ftp.wwiv.com/ftp.wwiv.com.zip/ftp.wwiv.com/pub/HATCH/WWIVNEWS.ZIP/9304_5.NWS

Text File | 1993-04-10 | 30KB | 493 lines

───────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────┬───────────────
               │                  TechNOTES                  │
               │        Compiled by The WWIVnews Staff       │
               └─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

...Sound Blaster owners take nOTE: if ESS Technology has its way, your cards
may soon be obsolete! A new inexpensive 8-bit audio processor chip is on the
way that quite a number of vendors are considering adding to their motherboards
with little or no cost passed on to the consumer. The chip is a single-chip
version of that contained in the Disney Sound Source, and is expected to appear
on newer 486-class motherboards by the end of 3rd quarter of this year.

...Unlike the DSS, the new chip will reportedly be Sound Blaster and AdLib
compatible, with versions for additional ProAudio support also being considered
for later development.

...Of course, if 8 and 16-bit sound isn't good enough for your tastes, Antex
Electronics has announced a digital audio board that has Dolby capabilites.
The Antex SX-20 is based on TI's TMS320C31 digital signal processor chip, and
provides Dolby AC-2 encoding with a frequency range of 20-20,000 kHz at
129 Kbps. While this allows you to add CD-quality sound to your applications,
this sound card comes with a hefty price tag of $2195!

...with sound capabilites like this on the horizon, Filo had better get ready
for a flood of chatcall mods over on the Modnet!

...Tired of pressing your nose to the dhrystone in your efforts to find out
just how powerful your computer really is? Intel has come up with what they
claim is a new measurement standard for computing power that's based more on
what's important in a processor and not whether or not it can pass a whole
slew of simple tests.

...Called the iCOMP, this new CPU performance index uses four separate
components of measure that are weighted based on Intel's best guess at the
importance of each component in standard applications use. The four components
consist of 16-bit and 32-bit operations in both integer and floating point
computations, with 16-bit integer ops containing the bulk of the weight at
67% of the total measure.

...What the iCOMP essentially establishes is a simplified measure for less
sophisticated system owners and users for determining whether one system is
truly better than another in overall power. While this might seem as the
simple way of determining whether to buy one machine over another, the iCOMP
index has to date only been configured for comparing processors made by Intel
- none of the AMD or Cyrix chips have been tested for inclusion in the index.
Another problem with the iCOMP index is that the results are only an average
and do not reflect subtle differences that normal benchmark tests would
detect. Video performance is currently not measured, and clock doubling is
not accurately reflected by weighing according to some critics.

...While the iCOMP might be better suited for Joe Punchclock when he
decides to buy his first system, it won't replace the benchmarks that help
more experienced computer owners understand just what's under the hood of
that supposedly ultra-fast DX2. Finally, to make matters a bit worse, Intel
has yet to release a utility to measure your own system's iCOMP rating. While
one exists, it's currently an Intel internal product with no scheduled general
release date at press time.

...Touch screen fans will like this one: Visage Inc. has developed a monitor
stand that effectively turns any monitor into a touch screen unit. The
device, called a TouchMate, contains 8 capacitive sensors upon which the
monitor rests, and constantly scans for any change in pressure caused by force
applied to the monitor screen.

...The TouchMate contains drivers for Windows, but the resolution is only
40 DPI as opposed to 200 DPI for a mouse. While this is sufficient for
moving icons around and pulling down menus, it's impractical for any sort
of high detail artwork. However, the $895 MSRP suggests that the target
market is intended to be information kiosk designers, who would benefit
from not having to replace those stolen mice every other week!

...Redmond Rumor Time: insiders at Microsoft have leaked some interesting
news about Windows NT. Seems that Gates himself is scared to death that
a buggy first release of NT would meet the same sort of derision that OS/2
1.0 received upon its disasterous release. This fear has reportedly pushed
the release of NT back to 4th Quarter of 1993, and the recent discovery of
a couple of bugs with the Mach kernal implementation may even extend this
delay to 1st Quarter of 1994!

...Not to take this breather lying down, IBM has pushed back the release
of OS/2 2.1 back to 2nd Quarter 1993 to allow for one last look for any
hidden stupid 32-bit tricks. While beta testers for this new version claim
the Win31 support is now essentially bug-free, "there are one or two bugs
that still need to be addressed to keep the nit-pickers from having a couple
of cows."

...While we're on the subject of rumors, word out of Borland is that Philippe
Kahn is mad as hell about the reception Microsoft got over its Access database,
and is even more ticked off at the rather slow sales of Paradox for Windows.
Word also has it that when Access was announced - reportedly six months ahead
of what Borland was informed - Kahn ordered all other development and
production stopped and all resources diverted towards getting ParaWin out the
door before Access managed to get too good a foothold on the market.

...In the process, most retailers discovered that it was impossible to get
copies of quite a number of Borland products during 4th Quarter of 1992. The
major sufferers appear to be the people who helped Kahn buy his first Mercedes,
the programmers. According to a survey of several major software retailers,
supplies of Borland C++ 3.1, Turbo Pascal 7.0, and ObjectVision have been
either small and sporadic, or totally nonexistant. Some companies have ceased
keeping a waiting list, as the number of people begging for these products
have grown beyond the practicality of callbacks. As a result, sales of
Microsoft's competitive C++/Windows Developers Kit Upgrade have seen a jump
in recent weeks as disgruntled programmers begin to abandon the company that
apparently has abandoned them.

...Intel has given out the first details behind the Pentium's successor, the
P6 chip. The P6 will reportedly incorporate over 10 million transistors, which
is about three times what the Pentium uses and about eight times that of a
486DX. While this tends to fit industry predictions as to the number of
transistors, what's shocking about the P6 is that Intel plans to ship it to
developers in 2nd Quarter of 1994. If this chip arrives on the market at that
time, it will be the shortest generational gap of the 80x86 family of
processors. Up to this time, the average generational span between processors
was about 44 months.

...Watchman enthusiasts will love this one: Hewlett Packard is reportedly
working on a version of the HP 95LX that will contain a built-in TV tuner!
The software will reportedly allow Palmtop owners to watch their favorite
programs in the same way inexpensive tuner boards allow computer users to
hotkey toggle between applications and the TV screen. An interactive version
is also in the works to allow for video conferencing and e-mail from remote
sites.

...So, the HP LaserJet 4 and 4M finally showed up on the market last month.
While the quality of the output is unquestionably the best that's out there
on the market - beating even the LaserWriter 600 series hands down - buyers
are still complaining about the lack of font cartridges. Despite the fact that
the printer has some 40 fonts already installed, most complaints seem to be
centered on the fact that the font styles normally used for income tax forms
were not included in the preinstalled set! As there are several companies
that make tax form preparation fontcarts for the LaserJet IIIP, some retailers
are noting that buyers are turning down the superior print capabilties for
the immediate capability of printing your own 1040-EZ. Go figure.

...Cyrix has announced an alternative line of upgrade processors to compete
with Intel's OverDrive chips. The DRu series of chips come in two flavors,
one for 386DX upgrades, the other for clock doubling existing 486SX systems.
The 386DX upgrades are aimed at the DX-25 and DX-33 markets, and boost the
performance of these chips 30-35% - around that of a 486SX-25. The clock
doubler chips, codenamed the DRu2, are aimed at the owners of older 486SX-16
and 486SX-20 systems, and will boost performance as much as 65 percent.

...On a related nOTE, Cyrix has also announced enhanced versions of its
Cx486 386 replacement series for use with faster 486 systems. Initial
reports place performance of these as-yet unnamed chips as much as 70% above
that of a stock 486SX. As with the DRu line of chips, these processors are
also intended to be "pop and drop" CPU replacements.

...In an effort to milk the established 386 user base one final time, AMD
has released an accellerated 386SX processor running at 40 MHz. Even with
most manufacturers abandoning production of 386 systems, AST, Dell and Zenith
have announced entry-level systems offering this new processor as an option.
Packard Bell, NEC, Compaq, Tandy and even IBM are reportedly considering
using this chip for a line of low-cost simple workstations. Expect the first
clone boards to hit the parts stores in about four months.

...Thinking of buying Windows For Workgroups? Here's a couple of facts to
keep in mind that Microsoft doesn't want you to know right off the bat:

...First, the networking runs just fine, so long as all of your applications
are Windows-based. Anything that's a DOS app cannot access any of the network
features without purchasing a separate network extension package from
Microsoft.

...Secondly, retailers have been telling potential buyers that while the DOS
apps won't have network resource access, they will eventually receive it as
the extensions will be part of DOS 6.0. Microsoft scrapped this with the
second beta release, although the LapLink clone survived the final cut.

...In both cases, Bill Gates has gone on record and claimed that the reported
inclusion of DOS extensions in both WinGroups and DOS 6.0 was "just a big
misunderstanding". The truth of the matter, regardless of how Gates wants to
phrase it, is obviously this: Microsoft wants everyone to move to Windows,
period. DOS apps, regardless of how well they work, will eventually be
considered persona non grata in the Windows world, especially if you want to
use the network resources of WinGroups.

...Those willing to argue against this observation are encouraged to take a
really hard look at the proposed specs for Windows 4.0, which will be a
totally integrated DOS/Windows package in which you'll have to go through
Hell and high water to get to a DOS app, much less see a command prompt.

...While the future of the PCMCIA card format is questionable these days, some
companies are making a few careful steps onto that platform. IBM has announced
a series of cards for connecting laptops with PCMCIA slots into Ethernet and
Token-Ring networks, as well as a 3270 emulator for the platform. Prices are
expected to range from $400 to $900 depending on the configuration. Modems
aren't being ignored in these halting steps. Data Race and MegaHertz have
announced 14.4 Fax/Data modems, and IBM is also expected to release a 14.4
modem for its ThinkPad line of laptops.

...At the same time, Logitech is reportedly developing a PCMCIA interface
for its line of hand scanners, as well as a version to allow a HP ScanJet
to be interfaced with 486DX-class laptops. Always is also reportedly looking
into a PCMCIA-SCSI adapter, and Gravis reportedly has a twin joystick adapter
in the works.

...Pregnant Sysops take nOTE: Further study into VDT radiation and its
effects upon that bun in your oven are pointing to a far less threat than
the Sweedish studies would have us believe. According to research done by
the London School of Hygene and Tropical Medicine, there was virtually
no correlation found between spontaneous abortion and continued exposure to
EMF through the use of computer terminals.

...Other recent studies in England, France and Canada have shown only a slight
risk of spontaneous abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy, and that
this risk is only about .5% higher than the normal risks during that period.
Those same studies have also shown that the risk of spontaneous abortion may
actually decrease during the remainder of the term due to decreased physical
activity usually associated with extensive VDT work.

...A recent study by the WWIVnews staff, however, has shown that excessive
exposure to VDT radiation combined with RF emissions from high speed modems
may cause insomnia and loss of normal lifestyle for varying period of time.
Ulcers, headaches, eye strain, and high blood pressure may also develop
depending on the type of data processed during the exposure period as well.

...On a side nOTE, those concerned about RF emissions of any sort eminating
from their PCs should grab a copy of the FCC's _Interference Handbook_. This
book outlines the rules that govern RFI and other forms of unnaturally
produced EMF, and outlines suggested methods for eliminating this sort of
interference. The book is only $2, and is available from the Government
Printing Office. The stock number you should ask for is 004-000-00482-5,
and while you're at it ask about any other computer-related publications
they may have in stock.

...Caveat Emptor: Those thinking of buying a removable hard drive system,
such as those made by PLI or SyDOS, should keep a couple of important facts
in mind before purchasing such peripherals:

...First off, while containing the same platters as found in nonremovable
hard drives, removable units are not sealed from the environment. As a result,
they are more prone to head crashes caused by dust particles and other
contaminants, and therefor have a more limited life span.

...Secondly, to compensate for the higher level of contaminant threat, the
drive heads are restricted in how close they can travel above the surface of
the platters. This in turn imposes a theoretical limit of roughly 100 megs
per 4-platter cartridge, and a practical limit of 90 megs in actual use.

...While using the 3.5" format has allowed a slight increase in the limits,
those wishing to purchase a removable storage system for containing highly
valuable data should consider other alternatives, such as a Bernouli drive
for large amounts of data, or a Floptical for data sizes less than 20 megs
in size.

...Who's NeXT? Word through the grapevine claims that NeXT CEO and founder
Steve Jobs has decided to cut back production of the NeXT 88000 machines,
and concentrate resources on developing the NeXTStep operating system for
a major push into the 80x86 platform market. Some 400 employees on the
hardware side were reportedly given their pink slips right after New Years,
while the software division has reportedly been hiring developers with
advanced knowledge into Unix and Mach.

...4th Quarter 1992 was an interesting period for computer industry lawsuits.
Between September and December, three major lawsuits were either finally
settled or brought to an effective conclusion; Apple v Microsoft and Hewlett-
Packard, Lotus v Borland, and Intel v Cyrix.

...In September, US District Judge Vaughn Walker reaffirmed his initial
decision in the case between Apple and Microsoft/HP over Windows infringement
of the look and feel of the Macintosh interface. While this did not lead to a
final settlement in the case, Judge Walker requested additional briefs from
all sides in the case be submitted pending a final judgement. As of press
time, this judgement had still not been rendered.

...A more final decision was rendered in the case of Lotus v Borland. US
District Judge Robert Keaton ruled in late September that a feature of
Borland's Quatro Pro did infringe on Lotus' copyrights regarding the operation
of 1-2-3. The key issue was Quatro's 1-2-3 keystroke compatibility, which
Judge Keaton decided was indeed an infringement of Lotus' copyrights. While
damages have not been determined by jury, Borland has agreed to cease shipping
future copies of its Quatro line with the 1-2-3.mu compatibility file.

...Finally, US District Judge Paul Brown rendered a decision in favor of
Cyrix and SGS/Thompson over Intel's claims of copyright infringement over the
production of 486-compatible CPU's. The core arguement in Cyrix' favor lies in
agreements signed between Intel and the now-defunkt Mostek Inc. SGS/Thompson
purchased Mostek in 1985 when the company defaulted due to its inability to
compete with Japanese competition, and acquired the rights to produce 80x86
processors through inheritance of these agreements.

...These cases have significant impact upon the computer industry. While the
first and third cases effectively neutralize monopolistic practices that
would help keep consumer costs at a higher level than would exist under a
more competitive market, the second case has helped to muddle the picture as
to what exactly justifies infringement of look and feel.

...While a Microsoft victory would prevent Apple from inhibiting GUI
development on 80x86 platforms - which would make the Macintosh more appealing
to those who need such a working environment - and the Cyrix victory will
help keep newer platforms based on 80x86 technology affordable, the Lotus
victory causes problems as it contradicts a previous decision concerning
"copycat" or near-similar programs in a case between Computer Associates and
Atari. The ruling basically stated that programs that closely mimic the
features of older, competitive programs do not violate copyright. While
this ruling was made in a lower court, the precedent could pave way for an
eventual Supreme Court hearing on such a matter within the next two years.

...Short on desk space, but have a dog that simply can't tell the difference
between your tower case and a big tree? DataBusiness Systems may have the
answer for you in the form of a combination keyboard case and CPU.

...The unit is slightly thicker and deeper than a 101-key unit, and contains
a 386SX-33 motherboard capable of holding 16MB of RAM. The unit has a 3.5"
internal floppy drive, and supports one internal IDE hard drive. External
ports include three parallel and two serial ports, as well as two separate
onboard video ports capable of handling resolutions up to 1024x768, and
supports all modes between Hercules and VGA.

...It should be noted that DataBusiness isn't the only company trying to fill
this interesting niche in the computer industry. Companies such as RightPoint,
Advanced Interlink, New World Technologies, Aamazing Technologies, and Linksys
all offer similar systems with prices ranging from $1200 to $2100, with similar
capabilities across all platforms.

...While the obvious advantage of space savings at point-of-sale counters is
without question, these machines provide a reminder of the early days of
personal computing. How many of us remember leaning back in the recliners
with our C-64's in our laps, cables strung across the room to that 21" TV
screen, and playing Elite or Ultima IV for hours? Try doing that with your
486DX-66 tower of power, bunkie! With the right push, these systems could find
their way into that abandoned market with a great deal of ease.

...Anyone out there own a HP DeskJet? Great little printers, right? But what
won't they do that a dot matrix will? Yep, continuous feed paper, wide carrage,
and multi-part forms.

...Well, while there's naught to do for the multi-part forms, word from HP
is that development has begun on a new HP DeskJet that will handle wide sheets
and continuous feed paper. The initial version may simply be an expansion of
the DJ 500, which does not print in color, which will probably result in
an upgraded version with that capability hitting the market about six months
later.

...For owners of existing DeskJets, there's a compromise of sorts in the works
as well. A replacement for the paper receptical is being developed that will
allow for rolls of banner paper to be mounted and run through the printer.
Since the holder is adjustable, one HP representative joked during a
demonstration about how this new add-on will allow those with creative minds
to make their own designer toilet paper. Talk about giving someone a gift to
show them exactly how you are thinking about them!!

...Cost and release dates havn't been established, but expect the initial MSRP
for the new DeskJet to be aroun $900, and the banner roll holder to be about
$100.

...Mac Geeks have something new to brag about, and this time it's something
that's justifiably braggable. Apple's new ergonomic adjustable keyboard has
hit the market, and despite the $299 MSRP - street prices are around $225 as
of press time - it's a keyboard that's worth the cost. The unit splits in the
middle and adjusts angularly to fit the natural position of the user's hands
more closely. When combined with removable wrist rests and adjustable tilt
supports, this keyboard helps to reduce wrist movements that can lead to Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome.

...While the alphanumeric portion of the keyboard contains special features,
such as volume controls for the speakers and a microphone switch, the even
better news for the Mac users is that the keyboard comes with a separate 10-key
numeric keypad in the same design. The keypad also contains function keys,
and can be used with or without the main keyboard installed.

...IBM users, of course, can't use this keyboard on their PC's. However, an
alternative to this keyboard is in the works thanks to the team of Spencer and
Albert. As with the Apple keyboard, the main unit is split in the middle. What
makes this keyboard different is that the two halves are totally separate,
and are mounted perpendicular to the desktop. This allows users to type with
their thumbs in an upward position, and eliminates any need to twist the wrist.

...While this keyboard is not yet available on the market, expect one to appear
in about six months.

...While we're talking about alternative keyboards, let's not forget 1992's
oddest alternative, the Twiddler. A cross between a mouse, a keyboard, and
a separate pointing device, the hand-held unit from HandyKey is probably
better suited for guitarists than for typists. Data entry is performed by
pressing 12 front buttons in conjunction with 6 back buttons to create
characters in the same way you would form chords on a guitar. Mouse movement
is achived by simply moving the unit; a motion sensor translates the physical
movement into cursor positioning.

...While possibly helping to eliminate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the Twiddler is
probably best suited for lecturers who use computer-generated active displays
and need to be free of a standard keyboard during the lecture.

...MSRP for the Twiddler is $199. Considering the chord-based nature of the
unit, expect to see signs above demo models that admonish customers not to
play "Stairway To Heaven"!

...Important side tip for potential Sound Blaster Original owners: That picture
on the box is very misleading with regards to the audio jack. Since August,
Creative Labs has been shipping the 8-bit SB cards with two standard RCA jacks
instead of the original single miniature jack.

...While this does not mean the 8-bit cards are stereo, it does help eliminate
returns by irate and confused customers who are incapable of figuring out
where to buy a mini to RCA split adapter, much less hook it up to their
stereo. Since both outputs are the same mono signal, the hapless consumer can
use standard RCA cables to hook his system into his stereo and blow out his
windows playing Falcon 3.0 to his heart's content.

...Those seeking 16-bit stereo sound should consider the Sound Blaster Pro
or the ProAudio Spectrum, but for a street price of $89 the 8-bit Sound
Blaster is perfect for those simply seeking better sound for their games and
.WAV files.

...Speaking of game playing machines, word from Nintendo hints at an agreement
with Microsoft to produce versions of Flight Simulator for the Super NES. This
agreement reportedly includes plans for Nintendo to release a 101 keyboard
with a future upgrade to the SNES, and for Microsoft to look into ways of
bringing Windows into the Nintendo environment!

...From the Sucker Salvation File: Irwin EZTape owners, there's a bit of
hope for you on the horizon. Iomega has announced a new 250 MB tape drive
that will read both those hard-to-find-without-selling-your-sister Irwin
tapes and the standard QIC-80 cartridges.

...Granted, Irwin's Accutrak technology is patented, so the new Iomega drive
can't write in that format. However, what few people have been aware of is
that all QIC-80 drives have been capable since day one of *reading* the
proprietary Irwin format. What Iomega simply did was be the first tape drive
manufacturer to take advantage of this feature.

...Seeing as how getting tapes from Irwin is both and expensive and troublesome
proposition, the Iomega drive is a welcome addition to their extensive line
of backup peripherals. The base drive is MSRP'd at $349, and comes with a copy
of Central Point Backup for Windows. A high-performance controller card is also
available for $150.

...As reported in a previous issue of WWIVnews, Iterated Systems has been
working on a new image file compression utility using fractal mathmatics as
the compression algorithm. Iterated has finally released the utility as Images,
Incorporated, and given it a reasonable MSRP of $299. Also included with the
basic II package are a set of utilities for intelligent anti-aliasing of
decompressed images, which can take a rather jagged scanned image and improve
the quality significantly.

...Average compression rates are pretty much what was initially announced. A
200 MB file can be compressed to about 5 MB, with compression times ranging
from 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the complexity of the image. Tests
run on a 360k .GIF file (of someone doing something you don't want to show your
kids until they get a bit older) reduced the file to 12k in under 3 minutes
on a 386DX-33 without a coprocessor. The anti-aliasing process can take as long
as an hour depending on the size and complexity of the image, but the results
can be well worth the wait.

...Word from Iterated is that a small, run-time decompressor for files that
have been fractally compressed may be released for general distribution on
bulletin boards by 2nd Quarter 1993. Expect the porno .GIF boards to take
full advantage of this opportunity and finally shrink those files that have
been their biggest hogs of disk space.

...Remember all the hoopla over the fountain pen that could write at any
angle without the ink running away from the tip? Well, Honeywell has done
something similar with the mouse that enables it to be used on walls.

...The primary difference between this $79 MSRP mouse and the traditional
Microsoft-type mouse is that the Honeywell version uses two disks on the end
of a rotatable shaft in lieu of a mouse ball. When the mouse is moved, the
disks in contact with the surface rotate and translate the movement to the
system. Since this method doesn't rely on the effects of gravity as with a
conventional mouse ball and roller assembly, the Honeywell mouse can actually
be used on walls and even ceilings if necessary.

...Another feature the Honeywell mouse provides is protection from
contaminants. Unlike the ball and roller configuration, the disks themselves
never make any type of physical contact where contaminants could be transmitted
to the roller assembly. This eliminates the need for frequent mouse cleanings,
which would offer yet another disaster path for inexperienced users.

...Green Earth Computists take nOTE: That recycled paper you're so happy to
be using may actually be hurting the Earth through an unexpected side effect!
It seems that recycled paper is anywhere from 10% to 50% coarser than freshly
milled paper, and can decrease the life of a drum by as much as 50% depending
on the total print run. In turn, drums are disposed of at a faster rate, and
more plastic-based pollutants are added to the environment than before.

...In other words, for the want of paper the soil was lost. However, Kyocera
has announced that it will release a new silicon-based drum unit that is
guaranteed for 300,000 pages - essentially the life expectancy of most laser
printers. A ceramic-based toner cartridge helps keep the drum itself polished,
thus reducing the effects of any wear caused by the use of rougher, recycled
papers.

...While this drum will initially be available only on the Ecosys LED printer
line, Kyocera plans to offer upgrade kits for the rest of its line of laser
printers later this year. While the cost of the drum upgrade may appear a bit
expensive, once purchased the only thing users will have to purchase are the
toner refills, which in turn will drop the cost per page from an average 2.5
cents to around 3/4th of a cent.