NET 286 GAZETTE
===============
OFFICIAL ONLINE MAGAZINE OF NET 286
===================================
from
NET 286 Publishing
September 25, 1993 SPECIAL DOUBLE ISSUE EDITION No. 1.05
=========================================================================
Net 286 Gazette
Online Magazine
C. Brown
Publisher - Editor
-----------------------------------------
Net 286 Gazette Support BBS Systems
The latest issue is ALWAYS available on these fine systems!
Fido 1:286/66 Horseman's Hostel-FREQ only 1-417-623-8308
Fido 1:286/701 Vision 1-417-623-3263
Fido 1:286/702 Inside OK! 1-417-624-0000
Fido 1:286/703 LANStar - home of NC286 1-417-673-2283
Fido 1:286/705 Shadow's Keep 1-417-781-5688
Fido 1:286/707 Mega-Mania 1-417-781-7172
Fido 1:286/708 Deep Space Nine 1-417-624-8078
Fido 1:286/709 Quantum Retreat 1-417-673-1776
Fido 1:286/710 Yellow Crecent Inn 1-417-781-2492
Fido 1:286/711 Second City BBS 1-417-623-3187
Fido 1:286/712 The Music Station-FREQ only 1-417-673-4926
Fido 1:286/713 SuperSystem WBBS 1-417-781-2875
Fido 1:286/714 Eagle's Nest 1-417-673-8835
Fido 1:286/715 Rebel Alliance 1-417-782-7848
Fido 1:286/716 Windows Station 1-417-623-0536
Fido 1:286/717 Cedarhurst Ridge 1-417-624-6827
Fido 1:286/718 Powder Puff Palace 1-417-782-4325
Fido 1:286/730 Crawley Crypt 1-417-624-1887
Fido 1:286/777 PC Depot 1-417-624-3815
_________________________________________________________________________
> 09/25/93 Net 286 Gazette "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PEOPLE ARE TALKING!
- JCS Meeting Info - KingCOM ver. 2.0 - Net 286 Confidential
- IRQ conflicts explained - Framemaker announced - Mail Call
-* COLLINS AQUITTED OF ARSON *-
-* RICHARDS - NO (PRINTABLE) COMMENT *-
-* QUALITYPE FONTHANDLER FOR WINDOWS *-
-* IBM, MICROSOFT ALLIANCE TO END ON FRIDAY *-
-* 'INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY' PROMOTED BY WHITE HOUSE *-
=========================================================================
Net 286 Gazette Online Magazine
The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
=========================================================================
LANStar WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;
NET 286 ONLINE MAGAZINE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"Joplin's Original Online Magazine"
NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!
CALL: 1-417-673-2283 .. Leave E-mail for Tim Pearson
You will receive your complimentary time
and
be online in no time at all!
WHAT'S NEW ON LANStar (as of August 31)
The history of Net 286 is posted as file NET-286.TXT in the NEW UPLOADS
area.
The second set of "20 QUESTIONS" submitted by Net 286 Sysops are answered
by the candidates for the position of Net 286 NEC. Now available for
download as file 20-QUES.TXT in the NEW UPLOADS area!
Download file JAPANE.ZIP from the NEW UPLOADS area for a program which
makes it possible to display the Japanese and input single-byte katakana,
double-byte katakana, hiragana and more than ten different series of
special symbols which are assigned to symbol keys.
LANStar's FILE AREA
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN OFFICIAL
SUPPORT SITE BY THE JOPLIN COMPUTER SOCIETY
LEAVE E-MAIL TO TIM PEARSON FOR ACCESS THE "JCS FORUM"
"ENJOY LANStar WHERE CENSORSHIP IS A DIRTY WORD!
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> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
The term "CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES" has been bandied about quite a bit and
I believe it has real and solid merit. Oddly enough, nobody has brought
forward any real defense of or, explanation as to why there have been no
criminal charges filed when it comes to Jim Collins of the Crawley Crypt
and the Buchanan & Collins Show. Until very recently, Collins was openly
bullying users and sysops alike.
Now, it appears he is not. Coincidence? I doubt it. Wanna bet somebody
talked to the authorities about the "CRIMINAL ACTIVITES"? Dropping the
current wave of violence is not enough. The potential for further abuse
is still very present.
Next week, look for an in-depth report on the activities of Collins
and his so-called "Circle", the "leaks" and the true masters of double
speak. Don't miss the item about one of Collins' business associates
presented elsewhere in this issue.
The JCS is still going strong, we wish all the success in the world
to the folks organizing the meetings.. To all the attendees: enjoy to
the max!
Lastly, and far more relevant to the times, Net 286 Gazette is
embarking on a series of articles looking into the monitor marketplace.
We intend to place emphasis on the quality rather than price break of the
monitors. The endeavor will encompass several months if not more.
Additionally a single high powered program will be used on all the
monitors and the same basic system will be employed. The first article
will appear next week.
C. Brown....
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> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
"""""""""""""""""
Computer Products Update - CPU Report
------------------------ ----------
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
By: C. Brown
10,000 NEWTONS SOLD - John Sculley, chairman of Apple Computer Inc.,
said this week that the company has sold about 10,000 of its Newton
hand-held, computers in the product's first month, despite criticism
that it has trouble recognizing handwriting, which is how it collects
data. A person enters data into the machine with an electronic pen on a
small screen, but critics say the handwriting software is inadequate.
PSION UNVEILS NEW PALMTOP PC - Psion has introduced the Series 3a
handheld computer. The Series 3a offers expanded display, software and
processing capabilities. It is the first palmtop PC to offer on-board
digital voice processing. It can run for months on it's powered by two
AA-size batteries, and can fit comfortably inside a jacket or jeans
pocket. The 256k model is priced at $495 and the 512k model at $595.
COMPAQ INTRODUCES ITS 'Concerto' - This week Compaq Computer Corp.
introduced its newest notebook computer, the Concerto. Sources say the
Concerto uses both a keyboard and a pen, and features a new design that
has an adjustable built-in handle that also doubles as a stand, and a
detachable slimline keyboard.
The Concerto comes with either a 25MHz or a 33-MHz 486SL processor,
250MB hard drive and up to 20MB of system memory, local bus graphics and
pre-installed software and has a $2,499 base price.
RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES INEXPENSIVE '486 SYSTEM - Radio Shack is now
selling the Tandy 2100, the first Radio Shack '486 system to be priced
under $1,100. Radio Shack officials say the unit will ship with Windows
3.1, Microsoft Works for Windows and America Online software preinstal-
led. The system comes with 4MB of RAM (expandable to 32MB) a 130MB hard
drive, two-button mouse, Super VGA graphics, one game port, one parallel
and two serial ports.
IBM, MICROSOFT ALLIANCE TO END ON FRIDAY - After working together for
over a decade, the IBM and Microsoft operating system alliance will for-
mally end this week. Under an agreement that was signed over a year ago,
Microsoft and IBM will not share information about any operating system
software developed after this week.
Experts say that in the near term, this will mean that Microsoft will
be able to develop new features in its Windows and DOS operating systems
that IBM will not be able to immediately match.
SOFTWARE SALES UP 13.9% - According to the Software Publishers Assoc-
iation, U.S./Canadian application software sales reached $1.6 billion in
the second quarter, an increase of 13.9% from the same quarter last
year. Sales have increased 16.6% to $3.05 billion for the 1st half of
1993.
Sources say that Windows applications sales, which accounted for 48%
of industry revenues, grew 52.7% in the quarter.
'INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY' PROMOTED BY WHITE HOUSE - President Bill
Clinton this week fired his opening salvo in a campaign to turn the idea
of a vast "information superhighway" into a reality by signing an
executive order establishing an advisory council that will work with a
government interagency task force to coordinate efforts on the
information system. The data network will link schools, businesses and
local governments across the United States.
Vice President Al Gore said, "We are going to push as hard as we
possibly can to put this national information infrastructure in place,"
"It is critically important to the economic future of the United States
of America," said Gore, adding that the network will allow millions of
Americans to gain quick access to computerized information.
Private companies and the government will need to jointly coordinate
and cooperate to create the national electronic networks where computer
data would flow across the country over fiber optic lines.
KODAK AND APPLE TO UNVEIL DIGITAL CAMERA - While neither Apple nor
Kodak would confirm the rumors, industry sources say that Eastman Kodak
Co. and Apple Computer have produced a digital camera they will unveil
at Comdex in Las Vegas in November. One source said the film-less camera
is code-named Venus and will retail for $1,000 with a street price of as
little as $600.
Also rumored is that Apple will release a system that uses Kodak
hardware and Apple software to write digital pictures and sound onto
compact discs. Selling for $5,000, the mastering system will include a
version of Kodak's Photo CD writer 200 disc-writing unit.
CRIME DOESN'T PAY - Two Los Angeles businessmen, Chung Lim and Peter
Luk, have been arrested by the FBI on suspicion of receiving computer
chips stolen in a 1991 robbery at a St. Petersburg, Florida, company.
Each is charged with two counts of receiving and conspiring to receive
stolen computer chips and if convicted, they face up to 20 years in
prison.
WHO'S THE MOST SATISFYING? - According to market researcher J.D.
Power and Associates, it's Dell Computer Corp. Based on J.D. Power's
1993 Desktop Personal Computer Satisfaction Index, Dell ranked highest
in customer satisfaction with an index score of 121. Compaq was second
at 118 and Gateway third at 103.
Some well-known names - Apple, AST, CompuAdd, Hewlett-Packard, IBM
and Packard Bell - ranked below the industry average of 100.
The rapid acceptance of Microsoft Windows has changed the user dyna-
mics of satisfaction. In 1992, "Ease of Use" represented 45% of the end
user's overall satisfaction, in 1993 "Ease of Use" had dropped to only
18%. "User Support" has displaced "Ease of Use" as the key area of
differentiation among business users' overall satisfaction with their
PC.
COMPUSERVE TO OFFER CD-ROMS - In Columbus, Ohio, CompuServe Inc. an-
nounced this week a project with Metatec Corp. to publish a multimedia
extension of the information service on CD-ROM disk beginning in the
first quarter next year.
CompuServe and Metatec told reporters the project will enable those
with CD- ROM-equipped computers to receive constantly updated online
information enhanced by audio and video components.
"Potential content," observers said, "includes a graphics and sound-
enhanced version of CompuServe's electronic shopping service, an
interactive magazine and multimedia extensions to some of CompuServe's
most popular databases and special interest forums."
Said CompuServe President Maurice Cox, "This alliance with Metatec
allows us to help define the consumer information services of the
future. We can use our extensive network and database capability with
the multimedia capabilities of CD- ROM to deliver a broad array of new
services to CompuServe Information Service members."
Cox said the project is an opportunity to combine online services
with CD-ROM-based information and to have an interplay that makes the
best use of each medium's strong points.
"With faster transmission speeds and wider bandwidth," said Cox, "we
will add substantial value and quality to the information our members
receive. This is the first important step in making CompuServe available
through multiple media channels."
Metatec, which is based in nearby Dublin, Ohio, produces Nautilus, a
multimedia magazine published monthly on CD-ROM for Macintosh and
Windows platforms and featuring text and software.
VERBATIM TO SELL IBM OPTICALS - Verbatim Corp. has agreed to make and
sell 650mb and 1.3gb 5.25-inch optical disk cartridges for the IBM 3995
Optical Library Dataserver products and IBM 0632 CB Models Multifunction
Optical Drives.
Verbatim says the deal makes it the distributor of IBM brand WORM
media in the U.S., Canada and most of Latin America. The media will be
sold through Verbatim's distribution sales force. In addition, Verbatim
will set up a telemarketing unit to handle inquiries and provide
service.
NOVELL EMBRACES UNIX SYSTEM; MICROSOFT REACTS, CUTTING PRICES -
Saying it is committed to making the Unix operating system open to the
industry, network maker Novell Inc. said it will make UnixWare available
for other computer platforms besides Intel-based PCs.
Novell officials are quoted as saying the firm will integrate its
UnixWare operating system with its NetWare PC network operating system
as an alternative to Microsoft Corp.'s Windows NT.
Within hours, Microsoft announced it will eliminate the charges
(normally $35,000) for the NT client software that links PCs together on
a network.
Observers said, "The move means users of Microsoft's new Windows NT
Advanced Server software will need to pay only a flat fee of $1,495 per
server computer. Software for 'client' software, which had cost up to
$39 per user, will be free."
IBM POWERPC CHIP MAKES ITS DEBUT - The PowerPC chip -- created by
IBM, Apple Computer Inc. and Motorola Inc. to challenge chipmaker Intel
Corp. -- makes its debut this week in four new IBM workstation
computers.
Another version of the RISC (reduced instruction set computing) chip
is expected to find its way into an Apple system in the future.
The four desktop and servers for networks introduced today also come
with new graphics capabilities. They will be available next month with
prices starting at about $7,600.
IBM also is introducing three more powerful workstations based on a
RISC design of its own, called Power2. "They fit at the top end of the
RS-6000 line," says AP, "with prices starting at $64,500 for a deskside
version and a server for networks beginning at $127,000."
AT&T, NEC TO JOINTLY DEVELOP ASIC CHIPS - AT&T and Japan's NEC Corp.
have signed an agreement to jointly develop application specific integ-
rated circuits (ASIC) by June 1995.
ASIC chips are semi-custom- made to meet a user's specific need by
combining standardized integrated circuit (IC) cells.
The AT&T and NEC have already jointly developed basic technology to
use 0.35 micron width lines and the next step is to apply this tech-
nology to product developments, said an NEC spokesman.
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> ONLINE WEEKLY Net 286 Gazette OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
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PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
Current Discussions From Ozark Net
----------------------------------
compiled by C. Brown
Hidi ho good neighbors!
Did you hear about Vice President Gore's "electronic highway"
proposal? From what I've seen so far, the veep wants to ensure that
everybody has access to information whenever they want it. The report
says that this high-tech system should be "on-line" in only a few years...
HEY AL! C'MON 'A MY HOUSE! I'll show you information access that'll make
your head spin! That's right Al, information transferred around the world
at speeds up to 14,400 baud for a much lower price than what your plan
will end up costing us. Hey, I've got an idea... why not just have the
government give everyone who uses Ozark Net a great big tax credit?
Well, at any rate, you don't have to wait for the government to
construct their electronic highway! You can use Ozark Net and meet the
future head-on starting right now!
Okay, enough of this. Let's get to the hints, tips, and information
available on Ozark Net...
From Net 286's Ozark Net
========================
Robert Petersen warns Kevin Martin about distributing porn to minors:
Date : 06-Sep-93 4:02 (received)
From : Robert Petersen
To : Kevin Martin
Subj : Walker Hackney
Greetings, Kevin!
On 09-05-93 03:54, you uttered words about:
Walker Hackney
KM: I'll take it. Already posted the other message though...maybe he
can be pervy over here...
If you allow 15 year-old's to access your adult stuff, that's your
biz, man. I really don't want to contribute to the delinquency of a
minor, though. Since he's already made contact with you, I'm happily
out of the loop.
Later,
Rob
... The Prophecies of Robstradamus ...
--- Blue Wave/QBBS v2.12
* Origin: 2 Robistars in a directory beat 1 in the queue. (1:286/708.0)
Kevin says he doesn't let kids download porn files:
Date : 06-Sep-93 14:04 (received)
From : Kevin Martin
To : Robert Petersen
Subj : Walker Hackney
RP > Walker Hackney
RP > If you allow 15 year-old's to access your adult stuff,
RP > that's your
RP > biz, man. I really don't want to contribute to the
RP > delinquency of a
RP > minor, though. Since he's already made contact with you,
RP > I'm happily
RP > out of the loop.
Strange...15 on your board, but 13 on mine...I think the fellow must
have a memory problem...and no, he does not have access to adult
material...
--- FMail 0.92
* Origin: SuperSystem WBBS. The Name Says It All... (1:286/713)
Robert Petersen's second hand software emporium is open for business:
Date : 17-Sep-93 12:31 (received)
From : Robert Petersen
To : All
Subj : For Sale (Maybe)
I'm going to try to trade my Print Shop Deluxe for Windows in for
the Print Shop Deluxe for MS-DOS at Sam's. If they prove to be too
unhappy over such a deal, I am offering to sell the PSD for Windows for
$20.00. I paid $38.00 for it, and it's hardly been used...complete with
all the extra trimmings. I'll let everybody know how it goes at Sam's
today.
Also...FREE...FREE...FREE...FREE...FREE...FREE!!!!!!
(2) Star Rainbow NX-1020 Rainbow Color Ribbons
A Membership pack to join Prodigy, with one free month
Voice: 624-7732
Later,
Rob
... "The mass of man lead lives of quiet desperation." -- Thoreau
--- Blue Wave/QBBS v2.12
* Origin: Deep Space Nine...where learning is an adventure. (1:286/708.0)
Stephen Currier comments on his work in the field of genetic research:
Date : 18-Sep-93 09:08 (received)
From : Stephen Currier
To : Kent Ogle
Subj : inflation
Go ahead watch Lumbaugh,or the 3 Stooges I don't care, and I have
studied a little more about genetic research than simply to write
a few speeches.
--- QuickBBS 2.76a
* Origin: Don't worry about it,it just means your two tents. (1:286/777)
Kent Ogle suggests that Stephen concentrate on other subjects:
Date : 18-Sep-93 11:08 (received)
From : Kent Ogle
To : Stephen Currier
Subj : inflation
In a message to Kent Ogle <09-18-93 09:51> Stephen Currier wrote:
SC-> Go ahead watch Lumbaugh,or the 3 Stooges I don't care, and I have
SC-> studied a little more about genetic research than simply to write
SC-> a few speeches.
Might I suggest suggest a few semesters of English, grammer, and
composition for your next fields of study?
--- QuickBBS 2.76a
* Origin: Don't worry about it,it just means your two tents. (1:286/777)
Robert Petersen adds his comments concerning Stephen's writing ability:
Date : 18-Sep-93 17:18 (received)
From : Robert Petersen
To : Kent Ogle
Subj : inflation
Greetings, Kent!
On 09-18-93 11:08, You uttered words about:
>Re: inflation<
KO: Might I suggest suggest a few semesters of English, grammer, and
composition for your next fields of study?
What are you saying? This is the guy who wrote a money management
booklet which is used by over a 100,000 people....
Choking with laughter,
Rob
... "Never trust ale from a God Fearing people." -- Quark
--- Blue Wave/QBBS v2.12
* Origin: Deep Space Nine...where learning is an adventure. (1:286/708.0)
Moderator Robert Farney has a few words to say about the current
discussions:
Date : 19-Sep-93 09:14 (received)
From : Robert Farney
To : All
Subj : moderation
Please keep the personal cutting remarks out of this conversation.
Thank you,
Rob
--- QuickBBS 2.76a
* Origin: Is that smoking slag your computer? :) (1:286/701)
Stephen Currier offers "the gift of access" to all:
Date : 23-Sep-93 22:32 (received)
From : Stephen Currier
To : All
Subj : Entrepreneur BBS
Last month's gift of free charter full access to all user's that
called before Sep 1st got a good response,one good enough to allow
again from now until the 1st of October.So we're try it again,anybody
calling the Entrepreneur BBS before the 1st of October gets a free
lifetime full access membership.
Remember we're not always going to be a free membership BBS,
eventually we plan to charge a subscription fee.We're also going to
be adding a lot of new software,and much larger list of wholesale
bargains,and other new additions and improovements too numerous to
mention......so take advantage of the offer,logon signup and win
your lifetime membership.
Our Entrepreneur BBS telephone number is 1-417-624-1386.
Thanks.
Stephen Currier.
--- QuickBBS 2.76a
* Origin: Don't worry about it,it just means your two tents. (1:286/777)
Well folks, that's it for this week. 'Till next time we meet on the
electronic highway, be safe, be happy, and be cool. Tune in again next
week, same time, same channel, and be ready to listen to what they are
saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
*************************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
Net 286 Gazette Online Magazine is available every week in the
online magazine download area on the Crawley Crypt BBS. Net 286
Gazette readers are invited to join the Crawley Crypt and become a
part of a friendly community of enthusiastic computer users there.
SIGNING UP WITH THE CRAWLEY CRYPT
=================================
Via modem, dial up the Crawley Crypt at 1-417-624-1887
then...
When connected, press ESCape once or twice
and...
At the username prompt: type GAZETTE and press RETURN.
At the password prompt: type GUEST and press RETURN.
The Crawley Crypt's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour,
for any baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.
Try the Crawley Crypt for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of the Crawley
Crypt, and receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month
for only $5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before
the end of the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep
your account active, you will automatically be enrolled in the Crawley
Crypt's 10/4 Basic Plan, where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening
hours a month for a minimum $10 monthly charge, with additional hours
available at $3.96 per hour. But hurry, this special trial offer will
expire soon! To take advantage of this limited offer, use your modem
to dial 1-417-624-1887. Press once or twice. When you get the
Enter your name: prompt, type your name and press . Then, just
answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll officially be a
member of the Crawley Crypt!
The Crawley Crypt- It's getting better all the time!
*************************************************************************
> EAGLE'S NEST WANTS YOU! Another BBS Supports Net 286 Gazette!
"""""""""""""""""""""""
EAGLE'S NEST - THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK!
========================================
Net 286 Gazette has support on yet another top notch telecommunications
service! The Eagle's Nest (1:286/714) maintains an area just for our
favorite online magazine. Dial 1-417-673-8835 with your modem to log
on the Eagle's Nest! Once there, order an extended Eagle's Nest
Membership of 6 or 12 months, pay for it in advance and receive a bonus
in connect time at no additional charge.
Eagle's Nest lowers its connect time charges!
$5/hour non-prime time (EST. 7pm - 9am weekdays and all day weekends)
$8/hour prime time (EST 9am - 7pm weekdays)
Choose from two great subscription plans:
6-Month Membership
==================
Pay just $30 for a 6-month Membership and receive a usage credit that
entitles you to $15 of connect-time in the Premium services of your
choice. Your total savings using this plan would be over $20!
12 Month Membership
===================
Pay $50 for a full year's Membership and get even more free time on-line.
We'll give you a $25 usage credit to use in your favorite premium services
or try out new ones. You can save as much as $45. Eagle's Nest now offers
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). For a $2 per month service charge,
customers may have their Eagle's Nest online charges automatically debited
from their personal checking accounts. Please contact Client Services for
this new feature!
For more information about either of these plans..
Please, give us a call at; 1-417-673-8835.
Eagle's Nest Highlights
-----------------------
1. For the newcomers....
2. *** COMING SOON ---> *** LOWER RATES *** AND OTHER EXCITING CHANGES!
3. We have some NEW Forum Commands for you; that's just the beginning!
4. The Business Opportunities Handbook is now online!
5. If you shop by mail, this service is for you...
6. The Computer Networking Forum opens its doors...
7. Where to look for that book...
8. There are 16 conferences every night in the Soap Opera Forum...
9. Come to the Gala Opening! The Soap Forum Sunday, Aug. 29, at 10pm EDT!
10. Calling All Chatters! Successful Chatline VIP Club Continues!
11. WARGAMERS! Speak live to Scott Hamilton of ADC Fame on August 28th...
12. Hidden treasure? Yes, if you are digging for information...
13. Tune in to Sitcom Trivia in the TV Forum on Sunday, Aug.29, 10pm EDT!
____________________________________________________________________
> IRQ INFO Net 286 Gazette Feature Getting to know IRQs
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IRQ CONFLICTS EXPLAINED
by Chuck Brown
Two of the most typical causes of problems in getting a terminal
program to run properly these days are COM Port and IRQ conflicts. Let's
see what is meant by an IRQ or COM Port conflict, and what we can do to
avoid and correct such a conflict
COM Ports are the Input/Output Ports used by the computer to deal
with serial devices such as modems, plotters, mouse and other pointers,
etc. An IRQ is an Interrupt Request Line which is a way to interrupt
whatever the computer is doing in order to handle something important,
such as a characters coming in on the serial line.
Without special equipment we can normally make four COM Ports
available. These are called COM1, COM2, COM3 and COM4.
Each of these COM Ports has a BPA (Base Port Address). This is the
address to which signals for the COM Port are sent. Likewise each of
these COM Ports is serviced by an IRQ. The normal arrangement in most
(non-PS/2) types of computers) is as follows:
COM PORT ADDRESS TABLE (NON/PS2)
Port IRQ BPA
---- --- ---
COM1 IRQ4 Hex 03F8
COM2 IRQ3 Hex 02F8
COM3 IRQ4 Hex 03E8
COM4 IRQ3 Hex 02E8
(The PS/2 and its clones do this differently for COM Ports
after COM 2, but if you have a PS/2 or compatible you
probably already know about the differences!)
******************************************************************
* The not-to-be-forgotten rule is that no two serial devices, *
* such as modem and mouse, can use the same COM Port OR the *
* same IRQ at the same time. It just won't work, and sooner *
* or later will bring you grief. *
******************************************************************
If you will look at the above Table, you can immediately see the first
trap, put there by the original IBM architecture. Sure enough, COM Ports
1 and 3 both use IRQ 4. COM Ports 2 and 4 both use IRQ3.
In a practical sense this means that we cannot use COM1 and 3 at the same
time, and we cannot use COM2 and COM4 at the same time, IF we continue to
have them serviced by the IRQ as listed in the standard table. We may be
able to use them at the same time IF we change the IRQ that services them.
More on that later.
We are thus limited, it would appear, to really just two COM Ports if we
are to avoid IRQ conflicts resulting from the use of a single IRQ to
service two COM Ports.
When we first install our new computer we are often presented with one or
more COM Ports built in by the manufacturer, and made available for easy
access on the rear of the computer as Serial Ports COM1 and COM2, and
using IRQ4 for COM1 and IRQ3 for COM2. All fine and dandy. We can put
our mouse or other pointer device on one, and our external modem on the
other. No conflicts, as you can see from the table above. On the table
above, place a check mark in front of the COM Ports which are "built in",
and therefore "in use", and to which we can attach something, even if you
don't attach a mouse or modem or something else to them. If the
manufacturer only supplied one external COM Port, then place a check in
front of it. It is "in use" whether you attach something to it or not.
Parenthetically, we should note that on some computers there is
a separate Mouse Port for a "PS/2 type" mouse. If we have such
a Port, even better. Attach your PS/2 type mouse to this special
Port, use the PS/2 Mouse Driver furnished by the Mouse manufacturer,
and relax, because this PS/2 type Mouse does NOT use one of the
two Serial COM Ports above, and does NOT use either IRQ3 or IRQ4.
Such a "PS/2 type" mouse or pointer device typically uses IRQ12.
We are, in any case, using COM1 IRQ4 (or COM2 IRQ3) for our external
modem. Tell Procomm that the modem is on COM1 (or COM2) and Procomm, which
knows the standard IRQ and BPA for COM1 (or COM2), has no problems.
Ah, you say, but I have an "internal modem", not an "external" modem.
An internal modem is a little more than an external modem. It is
also a new Serial COM Port as well as a modem. It has its own UART
and must be told what COM Port number it is, what IRQ to use, and
what its BPA is. (The UART is the chip that does the sending and
receiving from the CPU to the Serial line.)
The manufacturer may only have provided COM1, and if so on the Table above
you have only checked COM1 as in use, and COM2 is available for the
internal modem. So you can configure the internal modem, through dip
switches or jumpers, to operate on COM2, IRQ3, BPA Address 02F8, and all
is well. No conflicts. Place a check mark in front of COM2 in the Table
above. COM2 is now in use.
But if there are two "built-in" COM Ports, our problems begin. We already
have "built-in" Ports COM1 and COM2, so the internal modem must be
assigned to a different COM Port, because COM1 and COM2 are checked as "in
use" because they are there, whether or not anything is attached to them.
Some computers offer the ability to "disable" a "built-in" COM
Port. If you can do that, then do so, and remove the check mark
in front of that COM Port in the Table above, and install your
internal modem for that "built-in but disabled" COM Port and at
that COM Port's standard IRQ and BPA.
Because we have COM1 (and IRQ4) and COM2 (and IRQ3) in use, we must choose
another COM Port number and assign another IRQ to service it. We have
COM3 available on the Table above as our next "in sequence" COM Port.
(More on "in sequence later".) Of course COM3 wants to use IRQ4, so we
need to find a different IRQ, an IRQ that is there in the computer but is
not being used. Do we have one?
In the normal computer there is almost an IRQ for every task.
We have seen that there are two for the COM Ports. There is one
for our LPT1 (Printer Parallel Port 1. And there is one for
LPT2 (Printer Parallel Port 2). Fortunately for us we do not use
a second printer. We can "steal" its IRQ, which is IRQ5. How do
we find these IRQs and learn what they are attached to? You
probably have a utility such as the Norton, or the MSD program
furnished with Windows. These can tell you about the IRQs in your
computer. In some very extreme cases IRQ2 (which is cascaded to
the second 8259 OIC chip in some computers) can be used, though
some early machines used this for the hard drive.
Having found a spare IRQ (IRQ5) that is not in use, we configure the
internal modem (usually with dipswitches or jumpers on the modem board) to
be COM3, serviced now by IRQ5, at the standard BPA address of COM3. Check
COM3 in the Table above, noting that in your computer it uses IRQ5 now
instead of IRQ4 as normally used.
If we have still another serial device to configure, perhaps a
second internal modem, then we have to go through the whole
procedure again to find another free IRQ to use for this device
to avoid a conflict with the normal IRQ3 (which is assigned to
COM2), UNLESS we can disable the builtin COM2. Perhaps this
time we will be forced to use IRQ2. IRQ2 is mentioned above,
but is not the most desirable choice of you can find another free
IRQ in its place.
If we are using a DOS Version of Procomm PLUS we must be sure to tell
Procomm PLUS that it is to use IRQ5 for COM3 (at Modem Port Assignments in
the Alt-S Setup program). (This is not possible in the old shareware
Procomm 2.4.x.)
If we are using Windows we must tell Windows about this use of the
different IRQ (IRQ5) by changing things at Windows/Control
Panel/Ports/Advanced. Procomm uses the Windows comm driver, and that comm
driver gets it information from SYSTEM.INI which is written to, in this
case, by Control Panel. You can write it yourself in SYSTEM.INI, if you
are comfortable doing so. SYSTEM.INI should contain something like this,
in its [386Enh] Section, IF you have three COM Ports with the internal
modem setup as above. (This is certainly not the complete [386Enh]
section.)
[386Enh]
COM1Irq=4
COM1Base=03F8
COM2Irq=3
COM2Base=02F8
COM3Irq=5
COM3Base=03E8
Earlier we deferred discussion of a few cautions about all of this that
should be mentioned.
DOS has a trick or two up its sleeve. When you boot the computer, DOS
creates an equipment list "scratchpad" into which it enters the BPA (Base
Port address) of the COM Ports. But it ONLY lists the BPA addresses of
the first two COM Ports, COM1 and COM2, not the BPA addresses of the COM3
and COM4 if you have them. While Procomm, "Interrupt Driven", doesn't
need the BPA addresses of COM3 and COM4 for normal operation, it MUST have
them for Host Shell (in the DOS Version) on these Ports. In Host Shell
Operations Procomm redirects things to and from the COM Port, and to do
this it must know the BPA address of the COM Port you are using. So at
boot we must find someway to enter the address of COM3 (or COM4, or both)
in the equipment list "scratchpad".
The 2nd surprise comes when COM Ports are installed but NOT in numerical
sequence (e.g. 1, 2, 4 with no 3, or 1, 3, 4, with no 2). DOS and Windows
may just shift the installed COM Ports to the left to fill up the blanks,
thus creating a situation where a COM Port address is not where it is
supposed to be. Try always to install COM Ports in numerical sequence.
Again there are ways to fix this.
There are utilities to correct both of these problems in one step. The
file COMPRT.COM in Library 2 of the Datastorm Forum, a self-extracting
archive, should be obtained and de-archived, and the contained
COMPORTS.COM used at each boot to write the addresses of the COM Ports
(above COM2) into the scratchpad area. Just add a line in your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file to run COMPORTS at boot. This does what DOS should have
done and doesn't. The problem can also be avoided by instead running a
little DEBUG script at boot which "fills in the spaces" to prevent this
shift to the left for missing COM Ports. In a non-PS/2 environment with
standard COM Port BPA addresses, create a DEBUG script named COMPORT.SCR
in your root directory as a standard ASCII text file as follows:
E 0:0400 F8 03 F8 02 E8 03 E8 02
In your AUTOEXEC.BAT add the line "DEBUG < COMPORT.SCR" without the
quotes. When run at each boot, this will add the standard BPA addresses of
COM3 and COM4 in the "scratchpad area" so there are "place markers" and
the whole business can't "slip left" and mess things up. It simply does,
once again, what DOS should have done and didn't.
You may also take note that some Video boards may make use of an IRQ or
BPA that is normally assigned to COM Ports, thus rendering the associated
COM Port unusable. The Diamond Stealth, for example, uses the BPA of COM
4 while using IRQ2. Some ARCnet cards can cause the similar problems.
While we are here let's mention that there are two common types of serial
port connectors for modems. One is the DB25 family connectors with 25
pins, and the other the DB9 family with 9 pins. For proper operation of
Procomm all 9 wires are needed in the DB9 family, and wires 1-8 and 20, a
total of 9 conductors, must be run through on the DB25 connectors. If you
are forced to use a 25 to 9 pin adaptor, make sure that it carries all 9
wires through.
The Windows Terminal program has its COM Port configured through the use
of the Define Serial Port dialog box in Terminal, and this is written to
WIN.INI.
Now, what was that "never-to-be-forgotten" rule again? Do you see how and
why we have managed to avoided breaking it?
-end-
____________________________________________________________________
> INTELLISYSTEM Net 286 Gazette InfoFile Voice Response Expert System
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
INTELLISYSTEM PRODUCT OVERVIEW
==============================
The IntelliSystem is a Voice Response Expert System. It has been designed
to automatically answer and resolve a significant percentage of the calls
coming into support centers. The exact information that customers need is
contained in its knowledge base. Customers can access this knowledge using
a touch tone telephone, via a LAN or modem. The solutions can be delivered
immediately over the phone, fax'ed directly to a caller's fax machine, or
displayed on a computer screen.
The knowledge base is set up to simulate the way a technical support
representative interacts with a caller to diagnose a caller's problem. It
will ask several questions to the caller, going from general to specific
to identify the solution needed. The time to arrive at the solution is
generally under four minutes. If the resolution is not found, the caller
can be escalated to a live support representative, and a summary of the
caller's session can be reviewed by the representative to enable the rep
to continue troubleshooting with reduced talk time.
The intelligence built into Intellisystems' patented rule-based expert
system, allows a caller to quickly arrive at a solution for even very
complex problems. Average time-to-resolution is under four minutes. Every
answer a caller gives to a prompt is remembered. This information is then
used to determine which questions or information will follow. Extensive
system reports facilitate improvement of the knowledge base in response to
changing conditions.
A valuable feature of the IntelliSystem is that diagnostic sessions can be
saved at any time, allowing a caller to hang up, perform a suggested
procedure or obtain requested information, then call back and resume the
session where it was left off.
The IntelliSystem consists of three major components:
1. The knowledge base which contains domain-specific information. The
knowledge base can be created, reviewed and maintained on a stand alone
PC. It can even be distributed separately on a diskette.
2. The inference engine which does the reasoning. It makes assumptions
about how to solve a problem, given domain-specific information. It
manipulates the information stored in the knowledge base and information
provided by the user to derive a solution to a problem.
3. The user interface which can be the touch tone telephone, a modem or a
PC on a LAN. The user communicates with the knowledge base by responding
to prompts. The answers determine what questions or information will
follow.
The IntelliSystem phone server is built on an AT bus personal computer.
Digitized voice processor boards for up to 24 lines per system, are
supplied by IntelliSystems as part of the system license. For larger
configurations, multiple 24-line systems can be configured together.
The IntelliSystem has become an essential part of the customer support
centers of major high technology companies such as Central Point Software,
PowerUp Software, SunSoft, Corel, Aldus, Adobe, Dell, Apple, and Fujitsu.
It allows customers to diagnose their own problems and receive the
information they need to use their products, 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week.
POWERFUL INTELLISYSTEM OPTIONS
The IntelliSystem has a series of options that allow further leveraging of
the information in the product knowledge base and provide a logical
extension to the phone interaction.
INTELLIFAX
This feature provides an "Intelligent Fax Retrieval" capability to the
system. Making use of the inference capability of the expert system, the
IntelliSystem will determine the exact fax document that a customer needs
to resolve a difficulty, request the fax machine phone number to which the
document should be sent and then deliver it within a few minutes. Support
representatives can also initiate fax delivery requests from their own PCs
by simply entering the document number and the customer's fax number in a
software utility provided with IntelliFax. Both DOS and Windows versions
are provided.
Applications of this feature include the delivery of: specifications
sheets, requirement listings (H/W, S/W, Memory, etc...), error codes,
supplementary manual information, application notes, schematics,
troubleshooting procedures, setup parameters, etc.
The IntelliFax option may also be setup to prompt the caller for a
specific fax document number before requesting the fax phone number. The
specific document will then be scheduled for delivery. The purpose of this
capability is to allow callers to obtain a document whose number they
already know or to request a list of available fax documents.
SESSIONVIEW
Although the IntelliSystem has excellent problem-solving capabilities, not
all callers will find a solution in the knowledge base. For those callers,
the IntelliSystem "escalates" the call to a live support representative.
SessionView allows the information that the IntelliSystem has gathered
during an interactive session with a caller to be transferred to a live
representative.
The representative can then pick up troubleshooting where the
IntelliSystem left off. This benefits the caller, because he or she does
not have to restate the problem, and benefits the support organization
because of the productivity gains associated with reduced "talk time" for
support representatives.
The SessionView summary is stored in simple ASCII text files on a network
server. The files are written by the IntelliSystem as the session is
concluded and the caller transfer is initiated. These files may then be
accessed immediately via a small "display" program on the support
representative's PC.
MODEM ACCESS OPTION
This feature provides an added dimension to the system knowledge base.
Through a connection via modem or stand-alone serial terminal, users can
proceed through an IntelliSystem diagnostic session by answering questions
presented on their computer screen. The information they require is
presented after a brief interactive session with the system. It also
allows users who do not have a touch-tone phone (or prefer a screen based
environment) to access the same knowledge base.
KNOWLEDGEVIEW
KnowledgeView provides visual access to the same knowledge base as that on
the IntelliSystem Phone Server. It allows the running of a diagnostic
session on any stand-alone PC or workstation on a network. It is designed
to operate on a PC LAN of the type usually found in a Technical Support
Department or Help Desk. The program presents a menu driven environment,
and establishes a consultation session with the user. By entering their
answers to the screen prompts, support staff are led to the information
they need to resolve a particular problem. KnowledgeView is particularly
helpful in environments where new hires or seasonal personnel are taking
support calls, as it helps to make them more productive sooner in their
training cycle.
KnowledgeView can also be used to assist in the design and testing of new
knowledge bases by allowing verification by users (domain experts) in a
network environment. It allows them to become familiar with the
information on the IntelliSystem, making it easy for them to contribute
suggestions for additions and improvements to the knowledge base.
The IntelliSystem knowledge base and KnowledgeView could be distributed on
a diskette or CD ROM to major corporate customers, distributors or field
offices. This further leverages the knowledge base and provides users with
a ready-made diagnostic utility to allow troubleshooting of problems
before having to place a call into a call center.
INTELLISYSTEMS INC. - RENO, NEVADA 1 (800) 637-8400 Call for DEMO or
Information (c) Copyright Intellisystems Inc. - 1989,90,91,92,93
____________________________________________________________________
> KING COM 2.0 Net 286 Gazette InfoFile
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
KingCOM Version 2.0
===================
NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT!
- COM Port Contention Problems in Windows Can Now be Eliminated Using
KingCOM From OTC.
- DOS Communications Applications Running in a DOS Virtual Machine Can
Now Share COM Ports With Windows Communications Applications.
- KingCOM Now Fully Supports the Advanced Capabilities of the High
Performance 16550 UART.
New COM Port Manager for Windows eliminates "COM Port busy" and "COM port
in use" problems and allows efficient high speed throughput utilizing the
16550 UART. An additional capability of KingCOM Version 2.0 allows DOS
virtual machine COM Port sharing with Windows communications applications.
OTC Corporation has released KingCOM, Version 2.0. KingCOM, the Windows
COM Port Manager, which eliminates COM Port contention problems that users
experience when attempting to use fax and communications software on a
single fax/modem board under Windows, now fully supports the advanced
capabilities of the 16550 high performance UART. This allows customers to
not only share COM Ports in Windows, but also take full advantage of the
new high speed modems and hard-wired data links. In addition, a new
capability in KingCOM allows DOS communications applications to share COM
Ports in a virtual machine with Windows communications applications.
Until now, fax and data communications, under Windows have been integrated
on the hardware level only. KingCOM now integrates fax and data
communications on the software level. KingCOM manages all data/fax traffic
to communications hardware, eliminating contention problems that develop
when multiple applications attempt to access the same communications
hardware. KingCOM allows users to access their fax/modem for both fax and
data communications without experiencing the frustration of receiving "COM
port busy" or "COM port in use" error messages.
In response to customer demand, KingCOM now takes full advantage of the
advanced capabilities found in the high performance 16550 UART to provide
improved throughput and reliability for high speed communications.
WINFAX Users! KingCOM Version 2.0 is fully compatible with WinFax and
can be used as a replacement for the WFXCOMM.DRV, providing all the high
speed capabilities present in the WinFax driver - PLUS MORE!
KingCOM now allows your DOS communications applications running in a
virtual machine to share COM Port with Windows communications
applications.
Key Features of KingCOM:
------------------------
COM Port Sharing and Management - Now Works in Both Windows And in a DOS
Virtual Machine!
Advanced Windows communications driver (COMM.DRV replacement) that
manages up to 9 communications programs at one time under a single modem
or fax/modem in both the Windows and the DOS virtual machine environments.
Automatically detects the location of COM Ports and communications
hardware and reports their I/O Address and IRQ settings. Also detects the
presence of the 16550 UART.
Manages communications hardware device contention to eliminate "COM
port busy" and "COM port in use" problems.
Users define their own set of rules to govern communications hardware
access by various applications.
Users can choose which applications will answer calls to modems or
fax/modems.
Users establish primary send devices for each communications
program.
Users assign alternate COM Ports that will automatically be accessed
when a primary port is unavailable.
High Performance 16550 UART Functionality
With KingCOM, you can achieve communications speeds of up to 115.2
Kbps without dropping characters or experiencing character overruns.
KingCOM makes Windows 16550 aware. KingCOM provides 16550 support
for Windows applications and access to the 16550 capabilities for DOS
applications running in a Windows virtual machine.
KingCOM allows the setting of the level sensitive interrupt triggers
for the 16550 16 byte receive buffer, which are the key to the 16550's
operation. These triggers can be set to different positions. This allows
you to fine tune your communications sessions.
KingCOM supports the transmit FIFO of the 16550 UART.
KingCOM provides a DOS virtual machine system RAM buffer, that
provides complete buffer support for those times when the DOS application
does not have a time slice. This results in enhanced throughput and
reliability in DOS based communications.
Pricing, Ordering Information and Systems Requirements:
Customers desiring to order KingCOM or obtain further information on
the product can call OTC at:
800/769-6344, call the OTC BBS at 714/832-0658
or
contact Steve Lefler of OTC through CompuServe (I.D. 75720,767).
KingCOM requires an IBM PS/2, IBM Compatible 286, 386 or better, under
PC/MS-DOS 3.3 or higher, and Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher.
OTC Corporation
17300 17th Street, Suite J-117
Tustin, CA 92680.
OTC and KingCOM are trademarks of OTC Corporation. Microsoft and MS-DOS
are registered trademarks and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft
Corporation. IBM and PS/2 are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation.
_____________________________________________________________
> JCS MEETING! Net 286 Gazette InfoFile DON'T MISS THIS ONE!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The Joplin Computer Society invites you to attend the next meeting
which will be held October 18, 7:00pm, at Western Sizzlin in Joplin.
Come on out and enjoy the benefits of JCS membership. And while you
are there, be sure to thank David DeFoe for the effort he puts forth
in organizing these meetings!
_____________________________________________________________
> QualiType FontHandler Net 286 Gazette InfoFile "professional strength"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
QUALITYPE FONTHANDLER
=====================
Announcing QualiType FontHandler: Professional Strength Font Management
for Microsoft Windows
SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
--------------------
QualiType Software offers the long-awaited version 1.0 of QualiType
FontHandler, the first truly "professional strength" font management
program for users of Microsoft Windows v3.1 or later.
FontHandler allows users of TrueType and Adobe Type 1 format fonts to
easily install and uninstall fonts from their system, either individually
or in specialized Font Groups. Both formats may be mixed in the same
group, and FontHandler automatically manages both the WIN.INI and ATM.INI
files.
In addition to basic font management chores, FontHandler includes
facilities for a myriad of other font related functions like renaming
fonts, printing font sample sheets, searching for fonts, and previewing
fonts before or after they are installed. FontHandler's unique "Install
and Run" feature is especially helpful for people who manage many projects
using different fonts.
"My favorite FontHandler feature is Install & Run," says Sandy Garrett, a
FontHandler beta tester. "With all the nifty fonts available cheap, I
still haven't settled on a standard batch, and there's no telling which
assortment I might have used for a particular document. Setting up groups
to install a particular set of fonts and then automatically open my file
saves a lot of time and frustration, not to mention all that nastiness of
switching back and forth between Program Manager."
Other features include compression of uninstalled fonts and the ability to
print any of four styles of font sample sheet. Sample sheets may be
printed individually whether or not the font is installed, or in batch
mode for groups of installed fonts. FontHandler's compression feature
saves fonts into a file format which is 100% compatible with
industry-standard *.LZH compressed archive files. FontHandler can
transparently work with compressed format font files, even off of floppy
disks or other removable media. FontHandler compression is fully
compatible with on-the-fly disk compression systems like Microsoft's
DoubleSpace or Stac Electronics Stacker software.
The FontHandler package also includes a copy of "QualiType Keyboard" a
stand-alone utility program for remapping the Windows keyboard.
QTKeyboard allows you to easily type Windows' extended characters - like
the copyright symbol or foreign-language accented characters - by
user-programmable mnemonic keystrokes. QTKeyboard can also remap any
single key-press to almost any other character and run simple macros of up
to 124 keystrokes.
Published by QualiType Software, a developer of high-quality fonts in
TrueType and Type 1 format for Microsoft Windows, FontHandler is
QualiType's first non-font product in the company's planned line of
Windows utilities and accessory software.
The FontHandler/QTKeyboard package has a suggested list price
of $79.95.
For more information, contact QualiType at:
(313)822-2921 or (800)950-2921 for orders
QualiType Software
29209 Northwestern Highway, Suite #611,
Southfield, MI 48034 USA.
CONTACT : John Colletti or David Mackey, QualiType Software
PHONE : (313)822-2921
FAX : (313)822-2921
COMPUSERVE: 70672,2335
INTERNET : INTERNET:70672.2335@compuserve.com
FontHandler is a trademark of QualiType Software. All other trademarks
are property of their respective owners.
_____________________________________________________________
> FRAMEMAKER Net 286 Gazette InfoFile More Than 100 New Features
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
FRAME TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCES FRAMEMAKER 4
FOR UNIX, WINDOWS, AND MACINTOSH PLATFORMS
More Than 100 New Features Add Power and Ease-of-Use to Award-Winning
FrameMaker
SAN JOSE, CA, September 13, 1993 - Frame Technology(R) announced today the
release of FrameMaker(R) 4, its next-generation writing and publishing
software for UNIX, Windows, and Macintosh platforms. FrameMaker 4
includes over 100 new features and enhancements designed to increase
users' productivity for producing demanding business and technical
documents.
FrameMaker 4 provides a complete solution for companies that can no longer
meet their publishing needs using traditional word processing and desktop
publishing products.
FrameMaker 4's new features are designed to add more flexibility, power,
and ease-of-use to the product. Specifically, these new features fall into
five major categories:
* Improved user interface
* More powerful formatting tools
* Advanced color and graphics support
* Improved information management capabilities
* Extensible architecture
FrameMaker 4 is targeted at business and technical professionals who
create, manage, and distribute "demanding" documents. "Demanding"
documents typically have a long lifecycle, are frequently revised and
updated, and contain complex document content and formatting. Important
elements of these documents include multiple chapters, automatically
numbered sections, tables and illustrations, cross-references, footnotes,
indexes, and multi-level tables of contents.
Examples of demanding documents range from business plans and financial
reports to books, manuals, and procedure guides. Increasingly, these
documents are being written and published in a collaborative, multi-
platform environment. Often they require constant revision and updating,
and are distributed electronically to save time and money. The
single-user desktop publishing and word processing models of the 1980s can
no longer adequately address the complex publishing requirements of these
documents. But FrameMaker 4's publishing model enables multiple authors to
collaborate on demanding documents in a networked, cross-platform
environment and distribute these documents electronically for
cost-effective on-line viewing.
SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-PLATFORM AVAILABILITY
=============================================
The introduction of FrameMaker 4 marks the first time Frame has
simultaneously released a product on leading UNIX and desktop platforms
including Sun and HP workstations running X/Motif, the Apple Macintosh,
and PCs running Microsoft Windows. Unlike any other writing or publishing
application, FrameMaker 4 files can be shared transparently across all
these platforms, with no file conversion. FrameMaker conforms to the
native user interface on which it runs so users can work with familiar
menus and commands. In addition, FrameMaker takes advantage of the unique
capabilities of each platform by supporting platform-specific features.
NEW FEATURES
===============
FrameMaker 4 provides a rich writing and editing environment, advanced
color capabilities, automated page layout, long document handling, and the
ability to easily incorporate complex graphics and multimedia elements
into documents. FrameMaker 4 also includes a context-sensitive Help
feature that uses hypertext links to guide users through its on-line Help
system.
Frame has redesigned the FrameMaker 4 user interface to improve access to
frequently-used features, making the product easier to learn and use. For
example, FrameMaker's menus can be customized to support different styles
of working. Users can view complete menus, quick menus (a subset of the
complete menus), or even customized menus. By adding flexible menus to
FrameMaker 4, VARs (Value Added Resellers) and system administrators can
customize FrameMaker to meet specific user needs.
A new C-based Applications Programming Interface (API) enables corporate
in-house development organizations, systems integrators, and third-party
software developers to create powerful application extensions to
FrameMaker 4. Details regarding a Frame Developer's Kit (FDK) and Frame's
new API certification program for VARs will be announced at a later date.
Other new features of FrameMaker 4 include:
* A document comparison feature that provides a detailed
comparison report on the differences between two versions of a
document
* Enhanced color support for PANTONE(R), CMYK, RGB, and HLS color
models
* The ability to easily prepare and print spot and process color
separations, including process color separations of Encapsulated
PostScript and DCS color images
* An easy-access Formatting ruler to quickly select paragraph
alignment settings such as left-, center- or right-alignment,line
spacing, and tab settings
* Styles by example, a method that enables users to design
paragraph formats visually and store them in a catalog for future
use
* Automatic placement of side- and run-in heads
* A Quick Access bar that provides single-click access to the
most commonly used commands (Mac and Windows only)
* Arbitrary rotation of text and graphics
* A built-in Thesaurus
* Eight different dashed-line patterns
* Improved hypertext commands and automatic generation of
hypertext links
As with previous versions, FrameMaker 4 incorporates timesaving features
such as intelligent tables, FrameMath(TM), conditional text, and
electronic distribution of documents using FrameViewer(R).
Files created in FrameMaker 3.0 are directly usable with FrameMaker 4; all
formatting is completely preserved.
UPGRADE INFORMATION
=======================
FrameMaker 4 will be available in U.S. and International English, French,
German, and Swedish versions. The product is available through authorized
U.S. dealers, value-added resellers, and international distributors.
FrameMaker 3.0 customers with a currently active FrameMaker Support
Subscription (FSS) will automatically receive the FrameMaker 4 upgrade at
no cost. Customers who purchased FrameMaker 3.0 after August 15, 1993 are
eligible to receive a no-cost upgrade to FrameMaker 4.
NORTH AMERICAN PRICING & AVAILABILITY
=========================================
FrameMaker 4 will be available in late September for PCs running Windows
and Apple Macintoshes at a suggested retail price of $895. FrameMaker 4
will also be available in late September for Sun SPARCs and compatibles,
and Hewlett- Packard computers running X/Motif at a suggested retail price
of $1495 for a personal license, and $2595 for a shared license.
Upgrade pricing for Macintosh and Windows platforms is $199. UNIX
Personal license upgrades including 1 year of technical support and
upgrades are $895($695 through 12/31/93). UNIX Shared license upgrades
including 1 year of technical support and upgrades are $1295($995 through
12/31/93).
For international pricing and distribution information, please contact
Frame International Ltd. (011) 353-1- 8429-566.
FRAME TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
==================================
Frame Technology provides award-winning writing and publishing software
for the creation and distribution of demanding business and technical
documents. Frame's products are compatible across PC, Macintosh, and UNIX
platforms, enabling companies to increase productivity by leveraging
valuable corporate data. Frame Technology is a publicly-traded company
(NASDAQ:FRAM) located at 1010 Rincon Circle, San Jose, California 95131
USA.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
========================
Frame Technology
Carol Kaplan
(408) 428-6143
Copithorne & Bellows
Steve Jursa
(415) 966-8700
Frame Technology, FrameMaker, FrameViewer, and Frame are registered
trademarks, and FrameBuilder, FrameMath, and Frame Developer's Kit are
trademarks of Frame Technology Corporation. All other product names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN CEDARHURST RIDGE ACCOUNT:
____________________________________________
Set your communications software to Full Duplex
Call: (with modem) 417-624-6827.
Upon connection type ESC (twice).
Wait for the enter your name prompt.
Type: NEWUSER then, hit RETURN.
Fill out online application form and leave mail to
Sysop asking access. Mention Net 286 Gazette and
get a discount of 30% off the normal signup fee!
Cedarhurst Ridge Information copyright (C) 1993 by Tom Nabors
Information Services/Cedarhurst Inc., reprinted by permission
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> NET 286 CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
""""""""""""""""""""
- Anahiem, CA COLLINS AQUITTED IN ARSON CASE!
-----------
Our supersnoop has brought in the biggest story yet. It appears
Jim Collins traveled to Anahiem, CA last week to stand trial on a
charge of arson. The prosecution alleged that in January of 1993,
Collins set fire to the home of the parents of one of his competitors.
The trial, which lasted for 6 days, ended when the jury aquitted Collins
due to the prosecution's inability to produce a promised eyewitness.
- Webb City, MO COLLINS' CRONIES NOT TALKING
-------------
Net 286 Gazette has made several efforts to contact one of Jim
Collins' business associates to confirm or deny the above story
concerning the Collins trial. All our attempts at contacting Chris
Richards via phone were met with a barrage of expletives. Apparently
Mr. Richards has nothing to say regarding Collins' current situation.
Very interesting to say the least.
_____________________________________________________________
> Net 286 Gazette Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
Messages * NOT EDITED * for content
-----------------------------------
From the Joplin Computer Society's "mailbag"
Date : 21-Sep-93 16:18
From : David Defoe
To : All
Subj : Meeting Day
*****************************NOTICE NOTICE****************************
***************************** IMPORTANT ****************************
There have been several people suggest that the JCS meeting night
be changed to TUESDAY NIGHT instead of Monday night. This would take
effect as of the next meeting if we get enough people that would like
the change.
I understand that there are several people that have conflicting
obligations on Mondays.
Leave a message as to your feelings on this in the JCS echo as
soon as possible. We have now reserved Western Sizzlin for both nights
and have to let them know by Monday. We will make a decission by then at
the latest.
Dave Defoe President JCS
--- PowerEcho v2.1(UNREGISTERED)
* Origin: Remember to support the JCS, attend meetings. (1:286/716)
Date : 21-Sep-93 18:30
From : Brent Scoles
To : David Defoe
Subj : Meeting Day
* Reply to msg originally in JCS
-=> Quoting David Defoe to All <=-
DD> There have been several people suggest that the JCS meeting
DD> night be changed to TUESDAY NIGHT instead of Monday night. This
DD> would take effect as of the next meeting if we get enough people
DD> that would like the change.
Tuesday Night is a mucho better night for Charlie and myself here at the
Software Center. Mondays are very hectic days for some strange reason.
Another point to consider is that Football season has started and a lot
of people have noted that Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are
tied up with that activity. One of our customers noted the desire to
attend, but could not because of some activity at the College.
My hopes for JCS is that it will continue to grow...
Many people have made comments about how helpfull the Meetings have been.
BBS Activty seems to have risen as a direct result of JCS.
Whatever night is chosen will have a direct affect on the number of
people attending, and the overall quality of each meeting.
Brent :^)
... (A)bort, (R)etry, (I)gnore, (S)orry I Asked!
--- Blue Wave/QBBS v2.05 [NR]
* Origin: default (1:286/711.0)
Date : 22-Sep-93 18:50
From : Carole Davidson
To : David Defoe
Subj : Meeting Day
In a message to All <09-21-93 16:18> David Defoe wrote:
DD-> There have been several people suggest that the JCS meeting
DD-> night
DD-> be changed to TUESDAY NIGHT instead of Monday night. This would take
DD-> effect as of the next meeting if we get enough people that would
DD-> like the change.
Hi Dave!
Count my vote in for Tuesdays!
Carole
--- QuickBBS 2.76a
* Origin: The PC-Depot *HST* Dual 16.8 *Node1* [417-624-3815] (1:286/777)
Date : 23-Sep-93 12:47
From : Linda Murray
To : David Defoe
Subj : Meeting Day
-=> Quoting Carole Davidson to David Defoe <=-
DD-> There have been several people suggest that the JCS meeting
DD-> night
DD-> be changed to TUESDAY NIGHT instead of Monday night. This would take
CD> Count my vote in for Tuesdays!
Ditto! Sorry I missed the last meeting but I went to OK to seethe
"light of my life". Besides that the KC Chiefs were on Monday Night
Football... I think Tuesday would be a better night.
Linda Murray
--- Blue Wave/QBBS v2.10
* Origin: The PC-DEPOT BBS -=HST Dual=- [417-624-3815] (1:286/777.0)
Date : 24-Sep-93 2:56
From : Dave Defoe
To : ALL
Subj : OpenWin
I just wanted to announce that The Windows Station is now running
OpenWin BBS full time. All users will have to re-register as I am now
verifying the users. If I know you personally or you have been calling
on a regular basis, you will be upgraded as soon as possible after you
register. This will be after I get off work. I can not upgrade you on-
line and have it take effect until you sign off and then back on.
We still may have the board crash on occasion, but when it does, Mary or
I will put it back up as soon as possible. I will be adding the files and
CD-ROM as soon as I can. I do have a few of the doors up and running, but
this will all take time to convert to the new board. All old messages
have been lost so be sure that any messages left in the last few days
are repeated.
Thanks for all of your patience, Dave and Mary Defoe.
... Your looking at the future of Windows now.
--- OpenWin 'The Mail Enabled BBS for Windows' Ver 1.0a BETA
* Origin: Where we know how to spell Windows. (1:286/716)
Date : 24-Sep-93 15:44
From : Elaine Edwards
To : David Defoe
Subj : Meeting Day
Hi Dave,
Tuesday night is my "Scout" night, but to tell you the truth, I'd
rather be with the JCS people any day than with all those "rambunctious"
(?spelling) boys! Maybe they wouldn't miss me one day out of the month!
Just help me come up with a good excuse to tell the scoutmaster!
Elaine
--- QuickBBS 2.76a
* Origin: The PC-DEPOT BBS -=ZyXel 16.8=- Node 2 [417-624-222 (1:286/777)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Net 286 Gazette's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" "Nothing like kidding yourself..."
"""""""""""""""""
".... kinda like the old fashioned, "Gangland Squeeze"
a slick method of getting rid of the competition..."
..from an irate user's email
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> CLASSIFIED LIST InfoFile * Listing of Dealers & *
"""""""""""""""""""""""" * Related Service Providers *
-------------------------------
Babbage's Software
==================
Northpark Mall
Joplin, Missouri 64801
1-417-782-1033
America's Software Headquarters
Featuring:
Computer Software
Video Games
Computer Supplies/Accessories
Everyday LOW prices
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Computer Cowboys
================
1609 E. 20th
Joplin, Missouri 64804
1-417-782-9512
Yahooooo - come see the Computer Cowboys
for all your computing needs! We get the job done!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The Computer Patch
==================
3316 E. 32nd
Joplin, Missouri 64804
Est. 1985
1-417-782-0285
AUTHORIZED FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER FOR
APPLE/IBM/HEWLETT PACKARD/SAMSUNG/EPSON/NEC
System Support, Service & Training
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
COMPUTERLAND
============
SOUTHSIDE SHOPPING CENTER
32nd & Range Line
Joplin, MO 64804
1-417-782-6545
FULL LINE COMPUTER DEALER
Authorized IBM-Apple-Compaq-Epson-Hewlett
Packard-Novel-Hyundai Dealer
SALES - SERVICE - TRAINING - SUPPORT
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Connecting Point
================
526 Main Street
Joplin, MO 64801
1-417-623-5553
Computers - Printers - Software - Peripherals
Classes & Training - Supplies - Business Leasing
Authorized dealer for
IBM-NEC-Digital-Microsoft - Hewlett Packard-Novel
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Creation Computers
==================
Wal-Mart Shopping Center
7th & Maiden Lane
Joplin, MO 64801
1-417-782-3888
A DIFFERENT TYPE OF COMPUTER DEALER
Computers - Peripherals - Software
Leasing - Financing - Layaway
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
IBM
===
931 E. 32nd Street
Joplin, MO 64804
1-417-625-4000
Industry Specific Solutions
Application Design & Implementation
Network Design & Consulting
Systems Integration
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Lowry's Business Systems
========================
501 E. 15th
Joplin, MO 64801
1-417-624-7634
For all your business computing needs
Computers: IBM/IBM compatibles / Notebooks
Networking: Novell / LANtastics
Printers: Brother / IBM / Okidata / Hewlett Packard
Software and Training available!!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Midwestern Telephone Inc.
=========================
110 W. Main
Carterville, MO 64835
1-417-673-1977
Specializing in complete Business Phone Systems
- Computer Wiring - Fiber Optics -
- Multi Plexors - LAN Hardware -
- Active and Passive Hubs -
* AUTHORIZED Agent for Southwestern Bell Telephone Network Services *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
RFE Computer Consultants
========================
1505 Pearl
Joplin, MO 64801
1-417-782-9594
World Class Business Management Systems
Novell Certified Netware Engineer
SCO UNIX Authorized Reseller
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Please support the above listed businesses!
Be sure to mention you heard about them in Net 286 Gazette
(DEALERS; to be listed here, please drop us a line.)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Net 286 Gazette Online Magazine
AVAILABLE ON OVER 8 PRIVATE BBS SYSTEMS
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Net 286 Gazette! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" September 25, 1993
Since 1993 copyright (c) 1993 All Rights Reserved No. 1.05
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Messages quoted in whole or in part are done so under the Fair Use
provision of the US Copyright Laws. USPC Title 17. Views, Opinions and
Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of the editors/staff
of Net 286 Gazette Online Magazine. Permission to reprint articles is
hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Reprints must, without exception,
include the name of the publication, date, issue number and the author's
name. Net 286 Gazette and/or portions therein may not be edited in any
way without prior written permission. Net 286 Gazette, at the time of
publication, is believed reasonably accurate. Net 286 Gazette, its staff
and contributors are not and cannot be held responsible for the use or
misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
While Net 286 Gazette, it's staff and contributors try to verify the
contents of each issue, they are not and cannot be held responsible for
any inaccuracies presented in any issue.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""