ST Report: 16-Dec-94 #1051

From: Bruce D. Nelson (aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 12/23/94-10:33:42 PM Z


From: aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 16-Dec-94 #1051
Date: Fri Dec 23 22:33:42 1994



                            SILICON TIMES REPORT
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   December 16, 1994                                             No. 1051
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 > 12/16/94 STR 1051  "The Original * Independent * OnLine Magazine!"
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 > From the Editor's Desk             "Saying it like it is!"
   """"""""""""""""""""""


      Well now, here we are with one week to go.  Next Saturday being
 Christmas Eve.  This is one Christmas I shall remember for the rest of my
 life.  In fact, its going to be a Christmas for me like they used to be as
 a young man.  A Christmas with Christ very much a part of the Season. 
 Here are the reasons why.  
   
      Yesterday, at about 6:30pm I received a call from one of my four
 sons, Charles to be exact.  Charles informed me of the fact that two of my
 other sons, who are electricians and work together, were involved in an
 industrial accident.  Charles went on to say he had little or no other
 information than to say they were at University Hospital being cared for
 in the burn trauma unit.  He told me he'd call me as soon as he had more
 information. 
   
      Shortly after I spoke to Charles, I contacted Ralph and Victor's main
 office to obtain more information.  I was told to expect a call from the
 man at the scene.  He called shortly thereafter.  He informed me that the
 power distribution room was virtually destroyed and the main 440 volt
 panel was disintegrated.  I needn't tell you how that made me feel about
 the physical condition of my sons but at least I was grateful for the man
 being truthful with me.  I called Charles back and one of his children
 informed me that he had already gone to the hospital.  At this point I
 too, was on my way.
    
      Once having gotten past the screaming emotional jolt that hit me as I
 saw the condition of my two injured sons I realized that now was a time
 for love and support not sorrow and pity.  Shortly thereafter I was told
 by one of the surgeons that their burns would have little or no scarring
 effects except for a few small spots on their hands.  They were both
 admitted, room 609, we went to the room and shared small talk for a while. 
 It was obvious they were both in pain.  Ralph was hooked up to an
 intravenous morphine supply.  I guess, indirectly, I'm trying to say
 Ralph's condition was and is serious.  Victor's was not as bad.  Both of
 them were hurting.  They were at least five shades darker from the burns. 
 While their faces were dark, the doctors assured me they'd have no marks. 
 They did however have third degree burns on their hands.  Fortunately,
 there will be no losses of any digits, senses or faculties.

      While at the hospital, I discovered that the Fire & Rescue Emergency
 Team #23, headed by Cap't McAllister, that cared for my sons were the very
 same folks my sons and I had been assisted by a little over a year and a
 half ago when we three had saved a little girl's life (Sara Clarke) who
 had drowned.  They remembered us too.  As I went home to try to get some
 rest, I quietly thanked the Lord for the blessings he had given my sons in
 this time of their need.
   
      I arrived at the hospital today at about eleven am and both my sons
 were up.  Ralph was still looking rough and obviously feeling the effects
 of the morphine.  But Victor was up, dressed and already looking forward
 to going home.  (A good sign) I spent a considerable amount of time
 talking to their doctors and the bottom line is that Ralph bore the brunt
 of the explosive flash-over.  Victor did come home today and his fianc,
 Heather, has assured me she'll take the very best of care of him.  (She's
 a Nurse)  The doctors told me that if Ralph settles down overnight he'll
 be able to come home tomorrow.  If not, for sure Sunday.  As I type this,
 I can only reflect on how really fragile our lives can be.  I thanked God
 for my sons and will continue do so.  During this Christmas time, I can
 now sincerely appreciate the meaning of "keeping of Christ" in Christmas.

                               Thank you for listening to me,
   
                                     Ralph...    

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 > STR INDUSTRY REPORT                 LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS 
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                         IBM/POWER-PC/PC SECTION (I)
                         ===========================



                   Computer Products Update - CPU Report
                   ------------------------   ----------
                  Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
   
                                Issue #51
   
                    Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.



                  ******* General Computer News *******


                  ** Atari Releases Five Jaguar Games **

    Hammered by critics over delays in getting software titles out, Atari 
 Corp. has responded with release of five new games for its 64-bit Jaguar 
 game system in time for the holidays. This brings to about 20 the number 
 of titles for the Jaguar, which sells for about $250.
  
    Among the new games are "Kasumi Ninja," "Zool2," " "Iron Soldier", 
 "Busby" and "Val d'Isere Skiing & Snowboarding." Atari recently intro-
 duced a version of the popular "Doom" game. Prices range from $60 to 
 $70.
  
  
                       ** Sharp Unveils New PDA **

    Sharp Electronics Corp. has introduced its keyboard-enhanced Zaurus 
 personal digital (PDA).
  
    The company says Zaurus will be marketed to corporations as a produc-
 tivity tool. It will also be positioned as a vertical application solu-
 tion in fields such as medical, pharmaceutical. Sharp notes that target 
 customers -- primarily mobile professionals -- can send and receive e-
 mail, send faxes, access online services, exchange information with 
 local and remote PCs, take notes on an electronic note pad, create maps 
 and drawings, generate documents and manage their time and information.
  
    The PDA offers 1MB of RAM -- 750K of which is available for user data 
 and add-on software programs. Zaurus combines a pen for note taking, 
 drawing and accessing information and a keyboard for text intensive 
 applications like messaging and word processing.
  
    Connected to a regular or cellular phone, Zaurus users can send or 
 receive messages and data using public e-mail services such as AT&T Mail 
 and access online services such as CompuServe. Users can also fax docu-
 ments. An optional Zaurus Mail system allows small work groups to 
 exchange messages and data using a single Windows- based PC as an 
 electronic post office.
  
    Zaurus measures 6.7 by 3.9 by 1.0 inches and weighs 13.6 ounces.
  
    Set to ship in late January, the base Zaurus will sell for $749. A 
 model that includes a data/fax modem will cost $849.
  
  
                  ** Matsushita Creates New Circuitry **
  
    A breakthrough is being claimed by Japan's Matsushita Electric Indus-
 trial Co. Ltd. in developing denser circuitry that it says will allow 
 manufacture of smaller portable phones, camcorders, computers and other 
 electronic goods.
  
    Reports say the development, called "ALIVH" ("Any Layer Inner Via 
 Hole"), can reduce the size of circuitry by 30% to 50% and initially 
 will be used in-house for Matsushita's own products, allowing time to 
 perfect mass production using the technology.
  
    Saying sample shipments of the ALIVH multi-layered wiring board will 
 be available in the second half of next year, company officials said 
 first applications could be for PCs, camcorders, portable phones, pagers 
 and CD-ROMS.
  
  
                   ** Windows 95 to Get MIDI Support **
  
    Microsoft Corp. says it plans to integrate Open Music System MIDI 
 architecture from Opcode Systems Inc. into its forthcoming Windows 95 
 operating system.
  
    Microsoft notes that the move will extend Windows 95's Plug and Play 
 support to MIDI devices such as keyboards, synthesizers, effects 
 processors and drum machines.
  
    Opcode states that it plans to bring its suite of professional music 
 software and hardware solutions, including Vision, Galaxy and Studio 4, 
 to Windows 95 in 1995's second quarter.
  
    OMS is an industry standard for professional musicians, multimedia 
 developers and music enthusiasts that provides an environment for MIDI 
 programs and hardware to work together. OMS-compatible software enables 
 communication with a wide range of hardware devices such as external 
 MIDI and SMPTE interfaces, sound cards and MIDI synthesizers.
  
    The first OMS MIDI implementation for Windows 95, including Plug and 
 Play, will be available as an extension to Windows 95 after the oper-
 ating system has shipped. Subsequent versions of Windows will include 
 OMS MIDI as an integrated feature of the operating system.
  
  
                    ** Combo Audio/CD-ROMs Planned **

    Philips Media and Ardent Records say they plan to release a series of 
 combination audio/CD-ROM disks.
  
    The AudioVision CD products will feature a full album playable on a 
 standard CD player and an interactive audio-visual section playable on a 
 standard Macintosh computer. The first releases, due out next year, will 
 feature the sights and sounds of two of Ardent Records' recent signings: 
 2 Minutes Hate and Techno-Squid Eats Parliament.
  
    The releases will be distributed through PolyGram Group Distribution 
 in record and video outlets, and through Philips Media Distribution to 
 software retailers.
  
  
                  ** WordPerfect Ships PerfectOffice **

    WordPerfect's PerfectOffice applications suite is to begin shipping 
 tomorrow, two months after the redesigned software was first promised 
 but a month before some analysts' expectations.

    The suite - word processing, spreadsheet and database programs - will 
 offer new technology, including Envoy, a workgroup publishing program 
 that allows users to send documents with formatting that crosses 
 computer platform boundaries.
  
  
                     ** Apple Unveils Game Machine **

    Apple Computer says it is developing a new CD-ROM game system that's 
 based on the PowerPC microprocessor and its Macintosh operating system.
  
    Apple plans to license the platform, dubbed Pippen, to a variety of 
 vendors in different fields. The system is due out in late 1995.
  
    "Now multimedia technology has the potential of reaching the penetra-
 tion levels of audio CD players and VCRs," says Satjiv Chahil, vice 
 president of Apple Computer's New Media Group.
  
    Apple believes that Pippin will provide significant advantages over 
 current CD-ROM- based multimedia players, many of which are focused 
 simply on playing game software. The company says Pippin will support a 
 wide array of multimedia titles.
  
    Bandai Co. Ltd., a Japanese entertainment conglomerate, will offer a 
 multimedia player based on Pippen technology in late 1995.
  
  
                   ** Researchers Develop New Screen **
  
    A new flat-screen computer display is being developed by researchers 
 at Kent State University in Ohio, who say it might soon replace paper-
 printed newspapers, magazines and books.
  
    Director J. William Doane of Kent State's Glenn Brown Liquid Crystal 
 Institute said, "The display industry is looking for a flat-panel 
 display screen that's purely reflective, so it looks just like a piece 
 of paper, but has the potential for full color."
  
    Reports are that KSU researchers, supported by a nearly $2 million, 
 three-year federal grant, invented a material (polymer-stabilized 
 cholesteric textures) "that produces high-contrast images without 
 backlights, now needed in liquid crystal display technology."
  
    Institute Associate Director John West said the new screens produce a 
 display about the size of an average piece of paper and are about only 
 one-quarter of an inch thick, adding, "The new technology's main appli-
 cation will be in electronic devices, such as portable faxes, electronic 
 books, magazines and newspapers, as well as a range of new portable 
 communication devices coming on the market within the next few years."
  
    West said the image will be much better than TV pictures, using about 
 4 million pixels per page-size display as compared with current 
 television's some 300,000 pixels per screen. The technology also will 
 eliminate the expense of placing transistors at each pixel site, he 
 said.
  
    KSU researchers say they expect a high-speed display using light-
 weight, plastic material to be ready by mid-1995, that each "page" will 
 appear in a fraction of a second, the equivalent of turning a paper page 
 by hand.
  
    The work is supported by the Center on Advanced Liquid Crystalline 
 Optical Materials, a consortium of Kent State, Case Western Reserve 
 University and the University of Akron.
  
  
                   ** Apple Sues Over QuickTime Code **
  
    Apple Computer Inc. has sued San Francisco Canyon Co., alleging the 
 small software publisher infringed on a video copyright in code that 
 Apple says now is being used by rivals Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp.
  
    The suit says Apple had asked Canyon to make a version of its Quick-
 time video software that could run on computers using Microsoft's 
 Windows environment.
  
    Apple alleges Canyon took Quicktime code written for Apple and gave 
 it to chipmaker Intel, which, the suit says, used the code in some of 
 its video-related software and also turned the code over to Microsoft. 
 The suit contends Microsoft included the code in its product, Video for 
 Windows version 1.1D.
  
  
                 ** HP, Microsoft Eye Infrared System **

    Hewlett-Packard Co. and Microsoft Corp. say they are developing a 
 Windows 95 infrared communications solution that will address the 
 growing need for low-cost, wireless communication between PCs, printers 
 and other peripheral products.
  
    The software is being designed for PCs and peripherals with IrDA-
 compliant infrared ports.
  
    Infrared interoperability will provide users with "point- and-shoot" 
 file transfer, printing and other communication capabilities without 
 requiring cables or other accessories.
  
    "Our overall goal for Windows 95 Mobile Services is to make using PCs 
 away from the desk easier and more powerful for everyone," says Brad 
 Chase, general manager of Microsoft's Personal Systems Group.
  
    "Today's mobile PC users desperately want a low-cost, hassle-free way 
 to transfer files, print on-the-go and quickly share information between 
 devices," says Andy Seybold, editor of Outlook on Mobile Computing. 
 "Infrared communication looks like the best and nearest-term solution to 
 fill those needs." 
  
  
                  ** NEC Makes 1-Gigabit Breakthrough **
  
    A tiny memory cell that can be used to make computer memory chips 
 able to store one gigabit -- a billion units -- of information has been 
 developed by Japan's NEC Corp.
  
    Quotes from NEC officials say the firm will distribute samples of the 
 chips in 1998 and begin mass production in 2000.
  
    NEC says a single chip of the new design could store 16 complete 
 works of William Shakespeare or four hours of music.
  
  
                   ** PC Shipments Up 23%, IDC Says **
  
    Researchers predict PCs shipments in the U.S. will hit 18.4 million 
 this year, up 23% from 1993. In fact, says International Data Corp., 
 unit shipments will top 20% growth for the third year in a row.
  
    Replacement of older-model PCs continued at a rapid pace and the 
 consolidation among the bottom tier of vendors that was rampant in 1993 
 has subsided this year.
  
    IDC released this list of the top 10 vendors, their unit shipments, 
 market share and growth from 1993 to 1994:
  
    1. Compaq, 2,355,000 units, 12.8% share, 61% growth.
    2. Apple, 2,224,000 units, 12.2% share, 8% growth.
    3. Packard Bell, 1,995,000 units, 10.8% share, 100% growth.
    4. IBM, 1,868,000 units, 10.2% share, minus 8% growth.
    5. Gateway 2000, 937,000 units, 5.1% share, 40% growth.
    6. Dell, 780,000 units, 4.2% share, 4% growth.
    7. AST, 733,000 units,  4% share, 18% growth.
    8. Toshiba, 687,000 units, 3.7% share, 108% growth.
    9. Acer, 465,000 units, 2.5% share, 88% growth.
    10. (tie) Hewlett-Packard, 445,000 units, 2.4% share, 92% growth,
              AT&T GIS, 445,000 units, 2.4% share, 93% growth.

    All others, 5,446,000 units, 29.6% share, 3% growth.
  
  
  
                 ******* Updated Pentium Bug News *******
  
    -- Intel Team Tackles Pentium Flaw
  
    An Intel Corp. scientist says the chipmaker has pulled together a 
 group to work on software to work around the flaw in versions of its 
 Pentium microprocessor.
  
    Scientist Richard Wirt announced the plan this week in a message in 
 an Internet newsgroup where scientists have been discussing the problem 
 for more than a month.
  
    Intel said the program will detect when one of the calculations that 
 results in an incorrect answer is about to be made and will calculate 
 the correct answer.
  
  
    -- IBM Halts Pentium PC Shipments
  
    IBM says it has stopped shipping all PCs based on the Intel Pentium 
 microprocessor.
  
    The computer maker reports that its decision is based on tests con-
 ducted by the IBM Research Division, stimulated by growing customer 
 concern that Pentium-related problems are more frequent than previously 
 estimated.
  
    IBM says the tests indicate that while Intel's descriptions of the 
 flaw are technically accurate, there are many situations in which the 
 risk of error may be significantly higher. IBM says it is working with 
 customers on interim solutions and will resume shipments upon request by 
 its customer and business partners.
  
    IBM says it will offer replacement Pentium chips at no cost to its 
 customers. It adds that it is working with Intel to help resolve 
 Pentium-related problems as quickly as possible.
  
  
    -- Intel Calls IBM's Move Unwarranted
  
    Intel Corp. said IBM Corp.'s decision to halt shipments of IBM compu-
 ters using Intel's Pentium chip was "unwarranted."  Intel again said its 
 own tests on the Pentium concluded that the frequency of encountering 
 the flaw is about once in every nine billion random division operations.
  
    "Intel does not agree with the conclusions reached by IBM," Andrew 
 Grove, president and CEO of Intel, said in a statement in response to 
 IBM's announcement. "You can always contrive situations that force this 
 error. In other words, if you know where a meteor will land, you can go 
 there and get hit."
  
    Grove reiterated the company's policy to replace Pentium chips for 
 any customers who might encounter the problem in the course of their 
 applications.
  
  
    -- Lotus: Change 1-2-3 for Pentium Use
  
    Lotus Development Corp. said this week that users of its Lotus 1-2-3 
 spreadsheet working on computers with Pentium microprocessors can still 
 perform accurate floating point calculations.
  
    Reports are that Lotus has issued instructions for making a minor 
 change in the 1-2-3 software that circumvents the floating point flaw in 
 the Pentium so that the floating point calculations are handled by 1-2-3 
 and not the Pentium chip.
  
    To make the change, Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows users should follow this 
 simple, four-step process:
  
    --Highlight the 1-2-3 icon in the Program Manager.
    --Select File Properties.
    --Add 1/8space3/8 -s after the last character in the 1-2-3 Command 
      Line path.
    --Choose OK.
  
    Lotus said this will work every time the user loads Lotus 1-2-3.
  
    The 1-2-3 workaround has been tested by Lotus and already runs in all 
 copies of 1-2-3 for DOS release 3.4 and 4.0 and 1-2-3 for Windows 
 release 4, 4.01, and 5.
  
  
    -- Industry Torn Over Pentium
  
    "Somebody is wrong. Who do you believe? If I were a consumer, I'd be 
 totally confused."
  
    So says publisher Richard Shaffer of ComputerLetter, speaking with 
 Wall Street Journal reporters Bart Ziegler and Don Clark this week about 
 the growing controversy over Intel Corp.'s flawed Pentium chip.
  
    "It could damage the credibility of the industry," Shaffer added. "My 
 biggest concern is this will cause consumers to have some real Christmas 
 doubts about the Pentium."
  
    -:- Software giant Microsoft Corp. says the Pentium flaw does not 
 affect its Windows operating system and that the company still has 
 confidence in the Intel flagship chip.
  
    -:- Digital Equipment Corp. joined computer makers Gateway 2000, Dell 
 Computer, Compaq Computer Corp. and Packard Bell in backing Intel, 
 saying it will continue selling PCs with Pentiums.
  
    -:- NEC Corp., Japan's biggest PC maker, said it found the Pentium 
 flaw caused negligible harm, and that it would continue shipping 
 computers.
  
    -:- However, Japan's Nomura Research Institute said it had found 
 technical problems in test financial programs and had asked makers -- 
 including Compaq -- to replace free about 150 Pentium-based PCs.
  
  
    -- Gateway Continues Pentium Sales
  
    Gateway 2000, the leading direct-sale PC marketer, says it won't halt 
 Pentium PC shipments.
  
    "The Pentium processor is the most tested, most analyzed processor in 
 history, and we think it is as reliable as any microprocessor ever put 
 in a PC," says Ted Waitt, chairman and CEO of Gateway.
  
  
    -- How Many Pentium Designers...?
  
    D'ya hear the one that asks, "How many Pentium designers does it take 
 to change a light bulb?"
  
    "0.99904274017, but that's close enough for non-technical people... 
 or alternatively, we're not actually quite sure, but don't worry, light 
 bulbs don't blow very often..."

          ________________________________________________________


 > THUMBSPLUS NEWS!STR InfoFile
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""


                           THUMBSPLUS VERSION 2.0C
                           =======================


 Announcing ThumbsPlus version 2.0c, the only effective, elegant and
 inexpensive way to locate and organize your graphic files.  You will be
 amazed by this sleek, fast, efficient graphics browser, which includes the
 following features.  Version 2.0 features are marked with a "+"; features
 added in 2.0c are marked with "++".

 o  Fast & accurate thumbnail generation by individual file, directory or
    entire disk.  Disk and directory scans can be done in the background,
    allowing you to continue working.

 +  Support for many image and clip-art formats, both raster and vector,
    including:

    .BMF       Corel Gallery clip-art        .PAT      *Corel pattern files
    .BMP,.DIB  Windows or OS/2 bitmaps       .PCD       Kodak PhotoCD
    .CDR      *CorelDRAW!                    .PCX,.PCC  Zsoft PC Paintbrush
    .CGM       Computer Graphics Metafiles   .PSD    ++ Adobe Photoshop 2.5
    .CMX      *Corel Presentation Exchange   .RAS,.SUN  Sun Raster files
    .CPT       Corel PhotoPaint              .RAW       Raw Grayscale
    .EPS      *Encapsulated Postscript       .RLE       Compressed Win Bmps
    .GEM       GEM Metafiles                 .TGA,.WIN  Targa TrueVision TM
    .GIF       CompuServe GIFs               .TIF       Tagged Image Format
    .ICO       Windows Icon files            .TTF       TrueType fonts
    .IFF,.LBM  Amiga Images, Deluxe Paint    .WAV       Sound files
    .IMG       GEM Images                    .WMF       Windows metafiles
    .JPG       JPEG (JFIF) files             .WPG    ++ WPerfect (v1 & v2)
    .MND       Mandelbrot for Windows

 * Only the preview image is accessibly directly for those types marked
   with a (*).  The complete image may be available if an OLE server for
   the type is loaded on your system.

 +  Using Aldus Rev1 graphic filters, which Thumbs+Plus can automatically
    locate on your hard disk, you may be able to handle the following
    formats (and others)

    .DRW      Micrographx Designer/Draw      .PIC      Lotus 1-2-3 Pictures
    .DXF      AutoCAD (2-D) files            .PLT      AutoCAD Plot files
    .HGL      HP Graphics Language           .WPG      DrawPerfect graphic
    .PCT      Macintosh PICT files

 +  Using OLE, Thumbs+Plus can thumbnail and view any file for which an OLE
    server is present on your system. Some possible types include:

    .AVI      Video for Windows animation    .PPT      P Point presentation
    .DOC      Word for Windows document      .PUB      Microsoft Publisher
    .GRA      Microsoft Graph 

 +  Multiple graphic viewing windows with file save (BMP, GIF, JPG, TGA,
    PCX, TIF, WMF), print, copy, paste, crop, auto-crop, convert metafiles
    to bitmaps and more.

 +  On-the-fly gamma correction and quick dithering of 24-bit images for
    8-bit (256-color) displays.

 +  Zoom-in (2x - 9x), stretch to fit, and stretch to fit width.

 o  Enhanced solid color metafile viewing with 8-bit (256-color) drivers,
    which eliminates that ugly dithering which Windows does by default.

 +  Image editing and conversion capabilities:
    - Color adjustment (contrast, gamma, brightness, RGB)
    - Color depth (bi-level/4 to 256-color/grayscale,truecolor) w/several
      palette selections and dithering options.
    - Rotate and re-size with interpolation (anti-aliasing)
    - Miscellaneous: Invert/flip vertical/flip horizontal/autocrop/swap red
      and blue.
    - Edit or add comments to supported types (TIF, GIF, JPEG).
    - Batch  (unattended/background) mode to edit & convert multiple files,
      while still using your computer for other tasks.

 +  For saving JPEG files, Thumbs+Plus provides a "loss preview" so you can
    see an indication of the difference between the original and the
    compressed file. (Requires 16- or 24-bit display.)

 +  Install and remove TrueType fonts quickly and easily  --  while looking
    at them. ++ It also shows which fonts are currently installed (by font
    name).

 +  Support for drag-and-drop from File Manager to view, drag-and-drop to
    other applications (like File Manager), and DDE support for using
    Thumbs+Plus to view files (or open Thumbs+Plus databases) from File
    Manager.

 o  File management capabilities, including drag-and-drop for file
    organization, a color-coded directory tree for quickly locating
    directories with graphics, directory creation and file renaming,
    copying, deleting and moving.

 o  Off-line (removable) device support, for cataloging floppies, CD-ROMs
    or other removable media. The thumbnails are available even when the
    disk is not on-line -- and Thumbs+Plus can even label disks.

 o  Complete or partial catalog printing, with scaleable thumbnails, file
    captions (if desired), and user layout control.

 o  User-specified editors let you pick the editor of your choice -- by
    file type, or use the File Manager association.

 +  "Automatic Clipboard Save" provides the ability to automatically  save
    clipboard contents to disk files.  Thumbs+Plus saves each time the
    clipboard changes.

    - Select format (BMP, GIF, JPG, PCX, TGA).
    - Clipboard metafiles can be saved as .WMF or a raster format.
    - Specify the desired path and file name prefix.
    - Useful for screen or window capture too (using PrintScreen and
      ALT+PrintScreen).
    - Unobtrusive -- you don't have to activate the program for each
      capture.

 o  A built-in Windows Wallpaper hanger (centered or tiled) for any
    supported file type, and a customizable full-screen slide show.

 ++ Now you can remove wallpaper from the program, too.

 o  A toolbar and keyboard shortcuts for common functions.

 o  Extensive on-line help and customization of many aspects of the
    program.

 ++ Automatic (or manual, by directory tree or disk) removal of "orphaned"
    thumbnails (thumbnails for files which were moved or deleted from
    another program).

 ++ Customization of the file list, so that it can include the date and
    time or size of the files, and for sorting by date, size, extension or
    name.

 ++ Selection of files to display, or files to select, by file name mask.

 ++ Export selected thumbnails to Windows bitmap files.

                                    ****
 Thumbs+Plus  is distributed as  shareware  and may be evaluated  free of
 charge for up to thirty days. If you continue to use Thumbs+Plus after the
 thirty days have elapsed,  you must register. The price for an individual
 license is US$50. Site and corporate licenses are available.  Further
 information about licensing and ordering is available in the on-line help
 file.

                                    ****

 To obtain Thumbs+Plus version 2.0c:

 CompuServe:     THMPLS.EXE in GRAPHSUP forum, library 3 (GIF viewers)
                 THMPLS.EXE in DTPFORUM, library 6 (PC DTP Utilites)
                 THMPLS.EXE in WINFUN forum, library 9 (Graphics Utilities)
                 Also available in other forums.
 America Online: THMPLS.EXE in the Windows area
 Internet:       cerious/thmpls.exe via anonymous ftp from vnet.net

 The Bounty BBS THMPLS.EXE in Graphic Programming

 Installation is simplicity itself: Just run the program and it will set up 
 and configure itself automatically.

               ______________________________________________


 > Frankie's Corner STR Feature
   """""""""""""""""""""""""""""



                         THE KIDS' COMPUTING CORNER
                         ==========================


 by Frank Sereno

 Wallobee Jack "The Secret of the Sphinx"
 dual format CD-rom for Windows/Mac
 Ages seven & up
 MRSP $29.95
                            WordPerfect Main Street
                            1555 N. Technology Way
                             Orem, UT 84057-2399
                             phone 800-451-5151

  IBM Requirements                         Mac Requirements
  CPU:       486SX or higher               CPU:       Color Mac or higher
  Graphics:  256-color VGA                 Graphics:  256 colors
  Hard disk: 1 meg                         Hard disk: 0 k
  RAM:       4 megs                        Ram:       2.5 megs
  OS:        Windows 3.1                   OS:        System 7.0
  CD-rom:    Double-speed                  CD-rom:    Double-speed
  Sound:     MPC compatible sound card

 Wallobee Jack "The Secret of the Sphinx" is a blending of cartoon and
 gaming action over three-dimensional computer graphics.  The animations
 and visuals in the program are unique and beautiful.  The game portion
 consists of solving visual and audio logic puzzles to gather clues.  If
 you gather enough clues, you will solve the "Secret of the Sphinx."

 The game features two heroes.  Wallobee Jack is a kangaroo from the 
 Australian Outback and Francesca Fellini is a savvy American cat.  They
 must outwit their foes in the quest for the missing nose of the Sphinx.
 Dagon is a vile crocodile who seeks the nose to sell it for a fortune in
 money.  Cleocatra is a priestess who seeks world domination by using the
 nose to call on the power of the Egyptian god, Seth.  She will use two
 bumbling henchmen to prevent Wallobee and Francesca from solving the
 mystery.

 The graphics are excellent.  The cartoon animations use vibrant colors and
 smooth movement.  The backdrops are three-dimensional digitized renderings
 of photographs.  The audio portion is very good.  Native music is used to
 set the mood.  Sound effects were expertly digitized and are used
 liberally throughout the program.  The voice tracks are clear and
 distinct.  The voice acting is very credible with suitable emotion. 

 "Sphinx" features a very simple user interface.  It is point and click
 with a twist.  For much of the game, the cursor will be the normal arrow. 
 When it is time to help Wallobee and Francesca solve a puzzle, the cursor
 will become a hand which will be used to click on the correct answers.  In
 scenes featuring Dagon, you can impede his progress by finding bombs which
 are hidden by hotspots on the screen.  You must move the mouse until the
 cursor becomes a bomb and then click it.  If you aren't fast enough, Dagon
 will find the clue and be one step closer to obtaining the nose.  The game
 has two difficulty settings for puzzle difficulty and clicking skill.  The
 higher clicking skill allows less time to solve the puzzle.  My opinion is
 that an option should be available for no time limits on solving the
 puzzles to make it easier for younger children.

 Another problem with the interface is that no save game or pause features
 are included.  You can pause the game by task-switching to another
 application but you cannot save a game in progress.  Every time you make a
 mistake in the game, you must start over from the beginning.
 I find the verbal abuse in this game to be disconcerting.  Cleocatra is
 constantly haranguing her henchmen. Dagon always insults the player
 personally.  Sensitive children and the politically correct may not enjoy
 the humor of being called "a loser" or "slug."

 The program also has many long loading periods.  The program's
 documentation includes no recommendations for speeding up this portion of
 the game.  I was running the program on a 486DX2-66 with eight megs of RAM
 and a fairly large permanent swap file.  Loading periods could last up to
 ten seconds.

 Play value for "Sphinx" is fairly good for older children.  I believe
 younger children will become too frustrated with the interface and Dagon's
 dissing.  This could be a good program for adults because the program does
 have some jokes oriented for them.  If you have younger children, you can
 play the game and they will enjoy watching the cartoon adventure.  The
 program does have a randomization feature so the game is different each
 time it is played.  This gives the game good replay value.

 This program has limited educational value.  It may pique children's
 curiosity in geography and social studies.  The program does use music and
 graphics from Egypt.  Information is given about the customs and history
 of that land also.  The puzzles may help children develop logic skills and
 the program also teach mouse skills and develop coordination.

 This program is not suitable for everyone due to the shortcomings in the
 interface and the abusiveness of the insults spoken.  It is reasonably
 priced and it does have a 90-day money back guarantee.  My suggestion is
 to try it before you buy it or check the store's return policy since not
 all stores will honor WordPerfect Main Street's policy.

                                   Ratings
                     Graphics ........... 9.0
                     Sounds ............. 9.0
                     Interface .......... 6.0
                     Play Value ......... 7.5
                     Educational Value .. 5.0
                     Bang for the Buck .. 7.0
                     Average ............ 7.25

                                     ###

                             Read with Me 1 & 2
                   IBM Windows CD-rom with video cassette
                             Ages three to seven
                                 MRSP $59.95
                           WordPerfect Main Street
                           1555 N. Technology Way
                            Orem, UT 84057-2399
                            phone 800-451-5151

  IBM Requirements
  CPU:       486SX or higher
  Graphics:  256-color VGA
  Hard disk: 1 meg
  RAM:       4 megs
  OS:        Windows 3.1
  CD-rom:    Double-speed
  Sound:     MPC compatible sound card

 This package combines two floppy-based programs into a value-priced CD-rom
 offering.  Rusty and Rosy Raccoon lead children on a fascinating and
 entertaining voyage of discovery.  Four learning games are included plus a
 computer video segment.

 Catch-A-Match teaches children to match numbers, letters, colors, shapes
 and sizes.  Children receive visual and audio cues to select matching
 objects on the screen.  The parent or child can choose an individual
 category or work with all concepts at random.  The child progresses to
 higher level of difficulty as he completes each screen correctly.  Three
 backdrops are included to keep the program interesting and fresh for the
 child but the games remain the same in concept.  The program "bookmarks"
 each child's progress so that he may continue from the level last played.

 Coloring Box is a nice painting program which encourages creativity and
 teaches color and letter concepts.  Children can use fifteen different
 colors to color the provided backgrounds or they can use a blank template
 to create their own masterpieces.  The program also includes sixty-eight
 graphic stamps and twenty-four shapes to place in the pictures.  Children
 can also select many patterns for filling solid objects.  Text can be
 placed on the picture by clicking on a letter and then clicking on the
 desired location on the picture.  Nine pictures may be saved per child. 
 The program could use an undo button to undo the last action and a warning
 on the trash can icon because clicking on it results in the instant
 destruction of the picture.

 Treasure Hunt is a variation on concentration.  Children will match
 rhyming words, pictures to word names, shapes, letters, and more.  This
 activity will strengthen memory skills, teach vocabulary, shapes and
 names, recognition of rhymes and more.  The game allows individual, two
 player and individual against the computer playing modes.  The deck starts
 with six cards and will increase to thirty cards as the child's skill
 increases.  Children will be enticed to continue playing to uncover the
 scene beneath the cards.  If the cards are matched quickly enough, the
 child will earn a prize.

 The final game is Word Traveler.  Children will construct words using the
 phonemes (speech sounds) which make up words.  This activity is hosted by
 a pair of friendly robots who will properly pronounce each part of the
 word and then the whole word.  The game features three levels of play. 
 The easy level features single-letter beginning sounds and two-letter
 ending sounds.  Pictures of words that can be made with the sounds are
 shown below the letters.  If the child clicks on the picture, a robot will
 pronounce the name.

 The medium game features beginning, middle and ending sounds.  The child
 can choose from eight beginning sounds, two middle (vowel) sounds and six
 ending sounds.  These sounds can use one or two letters.  When a word is
 formed, one robot will speak a sentence which will define the word.  The
 hard level allows children to use all twenty-six letters to form words of
 up to eleven letters.  On all levels, each time a word is made it is added
 to the child's word list.  He can go to the list and have words
 pronounced, print the list and more.

 The final activity is Watch with Me.  It consists of short, animated
 movies which teach children the alphabet by name, shape and sound.  The
 animations even show how to write letters.  Watch with Me is composed of
 ABC Songs, Songs and Rhymes, and Trace a Letter.  The videos are shown in
 a small window.  They can be enlarged but they become blocky and
 pixelized.  ABC Songs features ten renditions of the ABC Song.  Songs and
 Rhymes features twenty-six rhymes, poems or songs.  Each features an
 individual letter of the alphabet.  Trace a Letter teaches how to draw
 uppercase letters.  The animation will begin with a character which has a
 name starting with the letter.  Eventually the character will become that
 letter.  The program will then ask the child to trace the shape of the
 letter as it is drawn on the computer screen.  These animations are done
 well and many are quite amusing.

 The same animations used in Watch with Me are included on a VHS video
 cassette included in the package.  The animations don't look quite as good
 on the larger screen of most televisions as they did on the computer but
 they still have good educational value.  I did notice that the linear
 presentation of the video tape is not as entertaining as the unstructured
 nature of viewing the animations on the computer.  One can view the
 animations in any order on the computer, viewing favorites as often as one
 may please.

 The graphics are very colorful.  They are not as detailed on some programs
 but they are quite good.  The animated movies in Watch with Me are very
 good while some animated sequences in other portions of the program are
 jerky.  The sounds are very good.  All voice tracks are well-spoken with
 excellent diction and cheeriness.  Sound effects are used often.  The
 program features classical music for the Trace a Letter section and folk
 songs for the Songs and Rhymes portion.

 The child's interface is point and click.  Many sections provide audible
 help for the child.  The parent's controls are accessed by typing control-
 shift-s.  Various menus allow the parent to select the activities the
 child will play and whether the printer can be used.  The parent's section
 also includes on-line help and information on educational goals for each
 section.  The manual is very thorough in describing the methods and
 objectives of each activity.  Its troubleshooting section is very short. 
 WordPerfect does offer limited free technical support by calling to a
 specific number at their headquarters.

 Children should find plenty to entertain and amuse them in this fine
 product.  The arcade-type games are fun to play and the animations are fun
 to watch.

 Read with Me 1 & 2 has great educational value for preschool children.  It
 teaches numbers, colors, shapes, letters, sounds, counting, vocabulary and
 more.  The program packs in many learning concepts.

 Bang for the Buck is quite good.  This program can be found for under $50
 at many discounters.  It isn't cheap, but it is chock full of value and
 entertainment.  With Novell/WordPerfect's 90-day money back guarantee, you
 can't go wrong.

                                   Ratings

                     Graphics ........... 8.5
                     Sounds ............. 9.0
                     Interface .......... 8.5
                     Play Value ......... 9.0
                     Educational Value .. 9.5
                     Bang for the Buck .. 9.0
                     Average ............ 8.91

                                    ### 


                       MECC Announces Holiday Specials

 In the last few weeks MECC, a developer of award-winning educational
 software, has released several new titles.  These releases include four
 new CD-rom titles.  All products are available for IBM compatible and some
 are available for the Macintosh as well.

 Museum Madness is a mystery-solving game designed for children ages ten to
 thirteen.  Children help a robot to learn about science, interact with
 historical figures and solve puzzles.  They will test their logic skills,
 history and science knowledge, and attempt to solve the mystery. 
 Estimated retail pricing is $27.50 and the product is available for IBM
 computers and color Macintoshes running System 7.0.

 Trouble Troggle Math offers a learning experience within colorful cartoon
 worlds.  For children ages six to twelve, the program graduates each
 student through sixty levels of difficulty as his skill increases.  A
 special calculator is used to save a kidnaped Muncher.  Available for
 Windows and Macintosh, estimated retail price is $39.50.

 Yukon Trail is the third in the trail series of adventure simulations. 
 Players ages ten and up will become gold prospectors participating in the
 Klondike Strike.  Players learn history and geography facts as they make
 critical decisions in their quest for gold and glory.  Yukon Trail is
 available for both Windows and Macintosh in floppy and CD-rom formats. 
 The CD-rom version features digitized speech and period photographs. 
 Retail price is estimated at $39.50 for floppy disks and $46.50 for the
 CD-rom version.

 Amazon Trail has been enhanced for release on CD-rom.  This new version
 will feature new digitized voices and sounds to enrich a learning
 adventure for players ages ten and older.  Estimated price is $39.50 and
 the program will be available for Windows computers.

 Storybook Weaver DELUXE combines two successful floppy-based products into
 one CD-rom.  The original Storybook Weaver is combined with My Own Stories
 and adds a text-to-speech capability, a Spanish language feature, a
 drawing tool and more.  Designed for children ages six to twelve,
 Storybook Weaver DELUXE will be available for Windows at $39.50.

 Oregon Trail II is a CD-rom simulation of early pioneers fulfilling the
 dream of America's Manifest Destiny.  Players ages ten and up will
 experience life on the Oregon Trail by interacting with dozens of
 realistic characters and making life-and-death decisions.  Oregon Trail II
 features three-dimensional graphics, video footage and sound effects to
 give the simulation more realism.  The retail price is approximately
 $57.50.

 Contact MECC at 6160 Summit Drive North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55430-4003
 or call Customer Service at 1-800-685-6322, extension 529.

                                     ###

                        Thinkin' Things Collection 2
                    floppy disk or CD-rom for IBM or Mac
                             ages six to twelve
                            estimated retail $42
                                   Edmark
                                P.O. Box 3218
                           Redmond, WA 98073-3218
                             phone: 206-556-8484

 IBM Requirements                        Mac Requirements
 CPU:       386DX-25                     CPU:       Color Mac or higher
 Graphics:  256-color VGA                Graphics:  256 colors
 Hard disk: 13 megs for floppy           Hard disk: n/a
 RAM:       4 megs                       Ram:       4 megs, 5 for SYS 7.5
 OS:        DOS                          OS:        System 6.0.7
 CD-rom:    Double-speed                 CD-rom:    Double-speed
 Sound:     MPC compatible sound card
            Optional but recommended is a microphone

 Thinkin' Things Collection 2 carries forward the ideals and agenda of
 Thinkin' Things Collection 1 to help children create strong thinking
 skills by developing problem solving, memory, visual thought, listening
 skills, creativity and more.  TT2 does not teach children by drilling them
 to memorize facts, but encourages them to think creatively by allowing
 them explore and use various tools and instruments in five activities.

 The main screen features the icons for the five activities.  Simply click
 on an icon to start an activity.  Oranga Banga's Band is represented by
 the band.  2-3D BLOX is represented by a cylindrical map of the earth.  A
 cube featuring unique animals is the icon for Frippletration.  A picture
 of Toony the bird is the entrance to Toony's Tunes.  The final activity is
 Snake BLOX which has an icon of a snake of squares moving through a window
 in a cube.

 Oranga Banga's Band lets children write three-part rhythm using nine
 different instruments in explore mode.  The Question and Answer mode will
 ask the child to listen to the music and then identify a band member with
 his particular rhythm line.  These exercises will teach children rhythm,
 learn to read and write rhythm patterns and will enhance auditory
 discrimination.

 2-3D BLOX encourages three-dimensional visualization by having the
 children work with a variety of rotating 3-D objects.  The child can use
 the rudimentary painting tools to create artwork which will be instantly
 mapped to the rotating shapes, create his own backdrops or he can use the
 stock items.  Children can make a customized shape by using a lathe tool. 
 Background music and text can be added to the 3-D masterpiece which can be
 saved for later viewing.  The program even provides suggestions to aid
 creative thought.

 Frippletration is concentration with a twist.  Players can choose to play
 with audio or visual clues to build auditory or visual memory and
 discrimination.  The game is for one or two players.  Unfortunately there
 is no computer opponent option.  The game will progress from sixteen cards
 to thirty-six to sixty-four.

 Toony's Tunes' create mode allows children to play and save their own
 original songs while playing one of four unique xylophones.  Most
 interesting is the Sheep-a-phone which is reminiscent of Monty Python. 
 Children can also listen to Toony play fifteen classic children's songs. 
 In the Learn-A-Tune Mode, the child must follow Toony's example to learn a
 song.  This will strengthen auditory memory, listening skills and
 recognition of pitch.

 The final activity is Snake BLOX.  This activity allows children to layer
 background and foreground layers.  This creates a perception of depth when
 snakes are run under and over the various features.  Many tools are
 available to create background art.  Numerous background music tracks can
 be used to give the creation a music video appearance.  The Ideas section
 includes many designs that will fascinate and inspire the creativity in
 anyone.  Masterpieces can be saved for later viewing and editing.  This
 activity will enhance visual analysis and synthesis skills.

 TT2 features very good animation and graphics.  Animations are very
 smooth.  Vibrant colors are used throughout the program.  The sounds are
 excellent.  The songs for the BLOX activities are very interesting and are
 great for establishing a mood.  Digitized sound effects are very lifelike. 
 The voices are well-done with plenty of enthusiasm.

 The interface is point and click.  Audible directions are provided in
 Toony's Tunes, Frippletration and Oranga Banga's Band.  Vocal
 encouragement is used generously and enthusiastically.  The BLOX
 activities have no audible or visual help screens.  The child is free to
 explore and learn the tools and icons from his own experience.  The user's
 guide does explain all these tools and suggests activities for parents to
 share with their children to enhance the learning process.  The guide also
 includes a thorough troubleshooting guide.  If this fails, technical
 support is available via a toll call.  The program includes an Adults
 Section to set preferences for the program and to monitor the child's
 progress in non-BLOX activities.  The program is KidDesk aware so using
 TT2 with KidDesk is very simple.

 This program is both fun and fascinating.  The non-BLOX activities are
 filled with humor, interesting sound and lots of vocal encouragement.  The
 BLOX activities have an almost infinite number of creativity
 possibilities.  This program will inspire children to play and create for
 many hours.

 TT2 has excellent educational value.  It encourages creative thought,
 enhances auditory and visual skills, increases musical appreciation and
 provides auditory and visual memory training.  The BLOX activities should
 fascinate everyone, even adults.  It would be interesting to see if people
 will trade BLOX files in the future.  If only these created gems could be
 made into executable files that anyone could run!

 Bang for the Buck is great.  TT2 is reasonably priced.  It represents a
 great leap forward in computer methodology for educational programs.  It
 inspires children to think creatively.  Fact memorization will always be
 necessary, but creative thought is that which allows us to progress in
 science and the arts.  And don't forget Edmark's holiday special!  KidDesk
 Family Edition is included in specially marked packages of Edmark
 products.  Enjoy file security, ease of operation and many great features
 in KidDesk Family Edition.

                                   Ratings

                     Graphics ........... 9.0
                     Sound .............. 9.5
                     Interface .......... 9.0
                     Play Value ......... 9.5
                     Educational Value ..10.0
                     Bang for the Buck .. 9.5
                     Average ............ 9.41  

                                     ###

 The mailing list is still under construction.  Maybe we will work out all
 the bugs for the new year.  I'm still accepting applications for software
 reviewers.  Send a sample article to the addresses listed below.  If the
 title has not been reviewed before in this magazine, your article may be
 published with full credit to you.  If your writing is good and you accept
 the challenge, I'll send an evaluation copy of a recent program to you. 
 You write a review and get to keep the software.  I pay for the costs of
 shipping the software.  Details on how to submit articles can be finalized
 later.

                            Addresses:
                     Internet:  frank.sereno@uti.com
                     FidoNET:   Frank Sereno, 1:2235/10
                     U.S. Mail: 528 West Ave.
                               Morris, IL 60450-1768

 As always, I thank you for reading!




                 ___________________________________________
               

 > Delrina Award STR InfoFile
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""



                        DELRINA WINS 1994 STAR AWARD
                                     for
                EXCELLENCE IN TECHNICAL AND SOFTWARE SUPPORT


 Industry Unanimous in Selecting Delrina as the Most Improved

 SAN JOSE, CA and TORONTO, ONT -- December 13, 1994 -- Delrina Corporation
 (Nasdaq:DENAF, TSE:DC) the world+s leading vendor of PC communications and
 electronic forms software, today announced receipt of the prestigious 1994
 Software Technical Assistance Recognition (STAR) Award from the Software
 Support Professionals Association (SSPA) during ceremonies held at the
 recent Software Support +94 Conference in Monterey, CA.  Delrina won the
 award for illustrating the greatest improvement in customer satisfaction
 along with overall gains in support productivity.

 The STAR Awards are given annually to recognize excellence in four
 categories of software and technical support.  Competing companies undergo
 a rigorous self-nominating process, and winners are selected by SSPA+s
 Advisory Board members.  There are more than 360 member companies in the
 SSPA including Microsoft, Lotus, WordPerfect/Novell, IBM, Sun, and Apple.

 "This award is a tribute to the hard work and dedication that the
 technical support team has put into delivering superior customer support,"
 said Jim Moore, Director of Operations at Delrina.  "With the commitment
 of our executive management team we have built an environment that has
 empowered Delrina employees to treat customers as if they were the only
 customer in a business that belonged to them.  We have many stories where
 our people have put in the extra effort to satisfy our customers."

 "In all the years that we have been presenting these awards, I have never
 seen a company win so big," said Bill Rose, SSPA founder and Executive
 Director.  "This year, all 12 members of the board unanimously agreed on
 Delrina as their number one selection."

 "We are pleased to be singled out for this excellence by our peers," said
 Dennis Bennie, Delrina Chairman and CEO.  "Our investment in high quality
 support is a major success factor in maintaining leadership in our
 markets. We are an example for others to follow."

 Since 1992, Delrina+s customer service contacts increased rapidly from 250
 telephone calls per day to more than 4,000 contacts today.  Delrina+s
 Technical Support Centre in Toronto now handles more than 100,000 customer
 contacts per month.  For every 10,000 contacts Delrina receives only two
 complaints.

 The Company was able to improve service quality through extensive customer
 surveys and responding with innovative services, instituting a pay for
 performance plan to focus employees on delivering a high quality service,
 and investing substantially in training, technology, and facilities.  This
 included the development of specialized knowledge databases, call tracking
 systems, fax on demand information distribution, diagnostic tools,
 extended support services, and the operation of Radio Delrina which
 provides telephone traffic reports, music, and other useful information on
 Delrina products and services while callers hold for a Delrina
 representative.

 Founded in June 1988, Delrina is a high-profile Canadian success story and
 ranked among the fastest growing software companies in North America.  The
 company develops, markets and supports PC-based software products and
 services for fax, voice, data communications, electronic forms processing,
 and consumer markets.  Delrina employs more than 550 people with
 headquarters in Toronto, Canada, and offices in San Jose, CA, Washington
 DC,

 Kirkland, WA, the U.K., France, and Germany.

                                    ****

 Press Contact:
                               Josef Zankowicz
                     Delrina Corporation, (416) 441-4658
                        Internet: josefz@delrina.com


                    ____________________________________


 > STR InfoFile
   """"""""""""



               Creative Reflects on Another Award Winning Year
               ===============================================


              Sound Blaster AWE32 Receives PC Computing's Most 
         Valuable Product Award in the Multimedia Hardware Category


 SINGAPORE -- December 12, 1994 -- With the holiday season fast
 approaching, Creative Labs, Inc., a subsidiary of Creative Technology Ltd.
 (Nasdaq: CREAF) might be thinking of decking its halls with another
 showcase.  This year the leading PC audio provider received awards from
 many organizations including industry publications and distributors, among
 others.  In Las Vegas, at COMDEX/Fall, the largest computer trade show in
 the United States, it was announced that Sound Blaster AWE32 earned
 PC/Computing's prestigious "Most Valuable Product" (MVP) Award in the
 multimedia hardware category.  Sound Blaster Value Edition also received
 an award in the consumer hardware/add-in-board category from Merisel,
 Inc., at its annual "Hot Performers" ceremony at COMDEX.

 "We're delighted with PC/Computing's selection of Sound Blaster AWE32 as 
 an MVP.  To be awarded first place from an extensive list of multimedia 
 hardware products is the best endorsement any product can receive," said 
 W.H. Sim, Creative Technology's chairman and CEO.  "Both the AWE32 audio 
 card and the AWE32 Value Edition have been extremely successful in 
 furthering Creative's goals.  These products clearly offer consumers high 
 performance features at great price points and deliver the type of 
 superior sound and speech quality that they expect from Creative," he
 said. 

 Sound Blaster AWE32 combines the powerful features of Creative's award-
 winning Sound Blaster 16 Advanced Signal Processing card with the great 
 sounding Advanced WavEffects digital sample playback synthesis
 capabilities of E-mu Systems' EMU8000 integrated audio DSP.  AWE32 Value
 offers users a cost-effective means of obtaining all of the Advanced
 WavEffects realistic instruments and sound effects capabilities of the
 AWE32 audio card.

 The recognition that Creative received this year from PC/Computing and 
 Merisel represents exciting new developments in Creative's wealthy list of 
 achievements.  The company has won much acclaim through the many awards
 its products have received since Creative sold its first sound card in
 1989.  The following are highlights of the numerous awards that Creative
 received in 1994.

 Sound Cards
 ------------
 Computer Shopper's Best Buy of 1994, Computability Sound Board --
       Sound Blaster AWE32

 Infoworld Buyer's Assurance Seal -- Sound Blaster AWE32

 WordPerfect for Windows Magazine Reader's Choice (Best Sound Card) -- 
       Sound Blaster Series

 PC World's Best Buy -- Sound Blaster AWE32

 WordPerfect Magazine Reader's Choice (Best Sound Card) -- Sound Blaster 
       Series

 Windows Magazine Reader's Choice (Best Sound Card) -- Sound Blaster Series

 Multimedia World Reader's Choice (Sound Board Under $200) -- Sound 
       Blaster 16

 Multimedia World Reader's Choice (Sound Board Over $200) -- Sound Blaster 
       16 Advanced Signal Processing

 Windows Magazine's WIN 100 Award -- Sound Blaster 16 Advanced Signal 
       Processing

 HOMEPC Magazine Editor's Choice 100 Top Products Award -- Sound Blaster 16 
       Advanced Signal Processing

 PC/Computing (Best 200) -- Sound Blaster 16 SCSI-2

 PC Magazine Editor's Choice -- Sound Blaster 16 Basic Edition

 Multimedia World Reader's Choice Finalist -- Sound Blaster 16 Advanced 
       Signal Processing


 Multimedia/Video Products
 -------------------------
 PC World, World Class Award (Best Multimedia Upgrade Kit) -- Sound Blaster 
       Discovery CD 16

 Multimedia World Reader's Choice (Best Multimedia Upgrade Kit) -- Sound 
       Blaster Discovery CD 16

 New Media Magazine's Thumbs Up Award -- Video Blaster RT300

 Multimedia World Reader's Choice (Best Voice Recognition Software) -- 
       Creative VoiceAssist

 Multimedia World Reader's Choice Finalist (Best Video Digitizer) --
       VideoSpigot For Windows


 CONTACT INFORMATION                     
                              Sandra O'Halloran
                             Creative Labs, Inc.
                          (408) 428-6600, ext. 6405

 Creative  Technology  Ltd.  develops, manufactures and markets a family of
 sound and video multimedia products for PCs under the Blaster family name.
 The  company's  Sound  Blaster  sound platform enables PCs to produce high
 quality  audio  for  entertainment,  educational,  music  and productivity
 applications,  and  has  been  accepted  as  the  industry  standard sound
 platform for PC-based software.  

 Creative  Technology  Ltd.  was  incorporated  in  1983  and  is  based in
 Singapore.  Creative Technology's U.S. subsidiaries include Creative Labs,
 I n c .,  E-mu  Systems,  Inc.,  Digicom  Systems,  Inc.  and  ShareVision
 Technology,  Inc.  Creative  also has other subsidiaries in China, Europe,
 Japan,  Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan.  The company's stock is traded on
 Nasdaq under the symbol CREAF and on the Stock Exchange of Singapore.

 Sound  Blaster  is  a  registered  trademark  of  Creative Technology Ltd.
 Advanced  WavEffects,  Creative  VoiceAssist,  Sound  Blaster AWE32, Sound
 Blaster Discovery CD 16 and Video Blaster RT300 are trademarks of Creative
 Technology.  VideoSpigot is a registered trademark of Supermac Technology,
 Inc.      E-mu  is  a  registered  trademark  of  E-mu  Systems,  Inc. and
 ShareVision  is a registered trademark of ShareVision Technology, Inc. All
 other  products mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners
 and hereby recognized as such.

                _____________________________________________



 > PerfectOffice Ships!STR Spotlight
   """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



                 NOVELL SHIPS PERFECTOFFICE 3.0 FOR WINDOWS

       New suite receives acclaim from beta users and early reviews; 
                  Novell offers special $199 upgrade price

      OREM, Utah   Dec. 14, 1994   Novell, Inc. today announced that
 PerfectOffice 3.0, its first desktop applications suite, is shipping on
 schedule and will be available on retail shelves before the end of the
 year. PerfectOffice 3.0 combines WordPerfect, the best-selling word
 processor of all time, with award-winning applications in six different
 categories. The new product goes beyond traditional suites by offering
 superior program integration with PerfectFit technology, task automation
 with the first cross-application scripting language and network benefits
 for both end users and IS managers. PerfectOffice 3.0 is also the first
 suite to include workgroup publishing tools for collaborative computing.

      PerfectOffice 3.0 has already received industry acclaim since its
 announcement in June 1994. PC/Computing gave the product a 4.5 (out of
 five) star rating, the highest score in its suite review (November 1994)
 and called it "the best all-around suite for integration." The Nov. 14,
 1994 issue of InfoWorld claimed that the product "has a definite shot at
 the office suite title." The Oct. 25 issue of PC Magazine predicted that
 "PerfectOffice may well change what we expect from suites."

      "We are thrilled to see such a tremendous early response to this
 product," said Ad Rietveld, president of WordPerfect, the Novell
 Applications Group. "We are confident that PerfectOffice offers the best
 integrated software solution on the market and will begin to define
 the next generation of network applications."

 Beta Users Discover Innovations in PerfectOffice
 ------------------------------------------------
      "The installation routine was easy, especially for a network
 administrator, said Tim Hickernell of Commonwealth Edison Co. in Chicago.
 "It provides centralized management of user defaults in far more detail
 than in other suites."

      "The user interface makes sense," said Bruce Norton of Norton
 Innovation in Lititz, Pennsylvania. "There are QuickTasks and Experts all
 over the place so you can spend more time using the product and less time
 learning it."

      "The scripting language, PerfectScript, is like nothing else I've
 seen in other office suites," said Paul Dalton, of Jackson & Walker, a
 Texas law firm. "It's a really nice, easy-to-learn, cross-application
 approach."

 Two Versions of PerfectOffice Now Shipping
 ------------------------------------------
      PerfectOffice is now shipping in two versions Standard and
 Professional. PerfectOffice Standard includes the following products:

         -  WordPerfect  6.1 (word processor)
         -  Quattro  Pro 6.0 (spreadsheet)
         -  Presentations  3.0 (presentation graphics)
         -  InfoCentral  1.1 (personal information manager)
         -  Envoy  1.0 (workgroup publishing tool)
         -  GroupWise  4.1 client license and QuickLook (integrated e-mail,
            calendaring and scheduling)

      PerfectOffice Professional will include all of the above products as
 well as Borland International's Paradox  5.0, a relational database, and
 Novell AppWare  (formerly Visual AppBuilder), a fifth-generation visual
 custom development tool.  

      A third version, PerfectOffice Select, will offer the industry's
 first "create your own" suite solution and is scheduled for release in
 first quarter 1995. Using new CD-ROM-based technology, customers will be
 able to select from any of the applications in the Standard and
 Professional versions, as well as certain Novell GroupWare applications,
 WordPerfect Main Street products, and a variety of integrated third-party
 applications.

 PerfectFit Integration Dramatically Improves Ease of Learning
 -------------------------------------------------------------
      PerfectFit  technology provides each of the PerfectOffice components
 with unparalleled program integration including a consistent user
 interface, common tools, and PerfectScript, the first cross-application
 scripting language to be included in a suite. Each of the programs in
 PerfectOffice shares consistent toolbars, pull-down menus and common key
 dialog boxes.

 PerfectFit ensures that each PerfectOffice program looks and feels alike,
 so users can easily learn each of the applications.

      PerfectFit technology also provides PerfectOffice users with the most
 extensive set of common suite tools in the industry. The speller,
 thesaurus, drawing module, grammar checker, file manager, Coaches, Experts
 and QuickCorrect feature are shared among applications. In addition
 to consistency, users benefit from conservation of system resources and
 memory. 

      In addition to PerfectFit technology, PerfectOffice is the first
 suite to offer support for Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) 2.0
 functionality in five applications. Users can easily drag and drop data
 among PerfectOffice programs. With "in-place" editing, users can edit
 "objects" (such as a Quattro Pro spreadsheet) directly from WordPerfect or
 other PerfectOffice applications.

 QuickTasks Help Users Focus on Tasks Rather than Applications
 -------------------------------------------------------------
      PerfectOffice goes beyond the traditional ease-of-use features found
 in competing suites to automate entire tasks for users, independent of
 individual applications. New QuickTasks, accessible from the Desktop
 Application Director (DAD), automatically perform simple and complex tasks
 directly from the desktop, letting users concentrate on tasks rather than
 applications. QuickTasks don't force the user to open individual
 applications in order to get work done. Users can access more than 50
 QuickTasks to automatically create letters, faxes, spreadsheets and slide
 shows; update InfoCentral records; schedule meetings; open e-mail;
 generate mail merges or perform other common tasks. Users can also use the
 QuickTask Expert to create their own customized QuickTasks.

 PerfectOffice Leverages the Network to Help Users Work Together Better
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      "The merger of WordPerfect and Novell, and the acquisition of Quattro
 Pro, has helped the new Novell create the industry's first network suite,"
 said Mark Calkins, general manager of Novell's Business Applications
 Division. "Being the first network suite means much more than just running
 on a network. PerfectOffice is the first suite to begin to integrate
 network and workgroup services with desktop applications, making it the
 best solution for end users, as well as for system administrators who
 manage software across an enterprise." 

      PerfectOffice is the only suite to include a workgroup publishing
 tool for collaborative computing. Envoy lets users electronically view,
 annotate and distribute documents across the network while keeping all
 graphic design elements intact even if they don't have the software
 that was used to create the document. The innovative compression
 technology in Envoy often reduces files to one-third their size,
 conserving network resources as documents are distributed.

      PerfectOffice integrates all of its products with GroupWise, Novell's
 leading groupware solution. From within each of the PerfectOffice
 applications, users can access GroupWise to send e-mail, schedule personal
 and group appointments, check calendars, and assign and manage workgroup
 tasks. 

      For system administrators, PerfectOffice supports Novell's NetWare
 Navigator, giving them the ability to easily install and update software
 across a network. PerfectOffice includes two network installation models:
 the Corporate model allows administrators to control the settings for
 an enterprise from a central location and the Professional model lets
 users define their own settings.

 Industry's Best Toll-Free Customer Support
 ------------------------------------------
      Novell is the only software vendor to offer toll-free, no-fee support
 for its business applications (Microsoft and Lotus offer toll support
 only). PerfectOffice users can receive six months of toll-free, no-fee
 Classic Service, after which they can choose from a variety of other
 support options.

 Pricing and System Requirements
 -------------------------------
      Until March 31, 1995, users of any version of Novell applications
 (WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, etc.) or NetWare can upgrade to PerfectOffice
 Standard 3.0 for $199 (US) and users of competitive products can upgrade
 for $239 (US). 

      For new users, the suggested retail price (SRP) of PerfectOffice
 Standard is $659 (US).  Users of competitive products can upgrade for an
 SRP of $299 (US). The suggested retail price of PerfectOffice Professional
 is $859 (US) and users of competitive products can upgrade for an SRP of
 $399 (US).

      PerfectOffice requires a 386-25MHz machine or better with 8MB RAM,
 and Windows 3.1 or higher.

      For more information about PerfectOffice 3.0 for Windows, customers
 can call  (800) 451-5151.

      The business of Novell Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL) is connecting people to
 other people and the information they need, enabling them to act on it
 anytime, anyplace. Novell is the world's leading network software
 provider. The company's software products provide the distributed
 infrastructure, network services, advanced network access and network
 applications required to make networked information and pervasive
 computing an integral part of everyone's daily life.

                                     ***

 WordPerfect   and  Quattro  are  registered  trademarks  of  Novell,  Inc.
 P e r fectOffice,   PerfectFit,   PerfectScript,   Presentations,   Envoy,
 InfoCentral, GroupWise and AppWare are trademarks of Novell, Inc.  Windows
 is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Paradox is a registered trademark
 of Borland International.


                  ________________________________________



 > COREL ON THE ROAD! STR InfoFile
   """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


                                 ROAD SHOW!
                                 ==========

      The Product Specialist Team of Corel Corporation is scheduling a
 North American, UK and Germany blitz during January and February.  These
 events are planned for most major cities to give our existing registered
 users and prospective new users a chance to watch our exciting product
 demonstrations and find out about Corel's direction and plans for the
 future. If you plan to attend, you must RSVP as space is limited, by
 calling 613-728-0826 ext: 85090.  Please leave the location of the show
 you plan to attend and your name and telephone number.


                       January 30, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                           Marriott Boston Copley
                             110 Huntington Ave.
                                 Boston, MA

                       January 31, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                               New York Vista 
                            3 World Trade Center
                                New York, NY

                       February 1, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                              Rittenhouse Hotel
                            210 W Rittenhouse Sq.
                              Philadelphia, PA

                       February 2, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                            Omni Inner Harbor Htl
                            110 West Fayette St.
                                Baltimore, MD

                       February 3, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                           Sheraton City Ctr Hotel
                        1143 New Hampshire Avenue NW
                               Washington, DC

                       February 6, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                            Hyatt Regency Dallas
                              300 Reunion Blvd.
                                 Dallas, TX 

                       February 6, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                            Queen Elizabeth Hotel
                             900 Rene Levesque W
                                Montreal, PQ

                       February 7, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                               Westin Galleria
                             5060 W Alabama St.
                                 Houston, TX

                       February 7, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                              Inter Continental
                            200 Bloor Street West
                                 Toronto, ON

                       February 8, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                            Marriott KC Downtown
                            200 West 12th Street
                               Kansas City, MO

                       February 9, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                              Delta Bow Valley
                              209 4th Avenue SE
                                 Calgary, AB

                       February 9, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                           Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
                           333 West Kilbourn Av. 
                                Milwaukee, WI

                       February 10, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                                Four Seasons
                            791 West Georgia St.
                                Vancouver, BC

                       February 10, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                             Forum Hotel Chicago
                             525 N Michigan Av.
                                 Chicago, IL
                                       
                       February 10, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                           Atlanta Hilton & Tower
                             255 Courtland St NE
                                 Atlanta, GA

                       February 14, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                              Marriott Biscayne
                            1633 N Bayshore Drive
                                  Miami, FL

                       February 15, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                             Sheraton Inn Tampa
                           7401 E Hillsborough Av
                                  Tampa, FL

                       February 17, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                              The Westin Hotel
                              1900 Fifth Avenue
                                 Seattle, WA

                       February 21, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                            Marriott Portland OR
                            1401 SW Front Street
                                Portland, OR

                       February 21, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                              Inter Continental
                           251 South Olive Street
                               Los Angeles, CA

                       February 22, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                             Omni Detroit Hotel
                           333 E Jefferson Avenue
                                 Detroit, MI

                       February 22, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                              The Mark Hopkins
                                 1 Nob Hill
                              San Francisco, CA

                       February 23, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                            Marriott Minneapolis 
                            30 South Seventh St.
                               Minneapolis, MN
  
                       February 23, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                                Ritz Carleton
                             2401 E Camelback Rd
                                 Phoenix, AZ

                       February 24, 1995 (9:30am-12pm)
                                Brown Palace
                               321 17th Street
                                 Denver, CO



   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
         A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N

                  FARGO PRIMERA PRO COLOR PRINTERS - 600DPI

 For  a  limited time only; If you wish to have a FREE sample printout sent
 to  you  that  demonstrates  FARGO  Primera & Primera Pro SUPERIOR QUALITY
 600dpi  24  bit Photo Realistic Color Output, please send a Self Addressed
 Stamped Envelope [SASE] (business sized envelope please) to:

                       STReport's Fargo Printout Offer
                                P.O. Box 6672
                      Jacksonville, Florida 32205-6155

 Folks, the FARGO Primera Pro has GOT to be the best yet.  Its far superior
 to the newest of Color Laser Printers selling for more than three times as
 much.  Its said that ONE Picture is worth a thousand words.  Send for this
 sample now.  Guaranteed you will be amazed at the superb quality. (please,
 allow at least a one week turn-around)

         A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N -- A T T E N T I O N
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

                     :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
                      _________________________________

       Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
                      Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
                Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
                          Wait for the U#= prompt.

                  Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.

 Fire  up  that  high-speed modem and head for your favorite GEnie Software
 Library!   Effective October 10, 1994, you'll be able to participate in an
 open  beta  test,  offering  access  to  GEnie Services at 9600 bps for as
 little as $5.00 per hour.

 As a result of an arrangement with Sprint, GEnie will be offering 9600 bps
 access  from almost 300 SprintNet locations.  Best of all, this high-speed
 access  will  not  be subject to high-priced surcharges.  The normal $2.00
 per  hour  SprintNet  surcharge  will apply...even at 9600 bps!  This open
 beta test is expected to run through the end of the year.

 To find the number of the SprintNet access number nearest you, simply type
 PHONES  at  any  GEnie menu prompt (or use the "Move To Keyword" option in
 GENIE  for  Windows and type PHONES).  Remember, this rate applies only to
 9600  bps  access  via  SprintNet.  So be sure to choose the access number
 showing  "9600" in the "Baud Rate" column AND "SprintNet" in the "Network"
 column.

 From  the  "Fine  Print"  department,  please note that the $2.00 per hour
 surcharge for SprintNet access is applicable even during your initial four
 hours of monthly usage.

 So,  whether you're into downloading software, reading bulletin boards, or
 accessing databases, it's about to become cheaper to do it faster!

       GENIE Information Services copyright   1994 by General Electric
             Information Services/GENIE, reprinted by permission
                                      
                                       
  """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
                                 
        ___   ___    _____     _______
       /___| /___|  /_____|  /_______/           The Macintosh RoundTable
      /____|/____| /__/|__| /__/                 ________________________
     /_____|_____|/__/_|__|/__/
    /__/|____/|__|________|__/
   /__/ |___/ |__|_/   |__|_/____                  Managed by SyndiComm
  /__/  |__/  |__|/    |__|______/

          An Official Forum of the International Computer Users Group
    
                    *** STReport available in MAC RT ***
                                 ASCII TEXT
                            for ALL GENIE users!



                           MAC/APPLE SECTION (II)
                           ======================
                         John Deegan, Editor (Temp)


 > WRECKED LIVES STR FOCUS!
   """"""""""""""""""""""""


                          OF HEARTBREAK AND SORROW
                          ========================


  MATT DEATHERAGE UPDATE - 12/94
  ==============================

 Matt Deatherage, who is in prison right now, is going to have a very
 lonely Christmas without our help. (If this whole prison thing is news to
 you, you need to see the information files sent out earlier this year. To
 get them, ftp to ftp.netcom.com and look in /pub/dl/dland/, or just send
 mail to dland@netcom.com and I'll mail them back to you.)

 This file, written by Eric Mueller and expressing some views of Matt's
 family and other friends, explains a little about what happened since
 those two files and what is going on right now.


  WHAT HAPPENED IN JULY
  =====================

 After Matt was arrested in March, we made a public plea for letters to the
 judge, asking you to explain who you were, your relationship with Matt and
 how you felt about the situation. Over 150 letters were received by the
 judge---and for that, we sincerely thank you.

 This is a small excerpt from the news story that ran on July 9th in the
 San Jose Mercury News:

  ------<snip snip> <cut here>-------

               CUPERTINO MAN GETS 3 YEARS IN SEX-VIA-COMPUTER CASE
  
     Just months after his sexual exploits startled computer users
 nationwide, a remorseful Cupertino man was sentenced to more than three
 years in prison Friday for his sadomasochistic encounter with a boy he met
 through an on-line service.
     "I apologize to this court and this county," Donald "Matthew"
 Deatherage told a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge.
     Deatherage's March arrest sparked debate on computer bulletin boards
 throughout the country as well as a letter-writing campaign in his
 defense. But more significant, it alerted parents to the potential danger
 in what many thought was an innocent way for their children to communicate
 with others.
     Shackled at the waist and wearing a jail-issued brown shirt reserved
 for inmates in special, protective custody, Deatherage said he had been
 racked with guilt over what he had done and understood the fear that his
 case generated.
     "I can only submit to you the evidence that you've read -- that this
 evil is not me and is not in me," Deatherage, 27, said.
     "I made a terrible mistake. I became attached to and involved, falling
 in love with a person who is not legally able to express the consent that
 he did."
     Despite Deatherage's professed remorse, Judge Charles Gordon sentenced
 him to three years and four months in prison, one year shy of the maximum.

     'Love is not just sex'

     "Many of your feelings are misguided," said Gordon, who received more
 than 150 letters seeking leniency for Deatherage. "Love is not just sex."
     Gordon said he did not give Deatherage the maximum term because he
 took into consideration the Apple Computer engineer's lack of criminal
 history and early no-contest plea to two counts of lewd and lascivious
 conduct with a minor and one count of sodomy.
     Still, Gordon mentioned the vulnerability of the 14-year-old boy --
 who went by the computer tag "Mr. Alone" -- and the prosecutor noted the
 concern the case brought to parents who buy computers for their children.
     "In the minds of people in this community, they've purchased computers
 so their children can be educated and use them for their benefit, not so
 that they would be subject to the kind of acts that the defendant
 perpetrated on the victim on this case," Deputy District Attorney Hector
 Moreno Jr. said.

     'A good man'

     Deatherage's lawyer, Dennis Alan Lempert, painted a different picture
 of the defendant, describing him as a "good man who had done a lot of good
 throughout his life."

     Lempert also lashed out at the media and prosecutor, who he says
 vilified Deatherage.

     Kent Fillmore, who appeared in court to lend emotional support to
 Deatherage, expressed some dismay over the sentence. "I don't think he's a
 threat to anybody," said Fillmore, adding that it was he who first
 introduced Deatherage to America Online, the computer service Deatherage
 used to meet the boy through electronic mail. "I think it was kind of
 severe."

  ------<snip snip> <cut here>-------

 I heard some interesting tidbits from Matt's sister after the sentencing,
 who said that Matt told her the judge refused to read any of those many
 supportive letters he received on Matt's behalf. I don't know if that's
 true or not, but with that many letters, you'd think the judge would be a
 little more understanding...

 In any case, the next step for Matt was "processing" at San Quentin State
 Prison. This is where he's moving to SQ (which is in Northern California)
 and they determine the final location for him. He won't be staying at SQ
 because he's considered a sex offender.

 Here's where things get screwy. Matt was supposed to be in an out of SQ in
 60 days---from the end of June to around September, at the latest.
 However, he's still there, and we don't have ANY idea why he hasn't been
 moved or when he will be moved (one theory is that everyplace he would be
 moved to is full and they're waiting for a bed to open up). We don't
 receive any advance notice that he will be moved; neither does he.


  THE CURRENT SITUATION
  =====================

 I received a letter from Matt today (12/12/94)---he's lonely, very bored,
 and believes his friends have abandoned him. He explained things at San
 Quentin a little more to me; my comments are in brackets:

 "I have a 'restricted custody' designation--I must be held in a secure
 perimeter under a gun and/or constant supervision. Most Level I yards are
 minimum/no security; you could walk away if you were so inclined. CDC [San
 Quentin?] has a habit of overriding people in my position to Level III to
 provide extra security, putting them in with lifers or those in for 15
 years or so.

 "All illegal male/male sexual acts of any kind quality for these
 restrictions, where male/female or female/female acts only quality if
 violent or with children under 14. If I'd been with a 14-year-old girl or
 I was a woman, my time would be much easier. As it is, in the CDC's eyes
 I'm equated with rapists, sexual assaulters and people who sodomize
 6-year-old girls.

 "The law also gives inmates several rights, but CDC ignores them as they
 see fit. For example, penal code section 2601 gives inmates the absolute
 right to receive books except when it would jeopardize safety. San
 Quentin, though, refuses to let people in the 'reception center' have
 them, even though such a policy is illegal. They barely let us use the law
 library, which is our only access to the courts, and we're locked up 150
 of 168 hours each week. No church, either, for protective custody. If we
 get sick, we can see a doctor in 4-5 weeks. Very few phone calls: 1 per
 month or so.

 "We are allowed non-contact visits [a glass wall between Matt and the
 visitor], 15 per month, but no one has visited. Only a few people have
 written---regular letters from some Apple II folk from around the world
 and from Dave [Lyons]. Occasional letters from other friends but none from
 the GEnie staff [where he worked for a while] and none from anyone at
 Apple. What I do get is usually 2-3 weeks late from the mail room, if it's
 not withheld altogether on some flimsy 'contraband' pretext."

 So, it's not a pretty situation right now, that's clear. Based on this
 letter and other things I've heard from his sister and his parents, Matt
 is _lonely_ and could really do with some pen pals or at least some
 correspondance. And that leads to...


  A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR MATT
  =========================

 What we have in mind for a Christmas gift to Matt is simple and easy to
 do---but would mean so very much to him.

 We like everyone who reads this to send him a picture postcard. This
 postcard can be of anything you want: your home town, a funny cartoon, a
 local tourist attraction, you decide. On the postcard, you can write
 whatever you want: anything from "Happy holidays" to a long letter (in
 very, very tiny handwriting!).

 So, pick up something cute, slap a 19 cent stamp on that puppy, *be sure
 your name and return address is on the postcard*, and mail it to:

   M. Deatherage - 2C38
   P. O. Box J-26463
   San Quentin State Prison
   San Quentin, CA  94974

 If you really want to make his day, send him two postcards. Or three. Or
 send him a dozen over the next 12 weeks or 12 months. The point is not
 that it's a postcard (though that makes it kind of neat)---the point is
 that you write to him and he'll know we're thinking of him.

 (And, if you're inclined to send him more, Matt is not allowed to receive
 books or magazines while he's "being processed." A real letter written by
 a real person would mean much, much more to him, I believe.)


  MORE DETAILS
  ============

 I'll send out more detail as I have them. Like I said, we don't really
 know much, not the least of which is when he'll be moved out of San
 Quentin.

 I can pass on letters to Matt's sister, parents and close friends, if you
 wish to contact them for whatever reason.

 I wish I had more information to tell everyone, but I'm afraid that's it.


  QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? GOOD JOKES?
  ================================

 Send 'em to the author of this document, Eric Mueller, at
 <dland@netcom.com>.

                               HAPPY HOLIDAYS



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

                              IMPORTANT NOTICE!
                              =================

 STReport International OnLine Magazine is available every week for your
 reading pleasure on DELPHI.  STReport's readers are invited to join DELPHI
 and become a part of an extremely friendly community of enthusiastic
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                           ======================

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                                JOIN --DELPHI
                               --------------

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 20/20 Advantage rates apply for access via SprintNet or Tymnet from within
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 Who is eligible to take advantage of the plan?  Any DELPHI member in good
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 It's easy to join. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply
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 The $20 charge will be billed to you at the beginning of the month to
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         DELPHI-It's the BEST Value and getting BETTER all the time!



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


                           ATARI/JAG SECTION (III)
                           =======================
                            Dana Jacobson, Editor


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


      Brrrr!!  Winter is here!  A couple of brief snow squalls and below
 freezing temperatures....and 'tis the season.  I keep "threatening"
 Ralph that I'm going to send him some nice, cold snow down to Florida
 one of these days.  I just know he misses the stuff!

      Thinking back over this past year (boy, did it fly by!), it's
 really strange to think about a year gone past without Atari in the
 computer business.  We've been fortunate, in a sense, that Atari
 computing news has been adequate for us to maintain an Atari section
 here within STReport.  "Within" STReport sounds strange in itself!  I
 recall the good old days when STReport was primarily Atari news; and
 there was plenty of it.  The number of dedicated supporters has
 dwindled, but there are still "many" continuing in the Atari tradition
 and their offerings are still coming our way.  Granted, a lot of the
 names that we grew to appreciate and expect some fantastic things have
 moved on.  1995 is going to be an interesting year; and I can only hope
 that Atari computing will still be an enjoyable pastime.  Reality
 tells me that things will probably get a lot worse before (if) they
 ever get better.  However, I know that I'll continue to enjoy the
 machine that I started using eight years ago and never regretted making
 the initial plunge.

      And while I'm doing so, I hope to still be right here every week
 providing you the latest informative news possible to help your
 computing needs.

      The holiday celebrations have already started with office parties
 and family gatherings.  Please, play it safe and be responsible.  Do
 NOT drink and drive.

      We'll see you all just before the holiday with our next to last
 issue of the year!

      Until next time...

                      ________________________________

                        Delphi's Atari Advantage!!
                       TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (12/14/94)                       
                                                                            
       (1) ATARI INTERNATIONAL FTP SITES  (6) OUTSIDE 3.3 DEMO              
      *(2) CAIN 11/94                     (7) WARP 9 NVDI DISPLAY FONTS     
      *(3) CRACK ART V. 1.36              (8) SOFT-SCI SCREENSAVER V.2.7    
      *(4) SIRCWARE VIRUS KILLER          (9) RECENT CHECK BOOK PROGRAM     
      *(5) SYSTEM SPEED CHECKER         *(10) STARBALL V.1.6, PINBALL!      
                                                                            
                             * = New on list                                
                             HONORARY TOP 10                                
                                                                            
  The following on-line magazines are always top downloads, frequently    
  out-performing every other file in the databases.                       
                                                                            
                STREPORT (Current issue: STREPORT  10.50)                 
        ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE (Current issue: AEO: VOLUME 3, ISSUE 13)     
         Look for the above files in the RECENT ARRIVALS database.          

                   ______________________________________



 > CDSELECT! STR InfoFile!  -  CD-ROM Access for BBS SysOps!
   """""""""""""""""""""""

 Press Release
 =============
 December 11, 1994


      Finally, what every Atari FoReM, Turbo, and Transcendence BBS
 SysOp has been waiting for:

                           * * * * * * * * * * *
                           *     CDSELECT      *
                           *       v1.1        *
                           * * * * * * * * * * *

           Now, you too can hook up a CD ROM to your BBS!!!

    CDSELECT is a program that will let any Atari FoReM, Turbo, or
 Transcendence BBS SysOp operate a CD ROM (or actually ANY type of
 removable media) for file downloading.

    That's right, make THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of files available to your
 users without having to spend lots of $$$ on purchasing additional hard
 drives.  After the initial CD ROM drive purchase (some drives as low as
 $99), it will be like adding a removable 600 Meg hard drive to your
 system already loaded with files for only $10-$40 each!

    Here are some of the features of v1.1:

           - Users are able to browse and download files from any CD.
            - SysOps can easily browse and copy files from CD to the
             hard drive.
           - Inactivity time and time remaining on BBS are monitored.
           - Optional monitoring of Upload/Download ratio's
           - I/O redirection and carrier detection are provided.
           - Access level protection.
           - All downloads performed are accurately recorded and
             correctly updated in your BBS files.
           - Xmodem, Xmodem-1K, Ymodem, Ymodem-G, and Zmodem protocols
             are ALL supported for downloading.
           - Displays the name of currently featured CD
           - Calculates the number of download blocks and approximate
             transfer time
           - Allows text files to be viewed online
           - Compatible with TOS 2.05 and TOS 2.06
           - 24 hrs a day support BBS for assistance, suggestions,
             and updates.
           - Inexpensive and easy to install.

    If you have been waiting to add a CD ROM to your BBS, the time is NOW,
 and CDSELECT is for YOU!

    CDSELECT v1.1 is available now for only $15.00 US ($20.00 Canadian)
 which includes shipping and handling. Send a check or money order to:

 Dennis Peters
 10 Fourth St.
 Pittston, Pa. 18640


                          ~~~~ ORDER TODAY!!! ~~~~

    For all of you who would like to try CDSELECT for yourself, just call
 The SAAUG BBS at (717) 655-6483 and apply for a password.  Call back a
 day or so later, and select menu option 'O' for Online CD ROM access.

    For all of you current owners of CDSELECT v1.0, you can call The SAAUG
 BBS now and download your FREE upgrade to v1.1!

 My fellow Delphinians: The previous press release was provided to me
 by our club president, who has worked diligently for thousands of hours
 on this program! It's the answer if you operate one of the above BBS's
 and want to add CD-rom technology to it. Try it!


                       _______________________________



 > SARA Debuts! STR NewsFile! - CD Search & Retrieve Software Available!
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""


                     SARA Search and Retrieval Software

                            For the Atari Computer


 SARA Search and Retrieval Software will allow you to search and view
 the information on many CD's currently available on other platforms.

 SARA has support for the following CD's

                     The Family Doctor - DOS Version

                         Sherlock Holmes on Disc

                       Multimedia Audubon Animals

                         Wayzata World Fact Book

                          Time Man of the Year

                      The Art History Encyclopedia

                  Software Toolworks Reference Library

 Text can be accessed with any Atari computer from the ST to the Falcon
 and TT using either a monochrome or color monitor in 80 column mode.

 Graphics can be viewed on any Atari with 16 colors available in 80
 column mode (TT and Falcon).

 You will find having the Software Toolworks Reference Library at your
 fingertips very handy.

 SARA requires a CD rom driver. We suggest ExtenDOS Pro by Anodyne
 Software for best use.

 SARA is available for $59.99, postpaid, from It's All Relative Software,
 2233 Keeven Lane, Florissant MO 63031 USA. Or ask for it by name at your
 favorite Atari dealer.

                  _________________________________________


 > Suzy B's On CD! STR InfoFile! - Suzy B's Software on CD Released!
   """""""""""""""""""""""""""""



             NEW FROM SUZY B's SOFTWARE: TWO VOLUME CD SET 
                      PUBLISHED BY TOAD COMPUTERS!


                                    ****


 Suzy B's Software has been collecting and cataloging Atari Public
 Domain/Shareware programs and files for the past five years.  Known for
 the "Honey of a Deal" they offer their customers by allowing them to
 customize the disks they order, Suzy B's now offers, in teamwork with
 Toad Computers, an even sweeter deal.  Their complete software library
 is being released in a two volume, 11,000 file, 1,300 meg CD collection.
 These CDs are not not 11,000 files of fluff either.  Suzy B's has removed
 all the outdated versions of programs unless an older version has some
 specific features that make it useful in and of itself. This library is
 all the evidence needed to show how busy they've been in combing through
 the online services throughout the country.

 We had one amusing...and very frustrating...problem in in getting all of
 our software onto these two CD's.  The people we were working with could
 not get their software to recognize all of the files we gave them.  It
 was incapable of handling that many files at one time (around 70,000!).
 Finally, after much work on their part (they really are nice guys) they
 were able to finish the job.  They were stung by all of our files, but
 we don't think that will happen to you!

 Each file is individually described, sometimes with a description
 reaching over a page (the main catalog is over 3.4 megabytes of ASCII
 text!).  You are likely already familiar with the quality of the
 descriptions, since they have all been written by Michael Burkley, "The
 Unabashed Atariophile" himself.  The files are grouped in such ways as
 to allow you to easily buzz through the CDs.  There are 51 separate
 categories, and each file within a category resides in its own folder,
 with a catalog description within each folder.  Since all of the files
 are uncompressed, you can run them directly from the CD, saving a lot of
 hard drive or floppy disk space!

 What's the cost?  Not much at all.  You can get our two volume CD for
 only $69.95, either from Suzy B's Software or through Toad Computers.
 Now that's "a honey of a deal!"

 And what do you get when you order this amazing 2 CD set? A double CD
 jewel case with 2 custom-made CD ROMs packed inside! It's attractively
 packaged and a must-have for any serious Atari user!

 It's compatible with all ST computers. ExtenDOS is recommended for
 accessing the disks and may be purchased from Toad Computers for $19.95.

                              Suzy B's Software
                             3712 Military Road
                          Niagara Falls, NY  14305
                                716-298-1986

                               Toad Computers
                             570 Ritchie Highway
                           Severna Park, MD  21146
                            (800) 448-8623 Orders
                         (410) 544-6943 Information

 Other interesting stuff you might like to see...

                 Suzy B's Software..."A Honey of a Deal"

 Suzy B's Software is buzzing onto the scene of the Public Domain/
 Shareware supply services with a difference.  Supplying single- or
 double-sided disks as requested, we will fill the disks full with
 compressed self-extracting files (compatible with all TOS versions).
 That in itself gives you a good deal, but Suzy B's goes on to give you
 what  the owner, Susan Burkley, calls "a honey of a deal."  She asks,
 "How many times have you wanted a utility and a game from a P.D. service
 but had to buy two disks to get them both?

 With Suzy B's we put your individual selections on a single disk so
 you can pick and choose and get more of what you want.  Do you want a
 game, a children's program, a picture file or two, the most recent
 version of ST Writer, and a NASA press release?  You can have them all
 on one disk!  All our files are compressed in a self-extracting format to
 give you even more of what you want.

 Right now we have about 11,000 files from which to choose--our catalog is
 over 1,400 pages long--THREE POINT FOUR Megabytes of ASCII text, and it
 keeps growing!  It's a lot more  work for us, but you get a honey of a
 deal!"

                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 How did Suzy B's Software come about?  One day in 1989 Susan and
 Michael Burkley ordered twenty single-sided disks from a major PD disk
 supplier.  After getting the disks and sorting them and discarding the
 "stuff" they couldn't use, well, they didn't have much left.  And so, an
 idea was conceived.  After nearly two years of work, Suzy B's Software
 was born.  Susan, with the help of her husband, runs Suzy B's Software
 out of their home.  Dividing up the labor between them, Susan runs the
 administrative end of the business while her husband Michael combs
 through the 1000's of online files to bring you the best in Public
 Domain/Shareware offerings.  Susan manages both home and business while
 Michael is the pastor of the Niagara Presbyterian Church and the author
 of "The Unabashed Atariophile," an ongoing series of articles in Atari
 Explorer Online.

 To All Shareware Authors (please pass this along!):

 Suzy B's Software is offering you an opportunity to increase your
 Shareware registrations.  If you will place a brief text description of
 our service in your software's documentation (see below) we will give a
 free two disk Suzy B's Software catalog (value $2) _and_ a $3 discount
 on a Suzy B's Software disk to each person who registers one of your
 programs.  If they register two they will get a total of $6 in credits.
 Even if a person is just _upgrading_ your software (and if you charge
 money for the upgrade!) they still get the $3 discount!  Please get in
 touch with us if you wish to participate in this program, or if you wish
 to get one of our catalogs and see our selection first hand.  Maybe we
 can help each other!

                              Suzy B's Software
                             3712 Military Road
                          Niagara Falls, NY  14305
                                716-298-1986

 Suzy B's carries an ENORMOUS selection of Atari PD/SHAREWARE software
 as well as having a VERY unique approach to software distribution.
 Call today for a catalog, I think you'll be pleased!

 Suzy B's Software puts your individual selections on a disk so you can
 pick and choose and get more of what you want.  Do you want a game, a
 children's program, a picture file or two, the most recent version of
 almost any PD Program, and a NASA press release?  You can have them all
 on one disk!  Right now they have about 11,000 compressed files from
 which to choose!  With Suzy B's software you get "a honey of a deal!"

 Good News!  Everyone who registers one of my Shareware programs will
 receive a free two disk Suzy B's Software catalog (value $2) _and_ a
 $3 credit towards the purchase of a disk from the Suzy B's Software
 collection.  Register two programs, get a $6 credit towards the
 purchase of two or more disks; register three programs, get a $9 credit
 towards the purchase of three or more disks...and so on!  What if
 you've already registered, but have an older version of my software?
 Just upgrade for a fee of $x and you'll still get the Suzy B's
 discount.  Now that sounds like "a Honey of a Deal!" Just include
 a SASE with your registration fee so that I can mail a certificate
 of registration back to you for use with Suzy B's.


                     ___________________________________




                               JAGUAR SECTION
                               ==============


 T2K Audio CD!  CatBox!  Syndicate!
 Time Warner Cable Debuts!  New Games!
 And Much More!



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


      It's getting close to the end of the year.  What I usually like to
 at this time of year is to give a rundown of the past year, the good
 and the bad.  I will be doing so, but not this week.  I think it's
 important to reflect on what's happened with Atari and the Jaguar's
 successes and/or failures.  Suffice to say, it's been an unusual year
 for Atari; and to be quite honest, a "qualified" different one than
 we've seen in recent years.  We'll get into it more the next couple of
 weeks.

      We've some interesting items for you this week.  Included in this
 issue is some interesting news about the CatBox.  We haven't heard much
 about this Jaguar add-on for quite some time.  It's currently in
 production and should be available next month.  We've included some
 informative material regarding its capabilities and specifications.
      Tom Sherwin joins us this week with his debut article.  Tom offers
 us a commentary on the newly-released Tempest 2000 Audio CD.  Tom joins
 our growing STReport Jaguar team and anxious to be involved with future
 game reviews and commentaries.

      Atari and the Jaguar have been making business headlines a lot
 these past few weeks.  Sam Tramiel has been focused in a recent article
 in "PC Week," an interesting article in the December 5th issue.  The
 Boston Globe has had articles about the Jaguar (among other consoles)
 and also an article regarding Time Warner's interactive cable station.
 Everything was extremely positive.  It seems that the momentum, later
 than we all had hoped, is building.  Barring any foolish mistakes, and
 giving the impression that they can't shake their historical stigma,
 Atari can have a banner year starting quite early with a good number of
 new games at the start of the new year.  But first, let's see what this
 week brings us!

      Until next time...

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

    Current Available Titles ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    CAT #   TITLE                 MSRP      DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER

     J9000  Cybermorph           $59.99         Atari Corp.
     J9006  Evolution:Dino Dudes $49.99         Atari Corp.
     J9005  Raiden               $49.99     FABTEK, Inc/Atari Corp.
     J9001  Trevor McFur/
            Crescent Galaxy      $49.99         Atari Corp.
     J9010  Tempest 2000         $59.95     Llamasoft/Atari Corp.
     J9028  Wolfenstein 3D       $69.95       id/Atari Corp.
     JA100  Brutal Sports FtBall $69.95          Telegames
     J9008  Alien vs. Predator   $69.99     Rebellion/Atari Corp.
            Doom                 $69.99        id/Atari Corp.
     J9036  Dragon: Bruce Lee    $59.99         Atari Corp.
            Club Drive           $59.99         Atari Corp.
     J9007  Checkered Flag       $69.99         Atari Corp.

     Available Soon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     CAT #   TITLE               MSRP          DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER

             CatBox              $69.95               ICD
             Theme Park           TBD                Ocean
             Syndicate            TBD                Ocean
             Troy Aikman Football$69.99             Williams
             Sensible Soccer
     J9012   Kasumi Ninja        $69.99              Atari
             Val D'Isere Skiing  $59.99              Atari
             Cannon Fodder        TBD                Virgin
             Hover Strike        $59.99              Atari
             Iron Soldier        $59.99              Atari
     J9042   Zool 2              $59.99              Atari
             Bubsy               $49.99              Atari

     Hardware and Peripherals ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     CAT #   TITLE               MSRP          MANUFACTURER

     J8001  Jaguar (complete)   $249.99        Atari Corp.
     J8904  Composite Cable     $19.95      
     J8901  Controller/Joypad   $24.95         Atari Corp.
     J8905  S-Video Cable       $19.95

                 _________________________________________

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

     CONTACT:  Atari, Sunnyvale
               Ron Beltramo, 408/745-8852

               Edelman Public Relations
               David Harrah, 415/968-4033

 9-DEC-1994 10:32 Atari releases more Jaguar game titles; five new games
 available for holiday giving


 SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 1994--Continuing to add
 momentum to its growing catalog of software, Atari Corp. (AMERICAN:ATC)
 Friday announced the release of five new games for the holiday-selling
 season.

     The exciting array of coming new games includes "Kasumi Ninja,"
 "Zool2," "Bubsy," "Iron Soldier" and "Val d'Isere Skiing & Snowboarding."

     "We're adding more Jaguar games every month and we'll continue to add
 to our library of titles throughout 1995," stated Sam Tramiel, president
 and chief executive officer of Atari. "Consumers can buy the affordable
 Jaguar knowing that a wide variety of compelling games will be available
 to exploit the revolutionary technology of the only 64-bit system on the
 market."

     With Jaguar's cutting-edge graphics, 24-bit true color and CD-quality
 sound, game players experience the latest in video game technology.
 Following is an outline of planned Atari releases for early December
 1994:

 Game Title              Game Category           MFG,SRP

 Kasumi Ninja               Combat               $69.99
 Zool2                      Action/Adventure     $59.99
 Bubsy                      Action/Adventure     $49.99
 Iron Soldier               Action/Strategy      $59.99
 Val d'Isere Skiing &
  Snowboarding              Sports               $59.99

     More than 200 third-party developers have agreed to create new titles
 for the Atari Jaguar and a steady stream of titles are in process for
 release in 1995.  Other Jaguar titles expected in the first quarter
 include, "Hover Strike," "Space War 2000," "Troy Aikman NFL Football,"
 "Rayman," "Double Dragon V," "Theme Park," "Syndicate" and "Fight for
 Life."

     Since its release, Atari's Jaguar game system has been named the
 industry's "Best New Game System" (VideoGames Magazine), "Best New
 Hardware System" (Game Informer) and "1993 Technical Achievement of the
 Year" (DieHard GameFan).

     Atari markets interactive multimedia entertainment systems, including
 Jaguar, the world's only 64-bit system, and the only video game system
 manufactured in the United States.  Atari is headquartered at
 1196 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94089.


  Contact:  Ron Beltramo    Tammy Lindsay     David Harrah
            Atari           Time Warner       Edelman P.R.
            408/745-8852    407/667-2034      415/968-4033
  
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  
  
  ATARI JAGUAR ON THE LOOSE IN TIME WARNER CABLE'S FULL SERVICE NETWORK
  
 Orlando, FL . . . December 14, 1994 . . . Atari Corporation's Jaguar
 64-bit interactive video game system went on-line today with the
 initiation of Time Warner Cable's Full Service Network (FSN) in Orlando,
 Florida.  Atari Corporation's CEO Sam Tramiel joined Time Warner
 Chairman Gerald Levin at today's inauguration event in Orlando. Jaguar,
 the world's first and only 64-bit interactive game system features
 high-speed animation, textured three-dimensional color images and
 graphics, and CD-quality sound.
  
     Consumers will access the Atari games on the Full Service Network
 using the 64-bit Jaguar game system device, which processes more than
 100 times as much data at one time than 16-bit games, and twice as much
 as 32-bit game systems. This significantly increases speed and lets the
 game player experience superior graphic performance and animation action.
 Through the Full Service Network, the Atari games are digitally compressed
 and stored on magnetic hard drives, and downloaded to the game device at
 the consumers' request.
  
     "Time Warner Cable's Full Service Network is the most advanced
 interactive network ever built, and it gives subscribers the most
 advanced interactive gaming system available -- the 64-bit Atari Jaguar,"
 said Atari President and CEO Sam Tramiel. "Atari's Jaguar system brings
 the most sophisticated hardware and games to the network."
  
     Atari Jaguar Interactive Multimedia Systems are also in use at the
 "Home of the 21st Century, " a model home equipped with Full Service
 Network capabilities, and other state-of-the-art home services located
 in the Sweetwater, Wekiva, Lake Brantley and Springdale community near
 Orlando. Five 64-bit Atari Jaguar Interactive Multimedia systems are in
 use in the home, which is sponsored by Time Warner Cable's Full Service
 Network and Southern Living Magazine.
  
     "We're proud to offer consumers the Atari Jaguar system because it's
 the most advanced and powerful system available today," said Full Service
 Network President Tom Feige. "When we compared the graphics and
 capabilities of the game systems on the market, Atari Jaguar was the clear
 choice for us."
  
     Since its release in November 1993, Atari's Jaguar system has been
 named the industry's "Best New Game System" by Video Games Magazine, "Best
 New Hardware System" by Game Informer, and "1993 Technical Achievement of
 the Year" by DieHard GameFan.
  
     Time Warner Cable is the nation's second largest cable television
 operator with 7.3 million customers in 34 states, and serves more than
 500,000 customers in its Florida division. Time Warner Cable's Full
 Service Network is a digital, interactive television network which merges
 cable, computer and telephone  technologies to provide customers greater
 choice, control and convenience in accessing information and services.
  
     Atari Corporation markets interactive multimedia entertainment
 systems, including Jaguar, the world's only 64-bit game system, and the
 only video game system manufactured in the United States. 
  

                     ___________________________________



 > 3DO & Hard Times? STR NewsFile!  -  3DO Broke in 7 Months?
   """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
 The Sunday, Dec. 12, New York Times had an article about 3DO in its
 business section.  The article basically said that 3DO had a lot of
 start-up momentum because of its CD-ROM game format and modest ($3/
 game sold) licensing fees.  But now that everyone else, including
 established players Nintendo and Sega, are have or are about to
 introduce 32-bit, CD-ROM-based systems and 3DO has raised its licensing
 fee to $6/game 3DO is in big trouble.  The following are excerpts from
 that article:

 "Mr. Hawkins has to demonstrate soon that his supposedly superior
 technology can catch on with consumers, who during its first year
 on the market held back because of a lack of software, and developers,
 whom Mr. Hawkins expects not only to create dazzling games that run
 on 3DO's systems but also pay for the privilege of doing so.  Otherwise,
 by next Christmas, more firmly established players - Nintendo and
 Sega, to name a few - will have vastly improved systems of their own,
 at the same time that Sony, the consumer-electronics giant, and
 possibly Apple Computer, will have waded into the market."

 "Wall Street analysts, once red-hot on Mr. Hawkins company, have
 cooled, and 3DO's stock trades at $10.625, far from the $47.75 peak
 it hit in October 1993, and even below where it was trading a week
 ago.  On Monday, Mr. Hawkins warned a group of financial analysts
 that the company would run through its modest $21M cash cushion
 in seven months unless a runaway consumer purchases replenishes its
 coffers."


 > Jaguar Developers STR InfoFile  -  Current Developer News!
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""


                           CatBox Short Fact Sheet
                           =======================
 version 12/13/94
 ----------------
 CatBox was designed for all Jaguar owners and adds features to your
 Jaguar that are not available on any other game system.

 This stylish device plugs directly into the back of your Jaguar console.

 CatBox provides standard connections for Audio.... Video.... and
 Communications.

                                 (AUDIO)

 The Audio section includes RCA type stereo output jacks to connect the
 Jaguars true stereo sound directly to your stereo, TV, or VCR.

 CatBox includes a high performance stereo headphone amplifier with
 volume control and twin headphone jacks.  You won't believe the sounds
 of your favorite games through headphones.  The separation and dynamic
 range are incredible.

 The audio signal is also passed through the Analog RGB monitor
 connector to support monitors with built-in sound.

                                 (VIDEO)

 CatBox has the video connections to make your Jaguar show its stuff!
 You can select composite video, S-Video, or Analog RGB and use them in
 any combination.

 Composite and S-Video are commonly found on better TVs, VCRs, and
 video cameras.  The standard connectors are used on CatBox.

 Analog RGB monitors are color monitors with a horizontal sync rate of
 15.75 kilohertz.  These are normally the monitors found on Atari ST and
 Amiga computers and will give the highest quality picture at a very
 reasonable cost.

                            (COMMUNICATIONS)

 CatBox has the power for multi-player games with CatNet,... RS232,...
 and a DSP pass through connector.

 CatNet supports up to 32 players in a local network using low cost RJ11
 telephone extension cables.

 RS232 supports standard connections to computers, modems, and other
 serial devices.

 The DSP pass through is provided for the Atari Voice modem and other
 future communications devices.

 Of course, the game cartridge must support communications for it to
 work.  Doom from Atari and Aircars from MidNite Entertainment Group
 are two examples of games that network with CatBox communications
 ports.

 You may order CatBox directly from Black Cat Design or from your local
 Jaguar dealer.  If your dealer is not offering CatBox, please have him
 contact us.

 CatBox is presently in production and will begin shipping in early January
 1995.  The suggested retail price is $69.95.  Monitor adapters, cables
 and other accessories are also available.

 You may reach us by fax at 815-968-6888

 Send questions to:

                           Black Cat Design, Inc.
                              1220 Rock Street
                          Rockford, Illinois  61101

 For more detailed information, see the CatBox Preliminary manual.

  - TOM -


             CatBox Preliminary Manual  - December 13, 1994

 CatBox is a low cost, high value peripheral designed to plug into the 
 Jaguar AV/DSP connectors on the rear of the console and provide 
 standard ports for connectability.

 CatBox consists of two printed circuit boards (PCBs) mounted inside a 
 stylish case.  The larger lower main board is called the I/O PCB.  The 
 upper board is called the AVC PCB and holds the logic, amplifier, signal 
 conditioning, and patchwork in order to make everything work.  The AVC 
 PCB also has space for future expansion and custom designs.  CatBox 
 power is provided by the Jaguar game console.  There are two LEDs on 
 CatBox which illuminate to show power and flicker to show 
 communications activity.

                           Cleaning the CatBox

 If you need help with this, call a cat lover.  We like dogs.

                           Opening the CatBox

 There may be a need to see what is really inside the CatBox.  Most 
 developer types wouldn't have read this far so this is really intended
 for the novice and it will not void your warranty.

 Remove the volume knob by gently prying it off with a screwdriver or 
 knob extractor.  

 There are two screws that hold the CatBox metal case together and two 
 more that hold the circuit boards in place.  Remove the two philips
 screws on the case bottom and slide off the top.  Remove the two inner
 screws that hold the boards in place.  

 Lift the board assembly out of the case bottom and pull the two boards 
 apart with your fingers.

 The top AVC board which looks like it is mounted upside down has all 
 the electronics on it that make CatBox work.  The bottom I/O board has 
 most of the connectors on it and the LEDs.  The user moveable jumper 
 plugs are all on the AVC board.

                                  Wow!

 Besides looking extremely cool, CatBox provides three main functions for 
 Jaguar owners.  These are Audio, Video, and Communications (AVC).  
 Each has three sections for a total of nine features!

                              AUDIO SECTION

 Audio signals are distributed on CatBox in three different places.  These 
 are the RCA type line level audio output jacks for left, right, or mono 
 output, the mono line level RGB monitor output, and the amplified stereo 
 headphone jacks.

                            Line level audio.

 The I/O PCB has two RCA phono jacks that pass high quality line level 
 audio signals (600 ohm) from the Jaguar to other audio devices such as 
 audio pre-amplifiers.  The red colored jack passes right audio while the 
 white colored jack passes either left or mono audio.  The left/mono 
 switching logic works in the following manner.  When an RCA cable is 
 plugged into the right audio jack, the white jack passes the left audio 
 signal.  When there is no plug inserted into the right audio jack, the 
 white jack passes the sum of left and right audio which is called mono.  
 Use standard RCA stereo audio cables.

                           RGB monitor audio.

 Pin 9 of the Analog RGB connector also carries the mono audio signal.  
 This signal is used for Atari SC1224 or SC1435 monitors or any other 
 monitor that has an audio amplifier and passes mono audio through its 
 monitor signal cable.  Since most users will prefer to use stereo audio, 
 this mono signal is automatically disconnected when an RCA cable is
 plugged into the right/mono (red) audio jack or when headphones are
 installed.  This function can also be disabled by removing jumper J1
 (RGB Audio).  For more information, see Analog RGB in the Video Section.

                               Headphones.

 CatBox includes dual stereo headphone jacks on the AVC PCB.  These 
 support the common 3.5mm (1/8 inch) size headphones as used with most 
 portable stereo equipment.  Low noise amplification is provided to match 
 the 32 or 16 ohm loads common with headphones.  We have found that 
 headphones with a sensitivity rating of about 100 dB SPL/1mW work very 
 well with the CatBox.  Headphones with lower sensitivity numbers usually 
 have lower quality sound and lower volume.  

 The headphone jacks take top audio priority and will disconnect all other 
 audio output signals when a 3.5mm plug is inserted.  There is a volume 
 control knob on the rear of the CatBox.  Take care when adjusting this 
 level as higher volume levels for extended periods of time may cause 
 permanent hearing damage.  Optional headphone extension cables are also 
 available for your convenience.


                              VIDEO SECTION

 The three video outputs from CatBox are Composite Video, S-Video, and 
 Analog RGB.  These three and the Jaguar RF output may all be used at the 
 same time or in any combination to connect multiple displays.  Analog 
 RGB has the best quality display while Jaguar RF has the lowest quality.  
 Composite is much better than RF and S-Video is better than Composite.  
 The output you will use depends on the capabilities of your television or 
 monitor.

                             Composite Video

 The yellow RCA jack provides composite video out.  This signal is 
 commonly available on VCRs and may be used for recording purposes.  
 Since composite video has no provisions for audio, be sure to use one of 
 the CatBox audio sources as well.

                                 S-Video

 S-Video used to be called S-VHS but was often confused with the totally 
 different S-VHS high definition video tape standard.  S-Video has also 
 been called Composite Chroma and Composite Luminance and was used 
 in the early 1980s on the Atari 800 XL and the C-64 computers.  Today 
 the standard S-Video connector is the 4 pin round mini DIN as found on 
 many high end VCRs, TVs, video cameras, and CatBox.  S-Video cables 
 are commonly available at Audio/Video stores.  S-Video provides an 
 extremely sharp picture that is surpassed only by a good analog RGB 
 monitor.

                               Analog RGB

 This connector is a female (holes instead of pins) DB9 located between 
 the composite video and S-Video connectors.  Don't confuse this with the 
 other DB9 on the CatBox I/O PCB which is male (pins) and provides 
 RS232.  The Jaguar supports Analog RGB monitors with a Horizontal 
 Sync rate of 15.75 KHz.  These monitors were very popular around 1985 
 but are not all that common anymore since VGA which has an H-Sync of 
 31.5 KHz became the new standard.  Look in the older used market for 
 some great bargains.  An H-Sync rate of 15.75 KHz was found more 
 commonly on monitors made between 1984 and 1990.  The Atari ST color 
 monitors and the Amiga color monitors both required this slower H-Sync 
 rate.

 Since there is no one standard for RGB connections, custom RGB cable 
 adapters are available to adapt most monitor cables.  These include Atari 
 SCxxxx, Amiga, DB9, and DB15.  If you would like to make your own 
 cable adapter, the pin connections follow.

 DB9S    

 1  Red
 2  Green
 3  Blue
 4  Horizontal Sync
 5  Vertical Sync/Composite Sync
 6  Ground
 7  Ground
 8  Ground
 9  Mono Audio/NC
  
 Note that jumper J7 (VS CS) on the AVC PCB allows you to select 
 Vertical Sync (VS) or Composite Sync (CS) which is a combined sync 
 signal not to be confused with Composite Video.  The CatBox default is 
 set for VS.  If the vertical screen keeps rolling after adjusting
 vertical hold, try moving this jumper to the CS position.

 The mono audio signal which feeds to the Analog RGB connector may 
 also be disabled by removing the audio jumper J1 on the AVC PCB.  
 Although there is built in protection so that leaving this jumper enabled 
 will not cause any problems, it is a good idea to disconnect J1 if you do 
 not plan to use the Atari13 monitor adapter.  

 The following is a list of compatible Analog RGB monitors that have been 
 tested and the adapter requirements.

 15.75KHz Horizontal Sync monitors that have been tested and their 
 general requirements.

 Monitor/Model                   Adapter J7 Position     J1 
 Position

 Atari SC1224  JVC               Atari13 VS or CS        ON
 Atari SC1224  Goldstar          Atari13 VS Only ON
 Atari SC1224  Samsung           Atari13 VS or CS        ON
 Atari SC1435  Magnavox          Atari13 VS or CS        ON
 Commodore 1084D  Magnavox       Amiga23 CS Only OFF
 Commodore 1084S  Magnavox       Amiga23 CS Only OFF
 Commodore 1950                  Amiga23                 OFF
 Magnavox Professional RGB 80                            OFF
 NEC Multisync Color Monitor     None            VS Only OFF
 NEC 3D                          HD15S           VS Only OFF
 Sony 1302                                               OFF
 Princeton Graphics Ultra 14     None            VS Only OFF


 Please write or send a fax if you have any questions about other monitors 
 or would like a custom adapter made.  Please also send us your positive 
 experiences with other RGB monitors that we have not listed so we can let 
 others know.  Please do not ask us to support VGA and SVGA monitors 
 that can't sync down to 15.75KHz.  The required scan doubling adapter 
 would cost more than the Jaguar even if manufactured in high volumes.

 There are exceptions to the above rules.  For example if an Atari ST 
 monitor cable for a Commodore 1084 monitor then naturally you should 
 use the Atari13 adapter instead of the Amiga23.

                      Atari SC1224 & SC1435 History

 The following information is an attempt to clear up the confusion in 
 identifying the three different SC1224 monitors made for the Atari ST.
 These are all 12 inch color monitors and were later replaced by the 
 SC1435 14 inch color stereo monitor which was made by Philips/Magnavox.

 The oldest was made by JVC and is identified by the 'Made in Japan' 
 label on the back.  These were mostly made in 1985.  The FCC ID number
 is EBA90YSC1224.  The signal cable and power cables both unplug from 
 the rear of the monitor.  The case top has ventilation slots.  The JVC
 has a two-tone color scheme with a dark gray bezel (around the tube
 face) and a light gray casing.  The push On/Off power switch is on the
 front bottom next to volume and contrast knobs.  The JVC monitor is the
 best of the SC1224s.

 Next came the Goldstar monitor which was 'Made in Korea'in 1986.  
 The FCC ID is EBA9QKSC1224.  The signal cable does not unplug from 
 the rear.  The case top is solid and the entire case is light gray in
 color.  There are three knobs all on the right side of the case.  These
 are On/Off/Volume, contrast, and brightness.

 The last SC1224 was also 'Made in Korea' in 1987 by Samsung.  The 
 FCC ID is A3L9QNSC1225.  Perhaps they had intended to call this the 
 SC1225 when it was registered.  Both the signal and the power cables are 
 fixed in the case and cannot be unplugged.  Like the JVC monitor, the 
 Samsung is back to the two-tone color scheme with a dark gray bezel and 
 light gray casing.  The push On/Off power switch is on the front bottom 
 next to volume, brightness, and contrast knobs.  This is the least
 desirable and ugliest of the SC1224 monitors but it does work.

 In 1990 the SC1435 was "Made in Taiwan" for Atari by Philips/Magnavox.
 This is a 14 inch stereo monitor.  Both cables unplug in the rear.  The
 color is all light gray and a nice swivel stand is available.  The
 push On/Off switch is on the rear.  This is the best color monitor 
 made by Atari for the ST and also works quite well with the CatBox.


                         COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

 Two new communications methods are available on CatBox along with a 
 DSP pass through.  These are called CatNet and RS232.  Communications 
 allow you to connect two or more Jaguars together for multi-player games 
 either directly or with modems.  Each method is exclusive depending on 
 the toggle switch position on the rear.  The three position communications 
 toggle switch next to the RJ11 jacks,  points to the port which is
 enabled. 

         UP = CatNet.  Center = DSP Pass though.  Down = RS232. 

 The dual purpose power LEDs (lights) also show communications activity.  
 The left LED blinks off when the Jaguar transmits data.  The right LED 
 blinks off when the Jaguar receives data.  The activity should be
 visible to the human eye up to about 57.6K baud.  You will need bionic
 eyes to see the activity on higher baud rates.

 Naturally since the Jaguar is a cartridge based system and not user 
 programmable, drivers, baud rates and protocols are set by game 
 developers.  Check your game manual for more information on 
 communications support.

                                  RS232

 Simple RS232 is provided on CatBox through a male DB9 on the I/O 
 PCB.  This is connected as in the IBM AT standard as follows.

 DB9P    

 1  NC
 2  RXD (receive data)
 3  TXD (transmit data)
 4  NC/DTR
 5  Ground
 6  NC (DSR)
 7  NC (RTS)
 8  NC
 9  NC

 Note that there is no hardware handshaking.  DTR is fixed on.  An IBM 
 AT type null modem cable may be used to connect two Jaguars together 
 by their RS232 ports.  An IBM AT type modem cable may be used to 
 connect CatBox to a modem.  

                                 CatNet

 The communications toggle switch should be up for CatNet support  
 CatNet is a new dual-differential type of communications which is based 
 on RS485.  CatNet connects Jaguars together with standard 4 or 6 wire 
 telephone cabling and RJ11 plugs.  Although common telephone 
 extension cables may be used, two conductor cables are not supported.  
 Because of the wiring scheme used, plug polarity is not important.  Cable 
 runs of 1000 feet have been successfully tested but it is more practical
 to keep cable runs under 100 feet between Jaguars.  Terminators should
 be left in the unused CatNet ports (ends) when running a network.  Low
 cost 25 foot cables and replacement terminators are available from
 Black Cat Design.

 CatNet is a half duplex network which requires arbitration.  CatNet uses 
 6P4C RJ11 phone type connectors and cabling and is reliable up to 120K 
 baud per second with very long cable lengths.  Up to 32 devices will work 
 under CatNet although we expect to see it used more commonly in small 
 local networks with a maximum of 4 or 8 players.

 DSP pass through port

 A DSP pass through port has been provided for compatibility with future 
 devices that may require it.  A prototype of Atari's Jaguar Voice Modem 
 has been successfully tested while plugged into the DSP port.  The 
 communications switch should be in the center neutral position when 
 using devices plugged into the DSP port.


 Options and miscellany.

 The following parts and accessories are available from Black Cat Design 
 and better dealers:

 CatBox                          $69.95
 Atari13 adapter                 $14.95
 Amiga23 adapter                 $14.95
 HD15S    adapter                $9.95
 Custom adapter                  $19.95  (please supply pinouts)
 Headphone extension cable       $9.95
 Null modem cable                $9.95
 CatNet cable 25ft.              $4.95
 CatNet terminator               $4.95 (standard equipment)


 Every effort has been made to make this a cost effective, innovative, 
 indispensable peripheral for your Jaguar system.  We would like to hear 
 your comments and suggestions.  Please write.

 CatBox is a product and trademark of Black Cat Design, Inc.  Copyright 
 1994  All rights reserved.

 For more information contact Tom Harker at:

                                  ICD, Inc.
                              1220 Rock Street
                             Rockford, IL  61101

                            815-968-2228 ext. 222
                                fax 968-6888

                                GEnie  ICDINC
                            CompuServe 76004,1600

                       _______________________________


 > Tempest 2000 CD Audio Soundtrack! STR Commentary! - T2K "Techno-Rave"
   """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


                      Tempest 2000 CD Audio Soundtrack!
                      =================================


 by Tom Sherwin


      Ever since T2K appeared, everyone that played it knew that the
 music should stand on its own.  That time has arrived with the advent
 of the Tempest 2000 Soundtrack CD.  The game soundtrack has been re-mixed
 and enhanced to make it more stand-alone music than background tunes.
 There are also some completely new track mixes which are in the same
 vein as the original soundtrack.

                                The Music
                                ---------

 The "Old" - The re-mixed versions of the game soundtrack are just super!
 Take what you've already heard, make it "deeper", add a few variations
 to keep it from getting irritating, and you've got what you wanted and
 more.  None of the CD versions are "verbatim" copies of the game, so if
 you're a purist, you may not care for some of the "artistic liberties".
 But the essence is certainly there and all of them have added bits which
 give them more than "just some game music" feel.

 The New - There's something in there for everyone.  The basic rhythm
 ranges from the mildly soothing to wild and frantic.  Some of it is just
 plain WEIRD... very much something that would appeal to John Cage fans.
 Incoherent, VERY fast, and no real melody.  Some of it would appeal
 to the "hip-hop rappin'" crowd... repetitious, low bass beats,
 "scratchin'" effects, and a good dance music quality.  Some of it is
 very difficult to describe.  It has no real common theme.  It seems
 to be more of an "exploratory" type of music.

 FWIW, my personal faves are the re-mixed warp stage tracks (warp
 stages one and two).  Tres cool!

 As a warning, you have to like this kind of music to warrant buying the
 CD.  If you're happy leaving Tempest tunes in the background, or really
 don't get into "techno-rave" (their term, NOT mine), the soundtrack may
 just sound like a bunch of synthesized schlock.  But if you love the game
 music or get into the techno beat, the T2K soundtrack is a worthy title.


 The Packaging
 -------------
 The cover is almost the same as the T2K box cover, but all it has is the
 demon.  I think they should have used the actual box cover with all of
 the other goodies, but that's just MHO.  Anyway, it is very professional-
 looking, not like it came out of the back of someone's garage.  I do
 have a couple nitpicks.  First, the little insert is more of an
 advertisement for T2K (the game) than anything else.  I would like to
 have seen something that went into how the soundtrack was made, what
 equipment was used, pictures of the recording session, etc.  They don't
 need to sell the game in there.  Odds are that you bought the
 soundtrack because you already have the game and liked the music so
 much.  An interview with Jeff Minter would have provided extra value.
 Second, most CDs have a listing of the tracks on the back
 jewel case insert.  This is not the case with the soundtrack.  You have
 to leave the jewel box open or remove the insert to see the track listing.
 OK, so I'm anal, but leaving it open just increases the chances of me
 stepping on it or something getting in there which can scratch the CD.
 Removing the insert puts it at greater risk of getting lost or
 accidentally being used as a coaster.


 Summary
 -------
 If you really like the T2K soundtrack, this CD will not disappoint.
 There will probably be some new stuff that you'll like, too.  There's
 a lot of "broadcast-quality" music in there so don't be surprised if
 you tune into your favorite progressive radio station and hear some
 Tempest tunes blaring.  You may not like all of the tracks, but you're
 sure to find some favorites.  So pop in the CD, sit back, and feed your
 head to the Web all over again...


 From Atari's Don Thomas:

 This review of the Tempest 2000 Soundtrack was posted publicly and
 passed on to me for my enjoyment...

 I thought I'd share it with all of you.

  -- Don Thomas
     Atari Corporation
                                  =========

 From: Eric Elias <eelias@delphi.com>
 Newsgroups: rec.games.video.atari
 Subject: Review: T2K Soundtrack CD
 Date: Sun, 11 DEC 94 19:19:44 -0500
 Organization: Delphi (info@delphi.com email, 800-695-4005 voice)
 Lines: 107
 Message-ID: <p0wW2JQ.eelias@delphi.com>
 NNTP-Posting-Host: bos1g.delphi.com

      Hi all.  I received the Tempest 2000 Soundtrack on Saturday and I
 have listened to it constantly, along with Pear Jam's Vitalogy(I have
 'diverse' music tastes), and I have a review for those who are thinking
 of buying it.

      Here is a breakdown of every track and my opinion of it.  At the
 end, I will give an overall grade to the sound quality of the disk and
 the package itself.

 Here are the tracks...

 Thermal Resolution  -  This track is a mix of all the new
                        sequences added to the game soundtrack. It
                        starts with the mood of the game and adds
                        a more club oriented rave to the
                        underlying soundtrack.

 Mind's Eye  -  The music found in the first BLUE level of T2K is
                presented here.  Extra music is added to make a
                more fluent, song-like track. Extra dubbing
                enhances the feel of this track to a point where
                you will want to play this track instead of
                listening to the game's score.

 T2K  -  A dubbed track featuring some of the sound bits from the
         game. It is a fast paced feature that has vocals
         replying, "Let's GO!" and "1999!"

 Ease Yourself  -  A trance-like track with more sound bits from
                   the game. More club oriented and has a logical
                   flow from start to end.

 Tracking Depth  -  A 100+ BPM track featuring some really good
                    sequences. This track is one of my three
                    favorites due to way the techno is performed.
                    This track has the feel of older, well known
                    techno tracks by other groups in the UK.

 Constructive Demolition  -  The music from the YELLOW level is
                              featured here. It starts off
                             sounding like the game exactly. It
                              is then blended with variations
                             that fade into another techno
                             melody that enhances the feel of
                             the track.  Very nicely done!

 Future Tense  -  An offbeat techno-track which is blend of
                  synthesizer and voice samples. A moody track.

 Digital Terror  -  The music from the RED level makes itself
                    known here. This is a powerful track that is
                    a hit! The strength of the tune is enhanced
                    with a funky approach that is excellent. This
                    is my favorite track... from the game and on
                    this CD. Excellent use of mixing to create a
                    feel unlike any other.

 Hyper Prism  -  This track is what I call Digital Terror, part
                 two. If you could add to the sound of Digital
                 Terror then this would be it. It has voice
                 samples and a good rocking beat.

 Glide Control  -  The music introduced at the first Warp stages
                   is heard here. It is accompanied by a mixture

                   of sound effects and beats that have to be
                   heard. This one sounds like a movie sequence.
                   And how did they get those llamas and Yaks to
                   sing on cue? ;)

 Ultra Yak  -  The music from what I call the RAINBOW stages (the
               ones where you can see through the web and the
               web's color rotates the entire spectrum) is
               presented here. This one would make a good sound
               bit to wake up on. The sound is less harsh than
               the cart and it has a nice rock oriented feel.

 2000 Dub  -  This track features the music from the Second WARP
              stages. It is mostly a reggae mix that is enhanced
              with trumpets and a nice clean beat. This song
              ends in a funky beat mode that wraps up the whole
              CD nicely.

 Sound Quality is very clear with full stereo.  I, er, made a tape of
 the T2K music from the game and I was comparing it to the CD.  I am
 happy to report that I can throw away that tape and listen to the CD
 because the CD is a highlight of the carts tunes.  The tracks mixes
 have me wishing that they were on the cart.  The dynamic range of the
 tracks are good with an equal dosage of bass.  Very nicely done!

 Overall package is excellent. If only there was a way to put the CD box
 in the game box and keep them together...oh well. Inside the 2 page
 booklet are T2K game explanations, some reviews from magazines and
 newspapers, and screen shots of the different levels within the game.
 Color and picture quality are very high.

 My hat's off to Atari. Their first venture into a Game Soundtrack is
 exceptional and may set a standard by which other companies will have
 to match if they want to publish a CD of their carts tunes. My only
 gripe with the overall package is that I want more of it. I hope that
 in the future (Defender 2000...hint...hint...hint...) the IDI Musicians
 are used again to produce more music. If this CD is any indication of
 their talent...watch out!

 That's it.

 Respectfully,

 Eric Elias  (eelias@delphi.com)

                  ________________________________________


 > Jaguar Online STR InfoFile         Online Users Growl & Purr!
   """"""""""""""""""""""""""


 From Compuserve's ATARIGAMING Forums:

 STReport Jaguar staffer, Dominick J. Fontana offers:


                      *** Brutal Sports Football ***

    I just confirmed from Telegames that the first batch of Brutal Sports
 Football carts didn't work properly with some early versions of the Jaguar
 game unit. They stated that neither the early Jaguar consoles nor the
 first batch of BSF carts were defective, but that there were some minor
 changes to later Jaguar consoles. BSF was tested on the later consoles
 and it was found out afterwards that they would crash on earlier Jaguar
 consoles. That's why Telegames didn't release any BSF carts for a few
 months. They changed it slightly so it will work on all Jaguar consoles
 and are now shipping it again. However, they stated that they never
 recalled the first batch of carts.

    The bottom line is that if BSF isn't crashing, then you don't have a
 problem. If it is, then you should call Telegames, and they will allow
 you to exchange it for the newer cart, which should work fine on all
 Jaguar consoles.

  Dom Fontana


 Neil Jenkins offers some comments from a UK gaming mag, regarding
 the soon-to-be-released Syndicate:

 All,

 This is the UK Jaguar Syndicate Review from Computer & Video Games.

 I have only included the review parts specific to the game, points on
 actual fun on killing people etc have been removed.

 "Some of the more infamous moments of british gun lore tend to feature
 such incidents as the loner who's pushed too far, then pushes back at
 the first person he meets - or the cop who thought the safety was on
 before blowing the top of some guys head off. And with such incidents
 in mind, its a wonder that Syndicate never struck a controversial chord
 with anyone.

 The potentials still there. While the SNES and Megadrive versions,
 whether through technical limitations, or higher forces are fronted
 with cartoon-like graphics, the jag version is a bullet-by-bullet match
 to the PC Original. Obviously with such small graphics, there's not much
 gore potential, but programmers Bullfrog succeeded in squeezing out
 every bloody drop while giving innocent bystanders more occupational
 hazards than a skinny dipper in a piranha pool. As well as a few more
 inventive, if less painful, ways to die.

 The object is to simply take your company to the top of the corporate
 table by for more: killing or kidnapping execs from rival companies.
 Its a lot simpler than pretending they've been up to no good on the
 stock exchange, or with their secretaries. One day all businesses will
 be run this way, until then we just have to content ourselves with
 buying just enough shares to turn up at the AGM and Heckle the director.

 Reviewer 1 - Jaguar Syndicate is a perfect conversion of the Amiga and
 PC originals, although to my ear at least, some of the sound effects
 are not quite as meaty as the PC version. Still thats a minor fault in
 an otherwise excellent game. Using the jag pad takes some getting used
 to as the controls make full use of the telephone pad (!), but once
 you've got that cracked the games just as playable as ever. Uncensored,
 unaltered and by far the best version of Bullfrog's Syndicate to hit
 any console. Mark Patterson.

 Reviewer 2 - Compared to the 16-Bit versions, this is leagues ahead. It
 retains the dark, moody atmosphere of the original, although the new
 zoom features are tricky to use and frankly pointless. Using the Jag's
 over complicated pad takes some getting used to, especially if you've
 played the game before with a mouse. Along with JagDoom, this is one of
 the best games you can get for the Jag at the moment, and as for the
 violence - bloody great, isn't it?

 Graphics        75
 Sound           82
 Playability     91
 Value           91

 Overall         91

 If you like action strategy games and haven't played this on PC it sounds
 like an excellent buy. If you haven't played it and have a PC with CD
 Rom you'd probably be better off buying Syndicate CD which is this
 version + the American Revolt addin missions for PC at about the same
 price.

 IMHO, the good news is that this is another solid excellent game that
 has been ruined on SNES and Mdrive and is great on Jag. If Sensible
 Soccer and Cannon Fodder are just as playable the jag will get a
 library of excellent games in the next two months.

 Neil.

                      _________________________________



 > ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine          The wires are a hummin'!
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                            PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
                            =====================
             
              
 On CompuServe
 -------------
 compiled by
 Joe Mirando
 CIS ID: 73637,2262


      Hidi ho friends and neighbors.  Well, I'm still playing with my
 Jaguar... and loving it!  It's a really great machine and does everything
 that it's supposed to.  I read an interesting article in Friday's USA
 TODAY.  It was about today's crop of video games and mentioned just about
 all the major names in the arena.  Sega, 3DO, Nintendo, Panasonic, Atari,
 and Sony.

      The gist of the story was that today's games are awesome, and that
 companies like Sega should get as much mileage out of their current
 offerings as they can before Nintendo comes out with its 64 bit system.
 The article also said that Atari was counting on the Jag to "resurrect it
 from the ashes", but that if they don't really push it into the
 marketplace, they could "go down in flames".

      Hmmm, where have I heard that before??  At any rate, they were
 impressed with the machine.  Take that, Mr. Dorfman.

      Things are much quieter on the Computer side than I'd like to see,
 but there are still a lot of questions being asked and answers being given
 right here on our favorite online service... CompuServe.  Let's take a
 look...


 From the Atari Computing Forums
 ===============================

 When John Amsler uploads a encryption program for the ST that provides
 an encryption system known as PGP, Sysop Ron Luks tells him:

   "Thanks for the upload of PGP for the Atari, but I have been informed
   by the powers that be, that PGP programs cannot be uploaded to
   CompuServe because they would be eligible for downloading by foreign
   citizens and that violates some US laws.
   
   I regret that we cannot have the file, but the authorities have
   required CompuServe to remove previously uploaded copies."

 John tells Ron:

   "OK, but that begs two questions:
   
   1.  It's on the Internet -- foreign citizens can get it there!
   
   2.  It's on probably several hundred BBSes and, again, "bad" people
       (i.e., foreigners <g>) can get it there with impunity.
   
   
   (I know that the export of PGP to foreign countries violates certain
   national security laws, because encryption software is classified as
   munitions.  The Ph.D.s in math at the NSA should simply work harder!
   <g>
   
   And to think:   Last year I applied to work at the CIA!  Maybe it's
   better I didn't get a response.  I might not have been happy working in
   an organization of intellectually moribund people such as those who
   make such policies.)...

   (A recent issue of Dr. Dobb's Journal had the C code for the heart of
   PGP:  its random number-generating routines.  With that, someone could
   essentially write their OWN encryption software and accomplish the same
   thing as PGP!)"

 Sysop Jim Ness tells John:

   "Yeah, you can get PGP all over the place, but CIS does not want to be
   the one made an example of, when the gov't cracks down.
   
   Of course, CIS still faces some exposure if somebody uses the new FTP
   faciliy here to get PGP via Internet."

 Ron tells John:

   "All the points you raise are correct, but nontheless my hands are
   tied. You cant use the defense of "other people exceed the speed limit"
   when you are pulled over by a radar trap.  (I know-- I tried it. [g])
   
   There are a lot of illegal files on the  Internet, which puts
   legitimate network services on an unfair footing, but again, there's
   nothing I can do about that. [sigh]"

 Sysop Bob Retelle adds:

   "It's pretty much the same situation as when Wolfenstein 3D couldn't be
   made available on CompuServe because it violated German law, and
   CompuServe has direct nodes in Germany.
   
   It's a problem, and something that's going to be happening more and
   more as we open up the "Information Highway", but CIS has to play by
   the rules, even if not everyone else does."

 Food for thought, huh folks?  Meanwhile, Albert Majkrzak asks:

   "I have many ST data floppies that I would like to read on my PC. Is
   there a way to convert to files?   They were made on Word Writer ST....
   I want to use them with Windows 3.1"

 Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Online Magazine tells the other Albert:

   "If you format a 720K (3.5 inch) floppy on the PC you can move the
   data between both your ST and PC without any problems.  For Word Writer
   files I think the only option is to save in ascii format.  There is a
   program in the library called Marcel (sp??) that can import several
   different file formats.  It can also output RTF which can be used with
   many windows programs."

 Andrew Fletcher warns both Alberts:

   "But be careful! If you use floppies formatted on a PC on the ST, they
   will all have the same serial number as far as the ST is concerned. The
   ST uses the serial number to determine if a floppy disk has been taken
   out of the drive and changed for another.
   
   What this can mean is that if you are using IBM formatted disks on the
   ST some sectors meant for one disk can end up on another, probably
   corrupting some of your important data.
   
   You can avoid this by only using one IBM formatted disk and making
   sure all the others were formatted on an ST, or by putting a serial
   number on an IBM formatted disk using an ST disk editor. I have a
   (home-brewed) program that will do this too. I will upload it if you
   wish.
   
   Hope this helps (and doesn't confuse!)."

 Hartmut Hoss asks...

   "Who can help? I need a CompuServe information manager for a Atari ST
   with monochrome monitor. Please tell me the name and where I can get
   it."

 Andrew Fletcher tells Hartmut:

   "I'm fairly new to CompuServe myself so maybe there are information
   managers I don't know about.
   
   The one I'm using at the moment is QuickCIS which seems quite good. I
   downloaded ST/Forum as well but didn't use it as it didn't seem to
   have any advantages over QuickCIS. Both of them are the libraries in
   this forum. I found them by doing GO ATARIFF."

 Sysop Ron Luks tells Hartmut:

   "There is no CompuServe Information Manager (CIM) released by
   CompuServe for the Atari ST.  Only a PC, MAC and OS/2 version."

 Simon Churchill adds:

   "Do a Library search with the word 'QUICKCIS'  There are about 6
   files,  I have yet to unpack them myself, but will hopfully get round
   to it."

 Benjamin Eby posts:

   "I am a new STE owner and a new compuserve member. This is all pretty
   new to me.  My comm. software is ST Talk V. 1.1.  My modem is a
   quicktel Xeba.  Question #1: how do I get this to run at 9600bd? The
   modem requires the software to compress data. Can I do this with my
   software? Q #2: This software runs VT52 mode. Am I missing out on some
   features available on other software?  (I kind of picked up on this in
   the message section.) In conclusion, I am very excited to be part of
   this forum.  I think it is great!"

 Sysop Bob Retelle tells Benjamin:

   "Hi...  welcome to the CompuServe Atari Forums..!
   
   I'm not familiar with your Xeba modem... I assume that the software you
   mentioned needing would be to implement MNP data compression and error
   correction..?

   ST-Talk is a rather old program.. I'm pretty sure it was released
   before the MNP standards were implemented, so I doubt it supports any
   level of MNP protocols.
   
   We have several good telecommunications packages here in our software
   library that you might want to check out... and there are still a
   number of commercially available telecom programs from the vendors here
   online too.
   
   I'm sure the other members in the Forum will have some suggestions for
   their favorites...!"

 Simon Churchill tells Benjamin:

   "Hello and welcome to the forum,  I am Simon Churchill and travel
   around the forum's most night's in the U.K.
   
   If you are looking for Comm's program's then look for 'STORM' or
   'QUICKCIS', use these word's to search the libraries.   Quickcis is an
   off-line reader, this mean's the program is told what to do and then
   Logs on, read's messages, down loads any files then logs off.   This
   saves you money as you read your messages off-line.  It also saves on
   your Compuserv acount."

 Benjamin asks:

   "Why is it that when I download a program using x-modem, I can only
   read it, but it will not run?  I'm puzzled.  Do I need something else
   to run the file?"

 Carl Barron asks Benjamin:

   "Which file did you download, 90% or more of the files here are
   compressed with something. most likely lzh,zip or arc. There are few
   ready to run programs here. Heres a couple arclzh.* [I forget what its
   called] and stzip26.*  I think they are both self extracting files.

   Compression saves dl $$ and makes sure all needed files are enclosed
   in a 'neat' package."

 Benjamin tells Carl:

   "Thanks for the info. I need arc. uncompression progr. Where do I get
   this?"

 Sysop Bob Retelle explains Arc to Benjamin:

   "Almost all of our files here are compressed to save you time (and
   money) when you download them.
   
   But before you can RUN them, you will have to uncompress them back to
   their original size.
   
   There are several popular compression schemes used for Atari files.
   You will need to download the uncompression utility programs for the
   particular type of compression used on the files you're interested in.
   
   If you can tell us which files you downloaded, we can give you the
   exact uncompression utility you'll need to process the files so you can
   run them."

 Bob tells Benjamin:

   "The file you need to get is in Library #4 here.  It's called
   ARCLZH.PRG
   
   After you download it, put it in a folder or on a floppy disk of its
   own and double click on it.  The program will "self-extract" into a
   number of files and programs, including the unARC utility you need.
   
   Included in the group of files is the  ARC  utility,  the  LZH
   compression utility, some documentation files and a shareware  "shell"
   program that can make using the compression utilities a lot easier.
   
   Be sure to read the documentation for the ARCSHELL program carefully,
   if you decide to try it..."

 Benjamin tells Bob:

   "I have already downloaded Storm and will need LZH to un-  it. I can
   hardly wait.  This is like opening Christmas presents!"

 Bob Waxer asks:

   "Is there a way to connect a VGA monitor to a 1040ST? I seem to
   remember reading about a way to do this some time ago. Any help would
   be appreciated."

 Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Online Magazine tells Bob:

   "You need a switch box that handles the monitor or you can make your
   own cable.  I think TOAD computers sells switch boxes to handle VGA
   monitors. Porbably available at other dealers as well."

 Simon Churchill adds:

   "If you intent to use a standard VGA monitor please remember it can
   only display in high resolution.  This is because the ST gives out
   colour at 15.5Khz which requires a special monitor to cope.   If you
   got a special multi-frequency monitor then you would ned to buy a
   switch box cable.
   
   If you have a normal VGA monitor with a 15 way 'D' connector and am
   happy with High res only then send me any detail's you have about the
   monitor and I can then check the info I have.   If it matches then I
   can supply you with the required detail's to make a cable yourself."

 Yat Siu of Lexicor tells Simon:

   "The other alternative is to attack a graphics board onto your atari
   (even 520 or 1040 ST, ST(e)) then you can get high end graphics even on
   a regular ST.
   
   Otherwise you will need to get a very flexible monitor, I believe the
   ones from NEC (older series, 2D, 3D) can sync to 15.5khz."

 Simon tells Yat:

   "There are some monitor call 'MICROVITEC'  They can handle the 15.5Khz
   but personaly I would like a Graphics card and monitor.   I am looking
   at one called the NOVA Graphics Card.    There is talk of a interface
   for the ST series machines but I would need to contact the company to
   find out how thing's are progressing."

 Yat tells Simon:

   "Funny you should ask... me, the MICROVITEC Monitors are of very high
   quality. The NOVA Board can infact fit into the regular ST with a 50
   U$D extra (about 35 Pounds) device that need sto be soldered into your
   ST and you ST also needs to be put into a tower casing.
   
   In the U.K. the NOVA Board is available through 16/32 which is Lexicor
   Software's UK representative. THeir number is (634) 710 788, however if
   you have anymore specific questions feel free to ask me or anyone else
   at Lexicor Software."

 Benjamin Eby asks:

   "I just wanted to find about any hardware upgrades available for my
   1040 STe.  Accelerators, video cards, sound cards/chips, anything! I
   also need to know about copatability. I'm using Warp 9 screen speeder
   upper, and Shadow, and Pinhead.  Long live Atari! Hail to the
   Chief!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 Brian Gockley of ST Informer fame tells Benjamin:

   "Yikes, there are too many to list! Why don't you call Toad Computers
   and get their catalogue? 1-800-448-8623.
   
   Once you've seen the catalogue, you'll have more ideas.
   
   Your only problem is the bottlenecks of the 1040; the closed
   architecture makes it hard to upgrade sometimes. A number of folks just
   take t he whole thing and put it into a tower case; that leaves room
   for anything."

 Benjamin exclaims:

   "I can put my Atari into a tower case? Where do I get it?  pleeeeeeze
   tell me!"

 Simon Churchill tells Benjamin:

   "Look in Lib 6 (I think) for a file called 'TOWER2.TXT' (Again I think)
   or D/L ST1050.   My report about the fun I had putting my ST into a
   proper ST Tower case can be read in all it's glory.    It's one fun txt
   file."

 On the subject of the Jaguar, Atari's hot new game machine, Michael
 Montsko posts:

   "There may be some good news on the STOCK Front.  Although the Jaguar
   may not be selling as well as expected in the states I hear the oversea
   sales are quite strong.  4th quarter earnings may be up do to great
   software sales(nice profit in software).  Lets just hope promotional
   costs don't cut into the 4th quarter earnings too much."

 Geoff Boyle asks:

   "Does anyone know where i can buy joystick controllers for the old
   Atari console system ?
   
   Is anyone still making them.
   
   These are the switched joysticks with a square base.  (I'm new to this
   forum so apologies if i've left this in the wrong location!)"

 Albert Dayes tells Geoff:

   "You can try Toad Computers or Best Electronics for the joysticks."

 Sysop Bob Retelle adds:

   "I've had problems finding the good old Atari joysticks myself before..
   every now and then I find a store selling out their old stock, but
   usually these aren't the Atari brand (which I greatly prefer), but one
   of the add-on kind from another company.
   
   At any rate, finding closeouts like that are about the only way to find
   the joysticks in stores.
   
   Be aware that the same joysticks work in Commodore-64 and VIC-20
   computers, or any of the Atari computers, so if you find joysticks
   labelled for those, you can use them on the Atari 2600 game console
   too.
   
   (I even have a joystick that works on these systems that's shaped like
   a hand grenade..  the stick comes out the top, and you squeeze the
   handle down the side for the fire button..!)
   
   For mail-order, the sources Albert mentioned are a good place to start.
   
   We have a text file in the software library here named  SUPORT.TXT
   which gives the names and addresses of companies which still support
   products like the joysticks you want...  check it out.."

 Joseph Vottis tells us that he...

   "...Just bought the Jan 95 issue of GAME FAN magazine.  There is a
   news item on an Atari press release.  "Atari has joined forces with
   Virtuality to offer home virtual reality games by Christmas 1995."  Sam
   Tramiel is quoted as saying " By Christmas 95, Jaguar owners will
   already be wearing the VR headsets and playing VR games at home.  While
   others in the industry play catch up trying to offer 32 and 64 bit
   systems, Ataris is extending our technological advantage over our
   competitors by delivering a high quality VR experience."  Picture of a
   great looking girl with a super cool head mounted display and a smile
   as big as Baltimore.
   
   OK.  Why wasn't I told about this! ?<g>.  Anyone got the scoop?.  I
   looked in the library but saw no press release.  Can anyone from Atari
   comment on this??"

 Cody Maloney tells Joseph:

   "Yes, its true. I known about it for about close to 2 months. I was on
   late last night and I saw Sam Tramiel come online. I was talking to
   him. He told me and about 5 other people the news about the VR helmet.
   Pretty cool eh?"

 Sysop Bob Retelle tells Joseph:

   "I guess nobody got around to putting the Press Release about the VR
   units from Virtuality for the Jaguar into the library...
   
   It was posted here in the message base a few weeks ago, but it's
   probably scrolled off by now."

 Sysop Bob Retelle asks:

   "I think I missed this before... you said the monsters *don't* respawn
   in the Nightmare level of Jag DOOM..?
   
   Ouch..!  What is it that makes it "Nightmare" then..?  Do they still
   move faster on that level..?"

 Sean Fitzpatrick tells Bob:

   "Well there seems to be a lot more baddies(than the other modes).
   There also speeded up and about 10xmore aggresive.  I'd also say that
   the baddies missile weapons move a lot faster.  Then again this seems
   to be a feature of jag doom.  I never remeber having this much trouble
   fighting a cacodemon(they constantly kill me where as on the PC it was
   faily easy to take one with a pistol given time).
   
   This coupled with the slightly slower chain gun/Plasma gun and having
   no real save option make nigtmare a much harder proposition(You always
   restart with that little old pistol remeber):(
   
   I'd go as far as saying the ultimate doom challange.
   
   If anyone thinks the above comments where of base for any reason
   please correct me?
   
   One thing I've noticed is that a lot more of the textures are
   missing(some nice new Doom 2 ones) than I first thought but most of the
   levels are nearly intact(with the occasional total butchery).  I am
   however amazed at how well the jaguar handles doom(I do think it would
   have problems with doom 2 now(then again so did my DX2 at points)).
   
   Lastly, This may sound odd,  but the jaguar seems version seems very
   robust speed wise until the game morph's a wall/object. The PC seemed
   prone to slowdown for different reasons!  BTW They both slow down if
   you can see too much of the level at once or have a truly stupid number
   of baddies on screen(the jag seems better than most PC's here):)
   
   All in all given ID's comments about not utilising the system fully
   the jaguar must be capable of some truly awesome things."


 Well folks, that's it for this week.  Tune in again next week, not only
 for this column, but for this year's edition of my Christmas talk with
 my niece, Samantha.  Sammy is now six years old and she's been asking
 questions that are even more involved than the ones she asked just last
 year.  I first began with an editorial two years ago entitled "Yes
 Samantha, there is a Santa Claus... He Just Won't Be Bringing Falcons
 This Year".  If you have the time next week, check it out.  And, as
 always, be prepared to listen to what they are saying when...


                             PEOPLE ARE TALKING


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                       STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
                       """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""

 > A "Quotable Quote"       It keeps getting better and better....        
   """"""""""""""""" 


 I submit the following defintion to the American Lexicon....


      Pentium (Pen*ti*um); verb.  To make a mistake, and poorly handle
      the after effects, regardless of public opinion.  Often coupled
      with technical double talk minimizing the problem.

      Common usage "To pull a Pentium".

      For example:

      "GM pulled a Pentium over their pickup truck recall."

      "The Democratic party pulled a Pentium in explaining the recent
      election results."

      "Orange County pulled a Pentium with their bankruptcy."

      "The UN is pulling a Pentium in Bosnia."


                               ....Andrew Carol 71350,3646






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                   STReport International OnLine Magazine
                      -* [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport *-
           AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE ON OVER 70,000 PRIVATE BBS SYSTEMS
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 STR OnLine!         "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE"       December 16, 1994
 Since 1987         copyright   1994 All Rights Reserved            No.1051
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 All Items quoted, in whole or in part, are done so under the provisions of
 The  Fair  Use Law of The Copyright Laws of the U.S.A. Views, Opinions and
 Editorial  Articles  presented  herein  are  not  necessarily those of the
 editors/staff  of  STReport  International OnLine Magazine.  Permission to
 reprint    articles  is  hereby granted, unless otherwise noted.  Reprints
 must,  without exception, include the name of the publication, date, issue
 number  and the author's name.  STR, CPU, STReport and/or portions therein
 may  not  be  edited,  used,  duplicated or transmitted in any way without
 prior written permission.  STR, CPU, STReport, at the time of publication,
 is  believed  reasonably  accurate.  STR, CPU, STReport, are trademarks of
 STReport  and  STR  Publishing  Inc.    STR,  CPU, STReport, its staff and
 contributors are not and cannot be held responsible in any way for the use
 or  misuse  of  information  contained  herein  or  the  results  obtained
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