|||||| |||||| || || |||||| |||||| || || ||| || || || || ||| |||| |||||| || |||| Your || || || || ||| || || |||||| |||||| || || |||||| |||||| GEnie ST || |||||| || || |||||| RoundTable || || || ||| ||| || || || |||||| |||||||| |||||| RESOURCE! || || || || || || || ||||| || || || || || ~ QWIK_QUOTES ARE BACK! ~ ~ PD_QUICKVIEW: EDM Shell ~ ~ MINI_BYTES: 3 ON SUPER BOOT ~ ~ DEALER VIEWPOINT: Be A MIDI Addict! ~ ~ HACK'N ATARI: TRACKBALL/NES CONVERSIONS w/PICS! ~ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////////////////////////// February 1, 1992 ~ A T/TalkNET OnLine Publication ~ Issue No.3.41 ////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Publisher/Editor ................................... John F. Peters Co-Editor ........................................ Darlah J. Pine TX2 Editor ....................................... David Holmes [IDX] """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ~ WHAT'S HAPPENING ON GEnie? TAKE A LOOK! ~ """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" [*] = With TX2 Pictures! FROM MY DESKTOP ......... [FRM] HEY MISTER POSTMAN ...... [HEY] Notes From The Editor. Is That A Letter For Me? OF MICE AND BYTES ....... [MIC] HUMOR ONLINE ............ [HUM] Battle With Devil. Say It Like You Mean It! F.Y.I. .................. [FYI] DEALER VIEWPOINT ........ [DLR] RTC Invitation. MIDI Addiction. ST ELSEWHERE ............ [ELS] THE ONLINE LIBRARY ...... [LIB] Other Areas Of IntereST. [*]PP'S: HOT Files! PD_QUICKVIEW ............ [PDQ] HACK'N ATARI ............ [HAC] [*]EDM Shell:For The Asking. [*]Down To The Wire. MINI_BYTES .............. [MIN] LINKING UP WITH LYNX .... [LYN] [*]3 One 1: Super Boot 7.2 Atari Handheld Power! LOG OFF ................. [LOG] GEnie Lamp Information. ~ GEnie LAMP AND TX2: SEE THE DIFFERENCE! ~ [REA] """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" READING GEnie Lamp GEnie Lamp has incorporated a unique indexing """""""""""""""""" system to help make reading the magazine easier. To utilize this system, load GEnie Lamp into any ASCII word processor or text editor. In the index you will find the following example: HUMOR ONLINE ............ [HUM] [*]GEnie Fun & Games. To read this article, set your find or search command to [HUM]. If you want to scan all of the articles, search for [EOA]. [EOF] will take you to the last page, whereas [IDX] will bring you back to the index. TX2 FORMAT What are you missing when reading the ASCII version of """""""""" GEnie Lamp? EXCITEMENT! Whenever you see a [*] in the index or in the article header, that indicates that the article contains TX2 graphics and/or pictures. To see the graphics, you will need the following files: LMP_341.LZH GEnie Lamp in TX2 format. LMP341_C.LZH Graphics/Pictures for MONOchrome users. LMP341_M.LZH Graphics/Pictures for COLOR users. MINI_TX2.LZH Mini-version of TX2 Viewer (File #20441). MESSAGE INFO To make it easy for you to respond to messages re-printed """""""""""" here in GEnie Lamp, you will find all the information you need immediately following the message. For example: (DARLAH, CAT6, TOP1, MSG:58/M475) _____________| _____|__ _|___ |____ |_____________ |Name of sender CATegory TOPic Msg.# Page number| In this example, to respond to Darlah's message, log on to page 475 enter the bulletin board and set CAT 6. Enter your REPly in TOPic 1. A message number that is surrounded by brackets indicates that this message is a "target" message and is referring to a "chain" of two or more messages that are following the same topic. For example: {58} """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ///////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "You can send mail to _ANY_ Atari Employee online. We are / / never to busy or high up the latter to assist our customers. / / If you have any other concerns, please let me know. I will / / be happy to help you." / /////////////////////////////////////////// JOHN TOWNSEND //// [EOA] [FRM]////////////////////////////// FROM MY DESKTOP / ///////////////////////////////// Notes From The Editor """"""""""""""""""""" By John Peters [GENIELAMP] o TOP OF THE PAGE: Random Ramblings. o THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW: RoundTable Happenings. o HOT SPOTS: Where The Action Is. o IT CAN'T WAIT: Hot Info! TOP OF THE PAGE A very important issue has recently been raised """"""""""""""" concerning the bulletin board. Sometimes when the words get to flying, the bulletin board area can become -- how do I put this... intimidating to some readers. John Townsend sums it all up best: Atari-ST RoundTable Category 26, Topic 2 Message 85 Thu Jan 16, 1992 TOWNS [John@Atari] at 04:21 EST If anyone out there is reading these messages and they are afraid to post, please post a message! Your opinions and thoughts are just as important as any of us regulars here on GEnie. In fact, your comments could be _more_ important. You may have a fresh prospective whatever issues we are discussing that could be very valuable. Again, if you are not posting because you think we don't want to hear what you have to say, you sadly mistaken. We would love to hear from you. For me, it will make my day to talk to a new Atari User or an Atari User who has found his/her way to GEnie. New people always make things interesting.. -- John To the Bulletin Boards! >>> THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Now that the CodeHeads have obtained the rights to Quick ST, are the Codeheads required to stick to Brasoft's former upgrade policies? Get in on the conversation in CAT32, TOP31, MSG:{98}. Also, in the same area Charles Johnson reports that next version of Quick ST is going to be a very substantial upgrade with lots of bug fixes, performance improvements and new features. For example, FSM GDOS and Calligrapher are now compatible with Quick ST and Charles has added the ability to install Quick ST as a desk accessory. Charles says that installing it as a desk accessory pushes Quick ST to even greater speeds then when installed as an Auto program. Nice! As to a release date, it is still too early to announce. How much does it cost to put out a product for the ST? How much is a fair profit for the developer? Different viewpoints as to who should get what is now going on in CAT14, TOP8, MSG:{86}. Tim Purves has decided to release the next version of ST Aladdin as a self-extracting file. Personally, I think this is a good move. Even the ST RoundTable has released a self-extracting file, (ARC_LZH.PRG). Although this file is an exception, and the ST RoundTable is presently not allowing self-extracting files in the library, it's an indication that things are slowly changing. Who knows? Maybe one day soon even ZIP will become an Atari standard. There hasn't been an issue of Explorer released since September. However, there is good news from the editor, John Jainschigg. John reports that they will release an issue in January (???) and the much- awaited MIDI issue in February. John is back and ready to take on your comments and suggestions. You can contact him in CAT14, TOP30. Do you have an Atari dream machine? A fun topic on what you would like to see implemented in the next Atari computer has started in CAT18, TOP6, MSG:{19}. >>> BULLETIN BOARD HOT SPOTS <<< """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" [*] CAT4, TOP36, MSG:{239}....Mutant STs. [*] CAT19, TOP15, MSG:{1}.....PC Clone ST emulator from Brasoft. [*] CAT3, TOP31, MSG:{160}....Learning C on an ST. [*] CAT14, TOP8, MSG:{140}....Keeping dealers up on Atari information. Whose responsibility is it? [*] CAT18, TOP23, MSG:{1}.....Who and how much when it comes to profit? [*] CAT6, TOP32, MSG:{212}....Counterfeit registration cards? [*] CAT26, TOP2, MSG:{641}....Latest STReport controversy. [*] CAT14, TOP16, MSG:{26}....Atari's new clipboard standard. [*] CAT26, TOP2, MSG:{18}.....Bob Brodie's new BBS _name_. [*] CAT18, TOP6, MSG:{1}......The Atari Dream Machine. [*] CAT9, TOP9, MSG:{75}......Knightmare game. >>> BULLETIN BOARD OFF_TOPIC <<< """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" [*] CAT14, TOP3, MSG:{216}....Sci-Fi cable channel. [*] CAT18, TOP14, MSG:{45}....Rights for women. [*] CAT14, TOP16, MSG:{10}....Jolt Cola? [*] CAT18, TOP4, MSG:{3}......Senators, Congressmen and Representatives. [*] CAT2, TOP42, MSG:{54}.....Giving birth. Men's views, women's responses :-). IT CAN'T WAIT DEPARTMENT Now hang on a second. If there are no "hooks """""""""""""""""""""""" for multitasking" in TOS 2.06, then that's fine. But we did _not_ spread information without a reliable source -- we don't do that. I'm not going to name names, but this information was given to us by someone _at_Atari_. If it was incorrect, then it was incorrect. But we certainly didn't make it up. -Charles (C.F.JOHNSON, CAT14, TOP8, MSG:127/M475) >>>>> I can't really give you an information on a multitasking TOS, """"" other than Atari is working on one. You will have to wait and see what will announce :-) Sorry, I don't get into vaporware.. One small note.. This isn't the fault of the CodeHead people. I would suspect that this is probably information passed along to them by someone is Germany. -John Townsend, Atari Corp. (TOWNS, CAT14, TOP8, MSG:131/M475) >>>>> John Townsend, Thank you for clarifying the following: """"" 1. There is no Artifex code in TOS 2.06. 2. There are no "multi-tasking" hooks. As Charles mentioned, we were told both of these things by a "reliable" source at Atari (and number 1 was also confirmed by other sources). Perhaps he is unaware of the inaccuracies of these state- ments. We'll follow this up privately, and make public statements of the corrections in our own Category. I'm sorry if these statements confused anyone and we'll make every effort to set the record straight in the future. Thank you. John Eidsvoog /|\ Member of the IAAD CodeHead Software \|/ Serving the Atari Community (J.EIDSVOOG1, CAT14, TOP8, MSG:133/M475) Hmmmmmm..... very interesting! 'till next time, Take care... John Peters [GENIELAMP] ///////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "I'm not a professional programmer but I can still tell that / / Aladdin is an incredibly complex project. These guys must / / have ulcers by now. But then again maybe they just love / / every minute of it." / ////////////////////////////////////////////// J.ZORZIN ////// [EOA] [HEY]////////////////////////////// HEY MISTER POSTMAN / ///////////////////////////////// Is That A Letter For Me? """""""""""""""""""""""" o ATARI ODDS & ENDS o WHAT'S NEW? o ATARIAN MINDS WANT TO KNOW o MESSAGE SPOTLIGHT >>> ATARI ODDS & ENDS <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""" 2400 BAUD INFO Here's the message from Toby Nixon. I basically asked """""""""""""" him what V.32bis provides over V.32, and that I have a 2400bps modem now. I also told him that I'd use the modem for connecting to BBSs, public access Unix sites, and GEnie. Return-Path: Date: Wed, 1 Jan 92 23:52:09 EDT Subject: RE: V.32/V.32bis To: well!wet!ekrimen X-Vms-Mail-To: UUCP%"uunet!kpc!apple!well!wet!ekrimen" X-Vms-Mail-Cc: TNIXON V.32bis modems are 100% backward compatible with V.32. But IN ADDITION to the capabilities of V.32 (which are full-duplex async and sync communications at 4800 and 9600 bps on dial-up lines), V.32bis also offers communications at 7200, 12000, and 14400 bps. 14400bps is 50% faster than 9600, and therefore when you're connected to another V.32bis modems your transfer times will be cut by a third. There are quite a few BBSes out there now with V.32bis modems. I don't know about the public access Unix systems. I doubt that GEnie, CompuServe, or any of the other commercial services will be getting V.32bis within the next two years; they've really just had V.32 for about a year as it is. If you're running 2400 now, a 9600bps V.32 modem will be a major improvement and cost savings for you. Going to V.32bis may not be worth the money unless a lot of the places you call have them already. -- Toby ---------------------------------+-------------------------------------- Toby Nixon, Principal Engineer |Voice +1-404-840-9200 Telex 151243420 Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc|Fax +1-404-447-0178 CIS 70271,404 P.O. Box 105203 |BBS +1-404-446-6336 AT&T !tnixon Atlanta, Georgia 30348 |UUCP uunet!hayes!tnixon Fido 1:114/15 USA |Internet tnixon@hayes.com ---------------------------------+-------------------------------------- (E.KRIMEN, CAT8, TOP4, MSG:81/M475) POWERBOOK 100 The PowerBook 100 does _not_ come with a floppy drive, """"""""""""" the external floppy for the STBOOK is 1.44meg. You can not even begin to compare the power management systems between Atari and Apple, the way that 'save and resume' on the PowerBooks work is ridiculous! Please go to an Apple Dealer, run an application and in the middle of the application, put the PowerBook to 'Sleep'. Now remove the battery. Ask how long the battery life is. Ask how long it takes to recharge the battery. There are enough comparisons that we best the PowerBooks at, that the price is fair. (B.REHBOCK/ATARI/CAT14, TOP7, MSG:191/M475) PLAY IT SAFE WHEN ORDERING BY MAIL You can order the new TOS ROMs from """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" any authorized dealer. However, keep in mind that they are NOT yet available. Atari has announced their pending release, but they have NOT yet begun shipping them. I really don't expect a long delay, but until any new product actually arrives at the store, my position is that it still doesn't actually exist (at least as far as I and my customers are concerned). Choose any reputable dealer you prefer to order from and place your order, or get on his waiting list. BUT..... as with any product that isn't yet actually available, my recommendation is to choose a dealer that DOES NOT require prepayment and will NOT process a charge or check until the product actually ships, or is willing to accept your order for a C.O.D. shipment to ensure you won't be prepaying for something that he cannot guarantee you a delivery date on. And no dealer can guarantee a delivery date on a product that is not in stock or has not yet been released. If you don't have a local dealer, you should have a good choice from among the better dealers who are active here on GEnie. Drop one a note in E-mail for specific ordering information. One note of caution to anyone planning on doing their own up- grading. The internals of your computer contain sensitive electronics, which can be easily damaged through improper handling. Unless you are qualified to do the work yourself, and know how to properly handle IC's, please have the work done by a qualified service technician. You'd be surprised how many systems we see in our service department that wouldn't be there at all if the user hadn't chosen to open the system up and do something himself. Regards, Sheldon Winick (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC) (S.WINICK, CAT14, TOP8, MSG:151/M475) TOS/GEM NON-DISCLOSURE INFO I have been told by Don Thomas, of Atari, """"""""""""""""""""""""""" that all non-disclosure has been dropped, under the gimme-the-docs program. Assistance for true commercial developers, however that is now defined (the higher tier) still requires non-disclosure, if I understand Don. I think it's a great big step forward. We non-pro software authors can now have access to TOS/GEM docs for newer machines, without non-disclosure. There is no other source for this info. We can ask questions here, and knowledgeable folks can answer without worrying about their non-disclosure paper. -JN (J.NESS, CAT3, TOP7, MSG:5/M475) >>> WHAT'S NEW? <<< """"""""""""""""""" SUPRA CORPORATION REALTIME CONFERENCE GEnie's Atari ST Roundtable Wednesday, February 5, 1992 10:00 p.m. EST Supra Corporation, a long-time manufacturer of hard drive systems for the Atari ST and Commodore Amiga, has added a new line of low- cost 9600 baud modems and fax/modems to their existing 2400 baud modem line up (see SUPRAV32.ARC (file #22271) in the ST Roundtable Software Library for details). Supra will be the featured guest for a formal Realtime Conference in the ST Roundtable on February 5th beginning at 10:00 p.m. EST. Find out more about these new modems as well as Supra's ST product line and get -your- questions answered directly from the source! NEW SWITCHBOX FROM WUZTEK We are now selling the new Omnix3 switch box """"""""""""""""""""""""" which is an improved version of the video controller that we have been bundling with the OMNIMON monitor. The Omnix3 has a standard 15pin VGA output connector so it will work with ALL true "multi-sync" (not multi-scan) monitors. Please don't confuse our product with other cheap imitations. Most of our competitors use mechanical switches to channel video signals to the monitor and suffers greatly in monochrome clarity. Our Omnix switch box uses state-of-the- art digital circuit that is carefully designed to give you the best monochrome video signal possible on a color monitor as witnessed by our own Omnimon Rainbow monitor. The switch box carries a suggested retail price of $99. For more information, please contact OPI at 714-753-9253 (WUZTEK.OPI, CAT4, TOP31, MSG:67/M475) LEXICOR SOFTWARE A tidbit of news......Rosetta was shipped to Rio last """""""""""""""" week and I should be shipping Prism Render some time this week. When this happens Lexicor will have completed the first complete series of the originally planned programs for Phase-4. (L.SEILER, CAT25, TOP2, MSG:185/M475) >>> ATARIAN MINDS WANT TO KNOW! <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" (Facts, Fiction & Maybe) JERRY IS AT IT AGAIN! Jerry Pournelle recently posted that he's """"""""""""""""""""" hooking up his TT again... let's all try to be *nice* this time, huh? Some of my fellow Atarians out there did a great disservice to the machine last time out.. anyone who's able to offer real support to the original ST fan do your best!!! (W.MCCARVER1, CAT28, TOP2, MSG:93/M475) REPRO STUDIO We have evaluation copies of the latest versions of Repro """""""""""" Studio now (just got 'em), and hope to be able to announce something real soon. These new ones look _really_ good; full photo-realistic grey scale capabilities, and lots and lots of nice tools. (C.F.JOHNSON, CAT32, TOP11, MSG:212/M475) MORE CODEHEAD... Excuse me while I wax enthusiastic. WOWEE!!! Wait """""""""""""""" til you see this CVG/CFN import module that John's been writing for MegaPaint Professional. It lets you import any Calamus Vector Graphic or Calamus outline font directly into MegaPaint. Calamus fonts are imported as MegaPaint "Symbol Libraries," which are just collections of vector graphics; once a font is imported, you can use MegaPaint's "line editor" to enter strings of text, or insert individual outline font characters directly into the picture ... and then use all of MegaPaint's vector tools to work on individual letters or text groups. When CVG files are loaded, they're converted to MegaPaint "outline" graphics. Then you can save them back out as Calamus Vector Graphics files for importing into Calamus or Avant Vector. This is REALLY COOL. - Charles (C.F.JOHNSON, CAT32, TOP24, MSG:93/M475) MORE MUGSHOT DISKS We are working on the ladies purdy and ugleeee """""""""""""""""" disk for MugShot at this moment. Real Soon. We are also working on a coloring program that will let you load saved MugShot IMG files to color.______Chet at \/\/iz\/\/orks! ;^{) (C.WALTERS1, CAT7, TOP5, MSG:252/M475) STILL LOOK'N FOR FSM-GDOS Since Bill Rehbock is currently out of town. """"""""""""""""""""""""" I will attempt to answer for him. The latest information that I have is that we are still working on packaging. We had some foul-ups with the company we were working with and that has pushed us back on a release date. We are still working on it and hope to have the packages available soon. Trust me, we want to sell this thing to you as much as you want to buy it! -John (TOWNS, CAT14, TOP18, MSG:29/M475) SEURAT II GOING STRONG Seurat II is alive and kicking. Kelly Webb had """""""""""""""""""""" a booth at the Chicago show. Do not despair! ;-) (D.A.BRUMLEVE, CAT7, TOP12, MSG:30/M475) HP BUMMER The letter I received today from HP states that the DJ500C """"""""" will have no ability to emulate an Epson or ProWriter. Bummer. (MUSE, CAT4, TOP3, MSG:54/M475) SUPERBASE 4.0? From what I have been told SuperBase 4.0 for the Atari """""""""""""" was in early Beta test last summer before Prescion (sic) was sold. As for version 3 it certainly does exist. The people at Oxxi are just getting geared up and are not up to 100% yet. They are an Amiga based company and got the ST version as a bonus. -Steve (S.GOLD6, CAT6, TOP17, MSG:42/M475) >>>>> From a rumor I heard Friday, Commodore paid them a _LOT_ of """"" money to get the version that Amiga currently has. Even the Amiga didn't have enough sales to warrent the new version until Commodore kicked in some bucks. (ST-REPORT, CAT6, TOP17, MSG:43/M475) >>>>> Lloyd, that is true. I knew the folks from Precision very well, """"" and they did the Amiga version of SB4 for a _very_ nice fee. The Amiga sales and Atari sales were much much much smaller than their Windows sales. However, Oxxi does not own the Windows version, and so they don't have anything else to fall back on... --Nevin (NEVIN-S, CAT6, TOP17, MSG:44/M475) THEY'RE WORKING ON IT! By the way, the new version of Quick ST is """""""""""""""""""""" _really_ coming along. This is going to be a very substantial upgrade, with lots of bug fixes, FSMGDOS and Calligrapher compatibility, performance improvements, and even new features. -Charles (C.F.JOHNSON, CAT32, TOP31, MSG:196/M475) NEW ST FAX SOFTWARE? I have heard rumours that the Codeheads are """""""""""""""""""" developing or purchasing the rights to send/ receive fax/modem software...can you comment on this. Thanks. -Graham Norton/Wizard Computer Systems (G.NORTON, CAT32, TOP19, MSG:19/M475) CODEHEADS CONFIRM Graham, Our French distributors have some FAX """"""""""""""""" software that we were considering importing but it may not be up to our standards. We're now considering writing our own. -John (J.EIDSVOOG1, CAT32, TOP19, MSG:20/M475) SUPRA TOO? >> ST Fax software for Supra faxmodems. We are still """""""""" looking for software, we have looked at a couple ST fax packages, but have yet to find what we are looking for. We are making a strong push into Europe with both our ST and Amiga lines. So there could be a decent market. -Mark (SUPRATECH, CAT8, TOP4, MSG:85/M475) >>> MESSAGE SPOTLIGHT <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""" Atari-ST RoundTable Category 14, Topic 5 Message 137 Sun Jan 19, 1992 JMGSOFT [George @ JMG] at 00:58 EST EXACTLY, Bob!! The local Mac Dealer in town has charged $250 to fix TRIVIAL problems for people that I know, problems requiring NO PARTS, only 15 minutes labour. And real IBM PC's and PS/2s?? Do you have ANY idea AT ALL of how much it costs to get an IBM authorized dealer to fix a PS/2 Model 70? Reading right off the service rate sheet of a local MicroAge store, it says "$70 per hour, 2 hour minimum". That's ONE HUNDERED FORTY DOLLARS before he even picks up his screwdriver! And you said I was off the mark about having to send the machine away when "there are so many Mac and PC dealers within 15 minutes drive". Well, what if he had an ALR. Or an AST. Or a Samsung. Or any number of other big-name IBM compatible brands. You _may_ have a dealer in town that handles one of those brands, but chances are you DON'T. And the parts are proprietary, so that you cannot just take an ALR to any old dealer and expect it to be fixed. So what do you have to do??? Send it away, of course! I'm sorry to hear that your local dealer has become apple-like in his service policies and prices. But in my opinion, that's all he is - just treating you like oh so many dealers of other systems already treat their customers. Atari users have, in a way, always been spoiled - they're used to paying less for their systems, less for their software, and less for their service than Apple or IBM (_real_ IBM brand) owners are. All that's happened is your friend has encountered the real world. -- George. PS - The Atari exchange plan is a very reasonable plan and price; and it is very similar, only much less expensive, to plans provided by Apple and Compaq for repair/exchange of certain hardware items that are out of production by these companies. [*][*][*] While on GEnie, do you spend most of your time downloading files? If so, you may be missing out some excellent information in the Bulletin Board area. The messages listed above only scratch the surface of what's available and waiting for you in the bulletin board area. If you are serious about your Atari, the GEnie Lamp staff strongly urge you to give the bulletin board area a try. There are literally thousands of messages posted from people like you from all over the world. ///////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "I think that it was just my computer's way of telling me: / / Listen rookie, you got this code out of a magazine and if it / / works properly right off the bat you won't learn anything. / / When you fully understand the code, then it will work." / ///////////////////////////////////////////////// R.ROY17 //// [EOA] [MIC]////////////////////////////// OF MICE AND BYTES / ///////////////////////////////// Battle With The Devil """"""""""""""""""""" By Richard Brown [R.BROWN30] >>> THE NEW COMPUTERS ARE HERE! THE NEW COMPUTERS ARE HERE! <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ~ But First, We Battle the Devil ~ Lately, there has been a flood of sentiment regarding Atari and its future in GEnie's Atari Roundtables. Some would seem to revel in their self-assured prophecies of doom. They have forgotten that the job of the critic is not to whine as a defeatist, but rather to offer a productive discourse. So much for the doomsayers. On the other hand, there are others who have assailed this negativism and have shown a backbone more akin to what one might expect from an Atari user. It seems odd that negativism should pervade Atari's message base. A computer user tends to become a member of his or her computer's "army", starting with the "platoon" of "soldiers" who have most likely influenced the system purchase, which is in turn supported by a worldwide force of users. In this scenario, each "soldier" is quick to defend the mission of the army. If you are an Atari user, try having a meaningful cross- platform discussion with and IBM or Mac user. More likely than not, the "other" platform's users will discount Atari at the outset. Put a hundred users of the _same_ platform in the same room, and you will see productive energy and dialogue. They may offer _constructive_ criticisms, but the "discouraging word" is verboten. Unfortunately, Atari's doomsayers, as they fire their volleys to bring down the Fuji, fail to understand their role in the Atari market. Perhaps they do not understand that they are even a part of the market, a point magnified in the light of Atari's small U.S. user base. A stone cast in Atari's little pond will indeed make waves. In the IBM ocean such a stone goes unnoticed. That is the difference: each Atari user, by virtue of belonging to a much smaller throng, carries a far greater relative importance than the average IBM or Mac user. Concurrently, an Atari user's voice carries to a proportionately larger audience. With nearly universal agreement that Atari in the U.S. is a situation of delicate balance, the need for a groundswell of support at the user level is imperative. It would be impossible to expect Atari to continue with its U.S. marketing efforts if the company felt a wave of anti-Atari sentiment from its own user base. Yet there are those who, in a public forum, choose to differ, provoke, and attempt to dissuade. Are these people "Atari Users"? Have they spent time in that quagmire of interfaces, Windows for DOS? A multi-platform dealer (Atari, Amiga, Amiga UNIX, IBM clone) in south Florida has, and has pointed out some marketing idiosyncracies. To place an 8 mhz Atari STe next to a DOS machine running Windows, he prefers a high speed 486 DOS clone to avoid embarrassment from the sluggish Windows interface. When asked about the functionality of Windows, the owner commented that it was "almost like an Atari" on the 486 IBM clone, but still cumbersome. A further comment lamented about the lack of a quality desktop publishing solutions for the IBM, mentioned while knocking out a flyer within PageStream. Perhaps it seems a little silly that a machine of "ancient" technology still holds its own against most every DOS counterpart. This is not to say the basic ST is even in the same ballpark for processing speed: it isn't. Not by the longest shot. The 489 DOS machine is much faster in theory. Has to be. Yet for the average user, it could be easily argued that this speed difference would rarely be an issue in the scheme of the average chores required of the average user. The fact is, most of the time-intensive "terminal time" is identical on either machine. A 486 DOS machine will not speed up your typing. And then, by turning automatic recalculation off on your 650 kilobyte spreadsheet (which is a trick to make work on an IBM), your ST can 'zoom' along at basically the same rate as the DOS machine. The difference occurs on that final recalculation: the 486 DOS machine will crunch the numbers on that big spreadsheet in the blink of an eye. Your 8 MHz, 16 bit Atari with no floating point maths coprocessor will recalculate in about two seconds. Tick-tick. Big deal. Then, the software issue... Atari's doomsayers are quick to repudiate the ST for lack of software support, saying that there are too few alternatives and that sometimes a company will even drop its support for the ST. That's survival of the fittest, folks. How many times must we be reminded: sure, WordPerfect is probably going no further on the ST, but there are still a few choices: o WordFlair 2 (A WordPerfect 5.x equivalent of extreme power) o That's Write (more text and graphics) o Write On (A less intense cousin of That's Write) o Calligrapher (_another_ WordPerfect 5.x equivalent) o Calligrapher Junior (a _powerful_ subset of Calligrapher) o Redacteur3 (the #1 French word processor with cross-compatibility) o Protext 5.5 (need WordStar/Word compatibility?) o Signum (_another_ high end document processor that likes math) o Word Writer (a classic; hard for the educated to outgrow) o First Word Plus (for the educated who like pictures) o Steno (that's where I'm writing this!) o Tempus (for the programmer in you) o Tempus Word (mainly for the Germans, but _powerful_) o ST Writer (downloadable in the public domain) o WordUp! (not unlike many of the others) (that's more than a baker's dozen) For the most part, this list of word/document processors is heavily supported and update prone. But not necessarily. Programs like Word Writer haven't been heavily updated, but there has been no need: it fills a certain, perfect niche in the ST world. This is a concept that does not sit well with the doomsayers. They hate having something simply work and offer complaint-free productivity. Most of these products were not born in the U.S.A. Neither are Porsches, Maseratis, Ferraris, or ST's (where is the latest plant?). However the U.S. does stake its claim to some of the finest and best ST hardware and software supporters: Like CodeHead, which has diversified into three (at my last count) units: 1. CodeHead Software: Maxifile, Multidesk Deluxe, CodeKeys, etc. 2. CodeHead Graphic Tools: importing and _supporting_ the awesome Avant Vektor and MegaPaint (see my review of MegaPaint coming in the next issue of GEnie Lamp). 3. CodeHead Technologies (home of the TOS 2.06 Extension card for all older ST's). Want ST"E" or TT system power in your ST? Next in line, Double Click Software, with DC Data Diet and a host of first rate utilities, not to mention its own hardware products line for the Atari computer. Double Click is well-known on the on-line services for their "program of the week" series, offering some niceties like the very useful DC Backspace Help (great for word processing). Then there is Soft Logik Publishing, with PageStream. This Postscript based DTP solution is one of the most powerful packages of its kind on any platform. (It's European counterpart, Calamus SL, is a powerhouse in its own right. Mac and IBM users alike can simply sit back and wonder as the ST deals out its powerful DTP one-two punch.) Of course, the ST is know for music and MIDI, and California is home to Hybrid Arts, purveyor of ST-based hardware and software used by musicians and recording studios around the world. And isn't the popular Dr. T's also a U.S. company? Migraph, in the great northwest, brings its 400 dpi hand scanner, Touch Up image editing software with gray scale capability, its Easy Draw bit-image drawing package, and now, OCR software to the Atari ST. One of the most successful ST product developers, Gadgets by Small, headed by the speed demon himself, Dave Small, hails from Colorado. Gadgets offers both the sensational Spectre GCR, offering what Mac aficionados would find to be a disturbing amount of Mac compatibility, and the SST 68030 upgrade kit, allowing 8 mhz ST users to feel what it's like to have a dragster on the desk... or one of the fastest Macs anywhere. This was only a taste of the vibrant ST market that still exists, despite the efforts of the doomsayers. I HAD A DREAM... Picture how the Atari world would change if only progressive thoughts and ideas were espoused under a new sense of product loyalty. Atari users could make it their own business to increase Atari's business, if only in a passive way. Countless machines and software packages could be sold through personal demonstrations as to the flexibility and power the ST can provide. After all, at the price of a computing system, how many people will simply walk blindly into a showroom and say "yes" to the first salesman who offers a $17,850 system? Are not most decisions of this magnitude weighed by the individual? Are not the opinions of others an important part of this decision? As far as "office compatibility" goes (read that 'DOS'), how many people _really_ expect to bring their work home from the office? For most people, finding reason _not_ to buy an ST _should_ be difficult in the extreme. There is simply very little the ST fails to handle in even the most demanding day to day computing needs: Writing Mailing Lists Sound Digitizing Desktop Publishing Advertising Video Frame Grabbing Presentations Personal Scheduling Archiving Spreadsheet Analysis Home Budgeting Newsletters Job Bidding On-Line Services Education Research Graphics and Design Child Productivity CAD "Moonlighting" Income Music Databases Recipe Lists CD and VHS libraries Programming Games Contact Lists etc. etc. etc... Now, how are you going to spread the word to your friends and neighbors. You're not a dealer. You don't get the fresh, hot off the press 1992 product catalogue from Atari. Well, at least you can know the LIST prices: ATARI'S COMPUTER LINE-UP FOR 1992: MSRP is the "M"anufacturer's "S"uggested "R"etail "P"rice Model Product MSRP """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" THE BASIC ATARI STE """"""""""""""""""" 520 STe The venerable, 512K STe $ 399.95 1040 STe As above, 1 MB RAM $ 599.95 (I do recommend getting at least 1 MB RAM) 8 MHz 68000 Processor, RA modulator, Digitized PCM Stereo, 4096 Color Palette, 2 analog joystick ports, Blitter Graphics Coprocessor, Three resolutions built in, hardware based smooth scrolling, GENLOCK capabilities, 3.5" 720K floppy disk drive, MIDI I/O. THE MEGA STE """""""""""" Mega STe 1/0 1 MB RAM, no hard drive $1,199.95 Mega STe 2/0 2 MB RAM, no hard drive $1,249.95 Mega STe 2/50 2 MB RAM, 50 MB hard drive $1,699.95 All machines: 68000 at 16 MHz (seems _faster_), 3.5" 720K floppy disk, 1 VME Expansion Slot, 3 video resolutions built in, Enhanced Operating Systems, MIDI I/O, New Desktop. THE TT030 """"""""" TT030/2-0 2 MB RAM, Hard Drive Ready $1,985.95 TT030/2-50 2 MB RAM, 50 MB Hard Drive $2,299.95 TT030/2-80 2 MB RAM, 80 MB Hard Drive $2,479.95 TT030/2-213 2 MB RAM, 213 MB Hard Drive $3,079.95 TT030/2-340 2 MB RAM, 340 MB Hard Drive $3,679.95 CA401220 2 MB Floppy Upgrade Kit $ 149.95 All machines: 32 MHz 68030 Processor, 68882 FPU, 720K DS/DD Disk Drive, 1 3U VME Expansion Slot, High Resolution 1280x960, TT TOS New Desktop, Six Video Resolutions Built-In, MIDI I/O. THE ST BOOK """"""""""" ********************************* YES! THE PORTABLE ST HAS ARRIVED! ********************************* STBOOK 1 MB RAM, 40 MB Hard Drive $1,999.95 The STBOOK features an 8 MHz 68000 processor, Parallel and Serial Ports, BLITTER Graphics Coprocessor, MIDI I/O, 19 ms Hard Disk, a 640x400 (ST Hi Resolution) reflective screen, and is only 8.5 x 11 x 1.4 inches (closed). It weighs just 4.31 pounds and can run on seven "AA" batteries. Your Author Has Handled the STBOOK: (Other accessories and configurations were hinted at when I saw the STBOOK at the Glendale Show last September. The mouse replacement is the most workable one I've seen to date. It requires a floppy interface for floppy I/O, but [in the demo model I handled] has an exceptional feel. A traveling writer's dream come true! Additional RAM, bigger HD's were definitely a topic of discussion at Glendale. Perhaps there will be more to write about in the near future.) MORE STuff - PERIPHERALS """""""""""""""""""""""" SM147 14 inch paper white display, ST $ 259.95 SC1435 14 inch stereo color monitor, ST $ 399.95 PTC1426 Multisync color for TT 29mm dot pitch $ 549.95 TTM195 19 inch paper white TT monochrome $1,399.95 1280x960 SLM605 Laser Printer, 300 dpi $1,295.95 Megafile 44 44 MB removable cartridge hard drive $ 899.95 comes with one 44 MB cartridge A final note on pricing: MSRP pricing rarely reflects the street price of a computer. Usually, a dealer can afford to make a "deal" in one way or another, perhaps by shaving off a few percent on the price, or throwing in a peripheral (cables, software, etc.) that makes the "deal" a good one. NOW IT'S UP TO YOU Tell two friends.... you know the story.... talk """""""""""""""""" price with your dealer... Don't have a local dealer? Pick up the phone: Atlantic: Toad Computers (the cool guys in Maryland) 800-448-8623 ** SA SE HD Southeast: The Computer Room (Florida) 305-771-9035 * SA SE ask for Brett Micro Computer Depot (South Carolina) 800-845-3070 SA SE Midwest: Rising Star Computers (Ohio) 800-252-2787 SA D&P Computer (Ohio again!) 800-535-4290 SA Northwest: Cave Creek Computers (Washington state) 206-783-0933 SA SE West: The Computer Network (California) 818-500-3900 ** SA SE MU HD Mid Cities Computers (California) 213-867-0626 ** SA SE MU HD ask for Nita ATY Computer (California) 510-482-3775 SA SE KEYS: """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" * = personally recommended by your author. (He spends money there.) ** = _very_ recommended by your author. (Spent money, impressed by store.) Store Features: SA = Sales (ST, TT and peripherals) SE = Service (Repairs and Upgrades) MU = Music and MIDI specialists HD = Excellent store-brand Hard Drives at good prices IT'S SO FAR AWAY.... If you are worried about being at a distance from """""""""""""""""""" a service center, one thing to remember is that the Atari, unlike IBM's, are not usually sold with service contracts - due to the high reliability of the machine. The Mega on which I work recently (yesterday) went in for service for the first time since I bought it with flood-damaged packaging. This Mega has averaged 18+ hours service per day for the last 5 months (with quite a few all-nighters based on my modem schedule which is often unattended). It is on seven days a week. This is what it is to be self- employed in four or five arenas. The computer takes a beating, sometimes over 500 hours a month, certainly thousands of hours a year, and, I would estimate about 6,000 - 8,000 hours between failures. The problem was just a heat-buggy sound chip that went bad after a 32 hour day, and was fixed in seven hours, six of which were spent waiting for the repair facility to open. [*][*][*] So, we've battled the devil and sold a few ST's... Not a bad start for the new year. Next issue: A revealing look at ST graphics: MegaPaint II. ...and maybe a few surprises /////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "Jim: That "Kent" guy is right here... / / Sure, I vote we make GEnie FREE!" / / / / [NO CARRIER] / /////////////////////// DRACO@GEnie //// [EOA] [HUM]////////////////////////////// HUMOR ONLINE / ///////////////////////////////// Say It Like You Mean It! """""""""""""""""""""""" Compiled By Terry Quinn [T.QUINN1] WRITING ONLINE... WITH FEELING! I "borrowed" this from the Gardening """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" board, but I don't think they'll mind. :) With special thanks to Rich D'Angelo, who compiled the list. Note- Abbreviations and symbols found on left, definitions and explanations are Found on right. Table of Contents of this message. Section 1. Alphabetical List of Acronyms. Section 2. Acronyms Beginning with Numerals. Section 3. Faces. Section 4. Other Symbols. Section 5. Batman Series. Section 6. Clam Series. [*][*][*] Section 1. Alphabetical List of Acronyms. Contents sorted mechanically. AFK Away From Keyboard BRB which is Be Right Back. BRB Be Right Back BTW By The Way CU See you CUL8R see you later FMD,IDGAD Rhett said this to Scarlett in GWTW in GA (Brian Beals) FOBL fell outta bed laughing FOCL fell outta chair laughing FOMC Falling Off My Chair (laughing) FOMCROFL fell of my chair rolling on floor laughing! FYI For Your Information G,D,R Grin, Duck, Run (used when you've said something outrageous) GMTA Great Minds Think Alike grin I'm smiling as I write/wrote this..... IHOC International House of Carbo-Hydrates II) a tankard of beer :@) A pig, maybe Miss Piggy O'Brien IMHO "In My Humble Opinion" L8R Later LOLLOL Little old lady laughing out loud/Laughing out loud little old lady. LOL laughing out loud; also little old lady. NCATT NO Comment at This Time QAL Queen Anne's Lace ROFL Rolling On (the) Floor Laughing ROTF Rolling On The Floor (laughing) RTDM41 Read the Darn Manual for once TYVM Thank You Very Much WFF White Flower Farm WYSIWYG What You See Is What You Get SECTION 2 Acronyms Beginning with Numerals. """"""""" 2B|^2B - Message about Shakespeare SECTION 3 Faces. Contents sorted mechanically. """"""""" ABOUT THE FACES "You can get really silly with these, to the point """"""""""""""" that no one can possibly figure it out without an explanation. I usually keep to :) and :( and ;) with an occasional :P thrown in. Most people can figure these out without a guidebook. :)" --Angie O:-) angel O:-) innocent X:) lady with bow in her hair ##:)=B=|> WOMAN IN BIKINI #-) overcommitted %-) cross-eyed %:) LOL WITH HAIR IN CURLERS &:) RONALD REAGAN :P or :b two versions of sticking tongue out :"-( Crying :"< }-": Crying :'-( :'( Crying (Only One Tear) :-O---- Throwing up :) :( ;) smile, frown or sad face, wink, :) smiley face *:-) Smiley face with fuzzy hair 8--) Smiley wearing glasses B:-) Smiley with sunglasses on head :)X man with bow tie :)# man with beard :-c :-C Unhappy (Very Unhappy) :-)..:-(..:-) Manic-Depressive :-D big smile :-O surprise :-P smoking pipe or sticking out tongue :-P' sticking out tongue and drooling :-') runny nose :-(*) getting sick :-) <:-( Asking a Dumb Question :-)8 all dressed up :-)' drooling :-)) :->> Smiling a Huge Smile ((-: Smiling a Huge Smile :-)) too many brownies :-* |-* (eyes closed on the second one) Kiss :-* kiss :-| B-| Straight Face :-I |-8 Straight Face :-} sticking out tongue :-p Tongue sticking out :< too bad (actually, means "seams don't match" but not relevant here?) :{ man with mustache :{# man with beard AND mustache ;-) wink =:-O Margaret calls it terror with hair on end. Someone else: Bart Simpson. :-X My Lips are sealed =:-) hair standing up =|:-)= Uncle Sam @:) DICK CLARK [-) sleeping ];> Devilish Smile {]:) MAN IN BASEBALL CAP {]:) MAN IN BASEBALL CAP |-( |-) Tired, Very };-> Another devilish Smile SECTION 4 Other Symbols. Contents sorted mechanically. """"""""" SOLIDLY CAPITALIZED TEXT YELLING """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" #@$!%@#!! [*CENSORED*] * * * kisses ...---... S.O.S. @-->---- a rose @-->------ x 12 (a dozen roses) to you @-->--------- a long-stemmed rose @>--->---- A rose [!] A hug [( ) Cup of coffee or beer mug [[[]]] or ((())) lots of hugs [] or () a hug []) a mug of coffee _text_ Underline text *text* | Italicize text {{;]}} doubly armored tank SECTION 5 Batman Series. Contents sorted manually. """"""""" >) BatMan >:) BatMan after catching a glimpse of the girl >:P BatMan after getting a date with the girl >)X BatMan going to the date, wearing a formal bowtie <|P BatMan after the date *>) X-Mas BatMan 8->) Wind-up BatMan |(>) BatMan wearing Calvin's beanie SECTION 6 Clam Series. Contents sorted manually. """"""""" () Standard clam (:) Clam just woke up (8) Psycho Clam (8P Psycho Clown Clam (*) Clam waving pompom at clam olympics 8-() Wind-up Clam (1) Cincinnati Clam (_) Empty Clam (+) Red Cross Clam (;) Clam Tease [:) Pop-top Clam {:} Armored attack clam (|) Klaatu Klam (=) Clam, rear view <=:) Conehead clam (^) Rare endangered toothed clam, top view (X) Prodigy Censor Clam (#) Puerto Rican clam (that's a mosquito net) (@) Alien Clam, just landed / \ (:)) happy as a Clam at high tide. Tha-tha-thats ALL folks! I know there's probably a few more that weren't on the above, but you get the idea! :) -Mark - Sepulveda, CA (M.GOLDSTEI15, CAT6, TOP390, MSG:1/M475) ////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "You know, there ought to be a special area reserved in Hades / / for people who go 6 months (or longer) without backing up / / their hard drives!!" / ///////////////////////////////////////////// LLOYD PULLEY //// [EOA] [FYI]////////////////////////////// F.Y.I. / ///////////////////////////////// RTC Invitation! """"""""""""""" By Jeff Williams [JEFF.W] >>> ATTENTION ATARI DEVELOPERS <<< """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Happy New Year! I hope 1992 will bring health, happiness, and success to you and your families. I coordinate the weekly Wednesday evening Realtime Conferences in the ST Roundtable on GEnie. Most of you are probably familiar with our RTCs (you may well have been a featured guest at one or more of them). But for those who may not know about them, the Realtime Conference is a realtime "chat" or "CB" area in the ST Roundtable where everyone in the RTC room can instantly communicate with everyone else in attendance. What you type on your keyboard is seen by everyone else when you hit the RETURN key. Most of our RTCs are informal and free-wheeling. We get together on Wednesday evenings starting at 10:00 pm Eastern Time and start party- ing and chatting about anything that comes up. There is usually more than one conversation going on at any particular time, which makes for an interesting, maybe challenging, time for all in attendance. These informal RTCs eventually wind themselves down after a few hours. On special occasions, we have a special guest in the RTC. For these events, I'll put the room into Listen-Only mode. We call these formal conferences. Only my guest(s) and myself can speak freely during a formal RTC. When it comes time for questions and answers from the floor, I let folks address my guest(s) in an orderly fashion, one at a time. I control who can speak and when they can speak. But I can't control -what- they have to say. The formal conferences generally last for about an hour, but if my guest(s) and the conference attendees are up to it, we'll go longer. I am putting together a schedule of Realtime Conferences for the ST Roundtable. I would like to schedule an RTC to cover your product(s) or special interests. If you are coming out with a new product, a Realtime Conference is a great way to get word out and answer questions directly from your potential customers. If you have a special interest or expertise, like Music, Desktop Publishing, Games, etc., it may well make for a good RTC. For our ST Roundtable membership who cannot attend a formal RTC, I place an edited transcript of the conference in the Software Library. By doing this, we can bring your RTC to a lot of folks who could not attend. These conference transcripts are frequently reprinted in online magazines and user group newsletters. I've even seen our formal RTCs credited as the source of information appearing in U.S. and British magazines. As you can see, the ST Roundtable Realtime Conference provides an excellent forum to highlight your product or cause. If you don't have anything coming up soon, please consider this an open invitation to be my guest for an RTC in the future. Please send email to JEFF.W at any time, letting me know when you can be available for a Realtime Conference. Please feel free to drop in for our informal conferences at any time. Several Atari developers and users regularly attend the informal conferences. It's a casual setting for a relaxing conversation with other Atari developers and users. Most folks liken our informal conferences to cocktail parties. Some big advantages of our informal conferences over cocktail parties are that you don't have to dress up to attend, you can have whatever you want to eat or drink (B.Y.O.B.), and you don't have to worry about driving home afterward. If you have any suggestions for RTC subjects, even if they don't include you as the guest, please pass them along to me. If they interest you, they are sure to interest many of our ST Roundtable members. Thank you. Regards, Jeff Williams Atari ST Roundtable /////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "On the other hand, I've heard that the DeskCart incom- / / patabilities can be fixed with a heavy blow from a hammer. / / Just make sure to remove the DeskCart from your ST before / / applying the fix. " / //////////////////////////////////////////////// JEFF.W //// [EOA] [DLR]////////////////////////////// DEALER VIEWPOINT / ///////////////////////////////// MIDI Addiction """""""""""""" By Sheldon Winick [S.WINICK] Last week's BRACE (Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts) meeting featured an incredible MIDI demonstration and live performance of an original score by one of our members, Matt Cox. The music was his final project for a creative music course he was just completing here at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The course instructor is Dr. Robert Moog -- yes, the father of the Moog Synthesizer that helped start the electronic music revolution. Dr. Moog has personally visited with us in the past, and has made his own creative music presentation and demonstration of the concepts of electronic music. He has also shared tapes of other student's final projects with us at previous meetings. Dr. Moog continues to be on the cutting edge of this revolution, and is providing his students with a solid foundation upon which to foster their own creativity. Helping them to release their creative talents are, of course, Atari computer systems. And for their sequencing and scoring software, his students are treated to Steinberg-Jones Cubase. But what made last week's presentation even more unique is the fact that it wasn't a typical electronic keyboard that was used. Instead, the featured instrument was a percussion board. About the size of a typical electronic keyboard, it contained no keys. Instead, it featured two rows of foam covered percussion pads, activated by drumsticks. But instead of the drum sounds you might expect, all sounds were instead created by editing of real-time sampled sounds which were carefully edited, adjusted and modified using Steinberg-Jones Avalon software package; then stored on disk and loaded as needed into the electronic instruments. Sound changes were accomplished by drum pads which were programmed to control the loading of the sound patches remotely from the computer. The sampled sounds could be modified and adjusted from the percussion pads and foot pedals to produce the exact sounds and effects desired by the artist. The creative spirit of any artist can only benefit from equipment that is powerful and easy to use. Teamed with high end software packages like Steinberg-Jones Cubase and Avalon, the Atari computer platform excels among creative musicians to help unleash the creativity inside their minds. Instead of having to be burdened by cumbersome, difficult to learn and use equipment, the Atari platform provides the musical artist with the tools necessary to allow their creative energies to flow. Quality computer equipment and software, in the hands of talented individuals, can become an invaluable tool to help unleash that creativity. Not only does the Atari platform offer built-in MIDI ports, but an operating system that that is as user-friendly as it gets. The artist won't be burdened with having to memorize all sorts of 'computerese' just to use the equipment. Instead, he can concentrate on what he really wants those electronic tools to do to assist in releasing his creative talents. The Atari platform also offers the artist the largest selection of quality MIDI software available for any platform. The list of software huge; everything from educational applications to hardware-specific tools are available. But your Atari's MIDI capabilities aren't limited to professional artists alone. Nearly everyone can benefit from knowing how to use those two little ports on the side or rear of your ST. Educational music software is available to help you learn about your keyboard and music in general. This type of software actually plays through your electronic keyboard and serves as a tutorial to assist you in learning about whatever your needs or desires require. I have customers who are talented enough to know how to play a keyboard, and even create their own musical scores, building up wonderful music by sequencing multiple tracks of music into each creation, yet cannot even read a note of musical score. Most MIDI keyboards today are capable of playing multiple tracks of music simultaneously. With the help of your Atari and a sequencing software package, you have easy access to that capability. And if you hit a wrong key during a session, you can easily go back and make the correction on screen to modify the note, duration, aftertouch, etc. to give you exactly the sound you want. I also have customers who can't play a note themselves, but enjoy the ability to input the musical notation directly through their computer keyboard and have a finished piece of music play back through their MIDI equipment. And a keyboard isn't even necessary for this type of application -- it can be done with a rack-mount or module version of a standard keyboard. A rack-mount box or module is essentially the same system that is inside an electronic keyboard, but without the keys. The sounds are the same, and it offers the same programming and playback capabilities as a keyboard. For musicians who already own a quality keyboard, a rack-mount unit or module offers them the ability to add a whole new array of sounds to their existing equipment. For the individual who cannot play a keyboard, they offer the ability to produce those same sounds and songs by sending the musical data directly from their Atari computer. Most everyone is familiar with how a tape recorder works to record sounds for later playback. A sequencing software package is similar in its operation, except instead of actually recording the sounds, it records the actual music data necessary to recreate those sounds on the original synthesizer. The advantage of this should be obvious. It offers the ability to correct and modify the data easily, sequence multiple tracks of sounds together for simultaneous playback on the same synthesizer or multiple synthesizers, and do so without even the slightest chance of any audible distortion being introduced in the process. Since no actual sounds are being recorded, there's no chance for audible distortion, and hence no longer any need for an expensive sound studio for the 'taping'. Any room of your home can become a "studio" where you can record perfect sound! Many keyboard artists today count on their Atari's for these abilities. Even live performances are enhanced by their ability to easily control the sound capabilities of their equipment through the computer. Many pre-record and save several tracks of musical accompaniment for playback through their MIDI equipment during "live" performances. With the right software, they can even assign certain keys of their musical keyboard to control the loading and modifying of different sound patches into that equipment. They can easily redefine the sounds each key will produce, and can split the keyboard electronically into sections for differing sounds and effects. The MIDI data, once stored on disk by the computer, can easily be recalled at any time to recreate the original performance. That data can also be loaded into scoring software and sent to a dot-matrix or laser printer to produce finished musical scores. If words to a song are desired, they can be easily added on your ST's keyboard, and automatically centered on the musical notation. This ability is not only invaluable for the professional musician, but can also make it possible for groups such as church choirs to customize and print the music they will be using for church services. Most of us are aware of the power of word processing software, and how it has made creation and editing of the written word so much easier. You can think of musical sequencing and scoring as word processing for the musician, only better. Sequencing software enables one to cut and paste notation as you would sentences or paragraphs. Just like your word processor gives you the ability to recreate any saved document exactly as it originally appeared, MIDI software allows you to exactly recreate any musical performance also in its original form. The technology is exciting. And all that power is sitting there inside your Atari just waiting to be unleashed. The computer is merely a tool, waiting for you to take advantage of its capabilities. Fortunately, for we Atarians, our systems have these capabilities already built-in. It's up to us to take advantage of them. Your Atari sits there ready to lead you into a world of opportunity and challenge. The only limitation is your own imagination. Happy (Atari) Computing. Sheldon Winick (GEnie Address: S.WINICK) Computer STudio (Asheville, NC) [*][*][*] Sheldon owns and operates Computer STudio, a full-service Atari dealership in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to (Atari) computing, other interests include motorcycling, skiing, camping and hiking. He is also Newsletter Editor for the Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts (BRACE) and was past president of that user group. Sheldon is also a registered architect, and operated his own architectural office between 1971 and the time he turned his computer hobby into Computer STudio in 1988. He still does architectural work for select clients, and currently has work in progress in Florida, North Carolina and Colorado. His current architectural drawings are, of course, being prepared on his Atari based CADD system, using DynaCADD software. /////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "I brought the "BEST" mouse for $25.00 and I LOVE IT. It moves / / like a sleek race car, my Atari mouse now feels like a triple / / box tractor trailer." / ///////////////////////////////////////////////// G.JONES25 //// [EOA] [ELS]////////////////////////////// ST ELSEWHERE / ///////////////////////////////// Other Areas Of IntereST """"""""""""""""""""""" By Terry Quinn [T.QUINN1] >>> THIS TIME - FOOD & WINE! <<< """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" This months elsewhere is Fun!!! The Food & Wine roundtable (Page 1150) is one of the newest roundtables on GEnie and is in many respects a microcosm of the entire GEnie system. There are technical topics (Tech Angels, Kitchen Equipment, etc.), Party topics (the virtual city, virtual food fights, etc.), Humor topics, file libraries, and of course recipes from all corners of the globe (plus a few from elsewhere I think!). Like many Roundtables, what makes this one special is the people who hang out here. Gail, the sysop may keep things running smoothly but this RT would be a boring place without such luminaries as Lady.Luck, Garlic Queen or the Cookie Lady. There is such a collection of cooking aficionados here both amateur and professional that you can literally find answers to almost any cooking question you can imagine. For example, ever encounter a really tough steak? Here is the solution to your problem word for word: Food and Wine Roundtable Category 2, Topic 14 Message 250 Fri Jan 10, 1992 S.MEASE [COOKIE LADY] at 00:11 EST -Begin Recipe Export- Title: How to Cook a Tough Steak Keywords: British, Steak, Humour Put a piece of tough steak in a pan and pour over same 1 wineglass of whiskey, 1 wineglass brandy, 1 wineglass of Cointreau and cook for 10 minutes. Add 1 wineglass of Benedictine. Lift the steak from the pan and throw it in the dustbin and drink the gravy. -End Recipe Export- ---------- If you are interested in touring the world (or at least eating like you are), you can find local specialties from every corner of the globe. You can begin in England with Bangers and Spotted Dick (Category 6 Topic 22) and journey all the way to the Africa (Category 6 Topic 21) or the Far East. You've never really lived until you have enjoyed plunging your fingers into a Moroccan Bisteeya or eaten a freshly grilled Malaysian Satay. Besides learning to prepare specialities like these, you can also learn to appreciate or actually make wines, beers or cheeses. Besides the culinary arts, you also can learn ancillary arts like party preparation, etiquette, entertaining a crowd and other useful things. If you have old cookbooks or appliances, there are even some "swapshop" topics where you can exchange your old "treasures" for someone elses "junk" (or is it the other way around?) All this and more awaits you in GEnie's Souk - the Food & Wine Roundtable! ////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "BTW My wife is either starting into labor or will be in the / / next day or so. I do not expect to be logging on for the / / next week. Call if you need immediate support." / / / / "Heh, heh. Bob thinks he's only going to be busy for a week." / //////////////////////////////////////// B.LUNESKI1 - MUSE //// [EOA] [LIB]////////////////////////////// THE ONLINE LIBRARY / ///////////////////////////////// [*]PS's: Get It While It's Hot! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" by Mel Motogawa [M.MOTOGAWA] >>> P.S.'s <<< """""""""""""" Whew! I took a one-issue hiatus from the P.S.'s column, and you should see how many new files were uploaded to the file library on a daily basis. As I edit this, there have been 347 files uploaded to the ST RoundTable in just 26 days, an average of 13 files a day. I don't know about you, but that seems to me to be a very positive sign that at least the ST is moving out of its "recession" and seems to be headed for good times. Here is a sampling of some of the files uploaded. Any comments of my own are shown within double asterisks "**...**" after the file description, in the ascii GEnie Lamp version, and also in italics in the TX2 version. (If you haven't experienced reading the Lamp in TX2 format, why not download the TX2 file viewer (file #20441) by David Holmes? You may be surprised at the versatility and power of this program, above and beyond viewing TX2 Lamp issues.) Enjoy! [*][*][*] #22445 PINHED21.ARC 12544 Hot on the heels of PinHead 2.0 comes PinHead 2.1! Version 2.1 is now compatible with ALL versions of TOS in ROM, from TOS 1.0 up to TOS 2.6/3.06. (Version 2.0 only worked with TOS 1.4 and above.) PinHead is the *tiny* AUTO folder utility that speeds up the loading of all programs - you won't believe how much faster your bootup goes! It's similar to TOS's "fastload bit," but completely automatic and more compatible with problem programs and accessories. Please read the included docs carefully! PinHead 2.1 is *shareware*. Copyright 1989,90,91,92 Charles F. Johnson & Little Green Footballs. All Rights Reserved. Extract with ARC602ST.ARC (#13310) ** Pinhead really does work and I prefer it over using the fastbit setting. The faster boot times are especially noticeable when you boot your auto folder. Super shareware that pays you back every time you boot or run a program. ** #22443 STZIP11.LZH (LH5)LZH 85888 ST ZIP version 1.1 has a full GEM menu interface. It's fast and it makes a smaller overall file than ARC. Included in this file is a smaller .TTP file for use with a custom shell or BBS. The program file may be renamed to a TTP and used. Both programs operate perfectly after being packed (PFXetc.). Everything has been translated, docs and programs. Fully compatible with PKZIP. LZH'd for easy access. Enjoy! ----- Extract with an LH5-compatible LHARC utility like LZH201I. ** A very good Zip creator/extractor. Handy if you frequent the IBM RT. Overall, not as good as the LH5 format in compressing, but its strong point is speed. ** #22427 BONBON.LZH(LH5)LZH 16128 File includes two ACC/PRG (rename as needed) games from Germany. Breakout ('nuff said) and KUBIS - a Tetris clone. They work in Mono or Color. A small English read.me is enclosed, the actual docs are in German but the programs are easy to figure out. Just the thing when a quick time-wasting game is needed. This is an LH5 archive. -- Sysops note: Please use the latest LZH extractor. QUESTOR Mode: Both games can be used as an .ACC or as a .prg file #22407 MEGASTE.LZH (LH5)LZH 9984 This is what I call the MegaSTE Configuration Set. This is a collection of four small programs to set various Cache and Speed settings for the MegaSTE computer. All of the programs will run from the Desktop, AUTO Folder, and TOS Mode. There are FAST (16Mhz, Cache), NORM (8Mhz, No Cache), FASTNC (16Mhz, No Cache), and WHATAMI (This tells you your current configuration). There is a READ.ME file inside this archive which explains in detail how to use these programs. These programs are considered Shareware. -- Please use the latest LZH extractor. #22402 MERCURY.ARC 485248 This is Rodnet Volz implementation of uucp/uucico/rmail/rnews/tar and all the other things required to set you up for internet/usenet. We have configured it to work from un-arc to click to run. For those of you who have access to Internet or Usenet at work/school this will allow you to do it all from home. Will work with Forem and other BBS (we use it as a mailer etc for our MBBS) as a door and the likes. -- Please use ARC602ST.ARC (file# 13310) to extract. #22401 PGS_CS.ARC 26496 This desk accessory replaces PGS_AP_D which allows access to those "odd- ball" characters which normally would require complex key combinations and a chart. This version is updated to work with the latest version of PageStream (which is required; this accessory is of little use without it) and to include the low-end characters (card suits, etc.). The ARC file contains the .ACC, a READ.ME text file and the documentation in PageStream 2.1 format. -- Must have PAGESTEAM 2.1 to use. Please use ARC602ST.ARC (file# 13310) to extract. #22394 DCRSRV12.ARC 6656 DC Reserve will reserve a predefined amount of memory when you execute a program. For instance, if you run FLASH! it normally uses all available memory for a capture buffer. With DC Reserve installed and set to reserve 100K, when you execute FLASH! you will have 100K free RAM in the program for use for other things (like Data Diet and DC Shower). Try it as a replacement for other memory reserve functions...it's that good! ------ Use ARC602ST.TTP (#13310) or other current ARC utility to extract. TESTED->TOS 1.4/1.0 ** Works great on my 1040 STe. Allows you to use desk accessories in programs where you formally couldn't due to the application grabbing all available ram when it booted. Reserve can also be run from the auto folder. A screenshot is included in the color/mono TX2 issues. ** #22386 BOOTTYME.ARC 5888 Install BootTyme on the floppy in drive A, then boot your system with one switch. Automatically waits for hard drive, no y to press. Bypass the 90 second delay in the new TOSs. -------- TT Compatible. Use ARC602ST.TTP (#13310) to extract. SYSOP NOTE: This program will write to the boot sector of your disks. As with all programs that do this, use with caution. File shows up as a VIRUS on many virus detection utilities However, I have found it not to be the case. #22367 STW45GS.ARC 98176 UPDATED GERMAN AND SPANISH VERSIONS OF ST WRITER ELITE V.4.5 WORD PROCESSOR. This version does not trash DC Desktop. Has floppy formatting routines for 1.44 Meg disks on computers with H.D. disk drives. Fixes numerous misspellings in German and Spanish. ----- Extract with ARC602ST.TTP (#13310). #22366 STWEL45.ARC 44672 LATEST UPLOAD OF THE FAMOUS WORD PROCESSOR. This version has compat- ibility with DC Desktop, and allows 1.44 Meg Floppy disk formatting on ST's and TT's equipped with H.D. drives. ----- Extract with ARC602ST.TTP (#13310). #22365 TANDY2ST.TXT 2816 This is a short text file with a wiring diagram for connecting a Tandy floppy to an ST. ----- NOTE: The author and GEnie assume no responsibility for problems that may occur while attempting this procedure. ASCII text file. May be iewed online or ownloaded. #22363 CLDEMO.ARC 98048 This is a demo of Cleanup ST, ICD's hard disk diagnostic and repair program. The demo does everything the real version does except write its changes. Confused FATs, disheveled directories, and corrupt clusters are no match for this program. Both the demo and the real program require an ICD host adapter. Unauthorized distribution is prohibited. Use ARC 6.02 or later to decompress. ** A very good program to have if you're using an ICD host adapter. Check it out. A screenshot is included in the color/mono TX2 issues. ** #22362 ICDHOST.ARC 351232 This file contains the latest versions of all ICD host adapter support programs. Check the file VERSIONS.TXT for specific version numbers (included in this archive and separately). Unauthorized distribution is prohibited! Please don't upload this to your local BBS or put it in your club library. Use ARC 6.02 or later to decompress. #22361 VERSION.TXT 640 This text file contains the latest version numbers of the files found in ICDHOST.ARC and CLDEMO.ARC to help you better decide if the download is for you. As with all ICD files (unless otherwise noted), this file is copyright by ICD, Inc. Unauthorized distribution is prohibited. Download it but please don't spread it around. #22354 UNARJST.LZH 10880 This file decompresses *.ARJ files which are found in many IBM BBS's. ---- Please use the latest version of Questor LZH to extract. Tested on a TT030. #22341 ARC_LZH.PRG 112128 Download and run this program and click on the EXTRACT button. This will create 4 files: READ_ME.1ST, ARCSHELL.PRG (v3.1), ARCSHELL.TXT, ARC602ST.TTP (v6.02), and LHARC.TTP (v2.01I). These files will let you extract files from virtually every .ARC and .LZH file in the ST Roundtable Software Libraries. Read READ_ME.1ST and ARCSHELL.TXT for instructions. Normal library policy prohibits the uploading of self- extracting archives, but this one is an exception. ----- This program is a self-extracting archive. You do not need any other utility to extract the files. Just run it and select EXTRACT. ** If you download files and are confused by the LH5 lzh format, here's an easy way to cover all the bases. Everything you need to get up to speed on extracting ARC or LZH files. ** #22328 FUJIMAUS.LZH (LH5) 15872 Latest (bug free) enhancements to FujiDesk. A mouse pointer that looks where it's going and falls to dreamland after a period of inactivity! A ticking watch replaces the boring busy bee! A spinning or rainbow Fuji adorns your menu bar. PLUS! At LAST! A "fix" for nasty alerts that have NO MOUSE POINTER! Configurable with enclosed ACC/PRG. Full dox. Works in ST high-med-low-mono overscan-mono bigscreen & TT Medium & mono bigscreen (that's the Fuji, the mouse works with anything!) ShareWare from Chet Walters @ WizWorks. Short DL! Grab! Questor LZH'd. (crashing ACC bug fixed in this version 1.31) ** Another great program by Chet Walters. Does everything it says and I particularly like the reliable mouse recoverer. Support shareware! A screenshot of the configuration utility is included in the color/mono TX2 issues. ** #22315 TX2CNVT1.LZH 21376 This is the first released update to the TX2 Converter in quite a while. It will convert Z*Net, STReport, and GEnie Lamp [PR] to the TX2 format, with plenty of special effects and an index! It can also convert between ST Writer and TX2 files, so you can create and edit your own TX2 files. This new version creates Level 4 files only, so you will need either Mini_TX2 1.50a or the TX2 Text Processor to view the created files. It has new Z*Net algorithms for their new format, plus several other new features. Freeware. ---- Please use the latest version of Questor LZH to extract. #22267 SPBT72.LZH (LH5)LZH 122624 Super Boot V7.2 -- Lets you select which desk accessories, auto programs, and DESKTOP.INF file to use. Set the date, time, write verify, and more. Lets you select GEM programs to autoboot. Use function keys to select commonly used sets of files. Password protection of your hard drive. Graphic Welcome Screen & digitized sound. NEW: Now works on all ST & STE models & all TOS versions, new sequential picture/sound mode, new status screen, bug fixes, more.... USE LATEST QUESTER.LZH TO EXTRACT. TESTED->TOS 1.4 #22254 MEGACHEK.LZH 194048 WELCOME, 520 USERS, TO THE ULTIMATE FINANCE MANAGER! That's right, MEGA- Check now runs on 512K machines despite the ADDED enhancements in version 1.1a. Color or Mono (mono highly recommended). TT COMPATIBLE IN ST RES'S. MEGA-Check is a program which will allow you to manage and answer questions about your personal finances with a full GEM interface. Pay any bill with a single mouse click or use the built-in PayMinder alarm system to automate your entire bill paying process. MEGA-Check will even print the checks for you on ANY printer. Handles multiple checking accounts. Full featured GEM generator. Will import ASCII data from other packages. Version 1.1a, only $39.95 from Muller Automation. Use any LZH extractor. TESTED->TOS 1.4 #22245 ESHLL222.LZH 48896 EDM Shell 2.22 by David Holmes This is the newest version of EDM Shell, an easy-to-use archive shell that handles ARC, LZH (both -lh1- and -lh5- ), ZIP and ZOO. It has editable command lines, and a powerful CONVERT function that can convert archives from one format to another. Shareware. NEW: Version 2.22 fixes a lot of bugs and sports a few changes for smoother operation. ---------- Use UNLZH.PRG to extract. TT Compatible in ST and TT Resolutions (slight redraw problem sometimes) ** A Browse File button now allows you to call a file viewer for reading text files you've just extracted. A screenshot is included in the color/mono TX2 issues. ** #22206 DISKDIAG.ARC 13440 Examines your hard disks and warns you if it finds problems. Run it when you have problems accessing files or folders on a disk. You should also run it occasionally to detect problems before they become serious. Automatically checks all the hard disks on your system. If it finds problems, it will report information about the problems and stop. May be placed in your AUTO folder to check your disks each time you boot. FREEWARE. Courtesy of Beckemeyer Development. ** Just run it and it does the rest. Automatically checks all partitions and let's you know if something is amiss. ** ----------- Use ARC602ST.TTP (#13310) to extract. TT Compatible in any resolution. #22171 AREACODE.LZH 47872 Area Code Locator v3.0a from DO NOT STAMP Software. This prg/acc identifies every telephone area code in North America, along with local cities, time zone, and local time. This minor update adds and corrects some city listings as well as fixing a memory allocation bug. Freeware. Works on all ST/TT030 machines in any resolution. ** Very handy for id'ing those telephone numbers in ads with no address. ** -------- Use UNLZH.PRG to extract. #22170 SHREDRPL.LZH 32256 SHREDR+ v3.0a from DO NOT STAMP Software. This shareware utility will totally and completely delete files by overwriting them with random characters. Use it to ensure that your private files remain private. Full GEM interface, .GTP compatible, command line support. Uses Maxifile III for multiple file selection. Many more features! This minor update improves memory allocation. Works on all ST/TT030 machines in all resolutions. ** A screenshot is included in the color/mono TX2 issues. ** ------------- Use UNLZH.PRG to extract. [[ SHREDRPL.P?? HERE ]] #22166 DB_EYES.ARC 9728 DB_EYES is an AUTO-FOLDER (tsr) program that places a pair of vigilant mouse-watching eyes on the screen. Each eye follows the mouse, where ever it may go, visible or not. Extra features: eye blinks when mouse button is depressed. (they also blink when you poke at them with the mouse) Sister application, CFGEYES.acc (or prg) configures all the parameters such as eye coordinates, blink rate, on/off and also saves them as new defaults. !******* Runs in low/med/hi resolutions *******! !******* Definitely a giggle a minute! *******! #22476 WHATIS56.ARC 21632 Here is another version of WHAT IS. This accessory will identify over 100 types of files. Just the thing if you put the wrong extender on a file or were unsure just what type of file you tried to load into a program. Also very good to identify types of files in your disk crashes and you are able to recover some of the files but no names for them at least you will know what files are what. -- Please use ARC602ST.ARC (file# 13310) to extract. #22153 GEMVIE11.LZH (LH5)LZH 107008 This is a accessory that allows you to view almost any type of graphics file. Includes GEM, Degas, Neo, GIF, SUN, IFF, and many others. ----- Please use the latest LZH extractor. #22127 NBM12.LZH (LH5) 20352 NBM, v1.2 - adds the NBMG graphics tests NBM will benchmark your ST/STe/TT, allowing you to compare the efficiency of your system with that of others. The built-in Compare function lists results obtained from various hardware setups. Also includes a Print function, so that you can print your results. ---- Please use the latest version of Questor LZH to extract. #22099 S_CARD_2.ARC 88064 A Database program that is easy to use. ----- Please use ARC602ST.ARC (file# 13310) to extract. #22098 S_CARD_1.ARC 101632 A Database program that is easy to use. ----- Please use ARC602ST.ARC (file# 13310) to extract. #22075 N_DESKTP.LZH 3584 N_DESKTP.ACC changes the background pattern of the desktop. The standard fill pattern can be replaced by any standard VDI fill pattern. This is version 1.4. Free software from Noud van Kruysbergen in the Netherlands. ----- Please use the latest LZH extractor. [*][*][*] Mel Motogawa has been hooked to his ST since 1986 and when not online, enjoys reading every ST mag he can lay his hands on. "After years of just reading messages and garnering infor- mation, I decided it was time to break out. Don't be a lurker forever, get the most out of the ST Roundtable. Ask questions online or answer the ones you can. Share the wealth!" ////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "Ooooooh, how I love finding functions that I was going to / / write, when someone else has already written/debugged them... / /////////////////////////////////////////////// C.HERBORTH //// [EOA] [PDQ]////////////////////////////// PD_QUICKVIEW / ///////////////////////////////// EDM SHELL: Yours For The Asking """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" By Fred H. Koch [F.KOCH] Program Name : EDM Shell 2.22 Filename : ESHLL222.LZH Library Area : 40 Program Number : 22245 File Size : 48896 Program Type : Archive Shell Author : David Holmes Version Reviewed: 2.22 File Type : Shareware, $10.00 [*][*][*] WHAT IT IS EDM Shell provides a GEM interface for the four most """""""""" popular Archive utilities, ARC, LZH (lh1 & lh5), ZIP, and ZOO. WHAT IT DOES EDM Shell is designed for use by both beginners and """""""""""" advanced users. Everything is already set-up for basic use, but it is also very versatile and configurable. Its editable command lines ensure future compatibility while providing maximum flexibility. It also adds a powerful CONVERT function which can convert an archive into any another format. This program should run on any ST/STe/TT in any resolution. The program does not use GEM; instead, it uses a remarkable new interface called EDM. The custom interface provides keyboard equivalents to almost every menu and alert box selection. Very handy for those who prefer using the keyboard. [opening screen, picture 1] The Shell can be installed as an application for the following extenders: ARC, LZH, ZIP, and ZOO. If this is done, any time you click on an archive file, EDM Shell will launch and ask what you want to do with the file. You can also pass filenames any way your alternate desktop allows. EDM Shell can be configured for just about any set-up you choose. Archive utilities can be in any location on any drive and with any name. It has five archive utility slots one for each basic archive type and two for LZH, one which uses the older LZH command structure and one for the different Quester LZH commands. The default path, archive utility, five additional commands, and even a text viewer can all be selected and saved for use each time EDM shell is run. Any of the basic command lines can also be changed to account for changes in the archive utilities without having to wait for an update from the author. [configuration screen, picture 2] The Following is a brief description of the five basic functions. o ADD: adds files to an archive or creates a new archive. o EXTRACT: extracts all files from an ARC/LZH/ZIP/ZOO file. o LIST: lists all of the files in an archive. o MOVE: similar to ADD, except that after a file has been added to an archive, the original file is deleted. o CONVERT: converts an archive to a different compression type (i.e. ARC to LZH). This is an internal function of EDM Shell. The Beginner Menu has only the five basic functions. The Advanced Menu contains the five basic functions, plus five user defined buttons. These user defined buttons are originally set up for "Verbose List," "Test," "Update," "Freshen," and "Delete." [picture of advanced menu, picture 3] EDM Shell allows choosing to use the standard GEM item selector, including any of the alternate ones you might have installed, or the custom EDM fileselector. The EDM Fileselector is different from the standard GEM fileselector in many ways. There are two scrollable areas: the left box is for directories, the right is for files. Between the two boxes are the search masks. At the top is the current path, and the currently selected file is on the right, just above the exit buttons and drive selector. If you are using the EDM Fileselector, you will only be able to select between the two LZH programs. This is because the EDM File- selector uses multiple search masks, and will automatically assign ARC, ZIP, and ZOO files to the appropriate archive program; however, since the LZH extender is used for both LZH compression methods, you must select which you wish to use. [picture of file selector, picture 4] [*][*][*] PD_Q RATING * * * * """"""""""" DOCUMENTATION GOOD """"""""""""" PD_Q COMMENTS If you use an archive utility you need an archive shell. """"""""""""" EDM shell has about every feature I could want in a shell except extraction of multiple files using wild cards. The file viewer is very handy and can use just about any one you choose, including file editors. This feature alone has saved me much time switching between programs. EDM Shell 2.22 is very easy for the beginner since it has the commands for basic Arc/unArc preconfigured, but flexible enough to make most power users happy too. Previous versions had several bugs, some of which made it almost unusable, but this version seems very stable. I highly recommend it! //////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "Just be careful using DB_EYES with TOUCH UP. Did some picture / / editing last night and wound up having to do some eye surgery!" / ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////// SM //// [EOA] [HAC]////////////////////////////// HACK'N ATARI / ///////////////////////////////// [*]Down To The Wire """"""""""""""""""" By Bill Yung (TX2 MONO ONLY) o HACK'N PART I: Convert A NES Advantage For Your ST o HACK'N PART II: Modifying A CX-80 Trackball For Your ST PLEASE REMEMBER! You are responsible for any damage or liability when """""""""""""""" you make any modifications or upgrades to your equipment. Also keep in mind that opening your computer may void your guarantee. If you are unsure of your ability to take on a hardware project, find someone who isn't. SEE THE DIFFERENCE Note that this is a TX2 article which contains """""""""""""""""""" detailed illustrations on how to convert a Nintendo Nes Advantage joystick and to make a CX-80 Trackball, both of which are compatible options for an ST or Amiga computer. Note that due to the detail involved, TX2 graphics for this article are available in MONOchrome format only. (LMP341_M.LZH) [*][*][*] >>> CONVERT A NES ADVANTAGE FOR YOUR ST <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 1) Remove feet from bottom of Joystick 2) Remove screws from bottom of Joystick and open case. 3) Cut existing double Nintendo cable loose and discard. 4) Cut the wires from the joystick assembly to the main pc board near the pc board end making note of the original position of the wires before doing so, EXCEPT FOR THE GROUND WIRE. Leave the ground wire connected between the two boards. 5) Using pin out chart, route the wires to the appropriate pins as described on the bottom of the picture. 6) Close it up and enjoy. You'll have to find a db-9 with all nine conductors to get power to the circuit to run the turbo buttons. Often times in other "how to" articles, I have read authors' recommendation to purchase a joystick extender from Radio Shack. They no longer carry this item. They do carry db-9 connectors and cable to make your own though the db-9 they carry will not work on a 520 because it has ears on it for screws to secure it to the connector ala AT-serial type. It will fit fine on any ST that has the connectors under the keyboard instead of on the side. If you have an old 520 with the joystick ports on the side, a mouse cable would be a convenient solution. IF you do choose to use a mouse cable, the strain relief will work nicely on the Advantage and looks great too. An important point to mention about noise is briefly mentioned at the bottom of the picture. There is a piece of metal that is held on top of one of the six posts by a screw in the pc board. Remove the screw and discard the metal piece. The small piece of metal connects the case bottom to ground thus making it a giant rf transmitter causing noticeable sparkles of interference when using a TV for a monitor. The lock on feature will in effect hold down the "A" button for you when the slow button is up. Pressing the button down will defeat the feature. It has no effect on the "B" button. This modification really works great! I love mine and am un- stoppable in most shoot'em ups with it. I don't know of a better joy- stick. The NES Advantage won't work with the new Super NES so look for them cheap if you don't already have one. They have a heavy steel bottom lending great stability to the unit and are well worth the money. >>> MODIFYING A CX-80 TRACKBALL FOR YOUR ST <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" The section in the center of the drawing is the real key to the mod. It shows a letter and corresponding color. The letters represent points marked on the pc board to which it is necessary to reroute the wires. Here's a step by step. 1) Remove feet from bottom of Trackball 2) Remove screws from bottom of Trackball and open case. 3) Pull the wires that are mentioned in the center of the pi3 file loose from the pc board. (They are attached by spades) 4) Reroute the wires to the appropriate points A-D. 5) Close it up and enjoy. If you need the right button to function as a right mouse button, things get a little more difficult. The problem is, Atari didn't provide your db-9 connector with all 9 conductors. You'll have to find a db-9 with all nine conductors or at least 8 of them to get the right button to work. Often times in other "how to" articles, I have read authors' recommendation to purchase a joystick extender from Radio Shack. They no longer carry this item. They do carry db-9 connectors and cable to make your own though the db-9 they carry will not work on a 520 because it has ears on it for screws to secure it to the connector ala AT-serial type. It will fit fine on any ST that has the connectors under the key- board instead of on the side. If you have an old 520 with the joystick ports on the side, a mouse cable would be a convenient solution. I might also mention Double Click has a utility out that allows one to use the right shift key as a right mouse button and this works very well. DCslick I think it's called. This may be a better idea than going to the trouble and expense to hook up the right button as a right button. The right trackball button will function as a left mouse button unless you cut the trace at hackpoint "E". Having the cable ready to install, here's the step by step to enable the right mouse button: 1) Cut trace at hack point "E". 2) Using the plug view chart on the pi3 file, find the wire for pin 9 and connect to the side of the hack point nearest the right edge. 3) Use the pin out chart on the pi3 file to determine where to attach the remaining wires on the new cable. 4) The center section, which is the key to rerouting the wires, will not necessarily have the same colors as the cable you are using so use a voltmeter and the pinout chart on the pi3 file to convert the info for your use. Example: The center section starts with "A=red" This means the red wire should be rerouted to point "A". Using the pinout chart at the left, you can see that red, on the original cable, went to pin 2, thus connect whichever wire that goes to pin 2 to point "A" and so on... 5) Close it up and enjoy. NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR My apologies to the Amiga users out there if """"""""""""""""""""" this text file doesn't apply perfectly to your specific drawing. I also didn't verify the operation of this for you guys since I don't have an Amiga to try it on. I did however have access to the Amiga repair manual and used it to convert the first 4 pins so if I made a mistake your mouse will move the opposite way of what it should but that would be the worst case scenario. I'd love to hear from you if you try this on an Amiga and find it's right already or needs fixing. Hope you guys enjoy your Trackball. If you do this modification and like it, say a little prayer for me. Yeah, that's it..... It's prayerware! Bill Yung TUC BBS (614)575-2135 1/5/92 /////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "Those joypads...can you say "constant thumb blisters?" I / / knew you could! Can you say "permanent dent in left ring / / finger?" I knew you could!!!" / /////////////////////////////////////////// BLUE.MONDAY //// [EOA] [MIN]////////////////////////////// MINI_BYTES / ///////////////////////////////// [*]Three On One: SUPERBOOT 7.2 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Program Name : Super Boot Filename : SPBT72.LZH Library Area : 2 Program Number : 22267 File Size : 122624 Program Type : Boot Utility Author : Gordon Moore Version Reviewed: 7.2 File Type : ShareWare, $15.00 [*][*][*] FROM THE AUTHOR Super Boot is an "all-in-one" type program that does """"""""""""""" just about everything you could ever want to do each time you boot your computer. It allows you to: o Choose which Accessories to load in o Choose which AUTO programs to run o Choose from a number of DESKTOP.INF files, allowing you to change your resolution, color scheme, etc. on each boot o Choose from a number of ASSIGN.SYS files for GDOS o Choose other data files used by up to 8 different programs o Display a welcome screen from any picture in Degas, Neochrome, or Tinystuffed format, even on systems with both color and mono monitors, and it can rotate colors on color systems o Play digitized sound o Set the date if you so choose o Set the time if you so choose o Choose whether or not Super Boot will run by holding down a "hot-key", by a time delay feature, or by both o Restrict access to your system by use of a password (mainly useful for hard drive owners) o Set the floppy disk seek rate o Have Write Verify turned off if desired o Select the most used file configurations by simply pressing a function key, with up to 30 function keys supported o Customize Super Boot the way you want it using The Super Boot Construction Set -- a separate, easy to use GEM program. o Auto boot any GEM program o Set a default configuration if Super Boot is bypassed Super Boot works on all Atari ST and STE models, from any boot drive, on any version of TOS, and on both color and monochrome monitors. On color monitors, it will automatically be displayed in 4-color medium resolution. Super Boot can control up to 151 files at once. Super Boot's file selection functions work by changing filenames and copying files. Inactive accessories and autoboot programs will have an "X" as the last letter of the filename (CONTROL.ACX or GDOS.PRX for example). Since the ST only recognizes .ACC or .PRG files as valid accessories or programs, those files with "X" as the last letter in their name don't load. Super Boot makes it easy to control which of those files are active and which are inactive. It controls the DESKTOP.INF and ASSIGN.SYS files by copying one of several data files chosen by the user to the DESKTOP.INF or ASSIGN.SYS file. Super Boot also supports the data files of other programs, allowing the user to easily activate or inactivate them. In addition Super Boot utilizes the function keys by allowing separate file configurations to be assigned to each one (for 30 different function key combinations). When a function key is pressed, all files specified for that function key will be activated, and the other files not specified for that key will be inactivated. If one of the files which is assigned to a function key is deleted from the boot disk or is renamed, Super Boot will simply ignore it and the other files will be selected as usual. [*][*][*] MINI_BYTE BY HERETIC [70] For those of you who don't know, Superboot """"""""""""""""""""""""" 7.2 is the latest release of one of the original hard disk drive boot managers. With it, you can enable (or disable) autofolder programs, accessories, and even assign.sys files and desktops. Like other programs of its type, it works by renaming files at bootup time. What distinguishes Superboot from others of its kind is its heavy reliance on multiple setup/configuration files as its default method of operation. For example if you are wanting to fire up your computer for a heavy "Aladdin" session, just select the Aladdin configuration from your opening menu and it will select all the accessories, auto- folder programs, etc. you want to work with Aladdin instantly. A great convenience if this is the way you normally use your ST, however not so great a convenience if you normally don't use your ST in this manner. One other not so likable characteristic of Superboot is that it seems to suffer from creeping featureitis. Not only does this program help you manage your boot sequence but with its fancy show picture and play sound routines, it's supposed to keep you entertained in the process. This is all a bit much if you prefer a simpler more stream- lined approach to this task. Another dislikable feature is that it re- quires the use of a separate program (Superboot Construction Set) to change any of the options of the program itself. Again, this is both an inconvenience and an unnecessary complication. What kind of should this latest offering get? Well it deserves a passing one since it works and is bug free but for suffering from creeping featuritis it deserves about a 70. MINI_BYTE BY MOGUL [30] After spending a good deal of time rebuilding """"""""""""""""""""""" my previous boot partition and diligently re- moving the Superboot folder and adjunct files from my hard drive, my review of the latest Superboot may be predictable. I found Superboot to put both me and my system in a quandary. Besides slowing down the boot process considerably, a great deal of re- configuration was required to get Neodesk online through Superboot, and in between, various (and scary) desktops would appear, the kind that make you feel you should look for your hard disk utility floppy to effectuate some hard disk surgery. Luckily, no "fatal" problems occurred, but the relative value of this utility becomes questionable. Boot pictures were inconsistent (sometimes no picture at all), Sound Off files were incompatible, and the main setup screen did not support the mouse for selection. I feel compelled to ring the gong this time around. Superboot rates a 30 out of 100. As a side note: Charles Johnson's "Desk Manager" is VASTLY more intuitive and user friendly for this type of boot management (and uses the mouse!). MINI_BYTE BY SHEPHARD [95] Super Boot is an indispensable program for """""""""""""""""""""""""" anyone who ever changes their boot-up configuration. It can take quite a while to shift things around if you have to do it manually and have 20 or so different auto/acc programs to choose from as I do. With Super Boot it is as easy as pressing a single function key or selecting the desired programs with the cursor keys and space bar. The best part is once the selections are made, Super Boot finishes its work and is gone, taking NO memory after it is run, so it is available on even 512K machines with tight memory use. It is just as useful for floppy drive users since it can be placed on your boot disk with the AUTO and ACC programs, select those you want and off you go. It can be set to come up automatically or be bypassed unless you press a HOT key to call it up during boot-up. A very flexible program. If you change your boot-up configuration more than once or twice a year, you need this program. The Shephard's humble opinion. [*][*][*] No. File Name Type Address YYMMDD Bytes Access Lib ----- ------------------------ - ------------ ------ ------- ------ --- 22267 SPBT72.LZH (LH5)LZH X G.W.MOORE 920111 122624 313 2 Desc: Super Boot V7.2 - New & Improved! 18492 SBSOUNDS.ARC X G.W.MOORE 910303 192780 372 17 Desc: Sounds & Pictures - Super Boot V7.0 18493 SB_OTHER.ARC X G.W.MOORE 910303 78120 438 2 Desc: Utilities useful for Super Boot V7.0 GEnie LAMP MINI_BYTE'S RATING """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" HERETIC ............................................ 70 MOGUL .............................................. 30 SHEPHARD ........................................... 95 """" MINI_BYTE SCORE .................................... 65 MINI_BYTES RATING SYSTEM """""""""""""""""""""""" 0 / 9 Not worth the download - pass on this one. 10/20 Bored? Looking for something to do? 30/40 Got money to burn? Go for it! A definite maybe. 50/60 You may like this one - unfortunately, I did not. 70/80 I like it! You will probably like it too. 90/100 What? You haven't downloaded this program YET? >>> REVIEWER PROFILES <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""" SHEPHERD...Shepherd - uses mostly information storage programs and utilities, crazy about time saving programs, spends lots of time on- line, only plays games very rarely. MOGUL......uses the ST as a full-time professional platform, emphasizing word processing, spreadsheet, DTP, graphics applications, and a host of utilities/accessories for all exigencies. HERETIC....Uses mostly Wordwriter ST, Aladdin, and ST_Talk Professional. He writes a lot and is very hard to please. Loves sticking pins in sacred cows (both computer and political). He rarely has time for games (either the enjoyable kind or Bureaucrap!) ///////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "1. Save your objects as a 3D2 file from within Cyber Sculpt / / 2. Run Cad 3D. 3. Load the 3D2 file and execute your stamp / / operation. 4. Wait several hours. 5. Cuss when CAD-3D / / mangles your object!" / ///////////////////////////////////////////// J.STANFORD2 //// [EOA] [LYN]////////////////////////////// LINKING UP WITH LYNX / ///////////////////////////////// Atari Handheld Power! """"""""""""""""""""" "Actually one of Atari's problems right now is that they don't have enough systems to meet stores demands. They plan to step up production next year so they'll have enough to get into more of the chain stores that want the Lynx." -Clinton Smith >>> LYNX NEWS, RUMORS, REVIEWS AND VIEWS <<< """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" LYNX FINALLY ARRIVES! From the "Here's proof we've finally arrived" """"""""""""""""""""" category: In the February 1992 issue of Playboy, in the "Playboy Collection: things you can live with out, but who wants to?" section: "Atari's newly improved Lynx hand-held video-game system is reduced in size but still boasts a 3.5 inch screen, the largest in its class, $150, including an A.C. adapter and a game." Very nice picture of the unit with Blue Lighting on the screen (paused) and a glimpse of the RoadBlaster cart lying next to the system. Sure made my day! (ROBOCOP, CAT36, TOP5, MSG:85/M475) LYNX AGAINST THE WORLD """""""""""""""""""""" Lame Toy: 1) Lame Toy Base w/cart. (SPECIAL) $79.95 2) Lame Toy 4 Player Interface $19.95 3) Lame Toy Carrying Case $ 9.95 4) Lame Toy A.C. Adaptor $ 9.95 5) Lame Toy Screen Light/Magnifier $ 9.95 Lame Toy A.C. Adaptor for #5 $ 9.95 6) Lame Toy COLOR Adaptor n-a 7) Lame Toy CPU Turbo 4Mhz n-a 8) Lame Toy Second Cart. (your choice) $29.95 9) Lame Toy 16 Bit Graphics Engine n-a 10) Lame Toy 32 Bit Sound Processor n-a 11) Lame Toy Comfortable Controller n-a 12) Lame Toy lefthand player adaptor n-a 13) Lame Toy Non-Cheesy looking chassis n-a 14) Lame Toy Hardware Sprite Scaling n-a ------------------------------------------------ Grand Total $169.65 "How does the Lame Geer Fit in?" I hear you ask... Lame Geer: 1) Lame Geer Base w/cart. (SALE) $139.95 2) Lame Geer Multi Player Interface $ 9.95 3) Lame Geer Carrying Case $ 9.95 4) Lame Geer A.C. Adaptor $ 9.95 5) Lame Geer Screen Magnifier $ 9.95 6) Lame Geer COLOR Screen standard 7) Lame Geer CPU Turbo 4Mhz n-a 8) Lame Geer Second Cart. ("Sonic") standard 9) Lame Geer 16 Bit Graphics Engine n-a 10) Lame Geer 32 Bit Sound Processor n-a 11) Lame Geer Comfortable Controller n-a 12) Lame Geer lefthand player adaptor n-a 13) Lame Geer Non-Cheesy looking chassis standard 14) Lame Geer Hardware Sprite Scaling n-a --------------------------------------------------- Grand Total $179.75 So, where does that leave the Lynx??? Lynx Deluxe Package: 1) Lynx Console w/cart. $129.95 2) ComLynx Cable standard 3) Lynx Carrying Case standard 4) Lynx A.C. Adaptor standard 5) Lynx Large Lighted Screen standard 6) Lynx COLOR Screen standard 7) Lynx 4Mhz Turbo CPU standard 8) Lynx Second Cart. (your choice) $29.95 9) Lynx 16 Bit Graphics Engine standard 10) Lynx 32 bit sound processor standard 11) Lynx large comfortable controls standard 12) Lynx Lefthand Player feature standard 13) Lynx High Quality Chassis standard 14) Lynx Hardware Sprite Scaling standard ------------------------------------------------ Grand Total $159.90 ***WOW *** So, provided that the messages and information I've read here pertaining to the standard equipment of each system has been truthful (since I do not own all 3 systems), we can see that the Lynx Deluxe Package not only is the least expensive system, but also the MOST POWER- FUL! It seems like Nofundo could have done a LOT MORE considering their system costs MORE than the Lynx System. ______________________________ /hunderbird "Beep Beep! Zoooooom!" "Wile E. Riddle: 'Super Genius'" (D.ENGEL, CAT36, TOP5, MSG:73/M475) CYBERBALL MINI_VIEW The end of a years wait! The game that I origin- """"""""""""""""""" ally bought the Lynx for is finally out, Cyberball. With some of the other great games out for the Lynx, I thought this one couldn't miss. Boy was I wrong. Tournament Cyberball is a big disappointment to me. I've played the arcade version many times but I can't handle the Lynx version at all. Like one of the above posts said, handoffs and passing are almost a random event..it is if you had to rely on the docs to tell you any- thing. And the robots on the Lynx almost seem too big in relation to the field. I can't ever do a running play because the opponents are on me like that. Sometimes you seem to get tackled even when nothing is directly touching you. It's like the just have to get close and your caught. I do have some success with passing though. YOU might try this suggestion. I seem to manage well with passes if you push the joypad in the direction of the spot you want to throw. Usually there are at least 2 and sometimes 3 "X" to throw to. If you want to throw to the left one, push the joypad left just as you hit the A button (don't push any diagonals to throw..they never work for me). If you want to throw midfield, push the pad Up (or sometime no push at all). If you want to throw right, push right on the pad. Thats the only way I can make progress on the field. Runs are out. On the Arcade version, each coach plays differently and each team plays differently. They don't tell you if thats the case on the Lynx version. (they do say something about the coaches but its unclear). Defense Turbo is also not documented in the docs. I think the A button kicks it in. There are a few things I like about the game. The music and voices are pretty much dead on. And you do get to try and buy new players as the game progresses. The only thing I've ever been offered though is the Magnesium (I think) and Titanium tight-ends. Of course, since it's so hard to make a touchdown on here, you may not ever get the money to buy any new players. I only managed for the first time last night after a week of playing. Overall, I would return this game to the store and exchange it for something else if I could. But the Toys R Us store here doesn't take back games that are opened. How are you supposed to know if you like something if you can't open it??? It's not like if Cartridges can be copied like disks. Oh well, unless I can sell it to someone, I'll have to make do with it. Will sorta put me off on buying anything new until I can somehow TRY it first. On a scale of 1-5 (low to high), I give it a 2 and a half. -George (G.HILL15, CAT36, TOP29, MSG:5/M475) STAR-LINX BBS WILL RETURN Star-Linx will be back online in early to """"""""""""""""""""""""" mid-January. I (and the BBS) moved a couple of weeks ago, and decided to remodel the BBS in the meantime. The number will be the same as before, 602-464-4817 but the 2400 baud line (464-1136) will no longer be functional. The 464-4817 line will operate at 2400/1200/300 with 9600 bps coming within a couple of months. Also, long distance callers should find it easier to connect, as the logon routine has been rewritten and shouldn't have the problem of detecting the wrong baud rate due to line noise that frequently accompanies the first few seconds of a connection. Also, the problem we had with people calling with MNP modems should be resolved by this too. See you in a few weeks! Happy holidays and Happy Lynx'n to all! Sincerely, Jeff Kovach, SysOp Star-Linx (J.KOVACH, CAT36, TOP21, MSG:15/M475) NEW GAMES IN THE PIPELINE When I talked to Telegames at the Summer CES """"""""""""""""""""""""" they indicated that they were talking with several companies regarding licensing games for the Lynx. I just got a press release from them today announcing that they've got the rights to do Lynx conversions of Tradewest titles. First up will be Double Dragon in July. It will be playable by 1 or 2 players. Super OffRoad will come out in August with up to 4 players. This also opens up the possibility of the popular Battletoads showing up on the Lynx. -Clinton Smith/APE NEWSLETTER (C.SMITH89, CAT36, TOP5, MSG:100/M475) SICK LYNX? If your cousin's Lynx works on your power supply, then """""""""" there is an internal problem with your Lynx. If it is within the 90 day warranty period, you can return it to the place of purchase for exchange, or send it in to us, along with a copy of the receipt and we will replace it. If it is not in warranty, we will replace it for the $50 repair/replacement fee. -Dan (D.MCNAMEE, CAT36, TOP9, MSG:136/M475) YES, ANOTHER LYNX MAG! Announcing a new quarterly Lynx newsletter: """""""""""""""""""""" PAGS - Portable Atari Gaming System PAGS is a quarterly newsletter which caters to the Atari Lynx portable gaming system. Each issue of PAGS will feature 6-10 new game reviews, editorials, news & information, and hot new gaming tips. PAGS is a non-profit newsletter and is produced by Eric Schofield, John Karakash, and Charles Wells. Reviews and comments from readers are welcome. Readers who write reviews for PAGS will be compensated as well. For every 4 articles which appear in PAGS, the reviewer will receive a $10 gift certificate to Babbage's or Electronics Boutique. All reviews must be 250-500 words in length and should discuss graphics, sound, difficulty, playability, and lasting appeal. The release schedule for PAGS in 1992 will be March, May, August, and November. Reviews must be submitted by the 20th of the proceeding month of release. Reviews must be typed or word processed and can be sent to our address. We will also accept f-mail through GEnie. The files must be in ASCII format and the mail address is E.SCHOFIELD. A 1 year subscription to PAGS costs $12. Please send either a personal check or money order to PAGS. PAGS P.O. BOX 37692 RALEIGH, NC 27627-7692 (E.SCHOFIELD, CAT36, TOP5, MSG:117/M475) AWESOME GOLF IS AWESOME My Awesome Golf works great. I am not a golf- """"""""""""""""""""""" ing fanatic, but I find myself playing Awesome Golf more than any other Lynx game, because it's nice and relaxing, while still being challenging. The only "trick" was figuring out how to aim -- it's well hidden on the poster. Also, I didn't notice it documented anywhere that the 'B' button allows you to back up through the sequence, so if you change your mind after choosing which club to use, or want to change your aim a bit, you can hit 'B' to back up to those options. So, all in all, I think that Awesome Golf is a great game. The controls are straightforward, it seems to be realistic (granted, I don't play golf) in contrast to the golf games where things feel "too perfect". The zoom graphics are fantastic -- I love being able to zoom in on the course to check details and aim carefully, but zoom out to get a feel for the entire course. The only change I would make to Awesome Golf would be to port it to the Jaguar. :^) (L.A.POPKIN, CAT36, TOP7, MSG:18/M475) MIDIMAZE AIN'T DEAD YET! That is not true at all about midimaze. We """""""""""""""""""""""" are still working with the people at Xanth. A Lynx version is still well within the relm of possibility. -Dan (D.MCNAMEE, CAT36, TOP6, MSG:119/M475) >>>>> I certainly hope a Lynx MIDI-Maze comes about. The people I """"" talked to at Xanth seemed a bit discouraged, because they very much want to do a Lynx version, but don't have the resources to do it the way Atari wanted to. I promise that if a Lynx MIDI-Maze comes out, I'll buy at least two copies, and probably four. I own two Lynxes, and have two friends with Lynxes, and I *really* want to be able to blow them up. (L.A.POPKIN, CAT36, TOP6, MSG:120/M475) /////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ///// / "I agree emphatically! The FA-ST tape backup is a _great_ / / device; I've been using it religiously for over two years, / / and if I had to do without it I'd probably just sell my / / computers and move to Borneo." / /////////////////////////////////////////// C.F.JOHNSON //// [EOA] [LOG]////////////////////////////// LOG OFF / ///////////////////////////////// GEnie Lamp Information """""""""""""""""""""" o COMMENTS: Contacting GEnie Lamp o GENIE LAMP STAFF: Who Are We? o WITH A LITTLE HELP: GEnie Lamp Writers o WRITERS: Writing For GEnie Lamp o HOT OFF THE PRESS: When And Where? COMMENTS? If you would like to ask a question, leave a comment or just """"""""" drop in and say hi, you can contact us in CAT 34 in the ST bulletin board area. If you prefer to remain private, send your GEnie Email to GENIELAMP$ on page 200, or leave a message to one or more of the following addresses: GEnie LAMP STAFF """""""""""""""" o John F. Peters [GENIELAMP] Publisher/Editor o Darlah J. Pine [DARLAH] Co-Editor o Jeff Williams [JEFF.W] Technical Editor o David Holmes [D.HOLMES14] TX2 Editor GEnie LAMP STAFF WRITERS """""""""""""""""""""""" - Richard Brown [R.BROWN30] Of Mice & Bytes - Fred Koch [F.KOCH] PD_Q/GEnie Lamp [PR] - Mel Motogawa [M.MOTOGAWA] Mel's Manor/PS's - Terry Quinn [T.QUINN1] ST Elsewhere/Softview - Sheldon Winick [S.WINICK] Dealer Viewpoint GEnie LAMP ADVISORS """"""""""""""""""" o Larry Duke [LARRY.D] GEnie Lamp Advisor o Sandy Wilson [SANDY.W] GEnie Lamp Advisor o Fred Beckman [FB] GEnie Lamp Advisor o John J. Kennedy [JJKENNEDY] GEnie Lamp Advisor o Vince Averello [VINCE.A] GEnie Lamp Advisor o Nathan Potechin [ISD] GEnie Lamp Advisor U.S. MAIL """"""""" T/TalkNET Publishing Co. % John Peters 5102 Galley Rd. Lot #115/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 ATTENTION WRITERS Have you ever thought about writing an article? """"""""""""""""" Well, here's your chance. WRITERS.ARC File #17920 located in the GEnie Lamp library, #35 is a short text file that will give you information on our polices, what we are looking for and how to go about writing and submitting your article for possible publication in an upcoming issue of GEnie Lamp. Whether you are interested in taking on one of the columns now found in GEnie Lamp, starting a new column, or just submitting a one time article, we want to hear from you. So, take a quick look, fire up the word processor and get busy on that article! HOT OFF THE PRESS GEnie Lamp is published on the 1st and the 15th of """"""""""""""""" every month for our Atari ST RoundTable members on page 475, option 5. If you prefer to download your issue of GEnie Lamp, you will find the current issue as well as all the back issues on page 476, in the GEnie Lamp library, #35. GEnie Lamp is also distributed on electronic bulletin boards worldwide. (If your favorite BBS doesn't have it, upload it!) DON'T FORGET! GEnie Lamp sisters issue, GEnie Lamp [PR] is released """"""""""""" every Friday night here in the ST Library, #35. In GEnie Lamp [PR] you will find all the latest press releases, announcements show information and want ads from the library and bulletin board compiled into one easy to download file. Contact Fred Koch [F.KOCH] for details. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////////////////////////// Material published in this edition may be reprinted under the following terms only. All articles must remain unedited and include the issue number and author at the top of each article reprinted. Reprint permission granted, unless otherwise noted, to registered Atari user groups and not for profit publications. Opinions present herein are those of the individual authors and does not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or staff of GEnie Lamp. We reserve the right to edit all letters and copy. Material published in this edition may be reprinted only with the following notice intact: \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////////////////////////// (c) Copyright 1991 T/TalkNET OnLine Publishing, Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari RoundTables. The Atari RoundTables on GEnie are the *official* information services of the Atari Corporation. To sign up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 1-800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH. Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: XJM11877,GENIE and hit RETURN. The system will then prompt you for your information. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////////////////////////// [EOF]