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SILICON TIMES REPORT ==================== INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ============================= from STR Electronic Publishing Inc. A subsidiary of STR Worldwide CompNews Inc. July 21, 1995 No. 1129 ====================================================================== Silicon Times Report International OnLine Magazine Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32221-6155 R.F. Mariano, Editor Featured in ITCNet's ITC_STREPORT Echo ----------------------------------------- Voice: 1-904-783-3319 10am-4pm EST STR Publishing Support BBS * THE BOUNTY INTERNATIONAL BBS * Featuring: * 4.5GB * of Download Files Operating with * Mustang Software's WILDCAT! BBS v4.10 * Fully Networked within the following Nets: ITCNet 85:881/253 JAX HUB ~ FIDO Net 1:112/35 Prowl ~ USPOLNet ~ FNET 350 ~ Nest 90:301/3 Delivered via Subscriber List through Internet 904-786-4176 MULTI-NODE 24hrs-7 days 2400-115.2 bps V.32-34 v.42 bis 28.8 Hayes Optima 28.8 V.FC Data/Fax USRobotics D/S Data/Fax 28.8 V.34 Everything FAX: 904-783-3319 12am-6am EST ----------------------------------------- The Bounty STReport Support Central .... 1-904-786-4176 FNET. 620 : Leif's World ................1-904-573-0734 FNET. 690 : PASTE BBS....................1-206-284-8493 FNET. 489 : Steal Your Face BBS..........1-908-920-7981 MNET - Toad Hall BBS.....................1-617-567-8642 ______________________________________________________________________ > 07/21/95 STR 1129 "The Original * Independent * OnLine Magazine!" """"""""""""""""" - CPU INDUSTRY REPORT - Adobe Pagemaker 6.0 - Designer 6.0 - Adaptec 3940 - Cray a Croaker - TIME RETREATS! - NEW SPA Targets - Smut Filters? - NEW! Linux Area - People Talking - Jaguar NewsBits - STR Confidential -* Windows95 vs OS/2 Warp! *- -* Online Execs CRY over MSN! *- -* Microsoft Lashes Back! *- ========================================================================== STReport International OnLine Magazine The Original * Independent * OnLine Magazine -* FEATURING WEEKLY *- "Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information" Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports ========================================================================== STReport's BBS - The Bounty BBS, invites all BBS systems, worldwide, to participate in the ITC/Fido/Internet/PROWL/USENET/USPOLNet/NEST/F-Net Mail Networks. You may also call The Bounty BBS direct @ 1-904-786-4176. Enjoy the wonder and excitement of exchanging all types of useful information relative to all computer types, worldwide, through the use of excellent International Networking Systems. SysOps and users alike worldwide, are welcome to join STReport's International Conferences. ITC Node is 85:881/250, The Fido Node is 1:112/35, Crossnet Code is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is #620. All computer enthusiasts, hobbyist or commercial on all platforms and BBS systems are invited to participate. ========================================================================== HTTP//WWW.ICBA.COM/STREPORT CIS ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ BIX ~ FIDO ~ ITC ~ NEST ~ EURONET ~ CIX ~ USENET ~ USPOLNET CLEVELAND FREE-NET ~ INTERNET ~ PROWL ~ FNET ~ AOL ========================================================================== Florida Lotto ------------------------------------------------------------ LottoMan v1.35 Results: 07/15/95: 3 matches in 8 plays ------------------------------------------------------------ > From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!" """""""""""""""""""""" Microsoft's gone GOLD on their fabulous new, Windows 95. Gold means its now at the duplicator. All systems are go. Folks, the latest version of Win95 is lean, sleek and very fast. From experience, I can tell you it performs like a thoroughbred with only eight mbs of ram and like a rocket with 16 or more. As for reliability, its rock solid. If you have any inclination to "step-up", don't hesitate for a moment do it! You'll never look back. Steve ("the Case") Case of AOL has made it clear that he and the other online services are crying about Microsoft's including the software to log on to MSN as unfair. He further states that if MS were to promote MSN outside of Win95 they'd have no squawk. In my opinion they have no squawk anyway. Case and his "crying buddies" are merely using the DOJ as weapon against MS because they fear the competition. Perhaps MS should be saturating the market with disks and CDS with the MSN Software on it along with a few PD goodies for goodwill. I'm certain that Steve and his "buddies" will make a "Federal Case", "such a case", of that too. AOL and friends are beginning to act like they are losers by carrying on about MSN. If the government allows such to continue, it'll open the flood gates for everyone to "doittoit" whenever they feel threatened by _their_ competition. AOL should first learn to pay its own employees a livable wage before they try dragging other corporations down to the AOL level. Most of the major software companies already have updates in the works for Win 95. They plan to have the new releases ready for the August 24 debut date and for 'Fall COMDEX. The advent of Win95 will definitely mark the beginning of a "New Era in Computing." Each of you will realize this the moment you install Win95 on your system and begin to enjoy computing once again. The only time I remember enjoying computing as much as I am now was back in the late eighties while using GUI that was on the doorstep to the future. But stumbled. Windows 95 is superb. Ralph... Of Special Note: ---------------- HTTP//WWW.ICBA.COM/STREPORT =========================== STReport is now ready to offer much more in the way of serving the Networks, Online Services and Internet's vast, fast growing site list and userbase. We now have our very own WEB/NewsGroup/FTP Site and although its in its early stages of construction, do stop by and have a look see. Since We've received numerous requests to receive STReport from a wide variety of Internet addressees, we were compelled to put together an Internet distribution/mailing list for those who wished to receive STReport on a regular basis, the file is ZIPPED, then UUENCODED. Unfortunately, we've also received a number of opinions that the UUENCODING was a real pain to deal with. So, as of May 12,1995, you'll be able to download STReport directly from our very own WEB Site. While there, be sure to join our STR list. In any case, our mailing list will continue to be used for at least the next eight weeks. At that time, however, it will be discontinued. Each of our readers will have by then, received their information packet about how they may upgrade their personal STR News Services. """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU! """""""""""""""" Publisher - Editor """""""""""""""""" Ralph F. Mariano Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor, Current Affairs Section Editors """"""""""""""" PC SECTION AMIGA SECTION MAC SECTION ATARI SECTION ---------- ------------- ----------- ------------- R.D. Stevens R. Niles J. Deegan D. P. Jacobson STReport Staff Editors: """"""""""""""""""""""" Michael Arthur John Deegan Brad Martin John Szczepanik Paul Guillot Joseph Mirando Doyle Helms Frank Sereno John Duckworth Jeff Coe Steve Keipe Guillaume Brasseur Melanie Bell Jay Levy Jeff Kovach Marty Mankins Carl Prehn Paul Charchian Contributing Correspondents: """""""""""""""""""""""""""" Dominick J. Fontana Norman Boucher Clemens Chin Eric Jerue Ron Deal Mike Barnwell Ed Westhusing Glenwood Drake Vernon W.Smith Bruno Puglia Paul Haris Kevin Miller Craig Harris Allen Chang Tim Holt Patrick Hudlow Leonard Worzala Tom Sherwin Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc... via E-Mail to: CompuServe................... 70007,4454 Delphi......................... RMARIANO GEnie......................... ST.REPORT BIX............................ RMARIANO FIDONET........................ 1:112/35 FNET........................... NODE 620 ITC NET...................... 85:881/253 NEST........................ 90:21/350.0 America OnLine..................STReport Internet.............RMARIANO@DELPHI.COM Internet.......70007.4454.compuserve.com Internet................STReport@AOL.Com HTTP//WWW.ICBA.COM/STREPORT IMPORTANT NOTICE ---------------- STReport, with its policy of not accepting any paid advertising, has over the years developed the reputation of "saying it like it really is". When it comes to our editorials, product evaluations, reviews and over-views, we shall always keep our readers interests first and foremost. With the user in mind, STReport further pledges to maintain the reader confidence that has been developed over the years and to continue "living up to such". All we ask is that our readers make certain the manufacturers, publishers etc., know exactly where the information about their products appeared. In closing, we shall arduously endeavor to meet and further develop the high standards of straight forwardness our readers have come to expect in each and every issue. The Staff & Editors """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" SYSOP NEWS & CYBERWORLD REPORT ============================== The Leading Hard Copy News Source in the BBS & Online Telecommunications World Your own personal copy mailed to your home every month; STReport's special offer! Annual Subscription Rate of $15.95!! (normally 20.95). Include the STR offer number (STR-21) for your discount. You can send your subscription in to: ------------------------------------- BBS Press Services, Inc. 8125 S.W. 21st Street Topeka, KS 66615 Or, to order by phone, Please Call: 1-913-478-3157.....(Voice) 1-913-478-9239......(Data) 1-913-478-1189.......(FAX) Note: Checks, MasterCard & Visa ok, Please include Full Name, Address, ===== Phone Number, Card type, number & expiration date when ordering. If by mail, please _sign_ your personal order. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > STR INDUSTRY REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS """"""""""""""""""" Computer Products Update - CPU Report ------------------------ ---------- Weekly Happenings in the Computer World Issue #27 Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson (Lloyd's on Vacation) ******* General Computer News ******* -/- Online Stats Up 17% in 3 Months -/- In just the past three months, the number of subscribers to commercial online services has jumped 17 percent, from 7,303,300 at the end of March to 8,556,800 at the end of June. That is the word from the Information & Interactive Services Report, which released the figures at the Interactive Services Association's 10th annual conference, a Boston gathering of more than 700 industry executives. Reporting on the numbers this morning, Associated Press writer Richard Lorant characterized the surge as resulting from "the scramble to grab customers before Microsoft Corp. enters the business." The survey finds more than 90 percent of the subscribers on the three major online services, 3.2 million on CompuServe, 3 million on America Online and 1.6 million on Prodigy. Rod Kuckro of the Information & Interactive Services Report says the survey, based chiefly on figures provided by the companies, found Delphi in fourth place with 140,000 subscribers, followed by Apple's eWorld with 90,000 and GEnie with 75,000. "The top three services all registered double-digit growth during the quarter, due in part to marketing blitzes in advance of the new Microsoft Network is due to start next month," Lorant wrote. "In addition, all three now provide access to the World Wide Web" of the Internet. Industry analyst Eric McKinney of Matrix Information and Directory Services in Austin, Texas, told the wire service the numbers may be somewhat inflated, adding, "They would certainly have a vested interest in saying they have a large number of users. Our services have produced consistently lower numbers than have been used." However, Kuckro said inflating the numbers could result in major financial setbacks for the companies if it were discovered. "Still, he said it is unclear how many of the new customers will stick with the services," AP reports. "In the past, 20 percent to 25 percent of new customers have dropped their subscriptions in the early going." Editor Note: ------------ Inflating of the subscriber lists is not something new, unusual or different. A few of the services do this on a regular basis. For example counting in those accounts that have lapsed or closed due to any number of reasons. Each of the above figures should be reduced by at least 20% in the name of true accuracy. RFM -/- Microsoft Speeds Internet Links -/- Microsoft Corp. now says its new Microsoft Network will offer full Internet access to some users beginning with its launch next month. Earlier the firm had said complete Internet links wouldn't come until year's end. "Analysts said Microsoft had to speed its effort," Martin Wolk of the Reuter News Service commented this morning, "to catch up with rivals when it launches the online network Aug. 24 along with its Windows 95 operating system." Rod Kuckro, editor for multimedia publishing at Business Research Publications, told the wire service, "It's something they almost had to do, since almost all the services they plan to compete with are offering it." Reporting from a Microsoft conference in Long Beach, Calif., Wolk says next month's Internet linkup will not be worldwide. While U.S. users of the Microsoft Network will get full Internet access beginning Aug. 24, full Internet access won't be available elsewhere until the second quarter of next year. "The officials also said that a tool for navigating the Internet would not be available with the initial release of Windows 95 but could be downloaded or purchased as part of a package of added features," Wolk writes. As reported, CompuServe, America Online, Prodigy and other leading commercial online services all have been moving rapidly to offer better access to the Internet, particularly the increasingly popular World Wide Web. -/- Online Execs Urge Microsoft Probe -/- The top executives at CompuServe, America Online and Prodigy are calling on congressional leaders to support a government investigation of Microsoft Network, Microsoft Corp.'s proposed online service. New CompuServe President/CEO Robert Massey told reporters at a briefing in Washington today that letters are being sent to Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan., as well as other Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress, "asking for their support for the Department of Justice investigation of anticompetitive practices by Microsoft." As reported earlier this month, Dole has spoken out against the Justice investigation, saying that news media reports indicated Microsoft was being harassed by "overzealous" government investigators. According to The Associated Press, Massey said the goal of contacting congressional leaders is to make "them aware of the potential ramifications of having any one company monopolize an operating system and an applications marketplace." AOL CEO Steve Case added at the briefing, "It's not just an online service issue. We think it's a broader competitive issue." Massey, Case and Prodigy President/CEO Edward Bennett told journalists they believe Microsoft's decision to link its online service with its new Windows 95 software is unfair competition. As noted, the Justice Department is investigating whether the combination of the online service and the new Windows 95 software violates federal antitrust laws. Microsoft contends its new service will benefit consumers and increase competition in the online services business. But, pointing out Microsoft controls more than 85 percent of the market for operating system software, the online executives argue the software publisher is using its dominance to gain an unfair advantage in applications programs as well. Adds AP, "That could eventually lead to higher prices for consumers and less innovation, the executives said." -/- Gates Asked to Unbundle Network -/- Executives of the three dominant online services are appealing directly to Bill Gates to separate access to the new Microsoft Network from the Windows 95 software to be released next month. "You more than anyone should understand the power that comes with controlling the operating system market," says the open letter to Gates from the CEOs of CompuServe, America Online and Prodigy. "With dominant position comes added responsibilities." As reported yesterday, the three executives also are calling on congressional leaders to support a Justice Department anti-trust investigation of Microsoft Network. In The Wall Street Journal this morning, reporter Viveca Novak quotes CompuServe CEO Robert Massey as saying Microsoft, with its "anticompetitive" conduct, is trying "to put its muscle around the windpipe of this nation's commerce" and would reduce consumer choice. Massey added he believes the Justice Department could make a decision on whether to file suit on the matter this week. As noted earlier, the government would have to seek a preliminary injunction to keep Microsoft from shipping Windows 95 in August with access to the Microsoft Network included. Windows 95 was sent to production plants last Friday. Microsoft contends its plan will make the online industry more competitive, not less. In a memorandum filed yesterday in preparation for a federal court hearing on Monday in New York, the software giant accused the Justice Department of a "striking lack of candor" and of using an approach "that should have disappeared with the Berlin Wall." The fiery memo asserted the Justice Department, in its own memo filed last week, hadn't described any potential antitrust case against the company that would justify the subpoena. Microsoft General Counsel William Neukom told the paper, "We think the investigation is based on a very weak legal theory with virtually no facts to support it," adding the two sides haven't had any settlement discussions over the subpoena. The Journal notes Windows 95 is to carry a prominent icon for Microsoft Network, and users will be able to sign up instantly. In other developments, Luntz Research Cos. has released a survey predicting between 11 million and 19 million PC users would sign up for Microsoft Network in its first year. At a press briefing in Washington yesterday, Massey told reporters other online services must pay "bounties" to PC makers to have their software included in computers they ship, something Microsoft will not have to do. America Online CEO Steve Case added Microsoft could resolve the problem "in five minutes" by agreeing to market its online service the same way competitors do. -/- Half of U.S. Homes Have Computers -/- Nearly half of American households now own a computer, according to a new national survey, and 17 percent of those who don't already have one plan to buy a computer in the next year. United Press International says the survey by Lansing, Mich., EPIC-MRA also found radio and TV news are losing more people to online news than newspapers are. Media analyst Gerald Lundy told the wire service, "This latest survey indicates that the computer -- through the Internet -- is becoming the medium of media. It is the only one of its type, capable of delivering information in print, graphics and video format." Sampling 1,000 consumers, the survey, which has a margin of error was plus or minus 3 percent, also found: -:- About 16 percent of those who own a computer subscribe to an online service. -:- Of those who plan to buy computers, 39 percent said they plan to subscribe to an online service. -:- The top reason the survey found for subscribing to the services is getting help with a home business. Following the news and current events ranks fourth, behind entertainment and self-improvement. -:- Of online users, 56 percent say they use news magazines less as information sources, compared with 41 percent saying they used newspapers less. Forty-seven percent said they use radio and TV news less, while 46 percent said they use business periodicals less. UPI says demographics from the study show college-educated people with higher incomes and children are more likely to own computers. The numbers also indicate Republicans and Independents own more computers on average than Democrats. "Other findings say Catholics and those without a stated religious preference own more computers than Protestants," the wire service said. "Computer ownership is also higher among those who are pro-choice on abortion." Finally, residents of Western, Pacific and Northeastern states are most likely to own a computer. -/- Fax Still Major Business Tool -/- A new study says fax remains as well used at businesses using electronic mail as at those without email capabilities. According to United Press International, the Gallup Organization conducted the study in the first quarters of 1992-95 through random phone interview, sampling daily U.S. fax users at Fortune 500 and Dun & Bradstreet mid-size companies. In 1994 and 1995, Gallup also conducted a fax study of Fortune 500 and telecommunications managers. Says UPI, "Gallup's survey showed that 47 percent of the respondents preferred fax use, 30 percent chose overnight courier services, and 9 percent relied on E-mail. In 1995, a majority at both Fortune 500, 51 percent, and 64 percent of mid-size companies said fax usage had increased in the past 12 months, the study said." The survey found users perceive the fax as the second-easiest way to communicate, after the phone. Only 33 percent at Fortune 500 companies rated email as "extremely easy" to use, while 56 percent of respondents called faxing "extremely easy." Most users also preferred faxes for international documents. Fewer chose to use an overnight courier for overseas messages. "International faxing accounts for 11 percent of total fax volume at the Fortune 500 and 8 percent at Dun & Bradstreet mid-size companies," the wire service says. "Most of the international Faxes are sent to Britain, Canada, Germany and Japan." Dennis Roney, president of Pitney Bowes Facsimile Systems Division, told the wire service, "Compared with fax, other emerging technologies are not as universal. Of the companies surveyed with daily fax users, email was present in 84 percent of Fortune 500 and 39 percent of mid-size companies." -/- Time Retreats on Cyberporn Story -/- Time Magazine now appears to being acknowledging flaws in an academic study on which it based a controversial cover story earlier this month about pornography in cyberspace. The July 3 cover, which said online pornography is much more popular than surveys may indicate, was based on a study conducted by an undergraduate at Carnegie Mellon University. However, in an article to be published in this week's edition, Time now says, "Serious questions have been raised regarding the study's methodology, the ethics by which its data were gathered and even the true authorship." Reporting on the development in this morning's Wall Street Journal, writer G. Bruce Knecht notes Time "recognizes the point made by critics of the study on the Internet: that the study exaggerated the extent of the problem by lumping together Internet communications with 'bulletin board' traffic." The magazine says in its article that other academics believe the study "grossly exaggerated the extent of pornography on the Internet by conflating findings from private adult-bulletin-board systems that require credit cards for payments (and are off limits to minors) with those from the public networks (which are not)." Time spokesman Robert Pondiscio told Knecht this week's story doesn't amount to a correction of the cover story. "Call it what you will," he said, "but I would call it a follow-up story, not a correction." The Journal notes Time also reported study author Marty Rimm has been involved in another controversial study. In 1981, while a student at Atlantic City (New Jersey) High School, Rimm organized a study that "purported to show that 64 percent of his school's students had illicitly gambled at the city's casinos." "That study," says the paper, "which was widely publicized and sharply criticized by casinos, 'inspired the New Jersey Legislature to raise the gambling age in casinos from 18 to 21,' according to Time." Rimm, who graduated from Carnegie Mellon in May and now works as a researcher at the university, stood by his study, telling the Journal, "I'm astonished that the people who see the data are attacking me rather than those who distribute child pornography. I'm just the messenger." Time reports Carnegie Mellon hasn't disavowed the study, but it is "forming a committee to look into it." University spokesman Donald A. Hale confirmed for the paper a review will take place. "There has been an active debate on the Internet," he said, "and we are going to give this a fair hearing." -/- Lawmakers Hear of 'Smut Filters' -/- "Smut filters" were the talk of Capitol Hill yesterday, as online companies, software publishers and civil liberties groups came to make their case that cyberspace can be made safe for children without government involvement. "With congressional attention focused on the easy availability of pornography on computer networks," writer Kara Swisher of The Washington Post reports this morning, "the groups converged to try to head off passage of legislation that would ban obscene material outright." Swisher reports the experts said smut filters (defined as software that can "let parents control what children can get with computers") could be coupled with a nationwide education campaign to help educate the public about the technology. "In a demonstration," says the Post, "a computer user tried to to call up an Internet 'sex shop' where various sex toys and other pornographic material are available. It had been blocked by technology called WebTrack. If an address contains a word that parents have banned, the connection will not be made." Rep. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) told the paper, "Clearly to guard the portals of cyberspace, the private sector is in a far better position than the federal government. If there is a Federal Internet Censorship Army, it will make the Keystone Kops look like crackerjack crimefighters." As reported earlier, the Communications Decency Act, sponsored by Sens. J. James Exon (D-Neb.) and Dan Coats (R-Ind.) and passed overwhelmingly by the Senate last month, would ban "obscene" material transmitted over online services and establish fines and prison terms for people who "knowingly make, or make available" obscene communications across electronic networks. An alternative to the Exon measure is a House bill proposed by Wyden and Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Calif.) that encourages private industry to develop filtering technology that would give parents and teachers tools to control what children encounter online. Exon told the Post any kind of blocking device "is an important step in the right direction ... though I had heard precious little from the industry until I rang their bell." He added, "We may need these tools but we also need more federal laws. ... I mean, if we gave everyone a bulletproof vest, it does not mean we should repeal the murder laws." Organized by the D.C.-based Interactive Working Group, a coalition of some 50 high-tech companies and civil liberties groups, yesterday's event was intended to show some of the action already being taken. Also the Silver Spring, Md.,-based Interactive Services Association trade group says it will launch a national "Parental Education Program" to give parents more information about Internet blocking technology. -/- Cyberporn Proposals Challenged -/- Online obscenity is only a tiny portion of computer communications, say critics of congressional moves to outlaw "cyberporn," adding news media, politicians and social conservatives who haven't used the networks have prompted hysteria. According to United Press International, Jerry Berman, executive director of the Center for Democracy and Technology, said in a debate held at the Cato Institute that many of the Internet's critics don't understand its technology or its sprawling reach worldwide. Advocates of censoring Internet communications fail to see that taking pornography off the network is not as simple as pulling something objectionable down from a bulletin board, Berman said. Said Berman, "The only way to take it down is to take the whole thing (the Internet) down." However, Cathy Cleaver, director of legal studies at the Family Research Council, called computer pornography is "the Internet's dirty little secret," and said she doesn't understand why people considered well-intentioned legislation so threatening. Cleaver declined, though, to answer questions about how much first-hand experience she had on the global network. And Bill Burrington, America Online Inc.'s assistant general counsel, said debate should center on "what is going to work" to block children's access to obscene or inappropriate "sites" on the network. Burrington said a good start has been made with existing laws to go after "bad actors" on the network, and he praised software products that enable users to screen some material on the Internet. -/- Hayes Settles Rockwell Suit -/- For undisclosed terms, modem maker Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc. says it has resolved all legal disputes with Rockwell International Corp. In a statement from Atlanta, Hayes says a "mutually satisfactory out-of-court settlement" means: -:- A supply of modem chips and chip sets to Hayes will continue uninterrupted. -:- Litigation no longer threatens to delay Hayes' emergence from Chapter XI. The statement adds Hayes expects the settlement to be approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court soon. Last May, a federal judge ordered emergency relief for Hayes by issuing a temporary injunction compelling Rockwell to deliver all chips and chip sets required for Hayes' modem production through July. -/- Cray Computer to Sell Off Assets -/- Cray Computer Corp., the Colorado firm founded by pioneering supercomputer designer Seymour Cray, says it now has no hope of continuing in business and will sell off its assets. Commenting on the development, The Washington Post this morning says, "Through decades of work, Seymour Cray made his name synonymous with supercomputers. ... In 1989 he left his old company, Cray Research, and founded Cray Computer to pursue a new generation of the behemoth machines. But researchers became enamored of smaller, multiprocessor machines, the Cold War ended and computer budgets fell. And Cray was late getting his new creations to work." While Cray Computer is collapsing, Cray Research remains very much alive, the paper notes. -/- Ohio Man Sues Because of Raid -/- A Cincinnati, Ohio, area computer company owner has filed a federal suit against the local sheriff's office and other agencies involved in seizure of his computer equipment in a raid last month. Bob Emerson, owner of Cincinnati Computer Connection in Batavia alleges in the civil suit filed in U.S. District Court that authorities violated his First Amendment rights. The suit centers on a June 16 raid on homes and businesses during a pornography investigation by the Regional Computer Crimes Task Force. (Search warrants were executed at three locations in Hamilton County, one in Clermont County, Ohio, and in neighboring Kenton County, Ky.) United Press International reports the suit names as defendants Hamilton County Sheriff Simon Leis Jr.; the sheriff's office; the sheriff's office's Regional Computer Crimes Task Force and its commander, Dale Menkhaus; the Union Township Police Department in Clermont County and acting chief Michael Burns; and Cincinnati Police Chief Michael Snowden. Since 1982, Emerson has operated a for-profit computer bulletin board system that now has some 5,000 users. His suit accuses the defendants of harassing him, threatening him with criminal prosecution and seizing his equipment. "The sheriff's department seized about $45,000 worth of computer hardware and software from Emerson, who said he has lost about $28,000 in monthly subscriber revenues because of the raid," UPI says. As reported, the sheriff's office says the raid was initiated after receiving citizen complaints about obscene material being available from the BBS. Emerson said access to adult-orientated material is restricted to a limited number of adult subscribers who must first request access. -/- SPA Targets Distributors -/- The Software Publishers Association has started targeting distributors in its war on software piracy. The Washington-based trade group says preliminary injunctions have been served in three lawsuits against five distributors that allegedly sold counterfeit copies of SPA member software. The lawsuits, filed on May 30 in California, are part of an investigation undertaken by SPA on behalf of its members to stop the unauthorized duplication and distribution of PC software. The injunctions were served against E.V. International, M&S Associates, Stylin Multimedia and MaxMedia Distributing Inc., which does business as Mr. CD ROM and Softshoppe. The firms have been preliminarily enjoined from distributing counterfeit versions of titles published by five SPA members. The suits were initiated based on reports that the defendants, selling primarily through organized trade shows in California, were distributing unauthorized copies of software products. The SPA retained private investigators who combed trade shows and, in several cases, defendants' stores to identify and purchase suspect products. The software involved include The Doctors Book of Home Remedies from Compton's NewMedia Inc., Falcon Gold from Spectrum Holobyte Inc., Global Explorer from DeLorme Publishing Co., Wrath of the Gods from Luminaria Inc. and DOOM II from id Software Inc. The SPA is seeking damages and a permanent injunction against further distribution of the plaintiffs' software. Each defendant faces damages of up to $100,000 per work infringed, plus court costs and attorneys fees. In addition, the SPA says it is seeking to identify the defendants' suppliers of the counterfeit software. -/- Intuit Signs Up Online Books -/- Twenty companies -- including such large firms as Chase Manhattan Corp., American Express Co. and Smith Barney Inc. -- are signing up to use online banking services offered through Intuit Corp.'s Quicken financial software. "By striking partnerships with so many large corporations," reporter Timothy L. O'Brien writes in The Wall Street Journal this morning, "Intuit will take a significant lead over such competitors as Microsoft Corp. and a partnership of NationsBank Corp and BankAmerica Corp. in the rapidly growing market for home-banking services delivered on personal computers." O'Brien notes that so far many consumers have been reluctant to use home-banking services, allowing users to check their bank deposits and credit-card balances by computer, transfer funds and pay bills electronically, and manage their personal finances. "But," he adds, "as more banks announce partnerships with software companies and the software itself becomes easier to use, banks hope that consumer usage will increase." Some analysts see home banking as a way for financial institutions not only to cut costs but also to increase their customer base nationwide. "Right now," says the Journal, "a big question is which software will become the industry standard. Microsoft, whose attempt to acquire Intuit for $2 billion was recently scuttled because of antitrust worries, has been making renewed efforts to interest banks in its own personal-finance product, Money." Earlier this month, Chemical Banking Corp., Bank of Boston Corp., and CoreStates Financial Corp. all announced partnerships with Microsoft to provide home-banking services to their customers. But, notes O'Brien, the three banks also have signed up with Intuit, "indicating that the banks plan to offer various software packages to see which is the most popular with home-banking customers." The Journal notes the third major competitor in home banking is a partnership of NationsBank and BankAmerica, recently purchased H&R Block's Meca Software division, which publishes Managing Your Money. __________________________________________ > Adaptec Support STR InfoFile """""""""""""""""""""""""""" System & Motherboard PCI Bridge Support ======================================= Document #W21130 AHA-3940/ AHA-3985 Vendor System Processor AHA-3940W AHA-3980 ************************************************************************* A-trend ATC1563P Motherboard P54C-100 Yes ACER AA700 Series System Yes ACER AA7000 Series System Yes ACER AA800 Series System Yes ACER AA900 Series System Yes ACER AEB8000 Series System Yes ACER AP5C Motherboard P54C-100 Yes ACER AP5CS Motherboard P54C-100 Yes ACER DP5 Motherboard DUAL P54C-100 Yes ACER LP5 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes ACER M3 Motherboard P5-66 Yes ACER M5 Plus Motherboard P5-66 Yes ACER V12C Motherboard P54C-100 Yes ACER V12P Motherboard P5-66 Yes ACER V30 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes AIR(UHC) 486PI Motherboard 486 Yes Yes AIR(UHC) 54CDP Motherboard DUAL P54C-100 Yes Yes AIR(UHC) 54CMI v1.1 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes AIR(UHC) 54CPI Motherboard P54C-100 Yes Yes AIR(UHC) 54CSH v1.0 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes AIR(UHC) 54IDP Motherboard DUAL P54C-100 Yes ASI 4DUPC Motherboard 486-50 Yes ASI 4DUPM Motherboard 486-50 Yes ASUS P/I-P55TP4XE Motherboard P54C-75/100 Yes Yes ASUS PCI-486AP4 Motherboard 486-33 Yes ASUS PCI/E-P54NP4 Motherboard DUAL P54C-75/100 Yes Yes ASUS PCI/I-P54NP4D Motherboard DUAL P54C-75/100 Yes Yes ASUS PCI/I-486SP3G Motherboard 486-33 Yes ASUS PCI/I-54TP4 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes Yes ASUS PCI/I-AP55T Motherboard P54C-75/120 Yes ASUS PCI/I-P54NP4 Motherboard P54C-90 Yes Yes ASUS PCI/I-P54SP5 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes ASUS PCI/I-P5SP4 Motherboard P5-66 Yes Chaintech 486 SPM Motherboard 486DX2-33 Yes Chaintech 586IDM Motherboard P54C-100 Yes Chaintech 586UBM Motherboard P54C-100 Yes Compaq PCI Deskpro System Yes Yes Compaq PCI Prolinea System Yes Yes Compaq Proliant 1500 System P54C-100 Yes Yes Compaq Prosignia 300 System P54C-90 Yes Yes Compaq Prosignia 500 System P5-90 Yes Yes DEC Prioris HX590 System P54C-90 Yes DEC Prioris HX590DP System DUAL P54C-90 Yes Dell Dimensions Power Edge 5100-2 P54C-100 Yes Yes Dell Dimensions Power Edge 5120-2 P54C-120 Yes Yes Dell Dimensions Power Edge 5133-2 P54C-133 Yes Yes Dell Dimensions Power Edge 590-2 P54C-90 Yes Yes DFI 586VPM Motherboard P54C-100 Yes ECS SI54P-AIO Motherboard P54C-120 Yes ECS TS54P-AIO Motherboard P54C-120 Yes ECS TS54P-VIO Motherboard P54C-120 Yes ECS UM8810P-AIO Motherboard 486-33 Yes FIC PA2000 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes FIC PIO2/486 Motherboard 486-33 Yes FIC PN2000 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes FIC PN3000 Motherboard P54C-90 Yes Yes FIC PT2000 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes Yes Gigabyte GA-486AM Motherboard 486DX4-75/100 Yes Yes Gigabyte GA-586AL Motherboard P5-60/66 Yes Yes Gigabyte GA-586AP Motherboard P54C-100 Yes Yes Gigabyte GA-586AS Motherboard P54C-100 Yes Gigabyte GA-586AT Motherboard P54C-75/150 Yes Yes Intel Advanced/AL-100 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes Yes Intel Advanced/AL-90 Motherboard P54C-90 Yes Yes Intel Advanced/MN-100 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes Yes Intel Advanced/MN-90 Motherboard P54C-90 Yes Yes Intel Advanced/ZP-75 Motherboard P54C-75 Yes Yes Intel Advanced/ZP-90 Motherboard P54C-90 Yes Yes IWILL 486SP Motherboard 486DX-33 Yes IWILL P54AS Motherboard P54C-100 Yes IWILL P54SP Motherboard P54C-100 Yes IWILL P54TS/TSW/TSW2 Motherboard P54C-75/133 Yes Yes Micro-Star MS-5117 Motherboard P54C-75/133 Yes Yes Micro-Star MS-5119 Motherboard P54C-75/133 Yes Yes Micro-Star MS-5120 Motherboard P54C-75/133 Yes Yes Micronics 09-00208-03A4 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes Micronics M54Hi Motherboard P54C-75/120 Yes Yes Micronics M54Pe Motherboard Dual P54C-90 Yes Yes MITAC PB5400D Motherboard P54C-100 Yes MITAC PH4500A Motherboard 486-33 Yes MITAC PL4600C Motherboard 486-33 Yes MITAC PL5400D Motherboard P54C-90 Yes Mitsuba Mitsuba Pentium Base System P54C-90 Yes Yes Muftek Mecer B885 Motherboard 486 Yes Yes Muftek Mecer B920 Motherboard P5 Yes Yes Olivetti SNX200 System P54C-100 Yes Yes Olivetti SNX400 System P54C-100 Yes Yes Siemens PCD-4H-PCI Motherboard 486DX2-66 Yes SOYO 37A2 Motherboard 486-33 Yes SOYO 5TA2 Motherboard P54C-100 Yes SuperMicro P55CM Motherboard P54C-75/90/100/1 Yes Yes SuperMicro P55CWA Motherboard P54C-75/90/100/1 Yes Yes SuperMicro P55CWS Motherboard P54C-75/90/100/1 Yes Yes TAKEN PCI580 Motherboard DUAL P54C-100 Yes Tatung TCS-9570 Motherboard 486-33 Yes If your system or motherboard is not on this list, IT MAY STILL WORK. This list is the latest information available to us through first hand testing. If your motherboard or system is not listed, it is possible that it has PCI Bridge support and will work. If not, the system supplier may have a BIOS upgrade available which will add PCI Bridge support. ____________________________________ > LINUX Coverage Begins! STR Feature """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" WELCOME TO LINUX ================ by Scott Dowdle Hi! I've been tasked with writing a column on Linux and I thought that it would be a good idea to include my personal experience with it. I have been using Linux for approximately three months, and I have virutally no experience with any other flavor of Unix. Ah, but perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself... most of you probably don't know what Linux is. I am still a "newbie" with Linux so I think it a good idea, whenever possible, to consult whatever authoritative Linux documents I can get my hands on. Luckily there is a large amount of digital Linux reference material, as well as printed books and magazines to help us on this journey. Over the following few columns I hope to bring us all up to speed on what Linux is, how to get it, and what it can do for you. Hang on tight because Linux is very adventurous and reminescent of the earily days of computerdom when "hacking" was a noble persuit. Why learn about Unix when the vast majority of personal computer users are plunking away at Microsoft DOS and Microsoft Windows? Well, with the dawn of personal Internet Service Providers more and more people are "getting online." The usage of the Internet has been growing at an exponential rate for some time now... and given that the Internet was born mostly from the gene-pool of Unix and Unix flavored Operating Systems, it is becoming more important for the personal computer user to learn about Unix so that some of the more complex issues of Internetworking may be more easily comprehended. For those interested in starting up their own Internet Service Provider systems, knowledge of Unix is a must. The Linux Operating System can and is being used as the "brain" for many Internet sites including such places as idsoftware.com (makers of the VERY POPULAR, multiplatform game DOOM and DOOM II) and many others. This first Linux column isn't going to be very ambitious; it's going to start with the basics and build from there as time goes by. For those that have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me Internet email at dowdle@mcn.com. I'm also currently at dowdle@delphi.com but I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to have that address. I can also be reached via US Mail at the following address: Scott Dowdle STReport Magazine P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, FL 32221-6155 A dictionary definition of Linux? --------------------------------- The following is taken with permission from the pages of LINUX JOURNAL MAGAZINE, a monthly printed magazine originating in Seattle Washington that serves the Linux community world wide. "Linux is a Unix-like operating system that can run on the average personal computer. It is a free, independent implementation of a superset of the POSIX specification with which all true versions of Unix comply. It is capable of running software written for many different flavors of Unix. Linux is available over the Internet from sunsite.unc.edu, tsx-11.mit.edu, nic.funet.fi, ftp.cdrom.com, and literally hundreds of other sites. It is also available from various vendors, on floppies or CD-ROM. Linux is the kernel, the "core" operating system. However, "Linux" is also used more loosely as the term for all the software which goes together to make a useable "Unix-like" system. There are many people and organizations which put the kernel together with other software to make complete systems. Many people around the world have worked together to write Linux, under the direction of Linus Torvalds, the original author, and each holds the copyright to the code he or she has written. Linux is NOT public domain software. It is protected by the GNU Public Lincense, which (among other things) specifies that the source code to Linux must always remain freely available, but allows people to charge money for Linux if they wish, as long as they do not attempt to limit the redistribution of Linux. Linux is being used today by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. It is used for software development, networking (intra-office and Internet), and as an end-user platform. People are running bulletin board systems and companies on Linux. Linux has become a cost-effective solution to expensive Unix alternatives." History of Linux? ----------------- A lot has been written about the history of Linux so I'm going to borrow yet again from someone who knows more than me about it. :) The following quote comes from the book _LINUX INSTALLATION AND GETTTING STARTED GUIDE_ by Matt Welsh. This book is part of the Linux Documentation Project (more on that sometime in the future) and it is available both digitally and in printed from... mainly because it is also freely distributable as long as credit is given to the orignal author. "Linux is a freely distributable version of UNIX developed primarily by Linux Torvalds at the University of Helsinki Finland. Linux was developed with the help of many UNIX programmers and wizards across the Internet, allowing anyone with enough know-how and gumption the ability to develop and change the system. The Linux kernel uses no code from AT&T or any other proprietary source, and much of the software available for Linux is developed by the GNU project at the Free Software Foundation in Cambridge, Massachusetts. However, programmers all over the world have contributed to the growing pool of Linux software. Linux was originally developed as a hobby project by Linus Torvalds. It was inspired by Minix, a small UNIX system developed by Andy Tanenbaum, and first discussions about Linux were on the USENET newsgroup comp.os.minix. These discussions were concerned mostly with the development of a small, academic UNIX system for Minix users who wanted more. The very early development of Linux was mostly dealing with task-switching features of the 80386 protected-mode interface, all written in assembly code. Linus writes, 'After that it was plain sailing: hairy coding still, but I had some devices, and debugging was easier. I started using C at this stage, and it certainly speeds up developement. This is also when I start to get serious about my megalomaniac ideas to make "A better Minux than Minix". I was hoping I'd be able to recompile gcc under Linux someday... 'Two months for basic setup, but then only slightly longer until I had a disk driver (seriously buggy, but it happened to work on my machine) and a small filesystem. That was about when I made 0.01 available [around late August of 1991]: it wsn't pretty, it had no floppy driver, and it couldn't do much anything. I don't think anybody every compiled that version. But by then I was hooked, and didn't want to stop until I could chuck out Minix.' No announcement was ever made for Linux version 0.01. The 0.01 sources weren't even executable: they contained only the bare rudiments of the kernel source, and assumed that you had access to a Minix machine to compile and play with them. On 5 October 1991, Linux announced the first 'official' version of Linux, version 0.02. At this point, Linus was able to run bash (the GNU Bourne Again Shell) and gcc (the GNU C compiler), but not much else was working. Again, this was intended as a hacker's system. The primary focus was kernel development --- none of the issues of user support, documentation, distribution, and so on had even been addressed. Today, the Linux community still seems to treat these ergonomic issues as secondary to the 'real programming' --- kernel development. Linus wrote in comp.os.minix, 'Do you pine for the nice days of Minix-1.1, when men were men and wrote their own device drivers? Are you without a nice project and just dying to cut your teeth on an OS you can try to modify for your own needs? Are you finding it frustrating when everything works on Minix? No more all-nighters to get a nifty program working? Then this post might be just for you. 'As I mentioned a month ago, I'm working on a free version of a Minix-lookalike for the AT-386 computers. It has finally reached the stage where it's even usable (though may not be depending on what you want), and am willing to put out the sources for wider distribution. It is just version 0.02... but I've successfully run bash, gcc, gnu-make, gnu-sed, compress, etc. under it.' After version 0.03, Linus bumped the version number up to 0.10, as more people started to work on the system. After several further revisions, Linux increased the version number to 0.95, to reflect his expectation that the system was ready for an 'official' release very soon. (Generally, software is not assigned the version number 1.0 until it is theoretically complete or bug-free.) This was March of 1992. Almost a year and a half later, in late December of 1993, the Linux kernel was still at version 0.99.pl14 --- asymptotically approaching 1.0. As of the time of this writing, the current kernel is [1.2.11]. Today, Linux is a complete UNIX clone, capable of running X Windows, TCP/IP, Emacs, UUCP, mail and news software, you name it. Almost all of the major free software packages have been ported to Linux, and commercial software is becoming available. Much more hardware is supported than the original versions of the kernel. Many people have executed benchmarkes on 80486 Linux systems and found them comparable with mid-range worksta- tations from Sun Microsystems and Digital Equipment Corporation. Who would have ever guessed that this 'little' UNIX clone would have grown up to take on the entire world of personal computing?" More to follow.... ____________________________________________ > Frankie's Corner STR Feature """""""""""""""""""""""""""" HOW THINGS WORK IN BUSYTOWN =========================== CD-ROM for IBM compatible computers for ages 3 to 6 from Paramount Interactive Program Requirements -------------------- CPU: 386SX-20 OS: Dos 3.3 RAM: 2 megs Video: VGA CD-ROM: Double-speed recommended Misc: Sound card, mouse Climb aboard the Applecopter and enjoy a visit to the world of Busytown! "How Things Work in Busytown" provides many hours of learning fun via a series of entertaining exercises. The program uses the characters of Richard Scarry to teach important lessons about problem solving, counting, word recognition and vocabulary, cause and effect, pattern recognition and teamwork. Colorful graphics and charming music will grab the attention of your child. The fun gameplay and enthusiastic vocal encouragement will keep him in interested and learning. "How Things Work" (HTW) includes nine learning areas covering many important learning concepts. The program features an excellent point-and-click interface. It includes audible help in all play areas at the phone booth The child can easily get instructions for each exercise. The program has two levels of difficulty. On "Easy," a flashing star indicates the child's next action. On "Advanced," he gets no visible clues. The child will also have to make "phone calls" to obtain supplies or tools for each exercise. These are provided on the "Easy" level. HTW also has an excellent "Parent's Guide" which explains all the learning concepts taught in the program and includes a thorough troubleshooting guide. HTW has nine learning areas. The Studio displays videos of seven songs from the program. On the bottom of the screen, the lyrics are displayed as captions and each word is highlighted as it is sung. The songs are professionally done and quite entertaining. Children have the opportunity to learn music appreciation and gain reading skills. At the Recycle Plant, children will learn about recycling. Their task is to sort the contents of a garbage truck into one of three recycling machines. One is for paper, another for plastic and the final machine is for metal. As the trash is sorted, a display shows the number of objects in the machines. Once all the garbage has been sorted, the materials are refined and sent to the Toy Factory. As each item is refined, the count for that bin will be reduced by one. By watching the counters, children can learn addition and subtraction. The Toy Factory uses the refined recycled materials to build toys and other useful items. An order for a product is shown in a window at the top of the screen. The child must then choose the correct machine to produce the correct material. Then he must manipulate the machine buttons until the correct item is on the machine window and then press the green button to make the product. For plastic items, the color can be determined by properly throwing the levers controlling red, blue and yellow pigments. Multiple levers can be used to mix colors. Are you feeling hungry? Just visit the Bakery! Here children will learn to follow recipes and proper sanitary procedures in the correct sequence to bake many different items. Recipes are represented as pictograms and ingredients are crossed off as they are added to the mixing bin. If the child forgets to take a shower before kneading his dough, it becomes dirty and must be thrown away. Children also learn about cooking safety as they must use a long paddle to insert and remove goods from the stove. If he has followed the recipe correctly, a happy customer will praise his baking. If he made a mistake, the customer will criticize the product. The Flour Mill gives children a puzzle challenge as they assemble the mill by fitting mill parts into blank spaces on the screen. The name and function of each part are described as the child places it in the correct space. The child must then place his flour and bran sacks in the correct places in the mill and then operate the correct levers to mill the wheat. If the child does not follow the proper sequence, he will fail to make flour or it may be wasted. No trip to Busytown is complete without a trip to Turnip Goat's farm. Children must follow sequential directions to plow, plant, water, and harvest wheat. This portion of the program teaches scientific skills, observation, attention to detail and problem-solving. Children learn to use the correct farm implements for each portion of the farming process. They must be careful to cover the entire field for each process. Mr. Sweepy does more than just pick up garbage in the Garbage Truck game. While he is picking up the trash, he is ever vigilant for people in need of assistance. When a problem occurs, the child must drive the garbage truck to a phone and then call the proper people to tow a car, clean a chimney and more. Children will learn about being a good member of the community. Road Construction teaches how roads are built. Children will use a bulldozer, a rock crusher, an asphalt spreader and several other pieces of heavy equipment to construct a highway. Learning concepts in this activity are following directions, sequencing, operating levers on machinery and problem solving. Most children love construction equipment so they will find this portion of HTW to be very interesting. The final activity area is the Assembly Plant. All the machinery used in Busytown is assembled here. Children follow a diagram to place each part of the machine onto its pattern on the frame. Recognizing patterns, following directions and learning vocabulary are the concepts emphasized in this activity. One of the more important concepts that HTW teaches is about community relationships. Children will learn just how many people are involved in making a loaf of bread or any other item. People have to assemble the necessary machines, the farmer has to grow and harvest the wheat. The wheat must be transported to the mill where it is ground into flour. Then it must be sent to the bakery to be made into bread. Children will observe that each person in the chain must do their job well or the product will suffer. "How Things Work in Busytown" is a very enchanting and educational program. The highest recommendation I can give for a program is that my children enjoy it. HTW is one of the few programs that can enthrall my children for an hour or more at a sitting. Ratings Graphics ............ 9.0 Sound ............... 9.5 Interface ........... 9.0 Play Value .......... 9.5 Educational Value ... 9.0 Bang for the Buck ... 9.5 Average ............. 9.25 ### If you have any comments, suggestion or reviews, my new e-mail address is fsereno@matrix.uti.com or you fax me at 815-942-4469. Snail mail can be sent to: Frank Sereno STReport Magazine P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, FL 32221-6155 Thanks for reading! _______________________________________________ > COREL NewsLetter STR InfoFile """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" FROM COREL TO YOU ================= July, 1995 ---------- Dear Corel Software Enthusiast: Greetings from Corel! This month our attention is focused on preparing for the release of CorelDRAW 6 and the Corel $2,000,000 World Design Contest in Ottawa, Canada on August 10th. We continue to release a barrage of new products in our CD Home and Professional Photo CD product lines. New products designed for Windows `95 are in development and scheduled for release in the coming months. On June 28th, Corel officially announced the pricing policy for CorelDRAW 6. CorelDRAW 6 is Corel's first 32-bit Windows `95 offering. It represents the most comprehensive and complete graphics suite developed to date by Corel Corporation. The product is on schedule to ship in late August and it will contain four full-featured software modules and nine utilities, plus extensive libraries of fonts, clipart images, symbols, 3D models and photos. CorelDRAW 6 includes the following software modules: ---------------------------------------------------- CorelDRAW: a comprehensive vector-based drawing application Corel PHOTO-PAINT: a powerful paint and photo retouching application CorelDREAM 3D: a 3D modeling and rendering application Corel PRESENTS: a business and multimedia presentation application In conjunction with the launch of CorelDRAW 6, we are mailing CorelDRAW registered users in North America an invitation to attend a FREE seminar in 28 cities from August 24-31. These events are open to the general public and we invite you to come and see the exciting features in the new version. The seminars focus on DRAW 6, Photo- Paint 6, Corel Presents and CorelDREAM 3D. All seminars take place from 9 am to 12 noon with the exception of Orange County, California. Corel is giving away free copies of CorelDRAW 6, Stock Photo Library, CorelFLOW and CD Creator at each seminar. Approved Service Bureaus and Training Centers will also be in attendance. For more information on the CorelDRAW 6 Preview Tour call Corel's Customer Service for the date and location nearest you or you can request information via the Corel FaxBack System at 613-728-0826, extension 3080 and request Document #1080. Space is limited so you must call to reserve a seat for the city nearest you. To reserve your seat call 613- 728-0826 extension 85095. Previews of CorelDRAW 6 for the general public are also scheduled for the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Bangkok in the end of August. CorelDRAW 6 will be available exclusively on CD-ROM with a suggested list price of $695 US. CorelDRAW 3 and CorelDRAW 4 customers can upgrade to CorelDRAW 6 at a suggested retail price of $425 US for the CD-ROM version. CorelDRAW 5 customers can upgrade to CorelDRAW 6 for a special upgrade price of $249 US. To order CorelDRAW 6 please contact your local reseller or call Corel Customer Service. In North America call 1-800-772-6735. Comprehensive documentation on CorelDRAW 6 product features will be available after July 15th. A `white paper' covering the new features in the product will be posted on our FaxBack System, in the Corel Forum on CompuServe and through the Internet on CorelNET and on the Corel Home Page. In conjunction with the release of CorelDRAW 6, Corel is adjusting its existing technical support policies. To meet the expected increase in technical support issues related to Windows'95 and the CorelDRAW 6 product, Corel is expanding its in-house support team. In order to help customers through the initial learning curve, Corel is offering 90 days of free support on a toll line from the official release date of the product. Thereafter, customers will be offered 30 days of free support on a toll line from the date of their first technical support call. Free support within the warranty period will be offered directly from Corel's in-house support department. Extended support beyond the warranty period will be offered to Corel customers by third party suppliers. Existing support plans will remain in effect for all other products. In Europe, Corel Ireland will handle all warranty support calls as per the above plan. Corel Ireland will also handle post-warranty support along with Corel Approved Support Partners. Corel is continuing to qualify and add new `Approved' Support Partners in all markets world-wide. Although Corel is not shipping a diskette version of CorelDRAW 6 to retailers, diskettes will be available to our customers as a special order. CorelDRAW 6 is the equivalent of 40 diskettes. Customer Service Centers will handle requests for the diskettes from registered CorelDRAW 6 users who have purchased the CD-ROM version. Users will be required to pay $149 US as a supplement to the purchase of the CD-ROM version of CorelDRAW6. Special corporate site license pricing is set for CorelDRAW 6. The site licenses are available for both the full retail version and the upgrade. Ideal for corporate customers, the license pricing model offers discounts for customers with requirements for 20+, 50+, 100+, or 250+ users. For more information on license certificates and pricing, please contact Corel's Corporate Resellers or our Customer Service department. Corel's CD HOME department is shipping more new exciting multimedia titles for children this month. Scheduled for release before the end of July are these 3 new titles - Wild Board Games, Nikolai's Trains, and Blue Tortoise. Wild Board Games contains 5 popular children's games for ages 4 to 10. It also includes fun hot spot animations. Learning how to play chess, checkers, reversi, snakes and ladders and unscrambling puzzles has never been this much fun! Play any of these popular board games against a cast of zany, fully-animated cartoon opponents in a variety of fun-filled settings_the attic, the basement, the backyard and the kitchen. In addition, each room contains exciting activities such as a paint editor, cake decorator, arcade game, doll maker and a switch puzzle. Wild Board Games has a suggested list price of $39.95 US and is both Windows 3.1 and Mac compatible. Nikolai's Trains is a story of two friends_Nikolai and his toy cat Neow-Neow. Each colorful page in this fully-interactive CD-ROM has dozens of enjoyable animations set to a background of music and art. Children will learn about the solar system, trains, diesel engines, or discover the ecosystem all within the context of this story designed for children between the ages of 4 to 8. Nikolai's Trains is an English/Japanese CD-ROM supporting both Windows 3.1 and Macintosh based systems. The title has a suggested list price of $39.95 US. Based on the popular children's book by Alan Rogers, Blue Tortoise is a fun-filled interactive storybook on CD-ROM featuring colorful pages and dozens of activities. Designed for children ages 3 to 6, this story recounts the tale of the Tortoise's race to the picnic. You can have the narrator read the story out loud to your child in either English or Spanish. An electronic coloring book is also included which allows children to color each storybook page. The pages they color can then be saved and used to create a slide show. Blue Tortoise has a suggested list price of $39.95 US and supports both Windows 3.1 and Mac compatible systems. We're very excited to bring you these new products and we look forward to your questions and comments. With all of the new products scheduled for this fall we are planning to visit your area with `Product Showcase' events in order to meet with you and demonstrate these new technologies. We encourage you to make arrangements to attend the scheduled events in your area. Corel Technical Specialists and Support Partners will be on hand to answer your questions. Watch for mailings and information on-line regarding these upcoming events. Thank you for expressing interest in Corel software, please call if you have additional questions. Arlen Bartsch Director, Sales/Marketing Corel Corporation __________________________________________ > Designer 6.0 STR InfoFile """"""""""""""""""""""""" MICROGRAFX DESIGNER 6.0 Among the First to Support MICROSOFT OFFICE FOR WINDOWS 95 Product Featured by Microsoft as an Example of Binder Usage by an Office-Compatible Vendor Micrografx, Inc. announced that Micrografx Designer (TM) 6.0, the upcoming version of the company's flagship illustration software for the Microsoft Windows (R) 95 operating system, will fully comply with the interface and technical specifications of Microsoft(R) Office for Windows 95. Micrografx Highlighted by Microsoft at PC Expo ---------------------------------------------- Micrografx was featured in a presentation at Microsoft's booth during the recent PC Expo trade show held in New York City. Micrografx was featured due to its Office Binder functionality in the upcoming Designer 6.0. In addition, Designer was one of three Office-compatible applications highlighted at the Office 95 launch held on June 20, 1995 in conjunction with the New York PC User Group. Using the metaphor of a traditional three-ring binder for compiling and distributing documents, Office Binders allow users to easily collect, print and distribute collections of varied document types in a coordinated and comprehensive way. Each section of the Binder can contain a different file type, and the Binder itself can easily be posted on a network so colleagues can contribute and edit different sections of the Binder at the same time. "Micrografx Designer 6.0 is a great example of the integration capabilities of Office-compatible products," said Chris Peters, vice president, Office Product Unit of Microsoft. "Micrografx's support for the Office Binder will enable users to easily integrate graphics with text and other data types seamlessly into a single document." Designer 6.0 is expected to be available within 30-45 days after the release of Windows 95, which is currently scheduled for August 24. The product will take full advantage of the Windows 95 operating system benefits, such as multithreading and the interface attributes common to all Windows 95 and Office 95-based applications. Micrografx Designer 6.0 will carry both the Windows 95 and Office 95 logos upon shipment. "Micrografx Designer's strengths in technical documentation make the Binder feature a perfect extension for current and future users of Office," said Darryl Worsham, product manager at Micrografx. "By combining full-document viewing, multiple page support and multiple layer support, the Binder feature provides an intuitive way for users to combine data from several applications into a single, easy-to-manage document." Microsoft's highlighting of Designer 6.0 at PC Expo continues the close relationship between Micrografx and Microsoft, which began at Spring Comdex 1994 when Microsoft chairman Bill Gates showed a Windows NT version of Micrografx Picture Publisher (R) on stage during his keynote address. The relationship continued with Microsoft's use of Picture Publisher(R) for Windows 95 during the recent Windows 95 World Tour, and will culminate with shipping Micrografx applications expected to be available within 30-45 days after Windows 95. Micrografx develops and markets graphics software to meet the creative needs of everyone who uses a personal computer. Founded in 1982, Micrografx has become a leading software publisher by responding quickly to customer and worldwide market needs. The company's U.S. operations are based in Richardson, Texas, with a development office in San Francisco. International subsidiaries include Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, and Japan. * * * * Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. _____________________________________ > Mustang News & Support STR InfoFile """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" MUSTANG SOFTWARE INTRODUCES INDUSTRY'S FIRST ON-LINE COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE FOR WINDOWS 95 New Generation Program Offers Users 32-Bit, Multi-threaded Performance Price: $69 Upgrade $129 New Mustang Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: MSTG) plans to ship the industry's first aftermarket on-line communications software for Windows 95 -- QmodemPro for Windows 95 version 2.0, in conjunction with Microsoft's release of Windows 95, scheduled for August 24, 1995. QmodemPro offers the consumer a wide array of features including file transfers, terminal emulation, TAPI and OLE 2.0 all utilizing full 32-bit multi-threaded technology. With their newest release, Mustang hopes to define its position as an industry leader with the ability to drive the communications market and fill consumer needs in short order. "As communications specialists, we immediately recognized that consumers weren't going to be satisfied with the terminal software included with Windows 95," explains Mustang CEO Jim Harrer. QmodemPro allows computer users to take full advantage of their modems, whether they are connecting to a computer Bulletin Board System (BBS), corporate mainframe or another PC to transfer data and files. It has numerous features beyond the Windows 95 standard terminal program, including a phone book, a Telnet client, programmable toolbar, graphic viewer, OLE 2.0 drag & drop handling, script language, macro keys, host mode, 35 terminal emulations and 11 file transfer protocols. Features Enhanced On-line Sessions ---------------------------------- QmodemPro boasts an impressive 35 terminal emulations so that on-line sessions operate smoothly no matter what the remote connection expects. Among the wide variety of emulations are ANSI, RIPscrip, VT100, VT220, VT320, IBM 3270, and WYSE 30 through 185. In addition to terminal emulations, users can take advantage of keyboard remapping and macro definition to customize the terminal to their specific needs. QmodemPro's Phone Book gives the user a place to store their most frequently dialed systems such as a BBS or Mainframe. Once a system has been added to the phone book, the user can reference the system with an icon of their choice for easy point and click operation. Phone Books can be sorted a variety of ways, and individual Phone Book Icons can be dragged and dropped directly on the Windows 95 desktop to create a shortcut to a specific entry. Other impressive features in QmodemPro include a programmable toolbar and graphical file viewer. The toolbar can be customized from nearly 50 different program function icons which can be moved and arranged to create a truly personalized interface. The graphical file viewer can be used to display files in GIF (graphics interchange format), BMP (bit map) and JPEG (joint photographic experts group) formats. As more and more BBSs include graphic files in their file libraries, the viewer can be configured to fully automate the display of graphics while downloading, and even offers a zoom feature for close-up inspection. Taking advantage of true 32-bit multithreading technology, QmodemPro's file transfer protocols deliver exceptional CPS rates even when minimized on the taskbar. Every major protocol is supported, including Zmodem, CompuServe B+, Ymodem, Xmodem and ASCII, and they can even be used during a telnet connection. QmodemPro offers the user a powerful script language with QuickLearn capabilities for automating on-line sessions and creating custom interfaces. Modeled after the BASIC programming language, the script language offers both a compiler and debugger, seldom found in communication script languages. Coupled with the new syntax highlighting editor that makes code much easier to read, it's easy for even a novice to create and debug powerful applications with minimal effort. Windows 95 allows Mustang to Add Features to QmodemPro ------------------------------------------------------ With the Windows 95 platform, Mustang has been able to add many new features to QmodemPro. Some of these features include: TAPI (telephony API) support, enabling the sharing of communication devices between multiple applications like Microsoft Exchange Fax system, QmodemPro's Host Mode, Dial-Up Networking and other applications which may need to share the modem. Credit card dialing and international dialing is handled seemlessly. MAPI (mail API) support enabling users to transfer text, images and files to many of the major electronic mail programs including Exchange, Microsoft Mail and cc:Mail. OLE 2.0 support enables the user to drag a phone book entry directly to the Windows 95 Desktop and connect to that service right from the desktop by clicking on the icon. Transferring files to another location (uploads) can also be done using OLE by dragging files from other applications such as Explorer to the QmodemPro upload box. Users can also drag text from the terminal screen to another application or the desktop, giving them total control of the information. Long file names and path support enables the user to make full use of the Windows 95 file structure, an especially handy feature when connecting to other long file name systems through Dial-Up Networking and Telnet connections. Product Offers Enhanced Features for Telnet Sessions ---------------------------------------------------- QmodemPro incorporates access to the Internet by taking advantage of the built-in support for it in Windows 95. Besides modem communication, users can now establish Telnet connections to remote sites using QmodemPro's phone book. The user simply replaces the normal phone number entry with the desired Internet address. Instead of dialing, QmodemPro routes the user to the remote computer. The advantage for the user is he/she has all the benefits of QmodemPro's impressive list of emulations and file transfer protocols during the telnet session, such as a Zmodem file transfer from a BBS located on the Internet. Mustang addresses Internet security issues by implementing automatic password encryption in QmodemPro for Windows, utilizing the RSA Data Security, Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm. In order for it to be effective, the remote host system must also support the MD5 secure password feature, such as Mustang's own Wildcat! BBS product. Whenever QmodemPro is used to telnet into a Wildcat! BBS, the user's password is first encrypted before it is sent over the Internet so it can't be compromised. Features that Set QmodemPro Apart --------------------------------- Users will benefit from other features found in QmodemPro, including support for sound files that lets users attach .WAV files of their choice to specific events such as a completed "download" or "disconnect". The scrollback buffer size is configurable, allowing each user to decide how many lines of text should be stored in case they later want to see something that scrolled off the screen. Up to 40 Macro Keys can be defined and customized for each dialing entry. One click of a button and a key can send predefined text, run a script or call up one of QmodemPro's internal features like the editor or graphic file viewer. Font selection is automatically based on window size, allowing each user to control the size of terminal screen characters by simply re-sizing the program window. QmodemPro will find the largest terminal font that will fit in the window, eliminating repeated guesswork. A special File Clipboard allows users to grab file names from the terminal window for recall later. For example, when prompted by a BBS or CompuServe for a file to download, the user recalls the names from the special clipboard instead of having to type in each file name. QmodemPro fully supports Trimark's "Doorway mode", popular among BBSs for allowing full keyboard control, including function keys with the remote program. QmodemPro Allows Users to Take Advantage of Windows 95 Advanced Features ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "To benefit from the 32-bit horsepower provided by Windows 95, computer users need applications specifically designed to harness it. Using your old 16-bit communications software in a 32-bit environment will work, but it will adversely affect the performance of the entire system," notes Mustang's CEO/President Jim Harrer. "The new QmodemPro delivers advanced features and performance in a specifically-designed 32-bit package that keep other Windows 95 applications humming." "With this first telecommunications software for Windows 95 and our new version of our Wildcat! Bulletin Board Systems software, which will be launched in the fourth quarter, Mustang should significantly enhance its market position," he added. QmodemPro for Windows 95 will be available through national retail chains such as Software Etc., Babbages, Comp USA, Computer City, Electronic Boutique, Egghead, and other software outlets and will carry a suggested retail price of $129.00. Mustang's products are also carried through several national distributors including Ingram Micro, Merisel and DistribuPro. Existing Qmodem and QmodemPro customers will be able to upgrade to QmodemPro for Windows 95 for $69. Mustang is offering these users an early bird upgrade special of $49 if they order by September 30, 1995. MUSTANG SOFTWARE UPGRADES WILDCAT! BBS PRODUCT LINE WITH BILLING AND SECURITY FEATURES Mustang Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: MSTG) announces the introduction of Wildcat! 4.11, an upgrade to its bulletin board system (BBS) software that features new billing and security capabilities. MSI Offers New Billing Add-On ----------------------------- The most important feature of Wildcat! 4.11 is its support for wcBILLING, a new add-on utility available from MSI. This new add-on allows system operators (sysops) to track callers' use of their BBS resources and bill for their use instantly. Previously, Wildcat! BBSs were limited to charging callers a prepaid flat rate that covered a monthly or annual time period. Now with wcBILLING, sysops can design their BBSs to require prepay, postpay or a combination of the two for itemized resources used, such as reading and writing messages, uploading and downloading files, using doors or chat sessions, and more. Sysops may also bill their callers for each minute connected to their BBSs. Sysops may also use the add-on utility as a management tool to track and create reports on the popularity of particular BBS resources and the frequent users of those resources. This data can be exported to DBF, fixed length or comma-delimited ASCII format for use in accounting software packages. Reports and invoices can be printed, saved as a file or sent as an e-mail message over the BBS. The market research gained through wcBILLING can assist sysops in planning the future of their BBSs and projecting revenue for resources added to their BBSs. Secure Internet Logins Supported Now ------------------------------------ With this new version, Wildcat! BBSs that are connected to the Internet can now offer their callers a more secure way to log in through a telnet connection. The RSA Data Security, Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm has been implemented which was developed as a result of the concern for the lack of security of data sent across the Internet. Hackers can "sniff" out another person's connection to the Internet and watch what they send to the other end. If it happens to be their password, then their account can be compromised. By using MD5 secure passwords, the telnet user never needs to send an unprotected password across the Internet to log in to a Wildcat! 4.11 BBS. With MD5 support also now available in QmodemPro for Windows 1.11c, MSI offers a totally secure telecommunications environment when connected to the Internet. DIZ Style File Listing Mode Added, Message Editor Improved ---------------------------------------------------------- The new Wildcat! version incorporates the BBS-industry-standard DIZ (Description In Zip) style file listing mode for BBS file descriptions. "During beta testing of Wildcat! 4.11, the DIZ style file listings received overwhelmingly positive response from customers," noted MSI President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Harrer. Improvements to the message editor were included in the new version as well. The automatic quoting system now wraps, rather than truncates, previously unquoted material during message replies. In addition, callers may now set Wildcat! to automatically spell check their messages when they are saved. Wildcat! is offered in five separate versions, starting with the $129 single line package popular with the hobbyist sysop. The product line extends to the Wildcat! BBS Suite for $999, the most complete BBS solution in the industry. Upgrades to Wildcat! 4.11 will be available on June 20 to registered users of Wildcat! 4.0 and 4.1 for $30 direct from MSI. The wcBILLING add-on requires Wildcat! 4.11 and is available at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $149. MSI is offering an introductory price of $79 for wcBILLING orders placed directly before July 31. Wildcat! products are available nationwide on the retail level through such outlets as CompUSA, Software, Etc., Computer City and Electronic Boutique, and through major distributors including Ingram Micro of Santa Ana, California, Merisel of El Segundo, California, and DistribuPro of Santa Clara, California. QMODEMPRO FOR WINDOWS V1.11C RELEASED AS FREE PATCH UPDATE Adds password protection on the Net ----------------------------------- QmodemPro for Windows v1.11c adds support for secure passwords by using the RSA Data Security, Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm. This feature is primarily designed for outbound telnet sessions using the COMt communication driver for Windows. Your favorite communications package can now be used for telnet with the added benefit of maintaining the confidentiality of your password to remote systems. Secure your connection! Protect your password from prying eyes! --------------------------------------------------------------- The net is not a secure entity and we want your password on our BBS to remain private. Wildcat has implemented MD5 secure password protection at login and you can make use of it with QmodemPro for Windows! We want to keep your account with us private and we know that you have the same goal. You owe it to yourself to connect ONLY with a secure connection! Get the free patch to QMWIN v1.11c and never again send your actual password over the net. Download or ftp QWIN111C.EXE and COMT.ZIP and set yourself up for MD5 encryption and get the ability to download your favorite files using a program that has been fine-tuned for BBS connections. If you don't already have QmodemPro for Windows you really should consider make an investment, if only to protect your connections. How it works ------------ MD5 secure passwords is an encryption specification that allows a host and caller to exchange a password without actually sending the password. The MD5 secure passwords option is automatically used any time you connect with a host that is capable of exchanging MD5 encrypted information, if dialed from the phonebook entry for this site, and your password is entered in the PASSWORD field of the dialing directory entry. It will be used any time the host sends the appropriate handshake immediately after connection, regardless of whether the connection is dial-in or telnet. MD5 operates by having the host (BBS) send a handshake with a unique string of text immediately after answering the call. The string of text is received by the caller and is used as a seed to encrypt the password, which is sent back to the host system. The host performs the same encryption with the same seed and compares its result with the result received from the caller. If they match the caller is not asked for a password. ____________________________________________ > Taking a Look! STR FOCUS! """"""""""""""""""""""""" Microsoft WINDOWS 95 ===================== IBM OS/2 Warp The following charts provide a summary comparison of OS/20 Warp, Version 3 and Windows'95 features, including multitasking characteristics, application environments, and bundled productivity tools. Part 1 ------ Feature Warp Windows 95 ======= ==== ========== 32-bit Window Management Yes Yes Folder Work Areas Yes Yes 32-bit Graphics Subsystem Yes Yes 32-bit Printing Subsystem Yes Yes Launch Pad Yes Yes 32-bit Multimedia Subsystem Yes Yes Drag & Drop Deletion Yes Yes 32-bit Kernel Yes Yes Drag & Drop Faxing Yes Yes Demand Paged Virtual Memory Yes Yes Drag & Drop Access Paths Yes Yes Non-locking Input Queue Yes Yes Robust, Full featured File Explorer No Yes Object Type Templates Yes Yes Parent Folder Closing Options Yes Yes MultiTasking TaskBar No Yes Plug 'N' Play Implementation Yes Yes Image Viewer Yes Yes QuickView Included No Yes Photo CD Support Yes Yes 16-bit Windows Applications No Yes Fast, Efficient Disk Compression No Yes Universal Compatibility Some Most Screen Font Smoothing No Yes 32-bit Windows PM Applications No Yes Simple Hassle Free Installation No Yes Play any Audio File from Internet Yes Yes Win32s Applications Yes Yes Audio/Video Synch Manager Yes Yes MPEG Support Yes Yes Preemptive Multitasking4 Yes Yes 32-bit Audio/Video Playback Yes Yes Win 16 Application Support Yes Yes Win 16 Device Driver Support Yes Yes Popular Needed Device Drivers Incl. Some Yes Popular 32-bit Apps Available Few Yes TCP/IP - PPP - SLIP Included Some Yes Internet Access Tools Yes Yes FTP Yes Yes Telnet Yes Yes Gopher Yes Yes WEB Browser Yes Yes Smart URL's No Yes Preemptive of 32-bit Windows Apps No Yes Preemptive of DOS Applications Yes Yes Preemptive of Win 16 Applications Yes Yes Preemptive of mixed 16/32 Apps Yes Yes Word Processor Yes Yes Multiple, Protected Win 16 VDMs Yes Yes Electronic Mail Yes Yes Crash Protection Yes Yes Image Viewer Yes Yes Preemptive Multithreading Yes Yes FAX Cover Page Editor No Yes FAX Yes Yes Phonebook Yes Yes System Info Yes Yes Powerful Enhancements Available No Yes All information obtain via reliable, non-confidential sources that are readily verifiable. Non-inclusive of Last Minute Changes. """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 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 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ___ ___ _____ _______ /___| /___| /_____| /_______/ /____|/____| /__/|__| /__/ /_____|_____|/__/_|__|/__/ /__/|____/|__|________|__/ /__/ |___/ |__|_/ |__|_/_____ /__/ |__/ |__|/ |__|______/ ________________________________________ /_______________________________________/ MAC/APPLE SECTION (II) ====================== John Deegan, Editor (Temp) > PageMaker 6.0 STR InfoFile """""""""""""""""""""""""" Adobe Systems Announces ADOBE PAGEMAKER 6.0 =================== Major Upgrade Adds 50 New Features ---------------------------------- Seattle, Wash. (July 17, 1995) (Nasdaq:ADBE)¡Commemorating the tenth anniversary of the shipment of Aldus PageMaker 1.0, Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced Adobe PageMaker 6.0 for the Apple Macintosh/Power Macintosh and Windows 95 platforms, a major upgrade that adds more than 50 new and enhanced features to the world's leading professional page composition software. The first major upgrade to the program since the merger between Aldus Corporation and Adobe Systems Incorporated, Adobe PageMaker 6.0 offers a range of powerful new features emphasizing versatile color publishing, flexible page design, expert printing and prepress controls, extensibility via plug-ins, and enhanced compatibility and integration with other Adobe products as part of the Adobe publishing solution. In addition, PageMaker 6.0 features new technology for creating publications in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF) and authoring Hypertext Markup Language documents (HTML) for electronic publishing on the World Wide Web. "Version 6.0's new professional features and electronic publishing tools keep Adobe PageMaker at the forefront of publishing technology," said Mike Peronto, vice president of Adobe Publishing Products. "And, with its tighter integration with Adobe's other world-class graphics and publishing products, PageMaker is uniquely positioned to be the product of choice for creative professionals." Versatile Color Publishing -------------------------- Appealing to high-end publishing professionals, Adobe PageMaker 6.0 adds nearly a dozen new color features. Among the most significant color publishing enhancements in version 6.0 are: the Kodak Precision Color Management System (CMS), complete Photo CD support with auto-sharpening capabilities, RGB-to-CMYK TIFF conversion, and expanded PANTONE color libraries¡including the PANTONE Hexachrome libraries. The Kodak Precision Color Management System helps PageMaker 6.0 users ensure accurate and consistent color from scanning to on-screen manipulation, proofing, and final output. Automatic sharpening and color-management of imported Kodak Photo CD images in PageMaker streamline the workflow of the production-focused user. Expanded PANTONE color libraries allow the specification of inks such as metallics, fluorescents, and pastels directly in PageMaker, while support for such advanced printing technologies as the PANTONE Hexachrome libraries extends the gamut of process color printing by permitting the use of more than the four standard process colors. "The fidelity of PMS colors on the screen is greatly improved," said Jim Dornbos, beta tester and owner of service bureau Dornbos Press. "By supporting high-fidelity color, PageMaker gives us the tools and flexibility to print the expanded color gamuts customers want. Adobe keeps providing more and more reasons to use PageMaker instead of the competition." Page Design Enhancements ------------------------ New page layout features, designed with substantial input from PageMaker users, include: multiple master pages, grouping and ungrouping, a new Table Editor, position locking and unlocking of elements, polygon drawing, a zoom tool, the ability to mask text and graphics, automatic alignment and distribution of objects, user-definable grids, improved automatic kerning, and the ability to move selected elements forward or backward. "PageMaker's multiple master pages are great, especially for creating catalogs and magazines," said beta tester Doug Lidster, owner of catalog publisher Woodsmith Corporation. "Adobe has added a lot of power without making the product foreign to longtime users like us. All the new features are intuitive." Expert Printing and Prepress ---------------------------- New printing and prepress features of Adobe PageMaker 6.0 include integrated automatic color trapping with sophisticated trapping controls, such as the ability to specify trap width, trapping thresholds, black attributes, and the ability to auto-overprint black text, lines and fills. Print Fit view displays the relationship between the page and paper or film to ensure a proper fit, while reader's spreads allow for printing of two-page spreads. PageMaker 6.0 also offers the option to designate objects as nonprinting, which can speed output and allows users to make production notes directly on the page. Enhanced Compatibility and Adobe Product Integration ---------------------------------------------------- Adobe PageMaker 6.0 has several new features that enhance compatibility with other Adobe products. PageMaker users can apply Adobe Photoshop special effects from Adobe Photoshop plug-ins, such as Kai's Power Tools and Gallery Effects, to images directly in PageMaker. Additional compatibility includes hot links to Adobe Photoshop, the ability to save publications in PageMaker 5.0 format, and OLE 2.0 client support. Electronic Publishing Features ------------------------------ Anticipating the transition of print-based publishing to on-line delivery, Adobe PageMaker 6.0 provides new tools for the electronic distribution of publications. The Create Adobe PDF plug-in enables PageMaker documents to be saved seamlessly in Adobe's Portable Document Format, complete with automatic hypertext links, bookmarks, and article threads. PDF files can then be distributed electronically, including on CD-ROM or the World Wide Web. PDF files can also be viewed and printed across Macintosh, Windows, DOS, and UNIX platforms. PageMaker 6.0 includes new templates for on-screen design, making it even easier to design interactive, on-line documents. The HTML Author plug-in lets users convert PageMaker publications into HTML format for distribution on the World Wide Web. Windows 95 Compatibility ------------------------ Adobe Systems has worked closely with Microsoft Corporation to ensure that PageMaker 6.0 will be one of the first major applications released for Windows 95. A 32-bit program, PageMaker 6.0 will take full advantage of the new user interface, performance enhancements, and memory management promised by Windows 95. PageMaker 6.0 for Windows will be shipped with Win 32s dynamic linking libraries (DLLs) to enable users of the 16-bit Windows 3.1 to use the new features in version 6.0. Extra Value CD-ROMs ------------------- Adobe PageMaker 6.0 is shipped on floppy disks, as well as on a Deluxe CD-ROM. The Deluxe CD contains technical information and thousands of dollars' worth of software, including: the Adobe Acrobat Distiller and Reader, Kodak Photo CD images, Straight Talk technical white papers, and a multimedia presentation of new features. A second CD-ROM includes Adobe Type Manager and Adobe Type On Call 2.0 with 220 free fonts that can be unlocked upon registration of the Type On Call CD. Pricing and Availability ------------------------ In the United States and Canada, Adobe PageMaker 6.0 for the Apple Macintosh and Power Macintosh is scheduled to be released in the summer of 1995. The Microsoft Windows 95 version is expected to be released in the fall of 1995. The suggested retail price for PageMaker 6.0 is $895 (U.S.) for Macintosh/Power Macintosh or Windows. Registered users of any version of PageMaker can upgrade to version 6.0 for $149 (U.S.). Customers who purchase PageMaker 5.0 after June 17, 1995 in the United States or Canada are eligible to receive a free upgrade to version 6.0. For more information, customers can call Adobe at 1-800-42-ADOBE (23623). Localized language versions and support and upgrade polices for other countries will be announced later. System Requirements ------------------- Power Macintosh System Requirements: A Power Macintosh with 16 MB of RAM (10 MB available to PageMaker*), Apple System Software 7.1.2 or later, 20 MB of free hard drive space for installation, and a 9" (PowerBook ) or 12" or larger monitor (640 x 840 pixels). Macintosh System Requirements: A 68030 or greater processor, Apple System Software 7.1 or later, 16 MB of RAM (8 MB available to PageMaker*), 20 MB of free hard drive space for installation, and a 9" (PowerBook) or 12" or larger monitor (640 x 840 pixels). Windows 95 System Requirements: An Intel486 processor, 12 MB of RAM (8 MB available to PageMaker*), Microsoft Windows 95, 24 MB of free hard drive space for installation, a VGA display card, high-density disk drive, and a mouse or other pointing device. Windows 3.1 System Requirements: An Intel486 processor, 16 MB of RAM (10 MB available to PageMaker*), DOS 5.0 or later, Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later running in enhanced mode, 24 MB of free hard drive space for installation, a VGA display card, high-density disk drive, and a mouse or other pointing device. *On the Power Macintosh/Macintosh, RAM requirements comprise 6 MB/8 MB for the PageMaker application and a total of 2 MB for color management and OLE libraries. Under Windows 95/Windows 3.1, RAM requirements comprise 6 MB/8 MB for the PageMaker application and 2 MB for color management. Adobe Systems Incorporated was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California. Adobe develops, markets, and supports computer software products and technologies that enable users to create, display, print, and communicate all kinds of information. The company licenses its technology to major computer, printing, and publishing suppliers, and markets a line of applications software and type products for authoring visually rich documents. Additionally, the company markets a line of powerful, but easy-to-use, products for home and small-business users. Adobe has subsidiaries in Europe and the Pacific Rim, serving a worldwide n e t w o rk of dealers and distributors. Adobe's 1994 revenue was approximately $598 million. * * * * Adobe, the Adobe logo, Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Type Manager, Aldus, Gallery Effects, PageMaker, and Type On Call are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated or its subsidiaries and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Apple, Macintosh, PowerBook, and Power Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and Windows a r e registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. PANTONE is a registered trademark of Pantone, Inc. Pantone, Inc.'s check-standard trademark for color reproduction and color-reproduction materials. All other brand or product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. ___________________________________ > TWO JOYSTICKS! STR FOCUS! """"""""""""""""""""""""" USING TWO JOYSTICKS =================== by Luca Nosotti (73747,153) Pinouts to make a Y Cable to connect two joysticks to the game port of SB16/Awe32 sound card Requirements ------------ (1) 15 pin male D-connector (2) 15 pin female D-connectors (2) Two cables (1 meter for each) with eight wires (preferably with different colors) Make the following connections: ------------------------------- Female D-connector A (Joystick A) Male D-connector --------------------------------- ---------------- Pin #1..........(+5Vdc)..................Pin #1 #2..........(Button 1 Joy A).............#2 #3..........(X Value Joy A)..............#3 #4..........(Gnd)........................#4 #6..........(Y Value Joy A)..............#6 #7..........(Button 2 Joy A).............#7 #10.........(Button 3 Joy A).............#10 #14.........(Button 4 Joy A).............#14 Female D-connector B (Joystick B) Male D-connector --------------------------------- ---------------- Pin #1..........(+5Vdc)..................Pin #8 #2 .........(Button 1 Joy B).............#10 #3 .........(X Value Joy B)..............#11 #4 .........(Gnd)........................#5 #6 .........(Y Value Joy B)..............#13 #7..........(Button 2 Joy B).............#14 #10.........(Button 3 Joy B).............#2 (Optional) #14.........(Button 4 Joy B).............#7 (Optional) I made this cable and I tried it with two Gravis Game Pad and a Sound Blaster 16 sound card. Everything worked fine! NOTE ---- If you have a joystick with throttle (like the Gravis Analog Pro) you must also connect Pin #13 of female D-connector A (Joystick A) to Pin #13 of male D-connector. Enjoy. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. ********************************************************************** ATARI/JAG SECTION (III) ======================= Dana Jacobson, Editor > From the Atari Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!" """""""""""""""""""""""""""" It's been a weird week. I finally have my new Falcon and have it up and running. It's a nice new experience, and a lot of fun. I've got my former assortment of hard drives installed in a PC tower case; and it feels very odd not to have a ton of electrical cords all over the place! My wife can't believe it either! "What else are you going to get rid of" has become a familiar question the last few days. Atari computing news has been essentially non-existent during my online travels this week. I know, it's summer and prime vacation time. Things will improve. And, I go on vacation #2 next week (I'll still be 'here' though). So, let's get to some interesting general news (Lloyd's back and he's got the majority of the news in his column). Until next time... _____________________________________________ Delphi's Atari Advantage! TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (7/19/95) (1) SEAWOLF ARCADE GAME *(6) EASY MONEY 1.0 (2) PICTURE FILE BROWSER 1.0A *(7) MARIANT 1.0 *(3) MEMWATCH 4 *(8) IN-TOUCH 1.52 (4) MUNSIE VIDEO NEWSLETTER (9) RUFTRADE GERMAN TO ENGLISH (5) SQUARE OFF *(10) HCOPY 1.6S * = New on list HONORARY TOP 10 The following on-line magazines are always top downloads, frequently out-performing every other file in the databases. ST REPORT (Current issue: STREPORT 11.28 ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE (Current issue: AEO: JAGUAR EDITION 3) Look for the above files in the RECENT ARRIVALS database. ______________________________________________ JAGUAR SECTION ============== "Fight For Life" Knocked Out! CATnips! Activision Signs! Hasbro VR Cancelled! FlipOut! And much more... > From the Editor's Controller - Playin' it like it is! """""""""""""""""""""""""""" The unofficial (as of this writing) word has it that Fight For Life has died. It appears that Atari has learned from earlier fiascoes such as Checkered Flag and Club Drive, and decided it best not to release a game that is likely going to be panned. I applaud that policy decision, but regret that FFL was the title not to see the light of day, at least as we knew it from a variety of video clips and online hype. I'm not a fighting-genre enthusiast, but even if I were, I wasn't excited about what I saw on the various videos that I viewed it. Atari cannot afford any adverse reaction to an over-hyped game that just doesn't live up to the excitement generated. Stuff like this happens all the time, and it's a wise decision. Hopefully, we'll see some future game that incorporates some of the hard work that went into this game, and a better effort in the long run. We hope to have a Jaguar CD unit for review very shortly, along with a variety of the CD games that are ready. August is rapidly approaching and the CD unit is still on track for release next month. Activision is now signed to do at least one game for the Jaguar, and likely others including some of the old 2600 games. They're also going to be putting some more of their old hits out on the PC platform. Imagine my surprise when, while listening to a talk radio station one very early morning before leaving for work and hearing Atari's Ted Hoff making the announcement! Well, I can tell that you're all dying to get to the news and information this week - so let's get to it. We'll certainly keep you posted on the latest Jaguar news, as it happens. Stay tuned! 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 $29.99 Atari Corp. J9005 Raiden $29.99 FABTEK, Inc/Atari Corp. J9001 Trevor McFur/ Crescent Galaxy $29.99 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. J9029 Doom $69.99 id/Atari Corp. J9036 Dragon: Bruce Lee $39.99 Atari Corp. J9003 Club Drive $59.99 Atari Corp. J9007 Checkered Flag $39.99 Atari Corp. J9012 Kasumi Ninja $69.99 Atari Corp. J9042 Zool 2 $59.99 Atari Corp J9020 Bubsy $49.99 Atari Corp J9026 Iron Soldier $59.99 Atari Corp J9060 Val D'Isere Skiing $59.99 Atari Corp. Cannon Fodder $69.99 Virgin/C-West Syndicate $69.99 Ocean Troy Aikman Ftball $69.99 Williams Theme Park $69.99 Ocean Sensible Soccer Telegames Double Dragon V $59.99 Williams J9009E Hover Strike $59.99 Atari Corp. J0144E Pinball Fantasies $59.99 C-West J9052E Super Burnout $59.99 Atari Available Soon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CAT # TITLE MSRP DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER White Men Can't Jump TBD Atari Air Cars TBD MidNite Entertainment Flashback TBD U.S. Gold Power Drive Rally TBD TWI Rayman TBD UBI Soft Ultra Vortek TBD Atari Jaguar CD-ROM $149.99 Atari Hardware and Peripherals ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CAT # TITLE MSRP MANUFACTURER J8001 Jaguar (complete) $189.99 Atari Corp. J8001 Jaguar (no cart) $159.99 Atari Corp. J8904 Composite Cable $19.95 J8901 Controller/Joypad $24.95 Atari Corp. J8905 S-Video Cable $19.95 CatBox $69.95 ICD ___________________________________________ >Industry News STR Game Console NewsFile - The Latest Gaming News! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" SUNNYVALE, Calif. July 17 (Reuter) - Atari Corp said it has finalized a deal with Activision Inc, under which Activision will produce games based on classic Atari titles for multiple new platforms. Also, Atari said Activision's "Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure," will be released for Atari's Jaguar 64 game player in mid-September. "Our collaboration with Activision will offer exciting entertainment for both Jaguar 64 consumers and PC users," said Ted Hoff, Atari's president of North American operations. -- Los Angeles Newsdesk, 800-330-6397 BRADENTON, Fla--Jul. 12--Palmetto college student Conrad Barski invents aliens in his spare time - and his hobby is about to pay off. Atari Corp. will pay Barski $25,000 plus royalties for a video game he conceived called "Flip Out!" Players of the puzzle game attempt to move colored tiles into particular sequences as alien creatures attempt to foil their moves. Barski said he came up with the idea for the game while working as a part-time computer programmer at Gorilla Systems in Oldsmar. He worked at the company for four years while attending the University of South Florida as a full-time pre-med student, he said. Over the past eight months, Barski joined four other programmers and two artists at Gorilla Systems to build the game. "The game took about eight months to develop until final production," he said. The new game is designed to run on the Atari Jaguar home entertainment system, but Atari is working with Gorilla Systems to develop a version for personal computers, said Jeanne Winding, product marketing manager for Atari. Winding said Flip Out! will be sold in retail stores for $49.99 beginning in mid-August. After graduating in August, Barski said he plans to go on to medical school in Miami. CPTV REPORTS SIGNIFICANT REVENUE GAINS FOR THIRD ... Announces New Contracts For Alexandria Studios, Inc. DENVER, JULY 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Creative Programming and Technology Ventures, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPTV), a leading producer of innovative video game development technology through its group of operating companies, today reported a significant increase in consolidated revenues for the three months and nine months ending May 31, 1995. Continued increases in software development and marketing costs produced a net loss per share for both periods. The company also completed the sale of its 80 percent interest in Celluloid Studios, Inc., recording a gain upon the sale of $76,020. This transaction is being treated as a disposal of a discontinued business for reporting purposes. As a result, CPTV's consolidated balance sheet, statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three and nine months periods ending May 31, 1995, have been restated. Management also announced the recent award to Alexandria Studios, Inc. of two new software development contracts with a combined value of approximately $600,000. Revenues from continuing operations for the third quarter were $172,259, an increase from $53,579 during the same period in 1994. CPTV reported a loss from continuing operations for the three months of $390,607, or 11 cents per share, compared with a loss of $224,525, or 7 cents per share, for the third quarter of 1994. Including discontinued operations, the company reported a net loss of $292,347, or 8 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $307,810, or 9 cents per share. For the first nine months of fiscal 1995, revenues from continuing operations were $537,505, compared with $53,579 for the same period in 1994. CPTV reported a loss from continuing operations for the nine month period of $763,758, or 23 cents per share, compared with a loss of $326,002, or 12 cents per share, for the same period in 1994. Including discontinued operations, the company reported a net loss of $392,978, or 12 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $403,172, or 15 cents per share. Revenues from continuing operations in 1995 include funds paid to Alexandria under agreement with Capcom, a leading producer of coin-operated games, to license one of the company's proprietary PI(TM) (Platform Independent) software developer tools. Alexandria has also provided software development services for additional interactive video games, including Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings for US Gold, and Demolition Man, whose rights were recently acquired by Acclaim Entertainment. US Gold and Acclaim are major publishers of interactive game systems with extensive worldwide distribution. Alexandria has retained royalty interest in both game titles. CPTV's cost of revenues for the three and nine month periods increased primarily from expenses incurred in the development of PI(TM) software tools and the above-mentioned titles. Expenses were also incurred in connection with a new product, SoulStorm(TM), CPTV's first initiative under its new trade name and product label, Virtual Hollywood(TM), a collaboration between Alexandria and ODDWORLD Inhabitants, Inc. to develop and license interactive entertainment software for advanced video game systems, including 3DO, Sega Saturn, Sony Play Station and Nintendo Ultra-64, as well as PC CD-ROM platforms. For the third quarter and nine months, CPTV experienced a significant increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily due to legal and other fees associated with the company's launch of its KG Squared-ODDWORLD interactive entertainment publishing unit, and the divestiture of its interest in Celluloid Studios. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, Alexandria signed a contract with Atari Corporation to port an interactive entertainment product, called "Return Fire," to Atari's new 64-bit game platform, Jaguar and CD-ROM. The other recent contract awarded is with game publisher Interplay Productions, Inc. to port an interactive video game based upon the Frankenstein novel to several next generation 32-bit game platforms including the Sony PSX, Sega Saturn, and 3DO game platforms. Both contracts have a combined value of approximately $600,000. Commenting on the first nine months of fiscal 1995, Gary R. Vickers, chairman and president of CPTV said, "We have now completed the strategic steps necessary in our transformation to a pure play among interactive video game developers with the sale of our commercial subsidiary and the addition last month to our board of Michael Katz, formerly president of Sega of America. As we anticipated, the market for 16-bit systems is giving way to the next generation of CD-ROM game platforms (32-bit and 64-bit). To meet this opportunity, Alexandria has been building important tools and technology, including PI(TM) software, in an attempt to position itself with a competitive advantage in porting interactive software to the various new game platforms. Based on current game titles under contract, and a number of proposed projects, we continue to build upon our status as a leading producer of interactive entertainment. In addition to financial resources, we have enhanced our management capabilities and marketing skills." At May 31, 1995, CPTV had approximately $5 million in cash, cash equivalents and treasury bills. Creative Programming and Technology Ventures, Inc. (CPTV) went public on November 12, 1993 with the purpose of producing and distributing innovative, interactive games, cable programming and digital entertainment. Its game development subsidiaries, based in Los Osos, Calif., designs and develops interactive games for popular home video game systems such as Sega Genesis, Sega CD, Super Nintendo Entertainment Systems and 3DO. It also plans broad market release of two additional titles, Demolition Man and Izzy's Quest for the Olympic Rings, with Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. and U.S. Gold, Inc. in the fall of 1995. Virtual Hollywood also plans to develop games for cable television channels, and future home game systems, including Sega Saturn, Sony PS-X and Nintendo's Project Reality. CPTV's primary shareholders and founders include Gary R. Vickers, Gary Magness and Kim Magness, all from Denver. CPTV is headquartered in Denver and its stock trades on the NASDAQ Small-Cap market under the symbol CPTV. 7/18/95 /CONTACT: Gary Vickers, President and CEO or Dr. Stephen Kirkpatrick, Vice President, both of CPTV, 303-694-5324; George Zagoudis of The Financial Relations Board for CPTV, 312-640-6663/ (CPTV) CO: Creative Programming and Technology Ventures, Inc. ST: Colorado IN: CPR SU: ERN -/- Hasbro Scraps Virtual Reality Game -/- Hasbro Inc. spent $59 million and three years to develop a virtual reality game that it has now scrapped because the retail cost would have been prohibitive. Associated Press writer Frank Baker reports from Providence, Rhode Island that the toymaker has abandoned plans to market the virtual reality game because it would have cost consumers more than $300. "We were not successful in achieving what we set out to do," said John O'Neill, chief financial officer. "We've developed the technology, we still believe in it. However, unless something else happens, we have not at this point been able to bring it to a point where we can mass market it." The game would have been a head-mounted virtual reality system that would allow the player to look into a viewer and be part of the game. Analysts called the announcement the second big electronics blunder Hasbro has made in recent years. The first was in the late 1980s when the firm spent millions of dollars on research and development for a video game system only to scrap the plans when it determined the system would also be too expensive for consumers. Hasbro shares fell 50 cents to $30.25 on the American Stock Exchange. ______________________________________________ > Jaguar Online STR InfoFile Online Users Growl & Purr! """""""""""""""""""""""""" CATnips... Jaguar tidbits from Don Thomas (95.07.18) """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Here's a summary of some new image files I uploaded to GEnie, CompuServe and CATscan BBS [209/239-1552]... BLUE1.JPG JPEG file of "Blue Lightning" / 68,659 BLUE2.JPG JPEG file of "Blue Lightning" / 67,316 BLUE3.JPG JPEG file of "Blue Lightning" / 63,799 BLUE4.JPG JPEG file of "Blue Lightning" / 76,364 BLUE5.JPG JPEG file of "Blue Lightning" / 76,438 """"""""" Approx 300x200 JPEG format image files of: "Blue Lightning" for the Atari 64-bit game system. "Blue Lightning" is one of the Jaguar's first CD-based games for the CD-ROM peripheral. It features incredible graphics for the flying combat experience of your 64-bit life. This image is (c)1995 Atari Corporation. It may be republished in a complimentary fashion if copyright notice is included. FLIPOUT1.JPG JPEG file of "Flip Out" / 71,235 FLIPOUT2.JPG JPEG file of "Flip Out" / 89,600 FLIPOUT5.JPG JPEG file of "Flip Out" / 73,762 FLIPOUT6.JPG JPEG file of "Flip Out" / 78,270 FLIPOUTB.JPG JPEG file of "Flip Out" / 42,972 """""""""""" Approx 300x200 JPEG format image files of: "Flip Out" for the Atari 64-bit game system. "Flip Out", a cartridge based 'fun factor' game, looks a whole easier than it is. If you liked "Tetris" or "Klax", you'll flip for "Flip Out"! This image is (c)1995 Atari Corporation. It may be republished in a complimentary fashion if copyright notice is included. WMCJ_LL.JPG JPEG file of "White Men Can't Jump" / 79,191 WMCJ_LR.JPG JPEG file of "White Men Can't Jump" / 75,030 WMCJ_UL.JPG JPEG file of "White Men Can't Jump" / 72,114 WMCJ_UR.JPG JPEG file of "White Men Can't Jump" / 79,612 """"""""""" Approx 300x200 JPEG format image files of: "White Men Can't Jump" for the Atari 64-bit game system. "White Men Can't Jump" features multi-player action and is the first Jaguar game to use the new Team Tap adaptor which is included. Each Team Tap allows up to four players on one joystick port. This image is (c)1995 Atari Corporation. It may be republished in a complimentary fashion if copyright notice is included. The images were captures from Atari's marketing Department in Macintosh .PCT format. I used a translator to change them to .TGA format as I found that to offer the best sustained resolution. I then CROPed the image to eliminate unnecessary black borders and scaled the image down by 50% using a paint and imaging application. Once scaled down, I lightened contrast and brightness to better match the original Jaguar look and feel. Finally, I touched up stray pixels that evolved over the process. (I'm trying to straighten out problems with my PC. Aggh! <g>) My final step involved "ZIPing" the image so I can include a .DIZ description file. The result is a thumbnail library of clear images that are easy to download and view. Here's some initial reaction of what users found: SERV: CompuServe USER: Cody Maloney 75204,3532 DATE: 7/17/95 TOPC: Jaguar General: Excellent Screen Shots MSG#: 85654 Don, I have to say is the screen shots are fabulous! Flip Out took my breath away. It left me breathless. Its one game that is on my list. Blue Lighting look stunning. White Men Can't Jump is also stunning as well. Cody -++- ============================================= -++- SERV: CompuServe USER: Edward J. Mazmania 102211,2662 DATE: 7/17/95 TOPC: Jaguar General: Excellent Screen Shots MSG#: 85655 I have to agree. The screen shots look nothing like what I saw at the E3 for Blue Lightning. The game I have to say looked like garbage at the show. Every other game was awesome from Rayman to Hover Hunter, Highlander, Battlesphere, and the progressing D2K. I tried to play BL and loved the music but found no gameplay and poor graphics. Of course I only saw some level in the clouds. After seeing these screen shots I have second thoughts now. -++- ================================================= -++- The Jaguar Gamers' Books are shipping from Sandwich Islands Publishing. Here's some initial reaction: SERV: GEnie USER: J.SCHRAM DATE: 7/13/95 TOPC: Jaguar: 64-bit game console MSG#: 153 I received my "Jaguar Official Gamer's Guide" Thursday. It looks really well done, though I haven't read that much yet. Nice cover, 244 pages, covers 18 games, and loaded with pictures. The pictures are B/W but they are very sharp and serve the purpose. It looks very up to date with coverage of Hover Strike and even a preview of Rayman. It's full of maps, cheats, hints, and tips. A lot of the info can be found on GEnie, but it's nice to have it all in one handy reference to keep by the Jag. Joe Schram -++- ============================================= -++- CATscan E-Mail Msg Num: #1 of 6 Sent By: (#38) Brian Mccleary - Loyal Jaguarian Sent To: (#1) Don Thomas - Atari Corporation Sent On: July 13, 1995 at 4:38pm Recv On: July 15, 1995 at 6:29pm Subject: Gamers' Guide The books are great Don! The maps for Aliens -vs- Predator are excellent! -++- ================================================= -++- Super Burnout continues to attract the rave reviews from serious gamers. Here's what Steve Kipker of Steve's Software wrote to me recently.... "Well, Super Burnout has only been released for 2 weeks now and has continued to be a big success with our customers. What I keep hearing over and over are things like: 'This game is better than the Arcade, and I am saving .50 each time I play. That has more than paid for this game in one day!!!' 'Two player action is as good as it gets' 'Riding Super Burnout is better than the real thing, and cheaper on Insurance' 'Super Burnout is so real that I felt like I had to put on my crash helmet' 'Super Burnout is truly the Fastest racing Simulator for the Atari Jaguar - I feel the need, the need for Speed' "Don, Super Burnout has been a great success and will continue to sell just on customer referrals alone...Atari has delivered a true 64-bit racing simulator - What's next?" Yes, I know it sounds like hype, but Steve really does like selling Super Burnout (He also likes Pinball Fantasies; another recent hit.) Ask him yourself, you can write Steve at: <s.kipker@genie.com> on the Internet. -++- ================================================= -++- CONTACT: Jessica Nagel or Patricia Kerr Dorf & Stanton Communications, Inc. (310) 479-4997 or (800) 444-6663 _For Immediate Release_ Atari Corporation Inks Licensing Agreement With Activision Inc. Deal yields release of classic Atari titles for PCs. Sunnyvale, CA -- (July 17, 1995) -- Atari Corporation announced today the finalization of a contract with Activision Inc., a Los Angeles based leader in software development. Atari Corporation's pact with the prestigious developer will bring consumers classic Atari titles in multiple formats. The agreement will also result in the release of the all-time American favorite, "Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure" for Jaguar 64. "Our collaboration with Activison will offer exciting entertainment for both Jaguar 64 consumers and PC users," said Ted Hoff, Atari Corporation's President of North American Operations. "'Pitfall' is a fine example of our continued commitment to provide Jaguar gamers with top-quality titles." The release of "Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure" for the Jaguar 64 system will be an ideal showcase for the extensive capabilities of this advanced home entertainment system. "Pitfall" reflects the power of Jaguar's superior 64-bit technology, resulting in brilliant color, intense speed, and stereo sound. The jungle adventure game has a target ship date of mid September. Numerous Atari classic games will soon be available to PC users when Activision releases "Atari Action Pak II" for single-user IBM and PC compatible computers. The special "Pak" will also provide consumers with PC versions of such memorable Atari titles as: "Air Sea Battle"; "Breakout", "Super Breakout"; "Space War"; "Surround"; "Millipede"; "Combat"; "Yar's Revenge"; "Canyon Bomber"; "Gravitar"; "Maze Craze"; and "Night Driver". The "Pitfall" release under the Activision agreement is one of the many exciting games for the Atari Jaguar 64 library, which will approach 100 titles by the end of the year. The expanded library will include CD titles for the much anticipated Jaguar CD system, which will be shipping in August. For over 20 years, Atari Corporation has provided consumers with high-quality, value- priced entertainment. Atari Corporation markets Jaguar, the only American-made, advanced 64-bit entertainment system and is located in Sunnyvale, California. -++- ================================================= -++- A final note to this episode of CATnips, Darryl Still of Atari UK tells me that "Zero 5" and "Gotcha!" (working title) were shown at a EuroPress Conference last week. He says both are contracted for early '96 release and both are "worth watching for". Add those to your lists! ### END OF FILE ### Fm: Atari Europe 75162,2024 To: Don Thomas 75300,1267 (X) A quick note on the schedule. Attack of the Mutant Penguins is Cart only (not Cart/CD). and you can add two further Eurodevelopments into the December/January period which we showed at our press conference last week. Namely Zero 5 and Gotcha! (working title). Both are contracted for early '96 release, both have a small chance of sneaking in early. Both are worth watching for. Darryl _______________________________________________ > ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" PEOPLE... ARE TALKING ===================== On CompuServe ------------- compiled by Joe Mirando 73637,2262 Hidi ho friends and neighbors. Ahhh, vacation. Time to do what you want to do (or, if you're like me, what you've been puting off for weeks if not months). I've been meaning to check out web sites and such on the Internet for quite a while. Heck, I haven't even seen STReport's web page yet. But first comes the furniture re-arranging that my wife insists needs to be done. Then there's the work that my car needs. Then perhaps... just perhaps, I'll be able to check out the Internet. The Internet hasn't been a high priority with me since I can always find whatever I'm looking for right here on CompuServe. Everything from shareware programs to up-to-the-minute help with all of my old favorites. And I'm not the only one who checks in for news and info... let's check it out. From the Atari Computing Forums =============================== Jeffrey Horn asks... "A question regarding customs here. It would seem that one of the two parties involved in an online-arranged (not in person) transaction must part with their "goods" first - da money, o' da equipment, right? If so, what is the protocol? Who first? Any help will be greatly appreciated." Sysop Bob Retelle tells Jeffrey: "Usually the two parties involved in a transaction will have to agree as to how the deal will proceed... I think from all the online deals I've seen and participated in, the usual way is for the buyer to send the money first, then the seller sends the articles. There are variations of course, depending on what levels of trust are involved... many times the buyer will insist on a money order, or the seller will send the package COD. The real problem of course is that with an online transaction you never meet the other person face to face, so you have to end up going on trust alone. The good news is that it's extremely rare for a deal to go bad, or to run into someone who's being purposefully dishonest." Meanwhile Daniel Osborne posts: "Well, I have been browsing the NET with the TAF (Chimera) program today. I logged onto the TAF home page, which has changed thier display and have a few more options. One was "Chimera Hints & Tips," and another was on "Using X-Windows," both gave me errors when I tried access them. I guess they are still under construction. I also logged onto the Toad Computers home page. Very interesting. Although the TAF program crashed on me several times, I think the key is to resize the window, so it does not scroll off your screen. In the WWW Browser Help file, it says you can save your WWW HTML files, but I am having trouble with this. When you first log onto a home page, the HTML and picture files are downloaded to your Minit XF partition and are temporaly saved under the TMP/ directory. This is a slow process, about 2-3 mintues for the download of the files, before I got to view the Toad home page. Each time I accessed another area from the home page, more HTML files and pics had to be downloaded, before being displayed. If the system crashes, the TMP files are still in the TMP directory. You can load them up and edit out the header and trash lines, then save them. I used the capture buffer in Flash 1.6, and it worked just file. The header of each file tells you the filename of the file, where it came from, etc. Just write down the filename, and remove the header trash up to: <HTML> -- for HMTL files GIF -- for GIF picture files Look for the main Home Page HTML file, and check the file to see where the other HMTL and picture files need to be loaded from. Create directories for these other files. You can then copy them back to your Minit XF partition, load up the TAF program, select the WWW browser, and open up the HTML home page file. Like I said, I wish I knew how to save these HTML and GIF files from within the WWW browser, it would make it a lot easier to view these home pages offline. Maybe an "Automatic Save Session" function on the WWW browser. If your system did not crash while online, ALL the TMP files are deleted when exiting from the TAF (Chimera) program. P.S. Next weekend, its off to configure Netscape for Internet access on the MAC running under Spectre GCR 3.0!!!! Wish me luck!" Denis Postle tells Daniel that it's... "...Good to hear that you got onto the web via taf. not so good that it is unstable to this degree. I find that with a mac and netscape, I turn off the pictures most of the time. it's quicker and a lot of the subsidiary images aren't of much interest. Not so good too that you don't seem to be able to view the files as they download, as would be the case with Macweb and Netscape. A pretty vital function, since it's easy to log on so something in error, or that's of no interest and the first half page can make that clear. re your parting remark about netscape and Spectre. I have tried out TCP and PPP with spectre in the last weeks and while i could get both installed, I could never get ppp to communicate properly with the modem. Like, I could type a script into the terminal window and it would activate the modem but there was nothing to be seen, no feedback. Tough to log on like that. i never pursued a full CIS script if you want to try one, I can send you the one from ppp on this mac I'm using now. Also I seem to remember that both Macweb and Netscape require sys7. Sorry to be discouraging. If you have some new info I'd like to hear it. I will mail you some useful home pages tomorrow when I can get time with Netscape." Daniel tells Denis: "Thanks, for kind advice. I will still attempt to try out various WWW browsers using Spectre. I have several versions of MAC TCP and PPP, some which work under system 6.0.8. Yes, some working sample script files would be much appreciated. I am waiting for the author of DuFTP program (an Atari WWW and FTP browser) to return to London this week, so I can ask him more questions about setting up his program. I am getting a few errors right now. One of them is setting the SLIP.DIP file to correctly connect to the modem. I have changed the port value to MODEM1, but it still tries and use the Falcon's modem port 2. He wrote and tested his DuFTP program on a Falcon. I am going to send him a sample dial up file from the NOS program. Maybe then he can tell where I am going wrong. This is a learning experince!" Denis tells Daniel: Configuring TCP. my version is 2.0.4 it works fine (on a Powerbook160). select ppp in first dialog click on more in obtain address, check server. across to the right set class C, various other setting then change. nothing else there needs to be touched. At the bottom in the domain area follow this exactly! line one, box one: compuserve.com line one, box two: 149.174.211.5 line two, box one: a full stop "." only line one, box two: 149.174.211.5 click ok configuring ppp in the opening dialogue set: port to modem port time to none echo interval to off terminal window unchecked hangup on close checked quiet mode unchecked select your server(modem) from the list click new to name the configuration you are writing then select config on the first config page there are obvious settings local to you set flow control to cts&rts there is no need to even look at lcp options, authentication or IPCP options select 'connect script' this gives a series of boxes the following is my working script line by line: timeout 40 secs check out \d\d\d\d\d\d\r check wait Host Name: check out CIS\r check wait User ID: check out yourid/GO:PPPCONNECT\r check wait Password: check out yourpassword\r check out \r do not check the right hand [cr] column notes on the script. This has to be case-exact and no stray spaces (I hope i haven't introduced any typos) I know that the capital letters are supposed to be left off Host, User id, and Password, it works fine for me as is. Another thing i gleaned from the endless suffering on the CIS PPP forum was that PPP is intolerant of unusual characters in your password. Apparently forward slash "/" is ok, if you have any odd characters change them. If you have any trouble with the script, like it sticks somwehere, run it in the terminal window. Final note, as I said in my earlier message, under 6.0.5 I couldn't get PPP to drive the modem at all. If you get it to go I'd be delighted to hear how. And also let me know what Macbrowser, if any, there is that will run on sys6.x.x.? Good luck. I'm going to try taf later today I'll let you know what happens." Daniel tells Denis: "Thanks for the info. Although in several sets of docs for configuring MacTCP for use on CIS, the IP Address is different than the sample you provided. Shouldn't it be "149.174.64.41" for the first line and "149.174.64.42" for the second? This was the IP Address I used to get the TAF disks to work." Denis explains: "The addresses I put up for you come for the current MacPPP help file from Vidya Tolani that I mentioned a few messages back. recommendable. It is in the Internet New UsersForum MacPPPsection, I think, and the file is MACWWW.TXT update 6.5.95" Okay, that's enough of the Mac stuff. Let's listen in on some talk about the "TAF" disks. Daniel Osborne posts: "Somewhere on the Mint XF partition, I think home/docs/mint-XF, are some doc files about using the Mint XF system and a Mint command to actually UNDO a Mint XF partition and return it back to a TOS partition." Lloyd Pulley tells Daniel: "That's nice - if you get to the point of being able to get to that doc and read it. But if you make a mistake like I did (go to the wrong partition) and then want to correct it (before setting up the program), there's no way to do it. Also, you assume that someone knows how to use Mint. I've got it up (at least the window) but have NO idea what to do from there. I can't get to a command level where I can find out what's on the directory - or access any of it. I'm to the point of getting ready to format that drive and forgetting about about PPP until I get a PC. I think this program is more than I want to learn. It's not the program per se, it's learning Mint, XWindows AND the program." Daniel tells Lloyd: "Yes, I know. That is why I have uploaded all of the docs from the TAF disks, the file is called TAF_DOC2.ZIP, to help out others. I assume nothing. The docs that came with the TAF disks are very hard to understand for the layman. It took me two weeks to finaly set up the disks and get it to work. I have very little knowledge about using Mint, Mint-Net, and the Chimera program. I am here to help others get this program running from my experices using the program. The basic Atari user should not have to spend the time I did, just to get the program up and working. If you go back to the original TAF docs for setting up the program and read from "Congrats:" through to "Using X-Windows" this should help you. When you finaly get into X-Windows, press your left mouse button, and select "Xvt[tsch]", a window will pop open and you will be in the Unix command line (tsch shell). Here are a few Unix commands you can use (which are not documented in the original TAF doc): cd - change directory cd .. - move back one directory ls - list directory cp - copy file mv - move and rename file rm - delete a file mkdir - create a directory rmdir - delete a directory vi - edit a text file (reffer to Appendix A for vi commands) mget - download a file from a FTP site By the way, I did know these commands before using the TAF disks. The friendly users here on CIS provided all of us here in this messagge base with this info. Thanks guys! You are right! This program may not be for everyone. If you do not want to take the time and undulge yourself into other lines of what your Atari can do, them you might just want to wait for a easy to use GEM or TOS WWW browser, when and IF it becomes available. Right now, this it the best WWW browser we have at the moment. I can remember the early Atari ST days before Flash, Interlink, Storm, etc.. were available. There are many more Mint related programs out there. Once you get your Mint and Mint-Net software configured, you will be able to run other Unix ported software on your Minit XF partition, and also multi-task at the same time! Stick around, we all can help each out with these type of programs!" Pierre Deschenes jumps in and posts: "I have troubles installing the TAF internet prg. on my j drive.. Everything goes well until during the installation of disk #3,5 and 7; I get the messages: ... usr/local/bin/X11/chimera * gzip: stdin: trailing garbage ignored * gzip: stdin: internal error, invalid method * tar : child returned status 1 insert disc 4 in drive A: then press return Could it be that my prg is corrupted or am I doing someting wrong? Once installed I cant boot to Xwindow; I can access to the shell(tsch). But I cannot access all the file and docs that I'v seen unzip during the installation process. Also I cannot configure any setup for me to connect to compuserve...? When I call vi :I get the message Elvis out of memory... I have a STE 4megs with j partition at 30 megs. Can anybody give me a hint on what is going wrong?" Carl barron tells Pierre: "I got lots of gzip errors regarding trailing garbage and one unexpected eof. These are normal if as these files have, the files were transferred via xmodem, some time during their lives. What is wrong with VI [elvis] I have not heard of." Denis Postle adds: "I had a similar experience with repeated installations of the TAF discs due to various other download/disk/fault problems. Eventually I checked what the last file on each disc was. When all of the sequences ending in these files had appeared on the screen during decompression/installation, I assumed that the xfer was ok and since TAF seems to have installed, this seemed to be so. Here is a lsiting of the last file from each disk as it appears onscreen before the messages about garbage, children and insert the next disk. disk2. usr/ucb/telnet disk3. usr/local/bin/x11/chimera disk4. usr/lib/x11/chimera disk5. usr/bin/x11/startx disk6. usr/bin/x11/xvt disk7. sorry no details at hand. I hope this helps. Keep in touch." Daniel posts: "Well, I have been browsing the NET with the TAF (Chimera) program today. I logged onto the TAF home page, which has changed thier display and have a few more options. One was "Chimera Hints & Tips," and another was on "Using X-Windows," both gave me errors when I tried access them. I guess they are still under construction. I also logged onto the Toad Computers home page. Very interesting. Although the TAF program crashed on me several times, I think the key is to resize the window, so it does not scroll off your screen. In the WWW Browser Help file, it says you can save your WWW HTML files, but I am having trouble with this. When you first log onto a home page, the HTML and picture files are downloaded to your Minit XF partition and are temporaly saved under the TMP/ directory. This is a slow process, about 2-3 mintues for the download of the files, before I got to view the Toad home page. Each time I accessed another area from the home page, more HTML files and pics had to be downloaded, before being displayed. If the system crashes, the TMP files are still in the TMP directory. You can load them up and edit out the header and trash lines, then save them. I used the capture buffer in Flash 1.6, and it worked just file. The header of each file tells you the filename of the file, where it came from, etc. Just write down the filename, and remove the header trash up to: <HTML> -- for HMTL files GIF -- for GIF picture files Look for the main Home Page HTML file, and check the file to see where the other HMTL and picture files need to be loaded from. Create directories for these other files. You can then copy them back to your Minit XF partition, load up the TAF program, select the WWW browser, and open up the HTML home page file. Like I said, I wish I knew how to save these HTML and GIF files from within the WWW browser, it would make it a lot easier to view these home pages offline. Maybe an "Automatic Save Session" function on the WWW browser. If your system did not crash while online, ALL the TMP files are deleted when exiting from the TAF (Chimera) program. P.S. Next weekend, its off to configure Netscape for Internet access on the MAC running under Spectre GCR 3.0!!!! Wish me luck!" Denis tells Daniel: "Good to hear that you got onto the web via taf. not so good that it is unstable to this degree. I find that with a mac and netscape, I turn off the pictures most of the time. it's quicker and a lot of the subsidiary images aren't of much interest. Not so good too that you don't seem to be able to view the files as they download, as would be the case with Macweb and Netscape. A pretty vital function, since it's easy to log on so something in error, or that's of no nterest and the first half page can make that clear. re your parting remark about netscape and Spectre. I have tried out TCP and PPP with spectre in the last weeks and while i could get both installed, I could never get ppp to communicate properly with the modem. Like, I could type a script into the terminal window and it would activate the modem but there was nothing to be seen, no feedback. Tough to log on like that. i never pursued a full CIS script if you want to try one, I can send you the one from ppp on this mac I'm using now. Also I seem to remember that both Macweb and Netscape require sys7. Sorry to be discouraging. If you have some new info I'd like to hear it. I will mail you some useful home pages tomorrow when I can get time with Netscape." Daniel tells Denis: "Thanks, for kind advice. I will still attempt to try out various WWW browsers using Spectre. I have several versions of MAC TCP and PPP, some which work under system 6.0.8. Yes, some working sample script files would be much appreciated. I am waiting for the author of DuFTP program (an Atari WWW and FTP browser) to return to London this week, so I can ask him more questions about setting up his program. I am getting a few errors right now. One of them is setting the SLIP.DIP file to correctly connect to the modem. I have changed the port value to MODEM1, but it still tries and use the Falcon's modem port 2. He wrote and tested his DuFTP program on a Falcon. I am going to send him a sample dial up file from the NOS program. Maybe then he can tell where I am going wrong. This is a learning experince!" Denis tells him: "So I finally got try logging on with Taf and after various misadventures ( hadn't realised that *copying* the re-written files onto the mint drive didn't work) I did get it to start up but only so far as torturing the modem - high pitched screaming for 60secs or more. It never got to the familiar dial up sounds. I've checked and re check the log on script as being the same as your nmessage and I've re-set the ip addresses etc the numbers in the modem file seemed ok serial 1 and 19200 baud. Any idea what could be adrift?" Daniel takes a shot in the dark: "Could it be your modem? I am using a Supra Fax Modem 14.4 V 32.bis with the default configuration from the factory. Even with the original "chatfile" script that came with the TAF disks, at least the modem responded to dailing out. Of course the I got a error message from BT saying invalid phone number, and I edited the chatfile script with the VI editor to change the phone number to my local CIS node. Even when I got the chatfile script correct to call CIS and login via the Internet, I got a few errors somtimes in the intial connection. I just reset the modem and tried again. You might have to re-try it a few times. And even when you are connected and all goes well, somtimes CIS can not lock up sysnc and return a IP Address. I just call back till it finaly connects all the way through. I also assume when you call CIS with the TAF program, you are clicking on the "Connect" selection to call. By the way, when you were using Spectre, did you ever install MacCIM and connect to CIS? The MacCIM ver 2.4 works fine on Spectre under System 6.0.8, and of course I installed the Communications ToolBox disk in the System folder." Denis tells Daniel: "I use the same modem, a mac version This feels like living too dangerously but since you included more of the commands and especially how to get into the *editor*, I might just try changing something. It would be more direct, I suppose, than the tedious business of coming in and out of mint to edit and then see what haoppens or not. Yes all of these messages are all from Maccim. I would never use CIS if I had to use the text interface, except it's real quick for downloading a file. And using thne serial 2 port I have been able to get a 57000 connection that really fizzes. This seems to have passed me by. Do I need it? with 6.0.5? I didn't know there was a 6.0.8. I find 6.0.5 really stable with Spectre, few if any crashes, and it runs word 5 very fast. Which, alongside CIS, is mostly what I use it all for these days. Anyhow I'll take another look at Taftomorrow eneving probably. wish me luck." Daniel replies: "Yes, to make sure all of the text files are editied correctly on the TAF disks, I use the VI editor. I have used the capture buffer of Flash 1.6 to edit other texts, on the Minit XF partition, but the chatfile, for expample, I wanted to make sure it was editited correctly in the Unix format. I hate to say this, but to edit the original chatfile, you might have to re-install the whole program, if you have messed up the the original on the Minit XF parition, unless you have a back-up copy handy. I have used the capture buffer in Flash ver 1.6 to edit HTML texts and GIF files on the Atari TOS paritions, and copied them over to the Minit XF paritions with no problems yet. I have run the FSCK program several times, and so far no errors yet!!!" Carl Barron adds: "For what it's worth: There is a VI tutitorial in UNIXFORUM. sca des key:vi lib:all should find it or them. There is also an O'Reilly ,"nutshell book" on VI if it is really needed. I think the vi tut. might be enough. Now to figure out what to change in lynx.cfg X does not load at all with h3 mhmint for me at all, so chimera is temp. out. There is an exec [without docs of any kind] ttify or something like that. Does anyone know what it does? All files used by the taf distribution need unix endlines! (ascii 10 only). Vi is a safe way to ensure this." On the subject of using an accelerator in a machine with a blitter, Simon Churchill posts: "I have a T28 in my ST and was warned NOT to try to use a blitter with it as it can't cope. I don't know how the chip will be installed but as it's a MEGA ST then I would assume it is one of the sqaure 68pin chip's, the STFM mother board's (TOS 1.2) had a space for the socket to be installed and the chip pluged in. Next to the chip was two solder connection's labeled W3 and W4 (The number's I think are correct, they might be 4 and 5) If the chip was removed then these to connector's needed as solder bridge so the 68000 would now there was no blitter installed. Rather than remove the chip it would be best to leave the system as is, you never know, one day you might need the extra screen update speed of the blitter for ST work. Just a thought, did you remove the T-25 to replace it with the AdSpeed or for another accel. board?? It should be possable to have BOTH installed at the same time then you could ignore the blitter chip completely as the T-25 would be faster on it's own compared to a normal 68000 AND Blitter." Domingo Alvear tells Simon: "I'll check out the BLiTTER socket in my Mega, but I solved my troubles by just putting the T-25 back in. :-) I was testing the AdSpeed to see if it worked (I bought it used). It worked fine, but caused the BLiTTER conflicts that I mentioned. Whatever, my machine is humming along just fine at 25Mhz. (Until I can get a NOVA (regular) VME for my new TT!)" Simon asks Dom: "Sound's o.k. Does your T-25 work with your Blitter o.k. then? As I said my T28 won't have any of it. 8-( (That's a 28Mhz + 64K Fast cache memory) You have a TT?? WOW! DOUBLE WOW!! Oh to have the money to get a machine like that. Hmmm, it's nice to dream........" Our Atari editor, Dana Jacobson posts: "Well, I have the Falcon up and running - yeah!! In the end, I decided to put all of my hard drives into a medium tower case instead of trying to work around the four different HD boxes, taking out the host adaptors, and cut/add a few more SCSI plugs. Works great now that I found what AUTO program was crashing the system (Warp 9). Speaking of Warp 9, what was the version that works on the Falcon? I thought it was 3.80, unless I don;t have that version installed! <g> I've got a lot of playing around to do, but so far, so good. Thanks to all of you who had responded to my pleas for help getting the HDs figured out. Without you, I'd be still pulling my hair out!! <<grin>>" Frank Heller tells Dana: "Congrats. BTW the WARP9 version is 3.80....but it is a specific version for the Falcon. There are two different 3.80 versions. I think the Falcon version was called WARP9_FA.PRG The ST version had a different name. I got rid of it and replaced it with NVDI...which seems to be (so far) superior to W9...especially with the Oregon Research products. That stuff gets a noticable speed up with NVDI. Oh yeah...call Cy Sperling." Dana tells Frank: "Hmmm, I have Warp 9 version 3.80, but when I use it, the desktop comes out all distorted. Colors are off, I have vertical lines through the desktop, and other "weird" stuff. I am using the Falcon version of the program, but I'm wondering if I have a wrong version of the .ACC?! I'd like to use Warp 9 as I don't think I can live without it! <g> Any idea what the correct file size is for the ACC so I know which to use? Thanks again, Frank!" Dana tells Frank: "I've heard a number of things about NVDI but don't know that much about it. What does it do (or have) that makes you say it's better than Warp 9? BTW, Sy Spurling didn't wanna talk to me! <g>" Frank replies: "I keep my Falcon optimized for Cubase Audio Falcon...as I beta for Steinberg. I do this by using Diamond Edge an awful lot (the audio files get fragged a lot) It is with the Oregon products (Edge and DB3) that you can see an NOTICABLE difference in speed between W9 and NVDI. NVDI wins hands down. CAF shows no real difference in screen redraw speed between the two. There, it's a toss-up." Alvin Baligad sends up an S.O.S.: "Help! After recently upgrading my memory from 1 to 4mb in my STe, a lot of my older software isn't cooperating anymore. Is there anything anyone can suggest that would let me use my old disks again? They are mostly games, but with the drought on Ataris in games, even the old ones are important." Sysop Bob Retelle tells Alvin: "Some games have problems running on computers with 4 megs of memory, usually due to sloppiness in the programming. Some of these can be fooled by running a little program from our software library called MAKE1MEG.TOS which resets the internal pointers of the computer to indicate there is only one Meg of RAM. When you're done playing the games that are affected, you just reboot the computer and it goes back to the full four Megs." Well folks, there's lots more stuff that I could include, but the column has gotten longer than I had anticipated. Tune in again next week, same time, same station, and be ready to listen to what they are saying when... PEOPLE ARE TALKING ___________________________________________ > STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips" """"""""""""""""""""" - Akron, Ohio COMPUSERVE PUSHES FOR NISA/HMI ----------- TRANSACTIONAL CHARGES According to our super snoop, the pursuit of perfection by CompuServe is virtually limitless... From sysop commands that operate seamlessly in HMI to the newer NISA forums that are exclusively HMI oriented. CompuServe is clearly pushing to be on the cutting edge of tomorrow's Online Service today. So much so that highly qualified third party navigator programmers are reportedly being brought in to smooth the "rough waters". The KEY WATCHWORD for the FUTURE is: "TRANSACTIONAL PRICING". YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU GET. PLUS A SERVICE CHARGE? Pay by the file D/L, and per MB of messages read. (Ever vigilant for the Buck) We suggest that the "By the File charge is sufficient and that "messages read" should be part of the monthly service fee. - Phoenix, AZ NEW NAVIGATOR FRAMEWORK TO DOMINATE ----------- Ole Snoop has found a new flap that's gonna generate some real excitement among the telcom junkies. It seems that a strong group of programmers have come up with a design for making online service navigators a "walk in the park". Seems the concept of a core program (more like an active shell) (Watch for Mozart. You know, the Prodigy) and a slew of complimentary modules have been generated as a construction library. When an online service want a first rate navigator, all they need do is ask.. And bingo! Instant Navigator. One I might add that works. There are some really sad ones out there. One, in particular, snoop adds, is actually CHASING subscribers away in droves its called FE or Flea or some such non-sense. It has pretty graphics and is guaranteed to freeze at least once in every session. - San Francisco, CA McAFEE REPORTS TROJAN HORSE FOUND! ----------------- We have received a report through our International sales department that there has been an incident with a Trojan Horse disguised as VirusScan 2.22 (A Trojan Horse is a destructive program that has been disguised as some other innocuous program. Trojan Horses are not viruses). When executed, it deletes all the files and directories on the disk being scanned. VirusScan has a program named Validate to verify that the VirusScan program the user downloaded is the real one. - Cupertino, CA APPLE LOSING GROUND?? ------------- As usual, Snoop is at it again... Seems to be some real unrest in Macaroon land.... overheard in the ether.... First... If I buy my next Mac OS machine from Gateway and they pay a royalty to Apple, what's so bad? Apple had the chance to license to either Gateway or Micron, but blotched the chance. Apple has continually botched their opportunities, and this latest is the worst sign yet. You'll never buy a Mac OS machine from a mass marketer such as Gateway. Why would anyone license the Mac OS now? You and I both own the betamax of computers. Apple stinks. Then.. there's.. There's a front page story about Apple's new "strategy" for the company's long term prosperity. It seems that they have abandoned their push for increased market share, and will focus on selling more stuff to their installed base. Is it me, or has Apple raised the white flag to Microsoft and Windows? As for the Internet... My point was that, instead of demanding riduculous licensing fees for individual or distribution copies of MacTCP, Apple should be breaking down Netscape's door with offers for co-marketing. Marketing blunders like this are not how one enlarges market share. Snoop sez, that if Apple doesn''t "get the message", they'll be busy making high priced PC Clone within five years and that the MAC OS etc., will be nothing but a fond memory. """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON" """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > A "Quotable Quote" A true "Sign of the Times" """"""""""""""""" WE ARE AFRAID OF WHAT MICROSOFT HAS!!! WAAAA!! LET'S MAKE A FEDERAL CASE OF IT! "Case & Buddies" """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport International OnLine Magazine -* [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport *- HTTP//WWW.ICBA.COM/STREPORT AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE ON OVER 100,000 PRIVATE BBS SYSTEMS """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STR OnLine! 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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 therefrom. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""