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==(((((((((( == Z*NET INTERNATIONAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE =========(( === ----------------------------------------- =======(( ===== June 7, 1991 Issue #91-24 =====(( ======= ----------------------------------------- ==(((((((((( == (c)1989-1990-1991, Z*Net Publishing Publisher/Editor: Ron Kovacs Editor: John Nagy PD/Shareware Editor: Ron Berinstein NEW CIS PPN --> 75300,1642 CONTENTS Z*NET NEWSWIRE............................................ ST-ADVANTAGE ONLINE PANEL DISCUSSION................Delphi CODEHEAD SOFTWARE UPDATE.....................Press Release BLACKJACK PLUS 3.............................Press Release Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF........................Ron Berinstein GRIBNIF SOFTWARE UPDATE......................Press Release PORTFOLIO USERS UPDATE..........................Ron Kovacs Z*MAGAZINE ARCHIVES.............................Ron Kovacs DOUBLE-CLICK SOFTWARE UPDATE.................Press Release ======================================================================= Z*NET NEWSWIRE -------------- ======================================================================= ATARI SELLS MANUFACTURING PLANT Atari has announced that it has signed a contract for the sale of its property in Taiwan. The facility will be sold for $60 million, and closing is scheduled for later this month. The sale is contingent upon certain conditions of closing being met. Atari noted that assembly operations have been relocated in a move to increase efficiency and reduce costs. COMMODORE UPDATE Commodore issued a number of announcements this week at CES concerning new technology, distribution, applications and compatibility for the CDTV Interactive Multimedia player. CDXL will increase the capability of the CDTV player by bringing enhanced motion video with no hardware upgrade required. CDTV-PIP is essentially a 1/3-screen window, which allows NTSC video to be displayed simultaneously with a running CDTV application. CDTV-PIP is incorporated into a specially designed plug-in video card that replaces the current video card yet requires no software upgrade. Commodore announced that CDTV is planned to be compatible with Kodak's new Photo CD system. Photo CDs, planned for June 1992 can store up to 100 35mm photographic images on writable CD-ROM discs. Commodore introduced two new packages this week for its Amiga 500 line. The new packages are designed to complement the successful Amiga 500 Bonus package that is currently offered by Amiga retailers. The new Discovery Pack is an entry-level package, ideal for parents who want a computer that their children can use for both education and entertainment. The package features four titles, including KindWords, Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?, Ports of Call, Deluxe Paint II. The Discovery Pack also includes a TV adapter, which enables the use of a Xevision as a monitor. The suggested retail price is $599. NEW APPLE SOFTWARE MacX 1.1.7 is the latest version of Apple's X Window System display server for the Macintosh operating system. It provides X Window System access and functionality for customers using Apple Macintosh computers in multivendor environments. MacX 1.1.7 provides support for System 7, Apple's latest version of the Macintosh operating system and will be available August 1991. MacX 1.1.7 is $295. Upgrades are available for current MacX 1.0 and 1.1 customers for $95. NINTENDO UPDATE Philips has announced that it has granted Nintendo a license to develop and market video games on Compact Disc format for play on Nintendo's new Super Famicom and Super Nintendo Entertainment System 16-bit home video game hardware systems. The new Compact Disc video games, according to Nintendo, will be played on a low cost CD ROM-XA Compact Disc player. Consumers will be able to attach these CD ROM-XA players to their Super Famicom and Super NES hardware units. HP REDUCES PRICES Hewlett-Packard has reduced the list prices on its HP Vectra personal computers by up to 10 percent and on its mass-storage products by up to 33 percent. HP also has reduced the list price of the HP ScanJet Plus scanner from $1,595 to $995. Numerous other HP product prices have been reduced and more information in available by calling HP at 408-720-3824. NEW DRIVES FOR NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS Mitsubishi announced the availability of a new floppy drive designed specifically for "notebook" computers. The MF355E is a 3.5-inch 2 megabyte unformatted, magnetic floppy drive that is less than 15 millimeters in height. The unit weighs less than half a pound and offers a variety of connector types including a 26-line, 26-line FFC, and 34-line pinhead connector. All connectors include the signal interface and power interface in one connector. ======================================================================= DELPHI _ ST ADVANTAGE ONLINE PANEL ---------------------------------- Edited by Ron Kovacs ======================================================================= This conference transcript is the exclusive property of the Atari SIGs on DELPHI. Permission to reprint is granted only if this notice is included with the transcript and left unchanged. To get your own DELPHI account and join in on the many activities sponsored by the ST Advantage and the Atari Advantage on DELPHI, please call 1-800-544-4005 and ask for Member Services. Gordie> First, let me welcome everyone to the ST Advantage's first Online Panel Discussion. To my knowledge, this is a first both for Delphi and for the ST community as a whole. I hope it becomes a somewhat regular feature of our formal Conference program here. Next, I'd like to thank our panelists for taking the time to spend a couple hours here on Delphi, sharing their thoughts. We all appreciate it. Briefly, this CO will follow the same format as a live panel discussion, with the moderator (that'd be me) presenting the panel with questions and points for further discussion amongst themselves. If there's time at the end of the discussion, I'll open it to questions from the audience. Recent events in the computing world seem to show a new direction for Atari. A positive direction. The CeBIT show in Germany showed that Atari is doing some fairly serious research & development. The CEPS show in Chicago unveiled a new face from Atari, with the Professional Systems Group making a significant impact in the corporate DTP arena. But we've seen Atari make forward progress before, only to stall out when things should have been moving forward. So this is a good time to hear what some of the leading Atari developers are thinking, and see if we can peer through the fog a bit and look into the future a bit. Gordie> Dorothy, can the Atari become a player in the educational field? DABRUMLEVE> I really think it can, Gordie, and I think Atari is interested in seeing to it that it does. The Apple IIs that are in most schools will need replacement soon. Schools with funds are buying new machines, usually Macs and IBMs. I think the 1040STe can compete with these platforms, especially on the elementary level, and WIN. We just have to get in there NOW and market them. Gordie> Have you seen anything from Atari that indicates they are aware of that market niche, and are planning to pursue it? DABRUMLEVE> Yes, I certainly have, and were it not for my non-disclosure agreement, I'd be happy to share it with you. ;-) Gordie> Nathan, have you seen anything from Atari that would support the optimism that seems to be running at a low level through much of the Atari community? Nathan> I recently had the pleasure of exhibiting with the Professional Systems Group at CEPs. As some of you may know, I have had the opportunity to participate at every major exhibit that Atari has been at. This latest, at CEPs, was the most professional showing ever. The Atari name and Logo were downplayed. What they showed was pre-press publishing solutions. And the booth, and all it contained, was very well received. This is another market niche, and, as with education, it is a large one. Not only has Atari recognized their potential in this market, they did something concrete about it. This was a very positive show and serious leads were had by all. End result will be sales in this market. Sales in any niche all add up to market recognition for Atari. It doesn't matter if your interests are in playing games or CADD, every sale helps. Every area where we (Atari, itself, and our software) can shine, helps us all, the entire Atari community. Gordie> John, you have some interest in music, <grin>, could you talk about what Atari means in that market? John at CodeHead> Yes. When the ST was first introduced, it seemed they had a head start on the other computers because of the built-in MIDI ports. Hopefully, they haven't lost that edge, although the Mac II software has started to catch up and in many areas is superior to the ST software. We at CodeHead have not concentrated very much on MIDI software, mainly because the competition is very fierce, and the market is a subset of the general ST market which is already rather small. Gordie> It sounds like there is a lot to be excited about, but as I said in my intro, we've been excited before, and have been let down. Do any (or all) of you think this time will be different? John at CodeHead> We're waiting with a slightly skeptical optimism. :^) Nathan ISD/IAAD> Gordie, we've all been around Atari for a very long time now. Bascially, we're still here, we're still supporting the product and letting their actions speak for themselves. None of us represent Atari Corp. All I can offer is that the CEPS exhibit by them was as good as the best at the show. And that's action. Tom at ICD> Well, we are still making a good living selling and developing products for the Atari ST. Of course, there is a market in Europe that Leonard hasn't messed up yet. ;-) Gordie> There are a lot of people who are thinking about upgrading their systems to either MegaSTe's or TT's. But they are hesitant because they aren't sure just where the Atari market is going. Would any of you recommend upgrading, or upgrading with qualifications? Nathan ISD/IAAD> We wrote DynaCADD. We will continue to support DynaCADD on the Atari platform regardless of whether we end up with the program on 4 other platforms. I can only speak for myself, but that is definitely our intention. And with a product like DynaCADD, we always recommend that you upgrade. John @ CodeHead> I think it will be wonderful once the new machines pass FCC class B approval. Until then I believe people might be skeptical about the investment, not being sure whether developers will support it fully. We've taken the trouble to make all of our software compatible with the new machines, however. DABRUMLEVE> Well, I don't think too many people are going to buy a TT for their children, but of course I want my software to run and run well on any compatible machine. And I intend to see to it that it does. Tom at ICD> We also have made our software compatible but I don't see a market for the TT in the USA. It is just too close to the Macintosh offerings in price. Gordie> I was going to ask all of you to talk a little bit about how 'big' your respective companies are, so we can get an idea of who we, as users, are dealing with. Tom? Tom at ICD> ICD has 2,345 employees and 5.4 billion $ in sales. (Actually make that about 50 employyes and I will never tell the sales figures.) We found that we had to diversify when we reached around 20 people. That is around 15 in the office (R&D, clerical, lame officers, and other fat cats), and around 25 in manufacturing in the USA and 3 in Germany. Nathan ISD/IAAD> I'll tell, I'll tell, Toms sales figures are *)&_*()*_()*&)% ISD and Ditek have about 12 staff in Toronto, and then we have representatives worldwide. DynaCADD is now translated in 4 languages with 2 more appearing shortly. John at CodeHead> We are basically a partnership of two programmers trying to run a company. We have one part time employee helping with the phones and orders. Even so, with nine products we may be the most prolific company for Atari, now that Michtron has bit the dust. DABRUMLEVE> Well, our office has seven bedrooms. Big enough for you? I do have an educational consultant and over 300 beta-testers... Gordie> So it's important to note that every sale you folks make is noticed. Where Microsoft, et al, can afford a certain amount of 'preview' copies, whereas, you folks can not. DABRUMLEVE> No, every borrowed copy hurts. Nathan ISD/IAAD> More accurate would be to say that every single sale that we make is important. None of us can afford PIRACY, or more accurately, none of us are Microsoft, and PIRACY could affect the very manner in which we can afford to support our products!! RMORROW> Why would schools that already have Apple stuff be willing to reinvest in Atari programs, no matter how much *better*? DABRUMLEVE> I bet that's for me. Apple machines are archaic by today's standards. There is a _lot_ of educational software available for the Apple, and some teachers are still satisfied with it...but not the ones who see what's available for the ST. So, when a school is ready to update its hardware, it is likely to look at the hardware from the same manufacturer (Apple). But the cost-performance situation with the basic Mac and the basic ST is just no contest: The ST has color, which is really important with smaller children. And the Mac educational software is no more innovative than the Apple edsoft was. The stuff for the ST is a world apart, and teachers who have worked with the other know it immediately. I think there is a great market for the STe in education. I have thought all along that that was where Atari's low-end machines belonged. I'd like to ask Bob Brodie to comment if I may Gordie. BOBBRO> Well, in addition to Dorothy's already well thought out comments, I'd like to point out that developers are starting to drop the Apple II line. Electronic Arts, for example, is dropping the entire Apple II line, including the GS. So the schools are indeed going to be looking for another platform to carry out their work on. For the elementary end of things, we've got good things to talk about with software like Dorothy's. And on the college end, in specific areas, we've got GREAT things in DTP, CAD, image software, etc. The biggest thing that we have to do is combat the middle ground in high schools. Actually, one of the biggest customers that we have is an educational VAR that has placed THOUSANDS of STs in school districts throughout the US. Computer Curriculum Corp. sells the ST as it's own product, though. The Atari label isn't seen anywhere on the device. They instead sell a COMPUTER CURRICULUM LEARNING STATION that is in reality a 1040 ST. Tom at ICD> Bob, What kind of incentive plan does Atari have for educational purchases? i.e. IBM or Apple discount programs. BOBBRO> At this point, we don't have one, Tom. But in every instance that I have been contacted by a college student asking for such a program, I... (BOB's signal was lost at this point) DABRUMLEVE> Maybe Bob was about to say he pointed out that the STe is already priced so low that it doesn't need an incentive program. One thing I as a VAR point out to teachers is that by buying our STe bundle, they can have a computer AND 11 programs for the price of 11 Apple programs alone. Tom at ICD> But consumers need a discount! IBM gives 40 to 60% off. DABRUMLEVE> With the STe they get one Tom, ask ANY dealer! The list price is discounted compared to those other platforms. BOBBRO> Fell offline, sorry. Anyway, what I was saying is that in every instance where I have checked with a college student, we're still cheaper than the discount... Raven> I wanted to know if Dot would pursue language tutor prgs? DABRUMLEVE> I've thought about that because I am a linguist, but actually there are some fine ones already, even a very good PD one. ZISSIS> How well do you think UNIX based software will interface with the ATARI TT? BOBBRO> Sounds like one for me. We are working very aggresively on UNIX at Atari. We have hired an group of UNIX experts to help us in this market. We have licensed ATT System 5, currently working with Release 4.2 (so far as I know), and it is working fairly well. We have also hired a UNIX marketing expert who is now learning about TOS from us (grin) while he shares some of his UNIX expertise with people like myself. I expect to see UNIX developer packages go out late in June to developers that we know are intersted in this type of support from Atari. We have already attended several UNIX specific shows, and find that there is considerable interest in UNIX on our platform. I personally find that very encouraging. CHRYSTAL> Is the ST a West Coast educational phenomenon? As one with many years of school experience, I have NEVER seen an ST of any stripe in a classroom (in Conn. or NY or for that matter, Michigan). Also, since Bob Brodie is here, how about enlisting college students to market STs to their peers? Just an idea... :) DABRUMLEVE> I am aware of entire school systems in Milwaukee and Detroit with STs. And locally, we have three schools with STs right here in the heart of Illinois. I think the ST is kind of "invisible" in some schools. Like Bob says, there are many that don't even have the Atari markings, so you may not be aware of them even if you are looking at them. BOBBRO> We sell the machines to CCC, who in turn market them all over the USA. Re the idea of marketing through college students, not a bad idea, but we'd need a lot more people to make that work. For the time being, I'd rather concentrate on just having the machines for sale in the bookstores on campus. .BobT@KC> Are user groups doing enough? BOBBRO> Bob, I think the user groups are on the balence, very helpful. Of course, there are both ends of the spectrum in that area. There are some that would love me to show up, so they could hang me. And there others that are still very excited about their machines, and want to hear "the latest and greatest". Naturally, the latter groups are the ones that I tend to gravitate toward. Tom at ICD> If I may comment, an Atari supporter was asking earlier about the "Atari trade in program"... I think it would be a big help if that Atari user, instead of trading his old computer to Atari, was to convert some novice into a new Atari user by selling him his machine. That would take some of the marketing load off of Atari. BOBBRO> Actually, I was wrong when I said that there were no plans for a trade in. We are in the process of putting together an 8 bit trade in program that would allow them a very cost effective means of upgrading to an ST. But from ST to STE is a different issue, I'm afraid. **** Remember that Delphi's 20/20 Advantage Plan gives you 20 hours of online time a month for $20, with additional hours at just $1.20 per hour. Those big downloads cost a lot less at $1/hour! If you're already a Delphi member, type GO USING ADVANTAGE for more details. If you're not a Delphi member, why are you paying so much for your downloads? Join Delphi now! ======================================================================= CODEHEAD SOFTWARE UPDATE ------------------------ Latest Versions and Prices ======================================================================= 5/30/91 PRODUCT VERSION MANUAL RELEASE NOTES PRICE HotWire 3.0 1.3 2.3 $44.95 MaxiFile 3.0 2.0 3.0 $44.95 HotWire Plus (includes Maxifile) $69.95 LookIt & PopIt 1.2/1.1 1.0 $39.95 G+plus 1.5 1.2 $34.95 CodeHead Utilities 3 n/a Release 3 $34.95 MultiDesk 2.2 2.0 $29.95 MidiMax 1.3 1.0 $49.95 CodeKeys 1.3 1.1 $39.95 Shipping & handling charges on the above items are as follows: Addresses in USA $3.00 Addresses in Canada $4.00 All other Addresses $6.00 UPGRADE POLICY MaxiFile updates are $15.00 (which includes the 67-page addendum manual). All other updates are $10.00 for each disk and $5.00 per manual. If you are updating HotWire and have the old red and black manual, you'll need the newer manual. If you are updating a version of MultiDesk less than version 2.0, a new manual is mandatory. These charges include shipping and handling. You must send in your original disk plus check, money order, or credit card number (with exp. date) and we will make every effort to send your upgrade back to you the same day we receive it. ======================================================================= BLACKJACK PLUS 3 ---------------- Press Release ======================================================================= NEW! ----> " BLACKJACK PLUS 3 BASIC" <---- NEW! Atari ST (Color & Mono) suggested retail: $39.95 IBM PC & compatibles (EGA/VGA) " " " HERE IT IS - THE PERFECT WAY TO LEARN THE BASIC GAME OF BLACKJACK! Practice alone, or play with your friends using joysticks, mouse and/or keystrokes. Just like being at the casino! The 'Basic' version includes: A preset basic playing strategy Programmable win/loss betting strategy Programmable insurance selection All features of the advanced program except as noted below The 'Basic' version does not include: Programmable playing strategies Programmable counting systems Play log and save setup features OF COURSE, WHEN YOU'RE READY -- YOU MAY UPGRADE TO "BLACKJACK PLUS 3" & GET ALL THE ADVANCED FEATURES! Call or write for upgrade details. Check out the demo (self-executing) in Library #10 of the ST RT: File name: BJP3DEMO File #: 18758 UPDATE --> "BLACKJACK PLUS 3" Version 1.2 <-- UPDATE Atari ST (Color & Mono) suggested retail: $89.95 IBM PC & compatibles (EGA/VGA) " " " MUSICODE is determined to provide users with the ABSOLUTE BEST casino blackjack program available anywhere! So, we have added even more advanced features, expanding your ability to set up virtually any playing, betting and counting strategy. Use those from Canfield, Revere, Thorp, Uston or come up with your own! VERSION 1.2 enhances the programmability of the card counting strategies with the following changes: You can now set the value of each card for the running count Select from various methods to determine the true count (As before, playing and betting decisions are programmable based on the true count) Use an Ace side count adjustment for betting Make insurance decisions based on the count No longer are you at the mercy of the casino, now you'll be ready! More than just another game, BLACKJACK PLUS 3 can show you why you have lost in the past and teach you how to WIN in the future! This program provides realistic casino play, plus 3 additional playing modes to quickly examine how different strategies perform. Examine the play log and statistics to determine a winning style of blackjack play. Play alone or with friends, use mouse, keyboard or joysticks! You may specify: One to seven active players (just like at the casino) Each player's mode of play (see 'Play Modes' below) Each player's play strategy (non-counting strategy) Each player's betting strategy (win/loss strategy) For the advanced player: card-counting strategies (see NOTE below) How many decks to use (1-9) & dealing depth (when to shuffle) Casino rules (not all casinos use the same ones) Playing speed (your comfort level) Display card totals? Display card counts? (Running count, true count, # of cards left, # of Aces, adjusted count) Keep a log? (All play action is recorded) Extended statistics display? (Information calculated for you) Print log and statistics for evaluation? Save all setups to disk? NOTE: A player's card counting strategy may use any counting system: Programmable running count Selectible true/exact count adjustments Count adjusted playing and betting strategies Ace side count adjustment for betting Insurance decision based on count ALL ASPECTS OF THE GAME OF BLACKJACK ARE SUPPORTED! You always have the option to: SPLIT ANY PAIR DOUBLE DOWN (according to casino rules you set) DOUBLE after SPLIT TAKE INSURANCE SURRENDER You can lower or eliminate the casino's odds by practicing the game. Learn why you have lost, and how to win next time! PLAY MODES: MANUAL - you play the game, just like in the casino AUTO - play is automatic, by chosen strategy FEEDBACK - you are informed of mistakes in play BACKGROUND - test strategies quickly (100 hands-8 seconds) BLACKJACK IS ALWAYS FUN TO PLAY, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU WIN! Check out the demo (self-executing) in Library #10 of the ST RT: File name: BJP3DEMO File #: 18758 Ask your dealer to order for you, or contact: MUSICODE SOFTWARE 5575 Baltimore Drive Suite 105-127 La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 469-7194 ======================================================================= Z*NET SOFTWARE SHELF -------------------- by Ron Berinstein ======================================================================= Some little files for your ST: ST_TYPE.ARC Ever wonder what brand of ST you have ? ST_TYPE will tell you everything you wanted to know about what type of ST you've got. CO_PILOT.LZH Listed as some kind of flying game in the file description, this game isn't a game, rather this little program when installed will ring the system bell and remind you to do whatever the text file that you wrote describes. So if you like the idea of having a co-pilot read you a checklist of things not to forget, d/l this, otherwise, forget it. :) IBM_FONT.LZH This file will replace the ST font with an IBM font. Can be used to display IBM extended characters when calling BBS's. PCHROME.ARC An acc. that lets your alter the pallette in any GEM situation. Can load and save pallettes as well. For you when you make a mistake on your ST! SALVAGE.ARC This program is designed to assist in salvaging floppy disk files that were produced by a text editor or a word processor when the FAT tables or Directory on the disk have been trashed. For you when you want your ST to "Look Good." RAYTRAZ.ARC is a full working version of GFA Raytrace that came from a British magazine disk. FERNY.LZH This program allows you to look at some fractal shapes. You can change the parameters to get different pictues, as well changing the size by pressing 'S'. This works in the TT Medium resolution and supports the math coprocssor. GIFTOPS.LZH A little utility that will convert ANY GIF picture file to a PostScript file which can then be printed on any PostScript compatible printer (or with UltraScript and an Atari SLM804). This program does an excellent job of converting and the resulting PostScript files look very good when printed on a laser! For you when you want to work! BSTAT240.LZH is one of the more sophisticated ST programs. The manual is some 175+ pages! B/STAT is a graphing and statistical analysis program. It does require 1 megabyte and a double sided drive. When this shareware program is registered you receive the manual as well. This is an in depth program! For you when you want to play! BICYCLE.ARC will give you the information you need if you own a bicycle that has more than 6 speeds. Many folks don't know which is the proper order of the combinations of gears from lowest to highest. This program calculates the ratio of all gears to each other and puts them in order. It then tells you how much distance you travel in each gear per turn of the pedal crank. TENNIS.ARC One of the few games uploaded recently. This is a tennis game from the U.K. Color only. TRON1MEG.LZH Lamatron! -- a terrific shareware game from England, with great graphics and digitized sound. Reminiscent of the arcade classic Robotron. Requires at least one megabyte of RAM. CHORDEX.ARC Chordex is a little chord finding program. It's not too feature laden but it will show you chord shapes on piano & guitar. And for when you wish to talk... DTERM_1K.LZH Dterm was written to replace ST-Term as the terminal program availible from inside FoReM BBS but works well as a stand alone term program. Dterm is fast and easy to use, because it uses Gem and powerful with alot of the better protocols built-in. One of the nicest features of Dterm is Auto Zmodem. QDIALR13.LZH Q_Dialer Version 1.3 - a great phone dialer...Works well with Dterm. DESKPAC.ARC is a nice little desk acc. that can dial, format, copy, and do more as well... XYZ21.ARC is the latest upgraded version of the now well known XYZ shell, and of course it sports new features. And for when you want to be productive.. STEXT15.LZH SText 1.5 file viewer. Now has support for MAXIFILE's multiple file selection and has shell like features. This viewer has block functions like save to disk and print. Also has find, indexing for STReport and GEnie Lamp, and other features. QROFF.LZH Qroff is a very simple text formatting program. Originally written by David Parsons (Orc) to format the STadel BBS program documentation, it takes a text file with embedded formatting commands and outputs it in a form that can be printed as a final document. Similar in a very basic way to the TeX document processor. DIRDRV.LZH An excellent disk/file cataloging program. Show/sort files by several criteria, including size, attributes, name, or extension. Uses a GEM window and menu. Configurable and prints listings. Intuitive, but read the documentation for some non-obvious features. Handy little program. F_SORT11.LZH v1.0 was just previously uploaded, but, there was a bug or two. So, this is version 1.1. This program sorts ANY ASCII file! KCL.LZH is the source code to Kyoto Common LISP interpreter. Originally for Unix. Read documentation for copying restrictions. MACH2GFA.ARC This little program translates machine code to GFA Basic commands. This might be a good "learning tool." FPPRNT.ARC For users of the HP Laser Jet IIIP printer. The author thought that maybe the system would run faster without a print spooler. He wrote a little printer character output routine that patches into the TRAP 13 vector to just output characters to the printer port a bit more efficiently than TOS does. The above files were compiled by Ron Berinstein co-sysop CodeHead Quarters BBS (213) 461-2095 from files that were either directly uploaded to CodeHead Quarters BBS, or downloaded from GEnie, Compuserve, and Delphi online services. ======================================================================= GRIBNIF SOFTWARE UPDATE ----------------------- Press Release ======================================================================= For Info Contact: Gribnif Software, P.O. Box 350, Hadley, MA 01035 Tel: (413) 584-7887 Fax: (413) 584-2565 GRIBNIF SOFTWARE WILL NOW CARRY STRATA SOFTWARE'S STENO AND STALKER SOFTWARE FOR THE ATARI ST/TT HADLEY, MA -- Gribnif Software announces that effective immediately they are taking over all marketing, distribution, support, and promotion of Strata Software's STeno and STalker software products for the Atari ST. Gribnif will release new and enhanced versions of these programs, which when combined with Gribnif's effective marketing and strong support will give these excellent packages the market recognition that they deserve. First to be released will be a new version of the STeno text editor. This powerful GEM based text editor makes any text editing job a breeze and includes features normally only found in more expensive word processors. This will be followed by the release of a brand new and powerful version of the STalker terminal program. This new version will combine a powerful script language, terminal emulations, new transfer protocols, and GDOS support, making it one of the most powerful terminal programs for the Atari ST/TT. STalker and STeno are trademarks of Strata Software. Exclusively marketed and distributed by Gribnif Software. GRIBNIF SOFTWARE RELEASES NEW STENO TEXT EDITOR PROGRAM FOR THE ATARI HADLEY, MA -- Gribnif Software is proud to announce the immediate release of a new version of the STeno text editor for the Atari ST/TT, recently acquired from Strata Software. This amazing GEM based text editor runs as both a desk accessory or stand alone program. It is fast, easy to use, and incredibly powerful. It even includes features normally only found in more expensive word processors. STeno also has the impressive ability to display its entire menu set inside its own window. This allows complete access to its drop-down menus while running STeno as a desk accessory. Other features include the ability to interact with the popular STalker terminal program and the NeoDesk 3 desktop replacement. The program is being released with the low introductory price of $29.95. It is available directly from Gribnif Software or through normal Atari software dealers and distributors. ======================================================================= PORTFOLIO USERS UPDATE ---------------------- Compiled by Ron Kovacs ======================================================================= (Editors Note: The following short articles have been combined in this column and all pertain to the Atari Portfolio.) NEW INTERNAL RAM UPGRADES FOR PORTFOLIO by Don Thomas Thanks to Megabyte Computers of North Texas, there is now a way to upgrade RAM of the Portfolio to 512K INTERNALLY. Megabyte Computers confirmed that they are now prepared to provide this service to existing or new Portfolio customers. The service, including parts and a 6 MONTH WARRANTY, is only $350. All work is thoroughly tested. Customers may send their Portfolio to Megabyte Computers, 909 Melbourne, Hurst, Texas 76053. Within 14 days the work will be performed and the unit returned COD via United Parcel Service. To save COD charges, checks, money orders, Mastercard and Visa are welcome. Megabyte Computers was founded in June of 1989 and is a wholly owned operation of Topaz Enterprises. Robert Thompson, President of Megabyte Computers, has extensive experience with the complete line of Atari computers. The impressive popularity of the Portfolio and the growing demand by users who want to do more and more has led his organization to intensive work on an internal memory upgrade. Mr. Thompson and his technicians have worked and tested upgrade possibilities for several months with qualified advise and assistance from Atari Computer Corporation. Their goal was to provide cost effective reliability for their service. Megabyte Computers has already received dozens of orders and inquiries within 24 hours of their announcement that they can provide the upgrade. None of the powerful built-in applications are affected by the upgrade. The internal C: drive may now be set to a maximum of 464K for greater file storage capacity. Special attention to battery conservation has been made and the expectation is that one set of batteries should support the expanded RAM for up to 20 hours or more of continuous use. Vice President, Herb Parsons, points out that their upgrade provides greater RAM access without cumbersome peripheral attachments. Megabyte Computers also offers new Portfolio handheld computers with the memory upgrade for only $599.95. For more information call, (817) 589- 2950. To place an order, call (800) 845-8677. Users sending their computers directly to Megabyte Computers should send the equipment insured. NEW PORTFOLIO PD OFFERINGS by Ron Kovacs CBASE.ARC 26496 CUSTOM Base provides a way to transform the Atari Portfolio into a versatile data collecting device. It permits Portfolio users to designate a list of questions for others to answer easily. Stores the info in a format compatible with the Address Book application. FM.COM 7680 Atari's File Manager, a DOS shell which is user-friendly and allows movement between a:\ and c:\ to be done quickly and efficiently. Its greatest feature: files are listed in alpha order. It takes about 10k of memory and is a TSR. File made available courtesy Atari Corp. PGSH21.ZIP 8064 PGSHOW 2.1 is about 20% faster than 2.0 was. It's now about 9 frames per second. I'm getting better at assembler. by Don Messerli Copyright (c)1991 Software Vineyard. This program is distributed as FREEWARE. PDD2.ARC 14720 A menu based controller for Radio Shack's Portable Disk Drive 2 (PDD2). This program is user friendly, and runs on an Atari Portfolio, or an IBM compatible computer. HARDDR.ZIP 8704 This is the Portfolio version of the device driver that accesses the Flashdrive hard disk through the parallel port. This driver works with any size hard disk. Use the included utility to partition or format the hard disk on the Portfolio. All other DOS utilities and applications should work fine. The Flashdrive will install as drive D:, and higher if you make multiple partitions. PORTFOLIO TRANSFER CABLE - #1 This is the minimum configuration of a cable that will do parallel file transfers from a PC compatible to an Atari Portfolio. A 25 pin straight through cable works, but is too bulky for travel. This minimum configuration cable needs only 6 wires. Both ends are male DB-25 connectors, and the connections are straight across. 2 - 2 Data 0 3 - 3 Data 1 11 - 11 Busy 12 - 12 Paper Error 13 - 13 Select 25 - 25 Ground (This can be any or all pins 18 through 25. I used 18 - 18.) PORTFOLIO CABLE TO DICONIX For those of you who would like to use the Atari Portfolio with a SERIAL Diconix 150 Inkjet printer (and thus not have to lug a parallel interface around) -- here is a cable that will work. The cable diagrams I got from Atari and from Diconix did not work. 9 pin female 25 pin male na 1 |--- 4 RTS | CD 1------------------------| | |--- 5 CTS RD 2-----------------------------2 TD TD 3-----------------------------3 RD DTR 4-----------------------------6 DSR GND 5-----------------------------7 GND DSR 6----------------------------20 DTR RTS 7--| | |--------------------------8 CD | CTS 8--| SOFTWARE ALLOWS PORTFOLIO PALMTOP COMPUTER TO COMMUNICATE WITH PAGING SYSTEMS SUNNYVALE, CA (April 24, 1991) -- One of the most exciting Portfolio palmtop computer applications to hit the market has been announced by TekNow!, a Phoenix-based company that specializes in communications and computer messaging products. The firm's new text paging interface permits Atari Portfolio users to send messages to any alpha-capable pager, anywhere in the world. According to TekNow! officials, the SAMpage software and the one-pound Portfolio palmtop computer have combined to produce the industry's first mobile dispatcher. "What makes this technology so exciting is the fact that the applications are almost limitless," said Ralph Tomeoni, TekNow! president. "Users can range from municipal and government employees to business and medical professionals--anyone who needs to quickly communicate with others," he added. The complete paging/communications system consists of the SAMpage software for the Atari Portfolio and AlphaBox or PageRouter, an intelligent alpha front end for paging terminals. Once installed, the system will send a message using the Portfolio's auto-dial speaker, which will generate DTMF tones. The user simply selects the name of the person who is assigned a specific pager from the Atari Portfolio address book, and enters the message. The message is transmitted by holding the handset of any office phone, pay phone or car phone next to the Portfolio's speaker during the transmission of the message tones. The system's communications module then calls the paging system and sends the page. Tomeoni pointed out that a single message can be delivered to one or many alpha pagers and added that the system is even capable of dialing multiple paging systems. "SAMPage and the Portfolio will open up a whole new world of mobile communications and computing," said Tomeoni. "With this system, people will be able to handle business decisions and opportunities more quickly and effectively. We're all spending more time away from our desks and phones," he continued. "With the Portfolio and an alphanumeric pager, people can leave their offices and still be instantly informed when messages are sent to them, rather than having to wait until they return to the office to check their electronic or voice mail." Tomeoni added that the Portfolio is ideal for this type of use because it's small enough to slip into a coat pocket or purse. About the size of a video cassette tape, the MS-DOS file-compatible Portfolio operates on three "AA" batteries or an optional AC adapter. The 16-bit hand-held computer has 128K of working memory and includes everything a business professional needs to enter notes and reminders or to store important addresses and phone numbers. In addition to the Portfolio's built-in text editor and address book/appointment diary, the system also includes a calculator and a Lotus 1-2-3 file-compatible spreadsheet. Priced at only $299.95, the Portfolio has serial and parallel port options, so information can be uploaded and downloaded from almost any personal computer. With the options, information can also be printed out or sent by modem across town or across country. Sold separately, the SAMpage software interface for the Portfolio retails for $89.00, while the AlphaBox addition to any paging terminal starts at $3,295.00. For more information on TekNow! products or services, call or write TekNow!, 1500 South Priest, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85281; (800) 899-7262. For more information, contact Portfolio Marketing Department, Atari Computer, 1196 Borregas Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94088; (408) 745-2000, FAX (408) 745-2088. Note: All of the above articles were captured from the APORTFOLIO Forum on CompuServe. ======================================================================= Z*MAGAZINE ARCHIVES ------------------- June 1986 ======================================================================= LEDBETTER RELEASES MPP EXPRESS MPP users now can get Express!! Keith Ledbetter released three versions of Express, the terminal program. GO ATARI8 on CompuServe to get these new versions. ATARI PLANNING SUMMER PRODUCTS - June 5, 1986 Atari Corp. is holding some product announcements from the CES and scheduling them for later in the summer. Compatible with the ST product line, the new products will include a 3.5 floppy with 10MB storage capacity, a super-hi-res graphics board with 1,000 line resolution and a new sound chip. Other new products are memory and multitasking upgrades as well as a new expansion box for holding the multiple upgrades. ATARI'S 32-BIT MICRO COMING SOON - June 6, 1986 Atari has a 32-bit computer in development. The company recently signed a Unix licensing agreement with AT&T and Atari chairman Jack Tramiel has indicated that the new machine will run under Unix. When the new computer is introduced, current ST owners will be offered an option to upgrade their machines to use the Unix operating system. No release date was specified for the new computer. ATARI TO QUIT TAIWAN PLANT - June 6, 1986 Jack Tramiel is planning to shut down Atari's production line in Taiwan. In remarks posted on a bulletin board service after he met with Atari owners in Massachusetts, the Atari chairman said that under the right conditions computers could be constructed in the US with the same cost efficiency as in Taiwan. Tramiel set no deadline for the manufacturing changeover but he did indicate the move was not in the immediate future. Reprinted from Zmagazine #5 June 18, 1986 ======================================================================= DOUBLE-CLICK SOFTWARE UPDATE ---------------------------- Press Release ======================================================================= CHECK OUT THE NEW OFFER ON DC SHOWER Now getting Shower Power is even easier COMING SOON DC DATA DIET - Realtime compression of _all_ files. Double (or triple) your hard disk storage, while using every single file the same as you always have! Absolutely no other product on the market does what Data Diet does, or even comes close. In fact, no other product like Data Diet exists for the Atari computers, anywhere! 100% compatibility! Any file above 2K can be Dietized! Check out some test results: File type No. of Normal Size Diet Size You save!! files in bytes in bytes percentage ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Postscript (.PS) 9 1104706 234490 79% PageStream (.DOC) 22 1230167 365157 71% Various pictures (some already compressed) 26 834488 625133 26% First Word + (.DOC) 7 56609 26046 53% ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't buy another hard disk! Retail price: $59.95 Availability: August 1991 NEW OFFER! NEW OFFER! NEW OFFER! "Show us Shower, and we'll show you Power!" Users are delighted at the power and flexibility of DC Shower! The response to DC Shower has been great! If you haven't bought it yet to experience 'Shower Power' yourself, we are going to make it even easier for you to live the experience. For a limited time only (until August 1, 1991) you can get DC Shower for 1/3 off normal retail price, and here's how: Call us on the phone and say: "SHOWER POWER" That's it! When we hear the magic words "SHOWER POWER," you instantly get a 33% discount! Incredible! If you want to respond to the offer by mail, just address the letter: SHOWER POWER c/o Double Click Software PO BOX 741206 Houston, Texas 77274-1206 WHAT IS DC SHOWER! DC Shower is SHOW magic! DC Shower replaces the GEM desktop SHOW FILE function with a variety of DC Shower modules that let you view text files, binary files, 17 different picture formats, (even extract) ARC, LZH, ZIP and ZOO archives and now (by popular demand) digitized sound files! (And more modules are coming!) OR, use the DC Pick desk accessory to view files in any GEM program. - OR - Use DC Shower directly from UIS 3.3 (simply drag a file to the <P> button in UIS 3.3 and click on SHOW). - OR - You can install DC Shower as the ATERNATIVE TEXT VIEWER in NeoDesk 3.0 for even more power! No other product on the market offers the flexibility of DC Shower. No other product on the market works in conjunction with such a variety of files and applications! Fully compatible with all ST, STe and TT computers. 100% assembly! NORMAL RETAIL PRICE: $29.95! Ask your dealer for a copy! The special offer price is $22.95 (in the US) or $24.95 (outside US), and includes shipping and handling for your convenience. Texas residents add 8.25% tax This special DC Shower offer ends August 1, 1991. Mail, COD, VISA and MC orders welcome. You can reach us almost everywhere! Double Click Software PO BOX 741206 Houston, TX 77274 Double Click Software : (713)977-6520 GEnie : DOUBLE-CLICK (CATegory 30) CompuServe : 75300,577 (GO ATARIVend, area 13) Usenet : uace0@menudo.uh.edu DC BBS : (713)944-0108 ======================================================================= Z*NET ATARI ONLINE is a weekly magazine covering the Atari and related computer community. Material contained in this edition may be reprinted without permission, except where otherwise noted, unedited, with the issue number, name and author included at the top of each reprinted article. Commentary and opinions presented are those of the individual author and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Z*NET or the staff. Z*Magazine Atari 8-Bit Online Magazine, Z*Net Atari Online Magazine, Z*Net PC are copyright (c)1991 by Rovac Industries Inc, a registered corporation. Post Office Box 59, Middlesex, New Jersey 08846. (908) 968-2024. Z*Net Online BBS 24 Hours, 1200 /2400 Baud, (908) 968-8148. We can be reached on CompuServe at 75300,1642 and on GEnie at Z-NET. ======================================================================= Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc.. =======================================================================