Amiga Report Online Magazine #1.38 -- December 17, 1993
Open Magazine
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International Online Magazine
"Your Weekly Source for Amiga Information."
December 17, 1993 No. 1.38
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Copyright © 1993 SkyNet Publications
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Where to find Amiga Report
Table of Contents
/// WHERE TO FIND AMIGA REPORT Distribution Sites!
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Click on the button of the BBS nearest you for information on that system.
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FREQ the filename "AR.LHA" for the most current issue of Amiga Report!
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T.B.P. VIDEO SLATE .............................Rockaway, New Jersey
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Non-AmigaGuide Users: See the end of this document for numbers to each BBS.
___________________________________________________________________________
/// 12/17/93 Amiga Report 1.38 "Your Weekly Source for Amiga Information"
--------------------------
· The Editor's Desk · CPU Status Report · New Products
· FTP Announcements · Dealer Directory · AR Confidential
· The Humor Department · Pinball Fantasies · AR Online
· QModem Pro Sneak Peek · Modern Christmas · 2 meg Agnus Project
» New Column: European Outlook «
» More on Compton's Multimedia Patent Claims «
» No More NewsBytes in AR «
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Amiga Report International Online Magazine
"Your Weekly Source for Amiga Information"
» FEATURING WEEKLY «
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Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware · Software · Corporate · R & D · Imports
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the Editor's Desk
Table of Contents
/// From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
----------------------
If all goes well, we'll have an in-depth look at the new CD32 in next
week's issue. Someone in our user group is a registered CD32 developer,
and has received his unit. It will be shown at next week's meeting, and
I hope to get some time with it.
Also, my good friend down in Florida is the proud owner of an Atari
Jaguar. The game that comes with it (I think it's called Cyberdrome?)
is really neat he says. I heard a lot of the sounds over the phone, and
the digital effects and speech sound really cool.
Word has it that Pagestream 3.0 has been delayed again. The latest reports
indicate a release sometime in the first quarter of 1994. I wish the folks
at Soft-Logik well, as this is an important piece of software for the Amiga.
We have so little truly professional software (aside from video and
animation), that something like this is very welcome.
The worst news is that AR will no longer be reprinting stories from
NewsBytes. We had received permission from a NewsBytes representative on
GEnie back in April or May to reprint NB stuff at no charge. Now that
appears to have disappeared, and they require a $50 per month publishing
'license' to use their work. Since we are a non-profit magazine, we
cannot afford this. I'm still paying $30-40 a month out of my own pocket
to run this, so it's just not going to happen. I've tried to make it
apparent to the NB editor that we are non-profit, but they insist that
that would take away from their 'paying' customers. For the record, sub-
scribers to GEnie pay nothing extra to use NewsBytes. Portal users pay
$4 per month. I don't know what their charges are on Bix or CI$, but I
doubt it's anymore than GEnie or Portal. I hardly see how this could
add up to $50 a month, given that we just don't run that much of their
stuff. Oh well, no great loss I guess.
Rob @ AR \|/
@ @
----------------------------------------------------oOO-(_)-OOo------------
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Delphi
Table of Contents
/// Delphi: It's Getting Better All The Time!
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Amiga Report International Online Magazine is available every week in the
Amiga SIG on DELPHI. Amiga Report readers are invited to join DELPHI and
become a part of the friendly community of Amiga enthusiasts there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
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Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
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Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and....
At Username: type JOINDELPHI and press RETURN,
At Password: type AMIGAREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's best plan is the 20/20 plan. It gives you 20 hours each month
for the low price of only $19.95! Additional hours are only $1.50 each!
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For more information, and details on other plans, call
DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-695-4005
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(Internet option is $3/month extra)
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· Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia!
DELPHI - It's getting better all the time!
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AR Staff
Table of Contents
/// The Amiga Report Staff Dedicated to serving you!
----------------------
Editor
======
Robert Glover
Portal: Rob-G
Delphi: ROB_G
FidoNet: 1:285/11
AmigaNet: 40:200/10
Internet: General Mail: ROB_G@Delphi.com
Submissions: Rob-G@cup.portal.com
Assistant and Technical Editor
==============================
Robert Niles
Portal: RNiles
Delphi: RNILES
FidoNet: 1:3407/104 (Private)
Internet: rniles@imtired.itm.com
Contributing Correspondents
===========================
Steve Van Egmo
Jesper Juul
Hammish Tweedie
***************************************************************************
CPU Status Report
Table of Contents
/// CPU Status Report Late Breaking Industry-Wide News
-----------------
** Atari's Loses $17.6 Million in Third Quarter **
Atari Corp. reported Thursday a third- quarter loss of $17.6 million,
compared to earnings of $1.9 million, or 3 cents a share, in the year-
ago quarter.
Revenues for the video-game company, which recently released its
leading-edge Jaguar game system, were off sharply to $4.4 million,
compared with $34.5 million in the 1992 quarter.
Atari said the loss was substantially larger than expected, primarily
due to write-offs of $7.5 million of inventory of personal computers and
older video game products. It also incurred restructuring costs of $6.4
million from the wind-down of Australian operations and the decline in
value of company-owned real estate in Europe.
Sam Tramiel, president, said the company is in the process of comp-
leting its transition from older technology consisting principally of
16-bit personal computers and 8-bit video game systems to the 64-bit
Jaguar, which began shipping last month.
"While we are highly encouraged by the early sales of Jaguar, we do
not expect to achieve profitability until at least such time as ship-
ments of Jaguar are made in substantial volume," Tramiel said.
The executive also said the company was working to resolve start-up
production and supply problems which led to delays in production and
shipment of Jaguar. He estimated the company will ship approximately 20,
000 Jaguar systems during the fourth quarter and 500,000 during 1994.
Atari originally planned to ship 50,000 Jaguars to stores in the New
York and San Francisco areas before Christmas, then stage a national
rollout in January.
** Microsoft Called Nation's Most Innovative Firm **
A Fortune magazine survey of nearly 1,000 senior executives in the 60
metro areas has named Microsoft Corp. as the most innovative company
operating in the United States. Microsoft received 39% of the votes to
lead the list of the 10 honored companies.
** Toshiba to Boost DRAM Output **
Spurred by a relatively strong demand for use in high-end personal
computers, Toshiba Corp.'s expects to increase it's monthly output of
16MB DRAM chips will be boosted to 2 million by the end of 1994. Cur-
rently the monthly production is just above 500,000.
It is expected that the firm's output of 4MB DRAMs, currently around
8 million per month, will stay at that level.
** Hitachi-TI Chip to be Shipped **
A 64-megabit DRAM chip developed jointly by Hitachi Ltd. and Texas
Instruments Inc. will start sample shipments this month. Plans are to
launch mass production of the new chip either in 1995 or 1996 depending
on domestic demand.
** TI Develops New Microcomputer Chip **
Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) announced this week its scientists have
developed a new microcomputer chip that is capable of operating at room
temperature.
Reports say that the quantum-effect chip, which once would only work
under extremely cold temperatures of minus 320 degrees Fahrenheit, is
said to operate over three times faster and hold three times more func-
tions than conventional chips.
The new chip will only need a third of the transistors to provide the
same computing power as the current state-of-the-art semiconductor.
** Hitachi & Matsushita Develop Advanced Memory Devices **
Hitachi claims that it has developed a significant single electronic
memory unit which can store 1,000 times more data than that of current
semiconductor memory chips. Matsushita Electronics has also developed a
highly integrated optical circuit device, which reportedly has consider-
able potential in multimedia devices.
Some electronics firms, including Hitachi, have already developed a
single electronic memory. However, these existing single electronic mem-
ory devices should be used under temperatures at minus 273 degrees. Un-
less the memory units are cooled down, the data is lost due to excessive
heat.
Hitachi has overcome this problem by putting the electronic device
into a silicon container. As a result, this single electronic memory
unit can function in room-temperature. It is reported that the data will
not be lost even when the switch is turned off.
Meanwhile, Matsushita Electric has developed an optical electronic
integrated circuit (OEIC), which has 64 units of semiconductor lasers
and a driver transistor. It is a two-tier structured IC, and the tran-
sistor is placed on the semiconductor laser.
With this structure, each laser unit is controlled directly. As a re-
sult, the processing speed is increased almost 10-fold. The size of the
IC unit is just one third of a current IC.
** CD-Rom Interactive Training to Ship in January **
Wilson Learning Corporation has announced it will begin shipping the
first of several CD-ROM-based interactive training programs for Macin-
tosh and PCs in late January.
The company says the interpersonal, sales, and management skills dev-
elopment training programs are being developed in conjunction with Sony
Electronic Publishing Company. A total of 10 titles will be produced in
the joint project with Sony, while Wilson will also develop further
titles independently.
The first programs, scheduled to ship January 24th, are "Connect for
Success: Connect With Others and Influence Them;" Sell to Needs: Sell
the Way People Like to Buy;" Relate with Ease: Build and Keep Interper-
sonal Relationships;" and "Decide For Sure: Add Certainty to Your
Decision Making."
The first four titles to be released will be available through retail
outlets such as Computer City and Software, Etc at the suggested retail
price of $69.95.
** Prodigy, NYNEX Announce Electronic Yellow Pages **
NYNEX said it will offer its 1.7 million business listings on the
Prodigy service next year and sell ads alongside those listings. The
companies said it is the first true electronic yellow pages offering,
including advertising, on an on-line service.
** Software Sales up 30%, Revenues Only up 16% **
North American shipments of application software are up 30% over last
year, but, says the Software Publishers Association, "aggressive pricing
held revenue growth to a more moderate 16%."
The SPA also says that leading the growth in the third quarter were
drawing/paint and desktop publishing programs.
Breaking down the figures, the SPA says:
-:- Windows applications still pace the industry, hitting $808 million
in the third quarter, a 70% increase from the same period last year. For
the year to date, Windows application sales totaled $2.26 billion, a 74%
increase.
-:- DOS applications sales continued to decline, recording $471 mil-
lion for the quarter, and $1.46 billion for the first three quarters.
DOS sales were 26% lower for the third quarter and 22% lower for the
first three quarters compared with '92 sales.
-:- Apple Macintosh software sales were $276 million for the third qu-
arter and $713 million for the first three quarters, up 11% for the qua-
rter and 7.4% for the three quarters.
-:- Word processors and spreadsheets remained the largest categories,
with revenues of $219 million and $182 million in the quarter,
respectively.
-:- Sales growth in the database category slowed from the previous two
quarters, as the product introduction blitzes of the first two quarters
ended. Database sales in the quarter were up 25%, to $108 million.
-:- Drawing/painting and desktop publishing software were the fastest-
growing categories in the third quarter. Drawing and painting sales were
up 110% to $124 million, while sales of desktop publishing products were
up 106% to $67 million for the quarter.
** Apple Given Reprieve by Texas Commissioners **
The county commissioners in Georgetown, Texas, this week reversed
themselves and voted 3-2 to approve a modified financial incentive pack-
age for Apple Computer. Last week, the board voted 3-2 against the pack-
age because of Apple's policy of giving health benefits the partners
of gay employees.
The financial package grants Apple some reimbursements on taxes in
exchange for free right-of-way on future county improvements. The tax
savings will help pay for a planned $80 million customer service center
that eventually is to employ 1,700 people.
** N.J. Busts Alleged Credit Scam **
Fifteen salespeople at a New Jersey car dealership have been accused
of using the credit records of more than 450 people to steal hundreds of
millions of dollars. The 15 salespeople were arrested arraigned this
week on federal fraud and theft charges.
Secret Service agent Peter A. Cavicchia is quoted as saying the
salespeople are alleged to have tapped into credit reports through their
computers, used the information to change the victims' addresses, and
then ordered credit cards and ran up charges. They also allegedly used
the credit information to obtain bank loans and cash advances.
The dealership, Autoland in Springfield, N.J., alerted authorities
when they discovered unauthorized use of computer terminals.
** BSA Catches Firm Using Pirated Software **
An audit by the Business Software Alliance found that Comptronix
Corp. Inc. was using unlicensed versions of software produced by Aldus
Corp., Autodesk Inc., Microsoft Corp., and WordPerfect Corp. The company
has agreed to pay $232,500 in penalties.
** Novell Introduces Multimedia **
NetWare Video 1.0, software to deliver multimedia audio and video
signals over PC networks, has been introduced by Novell Inc.
Company officials are quoted as saying the software will enable its
NetWare customers to view and interact with multimedia information in
Microsoft Windows and will give multiple users access to audio and video
data simultaneously from a central server linked to networked computers.
The product, which costs $1,100 for a five-user format and $2,975 for
a 25-user format, is the first to result from Novell's July acquisition
of Fluent Inc.
Novell says it expects to have technology next year that will allow
live video information to be sent over the network, with video confer-
encing to follow.
** Lotus Seeks Customer Feedback **
Lotus Development Corp. announced today that it has established a
toll-free telephone line and a forum on CompuServe to receive sugges-
tions from customers regarding ways to enhance its products.
The software publisher states that its toll-free line and the Compu-
Serve forum will complement other means the company has for gathering
customer ideas for review by product teams.
Customers in the U.S. and Canada can call a toll-free number (1-800-
5MY-IDEA) to leave a phone mail message. The suggestions will be entered
daily into a Notes database and will be automatically routed to members
of the appropriate Lotus product team for review and consideration.
** Claris Claims 'Filemaker Pro' Easier to use than 'Access' **
Claris is pleased to report its Filemaker Pro for Windows 2.1 out-
scored Microsoft's Access 1.1 for Windows in usability tests conducted
by Usability Sciences Corporation of Irving, Texas. While Claris commis-
sioned the tests, it says this is the second test in which its product
outdid Access, the other being a set of tests for ease-of-use conducted
by Software Digest/NSTL.
The main claim Claris is making for Filemaker Pro for Windows is ease
of use. In the Usability Sciences study novice database users were able
to complete an identical set of tasks 20% faster with the Claris product
than with Microsoft Access. The tasks were: creating a database, enter-
ing records into the database, querying the database, creating a form,
adding two new records into the form, adding a scroll bar to the record
field, and stamping a system date onto the form.
While it took both groups of participants well over an hour to comp-
lete the tasks, participants using Access took nearly 17 minutes longer.
Study participants were intermediate PC users with little or no database
application experience.
Claris the software subsidiary of Apple Computer, has cut the price
of Filemaker Pro 2.1 for Windows to $129, and is offering upgrades for
$20, and competitive upgrades from other database software products for
$99. A Macintosh version of the product is available for $399.
Microsoft Access 1.1 is retail priced at $495, however Microsoft has
frequently offered the product for $99 since its introduction over a
year ago.
** Book Aids DOS Users With Wit, Cartoons **
The latest book intended to make using MS-DOS easier to use and un-
derstand is a book titled DOS for Dummies written by Dan Gookin, part of
the MS-DOS 6.2 Upgrade for Dummies package that also includes the MS-DOS
6.2 software.
Gookin's book DOS for Dummies is supposed to be easy to read and a
gold mine for the millions of PC users who are secretly - and in many
cases openly - intimidated by PC software. "The book covers 100 percent
of the tasks users will be performing with their computers" according to
Gookin. He describes the style of the book as engaging, informative and
humorous.
In addition to instructions on how to turn on the computer -- some
people actually have a problem finding the power switch -- Gookin
includes topics such as "Ten Common Beginner Mistakes," "Ten Things You
Should Never Do," and "After You Panic, Do This."
So if your favorite computer user is willing to admit he or she is a
dummy, this book might be just the thing for the Christmas stocking. MS-
DOS 6.2 Upgrade for Dummies has a suggested retail price of $77.95.
** Newton News **
Apple Computer says it is launching the Newton Industry Association
at the first International Newton Development Conference being held this
week in Apple's home town of Cupertino, California.
Apple says the Newton Industry Association is aimed at promoting gro-
wth and inter-operability of the Newton platform and associated devices.
Standards is another focus for the association in the areas of wireless
communications, telephone support, and office automation.
One of the areas receiving attention right now is infrared communi-
cations between personal digital assistants (PDAs). Infrared standards
do not currently exist, meaning that even though the Newton Messagepad
and the Zoomer PDAs from Tandy and Casio both have infrared sensors, the
devices use conflicting standards. The upshot is Apple's PDA won't talk
to a Zoomer and vice versa.
Apple representatives were unavailable to comment as to what the
company or the Newton Industry Association are planning to do concerning
standards.
Apple listed beginning participants in the Newton Industry Associa-
tion as licensees, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), component
suppliers, and marketing partners. Companies represented included:
Alcatel, ARM, Bellsouth Mobilecomm, British Telecom/Cellnet, Cirrus
Logic, Deutsche Telecom, GEC Plessey, LSI Logic, Matsushita, Motorola,
Paragraph, Scriptel, Sharp, Siemens/ROLM, Telia, Toshiba, Traveling
Software, and US West.
While the Newton has been well-received by enthusiastic users who
have snatched up 50,000 units since the product was launched in August,
reports from mainstream media have expressed disappointment and sharp
criticism for the PDA. It appears, however, that things may be turning
for Apple as four industry publications have awarded the unit top
honors. PC Laptop Computers Magazine called the Newton the "Most
Promising Portable," PC Magazine awarded the Newton MessagePad first
place in its "Design Category," Byte gave it the 1993 Byte Award of
Excellence, and Reseller magazine called it the "Best-To-Sell Products
of the Year."
In new announcements concerning the Messagepad, Apple said Newtonmail
is expected to be available in a final commercial release throughout the
United States in January 1994. Newtonmail allows Newton users to ex-
change text messages easily with each other and anyone who can be
reached through online services available on the Internet and is cur-
rently available in a limited commercial release in the United States.
Newtonmail requires the Newton Fax Modem Card, a credit-card sized
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) modem,
for communication via online services as well as the ability to send
faxes.
** Interactive CD-ROM Vietnam From CBS, Apple, NY Times **
Joining forces with the formidable reporting resources and archives
of the New York Times and the CBS television network, Apple Computer
will publish and market "The Vietnam War" late in 1994. Chief reporters
on the interactive CD-ROM will be veteran reporter Dan Rather, anchor
and managing editor of the CBS Evening News, and R.W. Apple Jr., Wash-
ington bureau chief for the New York Times.
Other Vietnam War-oriented CD-ROM publications have been available
for years from Quanta Press and Wayzata Technologies but these have been
more in the nature of archives of data related to the War. While they
are highly useful to historians and as reference materials, they lack
the immediacy of war reportage which the publisher apparently expects
this new disc to bring to the educational environment.
The multimedia disc will include more than 700 news articles from The
Times and film and video from CBS News' archives. Maps, and even audio
recordings will also be included on the CD-ROM, along with the names of
US military personnel either killed or missing in action.
** Fast Real-Time Video Codec Board For Mac AVs **
New Video, makers of the Eyeq series of video compression boards for
the Macintosh, have announced, what the company claims is, the first
compression and processing board for the Macintosh Audio/Visual (AV)
line of computers.
The company claims its new Eyeq AV board will allow real-time, 30
frames-per-second (fps) full-screen video recording and full-screen
playback at the same real-time frame rate.
New Video representatives said the Eyeq board has the advantage of
incorporating the Intel i750 chip for video compression and playback. It
is also claimed to be thousands of dollars less, at the retail price of
$1,895, than other video compression hardware add-on products.
The board is specifically designed for use in the Quadra 840AV or
660AV and will interface directly with the AV's Digital Audio Video
(DAV) connector. It will allow for up to 16-bit graphics over video, 16-
bit stereo audio with a sampling rate of up to 48 kilohertz (KHz), sup-
ports displays up to 16-inches in size at 832 by 634 picture element
(pixel) resolution, and supports the most common video standards inclu-
ding NTSC (National Television Standards Committee), PAL, and SECAM
using the Macintosh AV's built-in Composite and S-Video out.
The board is also fully compatible with Apple's multimedia software
extension Quicktime and most popular multimedia authoring tools, offers
resizable windows, software playback, and supports algorithms that
require an average of only nine megabytes (MB)-per-minute of hard disk
storage, company officials said. The board can also produce files with
data transfer rates that are low enough to play back from a compact disc
read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive over a local area network (LAN) in real
time with full-motion and full-screen size.
The Eyeq AV requires a Macintosh Quadra 660AV or 840AV, any Apple
display up to 16-inches or any 832 by 634 pixel multisync display, a
hard disk drive with a recommended storage capacity of 200MB, 8MB of
random access memory (RAM) is also recommended, and the System 7.1
operating system.
______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
AMUC announces new CDROM
Table of Contents
THE AMIGA USERS OF CALGARY (AMUC) ANNOUNCES A NEW AMIGA
CDROM PRICED AT ONLY $20 CDN (APPROX $15US)
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada --- December 6, 1992) The AMiga Users of
Calgary Society (AMUC) has just cut a CDROM consisting of the best
of what was on it's BBS. This CD-ROM is over 610 megabytes in size.
Production is complete and it is ready to ship.
So what's on the disk? Since this contains some of the best on the
AMUC Express (AMIGA ONLY) BBS you can expect to find a huge number
of IFF and JPEG pictures, animations sounds, mods, 3D objects,
clipart, fonts (bitmap and structured), text files, programs and
demos from all over the world. The files are primarily stored as
LZH, LHA or DMS files.
There is also a separate directory tree which contains minaturized
images of nearly all the pictures on the Walnut Creek GIFS_Galore
CDROM, useful as a quick means of searching for a particular picture.
There are FILES.BBS and 00_INDEX.TXT files in all the directories,
as well as long descriptions of most files stored in a separate
description file tree.
The directory names are a maximum of 8 characters with 3 character
extensions, so it is usable on PC based systems. The disk is an
ISO9660 format disk.
Pricing:
The disk costs CDN$20.00 (Canadian dollars, which is about US$15.00
at current exchange rates) plus CDN$3.00 for shipping and handling.
We accept VISA and MasterCard so the currency exchange is automatic.
COD shipping:
The disk can be shipped COD to Canadian addresses for an extra
CDN$3.00, in the USA this appears to be US$5.00. Terms: cash or
certified check only.
Ordering:
You can call us toll free throughout North America with:
1-800-561-4877
or outside North America call
(403) 242-2507 (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
or you can send a postal money order payable to AMUC:
AMUC
P.O. BOX 34230
#19, 1200 -- 37 St. S.W.
Calgary, Alta
T3C 3W2
Shipping:
Orders will be shipped on a first come, first served basis.
The CD-ROMs have been pressed and are ready to go.
Repro Sudio Universal
Table of Contents
» Repro Studio Universal «
PRODUCT
Repro Studio Universal
U.S.A. DISTRIBUTION :
Spectronics International U.S.A.
Attn: Eddy Coopmans
34 East Main Street #23
Champaign. IL 61820
USA
Phone : +1 (217) 352 0061
Fax : +1 (217) 352 0063
BBS : +1 (217) 352 7627
DESCRIPTION
Repro Studio Universal combines four programs in one : image manipulation,
structured drawing, bitmap tracing and a text and layout module to combine
all the previous functions. Repro Studio Universal supports AGA and
imports and exports any file format up to 24-bit in IFF, TIF and PCX.
Additionally, exporting files as EPS is also possible. Another features
allows the user to save files as separate R,G,B, separate C,M,Y, or
separate C,M,Y,K. The program support all preference printers and
Postscript printing in color or B&W. Repro Studio Universal is also
available for Windows.
-1- Features Image manipulation module :
* Impressive range of drawing & effect tools (Marker, Finger,
Water, Stamp, Airbrush, Smear,....)
* 3 densitometers
* LUT-diagram
* Black&White filter
* Gradient blends
* Editable FILL tool
* Combine images
* Histograms
* Special image manipulation F/X
* .....
-2- Features Structured Drawing module :
* Real time bezier curves
* Group/Ungroup
* Procentual fill function
* Add/delete vectorpoints
* Various rectangles
* Line/Polygon drawing
* Circle/Ellipse drawing (Bezier-based)
* Split/Join vector lines
-3- Features Vector Tracing Module :
* Change Bitmap to Vector drawing
* Definable parameters for trace
-4- Features Text and layout module :
* Text editor in separate window or over existing text
or drawing
* Several scanner drivers
* Text manipulation effects (trails, spiral, arc,....)
* Postscript fonts
* Cropmarks / Registration marks
* Scale window, rotate window, mirror window, invert window,.
* Library for bitmap/vector drawings
* 1% to 1600% zoom
* Rulers/Guides
REQUIREMENTS
Workbench/Kickstart V2.04 or higher, 2MB RAM, accelerator
AVAILABILITY
Shipping January 15th, 1994
PRICE
US$ 299.00 (Amiga)
US$ 199.00 (Windows)
INFORMATION
Spectronics International USA, Inc.
34 East Main Street #23
Champaign, IL 61820
Tel. : (217) 352 0061
Fax : (217) 352 0063
E-mail : Spectron@prairienet.org
DrChip v1.02
Table of Contents
» DrChip available for FTP «
REVISED
TITLE
DrChip C Utilities
VERSION
1.02
COMPANY
None
AUTHOR
Charles E. Campbell, Jr. PhD
email: cec@gryphon.gsfc.nasa.gov
DESCRIPTION
The DrChip C utilities include four programs: a C beautifier,
a function lister, a hdrtags/ctags generator, and a C program
prototype <-> K&R-style converter.
CCB
Dr. Chip's C Beautifier program. Places source code in Dr.
Chip's preferred indentation style. ccb's indentation methods can
be customized via options, even to the cb style (of U*IX fame).
This program is useful for standardizing the indentation style of
C programs, and helps make code more readable. Furthermore,
since ccb does its indentation based rigidly upon the number of
open curly braces, it can be used to help the programmer find
where a curly brace is missing.
FLIST
flist generates lists of functions from either C or C++ files.
The lists may selected to be:
comment block style
extern style function declarations
prototypes
restricted to globally accessable functions
restricted to locally accessable functions (ie.
static)
tags style
Flist's tags mode is compatable with hdrtag (see below), and can
merge hdrtags with tags. See HDRTAG for more on tags.
HDRTAG
Hdrtags will process header files so one can "tag" to structure
or class names, typedef'ed labels, #define labels, global
variables, and enumerated types. Entire hierarchies of header
files can be tagged (ie. "include:" and all its subdirectories's
header files)! Use flist for merging hdrtags and tags files.
Handles both C and C++ header (and source) files. What's a tag?
Smart editors (such as Vim and Manx's Z) support a "tags" file
which associates words (such as function names) with a file and
line to jump to. The user can then issue "goto label" commands,
avoiding the "what header file did that come from?" problem!
TOPROTO
The toproto program converts C source code to and from old K&R
style to the new ANSI prototype-using style. Concurrently, it
converts to and from the old <varargs.h> style to <stdarg.h>
style.
NEW FEATURES
Several bugs were fixed, and better C++ handling was installed
into flist and hdrtag.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Compiled with Aztec C on an A3000 with the following options:
CCOPTS=-qf -wp -c2 -f8. Thus, a floating point coprocessor may be
required, although the code doesn't do much, if any, floating
point. The DrChip tools will work with any C compiler, although
hdrtags' usefulness is limited to those editors which support
tags (such as ViM, available on AmiNet, and Z, Manx's vi editor
look-alike).
HOST NAME
wuarchive.wustl.edu (128.252.135.4)
DIRECTORY
/pub/aminet/dev/c
FILE NAMES
DrChip1_02.lzh
DrChip1_02.readme
PRICE
Special Low Price Offer: 0 (choose your currency!)
DISTRIBUTABILITY
Freeware
QuickNet QN2000 release
Table of Contents
» QuickNet QN2000 release «
TITLE
QuickNet(TM) - Fast Peer-to-Peer Networking System for the Amiga
COMPANY
Resource Management Force Pty Ltd
70-74 May Street
St Peters NSW 2044
AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61 2 550 4244
Fax: +61 2 550 4284
EMAIL: cbmaus!rmf!danielk@rmf.adsp.sub.org
AUTHORS
Neil Dugan
Daniel Koch
Norman Pakes
DESCRIPTION
QuickNet is a proprietry AmigaDOS-based networking system, using both
hardware and software, that has been heavily optimised for speed. In
brief, it has the following major features:
* IEEE 802.3 standard compatible.
* Thick Ethernet, Thin Ethernet (Co-axial) and Twisted Pair compatible.
* Versions include Zorro II (released), Zorro III, A500 expansion bus,
A1200 trapdoor, CD32 trapdoor.
* High speed 32 bit transfers with ZorroIII, A1200, and CD32 versions.
* Peer-to-peer sharing of hard/floppy disks ram drives, CD-ROM drives,
tape drives, and other filing devices.
* Printer sharing and spooling.
* Fully Autobooting! Can be used with completely diskless computers.
Supports individual Preferences and user-startup files.
* Fully WB 1.3/2.x/3.x compatible.
* Supports record locking.
* Supports ARexx message passing, for inter-computer communication,
synchronised multimedia productions, comprehensive multi-computer
applications and much more!!
* VERY FAST transfers and directories.
* Can remotely mount any standard AmigaDOS file device, including
volumes mounted via other networks. This allows you to bridge
between QuickNet and Envoy volumes, or Novell/AppleTalk/etc, giving
completely transparent access to volumes over a variety of
platforms.
* Comprehensive, easy to use software and manual.
* Robust design (can break the network cable, add a workstation,
reconnect, and continue, with minimal disruption to the net).
* Automount on login of selected devices.
* Machine independance - you can sit down at any machine, login with
your user name and password, and get your own preferences,
user-startup, default printer and mounted devices.
* "Plug-n-Play" installation - plug a card into a machine, connect it
to an existing QuickNet network, and instantly get full access to
the network. Installer script for new nets.
* SANA-II device driver available Jan '94 (switch selectable between
SANA-II and QuickNet).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
WorkBench 1.3 or greater (WorkBench 2.04 upwards recommended).
PRICE
Recommended Retail Price for the QN2000 (Zorro II) versions:
Thin Ethernet (Co-axial) cable : US$299
Twisted Pair cable : call
This includes full hardware and software. Prices may vary slightly
from country to country. This price does not include any
applicable taxes. Please contact us direct for Australian prices.
Also, contact us for availability and pricing on other versions as
they are released.
DISTRIBUTABILITY
QuickNet is a commercial product.
QuickNet(TM) is a trademark of Robert McFarlane Pty Ltd.
Recall v2.1
Table of Contents
» Recall V2.1 available! «
TITLE
Recall
VERSION
2.1
AUTHOR
Ketil Hunn
E-Mail: ketil@brosme.dhmolde.no
hunn@dhmolde.no
DESCRIPTION
A program to keep track of birthdays, anniversaries and other important
events. It is an easy-to-use, intuition-based utility for the
absent-minded!
FEATURES
- keeps track of the remaining days to important events
- keeps track of the days since important events happened
- automatically start programs depending on the date and time
- be reminded every # day (e.g. every 14th day)
- be reminded # days before or after the event
- be reminded once a day, every time you reboot, before or after a certain
date, before or after a certain hour or minute
- be reminded about events until you acknowledge them
- be reminded with requesters, alerts or practically anything that can be
displayed on an Amiga-monitor
- display unlimited lines of text in the same requester/alert (only
limited by the screen's resolution and memory)
- group different events in the same requester or alert
- keep a simple database of the birthdays of family and friends
- let your Amiga keep track of how old people are by insterting the date
of birth in the middle of the string where you want to display the age
(E.g. the text "Adam is {080570} years today" will be displayed as "Adam
is 23 years today".)
- make advanced events which are displayed for example after 21:00 every
3rd day the first 7 days of every 2nd month the next 4 years
- combine all of the attributes mentioned above in the same event
- enter these events in an easy-to-use environment and without the need of
programming-knowledge, just by entering the desired text and pressing a
few buttons
NEW FEATURES
These are the changes since V2.0:
- All binaries and the installation-script are localized. English,
german and norwegian catalogs are included.
- Recall speeded up 30%!!!
- All binaries have reduced in size! Rewritten to use tiny ROM-routines!
- Postponing events! If you put off an event, it will keep nagging you
until you acknowledge it!
- Updating event's attributes is now speeded up in Preferences.
- Safer IFF-saving.
- Settings menu-item: Confirm executables?
- Recall requesters now state the current date in their titles. Uses
the selected dateformat.
- Recall uses less memory than before!
- Rearranged the GUI a little: The date and time are separated from the
text-group, the getfile-gadget now uses the button-background set in
MUIprefs.
- The day-of-the-month gadgets are now of BOOL type (like Time
Preferences).
- The calendar can now be controlled from the keyboard.
- Various bug fixes.
REQUIREMENTS
OS 2.04 or higher. The binaries will take advantage of Kickstart 3.0 and
68020+ processors if found.
OS 2.1 or higher for localization.
MUI V1.4 or higher.
Harddisk is recommended for unpacking the complete distribution.
HOST NAMES
nic.funet.fi (Finland)
Aminet. Several sites are available, for instance:
ftp.luth.se 130.240.18.2 (Scandinavia)
ftp.uni-kl.de 131.246.9.95 (Germany)
wuarchive.wustl.edu 128.252.135.4 (USA)
DIRECTORY
nic.funet.fi: /pub/amiga/utilities
aminet: /pub/aminet/os20/util
FILE NAME
RecallV21.lha LHA-Archive
DISTRIBUTABILITY
The Recall package is freely distributable, as long as the archive is
not modified.
AmiTCP_tnserv v1.0
Table of Contents
» AmiTCP_tnserv -- announcement «
TITLE
tnserv
VERSION
1.0
COMPANY
none
AUTHOR
Steve Holland
22 Forty Acres Drive
Wayland, MA 01778
USA
email: sdh4@cornell.edu
DESCRIPTION
Tnserv is a telnet daemon for AmiTCP version 2. It allows
remote connections to your computer and allows remote shells,
multi-user BBSes, remote text editing, and much more.
FEATURES
- Provides telnet daemon support for AmiTCP version 2
- Supports arbitrary number of simultaneous connections to
a single login.
- Supports both pseudo-CON: and pseudo-serial.device connections,
allowing virtually any existing program which works either
in a Shell/CLI or over the serial port to be accessible
over the network.
- Compatible with MultiUser
- Converts network end of line sequencess to Amiga type
end of line sequences.
- Supports telnet LINEMODE option which allows line editing
to be done on the client, therefore providing increased
performance, and decreased network bandwidth usage.
- Provides password protection
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Tnserv requires AmiTCP version 2 installed and running,
and AmigaDOS 2.0 or better. It will generally use less than
100k of memory, although it may use much more if there
are many remote connections.
HOST NAME
Any Aminet site, including wuarchive.wustl.edu
DIRECTORY
comm/net
FILE NAMES
AmiTCP_tnserv.lha
PRICE
FreeWare
DISTRIBUTABILITY
FreeWare
ToolType v37.208
Table of Contents
» ToolType - Announcement «
TITLE
ToolType
VERSION
37.208
COMPANY
None working for
AUTHOR
Michael J Barsoom
5524 Pine Street
Omaha NE 68106
USA
email: mbars@bluejay.creighton.edu
DESCRIPTION
ToolType is an utility mainly for users who hate editing icon
tooltypes using workbench. ToolType will allow you to edit
all of an icon's tooltypes at once rather that using the single
line editor that workbench gives you. ToolType extracts the
tooltypes from the icon and lets you use your favorite text
editor to edit them; it then will save all the changes back
when you are done editing. ToolType has an added feature of
sorting the tooltypes alphabetically if you want it to. It
can be started from WB, CLI, or set up as an appicon. It can
be setup to use what ever text editor you wish.
NEW FEATURES
- Temp file will now be unlocked when ToolType is run more than once.
- Fixed memory problem when using the appicon, Tooltype will now
free the memory occupied by the tooltypes when you are done editing.
Solves problem of ToolType adding extra tooltypes at the end
when subsequent icon had fewer ones than the previous.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Only OS 2.x and up
- A text editor
HOST NAME
Any Aminet site such as: wuarchive.wustl.edu (128.252.135.4)
DIRECTORY
os20/wb
FILE NAMES
ToolType37_208.lha ; program and docs
PRICE
GiftWare, i.e..ike ;)
DISTRIBUTABILITY
GiftWare
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amiga Report Online
Table of Contents
/// Amiga Report Online News Eavesdropping on the world!
------------------------
» FidoNew News «
------------
*** Area: AMIGA Date: 11 Dec 93 14:45:06
*** From: Tim Lloyd (6:730/9.64)
*** To : All
*** Subj: Just thought you'd be interested
Just thought this might be of interest.... :)
Sb: #HP & Commodore Deal
Fm: Steve Pietrowicz/SYSOP 76701,250
To: ALL
I was just able to get a copy of this article, from EE Times August 6th issue.
It's an article about set-top-boxes ... those gizmos that go on top of your TV
to connect to cable (and who knows what else in the future). Anyway, I
thought people here would find this interesting:
"Commodore International, which earilier this year launched the 32-bit,
graphics-intensive Amiga CD32 game machine, has signed a major deal to supply
HP with its high-performance graphics chip set, EE Times has learned. HP will
adopt the Amiga CD32 architecture and employ the Amiga graphics chip set in
its first-generation set-top model.
"Jeffery Porter, director of product development of Commodore's technology
group, acknowleged that one of the terminal prototypes demonstrated at HP's
booth used Commodore's Amiga [chip] set. HP officials declined to comment on
the prototype's architecture."
"Total Solution
"Commodore's strength lies in its ability to provide, today, a total solution
for set-top vendors, including a development platform for set-top
applications, a system architecture and a graphics chip set that can generate
35-ns pixel resolution, Porter explained. What's more important, he said, is
price. "Our CD32 game machine costs only $400, including CD-ROM drive.
Without CD-ROM, our system can fit pretty nicely into a set-top price range.
"Commodore's custom Amiga chip set, originally designed for the company's
32-bit real-time multitasking OS computer, is composed of a pair of graphics
engines and an audio subsystem, assisted by hardware accelerators. Using
Motorola's 14-MHz 68EC020, the machine produces what the company claims are
arcade-quality videogames".
Sb: #124550-#HP & Commodore Deal
Fm: Roy Pahnke 74316,254
To: Steve Pietrowicz/SYSOP 76701,250 (X)
Steve -
One question, please. What is a "first-generation set-top model"? I'm a
little confused as to what a 'Set-Top' is.
Sb: #124637-HP & Commodore Deal
Fm: Dale Larson 76702,654
To: Roy Pahnke 74316,254
A "set-top box" is what everyone with cable is going to have in the next
couple of years, replacing the current cable converters. Basically, it's the
computer you'll use to help you access the new services -- displaying
information about what's playing on your 500 channels, ordering from
home-shopping channels, playing along with game shows, ordering
movies-on-demand, etc.
-- Dale L. Larson, Intangible Assets Manufacturing -- INTERNET:dale@iam.com
*** Area: AMIGA Date: 12 Dec 93 23:44:00
*** From: John Hoog (1:374/3.0)
*** To : All
*** Subj: CD32 - Wow!
I walked into Intelligent Machines here in Orlando and they had a CD32 from
the Toronto WOCA show on display. What a game machines, that floppy copy of
Jurassic Park jumped back onto the shelf! I played ZOOL2, basically the same
game as my A1200 version with enhanced sound (full 16 bit audio for the
background sound) what a difference. This machine will sell VERY well here in
the states, just as it is flying off the shelves in Europe. CU Amiga had a
article on Microcosm, wow talk about a game! Pick up the mag and check it out
for yourselves. They had 5 NTSC disks, all A1200 ports but still impressive
in comparison to the originals.
All you naysayers who wanted to see them on the shelves will shortly after the
CES show in Janurary. Yes its after christmas, but there is still next
christmas....
My A1200 only gets productivity s/w from now on. Games will be either CD32 or
CD32 ala the expansion port of the A1200.
*** Area: AMIGA Date: 2 Dec 93 6:57:00
*** From: Joe Hobson (1:362/508.5)
*** To : All
*** Subj: SIMM Prices!
Saw this in the paper and thought I'd share it with you. No excuse for high
SIMM prices anymore! Good news. (Reprinted without permission.)
"Computer chip worries dissipate"
NEW YORK- The Semiconductor Industry Association declared Tuesday there was
no longer a need to worry about disruption in the supply of computer memory
chips.
Prices for the chips rose sharply last summer <tell me about it!> after an
explosion and fire destroyed a Sumitomo Chemical Corp. factory in Japan
responsible for half the world production of a key ingredient in chips, 'epoxy
resin'.
A module of three chips that represent 1 megabyte of memory cost dealers
about $33 before the fire. It rose to around $95 in late July and August as
speculation grew that production of memory chips would be slowed.
Prices fell to the $40-$50 range this fall as those fears abated and reached
the $30 range as Sumitomo resumed production of epoxy resin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amiga Report Mailing List
Table of Contents
/// Amiga Report Mailing List
-------------------------
No Official Amiga Report Distribution Site in your local calling area? Are
you tired of waiting for your local BBS or online service to get Amiga
Report each week? If so, have we got a deal for you!
If you have an internet mailing address, you can receive Amiga Report
in UUENCODED form each week as soon as the issue is released. To be put
on the list, send Email to Amiga-Report-Request@imtired.itm.com. Your
account must be able to handle mail of any size to ensure an intact copy.
For example, many systems have a 100K limit on incoming messages.
Please do not send general Email to Amiga-Report-Request, only requests
for subscription additions or deletions (or if you are not receiving an
intact copy). All other correspondence concerning the mailing list
should be directed to Robert Niles at rniles@imtired.itm.com. Also, please
do not send subscription list requests or changes to the editor.
Many thanks to PORTAL Communications for setting this service up for us!
P.S.: Please be sure to include your Email address in the text of your
request message, it makes adding it to the list much easier. Thanks!
** IMPORTANT NOTICE: PLEASE be certain your host can accept mail over
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** 100K size limit for incoming mail. If we get a bounceback with your
** address in it, it will be removed from the list. Thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
European Outlook
Table of Contents
/// European Outlook
----------------
By Jesper Juul
(norjj@stud.hum.aau.dk).
Welcome! This is an irregular column with the intent of summing
up what's happening in the European Amiga World. My personal emphasis
is on Germany and Scandinavia, so people everywhere else are welcome
to add or disagree. My intention here is also that Amiga users
everywhere should be more aware of what Amiga users everywhere else
are doing. Some of the things said are slightly old news and
backgrounds which I feel are overlooked but still interesting. Add to
that a few slightly personal opinions. Mail me with comments, flames, or
other news worth noting.
The CD32 is currently 3500 DKR in Denmark (US$ 520), though in
Germany it is being advertised as cheap as DM579 (US$ 340). The
first German advertisments of MPEG modules can also be seen, though
they're probably a little early.
National television (OK, Denmark only has _two_ channels) "DR" did
anews story on the CD32 a few months ago, talking about motion
pictures on computers. MPEG (Bon Jovi) was shown, and the CD32 was
quite favorably compared to a 45000 DKR (US$ 6700) IBM which did 3 fps
flickering lowres "video". Very nice.
Also on Danish National television, a long-time star of a very
popular Friday night program called "Eleva2eren" is an Amiga 3000 and
agame called "Hugo". This is a not-too- complicated little
platform game, where viewers get a chance to win prized by controlling
"Hugo" via their phone. Children apparently love it, and there's
"Hugo" icecream, candy, and toys for them. The game has also been sold
to several other European countries, including Italy and Turkey.
Talking to my local dealer, it seems that MPEG won't reach Northern
Europe before the beginning of January. Too bad. Expected price is
1995 DKR (US$ 300). The same dealer also carries no less than 11
CD32 games: James Pond 2, D/Generation, Trolls, John Barnes'
European Football, Whale's voyage, Morph, Zool, Sensible Soccer,
Mean Arenas, Nigel Mansell's Grand Prix, and Arabian Nights. They
are waiting for a new shipment of Pinball Phantasies.
In Germay, MacroSystem is advertising the new VLAB digital video
board with PAL/NTSC/SECAM in & out, built-in genlock. A picture of the
board features a little chip saying "C-Cube" on top. As you may
remember, this is the same company that does the CD32 decompressor
chips. The video board sells for DM1998, add to that a 16-bit sound
board called "Toccata", and you end up at DM2600 (US$ 1520).
Emplant is finally getting a bad review, in the German "Amiga Magasin"
scoring only 7.4 out of 12, mostly being blamed for being to expensive
compared to a new Mac. Obviously a lot of people may disagree, but I
think it's nice to see someone being a bit critical to Utilities
Unlimitied.
Xpert is advertising the new Merlin2 graphics board. The new one
includes a special "screen-in-screen" feature where you can mix
screens of varying depth on the workbench. Video out is also included.
A 1MB board is DM 648 (US$ 380), 16MB for DM 1698 (US$ 995). In the
new (AMAX vs. Emplant) style of making fun of competitors, Retina,
Piccolo, and Picasso II users get unbelievably bad swap offers. Trade
in your Picasso II board for the huge sum of DM 200 (US$ 115)! Hmmm.
Addresses
---------
Xpert Computer Services
Dofestrasse 14
D-54597 Strickscheld
Germany
Phone: 02302 80391, Fax: 02302 80884.
MacroSystem
Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 85
D-58454 Witten
Germany
Phone: 06556 814, Fax: 06556 1273
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Compton MultiMedia
Table of Contents
/// Compton MultiMedia Patent 5,241,671 -- THE CLAIMS
-------------------------------------------------
Brought to you by Matt Heffron
(heffron@falstaff.css.beckman.com)
Here are the 41 CLAIMS of the of the Compton multimedia patent:
5,241,671 "Multimedia search system using a plurality of entry
path means which indicate interrelatedness of
information"
At least all of the arguments about it can be "semi-informed"
The patent filing date is Oct 26, 1989. So if anyone is looking
for prior art, that's the date to beat.
(This came from scanning/OCR-ing/cleanup of a hardcopy of the patent.
It is quite likely that there are typos. beware.
Formatting is approximately the same as the patent.)
I've cross-posted this to A LOT OF GROUPS... PLEASE be selective
with followups. I included comp.client-server and comp.databases
because they seemed to be the most likely to have good database access
knowledge. I included comp.groupware because it looks like much of
their systems could be covered by some of the claims. comp.sys.xerox is
there because some of the claims look a lot like what I remember seeing
in NoteCards long ago; if so, it would constitute prior-art. I hope the
other groups are more obviously relevant.
Also, when following up, edit quotes from the claims to the minimal amount
that you are commenting on specifically. Please don't just followup with
the whole thing and a flame about patent office stupidity or some such.
The first paragraph looks like the
"Statement of Intent to Milk This for Everything We Can" !
Matt Heffron heffron@falstaff.css.beckman.com
Beckman Instruments, Inc. voice: (714) 961-3128
2500 N. Harbor Blvd. MS X-10, Fullerton, CA 92634-3100
I don't speak for Beckman Instruments unless they say so.
-----------------------cut here-------------------------------
While a particular embodiment of the present invention has been
disclosed, it is to be understood that various different
modifications are possible and are contemplated as being within
the true spirit and scope of the claims. There is no intention,
therefore, of limiting this invention to the exact abstract or
disclosure presented herein. More particularly, it is
contemplated that this invention can be used with any
information that can be stored in a database. While the
present invention has largely been described with reference
to an encyclopedia, other databases of published graphical or
textual information could be included.
We claim:
1. A computer search system for retrieving information,
comprising:
means for storing interrelated textual information and
graphical information;
means for interrelating said textual and graphical
information;
a plurality of entry path means for searching said
stored interrelated textual and graphical information, said entry
path means comprising:
textual search entry path means for searching said
textual information and for retrieving interrelated
graphical information to said searched text;
graphics entry path means for searching said graphical
information and for retrieving interrelated textual information
to said searched graphical information;
selecting means for providing a menu of said plurality
of entry path means for selection;
processing means for executing inquiries provided by
a user in order to search said textual and graphical
information through said selected entry path
means;
indicating means for indicating a pathway that accesses
information related in one of said entry path
means to information accessible in another one of
said entry path means;
accessing means for providing access to said related
information in said another entry path means; and
output means for receiving search results from said
processing means and said related information from
said accessing means and for providing said search
results and received information to such user.
2. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
said textual information comprise words, phrases, numbers and
letters stored in said at least one database.
3. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
said graphical information include maps, charts, pictures, and
moving images.
4. The search system according to claim 1 wherein
one of said graphical and textual information comprises
audio information.
5. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
said graphical and textual information are stored on a
CD-ROM disc.
6. The search system according to claim 1, further
comprising a micro-computer for executing operations
of said search system, and for storing said graphical and
textual information.
7. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
said graphical entry path means comprises interactively
narrowing a search of graphical images to a point indicated by
said indicating means which provide; a path to
said related textual information that is accessible
through said accessing means.
8. The search system according to claim 7, wherein
said indicating means in said textual entry path means
indicates a path to related graphical information that is
accessible by said accessing means.
9. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
said textual entry path means and said graphical entry
path means include assisting means for assisting a user in
searching said graphical and textual information.
10. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
said textual search entry path means comprises idea
entry path means having a searching means for searching said
plurality of types of information for terms and
phrases that closely resemble a search inquiry.
11. The search system according to claim 10, wherein
said idea entry path means eliminates stop words by
comparing terms in said search inquiry to terms stored
in a stop term list and eliminating any search inquiry
terms that match words stored in said stop term list.
12. The search system according to claim 10, wherein
said idea entry path means operates on phrases consisting
substantially of two or more entered terms.
13. The search system according to claim 10, wherein
said idea entry path means includes spelling means for
checking the spelling of said search inquiry and provides
alternate versions of misspelled words to a user.
14. The search system according to claim 10, wherein
said idea entry path means includes new list function
means which compares said search inquiry with a thesaurus
contained in one of said plurality of databases to
provide alternate non-ambiguous terms for said search
inquiry.
15. The search system according to claim 14, wherein
if more than one alternate non-ambiguous term is retrieved by
said list function means, then said new list
function means orders said alternatives in order of relevance to
said ambiguous terms.
16. The search system according to claim 10, wherein
said search system includes a plurality of databases
which include stems which are referenced through a
stem index where each stem is identified with all related
stems in said stem index and are related to units of said
textual and graphical information, said stem terms being
concatenated in order to map each stem to other stems
and to units to textual information which express a
similar idea.
17. The search system according to claim 16, wherein
said concatenation comprises linking said stems together based on
grammatical linkages and based on
thesaurus linkages.
18. The search system according to claim 10, wherein
said textual search path entry means further comprises
ranking means for ordering said textual information in
order of relevance to said search inquiry inputs.
19. The search system according to claim 18, wherein
said ranking means bases said ordering on an exhaustively
coefficient for said inputted search inquiry terms
or phrases and an exclusivity coefficient for said inputted
search inquiry terms or phrases.
20. The search system according to claim 19, wherein
all of said textual information ranked above a predetermined
exhaustivity and exclusivity threshold is separately designated.
21. The search system according to claim 10, wherein
said textual information comprises articles from an encyclopedia.
22. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
a portion of said graphical and textual information comprises an
encyclopedia
23. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
a portion of said graphical and textual information comprises a
dictionary.
24. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
a portion of said graphical and textual information comprises a
thesaurus.
25. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
a portion of said textual and graphical information comprises
audio information.
26. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
a portion of said graphical information comprises photographs,
maps, charts, graphs, drawings and animations.
27. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
said textual entry path means comprises title finder
entry path means for locating titles, wherein said titles
are searched by said title finder entry path means by
moving through an alphabetical list of titles related to
said textual information;
28. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
said textual search entry path means comprises a topic
tree entry path means for dividing said textual information into
topics and subtopics in order to assist in
browsing through said textual information.
29. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
said graphics search entry path means comprises picture
explorer entry path means for locating at least one picture and
for employing said accessing means to retrieve
said textual information related to said at least one picture.
30. The system search according to claim 29, wherein
said picture explorer entry path means further comprises picture
tour search path means for presenting
pictures in random order.
31. The search system according to claim 29, wherein
said picture explorer entry path means includes picture
finder entry path means which searches picture captions
based upon said search inquiry inputs.
32. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
one of said textual entry path means comprises history
timeline entry path means for displaying events arranged on a
time line in order that a user may select
information about one of said events by activating said
event on a display.
33. The search system according to claim 32, wherein
said information about an event includes audio information.
34. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
one of said entry path means comprises an atlas entry
path means for enabling a search of a plurality of maps
of an atlas through said processing means which enables
the placement of a marker on a location on said atlas
which such that said atlas entry path means draws a
corresponding map round said specified place.
35. The search system according to claim 34, wherein
said atlas entry path means provides substantially multiple
levels of increasing detail for any part of said atlas.
36. The search system according to claim 34, wherein
said indicating means provides an indication of textual
information related to a place labelled on said atlas
which can be accessed through said accessing means.
37. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
said entry path means further comprises a feature articles entry
path means which takes a user directly to at
least one article in said computer scorch system.
38. The search system according to claim 1, wherein
one of said entry path means comprises a researcher's
assistant entry path which contains subject matter categories
divided into topics and said topics are further
divided into research assignments and wherein said
research assignments are ordered by level of difficulty.
39. A computer search system for retrieving information,
comprising:
means for storing interrelated textual information and
graphical information;
means for interrelating said textual and graphical
information;
a plurality of entry path means for searching said
stored interrelated textual and graphical information, said entry
path means comprising:
textual search entry path means for searching said
textual information and for retrieving interrelated
graphical information to said searched text;
graphics entry path means for searching said graphical
information and for retrieving interrelated textual information
to said searched graphical information;
title finder entry path means for assisting a user in
uncovering titles stored in said stored textual information;
selecting means for providing a menu of said plurality
of entry path means for selection;
processing means for executing inquiries provided by
a user in order to search said textual and graphical
information through said selected entry path
means;
indicating means for indicating a pathway that accesses
information related in one of said entry path
means to information accessible in another one of
said entry path means,
accessing means for providing access to said related
information in said another entry path means; and
output means for receiving search results from said
processing means and said related information from
said accessing means and for providing said search
results and received information to such user.
40. A computer search system for retrieving information,
comprising:
means for storing interrelated textual information and
graphical information;
means for interrelating said textual and graphical
information;
a plurality of entry path means for searching said
stored interrelated textual and graphical information,
said entry path means comprising textual search entry
path means for searching said
textual information and for retrieving interrelated
graphical information to said searched text;
graphics entry path means for searching said graphical
information and for retrieving interrelated textual information
to said searched graphical information;
atlas entry path means for enabling a user to search
maps of an atlas that are specified by such user in
order that said atlas entry path means retrieves a
map related to such user's inquiry;
selecting means for providing a menu of said plurality
of entry path means for selection;
processing means for executing inquiries provided by
a user in order to search said textual and graphical
information through said selected entry path means;
indicating means for indicating a pathway that accesses
information related in one of said entry path
means to information accessible in another one of
said entry path means;
accessing means for providing access to said related
information in said another entry path means; and
output means for receiving search results from said
processing means and said related information from
said accessing means and for providing said search
results and received information to such user.
41. A computer search system for retrieving information,
comprising:
means for storing interrelated textual information and
graphical information;
means for interrelating said textual and graphical
information;
a plurality of entry path means for searching said
stored interrelated textual and graphical information, said entry
path means comprising:
idea search entry path means for searching said
textual information;
title finder entry path means for assisting a user in
uncovering titles stored in said stored textual
information;
topic tree entry path means for associating said
textual information with topics and subtopics in
order to assist such user in searching said textual
information;
picture explorer entry path means for enabling the
user to find at least one picture from said stored
graphical information and to retrieve interrelated textual
information related to said at least one picture,
timeline entry path means enabling the user to
search a timeline in order that such user may
select said textual information about one of a
plurality of events represented by said timeline
by activating said one event;
atlas entry path means for enabling the user to
search maps of an atlas that arc specified by such
user in order that said atlas entry path means
draws a corresponding map around a specified
location;
feature articles entry path means which takes such
user directly to at least one article in said search
system; and
researcher's assistant entry path means which has
subject matter categories divided into topics
which are further divided into research assignments ordered by
level of difficulty;
selecting means, for providing a menu of said plurality of entry
path means for selection;
processing means for executing inquiries provided by
such user in order to search said textual and graphical
information through said selected entry path means;
indicating means for indicating a pathway that accesses
information related in one of said entry path
means to information accessible in another one of
said envy path means;
accessing means for providing a access to said related
information in said another entry path means; and
output means for receiving search results from said
processing means aid said related information from
said accessing means and for providing said search
results and received information to a user.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
QmodemPro for Windows
Table of Contents
/// QMODEMPRO for WINDOWS STR InfoFile
----------------------------------
QmodemPro for Windows v1.0
==========================
Mustang Software unveiled the new Windows version of its popular
QmodemPro communications program during COMDEX/Fall '93. Called QmodemPro
for Windows v1.0, it is the first communications program to offer support
for both data and Fax communication in one integrated package.
File transfers are supported using Zmodem, CompuServe B+, Kermit,
Ymodem, Ymodem/G, Xmodem/1K, Xmodem/1KG, Xmodem/CRC, Xmodem, or ASCII. A
built-in GIF viewer allows you to view GIF graphics files as they are
being downloaded. You can zoom any GIF or BMP file, and even mark and
copy portions of the picture to the Windows clipboard. Users can easily
upload files using drag-and-drop from the Windows File Manager to
QmodemPro's upload window.
QmodemPro for Windows offers a wide selection of terminal emulations
including: ADDS VP60, ADM 3A, ANSI, Avatar, DG 100, DG 200, DG 210,
Hazeltine 1500, Heath 19, IBM 3101, TTY, TVI 910, TVI 912, TVI 920, TVI
925, TVI 950, TVI 955, Vidtex, VT 52, VT 100, VT 102, VT 220, VT 320,
Wyse 30, Wyse 50, Wyse 60, Wyse 75, Wyse 85, Wyse 100, and Wyse 185. BBS
callers will appreciate the addition of Doorway and RIPscrip to this
impressive list of supported emulations. QmodemPro for Windows is the
first Windows product to offer support for RIPscrip, which is quickly
becoming the de facto graphics standard for bulletin board systems
worldwide, including Mustang Software's Wildcat! product.
Besides offering full data communication, MSI has also integrated
both send and receive Fax support directly into QmodemPro for Windows.
Using any Class 1 or Class 2 Fax modem, QmodemPro for Windows can send
text files as well as PCX and BMP graphics files. Cover pages can also
be attached to these documents. Automatic Fax receive is also supported
and a complete Fax viewer includes thumbnail sketches, zooming, copying,
and printing.
The phonebook allows you to view the dialing directory in a
traditional tabular form, or you can use the icon view mode to create a
true icon window of your online services, making it a simple double click
to dial, connect, and be online. Each dialing directory entry can hold
up to five phone numbers, the default device, emulation, transfer
protocol, user ID, password, login script, RIP icon directory, and macro
file. A note file can be attached to any dialing entry allowing you to
add your own notes and comments about the dialing entry.
QmodemPro for Windows even allows you to review the scrollback
buffer while you're capturing information online. You can customize the
terminal window using a variety of fonts. The screen behind the terminal
window can be customized with your favorite pattern or wallpaper file
giving you full control of your desktop.
Sporting a completely new Script Language Interface for QmodemPro
(SLIQ), QmodemPro gives you unparalleled power, speed, and flexibility.
Based on the popular BASIC language structure, it adds extensions for the
Windows communication environment and includes a Quicklearn feature for
creating scripts without having to learn the language. It even includes
a compiler for compiling the scripts so they run faster and are more
secure. A powerful script debugger and full editor are also included.
QmodemPro for Windows allows you to take advantage of the Windows
multitasking environment. Download files or capture data in the
background, while working in a word processor or spreadsheet. QmodemPro
for Windows makes full use of the 16550 UART, Digiboard multi serial port
card, or any other intelligent serial interface with appropriate Windows
drivers. Also supported are Interrupt 14 compatible LAN modems and other
devices.
The newest member of the QmodemPro family now supports sound cards,
allowing you to assign standard Windows WAV files to certain events in
your communications session. For example, you can have a WAV file played
when you connect to a BBS or when your download is completed. There are
many events you can assign sounds to: connect, dialing, file transfer
success and failure, and many others.
QmodemPro for Windows has a suggested retail price of $139.00. This
product will be available within the next few weeks in the over 300
Software Etc. stores throughout the United States. Software Etc. has also
put QmodemPro for Windows on their "Reservation System" so your local
store can reserve your copy. To find the Software Etc. store in your area
dial (800) 328-4646.
Qmodem, QmodemPro, and Wildcat! BBS registered owners can upgrade to
QmodemPro for Windows for a limited time for only $50.00 plus shipping.
Have your registration number handy and dial Mustang Software at (800)
999-9619 or (805) 873-2500 to place your order. Please expect a 4 to 6
week back order for delivery, order today to be one of the first to
receive this program.
Resellers in the United States can order QmodemPro for Windows
directly from INGRAM MICRO. The part number is 185415. YOu can reach
INGRAM MICRO by dialing (800) 456-8000.
Customers in the U.K. can reserve their copy by contacting
Telesystems LTD in London. Telesystems can be reached at +44 494 866365,
FAX +44 494 866050, or BBS +44 494 891903.
Customers in Scandinavia will be pleased to know that Swedish,
Danish, and Norwegian versions will be available soon after the U.S.
version. Please contact PC Security in Norway for additional information.
PC Security can be reached at +67 53 11 53, FAX +67 53 63 25, or BBS +67
58 33 58.
Customers in Australia should contact Banksia Technology Pty. Ltd in
Lane Cove, NSW. Banksia can be reached at 61 2 418-6033, Fax +61 2
428-5460 or BBS +61 2 418-7693.
For additional information regarding QmodemPro for Windows,
QmodemPro for DOS, or the Wildcat! Bulletin Board System, please contact:
Jim Harrer, President/CEO
Mustang Software, Inc.
P.O. Box 2264
Bakersfield, CA 93303
Sales (800) 999-9619
Office (805) 873-2500
BBS (805) 873-2400
MSI can also be reached via e-mail at sales@mustang.com, CompuServe
(GO PCVENA, section 9), America Online (Keyword = Mustang), and GEnie
(MUSTANG RT).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Usenet Review - Two Meg Agnus Project
Table of Contents
/// Usenet Review: Two Meg Agnus Project
-------------------------------------
By Hamish Tweedie
(htweedie@madhat.actrix.gen.nz)
PRODUCT NAME
The Two Meg Agnus Project. Version 5.0d3 22-Sep-1993.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
A user-installed kit which allows Amiga 500 and 2000 computers to
have 2 megabytes of Chip RAM by using an updated Agnus chip. It is
user-installed, and optionally may be ordered preassembled.
Information is available on all Aminet ftp sites in the file
/pub/aminet/hard/hack/2megagnus50d3.lha.
AUTHOR/COMPANY INFORMATION
Name: Structured Applications and Designs Inc.
Address: P.O. Box 60414
San Diego, CA 92166
USA
E-mail: ttmaphelp@struad.cts.com
LIST PRICE
The board may be purchased in a number configurations. (Note all
prices are given in US dollars.)
Board fully ASSEMBLED, with RAM: $88.95
Board fully ASSEMBLED, with NO RAM: $64.95
Board NON-ASSEMBLED, with PARTS and with RAM: $79.95
Board NON-ASSEMBLED, with PARTS but with NO RAM: $54.95
Board NON-ASSEMBLED, with NO PARTS and NO RAM, (Bare
printed circuit board): $50.95
In addition, you may purchase the following options:
2 meg Agnus chip, part number #318069-03: $35.00
PLCC Agnus extractor tool: $ 4.95
Piece(s) of insulator: $ 0.95 each
68000 socket extender: $ 4.95
As you can see, a fully assembled board can be purchased for $128.90
-- main board ($88.95), Agnus chip ($35.00), and Agnus extractor tool
($4.95) -- which is markedly cheaper than the prices I have seen advertised
in AmigaWorld Magazine (approximately $196.50 (US)). Furthermore, you get to
support Amiga PD developers :-). I purchased the NON-ASSEMBLED version with
parts and RAM option for $79.95, plus the Agnus chip and the extractor tool,
costing $119.90 in total (plus postage).
SPECIAL HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
HARDWARE
This project will work on all Amiga 500's, and all late
model Amiga 2000/2500's. This means that any Amiga 2000
which has the older Amiga 1000 DIP-style Agnus will not work
(i.e., those Amiga 2000's produced in Germany).
It will not work on an Amiga 600, 1000, 1200, 3000, 4000 or
CDTV.
If you have an Amiga 500, you'll require an extra 512K RAM
in the belly slot to expand memory. If you intend to
install the project in an Amiga 2000, then you should already
have 1MB installed on the motherboard; and even if you
currently have only 512K set as Chip RAM, instructions are
included for the conversion.
The following hardware is required for the conversion:
1: If the kit is already assembled, then you require only
the $4.95 PLCC chip extractor tool (definite requirement)
plus the 2MB Agnus chip.
2: If you purchased a non-assembled kit, the following is
required to complete the installation:
- Any parts listed under "LIST PRICE", above, that
were not supplied with the kit.
- PLCC chip extractor tool.
- soldering iron.
- solder.
- flat blade screw driver (useful).
- X-Acto or similar knife.
- magnifying glass (optional, but very useful).
- multimeter (optional).
- tin snips.
I presume it works with all faster CPU's. Mine is currently
very happy running with a GVP 22Mhz 68030 Combo accelerator
board. Note that if you have a board which covers the Agnus
socket you may have problems, and should consult the
documentation in the archive, or the authors.
SOFTWARE
None.
COPY PROTECTION
None.
MACHINE USED FOR TESTING
- Amiga 2000.
- Initially, 1MB Chip RAM and 7MB Fast RAM.
- Tested on Kickstart 37.175 (2.04) and Workbench 38.12. Also booted
up in Kickstart/Workbench 1.3 and everything appears OK (not fully
tested).
- Running GVP 22Mhz 68030 Combo board. Works fine with hard drives
attached to the SCSI bus. Set up has 2MB 16bit Fast RAM (A2058
board) and 5MB 32bit RAM (Combo board). GoldenGate II board also
running with two extra PC serial lines. CBM deinterlacer. All
appear compatible.
- All software that I ran appears compatible.
INSTALLATION
[MODERATOR'S NOTE: If you are not comfortable opening up your
Amiga, then you should have the work done by an authorized Amiga
service center. Careless work may damage the computer. - Dan]
The old Agnus has to be removed (and for this, the PLCC chip
extractor is an absolute requirement). The new board is then inserted into
the motherboard socket left vacant by the Agnus chip, and a wire lead is
attached to a pin on the 68000 (I used the 68000 attachment, even while
running an 030) or the Gary chip. That's it!
The installation was dead easy, and the only worry was static
discharge from myself (I didn't use a static mat or strap... slap on wrist!
:-))
REVIEW
The project assembly was much easier than I had suspected. The
board is well laid out with everything clearly marked, and thus is of good
quality. All boards come with the PLCC plug soldered to the board, due to
the difficulty of this operation.
The assembly in its basic form consists of the following (note that
this only applies to the kitset boards):
1) Solder PLCC socket to the PCB. Not difficult, but it requires a
little care and accuracy.
2) Solder in the three SIP resistor packs. Very easy.
3) Solder in the nine capacitors into the board. Very easy.
4) Solder the clip lead to the board (already assembled on kitset
boards). Very easy.
5) Solder the eight RAM chips to the PCB. This was a little harder
as I was worried about static and overheating the chips, and so it
required a bit of precision and a speedy hand on the soldering iron.
6) Solder the 24-pin PAL chip to the PCB. Same skill level as above.
7) Install the 2 Meg Agnus chip into the socket on the board. Pretty
simple.
8) Install, as mentioned above in previous section.
This process took me about an evening to complete (say 7:00pm to
1:00am... yes I was enjoying myself that much :-)). But the work could
easily be split up over multiple periods, as recommended in the
documentation, to ensure that a high standard of work is achieved. Mine
turned out pretty fair. The soldering wasn't production line quality, but
is reasonably respectable. I found it easier to solder the pins on chips,
sockets, etc., after they had been bent a few degrees (note I was *very*
careful doing this!).
Note that none of the above applies to the complete, fully
assembled project, which arrives the same as the commercial products (with
the exception of the higher price tag).
Overall, I obtained a great deal of enjoyment. This was the second
board I have soldered (the first being the Multi-Kickstart, also produced by
Structured Applications and Designs), and found it much easier to complete
than the previous one. Basically, if you can plug a soldering iron in, and
handle it with a small degree of proficiency combined with a desire to
produce work of a decent standard, you shouldn't have much hassle assembling
the project. The instructions are a breeze to work through and provide a
step-by-step assembly and instruction method which is easily understood,
even by somebody as electronically inept as I am!
Overall if you're not going to upgrade to a new Amiga, yet require
or would like 2MB of Chip RAM, then this is the cheapest path to achieving
your goal. Don't be scared by the skill required to assemble the project or
the time taken to assemble it, as both are negligible.
How useful is the extra 1MB of Chip RAM? Well now I can multitask a
lot better, running numerous windows and doing a number of tasks that
previously I could not do (e.g., read my news with Grn, while downloading
with JRComm, while viewing IFF's). It has turned me into a bit of a slob
though, as I tend to leave more windows open. :-) It also aids those of us
that *have* to use MagicWB.
DOCUMENTATION
This consists of the assembly, installation and compatibility files
that accompany the Public Domain archive on Aminet. These ASCII files are
also accompanied by a number of IFF pictures which aid the assembly and
provide complete schematics for the project (i.e., PCB layouts, etc).
The documents are superb, and provide a step by step description of
both the assembly and installation process which are easy to follow. There
are even IFF pictures of parts which may be hard to identify for the
beginner (e.g., capacitors, chips, etc).
Also included in the documents is an order form and description of
how the project works and the theory behind it.
LIKES AND DISLIKES
I believe that the project is brilliant! It provides a cheap way to
upgrade your Chip RAM while introducing the beginner to a project which
provides a great deal of satisfaction and builds confidence (is this a good
thing with static sensitive electronics ;-)).
I have no complaints about the quality of materials involved, the
documentation, nor the implementation of the whole project.
COMPARISON TO OTHER SIMILAR PRODUCTS
The project is a Public Domain implementation of similar commercial
products available, such as the DKB MegaChip product. I haven't used or heard
any complaints about the commercial products.
BUGS
None known.
VENDOR SUPPORT
I had to contact the authors, Neil Coito and Michael Cianflone,
several times via email concerning a delivery date. Both times they were
helpful and courteous. The problem was that new circuit boards were being
produced and delays had occurred. The product arrived (after a delay in
Customs) at approximately the time specified by the authors.
Both authors offer themselves in the documentation as available for
consultation if any problems are encountered. Once the board arrived I had
no problems nor need to consult.
I am not affiliated with the company in any way except as a
customer.
WARRANTY
There appears to be no warranty. It is mentioned in the documents,
that if a part is defective, then contact Structured Applications for help,
and I presume replacement parts are free of cost. All the boards are sent
out fully tested, apparently.
CONCLUSIONS
I consider the project brilliant, and hope that further projects of
this type appear for/from the Amiga community. It is well executed in terms
of both documentation and hardware. It achieves its aims, and appears to be
at least on a par with commercial products.
If forced to give a rating, at this stage I would give it 4 out of
5. The remaining star depends upon the long term reliability of the
product, which at this stage I have few doubts about. If it stays as
reliable as it currently is, then I would happily recommend 5 out of 5!
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Copyright 1993 Hamish Tweedie. All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission.
***************************************************************************
Portal
Table of Contents
/// Portal: A Great Place For Amiga Users
--------------------------------------
Portal Communications' Amiga Zone
The AFFORDABLE alternative for online Amiga information
-------------------------------------------------------
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How does all that sound? Probably too good to be true. Well, it IS true.
Portal Signup or for more information:
408-973-9111 (voice) 9a.m.-5p.m. Mon-Fri, Pacific Time
408-725-0561 (modem 3/12/2400) 24 hours every day
408-973-8091 (modem 9600/14400) 24 hours every day
or enter "C PORTAL" from any Sprintnet dial-in in the USA,
or telnet to "portal.com" from anywhere.
PORTAL'S CURRENT RATES:
All prices shown are in U.S. Dollars
Total Total Total Total
Cost Cost Cost Cost
Fee 1 hr. 5 hrs. 10 hrs.30 hrs.
Startup Monthly Per Per per per per
Fee Fee Hour month month month month
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
Portal 19.95 19.95
2400/9600/14.4Kbps, *direct 24 hrs 0.00 19.95 19.95 19.95 19.95
2400/9600bps nonprime Sprint 2.50 22.95 32.45 44.95 94.95
2400/9600bps prime Sprint +% 5.50-10 29.95 69.95 119.95 varies
2400/9600bps non prime # PCPursuit 1.00 20.95 24.95 29.95 49.95
* plus cost of phone call if out of Portal's local dialing area
Direct rates also apply to connections made to Portal using the
UNIX "telnet" program from an account you may already
have on an Internet-connected system.
% 9600 bps Sprintnet in over 300 cities areas
+ $10 rate prevails at smaller US Cities
# PCPursuit is a service of US Sprint. Portal is a PCPursuit
"Direct Access Facility" thus connection to Portal with a PCP account
is simply a matter of entering C PORTAL,PCP-ID,PCP-PASSWORD at the
SprintNet login prompt instead of C PORTAL.
Note:
Portal Direct 9600/14400 bps service is availble for both USR HST
modems, and any V32/V32.bis modems. There are dozens of direct-dial
high speed lines into Portal. No busy signals!
SprintNet 9600bps service is V.32 modem protocol only.
Again, Portal does NOT surcharge high speed modem users!
Portal subscribers who already have an account on an Internet-capable
system elsewhere, can use that system's "telnet" program
to connect to Portal for $0.00 an hour. That's right ZERO. From anywhere
in the world. If you're in this category, be sure to ask the Portal
reps, when you signup, how to login to Portal from your existing
Internet account.
Call and join today. Tell the friendly Portal Customer Service
representative, "The Amiga Zone and Amiga Report sent me!"
[Editor's Note: Be sure to tell them that you are an Amiga user, so
they can notify the AmigaZone sysops to send their Welcome Letter and
other information!]
That number again: 408-973-9111.
Portal Communications accepts MasterCard, Visa, or you can pre-pay any
amount by personal check or money order. The Portal Online System is
a trademark of Portal Communications.
***************************************************************************
Usenet Review - Piball Fantasies
Table of Contents
/// Usenet Review: Pinball Fantasies
---------------------------------
By Steven Van Egmo
(svanegmo@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca)
PRODUCT NAME
Pinball Fantasies
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Sophisticated pinball game simulator with 4 tables included. Pinball
Fantasies is the successor to Pinball Dreams, by the same company.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Name: 21st Century Entertainment
Address: P.O. Box 415
Webster, NY 14580
USA
PRICES (U.S. dollars)
$39.95 list price.
$24.95 street price.
The above is for the 3-floppy version.
A hard-drive-installable version is $10 extra.
SPECIAL HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
HARDWARE
The documentation does not provide any information on this,
recommending instead that all peripherals be disconnected.
On a completely stripped 512K A500, the game intro would
load, but no tables would. On the same 500 with 1 meg of
Chip RAM, the game worked fine.
The hard drive version reportedly requires "about 4
megabytes of [hard disk] space".
The game will work with one floppy drive, but you need two
to avoid disk swapping.
The game works very well with a 68000. With a 68030, the
performance was identical, though the pause between the end
of disk access and the start of a game was transformed into
a BRIEF pause.
SOFTWARE
None observed. The documentation provides no information.
COPY PROTECTION
Disk-based. High scores are recorded to the table disks, which must
therefore be write-enabled. This may cause some problems (see BUGS, below).
TEST MACHINE
Amiga 500, kludged to 1-meg Chip RAM.
GVP A500-HD+ with 2 MB of Fast RAM installed; Quantum 52 Mb Drive.
CSA Derringer 68030/68881 @ 25 MHz with 4 MB of 32-bit RAM..
WorkBench 1.3 and 2.04.
REVIEW
After becoming addicted to Pinball Dreams, I couldn't wait until
Pinball Fantasies was released. 21st Century Entertainment deserves
considerable praise for releasing a freely-distributable playable demo. It
certainly convinced me to buy the game.
The game consists of one boot disk and two table disks, each
containing two pinball games. Included games are Speed Devils, Billion
Dollar Game Show, Stones 'n' Bones, and Partyland. Unlike Pinball Dreams,
Pinball Fantasies allows one to purchase extra table disks and expand the
game indefinitely, though none are currently available. This may even open
up the possibility of a table editor...
The intro to the game is really slick. It's not abortable, but it's
not annoyingly long either. The music at first sounds vaguely creepy, but
eventually settles into a neatly sophisticated beat.
The games themselves are extremely well-executed, and demonstrate a
higher level of sophistication than Pinball Dreams. There are now 3
flippers on some tables. The score panel, rather than simulating an LED
display, is now a dot matrix display that provides some really interesting
effects. The tables are larger, and a ball that goes down the left gutter
can be saved by a "kickback" that lurks there on some tables.
The simulation of the pinball action is excellent and feels as
accurate as ever. No quirks at all appear in the ball behaviour, even after
long periods of play (this occasionally happened in Pinball Dreams). Unlike
other pinball simulators I've encountered, Pinball Fantasies has implemented
the concept of ball spin.
The design of the pinball tables is excellent. Pinball purists will
complain that no simple, uncomplicated tables are present, as Ignition is in
Pinball Dreams. Every table has a raised ball track; the one in Stones 'n'
Bones is more like a platform, where the ball can take different paths.
Every table is well-done, and I like them all. Stones 'n' Bones is my
personal favourite.
The graphics throughout the game are first-rate. The dot matrix
display is fun to watch, and the detail on the board backgrounds is improved
over that of Pinball Dreams. The graphics are, in some cases, too loud and
lend the board a cluttered look. Billion Dollar Game Show is the greatest
sufferer from this -- when the ball is moving quickly, it's difficult to
tell where walls are as opposed to background graphics. You get used to it,
though.
The music is really good. It's difficult to compare it to the first
version's music; my opinion of it improved the more I played the game. It
still outclasses every other game I've seen for its sophistication.
DOCUMENTATION
The package comes with a brief, unillustrated manual with about a
page and a half dedicated to each table. The detail is impeccable, the text
is logical, and nothing is left out. It's wise to have the pinball table in
front of you when looking at the manual, since some of the references to
objects are ambiguous. Illustrations really would have helped.
LIKES AND DISLIKES
I like the graphics. I like the sound. I like the table designs.
I like the ability to purchase new table disks. I really like the dot
matrix display, although one person who played the game said the size was
oppressive on the NTSC screen.
I don't like the disk-swapping necessary for a one-drive setup. On
bootup, it claims to make use of extra RAM, but I didn't notice any
difference in behaviour. Also, it would be nice if the disks indicated
which games were on them. Some people won't be happy about the $10
additional cost for a hard drive version, but I don't mind.
COMPARISON TO SIMILAR PRODUCTS
This is a nice step up from Pinball Dreams. The graphics are
improved, and the tables can do more. The music and sound effects are just
as good, and will make anyone unfamiliar with the Amiga drool.
BUGS
The disks, to AmigaDOS, aren't non-DOS. If you leave them in when
you reboot, AmigaDOS tries to validate them, and gives up after 20 seconds
with an error requester. I suspect this is what caused the high score
system to become defective on my disks -- all high scores were unchangeable
and unreadable.
I requested, under warranty, a replacement set. They fixed the
problem, but only temporarily. One of the 2 game disks seems to have gone
bad again and refuses to save high scores. Very annoying.
I recommend you make sure to remove your disks from the drive when
you reset, or write-enable them only when the high scores need to be
re-written.
VENDOR SUPPORT
When my disks went bad, I contacted 21st Century Entertainment by
mail for a replacement set, which arrived about 10 days later. I was
surprised they didn't ask for the return of my old set, which I have since
formatted. I was pleased with the support.
The warranty covers disk defects and lasts 90 days. Make sure you
write down the number that's printed on your warranty card before you mail
it.
CONCLUSIONS
This game is an excellent pinball simulator and a whole lot of fun.
It's a first-rate Amiga game all around. I'm glad I got it.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This review is freely distributable. Permission is granted to
translate it into any language, so long as I am credited as the original
author. I can be reached at:
Stephen Van Egmond
360 Front Road
LaSalle, Ontario, Canada, N9J 1Z5
E-mail: svanegmo@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Night Before Christmas
Table of Contents
/// The Night Before Christmas - Modern Times
-----------------------------------------
Author Unknown
It was the night before Christmas, and one thing was clear
That old yuletide spirit no longer was here.
Unemployment keeps rising, the crime rate is tripling;
'Boomers elected, and our taxes are crippling;
I poured some Jack Daniel's as I watched the TV,
Where Donny sang "O Holy Night" to Marie
The kids were in bed, getting sleep like they should,
Or else they left home, which was almost as good.
My wife, with her ball-point, was making a fuss;
About folks we sent cards to, who'd sent none to us.
"Those ingrates", she thundered, and pounded her fist,
"Next year you can bet they'll be crossed off our list!"
When out in our yard came a deafening blare,
'Twas our burglar alarm, and I hollered, "Who's there?"
I turned on the searchlight, which lit up the night,
And armed with my handgun beheld a strange sight,
Some Red-Suited Clown, with a white beard immense,
Was caught in my eight-foot electrified fence;
He called out, "I'm Santa! I bring you no malice!"
Said I, "If you're Santa, I'm Telly Savalles."
But, lo, as his presence grew clearer to me,
I saw in the glare that it might just be he!
I called off my Rottweiler, clawing his sleigh,
And frisking him twice said, "I think he's okay."
I led him inside, where he slumped in a chair,
And he told me the following tale of despair,
"On Christmas eves past I was jolly and chuckling,
But now 'neath the pressures I fear I am buckling."
"You'll note I've arrived with no reindeer this year,
And without them my sleigh is much harder to steer;
Although I would like to continue to use them,
The wildlife officials believe I abuse them."
"To add to my problem, Ralph Nader dropped by;
And told me my sleigh was unsafe in the sky.
I now must wear seatbelts, despite my objections,
And bring the sleigh in twice a year for inspections."
"Last April my workers came forth with demands,
And I soon had a general strike on my hands;
I couldn't afford to pay unionized elves,
So the missus and I did the work by ourselves."
"And then, later on, came additional trouble;
An avalanche left my fine workshop in rubble,
But my Stallstate Insurance was worthless, because,
They had shrewdly slipped in a 'No avalanche' clause."
"Then, after that, came an I.R.S. audit;
The government claimed I was out to defraud it.
They finally nailed me for 65 grand;
Which I paid through the sale of my house and my land."
"And yet I persist, though it gives me a scare,
Flying blind through the blanket of smog in the air;
Not to mention the street gangs, who fill me with dread,
Taking shots at my sleigh as I pass overhead."
"My torn-up red suit, and these bruises and swellings,
I got fighting muggers in subsidized dwellings.
And if you should ask why I'm glowing tonight,
It's from flying too close to a nuclear site."
Then he arose from his chair and heaved a great sigh,
Though I couldn't help notice a small tear in his eye;
"I've tried", he declared, "To reverse each defeat,
But I fear that today I've become obsolete."
He slumped out the door, and returned to his sleigh
And with these final words he went his own way;
"No longer can I do the job that's required,
"I'm going to call Clinton and try to get hired."
***************************************************************************
BIX
Table of Contents
/// BIX - Byte Information Exchange Lots of information!
-------------------------------
BIX is the premier online service for computing professionals and enthusiasts.
While other online services cater to computer novices, BIX is the place for
knowledgeable people to go for answers to tough questions. You're likely
to find many others in similar situations who can offer advice, give
technical assistance, or point you in the right direction.
BIX is divided into areas called conferences, each devoted to a
particular area of interest. They range from algorithms to windows,
from writers to amiga. Conferences are categorized into groups,
usually referred to as exchanges, so that you can browse through
whatever groups interest you and see a list of the conferences it
contains.
These are some of the exchanges on BIX:
amiga.exchange - the place for Amiga developers and enthusiasts
byte - the full text of each issue of BYTE magazine; source code too
e.and.l - Entertainment and Leisure; music, pets, games, more
ibm.exchange - everything from OS/2 to PC clones
mac.exchange - Mac news, support, software, advice
professionals - consultants, engineers, financiers gather here
programmers - some of the best brains in the business!
wix - the Information Exchange for Windows; Windows Magazine online
writers.ex - the professional and amateur writer's exchange
*** FULL INTERNET ACCESS! ***
BIX also features access to the Internet - you can use FTP to transfer
files from sites all over the world, telnet to log on to other online
services, schools, and research sites, and send Internet mail to millions
of people at services like DELPHI, CompuServe, America Online, MCI Mail,
and other sites and services. Services like "WHOIS" and "Finger" are
also available, with more features on the way (like USENET newsgroups;
our newsreader is currently being tested and should be available very
soon!) There are no usage fees or special charges for Internet access -
it's all part of your BIX subscription.
==============================
Rates and Connect Information:
==============================
BIX membership costs $13 per month, plus connect time. There are several
different ways to connect:
SprintNet* $3/hour evenings/weekends $9/hour weekdays
Tymnet:** $3/hour evenings/weekends $9/hour weekdays
(SprintNet and Tyment rates shown are for 48 contiguous US states only.)
Tymnet Canada: $4/hr eves/wkends $9/hour weekdays
Tymnet Hawaii: $10/hr eves/wkends $20/hour weekdays
Telnet(via Internet): $1/hour, round the clock
Direct dial (Boston): $2/hour, round the clock (up to 9600 bps)
* SprintNet daytime hours are from 6am to 7pm, M-F, ET.
** Tymnet daytime hours are from 7am to 6pm, M-F, ET.
To find your local SprintNet number, call SprintNet at (800) 877-5045,
ext. 5. Internationally, call (404) 859-7700.
To find a local Tymnet number, call Tymnet at (800) 937-2862.
Internationally, call (703) 442-0145.
================
There is no surcharge for 9600 bps access via either telecom carrier.
There is no surcharge for up to 10mb of Internet mail per month (sent
and received). There will be a charge of $1 per 100,000 bytes
thereafter.
================
20/20 PLAN OPTION (for USA-48 users only):
Volume users can choose the 20/20 Advantage Plan, which is $20 per month
and includes the first 20 hours of access by any combination of methods
from the contiguous United States. Additional use is $1.80 per hour
(additional use for telnet access is $1 an hour). The 20/20 Plan's cost is
in addition to the $13 monthly fee.
INTERNATIONAL USERS:
If you wish to connect internationally through Tymnet or SprintNet,
please contact your local PTT. BIX accepts prepaid international calls,
direct dial, or telnet connections. In order to make a "collect" (not
prepaid) call to BIX, your account must be verified before the charges
are accepted. When you complete the registration, we'll mail you a BIX
Membership Agreement by regular US Mail. Whe you receive it, sign it
and return it to us by mail. When we receive it here, we'll authorize
your account to make reverse charged calls.
If you want to access BIX right away, contact your local PTT to set up a
prepaid account. You'll pay your local carrier for your calls to BIX in
advance, so there's no waiting period or verfication needed. Or, connect
at BIX via telnet to x25.bix.com.
SprintNet international calls from most locations are $24 an hour.
Tymnet international charges vary, but are generally between $20-$30 an hour.
====================
Billing Information:
====================
You can charge your monthly BIX membership fees to your Visa,
Mastercard, Discover, or American Express card.
You may have your company invoiced for one or more BIX memberships with
a BIX Corporate Account. To do so, send by US Mail or fax a Purchase Order
including a Purchase Order number, invoice address, contact person, a
phone number where we can reach the contact person, and the company's
fax number. Please direct it to the attention of Connie Lopes, who
handles corporate accounts. Our fax number is 617-491-6642. Your
corporate account will generally be set up within 24 hours.
===================
To Sign Up For BIX:
===================
Dial by modem 1-800-695-4882 or 617-491-5410 *
(use 8 data bits, no parity, full duplex)
Press a few carriage returns until you see the Login:(enter "bix")
prompt, then type bix
At the Name? prompt, type bix.amrpt
* Users already on the internet can telnet to x25.bix.com instead.
At the USERNAME: prompt enter bix, then bix.net at the Name? prompt.
Once your account is registered, you can connect the same way, except
at the Name? prompt you'll enter your BIXname and then your password.
Using the above procedure will allow users in the 48 contiguous United
States to take advantage of our special "5 for $5" offer. This offer
lets you use up to 5 hours of evening/weekend time on BIX during the
current calender month (whatever month you sign up in), for $5.
Additional time is $1.80 per hour ($1 per hour for telnet). At the end
of the calender month, you will be placed into our standard rate plan,
at $13 monthly plus connect charges. You may also join the 20/20 Plan
at this time.
If you have other questions, please contact BIX Member Services
at (800) 695-4775; send a fax to BIX at (617) 491-6642; or send Internet
mail to info@bix.com.
BIX Member Services hours are 12pm - 11pm, Monday through Friday, ET.
****************************************************************************
Dealer Directory
Table of Contents
/// Dealer Directory Serving our readers!
----------------
Almathera Systems Ltd
Challenge House
618 Mitcham Rd
Croydon, Surrey
CR9 3AU England
VOICE: (UK) 081 683 6418
Internet: (Sales) almathera@cix.compulink.co.uk
(Technical) jralph@cix.compulink.co.uk
Amigability Computers
P.O. Box 572
Plantsville, CT 06479
VOICE: 203-276-8175
Internet: amiga@phantm.UUCP
BIX: jbasile
(Send E-mail to subscribe to our mailing list)
Apogee Technologies
1851 University Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34243
VOICE: 813-355-6121
Portal: Apogee
Internet: Apogee@cup.portal.com
Armadillo Brothers
753 East 3300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
VOICE: 801-484-2791
Internet: B.GRAY@genie.geis.com
Brian Fowler Computers Ltd
11 North St
Exeter
Devon
EX4 3QS
United Kingdom
Voice: (0392) 499 755
Fax: (0392) 423 480
Internet: brian_fowler@cix.compulink.co.uk
CLICK! Microcomputer Applications B.V.B.A.
Boomsesteenweg 468
B-2610 Wilrijk - Antwerpen
Belgium - Europe
VOICE: 03 / 828.18.15
FAX: 03 / 828.67.36
USENET: vanhoutv@click.augfl.be
FIDO: 2:292/603.9
AmigaNet: 39:120/102.9
Computers International, Inc.
5415 Hixson Pike
Chattanooga, TN 37343
VOICE: 615-843-0630
DataKompaniet ANS
Pb 3187 Munkvoll
N-7002 Trondheim
Norway - Europe
VOICE/FAX: 72 555 149
Internet: torrunes@idt.unit.no
Digital Arts
122 West 6th Street
Bloomington, IN 47404
VOICE: (812)330-0124
FAX: (812)330-0126
BIX: msears
Finetastic Computers
721 Washington Street
Norwood, MA 02062
VOICE: 617-762-4166
BBS: 617-769-3172
Fido: 1:101/322
Portal: FinetasticComputers
Internet: FinetasticComputers@cup.portal.com
HT Electronics
275 North Mathilda Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
VOICE: 408-737-0900
FAX: 408-245-3109
Portal: HT Electronics
Internet: HT Electronics@cup.portal.com
Industrial Video, Inc.
1601 North Ridge Rd.
Lorain, OH 44055
VOICE: 800-362-6150
216-233-4000
Internet: af741@cleveland.freenet.edu
Contact: John Gray
MicroSearch
9000 US 59 South, Suite 330
Houston, Texas
VOICE: 713-988-2818
FAX: 713-995-4994
Mr. Hardware Computers
P.O. Box 148
59 Storey Ave.
Central Islip, NY 11722
VOICE: 516-234-8110
FAX: 516-234-8110
A.M.U.G. BBS: 516-234-6046
MusicMart: Media Sound & Vision
71 Wellington Road
London, Ontario, Canada
VOICE: 519-434-4162
FAX: 519-663-8074
BBS: 519-457-2986
FIDO: 1:221/125
AmigaNet: 40:550/1
MaxNet: 90:204/1
iNET: koops@gaul.csd.uwo.ca
PSI Animations
17924 SW Pilkington Road
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
VOICE: 503-624-8185
Internet: PSIANIM@agora.rain.com
Software Plus Chicago
3100 W Peterson Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
VOICE: 312-338-6100
Wonder Computers Inc.
1315 Richmond Rd.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2B 8J7
Voice: 613-596-2542
Fax: 613-596-9349
BBS: 613-829-0909
(Dealers: To have your name added, please send Email!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Great Amiga Report Questionaire
Table of Contents
/// The Great Amiga Report Questionaire
-----------------------------------
by Robert Niles (and Amiga Report)
rniles@imtired.itm.com
Well to help end this "Amiga Report" year, AR would like to conduct
a survey. This will help us find out a little bit more about our
readers and the Amiga community in general.
If you could just take a moment, please fill out the questionaire and
send it to
Intenet: rniles@imtired.itm.com
FidoNet: Robert Niles 1:3407/103
US Mail:
ITM Distribution
P.O. Box 8041
Yakima, Wa 98908
Thanks to all of you who have already sent in the questionaire!!
Keep them coming!!! We will continue to accept replies until
Wednesday the 29th of December 1993.
All replies will be kept confidential.
-------------- The Questionaire --------------------------------------------
1. How old are you?
2. What AMIGA computer(s) do you own?
3. What other computers do you own?
4. What external peripherals do you have?
5. What internal peripherals do you have? (modems, RAM, video, etc)
6. What do you do for a living? (job, student, nothing, etc.)
7. Do you use your Amiga in a business?
8. What do you primarily use your Amiga for? (games, educational, bbs, etc.)
9. What would you really like to see made for the Amiga? Either, hardware,
software, etc.
10. Name one of your most liked pieces of Hardware that you have with
your Amiga.
11. Name one of your most liked pieces of Software that you have with
your Amiga.
12. Would you buy the Amiga CD32?
13. How often do you read Amiga Report?
14. What would you like to see in Amiga Report?
15. Do you prefer the AmigaGuide style, or should we go back to simple
ASCII text?
16. Comments?
Thanks for completing the survey. We'll gather all responces and post
them in the last issue of this year's Amiga Report.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AR Confidential
Table of Contents
/// AR Confidential We heard it through the grapevine!
---------------
POWER PC - SNEAK PEEK!
----------------------
Mac Report PowerPC Sneak Peek!!
===============================
PDM
Code named PDM, the bottom of the line PowerPC Mac has a 60mhz PowerPC
601 chip. Priced at around $2000, it has 8 megs of RAM and a 160 meg (or
230) hard drive and comes in a Quadra 610 type box. A built-in CD-ROM is
an option.
Carl Sagan
Next in the line-up is the "Carl Sagan" (who thinks up these code
names?). With a 66mhz 601, a 230 or 500 meg hard drive, 8 megs of RAM
three NuBus slots and an optional CD-ROM drive in a Quadra 650 type
case. Price? Around $3000
Cold Fusion
Top o' the line "Cold Fusion" is based on an 80mhz 601. Priced at around
$4000, it comes in a Quadra 800 type box with 8-16 megs of RAM, a 230 or
500 meg hard drive, and a CD-ROM drive.
Look here for more PowerPC info in the weeks ahead. If you've been
reading this column for a while, you know that I'm really pumped up about
CD-ROM, so here's some more CD-ROM PR.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Humor Department
Table of Contents
/// The Humor Department Jokes, Quotes, Insults, Shameless Plugs
--------------------
Frank said it best...
Information is not knowledge
Knowledge is not truth
Truth is not wisdom
Wisdom is not beauty
Beauty is not love
Love is not music,
music is the best
FZ, Joe's Garage, 1979
In Closing
Table of Contents
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Amiga Report International Online Magazine
December 17, 1993 * YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE * No. 1.38
Copyright © 1993 SkyNet Publications ~ All Rights Reserved
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Views, Opinions and Articles presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors and staff of Amiga Report International Online Magazine or of
STR Publications. Permission to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless
otherwise noted. Reprints must, without exception, include the name of the
publication, date, issue number and the author's name. Amiga Report and/or
portions therein may not be edited in any way without prior written per-
mission. However, translation into a language other than English is accept-
ble, provided the original meaning is not altered. Amiga Report may be dis-
tributed on privately owned not-for-profit bulletin board systems (fees to
cover cost of operation are acceptable), and major online services such as
(but not limited to) Delphi and Portal. Distribution on public domain
disks is acceptable provided proceeds are only to cover the cost of the
disk (e.g. no more than $5 US). Distribution on for-profit magazine cover
disks requires written permission from the editor or publisher. Amiga
Report is a not-for-profit publication. Amiga Report, at the time of pub-
ication, is believed reasonably accurate. Amiga Report, its staff and con-
ributors are not and cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of
information contained herein or the results obtained there from. Amiga
Report is not affiliated with Commodore-Amiga, Inc., Commodore Business
Machines, Ltd., or any other Amiga publication in any way. All items quoted
in whole or in part are done so under the Fair Use Provision of the Copy-
right Laws of the United States Penal Code.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Only
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Makes it possible!!
Table of Contents
Columns and Features News, Reviews, and More!
About AMIGA REPORT Staff, Copyright information
Dealer Directory Amiga Dealer Addresses and Numbers
Commercial Online Services Sign-Up Information
FTP Announcements New Files Available for FTP
AR Distribution Sites Where to get AMIGA REPORT
/// 12/17/93 Amiga Report 1.38 "Your Weekly Source for Amiga Information"
--------------------------
· The Editor's Desk · CPU Status Report · New Products
· FTP Announcements · Dealer Directory · AR Confidential
· The Humor Department · Pinball Fantasies · AR Online
· QModem Pro Sneak Peek · Modern Christmas · 2 meg Agnus Project
» New Column: European Outlook «
» More on Compton's Multimedia Patent Claims «
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Amiga Report International Online Magazine
"Your Weekly Source for Amiga Information"
» FEATURING WEEKLY «
Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware · Software · Corporate · R & D · Imports
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/ DELPHI · PORTAL · FIDO · INTERNET · BIX /
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Columns and Features
Table of Contents
From the Editor's Desk Saying it like it is!
CPU Status Report Computer Products Update
AMUC Announces CDROM From the Amiga Users of Calgary
Repro Studio Universal 4 Graphics programs in one!
Online Weekly The lines are buzzing!
European Outlook A look at the Amiga in Europe
Compton MultiMedia Info about Compton's patent claims
STR InfoFile QModemPro for Windows
UseNet Review Two Meg Agnus Project
UseNet Review Pinball Fantasies
The Night Before Christmas ...in modern times
Amiga Report Questionaire Fill it out and send it back!
AR Confidential We heard it through the grapevine
The Humor Department Jokes, Quotes, and Shameless plugs!
About Amiga Report
Table of Contents
For Starters Where to get AMIGA REPORT
AR Staff The Editors, and Contributers
In Closing Copyright Information
Commercial Online Services
Table of Contents
Delphi Getting better all the time!
Portal A great place for Amiga users...
InterNet Subscribe to the AR Mailing List
BIX For Serious Programmers and Developers
Files Available for FTP
Table of Contents
DrChip v1.02 C programmng utilities
QuickNet - QN2000 Proprietory networking system for the Amiga
Recall v2.1 Scheduler program
AmiTCP_tnserv v1.0 Telnet daemon for AmiTCP
ToolType v37.208 WB tooltypes editor
-----------------------------------------
NOVA
Table of Contents
* NOVA BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
* Running Starnet BBS *
Wayne Stonecipher, Sysop
FidoNet 1:362/508
An Amiga Software Distribution Site (ADS)
615-472-9748 USR DS 16.8 24hrs - 7 days
Cleveland, Tennessee
------------------------------------------
In The MeanTime
Table of Contents
* IN THE MEANTIME BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
* Running AXShell *
Robert Niles, Sysop
rniles@imtired.itm.com
509-966-3828 Supra V.32bis 24hrs - 7 days
Yakima, Washington
******* Notice *******
After 13 September 1993, In The MeanTime will no longer be on FidoNet, thus
we will no longer be accepting File REQuests (FREQs). We WILL be still
accepting calls and will have the latest edition of Amiga Report online.
Downloads to first time callers are still accepted. For the west coast
call Cloud's Corner to FREQ the latest edition of Amiga Report.
Those who call for the latest edition of Amiga Report, and who do not with
to establish an account, log in as guest with the password of "guest".
At the prompt type "ARMAG" (without the quotes).
------------------------------------------
Cloud's Corner
Table of Contents
* CLOUD'S CORNER BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
MebbsNet/Starnet Support/Distribution Site West Coast USA
* Running MEBBSNet BBS *
Larry Cloud, Sysop
FidoNet: 1:350/30
MaxNet: 90:180/10
Internet: larryc@hebron.connected.com
206-377-4290 USR HST DS 24hrs - 7 days
Bremerton, Washington
New users can call and get ANY copy of Amiga Report. These are considered
"free" downloads, they do not count against any file ratio. The latest issue
of Amiga Reports can be Freq'ed (FileREQusted) from here as "AR.LHA", as "AR"
or as ARxxx.LHA where xxx is the issue number. Freq's are valid at ANY time.
For users interested in reading AR, but who do not have access to AmigaGuide,
you can freq ARBUL and get the AR in bulletin form. This service is provided
for persons who do not have Amigaguide (such as IBM users). Please note that
any pictures distributed with the "regular" Amiga Reports archive will NOT be
sent with this freq. This file is not available for dial-in users, but you
can read bulletin #5 with your capture buffer open and get the same file.
------------------------------------------
Biosmatica
Table of Contents
* BIOSMATICA BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- Portugal
* Running Excelsior/Trapdoor/UUCP *
Celso Martinho, Sysop
FidoNet 2:361/9
+351-34-382320 V.32bis 24hrs - 7 days
------------------------------------------
Amiga Junction 9
Table of Contents
* AMIGA JUNCTION 9 *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- United Kingdom
* Running DLG Professional *
Stephen Anderson, Sysop
Sysop Email: sysadmin@junct9.royle.org
Line 1 +44 (0)372 271000 14400 V.32bis/HST FidoNet 2:440/20
Line 2 +44 (0)372 278000 14400 V.32bis only FidoNet 2:440/21
Line 3 +44 (0)372 279000 2400 V.42bis/MNP
Internet: user_name@junct9.royle.org
------------------------------------------
BitStream BBS
Table of Contents
* BITSTREAM BBS *
The BBS of the Nelson (NZ) Amiga Users Group
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
* Running Xenolink 1.0 Z.3 *
Glen Roberts, Sysop
FidoNet 3:771/850
+64 3 5485321 Supra V.32bis 24hrs - 7 days
Nelson, New Zealand
-------------------------------------------
Realm of Twilight
Table of Contents
* REALM OF TWILIGHT BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- Canada
* Running Excelsior! BBS *
Thorsten Schiller, Sysop
Usenet: realm.tdkcs.waterloo.on.ca
UUCP: ...!uunet.ca!tdkcs!realm
FIDO: 1:221/202
Fish: 33:33/8
24hrs - 7 days
519-748-9365 (2400 baud)
519-748-9026 (v.32bis)
Ontario, Canada
Hardware: Amiga 3000, 105 Meg Quantum, 213 Meg Maxtor, 5 megs RAM
-------------------------------------------
Metnet Triangle
Table of Contents
METNET TRIANGLE SYSTEM
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
UK Support for Mebbsnet
* Running Mebbsnet and Starnet 1.02a *
Jon Witty, Sysop
FIDO: 2:252/129.0
24 hrs - 7 days
Line 1: 44-482-473871 16.8 DS HST
Lines 2-7: 44-482-442251 2400 (6 lines)
Line 8: 44-482-491744 2400
Line 9: 44-482-449028 2400
Voice helpline 44-482-491752 (anytime)
Fully animated menus + normal menu sets.
500 megs HD - Usual software/messages
Most doors online - Many Sigs - AMIGA AND PC SUPPORT
Very active userbase and busy conference
Precious days and MUD online. AMUL support site.
-------------------------------------------
Omaha Amiganet
Table of Contents
* OMAHA AMIGANET *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
* Running DLG Professional *
Andy Wasserman, Sysop
24 hrs - 7 days
FidoNet: 1:285/11
AmigaNet: 40:200/10
Line 1: 402-333-5110 V.32bis
Line 2: 402-691-0104 USR DS
Omaha, Nebraska
------------------------------------------
Amiga-Night-System
Table of Contents
* AMIGA-NIGHT-SYSTEM *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site - Finland
* Running DLG Professional *
Janne Saarme, Sysop
24 hrs - 7 days
InterNet: luumu@fenix.pp.fi
FidoNet: 2:220/550.0
+358-0-675840 V.32bis
Helsinki, Finland
------------------------------------------
Ramses Amiga Flying
Table of Contents
* RAMSES THE AMIGA FLYING *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- France
* Running DLG Professional *
Eric Delord, Sysop
Philippe Brand, Co-Sysop
Stephane Legrand, Co-Sysop
Internet: user.name@ramses.gna.org
Fidonet: 2:320/104
+33-1-60037015 USR DS 16.8
+33-1-60037713 V.32bis
+33-1-60037716 1200-2400
Ramses The Amiga Flying BBS is an Amiga-dedicated BBS running DLG-Pro
on a Amiga 3000, 16MB RAM, 2GB Disk space, 3 lines.
We keep a dayly Aminet site mirroring, NetBSD-Amiga complete mirror site
from ftp.eunet.ch (main site), Amiga Report, GNU Amiga, Ramses is the
SAN/ADS/Amiganet French coordinator.
------------------------------------------
Gateway BBS
Table of Contents
* THE GATEWAY BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
* Running Excelsior! BBS *
Stace Cunningham, Sysop
Dan Butler, CoSysop
24 hrs - 7 days
InterNet: stace@tecnet1.jcte.jcs.mil
FidoNet: 1:3604/60.0
601-374-2697 Hayes Optina 28.8 V.FC
Biloxi, Mississippi
------------------------------------------
Talk City
Table of Contents
* TALK CITY *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
708-372-0190 - 2400bps 708-372-0268 - V32 14.4K 708-372-0283 USR DS 14.4K
Fido Net 1:115/372,0 Phantom Net 11:2115/2.0 Clink Net 911:6080/4.0
UUCP tcity.com
Over 3 Gig of Files Online | More and More things everyday.
With Three IBM CD-ROMs online, 10 lines, support for all platforms, and a REALLY
dedicated sysop (The Mayor).
------------------------------------------
Amiga BBS
Table of Contents
* Amiga BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
* Running Excelsior! BBS *
Alejandro Kurczyn, Sysop
FidoNet 4:975/7
First Amiga BBS in Mexico
(5) 887-3080 9600 V32,MNP
Estado de Mexico, Mexico
------------------------------------------
Freeland Mainframe
Table of Contents
* FREELAND MAINFRAME *
Offical Amiga Report Distribution Site
* Running DLG Progessional *
John Freeland, SysOp
206-438-1670 Supra 2400zi
206-438-2273 Telebit WorldBlazer(v.32bis)
206-456-6013 Supra v.32bis
24hrs - 7 days
Internet - freemf.eskimo.com
Olympia, Washington
------------------------------------------
LAHO
Table of Contents
* LAHO BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- Finland
* Running MBBS *
Lenni Uitti, SysOp
Tero Manninen, SysOp (PC-areas)
Juha Makinen, SysOp (Amiga-areas)
+358-64-414 1516, V.32bis/HST
+358-64-414 0400, V.32bis/HST
+358-64-414 6800, V.32/HST
+358-64-423 1300, V.32 MNP
Seinajoki, Finland
Our machine is a 386/33 with 20MB of memory, 1GB harddisk and a CD-ROM
drive. The BBS software is a Norwegian origin MBBS running in
a DesqView windows.
We have over 7000 files online (both for the Amiga and PC) + 650MB stuff
on the Aminet CD-ROM disk.
Every user has an access to download filelist (LAHOFIL.ZIP), list of
Finnish 24-hour BBS's (BBSLIST.ZIP or BBSLIST.LHA) and every issue of
the Amiga Report Magazine (AR101.LHA-AR1??.LHA) even on their first call.
The system has been running since 1989 and is sponsored by the local
telephone company, Vaasan Ladnin Puhelin Oy.
------------------------------------------
Falling BBS
Table of Contents
* FALLING BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- Norway
* Running ABBS *
Christopher Naas, Sysop
+47 69 256117 V.32bis 24hrs - 7 days
EMail: naasc@cnaas.adsp.sub.org
------------------------------------------
Command Line BBS
Table of Contents
* COMMAND LINE BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- Canada
Canada's Amiga Graphics & Animation Source
* Running AmiExpress BBS *
Nick Poliwko, Sysop
416-533-8321 V.32 24hrs - 7 days
Toronto, Canada
-------------------------------------------
Rendezvous BBS
Table of Contents
* RENDEZVOUS BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site - New Zealand
New Zealand Excelsior! BBS Support Site
* Running Excelsior! Professional BBS *
David Dustin, Sysop
Internet: postmaster@eclipse.acme.gen.nz
+64 6 3566375 Supra V.32bis 24hrs - 7 days
Palmerston North, New Zealand
-------------------------------------------
Leguans Byte Channel
Table of Contents
* LEGUANS BYTE CHANNEL *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- Germany
* Running EazyBBS V2.11 *
Andreas Geist, Sysop
Usenet: andreas@lbcmbx.in-berlin.de
24 hrs - 7 days
Line 1: 49-30-8110060 USR DS 16.8
Line 2: 49-30-8122442 USR DS 16.8
Login as User: "amiga", Passwd: "report"
-------------------------------------------
Stingray Database BBS
Table of Contents
* STINGRAY DATABASE *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- Germany
* Running FastCall *
Bernd Mienert, Sysop
EMail: sysop@sting-db.zer.sub.org.dbp.de
+49 208 496807 HST-Dual 24hrs - 7 days
Muelheim/Ruhr, Germany
--------------------------------------------
T.B.P. Video Slate
Table of Contents
* T.B.P. VIDEO SLATE *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
An Amiga dedicated BBS for All
* Running Skyline 1.3.2 *
Mark E Davidson, Sysop
24 hrs - 7 days
201-586-3623 USR 14.4 HST
Rockaway, New Jersey
Full Skypix menus + normal and ansi menu sets.
Instant Access to all. Download on the first call.
Hardware: Amiga 500 Tower custom at 14 MHz, 350 Meg maxtor,
125 Meg SCSI Maxtor, 125 Meg IDE Maxtor, Double Speed CD rom,
9 meg RAM
--------------------------------------------
Amiga Central
Table of Contents
* AMIGA CENTRAL! *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
CNet Amiga Support Site
* Running CNet Amiga BBS *
Carl Tashian, Sysop
Internet mail: root@amicent.raider.net
615-383-9679 1200-14.4Kbps V.32bis
24 hours - 7 days
Nashville, Tennessee
Hardware: Amiga 3000 Tower 68030+882@25MHz, 105 meg Quantum, 225 meg Seagate,
Zoom 14.4k modem
--------------------------------------------
Continental Drift
Table of Contents
* CONTINENTAL DRIFT BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
* Running MAXsBBS software (DLG Pro is being delivered!) *
Murry Chaffer & Andre Lackman, Sysops
+612 9188375
24 hours - 7 days
Sydney, Australia
--------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
* GURU MEDITATION *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- Spain
* Running Remote Access *
Javier Frias, SysOp
+34-1-383-1317 V.32bis
24 hours - 7days
Spain
