As we rejoin our hero and his friend we find them in Frostbite Falls, Minnesota where they're tracking down elusive clues about new Macintosh computers and various Clone boxes. Just as our do-gooders are about to fulfill their quest, word comes down that another wave of new machines are due. Undaunted our duo valiantly plod ahead in an effort to gather data. However, unbeknownst to them they are about to suffer indignity at the hands of incorrect documentation. Tune in next week for.........
The GURU FAQ
or... Mrs. Marciniak wins a Saw Horse
1. Just what is this GURU thing?
GURU is an acronym. It stands for GUide to Ram Upgrades. It is an application which provides you with information concerning the Memory upgrades that are possible for every model of Macintosh that has ever been made. It also includes memory information on all Apple LaserWriter printers and all Macintosh clone computers. When we say information on memory we aren't just talking about some single wimpy kind of RAM. Oh no, we're talking about things like DRAM, VRAM, EDO, SDRAM, PSDRAM, Static RAM, & FRAM. Wait, doesn't FRAM make oil and air filters?
2. Okay, what will this little jewel cost me?
Zip. Nada. Nothing. Zero. We give GURU away for two purposes. It is a public service project and it serves as a low-key commercial. We genuinely feel that an informed buyer is a better buyer. Please use this software to your heart's content. Also, feel free to pass it along to your friends.
3. GURU used to have buttons on the floating palette...where did they go?
They're still in GURU but we've hidden them. We threw away the Parts button, and we moved the Glossary and the RAM Test up to the Windows menu. We did this to provide more room on the floating palette. Trust us, you'll like this configuration better than the old way.
4. What is this I hear about the Floating Palette being scalable?
It is true. GURU used to be a single file which contained all the interface information as well as all the data. Starting with version 2.0 we have made significant changes. We have made GURU into an interface-only file, and have broken out the data into separate families. There is a Classic Family, a Printer Family, a SuperMac Family, etc... We have done this for several reasons. The data files within GURU were becoming quite large and unwieldy. We also did it to allow for personal customization. Let us say that you have no interest in the Classic, Mac II, LC, and Performa Families. You may remove them from the GURU Data Folder and they will no longer appear in GURU's Floating Palette. This allows a great deal of flexibility from user to user.
5. GURU is supposed to talk. What, when, where, and how do I make that happen?
Good question. GURU has the ability to talk when you're in the glossary section. You must have an appropriate version of Apple's Text to Speech software in your System folder. In older versions of System 7 that means MacinTalk and in the newer version of the Operating System it means the Speech Manager. I don't have all the details...I'm just supposed to write the FAQ but nobody ever tells me anything. Just put that speech stuff into your System Folder and you'll be ready. When you're in the Glossary you will notice a small "talking head" icon. If you click on the talking head it will read aloud the contents of the definition you have chosen.
6. When will GURU be updated next?
As a general rule we update GURU for the MacWorld trade shows in August and January. If there are a plethora of portables, or a myriad of desktop machines released between these times we generally create a new version. Did you like how we used plethora and myriad in a single sentence?
7. Where do I get the latest version of GURU?
The easiest place is on one of Newer Technology's Web Sites such as http://www.newertech.com or http://www.newerram.com. GURU is also available in many other locations. It is on AOL in the software libraries. It is also available on CompuServe, and hundreds of internet Web sites. It is entirely possible that the people you associate with on a daily basis already have GURU and that is why they seem so knowledgeable. Ask them...you might be surprised.
8. Why do you say you can put more RAM in some machines than Apple does?
Would you believe us if we said it is because we're so incredibly smart? Okay, how about this... If, when a new computer is released, Apple hasn't had a chance to do extensive testing with high density memory configurations they will take the highest density setup they have worked with and say that it is the maximum RAM configuration. This is a safe policy to follow but it inevitably causes confusion when memory vendors and dealers state that a computer will hold twice as much RAM as Apple says it will. This problem will exist for all time.
9. Is GURU 100% free of mistakes?
Yes. No wait...no! Hold it...I mean Yes!. Well, it is possible there are a few mistakes. We take great care to make GURU accurate. If you feel you've found a mistake please be kind enough to send e-mail and point it out. Remember...we're human, so don't be mean to us or you'll hurt our feelings. Send only nice messages wherein you indicate mistakes and/or offer constructive criticism. Please direct e-mail to "techsupport@newertech.com". If you're really nice we might send you e-mail back.
10. I'm putting a CD-ROM together. Can I put GURU on it?
Absolutely, sort of! We require you to contact us first and let us know what you are doing. If you wish to place GURU on your CD-ROM please contact Roger Kasten at Newer Technology. He may be reached via e-mail at "roger@newertech.com" or "rogerkjr@aol.com". He may also be reached by fax at 316-943-4515.
11. What happened to the MIPS information?
It has become very difficult to collect uniform information regarding MIPS performance. There are several factors which can greatly affect a computer's MIPS rating. For these reasons, and others, Apple has chosen to no longer use MIPS as a measure of RISC processor performance. We feel it is unrealistic for us to procure and benchmark every machine for GURU at this time . We hope this does not inconvenience any of you.
