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NeXT Nugget News Digest (vol. 5, issue 5, October 24, 1992)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. NeXTSTEP486 Questions & Answers and Beta Offer
II. Upgrade to NeXTSTEP 3.0 with NeXT User Group assistance
III. NeXTWORLD Seeking Database Server Applications
IV. Cub'X Announces INTUITIV'3D Creation Environment for
NeXTSTEP
V. Cub'X Announces INTUITIV'3D Professional
VI. Xanthus Announces SplitBuilder/Receiver
VII. NeXT Monitor Announcement -- October 14, 1992
Conrad Geiger
Manager, International NeXT User Groups
P.S. To be added or deleted from this distribution, please send email
to "nugget@next.com."
____________________________________________________________________
I. NeXTSTEP486 Questions & Answers
There has been a lot of recent speculation and rumors regarding
NeXTStep 486. Here is the NeXTSTEP 486 Product information from the
NeXTSTEP486 Program manager, Bob Lawton. If you have any other
questions not addressed below or wish to be placed on the beta list,
please send your email to the following address with the subject
heading: "NeXTSTEP486 beta":
nextstep486_info@next.com
if you wish to placed on the beta list.
Conrad Geiger
International NeXT User Groups
____________________________________________________________________
NeXTSTEP 486 Product Questions and Answers - Sept 30th 1992
Table of Contents
NeXTSTEP 486 Schedule
NeXTSTEP 3.0 on NeXT Computers vs NeXTSTEP 486
NeXTSTEP 486 Hardware Support
NeXTSTEP 486 Microsoft DOS and Windows Support
NeXTSTEP 486 Schedule
What is the current status of NeXTSTEP 486?
We have just finished an early release of NeXTSTEP 486 3.0. This
release was designed a select group of Independent Software Vendors.
Several software vendors have already ported their software to
NeXTSTEP 486.
Where can I see NeXTSTEP 486 3.0?
NeXTSTEP 486 release 3.0 was shown at UNIX Expo, Seybold and future
trade shows such as Comdex. By early October, demonstration systems
in NeXT sales offices and NeXT's headquarters in Redwood City, CA
will be updated to the this new release.
When will the first Beta release of NeXTSTEP 486 be available?
NeXTSTEP 486 Beta release is scheduled for the 4th quarter 1992.
How do I get on the beta list for NeXTSTEP486 3.0?
To get added to the beta release list, send email with the subject:
"NeXTSTEP486 beta" to the address "nextstep486_info@next.com."
When will the first "Shrink Wrap" release of NeXTSTEP 486 be
available?
NeXTSTEP 486 first customer shipment of the "Shrink Wrap" release is
scheduled for the 1st quarter 1993.
NeXTSTEP 3.0 on NeXT Computers vs NeXTSTEP 486
How does NeXTSTEP 486 differ from NeXTSTEP on NeXT Computers?
It doesn't. NeXTSTEP 486 is a complete port of the NeXTSTEP 3.0
software environment to Intel-based Computers. NeXTSTEP 486 has the
same User Interface, Development Environment, Applications,
Networking (NFS, Novell, Appleshare), State of the Art Color, Mach
UNIX, Display Postscript, 3D Renderman etc, etc.
What about support for NeXT Computer specific hardware features such
as the DSP?
NeXT Computers offer additional hardware support not commonly
available for Intel systems. This includes the DSP. The DSP in a NeXT
Computer is used for a variety of functions including ISDN support
and real-time audio compression / de-compression. ISDN support for
NeXTSTEP 486 will be provided via an add-on PC card and ISDN adapter.
Real-time audio compression / de-compression support is currently
under investigation.
How would you compare 486 systems running NeXTSTEP 486 vs the NeXT
Computer product line?
NeXT Computers are true integrated workstations designed to provide
high performance throughout the entire system. In order to make a
fair comparison, an Intel system must be equipped with a complete set
of high performance interfaces. In other words, a 486DX/2 50Mhz with
a processor-direct graphics system, EISA backplane, 32bit LAN, 32bit
SCSI, 16bit Sound and a high-performance SCSI disk will perform
similar to a NeXTstation Turbo. A 486DX 33Mhz similarly equipped
should provide performance equivalent to a NeXTstation. Intel-based
systems configured for this level of performance often cost as much
or more than NeXTstations; please contact NeXT Hardware Product
Marketing for additional comparison information.
Can I use NeXTSTEP 486 systems with my existing NeXT Computers?
Of course! NeXTSTEP 486 is design to plug and play with existing NeXT
installations. NeXT has addressed interoperability between NeXTSTEP
systems in the following ways:
* NeXTSTEP systems share identical networking capabilities.
* NeXTSTEP systems share the same Distributed Objects.
* NeXTSTEP systems use the same system and network administration
services.
* NeXTSTEP systems use the same mass storage format. Yes, you can
take a external SCSI drive, removable media (ie Bernoulli etc) or
floppy disk and use it interchangeably between NeXT Computers and
NeXTSTEP 486 systems.
How do I use applications compiled for both NeXT Computers and
NeXTSTEP 486 on the same network?
Simply. NeXTSTEP 3.0 includes a new feature called Multi-Architecture
Binaries (so called "Fat" binaries). This capability allows
developers to compile NeXTSTEP applications on multiple system
architectures, and combine them into a single package. When an
application is run, NeXTSTEP will extract the appropriate
instructions for the local system, and run the application. This
operation is completely transparent to the user, it just works! Most
of the NeXTSTEP applications in the future will be delivered as
Multi-Architecture Binaries. Tools are also provided to "Slim"
binaries for use in a one architecture environment.
Do Multi-Architecture Binaries take a lot of extra disk space?
No. Most applications consist of one or more executable programs
(with architecture dependent machine instructions) and a lot of text
and data. This machine independent data is typically data files used
by the application, help files, examples, internationalization etc.
Since only the actual machine dependent portion of the application is
duplicated, a two architecture application typically takes only about
20%-30% more disk space than a single architecture application. If
disk space is tight, tools are provided to "Slim" binaries for use in
a single architecture environment.
How difficult is it to recompile existing NeXT applications over to
NeXTSTEP 486?
Very easy. Most programs will simply recompile and run, or require
few changes. We believe that any application that uses the standard
development environment and Object kits provided by NeXT should
simply compile and run. Only applications that use architecture
specific features or data formats, will require additional time to
port. Several developers have already ported applications to NeXTSTEP
486. Appsoft Draw simply recompiled and ran, Lighthouse Concurrence
took 3 hours, other programs took 1/2 a day to 2 days, and this was
all on a very early release of NeXTSTEP 486 3.0!
When developing programs, are there any portability issues I should
be aware of?
Yes. As stated above, any applications that use the standard tools
provided by the NeXTSTEP development environment, should just
recompile and work. To make sure developers are aware of portability
issues, NeXT is producing a guide to address source code portability
between different architectures running NeXTSTEP. This guide should
be available in November.
What is the difference between the NeXTSTEP 486 User Environment and
Developer Environment?
The NeXTSTEP 486 User Environment consists of the entire NeXTSTEP 3.0
environment, minus the developer tools. The Developer Environment
includes the developer tools such Interface builder, Project Builder,
C compilers, Object Kits, example source code and developer
documentation.
NeXTSTEP 486 Hardware Support
What are the general requirements to run NeXTSTEP 486 on Intel-based
Computers?
Please refer to the NeXTSTEP 486 - Desktop Systems Hardware
Compatibility Overview. This document addresses RAM, Disk, Graphics
Adapters and I/O card support for NeXTSTEP 486. A specific NeXTSTEP
486 Hardware Compatibility Guide will be available in November.
If a specific I/O card is not supported by NeXT, can 3rd parties
write drivers for NeXTSTEP 486?
Yes. NeXTSTEP 486 uses a newly developed object-oriented driver
architecture that brings the benefits of object-orientation all the
way down to the I/O card driver level. Complete documentation for
this new "Driver Kit" architecture will be available later this year.
How will NeXTSTEP 486 be installed?
NeXTSTEP 486 will come with a boot floppy and a CDROM. To install
NeXTSTEP 486, the system boots from the floppy, and then installs the
minimum NeXTSTEP environment from the CDROM (SCSI CDROM drive). The
user may then chose from several optional packages depending on the
available disk space and user requirements.
Has NeXT published any specific configurations I can purchase today?
Yes. Specific configurations for DELL and Compaq computers are
available. Information about additional systems vendors will be
available in November.
Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on 386 machines?
No. NeXTSTEP 486 uses several 486 specific features that enhance the
performance of NeXTSTEP. NeXTSTEP 486 will support any true 486.
Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on the Cyrix 486SLC?
No. The Cyrix chip not a true 486.
Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on the future Intel Microprocessors in the x86
family?
Of course! NeXTSTEP 486 will not only support them, but will take
advantage of any performance enhancements available with future Intel
CPU's, just as NeXT has taken advantage of the 486.
Will NeXTSTEP 486 run on portable computers?
Yes. Many portables and notebooks with 486 CPU's and sufficient
system resources (8+MB RAM and 120+MB hard disk space) are available.
Since NeXTSTEP 486 will support 640x480 VGA displays in grayscale,
NeXTSTEP 486 can run on these systems. Do be aware that NeXTSTEP's
user interface and applications were not designed for low-resolution
screens, and consequently will impose limitations on the use of some
applications. Also, typical battery management systems do not work
with multi-tasking operating systems. Future versions of NeXTSTEP 486
will provide driver support for portable-oriented peripherals such as
pocket Ethernet, SCSI and Sound adapters and PC/MCIA cards. We expect
additional device drivers for portable peripherals to be available in
Q3-Q4 1993. Until drivers are available for portable SCSI adapters,
NeXTSTEP 486 can be installed on portables by using a docking station
with SCSI adapter and CDROM. The docking station can then be used for
a local area network card. NeXT is investigating future Intel
microprocessors that may provide battery management support for
advanced operating systems such as NeXTSTEP.
NeXTSTEP 486 Microsoft DOS and Windows Support
Will NeXTSTEP 486 be able to run Microsoft DOS and Windows programs?
Yes. NeXTSTEP 486 will support a DOS and Windows compatibility
package. This software will allow DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1 programs to
run within a NeXTSTEP window. Support will include DOS "Protected"
mode and Windows 3.1 "Standard" mode (Win-16). Support for Win-32
applications is planned for the second half of 1993.
Will DOS and Windows compatibility be included with NeXTSTEP 486?
We have not yet announced how this capability will be packaged.
How will my DOS and Windows applications perform under NeXTSTEP 486?
Very well. The DOS/Windows compatibility package for NeXTSTEP 486
takes full advantage of the 486 microprocessor. Depending on system
hardware configuration and type of DOS/Windows application,
performance should vary between 386 and 486 native DOS/Windows
performance. In addition, to enhance the performance of Windows
applications, a MS Windows specific Graphics Device Interface (GDI)
driver which maps Microsoft Windows calls directly to the NeXTSTEP
window server will be part of the system.
Is the window I use to run Microsoft Windows applications resizable?
Yes. You can set the Windows session to any size you wish up to the
maximum screen size available to the NeXTSTEP 486 system you are
using.
Will this DOS/Windows compatibility system allow me to run several
DOS programs at once?
Yes. Since NeXTSTEP 486 is a multi-tasking, virtual memory operating
environment, several DOS/Windows sessions can be run at once.
Can I cut and paste between DOS/Windows sessions and NeXTSTEP
applications?
Yes. You can cut and paste text and graphics between DOS/Windows and
NeXTSTEP applications.
Can I use both DOS and NeXTSTEP 486 partitions on the same hard disk?
Yes. NeXTSTEP 486 will support multiple operating systems on the same
local hard disk. When the system boots, the user can chose to boot
another operating system (such as DOS) or NeXTSTEP. If the local
partition contains DOS, NeXTSTEP 486 will be able to access the local
DOS partition and read/write files to it.
Can NeXTSTEP 486 read and write DOS format floppies?
Of course. Just like all NeXT Computers.
____________________________________________________________________
NeXTSTEP 486 - Desktop Systems Hardware Compatibility Overview
This document describes in general terms, the types of IBM Compatible
PC based hardware that will be supported by NeXTSTEP 486
in it's First General Release. For specific supported configurations
please refer to the NeXTSTEP 486 Hardware Compatibility Guide. For
any hardware specification or purchase, please contact NeXT for the
latest update to this Guide. This overview is preliminary, and
subject to change as additional PC hardware is certified for NeXTSTEP
486.
General Requirements:
CPU - 486 based PC Compatible Computer. This includes 486SX, 486DX,
486DX/2. Future Intel Microprocessor designs in the x86 family will
also be supported. ISA or EISA expansion bus. 486DX and 486DX/2's are
recommended for better performance.
Available Hard Disk Space - User Environment, 120 MB Minimum.
Developer Environment, 330 MB Minimum. Larger local disks are
recommended for stand alone systems.
Graphics:
NeXTSTEP 486's Display Postscript Graphics system supports both
Grayscale and Color on 486 based PC's. The Graphics Adapter support
and RAM requirements vary depending upon the user's selection of
Grayscale or Color.
2 Bit Grayscale System Support:
Graphics Adapters - Most VESA (Video Electronics Standards
Association) compatible VGA or Super VGA Graphics Adapters. This
includes popular Super VGA cards from vendors such as the Orchid,
ATI, Paradise, Video Seven and Compaq. These graphics adapters will
be supported at resolutions of 1024x768, 800x600 and 640x480.
Resolutions at or above 800x600 are recommended.
RAM - Minimum 8 MB, 12 MB Recommended.
16 Bit Color System Support:
Graphics Adapters - In order to provide adequate performance and
Color Quality, NeXTSTEP 486 requires High Performance "Workstation"
style Graphics Adapters. Many new Graphics Systems are being
introduced that meet these requirements, they include Intel JAWS
(such as DELL Processor-Direct Graphics), Chips and Technologies
Wingine, and certain Local Bus Graphics adapters. Depending upon the
size of available VRAM (Video RAM) resolutions of 800x600, 1024x768,
1120x832 and 1280x1024 will be supported. Graphics Adapters designed
for EISA based PC's are available (such as Compaq QVision 1024/E and
ATI Graphics Ultra Pro) or being developed, these are currently being
evaluated for performance and may provide an easy upgrade for
existing EISA PC's.
RAM - Minimum 16 MB, 24 MB Recommended.
Additional Device Support:
Disk Interfaces - Both IDE and SCSI Hard Disk Interfaces will be
supported. SCSI adapters from Adaptec and DPT (for both ISA and EISA)
will be supported, with more to follow.
Pointing Devices - Microsoft and Logitec compatible Bus, PS/2 port
and Serial mice are supported. In addition certain graphics tablets
will also be supported.
Printer Support - Any Postscript Level I or II printer connected via
a serial or parallel port, including the NeXT Color Printer
(connected via a SCSI port). Support of Non-Postscript printers will
be available in a future release.
Networking Support - ISA and EISA based Networking Adapters will be
supported including Ethernet and Token Ring Cards from vendors such
as SMC (Western Digital), Intel and 3Com. A Networking card is
optional.
Sound Support - Most popular PC sound Cards will be supported for
both Playback and Recording. These include PC Sound Adapters such as
the Sound Blaster, MediaVision Pro Audio Spectrum and Integrated
Business Audio from Compaq. A Sound card is optional.
ISDN Support - NeXTSTEP 486 will also support high speed digital
ISDN connections through an ISA add-on card.
Additional Devices - Other popular PC peripherals such as FAX/Modems
and FAX/Modem add-on cards will be supported.
____________________________________________________________________
II. Upgrade to NeXTSTEP 3.0 with NeXT User Group assistance
Below are listed a few of the Worldwide NeXT User Groups that have
volunteered to assist local NeXT users upgrade their systems to 3.0.
Please feel free to circulate this list to others that may need to
borrow a CDROM drive or may need assistance. Remember that you must
possess a 3.0 right to use license in order to upgrade to 3.0.
Many thanks to the NeXT User Groups and individuals below for helping
with their time and expertise!
conrad geiger
International NeXT User Groups
P.S. Please send email to nugget@next.com regarding any updates or
changes to this list.
___________________________________________________________________
Worldwide NeXT User Groups that have volunteered to assist local
users to upgrade their systems to the latest version of NeXTSTEP:
(Please have your 3.0 NeXTSTEP license available when you use the
upgrade services provided by your local user group.)
UNITED STATES
Alaska
LUGNUTS
Greg Johnson
Phone: (907)474-5676
Email: fxgsj@camelot.acf-lab.alaska.edu
California (San Francisco and Bay Area)
BANG
Janet Hufnagel
NeXT Sales Support, Highland Digital
Phone: 415-493-8550
Email: janet@highland.com
Highland Digital is doing upgrade service for free. I will
do 1 system with 24 hour turnaround time. People need to
call for an appt.
Colorado (Boulder/Denver)
Tim Miller
Email: exec@rmnug.org
Phone: (303)447-1005
Connecticut
Ken Anderson
Phone: 203-221-5854 (Day)
Phone: 203-967-8305 (Night)
Email: anderson@biztech.com
Connecticut
Chuck Herrick
Email: cherrick@phc.com or cherric%phc.uucp@yale.edu
Phone: (203) 846-0383
Delaware
Univ. of Delaware NeXT Users Group
Chris Pyrros
Phone: 302-657-9303
Email: pyrros@cis.udel.edu
Florida (Central Florida)
Michael Branton
Phone: 904-736-1793
Email: mgb@stetson.BITNET
Georgia (Atlanta)
October 15th, 6:00, on the Ga Tech campus.
BuzzNUG
Bert Lindgren
Phone: (404) 841-6220
Email: bert@cc.gatech.edu
Iowa (Iowa City)
University of Iowa
Ric Mommer
Phone: 319/335-5402 (daytime)
Phone: 319/338-3005 (evening)
Email: Ric_Mommer@next.com
Iowa (Iowa State University)
ISNuG
David Swanlund
Phone: 515-294-4751
Email: david@stallion.vm.iastate.edu
Kentucky
President, Kentucky NeXT User Group, Inc.
Neil Greene
Email: deepthought!neil@ms.uky.edu
Phone: 606-254-0899
Louisiana (Northern Louisiana)
LaNUG
John Rettenmayer
Phone: (318) 342-1125
Email: rettenmayer@merlin.nlu.edu
Maryland (Baltimore)
Frithjof Kuntze
Phone: (410) 516-4498 (W)
Phone: (410) 323-1304 (H)
Email: fritz@entropy.bph.jhu.edu (NeXTMail welcome)
Massachusetts (Boston)
Email: gsk@marble.com
Phone: 617/891-5555w
Michigan (Western Michigan)
Grand Valley NUG
Carl Erickson
Phone: (616)895-2309 or 2040
Email: erickson@oak.mcs.gvsu.edu
Missouri (Kansas City)
Meg Grice
Computer Science, UMKC UNIX Systems Administrator
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110
Phone: 816-235-5212
Email: mlg@cstp.umkc.edu
Nebraska
Hubert B. Hickman
The Nebraska Area NeXT User Group (NANU)
3425 South 115th Street
Omaha, NE 68144
Phone:(402) 334-7534 (voice)
(402) 330-8613 (FAX)
Email: hickman@cse.unl.edu
New Jersey (Philadelphia/southern NJ/southeast PA)
Greg Anderson
Email: greg@afs.com
Phone: 215 653 0911
New Mexico (Los Alamos National Labs (site only))
LANUG
Paul Brown
phone: 665-5091
email: pjb@lanl.gov
New York (Ithaca) (Cornell University)
Finger Lakes NeXT Users Group
Jiro Nakamura
Phone: +1 607 256-5125
Email: jnakamura@shaman.com
New York (New York City)
Gotham Users of NeXT, (GUN)
Michael McMahon
Phone: 212-297-6192/ after October 23 it will be 212-267-4100
Email address: mcmahon@gun.com
New York (RPI, Troy)
RPI NeXT Users Group
Garance Alistair Drosehn
Phone: 276-8157 (afternoon and evenings)
Email: gad@eclipse.its.rpi.edu
New York (Syracuse)
Syracuse NeXT User's Group
Dave Rebnord
Phone: (315) 443-1585
Email: drebnord@betenoir.syr.edu
Oregon (Eugene) (University of Oregon)
Bjorn Pettersen
Email: bjorn@doek.uoregon.edu
and
Richard Koch
Phone: (503)686-8466 or (503)346-5630
Email: koch@math.uoregon.edu
Oregon (Corvallis)
Chase Turner (chase@stumpy.cs.orst.edu)
and
John Sechrest
Computer Science Dept
Oregon State University
Corvallis,Oregon 97331
Phone (503) 737-5562
Email: sechrest@frisby.cs.orst.edu
Pennsylvania (Central)
Pennnug (central Pennsylvania)
Ed Vanvliet (VVimaging, Inc.)
Phone: 814-234-9613
Email: vanvliet@azalea.lscpe.psu.edu
Pennsylvania (Lancaster)
LUNA (Lancaster Users of NeXT Association)
Beth Katz
Phone: 717-299-5987 (home number, leave a message)
Email: dhutchen@millersv.bitnet
Pennsylvania (Philadelphia/southern NJ/southeast PA)
Greg Anderson
Email: greg@afs.com
Phone: 215 653 0911
Pennsylvania (Pittsburg)
Carnegie Mellon University NeXT User Group
Frank Tropschuh
Phone: (412) 268-5325
Email: ft0g@andrew.cmu.edu
Rhode Island (Providence)
NeXT Brown Users Group
Ronald C.F. Antony
Phone: (401) 521-2829
Email: rca@cs.brown.edu
Texas (San Antonio)
UTSANUG
Daniel Shelton, Tom Arnow or Dawn Roberson
Phone: (512) 691-5594
Email: dan@ennex1.eng.utsa.edu, tom@ennex1.eng.utsa.edu,
dawn@ennex1.eng.utsa.edu
UTSA Science Building, 3.01.20 (between about 0800 and 2200)
Utah (Provo / Orem)
Info... (BYU NeXT Computer Users Group)
Don Yacktman
Phone: (801) 221-0344
E-mail: yackd@alaska.et.byu.edu
Utah
Novell (Utah) NeXT User's Group
James Grant
Phone: 801-429-3268
Email: james_grant@novell.com
Virginia (Central Virginia)
Central Virginia NeXT User's Group, CVNUG
Jim De Arras
Phone: 804.784.3090
Email: jmd@cube.handheld.com
Washington (Vashon or Maury Islands)
Irving Wolfe
4410 SW Pt. Robinson Rd.
Vashon Island, WA 98070-7399
Email: Irving_Wolfe@Happy-Man.com
Phone: 206/463-9399 x101, fax x108
Eastern Washington, Western Idaho
Robert Bamberger
Washington State University
Phone: (509)-335-4053
Email: bamberg@eecs.wsu.edu
Washington (University of Washington, Seattle)
University of Washington Next User's Group
contact: Unix Field Support
phone: 3-0624 (UW)
email: field@cac.washington.edu
Washington (Seattle)
Dennis P. Glatting
Phone: 828-1336
Wisconsin (Madison)
MadNuG Usergroup - NeXT Usergroup of Madison, WI
Andrew T. Foster, Kim Simmons
Phone: (608) 251-5522, (608) 263-0807
Email: captain@arsenal.com, simmons@rigel.neep.wisc.edu
_______________________________________________________________
OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES
Austria (Salzburg)
Bernhard Nocker
University of Salzburg
Department of Computing Studies
Jakob-Haringerstr. 5
5020 Salzburg Austria, Europe
Phone: +43-662-8044/6750
Email: bnocker@cosy.sbg.ac.at
Australia
user group name: Oz NeXT User Group
volunteer contact name: Cameron Bromley
phone: (03) 696-2490
email: cdb@codex.oz.au
Australia (Perth, Western Australia)
user group name: Oz NeXT User Group
volunteer contact name: Jim Blevins
phone number: (09) 380-1882
email address. jblevins@uniwa.uwa.edu.au
Canada - Alberta (Calgary)
ClubNeXT
Al Harman
Phone: (403) 242-8684 (Home)
Phone: (403) 266-3500 (work)
Canada - British Columbia (Vancouver)
VNUS (Vancouver NeXT User Society)
Joseph Chin
c/o Prodigy Technologies Corporation
1190 Hornby Street, Suite 1100
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6Z 2H6
Email: jchin@prodigy.bc.ca
Canada - Ontario (Toronto)
Toronto Area NeXTUsers Group (TaNG)
Jeff Gibson
ComnetiX Computer Systems, Inc
1440 Hurontario Street
Mississauga, Ontario CANADA L5G 3H4
Voice: (416) 274-4060
Fax : (416) 271-7776
Email: jgibson@comnetix.com
Canada - Ontario (Sudbury)
Sudbury NeXT User Group
Andre Roberge
Phone: 705-897-6165 (h)
Phone: 705-675-1151 ext. 2234 (w)
Email: andre@gollum.phys.laurentian.ca
Canada - McMaster University
MacNUG
Email: pascal@nextasy.physics.mcmaster.ca
Germany
NugRNK (NeXT user-group Rhein-Neckar)
Christian Schleich
Phone: (+49) 6202 70510
Email: chris@nextpoint.de
Martin Lades
Institut fuer Neuroinformatik
University of Bochum
Universitaetsstr. 150
4630 Bochum
Tel. +49 234 700 7994
Email: martin@neuroinformatik.ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Hamburg, Germany
Ulrich Becker
Email: becker@informatik.uni-hamburg.de
tel.: 040 / 54715 - 231
Hong Kong
Hong Kong NeXT User's Group
Bill Schell
Phone: 666 8412 (office) 666 5506 (home)
Email: bill@nextasy.attmail.com
Hungary
Laszlo Kovacs |
President of the HuNUG (Hungarian NeXT Users' Group)
Budapest HUNGARY
Phone: (361) 129-7861
Fax: (361) 129-7866
E-mail (UUCP): h93kov@ella.hu or kovacsl@sztaki2.sztaki.hu
Italy
BoNG (Bologna, Italy)
Arrigo Benedetti
Phone: +39 59 224929 - +39 59 216688
Email: arrigo@cube.sublink.org
Korea
Korea NeXT user group
Soonam Kahng
phone) +82-2-516-1231
FAX ) +82-2-516-1233
e-mail : soonam@cosmos.kaist.ac.kr
Norway
NorNeXT brukergruppe
Thor-Lee Legvold
Postboks 749
5001 Bergen
NORWAY
Phone:05/27 69 45
Fax:05/23 18 97 (callers from outside of Norway need to
prepend a 47 and drop the leading 0.)
Singapore
Singapore NeXT User Group
Paul Wang
Phone: (65) 288-4184
Email: Paul.Wang@Applelink.apple.com
Switzerland
Suisse Romande's NeXT Users' Club (Switzerland)
Daniel Allgoewer
phone 41+ 21 25 80 07
EMail: Nextparadigm@uliis.unil.ch
or Dallgowe@ulys.unil.ch
Switzerland (Zurich)
NiCE
Thomas Roettig
Phone: +41 1 382 3164
Email: thomas@nice.usergroup.ethz.ch
or vorstand@nice.usergroup.ethz.ch
Taiwan (Taipei)
Yeun-Jung Wu
Phone: (02)341-1054 or (02)391-0982 (Home)
(02)789-9642 (Work)
Email address: yjwu@phys.sinica.edu.tw
United Kingdom
UK NeXT User Forum
Paul Lynch
Phone: (0494)671501
Email: paul@seer.demon.co.uk
Please send email to nugget@next.com regarding any updates or
changes to this list.
____________________________________________________________________
III. NeXTWORLD Seeking Database Server Applications
I'm a NeXTWORLD magazine contributing editor researching an article
on applications that use database servers (Sybase, Oracle or other
SQL servers). I've looked at the prominent commercial applications,
such as Parabase, SQLBuddy, & OTProvide, but I'm interested in
hearing about any applications or utilities I may have missed, as
well as comments you may have about products you've used. Do you use
any SQL database client apps or tools? How do you like them?
Please reply via email to
kehoe@fortuity.sf.ca.us.
____________________________________________________________________
IV. Cub'X Announces INTUITIV'3D Creation Environment for NeXTSTEP
News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Olivier Aubin
Phone: ++ 33 1 46 93 29 25 Fax: ++ 33 1 46 93 29 21
CUB'X SYSTEMES Announces INTUITIV'3D, 3D creation environment for
NeXTSTEP computers.
PARIS, FRANCE, September 28, 1992 - Cub'x Systemes, developer of
Cub'X-Window , announced today Intuitiv'3D, 3D creation environment
based upon 3DKit.
Intuitiv'3D was shown in the NeXT Computer Inc. booth at Unix Expo,
Paris, France, Sept.16 -18.
Because 3D design on a NeXT computer brings a new dimension to a
wide range of activities, from business report presentation to
product conception, Intuitiv'3D is a modular 3D solution.
On the basis of a top level Renderman interface - the Intuitiv'3D
Engine - you can decide on the 3D package that exactly fits your
needs!
- Intuitiv'3D Engine, an easy-to-use, powerful 3D solution at a very
affordable price (under $XXX).
The Intuitiv'3D Engine permits creation of amazingly realistic
business graphics, illustrations, logos, multimedia presentations...
With Intuitiv'3D Engine, you will easily enlighten the life of your
business report readers and also create your own dream world of
flashy 3D scenes.
A variety of modules can be added to the Intuitiv'3D Engine to answer
specific needs: 3D PostScript fonts, mini-modeler, numerous 3D clip
arts and shader palettes. This modular structure allows the user of
Intuitiv'3D to only purchase the portion of package that he needs to
do his job. The bundle of Intuitiv'3D Engine, mini-modeler and 3D
Postcript fonts: under $XXX.
- Intuitiv'3D Professional, a solid professional 3D package.
Are you yearning for a Silicon Graphics like modeler on your NeXT
computer? Intuitiv'3D Professional smoothly interfaces the powerful
Intuitiv'3D Engine rendering capacities with an impressive, top level
modeler. For product design, advertising, packaging, laying-out...a
complete rendering-modeling package under $XXXX.
Availability: Intuitiv'3D will be released Q4, 1992.
Intuitiv'3D Engine: A detailed description
________________________________
- Concepts/Interface:
. Drag&Drop/Palettes/Inspectors for 3D primitives, lights, shaders,
custom 3D shapes
. Object parameters can be saved on palettes and instantly recalled.
. Multiple simultaneous 3D worlds
. 3DScrapbook to store objects, camera viewpoints, display options,
rendering options
- Modeling:
. Extensible palettes of 3D ClipArt
. Intelligent Drag&Drop of RIB files (with possible object
decomposition)
. Inspectors for shape attributes permit to obtain a large number of
variations within a family
. Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG): grouping/ungrouping of 3D
shapes into sets, volume sets, unions, differences and
intersections
- Navigation:
. WorldBrowser to move through a world hierarchy, name and have
direct access to 3D shapes and groups
. 3 complementary modes to move/rotate/scale 3D shapes and groups:
> direct mouse manipulation for an intuitive approach
> keyboard for a fine tuning
> inspectors for precise numerical entries
. Working plane can be fully customized
. 3D grid to constrain motion/rotation/scaling
. Align/center tools
- Camera:
. Real-time Quick Renderman view
. Display options (point cloud, wire frame, faceted, smooth) with
variable tessellation
. Move and zoom around the 3D world with a VirtualDialBox
. Orthographic and perspective views
. Depth of field, roll
. Drag&Drop of viewpoints and display options
. Put on object, center functions
. Travelling mode (linear, tangential)
- Lights:
. All types of lights implemented: ambient, distant, spot, point.
. Generic lights for special light shaders (slide projector, window
light...)
. 3D representations of lights for easy positioning
. Automated shadows with any type of lights
. Shadow maps parameters for expert users
- Shaders:
. Supported shaders: surface, light, displacement, volume
. Drag&Drop and ShaderWell interface
. Shader-o-matic panel permits the user to fully access and tune any
shader parameter
. Easy generation of maps from TIFF or EPS for use with texture,
bump, emboss... shaders
. Ergonomic tools to translate/rotate/scale a texture map among a
shape
. Automated generation of environment maps for use with any shader
requiring reflective information: glass, shiny, shinymetal ...
. Full compliance with PixarLooks and Valis Group Shaders
. Automatic icon generation for visual retrieval in palettes
- Rendering:
. Smooth Quick Renderman view to monitor color/lights/shaders effects
in real-time
. FlashRender to test Photorealistic Renderman rendering on part or
totality of the scene
. Rendering speed can be controlled through variation of the quality
level
. Drag&Drop of rendering options
. Multi-host rendering over a network
. Users can save rendered images as 32-bit color TIFF files
- Extensions:
. Intuitiv'3D is fully extensible via an API:
Documentation, include files, and example source code are included
in Intuitiv'3D Engine. Just like Interface Builder, Intuitiv 3D
Engine allows its users to design new classes (shaders, lights, 3D
Objects) and new inspectors for these objects.
For example, if you have numerous 3D files with a specifc xxx format,
you can easily develop a new module permitting to use this xxx format
within Intuitiv'3D.
Module: 3D PostScript Fonts
------------------------------------
- Uses all accessible PostScript fonts installed on your NeXTSTEP
computer
- Extrudes text in 3D to create amazing logos
- User defined extrusion path to provide beveled 3D letters
- Access to individual letters or strings
- Fully integrated to Intuitiv'3D Engine tools and shading
Module: mini-modeler
-----------------------------
- 2D drawing tool with editable bezier curves
- extrusion and revolution of bezier curves
Cub'x Systemes, Paris, France, develops highly efficient solutions
for NeXTSTEP computers.
Cub'x Systemes
Tour CBC - Cedex 71
92043 PARIS LA DEFENSE (FRANCE)
Phone: ++ 33 1 46 93 29 25
Fax: ++ 33 1 46 93 29 21
Email: intuitiv@cubx.oleane.com
Trademark notes:
Intuitiv'3D and Cub'X-Window are trademarks of Cub'x Systemes S.A.
NeXT and NeXTSTEP are trademarks of NeXT Computer, Inc.
PixarLooks is a trademark of Pixar.
Valis Group Shaders is a trademark of The Valis Group.
All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
____________________________________________________________________
V. Cub'X Announces INTUITIV'3D Professional
News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Olivier Aubin
Phone: ++ 33 1 46 93 29 25 Fax: ++ 33 1 46 93 29 21
CUB'X SYSTEMES Announces INTUITIV'3D Professional
PARIS, FRANCE, September 23, 1992 - Cub'x Systemes, developer of
Cub'X-Window , announced today Intuitiv'3D, 3D creation environment
based upon 3DKit.
Intuitiv'3D was shown in the NeXT Computer Inc. booth at Unix Expo,
Paris, France, Sept.16 -18.
You need a really solid professional 3D package: This is it! This is
Intuitiv'3D Professional, the first complete modeling-rendering
professional package for NeXT computers.
Intuitiv'3D Professional: a detailed description
________________________________________________
Intuitiv'3D Professional includes the Intuitiv'3D Engine and the 3D
Postcript font module, both smoothly interfaced with a top level
modeler. It also includes development tools (API documentation,
include files, and source code). If you didn't read our previous
announcement describing Intuitiv'3D Engine functionalities, please
email us a request at: intuitiv@cubx.oleane.com.
Intuitiv'3D professional: a complete rendering-modeling package under
$XXXX.
Detailed description of Intuitiv'3D Professional Modeler
--------------------------------------------------------
Intuitiv'3D Professional Modeler is available on a wide range of
hardware (Silicon Graphics (Iris, Indigo), Sun Sparc stations, IBM
RS6000, HP700s, Sony NEWS, PC 386/486, Apple Macintosh), and has been
completely redesigned to truly take advantage of the NeXTstep
technology.
Entities:
---------
- Discrete polylines
- Parametric curves (NURBS)
- Polyhedral surfaces
- Parametric NURBS patches
- Solid volumes (CSG)
Interface:
----------
- Intuitive dialog / Numerical inputs
- Full screen 3D display / Dynamic Window Multiviewing
- 3D graphic cotations
Shape Creation:
---------------
- Spatial 2D drawing:
. Basic 2D shapes: circle, rectangle, arc, broken line, Bezier curve,
NURBS
. Free composite 2D shapes using basic shapes combination
. Constraint aided drawing (automatic attraction to grid, points,
middles, intersection, centers/parallel and orthogonal lines)
- Powerful lofting tools:
. Extended extrusion
. Enhanced sweeping
. Skinning
. Double-outline lofting
. 4-curves interpolated surface
(both polyhedral and patch models handled)
- Shape outline extraction / Curve-from-patch extraction
3D free-facing
- True 3D thickness
Modeling:
---------
- Stretching / Sculpting / Bend / Twist
- Interactive FFM (Free Form Modeling):
. Control points manipulation
. Weights control
. Refinement
. Dynamic tessellation
- Partial and global scaling
- 3D-plane cutting
- 3D Bezier interpolation (smoothing) with control of sharp edges
- 2D/3D Chamfer/bevel tool
- Constructive Solid Geometry (Boolean Operations)
Assembling tools:
-----------------
- [Partial] Move / Rotate / Place / Paste / Copy / Symmetry
- Flat repeat / Oriented repeat
- Multi-parametric Duplication
- Solder tool
- Solid polyhedral unfolding
Translators:
------------
- 2D/3D DXF import
- 3D DXF/IGES/SET export
- Specific link to Stereolithography (3D SYSTEMS)
Availability: Intuitiv'3D will be released Q4, 1992.
Cub'x Systemes, Paris, France, develops highly efficient solutions
for NeXTSTEP computers.
Cub'x Systemes
Tour CBC - Cedex 71
92043 PARIS LA DEFENSE (FRANCE)
Phone: ++ 33 1 46 93 29 25
Fax: ++ 33 1 46 93 29 21
Email: intuitiv@cubx.oleane.com
Trademark notes:
Intuitiv'3D and Cub'X-Window are trademarks of Cub'x Systemes S.A.
NeXT and NeXTSTEP are trademarks of NeXT Computer, Inc.
PixarLooks is a trademark of Pixar.
Valis Group Shaders is a trademark of The Valis Group.
All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
____________________________________________________________________
VI. Xanthus Announces SplitBuilder/Receiver
Xanthus International Announces
SplitBuilder/Receiver
- for sending large files with NeXTmail
(Stockholm, October 9, 1992) Xanthus International AB today announced
that it is shipping SplitBuilder/Receiver, a utility program for the
NeXT computer that makes it possible for users to send files of any
size with NeXTmail by dividing them into smaller files.
A problem with NeXTmail is that sometimes you want to send
attachments that are so big that some gateways on the net will refuse
to deliver your letter because of its size.
SplitBuilder/Receiver solves this problem by allowing the sender to
divide big files into smaller pieces, called "splits". Each split can
be sent by NeXTmail. The receiver can then assemble the splits to
restore the original file.
SplitBuilder/Receiver consists of two different applications:
- SplitBuilder divides big files into smaller pieces ("splits") that
may be sent by NeXTmail.
- SplitReceiver puts all the splits together on the receivers
machine.
For more information about SplitBuilder/Receiver please contact
splitbuilder@xanthus.se
Xanthus International, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, is a
privately owned software development company that specializes in the
NeXTSTEP platform. SplitBuilder/Receiver is the third in a series of
general-purpose productivity tools for NeXTSTEP. In May 1992 Xanthus
started to ship its first product CraftMan, the multimedia
programming tool for the NeXT computer. In September 1992 Xanthus
released LaserMan, an application for controlling Laser Disc Players
from a NeXT computer. Xanthus International was founded in 1990.
_________________________________________________________________
VII. NeXT Monitor Announcement -- October 14, 1992
MegaPixel Color Display (Fimi) is being obsoleted.
Beginning October 15, 1992, NeXT Computer Inc. is obsoleting the Fimi
17" MegaPixel Color Display.
This product will be taken off the price list as of October 15 but
still can be ordered for the next 30 days. Thus, as of November 15,
1992, the Fimi 17" MegaPixel Color Display will no longer be
available.
NeXT has decided to only support one 17" color display, the MegaPixel
Color Display (Trinitron). This new 17" color display is superior in
quality to the Fimi as well as optimized to work with NeXT's new ADB
keyboard and mouse.
The NeXT color display family now consists of the 17" MegaPixel Color
Display (Trinitron) and the 21" MegaPixel Display. These two NeXT
color displays offer the best image quality available for desktop
computing today.
Product Summary
17" MegaPixel Color Display (Fimi)-N4001A and N4001F (US)-Obsolete
17" MegaPixel Color Display (Fimi)-N4001-4130 (Europe)-Obsolete _________________________________________________________________
end
October 1992 Byte Magazine:
"The beauty of the NeXT is far more than skin deep. Its standard
operating enviornment, NeXTSTEP, is probably the most respected piece
of software on the planet."