** PD/Shareware review / 231 words **

FreeGEM v1.7 * ON READER DISK * 83%

** BC **
Utility
Freeware, all Ataris running replacement AES v4.1 or later
Author: Katherine Ellis
Email: kellis@primenet.com
http://www.primenet.com/~kellis/
** /BC **

** 3GEM_COM.GIF here **

FreeGEM is a small utility, programmed by Katherine Ellis, which runs as a program or desktop accessory and monitors your memory consumption - the more LEDs lit the more memory you're using. Both ST and TT memory is supported. When you are using more than 80% of available memory the ninth LED is displayed red which serves as a visual reminder you're running low on memory.

The FreeGEM window can be shaded to minimise its size and in this state memory checks are not performed - which saves CPU time. Alternatively the window gadgets can be hidden which just leaves the LEDs which can be tucked away in a corner. It would be nice to be able to position the LEDs to the right of the menu bar but windows cannot be dragged into the menu bar area.

Under MagiC running a 256 colour resolution the background window pattern is displayed as speckled blue instead of mottled grey on my system - because my colour palette is different. Instead of changing my palette I simply edited the RSC file, for my own personal use, instead. Separate English, German and French RSC files are included in the distribution.

** italics **
Joe Connor
** /italics **