NeXT Nugget News Digest (vol. 4, issue 7, July 30, 1992) This is vol. 4, issue 7 of the 1992 NeXT NUGGET NEWS DIGEST - a collection of items of interest for NeXT User Group members. Please direct your comments and feedback on the content of this NeXT news to: nugget@next.com. Previous Nugget Digests are located in the /pub/next/Newletters/Nugget directory on the Purdue archive server site: sonata.cc.purdue.edu. Conrad Geiger Manager, International NeXT User Groups __________________________________________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Metrosoft announces MetroTracks, pro audio software for NeXT II. NeXTSTEP Developer Camp in Colorado in August III. NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 Fact Sheet IV. NeXT Support Center Recent mailing V. IMMEDIATE OPENING IN LOS ANGELES - SYBASE ARCHITECT VI. NeXT Programmers wanted in Northeast US VII. NeXTSTEP experience needed in Texas VIII. American University Newsroom Manager Position IX. Mesa Spreadsheet beta available from Athena Design X. Announcing Upstart, from Highland Digital ____________________________________________________________________ I. Metrosoft announces MetroTracks, pro audio software for NeXT San Diego, CA, June 15, 1992 - Metrosoft announced today that it is developing MetroTracks, the first commercial multitrack audio software for NeXT workstations, running NeXTSTEP 3.0. A NeXT workstation equipped with MetroTracks and any of several analog or digital audio front ends provides users with a full-featured digital audio workstation capable of recording, mixing and editing CD-quality sound plus MIDI data. A MetroTracks recording can contain up to 32 virtual tracks in any combination of audio and MIDI and as many as 8 tracks can be mixed simultaneously, depending on the user's hardware configuration. While MetroTracks takes full advantage of the current NeXT hardware, its architecture is expandable to utilize any future NeXT hardware directions. "MetroTracks provides users with a seamless integration of MIDI and recorded audio," said Gordon Van Huizen, President of Metrosoft. "In addition, a complete system built around a NeXT computer and MetroTracks costs users considerably less than alternatives on other platforms, yet contains remarkable sophistication and polish." MetroTracks is scalable, yielding increasing real-time control as users add processing horsepower. MetroTracks includes digital effects which can be applied to recorded tracks including digital delay, reverb, chorusing, pitch shift, and amplitude compression/expansion. MetroTracks can output to DAT recorders and conventional audio devices, and is compatible with many of the leading NeXT third party audio hardware products, including Singular Solutions' A/D64x interface, Ariel Corporation's Digital Microphone and ProPort products, Quest Inc.'s Midi Link converters, and Metaresearch Inc's. Digital Ears. "An entry-level NeXT system, out of the box, provides users with a rich set of built-in digital and audio capabilities," said Robert Poor, Developer Advocate, NeXT Computer. "MetroTracks promises to complete that solution, turning a NeXT system into an integrated digital/audio workstation, and at a fraction of the cost of other platforms." MetroTracks is in alpha testing now and will be in beta by the end of July. The product is expected to ship in September and retail for $XXX with educational, developer and quantity discounts available. Metrosoft is a San Diego based company specializing in the development of multimedia applications for desktop workstations. Mary Email: mary@metrosoft.com ___________________________________________________________________ II. NeXTSTEP Developer Camp in Colorado Vacation in Beautiful Colorado and attend one of the first NeXTSTEP 3.0 DEVELOPERS CAMPS in August 1992 The University of Denver will be sponsoring and hosting a NeXTSTEP 3.0 in August in Denver, Colorado. AUG. 17 - 20 (definite) AUG. 31 - SEPT. 3 (if demand warrants) * Want to actually see and use Distributed Objects in an Object-Oriented Toolkit now? NeXTSTEP 3.0 has it. * Want to see and use an Interactive 3D Renderman in an Object-Oriented Toolkit? Integrated with Color PostScript Level 2 and printable? NeXTSTEP 3.0 has it. * Want to see and use Object-Oriented Reuse of Design--It's a protocol extension to Objective C? NeXTSTEP 3.0 has it. * Want to see and use a Database Independent Object-Oriented DB forms capability in an Object-Oriented toolkit? NeXTSTEP 3.0 DB Kit has it. * Want to see and use the first Display PostScript Level 2? NeXTSTEP 3.0 has it. Unfortunately, some of these areas are too involved & complex to cover in a 4-day course (for example, NeXT will be offering a separate 2-day in DB Kit). However, you will see bits and pieces of the new features in the 4-day course. The NeXTSTEP 3.0 Developers Camp will be taught by Dave J. Besemer, a certified NeXT Trainer. The cost is $XXX. Additional information and the registration materials can be e-mailed with the PostScript attachment. Please call or e-mail request/questions to: Bob Gregory at 303-733-6573 e-mail: rgregory@rmnug.org (NeXTmail OK) Economical dormitory rooms are available for out of town guests. ___________________________________________________________________ III. NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 Fact Sheet Product Overview: NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 is a new generation of NeXTSTEP object-oriented system software. NeXTSTEP, the only object-oriented system software currently shipping, greatly speeds the development of mission-critical custom applications up to five times faster than with competing environments. In addition, the NeXTSTEP graphical user interface lets mere mortal users take advantage of the powerful custom and shrink-wrapped applications written for the platform. Among the most significant enhancements of NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 are additional software objects that commercial and in-house developers can use to create their applications. Release 3.0 bundles three major new object kits, and third-party developers already market more than 100 additional objects aimed at a wide range of specialized tasks. Because NeXTSTEP is completely object-oriented, all these new objects fit seamlessly into the development environment, making the real promises of object-oriented computing available for the first time on any commercial platform. NeXTSTEP Release 3.0 also adds a number of new connectivity, communications and other standards to the already standards-rich environment of NeXTSTEP Release 2. Highlights of NeXTSTEP Release 3.0: - New objects for the NeXTSTEP library, plus enhanced object-oriented technologies - Database Kit (DBKit), which provides a single, consistent interface to SQL databases from multiple vendors; extends the power of NeXTSTEP's object-oriented capabilities to the development of database applications - 3D Graphics Kit (3DKit), based on the RenderMan standard for photorealistic rendering and interactive manipulation of 3D models, enables easy integration of three-dimensional graphics into existing NeXTSTEP applications - Distributed Objects, which extends the simple yet powerful messaging model used between objects within a NeXTSTEP application to messaging between different applications and across a network - Object Links, a multimedia hyperlinking system based on Distributed Objects that enables documents to share dynamic information - PhoneKit, for taking advantage of high-speed voice and data transmission over ISDN as well as analog lines - Even more support for standards - Bundled Novell Client and AppleShare Client software, for accessing file servers and PostScript printers on NetWare and AppleTalk networks - Macintosh file system support - Improvements to DOS file system support - ISDN networking support (with inexpensive external hardware by Hayes Microcomputer) - CD-ROM support (includes ISO 9660, High Sierra, RockRidge and Macintosh formats) - PostScript Level 2 integration, which adds support for calibrated color output, imaging filters for faster printing and pattern support - Pantone Matching System, the premier standard for specifying colors in printed output - Expanded ability to share files, printers (from various vendors), fax modems and CD-ROM drives among networked users - Seamless client operation with all leading high-quality servers (e.g., Auspex, DEC, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Pyramid, Sequent, Sun, Teradata) - Global computing, automatically - Integrated foreign language support, so that all applications shipped with NeXTSTEP computers to be set by the user for English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Swedish (in Japan, NeXTSTEP users will be able to work in both English and Japanese) - Other enhancements - Integration with NeXT's 360 dpi, four-color Color Printer - An integrated, multimedia on-line hypertext Help system - Multimedia file compression - Additional network administration tools Compatibility: Any application written under NeXTSTEP Release 2 will run in Release 3.0, and will automatically take advantage of many Release 3.0 features. Availability: August, 1992 Pricing: Included automatically with all NeXT computers shipped after August Upgrade Pricing: $XXX - for registered owners of NeXTSTEP 2 Media: Installed on the hard disk of all computers shipped with NeXTSTEP 3.0; also included on a CD-ROM disk for back-up. Upgrades shipped on CD-ROM disk or as a right-to-use license. ___________________________________________________________________ IV. NeXT Support Center Recent mailing The following message was recently delivered to all authorized NeXT Support Centers... Dear NeXT Authorized Support Center, In a continued commitment to leading edge technology and streamlined manufacturing, NeXT has updated the CPU board used in the 25 MHz NeXTstation. All 25 MHz NeXTstations (part number N1100-1768) are now built around the new board which uses the same memory sub-system as NeXT Turbo systems. The board features the TMC (turbo memory controller) and PC (peripheral controller) chips which control all memory and I/O, including display. Standardizing on only one base monochrome CPU board provides NeXT far better manufacturing economies. The new board also results in slightly higher system performance and allows a maximum possible memory capacity of 128 MB vs. the old board's 32 MB limit. A Different Type of SIMM The new 25 MHz NeXTstation board requires different SIMMs than the old version. Like the NeXT Turbo systems, the 25 MHz NeXTstation's CPU board includes four memory sockets which require 72 pin, 70 nanosecond SIMMs. Both single and double-sided SIMMs are compatible. This memory architecture also makes it possible to upgrade all new NeXTstations and all NeXTstation Turbos, NeXTstation Turbo Colors, and NeXTcube Turbos in two-SIMM increments. The 8MB and 16MB versions ship with two open SIMM sockets for easy expansion. Identifying the Computer's SIMM Type NeXT began shipping the new 25 MHz NeXTstation CPU board in late June. All system serial numbers higher than ABB0028000 include the new boards. A few systems shipped in late June with lower serial numbers also include the new boards. To verify which SIMM type a machine uses, check the system's memory configuration. This can be accomplished by using the ROM monitor's print memory configuration command m. - Start with the machine powered down. - Press the Power key to power on. - As soon as the message *Testing system...: disappears, press command-command-tilde (~ on the numeric keyboard). Under these circumstances, this will access the ROM monitor. - In the ROM monitor, type m and press Return. Turbo-designed boards including new 25 MHz NeXTstations and all Turbo systems return messages reporting memory configuration contained in four sockets (sockets 0 -3); old 25 MHz boards return messages for more than four sockets. A Turbo-designed board is identified by the fact it reports information for only four sockets. Please feel free to contact us at 1-800-848-NeXT if you have any questions. We thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, NeXT Computer, Inc. _________________________________________________________________ V. IMMEDIATE OPENING IN LOS ANGELES - SYBASE ARCHITECT Pencom Systems Incorporated, a nationwide Unix software services company, has a full time postion to re-architect an existing large scale end user database to a client/server environment running Sybase on IBM RS/6000's and NeXT workstations. The position has the following requirements: * 5+ years of Unix experience * 3+ years of Sybase or other major RDBMS programming in SQL and 4GL * 5+ years of C programming * DB architect and designer required * Project leadership skills, a plus * NeXT experience, a plus * Business systems analysis Please reply to: Steve Koutros Pencom Systems Incorporated 150 Broadway, Suite 600 New York, New York 10038 Ma Bell: (212) 513-7777 Ma Fax : (212) 227-1854 Ma Net : sak@pencom.com _____________________________________________________________ VI. NeXT Programmers wanted in Northeast US WANTED: NeXT programmers for a 4 month contract position (guaranteed) with a possibility of longterm (2 year+) job(s). EXPERIENCE DESIRED: Distributed object-oriented programming and NeXT architecture (software) PROJECT: FORTUNE 500 company for LARGE NeXT application LOCATION: Northeast US CONTACTS: Glenda Maddox & Carol McDaniels MADDOX, INC (214)341-2554 (phone) (214)341-3041 (FAX) ___________________________________________________________________ VII. NeXTSTEP experience needed in Texas Experienced NeXT Software Developers We are interested in hearing from individuals who are experienced NeXT software development engineers and would like to explore opportunities in our software development group. Interested persons must have a minimum of 2 years experience working in a NeXT environment, and have excellent software design and development skills. Interested persons should also have experience in a number of the following areas: object-oriented design, object-oriented programming, Objective-C, Mach/NeXTStep. Respond directly via U.S mail, FAX or EMail: Tony Gibson XGS Corporation 4050 INFOMART 1950 Stemmons Freeway Dallas, Tx 75207 FAX: (214) 746-5879 Email: hresrc@xgs.com { ...uunet!xgs.com!hresrc } __________________________________________________________________ VIII. American University Newsroom Manager Position The School of Communications at American University is looking for a Manager for their new Newsroom. The Newsroom is composed of 45 Turbo NeXTstations that will be primarily using Wordperfect, Framemaker, Improv and (probably) Livewire. The Lab will be internet connected and running off of a NeXTcube 32meg / 2+ gig server. The Managers responsibilities will be (of course) the Newsroom, as well as training faculty/staff/students in the use of the lab. The applicants will need to have a minimum of a Bachelors Degree. The job at this time is expected to be a Grade 5, which means that the low salary end is 27k. Some of the benefits are 21 days vacation, 10 holidays and 2 variable holidays. 3 medical plans, Kaiser, Capitalcare and Mass Mutual. 2-for-1 investment plan (you put in $1, AU puts in $2). Full tuition benefits up to 8 hours per semester immediately for self, spouse and children. Life insurance, dental available, etc... The position will be hired within the month. The NeXTs have already arrived, and the renovations to create the newsroom will be completed at month end. If you are interested, or know if anyone (you can forward this email) please contact the following... Patrick Martin Assistant to the Dean School of Communications The American University Washington, DC 20016-8017 (202) 885-2063 and Jan Brown Human Resources Development The American University Washington, DC 20016-8054 (202) 885-2593 ___________________________________________________________________ IX. Mesa Spreadsheet beta available from Athena Design From: dpp@athena.com (David Pollak) Athena Design has placed Beta Version 2 of Mesa, the spreadsheet for NeXTstep, on the archives on the internet. It has been placed in the submissions directories at: sonata.cc.purdue.edu 128.210.15.30 nova.cc.purdue.edu 128.210.7.22 cs.orst.edu 128.193.32.1 etlport.etl.go.jp 192.31.197.99 We have added significantly more functionality to the macro execution engine thanks to a number of wk1 files sent to us. The charting has been expanded through the addition of the XY chart type, a better graph inspector, multiple data ranges, additional titles that can appear on the charts, legends, etc. (Thanks in large part to Paul Howell for suggestions on the graphs.) You can also print reports from custom apps. What this means is the Mesa can now be the charting engine for a custom app (just pump the data in and grab a chart out) or a report engine (build the report using Mesa's visual report builder, pump data in, and print the report.) We will officially announce Mesa on August 4th at a Boston Computer Society meeting (MIT Room 6-120 at 7pm.) For those who will be in town for MacWorld, please come by the announcement. Please use the program and get back to us with feedback. Our e-mail address feedback@athena.com. The Beta Version is solid and has many demonstration sheets not to mention a 100+ page user's guide. We hope you enjoy the program. ___________________________________________________________________ X. Announcing Upstart, from Highland Digital A new hardware and software product for the NeXT computers that allows you to use your NeXT workstations without a monitor, keyboard, or mouse. Upstart is designed for networked environments in which NeXT computers can be used as "headless" or monitor-less disk or printer servers. Upstart is composed of two parts, a hardware and a software component. The hardware is a simple switch that attaches to the monitor port. The software configures the system to boot and function properly without a monitor. Key Benefits: Eliminates the need for purchasing a monitor and keyboard in order to power up your machine. Provides a way to inexpensively dedicate a NeXT machine as a print or file server. Improves server security by eliminating keyboard and monitor. Easy to install and use. One button click configuration. Compatibility: Upstart is compatible with all monochrome NeXTcubes and NeXTstations. A special Upstart color kit is available for NeXTstation Color computers. Upstart requires NeXTstep 2.0 or greater. Pricing and Availability: $XXX, currently shipping Contact Highland Digital, NeXT Marketing Department ph: 415-493-8550 fx: 415-493-4506 Highland Digital 1001 Elwell Ct. Palo Alto, California 94043 NeXT mail: upstart@highland.com _________________________________________________________________ end