Nebula/nebula.bin/Newsletters/Lamps/Lamp0393.txt

Text File | 1993-03-02 | 187KB | 3,804 lines

     |||||| |||||| ||  || |||||| ||||||
     ||     ||     ||| ||   ||   ||
     || ||| ||||   ||||||   ||   ||||               Your
     ||  || ||     || |||   ||   ||
     |||||| |||||| ||  || |||||| ||||||             GEnieLamp IBM

     ||    |||||| ||    || ||||||                   RoundTable
     ||    ||  || |||  ||| ||  ||
     ||    |||||| |||||||| ||||||                   RESOURCE!
     ||    ||  || || || || ||
     ||||| ||  || ||    || ||

            ~ WOW!  1ST ANNUAL GEnieLamp *SWIMSUIT* ISSUE! ~
                  ~ AL FASOLDT: BANNED IN THE U.S.A. ~
                 ~ MINI_BYTES: 3 ON 1 - PC-DIRECTORY ~
                     ~ An IBM Apple ImageWriter? ~
              ~ HOT FILES ~ HOT MESSAGES ~ HOT REVIEWS! ~

 \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////////////////////////////
  GEnieLamp IBM    ~ A T/TalkNET OnLine Publication ~    Vol.2, Issue 12
  """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
  Publisher.................................GEnie Information Services
   Editor-In-Chief........................................John Peters
    Editor...............................................Bob Connors
     Windows Editor .................................. Peter Bogert

  ~ GEnieLamp IBM ~ GEnieLamp [PR]/TX2 ~ GEnieLamp ST ~ GEnieLamp A2 ~
      ~ GEnieLamp MacPRO ~ GEnieLamp A2Pro ~ GEnieLamp Macintosh ~
            ~ Member Of The Digital Publishing Association ~
////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

            >>> WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE IBM ROUNDTABLE? <<<
            """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
                           ~ March 1, 1993 ~

 FROM MY DESKTOP ......... [FRM]        HEY MISTER POSTMAN ...... [HEY]
  Notes From The Editor.                 Is That A Letter For Me?

 HUMOR ONLINE ............ [HUM]        YES, I DO WINDOWS ....... [WIN]
  By Any Other Name...                   Windows RT Happenings.

 CowTOONS ................ [MOO]        TELETALK ONLINE ......... [TEL]
  The 1st Annual Swimsuit Issue!         Online Communications.

 MINI_BYTES .............. [MIN]        THE MIGHTY QUINN ........ [QUI]
  3 On 1: PC-Directory.                  Random Access.

 THE ONLINE LIBRARY ...... [LIB]        PD_QUICKVIEW ............ [PDQ]
  HOT Files In The Library.              CompuShow: See It All.

 ONLINE FUN! ............. [PDQ]        DOCTOR BOB .............. [BOB]
  Search-ME!                             The Plain Vanilla Guide. Pt. 5

 CLASSICS ................ [CLA]        ADD ALADDIN ............. [ADD]
  WHATPORT: Your P's and IRQ's.          Cut & Paste Scripts.

 ASK DOCTOR BOB .......... [ASC]        HACK'N ATARI ............ [HAC]
  Gotta Problem?  Gotta Answer!          [*]An Apple ImageWriter Where?

                    LOG OFF ................. [LOG]
                     GEnieLamp Information.

[IDX]"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

READING GEnieLamp   GEnieLamp  has  incorporated  a  unique   indexing
"""""""""""""""""   system to help make  reading the  magazine easier.
To  utilize this system, load GEnieLamp into any ASCII  word processor
or text  editor.  In the index  you will find the  following  example:

                   HUMOR ONLINE ............ [HUM]
                    [*]GEnie Fun & Games.

   To read this  article, set your  find or search command to [HUM].  If
you want to scan all of the articles, search for [EOA].  [EOF] will take
you to  the last page,  whereas [IDX]  will bring you back to the index.

MESSAGE INFO   To make it easy for you to respond to messages re-printed
""""""""""""   here in GEnieLamp, you will find all the information you
need immediately following the message.  For example:

                    (SMITH, CAT6, TOP1, MSG:58/M475)
        _____________|   _____|__  _|___    |____ |_____________
       |Name of sender   CATegory  TOPic    Msg.#   Page number|

    In this  example, to  respond to  Smith's  message, log  on to  page
475 enter the bulletin board and set CAT 6. Enter your REPly in TOPic 1.

    A message number that is surrounded by brackets indicates  that this
message  is a "target" message and is  referring  to  a "chain"  of  two
or more  messages that are following the same topic.  For example: {58}.

ABOUT GEnie   GEnie costs only $4.95 a month for  unlimited evening  and
"""""""""""   weekend  access  to  more  than  100  services   including
electronic mail,  online encyclopedia,  shopping,  news,  entertainment,
single-player games,  multi-player chess and bulletin  boards on leisure
and  professional  subjects.   With  many other services,  including the
largest  collection of files  to download and the best online games, for
only  $6  per hour  (non-prime-time/2400  baud).   To sign up for  GEnie
service,  call (with modem) 1-800-638-8369.  Upon  connection  type HHH.
Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: XTX99368,GENIE and hit RETURN. The system
will then prompt you for your information.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


     ///////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
    / "Thanks Alan and Charles.  I don't know what I would do without /
   / you all and GEnie. I knew C was going to be different but, WOW! /
  / It's like a whole new world."                                   /
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////  R.WATSON15  ////



[EOA]
[FRM]//////////////////////////////
                 FROM MY DESKTOP /
/////////////////////////////////
Notes From The Editor
"""""""""""""""""""""
By John Peters
   [GENIELAMP]



FROM MY DESKTOP   A GEnieLamp Swimsuit issue?  Yup!  Hey, if SI can do it,
"""""""""""""""   why not GEnieLamp?  Our resident CowToonist says, "These
bovine barnyard bathing beauties are truly livestock lovelies, heavenly
heifers, stockyard stunners, and Cowtoon Cuties.  They should be udderly
amoosing to anyone who never thought they'd see cows in 2-piece swimsuits."
I agree!  Definitely something you don't want to miss!

AMAZING!   Ten years ago I thought a 30 to 50K magazine was large.  Now
""""""""   it's unusual for T/TalkNET Online Publications to publish a
magazine less then 150K.  Of course, there are reasons for this situation.
For one, 300 baud modems were the norm back then; 1200 baud was the top end
and 2400 baud was reserved for the elite few who could afford them.
Secondly, those who could afford it, had 64K of RAM.  Third, floppy drives
were $800.00+, and hard drives were just a fantasy to most of me.
Thankfully, all of that has changed.  Today 2400 baud is the low end of
modems, 1, 2, 4 megs (or more) of RAM is not unusual and hard drives are as
common as floppies.

     Still, in spite of the speed-demon modems, the mega-memory systems and
the monster hard drives, I must admit that 200K text files are probably
pushing the limits of online publishing, considering the hardware and
software we are dealing with today.  So....

     I have come up with an alternative plan.  As you may or may not know
within 48 hours of publishing GEnieLamp on the menus we also offer all the
Lamps in compressed format (Pk-Zip for the IBM, Mac and ST, BXY for the A2)
for downloading in the GEnieLamp Library.  Starting with this issue you
will now also find an abbreviated issue available for downloading as well.
These special issues will contain only the main courses from each of the
Lamps.  That is, no GEnie_Qwik_Quotes, no games or puzzles, or CowTOONS
(sorry, Mike :).  So, if you prefer your meat without the potatoes, we
have what you're looking for!

NEW CONTRIBUTOR   I am pleased to announce that Al Fasoldt has agreed to
"""""""""""""""   submit a monthly column for GEnieLamp.  Al writes about
computers and consumer electronics from Syracuse, N.Y., where he is a
newspaper editor and programmer.  I've always enjoyed Al's columns that he
occasionally posts here on GEnie, and I think you will too.

PACIFIC EDGE ON GEnie!   The Pacific Edge Magazine has joined the GEnieLamp
""""""""""""""""""""""   RoundTable.  Watch for new issues in the library
and reader support in the bulletin board.

PERSONAL INVITATION   The RealTime Conference room is available...so let's
"""""""""""""""""""   give it a go!  I know this is short notice, but
everyone interested in visiting with the Digital Publishing Association and
its members is welcome to join in some RTC chat every Wednesday night.
Drop by...
                6:30pm Pacific       8:30pm Central
                7:30pm Mountain      9:30pm Eastern

     ...to talk about these exciting times for electronic publishing.  Make
a new friend, meet an old one, or just hang out.  It's all informal so
don't be shy -- give it a try -- and visit the inner sanctum of DPA's
enlightened pioneers of electronic publishing.  Hope we see you there!


Digital Publishing News   "Disktop Publishing"...Yes, that was the headline
"""""""""""""""""""""""   in the "Trends" section of PC Magazine's March
16 issue.  The two column story by Robert Kendall begins by saying Random
House is putting selected titles from its Modern Library series on floppy
disks in collaboration with Apple and Voyager Company.

     But the rest of his story focuses on the "new breed" of on-disk
publishers targeting the PC-compatible market.  First mention goes to
Floppyback Publishing International, Bruce Gilkin's "Angel of Death", and
even a color screen shot of chapter one as it looks using Dart (a
Hyper-text reader for IBM).

     Floppyback's association with Rutgers University Press is also cited
along with "Discovering the Mid-Atlantic: Historical Tours" by Patrick
Louis Cooney.

     Next, Mr. Kendall goes on to say Connected Editions "epitomizes the
effect of information technology on higher education" through Connected
Education's electronic graduate courses by modem.  Faculty member David
Hays' annually updated book on disk "Evolution of Technology" is mentioned
as an example of an inexpensive way to revise without the prohibitive
expense of bound paper reprints.

     The story quickly summarizes most of the advantages DPA members
already know and use, so it seems the author has been reading News from the
Disktop and the other gems of information that Ron Albright has diligently
distributed for two years.

     Kendall offers his own opinion that "Disktop publishing is especially
appealing for universities" for monographs and text- books using hypertext
as a research tool, and for students on a low budget who want to get into
'print' quickly.

     Regarding distribution, Kendall unfortunately failed to mention the
DPA's home on GEnie, (in the GEnieLamp RoundTable) but he did call the
DPA's free bulletin board system an "especially rich source of material."

     Since the PC Mag story appeared, the DPA BBS is averaging about 40
calls per day.  That's 1200 calls per month, and proof positive that the
public wants more of what the DPA has to offer.

     I once said something to the effect that this thing was going to take
off suddenly, catching us all with our mouths hanging open.  Brace
yourselves!  The tide is turning and is sure to flood the DPA beachfront as
this kind of attention roils into an electronic storm charged with new
writers, publishers, and adventurers.  -Mike White

                               [*][*][*]


     Until next month...
                                                     John Peters
                                                     [GENIELAMP]


          ////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
         / "I just purchased a cordless electric screwdriver.  There    /
        / are two pages (31 items!) of "Important Safety Rules" for    /
       / using the screwdriver -- including such things as "wear      /
      / hearing protection during extended periods of operation",    /
     / "stay alert", and "do not operate while under the            /
    / influence of  drugs, alcohol, or any medication".  Sheesh.   /
   / It's just a simple electric screwdriver.  Heaven forbid you  /
  / can't figure out how to use it.  They forgot a warning about /
 / being severely irritated by all of the warnings."            /
/////////////////////////////////////////////  J.EIDSVOOG1  ////



[EOA]
[HEY]//////////////////////////////
              HEY MISTER POSTMAN /
/////////////////////////////////
Is That A Letter For Me?
""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Bob Connors
  [R.CONNORS2]

     o IBM ODDS & ENDS

          o WHAT'S NEW

               o TIPS AND HINTS

                    o THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

                              o    MESSAGE SPOTLIGHT



                       >>> IBM ODDS AND ENDS <<<
                       """""""""""""""""""""""""

RAM KRAM   I'm getting 605K free memory with 605K available to programs.
""""""""   However, I can disable ramboost, put the DEVICEHIGH and
LOADHIGH statements back in my CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files, set
DOS=HIGH,UMB (vice just DOS=HIGH) and improve on ramboost (moves memory
available to programs up to 630K).

     I think the real advantage comes from RAMSETUP because it makes a
better guess at memory addresses to iinclude and exclude than I ever
could.  I just don't know how to read those Hex Code memory addresses and
the SI documentation in PCTOOLS isn't long on educating the dumb.

     The curious thing about the whole thing for me is how RAMSETUP
configures the EMM386 line.  RAMSETUP installs both the NOEMS and RAM
switches.  My reading of the documentation in Windows and DOS 5.0 is that
these switches are mutually exclusive.

     The whole process of memory management under DOS seems barbaric to me.
Even though windows helps a little, It isn't a big improvement.  I'm
experimenting with OS/2 and think I've found the real answer to memory
management - though with OS/2 you need lots of memory to manage.
-TONY LUZYNSKI    (A.LUZYNSKI1, CAT4, TOP18, MSG:169)

>>>>>   Tony Right I don't understand why it configs the EMM386 the way it
"""""   does. I had to remove the NOEMS statement cuz I NEEDED expanded
memory.

     Your comment about the whole issue of memory mgt is right on. Why the
heck hasn't MS fixed all this BS years ago. There just isn't any reason to
go through any of this. I'm used to on the Mac of just loading what I want.
I have 8M of RAM. And should be able to use it until I run out. To even
have to think of the first 640K is absurd.

     Come on Bill Gates join the 90's.
               (JOHN.DENNING, CAT4, TOP18, MSG:170/M615)

>>>>>   Don't blame Bill Gates.  Blame Intel (for the '86 architecture)
"""""   and IBM (who made a deliberate decision to use the Intel chips, at
a time the Motorola 68000 was already in production).

     Once IBM locked into Intel architecture, that was it.  Gates had
nothing to do with it.

     The 640K limit was also IBM's.  MicroSoft had to write a DOS that
would run on IBM's machine, after all.  But remember, that any DOS written
for the '86 would have, originally, had a 1 megabyte limit on memory (as
did the 8086 and 80186 chips).

     And it hasn't been changed because IBM wanted DOS to remain backward
compatible (e.g., programs which ran on DOS 2.0 still run in DOS 5.0).

     If you want to avoid the 640K barrier, there is a DOS which will do
exactly that, by the way.  It's called "OS/2".
                (P.GRANZEAU, CAT4, TOP18, MSG:171/M615)

>>>>>   Blame is sometimes a hard thing to pin down.  IBM's first choice
"""""   for the PC was the Motorola 68000 chip, but they were forced to
the clearly poorer choice of the 8088 because Motorola couldn't provide the
chip in adequate numbers in the time-frame required for the PC project.

     Also, in these days of 16 megabyte memories it's hard to remember
that when the PC was built 640K was a BIG memory -- more than three times
the size of the floppy disk that it was loaded from, ten times the size of
its 8080 competitors, and ten times the size of the memory on its
motherboard.  Of course it was an easy thing to predict that larger
memories would be available in the future, and anyone with logarithmic
graph paper could easily predict when it would be available and how much it
would cost.  What was surprising was just how successful the IBM PCs would
become, and how much momentum that would give to the Intel architecture.
                 (E.JACKSON, CAT4, TOP18, MSG:173/M615)


A NON-COMPATIBLE IBM COMPATIBLE?   Hi! I need some help with this one...
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   How does one explain the concept and
fact of non-compatible 'IBM-compatible' computers to another who does not
really understand computers and believes that compatibility (especially
with major commercial software) is not an issue ? Further, how might one
explain the fact that sophisticated software will run flawlessly on one
system (such as an old - circa 1986 - '286) but fail to run predictably on
the other individual's 'more powerful' ( a '386 made in 1992 ) computer ?
I will appreciate any input.  Thanks! -Ron Cook
                   (R.COOK, CAT12, TOP34, MSG:1/M615)

>>>>>   Ron: There are so many possible areas of contention within a
"""""   computer system that it's sometimes difficult to identify the
problem component.  It could be related to either hardware or software.
There are lots of manufacturers of both out there, and some are better than
others.  One of the favorite pieces to blame for compatibility problems is
the BIOS ROM.  The hardware and firmware (like the BIOS) compatibility
issue isn't as much of an issue now as it was earlier in the development of
the PC industry, but I still occasionally see manufacturers that I had
never heard of before.  A more prevalent problem these days is
incompatibility between different software that may be loaded in the system
at the same time.  If I run into a program that doesn't run as expected, I
would first investigate whether or not the software and hardware are
configured the way they need to be, particularly if the hardware is made by
one of the more respected and well-tested manufacturers.  As sophisticated
as these systems have become, some compatibility problems are inevitable,
but it also sometimes happens that problems that are caused by something
not being configured right are misdiagnosed as compatibility problems.  It
can be very detailed.  -Gary
                  (GTRINDL, CAT12, TOP34, MSG:2/M615)

>>>>>   Too many questions in need of detailed answers, so I will just
"""""   address one or two, They are no doubt already answered elsewhere
in the bbs.  All 486DX chips include an on-chip math coprocessor. The 486SX
does not, but is identical in other ways.  The DX2 has internal
clock-doubling circuitry. A 486DX2-50 runs at 50MHz internally, 25MHz,
externally. A 486DX-50 runs at 50MHz all the time, clearly the winner.
                   (STROM, CAT12, TOP45, MSG:57/M615)


A CAREER IN PC REPAIR?   For anyone considering going for a career in PC
""""""""""""""""""""""   repair (unless you're planning to work for/run an
overall consumer electronics repair shop), I would advise against it.  Go
for the Electronics Engineer or Computer Science major instead.

     PC boards are undergoing to two big changes -- much of the
functionality is being placed inside complex chipsets, and all the modern
PC are using surface mount techniques for most of their component assembly.

     The chipsets are simplifying all but the most complex PC designs.
Already one company is offering an XT-In-A-Chip for the embedded controller
market and AT- In-A-Chip are not far behind.  As the number of chips
required to make a PC is reduced, the cost of manufacture is also reduced,
possibly below the point were it is cost effect to do component-level
repair of the board.

     Surface mount techniques simply add to this problem.  DIPs are a
dream to unsolder compared to fine-pitch surface mount devices (SMD).  SMDs
require expensive equipment and techniques to properly replace these chips.
This only raises the repair cost, and when the repair cost exceeds
manufacture cost, the board becomes a throw-away item.

     Lastly, the computer industry is shirnking, making those few tech
positions left quite scarce and the pay less than lack-luster.  The future
will be in software design and support, less in hardware design, and very
little in component-level repair tech work.  One exception will be PC
repair as part of a consumer electronics service business, but this will be
pretty much board swap (replace the defective board with a replacement
board) not requiring a lot of electronics knowledge.

     If you should take the plunge, go to a good technical school and stay
current! -Charles (C.RUTLEDGE1, CAT12, TOP53, MSG:15/M615)


ON BECOMING A PROGRAMMER   Okay, advice needed.  I'm considering changing
""""""""""""""""""""""""   careers for one in the programming field. I
would like some input from people in the industry.  1st question: How
should I learn?

     I guess, basically I have two choices.  Teach myself or take classes.
How did you guys do it?  I feel like as an applicant, a person would have a
better chance of landing a job, with a degree. Right? Or is this not the
case so much?  If your self taught does the company give you a test or
something before offering you the position?

     How does the industry look upon the training available at the
community college level?  Would a 2 yr degree from said school be enough or
do you feel like companies are looking BA, MA people?

     2nd question: Which Language(s)?

     I know, I've read this whole board.  That question seems to be akin
to asking which religion should I be.   Basically it seems to come down to
Pascal or C as a beginners language with BASIC firmly planted in the dirt.
Anyone care to elaborate further on which to start with? (ducking for
cover).

     Finally, This purely a subjective question but:

     Are you programmer types happy with your jobs as a whole?

     The reason I ask is that I'm very dissatisfied with my career.  I've
found (asking around) that most people doing what I do are not. They all
just feel stuck & arent willing to do anything about it.  I refuse to have
that attitude and really do wanna do something about else with my life.

     So I'm just wondering.  Thanks to all in advance! -Elliott
                 (J.PEELER1, CAT20, TOP3, MSG:129/M615)

>>>>>   Elliott.... I can't answer all of your questions for you but I can
"""""   give you a bit of advice for what its is worth.  1st of all I can
tell that from what I have seen here in the Detroit MI area where I am most
of the larger companies promote from within.  You need to get out to a
Junior Coll. and start taking some classes and at least get an Assoc.
Degree.  A company will promote the guy who has the college over one who
does not have at least an A.S. or A.A. degree. Also don't be afraid to
take a lower job working with the computers in a company even if it is not
a job in programming.  If it is just data entry, take it.  If you show
interest and promise and have the knowledge you won't stay in that position
long, they will move you up and with a pay jump as well.  Many companies
will hire you for the data entry position just to get you hired in at the
lower pay to see how you will work out.

     In answer to one of your other questions almost all career fields use
computers now.  To give you one good example I am a Police Officer.  We use
computers in every area of our work from data terminals in the police cars
to the larger main frame the is the mother of the whole system.  It has to
be kept running and someone has to know how to program it and keep the
programs updated and modified to do what we need it to do.  We have a large
program called Computer Aided Dispatch which is a real pain and never has
worked like it should because our city is trying to get it to do to many
things at one time that it was not designed to do.  A real challenge!...
But it goes to show you what I was saying a company promotes in most cases
from within itself like in my case. Almost all the computer people we have
are police officers as well.  Many other career fields offer the same type
of situation so don't feel you are limited only to the computer fields in
order to work with computers.  Best of luck,
                 (K.CORBIN, CAT20, TOP3, MSG:131/M615)

>>>>>   I'll second all of Don's comments and add a few other highly
"""""   subjective opinions.  The more languanges you learn the better.
The most common one's in use in industry are probably Cobol (Yech) and C.
Secondary in importance would Fortran and Pascal.  There are multitudes of
arguments about which language is better for what applications, but those
are the ones that are really being used.

     A lot of people are very happy (to say nothing of successful) in
programming carreers, but quite a few are not.  There seems to be a certain
personality or outlook required to deal with the problems and issues you
must solve.  People who love dealing with higher mathamatics, or solving
logic puzzles, or stay up till the wee hours of the morning playing
nintendo, seem to make top notch computer programmers.  People who think
all of the above are silly tend to make average or mediocre programmers.
As a group, we have more than our share of anti-social tendencies,
perfering to spend our time working on the latest computer problem rather
then party or otherwise interact with the "real" world.

     Also, for reasons I cannot explain, most good programmers are
notorious misspellers.
                (B.WITHNELL, CAT20, TOP3, MSG:133/M615)

>>>>>   Elliott - I'll give you the same advice I got from my Dad long
"""""   ago.  "Find something that you love doing; then find someone
foolish enough to pay you to do it."

     If you don't love programming, you will be just as dissatisfied.  If
you love to program and work with computers, if you like trying to find
different ways of doing things, if you like working at problems that take
months to solve, then you may like programming.

     The rest of the questions are secondary to what you can do and love.
If you get the right direction, the rest will seem trivial.  If you find
the field you love requires 10 years of study and a PhD. you will just find
a way to meet the challenge.

     The rest of your questions have been answered many time over; it
doesn't really need repeating--especially until you answer the first.

>>>>>   <Find something you love doing, then find someone fooolish enough
"""""    to pay you to do it>

     Elliott, that is the best career advice you will ever get.
                  (M.AGRI, CAT20, TOP3, MSG:134/M615)



                           >>> WHAT'S NEW <<<
                           """"""""""""""""""

NEW RoundTable   Howdy, all. I'm here to announce the creation of a
""""""""""""""   something new on GEnie, the Virus/Computer Security
RoundTable, where we'll be discussing the latest ways of keeping your
computer, software, and data secure from bad guys. We've got a growing
software library of antivirus products, as well as text files of
information and opinion on virus and security issues for everything from
the desktop to the mainframe.

     Come on down. We're Page 1350, keywords "VSRT" or "VIRUS." -Mitch
                (MITCHWAGNER, CAT3, TOP50, MSG:50/M615)


WORKS FOR OS/2   PFS:Works from Spinnaker has released a new addition to
""""""""""""""   it's line up, Works for os/2, and is shipping them now.
It is either 49.99 for the upgrade (according to the sysop on the Spinnaker
forum on CI$) or 59.99 for the upgrade (according to the people at the
customer service center of Spinnaker) or, if you are not upgrading from
PFS:Works for Windows then it is a flat 99.99.

     In case anyone is wondering what Works is, it is a intregrated program
that has a label maker, word processor, database, spreadsheet, address
book, and communications modules for the person who doesn't use them often,
or heavily, but needs a little more functionality than what comes with
os/2.

     You can receive all product and procedural information by calling the
Consumer Sales Reps at 1-800-826-0706.
                 (J.POLK3, CAT11, TOP32, MSG:287/M615)


NeXTSTEP FOR INTEL PROCESSORS   Hardware Compatibility Guide, Feb 5, 1993
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   This document describes in general terms,
the types of IBM Compatible PC based hardware that will be supported by
NeXTSTEP for Intel Processors in it's First General Release.This document
also describes specific systems supported in the pre-release. Although may
different vendors systems will work with NeXTSTEP, in order to assure
compatibility with the pre-release, users should use the specific systems
listed below. For any hardware specification or purchase, please contact
NeXT for the latest update to this Guide.


General Requirements   CPU - 486 based PC Compatible Computer. This
""""""""""""""""""""   includes 486SX, 486DX, 486DX/2.  Future Intel
Microprocessor designs in the x86 family such as the Pentium will also be
supported. 486DX and 486DX/2's are recommended for better performance.

     Expansion Bus - ISA or EISA expansion bus. EISA backplanes with EISA
SCSI and LAN adapters are recommended for better performance.

     Available Hard Disk Space - User Environment, 120 MB Minimum.
Developer Environment, 330 MB Minimum. Larger local disks are recommended
for stand alone systems.


Pre-release recommended configuration   486DX or DX/2 CPU, 24MB RAM, 400MB
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Hard Drive. Additional disk space
may be required for systems with local DOS/Windows partitions.


Graphics   NeXTSTEP for Intel Processors Display Postscript Graphics
""""""""   system supports both Grayscale and Color on Intel based PC's.
The Graphics Adapter support and RAM requirements vary depending upon the
user's selection of Grayscale or Color.


2 Bit Grayscale System Support   Graphics Adapters - Several VESA (Video
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Electronics Standards Association)
compatible VGA or Super VGA Graphics Adapters will be supported. This
includes popular Super VGA cards from vendors such as the Orchid, ATI,
Paradise, Video Seven and Compaq. These graphics adapters will be supported
at resolutions of 1024x768, 800x600 and 640x480. Resolutions at or above
800x600 are recommended.

     RAM - Minimum 8 MB, 12 MB Recommended.


16 Bit Color System Support   Graphics Adapters - In order to provide
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   adequate performance and color quality,
NeXTSTEP for Intel Processors requires High Performance "Workstation" style
Graphics Adapters. Many new Graphics Systems are being introduced that meet
these requirements, they include Intel JAWS (such as DELL Processor- Direct
Graphics), Chips and Technologies Wingine, and certain Local Bus and VL-
Bus Graphics. Depending upon the size of available VRAM (Video RAM)
resolutions of 800x600, 1024x768, 1120x832 and 1280x1024 will be supported.
Graphics Adapters designed for EISA based PC's are also available (such as
Compaq QVision 1024/E and ATI Graphics Ultra Pro / EISA).

     RAM - Minimum 16 MB, 24 MB Recommended.


Pre-release Recommended configuration   16 Bit Color system with 1024x768
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   or greater resolution.

Additional Device Support   Disk Interfaces - Both IDE and SCSI Hard Disk
"""""""""""""""""""""""""   Interfaces will be supported.  SCSI adapters
from Adaptec and DPT will be supported, with more to follow.

     Pointing Devices - Microsoft and Logitec compatible PS/2, Serial and
Logitec Bus mice are supported.

     Printer Support - Any Postscript Level I or II printer connected via
a serial or parallel port, including the NeXT Color Printer (connected via
a SCSI port). Support of Non-Postscript printers will be available in a
future release.

     Networking Support  - ISA and EISA based Networking Adapters will be
supported including Ethernet and Token Ring Cards from vendors such as SMC
(Western Digital), Intel and 3Com. A Networking card is optional.

     Sound Support  - Several popular PC sound Cards will be supported for
both Playback and Recording. These include PC Sound Adapters such as the
MediaVision Pro Audio Spectrum, Sound Blaster Pro and Integrated Business
Audio from Compaq. A Sound card is optional.

     Additional Devices - Other popular PC peripherals such as FAX/Modems
will be supported.
                 (HOMCHICK, CAT21, TOP31, MSG:7/M615)


OS/2?  GET THIS BOOK!   Just picked up a copy of "Maximizing OS/2" by NRP.
"""""""""""""""""""""   It looks to be the best book out on OS/2 right
now.  I've just had time to glance through it and it looks like it quite
detailed.  At a glance it contains 15 chapters with 752 pages.  The
Chapters are:

 An introduction   (1) Architecural Overview  (2) Migration
 (3) New features  (4) WPS                    (5) Optimizing
 (6) Startup Files (7) Maximizing             (8) DOS
 (9) Windows       (10) Apps                  (11) Networking
 (12) Communications Manager [ES 1.0]         (13) Comm Manager Advan.
 (14) Updating OS/2 (15) Troubleshooting

A    lso comes with a diskette containing a few little programs.

     Chapter 6 provides pretty good info on the config.sys & chapter 14
has some good stuff in it also.

     This one may be worth the $39.95, unlike some of the earlier ones.

     This book does not teach you how to use a mouse or what a diskette is
or how to turn on your computer.  This book contains a lot of what most of
us have learned the hard way & appears to have a lot of new, useful info.
Check it out! -Doug (D.ROBISON, CAT6, TOP1, MSG:790/M615)


DIAMOND COMPUTER SYSTEMS   Inc. offers an upgrade path for all owners of a
""""""""""""""""""""""""   SpeedSTAR, SpeedSTAR PLUS, and SpeedSTAR
Hi-Color to the SpeedStar 24X.  The cost of this upgrade is $147 and can be
pais with MasterCard, VISA, and personal check.  You can arrange this
upgrade through our sales department at [phone].  -Jeff
               (DIAMOND.JEFF, CAT14, TOP17, MSG:15/M615)


BETA TESTING INVITATION   An Invitation to all IBM RoundTable members to
"""""""""""""""""""""""   Beta Test GEnie's Newest Multiplayer Game...
Starting Monday, Feb 15th, Simutronics Corporation will be introducing a
new multiplayer game for Open Beta Testing.  Everyone is invited to try out
this new product and help us debug it for final release.

     CyberStrike(tm) will be available for Open Beta Testing on Monday the
15th on page 1380.  Although access will be at the normal connect rates,
this is your chance to try out the newest and hottest multiplayer product
as well as to provide playability feedback. Like all Open Beta Tests, there
will be software problems and perhaps several updates of the front end to
correct them.  For this reason all downloads from the CyberStrike software
library will be free during the period of this test.

     More information will be posted in a new Category in the Multiplayer
Games RoundTable (MPGRT) on Page 1085.

     CyberStrike is a fast-paced game of mechanized combat in a virtual
reality urban environment.  As a pilot of a CyberPod, you must maneuver
through the city seeking out targets to destroy, territory to be captured
and friends in need of assistance.  Your CyberPod is able to travel down
roads, through tunnels, up ramps, and leap from building to building as you
dodge enemy fire!

     CyberStrike is a front-end graphical simulator featuring 256 color VGA
graphics, a big 3D view, and spectacular digital sound effects. You'll be
able to drive your CyberPod all over a variety of CyberCities (more will be
introduced from time to time), exploring narrow corridors, interiors, and
even find great sniper positions. In the advanced cities you will need to
contend with a variety of weather conditions and even a complete day/night
cycle.

     CyberStrike is designed to be easy to learn; when you first play you
begin in a training city where the rules are simplified and it's easier to
survive. As you move up in rank, you then graduate to the more advanced
cities where additional CyberPod enhancements and rules come into play.
Veteran players will await you to increase your challenge.  Each of the six
possible levels of play provides improved game play features which can
dramatically change the dynamics of the game.  What level you want to play
at is your choice.

     Each game is made up of four teams each with up to four players. Your
job is to coordinate your efforts to capture the strategic positions in the
city where you will earn the best score.  As you play, your CyberPod
expansion capabilities will go up or down based on your performance.  You
can then purchase or find expansion modules which will augment your
CyberPod with enhanced weapons, defenses, and special capabilities such as
drones, mines, air support, and other way-too-cool-for-words stuff. ;)

     Because you are playing with, and against, real humans, CyberStrike
is always a challenge... and each day the nature of the game can vary
greatly as you take on, or join forces with, different players. Careful
though, don't go after the players who have been helping out as Alpha
testers... they've got a couple more months of heavy combat experience than
you do!

     CyberStrike requires an IBM Compatible 386SX/20MHz or better computer
with VGA color graphics and at least 2 MEG of RAM.  A joystick is highly
recommended.  If you have a DMA-based sound card, such as a SoundBlaster,
you can also download the digital sound system which adds greatly to the
virtual reality experience.

See you there!     (TOMAS, CAT1, TOP14, MSG:38/M615)


NEW MAGAZINE OUT   Here's another reason I advocate using OS/2...
""""""""""""""""   Yesterday, I received a magazine called "OS/2
Professional".  It is eighty pages (I'm only up to page 37) and quite
good,... considering it's FREE! You have to fill-in a questionare, (all 8
questions) but that's it. They will not mail complimentary subscriptions to
home addresses (boy, where's Einstein when you need em :*) although it did
come to my business. To OS/2 users that sent their registration cards under
there name, you probably won't receive one.

     It's a bi-monthly mag for OS/2 users, programmers, and yes,
advertisers! It had 2 editorial-type reports from John Dvorak, (tough!) and
William Zachmann, a full-fledged interview with one of the execs from IBM
(John Soyring), and more. I've yet to read the review on Micrografx Draw
3.0, a color jetprinter, lots about programming, and (maybe I'll skip a
page or two :*) "Tips and Techniques for OS/2" section. There's alot more
between the articles. Some dry spots, but those are things I'm not
interested in.

     What I like about it is there is finally a good source of information
regarding OS/2. The articles are well written ( well, be forwarned about
the "Publisher's Memo"; Yikes!) and although this mag is just starting,
what a - great- start for a 1st issue!

     It states that IBM has no part of this mag, but I am 99% sure it is
heavily compensated by IBM's 7 ads in this issue. But there are 25 normal
ads too (even TE/2 is in there! Hey, Brady!).

     Again, this is the first issue, and because it is, I'd rate it an A+
for just getting the thing together.

     One thing; Regarding that interview with the IBM exec. The
interviewer was pressing the guy about pressures to be (yet) applied when
NT ships.  He didn't say "We'll blow them away", or ,"we'll put them out on
the street", or "They'll be lucky if they sell 200,000 copies in the first
year" :*)   What he did say was that, "We have to take them (MS/NT)
seriously because they've done well in the marketplace. And, "we're gonna
watch whatever they do, and whatever comes out of it as well as other
vendors, not just Microsoft". (side note; He was also struck by how many
end-users (power-users) are using OS/2. They are aware of this).

     At first, that response kind of let me down; ("Take them
seriously...").  Then I got to thinking, maybe this guy (i.e., IBM) are on
a different "level of atitude, or attack", so to speak. Meaning, maybe the
guy meant, "Okay, so MS/NT is a threat, but since we're working so hard, I
don't have time to worry about it. We'll watch every move they (and others)
make, but we've got business to do." -That's- how I see that response now.
I can only hope it's true. I was a very good interview.

     Further (and any IBM rep on this network can probably confirm this),
there were vague statements as to -where- OS/2 is heading in the technical
sense. I read it to mean that there are some really great things coming to
futher enhance OS/2. Meaning, more muscle, more user-ease, more power, etc.
In short, "it ain't done yet" :*)

     Believe me, I wouldn't waste a portion of my Saturday afternoon
posting this message unless I thought the mag was worth it. Hey, it's free
(for now).  I would have subscribed if they charged for it anyway. They
probably charge for end-users (non business).

 For a subscription form, call OS/2 Professional: [phone] (voice),
 or 770-7062 (fax).  Address: (Just ask for a subscription-form sent to
your, well, wherever you want it sent :*)

                           OS/2 Professional
                          6129 Executive Blvd.
                             Rockville, MD
                                 20850

     p.s. Heck, I don't know; Maybe they might send to plain old users.
But it says they will ship -complimentary- subscription to business
addresses only, just as many other business related mags do. I get these
cards asking me if I still want complimentary issues every year. I would
have paid to subscribe to it. No problem at all with that. It's worth it.
                 (M.CHANDLER, CAT6, TOP8, MSG:479/M615)



                          >>> TIPS & HINTS <<<
                          """"""""""""""""""""

HIGH SPEED COMMUNICATIONS IN WIN 3.1   Here is a VERY pertinent piece info
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   that will save you weeks of wasted
effort when trying communicate at high baud rates in Win 3.1. This could be
the source of your problem, but from your description of your problem it is
doubtful;however, if you don't heed the following you'll probably never get
the 16550 to work correctly in the windows environment. Here goes:

     There is a bug in the win 3.1 com driver that keeps it from accepting
all of the boolean operators in the comxfifo line of the system.ini
file."What is the comxfifo line?",you ask. This is the line in your
system.ini file which turns the fifo buffer in you 16550afn on or off. In
spite of what you may read about this setting in any of the windows
documentation that you read, the only boolean operators that work properly
are 0 and 1, as in "com2fifo=1". This setting turns the buffer on in the
16550 UART on the com2 port. Keep in mind that the setting defaults to
buffer off, so if a user enters "com2fifo=On" as many of the microsoft
manuals indicate, the user will ACTUALLY be turning the buffer off, since
anything except a "0" will turn the buffer off, the default for this
setting.

     I hope this helps you out. I spent months getting Procomm+ for
windows to handle 57,600 bps across the serial port. I tried everything
imaginable to get it to work with no luck. One evening I was reading an
obsure article in PC Computing which outlined the "bug" in the comxfifo
setting. I changed the setting from "On" to "1" and Voila', I was living
telecom life in the fast lane.  -Gil
                (W.HUTCHESON1, CAT23, TOP4, MSG:9/M615)


STACKER TIDBIT   I was running the Stacker Anywhere program on a floppy or
""""""""""""""   two that I wanted to send to a couple of friends.  I
Stacked the disk and did some file copies and it worked just fine.  I sent
the Stacked floppies to a couple of friends who owned Stacked drives
already. the only problem was that they were not using version 3.0 of
Stacker.

     What I found was that Stacker Anywhere does not work with a computer
system which already has a Stacker drive mounted but is using the older
versions of Stacker.  I Tried it with both version 1.xx and 2.0 and in each
case all I ended up with was lots of questions about what was wrong with
the disks and why it wouldn't work.  Instead of typing Stacker from the A:\
prompt and running the Stacker Anywhere program they got the "Stacker
already mounted" and the Stacked disks were useless.

     I tried the same thing with my sister and she was able to access the
disks just fine but then again, she was not using Stacker.  Just a friendly
warning, Stacker Anywhere really means Stacker Anywhere but Stacker.
-Paul Gittins    (P.GITTINS, CAT4, TOP4, MSG:515/M615)


MAGELLAN FANS, TAKE NOTE   While Magellan fans are waiting for Lotus to
""""""""""""""""""""""""   wake up, I have created a short term solution
for viewing and unzipping downloaded files that do not respond to the
Magellan viewer or to MGUNZIP.

     I still find SHEZ cumbersome after the ease of Magellan, so I created
a couple of batch files for these emergencies and run them from the launch
window in Magellan. I use them only when the files downloaded don't respond
to the Magellan viewer or MGUNZIP.

     Because I am still using PKZ110 and 204e I keep the files in separate
subdirectories: \PKZ1 and \PKZ2.  I also have a \DOWNLOAD directory where
files downloaded from most services are stored and a \Temp directory to
which I unzip newly downloaded files.

     Here is a description of the batch files:

     The first unzips all .Zip files in my \download directory to the
console with the -cm   switch so I can see what's in the files a page at a
time without actually unzipping.  It uses  the *.zip wildcard so I don't
have to type filenames.

     View204.bat:

cd\pkZ2

pkunzip -cm D:\download\*.zip

     The second unzips the same files and sends them to a \Temp directory.
From there I can use Magellan to move the files to an existing or new
directory.

UNZIP204.BAT:

cd\pkZ2
 pkunzip D:\download\*.zip D:\temp\

     The batch files could be used from the command line as well.

     I still haven't figured how to zip tagged files in a directory wihtout
Magellan or Shez, but some day. At least now I understand the difference
between $.$ and *.* in Shez. (;=)   One step at at time.

     Not very sophisticated.. but hey I'm a lawyer, not a programmer.

     Hope this helps someone.  -Len
                (L.GROSSMAN2, CAT4, TOP21, MSG:25/M615)


BUG ALERT   There is a know problem in the Windows NT Setup process that
"""""""""   causes it to fail to recognize the OS/2 BootManager partition.
This makes it very difficult to install Windows NT on systems previously
installed with this feature.  This problem will be corrected in the next
Beta update and Windows NT should work fine with BootManager.
                  (RDILL, CAT21, TOP48, MSG:623/M615)



                    >>> THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE... <<<
                    """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

BORLAND MERGING WITH LOTUS?   Ah, folks, lately there have been some
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   rumors running around that Borland was
considering merging with Lotus, and that Phillippe Kahn had met with Jim
Manzi at a hotel to talk about a merger.

     Phillippe's said that when he read the story, it's the first he'd
heard that he had met with Jim Manzi to talk about anything.

     Apparently someone decided to participate in some interesting rumor-
mongering. :)-Juan(J.JIMENEZ, CAT11, TOP27, MSG:32/M615)


OS/2 2.1 A DONE DEAL?   OS/2 2.1 is pretty much a done deal at this point.
"""""""""""""""""""""   The code is complete; the programmers are busy
tracking down the last few remaining bugs that have been reported by beta
testers.

     The main new features are:

     1) Windows 3.1 support - This includes True Type support
        and multimedia support.  Enhanced mode support has been
        added in addition to the usual Windows Standard mode
        support.  Performance has been increased drastically for
        Windows programs.

     2) A new 32-bit Graphics Engine - first debuted in the
        Service Pack.

     3) 32-bit SVGA and XGA video drivers - 2.1 will include
        SVGA drivers for five different SVGA chipsets: Trident,
        ATI, Western Digital, Headland and Tseng.  Based upon
        customer surveys and industry ship volumes, these SVGA
        drivers should cover 80% of all the SVGA boards
        currently installed.

     4) CD-ROM support - Drivers for SCSI attached CD-ROMs by
        Sony, NEC, Hitachi, IBM, Panasonic, Texel and Toshiba.

     5) Advanced Power Management (APM) - Adds power management
        support for longer battery life on laptops.

     6) PCMCIA Support - Adds support for plug-in PCMCIA cards
        on laptops and notebook computers.

     7) Additional Printer Drivers - including HP Laserjet 4 and
        HP Deskjet 550C

     8) Performance enhancements to the Workplace Shell


     All in all, I think a fairly substantial update to 2.0.  Customer
response to the 2.1 beta has been very positive so far.  Once we get the
bugs wrung out of this baby, we are going to ship it.  BTW, if anyone is
currently using the 2.1 beta and has found any bugs, please report them to
me so I can pass  them on to the development team.  -Neeraj Srivastava, IBM
OS/2 Marketing  (N.SRIVSTAVA, CAT6, TOP8, MSG:432/M615)


OVERWHELMING DEMANDIBM FOR OS/2 2.1   I order my OS/2 2.1 Beta CD about 2
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   weeks ago and I recieve a letter
today with the following quote.

     "IBM OS/2 2.1 BETA CD-ROM proved to be a such a tremendous hit that we
couldn't keep up with the overwhelming demand. Currently we are out of
stock, but we're making ecery effort to fill orders as soon as we receive
addition products."

     By the sounds of this, it looks like OS/2 2.1 going to be quite a
hit.  IBM is finally getting developer responce which means that 32bit
applications will shortly be out there.  -Stewart
                   (STEWART, CAT6, TOP26, MSG:7/M615)


NON SCSI CD-ROMS AND OS/2?   To all that have Sony non-Scsi CD-ROMs like
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   my 7205 and 535.  Sony called me and I ask
them about when a OS/2 2.x driver will be available for these drives.  She
stated that there is plans in the works for something this year but she
could not give me the direct date.  I also ask about Windows NT and she
stated no plans in the works for NT currently on non SCSI drivers.

     If anybody heres differently, please let me know...and I will try to
 get the tech information and I will write a driver myself. -Stewart
                  (STEWART, CAT6, TOP9, MSG:314/M615)


STACKER OBSOLETE?   Wonder if DOS 6.0's compression program will make
"""""""""""""""""   Stacker obsolete?  Not likely, I suppose.  Hey, here's
a provocative ad from Tiger Software for XtraDrive:  "Install XtraDrive in
just a few seconds.  While the competition makes you rewrite your
CONFIG.SYS and write compressed files to a new drive designation--XtraDrive
does none of that....  XtraDrive also allows you to DE-INSTALL
easily--those others require reformatting when you de-install....  It
compresses any data file.  Unlike the competition, which will not compress
Windows swap files, QEMM Optimize, Norton Utilities SpeedDisk, PC Tools--or
many others--XtraDrive manages the process from the BIOS level, totally
transparent to the system.  This allows XtraDrive to compress anything!...
No other product safeguards your data with such muscle as XtraDrive....
XtraDrive actually maintains two copies of your data at all times during
installation....  The Los Angeles Times Said It:  'XtraDrive is a
significant advance over the market leading disk compression products,
Stacker and SuperStor.'" (price $79.95).

     Hmmmm....  Wonder why just the Los Angeles Times said it.  Why no one
else?....  But it sounds tempting after hassling with Stacker.  My
impression is that the DOS 6.0 compressor will also be easier to use than
Stacker--perhaps along the lines of XtraDrive.  Unless there's a very valid
reason (advantages conferred to the user) why Stacker can't develop the
same ease and safety of use, it may not be able to keep up with the
competition.-Eugene(E.GORELIK, CAT4, TOP4, MSG:517/M615)


32-BIT VERSION OF WINDOWS?   Microsoft announced a 32-bit version of
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Windows that incorporates the operating
system as part of the program rather than working on top of DOS as it does
now.  Code named "Chicago," the OS is now being tested by non-computer
literate people (as well as experienced computer users) people.  "Chicago"
is expected to be released around the same time Widnows 3.1 NT is released.

     So now we have Windows Workgroup, Windows NT, and "Chicago."
Hmmmm . . .        (PROF, CAT21, TOP48, MSG:627/M615)

>>>>>   Correction, Microsoft did not announce anything called "Chicago"
"""""   or confirm that such a project/product was under development.
There was a speculative article that hit the wires today claiming this was
under development.  I can't confirm any of what the article claims either.
I do know that the next release of MS-DOS (6.0) is in beta test and will be
released this spring.  When the next version of MS- DOS and Windows after
that is released and what that product contains is still being decided.
                  (RDILL, CAT21, TOP 48, MSG:628/M615)


>>>>>   NO, DOS 6.0 is NOT the 32 bit DOS.   It's a neat handful of common
"""""   utilitites that we all end up buying.  The list include Central Point
AntiVirus, DoubleDisk storage/disk compressor, Windows 3.1 work set, and a
host of other simaler items. None of these items pack the full punch that
the normal package carries and the cost is about 6.5megs of hard drive
space.  DOS 6.0 does appear to respond quickly and the memory management
has improved.  All this is from observation of the beta test ver.
                 (K.BOWLES2, CAT21, TOP49, MSG:134/615)


32 AMI PRO?   Ordered 32bit Lotus 1-2-3 yesterday ($49.00 !!) and was told
"""""""""""   32bit Ami Pro was just around the corner!  -Jeff
                   (STEWART, CAT6, TOP9, MSG:314/M615)

>>>>>   32 bit Ami Pro!!  First I've heard of that!!  And I was just about
"""""   to order Ami Pro/Win!   ....but will the competitive upgrade work
for the OS/2 version?  Also--PC Mag's next issue will cover high-end
drawing programs, for DOS, Win and OS/2.  I believe at present the only
such app for OS/2 is Corel...right?
                   (K.LAUX, CAT6, TOP7, MSG:336/M615)


WHAT ABOUT A C/C++ COMPILER FOR OS/2?   The one announcement I would like
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   to see is that of a C/C++ compiler
for OS/2.  Is that coming anytime soon?  -Chago
                (A.SANTIAGO3, CAT11, TOP27, MSG:36/M615)

>>>>>   It's been announced that it is in beta, and it was demo'd at a
"""""   show, but I have no further information on it other than that and
a repeat of the statement that Borland is committed to OS/2.  -Juan
                 (J.JIMENEZ, CAT11, TOP27, MSG:37/M615)


MAGAZINE PROBLEMS   OS/2 Monthly is having problems, but Joel the
"""""""""""""""""   publisher is on CI$ trying to keep people from going
"too" nuts about the problems. Last I saw, he said the next issue is going
out and that the utilities disk is ready too.

     Most people are taking a pragmatic view (i.e., don't expect money
back or a magazine) but are publicly supportive of his attempts.  If he can
survive these birthing pains, it's a needed product.
                  (JOHN.PF, CAT6, TOP8, MSG:489/M615)


WHAT'S NeXT?   On a related note, the rumor broke this week that NeXT is
""""""""""""   laying off 60% of its work force and ceasing hardware
operations.  This leaves NeXT as a software firm whose competition is
Taligent, Microsoft, IBM and OSF. NeXT has scheduled a press conference for
Tuesday, Feb 16th. (HOMCHICK, CAT21, TOP31, MSG:17/M615)



                       >>> MESSAGE SPOTLIGHT <<<
                       """""""""""""""""""""""""

IBM PC RoundTable
Category 7,  Topic 19
Message 203       Sun Feb 07, 1993
S.EMERSON [Subotai]          at 09:23 EST

Scott,

     >I just don't see what's so evil about having to customize your
     >system from the start.

     You may not, but aunt Bea does!  Keep in mind, my friend, that you're
one of those fortunate few who know what the heck you're talking about, and
wouldn't be intimidated if heathkit produced a 486 kit just for you!

     The average computer user is barely computer literate and has no idea
of what the plethora of add-ons and boards do, or what their advantages
are.   They're also not interested in learning.  They want their computer
up and working at speed when they take it out of the box and plug it in.
They don't want to spend weeks poring over manuals, and they don't want to
learn even one operating system, let alone two or three difficult ones.

     Most people also need to be convinced that the better hardware is in
their interest. For gods sake, how many people have you known that said
that they don't have a need for a hard drive?  These are the people who
make up a majority of the computer world.  How about the young couple in
night school who bought their first computer, but can't justify spending
additional money on sound cards, video cards etc? (don't you remember the
days when you had to survive on $800 a month?)

     My mom got a Packard Bell 386.  She got a good deal on it, but she's
jealous of the things I can do on my Amiga.  There's no way she'll go out
and buy additional hardware, though.

     All we're talking about here is stock options versus do-it-yourself
add-on's.  Factory installs have the advantage of being tailored to the
system (hopefully).  From a software standpoint it makes more sense to
standardize you hardware.  One of the things that makes PC's hard to
program for is trying to include compatibility for all the different brands
of peripherals (which is why PC software is more expensive that it's sales
volume justifies).  Your argument about 24-bit graphics boards isn't really
applicable, because you would have to have a pretty specific application in
mind to justify industrial strength capability like that.  Average,
day-to-day office or home use just wouldn't need 24-bit graphics.  Barring
the need for such heavy-hitting graphics, why not make a specific VGA or
super VGA board a stock part of the computer?  Everyone agrees that
anything less is pure trash.

     It's like selling a 1993 Ford with model A bicycle wheels.  Everyone
is going to have to have the model A wheels replaced with some bias ply
tires, and a few people are even going to go the extra mile and put
steel-belted radials on it.  Why not make bias ply the factory standard?

Sean
                              [*][*][*]


    While on GEnie,  do  you spend most of your time  downloading files?
If so, you may be missing out some excellent information in the Bulletin
Board  area.   The messages  listed above  only scratch  the surface  of
what's available and waiting for you in the bulletin board area.

    If you are serious  about your IBM-PC, the GEnieLamp  staff strongly
urge  you to give the  bulletin board area a try.   There are  literally
thousands  of messages  posted  from people  like you from  all over the
world.


     ///////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
    / "It happens that the Clinton account is numerically very close  /
   / to my account...I get very tired of replying to these messages, /
  / giving them the correct address.  But, it's kind of interesting /
 / to be able to read the president's mail.  Heh heh."             /
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////  J.NESS  ////



[EOA]
[HUM]//////////////////////////////
                    HUMOR ONLINE /
/////////////////////////////////
By Any Other Name...
""""""""""""""""""""
By John Jainschigg
          [JCOMMS]



WHAT'S IN A NAME?   As I've been suggesting patiently for years, the real
"""""""""""""""""   reason Jerry Pournelle no longer pays much attention
to Atari hardware (besides the fact that the last call Mr. Pournelle got
from Atari was probably from Neil Harris, back in 1985 (grin)) is because
nobody has suggested piquant NAMES for his Atari machines.

     As any real Pournelle fan will tell you, naming computers is
absolutely fundamental to the Pournelle ethos of hardware evaluation. Early
Chaos Manor scholarship ascribed Pournelle's naming habit to projective
futuristic anthropomorphism: By naming his computers, he was merely
anticipating such time as literally intelligent, fully-individuated
computing machinery would become available.

     Subsequent scholarship has pointed out, however, that instead of
coming up with "computery" names for his systems (C3P0, R2D2, 21MM392, HAL,
etc.), Pournelle continues to prefer organic-sounding names such as
Ezekial, Lucy Van Pelt, Big Cheetah, and the like. One school of thought
now suggests that Pournelle performs the act of naming as a divinatory
gesture based in animism or pantheism. Before one can propitiate the
capricious _anima_ or spirit of the machine (deus ex machina), one must
determine its name -- the first step in determining where a particular
anima stands in the greater heirarchy of spirits, which will in turn
determine its area of specific influence, threat- value, and to some
extent, elucidate the protocols and ceremonies required in its worship.

     Extending the above thesis, a few Manorologists have suggested that
the ultimate goal of naming is not worship and propitiation, but indeed
_control_ of the hardware anima. In this formulation, if Pournelle knows
the name of a computer's demiurge or loa, he can summon it and to some
extent, control its behavior. Even if this so-called "Voodoo" hypothesis is
correct, however, it should not be carelessly assumed to presuppose that
Pournelle views computers as inherently dangerous or maleficent entities --
i.e., as demons. While this characterization may indeed inform Pournelle's
view, it should be noted that the demonic picture of the anima is largely
restricted to medieval and post- medieval Judeo/Christian traditions of
sympathetic magic, whereas Pournelle's thinking may derive from older
African, Mediterranean, and/or Asian traditions, that view the generic
anima as being fundamentally unconcerned with human affairs. Even in the
somewhat ill-reputed Voodoo tradition, per se, most loas are perceived as
neutral -- the practice of Voodoo "demonology," or "dealing with the left
hand" is associated only with a few specific spirits, most notably Le Baron
Samedi (Baron Saturday), the loa of Death. While many of us, indeed,
experience the use of IBM-compatible hardware as being somehow akin to
death, this is doubtless related to the fact that IBM computers are,
according to a Mambo of my acquaintance, under the especial protection of
Lemonmedselma, the loa of segmented-addressing and 640K limitations, who is
cousin to Samedi in the traditional Voodoo familial pantheon.

     On the other hand, some have argued that Pournelle's having chosen
the name Ezekial for his CP/M system -- that name figuring significantly in
Revelations -- is evidence of precisely this type of demonologic turn in
the author's metaphysics. We feel this argument is without merit. Instead,
we suggest that while the name Ezekial certainly derives from mystic New
Testament sources, Pournelle chose it because Ezekial's peculiar vision was
especially meaningful to him, as a science-fiction writer. As the spiritual
recounts: "Ezekial saw the wheel, way up in the middle of the air ..." This
vision of a fiery flying wheel, along with subsequent descriptions of
multi-headed, winged figures, have, of course, been popularly put forward
as scriptural evidence of extraterrestrial visitation.

     In the final analysis, we feel that Pournelle's naming of his
computers is essentially Adamic. It derives in kind from the story of
Genesis, wherein Adam's first task, as prototypic human, was to name the
animals, asserting Man's natural dominion and expressing his essential
relationship with God the Creator. The creating God, of course, has
established the identification of naming with dominion "... and he called
the light Day, and the darkness Night, etc.," and is identified in
apostolic scripture with the primal word, or Logos.

     Having reviewed this analysis, it should be obvious that if Mr.
Pournelle is ever to take Atari systems seriously, appropriately evocative
and meaningful names for them must be provided. Ideally, of course, we
might hope that Mr.  Pournelle would invent his _own_ names -- but he may
still be awaiting delivery of evaluation systems. In the interim, I suggest
that it would do no harm, and may do some good, to suggest a few tony
monickers:

     Binky, Doogie, Semiramis, Carpaccio, Lucrezia Borgia, Lizzy Borden,
Murphy Brown, Elizabeth Regina, Rosenkrantz, Despina, Count Ugolino,
Blackadder, Lt.  Commander Data, Spock (sigh), NOMAD, Tinkerbell, Bazooka
Joe ... Please feel free to add your own.

-John Jainschigg  (EXPLORER, CAT15, TOP7, MSG:88.M475)


        //////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
       / "Also, since this message is off topic, I have gave myself /
      / a warning [grin]."                                         /
     //////////////////////////////////////////////  BRIAN.H   ////



[EOA]
[WIN]//////////////////////////////
              YES, I DO WINDOWS! /
/////////////////////////////////
Windows RT Happenings
"""""""""""""""""""""
By Peter Bogert
    [P.BOGERT1]



                    >>> PEEKING THROUGH WINDOWS <<<
                    """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
              ~ From the Windows RoundTable on Page 1335 ~


WINDOWS ROUNDTABLE MESSAGES AND MUSINGS   Welcome to GEnieLamp's monthly
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   summary of news, product
annoucements, program evaluations, and lots of other good stuff from the
Windows RoundTable here on GEnie.  To get to the Windows RoundTable, type
M1335 at any GEnie main menu.

                               [*][*][*]


MICROSOFT PROVIDES DEVELOPER INFO ON 2.0 OLE   Developer Conference
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Scheduled in May to
Highlight Object Technology for Windows - REDMOND, Wash. * Feb. 9, 1993 *
Microsoft Corporation announced today that it has released the second beta
software development kit (SDK) of its Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)
technology version 2.0 for the Microsoft* Windows* operating system version
3.1.  Feature- complete and available at no charge to any developer, this
release allows independent software vendors (ISVs) to create OLE 2.0-aware
applications with greater ease.

     OLE 2.0 makes it easier to create compound documents made up of text,
graphics, spreadsheets and even audio and video, using multiple
applications.  It gives applications greater ability to interact together
seamlessly so that users can focus on creating and managing information,
rather than on remembering how to perform procedures.

     To continue to educate developers about this key technology,
Microsoft will hold an OLE 2.0 Professional Developer's Conference, May 3 -
5, at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle.  At the
conference, developers will receive in-depth guidelines for implementing
advanced object- oriented Windows-based applications.

     To help developers get the most from the conference, breakout tracks
are provided to allow flexibility in choosing the most appropriate sessions
for individual needs; Q&A panels featuring the OLE 2.0 development team
will allow developers to get specific, detailed technical answers to their
questions.

     "The OLE 2.0 conference will take the interest in our object
technology to a new level as developers begin to see how they can implement
it and realize the impact of the resulting customer benefits," said Cameron
Myhrvold, director of systems developer relations at Microsoft.


Conference Registration   To register for the conference, call (800)
"""""""""""""""""""""""   421-2388 in the United States and [phone]
in Canada or internationally.  The attendance fee is $795 prior to April
16.  Thereafter, the cost is $845.


Latest OLE Beta Makes Development Easier   To facilitate development of
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   OLE 2.0-aware applications, a
variety of development tools and sample code is shipping with the new OLE
2.0 beta SDK, together with extensive documentation.  The development tools
include container and object test applications, debugging utilities for
examining the contents of compound document files and an application for
viewing interprocess communications.

     "More than 600 ISVs received the first OLE 2.0 beta SDK, which was
released in October 1992.  The final version of OLE 2.0 is scheduled for
release in the first half of 1993," said Myhrvold.  "We continue to meet
our shipping schedule to offer developers timely improvements in the
technology."


Multiple Platform Support   OLE 2.0 will support the Microsoft Windows NT*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""   operating system version 3.1 in addition to
Microsoft Windows version 3.1.  A version for the Apple* Macintosh* System
7* is also planned.  The versions for Windows NT and Macintosh System 7 are
scheduled to be available in the third quarter 1993.  This
multiple-platform support will enable developers to build applications that
work the same way on different systems, while allowing users to enjoy the
same robust functionality and consistent object linking and embedding model
on various computers.  Moreover, compound document files can be easily
moved between platforms without requiring conversion.


Availability   The OLE 2.0 beta version 2.0 SDK is available at no charge
to software developers.  To request entry to the OLE 2.0 beta program, send
your name, company, address, phone number, fax, email and CompuServe* ID.
The information can be sent via the following channels:

 o Internet Email:      [e-mail]
 o Fax:  Attention:     OLE Beta Coordinator, [phone]
 o Mail: Attention:     OLE Beta Coordinator
                        One Microsoft Way
                        Redmond, WA 98052


OLE 2.0 Technology Background   OLE 2.0 is a major extension to the OLE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   version 1.0 applications programming
interface (API) for the Microsoft Windows operating system. OLE 2.0 offers
substantial improvements in user-oriented features, providing more
functionality for Windows-based applications while retaining full
compatibility with OLE 1.0 applications.

     Major features of version 2.0 are in-place activation, which allows
users to directly activate and edit objects within documents without
switching to a different window; drag-and-drop, which enables users to drag
objects from one application window to another or drop objects inside other
objects or onto printers; and automation, which enables one application to
drive another, making common macro programming languages spanning many
applications possible.

     Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers.  The company offers a wide range of
products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the
mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage
of the full power of personal computing every day.
                     (RDILL,CAT1,TOP2,MSG:84/m1335)


VIRUS MESSAGE WITH THE NEW PKZIP2 AND NAV   Symantec has a BBS that gives
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   monthly free virus updates for
their current NAV programs. Each month there are quite a few new strains or
virus's. The 2400 baud number is 408 973 9598.  Other numners are in the
Norton Desktop for DOS manual and I imagine the others.

     The error was fixed by Norton before the PK upgrades were sent out by
PKware. I just got my automatic upgrade by mail from PK and was aware of
the problem. (This time there is a decent manual)

     There is a quite recent Norton Nav upgrade dated about last November.
One month later there was a fix that was available for downloading. Then
all virus upgrades fix it I believe. I recieved my upgrade quite early and
the fix was already in it but by Jan 1st, other had been three virus
upgrades.

     Incidentally, I just accidently caight the IBM Bulletin header
describing the new PKZIP and for a while the NAV false warning was
mentioned there.

     Still, it would be better to have attached to the file itself.
                    (DAVE.Y,CAT1,TOP3,MSG:50/m1335)


REACTION TO FILE COMMANDER   Well I downloaded the latest version of File
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Commander  (2.0h).  It is the only program I
have seen that simply =adds= the only thing extra that is needed for File
Manager, which is a file viewer and editor.  Though long file names or file
descriptions  would be nice.

     It doesn't require you to get rid of File Manager, it just extends
it a bit.  Sort of like Plug-In for the Program Manager.

     Unfortunately, like most "shells" written, they seem to want to take
over, instead of quietly doing their job.

     The first problem is that registration is about $50.  Not bad if you
want to do all the stuff it offers.   But I don't.  I just want File
Manager to view files and call up Notepad to edit them.

     The second problem is that the program is a monster to download.  And
a monster on your hard drive.  Okay, I have the room anyway.

     The third problem is controlling it's installation.  I'm still
struggling to get it off my computer, so I'll let you know.

     Finally, it's when I read things like this I have to wonder:

     "File Commander helps you end the drudgery of day-to-day  tasks when
working in Microsoft Windows.  Its FAST text-based  interface completely
avoids the graphical overhead that  often bogs down real productivity in
Windows."

     Huh?  Text based?  So why not just stay in DOS?   LIST works great.
And it's cheap.  I didn't know Windows was drudgery, nice of you to poop in
my Wheaties.

     My point is this:  When you are talking about productivity, you must
include ease of use.  "Graphic overhead" doesn't much matter to those of
us who can't remember which  directory we left that letter to Grandma.  So
why take a great idea like File Commander and weaken it like they have?
                   (S.DOYLE,CAT2,TOP2,MSG:113/m1335)


ADD-ON TO FILE MANAGER RECOMMENDED   The Metz Task Manager, which costs less, also lets you attach its
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Launch menu to File Manager.  You can
then call up highlighted files in Notepad or whatever other program you've
set up in your Launch menu.
                   (PETER.Z,CAT2,TOP2,MSG:115/m1335)


WINDOWS OR MAC OR ATARI OR ???   Steve - If you don't think file
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   operations can get any easier than using
Windows' File Manager, then you have never used another computer with a
GUI.  Compared to Mac, Atari, and Amiga, Windows is by far the most
cumbersome with file manipulations.  I'm sure that if you're weened on it,
it seems functional enough.  But once you've seen others, you don't want to
settle for less.  Pure opinion, of course, but I know I'm not alone.
                  (S.DANUSER,CAT2,TOP2,MSG:121/m1335)


NEW ROUNDTABLE FOR VIRUSES   Howdy, all. I'm here to announce the creation
of a something new on GEnie, the Virus/Computer Security RoundTable, where
we'll be discussing the latest ways of keeping your computer, software, and
data secure from bad guys. We've got a growing software library of
antivirus products, as well as text files of information and opinion on
virus and security issues for everything from the desktop to the mainframe.
Come on down. We're Page 1350, keywords "VSRT" or "VIRUS."
                  (MITCHWAGNER,CAT2,TOP4,MSG:1/m1335)


WHAT'S THIS FILE??   WINA20.386 is a DOS 5.0 file that was necessary to
""""""""""""""""""   run Win 3.0 under DOS 5.0.  You don't need it to  run
Win 3.1.            (PETER.Z,CAT3,TOP2,MSG:45/m1335)


HOW TO SAVE FILE MANAGER'S SETTINGS   To save File Manager's arrangement
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   in the way  you'd like, set up the
two windows as you wish them to appear.  Make sure that Save Settings on
Exit under the Options menu is _not_ checked.  Then, hold the Shift key
down while selecting File Exit.  Or, press Shift- Alt-F4.  File Manager
won't close, but the next time you start it, it will be arranged as you've
set it up.          (PETER.Z,CAT3,TOP2,MSG:47/m1335)


CHANGING GROUP ICONS   You cannot change group icons with Windows only.
""""""""""""""""""""   However, there are several programs which can
change the group icons.  Icon-Doit and Icon-Hearit are two, but there are
many more including some shareware.
                    (W.LIVELY,CAT,TOP4,MSG:24/m1335)


A GREAT SHAREWARE NEWCOMER   One shareware program you'll want to check
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   out is Plug-in for Windows. It is here in the
library. It does the icon change, and MUCH more like a quick launch menu.
There was a write up in one of the recent mags about it, the editors liked
it also. Just search on plug in the library and you'll find it.
                 (JOHN.DENNING,CAT3,TOP4,MSG:25/m1335)


DIGITIZED SOUND ON THE ADLIB   GET THIS FILE The Adlib can support
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   digitized sound with the right driver. It
is available in the library as file #294, ADLIBWAV.ZIP.
                   (R.LODOEN,CAT3,TOP17,MSG:43/m1335)


WINDOWS ON A 286   Windows 3.1 will run (well, crawl slowly) if your
""""""""""""""""   machine has 640k system and 384 extended memory. If
your machine can't remap the space between 640 and 1 meg as extended, it
won't. This is often a selection in the BIOS setup. But you won't be happy
with the performance.  With 386sx computers so cheap, why bother?

     There is no real mode in Win 3.1, a 286 machine runs in standard
mode. Real mode was in Win 3.0 so it would run on XT's.
                  (T.MALLERY1,CAT10,TOP2,MSG:14/m1335)


WORD FOR WINDOWS MAINTAINENCE RELEASES   I do not know about any size
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   limit, but I know MicroSoft has
made several maintenance releses of MircoSoft Word for Windows. I first
found out about 2.0a from a magazine that I was reading. I call and got it.
While I was on their BBS the other day I found out that there had been
another maintenance release and that it was 2.0c. I called (800-4226-9400)
and got their latest maintenance release. There is one thing that is extra
nice about these maintenance releases and that is that they are free.

     There is also a maintenace release out for MicroSoft Publisher (1.0a).

     You should check their BBS or MSDL Service as they call it. It is a
toll call but they have items for WFW and all of their products. The
number is 206-936-6735.

     I'm new to this topic and I don't know if anybody had mentioned the
above before, but here it is again for those that missed it like I did.
                 (D.SAUERBRY1,CAT13,TOP2,MSG:80/m1335)


DIFFERENCE IN WORD FOR WINDOWS MAINTAINENCE RELEASES
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
     > What is the difference between 2.0b and 2.0c and HOW do you get
     > them to send it to you if you want/need it.

     2.0c enhances Windows for Workgroup support and an e-mail function
which is installed if setup detects a network.  Also, the dBase conversion
filter adds support for FoxPro.  If none of these is of consequence to you,
you don't need the upgrade.  If you do, just call and ask  for it.
                   (PETER.Z,CAT13,TOP2,MSG:85/m1335)


NEW ALDUS PAGEMAKER FOR WINDOWS COMING SOON!   Aldus Magazine intimated
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   that the Windows version
would be released in the first quarter, with the Mac version to follow in
the second quarter.

     However, an article in Windows Magazine (March, 1993) says
"Publishing houses and service bureaus should be especially happy to note
that, for the first time, Aldus is simultaneously releasing the Windows and
Macintosh upgrades..."

     I wonder if that means the Windows version has been delayed? <sigh>

     More from the article: "Four-color separations, incremental rotation
of layout element and multiple-document support are just some of the
long-awaited improvements.

     "...Aldus has imbued PageMaker with the tried and proven PostScript
Printer Description (PPD) add-ons...to improve the quality of CMYK screens.

     "Color printing is further enhanced with a reworked dialog box that
lets you print color or gray-scale composites...controls separations."
Several new color libraries have been added, too.

     "Lets you rotate text and graphics at any angle--with your mouse!
...Rotated text remains fully editable."

     Other add-ons they mention include an automatic drop-cap generator,
automatic bullets and numbering and a balance columns function. Also a
print option for automatically numbering pages for saddle-stapled
publications.

     Another new inclusion is a control palette (similar to a button bar)
which changes to accommodate the tool you're currently using. When you're
using the text tool the buttons are for kerning, leading, etc., and when
you're using the pick tool you get x and y coordinates, selected object
size and rotation information.

     There's a lot more to the article than that, of course. But I just
thought I'd pass along enough to keep you other PM users drooling and
chafing at the bit the way I am! <G>
                  (LADY.LUCK,CAT17,TOP3,MSG:23/m1335)


A PAGEMAKER 5.0 PREVIEW!   I went to a two-hour seminar last week all
""""""""""""""""""""""""   about PageMaker 5.0 and it looks SLICK!
     Two things that really impressed me were the options for multiple
files open... you can drag and drop objects (text, graphics, whatever)
between the two files. The other was the graphics library, that will pop up
thumbnails of your graphics for a publication so you can choose which one
you want, then you just drag the thumbnail out of the library window and
voila! there is the whole image in your pub.

     Oh, one more thing... (there were LOTS of things I'm gonna love) ...
you can group objects (say a graphic and a text caption) and they will stay
locked together when you move them around. That feature alone will save me
hours of "fix my own mistake" stuff.
                   (J.MARGUL,CAT17,TOP3,MSG:26/m1335)


NEW VERSION OF VB ICON BROWSER IN LIBRARY   A new version of VB Icon
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Browser is available in the
file section here at ICONB215.ZIP.  This version was written using Visual
Basic 2.0 and complete source code and lots of icons are provided to those
that register.  All you Visual Basic programmers should get in on this
offer.  Micro Star owns the rights to a retail version of VB Icon Browser.
It is worth registering just to take a look at the source code if you are a
Visual Basic programmer.  You may use parts of the source (and forms) in
your own programs as long as you don't use the code in a program that is
similar to VB Icon Browser.  A percentage form/code (progress meter) is
provided that can certainly be used in just about any program.  Oh, by the
way, it's a pretty good program, too (grin).

     See the Windows -- Other Applications library or search ICONB215.ZIP
                 (J.ROBINSON12,CAT20,TOP13,MSG:4/m1335)


A FEW REACTIONS ON MICROSOFT ACCESS   I got a copy of Access the first
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   week in December but didn't start
using it until January.  As mentioned before, it's quite a good program,
except for some clumsiness in the design phase.  Of course, reading the
manual helps quite a bit, as a lot of things are not fully intuitive.

     I've found one interesting "bug".  DOS COPY will not accurately copy
Access' .MDB files!  I noticed the problem last week when I did my periodic
backup of C: to tape (over 9,000 files).  Only the 4 .MDF files on the
system failed to compare!

     So, pulling out good ol' COPY, I did some 'sperimentin'.  A copied
.MDB file will not compare (using COMP) to the original.  A string of ASCII
at 1D000 (or was it 1e000?) is changed to nulls. Fortunately, it does not
seem to have any effect on the integrity of the file.

     Has anyone else noriced this?  Can anyone else reproduce it?
                  (FLY-DIVE,CAT20,TOP19,MSG:105/m1335)

>>>>>   I'm a little disappointed with Access right now.  I hit two
"""""   problems within a half hour that will actually take some "RYFM" to
solve.

     #1 -- I imported an EXCEL database I had, in order to pick up the
           variable names and formats easily as it has 230 fields.  It
           imports fine, and I can use it.  However, if I try to change any
           of the fields -- for example, text from length 255 to 5 -- I get
           a "Record too long" error.  Even though I'm trying to make it
           shorter?

     #2 -- I attached several DBF databases, joined them, and then tried
           to create a query with all variables available.  I get an "Out
           of Memory" error.  And I was sure 16MB of RAM would hold me for
           a while...

     Oh well, where's that manual? <G>
                (R.HARMELINK1,CAT20,TOP10,MSG:110/m1335)

>>>>>   Mari (2)--WINDOWS AND STACKER   I've been using Windows 3.1 and
"""""   Stacker 2.0 for well over a year now, without a single glitch.
Version 3.0 appears to be even more Windows friendly (although I haven't
upgraded yet).

     You shouldn't have too much difficulty as long as you follow the
instructions very carefully. Step One is the most important.

     I've got both a total of 120MB storage available; Stacker has bumped
that up to about 215MB.  That's about an 80% increase (roughly).  Not quite
doubled, but I have lots of executables.

     On the whole, I'd say it's a heck of a lot cheaper than another hard
drive, and it's worked flawlessly for my Windows/PageMaker setup for quite
awhile.            (GREYJACK,CAT20,TOP23,MSG:4/m1335)


WINDOWS DEVELOPERS NEEDED   We're looking for Windows Developers using C++
"""""""""""""""""""""""""   or SmallTalk for any and all windows
development for both contract and permanent world-wide.

     Please either Phone or Fax your resume to any of our offices:

     Our phone numbers are:  (Voice)  415-692-8615
                             (Fax)    415-692-8409
                             (Voice)  805-496-7782
                             (Fax)    805-496-1062
                             (Voice)  206-859-5321
                             (Fax)    206-852-1966

415 is Northern California
   805 is Southern California
      206 is Washington State.
(S.PALMER1,CAT41,TOP2,MSG:2/m1335)


     /////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
    / "That's quite a feat!  I would have thought it impossible for /
   / you to find a way to be slower and less efficient.  :))  "    /
  ///////////////////////////////////////////////  N.WEINRESS  ////



[EOA]
[MOO]//////////////////////////////
                       CowTOONS! /
/////////////////////////////////
The GEnieLamp Swimsuit Issue No.1
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""                   (___)
 Concept by     |    Drawings by                    (o o)
 John Peters    |     Mike White                     (.)
 [GENIELAMP]    |    [M.WHITE25]                  __/ ~ \//^~
                                                 //`(>-<)`
                                                ~^   \_/
                                                    (\_/\
                                                   //  ||
                  )___(                           `\\  ||
                  (o o)                            ~~' ~~
               (~  (.)  ~)
                \\/ ~ \//                       Cindy Cowford
                 ^()-()^                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                   \_/
                  (\_/)
                 ( ) ( )
                 ()   ()
                 (     )
                 `~   ~'

             Ms. Mooniverse
             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



         (___(
         (o o)            _*
          (.) \__________/
           ~ \_      || ( \___/~                        ___
          ____//-----db--\_/~~                         (   )
          ~~~~^                                        |\./ \
                              -========================|______\=====\
                                                        |     _|-
           Elle MoocPherson                             |   |~_|-
           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~              vv             |    ~_|-
            Makes a splash                \\   (___)    |   |~_|-
                                           \\  (o o)    |    ~_|-
                                            \\--\./--\\ |   |~_|-
                                             ``/ ~ \``\\|    ~_|-
                                       /\\_   ( )-( )  \|   |~_|-
                                      // \ ~-__\___/    |    ~_|-
                                  \========\______/     |   |~
                                    ^^ /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                                       |   Cowthy Ireland
                                       |  returns the wave

                 (__)
                 (~~)
          /-------\/
         / | )    >>                Watch for another thunderin' herd of
        *  ||----||                 Moo Fun in the next issue of GEnieLamp.
           ~~    ~~

           Moodonna                 If you have an idea for a CowTOON, we
           ~~~~~~~~                 would like to see it.  And, if we pick
        Mooterial  Cow              your CowTOON for publishing in GEnieLamp
                                    we will credit your account with 2 hours
    ( Special appearance            of GEnie non-prime time!
     cowrtesy of Moo-TV )


          //////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
         / "Want me to hold the coats and purses, girls??  :)..." /
        /////////////////////////////////////////  T.EVANS21  ////



[EOA]
[TEL]//////////////////////////////
                 TELETALK ONLINE /
/////////////////////////////////
Online Communications
"""""""""""""""""""""
By Al Fasoldt
  [A.FASOLDT]



                      >>> BANNED IN THE U.S.A. <<<
                      """"""""""""""""""""""""""""
         ~ Copyright 1993 by Al Fasoldt. All rights reserved ~

     I was banned in Boston the other day.

     And in Chicago and Los Angeles.

     I was banned in the rest of the country, too. It lasted for a week.

     It was the first time I've ever been censored.

     It all started when I tried to catch up on my mail. I had thousands of
unread messages to look through on one of the national computer networks.
Nearly all the messages were public postings in the conferences. Anybody in
the United States can read them just by calling the network by computer.

     Public messages on this network are supposed to be civil. After all,
the notes that are posted are just like the scraps of paper that you see on
supermarket bulletin boards. You don't want to embarrass anyone or make
unpleasant remarks in public.

     But as I started to read the public messages, I came across one
directed solely at me. If it had been a private letter, I wouldn't have
minded at all. But out in the open, where any caller could read it -- right
out on the supermarket wall, so to speak -- was a note that said, more or
less, that I had an unorthodox way of dealing with the truth.

     A liar? Was that what I was being called?

     So what, you say? You write for a living, you take your lumps, and
that's that. I get letters now and then from regular readers who tell me I
don't know what I'm talking about. One guy even sends me unprintable
references to my ancestors. I'm used to it.

     But these aren't public remarks. They're personal and private.  You
can ignore something like that and nobody else cares. Nobody else knows.

     The public note I found on the computer network (NOT GEnie! -Ed  :)
had gone too far. I wrote a reply pointing this out. I made a couple of
pointed remarks about the letter-writer's grumpiness, and then I posted my
reply in the same area of the conferencing network.

     Since his note about me had been public, I made sure my response was
public, too.

     I called back to look for any new mail the next day. I had a private
note from one of the people in charge of the network.  Cool it, he said.
The other guy is being told the same thing, his note said. The two of you
should calm yourselves down.

     I didn't like being told not to defend myself. I wasn't about to keep
quiet.

     So I checked back into the public messages and found another one from
the same caller. It slammed me even harder.

     And so I slammed back. Nothing could stop me now.

     Or so I thought. When I called again two days later, everything seemed
normal. While I was reading a message, I pressed a couple of keys to tell
the network that I wanted to write a comment.  They were the same keys I'd
always pressed.

     But this time instead of getting the OK from the computer system, I
got a note back from the network. You can't do that, it said in network
language. You can't reply to that message.

     I tried again. Same thing. I went to another message and tried to
respond to it.

     Sorry! This isn't allowed, the network told me. The actual note was
"access denied," or something like that.

     It was that way for all of the conferences I checked into. I had been
silenced. I could read but not write.

     Later, I found an electronic mail letter from the network manager. His
note had been mailed to both me and my antagonist.  It said we were being
childish. Our angry messages had been deleted so nobody could read them.

     The censorship would last a few days, he said. He also said things
could get worse if we didn't behave.

     This last part was a little odd. Without the ability to write public
messages, we had no way to misbehave. We were like patrons of the
supermarket who were locked out just outside the door. We could see the
little pieces of paper on the public bulletin board, but we couldn't put up
any ourselves.

     I fired off a private reply to the manager. I pay for this service, I
reminded him. It's not a service when I can't respond to public messages.

     I told him I shouldn't have to pay for the time that I was censored.
He wrote back right away and told me I wouldn't be charged for that period.

     By the following week I was back to full status. I minded my manners,
and I've been a good boy ever since. I haven't had an argument with
anybody.

     But the whole experience has been unsettling. It's clear that nobody
came out ahead, but I still haven't figured out who lost more -- the other
network callers, presumably embarrassed, who had to pick their way past our
public spat, or the two of us, muzzled and singled out, treated like
7-year-olds.

     Maybe the real loss is an almost insignificant erosion of the right of
free expression. This decade will mark the beginning of true mass
communication by computer. In some ways, conferencing networks will become
as important as newspapers, and much of the time they'll serve as a
replacement for the U.S. mail.

     However, unlike the press and the postal service, with their long
traditions of free speech, computer networks don't have history as a guide.
They'll do whatever their managers want. And that means censorship just as
easily as it means anything else.

     When that day comes, who will decide what can be said in public?  It's
worth thinking about now, while networks and other information services are
still young. It may be too late when they've grown up.

                               [*][*][*]


     Al Fasoldt writes about computers and consumer electronics from
     Syracuse, N.Y., where he is a newspaper editor and programmer.


        ///////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
       / "Yes by all means get Aladdin.  Ask away and you will get   /
      / answers.  I was shy at first but not anymore. No questions  /
     / - no answers it's that simple.  What you consider simple, a /
    / zillion people out there need the question & answer but are /
   / afraid to ask. There are no dumb questions - only fearful   /
  / people who don't ask for fear of being considered dumb."    /
 //////////////////////////////////////////////  K.OLSON10  ////



[EOA]
[MIN]//////////////////////////////
                      MINI_BYTES /
/////////////////////////////////
3 On 1: PC-Directory
""""""""""""""""""""
By John Peters
   [GENIELAMP]



          Program Name    :  PC-Directory
          Filename        :  PCDIR.EXE
          Library Area    :  3
          Program Number  :  31753
          File Size       :  44672
          Program Type    :  DOS Manager
          Author          :  PC-Directory
          Version Reviewed:  1.6
          File Type       :  Shareware  ($48 +$1 shipping)

                               [*][*][*]


FROM THE AUTHOR   With PC-Directory's (PC-Dir) filenotes you can leave 160
"""""""""""""""   character reminders to yourself, and others, on the
contents, status, or purpose of each of your files.  It's excellent for
describing archive files, files that have multiple users, or simply as an
aid to remembering what's in your files.  What's apparent today may draw a
total blank tomorrow.  Leave yourself a filenote.

     Filenotes are easy to create and display.  You can display them
individually for each file, or you can review all the filenotes in a
particular directory at one time.  You can also look at all the filenotes
on the entire disk.  But perhaps PC-Dir's best feature is its ability to
search all the filenotes on the disk for a particular phrase or keyword.
For example, let's say you want to find all files dealing with a specific
client.  PC-Directory will easily provide you with a list of all files on
the disk whose filenotes contain the clients name.


The Catalog Program   (Registered Users Only)   Registered users of
"""""""""""""""""""   PC-Directory get a utility called CATALOG.  Combined
with PC-Dir's filenotes, the CATALOG program creates the ultimate catalog
for anyone who uses floppy disks.  Whether you use floppies to archive
important files, as backups, or everyday use, CATALOG and PC-Dir make
organizing, documenting, and locating your files much easier.

     CATALOG copies the directories and filenotes of hundreds of floppy
disks and stores them on a single disk.  Then, when you need to find a file
you can use PC-Dir to search for the filename, view all the filenotes or
perform a filenote search.  And you only need to do it on one disk instead
of on hundreds.  To speed things up you can even locate this catalog on
your hard disk.  Think about this for a minute.  Normally, if you're
looking for a specific file, and all you remember is that its on a floppy
disk somewhere, then you have to examine each floppy disk individually.
With CATALOG you only need to examine one disk, and it will tell you which
floppy the file is on.  You can use PC-Dir to search ALL of your floppy
disks for a particular filename, in one simple operation.  Even better, you
can do a keyword/phrase search of all the filenotes on all your floppy
disks.  Like I said, it creates the ultimate floppy disk catalog.  It's an
added benefit of becoming a registered user of PC-Dir.


There's More!   In addition to its filenote functions and the CATALOG
"""""""""""""   program, PC-Dir also has a powerful integrated file
manager.  It's comprehensive, fast, and yet easy to learn and use.  You'll
find one touch commands for many DOS functions and additional capabilities
that DOS never gave you.  Features such as tag copy, tag delete, tag move,
file search, text search, tree listing of directories, and much more.

                               [*][*][*]


MINI_BYTE BY BRAD [5 Lamps]   Whether or not you've upgraded to DOS 5.0,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   this is a utility you need to see.  Talk
about everything but the kitchen sink!  The ability to tie 160 characters
of text to each file is a main feature, but the rest of what's available is
nothing to sneeze at.

     The DOS 5.0 shell handles some of them, but my favorite is the SrchTxt
feature.  Not only does it _quickly_ scan all the files in a subdirectory
for a specified text screen, but it also marks each file.  When viewing the
file(s), the specified text is highlighted.  Nice touch!  Try it!


MINI_BYTE BY TIPPY [2 1/2 Lamps]   PC-Dir joins a crowded field of DOS
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   shells, and gets lost in the crowd.
The biggest plus of PC-Dir is its ability to add notes for any file you
desire.  These filenotes can be up to 160 characters long, and make nice
reminders of the "contents, status, or purpose" of each file.  The program
gives you a single file listing on the left side of the screen, with the
associated filenotes appearing on the right side.

     I am not a big fan of DOS shells, and this one just doesn't do
anything all that special to make me get real excited about it.  I found
the mouse support lacking, as I would have liked to been able to
"double-click" on a directory or file to view it.  The large collection of
commands at the bottom of the screen seemed crowded, and I found myself
searching for the command I wanted.  PC-Dir does what it claims to do, but
just doesn't quite achieve it as well I would have liked.


MINI_BYTE BY BOBSIE [3 3/4 Lamps]   PCDIR.EXE is a utility that allows you
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   to do many things with files on your
system.  When you start up the program, you get a display that is very
close to Norton Commander with two windows side by side.  The left window
lists all the files in the current directory.  If there are more files than
would fit in the left window, the overflow goes to the right window.

     Displayed above the windows is the current path you are displaying,
the number for files in the directory, the total bytes used by those files,
followed by the number of free bytes remaining on the drive.  Below the
windows are two rows of prompts.

     On a Hercules monographic screen, the top row of prompts has the
'hot-key' (the key you press to activate the function) underligned while
the bottom row of prompts has the hot-keys in bold (but the whole line
blinks, very distracting).  On my VGA screen, both lines use bold (and no
blinking) hot-keys.

     This program has many uses, many of which are activated when you
register the program, and it works pretty much as advertised.  With it you
can search for files, copy files, delete files, rename files, and by
tagging files, do any of this to multiple files at one time.  You can also
add a long description about the file and recall that information later to
remind you of what the file contains.  Many of these features are available
in commercial software such as Norton Commander or XTree.

     Drawbacks to the program?  No online help whatsoever, which I consider
essential in any modern utility that is to be used by a novice DOS user.
Not all available keystrokes are mentioned in the documentation (for
example, just pressing enter when a file is highlighted will open the View
window for you without you having to press the 'V' key).  When using a VGA
monitor in the VGA (50-line) mode, this program does not honor the mode and
forces the monitor into 25-line mode.  What is worse is that it doesn't
save the original mode so that it can be restored when the program exits.

     Overall, I feel this program could be quite useful even in its
unregistered form and the drawbacks I mentioned to not change the
functionality of the program.  With some polishing, this could turn into a
great shareware program.  I give this program 3.75 lamps out of a maximum
scale of 1 to 5.



GEnieLAMP MINI_BYTE'S RATING
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

      BRAD ............................................... 5
      TIPPY .............................................. 2 1/2
      BOBSIE ............................................. 3 3/4
                                                           """"""""
      MINI_BYTE SCORE .................................... 3.75
                     .                       __
                    (^)        <^>         /~  ~\
                     \-=======_/"\_======-/     \)
                     "\.   3.75 LAMPS  ./"
                        "\._   _   _./"
                             (_____)
MINI_BYTES RATING SYSTEM
""""""""""""""""""""""""

          1 LAMP..........A marginal download
          2 LAMPS.........Gets the job done
          3 LAMPS.........Good execution, stable program
          4 LAMPS.........Innovative or feature rich, take a look!
          5 LAMPS.........What? You haven't downloaded this program YET?

     If all three reviewers give the program a "5 LAMP" rating, it will
receive the ~ A GEnie Lamp Excellence Award! ~



                       >>> REVIEWER PROFILES <<<
                       """""""""""""""""""""""""

      BRAD.........uses his 286/12MHz clone to run a shareware
                   distribution business.  He's got a healthy
                   supply of freeware and registered shareware
                   utilities to get the orders out the door so he
                   can save up for the 486 screamer.

      TIPPY........uses his 386 based system for Word Processing
                   and Database Management to enhance the
                   computing power of a large Air Force Squadron
                   in Washington D.C.  He also enjoys playing
                   games, but between CPU time for work and a
                   Masters Program, the game directory usually
                   sits and waits.

     BOBSIE........Bob Connors is a Programmer and Computer
                   Consultant who also is the Editor of the
                   GEnieLamp IBM version and is also known as
                   Doctor Bob.  Bob has been involved with
                   personal computers of all types since 1978
                   and carries a degree in Computer Information
                   Systems.  His current main interest is
                   programming as he is writing an electronic
                   Front-End Mailer program for BBS systems,
                   allowing those systems to access networks such
                   as FidoNet.


       /////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
      / "BTW, Mandala is a term from Oriental Art, meaning a stylized /
     / representation of the Cosmos.  I spend hours staring at the   /
    / screen, hoping to soak up culture.  But I just fall asleep.   /
   ///////////////////////////////////////////////  N.WEINRESS  ////



[EOA]
[QUI]//////////////////////////////
                THE MIGHTY QUINN /
/////////////////////////////////
Random Access
"""""""""""""
By Mark Quinn
     [NEWSIE]



                "A Whole Buncha Milliseconds with Mark"
                           by Mark Quinn, DOA

     Forget Alvin Toffler:  some of us are waiting for technology to catch
up to _us_.   I dream of the day when I can buy a MIDI synthesizer that,
besides having a decent piano and electronic organ patch, also does a fair
job of imitating an acoustic guitar.  I'd like to have a vision recognition
system good enough to handle driving my car.  I'd like to see 40" active
matrix TVs, after so many years of hearing that flat-screen TVs were "ten
years away".

     And these are not pie-in-the-sky Star Wars doo-dads -- they are
extrapolations of current technologies.  Granted, such advances will come
with time, but when they will arrive is anyone's guess.  I really don't
expect to hop in the back seat of my car, speak a destination and have the
car do the rest during my lifetime (I am 34, and desperately counting down
40) -- I expect to see glimmerings of the technology, perhaps see a few
"gee whiz" promises on _Beyond 2000_, but that's about it.

     Darn it, doesn't this child of the 60s and 70s, who saw astronauts
play golf on the moon, the birth of MTV, and the death of communism,
deserve the above wish list?  I've been awfully good, I regularly back up
my text files --  baby wants techno goodies.  Baby promises not to do
anything overtly obscene or outright dangerous with them.

     Sanity returneth.  (Good, just in time for this paragraph, too.) Our
ancestors made do with far less, and some of them excelled.  And a whole
lot of people in _today's_ world don't have access to the gee whiz
technology (synthesizers that have good piano patches, Super VGA monitors,
a reliable car with a full tank of gasoline) I take for granted, so a slice
of humble pie is in order.

     Can I have that slice with a hang-on-the-wall, flat-screen TV, please?


     ///////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
    / "Well, "Cut the muster" is a military term. I can't imagine why /
   / anyone would want to slice mustard."                            /
  /////////////////////////////////////////////////////  O-ZONE  ////



[EOA]
[LIB]//////////////////////////////
              THE ONLINE LIBRARY /
/////////////////////////////////
Hot Files In The Library
""""""""""""""""""""""""
By "Tippy" Martinez
        [TIPPY.ONE]



                      >>> FILES! FILES! FILES! <<<
                      """"""""""""""""""""""""""""

THE IBM SOFTWARE COLLECTION   Welcome to the latest feature of GEnieLamp,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   The Online Library.  During February, a large
number of files were uploaded to the IBM Rountable's Software Library.
This month's issue highlights some of the more interesting ones available.
Each entry includes the file number, file name, approximate number of bytes
and the long description of each file.

     A new feature, starting with this issue, is the HOT "TIP" of the
month.  This focus, will highlight a file, whether it is an update of a
classic, or a new program headed for classic status.  If you are only going
to download one file this month, this file should get serious
consideration.

     Without any further delays, lets check out this month's collection of
goodies just waiting to be downloaded!



                    >>> HOT "TIP" OF THE MONTH! <<<
                    """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

31863  4DOS401P.ZIP  288840   4DOS is a complete computing environment that
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   works with all versions of MS-DOS and PC-DOS
from 2.0 to 5; with DR-DOS 3.4, 5.0, and above; and in OS/2 DOS sessions.
It is compatible with virtually all application programs, with Microsoft
Windows, and with task switching programs like DESQview and Back & Forth.
4DOS replaces the traditional DOS user interface with a more modern,
friendlier, and more powerful one.  4DOS is completely compatible with
traditional DOS commands, and adds dozens of new features that aren't
available with any version of DOS.


               [*] [*] [*]  HOT NEW FILES!  [*] [*] [*]
               """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
                       ~ IBMPC LIBRARY M615;3 ~

31625  DEBTMG10.ZIP   56704   The Do-It-Yourself debt management software.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Save thousands of dollars in unpaid interest
penalties.  Now you can take advantage of trade secrets used by many expert
financial counselors in the privacy of your own home. Join the thousands
that are already on their way to becomming debt free.

31651  BTMSTR10.ZIP   42752   Eliminate that pile of boot disks on your
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   desk with BOOTMASTER V1.0.  BOOTMASTER will
pull up each different boot according to the names you assign it, reset the
computer, and even change back to the original boot after it resets.  Saves
a lot of hassle!

31694  CMFILER.ZIP   156288   Favorite of PC Magazine's Edward Mendelson
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   (PC MAG 10/13/92 p. 294) Disk/file mgr w/
side-by-side file listings OR directory trees. Full suite of dir/file
services in both modes, incl tree "prune-and-graft".  Built-in line editor,
print spooler, notepad for dir/file notes, file and text finders, appl
launcher, ZIP, LHA and ARC support.  One-touch intuitive command structure,
small (105K), blinding speed.  Only req's 201K free conv RAM.  Written by
C. M. Martin, ASP.

31698  EXPRSCHK.LZH  281928   ExpressCheck has a simple goal in life, to
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   help you manage your checking accounts.
Because the various screens look just like your paper checks, deposit slips
and check registers, you will find the program extremely easy to learn and
use.  But ExpressCheck goes far beyond the usefulness of a check register.
Every check and deposit can be recorded to various budget codes that you
set up. This makes it possible for you to see at any time during the year
where you stand in regard to your spending. By Expressware Corporation.
PkZip V2.04C required to dearchive!

31703  PCWA41_1.ZIP  302580  PC-WRITE ADVANCED LEVEL V4.01. <Newest>
31704  PCWA41_2.ZIP  168040  version of PC-WRITE! This Advanced Level
31710  PCWA41_3.ZIP  148152  replaces PC-Write V4.0 and earlier
31711  PCWA41_4.ZIP  301120  versions, and is packed with a host of more
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""  popular features than ever before, making it
still the number one leader in Shareware Word Processing. Features include
a customizable button bar, easy pull-down menus, comprehensive,
context-sensitive help, and support of over 900 printers.  Shareware by
Quicksoft(r), ASP Member.  -=[NOTE:  All FOUR files are required to run
this program.]=-

31706  QFORM30.EXE   121088   If you're part of the Computer Industry,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   protect your time, profits, and projects
with contracts.  Whether you are a professional consultant/ contractor,
employee at a software firm, software distributor, manager, software
lawyer, or thinking of selling your own software, QuickForm Contracts can
help you!  This demonstration will reveal some critical business issues
that you should know before starting a development project. Don't let small
projects turn into major, long-term headaches: view this demo.

31712  FNDRS30.LZH   578056   "The Fund-Raiser's Assistant" is a vertical
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   market database system for IBM compatibles
designed specifically for fund-raisers. It includes 2 automated demos, a
tutorial and an 80 page manual on disk. Its emphasis on ease of use will be
of most interest to people using home-brew systems written in dBase,
Foxbase or Paradox or who have become frustrated with the cryptic nature of
their high powered system. However, it has been used by very sophisticated
fund-raisers who used it for its power. It's written and compiled in
Clipper 5.0 and the files are dBase 3 compatible. 386 or better
recommended.

31713  OPPM422L.ZIP  395136   OWL PERSONAL PORTFOLIO MANAGER 4.22.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Combines stock charting/technical analysis
with complete investment record keeping for up to 5000 securities in over
500 portfolios. VERY EASY TO USE featuring on-line user's guide and fully
menu driven. Charts include Price/Volume, Correlation, Relative Strength,
Momentum & Net Worth. Multiple moving averages can be overlaid on all
charts. Generates 15 reports for net worth, capital gains, interest,
dividends, unrealized gains and more. Reports can be generated using any
combination of portfolios. RATED THE BEST SHAREWARE PORTFOLIO MANAGER
(London Financial Times, 10/10/92).  Includes price loader utility for
GEnie, DJNR, Compuserve & Prodigy. Requires 640k & Graphics.

31732  WINPAK#1.ZIP  156928   WinPak#1 is a collection of 8 high quality,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   entertaining screen saver modules designed to
be installed on a system running Windows 3.1.  Our modules are added to the
list of screen savers that are recognized by the Windows Control
Panel/Desktop option for choosing a screen saver.  This package contains
the 8 modules, a convenient and easy to use installation utility, and
documentation to get you going.  Experience our animation!  This package is
produced by a Member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).

31734  EMERI1.ZIP    128128   The CardFile program that comes free with
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Microsoft Windows is a truly handy little
"Applet" for managing phone numbers and addresses, etc.  Unfortunately, for
those of us who bounce in and out of Windows, Murphy's Law dictates that
we'll be staring at a DOS prompt when we need quick access to our
CardFiles! This DOS-based program browses Windows Cardfiles.  It is
optimized for quick, easy "hits" on the card you're looking for.  Offers
partially qualified searches and more!  This program is produced by a
Member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).  Uploaded by
the Author.

31735  PLAYBK22.EXE   33024   Version 2.2 Task automator. Records your
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   keystrokes *AND* delays between each
keystroke so you can record complete tasks. You can replay these "tasks"
via multiple hot keys, from the Menu program, at the DOS prompt, within
batch files, or at some pre-set time.  Execute complete tasks (like getting
your E-Mail) with a single keypress. Adjust replay speed, view/edit
keyfiles, much more. Shareware from RSE. Reg-$35 Try this one!

31737  SHEZ86.ZIP    210816   SHEZ v8.6 - <ASP> - The Premier Compression
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Shell. Will interface to the most popular
compression programs. New/Fixed - Support for PKZIP204E, Fixed SFX creation
problem, Print compressed file contents report, Modify file Attribs, ID
auth. stamped ZIP files, Scroll display windows Right & Left, Execute
programs without leaving program, MUCH MORE!

31759  CHARGE.ZIP    110104   Charge Account Management Program ver 1.11.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   The Charge Account Management Program is a
full-featured charge card manager. Enter, edit, or delete transactions.
Numerous reports including charge category summary. Up to 50 budget
categories allowed. Up to 50 charge accounts allowed. 256K Ram required.
Color monitor, hard disk, printer supported. Can be run on a floppy disk.
Member ASP.

31762  SAVINGS.ZIP   110496   Savings Account Management Program ver 1.0.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   The Savings Account Management Program is a
full-featured savings account manager. Enter, edit, or delete transactions.
Numerous reports including income and expense summaries.  Up to 50 budget
categories allowed. 256K Ram required. Color monitor, hard disk, printer
supported. Can be run on a floppy disk. Member ASP.

31779  KEEN.EXE      154496   Commander Keen has come back! WHY? Those
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   pesky Zorlons is why! Not a stupid text based
game....but full EGA/VGA graphics support. Full color and super-blasto
animation scenes!! The story is riviting and exciting! And real major-mondo
graphics adventure set the near future..will Billy Blaze get his Rocket
back together to stop evil aliens???? ONLY YOU DECIDE!!!!

31798  CSHOWA.ZIP    151168   CompuShow Version 8.60a is a high-speed,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   full featured graphics display system for
GIF, RLE, MacPaint, PC Paint, PC Paintbrush, Dr. Halo, Ega Paint, ColoRix,
Targa, IFF/LBM/HAM, BMP, IMG, TIFF and JPEG (JFIF) graphics on IBM
compatibles with Hercules, CGA, PCjr/Tandy, CGA, EGA, MCGA, VGA, 8514/a,
XGA and "Super-VGA" adapters including hi-color Super-VGAs. NEW:  JPEG
(JFIF), dithering and rescaling in all modes, more! Read CSHOWA.TXT for a
brief description of the program.

31803  PRS20STD.EXE  304640   PRS (Personal Reminder System) is the most
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   complete Personal Information Manager on the
market today!  With such features as: Auto-Remind, Multiple displays, Time
Maanagement, Event Tracking,  Time-sensitive Conflict checking,
Weekend/Holiday conflict checking, Dynamic Repetitive events Global
features, Variety of searches, Full Mouse Support, Pop-Up Selection
wWWindows, Multiple Event Reminders, Full-featured Address Book. PSRS is
available in 2 versions, Standard & Professional.  This is the Standard
Trial version.  It will last for 28-days after initial use.  To see the
Professional version, downland this self-extracting archive and give us a
call.  Pro ver also has: 7K TSR, EMS support, Max 50 Schedules.

31806  EPAY21.EXE    32128   Quicken Users who pay bills with CheckFree can
""""""""""""""""""""""""""   now create detailed reports of all electronic
payments. Program reads any easily created Quicken export file. Displays
confirmation numbers, xmit dates, xmit lead-times, and stop payment data.
Monthly subtotals with estimated fees, per E-PMT costs, and payees are
provided. Program displays master payee listing with activity of each
shown. Program concludes with a variety of usage information. Prints report
to an ASCII file which can be viewed, edited, or sent to printer.  Default
output file will be used if one is not designated. Quicken files are not
altered.

31807  IMAGES.EXE     59520   PC-Images ver 1.8: Capture screen images
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   and group them into carousels, i.e. an
automated slide show where you set the delays between pics. Run the
carousels as a user-paced or auto-paced briefing, demo, screen-saver, or at
the touch of a hot key.  Have one of your pics displayed at the DOS prompt
instead of the blank screen.  Great for making demos. If you don't need
PC-Images pop-up features then check "EZ-Show" which specializes in
stand-alone presentations.  EGA,VGA,MCGA,SVGA. RSE Shareware. Reg-$35

31808  EZSHOW.EXE     61184   EZ-Show ver 1.3: Create professional
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   desktop presentations and slide shows WITHOUT
SCRIPTS.  Extrememly easy to use.  Works with anything your screen can
display, from text screens to super-VGA graphics. Includes capture program,
presentation creation program and royalty free show program. Fades,
individual picture delays, user flow control, branching, background
processing, much more.  And it's a piece of cake to use.  AOL "Graphic Top
Picks". RSE Shareware - $39 registration

31813  SSCORP14.ZIP   34048   Corporate Logo Screen Saver for Windows 3.1
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Use your own bitmap logo as a screen saver.
Any BMP that will fit on your screen can be floated as a screen saver.
Password support and windows help is included.  Site license and source is
available.  This release adds 24 bit BMP support and self registration.

31814  DIAL20.ZIP     98432   The Dialer makes placing a phone call as
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   easy as pressing a single key. Its features
include: keeps a log of all completed calls, displays a call timer,
instantly redials busy numbers, maintains a personal telephone book, has
full editing capabilities, makes touch tone sounds at specified times,
mouse support, tone or pulse dialing, and more.

31866  PKZ204G.EXE   202624   [SYSOP NOTE: This Version replaces all
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   previous Versions]. <NEW> Version 2.04G of
the PkZip/PkUnzip utilities from PkWare, Inc. This version corrects
problems with the earlier release of Version 2.04C. Will also detect the
presense of Windows, OS/2, QDPMI, and PC-KWIK. A detailed file is included
highlighting the new features and changes. This new Version 2.04G will
decompress files compressed with older Versions of PkZip.  Note however
that older Versions of PkZip will NOT decompress files compressed with this
latest release, V2.04G.

31883  VIRX26D.ZIP   107708   VIRx V2.6d, the Virex_for_the_PC *FREE*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Virus Scanner.  Fully functional scanner,
with almost 1300 virus strings, it's the fastest and most comprehensive
scanner available - and at no charge. Catches over 1400 viruses.  PKLITE,
LZEXE decompression. 5 new viruses. Detects 100% of the Mutation Engine
viruses. Even faster than previous release. Some false Positive fixes.
Up/auth: Ross M. Greenberg [GREENBER]

31891  COMMO541.ZIP  172928   {COMMO} is a very powerful, high-performance,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   communications program.  Designed for the
discriminating user, it has professional features not found in other
programs -- including those with "pro" in their name.  The macro language
allows a very high degree of automation and customizing. Improvements
include new Zmodem macros to support DSZ, GSZ and TXZM; improved
performance under OS/2 and Windows; faster macro processing; plus numerous
other enhancements.

31913  STAX92.ZIP    266368   1992 user-friendly Form 1040 tax program
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   for individuals and paid tax preparers.
Prints IRS-approved high-quality graphic Form 1040 on LaserJet, DeskJet,
IBM ProPrinter, Epson FX and LQ. Prints IRS-approved substitutes for all
other forms on any printer.  Automatic installation, pull-down menus, mouse
support and on-line help. Includes: 1040, A, B, C, D, E, EIC, F, R, SE,
2106, 2119, 2441, 3903, 4137, 4562, 6251, 8606, 8615, 8829, worksheets and
client invoice.  Form 1040-ES added and minor cosmetic mods since last
upload.  Version 2.5.  Requires 370K RAM and 1 diskette.  Economical
Shareware.

31870  1040XL.ZIP     99328   1040XL is a series of Excel spreadsheets
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   (in workbook format) based on income tax form
1040.  It looks EXACTLY like a paper 1040.  Includes form 1040, schedule A,
schedule B, and assocaited worksheets.  Really simplifies tax preparation
and calculation.  Requires Excel 4.0. $10 registration required.

31896  WSMART.ZIP     31360   WordSmart V1.1 is a text file reformatter.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   Use WSM to remove all Hard Returns from
within paragraphs. This makes for easy importing into DTP and Word
Processors. WSM can either compress or expand line lengths while word
wrapping. WordSmart also has options to remove form feeds, and runs of
spaces past one. Redirection and piping are possible. Author: Lambert
Klein.  <<ASP>> Shareware. $14.00

31924  APCAL320.ZIP  161920   This appointment calendar is extremely easy
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""   to use because the screens are set up in
formats with which you are already familiar.  For example, it contains
monthly calendars with day blocks in which you can type notes like a wall
or desk calendar.  Appointments are set up like most appointment books,
simply type the appointment next to the time.  The appointment times can be
configured to match your schedule.  Appointment features include: move,
copy, delete, search, quick scan and more.  NEW pop up TSR mode and
international time and date formats.  Alarms, reminders, printouts and much
more. Gamma Software - Shareware $25.

                               [*][*][*]


     Unfortunately, sometimes files are removed from the library after we
publish this magazine.  In many cases, the removed file has been replaced
with an updated version of that file.  If you can't find one of the files
listed here, there is a way to check for a newer version.  Do a keyword
search on the library using a word that describes the file you are looking
for.  Chances are, you will find a newer verion of that file, or another
file that meets your expectations.

     Well, that wraps it up for this month.  Remember, this is just a small
sample of the files available in the IBM and Windows Roundtables.  The next
time you are looking for that certain utility or application, head on over
the Software Library and, chances are, it will be there just waiting for
you to download.


       /////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
      / "Your probably right!  But isn't mustard a plant or something /
     / that that the workers in the field used to have to cut, but   /
    / when they get to hold, they can't cut the MUSTARD any more?   /
   / hmmmmm!  Hey! This sound like a new topic...........(HaHa)    /
  / I think we better give this serious investigation.....:D "    /
 ///////////////////////////////////////////////  W.DAVIS20  ////



[EOA]
[PDQ]//////////////////////////////
                    PD_QUICKVIEW /
/////////////////////////////////
CompuShow:  See It All
""""""""""""""""""""""
By Brad Biondo
    [B.BIONDO]



          Program Name    :  CompuShow
          Filename        :  CSHOWA.ZIP (and CSHOWA.TXT)
          Library Area    :  14
          Program Number  :  31798 (and 31799)
          File Size       :  151,168 (and 11,136)
          Program Type    :  Graphics
          Author          :  Bob Berry
          Version Reviewed:  8.60a
          File Type       :  Shareware / $25.00

                               [*][*][*]


FROM THE AUTHOR   CompuShow begins by displaying a directory of your disk
"""""""""""""""   files, which may be sorted by file name, extension,
size or date.  Page through multiple screens or jump immediately to a file
name by typing the first letter.  Move to a different disk drive or
sub-directory by pointing to it and pressing a key or clicking the mouse.

     Select a graphic file for display by moving a highlight bar around the
file directory with the cursor keys or mouse.

     Display a graphic in any mode supported by your video adapter (for
example, a VGA adapter supports CGA, EGA, and MCGA displays), or pressing
the spacebar tells the program to automatically select the "best display
mode", based on the size and number of colors in the image.

     CompuShow displays CompuServe GIF and RLE, MacPaint, Dr.  Halo, PC
Paint, PC Paintbrush, RIX Ega Paint and ColoRix, Targa 16/24/32,
uncompressed and RLE, mapped and RGB images, IFF/ILBM/HAM, Windows BMP,
TIFF, Gem/Ventura IMG and JPEG (JFIF) graphics.

                               [*][*][*]

                     .                       __
                    (^)        <^>         /~  ~\
                     \-=======_/"\_======-/     \)
  PD_Q RATING        "\.  FIVE  LAMPS  ./"
  """""""""""           "\._   _   _./"
                             (_____)
DOCUMENTATION   VERY GOOD
"""""""""""""
PD_Q COMMENTS   Have you looked around at the files in the IBM PC RT
"""""""""""""   library and seen file extensions like .GIF or .PCX?  Have
you wondered what they are?  Or maybe you know they're graphics files, but
you don't have a clue on how to view them?  Well, CompuShow can come to the
rescue.

     CompuShow is extremely easy to use, but also comes with some
meaningful documentation on how to get started, and to utilize the various
options.  The online help is also useful.  Simply put, you click or select
a graphics file, and CompuShow displays it for you.  That's it!  There are
various keys you can use to alter how the image is displayed, including
colors, panning, and the like.  Note this just changes the display, not the
graphics file itself.  The author offers a companion program, CompuMake
Tools, which will convert various formats to GIF (why is it pronounced Jif?
The G stands for Graphics - that's not pronounced "Jraf' ics", is it?!?!
Now our CowToons artist will start drawing giraffes?!?!?  Where was I?)

     The second file listed above (CSHOWA.TXT) contains some documentation
condensed from the user manual to let you see what CompuShow is and does
before you invest in downloading the entire program file (a nice touch!).
As you can see above, the list is quite extensive.  I downloaded
MALCOLM.GIF (file# 31176, Lib 14, 94,208 bytes) to test CompuShow out on my
286-12MHz VGA system, and in a matter of seconds, I selected the file and
displayed it.  Simple, yet powerful!

     Please note CompuShow needs a graphics monitor to run.

     Registration is $25, for which you receive the enhanced version of the
program which includes everything above, plus a system configuration
program, printing capabilities, and the capability to create slide shows.
Also, upgrade notices are mailed to all registered users.  CompuShow is
available from Canyon State Systems, P.O.  Box 86, Sedona, AZ 86339-0086.

     Enjoy!


               ////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
              / "Better yet, pick up a copy of Computer Shopper; /
             / you'll go to ad heaven."                         /
            ///////////////////////////////////  A.FASOLDT  ////



[EOA]
[FUN]//////////////////////////////
                     ONLINE FUN! /
/////////////////////////////////
Search-ME!
""""""""""
By Scott Garrigus
     [S.GARRIGUS]



EXPLORING GEnie   Have you ever wondered what will happen to you in the
"""""""""""""""   future?  If maybe you'll find romance or become rich?
Don't say no because like any other human being in this world I know you
have! :-)  Yes!  We'd all like to see what the future might hold for us but
unfortunately the time machine hasn't been invented yet.  Here on GEnie
though, we've got the next best thing... the Astrology Roundtable!

     That's right!  This month I visited the Astrology Roundtable (page
1180) and found a lot of fascinating facts!  If your interested in
astrology at all you've got to check this RT out!  Exchange messages with
other astrology fanatics in the BBS and you can even download your
horoscopes from the library!  It's great fun!

     But before you go, be sure and solve this months puzzle...  Until next
month...  Keep on smilin'! :-)



                    >>> THE ASTROLOGY ROUNDTABLE <<<
                    """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
                      ~ M1180  Keyword:ASTROLOGY ~

             D V T U D B S S U I R A U Q A D A T M X Y Y S
             M G Z V H C K S A S K H E S W S U R U A T J Y
             K O L F O O Q A S Q N B P H O F G O P X E Y A
             M T R R N W N J K N Q C O S I Y E K D Z R R U
             P U P E F A S M J C O B C P A L J N X P B P R
             V I K D L X A C M C A P S P G O Q A X I I A I
             O L S Y Y S G A N G S P O T R S T E L D W J H
             U Y S C N B I N F W N G R I S N E V A E H A H
             O E Z G E V T C G U E U O I I N D Y A H S U Q
             S K I B I S T E Z M A T H C C O N Z N T M D S
             L S H L W J A R I H O S N U L O A C R Q U E G
             P A Q J E U R N W L B X T Q I W R O C I I I W
             T I C G R S I W M W F V I R G O L N N R K I S
             D F I I T C U C H A R T P S O O H B A X U K W
             M Y V A T I S F A U M T N R G L A Z X A C R D
             L V R W H S O L F D F A M I U B O S M U Q Y Q
             W S N F L Y Y K E W B F C Y S L U G P M M R H
             N D R K Q Y N M H D P A N T U A E Y Y L Z V Q
             Z D V M E A U F G X L N Z U L A P B A B S D H
             H A T R T V C N T E F M N Z R R L I Q Y L U R

                ANALYSES        AQUARIUS        ARIES
                ASTROLOGICAL    ASTROLOGY       CANCER
                CAPRICORN       CHART           GEMINI
                HEAVENS         HOROSCOPE       LEO
                LIBRA           MYSTICAL        PISCES
                SAGITTARIUS     SCORPIO         SIGNS
                STARS           TAURUS          VIRGO

                               [*][*][*]


GIVE UP?   You will find the answers in the LOG OFF column at the end of
""""""""   the magazine.

           This column was created with a program called SEARCH ME,
           an Atari ST program by David Becker.


         /////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
        / "P.S. This post ought to drive the Topic Cops crazy about /
       / where it should go  <grin> - it touches on 2-3 different  /
      / topics (Interpretation, Legalities and ABCO)."            /
     /////////////////////////////////////////////  LEPULLEY  ////



[EOA]
[BOB]//////////////////////////////
                      DOCTOR BOB /
/////////////////////////////////
The Plain Vanilla Guide, Part 5
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Bob M. Connors
     [R.CONNORS2]



                 >>> THE PLAIN VANILLA GUIDE TO DOS <<<
                 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

Editor's Note   This series of articles was originally published in
"""""""""""""   TeleTalk Online Magazine and distributed via the now
non-existent T/TalkNETwork.  Back issues of TeleTalk Online Magazine are
available in the GEnieLamp RoundTable Library (M515).

                               [*][*][*]


LAST MONTH...   we began talking about DOS commands and how they are used.
"""""""""""""   We continue that same theme again this month with other
commands. Remember, DOS commands can be built into DOS or they can be
separate utilities that come with DOS. This month, we are going to discuss
some of the utilities.

     One of the most useful utilities you will find with DOS is DISKCOPY
which is used to make an exact duplicate of a diskette. For example, let's
say you have just received that whiz-bang commercial program you have
always wanted and that it is not copy-protected (this is important as
DISKCOPY will not copy a copy- protected diskette).  You want to use the
diskette, but are afraid of damaging it.  DISKCOPY will create a duplicate
of it for you provided you have two floppy drives (if you don't have two
floppy drives, not to worry, since there is another way of doing the same
thing on a single drive system).

     If you have a high density drive that is capable of reading low
density floppy diskettes (high density drives have 1.2/1.44 megabyte or 750
Kbytes capacity, while low density have 360 Kbytes capacity), then put the
source (original) disk in that drive and the diskette you are copying to in
the other drive.  From the DOS prompt, type "DISKCOPY d1: d2:<ENTER>" where
d1: is the drive designator that contains the original disk and d2: is the
drive designator that contains the diskette you are copying to.

     DOS will respond with prompts to tell you to insert your source and
destination disks into drives d1: and d2: respectively then to press any
key when you are ready. Since you have already done that (you did close the
drive doors, right?) just press <ENTER> at that point. Now you can sit back
and watch the lights blink on your disk drives, first on d1: and then on
d2: (it may repeat a few times.  Each time the light comes on on d1:, DOS
is reading from the source diskette and each time the light comes on on
d2:, DOS is writing to the destination diskette.

     After a minute or so, the copying will be completed and DOS will ask
you if you want to make another copy. If not, answer "N" (for no) and you
will return to the DOS prompt. If you want to make another copy, answer "Y"
(for yes) and you will see the same prompts as before telling you to insert
the source and destination diskettes in the appropriate drives. At this
point, you can remove the new diskette you just created and insert another
diskette or, if you would rather, you can remove the original diskette,
replacing it with the destination diskette you just made, and use the copy
to make another copy. After you have all the copies you want, terminate
DISKCOPY (by answering "N" to the "another copy" prompt, and remove the
diskettes from the drive.

     To avoid accidental erasure of your copies, label them so you know
what is on them.  What you put on the label is not really important, but I
always include at least the name of the program that is on it and the date
it was created.

     If you only have one drive, you can still use DISKCOPY.  At the DOS
prompt, type "DISKCOPY<ENTER>".  Note that no drives are specified. This is
a signal to DISKCOPY that you are only going to use one drive (even if you
have two drives installed).  It will tell you to put the source drive into
Drive A: (on most systems that is either the lower drive or the left-most
drive).  Put your diskette (original) in the drive and press <ENTER>. DOS
will read the contents of the diskette into memory.

     When DOS is finished reading the diskette, it will tell you to put the
destination diskette in Drive A:.  Remove the original and then insert the
destination diskette. Press <RETURN> when this is done and DOS will copy
the contents to the diskette.  You may be prompted one or more times to
swap the source and destination diskettes, depending on available memory in
your system.  If you only have 256K memory installed, you can count on
swapping diskettes at least once. Pay close attention and do not mix up the
diskettes and you remove and insert them. To do so would prove fatal (to
your diskettes and you if you have a heart attack). When it is all copied,
you again will be prompted for another copy. Give the appropriate response
as stated for the two drive copy.

     Before moving on to another command, here are a few things you need
to know about DISKCOPY:

   1. The destination diskette does not have to be formatted in
      order to use DISKCOPY.  The utility will format the
      diskette for you as it makes a copy.

   2. You cannot execute DISKCOPY if your DOS prompt shows you
      are on a hard drive. So, before using it, type "A:<ENTER>"
      to make the default drive the first drive if you have a
      hard drive installed.

   3. You cannot use the hard drive as the source or destination
      drive.  The only acceptable drive desginators are A: or B:
      for the source and destination. You will receive an error
      message otherwise and DISKCOPY will abort.

   4. If you get an error while copying, DISKCOPY will display
      the side of the diskette and the track number the error is
      at.  Just run DISKCOPY again.  If you get the error a
      second time, you may have to pre-format the destination
      disk or use another diskette.

   5. If you get a message saying "Disk error while reading...",
      you are probably trying to copy a copy-protected diskette
      which DISKCOPY cannot do. Otherwise, remove the diskette,
      reinsert it, and tell DOS retry (Press R).  If the error
      persists, then the diskette is more than likely corrupted
      and you should not attempt to copy it.

     Why not use the BACKUP command instead of DISKCOPY?  For two reasons:
BACKUP will not format a blank diskette and BACKUP does a file by file copy
and does not duplicate the diskette. More will be covered on BACKUP in a
future column.

     Before filing away your diskettes after using DISKCOPY, you need to
be sure that they are good copies.  You can check this using the command,
DISKCOMP.  Like DISKCOPY, you can use the same or different disk drives for
the comparison. The syntax to use this utility is:

   [drive:\pathname\]DISKCOMP [d1: [d2:]] [/1][/8]

     The "drive:\pathname\" is the drive and directory where DISKCOMP can
be found.  If that drive and pathname are specified by the PATH command in
your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, they can be ommitted (that is why they are included
in brackets (the "[]"). Anything appearing within brackets is optional.

     The four parameters following DISKCOMP are also optional.  D1: and
D2: are replaced by the source and destination drives, respectively, if
used (A: and B:  or B: and A:).

     If you are using an old version of DOS, you may only have a
single-sided diskette (all new computers and versions of DOS use
double-sided diskettes).  If so, use the "/1" parameter to tell DOS to read
only one side.

     Also for older versions of DOS, your diskette may contain only 8
sectors per track instead of the 9 sectors for track now in common use. If
so, specify the "/8" parameter.

     The most common use of DISKCOMP will be either "DISKCOMP<ENTER>" or
"DISKCOMP A: B:<ENTER>" (or B: A:<ENTER>) and the other parameters will not
be used. The utility works in the same fashion as does DISKCOPY.  It will
prompt you to insert diskettes in the appropriate drive(s) at the
appropriate time and compare the two.  If they differ, you will get a
display telling you which track and sector are different. If DISKCOPY was
successful, you should never see a difference.

     You can also use DISKCOMP on diskettes not made by DISKCOPY but there
is really no valid reason to do so. You would end up with a lot of
differences more than likely.

     Because of the size of this month's issue, I am going to cut this
column a bit short.  Next month, we will start off with the DIR command and
will get a bit more into Input/Output (I/O) redirection. See you then.
TTFN!

                               [*][*][*]


               Copyright  (c) 1988  by Robert M. Connors
               Permission to Reprint is granted provided
               Copyright Notice is  included in reprint.


QUESTIONS?   Do you have a question or comment for Doctor Bob?  Leave GE
""""""""""   Mail to R.CONNORS2 or you can reach him in the GEnieLamp
bulletin board (M515;1) or you can contact him on the BBS Wildcat!
Orphanage at 719-392-6631.


      ////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
     / "I would pound on the tree's until my characters needed rest /
    / then back off.  Rest up and bash the tree's some more.  If   /
   / this got to boring I'd go off and chase rabbits for awhile,  /
  / great fun, especially with throwing the baseballs."          /
 ///////////////////////////////////////////////  JLHOFFMAN  ////



[EOA]
[CLA]//////////////////////////////
                        CLASSICS /
/////////////////////////////////
WHATPORT: Watch Your P's and IRQ's
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Brad Biondo
    [B.BIONDO]



          Program Name    :  WHATPORT
          Filename        :  WHPRT37.ZIP
          Library Area    :  5
          Program Number  :  21483
          File Size       :  11,340
          Program Type    :  Utility
          Author          :  Pete Petrakis
          Version Reviewed:  3.7
          File Type       :  Freeware / ($0)

                               [*][*][*]


FROM THE AUTHOR   This program detects what serial ports (COM1-COM4) are
"""""""""""""""   installed in a standard (PC, XT, AT) or PS/2 system.  The
type of mouse, if present, is also shown (serial, bus, InPort, PS/2, HP)
together with the interrupt request (IRQ) line it's using (unless it's a
PS/2).  The program warns of potential IRQ line conflicts between the mouse
and serial ports.  In the case of PS/2 computers, where there should be no
possibility of conflict between a PS/2 mouse and a serial port, version 3.5
only reports the presence of the PS/2 mouse and the serial ports that it
finds installed (up to COM4).

     Because standard PCs have only two IRQ lines for serial ports, COM3
must share COM1's IRQ line and COM4 must share COM2's IRQ line.
Unfortunately, two devices using the same IRQ line can't be active at the
same time.  COM3 can't be used for a printer or modem if a serial mouse is
active on COM1, for example.  Likewise, COM4 can't be used if a serial
mouse is active on COM2.  In other words, if you have four COM ports and a
mouse is attached to one of them, you do not have three COM ports available
for other devices, you only have two.  The COM port that shares the IRQ
line being used by the mouse is not usable.  WHATPORT detects and reports
such conflicts.

                               [*][*][*]
                     .                       __
                    (^)        <^>         /~  ~\
                     \-=======_/"\_======-/     \)
    PD_RATING        "\.  FIVE  LAMPS  ./"
    """""""""           "\._   _   _./"
DOCUMENTATION   EXCELLENT   (_____)
"""""""""""""
PD_Q COMMENTS   With the proliferation of peripherals in the PC world, the
"""""""""""""   chances of a conflict between devices becomes greater every
time you make a change to your system.  If you've never heard of IRQs, or
don't know a COM port from a parallel port, take the time to read the
documentation file that comes with this gem.  It is an _excellent_
explanation of what it's all about.

     Simplicity can be a wonderful thing.  This utility doesn't do all that
much.  It doesn't need to!  You run it, and it shows you what COM ports are
present, and what IRQs are being used.  If you have a mouse, it gives you
the information about that also.  But what a wealth of information!  If you
have a conflict, WHATPORT lets you know about it.

     There is no registration fee.  WHATPORT is provided free by Life
Sciences Editorial Services, Annapolis, Maryland.  What you download here
is all you need.


                /////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
               /  "Cool! Two quotes in the latest GEnieLamp!   /
              / THE OASIS! More quotes than any other topic!" /
             ///////////////////////////////  R.MARTIN22  ////



[EOA]
[ADD]//////////////////////////////
                    ADD ALADDIN! /
/////////////////////////////////
Cut & Paste Scripts For Aladdin
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Jim Lubin
 [JIM.LUBIN]


                         >>> GET THE LAMP! <<<
                         """""""""""""""""""""

TURBO-ALADDIN!   This month we've got a handy script that will log on to
""""""""""""""   GEnie and download one or more of your favorite GEnieLamp
magazines.  You then have a choice of logging off or doing an Autopass 1 or
2 first.  Jim has designed the script so you will spend a minimum amount of
time outside of the GEnie*Basic areas.


                              ~ CUT HERE ~
Script # Get The LAMP!
 Echo off

 ;By Jim Lubin [JIM.LUBIN]  - 2/7/93

 ;Set string 9 to [drive:][path\]
 ;Example: setstring 9 "c:\aladdin\text\"
 ;path *MUST* end with a backslash "\" or "" for current directory
 SETSTRING 9 ""  <===[R] default directory to save files
 clear
 note ""
 note "       GEnieLamp - Computing on GEnie Newsletter"
 note ""
 note "            <1> [*]Latest GEnieLamp IBM     "
 note "            <2> [*]Latest GEnieLamp Atari   "
 note "            <3> [*]Latest GEnieLamp Mac     "
 note "            <4> [*]Latest GEnieLamp MacPRO  "
 note "            <5> [*]Latest GEnieLamp Apple II"
 note "            <6> [*]Latest GEnieLamp A2PRO   "
 note "            <7> GEnieLamp File Of The Week  "
 note "            <8> GEnieLamp RoundTable News   "
 note ""
 note "Select 1 or more:"
 getstring 0
 if string 0 is ""
   goto end
 endif
 :get_pass
 Note ""
 Note "Perform Auto-pass 1 or 2 after capture?"
 note "(press <RETURN> to skip Auto-pass)"
 Getkey 4
 If string 4 is "1"
   Goto get_time
 Endif
 If string 4 is "2"
   Goto get_time
 Endif
 If string 4 is "^M"
   Goto get_time
 Endif
 Goto get_pass
 :get_time
 Note ""
 Note "Enter Time To Begin (24-hour format HH:MM)"
 Note "HH:MM   (or <RETURN> to begin now)"
 Getstring 1
  if string 1 is ""
  else
  note ""
  note "Waiting Until %1 To Begin Capture of %0"
  if string 4 is ""
  else
    note "and perform Auto-pass %4"
  endif
  note "   (or press any key to begin now)"
  waituntil %1
  endif
  commandmode on
  log on
  if string 0 has <1> [*]Latest GEnieLamp IBM
    setstring 2 "8"
    setstring 3 "IBMLMP.TXT"
    call capture
  endif
  if string 0 has <2> [*]Latest GEnieLamp Atari
    setstring 2 "9"
    setstring 3 "ATARILMP.TXT"
    call capture
  endif
  if string 0 has <3> [*]Latest GEnieLamp Mac
    setstring 2 "10"
    setstring 3 "MACLMP.TXT"
    call capture
  endif
  if string 0 has <4> [*]Latest GEnieLamp MacPRO
    setstring 2 "11"
    setstring 3 "MACPLMP.TXT"
    call capture
  endif
  if string 0 has <5> [*]Latest GEnieLamp Apple II
    setstring 2 "12"
    setstring 3 "A2LMP.TXT"
    call capture
  endif
  if string 0 has <6> [*]Latest GEnieLamp A2PRO
    setstring 2 "13"
    setstring 3 "A2PROLMP.TXT"
    call capture
  endif
  if string 0 has <8> GEnieLamp RoundTable News
    setstring 2 "5"
    setstring 3 "GENIELMP.NWS"
    call capture
  endif
  if string 0 has <7> GEnieLamp File Of The Week
    if currentlinehas "P 515?"
      sendcommand "7"
    else
      sendcommand "M515;7"
    endif
    sendcommand "D"
    sendline "4"
    waitfor "file."
    zmodem download "%9"
    waitforprompt
  endif
  if string 4 is "^M"
    log off
  else
    perform %4
  endif
  goto end
  :capture
  if currentlinehas "P 515?"
    sendline "%2"
  else
    sendline "M515;%2"
  endif
  erasefile "%9%3"
  capture "%9%3"
  waitforprompt
  endcapture
  return
 :end
 Endscript
                              ~ CUT HERE ~



               >>> HOW TO ADD THIS SCRIPT TO ALADDIN <<<
               """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

Installing The Script   First of all, you will need to separate this
"""""""""""""""""""""   script from the magazine.  To do this, just load
this magazine into any word processor or text editor, and cut or block this
script file out to it's own separate file and save it as SCRIPT.TXT.  Place
SCRIPT.TXT into your Aladdin folder.  Your script file will now
automatically load in when you boot up Aladdin.

IMPORTANT!   If you are already running one or more script files, you will
""""""""""   need to append this file to the end of your present
SCRIPT.TXT.  To do this in...


Aladdin IBM
"""""""""""
     o At Aladdin's main menu, call up an available script, or
       overwrite an existing script:

            [F7,A]      -to use an available script entry
            [F7,E,n]    -to edit a script already used
                         (n is the number of the script)

     o Make note of the script number in the script editor.

     o Use CTRL-Y to delete ALL the current text lines in the script
       editor.

     o Use CTRL-K,R to read the script file into the script editor.
       [CTRL-K,R,<filename>,ENTER]

     o Change the # in the line SCRIPT # to reflect the script
       number you've previously noted.

     o ESC to save


ALADDIN ST/AMI
""""""""""""""

     o Under the "File" menu, click on the "Edit User Script" option.
       This will load in your current script file.

     o Position the cursor at the end of your script file.  Now, using the
       "Paste File" option under "Edit" add the new script file.

     o Change the # in the line SCRIPT # to reflect the script number
       you've previously noted.   For example, if you have already
       installed 3 files, the line would like like this:

Script 7 Get The LAMP!

     o ESC to save


       //////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
      / "I do want to thank each and everyone of you, for all your /
     / input & help.. This is what GEnie'ing is all about!!"      /
    /////////////////////////////////////////////  T.EVANS21  ////



[EOA]
[ASK]//////////////////////////////
                  ASK DOCTOR BOB /
/////////////////////////////////
Gotta Problem?  Gotta Answer!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Bob Connors
  [R.CONNORS2]

     o   WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFE OF A HARD DRIVE?

          o  WHERE CAN I GET HELP FOR MY LASER PRINTER?



Doctor Bob,

What is the average life of a hard drive?  How about floppies?  Is it known
how long the data will stay on them without some type of refresh, or what
not?

Thanks!   -Bruce

Bruce,


     Gee Bruce, you sure come up with interesting questions.  The answers,
are subjective to say the least.

     Let's take the average life of a hard drive first.  I assume you are
talking about the life of the physical drive as opposed to the life of the
data contained on the drive but I will attempt to respond to each.

     Almost all electronic components in computers have what is called an
MTBF rating.  MTBF stands for Mean Time Before/Between Failure.  The value
assigned to this is usually some amount of hours and is usually the
manufacturer's best guess based on all testing done and possibly reports
from end users of the equipment and repair facilities.

     In the case of a hard drive, I do not personally think that many
manufacturers actually wait until drives fail before coming up with that
value because, if they did so, they would never get the equipment out the
door for sale.

     The actual life of a hard drive may have no relationship at all to the
rated life as it depends on so many factors.  Things like whether or not
the drive is used on a BBS system (where the computer is seldom shut off)
or type of applications and whether or not those applications cause a lot
of head thrashing (like a database program may do) play a role in the life
span of a hard drive.  Even whether or not children use the computer can be
a determining factor.  I have seen drives last a long time.  I am still
using drives in my computer that I used when I started up my BBS in 1987.
However, I also have a dead one from the same system.

     Data stored on the hard drive, on the other hand, can go bad.  Data is
stored magnetically on the drive and the magnetism holding that data in its
'fixed' position can weaken due to lack of use.  On hard drives, this is
usually not the problem though, although it can be.  Normally, DOS just
reports a read or write error for the data, a sector not found error, or
something similar.  In other words, data that was good the last time you
accessed it suddenly is no longer accessible.  The data can be a file of
information used by a program or the program itself.  There is no set time
when you can expect such errors.  According to Murphy, though, they will
happen when you least expect them, when your backup has not been done
recently enough, and when they will do the most damage!

     It is my experience that such problems are usually caused by drifting
head alignment.  That is, the hard disk read/write head no longer aligns
correctly with the track that contains the information.  Often, a retry or
a number of retries will succeed in reading or writing the information,
sometimes not.  When it happens, though, it usually results in an increase
in your heart rate and a quickening of your pulse, especially when the
retries fail.

     There are quite a few utilities available that help in such
situations.  Norton's Disk Doctor and SpinRite are a few of them that
immediately come to mind.  SpinRite is my favorite because of the way it
'realigns' the head by actually repositioning the hard disk tracks where
the head actually is, not where the head is supposed to be.

     The life span of data on floppy diskettes is another matter and again,
depends on many factors.  Among these are the age of the diskettes, how
they are stored, how they are handled, the environmental conditions,
whether or not they are generic, bulk, low cost diskettes or brand name,
the type of oxides or other materials used in their manufacturer, the
manufacturer itself, and on and on.

     I have diskettes that I used on my old TRS-80 back in 1979 that I can
still use with a fair amount of reliability on my XT clone system and,
there are others I cannot.  This is despite the fact that the diskettes
were certified to be one-sided and my XT uses both sides.

     Based on the above, I would say the bottom line answer to your
question is, no, it is not known with any certainty how long data will stay
on a diskette without need of refreshing.  There are just too many
variables to consider.  That is why the DOS God created the DISKCOPY
command and even that is not perfect.

I hope I have cleared this matter up for you.
-Doctor Bob

                               [*][*][*]


Doctor Bob,

     Would appreciate your help, if possible, in buying a Service Manual
for my Panasonic KX-P4420 laser printer.  Printer makes nice pages but the
reliability has been so-so.  I'd like to learn more about the printer but
Panasonic has not been helpful.  Their 800 number says to call a pay number
- and the pay number, a couple times, just put me on hold - which I
abandoned after several long distance minutes.  They have not responded to
a 5 Jan 93 snailmail letter.

     I haven't found a "Panasonic printer help" category or topic on GEnie.

     Thanks - from another Bob.


Another Bob,

     You are experiencing something that a lot of people seem to be also
experiencing with many firm's customer support.  I am always amazed that
companies always answer their 'sales' phone on the first ring and it always
seems to be a 1-800 number.  They are willing to spend the money and make
the effort to get you as a customer.

     After sales support really does not live up to the same standard
though.  The customer service or technical support number is invariably not
toll free and, from what I have been reading in the IBM PC RoundTable,
people get put on hold for what I consider unreasonable amounts of time.
To make matters worse, the call backs that get promised are not always
made, even after repeated calls to the company.

     But, I editorialize and am not solving your problem.  The only advice
I can give you is to try Category 15, Topic 71 in the IBMPC RoundTable.
The label for that topic is Panasonic Printers.  I don't remember seeing
any recent messages there but I do know that the topic is still open.


     Good luck, Bob.  I wish I could be more help to you.
-Doctor Bob
                               [*][*][*]


ASK DOCTOR BOB   Do you have a question about operating systems, GEnie or
""""""""""""""   anything concerning computers?  If so, you can get your
questions answered here in GEnieLamp by Doctor Bob.  Any question is fair
game...and if the good Doctor Bob doesn't know the answer, he'll find
someone who does.  Stop wandering around in the dark, send your question to
Doctor Bob in the GEnieLamp RoundTable bulletin board, CATegory 3, TOPic 2.



[EOA]
[HAC]//////////////////////////////
                      HACK'N IBM /
/////////////////////////////////
[*]An Apple ImageWriter On A What?
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Bill Yung
   [W.YUNG1]



         >>> APPLE IMAGEWRITER II WITH NON-APPLE COMPUTERS <<<
         """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

EDITOR'S NOTE  The illustrations for this modification are available in
"""""""""""""  the GEnieLamp Library.  Download HACKIBM1.ZIP.

                               [*][*][*]


     I've seen many a Christmas come and go since the one my Dad surprised
us with an ImageWriter II for our Apple IIc. It wasn't a surprise to me but
to my nine year old sister it was and that's all that mattered. She wanted
to make banners in color and the old Epson Dad brought home the month
before didn't cut the mustard.

     Recently, my Mom mentioned the ImageWriter II wasn't working. She
directed me to the basement where I saw a heap of cables, disks and
off-white boxes that used to be a computer system.  Looking at the
conglomeration my immediate reaction was "there can't be anything here
worth fixing" but upon closer examination I decided the printer looked like
a solid piece of gear.  There was some pretty crude logic at work here. I
was taught at a tender age when evaluating loudspeakers and power amps, the
heavier the better and the ImageWriter II weighed a ton so I loaded the
entire pile into the van and took it home to experiment.  After hooking up
all the components I discovered the problem with the printer was probably
being out of paper. It didn't take long to bound over this hurdle and I was
printing in color with Print Shop for the Apple II.

     If the story ended here, it wouldn't serve much purpose and neither
does Print Shop. I'm sure there are many people who still love the IIc but
I'm not "in the know" on the platform, so the uses for it seemed limited. I
decided (as with most non-standard hardware) it would be far more useful if
the apparent barrier between platforms could be removed.

    Being an avid Macintosh user, (via Spectre/Atari ST) I found the
possibilities intriguing and imagined someone had probably figured out a
sure and clear path to a successful marriage of the two. I was partly
correct as, being the invaluable resource GEnie is, my first clues were
found on-line. In the Gadgets RT, I was able to find some posts containing
exactly the information I needed. I tried all three configurations offered
by the inhabitants of the RT with no success.  Discouraged, but not ready
to say "uncle", I made a visit to our local Apple dealer and picked up a
copy of The ImageWriter II Technical Reference Manual. Now I was in
business. The whole works were in this book. Pinouts, dip switch settings
and even (to my surprise) in the vvveeeerrrry back, a chart containing the
exact method used to make the ImageWriter II compatible with the RS-232
standard. My search was over! I'm home free!...WRONG! It didn't work. Now I
WAS dejected.

    My despair soon turned to aggravation and then a yammering annoyance.
Inevitably provoking me to torture myself to a greater extent... but I was
out of clues. I opted at this point to bring out the big guns and hook up
my RS-232 mini-tester. (As big a gun as $8 can buy) This little tool
enlightened me to the problem which I quickly rectified and I'm here to
tell you how to do the same.

    If you're wondering why someone would want to do this, there's several
good reasons. First and foremost, it prints in color.  The ribbon is four
color (red, yellow, blue and black) but many other colors can be generated
by combining the primary colors. Secondly, this is a very well constructed
printer. Everything about the machine exudes quality from the paper feed
mechanism to the powerful and accurate servos that move the print head and
ribbon cartridge in four directions.  To my surprise, this is one unit left
from the Apple II days still in production today and a staple item for Mac
heads worldwide.  Thirdly, if you're not lucky enough to own one, used
prices vary from between $100-$250 which is darn reasonable for a COLOR
printer.


Howzit Work?   As some of you sharp folks may have figured out, the
""""""""""""   ImageWriter II is a serial printer. It operates at 9600
baud with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity bit. This means you're
going to have the same problem all high speed modem users have... you're
going to have to handshake and use flow control. There are two types of
flow control available, hardware and software. Hardware flow control is
know as RTS/CTS while the software type is called XON/XOFF. The more common
and most reliable is hardware flow control so that's the type we're going
to implement albeit in a non-standard fashion. The reason we need the flow
control to function properly is the computer can spit data a lot faster
than the printer can print it out so we have to be able to tell the
computer to stop sending data when the printer's buffer is full. An
overflowed buffer is an ugly sight behold.  Trust me! It usually ends with
a continuous form feed and it's amazing how fast the ImageWriter II can
chew through a thick stack of paper.  Sometimes the ImageWriter will do you
the added service of printing a few garbage characters at the top of each
page along the way thus wasting paper at a rate of @ 100 sheets/minute!  I
encourage you not to leave the printer unattended during your initial
testing phase for this reason alone. There are several different types of
cables available off the shelf that provide the proper type of connectors
but I can assure you none of them will make an ImageWriter II work with a
standard serial port. So if you're convinced you'd like to try this little
hack, you'll have to make the cable yourself.


Here's How   I've included graphics to accompany this article but as usual
""""""""""   I will attempt to explain the procedure clearly and
completely enough to facilitate successful completion of the project
without them.  The parts required are a female 25 pin d-sub or a female 9
pin d-sub, a suitable length of 7 conductor cable and an male 8 pin mini
DIN connector.  Those of you with 9 pin serial ports (you know who you are)
will want to avoid the use of any adapters and use the female 9 pin d-sub
instead of the female 25 pin d-sub. With this cable any computer with an
RS-232 serial port will work perfectly with the ImageWriter II. At least
from a hardware point of view. Text can be printed in color from any
wordprocessor provided you have an Imagewriter manual with the escape codes
for color. If your software includes an Imagewriter printer driver, you'll
be able to print color graphics. Pagestream (for the Atari ST) does supply
such a driver.  (Two in fact, one for color and one for B&W) You don't need
a color monitor for your computer to enjoy color printouts. Here's the pin
by pin description:


Get To The Point!
"""""""""""""""""

    8 pin mini DIN          25 pin RS-232           9 pin RS-232
    """"""""""""""          """""""""""""           """"""""""""
    1-Data Set Ready        5,6 and 8               8,6 and 1
    2-Data Terminal Ready   20                      4
    3-Receive Data          3                       2
    4-Ground                7                       5
    5-Transmit Data         2                       3
    6-Transmit Data +       No Connection           No Connection
    7-No Connection         No Connection           No Connection
    8-Receive Data +        7                       5

    That's all there is to it. Works like a charm. For those of you without
the graphics for this article the mini DIN pin-outs count like this: When
holding the plug facing you with the row of 2 pins toward the bottom, count
left to right, bottom to top. The RS-232 connectors will have the pin
numbers marked on them. You may need a magnifying glass and good lighting
to see them though. If this pinout looks familiar to the MegaSTe/TT owners,
it should. It's exactly the same as the LAN port. Kinda makes ya wonder
don't it?  If you're wondering about the Transmit + and Receive + lines,
they're for balancing the transmission signals. This reduces noise by huge
factor allowing the long cable runs necessary for LAN operations.  Audio
guys are sure to understand the importance of balanced lines but since
we're going a short distance to the printer and RS-232 doesn't provide for
this type of operation, we won't be using them the way they were intended.
The method we're using works something like this:  When the printer's
buffer becomes full, it drops the Data Set Ready (We don't wanna talk right
now), the Carrier Detect (We're not even home), and the Clear to Send.
(Don't call us; we'll call you.) Thus giving the computer the cold shoulder
for a while and deservedly so.


Trouble Shooting   The type of problem you'll see when flow control is not
""""""""""""""""   happening is the aforementioned buffer overflow. The
printer will work great until it falls behind and the buffer overflows. At
that point your best bet is to shut the printer off and reset your
software. In Spectre, I had no luck at all until everything was perfect.

    A handy tool for trouble shooting any RS-232 problem is an RS-232
mini-tester. It's not a fancy thing. It looks like a null modem with led's
representing the status of the significant lines. Radio Shack sells one but
I found one at the local computer store for @ half the price. If you do
happen to have one, all the lights should be red except the RxD and TxD
which are green while the printer is on-line.  De-selecting the printer
should cause CTS, DSR and and CD to go green.  If this is true of your work
and you're still having problems, check the dip switch settings to make
sure they are set to the factory default position as follows:

        Dip Switch Bank 1               Dip Switch Bank 2*
        """""""""""""""""               """"""""""""""""""
          All 8 switches                1  2  3  4  5  6
           up or open                   D  D  U  U  D  U


                                        *D=down or closed
                                         U=up or open

     For the curious here's the functions of the some additional dip
switches:

     Bank 1 switches 1-3 select the language
     Bank 1 switch 4 selects a form length of 11 or 12 inches
     Bank 1 switch 5 enables perforation skip
     Bank 1 switches 6 and 7 select character pitch
     Bank 1 switch 8 determines whether a line feed should be added to CR's
     Bank 2 switches 1 and 2 set the baud rate as follows:

            Switch 1            Switch 2            Baud Rate
            """"""""            """"""""            """""""""
              Open                Open                 300
             Closed               Open                 1200
              Open               Closed                2400
             Closed              Closed                9600

     I didn't try different baud rates but I should mention it's a good
idea to set your port at RTS/CTS at 9600 baud before printing.

Bank 2 switch 3 selects RTS/CTS when open and XON/XOFF when closed.
Bank 2 switch 4 enables the option card which can carry a 32k buffer.

     The last two switches control the hammer-fire timing which optimizes
bi-directional dot placement and should not be changed from the factory
setting.


Testing and Use   For Spectre users I'd like to recommend the typewriter
"""""""""""""""   DA available here in the Mac RT. It will allow you to
print in color and exercise almost all the software commands for the
ImageWriter II. I had trouble with it under Multi-Finder and System 6.0.7
but it works fine with the Finder. It's worth a look.  PageStream worked
fine with graphics and text provided one doesn't use a print density higher
than 4.  WordWriterII proved adaptable to the cause by setting the printer
port to serial in the control panel.  Using the same configuration, STeno
didn't see the printer at all.  WordWriter II includes a printer install
utility enabling one to write their own printer driver as well as issue
printer commands manually from inside a document. If you buy an ImageWriter
II used, insist on a manual so you'll be able to configure your software
with the proper escape sequences. In Spectre, if your cable isn't right,
the machine will lock up and wait for a Clear to Send that never arrives.
Make sure you have the version of the ImageWriter Chooser document that
matches your System and Finder. You will need to select "Serial" under the
Printer menu in the Spectre program to get results as well. When printing
from any TOS application run the appropriate patch program to get RTS/CTS
working. One may also check the control panel to verify the correct port is
selected on the Mega STe and TT. The best printouts I was able to obtain
came from Kevin Mitchell's GIF Convertor for the Macintosh. Make sure to
set the resolution to 144dpi for highest detail. I've also tested with
Write Now and MacDraw II with excellent results. In summation, all the
software I tried worked with few exceptions.


Log-off   As always, I will be happy to help the needy through GE-mail at
"""""""   the address (W.YUNG1) anytime. I'd love to hear from you if you
get things working right too. (I'm always good for a pat on the back.) I'd
especially like to hear from anyone who gets this working with an IBM or
Amiga. I'm sure someone has figured this out already but try as I might, I
couldn't find an accurate account of their work so I humbly submit this
semi-factual account for approval. If you're interested in color printing
on any computer platform, this may be a good low cost option. Who knows?
You may even find one laying around in your Mom's basement.

                               [*][*][*]


PLEASE REMEMBER!   You are responsible for any damage or  liability when
""""""""""""""""   you  make  any  modifications  or  upgrades  to  your
equipment.  Also keep  in mind that  opening your computer may void your
guarantee.  If you  are unsure  of your  ability to  take on a  hardware
project, find someone who isn't.


      /////////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE ////
     / Why didn't I think of using the old and then saving it to the /
    / new?  The joys of GEnie forever.  Thanks."                    /
   ////////////////////////////////////////////////  K.OLSON10  ////



[EOA]
[LOG]//////////////////////////////
                         LOG OFF /
/////////////////////////////////
GEnieLamp Information
"""""""""""""""""""""

    o   COMMENTS: Contacting GEnieLamp

         o   GEnieLamp STAFF: Who Are We?

              o   GET_THE_LAMP Scripts & Macros

                    o   SEARCH-ME! Answers



GEnieLamp     GEnieLamp is monthly  online magazine  published  in  the
"""""""""     GEnieLamp  RoundTable  on page 515.   You can  also  find
GEnieLamp in the ST (475), the  Macintosh (605), the IBM (615) Apple II
(645),  A2Pro (530), Unix  (160),  Mac Pro (480), Geoworks (1050),  BBS
(610), CE Software  (1005) and  the  Mini/Mainframe (1145) RoundTables.
GEnieLamp can also be found on CrossNet,  Internet,  America Online and
many public and commercial BBS systems worldwide.

     We welcome and respond to all GEmail.To leave messages, suggestions
or just to say hi,  you can contact us in the GEnieLamp RoundTable (515)
or send GE Mail to John Peters at [GENIELAMP] on page 200.


U.S. MAIL
"""""""""
                       GEnieLamp Online Magazine
                           Atten: John Peters
                       5102 Galley Rd. Suite 115/B
                       Colorado Springs, CO  80915


                        >>> GEnieLamp STAFF <<<
                        """""""""""""""""""""""

  GEnieLamp    o John Peters        [GENIELAMP]    Editor-In-Chief
  """""""""

   ATARI ST    o John Gniewkowski   [J.GNIEWKOWSK] Editor
   """"""""    o Mel Motogawa       [M.MOTOGAWA]   ST Staff Writer
               o Terry Quinn        [TQUINN]       ST Staff Writer
               o Sheldon Winick     [S.WINICK]     ST Staff Writer
               o Richard Brown      [R.BROWN30]    ST Staff Writer
               o John Hoffman       [JLHOFFMAN]    ST Staff Writer

  ATARI TX2    o David Holmes       [D.HOLMES14]   TX2 Editor
  """""""""
 ATARI [PR]    o Fred Koch          [F.KOCH]       Editor/PD_Q
 """"""""""
        IBM    o Robert M. Connors  [R.CONNORS2]   Editor
        """    o Peter Bogert       [P.BOGERT1]    IBM Staff Writer
               o Brad Biondo        [B.BIONDO]     IBM Staff Writer
               o Tippy Martinez     [TIPPY.ONE]    IBM Staff Writer

  MACINTOSH    o James Flanagan     [JFLANAGAN]    Editor
  """""""""    o Richard Vega       [R.VEGA]       Mac Co-Editor
               o Dan "Remo" Barter  [D.BARTER]     Mac Staff Writer
               o Tom Trinko         [T.TRINKO]     Mac Staff Writer
               o Bret Fledderjohn   [FLEDDERJOHN]  Mac Staff Writer
               o Bill Garrett       [BILL.GARRETT] Mac Staff Writer

     MacPRO    o James Flanagan     [JFLANAGAN]    Editor
     """"""    o Erik C. Thauvin    [MACSPECT]     Supervising Editor
               o Chris Innanen      [C.INNANEN]    MacPRO Staff Writer
               o Paul Collins       [P.COLLINS]    MacPRO Staff Writer

   APPLE II    o Darrel Raines      [D.RAINES]     Editor
   """"""""    o Phil Shapiro       [P.SHAPIRO1]   A2 Co-Editor
               o Mel Fowler         [MELSOFT]      A2 Staff Writer

       A2Pro   o Jim B. Couch       [J.COUCH2]     Editor
       """""

    INTERNET   o Jim Lubin          [JIM.LUBIN]    GEnieLamp IBM
    """"""""

       ETC.    o Jim Lubin          [JIM.LUBIN]    Add Aladdin
       """"    o Scott Garrigus     [S.GARRIGUS]   Search-ME!
               o Bruce Faulkner     [R.FAULKNER4]  CrossNET Support
               o Mike White         [M.WHITE25]    Cowlumnist (CowTOONS!)


GEnieLamp CONTRIBUTORS
""""""""""""""""""""""

                   o Steven Weyhrich            [S.WEYHRICH]
                   o Bill Yung                  [W.YUNG1]
                   o Al Fasoldt                 [A.FASOLDT]
                   o Gina Saikin                [G.SAIKIN]


                       >>> SEARCH-ME! ANSWERS <<<
                       """"""""""""""""""""""""""

             + + + + + + S S U I R A U Q A + + + + + + + +
             + + + + + C + + + + + + E + + S U R U A T + +
             + + + + O + + A + + + + P + + + + O + + + + A
             + + + R + + N + + + + + O + + + E + + + + R +
             P + P + + A S + + C + + C + + L + + + + B + +
             + I + + L + A C + + A + S + + + + + + I + + +
             O + S Y + S G A + + + P O + + + + + L + + + +
             + + S C N + I N + + + G R + S N E V A E H A +
             + E + G E + T C + + E + O I + + + + + + S + +
             S + I + + S T E + M A + H + C + + + + T + + S
             L S + + + + A R I + + S + + + O + + R + + E +
             + A + + + + R N + + + + T + + + R O + + I + +
             + + C + + S I + + + + V I R G O L N + R + + +
             + + + I T + U C H A R T + + O O + + A + + + +
             + + + A T + S + + + + + + + G L + + + + + + +
             + + R + + S + + + + + + + I + + O + + + + + +
             + S + + + + Y + + + + + C + + + + G + + + + +
             + + + + + + + M + + + A + + + + + + Y + + + +
             + + + + + + + + + + L + + + + + + + + + + + +
             + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////////////////////////////
   Material  published in this  edition may  be reprinted  under  the
   following  terms  only.   All articles  must remain  unedited  and
   include  the issue  number and author  at the top of  each article
   reprinted.  Reprint permission granted, unless otherwise noted, to
   registered  computer user groups and not  for profit publications.
   Opinions  present herein  are those of the  individual authors and
   does  not necessarily  reflect those of  the publisher or staff of
   GEnieLamp.   We reserve  the right  to edit all  letters and copy.
   Include the following at the end of every reprint:
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////////////////////////////
   (c) Copyright 1993 T/TalkNET Online Publishing and GEnie.  To join
   GEnie,  set  your modem  to 2400  baud  (or less)  and half duplex
   (local echo).  Have the modem dial 1-800-638-8369.  When you get a
   CONNECT message, type HHH. At the U#= prompt, type: XTX99368,GENIE
   and  hit  the return key.   The system will then  ask you for your
   information. Call (voice)1-800-638-9636 for more information about
   GEnie.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////////////////////////////
[EOF]*****