NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #31/NN_1992_31.iso/spool/comp/sys/mac/digest/447

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Subject: Info-Mac Digest V10 #310
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Info-Mac Digest             Thu, 31 Dec 92       Volume 10 : Issue 310

Today's Topics:

      [*] AutoDoubler Internal Compressor updater
      [*] Function Keys
      [*] MacPPP 1.0 beta release 1
      [*] PowerDown 1.1
      [*] rda 2.3
      [*] Reset DTDBs
      [*] Reset DTDBs Source Code
      [*] ZyXEL scripts for LineShare 1.2
      (Q) A Problem with SEA
      Announcing Netter's Dinner - Final Call
      Article Submission Redux
      BlackJack Tutot
      European S/W prices... (C)
      European Software Prices *!$%$!*
      Happy New Year!
      Hard Drive Rename
      HP 4M printing problems with truetype fonts (A)
      Mac IIx ROM version
      Modems from Hell (C)
      MS Word 5.1 to PageMaker 4.2 converter?
      PowerBook Modems
      PPI support
      Practical Peripherals FAX modem info
      PS/2 High Density mode for 3.6" Floppy isn't Compatible
      rot 13
      rot13 off-line decoder? (C)
      Satellite images (R)
      Scaners, OCR, Apple OneScanner (A)
      Scanners, OCR, Apple OneScanner (A)
      Serial of Champions
      System 7.1 (A)
      Textures 1.2 ...
      VT320 emulation (R)

The Info-Mac newsgroup is moderated by Bill Lipa.

The Info-Mac archives are available (by using FTP, account anonymous,
any password) in the info-mac directory on sumex-aim.stanford.edu
[36.44.0.6].  Help files and indices are in /info-mac/help.

Please send articles and binaries to [e-mail].
Send administrative mail to [e-mail].
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 28 Dec 92 14:41:01 PST
From: [e-mail] (Salient Software)
Subject: [*] AutoDoubler Internal Compressor updater

"AIC Updater" is a standalone application that updates applications,
control panels, and extensions (INITs) that have been internally compressed
by the AutoDoubler Internal Compressor (AIC), which is part of the
AutoDoubler 2.0 package.

The updater updates items compressed by version 1.0 of the AIC to
be the same as if they were compressed with version 1.0.1 of the AIC.
Note that it does NOT update or patch the AIC itself in any way.

[Archived as /info-mac/util/autodoubler-ic-updater.hqx; 28K]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1992 18:15:28 +0100
From: [e-mail]
Subject: [*] Function Keys

This little extension let's you use the function keys 1 to 10 (not FKEYs!!!)
on keyboards without them. Includes a Read Me file.

[Archived as /info-mac/ex/function-keys.hqx; 4K]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Dec 92 10:46 EST
From: Jeffrey L. Needleman <[e-mail]>
Subject: [*] MacPPP 1.0 beta release 1

This is a beta PPP LAP driver for MacTCP, written by Larry Blunk of the
Merit Network ([e-mail]).  The current version does not support
Appletalk over PPP.

The driver requires System 6.0.5 or higher.  It consists of a System
Extension (PPP) and a control panel (Config PPP). (Note: the PPP LAP
requires MacTCP 1.1 or higher.  MacTCP 1.1 and 1.1.1 both have problems
with slow links, but 1.1.1's are less severe.)

I downloaded this from AOL, but it's also available via anonymous ftp on
merit.edu in the /pub/ppp directory, so it's OK to put it in the sumex
archives. So far as I know, this is the first PPP driver available for the
Mac.

Jeff Needleman  <[e-mail]>

[Archived as /info-mac/comm/mac-ppp-10b.hqx; 51K]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1992 19:15:56 -0600
From: [e-mail] (Dan Walkowski)
Subject: [*] PowerDown 1.1

I just realized that the version on sumex isn't the latest.  Here it is.
(The only change from 1.0 is better error handling)

PowerDown is an After Dark module that issues a shutdown command to the
Finder after a specified delay.  When the shutdown is to occur, you get a
10 second period (with accompanying flashing message and obnoxious sound)
in which you can cancel the shutdown.

Any dialogs (save, etc.) that come up will halt the shutdown, but the
screen will remain black.  If this isn't satisfactory, you can use one of
my other handy utilities, Okey Dokey, which hits the default button in a
dialog after a specified delay.  It is a control Panel, and is available
here on sumex.

Enjoy!

Dan Walkowski
Dan Walkowski
University of Illinois Dept. of Computer Science

[Archived as /info-mac/util/ad/power-down-11.hqx; 33K]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Dec 92 14:21:04 -0700
From: [e-mail] (Jeff Slinker)
Subject: [*] rda 2.3

This is version 2.3 of random-dot-autostereograms. It should be the last
bug fix, next releases will be optimizations.

RDA Viewer by Barton Stander.

/*****************************************************************************/
Version 2.3
68020/68881 version included

Bug fixed in the Editor, sometimes it would not generate any data.

If the image is damaged (RDA image), just hit applekey-r to redraw the image.
Damage to the image can occur if it is generated in the background and
something
is overlapping the RDA window.

/*****************************************************************************/
Version 2.2
Bug fixed in math calculations, for those that understand the program is
now using doubles instead of floats. (Compiler Stuff)

Subsample added to Editor. This allows you to do a rough calculation to see
how it will look before doing the longer calculations for every pixel. Instead
of calculating a new Z value for every pixel (this would be 1), it could
calculate
the Z value for every 5 pixels ( a setting of 5). Another way to put it is
that if
the setting is 5, the resolution of one pixel is now the size of 5 pixels.
Experiment
and you will see. Do something easy like just plotting x (z = x).

The range of the x and y values are -1.0 to 1.0 for y, and -1.6 to 1.6 in x.

68020 version is not ready, but will be released with 2.3 shortly.

/*****************************************************************************/
Version 2.0

*Note: When opening a file, it must be in the same folder as the Application.
Opening PICT files is the only expception, they can be located anywhere.

Random Dot Autostereograms (RDAs) are images that contain three dimensional
information in a single image instead of a pair of images typically refered to
as a stereo pair.

When the RDA is properly viewed, the random dots appear to come out of or go
into the viewing plane (Monitor, Paper, etc...).

To view an RDA one must focus infront of the viewing plane, or behind the
viewing plane. Focusing in front of the viewing plane is done by becoming
crossed eyed.
Focusing behind the viewing plane is done by becoming wall eyed.

The RDA Viewer can read RDA images. It can also display PICT images. The
Viewer can
generate the same RDA images as provided. Generation takes a considerable
amount of time. If
you are running a 68000 or a machine without the 68881 FPU, then you shouldn't
generate any
images unless you have plenty of time (30 minutes). The advantage to
generating images is that
you can display the contours of the data.

The RDA viewer now has an equation editor. You can enter in your own
mathematical equations
and view their results as an RDA or as a contour.

The Viewer can save the images generated as PICT files, and these have been
provided.

Open an RDA image with the Viewer Application. I suggest the file
"circle.PICT".

Under the View menu, select "Show Repition Rate". This is the amount the eyes
must be crossed
or wall eyed to view the image.

The two dots shown by Show Repition Rate are a guide to help you focus. Focus
your eyes (by
crossing of walling) util the two dots fuse to make three dots, on focused in
the middle, and
two fuzzy dots, one on each side of the focused middle dot.

If you see four dots you have not crossed or walled enough. Sometimes it helps
to put your
finger in front of the image and focus on it, and in the background notice if
there are three
dots yet. Move your finger closer and further away until you have three dots.

Once you have three dots, you must keep them focused and start to look down
and towards the
middle of the image. You will see the dots on different levels, at different
depths.


RDA Equation Examiner
ShareWare

By: Barton Stander
Consulting by: Geoffrey Slinker

If you like this program send $7.00 to:
Barton Stander
K39 Nex Perce
Pullman, WA 99163

If you are foreign, please send $5.00 US (if you can) plus 2 of your dollars
for
mine and Geoff Slinker's collection of foreign currency.

Send $8.00 and a disk for source code. Source code is provided solely as
reference, not as
a license to use the code in any type of application without first consulting
Barton Stander.

This code is copyrighted by Barton Stander 1992.

There are no warranties to you or any other person for this product expressed
or implied. Any
such warranty is expressly and specifically denied. In no event shall anyone
be responsible for
any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. These damages
include loss of data,
damage to hardware or software, or to any person. No responsibility is implied
or accepted
for personal injury during the use of this software. No responsibility for
lost wages is
accepted. The only thing accepted is your praise.

I know that all of this sounds a bit paranoid, but with law suits these days,
paranoid is
precisely the term that comes to mind.

[e-mail]


For those of you that want to know how I became "distributor" of the RDA
viewer, Geoff
and I attended BYU together. Currently, I am at Washington State Univ, and
Geoff is working
in the buisness sector. I provided the Equation Editor.

[Archived as /info-mac/app/random-dot-autostereograms-23.hqx; 432K]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Dec 92 00:45:54 -0500
From: [e-mail] (Brian Gaeke)
Subject: [*] Reset DTDBs

This program will reset the Desktop Databases (DTDBs) on each mounted
volume. It is somewhat like the Desktop Reset(tm) extension except that it
is an application. I wrote this program only because Desktop Reset
continually gave me address errors, even when I wasn't running any
other extensions, and also because I wanted to see how hard it would
be (it wasn't.) Reset DTDBs was written in Think C(tm) 5.0.4.

This program may be redistributed infinitely. It is, however,
freeware--you can modify it, and redistribute it (please!) but don't give
away modified copies.

Reset DTDBs is copyright (c) 1992 Brian Gaeke. All rights reserved
worldwide except where specifically permitted.

Brian Gaeke
 Internet: [e-mail]
 GEnie: BRG
 America OnLine: BrianG29

This file has been compressed with Compact Pro 1.33.

This program should probably be archived as
/info-mac/util/reset-dtdbs.cpt.hqx

 --------------------------- cut here ----------------------------------

[Archived as /info-mac/util/reset-dtdb.hqx; 6K]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Dec 92 00:51:29 -0500
From: [e-mail] (Brian Gaeke)
Subject: [*] Reset DTDBs Source Code

This is the source code to the Reset DTDBs program I posted previously.

Brian Gaeke
 Internet: [e-mail]

[Archived as /info-mac/source/c/reset-dtdb.hqx; 10K]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1992 13:51:06 +0300
From: Vladimir Butenko <[e-mail]>
Subject: [*] ZyXEL scripts for LineShare 1.2

 This is the set of LineShare 1.2b scripts for ZyXEL modems.
 These scripts don't use ZyXEL voice facilities (since they
 are not supported with LineShare yet), but they can be used to
 share your single modem line between any comm application and:

 ZyXEL Fax&ARA        - Fax software (like FaxSTF) and ARA server
 ZyXEL Fax&TeleFinder - Fax software and Telefinder BBS host.
 ZyXEL Fax&Hermes     - Fax software and Hermes     BBS host.
 ZyXEL Fax&MultiData  - Fax software and TeleFinder and QuickMail hosts

 Read the docs published with LineShare.

 To adapt these scripts to non-ZyXEL modems, just open them (they are
 plain text files) and edit modem commands following the instruction
 written in the script header comments.

 We'll publish sets for other modems soon, and we hope to produce the
 version of LineShare that supports voice features of modern modems.

 Happy New Year!

 Vladimir.

[Archived as /info-mac/comm/lineshare-zyxel-scripts.hqx; 16K]

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 92 12:28:44 -0500
From: [e-mail]
Subject: (Q) A Problem with SEA

Would anybody know what might be the problem if
I am unable to get self-extracting archives
to self-extract?  Every time I try, I get the
OS error:

   Could not be opened because an error
   of type -50 occured.


Thanks in advance,

- Mitch

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 92 13:02:58 -0800
From: Jon Pugh <[e-mail]>
Subject: Announcing Netter's Dinner - Final Call

    @     @                                           @@@
    @@    @  @@@@@@   @@@@@   @@@@@  @@@@@@  @@@@@    @@@     @@@@
    @ @   @  @          @       @    @       @    @    @     @
    @  @  @  @@@@@      @       @    @@@@@   @    @   @       @@@@
    @   @ @  @          @       @    @       @@@@@                @
    @    @@  @          @       @    @       @   @           @    @
    @     @  @@@@@@     @       @    @@@@@@  @    @           @@@@

        @@@@@@                                            @@@
        @     @     @    @    @  @    @  @@@@@@  @@@@@    @@@
        @     @     @    @@   @  @@   @  @       @    @   @@@
        @     @     @    @ @  @  @ @  @  @@@@@   @    @    @
        @     @     @    @  @ @  @  @ @  @       @@@@@
        @     @     @    @   @@  @   @@  @       @   @    @@@
        @@@@@@      @    @    @  @    @  @@@@@@  @    @   @@@



           This is the FINAL call for the Netter's Dinner!


The Netter's Dinner is a gathering of net.geeks at MacWorld.  I have organized
the San Francisco dinner since '85 or so.  The dinner has grown to almost
uncontrollable proportions but I continue to make the effort because I enjoy
the food and the chance to schmooze. It has traditionally been hackers and
programmers, but as more people find out about it, it has grown to include
others.

Dinner is traditional hot and spicy Chinese food at one of my favorite
restaurants.  They have a banquet room we can take over that can seat the
unruly crowd we gather.  Last year the count was 102.  The current count is
only around 40, and we don't qualify for the big room until we hit 80, so
we'll
be in the small room.

To attend the dinner you _must_ RSVP with me at my address [e-mail] by
Tuesday, January 5th.

Dinner will be Friday January 8th at 7 PM at the Hunan on Sansome at
Broadway.

We will meet at the top of the escalators in Moscone after the show which ends
at 6 PM on Friday.  We will begin walking to the Hunan at 6:30 PM!  Please
note
that we are WALKING and this is a brisk walk at this time of year.  Bring a
coat and some confortable shoes.  The walk isn't bad, assuming the weather
holds, but be prepared.

The cost of the dinner will be $22.  This turns out to be the expensive meal
and looks well worth it.  It includes Onion Cakes and Dumplings appetizers,
Chicken Salad, and Hot & Sour Soup, plus Garlic Chicken, Hot & Sour Beef,
String Beans w/ Meat Sauce, Hunan Scallops, Kung Pao Shrimp, Rice and Tea.

I'll also order a vegetarian meal for Leonard.  If anyone else wants/needs
a vegetarian meal, please notify me as soon as possible.

Following is a list of everyone who has RSVPed.

See you there.  Don't forget to RSVP!  It's not too late.

Jon

email address                             body count
 ------------                             ----------
[e-mail]                               1
[e-mail]                        1
[e-mail]                                1
[e-mail]                          1
[e-mail]                     1
[e-mail]                        1
[e-mail]                           1
[e-mail]                           1
grobbins                                      1
[e-mail]                           1
[e-mail]                               1
[e-mail]                        1
[e-mail]                               1
[e-mail]                              1
[e-mail]                             1
[e-mail]                         1
[e-mail]                                1
[e-mail]                         1
[e-mail]                        1
[e-mail]                    2
[e-mail]                               1
[e-mail]                           1
[e-mail]                        1
[e-mail]                            1
taniwha![e-mail]                       1
[e-mail]                              2
[e-mail]                  1
[e-mail]                         1
[e-mail]                           1
[e-mail]                          1
[e-mail]                        1
[e-mail]                           2
[e-mail]                   1
[e-mail]                            1
[e-mail]                               1+
[e-mail]                         1
[e-mail]                     2
[e-mail]                              1

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 92 22:27:59 -0500
From: [e-mail] (Travis Grundke)
Subject: Article Submission Redux

Here's the re-submission of my article for info-mac digest, thanks.

MacGames Digest - Who we are and what we do.

We at MacGames Digest are dedicated to give our readers a greater quantity
and more timely information about games for the Macintosh than has been
available before from any source.
  The world of Macintosh games has been widely ignored for many years by
main-stream publications and it's high time for this to change.

How many times have you looked though a mail order catalogue under the
entertainment section and not know what half the games are about?

MacGames Digest is about to change all of that.

When you subscribe, here's what you'll get in every issue-
- Reviews, Reviews, Reviews of games past present and most importantly,
  FUTURE!
- Hints, tips, tricks and hacks for your favorite games.
- Columns and interviews about games and the people who make them.
- Player feedback - Here's where you write us and we tell the people who make
  games what we want.

MacGames Digest is a bi-monthly newsletter that is sent out the Monday of the
third week of every even numbered month.
o Issue one was the exception and mailed in October.
o We are looking for founding subscribers now!

As a founding subscriber (One who subscribes before the second issue in
November is mailed) you will receive a guaranteed subscription rate forever!
Also, on every odd numbered month you will get as small two-page newsletter
with samples of what is coming up so you get everything early!

Issue one had reviews of Command HQ, Spaceship Warlock, Hellcats Over the
Pacific, 4D Boxing, Mission Thunderbolt, Bane of Cosmic Forge, and Jewel
Box.. The Hints and Tips section will focused on Hellcats. Issue one will
also have a feature column on software piracy.

Issue two, had reviews on Capitalist Pig, SimLife, Dark Queen of Krynn,
Tristan, Playmaker Football, and Prince of Persia.  Unfortunately
some of the things we wished to implement we couldn't because
software wasn't available at the time. Issue three will be our
largest yet with more reviews than ever!

Subscription prices are: $18.00 domestic and $24.00 oversees.
Send name, address and make check or money order payable to:

MacGames Digest
860 E. Norton Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49444

(The first two issues are money back guarantee issues. If you want a full
refund send the either of the first two issues back marked "refund" before
issue three is mailed.)

Questions, comments, hints and tips can be mailed to the same address or
replied to by private netmail.
For back issues of MacGames Digest, the fee is $2.00 per back issue,
limited copies available.

Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you!
Dean Davis
Editor - MacGames Digest.

Travis Grundke
Contributing Editor - MacGames Digest.
Please Send Electronic Mail to either of these two sites:

DEAN DAVIS: [e-mail]
TRAVIS GRUNDKE: [e-mail]


DISCLAIMER: I take no responsibility for any actions of nor
        resulting actions of MacGames Digest in any way.


ISCLAIMER: I take no responsibility fo

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 09:17 CDT
From: "Dwight Lemke @ Wisconsin Oshkosh" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BlackJack Tutot

I downloaded the sw version of BlackJack Tutor and, in general, am pretty
happy with it.  I'd like to find a PC version of it (or another good sw
program) for my sister, who unfortunately is a PC type.  Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Dwight

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 17:54:11 +0000
From: Elliot Bennett <[e-mail]>
Subject: European S/W prices... (C)

Living in Europe for the last 5 years I thought I would stick in my 2
pfennings worth....

Frederick A. mentioned in I-M #308 a lot of things regarding outrageous
pricing due to (among other things) margins, piracy, cost of setting up a
business in many coutries, etc.

In my opinion these are all valid factors, but I think one thing is missing
here.  It is my considered opinion that prices are higher here because they
have always BEEN higher here.  A free market and competition was never really
'
the way' in Europe (some may beg to differ).  However, recently, this
situation has changed (read: EC).  And with the "open borders" has come,
interestingly enough, more competition and lower prices.  Believe it or not,
this is NOT limited to airline super-savers and the like; software and
hardware prices HAVE been dropping.

Take, for example, MacWarehouse.  They have set up shop here in Germany with a
German catalog of software (in both english and german, when available).  The
prices are NOT the same as MacWarehouse in the U.S.- but then they couldn't
be,
 could they? V.A.T. and transport alone at about 20% to most products here.
But, in fact, the prices are about 25% more than their U.S. couterparts (
allowing for DM/$ fluctuations is VERY important to such a company).  A
typical example: After Dark mail order U.S.$ 30 + $15 shipping + 6.75 V.A.T. =
$51.75 = DM 82.80 (@ DM 1.6/$).  MacWarehouse sells it for 87.86 DM (and
Pandasoft is even DM 10 cheaper).  One might argue that the $15 shipping is
out of line, but if you ship it Fed Ex (one of the cheapest in my experience)
it can actually cost you more than the software did (especially with such
inexpensive utilities).  All-in-all, I consider that a very good step in the
right direction.

In general, my guess is that as competition grows, prices will fall and sales
will pick up (because suddenly the new prices will seem quite good compared to
what once was).  Note that MacWarehouse is NOT alone here.  Pandasoft out of
Berlin also runs a tight, efficient mail-order house and VERY reasonable
prices (as seen by the example above).

And it's not limited to software: even hardware is changing.  It used to be
that the "educational" discount we got from Apple was about 50% to 100% more
expensive than the street prices in the U.S. (I REALLY pitied the 'normal'
customer who could not qualify for the "education" price).  But now, when one
considers shipping, V.A.T. and customs (another 5% in Germany), my educational
discount is typically a good couple hundred $ below U.S. street (of course, we
do get an additional 10% from our local Apple dealer because we buy so much).
And what with Mac Classic IIs, LC IIs, and PB 145s even being sold at the
Metro here (Germany's mediocre attempt at the Price Club) at not-unreasonable
prices, I really think there's hope yet!

So, long-winded as I was, the upshot is that things aren't quite as bad as
they used to be.  Mind you, I COMPLETELY agree with  Charles Schneider's
comments about Adobe, Quark and Aldus- these companies are operating in the
past MUCH to the detriment of us here.  Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot
I see that can be done about it: Aldus and Quark together OWN the DTP market (
worldwide).  A cartel is a cartel is a cartel and if they're both going to be
unreasonable to the (still smaller) European market, I fear we will just have
to grin and bear it...

All comments welcome...

Elliot Bennett
DLR
Cologne, Germany

Claimer: My company FULLY agrees with my comments here (and if they don't,
they should :-).

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 92 13:24:36 +0100
From: "CHRISTIAN F. BUSER" <[e-mail]>
Subject: European Software Prices *!$%$!*

In info-mac v10 #308, "Frederic A." <[e-mail]> said:

>Actively selling and supporting a product outside the U.S. means having an
>entity in the target country that is subject to all the tax, labor, and
>product regulations of that country. A less-than-huge publisher has to
>hire local distributors. A distributor gets a monopoly in its territory,
>because the cost of doing business is high, and the single-language market
>for any one product is tiny: Compared to U.S. sales, fewer copies of a
>package have to support a proportionately larger cost of operation. The
>monopoly extends to making sure that no out-of-market (e.g. U.S.) version
>of the software comes in to compete. The distributor takes on all of the
>marginal risks of its market, and demands all of the market in exchange.

That's only partly correct.
- The fact  is that the  U.S. software companies  obviously sell to  their
European distributors at prices HIGHER THAN U.S. street prices. (At  least
that is what the distributors say)
- If a company does business with European customers, what's the
difference about having an own subsidiary here in Europe? Do the Americans
work over there without wanting a pay check every month? If European
customers are serviced by a European subsidiary, the American "head
office" does not have to do so. Thus, what they spend in Europe for
manpower etc., they can save in the U.S. (if they want).
- Yes, the "single-language market" is smaller than the U.S., but I don't
think they translate their software using ResEdit - There are much faster
ways. And if they think ahead before starting programming, translation is
not that difficult, even if you consider different number formats,
measurement units, etc.
- Many "localisations" of software are really AWFUL and UNUSABLE (as is
the case - for example - with the German language version of Publish It
Easy). There are spelling mistakes in menus and dialogs, etc...
- If translation/localisation really is expensive, why can I then not buy
an English language version for a price comparable to that in the U.S.?

>The market is further shrunk by piracy: An Apple executive told me that in
>France, software purchases run barely more than one package per Macintosh.
>He wasn't sure whether that included Hypercard. Other European markets
>were similar. Outrageous prices, at the margin, increase piracy, but it
>would take a braver businessman than most to look for higher volume by
>experimenting with negative margins.

the big  question is:  Who was  first, the  hen or  the egg? Do you really
think that Europeans  are THE SOFTWARE  PIRATES ? Raise  the price of  any
software package to 5 or more times the U.S. price, and you'll
- not sell any localized versions
- increase level of piracy
- make all users angry

If anyone says that prices have to be higher due to the higher level of
piracy, he is punishing the honest users for being honest and loyal (or
for not being able to use a foreign-language program).

>Distribution monopolies undoubtedly drive European software prices up,
>either through waste or greed. But, even in a perfect world, software in
>Europe would be more expensive than in the U.S., because the expenses are
>higher and the markets smaller.

It's a question of defining the "European market". If you take Europe as a
whole, it is not much smaller than the U.S. market. But who said that
every a company needs 10 employees in Liechtenstein and in San Marino and
in Andorra?

Think about FACTS before you blame Europeans for being software pirates.
And don't think just because you're American, you need to have better
prices than anyone else. This is kind of a nationalistic attitude, and we
European know what the result of nationalism can be (1933 - 1945)!

Christian F. Buser        email: [e-mail]

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 92 17:50:56 EST
From: "Allan M. Bloom" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Happy New Year!

I'd like to wish all my Info-Mac "friends I've never met" the very
happiest of new years. And thanks for all your help in this and past
years. Y'all are pure gold.

Al Bloom, Virginia Tech

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1992 17:35:58 -0800 (PST)
From: "Jeff Mealiffe, Net Admin" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Hard Drive Rename

Why can't I rename the Hard Drive on my Macintosh LCII?  Please respond to
me directly at [e-mail].  Thanks :)

Jeff

Jeff Mealiffe, Network Administrator  | E-Mail: [e-mail]
Lewis Junior High School              | Phone:  [phone] x. 238
San Diego, CA                         | FAX:    [phone]

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 92 01:52:46 EST
From: Murph Sewall <[e-mail]>
Subject: HP 4M printing problems with truetype fonts (A)

On Tue, 29 Dec 92 15:05:38 MEZ you said:
>One thing that the IIIsi and the 4M have in common, is that they use a
>RISC-processor instead of a motorola 680x0. As far as I understand when
>the laserwriter driver encounters a truetype font, which has no postscript
>equivalent, then it downloads the truetype font and a truetype rasterizer
>to the printer. The rasterizer is a program in 68000 binary-format, as such
>it will not work on printers built with other processors.

The analysis can't be correct as Apple's Personal LaserWriter NTR also
has a RISC (not 680x0) processor and it handles TrueType just fine.  The
only *strange* effect I've had is if I have TT Courier installed (along
with the bitmaps), I get a "not enough memory" error even though the
printer has the Type 1 Courier in ROM (?).  If I trash the TT Courier,
the document prints fine.  Since I've gotten the SAME error on a
Personal NT (no 'R'), I suspect the problem is either the LaserWriter
driver (LaserWriter 7.1.2, but I've had the identical problem with
earlier versions) or the printer's ROM.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1992 20:49:52 -0500
From: [e-mail] (William Homer Waits)
Subject: Mac IIx ROM version

Dear Netters,

    Recently, I had a problem with trying to find the correct ROM version
while trying to impliment the OmegaSANE patch for System 7.1.  I had used
various utilites that gave me a ROM version of 120, including TattleTale.
I have since scrapped them all.  As it turns out, just use Speedometer.  It
gave
me a ROM version which had to be converted (#376) and I tried that in System
7.1
(there was a 376) and the patch worked.

    Summary:  Use Speedometer to get the ROM version of your machine.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 92 16:55:40 +0100
From: "CHRISTIAN F. BUSER" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Modems from Hell (C)

"Michael S. Dawson"  <[e-mail]> writes:

>... In the mean time he sent me an EPROM version 1.15M to
>replace my older one. Being an EE and having no choice, I swapped out the
>EPROM easily. Didn't help. I called Dan a week later and he said he
>finally got the machine running in 32bit mode but ==> HE TOO EXPERIENCED
>THE SAME PROBLEMS I DID with the shrinking FAX. I asked him if he told
>development about it and he said NO, "they were kind-of busy".
>
>Well after all of this, the thing still doesn't work and I've bitched so
>loud that they've decided to refund my money.
>
>My warning........ DO NOT BUY PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS modems for use with a
>MAC. They seem to work OK on PCs but not on Macs ! The staff doesn't seem
>to give a crap either that they have a bad product !!#&*@%@#

It may or may not be a good modem - in any case, if they "bundle" it with
QuickLink II Fax (from Smith Micro Software), you better do not buy it. I
could tell a similar story - the sizes and margins of the fax were changed
randomly by the software, regardless of the settings used. This was with a
"Magic Modem" (a relabelled Zoom), bought from MacProducts USA.

First, MacProducts is obviously well-known for not answering customer's
questions or complaints.

Second, it took over a year to establish a contact with Smith Micro and
convince them to send an updated version of the software which would run
with System 7. It is still not WYSIWYG, but it does not crash (I don't
have 32-bit addressing, I'm using it on a Mac Plus).

I would therefore  extend the warning:  DO NOT BUY  ANY modem coming  with
Smith Micro's Quick Link II Fax software. :-(

Best regards, Christian                  [e-mail]

------------------------------

Date: 31 Dec 1992 14:15:29 -0500 (EST)
From: [e-mail] (Perry Mixter )
Subject: MS Word 5.1 to PageMaker 4.2 converter?

Does anyone know where I might find a converter to import MS word 5.1 files
into PageMaker? I have looked in the various archive sights and have not
found one. Any advice will be appreciated.

Perry

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 09:22 CDT
From: "Dwight Lemke @ Wisconsin Oshkosh" <[e-mail]>
Subject: PowerBook Modems

I am in the market for a modem for m PB 100.  As I won't be using
ARA for much more than downloading files, 2400 bps is probably fast
enough.  Besides, if I went for 9600, then I'd have to buy TWO modems for
it to be of any use.

I've noticed three modems recently that caught my eye:

PSI's Powermodem--there is a rumor that they are coming out with OCR
capabilities on their high-end PB modem--would the software also be
available for the low end?

APS has a 24/96/48 modem for $129

the Apple modem can be had for $129 mail order

Can anyone make any recommendations--particularly I am interested in the
quality of the software (FAX and comm) that is included?

Thanks!

-Dwight

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 92 12:13:29 PDT
From: [e-mail] (Adam C. Engst)
Subject: PPI support

In Regards to your letter <[e-mail]>:
> My warning........ DO NOT BUY PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS modems for use with a
> MAC.  They seem to work OK on PCs but not on Macs !  The staff doesn't seem
> to give a crap either that they have a bad product !!#&*@%@#

Well, you actually ran into troubles with the QL II Fax software,
which comes from Smith Micro. PPI has no control over them, and in
fact they are working on a new version which should be easier to use.
There's very little wrong with the PPI 14.4 modem itself, and instead
of telephone tech support, I'd recommend using email to their CIS
representatives, who are both well-informed and quick (although email
will be harder for them to follow than their CIS forum).

Frankly, I'd recommend that you ditch the QL II Fax software and get
FaxSTF, which is much nicer looking, easier to use, and works better
(although the beta versions of QL II have worked fine for me). You
can get FaxSTF directly from STF Technologies or included with MicroPhone
II Pro.

Paul Hansen of PPI -- [e-mail]
Marty Azarani of PPI  -- [e-mail]
Alan Engle of Smith Micro -- [e-mail]
Jason Collins of STF Technologies -- [e-mail]


cheers ... Adam C. Engst, TidBITS Editor

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 92 15:49 EST
From: Jeffrey L. Needleman <[e-mail]>
Subject: Practical Peripherals FAX modem info

Following up on the "fax modem from hell" posts of the past two days, I
logged on to CompuServe and checked out the PPI forum for the first time in
a few months. Thought I should pass along the following posted info:

>The Macintosh PM14400FX SA package became available recently. This package
>includes the PM14400FXSA, a Macintosh Hardware Handshake cable, and Quick
Link
>II Fax for Macintosh.
>
>Those who have bought the DOS package can obtain the software and the
Hardware
>handshake cable and the needed software documentation for $34.95.  The
>software and manual (without the cable) will cost $24.95. You can order this
>package by calling PPI technical support at 805-496-7707. (They will be
closed
>until Monday.)
>
>If you can do without the diskette and the software manual, you can download
>the software from Lib 7 of this forum.  You need to have access to this
>library.  If you choose this option, please send me a message so we can
enable
>you for this library.

The "me" is Marty Azarani, [e-mail]

Jeff Needleman  <[e-mail]>

------------------------------

Date: 31 December 1992 13:26:07 CST
From: "Tom Kirke [phone]" <[e-mail]>
Subject: PS/2 High Density mode for 3.6" Floppy isn't Compatible

Howdy!

I've just formatted some 3.5 HD disks on an IBM Model 56, a Model 55,
and a Model 70 ( all PS/2's ).  In each case three different ISA
machines ( Zenith 386sx/20, Everex 386sx/16, and Dell 486DX2/66 )
could read and write to the PS/2 formatted disks.

Confusedly yours,

Tom Kirke

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 92 09:40:20 PDT
From: [e-mail] (Adam C. Engst)
Subject: rot 13

In Regards to your letter <[e-mail]>:
> Where can I find a rot13 decoder that works on a non-Internet-connected
> Mac?  (I have that decoder feature in two NNTP newsreaders, but both
> require a network connection via MacTCP to boot.  I just want to be able to
> read some jokes off-line that arrive here rot13 encoded.)

Massive massive overkill, but ICE's uAccess can do rot13 on any text
selection....

cheers ... -Adam

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 10:44:47 -0600
From: [e-mail]
Subject: rot13 off-line decoder? (C)

Jeff, shame on you for wanting to read those nasty jokes! shame, shame
shame! :-)

I don't know the answer, but it seems to me that would be a terribly
logical Extension for someone to write for BBedit. It should be a pretty
trivial modification of the 827 filter.

It seems to me I've seen the capability in some net-available text editor,
but I don't remember exactly where.
Bryan Walls
[e-mail]

------------------------------

Date: 31 December 1992 14:27:49 CST
From: "Tom Kirke [phone]" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Satellite images (R)

> From: [e-mail] (Stefano Pelli)

Howdy!

There is a bitnet discussion group WX-TALK that periodicly mentions
satellite downloading.  You can subscribe to WX-TALK by sending a note to:

    [e-mail]

Include a single line in the body:

    SUB WX-TALK Your_Full_Name

tom

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 92 08:03:31 -1000
From: [e-mail] (Gary A. Hartling)
Subject: Scaners, OCR, Apple OneScanner (A)

 ------
-> I have a Apple OneScanner at least I think that's what it is called
-> and scanning a few items turned out to be VERY disappointing. I
-> believe I was using this Ofoto bundled software and coulding get the
-> scan to show up any better. I'm I just up the creek here attempting
-> to do some OCR with this machine?

The computer is fine, the scanner is fine, but Ofoto doesn't do OCR.
You need an OCR software package like OmniPage or OmniPage Pro to do
OCR. Then it works pretty good.

Gary Hartling
NRad Hawaii Lab
 ------

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 92 20:17:12 EST
From: "Allan M. Bloom" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Scanners, OCR, Apple OneScanner (A)

On 30 Dec 92, Matt McConnell wrote

>What kind of scanner do you need to do OCR?  A minimum resolution
>needed?  Or is the OCR software the more important product?
>
>Is the Apple OneScanner capable of doing OCR?  How does it compare to
>other products?
>
>I have a Apple OneScanner at least I think that's what it is called
>and scanning a few items turned out to be VERY disappointing.  I
>believe I was using this Ofoto bundled software and coulding get the
>scan to show up any better.

Matt, the Apple OneScanner does OCR beautifully. With the right software.
Ofoto is OK for picking up pictures and such, but you need an OCR program
to get text. Caere's Omnipage works right well.

As Leslye (Dr Bloom The Younger) says, just because you have a scanner,
it doesn't mean you can actually do anything with it.

Al Bloom, Virginia Tech

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1992 20:52:35 -0500
From: [e-mail] (William Homer Waits)
Subject: Serial of Champions

Would anyone be so kind as to mail me a copy of Serial of Champions version
1.0.1?  I have 1.0, but it does not like America Online's software.  I hear
that
version 1.0.1 does and it supports higher speed than 9600 baud.  Any help
would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

--Bill

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 92 20:27:50 EST
From: "Allan M. Bloom" <[e-mail]>
Subject: System 7.1 (A)

On Wed, 30 Dec, Gerry Paille wrote

>I have a Mac LC with 10 megs of RAM, 80 meg hard drive and a Personal
>Laserwriter LS.  Does anyone have any strong feelings, either for or
>against installing system 7.1 on my machine.  I am currently running system
>7.0 with tune-up version 1.1.1 and Personal Laserwriter LS driver 1.3

Heck, Gerry, if you are already running Sys/7, go for the 7.1 version.
What earthly harm can it do?

Al Bloom, Virginia Tech

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 92 17:25:54 CST
From: [e-mail] (Gary L. Gray)
Subject: Textures 1.2 ...

I am using Lightning Textures 1.5 on a Mac, but I have been using
Textures since version 1.2.  What fonts are you using, the bitmap
or PostScript Computer Modern?  This is important.  If they are the
PostScript fonts, then you *MUST* have ATM.  The bitmap fonts should
work on just about any printer.  I have a PostScript printer and I
use the PostScript fonts with no trouble.  I have a friend that uses
the bitmap fonts with a PostScript printer and he has no trouble
either.  I also have a friend that uses the PostScript fonts with
ATM on a non-PostScript printer and his output is very nice.  Please
send me more details is you can.  You can also call Blue Sky at
[phone] and ask for Becky.  She is very helpful and
knowledgeable.

If you need ATM (I am not sure from the info you provided), you can
order it directly from Adobe for a minimal cost (about $6) by
calling [phone] or [phone].

Good luck.

Gary L. Gray                *  Engineering Mechanics & Astronautics
[e-mail]  *  University of Wisconsin-Madison

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 31 Dec 92 07:31:19 -0500
From: [e-mail] (Bruce E. Wilson, Eastman Chemical Company,
([e-mail]))
Subject: VT320 emulation (R)

I have a VT320 tool in my extensions folder.  It is copyright Apple Computer,
which makes me suspect it came with Pathworks.  I believe it is based
on the Mac320/340 line of products by Alisa Systems (?).  I used to
use that, but it was missing a minor feature from VT100 emulation that
turns on a slave printer.   This means that anything which "properly"
uses the communications toolbox can emulate a VT320, if the company
or you can license the tool from Apple.


        Bruce Wilson ([e-mail])

------------------------------

End of Info-Mac Digest
******************************