Archive Magazine 1996/ARCHIVE_96.iso/text/products/volume_09/issue_11

Text File | 1996-07-02 | 22KB | 371 lines

Products Available
9.11
Atomwide Printer Adaptor Ö Sharing a printer over a network sounds like
a great idea, but dedicating a computer to the task of printer serving
is clearly a waste of valuable resources. The Atomwide Network Printer
Adaptor enables printing on a TCP/IP network without the need for a
dedicated print server or someoneæs workstation doubling as one.
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The adaptor connects between any available 10Base2 or 10BaseT Ethernet
socket and a printer, and so allows a printer to be located wherever it
is required. By removing the need for a dedicated printer server, near
which, traditionally, your printer would have been placed, the number of
possible positions for the printer within your networkæs topology is
greatly increased. This maximises a printeræs usage by a greater number
of people, and should circumstances change, the printer (along with the
Adaptor) can be re-positioned extremely quickly and easily. If
necessary, you can use more than one Atomwide Network Printer Adaptor on
the same network.
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The Network Printer Adaptor needs to be managed by an Acorn SchoolServer
(or other Microsoft Windows NT file server) Ö a network spooler, running
on the Acorn SchoolServer, spools data to be printed to a file and sends
it, using the TCP/IP protocol, to the Network Printer Adaptor. Printers
connected to your network via an Acorn SchoolServer and a Network
Printer Adaptor can be used by Acorn workstations as if they were
connected locally. It comes in either a one parallel printer or three
parallel printer version and has a network data transfer rate of 10Mbps.
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The one printer version costs ú199 +VAT +p&p, or ú232 through Archive.
The three printer version costs ú299 +VAT +p&p, or ú350 through Archive.
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Barcodes is a fully RISC OS-compliant application which produces EAN-8
and EAN-13 barcodes in drawfile format. The output may be saved as a
drawfile, dragged into Draw or straight into a DTP window. EAN-8 and
EAN-13 barcodes are used in package design and retailing. EAN-13
barcodes may optionally have two or five-digit add-on codes which are
used on periodicals (International Standard Serial Numbering) and books
(International Standard Book Numbering). Beneath the barcode appears the
barcode number in OCR-B font, and optionally the ISSN and ISBN barcodes
may have the ISSN/ISBN number in OCR-A font above the barcode.
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Features include: the bar thickness can be altered to compensate for
ink-spread; the barcode may be saved as a Éstripæ, i.e. the bars are all
the same height; there are checksum-verification routines to assist in
generating a new ISBN number; a barcode number can be Édraggedæ into the
!Barcodes window; a new routine produces Code 128 barcodes for inclusion
in the BIC Binderæs Pack label for packs of books. The application
occupies 100Kb of memory and is RISCáOS 3 only. It makes full use of
interactive help, etc. Checksum generation is automatic, and a check is
made on the validity of the ISSN/ISBN number including its checksum.
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Barcodes costs ú85 (no VAT) from Kang Software. A full description of
the software, and sample drawfiles of the output, can be found on their
web site. (See Factfile.)
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Christian Computer Art Ö There are 45 clipart discs, plus two CDs
available in the CCA range: 1 & 2 Christmas Story and Symbols. 3 Easter.
4 Harvest. 5 Christian Symbols. 6áMoney, Poverty and War. 7 Environment.
8áMission and World Scene. 9 Baptist History and Membership. 10
Apologetics. 11 Evangelism. 12áLifestyle. 13 Banners. 14 Borders. 15
Editorial Flair. 16 Illuminated Letters. 17 Adults and Youth. 18
Children and Families. 19 Celebration. 20 Music 21 Leisure. 22 Weddings.
23 Old Testament Stories. 24 New Testament Stories. 25 NT Parables and
Sayings. 26 Bible Maps. 27 History, Prophecy and Bible Study. 28 OT
Background and Archaeology. 29áNT Background and Archaeology. 30
Sideliners. 31 & 32 Good News Bible OT Stories. 33á&á34áGood News Bible
NT. 35 Good News Bible texts from the OT. 36 Good News Bible texts from
the New Testament. 37Ö45 Good News Bible remaining pictures, in sequence
through the Bible.
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The complete set of pictures above, plus the Apocrypha images from the
Good News Bible, are also available on the Christian Clip Art CD-ROM.
There are about 1,700 images on this disc, all stored as sprites. Copies
of about half the images are also stored in Draw format, and a smaller
number as ArtWorks files. A sophisticated thumbnail viewer can display
images in their categories, and also allows the user to search for
images with given keywords in a text description. The CD also acts as a
resource to the ExpLAN HolyBible product, where it provides a reference
into the complete set of Good News Bible pictures which can be displayed
and copied into DTP documents, etc.
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A second Bible Picture Library CD-ROM is also available, containing all
the Good News Bible pictures, as the floppy disc collection, plus a huge
range of archaeological and historical pictures to illustrate the world
of the Bible. There are about 3,100 images on this CD, all in
monochrome, and stored in PCX format. The Acorn thumbnail viewer
converts these into sprite format ready for use in Acorn applications.
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Discs cost ú5.90 each for one to four discs, and ú4.90 each for five or
more discs. CD-ROMs cost ú49 each and are available from Christian
Computer Art. They also do a 30 day Étrialæ period, and have a free
catalogue available.
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Cyclone is an external floppy disc drive for the Psion Series 3a and
Acorn Pocket Book II. Itæs a high quality, portable 3╜ö floppy drive
unit that provides a flexible, low-cost solution to off-line storage and
back-up for the Pocket Book II. We hope to have one for review soon!
Cyclone costs ú169.95 inclusive or ú165 through Archive.
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DIY RiscPC Ö If anyone is still thinking about buying a RiscPC and had
hoped to catch the Éend of Juneæ deadline for getting a StrongARM
upgrade for ú99 +VAT, donæt panic! You havenæt missed the special offer
because Acorn have extended it to the end of August. What is more, by
waiting, youæve probably saved yourself even more money! The price of
SIMMs has dropped even more. An 8Mb SIMM is now only ú75, a 16Mb is ú140
and a 32Mb is ú310 Ö well it is at the time of going to press but, who
knows, it may have dropped even further by the time you are ready to buy
your computer Ö give us a ring to find out the latest pricing. Also,
drive prices have dropped, see overleaf.
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Drive prices Ö The prices of hard drives have dropped further Ö not as
dramatically as SIMM prices, but still quite helpful. For example, a 1Gb
IDE is now only ú190 including fitting and cables, and there is a 1.6Gb
for ú240. These can only be used on RiscPCs with RISCáOS 3.6 or higher.
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As a result of the DIY RiscPC upgrades, we have several 540Mb hard
drives, ideal for rejuvenating your A5000, for only ú120 while stocks
last! Please ring if you want one, to see if we still have any left.
These can be used in RiscPCs too, provided you have a spare IDE
connector (each RiscPC has one spare, but that is sometimes used up by a
CD-ROM drive.)
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PD drives are also down in price to under ú400 Ö see the Price List for
the latest prices.
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Dr Smithæs C Development Toolkit Ö This suite of tools was launched at
the Wakefield Show, and has received some good reactions. The toolkit is
designed to work with Acorn C v. 4 or 5 (i.e.áDesktop C and C/C++),
though various sections of the kit will work with other compilers such
as GCC, Easy C, or any assembler that outputs AOF files. There are three
sections to the toolkit: MemCheck is a Memory Access Checker (requires C
v. 4 or 5). Linking this library against your C program, and calling a
single function causes every access to and from memory to be checked.
This has the effect of instantly catching illegal array accesses,
overwriting of code areas, dereferencing of garbage pointers, and many
other common C errors. Facilities for debuggings with Flex, Dynamic
Areas, and trusted libraries are all included. HeirProf is a
Hierarchical Profiler which analyses a program as it runs, to produce a
comprehensive hierarchical listing of function run times, enabling
programmers to painlessly tune their code for speed, getting instant
feedback on the bottlenecks in their code, and giving fast assessment of
the impact that changes make. Misc Utilities are supplied to ease common
programming tasks, including programs to produce Éstrippedæ header files
for fast compilation, to rename objects within libraries to avoid name
space collisions, and to automatically generate Cv4 libraries from Cv5
ones.
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A demo version of Dr Smithæs C Development Toolkit can be downloaded
from: ftp.comlab.ox. ac.uk/oucl/users/robin.watts/DrSmiths.zip
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The full version costs ú50 +VAT +p&p from Warm Silence Software, or ú58
through Archive.
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HTMLEdit 2 from R-Comp, builds on the success of its predecessor, adding
hundreds of new features and improvements to bring new life to your Web
pages. Features include: Full HTML 3 and Netscape extension support;
full support for the creation of UNIX/DOS relative paths; over 100
foreign characters supported, with automatic conversion for text files;
multiple master pages; two¡click HTML table creation; all options
user¡configurable; links to RISC OS programs for extended functionality;
HTML ÉAssistantsæ to guide you through common tasks; file conversion to
allow the use of existing data in your page.
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HTMLEdit 2 is available from R-Comp and costs ú45 for a single user
licence, and ú150 for a site licence. Upgrades from version 1 are ú15.
Carriage is ú5 for orders outside of EU.
9.11
MultiGen2 Ö (This was mentioned last month but we got the pricing wrong.
Itæs even cheaper than we said and therefore even better value for
money!!) The high band Genlock adaptor from Sonamara Computer Video has
dropped in price and gone up in specification. It now supports
resolutions of up to 800╫600, with simultaneous RGB, S-Video and
composite video outputs, as well as S-Video and composite video inputs.
Features of the external unit include under/overscan options, image re-
scaling and re-positioning, freeze frame and fade (with adjustable rates
of fade). An infra-red remote control provides full control over all
functions. The MultiGen2 is available for PAL or NTSC. AáMultiGen2 Pro
is also available offering resolutions up to 1600╫1200 plus 2╫ zoom and
pan.
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MultiGen2 costs ú299.95 inclusive or ú290 through Archive. MultiGen2 Pro
costs ú499.95 or ú485 through Archive. For users who require
professional titling in their videos, there are two new bundles
available Ö MultiGen2 + Claresæ Titler for ú369.95, and MultiGen2 Pro +
Titler at ú549.95 (ú355 and ú530 respectively through Archive).
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Observess Ö the expert system shell for the Acorn RISC OS machine. This
was mentioned last month, but we said it was from Chessfield Software
instead of Cherisha Software. Apologies to both companies. As we said,
Observess is fully desktop compatible and incorporates an IF... THEN...
rule structure with up to three conditions. It provides support for
percentage-based certainty factors on facts and rules, and single or
multiple recommendations based on the certainty factors. Included in the
latest version (2.71) is a backward chaining inference engine. The price
remains at ú40 (no VAT) for a single user copy, or ú120 for a site
licence. Further information can be obtained from: Cherisha Software Ö
[e-mail].
9.11
Ovation Pro Ö The long awaited re-write of Ovation is now shipping.
Called Ovation Pro, itæs Beebugæs attempt at bringing onto the market a
professional DTP package which can compete with the likes of Impression
(and ultimately, we hope, with packages on other platforms). Whether
they have succeeded or not, only time will tell; this first version has
got some very impressive facilities, with more to come later in the
year.
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Among its features are: a set of drawing tools for making lines and
curves; rotation for text and pictures; OLE; skewing for text and
pictures; kerningáand tracking; text flow around frames or theápicture
within a frame; bezier control points for editing the standoff on
repelled frames; make      local/make master for master frames; its own
scriptingálanguage; a set of pre-defined macros for automating common or
repetitive operations, plus the ability to create user-defined macros;
macros can be operated from a button bar or by using key presses; drag
and drop between chapters and other documents; find and replace; styles
and effects.
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Ovation Pro costs ú165 +p&p +VAT or ú185 through Archive. Site licences
are also available at ú600 +VAT for a 30 station site licence, and ú300
+VAT for a 15ástation licence.
9.11
Photodesk 2 is now ready, and according to Spacetech, it has undergone
an Éentire re-write taking into account all the positive customer
feedback and the needs of professional usersæ. The main emphasis in the
development of Photodesk 2 has been in improving the overall quality of
the tools, effects and filters. Slickness of operation, ease of use and
quality of output have all been high on the list of objectives for the
new version. According to Spacetech, the way in which it operates and
handles input and output will make the application more familiar to
users of existing industry standard solutions. Certainly, from what we
have seen so far, it looks very impressive.
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Here are a few of the changes youæll find in Photodesk 2: Improved use
of virtual memory, using MEMC to re¡map pages; complete multi-channel
capability with as many alpha channels as the user requires; new
filters, improved outline tracing and de-focus; channels can be defined
as masks, images or maps; gamma controls for each ink; new soft edge
paint brush; improved airbrush and anti-aliasing; complete Twain
compatibility; improved cut and paste operations; OLE; cloning; ripple
map; image blur Ö the list is endless! It is also StrongARM-ready,
having been successfully tested running the StrongARM processor. A full
description of Photodesk 2 can be seen on Spacetechæs Web site at:
                   http://www.digibase.com/spacetech
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Photodesk 2 costs ú229.36 +VAT +p&p or ú255 through Archive. A site
licence is available for ú595 +VAT or ú665 through Archive. Upgrades
from Photodesk can be obtained directly from Spacetech for ú59.41 +VAT.
The original Photodesk is still available for users who do not need the
advanced facilities of Photodesk 2 at the Archive price of ú185.
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Physical Processes Ö At Key Stage Two, children should use IT across a
variety of subjects, process information in different ways, and compare
their use of IT with other methods. ÉIT In Topicsæ provides an approach
to this. The disc contains nearly 800Kb of drawfiles, graphs, sprites,
worksheets, textfiles and applications (over 100 files altogether).
Children can work at the computer, or files can be printed out and
photocopied for working on, thus providing a flexible way of integrating
IT into topic teaching. Worksheets can be used as they are or modified.
If the wording or amount of information given is not right for a
particular group or individual, it can be changed. Worksheets at
differentiated levels to suit different abilities can therefore easily
be produced. The worksheets give plenty of activity ideas and other
resources that can be used in a variety of ways. Further, new files and
worksheets can be made by combining the text and pictures. Topics
covered by the software include, Earth and Beyond, Electrify, Forces,
Light, and Sound. Physical Processes costs ú15 +p&p from Chalksoft Ltd.
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Pocket Book II games Ö Purple Software have a range of games which will
run on the Acorn Pocket II. These include 3a Chess, Backgammon, and
Chinese Chess. All of the games use the Pocket Book IIæs enhanced
graphics capabilities and have a save and load facility; take back
pieces and replay moves; request the computer to suggest a move; play
against the computer, a human opponent or watch the computer play by
itself.
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3a Chess is a chess game with 2D and 3D display options. The game comes
with a built-in chess clock, selection of playing levels, and
incorporates a set of master games selected by an International Master.
The Backgammon game, in addition to the above, can be switched between
aggressive or defensive playing styles. There is also a Bridge program
which is suitable for anyone wanting to get to grips with the game, as
well as for the more skilled player. The program offers displays in both
text mode and graphics mode, using conventional playing cards. You can
play against the computer or enhance your game using a tutor mode. It
uses a natural bidding system with Stayman, Blackwood and a choice of
no-trump conventions.
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Each of the three titles (Backgammon/Chinese Chess, Bridge and Chess) is
available on SSD at ú34 +VAT +p&p or ú40 through Archive. The games are
also available on PC floppy discs at ú29.74 +VAT +p&p or ú35 through
Archive.
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Scientific programs at HENSA Ö Two Fortran utilities: The portable high
level graphics utilities package, PGPLOT, has now been upgraded to
version 5.10, and is available at:   gopher://micros.hensa.ac.uk/11/
micros/arch/riscos/d/d062 or from the HENSA World Wide Web pages. The
main upgrade is that it is now possible to use two output devices
simultaneously.
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The well known molecular drawing program, ORTEP, (Oak Ridge Thermal
Ellipsoid Program) is now available on the World Wide Web. Fortran
source and examples can be found at:                  http://
www.ornl.gov/ortep/ortep.html. It has been adapted to use PGPLOT for the
graphics, which made it simpler to port ORTEP III to the Acorn. It is
now available from HENSA, with a similar address to PGPLOT, but ORTEP is
entry /e/e102.
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Unlike Rasmol reviewed last month, Ortep is used mainly for smaller
molecules, where the atom positions are more precisely known so that the
thermal ellipsoids carry useful information on the atom vibrations as
the temperature changes.
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Another useful program in HENSA is MoleDraw which is a Draw-like program
with additional functions for making two dimensional chemical diagrams.
It is available as reference number e061.
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Simple Control is a new program from Camboard Technology, designed to
introduce control and LOGO style programming. Simple Controlæs four
programs centre around a simulated electronic control box, which is
similar in operation and style to conventional control boxes used in
schools. This simulated control box enables the pupil to learn about
control without the practical problems associated with an actual control
box. Simple Control is unique in that it combines a tutorial with
embedded code boxes for pupils to type in LOGO style commands. They can
see the result of these commands immediately, in the simulated control
box window. Simple Control contains four programs: Direct Control is a
point and click control with inputs, outputs and control box windows.
Computer Control introduces programming the computer with LOGO style
commands which interact with the simulated control box. Buggy is used to
control a simulated buggy. Control Simulations provides several examples
of control systems. Disc-based worksheets are included.
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The single user price is ú19.95 +VAT, and a site licence ú44.95 +VAT,
from Camboard Technology. It requires RISC OS 3.10 or higher. Further
information can be obtained by contacting Camboard Technology direct, or
by visiting their web pages at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com:80/
homepages/camboard/.
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TeleText Turbo Ö The TeleText Turbo from XOB can capture and distribute
eight live and eight local services from each of up to six TeleCards.
Data is cached at the server, so access, even from a remote client, is
regularly quicker than a Teletext television. The cache is updated
automatically, so each page will, on average, be no more than a few
seconds out of date or, if desired, the client can request that pages
are grabbed directly off air. A viewdata editor is supplied, to permit
the setting up of local services for departments, for example. The
server can coexist with other servers, such as level 4.
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The Tele-Card with single user software costs ú152 +p&p +VAT, Teletext
Turbo Network Serving software costs ú229 +p&p +VAT, and Card and Server
purchased together cost ú359 +p&p +VAT or  ú180, ú270 and ú410,
respectively, through Archive.
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VideoBase Ö It has been a long time coming (around four years), but
VideoBase version 2, from Paul Hobbs, is now available. VideoBase is an
application to keep track of recordings and free spaces on a collection
of video tapes. It is designed to make maintaining the database as easy
as possible and to avoid the possibility of inappropriate inputs.
VideoBase is Shareware Ö the ultimate money-back guarantee Ö if you
donæt use the product, you donæt pay for it. Details on how to register
your copy, which will disable the start-up banner, can be found in the
manual supplied with the application. Registration costs ú8. The
application is available from Paul Hobbsæ web site at http://
ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Paul_Hobbs/videob2.htm
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If anyone has any questions or wants more information, Paul can be
emailed at: Paul.Hobbs@ t¡online.de Ö he would also be very grateful for
any feedback that you can provide, especially if you donæt like it, or
find any bugs.áuá
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