NOVA - For the NeXT Workstation/NOVA - For the NeXT Workstation.iso/Newsletters/NeXTNuggetNewsDigest/vol.03.05.txt

Text File | 1992-12-27 | 28KB | 739 lines

NeXT Nugget News Digest (vol. 3, issue 5, June 17, 1992)

Hello,

This is vol. 3, issue 5 of the 1992 NeXT NUGGET NEWS DIGEST - a
collection of items of interest for the NeXT User Group members.
There are more than 340 NeXT User Groups in 34 countries around the
world.

If you wish to start a new NeXT user group locally or if you have a
NeXT User Group but have not registered it, please send email to
[e-mail].

Conrad Geiger
Manager, International NeXT User Groups

_____________________________________________________________

Table of Contents

      I. The NeXTSTEP Advantage Booklet Available on Purdue
        Archive server
     II. NeXT Licenses NetInfo Source Code
    III. Announcing EquationBuilder for the NeXTSTEP environment
     IV. Font Hotline
      V. NeXTwatch Software Update
    VII. Announcing a new NeXTSTEP discussion list!
   VIII. Announcing MIDI Sequencing Software: Presto
     IX. Programming the Display PostScript System with NeXTSTEP
      X. Announcing Version 3.01 of Cub'X-Windows from Cub'X Systemes
     XI. Co-Xist (X-windows) 2.1.2 is Shipping
    XII. Insight Software Announces ElectroFile for NeXTSTEP
   XIII. Announcing SBook for NeXTSTEP
    XIV. Congratulations to Gotham Users of NeXT




_____________________________________________________________

I. The NeXTSTEP Advantage Booklet Available on Purdue Archive
   Server

The "NeXTSTEP Advantage" electronic document gives
compelling examples of why NeXTSTEP is the clear
choice for Object-Oriented program development and
deployment for academic and commercial uses.

For those new to the NeXT environment, this
document is available via ftp from the Purdue
University archive server:

    sonata.cc.purdue.edu.

It is located under /pub/next/docs/NeXT.  You might
also check out the other resourses located in the
/pub/next/docs directory!  NeXTanswers, NeXT course
schedules, the Booz Allen study, and Interface
Builder Tutorials are all located here.

(If you know someone considering NeXT, you might
refer them to these documents.)


_____________________________________________________________

II. NeXT Licenses NetInfo Source Code

News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Allison Thomas Associates
          Angela Grady, [phone]


** NeXT Licenses NetInfo Source Code **
System Administration Software Has Already Been Ported to Sun,
Other UNIX Systems


        REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 11, 1992  - NeXT Computer, Inc.
today announced that it has begun licensing source code for its
NetInfo network administration software.  NetInfo lets system
administrators manage users, machines, file systems and other
network resources on UNIX networks, and can be ported to any
UNIX-based computer.

        Based on a distributed, extensible database, NetInfo
gives system administrators a much more flexible and manageable
access control scheme than with other UNIX network administration
tools.  In addition, NetInfo allows network databases to be
updated  incrementally, rather than updating the entire database
for each change and lets administrators distribute management
authority  across the network.  NetInfo is available for
licensing by developers, resellers and qualified corporate
and commercial customers.

        "NetInfo offers significant enhancements over other
network administration systems, and by licensing NetInfo
source code NeXT is making these enhancements available in
heterogeneous environments, "said Kevin Wells, NeXT's
operating system product manager.  "This product represents
another important effort  - and NeXT's first licensing venture
- to make our superior technology even more widely available,
both within and beyond the NeXTSTEP environment."

        Already, NeXT has licensed NetInfo to a number of
third-party developers, value-added resellers and large
customers, some of whom have ported it to non-NeXTSTEP
platforms.  For example, Codex Corporation, of Albert Park,
Victoria, Australia, has announced a complete NetInfo product
for Sun workstations and servers.  Called NetInfo for Sun, it
will allow easier, more reliable and more efficient
administration of networks of Sun workstations, including the
ability to manage  mixed networks of Sun and NeXT workstations
from a single workstation.

        "We needed a distributed network configuration management
system, and with its efficiency, flexibility and extensibility,
NetInfo presented a unique and elegant solution.  Having
successfully migrated the product to the Sun platform, we
believe NetInfo will establish itself as a de facto standard for
network information systems," said J. Matthew Pryor, director of
software technology at Codex.

        NeXT is providing both the server and client functions
in its NetInfo source code product, and developers can port either
or both to any UNIX system (e.g., Sun, Auspex, Data General,
Pyramid).  With NetInfo, network administrators can administer
heterogeneous networks from any NeXT workstation using NeXTSTEP
graphical applications such as HostManager and NFS Manager,
which are included in the NeXTSTEP system software.

        Because NetInfo is extensible, NeXTSTEP customers can
use NetInfo's flexible network database in their development
of mission-critical custom applications for distributed systems
in heterogeneous computing environments. Other customers will
be able to purchase "shrink-wrapped" versions of NetInfo from
developers who license the source code and create platform-
specific ports of the software.


Availability

        NetInfo source code is available now, directly from
NeXT, to developers, VARs and qualified customers.


        NeXT Computer, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets
professional workstations based on the revolutionary NeXTSTEP
object-oriented system software.  NeXT computers are used by
medium and large organizations to develop and deploy mission-
critical custom applications, which run alongside a robust
suite of advanced productivity applications and share the
same user interface.  NeXT is headquartered at 900
Chesapeake Drive, Redwood City, California, 94063.

________________________________________________________________

III. Announcing EquationBuilder for the NeXTSTEP environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Terrence Talbot
         Digital Tool Works
         100 Charles St, Ste D
         Boston, MA  02114
         [phone] (Voice)
         Email: lexcube![e-mail] or lexcube![e-mail]

Digital Tool Works announces equation typesetting software for NeXT
computers

BOSTON, Mass., June 11, 1992 - Digital Tool Works(TM) today announced
the availability of EquationBuilder(TM), technical publishing
software for NeXT(TM) computers. EquationBuilder is the first fully
WYSIWYG technical equation editor for NeXTSTEP(TM).

Using a distributed, object-oriented approach to typesetting,
EquationBuilder expressions are dynamically recomposed each time the
expression is edited, assuring typographic consistency and
professional quality results. With EquationBuilder, mathematical
expressions are easily constructed from a palette of common elements
such as Fractions, Matrices, and Delimiters. Each element is an
object and can be inspected quickly, changing its form in obvious and
intuitive ways. EquationBuilder automatically follows standard
professional typesetting rules, and manual kerning of arbitrary
elements is also possible through inspectors.

EquationBuilder's intuitive graphical interface takes full advantage
of NeXTSTEP's object-oriented environment. Using Encapsulated
PostScript(TM) as its native file format, EquationBuilder expressions
can be included in any page layout or word processing application by
simple drag-and-drop.

EquationBuilder can also be used to generate TeX output, giving TeX
users a simple, intuitive equation composition environment.

"EquationBuilder will close an important gap in available third-party
software for technical publishing, specifically for users in higher
education, as well as the government and scientific research
communities," said Ronald Weissman, NeXT's director of strategic
markets. "This is the first fully object-oriented technical equation
editor on the market, and we think users will be impressed with the
capabilities of the application."

EquationBuilder version 0.9b (beta) will be available in mid-July
from Digital Tool Works and will work with NeXT computers running
NeXTSTEP 2.0 or higher. Users who purchase a beta version of
EquationBuilder will be entitled to a free software upgrade to
version 1.0 when it becomes available later in 1992. Version 1.0 will
take full advantage of new features in NeXTSTEP 3.0, including object
linking.

"We introduced EquationBuilder at the Mathematica Conference last
month, and we've had so much interest, we wanted to get a version of
EqB out to the NeXT community as soon as possible," said Ray Ghanbari
of Digital Tool Works. "When NeXTSTEP 3.0 ships, we will ship
EquationBuilder 1.0, which will really take advantage of some of the
great new features in 3.0."

The Beta version of EquationBuilder will be available at a special
pre-release price of $ - , a 33% discount from the $ -  list price.

Digital Tool Works is a privately funded software start-up dedicated
to the development of productivity and authoring tools running under
NeXTSTEP.

-30-

(C) 1992 Digital Tool Works. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks
mentioned belong to their respective owners.


_______________________________________________________________

IV.  Font Hotline

RightBrain Software established the Font Hotline in January
'92, to further serve the increasing demand for fonts.  It is
designed as a dedicated number to font customers for both sales
and service.  All fonts come on 3.5" floppy disk and are
shipped OVERNIGHT for a $- charge for domestic service.  The
Font Hotline also has the Adobe Font & Function catalog to help
with your font shopping.

Also, look for the up-coming "Font of the Month Club" if you're
someone who is intrigued by fonts but have difficulty deciding
which ones to buy.  Type experts will choose one or two fonts
each month to send to members at a special price.

Please feel free to send inquires to [e-mail], or
call the Font Hotline 800-525-FONT ([phone]).


 Glenn Reid                     NeXTMail: [e-mail]
 RightBrain Software            415-326-2974 (NeXTfax 326-2977)

_______________________________________________________________

V.  NeXTwatch Software Update

From: [e-mail]  (Arthur C. Kyle   Phone: [phone])

If you develop commercial products for the NeXT computer, NeXTwatch
needs to hear from you! Every month we list all shipping products
(The NeXT Software Update) and all announced products (Software in
the Mist), but we need to hear  from you if you have announced a new
product or your listing has otherwise changed. We need to know about
you to include you.

This is a great way to let potential customers know about your
products and remind current customers about new releases and updates.
For a listing of the information we want, send an empty e-mail
message to [e-mail]. Information will be
mailed to you automatically. Thank you for your cooperation.

Arthur C. Kyle
Editor-in-chief

For information about NeXTwatch, please e-mail:

        [e-mail]       (ASCII) or
        [e-mail]  (NeXTmail)

Information will be mailed to you automatically.

---
Arthur C. Kyle   [e-mail]   415-474-7803
Skylee Press  PO Box 471645, San Francisco, CA 94147-1645 USA

Legal Notice
NeXT and NeXTwatch are trademarks of NeXT Computer, Inc. and
NeXTwatch is used  herein pursuant to license. NeXTwatch is not
affiliated with NeXT Computer, Inc.


___________________________________________________________________

VII.  Announcing a new NeXTSTEP discussion list

   NeXTSTEP operating environment Discussion List is now available on
   [e-mail] or [e-mail].

   NeXTSTEP (NeXTSTEP operating environment) is dedicated to discussion
   of the NeXTSTEP operating environment produced by NeXT Computer, Inc.
   NeXTSTEP (the list) is completely independent of NeXTSTEP (the
   operating environment) and NeXT Computer, Inc. (the manufacturer).

   NeXTSTEP (the list) is owned and coordinated by a computing
   professional (Phillip Gross Corporon) and an interested layperson
   (John B Harlan).

   NeXTSTEP (the list) is bidirectionally gatewayed to the INET
   newsgroup, comp.soft-sys.nextstep.

   To subscribe to the NeXTSTEP e-mail list send mail to
   [e-mail] or [e-mail]
   the the following command in the BODY of the mail:

         SUB NEXTSTEP yourfirstname yourlastname


   List owners/coordinators:  Phillip Gross Corporon
                              [e-mail]
                              F3PB88@IrishMVS
                              [e-mail]

                              John B Harlan
                              JBHarlan@IndyVAX
                              [e-mail]


__________________________________________________________________

VIII. Announcing MIDI Sequencing Software: Presto

[Note: A demo version of Presto has been placed on the cs.orst.edu
and nova.cc.purdue.edu archives with the filename PrestoDemo.tar.Z.
It is currently in the /pub/next/submissions directory but should
soon move to the /pub/next/2.0-release/demos directory. - R.Z.]

For Immediate Release:

MIDI Sequencing software for NeXT Computers is now available!

Tucson, Arizona - May 12, 1992.  Pinnacle Research, Inc. today
announced the availability of its MIDI sequencing and DSP synthesis
software, Presto.


"Presto is the first product on any platform to bring the full power
of DSP synthesis to the world of sequencing.  Its seamless
integration with the NeXT Music Kit allows the user to craft his or
her own sounds and modify them during the course of a musical phrase
with an unprecedented level of control.  Furthermore, Presto lets you
do all this in the context of MIDI sequencing so you get the best of
both worlds--the flexibility of software (DSP) synthesis with the
power and ease of use of MIDI." 1 Dr.  David Jaffe, Visiting
Lecturer, Princeton University Music Department.

Paired with a MIDI interface, Presto allows NeXT users to record and
play music using MIDI compatible keyboards and sound generators.
Users without MIDI equipment or those wishing to expand their sound
generation capabilities can use the DSP to generate CD quality sound
output.  Presto provides a library of  DSP "voicings", including
piano, electric bass, strings, voice, woodwinds, and percussion
instruments.  Existing sounds can be modified to create new, custom
sounds.

Presto's intuitive graphical interface takes full advantage of the
NeXTSTEP environment.  Drag-and-drop measure editing allows the user
to move, copy, insert, merge or replace groups of measures.  Note and
MIDI controller editing can be performed either graphically or with
the event-list editor.  Transforms such as Quantize, Transpose,
Velocity Adjust and Time Shift are provided, including a randomize
option which can be used to "humanize" sequenced passages.  Presto's
multi-document support allows the user to simultaneously edit
multiple files and effortlessly transfer data between them.

Presto reads and writes Standard MIDI Files as well as NeXT Score and
Playscore file formats.  Presto also transmits MIDI Real-Time clock,
enabling the user to synchronize external devices such as
drum-machines and hardware sequencers to Presto's playback.

"The wait is finally over.  Presto's integrated MIDI and DSP support
will allow anyone owning a NeXT to start creating music, and we still
have several tricks up our sleeves..." - Ralph Zazula, President of
Pinnacle Research, Inc.

Presto version 0.9b (Beta) is available now for a special low
introductory price.  Users purchasing a Beta version of Presto will
be entitled to a FREE upgrade to version 1.0 when it becomes
available later in 1992.  Pinnacle Research, Inc. also offers a
complete system bundle including a MIDI interface.  Contact Pinnacle
Research, Inc. for pricing information.  Educational discounts are
available.

For more information contact:

Pinnacle Research, Inc.
4725 E. Sunrise Dr. #435
Tucson, AZ 85718
[phone] (Voice)
[phone] (FAX)
[e-mail] (NeXT mail)


All trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners.
Copyright 1992 Pinnacle Research, Inc.  All Rights Reserved

_______________________________________________________________

IX. Programming the Display PostScript System with NeXTSTEP

Introducing the 'purple book', "Programming the Display
PostScript System with NeXTSTEP", by Adobe Systems
Incorporated.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Display PostScript system,
it brings to interactive displays the same powerful graphics
capabilities that have made the PostScript lanugage a popular
choice for hardcopy output devices. The Display PostScript
system ships as part of the NeXTSTEP window system and is
available as an extension to the X Window system.

This book is written for the NeXT programming environment;
however, much of the information it contains applies to all
Display PostScript developers. The book explains the language
extensions commonly used within applications, describes many of
the key aspects of the PostScript imaging model, and provides a
framework for creating Display PostScript applications. Topics
include:

o PostScript language coordinate system
o Offscreen buffering
o Drawing optimizations
o Displaying Text
o Hit Detection
o Drawing patterns
o Zooming
o Importing EPS and TIFF files
o Scaling
o Binary encoded formats


POSTSCRIPT LANGUAGE BOOKS

Here is the ordering information for the Adobe PostScript
Language books.  All are published by Addison-Wesley and are
listed as authored by Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Red Book:  Postscript Language Reference Manual, SECOND EDITION
                  ISBN 0-201-18127-4

Blue Book: Postscript Language Tutorial and Cookbook
                  ISBN 0-201-10179-3

Green Book:PostScript Language Program Design
                  ISBN 0-201-14396-8

Black Book: Adobe Type 1 Font Format Specification
                  ISBN 0-201-57044-0

Purple Book: Programming the Display PostScript System with
NeXTSTEP
                  ISBN 0-201-58135-3

These books can be obtained from most computer book stores.

In addition, all Adobe products may be ordered direct from
Adobe Systems in Mountain View, California, by calling
1-800-83-FONTS (U.S. and Canada only) or 415-961-4400 (ask for
"Inside Sales"). You will need a Visa, MasterCard or American
Express card to order by phone. You will be charged extra for
shipping.



_______________________________________________________________

X. Announcing Version 3.01 of Cub'X-Windows from Cub'X Systemes

Cub'x Systemes is now shipping version 3.01 of Cub'X-Window,
X-Window server for NeXT computers.

Cub'X-Window provides a true X11 client/server architecture
on the NeXT computer, in full compliance with the MIT
specifications for the X-Window system, version 11, release 4.

Cub'X-Window version 3.01 includes 3 server options, to provide
the best answer to the user's needs. With Cub'X-Window v3.01,
users can run X-Window applications:

- In the NeXTSTEP environment, simultaneously with other NeXT
  applications.

- In full screen display, in a virtual screen parallel to the
  NeXTSTEP one.  A mouse move brings you instantaneously from
  one environment to the other.

- Without NeXTSTEP, to fully benefit from the NeXT CPU power.
  The three options achieve performances not reached by any
  other X-Window server available for NeXT computers.
  (Benchmarks available on request).

- Cub'X-Window includes text cut/copy/paste between both
  environments, and an X-Window screen grab feature. Cub'X-
  Window v3.01 runs on monochrome and color NeXTstations
  (classic and Turbo) and monochrome NeXTcube.

The Cub'X-Window package includes OSF Motif 1.1.3, on-line
documentation and development libraries.


Cub'X-Window, Cub'x Systemes are registered trademarks of
Cub'x Systemes SA. NeXT, NeXTstation, NeXTcube are
trademarks of NeXT Computer Inc.  OSF/Motif is a trademark
of Open Software Foundation, Inc. X-Window System is a
trademark of the Massachusetts Insitute of Technology.


Contact:

    Phone:  Roger Brown at 503-644-0111 (Interactive
    Technology, Inc.) for North American distribution.

        Claire Normand
        Cub'x Systemes
        Immeuble CBC cedex 71
        92043 Paris La Defense
        France

        Phone:  (++33-1) 46-93-29-25
        Fax:      (++33-1) 46-93-29-21
        E-mail:  [e-mail]


_______________________________________________________________

XI. Co-Xist (X-windows) 2.1.2 is Shipping


Pencom Software has announced the availability of Release 2.1.2 of
co-Xist, the X Window System (X11R4) for the NeXT Computer. This
latest release of co-Xist offers:

     * rootless windows
     * performance enhancements

The rootless windows version represents an important enhancement
because it allows the user to position and stack X windows
independently and coherently with NextStep windows.  Users may select
their favorite X Window Manager, or use a built in NextStep Window
Manager to control their X Windows' applications.

co-xist 2.1.1 users are eligible to upgrade to this new version
simply by registering their copy of co-Xist. Those who have
registered will be automatically mailed a copy of the new release.

co-Xist is available directly from Pencom Software and provides a
full X11R4 color server capable of supporting standard color X11R4
clients and applications. Pencom also offers the latest release of
the Open Software Foundation's Motif on the NeXT.  Full on line
Digital Librarian documentation is also available.

For more information, contact

Pencom
9050 Capital of Texas Highway North
Suite 300
Austin, Texas, 78759.
Telephone: 800-PENCOM-4 or 512/343-1111.
Fax: [phone].
Electronic Mail:  [e-mail].

_________________________________________________________________

XII. Insight Software Announces ElectroFile for NeXTSTEP

From: [e-mail] (Ted Slupesky)

   Insight Software
   3004 SW First Avenue  Portland, OR  97201
   Phone: [phone]
   Fax [phone]

Insight Software ships ElectroFile for the NeXT computer.

Insight Software is now shipping ElectroFile, a powerful yet
easy-to-use electronic filing system for the NeXT computer.
ElectroFile takes full advantage of NeXT's imaging capabilities and
allows users to file and locate any kind of document with
unprecedented speed.

Originally developed for the complex filing needs of litigation
support, ElectroFile's ability to process all types of filesP-EPS,
TIFF, RTF, faxes, spreadsheets, etc.-Pmakes it the ideal electronic
filing system for anybody using a NeXT computer.  Even simple
everyday tasks become easier, such as locating a specific fax or
office memorandum which was received several weeks ago.

ElectroFile's approach to document retrieval is extraordinarily
powerful.  The retrieval engine is based upon B*Tree indexes and
generates fast searches, regardless of the number of documents in the
library.  The user may build arbitrarily complex search paradigms by
combining text and field searches, coupled with date restriction
options.

Classification is easy with user-configurable indexing and automated
data entry.  Files are loaded into ElectroFile  either by the "drag
and drop" method or by scanning images directly into ElectroFile's
own "Front Desk."  ElectroFile allows the user to attach files, add
notes, edit, OCR, or record voice messages either on the
classification interface or in a notes section automatically placed
below each page of the original document.


Availability

ElectroFile is currently shipping and available.  For price
information contact NeXTConnection at (800) 800-NeXT or +1
603.446.7771.  Academic discounts are available to qualified
individuals and institutions.  Companies interested in the upcoming
networkable version of ElectroFile should contact Insight Software
directly at +1 503.222.2425.

For a free demo version of ElectroFile, contact Insight Software
directly.  There is also a demo version of ElectroFile and sample
library on the following three archive sites: sonata.cc.purdue.edu.,
nova.cc.purdue.edu, and cs.orst.edu.



________________________________________________________________

XIII. Announcing SBook for NeXTSTEP

From: [e-mail] (Simson L. Garfinkel)


SBook is:

        * A name-address database
        * A telephone dialer
        * A envelope printer
        * A mailing label generator
        * An email sender
        * A free-form database

This summer I will be releasing a new product called SBook, a
free-form database designed for managing your contacts with the
outside world.

A pre-release version is available NOW on the archive servers:

        CS.ORST.EDU
        SONATA.CC.PURDUE.EDU

                as SBook.demo.tar.Z

SBook keeps track of people you know.  It has a simple search field
at the top; as you type the letters from a person's name, the
scroller instantly updates to show all of the people who match the
letters that you've typed.  When you get a unique selection, that
person's info is displayed in the address area.

You can put any information you want in the address area.  SBook will
automatically find addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers.
It then puts an icon next to each.  To dial the phone, just click on
the telephone icon.  To send an envelope to somebody, just click on
the envelope icon, and put the envelope into your printer.

SBook also logs all phone calls and envelopes that you've printed in
a form that can be imported into a time management system.  It will
find all the addresses and print mailing labels, or find all the
phone numbers and print a handy-dandy pocket book.

I started working on SBook several months ago out of frustration:
there just wasn't a good system for keeping track of names and
addresses on the NeXT.  Now it's evolved into a full-featured
product.

SBook will import data from tab-delimited records, the Macintosh
QuickDEX program, or free-form databases.  It can export in ASCII or
QuickDEX.  It also converts fonts (to a limited extent), so you can
easily move data back and forth between Mac and NeXT.

The demo version that I've put on the archive servers is a
full-featured version with just one catch: After August 1st, the
program will no longer save files.  It will still export, though, so
you don't have to worry about losing your data.

The final version of SBook should be ready by mid June. For pricing
and other info, send email to:

        [e-mail]


I'm debating whether or not to make the source-code available with
the program.

I'm also having an Icon design contest.  The person who sends me the
best icon gets 3 free copies of SBook when it is released.

Well, that's it!  Grab it.  Try it.  Share it with a friend.  SBook
is free until August 1st.


Simson L. Garfinkel
Email: [e-mail]


_______________________________________________________________

XIV.  Congratulations to Gotham Users of NeXT

Congratulations to the Gotham Users of NeXT (GUN) user group to
their recruiting of 5 Corporate Sponsors donating $100 of more
to their group.  The sponsors include:

        American General Information Services, Inc.
        CS First Boston (Japan) Limited
        Marble Associates, Inc.
        NorthStar Technologies, Inc.
        Nova Works Computer Systems, Inc.

Does your user group have local sponsors (developers, resellers,
training and support organizations) for your group?

_______________________________________________________________