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 Z*NET: ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE  Copyright (c)1993, Syndicate Publishing
   Volume 8, Number 7    Issue #491    February 14, 1993    File:93-07

                          "HAPPY VALENTINES DAY"

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Publisher/Editor..........................................Ron Kovacs
  Writer............................................Michael R. Burkley
  GEnie Online Editor........................................Ed Krimen
  CompuServe Online Editor............................Michael Mortilla
  Contributing Writer.........................................Len Stys
  AtariNet Coordinator\Telecommunications...................Bill Scull
  Contributing Editor...................................Dr. Paul Keith
  Z*Net News International Gateway - New Zealand............Jon Clarke
  Z*Net News Service\AtariUser Magazine-Publisher\Editor.....John Nagy
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 GEnie..............Z-NET  CompuServe....75300,1642  Delphi.........ZNET
 Internet...status.gen.nz  America Online..ZNET1991  AtariNet..51:1/13.0
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 CONTENTS

         |#| The Editors Desk.........................Ron Kovacs
         |#| Feedback To Z*Net From GEnie.......................
         |#| Z*Net Newswire.....................................
         |#| Perusing CompuServe...................Mike Mortilla
         |#| Atari Lynx F.A.Q....Darius Vaskelis and Robert Jung
         |#| Atari 8-Bit Owners Update..........................
         |#| Unabashed Atariophile...............Michael Burkley
         |#| Z*Net Computer Calender..................Ron Kovacs
         |#| AtariNet Update..........................Bill Scull



 ######  THE EDITORS DESK
 ######  By Ron Kovacs
 ######  ---------------------------------------------------------------


 Time sure flies when you are having fun!  Another week has past and
 another edition of Z*Net is being released!  I hope everyone takes time
 out of their schedule to spend time with the family.  With this being
 Valentines Day, I hope you have sent out those cards, letters or candies
 to your loved ones!!!  If not, call them now!!!  We'll wait for you.

 Now back to the Atari scene.

 Mike Mortilla returns this week with his "Perusing CompuServe" column.
 Welcome Back Mike!




 ######  FEEDBACK TO Z*NET
 ######  From GEnie ST RT
 ######  ---------------------------------------------------------------


 ************
 Topic 9         Sun Nov 08, 1992
 Z-NET                        at 12:00 EST
 Sub: Z*Net Atari Online Magazine

 Discussion and area for feedback to Z*Net Online writers and editors,
 article and content discussions, and no magazine wars.  Please leave
 fire-mail in email!  :-)
 ************
 Category 15,  Topic 9
 Message 40        Mon Feb 08, 1993
 Z-NET                        at 01:00 EST

  NEW RELEASE DAY FOR Z*NET!

 Effective with this week's release of Z*Net, we are now out and
 available on Sunday.  You will find it on GEnie anytime after 5pm Sunday
 afternoon.  The change is explained in this edition, so, instead of
 ending your week with the latest news, Start your week with Z*Net!

 Ron/Z*Net
 ------------
 Category 15,  Topic 9
 Message 41        Tue Feb 09, 1993
 FAIR-DINKUM [Hutch]          at 01:40 EST

 G'day all, Just a little correction to the Falcon software compatability
 list that the folks at Cottonwood Computers compiled for last week's
 Z*Net:

 Cyberdrome-The Hoverjet Simulator _is_ Falcon 030 compatible!!!

 I can only surmise that they were testing a very early version of
 Cyberdrome which would likely not have been compatible.  The latest
 version 1.1 sure plays great on the Falcon in my office, anyway. :)
 Since I don't have MultiTOS, however, I can't vouch for Cyberdrome's
 compatability under that environment (yet).

 Thanks,

 -Hutch- @ Fair Dinkum Tech
 ------------
 Category 15,  Topic 9
 Message 42        Tue Feb 09, 1993
 D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 02:12 EST

 Sometimes when people ask if a product is "Falcon-compatible", they mean
 "Does it run on the Falcon?", but sometimes they are asking for more
 specific information, like "Does the program support Falcon
 resolutions?" or "Does the program support the DSP?" or "Does the
 program run under MultiTOS?" or "Does the program support Falcon-
 specific sound features?"  In my own experience, all sorts of old
 software _runs_ on the Falcon.  Often, you have to choose the
 "compatibility modes" for ST resolutions, as much older software
 (including all of my own) is resolution-specific.  There is very little
 software currently available that supports all of the Falcon's features
 (in fact, I can't think of anything that supports it _all_).  Just
 because a program _doesn't_ support these added features does _not_ mean
 it won't run.
 ------------
 Category 15,  Topic 9
 Message 43        Tue Feb 09, 1993
 WAYNED. [Wayne]              at 21:50 EST

 > Sometimes when people ask if a product is "Falcon-compatible", they
 > "Does it run on the Falcon?", but sometimes they are asking for more
 > specific information, like "Does the program support Falcon
 > or "Does the program support the DSP?" or "Does the program run under
 > MultiTOS?" or "Does the program support Falcon-specific sound

 Generally "Falcon-compatible" would mean does it run on the Falcon,
 while "Falcon-Aware" would mean does it take advantage of Falcon
 specific capabilities.  I know what you mean though.  Some people just
 don't know what they are asking. :-)

 Wayne
 ------------
 Category 15,  Topic 9
 Message 44        Wed Feb 10, 1993
 EXPLORER.1 [] Ron []         at 00:44 EST

 Hutch -   I noticed quite a few errors in the software compatibility
 list.  Compatibility testing will be a much greater job considering the
 large selection of video modes available on the Falcon.  My 15 year old
 son had no trouble making several things work I had given up on.  He
 doesn't know what is impossible yet :-)

 Ron @ Atari Explorer Magazine
 ------------
 Category 15,  Topic 9
 Message 46        Thu Feb 11, 1993
 BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.]     at 01:28 EST

 I think that the gang at Cottonwood was just trying to give an idea of
 what we might expect with Falcon compatibility.  When they asked me
 about the idea of them posting a list, I warned them that they would
 encounter a demanding crowd.

 :)  They probably thought I meant demanding a Falcon!

 Seriously, most of the testing was done strictly in ST Medium rez,  no
 other. (I hope they indicated that in their file they uploaded)

 best regards,
 Bob
 ------------
 Category 15,  Topic 9
 Message 47        Sun Feb 14, 1993
 Z-NET                        at 02:36 EST

 Bob...

 (and others)

 Thanks for the update on the testing.  I will include your messages in
 the next edition for anyone who might be using it as a guide.  Perhaps
 we can see a better list in the future as I am sure it will be helpful
 to someone.

 Regards,
 Ron
 ------------



 ######  Z*NET NEWSWIRE
 ######  Industry News Update
 ######  ---------------------------------------------------------------


 MORE CUTS FROM IBM
 IBM, which has already announced it is cutting 25,000 workers from its
 payroll, may actually reduce its workforce by as many as 40,000 as
 reported by the New York Times last week.  Daniel Mandresh, a Merrill
 Lynch analyst, stated that the extra cutbacks could require a special
 charge against earnings of roughly $1 billion to pay for financial
 incentives to encourage people to quit.  IBM has maintained a no-layoff
 policy and has reduced its personnel from a high of 407,000 workers in
 1986 to 300,000 at the end of 1992 with the reductions entirely through
 early retirement offers.  IBM reported a $4.97 billion loss last year.


 CHANGES FOR NeXT
 Next Computer will stop making its comptuer workstations, a move that
 will idle about 300 of its 500 employees.  Next will instead focus on
 producing operating software for other machines.  Steve Jobs said Next
 will unveil a variety of new software products on May 25.  Last year,
 Jobs announced Next would become software-driven, developing programs
 designed to run on its NextStep operating systems.  Next has agreed to
 sell its hardware business, including its automated manufacturing plant
 in Calif., to Japanese electronics giant Canon, which owns 17.9 percent
 of Next.  Jobs, who co-founded Apple Computer and started Next in 1985,
 said about 100 Next exmployees will go to Canon, while another 200 will
 be laid off.




 ######  PERUSING COMPUSERVE
 ######  By Michael Mortilla, CompuServe Online Editor
 ######  ---------------------------------------------------------------


   "Responsible journalism is journalism responsible in the last
    analysis to the editor's own conviction of what, whether
    interesting or only important, is in the public interest."

                       Walter Lippman (1889-1974)


 First, let me say that it *REALLY* feels good to be back on my old beat!
 Writing for ZNET again is sort of like finding your favorite pair of
 sneakers in the back of the closet.  All broken in and ready to jump a
 few hoops.  Okay, that's enough sentimental STuff, let's get down and
 shake that 'thang!

 Lots has happened since my last column here and we won't even begin to
 try and catch you up with *EVERYTHING* but a few highlights are in
 order.  The activity in the Atari Forums on CompuServe has been fast and
 furious with many new uploads and some new members, including none other
 than Mr. Sam Tramiel himself (along with the wife, kids and Fido).  We
 welcome Sam and family and hope he has as much fun as we do here!  And
 as our fearless leader, Ron Luks has requested, we don't want to all
 jump on Sam every time we see him online.  Give 'em some time to get
 used to the layout and we're sure he'll see that the Atari Forums on CIS
 are among the best Users Group you're likely to find <g>.

 Sam's not the only one hanging around the forum these days.  Atari has
 posted many messages and even a few programs over the last few weeks.
 We are all very please to see an official presence here and wish Atari
 all the luck in the world with their new flagship, the Falcon 030.
 We've seen the Falcon just about everywhere these days: BYTE, MIX, EQ,
 Electronic Musician and Keyboard, to name a few.  With all the attention
 they've been getting, we sure hope Atari has a lot of them in stock.

 Moving quickly from hardware to software, there have been some upgrades
 and releases within the past few months which deserve attention.  For
 you musician types, Barefoot Software has upgraded it's sequencer line
 (EditTrack and SmpteTrack) from Gold to Platinum.  What's next, Diamond?
 Plutonium?  All kidding aside, the upgrade brings us a reworking of the
 main screen and quite a few changes in the parameters of the program.
 The *BIG* change is the "tile" concept, whereby you can either view 24
 (!) tracks simultaneously, or 12 tracks and either controllers *OR* an
 X-Y grid which you can configure to your own needs.  The imminent
 release promises even more tiles and, among other things, the ability to
 tap to the tempo of a performance so that you want have to listen to
 that damn metronome when your creating your masterpiece.  When you tap,
 the program will create a tempo track and you performance will fall
 neatly into the meter you intended.  Add to this the ability to quantize
 to a "groove" you predetermined and you've got one of the most powerful
 composition tools available.  Needless to say that we are thrilled that
 Barefoot (formerly Hybrid Arts) is still supporting the ST line.  BTW,
 Hybrid Arts *IS* still in business and is still supporting the ST line.
 But they are not supporting certain software and hardware, including
 Edit/SmpteTrack, GenEdit, Hybriswitch or the MIDIPlexer (which expands
 the ST to 64 MIDI channels) and those items *ARE* supported by Barefoot.
 We might also add here that the author of EditTrack and SmpteTrack,
 Stefan Daystrom, visits the Atari Forums regularly and is very active in
 our discussions, both related to his programs and on MIDI and non-MIDI
 discussions.  As the SYSOP of his own area on the MIDI A Vendor forum
 (Section 12 Barefoot Software) he could just simply direct his inquiries
 there, but doesn't seem to mind hanging out with we Atarians.  His
 presence is also strongly felt in the other MIDI forums as well.  I
 believe he is one of those unique programmers who has dedicated his
 programming solely to the Atari line (3 cheers for all those who have
 stuck it out)! Let's hope that *WHEN* the Falcon 030 is a big success,
 that all the programmers and software companies who stuck it out while
 we were the "game computer" see tremendous success for their incredible
 products.

 We also ram headlong into the OXYD Game recently and while this writer
 is admittedly not big on games, this one really caught my fancy.
 Basically, your given a little black marble (manipulated by mouse
 movements) which needs to accomplish certain tasks.  Now while this may
 *sound* easy, be forewarned that your ingenuity will be tested to the
 fullest and your ability to adapt to a particular "landscape" will be
 put to the test.  Once you get the hang of the game, you can refine your
 performance and try to beat "the best time" for a particular landscape.
 OXYD requires that you purchase the manual (about 40 bucks if I remember
 correctly) if you want to get past level 10 or so.  But if you *DO* get
 past level 10, there is little doubt that you will be hooked on the
 amusement.

 Another mind boggler we discovered on CIS was called "Break It" which is
 based on the a "many years old Chinese board game."  Basically, you
 select "stones" with the space bar and 4, 5, 6, and 8 (numeric) keys.
 This shareware game entry has about 10 levels.  Try as we did, we were
 unable to get past level three.  Maybe we're simple; maybe we're not
 nimble on the keys <g>, but whatever the case, this game is challenging
 to say the least.  Speed, agility and the ability to plan your actions
 all contribute to the success of the player.

 So much has been said in the message thread "Inaccurate Reporting" over
 the last few days that to try and capsulize it might not be fair to all
 the contributors.  In general, the question seems to be whether CIS and
 other online services, are libel (a *VERY* potent word!) for the actions
 of their membership.  There were comparisons to the Soldier of Fortune
 (SOF) case where a newsstand(s) were somehow thought libel for selling
 the magazine.  I don't recall the entire case but seem to recall someone
 hiring or attempting to hire a "hit man" to do away with someone else.
 Obviously, that *IS* a crime and SOF was the "best place" to advertise
 for such a person because of the nature of the publication (being
 oriented to firearms, military paraphernalia, etc.

 While this might seem a far fetched comparison, the common element is
 distribution.  I prefer to compare the online services to the phone
 company, which has no control of what goes over their lines.  Can they
 be responsible if Johnny threatens Frankie?  I would think not.  Or in
 the case of public broadcasting, where they essentially purchase (rent?)
 programming for use over their airwaves.  We've all heard the phrase
 "producers are solely responsible for its content" or some variation
 thereof.  You might make a more convincing argument against the public
 broadcasters as they have "prior knowledge" of a programs content, but
 this is closer to a situation where the online services allowed a
 practice to continue.  An example of this might be where a service
 expressively forbid the uploading of copyrighted material without the
 permission of the owner but tended to ignore the fact that it was
 commonplace. Of course, this is a hypothetical situation.  Isn't it?

 Finally, I'd like to thank Ron Kovacs for having be back to do this
 article, and Ron Luks for all his encouragement and support over the
 past few months.  As the old song goes: They do Ron, Ron, they do Ron,
 Ron! I don't know what that means, but as Morton Subotnik says, 'I know
 it's meaningful.'  See you next week.




 ######  ATARI LYNX F.A.Q.
 ######  By Darius Vaskelis and Robert Jung
 ######  ---------------------------------------------------------------


 This article MAY NOT be reprinted without the written permission of
 AtariUser Magazine, Copyright (c)1993.


 AtariUser published BJ Gleason's Portfolio FAQ (Frequently Asked
 Questions), so I figured, why not share my Lynx FAQ?  I'm presently the
 keeper of the Lynx FAQ, which was first created by Darius Vaskelis.
 Here, then, are some of the more common, more useful, and more
 interesting questions and answers about the Atari Lynx, updated
 especially for AtariUser readers.


 Q.  What is the Lynx?

 A.  The world's first hand-held color video game system.  Sold by Atari,
 the Lynx offers true multi-player competition, 16-bit graphics,
 reversible controls, and fast action.  The Lynx is available in two
 packages.  The "Deluxe Package" costs $129.95, and includes the Lynx,
 the CALIFORNIA GAMES game card, a carrying case, a ComLynx cable, and
 six AA Alkaline batteries.  The "Base Package" costs $89.95 and comes
 with only the Lynx.

 Q.  How are Atari and Epyx related?

 A.  The Lynx was first conceived by Epyx in 1987 by Dave Needle and R.J.
 Mical.  When the design was done, Epyx went looking for a buyer, and
 Atari bought the rights.  Today, Epyx is required by its contract with
 Atari to provide technical support.

 Q.  Are Lynx game cards encoded or encrypted?

 A.  Yes and no.  Several hundred bytes of a Lynx game card is encrypted.
 Game-card verification was introduced by Epyx to enforce game quality,
 who saw hastily-made games as the cause of the death of the Atari 2600.
 Epyx still performs the encryption of Lynx game cards, using a
 proprietary encoding system.

 Q.  What are the differences between the original Lynx and the new Lynx
    (the "Lynx II")?

 A.  The new Lynx is smaller and lighter than the original Lynx.  It
 offers stereo sound through the headphones, and allows you to turn the
 screen off while a game is paused to save batteries.  A power LED has
 been added which blinks when power is low, and cartridges are easier to
 insert.  The automatic shutoff of the original Lynx has been removed,
 and the speaker in new Lynx is not as loud as the originals.

 Also, early Lynx II units can experience "blinking pixel syndrome".
 With some games, a stationary screen pixel cycles through all the colors
 very quickly.  It does not affect game play and is often hard to notice.
 Officially, Atari does not distinguish between the early and the current
 Lynx models.

 Q.  What are the specifications of the Lynx?

 A.  All specifications are for the current Lynx model.  Unit size is
 9.25" x 4.25" x 2", screen size is 3.5" diagonal.  The speaker has a 2"
 diameter.  Game controls consist of an eight-direction joypad, two sets
 of fire buttons (A and B) and two option buttons (Option 1 and Option
 2).  Other buttons are Pause, Power on, Power off, and Backlight (turns
 off the screen).  The buttons can be used to reset the Lynx or reverse
 the controls.

 Control knobs set the volume and screen brightness.  Ports connect
 stereo headphones (mini-DIN 3.5mm stereo), the multiplayer ComLynx
 cable, and DC power (9 volts, 1 amp).

 The Lynx has two basic chips, called Mikey and Suzy, that form a
 cooperative set of coprocessing systems.  Both are 16-bit custom CMOS
 chips running at 16 MHz.  Mikey consists of a MOS 65C02 processor at
 4MHz, an 8-bit CPU with a 16-bit address space; the sound engine has 4
 channel sound, 8-bit digital-audio controller for each channel.  Range
 is 100Hz to well above human hearing and supports stereo with panning;
 A video DMA driver for the LCD display; system timers, interrupt
 controller, and a UART for the ComLynx; and 512 bytes of bootstrap and
 game card loading ROM.

 Suzy is a dedicated blitter (bit-map block transfer) unit and graphics
 engine.  It offers drawing support, an unlimited number of sprites with
 collision detection, and high-speed sprite scaling, distortion, and
 tilting effects; decoding of compressed sprite data; clipping and multi-
 directional scrolling; variable frame rate (up to 75 frames/second);
 screen resolution 160 x 102, with artificially-induced 480 x 102
 possible; a 4096 color palette with 16 colors on screen at once; and a
 math coprocessor with 16-bit multiply and divide, providing 32-bit
 answers and parallel processing of single multiply or divide
 instructions.

 The Lynx contains 64K of 120ns DRAM.  Game cards currently hold 128K or
 256K of ROM, but in theory up to two megabytes can be stored with bank
 switching.  With Alkaline batteries, the reasonable average battery life
 is 4 to 5 hours.  The Lynx can run with rechargeable NiCad batteries,
 but average battery life drops to 1.5 hours per recharge.

 Q.  Why does the Lynx use a 6502, and not a 68000?

 A.  According to R.J. Mical, the 6502 was used because it offered no
 significant advantages, and would make the Lynx larger and more
 expensive.  Stephen Landrum concurs, adding that 68000 assembly code
 requires more storage than a comparable piece of 6502 code.

 Q.  Is the Lynx an 8-bit or 16-bit system?

 A.  If "16-bit" refers to the main CPU, (such as the Sega Genesis), then
 the Lynx is an 8-bit system.  If "16-bit" refers to the graphics engine
 (such as the TurboGrafix-16), then the Lynx is a 16-bit system.

 Q.  Is there a TV tuner option for the Lynx?

 A.  No.  Atari's position is that while a TV tuner would be a novel
 idea, their market research shows that most people would not buy one.
 The unofficial word from Stephen Landrum is that the Lynx screen display
 is not capable of showing a broadcast quality television picture.

 Q.  What's the ComLynx port like?

 A.  There is a practical limit of connecting 18 players via the ComLynx.
 While it may be possible to connect more units, the drivers in the Lynx
 cannot drive over more than 17 units with pull-ups on the serial ports
 and still work within specifications.

 ComLynx communications run from 300.5 to 62.5K baud, and works on a
 "listen and send" structure.  Data transmission between Lynxes is done
 in the background, freeing up the CPU to run the game directly.  It's
 called "RedEye" in-house at Atari, named after an early idea of
 communicating with infra-red transmissions.

 It uses a three-wire cable (+5V/Ground/Data) and allows for bi-
 directional serial communications.  Messages are framed in 11-bit words,
 each consisting of a start bit, eight data bits, parity bit, and a stop
 bit.  The ComLynx port is used only for communications; it can't be used
 to control other aspects of the Lynx, though in theory it can be used to
 send signals to external devices.

 Q.  Sometimes a multiplayer ComLynx game will lock up.  Why?

 A.  A ComLynxed game will freeze if communication is interrupted;
 restoring this will continue the game.  This is probably due to a fray
 in one of the ComLynx cables, or a loose connection.  The cable gets
 jostled, communication is broken, and the game "freezes".  Jiggling the
 cable is a temporary fix, but a new cable is best.

 Q.  What can I use to carry my Lynx game cards?

 A.  An easy solution are trading card cases.  They're sturdy,
 inexpensive, and lock shut.  Most hobby and comic book stores sell them;
 a large case costs $0.50 to $1.00, and can hold up to 14 Lynx cards.

 Also available are Lynx card wallets by Realm.  The wallets are padded,
 hold 18 cards each, and cost $5.95.  Write to Joey Sherman at Realm,
 10504 Easum Rd., Louisville KY 40299.  On GEnie, send e-mail to REALM.

 Q.  My Lynx screen is badly scratched! How can I fix it?

 A.  Get some "plastic scratch remover" or "plexiglass scratch remover".
 You can find it in hardware stores, or look in the Yellow Pages under
 "Plastics".

 Q.  Agh! My Lynx is broken! How can I fix it?

 A.  For $50, plus $5 shipping and handling, and your old/broken Lynx,
 Atari will repair it or replace it with a new Lynx II unit.  Send your
 Lynx to: Lynx Repair Service, Atari Computer Corporation, 390 Caribbean
 Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94088.

 Q.  How can I reach Atari Corp otherwise?

 A.  Customer Service: [phone].  Mailing Address: Atari Corp.,
 1196 Borregas Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1302.

 Atari Corp. used to have a number for Lynx game news and tips, at (708)
 CRY-LYNX (708-279-5969).  Atari has recently moved their Lynx operations
 from Chicago to Sunnyvale, and this number has been disconnected.  No
 new number has been established.

 Q.  What are other sources for Lynx information?

 A.  Publications:

 - A.P.E.  Newsletter: "Atari Portable Entertainment", a dedicated
   newsletter.  Published five times a year, cost is $6.00/year.  Clinton
   Smith, 2104 N.  Kostner, Chicago, IL 60639. GEnie: C.SMITH89

 - Atari Explorer: Atari's official magazine.  Regular Lynx game preview
   information, but often biased.  P.O. Box 6488, Duluth, MN55806.
   GEnie: EXPLORER

 - AtariUser: Atari-oriented magazine.  Lynx news and reviews on a
   regular basis.  Subscription is $15 a year (12 issues), free at Atari
   dealers and user groups.  249 N.  Brand Boulevard, Suite332, Glendale,
   CA 91203.  GEnie: ATARIUSER

 - Die Hard Game Fan: General video-gaming magazine with some Lynx
   coverage.  18612 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA 91356.

 - Electronic Gaming Monthly: General video-gaming magazine with some
   Lynx coverage.  Will often get screen shots and reports of new games
   before other publications.  1920 Highland Avenue, Suite 222, Lombard,
   IL 60148.

 - Gamemaster: Dedicated specifically to the Lynx, including reviews,
   tips, and buy/sell/trade activity.  10 issues a year for $10, free
   sample issue available on request.  P.O. Box 2224, Arvada, CO 80001-
   2224, [phone].

 - Gamepro: General video-gaming magazine with Lynx coverage. P.O. Box
   3329, Redwood City, CA 94064.

 - On Target: Dedicated specifically to the Lynx, including reviews,
   tips, and buy/sell/trade activity.  Bi-monthly, $4/year. Matthew
   Szewczyk, 18C Boyle Avenue, Cumberland, RI 02864-2306, [phone].

 - Portable Atari Gaming System: A quarterly newsletter with reviews,
   editorials, news, information, and game tips.  A year's subscription
   costs $12.00.  P.O. Box 37692, Raleigh, NC27627-7692, GEnie:
   E.SCHOFIELD

 - Video Games & Computer Entertainment: General video and computer-
   gaming magazine.  Lynx news often in news articles and in the
   dedicated portable gaming column.  9171 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300,
   Beverly Hills, CA 90210

 Bulletin Board Systems:

 - Star-Linx BBS.  [phone], 300/1200/2400 bps.  In Mesa, Arizona
   (USA).  Be sure to have your CALIFORNIA GAMES game card handy when you
   call to gain higher access.

 - Video Game Information Service.  [phone], 300-14400 bps.
   Multiple lines.  In West Orange, New Jersy (USA).  Dedicated to video
   gaming and maintains files of cheats and reviews.  Carries related
   conferences from other computer networks including Fidonet, Worldnet,
   and Globalnet.

 On-line services:

 - GEnie.  Atari ST Roundtable BBS, Category 36 - CompuServe.  Lynx Data
   Library and Message Group, in the ATARI8 forum.  Type "GO ATARI8", and
   join the forum.

 International clubs:

 - Germany: Internationaler Lynx Club, Hans-Jorg Sebastian, Siegfriedstr.
   3, 3684 Schmitten 3, Germany

 - Netherlands: International Lynx Club, Leon Stolk, Vanenburg 2, 7339 DN
   Ugchelen, The Netherlands

 - Austria: Internationaler Lynx Club, Christian Lenikus, Obertraun 27,
   4831 Obertraun, Austria

 - Switzerland: Swiss-Lynx-Info-Club, Eugene Rodel, Sangeliweg 45, 4900
   Langenthal, Switzerland

 Q.  What's the Lynx developer's kit like?

 A.  On the hardware side, there's a Commodore Amiga, with 3 megabytes
 RAM and hard disk; a "Howard" board, which is a parallel-interface
 module that has the Lynx electronics and debugging tools; and the
 "Howdy" unit, which is a small PC board in a plastic case with buttons
 and a Lynx display, connected to the "Howard" board.

 For software, there's Handy-Bug, a symbolic debugger and disassembler;
 Handicraft, a graphics translator that turns Amiga IFF files into coded
 Lynx sprite data; HSFX, the sound editor; macro libraries, sample
 programs, and system documentation plus updates.

 A full Lynx Developer's Kit currently costs around $5,000, which
 includes all the hardware and software described.

 --Robert Jung

 BIO: Robert Jung is a 24-year-old software engineer, longtime videogamer
 and die-hard Lynx fan who's bought and reviewed every title ever made.
 He can be reached c/o AtariUser, or on the Internet at [e-mail].




 ######  ATARI 8-BIT OWNERS UPDATE
 ######  Newell Industries
 ######  ---------------------------------------------------------------


 NEWELL INDUSTRIES, P.O. Box 253, WYLIE, TX. 75098, 214-442-6612

 MEMORY UPGRADES

 256KXLE.............256K MEMORY UPGRADE FOR 800XL/1200XL        $29.95

 Designed with total compatiblity in mind, this 256K ram upgrade gives
 you compatibility with the 130XE, plus gives you an additional 128K of
 RAM for a total of 256K.  With this upgrade you can run software
 designed for the 130XE including Basic XE, Disk operating systems, etc.
 Internal installation.  Some soldering required.  MYDOS included.  MYDOS
 lets you configure Ramdisk up to 208K.  Use Basic XE in extended mode,
 plus have 128K ramdisk. etc.  Also includes 'COPY256E'.  A sector copy
 program that utilizes the extra ram.

 Don't confuse our upgrade with others you may have heard about.  Ours
 supports Antic banking (just like the 130XE), so you can run those
 programs the other upgrades won't.  Eliminates refresh problems with CAS
 before RAS refresh support.  Requires eight 256K Ram chips.  See below
 or call for current pricing.

 MEG13O/MEG65/MEGXL..1-4 MEG UPGRADE FOR 13OXE,65XE,8OOXL/12OOXL  $49.95

 These memory upgrades add support for 1 or 4 meg ram chips for 1O88K or
 416OK of memory.  Designed with total compatibility in mind, these
 upgrades support true Antic banking just like the 13OXE.  Compatible
 with Basic XE, Sparta DOS, Sparta DOS X, etc.  Comes with MYDOS and copy
 utility.  Get over 8OOO sectors of ramdisk with 1O88K of ram.

 Internal installation.  Soldering is required.  Installation availible.
 Requires eight 1 meg or 4 meg ram chips.  See below.  SPECIFY COMPUTER
 MODEL WHEN ORDERING.

 MEGSTF.........2-4 MEG UPGRADE FOR THE 52O/1O4OSTF/M             $49.95

 Designed to fit the STF/M computers (has built in disk drive), this
 board allows the use of 1 meg ram chips (32 max) for up to 4 meg of ram.
 Socketed for 32 DRAM.  Requires 16 minimum (2 meg).  Internal
 installation.  Soldering required.

 OPERATING SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS ST

 The TAB (Tos Adapter Board) Add those newer TOS's to old system  $29.95

 Used to install up to 1 meg of rom starting at E00000 in original ST's.
 This includes, but not limited to TOS 2.06. DOES NOT include TOS roms.
 How it works: Intercepts all Exxxxx adressing to glue and converts it to
 FCxxxx, thus fooling glue into thinking you want to address the normal
 rom area.  The glue will then furnish the needed signaling to address
 the new roms that are plugged in there.  Advantages over other methods:

 This method lets glue do all the normal decoding AND timing.  No
 conflicts should occur simply because Glue STILL does all the
 controlling.  We don't add DTACK or other signals that some of the other
 upgrades do that use a different method.

 OPERATING SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS XL/XE

 RAMROD XL................................800XL, 65/130 XE        $49.00

 Allows the use of three different operating systems, comes with OSNXL OS
 that includes the FASTCHIP XL floating point routines, and OMNIMON XL
 machine language monitor.  The OSNXL OS is compatible with the 400/800
 OS, but has a programmable cassette baud rate, increased keyboard speed,
 and all the graphic modes of the XL/XE's.

 The FASTCHIP XL floating point routines can give you up to four times
 the speed of the original floating point routines.  Atari basic uses
 these routines for almost every operation.  Spreadsheets and other
 languages also use these routines.  You can see the difference.  It is
 even recommended by software producers to use with their products.  Here
 are some reference times (in seconds) to compare.  These functions were
 executed 1000 times in a FOR-NEXT loop.

 FUNCTION      OLD ROM   FASTCHIP       FUNCTION      OLD ROM   FASTCHIP
 LOOP^3        236       65             LOG(100)      129       33
 ATN(23)       128       62             CLOG(100)     120       30
 EXP(100)      112       34             SQR(LOOP)     135       55
 SIN(23)        85       30             COS(23)        84       33
 LOOP*LOOP       8.89     6.48          PEEK(100)       7.34     5.69

 The OMNIMON XL is a resident monitor with all the debugging tools needed
 for any application.  Interrupt and examine any program (including
 cartridges) easily.  Includes read/write to disk, binary load,
 directory, assembler, disassembler, single step execution, drive
 control, change registers, hex conversion/arithmetic, search/ display/
 alter/ move/ relocate/ verify memory, hex or character format and more.

 RAMROD XL2........................WITHOUT OS CHIP    $19.95
 OSNXL OS CHIP................600/800XL, 65/130 XE    $29.95
 OMNIVIEW  XL/XE/256...........600/800XL,65/130 XE    $29.95

 Now get 80 columns with your 600/800XL,65/130XE. Compatible with LJK
 Products, BASIC, etc.  Enter 80 column mode easily.  Supports CPM on ATR
 8000.  Also comes with Fastchip floating point routines and easy access
 to additional ram.  Also comes with omniwriter word processor.  Omniview
 80 columns also available for the 400/800 computers.

 OPERATING SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS 400/800

 RAMROD MMOS..................ATARI 800 ONLY      $59.95

 The Ramrod is a new operating system board that replaces the existing
 board.  Install up to two operating systems.  Accepts eproms or standard
 OS roms.  Comes with the OSN OS in eprom.  The OSN provides all graphics
 modes, including modes 12-15 that are not in the standard 400/800 OS.
 Use the standard graphics calls from basic to access these additional
 modes that are in the computer.  The cassette interface in the OSN is
 programable to any baud rate.  The default is the standard 600 baud.
 The keyboard delay and repeat functions have been modified to allow for
 faster typeing and cursor movement.  OSN allows you to disregard
 cartridges on power up.  With this feature, you can boot the system
 (cassette or disk) regardless of the cartridge you have installed.  OSN
 meets all operating system entry requirements.  All handler starting
 addresses are the same as the B operating system, and as many
 subroutines as possible have kept the same starting address.  This
 allows compatibility with almost all existing software.  Available on
 (2) 4K eproms or (1) 8K eprom.

 The Ramrod also addresses the 4K byte block of memory at C000.  It may
 be used for 4K ram or install up to 16K of rom for banking at this
 location.  Also comes with the Omnimon machine language monitor with
 many debugging commands like display/ alter/ search/ disassemble memory,
 printer and disk interfaces.  A must for anyone using assembly language.
 And you can jump into Omnimon from any program or cartridge.

 (ALSO SEE RAMROD XL, OSNXL) RAMROD 2 (WITHOUT OMNIMON)  $39.95
 RAMROD 3 (WITHOUT OMNIMON & OSN)                        $29.95
 OMNIMON PIGGYBACK BOARD............ATARI 400/800        $29.95

 Installs on the 800 OS board.  Gives access to the $C000 4K block of
 memory.  Comes with the Omnimon as described above, and also the 4K
 omniview to give you 80 columns.  Omniwriter word pro included with all
 omniviews.

 8 BIT SOFTWARE

 SBM...................Atari 8 Bit 48-64K Ram            $49.95

 This system was designed to operate in a wholesale or retail
 environment.  SBM is an inventory control, point of sale program that
 produces invoices, purchase orders, mailing labels, quotes, sales and
 account reports, plus much more.

 Inventory control:Each inventory record consist of part number,
 description, vender name and address, quantity on hand, location,
 reorder point, quantity on order, cost, sale price, quantity sold,
 dollar amount sold, and product group.  Inventory reports may be printed
 by all, vendor, product group, price list, low inventory, and turn
 reports.  Accounts control:Account records consist of account number,
 name and address, terms, total purchased, total paid, and balance due.
 Account reports may be printed for all, outstanding, and selected
 accounts.  A list may also be printed numerically or alphabetically.
 Mailing labels may be printed for all, outstanding, and selected
 accounts.  Purchase orders may be printed with automatic update of
 inventory records.  Sales reports consist of daily, periodic, and
 annual.  Capacities: 12 digit alpha-numeric part numbers, unlimited
 parts.  Up to 1700 accounts.  As many vendors as parts.  System
 requirements:Atari computer (40K Ram minimum).  Basic XL language (OSS).
 Two disk drives (double density recommended).  Printer interface and
 printer.

 SBM 130.................Atari 8 Bit 128K+ Ram            $49.95

 This system was designed after the original SBM, but has unlimited
 account capacities and the entire program resides in memory for faster
 operation between menus.  Inventory control: Same as SBM.  Accounts
 control: Same as SBM.  Capacities:12 digit alpha-numeric part numbers,
 unlimited parts.  Unlimited accounts.  As many vendors as parts.  System
 requirements:Atari 130 XE computer (or compatible).  Basic XE language
 (OSS).  Two disk drives (double density recommended).  Printer interface
 and printer.



 ######  THE UNABASHED ATARIOPHILE
 ######  By Michael R. Burkley
 ######  -- Special Expanded Edition --
 ######  ---------------------------------------------------------------


 Ah, the blessings of a slow week!  I only downloaded about thirty new
 files this week.  That means I get to do something that I've been
 wanting to do for some time now.  This week I'll give _brief_
 descriptions of the new files on the Atari scene, but my main focus will
 be on some of what I consider the best PD games.  There are so many good
 ones available that this list is by no means complete (not by a LONG
 shot!).  But with only a limited amount of space (and time to play them)
 I'll just include these.

 But first, here's some of the potential classics that I downloaded this
 week:


 CONECT12 is v.1.2 of David Becker's "Connections."  It adds a lot of new
 ~~~~~~~~ features, particularly in its animination capabilities. UPGRADE
 is the upgrade file for all of you who already have Connections v.1.0
 (and if you have a mono monitor you should get this wonderful program!).

 ANSI Term v.1.9 and DigiSound Plus v.1.8 have hit the scene this week in
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ a combined file named TWS_2.
 ANSI Term is a completely compatible and frequenty upgrade ANSI terminal
 program for the ST aims to meet all of your telecommunication needs, and
 it just might do so!  DigiSound Plus is a sound sample player and
 editor.  Excellent!

 ECOPYA1 is the Extended Copy and Append v.1.1 by John M. Sieben.  This
 ~~~~~~~ program will copy a file larger than a floppy disk to two or
 more floppy disks and then rebuild it from those disks.  It will also
 allow you to do a regular file copy as well.  Color or mono.  Docs
 included.

 FATCACHE is FatCache v.1.0 by Phil Jensen and Tim Rule (dated Jan.,
 ~~~~~~~~ 1993).  Fatcache is a hard disk cache and more.  It also
 replaces FATSPEED for TOS 1.0 and 1.2, resulting in a TREMENDOUS speed
 up of Hard Drive access.  NOT for removable media drives.  ST/STe and
 perhaps TT compatible.  Docs included.  Programmers!  FAT_SRC is the
 Devpac source code and is available separately.

 MANDALA is Mandala, another Extend-O-Save Module for Warp 9 by John
 ~~~~~~~ Eidsvoog & Oliver Broadway. This module works for all
 resolutions and produces a random kaleidoscopic patterns in an
 infinitely changing series of graphical movement (with a speed
 selectable by you).

 MNDL_ALL is an excellent all-resolution Mandelbrot/Julia-Fractal Plotter
 ~~~~~~~~ program v.2.02 by R.J. Ridder (dated Nov. 14, 1992).  You can
 edit parameters to create your own unique fractals, or load presets in.
 I like how the program generates the fractals for you.  There are so
 many fractal generators available.  I like them all (so I'm not a good
 judge here!) but this strikes me as well done.  You can create
 animations and save them and your pictures to disk.  Complete Dutch docs
 with an English help file included.  ST--TT compatible.

 MT32_EDT is a demo of the MT32 Editor Librarian v.3.9 (dated Jan., 1993)
 ~~~~~~~~ This ST/TT GEM program/desk accessory can be used to
 effectively editor all available parameters for the Roland MT32.  Color
 or mono.  This demo limits MIDI functions, the size of the MIDI files
 you can work with and disables save functions.  Docs included.
 SHAREWARE.

 MTW_DEMO is a demo of the new program MultiWriter™ by Dr. Bruce Noonan
 ~~~~~~~~ and Bill Penner (dated Feb., 1993).  ST Writer has been
 upgraded and gone commercial!  MultiWriter™ is a new, non-WYSWYG (what-
 you-see-is- what-you-get), word processor.  Fully compatible with your
 ST Writer/ST Writer Elite files.  Import and export multiple document
 styles. Save disabled.

 NEOPT302 is the patch from Gribnif that will allow you to upgrade your
 ~~~~~~~~ original of NeoDesk® 3.02 to v.3.03.  NeoDesk is a wonderful
 program, and this is a wonderful upgrade.  They did it again, folks.  I
 can't begin to list all of the neat features they've added! Get this if
 you have NeoDesk.  If you don't, get NeoDesk!  Requires NeoDesk v.3.02.
 Docs included.

 NTHACK31 is v.3.1 of Nethack, the largest role playing dungeon game
 ~~~~~~~~ ever!  Hard drive required (the program is over 900K+ in size).
 ST/STe/TT compatible.  Color or mono.

 PAD_24 by Heiko Gemmel is a very interesting mono only art program from
 ~~~~~~ Germany.  While the program and documentation is in German, its
 icon based interface lends itself to use, even if you don't understand
 any German.  It allows you to use high quality Signum fonts in your
 drawings, as well as numerous other interesting tools.  Load all sorts
 of picture formats including Degas and .IMG.  I especially like how you
 can create solid forms with just a few clicks.  Requires at least one
 meg of RAM and a mono monitor.

 Well, that it for the files I downloaded this week.  Yes, there were
 more:  GEMSOUND files, beautiful sounding .MOD files, a note from David
 Small, a Cryptogram puzzle helper/solver, a new game names INSECTROID by
 Robert Dytmire, STOS programming helps, an upgrade to CACHE (now v.2.75)
 that now includes pre-caching speeding up AUTO folder program loading),
 GIF pictures, and more!   I guess you'll just have to get a modem to
 find out about them!

 And now, as I promised, some of the best all-time PD and SHAREWARE games
 for the ST!

 AKS by A.K.Schiebereien and S.B.Werninger is a mono only puzzle program
 ~~~ that will provide you with hours of challenging puzzles (I have this
 from the English docs by D.A. Brumleve, the noted ST programmer!).  You
 must shove barrels around a warehouse and place them in the proper
 locations.  It is much like Chip's Challenge.

 BALLER is the BEST cannon game around.  You choose your castle, the
 ~~~~~~ amount of powder you put in your cannons, how you will spend your
 money (to buy more powder, shells, guns, oil wells, men, etc.).  The
 wind varies with each turn.  You may play against the computer or a
 human opponent.  The object is to hit the King in the other castle.
 Unfortunately the game is in German, but you can figure it out--I have
 (but then again I'm brilliant [modest, too]).  Mono only (Drats!).

 BLOCKADE is one of my favorite games.  The object is to completely
 ~~~~~~~~ uncover a background picture within a stated time limit.  Not
 hard, right?  Wrong.  Unfortunately for you there is this little nasty
 thing (LNT) bouncing aroung the screen.  You leave a line as you cross
 the picture.  If you get to the other side before the LNT touches you or
 your line, you are OK.  BUT, if it touches you before you reach your
 destination, you're sunk.  You get three chances.  Every time you cut
 off a section of the screen more of the picture appears, and you start
 again.  I really like this one.  The pictures are low rez Degas pics, so
 you can change them to anything you wish.  Color only.  Three levels.
 STe compatible.

 BOING by K. Walsh of Unique Software is maze, thinking, and quick reflex
 ~~~~~ oriented game.  Using a joystick to guide your bouncing ball
 through a series of vertical mazes, you try to collect the fruit on each
 level and then leave by the exit.  You must watch out for the rising
 temperature.  Collecting fruit will cause it to stop rising, for awhile,
 but if it gets too hot you're done for.  Extra lives and score bonuses
 can be earned by completing the bonus levels.  Remember you have a fire
 button on your joystick (hint)!  I enjoy playing this game.  Color only.

 BOLOG is perhaps the best Breakout! type game there is (though it's a
 ~~~~~ hard choice between this, ORBIT and some others).  Color only.
 You have to see this one to believe it.  I recommend it highly.

 DIAMOND is a mono only game much like the old Commodore 64 classic
 ~~~~~~~ "BoulderDash" or the StoneAge Deluxe (another PD game that is
 one of my all-time favorites!).  Use your joystick to work your way
 around the diamond mine, avoiding falling boulders and collecting the
 precious diamonds.  This is a thinking game in which you have to avoid
 getting squished or trapped, collecting all the diamonds before the time
 runs out!  Excellent!

 DMBANNER by MSI is NOT a game, but since I just uploaded it this week
 ~~~~~~~~ and since it is absolutely the best Banner Maker that I have
 ever seen, I thought I would include it here anyway! The program has a
 very easy to use interface and prints out your banner with a pleasing
 font.  It also allows you to specify which character or phrase makes up
 the letters of the banner.  You can print "Happy Valentine's Day!" as
 the banner text and have "I love you Susan!" (I do love Susan!  She's my
 wife) being the phrase that is used to make up the larger letters.  You
 can configure it to print out on your printer. Docs included.  Color or
 mono.  SHAREWARE.  ST/STe compatible.

 DMLTN_2 is Demolition Man v.2.0 by Clayton Walnum.  He's done it again.
 ~~~~~~~ This man is a bad as Charles Johnson (of ARCHSHELL fame).  He
 keeps on improving an excellent game!.  In this color or mono game you
 play a bomb demolition expert who trys to discover where all the bombs
 are hidden without exploding any of them unintentionally (expecially
 when the are under you!).  There are EASY, HARD, and AGONY levels!
 Mouse controlled.  You have to use your brain to win this game.  The
 only trouble is is that you want to keep playing.  You just know you'll
 do better the next time!  Docs included.  SHAREWARE.  C.W. is the author
 of _C-MANSHIP COMPLETE_, the only programming manual for the Atari ST
 that teaches both basic C programming and GEM applications programming.
 Are you a POPULOUS fan?  He has also written _Master Populous.  Finally
 (for now) he has written "The ST Assembly Language Workshop, Vol. 1".
 This guy knows his stuff!

 HOTWHEEL is Hot Wheels by John Gymer of Kingfisher Software (dated June
 ~~~~~~~~ 1991).  Hot Wheels is a fast action car racing game in which
 you take the wheel of a spanking new Ferrari 348.  One player can
 practice a track on their own or race against two computer-controlled
 drones.  Alternatively, two players can compete at the same time using a
 split-screen display (a la Super Cars 2). In two player mode one drone
 can be added to the race.  This game is joystick controlled, with lots
 of options that make it easier or harder, as you wish.  Even at it's
 hardest (practically zero traction, no brakes, super fast acceleration)
 you can still manage if you possess superhuman reflexes.  Otherwise, I
 would recommend you make things a little easier on yourself!  This is a
 fun game!  15 tracks to race on, with an editor included to make more of
 your own!  Recommended.  Color only.  Docs included.

 JEPARDY3 is the final version of Jeopardy by Dave Burns.  This public
 ~~~~~~~~ domain program faithfully reproduces the TV game show of the
 same name (except it's better!).  It now includes a dispute key so you
 never get penalizied for an answer which is correct, but misspelled.
 Four new games to play are included. This is the ultimate game for
 Jeopardy lovers.  Color only.  On-line help included.

 KLATRIX is a Columns type clone create by Mats Hogberg of Sweden using
 ~~~~~~~ STOS.  In this game groups of three colored tiles fall from the
 top of the screen.  By pressing the fire button on your joystick you
 rotate the tiles so that you end up with the color order you wish, top
 to bottom (you hope).  By aligning three of the same color, in any
 direction, you cause them to vanish (which is the goal!)  This is well
 done.  Color only. SHAREWARE.  Docs in Swedish (but they aren't
 necessary).  I like this game a lot.

 MEGAROID is an "Asteroids" type game.  Using the keyboard you blast
 ~~~~~~~~ away at huge asteroids that come your way.  You have to watch
 out for the alien ships, too!  Lots of fun.  Color.

 NOVA is an excellent shoot-'em-up arcade game by Arunan Thaya-Paran.
 ~~~~ Blast everything that moves.  Don't look at the stunning graphics
 too much or you will be destracted and destroyed!  Color.  Joystick or
 keyboard controlled.

 PRFMATCH is Perfect Match, the Shareware edition by Mark Nelson.
 ~~~~~~~~ Perfect Match was originally distributed by Michtron, but not
 the author has improved it and released it as SHAREWARE.  This is an
 educational/fun Concentration type program in which questions and their
 answers are mixed behind 8, 16 or 24 panels.  You try to match them up.
 I really like how they are displayed (very small in the panels and then
 popping up in a readable form on the side.)  This is a very well done
 program. Comes with several game files.  Registration brings you a
 program to make your own files and more.  Get this one!

 REFLEX is a program that tests your reflexes (at least your mouse
 ~~~~~~ clicking ones).  You are given five tests and your reflex time is
 determined by their average (My best was .215 seconds). The only problem
 with this program is that you keep trying to better your last score!
 Color only.  Docs within program.

 SHERLOCK is a color or mono game in which you are Sherlock Holmes, the
 ~~~~~~~~ famous sleuth.  You are asked to solve a murder case that
 happened in the house you will see laid out on the screen. Ask all
 people where they have been at different times, on what time they've
 seen the murdered one at last, etc.  Can you solve this mystery?  There
 are over 270 different mysteries in this game!  By Rudolf Tiemann.

 SLOWDOWN by Larry Copenhaver is not exactly a game, but it sure can help
 ~~~~~~~~ when you're playing a fast one!  It is a TSR (terminate and
 stay resident) program.  After being run it may be toggled on and off
 with the ALT/HELP keystroke.  When on it will slow all actions of your
 ST (except mouse) down to a fraction of the normal speed.  This slow
 action is very handy for beating some of the fast action games.

 STARBATL is the first game on the ST that I played.  It's a fast paced,
 ~~~~~~~~ keyboard or joystick controlled "shoot-'em-up" game.  Different
 screens of dastardly aliens drop bombs on you while you shoot at them.
 You try to avoid their bombs, and they dash around the screen avoiding
 your shots (but they move in predictable ways!).  Color.

 THNKWORK is a mind stretching, stimulating game.  You are a little
 ~~~~~~~~ person pushing balls around a maze towards a storage area.
 Don't push them against a wall where you can't move them again!
 Excellent graphics, keyboard or joystick controlled.  If you have seen
 Chips Challenge, this game is somewhat like that (a simplified version).
 AKS, found in our catalog, is a mono game based on similar principles
 (though an entirely different game).  Color only.  Recommended.


 WOW!  I have more room!  So far this is only 15K long.  I'm on a roll!
 Now I'll tell you about some of my favorite utility programs for the
 ST.  Ready, set, GO!


 CACHEV40 is Cold Hard Cache v.4.0 by Robert E. Owens III.  Cold Hard
 ~~~~~~~~ Cache is an easy to use disk caching  program that works with
 both hard drives and floppies.  Disk caching improves disk I/O speed by
 keeping the sectors that are used most frequently in RAM. The I/O speed
 of a cached drive will be between that of a RAM disk (very fast) and the
 uncached drive (much slower than a RAM disk).  Cold Hard Cache was
 designed to be as small, reliable, and as fast as possible.  The program
 buffers reads only, so it's safe a anything.  I recommend this SHAREWARE
 program.  You choose which drives it will cache and how much memory it
 uses.  It has a handy little utility that keeps count of how much time
 you save (and you save A LOT!) Color or mono.  Docs included.

 CALLFIX is v.1.00 of a "get this one!" program by Tom Nolan (dated July
 ~~~~~~~ 29, 1992).  I say that because CallFix allows some old software
 to run under newer versions of TOS.  If you get a crash when you run an
 old program that used to work, and you have a new TOS, CallFix may be
 for you.  Just run it from the desktop or from your AUTO folder and then
 run your errant program.  It just might work again! In old versions of
 GEMDOS, some registers were preserved across calls.  Some programmers
 relied on this, even though Atari said not to.  Now things have changed,
 and these programs crash.  CallFix preserves registers d0-d2/a0-a2 on
 the stack.  Color or mono.  Docs included.

 COLACALC is ColaCalc v.1.0 by Dan Wilga of Gribnif Software, famous for
 ~~~~~~~~ NeoDesk. There are many calculators for the ST, but none like
 ColaCalc.  This one occupies all of 8K in memory, supports decimal, hex,
 octal, and binary, bit operations, memory peeks, and can be called
 instantly inside of ANY program. If you don't like the keys to press for
 the different functions, change them!  Wow!  Color or mono.  Docs
 included.  ColaWare (send caffinated drinks so he can keep on producing
 great software).

 COLORSET by Michael Moncur is a INEXPENSIVE SHAREWARE program (25 cents!
 ~~~~~~~~ or a business card!) that can be used to set the screen colors
 on your ST.  Does COLORSET sound worthless?  Well, that's why it's so
 cheap!  Actually, the author wrote it for one purpose:  With HotWire,
 you can install individual menu entries for each set of colors.  Thus,
 you could have a menu line labeled "Standard Desktop Colors" and a line
 called "Colors for Flash", and then set your screen colors by simply
 clicking on a line.  When you do that, you make your life more
 enjoyable!  Color or mono.  Any flavor ST.  Docs included.

 DOUBLER2 is STE Scan Doubler v.2.01.  It is a double height screen
 ~~~~~~~~ emulator for the STE, MEGA STE and possibly the TT.  Put this
 in your auto folder and you can have a mono screen that seems to be 640
 x 800 or a color screen of 640 x 400. It allows you to scroll up and
 down the screen without screen redraws.  Even more it has an interlaced
 mode that actually allows you to have that resolution without scrolling.
 This is wonderful!  Great for DTP programs that take so long to redraw
 the screen.  Color or mono.  Docs included.  Sorry, no TOS 1.0--1.4!
 SHAREWARE by Lars-Erik Osterud.  If you have the first version of this
 program get this one!  It takes up only 1/2 the memory.

 FIREWORK by Damien Jones is a color only program that shoots colorful
 ~~~~~~~~ fireworks all over your screen.  Enjoy the fireworks!

 FOLDRSRT is Folder Sorter v.1.0 by Doug Johnson.  This is the easiest
 ~~~~~~~~ way to sort your auto folder (or any other folder) contents.
 Some programs need to run first, or before another program, or last in
 the auto folder.  You can't tell the order the programs are in just by
 looking at the desktop, the physical order in which they are found is
 not a "sort" option.  You can laboriously copy the files from one
 folder to another and then copy them back to the auto folder OR you can
 use this program and simply draw the programs to the place you wish them
 to be.  Your choice!  Color or mono.  Docs included in program.

 FRMDO12D is FormDoIt v.1.2d by Dan Wilga of Gribnif Software, an
 ~~~~~~~~ amazingly useful utility.  FormDoIt! replaces the parts of the
 GEM environment that handles the standard dialog and alert boxes that
 appear in most Atari programs.  Color or mono.  Docs included. COLAWARE
 (read what that means!).   If you have an earlier version of FormDoIt
 you really should get this version, several significant bugs have been
 corrected.  Enhancements that FormDoIt! offers include:

  o Keyboard Equivalents for dialog and alert box buttons.
  o [Undo] key to exit dialog and alert boxes.
  o Enhanced editable text fields.
  o Ability to insert extended characters into editable text fields.
  o Editable alert box icons.
  o Control over the default exit button in alerts and dialogs.

 LGSEL18B is the latest version of the Little Green Selector, a complete
 ~~~~~~~~ and powerful replacement for the GEM item selector by Charles F
 Johnson.  This program performs!  18 preset paths, 20 preset extensions,
 keyboard equivalents for all operations, a fast file search function,
 file/folder info, and much more!  Docs included.  Color or mono.  Docs
 included.

 MAXID_22 is MAXIDISK v.2.2 originally by Max Böhm in 1987 but now
 ~~~~~~~~ seriously updated by Ronald Andersson (dated May 1992).  This
 re-set proof RAM disk will allow you to automatically compress your
 files as you place them on the RAM disk (for example you might store
 750K of data on a 500K RAM disk).  This now will allow RAM disks of up
 to 4 meg and will work with Overscan mode and any TOS version (including
 KAOS 1.4.2).  Color or mono.  Docs, source codes, and several utilities
 included to make it even more useful.  Runs from the desktop or from the
 AUTO folder.  Recommended.

 METAVIEW is a SHAREWARE GEM application for viewing (.GEM) Metafiles.
 ~~~~~~~~ It runs in any resolution, with or without GDOS. Included in
 this file are an .ACC and .PRG version of MetaView.  Docs are both on-
 line and included.  Four sample GEM metafiles and a program to translate
 metafiles into text are included as well. By Ric Clayton. Color or mono.

 MITES eats up your screen!  TERRIBLE!!  Rename the .ACC, give it to a
 ~~~~~ friend and let cause all sorts of heartache!  But only for a short
 time since it's nothing permanent.  It does make you worry when you see
 your screen disappearing!  This was one of the very first accessories I
 loaded on my ST several years ago.  When you don't know what's happening
 Whew!  Color or mono.

 PFX_17E is PFXpak v.1.7e by Thomas Quester.  This program will allow you
 ~~~~~~~ to compress your PRG/APP/TTP/TOS programs to LZH levels and
 automatically uncompress and load them at run time.  Speed up your boot
 process and save disk space at the same time!  You can also restore the
 PFX files to their original condition with this utility.  SHAREWARE.
 Color or mono.  Docs included.

 PHVIEW22 is PHVIEW22, written in GFA v3.07 by Mike McCarley (dated
 ~~~~~~~~ March 4, 1990, the day we all March forth!).  This is a very
 detailed file viewer that will allow you to look at almost any kind of
 file, text or binary.  It allows excellent control of text viewing,
 allowing you to scroll up and down the screen in increments of your
 choice.  It even allows you to read STWriter Elite files from the
 desktop (great!) It even has an automatic "walk through" a document
 feature that will just gradually move through the document at a speed
 you select.  It also will allow you to view DEGAS, DEGAS Compressed,
 TINY, NEOChrome, and Spectrum pictures from the desktop.  May be run
 from the desktop or by using the install application feature.  Color or
 mono.  Docs included.

 PINHED21 is version 2.1 of PinHead -- the amazing little AUTO program
 ~~~~~~~~ that can cut your bootup time in HALF!  PinHead causes every
 program you run to load *much* faster; you won't believe the difference.
 Version 2.1 features increased compatibility, now works with ALL
 versions of TOS.  If you've had problems with PinHead in the past, TRY
 THIS VERSION!  By Charles F. Johnson and Little Green Footballs
 Software.  SHAREWARE.

 RETRACE is "The GEM Retrace Recorder."   This amazing .ACC records your
 ~~~~~~~ mouse and keyboard 'events' and plays them back at the press of
 two keys.  Up to ten 'recordings' are allowed. These can be loaded at
 bootup and can be automatically executed.  The speeds and the recording
 accuracy of the mouse movements can be set.  Watch you ST operate by
 itself!  Color or mono.

 SEBRA is "The High-Res Monochrome Monitor Emulator" by Patrik Persson of
 ~~~~~ Sweden.  This is one of the best monochrome emulator I have seen.
 It will work on any ST/STe/Mega with a color monitor or TV set!  It is
 fast, with lots of options to customize the speed, screen display, and
 more to your satisfaction.  The mouse moves SMOOTHLY about the screen.
 With a few simple keystrokes you can set this program up to run just as
 you wish.  I recommend this highly.  It works with just about
 everything, too!  Read the docs to see all that he has done to optimize
 this program.  It's exciting! Freeware.

 Again, I recommend SilkMouse 3 for a great mouse accelerator and very
 nice screesaver, but I talked about that a few weeks ago!

 STARSTRK is Star-Struck - a new screen saver by Tony Sanson.  Star-
 ~~~~~~~~ Struck is a screen saver with a difference. Instead of just
 blanking your screen after 3 minutes, it smoothly fades it to black, and
 then fills it with a repeating burst of stars exploding from a central
 point.  Not only that, but the stars are in color too (assuming you have
 a color monitor). Color or mono.  An .ACC that you can call from the
 desk accessory window.  This is a beautiful and facinating screen saver.

 TCOS is TCOS v.1.2 by Matthew P. Aubury (dated 1989).  'TCOS' is an
 ~~~~ information storage system which will run on any Atari ST (up
 through TOS 1.62 at least) in either medium or high resolution.  It is
 designed to allow you to structure information in a logical way which
 allows you to access data quickly and efficiently.  Data is arranged in
 a series of 'cards', which  contain either text or graphics.  Areas of
 the cards are designated as 'buttons', which, when clicked on with the
 mouse pointer, bring  up further cards. In this way, a branching tree of
 cards is formed, which allows  the  information to be structured in a
 sensible way.  This technique lends itself to many  uses: referencing
 information, diagnostic systems, expert systems, and even teaching
 programs.  NICE!  Docs included.

 UNDELETE is a very useful program by the same name. Have you ever
 ~~~~~~~~ accidentally erased a file?  UNDELETE is for you.  If you
 haven't saved any other information on that disk the file is still
 there, only hidden.  UNDELETE will find it for you and allow you for
 save it back in a format your ST will recognize again!  HURRAH for that!
 UNDELETE works only in medium resolution.




 ###### THE 1993 Z*NET COMPUTER CALENDAR
 ###### Schedule of Shows, Events and Online Conferences
 ###### ----------------------------------------------------------------


 ###  Feb 17, 1993
 CODEHEADS LIVE in Conference!! The CODEHEADS!!!  Join Charles and John
 for this exciting RTC!!!!  If you don't know who the CODEHEADS are then
 you are in the wrong RT!!  Think of MultiDesk Deluxe, Hotwire, Maxifile,
 Codekeys, Calligrapher, Warp 9 and Midi Spy just to name a few.  Come in
 and chat with two of your favourite developers.  If you are new to ATARI
 then these are the people to talk with regarding useful products.  This
 RTC starts promptly at 10pm eastern.  Type M475;2 at any GEnie prompt
 to attend.


 ###  February 18-19, 1993
 IEEE Computer Faire at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville,
 Alabama.  Attendees include: WordPerfect, MicroSoft, IBM, HP, Silicon
 Graphics and many others.  At the 1992 show, admission was free to the
 20,000 that attended.


 ###  March 1993
 CeBIT, the world's largest computer show with 5,000 exhibitors in 20
 halls, is held annually in Hannover, Germany.  Atari traditionally
 struts its newest wares there, usually before it's seen in the USA or
 anywhere else.  In '93, the Atari 040 machines should be premiering, and
 this is the likely venue.  Third party developers also use this show to
 introduce new hardware and software, so expect a wave of news from CeBIT
 every year.  Atari Corp and the IAAD coordinate cross-oceanic contacts
 to promote worldwide marketing of Atari products, and this show is an
 annual touchstone of that effort.  Contact Bill Rehbock at Atari Corp
 for information at 408-745-2000.


 ###  March 13-14, 1993
 The Sacramento Atari Computer Exposition is to be sponsored by the
 Sacramento Atari ST Users Group (SST) at the Towe Ford Museum in
 Sacramento, California.  A major two day effort, the SAC show is being
 held in the special events area of the Towe Ford Museum, home of the
 worlds most complete antique Ford automobile collection.  As an added
 bonus, admission to the museum is free when you attend the Expo.  The
 museum is located at the intersection of Interstates 5 and 80, just 15
 minutes from the Sacramento Metropolitan Airport.  Contact Nick Langdon
 (Vendor Coordinator) C/O SST, P.O. Box 214892, Sacramento, CA 95821-
 0892, phone [phone], GEnie: M.WARNER8, ST-Keep BBS (SST) 916-729-
 2968.


 ###  March 15-16, 1993
 Lap & Palmtop Mobile Computing Expo at the New York Hilton Hotel in New
 York City.  Exhibitors will show the latest in mobile computing,
 software, pen, peripherals and communications from the industry's
 leading manufacturers.  In conjunction with the exhibits is the Mobile
 Systems Solutions Conference series.  Featuring over 80 leading industry
 experts speakers, the conference provides vital information needed to
 build or improve your world of mobile computing.


 ###  March 16-19, 1993
 Image World - Washington DC at the Sheraton Washington.


 ###  March 20, 1993
 Philadelphia, PA area group PACS is holding their 16th annual Computer
 Festival from 9 AM til 4 PM.  It will be a multi-computer show with
 Atari showings by the PACS Atari SIG's, NEAT, CDACC, and JACS clubs.
 The Fest is to be at the Drexel University Main Building, 32nd and
 Chestnut Streets in Pennsylvania.  Contact for Atari display: Alice P.
 Christie, 207 Pontiac Street, Lester, PA 19029, 215-521-2569, or 215-
 951-1255 for general info.


 ###  March 21-24, 1993
 Interop Spring '93 in Washington DC.


 ###  March 30 - April 1, 1993
 Intermedia 93 at the San Jose Convention Center, San Jose CA.


 ###  May 3-5, 1993
 Digital Video New York/MultiMedia Exposition at the New York Sheraton
 in New York City.


 ###  May 4-5, 1993
 The 3rd Annual Networks and Communications Show returns to the Hartford
 Civic Center.  Companies such as Intel, Microsoft, DEC, DCA, IBM, and
 MICOM will be exhibiting.  For more information, contact:  Marc Sherer
 at Daniels Productions, 203-561-3250; fax: [phone].


 ###  May 11-13, 1993
 SunWorld '93 exposition and conference, held in San Francisco at the
 Moscone Center.  The second annual event is the largest trade show in
 North America dedicated to the Sun, SPARC and Solaris industry.
 SunWorld '93 will feature a full day of in-depth tutorials, which are
 being developed in association with Sun Educational Services, to be
 followed by three days of conference sessions and an exposition.  The
 three-day exposition will feature more than 175 leading vendors in the
 industry including Adobe Systems, AT&T, Computer Associates, Hewlett-
 Packard, Informix Software, Insoft, SAS Institute, Solbourne, SPARC
 International, Sun Microsystems, SunPro, SunSoft and WordPerfect.  For
 more information about attending SunWorld '93 call Lynn Fullerton at
 [phone] or to receive information about exhibiting contact David
 Ferrante at (800) 545-EXPO.


 ###  May 22-23, 1993 (NEW LISTING)
 Pacific Northwest Atari show will be held in Vancouver Canada.  The
 Vantari User Group will be sending out developers kits in the very near
 future with more details and pricing.  The show will be held in the
 Metrotown Centre Mall, which is the 2nd largest in Canada with over 400
 stores.  The traffic in the mall is amazing!  In addition the Holiday
 Inn Hotel is attached to the mall as well so travel time is nil.  If you
 have any questions in the meantime leave email (G.Norton) on GEnie.


 ###  June 22-23, 1993
 Lap & Palmtop Mobile Computing Expo at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim,
 California.  Exhibitors will show the latest in mobile computing,
 software, pen, peripherals and communications from the industry's
 leading manufacturers.  In conjunction with the exhibits is the Mobile
 Systems Solutions Conference series.  Featuring over 80 leading industry
 experts speakers, the conference provides vital information needed to
 build or improve your world of mobile computing.


 ### July 17-18, 1993
 The Kansas City AtariFest '93.  The location for the show is Stadium
 Inn, 7901 E 40 Hwy.  Ticket prices at the door will be 5.00 dollars each
 day.  Advance tickets will be 4.00 dollars each, for advance tickets,
 please send 4.00 dollars per ticket to: Kansas City AtariFest, P.O. Box
 1653, Lee Summit, MO 64063 or if you belong to a user group please mail
 a request for a user group information pack.  To make room reservations
 please call 1-800-325-7901, we are also working with a local travel
 agent to get special airfares for the show.  You may call 1-800-874-7691
 to take advantage of the special fares.  For more information please
 leave Email as follows; GEnie, B.welsch, J.krzysztow, for CompuServe,
 Leave for Jeff Krzysztow at 74027,707, or you can call [phone], or
 mail to the address listed above.


 ### August 3-6, 1993
 MacWorld Expo at the Boston World Trade Center, Bayside Exposition
 Center and sponsored by MacWorld Magazine.  This event is titled Boston
 '93.


 ### September 18-19, 1993
 The Glendale Show returns with the Southern California Atari Computer
 Faire, V.7.0, in suburban Los Angeles, California.  This has been the
 year's largest domestic Atari event, year after year.  Contact John King
 Tarpinian at the user group HACKS at 818-246-7286 for information.


 ### September 20-22, 1993
 The third MacWorld Expo, titled Canada '93 at the Metro Toronto
 Convention Centre, sponsored by MacWorld Magazine.


 ### September 21-23, 1993
 Unix Expo '93 in New York City, New York.


 ###  October 7-8, 1993
 Lap & Palmtop Mobile Computing Expo at the Chicago Mart/Expo Center in
 Chicago, Illinois.  Exhibitors will show the latest in mobile computing,
 software, pen, peripherals and communications from the industry's
 leading manufacturers.  In conjunction with the exhibits is the Mobile
 Systems Solutions Conference series.  Featuring over 80 leading industry
 experts speakers, the conference provides vital information needed to
 build or improve your world of mobile computing.


 ### October 27-29, 1993
 CDROM Exposition at the World Trade Center, Boston MA.


 ### October 27-29, 1993
 EDA&T Asia '93.  The Electronic Design and Test Conference Exhibition
 at the Taipei International Convention Center in Taiwan.  Exhibit space
 is still available.  For more information contact: Betsy Donahue,
 Chicago, fax: [phone].


 ###  November 7-10, 1993
 GeoCon/93, an international conference and showcase for software
 products developed outside the U.S. at the Royal Sonesta Hotel,
 Cambridge, Mass.  The conference program will include three days of
 workshops on topics of interest to overseas developers entering the
 U.S. market.  Workshop presenters will discuss such issues as how to
 negotiate distribution and licensing contracts, setting up a business in
 the U.S., manufacturing and fulfillment, technical support, packaging,
 research sources, and how to market through direct, retail, and catalog
 channels.  For additional information, contact Tom Stitt, associate
 publisher, Soft letter, 17 Main St., Watertown, Mass. 02272-9154;
 telephone [phone]; fax [phone], or Colleen O'Shea, director,
 Soft letter Europe, 2 um Bierg, 7641 Chirstnach, Luxembourg, telephone
 35.2.87119; fax [phone].


 ### November 15-19, 1993
 COMDEX Fall '93. Las Vegas Nevada.


 If you have an event you would like to include on the Z*Net Calender,
 please send email via GEnie to Z-NET, CompuServe 75300,1642, or via
 FNET to node 593 or AtariNet node 51:1/13.0.  Show listings are also
 published in AtariUser Magazine.



 ######  ATARINET UPDATE
 ######  Compiled by Bill Scull
 ######  ---------------------------------------------------------------


 So, you've heard about AtariNet.  This is a network for any BBS that
 supports the Atari platform of home computer.  There are already several
 bulletin board systems worldwide participating and more are joining.  If
 you are a Sysop and would like more information of would like to join,
 simply contact the Host that is nearest you.  If you're a user and would
 like more information, ask your Sysop to contact the Host nearest him.
 A listing of the current BBS's that are participating and the echos that
 are available follow:

 Zone 51 AtariNet Headquarters
 Region 100
 Host 1 - Twilight Zone, Longwood FL, Bill Scull       1-407-831-1613

 4  - Steal Your Face, Brick NJ, Ed Lynch              1-908-920-7981
 6  - MySTery BBS, Goose Creek, SC, David Blanchard    1-803-556-9730
 8  - Alien BBS, Burlington NC, Mark Cline             1-919-229-4334
 9  - Z*Net Golden Gate, Sunnyvale CA, Bob Brodie      1-510-373-6792
 10 - Atari Base, Sunnyvale CA, Robert Brodie          1-408-745-2196
 13 - Z*Net News Service, Middlesex NJ, Ron Kovacs     1-908-968-8148
 14 - Information Overload, Riverdale GA, Ed June      1-404-471-1549
 15 - Flightline BBS, Minneapolis MN, Craig Peterson   1-612-544-5118

 Host 4 - Hologram Inc, Old Bridge NJ, Dean Lodzinski  1-908-727-1914

 3  - Assasins Grove, Oshawa Canada, Jeff Mitchell     1-416-571-6965
 4  - Aces High BBS, Matawan NJ, Richard Guadagno      1-908-290-1133
 5  - StormShadow, Pasadena MD, Robert Lovelace        1-410-437-0243

 Host 102 - Sunfox's Realm, Raleigh NC, Erik Williams  1-919-867-1844

 Region 200 - AtariNet Headquarters II

 Host 2 - AtariNet Nevada, Las Vegas NV, Terry May     1-702-435-0786

 4  - Sports Line BBS, Henderson NV, Nick Hard         1-702-565-5271
 5  - Left Over Hippies, Toronto Canada, Lesley Dylan  1-416-466-8931
 10 - STarship, Lake Charles LA, Rich Tietjens         1-318-474-9432
 11 - The Choice BBS, Las Vegas NV, Mark Woolworth     1-702-253-6527
 12 - Thunder Hold, American Fork UT, Todd Harrington  1-801-756-2901
 13 - Conqueror Connection, Fort Hood TX, John Curtis  1-817-539-1469
 137 - The VORTEX BBS, Fort Towson OK, Jim Jackson     1-405-873-9361

 Host 201 - The DarkSTar BBS, Salt Lake City UT, Randy Rodrock
            1-801-269-8780

 4  - The Halls of Asguard, Orem UT, Gerald Homeyer    1-801-221-1150
 5  - Acme BBS, Salt Lake City UT, Eric Nikolaisen     1-801-272-4243
 6  - Thunder Hold, American Fork UT, Todd Harrington  1-801-756-2901
 7  - The City Of Nimrod, SLC UT, Dave Marquardt       1-801-969-5485

 Host 202 - The Wylie Connection, Wylie TX, Wes Newell 1-214-442-6612

 7  - Aaron's Beard, Dallas TX, Troy Wade              1-214-557-2642
 13 - The Wylie Connection, Wylie TX, Wes Newell       1-214-442-6612
 20 - Outland Station, Ft Worth TX, John Stiborek      1-817-329-1125
 21 - Psychlo Empire, Irving TX, Mark Corona           1-214-251-1175
 30 - The Foundation BBS, Azle TX, CR Hamilton         1-817-444-0155

 Host 203 - AtariNet Midwest, Indianapolis IN, Bill Jones
            1-317-356-5519

 1  - The Zoo BBS, Indianapolis IN, Bill Jones         1-317-356-5519
 2  - The Music Station, Webb City MO, Chris Richards  1-417-673-4926
 3  - The Maligned ST, Urbandale IA, Mike O'Malley     1-515-253-9530
 4  - The Crawly Crypt, Joplin MO, Jim Collins         1-417-624-1887
 5  - BLAST BBS, Bloomington IN, Steve Johnson         1-812-332-0573
 6  - Bear Swamp BBS, Marysville OH, Mark Antolik      1-513-644-0714
 7  - The Dugout BBS, Independence MO, Brient Leslie   1-816-373-9589

 Region 300 - AtariNet Headquarters_III
 Host 3 - The Space Station, Canyon Country CA, Tony Castorino
          1-805-252-0450

 3  - Atari ST Connection, Fresno CA, Brian Watters    1-209-436-8156
 4  - Autoboss Atari Elite, Bunola PA, John Graham     1-412-384-5608
 5  - The Yakima Atari ST BBS, Yakima WA, Pat Moffitt  1-509-965-2345
 6  - FIDOdoor Support BBS, Vandenberg AFB, Bryan Hall 1-805-734-4742
 7  - cyberSecT BBS, Cheney WA, Chuck Aude             1-509-235-4875
 9  - The Mosh Bit, Vancouver WA, Mark Wallaert        1-206-574-1531
 10 - Target Range, Paramount CA, Alan Dietrich        1-310-634-8993
 11 - Sanctuary From The Law, Inyokern CA, Sean Price  1-619-377-3611
 12 - MASATEK, Torrance CA, Valeriano Meneses          1-310-518-9524
 13 - The Mind Keep, Citrus Heights CA, Jeff Fehlman   1-916-723-1657
 15 - ST-Keep, Citrus Heights CA, Andrew Studer        1-916-729-2968
 16 - H.B. SMOG, Huntington Beach CA, Jim Thingwold    1-714-969-5486
 17 - Acey BBS, Yakima WA, Dick Grable                 1-509-966-8555
 18 - Dusty Atcic, Riverside CA, Rodney Bennett        1-909-656-3707

 Region 400 - AtariNet Headquarters IV
 Host 5 - The Brewery, Ajax ON Canada, Don Liscombe    1-416-683-3089

 3  - Rather Digital, Sudbury ON Canada, Steve Barnes  1-705-560-3115

 Region 500 - AtariNet UK
 Host 6 - AtariNet NW England, Stockport Cheshire UK, Daron Brewood
          44-61-429-9803

 2  - STun NeST Central, Stockport Cheshire UK         44-61-429-9803
 3  - DigiBBS, Nykobing F Denmark, Flemming Nielsen    45-54-858385
 4  - System ST BBS, Leicester UK, Mark Matts          44-533-413443
 5  - Black Cat Penarth, Penarth Wales UK, Mark Butler 44-222-707359

 Region 600 - AtariNet Headquarters VI
 Host 601 - AtariNet Germany, Koeln Germany, Frank Brodmuehler
            49-221-248285

 8  - Apolonia, Essen, Peter Kaszanics                 49-201-237509

 Hub 100 - Hub AC, Aachen, Benedikt Heinen             49-241-408593
     101 - Firemark BBS, Aachen, Benedikt Heinen       49-241-408593
     102 - Dao-Lin-H'ay, Luegde, Joerg Spilker         49-5281-79372

 Region 700 - AtariNet Headquarters VII
 Host 701 - Peace Counter Computers, Fort ST John BC Canada
            1-604-785-9512

 2  - Prime BBS, Fort ST John BC Canada, Bill Marsh    1-604-785-7098

 Host 710 - Temple of Doom, Edmonton Alta Canada, Barry Torrance
            1-403-436-0328

 2  - Bill's BBS, Edmonton Canada, Bill Butler         1-403-461-2222

 Region 800 - AtariNet Headquarters VIII
 Host 801 - Znet South Pacific, Wellington New Zealand, Chris Thorpe
            64-4-4762853

 2  - Waikato Amiga, Hamilton, Barry Blackford         64-7-846-6918
 3  - Southern Vortex, Dunedin, Chris Pheloung         64-3-454-3900
 5  - Cyberlink 2, Palmerston North, Dean Richards     64-6-359-2658
 12 - Wizards Lair, Wellington, Shane Storey           64-4-233-8538
 21 - InterAction One, Hamilton, John Lawrence         64-7-855-0293
 22 - Ice Cave, Hamilton, Vaughan Irwin                64-7-846-7236
 31 - Jail Break BBS, Invercargill, Willy Hemopo       64-3-216-2042
 32 - Lands End, Invercargill, Ken Sutton              64-3-214-1021
 40 - On Line Support, Christchurch, John Clarke       64-3-366-7324

 Host 802 ACE BBS, Coogee NSW Austrailia, Ian Mackereth    61-2-898-0873
 102 - OGRE BBS Mercy College, Koondoola WA,Craig Valli    61-9-247-1249
 106 - That Which is Not, Adelaide Sth Aust, Michael Smith 61-8-232-5722

               |||   AtariNet Message Echo Backbone   |||
              / | \  Compiled by Terry May @ 51:2/0  / | \


 -> The following echo is _required_ for ALL AtariNet sysops.
 -> ONLY AtariNet sysops may have access to this echo.

 Echo Name        Description                    Moderator
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 A_SYSOP          AtariNet SysOps                51:1/0  - Bill Scull

 -> The following echoes are _required_ for AtariNet moderators
 -> and hosts, but may be picked up by ANY AtariNet sysop.
 -> ONLY AtariNet sysops may have access to these echoes.

 Echo Name        Description                    Moderator
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 A_ECHO           AtariNet echoes discussion     51:2/0  - Terry May
 A_TEST           AtariNet test echo             51:1/0  - Bill Scull

 -> The following echoes are available to all interested AtariNet sysops.
 -> These echoes can and should be accessible to all users and points.

 Echo Name        Description                    Moderator
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 A_4SALE          Atari products for sale/wanted 51:102/1 - Erik Williams
 A_ATARI          Atari general discussion       51:2/4   - Nick Hard
 A_BBS_ADS        Atari supported BBSes          51:2/0   - Terry May
 A_BBS_DOORS      Atari BBS doors (externals)    51:1/6   - Dave Blanchard
 A_COMMERCIAL_ADS Atari commercial ads           51:102/1 - Erik Williams
 A_DTP            Atari DeskTop Publishing       51:102/1 - Erik Williams
 A_EXPLORER       Atari Explorer Magazine        51:1/13  - Ron Kovacs
 A_FDS            AtariNet FDS announcements     51:203/0 - Bill Jones
 A_FIDODOOR       FIDOdoor support               51:3/6   - Bryan Hall
 A_GENERAL        General discussion             51:2/4   - Nick Hard
 A_GRAPHICS       Atari graphics                 51:2/0   - Terry May
 A_MAXI_SUPT      MaxiDoor/PhidoQwk Support      51:5/4   - Shawn Smith
 A_PROGRAMMING    Atari programming              51:5/0   - Don Liscombe
 A_SOUND          Atari sound/music              51:2/0   - Terry May
 A_TECH           Atari hardware tech talk       51:202/0 - Wes Newell
 A_BINKLEY        BinkleyTerm ST support         [* Gated from Zone  1 *]
 A_FIDO_ST        FidoNet ST discussion          [* Gated from Zone 90 *]
 A_IOS_HELP       IOSmail Support                [* Gated from Zone  1 *]

                     AtariNet File Distribution System

 The following file areas are either currently on the AtariNet FileBone,
 or are awaiting approval.  If you'd like to receive one of these areas,
 please contact your host.  Hosts are not required to carry all areas,
 however all areas will be available from 51:203/0.

 Current File Echoes:

 FileEcho     Description                          Origination at
 =======================================================================
 A_NODES      AtariNet node administration         Bill Scull, 51:1/0
 ABBSUTIL     BBS-Related Utilities                Bill Jones, 51:203/0
 ABBSGAME     BBS-Related Games (Doors)            (open)
 ABBSOTHR     BBS-Related other software           (open)
 AFDOOR       FidoDoor Updates (includes ST-QWK)   Bryan Hall, 51:3/6
 AUTILS       ST Utilities                         (open)
 AGAMES       ST Games                             Rich Tietjens, 51:2/10
 ANETWORK     FidoNet-Related Software             Bill Jones, 51:203/0
 AZNET        Z*Net On-line magazine               Ron Kovacs, 51:1/13
 AOTHER       Other ST Software                    (open)
 AGRAPHIC     Graphics and related programs        Terry May, 51:2/0
 ASOUND       Sounds, samples and related programs Terry May, 51:2/0
 =======================================================================

 Any questions or comments should be directed to me at 51:203/0.
 Bill Jones, AFDS Coordinator


                             #_#_#_#_#_#_#_#
           **--DELPHI SIGN-UP--**       **--GENIE SIGN-UP--**
        ============================|============================
        To sign up for  DELPHI call | To sign up for   GENIE call
        (with modem)  800-695-4002. | (with modem)  800-638-8369.
        Upon connection hit  return | Upon connection type HHH
        once or twice. At Password: | and hit return.  Wait for
        type ZNET and hit <return>. | the U#= prompt and type in
                                    | the following: XTX99436,
                                    | GEnie and hit return.
        ============================|============================
                        **--COMPUSERVE SIGN-UP--**
                            ------------------
        To sign up for CompuServe service call (with phone) (800)
        848-8199. Ask for operator #198.  You will then be sent a
        $15.00 free  membership kit.
        =========================================================
                       **--ATARINET INFORMATION--**
                           --------------------
        If you'd like further  information or  would like to join
        AtariNet-please contact one of the following via AtariNet
        or Fido: Bill Scull Fido 1:363/112 AtariNet 51:1/0,  Dean
        Lodzinski Fido 1:107/633 AtariNet 51:4/0,  Terry May Fido
        1:209/745 AtariNet 51:2/0, Tony Castorino Fido 1:102/1102
        AtariNet 51:3/0,   Don  Liscombe  AtariNet 51:5/0,  Daron
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