On Disk Monthly's Issue #75 * * * M A I L B A G * * * ASK ODM ------- Have you published a program in the past that might fill the following requirement: a log with four to six headings across the top. Headings to be filled in by the user. Headings to be in some kind of box. Vertical lines top to bottom to separate entries. No lines between entries. User can add, change or remove entries anywhere at any time. If it exists in your files, I am a customer for it. May I hear from you? Arthur Guy Madera, CA RESPONSE: You're describing a user-configurable spreadsheet or database. We haven't published any programs that meet every one of your requirements, but Personal Calc, a full-featured spreadsheet published on issue #43, might meet some of your needs. It's a good, solid spreadsheet, but it does have horizontal lines between records. You don't say what you wish to do with the program you describe. Do you need to be able to sort your data or have the program do calculations? If not, you could create your own "log" using a page layout program such as Aldus PageMaker--my personal favorite--that allows you to create tables of information. If you own Windows, there's a "new" program that I heartily recommend--FileMaker Pro by Claris. This database is entirely user configurable. You can: name the fields; determine field types, headings and lengths; determine the sort order; design layouts; import and export data, etc. It isn't cheap, but you can organize anything with this program. * * * I know that on one issue you sent me a paper telling me that one program should not be used. I believe that was Kill Dir or something like that. Could you tell me which one it was? You mentioned a Print Shop program in the Mailbag. I'm wondering if it is a newer one. I have New Print Shop and Print Shop Companion. I would like your input about what you would do. I have a computer that needs a new motherboard. I can get a 386dx-33 64 cache, upgradable to 256K for $169.00, a 386dx-40 (same as 33Mhz) for $179.00 or a 486sx-25 for $229.00. I have Windows 3.1 but don't want to install it because with 3.1 I have to uninstall to get the files back. I wrote Microsoft, but haven't received an answer. Do you know anything about the new 3.1? Maybe you know some of what's different and new about it. John D. Higbee Stillwater, MN RESPONSE: Yes, Kill Dir is one of two programs that we sent warnings out about. The other was Tax Assist on issue #65, which was reissued on issue #66. Those of you who have recently bought back issues don't have to worry. Those issues were "remastered" shortly after the problems occurred. There is a new Print Shop program called Print Shop Deluxe. However, I wouldn't call it an update to New Print Shop. It's a whole new concept. While it will allow you to "import" New Print Shop's bitmapped images, Deluxe's own images are object-oriented (not bitmapped). Your Deluxe creations may be exported as EPS (encapsulated postscript) and placed in a page layout program. Page layout programs such as Quark XPress allow you to generate color separations that a professional printing company can transform into a beautiful printed piece. We feel the 386dx-40 is probably the best deal. We use that system here at On Disk Monthly. It should do everything you want and need it to do. I don't really understand what problem you're having with Windows 3.1. I used 3.0, then upgraded to 3.1 by following the install procedure and had no problems. There was no need to delete my files or to reinstall them, though I did back up my system before making the upgrade and recommend that you do the same. Windows 3.1 preserves your 3.0 system-information settings and your upper memory setting, and maintains existing Program Manager groups and any drivers that weren't supplied by Windows. See your "Getting Started with Microsoft Windows" (3.1) booklet, pages 3-6, for upgrade information and install procedures. * * * I have several things I would like to mention. First, I would like to encourage the idea of creating higher resolution programs. I have a Super VGA screen and would like to see it put to use. Second, a subscriber mentioned a screen saver on issue #56. Although I didn't join until four issues ago, a screen saver would be a great thing to have. The only good screen savers I've ever seen are always for Windows. Maybe you could make some DOS-compatible ones. Speaking of Windows, please don't make ODM a Windows-only product. A disk jacket program would be great! I have a phobia of using labels in my printer though, so keep it simple. Are there disk labels available for dot-matrix printers? I also have a question for Alfred Westbrook of Ball Ground, GA. I, too, have a Panasonic KXP2123 with the color option. I would like to know how I can get it to print in color. It will only print in the color I set it in. For example, it will print multi-color documents in only one color. HELP! I spent all this extra money for color, and it doesn't even work. Juliet Brice Miami, FL RESPONSE: You probably won't see any SVGA stuff real soon. Why? A full-screen SVGA graphic is almost 1 megabyte (uncompressed) in size, which wouldn't even fit on one of our 720K issues of ODM. The program you mention, Abstract Art II is a program that a reader would like to see turned into a screen saver. The only screen saver we've ever published is Blank-It! (#43), a text-mode only screen blanker. You see so many Windows screen savers for a reason. The Windows screen saver only has to worry about one mode--graphics. Creating a screen saver for DOS that would work in both text and graphic modes would require many months of development...if it's even possible. The jacket-making (sleeve) program you mention is on this issue. It is not a label-making program. But, yes, you can buy tractor-feed disk-size labels for your printer. Look at your local computer store or in mail order catalogs. When using a color printer you must first set your printer to "color" mode. See your manual to make sure you are doing this correctly. However, if your program does not support your printer, you may not be able to print in color--even though your printer is fine. Look in your program's manual for a list of the printers that it supports. If your printer is listed you may need to call your printer manufactuer for technical support. If your printer is not listed, you may wish to call the software company to see if there is a program update that supports your printer. * * * Can you tell me the secret of using individual ODM programs? I do not want to load up my hard disk with complete copies of the entire ODM disks in order to have a few of the programs immediately available. I am having and have had for some time, difficulty using copies of individual programs--either using DOS 5.0's copy command or the copy process contained on ODM. This difficulty dates back to the issues of the 1990s, at which time I wrote several letters concerning copying the program "Chaganitzu." I am now using a ZEOS 386SX computer with a 64MB hard drive and 4MB of RAM. The hard drive is loaded to about 80 percent capacity with Windows 3.1, Word for Windows, etc. I have no difficulty copying and running entire ODM disks from the GO command, and some of the programs (e.g. CDIR and DIRTREE) from the DOS prompt. However, when I try to run FINAGLE by itself (from the original disk or a copy on my hard disk), my computer "hangs up" and requires rebooting and starting from scratch before anything will run. I would appreciate a reply, either with a letter or a solution to my problem in your Mailbag. Jack W. Herbstreit Boulder, CO RESPONSE: We only recently discovered why a handful of other subscribers have experienced the same problem. I strongly suspect that your computer has an Adaptec controller card. Without getting technical, let me just say that your card apparently utilizes interrupt 60 as a data area instead of as a pointer, which most software expects. You need to "reset" your card. Call our technical support line, your computer dealer or manufacturer, if you aren't up to making this change yourself, or if you would like a more technical explanation for this problem. * * * In the Mailbag on issue #74, Mr. Lance Compton of Duncan, B.C., expressed a desire for a metric conversion program. You stated you would put his wish in the things to do file. Way back in July 1989, issue #33 contained a TSR program called "Convert." In October 1990, issue #48 contained a program called "Convert!." So, you don't have to do what has already been done. I personally like the program on issue #48. I like to keep TSRs to a minimum so I have my RAM to run active programs. Warren E. Paul Gmunden, Austria * * * You said you would consider a weights and measures conversion program. Please think bigger. Consider a comprehensive conversion program, including weights, measures, time periods, linear measure, etc. There are several of these available on shareware, but they tend to be too expensive for those of us who only use them once in a great while. Also, for some reason, no one has ever offered the "ultimate" screen saver program, though I think it would be easy to do. After a user specified period of inactivity, it would execute any moving graphic program (such as the many fireworks programs available) that the user has on his hard drive. I have at least 10 programs that I'd like to use alternately in this manner. Can it be done? Please! George E. Woolfson Lowell, MI RESPONSE: I actually added the program idea to my "Subscriber Want List," which means YOU want it and that we'll consider it. Sometimes your ideas aren't feasible or even possible. This one's worth a second glance if it is done as Mr. Woolfson suggests. However, his screen saver idea isn't practical. There's the mode problem--text vs. graphics--as well as the memory problems involved in invoking this "screen saver" while in another program. Hey, thanks for your suggestion! LETTERS ------- I was reading a Mailbag letter on issue #74 that mentioned a jacket-making program. Big Blue had a sample disk about three years ago that included a jacket program. I found a lot of use for it (5.25" disks only) as I could list the files on the disk on the front of the jacket. I thought that I should probably pass it on. I'm not sure whether or not they had it copyrighted. I am a first-time subscriber, and my boss and I really like a lot of the programs. I've been able to "capture" the picture images (clip art) I like for future newsletters that I put together for Evans & Sutherland's Easter Region field engineers. Thanks for all the great stuff. Mary Donthnier Union, OH RESPONSE: "They" (as in Big Blue) are us! Yep, we're the same company and it's the "same" product. Jacket was a popular program. Jacket II will be, too. Enjoy! * * * I did very much enjoy my first issue of On Disk Monthly. Enclosed are two copies of the report card--one from myself and one from my wife. I do like the idea of the report card, but feel that I have to explain my answers more fully. Both my wife and I enjoy the game of Exclusion. We did put it on our hard drive and plan to enjoy it well into the future. We did notice that high scores are changed when the game was repeatedly played. I was unsuccessful in "clearing" the scores from the command line. I liked Directory Tree because it was able to give me the percentage of a disk that was used. I also like the print out of the tree, which I use to label my floppy disks. I have not fully explored the Net Worth program, but I am very interested in it. I will be using it in the future. My wife found that the game of Finagle was too much a game of chance and not of skill. We are not into "poker hands" and wish some greater need to reason out the games' solution. Word-Up! on the other hand was above our intellectual level as 90 percent of the words were totally unrecognizable to us. I never did learn how to change the colors or the extensions on the Color Directory program. I felt that the instructions or "lack of" instructions were frustrating. Even if I could have gotten the program to work properly, I do not feel that I would have much need for such a utility. I do not have a graphic print program that is compatible with your Print Shop Images. Can you advise me as to the graphic programs that are on the market in which your PS Images will work? Richard G. Walker Madison, WI RESPONSE: You probably think the scores keep changing in Exclusion because each puzzle has its own high score file. The only way you can "clear" scores in this program is to edit each puzzle file in a word processor. Do not delete these files--they also contain each puzzle. I personally am addicted to Finagle--it's like Tetris with cards. Your wife may not have liked it because it does not have a "solution." It's an arcade-style game in which you play as long as possible to score the most points possible. You derive satisfaction from these types of games by beating yourself (your previous score) rather than by solving a puzzle. Word-Up! is a regular feature on ODM. It's harder some months than others. Hang in there. Color Directory was "finished" late in the game. It should have had the same type of interface as ResiCalc (this issue) does, but there wasn't time. This really is a useful program. I hate doing a DIR and having to read every file name to find the name of the file I want. Color coding works. How to use this program: 1) At the DOS prompt type PATH, then press Enter; 2) Copy CDIR.EXE into one of the subdirectories listed as being in your path; 3) Go to that directory and type CDIR /C to access the CDIR settings screens; 4) Choose your settings, remembering that the highlight color relates to the files you wish to highlight (mine are "red"), then press F10 to save your settings; 5) Press Esc to return to DOS; and 6) Type CDIR from any subdirectory containing files and see your files stand out! Finally, we produce Print Shop images for use with Broderbund's Print Shop and New Print Shop. You may also use them with ODM's Print Shop Utilities 5.0 (#71). You will also receive .PCX format graphics (alternates with Print Shop). You may use these in most paint programs, most desktop publishing programs, and several popular word processors--such as Word Perfect and Microsoft Word. * * * Having been a long-time subscriber to Loadstar (the Commodore monthly disk), when my adult daughter got her PC I immediately sent her a gift subscription to On Disk, feeling that this is the best source of a variety of software for her. Now I, too, have a PC and I have just received my first issue. We like your efforts, but boy do you have a long way to go to live up to the standards I have come to know with Loadstar. Loadstar: average 12 programs, plus more articles. ODM: average 5 programs, plus only two articles. MENU - Does a fancy, colorful menu add to the content of the product? Not for me. A menu is just a way to access the program. Black and white words are fine. A key press is better than a mouse. For a menu or a utility, simple color is all I need. The space you save could be used for programs. PROGRAM MIX - Keep the mix of utilities and games and graphics. This is what I subscribe for. Most of the utilities I have seen here and on other disks are not needed with DOS 5.0, but some are good. I like the idea of the Color Directory. I will use the Print Shop Images with Print Shop and .PCX graphics with Word Perfect. Dedicated database programs are somewhat useful, if one happens to need that subject. Games are the main reason I subscribe. I use my computer for business, word processing, database files, but mainly to relax and unwind with a game. I'm not big on word games or adventure games, but graphic puzzle games really grab me. Don't duplicate programs! I will order back issues to get the programs I missed when I get a catalog, but it isn't fair to repeat programs. Remember, with every issue there is a large percentage of subscribers who can't use anything on that particular disk. When you repeat a program that was of no value to begin with, you are losing that person again. Who needs duplicates? I am going to miss Loadstar and the excellent job that Fender Tucker does with it. I never would have changed computers if I didn't need to bring work home. I thought that ODM would be bigger and better. Fancier is not better. Content is what counts. Marilyn Buck Piscataway, NJ RESPONSE: The average ODM executable size is about 70-75K. When you do a little math you quickly see why ODM doesn't contain 12 programs like Loadstar does. And we've purposely kept the number of columns low to be able to include as many programs as possible. Do a "dir" on our recent issues and you'll see they don't have a "K" to spare. Our graphics programs do have both CGA and EGA graphics. They don't contain VGA and SVGA graphics. Why? We'd have even less room for programs. We don't "duplicate" programs. We do fix bugs in very popular previously published programs (but only publish them on special issues like #75). We also update programs--new features, a new interface, new functions, a complete remake and more. Why? Compatibility problems, new printers to support, bugs, subscribers requests, etc. Every software company believes in updating a good thing. So do we. Memo Writer 2.0 and Jacket II are good examples of this process. Finally, keep in mind that ODM and Loadstar aren't "clones" of each other. Each has its own staff, own personality and its own program format. ODM's format includes programs for each department listed above the program name in our menu: Feature of the Month, ArtWare, CustomWare, GameWare, HomeWare, and OfficeWare--plus articles and Just for Fun. * * * I really don't expect you to print this. However, I will go ahead and address this to the Mailbag anyway. I understand your situation in attempting to satisfy everyone's "desires" in software, coupled with the problem of trying to meet all the different hardware capabilities. I'm sure that a subscriber with Super VGA, mouse, sound card, etc., would like to see ALL the software in this format, but one must be realistic, and able to recognize that there are those who do not have the hardware capable of running programs written entirely to those standards. You are doing an excellent job in creating software that covers such a wide range. But I do have a couple of complaints to make. If ODM is going to continue to use this title, they should comply with what it implies. That is, to make SURE that every subscriber receives an issue of ODM EACH month. My second complaint concerns your untimely effort to provide a "Tax Assist" program this year, but if it is to follow a time table similar to last year, it will be completely useless to those of us who wish to resolve our differences with the IRS prior to April 15th. I also have a suggestion to make. How about a simple tutorial section (column) in each issue? Something on DOS commands, etc. Possible, two articles--beginner and intermediate. Everyone could benefit from this, including those of us who "think" we know enough. Gary Kilna Caseyville, IL RESPONSE: I can assure you that ODM will continue to support everyone--even if supporting you means creating separate products. Don't worry. You're right, we are behind. We got behind on our mailing schedule (set for the 7th, 8th or 9th in each month) several issues ago. We have not been able to make the time up as quickly or as easily as we had hoped. We now have a plan in action that should work to get us, and YOU, back on schedule. You won't be receiving a tax program from us this year, I'm afraid. We ARE offering a third party tax program through the Marketplace. You mentioned last year's untimely effort. First of all, we don't think we've ever published a really good tax program, and no one currently on staff is "qualified" to design one. Second, the best tax programs reflect any changes in tax laws and are "certified" by the IRS as a vehicle for doing your return. This requires a lot of planning. We think you deserve a really good tax program. That's why we intend to hire an expert to do a great tax program for you at the end of this year. * * * My subscription only goes back to issue #63, but I am impressed. I have gotten more usable graphics, for example, from your disks than from some of my commercial programs, including both PC Paintbrush (works with .PCX clip art) and New Printshop (Print Shop images). My Wordstar will use .PCX graphics, and I convert the Print Shop I receive from you (from Printshop to New Printshop format) with the utility I received from you (Print Shop Utilities 5.0 on #75). Don't drop the games. I have limited time for computer games, and yours are quick and easy to play. I did have a problem with the mouse on Klondike2, but hey, nobody's perfect. It is, however, the only problem I have ever had with one of your programs. Except, of course, for the disk my granddaughter stapled in the jacket. William Estes Lansing, NY RESPONSE: Call your mouse manufacturer for the latest version of your mouse driver. Earlier versions of mouse drivers do not recognize the 320 x 200 VGA mode that Klondike2 utilizes. * * * In regards to some reader feedback from Sharene Matsumoto of Pepeekeo, HI, I would like to relate some information and correct some minor details in your response on the GeoWorks graphic format. Namely, GeoWorks uses a proprietary vector graphic format in their PC/geos line of programs. It is not similar to GEM bitmaps. I have found that PCX 'Rangler (#70) works very well in preparing .PCX bitmaps for import into GeoWorks Pro. GeoWorks Pro allows the direct import of .PCX, TIFF, and Quattro Pro images via the scrapbook appliance or GeoDraw program as long as you crop individual images into separate files. I prefer the Scrapbook, since it allows organization of images and includes comment fields in a reasonable compact format. On to converting New Print Shop images to the GeoWorks environment. The easiest method I have found requires two shareware products. The first is NPSTOIMG.ZIP from Richard Duim, 4402 New Britain Common, Santa Ana, CA 92704. It carries a $20 registration fee and can be downloaded from the GeoWorks Forum of America On-Line or directly from the author. This utility converts all formats of Print Shop images into IMG format. Since GeoWorks does not convert IMG files yet, an additional shareware product is required: Graphics Workshop 6.1H. This program accurately converts a vast number of different formats to any other format by the use of resources. It also allows various modifications to the bitmaps, such as cropping and dithering. It's available from Alchemy Mindworks, PO Box 500, Beeton, Ontario, Canada L0G-1A0 for a $40 registration fee. Bernard Courant Wellsville, NY * * * I would like to see the paint program you are planning support Tandy's 16-color CGA monitor (CM-5), so that I could edit .PCX images to use in the New Print Shop. Since you aren't planning a conversion program, why don't you tell your subscribers that the New Print Shop Companion will convert .PCX and several other formats to the New Print Shop, once they have been edited and/or sized. It will convert the eight colors that the New Print Shop will use. Barbara V. Gray Mentone, AL RESPONSE: The paint program that is under development even as I write this supports down to the 4-color 320 x 200 graphic resolution level. Unfortunately, Tandy 16-color is unique to that one computer platform and would require special graphics and programming, so we have no plans to support it. Thanks for the Companion tip! * * * I have just found time to go through issue #74. I have been a subscriber since before issue #50 and have enjoyed most issues very much. I particularly like the Print Shop images and .PCX graphics, SOME of the games, and some of your drawing programs, financial helpers and utilities. But...I have had some problems, which I will lay out to you. 1) I can load Klondike2 from the DOS prompt, with no problems. It appears to need too much RAM memory to load it through PC Shell, and when I tried to load it using DESQview, my computer tied up and had to be rebooted. Any ideas as to the problem here? 2) I tried to use Certificate Creator before Christmas. The help/instructions were inadequate, and I was unable to see work in progress on the screen. I deleted Certificate Creator from my hard drive and have given up on it. 3) I am a collector of bears (of all types from "real" bears to the teddy variety). Would love to see an issue of all kinds of bear images--either in New Print Shop or .PCX format. Would like them to be simple enough to adapt for use as a logo on stationery. Also, I find your customer service to be excellent. I moved last summer and three issues following the move got lost in transit. When life got less hectic and I realized this, I called your customer service people and they sent new copies of all three very quickly. You are doing great! Patricia Neel DuBois Blue Bear Services RESPONSE: None of our games will run successfully through one of the shell environments such as PC Shell or even Windows. Why? Most games are as memory intensive as the shell programs are and/or they attempt to use the same interrupts. The two just don't mesh. Our upcoming games will include detection routines for Windows, etc. You'll have to run them from DOS, I'm afraid. You're right. Certificate Creator is an older ODM program that needs some work and we plan to redo it sometime this year. Bears? Sure. Why not? * * * I truly adore your issues. They always contain exactly what I am looking for at that point. Your most recent issue (#74) was just fabulous. I compliment you greatly on Net Worth 2.0--it helped me tremendously! I do have a few requests: 1) In your terrific game of Finagle, I was playing Varation #3 and was appalled to discover that the Jokers are not eliminated when used as a regular card. Of course, I understand that it may not be used to complete a hand, such as four jacks and a joker, but it did discourage me to find that five jokers did not disappear. I just thought I'd let you know. 2) I have been receiving your issues for a short while, yet I have not found a word processor suitable for my needs. I would like it if one of your future issues did contain one. 3) This is not a complaint. It is simply to satiate my kids, who are nagging at me to let you know what they feel. They told me that your programs are "super-cali-fragi-listic-expi-ali -docious." But I did realize they are upset. You see, they are used to programs with more than 20 colors on an EGA display. More colors and better graphics? I want you and anyone else who reads this to know that there are three complaints within hundreds and hundreds of compliments that just won't fit on this paper! Toby Yoffe Lakewood, NJ RESPONSE: The author's decision to make the jokers act as "stoppers" in Finagle was, in my opinion, a good one. If the jokers were wild, making hands would be much easier. And, since you can't form a hand out of jokers either, you're forced to: A) Place them in hands that already have a "winning" combination (like two pair or three of a kind) or B) Discard them (if you're fast enough) by placing them to the sides of the "well" near the top of the screen. To do this, when you see a joker, press the right or left arrow key and hold it down until the card comes to a stop and the next one starts to fall. The jokers definitely factor into your play strategy in Finagle. So, you're looking for a word processor. We've never published a "word processor" as such. There are so many good, affordable word processors on the market that it doesn't seem like a good "fit" for ODM. We did publish Edit Meister, a full-featured text editor, on issue #72. If you weren't subscribing then, you might want to order it and check it out. I use it every day. * * * Letters used in ODM's Mailbag may be edited for length and clarity. Please send your questions and comments to: ODM Mailbag On Disk Monthly, PO Box 30008, Shreveport, LA 71130