ST Report: 1-Dec-95 #1148

From: Bruce D. Nelson (aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 12/02/95-09:31:15 AM Z


From: aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 1-Dec-95 #1148
Date: Sat Dec  2 09:31:15 1995



                                     
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December 01, 1995                                                       No. 1148

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 12/01/95 STR 1148  The Original Independent OnLine Magazine!

 - CPU Industry Report  - Florida Killer ISP TAX  - EZ SCSI 4.0 Updates
 - SBAWE32 FAQ          - SONY PSX!               - Pixar Wows 'Em
 - Cable & Phone Inet   - Rayman Reviewed         - Power to Amiga!
 - Mr. T's CATnips      - People Talking          - Jaguar NewsBits

                     Borland's Chairman Kahn Steps Down!
                      Packard Bell in Dollar Dilemma!!
                         WIN 95 BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY!


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_    LottoMan v1.35 Results: 11/25/95:    3 matches in 1 play




>From the Editor's Desk...
     
     Its..  December First!  Less than four weeks `till Christmas left.
Just about every software and hardware company in the world is prepared for
the expected "Technology Gift Giving Christmas" except perhaps, one or two.
One. I've written off as a waste of time.  I've spent far too much time in
the last few years trying to light a fire under the CEO's butt.  Of course
in his simplistic arrogance, he listened to nobody or if he has, he may have
done so surreptitiously to avoid the possibility of having to pay royalties
or some sort of fee for having implemented certain suggestions.  The sad
part is this guy and his brothers have dragged this once fine and very proud
company into the quagmire of ridicule, shame, disgrace and ultimately the
scorn of many in the business.  The bottom line is.  this is the not the
last observation I'll make of the Tramiels and the manner in which they've
turned Atari Corp. from a company that literally "Soared with Eagles" to a
company that can hardly manage to "Roost with Thanksgiving Reject Turkeys".
I will make it my business to slowly savor and point out each and every
"faux pas" they so deftly execute until their very bitter end.
     Many of the highly talented people who either work or have worked
(merciless Layoffs) at Atari must bear the brunt of the Tramiel enigma.  Or,
so I thought.  There is always the silver lining in those dark clouds.  It
now seems that the majority of the Silicon Valley companies realize the
stress and extreme pressure people working at Atari under the Tramiels must
endure.  As such, most long term ex-Atari employees are snapped up almost
immediately upon leaving Atari.  They are considered to be among the very
best in the business.  After all, anybody who can endure in the
"Katzenjammer Day Care Center" can not only work out well anywhere, they
will no doubt, prove to be exceptionally good employees and top producers.
We will continue the Atari Jaguar coverage until further notice.
     The other company I strongly wonder about is Nintendo with its U-64
hype and gas that's being bandied about all over the gaming world.  This has
got to be a first folks!!  Nintendo is busy trying to compete with Hot Air
and yesterday's applause.  Nintendo fell flat on its collective posterior
with the Virtua "Boy".  It should have been called Virtual "Wannabe", now
they touting the U64.. wanna bet it never sees the light of day as its being
described at this time??  They've given the other companies so much advance
notice.   It really smacks of some Nintendo corporate "genius" trying to
apply the "Osborne Syndrome" as a weapon against its competition.  Nintendo,
like its ill-fated colleague mentioned above,  had better wake up to the
fact that the consumer is far better informed these days and is not about to
fall for any shallow minded schemes to divert the market's attention.
     This reporter feels we are about to see a new, abeit very familiar
name, leader in the Video Gaming marketplace.  Sony is taking the market by
storm. its percentage of  marketshare and deep penetration has shattered all
previous "figures" both estimated and posted by all other participants.  We
have a report about the Sony effort elsewhere in this issue.  The real
shakeout has begun.
      Along with our added, in depth coverage of Video Gaming Central, on
CompuServe, piloted by Ron Luks and Mike Schoenbach, we shall offer a number
different Gaming console departments.  Drop by there and let `em know we
sent you.  If you or, anyone you know may be interested in covering the
either the Nintendo, Sega or 3D0 marketplace please, let me know at
rmariano@streport.com or, any of our addresses listed elsewhere in this
issue.
     In the PC Games world, the fun factors are heating up like crazy.  The
new game releases from Interplay, Activision, Access and many of the others
are simply put, dazzling, spellbinding and certainly entertaining.  Want to
try a few really great ones??  Get Descent, Dungeon Master II and Stonekeep
from Interplay  .these superb PC gaming masterpieces will knock your socks
off!
      The productive side of the computing community is ready for this
Christmas in a very big way.. Windows 95 is definitely taking center stage
without Letterman standing in front of Gates. that appearance was hilarious.
Its nice to see one can spoof Bill Gates.  The updates, upgrades and new
software now available for Windows 95 will most certainly "stuff any
stocking" regardless of its size.  It will be a great Christmas Season for
those companies who have prepared and made ready their lineups for this
Holiday Season.
                                                  Ralph.


Lost & Found:
z    Canon's 32 bit drivers for their Scanners and Printers and Diamond's
  Win95 Viper Drivers.  Still, NOT FOUND and nowhere in sight.  What's "with"
  these two giants??     Somebody, anybody. please send `em some strong, hot
  coffee!!  August 24th was a long time ago already!

     
     
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     Section
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                     Portable Computers & Entertainment
                                Marty Mankins

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Mirando
     Doyle Helms                   Frank Sereno                  John
Duckworth
     Jeff Coe                 Steve Keipe                   Guillaume
Brasseur
     Melanie Bell                  Jay Levy                 Jeff Kovach
     Marty Mankins                 Carl Prehn                    Paul
Charchian
                              Vincent P. O'Hara
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     Eric Jerue                    Ron Deal                 Mike Barnwell
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Miller
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                           STReport Headline News
                                      
                      LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS


                           STReport Headline News
                   Weekly Happenings in the Computer World


                        Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson


                      Europeans OK Seagate-Conner Deal
A  merger  between  U.S.  disk drive makers Seagate  Technology  and  Conner
Peripherals has been approved by the European Commission, which  says  in  a
statement  the  deal is compatible with the European Union's common  market.
Reporting  from  Brussels,  the Reuter News Service  notes  that  while  the
companies involved are American, the Commission must consider the impact  on
the EU market in mergers of firms above a certain size.
The  wire  service  quotes the commission as saying, "In the  relevant  tape
drive  and  computer software segments, the parties (EU) market  shares  are
small and pose no threat to competition."  Barrier to market entry are  low,
it  added,  and  many of the existing players were planning  rapid  capacity
expansion.  Said the statement, "In this context the merger does  not  raise
serious doubts as to its compatibility with the compatibility."
                      Borland Chairman Kahn Steps Down
Borland International Inc. Chairman Philippe Kahn is stepping down to devote
his  attention  to  Starfish Software Inc., the company he  founded  shortly
after being ousted as Borland's CEO.  The move is set to take effect on Jan.
1.  Kahn  will remain a director of Borland, which he founded 12 years  ago.
Under  Kahn's  direction, and without venture capital funding, Borland  grew
from  a garage start-up into one of the world's largest software publishers,
although the firm's luster has dulled in recent years.
"Given the fast pace of the growth at Starfish Software, I'm cutting back on
my outside commitments in order to focus completely on Starfish," says Kahn.
"I'm  very excited that the company's strategy to deliver products  for  the
Internet,  online services and computer telephony got such a great  response
at  FALL COMDEX last week. Our products are doing very well, and the  future
looks  great -- there are so many opportunities at Starfish Software that  I
need to concentrate all my attention there."
                       Packard Bell in Dollar Dilemma
Word on Wall Street is that computer maker Packard Bell Electronics Inc.  is
going  into the crucial Christmas PC sales season with unexpectedly  intense
competition  and  money problems.  Writing in the Wall Street  Journal  this
morning,  reporter  Ralph  T.  King  Jr. says  information  about  potential
troubles  at  Packard  Bell emerged from a recent  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission  filing  by  Intel Corp., which counts  Packard  Bell  among  its
largest customers.
"Intel  said  in its 10-Q filing that it had agreed to convert  part  of  an
estimated $470 million in receivables for one of its major customers into  a
loan  of  unspecified duration," King notes. "Although Intel didn't identify
the  customer  in the filing, analysts said they believed it to  be  Packard
Bell."
As reported earlier, the closely held Sacramento, California, firm last July
sold  a  20  percent stake to NEC Corp., the Japanese computer concern,  for
$170  million, which analysts said at the time would help shore up a balance
sheet weakened by low profit margins.  Intel spokesman Howard High told King
the company has never made such a loan before, adding, "We are trying to get
the customer through this need. Converting the receivable will help them out
on books for right now."
The  Journal  quotes analysts as saying the development  will  have  minimal
financial  impact on Intel, but, says the paper, "it raises questions  about
Packard  Bell's management of inventory or the popularity of  its  products,
many  of  which  are equipped with 75-megahertz Pentium chips."  (The  paper
observes consumers "apparently prefer 100-megahertz machines, mainly sold by
Compaq Computer Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co.")
Analyst  Drew  Peck of Cowen & Co., who cited the Intel  loan  in  a  report
yesterday, told the paper, "I think Packard Bell made a horrible bet and now
they  are paying the price." Calling Intel's becoming commercial lender  for
its  customers "a very odd turn of events," Peck predicted Packard Bell will
be  forced to slash prices on an estimated 500,000 machines by $200 to  $300
below its cost of about $1,500 per PC.
                       Cray Unveiling New Super System
Look  for  Cray  Research Inc. this week to unveil a new parallel-processing
supercomputer with what observers says is unprecedented speed.  Reporting in
the  Wall  Street Journal this morning, writer William M. Bulkeley says  the
system  is  part of the Eagan, Minnesota, computer maker's bid "to  reassert
its  dominance of high-end scientific supercomputing."  Bulkeley notes  Cray
has  been best-known for its multimillion-dollar vector supercomputers  that
use  just  a  few very powerful processors. "The new Cray T3E  will  be  its
second-generation parallel processor," he writes. "Unlike  its  predecessor,
the  T3D,  it  operates  without being connected  to  a  traditional  vector
supercomputer."
Quoting  people familiar with the machine, the Journal says the system  will
have "a theoretical top speed of more than one trillion operations a second,
or  one  teraflops, a measure of supercomputer speed."  (Currently the  only
planned teraflops machine is one that Intel Corp. is building for the Energy
Department's Sandia National Laboratories.)
The  smallest  models are likely to be priced at well under $1  million  and
buyers will be able to increase power by adding just a few processors  at  a
time  in  the  future  making  the  systems "highly  scalable"  in  industry
parlance.  The T3E can be built with as few as 16 processors or as  many  as
2,048 processors, the Journal writes.
                     Artisoft Acquires Modem Technology
Local  area  network (LAN) developer Artisoft Inc. says it has acquired  the
modem  sharing and communications software assets of Synergy Solutions  Inc.
in  a  cash  transaction  valued  at $1.3 million.   The  Synergy  products,
including  Modem  Assist  Plus,  operate with  a  wide  variety  of  network
technologies, allowing the more efficient use of leased telephone lines.
"The ability for people in a workgroup to access one or a limited number  of
modems  or phone lines is important to their productivity," says William  C.
Keiper,  Artisoft's  chairman  and CEO. "We have  previously  indicated  our
intention  to  be  more  comprehensive in our  approach  to  addressing  the
communications requirements of workgroups in small and mid-sized businesses,
and  the acquisition of the Synergy products and technology is another  step
in  this direction."  Artisoft, based in Tucson, Arizona, is best known  for
its LANtastic network operating system.
                     InterNotes Web Publisher 2.0 Ships
Lotus Development Corp. has released InterNotes Web Publisher Release 2.0, a
program   that   allows  organizations  to  extend  Notes  information   and
applications  to  Internet  users.  InterNotes  Web  Publisher  Release  2.0
automatically  publishes Notes documents and forms to the  Web,  translating
the  documents  into the HTML format. It can also capture  information  from
forms  submitted  via  the Web, incorporating the data into  Notes  business
process applications.
"The  Internet  has  tremendous potential to  transform  the  way  companies
conduct  business," says Mike Zisman, Lotus' CEO. "Lotus' plan,  with  Notes
and  its InterNotes products -- the Web Publisher and the Web Navigator  -is
to  extend Notes' capabilities to the Web and provide features that the  Web
is currently lacking."
InterNotes Web Publisher Release 2.0 is available for $2,995. Web  Publisher
1.0  users  can receive an upgrade at no charge.  Release 2.0  supports  the
Windows  NT  and OS/2 operating systems and requires a Notes  server  and  a
standard HTTP server.
                      Computer Gap Growing, Study Says
Despite  lowering costs of equipment and growing general awareness, the  gap
between those using computer technology and those who aren't is growing each
year, according to a new RAND study.  The report -- called "Universal Access
to  E-mail"  --  delineates  what reporter  Rachael  Naab  of  United  Press
International  calls "the growing stratification in the United  States"  and
suggests  measures to make communication technology available to every  U.S.
citizen  in  much  the  same way as the U.S. Postal Service  has  made  mail
service available.
Says  the  report,  "At the individual level ... a detailed  examination  of
Current  Population Survey data from 1984 to 1989 suggest that  workers  who
use computers on their job earn 10 to 15 percent higher wages than otherwise
similar workers who do not."
The  study further says that on a wider level networking is directly  linked
to  egalitarianism and participation in political concerns. Illustrating the
point, the researchers described Civic Networks that now are forming,  which
"can   support  interpersonal  relationships  and  facilitate   the   social
integration of otherwise marginalized groups."  People, though, who are  not
able   to   access  networks  will  be  poorer,  further  marginalized   and
increasingly  distanced  from  the  political  process,  a  phenomenon   one
researcher called "information apartheid."
The RAND researchers also say:
z     60 percent of all jobs in the United States will require the technical
  know-how that only 20 percent of the population will be capable of handling
  in 20 years.
z     But  ultimately,  the market will make access more  widely  available.
  Standardized  computer  equipment, access through mediums  already  widely
  popular  like  TV  and  game  players, public access  to  technology  with
  assistance and training, and corporate service of underdeveloped areas paid
  for by the more affluent users are some of the possible options.
Nonetheless,   one   reviewer   noted  other   more   basic   communications
infrastructure is still not in place for many people, observing, "While  the
study  offers  wonderful insight into the issue (of computer networking)  it
does  not address the fact that there isn't universal access to phone  lines
in the United States or that many areas still don't have 911 numbers."
                       CompUSA Unveils New Store Model
CompUSA  Inc. is using the opening of its first computer superstore  in  the
Orlando area to present its new store model.  The 26,750 square-foot outlet,
located  in  The  Marketplace  At Altamonte in Altamonte  Springs,  Florida,
features  six main departments that are marked with colorful signs that  are
designed  to  be  customer-friendly: PC Software,  Computers  and  Printers,
Macintosh, Multimedia, Accessories and Upgrade Center.
A  new CompKids area lets children ages 12 and under -- and their parents --
try  out various software titles. CompKids is designed as a rocket ship with
computer  stations sized proportionately for smaller hands. Additionally,  a
new  Software  Sampler area allows adults to "test drive"  leading  software
titles.   "This  Superstore represents CompUSA's latest,  interactive  store
concept," says Jim Halpin, CompUSA's president and CEO.     The store is set
to open on Dec. 2.
                      Gates Announces School Initiative
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has announced that proceeds from his new book,
The  Road Ahead, will be used to fund a project to bring classrooms  online.
Speaking at Georgetown University in Washington, Gates said 22 schools would
participate in the two-year project, which is designed to give a wide  range
of students access to computers, connect them to libraries and resources and
give parents online access to classrooms.
"The  most important use of information technology is to improve education,"
said  Gates,  who  added that Microsoft is developing  software  called  the
Parent-Teacher  Connection Server to let students browse  the  Internet  for
information  and  publish their own home pages on the World  Wide  Web.  The
product is schedule to become available free to U.S. schools this spring.
Gates   said   Microsoft   is   working   with   hardware   companies    and
telecommunications firms, such as Compaq Computer Corp., Bell Atlantic Corp.
and  Pacific  Bell Corp., to wire schools, set up computer systems  for  the
Microsoft Parent-Teacher Connection Server, and provide the selected schools
with telecommunications connections, support and training.
                         CEOs Unhappy With Marketing
Almost three out of four Silicon Valley corporate leaders surveyed by a high-
tech   marketing   firm   give  low  ratings  to  their   firms'   marketing
effectiveness.    Reporting  from  Palo  Alto,  California,   United   Press
International  says  Neale-May & Partners finds 74.3  percent  of  the  CEOs
surveyed  rank  their programs as poor, fair or average.   The  survey  also
found 96 percent of the executives, who were surveyed in September, regarded
marketing  as  critical to the success of their companies.   The  CEOs  told
pollsters they have been recognizing the fast-changing face of the  computer
industry has made it tricky to develop effective marketing techniques.
Research  firm  president Donovan Neale-May told the  wire  service,  "High-
technology  companies  face a unique set of marketing  dynamics.  They  have
increasingly  complex messages and products and have to address  larger  and
more fragmented markets served by multiple channels of distribution.   "This
is  challenging some of the conventional industry thinking and putting  more
pressure  on CEOs to innovate in the way their companies interact  with  the
market  as  competition  heats up and product parity  pervades."   In  other
findings, the CEOs said customer support and service was the top priority in
a  marketing  strategy,  with  49 percent rating  it  as  "very  important,"
followed by:
Direct marketing (33 percent).
Channel communications (31
percent).
Sales support programs (23
percent).
Public relations (21.5 percent).
Trade shows (16 percent).
Product design and styling (16
percent).
Advertising (14 percent).

                        Pixar Wows 'Em on Wall Street
Wall  Street is continuing its love affair with high-tech, yesterday sending
the  price  of  stock  in  Pixar Animation Studios,  the  computer-animation
company  that  created the special effects for "Toy Story,"  soaring  by  77
percent.   Pixar, trading under the symbol PIXR, closed at $39  a  share  in
heavy  Nasdaq  trading yesterday evening after completing its  $132  million
stock offering at $22 a share and reaching as high as $49.50.
Reporting  from  Pixar's  Richmond, California, headquarters,  United  Press
International notes the offering puts about 20 percent of Pixar's shares  in
public  hands. At the current stock price, Pixar has a market capitalization
of  $1.2  billion.  Steven  Jobs, co-founder of  Apple  Computer,  owns  the
remaining  80 percent of Pixar. (Jobs bought the company from film  director
George Lucas in 1986 and has invested $60 million in the company.)
Pixar  was  one  of  the hottest new high-tech issues this  year,  following
Internet  software  specialist  Netscape  Communications,  which  more  than
doubled  its  $28  initial public offering price on  Aug.  9.   As  reported
yesterday,  Netscape stock now trades for more than $100 above  its  initial
price.
Pixar  co-produced "Toy Story" with Walt Disney Co. and the  film  dominated
the  U.S.  box  office during a record-setting holiday weekend.   The  firm,
which  has about 100 employees, is committed to produce its next two  movies
for Disney, which has agreed to release a second film.
UPI  notes  Pixar  faces competition in its graphics and animation  software
sales  with Microsoft Corp. and Silicon Graphics Inc. "More than 60  percent
of  its  revenues  during the first nine months of this  year  came  from  a
licensing deal with Microsoft," the wire service added.



AWE32 FAQ STR FactFinder


                Frequently Asked Questions about the SB AWE32


This is a frequently asked questions document for the Creative SB AWE32
sound card. This document summarizes many frequently asked questions and
answers about the SB AWE32. If you have a question, please check this file
before calling Creative Technical Support as you may find the answer
contained in this document.


This FAQ is organized into the following sections:

* [A] SB AWE32 in General
* [B] Editing Tools
* [C] Programming Information
* [D] SoundFont(TM) Banks
* [E] Introduction to the EMU8000
chip
* [F] How do I ...
* [G] References
* [H] NRPN Table


Before you continue ...

This document assumes you have a basic understanding of how MIDI works, the
different MIDI messages, and how your MIDI sequencer works. If you are not
familiar with these topics, please consider consulting a friend who has
experience with MIDI, or consulting books on MIDI. A list of recommended
reading on MIDI can be found in section G of this document.


Contents

SECTION A - SB AWE32 IN GENERAL

1.   What is the SB AWE32? How does it differ from the SB16?
2.   How much memory is shipped with the SB AWE32 card?
3.   Can I upgrade the memory on my SB AWE32 card?
4.   What is the recommended SIMM memory access speed?
5.   How do I upgrade the memory on the card?
6.   What are the uses of the 512 KB DRAM on the SB AWE32?
7.   Would adding DRAM to the SB AWE32 increase the performance of WAVE file
editing or manipulation?
8.   Is it possible to use AWE32 sounds (16 channels) together with FM
  sounds from the OPL-3 chip (16 channels) in Cakewalk?
9.   How many MIDI channels can the SB AWE32 handle in Windows?
10.  What MIDI sequencers will work with SB AWE32? Are special drivers
required?
11.  Are there any plans for OS/2 and Windows NT SB AWE32 drivers?
12.  What I/O port addresses are used by the EMU8000?
13.  Why doesn't the EMU8000 have a built in MIDI interpreter?
14.  Does the SB AWE32 support MIDI Sample Dump to transfer samples to the
EMU8000?
15.  What is CC0 documented in Appendix G-4 and G-5 of the SB AWE32 Getting
  Started Manual? How are these variation tones accessed?
16.  What "drum kits" are available in GS mode?
17.  Does the SB AWE32 respond to MIDI Aftertouch?
18.  My PC system does not have a working NMI. What can I do to use AWEUTIL?
19.  Is there a WaveBlaster upgrade option on the SB AWE32?
20.  What is the benefit of adding a WaveBlaster to the SB AWE32?
21.  Is it possible to load AWEUTIL into high memory?
22.  Does AWEUTIL have to stay memory resident?
23.  What are the long term plans to solve the problem with DOS extender
games?
24.  Will software written for the SB16 work with the SB AWE32?
25.  Does Creative have any plans for a SCSI version of the SB AWE32?
26.  What CD-ROM drives does the SB AWE32 support?
27.  What are the different reverb and chorus variations available on the SB
AWE32?
28.  What are the undocumented JP6, JP8 and JP9 jumpers on the card?
29.  How does the AWE32 Value Edition differ from the Sound Blaster AWE32?

SECTION B - EDITING TOOL

1.   Is there a preset editor for the SB AWE32?
2.   Is it possible to patch multiple sounds across different keys, such as
a drum kit?
3.   How are new instruments on the SB AWE32 created?
4.   What functionality does Vienna SF Studio offer?
5.   Where do I get my copy of Vienna?
6.   Can Vienna load samples for other systems e.g. Akai S1000 or Yamaha
TG55?

SECTION C - PROGRAMMING INFORMATION

  1. Is programming information available for the SB AWE32?
  2. Is the effect engine on the SB AWE32 programmable?

SECTION D - SOUNDFONT BANK

1.   What are SoundFont Collections?
2.   How do SoundFont Banks work?
3.   Where can I purchase SoundFont Banks?
4.   What can I do with SoundFont Banks?
5.   Will having 28 MB on the SB AWE32 improve the sound quality over a
standard 512 KB SB AWE32?

SECTION E - INTRODUCTION TO THE EMU8000 CHIP

SECTION F - HOW DO I ...

1.   How do I make use of RPN documented in the SB AWE32 MIDI Implementation
  chart?
2.   How do I change an instrument's sound parameter in real time?
3.   How do I select the SB AWE32's reverb and chorus variation type through
MIDI?
4.   How can I maximize my system's memory so that I still have plenty of
  room to run games after installing the SB AWE32?
5.   How do I load a SoundFont Bank?
6.   How do I setup my sequencer software to access the user bank that I
have downloaded into the RAM?
7.   How do I get the latest drivers for the SB AWE32?

SECTION G - REFERENCES

SECTION H - SB AWE32 NRPN IMPLEMENTATION



Section A - SB AWE32

1. What is the SB AWE32? How does it differ from the SB16?
The SB AWE32 is a standard SB16 MultiCD with the EMU 8000 Advanced WavEffect
music  synthesizer chip. The card includes all the standard  SB16  features.
Additionally,  the  SB  AWE32  includes the Advanced  Signal  Processor  and
multiple interfaces supporting Creative, Mitsumi and Sony CD-ROM drives.
The  EMU8000  is  a sub-system offering high quality music  synthesis  using
advanced wave effects technology. It comes with an onboard dedicated  effect
engine.  The  effect engine provides high quality effects  like  reverb  and
chorus  to  MIDI  playback. The EMU8000 supports up to 32  voices,  and  the
effect amount for each voice can be controlled via MIDI.
The  EMU8000 comes integrated with 1MB of General MIDI samples and 512kB  of
DRAM  for  additional sample downloading. It can address  up  to  28  MB  of
external  DRAM  memory. The SB AWE32 supports General MIDI,  Roland  GS  and
Sound Canvas MT- 32 emulation.
Note:  MT-32  Emulation on the SB AWE32 is similar  to  that  of  the  Sound
Canvas; e.g., MT-32 sysex is not supported.

2. How much memory is shipped with the SB AWE32 card?
The  card ships with 1 MB of General MIDI ROM samples and 512 KB of DRAM for
user sample downloading.

3. Can I upgrade the memory on my SB AWE32 card?
The Sound Blaster AWE32 has a pair of SIMM sockets for upgrading the DRAM to
as  much as 28 megabytes. The SB AWE32 Value Edition card does not allow the
memory to be upgraded.

4. What is the recommended SIMM memory access speed?
Hardware  specifications call for SIMM modules with 80 nanosecond or  better
access times.

5. How do I upgrade the memory on the card?
To  upgrade  the memory, you can purchase standard SIMM modules  and  insert
them  into  the  SIMM  sockets provided on the SB AWE32.  (If  you  are  not
familiar  with  inserting SIMM modules, check with a  technician  where  you
purchased  the  SIMM modules. They should be able to help).  You  will  also
need to reconfigure the memory selector jumper on the SB AWE32 card.
The  SIMM  sockets  on  the SB AWE32 were designed to  accommodate  industry
standard 30-pin SIMM modules. You will need to insert two SIMMs of the  same
memory size into both of the sockets. The available memory options are:
z    2 MB (using 2 1 MB SIMMs)
z    8 MB (using 2 4 MB SIMMs)
z    32 MB (using 2 16 MB SIMMs)

Note: that you cannot mix different size (that is, 2 MB and 8 MB) SIMM
modules together on a single SB AWE32 card.
There  are also 72 pins SIMM modules on the market. Such SIMMs can be  found
on  motherboards that use 8 or 16 megabit SIMMs or as cache RAM.   They  are
incompatible with the SIMM sockets on the SB AWE32 card.
The  EMU8000 treats the first 4 MB of its DRAM address space as ROM  memory.
As  a result, when you insert two 16 MB SIMMs onto the SB AWE32, only 28  MB
will be addressable.
Note: SB AWE32 Value Edition does not allow memory upgrades.

6. What are the uses of the 512 KB DRAM on the SB AWE32?
The  on-board  512  KB  of  memory is used  to  hold  user  samples.  In  GS
synthesizer mode, this 512 KB is used to hold the sound effects of  GS.   In
GM synthesizer mode, the 512 KB DRAM is free, so it can hold SoundFont banks
containing samples.
MT-32  Synthesizer  mode  uses a small portion of  the  512  KB  of  memory,
therefore you can still load your own SoundFont bank samples into  the  rest
of the free RAM space.

7. Would adding DRAM to the SB AWE32 increase the performance of WAVE file
editing or manipulation?
Addition  of  SIMM  DRAM to the SB AWE32 will allow you to accommodate  more
SoundFont  bank  data. This, however, will not increase the  performance  of
WAVE  file  editing or manipulation as the latter does not make use  of  the
SIMM DRAM on the SB AWE32.

8. Is it possible to use AWE32 sounds (16 channels) together with FM sounds
from the OPL-3 chip (16 channels) in Cakewalk?
You  can  use  both  the AWE32 sounds AND the OPL-3 FM  sounds  together  in
Cakewalk. As both the AWE32 and OPL-3 appear under Microsoft Windows as  two
separate  MIDI devices, you can play both devices simultaneously. There  are
two  methods  that  you  can use. You can either  changed  the  MIDI  Mapper
settings  OR  change  it within Cakewalk. The following  is  a  step-by-step
guide:
     Method 1
       1. Start the Control Panel, and enter the MIDI Mapper applet.
       2. Select "SB16 ALL FM" as the output setup
       3. Select "Edit" to go into MIDI Setup
       4. Locate the "Port" column
       5. If you want a channel to be playing back using the AWE32, then
          select "Sound Blaster AWE32 MIDI Synthsizer". On the other hand,
          if you want the channel to be playing back using the OPL3, then
          select "Voyetra Super Sapi FM Driver" . Repeat steps 4 and 5 on
          other channels to assign the output port as desired.
       6. Startup Cakewalk. Select "Settings" , then "MIDI Devices"
       7. Select "Microsoft MIDI Mapper" as MIDI devices.

Now  you will have the sound playing back according to what you have set  in
the MIDI Mapper.
     Method 2
       1. Startup Cakewalk.
       2. Select "Settings", then "MIDI Devices"
       3. You will see a dialog box with MIDI IN devices on the left, and
          MIDI OUT devices on the right. Click on both "Sound Blaster AWE32
          MIDI Synth" and "Voyetra Super Sapi FM Driver".
       4. Select "OK"
       5. Activate the "Track/Measure" Window.
       6. Locate the "Port" column in the Track/Measure Windows
       7. If you want a track to be playing back using AWE32, double click
          on the tracks "Port" section, and select "1:Sound Blaster AWE32
          MIDI Synth." On the other hand if you want the track to be
          playing back using the OPL-3 then select "2:Voyetra Super Sapi FM
          Driver."

You  can repeat steps 6 and 7 on other Cakewalk tracks to assign the  output
port as desired.
Note: These methods could also be used if you have a WaveBlaster attached to
your  SB AWE32. The WaveBlaster will appear as "SB16 MIDI Out" in the "Port"
column.

9. How many MIDI channels can the SB AWE32 handle in Windows?
Under  Windows, the SB AWE32 has two MIDI synthesizer devices,  EMU8000  and
OPL3.  Each MIDI device is capable of supporting 16 MIDI channels,  with  15
being melodic, and one channel (MIDI channel 10) being percussive. Using the
two devices at once allows 32 MIDI channels to be available in Windows.

10. What MIDI sequencers will work with SB AWE32? Are special drivers
required?
The  SB AWE32 package ships with a Windows SB AWE32 MIDI driver.  Therefore,
the SB AWE32 can be used with any Windows based MIDI sequencer software. For
DOS, the sequencer software needs to have native SB AWE32 support.

11. Are there any plans for OS/2 and Windows NT SB AWE32 drivers?
The  SB  AWE32  OS/2 driver is currently available with OS/2 Warp  3.0.  The
Windows  NT driver is available as ntawe32.exe on Creative's BBS, CompuServe
Forum,  and Internet FTP site. See the item "How do I get the latest drivers
for the SB AWE32?" in Section F for further information.

12. What I/O port addresses are used by the EMU8000?
The  addresses used by the EMU8000 are relative to the base I/O  address  of
the  SB16.  EMU8000 Addresses are at 6xxH, AxxH and ExxH.  It  occupies  the
first  four addresses at each location.  For example, if the SB16  base  I/O
address  is 220H, the EMU8000 addresses are 620H-623H, A20H-A23H  and  E20H-
E23H.

13.  Why doesn't the EMU8000 have a built in MIDI interpreter?
One of the design goals of the SB AWE32 is to offer high quality music at an
affordable price. The EMU8000 is just like any other synthesizer  chip  such
as  OPL2,  OPL3  or OPL4. It does not have the capability to interpret  MIDI
commands.  For  it  to  understand  MIDI commands,  a  MIDI  interpreter  is
required,  and this will involve adding an additional processor  to  process
the  MIDI  commands and other components adding to the cost of the  product.
After  our  analysis of price and performance, we decided that  our  current
implementation offers the best in terms of price as well as performance.
To  support existing games that use MPU-401, we provide a feature  known  as
MIDI feedback using NMI (non-maskable- interrupt) which installs a small TSR
program,  AWEUTIL. AWEUTIL works by trapping data going out to  the  MPU-401
port  and program the EMU8000 using the data. AWEUTIL provides compatibility
with many games that support the MPU-401 interface, but will not always work
with protected mode games due to the complicated ways in which DOS extenders
handle  NMI.  Note  that you can still continue to play  your  favorite  DOS
protected mode game with the on-board OPL3 FM chip.
We  are working closely with the game developer community to port their MIDI
driver  to  support the SB AWE32. We have a porting laboratory  at  Creative
Labs,  Inc.,  where we invite developers to port their drivers  to  natively
support  the SB AWE32. We believe that in the near future the SB AWE32  will
be  widely supported. Currently, we already have support from several  major
audio driver developers for the SB AWE32 platform.

14. Does the SB AWE32 support MIDI Sample Dump to transfer samples to the
EMU8000?
No.  The sample transfer between PC and SB AWE32 is through the PC bus,  and
does not dump via the SB AWE32 MIDI port.

15. What is CC0 documented in Appendix G-4 and G-5 of the SB AWE32 Getting
Started Manual? How are these variation tones accessed?
  CC0  is short form for Continuous Controller 0 (zero), which is MIDI  Bank
Change.
The  SB  AWE32 offers Sound Canvas compatibility by including the user  bank
instruments  found  on  the Sound Canvas. User bank instruments  are  simply
instruments  of  a  similar class or variation. For  example,  General  MIDI
instrument number 25 is the Steel Acoustic Guitar, and its variation is  the
Ukulele.   A  user bank tone is just like any other General MIDI instrument.
Take  for  example the Ukulele variation tone. Lets assume you are currently
doing MIDI editing under Cakewalk Apprentice, and you sequenced a track that
uses Steel Acoustic Guitar. You play the track back, and feel that the Steel
Acoustic Guitar does not quite cut it, so you decide to give Ukulele a  try.
What  you would need to do is to insert a MIDI bank change of value  8  (the
user bank for Ukulele) in that track, follow immediately by a program change
of  25 (Steel Acoustic Guitar) to select the user bank tone.  What you  have
just  accomplished  is to set the MIDI channel in which the  Steel  Acoustic
Guitar instrument is playing to the user bank instrument Ukulele.

16. What "drum kits" are available in GS mode?
A drum kit is a collection of percussive instruments (snare drum, bass
drum, hi-hats) laid across the entire MIDI keyboard. Under General
MIDI, MIDI channel 10 is reserved for percussion instruments. General
MIDI defines only one drum kit, which is the Standard Kit. Under the
GM synth mode of the SB AWE32, channel 10 automatically uses the
Standard Kit. MIDI music would be very boring if everybody used the
same drum kit in every MIDI song. Imagine all MIDI songs using the
same snare drum and the same bass drum, and you will have an idea of
how similar every MIDI song will sound.

Under the GS synth mode of the SB AWE32 there are 11 (including the
Standard Drum Kit) different drum kits you can use on MIDI Channel 10.

These drum kits are:

Name      Program #      Description
Standard/Jazz   0/32          Standard General MIDI drum  kit. Jazz  is
similar to the Standard drum kit.
Room              8                Similar to that of the  Standard kit
except that it has more room ambiance.
Power             16               A gain similar to that of the Standard
kit,  but with more power kick and snare drums.
Electronic        24               Electronic drum kit. Most of the
percussion instruments in this drum kit are reminiscent
of old analogue and digital rhythm machines (such as the Roland TR-707 and
TR-909                        rhythm machine)
TR-808         25             Electronic drum kit, reminiscence of the
Roland TR-808 rhythm machine.
Brush                40                 Similar to the Standard kit except
that brushes have been added.  This kit is mostly used
                    for Jazz MIDI pieces.
Orchestra         48               An  immense collection of concert drums
and timpani.
SFX                 56             A collection of Sound Effects.
CM-64/32L      127       Same as the Roland MT-32 drum kit.  This drum kit
contains standard percussion at the                    lower range of the
keyboard, and sound effects at the higher range of the keyboard.

Drum kits are very easy to access under MIDI. Each drum kit is essentially
an instrument and you select a drum kit by selecting an instrument, just as
if you would select a melodic instrument. For example, if you want to select
the TR-808, all you have to do is to perform a program change to 25 on MIDI
channel 10. After the program change, all percussion sounds will be played
back through the TR-808 drum kit.

17. Does the SB AWE32 respond to MIDI Aftertouch?
The SB AWE32 Windows MIDI driver prior to version 1.03 does not support MIDI
Channel  Aftertouch.  The  current SB AWE32  driver  supports  MIDI  Channel
Aftertouch AND MIDI Controller 11 (expression).
See  the item "How do I get the latest drivers for the SB AWE32?" in section
F for further information.

18. My PC system does not have a working NMI. What can I do to use AWEUTIL?
One  of the most common causes of a system not having a working NMI is  that
the  system's memory parity checking has been turned off. You can check your
system's  memory  parity checking status by activating  your  system's  BIOS
setup. Consult your system's user manual on how to activate BIOS/CMOS  setup
and  memory parity checking.  If your system does not have a working NMI  or
you  have  a DOS protected mode game, then you can only play games using  FM
music.
Note:  that this NMI problem only applies to DOS games or applications,  not
to Windows games or applications. Under Windows, all applications play music
and  sound effects through the standard SB AWE32 Windows drivers.   As  more
developers include native SB AWE32 support, this NMI problem will  gradually
disappear.
Some  of  the protected mode games already have SB AWE32 support via special
drivers.  You  can  obtain more information on these drivers  in  the  Sound
Blaster  forum on CompuServe, or on Creative's BBS. See the item "How  do  I
get  the  latest  drivers  for  the SB AWE32?"  in  Section  F  for  further
information.

19. Is there a WaveBlaster upgrade option on the SB AWE32?
Yes, the SB AWE32 features a WaveBlaster connector. The AWE32 Value Edition,
however, does not have a WaveBlaster connector.

20. What is the benefit of adding a WaveBlaster to the SB AWE32?
The  WaveBlaster connector was included on the SB AWE32 to provide users  an
alternative wave-sample synthesis method other than the EMU8000  on  the  SB
AWE32. By incorporating a WaveBlaster onto the SB AWE32, the total polyphony
of  this  combination will be increased to 64, the total number of  channels
expanded  to 32, and you will have access to a secondary palette of  sampled
sounds.

21. Is it possible to load AWEUTIL into high memory?
AWEUTIL  automatically searches for high memory and  will  attempt  to  load
itself high if enough high memory is available.

22. Does AWEUTIL have to stay memory resident?
AWEUTIL serves two purposes; to initialize and control the reverb and chorus
effects of the FM hardware on the SB AWE32 card, and to provide NMI MIDI
Feedback.

AWEUTIL /S
will initialize and set the reverb and chorus effect of the FM hardware, and
then terminate. It will not stay resident in memory.

If you want to activate NMI MIDI Feedback, then run
AWEUTIL /EM:XX (XX = GM, GS, MT32)
before starting your game.

When you finish the game, remember to run
AWEUTIL /U
to unload AWEUTIL from memory.

23. What are the long term plans to solve the problem with DOS extender
games?
We are currently getting developers to natively support the SB AWE32. So far
we  have  had  good support from John Miles Inc. with their SB  AWE32  Miles
(real  and  protected mode) drivers, from Accolade, from HMI and  from  John
Ratcliff with his MIDPAK drivers. As more and more developers support the SB
AWE32, the DOS extended game's problem will gradually disappear.

24. Will software written for the SB16 work with the SB AWE32?
Definitely.  The SB AWE32 uses the same base system as the SB16,  so  it  is
fully compatible.

25. Does Creative have any plans for a SCSI version of the SB AWE32?
We  will  deliver  a SCSI version of the SB AWE32 when there  is  sufficient
demand.

26. What CD-ROM drives does the SB AWE32 support?
The  SB AWE32 supports Creative, Sony and Mitsumi CD-ROM drives, but not IDE
or SCSI CD-ROM drives.  The AWE32 PnP supports IDE drives.

27. What are the different reverb and chorus variations available on the SB
AWE32?

Reverb and chorus effects add warmth and movement to MIDI playback.  There
are eight reverb types and eight chorus types available on the SB AWE32.
     Room 1 - 3
This group of reverb variation simulates the natural ambiance of a room.
Room 1 simulates a small room, Room 2 simulates a slightly bigger room, and
Room 3 simulates a big room.
     Hall 1 - 2
This group of reverb variation simulates the natural ambiance of a concert
hall. It has greater depth than the room variations.  Again, Hall 1
simulates a small hall, and Hall 2 simulates a larger hall.
     Plate
Back in the old days, reverb effects were sometimes produced using a metal
plate, and this type of reverb produces a metallic echo. The SB AWE32's
Plate variation simulates this form of reverb.
     Delay
This reverb produces a delay, that is, echo effect.
     Panning Delay
This reverb variation produces a delay effect that is continuously panned
left and right.
     Chorus 1 - 4
Chorus produces a "beating" effect. The chorus effects are more prominent
going from chorus 1 to chorus 4.
     Feedback Chorus
This chorus variation simulates a soft "swishing" effect.
     Flanger
This chorus variation produces a more prominent feedback chorus effect.
     Short Delay
This chorus variation simulates a delay repeated in a short time.
     Short Delay (feed back)
This chorus variation simulates a short delay repeated (feedback) many
times.

These effect variations can be selected by the following sysex messages:

     Reverb sysex macro

     F0 41 10 42 12 40 01 30 XX 00 F7

     where XX denotes the reverb variation to be selected. The valid values
for XX are
            00 - Room 1
            01 - Room 2
            02 - Room 3
            03 - Hall 1
            04 - Hall 2
            05 - Plate
            06 - Delay
            07 - Panning Delay

     Chorus sysex macro

     F0 41 10 42 12 40 01 38 XX 00 F7

     again, XX denotes the chorus variation to be selected. The valid values
for XX are

            00 - Chorus 1
            01 - Chorus 2
            02 - Chorus 3
            03 - Chorus 4
            04 - Feedback chorus
            05 - Flanger
            06 - Short Delay
            07 - Short delay (FB)

 28. What are the undocumented JP6, JP8 and JP9 jumpers on the card?

     JP8 Is a digital (SPDIF) out from the EMU8000.

     Pin definition:
        o 0 - signal,
        o 1 - signal ground.

     JP9 provides another means to control the volume of the mixer on the SB
AWE32.

     Pin definition :
        o 1 - increase volume
        o 2 - Analog Ground
        o 3 - decrease volume

     J6 is an audio feature connector.

     Pin definition :
        o 1 - AG (Analog Ground)
        o 2 - Line out (Right)
        o 3 - AG (Analog Ground)
        o 4 - AG (Analog Ground)
        o 5 - Line out (Left)
        o 6 - AG (Analog Ground)
        o 7 - -12V
        o 8 - Reserved
        o 9 - Mic In
        o 10 - +12V
        o 11 - AG (Analog Ground)
        o 12 - AG (Analog Ground)
        o 13 - AG (Analog Ground)
        o 14 - AG (Analog Ground)
        o 15 - PC Speaker In
        o 16 - Mono Speaker out

29. How does the AWE32 Value Edition differ from the Sound Blaster AWE32?
The  Sound  Blaster AWE32 Value Edition is a low-cost alternative for  users
who  want  the  Advanced WavEffects realistic instrument and  sound  effects
capabilities of the AWE32, but do not need all of the features of the  AWE32
standard  edition. The AWE32 Value Edition has most of the features  of  the
Sound  Blaster  AWE32 card, but does not have a Wave Blaster  connector,  an
Advanced  Signal  Processor, or memory upgrade capability. Also,  the  AWE32
Value Edition does not contain Cakewalk Apprentice, TextAssist and Vienna SF
Studio software. TextAssist software is available with the CSP upgrade,  and
Cakewalk Apprentice is available with the Creative MIDI Kit.

Section B - Editing Tool

1. Is there a preset editor for the SB AWE32?
Vienna  SF  Studio is a SoundFont bank editing software package that  allows
you  to  create, edit and download sounds onto the Sound Blaster AWE32.  You
can  create WAVE files to import into Vienna to create your own instruments.
Vienna  also allows you to program your own presets (tweaking the envelopes'
generators, the LFOs and such).

2. Is it possible to patch multiple sounds across different keys, such as a
drum kit?
Yes, Vienna was designed for making drum kits as well.

3. How are new instruments on the SB AWE32 created?
As  mentioned above, you can create your own samples (using Wave  Studio  or
Soundo'Le, for example) to import into Vienna. As an example, let's say  you
have a Steinway piano you would like to sample and use the Steinway sound on
your  SB  AWE32. What you need to do is sample your Steinway in 16 bit  mono
WAVE  files.  Then you can use Vienna to edit its preset and save  it  as  a
SoundFont-compatible bank file and load it as a user bank into your SB AWE32
to play just like any normal MIDI instrument.

4. What functionality does Vienna SF Studio offer?
Here is what you can do with Vienna:

     - Multi-sample arrangement
          Multi-sampling is the technique of sampling a musical instrument
          at different musical intervals, arranging the samples across a
          MIDI keyboard and assigning key ranges (for example, from key C3
          to C4) to these samples. Vienna allows you to visually assign
          samples to key ranges.
     - Preset editing
          Once you arrange your samples across the keyboard, you can then
          start to program the instruments' envelopes and LFOs to your
          liking. Refer to Section E, Introduction to EMU8000, for
          information on envelopes and LFOs.
     - Loop point selection
          Vienna allows you to visually select the loop points of a sample.
     - Drum kit arrangement
          Vienna is not limited to just creating musical instruments; you
          can also layout and save a drum kit using any samples you desire.

5. Where do I get my copy of Vienna?
Vienna  is  now packaged with the SB AWE32 standard edition. SB AWE32  Value
owners  who  wish  to  purchased  the software  may  contact  Creative  Labs
directly.

6. Can Vienna load samples for other systems e.g. Akai S1000 or Yamaha TG55?
Vienna  can  load any instrument bank that is compliant with Creative's  SBK
format. Vienna will not load instrument banks in other formats.

Section C - Programming Information

1. Is programming information available for the SB AWE32?
The  SB AWE32 Developer's Information Pack is available on the Creative Labs
BBS,  on  CompuServe,  and at the Creative Labs FTP site.  The  filename  is
ADIP.EXE/ADIP.ZIP. It contains both Windows and DOS programming information.
It is made for developers who intend to program the EMU8000 subsystem on the
SB AWE32. Programming of other features, such as digitized sound I/O etc, is
exactly same as the Sound Blaster 16. You could refer to the "Developer  Kit
for Sound Blaster Series, 2nd Edition" for programming in DOS and/or Windows
Multimedia API for programming in Windows.
For  DOS  environments,  we have created library  functions  based  on  MIDI
messages such as NoteOn, NoteOff, ProgramChange, etc. Special care has  been
taken  to  ensure that the library can be used for building TSR  drivers  or
embedded  MIDI  drivers  in  an application.  For Windows  environments,  we
provide the API for sample downloading and effect control.

2. Is the effect engine on the SB AWE32 programmable?
The effect engine on the SB AWE32 is dedicated to produce reverb, chorus and
QSound  effect,  and is not intended to be programmable. You  can,  however,
select different reverb or chorus variations using sysex. Refer to the  item
"What  are  the different reverb and chorus variations available on  the  SB
AWE32?" in Section A for more information.

Section D - SoundFont Bank

1. What are SoundFont Collections?
E-mu  SoundFont  Collections  are CD-ROMs that contain  SoundFont  Banks  of
varying  sizes  (0.5  MB  to  8  MB). E-mu's SoundFont  Banks  include  both
instruments and sound effects. Many of E-mu's traditional instrument  sounds
will be included (for example Proteus 1-3) as well as some new sounds.

2. How do SoundFont Banks work?
SoundFont  Banks can be loaded into RAM on the SB AWE32. They  can  then  be
used  in  conjunction with a MIDI sequencer to create soundtracks  or  other
kinds of audio creations.

3. Where can I purchase SoundFont Banks?
SB  AWE32  customers will be pleased to know that the first  E-mu  SoundFont
Banks are now available for purchase directly from E-mu Systems.

     For the latest information on available SoundFont banks, call (408)
     438-1921 x148 from 8am to 5pm Pacific Time, and ask for the Sounds
     Department.

     Fax orders should be sent to (408) 438-7854 Attention: SoundFont
     Order.

     Internet inquiries should be sent to SoundFont@emu.com.

          All orders should include the customer's Name, Address, Phone
Number and Credit Card Information (including          expiration date) and
the part  numbers of the SoundFont Banks being ordered.

4. What can I do with SoundFont Banks?

     You can:
        o Load SoundFont banks of your choice into the RAM of your SB AWE32
          and use this set of sounds as you compose with a MIDI sequencer.
        o Create your own SoundFont-compatible bank with SoundFont Objects
          from various SoundFont Banks you already have using Vienna SF
          Studio software.
        o Edit individual SoundFont parameters with Vienna to create your
          own version of the sounds and then assemble your own SoundFont
          Objects into a SoundFont Bank. Creating your own
          SoundFont-compatible Objects and Banks gives you the freedom to
          create your own unique instruments and sound effects to
          differentiate your soundtracks.

  5. Will having 28 MB on the SB AWE32 improve the sound quality over a
standard 512 KB SB AWE32?
Absolutely! The more RAM memory on your SB AWE32 the larger and  fuller  the
sound  samples you can include in your SoundFont Banks.  28mb= two  16mb  30
pin SIMMs

Section E - Introduction to the EMU8000 Chip

The  EMU8000  has  its roots in E-mu's Proteus sample playback  modules  and
their  renowned Emulator sampler. The EMU8000 has 32 individual oscillators,
each  playing  back  at  44.1  kHz.  By incorporating  sophisticated  sample
interpolation  algorithms and digital filtering, the EMU8000 is  capable  of
producing high fidelity sample playback.
The  EMU8000 has an extensive modulation capability using two sine-wave LFOs
(Low Frequency Oscillator) and two multi- stage envelope generators.
What exactly does modulation mean? Modulation means to dynamically change  a
parameter   of  an  audio  signal,  whether  it  be  the  volume  (amplitude
modulation, or tremolo), pitch (frequency modulation, or vibrato) or  filter
cutoff  frequency (filter modulation, or wah-wah). To modulate something  we
would  require  a  modulation source, and a modulation destination.  In  the
EMU8000,  the  modulation sources are the LFOs and the envelope  generators,
and  the modulation destinations can be the pitch, the volume or the  filter
cutoff frequency.
The  EMU8000's  LFOs  and envelope generators provide a  complex  modulation
environment.  Each  sound producing element of the  EMU8000  consists  of  a
resonant low-pass filter, two LFOs, in which one modulates the pitch (LFO2),
and   the   other   modulates  pitch,  filter  cutoff  and   volume   (LFO1)
simultaneously. There are two envelope generators; envelope 1 contours  both
pitch and filter cutoff simultaneously, and envelope 2 contours volume.  The
output  stage consists of an effects engine that mixes the dry signals  with
the Reverb/chorus level signals to produce the final mix.

What are the EMU8000 sound elements?

Each of the sound elements in an EMU8000 consists of the following:

Oscillator
An oscillator is the source of an audio signal.
Low Pass Filter
The  low  pass  filter  is  responsible for  modifying  the  timbres  of  an
instrument.  The low pass filter's filter cutoff values can be  varied  from
100 Hz to 8000 Hz. By changing the values of the filter cutoff, a myriad  of
analog sounding filter sweeps can be achieved. An example of a GM instrument
that makes use of filter sweep is instrument number 87, Lead 7 (fifths).
Amplifier
The amplifier determines the loudness of an audio signal.
LFO1
An  LFO,  or  Low  Frequency Oscillator, is normally  used  to  periodically
modulate, that is, change a sound parameter, whether it be volume (amplitude
modulation),   pitch  (frequency  modulation)  or  filter   cutoff   (filter
modulation). It operates at sub-audio frequency from 0.042 Hz to  10.71  Hz.
The  LFO1  in  the  EMU8000 modulates the pitch, volume  and  filter  cutoff
simultaneously.
LFO2
The  LFO2 is similar to the LFO1, except that it modulates the pitch of  the
audio signal only.
Resonance
A  filter  alone  would be like an equalizer, making a bright  audio  signal
duller,  but  the  addition  of  resonance greatly  increases  the  creative
potential  of  a  filter. Increasing the resonance  of  a  filter  makes  it
emphasize signals at the cutoff frequency, giving the audio signal a  subtle
wah-wah, that is, imagine a siren sound going from bright to dull to  bright
again periodically.
LFO1 to Volume (Tremolo)
The  LFO1's output is routed to the amplifier, with the depth of oscillation
determined  by LFO1 to Volume. LFO1 to Volume produces tremolo, which  is  a
periodic  fluctuation of volume. Lets say you are listening to  a  piece  of
music on your home stereo system. When you rapidly increase and decrease the
playback volume, you are creating tremolo effect, and the speed in which you
increases and decreases the volume is the tremolo rate (which corresponds to
the  speed  at which the LFO is oscillating). An example of a GM  instrument
that makes use of LFO1 to Volume is instrument number 45, Tremolo Strings.
LFO1 to Filter Cutoff (Wah-Wah)
The  LFO1's  output is routed to the filter, with the depth  of  oscillation
determined by LFO1 to Filter. LFO1 to Filter produces a periodic fluctuation
in  the filter cutoff frequency, producing an effect very similar to that of
a  wah-wah guitar (see resonance for a description of wah-wah) An example of
a GM instrument that makes use of LFO1 to Filter Cutoff is instrument number
19, Rock Organ.
LFO1 to Pitch (Vibrato)
The LFO1's output is routed to the oscillator, with the depth of oscillation
determined  by LFO1 to Pitch. LFO1 to Pitch produces a periodic  fluctuation
in the pitch of the oscillator, producing a vibrato effect. An example of  a
GM  instrument  that  makes use of LFO1 to Pitch is  instrument  number  57,
Trumpet.
LFO2 to Pitch (Vibrato)
The  LFO1  in  the  EMU8000 can simultaneously modulate  pitch,  volume  and
filter. LFO2, on the other hand, modulates only the pitch, with the depth of
modulation  determined by LFO2 to Pitch. LFO2 to Pitch produces  a  periodic
fluctuation in the pitch of the oscillator, producing a vibrato effect. When
this  is  coupled  with  LFO1  to Pitch, a complex  vibrato  effect  can  be
achieved.
Volume Envelope
The  character of a musical instrument is largely determined by  its  volume
envelope,  the  way in which the level of the sound changes with  time.  For
example, percussive sounds usually start suddenly and then die away, whereas
a bowed sound might take quite some time to start and then sustain at a more
or less fixed level.
A  six-stage envelope makes up the volume envelope of the EMU8000.  The  six
stages  are delay, attack, hold, decay, sustain and release. The stages  can
be described as follows:
     Delay
          The time between when a key is played and when the attack phase
begins
     Attack
          The time it takes to go from zero to the peak (full) level.
     Hold
          The time the envelope will stay at the peak level before starting
the decay phase.
     Decay
          The time it takes the envelope to go from the peak level to the
sustain level.
     Sustain
          The level at which the envelope remains as long as a key is held
down.
     Release
          The time it takes the envelope to fall to the zero level after the
key is released.

Using  these  six  parameters can yield very realistic reproduction  of  the
volume envelope characteristics of many musical instruments.
Pitch and Filter Envelope
The  pitch and filter envelope is similar to the volume envelope in that  it
has  the  same envelope stages. The difference between them is that  whereas
the  volume  envelope contours the volume of the instrument over  time,  the
pitch  and  filter  envelope contours the pitch and  filter  values  of  the
instrument  over time. The pitch envelope is particularly useful in  putting
the  finishing touches in simulating a natural instrument. For example, some
wind  instruments tend to go slightly sharp when they are first  blown,  and
this  characteristic can be simulated by setting up a pitch envelope with  a
fairly  fast  attack and decay. The filter envelope, on the other  hand,  is
useful  in  creating synthetic sci-fi sound textures. An  example  of  a  GM
instrument  that makes use of the filter envelope is instrument  number  86,
Pad 8 (Sweep).
Pitch/Filter Envelope Modulation
These  two parameters determine the modulation depth of the pitch and filter
envelope.  In  the wind instrument example above, a small  amount  of  pitch
envelope   modulation   is   desirable  to  simulate   its   natural   pitch
characteristics.   This rich modulation capability of the EMU8000  is  fully
exploited by the SB AWE32 MIDI drivers. The driver also provides you with  a
means  to change these parameters over MIDI in real time. Refer to the  item
"How do I change an instrument's sound parameter in real time" in Section  F
for more information.

Section F - How Do I ...

1. How do I make use of RPN documented in the SB AWE32 MIDI Implementation
chart?
RPN  is a short form for "Registered Parameter Number." Registered Parameter
Numbers  are  used  to represent sound or performance parameters.  MIDI  1.0
specified  three RPNs: RPN 0 for Pitch Bend Sensitivity, RPN  1  for  Coarse
Tune and RPN 2 for Fine Tune. The SB
AWE32  implements only RPN 0, Pitch Bend Sensitivity. Before going into  how
to  set  pitch bend sensitivity, let's go into how pitch bending is used  in
MIDI. Pitch Bending is normally used to pitch shift (that is, make the pitch
go  higher  or lower) a sustained note to achieve a "pitch gliding"  effect.
The  default pitch bend sensitivity of the SB AWE32 is +/- 2 semitones, that
is, you can go high or low of the current note by 2 semitones when using the
pitch  bend wheel. If you desire a more dramatic pitch bending effect,  then
you  would  need  to change the pitch bend sensitivity to  a  higher  value.
Following  are  step-by-step instructions to set a  pitch  bend  sensitivity
value other than the default 2 semitones. Cakewalk
Apprentice will be used as an example.

       1. Bring up the "Event List" window for the track you want to set
pitch bend sensitivity.
       2. Go to the top of the event list (page up) and insert a MIDI
controller event, with controller number 101 and a     controller value of 0
       3. Insert another MIDI Controller event immediately, with controller
number 100 and controller value of 0.
       4. Insert another MIDI controller event immediately, with controller
number 6, and set the controller value to the     desired pitch bend
sensitivity.

2. How do I change an instrument's sound parameter in real time?
You  can change an instrument's SoundFont parameters (for example, LFO depth
and  speed,  envelope contour) through MIDI in real time via  NRPN,  or  Non
Registered  Parameter Number control.  NRPN is identical  to  that  of  RPN,
except  that Registered Parameter Numbers are agreed upon by the  MMA  (MIDI
Manufacturers  Association) and JMSC (Japan MIDI Standards  Committee),  and
Non  Registered  Parameter Number may be assigned as  needed  by  individual
manufacturers.
As  NRPN  and  Data  Entry messages are MIDI controller messages,  any  MIDI
sequencer  software that supports editing of controller  messages  (such  as
Cakewalk,  MasterTracks Pro) is capable of sending them.  For SB AWE32  NRPN
to  be  functional, NRPN MSB has to be 127, and NRPN LSB set to the  desired
parameter to be controlled (see Section H for a list of available NRPN LSB).

To control the AWE32's NRPNs, enter the following series of controller
events:

Controller     Parameter      Description

99                  127                      This is the NRPN MSB. It is
always 127.
98                  NRPN LSB #          The number of the effect as listed
in Section H.
6                   Data Entry MSB #         (See equations below.)
38                  Data Entry LSB #         (See equations below.)

                    Data Entry MSB # = (Actual Value + 8192) / 128
                    Data Entry LSB #  = (Actual Value + 8192) % 128

     Where "Actual Value" represents the desired increment in a specified
range (see Section H). For example, here is a listing from Section H:

          NRPN LSB 26  (Reverb Effects Send)
          Realtime  :    No
          Range     :    [0, 255]

In the example above, reverb may be controlled from levels 0 to 255.  Select
the  desired  reverb level, and use that number as the Actual Value  in  the
equations above. These equations determine the parameters for controllers  6
and  38, respectively. For example, if you wanted to have a reverb value  of
140,  you would put 140 into the equations above, and come up with the value
of 65 for Controller 6, and 12 for Controller 38.
     If you need to determine the Actual Value of an NRPN already present in
a MIDI file, use the formula below:

               Actual value = (MSB * 128 + LSB) - 8192

     A "Reset All Controllers" message (MIDI controller 121) restores the
instrument's original SoundFont parameters.

     Refer to Section H for a table of NRPN implementation.

3. How do I select the SB AWE32's reverb and chorus variation type through
MIDI?
You  can  select  the reverb and chorus variation via sysex.  The  SB  AWE32
Windows  (not DOS) driver recognizes two strings of sysex; one for selecting
reverb variation, and the other for selecting chorus variation.

          Reverb sysex string:
            F0 41 10 42 12 40 01 30 XX 00 F7
                  Where XX indicates the reverb variations (from 0  to 7).

          Chorus sysex string:
            F0 41 10 42 12 40 01 38 XX 00 F7
                  Where XX indicates the chorus variation (from 0 to 7).

4. How can I maximize my system's memory so that I still have plenty of room
to run games after installing the SB AWE32?
There  are  two  drivers (CTMMSYS.SYS and CTSB16.SYS) you  can  remove  from
CONFIG.SYS.  These  two  drivers  provide  digital  playback  and  recording
interface  under  DOS.  They  are not used by  the  EMU8000  subsystem.   By
removing these two drivers, you will not be able to run PLAY.EXE, RECORD.EXE
and  SB16SET.EXE under DOS, but you will gain approximately 30K  of  memory.
(SB16SET.EXE can be made to function without the above mentioned drivers  if
you download the file AWEUP.EXE.)

5. How do I load a SoundFont Bank?
Loading SoundFont Banks is easy. Just use the SB AWE32 Windows Control Panel
Applet, AWECP.EXE, as follows:

       1. Use the up or down arrow keys next to the user bank number to
select the desired bank. A dialog box appears.
       2. Select the directory that contains the *.SBK files.
       3. Double-click the desired file to load it into the particular user
bank.

6. How do I setup my sequencer software to access the user bank that I have
downloaded into the RAM?
In  order for a sequencer software to access the user bank, you will need to
issue  MIDI  Continuous Controller 0 (which is a MIDI Bank  Select)  at  the
channel that you need to access the instrument. After that, follow by a MIDI
Program  Change to select the patch/intrument  within the user  bank.  Using
the  SAMPLE.SBK (located at \SB16\SFBANK  subdirectory) that is bundled with
the  SB  AWE32 as an example, we will  illustrate how this can be done.  The
patches contains in SAMPLE.SBK  are:

        o 0 - bubble
        o 1 - dog
        o 2 - door
        o 3 - carstop
        o 4 - carpass
        o 5 - laughing
        o 6 - screaming
        o 7 - punch

Supposing that you would like to use the "door" sound in Channel 5 of a
piece of music. Here is the step-by-step guide that what you should do:

       1. Activate the SB AWE32 Control Panel
       2. Download the SAMPLE.SBK as user bank 1 (Note: you can download to
          any user bank that is empty ranging from 1 to 127. Bank 0 is
          ALWAYS reserved for Syhthesizer Bank.)
       3. Activate sequencer software
       4. Insert MIDI CC0 1 at Channel 5 (CC0 1 means do a Bank Select to
          Bank 1. We do it at Channel 5 since we wish to apply it to this
          channel.)
       5. Insert MIDI Program Change 2. (Since "door" patch number is 2.
          Please take note of the numbering convention used in your MIDI
          sequencer. It can be either from 0-127 OR 1-128. If you are using
          numbering convention from 1-128 , then you should do a MIDI
          Program Change 3 instead of 2.)

If you do any Note On in Channel 5 now, you will be able to hear the "door"
sound.

  7. How do I get the latest drivers for the SB AWE32?

     The latest SB AWE32 drivers, utilities and game compatibility list can
     be found at the following sites:

               Inside U.S.A., Canada and South America
               Creative Labs, Inc. BBS : (405)742-6660

               Inside Europe
               CL-UK BBS           : (44)743-360287
               CL-Germany BBS      : (49)2131-919820

               Inside Asia Pacific
               Creative Technology Ltd BBS : (65)776-2423

               CompuServe
                 type GO BLASTER to enter the Creative Labs Forum

               Internet FTP site
                 ftp.creaf.com



Section G - References

The definitive guide to MIDI would be "MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specification",
published and distributed exclusively by :
The International MIDI Association
5316 W.57th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90056

Other MIDI related publications are :
Music Through MIDI
Using MIDI to create your own electronic music system
by Michael Boom
published by Microsoft Press
Catalog number : ISBN 1-55615-0260-1
The MIDI Manual
by David Miles Huber
published by SAM
Catalog number : ISBN 0-672-22755-6

Section H - SB AWE32 NRPN Implementation

NRPN LSB 0 (Delay before LFO1 starts)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 5900]
     Unit      : 4 milliseconds
     Delay from 0 to 22 seconds.

NRPN LSB 1 (LFO1 Frequency)
     Realtime  : Yes
     Range     : [0, 127]
     Unit      : 0.084Hz
     LFO1 frequency from 0Hz to 10.72 Hz.

NRPN LSB 2 (Delay before LFO2 starts)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 5900]
     Unit      : 4 milliseconds
     Delay from 0 to 22 seconds.

NRPN LSB 3 (LFO2 Frequency)
     Realtime  : Yes
     Range     : [0, 127]
     Unit      : 0.084Hz
     LFO2 frequency from 0Hz to 10.72 Hz.

NRPN LSB 4 (Envelope 1 delay time)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 5900]
     Unit      : 4 milliseconds
     Envelope 1 Delay from 0 to 22 seconds.

NRPN LSB 5 (Envelope 1 attack time)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 5940]
     Unit      : Milliseconds
     Envelope 1 attack time from 0 to 5.9 seconds.

NRPN LSB 6 (Envelope 1 hold time)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 8191]
     Unit      : Milliseconds
     Envelope 1 hold time from 0 to 8 seconds.

NRPN LSB 7 (Envelope 1 decay time)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 5940]
     Unit      : 4 Milliseconds
     Envelope 1 decay time from 0.023 to 23.7 seconds.

NRPN LSB 8 (Envelope 1 sustain level)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 127]
     Unit      : 0.75dB
     Envelope  1 sustain level from full level down to off  (0.75
     dB step).

NRPN LSB 9 (Envelope 1 release time)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 5940]
     Unit      : 4 milliseconds
     Envelope 1 release time from 0.023 to 23.7 seconds.

NRPN LSB 10 (Envelope 2 delay time)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 5900]
     Unit      : 4 milliseconds
     Envelope 2 Delay from 0 to 22 seconds.

NRPN LSB 11 (Envelope 2 attack time)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 5940]
     Unit      : Milliseconds
     Envelope 2 attack time from 0 to 5.9 seconds.

NRPN LSB 12 (Envelope 2 hold time)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 8191]
     Unit      : Millisecond
     Envelope 2 hold time from 0 to 8 seconds.

NRPN LSB 13 (Envelope 2 decay time)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 5940]
     Unit      : 4 milliseconds
     Envelope 2 decay time from 0.023 to 23.7 seconds.

NRPN LSB 14 (Envelope 2 sustain level)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 127]
     Unit      : 0.75dB
     Envelope 2 sustain level from full level down to off.

NRPN LSB 15 (Envelope 2 release time)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 5940]
     Unit      : 4 milliseconds
     Envelope 2 release time from 0.023 to 23.7 seconds.

NRPN LSB 16 (Initial Pitch)
     Realtime  : Yes
     Range     : [-8192, 8191]
     Unit      : cents
     Pitch tuning between -8192 and 8191 cents.

NRPN LSB 17 (LFO1 to Pitch)
     Realtime  : Yes
     Range     : [-127, 127]
     Unit      : 9.375 cents
If  data value is greater than 0, this will cause a positive (from 0 to
maximum) 1 octave shift at LFO peak. On the other
hand,  if  data value is smaller than 0, this will  cause  a negative (from
0 to minimum) 1 octave shift at LFO peak.

NRPN LSB 18 (LFO2 to Pitch)
     Realtime       : Yes
     Description    :
     Range          : [-127, 127]
     Unit           : 9.375 cents
If  data value is greater than 0, this will cause a positive (from 0 to
maximum) 1 octave shift at LFO peak. On the other
hand,  if  data value is smaller than 0, this will  cause  a negative (from
0 to minimum) 1 octave shift at LFO peak.

NRPN LSB 19 (Envelope 1 to Pitch)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [-127, 127]
     Unit      : 9.375 cents
If  data value is greater than 0, this will cause a positive (from 0 to
maximum) 1 octave shift at envelope peak. On  the
other hand, if data value is smaller than 0, this will cause a  negative
(from 0 to minimum) 1 octave shift at  envelope
peak.

NRPN LSB 20 (LFO1 to Volume)
     Realtime  : Yes
     Range     : [0, 127]
     Unit      : 0.1875 dB
Data values smaller than 64 causes a positive phase (from  0 to  maximum)
volume modulation via LFO1 with magnitude of 12 dB  at LFO peak. On the
other hand, data values greater than or  equal  to 64 causes a negative
phase (from 0 to minimum) volume  modulation via LFO1 with magnitude of 12
dB  at  LFO peak.

NRPN LSB 21 (Initial Filter Cutoff)
     Realtime  : Yes
     Range     : [0, 127]
     Unit      : 62Hz
     Filter cutoff from 100Hz to 8000Hz

NRPN LSB 22 (Initial Filter Resonance Coefficient)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 127]
The  EMU8000  has  a  built in resonance  coefficient  table comprising 16
entries. Values 0-7 will select the first  (0)
entry, values 8-15 selects the second (1) entry and so on.

     Coeff     Low Fc(Hz)     Low Q(dB) High Fc(kHz)   High Q(dB)     DC
Attenuation(dB)
     0          92                 5              Flat           Flat
-0.0
     1          93                 6              8.5            0.5
-0.5
     2          94                 8              8.3            1
-1.2
     3          95                 10             8.2            2
-1.8
     4          96                 11             8.1            3
-2.5
     5          97                 13             8.0            4
-3.3
     6          98                 14             7.9            5
-4.1
     7          99                 16             7.8            6
-5.5
     8          100           17             7.7            7              -
6.0
     9          100           19             7.5            9              -
6.6
     10        100       20             7.4            10             -7.2
     11        100       22             7.3            11             -7.9
     12        100       23             7.2            13             -8.5
     13        100       25             7.1            15             -9.3
     14        100       26             7.1            16             -10.1
     15        100       28             7.0            18             -11.0

NRPN LSB 23 (LFO1 to Filter Cutoff)
     Realtime       : Yes
     Description    :
     Range          : [-64, 63]
     Unit           : 56.25 cents
Data values smaller than 64 causes a positive phase (from  0 to  maximum)
filter modulation via LFO1 with magnitude of  3 octaves  at LFO peak. On the
other hand, data values greater than  or  equal  to 64 causes a negative
phase  (from  0  to minimum)  filter  modulation via LFO1 with  magnitude
of  3 octaves at LFO peak.

NRPN LSB 24 (Envelope 1 to Filter Cutoff)
     Realtime       : No
     Description    :
     Range          : [-127, 127]
     Unit           : 56.25 cents
Data values greater than 0 cause a positive phase (from 0 to maximum) filter
modulation via Envelope 1 with magnitude  of 6  octaves  at  envelope  peak.
On the  other  hand,  values smaller  than 0 cause a negative phase (from 0
to  minimum) filter modulation via Envelope 1 with magnitude of 6 octaves at
envelope peak.

NRPN LSB 25 (Chorus Effects Send)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 255]
Chorus  send,  with  0 being the driest (no  chorus  effects processing),
and 255 being the wettest (full chorus  effect
processing).

NRPN LSB 26 (Reverb Effects Send)
     Realtime  : No
     Range     : [0, 255]
Reverb  send,  with  0 being the driest (no  reverb  effects processing),
and 255 being the wettest (full reverb  effect
processing).

Creative Labs Technical Support


Adaptec EZ SCSI Ver 4.0 STR Focus
                                      
                        Adaptec EZ-SCSI 4.0 Overview

If  you  have  - or are planning to add SCSI peripherals like tape  or  disk
drives,  CD-ROM drives, recordable CD-R drives, magneto-optical  drives,  or
scanners,  Adaptec EZ-SCSI software provides everything you need  to  manage
and  take full advantage of each device. Adaptec EZ-SCSI software is a suite
of 32-bit practical applications and power tools that are remarkably easy to
install  and use. Simple desktop controls give you immediate access  to  any
function.  A  unique online tutorial explains everything you  need  to  know
about SCSI in easy-to-understand terms.
Practical Applications: A Comprehensive, cost-effective Solution
Adaptec  EZ-SCSI  software includes a full set of practical applications  at
one  low price. Individual applications let you make quick and easy backups,
manage audio CDs or Photo CDs on your CD-ROM drive, master and copy personal
CDs  to  a  recordable CD-R drive, and print, edit, or save scanned  images.
Adaptec  Backup  makes  saving and restoring data  quick  and  easy.  Select
volumes, directories, or files for easy backup using the graphical directory
tree  and a simple "drag and drop" interface. You can choose to back up  all
files  or  only those created or modified since the last backup.A number  of
tools  let you easily specify criteria for back-up, such as date of creation
or  date  files  were last saved.  Audio CD Player lets you listen  to  your
favorite  CDs  from your CD-ROM drive by using on-screen controls.  You  can
access the CD audio controls automatically in a full-size "jukebox" display,
a standard size display, a mini-sized CD player audio control panel that can
be  placed  anywhere  on  your screen , or control buttons  placed  on  your
Windows 95 toolbar.
Controls include start, stop, pause, eject, repeat, shuffle and program.
Photo CD Viewer lets you view and edit Photo CD images on your CD-ROM drive.
You can display images in five different resolutions, from thumbnail to full
photographic resolution, in 16 color, 256 color, gray-scale and True  Color.
Then,  you can easily manipulate images by flipping them, rotating them,  or
cropping  them.  You can export images to other applications,  or  create  a
"slide  show"  that  runs automatically or responds  to  keyboard  or  mouse
commands. More than 80 photo images are included.  CD Writer allows  you  to
create  your own CDs.  Record information to a CD-Rdrive simply by  dragging
and  dropping  selected files or directories from File  Manager  to  the  CD
Writer  window.CD Copier is the quick, easy way to duplicate  your  personal
CDs.  Select the source and destination, click on the number of copies,  and
then  go.  Copy  from  any  SCSI-2 CD-ROM drive to  selected  models  of  CD
recorders .
QuickScan is a useful companion for your scanner. You can scan an image with
a single mouse click; the image can be saved as a file that can be  exported
to other applications, or sent to your printer for immediate viewing.
Power Tools: The Easy Way to Peak Performance
Adaptec  EZ-SCSI  software  also includes valuable  tools  to  enhance  your
computer  system's performance. Individual power tools let you view detailed
information on your SCSI configuration, automatically shut down disk  drives
when  they're  not  in  use,  and  monitor and  fine-tune  your  SCSI  drive
performance.
z    SCSI Explorer, a suite of thre e tools that provides information on,
  and helps you fine-tune the performance of your SCSI peripherals.
        o  Power Management reduces noise and conserves energy by
automatically spinning down drives that are not in     use. You can specify
a time of day for drives to be powered down, have them automatically power
down      whenever there has been no mouse/keyboard activity or device
activity for a specified time, or power them down      manually whenever you
wish. Drives power up again as soon as you need them.
        o  SCSI Interrogator gives you a clear view of your I/O environment
(your SCSI host adapter and your SCSI   peripherals) and can help you spot
trouble before there is a problem. A graphical representation details the
hardware characteristics for each device connected to the SCSI bus,
including name and version number,      available storage capacity,
supported SCSI features, defects, and mode parameters. If you have removable
media     devices, such as a removable disk or tape drive, you can issue
commands to lock, unlock, or eject the media.
        o  Read/Write Disk Cache tool provides faster performance for your
SCSI hard drives and removable media    drives. Disk caches - memory buffers
which temporarily store blocks of data being read from or written to the
disk - can greatly speed up disk access. Read and write caches can be fine-
tuned for optimum performance.
z    SCSITutor is a unique online tutorial that explains everything you need
  to know about SCSI software, host adapters, and peripheral devices in easy-
  to-understand terms. It helps you get the most out of  your SCSI system and
  all your SCSI peripherals.
SCSIBench measures how fast your host adapter transfers data from the  SCSI
devices connected to it. It includes random, sequential, and  same-sector
I/O transfers for benchmarking varying transfer sizes.  Drive Light lets you
monitor activity on your SCSI devices and view information about read and
write access for each device. You can add  Drive Light icons for one or more
devices on the Windows task bar so they are easily accessible.
              An All-In-One Solution For Your SCSI Peripherals

KEY BENEFITS
The easiest way to manage SCSI peripherals
*  For Windows(R) 95 and Windows NT(tm) operating systems
*  Includes these practical applications:   *  Adaptec Backup   *
QuickScan(tm)   *  Audio CD Player   *  Photo CD Viewer   *  CD Writer   *
CD Copier
*  Includes these power tools:   *  SCSI Explorer(tm) (Power Management,
SCSI Interrogator(tm), Read/Write Disk Cache tool)   *  SCSITutor(tm)   *
SCSIBench(tm)   *  Drive Light

                      Adaptec EZ-SCSI Software Summary:

Practical Applications

   *  Adaptec Backup - Back up and restore to/from SCSI devices.   *  Audio
CD Player - Play audio CDs on your CD-ROM drive.   *  Photo CD Viewer (Magic
Lantern(tm) ) - View Photo CDs on your CD-ROM drive.   *  CD Writer (Easy-
CD(tm) ) - Copy selected files to a CD-R drive.   *  CD Copier - Copy an
entire CD of your personal files to a CD-R drive.   *  QuickScan - Print,
view or save scanned images.
Power Tools
   *  SCSI Explorer
        o  Power Management - Automatically spin down drives not in use.
o  SCSI Interrogator - Detail the hardware characteristics of your SCSI
devices.        o  Read/Write Disk Cache - Create disk caches to speed
performance.
   *  SCSITutor - View an online tutorial and glossary.   *  SCSIBench -
Benchmark SCSI performance.   *  Drive Light - Monitor disk activity.
Technical Specifications
Host Adapter Support:
     Windows 95 and Windows NT:          ASPI-compliant SCSI host adapters
with mini-port drivers
     Windows 3.1:          Adaptec SCSI host adapters
I/O Interface:
     32-bit ASPI for Windows 16-bit ASPI for Windows

Operating System Support:
     Microsoft(R) Windows 95     Microsoft Windows NT (3.51)     Microsoft
Windows for Workgroups (3.11)     Microsoft Windows (3.11)
System Requirements:
     IBM compatible with 386 processor or better CD-ROM drive 3.5" floppy
drive

   Adaptec, Inc.691 South Milpitas BoulevardMilpitas, California 95035Tel:
                      (408) 945-8600Fax: (408) 262-2533
Adaptec Europe - BelgiumTel: (32) 2-352-34-11Fax: (32) 2-352-34-00
Adaptec Japan - TokyoTel: (81) 3-5276-9882Fax: (81) 3-5276-9884
Adaptec SingaporeTel: (65) 278-7300Fax: (65) 273-0163
Literature: 1-800-934-2766 (USA and Canada) or (510) 732-3829Ordering
Software: 1-800-442-7274 (USA and Canada) or (408) 957-7274Interactive Fax:
(408) 957-7150Adaptec USA Bulletin Board Service (BBS): (408) 945-7727 (up
to 28,800 baud, using 8 bits, 1 stop bit, no parity)CompuServe: GO
ADAPTECMicrosoft Network: GO ADAPTECInternet ftp server:
ftp.adaptec.comWorld-Wide Web: http://www.adaptec.com
Copyright(c)  1995 Adaptec, Inc. All rights reserved. Adaptec,  the  Adaptec
logo,  EZ-SCSI,  IOware,  the  IOware  logo,  QuickScan,  SCSI  Bench,  SCSI
Explorer,  SCSI Interrogator, and SCSITutor are trademarks of Adaptec,  Inc.
which  may be registered in some jurisdictions. Microsoft, Windows  and  the
Windows  logo  are registered trademarks and Windows NT is  a  trademark  of
Microsoft Corporation, used under license. The Photo CD logo is a registered
trademark  of  Eastman Kodak Company used under license. Magic  Lantern  and
Easy-CD are trademarks of In-Cat Systems USA, an Adaptec Company. All  other
trademarks used a re owned by their respective owners.  Information supplied
by  Adaptec,  Inc. is believed to be accurate and reliable at  the  time  of
printing,  but Adaptec, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any  errors  that
may  appear  in  this  document. Adaptec, Inc. reserves the  right,  without
notice, to make changes in product design or specifications. Information  is
subject to change without notice.
Editor Note. the latest updates to EZ SCSI Version 4.0 are available in the
Adaptec Support Area on CIS and their BBS.  Updates for backup and CdWriter


            A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N
                  FARGO PRIMERA PRO COLOR PRINTERS - 600DPI
For a limited time only; If you wish to have a FREE sample printout sent  to
you that demonstrates FARGO Primera & Primera Pro SUPERIOR QUALITY 600dpi 24
bit  Photo  Realistic  Color Output, please send a  Self  Addressed  Stamped
Envelope [SASE] (business sized envelope please) to:
                       STReport's Fargo Printout Offer
                                P.O. Box 6672
                      Jacksonville, Florida 32205-6155
Folks,  the FARGO Primera Pro has GOT to be the best yet.  Its far  superior
to  the newest of Color Laser Printers selling for more than three times  as
much.   Its said that ONE Picture is worth a thousand words.  Send for  this
sample  now.  Guaranteed you will be amazed at the superb quality.  (please,
allow at least a one week turn-around)
            A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N-A T T E N T I O N



 Apple/Mac Section
John Deegan, Editor
     

Taxation on taxation!!  STR Spotlight              Florida trying  something
"Cute"?

Or, Setting a Dangerous Precedent?
                                      
                  7 to 9 + % gross receipts tax possible!!
                        State I.S.P.'s to get Raped!


Want something else to distrust your local politician over??

By R. F. Mariano

     Reports are filtering in that describe the "gouge of year" quietly
"taking place behind the scenes".  In a call that precipitated an impromptu
interview with a Florida State Taxation and Revenue Official, this reporter
made some very interesting discoveries.  First, they (the Florida Department
Of Taxation and Revenue) sent their reps out with the new tax orders to hand
deliver them to the ISP's with a TEN DAY or ELSE "Response Order" attached
thereto.  (Talk about coercive actions!)
     Yes, there is a move underway to charge each and every ISP in the State
of Florida a gross receipts tax if they offer Email services originating or
terminating within the  boundaries of the State of Florida.  It appears they
(Florida Department of Revenue) has concluded that since the ISP's (Internet
Service Providers) are legally not required to pay Sales Tax, they can
instead be hit with the Gross Receipts Tax.  This UNFAIR TAX to be placed on
top of State and Federal Taxes & Tariffs already in place on every
business/commercial telephone bill is an outrage.  Especially if its to be
passed along to the consumer.
     Now comes the RUB!  The small business,  independent ISP's serving
small communities throughout the State of Florida where many of the State's
Internet users reside, are the one's who are going to take the real beating.
In fact, odds are they're going to be put out of business by this
"benevolent" "represent the people" action by the State's Revenue
Department.  You see, the BIG ISP's  AOL, Compuserve, Genie, Delphi, Prodigy
and every other interstate ISP/Online Service (BBS) will be exempt!!  If
that is not selective taxation at the direct expense of the state's
taxpayers and citizens, nothing is.  Here's how. since the ISP is located in
the community they serve, there is usually no toll call involved when the
user wishes to access the Internet.  However, once the local ISP is gone,
the user must incur toll call charges to reach one of the ISP's left in
operation.  On top of which, if its one of the interstate carriers, the user
will also be charged access rates, hourly rates and state, local and federal
sales tax!
     To make matters worse, this action, while quietly appearing rather
passive, is going to alter if not hamper the rapid advancement and
installation of Fiber Optics by the Cable Companies, the Telephone Companies
and the most advanced of all, the full Internet Access to be provided to
each and every household via Satellite through the existing TV reception
system such as DSS, PrimeStar and others..  Its guaranteed that these
companies are going to rethink their plunge into this new technology if the
State is already there with its hand out on the grab!  This action, on the
part of the State of Florida's Department of Revenue, is guaranteed to set
the prospects of inexpensive Internet access to all its taxpayers and
citizens back for quite some time to come.  Needless to say, once this is
successfully placed in effect in the State of Florida, the remainder of the
States will see this type of taxation as a veritable "Gold Mine" and rapidly
follow suit.
     Each and every user within the boundaries of the State of Florida
should, without hesitation, contact their local State Representative and
complain bitterly about this action.  Telegrams, letters, postcards and
Telephone Calls clogging their switchboards are definitely in order.
Another good contact is your local Mayor's office.  In Jacksonville, Florida
where AOL has recently relocated. the Mayor's office is extremely concerned
over this action.  Its not difficult to see the "exempt" status of AOL being
challenged in court by all the State's ISP's jointly in a class action suit.
After all, once the State's Department of Revenue is enjoined in such an
action, the tax will be held in abeyance until the case is decided.
     Another viewpoint is .If there is only one service provider with
absolutely nothing to loose and everything to gain who could that possibly
be??  That folks, is the various Telco operations throughout the State of
Florida and ultimately the USA especially since Ma Bell is totally under the
control of the Federal Government in one way or another.  This entire matter
could very easily become a matter of control.  The "Governmental Control
Freaks" being the key to the entire picture. if all and I do mean all Email
flows through Telco facilities then the monitoring facilities we are very
familiar with will need little or no modification to provide the government
with easy eavesdropping operations.
     Don't simply sit back and let the next Guy "do it to it".  You must
take action and let your local politicians know exactly how you feel about
this taxation heaped upon taxation etc.  About the selective taxation of
ISP's.  And especially about how you feel this action will impede if not
totally cripple the progress of bringing the Internet into the homes of
every taxpaying American at little or even no expense.  After all, we all
know the Internet is a veritable font of immediate knowledge begun by the US
Department of Defense with taxpayer money.  Must the taxpayer pay for this
over and over again??  The state official I spoke to claimed they had a
"right" to tax this "new technology".  It obvious this taxpayer paid
official has forgotten he works for the taxpayers.  The only "RIGHT" this or
any government has is to bring any policy changes, additions or deletions
directly to the taxpayers for appraisal.  Else the court systems will soon
be clogged with actions attempting to hold back or otherwise reign-in
"runaway government".
     Our youngsters deserve this access!  With the gouge tax being in place
to limit or otherwise preclude the less fortunate from the same educational
opportunities as those who can afford the added cost of this gouge.  We, as
a nation will remain less educated than many other nations of the world.
And the Control Freaks will have won still another round through the use of
taxes till it hurts to manipulate or otherwise control the general
population.  This wrong!  Its the very thing that brought this great nation
into being!  Make yourselves heard!  Please, for the good of society, the
NET and the country!



EDUPAGE STR Focus                              "Keeping the computing
community informed"

Edupage,  28  - 30 Nov 95.  Edupage, a summary of news items on  information
technology,  is  provided three times each week as a service  by  Educom,  a
Washington,  D.C.-based  consortium  of leading  colleges  and  universities
seeking to transform education through the use of information technology.
                                 TOP STORIES

Windows 95 Boosts Productivity
Markey Wins On V-Chip
Netcom May Be Liable In Copyright
Suit
Spamming Sparks Lawsuit
PC Radio Days
Cray Flips Over Teraflops
Network Security Moves To Front
Burner
ITU Expected To Approve 33.6 Kbps
Modems
Online Anonymity Is All Relative
NEC PC Marketed To Game Players
Cybercomics From Tom Clancy
A Free Market Approach To E-Mail
Crusade Against Cyberporn
Cable Vendors Gear Up For Online
Service
FCC Approves HDTV Standards
Gartner To Buy Dataquest
IBM Creates Internet Division
Internet Security Risks For
Consumers Overblown
Information Technology & Academic
Productivity
Author A Virus, Go To Jail
Murdoch Plans News Venture
Power To Amiga
Cable & Phone Net Access
Psychics, Phone Sex -- Now Doctors

                       WINDOWS 95 BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY
A  test  conducted by International Data Corp. shows Windows 95  users  were
able  to  complete a series of business computing tasks 19% faster than  Mac
users  and  50%  faster  than OS/2 users.  The tasks included  managing  and
printing   local  and  networked  files,  managing  documents  and  software
programs, checking system resources, creating shortcuts and customizing  the
desktop.  (Investor's Business Daily 27 Nov 95 A6)
                            MARKEY WINS ON V-CHIP
Rep.  Edward Markey (D-Mass.) is smiling -- nearly five years after he first
proposed  it,  congressional staffers adopted his proposal to require  every
television  set sold in the U.S. to come equipped with a "V-chip"  to  block
objectionable programming. The legislation, part of the language reconciling
the  House  and Senate versions of the telecommunications reform bill,  will
give  industry one year to come up with its own content ratings  system  and
the rules for encoding and transmitting those ratings to V-chip-equipped  TV
sets.   Markey's  proposal  does not require the entertainment  industry  to
implement the ratings system, but proponents are counting on public pressure
to force the industry to adopt the system once ground rules have been worked
out.  (Broadcasting & Cable 20 Nov 95 p11)
                   NETCOM MAY BE LIABLE IN COPYRIGHT SUIT
The San Jose Mercury News reports that a federal judge has ruled that Netcom
Online  Communication  Services  may be liable  for  copyright  infringement
because  it  failed  to  delete a subscriber's BBS posting  of  excerpts  of
copyrighted  writings  by  Church of Scientology  founder  L.  Ron  Hubbard.
Netcom had argued that it acted more as a landlord, not responsible for  the
actions  of its tenants, but the judge ruled that "providing a service  that
allows for the automatic distribution (of postings) goes well beyond renting
a premises to an infringer."   Netcom's lawyer replied, "If access providers
are  exposed to liability each time somebody complains that their  copyright
is  violated,  then  I think what they will do is simply  remove  material,"
rather  than  take  the  time to investigate the complaints.   (Wall  Street
Journal 28 Nov 95 B1)
                           SPAMMING SPARKS LAWSUIT
A Gaithersburg, Md. company is drafting a lawsuit against Philadelphia-based
Promo Enterprises for using its "reply.net" address in a mass commercial  e-
mailing  it  sent to 171,000 people.  ReplyNet Inc. provides  a  service  to
companies that send promotional literature online to people who request  it,
giving  them  a  "reply.net" address for return mail.  ReplyNet's  president
says  Promo  Enterprises used its address without authorization, and  claims
its reputation has been ruined as evidenced by the deluge of angry e-mail it
received  after Promo's mailing.  Apologies and explanations  were  sent  to
everyone who wrote, but "basically their response was `Leave us alone  -  we
don't want to hear from ReplyNet ever again.'  So the damage has been done,"
says ReplyNet's president.  (St. Petersburg Times 25 Nov 95 E8)
                                PC RADIO DAYS
Philips  Electronics  is coming out with new "Smart-Radio"  components  that
hook up to your PC, allowing it to receive stereo radio along with a variety
of test and other broadcast data from radio stations.  The text, such as the
title  of a song and the artist's name, is displayed on the PC screen.   The
U.S.  Electronics Industry Association is expected to equip several  hundred
radio  stations  in the U.S. for broadcasting audio and  text  to  PCs,  say
Philips officials.  (Investor's Business Daily 27 Nov 95 A6)
                          CRAY FLIPS OVER TERAFLOPS
Cray Research's new T3E machine has a theoretical top speed of more than one
trillion  operations  a second, and is a bargain, with the  smallest  models
priced well below $1 million.  Currently the only other teraflops machine on
the  drawing  board  is  one  that Intel is  building  for  Sandia  National
Laboratories.   "We  look  at  this  as evidence  of  Cray  reasserting  its
franchise   in  the  technical  computing  market,"  says  an   analyst   at
International  Data Corp.  "Cray's back in the game."  (Wall Street  Journal
27 Nov 95 B5)
                   NETWORK SECURITY MOVES TO FRONT BURNER
Corporate  America is emerging from a lengthy state of denial, and beginning
to  take  measures  to protect its electronic assets.  Nearly  half  of  the
respondents  to an Information Week/Ernst & Young poll reported having  lost
valuable  information during the past two years, with  at  least  20  saying
they'd  lost  information  worth more than  $1  million.   Nearly  70%  said
security risks had worsened in the last five years, and nearly 80% now  have
a  full-time  information  security director.  As  one  analyst  noted,  "As
organizational   structures  are  flattened,  corporate  reliance   on   the
availability  and  integrity of information systems  is  becoming  painfully
obvious."  (Information Week 27 Nov 95 p32)
                  ITU EXPECTED TO APPROVE 33.6 KBPS MODEMS
The  International  Telecommunication Union is expected  to  approve  modems
operating  at  33.6 Kbps as an "enhancement" to the current  V.34  standard,
rather  than  establishing  a new standard for the  speedier  devices.   The
formal approval won't come until early next year, but companies such as U.S.
Robotics,  AT&T  and  Supra  aren't waiting --  they're  beginning  to  sell
hardware and software to accommodate the new speed.  (Popular Science Nov 95
p45)
                      ONLINE ANONYMITY IS ALL RELATIVE
America Online has revealed the real name of a subscriber who called herself
"Jenny  TRR" to a Caribbean resort owner and dive instructor who claim  they
were  defamed in remarks she posted on an AOL bulletin board.  AOL gave  the
subscriber a chance to object to the action, but says she didn't attempt  to
fight  the  subpoena.   AOL's assistant general  counsel  says  the  service
doesn't  disclose information about electronic mail, which is  protected  by
the  Electronic Communications Privacy Act, unless it is part of a  criminal
investigation.  (Wall Street Journal 24 Nov 95 B1)
                       NEC PC MARKETED TO GAME PLAYERS
NEC's  new $3300 Ready PowerPlayer PC is being marketed primarily as a game-
playing  machine  rather  than one intended to  boost  productivity  or  aid
communications.   An NEC vice president says, "Study after study  has  shown
the  hidden use of computers is games.  People don't ever come out  and  say
the  No.  1 use is gaming, but people always say it is No. 2 or 3.  This  is
still a serious computing machine, but it is going to attract those for whom
games are important."  (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 26 Nov 95 F5)
                         CYBERCOMICS FROM TOM CLANCY
Novelist Tom Clancy is creating a team of comic book cybercops to star in  a
"graphic  novel"  that  will be distributed via the  Internet  next  summer.
Planned  spinoffs include films, CD-ROMs, video games, T-shirts,  backpacks,
toys "and even real novels" marketed by BIG E, a company which has almost 20
entertainment kiosks in regional malls.  (Financial Times 24 Nov 95 p4)
                      A FREE MARKET APPROACH TO E-MAIL
FreeMark offers electronic mail services at no charge -- the catch  is  that
an  on-screen "stamp" of a sponsor's logo or a banner appears at the  bottom
of each message.  The service targets small businesses and consumers who use
online  services  for  e-mail and don't feel they're getting  their  money's
worth.   Advertisers already signed up include RJR Nabisco,  Campbell  Soup,
Radio Shack and CMP Publications.  (Information Week 27 Nov 95 p84)
                          CRUSADE AGAINST CYBERPORN
Called "Enough Is Enough," a grass-roots campaign headed by Lee Jespen  (the
wife  of  a former Republican senator) and Donna Rice Hughes (who  played  a
role  in  the scandal that ended the presidential hopes of  Gary Hart  eight
years  ago)  is trying to win tougher laws against obscenity in  cyberspace.
"A  lot  of  people  assume we are talking about pictures  from  Hustler  or
Penthouse,"  says  Ms. Hughes, who has shown members of Congress  images  of
bondage,  bestiality  and  pedophilia that  she  says  were  taken  off  the
Internet.  (New York Times  27 Nov 95 A8)
                  CABLE VENDORS GEAR UP FOR ONLINE SERVICE
Cable   giants  Tele-Communications  Inc.,  Time  Warner  Inc.  and  Comcast
Corp.have  inked a deal with Motorola to purchase 350,000 cable  modems  for
about  $175  million.  In a separate deal, Comcast will buy another  150,000
modems  from  Hewlett-Packard.  Industry executives say they plan  to  start
leasing  the devices for $10 to $15 a month in mid-1996, with some companies
intending to start their own Internet services, competing head-to-head  with
big-time  providers  such as America Online and Prodigy.   TCI  has  already
announced plans for a trial next year of its Home online service.  While the
new  cable  modems  reportedly  operate 1,000 times  faster  than  telephone
modems, they also are susceptible to outside interference from some signals,
such  as  police radio, but suppliers say their devices can side-step  those
problems  by  switching to a clean channel for completing the  transmission.
(Wall Street Journal 29 Nov 95 A3)
                         FCC APPROVES HDTV STANDARDS
The  Federal Communications Commission has endorsed technical standards  for
an  "advanced television system," the evolutionary result of the FCC's  call
for  high-definition television development eight years ago.   The  approved
standard,  developed  by  the Grand Alliance of companies  such  as  General
Instrument,  Zenith Electronics, AT&T, Philips Electronics and  institutions
such  as  the  Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the  David  Sarnoff
Research  Center, will result in digital television systems that can  either
produce crystal-clear high-resolution images or simultaneously beam three or
four  programs  of  "standard" resolution quality.  The  current  Washington
debate  focuses  on whether government should now encourage broadcasters  to
adopt  the  new standard by giving them additional channels and mandating  a
minimum  of  three hours of advanced television programming  per  day.   FCC
Chairman Reed Hundt has voiced his reservations over this approach: "Viewers
paid  about $75 billion" for their current TV sets.  "Should we assume  they
welcome the extinction of analog broadcast?"  (New York Times 29 Nov 95 A1)
                          GARTNER TO BUY DATAQUEST
The  high-tech urge to merge is now infecting the companies that study those
markets,  with  Stamford,  Conn.-based Gartner  Group  announcing  plans  to
acquire  Dataquest Inc., a San Jose, Calif.-based unit of Dun &  Bradstreet.
The $75-million consolidation makes sense, as D&B also owns just over 50% of
Gartner.  "I think we got a great deal, and Dun & Bradstreet is only  giving
up  half of Dataquest because they own half of us.  So it's a good deal  for
both  of us," says Gartner's CFO.  (Investor's Business Daily 29 Nov 95  A6)
Meanwhile,  Gideon  Gartner, founder of the Gartner Group,  has  a  new  pet
project  --  Giga  Information Group -- which  plans  to  sell  analyses  of
information  technology  trends and products.   It's  unclear  how  the  new
venture will avoid direct competition with its predecessor.  (Business  Week
4 Dec 95 p44)
                        IBM CREATES INTERNET DIVISION
As  evidence of IBM CEO Lou Gerstner's insistence that IBM will be a  leader
in  "network-centric  computing,"  the company is creating  a  new  division
which will consolidate Internet-related work now scattered in various places
around the organization.  (USA Today 30 Nov 95 1B)
               INTERNET SECURITY RISKS FOR CONSUMERS OVERBLOWN
Fear  of  Internet  crime is well-founded among businesses  whose  corporate
networks  may  be compromised by curious hackers or malicious crackers,  but
"By  and large, consumers have very little risk using and doing business  on
the  Internet," says the chairman of Open Market Inc.  While it is  possible
to  break  an encryption code and crack a secured phone line to discover  an
individual's  credit  card number, it's much easier  to  copy  them  off  of
discarded  carbons.  "If someone wanted to steal a credit card  number,  all
they would have to do is go to any gas station and look on the ground around
the  pumps,"  says  the  CTO  at  Internet  security  firm  Terisa  Systems.
(Investor's Business Daily 30 Nov 95 A8)
               INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & ACADEMIC PRODUCTIVITY
Individual  copies of the Massy-Zemsky paper, "Using Information  Technology
to  Enhance  Academic  Productivity" (featured  in  a  recent  Edupage)  are
available at no charge.  The paper is available on < http://www.educom.edu >
under NLII, Key Documents, or a paper copy may be obtained by contacting Pat
Bartscherer at patb@educom.edu. (Though individual copies are free, there is
a  charge  for bulk orders, which are available in groups of 25  for  $55  a
group.)
                         AUTHOR A VIRUS, GO TO JAIL
A  computer cracker last week became the first virus writer sentenced  to  a
jail  term  under  Great  Britain's Computer Misuse  Act.   The  26-year-old
perpetrator was sentenced to 18 months in jail after pleading guilty  to  11
charges  connected with placing virus-infected programs on computer bulletin
boards.  (Investor's Business Daily 29 Nov 95 A6)
                         MURDOCH PLANS NEWS VENTURE
Rupert  Murdoch  is  planning  to give Ted  Turner  a  run  for  his  money,
announcing  his  intention  to start a 24-hour  all-news  cable  channel  to
compete  directly with Turner's CNN.  Murdoch says he considers  CNN's  fare
politically  liberal,  and  says,  "It's about  time  CNN  was  challenged."
Murdoch  maintains  his  channel will offer a  "really  objective"  view  of
current  events.  (New York Times 29 Nov 95 C6)  Ted Turner's response?   If
Murdoch  goes through with his plans, he'll be squished "like a bug."   (USA
Today 30 Nov 95 2B)
                               POWER TO AMIGA
At the Video Toaster Exposition in Los Angeles, Amiga Technologies CEO Petro
Tyschtschenko says the Motorola Power-PC RISC chip will be the basis of  the
next  Amiga, planned for 1997 and called the Power-Amiga.  The current Amiga
4000T  will  be supported by a Power-PC daughterboard which can replace  the
68040-  and  68060-based boards.  (Speech at Video Toaster  Exposition,  Los
Angeles)
                          CABLE & PHONE NET ACCESS
Rogers  Communications will link home PCs to the Internet  via  cable  in  a
Toronto  suburb.  Known as "Rogers Wave," the service will provide  Internet
connections at 500 Kbps, compared with today's standard of 28.8 Kbps without
interfering with TV cable connections. (Toronto Star 28 Nov 95 C1)
                     PSYCHICS, PHONE SEX -- NOW DOCTORS
Psychic networks have them.  So do phone sex operators.  Now doctors have  a
1-900  service in Canada that allows Canadians to obtain medical advice  for
$3.99  per  minute.   The service will have licensed  New  Brunswick  family
physicians dispensing medical advice between 3pm and 11pm EST. (Toronto Star
28 Nov 95 A1)

     Edupage is written by John Gehl (gehl@educom.edu) & Suzanne Douglas
                            (douglas@educom.edu).
                  Voice:  404-371-1853, Fax: 404-371-8057.

   Technical support is provided by the Office of Information Technology,
                        University of North Carolina.

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like the one on the counter at the dry cleaners with the sign "Ring bell for
service"; or a small hand bell; or a cathedral bell;  or a door bell;  or  a
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       Educom -- Transforming Education Through Information Technology






 Portable Computers & Entertainment Section
Marty Mankins, Editor





Video Gaming Hotwire STR Feature            "Coverage of Video Gaming
Central"
                                               on Compuserve



                              Sony Playstation
                     "The Sleeping Giant has Awakened!"


by Ralph F. Mariano

     The RUDE AWAKENING has arrived for the so called competition.  The 32
bit Sony Playstation has already surpassed the market penetration of the
32bit Saturn, 200,000 sold, and literally blown the doors off the 64 bit
Jaguar at less than 100,000 sold.  Sony, long known for quality with its
Trinitron TVs, has this reputation of "longevity and reliability" going for
it.  (Tough numbers to overcome)  But ..the little known fact that the
Playstation is an extremely easy Gaming Console to program for seems to have
slipped the attention of most except the programmers.  Programmers and
developers have flocked to the Sony camp.  Bundled with the Playstation
along with a teaser CD ROM is a CD ROM titled "Developer Demo" CD ROM.  This
a first class treat for all.  Its bound to put your TV to the ultimate test.
Talk about spectacular color and depth being shown. the various patterns
demo sessions and the make-up session are knock-outs.  I'll go so far to say
you'll say to yourself . "self, I never thought my little old, TV could do
those things."
     Sure, the Sony Playstation is a 32 bit machine but for a 32 bit machine
this sucker blows away the much boasted about 64bit machine, the Atari
Jaguar, that was feebly trying to be a contender.  Who am I to talk??  Hah!
I went for the 64bit machine first and was "duly self-impressed" with my
"purchasing prowess" .that is, until I realized I once again bought into the
Tramiel Atari dream no, nightmare is more like it.  I got my "what fors" but
good with the Atari Computers that went comatose and then the three Lynx
handheld game machines and case of games.  Come to think of it, I really
can't explain why I went for the Jaguar except for two reasons.   I thought
to myself that "no company or its leadership could pull such a boner as they
had three times in a row!" And of course, no matter what the company's
leadership did, Atari "still produced a terrific hardware product".  Was I
correct??  Heavens NO!  The Tramiels tried to do it "on the cheap" and with
somebody else's dime and blew it!  Meanwhile the programmers and developers
RAN from the machine because it was so difficult to program for.
     The Saturn, once thought to be the upcoming "King of the Mountain" was
literally "put to sleep and out of the running" a few weeks ago when the
Playstation hit the market in a very impressive way.  Oh, there are those
who say; "well, look at what Sony spent to put the Playstation "front and
center".  That to me was nothing more than good business sense and a keen
eye on the future.  The Playstation is, for all intents and purposes a
"blockbuster" of a hit that is without a doubt a sound gaming dollar
investment.  Software is top notch, programmers are plentiful, after market
support is more than abundant but most of all the company is stable, strong
and not on the cheap!
     Lately we're hearing rumbles and bumbles about a U64 from Nintendo.
My, my I heard about that machine quite some time ago.. it was delayed and
supposed to be here for this Christmas.  Now, it rumored to be slated to hit
the market sometime in early Spring.  Great timing just in time for the
summer.  like people are gonna stay indoors and fiddle with two or three
games.  Truth is this reporter feels the U64 will never really see the light
day as far as a worldwide market is concerned.  Time will tell.  Of the only
other 64bit machine, the Atari Jaguar, while alleged to be "on the market."
To date it has done little to impress gaming marketplace with the "power of
a 64bit machine".  A trailblazer it hasn't been.
     The gaming software that already on the market for the Playstation out
numbers the majority of all others in both quantity and most importantly, in
quality.  The titles that are universally available for the Playstation are
all receiving praise from every corner of the gaming consumer's world.  The
are some titles that are alleged to be "better than others" but that, like
all art, is in the eyes of the beholder.  If you're a gamer and want to
experience the best. Do yourself a favor, go out in the next week or so and
rent a Playstation and few of their games.  You won't be disappointed.  I
wasn't.  I liked it so much I went and got two of them and now, we're having
a blast playing the new DOOM 1&2 combo CD that's out for the Playstation two
people networked playing ..at the same time without crashes and feeble
excuses.  Along with Destruction Derby, Kileak, Ridge Racer (pack-in),
Warhawk, TPC Golf, Tennis and Toshinden the line up of top flight software
grows larger with every passing week.  Am I impressed?? You bet.  Most of
all, I feel secure in knowing the support and new software will be there
next year.  Not some lame set of excuses and a "change of venue".



                            Seasons Greetings...

by Richard K. Moore

The  recent  announcement that Donner and Blitzen have elected to  take  the
early reindeer retirement package has triggered a good deal of concern about
whether  they  will be replaced, and about other restructuring decisions  at
the North Pole.
Streamlining was appropriate in view of the reality that the North  Pole  no
longer  dominates  the  season's gift distribution business.  Home  shopping
channels and mail order catalogues have diminished Santa's market share  and
he could not sit idly by and permit further erosion of the profit picture.
The  reindeer downsizing was made possible through the purchase  of  a  late
model  Japanese sled for the CEO's annual trip.  Improved productivity  from
Dasher  and  Dancer,  who  summered  at  the  Harvard  Business  School,  is
anticipated  and  should  take  up the slack with  no  discernible  loss  of
service.   Reduction  in  reindeer will also lessen  airborne  environmental
emissions  for which the North Pole has been cited and received  unfavorable
press.
I  am  pleased  to  inform you and yours that Rudolph's  role  will  not  be
disturbed.   Tradition  still  counts  for  something  at  the  North  Pole.
Management denies, in the strongest possible language, the earlier leak that
Rudolph's  nose  got that way not from the cold, but from  substance  abuse.
Calling Rudolph "a lush who was into the sauce and never did pull his  share
of  the load" was an unfortunate comment, made by one of Santa's helpers and
taken  out  of  context  at a time of year when he  is  known  to  be  under
executive stress.
As a further restructuring, today's global challenges require the North Pole
to continue to look for better, more competitive steps.
Effective immediately, the following economy measures are to take  place  in
the "Twelve Days of Christmas" subsidiary:
z    The partridge will be retained, but the pear tree never turned out to
  be the cash crop forecasted.  It will be replaced by a plastic hanging
  plant, providing considerable savings in maintenance.
z    The two turtle doves represent a redundancy that is simply not cost
effective.  In addition, their romance during working hours could not be
condoned.  The positions are therefore eliminated.
z    The three French hens will remain intact.  [After all, everyone loves
  the French.]
z    The four calling birds were replaced by an automated voice mail system,
  with a call waiting option.  An analysis is underway to determine who the
  birds have been calling, how often and how long they talked.
z    The five golden rings have been put on hold by the Board of Directors.
  Maintaining a portfolio based on one commodity could have negative
  implications for institutional investors.  Diversification into other
  precious metals as well as a mix of T-Bills and high technology stocks
  appear to be in order.
z    The six geese a-laying constitutes a luxury which can no longer be
  afforded.  It has long been felt that the production rate of one egg per
  goose per day is an example of the decline in productivity.  Three geese
  will be let go, and an upgrading in the selection procedure by personnel
  will assure management that from now on every goose it gets will be a good
  one.
z    The seven swans a-swimming is obviously a number chosen in better
  times.  The function is primarily decorative.  Mechanical swans are on
  order.  The current swans will be retrained to learn some new strokes and
  therefore enhance their out placement.
z    As you know, the eight maids a-milking concept has been under heavy
scrutiny by the EEOC.  A male/female balance in the workforce is being
sought.  The more militant maids consider this a dead-end job with no upward
mobility.  Automation of the process may permit the maids to try a-mending,
a-mentoring or a-mulching.
z    Nine ladies dancing has always been an odd number.  This function will
  be phased out as these individuals grow older and can no longer do the
  steps.
z    Ten Lords-a-leaping is overkill.  The high cost of Lords plus the
  expense of international air travel prompted the Compensation Committee to
  suggest replacing this group with ten out-of-work congressmen.  While
  leaping ability may be somewhat sacrificed, the savings are significant
  because we expect an oversupply of unemployed congressmen this year.
z    Eleven pipers piping and twelve drummers drumming is a simple case of
  the band getting too big.  A substitution with a string quartet, a cutback
  on new music and no uniforms will produce savings which will drop right down
  to the bottom line.
z    We can expect a substantial reduction in assorted people, fowl, animals
and other expenses.  Though incomplete, studies indicate that stretching
deliveries over twelve days is inefficient.  If we can drop ship in one day,
service levels will be improved.
z    Regarding the lawsuit filed by the attorney's association seeking
  expansion to include the legal profession ("thirteen lawyers-a-suing")
  action is pending.
z    Lastly, it is not beyond consideration that deeper cuts may be
  necessary in the future to stay competitive.  Should that happen, the Board
  will request management to scrutinize the Snow White Division to see if
  seven dwarfs is the right number.

Editor's Note.  This was so cute I couldn't resist putting it here for all
to enjoy!!  Three guesses as to who it reminds me of!!



STR Mail Call                                           "...a place for our
readers to be heard"
                                      
                                      
                             STReport's MAILBAG

                     Messages * NOT EDITED * for content





Subject:  EGM blows hot air again! - Msg Number: 167860
From:  Gil Gulick 76347,110
To:  Henry  Behnen 76723,1205
Forum:  VIDGAM   Sec: 05-Atari Jaguar
Date:  26-Nov-95 15:01

     I am a Jag owner, and I am not at all happy with the way Atari has
handled the Jaguar.  Atari deserves criticism at every opportunity for their
handling of the Jaguar.  If Atari wants the Jaguar to be a  next generation
machine, then it will have to be judged on the same basis as the rest of the
next generation machine.  Many (dare I say most) of the Jag's games are just
a little above 16 bit quality.  The Jaguar library doesn't come close to the
quality of the 3DO's.
     I notice you didn't answer my last question.  What Jaguar title,
released this year, is a truly great title?  If a reviewer gets a bunch of
mediocre titles for a system, he then starts going into the reviews thinking
the game is going to be mediocre.  As a college grad, I know this happens.
You always put the most effort into the first paper you have for a class,
then the next time the professor reads one of your papers, he expects it to
be great. So after reviewing a bunch of mediocre (or poor) Jaguar title, the
reviewer has a negative attitude about the game before he even sees it.
     In Short, the Atari Jaguar DESERVES to be put down.  While the Jaguar
may be the cheapest of the next generation systems, it is certainly not the
best buys.  It is the Yugo of video game systems.
     How many times has Atari made EGM (or any other magazine) look bad by
giving them release dates Atari KNEW were false?  Take the Jag CD for
example.  The only reason that EGM would print that the Jag CD would be
available for or shortly after the '94 Christmas season, would be that Atari
told them, and us, that that was when the system would be released.  I
believe that Atari knew that was IMPOSSIBLE, but released that date anyway.
And how many Atari press releases have stated 100 games by (insert date
here.)  Well, by the end of '95 the Jaguar still doesn't have 100 games.
     So, is it any wonder the magazines are cynical towards Atari?  The
Jaguar is pounded by nearly every magazine on the market.  And for good
reason. If you are happy with the way Atari has handled the Jaguar, you need
to set your standards a little higher.
Gil

and further, concerning  the Jag..


Subject:  Nitendo, first 64! - Msg Number: 99490
From:  Steve Watkins 74241,3001
To:  Keita  Iida 75271,122
Forum:  ATARIGAMING   Sec: 01-Forum Business
Date:  28-Nov-95 17:16

>>  However, in the '90's, there is no such "magic" from Atari whatsoever.

I have to disagree very strongly here.  I believe Atari has the industry's
most amazing Magic Act ever conceived.

1.   Who else can make customers/user base DISAPPEAR so well?
2.   Who else can use slight of hand/smoke and mirrors as well as Sam T?
3.   (Approaching 100...75...50...Voice Modem...Virtual Reality...Jag
Network...Jag Internet Web Browser...)
4.   Who else in this industry has stayed alive even though they've never,
  ever, done anything right?  (That's their Escape Act <G>)
5.   Who else can change an impressive, massive, sleek, Cat (Jaguar) into a
  whimpering little kitty?  <G>

I think you owe Atari an apology - they have the most incredible magic act
I've ever seen.  :)

Steve

Editor note. Nuff Said..  I'm all Atari'd out!  Moving right along..

About the Playstation..

Subject:  NG - Sales Info - Msg Number: 168740
From:  Shayne Judkins 72053,747
To:  All
Date:  28-Nov-95 14:44

I pulled this off of Next Generation's Online Web Page. I sure wouldn't have
written this if I were "paid-off" by Sony. :-) (Read the WHOLE thing before
forming an opinion.) ;-)




                         PLAYSTATION TAKES THE LEAD

The extraordinary 32-bit hardware war is finally being fought across America
with  Sony's  PlayStation  taking an early and  commanding  lead.   Sony  is
claiming  to  have  achieved an installed base of 200,000  machines  already
while  Sega  is claiming figures of no more than 120,000. While manufacturer
figures  are notoriously difficult to trust, these figures tally  remarkably
with Next Generation's own findings.
We  contacted  25 stores chosen at random across the country.  All  but  one
reported that the PlayStation was outselling the Saturn. The ratio of  sales
varied  from two-to-one to an astonishing 12-to-one. However, in  the  first
four  weeks  of the PlayStation's availability Next Generation  estimates  a
ratio of four to one.
A  strong start for the PlayStation was only to be expected given the amount
of pent-up desire among game players for the new machine. The Saturn has now
been available for some months. Sony is naturally extremely pleased with its
performance.  Sega disputes its rivals' claims and points  to  a  number  of
factors which may swing the pendulum back in its favour in the coming weeks.
Chief  among these are the new $299 price, a television advertising campaign
which  has just broken and the imminent availability of arcade hits such  as
Virtua Fighter 2 and Sega Rally exclusively for the Saturn.
Most  sellers  of  video game equipment belong to powerful  chains  such  as
Babbages,  Toys R Us and Electronic Boutique. Individual store  managers  in
the  front line of the 32-bit battle are not allowed to speak to the  press.
Therefore we have had to hide the identities of our sources (see 'News  from
the Frontline'.)
While purchasers of the machines come from across the social spectrum, there
is  a  clear bias towards game sophisticated men between the ages of 17  and
25.   Over  85%  of buyers already own either a Saturn or a Super  Nintendo.
Most people buy at least two games at the point of purchase. Ridge Racer and
Toshinden  are  the  most popular. Both are selling as  many  units  as  the
PlayStation itself suggesting that everyone is buying them. In the height of
post-launch excitement many store managers were recommending the PlayStation
to their customers.
Some of the more enthusiastic sales people were therefore hardly selling any
Saturns.  Nearly  75%  of  PlayStation owners are  buying  the  memory  card
straight  away and up to half are buying the extra controller. Late  in  our
survey,  many  reported  a slowing of the PlayStation's  dominance  as  news
seeped  out  regarding  the excellent quality of Sega's  new  generation  of
games.
Two things can be read into the results of the first four weeks of
PlayStation;
z    The first is that the machine will not have it so good again. The line
  goes that the Saturn's good name has been re-established by the new keener
  price and by those great games. Certainly, the war was always going to be
  fought on the quality of combat and driving games. Many feel that Toshinden
  & Ridge Racer has now been matched if not surpassed by Virtua Fighter 2 &
  Sega Rally.
z    The other is that Sony has enjoyed such a commanding and early lead
  that it has already reached a critical mass. As one retailer put it: "Pretty
  soon  everyone will know someone with a PlayStation. It all builds upon
  itself."
Next Generation is inclined to believe that while the Saturn may never enjoy
as  large  an audience as the PlayStation, it is far from being  a  finished
format. It is probable that sales ratios will close in the months ahead.

                           NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
During Next Generation's investigation into current sales of 32-bit hardware
systems, we spoke to store managers across the US.
These are a selection of quotes from store managers. Possibly the people  in
the  best  position to comment on the emerging situation.  However,  due  to
corporate  rules, we are not able to reveal exact details of the whereabouts
of the stores questioned.
New York
"A  good mix of young adults, teenagers and parents are buying the machines.
We find that when a parent comes in cold without much knowledge they tend to
decide  on a PlayStation.  Some of that is due to our saying that  it  is  a
better  machine and some to do with the fact that Sony have got the  message
out there and there is a lot of information."
South Carolina
"There  is  a  tiny preference for Saturn among Megadrive  owners,  but  the
opinions of the salesman is very influential and will get more so as parents
start coming in buying gifts for the holidays."
California
"We are selling PlayStations at a rate of five to one against the Saturn and
sales of the Saturn dropped off considerably when the PS arrived.  We get  a
lot  of  younger kids coming in wanting a 32-bit machine but  their  parents
won't spend the money so our customers are older than previously"
Michigan
"There  is a slight preference to Saturn among Sega people but on the  whole
people  say  they prefer the graphics and gameplay elements  of  PlayStation
games. Quite often they rent both machines first before making a decison but
that's with the really crazy game players."
Arkansas
"We're  selling at a rate of 12-to-one but when people ask I  generally  say
that  I  own a PlayStation myself. The only complaint so far is that release
dates of software are being put back."
Florida
"The  surprising thing is that people who used to gripe about spending  $150
on a Super Nintendo are coming in and spending $300 to $400. Most people buy
at  least two games and then about three quarters of them buy a memory  card
as well."
Virginia
"Everyone is reading up and asking lots of questions. They are taking  their
time to make a decision."
Nevada
"We  are  selling PlayStations at five to one. Some people were saying  that
they  wanted  to  sell their Saturns already but when I said  that  VF2  was
coming  soon  they changed their minds. The fighting games are so  big  that
that has to be a factor in the future."

CONTACT US

You can read news updated daily on Next Generation's net site at
http://www.imagine-inc.com/ng/

Re-Posted by: Shayne Judkins




 Atari Jaguar/Computer Section
Dana Jacobson, Editor



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

     I've been getting a lot of responses in email, via the Internet,
pertaining to my last few editorials.  It's nice to hear from all of these
readers.  The feedback and support has been terrific.  Two of the product
announcements that have been sent are included in this issue.  We hope that
the feedback continues!
     We're still looking for articles and reviews, if you're interested.
We've had a few offers and we'll see how they pan out.  Meanwhile, we'll
continue to do what we can to provide you with as much news and info as
possible.  Keep those cards and letters coming!

          Until next time...



Announcement of NetBSD/Atari-1.1! STR InfoFile!

(-: I am happy to announce the release of NetBSD/Atari-1.1 :-)

What is NetBSD?

     NetBSD is a Berkeley Networking Release 2 (Net/2) and 4.4BSD-Lite
derived system.  It is a fully functional UN*X-like system which runs on
several architectures and is being ported to more.  NetBSD, as the name
implies, is a creation of the members of the network community and without
the net it's likely that this release wouldn't have come about.

I didn't know that it existed for Atari!

     That might well be possible. Although it has been available since May
1995, this is the first 'official' release of NetBSD that incorporates
support for the Atari platform. Since then numerous improvements have been
added. They were added and tested by a growing group of volunteers and users
of NetBSD/Atari.

What hardware does it support?

Currently NetBSD/Atari runs on the TT030 and the Falcon.
Supported devices are:
     - The built-in SCSI host adapter
     - Should support most SCSI disks/tapes/CDROMs/MO drives.
     - The built-in video controller
     - The built-in (720Kb/1.44Mb) floppy drive
     - The serial2/modem2 ports
     - The Falcon FX memory expansion
     - The atari keyboard & mouse
     - FPU-emulation in progress. Works well enough to use most of the
system.
     - X11R6 - mono only. Although not hardware, I think it's worth
mentioning.

Where can I get it?

     The 'home' site of NetBSD is: ftp.netbsd.org. The NetBSD/Atari-1.1
release can be found in the directory: /pub/NetBSD-1.1/atari. The
installation guide can be found in 'kernels/INSTALL'. It contains all
information necessary to get you started, like which files you should fetch
to start installing the system.
     ftp.netbsd.org will probably be pretty busy after the 1.1 release, but
it's always possible to get the distribution at a mirror site. The following
sites spring to mind:
z    ftp.uni-regensburg:/pub/NetBSD-1.1
z    ftp.funet.fi:/pub/unix/NetBSD/NetBSD-1.1

Where should I go for more info?

If you want more information about NetBSD, for instance general info on
NetBSD, mirror sites, mailing-lists and so forth, visit our www server at
http://www.netbsd.org . One mailing list is of special importance to
NetBSD/Atari, the 'port-atari' list. On this list, you can ask questions
that are specific to the Atari port of NetBSD. To subscribe to this list,
send email with body text "subscribe port-atari" to: majordomo@netbsd.org. I
should probably also mention that you can get help by sending a body text
"help" and an overview of the available lists with "lists".
Good Luck,
Leo.

                       C A T H E R I N E     W H E E L

Dubble Dee Atari PD Library are proud to announce the imminent release of
CATHERINE WHEEL.  Catherine Wheel is a CD that is specifically aimed at the
Atari Falcon 030, but users of other Atari computers will find programs and
files that they can also use - in fact, so will users of most other computer
platforms!
The CD contains:

z    130Meg of Falcon specific programmes, including games, graphic
  packages, utilities, MOD players, trackers, demos, utilities and
  application.
z    100Meg of ST/STE programmes that are 100% Falcon compatible.  This also
includes games, graphic packages, utilities, MOD players, trackers,
applications and utilities.
z    800+ 4 (128Meg) track MOD files
z    90+ 8 (or more) track MOD and S3M files
z    20Megs of PD book files obtained from the Project Gutenberg data-base.
  Including greats like War of the Worlds, Around the World in 80 Days, Mars
  and Tarzan series by E.R. Burroughs and many, many more.
z    100 true Type fonts compatible with NVDI 3 and Speedo-Gdos 5
z    120Megs of some of the best GIF graphics you have ever seen.
z    120Megs of some of the best FLI animation files you have ever seen.

All pictures, animations, fonts and mod files have been tested on a Falcon
with TOS 4.01 and 4 Megs of Ram. All S3M files will work with the shareware
version of Mega-Player (v1.15).
Write today for further info...
               paul@frisbee.net.au
               geoffc@campg.mtx.net.au
or by snail mail to....

P.O. Box 226, Smithfield, South Australia, Australia,
5114



                               Jaguar Section

Pitfall!  Rayman!  CATnips!
Anti*Game!  Sierra!


Game Schedule Update!  And more....

>From the Editor's Controller  -  Playin' it like it is!

     Well, it's just a little more than three weeks until Christmas; the
last Jaguar game release was a couple of weeks ago.  I know that there are a
number of new games in various stages of production, but whether or not
they're available in time to make it under the proverbial tree is on
everyone's mind at the moment.  According to my calculations, there should
(I said should, not will) be twelve new games out by Christmas, including
3rd party games.  The wait continues...
     Online sources have told us that some Jaguar ads have been spotted,
albeit spotty, in recent days.  We've also heard that the infomercial has
been spotted.  If you haven't seen it yet, look for it this weekend on The
Nashville Network (Sunday, December 3 at 10:00 a.m. EST) and Comedy Central
(Sunday at 9:00 a.m.).  E! Entertainment is also supposedly airing it, but
no date or time given.  There are other cable markets in which the spot is
running, but no scheduled times have been noted yet.
     There has been some discussion online as to what kind of effect this
infomercial will have on sales; whether or not it's a sign of desperation on
Atari's part to sell the Jaguar.  Personally, I don't know what kind of
audience watches infomercials.  I watched about 5 minutes of one a couple of
years ago and turned it off.  It was on in the middle of the night and
reminded me of the old "wonder elixir" salesmen from the Old West medicine
shows!  I really believe that Atari needs to do some real advertising, soon,
to capture some of the holiday sales.  It may already be too late to do
anything.  I hate to say it, but I think that Atari has missed yet another
holiday season.  The hardware is terrific and there are a good number of
excellent games available * but the public is still not aware of the
product.  I hope that this changes quickly, but my gut feeling is that
history will be repeating itself again this year.  It's a real shame if it
happens.
     But, on to current news!  Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure has received top
honors (see below)for Windows '95 CDROM for September.  It's available for
the Jaguar also.  We finally did get a complimentary copy of Rayman and our
original review, courtesy of Frank Sereno, is included in this week's issue.
Better late than never!  Reviews of Ruiner Pinball, Pitfall, and a few
others are in various stages of completion look for them soon.  Our Jaguar
game release schedule and price list is current as of last week, so check it
out.  We'll be updating it again next week and it will be available again in
a couple of weeks.
     Don Thomas' CATnips has returned after taking a week off to enjoy the
holidays.  Stay tuned for Don's latest offerings later on in this issue.
Last week's CIS conference transcript is nearing completion.  As of this
writing, it's not completely edited yet and may not make this week's issue.
If not, look for it next week; hopefully I'll have it ready for this week.
With winter upon us here in New England, it appears to be a good weekend to
get some Christmas shopping done and some game playing time. We got some
snow earlier in the week and more expected.  The cold has hit and it's a
great time to sit around and just relax with a controller in*hand, and the
favorite Jaguar games on the screen!
                    Until next time...


Jaguar Catalog STR InfoFile  -   What's currently available, what's coming
out.

                               Current Available Titles

          CAT #          TITLE                         MSRP
DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER

          J9000          Cybermorph                    $59.99    Atari Corp.
          J9006          Evolution:Dino Dudes          $29.99    Atari Corp.
          J9005          Raiden                        $29.99    FABTEK,
Inc/Atari Corp.
          J9001          Trevor McFur/Crescent Galaxy       $29.99    Atari
Corp.
          J9010          Tempest 2000                  $59.95
Llamasoft/Atari Corp.
          J9028          Wolfenstein 3D                $69.95    id/Atari
Corp.
          JA100          Brutal Sports FootBall             $69.95
Telegames
          J9008          Alien vs. Predator            $69.99
Rebellion/Atari Corp.
          J9029          Doom                     $69.99    id/Atari Corp.
          J9036          Dragon: Bruce Lee             $39.99    Atari Corp.
          J9003          Club Drive                    $59.99    Atari Corp.
          J9007          Checkered Flag                $39.99    Atari Corp.
          J9012          Kasumi Ninja                  $69.99    Atari Corp.
          J9042          Zool 2                        $59.99    Atari Corp
          J9020          Bubsy                         $49.99    Atari Corp
          J9026          Iron Soldier                  $59.99    Atari Corp
          J9060          Val D'Isere Skiing            $59.99    Atari Corp.
                    Cannon Fodder                 $49.99    Virgin/C-West
                    Syndicate                $69.99    Ocean
                    Troy Aikman Football               $69.99    Williams
                    Theme Park                    $69.99    Ocean
                    Sensible Soccer                              Telegames
                    Double Dragon V               $59.99    Williams
          J9009E    Hover Strike                  $59.99    Atari Corp.
          J0144E    Pinball Fantasies             $59.99    C-West
          J9052E    Super Burnout                 $59.99    Atari Corp.
          J9070          White Men Can't Jump          $69.99    Atari Corp.
                    Flashback                $59.99    U.S. Gold
          J9078E    VidGrid (CD)                            Atari Corp
          J9016E    Blue Lightning (CD)           $59.99    Atari Corp
          J9040          Flip-Out                 $49.99    Atari Corp
          J9082          Ultra Vortek                  $69.99    Atari Corp
          C3669T    Rayman                   $69.99    Ubi Soft
                    Power Drive Rally             $69.99    TWI
          J9101          Pitfall                       $59.99    Atari Corp.
          J9086E    Hover Strike CD                    $59.99    Atari Corp.
          J9031E    Highlander I (CD)             $59.99    Atari Corp.
          J9061E    Ruiner Pinball                $59.99    Atari Corp.
                    Dragon's Lair                 $69.99    Readysoft

                               Available Soon
          CAT #          TITLE                         MSRP
DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER

          J9069          Myst (CD)                $59.99         Atari Corp.
                    Mutant Penguins               $59.99         Atari Corp.
          J9091          Atari Karts                   $59.99         Atari
Corp.
                    Battlemorph                   $59.99         Atari Corp.
                    Breakout 2000                 $49.99         Atari Corp.
                    Supercross 3D                 $59.99         Atari Corp.
                    Fever Pitch                   TBA       Atari Corp.
                    Missile Command 3D            TBA       Atari Corp.
                    I-War                         $49.99         Atari Corp.
                    Max Force                $59.99         Atari Corp.
          J9089          NBA Jam TE                    $69.99         Atari
Corp.
          J9055          Baldies                       $59.99         Atari
Corp.
          J9021          Brett Hull Hockey             $69.99         Atari
Corp.

                               Hardware and Peripherals
          CAT #          TITLE                         MSRP
MANUFACTURER
          J8001          Jaguar (no cart)                   $149.99   Atari
Corp.
          J8904          Composite Cable               $19.95
          J8901          Controller/Joypad             $24.95         Atari
Corp.
          J8905          S-Video Cable                 $19.95
                    CatBox                        $69.95         ICD
          J8800          Jaguar CD-ROM            $149.99   Atari Corp.
          J8908          JagLink Interface             $29.95         Atari
Corp.
          J8910          Team Tap 4-Player Adapter)         $29.95
Atari Corp.
          J8907          Jaguar ProController               $29.95
Atari Corp.
          J8911          Memory Track                  $29.95         Atari
Corp.
          J8909          Tempest 2000:
                    The Soundtrack                $12.99         Atari Corp.



Industry News STR Game Console NewsFile  -  The Latest Gaming News!

                        Nintendo to Offer 64-Bit Unit
A  $250 next-generation 64-bit home video game equipment will go on sale  in
Japan  next spring from video game maker Nintendo Co. Ltd., along with three
new  software titles designed specifically for the new unit.  Reporting from
Tokyo,  the  French  Agence France-Press International News  Service  quotes
Nintendo as saying the product has "the top-level power of expression  which
is  impossible  for  conventional ones" and is able to  display  "glistening
translucent water" and "metallic objects and characters."
Its  64-bit  central  processor  unit is made  by  California-based  Silicon
Graphics  Inc.   As noted earlier, Nintendo said last May  it  was  delaying
launch  of  the  new game in overseas markets, blaming the  yen's  continued
strength  against the dollar.  The Kyoto-based company said  it  planned  to
release  the  "Ultra-64" game in the United States and Europe  around  April
next  year.  "A  Nintendo spokesman said that the launch  in  the  U.S.  and
European  markets was not decided yet," AFP says, "but that  it  might  take
place around the same time as in Japan."
The  wire service observes that when Nintendo's 16-bit Super Family Computer
made its debut in 1990, it created a boom in video game machines. A total of
36.53  million units had been sold worldwide by the end of March,  of  which
22.06  million  were sold outside Japan.  "However," adds AFP,  "its  market
share  has been on the decline, with recent models competing with  those  of
rival  Japanese  manufacturers, such as SegaSaturn by Sega Enterprises  Ltd.
and PlayStation by Sony Corp., which are 32-bit machines."
                       Nintendo, Netscape Eye Venture
Nintendo Co. Ltd.'s U.S. unit is talking with Web browser publisher Netscape
Communications Corp. about possibly developing Internet connections for  the
video game maker's Ultra 64 advanced gaming system.  Chairman Howard Lincoln
of  Nintendo's U.S. unit is quoted by the Reuter News Service as  saying  an
Internet deal involving the two companies could be announced by early 1996.
However, Lincoln called "unfounded" the rumors that such a deal already  has
been  reached.   Responding to a reporter's question during a teleconference
from Tokyo -- where Nintendo had unveiled the first 64-bit game machine from
a   major  video  game  maker  --  Lincoln  said,  "We  have  not  made  any
announcements  about  the use of Nintendo 64 on the  Internet  and  I  don't
anticipate any announcements in the next week or so."
But  he  added,  "I  do expect that there will be some announcements  -there
could  be some announcements -- in this area by the beginning of the  year."
He  said  that before an Internet strategy can become viable, Nintendo  must
focus on introducing its 64-bit computer game platform and making sure  that
it rapidly develops a vast base of game players using 64-bit machines.
                      Mac CD-ROM Multipack Set to Ship
Sirius Publishing Inc. says the Macintosh version of its 5-Ft. 10-Pak CD-ROM
multipack will ship on Dec. 8.  Sold as a five-foot-long vinyl strip or in a
box,  the  collection  includes 10 CD-ROM titles that Sirius  licenses  from
various  software  publishers.  The $39.95 product  also  includes  discount
coupons and other promotions.
The  Mac  version  features  Hell  Cab by  Time  Warner,  Dragon's  Lair  by
ReadySoft,  Prince  Interactive by Grafix Zone, Mayo  Clinic  Family  Health
Book,  SiriusNet by Sirius Publishing, Mad Dog McCree by IBM, 2000 Fonts  by
Fantazia,  Dracula Unleashed by Viacom, Internet Executive by  LearnKey  and
Battlechess Enhanced by Interplay.
"We  think  the  5-Ft. 10-Pak Macintosh edition will do as well  as  the  PC
version,"  says Richard Gnant, president and CEO of the Scottdale,  Arizona,
company. "The multimedia market continues to see rapid growth.
CONTACT:  Naomi Rosenfeld or Andrea Mabel,
               212-850-5600, or Media, Miriam Adler or Jean Lombard, 415-296-
7383
            PITFALL: THE MAYAN ADVENTURE SWINGS TO #1 SLOT ON ...
  LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today
announced that according to PC Data, Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure was the #1
CD-ROM  game  for  the Windows(R) 95 operating system during  the  month  of
September.
"The  Windows 95 version of Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure established  a  new
standard  in PC-based action games with its revolutionary depth of gameplay,
nonstop  action  and feature-film quality animation," states  Bobby  Kotick,
Chairman  and CEO, Activision.  "Taking full advantage of the new  operating
system,  the game provides players with an existing and realistic experience
unlike any other side-scrolling action title."
Bringing  a  mix of magic and realism to a mysterious Mayan world,  Pitfall:
The  Mayan  Adventure  features Harry Jr., son of the  original  Atari  2600
Pitfall Harry, swinging, pit-hopping, crocodile-dodging, bungee-jumping  and
boomeranging  through 13 levels in a perilous attempt to rescue  his  father
from  an  evil  Mayan  warrior.  Players face ferocious  crocodiles,  deadly
jaguars, possessed rain forest animals, killer skeletons and wicked warriors
as they race through the jungle adventure.
Older  game  fans  will enjoy uncovering a playable version  of  the  entire
original  Atari 2600 Pitfall! game hidden within one level of the new  game.
Activision,  Inc. is a publicly held developer and publisher of  interactive
entertainment  software  for Microsoft(R) Windows and  MS-DOS(R)-compatible,
Macintosh  and  other computers, as well as Nintendo,  Sega,  3DO  and  Sony
PlayStation  game  systems.  Headquartered in Los Angeles  with  offices  in
London,  Tokyo and Sydney, the company sells and markets products under  the
Activision and Infocom trade names.
Activision  is  a  registered  trademark  of  Activision,  Inc.   (c)   1995
Activision, Inc.   All rights reserved.  Microsoft, Windows and  MS-DOS  are
either  registered trademarks of trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in  the
United States and/or other countries.
                          Anti-Game Software Ships
DVD  Software  Inc. has released UnGame 2.0 for Windows, the  first  Windows
version of a program that's designed to erase games from company PCs.   DVD,
based  in Irvine, California, says the new release can eliminate up to 3,100
different games and can significantly improve the productivity of  PC  users
at  work.   The company notes that UnGame can detect and remove games  under
Windows  3.x,  Windows  95,  Windows NT, OS/2, DOS  and  all  major  network
operating systems.  UnGame 2.0 for Windows 2.0 is priced at $59.99 per  file
server.  A  shareware version of the software is available  in  CompuServe's
Novell User Library Forum (GO NOVUSER) in the file UNGAME20.ZIP.
                         Sierra Online Buys Papyrus
Entertainment  software publisher Sierra On-Line Inc. has  acquired  Papyrus
Design  Group Inc., a developer of car racing simulations, including  NASCAR
Racing  and  Indy Car Racing.  The deal's financial terms weren't disclosed.
NASCAR Racing, released in October 1994, has sold more than 350,000 units to
date  and  was  the  sixth  best  selling entertainment  software  title  in
September, according to market researcher PC Data.
"These  products  are  excellent additions to  our  portfolio  and  fit  our
development strategy of capitalizing on successful product series," says Ken
Williams, chairman and CEO of Sierra On-Line. "I'm especially excited  about
the  addition of a talented development group to our already strong internal
development resources. I expect the Papyrus and Sierra development groups to
benefit   from  the  cross-fertilization  of  ideas  and  the   sharing   of
technologies."
Founded  in  1987,  Papyrus employs approximately 100 people,  primarily  in
research  and development, in Watertown, Massachusetts.  Sierra  On-Line  is
headquartered in Bellevue, Washington.



Jaguar Game Title STR Review  -  "Rayman"

                                  "Rayman"
-= Available Now =-

by Frank Sereno
Developed by:  Ubi Soft
Published by:Ubi Soft
Price: $69.99

One big happy...

     The world is a bright and happy place.  The Great Protoon provides for
the needs of all.  Bliss is an eternal state of being until the evil Mr.
Dark kidnaps the Great Protoon.  Now evil creatures patrol the land,
capturing the friendly inhabitants of the land, the Electoons.
     Our hero...
     In steps a creature with a shock of blond hair and a radiant smile but
without arms or legs.  Rayman will attempt to save the day.  The task is
arduous as you assist Rayman through sixty screens of demanding 64-bit
action.  You must release all the Electoons from cages scattered about the
many screens and then you must rescue the Great Protoon while avoiding over
fifty different enemies.
     Rayman starts out with no weapons and only your wits and reflexes to
save him.  As you advance through the levels, Rayman will gain powers from
the fairy Betilla.  Some are permanent powers and some will only be in
effect in that portion of the game.  Rayman has to jump, climb, crawl, punch
and helicopter his way through sixty levels.  Nobody said this was going to
be easy.
     And now for something completely different...
     Rayman is simply the most beautiful and addicting video game that my
family and I have ever played.  The graphics feature highly detailed and
colorful backgrounds combined with multiple levels of parallax scrolling.
The attention to detail is evident in every frame of amazing animation which
rivals that of Disney and Don Bluth.  This game is a feast for the eyes.
     This game is suitable for gamers ages 2 to 102.  It has great
playability. The control scheme is very simple and response is
instantaneous.  My sons, ages 5 and 7, have had no difficulty running Rayman
through his paces.
     In fact, they have journeyed farther into the game than I have.  It is
a challenge to learn how to defeat the various creatures or how to traverse
certain screens.  It is a good idea to watch the Demo portion of Rayman to
learn gaming strategy.  Hints are also provided in the user manual.
     The sound effects and music are excellent.  Some of the music can set
your toes to tapping.  It would have been nice to hear Rayman speak but this
doesn't detract from gameplay.
     Some screens are more difficult than I would like.  Many times you run
into an obstacle before you have a chance to react to it because of the
limited viewing area.  In these cases you must memorize the screens and the
proper series of moves to execute to complete that world.  Keep your eyes
open for powerups to replenish your power reserves or to gain more punching
power. And be sure to grab all the blue globes that you can. These "tings"
can unlock the way to hidden cages of Electoons and other goodies. Gathering
100 tings gains another life.
     One of the more interesting objects in the game is the grape.  Knocking
it from its vine, it can be used as a pogoball to jump to high ledges.  It
can be pushed into the water and used as a raft.  Some grapes will swing
from the vine rather than falling from it.  Rayman can jump on these and
swing to new heights.  And if a grape is bounced into certain enemies, he
will mutate into a grape-headed creature.  He can still damage Rayman with
his body, but Rayman can now stand on the creature's head and allow himself
to be ported about.
Graphics:    10.0
Sound FX/Music: 9.0
Control:10.0
Manual:     9.0
Entertainment: 9.0
Ratings...
Graphics-10
Simply outstanding!  This is most eye-appealing game to date with its lush
backgrounds and fluid, flawless animation.
Sound-9
Great music and fantastic sound effects.
Gameplay-10
Rayman features great depth in its gaming experience combined with easy,
responsive control.  It is an excellent game to play with younger children.
The game is challenging but always enjoyable.  Addictive is an apt
description for this game.
Bang for the Buck-9
     This game tends to be played for two or three hours at a sitting due to
its addictive nature.  Most players will need several weeks of play before
they solve the game and I feel most players will play the game again after
its completion because it is so enticing.  The one shortcoming I do see is
that the game has only 3 slots for saving games.  If more people want to
play, they will have to share slots in the battery-backed memory.
     The final word...
     If I were to own only one Jaguar game, Rayman would be it.  If my
family loves Rayman, I am sure that you will enjoy it also.  This game
should be considered a classic and is a MUST HAVE.  Buy it today!  And
here's hoping that Ubi Soft will come out with a sequel allowing a two-
player cooperative mode.



Jaguar Online STR InfoFile        Online Users Growl & Purr!

         CATnips... Jaguar tidbits from Don Thomas        (95.11.28)

I hate when that happens!...
     Right when I have a new edition of CATnips ready to go... POOF! I press
the wrong key and I have to type it all in again. I guess I need a Memory
Track for my Text Editor.  <g>.
     I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I sure did with my family. I
had to get in all the great new movies out there... Toy Story, Money Train,
Casino, Golden Eye... We had a delicious Turkey dinner complete with pumpkin
pie. We went to Sacramento and did some traditional shopping (I found a
video game tips book I was looking for) and I even found the opportunity to
put up a few strings of holiday lights on the house (with Kyle's help, of
course! <g>).
     My extended holiday weekend would have never started off so well if it
wasn't for a great conference hosted by Jeffrey Norwood of Jaguar Journal.
The conference was on Wednesday, November 22 at 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) on
CompuServe in the Jaguar forum. Ted Hoff was planning to be there, but the
holiday weekend caught up to a lot of us and we all had to juggle schedules.
I did manage to get Ted to provide an statement for the conference which was
uploaded by Jeffrey at the beginning of the event. Ron Beltramo, Dan McNamee
and Francois Bertrand were all there as well as forum regulars and a lot of
lurkers. Look for recent issues of Jaguar Journal, STReport and Atari
Explorer Online for a capture of the complete conference.

I am proud to report that confirmed Wal*Mart orders arrived. Product was
shipped to 400 of their designated stores in time to be on shelves by last
Friday. I hope those of you near such stores have an opportunity to tell
them how much you appreciate their support of your favorite gaming
interests. Their success will help inspire even greater support in the
months ahead.

Although there are just a few weeks before Christmas now, there is still a
lot of new releases you can include on your wish list...  Missile Command 3D
is expected to ship to stores by Friday, December 8. I-War is expected to
ship to stores by December 15.

Supercross 3D is expected to ship to stores by December 15.
Fever Pitch Soccer is expected to ship to stores by Friday, December 15.
Dragon's Lair (CD) is in stores NOW!
Attack of the Mutant Penguins is expected to ship to stores by
December 22.
Atari Karts is expected to ship to stores by December 22.
Other games such as Primal Rage, Battlemorph and NBA Jam are also expected
to ship within the next few weeks. AND, if you get some cash for the
holidays, even more great titles are due out early 1996!

     I would like to mention my appreciation for the support many of you
expressed regarding incorrect information published by some IGO (Intelligent
Gaming On-Line) staff members. By now, it should be obvious that IGO's
portrayal of "massive" layoffs at Atari as well as any less commitment to
the Jaguar platform is simply not true. I am prepared to believe that IGO
felt their data was coming from a reliable source. I am, however,
disappointed that they were eagerly prepared to stand by the integrity of
the information without making any attempts I know of to verify the reports.
I hope that on-line subscribers recognize when they are being exploited
while they seek a reliable source of genuine and accurate news.
     In my six plus years employment at Atari, I have never witnessed the
doors being locked to employees. I have also never heard of anyone being
told they could never return. Furthermore, I have frequently seen ex-
employees stop in to see friends or conduct new business.
     As one of many, many dedicated Atari employees, I was personally
disappointed by IGO's attempts to sensationalize events at Atari. I hope
that they might do a much better job to substantiate reports they receive in
the future.
                                        'Nuff said. --DT

Ruiner Pinball scores big on the Internet...
In rec.games.video.atari,
PSFT55A@prodigy.com (Jerry Danzig) wrote:
     This game is a lot of fun. If Pinball Fantasies emphasizes "real"
pinball action, Ruiner gives you oversized tables with 3D targets that would
be impossible in a real machine.
     Basically, there are two games. Ruiner has a nuclear scenario (!) and
two large tables side-by-side connected by elaborate system of rails. Tower
is an evil sorceress/monster mash affair, with three tables stacked
vertically. Both games have multiple flippers and multi-ball play. Music and
sound is excellent, graphics mixed. Specifically, the Tower tables look
great, very solid and real like the tables in PF; the Ruiner tables,
however, look "drawn" and not as real. It took me a little longer to figure
out where the bumpers and flippers were, as it was harder to distinguish
table graphics from physical objects.
     Did I say these games are FAST?!! Wickedly so. My only other gripe
beyond the look of the Ruiner tables is the nudge control -- I find it very
difficult on the standard controllers. The problem is you have three
directions of nudge, right, left, and center; on the standard controller,
these correspond to the 1,3, and 2 number keys, with right and left also
duplicated by one direction of the keypad and action button C. By the time
you've decided which direction you want and remember where the button is --
you've lost the ball! On the pro controller, however, left and right nudges
are controlled by the fingertip buttons; guess who just ordered a Pro
Controller from Bits Of Fun!!!
     At any rate, if you like pinball or Pinball Fantasies, you'll find a
lot to like here...  And so far, I haven't encountered any bugs, unlike at
least one other poster here on the web...
--Jerry Danzig
In rec.games.video.atari,
cupples@iastate.edu (Robert L Cupples) wrote:
     Ok. Ok. It just came yesterday. Bit's of Fun(?) was having a sale where
you can get Pinball Fantasies and Ruiner for $69.99. Since I had never seen
PF and it was only another $20 over the price of Ruiner, I bought both. I've
spent far more time playing Ruiner.
     This isn't a real review (I haven't put enough time into the game yet).
I have seen no bugs (except for the ones scurrying across the playfield) so
far. The artwork is terrific. There is so much drawn on the playing field
that it distracts me from watching the ball, but I'll get used to it. The
flippers are so well integrated into the playing fields that it's sometimes
hard to tell them apart from the playing field.
     Some comments on the tower: There are three major playing areas.  Of
course all of the fun is playing at the very top. On the top and bottom
areas you can activate bats which fly in loops about the playing field. In
the center area you can activate bugs (silverfish?) which crawl across the
playing field. I have gotten multiball a few times. The playfield scales
down and scrolls the follow the lowest ball which tends to take some of the
fun out of multiball, but what could have been done differently? Maybe that
is what the ball cam is for, but I haven't tried to figure this option out
yet. It was distracting so I have it turned off for now.
     Some comments on Ruiner: The object is to reach Defcon 1 to launch a
missile strike, yet I've only made it to 4 so far. Animations feature
airplanes which fly in loops, paratroopers(?) which fall down the board,
tanks which roam about the board and take several hits to destroy, and
civilian which run across the screen and need to be avoided or points are
lost.  Sorry folks, that is all I can say for now. I might find the time
this weekend to write a real review, but now my boss awaits for my monthly
report!
     
-- Rob Cupples--cupples@iastate.edu
Here's a tip from a dedicated Atari Lynx user...
To: ATARI
Date: 11/09/95  7:44AM
ID: 7305093
From: FORHAN@MILL2.MILLCOMM.COM@INET02
     I just recently learned of the secret *full 3-D* game in Battlezone
2000. This has got to be the biggest Easter egg of all time!  If you don't
know the code, go to the tank customization screen, press Option 1 twice,
then the Option 1 - reset combo.  Voila!  Full 3-D secret game.
Thanks again,
--Carl Forhan


Highlander I comments from a CATscan member...

Message: = Open Discussion =  #245 of 248 [8 Lines] Sent On: October 31,
1995 at 8:42pm
Sent By: Brian McCleary - Loyal Jaguarian
Sent To: All
Replies: 1
Subject: Highlander CD
     Well, all I have to say is..... Uh, Spectacular, Shocking, Amazing,
Surprising, Fun, and downright Impressive. If the Mags don't dedicate a few
pages of pics to this one they aren't gonna. The Background Scenery alone is
as good as MYST, then throw on a nifty little guy like Quentin to show it to
ya, and you've gotta a winner. This game is cool, I'm not just saying that.
I've been a fan of the series, and now I'm a fan of the game, and I hope the
sequel is already in pre-production stages, cause I can't put this one down.
It's almost an RPG! on the JAG! Yes, Yes, Yes.

   CATscan offers free membership and is accessed by dialing 209/239-1552
                                     and
       supports up to 14.4 baud. Normal telephone toll charges apply.
                                      

Jaguar Journal Thanksgiving Conference  STR FOCUS


Jeff @ JJ/Host: A Word From Ted Hoff...
I would first  like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. I know it may
sound like a cliche, but we do have much to   be thankful for this holiday
season By means of a lot of  people, we have the strongest release of
software titles we have ever had for the Jaguar AND that includes CD as well
as cartridge titles. We have powerful retail chains on line now including
select Montgomery Ward stores, Radio Shack Unlimited, Spiegel and Sears
catalogs and <taking a deep breath> Wal*Mart which is expected to have
product in almost 400 nationwide stores by this Friday. The software we are
publishing is enjoying a consistently high review ratio which I attribute to
a stringent internal quality review process. We have directed our focus to
our most powerful projects like NBA JAM, Myst, Defender 2000, Highlander II,
Mortal Kombat III and Magic Carpet so that  we can rely on them in a timely
fashion. We are also scouting new opportunities with aggressive vigor. In
spite of a few unkind and inaccurate reports of Atari's overall demeanor, I
am proud to declare Atari's ongoing commitment to the Jaguar platform and
our commitment to stand behind it as a product. You may notice some changes
in our approach to things since many of you follow us so closely. I cannot
open the book as wide as I'd like to, but I'll tell you we are prioritizing
ways to increase the number of satisfied Jaguar users. Examples include a
national direct mail campaign we have already initiated and a nationally
televised infomercial which kicks off this coming Friday.  Watch for it! Don
Thomas may be able to answer a few questions about those projects if you
have any. I would like to also share with you that Francois Bertrand has
been asked back to complete work on Fight for Life. It's important that I
also tell you that our official position is the same as it has been for
months.... that FFL will be released IF and WHEN it meets Atari standards.
As you may have heard, the latest test reports have been favorable and I'm
delighted to review it, but if Atari personnel answer your inquiries that
the title remains on hold, then they are answering your question accurately.
Atari remains faithful to publishing software under strict guidelines so
that the product Atari customers buy meets our exceeds their expectations.
At this point, I will turn the conference over to Mr. Norwood with
additional thanks to him and all the members of this forum for supporting us
so well.
--Ted Hoff

This was an Exclusive Conference Note from Atari's Ted Hoff

Don Thomas@Atari: Jeff, thanks for posting Ted's formal statement... Ted
planned a statement since he could not be with us this evening.
Jeff @ JJ/Host: And Welcome everyone.
Steve J. Scavone: i have a question
Daniel  J. Radzicki: i'm sure everyone does at this point
Jeff @ JJ/Host: As Mr. Thomas just said, Mr. Hoff had a last minute
conflict.  Hold up with the questions for one minute please. Thank you for
joining The Jaguar Journal and Atari in the fourth conference of the
year.  Here are some of the rules.
Don Thomas@Atari: Jeff, FYI, Ron Beltramo IS in the audience.
Jeff @ JJ/Host: I understand that.
Don Thomas@Atari: Oh, ok.
Jeff @ JJ/Host: To ask a question, you must type a "?", and then wait to be
called on.  The "?" indicates a raised hand. When done typing a question (or
an answer:, type "GA" which translates to Go Ahead, and the next person will
be in line.  HOLD ON!!! There is no interruption allowed. Ron did just
leave, and I believe he'll be back.  We'll let Don take the questions. Okay,
the first question is from KYLE.   GA
Kyle: okay First off is Atari planning to make a game to compete with sony's
Ridge Racer or with Sega's Daytona?
Steve J. Scavone: As a hopeful future Jag developer, what kind of support
will I get from Atari if that comes to pass? Thanks Sorry about that
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Scavone, please wait until you are called on! Kyle: ga
Don Thomas@Atari: Kyle, Atari has plans to continue exploiting the Jaguar
for  a long time... Specific titles such as Ridge Racer or Sega's Daytona
has not been announced, but many others have such as NBA Jam, Primal Rage,
F1 Racer and more. ga
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Scavone, go ahead.
Steve J. Scavone: Sorry about the question. It is was an accident.  My
apologies to KYLE and all.
Kyle: ok
Steve J. Scavone: My question is As a hopeful developer, What kind  of
support will Atari give me and others like me in the future?
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Don, are you okay?
Don Thomas@Atari: Steve, support for individual developers will depend on
their specific relationship with Atari as determined by their NDA, the
projects they are working on and other factors... the best and fastest way
to determine specific qualifications is through  the developer support
department. ga
Steve J. Scavone: thanks
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Just to inform everyone, Ron Beltramo and Francois will be
answering questions later.  They are both in attendance. Abia, your turn. GA
Okay,, Abia, are you still here?
Dan McNamee (Atari): Nope, he isn't. ;-:
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Okay, Charlie is next then! GA
Charlie M: Do you agree with Mr Lincoln of Nintendo that this is not the_V_
__year for 32+ bit systems? Is Atari holding back for next year? MR B? GA
Don Thomas@Atari: Charlie, stand by...
Charlie M: Ok
Don Thomas@Atari: Charlie, I personally think Mr. Lincoln's "opinion" is
based on specific conditions that exist for Nintendo and their particular
needs to influence potential purchasers of their systems...
...we all can have a tendency to do that...
Charlie M: Yes, I guess everyone serves their own best interest.
Don Thomas@Atari: Atari has a superior system out now AND at an incredible
value to get into...
Charlie M: GET THE WORD OUT
Don Thomas@Atari: I think the 64-bit generation has begun. ga
Jeff @ JD/Host: Mr. Beltramo... the question was also aimed at you.  Do you
have any additional comments? GA
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Mike Lipson ... GA
Daniel  J. Radzicki: can we go a little quicker? the system just threatened
to turn me off due to lack of activity
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Sorry.  It could happen, but things will get speedier.
Ron Beltramo (Atari): The Jaguar is here now...at a great value for $149.
Mike Lipson: Is it reasonably foreseeable that the VLM will be accessible by
MIDI or RCA input?  That would sell a lot of Jaguars. You don't need a focus
group for that! ga
Don Thomas@Atari: To whom are the questions directed?
Mike Lipson: Anyone at Atari who would be involved with such a decision. ga
Don Thomas@Atari: Mike, a lot of people are involved in most Atari
decisions....I know we continue to be anxious to look at all ways to exploit
Jaguar potential...The technical answer to your inquiry is YES...
Mike Lipson: Who at ATC would be responsible for MIDI/RCA access to VLM? ga
Don Thomas@Atari: In the meantime, Atari is focused on other priorities such
as direct marketing campaigns.  ga
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Harris GA.
Dan McNamee (Atari): RCA is certainly feasible, MIDI would be pretty
difficult and probably expensive.
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Nex is .. Keith, Dan, Dana, Paul, and Jean-Charles... GA
Dan McNamee (Atari): ga
Craig Harris: I've noticed on the last few product, the Jaguar logo changed
ever so slightly. Instead of sitting sternly on a black background, the logo
now has a white aura surrounding it. Also, the spheres containing the  "64-
Bit"  have been 3D-ized. Personally, I feel these changes make the familiar
logo appear less dynamic than what it once was. Can anyone at Atari comment
as to why the changes occurred?
GA

Don Thomas@Atari: Ron Beltramo can elaborate... from what I understand we
are branching out in new forms of multimedia tools to reach the consumer...
It's appropriate that multimedia forms of exposure utilize dramatic 3-D and
colorful graphics. ga
Ron Beltramo (Atari): Crag: I disagree with your assessment.  We believe
that the new logo treatment really makes the Jaguar logo stand out even
better...and the 64-Bit also pops better.
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Dave - you were before Keith - so GA!
David A. Leonardis: Thank You for being here gang, I would like you to know
that I have owned my Jaguar for over a year now and great job to the Atari
gang on Highlander. My question regarding the status of certain games in
development: 1-SoulStar 2-SkyHammer 3-Legions of the Undead 4Freelancer
2120, and of course Alien Vs. Predator 2. And what is the status of TWI
using the Jaguar hardware for there arcade division? And what happened to
the Sega/Atari crossover games? I Hope I didn't ask too much. Thanks in
Advance.
Ron Beltramo (Atari): Also, we felt the need to update the logo treatment
after it had been out from the initial launch.
Dan McNamee (Atari): 1. SoulStar is still in development.  I'm not sure
exactly where it is.
Don Thomas@Atari: David, AEO and STReport do a good job with updates and
call us regularly to get them. You listed a lot of software and my best and
quick advice is to refer to the online pubs.  ga
Jeff @ JJ/Host: (and The Jaguar Journal!: <g> GA
David A. Leonardis: ok
Dan McNamee (Atari): 2. Ted T. just got back from the UK to visit the
developer about that project.
Don Thomas@Atari: Oh, good grief, of course, Jeff. Sorry. <g>
Dan McNamee (Atari): I'm not sure about the rest.  GA_V_     _
Don Thomas@Atari: <Sorry about the fast typing>
David A. Leonardis: thanks.
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Okay - everyone hold up!
Beltramo share the "spotlight".  It seems confusing.. but......
I think it would work better.  I believe some people may be getting mad that
others are interrupting (as well as me interrupting! We'll keep Francois til
the end! Keith - GA!
Keith H.: I do realize that you may not be able to directly answer this,
but, can you tell us what games you realistically expect out by Christmas,
and what might be a little late but be out by January 31? <GA>
Don Thomas@Atari: Keith, Myst, Missile Command 3D, Battlemorph, I-War, Fever
Pitch Soccer, Atari Karts, Attack/Penguins, Supercross 3D, NBA Jam are some
of the definite from Atari.  ga
Jeff @ JD/Host: Dan, you're up at bat! GA
Daniel  J. Radzicki: my question is a three parter: one, when will we reap
the spoils of the sega deal. Two, is there a deal with EA or is it all
rumor, and three, will MK3 be regular or the newer ultimate? Also,
whatever happened to the usa up all night thing? wait. jam before or after x-
mas? GA
Ron Beltramo (Atari): Followed by Defender 2000 and NBA Jam.  Check these
out. GA
Dan McNamee (Atari): Add to that Baldies sometime not too long after x-mas.
Probably early January. ga
Ron Beltramo (Atari): USA up all night is happening on three successive
Friday nights including tonight.  Check it out! GA

Daniel  J. Radzicki: tonight?
Dan McNamee (Atari): Daniel> NBA Jam will be after x-mas as well. GA
Ron Beltramo (Atari): NBA Jam and Defender 2000 will be in January. GA Jeff
@ JJ/Host: Okay.  Dana. GA
Dana @ STReport: Thanks!  I'd just like to start off by thanking Jeff and
the folks at Atari for making this all possible... Happy Turkey eve to
all... Ted's opening comments mentioned major marketing... plans for the
holiday.  Specific plans?  What's the scoop on the Infomercial mentioned,
also?  GA
Daniel  J. Radzicki: what about the first two parts to the question?

Don Thomas@Atari: I think Ron should answer this... Daniel  J. Radzicki: i'm
still waiting for my answers...
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Daniel - we'll get back to you in a moment. Daniel  J.
Radzicki: thanks
Ron Beltramo (Atari): The infomercial is a terrific selling tool designed to
build the Jaguar installed base.  We will be airing the infomercial starting
tomorrow through the first week of December in numerous markets around the
country and on selected cable stations.  More info will be sent out on
schedules from Don Thomas.  GA
Dana @ STReport: Quick synopsis as to what it will cover?
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Okay.  I'm going to stop Ron, Don, and Dan just for now. Don
Thomas@Atari: Look for it as early as this weekend.... GA
Jeff @ JJ/Host: All of you who have questions for them, stay tuned!
You'll be back in order in a few minutes. Francois is online, but does have
to leave in a few minutes. I feel many of you may have questions, so any "?"
marks at  this point until he leaves is for him only!
Jeff @ JJ/Host: As you know, Francois (FYB) was hired back Atari, as
mentioned in the opening letter from Ted. FYB, GA!

Francois: hello every body, good to see you all
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Okay Francois. They've got questions ... do you have
answers?  Remember too use "GA" at the end of your statements! Kyle, you're
up! GA
Kyle: OK, is this for Francois or Don thomas?
Ron Beltramo (Atari): The infomercial will be focused on the attributes of
the Jaguar system and the outstanding games available and upcoming.  It is
different than just about any other infomercial you have ever seen. You
gotta check it out. GA

Kyle: is it?
Jeff @ JJ/Host: All questions are for Francois!
Don Thomas@Atari: THE infomercial is the best I've seen in a long time...
professionally done...IMO.
Kyle: Mr. francois. Is fight for life going to be for the Jag-cd, or for
Jaguar-64?
Francois: yes KYLE.
Kyle: also, How is it compared to virtua fighter or toshinden? ga
Francois: FFL is going to be a 4 Mbyte (32 Mbits) cartridge for the
Jaguar_V_     __64 Kyle: neat
Francois: Most of the character are fully Texture mapped (not as Virtua
Fighter), and the type of fight is closer to TEKKEN than to Toshiden. GA
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Charlie M.  GA
Charlie M: What is the problem you are having with ffl? Frame rate? <GA>
Why?
Daniel  J. Radzicki: what if we have questions for the other guys? how do we
approach them?
Francois: No the frame rate in FFL is very good (up to 27 frame//second) and
an average of 22. We has some design problem and some visual problems. If
you look at the latest screen shot from the game, you will see that the
graphics have improved a lot, and the game is now pushing the Jaguar as it
should have done from the beginning. GA
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Daniel - you can ask them questions after FYB is off the
floor.  I do have your question memorized in case you forgot! GA
Charlie M: Excellent. thank you
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Gibson, GA
Gordon Gibson: As a fellow developer, it's good to see you getting another
chance at FFL, how long do you see the game taking from here ? GA
Francois: I am just finishing to clean up the latest texture for some of the
characters, and debugging whatever the test department doesn't like. When
you develop a game, you can make some choice which seems logical to you but
are sometime not the best solution.The test department is doing a great job
on this side.  GA
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Paul Harris, GA
Paul Harris: Hello,  Will you be working on anything else for the Jag and
FFL? ga  Sorry I mean After FFL?  GA
Francois: I am finishing right now FFL with Atari. My future is something I
will take care off as soon as FFL will be done. Who knows ? GA
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Keith H.  GA
Keith H.: How would you compare FFL to Sega's or Sony's latest? <ga>
Francois: FFL does include a lot of thing you will not find on any of the
other  platform. The fact that you can develop your own fighter, fight after
fight is unique. I did include a combo system in the game, which give it a
deeper gameplay. And I did develop a morphing system, that is a first on a
3d fighting game. Stick with your Jaguar. Nobody else give you this sort of
things. GA
Jeff @ JJ/Host: My turn (you all probably noticed the question mark
before!!)  Can't cheat...
Don Thomas@Atari: ...My experience is that FFL seems a lot more responsive
than other systems... that's REAL important to me. IMO... GA
Ron Beltramo (Atari): Go for it Jeff....It's your show.
Jeff @ JJ/Host: I think someone had to ask this ... at the current pace you
are going, when can we expect to see this title?  I'm so excited
after ...
Don Thomas@Atari: Jeff, u mean FFL?
Jeff @ JJ/Host: the description.  Also, will there be a multi-player (4
players) mode where 2 can battle 2 (tag team) or for a large tournament?
FFL, yes. GA
Francois: Are you GA, Jeff?
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Yes I am.  GA
Francois: Atari will take the decision to market the game, after I will give
them the final code. I expect to be ready in the middle of december, so we
will see from there. No no multi player game  (but that's a nice idea for a
fighting game.) GA

Jeff @ JJ/Host: David... GA
Nettie M. Stegall: Is the jag Hardware better than the playstation or is it
some what a little behind it Including the Jags Cd?
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Stop!
Don Thomas@Atari: Jeff, are we to answer the hardware question?
Jeff @ JJ/Host: But, Franc ... tell Nettie what you think -- Jaguar or PS!!
GA
Don Thomas@Atari: Was that the next one?
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Not unless you are John Mathieson! <g>
Dan, Don, and Ron - you guys will be on the floor again in about 3
questions!.
Don Thomas@Atari: Is John Mathieson here?
Jeff @ JJ/Host: GA

kenney resseger: FYB  Can you work STR Ralph and ATC Sam in as characters in
FFL so they can finally have it out with each other ?
Steve Watkins: Happy Thanksgiving, All!
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Kenny. GA (was that your question?) ga

Francois: The Jaguar architecture is different than the playstation's one. I
do believe that the Jaguar may be stronger in certain area, but not all of
them. The Jag+Jag CD is a strong environment, and you should see some
beautiful products coming out for those two. GA

Jeff @ JJ/Host: Okay, Ken, GA
Nettie M. Stegall: ok Is the Jaguar version of MK3 as you know of it IS it
going to be a arcade copy or somewhat less of a perfect copy
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Scavone, GA.  Questions for Francois only.
Francois: this one is not for me. If you are done, I do have some people
waiting for me. GA
Steve J. Scavone: Hi FYB, I just wanted to know, have you come even close to
tapping the Jag potential? ga
Jeff @ JJ/Host: FYB - that one's for you! ga
Francois: during the development of FFL, I did discover some new way (faster
way) to do things. Sometime, it wasn't too late to make the modification to
include those new tricks in the code,, but not all of the time. If I had to
redo FFL from scratch today, I do believe I may go faster on some area. But
the  actual result is still pretty impressive.GA
Jeff @ JJ/Host: Okay, stop asking questions for a minute!
Steve J. Scavone: thanks. I look forward to programming on the Jaguar. ga

Jeff @ JD/Host: Don, Ron, and FYB must leave now.  Please say bye (everyone
can!)
Frank Ricco: Is the VR helmet project still alive? Also has Acclaim or EA
signed with ATARI??
Jeff @ JJ/Host: bye don, ron, and fyb!
Steve J. Scavone: bye FYB
Paul Harris: bye
Charlie M: bye bye
Gordon Gibson: Bye guys...
Steve J. Scavone: and ROn and Don
Charlie M: Bye Bye <sob>
Keith H.: bye
Daniel  J. Radzicki: thanks don
Craig Harris: Don't go! Don't Go!!!! Please, have mercy! I
mean..ahem...bye..
Francois: bye bye, and happy thanksgiving every body.
Daniel  J. Radzicki: thanks rob
Frank Ricci: SEE YA  ::
Don Thomas@Atari: I don't know about the others, but I do have to go... Big
day tomorrow! <g>
Steve J. Scavone: Happy Thanksgiving ALL!!!
Don Thomas@Atari: Happy T-Day!
Charlie M: Will anyone still be here to answer questions?
Daniel  J. Radzicki: happy thanksgiving!
Dan McNamee (Atari): I'll be here a little bit longer.
Steve J. Scavone: cool

Ron Beltramo (Atari): Thanks to all for participating in the forum tonight.
There is a lot of great things going on at Atari, and Ted Hoff is doing a
great job of instilling a new spirit in the company.  With lots of new games
coming for the Jaguar almost every day and an extensive list of new software
still to come.  Hang in there for the rest of the Jaguar story.  Happy
Thanksgiving to all.  I told Jeff we should do this again soon.



ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine          The wires are a hummin'!



                            PEOPLE... ARE TALKING



On CompuServe

compiled by
Joe Mirando
73637,2262



Hidi ho friends and neighbors.  It's that time again.  Yep, that's right.
It's the time of the week when we tiptoe through the news, hints, tips, and
other assorted tidbits to be found every week right here on CompuServe.

Let's take a look....

>From the Atari Computing Forums


Rob Rasmussen asks Sysop Jim Ness about how WinCim works:

  "You had said that WinCim's connection to the host is like a big CIS-B
  protocol bi-directional file transfer and I find this very fascinating.
  Does this apply for when SENding to other users in real time? I have
  played with my friend's copy of WinCim on her PC, and strangely didn't
  find it that much different than Ascii mode - I still see the same info
  on the screen, messages with same headers, user lists, announcements,
  etc - although of course they are all in the pretty windows. I haven't
  explored it too much to really see the big difference. I was using
  Flash to chat in a forum and a new user (with WinCim) couldn't
  _comprehend_ why I couldn't immediately view a Gif in the library
  without having to download it first. I know Flash 2 allows viewing of
  pics online but I haven't got the hang of it yet. I understand that to
  view a pic online, even with Cim, it is still being downloaded to the
  screen, so maybe this is one of Cim's advantages? If the Cim connection
  is a big B-transfer, then how are packets or whatever handled in the
  Ascii connection?"

Jim tells Rob:

  "CIS B+ was designed as a multi-purpose protocol.  Each packet
  includes an identifier, so the receiver knows what that packet is for.
  When in Flash doing a download, of course, there is no question what
  the packet is for. But, in WinCIM, a packet can be from several
  different sources, since you can be in a conference, reading new
  messages, and downloading a file, all at the same time.

  WinCIM receives the packet, checks the ID to see which "task" the
  packet is for, and then deals with it.

  In ASCII, there are no packets.  All is character-by-character, just
  as it seems.  This results in more work for the host machines at CIS,
  and that's one reason CIS is migrating away from an ASCII environment.

  The other reason is that right now there are two parallel software
  environments - one for ASCII access, and the other for CIM and its
  brethren. As CompuServe moves to all new host hardware, they are
  avoiding the cost of rewriting both environments.  The vast majority of
  online users are calling via CIM or similar, so that's the one CIS has
  chosen to perpetuate."

Lionel Wall posts:

  "I have an Atari ST1040 with what appears to be a defective power
  supply: the internal 0.5amp fuse keeps blowing.

  Does anyone know where in the UK I can get it repaired for a reasonable
  price?"

Masayuki Fuse tells Lionel:

  "These shops can repair Ataris, in UK.

   Analogic Computers Unit6, Ashway Center, Elm Crescent,
   Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey KT2 6HH TEL:0181 546 9575 FAX:0181 541
   4671

   Fast Atari Repairs 144 Tanner Street, Tower Bridge, London SE1 2HG
   TEL:0171 252 3553 e-mail:peter@fastcomp.demon.co.uk

   First Computer Centre (Showroom) Unit3, Armley Park Court,
   Stanningleyrd, Leeds, LS12 2AE TEL:0113 231 9444 FAX:0113 231 9191
   e-mail:sales@firstcom.demon.co.uk

   The Upgrede Shop 37 Crossall Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 6QF
   TEL:01625 503448"

Terry Cano adds:

  "The power supply is easily replaced......if you're sure that's the
  problem. I suggest TOAD Computers the supply is $69 plus shipping.
  They are easy to replace."

Mark Kelling tells Lionel:

  "Sorry to hear about the power supply problem.  I had a similar
  problem which resulted in a totally fried ST!  Unfortunately, the ST
  power supply is more of a throw away type and is not easily repaired.
  Try Best or Toad computers here in the US for a replacement.  The cost
  is not that much and the replacement is simply plug-n-play!"

Ben at TOC Australia posts on a subject that is near and dear to my
heart:

  "I was catching up with this forum last night, and I noticed with some
  concern the tone, and content of the discussion of the preceding weeks.

  1.  It is uneconomical for compuserve to write software, or have it
  written for them, and they earn $20 squillion per month in membership ?
  ............. Poor diddums...   what a tragic circumstance ;-)   I
  thought I paid $9.95 a month for a service ?

  2.  Any PROPERLY written Atari software will handle all screen
  resolutions, in one way or another, on the machines they are intended
  for !

  3.  Biological fact : in many human communities, up to 2/3 of the male
  population, has some degree of genetic colour blindness !.... I am one
  of these people...... 256 colour icons ....... Bah Humbug ! Quote from
  the 8 bit days " Graphics sells computers.."

  Yeh, but to what degree ? where does the line become fuzzy ?... this is
  the real world ;-)

  4.  Car analogies, (boy I love you yanky dudes :-) I don't see the ST
  series as an old car struggling to come up to modern standards. I would
  reserve that one for 8 bit stuff. (even so 8 bit processors have there
  uses.... why hit a nail with a sledge hammer ?) I would see the 16/32
  bit devices as older technology common work vehicles, that if given the
  simple upgrade of LPG, will be more cost efficient, fuel efficient, and
  less harmful to the environment, which certainly enhances all our lives
  !!!!! (I'm sure the guys from Toad & others, would be only too happy to
  enhance your machine, with the myriad of products available from all
  over the world)  ......... O.K. myriad was probably stretching it too
  far ;-)

  5.  "Assorted lesser platforms are a small % of the overall cake" .....
  Hmmmm....?    10% of an extremely large cake ..... Hmmmm ...... I'll
  have that    (with revolution in his eyes ;-)   Hands up to start
  Atariserve P-) Arrgh me buccko's.....

  6.  ATARI is NOT DEAD, the computing side is having a little sleep with
  Walt Disney. They'll both be back when the circumstances are
  appropriate to resurrect them ;-)  As for stocks & shares, they would
  probably go up if they gave overseas dealers Jaguars, before the Asian
  producers take hold o/s, as is happening here(Aus.). If Dana ? wants
  to buy stock in a platform that's going somewhere..... try C-LAB
  Falcons..... very popular in countries where Macs aren't cheap !!!!
  ;-)

  7.  Technical note : Any closed architecture , parallel processing
  system, will out perform an open architecture common buss system at the
  same buss speed and buss width !!!!!! Please remember this when
  comparing systems. It is prudent to note therefore, that the inverse is
  also true... A closed architecture parallel processing system, can have
  a slower (read cheaper) buss for the SAME throughput as the open ones !
  For this reason, combined with Atari's irrational fear of advertising,
  brings us an affordable platform with many talents ;-) ( Y'all simply
  have to see Apex/Expose' on an accelerated Falcon to agree with me :-)

  8.  Support (as has been noted several times) is proportional to sales
  .... so the more Falcons you buy the more support you will get ;-) If
  you are groaning about having to change platforms because of Atari's
  situation, I think you can't see the wood for the trees :-) There are
  several advantages in C-LAB taking over the production of Falcons. One
  being they only sell Falcons !  Another being German precision
  engineering, Also they are in an economy which sees Mac as too
  expensive, and IBMs etc as what they really are, which makes a perfect
  breeding ground for Falcon interest. They have 6 models at present with
  no. 7 due for release soon. They will be bringing out models with
  faster buss speeds etc, and I heard an unsubstantiated rumor that, they
  are working on a Risc processor version ?

  9.  Support - Compuserve, I don't know what the technical drama is with
  CIM, but I seen a lot of references to HTP..... A mate o' mine from out
  bush, passed a program on t' me, that he got from a foreign gent' that
  says HTP a lot, I thought you guys might like a Captain Cook ;-) see
  attached .zip

  10.  I hope I haven't provoked anyone too intensely :-)"

On a related subject, Hal Scheie posts:

  "I am just now trying wincis on my new Pentium, and I just don't have
  the time to sit around to sit around and wait. Are there any good
  programs to automate cis for the PC?"

Sysop Jim Ness tells Hal:

  "I would suggest OzWIN (GO OZWIN) or NavCIS (GO NAVCIS) if you want a
  Windows offline reader.  If you prefer a DOS environment, TAPCIS (GO
  TAPCIS) is the venerable solution."

James Port tells Hal:

  "Hal the one I like the best:  i.e. the one that reminded me the most
  of Jim Ness' Atari autonavigator when I had to shift to a 386 is/was
  TAPCIS."

Beth Jane Freeman asks for help:

  "I'm using a 1040 ST, souped up with TOS 2.06, and four megs of RAM.
  I've hooked it up to a USR Sportster 14.4 FAX/Modem, and I use Storm
  to call various BBS's, including CompuServe.

  The problem is that the modem seems to drop characters, both on the
  screen and in the capture buffer. However, file transfers work
  properly.  I also have a manual switchbox, with which I share the modem
  with a SCSI based MS DOS computer.  When the DOS computer is working
  (it's having a koniption fit right now -- i.e.: it's down), the modem
  works accurately, and I don't experience the loss of any characters on
  screen or in the capture buffer.

  Does anyone know why this happens, and if so what do I do to correct
  the problem?  It's annoying to miss parts of messages and/or screen
  information."

Sysop Keith Joins tells Beth:

  "The serial port is being over-run at the higher speed.  You need to
  use a patch in your auto folder to correct this.  Most people have used
  SERFX (I was using SERFX2) and while this worked fine at 9600 baud it
  couldn't handle 14.4 baud (at least with Storm) and I was dropping a
  lot of characters and even entire lines.  I switched to the following
  program that is available in library 2 and have almost no problems at
  all now."

Sysop Jim Ness adds:

  "The Atari computers have a very small input buffer for modem
  communications.  When you have a high speed connection, and are trying
  to both receive data and display it on the screen, the data comes in
  too fast for the computer. It accumulates in the input buffer.  If the
  buffer is large enough, no problem.  If the buffer is too small, some
  characters will get lost.

  I recommend you add a serial port patch program to your AUTO folder,
  to resolve the problem.  I believe there is one called SERPATCH in the
  libraries here.  It will both enlarge the buffer and improve the way
  the serial port works during high speed connections."

Johnny Tat asks for help:

  "I'm having a problem Downloading files. Can anybody help me here!  I'm
  useing a Atari 1040 STe with 2 meg, Hard drive, Currently using Freeze
  Dried Terminal...But I can't d/l anything...I get a Missing or bad
  header error message?? I ready to give up and buy A PC!! Please
  Somebody help me out!!"

Sysop Keith Joins tells Johnny:

  "Be sure you are connecting at 8n1.  I don't recall if FDT has an
  option to strip the high bit or not but if it does you want to enable
  that to prevent garbage being displayed."


Well folks, that's it for this week.  Tune in again next week, same time,
same channel, and be ready to listen to what they are saying when...

                             PEOPLE ARE TALKING


                             EDITORIAL QUICKIES
                                      
                         Atari Jaguar Christmas 1995
                                      













                                      
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