Z*Net: 15-Jun-90 #524

From: Len Stys (aa399@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 06/23/90-03:17:28 AM Z


From: aa399@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Len Stys)
Subject: Z*Net: 15-Jun-90  #524
Date: Sat Jun 23 03:17:28 1990



     //////       //    //  //////  //////   Z*Net Atari Online Magazine
        //   /   ///   //  //        //             June 15, 1990
     //    ///  // // //  //////    //       ---------------------------
  //       /   //   ///  //        //          Published and Edited by
 //////       //    //  ///////   //                 Ron Kovacs 
 
 Issue #524
                    (=) 1990 by Rovac Industries, Inc.
                            Post Office Box 59
                       Middlesex, New Jersey 08846
                     Z*Net Online BBS: (201) 968-8148
 =======================================================================
         CompuServe 71777,2140 * Cleveland Free-Net * GEnie Z-NET
 =======================================================================


                     ===============================
                        THIS WEEK -  by Ron Kovacs
                     ===============================

 I want to thank everyone for the cards and messages sent on behalf of 
 the recent family loss.  The many comments were appreciated and passed
 along to family members.  Thanks again.
 
 We are running a special ad in our monthly hard copy newsletter from 
 Practical Solutions, which we are sure you might be interested in.  For
 a limited time, you can purchase a TWEETY BOARD for $29.95 by mentioning
 Z*NET when you place your order.  The regular sale price is $59.95.
 Shipping and handling charges are NOT included in this Z*Net Summer 
 Special price.  If you are interested in ordering or more information 
 please call: (602) 322-6100.
 
 Too late for publication this week was a capture from our newest 
 registered BBS system, (one that carries Z*NET each week), The Full Moon 
 BBS is available for all modem speeds at (508) 752-1348.  Look for a
 capture of the system next week.  If you are carrying Z*Net on your BBS
 and would like to see your system here, please call the Z*Net BBS at 
 (201) 968-8148 and leave a message to the SysOp.
 
 Thanks for reading!
 
 
 
 
                     ===============================
                              Z*NET NEWSWIRE
                     ===============================

 
 ATARI NOT TO APPEAR AT WORLD OF ATARI
 World of Atari show promoter Richard Tsukiji was notified this week that
 Atari has decided NOT to support, participate, or even to send a
 representative to appear at the recently proposed August San Jose WOA.
 While Atari clearly stated that they were very much interested in
 supporting a WOA show in the San Jose/San Francisco area, they declined
 this opportunity due to prior commitments that will consume the
 available personnel and hardware resources.  These include a major Atari
 appearance at a gaming convention on the weekend immediately following
 Tsukiji's show dates, as well as firm commitments to fully support the
 Glendale Southern California Atari Computer Faire, one month later and
 just down the coast.  Atari encouraged Tsukiji to help avoid conflicting
 event dates by refraining from scheduling any shows within 30 days of
 another show, and to provide at least 120 days notice to Atari of
 proposed show dates to allow for rescheduling if required.  Tsukiji had
 earlier stated that he would continue with his plans for the August show
 date even without Atari's help, but it is possible that he may
 reconsider now that Atari has declined to appear and has suggested a
 rescheduling.  It would be the first WOA show to occur without Atari
 providing all of the advertising, equipment needs, and personnel
 support, without cost to the commercial show series.


 ATARI TO BE BIG AT MILWAUKEE GENCON
 Over 50 Atari ST computer systems and likely as many LYNX game machines
 will be supplied to the Milwaukee GENCON gaming show this August 9th-
 12th.  The show has traditionally drawn over 10,000 people, many of them
 costumed and prepared for participation in fantasy role-playing games
 including Dungeons and Dragons games.  The local Atari user group,
 MILATARI, will have a booth at the show, which permits retail sales of
 gaming hardware and software.  Atari will send a group of
 representatives to staff the Atari area, and expects GENCON to be a
 major opportunity to not only show but to actually sell a significant
 number of machines.


 GAUNTLET III SAYS NO TO DRUGS
 The latest of releases for the Atari LYNX game machine is GAUNTLET III,
 and the lucky few that already have it tell Z*NET that the game is every
 bit as good as they had hoped.  A surprise on the package (a product of
 TENGEN, a division of Atari Games) is the Seal of the Federal Bureau of
 Investigation, and a quote under the name of William S. Sessions, FBI
 Director: "Winners don't use Drugs".  One hopes that the suggestion,
 delivered in this manner to competitive young gamers, may find a
 receptive audience.

 PCDII FIX
 This letter was sent to John Nagy from a reader of his COMPUTER SHOPPER
 MAGAZINE "Atari News and Comment" column.  It is presented here by
 permission.
 
 Dear Avant-Garde Systems:
 Two months ago I purchased P.C. Ditto II by mail order.  Upon receiving
 your product and installing it in my 1040 ST I could not get it to work.
 I returned the board.  It seemed to heat up and not work.  With the
 replacement board I had the same problem.  After soldering the leads to
 the 68000 chip (which I highly recommend) I still had the same problem.
 Upon checking the voltages of my power supply they were in tolerance.
 On the PC Ditto board and on the 68000 chip they were low.  Without the
 board hooked up the 68000 chip voltage was normal.  I took two leads
 from the big filter cap. underneath the keyboard and connected them to
 the 20 and 40 pin of the math coprocesser socket.  The problem was
 solved, there is 200 hours on the board and it works great.  I think you
 should have power leads on future boards therefore it would fix a
 problem on an otherwise very good product.  I also recommend using a
 small wide screwdriver to carefully bend the resistors down to reach all
 the pins on the 68000 chip.  Please keep me in mind when future updates
 come out.
 Thank you,
 Mark Barrouk
 Wilkes Barre Pa.


 ATARI TO FINALIZE MIDITASKING AT NAMM
 This weekend is the Summer NATIONAL MUSIC MERCHANDISERS SHOW (NAMM),
 held in Chicago, Illinois.  Atari will be there with a major presence
 once again.  The Atari ST with its MIDI ports, and particularly with the
 STACY portable, has stayed a favorite machine for many musicians.  On
 hand for this show will be Frank Foster (back from touring with
 FLEETWOOD MAC in support of Atari), Bill Crouch, Bob Brodie, MIDI reps
 Mike Groh and John Morales, and others.  Another MIDI developer meeting
 is scheduled, and the final input is to be received on the ATARI
 MIDITASKING system, under development by INTELLIGENT MUSIC of New York.
 The project is virtually completed and is hoped to be ready for
 commercial release this summer.  Atari representatives have been careful
 to say that although the MIDITASKING system is indeed a multi-tasking
 operating system for all Atari ST computers, it is optimized and
 intended for use with MIDI applications.  Although other programs are
 likely to work properly under the MIDITASKING system, this is to be seen
 as a fortuitous occurrence rather than by design.  MIDITASKING will be
 sold through Atari Corp for a mere $12.95.


 NEODESK 3 TO BE SHOWN TO USERS IN BOSTON
 Atari Corp's Bob Brodie will be missing Father's Day with his family
 this weekend in order to appear at a dealer promotion in Boston this
 weekend before he continues on to NAMM.  Bob will be part of the
 festivities at the BIT BUCKET, a Boston dealer, while GRIBNIF SOFTWARE
 displays their new NEODESK VERSION 3.0 for the first time in public.
 Rick Flashman of Gribnif told Z*NET that it has been far more of a major
 product than they expected, with some major additions coming late in the
 project.  Version 3 of the popular desktop replacement system will
 include significant upgrades in window handling that will enable the use
 of icons in some windows and text in others simultaneously.  Split
 windows, folders on the Desktop, and much, much more will be also
 included.  "We figured that if we put everything in it this time, people
 would not be able to ask for more", says Rick.  He says that a vacation
 will be welcome when the final touches of NEODESK 3.0 are at last put on
 the commercial release, due very soon.  GRIBNIF is also relocating to a
 new facility that will more than double their working area.


 NEW MANAGEMENT AT ATARI CORP UNITES USA, CANADA, FRANCE
 A longtime friend of the Tramiel family and the former President
 Director General of ATARI FRANCE, ELIE KENAN has come to the US to take
 the new position of GENERAL MANAGER, NORTH AMERICA at Atari Corporation.
 Many internal management adjustments are being made by existing Vice
 Presidents and such.  Plans for Mr. Kenan to continue to manage ATARI
 FRANCE along with Canada and the USA are still in flux.  Kenan is at
 Sunnyvale now, talking to staff and making plans.


 ATARI ADVANTAGE ON HOLD
 Despite posters proclaiming the ATARI ADVANTAGE at the Consumer
 Electronics Show earlier this month, the namesake of that promotion was
 not shown.  The "Advantage" system is a 520STFM, bundled with a LOT of
 software, and retailing at under $400.  It has been promised for many
 months, but just short of the CES appearance, CEO Sam Tramiel ordered
 the package back into the planning phase.  It is said that Sam wants the
 productivity software dropped from the plan, stating that GAMES were
 what made the C64 the most popular inexpensive computer in the world,
 and that GAMES would do it again for the ADVANTAGE system.  Meanwhile,
 Sam's Father and chairman of the Board, Jack Tramiel, wants the
 productivity applications (word processor, database, spreadsheet)
 included... and in fact wants the price to be under $300!  Those who
 have seen the currently proposed selection of software (with good
 joysticks and all) say that it is a "can't miss" mixture of powerful
 applications and superior games.  Perhaps things will be worked out at
 the Tramiel home this Father's day?


 TOS 2.0 FOR THE '030??  NOPE
 Atari officials deny that the TOS operating system planned for the TT
 68030 computer will be significantly changed from that in the current
 display machines when it finally reaches market.  Expected to debut
 commercially later this year, the TT will have either exactly the same
 TOS or so close to it as to not be an issue, according to several Atari
 contacts.  In an article released on the major telecommunication
 services earlier this month, Darek Mihocka, a programmer and owner of
 BRANCH ALWAYS SOFTWARE, related what he was told at the Canadian premier
 of the TT.  Among other comments, Darek said that representatives there
 said that the TOS in the demo TT was "much slower" than the "final"
 version, to be called TOS 2.0, that would be in the production machines.
 This appears to be misinformation from enthusiastic area
 representatives.  The TOS for the TT is commonly called "TOS
 OH-THREE-OH" at Atari.  Final development of the TT is virtually
 complete, although there remain enough problems of compatibility with
 1.44 MB floppy disk drives that Atari is considering releasing at least
 the first production units with the older 720K drives.
 
 
 
 FIRST STOP COMPUTERS MOVING - (Press Release)
 If you haven't been able to reach 1st STOP Computers for the past couple
 of days,  don't be dismayed.   We're only moving.  We will be back in
 business Monday, the 18th of this month (June 1990) at 9:00 a.m.  EDT.
 We will be back in full swing under totally new management next week,
 so please give us a call.  Our toll-free number is still 1-800-252-2787,
 for all 50 states.  Our new info/tech number is 1-513-254-6423.  Our
 hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST Monday thru Friday and 10:00am.
 to 6:00 pm on Saturday.  Our main business, for those of you who may not
 know us yet, is supporting Atari ST owners.  We handle the software and
 peripherals at the best possible prices with the best possible service.
 We also accept Master Card, Visa, and Discover Card purchases at no
 extra cost.  Look for our ads in STart, ST Informer, Current Notes, and
 other popular Atari publications.  A new part of our business is the
 production and sales of PC clones.  When we realized that such a large
 portion of ST owners were also owners of PCs, we figured that this would
 be a natural direction for 1st STOP.  We are also now handling the most
 popular lines of PC software for use with our PCs as well as with PC
 Ditto II, PC Speed, and SuperCharger ST (which we also handle).  We
 thank you for bearing with us during the move.  If you've never called
 us, give us a try.  If you have called us in the past, thanks for your
 business...  we think you'll be pleased with the changes.  Steven
 Schoemann, Bruce Hansford, Doug Hodson, Ken Lare.  Dayton, Ohio
 

 
 FORECASTER III - (Press Release)
 Florissant, Missouri - June 10, 1990   Randall Kopchak announces that
 "Forecaster III" is now available for the Atari ST and Mega series.
 "Forecaster III" will predict the weather, analyze current atmospheric
 conditions, and display a weather almanac for the day.  Heating and
 cooling degree days can be calculated along with windchill factor and
 apparent temperature.  "Forecaster III" will display weather graphics
 from Compuserve and other sources.  It will also create weather radar
 maps similar to those on your local news from digitized radar data
 available from WeatherBank and other services.  Bonus templates are
 included with "Forecaster III" to track and chart daily weather records
 using most of the popular spreadsheet programs on the Atari ST.
 "Forecaster III" runs on either color or monochrome systems with a
 minimum of 512 K of memory.  "Forecaster III" is available for $25.00
 postpaid from Randall Kopchak, 2233 Keeven Lane, Florissant, MO 63031.
 For more information:  Voice:  (314) 831-9482 before 10:00 p.m. EST.
 E-Mail: Compuserve 70357,2312 - GEnie GREG - Delphi GREG

 
 
 AUTOSWITCH OVERSCAN - (Press Release)
 Stefan Hartmann, Keplerstr. 11 B, D-1000 Berlin 10, West-Germany,
 Tel.: ++49 30 3442366. FAX : ++49 30 3122639.  We have still further
 developed the OVERSCAN-modification to our new product: AutoSwitch-
 OverScan.  It features now full support of the Blitter(1.2)- and the new
 1.4 TOS and is a little hardware circuit board with 2 GALs on it, that
 increases the screen resolutions of the STs to:
    Monochrome Mode:     688*480 pixel  (on the old SM124)
                         704*480 pixel  (on the newer SM124)
                         752*480 pixel  (NEC Multisync GS)
                     720-736*480 pixel  (most of the other Multisyncs)
                         768*480 pixel   on a special modified SM124.
                                     (Modification board soon available)
 all the modes run with 71 Hz image frequency
     Color Modes:     60 Hz:    416*240 pixel (still 16 colors per pixel)
                                832*240 pixel (still  4 colors per pixel)
 (We have now also included the 60 Hz Color modes for our friends in the
 US, so they can record their animations on their NTSC VCRs !!!)
                      50 Hz:    416*280 pixel (still 16 colors per pixel)
                                832*280 pixel (still  4 colors per pixel)
 The color modes are ideal for OverScan-Animations to record on VCR-Tape!
 You get pixels all over the TV-set-screen!  The hardware is supported
 with a 30 KBytes assembler code program which starts itself out of the
 AUTO-folder and patches the TOS and GEM to the new resolutions.  This
 software, now after one and a half year of development-time, makes sure,
 that ALL ST-programs run !!!  The AutoSwitch-feature decreases the
 resolution to the normal resolution e.g. of 640*400 pixel if a program
 does not yet support BigScreen Application (like STAD or SIGNUM or CAD3D
 for example).  So if You double click STAD from the extended desktop
 resolution, zack, the ST switches back to normal mode, You can paint
 Your picture, You quit STAD, zack, You are back on the 704*480 pixel
 desktop; all without resetting or rebooting Your ST!!!  No more hazzle
 with a mechanical switch!  The switching is done with the free pin of
 the keyboard ACIA 6850, pin 5 RTS-Output: poke the adress FFFC00,$D6
 switches Overscan on, FFFC00,$96 switches Overscan off.  We have new
 XBios-functions which support the Overscan resolution and make
 programming under AutoSwitch-OverScan very easy!  AutoSwitch-OverScan is
 delivered complete with the hardware board, a 50 page manual and the
 software on disk.  The hardware board (size:2*2 inches) has to be
 soldered with 10 cables inside Your ST.  AutoSwitch-OverScan runs on all
 STs, except the new 1040 STE, which has a noncompatible graphics chip
 set !!! ( So don't buy a 1040 STE, if You decide to use AutoSwitch-
 OverScan !)  AutoSwitch-OverScan will be available for US and UK
 citiziens at the end of June 1990 for about 90 US$ or 50 english pounds.
 (including airmail express delivery) In Germany it is already available
 for 120 DM.  We are still looking for US and UK distributors!  For more
 information on AutoSwitch-OverScan  call: ++49 30 3442366       
 West-Berlin, the 3th June 1990         Sincerely, Stefan Hartmann.

 
 
 PC WORLD UPDATE
 PC World, a magazine for management PC users, announced it has acquired
 PC Resource magazine and will merge its circulation into PC World 
 beginning with its October 1990 issue.  PC World will increase its
 circulation rate base from 500,000 to 550,000.  PC Resource will publish
 its last issue in August.
 
 
 NEW YORK TIMES ANNOUNCES CHANGES
 Flora Lewis will retire as the foreign affairs columnist of The New York
 Times on Dec. 31 and become the newspaper's senior columnist.  She will
 be succeeded as the foreign affairs columnist by Leslie H. Gelb, the
 deputy editorial page editor and Op-Ed page editor.
 

 MINISCRIBE UPDATE
 MiniScribe announced that the closing of the sale of substantially all
 its assets to Maxtor Corp. will occur on June 30, 1990.  After the
 closing Maxtor, which has been operating the company since the
 Bankruptcy Court sale on April 4, 1990, will conduct MiniScribe's
 business through Maxtor Colorado Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary.
 
  
 NEW ALL CHARGE 386 MEMORY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
 All Computers announced new memory management software for 80386-,
 80386SX-, and 80486-based computers that boasts the highest throughput
 of any LIM 4.0 software manager.  New All Charge 386 is available for
 $99.  All Charge 386 supports XMS, LIM 3.2 and LIM 4.0.  The memory
 management software also handles exploding and imploding device drivers
 by rear-ranging high memory to accommodate them.   All Computer Inc.
 (416) 960-0111
 
 
 NAKED CORRECTIONS OFFICER
 A prison guard wearing only briefs and bloodied from a self-inflicted
 chest wound, stole a police car Friday then led police on a high-speed
 chase through Dutchess County.  The police car burst into flames after
 the man slammed it into a car wash and was arrested by officers who had
 followed him on the chase.  There were no injuries.  The incident began
 when police in Poughkeepsie, located about 60 miles north of New York
 City, received a call about 2 p.m. "of a large naked white male" found
 collapsed in a field.  Officers found the man bleeding profusely from
 an apparently self-inflicted knife wound to the chest.  As officers
 attempted to administer first aid, the man attacked and overpowered one
 of the officers and stole his car.  The corrections officer at the
 Dutchess County Jail, headed north in the cruiser with police close at
 his heels.  The chase ended at Pete's Mobil gas station and car wash,
 but not before Tobin hit two parked cars and struck the car wash
 building.  The vehicle burst into flames as Tobin was being subdued by
 two officers.  Tobin underwent surgery for his wound at Vassar Brothers
 Hospital.  Police said he will be charged with reckless endangerment,
 grand larceny, felony criminal mischief and numerous vehicle and traffic
 violations.  In Tobin's home police found a large amount of blood and a
 large bloody kitchen knife that Tobin apparently used to stab himself.
 
 
 TAPCIS AUTHOR DIES
 Howard Benner, author of the popular TapCIS communications program, died
 last Friday from complications of malignant melanoma, which he had been
 battling for some time.  The 44-year-old, credited with developing the
 field of automated communications programs in the early 1980s, will be
 buried in Westfield, Mass., this week at a private service.
 

 MICROSOFT AND EVEREX SUE
 A counterfeiting ring alleged to have introduced more than 30,000 copies
 of Microsoft's MS-DOS operating system into the US market has been
 broken up by authorities working with Microsoft and computer maker
 Everex Systems.  Seizure orders filed in conjunction with the suits were
 issued in April last Friday the US Marshal's office helped in the raids,
 which netted business records and more than 1,000 copies of the
 counterfeited software.  An additional 2,000 copies were surrendered by
 four defendants in response to an order issued by a federal judge.
 The defendants in the case are J&S International, JIP Design and Joe
 Fok, American MultiSource Inc, Manufacturing Service Inc., Benny Lee and
 Norman and Susan Chan, Micro-Generation, Micro-Generation corporate
 officers Thomas Wu, Michael Wu and Frank Ho; and Asia Source Inc.
 corporate officers, Tai Yen Chu, Robert Young and Christi Liang.
 
 
 RADIATION EMISSIONS
 Apple Computer Chairman John Sculley says the company hired outside
 experts to study radiation emissions from its monitors.  So far,they
 have found no health hazard.  CNN had broadcast a report based on the
 July cover story in Macworld which termed as "worrisome" results in
 recent tests of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic emissions from
 monitors used with the Macintosh.  Macworld based its report on tests of
 10 monitors regularly used with the Mac.
 
 
 LOTUS UNIX 1-2-3
 Lotus unveiled a version of 1-2-3 for personal computers running Unix
 System V Release 3.2.  The Single-user Edition of 1-2-3 for Unix System
 V has a suggested retail price of $695.  The Multi-user Edition costs
 $1295.  Additional-user Editions retail for $495.

 
 MODEM USERS ASSOCIATION
 Modem User's Association of America (MUAA) is a new non-profit
 organization that plans to lobby against telephone companies when they
 propose rates that impact telecommunication users.  MUAA would act as a
 central clearing house for information of interest to BBS users and
 operators, link local and regional modem user groups into a nationwide
 network, and unify all modem users and the services and systems they
 use.  It would also establish a lobbying effort in Washington to push
 for legislation favorable to modem users and would fight, state-by-
 state, against outrageous rate increases and demands from telephone
 companies and others.  Additional information about MUAA is available by
 calling (913) 478-9239.
 

 
 
 
                     ===============================
                      WHY ATARI SHOULDN'T ADVERTISE
                     ===============================
                               by John Nagy


 This feature is a reprint from the April/May ST-JOURNAL MAGAZINE,
 presented here by permission.  THIS ARTICLE MAY NOT BE REPRINTED IN ANY
 OTHER PUBLICATION OR NEWSLETTER WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION FROM ST-
 JOURNAL, 113 West College Street, Covina, CA 91723, 818-332-0372.
 Individual copies of the first issue of ST JOURNAL are available from
 the above address for the cover price of $4.50, and subscriptions are
 $29.95 a year.
 
 
 Welcome to my first column for ST JOURNAL.  When I was asked to be a
 part of this effort to bring a new quality magazine to the Atari public,
 I was also encouraged to use my column as an outlet for my opinions and
 viewpoint.  Most of my other writing (for COMPUTER SHOPPER, ZMAG/Z*NET,
 START, ST WORLD, ST-INFORMER, and others) has been largely news
 reporting or reviews.  Until now, my only full blown (cough!) editorial
 work has been as part of the newsletter I produced for CHAOS, my old
 user group in Lansing, Michigan, for whom I began MICHIGAN ATARI
 MAGAZINE and GREAT LAKES ATARI DIGEST.  While my views often pepper my
 reporting, I thank ST JOURNAL for the chance to take a thought and just
 fly with it.  And I thank the readers in advance for their participation
 in the flight.

 My headline ought to catch some attention... after all, most every Atari
 lover on the planet thinks Atari is missing the boat by not advertising.
 After all, advertising is the essence of being American!  To suggest
 that Atari should NOT advertise is to invite argument, if not heavy
 projectiles, from every corner.

 Yet, I believe that a massive advertising campaign would be disastrous
 for Atari at this time.  There are too many other things that need to be
 in place first.

 Lets look at what happened recently to our competition.  Commodore
 Business Machines has probably has as much pressure from its Amiga
 supporters to do major advertising as Atari.  Consumer testing showed
 that "Amiga" was less likely to be identified by random folks as a
 "computer" than were several bogus brand names, invented for the sake of
 the testing.  Last fall and winter, Commodore decided to reverse that.

 A major national TV advertising campaign was launched featuring big name
 personalities and state-of-the-art overproduction.  The whole world saw
 a house get levitated, the Pointer Sisters and Tip O'Neil drop over, and
 more.  In all, it all cost enough that Commodore-watchers said that it
 would take a 38% increase in Amiga sales just to pay for the ads.
 Surprise, sales have gone up closer to 10%.  But rest assured, the Amiga
 does lots better in name recognition today.  People now know what
 they're not buying.  And Commodore is worse off than before it started.

 Now, sure, many of us think the ads were terrible.  I heard that Atari
 was pitched the EXACT same ad campaign about a year earlier, and they
 turned it down.  No matter what you put on TV, most of us know for a
 fact that the computer won't lift houses.  And the folks that come over
 to see a computer are more likely to have a pocket protector full of
 mechanical pencils and tape on the bridge of their glasses than they are
 to be stars, politicos, or sports heroes.  The poor Amiga played a minor
 background role in the commercials.

 Actually, I proposed a counter campaign.  Imagine a white screen with a
 voice over: "The house has landed.  The rock stars have gone home.
 (Fade in on a fella alone with a computer)  It's just you and your
 computer.  Did you choose the right one?"  You get the idea, but I
 digress.

 If Atari were to advertise now, even if the ads were GOOD, what would
 happen?  Rise in interest in the machines.  Search for dealers by the
 most interested.  Frustration in not finding any or at least not enough.
 More frustration in finding that dealers have no stock of many key
 items.  Final frustration in finding that stock shortages have been the
 rule for years, with no real reason to expect it to change in the
 immediate future.  Abandonment of interest in the Atari.  Again, people
 would have a much firmer grip on the matter of which product they were
 not buying.

 As I understand it, advertising is used to create a demand for a product
 you wish to supply.  Atari clearly can't meet the demand that already
 exists for their products, let alone a demand for more.  If you don't
 have the product or can't get it to where the demand is, you had best
 not be tweaking up the demand.

 But won't Atari go under if they don't sell more machines, and don't
 they need more exposure to sell machines?  No, and No.

 From where I sit, it looks like Atari is a money making venture for the
 Tramiels.  Maybe even good money.  I think that they see it as a real
 tossup as to whether it is worth the effort to get their manufacturing,
 warehousing, distribution, etc. into a condition where an ad push would
 be workable.  If a multi-million dollar monumental effort can as easily
 net a loss as a gain, is it worth while to tamper with a gentle success?

 Taken as an international product, Atari is doing well for a small
 company.  But somehow, and for some reason, we "believers" think that is
 insufficient.  EVERYBODY ought to recognize the power and value of our
 chosen machines, and everyone ought to have one.  And we tend to feel
 that Atari is missing its shot to be a major player in the USA computer
 marketplace.  Meanwhile, the "best kept secret" of the computer world
 keeps chugging away.

 If this thing were a toaster, or maybe a burger, we wouldn't likely be
 as wrapped up in the emotional issue of wanting it to be such a
 widespread success.  But for many of us, the Atari computer is far more
 than a machine... it is a cause.  And somehow, we think that the current
 owners of our cause are wrong to withhold it from the rest of the
 huddled masses.  Irrational.

 I'd really like to see Atari do better with its dealers.  And better
 with manufacturing and distribution.  And still better with timely
 release of new products.  Developers would like to see it too, and have
 much more a stake in Atari's success than we users (and writers).  But
 improvements of significant scale must occur in these channels before
 there would be any point in a major advertising push.  For the moment,
 it looks like Atari is addressing these channels.  Time will tell.  But
 remember, Atari has been around for over 10 years now, and really shows
 no sign of folding its tents, despite a low profile.

 In the meantime, I personally would prefer to see Atari chug along a
 slow but profitable course than to see it roaring towards financial
 ruin.  Wouldn't you?

 
 
 
                     ===============================
                             KX-P1124 UPGRADE
                     ===============================
                            by William Whitton
 
 
 Panasonic has become known of late as a supplier of quality printers for
 the computer enthusiast.  Performance, price and compatibility have
 served to make this entire line of equipment some of the most sought
 after computer peripherals in America.
 
 One fairly recent addition to the Panasonic line of printers is the
 KX-P1124, an excellent 24 pin printer that I've seen selling for as low
 as $249 in numerous locations.  This printer has only one relatively
 small short-coming to mention, it only sports a buffer of 6k, far too
 small for most serious users needs in general.  What we will describe in
 this short article is a way to easily increase the 6k built-in buffer to
 one that is a wolloping 32k!  Panasonic sells this 32K upgrade chip for
 $60, yet we will show you how you can do it yourself for the paltry sum
 of about $12!
 
 You will first need to purchase a 32Kx8 Low Power CMOS static ram IC,
 120 nanoseconds or better to upgrade the 6k chip that currently resides
 in your printer.  One suitable chip is the Hitachi 62256LP-12 which can
 be purchased from Microprocessors Unlimited, located in Beggs, Oklahoma.
 Their phone number is (918-267-4961), and the last time I checked they
 were selling this very chip for $9.95 each, plus shipping, bringing the
 total cost to approximately $12.

 Let us proceed: 

 1.  On the front of the printer you will find what we will for now call
     the "single page feed panel".  Open this panel, and then GENTLY pry
     the front faceplate off the printer by inserting a flat headed
     screwdriver in the narrow vertical seam that is located about one
     half inch behind front faceplate with the KX-P1124 logo on it.
     Carefully unplug the ribbon cable that is connected to the front
     control panel.
 
 2.  After removing the faceplate, you'll find 3 brass Phillips head
     screws that are holding on the top cover, remove these.  The top
     will now swing upward from the the front and will move "rear-ward"
     as if there was a hinge on the hind quarters.
 
 3.  Glancing down at the back of the printer, you will see two 
     indentical chips currently in place, with another empty socket
     located directly to the left.  That is where the 32k ram chip is to
     be installed.  Place the chip in the socket ensuring that the dimple
     on the chip faces the rear.
 
 4.  Now reassemble the printer in exactly the reverse order.  Easy eh?
 

 
 
 
                     ===============================
                        ONLINE MAGAZINE COMMENTARY
                     ===============================

 
 Another week has gone by, and after reading the gloom, doom, and despair
 of STReport, I find myself wondering why I ever purchased an Atari
 Computer.  It usually takes a lot for me to get vocal, but I feel
 compelled to speak out now.  I have owned an Atari ever since the 1200XL
 came out.  Even though the system was an 8bit, I really enjoyed it.
 That 8bit was my introduction into computing and it sold me on
 computers.
 
 Then in 1985, the ST's came into being.  My mouth "drooled" at the
 thought of having so much power for a reasonable price.  I jumped on the
 ST bandwagon and purchased a 520ST without ROMS and two DS disk drives.
 The only software for the machine was Logo, and a few programs from
 Haba Software.  I remember the first time I turned on the machine... I
 could not keep my mouth shut.  You know how your mouth forms an "O" when
 you get surprised, well mine stayed that way for at least a week.  I
 just could not get over how easy the machine was to operate.
 
 Later I purchased the ROMS when they became available and almost every
 piece of software that was released....even Haba "C".  Can anyone
 remember that program?  By this time, the 1040ST was out and I ended up
 swapping up to it.  I now had a whole Meg of RAM and a built in drive.
 Good new's and praise for the machine was all I ever read.  Even Byte
 magazine covered the Atari in several of their issues.  Atari appeared
 to have a very bright future.  As time went on, and software became
 plentiful, I kept upgrading.  I now have 2.5megs in my 1040, a Spectre
 GCR, color & mono monitors, HP LaserJet IIP, FaST 85meg HD, Cardinal
 2400baud modem with MNP level 5, and lot's of software.  There are some
 very talented people producing GREAT Hardware Hacks and Software Hacks
 for the Atari, and I support their efforts by purchasing their products.
 
 This brings me up to now.  Week after week I kept reading about Atari's
 demise in STReport and a few other online mag's, and week after week I
 began to wonder if I should sell my machine and go IBM or Mac.  Well, to
 STReport and any other magazine that wishes to publish nothing but doom
 for the Atari, I say NO!  What I am going to do is stop READING your
 magazine.  There are so many good things the Atari computers can do that
 all of the articles in these mags could easily focus on Productivity
 instead of Destructivity. (Not sure if that's a word or not but it
 fits).  I have to agree with the magazine that Atari is rolling downhill
 pretty fast, but giving it a push over the edge is not the answer.
 Focusing on positive aspects of the computer and getting the most bang
 for the buck is still the way to win friends and influence people.  The
 Spectre GCR and Turbo16 are about the best hardware hacks I have seen
 and I am putting back a little money each week so I can get the T16
 installed.  Being able to run Mac software out of the box is a REAL
 THRILL and it brings back some of the enthusiasm I felt when I first
 purchased my ST.
 
 I know of at least 10 people who have purchased Atari Computers because
 of me showing off it's capabilities.  Just one look at what all these
 fantastic machines can do, and almost everyone wants one.  The biggest
 hurdle for Atari has always been in Advertising and Letting people know
 about their machine.  Well, Atari does not appear to be interested in
 this, and they just might sink because of it, but a magazine that
 preaches Atari's demise week after week only speeds up this process.
 Come On Guys!  Let's pull together and focus on what the machine can do!
 I for one am very tired of the BASHING!  Every computer has it's
 problems, and Atari has it's share.  Well, enough of this.  I just felt
 I had to express my opinion.  I wish only the BEST for anyone supporting
 the Atari Computers, and I have started writing to Software Publishers
 and letting them know I appreciate their efforts toward Atari Software.

 One Guy's Opinion!
 Ross Greger  (B.GREGER  >>> GENIE Address)
 
 
 
                     ===============================
                          REVOLUTIONARY CONCEPTS
                     ===============================
                       PART 28 - "GOOD LUCK, AARON"
                         by Donald A. Thomas, Jr.
                        (c)1990   ARTISAN SOFTWARE
 
 
 (This is PART 28 of a series of articles published and distributed by
 Artisan  Software.  Please feel free to copy and distribute this article
 as you please provided you include all unedited text.  Also feel free to
 upload to boards and communication services.  These articles are
 designed to entice you to take constructive action.  Write to involved
 parties and tell them how YOU feel about the subject.)
 
 
 We, the dedicated Atari user, have seen many a supporting business
 entity come and go.  One such institution has been the publishing
 industry.  Notwithstanding any internal operations problems, ST X-PRESS,
 RESET, ANALOG and ST APPLICATIONS are among the fine magazines we will
 continue to miss as they helped fill our ongoing desire to learn more
 about our powerful systems.
 
 Yet, amid the consequential void, evolves new opportunities for aspiring
 entrepreneurs.  ST JOURNAL has been introduced as a promising news
 source and others have been rumored to be available soon.  Most
 recently, key Atari figures have heard from a young new voice out East.
 Aaron Smith, of Trenton, New Jersey is anxious to debut a new
 publication he plans to call ATARISOURCE.  He names CURRENT NOTES as a
 prototype of what he hopes to produce.  The initial 16-page bi-monthly
 issue is scheduled to be released in July or August and will focus on
 issues such as telecommunications, flight simulation and software
 reviews.  He hopes to cover a wide variety of topics, some old, some
 new, but all with a refreshingly new approach that he and his
 contributors plan to offer.
 
 I had an opportunity to speak with Aaron just prior to the CES show in
 Chicago and was impressed with the energy in his voice.  At merely 17
 years of age, Aaron comes across as vividly professional with an
 undeniable dedication to his project.  ATARISOURCE will invest one third
 editorial to 8-bit and two thirds editorial to 16-bit users.  Annual
 subscriptions for 6 issues is only $12.  He indicates that the editorial
 for the first issue is already well planned and is wrapping up a call
 for subscriptions and advertising support now.

 As with any new publication, there exist a risk to new subscribers that
 the first issue will never materialize, but Aaron is convinced that it
 will and he has convinced me of that as well.  He has shared some of his
 short term goals and, as ambitious as they are, they appear to be sound
 and a good  working strategy.  His long term objectives sound realistic
 and achievable.
 
 Reviewing the media kit I requested, it appears that the magazine will
 be supported by three BBS's.  UNI-SYS can be reached by dialing (215)
 281-0243, ALIEN ST can be reached by dialing (609) 882-6826 and DEADBEAT
 BBS can be reached by dialing (609) 853-8084.  Information about
 ATARISOURCE can be obtained on these boards.  It appears that nearly
 twenty people and staffing and contributing to ATARISOURCE and I know
 other contributors are being solicited.

 If you wish to consider advertising in Aaron's ATARISOURCE or if you
 wish to support his hard endeavors by subscribing, call (609) 584-8447
 or write:

                           ATARISOURCE MAGAZINE
                        c/o MAGE PUBLISHING COMPANY
                              112 Park Lane
                        Trenton, New Jersey  08609

 I am impressed enough with Aaron's start-up efforts that I will be
 sending a paid subscription form in to him along with a copy of this
 article.  I encourage you to consider supporting him.  Us writers and
 publishers know how critical a base is to get a project as this off the
 ground.

 GOOD LUCK, AARON!  WE'RE GLAD YOU'RE SUPPORTIN' OUR SYSTEMS!

 For information on how you can "JOIN THE REVOLUTION" and actively
 support the exposure of Atari computers, send $6.00 to ARTISAN SOFTWARE,
 P.O. Box 849, Manteca, California 95336.  An ST/MEGA compatible
 disk-based HANDBOOK will be rushed to you by return mail.  The HANDBOOK
 is also available from ST INFORMER, CURRENT NOTES, MEGABYTE COMPUTERS
 (Hurst, Texas), COMPUTER STUDIO (Asheville, North Carolina) and as a
 download from COMPUSERVE, GENIE and DELPHI.

 
 
 =======================================================================
 =======================================================================
 Z*Net Online Magazine is a weekly released publication covering the
 Atari community.  Opinions and commentary presented are those of the
 individual authors and do not reflect those of Rovac Industries.  Z*NET
 and Z*NET ONLINE are copyright 1990 by Rovac Industries.  Reprint
 permission is granted as long as Z*NET ONLINE, Issue Number and author
 is included at the top of the article.  Reprinted articles are not to be
 edited without permission.
 =======================================================================
 =======================================================================
 ZNET ONLINE                                          Atari News FIRST!
                Copyright (c)1990 Rovac Industries, Inc..
 =======================================================================


 
 

 
 




 

  

 

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