Z*Net 22-Nov-91 #9149

From: Bruce D. Nelson (aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 11/24/91-12:26:21 PM Z


From: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: Z*Net 22-Nov-91 #9149
Date: Sun Nov 24 12:26:21 1991



 | (((((((( |         Z*Net International Atari Online Magazine
 |      ((  |         -----------------------------------------
 |    ((    |         November 22, 1991            Issue #91-49
 |  ((      |         -----------------------------------------
 | (((((((( |         Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc.
 |          |         Post Office Box 59,  Middlesex,  NJ 08846
 |    ((    |
 |  ((((((  |                        CONTENTS
 |    ((    |
 |          |  * The Editors Desk............................Ron Kovacs
 | (((   (( |  * Z*Net Exclusive-History of Artifex Board..Mike Schuetz
 | ((((  (( |  * Z*Net Newswire........................................
 | (( (( (( |  * Midi-Update.........................AtariUser Magazine
 | ((  (((( |  * Final Chicago ComputerFest Update.....................
 | ((   ((( |  * Goldleaf Update..........................Press Release
 |          |  * Silhouette Version 1.25..................Press Release
 | (((((((  |  * Z*Net Software Shelf....................Ron Berinstien
 | ((       |  * Raytrace User Group...................................
 | (((((    |
 | ((       |
 | (((((((  |  ~ Publisher/Editor............................Ron Kovacs
 |          |  ~ Editor.......................................John Nagy
 | (((((((( |  ~ Z*Net Newswire Ltd..........................Jon Clarke
 |    ((    |  ~ Contributing Editor.....................Bruce Hansford
 |    ((    |  ~ PD Software Reviews.....................Ron Berinstein
 |    ((    |  ~ Reporter....................................Mike Brown
 |    ((    |  ~ Assistant News Editor.......................Mike Davis
 =======================================================================
 Z*NET SUPPORT SYSTEMS - USA:
                          Z*NET - (908) 968-8148
                          CCBBS - (609) 451-7475
                        THE GARAGE - (618) 344-8466
 =======================================================================
 * THE EDITORS DESK                                        by Ron Kovacs
 =======================================================================


 The Chicago ComputerFest By Atari is on for this weekend.  Z-Net will be
 reporting "live" from the show and have reports throughout the weekend
 on our BBS and other online services.  The live reports are scheduled
 on GEnie is the ATARI ST RT at 5pm eastern time, 2pm pacific.  Please
 attend if you have the time!  The final update about this event appears
 in this issue.

 ERRATA

 Last week we ran a story in our Newswire about Atari looking at NEW
 chips.  R.J. ROBINSON actually wrote the comments on GEnie in the Atari
 ST Bulletin Board's Catagory 18, Topic 15, Message Number 59.  John Nagy
 captured the message and for some strange reason forgot about crediting
 the original writer, of which he apologizes.  Sorry for the error!




 =======================================================================
                             Z*NET EXCLUSIVE
       HISTORY OF ARTIFEX' TOS EXTENSION CARD AND ATARI'S TOS 2.06
 =======================================================================
 by Michael Schuetz


 Since there seems to have developed some confusion on American OnLine
 Services like GEnie and Delphi about one of our products here in
 Germany, Artifex Computer has decided to shed some light on the
 situation by providing the following report to ZNET for immediate
 publication:


 When the Atari TT was launched in Germany at last years' Atari fair in
 Duesseldorf in August, the new TOS was one of the biggest surprises.  A
 few weeks later the Mega STE was introduced at COMDEX in Las Vegas and
 everyone was pleased to see that the new machine also included a new TOS
 with a highly improved Desktop.

 At this point many users of the "old" ST models jealously looked at the
 new TOS 2.05 and it's additional features hoping that a solution would
 be found to make the new TOS also work on old ST models soon.

 The problems to solve were that TOS 2.05 had the size of about 256 KB
 (TOS 1.0x: 192 KB) and that it was meant to run at different memory
 location than the older TOS versions.  Also, TOS 2.05 of course made use
 of the special STE hardware (DMA-sound, enhanced color palette, hardware
 scrolling etc.).  The old models lacked these features and calls of
 these routines would result in bus errors.

 Shortly before the Atari Messe in Duesseldorf this August two German
 developers of Artifex Computer succeeded in creating a slightly modified
 TOS 2.05 that - in conjunction with a small hardware device, called the
 TOS Extension card - would make the new operating system run on ALL
 known ST models, no matter what their year and make.  Talks between
 Atari officials (among them Bill Rehbock and Leonard Tramiel) and
 Artifex during and after the show in Duesseldorf revealed that Atari
 itself had been working on a new TOS version called TOS 2.06 that should
 substitute 2.05 (which is - as all TOS versions with odd numbers as the
 last digit - a preliminary non-ROM version).

 After a while Artifex succeeded in convincing Atari to include the
 modifications required for running on "old" STs in their new 2.06
 version.  Artifex provided Atari with the routines and patches that they
 had used to make TOS 2.05 work on the old STs.  Atari included those -
 and some other - modifications in 2.06.  From that point on Artifex
 tested over the last couple of weeks preliminary versions of TOS 2.06 in
 conjunction with their TOS Extension Card in old ST models.

 About one week ago Atari US declared TOS 2.06 to be finally ready for
 release.  As soon as the first series production batch of TOS 2.06 sets
 has been flown in via air courier to Frankfurt and has passed customs,
 shipping of the TOS Extension Card WITH TOS 2.06 on board will start in
 Germany.  We expect this to happen within the month of November or the
 first days of December.

 At first TOS 2.06 will be available in Germany only in conjunction with
 the TOS Extension Card from Artifex.  Atari Germany so far has not
 announced when TOS 2.06 upgrade kits only consisting of the ROMs - for
 use in 1040STEs and Mega STEs - will be made available.

 TOS 2.06 features

 Before I start describing the TOS Extension Card hardware let me just
 summarize the basic features of TOS 2.06:

 TOSS 2.06 differs from earlier TOS versions in various points.  The most
 important feature without doubt is the new desktop known from the Mega
 STE and the TT.  Integrated into ROM it bears the advantage opposed to
 alternative desktops that it doesn't use up any RAM and is already
 loaded and at your fingertips as soon as you turn on your computer.

 Programs, files and even folders can be put directly on the desktop and
 can be started directly from there just with a double-click.
 Furthermore 20 programs can be started with the help of the function
 keys.  Data files can be dragged over a program with the mouse, so that
 after the program itself has been loaded, automatically the data file is
 loaded in, too.

 Icons for files, folders and drives can be freely chosen.  New icons can
 be created and all those that are placed on the desktop can be given
 unique names, to describe the program, folder or drive that they stand
 for.  Each file type can receive its own icon.  For example you can mark
 all picture files with a brush Icon, all fax documents with a fax
 machine icon, all text documents with a typewriter icon and so on.

 Almost all new functions of the desktop can alternatively to the drop
 down menus be called up by keyboard commands.  You can even assign your
 own keys for the functions.  The new desktop also includes a powerful
 search function that lets you search and mark files that match certain
 criterias, given by you.

 Also scrolling through windows in the desktop has been improved and it
 is now possible to view directories in an "unsorted" way (a very helpful
 feature when rearranging the AUTO folder).

 In the former TOS versions selected files were de-selected as soon as
 you would scroll through the window.  With the new TOS the selected
 files remain selected even when you scroll through.

 Already during boot-up of TOS 2.06 - and this is even new compared to
 2.05 - you will notice a difference: The Atari Fuji will appear in the
 upper left corner of your screen.  Then a memory check is done that is
 shown graphically on screen through a 'growing' bar.  Then a boot-delay
 kicks in to allow hard drives to get powered up.  The delay time is also
 been made 'visible' through a bar.  A keypress of course lets the boot
 process continue.  Furthermore pressing the Control key after a reset
 prevents that programs of the AUTO folder are run, accessories are
 installed and the NEWDESK.INF is being loaded.

 TOS 2.06 also allows you to open up to seven windows and a consequent
 jumping from window to window.  Another new feature - well-known in the
 MS-DOS world - has been added now, too: In conjunction with the
 Alternate key and the numeric keypad, any character of the special
 character set can now be 'typed in' by typing in its the ASCII-code.

 Goodies for programmers:

 The cookie-jar is automatically initialised and the correct system
 values are being set.  When the appl_exit() function is being called up
 the operating system now waits until all accessories have received the
 according message before the main program terminates.  This allows the
 secure saving of data, when accessories are loaded in anew after
 changing screen resolution.  Also the new BIOS function Bconmap() that
 allows integration and controlling of custom-made driver-software opens
 new perspectives to programmers.  GEMDOS has also been severely revised,
 so that many functions and the I/O-redirection run more reliable.

 TOS-Extension-Card data

 So far for the features of TOS 2.06. Now here are some details about the
 TOS Extension Card:

 TOS 2.06 with its new functions requires more space in the ROMs, namely
 256 KB opposed to the 192 KB of the older TOS versions up to TOS 1.04.
 And since the new TOS also has been located at a new place in memory,
 the new ROMs can not be put directly into the old ST models.  This
 problem is solved by the TOS Extension Card, a small hardware board for
 all ST models from 260ST/520ST to the 1040STF/M up to the Mega STs.
 Although the board-layouts of the different ST-models vary a lot in some
 cases, the TOS Extension Card was designed in a way that it would fit in
 all STs.  Even MS-DOS emulators, most hardware accelerators and graphic
 expansion cards work fine with it.  The installation usually requires a
 bit of soldering work, but the task can easily be taken care of by
 electronic-hobbyists or by qualified dealers within several minutes.  A
 100% plug in option is available, too (see below).

 The TOS Extension Card is a small board that has the size of 2.5 by 2.5
 inches and contains - of course - the two TOS-(EP)ROMs, one GAL and two
 capacitors.  Since space is valuable especially in the 'small' STs
 (260/520ST and 1040ST) it was important for the developers of the board
 to find a solution, so that the board could be placed at any place in
 the computer.  And this indeed has been accomplished through the fact
 that the necessary signals are brought to the board via flat-tape-wires.
 One of the flat-tape-wires leads to a DIL-plug that plugs into one of
 the ROM-sockets where the old TOS used to reside.  The other flat-tape-
 wire is split up into 22 single wires that have to be soldered onto the
 CPU.  This allows a variable placing within any ST model, no matter if
 memory expansion, MS-DOS emulators or graphic cards reside in the same
 case.

 Especially for owners of Mega STs who want to save themselves the
 soldering and whose Mega ST bus is still unoccupied, Artifex offers the
 TECbridge BUS option. Instead of the soldering-to-the-CPU-solution the
 second flat-tape-wire ends into a bus-plug that fits nicely onto the
 Mega bus.

 Another alternative available is the TECbridge CPU.  It just plugs onto
 the CPU and is recommended for models where the CPU is already socketed
 or where a socket has been soldered on the CPU.   This of course
 recquires that there still is enough room above the CPU within the case.

 The Price is right

 The TOS-Extension-Card retails in Germany for DM 198,- (approx.  US$
 120).  This price includes the board, Atari's official TOS 2.06, the new
 control panel XControl on disk together with some utilitites and a
 manual that describes both the installation of the card and the new
 functions of TOS 2.06.  This price is extremely cheap, if one considers
 that the TOS 1.04 upgrade in Germany did cost the exact SAME amount of
 money ... and with TOS 1.04 you just got the ROMs, no board, no manual
 etc.

 The TECbridge BUS and the TECbridge CPU options both are available for
 the (small) additional fee of DM 25,- ($15).

 TOS 2.06 in the US?

 Artifex is engaged in negotiations with a lot of distributors all over
 the world right now.  It is very likely that TOS 2.06 and the TOS
 Extension Card will be available in the US, Canada and most European
 countries within a few weeks.

 Artifex Computer GmbH
 Holbeinstr. 60
 D-6000 Frankfurt/Main 70
 FRG

 Tel.: 01149-69-6312456
 Fax:  01149-69-6312600

 Artifex can be reached on GEnie:

 - by sending EMail to the MIKE.SCHUETZ account
 - by leaving a message in the Germany RT
   (Page 725, CATegory 3, TOPic 8)

 Michael Schuetz
 Artifex Computer GmbH
 November 20, 1991


 =======================================================================
 * Z*NET NEWSWIRE
 =======================================================================


 MEGA POWER NOT MEGA PRICE
 Atari Canada announced major price reductions in the Mega 1 and Mega 2
 series.  The new pricing effects units with harddrives only but
 basically reflects a 15% to 20% reduction in cost at dealer level.  The
 new pricing will bring the Mega series closer to the 1040STE pricing,
 making the Mega more price competitive.


 ATARI INSTALLS FREE COMPUTER LABS
 Atari Canada is in negotiations with several Universities to install
 1040STE computer labs.  The equipment is donated free of charge in hopes
 that it will generate sales to students.  One site already approved for
 the labs is the Royal Conservatory of Music at the University of
 Toronto.  Those wishing more information please contact: Murray Brown,
 Atari Canada, 90 Gough Road, Markham Ontario, Canada, (416) 479-1266.


 SUPERCOMPUTING TRADE SHOW
 Show organizers announced that Supercomputing Japan 92, Japan's Third
 International High-Performance Computing Exhibition and Conference, will
 take place April 22-24, 1992 at PACIFICO YOKOHAMA, Japan's newest
 convention center.  Virtually every major high-performance vendor in
 Japan, the United States, and Europe has already signed up to exhibit at
 the show: Alliant, C. Itoh, Canon, CONVEX, Cray, DEC, Encore, Fujitsu,
 Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi, IBM, IMSL, Intel  Kubota, MasPar, Matsushita,
 nCUBE, NEC, NKK, Nippon Steel, Sanyo, Silicon Graphics, Sony, Sumisho
 Electronics, Sumitomo, Sun Microsystems, Thinking Machines, Tokyo
 Electron, UNIRAS, Ultra Network, and many others.  For more information
 contact: Kiyoshi Sakamoto Supercomputing Japan Office, Tokyo Phone: (03)
 5496-9411 Fax: (03) 5496-9417 or Gerard Parker Supercomputing Japan
 Headquarters, San Francisco Phone: (415) 381-2255 (800) 879-4454 Fax:
 (415) 381-1451.


 KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE UPDATE
 Knowledge Adventure has announced the shipment of Knowledge Adventure --
 The Most Exciting Journey of All, the first multimedia educational
 software product for the PC that lets users access a rich, hyperlinked
 database of images and text without requiring the added expense of CD-
 ROM.  Knowledge Adventure will carry a suggested retail price of $79.95.
 Knowledge Adventure runs on IBM, Tandy and compatible PCs.  A hard disk
 and an EGA or VGA monitor are required.  A mouse is recommended.




 =======================================================================
 * MIDI-UPDATE                 AtariUser MIDI Column for October 91 (#6)
 =======================================================================


 The following article is reprinted in Z*Net by permission of AtariUser
 magazine and Quill Publishing.  It MAY NOT be further reprinted without
 specific permission of Quill.  AtariUser is a monthly Atari magazine,
 available by subscription for $18 a year.  For more information on
 AtariUser, call 800-333-3567.


 MIDI ALERT:
 Now part of the Yes reunion tour, keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman is an
 Atari user.  He originally used the Pro 24 III sequencer from Steinberg/
 Jones and has since moved up to Cubase, their new high-end sequencing
 platform.

 One of the hardest parts to setting up a MIDI studio is deciding what to
 buy.  Electronic Musician magazine has been running semi-monthly
 comparison articles designed to help you make informed choices.  Topics
 covered to date include keyboard and expander synths, drum machines,
 tape recorders, sequencer and notational software, and samplers.


 Making MIDI Most
 Growing Your Studio

 In earlier issues of AtariUser, we looked at what would be needed to get
 started with MIDI applications on Atari computers.  These focused on
 general interest, low cost (relatively speaking) setups for beginners or
 those just wanting MIDI sound capabilities for their games.

 This time, lets turn up the gain and see what could be found in a high-
 end hobbyist or semi-pro home studio.  Much of this also applies for the
 needs of professional musicians--the differences tend to lie in number,
 rather than type, of equipment.  Pro's will also have synchronization
 gear for combining audio, video, and MIDI tracks with those lucrative
 artist contracts (right!).

 MIDI devices can be split into 4 broad categories: synths, samplers,
 effects, and MIDI data manipulators.  The first two generate sound, the
 third colors it, and the manipulators (including your Atari computer)
 make it all happen.  We'll cover the first three classes this time.
 MIDI data manipulators cover a host of useful and esoteric capabilities,
 ranging from patch bays and mergers up to arpeggiators and guitar
 strumming simulators, and demand a column of their own.

 Synthesizers use some combination of analog and digital electronics to
 produce sound.  There are several general families of synthesis
 techniques, each having their own general timbral qualities and control
 options.  The better known ones, along with examples, are: subtractive
 analog (classical fat synth a'la Moog), FM (Yamaha DX7 family), phase
 distortion (a variant of FM, used by Casio in the legendary CZ-101),
 wavetable (uses digitized waveforms instead of analog, as in Korg
 Wavestation), L/A (hybrid of synth and sampler used in the Roland D-50
 family), sample playback (processing of stored digitized sound samples,
 used in the Proteus) and additive (purely math driven, basis of Kawai K5
 as well as Digidesign's Turbosynth program).

 As you upgrade your studio, a general rule is to add instruments from
 different synthesis families rather than multiples of a single one.
 This gives you a greater timbral palette and more versatility.  It also
 helps to balance regular synths against multitimbral synths (typically
 manufactured as rackmount units without keyboards).  A normal synth
 typically can play 16 or so notes of a single sound at a time--perfect
 for piano or other lead keyboard parts.  Multitimbral synths can play
 several sounds at once but only a few notes of each.  They lend
 themselves well to ensemble sounds of monophonic instruments--string or
 brass sections, bass, flute, etc.

 Samplers are the flip side of synthesizers.  Rather than producing sound
 from electronic first principles, they record and process acoustic
 sounds--much like putting a keyboard onto a tape recorder.  A natural
 use for samplers is to provide equivalents for instruments that are
 difficult (if not impossible) to mimic by synths--such as guitars,
 vocals, and ethnic percussion.

 Working with a sampler generally is more complex than a synth.  With
 both, you need to select appropriate processing parameters to get a
 desired sound.  Samplers, however, have no built in sounds or waveform
 building blocks.  It's up to you to record and properly setup the
 starting sound sample.  This requires specialized software for auditing
 and editing the raw sound file to get it as clean and tight (to save
 memory) as possible.  While these routines are part of a sampler's
 operating system, the ease of use and degree of sophistication vary
 considerably between samplers (and, not surprisingly, are directly
 related to cost).

 Sound effect devices generate no sound on their own but rather modulate
 input sounds from electronic instruments or microphones.  These can be
 used to simulate natural acoustic effects, such as reverberation and
 echo, or provide totally gonzo sonic mutations never heard this side of
 the Twilight Zone.  Going a step further, most of these devices allow
 for real-time control of the type and intensity of the effects.

 Reverb has been the mainstay recording effect for years, giving a sense
 of warmth and ambience by simulating reflective sound waves in a concert
 hall or other imaginary room.  It takes on new dimensions when you can
 manipulate the degree of reverb as you play--such as imploding the
 imaginary room from open space to a tiny room.  Other effects may be
 similarly customized; change the number and timings of echoes, speed of
 panning, amount of distortion, delay time, etc.  Either change them
 manually while you play or pre-program the initial settings and any
 changes into your sequencer.  While not typically considered an effect
 device, MIDI controlled mixers operate in much the same way to set up
 tracks for play/mute or relative volumes.

 The latest craze has been the advent of multi-effect boxes, such as the
 Alesis Quadraverb Plus.  These contain several of the choicest types of
 effects with varying degrees of control.  On the whole, such boxes are
 the most cost effective way to add effects processing into your studio.
 Some boxes have their component effects prestrung in a set signal path
 (e.g. reverb, then distort, then delay, etc.); you can use desired
 effects but cannot alter the routing.  More involved units extend the
 control to specify signal path along with effects controls--you pay for
 what you need.

 - Jim Pierson-Perry

 BIO: Jim Pierson-Perry was the former MIDI editor for STart magazine and
 is a frequent contributor to Electronic Musician.  He is currently
 working on a synthesized interpretation of Roger Zelazny's Amber novels.
 He's been trying to quit AtariUser but can't quite kick the habit.



 =======================================================================
 * FINAL CHICAGO COMPUTERFEST UPDATE
 =======================================================================


 This is the FINAL update for this weekend's Chicago ComputerFest By
 Atari.


 Chicago ComputerFest by Atari
 Update- November 20th

 We have updated exhibitors list for Chicago ComputerFest:  Our star-
 studded line-up:

 Main Floor
 ----------
 ABCO ***                            Kaleita Art
 Apple Annie                         Mainstream America
 Application and Design Software     Mars Merchandising
 ASTMUM Montreal User Group          MaxWell CPU
 Atari Corp.                         Megatype
 Atari Entertainment                 Michtron
 Atari Explorer                      Micro Creations
 Atari Interface Magazine            Migraph
 BEST Electronics                    Missionware
 Branch Always Software              M-S Designs
 Clear Thinking                      One Stop
 CodeHead Software                   Oregon Research Associates
 CompuSeller West                    Phil Comeau Software
 CSA Ltd.                            Rimik
 C-Lab                               Rising STar Computers
 Double Click Software               Roland Corp.
 D.A. Brumleve                       SKware-One
 Electronic Spinster Graphics        Soft Logik
 eSTeem                              ST Informer
 Gadgets by Small                    Step Ahead
 Gribnif                             Sudden, Inc.
 Guitar Plus                         Toad Computers
 Hybrid Arts                         WizWorks!
 ICD                                 Wuztek/OPI
 ISD Marketing                       Zubair Interfaces
 JMG Software

 *** Appearance Cancelled


 8-bit Area
 ----------
 Atari Game Developers Arena         LJK
 Computer Software Services (CSS)    Mars Merchandising
 Dataque                             Newell Industries
 ICD                                 RACC (Rockford User Group- Demos)
 K.O. Distributors
 LCACE

 Atari corporation and ICD have promised that a VAST amount of 8-bit
 hardware and software will be available from them in the 8-bit area.
 This show may be the last chance for 8-bit users to obtain some of these
 items - don't be left out!  Rumor has it Atari is sending a separate 40
 foot semi trailer with 8-Bit products to sell at tremendous savings.

 Atari Entertainment has promised a special gift "while they last" for
 Chicago ComputerFest by Atari attendees.

 You may collect your gift on the main floor where we have the door prize
 drop box.

 Our seminar schedule is one of the most comprehensive ever to be
 assembled for an Atari-related event.  There will be something for
 everyone both days!  For a tentative listing of seminars, please see the
 end of this update for the full schedule.

 GEnie is the official source for Chicago ComputerFest by Atari
 information, please stop by the ST Roundtable, Category 11 (Shows) Topic
 10 (Chicago ComputerFest by Atari) for the latest in information, and
 show specials by our exhibitors.

 Our "hands on" training seminars have been finalized, please see the
 seminar schedule at the end of this update for the times and subjects -
 each session requires advance registration and a $15 "materials fee".
 Buy your tickets for the Desktop classes early.

 The Computerfest by Atari is being held at the Ramada Hotel on Manheim
 Road just north of O'Hare Airport in Chicago Illinois.

 The Show is this weekend November 23rd and 24th.  The Show hours are
 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day.  Tickets are $6.00 per day or $10.00 for
 both days.

 Seminar Schedules
 Saturday November 23rd

 11:00 AM     Plaza   Introduction to Calamus with Mario Georgio
                      ($15.00 Materials charge)

 11:00 AM     D-12    Missionware-LottODDS.
 11:30 AM     D-11    D.A. Burmleve-Using Computers to Foster Creative
                      Thinking by Michael Marks.

 12:00 noon   D-10    Clear Thinking-Ed Hak,Metaphsycology
 12:00 noon   D-12    Dataque-Future of the 8-Bit.
 12:00 noon   D-23    Guitar Plus-Atari for the home MIDI hobby/ B Lytle
 12:00 noon   Salons  Atari Corp- "Atari Speaks"
 12:30 PM     D-11    Step Ahead- Tracker ST 3.0

 1:00 PM     D-10    Aladdin PC/Genie/HUGS meeting with Jaun Jimenez
                     On-Line Demo / TnT / Prizes for attendees.

 1:00 PM     D-12    Atari Corp. - Portfolio Q & A with Donald Thomas
 1:00 PM     D-23    Roland Corporation- New Products.
 1:30 PM     D-11    CodeHead- Professional Graphics tools.
 1:30 PM     Salons  Gadgets by Small- "Small World" by Dave Small

 2:00 PM     Plaza   Introduction to PageStream with Dan Weiss
                     ($15.00 Materials charge)

 2:00 PM     D-10    Sudden, Inc.- Sudden View.
 2:00 PM     D-12    Atari Explorer- Magazine Production with John
                     Jainschigg.

 2:00 PM     D-23    Atari Corp.- Atari ST and the professional musician.
 2:30 PM     D-11    Rimik- Multi GEM Demonstration.
 3:00 PM     D-10    Missionware- FLASH II. On-Line Demo.
 3:00 PM     D-12    RACC- 8-Bit Printer codes in popular WP's.
 3:00 PM     D-23    Hybird Arts- Product Workshop.
 3:00 PM     Salons  Atari Entertainment Division- "New Games &
                     Systems" with Bob Schuricht

 3:30 PM     D-11    Electronic Spinster Graphics- Spinning bits into
                     images.

 4:00 PM     D-10    Aladdin ST/Genie with Tim Purves.   On-Line Demo
 4:00 PM     D-12    Branch Always- GEMulator PC
 4:00 PM     D-23    ASTMUM- MIDI Tips and Tricks.
 6:45 PM     Salons  Chicago Computerfest Banquet
                     ($25.00 per person- advance)
                     Main Speaker- Greg Pratt, Pres. Atari U.S.

 Desktop Publishing Classes at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM ($15.00 each)


 Sunday November 24

 10:30 AM     Plaza   Advanced PageStream with Dan Weiss (Tentative)
                      ($15.00 Materials Fee)

 11:00 AM     D-10    Atari Inc.- Tech Topics/TOS
 11:00 AM     D-12    Atari/Motorola- 680xx internals (Tenetive)
 11:30 AM     D-11    Gribnif- Rick Flashman Presents Arabesque Pro.
 12:00 Noon   D-10    Double Click- Real Time Data Compression.
 12:00 Noon   D-12    Atari Entertainment- Lynx Gaming tips and Technique
 12:00 Noon   D-23    Guitar Plus- Atari in Professional Studio
                      Applications by Bob Lytle.

 12:30 PM     D-11    SKWare One- Seuat Demo/TnT
 1:00 PM      Plaza   Advanced Calamus with Mario Georgio (Tentative)
                      ($15.00 Materials Fee)

 1:00 PM     D-10    Aladdin ST/Genie with Gorden Monnier.  On-Line Demo
 1:00 PM     D-12    Dataque- T8/16 Q&A
 1:00 PM     D-23    Hybird Arts- "Hands On"
 1:00 PM     Salons  What's New From Atari
 1:30 PM     D-11    Step Ahead- Retouche Pro CD.
 2:00 PM     D-10    Atari Explorer- Atari Journalism
                     with John Jainschigg.

 2:00 PM     D-12    A & D Software- Universal NETwork.
 2:30 PM     D-11    eSTeem, Inc.- eSTeem PILOT Authoring Language.
 3:00 PM     D-10    Aladdin PC/GEnie with Juan Jimenez  On-Line/TnT.
 3:00 PM     D-12    Atari Corp.- Portfolio Q & A / TnT
 3:00 PM     D-23    Roland Corporation- New Products Demo.
 3:00 PM     Salons  Guitar Plus- Basic MIDI and how it works
                     by Bob Lytle

 3:30 PM     D-11    JMG Software- Hyper LINK.
 4:00 PM     D-10    ICD, Inc.- HD/Mass storage tips.
 4:00 PM     D-23    X-Lab- Product Seminar by Bob Lytle.

 Desktop Publishing Classes at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM ($15.00 Material Fee)



 =======================================================================
 * GOLDLEAF ANNOUNCES COMPO SOFTWARE IN NORTH AMERICA      Press Release
 =======================================================================


 Goldleaf Publishing, Inc., publishers of Wordflair II, the standard for
 producing short compound documents, has announced its exclusive
 distribution of COMPO Software products in North America.

 COMPO Software is one of the leading software houses for the Atari ST in
 Germany where the number one selling word processor is COMPO's That's
 Write.  COMPO Software has earned a reputation for great products and
 the best ST technical support.  This tradition will be continued in
 North America by Goldleaf Publishing.

 Immediately available are the new standard for word processing, That's
 Write, and its sister product Write ON.

 WHO OUGHT TO BUY THAT'S WRITE?

 Are you new to word processing?  Or have you outgrown your first word
 processor?  Whatever your situation, you need to know that That's Write
 is the new standard for ST word processing.  That's Write brings word
 processing power to the ST previously only available on PCs and Macs.

 Features such as WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) display on
 screen and proportionally spaced fonts will delight, yet That's Write is
 faster than some non-WYSIWYG word processors.

 That's Write is the only ST word processor, apart from Write ON, to
 incorporate COMPO's unique printing technology - we believe its the only
 way to get your printer and ST working together. . .

 COMPO'S UNIQUE PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

 That's Write features COMPO's unique printing technology - unique
 because it uses two different printing mechanism's in the same document.
 Some ST word processors are limited to a few of the fonts in your
 printer, which makes for very fast printing, but within a very
 restricted font range.  Other ST word processors use nothing but "bit
 map fonts" which are sent from your ST to the printer.  With this system
 you can have large point sizes or create special fonts... but whichever
 font you use, printing is always slower.

 COMPO's printing technology gives you the best of both worlds.  You can
 use the fonts in your printer for fast printing of the majority of your
 text, then add bit map fonts for distinctive headlines or special
 characters.  That's Write supports ALL of the fonts supplied with most
 popular printers and optionally prints directly to high speed printers
 (such as the Atari laser printer) for extremely fast output.

 THAT'S WRITE FEATURE LIST

 File Handling
 o Load and save 1st Word Plus and ASCII file formats, optionally
   stripping CR/LF from within paragraphs
 o Load pictures
 o Copy, Rename, and Delete files from within That's Write
 o Edit multiple files at the same time

 Printing
 o Supplied with printer drivers for most popular printers
 o Additional printer drivers available
 o Many printer control options - Print only odd/even pages, Single feed
   or sheet fed paper, With or without pictures, Print to disk,
   Automatically adjust margins for binding, Change printer drivers from
   within That's Write

 Mail Merge
 o Powerful Mail merge within That's Write
 o Option to print All or only Selected records
 o Uses industry standard comma delimited files for data
 o Simple commands embedded within a document to insert records

 Text Editing and Styles
 o Full Cut, Paste, and Block functions
 o Text Font and Style set by Block or Paragraph tag
 o Supports the ST clipboard for exchange with other programs
 o Supports four clipboards for great editing flexibility
 o All standard text styles including Double Underline and Strike Through
 o Left, Right, Center, and Decimal Tabs
 o Up to 100 Tabs in any one line
 o Line spacing of 1, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, and 3 with optional extra space
   between paragraphs
 o Search and Replace with options for prompted replace, case match, and
   complete words only

 Images
 o Import standard .IMG files
 o Scale to any resolution including for the installed printer
 o Optional display of images on screen when editing

 Fonts
 o Full support for proportionally spaced fonts
 o Use up to 20 fonts in any one document
 o Mix printer resident and That's Write fonts in the same document
 o Display sample of fonts on screen when selecting font
 o Font editor supplied to create or edit fonts
 o Utility program to convert Signum/Script fonts to That's Write format

 Other Features
 o Headers and Footers
 o Hyphenation, either prompted or automatic
 o Keyboard shortcuts for every That's Write function
 o Unlimited user defined keyboard macros
 o Decimal character either . or ,
 o Optional automatic save at user defined intervals
 o Manual or Automatic document reformat & pagination
 o Widow and Orphan control
 o Automatically insert current date and time
 o Optional password protection for any document
 o Word count

 WHAT ABOUT WRITE ON?

 Like That's Write, Write ON has all the above features.  However, That's
 Write also includes a number of features to enthuse the specialist user,
 such as footnotes, endnotes, automatic index and table of contents
 generation, multiple columns with user-definable gutters, and a spell
 checker with optional automatic capitalization of proper nouns and
 suggested alternatives for misspelled words.  If you buy Write ON, then
 find you need some That's Write features, don't worry - there is a
 simple upgrade path and all your Write ON files can be transferred.

 Goldleaf Publishing and COMPO Software are committed to the ST market
 and its users.  Several important upgrades to That's Write and Write ON
 are currently scheduled for release next year, as are many other
 exciting products.  Available soon are C-Font, a font converter to
 convert Calamus format fonts to That's Write, Write ON, GDOS, and other
 formats; and CompoScript, a fast PostScript interpreter that allows you
 to truly use PostScript at its best, complete with Type 1 fonts.

 If you are currently using a COMPO product then you can officially
 register it either by writing to, or calling, Goldleaf Publishing.
 Registered users will automatically be notified of any upgrade.

 That's Write is available now for $199.95.  Write ON is available for
 $99.95.  For more information please contact your dealer or call us
 directly:

 Goldleaf Publishing, Inc.
 700 Larkspur Landing Circle suite 199
 Larkspur, California  94939  USA
 415/257-3515



 =======================================================================
 * SILHOUETTE 1.25                                         Press Release
 =======================================================================


 Silhouette Version 1.25 debuting at Chicago-Fest
 Low Priced Power - $94.95!

 New Features:  Improved auto-tracing, advanced duplicaton methods, grid/
 ruler, new GEM display, full documentation, 68881 and TT support,
 Postscript output.

 Maxwell Computer Products Unlimited will debut Silhouette Version 1.25
 at the Chicago Atari Computer-Fest.  Silhouette is a bit-image and
 vector graphics drawing program with auto-tracing function.  Version
 1.25 enhancements include new drawing functions, improved interface and
 advanced auto-tracing function.

 In keeping with Atari's motto of 'Power without the Price', Maxwell has
 advanced the drawing capabilities of Silhouette while maintaining a
 modest price.  While Atari users can now pay $200 or much more for
 german software, Silhouette is being offered for just <$94.95>.

 Silhouette offers a formidable array of drawing features; some you will
 find nowhere else.  The program's GEM interface has been improved by
 placing the toolbox permanently to the left of the screen.  The dropdown
 menus and tools are presented in a no-nonsense GEM display.

 Silhouette Features:

 ADVANCED AUTO-TRACING FEATURE:
 Load bit-images and automatically convert them to vector graphics (which
 offer higher quality and more editability).  The auto-tracing function
 has been advanced beyond V.1.0 and much closer to auto-tracing functions
 which cost hundreds more.  Further details below.

 DRAWING TOOLS:
 ~ LINES.  Depress the CONTROL key for horizontal/vertical lines or ALT
   key for multiple lines (star pattern).

 ~ POLYLINES convertible to/from multi-point beziers, standard 4 pt.
   beziers or to b-splines.

 ~ Multi-point BEZIERS or standard 4 point bezier curves and B-SPLINES
   curves.

 ~ FREEHAND PENCIL which can also draw with the B-spline smoothing on.

 ~ Sizable bit-image ERASER and SPRAYCAN, FLOODFILL.

 ~ ROUND EDGE BOX. Each corner independently adjustable.

 ~ RECTANGLE.  Begin rectangle from left corner or from center and/or
   restrict to a perfect square.

 ~ ELLIPTICAL/CIRCULAR ARCS.  Hitting the SPACE-BAR will shift the mouse
   pointer amongst the three defining pts.  (center, 2 angles).

 ~ ELLIPSES/CIRCLES.  Ellipses and circles are convertible to BEZIER
   curves (allowing warping).

 ~ STARS.  Create multi-point stars (up to 99 points).  While defining
   size and location, also define the inner diameter of the star and the
   number of points with the ARROW KEYS.

 ~ POLYGONS.  Create polygons with up to 99 sides adjustable while you
   size and locate.

 ~ PARABOLAS.  A conic section (ellipses, circles, hyperbolas) common to
   optics and a great addition to the drawing family.

 ~ SPIRALS.  Employed by the nautilus, the DNA structure and now
   available in a ST/TT drawing program.  As you draw, adjust the number
   of windings, the steepness of the wind or unravel the spiral.

 ~ TEXT. Type with GDOS fonts. Includes FSM-GDOS support - skewing and
   rotation to 1/10th degree.

 ~ Also in the TOOLBOX is a scrollable array of FILL PATTERNS.

 ~ WILD CARD TOOL ICON.  Select a favorite drop-down menu option and
   declare the icon as its controller.

 THREE WINDOWS are available.  One offers bit-image drawing, the second
 vector graphics and the third, pixel editing.  Vector Graphics can be
 magnified up to 16 times, giving the equivalent drawing resolution of
 3200 DPI.

 AUTO-TRACING:
 Auto-tracing is a form of artificial intelligence.  The Silhouette auto-
 tracing function is presented a clip-area and with its special rules
 searches the complete image area for image outline.  The outline is
 saved as polylines and optionally the image's outline is purged of un-
 needed points and the curves are smoothed by b-splines or beziers.

 As vector graphics, images can be more easily edited and without losing
 image quality.  Furthermore vector images are usually smaller files and
 processed by printers more quickly.

 COMPATIBILITY:
 Silhouette runs on all ST and TT computers in High ST resolution, or in
 TT high resolution and on big screen monitors.  It supports the MATH
 COPROCESSOR with the ST and also is offered in a special TT version
 which takesa advantage of the 32 bit architecture of the TT (upcoming
 update will support the 68881/68882 in the TT).  Silhouette requires
 just 1 Mbyte.  Silhouette has been recompiled in an advanced compiler
 offering greater efficiency and compact code.

 LOOK FOR US AT THE CHICAGO-FEST SHOW.

 Purchase Silhouette directly from its U.S. developer:
 $94.95 + handling (call for shipping choice, overseas shipping at
 reasonable cost)

 Maxwell C.P.U.
 2124 W. Centennial Dr.
 Louisville, CO 80027
 (303)666-7754,  Mon-Sat, 8-5PM MDT.
 VISA, MASTERCARD, personal check, COD



 =======================================================================
 * Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF                                by Ron Berinstein
 =======================================================================


 "What the World Needs Now," is one more archiver revision!  Right?
 Right!  Well Tomas Quester and company proves relentless again in their
 pursuit of the perfect compression file.  Now what can we do to convince
 these guys to become school teachers, or politicians, or even just very
 vocal statesmen?  It would seem that what the world really needs is
 their combustion and output.  Perhaps they could write motivational
 software to encourage both peace and prosperity?  The way I see it is
 that they could at least slip some subliminal message across that we
 could possibly all benefit from.  Chances are they could use their files
 as a conduit.  After all who would notice just one more file amongst all
 that are present and accounted for already?

 As for this person, I still haven't read all the docs that emerged and
 joined my Syquest's file ranks when I simply typed "x -rm" on the line,
 and clicked OK!  The way I figure it, if we should go thru all that
 stuff, why shouldn't we be rewarded with peace and prosperity?  Anyway,
 this time I'm going to give it a try.  Maybe it will work!  <smile>

 So for those waiting for those waiting for the chase scene....
 LZH201I.TTP Quester's archiver, ver. 2.01I!  This is a self-extracting
 .TTP file.  It has been checked for compatibility with ArcShell 2.6a and
 it seems OK!   So... Download away!

 While on the subject of compression techniques...

 PKUNZIP.ARC  Source code in portable C and Turbo Pascal for a .ZIP file
 extractor.  ZIP has become popular on IBM BBSs and now in the ATARI
 world as well.  This is source code only, and is an older file (1989)
 ST_ZIP09.LZH together with ZIPSHELL.LZH, as well as ST_UNZIP (UZ283.LZH)
 together with UZSHL (UZSHL1.PRG) are more current.  One might find it
 prudent to be very careful, however, in choosing their active
 accessories onboard when running some of these programs.

 So... Can we talk?

 STKR3DMO.ARC  STALKER 3 DENO is here!  This is the demo version of Eric
 Rosenquist's STalker 3.  Several features are disabled in this demo, and
 use is limited to about 30 minutes.  It works on all versions of TOS
 (TT/ST/STe), and, in any resolution 640x200 or greater.  I have been
 told that Stalker and Steno have been "pulled apart" and are now
 marketed as components separately.  So, prepare to stand at the cash
 register with two packages instead of just one.

 TPZMODEM.ZIP  contains Zmodem source code written in Turbo Pascal, but,
 the uploader notes that one should be easily able to convert it to other
 high level languages.

 So pussycat, what else is GNU?

 GC30F.LZH  is GNU Chess 3.0f, an improved variant of GNU Chess, not
 sanctioned by the Free Software Foundation.  Our inside source says that
 it plays better than ordinary GNU Chess. C source code only.

 TLS151.ARC  contains ST Tools, and is reminiscent of PC Tools for MS-DOS
 computers.  The main display includes a directory tree and a listing of
 files by directory.  The program is a set of tools for use on the Atari
 ST.  Current functions include listing FAT, Hex dumping of files,
 sectors or memory and searching files, sectors or memory.  V.1.51 now
 works w/larger partitions, a GEM prg.

 For folks that wish to draw their own conclusions...

 LACHDR.LZH   This is a demo version of a shareware drawing/animation
 program called Lachdraw... If there are any questions about it, the
 uploader asks that you refer them to him.  He says that it is "nat bad"
 as drawing programs go...  As I said, draw your own conclusion...
 <smile>

 F183D2.LZH   A highly detailed collection of 3D2 objects for your
 animations.  The archive contains CAD-3D 2.0 .3D2 files.  Must either
 use CAD-3D 2.0 or CHRONOS to view.

 DMJGIF3.LZH   The all-new, DMJ GIF v3.0.  Features include decreased
 conversion time.  Also, you can convert batches of GIFs at a time.  Just
 start it and let it go.  You can also convert GIFs to Degas and other
 formats.  Full docs included.  Shareware, $15. TT Compatible.  ST MEDIUM
 RESOLUTION ONLY!

 STOCK34.ARC  Lets you draw a different sort of conclusion.  STock->
 Smart is a stock charting and portfolio program.  Follow your favorite
 stocks.  Price quote updates are FREE from GEnie's daily stock quotes in
 the *MONEY section.  Two minutes and the totally automated program will
 collect the data!  The portfolio' scan each hold up to 100 transactions
 and STock->Smart will produce a tax report too!  Sounds like you should
 get a copy CodeKeys, set it up to run by itself, let it and STock->Smart
 do the work for you, as you stay in bed for an extra hour of sleep!

 MEGACHEK.LZH   Ver. 1.0c  Offers better better selection of accounts
 with the mouse, as well as the "Legal amount" report field for printing
 on any check form.  MEGA-Check is a finance manager capable of balancing
 checkbooks, printing checks, automatically paying bills and
 automatically generating financial reports.  Color and monochrome
 versions included.  Works on a TT in ST rez.

 Some new and some old...  first, some new:

 ALMANC21.LZH   Almanac is a combination calendar, daily planner and
 almanac of past events.  The program shows thousands of events in
 history, music, movies, sports, etc. listed by dates and displayed by
 the year.  It also allows you to print a copy of the month including
 holidays, birthdays, etc.  A nice looking program.  That comment is of
 course made with reservation... if this program is updated as often as
 another current CALendar program, it may be to soon to tell whether it
 is a good program yet! <smile>

 Now some old...  these are for all those who haven't seen them, (after
 all, currently there is a lot of used gear and software being traded
 around) or, for those who might have forgotten about them, but now could
 find the 1ST WORD oriented files useful.

 1ST_PRNT.DOT  It contains all the proper printer codes to control all of
 the SG10 and SG15 print styles, including NLQ.

 WPLUSMAC.ARC  This is a STartkey (you must have Startkey) macro file
 that gives full keyboard control of First Word Plus word processor.
 First Word Plus is a powerful and versatile wp but is mostly menu
 driven.  Once you get to know the program you want to be able to direct
 it more from the keyboard.  That is what this file allows you to to.

 FWPLNX10.ARC   This is a combination of several printer driver files;
 the NX-10 driver for 1st Word, the Epson-FX driver for 1st Word Plus,
 one of the other drivers for a type of Star (non-NX10), etc.  As far as
 I have been able to test it, it is very complete.  It will allow for
 correct printing of both text, and the graphics you have imported.
 Special characters, & More!

 316MACRO.ARC   Use 316MACRO.MAX with 1st Word Plus ver. 3.14 and
 STARTKEY:  ctrl-l accesses the spelling dictionary, ctrl-t moves to top
 of file, ctrl-b to bottom.  This version fixes the ctrl-l macro, which,
 unknown to me, wasn't working with ver.3.14.  It also contains some
 cautionary remarks concerning the use of STARTKEY.

 1WORDPLS.RSC   Rename this file WORDPLUS.RSC to replace original to fix
 the problem with entry of headers and footers in the Layout option.
 Footers will print, but headers won't.  Oh well, better than nothing!

 SG10.HEX   Star Gemini SG-10 driver for 1st Word.

 NX10.HEX   This is a printer driver for the Gemini NX10 and 1st Word.

 1STWRD_1.ARC   Discussion from the 1st Word Plus topic on GEnie from May
 24, 1989 through October 22, 1990.  Also includes some information on
 printer drivers.  The discussion continues in Category 13 Topic 4 of
 GEnie Online Service.

 1STSHOW.ARC   Improved version of the 1st Word text file displayer.
 Still shows 1st Word formatted text files with all special text styles
 displayed on screen; now allows flipping forward & backward a page at a
 time.  Also, the actual drawing of text on the screen has been speeded
 up quite a bit.

 1STPR182.ARC  1stprint prints 1st Word or 1st Word Plus documents to a
 printer, or captures them in text files for later use.  The output that
 is printed is not just an ascii translation but a fully formatted
 document printed just as if the 1st Word word processor had been used.
 This version contains many bug fixes & better page formatting.

 Under the Heading:  Starstuck Lover?

 STAR2000.LZH   This is this year's yearly update of Star 2000: a
 freeware subset of Star Base.  It has the 2000 brightest stars, 100 deep
 sky objects (NEW!), planets, on-line help and more.  Runs on any
 monitor, any ST or TT.  If your interest in astronomy is more casual,
 Star 2000 will meet your needs.

 Or, just Lover?

 LOVETHME.ARC  is a sequence for C-Lab\Notator users of an electronic
 orchestration of Nino Roto's classic theme from the Godfather Trilogy.
 Scored for Dx7.

 A safe "fix?"

 PATHMAP.LZH  contains a "safe fix" (I hope).  This program will "fix"
 the "Install Application" bug in TOS versions before 1.04.  It shows GEM
 _where_ the program you want to run is--no more "This Application can't
 find the folder or file..." alerts!  Also allows you to install multiple
 applications for a single program.  TT compatible.

 And for those who regularly fix things up for themselves... (no, not a
 cookbook!)

 RESISTR.ARC  contains the new version of the electronic Resistor
 calculator.  It is a full GEM application and works on 1.4 color, or
 mono.  Also works on any Atari.  This program calculates the value of
 electronic resistors.  A must for the electronic hobbist.  TT
 Compatible.

 KEYCODES.ARC  is a Standard C file containing easy to remember #defines
 for all the ST keycodes.  A second include file contains the same
 definitions for MS-DOS allowing you to write portable applications.
 Free from Tyson Gill and GT Software!

 Under the heading:  You have time for another game, don't you?

 AMAZE2.ARC  Version 2 of Amaze, a random maze generator and solver.  It
 runs in any resolution.  You can try to solve the mazes yourself on the
 computer, print them and challenge your friends and family, or show off
 your ST or TT by putting it into the self running demo mode.  This new
 version leaves wrong decisions shaded when it solves the mazes.
 Freeware.

 REACT2.ARC  This is an Excellent Strategy Game!  If you've played
 REACTION and liked it then you'll love the Sequel!  Reaction II now has
 Improved graphics (is this possible?), Multiple Playing Levels, Multiple
 Difficulty Levels.  TT030 Compatible in ST LOW.  Color Monitor Required.

 And GFA folks ALERT!  I'll pass this along. (Nope, I know nothing about
 it.)

 GBUGDEMO.LZH  is a file that says:  ATTENTION GFA BASIC ENTHUSIASTS!
 Look into the GFA Basic Users Group disk based newsletter: the GBUG
 Diskazine.  Published bi-monthly on a DSDD disk for the Atari ST/STe/
 MEGA/TT computers.  GBUG is dedicated to advance the art of GFA Basic
 programming.  Communicate with the members via the MEMBERS' FEEDBACK
 column.  Keep up to date with the NEWS.

 Under the Heading of:  "Ooops"

 It seems that we owe all an apology... NBM 1.1 is OKay to run on the TT
 after all.  Last week we noted that it didn't...  Our source for that
 incorrect information has been ordered to go on vacation for a long,
 long time! <smile>

 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.



 =======================================================================
 * RAYTRACE USER GROUP                                      Announcement
 =======================================================================


 As an avid Raytrace user, I am interested in contacting other users,
 sharing operational tips, and seeing some of the creations others have
 been able to produce with the program.  I feel that by forming an
 informal sort of User Group, we can all benefit from each other's
 experience and get the most out of our purchase.

 It is also my hope to build a Community Library showcasing the talents
 of Raytrace users, and making it availiable to anyone who is interested
 enough to send in a disk of thier work to contribute to the library.  An
 informal User Group indeed!  There is no cash of any sort involved here.
 All that will be required is a floppy disk of your Raytraced creations
 to get on the mailing list.

 CONVERSION UTILITY NEEDED!!!

 My main reason for organizing this group is to get a pic conversion
 utility for Raytace users, ideally one that converts .SUL/.SCL files to
 Spectrum 512 format.  However, a well written 16 color converter might
 be a simpler alternative.  Either or both are needed.  My initial
 efforts are paying off - work is now in progress at GFA Germany to make
 some of Raytrace's code available to developers to make such a converter
 possible.  Details of this are still in progress, but able programmers
 fluent in GFA Basic and its use of in-line assembly should contact GFA
 USA, UK, or Germany or me directly for more info.

 THE DISK LIBRARY

 The 'cost' of subscribing to this newsletter is a disk, single or double
 sided with some examples of scenes you've created in Raytrace.  We all
 know that there's alot of trial and error in creating a scene.  But once
 in awhile you get the objects, the lights just right and its worth
 saving.  Whether its some Wireframe data, or a 10 frame full-blown
 animation, rendered screens, or Spectrum, Neo, or other pics you use for
 ground, sky or texture maps, put them on a disk with your name and
 address.  You be put on the list for the newsletter and get your disk
 back filled with the best works of other Raytrace users.  Your
 'subscription fee' becomes part of the library, and the best of the
 library will be mailed back to you promptly.

 HOW TO GET YOUR NEWSLETTER

 Send your disk to:     GFA RAYTRACE USERS USA
                        c/o Nick S. Smith
                        4406 5th Avenue South
                        Minneapolis, MN 55409-2124

 I can be reached on GEnie by sending E-mail to S.SMITH65  On Compuserve
 my mail address is: 70412,2667


 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 To sign up for DELPHI service, call (with modem)  (800) 695-4002.  Upon
 connection,  hit  <return> once or twice.  At Password:  type ZNET  and
 hit <return>.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 To  sign up for GEnie service call (with modem)  (800)  638-8369.   Upon
 connection type HHH and hit <return>.   Wait for the U#= prompt and type
 XJM11877,GEnie and hit <return>.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 To sign up for CompuServe service call (with phone) (800) 848-8199.  Ask
 for operator #198.   You will be promptly sent a $15.00 free  membership
 kit.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Z*Net  International  Atari  Online Magazine  is  a  weekly  publication
 covering the Atari and related computer community.   Material  published
 in  this edition may be reprinted under the following terms  only.   All
 articles must remain unedited and include the issue number and author at
 the top of each article reprinted.   Reprint permission granted,  unless
 otherwise  noted,  to  registered Atari user groups and not  for  profit
 publications.   Opinions  present  herein are those  of  the  individual
 authors  and  does not necessarily reflect those  of  the  staff.   This
 publication is not affiliated with the Atari Corporation.   Z*Net, Z*Net
 News Service,  Z*Net International,  Rovac, Z*Net Atari Online and Z*Net
 Publishing  are  copyright  (c)1985-1991,  Syndicate  Publishing,  Rovac
 Industries  Incorporated,  Post Office Box 59,  Middlesex,  New  Jersey,
 08846-0059, Voice: (908) 968-2024, BBS: (908) 968-8148.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                     Z*NET: Atari ST Online Magazine
                Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc...
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


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