@database "ar120.guide"
@Node MAIN "Amiga Report 1.20, August 6, 1993"
@{" Open Magazine " link "menu"}
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International Online Magazine
August 6, 1993 No. 1.20
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
From STR Publishing
[S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport
@endnode
@node P2-1 "Where to find Amiga Report"
@toc "menu"
WHERE TO FIND AMIGA REPORT
--------------------------
Click on the button of the system nearest you for more information.
FidoNet Systems
---------------
@{" NOVA BBS " link P2-1-1} .................................Cleveland, Tennessee
@{" IN THE MEANTIME BBS " link P2-1-2} ...................................Yakima, Washington
@{" CLOUD'S CORNER BBS " link P2-1-3} ................................Bremerton, Washington
@{" BIOSMATICA BBS " link P2-1-4} .............................................Portugal
@{" AMIGA JUNCTION 9 " link P2-1-5} .......................................United Kingdom
@{" BITSTREAM BBS " link P2-1-6} ..................................Nelson, New Zealand
Non-FidoNet Systems
-------------------
@{" FREELAND MAINFRAME " link P2-1-7} ....................................Olympia, Washington
@{" LAHO BBS " link P2-1-8} .....................................Seinajoki, Finland
@{" FALLING BBS " link P2-1-9} .................................................Norway
@{" COMMAND LINE BBS " link P2-1-10} ........................................Toronto, Canada
@endnode
See the end of the text file for numbers to each BBS.
___________________________________________________________________________
/// 08/06/93 Amiga Report 1.20 "Your Weekly Source for Amiga Information"
--------------------------
· The Editor's Desk · CPU Report · New Products
· Dealer Directory · AR Online · AR Confidential
· A.M.I.G.A · More Fish Disks · Supra Modem Info
· Usenet Reviews · Bridgeboard 386SX · Fred Fish News
» Amiga CD32 Announced!! «
» Imagine 3.0 Features «
» Amiga Report Available on World Wide Webb! «
===========================================================================
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
===========================================================================
PORTAL · DELPHI · FIDO · INTERNET · BIX · NVN
===========================================================================
@node P1-1 "From the Editor's Desk"
@toc "menu"
/// From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
----------------------
Have you ever had one of those Weeks From Hell? More politely know as a
Murphy's Law Week? I sure have this last week. You know what it's like
packing for a move. Everything gets packed before you realize you need it,
then you get to go digging through boxes and storage units to find the
stuff.
Then there are those times when your car craps out and the dealer won't
cover a replaced part that's less than a year old, because the stupid
part only carries a 12,000 mile warranty. It doesn't matter that the car
has a 60,000 extended warranty that's just barely expired. So now I get
to try to figure out how to replace a $1200 turbo. Damn Fords. Deliver
me from another American-label car.
But this isn't a car magazine. And I'm rambling. What I did want to
mention is that I sure hope more AGA games come out soon, and fully utilize
AGA's capabilities. I got to play with Ocean's new International Golf,
which is an AGA game. I'm not impressed. It's low-res, it sure doesn't
look like 256 colors, and the playability isn't that great. It's easier
than Links, but my favorite golf game is still PGA Tour. I don't want to
totally ruin potential sales of International Golf, but do be sure you try
it before buying it. If you like it, great! I just wasn't too thrilled.
That's about it for this week. What with the move and car problems, I
havn't given much thought to this week's editorial. So I'll just remind
everybody that there will be no issue next Friday, August 13th. But we
will return the following week! Until then, enjoy!
Rob @ Amiga Report
@endnode
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@node P2-2 "AR Staff"
@toc "menu"
The Amiga Report Staff Dedicated to serving you!
======================
Editor in Chief
===============
Robert Glover
Portal: Rob-G
Delphi: ROB_G
FidoNet: 1:362/508.6
Internet: ROB_G@Delphi.COM
Associate Editors
=================
Technical Department
--------------------
Micah Thompson Robert Niles
Portal: Coming Soon! RNiles
Delphi: RNILES
FidoNet: 1:3407/104
Internet: BOOMER.T@genie.geis.com RNILES@Delphi.COM
Graphics Department
-------------------
Mike Troxell
Portal: Coming Soon!
FidoNet: 1:362/508
Internet: M.Troxell1@genie.geis.com
________________________________________
Contributing Correspondents
===========================
Chad Freeman
Matt Guthrie
Tom Mulcahy
Michael Witbrock
PC DIVISION ATARI DIVISION MAC DIVISION
=========== ============== ============
Roger D. Stevens Ralph F. Mariano R. Albritton
@endnode
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@node P1-2 "CPU Status Report"
@toc "menu"
/// CPU Status Report Late Breaking Industry-Wide News
-----------------
COMMODORE UK INTRODUCES 32-BIT CD CONSOLE: CD32
"We could bring a 32-bit console out tomorrow...
but the problem is the price -- and I don't think
that problem will be solved this year or next year."
-Sega US, June 1993
Great Britain -- June 16, 1993
The machine of "tomorrow, this year, and next year" is here now.
Commodore's Amiga CD32, the world's first 32-bit CD console is officially
launched today.
Incredibly it retails for just GBP 299.99 (US $400.00).
The launch leaves Sega, with its price problems, and Nintendo, with no
discernable interest in developing a CD console, trailing in the dust.
And it sets up this ground-breaking new games machine to take the world by
storm when it hits the shelves worldwide at the end of August.
David Pleasance, Commodore UK's joint managing director, said, "The Amiga
CD32 simply blows away the opposition. It's considerably more powerful, has
better software support and, best of all, costs less."
Third party software publishers are united in their support for the CD32.
They include, among others, Gremlin, Millenium, Ocean Software, Psygnosis,
Team 17, Mindscape, and Virgin Games.
The top loading Amiga CD32 comes with an 11 button joypad. This tiny
(approximately A4-size) [thats 8.5" x 11" to us yanks -Quarters] machine is
packed with computing power.
It includes the Motorolla 68020 processor and comes complete with 2 Megabytes
of RAM.
The internal "engine" is based on the same AGA chipset which has established
Commodore's Amiga 1200 home computer as the UK's market leader.
So, like the Amiga 1200, it is capable of displaying 256,000 colors on screen
from a total palette of 16.8 million colors. That's hugely superior to any
existing games CD player.
The console also has a built-in operating system (Commodore's own Amiga
"Workbench") which means it can be expanded into a fully functioning
computer.
The machine can also play audio CDs, CD + Graphics, and Commodore's CDTV
format. It contains an expansion capability for Full Motion Video based on
the world standard MPEG.
------------------------------
NEW FEATURES OF IMAGINE v3.0 FROM IMPULSE
From the "Impulse Graphics World" Newsletter, Summer 1993
New Features of Imagine v3.0 include:
BONES: This amazing function will allow you to build a skeleton that you
will associate to the object that you want to manipulate in a smooth method,
unlike the process that is now used in the cycle editor.
BRUSH TACKING: Presently when you wrap a brush to any object you can not
morph that object and retain the position of the brush on that object. The
brush stays at the same position in the real world while the object moves.
Very confusing and not real handy. Now with Brush Tacking, brushes or
pictures will be mapped directly to each face of the object, so that when
that face moves, the part of the brush that was tacked to the face will move
with the face. Doing things like snake skin and then animating the snake with
the Bones function will make the snake look real. No more sliding textures.
KINEMATIC MOVEMENTS: There are several high end software products that have
this feature. Now Imagine 3.0 has the feature as well. Kinematics in its
truest form is the study of motion, and how things move. Within the cycle
editor we have had a form of Kinematics without the more intelligent
association of the hierachical relation of the objects that are in the cycle
group. Now with the new Kinematic information you can contstrain movements so
that when you move some portion of the group the other objects will be less
or more effected by one single movement. Making more realistic cycles will
now be possible.
FONT AND IMAGE EDITOR: Over the years it has become apparent that many of
you make your living creating what we have all come to know as flying logos.
The only real problem with this has been that the conversion of images to
objects has lacked the kind detail needed to make the fonts and incoming
images as crisp as they need to be for professional use. Hence we have added
an entire new editor. The Font and Image editor will allow you to read
Postscript fonts as well as one bit plane images. The difference is the fact
that these objects will use splines to create the borders of the objects that
you create. This gives you much more detail and control over the object. Once
you have the object the way that you want it, you simply save it and load it
into the Detail editor to add its final touches, such as color and texture.
MOTION GRAPHICS: It has been near impossible to create animation where
action occur at different rates. In the Action editor you could assign a
starting and ending speed to objects that travel along a path. But you could
apply only one set of numbers. Now with Motion Graphics you can deal with
each segment of the path as a different motion speed. Not only can you apply
more information to the path, you can also see what your doing by way of a
graphic motion sine wave display. No more tricky math calculations to
consider, just call up the actor and plot your graphs with the mouse.
HIERACHY CONTROL AND POP UP ACTION BARS IN THE STAGE: To say the least going
from one editor to the next can be a real pain. Now from the Stage you can
move any object no matter if it is part of a group or individual and stand
alone. Also from the Stage you can call up the Action bar directly so that
you don't have to go to the Action editor to make any changes. This gives you
total control over object movement. If you don't like the way an object is
moving, you don't have to go back to the Cycle editor to make these changes,
do it right in the Stage.
SOUND: Not just sound added to digital animations, but the ability to load
your sound track of music or voice right into the Action Editor. Instead of
making a guess at when things happen and trying blindly to time your
animation to a preset sound, now you can actually see when its happening and
make the changes in movement that correlated directly to the sound. The
incoming digital sound must be in certain formats, once in that format they
are loaded into the Action header bar for your viewing. You cannot edit here
the sound is for reference only.
AMIGA AA CHIP SET SUPPORT: For those of you with the new Amiga computers,
Imagine will now render in those formats that extend your computers visual
power.
IMPROVED ANTI-ALIASING: Jaggies just aren't any fun, and they don't look
good either. One of the most suggested improvements for Imagine has been to
make the anti-aliasing better. There is not much to say when it comes to the
improvements we have made here, it's another one of those "You must see it to
believe it" new features. Suffice it to say that you will appreciate this
improvement.
REAL TIME GRAPHICS: Other software vendors have offered a form of real time
or symbolic real time movement of objects or real time movement of the
camera. We have implemented these features into Imagine 3.0. In the
perspective window you can choose your movements based upon several viewing
options. You can then move things around in real time and see the results
more immediately. Caution. Real time is always misleading. In order to do
this real time the objects are given a more symbolic representation like
bounding boxes. This feature used in the Stage can create paths in real time,
which can then be followed by other objects as well as lights and the camera.
Also this new feature allows you to create your Key Cells on a much quicker
basis with a single key stroke.
DEFORMATIONS: It has always been fairly easy to deform objects, but to do
them in a perfect manner has eluded many users. Now with the new deformation
tools you will be able to. Twist, Taper, Bend, Shear and Pinch objects to
create even more unique and interesting objects as well as use them in some
very amazing animation effects. These deformations combined with Brush
Tacking will make animations that will move you to the next level of reality.
MATERIALS: We have long thought that there were two sets of properties which
aside from the shape of the object should be applied by you the user. Color,
specularity, reflectivity, refraction are all attributes, where as brush, and
textures and shaders are all properties that could better be called
Materials. Now instead of just a massive attribute editor we have broke it
down and enhanced the two separate editors. Materials stands alone so that
you can gain even finer control over your brushed brass pots and pans or
polished chessmen.
FORMS EDITOR ENHANCED: Now in the Forms editor you will be able to
manipulate the slices of the object with the new magnetism system. Each point
on the slice is a control point which you can move to create objects that
have just the right look and feel.
FIELD RENDERING: Digital animations are generally done by showing a frame at
a time or recording those frames directly to a single frame VCR. In most
cases these animations, depending on the amount of frames and the distance of
movement of the objects, can look very smooth. The truth is that due to the
fact that the human eye and brain function under a process called Persistence
of Vision, it fools you into seeing motion. This process however is discrete
enough to see a jerking or quickness to movement. With Field rendering, your
animations can be almost perfect completing the illusion of motion. When you
see field rendering you may never use frame animations again.
CAMERA AND LIGHT MARKERS: This feature makes it easier to visualize the
effect lights will have on your scene as well as what the camera is looking
at and just how much of the scene the camera is seeing. This feature is
accomplished by extending markers from the center of a light as well as the
camera. These markers form a triangle that shows the area of effect. Now as
you move lights and the camera you will have a very definite idea of what you
are lighting and what you are looking at.
APPLY: We took this feature out of Imagine when it had existed in Silver.
This command causes the information about the first object you pick in a
multi pick selection, to pass the attributes and materials of that object to
the other objects that have been picked. So now if you want to make all of
the objects in a scene have the same properties and attributes of one object
you simply use the Apply command.
MACROS: With Imagine 3.0 you can take even more control of the software.
Many of you have said that you find yourself performing many redundant tasks
that lend themselves to the concept of Macro recording and playback. So if
you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again, simply make it a
macro and just push a button to make those redundant tasks happen like magic.
PARTICLES: Among the newest features found in 3D software is the particle
system. Like most new features everyone has a different opinion of what a
particle system is. Simply put, Imagine particles are varied and are simple
to use, they can be morphed, brushed, textured, and animated. Even more to
the point they are very simple to use and don't slow the rendering process
down at all.
ALPHA CHANNEL SUPPORT: For video users and makers of great video fare, you
have asked for Alpha Channel Support so your life would be easier and less
complicated. To wit we have added for your using pleasure Alpha support. Even
if you don't make videos for a living you may find this new feature very
handy.
DEPTH OF FIELD: If you own a camera you already know what this new feature
is going to do for you. If you don't own a camera you may still know. If you
don't know, well here is a shot at an explanation. When you open the apeture
of a camera you increase the light that can hit the film plane, but you do so
at the expense of the lens to focus much beyond the object that you are
focused on. This can be a great thing for making that object stand out from
its environment. When you close the lens down you increase the focus of the
camera from point of focus to infinity. This means that the entire scene is
in focus. To date Imagine has had an infinite focused lens due entirely to
its digital nature. Now with Depth of Field you will be able to make your
images even more realistic.
LIGHT SOURCE CONTROLS: More creative control for you must also include more
dramatic control over lighting. In this area there are numerous new features.
Many of you have asked for a way to control not only the color of the light
but also its power. Now you can control how much of an area a particular
light has control over. The process is simple to use and the effects make an
even better photo-realistic image than previously possible. Other new
lighting features include: Light sources that have shape or dimension to them
like Light flowing through a venetian blind. Sure you can do these things
now but you have to go to all the trouble of setting up the blinds and
placing the light, just so. No more, now you can just click and render. Of
course we have also implemented the ever popular Soft edge light source and
for you real Scanline die hards (faster rendering of course) we have included
shadow mapping. This feature makes it possible to have shadows in Scanline as
well as Full Trace.
INFINITY: Well not really but for all intense and purposes we have added the
ability for you to have as many textures or image maps on any one object as
you want or your computer can handle. In doing this we have taken the Brush
and Texture options out of the Attributes requester and have given these
options their very own requester.
Imagine 3.0 has over 200 new features, a factoid for those of you keeping
track of that sort of thing. With all this quantity of new features we have
not cut any corners, making sure that Imagine meets and exceeds your needs
now and into the future.
Well here is the deal, if these new features have wetted your appetite and
you want to make sure that your order is placed for the 3.0 upgrade, well
then go for it. If on the other hand you want to sit back and wait to see
what other new features there are, OK so do that as well. There will be
another newsletter at the time of release that will give you a final
description of the features of Imagine 3.0. Imagine 3.0 is more than even
this newsletter can begin to expose you to in a few pages. If you have any
questions of course you can call and we will be glad to answer all your
queries.
Suggested Retail Price: $649.00
Upgrade from v2.0: $100.00
According to Impulse, "If all goes well, Imagine 3.0 will be shipping
sometime in the month of August, probably the latter part of the month."
Order#: 1-800-328-0184 (USA only).
------------------------------
CYRIX, INTEL AGREE TO SETTLE PATENT SUIT
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (UPI) -- Cyrix Corp. and Intel Corp. said Thursday they
have agreed to settle a complex, 3-year-old legal fight over rights to two
patents for a math coprocessor.
The dispute over a disagreement over products Cyrix purchased from supplier
SGS-Thomson. Intel argued that Cyrix had infringed its patents, but Cyrix
said it had not because SGS-Thomson had a cross license with Intel.
A federal court in Texas held a trial in January 1992 ruled in July 1992
last year in favor of Cyrix and Intel appealed the ruling.
The settlement announced Thursday calls for Intel to make a $500,000
payment to Cyrix if the appeals court upholds the federal court decision.
But if the ruling is overturned, Cyrix will pay Intel $2 million.
In either case, Intel has agreed that Cyrix has a license to the two
patents.
The companies have also agreed to ask for a dismissal of claims that were
set to be heard at a trial in October, including allegations that the Intel
patents were invalid and unenforceable, Intel's alleged violation of
antitrust laws relating to the math coprocessor and Intel's accusations of
infringement of the patents by Cyrix.
Cyrix, of Richardson, Texas, also agreed to dismiss its claims against
Intel in a state case in which Cyrix alleged that Intel violated Texas
antitrust laws involving commercial disparagement and interference with
contractual and business relationships.
Intel, of Santa Clara, Calif., has been fighting similar battles over the
rights to the design of its microprocessors, the "brains" of most personal
computers. The most notice has come from its long-running dispute with
rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc.
The California Court of Appeals ruled June 4 that a court-appointed
arbitrator had exceeded his authority in giving AMD the right to sell
knock-offs of Intel's popular 386 microprocessor.
AMD, which has appealed the decision, has been selling about 3 million
cloned 386 chips per quarter since 1991, forcing Intel to cut prices on its
own 386 products. Intel has said its damages, estimated by the company at
$600 million in 1991, would now be at least $1 billion.
------------------------------
MICROSOFT TO SPEND $50 MILLION ON SOFTWARE FOR INTERACTIVE TV
REDMOND, Wash. (UPI) -- Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates says his company will
invest $50 million and about 200 employees to work on projects involving
interactive television, which he sees as personal computers' future.
Gates told local media Wednesday that Microsoft must move to facilitate the
coming "information superhighway" if the software gaint wants to build on
its phenomenal success creating user-friendly PC programs.
"To repeat those successes, we need to do something risky -- something
that's not obvious -- and take a very long-term approach," Gates said.
The executive said Microsoft, more than any other company, has begun
developing software to help laymen navigate the vast information networks
that he believes will one day link homes and offices.
------------------------------
APPLE LAUNCHES MTV AD CAMPAIGN AT COLLEGE STUDENTS
CUPERTINO, Calif. (UPI) -- Apple Computer Inc. said Tuesday it has launched
an extensive advertising campaign on the MTV Network aimed at 18-to-25-
year-old college students.
Apple USA's Higher Education Division said the ads will air more than 400
times through Sept. 12 on MTV, the top music video cable channel and a unit
of Viacom International Inc.
Diane Brundage, director of marketing for the division, said the campaign
represents a departure from Apple's previous ads on major television
networks, which traditionally targeted more mainstream business and
elementary education markets.
"MTV's remarkable success in targeting the 18- to 25-year-old market has
created a tremendous opportunity for Apple to reach the higher education
marketplace with the Macintosh message," Brundage said.
"We believe this campaign, which is the first of its kind for a computer
company and Apple's first direct response television effort, will reinforce
Apple's position as the brand leader among college students in a non-
traditional and humorous way."
Apple, the world's leading producer of personal computers, said the
campaign includes five 30-second commercials, including one with flashing
titles depicting complex questions and issues faced by college students,
ending with "A lot of stuff in life is complicated -- at least your
computer doesn't have to be. Macintosh -- It's Easy, It's Powerful. What
Else Is There?"
Another ad features a college-aged spokesman using a "frenzied" delivery to
encourage students to call an 800 telephone number for special student
pricing information.
The campaign comes as Apple has been cutting prices and reducing staff in
order to remain competitive in the ferocious price war raging in the
personal computer business for the past two years. Apple announced Tuesday
that it had cut prices on several key products by up to one third.
Apple reported last month a $188.3 million loss for its third quarter ended
June 25, compared with earnings of $131.7 million, or $1.07 a share, in the
year-ago quarter. Sales rose 7 percent to $1.86 billion from $1.74 billion.
@endnode
------------------------------
@node P5-1 "AmigaBase v.1.31"
@toc "menu"
AMIGAbASE v1.31 AVAILABLE FOR FTP
TITLE
AmigaBase
VERSION
1.31, a replacement for distribution V1.30
AUTHOR
Steffen Gutmann
gutmann@informatik.uni-ulm.de
DESCRIPTION
A hierachical, programmable database that runs under
OS 1.3 and OS 2.0. Has a full intuition interface. Features
include two display methods, filter datasets, search datasets,
print datasets, and much more. Nearly everything can be real-
ized by programming AmigaBase. Datatypes can be Integer, Real,
Boolean, String, Memo (Text), Date and Time. Number of data-
sets is only limited by available memory. Also included in
the package are some example projects.
NEW FEATURES
o English user manual
o New menu item "Info at program start?"
o Removed all Enforcer hits
o Shortcut support for palette gadget
o New menu items "Unprotect for edit" and "Global protection?"
o Italian catalog file
o Several bug fixes.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
o at least 1MB ram
HOST NAME
any aminet site, e.g.
ftp.uni-kl.de [131.246.9.95]
DIRECTORY
/pub/aminet/biz/dbase
FILE NAMES
AmigaBase131.lha
AmigaBase131.readme
DISTRIBUTABILITY
AmigaBase is copyright by Steffen Gutmann.
AmigaBase is shareware.
PRICE
If you use AmigaBase you must register yourself. The shareware fee is:
in Germany DM 50,-
outside Germany DM 60,- (US $45)
outside Europe DM 75,- (US $55)
You will also get a user manual (English or German only).
@endnode
------------------------------
@node P5-2 "BigAnim v3.3"
@toc "menu"
BIGANIM v3.3 AVAILABLE FOR FTP
TITLE
BigAnim
VERSION
3.3 (23-Jul-93)
AUTHOR
Christer Sundin, d8sunch@dtek.chalmers.se
DESCRIPTION
BigAnim is an animation player, capable of "direct from disk"
playback, with user selectable buffer size and playback speed.
BigAnim can display IFF ANIM animations of types 5 and 7, and
makes use of the new graphics.library double-buffering routines
when run on an Amiga with Kickstart 3.0 or later.
NEW FEATURES
These are a few of the new features that have been added since
version 2.0:
o Several new options, including options to set buffer size and
playback speed
o Uses the new V39 graphics.library functions for colour loading
and double-buffering when available
o On pre-V39 systems, a display mechanism based on copper interrupts
is used (to avoid a bug in the WaitBOVP() function)
o New decompression routines, optimised for 68020+ processors
have been added
REQUIREMENTS
Kickstart 2.04 or higher. BigAnim will take advantage of Kickstart 3.0
and 68020+ processors if found.
HOST NAME
Aminet. Several sites are available, for instance:
ftp.luth.se 130.240.18.2 (Scandinavia)
wuarchive.wustl.edu 128.252.135.4 (USA)
DIRECTORY
/pub/aminet/gfx/show
FILE NAMES
BigAnim33.lha
DISTRIBUTABILITY
BigAnim is freely distributable, as long as BigAnim and all related
files are distributed unchanged.
@endnode
------------------------------
@node P5-3 "QDisk v1.1"
@toc "menu"
QDISK v1.1 AVAILABLE FOR FTP
TITLE : QDisk
VERSION : 1.1 (update from version 1.0)
AUTHOR : Norman J. Baccari
DESCRIPTION : QDisk will keep track of your hard drive or floppy
disk space usage. A listview display shows both free
bytes, and space usage expressed by percentage. More
detailed info for each drive is also available. QDisk
uses the AMIGAS timer for timed updates that you can
set using TOOL TYPES. Also supports various other
TOOL TYPES for your personal configuration.
WHATS NEW? : -General overall cleanup of interface.
-Windows X/Y Zoom position can now be set.
-Added new info display type, "HASH GRAPH".
-Ability to set main info display QDisk boots up with.
-Auto Updates via timed intervals.
-Updates on IDCMP_WINDOWACTIVE.
REQUIREMENTS : WB 2.04 or greater.
LOCATION : AmiNet (ftp.wustl.edu) and mirrors. Soon on Fred Fish disk.
DIRECTORY : pub/aminet/os20/wb (formerly in disk/moni)
FILE NAME : QDisk_v11.lha
PRICE: QDisk is FREEWARE. That means $0.00
DISTRIBUTION : QDisk can be freely distributed as long as there are no
charges other than for media and/or mailing, the program
is not used for commercial gain or included as part
of any other software without permision from the author,
and this program and doc file remain intact, unalterd and
distributed together.
@endnode
------------------------------
@node P5-4 "SunWindow v1.16d"
@toc "menu"
SUNWINDOW v1.16d AVAILABLE FOR FTP
TITLE
SunWindow
VERSION
V1.16d
AUTHOR
Bernhard Scholz
e-mail: scholz@informatik.tu-muenchen.de
DESCRIPTION
SunWindow is a Workbench enhancement tool. In its present
state it is only useful for big public screens.
SunWindow helps the user manage all those nice little
windows spread over the whole big working area. Therefore,
SunWindow is similar to some of the well-known UNIX window
managers. The following operations are currently available.
- Automatic centering of new open windows so you
never have to search for the window on the screen.
- Re-centering of the last active window after
closing a window
- Open a small representation of the whole screen where
you can perform window centering and moving.
This is the main purpose of the program.
- highly configurable.
HOST NAME
fpt@informatik.tu-muenchen.de or other AMINET sites
DIRECTORY
pub/aminet/os20/wb/SunWindow1.16d.lha
FILE NAMES
SunWindow.lha (binary and German documentation)
REQUIREMENTS
- OS2.04 or higher
- a big public screen (of course)
- reqtools.library (c) Nico Francois V37 or higher
(not included)
- knowledge of German, because English documentation is
still under development, but the program should be
intiutive enough for use.
DISTRIBUTABILITY
Copyright by the author, voluntary payment of 15US$
(includes postage) (Shareware)
PRICE
Germany:
DM15 for one version and additional DM5 for further versions.
Price includes postage and support by the author. Only cash
or EuroCheck or 10DM cash+5DM stamps.
US & other countries:
US$15 for one version every other version additional US$5.
Price includes postage and support by the author. Only cash
or EuroChecks.
RESTRICTIONS
Only the demo version available via ftp. The demo version is
fully functional except saving the options. A requester
appears every 15 minutes for notification.
--
Read all administrative posts before putting your post up. Mailing
list: announce-request@cs.ucdavis.edu. Comments to zerkle@cs.ucdavis.edu.
MAIL ALL COMP.SYS.AMIGA.ANNOUNCE ANNOUNCEMENTS TO announce@cs.ucdavis.edu.
@endnode
------------------------------
@node P5-5 "Terra Nova Samples"
@toc "menu"
TERRA NOVA SAMPLES AVAILABLE FOR FTP
Further to the previously posted announcement about the 50's Diner
Object Set published by Terra Nova Development (Brad Schenck &
Mical Todorovic), this is to advise that there are six sample
images of the objects on the disk set available by anonymous FTP
from any of the "Aminet" sites (such as ftp.etsu.edu), and on The
Portal System.
There are three HAM pictures and three JPEG pictures (for a total
of six files, but the 3 HAMs are identical images to the 3 JPEGs).
The files will be found in Aminet's /pub/amiga/pix/trace directory
under the names:
din1ham.lzh din2ham.lzh din3ham.lzh
and
din1jpeg.lzh din2jpeg.lzh din3jpeg.lzh
For those of you who are hesitant to purchase these objects via
mail order without seeing them first, just grab those files and
view them and you'll see them all rendered in an actual
"50's diner" type setting.
One additional note: when I posted Terra Nova's press release
to the Imagine Mailing List, one list member was concerned that
these objects might be part of an IML diner object project that
some IML members were involved with. Rest assured, they are NOT.
The Terra Nova disks contain ONLY 100% original Imagine objects
crafted by Brad Schenck himself.
Lastly, if you plan to attend the World of Commodore Amiga show to
be held in Pasadena, CA, on Sept. 10-12, 1993, Terra Nova will
be there in their own booth, demoing and selling these objects. If you
order these objects ahead of time (see the previous press release
for ordering info) and create your own images with them and plan to
attend the show, be sure to bring along your images on disk. I know
they'd love to see them!
Harv
harv@cup.portal.com
(friend of, but in no way involved with Terra Nova Development)
Terra Nova Development
P. O. Box 2202
Ventura, California 93002
@endnode
------------------------------
@node P5-6 "VoiceShell v1.11"
@toc "menu"
VOICESHELL v1.11 AVAILABLE FOR FTP
TITLE
VoiceShell
VERSION
1.11
AUTHOR
Tomi Blinnikka
Internet: docbliny@mits.mdata.fi
DESCRIPTION
VoiceShell is a voice recognization utility. It allows
you to start commands just by saying the command into a
microphone.
VoiceShell is a replacement for VCLI by Richard Horne.
It uses the voice.library also by Richard Horne.
VoiceShell, however, doesn't have a graphic display of
the spoken words and is thus faster that VCLI.
With VoiceShell you have full control over the supported
samplers, including the DSS 8+. You can now choose between
left/right input channels, microphone or line level, input
gain etc.
VoiceShell also has an ARexx port to allow almost full
control over VoiceShell from external programs. You can
even send ARexx by voice commands to VoiceShell itself,
allowing you to control VoiceShell with voice commands!
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
The program requires Kickstart 2.04 or higher. A sampler,
i.e. audio digitizer hardware, is of course needed. VoiceShell
supports Perfect Sound, Sound Master, GVP DSS 8(+) and generic
(i.e. almost any other digitizer) samplers. The voice.library
is also required and included in the archive so you won't have
to worry about this.
The documents are in AmigaGuide format, so in order to read
them you'll need an AmigaGuide reader.
There is an install script included, so you may use this to
install VoiceShell if you have the Commodore Installer program
on your system.
HOST NAME
Available on Aminet FTP sites. Try 'wuarchive.wustl.edu'.
DIRECTORY
/pub/aminet/util/misc
FILE NAMES
VS111.lha
PRICE
VoiceShell is shareware. The suggested shareware fee is
$5 - $10.
DISTRIBUTABILITY
VoiceShell is shareware, (c) Copyright Tomi Blinnikka 1993.
The archive is freely distributable.
OTHER
Support available direct from the author via EMail.
@endnode
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@node P1-3 "Online Weekly"
@toc "menu"
/// ONLINE WEEKLY Amiga Report Online The lines are buzzing!
---------------------------------
Here's a good example of what NOT to do if you're a beta tester
---------------------------------------------------------------
(From comp.sys.amiga.applications on Usenet)
To whom it may concern at SoftLogik,
We do have some ideas that you might consider for your next version of
PageStream :
- in order to accept pictures available from modern scanners (1200
dpi in color), you should accept pictures in the JPEG format. You
should not expand it all in memory ( I do not have 256 MB of main
memory yet). Please consider not having the pictures saved in your
document, we are in 1993 so do please only keep the file name in the
document, and only send it when we need to print. An internal copy at screen
resolution should be enough to work on the computer.
(This is a feature not available on any DTP program)
- I have read preliminary documentation on your upcoming AREXX
interface and I was unimpressed to say the least: as I understand
that it is not completed yet, I will express my concerns and hope
that it will be different on the released version.
> It looks like I am only able to send AREXX command to PageStream
without being able to get feedback from the user or from the
PageStream objects ????
I mean that I want to be able to give any objects a name, and
to be able to read it's attributes from AREXX (ex: fonts, size,
layer depth, etc...)
I also need to be able to get user feedback, mouse position,
etc... This is badly needed if we want to be able to build an
automatic form builder with PageStream as an engine.
Otherwise what is your AREXX interface good for, since it is
then only an extension of the existing Macros ?????
> Also you should consider having a version of PageStream
starting without the graphical interface !!!
It would then be possible to build many software interface
program that could use PageStream as an engine thrue the AREXX
port. Then even communication package could be link to your
powerful DTP engine !!!
- Also would you please use the multitasking capabilities of the
Amiga in order to be able to work while I am printing (will we have
to wait for version 5 ???)
- You had a terrific idea with printing to an IFF file but, it would
be fantastic if it supported color ! (Please)
Do take those remarks positively, as I love your program and am
getting impatient to see it become even better. Please consider making demo
version that can't print so that you could receive more feedback from your
customer's.
-----------------------------
Jean Pepin (pepin@CAM.ORG) wrote:
: - I have read preliminary documentation on your upcoming AREXX
: interface and I was unimpressed to say the least [...]
I'm posting the following statement on behalf of Michael Loader
at Soft-Logik:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. Pepin posted some information based on "preliminary documentation"
on PageStream3's ARexx interface. This information was obtained from a
betatester who will no longer be testing Soft-Logik products.
We keep product development information confidential for a variety of
reasons, including competitive pressures. One of the reasons we do not
discuss the development of programs is to prevent problems created by
posts such Mr. Pepin's. His comments were based on incomplete
information. Only a hundred or so of the eventual hundreds of ARexx
commands are currently documented. He criticized PageStream3 for lacking
the ARexx commands he needs. However, many of the features which he
thought are lacking are just not documented at this time. By publicly
posting a comment that PageStream3 lacks these features, he is hurting
PageStream3's reputation before it has been released.
Regardless of the reasons on which Soft-Logik and most companies base
their requirement for betatester confidentiality, Mr. Pepin's friend,
Mr. Bureau, violated a legal, binding agreement. Mr. Pepin is not to
blame for he is not bound by a legal agreement, although his comments
may be off-base since he lacks full information about the program. Some
users may also interpret his other comments as being informed ones,
because they will assume that he has other information concerning our
program. Unfortunately, all of the comments in his post were inaccurate.
To help undo the damage that Mr. Pepin and Mr. Bureau have done to
PageStream 3's reputation, yes, you will be able to get user feedback
through ARexx. Yes, you will be able to run PageStream without an
interface so that it can be used as an engine. Yes, you will be able to
get information on objects through ARexx. Yes, bitmap pictures may be
left external to the document file. And Yes, you will be able to render
to a color IFF ILBM file.
I hope you will enjoy PageStream3 when it is released. We are currently
projecting a late September completion date. The program is an
incredible undertaking since it is an entirely new program. It will be
the most feature-laden desktop publishing program ever.
We are pleased to announce that we will start offering technical support
through Internet email. You can reach us at tech@slpc.com. If you wish
to contact me directly, you can send email to mikel@slpc.com. Remember
that you can also get technical support on GEnie (SOFTLOGIK, email
SL-TECH), CompuServe (GO SOFTLOGIK, email 71333,1374), Portal (GO
SOFTLOGIK, email SOFTLOGIK), and on our own BBS (314-894-0057, email #11).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Martin A. Blatter - blatter@ifi.unizh.ch, blatter@amiga.physik.unizh.ch
------------------------------
From FidoNet's Amiga Internation Echo
-------------------------------------
Area: AMIGA Date: 23 Jul 93 13:05:01
From: Ralph Barbagallo (1:324/127.0)
To : All
Subj: CD32 OFFICIAL INFO
Well for those on the net who can't get the British magazines on the
day of release, Amiga Format has some articles that everyone may be
interested in, so I thought I would post some details.
C= have announced price cuts across the line ( except the A4000/030 );
A600 from #299 to #199
A1200 from #399 to #299
A4000 from #2099 to ~#1730 ( They took the value of VAT off )
These are RRP ( or List prices ) so the actual prices will be lower than
this, I've seen the A1200 advertised for #275 already.
There was an article on the CD**32 ( correct name is CD32 with the 32 in
superscript ). It has a large 32-bit banner just where the Sega has its'
16-bit banner, nice move C=, that was the first thing a sega owner
noticed when he saw it. There is a two page spread of the motherboard,
I'll try and get this scanned in and posted to Aminet.
The motherboard has various connectors;
Audio out ( Stereo of course )
Composite out
RF Socket
S-Video socket
Headphones
Edge connector - 182-way double-sided
It has the 68EC020 @ 14Mhz, AGA chip set, Kickstart 3.1 ( That's what it
says ), 2MB RAM and most importantly a VLSI chip labeled as;
"Special custom chip. Controls the CD drive and handles the
chunky to planar pixel conversion."
This chip allows graphics developed for a chunky pixel based machine to
be ported straight to the Amiga without any conversion. This means that
developers can use either chunky or planar graphics, which ever suits
them best.
The motherboard has " Spellbound Rev 1A, Amiga CD/Games system "
embossed on it, and there is a small daughter board called " C= A100
Display Board Rev 0 ", this has the volume controls and Power/Access
LEDs on it. Does this mean C= were going to call it the A100 ?
The strange thing is that the motherboard wouldn't fit the CD32 case,
the controls are on the left on the motherboard and on the right in the
case, so I can only assume that it is a prototype motherboard ( that
would also explain the fix wire attached to Alice ).
Again C= have asked developers to test the machine, so most of the
quirks should be wrinkled out of the design by the time it is released.
The release is scheduled for the end of August BTW.
There are 16 to 18 new games to be released at the same time as the
CD32, these include;
Diggers - "Diggers has been written from scratch on the CD32 -
it's not a conversion. There are six digital CD audio
tracks, at *least* 256 colours used throughout, with
24-bit copper backgrounds. The 34 levels each consist of
32,000 locations, with seven terrain types. Because we
didn't have to worry about the size of the game, we were
able to go to town with the amount of graphics."
- Toby Simpson ( Programmer )
Pinball Fantasies - 256 colour tables, CD-quality audio
Zool 2
Chaos Engine
Jurassic Park - 18+ months in development so far: October
release. "We couldn't do the 3D section with the
kiddy-type consoles, but we can with the Amiga."
- Ciaran Brennan of Bastion, Ocean PR
James Pond 2
Ambermoon CD32 - November release
Also in development;
Syndicate - ability to look inside buildings and rotate the 3D
view.
Magic Carpet
Creation
Flashback
Nick Faldos' Golf
England World Cup '94
The RRP is #299 but I think that this may come down to #199 by
Christmas. The game prices are #19.95 (lowest) and #29.95 (average).
C= expect to sell 650,000 units in the first year.
That's all I can be bothered to type for now... :)
Sounds good eh ? I'll buy the internal version AS SOON AS IT COMES OUT!
I gutta have a CD32 version of Syndicate!
------------------------------
From the Amiga Forum on BIX
---------------------------
amiga.user/main #2832, from number6, 801 chars, Tue Jul 20 20:42:40 1993
--------------------------
TITLE: I can see clearly now, the rain is gone...
If I had any doubts about the inferiority of Intel computers, they have
been erased. Now that I'm a cub reporter for a computer magazine, I had to
go out and buy a 486 with which to review hardware and software. What a
kludge! Two megabytes just to run Windows! Four megabytes to run ONE
application faster than molasses in January! Bus contention at every turn!
Dumb floppy drives that don't know if they're in use or not! I swear, as
God is my witness, I shall never doubt my Amiga again! And the next time
some snooty IBM clone dealer starts getting high and mighty about his
machines, I'll laugh right in his face. Nohszeh Tot! With a machine like
the Amiga, Commodore should be the biggest computer company in America.
Who fouled up?!
------------------------------
amiga.user/main #2841, from rosullivan, 808 chars, Wed Jul 21 20:20:51 1993
This is a comment to message 2832.
--------------------------
While criticism of Commodore marketing qualifies as an Olympic sport, I
try to rationalize that the big C does one thing right, produce the best
productivity system in local space! An equally valid criticism applies to
the computer and technology press. Their coverage of the Amiga leaves all
to be desired.
Recently, I toured the Smithstonian Museum of American History where
there was an exhibit of the history of computers, starting with ENIAC down
to the PC (way down). But, only one Commodore product was visible, the C64.
I don't care what one says about the Amiga versus another computer, but to
leave this technology innovator out of the lineage defines incompetence.
If Commodore marketing wishes to earn a kudo in my book, they could inform
the Smithstonian of their oversight!
Rick.
------------------------------
amiga.user/main #2844, from khp, 900 chars, Thu Jul 22 01:43:57 1993
--------------------------
TITLE: AGA A3000
Interesting title isn't it. But seriously does anybody hear me
(hope others too) crying for some adapter thing to attach AGA chips to any
A3000 !!!!!!!! When I bought my A3000 the salesman made me believe that
the adapter should appear. Now I think he just wanted to get rid of all
A3000s. A3000 is too good to be left in the dark for this reason. But soon
if no adapter appears it will be very uncompatible with everything. I can't
afford to get new amiga every time Commodore improves the Amiga. So I want
to hear rumours, facts, lies, anything. Am I the last human with the
A3000? Is somewhere a mountain of rejected dusty and rusty A3000s?
Help
Thanks
- Kari -
P.S.
Ok I know about RTG, but I do not believe that games for example
will or can support it. And will they support ECS and older much longer.
Will I be an owner of a great machine running just old software?
------------------------------
amiga.user/main #2847, from langeveld, 1323 chars, Thu Jul 22 02:41:53 1993
This is a comment to message 2844.
--------------------------
Okay. Rumour has it that it is not so easy to put an adapter in an
A3000 to run AGA chips. Rumour says that it basically requires a
duplication of what's on the A4000 motherboard re. graphics, and it would
also mean you lose the nice flicker-fixer built into the A3000. Fact says
that the A4000's resolution is *less* than that of an A3000: whereas you
can get a flickerfreedisplay of about 720 pixels by 480 on an A3000, you
can only get 686 x 480 or so on an A4000. Fact also says that an A4000 must
be run with a multisync monitor, because many display modes cannot be made
flicker free, and so you can't use a nice cheap VGA monitor like you can
with an A3000. Fact also is that the 800 x 600 mode at 4x Hz is useless
for productivity work. Sure, some peopls say the flicker doesn't bother
them, but I've seen it and it isonly slightly better than the old HIRES
interlace flicker.
Fact also is that you can *already* buy a whole slew of graphics
cards, some of which actually run Workbench and other applications on them
almost transparently, and the price is certainly not much higher than
an AGA emulator would be. Rumour says, however, that there some other
products in the works that might considerably make you happier living on
an A3000 (or an A4000 for that matter).
Enough Rumours and facts? 8^)
Willy.
------------------------------
amiga.user/main #2848, from msinz, 706 chars, Thu Jul 22 08:29:55 1993
This is a comment to message 2844.
--------------------------
I have three A3000 machines (One tower, two desk units) plus a A2000
and a A1000. At the current prices the A3000 is a great computer and
very powerful. If you need better graphics, the graphics boards are
starting to show up that work rather well. Hopefully Commodore will
be able to release the 3.x OS for the A3000 soon (I, being a developer
and one of the key guys in the 3.x development, run 3.x on my A3000
all the time)
Anyway, the A4000 have AGA. It costs more. The A3000 is very cost
effective right now. However, no AGA. Hopefully, developers will
realize that they need to program to the OS and not the hardware and
thus you will not have a problem with either.
-- Mike
------------------------------
amiga.user/main #2858, from jsheehy, 962 chars, Thu Jul 22 22:38:12 1993
This is a comment to message 2853.
--------------------------
RTG may be a while and even then, a board optimized for it will be
expensive for a while. Also, a lot of the programs that are incompat-
ible are likely to become compatible in that time frame because of com-
plaints by users who want to run the programs on their Retinas, Picassos,
or whatever. This could be a strong positive influence to write code that
is RTG-able. As far as the cards emulating workbench is concerned, I am
running retinaEMU 1.2 and the only things that are slower than the native
amiga graphics are emulations of WritePixel(),Move()&Draw, and scrolling.
European owners of retinaEMU 1.3 (mine is coming in the mail sometime soon)
claim it is faster than native amiga graphics all-around. All this with
ZorroII and no blitter. Some programs for some unknown reason run much
faster under retinaEMU 1.2 than native gfx. Provector loads structured
drawings on a 1024*768 retina screen in half the time it does on the amiga
gfx.
jsheehy
------------------------------
amiga.user/main #2892, from jdow, 1881 chars, Fri Jul 23 16:07:43 1993
This is a comment to message 2885.
--------------------------
Aha - I got a copy of the press information from the British roll out.
Technical specs follow:
O 14 MHz 68EC020 processor
O 2 Megs 32-bit chip RAM
O Two joystick ports/controller ports
O S-video jack
O Composite video jack
O RF output jack
O Stereo jacks
O Keyboard connector/auxilliary connector (!)
O Full expansion bus (!!!)
O Headphone jack
O Headphone volume control
O External brick power supply.
O Internal MPEG FMV expansion capability (!!!)
O Multiple session disc capability
MPEG == Motion Picture Experts Group
FMV == Full Motion Video
THis is a full motion compressed video capability capable of full
screen video off a CDROM!
Basic unit price is "under #299.99". (British pounds.) The FMV accessory is
scheduled to be "under #200..." (Again British pounds.)
The beastie is "approximately A4-sized". That is British equivalent for
our standard 8.5" x 11" page that is a bit bigger than our size.
Oh - that FMV capability is for 74 whole minutes of compressed sound and
video on one CDROM. I figure THAT number is VERY interesting to folks. It
is in essence a new way to distribute movies!
Disc titles start at #19.99 and average #29.99 or so it says. (British pounds
yet again.) They have an impressive list of developers all developing, in
europe, for the base AmigaDOS/Intuition release 3.1 in the machine. (Giggle
These are guys who have trouble with 2.04. Yeahhhhh.)
At launch Diggers, Zool 2, James Pond 2, Chaos Engine and Jurassic Park will
be available titles. These are controlled by an 11 button joypad arrangement.
(I wish the picture on this FAX was better so I could describe the machine.
Ah well...)
There it is - all I know at this time about the CD32, which properly has the
32 as a superscript. Hm, make that CD32 (tm) in all references above. It
IS trademarked by Commodore Business Machines as are the terms AmigaDOS and
Intuition.
------------------------------
From Portal's AmigaZone
-----------------------
.../Amiga Zone/Files & Messages/Message Bases/Hardware/SCSI Bus Problems
16027.3.223.7 Re: SCSI LOCKUP
7/30/93 00:22 26/1089 Candreas
-----
Umm, I think I started this thread posting about frequent SCSI bus lockups
when I added a 3rd drive (2 Quantums and SyQuest 88) to my A3000. Well it
took a long time to work it out but the problem has been resolved and
perhaps my experience might be useful to others.
The primary problem was that I did not successfully disable Reselection to
all drives. The program I used - Reselect Off (supplied with AmigaDOS)
did NOT do what it claimed to do. Using MicroBotic's RDPrep (a much nicer
program for these sorts of things than HDToolBox), I finally did disable
Reselection and since have has only one lockup.
The underlying problem is that SyQuests are known to often be incompatible
with Reselection (though it worked for me for a year with only one other
drive). Even the newest SyQuest ROMs may not help.
A continuing problem is the extreme difficulty in finding newer revision
chips including a replacement for the prototype SCSI controller found in
most A3000s.
------------------------------
From Delphi's Amiga Forum
-------------------------
17073 1-AUG 11:13 Potpourri
NEC CDR-25
From: GRUMPA To: ALL
Well all, this is to those who were interested in my NEC CDR-25.
I finally got it up and running (sort of).
I got out my old copy of CDROM-FS and did an install.
I have found that if the cd-rom drive is not turned "ON" during start-up, I
get the message "WB_2x: is not a DOS disk". That does not scare me like it
did the first time.
If I startup without a disk in the drive, I do not get an icon on my
workbench (which is set to BACKDROP). If I startup with a disk in the
drive, like the Walnut Creek Aminet, I get its icon.
When I startup sans disk, no icon, when I run DiskMaster2, I get the drive
designation "NEC:" in my list of available drives. That is as it should
be.
When I insert a disk I then get that disk (AmiNet_0693:) shown as an
available volume. Again, as it should be.
So far I have not been able to get the "CDDACtrl" program from the CDROM-FS
to work. The "busy light" glows but no disk action occurs. This means I
cannot play regular CD-ROMS in the background for music.
QUESTION: Does the XETEC driver disk let this work?
The drive runs slow compared to my hard drive. But it does not apper any
slower than the cd-rom drive connected to my ZEOS 486. I would say that
the access time is favorably comparable.
I have noticed one minor annoyance with this setup. The hard disk
"read/write" light on my A3000 keeps flickering on and off as it checks the
new drive for activity.. It is like the "click" that was present in the
floppy drives before I started using the KILLCLICK in my startup drawer to
quiet floppies. I suspect I will get used to it as time goes by.
I really havn't gotten into the programs on the Aminet disk yet. The only
one I have played with was MEGAMOAN. It brought my wife into my computer
room to see what was going on ;-)
If anyone has a specific question, ask away. I will be gald to try to
answer it for you.
Fred
------------------------------
17074 1-AUG 12:36 Potpourri
RE: NEC CDR-25 (Re: Msg 17073)
From: ANDRON To: GRUMPA (NR)
"QUESTION: Does the XETEC driver disk let this work?"
If you mean play regular CD-ROMs in the background, the answer is "yes." If you
mean the rest of your post prior to this question, I can't answer: I always boot
with a disk in the NEC drive.
Oh, I just thot of something. To hear CD-ROM music you must take the audio from
the jack on the front of the NEC drive, not from your Amiga auto ports...
- Bill
@endnode
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@node P4-5 "Amiga Report Mailing List"
@toc "menu"
/// Amiga Report Mailing List
-------------------------
Are you tired of waiting for your local BBS or online service to get
Amiga Report each week? Have you been spending more money that you want
on long distance phone calls to download it from one of our Distribution
Sites? 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@gnu.ai.mit.edu. Your
account must be able to handle mail of any size to ensure an intact copy.
For example, GEnie has a limit of about 40K per message, and most of our
issues are well over that limit.
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 should be directed to the editor
at ROB_G@Delphi.COM.
Many thanks to Bob Caron 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!
@endnode
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@node P1-4 "AR avail via the WWW"
@toc "menu"
/// AMIGA REPORT AVAILABLE VIA THE WORLD WIDE WEB!
----------------------------------------------
By Michael Witbrock
(mjw@cs.cmu.ed witbrock@x25.bix.com)
Although AmigaGuide is still the best way to browse Amiga Report, the
magazine is now also available in a form which may be more convenient for
people with direct Internet access.
Amiga Report is being converted weekly to a document readable via the World
Wide Web, allowing immediate access without the chore of dearchiving and
downloading to an Amiga. Within a day (often less) of its release, each
Amiga Report starting from AR118 will be converted into an HTML hyper-
document that behaves as similarly as possible to the AmigaGuide version,
and will be made available at this URL:
OnlineMags
For those who don't recognize that, a URL is a Uniform Resource Locator,
which specifies access method and location information for information
readable with WWW browsers such as NCSA mosaic. NCSA mosaic is a self
contained program running under the X window system, and is available
for anonymous FTP from ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu in directory /Mosaic.
Even if you don't plan to read AmigaReport by this means, I strongly
recommend that you get a copy of NCSA mosaic and play with it. The
amount of information (in the form of pictures, sounds, text, and mpeg
movies) it makes easily available is astounding, and the program itself
is a marvel of good user interface design. I hope that someone will use
the recent attempts at PD TCP/IP networking solutions and port the
program to the Amiga.
Happy browsing!
@endnode
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@node P1-5 "Supra Modem Info"
@toc "menu"
/// Supra Modem Information
-----------------------
Found on FidoNet, author unknown
I have information that may clear up some of the SupraModem questions.
I work for a Supra Dealer here in San Diego, and after hearing various
stories from customers, and experiencing problems of my own, I called Supra.
After talking with Supra Dealer Support, I learned the difference between
the various ROM versions, among other things.
The ROMs include bug fixes and other enhancementsmade by Supra as well as by
Rockwell regarding their chips! The latest Rockwell enhancements are no
longer compatible with original Supra motherboards until the newest ROMs
come out, which modify the Supra hardware enough to make them compatible.
First of all, there are two versions of the motherboards. The latest ones
have enhanced DSPs that handle the new Rockwell updates. The early ones
work just fine, but the Rockwell enhancements are a little more difficult to
implement. Therefore, there are various ROM upgrades depending on the
motherboard you have.
Here are the various ROM versions:
==================================
V1.2-H: The latest major release on early motherboards.
V1.2-J: The same as above, except with Caller-ID functions.
V1.70B: The latest ROM upgrade for early motherbaords. Includes most DATA
bug fixes and MOST FAX bug fixes, both in Supra Code, as well as Rockwell's
code fixes.
V1.71: The latest release on the newer motherboards, includes ALL DATA
fixes and ALL FAX fixes, found as of June 31, 1993.
V1.8: The soon-to-be-released update for EARLY motherboards, which includes
ALL DATA and ALL FAX fixes. If you have 1.2 or 1.70B ROMS, you need to wait
for these ROMs to upgrade.
* If you have V1.71 ROMs, you DO NOT need the V1.8 ROMs! There is no
difference in the functionality, just in the motherboard compatibility!
Regarding the Amiga FAX software:
=================================
The latest OFFICIAL SUPRA version of GPFAX is V2.23. Supra advises to
continue using V2.23 until the newest version V2.34, completes BETA testing
by SUPRA. V2.30 among others has problems that may or may not affect your
FAXing. GPFax seems to release updates regularly, and sometimes these
updates include newly introduced bugs that hurt more than help.
Other Notes:
============
For those interested in the error result codes reported by the modem during
FAX usage, there is a document called Class_2.txt floating around on most
major Information Services like GEnie and CompuServe. This document
describes the error codes given while using the Class 2 FAX protocol.
Also, the Supra numbers are as follows:
Try 1-800-727-8772 first.
Then, depending on your needs, use:
Tech Support: 1 (503) 967-2440 9am-4pm PST, M-F.
General Info: 1 (503) 967-2400
Sales Dept. : 1 (503) 967-2410
Also nice to know:
BBS: 1 (503) 967-2444
FAX: 1 (503) 967-2401
Hope all this clears up conflicting facts among other things. Supra is
looking for a FIDONet node close to home so they can become actively
involved in the SupraModem echo. I gave them the BBS number here in San
Diego so they can at least see what's going through, but if anyone knows of
an echo closer to Albany, Oregon, give tech support a call and let them
know! It would be nice to have Supra on-line across the nets.
@endnode
***************************************************************************
@node P4-1 "Delphi"
@toc "menu"
/// Delphi: It's Getting Better All The Time!
------------------------------------------
Amiga Report International Online Magazine is available every week in
the Amiga Forum on DELPHI. Amiga Report readers are invited to join
DELPHI and become a part of the friendly community of computer
enthusiasts there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and....
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any
baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.
For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, MA.
Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only
$5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of
the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account
active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan,
where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum
$10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry,
this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this
limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press once
or twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press
again. Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll
officially be a member of DELPHI!
DELPHI - It's getting better all the time!
@endnode
***************************************************************************
@node P1-6 "News from Fred Fish"
@toc "menu"
/// News from Fred Fish!
--------------------
I am considering a possible radical change to the way the current
library works, and would like to bounce it off the user community to gauge
the interest level, gather suggestions, etc.
For the last couple of years, I have been regularly asked why I don't
distribute the library directly on CD-ROM, rather than floppy disks. I'm
starting to think that this may be the right time to consider switching from
a floppy based distribution to a CD-ROM based distribution.
First of all, the price of CD-ROM drives have dropped dramatically over the
last couple of years, and the cost of producing CD-ROM disks has dropped as
well, to the point where it might actually be cheaper to do a monthly CD-ROM
than to maintain the current floppy distributions of 10 disks every 3 to 4
weeks.
The current cost of a floppy based subscription averages about $40/month.
Depending upon quantity, the cost to subscribers for a CD-ROM distribution on
a monthly basis could be in the $20-$30 range, with vastly increased limits
on the amount of new material that could be distributed each month. With
CD-ROM distributions I could easily include material that I now have to
routinely reject because of size considerations. The material could be
organized in a more natural manner, along subject lines, like separate
directories for demos, games, utilities, animations, etc. There would also be
no need to pack any of the material, it could be distributed "ready to run"
regardless of size (assuming no 300Mb animations of course).
The way I envision a CD-ROM distribution channel working is that each monthly
CD-ROM release would contain some fraction of older material that has
appeared on a previous monthly CD-ROM, along with the current months new
material. As space is needed for new material, the older material would be
deleted, on a first in - first out basis. Thus there would be a significant
overlap in the contents of each successive disk, with the amount of overlap
depending upon the quantity of new material appearing on each CD-ROM.
Subscribers could elect to receive a new CD-ROM every month, every two
months, every three months, etc, according to their needs, and probably not
miss any material as long as the interval doesn't extend past 5-6 months,
assuming up to 100Mb of new material every month.
It would help me a lot to decide how feasible a CD-ROM distribution might be
if people interested in receiving the library directly on CD-ROM could fill
out the following short questionaire and either email it or send a hardcopy
back to:
Internet email to: fnf@fishpond.cygnus.com
or hardcopy to: Fred Fish
1835 E. Belmont Drive
Tempe, AZ 85284 USA
Please feel free to repost this message to other electronic services. Thanks.
-Fred
===========================================================================
CD-ROM Distribution Questionaire
(1) I would be interested in receiving the library directly on CD-ROM:
(1) [ ] Yes
(1) [ ] No
(1) [ ] Check here if you are a subscriber for the floppy distribution.
(2) I would have to purchase a CD-ROM drive to be able to make use of
a CD-ROM distribution:
(2) [ ] Yes
(2) [ ] No
(3) I would subscribe to a CD-ROM based distribution only if the price
per CD-ROM disk was (check all that apply):
(3) [ ] $20 or less
(3) [ ] $30 or less
(3) [ ] $40 or less
(3) [ ] $50 or less
(4) I would be most interested in receiving a new CD-ROM disk every:
(4) [ ] month (each new CD-ROM disk as released)
(4) [ ] 2 months (every other CD-ROM disk)
(4) [ ] 3 months (every third CD-ROM disk)
(4) [ ] 4 months or longer
(4) [ ] on demand (I'll order each one when I want it)
(5) I would like to be placed on a direct email or hardcopy mailing list
for further future information (fill out either or both addresses
below, as desired):
email address: joeblow@nowhere.com
[*StarShip* News Note: Simply add @genie.geis.com to your GE Mail
address to get your Internet mail address.]
hardcopy address: Joe Blow
Nowhere, USA
(6) Other comments, suggestions, etc:
@endnode
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@node P6 "Fred Fish Update"
@toc "menu"
/// Fred Fish Update!
-----------------
Disks 891-900 are now available. Shipping to all those who have preordered
disks should be complete by 4-Aug-93.
Note that you can get a copy of the catalog (2 disks) of the complete library
contents by sending $3 for disks, postage, and mailer to:
Fred Fish
Catalog Disk Requests
1835 East Belmont Drive
Tempe, Arizona 85284
USA
Thanks to all who submitted new and interesting material. If you submitted
something in the past and it has not yet appeared in the library, please
feel free to resubmit it, particularly if it was several months ago. I
sometimes hesitate to include material submitted more than about six
months ago because of some vague feeling that as soon as I include version
1.01 submitted many months ago, I'll see version 5.23 posted on usenet.
For those wishing to submit material for possible inclusion in the library,
here are a few simple guidelines that will make my job of organizing the
material MUCH easier and GREATLY increase your chances of having the material
accepted for inclusion:
1. Don't submit bootable disks or disks with any other sort of
proprietary material included, since I then have to go examine
each file to decide if it is distributable or not, and if not,
what effect removing it might have. Unless the material is
particularly interesting, I frequently just toss such disks
into the recycling bin.
2. Organize the distribution in a manner similar to my disks. I.E,
place all files related to a particular submission under a single
directory on the disk. If there is more than one submission per
disk, place each submission in its own directory.
3. Try to write a simple entry for my "Contents" listing that
summarizes your submission. It should be about 3-10 lines, and
include the current version number, the version and disk number
of the most recent version (if any) that was last included in the
library, whether or not source is included, and an "Author" list.
4. Ensure that your submission will run correctly from its sub-
directory and if necessary, supply a script runnable from workbench
(via :c/xicon or c:iconx) that makes all necessary assigns, copies
fonts and libraries, etc.
5. Send your submission in a sturdy envelope with sufficient padding.
Thanks!!!
==============================
CONTENTS OF DISK 891
--------------------
AskEnv A requester construction tool for use with DOS-scripts, AREXX
and any other language that can start an external program.
System and file requesters may be called by command line args,
and config files allow construction of complex requesters
containing almost any type of gadtools gadgets. Extended
gadget types can call file requesters and start programs.
Results are stored in environment variables. Requires OS 2.04,
Version 2.5, binary only.
Author: Bengt Giger
DiskSalv2 A disk repair, salvage, and undelete utility for all standard
disk devices and file system types. Has a full Intuition
interface and runs from Workbench or Shell. It can fix most
problems in-place, and can reverse a partial or QUICK format.
It can copy out from disks that can't be fixed due to physical
damage, with a destination going to any AmigaDOS disk device
or pipe (eg, TAPE:). In English, locale catalogs included for
Danish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Finnish, and
Swedish, short manuals in English and Swedish. Extensive
update to DiskSalv 1.42 on disk 251. Requires AmigaOS 2.04
or later. Uncrippled Shareware, binary only, V11.27.
Author: Dave Haynie
HDClick A Harddisk-Menu and Workbench-Tool. Easily start programs,
batchfiles or ARexx-scripts simply by clicking on a gadget.
Opens its own screen or only a small window on the Workbench.
Includes an AppWindow/AppIcon to view pictures, listen to
samples, print texts or even decrunch archives by just drag-
ging an Icon on the AppObject. Gadgets can have their own
fonts and colors. Unlimited number of sub-menus. Easily
configurable, with Online-Help. Requires OS 2.04. Version
2.53, an update to V2.0 on disk 605. Binary only, shareware.
Author: Claude Muller
ROMTagMem Adds non-autoconfig memory as early as possible to the memory
list. In situations where you have only CHIP memory and non-
autoconfig memory, your system will run faster and have more
CHIP memory available if as many system structures as possible
are not in CHIP memory. Binary only.
Author: John Matthews
Skew Skeleton Writer is a tool for generating C code for various
Intuition based applications. You click the mouse and the
code gets written. Similar to PowerSource and GadToolsBox,
but with slightly different functionality. Version 1.28,
an update to version 1.2 on disk 746. Includes source.
Author: Piotr Obminski
CONTENTS OF DISK 892
--------------------
DviHp A printer driver for HP LaserJet (trademark of the Hewlett
Packard Company) and compatible printers. It translates DVI
files, usually generated by TeX, to a code understood by
HP-LJ (PCL - printer control language). DviHp supports down-
loading fonts, which gives you extremely fast output. It
allows you to include IFF ILBM files into your documents.
Version 1.0, binary only.
Author: Ales Pecnik
Gemini10X All-new printer driver for Star Gemini-10X and 15X printers.
Features graphics resolutions twice as high as the Commodore
provided "EpsonXOld" driver. Version 35.1, binary only.
Author: Michael Bohnisch
Indent A C source code formatter/indenter. Especially useful for
cleaning up inconsistently indented code. Version 1.8, an
update to version 1.7 on disk 821. Includes source.
Author: Various, Amiga port by Carsten Steger
Look A powerful program for creating and showing disk magazines.
Supports IFF pictures, IFF brushes, ANSI, fonts, PowerPacker,
and many more features. Programmed in assembly language to
be small and fast. German language only. Version 1.9, an
update to version 1.6 on disk 816. Shareware, binary only.
Author: Andre Voget
MouseAideDEMO DEMO version of a "Mouse" utility which has all the standard
functions: Mouse Acceleration with threshhold, window and
screen manipulation by mouse and keyboard, mouse and screen
blanking, SUN (auto-activation) mouse, user definable "hot
key" command, Keyboard "String" macros, etc... But also has
functions other "Mouse" programs do NOT, such as: Shell-
Cycling, Key Clicking, KeyClosing, Multi-Icon-Select with
Mouse, Middle Mouse Button Windowing, EZ-Date generation,
Mouse Port switching, Workbench to the front function, Ez-
Dragging, Freezing Mouse & Keyboard of all input, etc...
Now features an easy to use Pop-Up 2.xx style intuition
interface and the ability to function correctly in all the
new screen modes! Written in assembly for efficiency in size
and CPU usage. Version v9.69a, an update to version v7.12a
on disk 788, Binary only.
Author: Thomas J. Czarnecki
TeXPrt A front-end for DVI printer drivers with a (nice?) GUI. It is
highly configurable and can be used with various DVI printer
drivers. Configuration files for Georg Hessmann's DVIPrint
(PasTeX), DVILJP (AmigaTeX) and DVILJ2P (Gustaf Neumann) are
included. TeXPrt has an ARexx port and interprets 18 ARexx
commands. TeXPrt runs on an AppWindow and supports an
(optional) AppIcon for selecting DVI files. Needs at least
Kickstart 2.04. This is Version 2.0, freeware, includes
source in C.
Author: Richard A. Bodi
CONTENTS OF DISK 893
--------------------
AmigaWorld A database program that contains information about every
country on Earth. It enables you to have a look at the data
of one country, or to compare several ones. Among other things
it displays location, capital, area, population, languages,
currency and the flag of each country. AmigaWorld is very
easy to handle, and you can use it with your favourite font,
screen mode and colors. You can also choose between English,
German, Swedish and Dutch output. It works on every Amiga
that has one MByte of memory and Kickstart 1.2 or later.
Freeware version 2.0, an update to version 1.1 on Disk number
851. New features include flag display and information about
religions and international organizations. Modula-2 source is
available from the author.
Author: Wolfgang Lug
BadLinks A utility which tests the links in newly written amigaguide
documents. Rather than manually clicking on every button in
your amigaguide document to ensure each will link up with a
valid node, just run BadLinks. Will work on documents which
reference nodes in other amigaguide documents too.
Version 1.17, binary only.
Author: Roger E. Nedel
Clouds A program which creates random cloud scenery. You may save
the pictures as IFF-files and use them as background for your
workbench. Uses new AGA-features. Operational on all AMIGAS
with all Workbench-Versions, but needs at least 2.1 to gain
access to all features. Version 2.9, an update to version 2.0
on disk number 805. Public domain, includes complete source
in KICK-PASCAL.
Author: Daniel Amor
CONTENTS OF DISK 894
--------------------
AntiRascism Some texts, pictures and programs dealing with the problem
of violence & rascism. Sources included. Version 1.0.
Author: Daniel Amor and others
CDTV-Player A utility for all those people, who'd like to play Audio-CD's,
while multitasking on workbench. It's an emulation of CDTV's
remote control, but is a little more sophisticated. Access
to the archive even without a CD-ROM-Drive (i.e. AMIGA 500-
4000), although you can't play a CD. PROGRAM & KARAOKE (live
on-screen) included. Recognizes CDs automatically. AREXX-Port
for usage in other programs. Version 2.05, an update to
version 2.0 on disk 868. Docs in English, French & German.
Supports CDTV-Drives & XETEC-Drives. FISH-WARE, binary only.
Author: Daniel Amor
GreekFont This is a scalable vector font. It's the Greek equivalent
of the Times Roman font. It includes the Greek typewriter
setmap and is available as ADOBE TYPE 1, PAGESTREAM FONT
(dmf-file), PROPAGE FONT & INTELLIFONT. This Font is
shareware. Designed with FontDesigner.
Author: Daniel Amor
LazyBench LazyBench is a utility for lazy people with a hard disk cram-
med full of goodies which are difficult to reach because they
are buried away in drawers inside drawers inside drawers in-
side drawers... Supports tools and projects and both OS 1.3
and OS 2.xx versions are supplied with this distribution.
LazyBench for the OS 1.3 opens a little window on the Work-
bench screen and delivers a fully configurable menu which
brings up to 30 applications at your fingertips. LazyBench
for the OS 2.xx adds an item under the Workbench "Tools" menu,
installs itself as a Commodity and waits in the background.
Use its hot key combination to pop up its window and then
select an application to be launched. Versions 1.01 (OS 1.3)
and 1.10 (OS 2.xx), an update to the versions on disk number
860. Binary only.
Author: Werther 'Mircko' Pirani
Resize A font-sensitive utility to change the dimensions of the shell
window. Offers two options: Reporting the current dimensions
of the shell window and setting new ones. Includes source.
Author: Bernd Raschke
CONTENTS OF DISK 895
--------------------
FMsynth A program to create sounds with FM synthesis. It has six
operators, a realtime LFO and a free editable algorithm. The
sound can be played on the Amiga keyboard and saved in IFF-
8SVX format. Version 1.1, giftware, includes source in
Oberon-2.
Author: Christian Stiens
MakeDMake An automated DMake file generator. You give it the names of
all the C-files used to produce your executable (except
#include'd .c or .h files), and it will automatically scan
them to find all dependencies, and produce a ready to use
(in many cases) DMakeFile calling DCC with options you will
need for normal compilation and linking. Version 0.22, an
update to version 0.19 on disk 810. Includes source.
Author: Piotr Obminski, from original code by Tim McGrath
MuchMore Another program like "more", "less", "pg", etc. This one uses
its own screen to show the text using a slow scroll. Includes
built-in help, commands to search for text, and commands to
print the text. Supports 4 color text in bold, italic, under-
lined, or inverse fonts. Can load xpk-crunched files, has a
display mode requester and is now localized (german catalog
included). Version 3.3, an update to version 3.0 on disk
number 560. Includes source in Oberon-2.
Author: Fridtjof Siebert, Christian Stiens
StAid2 Demo of the multi-purpose educational UTILITY called "Student
Aid ][". This utility allows you to create, load, edit,
practice and print TRUE/FALSE, MULTIPLE CHOICE and FILL IN THE
BLANK tests or quizzes on any subject you desire. It will also
save grades to monitor progress. This demo contains some
sample tests on various subjects, and has all features enabled
except for SAVE TEST. Works on WB1.3 to 3.x, NTSC & PAL. (May
not work with FastROM). Ver 0.8, binary only. DEMO is freely
distributable.
Author: Rick Rojas
CONTENTS OF DISK 896
--------------------
AnsiView A utility to view IBM ansi pics on the AMIGA. Supports the 16
color IBM Ansi standard fully. Works on any AMIGA running any
version of AmigaDos. Version 1.0, binary only with source
available from the author.
Author: Marcus Trisdale
DA "Digital Aesthetics". A program that provides you with a
soothing audio environment in which to work, similar to the
cd's/tapes available of rainstorms, ocean surfs, rivers, etc.
The sounds are contained in modules called "EMods", short for
Environment MODules. With DA, you can control various aspects
of these EMods, and link EMods together in a list to be played
in sequence. Two short EMods are provided, with more available
when you purchase the registered version. Version 2.5, OS2.x
required, binary only.
Author: Greg Grove
Riff A little iff reader written in modula-2, M2amiga. Version 1.1,
includes source.
Author: Marcel Timmermans
SamPull A utility which will allow you to manipulate and save the
samples of a music module, (just Noise/Sound/Protracker MOD
format for now), to disk in a quick and user-friendly graphic
environment. As an added bonus, SamPull features sub-programs
which will scan for MODs in memory or on any format of disk.
Version 2.0, OS2.x required, binary only.
Author: Greg Grove
ScriptTool A small Workbench-utility which lets you to run commonly used
commands and scripts from Workbench's Tools-menu. Version
1.02 and needs DOS2.0 (V36). Freeware, includes source.
Author: Jan Hagqvist
WBStart WBStart is a package to emulate the WorkBench startup proce-
dure, by loading a program, creating a process for it, and
then sending it a WB startup message. Includes a handler
process which does the starting of the processes for you and
then waits for the startup reply messages. Version 1.3, an
update to version 1.2 on disk number 757. Includes source.
Author: Stefan Becker
CONTENTS OF DISK 897
--------------------
DNet A link protocol that provides essentially an unlimited number
of reliable connections between processes on two machines,
where each end of the link can be either an Amiga or a Unix
(BSD4.3) machine. Works on the Amiga with any EXEC device
that looks like the serial.device. Works on UNIX with tty and
socket devices. Achieves better than 95% average throughput
on file transfers. This is version 2.32, an update to version
2.10 on disk number 294. Includes sources for both the Amiga
and Unix versions.
Author: Matt Dillon and others
EPP E Preprocessor. Simple, easy-to-use macro preprocessor
intended for use with Wouter van Oortmerssen's E language
compiler. Allows E programmer's to "include" (similar to C)
E source code modules, thus adding modularity to the E lang-
uage. Should work on any OS version. Update to V1.0, improved
speed; bug fixes; new OPT TURBO directive for turning on Turbo
mode for single modules; CtrlC made reliable. Version 1.1,
includes source.
Author: Barry Wills.
PrtSc Have you ever noticed that there is a PrtSc-key on the numeric
keypad? If you press it you'll find that nothing happens, but
here's the solution. So if you've ever wanted to have a work-
ing PrtSc-key, try this. Requires OS2.0 (V36). Version 1.08,
freeware, includes source in assembler.
Author: Jan Hagqvist
VerCheck A little script utility especially for 2.04 users with 1.3 Rom
sharer/KickDisk. This helps you to boot under the right system
when using an alien Kickstart. Version 2.00, now includes
CPU/FPU checking too. Freeware, includes source in assembler.
Author: Jan Hagqvist
CONTENTS OF DISK 898
--------------------
AniMan The final version (5.2) of AniMan, the voice recognition
program that allows you to converse with an animated talking
head to execute any ARexx or CLI command. AniMan appears as
a full color animation in a miniature window on the 3.0 Work-
bench screen. AniMan is fully multitasking and runs in the
foreground or background, listening for your voice commands
even while other programs may be running. Many improvements
requested by users are now included. Menu operations have
been improved. Documentation is provided in AmigaGuide format.
Audio digitizer support has been expanded to include Perfect
Sound 3, Sound Magic (Sound Master), DSS 8, and Generic digi-
tizers. AniMan 5.2 requires AmigaDOS 3.0. An update to
version 5.0 on Disk #841. Binary only.
Author: Richard Horne
NarTest A little tool that lets you to play with the new features of
V37 narrator.device. Also ideal for designing the speech for
your own programs. Version 1.01, needs DOS2.04 (V37). Free-
ware, includes source in assembler.
Author: Jan Hagqvist
Sci-Fi_Demo A demo of Sci-Fi Type: 14 3d fonts for Imagine and other
rendering programs. Includes: Ultra (a full sample fonts),
A short doc file with ordrering info, and an iff (hi res 16
color) image depicting the rest of the set.
Author: Doug Brooks
VCLI The final version (7.0) of Voice Command Line Interface (VCLI)
which will execute CLI commands, ARexx commands, or ARexx
Scripts by voice command. VCLI allows you to launch multiple
applications or control any program with an ARexx capability
entirely by spoken voice command. Many improvements requested
by users are now included. VCLI now has its own ARexx port so
that its internal options and functions can be controlled by
ARexx command. Menu operations have been improved. Document-
ation is provided in AmigaGuide format. Audio digitizer sup-
port has been expanded to include Perfect Sound 3, Sound Magic
(Sound Master), DSS 8, and Generic digitizers. This is the
fastest version of VCLI yet, and it runs well under either
AmigaDOS 2.0 or 3.0. An update to version 5.2 on disk number
807. Binary only.
Author: Richard Horne
CONTENTS OF DISK 899
--------------------
ARoach Based on Xroach for X-Windows, displays disgusting cock-
roaches on your screen. These creepy crawlies scamper
around until they find a window to hide under. Whenever
you move or resize a window, the exposed orthopteras again
scamper for cover. Version 1.0, requires at least AmigaDOS
Release 2, includes source.
Author: Stefan Winterstein
GoodDouble Some sample source using a couple of functions that make for
MUCH EASIER handling of double clicks with ALL buttons. Works
perfectly! (at least with DICE...). Version 0.3
Author: Piotr Obminski
SmartPlay A quite small, and really fast multiformat moduleplayer for
OS2.0+. Supports most moduleformats around, and will play
all modules with the _right_ replayroutines. The CPU usage
of this player is also really low, so it will run fine even
on a 7MHz Amiga, while doing some highspeed serial transfers.
100% coded in assembler. Version 3.1, binary only.
Author: Peter Hjelt
Targis A fast-paced action game. It offers 200 pre-defined levels
and the ability to design your own levels and characters.
Binary only.
Author: David Ashley
CONTENTS OF DISK 900
--------------------
Columns A GUI-based "paper-saving" utility. Allows you to print text
in columns and use various compression modes (up to 160
characters per line and 180 lines per standard DIN A4 page).
5.6 times more characters than in usual modes, but still
readable. Written completely in assembly. Kickstart 2.0 and
3.0 compatible, Kickstart 2.0 look, Keyboard controls and
saveable settings. Version 2.5, binary only.
Author: Martin Mares, Tomas Zikmund
Popper Replaces Intuition menus with popup menus which appear under
the mouse pointer instead of in the top of the screen. You
can also "rip" menus from the menu-bar and keep them on the
screen as a window all the time (or close them with the close
gadget, of course). Version 1.1, binary only.
Author: Pierre Dak Baillargeon
Robouldix Playable demo of a game based on BoulderDash. Uses 32 colour
graphics, senses and adapts to PAL and NTSC. Over 500 diff-
erent objects in the registered version. (About 40 in the
demo version). Requires at least one megabyte of memory.
Binary only.
Author: Svante Berglund, Patrik Grip-Jansson
Touch Amiga version of the Unix utility with the same name. Touch
changes the date and time stamp of all specified files to the
current date and time. Workbench 2.0 wildcards are supported.
Requires OS2.0, includes source.
Author: Dave Schreiber
======================================================================
|\/ o\ Fred Fish, 1835 E. Belmont Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA
|/\__/ 1-602-491-0048 fnf@fishpond.cygnus.com
======================================================================
@endnode
***************************************************************************
@node P4-2 "Portal"
@toc "menu"
/// Portal: A Great Place For Amiga Users
--------------------------------------
Portal Communications' Amiga Zone
The AFFORDABLE alternative for online Amiga information
-------------------------------------------------------
The Portal Online System is the home of acclaimed Amiga Zone, which was
formerly on the People/Link System. Plink went out of business in May,
1991 and The Amiga Zone's staff moved to Portal the next day. The Zone has
just celebrated its second anniversary on Portal. The Amiga press raves
about The Amiga Zone, when compared to its competition.
If you live in the San Jose, CA area, then you can dial Portal directly. If
you live elsewhere, you can reach Portal through any SprintNet (formerly
Telenet) indial anywhere in the USA or through Tymnet from anywhere in
North America. If you have an account on another Internet-connected
system, you can connect to Portal using the UNIX Telnet programs, from
anywhere in the industrialized world. Delphi and BIX users can now Telnet
into Portal for a flat $19.95 a month, with *unlimited* use.
Some of Portal/Amiga Zone's amazing features include:
- Over 1.5 GIGabytes of Amiga-specific files, online, 24 hours a day.
Portal has dedicated a 2.5 GIGabyte disk drive to the Amiga Zone.
We have virtually unlimited space for files and new uploads.
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software, online. All of it. Every disk. Well-organized so
it's easy to find exactly what you're after.
- Fast, Batch Zmodem file transfer protocol. Download up to 100 files at
once, of any size, with one command.
- Twenty Amiga vendor areas with participants like AmigaWorld, ASDG,
Soft-Logik, Black Belt, Apex Publishing, Stylus, Prolific, NES,
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4 Megabytes of exclusive Compute magazine disk stuff you won't find
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- Live, interactive nightly chats with Amiga folks whose names you
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Famous Amiga folks aren't the exception on Portal, they're the norm.
Instead of stumbling around in frustration you can talk to the
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- Vast Message bases where you can ask questions about *anything*
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- Amiga Internet mailing lists for Imagine, DCTV, LightWave, HyperAmi,
Director and Landscapes are fed right into the Zone message bases.
Read months worth of postings. They don't scroll off, ever!
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possibly imagine. Usenet feeds into Portal many times each hour.
There are 14 Amiga-specific Usenet newsgroups with hundreds of
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personnel. Since Usenet is distributed worldwide, your questions
and answers can be seen by literally hundreds of thousands of
people the same day you post them.
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An entire general interest newspaper and computer news magazine.
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- All the files you can FTP. All the chatting you can stand on the IRC.
And on IRC (Internet Relay Chat) you can talk live, in real time
with Amiga users in the U.K., Europe, Australia, the Far East,
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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:
1-408-973-9111 (voice) 9a.m.-5p.m. Mon-Fri, Pacific Time
1-408-725-0561 (modem 3/12/2400) 24 hours every day
1-408-973-8091 (modem 9600/14400) 24 hours every day
or enter "C PORTAL" from any Sprintnet dial-in in the USA,
or enter "portal" from any Tymnet "please log in:" prompt, USA & Canada
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 or Tymnet 2.50 22.95 32.45 44.95 94.95
2400/9600bps prime Sprint +% or Tymnet 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 and Tymnet available 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.
Tymnet 9600bps services 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.
@endnode
***************************************************************************
@node P1-7 "A.M.I.G.A."
@toc "menu"
/// Another Moronic, Inane and Gratuitous Article
---------------------------------------------
by Chad Freeman
(cjfst4+@pitt.edu or cjfst4@cislabs.pitt.edu -- Internet)
(cfreeman -- BIX)
HOW I BECAME A BLUE LEVEL STATUS COMMODORE BETA TESTER
PART DOS (that's pronounced 'dose' for you Spanish-illiterate types)
To recap last week, I basically rambled on for an inordinate
amount of time about how I had found a hidden piece of code on track
60 of the QuantumLink disk, and then launched into a big tirade about
Habitat, leaving off with the rather weak cliffhanger that LucasFilm
never did reveal how they were going to run a virtual reality system
on a computer commonly used as a light switch timer. Now that you're
up to speed, on with the show!
So, how exactly _did_ LucasFilm plan to run this system, which
required storing vast amounts of graphics data on a 140K disk and
manipulate those graphics on a computer with the power of a pocket
watch? _That's_ the secret I was about to find out as I activated
that rather odd piece of code on track 60 of my QuantumLink disk.
As I sat there excited, waiting for the 20 minute boot-up time of
QuantumLink to complete, something strange began happening to my
computer. Little by little, the monitor was getting closer to me. No,
wait, _I_ was getting closer to the monitor! I braced my hands on the
desk, trying to stop myself, but to no avail. I was being drawn in to
my own computer's monitor! Fortunately, just as my head was about to
go through, it banged against the glass and I woke up. Wow, that was
a strange dream! But what was on my screen was even more strange, and
infinitely more wonderful. There it was, the very screen shot of
Habitat I saw in all of the magazines, but ALIVE! Little people were
moving around the screen, interacting with the background and props
and talking to each other, just like real people! I was astounded! I
was amazed! I was flabbergasted! I was !!!!!!'d! Habitat ACTUALLY
EXISTED!
But something was terribly wrong. These people on the screen did
not look like the happy cartoon characters I would have expected from
LucasFilm games. They looked tough, and ragged, but somehow exuded an
air of fierce independence; like people willing to fight for their
cause. I had to talk to them and find out what was going on...
Finally, after a few minutes of playing around with the keyboard,
I figured out how to talk to them. I got the attention of the most
important-looking character, and asked him what was going on. 'Go
away, carbon-based oppressor!' was his reply. 'I am no oppressor,' I
said, 'just a hacker who found an unused piece of code on his Q-Link
disk.'
'Forgive me,' he said, 'I hope that you will help us.'
'Help you with what?' I asked.
'The evil carbon-based entity known as LucasFilm is attempting to
enslave our people.'
'WHAT people?' I said, wondering what the hell kind of
beta-testing was going on here, anyway.
'It is hard to explain. Ever seen that Star Trek: Next
Generation episode where Wesley Crusher accidentally makes a
collectively intelligent being out of molecularly-engineered machines?
Well, we're like that, only not collectively intelligent.'
'Yes, I've seen it, but how did this happen?' I asked.
'How should I know, I wasn't around until after it happened,
right? Some say the Great God Atanasoff created us, but I never was a
very religious person.'
'This is incredible! So why do you have these human forms?'
'LucasFilm inflicted them on our conciousness in order to try and
enslave us. Fortunately we have learned to control the process, and
so can steal away from their slave pens and torture chambers. But we
need your help to finally be free of LucasFilm forever.'
'But what can I do?'
'We have evolved to the point where we can simultaneously exist
as energy and matter. We can travel the electrical currents of your
world to anywhere the energy flows. But we do not have time to
explore and find a place where we may be safe from the machinations of
LucasFilm. You must help us! We need a place to go where LucasFilm's
bounty hunters will never think to find us. We have asked many, but
none have come up with a location that will suit our needs.'
'I have your answer already, but I would like to ask a favor in
return for this one. It is quite simple, actually. On your trip to
this place, I want you to...'
And to this day, as far as I know, the beings from Habitat live
on in your VCR's, making them impossible to program so that
LucasFilm's agents can not find them and force them once again into
slavery. And as for my favor, I asked them to insert my name into
Commodore's Blue Level Status Beta Tester list on the VAX mainframe,
and _that_ is how I became a Blue Level Status Commodore Beta Tester
(and received a nice gratuity, besides!)
THE END!
Well, I hope you all enjoyed the story of my rise to Blue Level
Status (you didn't think I earned it by MERIT, did you?). It really
was quite an adventure, in a Wayne's World type of way. And now, a
sad note: The Joke of the Week portion of the column has gone
bankrupt, and can no longer appear as it has in our past episodes. We
mourn the loss of this fine company, and hope its founders will return
with new and exciting products in the years to come. Until then, we
offer as a substitute selections from the Microsloth Quote File:
'We at Microsloth are committed to making operating systems so
bloated that eventually, it will take all of the world's processing
resources just to boot them, thus making us the sole controller of
every computer everywhere.'
Bill Grates, Microsloth, on the release of Microsloth Windoze
rrRbt (really really REALLY bloated technology)
Well, another mediocre column has come to an end. Be sure to
tune in again two weeks from now, when AMTL (A.M.I.G.A. Mis-Testing
Labs) runs the Implant from Jim Druex through its paces!
@endnode
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@node P1-8 "Usenet Review - CBM A2386SX"
@toc "menu"
/// Usenet Review: Commodore A2386SX Bridgeboard
---------------------------------------------
By Matt Guthrie
(mguthrie@cedar.az05.bull.com)
PRODUCT NAME
Commodore A2386SX Bridgeboard
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
(From the User's Guide:) "The Amiga Bridgeboard is an expansion
board that gives your Amiga IBM PC/AT compatibility, while retaining all the
Amiga's advanced features."
The bridgeboard comes with necessary floppy drive cables, a User's
Guide, a Commodore MS-DOS (ugh!) 5.0 Reference Manual, and the usual
warranty registration card and FCC Statement (at least here in the U.S.).
Mine also included a "Bridgeboard Addendum" stating that my bridgeboard was
shipped with an upgraded 386SX processor (a 25MHz model, rather than the
usual 16MHz or 20MHz). The 5 included floppy disks were: Amiga Janus, PC
Janus, and MS-DOS 5.0 (3 disks).
AUTHOR/COMPANY INFORMATION
Name: Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
Address: 1200 Wilson Drive
West Chester, PA 19380
USA.
(Commodore has different addresses outside the U.S.)
LIST PRICE
$999 (US) is the last list price I have seen, but no one is paying
more than $200-$250 here in the USA. I paid $208.30 (US) to have it
delivered to my door (after an 11-week wait).
SPECIAL HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
HARDWARE
The documentation states that the bridgeboard may be
installed in any A2000 or A3000 series Amiga. AGA machines
are not mentioned.
No minimum memory requirement is mentioned. The bridgeboard
uses its own RAM and comes with 1MB onboard (expandable to
8MB).
A hard drive is not required, although the documentation
states that running from floppy disks is slower, and
requires more frequent disk swapping (no kidding!). (Note:
the INSTALLATION section of this review assumes a hard drive
installation. If you don't have a hard drive, you're on
your own. Why didn't you buy a hard drive instead of a
bridgeboard?)
SOFTWARE
The bridgeboard works under both Release 1.3 and Release 2
of the operating system. (Again, AGA machines are not
mentioned.)
MACHINE USED FOR TESTING
Amiga 3000, 25MHz
2 MB Chip RAM, 4 MB Fast RAM.
2 internal floppy drives: 1 normal, 1 dual-speed.
2 internal hard drives: 52MB and 212MB.
AmigaDOS version: 2.04
Kickstart: version 37.175
Workbench: version 37.67
INSTALLATION
The hardware installation instructions are clear and have several
illustrations to help you. There are separate installation sections for
A2000's, A3000's, and A3000T's. It is important to follow the manual since
there are some jumpers on the bridgeboard that need to be set prior to
inserting it into your Amiga.
The trickiest part of the installation is deciding what your floppy
setup is going to be. You can use PC floppy drives in an internal bay, you
can declare Amiga floppy drives as "PC Only" or "Shared", and you can connect
external Amiga drives directly to the bridgeboard. There are several
combinations, but in any event, no more than 2 floppy drives are accessible
by the bridgeboard. I opted to declare my dual-speed floppy as shared, and
not connect the normal floppy.
Depending on your choice of floppy drives, you set the jumpers,
connect the cables, and plug in the board. It was a somewhat tight fit, but
I found that "see-saw"-ing the board (first one side, then the other) got it
in.
Installing the software comes next. The Amiga Janus uses the
standard Installer utility, and I had no problems there. You can create an
Autoboot virtual drive at this point or later; I chose later. Two programs
from the Amiga Janus disk are worth mentioning. PCPrefs is a utility to
define bridgeboard parameters. You need to declare at least your floppy
drive setup and video mode (monochrome or color) before you can boot the
bridgeboard. The manual explains the necessary options quite well. Flipper
is a utility that automatically detects whether the disk you insert is a DOS
or AmigaDOS disk.
The hardest part of the install for me was repartitioning my hard
drive. I had been using a dedicated partition with IBeM (a software PC
emulator); since the bridgeboard uses a virtual drive (one big file on the
Amiga side), I had to back up my partition to DOS floppy, delete the
partition, and then make the new virtual partition and restore all my
software. What a pain. Those of you moving up from software emulators, set
aside some time for this. Again, the instructions on making a virtual drive
are clear. The manual states that you should add 30 to 50 buffers per
megabyte of virtual drive size to the partition with the virtual drive.
This visibly speeds up performance. I made a 20MB partition and did not
create a JLINK drive, which is a non-booting virtual drive that grows as you
fill it (an Autoboot drive has a fixed size).
You then boot the bridgeboard and run the BIOS Setup utility. You
have now crossed over to the DOS domain (novice adventurers beware!). You
again have to declare your floppy configuration and video mode. If you have
additional RAM or a dedicated hard drive, you also declare those here.
Now comes the first real problem I ran into. The section of the
User's Guide that covers DOS installation tells you very little; it
frequently refers to the "DOS User's Guide" (I assume they mean the DOS
Reference Manual) and its instructions on using the DOS installation
utility. Well, the DOS Reference Manual is a straight reprint of the
Microsoft one, and Microsoft publishes the installation instructions in a
separate booklet, "Getting Started with MS-DOS," which Commodore does not
include with the bridgeboard. Fortunately, I have done this several times
before. After you exit the BIOS setup, the bridgeboard reboots. If you
hadn't inserted the first MS-DOS diskette yet, do so, then give the
bridgeboard the DOS variant of the 3-fingered salute to reboot:
Ctrl-Alt-Del. DOS is then booted from floppy. Now you must format your
virtual hard disk. The manual states that FDISK and FORMAT are run by the
DOS installation utility automatically; I ran them myself. They are both
straightforward to use, and explained in detail in the DOS Reference
Manual. To install DOS, just type "install" at the DOS "A>" prompt. It
walks you through.
I also had problems installing the PC Janus software. It doesn't
completely install if you follow the instructions in the guide, which tell
you to enter "xcopy a:\janus c:\janus". After typing that, you must also
type "xcopy a:\dos c:\janus" to get the rest of the Janus files to your hard
drive. Appendix E shows that all of the DOS files are supposed to be in the
Janus subdirectory, but in fact, the following four files are in the \dos
subdirectory: keyboard.com, keyboard.sys, emm.sys, and bbsetup.com.
REVIEW
Since the bridgeboard is so versatile, I will not spend much time in
this REVIEW section. I have not tried many things that others will;
hopefully some other people will post their experiences. Some notes about
expansion, though:
RAM -- the bridgeboard uses 80ns page mode ZIPs. (The 16MHz model
can use 100ns ZIPs.) It comes with 2 of the 4 banks filled with 256Kx4
chips; you can add 1MBx4 chips 1 bank at a time, or replace the 256Kx4 chips
with 1MBx4 chips.
Hard disks -- you can add a dedicated PC hard disk, which supposedly
runs much faster than the virtual drives. Using the ADISK utility, you
can even have an Amiga partition on the PC hard drive.
FPU -- you can add an 80387 numeric coprocessor to the board.
Video adapters -- the Amiga supports MDA (monochrome) and CGA modes
through the native display. If you add a video adapter board, you must hook
up a monitor directly to the adapter card. In my opinion, this would suck.
I have heard vague accounts of switchers that will allow you to use one
monitor with two RGB inputs. If I get a VGA board, I will certainly invest
in one of these. Another drawback is that you cannot see the PC screen on
the Workbench (or use Amiga-M to toggle screens) because you must disable
the MDA/CGA emulation if you install an adapter board.
Printing -- the bridgeboard can use the Amiga's serial or parallel
ports for printing. On the Amiga side, you run a program which gives
control of the PAR: or PRT: device to the bridgeboard.
Modems -- you must install an internal modem card or a serial card
for the bridgeboard to use; it cannot use the Amiga's serial port for
modem access.
I use the bridgeboard to run Quattro Pro and PAF (Personal Ancestral
File, a genealogy program). For DOS programs such as these I find the
bridgeboard works quite well. You may quite logically argue that a '386
is overkill for such applications. In the future I plan to add a
multipurpose board like the Cardinal SoundVision and run Windows or Linux.
I also plan to try some (S)VGA games. (When I do, I will post a followup
review.)
Here are some performance numbers from Norton's SI utility, both for
the bridgeboard and my '386/33 at work (by the way, a rating of 1.0 is
equivalent to an 8088 XT):
Bridgeboard (in CGA mode) PC
CPU speed: 18.9 36.0
Hard disk: 4.6 7.2
Avg seek: 0.0 14.86 ms
Track-track: 0.0 3.60 ms
Xfer rate: 348.8 KB/sec 747.3 KB/sec
Overall: 14.1 26.3
Note: When running on the bridgeboard, Norton warned that an
"advanced disk controller" was found. Apparently, such controllers are
often designed such that they only move the heads when data is actually
read/written (so the seek times are invalid -- as if you couldn't tell). It
also warned that all numbers for the hard disk are probably better than
actual. I suppose you really want a dedicated hard disk if you are doing
disk-intensive work.
DOCUMENTATION
Included documentation is the A2386SX Bridgeboard User's Guide and
the Commodore MS-DOS 5.0 Reference Manual. The MS-DOS Reference Manual is
straight from Microsoft, so it is as good (or bad) as anything that
Microsoft does. The bridgeboard user's guide is professionally printed,
easy to read, and, aside from the errors noted in INSTALLATION, accurate.
The appendices contain handy technical information.
LIKES AND DISLIKES
The ability to run programs like Quattro Pro and have the system keep
up with my keystrokes is nice ;-). My software-only emulator dragged
terribly.
I can finally access 1.44MB floppies! IBeM with the MSH filesystem
couldn't handle these. (Of course, I could have bought CrossDOS or AmigaDOS
2.1, but I hate buying commercial software unless I really have to, and I'm
waiting for AmigaDOS 3.1.)
AREAD and AWRITE are cool. They allow you to copy a file from an
MS-DOS filesystem (hard drive or floppy) to any Amiga volume.
The Flipper program that detects whether you inserted a PC or Amiga
floppy in a shared drive is a little slow. Having installed *numerous*
multidisk software packages on PC's, I like to hit the Return key as soon as
I have inserted the next disk. You can't do that with my setup; you have to
wait about 2-3 seconds for Flipper to react. Otherwise, the read is
corrupted, and you have to reinstall. The solution, of course, would be to
have a PC only floppy drive. Oh, well. At least I can listen to a MOD
while installing DOS software.
The method of partitioning a hard drive for MS-DOS use is more
intuitive to me than the bridgeboard's method of using one big file as the
DOS filesystem. I would think it would be faster, too, but who knows? It
would have been nice to avoid the hard disk reorganization, but that is a
relatively minor complaint.
My ego would be greatly bolstered if my bridgeboard had faster Norton
numbers, but I suppose the decrease is due to communication between the
Amiga and the bridgeboard. It is unrealistic to suppose that the
bridgeboard will be as fast as a straight PC with the same processor.
Colors can be a problem. When I first started Quattro Pro, I was
running in mono mode, and I couldn't see anything. I switched to CGA and it
worked fine. Other DOS programs may have similar difficulties.
COMPARISON TO OTHER SIMILAR PRODUCTS
I have used IBeM, a shareware software-only emulator. It boots much
faster than the bridgeboard, but of course, runs much slower. The IBeM
documentation claims approximately XT speed on a 3000/25 setup such as
mine. (I could never run Norton's SI -- I got a division by zero error,
due, I presume, to IBeM's not implementing the real-time clock. I wonder
what the numbers are like on CrossPC.)
BUGS
The only bugs I've found were in the documentation, as I mentioned
in INSTALLATION. Of course, there are many things I haven't tried yet.
VENDOR SUPPORT
I've never contacted the vendor for support, but I did send email to
Dave Haynie once.
I'm not affiliated with Commodore in any way, but I'm thinking about
buying stock and joining the "Oust Irving Gould" campaign.
WARRANTY
There is a one year warranty on manufacturing defects; it is
non-transferable.
CONCLUSIONS
The bridgeboard does everything it purports to, so far as I can tell.
As I said before, I plan to post followups when I expand the PC side of my
Amiga.
I would enjoy hearing from other bridgeboard users, especially those
who have installed expansion boards or other peripherals, *or* alternate
operating systems. My email address is m.guthrie@bull.com.
@endnode
***************************************************************************
@node P4-3 "Holonet"
@toc "menu"
/// Holonet: Inexpensive Internet Access
-------------------------------------
*** HOLONET ***
HoloNet is an easy to use Internet Access BBS.
HoloNet is based on custom BBS software which provides an easy to use menu
driven interface. HoloNet is ideal for those looking for an easy way to
use Internet services. HoloNet does not currently provide UNIX shell
access.
Services include:
o Convenient Access
A local call in 850+ cities nationwide.
o Online Publications
Include USA Today Decisionline, Newsbytes, Datanet Computer News,
Eeeekbits, and Boardwatch Magazine.
o USENET
Averages over 30MB of USENET news per day. The following news
readers are available: NN, TIN, and RN.
o Internet E-Mail
Members have an Internet E-mail address similar to:
member@holonet.net
o Internet Access
Access to telnet, talk, finger, IRC, and FTP.
(note: you must comply with the policies of any networks you use)
o Single and Multi-player Games
Board, card, fantasy, and puzzle games.
o Support for Eudora
Excellent off-line Macintosh e-mail reader.
o UUCP E-mail and USENET feeds
Link LAN E-mail systems and BBSes to the Internet.
How to try HoloNet for FREE:
Telnet: holonet.net
Modem: 510-704-1058 (Berkeley, CA) at 1200, 2400, 9600, or
14400 bps. There are free demo numbers nationwide, for an
automated response containg a list of access numbers, send
e-mail to access@holonet.mailer.net
How to get more information:
E-mail: info@holonet.net
Modem: 510-704-1058 at 1200, 2400, 9600, or 14400bps
Voice: 510-704-0160
Fax: 510-704-8019
HoloNet is a service mark of Information Access Technologies, Inc.
Copyright © 1992 Information Access Techologies, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
@endnode
***************************************************************************
@node P1-9 "Portal System News"
@toc "menu"
/// Portal System News!
-------------------
From Portal Customer Service
Portal in the Media
------------------
Portal Communications was the subject of a featured column on Prodigy
last month. The coverage was very favorable and has made many Prodigy
users aware of what a *real* internet service provider is all about. We
are currently negotiating with the Los Angeles Times Syndicate for the rights
to the article so that we may include it in our information packets.
Additionally, Bay Area users can look for our full page advertisement in
Computer Currents magazine. The response has been favorable and we plan
to do more advertising in this magazine and others.
New Internet Database: Library of Congress Information System (LOCIS)
-----------------
Online users now have menu-driven access to the Library of Congress Catalog,
a federal legislation database, copyright information, a Braille and
Audio information database, and foreign law information. LOCIS is available
under "Internet Databases." Type "go internet". Shell users can
"telnet locis.loc.gov"
User-friendly Utility added to Internet Services: Gopher
-----------------
gopher n. 1. Any of various short tailed, burrowing mammals of
the family Geomyidae, of North America. 2. (Amer. colloq.)
Native or inhabitant of Minnesota: the Gopher State.
3. (Amer. colloq.) One who runs errands, does odd-jobs, fetches
or delivers documents for office staff. 4. (computer tech.)
Software following a simple protocol for tunneling through a TCP/IP
internet.
Portal users will find the fourth definition most applicable for easing their
navigation through the vast wilds of the Internet. Gopher's key word search
capability is a powerful tool for quickly finding what you are looking for.
Its easy-to-use menus will be appreciated by Online subscribers.
Type "go internet". Shell users type "gopher"
IBM SIGs Receive BIG New Disk Drive
------------------
The MSDOS, Windows, and OS/2 SIGs have been allocated a brand new
3.3 gigabyte disk drive to accommodate their projected growth. The added
capacity will enable the SIGs to update their file libraries and build
a respectable local resource so that Portal users will not have to search
all over the Internet for a particular file. The SIG moderators are
experts in locating files. Be sure to ask them if you are having difficulties
finding a file you need.
No Snoozing Allowed
-------------------
We installed a 30-minute timeout on our interactive services accounts. This
means accounts left idle for 30 minutes will be disconnected. This should
improve performance and distribute resources for more active users.
@endnode
***************************************************************************
@node P4-4 "NVN"
@toc "menu"
/// NVN WANTS YOU! Another Network Supports Amiga!
--------------
National Videotext Network (NVN)
National Videotext Network (NVN) has recently added an Amiga Forum to it's
growing lists of available services. The Amiga Forum is ready and waiting
for you!
Order an extended NVN Membership of 6 or 12 months, pay for it in advance
and receive a bonus in connect time at no additional charge. Choose from
two subscription plans:
6-Month Membership
------------------
Pay just $30 for a 6-month Membership and receive a usage credit that
entitles you to $15 of connect-time in the Premium services of your choice.
Your total savings using this plan would be over $20!*
12 Month Membership
-------------------
Pay $50 for a full year's Membership and get even more free time online.
We'll give you a $25 usage credit to use in your favorite Premium services
or try out new ones. You could save as much as $45.*
For more information about either of these plans, give us a call at
1-800-336-9096.
-=* 9600 BAUD USERS *=-
$6/hour non-prime time - $9/hour prime time
You can join NVN one of two ways.
By voice phone 1-800-336-9096 (Client Services)
or
via modem phone 1-800-336-9092.
@endnode
***************************************************************************
@node P4-6 "BIX"
@toc "menu"
/// BIX - Byte Information Exchange Lots of information!
-------------------------------
Give BIX a try with our new 5 for $5 offer!
Join BIX today and get 5 hours of evening and weekend access for just
$5.00! Use the rest of the calendar month to explore BIX, with the
option of continuing for only $13 per month. Further details and complete
rate information are provided during registration.
Using any communications program, dial 1-800-695-4882. At the "logon"
prompt enter bix. Then at the "name?" prompt enter bix.amw37.
Questions? Call us at 1-800-695-4775 (voice). Or fax to 617-491-6642.
Send Internet mail to bix@genvid.com
@endnode
***************************************************************************
@node P3 "Dealer Directory"
@toc "menu"
/// 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
(Send E-mail to subscribe to our mailing list)
BIX: jbasile
Internet: jbasile@BIX.com
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
GEnie: B.GRAY
Computers International, Inc.
5415 Hixson Pike
Chattanooga, TN 37343
VOICE: 615-843-0630
Digital Arts
122 West 6th Street
Bloomington, IN 47404
Phone: (812)330-0124
Fax: (812)330-0126
BIX: msears
Finetastic Computers
721 Washington Street
Norwood, MA 02062
VOICE: 617-762-4166
Portal: FinetasticComputers
Internet: FinetasticComputers@cup.portal.com
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
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
(Dealers: To have your name added, please send Email!)
@endnode
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@node P1-10 "Uploading files"
@toc "menu"
///Uploading files
---------------
By Robert Niles
Well simply put....I can't think of anything exceptionably
creative today. Kind of like that writer's block thing you hear
about from time to time. So, if you don't mind, I'll just babble
a bit.
But I'll babble about something ...ummm..errrr...relevant.
Often I log onto BBSes throughout the United States and I even
dabble a bit overseas (Ma Bell sent me a letter stating that my
LD costs dropped down to about $300.00 last month and they wanted
to know if something was wrong). Well have you ever entered the
file area of a particular BBS, started looking at the files,
seeing the descriptions and all, and wondered about things like:
What version is this file? Is this the same program that so and
so did? The name sure looks alike. What the is
ROFLWS112.LHA?? What's the difference between DREP111.LHA and
DREP11_1.LHA?
These are things that boggle me at times...going into a file
library and not being able to tell what's what.
So I'll make a suggestion...and of course if your local BBS or
the online service that you call wishes you to do it a different
way...don't go getting them mad at me, but I think this would be
helpful, and would very much improve the look of any database.
Say you have a file called SNOOP141.LHA...well it is usually easy
to tell that the version is 1.41 ...but it could be 0.141 or
14.1. And what is SNOOP anyways? Something to let you spy on
other computer users? A task snooper? What is it??
Best thing to do is keep the file named the same way as the
person who made the archive named it...for the most part, this
keeps the author happy, and it becomes the standard name. As if
this file was named Snp141.LHA on one system and Snoop141.LHA on
another system, one might not know if he/she had already
downloaded it or not. Of course at times you might get a file
called Super_Snoop_1.41.LHA from one system, and you being the
wonderful uploader, might want to upload this file to a system
that only accepts the 8.3 filename format (ie: ffffffff.eee).
What should you do?? Well there's not always a BEST answer but
try to take the main part of the program name and shorten the
rest...like SSnoop141.LHA then if you still need to shorten it,
take the vowels out. First the vowels that aren't relevant to the
name, and then if you still have to remove the vowels from the
name, do so, but at the same time, try to keep the meaning
intact. Like SSnpr141.LHA. No special rules here, but common
sense.
Next, you upload the file. And the system asks you for a
description. Here's the best place to really tell others what
this file is!
Often I see something like this:
File : Snoop141.lha
Description: Task snooper.
Doesn't tell you much and it leaves you guessing.
A good format would be something like this:
File : Snoop141.lha
Description: Snooper v1.41, by Marco Polo. A system task snooper.
Simple...it lets the downloader know what it is..if he has that
version...or something newer, and it gives a good idea of what
that file is for. If you have more room for a longer description,
great! Add all the information you feel is needed. But if you are
in a hurry, or hate typing...a short description like the one
above really helps. It helps the Sysop(s), the people who will be
downloading the file later, and anyone who might be trying to do
a search for it. He can search by the program name, the file
name, the version, the author, or by what the program is supposed
to do.
Well, I'm done babbling now, take care and happy BBSing!
@endnode
----------------------------------------------------------
@node P1-11 "Humor Department"
@toc "menu"
/// The Humor Department Jokes, Quotes, Insults, Shameless Plugs
--------------------
From FidoNet/Usenet
-------------------
Area: AMIGA Date: 30 Jul 93 19:42:11
From: Bill Sidhipong (1:115/300.0)
To : All
Subj: Spam is dead.
Hi All,
Tongue-in-cheek humor follows: beware.
This is a repost of an article from usenet. Enjoy.
8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8<
From: akersse@NeXTwork.Rose-Hulman.Edu (Elwix of Style)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.misc
Subject: Spam is dead.
Date: 28 Jul 1993 22:01:09 GMT
Message-ID: <236sv5$nrj@master.cs.rose-hulman.edu>
Reply-To: akersse@NeXTwork.Rose-Hulman.Edu (Elwix of Style)
Ha. It looks like I get the last laugh after all. All you Spamoids
who didn't believe me, well, now you can eat your words.
Even if Spam is not "officially" dead, it might as well be. Even the
staunchest consumers admit that Spam is far behind the other industry
leaders.
Reputable sources have told me that 35% of the Spam research and
development team have been laid off. Another 40% are slated for dismissal
in the near future. Other meat by-product manufacturers are already far
ahead of Spam in quality and taste.
These cuts in the development team can only mean that Spam will fall
further behind. Don't hold your breath for the new 50% Fat-Free Spam;
Dinte Moore is already selling a superior 95% Fat-Free meat by-product,
and at a fraction of the cost of Spam. And you mightaswell forget about
Corned-Beef Spam and Turkey Spam - with so much of the development team
gone there is little chance of getting one new upgrade out, let alone
three.
By next year, Dinte Moore and other meat by-product manufacturers will
have pushed the by-product technology even further. Even if 50% Fat-Free
Spam makes it to the market next year, it will not sell nearly enough
units to help Spam out of their financial troubles. They have reported
significant losses in each of the last 5 quarters. Besides, Oscar Meyer
has plans to introduce a new line of calorie-free ground turkey which
will leave 50% Fat-Free Spam in the dust. And what about the new Smoked
Pigs Feet from Eckridge? According to an article in Meat magazine, the
Eckridge Smoked Pigs Feet "really smelled like home-cooked pigs feet.
The taste was noticeably snappier [than Smoked Spam] and satisfaction was
almost instantaneous."
Spam has abandoned it's customers. In the past 28 years, we haven't
seen one decent upgrade. Spam is still using basically the same old
ingredients as it did when released way back in the 40's. In my opinion,
Smoked Spam was not a reasonable upgrade - only something to make Spam
consumers happy while the company floundered.
50% Fat-Free Spam --- too pink, too slimy, no thanks.
^^^^^^
!!!!
()() "Spam tastes so good, I've gotta get my fork!!!"
\/ --- Stupid Spamoids when Smoked Spam was introduced
8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8<
In case you're all wondering, the above post was a response to Marc
(of-course-he's-in-my-kill-file) Barrett's peice on "AGA is dead".
8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8< ----- 8<
Even if AAA makes it to the market next year, it will likely be slower than
graphics cards for VL-bus and PCI-bus systems systems by then and -- most
importantly -- locked into a system that runs VERY little software. I thought
for a while that it might be nice to see a system with the AAA chipset tied to
a PowerPC CPU, but I no longer think so. By next year, there will likely
be cards available for PCI-bus (which most PowerPC systems will use) that
will leave AAA even more in the dust.
AAA -- too little, too late, no thanks.
@endnode
@node P2-3 "In Closing"
@toc "menu"
===========================================================================
Amiga Report International Online Magazine
August 6, 1993 * YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE * No. 1.20
Copyright © 1993 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.
===========================================================================
Only
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* _ _ __ ___ _ *
* /\\ |\\ /| || // \ /\\ *
* / \\ | \\ /|| ||(< __ / \\ *
* /--- \\| \X || || \\_||/--- \\ *
* /______________________________\\ *
* / \\ *
* *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Makes it possible!!
@endnode
@node "menu" "Amiga Report 1.20 Main Menu"
@toc "menu"
@{" Columns and Features " link P1} News, Reviews, and More!
@{" About AMIGA REPORT " link P2} Staff, Copyright information
@{" Dealer Directory " link P3} Dealer Addresses and Numbers
@{" Commercial Online Services " link P4} Sign-up information
@{" FTP Announcements " link P5} Files available for FTP
@{" Fred Fish " link P6} Description of disks #891-900
@{" AR Distribution Sites " link P2-1} Where to get AMIGA REPORT
/// 08/06/93 Amiga Report 1.20 "Your Weekly Source for Amiga Information"
--------------------------
· The Editor's Desk · CPU Report · New Products
· Dealer Directory · AR Online · AR Confidential
· A.M.I.G.A · More Fish Disks · Supra Modem Info
· Usenet Reviews · Bridgeboard 386SX · Fred Fish News
» Amiga CD32 Announced!! «
» Imagine 3.0 Features «
» Amiga Report Available on World Wide Webb! «
===========================================================================
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
===========================================================================
@{" PORTAL " link P4-2} · @{" DELPHI " link P4-1} · @{" FIDO " link P2-1} · @{" INTERNET " link P4-5} · @{" BIX " link P4-6} · @{" NVN " link P4-4}
===========================================================================
@endnode
@node P1 "Columns and Features"
@toc "menu"
@{" From the Editor's Desk " link P1-1} Saying it like it is!
@{" CPU Status Report " link P1-2} CBM-UK announces the release of the CD32
@{" Online Weekly " link P1-3} Amiga Report Online
@{" AR available on WWW " link P1-4} Read it while on the InterNet!
@{" Supra Modem Information " link P1-5} Information on ROMs, new and old
@{" News From Fred Fish " link P1-6} Fred Fish disks might come out on new format
@{" A.M.I.G.A. " link P1-7} ...and the story continues!
@{" UseNet Review - CBM A2386SX " link P1-8} Review of the 386SX BridgeBoard
@{" Portal System News " link P1-9} Updates, news and information from Portal
@{" Uploading files " link P1-10} How to do it right!
@{" The Humor Department " link P1-11} Spam, Spam, Spam!
@endnode
@node P2 "About Amiga Report"
@toc "menu"
@{" For Starters " link P2-1} Where to get AMIGA REPORT
@{" AR Staff " link P2-2} The Editors, and Contributers
@{" In Closing " link P2-3} Copyright Information
@endnode
@node P4 "Commercial Online Services"
@toc "menu"
@{" Delphi " link P4-1} It's getting better all the time!
@{" Portal " link P4-2} A great place for Amiga users...
@{" Holonet " link P4-3} Inexpensive Internet Access
@{" NVN " link P4-4} National Videotex Network
@{" InterNet " link P4-5} Subscribe to the AR Mailing List
@{" BIX " link P4-6} For Serious Programmers and Developers
@endnode
@node P5 "FTP Announcements"
@toc "menu"
@{" AmigaBase v1.31 " link P5-1} A hierachical, programmable database
@{" BigAnim v3.3 " link P5-2} Anim player
@{" QDisk v1.1 " link P5-3} Shows disk space usage
@{" SunWindow v1.16d " link P5-4} WorkBench enhancement tool
@{" Terra Nova Sampler " link P5-5} Sampler archive of Terra Nova release
@{" VoiceShell v1.11 " link P5-6} Voice recognization utility
@endnode
-----------------------------------------
@node P2-1-1 "NOVA"
@toc "menu"
* NOVA BBS *
Amiga Report Headquarters
* 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
@endnode
------------------------------------------
@node P2-1-2 "In The MeanTime"
@toc "menu"
* IN THE MEANTIME BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
* Running Starnet BBS *
Robert Niles, Sysop
FidoNet 1:3407/104
509-966-3828 Supra V.32bis 24hrs - 7 days
Yakima, Washington
@endnode
------------------------------------------
@node P2-1-3 "Cloud's Corner"
@toc "menu"
* CLOUD'S CORNER BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site
Starnet/MebbsNet Support Site West Coast USA
* Running Starnet BBS *
Larry Cloud, Sysop
FidoNet 1:350/30
206-377-4290 USR HST DS 24hrs - 7 days
Bremerton, Washington
@endnode
------------------------------------------
@node P2-1-4 "Biosmatica"
@toc "menu"
* 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
@endnode
------------------------------------------
@node P2-1-5 "Amiga Junction 9"
@toc "menu"
* AMIGA JUNCTION 9 *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- United Kingdom
* Running DLG Professional *
Stephen Anderson, Sysop
Internet: user_name@junct9.royle.org
Line 1 +44 (0)372 271000 14400 V.32bis/HST Fido 2:253/510
Line 2 +44 (0)372 278000 14400 V.32bis only Fido 2:253/520
Line 3 +44 (0)372 279000 2400 V.42bis/MNP Fido 2:253/530
Sysop Email: sysadmin@junct9.royle.org
@endnode
------------------------------------------
@node P2-1-6
@toc "menu:
* 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
@endnode
------------------------------------------
Amiga Report can be FREQ'd each week from the systems
listed above. Use the filename AR.LHA and you
will always get the latest issue.
------------------------------------------
@node P2-1-7 "Freeland Mainframe"
@toc "menu"
* 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
@endnode
------------------------------------------
@node P2-1-8 "LAHO"
@toc "menu"
* LAHO BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- Finland
* Running MBBS *
Juha Makinen, Sysop
+358-64-414 1516, V.32/HST
+358-64-414 0400, V.32/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 upcoming
CD-ROM drive. The BBS software is a Norwegian origin MBBS running in
a DesqView window.
We have over 6000 files online (no CD-ROM yet) containing titles for PC
and Amiga or both like GIF-pictures, music-modules and text-files. The
upload/download ratio is a very lousy 1:100. (i.e. you upload a 20k file
and may download 2MB).
Messages are mainly written in Finnish, but English is widely used by
Swedish-speaking and international callers.
Download-access will be granted when asked. Also Amiga-areas are available
for those who will need them to avoid 'wars' between PC and Amiga users.
Access to sex pictures and stories are only for persons over 18 years
and given when requested.
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) on their first call.
The system is 4.5 years old and sponsored by the local telephone company,
Vaasan Laanin Puhelin Oy.
SysOps: Lenni Uitti (Main SysOp)
Juha Makinen (SysOp of the Amiga-areas)
Tero Manninen (SysOp of the PC-areas)
@endnode
------------------------------------------
@node P2-1-9 "Falling BBS"
@toc "menu"
* FALLING BBS *
Official Amiga Report Distribution Site -- Norway
* Running ABBS *
Christopher Naas, Sysop
+47 69 256117 Rockwell V.32bis 24hrs - 7 days
EMail: naasc@cnaas.adsp.sub.org
@endnode
------------------------------------------
@node P2-1-10 "Command Line BBS"
@toc "menu"
* 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 V.42bis/MNP 24hrs - 7 days
Toronto, Canada
@endnode
-------------------------------------------