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|-------------------------- Acorn News Service --------------------------|
| http://www.acornusers.org/ans/ |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| The Acorn News Service is an independent service. |
| It is in no way connected with, or supported by Acorn Group PLC. |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ISSUE 33 17 May 1999 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| To send in your news items or comments, use the ANS website, |
| or e-mail them to ans@acornusers.org. |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Featured site: http://www.acornarcade.com/features/misc/wakefield99/ |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Contents
--------
1) Editorial
2) General News
3) Commercial News
4) PD/Shareware News
5) Club News
6) ANS information
Editorial
---------
The Wakefield show has come and gone, and although there are some major
new products in the pipeline, we have to wait a little longer for the new
hardware and OS.
Acorn Arcade has an excellent summary of the major items that were on show
at Wakefield, especially useful if, like me, you could not attend. Read it
at <http://www.acornarcade.com/features/misc/wakefield99/>, and also view
screen shots of RISC OS 4 and Cerilica Vantage.
Also remember that you can forward a copy of ANS to anyone you know might
be interested in receiving the newsletter. Details of how to subscribe
appear below, and on our web site at <http://www.acornusers.org/ans/>.
James Sears, Editor.
james@acornusers.org
General News
------------
1) Kosovo CD and charity site
Paul Johnson and Dave Clare have put together an Acorn software CD, which
is being sold to raise money to help Kosovan refugees.
The CD includes past Archimedes World cover disks and the contents of the
only ArcWorld CD, Acorn Clan disks, commercial demos, PD / Freeware /
Shareware, games, and graphics, as well as full versions of the commercial
programs Rhapsody 2, AudioWorks, MacFSLight, and Compression.
The CD was available at Wakefield, and can still be bought by mail order
from Acorn User, APDL, Archive, Clares, and Paul Johnson himself. The CD
costs just GBP6.25 including postage.
For details see the Kosovo Appeal section of Acorn Charity Site, hosted
on acornusers.org at <http://www.acornusers.org/charitysite/Kosovo/>.
2) Reminder: ANS/ADL have moved, newsletter now available in German
Just a quick reminder that a German version of ANS is now available, and
that the ANS and ADL mailing lists have moved. To subscribe to the mailing
lists, send any e-mail to:
ans-subscribe@ans.acornusers.org for the original English ANS,
ansde-subscribe@ans.acornusers.org for the German version of ANS,
adl-subscribe@ans.acornusers.org for the Acorn Discussion List.
Alternatively the ANS web site <http://www.acornusers.org/ans/> includes
information on ANS and ADL, as well as easy to use web forms to join or
leave any ANS mailing list.
3) New Acorn information web site
Rob Brook has set up a new Acorn related web site, which features pictures
and information on the Acorn range of machines, and soon also a beginners
guide to using Acorns.
<http://welcome.to/benbrook/> (<http://www.maxi-web.net/benbrook/>).
Commercial News
---------------
1) Generation Design
Generation Design's new web site <http://www.gendes.freeserve.co.uk/> is
now online, and features information on their range of retro style budget
games for all Acorn machines.
2) New TopModel resources
TopModel CD Collection 3 and the TopBones plug-in have been launched at
the Wakefield show. Details of these new TopModel resources are available
on the web at <http://pages.inrete.it/sincronia/topmodel/>.
TopBones adds the ability to insert bones and skeletons in models and to
manage them. TopBones greatly enhances the positioning of models, and can
be automatically used by the animation suite, TopMotion.
The TopModel CDROM 3 features hundreds of models and textures, which can
be used to enhance your work, from web pages to program interfaces. Thanks
to TopViewer you do not even need TopModel to view and rotate your models,
saving stunning 3D images directly to the disc.
3) CDFSFiler available from PEP Associates
PEP Associates has announced the availability of its latest product,
CDFSFiler, a drop-in replacement for Acorn's CDFSFiler. Features include:
* Sophisticated audio disc player with audio disc database, track title
editor and playlist editor.
* Cache technology to enhance the data retrieval performance of your
CD-ROM drive.
* Support for Acorn's ShareFS.
* Support for PEP Associates' VirtuaCD and CD-Net products.
The basic product is FREE of charge and can be downloaded from PEP
Associates' web site <http://www.pep-assoc.co.uk/Products/CDFSFiler/>.
The audio database functionality and the CD-ROM cache technology are
available as optional extras to the basic product for just GBP9.95 each
(ie GBP18.90 for both features). 30-day evaluation licences for the
features are available upon request from the download page on the web
site.
4) New EasiWriter/TechWriter Pro+ at Wakefield
EasiWriter and TechWriter Pro+ have been released at the Wakefield show.
New features include:
* Support for Acorn's plug-in protocol to allow Java Applets to be run
inside an EasiWriter/TechWriter document.
* Support for animated GIFs and Animator files.
* Over 100 new user defined keyboard shortcuts.
* TechWriter exports equations at 300/360 dpi when saving as MS Word.
* Graphics can be inserted left or right of multiple lines of text.
For details see Icon Technology at <http://www.icontechnology.net/>.
[RFC1591]
5) iSV Products launch new DrawWorks at Wakefield
iSV Products has launched DrawWorks Millennium at the Wakefield show.
Supplied on CD, this product includes:
* DrawWorks Millennium with bitmap support, WMF import, and
EPS import and export.
* Over 1000 example clips.
* A complete copy of Professional Typography 2100.
* A new version of Mr Clippy with nested groups, WMF support etc.
* New Dr Fonty that can export Type1 fonts.
* ViVID graphics enhancers for all non-RiscPC computers.
DrawWorks Millennium has an RRP of GBP60 (plus carriage). Upgrades are
available for GBP30 on receipt of either an upgrade form, or the master
disk from DrawWorks Designer, Mr Clippy or Dr Fonty.
More details on DrawWorks Millennium will appear on the iSV Products web
site <http://members.aol.com/isvProduct/>.
6) BJC2000 driver from Spacetech
Spacetech's continued development of PhotoReal and plain paper drivers for
Canon printers, has produced an entirely new driver for the BJC2000 budget
printer.
Similar to the BJC7x00 drivers, the new driver provides additional
functions available on the Microsoft Windows driver, within the RISC OS
environment. For the first time in the budget printer range, dot
modulation is supported, which provides an alternative technology to 6
colour printing used in more expensive printers.
Chris Hornby of Spacetech said, "We have taken a bit of stick in the past
about RISC OS drivers not being up to the standard of the [MS] Windows
equivalent. At least now, our driver has the same bells and whistles and
even though judgement of output quality is very subjective, many people
who have seen our results say that the output quality is at least as
good."
Spacetech's web site is at <http://www.spacetech.co.uk/>.
7) New R-Comp Interactive (RCI) products at Wakefield
* Final Doom for RISC OS
GT Interactive Software's "Final Doom" contains two complete 32 level
iWADs (ie new games, Plutonia and TNT) for Doom. Final Doom levels can
be played from CD, and with Doom+'s Cached startup, even a slow CD can
give good performance.
In addition to the CD and a RISC OS installation disc, the Acorn pack
includes a detailed manual with background and storyline, an extensive
FAQ with hints, tips, cheats and solutions.
The levels are notably tougher than those of Ultimate Doom or Doom 2,
include far more textures and graphics, and are suitable for both single
player and network games.
You will need Acorn Doom or Doom+ to run Final Doom. Final Doom alone
costs GBP15 including VAT. <http://www.rcomp.co.uk/>
* New Heretic and Doom+ releases
A Heretic update is available which fixes several problems users have
encountered after extended play, and also adds (bi)linear filtering of
floors as well as walls.
The Doom+ update is far more extensive, and includes many fixes and
additions. R-Comp's web site is at <http://www.rcomp.co.uk/>.
* Anthem MIDI Sequencer
Anthem is a sophisticated new MIDI sequencing tool, working on the
concept of musical "phrases". Once a phrase has been created, it can be
played back on any instrument with different pan, reverb, transposition,
and other effects. This is especially useful for building up repeated
drum tracks, or repeating melodies on different instruments.
Anthem allows for MIDI recording/play via many different instruments,
although it will still work on a machine with no MIDI present!
Anthem comes complete with a 120 page spiral bound manual with index,
glossary and tutorial, and costs GBP70 inc VAT. For details visit RCI's
web site <http://www.rcomp.co.uk/>.
* Messenger Pro email/news client
Messenger Pro is the next generation of the popular Messenger email
tool, as supplied with various freeware Internet solutions, and extends
the product in almost every area.
The software works with all major Internet suites, including ANT,
Voyager, and Termite. It also support the standard transports supplied
with Pop, Popstar, Newshound, Freenews, FreSMTP and others.
The software includes spell checking facilities (UK English supplied,
others available), and will link into Jonathan Duddington's Speak for
speech output, too.
The standard edition of Messenger Pro is GBP30, and the site licence
edition is GBP100. Messenger Pro will work on any version 3.1 or higher,
and has been tested thoroughly on RISC OS 4 for several months. Details
at <http://www.rcomp.co.uk/>.
8) New emulators from Warm Silence Software
* 6502Em - BBC emulator
6502Em v3.00, a major new version of the BBC emulator for RISC OS, was
launched at Wakefield. New features include better handling of split
screen modes, scrolling, interrupts and timing. Many games now run
better. Requirements: RISC OS 3.1 or above, 768KB wimpslot, ARM3 or
or better recommended (StrongARM compatible).
* Z80Em - Spectrum emulator
Z80Em v3.00, a major new version of the Spectrum emulator for RISC OS,
was launched at Wakefield. New features include a multitasking option,
increased compatibility, 16bit sound support for Risc PCs, and support
for SLT format. Requirements: RISC OS 3.1 or above, 384KB wimpslot,
ARM3 or better recommended (StrongARM compatible).
6502Em and Z80Em v3.00 are available for GBP17.63 inc VAT and P&P, each.
Discounts are available for upgrades. Contact info@wss.co.uk or visit
<http://www.wss.co.uk/>.
9) "Red Hot" file transfer
Stuart Tyrrell Developments are pleased to announce the availability of
their ParaFS disc sharing software.
ParaFS, developed by Soft Option and distributed and supported by Stuart
Tyrrell Developments, allows for fast, transparent sharing of all current
filing systems between all RISC OS machines fitted with "new style"
parallel ports (including Acorn A5000, A30x0, A4000, A7000/+ and RiscPC
machines).
Tests show file transfer speeds in excess of 100KB/sec with a variety of
machines, sharing hard and floppy discs, RAM discs, CD drives and others.
This is approximately ten times faster than the highest speed of the
RiscPC serial port, and over 50 times faster than the highest speed
supported by RISC OS on A5000/A30x0 machines.
ParaFS appears as a true filing system, and does not require the use of
any specialised front-end software. Directories appear as if they are
local to the machine, eg a shared directory "ADFS::Harddisc4.$.fred" could
appear as "ParaFS::Remote.$.fred". In common with other filing systems,
ParaFS works both inside and outside the desktop environment.
ParaFS is available from Stuart Tyrrell Developments for GBP22.95, or
GBP29.95 including an appropriate cable. <http://www.stdevel.demon.co.uk/>
10) Internal modem for RiscPC
Clares Micro Supplies <http://www.claresmicro.com/> are now supplying a
range of Internet connection options, including:
* Internal modem
Internal modem with pre connection to Freeserve, GBP99.
* External modem
External 56k V90 modem from 3Com/USR with pre connection to Freeserve
costs GBP149, and is ideal for anyone who has no free podule slots or
with an A7000.
* External ISDN
External Terminal Adapter for ISDN connection with pre connection to
Freeserve costs GBP199. You have the option of using BT's current low
cost installation at GBP49.
All options come with pre registration on Freeserve and CD containing all
required software. All items available now, contact Clares Micro Supplies
on +44 (0)1606 833999 or email sales@claresmicro.com.
PD/Shareware News
-----------------
1) Infestation v3.33
Version 3.33 of Infestation, a freeware game, is now available from
<http://www.stubbs11.freeserve.co.uk/david/infest.htm>
This new version includes a new look front end, extra sound effects, game
improvements, increased accuracy, and some fixes. A new version of the
Level Editor to cope with the changes and additions is also available from
the site.
2) ASM 4.00 beta 2
An update of version 4.00 of ASM (4.00B-2), a freeware ARM assembler, is
now available from <http://www.argonet.co.uk/users/tigger/programs/>.
This version corrects a bug in 4.00B-1 related to structure field names.
3) DFI demo K2 source code released
The complete source code to Paul Thomson's latest demo, K2, is available
to download from: <http://www.dcs.ed.ac.uk/~pat/dfi/dfi_code/k2_src.zip>.
All routines/graphics may be freely used in anything you please.
4) Fixed version of Multi-ISP now available
A bug fixed version of Multi-ISP, which allows switching of up to four
ISPs using the ANT Internet Suite, is now available. To download v0.58b
from <http://www.richie.ukgateway.net/pages/misc.html>.
5) FreeMem 1.13 now available
Version 1.13 of Liquid Silicon's popular FreeMem utility is now available
from <http://www.cybervillage.co.uk/acorn/liquid/download/>. This version
fixes problems some people have had with their desktop font being trashed.
6) Attacher 1.03 released
Attacher is the ultimate desktop uu/base64 coder and decoder for RISC OS.
V1.03 is now online at <http://www.bramber.demon.co.uk/john/soft.html>.
Changes from 1.02 are mostly bug fixes, details on the web site.
7) aICQ 0.16 uploaded
AcornICQ v0.16 is now available. It has a lot of bug fixes and new
options, but still no chat. Details of changes, and link to the archive,
at <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Hills/5544/>.
8) Scientific calculator for the CLI
A floating-point calculator suitable for use on the CLI or from the
Desktop in a taskwindow, written in C, is now available from
<http://home.freeuk.net/guy.griffin/downld.htm>.
It pretty much duplicates (with some additions) the functionality of a
graphics calculator's expression evaluation, ie: functions, operands,
suffixes, big floating point numbers, nested brackets, absolute-value
brackets, variables, constants, and other stuff.
Club News
---------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Brought to you with The Association of Acorn User Groups*
The AAUG website provides details of all the user groups worldwide, and
how you can benefit from becoming a member. For more information, visit:
http://www.argonet.co.uk/scs/AAUG/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) May/June meeting dates
The following user group meetings are planned for May/June. Always check
the AAUG web site <http://www.argonet.co.uk/scs/AAUG/> to confirm details.
May 1999
========
25th - Acorn Club NorthEast meeting
25th - Blackpool meeting
26th - Bristol Acorn User Group meeting
June 1999
=========
2nd - Wakefield meeting - Cerilica Vantage
3rd - SARC meeting - TBA
8th - Bottisham Acorn Usergroup meeting
8th - Liverpool Acorn Usergroup meeting
8th - Essex Acorn Usergroup meeting
10th - North Kent Computer Club meeting
11th - Welwyn Hatfield meeting
14th - DARC meeting - Weather Imaging
14th - Southampton meeting
14th - SASAUG meeting
25th - Blackpool meeting
29th - Acorn Club NorthEast meeting
30th - Bristol Acorn User Group meeting
2) AAUG launched new domain
The Association of Acorn User Groups (AAUG) has announced AAUG.net, the
new domain name for the Association and usergroups worldwide.
AAUG.net will provide a simple way of contacting any of the worldwide
Acorn usergroups, and the Association itself.
A new AAUG website will be launched at <http://www.aaug.net/>. Also every
Acorn usergroup will be able to be contacted through the domain in the
form: mailto:clubname@aaug.net, web site: <http://www.aaug.net/clubname/>.
[RFC1591]
ANS Information
---------------
1) Contact ANS
Editor - James Sears - james@ans.acornusers.org
Webmaster - Stephen Courtney - stephen@ans.acornusers.org
Founder - Eytan Abrahams - eytan@ans.acornusers.org
Life-Webmaster - Richard Hesketh - richard@ans.acornusers.org
ADL Moderator - Paul Johnson - paul@ans.acornusers.org
Translator - Michael Gerbracht - michael@ans.acornusers.org
2) How to send in news
To send in your news items simply e-mail ans@acornusers.org, or use the
form on the ANS website <http://www.acornusers.org/ans/newsdesk.html>.
Also if you have an Acorn related announcements mailing list, feel free
to subscribe ans@acornusers.org.
3) How to subscribe to ANS
If you are reading this on the ANS web site, or have received a forwarded
copy of ANS and would like to subscribe to the mailing list, simply send
any e-mail to ans-subscribe@ans.acornusers.org. Alternatively use the form
on the ANS web site at <http://www.acornusers.org/ans/subscribe.html>.
For details of other commands e-mail ans-help@ans.acornusers.org.
4) Fetching web pages via e-mail
If you do not have web access you can fetch any URL referenced in ANS by
using the KFS web by e-mail service. To use this free service send an
e-mail to www@kfs.org with the subject header "send <URL>". For example to
fetch the web by e-mail service information page send an e-mail like this:
From: youraddress@example.com
To: www@kfs.org
Subject: send http://www.kfs.org/web-by-mail.html
------------ Acorn News Service, http://www.acornusers.org/ans/ ------------