BBS in a Box 4

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ BBS in a Box 4 / BBS in a Box - Macintosh - Volume IV (January 1992) (BBS in a Box).iso / Files / Word / N / News < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1988-11-03 | 19.0 KB | 476 lines | [TEXT/MACA]

\\ MMMM // ----------------- \\\ MM /// INFO-MAT Magazine \\\\MM//// ----------------- \\ \MM/ // Vol. 4, No. 32 \\ MMMM // October 25, 1988 --- Whole #177 --- Editor: Alan R. Bechtold Associate Editor: Tim Elmer Advertising: Market/Media Associates Circulation Manager: Debie Bechtold COPYRIGHT (C) 1988, by BBS Press Service, Inc. (BPS), 8125 S.W. 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66615. Editorial & Advertising: 913-478-3157. Data Line (VIA MODEM): 913-478-9239. >>SPECIAL HEADLINE EDITION<< ==================================== This SPECIAL HEADLINE EDITION of INFO-MAT MAGAZINE is copyrighted, but may be distributed freely by ANYONE, as long as NO ALTERATIONS in the text of this file are made in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized deletion of ANY portion of this file, or addition to this file, will be considered a copyright violation. ==================================== TABLE OF CONTENTS: ITEM # ITEM <1> New Method Links SCSI Peripherals <2> HP Licenses PostScript <3> QuickBasic 4.5 Now Shipping <4> $400 Savings on Time Line 3.0 <5> Games Show Strong Sales Gains <6> Pac-Maine Helps Motivate Students <7> New Software Teaches Map Skills <8> Sharp 286 VGA Laptop Announced <9> Compaq Intros 286 Laptop <10> 286, 386 PCs New from FiveStar <11> Mac II Accelerator <12> Industry Rumors <13> How to Find INFO-MAT Full-Text (C) 1988, by BBS PRESS SERVICE, INC. ====================== The INFO-MAT BBS INDEX ====================== The following boards have all paid to tell you about their offerings. These systems represent some of the largest, most serious boards in the country. GIVE THEM A CALL! And TELL THEM INFO-MAT sent you! For information on how you can list YOUR BBS in the next INDEX, call the BPS BBS at 913/478-9239, or Dave Gerding (Voice) at 312/251-2541. ------------------------------------ The BPS BBS -- Home of INFO-MAT MAGAZINE, SOFTWARE SHOWCASE and MORE! Call today to find out how YOU can carry INFO-MAT on YOUR BBS...or how to get INFO- MAT on your favorite BBS. 913/478-9239. Application online! --2/4 ------------------------------------ DEL CHES SYSTEM BBS. Exton-Lionville,Pa (215) 363-6625, 2400/1200/300, 8/N/1. "SINCE 1983". 80 Megs. TBBS! Sigs,debates & "proven" files for MS-DOS, AMIGA, C64&C128,TANDY&TRS,MAC.SIG Leaders. HOME BBS for DELCHUG (DEL CHes User Group) --5/8 ------------------------------------ MICRO MESSAGE SERVICE 919-779-6674 24hr 300+Megs 4 Lines TBBS 2.1 BetaSite. Support for Amiga ST IBM Mac +8bits. Spcl. TBBS SysOp area. Knowledgeable SigOps. ANSI menus. A MEGA info & dload system. All thru NCRTP PCPursuit. --3/4 ------------------------------------ PUGET SOUND TBBS (Seattle). Totally open to all callers first-time. Five lines, 270 megs, PCP OK. 9600 HST access: 206/745-6340. Call at 2400/1200: 206/743-0162. --3/4 ------------------------------------ NEW CONNECTIVITY METHOD INTEGRATES SCSI PERIPHERALS WITH PC-BASED SYSTEMS ACROSS OPERATING SYSTEMS ---------------------------------- (BPS) -- Seagate Technology Inc., Cipher Data Products Inc. and Sytron Corp. will soon offer systems connectivity through a common access method that standardizes the interface between operating systems and SCSI peripherals. It is a simple, unifying method for easy integration of SCSI peripherals into PC-based systems across operating system barriers. The three companies expect this approach to gain industry-wide acceptance. To this end, Seagate, Cipher, and Sytron recently joined with several other SCSI subsystem developers to form an impartial committee to develop a Common Access Method. The committee is known as the SCSI/CAM Committee. Seagate and Cipher will demonstrate SCSI disc and tape connectivity using Sytron's SYTOS backup software at Comdex/Fall in Las Vegas, Nov. 14 to 18. HP LICENSES POSTSCRIPT ---------------------- (BPS) -- Hewlett-Packard Co. has signed a contract with Adobe Systems Inc. to license its PostScript page description language interpreter. In April, HP introduced the HP JetScript product for the HP LaserJet Series II printer, which uses a licensed PostScript interpreter. This agreement allows HP to go a step further in expanding its PostScript offering. The company recognizes that a growing segment of its customer base needs the additional features PostScript offers. HP continues in its commitment to industry standards, and this announcement confirms HP's previous statements that it will support multiple printer languages. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX XX XXX X XX XXXXXXXXXX XX XX X XX X XX X XXXXXXXXX XXX XXX X XX X XX XXXXXXXXXX XXX XXX X XX X XX X XXXXXXXXX XXX XXXX XXXX XXX X XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X X XX X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XX X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X X XX X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X X XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X X XX XX XXX XXXXXXXXX X X XX XXXXX X XX XXXXXXXXXXXX X XX XXX XXX XXXXXXXXXX X X XX XXXXX X XX XXXXXXXXXXXX X X XX XX X XX X X X XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XX XX ... Will reach more than XX XX 10,000 active modem users who XX XX are vitally interested in what XX XX you have to say... XX XX XX XX For an AMAZINGLY low price! XX XX XX XX If you sell products or XX XX services of interest to modem XX XX users, call 913/478-3157 XX XX (voice) TODAY! XX XX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX MICROSOFT SHIPS QUICKBASIC 4.5 WITH ONLINE QB ADVISOR ------------------------------ (BPS) -- Microsoft Corp. is now shipping Microsoft QuickBASIC version 4.5, offering enhancements that help first-time programmers master the fundamentals of programming "instantly." QB Advisor, an on-line reference system that uses hypertext technology, puts "instant" information at the user's fingertips. In addition, Easy Menus help first-time users become comfortable and productive in the Microsoft QuickBASIC environment. QB Express teaches new users to navigate the environment in just 10 minutes. Detailed printed tutorials also help the novice programmer learn the fundamentals of programming and the Microsoft QuickBASIC environment. In addition, Version 4.5 includes a smart, syntax-checking editor; rapid compilation at speeds of up to 150,000 lines per minute; and an improved source-level debugger with a new "instant" watch capability. Microsoft QuickBASIC 4.5 is fully compatible with Microsoft BASIC Compiler version 6.0, the complete professional's development environment. SYMANTEC OFFERS $400 SAVINGS ON TIME LINE 3.0 UPGRADE OFFER ------------------------------- (BPS) -- Symantec Corp. unveiled an aggressive new product upgrade program for Time Line 3.0, its project management product. The program enables owners of competing products to upgrade to Time Line for a reduced $199 price. The suggested retail price is $595. The competing products include Harvard Total Project Manager from Software Publishing and SuperProject from Computer Associates. Interested owners of competing products can call 800/228-4122 ext. 199K to receive product information and instructions for upgrading to Time Line 3.0. GAMES SHOW STRONG GAINS ----------------------- (BPS) -- Wholesale movement of game software into computer retail stores is up 155 percent in dollars and 183 percent in units during the May-July quarter versus the same 1987 period. Year-to-date game software sales are up 85 percent in dollars, 110 percent in units over Jan.-July 1987 quarter. PAC-MAINE: FREE PROGRAM HELPS MOTIVATE STUDENTS ----------------------- (BPS) -- PAC-Maine, written by Raymond T. Albert, instructor of computer science at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, is a computer game designed to promote good grades, good health, positive relationships, and a clear sense of honesty and reliability, while avoiding such menacing threats as poor study habits, alcohol, drugs, and negative peer pressure. Guidance counselors at every public and private high school in New England have been sent a free copy, which is a tongue-in-cheek version of a well-known commercial product. It capitalizes on the idea that play and learning can be mutually supportive. For IBM PC and compatibles, the game is completely free and can be reproduced at will. It is a Public Domain program, not a Shareware program. It should be available on most popular local BBS systems. Sysops who want to post the program on their systems can contact Nancy Dumont, public information officer at Fort Kent; 207/834-3162, ext. 410. MAP SKILLS PROGRAM TEACHES MAP READING ------------------- (BPS) -- Map Skills, from Optimum Resource, Inc., is for students ages 8 and up. It effectively teaches and reinforces map reading skills, while enhancing other important skills, including planning, revising, problem solving, and hypothesizing. Students follow trip instructions around road maps of five different communities, each of which has a different scale and flavor. They "drive" on- screen, following instructions and freely scrolling across a map which is up to six times larger than the screen display. The program contains 100 prestructured trips on 10 difficulty levels (20 trips for each of five maps). Students automatically advance to higher levels as they succeed. Instructions are simple at the earliest levels, but become more complex and even mysteries at later levels. Available for Apple II series computers on either 5.25- or 3.5-inch disks, the program retails for 39.95. A lab pack of 5 disks and manuals retail for $75. Contact: Optimum Resource, Inc., 10 Station Place, Norfolk, CT 06058; 800/327-1473, 203/542-5553 in CT. NEW 286-BASED VGA LAPTOP FROM SHARP ----------------- (BPS) -- A new battery-powered laptop computer from Sharp Electronics features, the company says, the industry's first 640 x 480 illuminated, page white crystal display with VGA emulation and 16 levels of gray. Sharp's new PC-5541 is a battery-powered, 286-based laptop computer with a 40 Mb hard drive (25ms across speed) and one 1.44 Mb high-density 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. The internal RAM is expandable to 3.6 Mb. An IBM PC/AT compatible, the PC-5541 has two-way power operation with either AC plug-in or NiCad battery pack. With battery, it weights 14 pounds. The PC-5541 will be displayed at the Sharp booth #2328 in the North Hall at COMDEX in November. The suggested retail price for the PC-5541 is $5,595. The PC-5541 has both an analog CRT port for use with VGA monitors as well as a digital CRT port for VGA, EGA, CGA, MDA and Hercules output. Available options for the PC-5541 include a 3 Mb EMS 4.0-compatible extended RAM card, 1200 or 2400 baud modem, and a second RS-232 serial interface port card. A carrying case and add-on battery pack are also available as options. COMPAQ INTROS 286 LAPTOP ------------------------ (BPS) -- Compaq Computer Corp. Oct. 17 introduced its Compaq SLT/286 laptop. It weighs 14 pounds and measures 4 inches high, by 13.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep. It features a 12 MHz 80C286 microprocessor which, according to the company, runs applications 20 percent faster than most 10 MHz, 80286-based products. An internal Enhanced NiCad battery pack with over three hours operation between charges powers the system. It also runs on AC power. The SLT/286, according to Compaq, is the industry's first liquid crystal, supertwist, VGA display with eight shades of gray with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, and 16 shades of gray with a resolution of 320 x 200. The backlit, 10-inch diagonal display has a non-glare filter. It comes standard with 640K of RAM; one 3.5-inch, 1.44 Mb floppy drive, a 20 or 40 Mb hard disk drive, 80287 math coprocessor socket, a removable 82-key keyboard with a port for an optional external numeric keypad. Standard interfaces are serial and parallel ports, connector for an external VGA monitor, and a connector for a 101-key keyboard. The SLT/286 Model 40 with a 40 Mb hard drive retails for $5,999, and the Model 20 with a 20 Mb hard drive retails for $5,399. FIVESTAR RELEASES 286-, 386-BASED PERSONAL COMPUTERS ---------------------------- (BPS) -- Fivestar Computers is now shipping two new 286-based and two 386- based personal computers. -- FIVESTAR 286/14: With a 16-bit, 80286 microprocessor, it runs at either 7 or 14 megahertz with zero wait states. It comes with 1 Mb of RAM; fully PC-compatible BIOS; one 5.25-inch 1.2 Mb floppy drive; five half-height drive slots (two hidden, three exposed), allowing for the addition of floppy or hard disk drives; two 8-bit and six 16- bit expansion slots; serial, parallel, and game ports, and 101-key keyboard. It retails for $1,499. -- FIVESTAR 286/10: With a 16-bit, 286 microprocessor, it runs at either 6 or 10 MHz. It's comes standard with the same features as the 286/14, except that it has 640K of RAM, expandable to 4 Mb. It retails for $1,099. -- FIVESTAR 386/20: Featuring a 32-bit, 80386 microprocessor, it runs at either 6 or 20 MHz with zero wait states. It comes with 1 Mb of RAM, expandable to 10 Mb; 64K of cache memory; one 8- bit and one 32-bit expansion slots. Additional features are the same as those in the 286-based machines. It retails for $2,999. -- FIVESTAR 386/16: It has 32-bit, 80386 processor that runs at 16 MHz with zero wait states, and comes with 1 Mb of memory, expandable to 8 Mb. All other features are the same as the 286/20. It retails for $1,999. All models are fully IBM PC-compatible. Prices listed here do not include the monitors, which are also available from Fivestar. Contact: Fivestar Computers, 1621 West Crosby, Suite 112, Carrollton, TX 75006; 214/242-7000. MAC II ACCELERATOR INCREASES SPEED UP TO FIVE TIMES ---------------------------- (BPS) -- The new 33/030 Accelerator II increases the Macintosh II speed two to five times, according to Andrew Lewis, president of DayStar Digital. With the optional 33.33 MHz 68882 math coprocessor, the speed of numerical calculations can be significantly increased over the standard 68881 coprocessor. Unlike other accelerator boards, the DayStar 33/030 Accelerator II plugs directly into the original 68020 socket on the Mac II motherboard, instead of requiring a separate Nubus card. Both the accelerator board and coprocessor will be available beginning December. The 33/030 Accelerator II retails for $6,000; the 68882 coprocessor for $1,000. Contact: DayStar Digital, 5556 Atlanta Highway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542; 800/962-2077. *-------"Call the BIG BOARDS!"------* | | | ATTENTION INFO-MAT READERS... | | | | THE INFO-MAT BBS INDEX LISTS | | QUALITY BULLETIN BOARDS | | THAT WANT YOUR CALL! | | | | The new Info-Mat BBS Index is a | | great source of BBS's intersted in| | getting YOUR CALL! | | The listing is located at the | | top of this file, just after the | | "contents" page of Info-Mat | | Headline News each week. | | ALL THESE SYSTEMS ARE VERIFIED | | ON-LINE before they are accepted | | for the listing...no time wasted | | calling voice numbers. | | | | CHECK OUT "THE INDEX" EACH WEEK! | | | *-CALL!---------CALL!---------CALL!-* INDUSTRY RUMORS: ---------------- -- LOTUS MAGELLAN: Whether or not Lotus previews Magellan (product name for Explorer project) in Las Vegas will depend on the risk of being late with this info-bridge for Agenda and Notes; word is that it's just a back-of-the-lab project so far, not expected into reality until well into '89. -- NEC ULTRALITE: The new NEC UltraLite laptop has big battery problems, with virtually permanent amnesia in as little as two hours. -- DOS 5.0: Heard that multitasking DOS 5.0 got put on the back burner some three to six months ago on the reasoning that it would not meet sales expectations until memory prices drop back to cheap. -- SHELLS: Shells are swell, but look for strong PC user renaissance as clever new software at the year's cusp lets the computer do more of the work of handling its computerishness. -- GANG OF NINE BUS: If the Gang of Nine bus shows up from Houston in January, as originally thought, look for the implementation to be somewhat less than what the prose promises. More than likely, however, the announcement won't come. -- EISA: Notice that no one is really doing an EISA design; the plan is to hang tough until someone big (Compaq) does it. However, the rumor is that Compaq knows that EISA can't and won't work the way they say. -- MCA PCS: Tandy will still introduce a new MCA machine, as will several other companies -- and, yes, Compaq has one that is fully tested. -- APPLE MAC: Apple is getting ready to show off DEC Windows on the Macintosh. -- ASHTON-TATE: May be acquired by Novell by June; Esber will be gone before that. -- OS/2: Microsoft will abandon OS/2 next year and announce tie-in with IBM Unix plans. -- MZ TO FOLD: At least one major PC book will fold; guess which one? -- LOW-COST MODEM: Expect Rockwell to announce a low-cost 19.2 baud modem module and Hayes will use it in a $900 model. -- SEAGATE: Will announce a 50 percent reduction on certain drives. ------------------------------------ THE SPECIAL HEADLINE EDITION OF \\ MMMM // \\\ MM /// \\\\MM//// \\ \MM/ // INFO-MAT \\ MMMM // MAGAZINE IS NOW AVAILABLE EVERY WEEK! You can find the FULL-TEXT edition of each weekly issue of INFO-MAT on more than 170 bulletin board systems (BBSs) worldwide! More than 100K of late- breaking news, information and features, PLUS Charles Bowen's "A Networker's Journal, Dan Gutman's "I Didn't Know You Could Do THAT With A Computer!!!" "The Editor Speaks," and MUCH MUCH MORE, covering the fields of computers, software and telecommunications -- FREE (some affiliates may charge one-time or periodic registration/membership fees, but INFO-MAT is available to all REGISTERED members of affiliate systems at no additional charge). Use your modem to DIAL 913-478-9239, to find the BPS affiliated BBS nearest you! Or call 913-478-3157 (VOICE), for more information. ------------------------------------