GEMini Atari/GEMini_Atari_CD-ROM_Walnut_Creek_December_1993.iso/files/emag/lamps/gelmp236.asc

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                          ~ NERDS FIGHT BACK! ~
                   ~ CONFUSED ABOUT LH5 COMPRESSION? ~
              ~ EAASY SABRE: MONEY SAVING SERVICE ON GEnie ~
                 ~ PAGESTREAM & THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE ~
                   ~ BARGAINS GALORE: BUT DON'T DELAY ~
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////////////////////////////
 November 15, 1991   ~ A T/TalkNET OnLine Publication ~   Issue No.2.36
////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
  Publisher/Editor ................................... John F. Peters
   Co-Editor ........................................ Darlah J. Pine
    Technical Editor ................................ Jeff Williams
     TX2 Editor ..................................... David Holmes
[IDX] """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

              ~ WHAT'S HAPPENING ON GEnie?  TAKE A LOOK! ~
                """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

 FROM MY DESKTOP ......... [FRM]        HEY MISTER POSTMAN ...... [HEY]
  Notes From The Editor.                 Is That A Letter For Me?

 ST ALADDIN ONLINE ....... [STA]        MEL'S MANOR ............. [MEL]
  First Look - Ver.1.32!                 Do You Know The Way To Lh5?

 BACKTALK ................ [BAK]        FOCUS ON... ............. [FOC]
  Reader Feedback: Nerdiness!!           PageStream Tools.

 DEALER VIEWPOINT ........ [DLR]        HUMOR ONLINE ............ [HUM]
  Bargains Galore!                        Fun & Games On GEnie.

 PS's .................... [PSS]        HACK'N ATARI ............ [HAC]
  Get It While It's HOT!                 Down To The Wire.

 OFF THE RECORD .......... [OFF]        ST ELSEWHERE ............ [ELS]
  Atari ST Mini_reViews.                 Other Areas Of IntereST.

 MINI_BYTES .............. [MIN]        LINKING UP WITH LYNX .... [LYN]
  Three On One: The Calendar.            Atari Handheld Game Power!

                     LOG OFF ................. [LOG]
                      GEnie Lamp Information.

                                                     [*] = TX2 Pictures!
[REA] """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

READING GEnie Lamp   GEnie  Lamp  has  incorporated  a  unique  indexing
""""""""""""""""""   system  to help make  reading the  magazine easier.
To  utilize this system,  load GEnie Lamp into any ASCII  word processor
or text editor.  In the index you will find the following example:

                   HUMOR ONLINE ............ [HUM]
                    [*]GEnie Fun & Games.

   To read  this article, set your  find or search command to [HUM].  If
you want to scan all of the articles, search for [EOA].  [EOF] will take
you to the last page, whereas [IDX] will bring you back to the index.

TX2 FORMAT   What  are you  missing  when reading  the ASCII  version of
""""""""""   GEnie Lamp?   EXCITEMENT!   Whenever you see a  [*] in  the
index or in the article header, that indicates that the article contains
TX2 graphics  and/or  pictures.  To see the graphics, you will  need the
following files:

         LMP_236.LZH    GEnie Lamp in TX2 format
         MINI_TX2.LZH   Mini-version of TX2 Viewer (File #20441)

          ~ GEnie Lamp Online Magazine: SEE THE DIFFERENCE! ~
[EOA] """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


              ///////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE /////
             / "I downloaded the MultiDesk Deluxe and loaded it /
            / into The Chameleon... cool..."                   /
           ////////  C.HERBORTH, CAT32, TOP5, MSG:105  ////////



[FRM]//////////////////////////////
                 FROM MY DESKTOP /
/////////////////////////////////
Notes From The Editor
"""""""""""""""""""""
By John Peters
   [GENIELAMP]

     o   THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Top Of The Page.

               o   HOT SPOTS: Where The Action Is.

                    o   IT CAN'T WAIT: Hot Info!



                     >>> THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW <<<
                     """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

TOP OF THE PAGE   Once again Ralph Mariano of STReport is causing a stir
"""""""""""""""   in Atari-land.  But wait, this time he may be on to
something.  In an unusual move, Ralph decided to use the new Lh5
compression to compact his online magazine instead of the more commonly
used ARC format.  This has created some concern among many of his readers,
especially the ones who haven't taken the time or effort to figure out the
new compression.  One reader even decided to not download the issue when
she saw the LZH/Lh5 extender.

     I don't always agree with Ralph, but this time Ralph may be on to
something.  Lh5 offers some significant improvements over LZH, in size
compression as well as the amount of time it takes to compress a file.
Still, there seems to be a lot of confusion about Lh5.  If you would like
to know more about Lh5, GEnie Lamp staff writer Mel Motogawa has come up
with an easy-to-understand article about it in his column, Mel's Manor.
Give this new compression method a chance.  Once you know what to do, you
will hardly notice the change - except for faster, tighter compressions
that is!

     Does this mean that we are switching to the Lh5 format?  No.  Not
right away, anyway.  Although I am sold on Lh5, it is after all, a new
compression.  Perhaps when the dust settles...

     Along the same lines, David Holmes has uploaded the latest version of
his popular extractor, EDM Shell.  It now features include user-defined
commands, plus the ability to convert a file from one compression method
to another.  EDM Shell is great for beginners as it is a point & click
utility.  Interested?  Download File #21535.

     Well, Glendale and WAACE is but a sweet memory, but the Chicago
Computerfest is just a few days away.  If Glendale and WACCE are any
indication, this show should be a FANTASTIC SUCCESS!  Bob Brodie from
Atari Corp. tells more:

     Excitement is really growing here in Sunnyvale for this show!  We
have had an incredible number of our employees come as ask to attend this
show and exhibit "the latest and greatest".

     This is the current list of our representatives, subject of course
to change:

     o   Bill Rehbock, Director of Technical Services
     o   Art Morgan, Technical Marketing
     o   Don Thomas, Director of Portfolio Marketing
     o   Bob Brodie, Director of Communications
     o   Mike Groh, Dealer Sales Coordinator
     o   James Grunke, Director of Music Markets
     o   Art Pruzynski, Project Manager, Atari UNIX
     o   Dianne Guerrero, Atari UNIX support
     o   Greg Pratt, President Atari Computer Corporation

     And as our special guest for our Canadian friends, making this a
truly international event, Geoff Earle, General Manager of Atari Canada
Corp and Mark Campbell of Atari Canada will also be on hand!!

     If you haven't reserved your room at the hotel, please do so now!
The hotel does have another event in it, and rooms are filling up
quickly.  To ensure that you get the correct rate be sure and mention that
you are attending the Chicago ComputerFest by Atari when you make your
reservation...and when you check in!

     The Ramada Hotel O'Hare is located just a few minutes from Chicago's
O'Hare International Airport, at 6600 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, Il.
Voice 708-827-5131, FAX [phone]. The hotel provides a free shuttle
from O'Hare International Airport, and there is also a rental car agency
located in the hotel.

     We look forward to seeing you at this show!

     best regards,

     Bob Brodie
     Director of Communications
     Atari Computer Corporation
                 (BOB-BRODIE, CAT11, TOP10, MSG:264)

     Look to the next issue of GEnie Lamp for all the details and latest
happenings from Chicago.

     Here's an idea... In the last issue I announced that Double Click is
currently working on an upgrade to their popular background terminal
program, Shadow.  If it truly is a background terminal, why not "hook" it
into ST Aladdin?  Maybe Tim Purves and the DC boys should get together for
a little informal chat...  Seems to me that both companies would benefit.
(And so would we!)

     David Becker, you know, the guy who has uploaded all those neat
looking games with the fancy zeST desktop look is on the verge of
releasing a full-featured word processor called dbWRITER.  I recently
received an advanced copy of dbWRITER and I was blown away by what it has
to offer - block functions, spell checker, word counts, you name it,
dbWRITER has it!  This freeware program (did he say FREEWARE?) should be
appearing here on GEnie within the next month or so.  Want to know more?
dbWRITER will come under scrutiny by the MINI_BYTES clique just prior to
its release.  ST Writer Elite, watch out!

     If you are looking for a significant discount on selected Codehead
products, be sure to stop by the CodeHead booth while at the Chicago show.
Also from CodeHead: Charles Johnson says that they are waiting on TradeiT
to supply the EPS version of Avant Vector... Also, a new mini version of
Avant Vector is currently being discussed.

     Lot's of rumors flying around about the new Atari Jaguar in CAT36,
TOP20, MSG:{135}.  Most of the conversation centers around a recent
article in Electronic Gaming Magazine reported some of the Jag's specs.
VHS capability?

     Thinking about buying the hot new product keyboard adaptor D.E.K.A.?
Lots of message are now being posted in their topic.  Keep an eye on CAT4,
TOP12, MSG:{139}

     Stan Swanson is heading off in yet another direction (again!).  Now
publishing ST Connection and GameMaster (plus doing a whole list of other
Atari related projects) Stan is releasing a new newsletter that will be
covering electronic gaming.  And there is good news for the 8bit users as
it will support their system as well.  If you are interested in getting a
sample copy, leave GEmail to STCONNECTION.

     Do you own Double Click's new utility Data Diet?  If you do, and you
like to write, John Jainschigg, the editor of Explorer Magazine wants to
hear from you.  John is also looking for someone to review for ICD's
AdSpeed accelerator.  If interested, leave your name and daytime phone
number in GEmail to EXPLORER.

     Having a one meg system keeps me real choosy when it comes to
installing desk accessaries on my ST.  If you are in the same situation you
might want to check out Edwin, a new text editor from Craig Harvey author
of the popular do everything text editor, Edhak.  Edwin, dubbed the, "The
one-Window-only-Editor" is under 6K and when loaded takes a mere 10K of
ram.  Don't reach for the notepad, reach for Edwin.  File #21502.

     As reported in the last issue, the new version of ST ALADDIN has been
released to the beta testers.  This version has some new options which I
think you are going to like.  For a sneak preview, see ST Aladdin Online
[STA] in this issue.

     Joppa reports that it is still working on the send/receive fax-modem.
No release date yet.  CAT 4, TOP24, MSG:{148}.

     Ever wonder why the ST/Lynx/Portfolio computers have been turning up
on so many TV shows?  Bob Brodie let on that Atari Corp actually has hired
a company to place their computers on TV.  So far, they have placed Atari
computers on Growing Pains, Working Girl, Matlock, Night Court and some
made for TV movies, like Nasty Boys.  The conversation continues in CAT14,
TOP3, MSG:{126}.



                    >>> BULLETIN BOARD HOT SPOTS <<<
                    """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

[*] CAT26, TOP2, MSG:{247}.........Can GFA 2.0 be freely distributed?
[*] CAT32, TOP5, MSG:{184}.........MultiDesk Deluxe made easier?
[*] CAT32, TOP7, MSG:{88}..........MultiDesk Deluxe/Data Diet problem?
[*] CAT18, TOP8, MSG:{26}..........Better ways to conduct business?
                                   (Accelerator Wars)
[*] CAT30, TOP12, MSG:{117}........Data Diet news and views.
[*] CAT32, TOP24, MSG:{11}.........Codeheads announce MegaPaint Pro.
[*] CAT22, TOP3, MSG:{57}..........Is GFA Basic _really_ BASIC?
[*] CAT14, TOP4, MSG:{162}.........Revenge Of The Phantom Typist!
[*] CAT18, TOP9, MSG:{28}..........TOS suggestions.
[*] CAT5, TOP9, MSG:{19}...........Postscript interpreter, Ghostscript.



                       >>> OFF TOPIC MESSAGES <<<
                       """"""""""""""""""""""""""

[*] CAT7, TOP51, MSG:{114}.........Celestial Seasonings (Gadgets RT)
[*] CAT31, TOP3, MSG{50}...........Blond jokes!  WARNING: Press control
                                   "C" if you are blonde!



                    >>> IT CAN'T WAIT DEPARTMENT <<<
                    """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

FLASH II   Missionware Software is proud to announce the introduction of:
""""""""                 *****   FLASH II   *****
                       at the Chicago Computerfest!
     This is the long awaited update to one of the most popular ST
terminal programs ever.  It's been completely rewritten in assembler and
includes a TON of new features!  Here are just a few:

     o  Compatible with old Flash DO files

     o  Individual setups for each BBS and includes 20 separate
        macros for each BBS!

     o  Displays RLE & GIF pictures either on or off line!

     o  Supports: TTY, VIDTEX, VT52, ANSI, VT100, VT102, VT200 & VT300

     o  Includes an Automatic Answer Mode!

     o  Includes full featured GEM text editor with block commands,
        cut & paste, search & replace, paragraph reformatting,
        adjustable tab settings, page widths and more!

     o  Supports the ST, IBM and DEC character set!

     o  Includes Silent Line for background file transfers!

     o  Has built in support for ASCII, Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem, CIS
        B+, Kermit and other protocols.

     o  Logs all on line time and keeps track of costs!

     Again, these are only a few of the many new features of Flash II.
Make sure to stop by Booth 17 for full details, including a chance to
play with this exciting new program.  A fully functional version will be
available for you to try.  An official demo is also being scheduled.
Check the seminar times for details.

     Although the program will not yet be ready for sale, we plan on
handing out coupons so that you can get on the mailing list and be one of
the first to receive your copy when it's ready for sale, sometime in
December.  The program is 99% completed and a professionally produced
manual is in the works.

     This is one program you won't want to miss checking out!
                (J.TRAUTSCHOL, CAT11, TOP10, MSG:280/M475)

                                [*][*][*]


     I'd like to end Top Of The Page with a bit of wisdom that was
recently posted by Lloyd Pulley.  It concerns a topic that affects all of
us, censorship.

     I agree, I've seen very little censorship on GEnie.  There have been
times when someone has over-stepped the bounds of good taste, the slander/
                                   libel laws (I always get the two mixed
     "I'VE SEEN VERY LITTLE        up) or copyright laws (I did that my-
      CENSORSHIP ON GEnie"         self a week or so ago), and have had
                                   their posts removed for those reasons
but I don't consider that censorship.  What people need to realize is
that along with the Freedom of Speech also comes a responsibility for what
they say.  Too many people want to only recognize the first and ignore the
later.            (ST-REPORT, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:117/M475)


     Excellent, Lloyd.  Thanks.
                                                Take care...
                                                John Peters
                                                [GENIELAMP]


         ////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE /////
        / "To ST-INFORMER: Ron, I already *have* a subscription. We /
       / couldn't put Explorer together without reading Informer.  /
      / Where do you think we get all our news? (grin)"           /
     /////////////  EXPLORER, CAT15, TOP15, MSG:33  //////////////



[EOA]
[HEY]//////////////////////////////
              HEY MISTER POSTMAN /
/////////////////////////////////
Is That A Letter For Me?
""""""""""""""""""""""""

         o   ATARI ODDS & ENDS

               o   WHAT'S NEW?

                   o   ATARIAN MINDS WANT TO KNOW

                         o   MESSAGE SPOTLIGHT



                       >>> ATARI ODDS & ENDS <<<
                       """""""""""""""""""""""""

ATARI RESPONDS ON FSM GDOS   We, well, honestly I had some problems with
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   the first source that I was using for the
artwork for the packaging for FSM.  I have since turned the box design
project over to the able hands of Stephen Samuels up in San Francisco
(actually farther?  North :-).  I have the almost final proof of the
package design and it looks great.  In the mean time, during the sale of
the copies of FSM GDOS that Goldleaf Publishing distributed which was the
fastest, most effective way I could think of to get the gosh darn thing
out on the market) a few minor bugs turned up.  Bugs were found in the
LaserJet driver, which has gone in to test and looks really good.

     A feature has also been added to FSM GDOS that allows applications to
find the _absolute_ bounding box of the bitmap of a character, this will
allow FSM-aware applications to perform more efficient character deletion
                                when backspacing and the like.  A few
   "THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT     other speed-enhancements have been done in
    FSM WILL BE ON DEALER       the mean time.  I have checked with the
    SHELVES FOUR WEEKS          duplication/packaging service that we are
    AFTER THE BOX ART IS        using and the bottom line is that FSM will
    TURNED OVER TO THEM.        be on dealer shelves four weeks after the
    READ THAT: MID DECEMBER"    box art is turned over to them.  Read
                                that: "Mid December"  HOWEVER.... If any-
body has an absolute, really bad immediate need for FSM GDOS (and you
don't own WordFlair so you didn't get FSM through them) please leave me
E-Mail and I'm pretty sure that Don Thomas in customer relations will be
willing to help me out in taking your $59.95 for an advance order on FSM
GDOS as long as you don't mind not getting a pretty box. :-)

    ~ Bill Rehbock, Director of Application Software, Atari Corp. ~


SUPRA SUPPORT FOR THE ST?   Hi everybody!!  As many of you may be aware,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""   Supra Corp. released a FAX MODEM, with a price
of $249.95 for the Mac version and $169.95 for the IBM internal card
version.

     I called them today and asked if they were going to release a version
for computers other than the IBM and Macintosh.  They said yes, after this
coming Christmas.  When I asked if the ATARI ST was included on the list,
guess what?  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>  N O ! ! ! ! !

     I would love to have FAX capabilities on my ATARI ST.  If you feel
like me, and would desire that Supra would release a version of this FAX
MODEM, please let them know.  Write to:

              President
              Supra Corporation
              7101 Supra Drive S.W.
              Albany, OR  97321

     or call 503-967-2400 and let them know that you want the SUPRA FAX
MODEM for your ST!!!!  If they can produce an ST version between $170 and
$250, it would be fantastic!!  What do you think??  let me know...

     I will keep you posted on how it goes... Thanks!!  -------Wilton
                   (W.VARGAS2, CAT8, TOP4, MSG:66/M475)


GFA BASIC PD?   You can get the GFA-BASIC 2.0 Interpreter/Compiler from
"""""""""""""   us for $39.95.  or you can upgrade to 3.5 for $74.95.
Call 1-800-766-6432 for more info .

     @@@@@@NOTE@@@@@@@ GFA BASIC 2 IS NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN.  You may pass
out the GFA 2.0 Interpreter, but not the COMPILER.  The MANUALS are not
to be copied in anyway either.

                                                    Technical Director,
                                                    GFA-Software

     PS.  Sorry about my LOOOOOONG absence.  But I'm BACK!!!!
                 (M.GIGUERE1, CAT22, TOP2, MSG:109/M475)


EXPLORER TO GO MONTHLY?   Re. "Yields to the public outcry and goes
"""""""""""""""""""""""   monthly."  Okay, let's hear some public outcry!
You want Explorer to go monthly, here's what you do.  Write me a letter
that includes the following information:

        1) Whether you subscribe or buy Explorer on the newsstand.
        2) Whether you read other Atari magazines. Their names.
        3) What you do for a living and your approximate household income.
        4) What Atari products you own (include both computers and game
           systems).
        5) What purchases, re. Atari, you intend to make in the next year,
           and their approximate dollar values.  Include both Atari and
           third-party products.
        6) Whether or not you have purchased products advertised in
           Explorer.  Their names.
        7) Whether or not you have purchased products reviewed in
           Explorer.  Their names.
        8) Your full name, address, and daytime phone.

     Send this letter to Editor, Atari Explorer, 29-05 Broadway, Astoria
NY 11106, or post it in GEmail to EXPLORER.

     Then tell your friends to do the same thing. Post this message in
other topics, so that nobody can IGN PER it.  Take this message and post
it on all Atari BBS's and other information services.  Get it placed in
other magazines and user-group newsletters.

     Prove to me what I already know (we do narrowcast surveys all the
time) -- that there's a real market out there, once again ready for a
national, 4-color, glossy, monthly publication.

     I want to start tabulating the results on New Year's Eve, so GET
CRACKIN'!         (EXPLORER, CAT14, TOP30, MSG:157/M475)


WON'T BE LONG NOW!   The next shipment of TT's is due in next week.  I
""""""""""""""""""   have confirmed Don Bahr's order and you should have
no problem getting yours pretty soon.  No dealers have the 1.44 drives
yet, they _should_ be in this shipment, but no guarantees :-(

     I will guarantee that the machine you get from Don at Compuseller
West will have TOS 3.06.  3.06 has features such as: memory test during
boot up (abort with a key); faster detection of no floppy in drive
situations; the TT now boots into TT medium res with the cache on; the VDI
is about 20% faster; all 256 ASCII codes can be easily accessed by
holding  down <alt> and typing the ASCII value on the numeric keypad; the
3.06 ROMs are 100% 1.44meg drive ready.

     There other enhancements also, these are the ones I remembered off
the top of my head.  -Bill Rehbock, Atari Corp.
                 (B.REHBOCK, CAT14, TOP31, MSG:139/M475)



                           >>> WHAT'S NEW? <<<
                           """""""""""""""""""

HANDS ON PAGESTREAM CLASSES   Soft-Logik Publishing Corporation is proud
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   to present In Depth, Hands-On, Desktop
Publishing training courses using PageStream page layout software.  Two
courses, "An Introduction to Desktop Publishing with PageStream" and
"Advanced Publishing Solutions with PageStream" will be offered at the
Chicago ComputerFest by Atari on November 23-24.  The Chicago Computer-
Fest is being held at the Ramada Hotel O'Hare located just minutes away
from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

The Instructors   The lead instructor, Dan Weiss, is Vice President of
"""""""""""""""   Research and Development at Soft-Logik Publishing
Corporation.  Dan has extensive computer based publishing experience on
several computer platforms as well as a background in hands-on, group
training.  In his position as VP of R&D, Dan sits on the "bleeding edge"
of computer based publishing and is well versed in today's technologies.
Assisting Dan will be Mark Wetzel. Mark is Director of Product Support at
Soft-Logik Publishing Corporation, and the "face" of Soft-Logik Publishing
Corporation at most trade shows.  Mark has headed up the technical support
team for PageStream since it's introduction and is a storehouse of
knowledge concerning the product.

The Classes   "An Introduction to Desktop Publishing" will focus on
"""""""""""   getting to know what computer based publishing is, and what
it can offer you.  Using PageStream on an Atari computer, each student
will be able to design, create and modify several projects ranging from
fun to serious.  Finished examples, class outline, course materials and
related literature will be provided to each student as part of the class.

     This class is recommended to anyone who has an interest in finding
out what desktop publishing is and what it has to offer them.  No prior
training or experience is required.

     "Advanced Publishing Solutions with PageStream" dives into the some-
times confusing world of professional computer publishing.  Major topics
will include color publishing, PostScript imaging, graphics manipulation,
and large document control.  This session will focus on using PageStream
in a professional environment to provide solutions.

     Finished examples, class outline, course materials and related
literature will be provided to each student as part of the class.  This
class is recommended to those with at least some background in computer
based or traditional publishing that want to better understand color and
high quality publishing.

     Reservations are highly recommended to attend the classes.  To
ensure your spot in the class, please send e-mail to Mike Brown
(M.BROWN56) or Larry Grauzas (L.GRAUZAS) here on GEnie.  Or call the show
hot line at 708-623-3815.  Class cost is $15, plus admission to the
Chicago Computerfest by Atari!
                     (DERON.K, CAT11, TOP10, MSG:275)


PUT ON YOUR CONDUCTOR'S HAT AND ENTER...
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
        CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT'S RAILROAD TYCOON SCENARIO TOURNAMENT!!

     Brought to you by Captain Midnight's Game Room, The Atari ST On-Line
Games Newsletter (premiere issue file #21380)

     Now that one of the year's greatest games is out (in not altogether
perfect condition) (but the bugs are cured), it's time to see who can
really build an empire of railroads.

     OBJECT: To find the best-run and efficient railroad.  Location does
             not matter.
     RULES:  1) You have to own the Atari ST version of Railroad Tycoon.
                Only ST entries will be counted.
             2) Only _one_ entry per empire builder.
             3) All entries must be submitted by one of two ways:

                           A) e-mail to D.KERR1
                           B) by floppy disk sent to:
                              Four Corners Communications
                              160 Fifth Avenue  #614
                              New York, NY 10010

             4) All entries must be compressed either by ARC or LZH.
             5) All submitted railroads must be at least 25 years old in
                game years.
             6) There will be only _one_ winner.

How To Save Your Railroad   When you think you have perfected your rail-
"""""""""""""""""""""""""   road, save it to the first slot after clicking
"Save Game." You can also save it to another directory by pressing the
directory's letter in the save procedure. Games are saved with _two_
files: a .MAP file and an .SVE file.  They correspond by the prefix RRT0,
which means the first save slot. Both files must be submitted!

     Also include a 50-word description of your railroad, including why it
works so well and its name.

     Submit your name, mailing address and daytime phone number.

Deadline For Submissions   December 31, 1991 Winners will be announced
""""""""""""""""""""""""   and notified by February 1, 1992.

Judges   Myself, but I have the king of Railroad Tycoon judging as well
""""""    -- Mr. Russell Sipe, editor/publisher of Computer Gaming World
and author of The Official Guide to Sid Meier's Railroad Tycoon (Compute!
Books)

Prizes (and they are hot)  "The Official Guide To Sid Meier's Railroad
""""""  Tycoon" book and a one-year subscription to Computer Gaming
World, donated by Russell Sipe and the magazine.  "Master Populous" --
the new book by Clayton Walnum, donated by its publisher, SAMS/Macmillan.
One copy of "Red Storm Rising" and an F-15 Strike Eagle II hat -- donated
by "Quentin" of Microprose!  "Night Shift" -- the superb LucasFilms game,
brand new, in the bag, donated by me.

     If you have any questions, please post them in the Captain Midnight's
Game Room topic 18.

     If this tournament is successful, I will follow this with a similar
one for SimCity.

     GOOD LUCK!!  -Drew Reid Kerr

     P.S. No employees, family or friends of MicroProse are permitted to
      enter.       (D.KERR1, CAT9, TOP10, MSG:34/M475)



                  >>> ATARIAN MINDS WANT TO KNOW! <<<
                  """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
                      (Facts, Fiction & Maybe)

SO ATARI, WHAT'S THE HOLDUP?   Hmmm... Corporation like General Electric
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   and Corporation like Atari sit down and
negotiate big, continent-wide service agreement for all computer and
entertainment products, including on-site warranty upgrades and extended
service agreements. Hmmm... could that possibly be a pretty involved
agreement?  Could that possibly take quite some time?  Does it take a
rocket scientist to figure out that it _should_ take a while?
I hope not.       (B.REHBOCK, CAT14, TOP2, MSG:206/M475)


SYQUEST NEWS   Follow up, Electronic News (I got it today) reports that
""""""""""""   Syquest dropped the other shoe.  It seemed strange that
they would jump directly from 5-1.4" to 2.5", with nothing in between.
Well, they have also announced a 3.5" removable media drive!  105 Megs
per cartridge, but no pricing as yet.  How's that grab ya, Jim?
                 (N.WEINRESS, CAT11, TOP9, MSG:103/M475)

>>>>>   WOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!  Now THAT'S the way to toast the competition ;-)
"""""   Why just this day, I read a mention in MacUser about how the
Japanese were lining up to knock Syquest of its perch...SURPRISE!!!  Now
to get one of those 2.5"s ;-)
                  (J.ALLEN27, CAT11, TOP9, MSG:104/M475)


IS IT TRUE?   Is it True what I hear?  That Turbo C will have a GERMAN
"""""""""""   Manual when it hits the US??  If this is the case then I
may reconsider buying it.  What good is a Language with a Manual that you
can not read?  I also heard that the ON-LINE Help would also be in German.
This will not do.  You might as well not include the On-Line Help if we
can't read it. -Brien King
                   (B.KING8, CAT17, TOP13, MSG:11/M475)

>>>>>   The cost of Pure C has not been finalized yet, however we were
"""""   able to sell Turbo C at $275 for the package which includes the
assembler and debugger, so the price should not vary too much from that.
This is just an assumption though.

     No, it does not have English manuals.  But, as John Spande says, all
you really need is an ANSI C book and another source for the AES/VDI
calls and you're all set anyway.  I can barely read German and I have
been using TC for everything I write in C for the past year.  (Oh well, so
much for correct grammar!)  -Dan
                   (GRIBNIF, CAT17, TOP13, MSG:16/M475)


LEXICOR SOFTWARE VIDEO   NOTE: Lexicor Software will be releasing a
""""""""""""""""""""""   special Video Tape.  The Video Tape will have
samples and steps on how to create "Photorealistic Animations" using the
ATARI systems from 520 TT to the new TT030.

     It will give you samples from Object creation using Cyber-sculpt,
File Translation with ROSETTA, Animation with Chronos-3D, Rendering with
Prism-Render, and Picture creation and Animation Touch-up with Prism-Paint
using the WIZ Tablet.  More information is coming soon. -Ringo.
                  (R.MONFORT1, CAT25, TOP3, MSG:82/M475)


ACCELERATOR WARS PART I   I won't get into specifics until we can ship...
"""""""""""""""""""""   then the beans will be spilled.  In a general
sense, we have placed special circuitry on the Turbo030 that allows our
32bit ram to REPLACE the 16bit ram on your motherboard...for ALL
purposes.  So your Mega ST becomes a true 32bit system.

     The Turbo030 is not an appendage that bolts on to add some ram and a
new cpu chip, instead it's a complete system enhancement, so your system
acts as though Atari had gone back and purposely built a 32bit ST.

     The TT is not a 32bit ST, it's much more, with other major
architectural enhancements beyond being a 32bit computer.

     The Turbo030 also has special circuitry built in that converts your
current video board into a 32bit board.  With the Turbo030, you don't need
to buy a separate 32bit video card to get your video up to speed, the
Turbo030 does the whole job.  You don't get more resolution, or more
colors, but we had assumed that if you wanted such things you'd purchase
the currently available options...Moniterm, ISAC, Matrix, Omnichrome,
etc.  We instead committed ourselves to speeding up all the other addons,
giving you the maximum flexibility, and protecting your already heavy
investment in one of the currently available video boards.

     As for "ports", well, the 68030 socket itself leaves the whole world
of opportunities open to us in the future.  Heaven only knows, there are
already 040 cards for the Mac that do nothing more than plug into the 030
processor direct slot, there is no "technical" reason something like that
can't be done someday for the T030., or any other wild, fantastic,
outrageous, even nutty possibility.

     And all this is accomplished with a few pals, some buffers, and 8 ram
chips.  So it does all this, and lives happily with your video board,
without forcing you to get a new power supply...a viable alternative to
which does NOT exist ;-)

     I won't discuss HOW this is done.  When the patent is issued, I will
post the number, and you can go read about it.  Needless to say, such an
amazing feat has never been done before, not on the Mac, not on the Amiga,
not on the PC.  It's a real breakthrough!!!

     I'll start a new topic for the 030 when we are ready to start
cranking them out, and I will get more informative.

     BTW, we have also licensed the new QuickST with 32bit code, and it
does indeed run great.  As an example, the NBM 1.1 benchmark "DRAW" test
has the "cache-only" T030 getting a.....3.66 secs...using QuickST.  Way
to go Darek!!!  So we will be bundling QuickST with the T030 board, and
we will also be bundling QuickST 3.0 with the Turbo20 boards from now on.

     Again, many thanks to Darek for allowing us to benefit from his
excellent work in improving the STs video performance!!!
                  (J.ALLEN27, CAT4, TOP11, MSG:212/M475)


ACCELERATOR WARS PART II   I won't get into specifics until we can ship...
""""""""""""""""""""""""   then the beans will be spilled.  In a general

     I think you'll see SSTs pretty soon.  I just nailed down one last
sneaky little hardware bug that only showed up with 8 megs of memory.
Since most everyone so far has used just 4 megs of Fastram, we missed
this one.

     If it was a software bug, Gadgets could have shipped and then
upgraded everyones software, but hardware is a bit more difficult to do
that with.

     Dave wants to run one more quick round with the Beta testers to make
sure, so it will be a short while more.

     RSN has some nasty connotations, but unfortunately that's what we're
looking at: Real Soon Now!  -George Richardson/Merlin Group, Inc.
                (G.RICHARDSO1, CAT4, TOP44, MSG:177/M475)


ALL QUIET ON THE HYPERLINK FRONT?   Well, not really.  David and I are
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   working hard behind the scenes at the
moment, both on program and docs updates and also in getting some samples
ready for uploading.

     Those of you attending the Chicago show make sure you take a look at
what we'll be showing, it should be good.  And as promised, version 1.6 is
on target for shipping at Chicago, with many long awaited features and a
few surprises too.

     And of course, free updates will automatically be sent to all
registered owners.

     So it may look quiet in this topic for the moment, but we are
certainly working on things in a big way.  -- George.
                   (JMGSOFT, CAT6, TOP32, MSG:146/M475)


WIZWORKS IS HOT!   Stay tuned for new announcements from WizWorks!  We've
""""""""""""""""   got some hot (and warm) releases available shortly.  I
won't go into detail as yet; Chet's whipping a new product press release
and I'll put up here as soon as it's ready (next day or two or so).
Bye: Dr. "Talking for Chet... sometimes anyway" Bob
                  (W.PARKS3, CAT7, TOP13, MSG:127/M475)


NEW ARC SHELL IN THE WORKS   Hi folks.  I have a more recent version of
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   ARC Shell than 2.6a, which has some
significant improvements but still isn't quite finished.  That's why I
haven't uploaded version 2.6a yet.  In the recent rush of events at
CodeHead, I simply haven't had time to finish the new version yet.  But it
won't be much longer -- so please hold off on uploading 2.6a.  I don't
want people to have to download two versions right after each other.
- Charles        (C.F.JOHNSON, CAT2, TOP24, MSG:40/M475)



                       >>> MESSAGE SPOTLIGHT <<<
                       """""""""""""""""""""""""
Atari-ST RoundTable
Category 4,  Topic 11
Message 252       Thu Nov 07, 1991
A.VALENT [Mike]              at 18:05 EST

     Matter of timing largely, isn't it?  Apparently Windows 3 was the
first version to really make an impact.  How long was that in the making?
We should never forget that what has driven the clones' popularity was
the legal pirating of IBM's meant-to-be proprietary BIOS.  And that
Apple's recent "generosity" may well be driven by fears that a reverse-
engineering effort might be getting close to doing the same thing to
them.

     Anyway, it's been a unique privilege for me to have gone up on GEnie
for the last while and become privy to the discussions, arguments and
invective of two (or three) gifted designers competing to come up with
the best possible salable design for a major hardware enhancement.
Impatient as I sometimes get with reading this stuff rather than a
release announcement, I suspect that I'm learning some important things
about personal creative and competitive processes.

                              [*][*][*]


    While on GEnie,  do  you spend most of your time  downloading files?
If so, you may be missing out some excellent information in the Bulletin
Board  area.   The messages  listed above  only scratch  the surface  of
what's available and waiting for you in the bulletin board area.

    If you are  serious about your Atari,  the GEnie Lamp staff strongly
urge  you to give the  bulletin board area a try.   There are  literally
thousands  of messages  posted  from people  like you from  all over the
world.


      //////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE /////
     / "Leave the drop down menus alone.  Why would I put my mouse /
    / there if I did not want a menu? <grin>"                     /
   //////////////  J.MEEHAN3, CAT4, TOP9, MSG:4/M475  ////////////



[EOA]
[STA]//////////////////////////////
               ST ALADDIN ONLINE /
/////////////////////////////////
ST Aladdin V.1.32: First Look!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By John Peters
   [GENIELAMP]

     o   ST ALADDIN BETA PREVIEW: Soon!

          o   ST ALADDIN QWIK_TIP: Make It Easy On Your Yourself.



WHAT'S NEW!!!   Well, I've had a couple of weeks to check out the latest
"""""""""""""   beta version of ST Aladdin and I'm happy to report that
there hasn't been any major problems reported so far.  If everything goes
well, it should be available for downloading soon.

     So, what's new?  This isn't a major upgrade, but there are some new
options in this version that I think you will like.  Take a look:

     o   Add Topic button to mail display/rt display.

     o   Improve the filename munging routine to better convert GEnie
         names to 8.3.

     o   Add support for ZMODEM mail.

     o   Add support for RAM dialog.

     o   Remove Air Warrior from special case list.

     o   Add check for previous Search or Browse in pass1

     o   Remove config.bookmark = TRUE (amiga code)

     o   Add quoting feature

     o   Add Abort on Disk Full during autopass

                                [*][*][*]


     A "quoting" feature?  All right!  I like GEmail.  Having access to
several access strings, I spend much of my time here on on GEnie writing
and answering GEmail.  Due to the massive amounts of mail being generated
back and forth, quoting excerpts from the original mail is an easy way to
help remind the reader of what the current topic is about.  So what is
quoting?  First you save the message you want quoted using the ^C command.
Once in the reply window, hit ^Q.  You will then see your message
formatted like the following example:

 >Atari-ST RoundTable
 >Category 18,  Topic 9
 >Message 22        Tue Nov 12, 1991
 >DARLAH [RT~SYSOP]            at 12:20 EST
 >
 >I **like** the way the drop downs are NOW. I work with Macs in the
 >school system and have NO desire to have ours Mac like. There are
 >utilities that can simulate this so I too wonder why the need.
 >----------
 >

     It works well, but as you can see it copies the topic header, address
etc. as well as the message.  Tim Purves (ST Aladdin's author) has stated
that this is just a first effort and he plans on making several interface
changes in future releases.  Still, even with having to delete the header,
every time you do a quote, it's still a whole lot easier then doing it
manually.

     Second nice surprise: Zmodem GEmail.  'bout time!  Due to the cost of
sending files via GEmail, I don't use this feature very often.  But when I
do, Zmodem will certainly ease the pain.  Congrats to GEnie for making the
change.

     Although I have never had any need for the the new "Topic" button, (I
read all the messages posted in the RoundTables, it's my job :-) I can see
where it could come in real handy.  In a nutshell, while reading messages
you can now bring up the Topics as you read the messages simply by
clicking on the button.  From here you can Ignore or CANcel out the
current topic that you are reading.  I'd imagine that this feature is
going to be a very popular option with many ST Aladdin users.

     All-in-all, I like the new version.  I think you will too.  It's
worth the download.



ST ALADDIN QWIK_TIP   I wouldn't dream of booting ST Aladdin without two
"""""""""""""""""""   small programs, Form-Do-It and DC Topper.  Take it
from somebody that wades through hundreds of messages each week, these two
programs will increase your ST Aladdin pleasure.

     Tired of grabbing the mouse every time you want to save a message?
This and many other commands are available via the keyboard when using
Form-Do-It.  DC Topper makes jumping from the original window to the reply
window quick and easy.  Just move the mouse pointer to the window you want
activated.  Presto, like magic the window is active.  No fuss, no muss, no
click!

     Another mini-program that has found it's way into my ST Aladdin set-
up is Edwin, the one page editor.  It's great for jotting down notes and
making quick changes to small text files.

                            Form-Do-It #20463
                             DC Topper #19628
                               Edwin #21502



[EOA]
[MEL]//////////////////////////////
                     MEL'S MANOR /
/////////////////////////////////
Do You Know The Way To LH5?
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Mel Motogawa
   [M.MOTOGAWA]



                   >>> DO YOU KNOW THE WAY TO LH5? <<<
                   """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

     What I like to ask, if I have to send or receive a file, is whether
the other person is set up for -lh5- lzh files.  I haven't seen many using
it yet.  Most are still using the old -lh1- lzh format, no doubt because
of the newness of the -lh5- format.  Old habits die hard.  If you've been
thinking about delving into the -lh5- archive format, let's examine how to
do so in a painless fashion.


What's An LH5?   A new variation of the lzh archive format that compresses
""""""""""""""   better than normal lzh programs and is very fast at Add
operations, compared to earlier lzh'ers.  Files using the -lh5- format are
created by Lharc 2.01h (aka Lzh201h) by Thomas Quester.  (File #21432 in
the file library.)  Files created using -lh5- compression still carry an
.lzh extender.  But when you do a Verbose on the archive, the compression
type shows up as -lh5- instead of the more common -lh1- of earlier lzh
programs.  You've probably noticed how the ST RT File Library is now
showing which files are compressed with the -lh5- format in the file
description.


Wait A Minute! Strange Things Are Afoot!   Yes, you probably noticed how a
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   file compressed in the -lh5-
format can only be extracted using Quester's program.  This is to be
expected since it is a new type of compression.  When using an older Lharc
program, you may get various results when trying to do a verbose or
extract operation on a Quester -lh5- lzh.  Perhaps a message from the
program that the file in question is an unknown format, a crash or what
seems to be a good extraction, but it's not.  A text file may be corrupted
or a program could crash when booting.  The answer?  Just start using
Quester's program exclusively for your lzh adds, extracts, verboses, etc..
It can handle -lh5- files or the older -lh1- files and you gain by getting
about the best compression possible for the ST and fast extractions.  Just
remember to let others know that you have used the -lh5- format on your
archive, until it becomes more popular.  Take my word, it will.


So Just How Good Is LH5?   To give you an idea of the compression power of
""""""""""""""""""""""""   the -lh5- format, I took the last GEnie Lamp
file GELMP235.TX2 which is 139,305 bytes long.  I then compressed it with
ARC602, LHARC102, ST ZIP 0.9 and LZH201H on my 8mhz STe.  A hard drive was
used for all disk i/o including the creation of temporary files by some of
the programs.  Note that the results below are sorted by file sizes.

                        Lzh201h-   69 secs/59,252
                        ST Zip-    43 secs/60,043
                        Lharc102- 122 secs/63,906
                        Arc.ttp-   53 secs/75,140

     In this example, you can see that ST Zip really flies and achieves
nearly the same compression of the -lh5- format in far less time.  I've
noticed this with many other text files.  ST Zip shines on these and is
usually close to -lh5- compression.  Lzh201h beats the older -lh1-
compression format by a small margin, but is much faster.  I've noticed
this also on the files I archive.  The smaller the file, the less -lh5-
will beat -lh1-.

     For an example in the other direction, I tested the above 4 programs
at archiving 6 files totaling 557,346 bytes.  There were 2 degas pics
(64,068 bytes), 2 ascii files (151,059 bytes) and 2 executable files
(342,219 bytes).  Again, Lzh201h came out on top.

                        Lzh201h-  265 secs/225,540
                        ST Zip-   167 secs/242,608
                        Lharc102- 540 secs/244,193
                        Arc.ttp-  210 secs/322,916

     As you can see, Lzh201h beat the next competitor by 17k, not an
insignificant amount.  And it beat Arc.ttp by a whooping 97k.  When you're
paying for a download, this makes a big difference.  I wouldn't mind
seeing all archives that come out over 100k ARC'd, be put out in the -lh5-
format.  It staggers my mind to think of how much you would save on some
of those huge ARC'd files.

     I was surprised that ST Zip beat Lharc102 in this test.  So I decided
to try another challenge.  I archived 17 graphic files which included 2
GEM files, 2 SPC files and 13 IMG files.  They totaled 281,204 bytes.

                        Lzh201h-  150 secs/170,009
                        Lharc102- 312 secs/175,289
                        ST Zip-   104 secs/195,015
                        Arc.ttp-  153 secs/214,300

     Finally, I decided to throw in archiving my folder of cpx's, 24 of
them totaling 251,982 bytes.

                        Lzh201h-  135 secs/120,227
                        Lharc102- 277 secs/124,879
                        ST Zip-    93 secs/150,518
                        Arc.ttp-  123 secs/162,974

     From all this, clearly the -lh5- format is a winner.  It has
comparable speed with Arc.ttp while getting much better compression. ST
Zip is a hot rod in speed, but the -lh5- format beats it in file size
every time, as does Lharc102 usually.  Lharc102 gets close to Lzh201h, but
the speed differences in the Add operation makes this no contest.  Keep in
mind, though, that I used Lharc102 to represent all -lh1- lzh archivers.
You may get better results with another during Adds, but I used to use
Lharc102 in my pre-lh5 days since its speed in Add operations was very
good.


So How Do I Get Into Creating/Extracting LH5 Files?   First off, download
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   two files.  File
#21432 LZH201H.LZH and file #20271 ARCSHL26.ARC.  Use your favorite LZH
utility to extract Lzh201h since it is compressed in the older -lh1-
format and use an ARC utility to extract Arc Shell.  Take the following
files and place them wherever you keep your archive utilities, LHARC.TTP
and ARCSHELL.PRG.  If you're already using an earlier version of Arcshell,
just copy the new one and Lharc to wherever it resides.

     Fire up Arc Shell.  If it asks you where arc.ttp is, just point it
out with the file selector that appears.  You should now see the Arc Shell
main screen.  Proceed to configure Arc Shell for Lzh201h as the docs
direct.  Don't forget to highlight the "Quester LZH mode" button in the
configuration dialog.  After everything is set up for your liking, save
your configuration.  Now you're set up to handle any arc or lzh file you
download from GEnie with the GEM ease of Arc Shell.  (And don't forget to
send in the shareware contribution to Charles F. Johnson, the creator of
Arc Shell.)

     Another great shareware shell for Lzh201h is the EDM Shell (file
#21535), by David Holmes, which can be configured to oversee your ARC, 2
LZH's, ZIP and ZOO utilities, five programs in all.  It has very flexible
parameter passing.

     I have close to 100 double-sided disks of old files I've downloaded
from GEnie, backups of important data files and other miscellaneous stuff.
I'm slowly converting all these from the old lzh to the newer -lh5-
format.  Saving 5k here, and 10k there, can really add up over 100 disks.
I've heard that some have had problems with the Lzhxxx series when
archiving many files at once, but I've -lh5-'d whole partitions and yet
successfully extracted files from the archive.  But who knows?  I use
Quester's -lh5- format all the time and really appreciate the great
compression.  I hope this information will prove helpful to you in getting
your feet wet with -lh5- archives. It's great stuff!

                              [*][*][*]


         Mel Motogawa  has been hooked to  his ST since  1986 and
         when not online, enjoys  reading every ST mag he can lay
         his hands on. "After years of just reading  messages and
         garnering  information, I decided  it was time to  break
         out.  Don't be a lurker forever, get the most out of the
         ST Roundtable.  Ask questions  online or answer the ones
         you can.  Share the wealth!"



[EOA]
[BAK]//////////////////////////////
                       BACKTALK! /
/////////////////////////////////
Reader Feedback: Nerdiness!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Stan J. Farwig
       [S.FARWIG]



                       >>> PERPETUAL NERDINESS <<<
                       """""""""""""""""""""""""""

     Dang! but it's discouraging, doomed forever to remain a nerd.  And
never allowed to forget it.  Sure, it's okay when you're perusing the
technical stuff; that you can gloss over...after all, specialists need
a forum to be special in...you don't really have to know why Line A
calls are to be shunned...or what adding a LCD controller to a digital
video bus does (did I get that all right?) to feel a respectful degree
of competence before the monitor.  It's when you're reading general
publications intended to keep the unspecial masses informed you come
to know the despair and humiliation of nerddom.

     Consider, for example, Sysop Gordon's helpful explanation of that
gray area in ST Aladdin 1.3 in the 2.33 issue of GEnie Lamp:

     "For that reason it requires an error-corrected connection through
MNP, X.25 or X.PC for example.  It's really easy to implement, the
SPEC is =truly= PD...  Thanks Gordon!"

     Yeah, thanks a meg, Gordon.

     It seems we're talking common, everyday household terms here, except
for a day in the nerdy households common among us.

     Please help a nerd.  Somebody.  Explain Gordon's explanation.  Give a
clue to what a "MNP", a "X.25" or a "PLEASE HELP A NERD.  "X.PC" is.  PD
I know.  I use "SPEC" all the time myself to meet the space limitations of
the "Short description" line in uploads; that means SPECTRUM 512 of
course.  But that can't be right...SPECTRUM 512 can't be PD, no matter
what happened to ANTIC.

     "Now that MNP is so widespread,..." (sounds like it could be a social
disease)..." this makes sense."  Okay.  So I'm insensible.  So maybe I
have one lying around the place, or can pick one up on the way home
tomorrow.  But I got to know what it is first.

     If I just wasn't a nerd I would immediately intuit the meaning of
"MNP" and "X.25" and "X.PC" like Real Computer Users do.  Golly, I admire
RCUs' uncanny second sight.  I'm not swift with crossword puzzles either.
"May Nerds Perish" is the best I can come up with.  That can't be right.
It would impact the market too seriously.  That sentiment would most
likely be something like MNGOBSU.

     My own field, health care, is replete with convenient abbreviations and
arcane terminology, but we're not so lavish with their use when dispensing
information to patients.  Imagine: "Well, my dear, we've looked your panel
and BUN over and we know why you're losing weight.  It's not due to your
COPD or IDDM, although those certainly are complications; it's Calcific
Pancreatitis related to your ESRF.  You'll be receiving your TPN in the
DU, but that's only three days a week.  To cover the rest of the time we
have to insert a PEG in your abdomen; that way you'll be followed by the
HIT unit of our HHC.  They will be sending out a MSW and a HHA to make
things easier for you.  Now, just sign this informed consent and we're
on our way."

     I'm not proud.  Nerds can't be.  I'd go look it all up if someone
                                   would tell me where.  My first year or
       "I'D GO LOOK IT UP IF       so with a computer I bought five
        SOMEONE WOULD TELL ME      dictionaries treating computerese, and
        WHERE."                    they helped.  Some.  Not one told
                                   me what a raster is however.  As for
keeping up with abbreviations, a dictionary a week isn't a supportable
expense.

     That's the mark of a nerd: buying dictionaries; faithfully, even
eagerly, reading software manuals though they often make the nerd feel
even nerdier when finished; then buying expensive, program specific
reference works, when available, for all the things that should have been
included in the manual and for any possible light they might shed on the
Mysteries of the Manuals.

     It should be noted that, whatever their other failings, nerds can
display just as passionate IMWK as RCU if only shame didn't inhibit them.

     Other questions linger.  So MNP takes the gray out?  If it's PD and
without legal threat, why doesn't ST Aladdin just include one and avoid
all those messages, including this one?

     Well, SLFN, GTG, TFAI & HND.                       Stan


       /////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE /////
      / "It took me at least five seconds to figure out what d**n  /
     / spelled...Guess I just didn't have it stored in the little /
    / recess where I keep my *-words. ;-)                        /
   /////////////  D.A.BRUMLEVE, CAT18, TOP8, MSG:15  ////////////



[EOA]
[FOC]//////////////////////////////
                     FOCUS ON... /
/////////////////////////////////
PageStream & Tools Of The Trade
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Dee Dee ("Swampy") Martin
                [D.D.MARTIN]



                 >>> PAGESTREAM & TOOLS OF THE TRADE <<<
                 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

     Every business requires tools.  Your tools may be hammer and saws,
typewriter and correction fluid, or pots and pans, but regardless of the
trade or profession you want the tools that will do the job.  One job can
require several tools and in my advertising specialty business the jobs
vary widely, but the basic tools remain the same.

     Advertising specialties consist of products that carry an advertising
message.  The range of products is vast and the method of imprint usually
                                   depends on the surface to be imprinted.
   "THE JOBS VARY WIDELY, BUT      Coffee cups may be silk screen imprint-
    THE BASIC TOOLS REMAIN THE     ed or, if there is a great deal of
    SAME."                         detail in the design a ceramic decal
                                   will be created, applied to the cup and
then kiln fired on to the cup.  Items such as keytags and vinyl portfolios
are usually imprinted using the hotstamp method where a metal die is made.
Foil material is placed between the die and the imprint surface and the
design is transferred using heat and pressure.  Commemorative coins may be
die cast or stamped.  Leather may be embossed or debossed.  Wood may be
laser engraved.

     The requirements for artwork and typeset to reproduce a customer's ad
copy vary according to the method of imprint used.  For example, beautiful
color work can be done with silk screen on fabric using graduated and
radial fills, but the same art is not suitable for hotstamp which requires
solid blocks of color.  Stylized simplicity is better for die cast
medallic work.  An understanding of imprint processes and the tools used
to achieve the best results is a necessary part of my job.

     In order to produce camera ready art for so many imprint methods, I
use a combination of tools.  My basic hardware system consists of an Atari
Mega STe with four megs of ram, mono monitor, hard drive, Navarone flat
bed scanner and a Hewlett Packard HPIII printer with the Adobe postscript
cartridge.  I also use the GCR/Spectre emulator from Gadgets by Small.
My well used software library consists of PageStream, Touchup, and ST
Scan for working in Atari "mode" and Aldus Freehand, Adobe Streamline,
PageMaker and Typestyler when in MAC "mode".  With this combination of
tools I feel I can render artwork to suit any imprint method.

     Most folks around GEnie's Atari RTC know me as "Swampy" I live in
south central Florida not too far from the Everglades.  My customer base
consists primarily of agricultural related businesses, retail and service
trades serving a large retirement age population and civic, charitable and
governmental organizations.  It's an unsophisticated market with very few
businesses employing professional marketing directors.  Seldom do my
clients have camera ready art.  I'd be rich if I had a nickle for every
time a client said, "My logo's in the phone book" or "Here's my business
card, take it off of that".  My job is to reproduce that logo in the best
way to suit the imprint method for an effective advertising imprint on the
selected item.

     The steps involved in producing the art have become pretty routine.
The art is scanned on the flat bed scanner, brought into Touchup for basic
bit mapped editing.  Lines are evened up, excess copy deleted, stray
pixels cleaned up and gaps filled in.  The art is then saved as an
uncompressed TIFF file and transverted to the MFS (MAC) partition.
Spectre is then launched and upon reaching the MAC desktop the TIFF file
is run through the Adobe Streamline autotracer.  The art is now converted
from a bit map graphic to a vector graphic.  Streamline saves the file in
Adobe Illustrator format which can be opened in Aldus Freehand for
editing.

     Freehand is an awesome program.  It supports the Pantone Color Match
system and renders absolutely beautiful art.  It is here that the
customer's logo takes it's final shape and color.  The premier MAC drawing
programs produce postscript graphics.  Mathematical formulas are used to
draw smooth curves and jaggiless angles.  Graduated and radial fills can
add depth and shades of color.  Custom Postscript fills are built into the
program.  Curved copy or copy that follows a curved line, such as a waving
flag, is a keystroke away.  The learning curve for Freehand is indeed low
and the tutorials are fun to work through.  You can produce great art on
your first attempt (there's nothing like learning a program "under
pressure").

     Once the customer's artwork is layed out the file is saved to disk
for future  use.  Then the art is sized (Freehand uses percentage
reductions and enlargements) to fit the current need and exported from
Freehand as an MS-DOS Encapsulated Post Script File (EPSF).  This format
includes a bit mapped screen image of the art that PageStream can display
on the screen.

     The EPSF file is then transverted back to the Atari hard drive.
After running PageStream and opening my "layout" template, I draw a box or
circle the exact size of the imprint area using dotted lines to
distinguish this guide from the actual imprint.  It is important to give
the imprinter the relative size and location of the copy and graphics so
they can reproduce the layout that my customer and I have agreed on.

     The EPSF file is imported into PageStream and final adjustments made
for reductions and enlargements.  The graphic is then placed within the
guide box or circle.  With the graphic displayed on the screen it is
simple to add any additional ad copy such as phone numbers, addresses etc.
This could be done in Freehand as well, but I have a considerable
collection of Postscript fonts for PageStream.  A test file is printed to
make sure the graphic is accurate.  If not, I go back to Freehand and make
the minor adjustments.  If everything is correct in the graphic then the
final ad copy is added in PageStream.

     One of the most important features of PageStream is the ability to
use text as a graphic object.  This means that I can type in ad copy in
                                   any font or point size, select it and
   "ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT      then grab a corner handle and stretch
    FEATURES OF PAGESTREAM IS      the text to best fit the limits of the
    THE ABILITY TO USE TEXT AS     imprint area.  Sometimes I need a
    A GRAPHIC OBJECT."             typeface for the logo that I only have
                                   as a PageStream font.  This can be
added over the graphic and sized or colored as needed.  I use the
"alignment" capability of PageStream to center text to the graphic vert-
ically or horizontally.

     Now the real power of PageStream is called into action.  Printing the
file!  First a print out is done of the layout template.  Copies of this
printout will be sent to the supplier that will print the product and to
the customer with an acknowledgement of the order.  A third copy is
attached to my copy of the purchase order for reference in case the
supplier has questions and for future reorders.  These printouts include
the dotted line guide box or circle.  The next copy is done without the
guide box or circle and printed on high gloss stock for camera ready art
which will be submitted to the supplier.

     The HPIII series of printers are rated at 300 DPI, but have a special
feature called Resolution Enhancement Technology (RET) which gives the
effect of 600 DPI output.  This is sufficient for 75% of the orders I
take, but sometimes higher resolution is required.  Calendars and desk
pads and other offset or lithographic imprint processes look so much
better at higher resolution.  If linotronic output is required, the
PageStream document can be printed to disk as a Postscript file and sent
to a bureau service via mail or modem.  The bureau service I use can read
an IBM formatted disk.  There are several format utilities for Atari STs
that can be used (I use the CodeHead's Maxifile formatter).

     Most of my suppliers are using MacIntosh hardware and software to
produce artwork for distributors that don't have the means of generating
                                   their own.  If I was not able to supply
   "MY TOOLS MAKE IT POSSIBLE      the art, they would charge me to
    FOR ME TO DO THE ART AND       produce it.  Either way, the end user
    MAKE THE MONEY INSTEAD OF      (my customer) is going to have to pay
    MY SUPPLIER."                  to have it done.  My tools make it
                                   possible for me to do the art and
make the money instead of my supplier.  My tools also insure accuracy of
imprint information.  I don't have to rely on the supplier's artist or
typesetter.

     Some of my suppliers now accept artwork on disk and some are
contemplating setting up their own BBS system to accept modem files.  The
industry is starting to enter the electronic age.  I forsee in the near
future the ability to fax the purchase order and modem the art.  Customers
are notorious for waiting till the last minute to place an order.  The
distributor that can provide rush service will profit from this.  The
industry standard will require Postscript or MacIntosh compatible files.
PageStream's Postscript ability will give me the competitive edge.
PageStream is the right tool for my trade.


       /////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE /////
      / "Larry,Larry, I know you are an excitable boy but speed kills. /
     / First you make your Mega faster than your 40 mghz clone, then  /
    / your clone gets too slow, so you have to get a 50 mhz 486,     /
   / but now, your Mega is slower than your clone again, what do    /
  / you do now. And so it goes, a decent kind man turns into a     /
 / thrill seeking speed maniac."                                  /
////////////////  G.T.GRAY, CAT4, TOP11, MSG:268  ////////////////



[EOA]
[DLR]//////////////////////////////
                DEALER VIEWPOINT /
/////////////////////////////////
Bargains Galore!
""""""""""""""""
By Sheldon Winick
       [S.WINICK]



     It's hard to believe there's less than 6 weeks left before
Christmas (and only 2 weeks until Channukah!!).  The holiday shopping
season is already upon us, and this is definitely going to be the year
of great bargains for the smart shopper.

     The recession of 1991 has taken its toll on many merchants, and
those remaining are already running holiday sales offering great values
                                   on most anything you could possibly
   "LAST MINUTE SHOPPERS ARE       desire.  At the present time, selection
    LIKELY TO FIND SELECTIONS      is very good for anything you're in-
    VERY MEAGER."                  terested in.  But a word of caution....
                                   most retailers are ordering much
smaller stocks of holiday merchandise than in normal years, so if you
really want a good selection and great prices, shop early.  Last minute
shoppers are likely to find selections very meager.

     In the Atari marketplace, dealers can offer excellent selection
at the present time.  There are ample stocks of 1040STe's, Mega STe's,
Portfolio's, Lynx Games, and even TT030's.  Color and monochrome
monitors are easy to find and accessories of all sorts are available to
increase your Atari computing enjoyment.  Software is plentiful, much
of it reduced to promote a quick sale -- especially on stock that has
been on dealer shelves for longer than desired because of poor sales
through the summer and fall months due to the economic slowdown.

     Atari equipment is readily available from local and regional
dealers and through traditional mail-order discounters.  But remember
that most any dealer will be more than happy to ship you whatever you
desire, and you may very well find that many traditional local
dealerships are very price competitive with anybody this year as most
are desperate to move product off the sales floor.  Several dealers may
still even have some of the older discontinued models still in stock,
either new or store demo models, which they will be offering at greatly
discounted prices.

     If there's a particular product you're interested in, I'd
strongly suggest you begin your holiday shopping early.  And if you
                                   don't have a local dealer, be sure to
   "...IF YOU DON'T HAVE A LOCAL   also check with your favorite dealers
    DEALER, BE SURE TO ALSO        here online on GEnie.  There are
    CHECK HERE ONLINE ON GEnie"    several of us who are quite active and
                                   are always available to answer
questions and help with problems throughout the year.  All would greatly
appreciate your returning the favor and considering us when you're ready
to make a new purchase.

     So.... what's new from Atari for the 1991 holiday shopping
season?  Well, watch for special holiday bundles to soon begin showing
up on your dealer's shelves.  The special packages will feature a
software assortment bundled with a 520 or 1040STe system and color
monitor.  Speaking of color monitors, Atari still is overstocked with
the older SC1224 color monitors, and those will be included in most
bundles and will probably be offered by many dealers at greatly
discounted prices.  Special Portfolio bundles will also soon be
available.  And those of you who want or need more portability should
consider a new STacy2, which is still available; and at greatly
discounted prices.  If your favorite dealer doesn't have the STacy in
stock, or anything else for that matter, there's still time to get it
special ordered so it will arrive in time for the holidays.  And don't
forget that the new STacy2 can also be easily, and inexpensively
upgraded to 4 megs since Atari has provided an access panel on the
bottom of the case to reach the 2 empty SIPP sockets on the main
circuit board.

     New upgrades of many popular software packages have also
recently been introduced.  How 'bout considering asking that special
'Santa' for a software upgrade for one of your favorite software
packages.  That could make a perfect gift from that special someone who
may also have a limited budget to work with as most upgrades are
extremely inexpensively priced.  And your support of our excellent
developers' efforts will, I'm sure, be well appreciated as well.

     How about a subscription, or renewal subscription to your
favorite Atari magazine?  That's a great gift, and very reasonably
priced as well, that will give enjoyment throughout the year as each
new issue arrives in the mail box.

     How about giving that special someone a gift of a free years
membership in your local Atari user group?  Or perhaps a Gift
Certificate from your favorite Atari dealer if you're not quite sure
exactly what they want.

     That should hopefully give you some holiday shopping ideas.  But
enough talk; lets go shopping!!

     Happy (Atari) Computing.
     Sheldon Winick (GEnie Address: S.WINICK)
     Computer STudio (Asheville, NC)


       ////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE /////
      / "Hey Steve,  If you DON'T WANT to call it BASIC, then it is   /
     / suggested that you COMPILE your source code... and viola....  /
    / MACHINE LANGUAGE!  And if anyone ASK you 'What language is    /
   / your commercial release program in.. tell 'em its' 'ML'. Then /
  / you will get all the ohhhs and ahhhs that are associated."    /
 //////////////////  RHFACTOR, CAT22, TOP3, MSG:62  //////////////



[EOA]
[HUM]//////////////////////////////
                    HUMOR ONLINE /
/////////////////////////////////
Fun & Games On GEnie
""""""""""""""""""""

     o   ATARI OFFICIAL SLIPS: Leaks Top Secrets on BB.

          o   LOST IN THE EDIT ZONE

               o   ACCIDENT PRONE: Who, Me?

                   o   GEnie QWIK_LAUGH



ATARI OFFICIAL SLIPS   JAGUAR NEO-GEO COMPATIBLE?   What does the Jaguar
""""""""""""""""""""   do? <grin> Isn't it more appropriate to just funnel
suggestions about what you'd like to see in product category, rather than
fuel speculation about what a rumored product is going to have?

     In other words, what should the next Atari Computer have?  A really
fast 68030, with higher resolution color, 2.88 floppies, and a built in
200 meg HD?  PostScript??  Built in IBM emulation?  All for under $2000???

     How about the next Atari game?  Hand held, with optional FLAT LCD
color display (19" or bigger), with true STEREO audio out connectors (so
I can output to my BOSE speakers!) and optional light gun, and CD ROM
unit.  How about a card slot, kinda like what Neo Geo has??

     See what I mean?  -Bob
                 (BOB-BRODIE, CAT18, TOP18, MSG:108/M475)

>>>>>   Careful Bob.  I can see it now, one week later and far, far
"""""   away.. Bob Brodie of Atari announced that the new Falcon will be
compatible with Neo Geo. :-) My kids will take 6. -Nathan @ ISD
                    (ISD, CAT18, TOP18, MSG:109/M475)

>>>>>   What's this I have been hearing about an Atari/Neo Geo joint
"""""   project?  Apparently, an Atari big wig let it slip that some kind
of super 68030 game machine with a 19" color flat screen, BOSE speakers,
AND MS-DOS emulation is almost ready.  Supposedly, it is held up by FCC
red tape... Will Atari confirm or deny the rumor that it will be released
in Germany BEFORE the US???

     Penniless but Nevertheless Anxious Atari Enthusiast
                  (T.GILL7, CAT18, TOP18, MSG:110/M475)

>>>>>   Ahhh.... I'm hearing that Mr. Brodie let it slip out about Atari's
"""""   new handheld 68030 super game machine with Neo Geo compatibility
and 19" color flatscreen monitor (I understand the monitor screen even
folds up flat for easy carrying around in your coat pocket).  Anyway, I
heard a rumor it can also run Calamus SL with an optional keyboard!  And
all for the price of the old Lynx.  Wow!!!  Thanks for the information,
Bob.  :-] -Sheldon (S.WINICK, CAT18, TOP18, MSG:111/M475)

>>>>>   Bob at the next show will you please demo that unit for me.
"""""   I would love to see you holding a 19in monitor in your hand while
using the light gun.  :-)
                   (GORDON, CAT18, TOP18, MSG:113/M475)



LOST IN THE EDIT ZONE   David,  The F-18 DEF file has been uploaded here.
"""""""""""""""""""""   It's a B  IG FILE     -- when yo g  un-arc
it it is about 2Meg     of DEF.     H  ope yo  u like   it    .
  Ma  rio
      *    s
                        *l
      *L    Sorry about all that garbage at the end, It didn't want to let
me out of edit.  I sure hope I can get out now!!!
                (M.PERDUE, CAT16, TOP3, MSG:227/228/M475)

>>>>>   The last I heard, Mario is _still_ wandering around aimlessly in
"""""   the Edit Zone... :-)
                    (DITEK, CAT16, TOP3, MSG:229/M475)



ACCIDENT PRONE?  WHO ME?   Darlah:  First you burn your fingers, now you
""""""""""""""""""""""""   slice them up.  You'd better get a house
keeper.  :~}      (ATARIUSER, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:123/M475)

>>>>>   As long as we can keep calling her "Ten fingered Darlah" she'll be
"""""   OK ;-)  Or was that twelve?
                  (J.ALLEN27, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:124/M475)

>>>>>   Now that Darlah has "lost" a finger, does she get to be Frodo? ;-)
"""""   (R.NOAK, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:126/M475)

>>>>>   That's not a knife...THIS is a knife ;-)
"""""             (J.ALLEN27, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:138/M475)

>>>>>   Knife??  We don't need no stinkin knives!!<G>
"""""             (J.KUDRON, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:139/M475)

>>>>>   Sharp idea.  Can I ask a pointed question?
"""""             (J.ALLEN27, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:140/M475)

>>>>>   OK, kids, cut it out!
"""""           (D.A.BRUMLEVE, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:141/M475)

>>>>>   Is this what they mean by 'rapier-like wit'?
"""""           (J.PATTERSON3, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:142/M475)

>>>>>   I really don't see the point of all this, but I suppose it's
"""""   better than cutting each other up.  I expected, however, to see
more cutting witticisms from the sharp crowd we have on here.
                   (L.DUMAS, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:144/M475)

>>>>>   Leland, your pointed remarks cut me to the quick!  I think it's
"""""   time for me to sever my participation in this little slice of
life.           (D.A.BRUMLEVE, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:145/M475)

>>>>>   Hey Dot, cut Leland some slack ;-)
"""""             (J.ALLEN27, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:146/M475)

>>>>>   No problem Jim,  We all know what a cut-up Dot is.  I sure she
"""""   didn't really mean to stick it to me.  The thrust of her remarks
were friendly enough.  Besides, my boss says I get too much slack already.
                   (L.DUMAS, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:151/M475)



GEnie QWIK_LAUGH!  Dot, That's "facetious."
"""""""""""""""""
     Heh heh.  Gawd, I love it when I can correct Dorothy's spelling...

- Charles        (C.F.JOHNSON, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:118/M475)

>>>>>   Is it fAcetious???  Eeekkk!
"""""   Gawd, I hate it when Charles can correct my spelling...
                (D.A.BRUMLEVE, CAT18, TOP5, MSG:119/M475)


     ////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE /////
    / "My new goal in life is to say something worth quoting.  If I /
   / every do, you definitely have my permission to use it."       /
  //////////////  D.THOMPSON66, CAT34, TOP6, MSG:61 ///////////////



[EOA]
[PSS]//////////////////////////////
                         P.S.'s  /
/////////////////////////////////
Get It While It's Hot!
""""""""""""""""""""""
by Mel Motogawa
   [M.MOTOGAWA]

                        >>> THE ONLINE LIBRARY <<<
                        """"""""""""""""""""""""""

     This is a good time to own an ST/STe/TT and have GEnie access.  There
are so many neat programs coming out in the commercial, shareware and
public domain areas.  As usual, the last two weeks has seen more uploads
of great programs and helpful press releases in the ST Roundtable File
Library.  I was a little pressed for time this week, so there isn't any
color/mono specific information in the descriptions below, but this can
usually be garnered from browsing the file in ST Aladdin.  Enjoy!

21494  STACYMSE.ARC  2944   A little desk accessory to make it easier
"""""""""""""""""""""""""   to do click-and-drag operations with the Stacy
trackball.  Click the right button and the Stacy thinks the left button is
being held in a down position.  Another click returns everything to
normal.

21493  FZT_D204.LZH  260608   This terminal program was described in an
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   earlier PS's, but has some additional
enhancements now.  Particularly in its appearance in monochrome.  If
you're in need of a good terminal program for connecting to your local
bbs, this would be a good one to try.

21492  SURECOPY.ARC  5504   A backup program for your ramdisk.  I
"""""""""""""""""""""""""   haven't tried it, but from reading the docs it
sounds like a good way to do backups of your ramdisk's data, with each
progressive backup taking less time since it checks the archive bit and
only backs up new or changed files.

21488  CARDPTCH.LZH  62208   CardFile is a popular commercial address
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   book, calendar and dialer from Gribnif
Software.  This will patch your copy of 3.01 to 3.02.

21448  WHATIS49.LZH  11264   Like the name says, you point this rascal
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   at a file and it tries to determine the
file's nature.  How can that happen?  Maybe someone sends you a file with
a wrong extender, .arc when it should have been .lzh.  Or you just
recovered some files with your hard disk utility program and they've been
renamed by the program.  Version 4.9 of WhatIs now recognizes 94 different
filetypes, including some 8 bit files.  And it even recognizes the new
Data Diet dietized file format.  WhatIs is especially helpful for
newcomers to the ST, who haven't become familiar with all the extenders
out there.  Works great as a Multidesk Deluxe MDX.

21447  CAL_60.LZH  71296   Another update to this popular calendar
""""""""""""""""""""""""   program for the ST.  Features a larger screen
and many more options. If you need a good desk accessory calendar for
jotting down appointments and such, Cal is great!  Another fine candidate
for a Multidesk Deluxe MDX.

21432  LZH_201H.LZH  111104   The latest version of Thomas Quester's
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   great Lharc series.  If you see any lzh
files flagged as "LH5" in the file description, you need this program to
extract them.  Not a handicap though since it is very fast at Add
operations and extracts the old lzh format too.  A must have program.

21423  MPAINT1.TXT  4736   This is the year for ST graphic artists.  A
""""""""""""""""""""""""   slew of powerful graphic programs from Europe
are finding their way to the US from various companies.  This is an
announcement for MegaPaint Professional 4.0, an incredible monochrome bit
map, vector graphic program to be supported in the US by the Codeheads.

21408  U332PTCH.ARC  34560   The popular alternate file selector, UIS
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   III has been updated and this patch program
will bring your copy of 3.3 to 3.32.

21395  GRAMX110.TXT  5248   A text file describing new features added
"""""""""""""""""""""""""   to Grammar Expert, from Phil Comeau Software.
A search function in the Index and Table of Contents, configurable
appearance of links, more hotkeys, saveable window position/size, no more
rsc file needed and much more.  If you thought the original was something,
wait until you feast your eyes on these new specs.  Together with the
GramSlam grammar checker, this is one dynamic duo.

21372  SHREDR30.ARC  39552   If you've ever wanted to really eradicate
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   a file, Shredder is for you.  Perhaps you
have a sensitive text file that you want to make sure is gone for good,
without formatting the whole disk.  Normal file erasure methods can be
circumvented.  Just turn Shredder loose and it will send it to file
oblivion.  The program has been updated and supports Maxifile III's
multiple file selection feature.  Shredder offers a simple function, but
does it with class and the program shows much thought and effort.

21349  MEGA_CVG.ARC  59776   This is an IMG pic of a Mega ST that has
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   been auto traced in Avant Vector.  In CVG
format, you can load it into the Outline Art or Avant Vector demos
available in the ST RT library and see how powerful Avant Vector's auto
tracing routines are.



[EOA]
[HAC]//////////////////////////////
                   HACK'N ATARI! /
/////////////////////////////////
Down To The Wire
""""""""""""""""
By Bill Rehbock
    [B.REHBOCK]


     "A GREAT BIG thanks to Bill Rehbock for that detailed info
      about adding a second SCSI device to a Megafile 44 !!!!!!
      I'd been looking for that info for MONTHS.   BTW, it works
      perfectly as described.  Go ahead and add one to your M44
      today.  If you feel at all queasy about doing it, any
      reasonably competent tech should be able to do it with a
      copy of Bill's instructions handy."
                                   -Mike Drysdale, TEAM COMPUTERS
                 (M.DRYSDALE, CAT14, TOP9. MSG:124/M475)



              >>> INSTALL A 3.5" DRIVE IN A MEGAFILE 44 <<<
              """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

     Tom, Rich, and anyone else interested in installing a second 3.5"
drive inside the case of your Megafile-44....................

     1) This will void your warranty.

     2) Some Megafile-44 cases have all of the necessary brackets to
        do the installation easily, others do not, we don't carry the
        brackets, but you can rig it yourself rather easily.

     3) Atari, myself, etc. will not be responsible for any type of
        inconveniences this may cause you.

     So.....

     1) After you have it all opened up, you'll see that the Syquest is
        connected to J1 on the host adapter.

     2) The whole thing is fairly easy: BOTH DRIVES GET SET TO DEVICE
        ZERO (the Syqest already is, BTW), BOTH DRIVES SHOULD BE
        TERMINATED, the host adapter does all of the work for you.

     3) The switches on the bottom are the important part.  Switches
        3 & 2 select the starting address of the entire box, that is
        the device number of the deveice connected to J1. Switch 1 tells
        the host adapter that you have a second device in the box.  It
        should be turned OFF. (Think of the switch as upside-down and
        backwards, when a switch is 'OFF', it is Logical-1, Switch
        position 3 is the least significant digit of the address #,
        switch position 2 is the most significant digit of the address #,
        and switch position 1 tells the host adapter that there are two
        devices.

                               ON
                              _______
                              | |X| |
                              |X| |X|
                              -1-2-3-
                               ^ ^ ^+--- 1's
                               | +------ 2's
                               +-------- Flag that there are two devices.

     With the switch setting that is shown, multiple devices are enabled,
the device that is connected to J1 (usually the Syquest) is DEVICE-1, the
device connected to J2 will be DEVICE-2.

     The device connected to J2 is always device1's ID + 1.

     If you configure the switches to OFF-ON-ON, the box will come up as
J1-ACSI#0, J2-ACSI#1.  (The terms address, device#, ACSI# are used
interchangeably)

     I hope this was clear... It's about as clear as I get at 3:15am
<grin>  If you have any questions, feel free to leave me e-mail. (Leave
an evening phone number)  -Bill Rehbock, Atari Corp.
                  (B.REHBOCK, CAT14, TOP9, MSG:121/M475)

                                [*][*][*]


  [NOTE: As  with all  do-it-yourself  modifications,  you  are
         responsible for all risks involved. The ST RoundTable,
         GEnie, GEnie LAMP and Bill Rehbock are not responsible
         for any  damage  incurred as a  result of  undertaking
         this upgrade.  Know what you are doing, before  you do
         it!  And if  you don't, find  someone who  does! -ed.]



[EOA]
[OFF]//////////////////////////////
                  OFF THE RECORD /
/////////////////////////////////
Atari ST Mini_reViews
"""""""""""""""""""""

     o   TURBO 25: For Speedholics Only!

          o   DREAMPARK'S 1.44M UPGRADE: Cool!

               o   ATONCE EMULATORS: Get's The Job Done;

                    o   DYNACADD: Is It For You?

                         o   ATARI RT QWIK_TIP: Atten: UIS Users.



T25 HAS PUT ME OFF THE SCALE!   Jim, I just had to post a message to
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   express my first impressions of the T25:
   * magnificent * stupendous * unbelievable * addictive * inexpendable

     Got the point yet?  I use my Mega 4 for DTP. When I bought my first
HD, (a 204 5 years ago), my productivity increased from 1 to 3 (on a
scale of 1 to 10).  When I bought a laser printer, I jumped to an 8.
Adding a Syquest put me at 10.

     The T25 has put me off the scale. I ran some tests this week using
Calamus 1.09 and TouchUp.

     40 page 1.09  CDK file used to print in 22:30 minutes (heavy graphic
layout)  NOW printing in 9:30 minutes!

     40 page SL CDK file printed in 29 minutes.  Now prints is 17.

     With 1.09, the laser clicks into printing within 5 to 10 seconds.
With SL, the T25 flies through the drawing mode and begins to print in
less that 30 seconds, every time.

     The MOST important improvement is the lightning fast screen redraws.
I can now afford to do on screen editing for long documents without having
to go back and forth to the text editor.

     With TouchUp, my productivity has improved at least 50% because the
screen redraws are MUCH faster.

     33k GEM IMG without the T25 on my MEGA STE at 16 Mhz, 16 seconds.
With the T25 on the Mega 4, 7 seconds.

     I could give more examples but the point is obvious.... I NEED my
T25.

     The ONLY thing faster is the TT030!  Did I see a message about a new
FAST TECHNOLOGY product in the wings?
                   (L.ROCHA1, CAT4, TOP13, MSG:6/M475)



ROOM TO BREATHE!   Just a comment: I've got the Dream Park 1.44M
""""""""""""""""   modification in my ST.  Works flawlessly, and reads IBM
1.44M disks faster than they can...  cool.

     It's a replacement board for the WD1772 chip inside the ST (the floppy
controller).  You take out the WD1772, plug in the new board, replace your
720k drive with a 1.44M drive, and voila.  No software, no nothing.  The
only thing the "drive" for their board does is change the default step-
rate of the board from 12 ms to 3 ms, and display a boot-message...

     You can get the board from them, a board and a 1.44M drive, or the
board and a self-contained external drive.  No reason you'd have to get
just their drive (as Ron Hunter suggests)...

     You can format it for 1.44M by using the normal GEMDOS flopfmt()
\command, and telling it to do 18 sectors.  I format mine for 20 sectors
and 82 tracks, giving me a little over 1.6M per disk.

     I'm a very satisfied customer...  Works great with MaxiFile, too!
-Chris-           (C.HERBORTH, CAT32, TOP7, MSG:91/M475)



AT_ONCE IBM EMULATORS   I have installed two of the 8 mhz 286 ATonce
"""""""""""""""""""""   boards.  They supported the EGA, and VGA mono-
chrome if I remember right.  These boards were much faster than the
comparable AtSpeed in screen and disk I/O.  Sound emulation was nearly
perfect with out any apparent slowdown, drastically better performance
at sound than the AtSpeed.  My impression, was that software compatibility
was higher than AtSpeed, although this is just a recollection and was not
backed up by general testing. I also noticed that video mode emulation on
the ATonce seemed to have fewer glitches than AtSpeed.  They also were
nearly a hundred bucks cheaper.

     The software included blitter support and was generally more
sophisticated than the at the time current AtSpeed.  Does this sound like
an endorsement.  Well, not exactly.  I found that generation of ATonce to
be very fussy about the machine in which it was installed.  I wondered if
the nearly twice as fast I/O was one reason it was fussy.

     To be fair Atonce ran in every 1040ST that I tried.  It failed in the
STEs and some of the Megas.  The STEs were early machines and did not have
the fixed DMA part.  The machines for which the ATonces were originally
installed received AtSpeeds.  Wala, problem solved.  Basically I lost a
hundred bucks on each, and an awesome amount of time.

     It came down to the fact that every machine I ever tried to install
an AtSpeed in, worked right away with no problem.  I have sold and in-
stalled a dozen or more AtSpeeds.  With the ATonce it was a total crap-
shoot.  I did eventually sell the ATonce boards.  One in a 1040ST and one
in a Mega 4 with an adapter to the Megabus.  These customers are extremely
pleased with ATonces.  I would not use this story to infer anything
negative about the current ATonce product.  I still remain favorably
disposed to try it.  It just did too many things right to not be worth the
engineering effort on the part of the manufacture to solve the one
significant problem it had.  On the other hand as a dealer I would not buy
it for installation and resale with out a favorable return policy from the
distributor, and enough time to fool around.

     Final comments, at that particular performance generation of AT
emulators (8megahertz 286), the ATonce was by far the best emulator on the
market if it ran on your machine.  I believe that when the next generation
of AT emulators came to market they used a CMOS 286.  I guessed the power
consumption and the heat of the earlier NMOS ATonce may have contributed
to its sensitivity.

     Thanks Gary Gray Megabyte Plus
                   (G.T.GRAY, CAT19, TOP14, MSG:3/M475)



DYNACADD, IS IT FOR YOU?   For Architectural work, DynaCADD is the best
""""""""""""""""""""""""   CADD package I've ever seen.  And since that's
what I primarily use it for, most of my Computer STudio customers wind up
asking how well DynaCADD would be for non-architectural applications! :-]

     DynaCADD is an excellent CADD package that can easily blow the socks
off the competition in most respects.  And its speed and logical ease-of-
use far surpasses the competition.  But..... it is only an excellent
piece of software.  It will NOT turn you into an Architect any more than
buying a professional basketball will turn you into a professional basket-
ball player.

     For any type of drafting work, DynaCADD shines.  If you have a need
for a professional CADD application, DynaCADD is the best you can get.
Just remember that merely owning it will not make you an architect or
engineer.  That takes talent and a great deal of training.  If you already
have those qualities, then DynaCADD will be a great tool to increase your
productivity.

     If you really want a great new house, my recommendation would be to
hire an architect, not purchase an architect's tools of the trade.  If you
have need for those tools, however, then by all means purchase DynaCADD.
You won't find a better program or better developer support.

     As for 3D -- DynaCADD does not do full-color animated solid object
modeling, if that's what you're referring to.  It has 3D capabilities,
but does not yet have the modules necessary to turn them into fully
rendered presentations.  I suspect that those capabilities will become
available at some future date.  I'm sure David can shed some more light
on that.  (Go ahead David, tease us some more!! :-).

     By the way, if you decide you really need/want DynaCADD and don't
have a good local source, we have the latest version in stock for
immediate shipment.  It's always better, however, to get a hands-on
demonstration/training session on software packages as complex and power-
ful as DynaCADD so you will be able to become productive in an efficient
manner.  Come on down -- our weather forecast for the week looks great! :-]
Leave me E-mail if you need pricing.

     Regards, Sheldon Winick (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
     Registered Architect (Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado)
                   (S.WINICK, CAT47, TOP3, MSG:47/M475)



ATARI ROUNDTABLE QWIK_TIP   I noticed that UIS 3.32 now has _20_ pre-set
"""""""""""""""""""""""""   pathnames.  If you hold down either shift key
and left-click on directory it shows an additional 10 paths.  I checked
with version 3.3 and this was never there before.  I wish there would
have been a short .DOC file detailing what all the upgrade patch did-
rather than have to "discover" it.
                   (R.SENNEMA, CAT2, TOP2, MSG:98/M475)



[EOA]
[ELS]//////////////////////////////
                    ST ELSEWHERE /
/////////////////////////////////
Other Areas Of IntereST
"""""""""""""""""""""""
By Terry Quinn
    [T.QUINN1]



                    >>> OR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! <<<
                    """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

     With the holidays coming up, many of us are going to want to be
physically elsewhere as well as electronically elsewhere on GEnie.  Just
                                   one little problem though - it
   "...WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT?       costs$$$.  Well wouldn't you know it -
    GEnie HAS A SOLUTION"          GEnie has a solution to that one as
                                   well - a free Gateway into the American
Airlines Reservation system  EAASY SABRE!  Now for those of you who aren't
quite sure where on GEnie this is, the answer is both it is and it isn't.
You can go to Page 760 and discover that it is part of GEnie*Basic
Services but once you proceed past that point, you will discover that it
no longer looks like GEnie at all!  The reason for this is simple - it
really isn't part of GEnie but an entirely different system running on
computers owned by American Airlines.

     The first thing you will notice is that you will need a separate
account number and password.  Not to worry though, you can get both of
these essentials your very first time on for absolutely free.  Why would
you want to bother?  Well, once you are registered with EAASY SABRE, you
can browse through the system, retrieve flight, hotel and weather
information for any destination in their system.  If you provide a major
credit card number when you first register, you can even purchase tickets,
make flight, automobile and hotel reservations while on-line!

     One of their best features is a special system called their "BARGAIN
FINDER".  Rather than go into a long winded explanation as to how it
works, a direct quote from the system will tell it all:

           BARGAIN FINDER

EAASY SABRE's Bargain Finder(sm)
feature gives you the capability to
automatically price your itinerary at
the lowest available fare.  Bargain
Finder saves you time by minimizing the
amount of research you are required to
do prior to selecting your flights.
Let Bargain Finder do the work for you,
and you will save time and money!

The process for using Bargain Finder is
summarized below:

*   Create an itinerary.

Press <ENTER> to continue.
>

*   When prompted for Class of Service
    Preference, select the Bargain
    Finder option.

*   When you have completed your itin-
    erary, including your return res-
    ervation and verified that it is
    correct, the system will automati-
    cally price your itinerary using
    Bargain Finder.

*   You will be presented with a screen
    that displays the lowest available
    fare AS WELL AS the lowest avail-
    albe fares with the following
    qualifications:  No advance pur-
    chase requirements, no penalty for

Press <ENTER> to continue.
>

    cancellation, no minimum/maximum
    stay requirements and no restric-
    tions.

*   After selecting the lowest avail-
    able fare you desire, you will
    finalize you reservation.

A tutorial detailing the use of Bargain
Finder appears below:

From the EAASY SABRE Reservation Menu,
select option 1-Flight Schedules and
Availability.  After selecting your
first flight, you will be presented
with a menu requesting your Class of
Service Preference.  An example appears
below:

Press <E
NTER> to continue.
>

Class of Service Preference
Flight:  DELTA AIRLINES      83  MAY17
  From:  DALLAS/FT WORTH, TX (DFW) 800A
    TO:  ATLANTA, GA         (ATL)1050A

1 F Class        5 Q Class
2 Y Class        6 H Class
3 B Class        7 K Class
4 M Class        8 L Class
---------------------------------------
13 Use Bargain Finder to locate lowest
     discounted fare available
14 None acceptable

If you prefer to have Bargain Finder
price the itinerary for you, select
item number 13-Use Bargain Finder to
locate lowest discounted fare avail-
able.
Press <ENTER> to continue.
>
After supplying or verifying the pro-
file information required for your
reservation, you will view the follow-
ing display:

DELTA AIRLINES        Flt 83   Class  *
 From:   DALLAS/FT WORTH, TX   (DFW)
   To:   ATLANTA, GA           (ATL)
 Date:   THURSDAY             MAY-17-90


* Bargain Finder will select the class
  of service with the lowest discounted
  fare available.

1 Reservation request is correct
2 Cancel this reservation request

Press <ENTER> to continue.
>
Upon selectin
g item number 1-Reser-
vation request is correct, you will be
given the opportunity to make return or
continuing flight, car and hotel
reservations.

Complete your itinerary as desired.  On
any continuing or return flights you
select, the system will automatically
select the Bargain Finder pricing
option for you.

When reviewing your itinerary, you will
be presented with the following screen:

Press <ENTER> to continue.
>

Previous entry in progress

Use /E to EXIT or wait for a response
>
Itinerary for M. Jones
Date    Flt   Cls From To  Leave Arrive
1 MAY17 DL 83  *  DFW  ATL  800A  1050A
2 MAY2O DL671  *  ATL  DFW  822A   922A

To review or change a reservation
   enter line number, or

7  Itinerary complete and correct
8  Cancel ENTIRE itinerary
9  Display or add general remarks
10 Display MORE items
11 Additional RESERVATION desired
12 Add an ALTERNATE phone contact
13 Price itinerary

After reviewing your itinerary to
ensure that it is correct, select item
number 7-Itinerary complete and
Press <ENTER> to continue.
>

correct.  You will receive the
following response:

Bargain Finder will check fares as soon
as you depress the carriage return.

This search will take only a few
minutes.

Please press <ENTER> to begin
Bargin Finder search. . . .

Simply press the carriage return and
wait a few moments while Bargain Finder
calculates the fare for you.  The next
thing you'll see is the following
display:

Press <ENTER> to continue.
>

With Bargain Finder, the following
(shown in USD currency) are available:

    Total Fare   Based on

1       280.50   Lowest available fare
    Fare code :  QWE7P50
2       722.00   No advance purchase
    Fare code :  Y2
3       722.00   No penalty
    Fare code :  Y2
4       722.00   No Min/Max stay
    Fare code :  Y2
5       722.00   No restrictions
    Fare code :  Y2

Enter line number to reserve displayed
fare.

Press <ENTER> to continue.
>

Upon reviewing the previous informa-
tion, you will decide which fare selec-
tion is appropriate for you.  If your
plans are firm, you will want to select
line 1-Lowest available fare to take
advantage of the substantial cost sav-
ings.  If your plans are still tenta-
tive and subject to change, you may
prefer to select another option.  In
this particular example, each of the
remaining options all yield the same
fare.  Therefore, you would probably
wish to select Option 5 and be subject
to no restrictions.

We will assume in this case that your
travel plans are firm.  Upon selecting
item number 1-Lowest available fare,

Press <ENTER> to continue.
>

you will receive the following
response:

Your airline tickts, including any
applicable taxes will cost:
Each adult:    280.50
Fare code :  QXE7P50

Total fare :   280.50

1 Continue with reservation as
  booked (restrictions may apply).

2 View details about this fare,
  including possible restrictions.


3 Search for possible lower fare
  using Bargain Finder.  (the search
  may take a few minutes . . .)
Press <ENTER> to continue.
>

At this point, you may select menu item
number 2-View details about this fare,
including possible restrictions, to
view detailed fare rules and restric-
tions.  Or you may select menu item
number 1-Continue with reservation as
booked (restrictions may apply), to
continue with your reservation.  After
this, you will be presented with
ticketing deadline date information,
ticket purchase preference options, and
upon completing the reservation
process, your itinerary number.

To ensure that you receive the Bargain
Finder fare quoted, you must finalize
your ticketing arrangements on or
before the ticketing deadline date
displayed in EAASY SABRE.  If your

Press <ENTER> to continue.
>
tickets are not issued prior to the
ticketing deadline date, your
reservation will automatically be
cancelled.

In addition, please note that before
tickets are issued, you are free to
make changes to your reservation or
cancel it altogether without any
cancellation penalty.  Of course, if
you revise your itinerary, you may be
subject to a change in the fare quoted.

                                [*][*][*]


     Does the system have any drawbacks?  Well, Shur nuff it does.  Since
this is exactly the same reservation system that travel agents use, yo are
                                   still blessed with the same cryptic
   "EAASY SABRE WILL LET YOU       destination, fare and class codes that
    ACCESS THOSE SUPER LOW         they have to contend with only you
    BARGAIN FARES THAT YOU         usually will not have the experience or
    THOUGHT WERE BEYOND THE        training to decipher them.  The system
    REACH OF ORDINARY MORTALS"     does have help screens but they are
                                   either awkwardly located or difficult
to use and their use will slow you down considerably. Still, if you are
planning to travel further than "over the river and through the woods",
EAASY SABRE will let you access those super low bargain fares that you
thought were beyond the reach of ordinary mortals.  In short - EAASY SABRE
is another great money saving service brought to you courtesy of the same
folks that created GEnie*Basic Services.


         ////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE /////
        / "D.D., there is always someone out there willing to "Sell /
       / for LESS" usually but don't you ultimately get what you   /
      / pay for? :-) We all want a discount, if one can be had,   /
     / (human nature) :-) but we also want service, after sales  /
    / support, reliability, etc.. In other words, a good        /
   / reputation should also be a factor."                      /
  ////////////////  ISD, CAT11, TOP9, MSG:135  ////////////////



[EOA]
[MIN]//////////////////////////////
                      MINI_BYTES /
/////////////////////////////////
Three On One: The Calendar
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By "The Clique"
   [GENIELAMP$]



          Program Name     :   The Calendar Program
          Version Reviewed :   6.0
          Filename         :   CAL_60.LZH
          Author           :   Bill Aycock
          GEnie Address    :   N/A
          Program Type     :   Application/Utility
          File Type        :   Shareware ($25.00)
          Library Area     :   2
          Program Number   :   21447
          File Size        :   71296

                               [*][*][*]


FROM THE AUTHOR...   Ever forgotten your anniversary or your kid's birth-
""""""""""""""""""   day?  Missed a TV show because you didn't remember
what day it was on?  Went to work an hour late when you forgot to reset
your clock for Daylight Savings Time?  If this has happened to you, Cal
may be able to help!



                    >>> MINI_BYTES: THREE ON ONE <<<
                    """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

        [Due to technical difficulties, this mini_byte review is]
        [brought to you  by the dynamic duo Shepherd & Wanderer.]
        [If all goes well, The "clique" will be back next issue.]

MINI_BYTE BY SHEPHERD [75]   MINI_BYTE BY SHEPHARD [75]   Cal v6.0 is a
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   calendar program which will help you never
forget a special date again.  It allows setting dates by date, but also
by position in week or month, like the third Thursday, and number of days
between events, i.e. every 10 days.  A quick summary of events is
available for checking what is happening in the future, as well as search
by event description for checking when all those birthdays come round.
Events can be automatically deleted when they are past or kept for future
reference.  You can set the number of days to be reminded before the
event so you aren't notified at 6:00 pm the day of your mother's birthday
(we all know we never forget our wife's birthday!).  It doesn't do every-
thing I would like such as arrange items by time order, but for a date
reminder it is excellent.  The shareware fee is a bit higher than average,
but then this program is better than average too.  Well worth checking
out!  The Shephard's humble opinion.



MINI_BYTE BY WANDERER [90]   Calendar is one nice program!  It has just
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   about everything you could want in an
calendar/appointment program, it's stable and convenient to use.  Will I
use it?  Alas, no.  The problem is I don't really have a _need_ for it.
(Maybe _that's_ the problem!)  And when I do need a calendar, I have
DeskCart just a click away.  Of course DeskCart's calendar isn't
"Calendar" by a long shot, but for my current needs (and memory
limitations) it works out well.  However, if you're looking for a high
power, do-everything calendar program, look no farther.  Nothing else
comes close.

                               [*][*][*]


                   >>> GEnie LAMP MINI_BYTE RATINGS <<<
                   """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
                         ~ The Calendar Program ~

      SHEPHERD ...........................................  75
      WANDERER............................................  90
                                                           """"
      AVERAGE SCORE ...................................... 82.5



                       >>> REVIEWER PROFILES <<<
                       """""""""""""""""""""""""

     SHEPHERD...mostly uses  information storage programs
                and  utilities, crazy  about time  saving
                programs, spends  lots of time online and
                only plays games very rarely.

     WANDERER...Spends  most of  his waking  hours  going
                blind  banging  away  on his ST computer.
                Although  much of his time  is spent with
                telecomm and word  processors,  he's  not
                ashamed  to boot up a  good game  once in
                awhile.  Gotta  have  _some_  kind  of  a
                social life, right?



[EOA]
[LYN]//////////////////////////////
            LINKING UP WITH LYNX /
/////////////////////////////////
Handheld Game Power!
""""""""""""""""""""

     o   VIKING CHILD

          o   AND ROBOTRON!



WHAT?  VIKING CHILD!   I called Tengen today.  They have Viking Child!
""""""""""""""""""""   The software etc. in my mall does not even have
Turbo Sub yet.  The previews of Viking Child I saw were pretty good.
Can't wait to get this one.  Looks like Atari is finally delivering games
in volume.  Wish some more third-party support would arrive.
                  (J.SAINT1, CAT36, TOP2, MSG:137/M475)

>>>>>   To J.SAINT1: Lots of third-party support is coming!  Telegames
"""""   alone is readying Krazy Ace Miniature Golf, R.C. Destruction
Derby, and The Guardians: Storm over Doria (the first real RPG for Lynx).
To be released January, March, and February, respectively.
                  (EXPLORER, CAT36, TOP2, MSG:138/M475)

>>>>>   I just obtained Viking Child today and I have some mixed
"""""   feelings...

     First off, the game sports some of the best static screens of any
LYNX title.  They really know how to use anti-aliasing to get rid of the
jaggies.  Animation, (at least on the first level) is ... adequate.  I
found the animation in ninja Gaiden to be better.  Sprites are EXTREMELY
small on the first level.  I had no idea what I was fighting in
many cases.

     Weapons purchasing screens are very nicely rendered, and the back-
drops feature pretty good artwork of trees and ruins and such.  I found
myself wishing for parallax or something, because there was VERY little
going on onscreen besides a few enemies jumping around in set patterns.
When enemies are slain, they release a gold coin or some other item that
was too small to identify.  The gold coin gives you cash for purchasing
better items, the other gives you score... I think...

     Sound was pretty bad... The opening music was monaural and very
noisy.  Ingame effect are...common...

     Gameplay was fairly good however, with some tricky areas to negotiate
and a tough BOSS at the end of the first area.  I did not find myself
wanting to put this game down.  Which is what its all about, right?

     I must state that these are initial opinions of the first level of
the game.  I HAVE not progressed past the BOSS at the end of level one
and have had the game for only 3 hours...  -Mark N.

     P.S. I would swear that the high score area has at least 64 colors on
screen at 1 time... Err, well, at least 32...
                  (M.NELSON15, CAT36, TOP4, MSG:1/M475)

>>>>>   After listening to the music for awhile, I have decided to re-
"""""   consider my previous evaluation.  It is a bit noisy, but the theme
is rather catchy.  I now find myself listening to it in its entirety!
Strange...

     Level 2 of the game is VERY good... And getting better... I now have
18 magic fire fairies, 20 bolas, 10 bombs and 2 lives in reserve.  No sign
of potions or magical armor or swords yet...
                  (M.NELSON15, CAT36, TOP4, MSG:2/M475)

>>>>>   I have now progressed through the VILLAGE, CASTLE, WOODS and am
"""""   currently in the MOUNTAINS.  This is by far, the best LYNX title I
have ever played.  It could just be my own preference, but this has
everything I have hoped for in a LYNX jump'n shoot title...

     Animation is excellent on the later levels!  I wonder why the initial
levels were not spruced up, considering they are accessed the most.  The
boss at the end of level one appears to be a giant COW of some sort.  I
used a quick stabbing motion and a few firesprites to dispense with it.
The level two (or castle) boss was a HUGE WARRIOR.  I was able to finish
him with firesprites as well.  My dagger was next to useless against his
fast paced charge.

     Level 3 (the woods) had a giant EVIL ELF.  I fought him in the mush-
room patch that was his home.  I don't know if dagger attacks work against
him because I was so paranoid by the time I reached him, I blasted him
with the old standby firesprites.  They homed in on him and poof!!!

     Level 4 (the mountains) appears inhabited by evil roses that spit
poison at you from a distance.  These bits of spittle have the dis-
concerting effect of knocking you off of a platform or ledge you happen
to be on.  There are also rams and buzzards that I have had to deal with.
Unfortunately I've been unable to get to the boss of this level.

     Every two levels, you are given a password to allow you easy access
to the same position.  This allows you to return to the game at a later
date and continue playing.  I thank God for this!

     Some items you can purchase in shops scattered about the land are:

          o   Bombs - thrown up to kill birds, bats or monkeys who
              happen to be above you.

          o   Bolas - used to kill enemies at a distance.  Firesprites-
              one of the most effective weapons.  Does three times the
              damage of your dagger (the weapon you start out with) and
              homes in on the nearest enemy.  Essential for defeating
              end of level Bosses.

          o   Stun - Does the damage of a firesprite to every object
              onscreen.

          o   Potion - Kill all but the most potent monsters onscreen
              and hurt the end of level bosses like hell!

          o   Glide - makes you fly through the sky...for awhile...

          o   Cloak - you are unhittable...

          o   Speed - you move twice as fast.

          o   Shields - to protect you from missiles fired or thrown
              by enemies.

          o   Swords - better weapons for you to use.

          o   Heart - heals your damage by 1/10th.

          o   Heart Stack - full healing.

          o   Extra life - one in reserve for the tougher levels.

     This game is great!  For those of you stuck on the first levels and
in need of assistance, I am including the code to the woods level at the
end of this message...
 **********************************************************************
HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT
TURN OFF CAPTURE OR HIT ESC................

OMEGAMAN...... 8S
                  (M.NELSON15, CAT36, TOP4, MSG:3/M475)

>>>>>   Do you like Viking Child over Scrapyard Dog?  (Are they similar
"""""   types of games...?)  I was going to go for Ishido, but now you're
giving me second thoughts...
                 (STCONNECTION, CAT36, TOP4, MSG:4/M475)

>>>>>   Stan,  Viking Child does not have the same puzzle aspects as
"""""   Scrapyard Dog.  The puzzles it contains are mainly of a "now how
do I negotiate these moving platforms and kill that monster" type.
Initially, the platforms are hard to jump.  But once you get the hang of
it (there is a spot on the second level that will make you or break
you...) it is a heck of a lot of fun.

     The level of challenge is set JUST RIGHT and the graphics are FAR
better than the blocky graphics in Scrapyard Dog.  Mucho detail here.  It
really makes the LYNX look high resolution.

     I did have a problem with the sprites being too small, but on the
later levels they become a bit larger and more well animated so it is
easy to tell what they are.  The animation on some of the magical weapon
effects is also very nice.  Good Good Game... -MarkN.
                  (M.NELSON15, CAT36, TOP4, MSG:5/M475)



ROBOTRON SIGHTING!!!   Well Tom, I ran out at noon when the stores open
""""""""""""""""""""   and found Robotron at the local EB.  In my opinion
the game is awesome - that is, the gameplay is true to the arcade, the
sounds (IN STEREO) are great with headphones, and the graphics are very
faithful to the arcade's.  And I agree with you, the shots of the screens
on the back of the box are pretty bad, but inside is GREAT!

     This, however, is not for the weak, it requires some getting used to
the control, but it is manageable.  I have already gotten to Wave 9 (with
many more to go I'm sure).  BTW, the box says that the game uses 15
digitized sounds from the original arcade game and the game does sound
great w/head-phones and the new Lynx!  Kudos to Shadowsoft for what seems
in my eyes a VERY faithful conversion!!!!  If you liked it in the arcades
you'll love it 'to go'... once you get the hang of the controls...  Thanks
once again Tom for mentioning that you had seen it at EB.  Thumbs up!!
Atari keep coming up with the games!!!  So where are the sports games
(hehe!)?  Until next time, happy Lynx'n/Robotroning...  -Rafael.
                   (R.MUNOZ, CAT36, TOP2, MSG:162/M475)



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