ST Report: 15-Feb-91 #707

From: Bruce D. Nelson (aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 02/19/91-10:54:55 PM Z


From: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 15-Feb-91 #707
Date: Tue Feb 19 22:54:55 1991



           *---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
                  """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
                  "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
                                   from
                            STR Publishing Inc.
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 February 15, 1991                                                  No.7.07
 ==========================================================================

                  STReport International Online Magazine?
                           Post Office Box   6672
                          Jacksonville,  Florida
                               32205 ~ 6672

                               R.F. Mariano
                            Publisher - Editor
                 -----------------------------------------
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             privately owned & operated STReport support BBS
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                         are available along with
         A worldwide list of private bbs systems carrying STReport
    __________________________________________________________________

 > 02/15/91: STReport? #7.07  The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine!
   -------------------------
     - The Editor's Desk      - CD WORMS          - CPU MacNews
     - 512K SRAM              - CBM loses Suit    - MEGAPAINT II
     - HACKER BUSTED!         - ALADDIN CONTEST!  - SSI ALIVE & WELL!
     - DOUBLE CLICK!          - PORTFOLIO NEWS    - STR Confidential

                      * SAM TRAMIEL TO FACE NATION! *
               * CIS CONNECT FEES WAIVED -> TRAMIEL CONF.! *
                  * OFFICIAL PORTFOLIO FORUM ANNOUNCED! *

 ==========================================================================
                  ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE?
                     The _Number One_ Online Magazine
                              -* FEATURING *-
                     "UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
       Current Events, Original Articles, Hot Tips, and Information
             Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
 ==========================================================================
 STReport's  support  BBS,  NODE  #  350 invites systems using Forem ST and
 Turbo Board BBS to participate in the Fido/F-Net  Mail Network.   Or, call
 Node 350  direct at  904-786-4176, and  enjoy the excitement of exchanging
 information relative to the Atari ST  computer arena  through an excellent
 International ST Mail Network.  All registered F-NET - Crossnet SysOps are
 welcome to join the STReport Crossnet Conference.  The Crossnet Conference
 Code  is  #34813,  and  the  "Lead  Node"  is # 350.  All systems are most
 welcome to actively participate.  Support Atari Computers;  Join Today!
 ==========================================================================
   AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON:  GENIE ~ CIS ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ FIDO ~ F-NET
 ==========================================================================

 > The Editor's Podium?

     Here we go again!!  Only this time, its in the CIS  Convention Center.
 Sam Tramiel  will be  in an online Conference with Atari users nationwide.
 Compuserve has announced that they're holding  the event  in their Electr-
 onic Convention  Center.   According to  CIS documentation, its capable of
 holding well over 600 users at  one time.   That's  why they  were able to
 WAIVE CIS  CONNECT FEES  & CHARGES for the Online Session with Atari's CEO
 Sam Tramiel.  Don't miss this one, its a freebie!.

     On another note, we have an excellent, in-depth  view of  the Mega STe
 and  will  be  involved  fully  in  ongoing presentations of overviews and
 evaluations of a wide variety of Atari and third party hardware and softw-
 are.   This is  the catalytic year for Atari, you heard me right.. this is
 the year it all begins to come together  and then  in 1992,  watch Atari's
 smoke in  the computer  marketplace in  the USA.   Fall Comdex is one show
 that is a "must see" this year.  In fact, its sure to take precedence over
 many subordinate  special interest shows this year.  The Comdex dates have
 been changed also.  This fall's show  will  be  a  true  "window  into the
 future".

     Every once in while, its nice to say.. "thank you."  So there you have
 it.  Thank you, each one of you, ever so much for your strong and faithful
 support.   In return,  myself and STReport's staff pledge to make sure the
 issue is there every week, on  time, without  fail.   This year  marks the
 beginning of  many new  directions being  taken at  Atari and  ... For the
 record STReport fully supports the folks at Atari  and adds  that they are
 doing a fine job.

     Congratulations are  certainly in order for Pratt, Brodie and Rehbock,
 (What a team!), for having made  it abundantly  clear that  Atari will not
 settle at  being second  best in any way.  A special thank you goes to Sam
 for having the faith in these folks and allowing them to "do their thing".



                                        Ralph.......




                  GOD BLESS OUR FOLKS IN THE MIDDLE EAST





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

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


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

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


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

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                 FNET.......................... NODE 350



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



                 "Human Beings are creatures of habit..."
              "Break the habit and you'll lose the creature!"


                                             ....Alfred J. Krebbs





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     COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME

                              to the Readers of;

                  ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE?
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                 WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (Feb. 15)



                SAM TRAMIEL TO BE IN CIS ONLINE CONFERENCE!

 Sam Tramiel  will be  joining CompuServe Atari Forum members for a special
 online conference on Thursday, February 21st, in the CompuServe Electronic
 Convention  Center  (GO  ECC).    Watch the News Flash announcement in the
 Atari Forums for more details.

               **** COMPUSERVE CONNECT CHARGES WAIVED!! ****
            **** FOR THE SAM TRAMIEL ONLINE CONFERENCE!! ****

 Ron Luks announced that,  "in celebration  of the  Portfolio Support Forum
 designation  and  the  unfortunate  'late announcement' of the Sam Tramiel
 Online Conference it was decided to waive all CIS connect  charges for the
 conference.

                           =====================

                   CONFERENCE WITH ATARI'S BILL REHBOCK

 The transcript  of last  nights Conference  with Bill Rehbock, director of
 technical services at ATARI  Corp, is  now available  in LIBRARY  1 of the
 Atari ST Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS) as BILLCO.ARC.


                      NEW FROM DOUBLE CLICK SOFTWARE

 DCFKEY.ARC  -  DC  Function  Keys  (F-KEYS) is a great FREEWARE program by
 Double Click Software. DC F-KEYS  allows  you  to  assign  up  to  49 text
 macros to  function keys.   So,  now you can press <F10> and have it print
 your name.  Even more!   Has a  user definable  on/off toggle  key. Uses a
 text file  for configuration.   Very  easy! 100% assembly.  ST, STe and TT
 compatible.  Available in  LIBRARY  13  of  the  Atari  Vendors  Forum (GO
 ATARIVEN).


                           ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM

     The Atari  Portfolio Forum has been named Atari's official online area
 for Portfolio support.

     The PowerBASIC and Hyperlist  beta  tests  continue.    Thanks  to the
 efforts of  Atari Portfolio  Forum members,  these fine products should be
 ready for the public in the very near future.

     Be sure to check out all  the great  new Portfolio  files available in
 LIBRARY 1.


   NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE


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




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


   Issue # 99
   ----------


 by Michael Arthur



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



                   CD-ROMS, WORM DRIVES, FLOPTICAL DISKS
                                    and
                           THE FUTURE OF STORAGE

                             ================


     In  the  short  lifespan  of  the  computer industry, advances in chip
 technology, graphics, and RAM/ROMs  have occurred  at an  incredible rate.
 While  these  areas  are  very  important, one field which (although it is
 just as vital to computers) has not achieved  the level  of recognition as
 areas such as microprocessors is the matter of storing all the information
 that computers handle.

     As  computers  became  more  powerful,  operating  systems  gained  in
 capabilities, and  applications had  more features,  the need  for ways to
 store the data generated by all these computers grew exponentially.  While
 Five Megabyte  hard disks  were reserved  for power users as late as 1985,
 now 20-40 Meg hard drives are the norm, with 150-300 Meg Hard drives being
 the  Power  User's  dream.    But  as computers improve even more, it is a
 certainty that even MORE storage will be needed.  In  the past  few years,
 four new technologies have emerged to fill the present and future need for
 information storage:  CD-ROMs, WORMs, Bernoulli Drives, and most recently,
 Magneto-Optical disks.

     CD-ROM's (or  Compact Disk  - Read Only Memory) read data from Compact
 Disks through a pretty interesting process.  First,  a laser  emits a beam
 of light  which is  reflected by  a mirror  into an  objective lens, which
 focuses it onto the optical disk.  Embedded  into the  disk are  tiny pits
 (or dots),  and when  the disk  is rotated under the lens, the raised pits
 reflect a greater intensity of light back to the lens than the rest of the
 disk.   This increase  in intensity  is then detected by the read head, to
 denote the digital data stored on the disk.  Laser  technology is  used to
 pack an  enormous number  of "dots"  onto the disk, resulting in that vast
 amounts of data are densely compressed in Compact Disks.  CD-ROMs are made
 in an  unconventional manner, with disks being formed by stamping them, or
 cutting them out of a smooth sheet of plastic film.  This, by the  way, is
 exactly how phonograph records are made in the music industry....

     CD-ROMs are  perfect for  storing large databases of general info that
 don't require revision often (such as encyclopedias, digitized sounds, and
 dictionaries).   However, there  is often  a need to store huge amounts of
 one's  OWN  data  (such  as  a  series  of  AutoCad  3-D  files  with full
 schematics of  the space  shuttle, or a complete catalog of ALL the source
 code produced by a programming  team  from  the  program's  inception) for
 archiving or  personal reference.  In this case, WORM (or Write Once, Read
 Many) drives may be the only option.

     WORM drives read data in a fashion similar to CD-ROM  drives, but they
 can also  write data to disk (though this writing is permanent;  hence the
 term, "Write Once Read  Many").   This is  done by  using a  laser to burn
 holes directly  onto the  surface of  the disk.  Since these holes reflect
 much less light than  intact disk  areas, the  decrease in  beam intensity
 which is  caused is  used to  denote the data stored on the disk.  As with
 CD-ROMs, the lasers are used to mark a great number  of tiny  holes in the
 relatively small  area of the disk, causing great information density, and
 greater data storage capabilities (most WORM drives can store 800  Megs of
 data per cartridge, while CD-ROM drives have 640 Megs of storage space).

     Most of  us identify  Bernoulli drives  with the 20 Megabyte Removable
 Cartridges made by Iomega Corporation.  This technology,  though, is based
 on a  principle of  physics that  is used everyday.  Bernoulli's Principle
 states that an increase in the flow of a fluid  on one  side of  a surface
 produces less  pressure on  the other  side, and  that a decrease in fluid
 flow on one side results in  an increase  in pressure  on the  other side.
 For example,  a plane's  wings are  made so the speed of the airflow below
 the wing is greater than the speed above  it, resulting  that the pressure
 below the  wing is  greater than  the pressure  above it, producing a lift
 that helps the plane take off.

     Iomega used this principle in the Bernoulli Box  by having  a flexible
 magnetic disk  rotate very  closely to a circular plate which contains the
 magnetic read/write heads.  When the disk is spinning, the  circular plate
 draws in  and manipulates  air flow, lifting the disk up towards the plate
 close enough that the head to disk spacing is VERY  small (50  microns for
 the Bernoulli  Box).   Since the magnetic head does not actually touch the
 disk (doing so would create pressure  that would  push the  disk away from
 it,  and  nullify  the  Bernoulli  effect),  head  crashes are practically
 impossible.  Also, since the disk is closely (but safely) aligned with the
 magnetic head,  more data  can be  stored and accessed, since the head can
 accurately read/write from more tracks  than  otherwise  possible.   Also,
 given the  general basis  of this method, Bernoulli technology can be used
 with other storage methods, in order to achieve even more reliable ways of
 storing far more data than before....


 Magneto-Optical Drives:
 -----------------------

                   THE NEXT GENERATION, AND A NEW ORDER

     Although these three technologies will be important, most of them deal
 with archival storage,  or  storing  massive  amounts  of  data  for later
 retrieval.    Recently  introduced,  however,  magneto-optical drives seem
 certain to revolutionize the area of floppy disk  storage.   Most computer
 users know of this technology because of NeXT Inc.'s pioneering efforts in
 using magneto-optical drives in its high-end computers.

     The disks for the NeXT drive  use the  same material  as CD-ROM disks,
 with a reflective "mirror" layer on top of a plastic film.  NeXT disks use
 a single laser to both read and write data.

     To write data to the disk, first the drive applies a magnetic field to
 the disk.  This field is oriented to write the binary digit 0 on the disk.
 Then, a laser is used to heat a sector on  the mirror  layer to  its Curie
 point,  or  the  temperature  at  which  the  crystals in the mirror layer
 change their polarity to  match that  of the  magnetic field.   This makes
 all binary  data in  the sector consist of 0s.  The drive then orients the
 magnetic field to write the binary digit 1 on the  drive.   The laser then
 heats all the sector's areas where a bit must be set to a 1, to the mirror
 layer's Curie point.

     To read data onto the  disk,  the  drive  first  removes  the magnetic
 field.  When it uses the laser to aim a beam of light at the mirror layer,
 a phenomenon known as the Kerr  effect  causes  the  crystal  alignment to
 alter the polarization of the reflected beam.  The amount of beam polariz-
 ation determines its intensity, and a polarizing filter  in the  read head
 then determines  whether a  0 or  a 1 was read on the disk by the level of
 beam intensity.  As in CD-ROMs, lasers enable a large amount of data to be
 written in  a very  small space.  Several Magneto-Optical disk drives have
 been introduced,  most  providing  512  -  640  Megabytes  of  Storage per
 Cartridge.    However,  Maxtor  has  introduced  a  $6000 drive capable of
 storing more than 870 Megs of data on a cartridge,  with the  potential to
 store 1 Gigabyte (or 1024 Megs) of data per cartridge.

     While  magneto-optical  drives  hold  great potential, several factors
 have contributed to their relative obscurity in the computer industry. For
 example,  while  the  NeXT  Computer  shows many of the potential uses for
 Magneto-Optical technology, the price of such  technology ($3000  per disk
 drive, and  at least  $150 for one cartridge) forced NeXT to abandon their
 use in their low-end NeXTstation computers.  Also, the slow access rate of
 magneto-optical disk  drives (60  milliseconds, as compared to the < 20 ms
 speeds found in conventional hard drives)  have caused  potential users to
 use  WORM  drives  (or  very  big hard drives) instead.  Currently, price,
 performance issues make magneto-optical  drives too  expensive for conven-
 tional microcomputer use.  However, as this technology is further develop-
 ed, it has the potential to  seize many  of the  markets now  dominated by
 WORM drives and large hard drives.

     A note worthy effort to "commercialize" magneto-optical technology has
 appeared from Insite Peripherals.  Founded by Jim Shugart, one  of the en-
 gineers behind the original 5 1/4 inch floppy disk drive, Insite Peripher-
 als has developed the  Insite I235VM  Drive, which  provides an innovative
 new  twist  on  magneto-optical  technology.    Unlike  CD-ROMs,  WORMs,or
 "NeXT-type" drives, the I235 uses removable 3 1/2 Inch disks called "Flop-
 ticals".  Capable of storing up to 25 Mb of data, floptical disks are very
 similar to high-density floppy disks in design.   The I235  can read/write
 to both  types of  floppy disks,  and can  be used by any computer with an
 SCSI interface.

     One serious problem with  current floppy  disks is  that they  tend to
 wobble, making  it difficult for the magnetic read/write heads to scan the
 data on the disk accurately.  To make it easier  for the  drive's magnetic
 heads, floppy  disks have  always had  a very limited amount of tracks (or
 grooves) per inch.  While this  solution improves  reliability, it reduces
 drastically the amount of data that can be stored on floppy disks.  Insite
 Peripherals solved this problem by embedding an optical servo track (using
 lasers  to   precisely  etch  the  track  markers)  onto  the  surface  of
 conventional high-density disks.  An infrared  LED is  used to  follow the
 tracks, so  magnetic heads  can be  aligned to be more precise.  Since the
 read/write heads are made  more accurate,  lasers can  etch tracks  on the
 disk more  densely, and the LED can easily follow the tracks.  This allows
 MANY more tracks (15,000  per inch,  as compared  the 135  tracks per inch
 found on regular 3 1/2 Inch disks) to be used on Floptical Disks.  Roughly
 translated, this means that much  more  data  can  be  quickly  stored and
 accessed from disk.  However, the slow seek time of Insite's drive (65 ms)
 and its  relatively high  cost (around  $350.00 for  OEM/VARs and computer
 manufacturers) has  prevented it from going head to head with current hard
 disks now on the market.

     Most of us take disk storage technology for granted.  While the newest
 Graphical  User   Interface,  powerhouse  microchip,  or  the  latest  and
 greatest in Multimedia technology all inspire a sense of wonder, we seldom
 take more  than a  passing interest  in the storage devices used to handle
 the most important aspect of any computer:    Data.    Whether  it  be the
 Church Newsletter  or Spectre GCR, it seems that computer users take their
 trusty hard drives for granted.   Except of  course, when  the trusty hard
 drives  run  out  of  space  or  when the ancient technology used in their
 trusty hard drives fail, causing  an  interesting  phenomenon  known  as a
 hard disk  crash.   Many new mass storage technologies have the capability
 to provide more storage space while protecting our systems from  the flaws
 of  current  hard  disk  drives.   While hard drives are currently useful,
 alternative methods of data  storage  will  become  a  vital  part  of the
 computer industry's future.  A future in which hard drives are obsolete.




          _______________________________________________________





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

      Issue #8



 Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.



 - Cupertion, California                          CHANGES IN MAC PORTABLE
   ---------------------

 Apple  Computer  Inc.  announced that it was lowering the price  of  its
 Apple Macintosh Portable Computer by more than $1,000.   Also  announced
 was a backlit screen and greater memory capacity than the current model.

 The  backlighting that was added to the portable's active matrix  liquid
 crystal  display  will  allow the make the screen easier to  read  in  a
 greater range of lighting conditions.   Battery life,  however, has been
 cut from a claimed maximum of 10 hours to a claimed maximum of 6 hours.

 The new model of the Portable will be available with either two or  four
 megabytes  of  memory  and a  40-megabyte  hard  disk  (previously,  the
 Portable  could only be purchased with one or two megabytes of  memory).
 The  extra RAM was added to allow it to run System Software 7.0 when  it
 becomes available.

 Existing Portables can be upgraded to add backlighting.  However, memory
 expansion  chips that worked with the old model will not work  with  the
 new one,  Apple said,  and Apple will not offer any memory expansion for
 the new computer.



 - San Francisco, California            IBM ANNOUNCES WORLDS FASTEST SRAM
   -------------------------

 IBM  announced that its scientists have constructed the  worlds  fastest
 high-capacity memory chip.   The 512k chip (code-named "lightening")  is
 the  fastest  SRAM  (static random access memory) ever  created  and  is
 capable  of sending or receiving data at the rate of eight billion  bits
 of information per second.  It can "read" individual bits of information
 in 4 billionths of a second and can "read and write" successive bits  of
 information, cycle time, in just 2 billionths of a second.



 - New York, New York                             COMMODORE LOSES LAWSUIT
   ------------------

 Commodore International has lost a lawsuit brought against it by  Thomas
 J.  Rattigan,  a  former president and chief executive of  the  company.
 Rattigan  brought suit because of his April,  1987 dismissal and  sought
 damages of about $9 million.  The jury award has yet to be determined.



 - Tokyo, Japan                          1 AND 4 MEG DRAM PRICES DROPPING
   ------------

 Dealer  prices  on 4 megabit DRAM chips have dropped by 22%  since  last
 fall,  to $27 per chip.   The same 4 meg DRAM chip was $115 each when it
 was introduced two years ago.  One meg DRAMs have dropped to $6 each.



 - San Francisco, California            100 MIPS RISC PROCESSOR BREAKTHRU
   --------------------------

 National  Semiconductor has announced that it has created a 100  million
 instructions   per  second  (MIPS)  64-bit  superscalar   microprocessor
 architecture with digital signal processing (DSP) capability.  This RISC
 (reduced  instruction  set computer) architecture  will  provide  higher
 performance  than  any embedded processor available today  and  includes
 digital  signal  processing capability faster than or equal  to  current
 stand-alone DSP devices.



 - Oyster Bay, New York                    ACCLAIM TO MAKE NINTENDO CARTS
   --------------------

 Acclaim  Entertainment has announced that it is one of four  firms  that
 has  been authorized by Nintendo of America Inc to manufacture it's  own
 Nintendo  Entertainment System (NES) compatible  cartridges.   Prior  to
 this,  all  NES licensed software was manufactured by  Nintendo  Company
 LTD. in Japan.



 - Cupertino, California                    FOUR NEW TOOLS FOR SYSTEM 7.0
   ---------------------

 Even  though  the  Macintosh System 7.0  operating  system  hasn't  been
 released yet,  Apple Computers has announced four development tools  for
 it, MacApp 3.0, ToolServer, SourceBug and BalloonWriter.

 MacApp 3.0 provides developers the objects such as scroll bars, multiple
 windows,  printing,  cut  and paste,  undo and menus needed  to  program
 standard elements of Macintosh applications..

 ToolServer  is a stand-alone,  tool-execution environment for  Macintosh
 Programmer Workshop (MPW) tools.

 SourceBug is a direct-manipulation,  source level debugger that runs  on
 System  Software 6.x,  7.0 and A/UX,  Apple's version of  the  industry-
 standard AT&T UNIX operating system.

 BalloonWriter  is  a  tool for creating  Balloon  Help  for  application
 programs.   Balloon Help is a feature built into System 7.0 intended  to
 allow   programmers  to  provide  an  intuitive  on-line   help   system
 applications menus, windows and dialog boxes.



 - New York, New York                         MAN RIPS ALLNET FOR $72,000
   ------------------

 Albert Kong,  23,  of New York City,  has been arrested by the New  York
 State  Police  for allegedly using his personal computer to  "hack"  out
 personal  identification  numbers (PINs) on Allnet  and  giving  himself
 uncharged access to the system.

 The  investigation carried out by the New York State Police in  conjunc-
 tion  with the United States Secret Service,  using  monitoring  devices
 attached to Kong's telephones from October, 1988 through December, 1989,
 indicate  that  Kong  used approximately  1,779  hours  of  unauthorized
 access.  Based on a billing rate of $10.00 per 1/4 hour for unauthorized
 access,  it  was determined that Kong stole services from  Allnet  worth
 approximately $72,000.

 Kong is charged with computer trespass and second degree grand  larceny,
 both felonies,  and theft of services, a misdemeanor and faces a maximum
 penalty of up to seven years.

 Even  though the search warrant under which Kong's equipment was  seized
 was executed on the same day as "Phiber Optics",  Mark Abene,  equipment
 was seized, there seems to bee no apparent connection between the cases.






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


                    :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
                     _________________________________

      To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.

               Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
                         Wait for the U#= prompt.

                 Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.

                       **** SIGN UP FEE WAIVED ****

           The system will now prompt you for your information.

               -> NOW!  GENIE STAR SERVICE IS IN EFFECT!! <-


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 > The Flip Side STR Feature?     "......exciting things for the ST owners"
   =========================





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



 by Michael Lee



 With  the recent on-line conferences by Atari personel,  it looks as  if
 exciting  things  are  in store for the ST owners in  the  near  future.
 Lowered  pricing,  two-level  distribution and availability  of  product
 means  there will be more ST's sold in the next year.   More  ST's  sold
 means a larger customer base for our ST developers.   A larger  customer
 base means more good hardware and software for all of us.   A  "win-win"
 situation.

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

    A compilation of posts from GERECHT and Mike Angier on the  Softlogic
    Roundtable on Genie...

 ...I just got an interesting book you should look at (two actually).

 #1 is "PRINT THAT WORKS" by Elizabeth W.  Adler.  Subtitled,  "The first
 step-by-Step Guide that Integrates Writing,  Design, and Marketing" Bull
 Publishing $23.95 (US), $32.95(Cdn)

 #2 is Modern Encyclopedia of Typefaces 1960-1990 by Lawrence  W.  Wallis
 Published by Van Nostrand Reinhold at about the same price.

 This  has 345 "typeface families" - all designed from 1960-90 and  is  a
 real  treasure trove of fonts.  It has the designer and  the  company(s)
 designed  for.   It  even has thumbnail sketches of  each  designer.  At
 $24.95  it may not be for everybody,  but I could give a such a list  of
 fonts I'd like to see available!!!!

 ...the  font  encyclopedia by L.W.  Wallis is apparently too new  to  be
 located on anything but electronic services,  so here is the information
 that I was able to get on it:

 U.K.  Edition  :  Modern Encyclopedia of typefaces 1960-1990  Edited  by
 Lawrence W. Wallis Published by: Lund Humphries  ISBN: 0853315671

 U.S.  Edition  :  Same  as above  except...Published  by:  Van  Nostrand
 Reinhold  ISBN:  0442308094

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

    Looking for 128k Mac roms?   Here's some places to look.....from  the
    Gadgets Roundtable on Genie....

      Computer Emporium - 800 526-5548
      1st Stop - 800 252-2787
      Joppa - 800 876-6040
      TOAD Computers - 800 448-TOAD
      E. Arthur Brown - 800 322-4405

 From  Dave  Small....Shreve has them at the moment,  at  a  fairly  high
 price.  They think more will be coming in from time to time.  Otherwise,
 its "when you can",  especially now that there are all these computers &
 boards  using  128K  ROMs....Pre-Owned is out of  the  ROM  business,  I
 gather. I talked to some people there a couple days ago.

 From Jeff.G...L & Y Electronics had some at $200 a pop.  Pretty soon the
 ROMs will be worth more than a used Plus.

 From  S.J.  Yonamine....I bought my ROMs from a place  called  MicroMat.
 They  sell OEM Apple parts....Their number is (415) 898-6227  and  their
 address is 7075 Redwood Blvd Bay #4, Novato, CA 94947....I don't know if
 they're still around, but it's worth a shot.

 From  Doug Wheeler....I got my ROMs from an Apple dealer at a swap  meet
 (before  Spectre or AMAX were available).   I have no idea if they  have
 any left, but they had a soda case full when I got mine. The place is:

    PR. ALLEN & CO.
    10191 Vista Dr.
    Cupertino, CA  95014
    (408) 996-7140

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

      Looking for TOS 1.4 chips?  Here's a post from Wayne D. from Genie

 I bought my TOS 1.4 chips from

      BEST Electronics
      2021 The Alameda, Suite 290
      San Jose Ca, 95126
      Phone 408-243-6950

 They were about $95 bucks when I bought them (about 9 months ago?).  I'm
 sure  others can come up with places with better prices in  the  $75-$90
 range.

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

      Question from C.KLIMUSHYN on Genie...
 Is anyone out there using Supercharger or PC/AT Speed with SSI's Pool of
 Radiance  series?  How  bad  are the CGA graphics....I  can't  find  CGA
 monitors  (at least without searching) to compare.  Since most of  SSI's
 Pool of Radiance series only supports graphics up to EGA,  I wondered if
 I'd be missing much.

      Answer from C.Borges on Genie...
 Yes,  I  have  been using Pool of Radiance with  the  Supercharger.  The
 Graphics are ok, about the same as playing it on a Commodore 64. It does
 play  a bit slow (mainly in the keyboard response when you try  to  move
 around the game).

      Comment from Rick Gridley on Genie...
 The problem is that a lot of the newer action games,  Wing Commander and
 Secret Weapons need speeds of 25mhz or better to play at full potential.
 A 25mhz 386 is the ultimate answer for advance gaming.

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

    From Mike Loader (Radical Type) on Genie...

 Radical  Type has grown too fast for one person to continue writing  all
 the articles...Radical Type is looking for authors to write articles  of
 interest to our peers in the DTP community. If you are not interested in
 writing an article,  but have a great hint or tip for a DTP or  graphics
 program,  send it to Radical Type. If it's published in Radical Type you
 will receive $20.

 If  you  are  interested  in writing  for  Radical  Type,  drop  a  line
 requesting author guidelines.  The guidelines let you know exactly  what
 Radical  Type is looking for,  and how it should be  submitted.  Radical
 Type pays for all articles published.

 For new subscribers,  Radical Type started in April 1990 as a PageStream
 newsletter.   The  April/May,   June/July  and  August/September  issues
 concentrated  mainly  on PageStream.  The  November/December  issue  has
 complete coverage of Professional Draw and started covering Professional
 Page.  If you want to order back issues,  copies of the August/September
 issue are still available at $4.95 US each.  ($5.60 Cnd billed to  Visa.
 Canada:  $5.65 includes GST.  Intl:  $6.80 US). The first two issues are
 now sold out.

 Subscriptions  started  in the next two weeks will be started  with  the
 Nov/Dec issue,  the current issue,  unless requested otherwise. The next
 issue will be February/March which will be out shortly.  Production  has
 been delayed due to growth pains and other committments. It's been quite
 a  change  from a 16 page photocopied newsletter to a 32  page  magazine
 with a splash of color.

 Radical Type is available only by subscription in North America.  It  is
 also available by subscription and at computer dealers in Australia, and
 by  subscription in the United Kingdom.  Australian  subscribers  should
 contact  Braden  Ray Software at 08-390-3018.  US and  Canadian  dealers
 wishing  to sell Radical Type should contact Radical Type  at  P.O.  Box
 107,  Lazo, BC, V0R 2K0, Canada for upcoming dealer rates. Firms wishing
 to  advertise in Radical Type should request the advertiser rate  sheet.
 Individuals  trying  to sell personal hardware or software can  place  a
 short text ad in Radical Type at no charge.

 Thanks for all the support you have given Radical Type in the last year.

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

      From R. Moore on Genie...

 I  sell  the Okidata 400 Laser printer and have used  it  frequently.  A
 beautiful  machine  that does a fine job emulating  the  Hewlett-Packard
 Laserjet  II.  The  printer has 19 built-in fonts,  512K  buffer  memory
 expandable  to  2 megs,  it has a low-cost replacement  toner  cartridge
 (around  $40)  instead  of  $75  for  HPLJII...The  MSR  (Manufacturer's
 Suggested  Retail) price is $1499.95.  Our store sells  this  incredible
 printer  for  $799.95...I own an Atari ST and  use  PageStream.  The  HP
 emulation  is great.  Even though the Okidata 400 laser is NOT  a  post-
 script  printer,  it will bit-map the image on the paper so  that  you'd
 swear you were using postscript!

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

      From STACE on Genie...

 OK folks...if you would like to GREATLY extend the battery life of  your
 PS  Cordless  Mouse.  (Disclaimer:  If  you don't know which  end  of  a
 soldering  iron to hold or if you think a Phillips screwdriver is a  new
 brand   of  alcoholic  beverage,   then  DON'T  attempt  to  make   this
 modification. Instead, refer same to a qualified electronic tech.)

 The  idea  is simple.  If you can cause your Cordless Mouse  to  "go  to
 sleep"  sooner  than the 10 minute default time then you  will  save  on
 batteries.   Sure...a mouse that sleeps more quickly will require YOU to
 push its wake-up (power on) button more frequently but that's the  price
 you pay.

 I  found that about 99% of the time that I left my mouse alone for  more
 than about 2 minutes,  I usually left it alone for at least 10  minutes.
 In that circumstance,  I would be pressing the power-on button anyway so
 why  not  save  some battery life in  the  process?   I  quickly  became
 accustomed to hitting the power-on button EVERY time I start to use  the
 mouse.

 The  modification  is  simple.  The part  number  (inside  the  Cordless
 Mouse...NOT  inside  the  receiver)  is capacitor  C3.  It  is  a  100uf
 electrolytic.  All you have to do is change this capacitor to the  below
 values to achieve the approx. "go to sleep" time shown:

   1  Capacitor             Go to sleep time
     ---------             ----------------
     100uf (default)       ~ 10 minutes
      47uf                 ~  6 minutes
      33uf                 ~  4 minutes
      22uf                 ~  2 minutes

 (Remember...these are ELECTROLYTIC capacitors so note the polarity  when
 installing the new one. Use one rated for at least 10volts.)

 I installed a 22uf 50v radial electrolytic that I easily found at  Radio
 Shack.  My mouse shuts off in just over 2 minutes.

 I  made  this  modification on Feb 5,  1990 (and put in  a  new  set  of
 batteries at that time) and have only replaced the batteries TWICE since
 then!  That's three sets of batteries in over a year!   I use Flash  and
 GEnie  a lot so my mouse doesn't get used as much as someone  that  does
 DTP all day long. Your mileage will vary.



 Until next week....



          _______________________________________________________






 > 68000 Story STR Feature?                   The History of the 68000 chip
   =======================




                     THE LIFE & TIMES OF THE 68000 CPU
                     =================================


 Part II


 by Brian Converse



     (The  68000  architecture  has  16  'data'  registers and 15 'address'
     registers; yes the 'visionary architecture' has  grown, and  the 68040
     has quite  a few  more internal registers for sundry purposes...still,
     the core architecture remains the same).

     In reality, the 80386 to date is primarily installed in  PC clones and
 these clones primarily run software designed for the 8086.  So, the 386 is
 primarily used as a 'fast' 8086, as is the limited population of 486 based
 microcomputers.   The 68030  and 68040,  however, tend to be used very ef-
 ficiently to run software that was designed for  them.   There are certain
 aspects  of  the  software,  such  as  memory management or floating point
 control, that must be  redone, but  these things  are most  often found in
 operating system  code, not user programs.  The 32 bit aspect of the 68000
 has been there since the first chips appeared  in the  early 1980s,  so no
 recoding  or  redesign  need  be  done  for this (to be honest, there WERE
 aspects of the early 68000 chips that one could exploit and write 'hacked'
 code  that  would  run  faster...but  later, these aspects vanished as the
 chips became more powerful).

     The 68000 also has  a stylistic  and pleasant  design compared  to the
 8086.   One term bandied about frequently was that the 68000 was more 'or-
 thogonal' than the 8086.  This referred to  the fact  that just  about any
 68000 instruction  could use  just about  any register or addressing mode,
 whereas the 8086 was limited to  the use  of particular  registers in par-
 ticular ways  with particular  instructions.  The way the 8086 worked just
 seemed to be extremely baroque.  It makes life extremely difficult for the
 assembly language  programmer.  The 68000, in contrast, is strikingly sym-
 metric to the assembly language coder, almost to the point of beauty.  Not
 that the  68000 architecture  does not  have warts, a fact that competitor
 National Semiconductor attacked with its "more orthogonal than thou" 32000
 series of  chips.   These were  too late to the market to succeed, despite
 any actual or perceived advantage.

     The ugly, nasty fact of microcomputers and computers is that  they are
 all driven by technology.  Today, that technology is the silicon chip, for
 the most part.  To be specific, it is the process used  ('CMOS', 'BiCMOS',
 'ECL', etc.) and the feature size.  These are both controlled by basic and
 applied research into structures and materials that is pretty much open as
 well as manufacturing technique that is pretty much top secret and propri-
 etary. Unfortunately, everyone uses the same  TOOLS to  make things.   IBM
 may scoop  the world  with an  "8 inch"  wafer processing  system, but the
 wafer processing equipment manufacturers in the  US and  Japan will likely
 catch up within 6 months.

     Few engineers  are brave  enough to  design in a chip made by only one
 vendor AND for just  a short  time AND  with brand  new experimental equi-
 pment.   Thus, at  any time, all the latest microcomputers you can buy use
 pretty much the same silicon processing equipment, the same silicon proce-
 ss, and  probably run  within 15%  of the  same clock  rate. No matter how
 beautiful the design is or how 'visionary' an architecture is used, dedic-
 ated work  with a  competing microprocessor will come pretty close in per-
 formance.  The manufacturers will try very hard to convince you otherwise,
 but it  just isn't  so.  The programmers involved may go insane or need to
 be paid a premium, but there simply is no way to get a 2 to 1  or even 1.5
 to 1 advantage unless one of the players folds or stays still.

     That said,  there remains  the question, why is the 80x86 architecture
 doing so well?  It's easy to blame the proliferation  of the  PC, but that
 is not the whole story.  The 8086 was an extension of the 8080 to 16 bits,
 and was not done with much thought to easing the coding of Pascal or  C or
 even BASIC.   It  was still an assembly language/small program/fast, tight
 code microcomputer.

     The 68000, however, was a completely  new design.   Some  familiar as-
 pects of  the of  the 8  bit 6800 remained, but only enough to make a 6800
 programmer slightly less uneasy. Motorola marketed the 68000 as a "minico-
 mputer on  a chip",  and actively avoided 'toy' computers and 'minor' mar-
 kets like embedded control that had worked so well for the 6800.  The main
 Intel 8  bit micro,  the 8085, had failed miserably against the innovative
 Z80 and the primitive but fast and cheap 6502.   Motorola had  done little
 better in the home computer wars with the 6800, but the chip HAD done well
 in embedded control for industry.

     The 68000 was to be promoted  for high  value machines.   Many  of the
 initial 68000  computers were,  in fact,  inexpensive minicomputers.  They
 contained large numbers of  additional chips,  ran UNIX  and cost  tens of
 thousands of dollars.  In no time, Motorola controlled most of the microc-
 omputer UNIX  market.   Unfortunately, this  amounted to  only hundreds of
 chips per month at best.  While Motorola was wooing UNIX box makers, a few
 hardy souls  persisted in  trying to  use the  68000 to  make small, cheap
 computers.    The  68000's  "asynchronous"  memory interface; in fact, its
 entire I/O architecture, is a superb design.

     While not baroque in the same sense as the 8086  instructions, connec-
 ting ANYTHING  to a  68000 is not simple.  Then again, connecting anything
 to the 68000 is equally hard as connecting anything else; once you've done
 it, there is little new to learn.  In any event, the 68000 quickly develo-
 ped a reputation for being a hardware Gordian knot.  All of  this probably
 had great  bearing on  the decision of IBM to use the 8088 in the original
 PC.  There were many other factors.  The 8088 could use  cheap 8  bit wide
 memory and  cost less  than the  68000.  The 8088 could run 8080 code, and
 there was LOTs of  8080/8085/Z80  compatible  software  available already.
 Very few  68000 programs.   In retrospect, the PC could have been 'won' by
 the 68000. To 'win', though, you had to know in  advance how  important it
 would be. Nobody did, especially Intel.



                    .....continued in next week's issue



        __________________________________________________________





 > CIS PORTFOLIO SITE! STR InfoFile?        CIS NOW OFFICIAL PORTFOLIO SITE
   ================================




                      CIS NOW OFFICIAL PORTFOLIO SITE
                      ===============================



 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (The OFFICIAL Release)


     SUNNYVALE, CA. (February 15, 1991) -- In recognition of the wide-range
 support provided  for  the  Portfolio  palmtop  personal  computer  by the
 CompuServe   Information   Service,   Atari  has  designated  CompuServe's
 Portfolio Forum as an official support site for Portfolio users.

     The Forum Staff,managed  by  head  SysOp,  Ron  Luks,  provides online
 support  via  an  interactive  message  board  and  conferencing facility.
 Topics that are covered in  the  Portfolio  Forum  include communications,
 data base applications, text processing, entertainment and programming.

     Greg Pratt, Atari general manager, commented that last year's software
 contest generated a lot of interest  among  Portfolio  users  who  like to
 develop their  own software.  "Through the Forum, Portfolio users now have
 access to libraries of more than 300 Public Domain and  Shareware programs
 and files  ," he  said.   The Forum  libraries include a number of DOS and
 MacIntosh support programs, as well as updates to  the ROM-based operating
 system, system  utilities, programming  examples, tutorials  and a variety
 of games.

     Pratt  added  that  Atari   technical   support   representatives  and
 representatives   from   most   of   the   Portfolio   software  developer
 organizations can now be contacted online through the Forum facilities and
 CompuServe's electronic mail network.  A special area has also been set up
 on the CompuServe Portfolio  Forum for  new announcements  on hardware and
 software.

     Luks, who has been an active Portfolio User since it was introduced in
 late 1989, said that because the  one-pound Portfolio  easily fits  into a
 sport  coat  pocket  or  purse,  it  has  gained  a  strong following from
 CompuServe members who use it as an extension of their desktop systems.

     "The Portfolio already  has  a  built-in  text  editor,  address book,
 calculator,  and  a  Lotus  1-2-3 compatible spreadsheet," Luks explained.
 "But as people experiment  and work  with the  system, they  often develop
 special applications  and game software that they're willing to share with
 other CompuServe members.  Informally, we've  had a  very active Portfolio
 program for over a year.  Now that we have Atari's support, we can provide
 Portfolio users with an "Official Forum."

     The Portfolio Forum will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days  a year
 at regular  CompuServe connect  time charges.   There will be no surcharge
 for downloading files or daytime access.   Connect  time charges  for 2400
 baud will  be the  same as  1200 baud.   Luks  noted that  with the proper
 optional interface, Portfolio users  can  get  online  with  their compact
 palmtop PC.   He  added that many of the public domain and shareware prog-
 rams can be downloaded  directly from  CompuServe to  the Portfolio's 128k
 internal RAM.   If  users want  to add  these programs to their library of
 Portfolio software, they can be stored on 32k, 64k or 128k RAM Cards.

     To help familiarize present and  potential  Portfolio  users  with the
 services  provided  by  the  Forum, Compuserve is offering a COMPLIMENTARY
 introductory membership booklet  to  the  CompuServe  Information Service.
 The  booklet  containing  a  user  ID #, password and initial $15.00 usage
 credit, is available by  calling (800)  848-8199 and  asking for represen-
 tative 198.

     Priced at  only $299.95,  the MS-DOS  compatible Portfolio operates on
 the "AA" batteries or an optional AC adapter.

     For more information on the Portfolio, its accessories  or its growing
 library of third-party and public domain software, call or write:

                           Portfolio Department
                              Atari Computer
                           1196 Borregas Avenue
                           Sunnyvale, CA. 94088
                    (408) 745-2000 - (408) 745-2088 fax




         _________________________________________________________





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



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

 On CompuServe


 by Walter Daniel  75066,164


     There were  some items  of new  product news  in various messages this
 week.  Rumors continue to fly about a 286-based Portfolio  that Atari will
 introduce next  month in  Europe.   We'll have  to wait and see.  Atari is
 considering using the industry standard RAM cards that  are different from
 the current  Portfolio design.   If  they do  change the card format, they
 might look at developing an adapter so that current Portfolio cards can be
 read  as  well.    Another  product  in the wings is a Tesco International
 barcode wand that connects to a Portfolio through the serial interface.

     Hyperlist and PowerBASIC testing  continues  with  information flowing
 through the  private areas  in the forum.  One message alluded to the fact
 that Hyperlist for the Portfolio should run on a PC.  Lots of folks volun-
 teered to be Hyperlist beta testers, far more than Atari needed.  C'est la
 vie.  PowerBASIC testing is proceeding at a furious pace.

     Which of the built-in programs do  you use  on your  Portfolio?  Sysop
 Ron Luks  started a  thread saying  that he thinks that a database is more
 useful than a spreadsheet, but lots of people  replied otherwise.   I hope
 that  Atari  does  include  a  true  database (and a serial communications
 program) in the ROMs of the next Portfolio model, but please don't cut the
 spreadsheet!    Some  spreadsheet  applications  mentioned  in the thread:
 keeping students' grades, estimating amount of building supplies, tracking
 travel expenses, calculating loan payments, and many others.

     I received an Internet message from Scott Wood about the Atari archive
 he is managing.   All you  developers who  have access  to Internet should
 send your  programs to  Scott at swood@terminator.cc.umich.edu for further
 dissemination.

     The most fun upload  this week  has got  to be  DESKTO.PGC.   This PGC
 graphics file, created with Do n Messerli's Macintosh program PGC Grabber,
 is screen dump of the "desktop" of a Macintosh--the menu bar, a  hard disk
 icon, the  trash can  icon, and  the desktop area.  Display this file with
 PGSHOW and confuse your friends and  coworkers by  telling them  that your
 Portfolio works just like a Mac!

     Speaking of  PGSHOW, Don  uploaded a  new version  of the program this
 week (PGSHO2.ZIP).  Version 2.0 is much faster since it writes directly to
 the LCD  controller.   In fact,  decent-quality animation is possible with
 PGSHOW (about 8.5 frames per second).  The ZIP file includes a BAT file to
 animate the dominoes in the ADEMO file that was uploaded a couple of weeks
 ago.  Try the animation--you'll be amazed.   Don mentioned  that, with his
 new displaying  technique, some  interesting things might be possible (ga-
 mes, anyone?).....

     New programming and utility files were uploaded this week.

     BJ Gleason posted his  Turbo Pascal  6 version  of The  Portfolio Unit
 (PFTPU6.ZIP).    This  unit  lets  Turbo  Pascal programmers use Portfolio
 functions and features in their programs.

     David Stewart uploaded a new version of his  80COLS text  file display
 utility  (80COLS.ZIP)  that  I  mentioned  last week.  The program now has
 scrollback, text search, and cursor key commands.

          The eight help file contest entries are in library 17.

 ASCII1.ADR is an Address Book document that lists the entire ASCII charac-
 ter set,  shows how  to insert  special non-keyboard characters, and gives
 the control key codes.

 ASCII2.ADR is a smaller file that lists the ASCII characters 128-255.
 FAKEDB.TXT is a 5 page document that shows how to use the built-in Address
 Book and  Worksheet applications  to create databases that can be transfe-
 rred to and from desktop computers.

 HOMEWK.TXT demonstrates how to use the  scientific functions  of the built
 in  spreadsheet  to  generate  homework  and  test  problems  for math and
 science classes.

 LISTS.TXT is a text file with instructions on  how to  use the spreadsheet
 and editor  to make  editing of  multiple-column lists  and tables easier.
 Have you ever wanted  to start  one of  the built-in  applications with an
 empty file instead of the last one on which you worked?

 MTFILE.TXT should read for instructions on how to alter your setup.

 PORT is  a text  file in  which one author details his method of using his
 Portfolio to write and his desktop computer for file transfer  and collec-
 tion.

     BJ Gleason's  PBAS30.ADR is  now superseded  by the equivalent file in
 the PBASIC 4.0 package, but the idea is the same; use the  Address Book to
 display help for each PBASIC statement and command.

     That's it  for another  week.   If you  have Portfolio  news or views,
 please send  me a  message in  the forum.   I  especially want  to know if
 anyone gets the "Portfolio works just like a Mac" trick to work!



           _____________________________________________________






 > DOUBLE CLICK STR InfoFile?                       THE PROGRAM OF THE WEEK
   =========================




                          THE PROGRAM OF THE WEEK
                          =======================


 from; Mike Vederman

 Hello one and all!

 We here  at Double  Click Software have been attempting to serve the Atari
 ST community lately by remembering our roots.  When we say 'roots' we mean
 where we started off in the ST software business: SHAREWARE and PD.

 We feel  it is  very important  for us  to demonstrate that the people who
 helped us escalate our business from PD to  commercial should  not be for-
 gotten.   Our contributors are _very_ special to us, through their help we
 were able to save contributions and start our business.

 To that end, we have  undergone  a  _massive_  'grass  roots'  campaign at
 Double Click Software.  It began last October, and will hopefully continue
 until this October.  It is our special rememberance of where we  came from
 and who helped us out.

                    We call it: THE PROGRAM OF THE WEEK

 We hope  everyone has  enjoyed using  the programs  we have been uploading
 every week for the past 4  months.   We have  plans to  continue uploading
 programs every week.

 Please use  this topic  to comment  on the programs we upload, suggest new
 programs, or give us ideas for improvements on the ones out there.

 You *can* help us!

 This is our goal:  Upload one program a week for one year!

 So far, we've been doing it for about 4 months.  We have ideas for more to
 come, but we want to know what you want!

 Here is the basis for deciding if you have a PROGRAM OF THE WEEK idea:

 1) The program (where possible) should have ONE feature.  It should be
    designed (conceived) to perform only one task.  Most of our programs
    we have been uploading are of this nature.  Still, we won't reject
    any idea we receive (we keep them all for future use).

 2) The program should be able to be written in less than one day.  We
    prefer to spend about 2-4 hours on each program.  As you can see, we
    don't like to spend a whole bunch of time writing the program.  But
    that doesn't mean the software can't be of the highest quality or take
    longer.  It just means we like to save some time for other things!  :-)

 3) The program should really be usable by more than just yourself.  Our
    weekly programs have been of a very wide variety, but we like to think
    that everyone could use them at one time or another.

 4) You should let us know of your idea.  If you don't tell us, we can't
    write the program!  That simple.  Speak up, no idea is too small!

 Thus far, here are the programs we have uploaded:

          17517 DCDMASP2.ARC      Desc: Plays digitized sound
          17142 DCDSKINF.ARC      Desc: Quick extensive disk info
          17584 DCFLIGHT.ARC      Desc: DC FLIGHT/DC Floppy Light
          17243 DCLEFTY.ARC       Desc: DC LEFTY Swaps mouse butns
          18132 DCLICKME.ARC      Desc: Double Click ME! - A Game
          17999 DCMAXTRK.ARC      Desc: Floppy disk maximum tracks
          17864 DCMSHIFT.ARC      Desc: DC Mouse Button Shiftery!
          17435 DCMSTICK.ARC      Desc: DC Mouse Stick is for you!
          17055 DCSHOHEX.ARC      Desc: Awesome File viewer
          17436 DCSLICK2.ARC      Desc: DC SLICK SHIFT is neato!
          18062 DC_CRC.ARC        Desc: DC CRC computes/stores CRC
          18197 DC_FKEYS.ARC      Desc: DC Function Keys save time

 Please comment on these programs here.

                 Thank you for your very helpful support!

                       Mike, Keith, Paul and Gilbert
                            Double Click Software

     Let me add that some of the programs you see uploaded have had a great
 deal more time than 2-4 hours spent writing them.  A great deal more time.
 If the idea is a good one, we don't care how long it takes, but understand
 we want YOU to have a new (or improved) program every week.



        __________________________________________________________





 > MEGA STe [1] STR Spotlight?                   ".....an awesome machine."
   ==========================




                        LOOKING OVER THE MEGA STE!
                        ==========================


 Essay 1



 by Ed Krimen


     For those of you who are curious about the new and rather hard to find
 Mega STe in the US, here are some performance figures:

                  Tos 1.0             Tos 1.4                Tos 1.6
 Cpu Memory         165%                ----                   -----
     Reg            205%                ----                   -----
     Divide         204%                ----                   -----
     Shifts         208%                207%                   -----
 Dma 64K Read      5680%                -----                  -----
 Gemdos Files      1583%               1607%                   -----
 Disk RPM          2408                 -----                  -----
 TOS text          121%/ 536%(Turbo)    386%(Turbo)           342%(Turbo)
     string        118%/1911%(Turbo)   1288%(Turbo)          1181%(Turbo)
     scroll        181%/ 195%(Turbo)    140%(Turbo)           110%(Turbo)
 GEM Dialog        209%/ 460%(Turbo)    437%(Turbo)           276%(Turbo)

     The MEGA  STe is  really an awesome machine.  Its very fast, Atari has
 mightily improved the hard disk controller, I get three times  the thruput
 than on  my old SH204, and the drive itself that came with it is a 157N, a
 very nice 50 megabyte hard drive.

     Through the VME slot on the back, I  popped out  the card,  and looked
 inside to  see SIMM's,  a nice  90 watt  power supply,  and a vacant 68881
 socket. I noticed too, though I cannot confirm, but the floppy drive looks
 like a  1.44 megabyte  drive, Sony mechanism.  The floppy drive controller
 chip is socketed too.  Therefore, even  though its  a WD  1772, it  may be
 easily removed in the future for a better floppy controller.

     I am  a US  developer and got mine under the wire, one left.  In fact,
 at the time of  this writing,  there were  approx. 10  machines shipped to
 developers in  the US.   The  rest went  to the European and Canadian com-
 munities.

     The Spectre GCR works very nice with this machine.  You get  hard disk
 performance of  something between  a IIfx and IIsi.  600-700 kiloBYTES per
 second.  33ms access time.

     I am very pleased with the Mega STe.  The retail value  of the machine
 is $1979.99.   TOS  2.05's desktop is really nice and its even useful.  It
 packs hot keys, item grouping which  is  maclike  along  with  command key
 equivalents.   I think  its much better than NeoDesk.  The copy operations
 are efficient and very quick.  You can select your own icons for different
 things on  the desktop.  You can color them and your windows individually.
 Now the desktop looks pretty and is functional.

     The Machine has 8Mhz/16Mhz/16Mhz with cache  options.   You should see
 how snappy  this machine is with TurboST installed at 16Mhz cache on.  The
 keyboard feel is very MAClike.  The key tops are  smaller so  you can type
 faster  and  quicker.    They  are  no longer mushy.  The keyboard is very
 nicely laid out as far as physical form and user comfort is concerned.  It
 can mold  itself to the front of the cpu housing, for a perfect fit or can
 simply be placed in any position you desired.

     I of course can't test this as I only have the SM124 to work  on. I am
 very satisfied  with the  layout of  the machine,  the reset  key is in an
 easily accessible location, along  with  the  keyboard  port,  which makes
 positioning  the  keyboard  much  more  intelligent  than  on  the MEGA ST
 machines.

 Port listings from the DOCS:

 Processor:                                       16Mhz 68000

 Math CoProcessor                                 68881/2(Optional)

 Memory                                           2 or 4 Depending on Model

 Graphics                                         320x200x16
                                                  640x200x4
                                                  640x400x2

 Color                                            4096 Colors

 Interfaces                                       Midi IN/OUT

                                                  VME-compatible Eurocard

                                                  Monitor port (RGB)

                                                  Television port

                                                  Parallel port

                                                  1 Serial Port

                                                  2 Modem(RS232C)

                                                  Floppy disk port

                                                  LAN Interface

                                                  ACSI DMA port
                                                  (10 Megabits per second)

                                                  ROM Cartridge port
                                                  (128K)

                                                  Mouse/Joystick port

                                                  Stereo RCA ports

 Sound Generator                                  Pulse Coded Modulated
                                                  sound (8bit DA Converter)

                                                  3 voices from 30Hz to
                                                  above audible range

 Keyboard                                         95-key intelligent
                                                  keyboard using its own
                                                  microprocessor.

 Power Consumption                                95 WATTS MAX.




              _______________________________________________






 > MEGA STe [2] STR Spotlight?          "....a switchable 16 MHz computer."
   ==========================





                       A QUICK VIEW OF THE MEGA STE
                       ============================


 Essay 2


 by John Clover


     A  few  weeks  ago  I  was asked by C-LAB's North American consultant,
 Mikail Graham, to help demonstrate C-LAB's Notator 3.0 for the Winter NAMM
 show in Anaheim, California, from January 11th through the 14th. Original-
 ly there were supposed to be three areas for C-LAB  at the  show: the main
 booth at  the Marriott  Hotel manned by Mikail and the C-LAB reps, a booth
 in the main Atari area, and then a third booth shared by C-LAB and another
 company.   Later the company which was to share a booth with C-LAB cancel-
 led, so there were only two  booths. Phil  Shackleton, who  wrote the text
 book on Notator, was showing the Education package at the main booth while
 I showed Notator in the Atari area.

     For those unfamiliar with Midi  or  C-LAB's  Notator,  it  is  a fully
 integrated sequencer/music notation program from Germany.  It has a dongle
 which goes into the cartridge port and runs  at 8  MHz.   Although I would
 probably get  arguments from  other software companies, I believe it's the
 premiere music notation program for the ST.

     When I was asked to help at the  show I  was told  I would  be using a
 Stacy2, however when I got to the Anaheim Convention Center for the set-up
 I found out I would be  using a  Mega STe.   At  first I  was disappointed
 since I  had been  looking forward to finally getting my hands on a Stacy.
 There is not a musician around who doesn't covet a Stacy, and I was really
 looking forward to trying it out.

     The Mega  STe's were set up by Atari in face to face stations in their
 area.  The Mega is a switchable 16 MHz computer.  It can run  at 8  Mhz or
 16 with  or without  a cache.  Since Atari was not sure if all the various
 programs to be demonstrated  were compatible  with the  faster speed, they
 had set  up all  the Megas  to run  at 8  MHz.   Each of the computers was
 configured with 4 Megs and had a 50 Meg Hard drive. Since  I have  a 4 Meg
 520 at  home I  wasn't too  sure about the Mega since it is encased in the
 now familiar TT case, with Macaroni shaped function keys.   The detachable
 keyboard wasn't  too thrilling  to me either, since I like to know that my
 CPU is close at hand.

     When we were setting up Jimmy Hotz (who had his Midi Translator there)
 informed us  that Notator  would run  on the  Mega at  16 MHz.  This was a
 total revelation, since the dongle  is  designed  to  work  at  8,  and it
 wouldn't work  until we figured out we had to disable one of the files for
 the Control Panel.  Once we did that  Notator ran  flawlessly.   In fact I
 can say  it ran  faster than  usual.  Although I didn't have any benchmark
 programs to run it appeared that Notator was  running at  least 50% faster
 than usual.

     The Extended  Control Panel  is totally unlike the normal ST's control
 panel.  It has a configurable number of slots to put such  things as Color
 Setup,   Sounds,   Window   colors,   Modem   and  Printer  Setups,  Mouse
 Accelerator, etc.  It also shows the time and date.  You can also  shut it
 down  if  you  don't  want  it.    It takes up about 128k of memory so you
 better have a bunch to spare.

     The Mouse accelerator is the Atari  version 3.3  accelerator, which is
 configurable for  regular, fast and rocket speeds.  It also has a built-in
 screen saver.  The sound module has balance (with a rotating head  to show
 the balance),  treble and  bass sliders.  Even though I use the NeoControl
 Panel with NeoDesk 3 I feel the  new  Extended  Control  Panel  is  a vast
 improvement over  the old  one and Atari has shown us what they can really
 do.

     The feel of the keys is a lot better on the Mega STe than the old ST's
 (I had  to install  Mega Springs  in my 520 to alleviate the Repeated Keys
 Syndrome) and are quite responsive.   The function  keys, although getting
 some time to get used to, work quite well.  They also can be configured to
 run programs from the desktop.  This was a little strange at first, but it
 is a very nice feature.

 The custom icon feature which is included is very nice to have, although I
 still prefer NeoDesk's.  Compared  to  the  present  desktop  icons  it is
 vastly superior.   Bob Brodie was very helpful in showing how this worked.
 To quote Bob: "the Mega STe is a step down from the TT rather  than a step
 up from the ST."

     My overall  impression of  the Mega STe is that when I can afford one,
 its the computer I will invest in.  It runs faster, smoother, and once you
 get used  to the  case is slicker than the present model.  My hope for the
 New Year is that Greg Pratt will be allowed to do what he wants for Atari.
 I want  to thank Greg Pratt, Bob Brodie, Mike Groh, Jim Grunke and all the
 rest of the Atari  crew who  were so  helpful and  made the  experience as
 enjoyable as it was.  I also wish them the best of luck in making the best
 computer even better.  I also want the thank Mikail  Graham for  giving me
 the opportunity to show off Notator 3.0 at the show.





          _______________________________________________________




 > STReport CONFIDENTIAL?                         "ATARI NEWS FIRST!"
   =====================





 - San Francisco, CA.                                  SSI ALIVE & WELL!!!!
   ------------------

     Someone told me they though that SSI went out of business.  Not so. In
 fact, Curse of the Zure Bonds,  the sequel  to Pool  of Radiance  has been
 released.  The game includes more than 24 high-level spells and characters
 includint High Priests, Lords, Paladins, Wizards, and the  like.   It's an
 officially sanctioned  Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game that should make a
 lot of D & D'ers happy.

 CZB: $59.95
                                    SSI
                        675 Almanor Ave. Suite 201
                         Sunnyvale, CA  94086-2901

                          (408) 737-6800 - voice
                           (408) 737-6814 - FAX





 - San Diego, CA.                                  MEGAPAINT II  * STRONG!*
   --------------

     Tommy Software, (TOMMYSOFT) a big  name  in  Europe,  released several
 modules for  MegaPaint II.   One  of these modules allows the use of Mega-
 Paint II for the TT.  Essentially the trend, as seen in updates for Ultra-
 Script and Timeworks Desktop Publisher for the TT, is for companies making
 products compatible with the TT.

                              Tommy Software
                             Selchower Str. 32
                             D-1000 Berlin 44




 - Rockville MD.                                SCRIPT CONTEST FOR ALADDIN!
   -------------

 We need some scripts.. The purpose is to compile a big library  of scripts
 that  will  enhance,  improve  and  magnify the performance of ST Aladdin.
 This Contest will run until March 15th 1991..

 Rules are simple..
 Scripts must be uploaded to the ST Aladdin RT before March 15, 1991

 The Scripts may do  anything, go  anyplace on  GEnie, do  anything to/with
 Aladdin.

      First Prize ............ one 24 hour day (systemwide) on GEnie...
      Second Prize............ one 12 hour period (systemwide) on GEnie
      Third Prize............. one 8 hour period (systemwide) on GEnie
      Fourth Prize............ one 6 hour period (systemwide) on GEnie

 Further information  can be  had by  reading Catagory  4 Topic 2 in the ST
 Aladdin RT.




 - San Francisco, CA.                       INFORMER II 2.03 DISKS SHIPPED!
   ------------------

 This week all users of INFORMER II that  recently received  the Upgrade to
 2.03 were  sent New  Program Disks. This disk is a Fix  that corrects sev-
 eral problems. Also included in the mailing is the missing Read Me detail-
 ing all  the new features and how to use them.  If anyone who had received
 2.03, has not gotten  their new  disk, Please  contact Soft-Aware  and you
 will be sent the new disk.

                           Soft-Aware Unlimited
                              (714) 982-8409
                     Office Hours 8:30am to 5:00pm PST
                            Monday - Friday




              _______________________________________________




 > Hard Disks STR InfoFile?               Affordable Mass Storage....
   =======================




                      NEW LOW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!!
                      ===============================
                               ALL SPECIALS
                       ** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! **


                      ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC.
              P.O. Box 6672  Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
                                Est.  1985
                 _________________________________________

                   Voice: 904-783-3319  10 AM - 4 PM EDT
                     BBS: 904-786-4176   12-24-96 HST
                    FAX: 904-783-3319  12 PM - 6 AM EDT
                 _________________________________________

                   HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
                   _____________________________________

   All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST
                 are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s).

            *-ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE-*
                 (you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!)
                   (all cables and connectors installed)

    * ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
      * ICD ADSCSI+ HOST ADAPTERS * FULL SCSI COMMAND SET SUPPORTED *
                  * SCSI EMBEDDED CONTROLLER MECHANISMS *

                           Conventional Shoe Box
               Model      Description    Autopark     Price
            ==================================================
              SGN3038      31Mb 28ms       Y          419.00
              SGN4951      51Mb 28ms       Y          519.00
              SGN6177      62Mb 24ms       Y          579.00
              SGN1096      85Mb 24ms       Y          619.00
              SGN6277     120Mb 24ms       Y          849.00
              SGN1296     168Mb 24ms       Y         1069.00
              SGN4077     230Mb 24ms       Y         1669.00
            ==================================================

          WE HAVE A COMPLETE LINE OF 3.5 LOW PROFILE HARD DRIVES
                                    for
           USE IN MEGA ST COMPUTERS AND RELATED CONFIGURATIONS.

            20mb #AI020SC   379.95      30mb #AIO3OSC   419.95
            50mb #AI050SC   449.95      65mb #AI065SC   499.95
                          85mb #AI085SC  $559.95
                       MEGA ST Internal Hard Drives
                    CONNOR HIGH PERFORMANCE MECHANISMS

               >>> ALL ABCO DRIVES ARE HIGH SPEED UNITS <<<
                     (500 - 600k per sec @ 16 - 33ms)

           CALL FOR SUPER SAVINGS ON ALL OUR OTHER CUSTOM UNITS
                         FROM 30mb 28MS @ $419.00!
                      Ask about our "REBATE SPECIALS"

                                 --==*==--

       >*** SHIPPING AND INSURANCE INCLUDED IN COMPLETE UNIT PRICES! ***<

               ============================================

       * SYQUEST 44MB (#555)>> ABCO "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE *

          - SYQUEST 44 MB DRIVE         - ICD ST ADVANTAGE PLUS H/A
          - ICD Utility Software        - 3' DMA Cable
          - Fan & Clock                 - Multi-Unit Power Supply
                          (1) 44 MB Syquest Cart.

                  COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
                 --->> SPECIAL NOW ONLY __$ 719.00__ <<---
                        EXTRA CARTS:      $  79.50
                        DRIVE MECH ONLY:  $ 439.95

            *** SPECIAL SYQUEST OFFER!! BUY WITH A FRIEND! ***
    ORDER YOUR CUSTOM SYQUEST UNIT NOW AND GET A SECOND COMPLETE UNIT!
                       ***** for $75.00 LESS! *****

   * TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
                       SPECIALLY PRICED ** $1329.00 **

    * SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
         - Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
             50mb SQG51   $ 939.00      30mb SQG38    $ 819.00
             65mb SQG09   $ 969.00      85mb SQG96    $1059.00

                 LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
                      CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
           Listed above are a sampling of the systems available.
      Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations
    (over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited)

            *** ALL Units: Average Access Time: 24ms - 34ms ***

      ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - AT/PC SPEED - GCR
             LARGER units are available - (special order only)

                      *>> NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! <<*

       - Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets -
            * SLM 804 Replacement Toner Cartridge Kits $42.95 *
                          Replacement Drums; CALL
                   Keyboard Custom Cables Call for Info
                      ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED

                       -* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
                         (A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)

                 QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
                 _________________________________________

                     DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
                         please, call for details

                 Personal and Company Checks are accepted.

                        ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!

           CALL: 1-800-562-4037   -=**=-    CALL: 1-904-783-3319
           Customer Orders ONLY               Customer Service
                                9am - 8pm EDT
                                Tues thru Sat






       ____________________________________________________________




 > STR "Sign of the Times"?
   ======================




   "Please, pray for the safe return of all our Folks in Desert Storm!"





 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
                 STReport International Online Magazine?
     Available through more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide!
 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
 STReport?           "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE"       February 15, 1991
 16/32bit Magazine        copyright = 1987-91                   No.7.07
 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
 Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
 the editors, staff, STReport?  CPU/STR?  or  ST  Report?.    Permission to
 reprint articles  is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted.  Each reprint
 must include the name of the publication, date, issue #  and  the author's
 name.  The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in
 any way without prior written permission.   The  contents, at  the time of
 publication,  are    believed  to  be  reasonably  accurate.  The editors,
 contributors and/or staff are  not responsible  for either  the use/misuse
 of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


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