home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
Text File | 1992-03-14 | 89.9 KB | 1,926 lines |
-
- | (((((((( | Z*Net International Atari Online Magazine
- | (( | -----------------------------------------
- | (( | March 13, 1992 Issue #92-11
- | (( | -----------------------------------------
- | (((((((( | Copyright (c)1992, Rovac Industries, Inc.
- | | Post Office Box 59, Middlesex, NJ 08846
- | (( |
- | (((((( | CONTENTS
- | (( |
- | | * The Editors Desk............................Ron Kovacs
- | ((( (( | * This Week In Atari History..............Dr. Paul Keith
- | (((( (( | * Z*Net Newswire........................................
- | (( (( (( | * Flash 2 To Debut.........................Press Release
- | (( (((( | * ISD Conference Highlights...................Ron Kovacs
- | (( ((( | * Fasttech Conference Highlights..............Ron Kovacs
- | | * Perusing GEnie...............................Ed Krimen
- | ((((((( | * Glencon..................................Press Release
- | (( | * Perusing CompuServe......................Mike Mortilla
- | ((((( | * Atari Releases Hyperlist.................Press Release
- | (( | * Home Accounts 2..........................Press Release
- | ((((((( | * CeBit Report From GEnie...............................
- | |
- | (((((((( | ~ Publisher/Editor............................Ron Kovacs
- | (( | ~ Contributing Editor..........................John Nagy
- | (( | ~ Z*Net Newswire Ltd..........................Jon Clarke
- | (( | ~ Contributing Editor.....................Bruce Hansford
- | (( | ~ PD Software Reviews.....................Ron Berinstein
- | | ~ Reporter....................................Mike Brown
- | | ~ Assistant News Editor.......................Mike Davis
- | | ~ Z*Net Canadian Correspondent...........Terry Schreiber
- | | ~ Columnist....................................Ed Krimen
- | | ~ Columnist................................Mike Mortilla
- | | ~ UK Columnist...............................Mick Jarvis
- | | ~ Features Editor.........................Dr. Paul Keith
- | |
- |----------| $ GEnie Address....................................Z-NET
- | ONLINE | $ CompuServe Address..........................75300,1642
- | AREAS | $ Delphi Address....................................ZNET
- | | $ Internet/Usenet Address..................status.gen.nz
- |----------| $ America Online Address........................ZNET1991
- | |
- | Z*NET | * Z*Net:USA New Jersey...(FNET 593).......(908) 968-8148
- | SUPPORT | * Z*Net:Golden Gate......(FNET 706).......(510) 373-6792
- | SYSTEMS | * Z*Net:South Pacific....(FNET 693).NZ....(644) 4762-852
- | | * Z*Net:Pacific .(INTERNET/@status.gen.nz)(649) 3585-543
- | | * Z*Net:South Jersey.....(FNET 168).CCBBS.(609) 451-7475
- | | * Z*Net:Illinois (Garage)(FNET 621).......(618) 344-8466
- | | * Z*Net:Colorado (Mile High)(FNET 5)......(303) 431-1404
- | | * Z*Net:Wyoming (Stormbringer)(FNET 635)..(307) 638-7036
- | | * Z*Net:Texas (Hacker's Haven)(FNET 705)..(512) 653-3056
- | | * Z*Net:Florida (Twilight Zone)(FNET 304).(407) 831-1613
- | | Fido Address 1:363/112
- =======================================================================
- * THE EDITORS DESK by Ron Kovacs
- =======================================================================
-
-
- A few updates this week....
-
- Perusing GEnie will NOT appear for the next few weeks while Ed Krimen
- vacations in Europe. His pre-vacation last installment appears this
- week.
-
- We have received many updates to the Dealer Listing we ran a couple of
- weeks ago. Please forward ALL corrections to Z-NET or ATARIUSER on
- GEnie, 75300,1642 on CompuServe and Node 593 in email in FNET.
-
- A new feature begins this week called THIS WEEK IN ATARI HISTORY. The
- column will contain newswire extracts from Z*Magazine and pre-Z*Mag
- releases we did in 1983-1985 and online magazines released in-between.
-
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * THIS WEEK IN ATARI HISTORY by Dr. Paul Keith
- ======================================================================
-
-
- 1985 - ATARI MEETS BCS USER GROUP
- The Boston Computer Society General Meeting featured Leonard Tramiel of
- Atari, as well as Digital Research's Bruce Cohen, and Bill Bowman from
- Spinnaker, and marked the east coast unveiling of the new 520ST
- Computer. The meeting filled Boston's New England Life Hall to
- capacity. Tramiel reiterated the specifications mentioned in previous
- reports. I won't repeat any more than I have to. It appears that
- Atari is still on schedule and is still predicting release of the new
- machines in late April. Unfortunatly, Mr. Tramiel did not have a
- formal demo package available with him, so the actual demonstration of
- the machine was exceptionally weak. Tramiel described that the
- versatility of the ST's was enhanced by the multiple ports which
- include: 128K ROM slot, Hard Disk DMA Port (10 Megabit/Sec!), Floppy
- Disk Port (Daisy Chain), Standard RS232C Port, Centronics Printer Port,
- Monitor Output, RF (TV) Output, (2) MIDI Ports, In/Out, Joystick Port,
- and Joystick/Mouse Port. Bruce Cohen, from DRI explained the GEM
- operating system in detail, including how it was being developed in
- other applications. He indicated that the IBM PC would have a GEM
- system available in April.
-
-
- 1985 - 32-BIT ATARI PLANNED
- The first look at the new 32-bit Atari computers will come in April at
- a computer show in Hanover, Germany. Sam Tramiel privately confirmed
- that this machine would utilize the new National Semiconductor 32032
- and would be a "VAX in a box." The next step for Tramiel, after his
- current plans, is to "turn around mainframe technology for a hand-held
- computer."
-
-
- 1987 - ATARI IBM CLONES
- The ATARI IBM CLONES may NOT be a reality, on the other hand... for a
- while, anyway. Two problems are are the major hangups: negotiations
- for GEM for the machine, and FCC acceptance. Neither area has had any
- positive movement, despite ATARI's optomistic projected "spring '87"
- release of the $500 do-it-all PC compatible.
-
- 1987 - ATARIFESTS IN TROUBLE
- AtariFests for Detroit and Chicago are in trouble. After a long seige
- of difficulty in negotiations with Atari, Detroit's 400-plus member
- M.A.C.E. club threw up their hands and pulled out of the effort,
- cancelling a planned August '87 show for the Southfield Civic Center.
-
- 1987 - MORE PANIC IN DETROIT
- Antic Magazine's publisher Jim Capperell wrote to Detroit's M.A.C.E.
- to notify them that they had to remove any and all ANTIC programs from
- their BBS. He reaffirmed that they are copyrighted, and to exchange
- them is PIRACY.
-
- 1987 8-BIT DOS ON A CART
- Mike Wheeler of Alaska has put Atari DOS 2.5 on a cart and added true
- double density support and a ramdisk handler. Although it is memory
- - greedy (16k when resident), the cart can be switched out manually.
-
- 1989 - TOS 1.4 UPDATE
- All developers should take note that the latest release of TOS 1.4 is
- the December upgrade. This will be the version that goes to Eprom.
- Developers should contact Cindy Clavern for more information.
-
- 1989 - WORLD OF ATARI
- The Anahiem World of Atari show has been expanded from 12,000 sq ft to
- 28,000 sq ft. At the same show, there will be a live concert after
- with Fleetwood Mac and 2 other name groups.
-
- 1990 - ATARIFESTS TO BE MORE CAREFULLY SCHEDULED
- Atari has discussed and announced the intention to exert more control
- over scheduling of Atari shows that request Atari's involvement. After
- some hard lessons last year that resulted in the cancellation of both
- user and commercial shows due to time conflicts, Atari now intends to
- firmly stand behind a policy of NO SHOWS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF OTHER SHOWS.
-
- 1990 - ATARI SOFTSOURCE READY TO GO
- Charles Cherry, Atari Corp Developer Support mogul, says that the
- SOFTSOURCE Program is ready to premier on a major telecommunications
- network. The system is 100% completed and is in private testing to be
- sure that it is fully operational when it is formally introduced in
- April.
-
- 1990 - DAVE SMALL/HAPPY COMPUTER LAWSUIT SETTLED
- A groundbreaking lawsuit involving charges of defamation via
- international telecommunications message systems was settled by a Court
- Order that also forbids the parties to discuss the details. Dave Small
- of Gadgets By Small was sued by Richard Adams of Happy Computer over
- statements posted as messages on GEnie last year.
-
- 1990 - 68030 ATARI LIKELY TO BE SHOWN AT WOA DISNEYLAND
- Late word from TWO locations both point to the 68030 computer(s) to be
- shown at the Anaheim World of Atari... one from Atari (the TT) and one
- from Dave Small.
-
- 1990 - ATARI REPORTS NET INCOME OF $5.7 MILLION
- Atari announced last week that income from continuing operations of
- $5.8 million or 10 cents per share on sales of $170.6 million for the
- quarter ended Dec. 31, 1989.
-
- 1991 - ST "GEMULATOR" IN PROGRESS FOR IBM
- Darek Mihocka of Branch Always Software (Quick ST) has confirmed rumors
- that he has a functional 68000 emulator working on an IBM platform.
-
- 1991 - APPLE STRIKES BACK AT SCHOOLS AND ATARI NEW ZEALAND
- Apples distributor in New Zealand CED, hit back this week at claims that
- they are over charging the education sector for their products.
- Responding to the criticism from Alex Davidson the Managing Director of
- Software Supplies (the New Zealand Atari distributor) Mr Crowe of CED
- said "At $NZ1895 the Macintosh Classic are as inexpensive as any machine
- on the market".
-
- 1991 - CEBIT '91
- Atari surprised everyone with their announcement and demonstration of
- two exciting new 68000 based computers. ST Notebook - This is to be
- the smallest 68000 based computer in the world. Its size rivals any PC
- Notebook style computer. ST Pad - This is similar to ST Notebook and
- shares most of the features but has a futuristic interface. Although
- Z*NET has not received final reports from several correspondents at the
- Hannover CEBIT computer show, early comments include more hints and
- announcements of new hardware from Atari. Spied or discussed were:
- CDAR-505, a new CD-ROM player to be released SOON; "ATARIFILE 200", a
- Megafile with 200 meg hard disk (the clumsy name will be changed, but
- the "Megafile" moniker will be abandoned soon as well); TT030 machines
- with 28 meg of RAM and 1.2 GIGABYTE hard drives, available this fall;
- UNIX for the TT030; IBM emulation for the TT; and more.
-
- 1991 - DIAMOND BACK II
- Oregon Research Associates announces that it will assume the
- distribution and support of Diamond Back II effective immediately. To
- celebrate this occasion, Oregon Research Associates will release a
- major new version of Diamond Back II.
-
- 1991 -THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST ATARIFEST ANNOUNCED
- Vancouver, Canada is hosting the first ever Pacific Northwest Atari
- Festival over the weekend of June 15th. and 16th. 1991, to be held at
- the Steveston Senior Secondary School, in the beautiful suburb of
- Richmond, B.C.
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * Z*NET NEWSWIRE
- ======================================================================
-
-
- AT&T PROVIDES ACCESS
- Anyone interested in AT&T's 1991 Annual Report may use the company's
- "AT&T News On-Line" service to access the report via computer. This is
- a database containing AT&T press releases, the AT&T Fact Book and, as
- of this week, the 1991 Annual Report. Users may access the system
- using any communications soft ware on a PC and a modem. Communications
- should be set for 7 data bits, 1 stop bit and even parity. The system
- operates 24 hours a day and provides access at two speeds, 1200 and
- 2400 bps. For 1200 modems, dial 908-221-8088. For 2400 modems, dial
- 908-221-2701.
-
-
- IBM PLANS LOW-COST COMPUTERS
- IBM announced this week that it plans to form a subsidiary to market
- low-end personal computers in Europe that differ from current IBM
- systems. The new PCs will not provide the same type of customer
- service that is offered with existing IBM machines and will not carry
- an IBM logo. Additional details about the plan will be available late
- in the second quarter.
-
-
- SPA ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT
- The Software Publishers Association announced that a settlement has
- been reached in a software copyright infringement suit with Melco
- Industries. The products involved in the suit were manufactured by
- WordPerfect, Microsoft, Lotus, and AutoDesk. The SPA, speaking on
- behalf of the manufacturers, cited instances of unauthorized copying of
- software. Since 1988, the Software Publishers Association has filed
- over 100 lawsuits on behalf of its members and obtained numerous search
- and seizure orders against businesses, computer dealers, bulletin board
- services, and educational institutions that have violated its members
- copyrights. The SPA's anti-piracy hotline, 1-800-388-7478, accepts
- calls reporting software violations.
-
-
- WORDSTAR ANNOUNCES NEGOTIATIONS
- WordStar announced that it is engaged in negotiations with Delrina
- Corp regarding a merger of the two companies through an exchange of
- stock. No agreement has been reached, however, regarding the terms of
- any such transaction, including which company's stock would be used to
- affect the transaction.
-
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * FLASH II TO DEBUT Press Release
- ======================================================================
-
-
- Missionware Software is proud to annouce the introduction Flash II at
- the ACE '92 Show. We'll only be bringing a couple hundred copies of
- the program with us, so make sure to attend early! See the official
- show bulletin for complete pricing. And yes, we will be offering a
- substantial discount for those of you wishing to upgrade from an older
- version of Flash. You *must* bring your old disk along to qualify for
- that upgrade.
-
- Here's a list of just a few of the new features to be found in Flash
- II:
-
- * DO scripts are enhanced. Old script files continue to work with new
- features added for support of Flash II's new features.
-
- * DO scripts are no longer needed, however, for automating your logon
- process. All board parameters are now set via dialogs. These
- parameters are saved in the board configuration file and
- automatically configure Flash II when the board is activated.
-
- * Now permits the use of up to 30 function key macros. 10 macros are
- considered global, and are accessed by holding down the Control key
- and F1 thru F10 keys. The other 20 macros can be programmed
- separately for each board and are accessed with the unshifted and
- shifted function keys. The macros automatically load when the board
- is activated.
-
- * Flash II can be used to display, either on- or off-line RLE and GIF
- pictures. (Particularly handy on CIS which permits the use of
- online graphics viewing.)
-
- * Includes a new Review Mode. Save your online session to disk and
- later review it as if you were online!
-
- * Supports the following terminal emulations: TTY, VIDTEX, VT52,
- ANSI, VT100, VT101, VT102, VT200, VT300 & Prestel.
-
- * Supports ST, IBM and DEC characters sets.
-
- * Flash II is designed to work on any ST or TT, in any resolution,
- from 80 to 132 columns, and 24, 29 or 48 lines.
-
- * A new type ahead buffer is included. It supports up to three lines
- of text which is fully editable using the cursor, delete and
- backspace keys. The [Return] key and [Enter] key perform different
- functions, depending on the configuration. One can be used to enter
- forced carriage returns into your message, the other is used to send
- the message.
-
- * You can configure the amount of memory you wish Flash II to grab at
- startup. Older versions of Flash grabbed everything available.
- With multitasking on the horizon, you don't necessarily want to do
- that. You can continue to <Free> unwanted memory once in the
- program.
-
- * Includes command support for an automatic answer mode.
-
- * New, full-featured GEM text editor with more flexible block commands
- (you can now start and end blocks anywhere in a line), cut & paste
- commands, search & replace function, paragraph reformatting, user
- tab settings and page widths, automatic word wrap & text wrap modes,
- and much more.
-
- * The editor now permits you to select the type of display mode
- desired. Whereas older version of Flash always displayed carriage
- returns, you can now turn those on or off, as well as all other
- control characters.
-
- * Almost all menu functions have keyboard equivalents, such as Alt-L
- to "Load" a file. Where appropriate, these keyboard equivalents
- match the terminal mode keyboard equivalents.
-
- * Includes Silent Line, a new background file transfer program
- (replaces "Shadow").
-
- * Internally supports the following protocols: ASCII, Xmodem, Ymodem,
- Ymodem-G, Zmodem, Modem7, WXModem, CIS B+, Kermit, SEAlink, and
- Telesoftware (for Discovery/Prestel systems).
-
- * Includes a new "Statistics" feature. Keeps track of all of your
- online time and upload/download information, and calculates your
- fees based on the BBS' rates.
-
- * Includes built-in timing functions. Flash II will autostart an
- online session using this timer.
-
- * Includes a totally rewritten, 226 page manual, fully indexed along
- with a table on contents. The manual includes a tutorial, detailed
- section on all functions of the program, and a 50-page section
- explaining (with examples) the DO script language.
-
- See you in Booth #222 at the show!
- John Trautschold
- Missionware Software
-
-
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * ISD CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS Edited by Ron Kovacs
- =====================================================================
-
-
- March 4, 1992
-
- Calamus, one of the best (some say THE best) desktop publishing
- products available for any computer platform, has recently gotten even
- better with the release of Calamus SL. Here to tell us all about it
- and to answer your questions is Nathan Potechin, president of ISD
- Marketing. ISD is the North American publisher/distributor of the
- Calamus family of DTP products. Let's get this rolling now...
-
- Nathan, thank you very much for joining us this evening. Do you have
- any opening remarks to make before I start taking questions from the
- floor?
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> Thank you for joining us tonight. I believe it fair to
- say I am no longer an unknown entity online, especially on GEnie, as I
- once was and I am pleased that you have all made time to join us. With
- me this evening is Mario Georgiou, ISD's own Graphic Artist with 12 odd
- years of experience (In Mario's case, I stress the term "odd") :-) and
- Lou Rocha, a local desktop publisher, Editor of the Calamus SL manual
- and a school Principal by profession.
-
- Since we began filling backorders on Calamus SL almost one month ago
- now, the action online in our Category 16, has become fierce. :-) We
- have all been used to seeing 5 or 6 or even a dozen questions a day on
- Calamus but NOW, 45 or even 60 new messages every single day.
-
- We hope to have the last backorder out the door by the end of this week
- and will finally begin offering the product for sale to the Atari
- Dealers throughout North America, Australia and New Zealand. I made a
- decision to satisfy our customers needs first, and now will spend the
- next week insuring that all appropriate Magazines, both Atari and
- generic DTP related, receive their review copy and the proper followup.
- So, first came the customers, then the press, then the dealers. I
- suppose I'll have to start advertising fairly soon too, judging by the
- telephone calls I have already received on this subject. :-)
-
- I imagine I did this sort of backwards but I must say I am very pleased
- that I was in a position to do so and I will certainly take this
- opportunity to thank all of our valued customers for all of their
- support of us and our products over the years. Thank you!
-
- Calamus SL - The new direction in Pre-Press and publishing systems.
-
- Calamus SL offers a new concept in design and functionality providing a
- greater level creative control than other publishing systems.
-
- Calamus SL is a totally open system allowing for the addition of
- modules for specific tasks.
-
- Within Calamus SL, the complete world of desktop design and layout is
- placed at your fingertips. Calamus SL integrates the process of design
- and layout by standardizing the way you use different applications.
- Calamus SL is an environment designed to fulfill the requirements of
- anyone involved in the fields of Desktop Publishing, Prepress and
- Graphic communications. The system has been designed to allow full
- flexibility in terms of features, as such, Calamus SL is modular
- allowing the user to add or remove features to their application when
- they require them or to remove features when they have completed their
- work.
-
- Calamus SL has adopted a WYNIWYG philosophy, What You Need Is What You
- Get. There are modules for autotracing, color separation and
- calibration, data and document handling, the production of multimedia
- presentations, image management and editing, and many others. The
- software's capabilities make it a digital chameleon allowing it to
- change to suite the environment it is used in.
-
- Calamus has support for output devices ranging from dot matrix
- printers, laser printers, color thermal, dye sublimation and
- Imagesetters and Prepress Systems and technologies. Calamus SL's
- vector outline fonts can be scaled as large as required. Through the
- use of its own font rendering technology Calamus SL has true WYSYWYG
- allowing the user to know exactly what their documents will look like
- 100% of the time. This built in rendering technology uses the same
- font description for all display and output devices. Calamus SL has
- high speed document output through the use of its own powerful Page
- Description Language.
-
- Calamus SL has built-in support for 24 bit color. Calamus SL has
- support for RGB, IHS, CMY, HKS and CMYK color models and built-in Spot
- and Process color handling with a variety of calibration options.
-
- Up to seven documents can be loaded at the same time with interactive
- clipboard functions allowing the transfer of elements from one document
- to the another. Calamus SL also supports the import and export of
- industry standard text and graphic formats.
-
- Rotation of all Elements 360 degrees (Bitmaps are rotated 360 degrees
- through a module for image management.
-
- A user-definable autosave feature makes the complete loss of documents
- an unlikely event.
-
- Calamus's text capabilities include text alignment, kerning, tracking,
- vertical justification, rotation, flow around graphics, style tagging,
- widow and orphan control. A Text editing window allows for quick
- editing with functions for hyphenation and spell checking, search and
- replace, ruler and style definition, blocking functions with an undo
- feature.
-
- Calamus is capable of handling documents of unlimited physical size,
- with lengths up to 99,999 pages. This is enhanced with built-in
- virtual memory handling and File locking for the protection of various
- elements. Open up to 7 documents simultaneously while using the
- interactive clipboard for complete and easy passage of contents between
- documents.
-
- Calamus SL has approximately one thousand features with more on the
- way.
-
- <ELLIOTT.C> I haven't even seen Calamus yet ....wondering about kerning
- - how much manual adjustment needed after Auto is done.
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> Elliot, in most cases, the automatic kerning features
- inherent within Calamus SL leave very little for manual adjustment.
- However, if you should feel the need, you may perform adjustments in 4
- directions, in 1/1000 of a point!
-
- <ELLIOTT.C> Suppose I do "cj", turn the j into a superscript; in Quark
- Express the letters would end up crashing.
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> They would NOT crash in Calamus SL.
-
- <C.S.SMETON> Nathan, What support for 3rd party module add ons exist,
- i.e. Developer documentation for creating printer drivers, import file
- filters, etc.
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> Hi Charles. I did bring back serious docs on exactly
- that issue but they remain in German. That is a problem. :-) Another
- is that they keep adding to, enhancing and changing the code all the
- time presenting a moving target. :-) This is a big priority of mine as
- I am anxious to offer many interested North American developers, almost
- all of which are my friends, :-) to write modules!!
-
- <C.F.JOHNSON> You mentioned that SL can do color separations -- I have
- 2 questions about this: 1) does SL support the Pantone standard, and 2)
- is there a service bureau in the US that can output these color
- separations at high res, on film?
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> We have not yet finalized an agreement with PANTONE
- themselves although we do have the offer sitting in-house. I am once
- again faced with a quandary over IBM type prices for my Atari product
- :-) but we do indeed intend to be able to offer PANTONE as soon as
- possible. In the meantime, we do have a few other color tables
- available now, one of which is FOCOLTONE which I am told is VERY
- precise! So the answer to 1. is not yet. As far as service bureaus,
- the one bureau with an Atari workstation in San Francisco is Omnicomp
- and offhand I don't know if they have upgraded to Calamus SL yet or
- not. But they should have :-) so I will call them tomorrow. Obviously
- we need more service bureaus out there capable of handling the Calamus
- solution, which is something to which I will devote a great deal of
- effort in the coming months.
-
- <C.F.JOHNSON> Is FOCOLTONE a German color standard? I've never heard
- of it.
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> FOCOLTONE originated in Britain 6 years ago. It is well
- known in Europe and is now getting established in North America. They
- are said to have far more precise color matching than ANY other color
- standards and are now available with those other well known DTP
- packages like Quark and Illustrator :-).
-
- <S.LAPHAM1> Since you seem prepared for common questions, could you
- please shoot us the upgrade info (cost, etc.) from 1.09N? And since
- I've only had 1.09N for a week, can I send in the upgrade cost with the
- 1.09N registration card to get SL?
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> The cost is US $200.00 from 1.09N to SL but there are
- other options available. And yes, please do upgrade when you send in
- your registration card from 1.09N.
-
- <S.LAPHAM1> I just bought a HP DeskJet 500C..is there a driver for it
- in SL?
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> YES, there sure is. I love having the right answers for
- a change.
-
- <K.BROOKS1> Why are the flags set not to use TT RAM with SL?
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> Wrong, the default setting on the Calamus SL program
- automatically sets the TT RAM flags. Did this get switched somewhere
- along the line? Hmmm. I'll check.
-
- <J.ARMSTRON20> Nathan, What about the Functions that are disabled in
- SL. Like Spellcheck & Set Layout/Work Area.
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> James, my apologies. There will be a new version
- following the completion of the upcoming CeBit show in Hannover that
- runs for 10 days starting next week. At the end of that time I expect
- many of the features that had not been activated will now be up and
- running. Spellchecking was absolutely 100% promised to be one of
- those. These kind of inactive features will eventually all disappear
- at no cost to yourself, other than shipping and handling perhaps but no
- way I could delay the release of the product itself any longer without
- getting hung. :-)
-
- <D.KERR1> Could you please explain what PKS Write has over the text
- editor in 1.09?
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> The best feature that is now available in PKS Write is
- the ability to modify layout from within the text editor. This
- includes pre-tagging information on just about everything that you
- could imagine. Besides, it also includes more advanced block
- functions, ability to apply key bindings inside the editor, edit
- kerning information, hyphenation and rulers and on and on. Drew, its
- has LOTS more than the old Editor.
-
- <[Drew] D.KERR1> I believe there are a thousand features in SL. You
- mentioned "many more to come." Could you reveal any of those "many
- more to come?"
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> I will cover a few of the modules. I just happen to
- have the proverbial block to upload. :-) Coming Soon.....
-
- Type Art
- This package was specially designed for the creation and manipulation
- of Typefaces and Logos. This software facilitates control over a fonts
- global kerning characteristics and specific kerning pairs. It also
- allows for the autotracing of scanned lineart allowing Logo libraries
- and fonts to be created. The tools allow the use of primitives and the
- merging of component parts such as stems and serifs etc. Two fonts can
- be in memory at any one time allowing the exchange and editing of up to
- 256 characters. Type Art also has built-in digitizer plotter support.
- The tools are second to none including floating pop up tool menus and
- very powerful mapping functions. A transformation calculator allows
- the use of formulae while other functions include a text preview window
- for the contextual fine tuning of kerning information, magnetic snap to
- grid and guidepoints, online help, stamp, join and auto-outlining
- functions and clipboards. This is the perfect tool for the Typographic
- designer.
-
- Outline Art 2
- This product is for the creation of vector based illustrations using
- lines and bezier curves. It has tools for typographic manipulation and
- mapping. Outline Art 2.0 has 24 bit color support, allows type to be
- put into circles, to follow freely defined paths, to be graduated or
- mapped onto planes, and transformed or distorted. The use of
- intelligent clipboard and calculator functions make this a typographic
- special effects dream.
-
- Dataformer
- Dataformer is a series of modules specially dedicated to the export of
- data from Calamus SL. The product allows the export of any element or
- page from a document in a variety of formats. The first of two
- Dataformer modules can export to the following bitmap formats - GIF,
- IFF, IMG, PCX, TIF, TGA and the following vector based formats CVG, EPS
- (with or without TIF headers), WMF, GEM, HPGL and DXF. More formats
- will be added in time.
-
- Crescendo
- For music publishers the introduction of a package to convert an
- I.M.M.A standard MIDI file to a notated text file for inclusion in a
- document or for the publication of music sheets. The capability to
- prepare notated pages within Crescendo using polyphonic notation makes
- it a must for all music publishers.
-
- Job Manager
- This is a module designed for use by service bureaus or production
- houses to allow the queuing of jobs. It allows the specification of
- documents for printing and assignation of printing characteristics such
- as mirroring, inversion, page selection, multiple prints, scaling,
- resolution, pagination, color separation and output device selection.
-
- Mount and Print
- The specialist print module for Calamus. This module controls the
- final output of your document. Create left/right offsets for magazine
- production, collation, Imposition, tiling of pages, together with a
- host of other specialized functions to define your complete printing
- parameters to achieve optimum results.
-
- Multimedia Module
- This module is for the preparation of documents which include video and
- sound data for the purpose of preparing multimedia presentations.
- Purposely designed for the creation of product and advertising
- presentations, this module allows the specification of sound sampling
- rates of 6KHz to 50KHz. Video capabilities include control of playback
- speeds, Intensity, Hue, Saturation, Dissolves, etc,. Future Modules,
- specifications subject to change without notice, include:
-
- Paint & Draw : a raster and vector graphic editing module
- Curve & Line : an auto-tracing module for Monochrome, Grayscale and
- Color Images, which will be an upgrade from Speed Line.
- Logo Art : a special vector editor for company logos and a Barcode
- generation module.
-
- and about 95 others. It is my intention to release a few modules every
- couple of months without fail for the next few years. And I fully
- intend to meet that commitment!
-
- <[John Nagy] Z-NET> I want to say that my testing on SL so far has been
- a delight! It is much faster than I anticipated, even though I must
- suffer along at ST speed... so far. ;^) SL is clearly a full-out
- professional grade package. Which leads to my question... what about
- "CALAMUS S"? Is it being dropped? Will 1.09N be the monochrome home
- use standard for some time to come? It certainly remains as fine a
- product for 99.5% of the uses a person could have at home... and at the
- price difference (below SL), 1.09N remains the affordable choice... if
- it is offered.
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> Apparently, there will be a version called Calamus S.
- Until it is actually finished and in my hand, I will keep quiet on it.
- Once it is done and released, it will replace 1.09N without a doubt.
- In the meantime, Calamus 1.09N remains an excellent desktop publishing
- solution that still shines proudly on all our Atari computers!!
-
- <[DOUG] D.HOPP1> I have ver.1.09.6 and overscan the text editor does
- not work in overscan. Is this corrected in 1.09N or SL?
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> I am sorry, Doug. I cannot be responsible for the
- response of Calamus product with Overscan. I believe that it is
- compatible with 1.09N but I literally have no idea if it works with SL
- or not as I do not have Overscan myself. Sorry.
-
- <BOB-BRODIE> Nathan, I've had visitors in my office on and off during
- the CO, so my apologies if my question was already asked. Garry says
- Hi, BTW. Would you please comment on the various color boards that are
- available (or that are known to be in development) and their
- compatibility with Calamus SL? IE Crazy Dots, Matrix, etc. Any
- specific recommendations? What capabilities are available for our
- users ie rez, colors, etc.
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> I have just been told that Overscan works with Calamus
- SL. Hi Bob. Hi to Garry. I am personally aware of the Leonardo from
- Jay Craswell, the Crazy Dots board represented by Gribnif, the ISAC/
- AlberTT combo by Jay again I believe, the Matrix cards and the
- Cybercube cards. I cannot imagine any of those products NOT working
- with Calamus SL and have personally seen both the Matrix, the ISAC and
- the Cybercube Sunrise up and working. One of my close associates just
- /sent me a note stating Calamus SL has been tested and performs nicely
- on the Crazy Dots board as well.
-
- Calamus SL has 24 bit color built-in. It will handle any variation of
- same without a hitch. I do recommend that if anyone starts doing
- serious color work, both on screen and output that they either purchase
- a TT or an accelerator board like the TURBO 030 from Jim or Dave's SST.
-
- <[Nathan] ISD> I would just like to take this opportunity once again to
- thank everyone that has supported us over the years and a sincere thank
- you for attending this evening and listening to what one die-hard Atari
- Developer has to offer. :-) Thank you.
-
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * FASTTECH CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS Edited by Ron Kovacs
- ======================================================================
-
-
- March 11, 1992
-
- Fast Technology's Jim Allen was the first to break the 8 MHz speed
- barrier on the Atari ST with the commercial release of Turbo16. Since
- that time, Jim has been wringing more and more speed out of the ST with
- products like Turbo20 and Turbo25. But there's only so much you can
- expect from a 68000 so Jim has added the 68030 to the Atari arsenal
- with the much anticipated Turbo030 and the recently announced
- TinyTurbo030.
-
- If you folks haven't done so already, check out Category 4, Topic 11
- starting with message 82 for more specifics about TinyTurbo030.
-
- But in the meantime, we have Jim Allen here to tell us more about the
- Fast Technology product lineup and to answer your questions.
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> Fast Technology is about to start shipping
- the latest in a long line of great accelerator cards. I'll list what
- is available and for how much:
-
- Turbo20 a 20Mhz 68000 card....$329
- Turbo25 a 25Mhz 68000 card....$379
- STE adapter for these...$49
- And now TinyTurbo030 a 40+Mhz very tiny 68030 card....$999
-
- As an introductory price, the TinyTurbo030 will be available at the
- fantastic price of $599!!!!
-
- This addition to the lineup gives you a choice of speeds ranging from 2
- TIMES faster all the way up to 6-7 TIMES faster than the stock ST!!!
-
- The TinyTurbo030 is a real breakthrough product, putting more power in
- a smaller volume than any accelerator maker has done before!!
-
- The TinyTurbo030 includes a 40Mhz 030 at its heart, with a 32K 20ns
- static ram cache, and Atari's TOS 206 operating system.
-
- A stock 68000 chip is also onboard, so at the flick of a switch you can
- go back in time and technology, and enjoy your favorite older software,
- or run time critical music software.
-
- The TinyTurbo030 comes in two different configurations, one for the
- STs, which looks like a larger Turbo25 and another designed
- specifically for STE/MegaSTE computers which is a simple plug in, only
- a screw driver and pliers are needed!!
-
- Two options are available, a super fast math co-processor, the 68882
- 50Mhz model, which we run at 40, 50, or 60Mhz!!!
-
- And our own customized Virtual Memory software, which eats up 512K to
- 1Meg of your ST ram, but lets the system "think" it has up to 128Megs
- of TT ram...even in your old trusty 1985 520ST!!!!
-
- All of this is made possible by the great folks at Atari Corporation,
- who have created one heck of a nice new TOS....TOS 2.06!!!!
-
- So Fast Technology has a speed choice for everyone, and a price to
- match every budget!!!
-
- To take advantage of the super introductory price on the TinyTurbo030,
- simply place and advance order before April 30th, 1992, and include a
- deposit of 50%...so we know you're a serious customer!!! The
- TinyTurbo030 is such a nice product, so well polished, that it comes
- with a 30day money back guarantee!!!!
-
- The Math coprocessor option is only $299, and for Dynacadd and Lexicor
- customers, it offers a 30-50 TIMES increase in rendering speed...well
- worth the price. Only a $50 deposit is required with the order.
-
- The Virtual Memory option is also $299, which we pass on to the
- inventor, and includes an upgrade to a 50Mhz 68030 chip...great price
- for 50Mhz and 128Megabytes of ram!!! The deposit is only $50 also.
-
- <JEFF.W> What are the functional differences between Turbo030 and
- TinyTurbo030? Are there any compromises needed to fit it into so small
- a package?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> The Turbo030 is a full size...5.5"x5.5"..
- board for MegaST computers only, it has a sram cache to speed up mother
- board activities...just like the TinyTurbo030 (coincidence?) and also
- has 4 or 16 Meg of real 32 bit super fast Fast Ram. We'll be releasing
- it in a week or two, and do another RTC on it....it's also $1495 ;-)
-
- <[Steve] S.GOLD6> Would VM software slow down a system. Also when is
- projected delivery on the Tiny Turbo boards.
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> The Virtual software does slow things down
- a bit...compared to running flat out on the 030, but not enough to be a
- pain. Anyone exposed to SUN 3/60 Unix workstations knows about how
- much things will bog down, but the benefits outweigh the speed hit BIG
- TIME. I'd HIGHLY recommend dedicating at least a piece of a fast
- Quantum hard disk for use with the VM, it will require a piece of your
- hard disk equal to the amount of "RAM" you're adding to the system as
- VM. The faster the disk the better...dedicating a $250 LPS52 is not
- unreasonable if you have older slow disks. The PCBoards are being
- designed in New Hampshire now, then they'll go to Taiwan to be made,
- then back here to be stuffed (surface mount parts) and then shipped!!!
- This process will require 8-10 weeks. I wish I didn't have to go to
- Taiwan, but I've had nothing but trouble with local PCBoard
- manufacturers, quality is definitely not job one...bummer.
-
- <[Dave] D.SHORR> Hi Jim, can your TT030 use an ST's existing memory as
- 32-bit RAM, or is the Virtual Memory option intended for this purpose?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> Dave, the VM software uses a piece of ST
- ram, and "pretends" that it is official TT ram. So the control panel
- CPX says....128Meg of TT ram!!! ;-) While the rest of your ST ram is
- left available for use, like for video and SLM printers, etc.
-
- <[Dave] D.HAEFNER> Can a MEGA bus be added to a stock ST via your card?
- (To allow use of expanded video,etc) Or is this now obsolete, unused,
- impossible, whatever? And have you tested Spectre GCR compatibility?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> Dave, JRI makes a nice FPU adapter card that
- includes a Mega bus addon. The FPU part can be left un populated, and
- you can use this in your ST, now, and after TinyTurbo030 ;-)
-
- It lets you use a Moniterm, etc. But you'll need to do something
- cabinet-wise, otherwise you'll have a big board hanging out on your
- desk...not a good thing to do ;-)
-
- <[Dave] D.HAEFNER> What about Spectre?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> The TinyTurbo030 works just fine on Spectre
- 3.0 now, but Dave will be coming out with a version 3.1 down the road
- that should be a little more "030" aware. There are some potential
- problems with critical timing areas, but I've used it and had little
- if any trouble as-is.
-
- <R.GUADAGNO1> The First, have you heard of any problems with the
- CodeHead TEC board when using the TURBO-16 or ICD AdSpeed (in 16MHz
- mode) on a MEGA ST?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> I have heard a couple complaints re:
- Turbo20/25 in Germany, but nothing on T16. The Codeheads have T16s and
- have tested them...it's a GO!!! If you do experience and thing, we'll
- fix whatever is needed to make it work, not to worry!!
-
- <R.GUADAGNO1> Second, My friend Mark (M.SANTORA2) won a TURBO-25 at the
- WAACE show and would like to know when they will be back in stock?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> Marks unit, along with another persons, went
- out days ago, the T25s took some time to polish 100% but now, they're
- golden!!!
-
- <[Sysop] JEFF.W> Is this a regular 68030 in the TinyTurbo030 or one of
- the 68EC030s?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> Depends purely on what is cheapest at
- purchasing time, we've been getting real 40Mhz units for LESS than our
- Motorola rep can quote an EC for!!! ;-)
-
- <[Sysop] JEFF.W> Are there any performance differences between them?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> Nope, only the MMU portion missing on the
- EC, otherwise they're the same. In fact, I've done some surgery on
- one, opened it up, and altered the connection of the MMUDIS signal
- inside...using the RP package (plastic pin grid) the chip is actually
- glued to a PCboard, with a small aluminum cover on it, you can pull it
- off and mess with the insides!!!
-
- <[John@Atari] TOWNS> Hi Jim. Just wanted to ask about Compatibility.
- Have you had the chance to do some compatibility testing and how does
- it fair? Is it more compatible than a TT? What kinds of things have
- you done to make sure that your product is as compatible as possible?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> I'd say it's a "little" more compatible...at
- speed...since it is always 24bit addressing mode. For instance, TEMPUS
- 1 and 2 work OK, in fact all the big productivity stuff does...except
- Timeworks DTP 1. The key compatibility modes are, the roms answer at
- $FC as well as $Ex, the unit is 24bit rather than 32bit as far as
- address map is concerned. We've patched in all the TT equivalent MMU
- and cache controlling code, cold booting, etc. And above all we've
- kept the 68000 chip available, so you can switch back, and the TOS can
- be set to be OFF in 68000 mode, so the motherboard roms will work...
- TOS 1.0/1.2, etc.
-
- <T.REYES> Can one increase the amount of SRAM cache RAM on your board?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> No, we did extensive research in cache ram
- size over the years, and 16K of data space is really quite sufficient.
- Any larger becomes inconvenient physically and too costly. Motorola
- has found that 8K is actually the best speed/cost trade off.
-
- <P.MARTZ> How do you get 16 Bit Ram to act like 32 Bit Ram? Sounds
- like a pretty good option for those how don't want to buy a new
- machine.
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> The application doesn't know what the ram is
- actually, it only runs and accesses certain address ranges, the VM
- software just fakes out the OS into thinking there is actually a bunch
- of real chips out there, when there aren't any ;-)
-
- You may order any Fast Technology products through either Fast
- Technology, or through ISD Marketing, J.ALLEN27 or ISD Email here on
- GEnie!!
-
- <[Joe] J.MIRANDO1> Jim, in your press release you made mention of a few
- enhancements to TOS 2.06 for the '030 boards. Are these enhancements
- of use only to '030 users, or are they things that T16/20/25 users
- could benefit from?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> We've put in a couple neat things. If you
- have a real time clock, we put the bootup delay into the unused alarm
- ram space, which lets you have a real user selectable boot delay...but
- also user settable ;-) There's other things we do the same with, but
- it's too early to talked about them. These all DO work for 68030 and
- 68000 ;-)
-
- <[Joe] J.MIRANDO1> Sounds like you've been thinking these thing out
- well! When will this be available to the public?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> The TinyTurbo030 will be about 10 weeks
- away, the Turbo030 is only a few days away, and we have units in stock,
- with 4 Megs of ram, and one HECK of a speed boost...like nothing you
- can imagine ;-)
-
- <[Steamy Wreck] MYECK.WATERS> I have a UK keyboard - any chance of
- getting a UK TOS on this thing! <smirk>?
-
- <[Jim@FASTTECH] J.ALLEN27> No sweat, just specify it with the order, I
- have US UK and German versions!!!
-
- I'd just like to close by saying THANK YOU for stopping by, and thank
- you to all Fast Tech's customers for your patronage, you have made all
- this possible.
-
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * PERUSING GENIE Compiled by Ed Krimen
- ======================================================================
-
-
- -=> In the "Atari Corporation Online" category (14)
- -=> from the "Notebook and Pad?" topic (7)
-
- Message 76 Sat Mar 07, 1992
- D.FLORY [ALERTsys*Cop] at 00:12 EST
-
- I had a chance to look at a production Notebook today. No chance to
- use it but, that is one beautiful of piece of industrial design. It
- looks _great_. A real class looking item. If it works as well as it
- looks its going to knock some people on their collective ears. I can't
- wait 'til I get a chance to actually buy one.
- """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-
- -=> In the "Atari Corporation Online" category (14)
- -=> from "Atari's New TOS 2.06" topic (8)
-
- Message 92 Sat Mar 07, 1992
- M.DRYSDALE [Drys] at 09:24 EST
-
- All,
-
- We've installed 6 MSTE 1.44 drive upgrades and as many 2.06 in STe
- machines, here's some of the results/problems.
-
- One MSTe does not work with 1.44 floppies BUT does work fine with 720k
- floppies. The test cart confirms this. (Nice touch - the MSTe test
- cart was all ready for 1.44 drives.) This same machine is NOW having
- problems with its internal hard drive.
-
- Have a STe (maybe two) that after installing 2.06 does not read disks
- it read under 1.62. I think there may be "something" in the boot
- sectors of the disks it will not read; not a virus, but a booter of
- some kind.
-
- In a related event, we have installed 2.05 (yes 2.05) in two STe
- machines, one works fine, one had some problems.
-
- And lastly for all you hardware hackers - have one customer who bought
- the MSTe 1.44 kit and claims to have installed it in his STe. He is
- using 1.44 disks with no problems. He installed the new ROMs, Ajax,
- drive and rigged up some sort of 16MHz signal.
-
- Mike Drysdale, TEAM COMPUTERS (Stumped with no answers)
- ----------
-
- Message 94 Sat Mar 07, 1992
- J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 12:26 EST
-
- Since there is a peice of circuitry missing in the STE that the MSTE
- has related to 1.44 drives, I'd doubt someone could just plug the kit
- into an STE and presto! Tos 206 wants to talk to a device that isn't
- in the STE and will "bus error" on an STE.
- ----------
-
- Message 133 Wed Mar 11, 1992
- J.PATTERSON3 [Ted] at 19:24 EST
-
- I just got TOS 2.06 from a dealer, but without any docs. After reading
- this topic I understand that I have to change some jumper positions (I
- assume these are w101-w103) but I don't know what the positions should
- be changed to. Presently I'm getting 3 bombs on boot-up.
-
- Can anyone help me with the jumper positions?
-
- Thanks, _____
- /ed
- ----------
-
- Message 134 Wed Mar 11, 1992
- T.MCCOMB [=Tom=] at 20:42 EST
-
- Chip EE goes in U102
- Chip EO goes in u103
- W102 -> Jumper 1 to 2
- W103 -> Jumper 2 to 3
- W104 -> Jumper 1 to 2
-
- The above info is for an STE
-
- In a MegaSTE
- EE -> U206
- EO -> U207
-
- W201 1 to 2
- w202 2 to 3
- W203 1 to 2
- -Tom
- """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-
- -=> In the "Atari Corporation Online" category (14)
- -=> from the "TOS Utilities from Atari" topic (32)
-
- Message 159 Sun Mar 08, 1992
- A.WESTON [Alan] at 23:01 EST
-
- I think it's time for Atari to release TOS 1.0 on disk ala the 8-bit
- translator disk. What do they have to lose except for increased
- compatibility?
- ----------
-
- Message 160 Sun Mar 08, 1992
- C.F.JOHNSON [CodeHead] at 23:50 EST
-
- There is one very serious problem with using TOS 1.0 on disk, to fix
- programs that are incompatible with newer versions.
-
- If you have a hard drive, and have formatted one or more of your
- partitions to a size greater than 16 Megabytes, switching back to TOS
- 1.0 is *VERY* dangerous. TOS versions before 1.04 did not support
- partitions larger than 16 Meg, and if you do _anything_ that writes to
- such a partition while running TOS 1.0, you *will* destroy all data in
- that partition. And please note that just about every bootup manager
- program writes to the hard disk during bootup - - so even if you think
- you can be careful and not allow any writes to the disk, you can still
- blow away your hard disk just by booting up your computer.
-
- There are other problems, too; this is just the most serious one.
-
- Charles
- ---------
-
- Message 165 Mon Mar 09, 1992
- TOWNS [John@Atari] at 16:23 EST
-
- A support factor. TOS on Disk doesn't work the same way as it does
- from ROM. There are programs that will work just fine with a version
- of TOS in ROM but will fail on a disk-based TOS version.
-
- We don't want support nightmares to deal with. The correct solution to
- the problem of incompatible software is for the software companies to
- fix their broken software. We (Atari) have made information on the
- differences in TOS versions available to Developers.
-
- We can't be expected to support someone else's bad programming
- practices.
-
- -- John Townsend, Atari Corp.
- """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-
- (Gadgets by Small RoundTable)
- -=> In the "SST/68030 for the ST" category (9)
- -=> from the "SST/68030" topic (2)
-
- Message 164 Mon Mar 09, 1992
- SANDYSMALL at 00:20 EST
-
- 1. As of right now, we are backordered until May-June, depending on
- the parts suppliers (I'm not counting on parts until I can see the
- whites of their eyes).
-
- 2. Distributors will start getting SSTs around the end of March, so
- Dealers will get them around the first part of April (more or
- less).
-
- 3. We tested Supercharger last year at CEBIT, and it ran fine then.
- However, I do not know what version it was, and I don't remember if
- we might have changed something since then.
-
- Regards, Sandy
- """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-
- -=> In the "Hardware" category (4)
- -=> from the "Turbo16 from Fast Technology" topic (11)
-
- Message 82 Tue Mar 10, 1992
- J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 23:56 EST
-
- Finally....... FAST TECHNOLOGY proudly announces..... TinyTURBO030
-
- TinyTurbo030 is our entry level 68030 based accelerator for the Atari
- ST and STE computer line. There are two versions, one for the ST, the
- STE (including MegaSTE). They are identical in function and feature,
- differing only in physical layout.
-
- The TinyTurbo030 has the following features:
-
- * Motorola's advanced "030" running at 40Mhz!!!!
- * a spot for an optional 68882 FPU chip running at 60Mhz!!!
- * Onboard 8Mhz 68000 chip for _100%_ compatibility, hard/software
- * The most compact 030 accelerator design available anywhere
- * Fits all models of the ST and STE line, even the STacy
- * Optional Virtual Memory software for up to 128Megabytes of "ram"
- * Super fast static ram cache design to speed up program AND video!!
- * Makes your ST or STE up to 6 TIMES faster in real world use
- * Equipped with Atari's new TOS 2.06, with some further enhancements!!
- * Bundled with CodeHead Technology's QuickST acceleration software
- * Specially designed to support and speedup Mega ST/VME video boards
- * Fully BLiTTER chip compatible, works with them all!!!
- * No auxiliary or replacement power supply needed!!!!
- * Only 3.5" by 2.5", fits in the palm of your hand!!!
-
- Fast Technology has been honing this design to perfection for a full
- year now, we have numerous beta test sites and customers around the
- world, so TinyTurbo030 customers are assured of solid performance and
- a no-hassle installation and above all a _very_ high degree of
- compatibility in 030 mode, and total compatibility in 68000 mode. When
- you buy a TinyTurbo030 you are buying a proven design from the leaders
- in Atari accelerator design!!!
-
- The 68000 onboard the TinyTurbo030 lets the user boot up as a stock
- machine, able to run any software, or use any peripheral which isn't
- compatible with an 030 chip...simply at the flip of a switch!! The
- 68000 may also be set to boot off your original TOS roms, just in case
- TOS 206 compatibility is in doubt.
-
- The 030 is running at a minimum of 40Mhz, when the final printed
- circuit boards are here, we'll decide on 40...42...46......
-
- The Virtual Memory option is a sneaky software way of making your
- system "think" it has lots more than the standard 4Megabytes of ram ST/
- STE computers are capable of. This does require you to have 4 Megs of
- real ram in your ST/STE, but for those who need ooooodles of memory,
- that's no big deal. The Virtual Memory option also includes an upgrade
- to the 50Mhz 030 chip and perhaps a bit high clock speed ;-)
-
- There is a spot for a 68882 math coprocessor. We say "spot" because due
- to height restrictions a socket is not possible in most ST/STE systems.
- Here at Fast Technology we have the ability to install and remove PGA
- chips easily, so being soldered in is not a problem. We use the PGA...
- pin grid array...package because that's the only one the 50Mhz 882 chip
- is available in. We've been using 50Mhz 882's at 60-75Mhz for months
- without a single failure. The temperature range that desktop ST/STE
- computers live at is low enough to allow this.
-
- The TinyTurbo030 has been tested with Moniterm, ISAC, Matrix, Crazy
- Dots, and a few other obscure video addon boards. When you dive into
- the world of serious DTP and CAD work, and have invested in a big
- screen setup, you REALLY NEED an accelerator.
-
- The basic design of the TinyTurbo030 is similar to that of the now
- "World Famous" Turbo25. A small super highspeed static ram cache
- combined with a very fast 030 processor produces a very healthy speed
- increase in a Tiny package. Combining the proven design of the
- Turbo25, with the tremendous speed of the 030 chip seemed a natural,
- and the TinyTurbo030 was born.
-
- Using Atari's TOS 2.06 the TinyTurbo030 brings you the latest and
- greatest of Atari's operating systems. This new OS has been enhanced
- and made immune to speed, your system will feel like it was designed
- from scratch, custom, just for you!! We've added some nice features
- too, like a user settable boot delay, and other "goodies".
-
- How fast is it? Take a look...
-
- QINDEX 2.2, MegaST4, Blitter on, ST high resolution, QuickSTE(TT)
- speed comparison versus Tos 1.4
-
- Test TinyTurbo030 AtariTT
- ---- ------------ -------
- Memory 497 812
- Register 1024 827
- Divide 1268 1024
- Shift 4457 3661
- Text 1032 894
- String 5121 4756
- Scroll 158 426
- Draw 1508 1003
- Tos 2.06 3.06
- Mhz 40 32
-
- Dynacadd 3D Cup 43seconds 50seconds
-
- In real world use, like CalamusSL, the TinyTurbo030 is without question
- faster than a fast ram equipped TT, just ask a Tiny user!!
-
- How much does it cost?
-
- The TinyTurbo030 has a list price of $999.00 US, compared to other
- accelerators of similar speed on other platforms, like the Amiga and
- Mac, this is a very reasonable price. But wait....
-
- For a limited time only...till April 30th, 1992...the TinyTurbo030
- introductory price is $599 !!!! Yes, only $599 will get upgrade your
- ST/STE to the latest technology, with a massive speed increase, the new
- Atari TOS, and still allow you to maintain total compatibility with
- your favorite oldies!!!
-
- The only requirement to lock in this price is that we receive your
- deposit for 50%...$300...before April 30th. The other 50% due when
- your TinyTurbo030 is shipped.
-
- The FPU option is $299 ($50 deposit) and the Virtual Memory option is
- also $299($50 deposit). Include with your order a COMPLETE description
- or your system, and your option choices if any.
- ----------
-
- Message 86 Wed Mar 11, 1992
- J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 10:16 EST
-
- To order a TinyTurbo030, send your order, a complete system
- description, and deposit to:
-
- Fast Technology
- 14 Lovejoy Rd.
- Andover, MA. 01810 (508) 475-3810
-
- TinyTurbo030....$599.....$300 deposit
- 68882 option....$299..... $50 deposit
- Virtual Mem.....$299..... $50 deposit
-
- Balance due when the unit ships. TinyTurbo030 comes with a 30 day
- moneyback guarantee, if you're not completely satisfied with your
- TinyTurbo030, simply return it. We are sure you'll have your socks
- blown clean off!!
-
- For customers in Canada, send your order to:
-
- ISD Marketing
- 2800 John St., Unit #15
- Markham, Ontario, Canada
- L3R-2W5 (416) 479-1880
-
- Both Fast Technology and ISD Marketing offer installation services, and
- can make your AtariST installation a breeze, AtariSTE installation is a
- simple plug in, requiring only a phillipshead screwdriver and needle
- nose pliers. Other custom system modifications will be offered,
- including installation of Wuztek.OPI high density floppy systems, ram
- upgrades, and other "goodies" we're working on.
- """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-
- -=> In the "Hardware" category (4)
- -=> from the "ICD's AdSpeed ST Accelerator" topic (16)
-
- Message 254 Sun Mar 08, 1992
- R.GLOVER3 [Rob] at 19:08 EST
-
- Here are the AdSpeed/Spectre benchmarks you requested:
-
- AdSpeed 16 MHz AdSpeed 16 MHz (Color) Mac LC SE/30 IIfx
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- CPU 2.39 1.745 3.32 4.03 11.30
- Graphics 2.31 1.732 4.39 5.38 8.53
- Disk 1.04 .928 .76 1.41 1.48
- Math 3.33 2.493 7.76 12.90 42.49
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Overall 2.19 1.652 3.58 4.80 11.62
-
- Note that the Macs all have math coprocessors. Disk speed is low on my
- machine because I have a dreadfully slow 405K/sec Seagate 80 meg unit
- (soon to be replaced with a Quantam LPS240PRO (1197K/sec)!
-
- Notice how much slower it is under color! On paper, it doesn't appear
- to be that much slower, but it is REALLY slow.
-
- For comparison, those figures assume a Mac Classic to be 1.0 in all
- areas. An 8 MHz ST comes out to around 1.24 (approx) overall. This is
- tested with Spectre 3.0 at the simulated 60 Hz VBI (default).
-
- Rob
- """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * GLENCON Press Release
- ======================================================================
-
-
- On Saturday, March 28, 1992 CodeHead Technologies will be the special
- guest for this year's first Glendale Atari Developers' Conference
- (GLENCON). Atari's Bob Brodie drew a standing room only crowd at last
- year's conference, and Atari personnel have been invited this year,
- too.
-
- The Glendale Conferences are sponsored by the User Group, H.A.C.K.S.,
- but attendance is open to all ATARI Clubs and ATARI owners. Several
- conferences are planned for this year, with the intent of each to focus
- attention on the design and use of popular and powerful software or
- hardware for Atari computers.
-
- The CodeHead Conference will be held in the 275 seat theatre above the
- Glendale Public Library's Main Branch, 222 East Harvard Street,
- Glendale, CA. The meeting will start promptly at 10:30 AM and is
- expected to last three hours. Best of all, admission is FREE, but it
- is on a first come, first serve basis only.
-
- Take I-5 to the Colorado exit, go East a mile to Louise Street, turn
- North, go one block. An alternative route is to take the 134 FWY to
- the Central exit, go South a mile to Harvard street, turn East, go two
- blocks. For more specific directions refer to the, 1991 or prior, L.A.
- County Thomas Bros. Guide, Page 25-E5.
-
- CodeHead Software is one of the oldest and strongest developers of
- ATARI Products. John Eidsvoog and Charles Johnson are well know to the
- ATARI community. In fact, there is a good chance that half the people
- reading this announcement still owe them shareware payments.
-
- Their extensive product list includes, HotWire, MaxiFile III, HotWire
- Plus (includes Maxifile), MultiDesk Deluxe, CodeKeys, LookIt & PopIt,
- G+Plus, CodeHead Utilities, MidiMax, MIDI Spy, Quick ST, Avant Vector
- (with EPS), Avant Plot, Genus Font Editor, MegaPaint Professional,
- Cherry Font Packs, TOS Extension Card, TOS Ext. Card - CPU or BUS
- Bridge and TOS Chip Set.
-
- As an added bonus, The Computer Network, a local ATARI Computer Store,
- will be having an Open House in honor of this Conference. The store
- plans to have other developers, including CodeHead and Omnimon
- Peripherals, Inc. in attendance. Store manager and co-owner Mark
- Krynsky will be spending the morning hours marking down prices and
- unpacking special purchases for this Open House.
-
- The Computer Network is located at 1605 West Glenoaks Boulevard,
- Glendale, CA. Directions from the Library to the Store will be
- available at the Library. The Open House will be from 2:00 PM to 7:00
- PM, after the CodeHead Conference is over. If you have specific
- questions about the Open House you may call Mark at 818-500-3900.
-
- This Conference is a precursor to The Glendale Show. This year's show
- will be held on September 12 & 13, 1992, rescheduled to a week earlier
- than had been previously announced. More details will be forthcoming
- as the show date grows closer.
-
- John King Tarpinian, President
- The Hooked on ATARI Computer Knowledge Society
-
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * PERUSING COMPUSERVE by Mike Mortilla
- ======================================================================
-
-
- "Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves,
- or we know where we can find information upon it."
-
- Samuel Johnson, 1709-1784
-
- Nothing could more accurately describe what is perhaps the real boon of
- telecomputing. When these little clumps of chips and keys hit the
- stores "a few years ago," it was thought that they would prevent people
- from communicating on a personal level. That was about as true as the
- "fact" that owning a computer would eliminate the use of paper (ha!).
- And on CIS, finding information is as simple as typing FIND xxx. This
- could a little frustrating, not because it is hard to find information,
- but because the results usually turn up more information than one can
- assimilate in a single session. This week alone we were able to find
- out about the kidney disease which struck out pet kitty, Spooky, and
- how to discuss it intelligently with the vet (GO PETS). We also
- discovered the forums for journalists. If you think there are a lot of
- messages on the Atari forums, check out the forums for people who write
- for a living!
-
- On to our "little nitch" of Atari computing. We got a glimpse of life
- in Japan by an American "turist." Sorin Cioara has been there for
- about a year and a half and relates some experiences on CIS from the
- Far East. We cringe when the US government spends $1000 on a toilet
- seat, but in Japan, Sorin tells us that: "While some people have $1200
- toilet seat covers (they wash and dry and keep your bum warm and they
- have remote control) about 50% don't have flushing toilets. That's
- right, every month the vacuum car comes by and cleans the 'pit'. What
- happens to the 'grey water' you ask. It gets dumped in the nearest
- creek, of course. This is happening at the same time as the people get
- a lot of incentive to buy small (less polluting?) cars." Sorin also
- tells us about areas of the country with an apparent split personality,
- where some people live in the 21st century and others are stuck in the
- 13th century. And you thought the Atari forums on CIS were just about
- computing!
-
- Back to "domestic" problems, there is apparently some incompatibility
- between some ARC shell programs and TTPs in use out there. We and
- others have tried to de-ARC, de-LZH and un-ZIP files, only to find they
- had "bad headers" and unknown compression "methods." The quick fix is
- to run the TTP program and use the command line to explode the file. A
- word of warning to those who don't read the READ.ME files. Along with
- the usual shareware pleas, there are instructions (funny how that works
- out!). There are frequently a number of "parameters" which need to be
- entered before a procedure can be successfully carried out. For
- example, in the ZIP.TTP, when the command line comes up, you'll need to
- enter something like this:
-
- "x zipfile.zip A:\" (or) "i A:\zipfile.zip foo.c"
-
- Otherwise, you won't be able to do a thing! We don't know where the
- problem lies, but we were able to eventually extract all the files we
- downloaded so it's not insurmountable. If the shell authors are
- reading this, they may want to fix the problem (maybe in exchange for
- a little shareware payment?) <g>.
-
- Jeff over at Intersect has been active in the Atari forums and we thank
- him for offering his help when it's needed. But he also offers help
- "before" it's needed. Consider his message on March 6:
-
- "Fm: INTERSECT Software 76004,1577
- To: all
- Re: Connecting to a US Robotics or other 14,400 modems with a V.32
- modem
-
- Recently I've tried to connect to several 14,400 baud modems with my
- Cardinal V.32 with V.42bis support. I've not had any success, the
- symptoms were, connect tones and then a hangup at the protocol
- negotiation stage (the CD light wouldn't light.)
-
- I've found a way around this problem, turn your RS-232 speed to 9600...
- this defeats the V.42bis negotiation and the connect never goes past
- the 9600 (V.32) stage.
-
- I guess the protocol negotiation hangs on a USR modem's 14,400
- protocols.
-
- Recently I've seen several postings about the problems with "different"
- 9600 baud modems connecting to each other. I scoffed at those comments
- V.32 is V.32, there should be NO problem connecting, the USR modem
- states V.32 support so they should connect with NO problems.
-
- It seems that the problem occurs when a V.32 modem with Advanced
- support (v.42 bis) trys to connect to a USR dual standard modem the
- problem occurs if V.42 is enabled.
-
- [Jeff]"
-
- In answer to a later question Jeff continues:
-
- "It could be the Cardinal 9600 baud modem at fault. Or it could be a
- problem with when the US Robotics is in Answer mode.
-
- Since the 9600 baud modems are relatively expensive I haven't had many
- to use as test, to test which is at fault. I have a Supra V.32bis
- V.42bis modem on order and testing connects to different modems is my
- first project.
-
- The messages I've read on different BBS's about problems with different
- V.32 modems connecting at 9600 prompted me to leave the message.
-
- [Jeff]"
-
- We were just about to bash someone for telling a "gender sensitive"
- joke, but when we read the following message from D. Stuart, we were
- stopped in our tracks:
-
- "Yeah. Goes over big at feminist conventions, huh! Sort of like
- poking fun at ridgerunners in a W. Virginia bar ...
-
- Actually, I lost my sense of humor the other day along with a load of
- lumber that cracked my skull, fractured a collarbone, broke several
- ribs, and altered my usually handsome and distinguished appearance
- considerably. Mostly, though, it just hurts like hell when I laugh.
-
- The load shifted and laid the rig over at 50 mph - I got strained thru
- the windshield and fortunately the wreckage came to a stop about half
- a second before I did, so I'm still around to talk about it with an
- aire of levity!
-
- An intelligent woman kept a death grip on my temporal long enough to
- make the difference, and I haven't seen any UFO's lately!
-
- Ciao!
-
- DS"
-
- Well, were sure wish DS a swift recovery. The Atari forums are feeling
- more and more like an extended family!
-
- The big discussion in the Networking area this week relates to reading
- ST disks on an IBM. It appears that the letters "IBM" need to appear
- in the FAT before an IBM drive will read the directory. Other members
- speak of a "magic" number the ST writes at the time of formatting. But
- from the discussion, we believe it is possible to re-write the FAT on
- an ST disk so an IBM will read it. Some users report success with
- certain programs while others report that the same programs "trashed"
- their disks. So we are left in a state of limbo for the moment. It
- would appear that the latest TOS will write an IBM compatible disk, and
- DCFORMAT will do the same thing. Special formats (twisted, etc) may
- not work on an IBM, but at least one member reports that his 386SX at
- work will read his twisted ST disks.
-
- Another member, Juan D. Bravo, (r)elates the following story:
-
- "To all my fellow Atarians:
-
- I've been away for a long time (name it 3 years) from any serious
- activity on my old 520 ST, working on (yuk!!!) IBM machines. A few
- weeks ago, my boss got me a software package for graphics animation, to
- be run on one of our "fast" 486 machines. I had a big laugh!!. Those
- machines can hardly manage two dimensional moving graphics.
-
- I quickly remembered how well my ST (expanded to 1 meg) could handle
- full 3D graphics with CAD 3D by Tom Hudson. I mentioned it to my boss
- and he was impressed the next day when I showed him a demo. He wants
- me now to do all the related work at home in my ST."
-
- Should this be called "Ghost Computing?" Oh, why can't stories like
- this make it to CNN?
-
- Overshadowing some issues under discussion in the Atari and other
- forums, was (and is) the flaring up of tempers, the throwing of
- diatribes, and the exchange of profane hate EMAIL! To be sure, we are
- an argumentative bunch and have no fear of expressing our views. But
- we have to remember that it is not another computer we are
- communicating with.Nor is it another idea. It is another person, with
- feelings and emotions and... ammunition which can (and will!) be hurled
- our way! In one forum, we made the mistake of mentioning to one of two
- parties engaged in a debate that the regular rules of debate couldn't
- apply to telecomputing because there was enough of a time delay between
- comments to rethink and create a "formal" response (not unlike legal
- briefs). Well, we were accused of equating forum discussions with a
- court of law where there was a clear winner and loser! Not what we
- intended to say at all, but a clear demonstration of the problem! It
- is not in anyone's best interest to create a formal protocol of debate
- /discussion via telecomputing. But a little common sense goes a long
- way. We can't see or hear the other guy/gal who is leaving their
- message. We don't know if they're smiling, or spitting, so let's
- assume they're smiling, and if we do respond, let's keep it friendly
- whenever possible, or at the very least, professional! BTW, profanity
- in EMAIL is one thing, but profanity in public forums can be controlled
- by the SYSOPs, according to our own Ron Luks.
-
- And since Mr. Luks has been dragged into this issue of ZNET (is there a
- recent issue of anything he isn't mentioned in) we want to congratulate
- him on the big article in the March 1992 issue of CompuServe Magazine!
- Now, while Ron is in the spotlight, we'll also thank him for a little
- trick he related this week with regard to line noise .vs node problems:
-
- "Unfortunately, CIS customer service (or anybody's customer service for
- that matter) is all too quick to suggest that your problem may lie
- elsewhere.
-
- There's one quick test that I've found works exceptionally well and
- shuts them up in a quick second, if you are so inclined to spend a few
- extra pennies.
-
- Keep handy the phone number of another CIS node (even a long distance
- one) and if you are having bad connection problems, log off and
- immediately dial the other node (even a long distance call will cost
- less than a dollar just to check out the quality of the connection).
-
- If you are still having connection problems and line noise, the problem
- probably IS your local phone line, and its unlikely CIS can do anything
- about the problem. *BUT* if the long distance connection is quick and
- clean, the problem is OBVIOUSLY the local node and you can call CIS and
- inform them of your test call to the other node which confirms this.
- This should immediately get their attention. If it doesn't, you can
- call me and *I'll* jump all over customer service for you.
-
- Ron"
-
- Ombudsmanism abounds!
-
- Not having a Portfolio, I personally don't spend much time in the
- APORTFOLIO forum, but it is a very popular area. Coverage is
- problematic for two reasons. First, not having the machine makes it
- tough to write intelligently about it. Second, in that forum this week
- there were over 350 messages on no less than 85 topics! It will have
- to suffice to say that the Atari Portfolio is alive, well and living a
- well supported life on CIS!
-
- We're beginning to see some discussion in the vendor forum about Tiny
- Turbo, replete with benchmarks! It appears that most MIDI applications
- weren't tested, and as they are "speed sensitive" MIDI moguls may want
- to wait and see if will help them. Also, in the area of MIDI... the
- MIDI forums this week were again ablaze with discussions ranging from
- Stacy drive lights to public funding of the arts and just about
- everything in between! EditTrack users who have Stacys with
- MIDIPlexers, will want to upgrade (for free!) to version 6.01 (assuming
- you're at 6.00, now) so that the Stacy drive 1 light will go out after
- a save to the floppy. Stefan Daystrom at Hybrid Arts mentioned that
- most of the accelerators available for the ST do work with their
- programs, but you may want to consider a board which can be switched
- back to 8Mhz for those programs which are incompatible.
-
- Speaking of "switching off" we see from the count on the WPrfct Spell
- Checker that we're reaching the limits of our space in ZNET and should
- draw to a close. A sad note must end our discussion today.
- WordPerfect has announced it will continue to support Atari, Amiga and
- Apple machines.
-
- *NOT!*
-
- So if your favorite computers' name starts with an "A," you can kiss
- ideas of an update for this program goodbye! Or at least until the
- rest of the world catches up to us...<sob>.
-
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * ATARI RELEASES HYPERLIST Press Release
- ======================================================================
-
-
- Contact: Don Mandell Don Thomas
- Phone: (408) 745-2000 (408) 745-2000
- Fax: (408) 745-2088 (408) 745-2088
-
- SUNNYVALE, CA (March, 1992) -- Atari Computer Corporation has released
- a new software application for the Portfolio handheld computer.
- Hyperlist is a unique filing system which revolutionizes the way data
- may be organized in the Portfolio. Often described as an "outliner" or
- "database", Hyperlist provides the opportunity to create extensive
- lists, then attach "child" lists to each item in the "parent" list. On
- paper, the data flow resembles an organizational or flow chart.
-
- "This new system on the Portfolio opens many doors of opportunity",
- states Donald A. Thomas, Jr., Marketing Manager at Atari Computer Corp.
- "The software is easy to use, powerful and flexible; all at the same
- time."
-
- Hyperlist has been in development for almost an entire year. A hand
- picked team of BETA testers worked with early versions to assure that
- a wide variety of uses could be applied by using the finished product.
- Specific target markets include education, sales, medicine, law and
- general purpose.
-
- Students and educators enjoy Hyperlist for the ability to easily
- establish time lines. Each entry at the top reveals expounded details
- as it is selected. Class schedules and assignments can be arranged by
- due date, instructor or course study. Research materials can be
- collected in an impressively organized manner with references to
- sources, authors, dates or topics.
-
- Salespeople depend on Hyperlist to sort through parts by category,
- region or client. Established price lists and component specifications
- are instantly recalled by use of logical prompts created by entries on
- each level of the list.
-
- The Medical Community benefits by creating functional patient reference
- logs or developing custom reference notes on medicines, dosages and
- drug interactions. Attorneys find refuge in Hyperlist by recording
- step by step case procedures logical notation. HomeMakers store
- recipes, home businesses log business contacts, big businesses create
- departmental reporting plans... Hyperlist seems to do it all.
-
- Hyperlist is one of many optional applications developed specifically
- for the Portfolio computer by Atari. The Portfolio computer is about
- the size of a videocassette and weighs less than one pound. Often
- regarded as the ultimate organizer due to five powerful built-in
- programs, the Portfolio rivals the productivity of other palmtops or
- notebooks for a fractional price (299.95 MSRP). Other optional
- software titles for the Portfolio include Finance, Dos Utilities,
- Chess, Instant Spell, PowerBASIC and more. Over 700 files exist in the
- public domain for the Portfolio and are accessible on CompuServe and
- GEnie on line services.
-
- Hyperlist is value priced at only $49.95 manufacturer's suggested
- retail price and is available from Portfolio resellers. Portfolio is
- available from better computer dealers throughout the world. Most
- dealers will be happy to order it if they are out of stock. For more
- information on the Portfolio and its applications, contact Don Thomas,
- Portfolio Marketing Manager, 1196 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94088.
- (408) 745-2000.
-
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * HOME ACCOUNTS 2 Press Release
- ======================================================================
-
-
- ABC Solutions is pleased to announce that they have appointed the North
- American distributor for Home Accounts 2, the finest home accounting
- package available for the ST. Home Accounts 2 earned a Format Gold
- rating of 90% from ST Format magazine.
-
- Home Accounts 2 is a comprehensive home financial management package.
- It can also be used to manage a small business. It includes functions
- for multiple savings, checking and credit card accounts, budgeting,
- portfolio tracking and net worth reporting.
-
- DISPLAY
-
- * Fully supports the desktop, with 3D look and feel
- * HIP (Human Interface Protocol), a graphical environment which
- integrates the desktop and automates the way you work.
- * Predictable, consistent, you will find HIP both friendly and
- intuitive
- * Multiple windows (window positions and sizes are automatically
- remembered)
- * Icons for major functions (optional)
- * Background cocktail colour themes
-
- TRANSACTIONS
-
- * Number of accounts, types, transactions, budget entries,
- investments, and standing orders limited only by memory.
- * 12 month budget entry for income and expenditure (optional)
- * Show or hide option for each transaction heading
- * Definable defaults, saving tedious typing Budget calculator and
- replicate option
- * Set standing orders for any period
- * Sort transactions by any heading
- * Transfer funds between accounts
- * Balance accounts automatically
- * Edit transactions at any time
- * Transaction reconciliation
- * Auto cheque numbering
- * Transaction markers
- * Search and replace
- * Notepad facility
-
- GRAPHS
-
- * Pie, line, bar and scatter graphs
- * 3D Bar graphs, optional stacking and overlaying
- * Graphs for budgets, account balances, income accounts and
- expenditure types
- * Graphs are self-scaling to fit windows
- * Save graphs on disk in Degas Elite
-
- PRINTING
-
- * All reports fully configurable (including header/footer, character
- style and pitch)
- * Detailed statements for specified date range
- * Budget reports (optional comparative figures)
- * Totals of income accounts and expenditure
- * Net worth and portfolio report
- * Full report searching
- * Reports produced on-screen, printed or saved on disk (ASCII format)
- * 106 printer drivers and print spooler
-
- FILE HANDLING
-
- * Timed autosave and backup
- * Built-in utilities include format, disk info etc
-
- GENERAL
-
- * Many configuration options can be controlled by the user, including
- entry defaults, display headers, initial path, data file names and
- so on
- * Maximum and minimum warning on accounts
- * Extensive budgeting
- * View budgets by any period
- * View actual and projected budgets, side-by-side
- * Password facility
- * Definable function keys
- * Definable financial year period
- * Screen saver, Clock, Pop-up Notepad
- * Calculator, with interest and loan repayment
- * On-line help (optional interactive help)
- * Keyboard short cuts
- * Recoverable trashcan
- * Not copy protected
- * Mono and colour, ST/STe/Mega/TT
-
- A demo will be posted next week. Watch for your chance to test drive
- this amazing home accounting package.
-
- Home Accounts 2 is priced at $99 Cdn or $85 US (plus $10 s&h). Ontario
- residents add 8% PST; Canadian residents add 7% GST.
-
- To order, send check or money order to:
-
- ABC Solutions
- 4040 Creditview Road
- Unit 11-151
- Mississauga Ontario L5C 3Y8
-
- You may also get in touch with us by calling (416) 824-8484, or leave
- eMail on GEnie to ABC.SOLN.
-
- Other Products:
-
- * Publisher 2ST: the successor to Timeworks Desktop Publisher. Also
- available as an upgrade.
- * First Graph: a complete business and scientific graphing package.
- * K-Spread 4: the advanced presentation spreadsheet from KUMA software
- of England. The leading spreadsheet in Europe! And soon to be
- available, K-Spread 4 Lite !
- * First Word Plus: upgrades only from 2.xx or 3.xx to 3.2TT. Also, a
- special disk of printer drivers for FWP.
-
-
-
- ======================================================================
- * CEBIT REPORT FROM GENIE
- ======================================================================
-
-
- Topic 33 Fri Mar 13, 1992
- F.BELL1 [Frank @ Home] at 14:49 EST
- Sub: The Falcon
-
- The Falcon has been announced at CeBit
- ************
- ------------
- Category 14, Topic 33
- Message 1 Fri Mar 13, 1992
- F.BELL1 [Frank @ Home] at 14:50 EST
-
- I can't beleive it. Rumors flying around like mad. Everbody and his
- mother-in-law have their own opinion as to what Falcon is or should be
- or whatever. But when its announced nobody says anything. Not even
- Atari. :-(
-
- Anyway, although I wasn't at the CeBit I do have some first, second,
- and third hand informatation.
-
- First of all - the machine was only shown to a closed group of people,
- mostly dealers. It wasn't shown on the floor of CeBit.
-
- - The Falcon 030 is considered a follow-up machine to the 1040s, its
- contained in a 1040 case (or at least very similar), and black ala
- NeXT.
-
- - 68030 CPU running at 33Mhz, I beleave the whole machine runs at 33
- Mhz or at least most of it.
-
- - DSP 56001 Signalprocessor (NeXT).
-
- - Up to 14MB RAM in simms.
-
- - Screen sizes, all ST/STE/TT resolutions except 1280*960, plus 640x480x
- 65535 (out of 256000 colors), plus some other stuff which I forgot (ah,
- ability to connect to external signal source).
-
- - Built-it 2.5" SCSI harddisk (this may still be a rumor).
-
- - All normal MegaSTE/TT connectors, ST and STE joy stick ports (4 in
- all), plus a built-in LAN connector and other toys (remember that
- signal processor).
-
- - Multi TOS, ya, real live Multi TOS, NOW!. Thanks guys. Multi TOS
- alone is worth dumping my expanded MegaST for a Falcon.
-
- - Delivery before September (this year).
-
- - I heard the Falcon should cost less than $1200.00, but with exchange
- rates the way they are and my bad ears, I may have heard the wrong
- price.
-
-
- Anyway, its plain to see that Atari has a new and wants a new 'low end'
- machine (or a super game machine - the choise is up to you) which isn't
- designed to replace the MegaTT, but designed for the masses and which
- can be sold to the masses.
-
- Rumor has it that the Falcon 040, the 'high end' machine, is almost
- ready, it didn't make it to CeBit by just a few days, and will be
- announced in September. Atari didn't say one word about the '040' -
- the rumor came from other sources.
-
- Great going Atari, meaning everybody who worked on getting the Falcon
- out. I wish you my best.
-
- Now lets hear for Bob and John and...
-
- Frank...
-
- Editors Note: We spoke with Atari on the above information and they
- would neither confirm or deny any of it.
-
-
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- To sign up for DELPHI service, call (with modem) (800) 695-4002. Upon
- connection, hit <return> once or twice. At Password: type ZNET and
- hit <return>.
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- To sign up for GEnie service call (with modem) (800) 638-8369. Upon
- connection type HHH and hit <return>. Wait for the U#= prompt and type
- XTX99436,GEnie and hit <return>.
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- To sign up for CompuServe service call (with phone) (800) 848-8199. Ask
- for operator #198. You will be promptly sent a $15.00 free membership
- kit.
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Z*Net International Atari Online Magazine is a weekly publication
- covering the Atari and related computer community. Material published
- in this edition may be reprinted under the following terms only. All
- articles must remain unedited and include the issue number and author at
- the top of each article reprinted. Reprint permission granted, unless
- otherwise noted, to registered Atari user groups and not for profit
- publications. Opinions present herein are those of the individual
- authors and does not necessarily reflect those of the staff. This
- publication is not affiliated with the Atari Corporation. Z*Net, Z*Net
- News Service, Z*Net International, Rovac, Z*Net Atari Online and Z*Net
- Publishing are copyright (c)1985-1992, Syndicate Publishing, Rovac
- Industries Incorporated, Post Office Box 59, Middlesex, New Jersey,
- 08846-0059, Voice: (908) 968-2024, BBS: (908) 968-8148, (510) 373-6792.
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Z*NET: Atari ST Online Magazine
- Copyright (c)1992, Rovac Industries, Inc...
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-
-
-