|||||| |||||| || || |||||| |||||| || || ||| || || || || ||| |||| |||||| || |||| Your || || || || ||| || || |||||| |||||| || || |||||| |||||| GEnieLamp Computing || |||||| || || |||||| RoundTable || || || ||| ||| || || || |||||| |||||||| |||||| RESOURCE! || || || || || || || ||||| || || || || || ~ WELCOME TO GEnieLamp APPLE II! ~ """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ~ THE TREASURE HUNT: Farewell Potpourri ~ ~ SOFTVIEW A2: FAXination ~ ~ PROFILES: John Van Dam ~ ~ PAUG NEWSLETTER: September Report ~ ~ HOT NEWS, HOT FILES, HOT MESSAGES ~ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////////////////////////// GEnieLamp Apple II ~ A T/TalkNET Publication ~ Vol.4, Issue 42 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Publisher................................................John F. Peters Editor...................................................Douglas Cuff \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////////////////////////// ~ GEnieLamp IBM ~ GEnieLamp ST ~ GEnieLamp PowerPC ~ ~ GEnieLamp A2Pro ~ GEnieLamp Macintosh ~ GEnieLamp TX2 ~ ~ GEnieLamp Windows ~ GEnieLamp A2 ~ LiveWire (ASCII) ~ ~ Member Of The Digital Publishing Association ~ GE Mail: GENIELAMP Internet: genielamp@genie.com ////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ >>> WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE APPLE II ROUNDTABLE? <<< """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ~ September 1, 1995 ~ FROM MY DESKTOP ......... [FRM] FROM MY MAILBOX ......... [MAI] Notes From The Editor. Letters To The Editor. HEY MISTER POSTMAN ...... [HEY] HUMOR ONLINE ............ [HUM] Is That A Letter For Me? Fun & Games On GEnie. REFLECTIONS ............. [REF] ASCII ART GALLERY ....... [ASA] Changing Nature of Friendship. Bossie the Cow. THE TREASURE HUNT ....... [HUN] SOFTVIEW A2 ............. [SOF] Charlie's Farewell Potpourri. Review: FAXination. PROFILES ................ [PRO] PAUG NEWSLETTER ......... [PNL] Who's Who: John Van Dam. September 1995 Report 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 reprinted """""""""""" 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's monthly fee is $9.95 which gives you up to four hours """"""""""" of non-prime time access to most GEnie services, such as software downloads, bulletin boards, GE Mail, an Internet mail gateway, and chat lines. GEnie's non-prime time connect rate is $2.00. To sign up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 1-800-638-8369 in the USA or 1-800-387-8330 in Canada. Upon connection type HHH. Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: JOINGENIE and hit RETURN. When you get the prompt asking for the signup/offer code, type: DSD524 and hit RETURN. The system will then prompt you for your information. Need more information? Call GEnie's customer service line (voice) at 1-800-638-9636. SPECIAL OFFER FOR GEnieLamp READERS! If you sign onto GEnie using the """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" method outlined above you will receive $50.00 worth of credit. Want more? Your first month charge of $8.95 will be waived! Now there are no excuses! GET GEnieLamp ON THE NET! Now you can get your GEnieLamp issues from """"""""""""""""""""""""" the Internet. If you use a web browser, connect to "gopher://gopher.genie.com/11/magazines". When using a gopher program, connect to "gopher.genie.com" and then choose item 7 (Magazines and Newsletters from GEnie's RoundTables). *** GET INTO THE LAMP! *** """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" //////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE //// / As far as I'm concerned, the only reason to tell the / / waiters it's your birthday is if there's a free dessert in / / it (and even then, if they sing to you, it ain't free). / /////////////////////////////////////////////// P.LURIE //// [EOA] [FRM]////////////////////////////// FROM MY DESKTOP / ///////////////////////////////// Notes From The Editor """"""""""""""""""""" by Douglas Cuff [EDITOR.A2] >>> GREAT EXAGGERATIONS <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""""" Rudyard Kipling subscribed to a newspaper which mistakenly published a notice of his death. Kipling wrote to the paper: "I've just read that I am dead. Don't forget to delete me from your list of subscribers." When Bertrand Russell became seriously ill in China in 1920, he refused to grant interviews to the Japanese press, who retaliated by reporting that he had died. Russell's requests to cease this nuisance went unheeded. On his way home to England, Russell again stopped in Japan, and again the press asked for interviews. Russell had his secretary give to each report a slip of paper which read: "Since Mr. Russell is dead, he cannot be interviewed." When Apple Computer, Inc. stopped supporting the computer that made them rich and famous and began their incantation of "But we have a Mac that's much better!", many Apple II users felt so betrayed that they decided never to buy another computer from Apple. When America Online, formerly AppleLink Personal Edition, locked out Apple II users in 1994, they had the nerve not only to indulge in a little revisionist history (possibly due to an over-reliance on "boilerplate" form letters ), but to tell Apple II owners that America Online would be glad to take their money if they switched to a Mac or Windows computer. AOL users jumped shipped with alacrity--many to GEnie, prompting a cry of "Where have you been all my life?" from many. Of course, America Online didn't go bankrupt when the Apple II folk left for GEnie, Delphi, CompuServe, and the Internet. Apple Computer hasn't gone bankrupt because the Apple II community shun the Mac. Last we heard, Japan still had newspaper reporters. And the newspaper that greatly exaggerated reports of Kipling's death didn't fold simply because Kipling withdrew his subscription. When a company treats you badly, you are unlikely to be able to retaliate effectively. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't retaliate at all, and it doesn't mean you won't affect the company at all. Apple Computer has been doing all right. But it could have done better. Perhaps they don't miss the revenue they've lost, but they have indeed lost revenue with its cavalier treatment of its original customers. They're so big, they don't notice little losses... until they start to add up. Recently, Mark Wade suggested that we gather together all our old "Tell Apple About..." cards that lurk in the back of Apple Computer manuals--or, occasionally, lurk in original packing boxes--and mail them to Apple to arrive on 15 September 1995, the ninth anniversary of the Apple IIgs. Someone cautioned that it wouldn't have any affect on Apple, Inc. They won't care that a lot of Apple II users are out here. Some shmoe in the mailing room will have more garbage than usual to deal with, that's all. Probably true. So what? We probably won't improve our lot... but we aren't hurting anybody, either. Let's join Rudyard Kipling and Bertrand Russell in tweaking the nose of those who counted us dead before our time. Even its heyday, tragically few people at Apple Computer appreciate the magic of the Apple II. Let's just remind them that we're still out here. Someone was heard to wonder aloud, "What would have happened if we'd sent in our registration cards back when we first bought our Apple IIs?" (Well, it my case, it would have been duplication of effort, because my Apple dealer--a pretty good guy--assured me faithfully that my equipment had been registered at Apple, Inc.) No one can say for _sure_ what would have happened if we'd all sent our registration cards back "in time". But here's my guess, for what it's worth: We'd all still be trying to get our names taken off Mac-only mailing lists. [*][*][*] A couple of goodbyes, this month. First of all, our ASCII artist, Susie Oviatt has decided that she no longer has the three or fours hours it takes it much to dabble in ASCII. (Actually, Susie decided that a couple of months back, but I've been running old art submitted for all versions of GEnieLamp that I personally haven't run yet. I tried to keep her column "alive" as long as possible, but this month I've run out of art.) Also, Charlie Hartley, who has been handling the Treasure Hunt column, has come to a similar decision. Charlie intends to stick his nose in with a profile occasionally, when time offers, though, so let's hope we haven't seen the last of him! In the meantime, GEnieLamp A2 is looking for more writers. You can write for us regularly, or you can just submit an article for us when you have the time, but either way, we'll pay your for it in GEnie credits. If your article is accepted, you'll receive credit on your GEnie bill worth two non-prime time hours! -- Doug Cuff GEnie Mail: EDITOR.A2 Internet: editor.a2@genie.com __________________________________________________________ | | | REPRINTING GEnieLamp | | | | If you want to reprint any part of GEnieLamp, or | | post it to a bulletin board, please see the very end | | of this file for instructions and limitations. | |__________________________________________________________| ASCII ART BEGINS _____ ______ _ _ ___ ___ / ____| ____| (_) | | / _ \|__ \ | | __| |__ _ __ _ ___| | __ _ _ __ ___ _ __ | |_| | ) | | | |_ | __| | '_ \| |/ _ \ | / _` | '_ ` _ \| '_ \ | _ | / / | |__| | |____| | | | | __/ |___| (_| | | | | | | |_) | | | | |/ /_ \_____|______|_| |_|_|\___|______\__,_|_| |_| |_| .__/ |_| |_|____| | | |_| ASCII ART ENDS [EOA] [MAI]////////////////////////////// FROM MY MAILBOX / ///////////////////////////////// Letters To The Editor """"""""""""""""""""" SUPERDRIVE TIP FOLLOWUP I was reading a copy of the October 1994 issue of """"""""""""""""""""""" GEnieLamp A2, where I noticed a "tip" from David Kerwood and Hugh Hood about the SuperDrive Card's self test. The tip mentioned in passing that the program MAC.TRANS.GS would read Mac MFS formatted disks, but not with the SuperDrive card. Actually, only a small tweak is necessary to fix it for any(?) interface card. Simply add the following lines to the program (another example of the advantages of programs written in Applesoft!): 26 X = (192 + SM) * 256 + 255 : X=PEEK(X) : REM X = PEEK($CnFF) 27 POKE 803,X : REM Set correct entry offset for the default device 3106 X = (192 + SM) * 256 + 255 : X=PEEK(X) : REM X = PEEK($CnFF) 3107 POKE 803,X : REM Set correct entry offset for this device Cheers, Peter P.S. Have I missed something? Has GEnielamp A2Pro disappeared? || Peter A Watson || InterNet : paw@acslink.net.au || || PO Box 493 || MSDOS Utilities: The WRITE way to use MSDOS disks || || Doncaster Vic || "On a clear disk you can seek forever!" || || Australia 3108 || "XYZZY..PLUGH..MOOF..What is that $%^& password?" || Thanks a lot for the tip, Peter! (For those of you who live under a rock, or just skimmed Peter's .sig, above, he's the author of MSDOS Utilities, which let you write to as well as read from MS-DOS disks.) If the above are my only two options, then I guess I'd have to say that you're missing something. GEnieLamp A2Pro definitely hasn't disappeared. If you'd like to catch up on your back issues, then gopher to "gopher.genie.com" or point your web browser to "gopher://gopher.genie.com/11/magazines". You'll find back issues of GEnieLamp A2, GEnieLamp A2Pro, and all the others there!--Ed. [EOA] [HEY]////////////////////////////// HEY MISTER POSTMAN / ///////////////////////////////// Is That A Letter For Me? """""""""""""""""""""""" by Douglas Cuff [EDITOR.A2] o BULLETIN BOARD HOT SPOTS o A2 POT-POURRI o HOT TOPICS o WHAT'S NEW o THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE >>> BULLETIN BOARD HOT SPOTS <<< """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" [*] CAT2, TOP4 ................ Identify ROM 3 without monitor [*] CAT2, TOP7 ................ "Tell Apple About..." cards [*] CAT33, TOP2 ............... No CD-ROM of GS+ back issues [*] CAT10, TOP10 .............. Teaching Lynx about ShrinkIt [*] CAT20, TOP14 .............. Charge for Second Sight developer docs [*] CAT44, TOP6&7 ............. KansasFest 1995 and 1996! >>> A2 POT-POURRI <<< """"""""""""""""""""" SOFTDISK G-S PROGRAMMER MOVES ON Just a note here to let folks know that """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" I've taken a new job with an up-and-coming firm, Logicware. We do software/hardware/games; I'll be doing Sega Saturn programming for starters (but look for all kinds of great stuff from us... :) As a result of this new job, I may not be very active here for a while (since I'll be moving again, down to the Southern California area) and I'll be busy learning new stuff the first few weeks. After that, I hope to resume spare-time work on II Not Disturb and some other IIgs programs I've been working on. -Greg Templeman (BARNABAS, CAT2, TOP3, MSG:189/M645;1) ADDISON-WESLEY BOOKS ON CD-ROM? Considering that many of the Apple II """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" books are becoming rare, I think it would be a good idea if someone approached Apple/Addison-Wesley about allowing someone to make the entire set of Apple II (II and II GS) books on CD-ROM. I'm sure they already have the text on computer. All that would be needed is to either convert it to something more Apple II friendly or make a program that could read that format. In addition it would be more then helpful to have a program on there as a search engine for finding stuff in the manuals. Finally a price below $100 would make it affordable! Am I dreaming too much? I suspect this would be a well selling product, relatively speaking and be a great help to Apple II development. EVen those with most of the manuals would find it helpful in finding things fast. It could also have all the current tech notes and other DTS stuff. I'm almost sure this could all fit on one CD. What do you think? (G.TOLAR, CAT11, TOP3, MSG:132/M645;1) APPLESOFT AND DESKJET 500 Is there anyone here who is successfully """"""""""""""""""""""""" printing to a DJ500 via an Applesoft BASIC program? If so, please share the secret of your success. :) I know that simply pointing the program to slot 1 (or whatever slot you happen to have the DJ500 linked to) is not enough. Apparently there are specific printer codes that are needed so that the printer will accept and print straight ASCII text. Charlie (A2.CHARLIE, CAT12, TOP8, MSG:268/M645;1) <<<<< My problem with printing to the DJ500 from Applesoft BASIC has been """"" solved. I set things up the way Ray Merlin has his, and it works. :) Essentially, his setup is like this: The dip switches are A = U D U D D D D U B = D U D D U D D D The printer port settings are all standard EXCEPT instead of 9600, he has his set to 19200. When I made the change from 9600 to 19200 the following program worked just fine. 10 D$ = CHR$(4) 20 PRINT D$"PR#1" 30 PRINT "This is a test." 40 PRINT CHR$(12): REM FORMFEED 50 PRINT D$"PR#0" 60 END Thanks to everyone who offered assistence with this. :) Charlie (A2.CHARLIE, CAT12, TOP8, MSG:287/M645;1) SYQUEST EZ135 VS IOMEGA ZIP 100 The new SyQuest removable is now """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" available. Here is a comparison of the Iomega Zip 100 and the SyQuest EZ135 removable hard drives. Iomega Zip 100 SyQuest EZ135 ------------------ ----------------- Storage capacity 100 MB 135 MB Seek time 29 ms 13.5 ms Transfer rate (max sust.) 1 MB / sec 2.4 MB / sec Drive size (external) 7.10" x 5.35" x 1.47" 8.45" x 4.80" x 2.08" Weight about 1 pound 2.3 pounds Power cord included included SCSI cable included included Terminator yes (ext. switch) yes *** SCSI ID selector yes (ext. switch) ??? Approx street price $199.95 * $239.95 * Disk/cartridge price $19.95 ** $24.95 ** Drive warranty 1 year 2 years Disk/cartridge warranty limited lifetime 5 years * MacWarehouse price. Includes one disk/cartridge ** Price is for a single disk/cartridge. Volume discounts apply. *** Method unknown. Either a switch or external terminator plug. I don't know if the SyQuest has a SCSI ID external selector or if it uses internal jumpers. I don't know what type of SCSI connection the SyQuest uses, but judging by its small size I would guess a 25-pin like the Iomega. Performance numbers are the manufacturer's estimates. The disks/cartridges are =not= interchangeable, they are different sizes, but both are about the size of a double-thick 3.5" disk. MacWarehouse carries both drives and will send you a fax data sheet or give voice information by calling 1-800-255-6227. I don't work for MacWarehouse, I just happened to get the information from them. - Tony (A2.TONY, CAT21, TOP14, MSG: 1/M645;1) IIGS LAB SETUP > I would be very interested in knowing how your lab is """""""""""""" > set up. Well, you asked for it ;) Here goes: We have 22 GSs (not enough - hopefully we can stick in a few more), a LaserWriter 360, and an ImageWriterII (with AppleTalk card) hooked to an LC575 server that is presently running System 7.1 and AppleShare FileServer and PrintServer v.3.0.1 (I think). Each of the GSs has an Apple 3.5" and an AE 3.5" drive. (Only 1 GS has a 5.25", and that never gets used). About 1/2 of the GSs have a HyperStudio sound digitizer card and microphone. Finally, each GS now has a 4Meg RAM card!!! Yay!!! Additionally, there are a half dozen classrooms with either //e or IIGS computers that are also hooked to this network. The GS System Software we use is 6.0.1 (necessary due to a conflict between GSOS 5.0.4 and either the LC575, Mac System 7.1, or AShare 3.0.1 - but better anyway except that there's only room for one printer driver). We use Pointless v2.0.3 and access numerous fonts from the server (works nicely). Presently, each of the GSs starts up from a 3.5" disk in the AE drive and we have one user name that provides access to all programs. That user name brings up a menu program called Menu Master (v1.6.5). Pretty much all programs are available from the server. We run AWGS from a 3.5" disk as it is used quite a bit and loads MUCH faster this way. Now that we have the RAM, however, we will be changing to a graphical menu based on HyperStudio (which is fast running from the RAM Disk). The additional RAM will also allow us to have printer drivers for both the LWr & IWr at the same time. BTW, we leave the server on all year and leave the GSs on all week. The monitors are supposed to get shut down if the lab will be empty for a half hour or more, but they pretty much stay on all day. The next thing that I would like to start fighting for is a router from Tribe that would allow us to break the network up into several smaller groups to speed things up. The idea is to have an EtherNet connection between the server and the router, and then several LocalTalk cables running from the router to small groups of machines. Since it is LocalTalk, and not the server, that is the bottleneck dividing the network up should speed things up. Using the 3.5" disks to start really helped speed things up a lot. The TribeStar would help even more. We'll see, though. > What software do you run. Let's see? For software, we have pretty much the whole MECC collection - both P8 & GSOS (World & USA GeoGraph, StoryBook Weaver, Designer Prints, Calendar Crafter, etc.), AppleWorks 3.0n & AppleWorksGSv1.1 site licenses, HyperStudiov3.1j, Platinum Paint, LogoWriter, TheFactory. In addition, I hope to add licenses to use Quick Click Calc (for excellent graphing capabilities) and the discQuest encyclopedia, but we'll see. > Is there a source of educational Hyperstudio/Hypercard stacks > available for download or purchase? Roger Wagner publishing has a nice catalog of some excellent commercial stacks. You could probably give them a call. Of course, there are numerous stacks on GEnie. Outside of the lab I will be experimenting quite a bit this month on using a video overlay card and a Second Sight card to do presentations on a big-screen TV and/or LCD projection panel. I'm anxious to see how that works. It's all fun, and extremely valuable. Now if I just had more time ;) I\/I ark I< Kan't wait for KFest '96!!! Hope you didn't read all of that if you don't give a hoot ;) (M.KLINE, CAT15, TOP15, MSG:36/M645;1) >>> HOT TOPICS <<< """""""""""""""""" KANSASFEST '95 REPORT--THE TRADITION CONTINUES Up until a few months ago, """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" there was some doubt that anyone would ever read the title of this article, because the fate of KansasFest was caught in the balance. Over the years, KansasFest has been held at Avila College, a small quaint college located on the south side of Kansas City Missouri. The sponsors of KansasFest have been numerous - the '94 KansasFest was sponsored by a company called ICON (previously called Resource Central). When they went out of business last year, it wasn't known if anyone would pick up the Apple II torch and conduct another KansasFest. But just as the Apple II computer has "kept going, and going, and going," so has KansasFest. Through the efforts of people like Auri Rahimzadeh, Cindy Adams, Gina Saikin, and Mark Kline, among others - KansasFest '95 was made a reality. Parkhurst Micro Systems (Paul Parkhurst) was the corporate sponsor of the fest. You might know Parkhurst Micro Systems (a company who has supported the Apple II line of computers over the years) from their excellent ANSI-Term modem program. So here's "one man's story" of KansasFest '95. Being "just a user," I wasn't sure if I should attend KansasFest. I think that feeling has kept many others from attending in the past - it had for me. But all those trepidations faded away as I communicated to some other KansasFest attendees on GEnie prior to leaving for Kansas City. During those e-mail exchanges, I learned that KansasFest was going to be one big friendly user's group meeting. I found out that I wasn't the only KansasFest Rookie that was attending this year, and that the vast majority of the attendees were just "average Apple II users." So like a kid on Christmas Eve, I anxiously awaited the start of a famous Apple II tradition. I arrived at the Kansas City airport on the evening of July 26th, a day prior to the official start of KansasFest. After renting a car, I drove down to KC Masterpiece. A group of people I met on GEnie had gotten together to have dinner at this infamous KansasFest hang out. Entering the restaurant was like going on a blind date - although I had seen their names on electronic messages, I hadn't met any of them before. But that feeling instantly changed to one of meeting "old friends" as I was warmly greeted and started talking to everyone. That's the spirit of KansasFest, and I think of the Apple II computer community in general, it's one big inclusive family! It was neat listening to Joe Kohn, Greg Templeman, and many other Apple II lovers. Everyone had such unique and diverse backgrounds, but all shared a fascination with the almost unlimited capabilities of the Apple II computer. After a delicious BBQ rib meal, great conversation, and finally putting some faces to names, I headed to a nearby motel for a good nights sleep. Arriving at Avila College at 9 am the next day, I checked into the dorms. Spending KansasFest in the dorms is the best way to experience this event. Not only is it cheaper, but you get to interact with everyone after hours. The rooms were clean, but Spartan. It's been 18 years since I've lived in a college dorm room, but I think the surroundings added to the total experience. I immediately unpacked and started to visit all the other attendee's rooms to see what computer systems they had brought - and it was a diverse lot. There were dozens of IIgs computers, with every imaginable peripheral attached. There were IIcs, MACs in all flavors, PowerBooks, Newtons, and even a II+. It was great to see the new Iomega Zip drive in action, how the new SecondSight VGA card looked with different monitors, and the various hard drives and CD-ROM drives available for the Apple II. After "hob knobbing" with everyone in the morning, we hit the cafeteria for some typical college dorm food. All meals were included in the price if you stayed in the dorms, a very good deal. The food quality was OK, you could eat all you could stand. There was a salad bar and self-serve ice cream in the dining area after you picked up your main course. Some of the food over the fest included BBQ chicken, soft tacos, bratwurst, spaghetti, hamburgers, and various vegetables at each meal. Meal time was another avenue to meet Apple II legends like Tom Weishaar, "Burger" Bill Heineman, Roger Wagner, etc, and make new friends. The first activity after lunch was a talk by Apple Computer's Ashley Carter, discussing some new computers due out over the next couple of months. New Performas, coming out in August 95, will be going over to RISC processors and incorporate industry standards like PIC slots. They'll have replaceable processors for future upgrades. For example, you can drop in DOS Windows chips, when they become available, to run those types of applications. In September 95, expect a slew of new PowerBooks to start coming out. You'll be able to transmit data to other PowerBooks through infrared signals. Following that one hour presentation, each attendee had the choice of attending one of three presentations. Talking to the Apple rep about the new computers, learning basic soldering (entitled: "Which End is Hot"), or attending a "fireside" chat with Joe Kohn - I chose the latter. Joe Kohn has attended six previous KansasFests and this is the third year he's given presentations at them. He described starting off with the Apple II, he got an Apple II+ and 100 disks of public domain software. He was in awe of what was out there. In the mid-80's he started the Apple Users Resource Group, which lead to the Apple II Information Exchange. It was bought out by Compuserve in '89. Joe wrote a series of articles on shareware programs for the Apple II Buyers Guide and transitioned to the Big Red Computer Club as their Librarian in '83. From there, he hooked up with InCider to write a shareware article. InCider asked Joe to put together a disk containing the shareware programs his article covered. After much persuasion, Joe finally began supplying those disks to people. He mentioned that InCider was making money each month right to the very end! But Joe guessed that the magazine wasn't making ENOUGH profit, so that's why they pulled the plug. After InCider's demise, Joe thought about writing for II Alive. But luckily for us, those plans never came together and he struck out on his own with Shareware Solutions II (SSII). When he worked for other publications, he use to hate editors - they always changed what he wrote. But now he misses having an editor when producing SSII. Joe feels SSII is the "Consumer Reports" of the Apple II world. He emphasized that Apple II users should "support those who support you." In other words, don't delay buying those Apple II products you can use and paying those shareware fees, otherwise there won't be anything new in the future. Joe has sold about 120 copies of ContactGS - not enough for any real profit, but he was glad he made it available to the IIgs community. Finally, Joe made an announcement that Symbolix (a powerful mathematics program from Switzerland) is being released as shareware. SSII will be providing it for $15 for the first month - half the profit will go toward a yet to be named non-profit organization. The next period consisted of a demonstration of Mike Westerfield's Quick Click Morph (QCM) or Ryan Suenaga's discussion of Personal Digital Assistants & PowerBooks. I decided to see Mike's great new program. Mike started off with a quick history behind morphing. The first Cray computer ever built didn't go to the defense department, but instead went to Hollywood movie studios to do morphing. The first morphing was done by Disney, all accomplished by hand. But since almost anything can be done on an Apple II computer, Mike brought this morphing capability to the IIgs. The user provides a starting and ending picture to QCM. A series of reference points are then easily selected on the first and last picture. QCM then starts computing the "tween" frames - new pictures that transform the first picture into the second. Morphing time increases as the number of "tween" frames increases and the number of reference points are increased. The time to create a full morph sequence can take from several minutes to overnight - an accelerated IIgs is not required but is HIGHLY recommended. Those "tween" pictures, when played as a PaintWorks animation, provides a smooth morph between the start and ending pictures. The visual impact of morphing cannot be overstated. Morphs can be added to HyperStudio stacks, used as a screen saver, or any place that can use PaintWorks animations. Single frames can also be viewed to see how each "tween" picture has changed. Although 16 shades of gray is best for the IIgs, QCM supports 320/640 color pallets, custom colors, and 128/256 custom color pallets. Mike has also developed a freeware program Quick Click Movie - it allows the viewing of QCM animations. So with this freeware program, you can easily share your creations with friends and the world. Quick Click Morph is a very powerful and unique program - you really have to see it to appreciate its impact and ease of use. After supper, the KansasFest '95 keynote address was given. The keynote speaker was the (in)famous Roger Wagner of HyperStudio fame. As usual, he gave a very animated and entertaining speech. First describing a very artistic video produced by a IIgs user in France - combining HyperStudio with a video overlay card on a IIgs. The video was done a few years ago and won critical acclaim. Following the interesting video, Roger described his introduction to computing and the Apple II. He had a sum of money to buy either a motorcycle, a stereo, or a computer. He thought that if he purchased the motorcycle or stereo, he would just end up spending more money on them. The computer, he thought, would be a one time expense. He tried selling computers door-to-door, he failed miserably. He then wrote some small programs, initial sales were good, but Apple computer inevitably released a free program doing the same thing a while later. He kept ahead of Apple and eventually produced HyperStudio - a revolutionary program that brought Hypermedia to computers. Roger now goes around the country showing how schools and individuals can produce outstanding presentations with HyperStudio. Although Roger is concentrating on developing and marketing products for the MAC and other platforms, he's still supporting the venerable Apple II platform. The last series of presentations that day were: Joe Kohn discussing changes to the Internet, Erick Wagner presenting how to hook up "real world" devices to the Apple, and Eric Shepherd demonstrating two of his new IIgs programs (StationKeeper and ShiftyList 2.0). I wanted to attend all three, but I ended up listening to Sheppy. Sheppy's StationKeeper is something like a document alias. You double-click a document icon, Finder opens up the application that supports the document (AppleWorksGS, ShadowWrite, etc) and you start working on it. Nothing special so far, but when you save the document, it's saved as a new document - you don't mess with the original. This would be good for filling out forms, etc. ShiftyList 2.0 will be distributed on a Softdisk G-S issue. This version is a very powerful update. By holding down different key combinations during booting, you can load different groups of INITs, NDAs, CDAs, and CDEVs. The composition of each group is determined by the user beforehand. You can also create boot scripts. Scripts could run pictures or sounds during booting. For example, you could display a picture and play a sound, load some INITs, display a new picture, load some NDAs/CDAs, display another picture and play a sound, and load the rest of your system - total user control. Sheppy expects ShiftyList to be out at the end of the year. He lost three months of work when his hard drive crashed. As Sheppy remarked, "apparently back-ups aren't for weenies." Sheppy also has compiled a spiral bound book containing documentation for all his software. The book can be purchased for about $12, contact him at E.Shepherd@genie.com. He is also selling a disk containing all his non-Softdisk G-S programs. That ended the first day's formal presentations. That evening consisted of seeing what computers people had brought, seeing new software and equipment, and discussing every topic you can imagine. Roger Wagner generously ordered a couple dozen pizzas and a few cases of soda for munching late that night. Right afterward, the infamous Bite-The-Bag contest began - a KansasFest tradition. The object is to balance on one appendage (foot, hand, etc) and grab the top of an empty grocery bag on the floor with your teeth. It's not too hard at the start. But as the competition continues, the upper most part of the bag is slowly removed. Soon, there's nothing left but the flat bottom of the bag laying on the floor. Oh yes, did I mention that if you aren't the first person, you get to enjoy the slobber on the bag left by the people in front of you? The competition this year was stiff. There were over a half-dozen people still able to pick up the bag when it was nothing more than a flat piece of paper. It finally came down to who was the fastest. Russ Nielson was crowned the King of "Bite -The-Bag" with a time of 1.95 seconds! Because everyone participates in the sleep depravation experiment called KansasFest, the dawn of the next day came way too early. For those who were sane enough to get a couple hours sleep, or insane enough to get no sleep, breakfast was available at 7am. The first sessions began at 8:45pm - so most could still get a few winks. Roger Wagner provided a discussion of using the mulimedia capabilities of the IIgs, Doug Pendleton & Dave Ciotti taught the second segment on soldering, and a trio (Richard Bennett, Tim Buchheim & Nathaniel Sloan) demonstrated the new Apple IIgs front end for GEnie. I picked the GEnie software demo. This stand-alone program is called Jasmine, it's a real-time IIgs interface for GEnie - not an off-line reader like CoPilot or GEM. You don't need a separate modem program like ProTerm or Spectrum - Jasmine handles everything. It requires System 6.0.1 and an error-correction modem (the internal Datalink 2400 is not, but all high speed modems are) - a hard drive is not required. Jasmine allows 3rd-parties to write add-ons - like Balloon (a file compression/decompression program). It supports Zmodem and will support batch Ymodem file transfers. The interface is all point and click, using familiar IIgs windows, menus, and dialog boxes. It's Lynx compatible, so you can access the Internet via GEnie. Jasmine is free and should be out shortly. The next series of sessions consisted of Mike Westerfield discussing Quick Click Morph (QCM) from a programmer's view point, Mark Kline & Cindy Adams discussing AppleShare networking, and Erick Wagner presenting the second part of controlling "real world" devices with a computer. Since I missed Erick's first session, and I'm not into networking, I decided to hear Mike's presentation. Mike gave a good insight into how QCM works. A good way to understand how the program transforms a picture is to imagine the first picture being made of rubber. You take a pencil point and stick it to one of the reference points. You then drag the pencil and stretch the picture to the corresponding reference point on the ending picture. This dragging and stretching is done simultaneously for each reference point. After lunch another series of sessions were given. Tony Diaz from Alltech Electronics showed how to build a tower case for the IIgs, Roger Wagner presented new things he's working on, and Glenn Hofman discussed a new Apple IIgs GEnie off-line reader called PowerGuide. Since I spend a lot of time on GEnie, I thought I'd get the most from Glenn's presentation. PowerGuide is a stand-alone program that does not use another modem program like Spectrum or ProTerm. It uses the familiar IIgs interface, it's all point and click with keyboard equivalents. It uses Zmodem file transfers, employs cut & pastes message quoting, has an address book for e-mail messages, supports 30 GEnie RoundTables, and uses it's own installer for easy installation. Although still in beta testing, it's available now and it functions well. The next sessions were Dave Ciotti showing how to perform some simple equipment maintenance operations (change a system saver fan, clean a keyboard, etc), Eric Shepherd demonstrating ProTerm MAC, and Greg Templeman discussing the GS Lib Programming Library. The choice for me was easy, the equipment session. Dave did an outstanding job answering questions and showing how even a novice user can fix things on an Apple IIgs. Following those sessions, Richard Bennet gave a short recap of what Seven Hills is doing. SuperConvert 4.0 is about to ship - it's just waiting for documentation to be printed. The program will squash a few bugs and add SecondSight and JPEG support. The new version of GraphicWriter III should be out within a month. It fully supports System 6.0.1 font menu and interface. The spell checker has been re-written, text wrapping around objects has been fixed, objects can now be positioned by typing in coordinates, objects can be resized, and an extras menu has been added so 3rd parties can write add-ons to GraphicWriter III. A banquet and roast topped off the day's event. The roastee was none other than Steve Disbrow of GS+ Magazine. Bill Moore, Roger Wagner, Tom Weishaar, and Joe Wankerl did a great job putting Steve in his place. Of course Roger went high tech, with a mulitmedia presentation. Tom Weishaar read a hilarious letter from "Bob Dole" talking about Steve and GS+ magazine. Joe played a funny song about Steve. Then it was Steve's turn to roast the roasters. All in all, it was a great time. Following the banquet, people went back to the dorms for more socializing. A debug room was setup so people could get help with equipment problems. Some attendees went to see movies, some played Trivial Pursuit, and a nerf rocket war erupted. Again, most people ended up without much sleep. The next day was bitter sweet. People began moving out of the dorms, KansasFest '95 was rapidly coming to a close. But after breakfast, Paul Parkhurst gave an excellent demonstration of his new NDA FAX program. He created, sent, received, and printed faxes using his new program. Although still in final beta testing, it still worked like a charm. Some features demonstrated: generations of fax lists/groups (the cover page can be automatically personalized for each number on the list), multiple phone books, scheduled send, selection of cover pages, use of a dial prefix, selection of modem initialization string, and a host of others. The fax cover page capabilities were outstanding. The user has a lot of control over the data on the cover sheet, including adding memos/graphics/headers/footers/page numbers and automatically adding names/address/phone numbers. The program works with Express and will be compatible with Spectrum. You can print selectable pages from a fax and can even send a quick fax (it sends a cover page with a memo you type in). The program is expected to ship in a couple months with a price tag in the area of $80. There will be a discount when updating from a competitor's fax program. It was a very impressive demonstration. Following the fax demo, people headed to a swap meet/vendor fair where attendees scooped up many bargains. Byteworks, GS+, Digisoft, and Shareware Solutions II products were all on sale. Many items were quickly sold out. The final official function was one last lunch at the college cafeteria. Attendees reluctantly said a fond farewell. Some attendees, who were leaving Sunday, arranged to have one last dinner that night at a local restaurant. But before things concluded, there was an official announcement - a KansasFest will be held in 1996! I can't emphasize enough how much fun it was to attend KansasFest. I strongly encourage all Apple II and MAC users to attend next year. You'll be warmly welcomed, fit right in, and a have a super time sharing your computer interests with others. See you at K'fest next year! Dave Grenda Apple IIgs user since 1987 Sent via Spectrum v2.0 & GEnie CoPilot v2.5.5 + Ken Lucke's Replacement Scripts This was kind of long, but I wanted to share my take on the fest with others who didn't attend. I plan to edit this down for publication in a newsletter. (D.GRENDA, CAT44, TOP6, MSG:20/M645;1) >>>>> I too had a great time at the fest but not as much as in years """"" past. It seemed to me that the Avila staff genuinely did not want us on THEIR campus. I think the planning committee should seriously look into a different place for the fest next year. Kansas is fine but Avila is no jewel. Paying for armed guards certainly adds unnecessarily to the cost of such an event. Our behavior over the last 5 or 6 years has been exemplary. Yea to the Fest, nay to Avila. Binary Bear (BINARY.BEAR, CAT44, TOP7, MSG:33/M645;1) >>>>> As Sheppy said, there were some SERIOUS problems in 1994. : """"" The "rent a cops" are the standard security guards at Avila. They are there for the entire year, not just for us. Actually, it was nice to know they were there considering the amount of equipment that was in that dorm. If someone has any good ideas about locations, let me know SOON. Cindy (KFest 1996 is on its way) (C.ADAMS11, CAT44, TOP7, MSG:36/M645;1) >>>>> This is the first year that guards have been present on the Avila """"" campus. This is the first year we were not able to stay in the dorms on Wednesday night and Saturday night. This is the first year that Avila became a dry campus. This is the first year that smoking was not allowed in the dorms. This is the first year 90% of the rules that were in effect existed. This is the first year we were not in classrooms. This is the first year we had to meet in the lobby of the theater. This is only a partial list, there are other firsts! Lets face it folks Avila sucked this year! Don't get me wrong KFest was great but it would have been great in the Okefenokie Swamp because of the PEOPLE who came. Binary Bear (BINARY.BEAR, CAT44, TOP7, MSG:40/M645;1) >>>>> This was also the first year they got mad at us for using the """"" tunnels. (and it was rather warm outside. the air-conditioned tunnels are quite nice..:) (btw, I don't know if it happened to anyone else. But Sloanie, Richard (I think he was with us), and I were stopped by an Avila staff member and asked not to use the tunnels. That was annoying.) (A2PRO.GELAMP, CAT44, TOP7, MSG:42/M645;1) >>>>> > This is the first year that guards have been present on the Avila """"" > campus. I can only say that this can be due to the "signs of the times". I doubt that Kfest was singled out for this 'honor'. As Cindy said, considering the thousands of dollars of equipment owned by the 'festers, it was NOT a bad idea. > This is the first year we were not able to stay in the dorms on > Wednesday night and Saturday night. This was attributable directly to the late start we got in planning kfest due to problems at the very beginning. We are making SURE that we have the time next year we've had in the past...that is, Wed through Sunday. Also, there was a MAJOR sports event at Avila that was held in Switzerland last year... > This is the first year that Avila became a dry campus. Huh? I thought beer was served/drunk? Since I'm not a beer drinker, I didn't pay much attention, but I could swear I saw several people with beers in hand walking around??? > This is the first year that smoking was not allowed in the dorms. Be glad it was allowed in the dorm ROOMS! Again, this is yet another sign of the times...many, many places are banning smoking - many fast-food places are doing this. HOw many of us work where we can smoke now? Almost any where we have it we'll run into smoking rules and regs. > This is the first year 90% of the rules that were in effect existed. Well, we had little to no complaints about us from the Avila staff...that should say something! Also, we did NOT play cop and come down hard on you guys! The rules were there and written out...remember, this was our first attempt at getting something like this together...and it was all done online or by phone. We didn't have Tom's benefit of living on top of the college practically! We were concerned about liability and so on. > This is the first year we were not in classrooms. Again, part of this was due to the scheduling and the late start. Part was due to last-minute changes when Cindy and Paul got there. For instance, we WERE assigned 2 classrooms (2?) but we chose to use only one, so that we could have the debug room and the telecom room in an area where we had at least a shot at hooking up a phone line! > This is the first year we had to meet in the lobby of the theater. Again, space constraints, late start, etc forced us into this situation Also, people have remarked about not using the tunnels. Though I'm not certain of the rationale, I would highly suspect security again. Remember, more and more places are leaning more and more heavily toward security measures...what with all the terrorism, violence and so on (just look at OK City). I would suspect the Avila staff preferred we stayed out of the tunnels so we couldn't end up somewhere they didn't want us to be. Again...security was more than likely the reason. And now to some more firsts. This was the first year it was run by a committee of folks who had never really set such a monstrosity up, rather than a company who had set it up for years! This was the first year that planning was literally begun four months before the event, and inspite of this, we not only filled the Avila dorm rooms, but had people staying in hotels/motels outside! This is the first year that we've had so many NEW faces! All in all, I think the committee did one heck of a job with what they had to work with...with the short time constraints, the initial glitches in getting started and so on. We are already planning NOW for next year, which means we should get the best of what we want...and more time...Wed through Sunday, for example. (A2.GENA, CAT44, TOP7, MSG:48/M645;1) >>>>> Talk to Tony Diaz at Alltech. He is making a CD of KFest '95 """"" goodies. And now to get back on topic --- What's happening on "KFest '95, The Video"? Will it soon be showing on our local VCR's? Inquiring minds want to know. Cindy (C.ADAMS11, CAT33, TOP2, MSG:322/M645;1) >>>>> > I'm not sure how many other Mac sessions there were this past """"" > year. . . does someone have a count? Here's the scoop: Apple II: '''''''' A Fireside Chat with Joe Kohn Quick Click Morph & Other New Stuff Your GS Can't be Without ShiftyList & StationKeeper How to Use All the Multimedia Capabilities of the IIGS The GS Front End for GEnie Inside Morphing Building a Case for the GS PowerGlide GEnie Navigator GS Lib Programming Library Demo of New Features in the GraphicWriterIII upgrade Demo of PMP Fax Mac/Newton: '''''''''' Apple's New Stuff (General session) Apple's New Stuff (Q&A) PDA's & Powerbooks: Portability for the Student & Professional What's New at Roger Wagner Publishing? ProTerm Mac Both (?): ''''''''' Soldering (I) Soldering (II) InterNet: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Controlling Real World Devices (I) Controlling Real World Devices (II) AppleShare Networking for New Options Things You Could Do for Your Computer If You Could Just See Someone Do Them Once You may quibble with the placement of a couple of the items, but this should give an idea. BTW, for those who are asking for 2 sessions at a time instead of 3 (which I actually prefer), be sure to note how many time slots that requires... I\/I ark I< Kan't wait for KFest '96!!! Wow! We really had a great KFest, didn't we :) (M.KLINE, CAT44, TOP7, MSG:69/M645;1) AND FOR *NEXT* YEAR... KFest 1996 is officially on the calendar at Avila """""""""""""""""""""" College. Mark your calendars now for July 17-21, 1996 and plan on being there. Now that the dates for next year have been set, I'm going to take a break and get ready for school to start. Remember --- July 17-21, 1996 Cindy (C.ADAMS11, CAT44, TOP7, MSG:89/M645;1) WHY GET A SECOND SIGHT? The current version of the card gives your GS """"""""""""""""""""""" 640x480x256 resolution (yes, FULL 8-bit color.) With the AppleColor RGB, you are limited to 640x400x256 interlaced (some flicker) but with a VGA monitor, 8-bit GIFs displayed on your GS will look just like they do on a PC or a Mac. An upcoming ROM upgrade will allow the card to really show its colors, its FULL 24-bit colors! If you are familiar with Mac-Speak, you will have "thousands" mode (Hi-color) at up to 800x600 and "millions" mode (True-color) at up to 640x480. The maximum size the card can handle is 1024x768. The only caveat is that there is no patch for Quickdraw yet (it's being worked on though.) This means the standard desktop screens will look just like they do now, albeit a LOT bigger depending on your monitor (you should see Finder on a 17" monitor!) But the fun doesn't stop there. You know how the GS text screen has those unsightly horizontal lines through the text? Well, with Second Sight and a VGA monitor you get crystal clear, SOLID text. This is a godsend to anyone who spends lots of time in ProTERM or AppleWorks or anything else that uses the text screen. With the AppleColor RGB, however, you still get the lines but the font is easier to read. It's eerily similar to the MS-DOS font, which takes some getting used to, but it's very nice. If all that sounds good to you, you will love Second Sight. Ask anyone at KFest who saw it running on a 14" monitor in my room and they'll tell you how good it really is. - Tony (A2.TONY, CAT20, TOP14, MSG:267/M645;1) >>>>> FWIW, I already have two freeware utilities written for the Second """"" Sight, plus a stack of Merlin interfaces and library code, plus a 99% complete product ready to go out the door. And this is only the beginning.... Tip of the day: Buy a Second Sight, they're great. (RICHARD.B, CAT20, TOP14, MSG:304/M645;1) >>>>> At $50 a pop for the Second Sight developer's information, """"" Sequential obviously isn't concerned about encouraging development for their board. -G.T. Barnabas (BARNABAS, CAT8, TOP14, MSG:12/M645;1) >>>>> > My concern is that developers such as yourself want to see """"" > sufficient interest in a new product before putting effort into > supporting it, or plunking down $50 to learn more about that product. It CAN be chicken and egg: "we won't develop unless there's an interest"; "there won't be an interest unless we develop". However, Seven Hills is one of several developers/publishers who are so excited about Second Sight that we're not waiting! :) I don't know what's in the $50 developer's package, but I personally know two people who are really pushing the SS to the limits without having anything more than the information that's been available, so it CAN be done without the package. {And I "unpersonally" know of several more developers who are working on some nifty things, again without benefit of the developer's package.} If you're wondering exactly what can be done with the information that's currently available, here's a deal: - IF you own Spectrum v2.0 - AND you own a Second Sight card - AND you dial ANSI boards or use GEnie's Internet access send private email to "SevenHills" and say, "I meet your criteria; let me beta-test an ANSI update that'll knock my socks off!" Hmm...do frogs have socks? --Dave (SEVENHILLS, CAT20, TOP14, MSG:311/M645;1) >>>>> Two points: """"" Greg's right that any program that writes directly to screen memory (well within Apple's guidelines, as long as you did it the right way) will not work with my patches. I wasn't aware this was such a wide-spread practice. About the SS docs: If all you need is the programmer's library, that and its documentation and sample source is all available for free on the Internet. From what I understand, the developer's kit will include a Z180 reference, along with other docs about the SVGA controller. The books probably account for a good chunk of that $50. And while I haven't yet delved into it much yet, I think for many programs, the library docs will be enough. The library needs to be improved and extended, but that will happen in time. We're dealing with a different market here. Apple II companies simply cannot afford to seed large numbers of developers for free. And after all the roadblocks I've hit just trying to get ANY programming documentation from several Mac companies, I really appreciate it when the stuff is available for a pretty reasonable fee. Mike (M.HACKETT, CAT20, TOP14, MSG:317/M645;1) >>>>> discQuest has been upgraded for the Second Sight! The update is """"" available free of charge to registered owners. Call Florence at 800-759-4549 with your copy's serial number (found on the original disk). -Ken (KEN.GAGNE, CAT20, TOP12, MSG:189/M645;1) >>> WHAT'S NEW <<< """""""""""""""""" AUTOARK V1.1 IS FINALLY AVAILABLE FOR THE IIGS! August 7th, 1995 """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" EGO Systems is pleased (and relieved) to announce that version 1.1 of AutoArk is FINALLY shipping! If you've forgotten what AutoArk is (and who could blame you!), AutoArk is a file compression utility that works behind the scenes to automatically compress and decompress files on your IIGS. With AutoArk installed, you can compress the files that you rarely use and regain the use of much of the space on your hard drive. When you need to use a compressed file, you don't have to run a separate utility, AutoArk will automatically decompress the file for you! And, when you've finished with the file, AutoArk will automatically recompress the file for you! (AutoArk also has the ability to password protect and encrypt any of your files!) With that refresher on AutoArk out of the way, let's look at what's new in version 1.1! - * - AutoArk is now 100% compatible with System 6.0.1 and the Finder. Specifically, you can once again double-click on an AutoArk file and it will be expanded and opened like it should be. (The previous version of AutoArk would re-compress the file before it could be opened.) - * - Lots of small internal bugs have been fixed. This has given AutoArk a general improvement in overall compatibility and stability. For example, one of these bugs prevented you from using the ORCA/Shell "edit" command to edit a file that had been compressed with AutoArk. This now works like it should. - * - Previous versions of AutoArk only re-compressed files when you returned to the Finder. This proved to be inconvenient for users of other program launchers, like ProSel. To fix this, AutoArk v1.1 lets the user specify a "home" application. When the user returns to this home application, AutoArk will recompress any files that have been expanded. - * - If you don't like the idea of AutoArk recompressing files while you are in ANY application, you can also set AutoArk v1.1 to wait until you shut down your computer before it begins to recompress its files! - * - The AutoArk new desk accessories have been enhanced to allow you to compress or expand entire folders and all of their contents. - * - AutoArk now has additional Inter-Process Communication facilities to allow other programs to tell AutoArk to compress or expand a file. - * - AutoArk v1.1 also comes with a new Finder extension, Smart Names, that works with AutoArk v1.1 to automatically compress or expand files simply by changing their names! For example, if you have a file named "Fred" and you change its name to "Fred.ark", Smart Names will instantly tell AutoArk to compress the file! If you delete the ".ark" from the end of the filename, Smart Names will tell AutoArk to expand the file! And, if you set up a folder with a name that ends in ".ark" Smart Names will tell AutoArk to compress any files that you copy into that folder! (If you have Balloon v2.0 installed, Smart Names will work with it also! Just use ".shk" instead of ".ark" and Smart Names will tell Balloon to compress the file!) The regular price of AutoArk v1.1 will be $35. As with our other products, this price includes first class shipping to anywhere in the United States, Air Mail shipping to Canada and Mexico, and surface mail shipping to anywhere else in the world. (For Air Mail delivery outside North America, add $3, for a total of $38.) However, until October 31st 1995, the price for AutoArk will be only $30. As an added bonus for new AutoArk purchasers, when you send in your AutoArk registration card, we'll send you a free issue of GS+ Magazine! If you are a previous owner of AutoArk, the cost to upgrade will be $7.50 through October 31st, 1995. After that, the cost to upgrade will be $10. For more information, contact us at (615) 332-2087 or write to us at the address below. If you want to purchase AutoArk v1.1 and Balloon v2.0 at the same time, we have a special deal on that too. Through October 31st, 1995 the cost of the AutoArk & Balloon bundle is $45. (You save $15.) After October 31st, the cost will be $55. (Balloon is a new desk accessory that lets you open, create and otherwise manipulate ShrinkIt archives from INSIDE any IIGS desktop program. If you want more information on Balloon, just contact us at by one of the means shown below.) To order AutoArk, give us a call at 1-800-662-3634 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Outside the United States, call 615-332-2087. We accept Visa and MasterCard for all phone orders.) You can also FAX your order to us at 615-332-2634. (Note: On September 11, 1995, the area code changes to "423".) If you prefer to order by mail, send your check or money order (made payable to "EGO Systems" and in US funds only), or credit card information to: AutoArk EGO Systems P. O. Box 15366 Chattanooga, TN 37415-0366 Internet: Diz@genie.com (DIZ, CAT33, TOP10, MSG:181/M645;1) GS+ MAGAZINE CEASES PUBLICATION Not a hoax! Not a dream! Not an """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" imaginary tale! What follows is a slightly edited version of the "Writer's Block" column that will appear in the upcoming issue of GS+ Magazine (V7.N1 - which will be mailed out the week of August 28th). Please distribute this information as far and wide as possible. Writer's Block By Steven W. Disbrow Believe it or not, I'm writing this ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' editorial while this issue of GS+ Magazine is at the printer. This page is actually being substituted for the "Writer's Block" that I had already written for this issue. So, what you read on this page will take precedence over some of the other information that you will find in this issue. Why am I telling you this? It's because I've got some very bad news... It is with great sadness that I am forced to announce that this (V7.N1) is the last issue of GS+ Magazine. After six years, and thirty-seven issues, it has simply become impossible to continue publication. As you might be able to guess, the main reason for this decision is money. Specifically, the lack of it. As I mentioned an issue or two ago, renewals have been off. Since then, renewals went through the floor and new subscriptions have been almost non-existent. I've tried everything I could think of to reverse this trend, but nothing has worked. The end result is that EGO Systems has no more money to publish GS+ Magazine. So, I've reluctantly decided to pull the plug. I know what you are thinking, "Ha! Now Diz will show his true colors and disappear like all the rest." Well, I'm not gonna do that. While GS+ Magazine is ceasing publication, EGO Systems will stick around for just as long as possible. Specifically, we'll still be selling and supporting all of the back issues of GS+ Magazine, as well as our other Apple IIGS and Newton products. We will also continue to sell Procyon's, Zip's, Animasia's and WestCode's products for just as long as there is a demand. Heck, we might even come out with some new stuff after the dust from this settles... What About my Money? Of course, if you're thinking ahead, you've figured '''''''''''''''''''' that, if there's no money to publish GS+ Magazine, there's probably no money left to repay your subscription. Sadly, this is true. But, that doesn't mean I don't intend to try. It's been my intention since day one of GS+ Magazine to repay every penny of subscriber money, one way or another. So, here's what we are going to do: First, check your mailing label. If it says "<*Last Issue!*>" this was your last issue of GS+ Magazine, so you've gotten all the issues you've paid for. (You can skip to the last paragraph if you want.) Otherwise, your label will have a dollar amount and a volume & issue number on it. (It will look something like this: "$30.00/V7.N6".) This tells you how much credit you have in your account as well as when your subscription would have expired. To translate this last issue figure into an actual number of issues that you had coming to you, use the following table: V7.N2 = 1 issue V7.N3 = 2 issues V7.N4 = 3 issues V7.N5 = 4 issues V7.N6 = 5 issues V8.N1 = 6 issues V8.N2 = 7 issues V8.N3 = 8 issues V8.N4 = 9 issues V8.N5 = 10 issues V8.N6 = 11 issues V9.N1 = 12 issues. [Note: since you are reading this online, you probably don't have V7.N1 yet, so you can't look at your mailing label to see how much credit you have. Just give us a call at 615-332-2087 (please don't use the toll-free line for this!) and we can tell you.] After you figure out how many issues we owe you, you need to decide how you want to be repaid for those issues. Here are the options we are making available at this time: 1) Back issues. You can take back issues for unmailed issues on a "1 for 1" basis. So, if you have five issues remaining, you can take five back issues. Just send us a list of the ones you want. (We'll pay the shipping. I'm not sure HOW we'll pay the shipping at this point, but we're going to try. If you'd like to throw in a little money [$3 would be a good amount] to help us pay for shipping, I won't complain!) 2) Out of print Back Issues. If you have all of our available back issues, that first option might not appeal to you very much. So, for the first time ever, I'm making available disks containing the text of our sold-out back issues. Like regular back issues, you can take these on a "1 for 1" basis. So now you can have any GS+ Magazine back issue you want. We'll also pay the shipping on these. (Here again, if you want to help us out on the shipping, I certainly won't pitch a fit! And if you could send us some blank disks to copy the text onto, that would be GREAT! ;-} ) 3) Use the credit that's shown on your label. If you don't just want back issues, you can use your credit towards the purchase of anything we sell. That includes AutoArk, Addressed For Success, GS+ T-Shirts (please!), Balloon, or any of the third party products we sell. You can also use your credit to pay for multiple products, or to pay for shipping. You should figure shipping costs for the products you order as detailed in the ads in this issue. If you don't have enough credit to cover everything you want to get, send us your Visa or MasterCard information, and we'll bill you for the difference. You can also send us a check for the difference if you want, but it will be easier for us to bill an exact amount to a credit card. By the way, if you want to use your credit to buy back issues, figure their cost using the costs shown on the back issue information page in this issue. I realize it's more expensive that way, but it's just too much trouble for us to figure all the different costs involved. (By the way, the special back issue offer detailed in the a.Read.Me file on the GS+ Disk is no longer valid.) Remember, we aren't going out of business! We are just stopping publication of GS+ Magazine. So, I intend to do everything in my power to keep your trust. (In other words, you needn't worry about sending us your credit card info.) This also means that we are retaining the copyrights to all of our programs and all of the back issues of GS+ Magazine. So please, if you know someone that wants copies, don't make copies for them, just send them our way. Special Notes If you are a magazine and disk subscriber, you'll get ''''''''''''' magazines and disks. If you are a magazine only subscriber, you'll just get magazines. When a paper version of a back issue is gone, we'll switch to the disk-based text version. If we don't have the T-shirt size you request, we'll substitute the next largest size. If you use your credit to order some of the third-party products that we sell, be sure to list alternate products that you want, just in case we are sold out of something and we can't get more! (In fact, be sure to list lots of alternate products!) Also, be sure to include a phone number (and the best time to call), or e-mail address that we can reach you at. Expiration Date Since we will probably have to move out of our offices ''''''''''''''' soon (I plan on taking EGO Systems back into my basement.), we need to get all of these back issues out of here as soon as possible. So, this offer expires on October 31, 1995. After that, I'll assume that you've taken pity on me and you've decided to let me keep your money. (Not that I still have it...) Frankly however, I'd much rather get rid of all these back issues! Otherwise, they'll be going to the recycling plant on December 31! Finally, over the next several weeks I'm going to attempt to sell off quite a bit of our office and computer equipment. The production of GS+ Magazine was the main thing that we used it all for, so we really don't need a lot of it any longer. So, if you are looking for a particular piece of hardware or software, call me. The only catch is that I'll ask you to pay the shipping. The Phones As I said earlier, EGO Systems is very cash poor at this moment. However, I'm hopeful that this won't be the case forever, so the 1-800 number is still in service. Until then however, I'd like to ask that you not use the 1-800 number for calling to request your back issues or credit purchases. Instead, call us at 615-332-2087, or FAX your order to us at 615-332-2634. Better still, if you can, please e-mail your orders to me at GSPlusDiz@aol.com. (Don't bother sending e-mail to my old Delphi account, I had to cancel it in a last ditch attempt to cut costs. It didn't work.) The End Well, that's it then. It's been a hard, but enjoyable six years. ''''''' There were times that I truly thought that it would last forever, but there were far more times that I just wanted to curl up in a little ball and cry. GS+ Magazine has always felt like my "baby." But it certainly couldn't have been delivered by me alone. So, I need to thank the following people for helping me to make GS+ Magazine a reality through the years First I need to thank my mom. She loaned me the money I needed to get this whole thing going. (And some day I might even pay her back!) Even though they weren't around long, Susan Thoeming, Wilma Tucker, Michelle Davidson and Bill Moore all deserve recognition for putting up with me for as long as they did. Michelle Ribaric deserves a huge thanks for getting GS+ Magazine on schedule and keeping it there. Thanks to Robert "Bob" Ribaric for making the workplace more fun and for doing all the tiny little crap jobs I could throw at him. He never complained and always had a smile and a cheese joke for us when the day started. I've always thought of myself as the "Idea Man," but the truth is that Joe Wankerl had some great ideas himself. It would be a lie if I were to tell you that I could have done GS+ Magazine without him. He always met his deadlines and he never wrote a bad program. In fact, I'd say that Joe's the best programmer that's ever touched an Apple II keyboard, bar none. Whatever platform he ends up on will be damn lucky to have him. Thanks for all your help Joe. That brings me to Nory... People, if it weren't for this marvelous woman, there never would have even been a GS+ Magazine. When I wanted to start this magazine, she was there with all the support any man could ever hope for. She helped with editing, layouts, testing, accounting... you name it, she did it. And, she never took a dime for any of the work she did. She's been with GS+ Magazine from the beginning, and without her help and support, the end would have come much, much sooner. I love you Nory! Finally, of course, I have to thank all of you. From our first customer (Mark DePeo Jr.), to our last, you guys have stood by GS+ Magazine through bad times and worse times. You gave us your monetary and emotional support and we couldn't have done it without you. Thanks, and farewell. Diz (DIZ, CAT33, TOP2, MSG:47/M645;1) HYPERCARD BOOKS I explored some of the contractual issues behind APDA """"""""""""""" with Uncle Tom at KansasFest this year, and to make a long story short, I can reprint the HyperCard manuals. Now that I know I _can_, I need to decide if I _ _should_... and that's where you folks come in. If they are reprinted, the books will be laserprinted on 3 hole paper for notebooks. You will need to supply your own notebook, although we can see about betting come for non-US customers, who may have trouble finding them in the correct size. There are 3 volumes, and of course the disks. Here's the prices we will need to charge: APDA 48 Getting Started with HyperCard IIGS 156 pages $15 APDA 49 HyperCard IIGS Reference 389 pages $25 APDA 50 HyperTalk Beginner's Guide IIGS 171 pages $15 APDA 51 HyperCard IIGS Disks 6 disks $20 APDA 52 APDA 48-51 in a package $60 It costs some money to set up the original masters, too, so what I need to know is whether you folks want these books, and want them bad enough to order them. Here's how I will tell: You can order these books now by credit card. You won't be charged right away. If we get 10 orders, we'll put HyperCard back in print. At that time, you'll be charged, and we'll start the reproduction process. About 2 weeks later, we'll ship your copies of HyperCard. If we don't get 10 orders, we won't put it back in print. Once it's back in print, it stays in print. The cost for us is getting things set up and producing the originals for laserprinting; once that's done we can print manuals in very small numbers. If you would like to place an order for HyperCard, please do! All of the normal contact and shipping apply; specifically: Byte Works, Inc. 8000 Wagon Mound Dr NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 AOL : MikeW50 GEnie : ByteWorks Internet: MikeW50@AOL.COM Phone : (505) 898-8183 Shipping: $5 in US, shipping cost rounded to the next higher dollar elsewhere If you order by mail and send a check, please use two checks--one for this product and one for everything else, so we won't have to cash the check to send what we have now! If you have access to other online services, magazines, or other places where Apple II people gather, please spread this message around. Mike Westerfield (BYTEWORKS, CAT19, TOP4, MSG:31/M645;1) NEW APDA PRODUCTS Hopefully some of you have already seen the notice in """"""""""""""""" Cat 19, Top 4 about the HyperCard manuals. Here's the basic story: The simple version of the APDA contract is that we can put pretty much any Apple II technical information back in print, so long as it was developed at Apple and published by Apple (i.e., not Addison-Wesley, darn it all). That's pretty broad, though. It means we can put some classic as well as some useful stuff back in circulation. Everything from the Red Book to the Apple //e Applesoft books to the Apple //e Reference Manual are fair game. So, if there's an Apple II publication you want to see available again, let me know. If I can find a copy to use as a master, and there are at least 10 people interested in buying the product, we'll try to put it back in print. If you know of a product you'd like to see, send the name of the product to me, and watch GEnie or AOL for ordering information and announcements of ship dates. Mike Westerfield Byte Works, Inc. 8000 Wagon Mound Dr. NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 AOL : MikeW50 GEnie : ByteWorks Internet: MikeW50@AOL.COM Phone : (505) 898-8183 (BYTEWORKS, CAT36, TOP34, MSG:33/M645;1) <<<<< I know some people like hearing things straight from the horses """"" mouth, but in a nutshell, all of the information you've seen is correct. To summarize: 1. The 3 books I listed all came with HCIIGS 1.1. They were all with my copy. 2. The script guide is an Addison-Wesley book. I can't reprint it. 3. There was a beta version of the GS/OS reference manual which was printed by APDA. It was officially pulled as an APDA product when the Addison- Wesley book was printed. We can't repring the official Apple/Addison-Wesley version. We can, of course, do our own book and may do that at some point. Right now, we're working sporadically on a new version of the toolbox reference manuals. When that's finished, and if it sells well enough to justify the work, we'll consider the GS/OS reference, too. 4. I have no real hope of ever getting permission to reprint the Addison-Wesley books. As I understand it, that would take the agreement of Apple Computer, Addison-Wesley, and some actual work by Apple Licensing. The chances of any one of those actually happening are slim; the chances of all threehappening are so small that I don't intend to put any effort into trying. (I have tried on past projects, so I sort of know what the reaction will be.) As of Saturday morning, the official tally was 3 HCIIGS Manual sets ordered. I have not checked my mail yet. Once the number hits 10, we'll put them back in print. Thanks for all of your interest. And by the way, I don't normally scan this area--once the HCIIGS issue dies down, I'll probably stop. If I seem unresponsive, and you want an answer directly from me, try posing in Cat 45 here in A2 (which I scan several times a week) or in A2Pro Cat 36. Mike Westerfield (BYTEWORKS, CAT19, TOP4, MSG:49/M645;1) >>> THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" HOTKEY I APPLEWORKS MACROS However, on August 24th, a new software """""""""""""""""""""""""" release that promises to rock the (A2) computer world (slight exaggeration, for effect :), called HotKeys I, will include an AppleWorks extension (TimeOut application) called Clipper, that will permit appending (however, it will require temporary Desktop space to accomplish it). More details soon to come in the Marin MacroWorks topic (Cat 13, Top 11). | -(+)- | | ...Will (W.NELKEN1, CAT17, TOP30, MSG:31/M645;1) TIMEOUT STATISTICS AND TIMEOUT SHRINKIT PLUS I have been asked about an """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" AppleWorks 5.0 version of TO.ShrinkIt Plus. The upgrade from version 4.0 to v5.0 will be made available through O.P.Software in the very near future. The upgrade price will likely be in the range of $7.50. Also, O.P.Software is very close to releasing it new TImeimeOut Statistics package. This application will be compativble with AppleWorks 3.0 through 5.1. (D.GUM, CAT13, TOP7, MSG:87/M645;1) <<<<< RE: TO.ShrinkIt Plus. --> Either Upgrading from AW4 version or """"" Purchasing new AW5 version will be through O.P.Software. (D.GUM, CAT13, TOP7, MSG:91/M645;1) REVISED PC TRANSPORTER MANUAL? Would anyone be interested in a new and """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" revised PCTransporter manual (AE has left alot of missing items in their manual that an independent update should occur). The Update would include: 1. The advantages of MS-DOS v6.22, setting up it properly 2. Hidden secrets of the parallel port. 3. High-density access with the PCT via floptical, BlueDisk, and Apple Superdrive. 4. A list of known programs that work with the PCT and are readily available. 5. Possibly expanding the 640k barrier of PCT memory to 1meg. 6. Advantages of the 8087-2 math-coprocessor with the PCT 7. A Utilities Disk with important IBM freeware/shareware programs that work great on the PCT. 8. Possible PCT bug fixes (not exactly updates) 9. Tips, hints, tricks, and troubleshooting the PCT. 10. How to use the TRANSFER.EXE program to your advantage... and much more... The Updated PCT manual is open to any suggestions (let me know what you would like in it besides the few items I've listed), and I will begin work on it in the following weeks to come if there is enough interest. (S.LATELLA, CAT14, TOP12, MSG:47/M645;1) >>>>> -MORE AVAILABLE MEMORY WITH DOS 6.22 """"" Yup, Dos 6.22 is a smaller version because some of the functions of the program have been moved out of COMMAND.COM, and placed as EXE files or have become part of other EXE files. Overall, its better for PCT owners because it saves some memory. -BE CAREFUL USING DOUBLESPACE FROM EARLY VERSIONS OF DOS6.0/6.2/6.21- Be very careful when using DoubleSpace with version 6.0/6.2/6.21. Doublespace was available with v6.0 but once you compressed a drive you couldn't uncompress it. As for v6.2 it had the uncompress feature, but it wasn't stable. So far it seems that v6.22 has all the bugs worked out. -POSSIBLE CD-ROM SUPPORT WITH THE PCTRANSPORTER- I've been working on getting the PCTransporter to recognize a CD-ROM Drive, and everything looks really promising right now. I haven't tested it out yet, because the CD-ROM Drive I ordered from Vitesse still hasn't arrived. Everything is one paper right now so it should work, but I can't 100% sure until I test it out. If it does work then GS owners with a PCT will have access to a several more CDs. I said several more because most CDs require having a Windows based system with a 386 machine as a minimum to run (and the PCT will is only an 8086 Dos System). I've found several Dos based CDs, so they are still available, but you'll have to do some searching. Of course this will all be in the updated manual :) Sam Latella [A2World] "Apple II Forever, IBM Never!!!" (S.LATELLA, CAT14, TOP12, MSG:67/M645;1) LATEST ON CASTLE WOLFENSTEIN 3-D With reguard to Vitesse being out of """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" business, etc. I just received Faxination today, and called their number. They are definately not out of business!! The nice lady I talked to said that Wolf3-D is out of the legal snaggles, but is having a couple bug snaggles. She said that Vitesse is waiting for Bill Heineman (sp) ada Burger Bill to spray some Raid or Black Flag so Wolf can ship. Bill (B.HANDLER, CAT40, TOP7, MSG:266/M645;1) [*][*][*] 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 Apple II, 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. [EOA] [HUM]////////////////////////////// HUMOR ONLINE / ///////////////////////////////// Fun & Games On GEnie """""""""""""""""""" McDonnell Douglas AIRCRAFT-SPACE SYSTEMS-MISSILES Important! Important! Please fill out and mail this card within 10 days of purchase. Thank you for purchasing a McDonnell Douglas military aircraft. In order to protect your new investment, please take a few moments to fill out the warranty registration card below. Answering the survey questions is not required, but the information will help us to develop new products that best meet your needs and desires. 1. [_] Mr. [_] Mrs. [_] Ms. [_] Miss [_] Lt. [_] Gen. [_] Comrade [_] Classified [_] Other First Name____________________Initial____Last Name_________________________ Latitude________________________Longitude__________________________________ Altitude________________________Password, Code Name, Etc.__________________ 2. Which model aircraft did you purchase? [_] F-14 Tomcat [_] F-15 Eagle [_] F-16 Falcon [_] F-19A Stealth [_] Classified 3. Date of purchase: Month___________Day___________Year____________ 4. Serial Number____________________ 5. Please check where this product was purchased: [_] Received as Gift/Aid Package [_] Catalog Showroom [_] Sleazy Arms Broker [_] Mail Order [_] Discount Store [_] Government Surplus [_] Classified 6. Please check how you became aware of the McDonnell Douglas product you have just purchased: [_] Heard loud noise, looked up [_] Store Display [_] Espionage [_] Recommended by friend/relative/ally [_] Political lobbying by Manufacturer [_] Was attacked by one 7. Please check the three (3) factors which most influenced your decision to purchase this McDonnell Douglas product: [_] Style/Appearance [_] Kickback/Bribe [_] Recommended by salesperson [_] Speed/Maneuverability [_] Comfort/Convenience [_] McDonnell Douglas Reputation [_] Advanced Weapons Systems [_] Price/Value [_] Back-Room Politics [_] Negative experience opposing one in combat 8. Please check the location(s) where this product will be used: [_] North America [_] Central/South America [_] Aircraft Carrier [_] Europe [_] Middle East [_] Africa [_] Asia/Far East [_] Misc. Third-World Countries [_] Classified 9. Please check the products that you currently own, or intend to purchase in the near future: Product Own Intend to purchase Color TV VCR ICBM Killer Satellite CD Player Air-to-Air Missiles Space Shuttle Home Computer Nuclear Weapon 10. How would you describe yourself or your organization? Check all that apply: [_] Communist/Socialist [_] Terrorist [_] Crazed (Islamic) [_] Crazed (Other) [_] Neutral [_] Democratic [_] Dictatorship [_] Corrupt (Latin American) [_] Corrupt (Other) [_] Primitive/Tribal 11. How did you pay for your McDonnell Douglas product? [_] Cash [_] Suitcases of Cocaine [_] Oil Revenues [_] Deficit Spending [_] Personal Check [_] Credit Card [_] Ransom Money [_] Traveler's Check 12. Occupation You Your Spouse Homemaker Sales/Marketing Revolutionary Clerical Mercenary Tyrant Middle Management Eccentric Billionaire Defense Minister/General Retired Student 13. To help us understand our Customers' lifestyles, please indicate the interests and activities in which you and your spouse enjoy participating on a regular basis: Activity/Interest You Your Spouse Golf Boating/Sailing Sabotage Running/Jogging Propaganda/Disinformation Destabilizing/Overthrow Default on Loans Gardening Crafts Black Market/Smuggling Collectibles/Collections Watching Sports on TV Wines Interrogation/Torture Household Pets Crushing Rebellions Espionage/Reconnaissance Fashion Clothing Border Disputes Mutually Assured Destruction Thanks for taking the time to fill out this questionnaire. Your answers will be used in market studies that will help McDonnell Douglas serve you better in the future -- as well as allowing you to receive mailings and special offers from other companies, governments, extremist groups, and mysterious consortia. Comments or suggestions about our fighter planes? Please write to: McDONNELL DOUGLAS CORPORATION Marketing Department Military Aerospace Division P.O. Box 800 St. Louis, MO 55500 [EOA] [REF]////////////////////////////// REFLECTIONS / ///////////////////////////////// Thinking About Online Communications """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" by Phil Shapiro [P.SHAPIRO1] >>> ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS AND THE CHANGING NATURE OF FRIENDSHIP <<< """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Online communication is transforming how human beings interact with one another. The nature of the medium is such that it helps people connect with others of similar interest. So if you're interested in fly fishing and you live in Calgary, Alberta, online communications allows you to easily make contact with other fly fishing aficionados in other parts of the world. But say your interest in fly fishing centers around a particular aspect of the sport. Suppose that your interest in fly fishing centers around building your own lures out of natural material. You have nothing to say to fly fishing fans who don't build their own lures. And you have even less to say to fly fishing fans who build their lures out of man-made materials (heaven forbid). The Internet allows you to zero in on just those people who share your own particular interest. Without the Internet, you would have to settle for putting up with fly fishing enthusiasts in your own neighborhood. The locals may or may not be people you'd like to spend a lot of time with. It's a good thing when people connect with others who share their interests. Society is formed by a web of individual human bonds. The more individual bonds there are, the stronger the fabric of society. And every connection between human beings opens up new possibilities, new opportunities. Is it not true that every advance ever made grew out of the interaction between two (or more) human beings? Conversely, it would be fair to say that there is no human being alive now (or alive ever) who created something meaningful and lasting entirely on their own. But what is really intriguing is that the nature of friendship is changing. Friendship used to be a predominantly social things. The new friendship blurs the boundary between friends and colleagues. A year or two ago I had an experience which got me thinking about the nature of online friendships (o-friendships). The small software company I run had a news story written about it in Newsbytes, the online news service for international computer news. It just so happened that this Newsbytes story contained a fairly significant factual error. This error was brought to my attention by an o-friend of mine who happened to spot the story an hour after it had been posted online. Within two hours of the story being made public, I was able to explain the mistake to the reporter who wrote the story. Newsbytes posted a formal correction the next day. What this experience taught me is the value of having o-friends looking out for your own interests. The modern day world is far too complex for any individual to pay attention to all its myriad aspects. But the more o-friends you have, the greater are the chances that you will be clued in to something that's of interest to you. Instead of having just one pair of eyes, online communications allows you to have a hundred pairs of eyes. The extra pairs of eyes come in handy, I've come to learn. People watch out for each other in brand new ways out here. Since every friendship is based on mutuality, every act of friendship begets another act of friendship. Mutuality is rife in the online world. It's rife and it's flourishing and it's coming soon to a disk drive near you. Remember the quaint old days when friends were people you used to spend time with in person? Sure those friendships were great. There's no denying that face-to-face friendships (ftf friendships) have a certain esthetic appeal. But online friendships have far more promise in the larger scheme of things, precisely because they allow a bond to be formed based on genuine shared interest, rather than on a blurred blend of geographic proximity and general shared interest. Online communication magnifies the benefits of friendship. The more people you know online, the more opportunities you will have to benefit from their particular knowledge and expertise. If it's true that the more online contacts you have, the greater the overall benefits in your life, then it's just one extra step of logic to say that online communications tends to make people more sociable, more extroverted. There can be no denying that technology itself is changing how we relate to one another. The effects of these changes are becoming increasingly apparent in the world around us. -Phil Shapiro [*][*][*] [The author takes a keen interest in the psychological and social dimensions of online communications. This essay is one of a collection of 25 essays in the "Thinking About Online Communications" series. Feedback is invited at: pshapiro@aol.com] [EOA] [ASA]////////////////////////////// ASCII ART GALLERY / ///////////////////////////////// Bossie the Cow """""""""""""" by Susie Oviatt [SUSIE] ASCII ART BEGINS .a@@@@@a. ,a@@@@@@@@a, .a@@@@@a. .@@@@@@@@@@@a,a@@@@@@@@@@@@@@a,a@@@@@@@@@@@. @@@@@@@@@@@@a@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@a@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@' `@a@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@a@' `@@@@ `@' @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ `@' .########################## @@@@@@@@@"@@@"@@@@@@@@ .##############################`@@@@@@@@a@@@a@@@@@@@' .#####################;;#########,@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@, ,;;;;;######;;;;#####;;;;;;;##;;;,@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@, ,;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;###;;;;;;;;;;;;;@@@@@( )@@@@@@@@@@( )@@@@@ ;;';;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;`@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@' ;;';;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;`@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@', ;;' ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; """""""""""""",;; ', ;;' ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ', ;;;; ###;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;####;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ; `;;' ####;;;##;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;###########;;;;;;;;;;; ,' ` ##########;;;;;;;'''''''''''''''''''''''''''###;;;;;;;;;; ; #############;;' #;;;;;;;;;;;; `, ############# ;;;;;;;;;;;;; () ############# ;;;;;;;;;;;;; #oOOOOOOOOOo# ;oOOOOOOOOOo; oOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo oOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOO () OOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO () OOOOOOO `OOOOOOOooOOOOOOOO' `OOOOOOOOooOOOOOOO' `OOOOOOOOOOOOO' `OOOOOOOOOOOOO' """"""""" """"""""" ASCII ART ENDS [FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED READERS: The preceding was a cartoon of a cow, with wheels instead of hooves.] [EOA] [HUN]////////////////////////////// THE TREASURE HUNT / ///////////////////////////////// Yours For the Downloading """"""""""""""""""""""""" by Charlie Hartley [A2.CHARLIE] Welcome back to the Treasure Hunt! This month we will take a look at a variety of things. [*][*][*] 18881 FNDRVIEW3.0.BXY 40k ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Finder-View 3.0 is a Finder Extension that works with the Finder in System Software 6.0 and later. Finder-View is a joint effort. The main program is written by Brian Clark; the 3200 color routines are by Mike Fleming; the $C2 animation routine is by Nate Trost and Mike Fleming; and the title screen and icons by Marco Busse. I have lifted most of the following documentation from the help notes in the file, since the authors can explain what it does better than I can. Finder-View is, simply stated, a Finder invoked picture viewing program. With version 3.0, you will no longer even have to leave the Finder to view pictures. The file formats Finder-View v3.0 will handle are: PaintWorks Packed Picture Packed Super Hi-Res Screen Image Apple Preferred Format Picture Super Hi-Res Screen Image SHR 3200 Color Image (Brooks, French, and APF) PrintShop GS Color Graphic PaintWorks Animation There are two methods of how to use Finder-View to view pictures. The first method is the most straightforward, and works well when you want to view only one or two pictures at a time. Simply double-click on any picture's file icon. You can select multiple file icons and still use this method, but the second method is more suitable for slide-showing multiple pictures. In the second method, select the pictures you want to view, and then select the View Pictures... menu item from the Extras menu. When using the second method, you will not be returned to the Finder screen between each picture, and you'll also be able to traverse both forward and backward through the slide-show as well as abort the slide-show at any time. The command keys and actions that are available while a picture is being displayed are: KEYS: Numerical keypad keys 1-9 - Picture movement CapsLock or Holding Open-Apple - Multiply movement rate by 5 Escape or Open-Apple-period - Abort slide-show Return or '-->' - Move forward in slide-show '<--' - Move backward in slide-show Space - Pauses slide-show 'I' OR 'i' key - Present picture information '+' key - Speed up animation '-' key - Slow down animation MOUSE: Movement - Picture movement Button click - Move forward in slide-show There are a couple preference settings in Finder-View that let you choose how the program should operate in certain instances. The preferences dialog is displayed any time the Finder-View... menu item is selected from the Extras menu. The state of Finder-View's menu item changes based on what icons are selected. If any files or folders are selected, the menu item will read View Pictures.... Otherwise, you'll be presented with the menu item to allow you to display the preferences dialog. The preferences available are: Slide-Show Seconds - Choose how many seconds to wait between pictures '''''''''''''''''' during a slide-show. Auto Slide-Show - If this is checked, Finder-View will automatically ''''''''''''''' progress through the selected pictures. All the regular action commands are still available. The slide-show timer is reset if you scroll the picture, pause and unpause the slide-show, or bring up the picture information dialog. Launch Application First - If this is checked, Finder-View will let the '''''''''''''''''''''''' Finder try to launch any application that may be linked to the picture file icons instead of displaying the picture. The Control key can be used while double-clicking to change this preference setting on the fly. Handle 3200's - If this is checked, Finder-View will display 3200 color ''''''''''''' pictures. This option is present because the displaying of 3200 color pictures may cause problems in a networked enviornment. Finder-View is ShareWare. To legally use Finder-View, you must send a $10 payment to Jupiter Systems within 2 weeks, otherwise you should delete it. The address given in the documentation is: Jupiter Systems P.O. Box 1396 Barrington, IL 60010 U.S.A. Finder-View v3.0 is a Finder Extension and should be placed in your System:System.Setup folder. Finder-View will become active the next time you boot. [*][*][*] 22096 VOLUMESNAKE.BXY 25k ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' This "Volume Snake" utility by Dan Jones will print all files on all subdirectories on one volume (or even for all volumes). It will run on a 64K machine. The output can be directed to the screen, your printer, or a file. Run it, and tell it where you want the results. Then tell it which slot and which drive to check and it will list a catalog of all the files located there. [*][*][*] 23871 SLOTSCAN162.BXY 13k ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' This program by Robert Claney will tell you what kind and version of Apple II computer you have and tells you how much "normal" memory you have. What gives this program its name though is the fact that it scans your computer's slots and/or ports, telling you what is present in each one. It will describe in detail the individual devices attached to SmartPort cards or ports, and SCSI cards which may be in your system. It will identify the capacity of any drives which are supported by ProDOS. This program will run on any computer which will run ProDOS. SlotScan includes extensive documentation to help you to get the most out of it. [*][*][*] 206680 DOS33.LNCHR.BXY 40k ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' This utility allows you to store and run older DOS 3.3 software on your previously non-DOS 3.3 compatible ProDOS hard drive or 3.5" floppy drives. Version 2.0 now works with 8-bit Apple IIs! It also now allows saving to disk images, and making double-sided disk images on the Apple IIgs. Written by the author of Roger Wagner's The Graphic Exchange, John MacLean, this is a $10 shareware utility. It's very easy to use, and it even has the ability to slow down your system to 1 Mhz when running DOS 3.3 software, but returns you to your launcher at full fast speed. Supports DOS 3.3 BIN files and single or double sided DOS 3.3 disks. I am not personally familiar with this utility, but Tim's recommendation makes this an interesting utility to get. [Your editor recommends it, too.--Ed.] [*][*][*] 24324 QUIKVIEW1.1.BXY 9k ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' This is an update for Mark Munz's freeware AppleWorks word processor file viewer program. This version displays AppleWorks 5.0 inverse uppercase characters correctly. It was updated by Christian Serreau. If you don't have AppleWorks 5, and you need to view word processing files created with it, this is a handy utility. [We recommend it for reading the AppleWorks version of GEnieLamp A2.--Ed.] [*][*][*] 17717 SHR.VIEW3.5.BXY 23k ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' SHR View 3.5 was written by Ron Mercer, the author of Emerald Visions' 3200 color paint program and the commercial program Prism. This little program acts as a slideshow viewer for all SHR graphics, 3200 color pics, and even large GIFs. According to the documentation, graphics up to 4096x4096 are supported, though Lunatic, the uploader, had problems with some 1024x800 GIFs. All GIFs are displayed in 16 shades of grey. According to the docs, this viewer supports the following image types: $C0 Paintworks 1.0 $C1 Raw Image Data (Screen Pic) $C0 PackBytes $C1 3200 Color Screen $C0 Apple Preferred $C1 Allison Raw Data $C0 Apple Preferred 3200 $C0 Apple Preferred 3200+ $C2 Paintworks Animation $C0 Paintworks Gold 640 $C0 3200 Colors (New) BIN French APP 3200 Colors BIN/TXT GIF87a BIN Hi-Res BIN/TXT GIF89a BIN Double Hi-Res (single file) BIN 3200 Color Screen BIN ComputerEyes IIgs Raw Data (old) $F8 PrintShop GS This neat little program is shareware. The author asks for a small fee of $10-$20. His address is included in the docs. According to the docs, the main purpose of this program is to view all of the images in the current prefix (directory/folder). SV doesn't physically have to be in the directory with the images that are to be displayed. By following this example you can have it in one directory while displaying images in another: SHR View is located in the directory "/HARD2/UTIL". The images are located in the directory "/HARD2/GRAPHICS/PICS.3200" ]prefix /hard2/graphics/pics.3200 ]-/hard2/util/shr.view From GS/OS, you will probably want to have this program in each of your graphics directories so you can just double-click on it to view all of your pics without having to go into BASIC and play around with the prefix. [*][*][*] This edition of the Treasure Hunt will be my last. It's not that there aren't a lot more treasures available in the Apple II library; it's just that I must cut back on the amount of time that I devote to writing for GEnieLamp A2. I'll be around from time to time with something for you whenever I get the chance. I want to thank Doug Cuff for giving me the opportunity to write for the Lamp. It has been a delightful experience. Until later... Charlie [EOA] [SOF]////////////////////////////// SOFTVIEW A2 / ///////////////////////////////// Review: FAXination """"""""""""""""""" by Douglas Cuff [EDITOR.A2] >>> DIAL NO LINE BEFORE ITS TIME <<< """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" PROGRAM: FAXination VERSION: 0.1.5 AUTHOR: Steven McQueen PUBLISHER: Vitesse Inc, P.O. Box 929, La Puente, CA 91747-0929 PRICE: $79.95 REQUIREMENTS: Apple IIgs, System 5.0.4 or later, 1.5 megabytes RAM, hard disk drive, external fax/modem [*][*][*] A fax (short for facsimile) machine is a combination of a modem and a digitizing scanner, with built-in software, or "firmware". The firmware can encode and decode (image into data; data into image) and can send and receive data across a phone line. You always need two fax machines... one to send and one to receive. There's a special kind of a modem called a fax/modem that can communicate with fax machines (in addition to its normal telecommunications functions). It pretends to be a standalone fax machine. A fax/modem can persuade the fax machine that it's okay to accept the data that the fax/modem sending, or that the fax machine can begin to send its data now. Fax/modems are nothing new. The modems need software in order to work, though. Nothing new there, either. What is new? Fax software for the Apple II; specifically, FAXination from Vitesse. FAXination sets out to let you do three main things: create faxes, send them, and receive them. It also lets you view faxes on the screen, and print them on a printer. FAXination comes in two parts: a New Desk Accessory and a printer driver. The New Desk Accessory allows you to send and receive faxes, as well as view and print them. The printer driver is necessary only to create new faxes. To create a fax, you go to the Apple menu of any desktop-based IIgs program and select "Control Panels", a process familiar to most of you. From that menu, you select "DC Printer", and change the "printer type" _from_ ImageWriter or whatever other device you normally use, _to_ FAXination. Then you tell whatever application you're using (for example, Teach or AppleWorks GS or GraphicWriter III) to open a document and print a copy of that document. The application prints not to a printer but to a file. FAXination will be using that file shortly. When printing the document, you have the option of setting the resolution at either 100 dots per inch (fast but not much detail) or 200 dots per inch (slow but greater detail). You also have the option of having the document sent as soon as the printing is finished, or sending it manually later. Once you've printed the document and created a fax file for FAXination, you can set the printer device back to your normal printer, if you like. It really doesn't matter if you do this or not... as long as you remember to change it back before you want to print something! SENDING A FAX With the fax file safely on disk, you should pull down the """"""""""""" Apple menu again and choose FAXination from the list of NDAs. The FAXination NDA gives you six options: o Receive log; o Send log; o Receive fax; o Phone book; o Local station ID; and o FAXination options. When you select "Send log", FAXination shows you what fax files it has waiting to send. You can select one with the mouse, then send it, view it on the screen, or print it to the printer. You can also delete it, or address it. When you view a fax, only a part of it will fit on the screen at a time. You have to use the scroll bars to slide various parts of the fax into the viewing window. This allows you to see details of the fax clearly. A chance to get an overview would be nice, too, but FAXination doesn't allow it. Note that you cannot change a fax file as you view it. Once a fax file has been created, the only way to change it is to use your application to make the changes, then "print" it again. When you print a fax (you didn't forget to change the Direct Connect printer in the Control Panels, did you?), you may be a little distressed at the fuzziness of the image on an ImageWriter II. For a fax you're sending, this doesn't matter very much, since the limitation in resolution is due to your printer and its printer driver, not FAXination. In other words, the fax won't appear that fuzzy to the person who receives it. Unfortunately, the same limitation applies to printing faxes you receive. Unless you have an inkjet or laser printer, you may have to both print _and_ view a fax you've received in order to decipher it all, since the printed version gives you an overview and the onscreen version gives you sharper detail. If you do have an inkjet or laser printer, you're more likely to be satisfied with the FAXination printout. When you click on Send, FAXination sets up your fax/modem for transmission, and dials the number you assigned to it on the "envelope". Unfortunately, what is supposed to happen then is a mystery to this reviewer. I was utterly unable to get FAXination to send a fax to anyone, despite three different fax machines and numerous tries. I couldn't shift-boot to eliminate all Desk Accessories and Inits, since FAXination itself is an NDA, so I trimmed my active DAs and Inits as follows: Temporary Init ZipInit '''''''''''''' New Desk Accessories Control Panels '''''''''''''''''''' FAXination CDEVs Direct Connect Printer ''''' File System Translators Pro.FST ''''''''''''''''''''''' Char.FST Drivers RAM5 ''''''' AppleDisk3.5 Console.Driver Printer Modem RamFAST FAXination That didn't help, either. In short, I absolutely could not get FAXination to send a fax. This was particularly discouraging, since I had received Vitesse's special hardware/software bundle of a 14.4 modem and a copy of FAXination (priced at $189.95). I badly wanted FAXination to work for me, and I thought by ordering the modem that Vitesse themselves were selling, I'd avoid the proverbial vicious circle of the software publisher blaming the hardware manufacturer, and so on ad infinitum. RECEIVING A FAX After admitting defeat in my inability to send a fax, I """"""""""""""" moved on to the part that was really important to me. After all, as a GEnie user, I can use their fax service to at least send ASCII-only fax messages. What I was really looking forward to was the ability to receive faxes from others. FAXination's Receive Log menu offers you the chance to view, print, or delete a fax you've already received. To actually receive a fax, you can either select "Receive Fax" from the FAXination NDA's menu when the phone rings--in effect saying "Hey, get that, will you?"--or you can select "Auto Receive" from the "FAXination Options" menu, which allows FAXination to receive a fax "in the background"... that is, FAXination will answer all incoming calls, even if you happen to be typing a letter in AppleWorks GS at the time. Unfortunately, I didn't have any success in receiving faxes in either mode. So I can't tell you any more about the process. THE MODEM BUNDLE As I've said, I was shipped the hardware/software """""""""""""""" bundle. Apart from the FAXination disk and manual, it included a high-speed modem cable and a 14.4EFX external data fax modem that seemingly doesn't have a brand name. Other GEnie users tell me it's an Aspen modem. I can't verify this, but that's what they say, for whatever that's worth. As I've also said, I decided on the bundle to avoid problems. That was a mistake. This is a very cheap modem. It's the smallest modem I've ever seen: it's not as long as two 3.5" disks laid side by side. It's only slightly wide than a 3.5" disk. It's as thick as a stack of 6 disks. The first modem I received was clearly defective. The second modem would not connect at all, so I put it away in a box for several months. I took it out again this August, and to my surprise, it sort of worked! I could connect to the local GEnie line at 2400 baud, and to the local university line at 14,400 baud. (I was not able to connect to a local BBS, no matter what speed I tried.) It's just barely possible (I'm trying to give Vitesse every break I possibly can, for reasons that will shortly become apparent) that the Aspen modem doesn't get along well with Bell Canada. Another Canadian purchaser of the bundle was heard to complain of symptoms similar to mine. So it's unlikely but possible. SUPPORT Let's turn to a more pleasant topic: support from Vitesse. I've """"""" found it to be just fine, thank you... within certain limits. The first modem I received in my hardware/software bundle was evidently no good. It would not dial unless I lifted the receiver of my telephone as I issued the dial command. When I made them aware of the problem, Vitesse replaced the modem as promptly as international post and customs would allow. Vitesse has been providing updates of FAXination to registered owners on its BBS. As this is in California, it is prohibitively expensive for me to call from here in Canada. This, frankly, is a little galling. "Having to pay to be a beta tester," one GEnie customer called it. Since my bundle was a Christmas present, and since I'm every bit as poor as you would expect a freelance editor and writer to be, I resented the perceived implication that anyone with anyone money to buy the software in the first place has sufficient expendable income to pay for support. To their great credit, when I E-mailed Vitesse here on GEnie, and pointed out this expense, they sent me an updated version via E-mail (using GEnie's "File-mail" option). Why on earth they don't ask for a private library in A2Pro is beyond me, but at least Vitesse is doing something. DOCUMENTATION The documentation is fair. It gets points for being clear. """"""""""""" Its overview tells you the history of faxing--beginning in 1843--in two pages, which is nice, but largely irrelevant. One big problem is that the manual is organized from the point of view of a programmer--introduction, installation, NDA, printer driver, status dialog, and technical support--rather than a user--creating a fax, sending a fax, receiving a fax, printing, viewing, address book, and so on. Chapter 5, The FAXination Status Dialog, provides an important clue to "what's wrong with this picture". It has just four paragraphs (three of which are one sentence long). The first paragraph is this self-evident sentence: "The FAXination status dialog is simply a dialog that indicates that status of a transmission." Apparently, a equals a! I think they call this the reflexive axiom, fellas. This would be the ideal point to list the possible messages in the dialog (particularly since this reviewer got to see only two, "Dialing" and "Establishing Connection"). Overall, though, the manual is adequate. To its great credit, it only puns on "fax/facts" once. SUMMARY FAXination doesn't work, at least not for me. No way, nohow. """"""" This is almost certainly because it was released too soon. Notice that the version number, 0.1.5, indicates a pre-release version. (Version 0.1.6 has been released by now, but I've heard no word of version 1.0.) Because I wasn't able to get FAXination either to receive or send a fax, it's difficult for me to comment on it in detail. Others have reported limited success, but I have not heard anyone say they got it to work, first crack out of the box. (Indeed, a friend of mine also bought FAXination, and has had no luck getting it to work with his IIgs and his LineLink 144e modem.) I recommend you wait for a stable and reliable version of FAXination before buying. If you're the adventuresome type and would like to give FAXination a try, I'll see you my copy, bundled with the Aspen 14.4 modem, for less than half price. No kidding. RATING """""" (_|_) It is with some reluctance that I award FAXination the (o o) GEnieLamp Turkey Award, and a rating of 0 out of 5 points. ()v() I know that programmer Steven McQueen has worked hard on _| |_ FAXination. When I asked Vitesse for help, I found them to \(( ))/ be very easy to get along with. q( ~ ~ )p \ ~ / Nevertheless, I cannot in good conscience give |~| FAXination a better score. I tried my absolute best to make ^ ^ it work, and I cannot. What a computer newcomer would do if (0 out of 5) faced with FAXination is not something I care to consider. Let's hope that Vitesse gets a really reliable version 1.0 of FAXination to market before word of mouth completely destroys the reputation of this piece of software. Come on, guys, you can do it! RATING SYSTEM """"""""""""" 5 LAMPS.........What? You haven't bought this program YET? 4 LAMPS.........Innovative or feature-rich; take a look! 3 LAMPS.........Good execution, stable program. 2 LAMPS.........Gets the job done. 1 LAMP..........A marginal program. 0 ..............GEnieLamp Turkey Award! [EOA] [PRO]////////////////////////////// PROFILES / ///////////////////////////////// Who's Who In Apple II """"""""""""""""""""" by Charlie Hartley [A2.CHARLIE] >>> WHO'S WHO? <<< """""""""""""""""" ~ GEnieLamp Profile: John Van Dam, a/k/a Froggie ~ This month we are featuring John Van Dam, a frequent visitor to the Apple II RoundTable Bulletin Board. John is better known as Froggie, and all of us in the bulletin board enjoy his ASCII art signatures immensely. Although Froggie has been visiting the bulletin board for less than a year, he has made his presence felt with timely tips and advice in a wide range of subjects. We feel certain that you will enjoy this interview. GEnieLamp> John, you are known online for your unique ASCII art """"""""" signatures depicting a frog. What made you decide to use this signature? _ _ (o)-(o) ( _ ) In my first grade class in school, there were FIVE __ooo_)_____(_ooo__ boys named John in the same room, so a nickname """"""""""""""""""" seemed imperative when I logged on to GEnie. I had to change my GEnie address because I was assigned J.VANDAM. One of my major peeves has always been that there MUST be a space in "Van Dam" and this has been a major battle over the years. :-( I realized that I needed to do this before I started posting, to avoid later confusion. I work at frogdesign, inc and everybody who works there are known affectionally as "frogs". Even earlier, in high school my changing, often croaking voice, blonde hair and glasses led to the appellation "froggie" after the famous member of Our Gang. My choice of address was fairly easy with that history. Online communication has an inherent tendency to be terse and impersonal, so I wanted something that would help define the tone of my messages. I had no idea if I could even make an ASCII frog, but I gave it a go one night. He seemed kinda cute, so I began posting him in my messages despite online concerns about using elaborate sigs. I wasn't sure how elaborate was too elaborate. The frog was greeted kindly, and has apparently gained his own fan club of sorts. Someone actually said that I didn't post him often enough :-) GEnieLamp> Your frogs have certainly caught on in the Apple II Bulletin """"""""" Board. We will feature some of them throughout this article. Are computers a part of your daytime job? Please tell us a little about what you do between 9 and 5. _ _ (o)-(o) ( _ ) I use several platforms at work. Macs, PeeCees, SGIs __ooo_)_____(_ooo__ (Unix), and two different machine tool controllers. """"""""""""""""""" I am a professional modelmaker for a leading industrial design firm. It is a German company which was contracted by Steve Jobs at Apple to create a design language for them, starting with the IIc. We did the NeXT computer, the new Packard Bell design, Motorola Envoy, ATT/EO personal communicator, and a new design language for a PeeCee company that should make quite a splash when it's released very soon. Everything I work on is very confidential, so it's good that I'm =not= a PeeCee user in the IBM RT, or I'd be biting my tongue all the time. Ouch! I've built models ranging from toothbrushes to supercomputers, and everything in between, usually full-size. I usually build appearance models (that is, no electronics, etc), but I also make working models and prototypes. Most people don't realize my profession exists, which in a way is a nice compliment. The public sees models all the time without realizing it. The pictures found on product packaging are usually photos of models for two reasons: 1) The models look better, being hand-made for that purpose rather than mass-produced; 2) If they waited until the product came off the assembly line to photograph it, then print up the boxes, then put the product in the boxes, THEN ship it, production schedules would be a nightmare. GEnieLamp> What caused you to go into modelmaking? """"""""" _ _ (o)-(o) ( ,_, ) Good question... most of the modelmakers I know __ooo_)_____(_ooo__ started out in a different vocation. I trained as a """"""""""""""""""" drafter and found out about modelmaking when an instructer from another college gave a slide presentation to my drafting class. I immediately realized I was heading the wrong way... I didn't want just to draw the parts, I wanted to build the parts. It seems obvious in retrospect, because object visualization was what had always intrigued me. An idea is the spark, but bringing that ideal form into reality is the challenge. Modelmaking provides that in a big way. It is a renaissance art, involving design, materials science, fabrication, purchasing, color matching, painting, etc. In my field, which is basically R&D modelmaking, we rarely make more than one of whatever we're building. Every project is radically different, and the deadline is usually less than two weeks, sometimes two hours, often at a moment's notice. This goes well with my short attention span and the urge to be doing several different things at once :-) GEnieLamp> What sorts of things do you like to do for fun (i.e. """"""""" non-computer hobbies)? Froggie> I like to design and build furniture, I love good food and """"""" microbrewed beer, and I'm a big Star Trek fan, but not necessarily in that order. _____))))) ___ (6)-(6) Warp Factor II! ___ ( _, ) ______ooo_)_____(_ooo GEnieLamp> What is your favorite Star Trek episode/movie? Why? """"""""" Froggie> That's a tough one. There are so many great ones, I'd almost """"""" have to pick one for every character... If I had to choose one, I think it would be DARMOK (season 5, episode 2). This episode takes place at El'A'Drel where Picard encounters Captain Dathon, member of a race whose language is metaphoric in structure. "Darmok and Jelad at Tanagra" refers to mythical characters who meet at a place called Tanagra, fight a common foe, and become good friends. Captain Dathon is hoping the same will happen between him and Picard. This episode shows the Enterprise crew struggling with the Starfleet database, trying to locate and make sense of the historical archives, something every GEnie A2 user can appreciate. I've always been fascinated with different forms of communication, whether it is in the form of drawings, other languages, secret codes, and this episode illustrates the struggle to impart the internal imagery one has to another person very effectively, IMHO. I also appreciated that in DARMOK, the bridge crew suffers a critical misunderstanding of the situation, and in trying to rescue Picard, may have contributed to the demise of poor Captain Dathon. Even Picard wasn't getting any breaks this time. After saving the universe with seconds to spare on countless occasions, it was refreshing to see the Enterprise crew baffled throughout the encounter, with only a glimmer of understanding at the end of the episode. ___\\\\\\\ ___ (o)-(o)\ ENGAGE! ___ ( _, ) ______ooo_)_____(_ooo GEnieLamp> How did you first get interested in the Apple II computer? """"""""" Froggie> About 1983, I went to a party and the host had an Apple II. I """"""" remember playing Castle Wolfenstein on it. The seed was planted, though I didn't realize it at the time. About 1986, my sister's boyfriend at the time was the son of an Apple engineer, and they had a IIc system at their house. When I went to visit them, she did an Appleworks demo for me. Then she showed me this dungeon game which displayed a perspective view down the corridor. I spent the weekend playing that game. Still, I resisted. Then I became a modelmaker and saw a CNC mill which cut really cool shapes by computer and I discovered that computers can give a person the freedom to accomplish things that would otherwise be impossible or impractical, and I finally got the computing bug. One day, I asked my boss if I could buy one of the IIc computers that were in storage. She said they were needed for the archives, and instead just gave me a IIe system. I was elated! Later I came to appreciate that the IIe was the right choice for me. Now I can't imagine owning a computer without lots of slots :-) GEnieLamp> Do you have any anecdotes you can share with us about your """"""""" first experiences with the Apple II? Froggie> That first IIe ignited my latent hacker tendencies. I quickly """"""" learned that it was a rev. A motherboard in a prototype IIe case. After a logic board upgrade, I was set. Until the gremlins hit. One day, while playing Montezuma, my poor little guy just kept jumping up and down uncontrollably. Hmmm, joystick? Nope. It also happened without any joystick attached. Later, using Yo-Yo Duck [utilities], I discovered quite by accident that if I lifted the front of the IIe an inch or two, the "button" would stop being pressed. I took it to the dealer, they scratched their heads, swapped the board for free, and the problem remained. I was bummed. No games!!?? By this time I had gotten a second IIe for my daughter, so I took them both apart and began swapping components determined to find and fix the problem. I was on my own now. Even the dealer couldn't help me. I finally discovered that the power supply was going bad. I replaced the power supply and the joystick button problem was fixed. It was then I learned that computers aren't cold, calculating, unfeeling machines. They are talented, twisted, and need to be nurtured and understood for the relationship to be successful. Now I have two IIgs computers, and our whole family loves them. They are part of the family. I'd sell my cats before I'd sell my GSes. GEnieLamp> Describe your current hardware setup for us. """"""""" ,,,,, (b)-(d) ( _, ) We've got two "Woz" ROM 01 IIgs computers at home. __ooo_)_____(_ooo__ They both have RamFAST SCSI cards. The main GS has a """"""""""""""""""" 240MB and a 40MB hard drive, 2x CD-ROM drive, Bluedisk with two 1.44meg drives, one Apple 3.5 drive, one Apple IIc 5.25 drive, extended keyboard, TurboMouse, System Saver, 4.25MB RAM, ZIP 8/64, Soundmeister hooked up to my stereo system, Grappler+ parallel interface hooked to a DeskJet 500c inkjet printer, and a 15" SVGA monitor w/Second Sight card. The other GS has a 20MB hard drive, Quickie scanner, 1.75MB RAM,1 MB Ramfactor, RGB monitor, standard keyboard, TurboMouse, and lots of room for expansion. I'm planning on getting a Bluedisk setup for this GS, and I've also got my eye on one of those new Syquests. GEnieLamp> What do you see as the future for the Apple II and its owners? """"""""" Froggie> I feel that the Apple II is a mirror of its owner. The whole """"""" concept of the Apple II is adaptability, versatility, and expandability. The sky was the limit and still is.... We went to the moon using computers less powerful than the IIgs, yet the true limits of the Apple II are defined by our own limitations. I think the success/failure of products like Second Sight and BlueDisk will say a lot about the future of the Apple II. Are we willing to take risks, adapt and find new and innovative uses for our computers, or do we just want to play it safe? To me, the Apple II is like a classic roadster. You really need to know what's going on under the hood, and the local dealer isn't going to be much help beyond trying to sell you a new [computer]. You need to find fellow enthusiasts who share your interest, where you can benefit from others experience and likewise offer assistance. It may not be the newest, the fastest, or the most expensive, but the ride is an unforgettable experience, the distillation of a moment in time when an assembly of parts becomes pure poetry in motion. Can you imagine someone telling you to give up your '36 coupe and buy a new Lexus? You might end up with both, but give up the coupe... never! __________ _ _ __________ | (o)-(o) | | IIGS ( _, ) FEVER | The Apple II is a classic design. |______ooo_)_____(_ooo______| Computers just haven't been around long """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" enough for many people to realize it yet. Right now, it's just old. My dad still talks about the classic cars he has owned, wishing he had kept them. My Apple II is one classic that isn't going to get away! GEnieLamp> Can you offer some advice about software and hardware that a """"""""" new Apple II user might want to invest in? What do you have and use? Froggie> Get a hard drive, and software to manage it. I've got """"""" ProSel-16, Universe Master, UtilityWorks and I also want to get the Salvation series by Vitesse. One utility just can't do it all, but together they've saved me on countless occasions. A modem and a GEnie account are a must. I sure could have used a lot of help when I first started out, and all of that assistance is available right here in A2! System 6.0.1 is another requirement. I would also recommend a Softdisk subscription, and for IIgs users a GS+ magazine/disk subscription. A lot of people seem to think it's only for programmers, but they've produced some absolutely indispensible programs, whatever the skill level. Oh, and get a fan like a Kensington System Saver to keep your system cool and long-lasting. Beyond that, whatever you can afford... there is a lot of great stuff available, it just depends on your interests. YAHOO!! ||||||| (@)-(@) ( O ) ______OOO_)_____(_OOO______ GEnieLamp> Have you done any Apple II programming? """"""""" Froggie> I've done some Applesoft BASIC programming. For the last three """"""" years, though, I've concentrated my programming efforts at work, content to enjoy my GS purely as a user. I've done some code-snooping and byte twiddling, but I've finally succumbed to my IIgs programming urges. I've acquired ORCA/M and ORCA/C, now I just have to take the time to learn them. I probably wouldn't even try if I didn't know that A2Pro is just next door ;-) GEnieLamp> How do your children use computers? """"""""" ,,,,, (d)-(d) My 9 year-old daughter Brandy loves to compose ( ,_, ) stories using EGOed, and she likes drawing ___ooo_)_____(_ooo___ pictures with DreamGrafix. Of course, games are """"""""""""""""""""" also popular. My 4 year-old son Isaac loves to draw on the computer, as well. Most games are still pretty frustrating for him, but he likes tic-tac-toe and concentration. Mostly he's interested in how the computer works. I think I've got a born hacker on my hands. I knew I was in trouble a little over a year ago when he showed me his hand puppet. I asked about a rectanglar object he had drawn on the front of it. "That's his hard drive" was the immediate reply. = :-() GEnieLamp> How long have you been a member of GEnie? What new services """"""""" do you think GEnie should provide its subscribers? \|||||/ I signed up on Stardate 9411.14, so that's makes (o)-(o) nine months now. ( O ) ______ooo_)_____(_ooo______ I'm just scratching the surface of what is already provided :-) How about official 14.4 connects, and more comprehensive Internet access. GEnieLamp> Where do you see the future of telecommunications moving in """"""""" the next five to ten years? )) There is a lot of hype about telecommunications in (( general, and the Internet in particular, but my (%)-(%) interest is in the everyday effects. Being online ( _ ) gives you an immediacy and a reach which makes ___ooo_) (_ooo___ it seem very unnatural to be distant and dis- fried frog connected. I think soon not being online will be like not having a television. I see the dream of the "information appliance" really coming true in the next 5-10 years, where people who wouldn't dream of buying a computer today will be studying the recipes from the cooking show they just downloaded on the TV/computer/mailbox/etc that's sitting on the kitchen counter, so they can whip it up in time for dinner. GEnieLamp> How can the Apple II Roundtable be improved to serve you """"""""" better? Froggie> The main thing I would like to see is more lurkers participating """"""" in A2. With any endeavor, you only really get out of it in proportion to what you put into it, so the more participation from A2 users, the more we all benefit from it... GEnieLamp> What one piece of advice would you pass along to a new """"""""" Apple II telecommunications enthusiast? Froggie> Get an offline navigator! Before I started using one, I found """"""" it difficult to keep track of topic threads, I was reluctant to post because of the effort involved, and archiving was a chore. Now I frequent four RTs daily and my wife visits another RT as well, using CoPilot. I still log on manually to explore new areas, but the lion's share is done offline. GEnieLamp> What do you consider your proudest accomplishment? """"""""" Froggie> Hmmmm, I don't really think that way... I'd say my two children, """"""" but they're not finished yet ;-) GEnieLamp> Who do you look up to as your mentors? """"""""" Froggie> Jesus Christ. My parents. I'm a big fan of Bucky Fuller. """"""" Other than that, I try to learn from everyone I can. GEnieLamp> Well, I think I can safely say that folks in the Apple II """"""""" bulletin board have learned a few things from you as well. Froggie, this has been an enjoyable experience for me. I know that our readers will enjoy it just as much as I have. _ _ (o)-(o) ___(@ _, @)___ Thank you for having me here. o| Oh, Gawrsh! |o 8| ::blush:: |8 '^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^' GEnieLamp> Here are some more of Froggie's ASCII art frogs for you to """"""""" enjoy. _ _ (9)-(9) ( ,_, ) O> __ooo(_______)ooo__ ~~~~~\^/~~~\^/~~~~~ froggie This is my wife's signature on the FOOD RT: :froggietta (m)-(m) ( _, ) *)._.(* \|||||||/ Oh no, it's the TOPIC COP! (+)-(+) ( O ) ____OOO_)_____(_OOO____ _ _ (o)-(o) ( _, ) ooo_) (_ooo _ _ (o)-(^) ( _, ) My motto: NO RISK, NO FUN! ______ooo_)_____(_ooo______ _ _ (o)-(o) __________ _ _ __________ ( ___ ) | GS+ (o)-(o) since | ___ooo_)_____(_ooo___ | reader ( _, ) V3.N5 | | KANSASFEST | |______ooo_)_____(_ooo______| | OR BUST! | "!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!" _ _ (o)-(o) ______ooo_( _, )_ooo______ | GS+ subscriber since V3.N5 | \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ _ _ (p)-(q) ( ___ ) ______ooo_)_____(_ooo______ (~)-(~) ( _, ) ______ooo_)_____(_ooo______ (+)-(+) ( ___ ) *@#$=^&%!! ______ooo_)_____(_ooo______ __________ _ _ __________ | (o)-(o) | (^)-(^) | ( o ) | ( _, ) |______ooo_)_____(_ooo______| ______ooo_)_____(_ooo______ _ _ (*)-(*) ( ___ ) MANUAL! I don't need no STEENKING MANUAL! ______ooo_)_____(_ooo______ __________ _ _ __________ | (=)-(=) | _ _ | ( __ ) | (+)-(+) |______ooo_)_____(_ooo______| ( __ ') ______ooo_)_____(_ooo_____ (*)-(*) ( ___ ) ______ooo_)_____(_ooo______ (~)-(~) ( <@> ) ______ooo_)_____(_ooo______ _ _ (p)-(q) ( '___ ') ___ooo_)_____(_ooo___ I have not yet begun to fight... (~)______________________ || _ _ | || (X)-(o) | || ( ___ ) | || _)_____(_ | ||______________________| || Jolly Frogger || __________ _ _ __________ | (o)-(o) | | ( __ ') | II INFINITUM |______ooo_)_____(_ooo______| [*][*][*] A note to our readers: If you want to know more about a particular person and want him/her to be interviewed for the GEnieLamp A2 profile column, send E-mail to A2.CHARLIE or EDITOR.A2 and we'll see what we can do. In your E-mail message, tell why you think this person is a good candidate for the profile. [EOA] [PNL]////////////////////////////// PAUG NEWSLETTER / ///////////////////////////////// September 1995 Report """"""""""""""""""""" by David R. Kerwood [D.KERWOOD] The mission of the Planetary Apple User's Group (PAUG) is to serve as the online heart of the worldwide Apple II Community. PAUG's goals include providing help and support for folks who may not have a local group nearby, and to create a virtual link between both the online and offline user group community. PAUG sponsorship of an online user group is focused on promoting the fact that the Apple II is still alive, and doing very well. There _is_ support; PAUG can provide it, or help you find it! We meet the third Sunday of every month at 7:00 P.M. Eastern in the Apple II RoundTable Real Time Conference area. With no dues to pay or miles to drive, PAUG offers the Apple II user a friendly and comfortable association with others with similar computing interests, plenty of accurate information, hints, tips, and the security that comes with knowing that you have all the computing support you could possibly need right at your fingertips. What could be more convenient? THE MAIN EVENTS In our last newsletter we briefly described the """"""""""""""" history of PAUG, and some of the more significant goings on since this virtual user group came about. Since that time, the Apple II user community has seen quite a bit of activity, with perhaps one of the high points being the KansasFest celebration this past July. If you are able to read this newsletter, then you have probably already heard enough about KFest to last you till next year, so we won't rehash anything from that. Central to the philosophy of what this user group should be about (helping others with similar interests to get the most out of their Apple II computers) has been a resurgence of interest in increasing the capability and utility of these machines. The online PAUG community has been right there in the thick of things, testing new setups, reporting results and, most importantly, helping others to get the most out of their systems. The theme of this edition of the PAUG newsletter will be how we have been helping Apple II online users in upgrading, repairing, and enhancing their favorite machines, often at an amazingly low cost. "YOU CAN'T DO THAT ON AN APPLE II!"? As mentioned above, the KansasFest """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" social festivities were not the only thing of interest in the Apple II universe this summer. The hottest things happening online have been on the hardware front, with several items of high interest that have sparked the online and user group communities. First among these was that the distribution of Sequential Systems' Second Sight VGA video board finally went into high gear. Designed for use on the Apple IIgs or IIe, it is an expansion card that allows the use of relatively inexpensive VGA or Super VGA monitors, or will even accommodate the standard IIgs Applecolor RGB monitor up to a resolution of 640x400, with 256 colors. This card has piqued the interest of many, particularly so since many of the monitors originally purchased for the IIe and IIgs are nearing the end of their useful lives. So it has arrived upon the scene in just the nick of time for many Apple II users, who were getting tired of dim and fuzzy displays, or who simply wanted to enhance their existing setups. PAUG members (if you have a GEnie account, then YOU are a member!) have been most active in buying, installing, testing, and critiquing the various ways the Second Sight card can be used. We have forwarded our findings to the developers, who are working on a user-installable ROM upgrade to the card which will further enhance its already formidable capabilities. Most importantly, we have been working with the online community in assisting with installation, answering questions, and otherwise providing information to help the Apple II user make an informed purchasing decision. So, if you have a need to know anything and everything about the Second Sight VGA video card, then drop by during any of our Real Time Conferences (RTC) each evening, or read the messages in the Second Sight topic in the A2 Roundtable, Category 20, Topic 14 (Sequential Systems Online - Second Sight VGA Card). One other bugaboo which has frequently vexed Apple II users has been the question of what to do with all those disks we keep getting from AOL. For many Apple II'ers these disks present limited utility beyond being a coaster, due to the fact that they are High Density disks. While it is possible to reformat these to the standard 800K floppy, differences in the media between regular 800K disks and the 1.44 MByte floppies add some additional risk, as far as the integrity of your archived data are concerned. There have been several solutions to this problem, starting with Apple's own high density Superdrive unit. This drives requires an additional controller card, which is no longer available from Apple. It was recently noted in the A2 Roundtable that another supplier may step in to fill this void, that being ABC Direct (800-800-3630). PAUG members have been in contact with the CEO, David Hardaway (formerly with Applied Engineering, RIP), in an effort to get an ABC Direct presence online in the A2 RT. We'll keep you informed of any progress. Another solution has been offered by our own Joachim Lange [J.LANGE7@genie.com], with his BlueDisk controller card and a 3.5" HD disk drive. This supremely flexible setup not only allows you to read and write to high density floppy disks, but will also let you do it using inexpensive drives commonly used in the MS-DOS world. Extensively tested and reported upon by our own Harold Hislop [HAROLD.H@genie.com], the BlueDisk setup has proved to be just what the doctor ordered for many Apple II users. If you want to find out more, then drop by during any RTC, or read the messages in Category 46, Topic 12 (Independent Hardware Companies Online - BlueDisk Card -- ///SHH Systeme). In a late breaking and related development, still another solution to high density disk capability has been offered by our old friend Chua Lin, from Tulin Technology. Some years ago, Tulin began shipping a device called a Floptical disk drive, a SCSI device that used 21 MByte 3.5" floppy disks. As a bonus, the unit also functioned as a high density floppy drive as well, bringing 1.44 MByte disk capability to the Apple II. With the appropriate file system translators provided in the IIgs system software, the Floptical drive allows the IIgs user to utilize both MSDOS and Macintosh-format high density disks, in addition to high density disks formatted for ProDOS. The upside to the Floptical drive is that it gives this flexibility without taking up a precious slot in the computer. The downside to the Floptical drive has always been that they were a bit pricey, however, retailing for about $400. Tulin has rectified this handicap, when in August 1995 they posted an offer in the A2 Roundtable, announcing the availability of refurbished Floptical disk drives for $129! For more information, you can contact Tulin at 408-432-9057, or email at T.TULIN@genie.com. Speaking of disk drives, PAUG members have jumped right in with two new affordable removable media SCSI disk drives; the Iomega "Zip" drive, an SCSI device that uses unique ejectable 100 MByte disks, and a similar device from SyQuest, the EZ 135-Drive, with 135 MByte removable disks. The bottom line for both is that they cost in the $200 range, and they both work well as Apple II SCSI devices. The popularity and interest in these units was enough that we opened a special topic for each in the A2 Roundtable; see Category 21 (Add On II Online), Topic 13 - Iomega ZIP Drives, and Topic 14 - SyQuest Drives. In addition, the Zip Drive was recently the topic of a Real Time Conference (RTC), and enough valuable information was presented that it warranted a special archive of the transcript of the RTC. Just download file #25002 (IOMEGA.ZIP.BXY) for the whole story. And if you're not familiar with A2 Real Time Conference sessions, this transcript will give you a good idea of what the RTCs are all about! WHAT'S NEW IN GENIE'S A2 ROUNDTABLE? In keeping with the theme of """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" this edition of the newsletter, we are proud to announce that our favorite Topic Cop, Charles Hartley [A2.CHARLIE@genie.com], has completed a top to bottom reorganization of the A2 Roundtable's buying and selling arena, Category 4 (The A2 Free Trade Zone). What follows is a breakdown of the topics as they now exist, allowing the online Apple II user to quickly and easily find exactly what it is they want to buy, or a place to post what they want to sell. CATEGORY 4 : The A2 Free Trade Zone (Items For Sale, Items Wanted, Etc.) =========================================================================== No. Subject Msgs Status Author 1 Guidelines For Posting 2 Closed A2.CHARLIE 2 General Discussion on Buying & Selling 89 Open A2.CHARLIE 3 ...reserved... 1 Clo/Ma A2.CHARLIE 4 === Used Software For Sale === 1 Clo/Ma A2.CHARLIE 5 Used 8 Bit Software For Sale 75 Open A2.CHARLIE 6 Used 16 Bit Software For Sale 62 Open A2.CHARLIE 7 Used CD-ROMs For Sale 6 Open A2.CHARLIE 8 Used Software Auctions 12 Open A2.CHARLIE 9 ...reserved... 1 Clo/Ma A2.CHARLIE 10 ...reserved... 1 Clo/Ma A2.CHARLIE 11 === Used Hardware For Sale === 1 Clo/Ma A2.CHARLIE 12 Used Computers For Sale 29 Open A2.CHARLIE 13 Used Monitors For Sale 12 Open A2.CHARLIE 14 Used Floppy Drives For Sale 51 Open A2.CHARLIE 15 Used Hard Drives For Sale 37 Open A2.CHARLIE 16 Used Tape Drives For Sale 6 Open A2.CHARLIE 17 Used CD-ROM Drives For Sale 11 Open A2.CHARLIE 18 Used Printers For Sale 39 Open A2.CHARLIE 19 Used Modems For Sale 39 Open A2.CHARLIE 20 Used Interface Cards For Sale 43 Open A2.CHARLIE 21 Used RAM Expansion Cards For Sale 19 Open A2.CHARLIE 22 Used Systems/Bundled Items For Sale 36 Open A2.CHARLIE 23 Other Used Hardware For Sale 121 Open A2.CHARLIE 24 Used Hardware Auctions 15 Open A2.CHARLIE 25 ...reserved... 1 Closed A2.CHARLIE 26 ...reserved... 1 Closed A2.CHARLIE 27 Used Books/Periodicals For Sale 58 Open A2.CHARLIE 28 ...reserved... 1 Closed A2.CHARLIE 29 === Items Wanted === 1 Closed A2.CHARLIE 30 Software/CD-ROMs Wanted 36 Open A2.CHARLIE 31 Hardware Wanted 108 Open A2.CHARLIE 32 Books/Periodicals Wanted 1 Open A2.CHARLIE 33 Other Items Wanted 8 Open A2.CHARLIE 34 ...reserved... 1 Closed A2.CHARLIE 35 === Vendor Items For Sale === 1 Closed A2.CHARLIE 36 Vendor Software For Sale 12 Open A2.CHARLIE 37 Vendor Hardware For Sale 8 Open A2.CHARLIE 38 Vendor Books/Periodicals For Sale 2 Open A2.CHARLIE 39 Vendor Products Press Releases 70 Open A2.CHARLIE 40 Vendor Re-sellers Only 13 Open A2.CHARLIE 41 === Miscellaneous Topics === 1 Closed A2.CHARLIE 42 Computer Shows and Fairs 1 Open A2.CHARLIE 43 Apple /// Hardware And Software 1 Open A2.CHARLIE 44 ...reserved... 1 Closed A2.CHARLIE 45 Apple II Product Recommendations 48 Open A2.CHARLIE 46 Apple II Vendor Reviews 56 Open A2.CHARLIE 47 Apple II Vendor Phone Book 52 Open A2.CHARLIE Charlie's reorganization has worked out well in bringing both sellers and buyers together. Of particular interest to many are topics 36 through 40, where the A2 Roundtable has taken the initiative in inviting our favorite resellers online. This is where the announcement of Tulin Technology's low cost Floptical Drive offer was made, for example. Another new vendor on the scene that has been active in these topics has been Tracy Cook of A+ Technologies, whose business is buying used Apple II hardware and software by the truckload (literally!), cleaning it up, making sure it works, and then offering it for resale to Apple II users worldwide. He has been offering some fantastic bargains on hardware and software, some rare items, and many which have not been seen for some time. Take a look! IN CONCLUSION Remember, the goal of the Planetary Apple User Group is to """"""""""""" be _your_ primary Apple II resource! If you have any suggestions, insights, or ways to help us help you...let us know! Future plans include working with groups on the "outside" to create a stronger bond within the Apple II community. Just email C.ADAMS11@genie.com or A2.GENA@genie.com, or if you are already online with GEnie (good move!) make a post in Category 3, Topic 34 (Planetary Apple Users Group) in the A2 Roundtable Bulletin Board (m645;1). //////////////////////////////////////// GEnie_QWIK_QUOTE //// / God hasn't finished with me yet, and all I got was this / / lousy T-shirt! / ///////////////////////////////////////////// EDITOR.A2 //// [EOA] [LOG]/////////////////////////////// LOG OFF // ////////////////////////////////// GEnieLamp Information """"""""""""""""""""" o COMMENTS: Contacting GEnieLamp o GEnieLamp STAFF: Who Are We? GEnieLamp Information GEnieLamp is published on the 1st of every month """"""""""""""""""""" on GEnie page 515. You can also find GEnieLamp on the main menus in the following computing RoundTables. RoundTable Keyword GEnie Page RoundTable Keyword GEnie Page """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" DigiPub DIGIPUB 1395 Atari ST ST 475 Macintosh MAC 605 IBM PC IBMPC 615 Apple II A2 645 Apple II Dev. A2PRO 530 Macintosh Dev. MACPRO 480 Geoworks GEOWORKS 1050 BBS BBS 610 CE Software CESOFTWARE 1005 Mini/Mainframe MAINFRAME 1145 Programming PROGRAMMING 1445 Data Comm. DATACOMM 1450 IBM PC Prog IBMPCPRO 617 PowerPC PPC 1435 PowerPCProg PPCPRO 1440 GEnieLamp is also distributed on CrossNet and many public and commercial BBS systems worldwide. o To reach GEnieLamp on Internet, send mail to: genielamp@genie.com o Back issues of GEnieLamp are available in the DigiPub RoundTable Library #2 on page 1395 (M1395;3). o GEnieLamp pays for articles submitted and published with online GEnie credit time. Upload submissions in ASCII format to library #31 in the DigiPub RoundTable on page 1395 (M1395;3) or Email it to GENIELAMP. On Internet send it to: genielamp@genie.com o We welcome and respond to all E-Mail. To leave comments, suggestions or just to say hi, you can contact us in the DigiPub RoundTable (M1395) or send GE Mail to John Peters at [GENIELAMP] on page 200. o If you would like to meet the GEnieLamp staff "live" we meet every Wednesday night in the Digi*Pub Real-Time Conference at 9:00 EDT (M1395;2). o The Digital Publishing RoundTable is for people who are interested in pursuing publication of their work electronically on GEnie or via disk-based media. For those looking for online publications, the DigiPub Software Libraries offer online magazines, newsletters, short-stories, poetry and other various text oriented articles for downloading to your computer. Also available are writers' tools and 'Hyper-utilties' for text presentation on most computer systems. In the DigiPub Bulletin Board you can converse with people in the digital publishing industry, meet editors from some of the top electronic publications and get hints and tips on how to go about publishing your own digital book. The DigiPub RoundTable is the official online service for the Digital Publishing Association. To get there type DIGIPUB or M1395 at any GEnie prompt. >>> GEnieLamp STAFF <<< """"""""""""""""""""""" GEnieLamp o John Peters [GENIELAMP] Publisher """"""""" o Mike White [MWHITE] Managing Editor APPLE II o Doug Cuff [EDITOR.A2] EDITOR """""""" o Gina E. Saikin [A2.GENA] A2 Staff Writer o Charlie Hartley [A2.CHARLIE] A2 Staff Writer A2Pro o Tim Buchheim [A2PRO.GELAMP] EDITOR """"" ATARI o Sheldon H. Winick [GELAMP.ST] ATARI EDITOR """"" o Bruce Smith [B.SMITH123] EDITOR/TX2 o Mel Motogawa [M.MOTOGAWA] Atari Staff Writer o Richard Brown [R.BROWN30] Atari Staff Writer o Al Fasoldt [A.FASOLDT] Atari Staff Writer o Timothy V. 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Vega [GELAMP.MAC] Mac Staff Writer POWER PC o Ben Soulon [BEN.GELAMP] POWER PC EDITOR """""""" o Eric Shepherd [SHEPPY] Power PC Staff Writer WINDOWS o Bruce Maples [GELAMP.WIN] EDITOR """"""" o Marlene Gaberel [M.GABEREL1] Windows Staff Writer o Tika Carr [LAMP.MM] Windows Staff Writer ETC. o Jim Lubin [J.LUBIN] Add Aladdin Scripts """" o Scott Garrigus [S.GARRIGUS] Search-ME! o Mike White [MWHITE] (oo) / DigiPub SysOp o John Peters [GENIELAMP] DigiPub SysOp o Al Fasoldt [A.FASOLDT] Contributing Columnist o Phil Shapiro [P.SHAPIRO1] Contributing Columnist o Sandy Wolf [S.WOLF4] Contributing Columnist \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////////////////////////// Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors, and do not necessarily represent opinions of GEnie Information Services, GEnieLamp Online Magazines, or T/TalkNet Online Publishing. Bulletin board messages are reprinted verbatim, and are included in this publi- cation with permission from GEnie Information Services and the source RoundTable. GEnie Information Services, GEnieLamp Online Magazines, and T/TalkNet Publishing do not guarantee the accuracy or suitability of any information included herein. We reserve the right to edit all letters and copy. Material published in this edition may be reprinted under the fol- lowing terms only. Reprint permission granted, unless otherwise noted, to registered computer user groups and not for profit publications. All articles must remain unedited and include the issue number and author at the top of each article reprinted. Please include the fol- lowing at the end of all reprints: \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\/////////////////////////////////// The preceeding article is reprinted courtesy of GEnieLamp Online Magazine. (c) Copyright 1995 T/TalkNET Publishing and GEnie Infor- mation Services. Join GEnie now and receive $50.00 worth of online credit. 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: JOINGENIE and hit the RETURN key. When you get the prompt asking for the signup code, type DSD524 and hit RETURN. GEnie will then prompt you for your signup information. For more information call (voice) 1-800-638-9636. ////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ [EOF] ÿÿÿ .