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OnLine 8-95.txt
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1983-05-04
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On Line
Rob Hays
August 1995
What is the best way to compress a disk full of data? You
could use a program such as Arc or LHa to compress the
individual files and directories, then instruct the recipient of
your compressed file to use the appropriate command to restore
original directory structure. However, if you want to compress
something like a game demo that does not use standard AmigaDos
files, these types of programs won't work. Enter the Device
Masher, from ParCon Software.
DMS
The Device Masher System is a track-based compressor, rather
than file-based, such as Arc. This means that it will create an
image of a disk track by track, then compress that image file.
When uncompressed, the original disk track structure is restored.
This means any special track structures are also restored, making
DMS the compression utility of choice for game demos, since these
almost always use non-standard disk formats.
Recently updated to version 2.01, DMS can now utilize the
high density disks supported by Workbench 2.04 and above. It will
also use the PCx drives created by CrossDos, which allows you to
exchange DMS files with IBM clones.
DMS2.01 is shareware, with a $30 registration fee. The
downloadable archive includes a demo version that is usable only
from the CLI or Shell, and has some features disabled. The
registered version includes a graphical interface, 40% faster
operation, and other goodies. Also included in the distribution
are a file-based compression program, a utility to add custom
messages to the boot-block of floppy disks, and a device driver.
This allows you to mount a DMS file as a virtual drive for use
without unpacking the file to a disk.
Programmed by Michael Pendec, DMS is distributed as a self-
extracting archive that is 129,912 bytes. If you are using a 2400
bps modem, expect a download time of approximately 11 minutes. A
14.4 kbps modem will get the job done in just over one minute.
DMS Workbench
Of course, a Shell or CLI-only program is seen as a
challenge to some programmers, and Nicholas Clarke has created a
GUI for DMS (figure 1). Currently at version 2.02, the DMS
Workbench adds standard gadget control to DMS functions.
Since Mr. Clarke is credited in the main DMS documentation,
and the 42,669 byte archive contains only the interface program,
I assume no further shareware fee is requested.
At 2400 bps, DMS mouse control is about 3.5 minutes away,
and less than 30 seconds at 14.4kbps.
Music, Maestro!
With its built-in sound capabilities, music and sound
players have been a mainstay of Amiga programmers from the
beginning. Three recent updates illustrate the current state-of-
the-art in this category.
Play16
Programmed by Thomas Wenzel and currently at version 1.5,
Play16 does not try to do everything. However, what it does, it
does very well. Play16 will play uncompressed, and some
compressed sampled sound files. It supports files of up to 16 bit
resolution, converting as needed to accommodate your hardware.
Many different sound file formats are supported, including the
increasingly popular .wav format found in the clone world. An
option is included to convert other formats to the Amiga standard
IFF file if you desire. One nice feature is the playing of
monophonic samples through both audio channels, instead of only
the left.
Included in the 86,606 byte distribution archive are two
versions of the program, one of which is for '040 processors,
English and German documentation, and a program called
CyberSound. This last is by Christian Buchner, and allows you to
tailor the sound driver to the Digital/Analog converters
installed in your particular Amiga. These chips vary widely in
their conversion characteristics, and this program will help you
get the best sound.
Play16 is freeware, and requires AmigaDos 2.04 or higher. At
2400 bps expect to spend a little over seven minutes downloading
it, and a bit less than one minute at 14.4kbps.
PowerPlayer
PowerPlayer, from Stephan Fuhrmann, is a music file player.
Able to play files created by a number of popular music programs,
version 4.1 is the most recent. Starting PowerPlayer opens a
small, gadget-filled window (figure 2). Clicking the appropriate
gadget brings up a file requester. Choose the song files you wish
to play, and PowerPlayer goes to work. A small window displays
the name, type, and size of file, as well as showing playing
time. Songs can be played in any order, including randomly.
PowerPlayer works with all versions of AmigaDos from 1.2 to
3.1, although 2.0 and higher will give users a bonus; the ability
to save song lists. These will eliminate the drudgery of
selecting favorite song files every time you start PowerPlayer.
ARexx control and support for compressed files help make
PowerPlayer a breeze to use. Support for over 30 different types
of programs means you should have no trouble finding songs you
like in formats PowerPlayer can handle.
PowerPlayer is shareware, with a fee of 30 Deutsch Marks.
Check with your local bank for currency conversion rates. The
159,643 byte distribution archive includes all necessary support
libraries, and an Installer script to handle their placement. At
2400 bps expect to be connected for a little over 13 minutes,
14.4kbps users will be finished in about a minute and a half.
SuperPlay
SuperPlay, from Andreas Kleinert, is actually a
demonstration program, utilizing his superplay.library, which is
at version 4.3. This is a shared library, allowing maximum
flexibility for future sound modules. SuperPlay itself (figure 3)
is at version 4.1, and besides playing song files, it can convert
them to other formats in its library. Eight different formats are
currently included with the distribution archive. This program
requires AmigaDos 2.04 or higher.
The 90,052 byte archive contains all of the user files and
documentation. A separate archive approximately 127,000 bytes in
size contains developer info if you are interested in adding to
the superplay.library. The user file takes approximately seven
and a half minutes at 2400 bps, and less than one at 14.4kbps to
transfer.
Where to look
I found DMS 2.01 and DMS Workbench in the AmigaUser Forum on
CompuServe, in the Archivers/Crunchers section, as DMS201.SFX,
and DMSWB.LHA, respectively.
Play16 was found on AmiNet, in the mus/play subdirectory as
Play16_1_5.lha. In the same directory, PowerPlayer is listed as
PowerPlayer.lha, and the Superplay Library is Splib43U.lha.
SuperPlay is also in the AmigaTech Forum on CIS, in the Libraries
directory.
Most of the systems had earlier versions of one or more of
these files, and quite likely will have these new versions by the
time you read this.
Update
Last time I mentioned that the U.S. version of the
encryption program PGP, was not available except on GEnie. I have
since learned that if you have and Internet account, and access
to FTP, it is available at: ftp.csn.net. Go to the mpj directory
and read the file README.MPJ. The subdirectory pgp/amiga has the
program and doc files.
Who Ya Gonna Call?
First a request for help.
Recently I received BBS information from a user via e-mail
on Delphi, which I lost through a combination of error on my
part, and a system crash on the part of my Internet provider. The
only thing I recall about the sender was that they were a Captain
in either the Air Force or the Army. So, Captain, if you see
this, please re-send your BBS info for future inclusion.
Now, here are some more Amiga BBS systems you may wish to
call.
NAME: The Amiga ShareWare HeadQuarters BBS
PHONE: (810) 473-2020
SPEEDS SUPPORTED: up to 14.4kbps
CONTACT: Bill Beogelein
Box 530441
Livonia, MI 48153-0441
EMAIL: ag775@detroit.freenet.org
NAME: Wolverine BBS
PHONE: (517) 695-9952
SPEEDS SUPPORTED: up to 28.8kbps
CONTACT: Rick Rosinski
P.O. Box 646
Midland, MI 48640-0646
EMAIL: rick.rosinski@wolverine.com
NAME: Harbour Lights BBS
PHONE: (207) 967-2745; (207) 967-3719
SPEEDS SUPPORTED: up to 14.4kbps
CONTACT: Rick Lembree or John Maguire
Where To Find Me
R.Hays5 on GEnie
RHAYS on Delphi
72764,2066 on CompuServe
Rob Hays on Portal
InterNet users, I now have a new email address:
rhays@ansel.intersource.com.
For U.S.Mail:
Rob Hays
P.O.Box 194
Bloomington, IN 47402
Please include a SASE if you need a personal reply.
If you run an Amiga specific BBS, send me the information
callers will need to access your system. Phone number(s), modem
speeds, software settings, etc. As a service to the Amiga
community I will include the information I receive in this column
from time to time. Send the info to any of my addresses above.
That's all for now. See you online!