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*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---* """"""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" _____________________________________ from STR Publishing Inc. """""""""""""""""" October 07, 1990 No.6.40 ======================================================================= STReport Online Magazine Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32205 ~ 6672 R.F. Mariano Publisher - Editor _________________________________________ Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT BBS: 904-786-4176 USR/HST DUAL STANDARD FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EDT _________________________________________ ** F-NET NODE 350 ** 500mb Online ** STR'S owned & operated support BBS carries ALL issues of STReport Online Magazine and An International list of private BBS systems carrying STReport Online Magazine for their users enjoyment __________________________________________________________________ > 10/07/90: STReport #6.40 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine! ------------------------- - The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - CPU MacNews - Responsible Computing - NE Fest Updates - DC Desktop - Neodesk 3 - VCS Game System? - STR CONFIDENTIAL * ATARI SUPPORTS WAACE FULLY! * * ELIE KENAN PRESENT AT WAACE! * * WAACE EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS! * ========================================================================== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE "Only UP-TO-DATE News and Information" -* FEATURING *- Current Events, Up to Date News, Hot Tips, and Information Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports ========================================================================== STReport's support BBS, NODE # 350 invites systems using Forem ST BBS to participate in Forem BBS's F-Net mail network. Or, call Node 350 direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging ideas about the Atari ST computers through an excellent International ST Mail Network. All SysOps in the F-Net are welcome to join the STR Crossnet Conference the conference code is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is #350. Join Today! ========================================================================== AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH: GENIE ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ CIS ~ F-NET ========================================================================== > The Editor's Podium The WAACE show is in full swing at this time, and is it ever showing all the right moves toward becoming the memorable event of the year in the Atari community. If I ever endorsed attending a show, its this one without hesitation. "Drop what you are doing and zoom right over", oh, I know its not that easy, but this show will really be worth your extra special efforts to make sure you are here to see all the neat stuff!! <drool>..... Please, if you do attend WAACE, enjoy yourself to the max! This is one superb, luxuriously comfortable and very elaborate show! Ralph....... ******************************************************************** IMPORTANT NOTICE! ================= As a reader of STReport Online Magazine, you are entitled to take advantage of a special DELPHI membership offer. For only $29.95 ($20 off the standard membership price!), you will receive a lifetime subscription to DELPHI, a copy of the 500-page DELPHI: THE OFFICIAL GUIDE and over $14 worth of free time. NOTE: Special offers can be found in your favorite Atari magazines: START CURRENT NOTES ST INFORMER ATARI INTERFACE MAGAZINE SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI ====================== Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access DELPHI services via a local phone call. JOIN -- DELPHI -------------- 1. Dial 617-576-0862 with any terminal or PC and modem (at 2400 bps, dial 576-2981). 2. At the Username prompt, type JOINDELPHI. 3. At the Password prompt enter STREPORT. For more information, call DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005, or at 617-491-3393 from within Massachusetts or from outside the U.S. DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, Mass. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT -------------------- Beginning September 1, 1990, DELPHI will begin offering a new plan that will save you money! The new plan is called the 20/20 Advantage Plan and it features 20 hours online for just $20 a month! The $20 is a monthly fee that covers your first 20 hours online via direct dial into one of DELPHI's two direct-access lines, or via a special Tymnet 20/20 Access code. It also gets you additional hours at just $1.20 per hour. And you get free access to several services on DELPHI as part of the Advantage Perks. Other telecom services may have additional charges. Canadian Tymnet users have an additional telecom charge. Office Time access (7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays) may have an additional charge. And of course, other restrictions may apply. But this is still an amazing deal! For more information, contact DELPHI at 1-800-544-4005 and ask for Member Services. DELPHI- It's getting better all the time! ******************************************************************** > CPU REPORT ========== Issue # 86 by Michael Arthur Remember When.... In Late 1983, Microsoft announced the "imminent" release of Micro- soft Windows 1.0, and how Windows 1.0 received a lukewarm reception in the computer industry when it finally shipped 2 years later? Or how it licensed aspects of the Macintosh's User interface from Apple to protect itself from a lawsuit, with Apple signing an agreement that the judge in the subsequent Apple/Microsoft Lawsuit said wasn't written "with the greatest of care?" CPU INSIGHTS ============ NEXT COMPUTERS, SPREADSHEETS, AND STEVE JOBS' NEXT ATTEMPT ---------------------------------------------------------- Part I When Steve Jobs introduced the first NeXT Workstation in 1988, it was praised as a revolutionary advance in desktop computing. Some of the computer industry's new trends, from removable disk cartridges to Unix-based Graphical User Interfaces, gained significant "media attention" from it. However, acceptance of the NeXT was slowed by complaints about its speed and lack of Third-Party support. This, along with Steve Jobs' own "crusade" to sell the NeXT mainly to universities, kept the NeXT Computer itself from becoming popular. Recently, NeXT Inc. introduced its NeXTStation line of computers, which were aimed at rectifying its earlier mistakes. To gain industry support, NeXT's new workstations are targeted at the business market. To stop complaints about its speed, the new NeXTs use a 25 MHZ 68040 chip (with a built-in floating point math unit) that is 3-7 times faster than its old 68030 chip. To end the controversy surrounding its reliance on Optical Cartridges, the NeXTstation Line uses an internal 2.88 Megabyte Floppy Disk Drive and a built-in 105 Meg Hard Drive. Also, to shore up one of the NeXT's greatest weaknesses, the NeXTstation line supports color graphics. The result: NeXT Inc., which only sold 8000 of its old NeXT Computer, has already gotten 15,000 signed orders for its new systems. NeXT's new workstation line consists of NeXTstations, and NeXTCubes. The NeXTstation has a slim "pizza-box" shape, meant for use as a desktop PC, while the NeXTCube is a traditional "12-inch cube", being marketed as a network server. Here is more information on NeXT's new systems: 1) NeXTstation Monochrome System: This has 8 Megs of RAM, and comes with a 1120*832 monochrome resolution. Cost: $5000.00. 2) NeXTcube Monochrome System: Like the original NeXT Computer, this computer has four NuBus Slots and 8 Megs of RAM. It also has a monochrome 1120*832 resolution. Cost: $8000.00. 3) NeXTstation Color System: This version of the NeXTstation has 8 megs of RAM, and can display 4096 colors out of a 16-bit (or 65,536 color) palette. It also has a 1120*832 resolution. Cost: $8000.00. 4) NeXTcube Color System: This version of the NeXTcube has 8 Megs of RAM, can display 4096 colors out of a 16-bit color palette, and has a 1120*832 resolution. Cost: $10,000.00. 5) NeXTcube Plug-in Motherboard: Like the original NeXT Computer, the NeXTcube's motherboard is actually a NuBus Expansion card. As such, NeXT Inc. is selling the NeXTcube's motherboard to owners of the original NeXT Computer, as an upgrade. Cost: $2000.00 Along with its new computers, NeXT Inc. has introduced Version 2.0 of its NeXTStep Operating system. Along with support for its systems' new features, NeXTStep now comes with a version of Display Postscript that can display color and monochrome graphics. Display Postscript is a device- independent imaging model that displays documents and text in a WYSIWYG fashion. Many of the supporters of the old NeXT Computer wanted it to support 24-bit color. In response, NeXT Inc. is selling the NeXTdimension color board for the new systems. The NeXTdimension board can display 16 million colors simultaneously at a 1120*832 resolution, using Intel's 80860 RISC chip as a graphics coprocessor, in order to provide a quick display. It also has video-capture capabilities. Cost: $3000.00. The NeXTdimension board also features real-time image compression, using the CL550 chip, developed by C-Cube Microsystems. The CL550 chip is the first VLSI chip implementation of the JPEG image compression standard. Developed by the ISO and CCITT International standards organizations, the JPEG standard allows graphics images to be compressed up to 1/100th of their normal size. The CL550 can compress still color images in real-time (at a rate of 30 frames per second), and fully implements the JPEG standard. Full-motion, true-color (or 16 million color) animations have previously been very difficult for computers, since such files can easily be several hundred megabytes large. The NeXT dimen- sion board will allow NeXT users to make smooth, realistic true- color animations that consume far less disk space. In Part II of this article, CPU Report will detail the new software available for the new NeXT Workstations.... CPU MacNews =========== ALDUS DESIGN TEAM TARGETS PROFESSIONAL DESIGN MARKET ---------------------------------------------------- Aldus Corp. has introduced the "Aldus Design Team", a bundled set of its Macintosh graphics software. Aimed at the market for professional art design and production, Aldus' package consists of Freehand 2.02 (a Postscript-Based design and illustration program), PrePrint 1.0 (a utility for creating 4-color separations and enhancing images for final printing), and its Pagemaker 4.0 desktop publishing software. Cost: $1300.00, which is $500 less than the three packages would cost separately.... What is unique about the Aldus Design Team is how it is being marketed. With this package, Aldus is positioning its software for use as tools by professional designers and other areas of commercial art. With this collection, the entire graphic-arts process -- from design to layout to production -- is completely integrated. This is the same thing that Desktop Publishing brings to the publishing industry, and many of the tools used in Desktop Publishing can be used in commercial art. Also, by providing a "one-stop-shop", Aldus could make great inroads in converting those shops that don't use microcomputers in their work. > CPU STATUS REPORT ================= - Austin, TX AMD INTRODUCES "PC CLONE IN A CHIP" ---------- Advanced Micro Devices has announced a new VLSI chip that integrates most of the components of a PC AT Motherboard onto a single low-power CMOS chip. Called the Am286ZXT, this device incorporates a CMOS 80286 microprocessor, 2 DMA and 2 interrupt controllers, an AT Bus Interface, and a real-time clock, among other things. It also has a memory controller that supports the LIM EMS 4.0 Expanded memory standard. AMD is selling 12 MHZ and 16 MHZ versions of the Am286ZXT. Cost: $70 for the 12 MHZ model, and $90 for a 16 MHZ Am286ZXT chip. AND will start shipping the Am286ZXT in Early 1991. With this chip, all that a computer manufacturer will need to design an 80286-based PC is a keyboard controller, external memory, and a video display. Since the PC Laptop market is now leaning towards Intel's 80386sx chip, AMD expects its chip to be used in "notebook"-sized computers. For example, companies like Zenith or Atari could use this chip to make 80286-based notebook PCs for less than $750.00. - Chippewa Falls, WI CRAY RESEARCH SHOWS CRAY XMS MINISUPERCOMPUTER ------------------ Cray Research is attempting to make an initial entry into the minisupercomputer market, with the introduction of its new Cray XMS system. Shown during the semiannual conference of the Cray User Group (CUG), the Cray XMS is a 64-bit system that is compatible with the line of Cray X/MP supercomputers. It runs UNICOS (a version of Unix for the Cray X/MP and Y/MP), and can be bought with 32, 64, or 128 Megabytes of RAM standard. The Cray XMS can perform up to 36 million floating point vector operations per second, with peak scalar performance of 18 MFLOPS. Minisupercomputers have great appeal among universities and businesses, many of whom can't afford an ordinary supercomputer. They are also easily maintainable, and (unlike "real" supercomputers) don't require expensive cooling systems. Cray Research will be shipping the Cray XMS next month, for a base price of less than $1 million.... - Topeka, KA DESKTOP "VIDEO TOASTER" SHIPS FOR AMIGA ---------- After nearly five years of development, NewTek Inc. is finally shipping its Video Toaster, a $1600.00 high-end video production board for the Amiga. The Video Toaster features many options found in broadcast video equipment costing $5000 - $10,000, including: 1) 24-bit (16 million color) Frame Buffer, which is able to digitize and display "full color" video images in real-time. Third-Party Amiga software developers are now adapting their graphics programs to allow them to support the Video Toaster's 24-bit graphics mode. 2) Broadcast quality RS-170A Genlock, with support for the NTSC/PAL TV Video Standards. 3) Real-time Digital special effects, such as: - Page Flips and Turns - Frame Grab & Store - Pixelizations - Mosaics and Transpositions - "Fish-Eye" effect - Stop Motion - Character Generation Aimed at the professional broadcaster, NewTek claims that the Video Toaster puts "$100,000 worth of video equipment into a desktop". Company representatives estimate that a complete TV broadcast editing package (with an Amiga 2000, Video Toaster, and an A/B roll editing system) could be put together for less than $10,000. NewTek has now shipped 50 units to ABC, NBC, and other companies on "waiting lists". - Tokyo, Japan TOSHIBA ANNOUNCES 16-MEGABIT DRAM CHIPS ------------ Toshiba Corp. has become the first company to introduce 16-megabit DRAM chips. They will begin shipping samples of these new memory chips early next year. These samples will be made at an existing factory, which now produces nine million 1-Megabit DRAM chips (and a million 4-Megabit DRAM chips) a month. However, Toshiba is now building a new manufacturing facility for the new memory chips, and expects to begin full-scale commercial production of the 16-Megabit DRAMs in 1992. Currently, 4-Megabit DRAM chips are being bought by PC Clone and workstation vendors for their high-end systems. With Toshiba's 16-Megabit DRAMs, one can expect 80486 Workstations with 16-32 Megabytes of RAM to begin appearing within a year. Texas Instruments and Hitachi are also working on 16-Megabit DRAM chips, but have not announced when they will be shipping. __________________________________________________ > WAACE FALL/'90 STR SHOW NEWS THE PREMIER EAST COAST SHOW ============================= For Immediate Release WAACE AtariFest '90 The Washington Area Atari Computer Enthusiasts will hold WAACE AtariFest 1990 on October 6 and 7 1990. This event will be the premier East Coast event for people who are interested in software and hardware for Atari computers. The show will be staged at the Sheraton Reston Hotel in Reston, VA. Show hours will be from 10 am to 7 pm on both days. In addition to the shopping bargains available from approximately thirty vendors there will be a full round of demonstrations, tutorials, and seminars. A banquet on Saturday evening will feature Charles Johnson of CodeHead Software with the topic, "Atari Through the Looking Glass" and Current Notes Magazine's "Author of the Year" award. Special mixers will cap off the evening's festivities. Approximately 3000 visitors from all over the USA, Canada, and other foreign countries attended the 1989 edi- tion of the show. Admission charges are $5 for one day, with a 2-day pass available at $7. A discount rate is available for ticket purchases by user groups. Children under 12 will be admitted free. ATARIFEST '90 VENDOR LIST The following organizations are in the sales area of WAACE AtariFest '90. Alpha Systems Application & Design Software Atari Corp Best Electronics Branch Always Software Chuck Levin Music Center Codehead Software Computer Digest Current Notes, Inc D. A. Brumleve Data Inovations Debonair Software Double Click Software Dr Bobware FAST Technology Frontier Software (UK) Gadgets By Small GEnie Goldleaf Publishing, Inc Gribnif Software ICD ISD Marketing, Inc Joppa Computer Products L & Y Electronics Michtron SLICCware Step Ahead Software, Inc Talon Technology, Inc Toad Computers WizWorks! Zubair, Inc. The reason for the late arrival of this issue is the show, WAACE Fall'90 the show the east coast wait for... It is well worth the wait. The user participation is excellent, Saturday's attendance was greater than anyone's expectations the count for the first day was 2000 people. When I came through the main entrance area the lines went out the front door of the hotel. During the show, I spoke to number of the vendors who have done the "show circuit" this year and they all concurred that they had done more business here in one day than they had during two of the most recent shows combined. This will give you an indication of the levels "feeding frenzy" folks experienced in the east. Yes, Bunky there is a strong marketplace out here. Atari is here in force as promised and the support both in the public eye and behind the scenes was commendable. Atari is beginning to show the long awaited "turn-around". The confidence levels expressed toward E. Kenan are quite high. Most folks are confident that he is the right man that will do the right things. Seminar attendance is very high, the majority of participants are very much interested in the subject matter being offered at these sessions, of note, Bob Brodie's seminar was "standing room only." The STReport seminar was animated with many of the folks in the full room asking questions. The range of discussion included the "future of Atari" and went to Unix and the TT. ISD's Nathan Potechin had a full house too. As he delivered his complete and detailed presentation of the fine ISD products, Calamus and DynaCadd, Nathan found that the folks appreciated his enthusiasm and support and had expressed a wish that Atari learn from him. The audience participation level was excellent. As usual, the most important questions were "when is Atari going to advertise? And when is the dealer network going to be rebuilt?" A full and detailed report of the new products and updates offered by the exhibitors is in the works and will be provided in our next issue. One item of strong interest is the true Multi-tasking system offered by Sliccware. Good stuff. ____________________________________________ > CHARLES JOHNSON'S BANQUET SPEECH A true high point of the show! Good evening, ladies and gentlemen (and Atari fanatics -- who may or may not fit into either of the above categories). I hope everyone's enjoying the show so far, and enjoying your dinners. A lot of chickens and cows made the supreme sacrifice so that we might dine well tonight, and I'd like a minute of silence in their honor. Well, OK. Maybe not a whole minute. When I first came up with a concept for the speech tonight, I was going to draw a complicated parallel between the Atari saga and Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. I pictured Jim Allen as the White Rabbit (if you know Jim, you'll know what a funny image that is...Jim in a bunny suit...), Dave Small as the Mad Hatter, and maybe Sam Tramiel as the Cheshire Cat. As I thought about it some more I realized that Atari itself would make the perfect Alice....only when she got to the part where she had to drink the potion to make her larger, she read the labels wrong and accidentally kept drinking the one that made her smaller, and smaller...and smaller... Anyway, as I thought about this some more, I started to realize that pointing out mistakes we all know about (and there are many) doesn't really do much to help our situation in the Atari community. And besides, I couldn't think of a good person to use for that caterpillar guy that smokes the hookah. This last year has been a very hard one for Atari users and developers; there were several months at the beginning of the year when absolutely NO product was coming out of Sunnyvale, and many dealers were forced to close their doors because they simply couldn't get computers to sell. At the Glendale show last month, I talked to a charming old gentleman who bought a T-shirt from us. He explained that he would have loved to buy something else, but he had no money to spare....because the Atari store he used to work at had closed, and he had lost his job. He looked at me with sad eyes and said, "I'm sure you know what I mean." So what does help our situation? Sarcastic tirades against Atari execs? endless conferences on Genie? a bottle of great chardonnay? Well, all of these things have their place, but I'm not sure they're going to solve anything. It seems to me that what the Atari world needs more than ever right now is a clear vision of the future. There are some developments on the horizon that are going to pose great challenges for Atari in the months to come. Apple has awoken from its long, sated slumber and decided that they just might be interested in the home market after all; they've announced no less than three new low-cost Macintoshes, starting at about $1000. Steve Jobs has announced a new model of the NeXT computer that will have a color display, and sell for a much lower price. And of course, Windows 3.0 is making rapid strides toward a total takeover of the IBM world. The unique quality of the Atari line of computers has always been its combination of a high performance, user-friendly interface (the GEM operating system) with a very low price tag. But both of these advantages may soon be stripped away, because the big boys have woken up and noticed our niche. It remains to be seen whether Atari is going to be able to muster the combination of planning, dedication, and vision that it will need to even hold on to its present small share of the market. Perhaps the new leadership will be able to get things back on track...and perhaps not. Unfortunately, my crystal ball gets very cloudy when I ask it this question. Many Atari developers are starting to look at other platforms for their products, and my company, CodeHead Software, is no exception. We're working on Mac and PC versions, not because we love those systems (we don't), but because of simple economics, and the simple need to keep putting food on the table. We're NOT planning to abandon the Atari market...but it's gotten harder and harder to stay in business, with all of our eggs in one basket. Atari still does have one edge left, however...the incredible loyalty and dedication of its users. You won't find a more passionate group of computer users on any other platform; Atari people care about their computer, they care about the decisions made in Sunnyvale, and they're not reluctant to say so....loudly and in as many places as possible. So what does loyalty and dedication have to do with Big Business? How can our passion translate into useful effective choices that serve both the users and the manufacturer? What does involvement and committment mean in the bigger picture? There are some signs that things may be changing on the Atari side. There's a new president (Elie Kenan), who just may turn out to be the new broom that sweeps clean. There are rumors of new product announcements coming at Comdex that will surprise the industry the same way the announcement of the ST surprised everyone back in 1985. And Atari seems to be much more committed to its developer support program than at any time in the past. On the software developer's side, one important occurrence has been the formation of the Independent Association of Atari Developers (known as the IAAD). This group shows promise of becoming an invaluable resource for software manufacturers, giving them a forum for discussion of issues, a united voice with which to speak to Atari, and a way to approach some of the problems that still plague our community....like the grim spectre of software piracy. It seems that there just might be hope for a mutually supportive environment to develop. What we, as Atari users, can do to help this happen is to keep speaking out, to keep protesting when we feel something is wrong, and to keep coming up with ideas and suggestions to help Atari along the road to success. The past year may have been rough...but the coming year is gonna be a doozy! Atari's going to have to be very quick on its feet to survive the Apple and IBM market blitzes that are imminent. Apathy has never been a problem...at least on the user's side. But now, it's more important than ever for each and every one of us to think carefully about our own personal commitment to Atari, and our own vision of its future....and to speak out about it, loudly and sincerely. So in closing, I'd like to leave you with a short prayer. Our users, who art in Germany Vanishing be thy name Thy TT come, thy Lynx be fun If you can find a local dealer Purchase this day our daily disk And forgive us our bugs As we disembowel those who pirate our software Lead us not into Cupertino But deliver us from evil MS-DOS For thine is the Fuji And the power without the price For ever and ever (or until the warranty expires) Return. _________________________________________________________ > DC DESKTOP STR InfoFile DESKTOP REPLACEMENT ======================= Feature for feature, DC Desktop is the best buy available! In case you aren't aware of what DC Desktop already has to offer, here is a brief synopsis: + Place program icons directly on the GEM desktop - even documents! + NOW desktop folder icons; open a folder directly, no more searching + Execute program icons by double clicking or by pressing a 'hot key' + Chain program execution - when one exits, another runs + Extended parameter passing + Unique file, drive and folder icons + Color icons + Exclusive CABINET virtual disk drive - store files from anywhere in your system in one location - A desktop in a window! + Keystroke equivalents for the desktop menus + Call up desk accessories with a key press + Load or save up to 11 different desktops with a keypress! + Load or save up to 11 different CABINETs with a keypress! + Exclusive SHOW replacement modules - replace the system SHOW file routine with several modules that: - View text, 1st Word or Word Writer files (complete mouse control!) - View Degas, Degas compressed, NEO, ART, Tiny, Spectrum (normal, compressed and smooshed), image and Macintosh MacPaint pictures view any picture in any resolution! - Verbose list or extract ARC files - More modules on the way! + Replace the desktop with a picture or pattern, even randomizes either one! + A _completely_ recoverable TRASH to safe-guard your files + A printer spooler which spools normal printing, screen dumps, and even works like a printer queue which you can copy files to or delete files from. + Close to 100 never-before-seen icons + An icon editor which allows you to import icons from different files; the icon editor is more like a paint program with a host of special tools. + Call up the file selector with a key press + Completely modular - save valuable system memory! + All modules can run as stand-alone programs with a simple key press - no need to use memory to access all features! + A command line interface + A terminal program + A folder sorter + Special hooks to work best with Quick ST 2.2 + 100% pure assembly language - FAST, FAST, FAST! + Completely _open_ architecture with examples and technical information so you can hook into the DC Desktop, create your own SHOW modules, or create special RAM resident programs - all information included in the package + Even more! + One _completely_ LOW price of $39.95 DC Desktop offers features of dozens of current ST software, all which sell for more than DC Desktop alone! ========================================================================= The Double Click Software DC Desktop has been upgraded to version 1.2 Owners of version 1.0 may uprgade to version 1.2 for $15.00 This cost covers the new manual $7.50 and the new disk and programs $7.50 If you do not wish to purchase the new manual, you may buy only the disk. We strongly recommend you purchase the new 88 page manual. To upgrade, send in your original disk plus the required amount _and_ $3.00 for shipping and handling. If you do not wish to return your original disk, or have lost your orig- inal disk, include an extra $5.00 with your order. You must be registered with us to order the upgrade. If you have not sent in your registration card, you can do so with the upgrade order. If you are a resident of TEXAS, include 8.25% sales tax. Update prices at a glance: -------------------------- New disk alone $ 7.50 New disk and lost disk fee $12.50 New disk and new manual $15.00 New disk, new manual and lost disk fee $20.00 Shipping and handling $ 3.00 TEXAS residents add 8.25% on total The New DC Desktop v1.2 features include: ----------------------------------------- + Folders on the desktop: open folder directly, copy/move directly to desktop folder icon + Color icons for all icons + Unique icons for all folders possible + Position drive letters anywhere within the icon + Random bootup picture + Random bootup pattern + Added features in DC Icon Editor + DC Terminal program now included + Folder sort program included + Brand new "point and click" 88 page manual. Very easy to follow, all instructions explained in a simple step-by-step fashion. + Diablo emulator compatible + All bugs have been squashed + more If you have questions, or you wish to place an order by phone, please call us today at: (713)977-6520 We accept VISA and MASTERCARD orders. We can also be reached online On GEnie: DOUBLE-CLICK On CompuServe (GO ATARIV, vendor area 13 (very shortly)) 75300,577 On Usenet: uace0@menudo.uh.edu On our BBS: (713)944-0108 ********************************************************************** :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT: _________________________________ To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN. **** SIGN UP FEE WAIVED **** The system will now prompt you for your information. -> NOW! GENIE STAR SERVICE IS IN EFFECT!! <- THE GENIE ATARI ST ROUNDTABLE - AN OVERVIEW ___________________________________________ The Roundtable is an area of GEnie specifically set aside for owners and users of Atari ST computers, although all are welcome to participate. There are three main sections to the Roundtable: the Bulletin Board, the Software Library and the Real Time Conference area. The Bulletin Board contains messages from Roundtable members on a variety of Topics, organized under several Categories. These messages are all Open and available for all to read (GEnie Mail should be used for private messages). If you have a question, comment, hot rumor or an answer to someone else's question, the Bulletin Board is the place to share it. The Software Library is where we keep the Public Domain software files that are available to all Roundtable members. You can 'download' any of these files to your own computer system by using a Terminal Program which uses the 'XMODEM' file-transfer method. You can also share your favorite Public Domain programs and files with other Roundtable members by 'uploading' them to the Software Library. Uploading on GEnie is FREE, so you are encouraged to participate and help your Roundtable grow. The Real Time Conference is an area where two or more Roundtable members may get together and 'talk' in 'real-time'. You can participate in organized conferences with special guests, drop in on our weekly Open COnference, or simply join in on an impromptu chat session. Unlike posting messages or Mail for other members to read at some later time, everyone in the Conference area can see what you type immediately, and can respond to you right away, in an 'electronic conversation'. ********************************************************************** > Stock Market ~ STReport Watching the Scheckles.. "Scheckle" ======================= THE TICKERTAPE ============== by Michael Arthur On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the price of Atari stock stayed the same. On Thursday, the price of Atari stock went down 1/4 of a point, and was down another 1/4 of a point on Friday. Finishing up the week at $2.50 a share, the price of Atari's stock had gone down 1/2 of a point since September 21, 1990. Apple Stock was down 2 1/2 points from Friday, September 21, 1990. Commodore Stock was down 1/8 of a point from 9/21/90. IBM Stock was down 3/8 of a point from 9/21/90. Stock Report for Week of 9/24/90 to 9/28/90 __________________________________________________________________________ STock| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Reprt|Last Chg.|Last Chg.|Last Chg.|Last Chg.|Last Chg.| -----|--------------|-------------|------------|------------|------------| Atari| 3 ---- | 3 ---- | 3 ---- |2 3/4 -1/4|2 1/2 -1/4| | | | | | 59,900 Sls | -----|--------------+-------------+------------+------------+------------| CBM |4 5/8 - 1/8|4 7/8 + 1/4| 5 + 1/8|4 3/4 -1/4|4 5/8 -1/8| | | | | |150,700 Sls | -----|--------------+-------------+------------+------------+------------| Apple|30 1/4 -1 1/4| 30 - 1/4|29 3/4 -1/4|28 1/4 | 29 + 3/4| | | | | -1 1/2|1,571,800 # | -----|--------------+-------------+------------+------------+------------| IBM | 105 - 1 3/4|106 3/8 |105 3/8 - 1|104 3/8 - 1|106 3/8 + 2| | | +1 3/8| | |1,975,100 # | -----'-------------------------------------------------------------------' '#' and 'Sls' refer to the # of stock shares that were traded that day. 'CBM' refers to Commodore Corporation. _________________________________________________________ > RESPONSIBLE COMPUTING STR Feature "extoll the virtues of computers" ================================= COMPUTER LEARNING MONTH by Hank Vize What? A month designated to extoll the virtues of computers in Educat- ion? Nah. Never heard of it. Well it's true. Each October, for the past four years, the Computer Learning Foundation has sponsored computer competitions, computers in education awareness events, and educator curriculum challenges. This year the Foundation has enlisted the Chipmunks as their official "Spokesmunks". They have also found a non-computer corporate partner, Del Monte Snack Cups, to provide special offers to parents and Schools on software programs approved by the Foundation. (more on this subject later) Once again IBM, Apple, and Tandy will be offering systems as prizes. Apple will offer Eight Grand prizes, Macintosh computer systems, to the Schools that offers the best plans of integrating technology in the classroom. IBM will offer four systems, IBM System 2/Model 25,to the Schools that submit the best Science lesson plan. Twelve more IBM systems as Grand prizes to help kids "Key into Responsible Computing". Tandy will supply Twelve model 1000/2 computers to schools that help kids "Key into Multi-Media" in the classroom. Three Grand prizes will be awarded in the Certified Schools Sweepstakes. One of each of the afore mentioned sys- tems. There are also several School - Community contests with complete computer systems as prizes. The Foundation is endorsed by the Stated Departments of Forty-Eight states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and Four Canadian provinces Minsitries of Education. Other organizations have endorsed the program. The following is a partial list. The American Federation of Teachers, Association For Child- ren & Adults with learning disabilities, ACM, EDUCOM, Boys Clubs of Ameri- ca, Girls Incorporated, National Catholic Educational Association, Nation- al Education Association, National PTA, and the National School Boards Association. Corporate sponsors are numerous. Computer Companies, Software Publish- ers, Publications, and educationally minded corporations create a list too long to mention here. (Atari Corp not listed) The Foundation offers Computer Learning Materials for Educators. Lesson Plan Books for grades K through 12, ($6.00 ea). They also have a Special Education Lesson Plan Book ($6.00). Also offerred is a Telecom- munications Guide ($10.00)and The University Software Resource Guide ($1.00). Materials are also available for parents. The "Parent Pack" consists of "Everything You Need to Know (But Were Afraid to Ask Kids) About Computer Learning", "Preparing for a Career in the 21st Century", and "Family Activities Guide" ($4.00 per packet). This year, the Foundations' theme is "Responsible use of Technology". The Computer Learning Foundation has adopted the following "Code of Respo- sible Computing". RESPECT FOR PRIVACY I will respect others' right to privacy. I will only access, look in or use other individuals', organizations', or companies' information on computer or through telecommunications if I have the permission of the individual, organization or company who owns the information. RESPECT FOR PROPERTY I will respect others' property. I will only make changes to or delete computer programs, files or information that belong to others, if I have been given permission to do so by the person, organization or company who owns the program, file or information. RESPECT FOR OWNERSHIP I will respect others' rights to ownership and to earn a living for their work. I will only use computer software, files or information which I own or which I have been given permission to borrow. I will only use software programs which have been paid for or are in the public domain. I will only make backup copy of computer programs I have purchased or written and will only use it if my original program is damaged. I will only make copies of computer files and information that I own or have written. I will only sell computer programs which I have written or have been authorized to sell by the author. I will pay the developer or publisher for any shareware programs I decide to use. RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND THE LAW I will only use computers, software and related technologies for purposes that are beneficial to others, that are not harmful (physically, financially, or otherwise) to others or others' property, and that are within the law. Quite interesting.... The above code would probably do well in all UserGroup's bylaws. You may be thinking all the above sounds wonderful, but I'm an Atari ST owner. Is there is anything for me? Yes! To my knowledge, this is the first year that THERE IS SOMETHING FOR THE ATARI OWNER thanks to Del Monte. As mentioned near the beginning of this article, Del Monte Snack Cups is offering a special software promotion and it includes some ST software. I'm not sure where the Thanks should go. The Foundation, Del Monte, or the software publishers that have brought us this opportunity. I do hope that the Atari community will respond by participating and possibly shed new light on our beloved computer. The following titles are available at up to 50% off the retail price. From Sierra, Mixed-up Mother Goose, Kings Quest IV. Spectrum Holobyte: Tetris. Data East: North and South. Lucasfilm Games: Maniac Mansion, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Advanced Gravis: Switch Joystick. I know the list is not long. But to be included at all is a plus. To receive the learning materials, write to the following address and request a Computer Learning Month booklet. Computer Learning Foundation P.O. Box 60007 Palo Alto, CA 94306-0007 To receive the Del Monte Snack Cups family software and accessories catalog. Send $1.00 to: Del Monte Snack Cup Catalog P.O. Box 1636 Young America, MN 55394-1636 The Computer Learning Foundation is an international non-profit educational organization based in Palo Alto, California. The Foundation is dedicated to increasing computer competency among youth by providing programs and materials to assist parents and teachers. To these fine folks.. We all thank you for your efforts and especially, a big "thank you" for including the Atari computers in your program. ________________________________________________________________ > AMNESTY OFFER! STR InfoFile GETTIN' ON THE RIGHT TRACK! =========================== CALLING ALL ATARI ST PIRATES! GET LEGAL If you have been -- ahem -- "trying out" a copy of Migraph's superb image editor software, Touch-Up, for the Atari ST, we're gonna let you come clean. Go straight. Lose the stigma. Clear your conscience. Come back to the fold. Touch-Up is quite simply a great image editing and scanning package. That's why people have been "trying it out." In return for making yourself an honest user, we'll make it worth your while. It's very easy. HERE'S ALL THERE IS TO IT: 1. Send us the disk that has your illegal copy of Touch-Up for the Atari ST (sorry, no phone orders). We honestly don't care where it came from, and we promise not to dust the disk for prints. _No questions asked._ 2. Include a check, money order, Visa or MasterCard number (with expiration date) for $79.97 (US) payable to 'Migraph Inc.' 3. Migraph will send you a nice, fresh Atari ST disk still warm from our duplication department, with the absolute latest version of Touch-Up for the Atari ST, complete with a brand new User Manual. It really is gratifying to tear open shrink wrap, and can't you just smell the fresh ink on the pages? After you've received your new Touch-Up package, you will be a fully legal, registered owner of Touch-up, entitled to all the rights and privi- leges thereof. To wit: * Technical support by phone * Newsletters full of tips and tricks * Upgrade privileges * Special offers and discounts Migraph offers only to our registered users. THIS OFFER EXPIRES DECEMBER 1, 1990. All will be forgiven, so hold your head high. Get legal with Migraph. And never again feel guilty about double-clicking Touch-Up. Migraph Inc. 200 South 333rd Street, Suite 220 Federal Way, WA 98003 (206) 838-4677 *********************************************************************** NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME to the Readers of; STREPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE """""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY! CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198 You will receive your complimentary time and be online in no time at all! ATARI ST ARTS FORUM An overview The Atari ST Arts Forum is comprised of a set of communication tools which together create a unique environment where you can exchange information with a whole community (located in different parts of the world) who share your interest in the exchange of information and programs relating to Atari ST graphics and entertainment (games). The Atari ST Arts Forum, like all CompuServe Forums, is comprised of the following major areas: MESSAGES The Message Board of this Forum is where you will find many people corresponding with each other on a 24 hour basis. Being that message correspondence does not require you to be online at the same time as the person you are exchanging messages with, you can log-on at any convenient time to read your waiting messages and reply to them in order to keep a conversation on-going. This is one of the best methods for meeting new people from all different types of backgrounds and who are located in different parts of the world Enter "MES" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the Message Center. LIBRARIES The Libraries section of the Forum is a resource area containing thousands of programs, text files, picture files, help files, and text files such as past transcripts from online national conferences, professional reports, news, and reviews. Most text material can be read online or downloaded to your computer system for lasting reference. Our Libraries are also filled with a wide assortment of Public Domain and Shareware entertainment and graphics-related programs which will make your ST do some unbelievable things! Enter "LIB" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the Forum's Libraries. CONFERENCING Electronic Conference Rooms are areas where members gather for "live" conversation. You may find several members engaged in a regularly scheduled meeting or participating in a special conference hosted by a guest speaker. Impromptu Conferences among Forum members are always welcome! In addition, watch the News Flash and Conference Announcements for information on any scheduled Conferences. Enter "CON" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the Forum's Conference Center. ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements are written by the Forum Sysops and are designed to keep you apprised of any scheduled events, hot topics, new uploads, and other useful information pertaining to the Atari Community in general or the Forum. There are two announcements that are automatically displayed if you haven't read the latest update. The News Flash Announcement is displayed when you first enter the Forum, and the Conference Announcement is displayed when you first enter the Conferencing area. There are other announcements that are available for reading from the ANNOUNCEMENTS menu. These announcements include: The General Announcement, Message Announcement, Library Announcement, Membership Announcement, Sysop Roster Announcement, and New Member Announcement. Enter "ANN" at any Forum "!" prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the Announcements Section. MEMBERSHIP INTEREST DIRECTORY The Member Directory is an area where members voluntarily enter their interests or seek out other Forum members who share your interests. If you are in menu mode, you will be greeted with the Member Directory menu, which lists several choices for using the Member Directory. If you are in "Command Mode" (non-menu mode), you will be greeted with the "Member Directory !" prompt. Enter "MEM" at the main Forum menu/command prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the Member Directory. USER OPTIONS AREA The User Options area is where you can custom-tailor Forum and Messages Options to your preference. After making changes in the options area, you will be given the chance to make the changes permanent or temporary for session only. Any change made to the NAME, SECTIONS, or HIGH msg read options are considered permanent changes automatically by the Forum Software. Of course, you can always make changes to these options again if you change your mind. Enter "OPT" at any Forum "!" command prompt or select the appropriate menu choice to access the User Options area. Forum Manager/SYSOP and contract holder for all of the Atari Forums on CompuServe, including the Atari ST Arts and Entertainment Forum, is: Ron Luks [76703,254] Assisting Ron in the maintenance of the Atari Forums are: Mike Schoenbach [76703,4363]** Dave Groves [76703,4223]** Charles McGuinness [76701,11]** David Ramsden [76703,4224]** Dan Rhea [76703,4364]** Bill Aycock [76703,4061]** Dick Brudzynski [76703,2011] Don LeBow [76704,41] Keith Joins [76702,375] Bob Retelle [71550,3312]** All the assistant Sysops marked with an "**" in the above list are responsible for overseeing all the areas of the Atari ST Arts and Entertainment Forum, including the message board, the libraries, the announcements, and the conference area. NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE *********************************************************************** > The Flip Side STR Feature A "different" viewpoint ========================= A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT by Michael Lee With the WAACE show this weekend, I know we're going to be hearing of a bunch of new products, both software and hardware, for our ST's. It looks as if this is going to be THE show of the season. If you you have a chance, stop by and take a look at what's going on. I think it will be enough to even impress the "gloom and doomers". I'm sorry I missed last week (did you even miss me?), but I hope I have enough good on-line gossip this week to more than make up for it. I'll start you out with a couple of posts from Bob Brodie.... ---------------- The TT Monitor will support the ENTIRE group of ST resolutions, as well as the new TT Low (320x480) 256 colors and the TT Medium (640x480) 16 colors. The only reason that you would need to have two monitors for the TT, is if you absolutely have to run 1280x960. We will sell a new Moniterm like monitor for the TT...(if you want to buy a TT) you'll have to wait until COMDEX, November 12-16, 1990....We'll have them there, no problem. (From Bob Brodie, Atari User Group Co-ordinator - GEnie) ---------------- John Russell at JRI has done it again. He has a product out called STacy RAM that will allow you to replace the board with the ram in the Stacy with another board that will use SIMMS to do RAM upgrades. I saw it last night at the San Leandro Computer Club. He and I both gave a presentation to the club. He went on first, showed his board, one of the guys in the club had a Stacy-1 there that he wanted to upgrade. John had his board installed, up and running before I was finished with my talk. (From Bob Brodie,Atari User Group Co-Ordinator - GEnie) --------------- I've noticed the recent thread about Unix for the TT. From Usenet comes Mint, a tos multi-tasking prg with utilities and sample shell. Here's a copy of the release. (From Kent Cavagnah, Atari West BBS, Atari 16/32 bit Conference) Press Release: Here are the binaries for MiNT, a single user multitasking extension to TOS (the sources are being posted to comp.sources.atari.st). MiNT provides a number of facilities that are limited or lacking in other multi-tasking environments for the ST, including: -- pipes, named fifo's, and pseudo-ttys -- signals, including kill(), signal(), sigsetmask(), and sigblock() system calls -- process groups and job control -- resource limits -- process priorities -- fork() and vfork() system calls -- new devices: midi, null, mouse (Sun-compatible), tty, and fd0-fd2 (for accessing stdin, stdout, and stderr through the filesystem); these, and the normal con, aux, and prn devices are accessible through files on a fake drive V: -- processes are available through drive X:; deleting a process kills it, and they may be renamed just like TOS files -- all system calls are accessible through the GEMDOS, BIOS, and XBIOS traps, so it should be easy to write MiNT programs with any existing ST compiler -- supports the TOS 1.4 "fastload" bit, CTRL-ALT-DEL for rebooting, and fixes some TOS bugs (including the infamous I/O redirection bug) MiNT can run GEM programs, but no more than 1 at a time (you can have a GEM program and several "plain" TOS programs running simultaneously). You can run MiNT as an AUTO folder application, or stand-alone. This is a problem with GEM, not MiNT; other window managers don't have this problem, e.g., the MGR window system from Bellcore runs under MiNT, and the X window system should also run okay. Also, MiNT is freeware, *not* a commercial product or shareware; and the source code is available. I would encourage people to tinker with it, improve it, and fix bugs. My hope is that MiNT can become a reliable alternative to TOS for people who want a more Unix like environment. Eric R. Smith email: Dept. of Mathematics ersmith@uwovax.uwo.ca University of Western Ontario ersmith@uwovax.bitnet London, Ont. Canada N6A 5B7 ph: (519) 661-3638 ---------------- Question from Richard Fingers on GEnie: Hello fellow GFA users! I talked to my dealer about the 3.5 upgrade but he said he hadn't heard anything about it and could not even get the 3.0 version anymore. I showed him the messages (from GEnie) but he still didn't know anything. Will 3.5 be available commercially (i.e. disk and NEW manual in same package)? Answer from Rick Taylor on GEnie: Your dealer was probably only aware that Antic no longer held the rights to GFA 3.0 and thus assumed that he could no longer get the product. The new 3.5 version is already for sale at the better Atari dealers. I've seen the package (including UK manual for interpreter and compiler) for $100-$130 at some of the dealers local to us here in Southern California. The upgrade kit should be available now; Computer Network in Glendale CA, said that they expected their shipment of kits to arrive any day now. If you would like more information from them, their phone number is 818/500- 3900. Talk to Mark. Answer from Norm Weinress on GEnie: Tell your dealer that the upgrades are being distributed by Pacific Software. If they don't know who that is, they ain't an Atari ST dealer! ---------------- Until next week..... ___________________________________________________________ > NEODESK 3 !STR InfoFile "A WELCOME ENHANCEMENT!" ======================= NEODESK 3 THE REAL ALTERNATIVE! =============================== OVERVIEW -------- NeoDesk 3 is a complete replacement for the built-in desktop that comes with the Atari. It is the easiest and most affordable way to rea- lize your Atari's true potential. NeoDesk 3 adds many new features and enhancements over the original desktop, while keeping full compatibility with your current and future software. Not only will your computer be more powerful, it will also be much easier to use. It doesn't get any simpler. NeoDesk 3 is the ultimate upgrade for your Atari ST. INSTALLATION ------------ NeoDesk 3 can easily be installed so that it comes up whenever you turn on the computer. OUTSTANDING FEATURES -------------------- NeoDesk has "JILLIONS" of new features and enhancements available, this is only a few of the more outstanding features we found to be superb..: o FILE CLIPBOARD Store files and folders temporarily in memory while changing floppy disks, paths, or reorganizing your hard disk. You can think of it sort of an automatically expanding and shrinking ramdisk. The File Clipboard grows and shrinks according to the files you place within it. o DESKTOP NOTES Write important notes, numbers, or doodle right on the desktop itself! Simply double-click on the desktop itself and a cursor will appear. [Esc] clears the line. o DESKTOP ICONS Place commonly used programs, files, and folders directly on the desktop. You can then select the icon and use "Install Desktop Icon..." to rename the icon and assign a unique key to it. Selecting that key will select and open the icon. o CUSTOM ICONS Assign different icons (each with its OWN COLOR) to any file or fol- der. This makes it much easier to locate and manage them. Many icons are included, with more available. And of course, you may create your own Icons or use the Icons from earlier versions. o ICON EDITOR This multiple window Icon Editor lets you edit and modify custom icons for any file or folder. Includes a complete set of drawing tools. Select "Edit Icons..." to call it. Double-click on any icon to edit it, on the desktop to edit it. This editor is far superior to any Icon editor I have used, including the older version from Gribnif. o SPLIT-WINDOWS Easily split a window so that it will display two different parts of the same directory. Very useful when copying or manipulating files. To do this, drag the "Split Window Bar" under the window information line to any window position. o "SELECT ALL" ABILITY A new window button (left of the bottom horizontal bar) lets you select all the files in a single directory, even if they don't fit in the window. You can even keep files selected while you scroll the window to a new location by holding down the [Shift] key. o INDEPENDENT WINDOWS Each window can be set to display text or icons, independently of each other. Each window can even have its own sorting and text options. The new button at the lower left corner of the window toggles a window between text or icons. o SMART FILE COPYING No more useless disk swaps. In a very efficient and fast manner, as many files and folders that will fit into all the available memory are read in at once. Especially nice for hard drives, this feature is a real benefit for all hard drive users. o SMART DISK COPYING NeoDesk 3 can intelligently detect the type of format used on the original disk and format the destination disk the exact same way. You can even copy identical hard disk partitions. o FULL MACRO IMPLEMENTATION Automate any series of desktop operations like opening windows, copying or deleting files, executing programs, etc. Then assign them to any key on the keyboard. Select the menu entry once to start recording and a second time to end recording. Does not record inside of running programs or in dialog boxes. o ACTIVE ICONS Drag any group of files to any program icon and that program will be automatically executed with all the selected files as parameters. o SEARCH FILES Easily search your system for that missing file. When found it will open a window to it, scroll to the file, and select it. o FILE TEMPLATES Up to six file templates are supported. For example, you could have a single window display all files ending in both ".TXT" and ".DOC" endings. o DISK FORMATTING You can specify 9 or 10 sector format, number of tracks, and even use the newer "Twister" option. o REORDER MODE You can easily reorder any directory on your system. Select it once to enter the reorder mode, a second time to exit it. o ENHANCED FILE "SHOW" Neodesk 3 is able to display Degas, Degas Elite, and NeoChrome pic- tures. Right mouse button goes forward a page, left mouse button back a page. o ENHANCED INSTALL APPLICATION You can select the type of application you are using, if NeoDesk should unload for it or not, and more. o SUPERB DIABLO MANAGEMENT The Diablo Emulator purrs like as kitten with Neodesk 3, just drag a file or a number of files to the LASER PRINTER ICON and they will be printed. Has a 'form feed' in the drop down menu if needed. COMMENTS -------- NeoDesk 3.01 has many other features many of which were barely touched upon here. Features like a NEW ENHANCED Control Panel with its own screen saver and corner clock, Printer Queue, Print Directory function, and much more. NeoDesk 3 comes with a superb, well written 140 page illustrated instruction manual, two disks, several extra utilities (one can even replace the system fonts!), and a recoverable trashcan for NeoDesk. The FORMAT AND FILE COPY functions in Neodesk 3 are so unique they even remove the boredom of these mundane everyday tasks by providing information relative to the task and it is constantly updated. This is a very nice touch. The Gribnifs have really outdone themselves on this one! This version is equal to if not better than TOS 2.0. How to Order ------------ To order your own personal copy of NeoDesk 3 for $69.95, Please call the TOLL FREE ORDER LINE: 1-800-284-4742. You will receive ** FREE ** 2nd Day Air shipping. If you have any questions at all, or comments about the NEW NEODESK 3.01, you may reach us at: Voice: (413) 584-7887 Fax: (413) 584=2565 Gribnif Software P.O. Box 350 Hadley, MA 01035 U.S.A. __________________________________________________________________ > NEW ENGLAND ATARIFEST '90 STR SHOW NEWS ======================================= //////NEW ENGLAND ATARIFEST '90\\\\\\ STATUS REPORT Confirmed to exhibit as of Sept.- Oct. 1990 ////////////////////MANUFACTURERS, DEVELOPERS, ETC.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ o Atari Corporation (U.S.) o Gribnif Software Sunnyvale, CA Northampton, MA Bob Brodie Rick Flashman, Dan Wilga & Tricia Metcalf o Beta-Cad North Attleboro, MA o Bill Jensen Dick Barlik Jamaica Plain, MA o Codehead Software o Chor-Ming Lung Los Angeles, CA Boston, MA John Eidsvoog o Dr. T's Music Software o Taylor Ridge Books Boston, MA Manchester, CT Al Hospers Clayton Walnum o Fast Technology o TidBit Software Engineering North Andover, MA Maynard, MA Jim Allen Jeff Lomicka /////////////////////////////////DEALERS\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ o Bit Bucket Computer Store o Granite Computers West Newton, MA Nashua, NH o Computer Bug o Micro National Hadley, MA Danvers, MA o Computer Zone o Syntronics Computer Center North Attleboro, MA Boston, MA o ERM Electronic Liquidators Melrose, MA ///////////////////////////////USER GROUPS\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ o Atari UG of Greater Hartford o Rhode Island ACE Hartford, CT Providence, RI o BCS/Atari o South Shore Atari Group Boston, MA Hyde Park, MA o Nashoba Valley Atari Users' Soc. o S.T.A.R.R. Acton-Boxboro, MA New Haven, CT o N. Attleboro Atari Computer Club o Valley Atari ST North Attleboro, MA Methuen, MA /////////////////////////SEMINARS (TITLES TENTATIVE)\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ 0915 "GEnie STAR*SERVICES" Darlah Pine, GEnie Atari RoundTables 1000 "COLOR DTP WITH PAGESTREAM", "TRACKER/ST" Nevin Shalit, Step Ahead Software 1100 "CALAMUS AND OUTLINE ART" Nathan Potechin, ISD Marketing, Inc. 1300 "NEODESK 3: THE ULTIMATE DESKTOP" Rick Flashman, Gribnif Software 1400 "WHATEVER COMES TO MIND" Jim Allen, Fast Technology 1500 "ATARI SPEAKS" Bob Brodie, Atari Computer (U.S.) /////////////////////////////ACCOMODATIONS\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Susse Chalet Boston $43.70/night single 900 Morrissey Boulevard $47.70/night double Dorchester, MA Phone (617) 287-9200 ///////////////////////////SHOW INFORMATION\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Location: UMass/Boston Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm Harbor Campus Dorchester, MA Admission: $5.00 Date: October 27, 1990 Free Parking /////////////////////////////FOR MORE INFO\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ o GEnie: Email D.JACOBSON2 o DELPHI: Email DPJ or NORMAN238 ST RT Cat 11 Top 20 ATARI/SSAG sig, DELPHI/Boston o BCS/Atari BBS (24h, 3/12/24/96) o N.E. AtariFest '90 info-line (617) 396-4607 (617) 527-4952 (recording) o Write: New England AtariFest '90 c/o Boston Computer Society One Center Plaza Boston, MA 02108 Tables are still available ($150 single, $275 double, $35 UG single). Address inquiries to any of the sources listed above. Make checks payable to Boston Computer Society, and send to the address above. _______________________________________________________________ > STReport CONFIDENTIAL "ALWAYS WITH ATARI NEWS FIRST!" ===================== - Berkshire, UK ATARI UK ROLLS OUT 520 STE BUNDLING DEAL SLASHED ------------- Atari UK has debuted its bundling deal with the 520 STe machine as the foundation in a promotion that gives away 300 UKP worth of software bun- dled with the machine for a price tag of 399 UKP. Also, SDL, Atari's main PC distributor has slashed pricing on Atari's range of PCs. The company claims this move makes the Atari PCs the most competitive on the market. The promotional bundle is called the Atari 520 STe Turbo personal computer pack, the Atari UK bundling deal includes the 520 STe; a Basic programming language package, Hyperpaint 2; Music Maker 2; Dragons Breath and Indiana Jones and the Lost Crusade. The package goes on sale through Atari's UK dealers from the beginning of next month. - London, UK ATARI UK ANNOUNCES RETURN TO OLD GAME CONSOLES ---------- Atari UK has announced that at least 20 new software cartridges for its VCS games console system will ship this Autumn. Atari claims that the games are indicative of that fact that there has been a massive revival of interest in Atari game consoles. Atari further states that its game con- soles have an installed userbase of 1.5 million users world-wide, a figure Atari hopes to increase by another 200,000+ users in the UK alone this year. The first group of five game cartridges have been preview released to the UK press. They include, Meltdown, Motorpsycho, Ikari Warriors, Basket Brawl and Mat Mania Challenge. - Sunnyvale, CA NEW BOX FOR THE TT030 WITH MANY VME SLOTS ------------- tony@raid5.uucp (Tony Andrews) writes: Could you give me some more specifics about the VME on the TT? Is it a 6U card cage? How many slots are available? How much power is available? Are A24/D16 and A16/D8 the only supported modes? (A16/D16 would be nice.) Is host memory accessible by VME bus masters? Reply; I misspoke: A16/D16 is available. There is only one slot, but I have seen a new box for the TT030 with many VME slots -- this was from another company, in Germany, but it proves it can be done. I think the internal slot is half-Eurocard, 3U. If I'm abusing the VME terminology, I apologize: I don't really grasp it myself. The cards I've seen that fit are about 6.5" by 4.5". Host memory is not accessible through the VME bus -- that is, a VME card in the TT030 cannot be a bus master. My standard answer on this subject is as follows: "It is not unreasonable to suppose that there may be a future machine from Atari with a full-size, full-feature, multi-slot VMEbus interface." ============================================ Opinions expressed above do not necessarily -- Allan Pratt, Atari Corp. reflect those of Atari Corp. or anyone else. ...ames!atari!apratt ________________________________________________________ > Hard Disks STR InfoFile Affordable Mass Storage.... ======================= NEW LOW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!! =============================== ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC. P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672 Est. 1985 _________________________________________ Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT _________________________________________ HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET _____________________________________ All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s). -ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE- (you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!) (all cables and connectors installed) * ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS * * ICD ADVANTAGE+ HOST ADAPTERS * FULL SCSI COMMAND SET SUPPORTED * * SCSI EMBEDDED CONTROLLER MECHANISMS * Conventional Shoe Box Model Description Autopark Price ================================================== SGN4951 51Mb 28ms 3.5" Y 519.00 SGN6177 62Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 619.00 SGN1096 85Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 649.00 SGN6277 120Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 889.00 SGN1296 168Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 1069.00 SGN4077 230Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 1669.00 ================================================== WE HAVE A COMPLETE LINE OF 3.5 LOW PROFILE HARD DRIVES for USE IN MEGA ST COMPUTERS AND RELATED CONFIGURATIONS. 20mb #AI020SC 379.95 30mb #AIO3OSC 419.95 50mb #AI050SC 449.95 65mb #AI065SC 499.95 85mb #AI085SC $559.95 MEGA ST Internal Hard Drives CONNOR HIGH PERFORMANCE MECHANISMS >>> ALL ABCO DRIVES ARE HIGH SPEED UNITS <<< (500 - 600k per sec @ 23 -33ms) CALL FOR SUPER SAVINGS ON ALL OUR OTHER CUSTOM UNITS FROM 30mb 28MS @ $419.00! Ask about our "REBATE SPECIALS" --==*==-- SHIPPING AND INSURANCE INCLUDED ============================================ * SYQUEST 44MB (#555)>> ABCO "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE * - SYQUEST 44 MB DRIVE - ICD ST ADVANTAGE PLUS H/A - ICD Utility Software - 3' DMA Cable - Fan & Clock - Multi-Unit Power Supply (1) 44 MB Syquest Cart. COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN! --->> SPECIAL NOW ONLY __$769.00__ <<--- *** SPECIAL SYQUEST OFFER!! *** ORDER YOUR CUSTOM SYQUEST UNIT NOW AND GET A SECOND COMPLETE UNIT! ***** for $50.00 LESS! ***** * TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT * SPECIALLY PRICED ** $1339.00 ** * SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS * - Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives - 50mb SQG51 $1079.00 30mb SQG38 $1039.00 65mb SQG09 $1119.00 85mb SQG96 $1129.00 LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE Listed above are a sampling of the systems available. Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations (over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited) *** ALL Units: Average Access Time: 24ms - 34ms *** ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - PC-DITTO/II - SPECTRE/GCR LARGER units are available - (special order only) NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! - Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets - Keyboard Custom Cables Call for Info ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED -* 12 month FULL Guarantee *- (A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE) QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! _________________________________________ DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED! please, call for details Personal and Company Checks are accepted. ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY! CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319 Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service 9am - 8pm EDT Tues thru Sat ____________________________________________________________ > A "Quotable Quote" ================= "THEY CAN'T BUY IT IF THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT!!" .... P.T. Barnum -------------------------------------------------------------------------- STReport "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" October 07, 1990 16/32bit Magazine copyright 1990 No.6.40 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of the editors, staff, STReport CPU/STR or ST Report. Permission to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Each reprint must include the name of the publication, date, issue # and the author's name. The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in any way without prior written permission. The contents, at the time of publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The editors, contributors and/or staff are not responsible for either the use/misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom. --------------------------------------------------------------------------