Z*Net: 24-May-91 #9122

From: Michael Current (aj848@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 05/26/91-12:32:50 PM Z


From: aj848@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
Subject: Z*Net: 24-May-91 #9122
Date: Sun May 26 12:32:50 1991


        ==(((((((((( ==   Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
        =========(( ===   -----------------------------------------
        =======(( =====   MAY 24, 1991                 Issue #91-22
        =====(( =======   -----------------------------------------
        ==(((((((((( ==      (c)1989-1990-1991, Z*Net Publishing
 
 
                                 CONTENTS
 
          THE EDITORS DESK.............................John Nagy
          Z*NET NEWSWIRE........................................
          HYPERLINK CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS..................GEnie
          BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST.....................Press Release
          CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT'S GAME ROOM.................Drew Kerr
          MIST ATARIFEST III.......................Press Release
          CIS 9600 BAUD UPDATE........................CompuServe
          Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF....................Ron Berinstein
          REVIEWLETS FROM ATARIUSER MAGAZINE...............Quill
 
 
 
 
 =======================================================================
                             THE EDITORS DESK
                             ----------------
                               by John Nagy
 =======================================================================
 
 
 Were proud to present another NON System 7.0 information issue.  We do
 Atari News....and NO ONE does it better, but you knew that.
 
               "Next Friday[']s News...This Saturday -- Z*Net"

 And you can quote me.....
 
 
 
 
 =======================================================================
                              Z*NET NEWSWIRE
                              --------------
 =======================================================================
 
 
 START MAGAZINE SALE POSSIBLE
 Despite the debt position of START Magazine, Antic Publishing may indeed
 have a interested buyer according to comments from the staff of the
 recently discontinued Atari publication.  Start may be sold for an
 undisclosed amount to a buyer outside the USA.  Several overseas
 magazines have been eyeing the US market, including those in Germany and
 the UK.  One of the most popular imported magazines, ST FORMAT of
 England, is thought by many to be the leading contender in the STart
 purchase.  There are no predictions as to what a new incarnation of
 STart might look like or be called, but at this time there is some hope
 for a publication to take up where STart left off.  As recently as March
 1991, subscribers were solicited for "discount offer" STart renewals at
 $80 and up by Antic Publishing.  Mail from subscribers moan of three to
 six year accumulated subscriptions due to them from STart, accrued from
 their ANTIC, START, ST-LOG, and ANALOG subscriptions that had been
 rolled together, then to be doled out in bi-monthly STart magazines...
 and now, who knows?
 
 
 Z*NET MONTHLY THREATENED BY START FAILURE
 Ripples from the STart magazine closing continue to affect many parts of
 the Atari community.  The latest to fall victim may be Z*Net Monthly, an
 extension of Z*Net International Atari Online.  In production since
 March, 1989, Z*Net Monthly has served over 40 user groups as a
 newsletter supplement.  The costs of Z*Net Monthly were to be subsidized
 by proceeds from STart Magazine's contracted use of Z*Net News material
 in their own magazine.  With an unpaid debt to Z*Net of several thousand
 dollars, STart's closing makes it difficult if not impossible for the
 monthly supplement to continue.  Z*Net also appears in AtariUser 
 Magazine, but revenues lost to STart may cripple the project.  No final
 decision has been made, but the July issue of Z*Net Monthly might well
 be the last.
 
 
 PANTHER DROPPED BY ATARI
 Word from the game design center in Chicago says that Atari has
 completely dropped development of the PANTHER game machine.  Panther was
 to have been a new pinnacle in home game units, using the Motorola 68000
 CPU much like an ST computer.  It was said to be designed to offer
 remarkable graphics with high-power "object oriented" programming that
 would make scaling and 3-D viewpoints easy and fast.  Panther was also
 to interface to the Lynx hand-held game units for multi-player action on
 the home TV.  Official reasons are "technical problems", but insiders
 agree that the most worrisome problem is the "Super Famicom", re-dubbed
 "Super NES" unit from Nintendo.  The Nintendo unit will be commercially
 available long before Panther could have been, and is certain to capture
 the high end of the home game market with Nintendo's command of the
 software industry.  Super NES will also use advanced peripherals like a
 CD ROM and will be compatible with other NES products.  Atari staff say
 that they are now working on "other exciting projects".
 
 
 ATARI PASSES ON CES
 The bi-annual Consumer Electronics Show will be held June 1-4 in
 Atlanta, Georgia.  This conclave of home and entertainment goo-ga's is a
 mecca for game-machine dealers, but Atari will not appear on the CES
 floor this summer.  A lack of new game products, and the cancellation of
 the Panther project are likely reasons for the decision to offer an off-
 site suite for dealers who are seeking Atari product distribution.
 
 
 MORE ON WORDPERFECT FOR ATARI
 Z*Net announced weeks ago that WordPerfect was going to end its Atari
 support after a cancellation of a major order by Atari Germany.  The
 story continues to develop.  The German order was for version 5.1 of
 WordPerfect, which is not yet completed and may now never be.
 WordPerfect programmers had prepared the code and had grafted major
 parts of the NeXT computer version of 5.1 into what was to be the Atari
 version.  Full FSM GDOS management and compatibility was also
 integrated, making the Atari WordPerfect 5.1 perhaps the most advanced
 version that would have been available on any platform.  However, after
 Atari Germany canceled their advance order of 10-15,000 units under
 pressure of German developers, WP contacted Atari in Sunnyvale.  Reports
 vary somewhat, but the result of that talk seems to be that Atari Corp
 will not at this time back WordPerfect by assuring a minimum order.  It
 is said that Atari cold-shouldered WP, saying that "we have our own FSM
 GDOS document processor, called WORDUP!, and we don't need to be funding
 the competition."  WP has left the matter open-ended, and does plan to
 continue the periodic bug-fixes and minor tweaks of the 4.1 version that
 is available for the Atari.  Some Atari officials are working to reverse
 the situation and persuade all parties to take whatever measures needed
 to assure production of WordPerfect 5.1 for the Atari.  Letters to Atari
 and WordPerfect might help.  Atari Corp, attention BIll Rehbock, 1196
 Borregas Ave, Sunnyvale, CA  94088.  WordPerfect Corp, 1555 N.
 Technology Way, Orem, UT  84057.
 
 
 KIDPRGS BUNDLE FOR SCHOOLS
 D.A. Brumleve, developer of Kidprgs, now offers a hardware/software
 bundle designed for children attending a preschool, day care center, at-
 risk program, or Kindergarten - Grade 1.  The package includes a
 1040STe, 11 programs and disk-box, mouse, and mousepad.  Used with a
 color monitor or tv, the package provides a complete computer center for
 a school program aimed at kids ages 2-7.  Brumleve presented the package
 at the Midwest Association for the Education of Young Children
 conference in Des Moines, April 18-20, and was well-received.  Programs
 included with the package include PD and commercial offerings which have
 been specially modified to suit the needs of a classroom setting.
 Interested teachers/directors should contact Dorothy Brumleve at 217-
 337-1937.
 
 
 TIMEPAC-5 NOW AVAILABLE
 A professional time and expense management software package for the
 Atari Portfolio is now available from ONLine Technologies.  The $125 ROM
 card offers menu-driven entry of client job information, and will
 prevent lost billable hours due to the convenience of recording the
 information wherever and whenever it occurs.  ONLine Technologies Inc,
 23715 Mercantile Road #203, Beachwood, OH 44122, 216-831-6160.
 
 
 PAGESTREAM 2.1 AT THE DOOR
 Soft-Logik is now mailing upgrade notices to registered owners of
 Pagestream for the Atari.  The new version, 2.1, is about ready for
 shipping.  Using hinted Compugraphic fonts OR Adobe Type 1 IBM format
 (without hints to non Postscript printers), Pagestream 2.1 displays
 these outline fonts on the screen plus prints them out to laser, dot
 matrix, inkjet, non-postscript and PostScript printers.  Color
 separation features are enhanced, allowing manipulation of eve 24 bit
 color images.  PageStream 2.1 retails for $299.95.  Registered owners of
 previous versions of PageStream can upgrade for a limited time for
 $75.00.  Registered owners of Publishing Partner can upgrade for
 $175.00.  Soft-Logik, 314-894-8608
 
 
 $10,000 COMPUTER CONTEST FOR DISABILITIES SOLUTIONS
 Johns Hopkins University is sponsoring a "National Search for Computing
 Applications to Assist Persons with Disabilities".  Devices and software
 of any kind that assist the nation's 25 million persons with physical or
 learning disabilities are eligible as entries.  First prize in the
 competition is $10,000, with over 100 additional prizes to be offered.
 The program is made possible by grants from the National Science
 Foundation and MCI Communications Corporation.  In conjunction with the
 contest, a national effort including workshops and television events are
 expected to bring the cause to persons of every walk of life.  Science
 Museums across the country will hold exhibitions in December 1991 where
 regional winners will be selected.  The top 30 regional winners will go
 to be exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., where
 the 10 National Winners will be selected and honored.  The eligible 
 solutions can be on or for any type of computer, from the smallest to
 the largest, and need not even be electronic in nature.  A cheap and
 easy to use device that helps a sight-impaired person to read the screen
 might be optical or mechanical, for example.  Louis Biggie, National
 Search Coordinator, contacted Z*Net because he is a believer in the
 ingenuity of Atari owners.  He expects that a number of entries will
 come designed for use on or with Atari Portfolio, ST, or 8-bit
 computers.  A similar search conducted 10 years ago resulted in 8,000
 participants and a wide variety of solutions for the handicapped,
 including a reading and a writing machine for the blind, adaptive
 firmware for Apple II applications, and lots more.  The competition is
 open to US residents, and the entry deadline is August 23, 1991.  Get an
 entry flier from: CAPD, P.O. Box 1200, Laurel, MD  20723.  All invention
 rights remain with the contestant.
 
 
 APPLE CONSOLIDATES OVER NEXT 12 MONTHS
 Apple announced this week that it will restructure parts of the company
 over the next 12 months to reduce operating expenses.  The restructuring
 will include a 10 percent workforce reduction, relocating and
 consolidating some functions and reducing management levels in order to
 reduce expenses.  Apple's current workforce is approximately 15,600
 people, including contractors.  In a related story, The San Francisco
 Chronicle reported last Friday that Apple is considering up to 2,000
 layoffs, or nearly 13 percent of the company's workers.  Also,
 executives quoted by the Wall Street Journal said the company is
 considering dismissing at least 1,000 workers as part of an effort to
 reduce operating expenses by $400 million.  An Apple spokesman would
 not confirm or deny this report.
 
 
 NEW 68040 COMPUTER
 Motorola has introduced the MVME167, a new single board computer based
 on Motorola's MC68040 microprocessor.  This new computer board has all
 of the processor, memory and communications capabilities of a UNIX
 computer on a single VME board, requiring only a power source,
 peripheral devices and enclosure.  The $3,995 MVME167 achieves 20
 million instructions per second performance at 25MHz.
 
 
 SAFARI FONTS DISK - Press Release
 Computer Safari Proudly announces Safari Fonts Disk #6 (formerly Soft-
 Logik #6).  Now #6 is completely updated with fonts for PageStream 1.82
 and 2.1!  Also includes files for Calamus, Calamus Outline, and IBM Type
 1!  Safari Fonts #6 contains 3 display fonts.  Fab Fifties, STENCIL CAPS
 (upper case) and SPEAK EASY (upper case).  Character sets have been
 completely re-designed to follow the conventions of Adobe Type 1 fonts.
 The results are tighter, more precision, higher quality print-outs.
 Curves are smooth and symmetrical.  Kerning pairs adjust letter spacing
 to keep all characters as close together as possible.  Early fonts had
 few or none.  Safari Fonts #6 (PageStream and Type 1) have been
 meticulously adjusted to produce some of the best looking print-outs
 ever!  Fab Fifties has over 1200 pairs!  The Type 1 fonts contain
 "Hints" or instructions to improve the print-out quality.  Postscript
 lasers use "hints" to create 12 point or smaller text.  PageStream 2.1
 allows type 1 fonts to work with any printer.  At the present time,
 Safari Fonts #6 is only available as an upgrade.  Send $12 plus your
 original Soft-Logik Disk #6, or Pierstorff More! Fonts #1.  Available in
 Amiga or Atari Disk formats.  Calamus files are on the Atari ST versions
 only.  We have lots of fonts for PageStream and Calamus!  Contact us for
 our catalog!  Safari Fonts #6 is produced under license to PCG/Megatype.
 Computer Safari, 606 W. Cross St., Woodland, CA 95695, Phone/FAX (916)
 666-1813, GEnie J.PIERSTORFF
 
 

 

 =======================================================================
                     HYPERLINK CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
                     -------------------------------
                           Edited by Ron Kovacs
 =======================================================================
 
 
 <[Vince-Cubed] VINCE.A> George and Dave are here from JMG Software
 tonite to talk about their new product(s).
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> Okey, here's an attempt to upload our opening
 statement.... Welcome to the HyperLINK Conference... Thanks for coming.
 The company is JMG Software, and on this side of the phone line it's
 George Geczy (the programmer & bottle washer) and David Thompson
 (Marketing, administration, other junk like the (gosh!) manual).  The
 product is of course HyperLINK, a multi-media object based application
 generator (wow!), (sort of like Hypercard on the Mac for those of you
 who didn't understand that description).  We are here tonight to talk
 about HyperLINK and answer any questions you may have on it.  We think
 it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.  Well, so so on the upload.
 ask away anyways...
 
 <R.MONFORT1> I have a question about the TT use for Hyperlink.  What
 graphic format can we use?
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> At the moment HyperLINK supports only IMG
 format directly.  on the TT
 
 <R.MONFORT1> Please give a sample of a Hyperlink application.  I have a
 TT.
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> Well, sample HyperLINK apps can vary widely...
 unfortunately, we were not able to get the demo on line here before this
 conference, but to give an example of what we have cooking.  In the demo
 we have two sample apps... one is a baseball card application, where we
 have the data on a player (ie in a dbase database), linked to a scanned
 image of the card, and also linked to a text file giving more details on
 the player.
 
 As a second example, we have a Europe-map demo.  The main screen is a
 map of Europe, and you can click on a country to get a database screen
 about that country, and then you can click on icons to either 1) show a
 picture of their flag, 2) play their anthem, or 3) show a text file.
 
 <[Ken] SFRT-ASST> First off, you mention DBase III.  Does that mean that
 any book on DBase will help with programming the database part of
 HyperLINK?  Second, do you have DeskJet 500 support?  And third, I would
 like to  compare two files (GEnie Addresses) and place the names that
 are different into a third file.  Will HyperLINK allow me to do that?
 And last, how easy is it to input data into a HyperLINK application?
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> First, No.  Second, No.  Third, No.  to explain
 in more detail...
 
 First, HyperLINK uses dbase data files, not command programs.  The
 scripting language in HyperLINK (which is actually not in the first
 release in a "real" way, but will be very shortly) has some dbase
 commands as part of it, but it is based on a much different type of
 language ( psst... Hypertalk... but don't tell apple!)
 
 So, only dbase data files are directly transferrable.  Second point,
 HyperLINK will only support graphics printers through GDOS.  (don't all
 boo at once!).  This support (ie graphics printing) will be showing up
 in a month or so, as soon as I play with FSMGDOS.  Third, I don't know..
 let me think about it.
 
 Last point... It is VERY easy to input data into a hyperlink application
 (hap, we call 'em) Bascially, just create the layout of the database
 (in the "builder"provided) on the screen, save it, and presto! start
 inputting data.
 
 <A.CHESLEY> You stated that Hyperlink is an object oriented system.
 This implies that the "objects" are in some way intellegent, that is
 they "know" what they can do.  Is that intelligence based in the data or
 in drivers for each media?
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> Well, we're working that way.  It would be
 another year before HyperLINK would be release if that got fully
 implemented first time around.  But, the capability is built into
 HyperLINK.  For now, most of the onus of object "capabilities" (ie
 "code", etc) is defined by a combination of two things: 1)user settings
 on the app building, and 2) defaults assumed by HyperLINK.  The user
 settings can be quite powerful, but confusing.
 
 <A.CHESLEY> That is, is the "code" that controls the way the data is
 handled/displayed part of the data file or is there a separate driver
 that handles it?  Also, will you be releasing info on "handles" that
 allow new "objects" to be integrated into the Hyperlink system as they
 are invented or will you be keeping that info as part of your additional
 "value-added" to the basic system.
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> At present, new objects are defined by their
 controlling "modules" (ie sub-programs) that the user can load in.  For
 instance, basic HyperLINK comes with modules for database, text,
 graphics, sound, animation (page-flipping), and maybe a hokey speech
 module soon.
 
 In the future, we'll release MIDI, CD-ROM, and others.  As well, we'll
 be releasing the info on how to program (ie in C) your own modules for
 HyperLINK to support your own objects.  These will integrate seamlessly
 into the whole object system. PS - we may also release some "specialty"
 modules,for which we'll charge a bit (not much!).
 
 <[Z-Net] T.SCHREIBER1> I have two questions - first is the database able
 to be constructed so it can be in read only format?  That is that data
 can be accessed but not changed?
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> It's possible to make the files "Read Only" but
 there will be better support for this in the future.
 
 <[Z-Net] T.SCHREIBER1> Secondly - will communications support be built
 in or supported for access by modem?
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> That might be one of the future modules we
 develop or that a third party may develop.  For now there wasn't much
 reason for it.  HOWEVER... Network support!  That's another story!
 
 <DRAFTERY> Does hyperlink have a runtime module which will allow us to
 distribute our applications?
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT>> Ah, the infamous "run time module" question!
 Well, yes, there will be a "Run-only" version, but unfortunately there
 will not be a "run-time" generator.  The reason for this is due to the
 mish-mash of modules etc required to run most apps; it's just very
 difficult to make a "compiler" type thing.
 
 <T.OSBORNE> I have a question about random event generation for modeling
 is that support by the Language in HyperLINK?  Also, what are the system
 requirements, and availability of the Hyperlink package?
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> When the full scripting language is released
 next month, it will contain commands related to random number
 generation, etc, that could be used that way.
 
 <[Vince-Cubed] VINCE.A> Also, what is the price of the package?
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> HyperLINK is currently available only directly,
 at a special intro price of $99 US.  When the price goes up to $149
 middle of next month, three things will change:
 
 1) Dealers will carry it (distributors too, of course.
 2) "missing" pieces like scripting, report generator, etc will be there
 3) the manual will be better.
 
 All intro purchasers will receive free upgrades for at least 90 days,
 including manual updates.
 
 <[Vince-Cubed] VINCE.A> Any closing comments?
 
 <[George&David] JMGSOFT> Just to say keep an eye open for the demos/info
 we'll be uploading soon, and don't forget to take a look if you're
 visiting the Vancouver show, and the intro special expires right after
 vancouver... Any questions or requests for info can be directed to our
 GE mail address, JMGSOFT.  we will be preparing some mail-out brochures
 as well.
 
 (C) 1991 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables.  May be
 reprinted only with this notice intact.  The Atari Roundtables on GEnie
 are *official* information services of Atari Corporation.  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 XJM11877,GEnie
 and hit RETURN.  The system will prompt you for your information.
 
 



 =======================================================================
                           BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST
                           --------------------
                              Press Release
 =======================================================================
 
 
 The Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts (BRACE) invite you to our 2nd
 Annual Blue Ridge AtariFest.  THE BIGGEST LITTLE ATARIFEST IN THE
 SOUTHEAST, Confirmed exhibitors:
 
   Atari Corp. (Mgr of User Group Services) ..... Bob Brodie
   Double Click Software ........................ Mike Vederman
   Dragon Studio - MIDI demo .................... Mike Cloninger
   GEnie ST Roundtable SysOp .................... Darlah Pine
   Goldleaf Publishing ..........................
   ICD Inc ...................................... Jeffrey Williams
   ISD Marketing (Calumus, DynaCADD, etc.)
                  and Pres. of the IAAD ......... Nathan Potechin
   KAUG; MIDI demo .............................. Eric White
   KAUG ......................................... Mary Pinckard
   kidprgs ...................................... D.A. Brumleve
   K5/K5M voice librarian demo .................. Dr. Timothy Brumleve
   ST-Report .................................... Ralph Mariano
   Willard Productions (DeskTop Video) .......... Clifton Willard
      
 Tentative exhibitors:
     
   Step Ahead Software  (Tracker ST) ............ Nevin Shalit
   
 Seminars:
     
   D.A. Brumleve ..... Topic and time being verified      
     
 We would like for anyone interested to add his or her name to the list
 above in putting on a demo of what you do best with the Atari computer.
 (Word processing, Desktop publishing, games, graphics, etc.).
 Developers, individuals and user groups are welcome to reserve a booth
 space -- cost is FREE!
 
 Where: Westgate Shopping Center - Asheville, N.C.
 
 Take any major highway into Asheville (US 19-23, US 26 or I-40) to the
 I-240 loop, then take the "Westgate/Hilton Inn Drive exit" into the
 Westgate Shopping Center parking lot.
 
 When:  20 July 1991
 Time:  12:00 to 6:00+
 
 Points of contact:
      
 Van Estes, BRACE Pres.       Clifford E. Allen, V.Pres.
 704-685-8358                 GEnie: C.Allen17
                              704-258-3758
     
 Sheldon Winick
 GEnie: S.WINICK
 Computer STudio 704-251-0201
 
 Come for the day or come for the weekend, but do come and enjoy
 yourself.
 

 
 
 =======================================================================
                       CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT'S GAME ROOM
                       ----------------------------
                            by Drew Reid Kerr
 =======================================================================
 
 
 Editors Note:  Comments for Drew can be sent email via GEnie at D.KERR1
 
 
 
 Suddenly, it's 2am, and you're desperately trying to convert your smog
 ridden SimCity town into a full-fledged city.  Whoah, I've got to get to
 work tomorrow, you tell yourself... but I'll just add a few more
 residential zones and see what happens....Another half hour passes...
 an earthquake hit and suddenly it's a scramble for the fire departments.
 outside, you hear the birds chirping... now you don't need your night
 light.... You stumble into the bathroom, look into the mirror and
 mutter, "Oh God, just grow up!"
 
 Every month, we're going to dish the dirt on Atari ST entertainment.
 Needless to say, if you go to your local computer stores, you'll be
 lucky to find more than half a dozen titles.  But due to the marvels of
 international shipping and mail order, the hottest European games are
 accessible everywhere, so no excuses!
 
 STE ALERT!!

 Some games have been coming to my attention that are incompatible with
 the STE, so beware before you purchase: Populous (Electronic Arts), F-29
 Retalliator (Electronic Arts/Ocean), Puzznic (Ocean), and Stunt Car
 Driver (Microstyle).
 
 SIMCITY UPDATE
 
 If you don't know by now, the U.S. version of SimCity has a virus and
 should be mailed back to Maxis as soon as possible for clean copies!
 
 If you're looking for some PD additions for SC, go to the software
 libraries and check out TERRAFORM.ARC and SIMCTOT.ARC.  One of a
 combination budget cheater/terrain editor while the other helps you
 count zones so you can carefully monitor the growth of your city.  In 
 the new issue of STart, there's a good desktop accessory cheat that acts
 as a "loan provider" and will add some dough to your coffers.
 
 There are now two guidebooks for SC on the market -- "The SimCity
 Planning Commission Handbook" by Johnny L. Wilson ($14.95, McGraw-Hill)
 and "Master SimCity/SimEarth" by Dan Derrick and Dennis Derrick ($19.95,
 SAMS).  Unless you have a third grade reading level, the book to
 purchase is Wilson's -- it's intelligent, explains many planning
 theories in depth and the computer mechanisms that create an urban
 environment.  I learned almost nothing from the Derrick book and it was
 pretty silly.
 
 GAMES TICKER
 
 The best package to arrive from Europe in months is the new one
 combining SimCity and Populous for one inexpensive price!  Check out
 these two masterpieces...  Still awaiting SimCity Architecture Disks,
 which are already out for the PC.  Like the Populous Data Disks, you can
 create cities in Ancient Rome or the far-out future...  Also delayed but
 should be out any day now is Midwinter II:  Flames Of Freedom, a sequel
 to last year's fabulous strategy/adventure game... Lemmings (Psygnosis)
 took Best Computer Game honors at the European Computer Leisure Awards
 in London...Vektor Graphics (Fighter Bomber) is programming a space
 shuttle simulator for Virgin for late 1991 release...  By the time you
 read this, the Bitmap Brothers' Gods will be out....
 
 POWERMONGER SECRETS
 
 Here are some tips about one of the year's best games, hands down:
 
 o Don't kill all the sheep or something very strange happens.
 o Enlist a shephard with sheep into your army as a portable food source.
 o For an invincible army, gather 10 people with boats, bows and arrows
   and attack from the water.
 o To speed up building a cannon or catapult, make your Captain
   aggressive before clicking on the town and then click Invent.  After
   10 seconds, click on the Invent icon again and then on the town.
 o Try chopping down all the trees in the world for a strange
   consequence.
 
 TEAM YANKEE (EMPIRE) VS. M1 TANK PLATOON (MICROPROSE)
 
 Two tank simulators vying for your attention and bucks.  They're very
 different, so I'll explain what I like about them and you decide:

 M1 TANK
 Like all Microprose product, this comes with a "War And Peace" - style
 manual that not only explains this very detailed simulation, but is
 virtually a primer on tanks, period.  It'll probably take you a few go's
 through the book to finally comprehend what the gist is and then you're
 off to artillery practice!
 
 As opposed to Team Yankee, you can only see one tank's view at a time.
 The graphics are slightly chunky but very good.  Sound is about as good
 as it gets -- a lot of white noise explosions.  Although I am a big fan
 of Microprose (Red Storm Rising, F-19 Stealth Fighter and Gunship are
 three of the all-time best simulations), I find M1 slower going than the
 others.  I think the realistic detail for a tank simulation makes it
 denser to get into.  Tanks are slow-moving beasts as it is,  so patience
 is definitely required.  For tank/Microprose fanatics only.

 TEAM Y
 Created by the Brits and based on Harold Coyle's bestseller about one
 American tank platoon during a war with the Russians.  The game attempts
 to actually simulate incidents and battles in the book (all described in
 the manual).
 
 The TY approach is considerably lighter than M1 and the guidebook is
 understandably breezier.  You get four tank views at once,  giving you a
 little more of a "platoon" concept.  TY is easy on the tank's mechanical
 details, which makes for better gameplay.  The practice range is
 logically thought-out with a parade of opposing vehicles to kick off the
 activities.  The game's most noticeable drawback is the relatively small
 amount of missions, especially compared to M1.  TY is definitely the
 mainstream choice.
 
                                 **
 
 Drop me a line through GEnie at D.KERR1 and let me know:  what are your
 playing now?  What games have been bombs for you?  If you have one of
 the tank simulations,  what do you think?  Any Powermonger, Red Storm
 Rising or F-19 tips you want to share?
 
 ABSOLUTELY WORTH YOUR WHILE:  Speedball 2, Night Shift, Lemmings, 
 Captive, B.A.T., UMS II, Tower of Babel.
 

  


 =======================================================================
                            MIST ATARIFEST III
                            ------------------
                              Press Release
 =======================================================================
 
 
 Saturday July 27th, Indianapolis, Indiana
 
 Bob Brodie has CONFIRMED his attendance for the Third Annual AtariFest!!
 Thanks, Bob!!
 
 For a third year, an AtariFest is planned at Indianapolis, Indiana on
 Saturday, July 27th, sponsored jointly by the user groups at
 Indianapolis, Bloomington and Purdue known as MIST (Mid-Indiana ST).
 The show was formerly titled the MIST SwapFest, and took place in
 Nashville, Indiana.
 
 Past shows have seen folks like D.A.Brumleve, SKWare One, AIM, MS
 Designs, Computer Works, Cal Com, One Stop, T&H, and others.  Last
 year's show was quite successful, and this year looks like it'll be even
 better!  D.A.Brumleve, AIM, Compuserve, Clear Thinking, MS Designs and
 others have commited to attend this year.  We have tentatively lined up
 ISD, and are working hard on other developers.
 
 MIST AtariFest III will be held at the Castleton Mall Conference Center
 on the north side of Indianapolis.  The address is: 6385 Castleplace
 Drive, Indianapolis, In.  46250-1902.  There will be specific directions
 in a later posting.  Public admission to the 'Fest will be $3.00, and
 will include a raffle ticket.  We will be raffling hardware from Atari
 Corp, and software from attending vendors and developers.  Additional
 raffle tickets will be available for purchase.
 
 Our location this year provides us with two rooms, with a total of
 nearly 4000 square feet.  Tables for vendors will be approx. 3'x6', with
 power provided, although you should bring your own power strips.  The
 tables will sell to vendors and developers for $50.00 for the first
 table, and $25.00 for each additional table.
 
 Anyone interested in attending or reserving vendor/developer tables
 should contact MIST by one of the below methods:
 
 Leave mail on GEnie to W.LORING1, or D.WARD10
 
 Call the BL.A.ST BBS at (812)332-0573  2400bps, 24 hours.  Write us at
 BL.A.ST, PO Box 1111, Bloomington, IN. 47402
 
 Call William Loring at (812)336-8103, or Dan Ward at (317)254-0031
 
 Vendor packets are available.  If you didn't receive one in the first
 mailing, PLEASE let us know!  We want you to attend our show!
 
 Brought to you by MIST (Mid-Indiana ST).  We are ASCII (Atari St
 Computers In Indianapolis), BL.A.ST (BLoomington Atari ST), and PAUG
 (Purdue Atari User Group).
 
 Thanks for your interest, and we'll see you at the 'Fest!!
 
 Sincerely, William Loring, President of BL.A.ST
 

 
 
 

 =======================================================================
                             CIS 9600 UPDATE
                             ---------------
                             Ctsy CompuServe
 =======================================================================
 
 
 Following is an updated listing of CompuServe Local Access Nodes for
 V.32 9600 baud modems.
 
 CIS 9600 baud is billed at $22.50 per hour.  GO RATES for further
 information.
 
 Dates in parentheses indicate "effective date" for new nodes.
 
 City           State Net   AC   Access #
 ----------------------------------------
 Atlanta         GA   CS    404  841-0578
 Baltimore       MD   CS    301  337-0026
 Cambridge       MA   CS    617  661-7071
 Charlotte       NC   CS    704  358-8991
 Cherry Hill     NJ   CS    609  667-8865 (5/23)
 Chicago         IL   CS    312  201-0711
 Chicago         IL   CS    312  693-4100
 Cincinnati      OH   CS    513  771-0592
 Cleveland       OH   CS    216  623-0007
 Columbus        OH   CS    614  792-0669
 Dallas          TX   CS    214  720-9183
 Dayton          OH   CS    513  224-4576
 Denver          CO   CS    303  595-0123
 Detroit         MI   CS    313  535-1466
 Fairfax         VA   CS    703  591-0461
 Ft. Worth       TX   CS    817  685-2737
 Grand Rapids    MI   CS    616  956-0075
 Greenville      SC   CS    803  232-5328
 Hartford        CT   CS    203  727-8708
 Honolulu        HI   CS    808  528-0430
 Houston         TX   CS    713  460-2705
 Indianapolis    IN   CS    317  638-8129
 Jacksonville    FL   CS    904  730-0046
 Kansas City     MO   CS    816  221-3817
 Los Angeles     CA   CS    213  624-3730
 Macon           GA   CS    912  922-2179 (5/23)
 Miami           FL   CS    305  262-9325
 Minneapolis     MN   CS    612  339-1805
 New York        NY   CS    212  766-2080
 Newport Beach   CA   CS    714  252-1131
 Norfolk         VA   CS    804  461-5354 (5/21)
 Orlando         FL   CS    407  896-6122
 Philadelphia    PA   CS    215  563-3586
 Phoenix         AZ   CS    602  468-0285
 Pittsburgh      PA   CS    412  471-6417
 Portland        OR   CS    503  238-6729
 Rochelle Park   NJ   CS    201  368-0912
 Saginaw         MI   CS    517  753-5100
 Salt Lake City  UT   CS    801  521-9777
 San Diego       CA   CS    619  467-9508
 San Francisco   CA   CS    415  434-1580
 Santa Clara     CA   CS    408  727-8113
 Savannah        GA   CS    912  353-8559 (5/21)
 Seattle         WA   CS    206  242-9992
 St. Louis       MO   CS    314  421-5651
 Stamford        CT   CS    203  324-1115
 Tampa           FL   CS    813  229-3200
 Toledo          OH   CS    419  242-5706 
 Troy            MI   CS    313  244-8740
 Tucson          AZ   CS    602  571-0207
 Tulsa           OK   CS    918  621-1036 


 
 
 
 =======================================================================
                           Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF
                           --------------------
                            by Ron Berinstein
 =======================================================================
 
 **** CodeHead Quarters BBS, 1610 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA  90028 ****
 
 
 The following is the truth and nothing but the truth, though certain
 filenames have been changed in order to protect the innocent.  The
 country is the U.S.A. The date is now.  The subject is those that are
 willing to risk your hard drive's life and the life of your files and
 their loved ones.
 
 Tony became irate.  It seems that his computer's mouse pointer went to
 the left when he moved it to the right, and to the right when he moved
 it to the left.  The diagnosis: A computer virus.  No, his computer
 didn't start to cough, though Tony may have begun to.  What happened was
 that some "hacker" wrote a program capable of replicating itself.  As
 events unfolded it became clear that all of Tony's floppy disks had
 become infected, as all of his floppies were regularly inserted into his
 computer.  In Tony's case the damage was minimal, in other cases, entire
 databases can be wiped out.
 
 The sentence for virus writing and subsequent tampering with someone
 else's computer system can no doubt be serious jail time.  How can you
 protect yourself from this either annoying or potentially devastating
 situation?  You can do so by regularly checking the boot sector of your
 disks and your drive for irregularities.  Any disk you obtain should be
 checked.  Spiteful employees have been known to infect commercial
 software disks as well.  Disks that have been traded, and those that you
 just acquired should all be checked.  One note though, certain disks,
 particularly game program disks, require "executable boot sectors."  As
 such, those should not be "killed."
 
 For protection against virus infection download George Woodside's
 VKILLR.LZH.  The newest version is 3.84 and has many new features.  This
 program is perfect for checking floppy disks, and Mr. Woodside, the
 author, has long been recognized as a pioneer and expert in the
 detection of ST viruses.  Also, HOSPITAL.LZH is a very complete set of
 European designed virus detectors.
 
 And now for our regularly scheduled list of currently available files
 that deserve your attention.
 
 Under the Heading of: "New and Improved!"
 
 B_BUX_14.ARC  is the current version of Big Bux.  New features include,
 stock options analysis, growth rate, etc.  By the way, I can give you my
 analysis of stock options... They are ONLY for those prepared to loose
 their investments!  For the authors, you'll just have to download the
 program. <smile>
 
 OCULT1_8.ARC  is the newest version of the hard drive security program.
 Hmmm.. some might wonder if it might work for Prodigy users.. <smile>
 
 TACCAT2F.ARC  is the current "TAC-CAT Librarian/Orderer."  If you
 maintain a group disk catalog, this may be for you.  Create, maintain,
 and print your lists.  Your group members can use the "Orderer" program
 to order the disks they choose.
 
 TN_PCALC.LZH  is version 1.25 of the "programmer's calculator."  It
 fixes prior bugs, provides TT support and will run in Low Res.  This,
 plus it gives C programmers an extra function to make them happy.
 
 STWEL40.ARC  represents a close of an era.  As I recall, ST Writer
 almost existed before STs did!  This is the latest, but also the LAST
 upgrade.  As promised by the author it includes TT support.  It has
 fully configurable format settings, tab choice capability, screen color
 options, and three ST, as well as three TT resolutions.  STWGERSP.ARC
 provides German and Spanish versions of the program.  Download
 STWELDOC.ARC for the "docs."
 
 CLASS_30.ARC  will yield the best yet version of Class, ideal for
 teachers who would like to chart student data.
 
 TOOLS1.ARC  is version 1.1 of ST Tools, fashioned after PC Tools.
 Directory trees, Hex dumping of files, sectors and memory, FAT listing,
 improved scrolling, and file search routines.
 
 NAARJEK2.ARC  is the answer to all of you that played version number
 one, and felt it was too easy.  Good Luck! <smile>
 
 RESAMP2.LZH  is Resample, a program designed to convert digitalized
 sound files to the sample rates supported by the STE and TT computers.
 It will also save converted files back to disk and play them, i.e. if
 you have a computer with DMA sound.
 
 DMJGIF20.LZH  improves upon it's first edition.  All bugs are now fixed.
 (Hmm, you'll have to be the judge of that!)  Full Ste support, high
 dithering, the ability to save work in SPC or SPU formats, and it will
 handle interlaced, or non-interlaced pictures.  Plus, it gives ST folks
 the chance to see STe pics!  Editors Note:  It can take up to 20 minutes
 to covert a GIF graphic, so beware!!
 
 RT_MOVE2.ARC  is Alex Hamilton's new project.  This is for TOS 1.4
 operators only, and it fixes the previous difficulty found with HOTSAVER
 installed.
 
 Under the Heading: "DEMOnstrative!"
 
 TT_WARS1.LZH (353k) and DAT1.DAT (625k) provide together what is the
 latest in TT demos.  It is both animation and sound featuring digitized
 pictures from Star Wars.  Ste's can hear the sound but will not be able
 to display the digitalized pictures.. And, actually if you consider
 download time, maybe renting the video might be a better idea! <smile>
 
 ST_HDCB.ARC is a small program that allows you to turn on your ST and
 your hard drive at the same time.  This is possible because of the delay
 that the programs orders up for the computer while the Hard drive is
 warming up.
 
 Two sources for finding directory "sort" programs include:
 
 DIR.LZH  which can search a path or a partition and sort the data with
 any of several criteria as it's objective.
 
 SORTIE.LZH  Sortie v. 1.0 will sort any directory as well.  It will do
 so either in unattended "batch" mode, or in "manual" mode making use of
 a file selector.
 
 CNVERT.ARC  is a utility for changing text files to delimited files
 which then can be imported into several popular databases.
 
 OKI400.LZH provides a printer driver for Wordwriter fans choosing an
 HPII laser as their printer solution.
 
 BENCH.LZH is a beta version of a new benchmark program for the ST/STe/
 TT.  The author needs your input.  Now here is your chance to be a
 "Beta Tester."  You'll find the file on CompuServe.
 
 SERIALNO.PRG  was written by John Eidsvoog so that folks can see quickly
 the serial numbers of their floppies.  This might be particularly useful
 if you were victimized recently by a fast disk copier that was fast, but
 was also VERY complete... it copied the same serial number to every
 disk!  <moan>
 
 Attention owners of early TT and Mega STe models!
 
 SERPTCH2.LZH  weighs in at only 3.5k but it fixes some of the problems
 with the serial port!  If you have TT TOS (up to 3.05), or STe TOS (up
 to 2.05), download this file.
 
 The above files were compiled by Ron Berinstein co-sysop CodeHead 
 Quarters BBS (213) 461-2095 from files that were either directly
 uploaded to CodeHead Quarters BBS, or downloaded from GEnie, Compuserve,
 and Delphi online services. 


 
 
 =======================================================================
                    REVIEWLETS FROM ATARIUSER MAGAZINE
                    ==================================
                   Copyright (C)1991, Quill Publishing
 =======================================================================
 
 
 The following "Reviewlets" are reprinted from the May, 1991 Issue of
 AtariUser Magazine, by permission.  Further reprinting of this column is
 prohibited without specific permission of Quill Publishing, 113 West
 College Street, Covina, CA 91723.  AtariUser magazine is published
 monthly and covers the entire line of Atari computing products.  For a
 subscription ($15) or to arrange free bulk delivery to user groups,
 contact AtariUser Magazine at 800-333-3567.
 
 
 GramSlam for Better Writing (ST, TT)
 
 GramSlam is a Grammar and Style Checker by Phil Comeau Software.  The
 new GramSlam Version 3.01 checks for over 1200 common grammar and
 writing-style problems.  As the manual states, GramSlam "...examines
 documents for wordy phrases, common grammatical errors, and misused
 words.  Each suspect word or phrase is displayed in the context in which
 it appears, along with a description of the problem and a suggestion of
 how you might correct it."  GramSlam has a built-in problem phrase
 editor and also gives you writing style and readability statistics.  It
 can be run as a desk accessory or from the desktop.  Although GramSlam
 works with any word processor documents, it delivers most accurate
 results (word count, etc.) if checking an ASCII text file with no
 imbedded control codes.

 GramSlam also offers different reporting levels.  For example, Level 4
 adds checking for archaic words, while level 3 checks for contractions
 and Double Negatives.  You'd want to omit contractions when you're
 writing a formal document.

 Unlike more sophisticated (and expensive!) grammar checkers available on
 other platforms, GramSlam doesn't check your context to see if your word
 usage is already correct.  It locates typical trouble words and phrases,
 like "their", or "it's", or a preposition ending a sentence, and reports
 that there is a potential for a usage problem.  You have to decide,
 although the program supplies examples of correct alternative usages.
 If you figure you don't need help on the matter reported, you can select
 "Don't report this problem again", but then you risk missing a later
 actual error.
 
 I find that GramSlam is a little more picky than I am... but then, why
 else use it?  But then again, I tend to write a little casually, so this
 program is a must for me.  I suggest that students buy it for use in
 writing term papers.  Also, budding authors might find GramSlam might
 make the difference between getting an article accepted or being
 rejected.  $39.95 from Phil Comeau Software, 43 Rueter St. Nepean,
 Ontario Canada K2J 3Z9, (613) 825-6271.    - John King Tarpinian


 Hard Drivin' II - Drive Harder (ST)
 
 In many ways, Hard Drivin' II is not so much a sequel as a remake.
 Although the original Hard Drivin' lived up to the arcade version in
 almost every way possible, some were disappointed that it didn't offer
 more.  Once you mastered the one track, the game lost much of its
 appeal.  Fortunately, Hard Drivin' II addresses most of the shortcomings
 of the original by offering four new, generally more difficult tracks at
 three difficulty levels, as well as a track editor and the ability to
 link machines together to allow head-to-head racing.

 Using the built-in editor, you can create your own tracks or customize
 any of the original four tracks.  One nice thing about the track editor
 is that you can make the original tracks a little easier to handle if
 they are too tough for you.

 You can use either the joystick or the mouse.  But although the manual
 claims an improvement with controller handling from the original, I
 found the mouse was the only way to go.  With the joystick, the car was
 just way too easy to oversteer, and I would recommend it only for the
 very best drivers.
 
 When I tried the game using the 16mHz accelerator in my 520STFM, it came
 up just fine, and with a much faster screen refresh rate.
 Unfortunately, the joystick handling was twice as sensitive, so my
 warning about the joystick goes double.  If you use the mouse, however,
 the game is very controllable at 16mhz, and in fact offers a whole new
 dimension in play, because although the game is happening so much
 faster, the timer still clicks off at the correct speed, which means
 it's very easy to reach your checkpoints.

 I also had a chance to try the game on a TT030, and although it did
 work, it was so unbelievably fast that there was just no way I could
 control it.  I can't wait for a game like this designed with the TT030
 in mind.

 Hard Drivin' II will be enjoyed by anyone who likes driving games.  If
 driving games aren't your cup of tea, I recommend you take a look
 anyway, because Hard Drivin' II may make you change your mind.  $49.95,
 from Domark (Import)        - Michael Alfred


 Blockout - A Tetris Buster (ST, Lynx)

 Tetris inspired an entire genre of games, and Blockout provides pleasing
 new twists to what is by now a familiar theme.  In contrast to the flat,
 two-dimensional side view of falling game parts in Tetris, Blockout
 presents the player with a three dimensional view of a pit 10 spaces
 wide by 10 spaces tall, by about 18 spaces deep, as viewed by the top.
 Instead of filling a horizontal row of 10 blocks, you have to fill an
 entire level of 100 blocks in order to clear it!  Fortunately, you have
 that much extra room to place blocks.  Unfortunately, that also makes it
 just all that much harder to plan how you arrange the blocks.
 
 Blockout allows you to rotate the pieces in all three dimensions, and
 this is where the game really gets interesting.  Nearly every piece can
 fill a hole somewhere, as long as you can figure it out before the piece
 reaches the bottom.

 Despite similarities, Blockout ultimately stands out as being a
 significantly different game than Tetris in many ways.  The differences
 in perspective and how you rotate the blocks dramatically increase the
 strategic considerations of the game.

 Graphically, the game is not stunning.  Most of the screen is taken up
 by the three-dimensional block pit.  The blocks themselves are three-
 dimensional wireframe outlines as they fall, changing into solid-colored
 blocks as they reach the bottom of the pit.  The game features music
 while you play, tends to get annoying in long playing sessions.
 However, graphics and music aren't what this game is all about, so none
 of this should bother anybody too much.  This game is about playability,
 and it's got that!

 By the time you read this, a version of Blockout for the Atari Lynx
 handheld color video game system should have appeared.  But regardless
 of which system you have, I strongly recommend you check out Blockout.
 From California Dreams (by LDW)            - Michael Alfred
 
 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Z*Net  International  Atari  Online Magazine  is  a  weekly  publication 
 covering the Atari ST/TT/MEGA community.   Reprint permission is granted 
 as  long  as  each  article  contains  the  author  and  the  following: 
 "Reprinted from Z*Net Online,  Issue #91-22".  Some articles that appear 
 in  this  issue MAY NOT BE reprinted and contain  information  from  the 
 original source of the material.  This online magazine is NOT affiliated 
 with Atari Corporation.   Entire contents,  except where otherwise noted 
 is Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries Incorporated.
 ========================================================================
 ========================================================================
-- 
Michael Current   '93|           Internet : currentm@carleton.edu         
Carleton College     | Cleveland Free-Net : aj848 
Northfield, MN 55057 |     (507) 663-4962


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