend asking Supra about expansion capabilities in their
   FAX Modems to support Voice Mail. Supra provides support in the Modem
   Vendor Forum (GO MODEMVEN)."

 Jonnie gives voice to my first thought:

   "OOooh, voice mail on an ST?  I'll wander over!"

 Charles tells Jonnie:

   "While FAX Modems may be capable of Voice Mail, it will also require
   special software to be developed on the Atari to allow for a Voice
   Mail/Digital Answering Machine operation.
   
   This was the exact case with faxing, which is why we developed
   STRAIGHT FAX!"

 Jonnie just can't leave the idea alone (neither can I) as he asks
 Charles:

   "Do you know if anyone is interested in developing voice mail software
   for the Atari?"

 Charles tells Jonnie:

   "I have heard a few rumblings about a Voice Mail product being
   developed for the Falcon030, but not all Atari computer models. There
   is also the Black Mail Voice Mail system for the Falcon030 that Atari
   had announced last year, but I have not heard about when it was
   supposed to be released."

 Ian Braby asks Charles:

   "...Which is best Class 1 or Class 2?  However, I got no reply from
   you, so I will ask you again, in open forum, given the choice with my
   SupraFAX v.32bis modem, which should you default to, Class 1 or Class
   2? And what, in layman's terms, is the basic difference between the
   two?"

 Charles tells Ian:

   "Class 1 is an official EIA standard. The Class 2 in use is not an
   official EIA standard. The official EIA Class 2 was confirmed long
   after the Class 2 in use was released. The official Class 2 is known as
   Class 2.0, to avoid confusion. The only Class 2.0 FAX Modem we know of
   is a US Robotics Courier FAX Modem. STraight FAX! does not support 
   Class 2.0 at this time.
   
   Class 1 has a simple command set extension to the AT commands. It
   relies on the host computer software to do all the protocol and timing
   required by CCITT Group 3 FAX. The Class 1 commands facilitate the
   computer to send data or receive data and to send commands or send
   commands to/from the external FAX at a specified FAX baud rate. Due to
   the timing being done in the computer, Class 1 is not as popular in
   multitasking systems, such as UNIX.
   
   Class 2 implements the CCITT protocol and timing in the FAX Modem.
   There are still timing constraints by the host computer, but they are
   not as severe as in Class 1.
   
   The advantage of Class 2 is that an expert at the chipset vendor
   company wrote the Group 3 FAX handler. The disadvantage is that if
   there is a problem with a particular FAX machine in connecting, there
   is very little the host software can do to recover. However, most FAX
   Modem vendors, such as Supra update the modem firmware when there are
   problems.
   
   The advantage of Class 1 is that a problem can be corrected by a
   software update to the host FAX software (i.e. STraight FAX!). The
   disadvantage is the timing constraints, i.e. Class 1 is not recommended
   under MultiTOS, unless you have a 68030 CPU.
   
   STraight FAX! supports both Class 1 and Class 2. In v2.10, STraight
   FAX! even allows the user to use one Class for sending and another for
   receiving, as long as the FAX Modem supports both.
   
   Which one will work better depends on the computer setup, phone line,
   FAX Modem and FAX Machines called most often.
   
   You can get more details on Class 1 vs. Class 2 by contacting Supra or
   another FAX Modem vendor directly in the Modem Vendor forum (GO
   MODEMVEN).
     
   In layman's terms, Class 1 is a manual transmission, Class 2 is an
   automatic transmission. Both allow driving the same highways. Class 1
   and in a manual transmission requires extra knowledge by the host
   computer software/driver.
   
   BTW, I think that there is also an explanation of Class 1 vs. Class 2
   on the Toad BBS and in the SYSINFO.ZIP archive here on CIS for our
   SysInfo program."

 Carl Barron asks Charles about STraight FAX:

   "Not much is recommended under MultiTOS without an 030, and a fairly
   fast one too!
   
   In case of problem can a I 'downshift' my class 2 modem to act as a
   class 1?"

 Charles tells Carl:

   "Yes, STraight FAX! supports easy switching between Class 1 and Class
   2 FAX Modes. Its as simple as changing a parameter in a popup menu. As
   of version 2.10, you can even use one Class for sending and another
   Class for receiving.
   
   This is something that is unique to STraight FAX!, as most "other"
   platform FAX programs install for one particular Class at a time."

 Jonnie talks a bit more about modems and such:

   "I thought we can do 57.6k with v.42bis?  I mean if two computers using
   equivalent modems were connected that is.  Hmmm...
   
   28.8k ?  This must be some version of V.FAST, eh?  I have access to a
   Mac and PC (oh lucky me) but they're not really mine so other than use
   them I could really feel comfortable hacking around on a PC that's not
   mine - my point being is that I don't think either of those platforms
   has the 19.2k speed limit like my STe does.  I watched my partner
   download over 1 meg using pcANYWHERE from his work PC in 2 minutes at
   38,400.  In contrast I uploaded that Lexicor demo for the TT you
   submitted to my local Atari BBS and I must of been online a good 45
   minutes (file size = 1.3m @ 14.4k).  But I was using XMODEM 1K which I
   think is a little slow which probably didn't help. Ironically, I would
   of never even thought of getting a file that big with my old 2400 -
   shows you how fast I can become jaded!!!"

 Sysop Jim Ness tells Jonnie:

   "Yes, v.42bis would be the most likely route to 57,600 since there
   aren't any consumer modems in the wings for that speed.  But, remember
   that compression only works on text files.
   
   And, to be honest, it'll be awhile before CIS can pump text that fast
   anyway.  Compression wouldn't be enabled until CIS felt comfortable
   about the results.
   
   Also, there are very few machines capable of accepting data at that
   rate.  I know an ST won't.  A TT or accelerated MegaSTe (with higher
   speed ports) MAY be able to handle it.
   
   The data would come in safely, but it would just get stored until the
   machine had time to get to it.  Flow control would be used, and the
   result is you wouldn't truly be getting a high data rate.

   For now, 14400 seems darn fast, doesn't it?"

 Jonnie tells Jim:

   "re: 14.4k being "Darn" fast

   It (14.4k) does seem fast to the ol' 2400 but I think speed is
   addicting.  You know I was really surprised how much faster response
   time is with the new hard disk versus my old one.
   
   We use DEC's ALL-IN-1 office automation software at my job and I tell
   you nothing can be slower than being tied into a darn network that just
   crawls when it's close to capacity.
   
   Something that does concern me though from time to time about the
   speed at which things (computers, technology, my life) run is that
   there may be a chance that life would be more enjoyable if it were to
   slow down a bit.  And my fear is that I may be incapable of slowing
   down without feeling depressed or as if something was wrong."

   Oh well..."

 Sysop Ron Luks tells Jonnie:

   "You have to be very careful when talking about modem speeds because
   the advertisements from modem manufacturers are so misleading.
   
   There are no 57.6 modems or 57.6 kbps connections available to you
   today.  Period.
   
   However, using COMPRESSION techniques, you can send a file faster than
   in uncompressed format.  (That makes obvious sense).
   
   Lets say you have a big text file that you can transfer at 9600 bps in
   8 minutes.  If you compress this file by a factor of 4:1, then transfer
   the COMPRESSED file, the transfer will only take 2 minutes.  You are
   still connected at 9600 bps.  However, they imply that it is the same
   as transferring the UNCOMPRESSED version of the file at 4x the speed.
   They call this an "effective" transfer rate of 38,400 bps.

   Did you just do a 38.4kpbs transfer?  Of course not.  You just did a
   9600 bps transfer of a compressed file.
   
   In actual fact, few files achieve the ideal 4:1 compression ratio. ZIP,
   ARC, LZH files are already compressed and you achieve very little, if
   any, further advantage by trying to compress them with the hardware
   compression protocols built into the modem."

 Jonnie sums up what Ron's post in his own words:

   "Okay, I get it.  Then in the "Best case" scenario I would have a text
   file saved without compression.  Then I would send it to another
   system/modem with v.42bis and although the data stream was only
   cranking at 9600 (or 14.4k ?) the time that would be reduced in
   transmission would covert to a possible equivalent of 57.6k.  But the
   data stream itself never sees 57.6k.
   
   I watch the cps counts when I'm downloading here and it usually runs
   from the low 700's to a tad over 800.  I think I get faster times with
   ASCII files if I remember right - I mean getting a bunch of mail that
   is.
   
   PS - I got another CIS VISA ad in my mail today.  I'm almost
   considering it just to have the CIS logo on the card.  Kind of Technoid
   Chic, eh?"


 From the Atari ST Arts Forum
 ============================

 Matthew Scott asks:

   "Can anyone tell me how I can get a hold of the last version of the now
   defunct LDWPOWER spreadsheet?  I bought the rev 1.0 version 2 or 3
   years ago and finally would like to have the last version?  Appreciate
   any leads,"

 Dan Parrish tells Matt:

   "Frank Stallings at Far North Atari in Fairbanks Alaska has at least
   one more copy of the latest release of LDWPOWER.  His telephone number
   is (907) 456-3700, the hours are (I believe) 11am to 7pm Alaska Time
   (which is four hours behind Eastern Standard Time.  I use LDW a fair
   amount, but I am about to jump to anything else that would be more
   compatible with the latest LOTUS 1-2-3 release and/or Excel."

 Matt tells Dan:

   "Thanks a bunch.  By the way, do you know if the last version of LDW
   can print a file to disk in DIF format?"

 Dan tells Matt:

   "You bet it can Matt,  BTW if you happen to need more powerful graphing
   capabilities that LDW can do there is another program called First
   Graph that is pretty good.  It has problems with LDW ASCII files but
   apparently has no problem with LDW DIF files.  I am afraid that I
   haven't had a good chance to put my copy of First Graph through its
   paces."

 Someone named Robert asks:

   "I have an Atari 1040 ST at work and I need to replace its external
   disc drive.  I also need software to balance our checkbook, calculate
   employee hours and manage our inventory.  Any suggestions?"

 John Damiano tells Robert:

   "I think there is shareware/PD stuff in the lib on here that will do
   all that.  Browse around using payroll, inventory, checking as keywords
   and you will probably find what you need."

 John at Missionware Software, who works for CBS who sent him to Norway
 to show the rest of the crew how to transmit the whole affair into our
 living rooms, is now back safely.  John Damiano at Transierra welcomes
 him back:

   "Welcome back to the World,  Looked like a great event."

 John at Missionware tells John at Transierra:

   "Thanks.  It's good to be back.  I must admit though - I really did
   like Norway.  It's a very peaceful little country!"

 Jim Ness reminds John:

   "Sure, Norway is a nice peaceful country these days.  But, 10 years
   ago, it was spitting distance from the nasty communists, and scheduled
   to be one of the first countries overrun."

 John at Missionware tells Jim:

   "Quite true Jim, and the Norwegians are *very much* aware of their
   situation.
   
   Interestingly, almost everywhere I travelled, there were "holes in the
   mountains" with thick steel doors just waiting to do duty in case of a
   war or takeover.  Gjovik, the site of one of the new hockey stadiums
   used for the Olympics, is actually a huge bomb shelter.  I had a chance
   to tour the Gjovik site before the games began, and what first caught
   my attention was the foot or so thick steel doors one had to pass
   through in order to get into the stadium.  Very impressive (and scary).
   
   The building I worked in most of the time in Lillehammer also had a
   bomb shelter of sorts in the basement.  Although everything was wide
   open, there again were huge steel doors all over the place.  The main
   entrance to the CBS area from the main floor could be closed off in an
   instant by a huge steel and cement door, again at least a foot thick."

 Mike Jones asks about a problem he's having with Spectre GCR, the Mac
 emulator from Gadgets by Small:

   "I have an Atari ST that I upgraded to 2MB (using the old piggyback
   chip method - ugh).  I had Spectre 2.65 that worked fine.  After
   upgrading to 3.0 (?), the ST locks up with a few random pixel droppings
   on the screen when I attempt to boot Spectre.  I cannot go back to 2.65
   because I reformatted the HD to use the latest Mac partitioning info (I
   believe that's why I can' go back).  All memory testing utils return
   correct info of 2MB and it never locks up.  BTW, I am using System
   6.0.5.
   
   Also, I am having trouble with floppies.  I often put a Mac disk in
   the machine and find that the disk is "locked," even though the disk
   isn't physically write-protected.  After the lock message appears, many
   files on the disk get munged (sometimes no files, sometimes all
   files)."

 Mark at Gadgets by Small tells Mike:

   "I suspect you have an ICD hard disk drive.  Or, at least, an ICD host
   adapter in your hard disk.  If that be the case, you need to contact
   ICD about a little modification that you need to make to your host
   adapter to eliminate the "turds" on-screen problem.  This is a well
   known and documented problem with certain ICD host adapters.
   
   If you >don't< have an ICD hard drive and/or ICD host adapter then I
   would try booting Spectre with the 832K memory size selected.  Let me
   know the results."

 Mike tells Mark:

   "Thanks a lot.  After sending the message, I noticed that I forgot to
   include the 50MB ICD hard drive I have on the system.  I will call them
   and get an update.
   
   PS - any clues on the floppy disk problem??"

 Mark replies:

   "I'm racking my brain trying to remember what might be causing the
   "locked disk" syndrome.  I seem to remember someone mentioning that
   particular problem (and a solution) but I can't seem to recall the
   situation.  I'll look through my notes and see if I can find the
   information."

 Well, that's it for this week kiddies.  Be sure to tune in again next
 week and listen to what they are saying when...

                             PEOPLE ARE TALKING



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


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