Ian & Stuart's Australian Mac: Not for Sale/Another.not.for.sale (Australia).iso/hold me in your arms/Michael Ney's Cyberculture/Cyberculture/Cyberlink Zine - Shadowrun

Text File | 1994-09-02 | 17KB | 379 lines

Topic 253       Cyberlink Zine - Shadowrun
peg:visionary   cyberculture zone       10:56 PM  Nov  9, 1993


CYBERLINK 1.1 - zine for macfolk (370 iines)

Submit to:

AOL - Shadowrun
Internet - [e-mail]
Compuserve - 72303,1270


A Brief INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our second issue!

It's been a while in the making, but has undoubtedly been worth it. It
is of great import to note that, had not so much positive (and critical)
response been pumped in by our readers, this issue could never have been
assembled.

Many of you contributed your time and data to this issue; some agreed to
join our staff. In particular, a very hearty thanks to Midnight, whose
tremendous contributions make Wetwares and IC worth reading, and to
Infinity for this issue's insightful essay!

Any and all submissions are welcome; if you've already made them and
they didn't appear, E-Mail me about them (our BBS lost most of it's data
during a rather nasty crash; many E-Mail addresses and submissions were
lost). If you have yet to contribute, give it a shot!  Opinions to data
releases, essays to columns, send it in and you'll know it's been read
(you'll know because one of our staffers will write you back).

As you already know, Cyberlink is pretty much a technology journal for
Mac users. It assumes a basic understanding of your computer and a
modern OS (7.0.1* or above). An active interest in computers helps.

We're willing to publish just about anything of concern to the digital
generation we strive to serve, which brings us to this intro's last
point: Cyberlink can't very well exist without reader response, so put
your thoughts to the keyboard, and keep 'em coming!

Please address your E-Mail to:

America Online:  Shadowrun
Compuserve: 72303,1270
Internet: [e-mail]


A Letter from
THE EDITOR


Hype. Everywhere you look, someone is trying to win over your allegiance
as a customer. The mass-media furnace that burns your senses every
waking hour, impinging its shimmering-neon message upon your personal
space seems inescapable. As I say, everywhere you look: billboards,
commercials, radio spots, advertisements, promotions, INFOMERCIALS.

Hype.

The curse of a world where almost everything is available on a global
scale is the dispersal of advertising to every corner of human
existence. It's "a superficial, valueless veneer, with corruption and
moral sclerosis at its heart" (So sayeth Sabaac). But is it really?
We've all heard the tirades against mass-media, but what is the
alternative?

Well, we live in a digital world. For the first time in human history,
there exists a global community. It is linked not by geography or
government (and certainly not by the inneffectual U.N. peacekeepers),
but by information. CNN is everywhere, broadcasting live from Somalia,
Moscow, Baghdad, and anywhere else they feel like, fusing their footage
into bite-sized data packets for anyone who cares to hear. CNN is a
global network... they address hundreds of millions of people every day.
Information is what has brought our world together: a document can be
faxed from New York to Moscow in about 45 seconds, as opposed to a three
month voyage by land and sea (circa 1740 A.D.).

The pettiest warlord can get his fifteen minutes in the spotlight, and
every single newsworthy event is broadcast somewhere (unless someone
with enough power needs to cover it up... a story for a different
journal). When L.A. police descended on one Rodney King, the video
footage was broadcast globally of an assault that would otherwise be
privy to the dozen or so men who experienced it. When the latest coup
d'etat attempt was launched in Moscow, live footage proudly displayed
the shelling of the Russian parliament building, and the ensuing flames.
When Patriots shot down S.C.U.D.s and "smart" bombs rang doorbells
before ravaging their targets, we were all, vicariously, there.

Is it, then, so surprising that the degree of desensitization is immense
enough that we find ourselves immune to all but the most eye-catching
advertisements?  After witnessing, essentially first-hand, the bloodshed
and misery of war in distant corners of our world, how can we possible
be offended by the smiling, swimsuit-clad meat that assails us in every
other ad, urging us, the masses, to buy, buy, BUY?  Ours is a less naive
world than it once was, a realm where innocence is so rare that it is
often mislabeled "ignorance". Human evolution offers us increasingly
greater degrees of pro and con... the mass-media information age can in
theory destroy the soul (no doubt in practice as well), but it also
offers us the most real chance for peace and cooperation. In a world
graced by enough thermonuclear weapons to reduce itself to a
handball-sized rock, it is essential to also have the power of instant
communication, the power to avert misunderstanding before it germinates
into something more. Our eyes would all rest easier without the regular
assault of neon lights, but without a "red phone" in every chief
executive's office, we'd all be cosmic charcoal by now.

Happy Hallowe'en.

Sincerely Yours,

Shadowrun

_______________________________________________________________________

Infinity Offers

AN ESSAY

These days, hackers seem to be all over the news, but most of us find it
difficult to actually define the term "hacker". I will try my best to
answer that question in this essay. So, you want to know what the word
means? Let's hit the dictionary:

Webster's Third New International Dictionary:

hacker \'haker\ n -s [hack + er (n. suffix)] 1 : one that hacks: as a :
a hand implement or hooked fork for grubbing out roots b : one that
handles green brick in ceramics manufacturing c : chipper 2 : one who is
inexperienced or unskilled in a sport

Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Addenda:

hacker \'haker\ n [hack skillful repair of a computer program + -er]: an
expert at programming and solving problems with a computer : computer
whiz; also : one who illegally gains access to and sometimes tampers
with information in a computer system esp. using a home computer

So what exactly is a hacker?  Before we can get into the subject of
hacking, we have to know what we mean by a Rhacker.S  Well, I have my
little definition of it (solely my own opinion), but first I'd like to
categorize all the different types of computer users.

A dichotomy follows:

Computer Illiterate:  Well, that just about says it all. Don't know how
to use a computer?  You're illiterate.

Computer Literate:  This term covers all those who know the basics of
their operating system, and a couple of applications, usually not much
else. In most cases, mere computer literates don't own a computer.

Regular User:  This would include those who are proficient with most of
the functions of their operating system and applications, and use their
computer every day. Most own their own computer, or can readily access
one (i.e., an office computer). Regular users view computers as
productivity or entertainment tools. They treat them like super
typewriters or ultra video game systems. In short, regular users use
their computers merely to accomplish tasks or entertain themselves.

Power User:  As mentioned in Cyberlink 1.0, this refers to those who are
always lusting after powerful pieces of equipment, and spend as much as
they can just to get some outrageously expensive pile of silicon they
have no use for. Don't get me wrong Q power users do have common sense;
they won't merrily skip their mortgage payments just to pick up a Quadra
(at least I hope not...).

Hackers:  Hackers use the limited resources at their disposal. Face it,
not everyone can afford a Cray. They get whatever they can and then use
knowledge to spruce it up. Hackers customize with every extension they
can afford (and have RAM for), and in general, hack their computers
until it's the way they want it. What would you rather have: a small
house furnished the way you want, filled with stuff you like, or a bare,
empty mansion?  Hackers enjoy dissecting their software with any
diddling utilities they may have.

That's pretty much the ladder of computer competence. In short, hacking
is about information. Throughout history, we have periods like the Stone
Age or the Iron Age, and so on. What would the late 1900's be called a
thousand years from now? A couple good ones would be the Plastic Age,
the Silicon Age, or the Pollution Age. But the most likely name would be
the Information Age:

* A computer is used to exchange information (by modem or the printed
page). * A computer is used to store and retrieve information. * A
computer is used to process information.

Early civilization was based on the ability to exchange information.
Communications remained more or less the same. Telecommunications,
however, changed everything. And in the midst of it all are computers.
Communication has changed forever. It's not merely the substance of what
is being communicated; the means of its communication is what has
affected us so deeply. What does instant access and total information do
to a culture?

In the midst of it all, you'll find people hacking at the answer to that
question.

_______________________________________________________________________

WETWARES

* Corpwares

You knew it was coming... Now, it's here. System 7 Pro is more an
integration than an innovation; it combines three technologies
(PowerTalk, AppleScript, and Quicktime) in an operating system package
consisting of a marginally improved MacOS 7.1. It's a nice system
upgrade, but at the current list price of $150, I won't be rushing out
to acquire it anytime soon. On the bright side, those sweet folks at
Apple are offering a $50 upgrade to those of you who purchased System
7.1 beween August and now... That's right, obsolescence protection from
Apple Computer. I know that it's another piece of Apple's new public
relations theory ("the customer might actually matter..."), I understand
that it's a low-cost ploy and will help precious few buyers, but I am
nonetheless impressed that Spindler has actually affected real changes.

* Firmwares

The Newton has been spared an early death, saved by the myriad
applications being churned out for the MessagePad by developers all over
the world. These apps come on flashcards (those credit-card sized chips)
and just plug in. Very neatly engineered, they promise to provide Newton
with a purpose other than novelty. Some of the programs, particularly
some of the business ones, are downright innovative. Combined with the
upcoming Telecom capability, this could become the corporate desk toy of
the '90s. Bated breath, chummers...

_______________________________________________________________________

IC

* PowerPC

I was dumbfounded. For the first time since the Mac IIfx, Apple's hype
department had a basis for their superb advertising... The PowerPC
technology is not only real and functional, but is in the middle stages
of innovative implementation!  The PowerPC engine will run existing Mac
software a bit faster than the 68040, but will run programs designed to
take advantage of the RISC architechture at truly stellar speeds. It
will be available in new computers (built around the AV Mac integration
principle) and will also be shipped on NuBus boards to supercharge the
existing Macs. Once more, it is important to note that, like the DSP
chip, the only appreciable acceleration will be seen with programs
written specifically to access the RISC processes, but PowerPC will
still be able to run all your old 'wares at speeds of around 150% that
of the Quadra 800. Hold onto your cash, kids, this project could really
fly.

* CIL

Component Integration Laboratories is Apple, IBM, Novell, Oracle,
Taligent, WordPerfect, and Xerox banded together to "establish, promote,
and certify specifications and reference implementations of key
technologies that integrate information and media from many applications
in an integrated environment". The CIL corp they've formed may or may
not achieve this goal, but greater uniformity among platform protocols
is a dream we can all entertain. Stay tuned...

* Newton

The fate of the ill-conceived MessagePad is looking up: MobileComm will
be serving wireless communications in the continental U.S. (accessed by
a Telecom card you stick into the Newton's dataport). Though limited to
E-Mail messages for now, this a very impressive start. Apple has made a
strong showing by firmly supporting the Newton project; even if it
ultimately fails (this possibility cannot be discounted), their efforts
have raised the morale of Mac users everywhere. Mr. Spindler, consider
this a first, strong step to putting the IIvx debacle behind you.

* Blackbird

Unconfirmed reports have reached our ears that Apple plans to update the
Powerbooks with a new line of sleek, lean and highly advanced notebook
computers, starting with the "Blackbird" project. This newcomer is said
to have a larger screen, a touch-pad instead of a trackball, integrated
audiovisual features ala the AV models, and is allegedly slated for
release in March of '94. We'll keep you posted...

_______________________________________________________________________

ARCOLOGY

In this issue we review the three top services for Mac users - AOL, CIS,
and Delphi. These are the largest public-access arcologies in America,
and offer more than can be described in a column. Of course, my job is
to die trying...

* Compuserve

The single largest private bulletin-board-and-beyond service in the
world, Compuserve Information Service is the top ranked choice for users
looking for sheer resources... the diversity to be found here is beyond
every user's wildest dreams. There is no real censorship, so everything
from literature to programs, games to graphics can be found here. The
range is PG well through X - beware what you mark for d-loading!  They
support modem speeds from 300bps through 14,400bps, all protocols, and
offer a nice file-transfer status report (time elapsed, remaining, etc.).

The only real problem with CIS is it's user-belligerence; this was
originally an IBM-compatible network, and it shows. The Compuserve
Information Manager for Macs tries and fails to set up an intuitive
front-end. The system is cumbersome to navigate, and often TOO diverse
to easily figure out ("WHICH graphics library?  In WHAT forum?"). Tough
to get around but incredibly resource-rich, Compuserve is the most
far-reaching of the three.

* America Online

This is the most Mac-oriented of the three... Cyberlink set up house at
AOL, and for good reason; it is the most seamlessly integrated service,
providing a natural extension of the Mac environment.. This is a PG
network, with no profanity or lewdness permitted (big loss there). It
supports 300, 1200, and 2400bps protocols, and has an effective download
manager.

AOL has two flaws, one-and-a-half, really. The "half" is the limits:
this is a family net, and some individuals may chafe at their artistic
freedoms being limited (the Terms of Service, or TOS agreement, forbid
profanity and explicit sexual conduct). I have yet to find this an
obstacle. The other flaw is a disturbing one: of late, the AOL mainframe
has been rather temperamental, going down for repairs about every two
weeks (I've been refused access four times due to host/connect failure
this MONTH). As AOL served me flawlessly for the past year and a half,
though, it's safe to say that this is a genuinely temporary goof... AOL
is the most recommended service for cost-effectiveness and
user-friendliness; their download libraries are unified under a highly
intelligent "File Search" command, making life much easier when looking
up materials and programs. AOL also happens to be the easiest to learn
and navigate of the three.

* Delphi

Delphi is an alien system that often yields true gems. It is a
line-command system, rather miserable to deal with, and is utterly
unimaginative. It does, however, allow DIRECT INTERNET ACCESS. That
means that you can pull things in off the net directly, if you can find
them. If you've got the patience for it, searching through Delphi can be
very rewarding.

Delphi is a great "net of last resort" for file-finding, but only in a
supplemental capacity to one of the "home" nets above. Though the full
Internet access privelege is a great asset, it is Delphi's only asset.
It's only worth the fees if you're a dedicated nethead.

_______________________________________________________________________

LAST BITS

Letters to the Editor:

Speak your mind!  Take a stand!  Tell the world!
WRITE US MAIL!

Ex Miscellanea:

You want to see something else in these pages?  Submit an article or new
column?  Try your hand at writing for us regularly?  Go for it!
Cyberlink encourages reader participation in all ways. Keep 'em coming!


Submit to:

AOL - Shadowrun
Internet - [e-mail]
Compuserve - 72303,1270


_______________________________________________________________________


Some technical notes have been omitted from this version.
Write to the author for a full version if you wish.

MN