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*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---* """"""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" _____________________________________ from STR Publishing Inc. """""""""""""""""" July 06, 1990 No.6.27 ======================================================================= STReport Online Magazine™ Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32205 ~ 6672 R.F. Mariano Publisher - Editor _________________________________________ Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST/14.4 FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EDT _________________________________________ ** F-NET NODE 350 ** 500mb Online ** STR'S owned & operated support BBS carries ALL issues of STReport Online Magazine and An International list of private BBS systems carrying STReport Online Magazine for their users enjoyment __________________________________________________________________ > 07/06/90: STReport™ #6.27 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine! ------------------------- - Editor's Podium - CPU REPORT - CPU STATUS REPORT - SILHOUETTE UPDATE - GLENDALE/WOA - PCD II Adios.. - CodeHead Update Info - ULTIMA 6->ST! - STR CONFIDENTIAL * PHONEY "BOYCOTT" FAX CIRCULATES! * WOA SAN JOSE - A BITTER PILL * * EUROPE GETS 32 MHZ TT030 * ATARI UK UNVEILS BUNDLED 1040STE * * EXCLUSIVE "EYEWITNESS REPORT" ORIGINS 90 SHOW! * ========================================================================== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE © "Only UP-TO-DATE News and Information" -* FEATURING *- Current Events, Up to Date News, Hot Tips, and Information Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports ========================================================================== STReport's support BBS, NODE # 350 invites systems using Forem ST BBS to participate in Forem BBS's F-Net mail network. Or, Please call # 350 direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging ideas about the Atari ST computers through an excellent International ST Mail Network. ========================================================================== AVAILABLE ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ BIX ========================================================================== > The Editor's Podium™ Let it be said that STReport listens to its readers and at times, unbelievably, acts accordingly. Since the 'regime' change is about to take place, STR felt it appropriate to drop the Apocalypse series as they have 'reached' the right people. Also it seemed the time had arrived for a co-operative effort in helping to re-build Atari's markets and userbase. The critiques we have recently received from our well-wishers have been read and accepted as constructive criticism. We only hope that Atari in its infinite wisdom, has the same courage to accept the criticisms of its users, developers, dealers and enthusiasts in the same true spirit of "lessons learned" through constructive critique. We shall see. The summer is upon us in all its glory, the heat, the mosquitos and the fabulous times at the beach... Actually, we wish all a very happy and safe summer of sun, fun and good times. Enjoy those vacations and for those of you who are very busy help to prepare for the full Fall thrust for Atari, more power to you. thanks again for your support, Ralph..... *********************************************************************** > CPU REPORT™ ========== Issue # 74 ---------- by Michael Arthur Remember When.... In the early 1870s, typewriter keys would often jam when typing at moderate speeds, and how in 1873, C.L. Sholes (inventor of the typewriter) arranged its letters so common letter pairs would be on opposite sides of the keyboard (in the QWERTY layout) in order to reduce the number of jamups encountered by fast typists? CPU Systems Roundup™ XXXII ========================== SIMULA, Object Oriented Programming, and the Atari ST ----------------------------------------------------- From: dietrich@quando.quantum.de (Hans Dietrich) Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st,comp.object,comp.lang.smalltalk Subject: Re: OO on ST (long) Message-ID: <1590@quando.quantum.de> References: <8480@cognos.UUCP> Reply-To: dietrich@quando.UUCP (Hans Dietrich) Organization: Quantum GmbH, Dortmund, W-Germany In article <8480@cognos.UUCP rossj@cognos.UUCP (Ross Judson) writes: I've been toying with a few ideas for my honours project, which I'll be doing next year. Since my school's faculty is really into OO (object oriented) stuff, I'll be doing something in that area. What OO environments are available on the ST? Do any of them work? Are any of them suitable for project-style work? Projects usually take about 8 months to do, and are supposed to be a reasonably sophisticated implementation of whatever your project is about. My system is a 1040 with a 30MB. I'm willing to upgrade the memory, but given my faith in the world of Atari I'm not so sure I want to invest more. [ ... ] What's about the first object oriented language - SIMULA - as an alternative? It's still up to date, and can run on a simple 1040 ST with one disk drive!! I append an abstract about the system from the SIMULA-Team in Germany. The contact address is included at the end. Here it is: ----------------------------------------------- SIMULA for Atari ST If you want to do object oriented programming you definitely should have a look at SIMULA. SIMULA is the first and still the most advanced object oriented programming language available on a wide variety of machines *including* the Atari ST (see below). SIMULA in a Nutshell ==================== - Conventional general-purpose algorithmic capability in the style of ALGOL 60. - Object-oriented programming (classes) encompassing encapsulation, inheritance, information hiding, autonomous activity and strong typing supporting the concepts of modularisation, generalisation, specialisation, abstraction, polymorphism and pseudo-parallelism. - Basic features for manipulating text strings. - File concept supporting sequential and direct access methods for byte- and record-structured files. - Large repertoire of utility functions. - Features supporting 2-way linked lists. More complicated list structures such as trees and lattices are easily constructed from the basic class facilities. - Features supporting discrete event simulation in various styles including the object-oriented process view. It should be emphasized that although in many quarters SIMULA is best known for its simulation features it is a truly general-purpose language in the widest sense and was the inspiration for almost all developments in the field of object-oriented programming. What you get with each SIMULA system ==================================== - Object oriented programming. A typical SIMULA program consists of a set of interacting processes, or *objects*. Objects are incarnations of some prototype or *class*,generated (and perhaps later terminated) during the execution of the program. In this manner a program written in SIMULA can map the problem's solution conveniently and cleanly. - Strong typing, checked mostly at compile time, ensuring that objects are manipulated in a manner consistent with their specification. - Objects may act independently of each other in "quasi-parallel". This enables the class objects to act as co-routines, so that the action of one object can be temporarily suspended, later to be resumed at the exact point of suspension. Co-routines facilitate a faithful representation of systems composed of both passive and active objects. This feature is an extra dimension to those commonly associated with object-oriented languages and is only recently beginning to appear in some of the newer ones. - List processing. The class "Simset" may be applied to add list processing capabilities to the language. The programmer will then have tools for the efficient manipulation of common aggregate information structures, including queues. The facilities of Simset can be further refined for more specialized purposes. - Simulation. Application of the built-in class "Simulation" extends SIMULA to a powerful tool for discrete event simulation in a style which preserves in the model the inherent structure of the system under study. - Powerful text handling, dynamic arrays, flexible file handling, etc. - Modularization. Separate compilation of classes and procedures is an integral part of the language. The strong typing extends to separately compiled modules allowing the partitioning of large SIMULA systems into subtasks, which may be assigned to different work groups, without fear of undetected incompatibilities. - SIMULA has a rigid standard definition and programs are highly portable between different computer systems (source code compatibility). SIMULA - Implementations ======================== SIMULA is available for the following computer systems: Apollo DN3000 Apple MacIntosh/MPW Atari ST BESM 6 (USSR) CDC 3000, CDC 6000/Cyber Cromemco CS-x00 DEC 10/20 DG Eclipse/Desktop, DG MV EC 1040/1055 (GDR) ES EVM (USSR) Honeywell Bull DPS8 HP 900/300, HP 9300 IBM mainframes DOS, OS/2, XENIX (UNIX) ICL 2900, ICL PERQ Indata IN4200 NCR Minitower, NCR Tower XP/32 Nixdorf Targon/31 Norsk Data NORD 100/500 PR1ME Minisupercomputers SIEMENS 7500/BS2000 SIEMENS 7800/BS3000 SIEMENS MX, SIEMENS PCD Sperry 1100 SUN-3, SUN-4, Sun SPARCstation DEC VAX/UNIX, VAX/VMS Since there are new implementations under way this list may already be incomplete. Some properties of the SIMULA system for the Atari ST ===================================================== 1) Full SIMULA language standard. (Currently the only restriction is that the switch is not yet implemented. Also you might expect a better accuracy from software emulation for real arithmetic.) 2) Implementation based on the well-known Lund SIMULA System for UNIX machines and others. 3) Compact implementation. The complete system fits on one double-sided disk. 4) Economic. The compiler needs less than 1 MB even when compiling modules consisting of more than one thousand source lines. 5) Fast. Compilation speed of approximately 1000 source lines per minute. The execution speed is comparable with that of other high-level languages. 6) Complete interfaces to TOS and GEM. 7) Separate compilation of different modules with consistency checks at compile time. 8) Compatibility. Runs on all TOS versions and all types of keyboards. Call interface for external procedures written in other languages (currently supported: assembler. Under development: C support). Uses Sozobon's jas and ld, alternatively Atari's MadMac and aln (on request also GST). 9) Symbolic debugger (source-code debugger) is under development. Ordering information ==================== Atari ST SIMULA is distributed by: SIMULA-Team GmbH iG P.O.B. 50 01 63 D - 4600 Dortmund 50 West - Germany The introductory prices are (prices in US$ and GBP at current exchange rates, for information only): DM US$ GBP ordinary 198.00 120.00 72.00 educational 148.00 90.00 54.00 (for students, teachers etc. - please accompany your order with evidence) delivery charge in Germany, prepaid 7.00 delivery charge in Germany, not prepaid 12.00 delivery charge abroad, prepaid 22.00 13.00 8.00 (this charge is waived if you can do without the German documentation) Please accompany your order with a check payable in DM to SIMULA-Team GmbH Dortmund or transfer the amount due in DM before ordering to PostGiroAmt Dortmund (BLZ 440 100 46) Account 8999-466 for O. Schlageter Computer More information on SIMULA ========================== Association of SIMULA Users (ASU) Secreteriat Ron Kerr Computing Laboratory University of Newcastle upon Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU England Telephone: (+44 91) 222 8187 E-Mail: r.kerr@newcastle.ac.uk The ASU also publishes a Newsletter which may be subscribed (still) free of charge. Contact for SIMULA in Germany: SIMULA Group c/o University Dortmund / IRB e-mail: simula@unido.uucp P.O.B. 50 05 00 simula@unido.bitnet D - 4600 Dortmund 50 West - Germany Literature ========== The Standard: ------------- [Sis87] SIMULA Standard. Stockholm, 1987. Data processing - Programming languages - SIMULA, Swedish Standard SS 63 61 14. Textbooks on SIMULA: -------------------- [Poo87] R. J. Pooley. "An Introduction to Programming in SIMULA." Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1987. ISBN 0-632-01611-6 resp. 0-632-01422-9 (pbk.). [Lam88] Guenther Lamprecht. "SIMULA - Einfuehrung in die Programmiersprache." Vieweg Verlag, Braunschweig, Wiesbaden, 3. neubearbeitete Auflage, 1988. ISBN 3-528-23321-4. (In German, also available in English) [Kir89] Bjoern Kirkerud. "Object-Oriented Programming with SIMULA." International Computer Science Series. Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1989. ISBN 0-201-17574-6. Textbooks on Simulation ----------------------- [Fra77] W.R. Franta. The process view of simulation. Elsevier North-Holland, New-York, 1977. [Bir79] Graham M. Birtwistle. DEMOS - Discrete Event Modeling on SIMULA. MacMillan Press, London, Basingstoke, 1979. ISBN 0-333-32881-8. [Mit82] I. Mitrani. Simulation Techniques for discrete event systems. Cambridge University Press, 1982. [Kre86] Wolfgang Kreutzer. System Simulation Programming Styles and Languages. Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1986. ------------------------------------------------------------- I hope this helps! best regards, Hans Dietrich ------------------------------------------------------------- CPU INSIGHTS™ ============ Tickertape Special Edition: Computer Stock Roundup I ----------------------------------------------------- by Michael Arthur The best measurement of a stock's true worth is in its long-term performance. While "The Tickertape" measures how investors think Atari, Commodore, Apple, and IBM are doing at the present time, it doesn't show how their stocks are doing in a wider time frame. Therefore, this monthly section will show how the stocks covered in "The Tickertape" perform throughout the course of the year. This edition spans a one month period, from June 1990 to July 1990. Stock Report for period of 6/01/90 to 6/29/90 _________________________________________________________________________ STock | Price on | June 8, | June 15 | June 22 | June 29, | Change | Report| 6/01/90 | 1990 | 1990 | 1990 | 1990 |in Price| ------|----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|----------|--------| Atari | 5 5/8 | 5 3/8 | 5 1/8 | 5 1/2 | 6 | Up 3/8 | |70,500 Sls|106,800 Sls|60,500 Sls |107,500 Sls|# 137,400 | Points | ------|----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+----------+--------| CBM | 9 1/8 | 8 3/8 | 8 | 7 7/8 | 7 7/8 |- 1 1/4 | |# 730,700 |36,900 Sls |49,600 Sls |81,700 Sls |58,900 Sls| Points | ------|----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+----------+--------| Apple | 40 3/4 | 38 1/4 | 39 1/2 | 41 1/2 | 44 3/4 | Up 4 | |#1,403,900|# 2,981,100|# 1,287,000|# 2,535,500|#2,903,500| Points | ------|----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+----------+--------| IBM | 119 1/2 | 118 3/4 | 120 3/8 | 116 1/4 | 117 1/2 | Down 2 | |#1,542,000|# 1,431,300|# 2,111,900|# 1,200,100|# 853,700 | Points | ------'------------------------------------------------------------------' '#' and 'Sls' stand for the number of stock shares traded that day. 'CBM' stands for Commodore Business Machines. CPU MacNews =========== APPLE OFFERS TO LICENSE APPLETALK NETWORKING SOFTWARE ----------------------------------------------------- Apple has recently started the AppleTalk Licensing Program, in order to further the acceptance of its AppleTalk networking standard in non-Macintosh sectors of the computer industry. In this, Apple will be licensing source code and object code for its AppleTalk networking protocols to software companies and computer vendors. This will allow more PCs, workstations, and mainframes to directly link up with Macs in LANs (Local Area Networks) via AppleTalk. Also, LAN Networks for other computers could use the AppleTalk Network Software to provide network services without having to "roll their own" networking software. Since several LAN systems have already been announced for the Atari ST, with the TT having its own AppleTalk hardware port, such AppleTalk software support could also quickly appear for the ST.... STuffit Deluxe 1.0 Compression Program Ships -------------------------------------------- Raymond Lau, the person who developed the .SIT data compression standard for the Macintosh, is now producing a commerical version of STuffit 1.5.1 (the premier Mac file compression utility), called STuffit Deluxe. Marketed by Aladdin Systems, this utility includes: - Full support of the ARC, PAK/PKA, and SIT file compression standards, allowing multiple files and folders to be compressed into an archive. - Several file security options, including password protection and archive encryption using the DES data encryption algorithm (a US government standard used in many businesses) - The ability to check both itself, and all files in an archive for signs of virus infection - File Management options, including copy/move/delete/rename files. Stuffit Deluxe will run on a Macintosh (or a Mac compatible) with 1 Meg of RAM and 2 disk drives. Cost: $100.00 (registered owners of STuffit 1.5.1 need only pay $40.00). Aladdin Systems also sells another utility designed by Lau. Called ShortCut, this CDEV allows one to search for files/folders, and perform various file management operations (including decompressing .SIT files), from the Standard Open dialog box. Cost: $80.00. To find out more about STuffit Deluxe (or to ask Mr. Lau to make a version of STuffit for the Atari ST), contact: Aladdin Systems Deer Park Center, Suite 23A-171 Aptos, CA 95003 (408)-685-9175 > CPU STATUS REPORT™ >>>> LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS <<<< ================= - Cambridge, MA LOTUS ANNOUNCES 1-2-3 FOR UNIX SYSTEM V RELEASE 3.2 ------------- Lotus Corp. has introduced 1-2-3 Version 3.0 for systems based on AT&T Unix System V Release 3.2 Shipping in July 1990, it will be file, macro, and keystroke compatible with other releases of Lotus 1-2-3. It will also be able to directly access external databases, using Lotus' DataLens technology. Since Atari and Commodore are developing Unix-based systems, one factor for the success of the 68030 TT or Amiga 3000 may be whether Commodore or Atari can get companies like Lotus to port major Unix software programs to their machines.... Lotus 1-2-3 for Unix will first ship for 80386-based machines using these Unix implementations: AT&T System V/386, Interactive Unix, Microsoft Xenix, and Santa Cruz Operations (SCO) Unix System V. Four versions of 1-2-3/Unix will be available: - Single User Edition: $700.00 - Multi-User (10 user) Edition: $1300.00 - Additional-user Edition: $500.00 (1 set of docs, 4 extra users) - Documentation Edition: $60.00 (complete user Documentation set) - Cambridge, England X.DESKTOP 2.0 GAINS NEW INDUSTRY SUPPORT ------------------ NEC, Mitsubishi, and Tektronix have now licensed X.Desktop 2.0, an X/Windows-based Desktop File Manager for Unix. They will be using the English and Japanese language versions of this GEM-like Desktop for their Unix workstations and X/Terminals (or X/Windows-based LAN network nodes). This adds three major computer companies to the list of Unix vendors (like IBM and SCO) who have licensed X.Desktop 2.0 from Ixi Limited. Many members of Unix International and the OSF have licensed X.Desktop 2.0, and Atari UK has hired Ixi Ltd. to port X.Desktop 2.0 to both the 68030 TT and the ATW. Ixi Ltd. has also announced X.Deskterm, a programmers' utility which will allow character-based Unix programs to be more easily converted into X/Windows-based programs that are capable of running under OSF/Motif. - New York, NY PC EXPO EMERGES AS ONE OF THE PREMIER TRADE SHOWS ------------ Show officials for the PC Expo trade show have announced that a record 65,000 people attended this year's show, matching the attendance levels for Spring Comdex. As the eighth PC Expo, it had over 600 exhibitors. Some of these exhibitors, including Apple, Microsoft, and IBM, chose to attend this show instead of Spring Comdex, because of the large numbers of corporate volume buyers and OEM/VARs that usually attend PC Expo. Over 150,000 square feet of floor space has already been sold to exhibitors for the Ninth Annual PC Expo Show, which will take place on June 25-27, 1991. Because of this demand, PC Expo is now expanding into two additional halls at New York's Javits Center (also the location of next year's NAMM MIDI Trade Show). The quick demand for exhibiting space at PC Expo would definitely indicate that it has now become one of the premier trade shows for the microcomputer industry.... - San Francisco, CA MACWORLD HELPS SPONSOR MEETING ON ELF EMISSIONS ----------------- Macworld magazine and Supermac Technology will co-sponsor a meeting on the issue of ELF (extremely-low-frequency) emissions generated by computer monitors. Macworld recently published an article on ELF emissions, which revealed evidence that they can cause several long-term ailments, including cancer. Apple, IBM, Compaq, Sun, RasterOps, Radius, and DEC are among the companies who have been invited to this meeting.... Taking place on the week of July 23rd, the meeting will establish a group within the computer industry which will seek out information on ELF emissions and their effects on the human body. The group will also set up a second meeting with computer monitor manufacturers, in order to further discuss the issue. After this meeting, Macworld will cease to be a sponsor, and will cover the group as a member of the press. ______________________________________________________________ > PHONEY FAX! STR FOCUS™ WHO.. is trying to torpedo WHOM? ===================== By now, many of you have already 'heard' of the "FAX". We decided to present it verbatim, to all for examination. STReport is appalled at the gall someone has displayed in foisting this obvious fraud upon the userbase and in particular, a select number of developers. Never, have we ever heard any such tripe from Bob Brodie or Atari for that matter. Whoever perpetrated this hoax upon the Atari community using Bob Brodie and Atari Corp. as the 'fall guys' deserves to be ostracized with all possible fanfare. Atari may be many things, but they are not about to bite the hands that feeds them. In all fairness to Atari, it must be said that from the onset, STReport felt that this fax was an outright treacherous fraud. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - JUL 02 '90 17:28 ATARI USA CORP p.01 --^^fax signature^^-- < ATARI LOGO > Robert G. Brodie Manager User Group Services May 21, 1990 Atari Developers & User Groups, I recently spoke with Sam Tramiel regarding the conflict with the proposed World of Atari show in San Jose and the Glendale show. There appears to be some confusion regarding Atari's support of both shows. At Sam Tramiel's instruction, I am notifying you that officially Atari will be supporting only the Glendale show. Atari will be boycotting the World of Atari show in San Jose and will not be providing any support of this show. In an attempt to resolve any conflicts, Atari is supporting only two shows this year, the Glendale show and the WACE show in Virginia. In concurrence with a directive for Sam Tramiel the following announced exhibitors for the World of Atari show have cancelled and will BOYCOTT the show: Gadgets by Small - STV - Prospero Software - Migraph- Wuztek - Seymor Radix - SoftLogic Corporation - St Journal - Antic/Start Magazine - Carter Graphics and Computers - Best Electronics - Join the Boycott!!! Do not attend World of Atari! Hats off to David Small - He will no longer be writing for ST World!!! I am looking forward to seeing you at the Glendale show. Please contact me if there are any questions. My direct number voice number is 408-745-2052, fax 408-745-2088, GEnie Mail BOB-BRODIE, and my Compuserve id is 70007,3240. Regards, <signed> "Bob" Robert G. Brodie cc: Sam Tramiel Meade Amers-Klein Jim Fisher - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > GLENDALE vs WOA SAN JOSE STR SHOW NEWS™ The plot thickens...... ======================================= Contained herein are few of the more pointed messages pertaining to the rather obtuse situation on the west coast. The messages are loud and clear or better yet, screaming out loud that something is radically wrong out there and the users and Atari itself are eventually going to be the ultimate victims. These are but a few of the opinions to be found.... GORDON at 10:47 EDT After posting the previous message I was handed a fax from Bob Brodie who is asking developers to boycott the World of Atari shows and gives a big cheer because Dave Small will no longer be writing for ST World. As usual, I am on the wrong side of the issue. Darlah is supporting the winners and I am supporting the loser. But in this issue I think we are all going to lose. Rich is the only person who has put his own money on the line and has sponsored these world of Atari shows out of his own pocket. His magazine has always been upbeat and supported Atari. It was interesting that the fax asked me to boycott the show but gave no reason for doing so. I feel bad about this whole thing. I like Bob, Norm, King and Rich. I hate to see them fighting among themselves. It seems like everyone in the Atari market is feuding!! Damn, if Atari would just start selling computers we could all make money, and everyone would live happily together again. DOUG.W at 14:17 EDT As I understand it, Dave Small has no intention of no longer writing for ST World. Also, Gadgets by Small is not *boycotting* the San Jose show. In fact, as of this date Gadgets by Small is undecided on whether or not to attend. The biggest conflict is with the Dusseldorf show. --Doug @ Gadgets N.WEINRESS at 21:46 PDT Gordon, I think you missed the essence of my Message 32. I have intimated a "political" problem, but I have stated that Rich caused the problem, pure and simple. I appreciate the extra exposure generated by the WOA shows, and, as a former resident of the Bay Area, I am all for Atari shows in Northern California. The problem is in scheduling. JD has told us that this year's WAACE was planned in Oct. '89. As a member of Tarpinian's user group, I can confirm that Glendale was planned and the hall reserved as early as Aug. '89 for the Sept. 90 show...more than a year in advance. Rich, by his methods has messed up everybody. He didn't announce the San Jose show until after the Anaheim show this April. This shows, to me, a cavalier attitude towards _everybody_ else involved. The outrage expressed by some of the Northern Californians should be directed at Rich. To blame the user groups and Atari is ludicrous. Atari looses money on each show they attend. The user's groups put out a heckuva lot of work, and any profit (if any) goes into club treasuries, not someone's profit. I don't think any WOA shows have shown a profit yet...but keep in mind, if there is one, it goes into Rich's pocket. Norm Editor note, Hate to say it Norm, but what you are saying has a very familiar ring to it..... Re: "Usergroups, An Endangered Species". BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.] at 11:46 EDT But what about the fax log? Did it tell who the sender was? I know that the one that I use at Atari will list the name of the co. & the phone number that they use. BTW, I now have a copy of "the fax". And in checking my backups that I happen to have on hand (still in Reno) I find that portions of this are copied from a fax that I sent to Rich on March 14, 1990. Now, I know that this fax was distributed past Rich, because Ralph Mariano called me the next day and read it to me over the phone. As for who else may have received it....well, that's anyone's guess. Editor Note; I certainly remember that fax, as it was about the same time that we were informed by Tsukiji that there was a serious situation brewing between WOA and certain of Atari's people over the upcoming Anaheim show. Also at the same time, STReport was informed of a threat to have Bob Brodie "fired", even if it meant calling to Europe. Lo and behold, here it is shortly before the San Jose show, and its "instant replay" time. The San Jose show should be cancelled. After all, from all indications, it appears to be stillborn. An overview so far... The obvious power struggle or 'flexing of muscle' is more than evident in this situation, the ongoing struggle to gain the "favor" of both Atari and the west coast userbase is bound to have a deleterious effect on the entire national show circuit. Of course, this interpretation of the situation is a bit more sobering than a simple conflict of dates. After looking the situation over carefully, one cannot help but ask what is really going on here? As the scenario continues to unfold, we find a fraudulent "boycott fax" being circulated along with it's jaded, slanderous content that's clearly intended to add fuel to the already raging flames. Additionally, we find that threats made just before the Anaheim show to "get Brodie" apparently have not diminished. STReport will and does find the "jamming of dates" to be an extremely underhanded competitive stunt which, by all deductive reasoning, was done purposely to cripple the Glendale Show. On the other hand, the "boycott fax" now casts an entirely new light on the entire matter, one must ask; "who stands to gain the most from the effects of this fax? Tarpinian and Glendale? Or... Tsukiji and WOA San Jose? Who?? Although the answer is more than obvious, its still very difficult analysis without more, revealing, concrete information. For now, supposition will have to do. However, we should realize that if.... WOA was indeed planning these events with Atari's best interests in mind, they most certainly would not have planned this thing on top of two key shows, Glendale and Dusseldorf! One thing is certain, in the future, we can expect Atari to be very leery of all prospective shows and their 'promoters'. This situation is directly attributable to the mess created by WOA San Jose... Last and certainly not least is the dilemma the users and exhibitors are left in. Let's see, the average user would surely like to combine a trip to California's Bay Area and WOA show into his vacation time or so one would think, now how many are willing to gamble that the show will go on successfully. We are aware that the airlines will not refund the cost of discounted travel tickets. A reasonable assumption would be that the majority of users wanting to visit the west coast and go to a show will, they'll go to Glendale as.. it is a sure thing. ____________________________________________________________ > The "Non-Issue" of D/Ls STR Spotlight™ Say it all..... ====================================== A TIME FOR THE BOTTOM LINE ========================== Intro by R.F. Mariano This last week was a classic example of a tempest in a thimble. A good friend of ours was accused of padding the ST Report d/l figures on Genie. It saddens us that anyone would feel that padding the d/l count is necessary, as we feel that ST Report can stand or fall on it's own without any shenanigans or false download counts. We do not want anyone, even our friends, padding our download counts. If our download figures are less than our competition's (on one network only, on the networks where the download counts can't be falsified, we are the most popularly downloaded online) that may be because we do not believe in feeding our readers just pablum, cotton candy and puff. Since we are certain our competitors will be 'kind' enough to inform you of all his faults, heitened with their usual insinuations, innuendo and whatever else they can think of to blacken his name, we thought that we'd do something that they wouldn't allow, and let him tell his side of the story. Ralph... --^=^=^-- An open letter from L.E. Pulley Sr. To whom it may concern.... Am I guilty of this heinous crime? Did I sink so low as to pad the d/l count of ST Report on Genie? Should I even bother to take the time to answer these questions, after all, ZNet and their camp followers have already found me guilty in their 'trial online' (in the old days it was called a witch trial). Not only have they already found me guilty, they have the tar and feathers ready so they can 'run me out of town on a rail'. My first thought was "Why bother denying it?". Why not plead guilty to the misdemeanor and get it over with? After all, Ralph also was tried and convicted by this same Kangaroo Court and they HAD testimony and evidence that proved that he was innocent...but they decided to ignore the FACTS because the facts didn't suit their aims and purposes. But after thinking it over for a day or two, I changed my mind and decided not to take the easy way out; to not allow "them, their innuendos and rumors" to tell only one side of the story. I'll allow you, the reader, to decide if this is still the country where a person is innocent until proven guilty, or is this now the totalitarian country that some people would like to turn it into, where the Kangaroo Courts, book burnings and guilt by association rule supreme. First, there were really two accusations and they need to be separated to understand what really happened. There was the first part where I was accused 4-6 weeks ago of padding ST Reports d/l count by 69. Did I do this? Yeap, I plead guilty. I plead guilty of not believing that ZNet (or someone that wanted to 'help' them) was not padding their d/l count. I plead guilty of trying to 'help' my favorite on-line magazine. I plead guilty of using bad judgement and of allowing my emotions to do my thin- king for me. Was I the only one guilty? Yeap...that week (but it should be noted that _both_ the ZNet and STR d/l counts dropped the week after it was announced there was someone caught padding). Do I owe anyone an apology? Yes, but not to any of the hyenas that are attempting to pick at the body. Not to the camp followers who are trying to be 'holier than thou' and pretend they've never made a mistake or an error in judgement. .....To Darlah and Neil, I obsequiously apologize. The second occurrence of padding happened last weekend (6/30) and there were an additional 22 'pads' added to the ST Report downloads. Did I do this one? Nope! I have no doubts that this occurred, I have no doubts that my passwords were used. But I do know that I didn't do the padding and I do know that I wasn't even home when some of the padding occurred (according to my talk with Neil Harris). When the padding occurred, STR was down by over 70 d/l counts (and that's after the 22 pads). If I was going to 'help' my favorite online magazine, I wouldn't have stopped at 22, I would have pushed it so STR was ahead of ZNet (only another 10-15 minutes of time involved). So what happened? Since I'm not omnipotent (as some of the hyenas seem to think they are), I can only make an educated guess. About 2-3 weeks ago, I set up the mini-BBS in Interlink so some of my friends could call and get some of the demos and clip art that I've accumulated. Thinking that I could trust all of these friends, I gave them 'high' access so they could go anywhere on my hard drives and get what they wanted (I have over 60 megs of .img clip art). I can only assume that one of these friends was _not_ as much of a friend as I thought. I have my suspects narrowed down to 2-3 people...the only ones that had access to my system and also knew the _real_ story on my 69 d/l escapade and the details of how I did it. (All of my passwords have been changed this week.) So there you have it, my side of the story and my 'guess' as to what happened. You say, "Lloyd, that story is a little weak". All I can give you is the facts...I didn't do it, I wasn't even in town when some of it was done. My detractors can prove that my password/access was used but not that _I_ did it. So yes, I'm guilty of the first charge and innocent of the second. But let's examine my 'crime' for a minute. The jackals and hyenas that are after my body (they always try to pick on the weak or injured) would like you to think that I am guilty of some grotesque crime against the ST community and humanity. Is there a 'law' on Genie that says you can only d/l a file once? Are the people who send in 5-100 ballots to get their favorite baseball player on the All-Star team guilty of a crime (the same thing here, I just 'voted' for my favorite magazine more than once)? As I said earlier, the only thing I'm guilty of is an error of judgement. Now we'll see what happens with this 'non-issue' (to use one of John Townsend's favorite phrases when he's defending Atari's mistakes and errors in judgement). I'm sure that we'll be hearing about it from the Jackal Gazette for weeks and months to come, it looks as if they have little else of substance to discuss. LLoyd E. Pulley, Sr. For the record.... Category 26, Topic 4 Message 178 Fri Jul 06, 1990 NHARRIS [Neil] at 14:44 EDT Interesting. The online mags take their download counts very seriously, although most others don't. They use them as a barmoeter of how popular they are. ST- Report was winning handily for a long time. So Znet decides to tweak ST-Report. They deliberately inflate their download counts and let everyone know they're doing it. Supporters of ST-Report respond by doing it themselves. Znet stops, but Lloyd doesn't. Why does it seem to me that NEITHER online magazine has the right to be self righteous about this situation? Editor Note; Neil has, in this instance, delivered his comments in a timely manner and are quite appropriate. Indeed, a breath of fresh air.. again, thanks for a clear summation. As far as STR is concerned the matter is closed. _________________________________________________________ > SILHOUETTE UPDATE STR InfoFile™ News concerning its status. =============================== From: Tim Reyes of Maxwell CPU Dear ST Users, I have heard through the grapevine that vaporware has been mentioned in the same sentence as Silhouette. That won't be put to rest until it is actually on the market but for what it is worth let me explain the status of Silhouette and what its functions will include. Silhouette's main function will be to auto-trace raster images (e.g., DEGAS, IMG files) and save them as GEM meta files. Selectable options will allow the identification of straight lines and reduce them to 'pt. A to pt. B lines', reduce complex curves into parts that can be fitted with the simple curves and arcs available through GEM and/or fit complex curves with Bezier/Splines. The Bezier/Splines will be saved as polylines or in future GEM opcodes that will offer exact definitions of a Bezier curve. The user will be able to auto-trace rubber-band boxed regions or select particular lines of an image to auto-trace. Silhouette will also allow the input of data arrays for equi- potential contouring. It will accept data files exported from spread- sheets or allow the user to pre-define the file's format. An example of equi-potential contouring would be if you created a 2-D data set where the element coordinates define locations and the value is, for example, an altitude above sea-level. The resulting contour would be a topographical map. The program also includes basic GEM drawing functions in the raster mode and also some ability to save as part of a GEM file. These functions include pixel edit, free hand draw, line & rays, polylines, squares, polygons, ellipses, parabolas, spray can (variable size and shape), erasure, GDOS text. Smoothing of free-hand and poly-lines is also an option. All of the associated GEM options for drawing are available. Silhouette has multiple windows & buffers and will require at least 1 Mbyte, preferably 2 Megs. It will function in standard high resolution or in one of the new high resolutions available through 3rd party monitors or resolutions on the TT machine. The first release will come with two program versions on the same diskette - one for a standard ST and one compiled to use a math copressor in a ST. A later version will be compiled for the TT and its math copressors. Silhouette's Status: Presently, all its raster drawing functions and its interface is complete. Programming activities are concentrating on the auto- tracing functions of Silhouette. At this time it auto-traces and identifies lines and saves in GEM format. Curve fitting is holding up the show but the problems are drawn and this code will be completed within the next couple of weeks. Equi-potential contouring is also completed but is resting as a stand alone program until I have time to attach it. Silhouette will presently read DEGAS and IMG format but other formats will be added as time permits and for later versions. The release date is approaching and my plans are to release it in the US, Canada and Europe. There will be versions in german and english and later in french, swedish and maybe a couple other languages. There will be a price adjustment before it is released; $49.95 has been announced but Atari and even some future users have strongly advised that I increase its price. Why is Silhouette being produced for the Atari ST? My physics and math background has allowed me to define the problems, solve or find the solutions. The ST is the first personal computer I have owned and I appreciate very much its functionality. Having executed code on IBM mainframes, Digital Vax 11/780s, a Cray XMP/4 and Sun 3s and 4s, I take all the speed comparison talk with a grain of salt. The present ST meets the demands of most people and the TT will do much more and will make a fine workstation. Lastly, if I reach all the ST markets my time investment in this program will be rewarded. It is a small market but it offers some advantages, too. I would like to say the end of July but more realistically expect to see Silhouette released in August. Sorry I have not taken any time to answer inquiries on the commercial bulletin boards but now that I have done this much, let me get back to my one mindedness and finish this project. Tim Reyes, Maxwell CPU _________________________________________________________________ > AG DROPS O/L SUPPORT STR Spotlight™ An ominous sign? ================================== ctsy GEnie E.GORELIK posts.... I called Avant-Garde today, spoke to Jeff, and have some info to report. First, Avant-Garde no longer has a presence on the network. They have already closed out their GEnie account, so it is not only a waste of time to post queries to them on this topic, it's also pointless to send them email (or so I was told--you can try it and see what you get). When I suggested that this would provoke a backlash, Jeff gave AVG's reasons, as follows. With only 3 persons doing everything at the company, they did not have the staff to cope with what must be a full- time job for them keeping up to date on GEnie. Jeff cited 500 pieces of email and hundreds of messages which had flooded the network when the board first came out, and stated that it was simply impossible, given their current workload, to read all of that material and answer it while continuing to support development of the board itself. They had just skimmed it and pulled messages out almost at random from the mass of queries that had accumulated, and then tried to post generic responses which would handle many people's inquiries at once. With the small staff they have at present they were carefully husbanding their time and resources (as some of the more experienced heads on this topic have frequently pointed out, by the way), and opted to concentrate on development. They also saw little to be gained by going on the network, since each time they did so they basically got bashed--and who needs it? Their presence on the network was in any case not obligatory, but a voluntary option, and one they felt they were better off declining at present. Support, however, is continuing via the phone and U.S. mails. Support for extended (or is it expanded--I always get the two of them confused) memory: For those who have extra RAM in their machines waiting to be accessed by the PC-D board, AVG is planning an ems update in the form of cache ems, software-driven, and supported by the chips already present in the board. That will be out "sometime this year". Also out "sometime this year" will be EGA support (don't hold your breath for VGA support--it will NEVER be out--or at least they have no plans for it, period). The present CGA emulation available for the board supports 640 X 200 with 4 colors on the Atari color monitor (which includes black and white if you're using them). On the Atari monochrome, you get 4 shades, rather than colors, same pixels. With EGA support, you'll get 640 X 350 with 16 colors on the Atari color monitor, same pixels and 16 shades on the monochrome. (Since a nontechnical person, myself, is relaying this info to you, if someone sees that what I'm saying is technically wrong or impossible, please hasten to point that out.) When I asked about the PrtSc function, Shift(num*), printing garbage, Jeff acknowledged that there was a bug in the routine, as well as in the set-time- and-date routine (about which several persons have already complained on this topic); that they were planning to release new software which would eliminate these and other bugs, but that they intended to do it all at the same time, rather than piecemeal. Regarding all of these software fixes and enhancements, I wanted to know how they would be distributed to users. Would they just be sent out to registered users automatically? No, because that was too expensive, time-consuming, and wasteful (many people have moved, etc., in the interim). Instead, they will issue press releases and ask those interested to send in their disks, to which they will then copy the software and send it back. Also, they had no objection to the fixes and enhancements being posted on the various networks and BBSs as soon as available. I also asked about some items of particular concern to me, namely, regaining the Atari keyclicks from the monitor with the board in emulation mode, cursor- editing capabilities, and about an option for DOS to self-start. I asked him to please add these to the list of items to be worked on, and will be sending him some relevant info on these, including a disk with the keyclick programs gotten from the IBM RT and which caused my board to hang. (If anyone else is interested in seeing these capabilities in the software, I would suggest they write or phone with the same requests--I'm sure AVG is more likely to listen to requests that come in repeatedly.) On the same disk I included Keith Lindsay's related message concerning the sound bug generally, and Bob D.'s recent posts concerning NANSI987.ARC, along with a copy of the ARCed file, and Dennis Watson's message about bypassing the 68K. If you have any queries which only AVG can answer, better try contacting them by phone or through the U.S. mails. I reached them today after only a couple of tries, but that may have been just luck. Eugene _____________________________________________________________ > CODEHEAD UPDATES STR InfoFile™ Update info from Codehead ============================= As of June 16, 1990, these are the latest versions of CodeHead Software's products: G+Plus ............... Version 1.3 MultiDesk ............ Version 2.1 HotWire .............. Version 2.3 MaxiFile ............. Version 2.0 CodeHead Utilities ... Release 3 MIDIMax .............. Version 1.3 CodeHead Software Update Policy ############################### At CodeHead, we update all of our software frequently; but due to postal expenses we are not able to notify our users regularly. You may find out the latest version number of any CodeHead Software product by calling us at (213) 386-5735, or by finding us on GEnie, Compuserve, or Delphi. The latest update for any product may be obtained by returning your original master disk plus $7.50 to: CodeHead Software P.O. Box 74090 Los Angeles, CA 90004 FAX: (213) 386-5789 It's a good idea to give us a call at (213) 386-5735 before sending in an upgrade order. From time to time we make available free upgrades (to fix bugs, etc.), and if you call us we'll let you know whether or not you might be eligible. Depending on the version you're upgrading, we may also have new manuals which explain new features; another good reason to give a call before upgrading. (Or contact us on CIS, Delphi or GEnie in Category 32 of the Atari ST Roundtable Bulletin Board.) ______________________________________________________________ > ORIGINS 90 STR InfoFile™ The Strategy Gaming Convention! ======================= EXCLUSIVE EYEWITNESS REPORT! ORIGINS 90 ========== THE Strategy Gaming Convention of the Year by Neil Bradley I just returned from ORIGINS 90, an annual convention held in various cities throughout the U.S. This year, it was in Atlanta, GA. The Convention was attended by over 5000 people, of which a majority of them entered the "Computer Games" room, if for no other reason, than to see what was being shown. In the Computer Games room, there were numerous computer systems set up and running, including my personal MEGA 2 ST. Unfortunately, there were only 3 ST's present. The majority of the computers in the room were Amiga 500/1000's (approx 30). There were a few C-64/128's 2 Atari 800's running M.U.L.E., and one IBM XT. The programs running were mainly arcade games, like Falcon, with Overrun being the most popular. Two ST's were hooked up by a Null-Modem Cable running Populous. The third was running Empire. There was *ALWAYS* a long line waiting to play Populous and Empire on the ST. The Amigas were also up and running, but no one waited in line as they did for the ST's. In fact, the person operating the Computer Room told me that had he 20 more ST's available, they all would have been in constant use. The number 1 game played for tournaments out of the 30 available was Populous on the Atari ST. Down in the Dealer Room/Exhibition hall, there were a few computer dealers present, of which only 1, SSI, had any ST programs available. Another Dealer, DATA East, had ONE copy of a new ST game, DRAKKHEN. It was sold within the 1st hour. The dealer told me that he had "numerous" requests for the program, but didn't anticipate selling the one he brought. Once again, Amiga computers seemed to be predominant in the hall. All the Amiga's I saw had stereo' hooked up to show the "great sound" of their programs. I also attended a seminar by Richard Garriot, aka "Lord British" of the Ultima series. The 1st half of the seminar was Richard talking about how he got into writing games/programs, and the future of the Ultima Series. He spent about 10 minutes talking about "compatibility" problems with various computer formats - particularly emphasizing the words "IBM Compatible" are an oxymoron's perception. When he talked about when versions would be released on various computer formats, he went into a long discourse on the demise of the 8-bit computers, emphasizing how he loved his Apple II's, but like the Atari 8-bits, are going by the wayside due to the superior technology of the 16-bit computers. I asked him when Ultima 6 would be available for the ST line. He stated that the only reason the ST conversion would be done was "DUE TO THE EUROPEAN SALES". He then said that Ultima 6 would NOT be available until "at least early '1991". I also had a conversation with a "Customer Service Representative" from SSI, the maker of popular war/adventure games. She told me that at SSI, there are a few programmers that swear by the ST, but they are in the definite minority. SSI also will continue to do conversions for the ST, but they will be lower priority. I asked her about European distribution, but she didn't know. I then asked her about some of the old 8-bit games, specifically "Cosmic Balance I & II". According to a call by a member of my local Atari Users Group, SSI customer service told him that "Those programs are no longer being produced or supported by SSI". I told her about that statement, and then asked her: "Since you are no longer supporting those programs, could we put them in our user group's library for use by the entire user group?". She didn't know, and said that a question like that would have to be referred to the president of SSI. She said she highly doubted it, as it would set a precedent. She said that one possibly would be the User Group could apply for a license to distribute the game, for a "small" fee of around $100 or so. She wasn't sure, and told me to call her at the company later in the week. She then told me to send to her at SSI a newsletter from the User Group, as she would put them on SSI's mailing list. One advantage would be that "occasionally" SSI would send demo copies of programs to the User Groups for review in their newsletters. In a conversation with TSR - the maker of the Advanced Dungeon & Dragon series of computer games, I got basically the same response as from Origin Systems and SSI - Yes, we will continue to support the ST, but mainly due to European sales. The ST is NOT on the "High Priority" list of computer programs to do conversions. _________________________________________________________ > TAKIN' ANOTHER LOOK! STR Feature™ The flip side of the coin.... ================================ A LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE ========================= by Michael Lee After haranguing Ralph for months about the negative reporting and editorial style of ST Report, Ralph called my bluff and asked me to write a weekly column for ST Report that was more positive. I hemmed and hawed for a few days but finally agreed to write this column. Ralph agreed that he wouldn't edit or censor my column, so there will be many times when you will see two very different viewpoints on a subject or topic in STR, mine and his. I will not attempt to tell you that everything in the ST world is rosey or attempt to hide the warts, but I feel that it is not as bad as many people believe. I believe that there are two ways of looking at things. You can look at the negative side and always think that the cup is half empty or you can look at the positive side and see that the cup is half full. What will the column consist of? To begin with, a hodge-podge of things that I think might be of interest to the ST community. Later on it might change directions, but we will see what happens. Any opinions expressed in this column are mine and not necessarily the same as Ralph's. Also, any errors in this column are mine and not necessarily Ralph's. One thing I cannot promise though and that is that the column will be weekly. My job requires that I be out of town a lot, so there will be weeks when I will not have time to write. So on with the show!! ------- As of this writing, it appears as if the World of Atari show in San Jose is still on. That means we have the WOA show in San Jose on August 4-5, the GenCon show in Milwaukee on August 8-12, the Glendale Show in Glendale on September 15-16 and WAACE show the first of October. This is 4 major shows in just about 60 days. Atari will be actively supporting the GenCon, Glendale and WAACE shows and who knows, Atari still might give some support to the WOA show. These are just the major shows, there will be other Midi and various shows going on at the same time. It sure seems to me that there is still a lot of support for a system that many people are already calling dead and obsolete. ------ I got to play with one of the new STe's this week and it is great! Smooth scrolling, stereo sound and so many colors! Some people gripe because it still has the so-called buggy TOS 1.6 in it but I didn't find it to be a major problem. Atari furnishes a small patch program to put into the AUTO that fixes the minor bugs, so the user never even notices the bugs. There is not a major o/s on the market that does not have a few bugs in them, I think it is a miracle that Atari could put out one this complex with so few bugs in it. After running TOS 1.0 for so long, the STe seems like a speed demon to me. There have been unconfirmed reports of some of the STe's having problems with some hard drives. The one I saw at my dealers' worked with his hard drive just fine. The people that I talked to that had bought one had not had any problems either. So if there is a real DMA problem, it does not happen on all systems and I am sure that Atari will find and fix the problem. A person can expect some bugs with any new system but from what I've seen of the STe, these minor problems would not be enough to keep me from buying one. ------ It looks as if Atari is at long last on the move. They're bringing in a proven leader from France to be the new North American Director Gen'l.. Even before he officially takes the position, he is already talking of radical changes. First moving the US operation from Sunnyvale to somewhere in the NE part of the US or Canada. This way he can watch over and coordinate the US, Canadian and French markets. Could the next 12 months really be The Year of Atari? It sure looks like it to me. ______________________________________________________________ > AUA NEWS STR InfoFile™ AUA and ST EXCHANGE UNITE TO SERVE... ===================== PRESS RELEASE ------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: The A.U.A. P.O. Box 123 Canonsburg, PA 15317 Derek Signorini or Tony Parry CANONSBURG Pa.,June 29, 1990 -- The Atari Users Association, or AUA, today announced a massive membership drive for the 1990 summer and fall seasons. This world wide organization was formed to promote the ST computer, provide a network of communication between users, user groups, and developers, and become a leading source of information for the ST community. While the AUA is still in its infant stages, it has already obtained a membership base representing 12 countries around the globe and promises to become the largest known ST organization in the world. The AUA was first formed in 1989 in New Jersey, USA, and was moved to Western Pennsylvania in December of that same year. At that time, the AUA policies and goals were re-evaluated and with the work of Derek Signorini, Tony Parry, and Jon Clarke, the organization has seen a tremendous surge in members and has enjoyed a renewed vigor needed to help the group expand. The AUA is responsible for collecting and distributing valuable data to its members at no cost, such as BBS listings, usergroup directories, and Atari ST mailing lists. One goal of the AUA is to become a central source of information where new and seasoned ST owners can call on at will. "There is a strong need to provide accurate and up to date information to the Atari ST community. We feel that if the AUA can compile this data, it should be made available for all to use," says Derek Signorini, the AUA Coordinator. "Imagine what it must be like when you have to move to a new city and have no idea what ST Usergroups are in the area. The AUA hopes to be a provider of such information so that the community has someone to turn to for help," he concluded. "The AUA is a user organization, not a user group. We are a blanket type organization that will comprise ST users, ST usergroups, developers, and vendors under one common name and allow them to communicate with each other and of course, directly to Atari Corporation," Tony Parry, the AUA Public Relations Director states. Another function of the AUA will be to act as a united voice to Atari Corporation. "We feel that one large voice representing 10,000 is a more effective leverage than 10,000 individual voices," says Jon Clarke, the AUA International Public Relations Director. "If we can collect the views, opinions and request of thousands and direct them to Atari, we will see a better response." The Atari Users Association will attend Atari shows as well. "We will be represented at as many Atari shows as possible. The AUA will help to encourage ST users to attend these trade shows and support vendors," Signorini states. "Hopefully, the AUA's presence at a computer show will help to draw users and will allow the AUA to continue to form the user network that it has set out to do." Another objective of the AUA is to educate users about the perils of software piracy. "The organization will offer free information to users, usergroups and BBS system operators about how they can help to eliminate software piracy. Piracy has reached epidemic proportions in the computer industry and is destroying the ST software market," Signorini adds. The AUA offers all of its members active participation in the ST-Exchange, an international Public Domain exchange organization, which up until the second quarter of this year, had been functioning as a separate service oriented group. The AUA and ST-Exchange recently merged, with the AUA being the parent organization, adding to an already increasing membership benefits package for AUA participants. The public domain library will be available to AUA members at little or no charge, usually at only the cost of a postage stamp. Details of the AUA/ST-Exchange program can be found in the AUA information package. While membership in the AUA is free, the organization offers two additional packages for a small annual fee entitling members to a disk based newsletter six times a year and a printed newsletter four times a year. All funds gathered will be used to subsidize functions such as a BBS, attendance at trade shows, and the distribution of information to the ST community. "I realize we have set very aggressive goals for the AUA. But with a little developer and user cooperation I am confident the organization will become the spark that will ignite the ST market," states Parry. "People, including myself, have often complained no such group existed. We have taken the initiative and hope to become the organization the ST market needs to get back on its feet," he concludes. More information about the AUA can be obtained by writing to the AUA at P.O. Box 123, Canonsburg, PA 15317 or by contacting Derek C. Signorini via GEnie or Compuserve at DC.SIGNORINI and 72327,1060 respectively. _________________________________________________________ > STReport CONFIDENTIAL™ "BLOCKBUSTER ATARI NEWS FIRST!" ===================== - Utrecht, The Netherlands EUROPE GETS 32 MHZ TT030 ------------------------ bdt!unisoft!mtxinu!ucbvax!agate!helios.ee.lbl.gov!ucsd!usc!cs.utexas.edu! uunet!csun!hp4nl!dnlunx!dnlts!kouijzer From: kouijzer@pttrnl.nl (Guus Kouijzer, PTT Research Neher Laboratories, the Netherlands) Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st Subject: Re: Info on TT Message-ID: <35093.2680d16f@pttrnl.nl> Date: 21 Jun 90 12:53:50 GMT References: <3487@ruuinf.cs.ruu.nl> Distribution: comp Organization: PTT Research Neher Laboratories, The Netherlands Lines: 67 X-Local-Date: 21 Jun 90 05:53:50 PDT Fred Appelman writes: On the official bulletin board of Atari Netherlands, this message was posted by Atari. I have translated the message from dutch to english. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Message : 16517 [Open] 6-17-90 11:00pm From : Sysop Wilfred To : Fred Appelman (x) Subject : #16466 TT op 32 MHZ? Sig(s) : 9 (Portfolio) There are 3 replies These are the specifications of the TT as they are released to the press last week. Atari TT 68030, 32 Mhz Optional: 32 MHZ 68882 (68881 is not fast enough) 2 Mb ST RAM, extendible with 2 or 8 Mb Optional: 4 or 16 Mb TT (FAST) RAM 512 Kb ROM 720 Kb floppy 48 Mb SCSI 28 ms harddisk. Optional: 80 Mb en 100+ For the 8 Mbyte ST RAM and the 16 Mbyte TT RAM memory extensions you'll need 4 Mbit chips! Interfacing: 2, extendible to 4 serial ports 1 parallel port 1 cartridge port ST 1 DMA port ST 1 MIDI IN, 1 MIDI OUT 1 ST compatible keyboard connector 1 SCSI port (w/25 pins) 1 low speed (Appletalk) LAN port 1 VGA compatible monitor port Video modes: 3 ST modes (Low, Medium, High) with palette of 4096 colors 320x480 with 256 colors from 4096 640x480 with 16 colors from 4096 1280x960 monochrome Delivering: The first 6 machines are delivered to major software developers in the Netherlands and Belgium. Already 12 machines are delivered to Germany. The first real production is expected in August. Mass production is expected in September. Price Dfl 6500 (US - $3200) including MULTI-SYNC VGA color monitor. This standard color monitor does NOT support the 1280x960 monochrome mode, according to an article in "Atari ST nieuws", a dutch magazine. (stuff deleted) Fred J.R. Appelman, 3D Computer Vision, Utrecht University AZU, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands. Telephone: +31-30-506710 Fax: +31-30-513399 e-mail: fred@cv.ruu.nl or appelman@cs.unc.edu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Guus Kouijzer PTT Research Neher Laboratories Internet: AJ_Kouijzer@pttrnl.nl Leidschendam, The Netherlands ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Editor's Note: The 16 MHZ version of the Amiga 3000 costs $3200.00, and doesn't come with a monitor. However, Commodore does sell a multisync monitor for $800.00....) - London, UK ATARI UK UNVEILS BUNDLED 1040STE ---------- The deal based around the 1040STe computer is called THE "EXTRA" PACK.' Included is software worth more than $480. The overall theme for the "extra" pack, which includes a free magazine subscription is; "making the most of your new Atari ST,". The entire promotion is aimed at users of less sophisticated machines to upgrade to the 1 MB (megabyte) STe machine. Unlike the original 1040ST, the 1040STe (the e stands for extended) is of modular construction. This permits the machine's memory to be expanded to 4mb using SIMMs. Other features of the STe series include Tos 1.6, a new version of TOS, the ST's operating system. The special discount bundle is available throughout the UK now. - London, UK ATARI UK RELEASES THE ATARI PC, ABC386SX/40 ---------- The ABC (Atari Business Computer)386SX, a 40mb hard drive, 16Mhz 386SX based PC. The machine was released at the Atari 90 expo, held last week in London. Atari said the machine marks the company's entry into the field of affordable, 32-bit PC-compatible computers. It is priced at $2,400.00 and comes with 1mb of RAM expandable to 8mb and a single high-density 1.44 floppy drive in either 3.5 or 5.25 inch disk formats. Other features of the new machine include serial and parallel ports, an analog video port and three XT/AT expansion slots. Graphics modes support include EGA, CGA, MDA, HGC and VGA, providing resolutions ranging from 320x200 pixels color to 720x350 pixels monochrome. THE NEW ABC 386SX is availble throughout the UK now. _____________________________________________________________ > TRIVIA QUIZ WINNERS STR Spotlight™ Winners on GEnie's Trivia Quiz ================================= Winners for the Quiz are as follows: 1. Jkelley John F. Kelley 2. O.KOSMATOS Odisseas Kosmatos 3. G.E.M. Gary E. Martin 4. JON.DUNN Jon W. Dunn 5. K.HILTS Kenneth l Hilts 6. M.MCCANN2 Mike W. Mccann 7. JAKOB John K. Brochu 8. B.STRINGER Bruce J. Stringer, MD 9. D.KOSTER Dave Koster 10. JRHARRIS John R. Harris, II 11. V.LICARI Vin Licari 12. R.ACOSTA Ricardo Acosta 13. S.NOAH Stuart Noah 14. S.GAREE Steven F. Garee 15. P.GENOVESE Paul R. Genovese 16. GRMEYER Gordon Meyer 17. NCBATES Norman C. Bates 18. M.KENNEDY3 Matthew J. Kennedy 19. S.MEEHAN2 Steve M. Meehan 20. D.STIDHAM Dan Stidham *********************************************************************** :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT: _________________________________ To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN. **** SIGN UP FEE WAIVED **** The system will now prompt you for your information. *********************************************************************** > Hard Disks STR InfoFile Affordable Mass Storage.... ======================= NEW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!! ============================ ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC. P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672 Est. 1985 _________________________________________ Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT _________________________________________ HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET _____________________________________ All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s). -ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE- (you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!) (all cables and connectors installed) * ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS * * ICD ADVANTAGE+ HOST ADAPTERS * FULL SCSI COMMAND SET SUPPORTED * * SCSI EMBEDDED CONTROLLER MECHANISMS * 51mb #SGN4951 519.95 65mb #SG60101 649.95 80mb #SGN296 709.95 100mb #SG84011D 839.95 120mb #SGN120FH 989.95 120mb #SG120DD 1128.95 170mb #SGN2962 1369.95 260mb #SG60102 1849.95 WE HAVE A COMPLETE LINE OF 3.5 LOW PROFILE HARD DRIVES for USE IN MEGA ST COMPUTERS AND RELATED CONFIGURATIONS. 20mb #AI020SC 379.95 30mb #AIO3OSC 419.95 50mb #AI050SC 449.95 65mb #AI065SC 499.95 85mb #AI085SC $559.95 >>> ALL ABCO DRIVES ARE HIGH SPEED UNITS <<< (500 - 600k per sec @ 23 -33ms) CALL FOR SUPER SAVINGS ON ALL OUR OTHER CUSTOM UNITS FROM 30mb @ $419.00! Ask about our "REBATE SPECIALS" --==*==-- SHIPPING AND INSURANCE INCLUDED ============================================ * SYQUEST 44MB (#555)>> ABCO "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE * - SYQUEST 44 MB DRIVE - ICD ST ADVANTAGE PLUS H/A - ICD Utility Software - 3' DMA Cable - Fan & Clock - Multi-Unit Power Supply (1) 44 MB Syquest Cart. COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN! >> SPECIAL NOW ONLY __$849.00__ << *** SPECIAL SYQUEST OFFER!! *** ORDER YOUR CUSTOM SYQUEST UNIT NOW AND GET A SECOND COMPLETE UNIT! ***** for $50.00 LESS! ***** -> DO IT YOURSELF BARE SYQUEST UNITS $600.00ea 2 for $1100.00 Syquest Mechanism - 2 year warranty * TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT * SPECIALLY PRICED $1539.00 * SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS * - Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives - 50mb SQG51 $1179.00 30mb SQG38 $1099.00 65mb SQG09 $1239.00 85mb SQG96 $1299.00 LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE Listed above are a sampling of the systems available. Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations (over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited) *** ALL Units: Average Access Time: 24ms - 34ms *** ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - PC-DITTO/II - SPECTRE/GCR LARGER units are available - (special order only) NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! - Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets - Keyboard Custom Cables Call for Info ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED -* 12 month FULL Guarantee *- (A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE) QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! _________________________________________ DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED! please, call for details Personal and Company Checks are accepted. ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY! CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319 Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service 9am - 8pm EDT Tues thru Sat *********************************************************************** NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME to the Readers of; STREPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE """""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY! Call any of the STReport Official BBS numbers (Listed Above) or Leave E-mail to STReport - R.Mariano Be sure to include your full mailing address so your Compuserve kit can be immediately mailed to you! NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE *********************************************************************** > A "Quotable Quote" ================= "IMITATION IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF FLATTERY" ...ZIGGY ZIRCON -------------------------------------------------------------------------- STReport "Your Independent News Source" JULY 06, 1990 16/32bit Magazine copyright 1990 No.6.27 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of the editors, staff, STReport CPU/STR or ST Report . Permission to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Each reprint must include the name of the publication, date, issue # and the author's name. The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in any way without prior written permission. The contents, at the time of publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The editors, contributors and/or staff are not responsible for either the use/misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom. --------------------------------------------------------------------------