Crawly Crypt Collection 1/crawlyvol1.bin/magazine/znet/znet9206/znet9206.asc

Text File | 1994-01-01 | 73KB | 1,568 lines

 | (((((((( |         Z*Net International Atari Online Magazine
 |      ((  |         -----------------------------------------
 |    ((    |         January 17, 1992             Issue #92-03
 |  ((      |         -----------------------------------------
 | (((((((( |         Copyright (c)1992, Rovac Industries, Inc.
 |          |         Post Office Box 59,  Middlesex,  NJ 08846
 |    ((    |
 |  ((((((  |                        CONTENTS
 |    ((    |
 |          |  * The Contributing Editors Desk................John Nagy
 | (((   (( |  * Z*NET NEWSWIRE.......................Atari News First!
 | ((((  (( |  * Perusing GEnie...............................Ed Krimin
 | (( (( (( |  * LYNX Game Reviews from AtariUser...........Robert Jung
 | ((  (((( |  * Data Media Reference Guide.........Daniel K. Stoicheff
 | ((   ((( |  * Perusing the Internet...................Bruce Hansford
 |          |  * Software Shelf..........................Ron Berinstein
 | (((((((  |  * Signup Information for the Major Telecom Services.....
 | ((       |  * Reprint Instructions and contact information for Z*NET
 | (((((    |
 | ((       |
 | (((((((  |  ~ Publisher/Editor............................Ron Kovacs
 |          |  ~ Contributing Editor..........................John Nagy
 | (((((((( |  ~ Z*Net Newswire Ltd..........................Jon Clarke
 |    ((    |  ~ Contributing Editor.....................Bruce Hansford
 |    ((    |  ~ PD Software Reviews.....................Ron Berinstein
 |    ((    |  ~ Reporter....................................Mike Brown
 |    ((    |  ~ Assistant News Editor.......................Mike Davis
 |          |  ~ Z*Net Canadian Correspondent...........Terry Schreiber
 |          |  ~ Columnist....................................Ed Krimen
 |          |  ~ Columnist................................Mike Mortilla
 |          |
 |----------|  $ GEnie Address....................................Z-NET
 |  ONLINE  |  $ CompuServe Address..........................75300,1642
 |  AREAS   |  $ Delphi Address....................................ZNET
 |          |  $ Internet/Usenet Address..................status.gen.nz
 |----------|  $ America Online Address........................ZNET1991
 |          |
 |  Z*NET   |  * Z*Net:USA New Jersey...(FNET 593).......[phone]
 |  SUPPORT |  * Z*Net:Golden Gate......(FNET 706).......[phone]
 |  SYSTEMS |  * Z*Net:South Pacific....(FNET 693).NZ....(644) 4762-852
 |          |  * Z*Net:Pacific .(INTERNET/@status.gen.nz)(649) 3585-543
 |          |  * Z*Net:South Jersey.....(FNET 168).CCBBS.[phone]
 |          |  * Z*Net:Illinois (Garage)(FNET 621).......[phone]
 |          |  * Z*Net:Colorado (Mile High)(FNET 5)......[phone]
 |          |  * Z*Net:Wyoming (Stormbringer)(FNET 635)..[phone]
 |          |  * Z*Net:Florida (Twilight Zone)(FNET 304).[phone]
 |          |                     Fido Address 1:363/112
 =======================================================================


 =======================================================================
 * The Contributing Editor's Desk                           by John Nagy
 =======================================================================

 As Ron Kovacs attends to personal matters this weekend, the duties of
 doing another Z*Net issue fall to me, and I gain fresh appreciation for
 the peculiar version of insanity that propels Ron as he does this AND
 TWO OTHER MAGAZINES each week.   Well, ZMAG, for the 8-Bit Atari is not
 weekly anymore, so it's about 2.5 online magazines that Ron does each
 week.  He's nuts, no doubt about it.  All for the enjoyment of "just
 doing it".

 This brings me an opportunity to do something I've tried to get Ron to
 do for some time... make a SHAREWARE pitch for Z*Net, the cornerstone of
 many user's information and enjoyment network.

 Think about it... how many times have your read something in Z*NET that
 saved you money or got you in touch with a solution that you would have
 missed, or spotted JUST EXACTLY the product you wanted?  For years,
 Z*Net has been here every week with totally ADVERTISING-FREE coverage of
 the Atari things we figured you'd want to know about.  It's been good
 for a LOT of commercial operations too... bringing considerable income
 to the telecom services, who just as graciously allow us the free use of
 those services in exchange.  And a legion of developers have gained wide
 and instant attention with press releases and announcements of new and
 upgraded products.

 And part of my feeling that Ron (and the community) should think of
 Z*Net for shareware contributions has come as a reaction tho the
 attitude of a few-a very few-software developers who have, on occasion,
 let it be know to us or to others that they felt that Z*Net "owed" them
 shareware payments for their significant contributions to the Atari
 community.  I'll be honest, I've not paid a LOT of shareware fees in my
 time, but I look at the hundreds of dollars I spend each month
 supporting the Atari community without expectation of return or profit,
 as does Ron, and sending more of it away seems impossible.

 I jokingly told Ron that we should send copies of our Z*Net expense
 records to all Atari shareware developers with a note saying, "A
 Shareware donation has been made in your name to the Z*Net Atari
 International News Service as our Shareware Donation to you."  Ron says
 that most of the people who need to understand the humor in this are
 pretty humorless people.  Oh well.

 Anyway, for the rest of you readers, consider what Z*Net does and has
 done wan will do for you, your user group, and your Atari community, and
 consider sending a $10 Shareware donation to Ron Kovacs to help pay for
 that which we all enjoy - Z*NET.  Send it to Ron Kovacs (NO checks made
 to Z*NET, please) at P.O. Box 59, Middlesex, NJ 08846.  Thanks.

 John Nagy

 ++++++++NOTE! NEXT WEEK, Z*NET WILL RELEASE THE COMPLETE ATARI DEALER
 LISTINGS AS PRINTED IN ATARIUSER MAGAZINE (FEBRUARY), WITH CORRECTIONS
 AND ADDITIONS.  BE READY TO PARTICIPATE IN REFINING THIS LIST!


 ========================================================================
 * Z*NET NEWSWIRE..................ATARI NEWS FIRST!.....................
 ========================================================================


 GLENDALE SHOW RESCHEDULED TO ONE WEEK EARLIER
 The 1992 Southern California Atari Faire, known as the GLENDALE SHOW,
 has been rescheduled to a date one week earlier than previously
 announced.  This year's Glendale Show will be held on September 12 & 13,
 1992.  John King Tarpinian, president of The Hooked on ATARI Computer
 Knowledge Society (HACKS) and coordinator of the show says that the
 change was done as a courtesy to vendors who will wish to attend both
 the Glendale event and the WAACE show.  Washington DC area WAACE
 recently announced their next show as being scheduled for October 10-11,
 1992.  Although the Glendale dates were announced at the close of last
 year's show, WAACE has scheduled their event for the Columbus Day
 Weekend.  As a result, the two major shows would have been only three
 weeks apart, despite the repeated requests of Atari's Bob Brodie that
 all events be planned for a minimum of 30 days separation.  Tarpinian
 found that a recent cancellation in the Glendale Civic Auditorium
 calendar allowed him to move his show up one week and provide additional
 time between shows.  For more information about the Glendale Show,
 contact John King Tarpinian at [phone].  Vendor information kits
 will be mailed starting in March.


 DELPHI OWNERS BUY BIX SERVICE
 General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, Massachusetts, announced on
 February 1 that it has purchased BIX, the online service developed by
 BYTE magazine.  Already the owners of DELPHI, a consumer oriented online
 service, GVC now adds BIX as a popular outlet for hardware and software
 engineers, system designers, independent consultants, technology buffs
 and computer industry celebrities.  The relationship between BIX and
 BYTE magazine will continue, with staff presence and the full text of
 BYTE magazine, etc., online.  No "merger" of services is being proposed
 at this point, but rather the experience of GVC is being seen as a
 healthy addition to the operation of BIX, while BIX adds to the overall
 market position of GVC.  A transition of ownership will keep continuity
 of service for BYTE's BIX subscribers.  GVC's purchase includes the
 computer system and software used to operate BIX.  The command structure
 and menu design will remain unchanged. All present products, such as
 binary mail attachments and the MicroBytes daily newswire, will be
 available.  BIX subscription and customer-service are now being handled
 by GVC, 1030 Massachusetts Ave., 4th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138, (617)
 491-3342 or [phone].  Join BIX by using a modem to call
 1-800-225-4129 (617-861-9767 from within Massachusetts). Once connected,
 press return.  When asked to log in, type "BIX" and then enter "NEW"
 when asked for a name.



 ========================================================================
 * PERUSING GENIE                                            by Ed Krimin
 ========================================================================


 -=> In the "Atari Corporation Online" category (14)
 -=> from the "Font Scaling Module -- The New GDOS" topic (18)

 Message 59        Sat Feb 01, 1992
 B.REHBOCK [Bill@Atari]       at 16:40 EST

 The packaging is finally all done, the last revison of the disks is going
 to the duplicator Monday, February 3rd. Product should be showing up on
 shelves shortly. (Finally! :-)

 IMHO, one of the biggest drawbacks of the original GDOS was the lack of
 printer drivers that shipped with it, and the lack of developer
 understanding of the concept in general. "Back in those days",  developers
 weren't used to the idea of a generalized Operating System service to
 handle all output functions. Developers were used to writing custom drivers
 for everything, and they thought they could roll their own driver better.
 (In some cases, they did.)

 We didn't go with .CVG fonts, because they are inherently _un_hinted, and
 we wanted as close to the same quality as hand-tuned bitmaps as we could
 get.

 We didn't go with Adobe Type-1's, because it takes about 18 times longer to
 decode, calculate and display Type-1 fonts than QMS/Imagen FSM-9 fonts.
 There will be conversion utilities available to go from Type-1's to FSM-9
 (from third parties).

 -Bill @ Atari P.S. Please don't mind the crayon-drawn packaging :-)
 ----------

 Message 60        Sat Feb 01, 1992
 M.EVERHART2 [MIDIMIKE]       at 20:41 EST

 Since it's in duplication, tell us what's in the FSMGDOS package - what
 fonts,
 printer drivers, etc.
 ----------

 Message 66        Tue Feb 04, 1992
 B.REHBOCK [Bill@Atari]       at 02:17 EST

 I'll put together a listing of the printer drivers, etc. that are  included
 with FSM GDOS. Off the top of my head...

 FSMGDOS.PRG....... The O/S extension itself, scales fonts from 4 to
                    1000 points, gives the VDI GEM/3 Bezier drawing
                    capability and enhanced polyline/polygon functions,
                    caches old GDOS bitmap fonts and uses separate cache
                    for FSM Font information and bitmaps.

 FONTGDOS.PRG...... Alternate non-scaling version that uses only GDOS
                    bitmap fonts and not FSM scaleable ones. Doesn't
                    slow the VDI down by 30% like the old GDOS did.
                    (Neither does FSMGDOS :-) Extends the drawing
                    capabilities of the VDI also. Caches bitmap fonts
                    for more efficient use of memory. Designed for the
                    user that is squeezed for memory.

 FSMGDOS.CPX/ACC... Allows user to configure FSM Caches, current
                    library of fonts to use, special options are
                    provide for maximum compatibility with old, poorly
                    written programs.

 FONTGDOS.CPX/ACC.. Primarily a "Printer-Picker"; never edit an
                    ASSIGN.SYS file again! Allows Draft/Final quality
                    control of printer driver, installation and
                    configuration of GDOS bitmap fonts and extended
                    drivers for Metafiles, Plotters, Screen Drivers,
                    etc. Also sets up Driver/Bitmap Font path
                    configuration.

 FSMPRINT.CPX/ACC.. Allows user to customize printer drivers to set
                    page size, default quality, and in the future
                    paper tray selection, etc.

 Printer Drivers include... SLM, FX80/LX (standard & wide), NX1000,
 JX80 (color), Oki Color, LaserJet, DeskJet, Canon Bubble Jet, NEC
 P6/P7, Epson Compatible 24 pin (B/W & Color), and the new Epson LQ570.
 (I am sure that this list is not complete.)

 But that's not all... you also get a very user-friendly Install
 program that sets everything up for you.

 One happy and important note... Atari is making the FSM Printer Driver
 Builder Kit available to qualified developers AT NO COST under the
 following stipulations:

    1) The driver must be approved by Atari before it is released by
       the developer.
    2) The developer must not attempt to add functionality to the
       driver without first consulting Atari. (To ensure maximum upward
       compatibility.)
    3) The developer must give Atari non-exclusive rights to the source
       code of the driver. (To ensure that the driver library is
       available to all users, and can be updated quickly should the
       need arise.)

 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

 -=> In the "Atari Corporation Online" category (14)
 -=> from the "Atari Advertising and Marketing" topic (3)

 Message 284       Sat Feb 01, 1992
 J.ZORZIN [Joe]               at 02:19 EST

 While reading this months Discover magazine I was shocked to see a 2 page
 Atari spread.  The first page shows a souped up ST midi machine and the
 second page reveals the Atari Portfolio PC.  It was a shock since I haven't
 seen Atari advertising in years.  I hope to see more!

 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


 -=> In the "Atari TT" category (28)
 -=> from the "Monitors for the TT" topic (11)

 Message 166       Sat Feb 01, 1992
 M.ABDULKAREE [ASX]           at 23:27 EST

 Okay I finallly have my TT with the NEC 5FG monitor..man this is a SHARP
 screen and very good on the eyes too!


 Okay Mr. Allen where is that TT mono to VGA box you were talking about
 <smile> I want one!


 By the way, if anyone else has one of the NEC FG monitors can you tell me
 how to get the TT's display area to center? Not the monitor's display area
 which can be easily done via push buttons but the display that the Atari
 puts out.. thanks.


 Have a TT and enjoying it!
 ----------

 Message 167       Sun Feb 02, 1992
 M.ANGIER [Mike Angier]       at 00:33 EST

 ASX, I had the same centering problem with my 4DS...it seems that Atari
 couldn't resist doing something off-standard.  The Atari TT color monitor
 has an Atari <=> PC switch on the back and shows the same centering problem
 as in the NEC's in PC mode.

 I just added a Crazy Dots VME board and it is nice (although compatability
 is mostly in monochrome only).  I am typing in STalker while running my NEC
 at 1280x960 (80Hz interlaced...not too bad).  It uses the entire monitor
 screen...edge to edge, top to bottom.

 Later, Mike

 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

 -=> In the "Gribnif Software" category (17)
 -=> from the "Crazy Dots Graphics Board" topic (12)

 Message 14        Wed Jan 29, 1992
 GRIBNIF [Dan]                at 09:25 EST

 ASX,

   There is a very good (better than Matrix's, I'm told) driver which
   is included. It also handles Line A graphics in monochrome. I am
   not certain what the storage method is, I would have to check on
   that. Technically, though, if you are using the VDI to produce
   graphics, the storage method is not something you should care about
   anyway.

   The card has onboard fast RAM. From what I have seen so far, this
   makes it fly. In 256 color mode on a TT the blits are very fast.

   The card includes a DA which lets you change the number of
   bitplanes "on the fly" in color resolutions. It can do this because
   of the hardware panning: if the image cannot be displayed at the
   same horizontal and vertical resolution using the attached monitor
   once the # of colors has changed, you simply get an enlarged
   virtual screen that can be panned with the mouse. Some programs may
   rely on the number of colors not changing, however, and may require
   that they be re-run.

   The driver itself is an AUTO folder program. By pressing a key
   while it loads, you can set the display parameters.

   There is also a very comprehensive configuration program with which
   you can create drivers for new monitors at any time. You have
   complete control over h/v scan rates, resolution, iterlacing, etc.

 WWD,

   Any MultiSync monitor should work, due to the configuration program,
   though what resolutions you can obtain without flicker may vary from
   brand to brand. The one we have in the office is plugged into a TT
   and just uses the normal TT VGA-compatible monitor.

 Fiction Man,

   Right now, programs like Calamus SL, Retouche, DynaCAD and
   Pagestream all have the capability of using more than the "old" 16
   color ST graphics. Most programs written nowadays do not make any
   assumptions about screen size, and more and more are being written
   to take advantage of extra colors.

   The wonderful thing about programming for Crazy Dots is that there
   is nothing special to do. It's just like programming for the ISAAC
   or the Matrix: All you have to do is use the VDI correctly.

 Gerry,

   Yes, you can use an SC1224 with Crazy Dots. In fact, you can get
   the equivalent of the "overscan" extended resolutions using it.

 Dan
 ----------

 Message 15        Wed Jan 29, 1992
 WWD                          at 20:34 EST

 Dan: I got my crazy dots yesterday and, as you know, I spent a couple of
 hours today finding out my new SVGA monitor is DOA.  Nevertheless, I
 borrowed a VGA monitor and I'm off and running, but so far only in mono.  I
 noticed my distribution disk does not have the default color palettes on
 it.  Could that be my problem with color?  If so I'd appreciate it if you'd
 email them to me.

 To everyone else: This is a neat product.  Quick STE still works with it(at
 least in mono), and the ability to change screen resolutions instantly is
 amazing(no reboot, just an instant change).  It works with G+plus and
 virtually everything else(again, at least in mono).  The  software is also
 very nicely written to allow you to change your configuration on bootup or
 to revert back to your old monitor if you wish.  I think the price is high,
 but if you need it, this is the one to get.

 ----------

 Message 31        Tue Feb 04, 1992
 WWD                          at 21:11 EST

 I've been running CrazyDots on a Mega STE using a Viewsonic 6 monitor. This
 is a .28 dot pitch SVGA monitor which acts like a NEC4D but can be had from
 Computer Shopper for about $369.  I'm running almost exclusively in mono,
 and have noticed virtually *no* compatibility problems.  Screen updating,
 especially with QuickSTE, is very fast. Although the card and the monitor
 will do a rock solid 1024x768, I've settled on 800x600 as being the best
 compromise for GDOS bitmap font applications like Wordup 3.0.  Refresh rate
 at 800x600 is 74 Hz! One piece of advice to Mega STE owners, however, is to
 set up your Newdesk configuration using your SM124 and save it to disk
 then.  If you save your newdesk configuration from the CD screen you will
 get bombs on bootup.
 ----------

 Message 28        Mon Feb 03, 1992
 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH]        at 00:21 EST

 Pagestream 2.1 works at 256 colors...EXCEPT...the color palette selector,
 which only knows about 16 colors. Want a laugh, check out what happens ;-)
 ----------

 Message 29        Mon Feb 03, 1992
 GRIBNIF [Dan]                at 13:53 EST

 Mike Angier,

   Hmmm...I'll look into the incompatibility problems you mention. As
   far as I know, though, Pagestream works just fine except for the
   pallette selection box in 256 color mode. Thanks for all the stats!

 Mike Hill,

   Any program which uses the VDI correctly will run with CrazyDots
   because it has custom VDI screen drivers for the extended
   resolutions. NeoDesk works in any mono resolution due to the Line A
   emulator provided as part of the Crazy Dots driver. Yes, in older
   versions of the operating system (< 2.06 and < 3.06) the default
   VDI screen driver uses Line A graphics calls.

 Dan

 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

 -=> In the "Hardware" category (4)
 -=> from the "Gadgets 68030 SST Board" topic (44)

 Message 44        Mon Feb 03, 1992
 DAVESMALL                    at 21:25 EST

  *chuckle* As usual, George beat me to it. Well, if anyone deserves to
 announce it, it's George; he designed it and brought it through some
 difficult times (chronicled in that 450 line post that's on ST-Report; it
 was accidentally deleted from the Gadgets RT).


 Sandy and I, some little Gadgeteers, and some who are anonymous are VERY
 HAPPY to announce:

  IT'S SHIPPING!!!


  SST shipped today in quantity in bare-board, Option A, B, C, and C&D
 configurations. Since some of them went via warp-drive shipping I  expect
 you'll be hearing owner comments RSN.

  In the days ahead we will be shipping more (we have this backlog, see),
 and getting ready for software rev 2.0, which will add some interesting
 capabilities to the SST. Now that the platform is there, I can have some
 fun. (*chuckle*)

  The SST's manual is the hardest I have ever worked at a manual, and I hope
 you enjoy it both for the facts and for the interludes, which also were the
 hardest ones ... I had to do a Current Notes article after writing many
 Interludes and I found myself nearly empty. Sandy did the manual edit and
 layout in Quark X*Press on her IIfx; near the end, it became apparent we
 were straining even the 40 Mhz FX on the complex stuff (diagrams and so
 forth).

  If you see a box with an SR-71A Blackbird on the cover at the  dealer,
 that's the SST.

  Oh, yes. Overseas shipments also started today.



  I felt that the best way to answer any questions on if the SST would ever
 ship that came up last week was to leave this message; at the time, we were
 fixing a problem at the printer (toner not sticking to the back side of a
 page ... now that's odd), checking out the release disks, disk labels, and
 all that last-minute stuff.


  This is the third product from Gadgets by Small; MegaTalk will ship pretty
 shortly, as soon as I fix a software snag I ran into (better now than after
 shipping!) and finish the PAL replacements (10 minutes), and that'll be #
 4.

  If you've read a spec sheet on the SST anytime, you know about it; we
 haven't changed our specs (no need to). If I might borrow a phrase from
 Sculley, it's "wicked fast". To my knowledge it makes your Atari ST into
 among the fastest ST's in the world (depending on how much Mhz and how few
 Ns RAM you put in, and where wait-states stabilize.) Since there are other
 SST's out there, I can't say you will have THE fastest ST in the world, but
 you can sure try.

  I suppose it's time to mention that a design change to the SST logic sped
 up the SST. Figures on its performance are now out of date in the most
 pleasing way.

  Anyway, it's out. The champagne is upstairs and it's time for some; this
 has been as hard a haul as getting the GCR to format a disk, which was a
 killer.

  I expect that Darlah is going to be a bit irritated at all the skid marks
 on the floor of the RT as people fire up their SST's ... sorry 'bout that.
 And keep it throttled back in the middle of conferences, okay?

  *grin*

  -- thanks, Sandy & Dave (in order of importance!)

  Gadgets by Small, Inc.


 p.s. Sherwin Gooch, a person I met on the PLATO network, and who later came
 within a whisker of getting the 1450 out the door at Atari, told me once
 that the hype doesn't matter; the pre-release talk doesn't matter; the spec
 sheets don't matter; the demos don't matter. What matters is *getting it
 out the door*.

  This made a big impression on me and still does.

  Turns out Dorothy Brumleve knows Sherwin quite well (college town)
  ... in fact, it was Sherwin who told me how to pronounce her name,
 "Brum-Levv-EE", not "Brum-LEEEVE, which saved me embarrassment when I met
 her.

   Well, Sherwin, we got the 68030 SST out the door.


  (Sure you can tell him, Dorothy!)


  -- David
 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""



 =====================================================================
 * LYNX REVIEWS FROM ATARIUSER MAGAZINE                 BY ROBERT JUNG
 =====================================================================

 Reprinted by permission of AtariUser from the January 1992 issue.
 For information or subscriptions to AtariUser, call 818-332-0372.
 NO further reprinting of this article is allowed without specific
 permission of AtariUser.
 -----------------------------

 Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (Lynx)

 Who says Death doesn't bear grudges?  In retaliation for his abuse in the
 latest movie, the Grim Reaper has kidnapped Bill and Ted's girlfriends.
 However, the ladies have scattered music from the band's song during
 their abduction, and now the guys must rescue them.  In this
 action/adventure game, you travel through maze-like lands protected by
 creatures.  You must collect enough notes to allow travel to other times,
 while finding objects and meeting historic figures in need of favors.
 For more fun, two players can work together with the ComLynx.

 The time-travelling potential of this game is thoroughly used. Many
 puzzles are solved by taking something from one era and using it in
 another.  Also, time paradoxes must be avoided.  If you find a note to
 yourself that you have written, you must later go and leave that note in
 an earlier period.  The puzzles are challenging and rely on finding the
 right object for the right situation.

 Like the movie, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure emphasizes non-violent
 fun.  The guys don't fight, but subdue enemies with musical instruments.
 Similarly, if caught by a creature, you are sent back to an earlier
 position no worse for wear.  The only problem is that the game can become
 tedious in some places, as you use several tries to get by random
 monsters.  A detailed password system saves your current game.

 Sights and sounds are serviceable, but not much more.  Graphics are done
 in a cartoony style, with a moderate amount of animation.  There is good
 use of color and detail, especially the subtle changes across different
 lands.  The few game sounds are very basic, and while background music
 plays in each time period, you can shut it off.

 Regardless of your feelings towards the movies, this game is a fun
 package.  It has enough action with lots of rock-solid puzzle solving,
 and the time travel puts a unique twist on things.  Bill and Ted's
 Excellent Adventure earns its name.  Atari Corp., $39.95.


 QIX (Lynx)

 Telegames, the first developer of third-party Lynx games, strikes again
 with QIX, an adaptation of an ancient arcade game from Taito.  The
 player's goal is to draw and claim boxes on the playing field,
 restricting the movement of the Qix, a swirling helix of lines, while
 avoiding contact with various enemies.

 QIX was a simple game, and the Lynx version plays exactly the same.
 There are 256 levels, and a password feature allows you to skip earlier
 levels.  Two players can compete by alternating turns.

 A few flaws diminish the Lynx version somewhat.  It uses only one button
 to draw, which is awkward.  The controls are overly sensitive, where a
 wayward diagonal can cause the marker to jam, leaving you vulnerable.
 Finally, the Qix is larger on the Lynx than in the arcade, making the
 game slightly harder.

 QIX on the Lynx offers no more and no less than the original. Whether
 younger players will like it is questionable, but longtime arcade
 devotees and fans of unusual games will probably enjoy this title.
 Telegames, Inc., $39.95.


 S.T.U.N. Runner (Lynx)

 Take the New York subway system, throw in a hovercraft going 900 MPH, and
 you have S.T.U.N. Runner, the latest Atari Games' arcade sensation
 adapted for the Lynx.  You must drive a S.T.U.N. sled through a twisting
 maze of tunnels, trying to finish before time runs out.  Complicating the
 matter are other cars trying to ram you, course obstacles, and bombing
 jets.  There are over 20 levels, each with its own variety of twists,
 branches, jumps, and obstacles.

 Lynx S.T.U.N. Runner is both a thrilling game and another shining
 translation.  The action is fast and furious, requiring you to negotiate
 the track, destroy opponents, and go for bonuses all at the same time.
 Time limits are tight, requiring careful driving to succeed.
 Furthermore, all the original features are retained, with the same
 tunnels, ramps, and layouts.  Opposing vehicles are varied and tenacious,
 and challenge stages throughout offer opportunities for extra points.

 The steering controls are a little sensitive, but players will adapt to
 them in a short time.  Turning improperly into a curve will slow you down
 significantly, making the Lynx version harder than the arcade.  Still,
 neither of these flaws are enough to ruin the game.

 The Lynx graphics engine is completely exploited, with the original
 filled polygon display replaced with scaled sprites. The result is not as
 sharp, but the action is extremely fast, and truly convey the sense of
 supersonic speed.  Distinctive-looking enemies and detailed scenery
 complete the visual effects.  Sounds are also very good, with a constant
 barrage of blasts and screeches pulling you into the action.  Even
 better, digitized voices and sounds have also been lifted directly from
 the arcade.

 This is a quality production throughout, with all the excitement and
 speed of the coin-op game.  The Lynx is pushed to its limits, making this
 version of S.T.U.N.  Runner an action-packed extravaganza and the best
 adaptation now available for any machine.  S.T.U.N. Runner, Atari Corp.,
 $34.95.


 VIKING CHILD (Lynx)

 The Norse god Loki, worried about some prediction of future greatness for
 Brian, has kidnapped his family and dared the boy to rescue them.  As THE
 VIKING CHILD, Brian, you'll explore the side-scrolling landscape, hoping
 to survive long enough to save your family.   This action-adventure game
 is adapted from the European computer title.

 VIKING CHILD is essentially a run-and-jump game with adventure touches.
 Brian loses health in fights and over time, while victory earns money and
 points.  Passwords allow starting at later stages.

 Weak points:  Brian travels at a modest rate, while monsters run all over
 the place.  Fights are simply poking creatures with a dagger or throwing
 weapons.  The gameplay is basic, with none of the complexity of other
 games.  In its favor, VIKING CHILD is a very hard game.

 Game graphics are well done, with good use of earth-tone colors and
 detail.  There are also elegant static screens and humorous touches.
 Game sounds are very few and basic.

 VIKING CHILD is a pleasant diversion, but lacks the refinements of
 greatness.  Its appeal is in exploring the land and trying to survive,
 but it should not be mistaken for an epic adventure. Atari Corp., $34.95.


 ROBOTRON: 2084 (Lynx)

 Shadowsoft, a newcomer to the Lynx, takes video gamers back with an
 adaptation of an arcade oldie.  In a plot similar to the Terminator
 movies, ROBOTRON: 2084 has you play a laser-firing mutant who must save
 the last humans from being exterminated by the mechanical Robotrons.
 It's fast and tough.  The action is seen from overhead, and you must
 navigate around Robotrons and obstacles to save humans and stay alive,
 with five game difficulty settings.  The sights and sounds of the arcade
 are duplicated exactly.  The moody title tune and the death-knell effect
 are done in stereo.

 In the arcade, two joysticks were used, allowing you to move and fire
 independently.  For the Lynx translation, Shadowsoft has provided three
 alternative control schemes, using different methods of aiming and
 firing.  Each player can decide which works best.

 Though the odd controls are a minor nit, ROBOTRON retains all of the
 intensity of the classic title.  If Shadowsoft's future works are as
 good, Lynx owners are in for a good time.  Shadowsoft Inc., $34.95.


 HARD DRIVIN' (Lynx)

 HARD DRIVIN' is an adaptation of the arcade title: drive around a track,
 dodge traffic, and try to finish before time runs out. What's different,
 though, is that HARD DRIVIN' is a true simulator, complete with physics,
 momentum, and 3-D polygon graphics.  Turn too hard and the car skids, and
 a jump at the wrong speed will result in a fiery collision.  Choose a
 flat speed track or a stunt track complete with drawbridge jump and other
 hazards.

 It's not as fast as the Atari ST computer version, but the Lynx handles
 the many mathematics rapidly enough to keep HARD DRIVIN' at an acceptable
 rate.  But the "feel" of your car is wrong; it's very hard to tell where
 your edges are, which makes collisions hard to avoid, but a more severe
 problem is in the controls. Steering, braking, and accelerating are
 incredibly oversensitive. Anything more than a tap sends you into a sharp
 turn, and your speed rises and falls too rapidly.  Option buttons shift
 gears, adding to the confusion.

 Game visuals are simple and effective.  Filled polygon effects are done
 well, and lend realism.  The instant replays are the best part of the
 game, using reverse angles to show you the cause of your latest crash.
 Aside from a title song, the main game sounds are the roar of the engine
 and a few digitized clips.

 Overall, HARD DRIVIN's awkward controls and inaccurate physics make this
 ambitious title into a disappointment.  It will take dedicated enthusiasm
 to enjoy the game.  Atari Corp., $34.95.


 ISHIDO: THE WAY OF STONES (Lynx)

 The Lynx travels to the Orient for a strategy game.  This time it's
 ISHIDO: THE WAY OF STONES, a conversion of a home computer title.  The
 objective is to place 72 tiles, each with a specific color and figure, on
 a board next to other matching pieces until either all tiles are used or
 no more moves are possible.

 Scoring options, solitaire, alternating with a computer or human
 opponent, or a tournament play with any number of players are all
 available.  During play, you may take back moves, ask for legal moves,
 and view the remaining stones.  You can also select the tile patterns and
 set a time limit for moves.  Then there is the Oracle; Make a four-way
 match, and the Oracle offers "ancient wisdom", excerpts of insightful
 thinking similar to the I Ching.

 Visually, the game is stunning, with beautiful imagery.  ISHIDO: THE WAY
 OF STONES proves that a game does not need many rules to be
 sophisticated.  The concept is simple, yet each new move offers a wealth
 of possibilities, making this a perfect game for the deep-thinking
 strategist.  Atari Corp., $39.95.




 =======================================================================
 * A REFERENCE GUIDE                              by Daniel K. Stoicheff
 =======================================================================


 TO:
    1.  DATA CARTRIDGES,
    2.  BERNOULLI CARTRIDGES,
    3.  SYQUEST CARTRIDGES,
    4.  SONY OPTICAL DISKS-REWRITABLE, &
    5.  4mm and 8mm HELICAL SCAN DIGITAL TAPES

 January, 1992

 1. DATA CARTRIDGES

 Cartridge Type  Nominal Capacity (Mb)   Length (ft)
 ---------------------------------------------------
 DC100A                  0.67               140
 DC300A                  2.9                300
 DC300XLP               45                  450
 DC600A                 60                  620
 DC600HC                67                  620
 DC615A                 15                  150
 DC615HC                16                  150
 DC6150                150                  620
 DC6150 ZETAMAT        134                  620
 DC6250                250                1,020
 DC6320                320                  620
 DC6525                525                1,020
 DC1000                 10-20               185
 DC1000 ALPHAMAT        20                  185
 DC1000 DELATMAT        10                  185
 DC2000                 40                  205
 DC2000 GAMMAMAT        40                  205
 DC2000 KAPPAMAT        40                  205
 DC2000 THETAMAT        40                  205
 DC2060 KAPPAMAT        60                  307.5
 DC2080                 80                  205
 DC2080 RHOMAT          80                  205
 DC2080 XIMAT           80                  205
 DC2120                120                  307.5
 DC2110 NUMAT          110                  205
 DC2120 RHOMAT         120                  307.5
 DC2120 XIMAT          120                  307.5
 DC2165 NUMAT          165                  307.5
 DC9135 MAGNUS         1.35 gigabytes       760

 Note= Capacity is drive dependent and may vary with manufacturer.


 2. BERNOULLI CARTRIDGES

 Size        Capacity     Fits
 =======================================================
 8 inch      10 Mb        10 Mb alpha drives/compatibles
 8 inch      20           20 Mb "                      "
 5-1/4 inch  20           20 Mb beta drives/compatibles
 5-1/4 inch  44           44 Mb IBM PC, PS/2 & Macintosh
 5-1/4 inch  90           90 Mb "                      "


 3. SyQuest Cartridges

 SyQuest Removable Storage Cartridges are available in 44 Mb and 88 Mb
 sizes for use on SyQuest, Macintosh and IBM compatible drive systems.


 4. Sony Optical Disks (Rewritable)


 Size            Speed           Capacity
 =========================================
 3-1/2 inch      512 bytes/sec   128 Mb
 5-1/4           1024 bytes/sec  596 Mb
 5-1/4           512 bytes/sec   128 Mb


 5. HELICAL SCAN DIGITAL TAPE

 Type     Length     Capacity
 ================================
 4mm      30m        650 Mb
 4mm      60         1.3 Gigabyte
 4mm      90         2.6
 ---------------------------------
 8mm      15         257 Mb
 8mm      54         1.15 Gigabyte
 8mm     112         2.3



 =======================================================================
 * PERUSING THE INTERNET (Atari ST)           Compiled by Bruce Hansford
 =======================================================================

 Icon libraries for the Newdesk, Vortex PC emulation on the Mega STe, and
 LOTS of Gadgets/GCR info this week from the Internet...

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/


 Date: 17 Jan 92 17:22:48 GMT
 >From: math.fu-berlin.de!mailgzrz!w350zrz![e-mail]
       (Andre Pareis)
 Subject: How do I add icons to icon "library"?

 (Mark Miller) writes:
 |> I have a Mega STe and I've heard it is possible to add icons to its
 |> "library," so that I could install them on files.  Is there a program
 |> available to edit/create icons, and then saved to some "library"?  By
 |> the way, is the file that stores the icon shapes called DESKICON.RSC?


      You've heard right!   It is  possible to add more icons.
      Didn't you see the files DESKICON.RSC and DESKICON.DFN ?
      ( I have a German version of a Mega STE and they exist )
      I added many new icons: tc, shell, arc, ibm-exe, img ...

      To do so you need one or two things:
      A resource construction set with built in icon editor or
      an extra icon editor which can create data in the format
      that your own RCS requires. I use DRI RCS 2.0 and a PD -
      icon editor. DRI RCS requires data in C-code.

      If  you've added icons to  deskicon.rsc  you can install
      them after a reboot by clicking on  (  I don't know your
      desktop  )   'install icon'(?),  typing the name of your
      programs (  like "*.c"  )  and clicking up or down arrow
      until the new icon occurs.

      But note:
      The file deskicon.rsc can be max. 64k large, be sparing-
      ly using this feature.

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/


 Date: 20 Jan 92 06:19:56 GMT
 From:noao!ncar!asuvax!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!portal!atari!
      [e-mail] (Ken Badertscher)
 Subject: What to do?

 (Keith Sommerville) writes:
 |> [...] the label on the bottom of the TT says 8Mb/40Mb.
 |> [...] However, looking at it with ICD software revealed that it was a
 |> 48.5 meg drive. Why do Atari hide something like that, or is it just
 |> a one one off?

 I confess!

 It's a conspiracy by Atari to steal 8.5 megabytes from you.

 You caught us red handed.  Boy, it's a good thing those nice ICD people
 are around, or Atari could have stolen millions of megabytes from TT
 hard disks all over the world.  Darn them, anyhow.  That rat Tom Harker
 is always fouling things up for us by making easy-to-use powerful
 peripherals.  We tried putting him out of business with a bizarre
 high-capacity hard disk scheme, but he just figured out what BGM meant
 anyhow.

 Now our plot to keep 8.5 megabytes of each ST157N we sell is foiled.
 Geeze, we can't get away with anything any more, can we?

   ...ken

 p.s. I think if you check again, you'll find that the TTs sold with
 ST157N 48 meg drives are partitioned 12 megabytes per partition.  If
 not, just use HDX to repartition 'em.  The default partition size for
 the ST157N is 12 meg plus a bit.
 --
    |||   Ken Badertscher  (ames!atari!kbad)
    |||   Atari Corp. System Software Engine
   / | \  #include <disclaimer>

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/


 Date: 21 Jan 92 16:41:40 GMT
 >From: mcsun!unido!news.uni-bielefeld.de!techfak.uni-bielefeld.de!
        [e-mail] (Torsten Scherer)
 Subject: VORTEX ATonce 386SX for MSTE's

   Hi there,

   according to the numerous postings about PC emulations on Ataris,
 I'd like to tell everybody who's interested some facts about the

   VORTEX - ATonce 386SX

   It's true that it exists, cause I own one. But it's only for use
 with the MEGA-ST/E, since it is plugged in the PLCC socket of the
 68000, and all of the other Ataris have DIP CPU's. Perhaps there is
 something like an adaptor on the market, but I don't know.

   Some facts :

 - 32 bit CPU 80C386SX-16MHz
 - optional 80C387SX-16 coprocessor
 - optional 512Kb fast-ram
 - uses internal MSTE-cache
 - can use DD and HD floppy drives (theoretically)

   Some data :

 - Several graphic emulations like
   when using a color or monochrome monitor
   CGA - 640*200 (2)
         320*200 (4)
   when using monochrome monitor
   HGC - 720*348 (2)
   OLI - 640*400 (2)
   EGA - 640*350 (2)
   VGA - 640*480 (2)
 - in the last two resolutions you can only have 640KB base memory, all
   the others can provide 704K base memory
 - emulates serial mouse on com1: or com2:
 - emulates centronics printer on lpt1:
 - every ram above 1 meg is used as extended memory

   There may be several thing said, but I'd only like to say a few
 important facts. The graphic emulation is of cource the biggest
 disadvantage. The EGAmono and Olivetti modes can simply not be
 detected. If you try driver=detect in turbo for example, CGA is
 reported. But if you ignore this report, it works well. Sadly, most
 programs check the hardware before using it, so some programs refuse
 to run. The VGAmono solution works correctly as MCGA 640*480 (2) mode
 and can be used. Windows 3.0 runs not only in protected standard mode,
 but also in extended 386 mode including virtual memory and things like
 there. The performance, due to the original MSTE-harddisk, not so fast,
 but bearable.

   Some performance information:

                without        with   FastRam
 ------------------------------------
 Norton SI4.5    12.3          15.7
 PCTools 4.2     330%          510%

   Now what is FastRam? Well, since the MSTE works as a 8MHz system, but
 the CPU runs with 16MHZ, it had to be slowed down (waitstates etc). The
 Atonce 386SX uses the internal MSTE-cache and is therefore faster than
 other emulators on ST's. You can buy the additional fastram, which can
 be fitted in four sockets on the emulator and then completely replaces
 the lowest 512KBytes of memory, thus making the whole system another
 bit more faster. I think this is the absolute maximun in emulation
 performance for ST's that is and will be.

   The prices:

   Vortex Atonce 386SX : ca. 700 DM = 450 US$

   The additinal FastRam needn't be bought at Vortex, since standard
 chips 4*256Kbit-70ns are used and costs about 50 DM = 30 US$.

   The complete ST-ram can be used as extended memory. It is said that
 you can also configure it as expanded memory and there is a driver
 included, but this is not LIM4.0 compatible and therefore not widely
 accepted by programs. It'd like to say that the expanded memory
 doesn't work, but when using windows for example, that's not necessary.

   The whole hardware is emulated quite good. It's funny to see several
 diagnostic programs reporting all these AT-chips working correctly, and
 knowing they're not even present.

   I'm sorry, but I can't exactly remember the adress, but I've seen it
 was already posted in the last days, so have a look in magazines or
 other postings. It goes somehow like this:

 Vortex
 Computersysteme GmbH
 Falterstrasse X
 D-W 7102 or 7201 or X   Flein

   The W is neccessary for foreign writers, cause since the reunification
 there are some doubled zip-codes. Forgetting this will not end up in a
 bit error, but surely delay letters for some more days (and the german
 post office is really not one of the fastest nowadays).

   Anyone who wants to know more or has special questions, is invited to
 send e-mail to the following adress:

 [e-mail]

   Hope, this has helped some guys...

   TeSche
   (Torsten Scherer)

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/


 Date: 23 Jan 92 08:51:26 GMT
 >From: noao!asuvax!cs.utexas.edu!wupost!spool.mu.edu!olivea!apple!well!
        [e-mail] (David Small)
 Subject: Aladin

 Spectre 3.0 (no prior versions) has the ability to read and write
 Aladin format disks. Use the Shift-HELP menu to configure the A/B:
 drives between Aladin/Spectre and 9/10 sectors, if I recall correctly.

      To transfer data from Atari disks, use the program TRANSVERTER
 on the Spectre 3.0 disk. It even does some conversions on ASCII data
 if you wish; it's handy. It moves data from Atari fd/hd to Mac *single
 sided* MFS disks (Spectre format only); from there you can write to an
 Aladin disk.

      In all honesty, it is possible that one or another of Aladin
 formats was not perfectly supported. I believe they had 9 / 10 sectors,
 single/double sided disks, and another format with MSDOS-TOS data on
 one side, and Mac data on the other side. Pull up the Shift-HELP menu
 from inside Spectre (while in Mac mode) and check it out, and
 experiment.

      We added Aladin support as part of the effort to work with
 customers in Europe who had the Aladin cartridge before the company
 making it stopped; we did this in 3.0 with foreign language support in
 menus, etc.

      CAUTION: Aladin INFECTS Mac programs with a virus called "Frankie
 virus" by virus killer programs; only fairly recent Disinfectants and
 such can find it. This virus checks for the Aladin copy protection
 "dongle" in the cartridge port. It attempts to disable itself while
 running on a real Mac; it accidentally disables itself on Spectre, due
 to pure, dumb luck.

      However, any alteration to a program in that manner is not
 something to be lightly undertaken, and since you said you were moving
 data around ...

      Finally, one other possibility: Boot up an Aladin ST with a
 terminal program that works, null-modem it to an ST or PC (if PC
 compatible disks) and x/y/zmodem the files across.

      I hope this helps.

      -- thanks, Dave / Gadgets

 p.s. The author of Aladin is on the net here somewhere ...

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/


 Date: 23 Jan 92 08:38:41 GMT
 >From: noao!asuvax!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!mips!spool.mu.edu!olivea!
        apple!well![e-mail] (David Small)
 Subject: GCR with overscan?

 // base file has questions about the GCR. //

 Spectre GCR 3.0 and below (all versions) do not work with overscan.
 The problem is that in monochrome overscan, the "border" on the sides
 of the screen is created in video RAM, which hacks off Quickdraw, Mac's
 drawing package.  I'm still looking for a fix, but have a few ideas.

      We thought we had it fixed once and unfortunately said so.

      It does not run in the TT color modes. On the TT, you get ST High
 Res, or the TT dual-page monitor.

      The GCR does sound like a regular ST. It is difficult to adjust
 the timing of Mac sounds to the DMA sound timing of the STe/TT; the
 frequency is a little different. Might be worth doing even if the pitch
 is off, though, since it will greatly offload the CPU.

      Happy to answer questions; I have been away from the Net due to
 SST development for quite some time. You may want to email me at
 [e-mail]  as sometimes I don't get here in time before
 notes scroll off, particularly during "shipping madness".

      -- thanks, Dave / Gadgets by Small

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/


 Date: 23 Jan 92 09:34:11 GMT
 >From: noao!ncar!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!usc!apple!well!
        [e-mail] (David Small)
 Subject: SST shipdate & Gadgets news

  Here's some updates on the SST, Spectre, MegaTalk, and so forth, for
 those who aren't on the GEnie / Compuserve networks (was posted there
 this week).

      We expect to start shipping SST's this week, barring Murphy's
 law causing some minor problem. The software, hardware, and manuals are
 ready, as well as a lot of mailing labels ... :-)

      We're sorry for the delay in shipping. It was vital to track down
 a serious bug in the hard disk "life support" for hard disks that were
 SST RAM (fastram) unaware; it turned out to be a buffer overlaying code.
 But it took weeks to nail down and led me down many false paths. Fun.

      Several people have asked about the manual. Currently it is 2.8
 megabytes long in Quark X*Press on Sandy's Mac. It works out to around
 140 pages, plus or minus a few, on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. It's our best
 ever, with plenty of interludes.

      MegaTalk was held up on its production run by having one PAL on
 every board be bad, probably from the factory. (SST had 4 bad GAL's from
 the factory -- what's this Built in America stuff? Sheesh, talk about
 getting good at switching chips). The MegaTalk batch here is about 75%
 tested, and once you replace the PAL controlling serial I/O, they work
 fine. They'll ship as soon as we get the SST shipping smoothly; both are
 backlogged "to the gills" <-- Americanism.

      Spectre is still at 3.0. Work is being done now on TT SCSI hard
 disks so the internal drive and other SCSI devices can be accessed;
 that'll take a little doing but isn't the end of the world. The code to
 fix the cached accelerator bug on <4 meg machines is very minor (10
 minutes?). Finally, System 7 is giving me absolute conniption fits as
 I trace it, with the ZAX set to "twang" and stop on any access to
 location 0 (typical Zerostore goblins); I don't understand why any sane
 programmer would read the entire contents of battery-backed up extended
 parameter RAM into location 0 on up, thus destroying all the 68000
 exception vectors.

      I'll fix that one, and keep on slogging through until the thing
 boots up and quits hallucinating about its available memory (current
 symptom). Problem is, I have NO WAY to predict how many bugs lie
 between where I am now and bootup time; I just have to fix one and let
 it "G"o, and see where it crashes NeXT ... *grin*. It's like debugging
 anything else, I guess.

      This means, in simple terms, Spectre 3.1 does not exist.

      Anyone advertising it? I have heard rumours. It just plain does
 not exist.

      It's been an interesting few weeks, as you might imagine, and
 I've seen plenty of Colorado sunrises since I can get work done at
 night. I have not been on the Net as much as I would like, nor any
 network; I have had to focus time on SST's hard disk snag, as that was
 holding up the manual and the disks, and it turned out to be difficult.
 (ST-Report ran the final story; it's around 450 lines of text.)

      I'll try to be answering back e-mail over the next few days; I
 still have a couple minor "clean up" things to do (READ.ME files on
 the release disks, for instance.). Currently, SST is at version 1.21.

      We will begin the sixth Gadgets Newsletter as soon as I have
 something to report on 3.1. I believe we are planning on FREE
 distribution of 3.1 unless something comes up to snag it (I can
 remember someone claiming that posting s/w to the nets made it
 "public domain" ... yeah, right). I don't know if the size, around
 400K, will overload the net; I can't FTP and never have, and don't know
 that side of things whatsoever. Maybe someone can let me in on it. I'd
 like to get 3.1 around as quickly as possible.

      Finally, we have isolated several different problems that TT's can
 have with GCR's. Briefly, they are:

      * The floppies are getting EMI from the monitor -- move it.

      * The cartridge port fuse, on the +5 line, is blown. Common.
      Check pins 14 and 28 for 0 and +5 volts (or close) respectively.

      * The floppy drives may not be 100% if you have the caches on.
      A lot depends on how fast the 68030 runs, which can depend on if
 the program ends up paragraph aligned at a critical point. (True!)
 Try clicking the caches off from the Spectre menu.

      * DO NOT TT-RAM flag SPECTRE.PRG, LAUNCH.PRG, or GCRTEST.PRG.

      * Finally, there can be a timing bug that relates to 68030's in
 general and the GCR. It really all depends on the particular TT and on
 a particular chip's speed in the GCR; if your GCR works, don't fix it!!!

      We have a fix for this timing snag that appears to cure this
 problem after much testing. I will try to get it from GEnie and upload
 it here. It involves adding one IC piggyback and an RC network for fine
 tuning.

      In the USA a "fix" involving piggybacking 7406 chips was published
 by Atari User; no one checked with us. We have no idea why this would
 affect the GCR on the TT whatsoever, and have talked to people who have
 gone to the trouble of making the change to find it makes no difference.
 HONEST, the 7406 is NOT IN THE PATH OF THE MAC DATA being made by the
 GCR and sent to the disk; the GCR drives the write-data line directly!
 I do not understand what this 7406 fix is about.

      We have built up several hundred modified GCR's for TT's (they also
 work on ST's still!) and are getting them into the pipeline.

      Sorry for the overly long note; I had to route MANY rumours to
 /dev/rumour/null.

      -- thanks, Dave Small / Tired Bottle Washer / Gadgets by Small, Inc.

 GEnie: DAVESMALL  CIS: 76004,2136   Here: [e-mail]
 FAX: USA [phone], phone [phone] mon-wed-fri
 (it is often busy).

 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/




 ==================================================================
 * THE SOFTWARE SHELF                             By Ron Berinstein
 ==================================================================

 Well it has really happened this time!  Now we have programmers
 uploading programs that do nothing!  Well, upon closer inspection
 of that thought, I guess that in itself is nothing particularly
 new, but it is new that a top level Atari "Guru" would post a
 program that does nothing.  Perhaps we should take a closer look
 at this 128 byte piece that loads in, should we say, "nothing
 flat?"

 Atari has released their new version of Hard Drive Utilities.
 Right on the heels of ICD's release of 5.4.5 comes version 5 from
 Atari.  Read the docs though before installing.

 And speaking graphically isn't always the most polite thing to do
 in public, but when one mentions the infamous name of the
 mysterious "Dreaded M_____" it becomes an eye catching subject.
 This week he has released a new animation!

 And guess what!  In this imperfect world we finally have another
 bright spot.  STTOOLS version 1.8 added a bright new feature.
 But, to find out what it is, you'll just have to read on further!

 Let's start with the A's!

 ATARIHD5.LZH   ATHDX5.LZH   are both the new Atari Hard Drive
 Utilities.(v5. 12/3/91) Inc'd are:  HDX v5.00 Hard Disk formatter/
 partitioner; AHDI/SHDRIVER v5.00 - Hard Disk Booter. Specially
 conf'd ver. of SHDRIVER.SYS, allows non-contiguous device numbers
 & enhanced handling of removable media. Please use HINSTALL to
 install the new driver; THEN you may copy the SHDRIVER.SYS file.
 Read DOCS first!

 ATARI MGR  Here is the atari version of MGR, a network transparent
 window system originally written for Unix.  MGR requires 1 meg. of
 memory (more is better!) and the MiNT multitasking system version
 0.6 or better. It runs in high or medium resolution, and should
 work OK on a moniterm or similar large screen monitor (all the
 screen graphics use the line A vector).   The second file consists
 of MGR demo programs.  * Requires ZOO 2.1 to extract *

 ABBRV.ARC  is the demo of Abbreviator ST accessory for the Atari
 ST, STe, Mega, and Mega STe series. Save time and effort by
 storing most used phrases, addresses and information in
 Abbreviator ST for automatic expansion as you type.

 It seems to never fail, this program gets a lot of downloads for
 every post...

 FUJIM141.LZH   Here it is the new release that everyone is
 scrambling for... FujiMaus with a new PARK feature!  Park the
 mouse at one of 9 designated parking spots on the screen after the
 first timeout.  Unparks back to right where it came from upon any
 activity (valet parking service!).  Thanks to the folks who sent
 in ShareWare!  TT Compatible in all resolutions

 And for all of you "let's replace the mouse pointer" fans:

 COOKIE MOUSE  Here's a little fun thing which will replace your
 ARROW mouse pointer with a chocolate chip cookie!  This is really
 funny if you have Dr. Bob's DB_EYES installed.  Those eyes just
 seem to get hungrier and hungrier and hungrier.....

 And talking about a lot of posts!

 WHATIS57.LZH   WHATIS.ARC   WHAT IS FILE TYPE  are all this week's
 version of the Whatis...  And i.e. 5.7.  Whatis tells you what the
 file you might be wondering about is all about.  This prg. is
 updated just about weekly..

 A new sound editor?  (pun intended)!

 SOUNDLAD.LZH  is a new sound editor.  It works much like the
 ST Replay editor, only it is reputed by the author to be superior,
 and much faster.  It lets you add effects, like echo and fade,
 etc. color only. Neg.TT

 And for Midi folks...

 SLCUBASE.LZH   is for Super Librarian and Cubase (Atari) owners!
 These are some of my SL profile sources and Cubase MIDI Manager
 templates for the Alesis D4 and QuadraVerb, the Kawai K1, the
 Yamaha FB01, and the Casio CZ-1.

 STROBE, MIDI SCREEN DISPLAY   STROBE is MIDI Strobe Version 1.4
 by Carl J. Hafner.  What the program does is to interpret a note
 on/off command as an instruction to generate a random color.
 Therefore, the faster you play, the faster the program changes
 the screen's colors.  It will run on a color or mono ST (but the
 color changes do get boring with a mono monitor!).  It requires a
 MIDI keyboard to be connected to your ST to run.

 Nope, no bad language at all when Maurice speaks graphically..

 KLINGONE.ZIP   This ZIPped cyber .SEQ animation depicts a Klingon
 D-7 battlecruiser under fire from an Excelsior class Federation
 starship.  The animation was created and Copyrighted 1992 by
 Maurice Molyneaux.  It should load on ANY ST or TT computer
 provided it has a least 1-megabyte of RAM.

 and continuing...

 TABLE.GIF  Remember QRT mentioned last week?  Well this is a TT
 Low GIF of a glass table. Rendered with QRT. It's a demo script
 in the QRT archive.  Took over 7 hours to render on a TT...
 (rendered in 24bit color, then downgraded to 256 color.)

 MEGAMOD2.ARC   has two more MegaPaint free modules.  The Calamus
 import module lets you load Calamus vector graphics (CVG) and
 Calamus font files (CFN) into MegaPaint.  The additional module
 lets you load a Calamus print-to-disk file (PAGE.IMG) as a 300 DPI
 raster image so that you can manipulate laser printer output at
 the pixel level!  Full documentation is included.

 DEGAS CHARACTER EDITOR   Character set EDITor by David Parsons.
 Works on monochrome Degas fonts only.  This file includes the
 executable, manual, and source code.

 MONO DEGAS FONTS  A collection of monochrome DEGAS fonts. You may
 install these using CodeHead Software's FONTRX program (part of
 CodeHead Utilities) or with Neodesk's FONTLOAD program. Edit them
 using CHEDIT.TTP, uploaded separately.

 FSTOP, DEGAS VIEWER, SCREEN CA   FSTOP is F Stop Utilities a
 program that allows you to view any DEGAS format (.PI*) picture to
 be viewed from the desktop.  Also included is an .ACC that will
 take a snapshot of your current desktop/program view and save it
 as a DEGAS file.  You can take snapshots of any application which
 allows you access to the .ACC menu.  Color or mono. Docs included.

 And what about this file that does nothing?

 NOTHING.PRG   This is the program you've been waiting for! It does
 absolutely nothing... It can be used w/ Hotwire as an auto run
 program so that your ledger files will show your bootup time.
 Or you can use it in a chain to note anything you'd like in your
 ledger.  Its 38 bytes of length is far smaller than this verbose
 description.

 And now for some files that do anything but, nothing!

 GFAXPERT.LZH  is a manual for GFA Basic 3.0 containing tips on
 using it, and several listings as examples and starting shells for
 your programs. Written in Holland, this edition is in clear
 English. The book is about 120 pages, with Table of Contents and
 Index.

 KEY11.LZH  This utility allows BBS Express to run games and
 programs designed for other BBS programs (or not designed for a
 BBS at all).  This replaces such programs as Chainer and DorInfo.

 WIZFILE.LZH   This is version 1.4 of WizFile, the file-list
 builder for BBS Express.  This program reads your download areas
 and builds a list of all the files (and descriptions) there for
 your users to read.  This update adds a "New Files" feature.

 SCPRO241.LZH  has a file that lets you learn machine language with
 this simulator of a simple computer.  color monitor required..
 TT compatible using 24bit prg. only.

 STSFIX36.LZH   Use this program to add TOS 3.06 rom vectors to
 STOS Basic version 2.5.  This will allow STOS to function properly
 on a TT.  ONLY TT OWNERS should be interested in this file.....

 STICKYMS.LZH   this TSR utility will allow physically challenged
 (handicapped) people to more easily use the mouse or a mouse
 stick.  TT Compatible in any resolution.

 MRCURY.ARC  is the set up program for you if you are into
 Internet.  The Mercury UUCP mailer package for the Atari. If
 you're interested in setting up an Internet mail site on your ST,
 this is the package you've been waiting for. Shareware from
 Germany, but the program and docs are all in English  (German docs
 included, too!).

 TOOL18.LZH  is ST Tools Version 1.8  New features include a view
 window and repair/optimize file structure. Requires 330K to run.

 And for everyone with kids...

 DISKLOCK.ARC  is a memory-resident utility that allows you to
 toggle write-protection for all connected drives on & off with a
 hot-key combination.  Created to allow young kids to use a
 computer without fear of unwanted changes to disks.  Good for
 general security as well.  Uses only a little over 1 KB RAM.

 OCULT2_0, HARD DRIVE SECURITY  OCULT2_0 is Ocultar v.2.0  This
 program will protect your Hard Disk from unauthorized access
 through the use of a User Defined Password.  You can make your
 disk _secure_ if you want.  No one is getting into if they don't
 have the password.  Color or mono.  ST\STe compatible.  Docs
 included.

 RANDMGEN, OCULTAR 2.0 UTILITY  RANDMGEN is the Random Character
 Generator which was included with all versions of Ocultar below
 2.0. For some reason unkown even to him, Uncle Carl left this
 out of Ocultar 2.0. Now you can get it here and use it in Ocultar!

 SNAKE.LZH   This is the classical game of the snake that eats and
 gets longer. It was written entirely in "C" as an exercise in
 array and pointer handling. The game will run in LOW or MED
 resolution and it has a high score file. Game play is extremely
 easy the graphics will not make the earth move and the sound
 effects are mediocre at best. But the under six crowed love it.

 GERMAN GAMES  This file includes two ACC/PRG (rename as needed)
 games from Germany. Breakout ('nuff said) and KUBIS -  a Tetris
 clone.  They work in Mono or Color.   A small English read.me is
 enclosed, the actual docs are in German but the programs are
 easy to figure out.  Just the thing when a quick time-wasting
 game is needed.

 GRANDPA HOWARD MYSTERY  GRANDPA is Adventure 1, "A Journey In The
 Past" in the Grandpa Howard Mysteries.  In this program you are
 transported 100 years back in time in an attempt to help Grandpa
 Howard find and defeat Dr. Malvert.  All is not as it seems
 however, do in part to the time displacement drag coefficient (of
 all things). Therefore, what seems to be obvious may not be that
 way at all!  This text adventure makes you work!

 And last but not least, take a look at these:

 SPRCRD.LZH  SuperCard 1.3, is a flexible shareware database from
 the UK. Lots of options.  Works on an "index card" kind of
 principal. Records are held in memory, so the program searches
 very fast.

 QWKCIS.PRG  has QuickCIS, v1.70 for CompuServe users.  QuickCIS is
 an online navigator for your ST/STe/TT and CompuServe.  QuickCIS
 will automatically visit up to six forums, gathering messages and
 file descriptions.  You can peruse this info offline, and later
 call back with replies, or even download files.  QuickCIS includes
 interfaces to EdHak, XYZ.TTP, YMG.TTP and Shadow.

 QCHI.KEY is a collection of CodeKeys macros for use with QuickCIS.
 These function in ST high resolution, but may be modified to work
 with other types of displays.  This file is not compressed, it's
 too small to bother.  Requires QuickCIS and CodeKeys (from
 CodeHead) to function.

 COMPRESSION SHELL  A GEM front end to arc,lharc,zoo,uue,uud,tar,
 compress,shar,a pager,an editor, and a user selectable executable.
 Lots of nice features.  Saves alternate command lines for lharc
 to cope with the instability of this compression utility, and
 passes working directory information to zoo to allow extraction to
 (or relative to) any specified directory. Comprehensive TeX
 documentation in English and German is included.

 GHOSTSCRIPT FONTS (ZOO)  are fonts for Ghostscript, the Postscript
 Interpreter clone from the Free Software Foundation.

 UNCLEVOL.ARC   UNCLEVOL is a Volume Labeler. This program or
 accessory will allow you to rename the volume name on your floppy
 or hard drive.

 HEIDSEEK, FILE FINDER   HEIDSEEK is HeidiSeek Version 0.9 by Carl
 J. Hafner. HeidiSeek runs as both an .ACC and a .PRG (depending on
 how you name it).  Do you want to know where that file is on your
 hard drive, or if you have duplicates in different folders?  This
 file is for you.  It's fast and easy to use. Just type in the
 filename (wildcards are acceptable as well) and click on the drive
 to search and you are off!  Color or mono.  Docs included.

 P_ALARM.LZH V.1.92  is Personal Alarm Clock Accessory. It has a
 corner clock. But, this only works with GEM programs using the
 menu bar. Written in Personal Pascal. Source included.



 The above files were compiled by Ron Berinstein co-sysop CodeHead
 Quarters BBS [phone] from files that were either directly
 uploaded to CodeHead Quarters BBS, or downloaded from GEnie,
 Compuserve, and Delphi online services.


 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 To sign up for DELPHI service, call (with modem)  [phone].  Upon
 connection,  hit  <return> once or twice.  At Password:  type ZNET  and
 hit <return>.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 To  sign up for GEnie service call (with modem)  [phone].   Upon
 connection type HHH and hit <return>.   Wait for the U#= prompt and type
 XTX99436,GEnie and hit <return>.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 To sign up for CompuServe service call (with phone) [phone].  Ask
 for operator #198.   You will be promptly sent a $15.00 free  membership
 kit.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Z*Net  International  Atari  Online Magazine  is  a  weekly  publication
 covering the Atari and related computer community.   Material  published
 in  this edition may be reprinted under the following terms  only.   All
 articles must remain unedited and include the issue number and author at
 the top of each article reprinted.   Reprint permission granted,  unless
 otherwise  noted,  to  registered Atari user groups and not  for  profit
 publications.   Opinions  present  herein are those  of  the  individual
 authors  and  does not necessarily reflect those  of  the  staff.   This
 publication is not affiliated with the Atari Corporation.   Z*Net, Z*Net
 News Service,  Z*Net International,  Rovac, Z*Net Atari Online and Z*Net
 Publishing  are  copyright  (c)1985-1992,  Syndicate  Publishing,  Rovac
 Industries  Incorporated,  Post Office Box 59,  Middlesex,  New  Jersey,
 08846-0059, Voice: [phone],  BBS: [phone], [phone].
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                     Z*NET: Atari ST Online Magazine
                Copyright (c)1992, Rovac Industries, Inc...
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~