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1996-01-13
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49KB
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823 lines
______ _ __ __
/ ____/___ ____ ___ ____ __ __/ | / /___ / /____ _____
/ / / __ \/ __ `__ \/ __ \/ / / / |/ / __ \/ __/ _ \/ ___/
/ /___/ /_/ / / / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /| / /_/ / /_/ __(__ )
\____/\____/_/ /_/ /_/ .___/\__,_/_/ |_/\____/\__/\___/____/
/_/
This Week's Contents:
My Notes:
1) Your Chance to Write for CompuNotes . . .
2) Letter About Virus Simulators
News:
1) CD MATCH Eases the Confusion When Choosing a CDROM
2) Novell Brings the WWW to Your NetWare Server
Reviews:
1) Offline XPress for Windows - Jim Hanoian, jim.hanoian@lunatic.com
2) WinProbe 4.0 - Randy Gross, randy1@sundial.sundial.net
3) Procomm Plus for Windows - Patrick Grote, patrick.grote@supportu.com)
Web Sites:
1) Women's Web Author Directory (http://www.primenet.com/~shauna)
2) Novell's Web Site Explodes (http://www.novell.com)
FTP File:
1) Music Tutor 1.2 for DOS
Interview:
1) Ramblin' Ray is Back with a Book Review
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date : January 12, 1996 |CompuNotes is a weekly publication available
Issue : 32 |through email and many fine on-line networks.
--------------------------|We cover the IBM computing world with
CompuNotes is published |software/hardware reviews, news, hot web
4Point, Inc., |sites, cool FTP files and interviews. We also
135 W. Adams, Suite G9 |give away one software package a week to a
St. Louis, MO 63122 |lucky winner for just reading our fine
(314) 984-9691 voice |publication! Never dull, sometimes tardy, we
(314) 984-9981 fax |are here to bring you the way it is!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Backroom Workers: |We are always looking for
Patrick Grote, Managing Editor |people to write honest,
(pg@supportu.com) |concise reviews for us. Send
Doug Reed, Games Editor |a message to the autobot at
(dreed@panda.uchc.edu) |REVIEW_LIST@supportu.com. You
Judy Litt, Graphics Editor/Web Master |will receive the latest
(jlitt@aol.com) |writer's guidelines and a
Raymond Hines, Web Rambler |list of available software
(solari@gate.net) |to review. Follow the
Paul Ferrill, Languages Editor |instructions for requesting
(ferrill@teas.eglin.af.mil) |software to review.
Dennis MacPherson, Utilities Editor |-----------------------------
(pctc@infi.net) | Go Green Bay Packers!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every issue of CompuNotes ever published can be found at the following
ftp site: ftp.uu.net:/published/compunotes. Thanks to UUNET!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Web Site is at http://users.aol.com/CompNote/
Please Add Our Link to Your Homepage!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To subscribe, send a message to majordomo@rust.net with the command
subscribe compunotes your email address.
Example: subscribe compunotes you@you.com
To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@rust.net with the command
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
You Can Write for Us! See Masthead!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patrick's News
Being The Publisher and Managing Editor Has Its Perks!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Chance . . . |
-------------------
Did you know that you could actually write for CompuNotes? See, we
pride ourselves on the fact that a majority of our reviews are
written by normal folks; people who use PCs to get jobs done or just
enjoy life.
To find out more, send a message to REVIEW_LIST@SUPPORTU.COM. This
autobot will send the necessary information to you.
------------------------
Virus Simulators . . . |
------------------------
I almost always pick the FTP File of the Week. I usually pick it
from a cool web page I saw or the ASP CDROM. Last week I picked it from
the ASP CDROM. If you remember, it was the virus simulator. I admit I
didn't run the program and test it, but maybe I should have . . .
From: jpatanen@hit.fi (Jani Patanen)
Reply-To: jpatanen@hit.fi
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>COOL FTP FILE OF THE WEEK | You may need this file . . .
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Virus Simulator Ver 2C <ASAD><ASP> -Audit and demonstrate anti-virus
>protection. Rosenthal Engineering's absolute necessity for anyone
>serious about virus defense, security and training. "Unreservedly
>recommended!" by Computer Virus Developments Quarterly. Used in tests
>conducted by National Software Testing Labs. for Software Digest and PC
>Digest. Written about in Computerworld, Virus Bulletin, Virus News Int.,
>Telecomputing etc.
>
> You can find this as VIRSIM2C.ZIP on the following FTP site:
>
> ftp.crl.com/users/su/supportu/virsim2c.zip
>
=========================================================================
I find advocating (sorry, wrong word) this product dangerous.
It says in the documentation:
==============
The simulators all produce safe and controlled dummy test virus samples
that enable users to verify that they have installed and are using their
===============
There is only one problem. Those are not real viruses, so only thing one
can test is the false alarm rate of a program. If a scanner flags files
created by this "virus simulator" as a virus, then it's false positive
as it's not really a virus. with tests like these even a terrible
scanner may get good results and good scanner that identifies those
files as non-viruses gets bad results. Mr. John Doe looks at the results
and then starts using the terrible scanner.
========CUT=======QUOTE=======
VIRSIM.COM generates controlled programs infected with the signatures
(only) of several viruses. Virus Simulator's ability to harmlessly
=======END QUOTE=============
Who's signatures? There is no universal virus signature that every
scanner uses.
Files created by "virus simulator" contains some strings that the author
of the simulator thinks, a scanner should pick as those strings appear in
the real virus. There is only one problem: Not every product uses
same search string.
I ran a small test. I created some 400 files with the simulator. This is
what F-Prot 2.21 got out of them:
Results of virus scanning:
Files: 412 (268 KB)
Scanned: 412 (268 KB)
Infected: 16
That's 3.9% hit rate!
Yet F-prot detects more than 90% (usually in 96-99% region) of the real
viruses that has been used in different tests.
TBAV reported 95 infected files (about 23%). yet it detects as
much real viruses as F-prot. (hit rate in same over 90% region).
I went and looked for virus-l FAQ, and here's what it says about
simulators :
F6) What are "virus simulators" and what use are they?
There are three different kinds of programs that are often called "virus
simulators". None of the three generate actual viruses. The first kind
demonstrate the audio- and video-effects of some real computer viruses.
The second kind are programs that simulate a virtual environment--a
virtual computer, with virtual disks, virtual files, and virtual viruses
on them. The user of such programs can manipulate the simulated
objects, letting the simulated viruses infect the simulated files on the
simulated disks, watching every step of the process, without a danger of
"real infection". The third kind are programs that generate files
containing scan strings used by some scanners to detect real viruses.
The idea is that those scanners will detect the generated files too,
thus letting the user get the feeling of what discovering a virus is
like, but without the danger of risking a real infection.
There are three ways in which virus simulators are usually used:
1) For educational purposes. The second kind of virus simulators are
very useful and valuable for this purpose, provided the simulated
environment is realistic enough. The first kind are also somewhat
useful--mainly teaching the users what the video- or audio-effects of
particular viruses are like. There is the danger, however, that users
will get the incorrect impression that every computer virus
demonstrates itself in some visible or audible way. The third kind of
virus simulators are not useful for this purpose--they do not show how
computer viruses work, do not show what computer viruses do, and because
their virus fragments are not reliably detected as viruses by many good
scanners, may give the wrong impression of a scanner's value.
2) As an installation check that antivirus defenses are installed and
working. The first and second kinds of virus simulators are unsuitable
for this, because they do not trigger any antivirus defenses. Even the
third kind of virus simulators have a rather limited value in this
regard, as the files generated by them often fail to trigger virus
defenses, which are designed to protect against real viruses. Unlike
the producers of such simulators, many believe it is the job of the
producer of an antivirus product to provide the means of checking
whether their product is installed and working. This position is based
on the authors knowing their products better than anyone else and that
updated check methods will normally be provided as the antivirus
defenses employed in any given product change.
3) As a test of the quality of the antivirus defense--usually a scanner.
Again, the first two kinds of simulators are unsuitable for this purpose
because they do not trigger antivirus defenses. The third kind of virus
simulators often do, from which many users get the impression that they
are suitable for these testing purposes. This is a serious
misconception. The files that such programs generate are not real
viruses; antivirus programs, particularly virus-specific ones like
scanners, are designed to detect real viruses. Therefore, one must not
draw a conclusion from the ability or the inability of a product to
detect "simulated viruses" of the third kind--the fact that they are
detected does not necessarily mean that a real virus will be detected,
and the fact that they are not detected does not mean that the real
virus it is supposed to represent will not be detected!
One exception to the above are simulators that do not generate files
containing scan strings, but which simulate the different kinds of
attacks that real viruses use, but without being able to replicate.
Examples of such attacks include different methods of tunnelling,
stealth, attacks against integrity checkers, and so on. Such simulators
are useful for testing antivirus products that are not virus-specific,
especially if the simulator exercises a wide range of known attacks.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEWS OF THE WEEK| This section is dedicated to verified news . . .
All News (C)opyright Respective Owner - Will Only Reprint
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CD MATCH Eases Confusion . . . |
--------------------------------
ANNAPOLIS, MD -- December 5, 1995 -- The Interactive Multimedia
Association (IMA), a worldwide trade organization representing more than
400 interactive multimedia technology providers, today announced an
industry-wide campaign to help consumers better match CD-ROM software
titles to their personal computing systems. The IMA's CD MATCH(tm)
program is designed to improve consumer satisfaction and reduce retail
returns of multimedia titles, which are running as high as 30 percent
for some titles.
Core industry supporters include Apple Computer Inc., Atrium
Interactive, Avid Technology Inc., B.P.D. Consulting, The Center for
Image and Sound Research, Cloud 9 Interactive, CNN Interactive, Compaq
Computer Corp., CompTIA, Corel, Craftsman Book Company, Defense
Acquisition University, Double Impact Multimedia, Electronic Arts,
Future Systems Inc./Multimedia Monitor, Horizons Technology, IBM,
Infotainment World/GamePro and PC Entertainment, Intel, J.H.T.
Multimedia, Macromedia, Metatech, MediaSense, Midialog,
Miramar/Multimedia Merchandising, Multicom, nu.millennia, inc., Oakes
Interactive, Philips Media-IMS, Play Music, Inc., Prentice Hall School
Division, Propaganda Cove, School Zone Publishing Company, SicolaMartin
Interactive, Temple Millar Multimedia, Thomson Technology Services
Group, UltiTech, Videodiscovery and Zombie.
The CD MATCH campaign will provide millions of consumers with free
software that automatically runs a check of their multimedia PCs and
provides a printout of the system's capabilities. The program promotes
a uniform labeling system for on-pack display that matches the format
and type of information on the CD MATCH printout. Combined, these two
elements will enable consumers to make more informed CD-ROM title
purchasing decisions, improve user satisfaction levels and reduce
returns among the more than 5,000 CD-ROM titles on the market today.
"The 186% increase in CD-ROM title sales during the past year is a
strong signal that consumers want the entertainment, education,
communication and information benefits offered by today's multimedia PC
systems and software," stated IMA President Philip V. W. Dodds.
"However, the extraordinarily high return rate of CD-ROM titles due to
incompatibility is a clear indication that these same consumers are
confused and frustrated with determining which multimedia titles will
run on their systems." "While sales of CD-ROM drives and titles
continue to rise dramatically, only 6% of titles offered for sale in
1994 turned a profit," Dodds noted. "With projected retail sales of
32.9 million units valued at $1.4 billion in 1996, the industry clearly
needs a program like the IMA's CD MATCH initiative to help end consumer
confusion and frustration, cut down on technical support costs and
reduce the number of returns."
Free CD MATCH software will be distributed to millions of consumers
via the IMA's World Wide Web ftp site and other channels. The free CD
MATCH software, which is based on Horizons Technology, Inc.'s
LANauditor(R) technology, runs on a variety of platforms and creates a
printout of a system's capabilities. Consumers can then take this
printout to local retail outlets and compare it to the IMA-Recommended
Uniform Label that will appear on CD-ROM packages, to determine if their
computer systems will support a particular title's requirements.
Reflecting the ever-changing nature of PC technology, CD MATCH software
will be continually updated as appropriate.
Simultaneous with the announcement of the consumer education
program, the IMA also debuted specifications for a Uniform Label for
CD-ROM titles, which is expected to begin appearing on packaging in
early 1996. Strongly supported by both publishers and retailers, the
IMA CD MATCH program is expected to standardize labeling practices,
making it much simpler for consumers to compare their system
capabilities with title requirements.
The announcement of the IMA's CD MATCH program drew positive
responses from representatives of many of the organizations that pledged
their support for the IMA's leadership initiative. "With the current
high return rate on consumer CD-ROM titles, the IMA CD MATCH initiative
can provide a needed shot in the arm for computer retailers and
resellers," commented John Venator, executive vice president and CEO of
the 6,100-member Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).
"As the providers of this technology, our members are concerned about
customer satisfaction levels," Venator stated. "The IMA program puts the
focus where it should be -- on our valued customers." Venator noted that
an estimated 10,000 retail outlets currently sell CD-ROM titles,
including computer and software stores, mass merchandising chains, video
outlets, record stores and book stores.
Title publishers are also taking an active role in promoting
adoption of the IMA's ground-breaking program. "CD MATCH is a very
important initiative which is long overdue. " stated Richard Ferrie,
director of Technology Integration at Prentice Hall School Division.
"The real benefit is to the consumers; the industry is finally making it
easy for them to purchase multimedia products. We applaud the IMA for
this initiative and expect it to have a positive impact on the whole
industry in 1996."
On the hardware side, Intel Corp., Compaq Computer Corp. and Apple
Computer Inc. are some of the manufacturers that will soon begin
bundling CD MATCH with their multimedia products. "Making it easy for
consumers to quickly determine if their PC has what it takes to play a
particular multimedia CD title is an important step towards making the
PC more user-friendly," said Claude Leglise, Director, Developer
Relations Group, Intel Corp. "The rapid pace of technological
improvements in the computer industry leads to a wide variety of PC
configurations. With the CD MATCH software and the new product labeling,
PC users now have a simple tool to understand whether a new application
will run on their system."
"The consumer CD-ROM marketplace is critical to the interactive
multimedia industry, and we need to make sure that consumers enjoy the
most problem-free, fulfilling experience possible," stated Mike Braun,
IMA Chairman. "The CD MATCH program achieves the IMA's mission to
spearhead initiatives that cannot effectively be addressed by individual
companies. This industry-wide effort will go a long way to help ensure
long-term success."
"Responding to consumer frustration, Infotainment World and its
stable of leading industry publications, like GamePro and PC
Entertainment, will fully support the CD MATCH initiative," remarked
Patrick Ferrell, president of Infotainment World. "The CD MATCH program
helps alleviate issues of 'recommended' versus 'required.' With CD-ROM
sales skyrocketing, the need for a standard is imperative. For it to
come from within the industry, via the IMA, is outstanding!"
The IMA CD MATCH software will be available at no charge through the
association's home page on the World Wide Web
(ftp://ftp.ima.org/pub/cdmatch), and also through Horizons Technology,
Inc's home page (http://www.horizons.com/cdmatch). The free software
will also be available to consumers via magazine bundles and companion
packs in early 1996. CD MATCH's consumer awareness campaign will result
in over four million advertising impressions over the next six months,
and title publishers have committed to putting labels on hundreds of
titles in 1996.
The IMA is encouraging industry-wide adoption of its uniform
labeling practices. Title developers and publishers, retailers and
manufacturers interested in incorporating the IMA Uniform Label for
CD-ROM titles on packaging can contact IMA headquarters at 410-626-1380
for an implementation kit. This comprehensive kit features complete
label specifications, camera-ready art, electronic versions of the logo
and Uniform Label, CD MATCH software and a copy of the IMA's Recommended
Practices for CD-ROM Developers, which includes guidelines on coding
practices, such as installation and de-installation procedures for
modifications to consumer computer systems. This information is also
available through the association's Web site or by sending an e-mail
request to cdmatch@ima.org.
Organized in 1987, the IMA is the oldest, largest and most active
trade association devoted to multimedia. Its mission is to promote the
success of its member companies by working collaboratively to foster the
growth of robust multimedia markets in ways that individual companies
cannot. IMA initiatives and activities are designed to: a Bring buyers
and sellers of multimedia products together a Simplify technology for
the end user, thereby assuring buyer confidence and excitement and a
Provide information and context on legislative and market developments
affecting its member companies.
IMA member information is available from Kathy Mitchell, Director of
Member Services, 410-626-1380, the IMA FAXBack System, 410-268-2100
(from a fax handset), or by e-mail at info@ima.org or the IMA home page
on the World Wide Web, http://www.ima.org.
-------------------------------------------
The WWW Comes to Your NetWare Server. . . |
-------------------------------------------
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- December 19, 1995 -- Novell, Inc. today
announced first customer shipments of its new NetWare# Web Server, the
complete software system for NetWare 4.1 servers that brings the popular
World Wide Web (WWW) Internet technology to millions of NetWare
customers worldwide. NetWare Web Server leverages the distributed
services of NetWare, including the security and management features of
NetWare Directory Services# (NDS), to give customers a powerful, easy
way to use the Internet for both internal and external publishing.
Announced at the Internet World Expo in Boston, Mass., last October
31, NetWare Web Server was completed ahead of schedule and became
available through Authorized Novell Channel Partners December 15. "We
have experienced a tremendous response to NetWare Web Server both from
beta customers and potential new customers," said Vic Langford, vice
president and general manager of Novell's Internet Commerce Division.
"The product is rock solid, extremely fast, and fills a huge requirement
our customers have been asking for -- NetWare access to the World Wide
Web. With NetWare Web Server, we fulfill their needs."
Running on cost-efficient, powerful Intel-based hardware, NetWare
Web Server supports symmetric multiprocessing and scales to meet the
Internet publishing and access needs of businesses and workgroups of all
sizes. Businesses can easily plug NetWare Web Server into their existing
NetWare networks providing them with a simple Internet publishing server
for their network.
NetWare Web Server is a complete solution that installs
out-of-the-box on the NetWare 4.1 network operating system. No custom
development or knowledge of the UNIX# system is required. Beta customers
running NetWare Web Server report success installing and configuring a
web server, creating a Web page, and viewing it all within 10 minutes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVIEWS OF THE WEEK | Interesting software/hardware you may need . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product: Offline Express for Windows |
Reviewed By: Jim Hanoian (jim.hanoian@lunatic.com) |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Offline Xpress for Windows is an offline mail reader for use with
QWK mail packets. These packets are produced by virtually all bulletin
board systems (BBS) in operation today. Instead of calling a BBS and
spending a lot of online time reading mail in a variety of topic areas
(called conferences), you can tell the BBS to package all of the unread
mail for downloading. Once you get this QWK packet, you can disconnect
from the BBS. The offline mail reader opens the mail packet so
you can read the mail, compose replies, search for keywords in messages,
etc. When you quit the reader, it bundles up your replies in a return
(REP) packet. On your next call to the BBS, simply upload this REP
packet and download the next QWK, continuing the cycle.
There are many offline mail readers, and while they are available
for virtually every known platform, most are for DOS or Windows, and
most are either freeware or shareware. Offline Xpress for Windows from
Mustang Software is one of the only readers that is available in
commercial software stores like the one you find in your local mall.
Offline Xpress for DOS, another product from Mustang Software, also fits
this pattern, and is available with the QModem communications program.
Although I fully support shareware, many people find mainline retail
software comforting. Shortly after I received this product for review,
I found that an update had been released. Even though I had not yet
mailed in my registration card, I called the Mustang Software bulletin
board and after a short login questionnaire (including my registration
serial number), I was able to download the patch file. Touches
like this show that the product is clean, up front, and professional.
I was pretty eager to try this reader, so I tossed aside the manual
and stuck the first of two disks into drive A:, picked "File | Run",
typed A:SETUP and off it went. The installation asked a minimum of
questions, and smoothly installed itself. The patch, once I got
to it, went just as easily, boosting me from 1.00a to 1.00b.
Something that impressed me from the start was that the reader was
well planned with good implementation. The long history of producing
offline readers is evident. Start the reader, and a clean packet "open"
box is displayed. From there you can select a packet to open or perform
maintenance on your packets such as deleting or renaming them.
Offline Xpress uses sound files (WAVs) attached to certain events. When
the reader starts, for instance, a pleasant voice says "Welcome to
Offline Xpress". Double-click on a packet, and the voice says "Opening
Packet". As with most things in Offline Xpress, the user can configure
the sounds and even attach other WAVs to the events.
Clear icons are used in the toolbar, which changes as the user
enters into different areas of the program. The standard one allows a
single click access to open another packet, the In-Box (where messages
to you are stored), the Out-Box (where messages from you are stored) and
to the Address Book. This feature includes long internet address
capability and even PostLink routing (as used on the RIME network).
All messages in the In-Box and Out-Box are permanently stored in a
database by default. In the preferences area, you can modify this so
that messages get purged out of the boxes based on an individually set
number of days. Other messages can be saved in folders, as ASCII
(normal DOS) text, or printed.
Offline Xpress handles file attachments and automatically translates
UUencoded text from messages. This is a method used on some networks to
send binary code (such as pictures or small utilities) as text. Usually,
you have to be proficient with the right software to take the message
and UUdecode it back to what was sent, but with Offline Xpress a toolbar
button does all the work.
Configurability is a high point in the reader. You can use
the standard internal editor which is decent in every regard. It works
just like any other Windows product and can also be controlled using the
old WordStar command set (for those old DOSasaurs among us who are set
in their ways). The package includes a good spell checking program which
can be invoked by button or automatically during the message saving
routine. A neat little feature in the save routine allows placing the
outgoing message on "hold" instead of "send" status.
I think it is important to note that the fonts used in the message
viewing windows and in the internal editor comply with the American
"standard" for ASCII characters greater than 127. This ensures that you
will see the line-drawing characters and special symbols just like the
originator intended. The font maintains this stability even if "use
only True-Type" is checked in the Windows control panel settings.
There is a real wealth of configuration options under the menu
pull-down. Each works as you would expect. User controls include normal
text and quote color and font selection, quoting style, tagline use
(yes, you can totally suppress the taglines AND reader identification if
you'd like), sounds linked to events, function key macros, archive
utilities with command lines, packet sorting and automatic
renaming/deleting after reading is completed.
Most offline mail readers offer twit lists, which kill (or merely
mark as "already read") messages from or to people who you wish to
ignore. Offline Xpress also has a skip list where topics or keywords
get the same treatment.
Windows-based offline readers usually don't "click" for me (sorry
for the pun), probably because it doesn't make sense to use a GUI for a
text application. Offline Xpress, however, is a hit. It is friendly,
easy to use, and goes out of its way to make everything smooth. Did I
mention the help system or the manual? Both follow through with this
idea and offer clear explanations of how and why things like BBSs or
mail work the way they do, not just things about the program. Tip of my
hat to the programmers on a fine product that goes that step beyond what
is expected. Two thumbs up!
Mustang Software
http://www.mustang.com/
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Product: WinProbe 4 |
Reviewed By: Randy Gross (randy1@sundial.sundial.net) |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This was Tested ON A: 486DX2-66, 8 megs ram, Diamond stealth video
card and a creative labs CD rom with a sound blaster card.
WINProbe4 for Windows 3.1 and Windows '95 was very simple to install
and operate. Its screen is very simple to view, read and understand.
WINProbe4 status screen displays everything and more you ever want to
know about your computer.
WINProbe4 status panel lets you view the amount of free memory
available and will even optimize it for you. With this program you are
able to test your computers parts; from the key board to the cpu. It
displays the status of each item tested and tells you if it passed or
not. This program has an ini clean up feature that i thought was very
nice; it went into my Windows ini files and found unneeded ini entries
and incomplete entries, with this program I was able to easily edit or
delete them with ease.
WINProbe4 Tune-up option is nice, it gives you suggestions on making
specific system changes to help the overall performance of YOUR
computer. It also gives you regular suggestions, by that I mean that it
tells every 1 the same things like; I can increase my performance if
would install more memory, a DX 100 chip or a pentium CPU.
The one Item that I consider an excellent part of this program is
the Tune-up suggestions, my only problem with this area of the program
is that I wish it would give you more specific suggestions for your
computers performance and skip the generic ones like adding more memory
etc...
Overall, on a scale of 1-5 where 1 is the worst and 5 is the best, I
would rate WINProbe4 around a 3.5 - 4.
An nice added bonus that this program came with was a CDROM that
includes an windows '95 uninstaller, a CD troubleshooter, ini and
registry editor and Quarterdeck Mosaic.
Quarterdeck
http://www.quarterdeck.com/
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Product: Procomm Plus for Windows |
Reviewed By: Patrick Grote (patrick.grote@supportu.com) |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Procomm Plus for Windows 2.11 raises the bar on Windows
telecommunications in a way in which no one has seen before. Amazingly,
Datastorm hasn't been snapped up by some large software concern; you can
tell. The product has features and appointments that you would only see
in software crafted by a group of folks who really care.
No, I'm not describing heart surgeons or emergency room nurses here.
The folks at Datastorm have been wizards at making rock solid
technology, but they have always been a little bit behind in the
appointment side of the room. You know, if the old versions of Procomm
were girls you would say they had nice personalities.
PPW2.11 is a remake of their first stab at a "Windows" version. Even
though they say it is an update, it is really a remarkable improvement.
The screens are designed with the user in mind with most all the
selections being a click away. Say you want to dial a number. No need to
open the phone directory -- just quick pick from the list on the main
screen. Same with scripts. Heck, it is so user friendly there is even a
tip of the day!
The interface sizzles. Whereas older Windows interfaces were
kludges, this baby is hot! The icons for the different features are
large enough to actually tell what they mean, but not so large as to
where they cut into your terminal window. Terminal type, protocol and
modem connection are shown on the bottom of the screen. These aren't
static informational only boxes, you can actually click on them and
change their configuration. For instance, you contacted a BBS that
doesn't support Zmodem. To change pr otocols, just click on the Zmodem on
the bottom of the screen and change to Kermit. Same with terminal type
and modem connection. No wading through menus and dialog boxes you could
care less about. Boom! You are there!
Installation is even a snap as well! Procomm recognizes and tests
over 900 modems on any COM port your machine supports. You can even use
modems over your network!
As this is an update, the folks at Datastorm have done a wonderful
job of adding features. The hottest feature you'll recognize right off
the bat is the integration of telnet and FTP functionality into Procomm.
The telnet feature is super for telnetting into BBSs across the
country and downloading via Zmodem, which isn't available with most
telnet programs! The best feature concerning telnet is its ability to be
configured with in your dialing directory. Instead of inputting a phone
number for a BBS you would simply put in the internet address. Like to
call abc.com? Just put it in and you are off! Procomm Plus bring telnet
so much more functionality now that it is part of the package. Scripts
and other feature un fine with the telnet feature enabled.
FTP takes over when you need to crunch files down from a true FTP
site. The implementation inside Procomm Plus for Windows works well, but
isn't perfect. I received a few WINSOCK errors while transferring files
from mainly WindowsNT FTP servers. The problems manifested themselves in
transfers that would start then stop.
Another aspect of Procomm Plus for Windows that has been spiffied up
is the support for fax cards. Procomm Plus supports the popular Class1
and Class2 fax modems in addition to SendFax. Unfortunately, all the
users out there with Intel Satisfaction modems will be disappointed to
see that CAS modems are not supported.
Datastorm did a super job of integrating fax features into the
program. Rather than felling disconnected and segmented, the program
actually feels fluid. This extends to the external programs such as the
fax cover page designer and fax viewer.
Oh, another note about faxing. Procomm Plus supports drag and drop
for faxing as well. This is a great time-saver that allows you to drag a
file from File Manager and drop it onto Procomm for sending.
Procomm Plus just keeps surprising you was you get more and more
into its features. Rather than including a script for logging onto
CompuServe and exiting, you get a fully functional script collection
that logs you in, transfers files and even allows off-line mail
management. Geesh!
Speaking of the scripting language, Aspect, the latest version is
backwards compatible and now supports global and local arrays. It even
converts old Aspect files on the fly.
Procomm doesn't stop communicating in terms of modems, but it even
supports the popular MAPI email format. This means that you can forward
text, graphics and files to others on your local area network from
within Procomm Plus.
The only other Gee Whiz feature I could find was something called
WinLink. An Aspect script that you have to run on two machines, WinLink
allows you to transfer files from one machine to another using a modem
or even a simple cable. The whole script is well written with dialog
boxes and pick and choose lists. It's easy to use and very configurable!
The Datastorm team also upgraded a bunch of features including host
mode's ability to fax documents to callers (a mini faxback system),
support for Caller ID and ability to rapid dial a group of systems.
Procomm has done an outstanding job of bring communication power to
Windows 3.x. Let's hope Datastorm can remain independent and continue to
bring us innovative software!
Procomm Plus for Windows 2.11
Datastorm
2401 Lemone Blvd.
POB 1471
Columbia, MO 65205
(314) 443-3282
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEBSITES OF THE WEEK! | This section is devoted to cool WebSites . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Women on the Web . . . |
------------------------
Phoenix, AZ -Lone Wolf Web Design announced today the new
International Directory of Women Web Designers, a World Wide Web site
dedicated to web design companies and related Internet consulting firms
that are owned and operated by women.
The Directory contains businesses who specialize in Web page design,
graphics, Web server set-up and maintenance, Internet training,
marketing, and consulting. Companies are broken down geographically to
help users find a consultant or designer in his or her area. Hyperlinks
to company sites and contact information about the company are included
in every listing.
"There is a rapidly growing sector of woman-owned Web Design
businesses, and I thought it would be great to have a 'one-stop shop'
for people who are looking for a firm to help them establish or improve
their Internet presence," said Shauna Doughty, the creator and
maintainer of the directory. "The issue of what roles women will play in
the future of the Internet, both socially and economically, is very
significant. The Women Web Designers Directory proves that women around
the world and their businesses are making admirable progress in what
formerly was a very male-dominated Universe."
Doughty's company, Lone Wolf Web Design, is a premier provider of
Web design and Internet consulting. The company offers web page design,
graphics, consulting, and marketing research to companies who need
assistance in establishing an economical site on the World Wide Web.
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the firm also offers training for groups
and individuals in various Internet subjects, including set-up and
installation of Internet software and efficient use of the many Internet
applications.
Contact Shauna at shauna@primenet.com or
http://www.primenet.com/~shauna.
----------------------------------
Novell's Web Site Explodes . . . |
----------------------------------
OREM, Utah -- Jan. 8, 1996 -- Responding to customer demand now
averaging 250,000 hits per day, Novell today announced increased
capacity and performance for its NetWire technical information service
on the World Wide Web. NetWire, including easily searchable online
databases and libraries of downloadable files, provides online access to
technical information from Novell through remote access 24 hours-a-day.
"Our NetWire web site delivers the most up-to-date technical support
information to thousands of customers and partners each day," said
Michael Bishop, director of Electronic Support for Novell Technical
Services. "Following new hardware and network upgrades, Novell can now
provide millions of customers with reliable access on a daily basis."
Novell has upgraded the NetWire site's central server processors, I/O
subsystem, and T1 connections to improve throughput and ensure fast
response times for a rapidly expanding community of users. Following the
upgrades, the site is now handling 25 percent more hits per business
day, and compared to one year ago, Internet access of NetWire has
increased more than 600 percent.
Novell has created two "Top 20" lists on NetWire on the Internet.
These lists provide customers with the top 20 Technical Information
Documents (TIDs) and top 20 downloadable files based on customer access.
Automatically updated according to customer usage, the "Top 20" lists
represent the most common technical solutions delivered to on-line
customers by Novell.
Customers can visit NetWire at the following locations:
* CompuServe Go NETWIRE
* Internet http://netwire.novell.com
ftp://ftp.novell.com
gopher://gopher.novell.com
* MSN# Go NETWIRE
* SpaceWorks# call 1-800-577-2235
Technical information can also be found on the company's CD-ROM
knowledge base product, the Network Support Encyclopedia# Professional
Volume (NSEPro#). The NSEPro is updated each month and includes
downloadable files, patches and drivers, Technical Information
Documents, and product documentation for NetWare, UnixWare, Groupware
and Personal Productivity products. Novell recently announced new
pricing and licensing options for the NSEPro: single-user licenses are
available for $495 per year, site licenses are $995 per year. CNEs are
eligible for discounts.
Novell's electronic technical support offering provides Novell's
service partners, large accounts, customers and technical support
engineers with access to comprehensive technical information on Novell
products, anytime, anyplace. Novell is establishing the electronic
support programs and delivery vehicles required to provide technical
assistance to a billion users worldwide by the year 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COOL FTP FILE OF THE WEEK | You may need this file . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A MUSICAL TUTORIAL v1.2 <ASP> - An excellent way to promote and
encourage musical study using a graphically oriented environment. Treble
/ Bass note & chord sight reading. Associate notes to piano keys. Chord
dict. Musical games. Play, view and print scales, chords, and broken
chords. User log. Play classics. Print sight reading test papers. Key
signatures, Etc. Makes music lessons fun for children or adults. VGA
required.
You can find this as MTDOS12.ZIP on the following FTP site:
ftp.crl.com/users/su/supportu/mtdos12.zip
------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK | Interesting people you should know about . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Web Rambler, Ray Hines, Editor|
-------------------------------
-> RAYNOTE: After reading my review of InfoMagnet in the previous
issue of CompuNotes, an alert reader, Copper, kindly informed me
that InfoMagnet version 2.0 (due out next month) will support
Majordomo and ListProc mailing lists in addition to the standard
ListServ format. He also said that folks that register InfoMagnet
are entitled to free upgrades unto infinity.
Got any web sites you'd like me to review? Email the URLs with a
description to me at solari@gate.net. Thanks!
----
Book Review: Creating Cool Web Pages with HTML, by Dave Taylor.
Here's YABATI, "Yet Another Book About the Internet!" This one's
for newbies that are interested in creating "cool" web pages with HTML
for their fun pleasure or business ambitions.
"Creating Cool Web Pages with HTML" is attractively designed to
catch your eye on the bookshelves and comes with a free Windows web
browser that I've never heard of on a floppy disk. You'll be better off
using your favorite web browser, however.
The book is supposedly geared to all levels of intelligence, ranging
from the newbie to the advanced user. I'd peg it just above the newbie
level since it's impossible to be an end-all-be-all in just 247 pages to
all of Internet HTML'ing society.
It's easy to understand and use, in large part thanks to Dave
Taylor's light hearted conversational writing style. What's especially
useful are the various tips and notes scattered throughout the book,
pointing out many important facts that are instrumental in designing a
well thought-out web page.
Most chapters in the book cover everything to do with HTML
publishing, from the basic linking stuff all the way up to using
imagemaps, video, audio, forms, and specific Netscape extensions.
I appreciated the many references to actual sites on the Internet
for examples as it helped illustrate many of the points the book
attempts to make. There's no "practice" sections in the book, so I
suspect you'll be referring to those example sites on the Internet
frequently while reading the book.
Dave just doesn't stop at teaching you how to create nifty web
pages, though; he also shows you how to register and announce your new
web site to the various indexing services on the internet.
There's also a useful HTML Reference appendix in the back of the
book for fast and easy referencing.
As some of you may have noticed, in your local bookstore there's
been a virtual avalanche of books on how to create HTML documents for
the World Wide Web. This is mostly good since it means the Internet is
getting the recognition it deserves, and you have a wider variety of
books to choose from. The negative is that you are going to run across
some books that were written merely so the publisher could make a fast
buck, or were rushed to the printer too quickly to be considered
complete.
In the case of "Creating Cool Web Pages with HTML," I am not sure
which category it would fall under. The author, Dave Taylor, is highly
qualified to write about the Internet since he is been on it since 1980,
has written several programs for the Internet (such as the Elm Mail
System) and has developed several internet sites (The Internet Mall) and
so on. Even Scott Yanoff (famous for his Internet Services List, aka
Yanoff's List) wrote the introduction to the book, giving it his seal of
approval.
I think it's the editors of "Creating Cool Web Pages with HTML"
that failed in their duty to make sure the book was ready for printing.
We stumbled upon errors in the book that should have been snagged by
even a novice editor. To top it off, the software included with the
book wasn't working too well.
To wit: There are many references to WinWeb at the beginning of the
book, but there's nothing telling us how to install the program from the
included floppy. It just assumes that you found the disk, explored it,
and installed the program yourself without any instructions.
WinWeb wasn't worth hassling with anyway. Several examples in the
book (using screen shots from WinWeb) showed us how some HTML code
should look but it didn't match our actual WinWeb screens, especially
when using certain fonts.
The sample web pages included on the disk were useful, but they
didn't follow the book completely, leaving us to find our way ourselves
at times.
Finally, some of the examples given to us to try out didn't always
match the results we were told to expect. It's slightly annoying
because the book tells us to always check our web pages with all sorts
of browsers to make sure they come out correctly and yet it seems they
didn't follow their own advice.
--END OF ISSUE--