Full text of "Compute! Magazine Issue 146"

See other formats

WINDOWS MAGIC TRICKS • HARD DRIVE BASICS

annpuTE

NOVEMBER 1992

KNOCKOUT
NOTEBOOKS!

11 HOT NEW MACHINES DELIVER
FASTEST CPUs

• RICHEST COLOR

• LONGEST BATTERY LIFE

SERIOUS FUN!

• 5 HOT NEW GAMES

PALMTOPS

• TOOLS OR TOYS?

PLUS!

U.S. S2,95

DATABASES FROM A TO Z

CONTACT MANAGEMENT MADE EASY

CORELDRAW! AND AMI PRO

-"■Ss

"7U86"D2193'

1 1

1 y/j^iiMH

VSSm

ajMHiM

bijSI

^^^^^^^^^K^Tr.,..^^ .^^.^

^J^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^L^^^^^^^^^K

,\JI tt>[n|w,nv and/or producl njinci irr Kaitrmii Li ind/or r^iMered IradcmarW of thrir mpf ni\« mamifaclnrcri. Epson u a regisi««d inderairl nf Sdto F.()miii (Vup, CIWJ HpMJii America, iiic. 20770 Madrona Avr . T"iriii(r. {'A WSffl

The New Epson® ActionPrinter™ 3250 is designed to change your ideas about

dot matrix printers. For starters, it's the only one with

a cassette tray using regular sheets of paper. Just

slide it in and you're ready to go. There's no

tractor feed to adjust, no fanfold paper to mess

with, no ugly perforated edges on your printed pa^.

Compact & Lightweight. The design is revolutionary. The AdionPrinter
sits flat or stands upright, fits comfortably in any size workspace, and
can easily be transported anywhere ^rom horns office to comer office,
bedroom to hotel room.

SCALABLE FONTS

''f^ ■ "^"

^^B^^-

Quality Output. It's not often you find a dot matrix printer
with scalable fonts. Now you're free to print a variety of
letter-quality type in a variety of sizes, giving all your
work a more professional look.

Very, Very Affordable. Even the price is extraordinary — just
$269 list. And that includes Epson's generous 2-year warranty,
and famous reliability.

$300

"■ii-^

Get $10 Cash Back. Naturally, a printer this special deserves a
special offer. So if you buy an ActionPrinter3250 between August 29,
and December 31, 1992, you'll get your choice of a $10 cash rebate
from Epson, or two free replacement ribbons (a $19.90 value)'.

For more information, and tlie name of your nearest Epson dealer, call 1-800-BUY-EPSON.

And see how tire company thai invented dot matrix printing has reinvented it.

D * t k t fi p i D e t M tt t t

S a I f i o a k I

Fo: dtilfr iilfrril. till »«-inr-lPSOSmoa-2S9jn6), k Culldj. tail (SOOICO-ti'SO?;. Foe Liin Amrrici. «5-!6M(l9S- •Srbnp miy b< diimtd lliroiijh]inuii) SI. 199!

cannpuTE

VOLUME 14, NO. 10, ISSUE 146

NOVEMBER 1992

FEATURES

6
EASY DATABASES

By Tom Campbell

Drowning in data? Try a

database.

TEST LAB

Edited by Mike Hudnall
11 cutting-edge notebooks.

KEEPING IN CONTACT

By Daniel S. Janal
Don't be forgotten.

78
PRODUCTIVITY CHOICE

By Jan Altman

Microsoft's Excel 4.0.

PALMTOP STRATEGIES

By Rosalind Resnick

Are palmtop computers

tools or toys?

COLUMNS

4
EDITORIAL LICENSE

By Clifton Karnes
FUD factors.

NEWS & NOTES

Edited by Jill Champion
Top computer news.

FEEDBACK

Answers to
tough questions.

52
WINDOWS WORKSHOP

By Clifton Karnes

Magic tricks with 3,1's

screen savers,

TIPS & TOOLS

Edited by

Richard C. Leinecker

Stop fragmentation!

INTRODOS

By Tony Roberts
Survival tips for DOS haters.

Cover photo by Michel Tcherevkoff

PROGRAMMING POWER

By Tom Campbell
Charting with BASIC 7.1.

HARDWARE CLINIC

By Mark Minasi

Care and feeding of laptop

batteries.

ON DISK

By Tony Roberts

High-productivity

shareware.

COMPUTE/NET

By Troy Tucker
What's new online.

SHAREPAX

By Steve Draper
Shareware treasures.

PERSONAL PRODUCTIVITY

By Rosalind Resnick
Business letters for results.

ART WORKS

By Robert Bixby

CorelDRAW! and Ami Pro

turn 3.0.

MULTIMEDIA PC

By David English

Two new MIDI sequencing

programs.

152

NEWS BITS

By Jill Champion
Top stories at press time.

ENTERTAINMENT
90

PATHWAYS

By Steven Anzovin
Science Adventure.

DISCOVERY CHOICE

By Peter Scisco

Orbits from Software

Marketing,

ENTERTAINMENT CHOICE

By Scott A. May
Aces of the Pacific.

GAMEPUY

By David Sears

Polygon animation.

100

DARK SEED

By David Sears
Where horror sleeps.

REVIEWS
113

Adobe Illustrator Version 4.0,
Force Technology F33,
Klonimus Notebook AT,

New Wave 4.0,

Epson Action Laser II,

Might & Magic III,

Addtech Research

Slim-Pro MB-2500 SX,

Three Grammar Checkers,

Way You Work:

Personal Office,

Pixie,

Thinx 2.0,

Media Vision Audioport,

Winter Challenge,
Magnavox 7CM329 Super

VGA/LE, and
Design Your Own Railroad.

ADVERTISERS INDEX

See page 137.

COMPUTE (iSSN 0194-;K7X) is published momhiy in me Uniled Slates and Canada by COMPUTE Publications International Ltd., 1965 Broadway, New York, NY 10023-5965. Volume 14.
Number 10, Issue 146. CopyrigW C 1992 by COMPUTE Publicalions Internalional Ud. All rights reserved. COMPUTE is a regislefed trademark of COMPUTE Publications internatioriaf LIti.
Printed In the USA by H. R. Donreliey & Sons Inc. and distributed worldviide (except Australia and the UK) by Curtis Circuiation Comoany, PO. Box 9102, Rennsauken, NJ 08109. Distnbuied
in Australia by The Hoiwiiz Group, P.O. Box 306, Cammeray NSW 2062 Australia and in the UK by Northern and Shell Pic, PO. Box 381 , Milthartxxjr, London E14 9TW- Secood<:lasa postage
paid at New York, NY. and at additional mailing ollices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COMPm^ Magazine, PO. Box 3245, Harlan, lA 51537-3041 . Tel. (300) 727-6937. Entire
contents copyrighted- Ali rights reserved Nothing rray be reproduced in whole or in part wlhout written permission Irom the publisher, Subscripiions: US. AFO - S19.94 one year; Canada
and elsewhere -S25,94 one year Single copies S2.95 in US The publisher disclaims all responsibility !0 return unsolicited maner. and all righls in porttons published thereof remain the sole
property ot COMPUTE Publications International Ltd. Letters sent to COMPUTE or its editors become the property of the rrvagazine. Editorial offices are located at 324 W. Wendover Ave.,
Sle- 200. Greensboro, NC 27408. Tel. (919) 275-9ece,

COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

The Sound Choice

If upgrading
yourPCtoMPC
standards sounds
good to you, we can
make it sound even
better. With a multimedia upgrade
kit from Creative Labs.

For only $799, you get the only
multimedia upgrade kit with
Sound Blaster"' Pro, winner of the
Multimedia World Readers'
Choice Award for "Best Sound
Board." Experience true-to-life 8-bit
stereo audio effects from applica-
tions and games. With MIDI adapter
cable and sequencing software,
plus a 20-voice, 4-operator FM
music synthesizer, Sound Blaster
Pro is one sound investment!

And that's only the beginning.
There's a high-performance CD-
ROM drive that surpasses MPC
specifications, Plus a FREE library
of CDs that will open your PC to
all the possibilities of multimedia
computing. Over $3,000 worth
of the hottest CD titles for multi-
media authoring and enhanced
education, entertainment, and

■'111
\

productivity capabilities for
your computer.

You get Microsoft® Windows "
3.1, Microsoft Bookshelf,'' a
reference resource with an
encyclopedia, thesaurus, and
dictionary Microsoft Works for
Windows,™ an integrated pro-
ductivity package. MacroMind®
Action ! ,™ Authorware® Star™
and Tempra™ from Mathematica,
presentation tools for DOS and
Windows. Sherlock Flolmes,
Consulting Detective, the award-
winrmig mystery game. And
many many more.

The Sound Blaster Multimedia
Upgrade Kit. At only $799! To
find out more, visit your computer
retailer or call Creative Labs at
1-800-998-LABS.

And see why choosing our mul-
timedia upgrade kit is the most
sound decision you'll ever make.

Mullmtilu re'

Souna Blastef is a trademark ol Creative Labs, Inc.

Inlematlonal Inquiries: Creative Technolog/, Ltd.. Singapore Tel 65-773-0233 Fax 65-773-0353

Clrcl« Ratder S«rvic« Number 12S

cre: tive

CREATIVE LABS,

EDITORIAL LICENSE

Clifton Karnes

The famaus

FUD factor has

been with

commiting for a

long time, and

it's not iilceiy to

go away

anytime soon.

FUD. No, it's not a curse or
a new type of missile. As
you may know, those
thiree letters stand for
fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
Wliere do this fear, uncertain-
ty, and doubt come from?
First, tliere's thie fear tfiat the
hardware and software you're
using now won't be useful in
tfie future. The corollary to this
is the fear that by buying some-
thing now, you'll be making the
wrong decision. This fear

leads to uncertainty about the
future and doubt about the
best course to follow.

FUD has often been used
as a selling tool (or more ac-
curately, as an antiselling
tool), and some have said
that IBIvl mainframe salesmen
invented FUD by telling their
clients not to buy competitors'
products because "IBfvl will
be coming out with a better
product real soon that will
blow the competitors' stuff
away" Wham! FUD.

When it comes to PCs, FUD
has its biggest impact with op-
erating systems. This isn't sur-
prising, since operating sys-
tems have the greatest influ-
ence on how we interact with

our computers and ultimately
on how productive we are.

The first big FUD epidemic
came when fvlS-DOS was intro-
duced into a world dominated
by CP/M. Here, fvlS-DOS was
clearly superior, and the FUD
lasted only about a year.

Microcomputing's next
great encounter with FUD
came when OS/2 1 .0 was re-
leased. Whether we wanted it
or not, OS/2, it seemed, was
our future. All of us asked
questions: Should I
buy any more MS-
DOS software now,
since it probably
won't be compatible
with OS/2? Should I
make sure my next
computer can run
OS/2, even if I'm not
running it now?

As we all know,
OS/2 didn't take
over the world. Or at
least, it hasn't taken
it over yet.

The next great FUD
fight came when Win-
dows 3.0 was intro-
duced. It quickly be-
came apparent that
Windows 3.0 was first-
rate, and it was a no-
lose upgrade be-
cause it supported
IVIS-DOS- Windows uncertainty
lasted less than a year.

Recently, OS/2 has made a
dramatic reentry into the FUD
wars with version 2.0, but this
release generated little real
FUD, There simply aren't
enough applications running
on OS/2 yet to make some-
one afraid not to upgrade.

The most recent cause for
FUD is Windows NT NT is a
FUD arrow aimed at wouid-
be OS/2 buyers in the great
tradition started by those IBM
mainframe salesmen: "Don't
buy their 32-bit operating sys-
tem now, because we're work-
ing on one that'll really knock
your socks off."
The side effect of this is

that NT has instilled FUD in
Windows users. All the old
questions are coming back:
Should I hold off buying any
more Windows software?
Should I make sure the next
machine I buy can run NT?

With the installed base of
Windows users and the reper-
toire of Windows applications
growing dramatically each
week, it seems unlikely that
NT will knock out 3. 1 . And Mi-
crosoft doesn't seem to want
it to. NT is clearly aimed at
the workstation-level PC: a
486 or better with 16MB of
RAM and a 300MB hard disk.

It doesn't really matter,
though. Because the impor-
tant thing to remember about
FUD is that we, the consum-
ers, are the ones in control
and collectively making the de-
cisions. We determined that
MS-DOS was better than CP/
M, that OS/2 1 .0 wasn't better
than MS-DOS, and that Win-
dows was a great environ-
ment to coexist with MS-DOS.

In addition to operating sys-
tems, the other traditional
source of FUD is hardware.
PC prices are at an all-time
low, but FUD is still high: Will
prices drop even lower?
Should I wait? What features
are crucial?

Here, COMPUTE can help
you with its FUD-fighting Test
Labs. If you're looking for a
state-of-the-art notebook,
check out this issue's install-
ment. We test 11 top note-
books that offer the hottest
new technologies: power sav-
ings, great color screens, and
super 486 power. If you want
a multimedia machine, next
issue's Test Lab has the
scoop on the best, the bright-
est, and the brassiest. Or if
you have your eye on a cost-
effective 486SX desktop, Janu-
ary's Test Lab will have all the
FUD-dispelling details on the
newest entry-level power plat-
form. Stick with COMPUTE.
We're anti-FUD. D

4 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

THE COI^ECTOR^S^^IirlON

|t»ri

rtmtrrmFimmmmmim

mm**i» ^ 4|T4#««MV>#«

The exclusive edition— fit for ai

Authorized and fully authenticated by Parker Brothers.

fs a classic Irom the word "GO!" With new, spectacularly designed houses and hotels, tokens rich
with the glow of 24 kara! gold electroplate, a distinctive "Real Estate Portfolio," and much, much
J more— including doubtelhe usual supply ot money!

Best of all, the lush green playing surface i; luxuriouslv framed In fine tiardwood. to present the
classic MONOPOLY® game graphics as never I
It's a grand combinatjori of tradition and beauty for your
harne, Just $495, payable in monthly installments.'^'
Exclusively from The Franklin IVIinl.

MfURNASSURANCE POLICY ~
If you wish to return any Franklin Mint purcfiase,
you may do so witfiin 30 days of your receipt of
that purcti.asE for replacemEnt, credit or refund.

This solid brass mdhgpoly'" game coin is
Board sliown much smaller than actual size of set Into ttie banker's drawer handle, to

ZOV L X 20 V W X 3" H, forever identify this Collector's Edition.

This solid brass mdhgpoly'" game coin is

set Into ttie banker's drawer handle, to

torever identify this Collector's Edition.

IcalnsJielsZlmni).

Richly embellished with accents of sterlii

rand 24 karat gold.

MaKOl^Otir" L> i !Ee>sl:ieil Uxleiiiirk Bf 3 IS9i Partisr SigUis, Oitiuw ol Teiite CuipuulKm tot lU i«I si'Jis tiadiiig uu» oqupieiiL

ORDER FORM

Please tnail by
NovetnberSO, 1992.

The Frankliti Mint

Franklin Center, PA 19C91-0001

Yes, I would like to snter my subscription for

MONOPOLY '-The Collector's Edition.

I need SEND no money now. I understand that
the complete game, including the hardwood-iramed
playing board, will be specially imported and sent to
me in a single shipment. I will be billed for a deposit of
$33." prior to sfiipment. and for the balance in 14 equal
monllily installments oi $33.*, after sfiipment.

'Plus my Slats salts tax .

SIGNATURE

ALLCMKRS ARE SUOJECT TQ ACCEPTANCE

MR/MRS/MISS_

PLEASE PRIhTCLEABLY

ADDRESS

APT.#

CITY/STATE

ZIP

TELEPHONE # ( |

12878-6NAY-360

MONOPOLV rt 9 regsWh-M y3*m|[rX ot i \5SZ Parker Biotht^s. Divisian at
Terki Corporauon tot l& real 4SUW Vaamn Qamp aqfipOnitm

■''^'•^.■kif,*'""'''

■"'', 3".'! .-'ii*;!! ^:1

-.•'•-■.^iK'i

. iri;.'. -I-::,' ".V-.' 'iii : '■

.:;i;,

^pv^^ jiM-^'.r':. r-^'-j*' ;'■£

ife/T^v; ."^v-.u^jiTi^' W--

firj^jTv-sV^ii^;

■'ijS^iJ

il^CfSfc:*!^.!

:'^fe

^::5^:.

"% .

■'%

m::;

U^-

Every day, we're engulfed with
important details to sort and file
away. Phone numbers,
appointments, seminars,
records, and new ideas flood us. It
doesn't matter whether we're small
business owners, PTA leaders, club
and co-op members, or coin collec-
tors; the Information Age has touched
us all. There's so much to keep up
with that it can turn the most ener-
getic, organized, dedicated newcom-
er into a tired, frustrated cynic in no
time — that is, unless you have a data-
base management system (DBMS)
looking after things for you.

No Reason for Fear

Don't let the word database scare you
away. Database managers are easier
to use than ever, and if you can draw
a picture onscreen, you can use just
about any of the popular DBMSs on
the market today. In fact, some of
them are downright fun to play with.
True, a few years ago database man-
agers were forbidding and dull, but
now they're one of the most competi-
tive arenas in the software world.
Software developers have learned that
it takes more than horsepower to bring
new users into the fold.

In fact, you may be using a DBMS

Fields (or columns)

LASTNAME FIRSTNAME ADDR1

ADDR2

I — Campbell

— Kohn

— Karnes

Records (or rows)

Tom 47 Redhawk Irvine

Phillipe P.O. Box 660001 Scotts Valley

Clifton 324 Wesf Wendover Greensboro

STATE

CA
CA
NC

already. If you run Windows and use
Cardfile as a phone book/dialer,
you're using a simple DBMS. Consider
the list of BBS phone numbers and
modem settings in your communica-
tions program — that's a DBMS,
Spreadsheet jockeys who know their
way around ©HLOOKUP and
©VLOOKUP are using the database
portion of their spreadsheets (remem-
ber that Lotus 1-2-3 originally was
advertised as a combination plate;
spreadsheet, database, graphics,
Coke, and fries). And if you've ever
battled with your word processor's
mail merge, you've been dealing with
a DBMS, too. (Do you end a sec-

DATABASES AS PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

Lotus 1-2-3 and dBASE shared a com-
mon trait from their earliest incarna-
tions; They did certain things better
than any other minicomputer or main-
frame software could hope to do, and
they sported programming languages.
(Lotus macros are a programming lan-
guage? You bet!) But microcomputer
users were so cowed by their main-
frame counterparts that, for years,
dBASE wasn't recognized as a lan-
guage. Today, no one disputes that
point, and database languages may be
the most popular computer languages
in use.

So why program in BASIC at all?
Conversely, why don't database lan-
guages look like other languages?
Because different jobs call for different
toots. Your Swiss Army Knife might be
useful, but no one wants to use it to
carve a roast. And dBASE may have
over 500 built-in statements, but no
sane person would use it to write a
word processor or an operating system.
Compiled languages such as C,
Pascal, and QuickBASIC can always
run faster than database programs, but
they won't be nearly as flexible or as
easy to maintain.

f\/lost database languages are rea-
sonably easy to understand, even to
the uninitiated user. The examples

below use dBASE, Out languages such
as Clarion and R:BASE are equally sim-
ple to learn.

It's easy to see that this line prints a
message at the bottom of the screen:
&24, 1 SAY "Please press Enter to con-
tinue".

You can display the contents of a
database with a single keyword. LIST.
This command has many options. This
line prints all the last names and first
names in your database; LfST LAST-
NAME, FIRSTNAME TO PRINT.

Trying to do either of these things in
C, Pascal, BASIC, or any other tradi-
tional programming ianguage would
require literally thousands of lines of
code to open, close, and view data-
base files; and it could never be as
clear to the user because there are no
database-handling keywords in these
languages. To program well in any tra-
ditional language requires months of
study, but database languages are
unique in that even a novice can create
significant applications with only a few
hours' perusal of Vne manual.

is dBASE better than C? The
answer, as always, is yes and no. Yes if
your application relies heavily on data-
base features, no if it's not a database
program or if execution speed is most
important.

ondary merge fiefd with {END
MERGE] or <ENDMERGE> or...?)

Database Details

Broadly speaking, a DBMS is any pro-
gram that stores information by cate-
gory and lets you get at that informa-
tion in an orderly manner. Parts inven-
tories, mailing lists, accounting sys-
tems, and order retrieval systems are
all databases and require a DBMS.
The categories are normally called
fields or columns. The group of fields
(for example, last name, first name,
street address, ZIP code, and so on)
is called a database or a table, as
illustrated in the accompanying figure.

Ever notice how Microsoft registra-
tion cards are divided into boxes, one
per letter, like this?

Last nameilCIAIMIPIEILILI I I I I I I

Microsoft asks you to print and to
employ a couple of odd conventions
(the tail of the Q points up instead of
down) for its optical character recog-
nition system, which automatically
translates your printing into computer-
readable format. In fact, systems like
this can also link directly to a data-
base manager. You're limited to a cer-
tain number of character boxes
because of the limitations of database
managers; most of them restrict the
amount of information that can be
stored in records or fields. Each cus-
tomer record is given only 200 bytes
(or 2000), and the fields within are
also stored in fixed sizes (30 charac-
ters for the last name, 25 for the city
name, and so on). Of course, the per-
son designing the database deter-
mines those sizes.

The reason a DBMS imposes this
rather severe limitation is speed — a
recurrent theme in database manage-
ment systems. Without being able to
assume that records are of equal size,
a DBMS would liave no choice but to
search through each record until it

8 COtvlPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Introducing the first dot matrix printer
with multiple personalities.

The new Citizen GSX-230. The color-capable,
quiet workhorse that's affordable.

When we designed the new GSX-230, we put in all the
features you'll need for your honne office or small business.

With ultraquiet operation, optional Color On Command"
and technology so sophisticated it's simple to use, this machine
is destined to become your most valuable business tool.

The real beauty of the CSX-230 is what we left out - the
noise. Unlike other dot matrix printers, this one gives you quiet
operation. In fact, because of our patented Citizen Acoustic
Technology," C.A.T., the CSX-230 operates in even the most
peaceful environments.

With Command-Vue III", you can control over 42 printer
functions at the touch of a button. And thanks to 360 x 360
dots-per-inch resolution, crisp, <^ —

clear graphics are yours every time ■***--■'--■.,■- """""

you print. The Citizen CSX-230 SSfiil
gives you all this, and a great
price, too.

We like to say the GSX-230
is the practical printing alternative.
Call 1 -8G0-4-PRINTERS for more

miET

IMENT

CITIZEN PRDTTERS

I 9 'J z

©CITIZEN"

9 iSSt Ctsmj *r«nM Cc/pcrMcn Orsvn Cole Or ConvrvnO. Corvn^ro-
Vut. W "V C-tKff «i» *s b-*J(*T!Af»a o< ifv Citjvn »K»tft Co 1 TO

CIrcfe Reader Service Number 166

found the one it was looking for, It's
much, mucli faster for a DBMS to
know that, in a database with 120-byte
records, record 100 is at position
12000 in the file. Both hard and floppy
drives are programmed to be able to
position anywhere on the disk in a
very short time.

This speed obviously comes at the
cost of disk space. Most American
surnames fit into 10 or 15 characters,
but foreign and hyphenated names
can be much longer. Do you want to
alienate your customers by starting
letters to Mrs. Adamkiewicz-Stanislaw
with "Dear Mrs, Adamkiewic" because
you can't afford the 50-percent slack
such generosity would cost with your

20MB database, or do you want to eat
the disk space and shell out $600 for
a new drive? Most databases for small
businesses, clubs, or home use turn
out to be of an easily manageable
size. If you have 100 people in your
community band and each record
uses 200 bytes, the database will be
less than 20K in size— easily small
enough to fit on even the humblest
floppy disk. If you run a stationery
store with 6000 customers on your
mailing list for offices in the surround-
ing urban areas and each customer
record fits in 220 bytes, your database
will weigh in at oniy 1.3 megs and will
still back up to a single high-density
31/2-(nch disk.

Many DBMSs that use fixed-length
records store only one record in RAM
at a time, leaving the rest on disk, so
the database capacity is limited by
disk space instead of RAM. This con-
trasts to word processors, which are
often limited to available RAM or,
worse, the 64K-segment limitation of
the 15-year-old 8088 microprocessor
that came with the original IBM PC.

Most database managers allow the
information they store to be restricted.
For example, a numeric field allows for
storage only of digits, plus signs,
minus signs, and decimal points, A
character field can store any informa-
tion that can be printed— letters, nunn-
bers, punctuation marks, whatever, A

IF IT'S TUESDAY, THIS MUST BE REDMOND

Borland needed to expand its product
line, and a database manager was the
obvious acquisition. Thte best candidate
was a comprehensive relational data-
base with advanced QBE and a popular
programming language, so in a much-
publicized move, it bought Paradox, That
was in 1987, and Borland's purchase of
Ansa, developer and then-owner of
Paradox, put ihat product on the map.

Borland spent years doing fiead-to-
head comparisons of Paradox and
dBASE, with the former always winning
decisively. At the same time Borland vig-
orously denied the persistent rumor, now
known to be accurate, that it was putting
its considerable expertise in languages
to work developing a clone of dBASE for
Windows.

Borland now has two relational data-
base management systems with totally
different file formats, languages, and
user interfaces. That's not counting
Reflex, a fJat-fite database manager with
its own file format and user interface.
Borland assures developers that the two
products are moving toward common
goals, with compatibility being a major
issue. That's a little lil<e saying the
European Common IVlarket will move to
make English compatible with French,

Microsoft needed to expand its prod-
uct line, and a database manager was
the obvious acquisition. The best candi-
date was a comprehensive relational
database suitable for its flagship operat-
ing environment, OS/2. So in a much-
publicized move, i! acquired a control-
ling interest in Sybase. That was in 1987.

Microsoft spent years developing a
powerful database manager that was
also easy to use, and in 1992 it debuted
pians to buy,, .Fox Software, It claims its
Internally developed product, Cirrus, will
use BASIC as its lingua franca. But
FoxPro uses the dBASE language,

Microsoft also has a number of other
BASIC dialects: Visual Basic. Word
BASIC, GW-BASIC, QuickBASIC, BASIC
7.1, Test, and OBASIC, to name a few.

Visual Basic looks a lot like Word BASIC
and Test, but it isn't really compatible
with either. QBASiC looks a lot like
QuickBASIC and BASIC 7.1, but it bears
only the slightest resemblance to Visual
Basic, Word BASIC, and Tesl. And GW-
BASlC.well, let's just say that necessary
evil would be a more than diplomatic
description of its status at Microsoft.
Luckily, an ANSI standard for BASIC
finally appeared in ttie late 1980s, and
Microsoft was quick to ignore it.

Microsoft is working on a systemwide
macro language that will look sort of like
Visual Basic but won't be quite compati-
ble. Taking any bets on Cirrus?

Computer Associates needed to
expand its product line, and a dBASE-
compatible database manager was the
obvious acquisition. The best candidate
was a comprehensive relational data-
base that extended the dBASE language
in nonstandard fashion but ruled its
niche of the market. So, in a much-publi-
cized move, it bought, ..dbFast for
Windows. That was in 1 991 .

In 1992, it swallowed Nantucket whole
and burped up Clipper 5.01 for the DOS
market. CA now has two dBASE compilers
with incompatible language extensions
and totaily different user interfaces.
(Actually, Clipper doesn't have a user
interface.)

If an old-fashioned bedroom farce is
your idea of a good pick at Blockbuster
Video, you'l! enjoy the last act of this one.
In 1990 and 1991 a number of dBASE
developers and power users banded
together in the hope of forming an AIMSI
committee to standardize the dBASE lan-
guage, working on the assumption that
the dBASE language description was not
subject to copyright protection. .Ashton-
Tate, then the owner of dBASE, not only
wouldn't cooperate but threatened law-
suits, Boriand, with oniy a nudge or two
from the FTC, has since agreed that the
language standard would be A Good
Thing. If an xBASE (as the common-
dBASE notion is called) standard arises,

at the most one vendor's version of the
language will survive, most likely
Borland's, But even that's too close to
call; ANS! standards have been known to
take years to implement and to come out
ike a horse designed by a committee.
The FORTRAN standard, begun in the
1970s, was known informally as FOR-
TRAN BX because the standards commit-
tee was foresighted enough to know that
it would take a while to reach a consen-
sus. The 8X means "nineteen eighty-
something," The committee flr^ally did
reach a standard,,, in 1990,

Not oniy can a standard take years to
form, but it can mean v;holesale changes
to the language. All the major C vendors
were on the ANSI XJ312 committee to
standardize C. and compatibility was
staled as a top priority from day one.
When the dust settled, no one's C com-
piler was compatible with the standard
until about 18 months after the standard
was ratified. If the xBASE standard ends
up looking nothing like dBASE IV, every-
body loses until someone comes out with
xBase compilers, which probably won't
be compatible with the existing lan-
guages,

if Borland's version wins, it means
that Microsoft, the second largest soft-
ware developer in the world and current-
ly an enthusiastic supporter of the xBASE
standard, will have to take yet a new
direction in databases from its number
one competitor. If Microsoft's version
wins, it means that Borland, the cradle of
xBASE, will no longer own an xBASE-
compatible language. If one of CA's ver-
sions somehow wins, it will mean that the
company with the weakest product line
will instantly control a nascent standard.

Oh, did anyone mention that CA is
even bigger than Microsoft? It made its
fortune in mainframe software and is
doing what Microsoft did in the word
processor and spreadsheet markets;
throwing money at the problem until
some of it sticks.
Bets, anyone?

10 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Find out with
MoneyCounts^ 7.0!

If s no secret successful people need to manage
their finances. But with the advent of "instanF'
money— credit cards, cash machines, on-the-
spot financing — spending is easier while
keeping track of your money is more difficult
than ever. Now there's a quick and easy
solution. With MoneyCounts 7.0, you'll
quickly gain complete control of your money.

Put money bodi in your pocket!

MoneyCounts is a really "smart" system. All
the necessary tools are provided, so you'll be
up and running in minutes! And if you know
how to write a check, you already have all the
skills needed to manage your cash, checking,
savings, aedit cards and investments — in just
minutes a week!

Solve yojr money monagement problems.

MoneyCounts comes with a predefined set
of accounts that makes it easy to get started.
You can add, modify or delete accounts to
meet your needs. And our Smart Data Entry"
feature remembers all of your transactions,
so entries can be made with a few keystrokes.
With MoneyCounts, you'll spend less time
managing your money and more time
enjoying it.

Fill in the bltmks— MoneyCounts does the restl

With "real life" checkbook saeens, entering
transactions is just like writing a personal
check. Simply fill in the "check blank" and
MoneyCounts updates your balance and
lets you know exactly where you stand.

With MoneyCounts, you'll balance your
checkbook in just seconds each month. With
the push of a button, you'll make fast work
of tough bank statements and be confident
your balance is correct.

Start planning for tomorrow by
finding out what you have today.

MoneyCounts helps you create a budget,
showing where you spent more than planned
and where you saved money. There's even
a wide variety of reports and 3-D charts that
show you where your money goes at a glance.
By budgeting with MoneyCounts, you'll never
again wonder what you can afford— you'll
know for sure!

Invest your money, not your time.

Whether you want to track your 401 K or play
the stock market, MoneyCounts can handle all
your investment needs, no matter how basic
or complex. It even tracks investment perfor-
mance, so you'll make better financial decisions.

Try MoneyCounts for FREE!

Normally $49, you can try MoneyCounts for
FREE! Just pay $5 for shipping and handling
and we'll send you MoneyCounts to use for 30
days. If you're not more organized and have a
better idea of where your money goes, simply
return the "Thanks, but no thanks" card includ-
ed with your order. We won't charge you
anything else, and the program is yours to
keep. Otherwise, in 30 days, we'll bill your
aedit card the balance of $35 (a $14 saving!).

FREE Software Bonus!

If you purchase MoneyCounts,
we'll send you Family Origins™
(a $49 value) FREE!
This powerful program makes
recording your family's history
and creating an organized
family tree as easy as filling
in the blanks!

fiiiuii;

Oftfl"-

0110-223-6925

Fax your order to 1-319-393-1002
or mail the coupon below.

□ Yes, I'll try MoneyCounts 7.0 for FREE!

Bill my credii card jusi S5 far shipping/hindling. If
within 30 days Tm not more organized and know where
my money is going, I'U rotum the 'Thanks, but no thanics"
card, keep the program and pay nothing more. Otherv^ise,
my ciedil card will be billed S35 and I'll receive my FREE
copy of Family Origins. (A S63 combined savings.)

D Yes, send me MoneyCounls 7.0 plus my FREE

(opy ol Family Origins now for just $35.

I'll save the S shipping fee by paying for my onJer now.
If not completely satis^ed, I'U return both programs
within 30 days for a complete refund.

[{»va ResidaiB add 5% sales ox. iKjoda IJiCf'&Cuide
ard FREE TEKlmial SuppfVt.

Name

Address _

City

State

Day Phone (

Evening Phone ( .

_)_

-)-

Disk Size: □ 35" Q 525" Quantity:

Method of Payment □ Chssk or .Money Order II COD
U MasterCard LJ Amciican Express G Visa G EXscover
Card » Exp.

Q Just send me your FREE software catalog!
K TECHNOLOGY

Onf fUBWH DrfK • TO So* 100 • HiiMHIha, M S2233-O10O
Your priorily code is 148722T

MorEyCounte M rHpiiies an IBM or compatible PC wilh 51ZK RAM (6WK jwommended), DOS 2.11 or later and 2MB of hard drive space. Mouse supported but not required. Works with all monitors and printers,
including PostScript* printers or your money back. Copyright © 1992 Parsons Technology, Inc. All tights reserved. MoneyCounts and Fanvily Origins are registered tradeciarlai of Paisons Technology.

Circle Reader Service Number 164

You can't tell the players without a score-
card. Here it is, with the players listed in
afphabetical order.

Clipper 5.01
$795

Computer Associates
12555 W. Jefierson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 390-7923

Unique among the programs listed here,
Clipper is a compiler. When you write a
Clipper program, it runs as a stand-alone
exe file, and you're allowed to distribute it
to other users without paying a fee and
without theif having to own Clipper. It's
based on dBASE III Plus with a number
of extensions that aren't compatible with
dBASE IV. The documentation assumes
you know the dBASE language and
doesn't have much in the way of tutorial
information. Its report writer is good, but
you have to be a programmer to use it.
Clipper is more suited to traditional pro-
grammers than the other products here,
but what it does, it does quite well. And
what it doesn't do can still be done,
because you can use C to add to the
Clipper language (and make use of
Clipper's internal routines).

dBASE IV 1.5
$795

Borland International
P.O. Box 660001
Scotts Valley, CA 95067-0001
{800)331-0877

Still the market leader, dBASE is always
a good choice. FoxPro is currently more
state-of-the-art, but dBASE is, of course,
the only product listed here that's com-
pletely dBASE compatible. There's a
huge market of third-party books and
training materials for dBASE, and it runs
on every computer known to humankind.
Its user interface was given a face-lift for
version 1 .5, but it doesn't come close to
FoxPro's. It has great documentation, an
excellent report writer, and a very good
programming language. It uses memory
efficiently, runs well on 286s, and will
soon be doing Windows.

dbPast for Windows i,7c
$550 (competitor upgrade — $1 79)
Computer Associates
1 Computer Associates Plaza
Islandia. NY 11788-7000
(800) 225-5224

Purchased by Computer Associates
before it purchased Clipper (thus leaving
CA in the uncomfortable position of sup-
porting two incompatible dBASE
dialects), dbPast for Windows is much
more suited to the novice programmer
than Clipper is. Again, the documenta-
tion on its programming language leaves
something to be desired, and the release
as of this writing is known to be buggy.
Still, It allows you to create stand-alone
Windows programs using the dBASE !an-

THE PLAYERS

guage — a unique benefit no other prod-
uct could offer at press time.

FoxPro 2.0
$795

Fox Software
134 W. South Boundary
Perrysburg, OH 43551
(800) 837-3692

Illustrating just how hard it is to write a
good database, f^/licrosofl threw in the
towei after years of in-house develop-
ment and bought the best dBASE-com-
patible DBMS money could buy, Well
worth the $170 million in stock Fox cost
Microsoft, FoxPro is at the crest of a new
wave of databases. It's by far the easiest
relational database to learn in this group,
yet it's aiso among the most powerful.
Most DOS database managers are woe-
fully behind in the user interface depart-
ment, but the developers at Fox clearly
put their Mac programming experience
to work in Foxf'ro 2.0. Arguably a better
dBASE than dBASE, FoxPro is at once
fairly compatible with the dBASE IV lan-
guage and well beyond it in such critical
areas as user interface features and
lightning-fast indexing. If you need total
dBASE compatibility and portabitity to
other machines, go with dBASE. But if
you want to give your programs a mod-
ern look and demand a red-hot develop-
ment environment, FoxPro remains
unchailenged.

HyperPad 2.2
$229

Brightbill-Roberts
P.O. Box 2476
Syracuse, NY 13220-2476
(800) 444-3490

HyperPad could've been a big hit in the
DOS market, and I'm still not sure why it
wasn't. Its visuaf approach to database
design makes the creation of most data-
bases a Cakewalk, and its English-like
command language is child's play to
learn, especially if you know HyperTalk.
HyperPad is not a clone of the seminal
fvlaclntosh program called HyperCard,
but the influence is unmistakable. As with
ToolBook, you attach program code to
onscreen objects sucfi as buttons and
fields. This has a hidden trap: You can't
make major changes to the program
without somehow copying the database
records to a new database, and there's
no provision for doing so.

ObjectVision 2.0
$149.95

Borland International
P.O. Box 660001
Scotts Valley, CA 95067-0001
(800)331-0877

Borland's ObjectVision, a Windows pro-
gram, is a wildly uneven product in terms
of where its power lies, although it's rock
solid and does everything it's advertised
to do and more (Borland doesn't do a

good job of explaining it). It's every bit as
simple to create a database in
ObjectVision as it is in ToolBook, but OV
is relational and uses Paradox, dBASE,
ASCII, and BTrieve as native file formats.
You create a database by "drawing" it
onscreen, much as you do with
ToolBook. There is no traditional pro-
gramming language, but ObjectVision
lets you attach 1-2-3- and Qualtro
Pro-style functions to such Windows
objects as buttons and data entry fields.
Amazingly, Borland lets you distribute
stand-alone applications by including a
runtime version of ObjectVision with your
programs, There's no faster, cheaper, or
more effective way at the moment to cre-
ate Windows databases of simple to
medium complexity that you can distrib-
ute. Its programmability is limited com-
pared to dBASE's or ToolBook's, but you
can still do quite a lot.

Paradox 3.5
$795

Borland International
P.O. Box 660001
Scotts Valley, CA 95067-0001
(800)331-0877

Borland acquired a database manager
called Paradox some years ago because
the product lived up to its name: It had a
simple-to-learn user interface but came
with a language every bit as powerful as
dBASE. PAL, the Paradox programming
language, is not dBASE compatible, so
Borland is now faced with the unenviable
task of somehow reconciling two com-
pletely incompatibie programming lan-
guages in the same market segment.
Paradox is no longer the technology
leader in the realm of high-end relational
databases (FoxPro snatched the crown a
couple of years ago), but it remains an
excellent product with thorough docu-
mentation, a much-imitated visual query
mechanism, and high-performance data-
base management.

ToolBook 1.5
$395
Asymetrix

IIOIIOthAve. NE, Ste. 700
Bellevue, WA 98004
(800) 448-6543

ToolBook makes better use of the
Windows environment than any other
database product available. It's slug-
gish on even medium databases and
on anything but a high-end system (fast
386 on up), but its advantages are
many; a programming language that
looks like HyperTalk with the bad parts
left out, the best sample applications of
any product listed here, a solid inter-
face to Windows, an optional multime-
dia extension package, and some of the
most elegant documentation ever writ-
ten. It's a class act, if limited in some
ways, but as a whole it's a seductive
development environment.

12 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Contains 15 of the most
popular household tools.

Talkahmihanncr sales. Crenic one thati 100 ft long.

, 45,000 Mi
t offer
55-2093

BASEBALL

CARD
INVENTORY

"UNDS

Keep iimeniory right ojfthe bat. '

i S.Kt£if.„.

* ^ SSS:

Design abash, then label yourjricnds.

tnralTrilog)'
i

EMERGENCY
PHONE LIST

(JLjud^Famh/Nejos

911

5SS>5T<U

tHi/J,'Hi'ii.M «M"»

Deshwp puiilishing/rom a dot
matrix pnnter? Dot's incr^dibk}

LOST

Whert to gpt help in an ema^cy.

Nanw: Sabnna
Color V^fiC wrlJl
brown Binpes
AgB;&mor»lhs
Daw mbsmg: 5/22/S2

Qodai with a tmaC CwU.

K found ptga^caL
555-2304

KITTY

An integrated business package is fine
for the office. But at home it's all thumbs.

That's because
there's only one true j
family package:
GeoWorks Pro!"
The most versatile
tool collection
even to hit home.

GeoWorks Pro
has a graphical
user interface
(GUI)— pictures,
not words. So it's eas)-,
It also has beginner, intermediate, and
advanced levels. The only software with
training wheels.

Kids can build impressive things all
by themselves. The GeoWrite™ module
has a fistful of WYSIWYG fonts. To bring
the words to life, GeoDraw" artwork can
be seamlessly added. Suddenly book
reports earn A's for effort. Especiall)' with
the laser-quality output we produce
from dot matrix printers.

Of course, you'll be able to hammer
out spreadsheets on the built-in
Quattro" Pro SE. For tracking expenses.
And the GeoPlanner" calendar is ideal
for dreaming up what to do with vacations.

In all, there arc fifteen tools. Writing,
drawing, banners, calculators, address
directories, on-line services, communica-
tions, games, and much more. Together,
they're the greatest thing to happen to
families since the electric screwdriver.

All you need is an XT or better and
a mouse. Since this is family software,
you're not nailed on price.

Call to order the GeoWorks Pro Trial
Size for 59.''^ or see your dealer. After all,
the right tool is hall the job.

EOWORKS

1-800-824-4558, ext. 600

n nunaniaii 1-4 7MB \rtt 1.4MB irfJsmmcTNifd) • paphtuadipIrT «thJ PHiniiO*
Pnnm wppon . Csnpatibk wuh 'ihvt -t 20 fvpuUr prtni'n

Copp^CIW2.ia*&!i^««Jes.ZlWSh»iTMckAMf ,5ert*lo'.CA«7iM AI!n(httt«nwd
GBj\MjifeGMWBri»Pm.FC;<i^W>.r*i:iManjiffr,GiMW(^w Grol^a* G«i?Liinfr CcnC.'fliTn

Circle Reader Service Number 1B6

date field contains only allowable
numbers for months (1-12), days
(1-31), and years (typically 1900 and
up). A logical field can only store T for
True and F for False (or sometimes Y
for Yes and N for No).

Restricting the kind of information
that can be entered into a field confers
several advantages to the DBMS user.
First, most databases automatically
force the user to input only that type of
data, so an absent-minded data entry
person won't be able to enter ZIP code
(numeric) into the state field (charac-
ter). Second, it speeds indexing.

An index is a copy of one or more
key fields (fields you w/ant to sort by,
for example, last name or ZIP code)
that's designed for very fast access. If
you index a file by its ZIP code, the
database manager can create a sepa-
rate index file w\lh a copy of the ZIP
code for each record stored in a
quick-access format. Computers can
sort numbers faster than letters, so the
indexing mechanism can take advan-
tage of that trait and convert its copy
of the ZIP codes, w/hich are stored as
printable characters in your record,
into binary values for the index file.
That way, printing your customer list
by ZIP code will be sped up enor-
mously, perhaps a hundred or a thou-
sand times.

The designers of dBASE III Plus
recognized that some databases
would do well with the ability to store
free-form information, at the cost of
limiting how that information could be
searched. For example, if you want to
store a log of a client's dealings with
your customer service department,
you'll quickly realize that most records
leave this field empty, but the ones for
which it is used can easily spill over
your database's maximum record size
of 4000 characters. The answer to this
problem is memo fields, pioneered by
dBASE.

Memo fields take up ten bytes per
record no matter what. That's the bad
news. The good news is that those ten
bytes are used to refer to a location in
a separate memo file that can store up
to 64K of information per memo field.
(FoxPro and some other dBASE-com-
patible databases manage to allot
even larger memo fields.) fvlemos
can't be sorted or used in indexes,
because indexes copy the contents of
each indexed field and they can't be
searched easily — but when you need
'em, you need 'em bad. Many data-
base managers that claim to be
dBASE compatible don't support
memo fields, whereas others, such as
FoxPro and Clipper, go dBASE one
better by offering beefed-up support
for memo fields, Fok for the Mac, for

14 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

example, uses memo fields to store
MacPaint images!

Fomily Relations

There are two kinds of fixed-length
DBMSs (that term includes database
managers that use memo fields): flat-
file and relational. A relational DBMS is
one that lets you use several databas-
es at once, connected by common
fields. An example is a customer list
that's related to accounts receivable
by customer ID. Scroll through the
customer list, and you'll see how much
each customer owes you because the
DBMS knows to look up each account
as you scroll. (The inventor of relation-
al database design theory, Edward F.
Codd, rightly disputes this simplified

• I0]|

DATABASES

CREATE

ORDER

OUT

CHAOS

example and wrote an entire book
explaining what relational databases
really are, but we're using the popular
definition here for the sake of discus-
sion.) Database managers without this
ability are known as flat-file managers,
because they use only one database
at a time.

In general, relational database
managers are much more capable
than flat-file managers and by defini-
tion can do everything flat-file man-
agers can, but they're usually more
expensive and more difficult to learn.

Indy Cor or Family Sedan?

A DBMS that uses fixed-length records
isn't the only game in town, of course.
You might think of it as the family sedan
of databases, which can do just about
any task you can throw at it with varying
degrees of success — big capacity, rea-
sonably fast sorting and indexing, pret-
ty flexible, and nicely paired with the

performance characteristics of a disk
drive. Three other varieties of DBMSs
exist — network, hierarchical, and
object-oriented, but they aren't popular
on PCs. A fifth variety, free-form data-
bases, has been around for some time
and occupies a small but solid niche in
the PC world. Lotus Agenda and
AskSam are well-known examples of
free-form databases.

While you can make free-form
databases look like traditional row-
and-column database managers, why
bother? Their true power is precisely
in not forcing you to such a narrow
organizational paradigm. Instead,
you're encouraged to make up
freestyle associations; Agenda knows
that the phrase next Wednesday is the
same as December 9 and can spot
other such connections without your
explicitly asking. Free-form DBMSs
usually store all information in RAM, so
they can be sharply limited in the
amount of information they store.

Two hybrid DBMSs are HyperPad,
a sort of character-mode HyperCard
for DOS, and ToolBook, a Windows
application that also looks like
HyperCard. Fields aren't typed,
essentially doing the job of both char-
acter and memo fields, and they may
contain up to 32,000 characters. But
nonetheless, they can be sorted and
searched, and they don't waste disk
space. Each comes with a wonderfully
rich programming language and terrif-
ic sample applications that you're
encouraged to modify for your own
use. HyperPad boasts much snappier
operation and works well even on the
lowliest 8088 DOS machine. ToolBook
is unpleasant on anything less than a
386 with four megs running at 33 MHz.
If you plan to sort a 10,000-name mail-
ing list in ToolBook, plan to leave your
computer running overnight, but that's
not really what ToolBook is for. If you
want to prototype a Windows applica-
tion or put together a visual database
fast, ToolBook is without peer. Both
HyperPad and ToolBook are stable,
mature products.

Gone Fishing

With all the options available, you're
sure to find a DBMS that suits your
style and needs. The most difficult
challenge database managers pose
may well be choosing the best one for
your needs. If you find this to be the
case, consider setting up an appoint-
ment with a computer consultant, who
will evaluate your habits and system
capabilities. But don't delay.
Information keeps pouring into your
life; the sooner you get it managed,
the sooner you can take that vacation
you've been putting off. ^

You may have noticed most
personal laser printers are
pretty much the same.

So although you'd like a
personal laser to adapt to your
way of working, it's mostly the
otherway around.

So, besides lots of fonts,
speed, and paper capacity, we
gave our KX-P4410 personal
laser printer two features you'll
find intelligent indeed. One lets
you proof the first copy of a
multiple printout before out-
putting the remainder Theother
is automatic shutdown, for those
of you who use delayed printing.
Together, they help you print
intefligently. And complement
the PCL 4-campatible 4410's
full range of features that give
you the look you want

Like 28 internal fonts, side-
loading font card. 512K standard
memory, expandable to 4.5
megabytes. And flexible paper
handling, with a 200-sheet
multi-purpose cassette,
accommodating letter and legal
sized sheets plus envelopes -
without changing cassettes.
All this and a true 5 pages-per-
minute print speed!

You'll find these same
features on our PCL 5-compatible
KX-P4430...and more! For
example, 8 outline and 28 bit-
mapped fonts; 1MB RAM
expandable to 5 M B; and our
SattnPrint™ resolution
enhancement

Panasonic" personal laser
printers. Performance by design,
For the Panasonic dealer
nearest you, call us toll-free at
1-800-742-8086.

Panasonic.

Office Automation/f'^v/ ',

Printers, Computers.

Peripherals. Copiers, Typewriters

and Facsimiles.

LPC-COM
Circle Reader Service Number 104

With CompuServe, you 11 always
have more to look forward to.

Il's one thing lo discover something you
like. But to realize there's more ol' ii ilian you ever
imagined is even better.

And that's what CompuServe is all about.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, no matter

what your inleresls, il's the mic iiilorinalion service
that can get vou startetl. And keep vou going.

Tap into travel iniorniation, hole) reserwi-
tioiLS, weatlier h)reLa.sls, .sloek t[Lioles, h,ird\v,ire and
software su|5port, aji entire shopping mall, plus neu's
as it happens. Interactive games and forums lei \ou
exchange <|ue.slions and answers with ]>eo|>le aroujid
the world. Tor experienced u-sers, there's even free

sollwaa' ami slniR'warc. Oii-sltlvii menus and an
initcx make il all lmsv lo access, so you gel (he most
out ol your tiiiiL' and money.

A oni'-tinn; mcmlxTshi|) Ice- and $7.95 a monlll
let vou LiSL' our bask: services as often as you like:
news, .sports, \veatlier. shopping, reference materials,
our I'-iu.iil service o! dO messages a inonlh, and [tiore.
I'kis there's a whole universe of other services

available at nominal additiona! charges.

|-or more iniontiation or to order, see your
computer tk-aler or call 1 800 848-8199. Outside
die United States, call (d4 457-1)802.

Because no iniormalion service lets you dig
deeper or larlher thati (.'ompuSene.

CompuServe'^

The information service you won't outgrow.

circle Reader Service Number 103

TEST LAB

Edited by Mike Hudnall
Reviews by Tom Benford

Notebool< computers Inave
come of age. At one time,
laptop and notebook users
were beset by limitations,
having to to put up with limited
mass storage, processing power,
display opportunities, battery
life, and expansion capabilities.
Overcoming any of these limita-
tions meant investing very large
sums of money.

While notebook computers
stiil aren't exactly inexpensive,
they do offer you far more for
your money than previous gener-
ations of portable computers did.
Perhaps you've been tempted by
[he freedom notebooks offer you
to compute when and where you
want or enticed by the promise of
increased personal productivity.
Perhaps you've resisted that temp-
tation because you didn't want to
give up the power and economy
of a desktop system. Or maybe
you've decided to wait because
you're not sure which technology
best fits your needs.

Wait no more. This month's
Test Lab lineup includes 11 note-
books that in one way or another
offer cutting-edge technologies:
color displays, advanced power
management, raw computing pow-
er. And if you've followed the
news in the computer industry,

you know that computer prices,
including notebook prices, are
dropping rapidly. You should, for
example, manage to find a hard
drive-equipped 386SX notebook
with features galore and plenty of
software for a street price of un-
der $2,000. Whether your porta-
ble computing needs are modest
or demanding, you'll probably
find unexpected bargains wher-
ever you look.

Three of this month's evalua-
tion units offer color displays.
Those from NEC and Toshiba
boast active matrix color, and
AST's notebook gives you a lower-
cost passive matrix color display.
While gray-scale approximations
of color have improved significant-
ly, these color displays are
mighty nice.

You want power? Two of this
month's evaluation units boast In-
tel 486 microprocessors: one a
DX (Tl's TravelMate 4000) and
one an SX (Toshiba's T4400
SXC). Two of the notebooks, the
Wyse DecisionMate and the PC
Brand 486SLC, use the Cyrix
486SLC chip.

Not too long ago, using Win-
dows on a notebook presented a
real challenge because of mem-
ory limitations, smaller hard
drives, and less capable micropro-
cessors. Now many companies
bundle their notebooks with Win-
dows and even pointing devices
that let you do Windows on the
run. In fact, you may find that
your Windows apps are more re-
sponsive on the new notebook
than on the old desktop back at
the office. With massive hard
drives (up to 200MB), memory

AST RESEARCH

16215 Alton Pkwy.

P.O. Box 19658

Irvine, CA 92713

{714) 727-4141

Lfsl price: $2,895 witli BOMB
drive; $3,095 with 80MB drive;
$3,295 witli 120MB drive
Warranty: one year, parts and
labor

expansion of up to 20MB, and
expansion-bus technology allow-
ing the use of expansion boxes
and docking stations, you might
find a notebook that takes the
place of your desktop machine.
Zenith's Z-Note even offers a
port to let you hook into your com-
pany's network.

Today's notebooks have also
advanced in upgradability, and in
this respect, too, they seem to be
catching up with desktop comput-
ers. From adding a modem to
upgrading a hard drive, you'll
find more upgrades and options
than ever. Samsung's notebook
lets you remove the hard drive,
and Zenith's promises you can ex-
change your monochrome display
for a color display later. Some of
these upgrades still must be per-
formed by the manufacturer, and,
in general, upgrading a desktop
system is still easier than upgrad-
ing a notebook; however, great
strides have been made in note-
book upgradability.

With the increasing power of to-
day's notebooks, power manage-
ment ranks high on many peo-
ple's list of priorities. And several
of the units tested this month em-
ploy innovative power manage-
ment technologies. As you pon-
der future cross-country trips,
consider these technologies, and
pay careful attention to the battery
depletion benchmark statistics.

Should you buy a 486? A 386?
A DX, SX, or SL? Should your note-
book have an Intel processor, an
AMD processor, or a Cyrix proc-
essor? This month's Test Lab
helps you sort out what each of
these microprocessors has to of-
fer; pay particular attention to our
benchmark test results. In part,
the processor you choose will de-
pend on the applications you
use, how much you'll depend on
your battery, and how much mon-
ey you have to spend. This
month, as always. Test Lab gives
you the information you need to
assess your own needs and
make a more informed buying
decision.

MIKE HUDNALL

AST PREMIUM EXEC
386SX/25C

Compact and smartly styled, the
briefcase-totable AST Premium Ex-
ec 386SX/25C color notebook com-
puter uses the Intel 80386SX chip
running at a respectable 25-MHz
speed. It's the only notebook PC
in this roundup that features a pas-
sive matrix color display.

The color display is the most dis-
tinctive feature of this computer,
and I found it to be an accepta-
ble compronnise between black-
and-white LCDs and the more ex-
pensive active matrix color LCDs
offered on other notebook mod-
els. While the passive matrix tech-
nology is less expensive to pro-
duce, resulting in a lower overall
price for the consumer, there are
some video tradeoffs that you
should consider. The passive ma-
trix video display, while good,
lacks the color vibrancy, the rich-
ness and depth, of the active ma-
trix display. Additionally, I noticed
in the passive matrix display a
marked propensity toward moire
patterns and some blotchiness
on the screen. It is color, howev-
er, and it adds an entirely new di-
mension to notebook computing
when compared to the mundane
appearance of even the best
black-and-white LCDs.

The Premium Exec's high-den-
sity 3y?-inch floppy drive is mount-
ed on the front, and I found this
to be a much more convenient
and accessible site for the drive
than the side of the machine,
where other manufacturers usual-
ly place the floppy drive. In addi-
tion to the floppy drive, the Pre-
mium Exec also comes outfitted
with a hard drive; the standard
configuration is a 60MB drive, but
you can optionally order an BOMB
drive or a 120MB drive (the
review unit came equipped with
the 80MB drive and 4MB of RAM
installed).

You can expand this note-
book's memory to a maximum of
8MB by using single in-line mem-

smwER 150

120

TEXT TEST

FASTER 60

I I

%- % \

%^ % % % % %\ %. \. %,

% "-^

ory modules (SIMMs) in either
1MB or 4MB capacities to pop-
ulate the two SIMM sockets provid-
ed. Adding more RAM is accom-
plished by removing a sliding
cover, which provides access to
the interior parts of the machine.

You can also install an optional
second serial port adapter when
you remove this panel cover,
since installation of this option is
a snap-in procedure. No techni-
cal prowess is required for either
of these upgrades, thanks to
good overall design. The Premi-
um Exec can also accommodate
a387SX/25-MHzmath coproces-
sor for those chores which are
math intensive, so there's good ex-
pandability with this machine if
and when your needs require
more computing oomph.

All of the I/O ports are located
at the left rear of the machine and
protected by a flip-down door
when they aren't in use. A single
serial port, a parallel port, a 15-
pin Super VGA video port, and
dedicated mini-DIN ports for an
external i<;eypad and the AC pow-
er adapter and battery charger
are all grouped together here.
You'll find the battery compart-
ment located on the right side of
the Premium Exec near the rear
of the machine. A snap-off cover

on the left side of the notebook
provides access to the optional
second serial port.

The on/off switch and the bright-
ness and contrast controls are lo-
cated directly beneath the video
display screen on the body of the
computer itself. To the left, also
at the top, you'll find a bank of six
LED indicators which signify pow-
er, floppy drive, hard drive, Num
Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll
Lock activity.

I found the l<;eyboard quite com-
fortable, offering good key place-
ment along with a positive, snap-
py action with an audible click. I
really liked the feel of this note-
book keyboard, since it closely
mimics the feel and sound of my
desktop PC keyboard. AST also
offers an optional adapter for con-
necting a desktop keyboard to
the Premium Exec if you prefer to
use one.

Weighing in at 7.5 pounds, the
Premium Exec 386SX/25C is
quite totable and, with a charge
life of over 1 .5 hours under heavy
use, serviceable, too. If you're look-
ing for good 386 performance
with a color display in a notebook
PC at an affordable price, the
AST Premium Exec 386SX/25C
merits a close look.

Circle Reader Service Number 304

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE 19

TEST LAB

BCC AVANTI 025

Very slick, very sleek, loaded
with features, and readyto do busi-
ness—that's ttie Avanti 025 note-
book PC. It boasts lots of innova-
tion with a marked flair for styling
as part of its standard equipment
package.

With an AMD 386SXL CPU tick-
ing at 25 MHz, the Avanti 025 has
a strong basic computing "pow-
er plant" to start with. A socket is
provided for adding an optional
80387SX/25-MHZ math coproces-
sor, and you can expand RAM to
a maximum configuration of 8MB
(the review unit came equipped
with the standard base configu-
ration of 4MB installed). In addi-
tion to a side-mounted 1.44MB
3y2-inch floppy drive, an 85MB,
19-ms hard drive is also standard
equipment.

The shape of the Avanti 025 is
its most distinctive feature. Rath-
er than taking the traditional note-
book approach with a squared-
edge rectangular shape, BCC
softened the sharp edges of the
case with rounded corners and
sculpted curves, which makes
the case resemble a clamshell
when closed. Molded in a sem-
igloss black plastic, the Avanti
025 looks like a notebook PC that

BCC

1610 Crane Ct.

San Jose, CA 95112

1800) S27-4222

(408) 944-9000

List price: S1,9S5

Warranty: one year, parts and

labor

would be right at home aboard a
Stealth bomber.

Bright and large, the LCD
screen provides 64 shades of
gray. The method used to attach
the video display housed in the
lid to the main body of the note-
book is quite innovative. Rather
than using a standard hinge, the
display screen pivots forward
from a closed position, making it
possible to use this notebook in
very cramped spaces (such as
the tray on the back of an air-
plane seat).

You'll find controls for adjust-
ing the brightness and contrast of
the LCD conveniently located
just below the display itself — a
good place for them, since black-
and-white LCDs frequently re-
quire adjustment for optimal view-
ing from one application to anoth-
er. Illuminated indicators display-

SIOWIR 250

200

GRAPHICS

150

100

FASTER SO

■ — "

n,n

"^^

^ %.%,

20 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

ing the status of power, battery
charge, low battery, floppy use,
hard disk use. Caps Lock, Num
Lock, and Scroll Lock are also
located across the bottom span
of the LCD screen.

Advanced Power Manage-
ment (APM) circuitry built into the
Avanti 025 extends battery life,
and i had no problem using the
computer for 2y2 hours or longer
per charge, depending on how
heavy my usage was. This is par-
ticularly significant, since the Avan-
ti 025 also comes equipped with
a built-in 9600-bps send/receive
fax and 2400-bps data modem
which also draws power from the
notebook's ni-cads.

Behind a flip-down panel door
on the ieft side of the machine be-
neath the keyboard, you'll find a
15-pin VGA port for connecting
an external color monitor, a par-
allel port, and a single 9-pin seri-
al port. A PS/2 mouse port and
the flush-mounted power switch
are mounted on the right side,
along with the floppy drive. The
AC power connector jack is locat-
ed at the right rear of the ma-
chine, while the dual telephone
jacks (for line and phone) are
mounted at the left rear corner.

The keyboard features a soft
yet sure touch with very short key
travel, While this takes a little get-
ting used to if you're accustomed
to a full-travel desktop keyboard,
I found typing on the Avanti 025
very fast and almost effortless af-
ter using it for a short while.

MS-DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1,
and WinFAX software all come

The WorliTs Ten Wealthiesl Nations

Per Capita Expenditures

Only one graphics program does all this for under $149

It's called Appreniice by Arts & Letiers.
And its list of product features rivals those
of the biggest PC graphics programs on the
market. Only Apprentice is priced a I onc-
/our(/i their cost!

Apprentice contains over 3,500 award-
winning clip-art images. 35 tj'pefaces, Bezier
curiae drawing sools, data-driven charting,
gradient fills, blending, an Activities Man-
ager, the ability to convert to freeform and
saving images to custom libraries. Recent

product reviews confirm that no other com-
petitor offers as much as Apprentice in this
product/price range.

Particularly popularwilhdesktop pub-
Ushers, small business owners, and home
PC users. Apprentice is the perfect program
for newsletters, flyers, forms, calendars,
brochures, invitations, signs, and other
projects combining text and graphics.

What makes Apprentice an even bet-
ter buy — it's so easy to learn and use.

Walter Salm, of [J.S.Tcc/iPuWicflf ions, suc-
cinctly sums up Apprentice's ease of use;
"The learning curve for this program is
about five minutes."

Apprentice can be purchased at these
retailers: Bizmart, CompuAdd, CompUSA,
ComputerCity, Egghead, Fr/'s Electronics,
Microcenter or Waldensoftware.

AIITT) ILTTTf^FI^

Circle Rmdar Service Number 16S

TEST LAB

BCC

1610 Craned.

San Jose, CA 95112

(BOO) 827-4222

(40S) 944-9000

LJsl price: S3,495

Warranty: one year, parts and [abor

with the Avanti 025, as does a
handsome carrying case with am-
ple room for cables, manuals,
and more. All this adds up to a 25-
MHz 386 machine with the mus-
cle and equipment needed to do
serious business right out of the
box. And if that's not enough for
you, consider this: The Avanti 025
is designed and manufactured
right here in the U.S.A.

circle Reader Service Number 305

BCC SL007

Looking virtually identical to the
BCC Avanti 025 notebook also
covered in this roundup, the BCC
SL007 notebook boasts many of
the same features as the Avanti
model but adds a couple of inno-
vations of its own.

The SL007's video display is
the same as the one found on the
Avanti, featuring a ten-inch diag-
onal viewing area — one of the larg-
est and brightest available on any
of today's notebooks. The display

screen is built into the lid of the
notebook, and like the other BCC
model, uses a unique pivoting ar-
rangement to erect the screen in
much less space than other note-
books require. By pivoting the
screen forward when it's open,
you can use the notebook com-
fortably on your lap or on the tray
mounted on the back of an air-
plane seat. This feature will find fa-
vor with frequent flyers who need
(or want) to compute on the go,

The APfvl (Advanced PowerMan-
agement) features of the SL007
will also find favor with commuting
computerists, since its average
charge life extends well past 1 Vz
hours even with high-demand us-
age. Normal charge life under av-
erage use was typically 272-3
hours during the review,

A "soft touch" mar-resistant
semiflat black sculpted case con-
tains the notebook PC, and its
cun/ed lines and clamshell-fike ap-
pearance when closed give it a

DBASE PERFORMANCE

SLOWER 200

150

100

FASTER

■ ii ill i-i

DBASE
REINDEX

DBASE
SORT

'% \ \ \

\ ^*^^ ^^

22 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Create Song^ on
Your Sound Card with
MusicTime.

Whatever your musical

ability, MusicTime will

inspire you Co create your

own breathy love songs,

foot-tapping jazz or

head-slammin' rock 'n'

roll. With MusicTime

and either a sound card

or a MIDI instrument,'

you can compose, edit,

play back dnd print sheet

music on your PC.

Bring Your Music to life.

Use your mouse to click
musical notes and
symbols onto a staff
sheet. If you've got a
Miracle" or MIDI key-
board, MusicTime will
record and transcribe
your live performance into music notation in real
time^right before your eyes!

Easy to Play Back, Edit and Print.

Play back instantly through your sound card or MIDI

gear. Editing is easy with MusicTime's cut, copy and
paste commands. Automatically transpose notes into
any key. Add guitar chords. Write beautiful lyrics.
Print out publishing-quality sheet music.

MusicTime couldn't be
easier to use.

Windows, Mac and
MIDI Compatible.

MusicTime is available
for PC's with Windows'"
or the Macintosh'!' and is
compatible With The

Miracle Keyboard, Sound
Blaster Prof Media Vision
Pro Audio Spectrum" and
Thunder Board'," AdLib
Gold" and most popular PC sound cards.

For your copy of MusicTime,- call Passport or visit

your nearest computer or

music store. If you're tired of

just playing games with your

sound card, get MusicTime and

turn your beeps and blasts into

be-bop and hip-hop.

PASSPORT.

MICROHirt-
WINIXWS.
COMSWIBLE

If
/
ff

fff

Hjriu

Passpon Designs, Inc. • 100 Sionc Pine Rd » Half Ntoon Ba)-, CA 94019 USA ■ Phone: (415) 726^)280 • Fax; (4i5) 726-2254

Passport MusicTjTO IS a tiademaik ol Passport Designs. Inc. All otter ptoduSs and braiHlsare traiieniarks or reQiste-aHfaiiemaite ol telr lespecfivs holders.
Circle Reader Service Number 2t1

TEST LAB

very nineties look, indeed.

Standard equipment for tiie
SL007 consists of 4MB of RAM (ex-
pandable to 8MB) and a very
fast 85MB IDE hard drive. A side-
mounted 3'/2-inch fiigh-density
floppy drive, a parallel port, a se-
rial port, and a 15-pin VGA port
are also part of the basic comple-
ment of features, as is a PS/2-
style mouse port. BCC also pro-
vides a socket for adding a matfi
coprocessor if you think you
might need one.

Unlike the Avanti model,
which uses an AMD CPU, the
SL007 uses an Intel 80386SL
chip running at 20 MHz. While per-
formance on the SL007 was
quite good, it didn't have the snap-
py performance evident in its sib-
ling, the Avanti.

The SL007 also features a built-
in 9600-bps send/receive fax and
2400-bps data modem. Software
that comes with the notebook in-
cludes WinFAX, MS-DOS 5.0,
and Windows 3.0, so this ma-
chine is factory equipped and con-
figured to do meaningful work as
soon as you turn it on.

The most innovative feature of
the SL007 is its built-in security.
BCC claims that the SL007 is the
"world's first secure notebook," in-
corporating a DES (Data Encryp-
tion Standard) coprocessor so
that only authorized personnel
can use it. This security feature
permits you to assign a special
five-character password to the
notebook via a utility in the ma-
chine's setup section. This is a par-
ticularly attractive feature if you
have sensitive information on the
machine that you'd like to protect
from unauthorized eyes when the
machine is left otherwise unguard-
ed (as during a lunch break).

A pleasant and unexpected
plus is the inclusion of a miniature
trackball, which plugs directly in-
to the PS/2-style mouse port of
the SL007. The mini trackball, on-
ly about half the size and thick-
ness of a standard desktop
mouse, is quite serviceable and
a handy device to have if you're

24 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

MICHO EXPRESS

1801 Carnegie Ave.

Santa Ana, CA 9Z70S

(800) 989-9900

(714) 852-1400

List price: $2,695

Warranty: 15 monttis, parts and

labor; so-day money-bacl( guarantee,

a traveler using today's GUI-
based software, especially
since you don't need a flat sur-
face to use it. The thumbball unit
is a nice touch that both looks
good and works well.

The combination of built-in fea-
tures, good performance, and en-
crypted security makes the
SL007 a machine worthy of seri-
ous consideration.

circle Reader Service Number 306

MICRO EXPRESS
NB2500

The Micro Express NB2500 is
chock-full of features that will ap-
peal to just about any user. Mold-
ed in a black, wrinkle-texture finish
that doesn't show fingerprints, the
notebook has rugged good looks
and is a bit larger than most of the
other notebooks reviewed here.

The NB2500 uses the
AM386DXL CPU running at 25
MHz. This low-power microproces-
sor includes an internal 128K
RAM cache for high perform-
ance, coupled with low current
requirements to extend battery
life. The extraordinarily flexible
power management on this ma-
chine permits adjustable sleep
modes and other energy-conserv-
ing features that contribute to bat-
tery charge life of between 2V'2
and 3 hours under ordinary use
and more than 1 V2 hours under
continuous, heavy use-
Standard equipment on the
NB2500 includes a high-density
floppy drive, an BOMB hard
dhve, and a built-in send/receive
fax/modem. The notebook comes
with 4MB of RAM, but you can ex-
pand the memory to a maximum

of SMB with an optional 4MB
SIMM upgrade ($240).

The display measures nine inch-
es diagonally and delivers 640 x
480 VGA resolution represented
in 64 levels of gray. Slider con-
trols just above the keyboard let
you adjust brightness and con-
trast, and a 15-pin jack at the
rear of the machine lets you use
an external monitor.

Along with the external VGA
jack, you get an external keyboard/
mouse port, a parallel port, a 9-
pin serial port, a telephone jack
(for connecting the fax/modem), a
proprietary expansion bus, and a
scanner port, alt located at the
rear of the machine beneath a flip-
down panel door The scanner
port supports a Marstek hand-
held scanner (either the 400-dpi or
800-dpi model), and it's certainly
a unique and useful idea.

An optional expansion chassis
($499) adds two full-length 16-bit
slots and an additional power sup-
ply and it mates with the NB2500
via the expansion bus connector.

I found the keyboard of this ma-
chine really terrific, mimicking ex-
actly the feel, key spacing, and
action of my favorite desktop key-
board. All function keys are
grouped together at the top,
while dedicated cursor control
keys occupy the bottom right of
the keyboard. As far as notebook
keyboards go, I'd rate this one a
solid 10 on a 1-10 scale.

The front mounting of the flop-
py drive on this machine appeals
to me. However, I don't like the
placement of the green LED pow-
er indicator and amber hard

^^The only way IV file my own
return Is If I knew IVd be
easier and faster than
taking the stuff to someone else:

Of course, I'd have to know I was paying the least tax
and it'd be perfectly accurate."

With TaxCut® Software, tiling your own
tax return is a simple two-step process:

1. Key in answers to tlie
questions your computer asl(s.

2. Print and file!
It's guaranteed accurate, and
you'll pay as little tax as the law

allows. Plus you'll ggtt^j,opree Gifts.

"Riis year, team up with TaxCut and your PC or Mac
to complete your tax return. You'll have the skill of
America's best tax professionals, plus computer
power to save you time and money. Better yet,
you'll fully understand your taxes as you never
have before.

How It Works

You start by selecting the Interview, Shoebox,

or the Direct-to-Forms method.

The Interview. TaxCut asks you simple Yes-or-No

questions right on your computer screen. Based

on your answers, TaxCut selects just those questions

you must answer to con'ectly fill out your return,

from the 3,000 questions in its bank.

As TaxCut learns more about you, it decides which

forms you need and fills them out for you. The

Interview asks you to key in the relevant numbers

from your receipts, forms, etc.

After you've answered the questions, TaxCut

shows you your completed return on the screen,

and prints an IRS-approved return, on plain paper,

for your review.

The Shoebox. Pick up any receipt from your pile

of records. Use the scroll-down list TaxCut shows

you to Identify the type of record. Then key in the

number. TaxCut decides where it should go on

your retum...then does all the calculations.

Direct to Forms. If you prefer, you can go right

to the forms. Simply enter the numbers, and let

TaxCut automatically cany the amounts to each

relevant form. TaxCut wilt then do all the math.

Be Your Own Tax Expert Instantly

TaxCut knows the entire Tax Code, so you don't
have to. You access what you need to understand
through the on-line Help with just a keystroke.
Of, go straight to IRS instructions for what you're
trying to do, if you prefer.

TaxCut Audits Your Return Before You Rle

TaxCut checks eveiy figure as you complete your
return. Tlien it compares all your deductions with
national averages.

Circle Reader Service Number 105

The program alerts you to anything that looks out
of line, to reduce the risk of an (RS audit.

Guaranteed Accurate

TaxCut is the only software to guarantee the
accuracy of its calculations. If the IRS makes
you pay a penalty because of a miscalculation
in TaxCut, we'll pay that penalty for you.

Your Complete Tax Tool

TaxCut provides 85 different IRS forms and work-
sheets, from the most common to the obscure.
They're all IRS-approved, and print out on plain
paper on any primer,

You can also file the new IRS-preferred 1040PC
fom (uses less paper). Or file electronically for
a faster refund.

State Versions Available. Too
Select any of 23 Windows or DOS State Editions
(more available every year). Data from your
Federal return automatically transfers to the State
Edition to save you time and ensure accuracy.

DOS/Windows:

AZ CA

a GA

MD Ml

f^O

NJ MY

TN VA

Macintosh: CA

Order By 12/31/92 To Get Two FREE Gifts

Order your TaxCut for the 1992 tax year before this
special offer expires 12/31/92. Send us a check
or money order, or we'll bill your credit card today
only $49.95 for the Federal edition and $29.95
for each state edition (plus shipping). We'll
immediately send your two Free gifts: U.S. Atlas,
a $69.95 software value. It's an atlas, almanac,
and fact book right on your computer. (Macintosh
users will receive MacUSA™) You'll also get 1992
Tax Tips by Daniel Caine to get you started right
for the easiest tax preparation ever. Then in early
Febmary 1993, we'll automatically send you the
IRS-approved Final Rling Edition of TaxCut for the
version you choose: DOS, Windows, or Macintosh.
To Order, CaM Toll Free

1-800-866-8531 ext 73

24 hours, 7 days a week

Or Fax Your Order To 1-800-944-6322

Sjrateni Requlrejnents
DOS: IBM PC/Compaiible.
640k RAW, Hard Drive.
Windows: IBM PC/Connpatrbte. 286
or higher. Hafd Drim. Windows 3.1.
Mac: Mac Plus or better. 2MB RAM,
Hard Drive.

n YES! Please reserve iny i;opy of TaxCut for the 1992 lax year now (plus state inodules
indicated). You'll bill my credit card/cash my check today, and send my Free Software
(U.S. Atlas, for DOS and Windows buyers, and MacUSA™ for Mai;intosh buyers) and the
1992 Tax Tips booklet. I'll receive the Final Edition of TaxCut in early February, after the
Federal Government approves this year's tax forms.

TaxCfft

Federal Only BJ^B ^49.95

^^^

Federal/State |

S79.90

Additional State

S29.95

Sales Tax (CA. CT. n.. and IX nsidents please add sales lai.)

Shipping; $8.50 US, $16 Canada (U.S. Funds Please]

Order Total

SJliEET *DDIiE5S

DAVnWE PHjHt (Irr age o( quwTiorm

am mmiR

Also available at your favorite retailer.

Media: (U no ixu checked, we'll siiip sr." IBM/DOS)

D IBM/DOS 3ii"(TI>G392F)

D IBM/DOS 5'A" (TDG592F)

n Windows 3Ji" {TWG392F)

n Windows 5H" (TWG592F)

D lilacintosh (TMG92F)

Method of Payment:

n Check or Money Order Enclosed

PayabfetoMECA
D Visa D MasterCard D AMEX
Canadian residents are responsible lor all duties and
tales upon delrvery. We can only ship and fulfill to
U.S. street addresses, no P.O Boies (inctgding PR,
us Tenltories, FPOs. APOs, and Canada.)

MallTp:
^u^^k^^ ja M£CA Software, Inc.
IIKJk^kI P.O-BOI912
■ ■ l^*'^^^ Fairfield, CT, 0643(M»12.
Source Code: A92073

TEST LAB

THE SONERA VIDEO
SCORES

To test the performance of dis-
plays in this month's notebooks,
we used DispiayMate from Sonera
Technology. The Sonera video
scores represent our lab's subjec-
tive analysis of display perform-
ance in DisplayMate's Video Ob-
stacle Course, a series of 33 test
patterns designed to uncover vid-
eo anomalies or substandard per-
formance. Common video irregu-
larities, including blooming, defo-
cusing, geometric linearity, moir6
patterns, flicker, streaking, ghost-
ing, and other conditions, are di-
agnosed using the test patterns dis-
played. A "'jury" of three CRTS
staff members scrutinized each
monitor for each test and voted ei-
ther 1, signifying the monitor
passed the test, or 0, designating
failure. The votes of these three test-
ers were compiled for all of the
tests, and the results were totaled.
A perfect score for the Video Ob-
stacle Course is 33.

—TOM BENFORD. PRESIDENT

COMPUTER PRODUCT TESTING

SERVICES

drive activity indicator next to the
floppy drive. The problem is that
when you're typing, your hands ob-
scure the yiew of these tw/o LEDs.
My feeling is that if you're going to
put status indicator lights on a note-

BtniR 35

SONERA VIDEO SCORES

WORSE 20

%■%■% \'% \\ WW

book, you might as well put them
w/here the user can see them
vi/hile working. A minor gripe, per-
haps, but one I feel is valid.

The notebook proved itseif to
be a reasonably quick and con-
sistent machine for all of the DOS
and Windovifs applications I ran on
it during the reviewing process.
MD-DOS 5.0 comes with the
NB2500, along with several utility
and setup disks. The documen-
tation for the machine is thorough,
well written, and logically organ-
ized. If you're considering a 386-
based notebook, you should con-
sider the Micro Express NB2500.

Circle Reader Service Number 307

NEC ULTRALITE

SL/25C

The impressive power and fea-
tures of the NEC UltraLite SL/25C
should raise the eyebrows of even
the most stoic and jaded comput-

NEC TECHNOLOGIES

1414 Massachusetts Ave.

Boxborougti, MA 01719

(508) 264-8000

List price: $4,599 witli 2MB RAM;

$4,868 with 4MB RAM

Warranty: two years, parts and labor

erist, This is a wish-list machine.

The SL/25C's remarkable TFT
(Thin Film Transistor) active ma-
trix color liquid crystal display is
an absolute pleasure to view,
even for the most extended peri-
ods. I found the images on this dis-
play absolutely stable and the col-
ors strikingly crisp. In the Video
Obstacle Course of the Display-
Mate Video Utilities, the UltraLite
scored an unparalleled 32 out of
a possible perfect score of 33; no
other color notebook or laptop dis-
play I've seen to date surpasses
that of the UltraLite SL/25C.

Standard equipment on this
notebook includes a built-in high-
density SVs-inch floppy drive for
transient file work and a fast
80MB hard drive for mass stor-
age, Two mini-DIN ports, one for
a PS/2-style mouse and one for
an external keyboard, are locat-
ed next to a 15-pin external Su-
per VGA connector and a single
9-pin serial port, all concealed
from view when not in use by a flip-
down panel door. Adjacent to this
panei you'll find another flip-down
door, which houses the parallel
printer port and a proprietary con-
nector for an external floppy drive.

Snap-off covers on the right
side of the UltraLite conceal an
external numeric keypad port

close the^X^dows.
Lock the DOS.

COMPLETE SECURITY,

ACCIDENT & VIRUS PROTECTION

ifttsL--

>
O

fMLSAfE

WmGiliDliN

Look for the box with the
failsafe Beacon"

Failsafe Computer Guardian.

Complete Protection At A Sensible Price— $59.95

Guard valuable files and programs. Never again delete or
change anything accidentally. Keep out snoops, thieves, vandals.
And prevent virus attacks. AJl at one low price!

■ Allow selective access by user, function or file

■ Supports DOS, Windows and Networks in one single package

■ hidispensable for government, business and power-users

■ Easy enough to use at home ^f^ -'^^

Available at leading software stores everywhere! yL=^y
For more information, call toll-free 1-800-521-3963 -^7^

Villa Lrespo

1725 McGovem Street, Highland Park, IL 60035 ^°^'''''

© 3992 Villa Crts^i S(iftv,-aa', Inc. • All prxiducts metiliinu-fi aix: Ki-Kn^tiTX-d Trademarks of tht-ir ivspttlivi: aiTiipanies M.-\ 1 1 V. IN I'SA
Circle Reader Service Number 256

TEST LAB

and an expansion port. The expan-
sion port connects thie SU25C
with its accessory docking sta-
tion, an optional item which en-
dows the SU25C with two 16-bit
expansion slots and a B'A-inch
drive bay to accommodate an ex-
tra device, such as a CD-ROM
drive.

If you prefer using an internal
modem, you can install an NEC
modem in the internal slot. Ex-
pand RAM to a maximum config-
uration of 10MB via 2-, 4-, 6-, or
8MB memory modules.

The heart of the UltraLite SL/
25C is the Intel i386SL CPU,
which runs at 25 MHz. This gives
the S1-/25C more than adequate
performance while keeping the
power requirements reasonably
modest through the SL chip's pow-
er management functions.

While NEC claims that you can
get up to 5 hours of operation on
a charge with light use and
about 1V2 hours under constant
operation, I found the SU25C to
be a bit on the power-hungry
side with average continuous-
use sessions lasting on!y slightly

more than an hour between charg-
es. With all of the power manage-
ment options enabled, I aver-
aged 2-2Va hours per charge,
which is a workable charge life in
real-world terms.

Thanks to excellent layout and
design, using the machine is a
joy. Illuminated power, battery,
and disk usage LEDs grace the
upper left of the unit by the lid

THE NORTON INDEXES

The r^orton computing, disk, and
overall indexes show you how
well a computer performs when
compared to a 4.77-l\^Hz IBM XT.
In the Norton index, the XT has a
value of 1 .0. If a computer is twice
as fast, it will have a value of 2.0.
The greater the index value, the
faster the computer— and the fast-
er your applications will run.

The computing Index rates the
computer's microprocessor per-
formance. The disk index rates the
performance of the hard drive.
The overall index factors in the mi-
croprocessor and disk perform-
ance, among other things.

—RICHARD C. LEirjECKEa

hinge, while illuminated Num
Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll
Lock indicators appear just
above the excellent 88-key key-
board, which features a dedicat-
ed cursor keypad and an embed-
ded numeric keypad.

You can adjust screen bright-
ness via a slider control mounted
at the lower right of the display,
and the standby and power
switches are flush mounted at the
upper right just above the key-
board. Overall ergonomics of the
Z'/a-pound notebook are excel-
lent, and its black nongloss case
gives it a distinguished, business-
like appearance.

Windows and DOS-based ap-
plications all run at a respectable
clip on the SL/25C equipped the
way I reviewed it, but adding an
optional 80387SX math coproces-
sor along with some additional
RAM would improve its perform-
ance even more for those real pow-
er-user applications. If you're like
most users, however, you'll find
that the SL/25C fills your wish list
just fine the way it is,

circle Reader Service Number 3D3

NORTON INDEXES

I ^OVERALL INDEX
I I DISK INDEX
CPU INDEX

"^ "^ % ^

\ % '%

e, ■^

\ \ \ ^

*..

28 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

If "feu Use CompuServe or

GEnie, "fou Could Lose Some

Very Close Friends.

CompuServe® and GEnie"' promote
"flat rate" membership plans, which
are fine if you just want to use basic
services. Unfortunately, to get
"extra value" on those networks
you'll have to pay extra.

At DELPHI, we recognize that
interacting with friends is what
being online is all about. We
believe that you shouldn't have to
pay extra to be a part of the
DELPHI community. That's why
DELPHI'S membership plans include
access to tens of thousands of
downloadable files, "chat" lines with
hundreds of participants, exciting multi-
player games, computer support, and
special interest groups for almost every
type of hobby. Of course, there's also
news, electronic mail, and all the other
basic features you expect from a quality
online service.

So join today through this special
trial offer and hang on to your close
friends Alex, George, and Andy while you
make new friends on DELPHI,

CompuServe

'Compamoit is ihned un total cvmmglwcchml use in one
month of GEnie'" Vtihie Services and Com/mSm'e'

Extended Services at 2400bps. Rates are current as of July
10, 1 992. CE'iie is .i service mark nf Genera! Electric

Company. CompnScn-e is a trademark afH6~R B/oct, Inc.

5 Hours For $5!

DIAL BY MODEM t -800-365-4636

Press RETURN ONCE or twice

AT Password, enter CPFF

DELPHI

A seracf of General Videotex Corporation
1030 .VSassachusctis Avenue, Cambridp-, .VIA ()213S
Tel l-KPtl h'i.v4005
Circle Reader Servica Number 161

Two Great Plans!

10/4 Plan:

$10 per month includes your first
4 hours of use. Additional use is
S4 per hour.

20/20 Advantage Plan:
S20 per month includes 20 hours
of use. Additional time is only
SL80 per hour. This plan has a
one-time entry fee of $19. Rates
apply for evening and weekend
access from within the mainland
48 states. Access during business
hours carries a surcharge of $9 per
hour for both plans.

Try Us. 5 hours for $5!

Join today and get 5 hours of
evening/weekend access during your
first calendar month for only $5. If
you like DELPHI, choose the mem-
bership plan that's right for you. If
for any reason you're not satisfied,
simply cancel your account by the
end of the calendar month with no
further obligation. gg

TEST LAB

PC BRAND 4a6SLC

Weighing in at just a tad under sev-
en pounds, the PC Brand 486SLC
notebook computer packs the pow-
er and functionality of Cyrix's new
microprocessor (486SLC) into the
convenient and easy-to-carry nofe-
book form factor.

An abundance of good fea-
tures make this notebook an
attractive choice for many users.
For example, the 486SLC comes
equipped with two serial ports rath-
er than the single COfvl port usu-
ally found on notebooks. These
dual ports, as well as a single
parallel port, reside behind a drop-
down panel door at the right rear
of the notebook. An adjacent pan-
el houses the PC Brand proprie-
tary expansion connector used for
attaching peripherals.

On the left side of the machine,
you'll find a jack for an external
keyboard; amini-to-standard-DIN
keyboard cable adapter is also
thoughtfully provided with the note-
book. On the right side of the note-
book, you'll find the floppy drive,
a 15-pin external VGA jack, and
an AC power adapter or battery
charger jack.

PC Brand has placed the con-
trols for the notebook's display
within easy reach, right below the
display screen itself. The LCD
screen is one of the best I've
seen, completely devoid of any
rmoires and flickering, which
makes it easy to view for even ex-
tended periods. I did notice
some streaking and image persis-
tence, although these weren't
major concerns.

Compared to keyboards on oth-
er notebook PCs, this one is slight-
ly stiff and doesn't produce an
audible click, but the action is posi-
tive, and most fast typists will like
the speed and feel this keyboard
offers. I found the key arrange-
ment and spacing quite satisfac-
tory; the dedicated cursor keys
and the embedded numeric key-
pad make it an almost perfect
input device. To page up or
page down, you must depress

30 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

PC BflAND

405 Science Dr.

Moomark, CA 93021

(8001 722-7263

List urice: $1,995 witli 2NIB RAM;

$2,245 with 4MB RAM

Warranty: one year, parts and iatior;

30-day money-tiaGii guarantee

the Fn key and the up- or down-
arrow key, but the absence of
dedicated Page Up and Page
Down keys was the only real fea-
ture I missed on this keyboard.

Unfortunately, the user's man-
ual for the 486SLC wasn't ready
in time for the review, but a man-
ual for the PC Brand NB/386SX
was supplied as a substitute.
While most of the information cov-
ered in the 386-model manual cov-
ers the 486SLC model, as well, I
was at a loss for specific informa-
tion germane to the 486SLC (like
power-conserving features). The
386 documentation was excelient,
and if it is representative of the us-
er manual, then the manual for the
486 will be equaiiy complete, easy
to read, and well organized.

While all Windows- and DOS-

based applications ran without a
hitch during the review, the per-
formance of the 486SLC (using
the Cyrix 486SLC microproces-
sor) wasn't as good as I expect-
ed it to be, based on my experi-
ence with i486-based notebooks.
Even running it with all of the pow-
er-saving options turned off (CPU
timeout disabled, display and
hard drive timeouts disabled), its
performance overail was lacklus-
ter and more in keeping with a fast-
er 386-based machine rather
than a 486 notebook.

The 486SLC comes with a zip-
pered carrying case, the external-
keyboard adapter cable men-
tioned earlier, and I\/IS-DOS 5.0,
as well as setup and utility disks.

circle Reader Service Number 309

SLOWER 25

LOAD WINDOWS

a
z
o

FASTER 10

1 1

ll I.I

1, , nf

nJ .1.1 Im

% %. \.

"^ ^, ♦, % & ^> %. ^

'% "*

<r %-%^

loo Keeper features over SO rial-life animal
photos, courtesy of ZooLife Nagaiine!

Watch animals as they animate on beautiful l|

photographic baekgrounds! '■'

kids everywhere love animals!
With Davidson's Zoo Keeper, children will have endless hours of
fun learning about all sorts of wild and wonderful animals. They'll
learn what these animals look like, where they live, and what they
eat. They'll even be able to explore where their favorite animals live.
This amazmg game features real-life photos, animal sounds and
animations that will capture the imagination of all who play.
And as children help release animals back to the wild, they will also
gain an understanding of the important role we must ail plaj^ in
protecting our animal friends.

For ages 6 to 11

TOLI, FRETZ OROER HOTLINE

800-545-7677

Beware of Brain Drair, |usi one of ik
tniscliieveus troublemaker; pull encounter!

Davidson.

Teaching Tools From Teachers

IBM, Tandy, and PC Compailblcs. SuggesitJ Rprail Price S59.93

Available a! Babbage's, CompUSA, Egghead Software, Electronics
Boutique, Software EtL, Computer City. Best Buy and other line retailen.

circle Reader Service Number 1B9

"Da»idson's Zoo Kteper is
your child's ticket to the
amazing world of aniniali!
The program's danling real-
life photDS and sounds and
entertaining, animations
teach chiltJren about many
different animals and about
the importance of
protecting endangertd
species."
Jack Nanna
Director tif Columbus ho
and host of the syndicated
television show ZooUfe
with jock Hanna.

"Best Kid's Software'

CES 1992
Dennis Lynch

Chiago Tribune ,

TEST LAB

SAMSUNG

NOTEMASTER

386S/25

Samsung's 5.8-pound NoteMaster
386S/25 is one of the lightest and
best-iool^ing notebooks around,
and its removable hard drive and
battery features are sure to appeal
to business travelers.

The attractiveness of the
NoteMaster is immediately appar-
ent in its molded case, which
uses a nonglossy, semitextured,
gunmetal gray plastic with a
black inset panel on the lid for con-
trast. Opening the lid reveals that
the clean, uncluttered lines are
carried through here, too. The
hinge that serves to keep the dis-
play screen joined to the main
body of the notebook does dou-
ble duty as an indicator panel.

Rather than the traditional rec-
tangular LED indicators usually
found, Samsung has shaped its
indicators on the NoteMaster in the
form of icons representative of
their status. For example, the pow-
er indicator LED is an illuminated
light bulb icon, the floppy drive in-
dicator is a disl< icon, and so forth.
While not a major feature, it's one
of the little niceties that make this
such an attractive notebook.

32 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS AMERICA

Inlormatlon Systems Division

t05 Challenger Dr.

Ridgelleiii Park, NJ 07660

(201) 229-4136

List price: $2,199 with ZMB RAM and

60IVIB drive; $2,548 With 4MB RAM

and 60MB drive

Warranty: one year, parts and labor

The NoteMaster uses the
AMD 80386SXL as its cen-
tral processing unit, and
its clock ticks along at a
pace of 25 MHz. Two meg-
abytes of RAM come standard
with the notebook, along with a
40MB hard drive. You can ex-
pand RAM up to 8MB using a
memory card, and if you want a
larger hard drive, you can order
a 60MB or BOMB model. For ex-
tra number-crunching power, you
can also order an 80387SX math
coprocessor. Samsung has pro-
vided convenient access to the
coprocessor socket via a door on
the underside of the notebook;
you don't have to disassemble
the notebook to insert the chip.
A unique feature of the Note-
Master is its ability to use alkaline
batteries instead of its own re-
chargeable nl-cads. This feature

can really come in handy if you
run low on power and you don't
have access to an AC power
source. Just pop in the optional
($69) alkaline pack, which uses
standard AA alkaline batteries,
and you're good for another hour
of computing. Additionally, you
can change batteries white the
NoteMaster is in operation with-
out losing power.

Without a doubt the most inno-
vative feature of the NoteMaster
386S/25 is its removable hard
drive. Yes, you read that correct-
ly; the hard drive can be removed
from the NoteMaster, since it's
mounted in a convenient hand-
held caddy Samsung decided on
this unique removable hard drive
approach as a feature that would
appeal to business users who'd
like to be able to transfer data con-
veniently from their NoteMasters to
their office desktop PCs,

Samsung is also offering an
internal hard drive receptacle as
an accessory itemi ($249) that al-
lows a desktop PC to accept the
hard drive from the NoteMaster.
The removable drive caddy also
makes it easy to upgrade or
switch hard drives in the NoteMas-
ter. Now that's innovative!

As one would expect in such
a well-appointed and innovative

RUN PUB. PBRUSH

SLOWER 15

FASTER 6

1
1

' 1-

ji.n

....^...□__

1 t-

^J>

■!fe-

% % % %. \

% %

%\\

% % % %>%% % % % % -^^

<k.

%'fr
•^

^r % -^

machine, all of the basic require-
ments are covered, as well. The
NoteMaster comes equipped with
a serial port, a parallel port, and
external keyboard and 15-pin VGA
ports, as well as a proprietary ex-
pansion slot. The keyboard offers
firm, positive action along with ex-
cellent spacing. Performance, I
found, was pleasingly quick using
applications under DOS and Win-
dows 3. 1 , and battery charges reg-
ularly lasted over two hours, even
when the notebook used the bat-
tery a great deal.

For styling and features, the
NoteMaster is an excellent
choice in a 386 notebook.

Circle Reader Service Number 310

Tl TravelMate 4000
WINDX/25

Texas Instruments describes its
TravelMate 4000 WinDX/25 note-
book as "486 desktop power to
go." This is an accurate state-
ment, since this machine is
armed to the hiit with heavy com-
puting artillery.

The core of the WinDX/25's
power, its 486DX CPU, runs at 25
MHz. The 486DX CPU has a built-
in math coprocessor and associ-
ative caching, so it's a veritable
powerhouse to build upon. And
that's exactly v/hat Texas Instru-
ments did. The machine comes
with 4MB of RAM as its standard
complement, and this can be ex-
panded up to a 20MB maximum.

The WinDX/25's case is remark-
ably thin (under two inches), and
the machine could rightly be de-
scribed as compact. With a
weight of just over SVs pounds,
it's certainly one of the lighter and
easier-to-carry notebooks present-
ly available. The case sports hand-
some two-tone brownish gray plas-
tic with clean lines and flush-
nnounted controls.

The machine's high-densityflop-
py drive is front mounted, and the
jack for connecting an external
keypad occupies the right side of
the WinDX/25. You access all oth-

er ports — serial, parallel, external
video, and PS/2-style mouse-
behind a flip-down door on the left
side. In the rear you'll find a pro-
prietary expansion bus and the AC
power adapter or battery charger
jack, If you prefer an internal fax/

modem, you can order one as an
option for this notebook.

The WinDX/25 comes precon-
figured to do useful work as soon
as you turn it on; its 120MB inter-
nal hard drive comes already load-
ed with MS-DOS 5.0 and Win-

BEHER 200

150

BATTERY DEPLETION

WORSE

100

■^ "g:

.. 1 i—

.u.^

' w

%\\\\\\\%A\

■^*

't.:%'%

% %

COMPUTE APPLICATION AND BATTERY TESTS

We put this montti's notebooks to
the test with a series of real-worid
applications: a word processor, a
spreadsheet, a database, a CADD
program, and so forth, These are
the kinds of apps COMPUTE read-
ers use on a regular basis, so the
benchmarks offer a realistic and
familiar way of evaluating ttie per-
formance ot our notebooks. The bar
graphs indicate how long a particu-
lar notebook required to accomplish
something, whether sorting a data-
base or doing a search and replace
in a word processor. As Microsoft's
Windows environment continues to
gain acceptance, even on note-
books, we decided to time how
long it took each notebook to load
Windows. The lower the bar, the bet-
ter the performance.

The battery depletion test should
prove particularly interesting if you'd
like to compare the battery perform-
ance of a 386SX notebook (such as
AST's) to She performance of note-
books sporting new microproces-
sors like Intel's 366SL, microproces-

sors that have special power nfian-
agement capabilities built in. For
this test, the higher the bar, the bet-
ter the notebook's performance.

To ensure fair comparisons and
So make our data more meaningful,
we asked each manufacturer to in-
clude 4MB of RAM, even if the base
configuration included less RAM;
and we asked that no coprocessors
be included. The one obvious excep-
tion to the coprocessor prohibition
is the Texas Instruments TravelMate
notebook; its 486DX microproces-
sor has coprocessing capabilities
built in.

These benchmark results should
be particularly interesting if you've
wondered about the relative perform-
ance of chips from intel, Cyrix, and
AMD (identified in the grid of note-
book features). Even if you don't un-
derstand all of the specific differenc-
es among the microprocessors, you
can appreciate the difSerences in
performance.

-MIKE HUDNALL

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE 33

TEST LAB

dows 3.1 . Texas Instruments also
includes its TravelPoint pointing
device to facilitate your use of Win-
dows and ottier GUI applications.
The TravelPoint is a little trackball
(thumbball is a better description)
mounted on a platform which at-
tachies to ttie right side of the note-
book. While it takes a little getting
used to, I found it a worthwhile and
functional device that gives the
notebook additional productivity
as part of the standard package.

The video capabilities of the
WinDX/25 are well taken care of.
The ten-inch (diagonally meas-
ured) liquid crystal display (LCD)
features 640 x 480 resolution
with 64 shades of gray. It has
1MB of video RAM and Tl's
Mouse Quick display technology,
which provides instant screen up-
dates of mouse movements with-
out lag. While I found the LCD to
be good, it did exhibit some ten-
dency toward moires, ghosting,
and streaking. On the plus side,
the machine features a video-re-
versal switch which instantly
changes the screen from dark on
light to light on dark. This compen-
sated for less-than-optimal
screen patterns and contrast lev-
els with some applications, and
it is an attractive feature.

The external VGA capabilities
of the WinDX/25 make it a natural
for using with a good color desk-

34 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS

Intormatian Technology Group

P.a. Box 202230, ITG-OOO

Austin, TX 78720-2230

(BOO) 527-3500

List price: $4,399

Warranty: one year, parts and labor

top monitor when you're not trav-
eling about. When you use a CRT
display instead of the built-in
LCD, the video adapter supports
640 X 480 resolution with 256 col-
ors, 800 X 600 resolution with
256 colors, and 1024 x 768 res-
olution with 16 colors.

Texas Instruments also pro-
vides a jack that allows you to use
an external keyboard, although I
found the machine's native key-
board to be one of the best I've
used. Its action is positive without
being stiff, and there's just the
right amount of key travel for my
taste. Key spacing is excellent,
and a dedicated cursor keypad
with an embedded numeric key-
pad makes this keyboard very util-
itarian. All function keys line the
top row, and all eight of the ma-
chine's LED status indicators are
flush mounted just above the func-
tion key row.

You'll find the screen controls
for brightness and contrast flush

mounted and the power switch re-
cessed to prevent your acciden-
tally pressing it.

If you're looking for the power
of a 486DX in a well-designed
notebook, you'll certainly want to
consider the WinDX/25.

Circle Reader Service Number 31 T

TOSHIBA T4400SXC

Striking, sleei<, impressive, fast, ex-
pensive, and maybe even sexy
are all valid descriptors for Toshi-
ba's impressive T44G0SXC color
notebook computer. So if you're
looking for a color notebook
that's on the leading edge of tech-
nology and your pockets are
deep enough, this machine may
be just the ticket for you.

If good things come in small
packages, then Toshiba has pro-
duced a good thing indeed by
stuffing a 486-based computer
with an active matrix color dis-
play, floppy and hard drives, mul-
tiple I/O ports, and a full-size key-
board into a demure package
that fits easily into a briefcase
and weighs only JV^ pounds with
its battery installed.

The heart of the T4400SXC is
an Intel 80486SX CPU running at
25 MHz. The i486 chip has its
own 8K internal cache, which.

LOAD HUMMINGBIRD

SLOWER 35
3D

a
§ 20

FASTER 5

;

, 1

f ;

: 1 n

i\W%>X\W%

'^' % '% *

% %

'% >- '%„ % %.

^ %

SIT DOWN PITKA. MOVE OWEB MADDEN

1DM LANDDY
STBATEGY FDDTDAU

IS NEDE!

The all-or-nothing decisions.
The bone-busting action.
The thrill of victory. It's all
here in the most realistic pro foot-
ball strategy game ever introduced!

Co-designed by one of pro
football's greatest coaches, Tom
Landry Strategy Football putsjrjr/

■ nnnn ■ n

■ II in 11 T1 ■ H

toe J <of ,r.t'> OS

f}^-m

int-and-click
i.ii.T i.t-i., L make even/I '
fast, fun and easy!

Enjoy "iMini-anii-cucf:"

menus that make even/thing

/'ust. fun and easu!

ILSf'--

<30 <40

You 'II Ihrill In super uninia-

lion and sound ef/'ccts as

the action unfolds!

in the coach's seat. You'll choose
from thousands of offensive and
defensive formations. Then watch
your plays unfold in eye-popping
animation!
You can analyze in-depth game

"Ask Landry" for adi ice from

one of the greatest coaches of

all time!

Call no w to order or for thenameofa dealer near vou!

1-800-238-4277

M*=»rit 's<^fl-\\^ar*=»- 13635 Gamma Rd.. Dallas. TX 75244
iVlCl it OVjtl L Wd.1 C 214-385-2353 ■?; 1992 Merit Software

[1!M ITiiiidCtimpinihlc- 0.25' I l,2,\IBKind :.i5' 11.44 MB i disks oncl.HLd. RL'i|uiiL'.s: DOS 3.;i or higher, 286 or Kijihi^r, li-IOK
HA.M. VGAGriiphicH. Mord Dii>k, andMouHy. RecnmniL'nciL'd: DCS 5.0 jiinl V2 Mll/iir faaler, Sound Support: Ad Lib." Sound
Blarttr.-PC^pcnliernndrauro. Crrcle Reader Service Number 262

stats and scouting

information. Make

substitutions.

Check weather

conditions. Get

on-line help,

from the basics

to advanced

coaching tactics.

And "Ask

Landry" when you

want advice from

one of the best minds in the game.

Make the right decisions, and
you'll coach your team all the way
to a Super
Bowl victory!

See if you've
got what it
takes to go
the distance.
Order Tom
Landiy
Strategy
Football
today!

TEST LAB

combined with the 25-IVIH2
speed, makes even the most
laborious computing task a
remarkably speedy operation.
Should you require even more
computing speed and power
than this mini-Titan delivers in its
standard configuration, the CPU
can be upgraded to a 25-MHz
486DX chip.

A high-density 3'/2-inch drive,
located on the right side of the
T4400SXC near the front, han-
dles floppy media, while an inter-
nal 80MB IDE hard disk takes
care of your mass storage. For
even more storage, you can or-
der a 1 20MB hard drive for about
$500 more.

The I/O ports are located at the
rear of the machine, hidden from
view when they're not in use by
a flip-down door. This panel also
hides a dedicated PS/2-style
mouse port, a 15-pin RGB video
port, a parallel printer or external
floppy drive port, and a 9-pin

TOSHIBA AMERICA INFORMATIBN

SYSTEMS

Computer Syslems Division

9740 Irvine Blvd.

Irvine, CA 9271 B

(800) 334-3445

List price: $5,499 with BOMB drive;

$5,799 with 120MB drive

Warranty: one year, limited ^m^.

serial port. Also at the rear of the
machine, you'll find a Toshiba
proprietary expansion connector,
protected by a removable snap-
off panel cover. This connector
lets you use the T4400SXC with
its desktop docking bay which of-
fers two full-sized industry stan-
dard expansion slots, a parallel
port, a serial port, a PS/2-style
mouse port, a VGA monitor port,
a keyboard port, a floppy drive
port, and a SVa-inch bay.

The left side of the machine
houses the flush-mounted power

switch near the rear of the unit
and an external keypad port (hid-
den by a snap-off cover) at the
middle of the left side. Near the
front, you'll find a modem line
port under another snap-off cov-
er. This gives you access to an op-
tional, internally mounted, 9600-
bps, cellular-ready fax/modem,
The review unit came outfitted
with the standard 4MB of RAM,
but the total memory capacity of
the machine can be upgraded to

CADD PERFORMANCE

SLOWER 150

FASTER 0

(ADD REDRAW
aOD RESIZE
CADD ROTATION
CADD LOAD

% \ % \ % ^^- ^^

^' ^"' % "-*,.

•fei

5>^ % "«. ^r "%• ■^

^
♦

36 COMPUTE r^lOVEMBER 1992

Flq In The Face Of Reality

^^^^^^^^^^^^Si ^^ Whether you're diving bhnd through fog to find a
11 BHir'-- uJiSji" runway or loop-de-looping to save your tail, get your

lljB'' 'JPB^"' hands on VIRTUAL PILOT, the flight yoke that looks

^*— -^\ ^ /^sM and feels exactly real... because it is. Designed by an

^* airplane builder, VIRTUAL PILOT flies any simulation or
game that supports a joystick. Works with all IBM and compatibles. And you won't have
to fly halfway around the world to buy it. Just buzz your local store.

VIRTUDL PILOT

Circle Reader Service Number 156

PRODUCTS

S)0 Paik Canlsr Onve • VisU, CA 32083- Phon8: 6IS-S98-2S18 • FAX 6l9-S98-!5!t

TEST LAB

NOTEBOOK FEATUR

Microprocessor

AST Premium BCC Avanti BCC SL007 Micro Express NEC UltraUte
Exec 386SX/25C 025 NB2500 ■ SL/25C

i386SX

AM386SXL

i386SL

AM386DXL

i386SL

Cx486SLC

CPU speed in MHz

£5

Optional math coprocessor support

387SX

87SLC

3B7SX

3e7DX

387SX

Cyrix

BIOS

AST

Award

AlVII

Phoenix

PC Brand

Width (in inches)

11 4

11.6

11.5

Depth (in Inches)

8.5

Height (in inches)

2.3

1.7

2.3

2.4

2.25

Weight (in pounds)

7.5

6.38

7.5

6-14

Shades of gray or color technology passive color

active color

Standard/Max RAM in megabytes

4/8

2/10

4/16

Serial ports

Parallel ports

Mouse port

=yes n=no

20MB. While the 4MB configura-
tion proved more than adequate
for all of the DOS- and Windows-
based software I used on the
T4400SXC, expanding the RAM
and possibly upgrading to the DX
CPU would increase the multi-
tasking and overall throughput
power you might need if your ap-
plication demands are extraordi-
narily heavy.

You can power the Toshiba
T4400SXC three ways: through its
own internal rechargeable batter-
ies, through its AC power adapter,
or through the optional desktop
docking bay. One of the big sur-
prises of the T4400SXC was the lon-
gevity it enjoyed from a fully
charged battery; a charge life of
over IVi hours was routine, with
some computing sessions ap-
proaching a full 3 hours before the
low-battery warnings started. Toshi-
ba claims a 3-hour battery life with
a90-minute recharge, and my ex-
perience corroborates this claim.

The 83-key keyboard has a
comfortable, positive action with
good tactile feedback, although
it lacks an audible click. I found
key placement and spacing excel-
lent, so if you're a fast touch-typ-
ist, you'll really fly when using it.

The active matrix liquid crystal

38 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

display (LCD) is truly superb, ca-
pable of supporting all standard
color and VGA modes as well as
SVGA color (256 colors at 640 x
480 resolution from a palette of
185,193 colors). If you hook up
an external monitor to the RGB
port on the T4400SXC, you can
see video on the LCD screen as
well as on the external monitor, a
handy feature for sales, training, or
classroom presentations. The col-
ors are absolutely brilliant with ex-
cellent hue and saturation; I found
the screen easy to view from virtu-
ally any angle and under almost
any lighting conditions. Since this
computer uses an LCD panel rath-
er than a cathode-ray tube, the
images are rock steady with pris-
tine definition, To say that viewing
on the T4400SXC is a pleasure is
an understatement.

There's lots to like with the
T4400SXC, even though it will
seriously deplete your piggy
bank. As of the writing of this
review, prices for this notebook
are aiready dropping; competi-
tion from other manufacturers
wili doubtless make this and oth-
er leading-edge products more
affordable for the masses in the
not-too-distant future,

circle Reader Service Number 312

WYSE DECISION-
MATE 486SLC

Just when you think you've seen
it all when it comes to making note-
book PCs slimmer, Wyse introduc-
es its DecisionMate 486SLC note-
book computer, which pushes the
thin profile envelope further still.
This five-pound notebook meas-
ures less than 1 Ya inches thick.

The DecisionMate's finish,
with a handsome wrinkle-texture
bronze color, resists fingerprints
and presents a most pleasing
appearance. The machine is un-
cluttered without being boring.

Wyse managed to keep the
weight and thickness down by opt-
ing for a detachable floppy drive,
which attaches to the notebook
via a proprietary port located at
the left rear of the machine, be-
neath a snap-off panel cover.
This same pane! also conceals
the single serial port.

The detachable floppy drive
could be a mixed blessing for
some users who don't want to
plug and unplug the device, al-
though business travelers who or-
dinarily do their file exchanges via
a modem or file transfer cable and
rarely or never use floppies while

TEST LAB

NOTEBOOK FEATURES

MicroprocGssor

Samsung Tl TravelMate

NoteMaster 386S'25 4000 WinDX/25

AM386SXL

i486DX

-jshiba

T4400SXC

i486SX

Wyse DecisionMate Zenilh
486SLC Z-Note 325L

CX486SLC

i386SL

CPU speed in MHz

Optional math coprocessor support 387SX

(built in) (no, but CPU upgracfable)

387SL

BIOS

Phoenix

Toshiba

Modular

Zenilh

Width (in inches)

11.7

11,63

Depth (in inches)

8.5

8,5

8.3

8.6

8.54

Height (in inches)

2.3

1.45

1,87

Weight (in pounds)

5.8

5.6

7,75

5,92

Shades of gray or color technology

active color

Siandard/Max RAlul in megabytes

2/8

4/20

4/8

4/12

Serial ports

Parallel ports

Mouse port

=yes a =no na=information not available

on the road will love it (a LapLinl<
cable and file transfer software are
provided withi the DecisionMate),
Of course, you can always pacl<
tfie floppy drive along in tfie sup-
plied carrying case, since it
weighs only about a pound.

The 486SLC CPU provides per-
formance comparable to that of
a 486SX running at the same
clocf^ speed of 25 iVlHz but pro-
vides additional power conserva-
tion features to extend battery

life. During ttie review I averaged
1 V2 hours of constant use with all
of the power-saving features dis-
abled and 272- to 3-hour averag-
es with the power management
turned on.

The base configuration comes
standard with 4fvlB of RAfvl, and
you can expand this to 8MB.
Wyse offers two models of the De-
cisionMate; the only difference be-
tween them is internal hard drive
capacity. The Model 80/4 comes
with an 80MB drive, while the Mod-
el 120/4 comes with a 120MB
drive; the latter unit was supplied
for the review.

Security is something the folks
at Wyse have taken seriously.
The computer features password
protection that prevents unauthor-
ized eyes from seeing your data or
entering the system configuration
menus. In addition to the pass-

WYSE TECHNOLOGY

3471 N. First SI.

San Jose, CA 95134-1803

(800) GET-WYSE

(408) 473-1200

List price: $2,299 with BOMB drive;

$2,099 with 120IVIB drive; $2,899

Willi 200MB drive

Warranty: one year, parts and labor

word protection, the DecisionMate
also comes with a hardware secu-
rity kit, v/hich consists of a restrain-
ing bracket, cable, and combina-
tion lock. This kit tethers the note-
book to a desk to make sure it will
still be there when you get back
from a trip to the water cooler,

I found the VGA liquid crystal
display screen bright and easy to
read, especially with the special
character set Wyse uses, A 15-
pin port on the left side of the ma-
chine lets you attach an external
VGA or SVGA monitor (up to 800
X 600 resolution is supported),
and a mini-DIN connector lets
you attach a PS/2-style mouse or
keyboard. The parallel port and
the dial controis for video bright-
ness and contrast are located at
the right side; the power connec-
tor is located at the rear.

Wyse preinstalls MS-DOS 5.0
on the hard drive, as well as soft-
ware for menuing, disk caching,
expanded memory management,
setup, and testing.

The keyboard is excellent,
with an inverted-T dedicated cur-
sor pad and an embedded numer-
ic pad. Wyse groups the function
keys together in two rows at the
upper right corner of the key-
board, and all LED status indica-

NOVEMBER 1993 COMPUTE

"I just turned it on and
started using it

Dynamite!"

Madeline S. Fitsgeraid
Woodcraft Supplies

3. "A breeze! Does every-
thing 1 need, quick
and easy."

Kenneth P. King
Finance Qtasultanl

"Almost no need for
the manual. Quick-
Books makes it easy."

4. "Does two employees'
work. Simple, quick
and efficient"

Julia I'erUm
l^jntiigTttphy

David L Wie;
Chiropractor

"It's so easy, I haven't
used (he manual
since I installed it"

Timothy j. McManus
Campground Operator

"Hallelujah! Quick-
Books is simple to
understand and use."

Cynthia Kntt, Accounting

"Love it' Reports can
be laid out in any
conceivable way."

Susan Yeagley SuUifan
Psydmtric Mgmt

"Our clients win
never use manual
ledgers again!'
fames Matthews, CPA

9. Tou don't have to be a
rocket scientist, or
even a CPA."

Stephen P. landing
Distributor

10."So thorough and
accurate — for such a
reasonable price."

Tonim Furck
Photographer

11. "Super! For the first

time, I look forward
to my accounting."

Jan Cole
Appraiser

12. 'Tlie best! (I tried

Pacioli, Peachlrce!
Dacluisy,''ctc.,etc.)"

Dan Ridgety
Gencml Contractor

A few of the reasons why

"Extraordinarily ea^ to use, yet pro-
vides plenty of accounting power."

PC Magazine

"QuickBooks is the easiest"

New Yoric Times

"A great program if you're more
interested in running your smaU
business than becoming
an accountant"

K Wnrid

People are so enthusiastic about
QuickBooks™ that after just three
months on the market it was already
outselling all the traditional accounting
software. And ifs still #1.

It's the first complete bookkeeping
software designed for small business
people with no knowledge of account-
ing. So you can use it Your employees

can use it The temp coming in for
three days next week can use it

Because if you know how to write
checks and invoices, you know how to
use QuickBooks. Just fill in these
familiar forms on-screen, and it does
all the bookkeeping for you. And when
you need to find anything - say an old
invoice, or who's owed you too much.

.3. "Finally! The first pro-
gram i feel like I have
control oC

15. "Un-mindboggling!
It's easy. Install and
you're on your way."

17. Totally logical,
human, instinctive,
understandable."

Valerie Undow

Katkryn Mary 0km
Pr^essional Trainer

Kathsrine}. Bartz
Ccmultant

A. "Saves so much time!
Unbelievably easy to
use. Thanks."

le.'Tvetried'emaU.
Nothing else com-
pares. If s awesome."

18. The only remotely
comparable programs
cost thousands."

Geiuld Frtaier
Real Estate

Scott Rsbens
Conadtant

Scott McGuirii
Business Consultant

19. "User-obvious, pain-

less invoicing and
accounts receivable."

Vahn Cross
Programmer

20. "Peace of mind when

used by employer or
employee."
Donald K. Burden
Dentist

21. "I tested many accoun-

ting packages, and
none came close."
Samuel Mueller
PC ConsttUant

22. "Super-quick, butt-

kicking program!
About time! Amen!"
Robert IX /Ynsoit
TV Productiai

'Intuit

P.O. Box sou
MenloPark.CA9402G
These people are all real
CJuickBooks users.
Thanks, ever^'body, for
sending in your photos!

QuickBooks is already #1

circle Reader Service Number 113

too long -you've got it in seconds.

QuickBoolfs is flexible, to fit the
way you like to work. Simply choose
your business type from a pre-set Ust,
then customize the settings and re-
ports as much as you "want

QuickBooks provides invoicing and
accounts receivable, checkwriting and
accounts payable, plus all the financial

reports you need to manage more

profitably, minimize your taxes, and
get the most out of your accountant
Add QuickPajf and you've got com-
plete payroll, too.

So. Are you ready for bookkeeping
to become fester, easier and more fun
(yes, fun!) than you ever would have
imagined possible?

Try QuickBooks Free
For 60 Days.

CaH 1-800-624-8742

to order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, U.S. & Canada.

QuickBooks $139.95

QuickBooks & QuickPay S179.90 (Save S20) .
Credit card orders only. Please have your card ready.
Uniiniited free technical support. (Toll charges apply.)

t; C Inluit 1992 Ad Code: CMBRT

TEST LAB

tors are flush mounted above the
keyboard.

High marks go to the design
team at Wyse for producirig a func-
tional notebook that's a delight to
use and look at.

Circle Reader Service Number 313

ZENITH Z-NOTE 325L

Zenith has taken a different
approach in designing its Z-Note
325L notebook. From its striking ex-
terior design to its innovative expan-
sion and power conservation fea-
tures, Zenith has clearly eschewed
the commonplace to claim a
place above ordinary notebooks.

This is apparent starting with
the almost paper white color of the
notebook's plastic case. Clean,
squared tines accented by a
square-embossed trim give the Z-
Note a businesslike appearance.

One of the unique features of
the Z-Note is its liquid crystal dis-
play (LCD) system status panel.
Rather than the usual bank of
LED indicators to signify power,
drive activity, and lock-key status,
Zenith has built in a four-pane
LCD windov/ that keeps tabs on
these functions by providing stat-
us icons in the window panes.

Individual icons show the stat-
us of AC power operation, stand-
by mode, battery power opera-
tion, hard drive activity, floppy
drive activity, port replicator,
external CRT, modem, 1_AN con-
troller, speaker. Num Lock, Caps
Lock, Pad Lock, and Scroll Lock.
With all these areas to provide
user feedback for. Zenith's sys-

42 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

ZENITH DATA SYSTEMS

2150 E. Lake Cook M.

Buftaio Grove, IL 60089

ISOfi) 553-0331

List price: $2,949 with 85MB drive;

$3,249 with 1Z0MB drive

Warranty: one year, limited;
extended-warranty, on-site, and
loaner options available

tem status panel makes a great
deal of sense.

In fact, the only LED indicator
on the machine is a small power
LED located in the center of the
machine just below the display
screen, which changes color ac-
cording to the current power or
battery conditions. This LED is vis-
ible with the lid in either the open
or closed position, so you'll al-
ways know at a glance if the Z-
Note is turned on.

The review unit came equipped
with an 85MB hard drive and 4f\/lB
of RAM, a popular configuration
for today's high-demand applica-
tions. If that isn't enough, the RAM
can be expanded to 12MB using
2MB and 8MB memory expansion
modules. The CPU of the Z-Note,
an Intel 80386SL microprocessor,
runs at 25 MHz, which gives the Z-
Note a good balance of perform-
ance and power-conserving fea-
tures. You can install an 80387SL
math coprocessor in the available
socket if you need the extra proc-
essing power.

Most of the ports (15-pin exter-
nal video, parallel, mouse/key-
board, serial, and proprietary
port replicator) reside behind a
panel door at the rear of the ma-
chine, along with the AC power
adapter jack. The high-density
floppy drive is mounted on the
right side along with the modem
port access panel and the LAN
port access panel. This notebook
complies with IEEE 802.3 and Ether-
net specifications — a connector
for interfacing with a LAN adapter
card is provided under this panel.
The left side houses the battery
and the security bracket, a hard-

ened steel loop that provides a
means of securing the notebook to
a desktop or other stationary ob-
ject with a cable and lock.

Zenith has taken a modular
approach in Its expandability for
the Z-Note. For example, you can
replace the ten-inch VGA LCD
screen with an active matrix col-
or VGA display screen, upgrade
the hard disk to a 120MB unit.
and replace the standard
1.44MB floppy drive with an ultra-
high-density 2.88MB floppy
drive. This approach makes
sense for users who anticipate
needing more features in the
future; they can be added or up-
graded when the need arises.

The Zenith Z-Note is easily the
battery-life champion. This ma-
chine regularly delivered charge
life times approaching 3 hours un-
der continuous heavy-duty use
and 4y2-5 hours of usable life un-
der average use with all of the pow-
er-saving features activated. The
secret of this charge longevity lies
in the Z-Note's NiMH (Nickel-Met-
al Hydride) battery pack that pro-
vides approximately 40 percent
more operational time than a stan-
dard ni-cad battery pack.

Couple this battery life with the
ARM (Intel's Advanced Power Man-
agement) features of the SL chip
and complementing support circuit-
ry and you have a notebook that
can keep you computing all the
way on a cross-country flight and
still have some power left.

If you need a high-perform-
ance notebook for today that
gives you plenty of expandability
for tomorrow, the Z-Note 325L
may be the ticket for you. D

Circle Reader Service Number 314

All Benchmark/Performance Test-
ing is conducted by Computer Prod-
uct Testing Services (CPTS). an
independent testing and evalua-
tion laboratory based in Ivla-
nasquan, New Jersey. Every effort
has been made to ensure the ac-
curacy and completeness of this da-
ta as of the date of testing. Perform-
ance may vary among samples.

Mallard Products ■ Enhancement Software for Microsoft® Fught Simulator*

SimulalDr
StimulatDr

iVlicrosoft Flight Simulator literally defined
computer flying for millions of people. And
Mallard Software is the way to get more out of
Flight Simulator. More scenery. More aircraft
More audio. More adventures. More add-ons.
More realism. More control. More fijn.

From our Sound, Graphics ami Aircraft
Upgrade, to our new Aircr«/t and Adventure
Factory, Mallard products bring Flight Simulator
to life in your computer.

With a complete Mallard software library,
fly the world's great airports, and the world's
most exotic locations, like Tahiti, Hawaii and
the Grand Canyon.

Move into the world of multimedia simula-
tion, adding custom sound effects and Air Traffic
Control dialogue.

Turn your computer into a ground school
and improve your navigation, insnument and
communication skills.

If you're a Flight Simulator user, you
know about the fim of computer flying. But if
you haven't tried Mallard enhancements
and upgrades, stand by for some heightened
simulation stimulation.

For a free brochure about all of our
products and die diings you can do with Flight
Simulator, just call:

1 -800-\X^EB-FEET

Millard

Coffyr^fu © ] 992 Mdlkld So/iutih;, AU fmxli*CI namei and trad^marlu art: llu? fMDjVTT^ of Ov^ij TESfiecliu; miners.

1^^

Circle Reader Service Number 119

NEWS & NOTES

Edited by Jill Champion

Perlected! takes

most of tiie

work out of data

management

witli WordPerfect.

Golf Comes to Windows

Work-weary Windows users
needing an afternoon break
can relax by enjoying a few
lioles of golf without ever leav-
ing the office — or Windows, fvli-
crosoft teamed up witfi Ac-
cess, makers of tfie classy
Links series of golf simulators,
to bring you Ivlicrosoft Golf, a
Links-type golf game that fea-
tures photo-realistic and to-
pographically accurate simula-
tions of the Torrey Pines golf
course in San Diego.

Suggested retail price for
Microsoft Golf is $64.95. For
more information, contact Mi-

crosoft, One Microsoft Way,
Redmond, Washington 98052-
6399; {206} 882-8080.

To get the nnost out of the
new Microsoft Golf, look for
COfvlPUTE's Links Pro: The Of-
ficial Guide to Links and Micro-
soft Go/f by former COMPUTE
magazine editor Peter Scisco.
The 320-page book covers all
versions of Links as well as
Microsoft Golf and includes in-
depth strategies and profes-
sional advice for cutting
strokes from your scores. The
book also includes hoie-by-
hole, stroke-by-stroke strate-
gies for all eight Links cours-
es. Suggested retail price for
Links Pro is $16.95. For more
information, contact COM-
PUTE Books, 324 West Wend-
over Avenue, Suite 200,
Greensboro, North Carolina
27408; (919) 275-9809. Or if

you wish to order, call (800)
872-5627.

— Danielle Best

Perfected! Print Jobs

A program that saves hours
on office procedures can also
save manpower costs. That's
the concept behind Perfect-
ed!, version 1,1, from Key
Functions. Perfected! stream-
lines what would be time-con-
suming printer jobs and gives
you professional-looking laser-
printed results. All you need
(besides Perfected!) is a com-
puter, a laser printer, and
WordPerfect 5.1.

Perfected! automates the
merge process and maintains
an address database in
WordPerfect format. After en-
tering names and addresses
into the WordPerfect data-
base, you can select data to
create Rolodex address
cards, address-book pages,
business cards, nametags. tel-
ephone directories, office
forms, lists, labels, and much
more — without worrying about
fonts and kerning, because
everything is preformatted.
The program also has
procedures for invoicing, fil-
ing, writing financial reports,
managing petty cash, and
tracking calendars.

Suggested retail price for
Perfected! is $149.95. To find
out more, contact Key Func-
tions, 60 Pleasant Boulevard,
Suite J, Toronto, Ontario, Can-
ada M4T 1K1; (416)928-1943.
— Tracy t\Aygrant

Checkmate!

Can chess make a difference
in learning? According to Fidel-
ity Electronics, the world's larg-
est manufacturer of electronic
chess games, recent re-
search suggests just that.
American students intro-
duced to chess in the class-
room and in after-school pro-
grams are better able to mas-
ter basic thinking skills, includ-
ing reasoning, comprehen-

sion, and concentration. The
game also increases commu-
nication and pattern-recogni-
tion skills and helps bolster
self-confidence.

—Danielle Best

The Sound of Windows

Easy-to-use sound effects with-
out expensive hardware —
that's what Aristosoft is provid-
ing Microsoft Windows 3.1 us-
ers in Windows Sound Ef-
fects, Volume 1. You can add
comments when editing re-
ports and proposals or liven
up normally dull presentations
with 50 sound effects, includ-
ing animals, music, and voic-
es. Attach any of the sound ef-
fects to seven events defined
by the Windows Sound Con-
trol Panel. For PC users with
sound cards, off-the-shelf dig-
itized sound effects are avail-
able for the first time.

The package retails for
S29. Aristosoft plans to ship
five new volumes by the end
of the year, with 50 new
sounds in each volume. For
more information, contact Aris-
tosoft, 6920 Koll Center Park-
way, Suite 209, Pleasanton,
California 94566; (800) 338-
2629 or (800) 426-8288.

— Tracy Mygrant

Coior Your Printouts

Want to spruce up your print-
outs? Add some color. New
Canon bubble-jet print cartridg-
es have been modified to
print in red, blue, green,
brown, and purple. Each car-
tridge is packaged with a bo-
nus refill of ink, doubling the
print yield.

The cartridge can be re-
filled numerous times. Refills
are available in twin packs in
all five colors as well as
black. It takes only about 30
seconds to refill the cartridge,
thanks to an accordion bottle
and filler tube. The water-resis-
tant refill ink is also formulated
to prevent clogging.

The color cartridge with bo-

44 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

AiKCRrVFT Design, iNTtRAcnvE Media am> Audio Fught Plans for Microsoft® Fught Simulator*

Simuktor

Speaks

L-/ndl now, there's been something
important missing from your Flight Simulator
experience. Speech. Vital instructions.
Weather. And nawgational directions. But
four new products from
Mallard change all that. Just
listeni

"Lear 25 Foxtrot Sierra, Chicago
Departure, turn right heading 060
to join J-104, climb and maintain
Flighi Level 240".

Witli Aircraft & Adventure
Factory, you become an air-
craft designer, test pilot, flight
instructor and tour director.
You'll design and build your
own aircraft — far beyond die
limitations of Flight
Simulator's library. Then put
your creation through its paces widi your own
test flights!

Add speech, sound effects or music. Even
author your own Flight Simulator adventures
sending fellow aviators instrument flying
through clouds, over mountains or the open

CRAFT

lie I

ADVENTURE

FACTORY

Multimedia Creation Software
For Microsoft' Flight Simulator

seas. Aircraft & Adventure Factory is from
BAO, the creators of Microsoft Flight
Simulator.

In addition to creating your own

Flight Simulator adventures,
try some of ours. Flight 685"
and Flight ^Q^ are real-life
flight plans that include
one VFR flight plan and one
IFR flight plan each.

Or test all of your flying
and strategic planning skills
with Rescue Air 91 1", a life
& death Flight Simulator
advenaire. All diree include
digitized Air Traffic Control
audio and lots of unpre-
dictable action.

Widi Mallard, you can be sure you're
getting the real stuff. Design. Audio. And total
control. With die best enhancements available
for Flight Simulator. So don't just sit diere.
Speak to us at 1 -800-WEB-FEET. We'll have
Simulator talking back to you in a hurry.

l-80 0->J5«^EB-FEET

Millard

Circle Reader Service Number 198

NEWS & NOTES

Let your compuler

be your tailor

and wear perfectly

sized clQtIiing,

thanks to LivingSoft's

Dress Sliop.

Store and retrieve
data from
touch buttons-
more versatile
than bar codes for
tdentitication.

nus refill sells for a suggested
price of $54.95, while refill
twin packs sell for $34.95. The
cartridge can be used in any
printer that uses BC-01 cartridg-
es. To find out more, contact Re-
peat-0-Type, 665 State High-
way 23, Wayne, New Jersey
07470; (800) 288-3330.

—Tracy Mygrant

A Stit(h in Time

Dress Shop from LivingSoft
prints custom-fitted clothing
patterns for designing women
who don't conform to an
exact size. Once you've en-
tered the 13 measurements re-

quired, you can select from
29 different patterns in a vari-
ety of cuts and styles tailored
to your exact measurements.

The program also elimi-
nates the guesswork involved
in trying to conform commer-
cial patterns to your figure, be-
cause you can use the Dress
Shop patterns as overlays for
sizing patterns that you buy.

The patterns print out full-

COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

size on a dot-matrix printer
with continuous-feed paper. If
the printer isn't wide enough
for a particular pattern piece,
the pattern prints in sections,
which you tape together.

Suggested retail price for
Dress Shop is $99.95, For
more information, sewing en-
thusiasts should contact Living-
Soft, 1515 North Norma
Street, Ridgecrest, California
93555; (800)626-1262,

— Danielle Best

Fight Illiteracy

If your word processor's spell-
ing checker and thesaurus
leave you wish-
ing for more,
add Instant
Definitions 3.0
from WordSci-
ence to your
program. This
pop-up diction-
ary, an update
to Definitions
Plus!, speedily
accesses the
795-page Amer-
ican Heritage
Dictionary, Office Edition and
has some very desirable fea-
tures not found in other spell-
ing programs.

For instance, the Diction-
aryScan feature allows you to
find words according to defi-
nition. Type in two words —
tiorse and mythology, for ex-
ample— and DictionaryScan
will find a word based on
your two entries — in this
case, centaur Ask about mon-
ey, and DictionaryScan will
generate a list of 194 related
words. Currently, WordScience
is offering a special double
package as part of a special
donation program designed
to help combat illiteracy. The
double package includes two
complete sets of the software
for the price of one. The com-
pany hopes buyers will do-
nate their second set to Gifts
in Kind America, a nonprofit or-
ganization working with Word-

Science, which will distribute
the software to schools and lit-
eracy centers around the na-
tion. In return for your dona-
tion, you receive a 50-percent
tax deduction and the knowl-
edge that you helped pro-
mote literacy in America.

Suggested retail price for In-
stant Definitions is $99.95. Def-
initions Plus! users can up-
grade for $19.95. To find out
more, contact WordScience,
1415 Oakland Boulevard,
Suite 220, Walnut Creek, Cali-
fornia 94596; (800) 869-9673.
— Danielle Best

Data-storing Buttons

Portable data collection just
got more versatile than the
standard bar-code method of
reading and storing data.
TouchProbe, a lightweight da-
ta reader about the size of a
small pocket fiashiight, trans-
fers information to and from
"touch buttons" — memory
chips encased in small, water-
resistant, stainless steel cas-
es. Touch buttons, which can
be attached to practically any-
thing, work like electronic la-
bels that the TouchProbe can
access for reading informa-
tion or storing data.

Suggested retail prices are
$395.00 for the TouchProbe,
$3,15 for individual buttons,
and $277.00 for packs of 100
buttons. For more information,
contact Videx, 1105 Northeast
Circle Boulevard, Corvallis, Or-
egon 97330; (503) 758-0521.
— Tracy Mygrant

Companies with items of inter-
est suitable for "News &
Notes" should send informa-
tion along with a color slide or
color transparency to News &
Notes. Attn: Jill Champion.
COMPUTE. 324 West Wen-
dover Avenue. Suite 200,
Greensboro. North Carolina
27408. Although space is lim-
ited, all items will be consid-
ered for publication. O

Lf's more mercenary than your
lawyer, shrewder than your Accoun-
tant, greedier than the IRS and
tougher than your granny. Get
ready for the most challenging
game of Monopoly^ you've ever
played with MONOPOLY"' DELUXE.

Combining 90's technical know-
how with plenty ol good old-
fashioned fun, the hestselling board
game of all time \i back ond
better than ever with completely

revamped levels of difficulty and
greatly enhanced grophics for your
computer! You'll gel more deluxe

for your bucks with dazzling anima-
tion of all ten official tokens, ecisy-
as-pie interface, a gome activity log

at keeps track of all previous
moves and the ability to ploy by
traditional or custom-designed rules.

Ln[oy the thrill and excitement of
wheeling and dealing as you
amass, or reluctantly part with,
great fortunes buying and selling
railroads, utilities and properties of
oil types. This game's o must for
the librory of ony TRUE gamer or
future real ,

estate tycoon! ^•''■'^•'J

MONOPOLY » DELUXE wild toe ultimnte easy-to-itie poinl-ond -dkl inlerlore will be oroiloble rhis (oil in PC and WINDOWS '" imions.

WINDOWS " venbn featurH all ol the DELUXE (eotures listed obove plus ide nddd bonus of oasier-lo-ose poinl-nnd-ditk Inteifote.

For nMit infomorion, priiinj end Ofiierj, pleoit (nil BDB-ViiC-INBJ. VIS*, MXSTERURD, AMERICAN EXPRESS snd theiki o[:tpl!d.

MONOPOLY* ond RICH UNCliadfiiJnarecegiaertdlnKleiiinrioolTMikoGinMiitKiii Rjdi Under l93«J993PaAer6roH«rL AilrighSraavtd.ltempcJrf 1935,lWPoikerBrattmjK,oilpramo(TMkoCo™
411 rishR raeivHi. UrereaJteVirBn Gomes, Im. tlTOlfrijinGonis.liK. VlrBLnfiiiregi!l8n!jtrnd«TKriolVijjinErilcn>i!H,Ltd- WINDOWS'" isotodsoKirkolHiciMoftCDiporaltai

Return your authorized version of the original Monopoly® computer game to a
participating dealer and receive $10 off your purchase of Monopoly a Deluxe!

Circle Reader Service Number 2SS

FEEDBACK

Leamins to

append, making 3-D

images reai,

encrypting secret

messages, and

BBSing witti Robotics

Merging BASIC

I'm looking for a way to make
a text file using QBASIC's IN-
PUT statement. It would ask
for a name and insert it into a
text file on a certain line of the
file. How would I do that?

WYATT EHRMAN
MEMPHIS. TN

No matter what the language,
it's easy to create a text file or
to append to (add to the end
of) it Inserting text into the be-
ginning or middle of a file sim-
ply can't be done in any lan-
guage, and that's what you're
asking. DOS won't allow it.
You'll have to create the
whole file yourself, like this.

OPEN "letter.lxt" FOR OUTPUT

AS#1
PRINT #1, "COMPUTE'S

Feedback"
PRINT #1, "3Z4 West Wendover

Ave."

PRINT #1, "Ste. ZOO"
PRINT #1, "Greensboro, NC

274D8"
PRINT #1, ""
INPUT "Name to write into file?",

EdNameS
PRINT #1, "Dear "; EdNameS; ":'■

CLOSE #1

Another solution is to input
your original file character by
character and output it to an-
other file until you reach the
place where you want to in-
sert the new text, output the
new text to the new file, and
then finish copying the origi-
nal file to the new file. You
might even take a cue from
word processors and insert
some specific text into the orig-
inal file where the BASIC file
should insert the text. Begin
by creating the following file
with a word processor Name
it mergfil.txt.

This is a letter for ??1 from ??Z.

Then use the following pro-
gram to enter the text that

48 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

should appear in place of 'i'?1
and 712.

tNPUT "Enter name 1:",

name$n)
IMPUT "Enter name 2: ",

name$(2)
OPEN "c:\mergli).txl" FOR INPUT

AS#1
OPEN "c:\newlii.txl" FOR OUTPUT

AS #2

WHILE NOT E0F(1)
CS = INPUT$(1,#1)
IFCS = "?"THENc1S =

INPUTS(1,#1)
IF c1S = "?" THEN
cZS = INPUT$(1,#1):c1$ = ""
C$ = name$(VAL(c2$))
END IF

PRINT #2, C$;
WEND
CLOSE 1
CLOSE 2

In fact, anywhere the pro-
gram finds ??1 in the letter,
this string wilt be replaced by
the name you entered as
name t, and name 2 will be in-
serted anywhere 772 ap-
pears. To be sure it works, en-
ter type newfil.txt after you've
run the BASIC program to
see how the names were in-
serted.

Premature Death

FastTrax, the defragmenter
you recommended in your Au-
gust article "How to Fine-
Tune Your Hard Disk," is alive
and well. FastTrax Internation-
al is now managed by the au-
thor of the program. Mark
Elfield. Our new address and
phone are 880 Ensenada Av-
enue, Berkeley, California
94707; (510) 525-3510. We
emphasize service and pro-
vide 24-hour recorded an-
swers to frequently asked
questions.

FastTrax allows you to spec-
ify the placement of each file
and directory for optimum per-
formance. FastTrax can opti-
mize any DOS disk, including
hard disks larger than 1GB,
and can handle any combina-

tion of files, directories, direc-
tory levels, clusters, and file
sizes.

CAROLINE DAY
OPERATIONS MANAGER
FASTTRAX INTERMATIONAL

3-D Printing

Computer-assisted mapping
(CAM), based on contour
tines and elevation figures,
brings rolling landscapes, ex-
otic terrains, and dramatic
mountains to 3-D life. Is it pos-
sible, though, to directly trans-
form these fleeting monitor im-
ages into physical, hands-on,
three-dimensional models?

K, G. WELLS
CRESCENT CITY. CA

It's being done now, but the
machines are somewhat ex-
pensive for home use. They
range in price from about
$25,000 to $250,000. Various-
ly called prototyping ma-
chines or stereoscopic mod-
elers, they use the computer
data to control a dye laser
that literally carves the shape
out of a soft polymer The proc-
ess takes hours and is most of-
ten used by big corporations
to make prototypes of such
intricate shapes as turbines
or high-precision parts.
Those busts you saw of the
Star Trek crew members in
the time-travel sequences of
Star Trek IV were created us-
ing such a machine.

Missing Information

I have a Tandy 1000 SX and
an Okidata 2182A Microline
printer. I bought a cable from
Radio Shack, but it doesn't
work with the Okidata. No mat-
ter what I do, I can't get the
printer to work with the comput-
er. Please help. I don't want
to buy a new printer.

JON SAUER
ZION. IL

Your letter omits some impor-
tant information. Do you know
if the printer has worked at all
with any other computers?

JOIN THE COMPUTE SEARCHSTAKES

WIN AIRFARE TO LONDON FROM
VIRGIN GAMES! DIAL 1-900-454-8681!

Cost for cdl $ 1 .50 first minute, $ 1 .00 eodi additional minute.
Must be 1 8 or older. ToudHone phone required.

Virgin Games, Inc., the people who bring you DUNE,
MONOPOLY DELUXE, and THE LEGEND OF KYRANDIA
are sending this month's winner to London. The maimers of
the critically acclaimed THE 7TH GUEST and only the most
cutting-edge, award-winning and fun-filled games available
for your PC want to fly the winner to our company's
birthplace across the pond. Enter the November Compute
SearchStakes and you may find yourself staring Big Ben in
the face or exploring dungeons in the Tower of London. To
us, it's all Virgin territory. At Virgin Games, the only thing
we're serious about is good, clean fun.

IT'S GRAND TO WIN

For six months now, you've had the chance to win fabulous
prizes by entering the monthly Compute SearchStakes.
And next month you'll have the chance to win the
SearchStakes Grand Prize by submitting the solution to
any two monthly SearchStakes, plus the solution to the
Grand Prize SearchStakes, to be featured in our upcoming
December issue.

IT'S FUN TO PLAY

Each of the six picture disks displayed below is a portion

of a photo or illustration taken from an ad in this issue. To
solve the November SearchStakes, locate the ads from
which these disks were taken and note the page number
for each. If the ad has no page number, simply count that
page or cover as zero. Then add up all six page numbers.
That is the solution to this month's SearchStakes.

IT'S EASY TO ENTER

Once you find the solution, you may enter the November
SearchStakes automatically on a touch-tone phone by
calling 1-900-454-8681 by 12/31/92. Tfie cost for the
call is $1.50 for the first minute, $1.00 for each
additional minute. Average call is estimated to be 2-3
minutes. Callers must be 18 or older. You may also enter
by mailing your answer on a 3" x 5" piece of paper, along
with your name, address, and phone number, to:
"November Compute SearchStakes," 324 West Wendover
Avenue, Suite 200, Greensboro, N.C. 27408 by 12/31/92.
No purchase necessary. For more Information on how you
may win this month's prize, valued at $1,500, please turn
to page 51!

Virgin Games and Compute magazine. Enter early. ..and
enter often!

sponsored by Compute Int'l. Ltd., N.Y., N.Y.

Classic

Classics

Star Graphics Corp. introduces

A Collection of Classic Games.
This collection offers you
games of strategy, skill, and
chance - all for $34.99. You'll
find them challenging and
captivating -jusl what great
games should be!

For use on IBM PCs with
Microsoft Windows.

FEATURES:

•Beleaguered Castle (Solitaire)

• Morris (Board game)

• Patterns (Puzzles)

•And More!

Available at local software

distributors, or call

1-800^31-7611.

Storl

QraphicB

Now That's Software!

Windtns's is ii fiC^nlered u-adcmnrk of Microsoft Coip.

FEEDBACK

circle Reader Service Number 129

Does the cable work when installed on
other systems? (It might just be a bad
cable.) Does the printer work at all, per-
haps printing garbage, or is there no
output whatsoever? You may simply
need to install a new printer driver for
the software you're using. If your com-
puter has more than one printer port,
have you tried different ports?

Although COMPUTE doesn't re-
spond to specific technical questions,
we need to know all about your equip-
ment in order to provide helpful informa-
tion in "Feedback." If you're writing to
us about a problem, we need to know
all of the details. What software are you
running? Have you tried different com-
binations of equipment? Are there any
error messages? Not only wilt providing
this kind of information make it easier
to answer your question, but it will al-
so make the response more useful to
other readers.

Code Breaker

I want to encrypt a message with a
password and then decrypt it again, I
tried just raising the ASCI! value of the
letters in the message, but that was too
easy to decipher.

AUBREY KILIAN

ALBERTON, TRANSVAAL. SOUTH AFRICA

A couple of times a year, we get a let-
ter about encrypting files. There are
many programs that will encrypt files
for you. If you're writing your own, the
secret is to use the password itself in
the encryption process, as shown
here. Begin by creating a text file to en-
crypt with a word processor. Edit, or Ed-
lin. Save it with the name crypt.fil.

This tile will be encrypted and decrvpted.

Then run this BASIC program, which
asks you for a password. It's a two-
way encryptor. Running the very same
program a second time with the same
key decrypts the file.

INPUT "Enter name of tile to en-
crypt/decrypt: ", filenames

INPUT "Enter password: ",
passwords

OPEN lilenameS FOR INPUT
AS#1

OPEN "temp" FOR OUTPUT
AS #2

passlen = LEN(password$)

WHILE NOT E0F(1)

c$ = INPUTS(1,#1)

FOR i = 1 TO passlen

G$ = CHR$(ASC(c$) XOR
ASC(MID$(password$, 1, !)))

Editor

Senior Ari Director

Art Director

Managing Editor

Features Editor

Reviews Editor

Etlltor, Gazette

Editor, Amiga Resource

Copy Editors

Editorial Assistant
Contributing Editors

Clifton Shames
Dv.ayne Flinchum
Robin C. Case
David Englisfl
Robert Bixby
Mike Hydnall
Tom Neisel
Denny Atkin
Ksren Huffman
Margaret F^msey
Polly Ctilpsn

SyMa Grat^am, Eddie Huffman.
Tony Roberts, i<aren Siepak
Iniems Danielle Best
Tracy Mygrant

ART

Assistant Art Director Kennetti A. Hardy
Designer Jo Boykin
Copy Production Manager Terry Casti
Copy Production Assistant Katie Taylor

PRODUCTION
Production Manager Do Potter

Traffic Manager Barbara A, Williams

PROGRAMMING & ONUNE SERVICES
Manager Troy Tucker
Programmers Eiruce M- Bowoen
Steve Draper
Bradley M. Small

ADMIMISTRATK3N

President, COO

Executive Vice Presidertt,

Operations

Editorial Director

Operalfons Manager

Ottice Manager

5r. Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

Receptionist

Kat^^y Keeton
William Tynar

Keith Fetrell
David Hensley Jr
Sybil Agee
Julia Heming
Lisa WiiliajTis
LeWanda Fox

ADVERTISING

Vice President, Peter T Jotinsmeyer
Associate Publisher (212)496.6100

ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES

East Coast: Full-Page and Standard Display Ads— Peter T Jotins-
meyer. Cnris Cceltto. COVPUTE Publicaliana FnternaUOnai Ltd.
1965 Srcadway, Ne\t York. MY 10023; (212) <96-6100. South-
east—Harriet Rogers. 503 A St., SE. Vifashinglon. D.C. 20003;
(202) 516-6926- Florida— J- M. Remer Associates. 3300 NE
192nd St.. Suite 192. Avenlura. FL 331B0: (30S) 933-1467, (305)
933-8302 (FAX) Midwest— Full-Page and Standard Display
Ads— Starr Lane. National Accounts Manager: it1 East Wack-
er Cr . Suite 503. Chicago. IL 60601 ; [312) 8 1 3-0900. |312) 8 13-
0813 (FAX) Nonhwest-^erry Thompson. Jules E, Thompson
Co.. 1290 Howard Ave. Suite 303. Burllngame CA 94010; (415)
348-8222 Lucille Dennis. (707)451-8209 Soulh.west— Ian Ling-
wood, 6720 Eton Ave., Canoga Park. CA 91303; (818) 992-
4777 Product Mart Ads — Lucille Dennis. Juies E, Tfiompson
Co. 1290 Howard Ave. Suite 303. Burllngame CA 94010; (707)
451-8209 UK s Europe-Beverly Wardale. MLisgarTerr.. Lon-
don W14, England. 011-441-602-3298. Japan— Intergroup Ccm-
municatinns. Ltd . Jiro Semba. President; 3F Tger BIdg 5-22 Shi-
ba-koen. 3-Cfiome, Iv^inato ku, Tokyo 105. Japan; 03-434-
2607, Classified Ads— Maria Wanaseri. 1 Wooes Ct.. Huntinglon.
NY 11743; (TEUFAX) (516) 757 9562.

TWE CORPORAnON

Bob Guccione (chairman and CEO)

f<alhy Keelon (vice-chairman)

David J. Myerson (president and GEO)

Wiiiam F Mariicb (presideni. markeiing. sales and circulation)

Patrick J Gavin (senior vice president and CFQ)

Anttiony J. Guccione (secretary and treasurer)

John Evans (president, foreign editions and manufacturing)

Jen Winston (senior vice president, administrative services)

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING

5t VP/Corp. Dir., lievj Business Deveicpfnent Beverly
WardaSe; VP/Dir . Group Advertising Sales: t^ancy Kestenbaum;
Sr, VPySouiliern and Midwest Advertising Dir.; Peter Goldsmith.
OlfiCflS Nev; York: 1965 Broadviiay. New York. NY 10023-5965,
Tel. (212) 496-6100. Telex 237128, Midwest HI East Wacker
Dr. Suile 508. Chicago, IL 60601; (312) 819-0900 (312) 819-
DB13 (FAX). Soulh: 1725 K St NW. Suile 903. Wasliinglon. DC
20006. Tel. (202) 728-0320 West CoasI; 6728 Eton Ave , Can-
oga Park, CA 91303, Tel. (B16) 992J1777. UK and Europe: 14
Lisgar Terrace. London v/14. England. Tel 01-B2S-3336- Japan;
Intergroup Jiro Semba. Telex J25469IGLTYO, Fax 434-5970. Ko-
rea: Kaya Advtsng , Inc-. Rm 402 Kunshin Annex B^D 251-1.
Dohwa Dong. Mapo-Ku. Seoul. Korea (121). Tel. 719-6906. Tel-
ex K32t44Kayaad.

ADMINISTRATION

Sr VP. CFO; Palrick J Gavin; Sr, VP.'Adminislrative Services:
Jeri Winston, EVP/Graphics Director Frank Devino; EVP/
Circulation: James B fjlartise: VP Director Sates Promotions: Bev-
erly Greiper: VP Produciion: Hal Haipner; Dir, Newsstand Cir-
culation: Paul Roinick; Dir,. Nev/sstand Operations: Joe Gatio;
Dir, Subscription Circulation: Marcia Schultz; VP Oirecior of Re-
search: Robert Rallner; Advertising Production Director: Ctlar-
lene Smttft: Advertising Production Traffic Mgn: Mark Williams;
Traffic Dir.: William Harbutt: Production f^gr.: Tom Stinson;
AssI Production fvlgr.: Mancy Rice: Foreign Editions Mgr: Mi-
chael Stevens; Exec. Asst. to Bob Guccione: Diane OConnell;
Exec. Asst to David J. f*1/erson; Teri Pisani. special Asst. to Bob
Guccione: Jane Homlish.

COMPUTE SEARCHSTAKES!

No purchase or phone call required. For automatic
entiy call 1-900-454-86S1 on a touch-lone phone. The
cost for the call is St. 50 for Ihe first minute and S1.C0
per minute Ifiereafter: average call is estimated to be 2-
3 mIn'iteE. Chaiges for calls to the above number mil
appear on your phone bill. Callers musl be 13 or older.
To enter June SearchStakes drawing call from 9 KM.
EDT on 42692 through midnight EDT 7/31/92. to enter
July SearchStakes drawing call from 9 A.M. EDT on
5/26/92 through midnight EDT a'31/92, to enter August
SearchStal^es drawincTcall from 9 A.M. EOT on &2&92
through midnight EOT 9/30/92. to enter September
SeardhStal(es drawngcall from 9 A.M. EDT on 7/2&92
through midnight EST 10/30/92, to enter October
SearcFiStakes drawingcall from 9 A.M. EDT on a'2&92
through midnight EST 1 1/30/92.tQ enter November
SearchStakes dra™ngcall from 9 A.M. EDT on 9/26/92
through midnight EST \2jmiSZ. to give your name,
address, leleplione number, the Compute issue dale
(month), and the solution for the month you select. To
enter the Grand Pnze drawing, call from 9:00 A.M. EST
12/1/92 Ihrojgh midnight EST 1/29/93 to give your
name, address, telephone number, the solution to the
Grand Prize SearchStakes dJms the solution to any tiivo
of the previous monthly SearchStakes. All call-in
entrants will receive a SB. 00 savings coupon toward
caller's choice of: ( 1 ) Kathy Keeton's newest book,
Longevity, or (2) a Kvo-year subscriptron to CornpiAe.
Multiple coupons may not tie combined on a single
book or subscription purchase. Coupon expires
2/15/93.Call as often as you wish; each call is a
separate entry. Call-in entry opSon is void in GA. \J\,
MN. OR. Ui and \vhere prohibited.
Aftemate Entry Method: Pnnt your name, address,
and phone njmlwr on a 3" x 5" piece of paper, (1 ) To
enter the monthly drawings, pnrt the Compute issue
date (month) and solution tor that month on your entry
and address your envelope to include the issue date
(month), for exarriple: "June Compute SearchStakes."
(2) To enter the Grand Prize drawing, print the words
Grand Prize," the Grand Prize solution, plus the
solution to any two previous monthly SearcnSTakes
on your entry. Address your envefope: "Compute
SearchStakes Grand Prize." Mail all entries,
addressed as directed above, to: 324 West Wendover
Avenue, Suite 200. Greensboro, r>l.C. 27408. Enter
as often as you wish; each entry must be mailed
separately. All write-in entries musl^be postmarked by
1/31/93 and received by a/ISra.

For the solution(s), compleie rules, and detailed
description of prizes including prize values, send a
self-addressed stamped envelope to Compute
SearchStakes Solutions Dept RnS,1965 Broadv/ay,
NY. N.Y. 10023-5965 by 12/31/92: no return postage
t«]uirEd for residents of VT and WA. Solutions and
priK infomiation will be provided through the issue
date in which the request is received.

Odds determinect by number of entries received, tor
example 10.000 entries make odds 10.000 to 1.
Prizes(Values: Grand Prize (1), minimum value
Sia.OOO-maximum value S40.000. Monthly prizes
(6). one for each ol the following Compute 1992
issue dates: June, July, August. September.
October, and November minimum value S 1,500-
maximum value S7,50(J. Maximum total prize
value: S85.000. A descripfion of each prize,
including its approximate value, will appear in
Compute prior fo the first entry date for tnat prize.
Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash.
No substitution of prizes except as necessary, due
to availability. Licensing, transportation,
registration, and dealer charges, it applicable, are
winner's responsibility. Winners may be required
to pick up some prizes from the nearest dealership.
Travel prizes must be from a major airport nearest
winner's home and must be used within 12 months
of award date. Additional restrictions may apply,
i.e., local ordinances. Taxes are the winners
responsibility.

Open only to U.S. residents 18 and older, except
employees and their families of Compute IntI Ltd..
POWER GROUP. INC., their respective subsidiaries,
affiliates, and advertising agencies. All federal, state,
local laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited.
This program is sponsored by Compute Iniemational
Ltd.. 1965 Broadway. NY, N.Y. 1l50Z3. (212) 496-
6100. Montnly winners will be selected at random
from among all eligible entries received by the iudges
by the following drawing dates: June issue-7/31/92,
July issue*31/92, August issue-9/30/92. September
isSue-1 0/30/92. Oclober issue-1 1/30/92. November
issue-12/31/92. Grand Prize winner will be selected at
random from among afl eligible entries received by
2/15/93. Winners will be selected by POWER
GROUP, INC., an independent judging organization
whose decisions are final Winners willbe notified by
mail and required to execute and return an affidavit of
eligibility and release within 21 days of date on
notification letter or alternates will be selected at
random. Limit one winner per household,
This sweepstakes Is subject to the Official Rules
and Regulations. For a list of winners, send a self-
addressed stamped envelope to: Compute
SearchStakes Winners, Dept. RRW, 1965 Broadway,
m. N.Y. 10023-5965 by 3/31/93. Requests will be
fulfilled after the sweepstakes ends.

PRINT #2, cS;

WEND

CLOSE 1

CLOSE 2

SHELL "ilel " + filenames

SHELL "ren temp " -^ filenames

Run the program and enter crypt.fi
wt^en prompted for the file to encrypt.
Enter any word or series of ctiaracters
as Itie key.

Wtien ttie program lias run. enter
type crypt. fil to see thie clianges ttiat
have been wrought. Run the program
again using the same file and key. En-
ter type crypt.fil. and it will be back to
norma! again.

In answer to those looking for a pro-
gram that will decrypt an encrypted
file: As far as we know, there is no
such program available.

U.S. Robotics Reply

I enjoyed your June Test Lab on port-
able products. I'd like to point out two
inaccuracies, tiowever.

Mr. Benford states thiat tfie
WorldPort fax softv/are bundled witfi
tfie WorldPort 2496 doesn't include
mini-BBS capabilities.

Actually it does. Thie BBS has pass-
word security and provides a menu al-
lowing users to leave or read E-mail,
examine tfie list of available files, and
upload or download files using
XMODEM, YMODEM. or ASCII file
transfer.

Ttie article also says ttiat the
WorldPort 2496 doesn't operate in the
background, but it does. The software
uses a 45K TSR which supports back-
ground operations for sending and
receiving.

MARSHALL TOPLArjSKY
us, ROBOTICS
SKOKIE. IL

Benford replies: The WorldPort 2496 is
an excellent product that does indeed
feature background operation and a
mini-BBS.

I apologize for any inconvenience or
confusion about the features or capa-
bilities of the 2496 that might have
been caused by my review.

Readers whose letters appear in "Feed-
back" will receive a free COMPUTES
PC clock radio while supplies last. Do
you have a question about hardware or
software? Or have you discovered
something that could help other PC us-
ers? If so, we want to hear from you.
Write to COMPUTE'S Feedback. 324
West Wendover Avenue, Suite 200,
Greensboro, North Carolina 27408. We
regret that we cannot provide person-
al replies to technical questions. O

When the world

is out of balance.

someone has to tip

the scales!

ir^^ nnagical scroll reveals that the
n source of the deadly magic
storms and disease in Britannia lies
on the Serpent Isie,

Irom □ fuli-lenglh view, you
I select clothing, armor, weapons
and other itenns you'll corry on your
journey through the Twin Pillars
of Fire.

toryline picks up where Uhima~
VII The Black Gate" ended.
Game features new terrain and
magic, and an unexplored region
of Britannia.

WmM

PART TWO

SERPENT
ISLE

WcCA^f^^'^''^-

Jtlima i» a tv^htvued Irodomark oi Rktiard CarTiaH, Ths Bla<k

Gvlci S««pB'nl \fiv ond tlie diitmctivE ORiCIN logo arm

tm-icmatii* of ORIGIN 5y»rcmi, \ni:. 'Wd create itforldi is a

registered rrademaik of ORIGIN Systems, Iik.

Circle Reader Service Number 192

WINDOWS WORKSHOP

Clifton Karnes

BLANK YOUR
WINDOWS 3.1
SCREENS ANYTIME

Screen savers have always
been hot items with Windows
users, as the sales figures for
programs like After Dark and
Intermission attest. Why are
screen savers so popular?
Three reasons. They protect
your monitor from burn-in.
they provide security from pry-
ing eyes, and they're fun. Micro-
soft must have realized not on-
ly that screen savers have a

Blanking a

screen an demand

becomes easy

once you realize

one secret

about screen

savers.

practical side but that users
like them too, because it includ-
ed screen savers as part of
Windows 3.1.

If you've never experiment-
ed with the Windows 3.1
screen savers, run Control Pan-
el and double-click on Desk-
top. You'll find the screen sav-
er section is near the middle
of the Desktop dialog box.

You can choose the screen
saver you want to use by
name, you can select the de-
lay {or interval of inactivity) be-
fore the screen blanks, and
you can set up the screen sav-
er. In Setup, you can often con-
trol the number of objects the
saver displays and their
speed, among other things.

After everything is set, if you

COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

leave your computer idle by not
typing on the keyboard and not
moving the mouse for the num-
ber of minutes specified in the
savers configuration, your
screen wiil blank, and you'll be
treated to an animated display
{unless you've chosen Blank
Screen, which, as the name sug-
gests, displays a completely
blank screen).

Savers shipped with Win-
dows 3.1 include Blank
Screen, Flying Windows, Lis-
sajous Figures, Marquee, Mys-
tify, and Starfield Simulation.
These are pretty neat, but
they can't compete with the
screens in Alter Dark and In-
termission. On the up side,
they're free, and they don't
use much in the way of addi-
tional resources.

There are still two essential
things missing in the Windows
3.1 screen saver system, how-
ever First, you sftou/c/ be able
to run a screen blanker on de-
mand. In other words, if some-
one comes into your office
and you have sensitive mate-
rial on your screen, you
should be able to blank your
screen immediately. Second,
you should be able to cycle
through all your screen savers
instead of having to choose
just one to use.

Here are the solutions.

Blanking a screen on de-
mand becomes easy once
you realize one secret about
screen savers: They are execut-
able files. They all have scr
extensions, I fiear you say.
That's true, but for an experi-
ment, make a copy of one of
your savers as an executable
file. Let's expehment with the
Lissajous Figures saver. Sim-
ply copy sslissju.scr to
sslissju.exe (screen savers be-
gin with ss by convention).

Now run sslissju.exe. As
you'll see, it's a runnable pro-
gram. The only problem is
that you'll get the setup
screen and not the saver
screen. That problem is easy

to solve. Run sslissju.exe
again, but this time add the /s
parameter When you type
sslissju.exe /s, your screen
will blank and fill with the Lis-
sajous swirls.

Now, to blank your screen
on demand, you can simply in-
stall sslissju.exe as a program
on your desktop, in your favor-
ite menu program, or both.
You could make copies of all
your screen saver files so they
have exe extensions, and run
them at will. There's a simpler
way to do this, however, that
doesn't involve cluttering up
your disk with duplicate files.
You simply tell Windows to
treat the extension scr as a pro-
gram. To do this, load WIN. INI
in your favorite editor, and
find the line that begins with
Programs=. It will probably
say Programs=com exe bat
pif. Simply add scr to the end
of this line, so it reads Pro-
grams-corn exe bat pif scr,
and reboot Windows.

Novy you're ready to install
any blanker on your desktop
or your favorite launcher and
run it. To run Lissajous, you'd
use the command line
sslissjou.scr/s. If you use Back-
Menu, installing a menu option
for your saver is an excellent
choice.

As for the second prob-
lem— that you can't cycle
through savers — that has
been solved by programmer
Gordon Harris. He's written a
program that allows you to cy-
cle through all your installed
screen savers. The package al-
so comes with a number of ex-
cellent savers, including a
large analog clock that floats
across your screen. You can
find Harris's Cycle Screen Sav-
er on CompuServe and most
other online services, or you
can contact Data Arts, 3349
Humboldt Avenue, South Min-
neapolis, Minnesota 55408,
(612) 825-5436. Cycle Screen
Saver is shareware with a $5
registration fee. D

All-newABCnowCharter2.0

mSkes flowcharting faster,

easier than ever!

ABC Flowcharter - IDWBCZWUDITJIFZI

*| El'g Edit V^indow tjclp

k and ckM dMw fto duif to Add a new tMdeiw.

Now the leader in
Windows graphics puts
its know-how behind
the world's #1 Windows
flowcharting solution!

Introducing ABC Flowcharter* 2.0
from Micrografx. With all the terrific
features of the original. Plus an array
of exciting new features that make it
better, faster, easier than ever!

Our all-new user interface
conveniently displays tools in a
handy toolbox. No more searching
through menus. Just point and click!

Customizable shapes and shape
palettes let you tailor ABC
Flowcharter 2.0 to your particular
applications. And we've added new
palettes of symbols for specialized
charts like dataflow diagrams, audit
diagrams, and many, many more.

"A Windows-based package
that's both powerful and easy
to use."

InfoWorld
April 20, 1990

"Turns making flowcharts into

child's play."

DBMS Magazine
August 1991

If you're already an ABC Flow-
Charter user, call now for upgrade
information. And if you're not, find
out just how fast and easy flowchart-
ing can be - with all-new ABC
Flowcharter 2.0!

You'll be able to choose from new
hne types and styles, including
curved lines. And take advantage of
an exciting new feature that auto-
matically connects shapes .

Enhanced text capabihties let
you edit text right on the chart, and
mix different fonts, sizes and styles
at wiU.

And best of all, you'll enjoy our
friendly 24-hour telephone support
(weekend hours too).

*-'^6»«riter

■"til

'"9

CALL TODAY FOR
UPGRADE INFORMATION

l-aOO-775-6131

MICROGRAFX

Microjarafx^ Inc.. I30:i Arapnlio, Richnrdsim, TX 7.SC)Bl (214) 2;M-1769. Micrografx hasoffices in Toronto. Paris. Lundon, Munich. Milan. Sydney, Copenhagen and Tokyo, CopjTigli! ^1992. Micrografx. Inc.

CErcle Ruder Serv)» Number 1S0

TIPS & TOOLS

Edited by Richard C. Leinecker

Organize System Files

If you've upgraded to MS-
DOS 5,0, the system files
io.sys and msdos.sys might
not be the first files in your
root directory This increases
the probability that your hard
drive will become fragmented
and slow down. That's be-
cause there's storage space
before them on the drive.
This storage space is occu-
pied by other files.

If the files that are before
the system files are deleted,
then there's empty space just
waiting to be filled, (f DOS de-
cides to write a very large file
to the area, it'll fill the empty re-
gion and find another empty
space somewhere else on the
hard drive for the remainder
of the file. That's a classic
case of disk fragmentation.
To read this large file that in
part occupies the first part of
the drive, the controller has to
skip over sectors that are
used for other files. This skip
degrades performance and
slows down disk access.

A disk optimizer or defrag-
menter may not move the sys-
tem files to the beginning but
just make sure every file is
contiguous.

There is a solution. You
can move them so they're the
first two files in the root direc-
tory with the Disk Tool pro-
gram in Norton Utilities 6.0.
Run the Disk Tool program
and select the procedure la-
beled Make a Disk Bootable
and choose the C drive. The
files will be relocated so
they're the first files in the
root directory and your hard
drive may perform better,

NICHOLAS F, CHAMPION
COSTA MESA, CA

Extended Keyboard Tips

The WordPerfect 5,1 manual
lists two extended horizontal
cursor movements. Home-
left arrow (or right arrow)
moves the cursor to the edge
of the screen boundary, and

54 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Stop fragmentation

before it

begins, move your

cursor faster in

WordPerfect, and

iocate flies

quicitly on your

paclted

hard dislf.

Home-Home-left arrow {or
right arrow) moves the cursor
to the character next to the
boundary,

I've found one it doesn't
mention: Home-Home-Home-
left arrow (or right arrow).
This key combination moves
the cursor to the screen
boundary, even past format-
ting codes. This useful trick
lets you bypass formatting
codes like [ITALC] or [BOLD]
at the beginning or end of a
line when you want to insert un-
formatted text.

WILLIAM J WOLFE
CHAMPAIGN, IL

Wliere's That File?

If you have a large hard
drive, then it's easy to forget
where a file is. The Chkdsk
command with a /v argument
makes a list of files and their
paths on your hard drive. Com-
bined with Find, this lets you
look for a specific file. Here's
a batch file that works great.
To use it, type locate and the
filename. If you wanted to
find a file called mystufl.txt,
you'd type tocate mystuff.txt.
The /i argument after Find
lets it do a search that isn't
case sensitive. Here is the pro-
gram locate.bat.

chkdsk /v lfind/i"%1"

MALCOM MCCAFFERTY
SACKVILLE. CA

Windows Shorts

I prefer to avoid the Windows
title screen, so I type win : to
start Windows but keep the ti-
tle screen from appearing.

If you want to launch a Win-
dows application but don t in-
tend to use it right away hold
down the Shift key while dou-
ble-clicking on the program's
icon, causing it to be imme-
diately minimized, That's easi-
er than running an application
and then minimizing it,

ARJUN NAYYAR
WEST REDDING, CT

Built-in Windows Help

I got tired of referring to my
manuals each time I had a
question about using one of
my applications. I created a
picture using the Windows
paint program. Paintbrush,
and saved it as a bmp file.
The picture contained useful in-
formation that I often referred
to the manuals to obtain.
Now, I just move the windows
to view the help instantly.

To create a picture file, run
Paintbrush from the Accesso-
ries group. Draw all the help
and art you want. You can
load pox files into Paintbrush
as a backdrop if you want to
get fancy. Then, choose
Save from the File menu, en-
ter your filename, ciick OK,
and the file will be saved.

Now you need to run the
Control Panel from the Main
group. Double-click on the
icon labeled Desktop that ap-
pears, Down toward the bot-
tom of the dialog box will be
the Wallpaper selector. Use
the selector scroll bar to find
your file, highlight it with a
mouse click, and then click
on the dialog OK box.

Each time Windows runs,
your custom file will appear
as the wallpaper providing all
the reminders you can fit in
the picture file.

LOUIS COLLADO
ST CLOJD, FL

Easy Disk Reuse

I've got a million old junk
disks lying around. Many
times when 1 want to use
them, though, I have to
spend time deleting files and
subdirectories. You can use
the Format a:/q command if
you have DOS 5.0 or higher,
but if you have an earlier
DOS, you can use a program
I wrote called Newdisk, It
clears a floppy disk in sec-
onds with a single command.
You can type in Newdisk us-
ing the DOS Debug com-
mand. Make sure the DOS pro-

That was Then. This is Now.

New!

emember learning the 3R's when you were in school — primary readers
with stories about Dick and Jane, drill and practice with flash cards, and
writing with big, fat #2 pencils? The importance of learning reading, writing
and arithmetic hasn't changed. Fortunately, the tools for learning them have!

Ages

S59.y5

4 to 9

MS-DOS

Reading Adventures in OZ '

Ih'cuiiiiii Adreiiliiix's in OZ uses the characters
aiul cxcilcnieni of L. FrLiiik Bantu's Ox. Imoks to
tk-sclnp basic reading skills anti a Jifciont; kivc of
reatlinj^. '['he |:rogram has ihree skill lex'els — pre-
reader, early reader and experienced reader — so
it will build your child's reading skills from
preschool ihrou^yh third grade.

Davidson's Kid Worlcs 2

Imagine a program tliLit allows children to create
and hear their \'ery own illustrated stories.
Davithoii's Kid Works 2 unique!)' combines a word
proce.ssor and a fully-equipped paint program,
with texl-to-speech that will read your child's
stories aloud!

New!

The CreatPfl'ty Kit that

Writes, Paints. & Talks!

Ages 4 to 10

SW.95 MS-Ix:)S, .\hic

program, has
subtraction,

I f>«akii

Ages 6 to 12

S;49.95 MS-DOS
S59.95 .M;ic-/W''indow.s

New Math Blaster Plus

Nesr Mcilh Bkislcr Plus, the worid's best-selling math
four challenging activities that cover addition,
muiliplication. (.li\'ision. fractions, decimals, and percents. Your child
will love learnitig over 750 math facts as well as problem-solving
skills with the help of the Biasternaut and his sidekick Spot!

na\idson programs contain colorful VGA graphics, exciting animatioas. speech and
sound effects ihat will capttire yotir child's imagination aiul make learning fun!

■fo oixkT c;il] oiii- ■fOLL-l'KE^f^ oitlor liolliiu- (800) 545-7677
AViiikihlu ;iL liabiiiigc'-s, CompUSA. F.gghciicl Sol'twure. F.iectranics
liouliqLic, SoftwarL'. Etc., Computer City and other fine rctuiler.s.

Davidson

Teaching Tools From Teachers.

Circle Reader Service Number 144

TIPS & TOOLS

gram called Debug is in your
path or the current directory.
In these examples, the italic
text is what the computer
prints; the roman text is what
you should type. One way to
be sure you get these pro-
grams exactly right is to have
someone read the numbers
to you as you type them in. An-
other way suggested by one
of our readers is to read the
numbers into a tape recorder
and then play them back as
you enter the program code.

debug newdisk.com
tile not found

-e 100 be 80 00 ac Da cO 74 61
-e 108 ac 3c Od 74 5c 3c 20 74
-e 110 f7 4e 24 df 3c 41 7!: 51
-e 118 3c 42 7f 4d 88 04 1e 8a
-e 120 dO 80 ea 40 b4 32 cd 21
-e 128 8a 47 Of 2a e4 8b 5f 09
•e 130 If 89 44 02 c7 44 04 01
-e 138 00 b1 03 d3 eb 89 5c 06
-e 140 b9 02 00 51 2a e4 e8 3c
-e 148 00 bf a4 01 e8 2e 00 2a
-e 150 e4 fe c4 e8 2f 00 8b 4c
-e 158 02 e8 11 00 e2 fb 59 e2
-e 160 e2 8b 4c 06 eS 06 00 e2
-e 168 fb b4 4c cd 21 51 bf a1
-e 170 01 e8 09 00 2a e4 fe c4
-e 178 e8 Oa 00 59 c3 2b cO b9
-e 180 m 07 f3 ab c3 8a 04 2c
-e 188 41 bb a1 01 b9 01 00 8b
-e 190 54 04 Oa e4 75 04 cd 25
-e 198 eb 05 cd 26 ff 44 04 9d
-e laO c3
-rex

ex 0000
:a1
■w
writing 00a1 bytes

-q

If you're using the Checksum
program from the July 1992 is-
sue, you'll get a value of 062.

To use the program, just
type newdlsk a or newdlsk b.
Make sure you're in the root di-
rectory of the disk. If you
have trouble writing to the
disk, try using the Chdir \ com-
mand or remove the disk
from the drive and reinsert it.

There aren't any warnings
or prompts asking if you're

56 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Windows

shortGuts anii

personaEized

Windows iteln,

clearing disits

in a iiurry, and

getting user

input in batcii

programs

sure you want to clear the
disk. Once Newdisk is done,
you won't be abie to unerase
any of the files because the
root directory is overwritten
with zeros, To unerase a file,
the directory entry for the file
must still be intact.

RICHARD C. LEINECKER
MIAMI, FL

Powerful Batcli Files

I could've used this little gem
years ago. I'm amazed it took
me so long to invent it. Every
time I create a batch file of
any complexity, I rack my
brain for ways to let users
type in a text string. Oh, it can
be done. But you use Copy
con in a batch file and have
users hit F6 and then Enter.
That's not a very elegant way
to write a batch file.

The little program I wrote ac-
cepts a string that's typed in
and saves it to a file. The file
can have any legal DOS file-
name and is specified as a
command line argument.
Once it's saved to disk, there
are endless ways to use it.

First, though, the program.
To enter this program, follow
the directions for the Newdisk
program above.

debug getline.com

file not lound

-e 100 be 80 00 ac Oa cO 74 42

-e 108 ac 3c Od 74 3d 3c 20 74

•e 110 17 8b fe 4f ac 3c Od 74

-e 118 04 3c 20 75 f7 cB 44 ff

-e 120 00 ba 4e 01 b4 Oa cd 21

-e 128 Sb d7 b4 3c 2b c9 cd 21

-e 130 8b d8 8a Oe 4f 01 ba 50

•e 138 01 b4 40 cd 21 b1 02 ba

-e 140 4c 01 b4 40 cd 21 b4 3e

-e 148 cd 21 cd 20 Od Oa 50

-rex

cjf 0000

:4f

-w

writing 004f tiytes

-q

If you're using the Checksum
program from the July 1992 is-
sue, the value you'll get is

062. To use the program, just
type getline filename, substitut-
ing the name of the file for file-
name. You'll be able to enter
text, and it'll be saved to the
file that you've specified.

Here's an example of using
the Getline program in a
batch file. Its purpose here is
to keep a log of who uses
WordPerfect and what they're
using it for.

ectio off

ectio Ptease type in your name.

rem ttere the Getline program

rem fakes control and lets

rem ttie user enter in a text

rem string.

rem The string is saved

rem to a file I named $$.

getline $$

rem Here the file $$ is

rem concatenated to my file

rem called wplog.

type $S »wplQg

echo Please make a note of what

echo you're using WordPerfect

echo for.

rem Once again, the Getline

rem program takes control and

rem lets the user enter in a text

rem string.

getline $$

rem Here again, tde file $$ is

rem concatenated to my file

rem called wplog.

type $$ »wplog

rem Delete tlie $$ file.

del $$

echo Thanksl

RICHARD C. LEINECKER
MIAMI. FL

If you have an interesting tip
that you think would help oth-
er PC users, send it along
with your name, address, and
Social Security number to
COMPUTE'S Tips & Tools,
324 West Wendover Avenue,
Suite 200. Greensboro, North
Carolina 27408. For each tip
we publish, we 'II pay you $25-
$50 and send you a COM-
PUTE'S PC clock radio while
supplies last. □

COMPUTE Bookshelf

Official Guides For Your PC

Pro Links:

The Official Guide to Links and

Microsoft GoK

Fa all versions of Linb ond Microsoft Golf. Includes
tioietyfiole lips for all nine courses.

$16.95/C2699

Tiie Official Book of King's Quest,
Third Edition

Covers King's QuesI I lo VI, Hints, lips, and maps.

Available November.

$16.95/C2745

The Official Book of Ultima,
Second Edition

Covers Ulltma I tfirough VI, Savage timpire, Marlian

Dreoms, and ihe

Nintendo versions. Hints, lips, maps, and solutions.

$18.95/C2648

The Official Guide to Sid Meier's
Civilization

Includes insider flints, lips, and strategies.
$14.95/C2S91

The Official Guide to Sid Meier's
Railroad Tycoon

'If you love Railroad f/coon . . . get

Russel Sipe's Boot.'

Jerry Poumelle, Byle magazine

$12.95/C2443

The Official Book of Leisure Suit Larry,
Second Edition

Written with the help of Al bwe. Covers oil of
Larry's adventures.

$14.95/C2567

The Official Book of Police Quest

Covers Police Quest I through III.
Includes just the right hints and tips. Complete maps.

$14.9S/C2605

The Official Guide to

Roger Wiko's Space Adventures

Covers Space QuesI 1 through iV.

Hundreds of hints and clues. Complete maps.

$14.9S/C2370

Spellcasting 101 : The Official
Hint Book

Written by the staff at legend Entertainment Com-
pany, publishers of Spellcosling 101.
$9.9S/C2583

Other Books from COMPUTE for Your PC

A-Troin Railroading

The comprehensive guide. Available November.

S16.95/C2737

COMPUTE Magazine's Power Tips

Our reoders favorite hinis ond

lips for gelling more from your PC. Compiled by

the editors at COMPUTE

magazine. Available November.

$14.95/C2761

The Big Book of PC Sports

A must for every compute/ sports fan,
$14.95/C2400

Desktop Publishing with GeoWorks

From GeoWorks Press,

The comprehensive guide to DTP with GeoWorks.

$18.95/C2S32

101 Essential Word for Windows Tips
$9.95/C2664

101 Essential Windows Tips

$9.95/C2621

101 Essential Excel for Windows Tips

$9.95/C263X

YES!

Please send me the boob listed below

Code

TiHe

Credil Card No. .

Name

Acldreii

Cily

Exp, Dale .

Slale _

ZIP.

Signglue .

AH pafTtanti mull b« mods in U.S. hjndi Ch«cki and rruAvy ofdwt mull ba Irani a US bank Ofl«r ^ood wfile lupplwi Icil, Pleas« allow lou we«ki lor d«llvory.

Mail lo: COMPUTE Books, c/o CCC,
2500 McClellan Ave.,
Pennsauken, NJ 08109.

MBl+vod of Poymenit:
i_jVlSA

Dmc

IChact
Money Order

Tolai.

5ol«s TOK, Resider\tj of NY. fMJ, and NC add oppropriole
soles lax Conodcn orders add 7% GTS.

Shipping and Hondling. Nonh Amvka add $2.50 lor
firsi book, $.50 eoch additional book. Oulside North Amerj.
CO odd $6,00 for firsI book, $ 1 .00 each additianal book.

Grand tDtni

INTRODOS

Tony Roberts

SURVIVAL TIPS
FOR DOS HATERS

Hbu can run from

DOS, but you

can't always hide:

how to survive

In an unfamiliar

world.

58 COMPUTE

Each year, new levels of insu-
lation are erected between
DOS and the average comput-
er user. Batch files, menu pro-
grams, shell programs, and
graphical user interfaces do
what they can to eliminate the
need for us to communicate
with our machines at the DOS
prompt.

These advances have
made computers less frighten-
ing and less frustrating for us-
ers who are reluctant to sit
down at the keyboard. {Those
of us who are accused of liv-
ing only to use computers do
recognize that there are those
who use computers only to
earn a living.)

Even if you generally man-
age to avoid the DOS prompt,
a little DOS knowledge will
help you when you do face the
dreaded C prompt. These tips
should get you started.

Slashes (/) vs. backslashes
(\). If you're confused about
which slash to use when typ-
ing at the command line,
keep in mind that backslashes
are used as part of the file-
name path. Regular slashes
are used to specify switches,
or options for how a program
should be run.

Chkdsk. If you use a hard
drive, run the disk check utili-
ty every time you reboot your
system. Include the command
Chkdsk in your system's au-
toexec.bat file. Chkdsk deter-
mines if the disk's File Alloca-
tion Tables are intact and
whether each file is in its prop-
er place on the disk. If errors
are reported, deal with them
immediately — it takes only a
few seconds. Well-maintained
disks are much iess prone to
serious problems.

Dir. You're probably accus-
tomed to using the Dir com-
mand to generate directories,
but there are ways to use it

NOVEMBER 1992

more effectively. If your listings
scroll past before you can get
a good look at them, use the
command Dir /p to pause the
display after each screenful. If
you know you're looking for a
file that begins with the letter
s, you could use the com-
mand Dir s*.* to instruct Dir to
show you only files that begin
with the letter s.

If you're using DOS 5.0, try
Dir's other switches to sort the
directory display the way you
like it. Dir/od sorts by date. Dir
/s displays the current directo-
ry and all its subdirectories. If
you have one series of Dir
switches you use all the time,
instruct your system to use
those switches by default by
adding a line to the autoex-
ec.bat file. I use the command
Set dlrcmd=/l/ ogn to have my
directories display in lower
case, sorted by name, with sub-
directories listed first.

Edit. Often, you need to
make quick changes in a file —
such as autoexec.bat or con-
fig. sys — but you don't need all
the power of a word-process-
ing program. Use DOS 5.0's
Edi^command. This is an easy-
to-use text editor that's always
handy Don't worry; Edit is noth-
ing like its older brother Ediin,
a line-based text editor that
has the distinction of being
one of DOS's most confusing
programs.

Format. Let's face it. Format-
ling disks is no picnic, but
each of us has to deal with this
chore. DOS 5,0 makes format-
ting easier than ever, so ac-
quaint yourself with the switch-
es that are appropriate for your
size and type of disk. For exam-
ple, the /f switch allows you to
specify the size of the disk be-
ing formatted. If you have a
720K disk in drive B, use the
command Format b; /f;720.

DOS 5.0's Format com-
mand is more forgiving than
its predecessors. Now you
can Unformat a disk if you re-
alize quickly enough that you

formatted the wrong disk. The
Format command saves
enough information about the
disk to reconstruct it, should
the Unformat procedure be
necessary. This slows down
the formatting, though, so if
you're formatting a brand-new
disk, save some time by exe-
cuting the Format command
with the /u switch. The u
stands for unconditional. With
this switch, DOS formats with-
out saving data that might be
useful in an Unformat
operation.

Copy/Xcopy. Everyone cop-
ies files now and then. Usu-
ally, it's just a file or two from
one disk to another. This is pret-
ty straightforward, and the
Copy command handles it
well. If your copying becomes
more complicated, however,
look to the Xcopy command.

If you're copying several
files, as with Copy *." a:, Xcopy
is faster because it reads and
writes in batches of files rather
than file by fiie. If you need to
be selective about which files
you copy, it's Xcopy to the res-
cue again. Xcopy includes
switches that allow you to copy
files based on the date the file
was last modified or based on
the status of the file's archive
bit. The archive bit is turned on
every time a change is made in
a file. If you use Xcopy to copy
changed files (those with the ar-
chive bit on), you provide your-
self with a small backup
system.

Help. Finally, one of the
best things about DOS 5.0 is
that it includes help tor most
commands. With this feature,
you don't have to scurry for a
manual to perform an unfamil-
iar routine. Typing help
xcopy, for example, provides
a screenful of information
about how to use Xcopy and
all its switches.

Call for help when you need
it. and you'll be able to get
back to your menu, shell, or gra-
phical interface in no time, D

'j^E

■■'ji i

,iy

Get the best of Windows and OS/2
without learning all this.

. T 1

1 1 1

umm

KDITOHS'

Oaober 30, 1990

Sure, you want to get your PC flying.
With features like multiple open applica-
tions and background printing. Maybe
even the ability to maintain your host con-
nection while you work on something else.

But for that you need Windows or
OS/2. Which means you also need to
learn enough to get a pilot's license. And
spend enough on hardware and
software for a down payment
on a jet.

But with new Software Carousel,
you can get the biggest benefits
of Windows and OS/2 by doing
almost nothing.
It's #1 in task switching
software.
Software Carousel got to be a best-
seller because it worb. Simply and
reliably. Day in and day out.

And because it gives you the single
most practical and powerful function of
OS/2 and Windows -the ability to quickly
switch from one application to another.
Simply load your programs as usual in
individual Software Carousel work areas
(it handles up to 12). Then switch
instantly from one to another with just
a keystroke. Each program gets as much
RAM as it needs. And all your programs
look and act just like they always did.
Best of all, nearly any program that
now runs on your PC will work with

Software Carousel. Even RAM resident
utilities, graphics programs and network
software. And Software Carousel works
on all types of PCs. So you can have the
kind of multi-application capability you
want, without buying anything new,
Now with Print'N'Run.

Thanb to Print'N'Run, new Software
Carousel is also an advanced print handler.
One that quickly takes over your printing
jobs by accepting all the output bound for
the printer, then sending it to the printer
as fast as it can take it.

While your printer keeps running, you
can keep working in the same application.
Or switch to another Software Carousel
work area running a different application.

No more wasted time
waiting for your
printer. No
more lost
productivity.
OLE. A network
idea whose time
has come.

OLE is the optional
Open Link Extender*
for Software Carousel.
And it could be the best
thing to happen to net-
works since pS/2 itself.

With OLE and Software
Caroiuel, you can connect to

^-vtS^-i^?i^'^-'^

any host or service over a network-
whether it's a mainframe, a mini, etc-
then "switch away" to work on another
application, and not lose your connection.

OLE even makes sure that incoming
data is received, even though your PC may
be occupied with another application.!

And OLE works with all kinds of
connection software. Including IBM,
Attachmate, and others. Without
changes to your hardware or software.
Even the experts agree.

Garry Ray, writing for PC Week, said,
"Of these alternative operating environ-
ments (OS/2, DesqView and Soft-
ware Carousel), Carousel may be
the best choice of the day."
Barry Simon of PC Magazine
concurred with, "... 1 find it
difficult to imagine using my
computer without Carousel.
This package has become
an essential tool and one
that 1 strongly
recommend."

So if you really want
the major benefits of
Windows and OS/2,
don't get grounded
with high cost and
mind-bending complexity.
Take off today with Software
Carousel. It's easy. And it's just $89.95.

*?SP

A>i%'

SoftLogic Solutions, Inc.

One Perimeter Road, Manchester, NH 03103

Available at software dealers everywhere.
Or, order direct by calling roll-free.

CaU 800-272-9900

(603-627-9900 in NH)

SoftLogic

SOLUTIONS

SflftwaicGiiyusel, GUI, OptnLiiitExrcnilcr and Pnnt'N'Rur arc trKlt-matbiirfcpMm-dtridMjaibiTt'St>ttU?pcS*tltff!^^
*Opcn Link Extender is sold Bt'pDratcly. tRtquires NetBIOS connection.

Circle Reader Service Number 182

PROGRAMMING POWER

Tom Campbell

If you've ever found

a charting

package lacking In

flexibility, this

month's PowerGhart

might well be

what you need.

USING PDS 7.1

We looked recently at several
of Microsoft's BASIC dialects.
This month's theme is Profes-
sional Development System
7. 1 , currently Microsoft's high-
est-end BASIC. PDS 7. 1 is com-
patible with QuickBASIC and
sports many more code gen-
eration options, OS/2 support,
and incredibly powerful built-
in ISAM database routines.
Plus, it has a couple of librar-
ies thrown in.

This month, we'll look at
what you can do with the Pres-
entation Graphics toolbox and
how purchasing the $295 PDS
7.1 might be worthwhile just
for that toolbox. If your billable
time is worth $50 an hour, you
could buy PDS 7.1 for a single
business graphics project and
have a topnotch development
system after the gig is over.

The toolbox has support for
CGA, EGA, MCGA, VGA, Her-
cules, and Olivetti cards; and
it uses Windows screen fonts.
You're even licensed to distrib-
ute the half-dozen screen
fonts that come with PDS 7.1
as part of your application.

If you've ever found a chart-
ing package lacking in flexibil-
ity, this month's PowerChart
might well be what you need.
A data-driven charting pro-
gram, it creates its chart using
its own command language.
Feed it a text file, and it will cre-
ate a chart or series of charts
by reading the directions in
the file and displaying the
chart onscreen. Here's an ex-
ample.

CHART 1 TYPE "BAR"

USE CHART 1

LABELS "Wayne's World", "Basic

Instinct", "Lethal Weapon 3"

DATA 110.5, 87.9, 114.6

TITLE "Box Office in IVIillions"

JUSTIFY TITLE LEFT

SHOW

PAUSE

Put that in a text file called

COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

test.pc and run it through the
PowerChart program by typ-
ing pchart test.pc. The chart
will be shown on your graph-
ics monitor and will await a
keypress: then it will return to
text mode. "Wait a minute,"
you say. "I did all that work
just to create a bar chart? I
could do that in Harvard
Graphics in secondsl"

True. But PowerChart is an
extensible language, one that
you can add to by following
the directions in the source
code and program documenta-
tion. Don't like the way your
graphics program displays ax-
es? PowerChart gives you full
control over how they're
drawn, what pattern and color
they use, and so on.

The JUSTIFY TITLE state-
ment is included to show you
how PowerChart changes a
default value. Using a simple
language also gives you the
ability to write other programs
in BASIC that generate
source code for PowerChart.
You might also notice that the
source code listed above re-
quires only 202 bytes of stor-
age as a text file. Even the
most parsimonious graphics
file formats would have difficul-
ty matching this figure.

To begin, you must first
start QBX (remember that
PDS 7.1 or higher must be
used for this column; QuickBA-
SIC doesn't come with the
Presentation Graphics tool-
box). To load the quick library
for the toolbox, type qbx /I
chartbefr.

If you start QBX without load-
ing a quick library first, there's
no way to load one without re-
starting. Another limitation is
that you can only load one
quick library at a time, so if
you want features from sever-
al quick libraries, you'll have to
monkey around with lib.exe to
extract only those routines into
a new library

If you like to work in a sep-
arate directory for each pro-

ject to avoid clutter, you
should make sure that the
QBX environment knows
where you keep your libraries
and include files. Choose Set
Paths from the Options direc-
tory and write in the appropri-
ate settings; on most sys-
tems, they would be ciin-
clude;c:src for include files
and c:lib;c:src for library files.

The SRC directory is
where the PDS 7.1 installation
program puts all the graphics
example files and the toolbox
source. It also puts the font
files there; that way, if you run
a program such as the sam-
ple programs that come with
PDS 7.1, it assumes the fonts
are in the current directory.

PowerChart uses a general-
purpose function called
SearchPath, which takes a
path-style string as its input
and searches those directories
for the named file. It also looks
in the directory it started from,
if you're using DOS 3,0 or high-
er (a DOS 2 program has no
way OF knowing from which di-
rectory it executed, but starting
with version 3, that information
is available just after the envi-
ronment table).

PowerChart doesn't sup-
port all of BASIC 7's chart
types, but adding to it is sim-
ple. Look at the TRANSLATE
routine in translat.bas, and
you'll see instructions on how
to add chart types and exam-
ples of existing ones. That's
why the first line of test.pc
puts the word bar in quotes.

CHART 1 TYPE "BAR".

Make it a string variable in-
stead of a keyword, and you
can add to SELECT CASE
CHARTTYPE without adding
keywords to the language.
And later, you can even add
chart types that aren't support-
ed by the Presentation Graph-
ics Toolbox, without disturbing
the main parsing routines. Try
ttiat. Harvard Graphics! CI

Continuing our fifteen-year evolution
of the best-selling flight simulation
software, the voice of Air Traffic Control
now comes alive for SoundBlaster
users! Flight Assignment: ATP (Airline
Transport Pilot) lets all computer users
experience the wonders of flight. Watch
the ingenious autofllght mode fly a
Boeing 737, 747, 767, Airbus A-320 jet
airliner or Shorts 360 turboprop across a
scenery-filled united States. When
you're ready to earn your wings as an
Airline Transport Pilot, take the controls
and fly any of hundreds of predefined
flight assignments with onscreen text
(and optional spol<en) Air Traffic Contro
instructions and feedback. Or go explor
ing on your own in free flight mode.

HARDWARE CLINIC

Mark Minasi

SALT AND
BATTERY

How to solve

your laptop

batteiy's memory

problems

I love notebook computers!

That's my song. Hey, ['m on
the road all the time. Without
my notebook, I couldn't write
books, articles, course hand-
outs . . . heck, I'd be out of
business.

For example, I recently did
an Alaska-Ireland-England-Ita-
ly, series of lectures. With the
big Alaska flight coming up, I
charged up two laptop batter-
ies. I got about 45 minutes'
work out of the first battery —
less than I'd expected but not
the end of the world. I saved
my work, changed the battery,
and powered up, expecting an-
other 45 minutes or more. It
was just when I was typing in
a really great riff that the sec-
ond battery died, after
15 minutes . . . and no
warning.

Which reminds me of my oth-
er song or. perhaps better,
dirge:

I hate laptop batteries!

I've owned six PCs that
weighed less than eight
pounds each and ran on bat-
teries. And every one of them
has left a pain in the pit of my
stomach whenever I used it
with on-board juice rather
than AC power.

When the battery is new, all
is well with the world, and you
get almost two hours of work
out of a 386SX notebook. But
after six months, it's like playing
Russian roulette every time you
trust your work to batteries.
Your car has a gas gauge; why
can't a laptop tell you how
much zap's left in its battery?

To find out, I called up Phil
DeSantis. Phil is the marketing
and sales manager for the Bat-
tery Systems Division of HM
Electronics in San Diego,
Phil's been in the battery busi-
ness for 20 years, and I was
quite surprised by some of the
things that he toid me.

It's pretty much common
knowledge that the ni-cad bat-
teries that are in laptops have
a memory — a phenomenon
whereby they remember how
much they were charged up
and eventually lose all charge
capacity beyond the last
charge.

For example, if you always
recharge your battery when it
still has a half charge on it, it'll
eventually retain only the ca-
pacity to hold a half charge.
That means that you have to
be really religious about com-
pletely discharging your lap-
top before charging it again —
no topping off.

All right, now, how many of
you knew that or had heard
something like it before?
Hmmm . . . lots of hands
raised. I'd heard that, too.

"Baloney," says Phil. "The
'memory' problem was solved
years ago. You can charge
and recharge your laptop all
you like."

Hang on, you might be think-
ing; you can deny the memory
phenomenon all you like, but
it still happens. My old laptop
batteries just don't take as
much charge as they did
when they were new.

Phil explains that the prob-
lem with your laptop's battery
isn't memory; it's dendrites.
These are salt-like crystalline
formations that grow inside a
battery when you overcharge
it. When you try to charge a
full battery it gets hot, and the
dendrites form.

Similarly, when you charge
a battery that's empty or par-
tially empty but hot, the charg-
ing process is much less effi-
cient, and you get dendrite
growth to boot. Dendrites act
like an internal resistance in
your battery, reducing its effi-
ciency and its service time
when charged.

So the person who plugs a
laptop into the wall every
night and gives it an eight-
hour charge, when it only

needs an hour or two, is doing
the battery two hours of good
and six hours of harm — and
slowly growing a veritable den-
drite farm.

Worse yet, the heat can
cause other problems, such
as internal chemical changes
that cause short circuits right
inside the battery That kind of
bad news means shorter bat-
tery life and greater heat.

Once your battery has den-
drites, is it no good? No, it's re-
coverable. The battery can be
conditioned. The way that's
done is simple. Just discharge
it until each cell produces no
more than one volt — don't dis-
charge any further, for rea-
sons we'll take up in a few para-
graphs— and then recharge.
Do this discharge/recharge cy-
cle three times, and most of
the dendrites will be gone.

How Chorgers Work

Ordinarily, a charger pumps
power into a battery at about
the same rate that the battery
puts it out, though some go
down to Vp that rate. That
means a battery that can
drain itself in one hour in the
laptop should take no more
than an hour or two to re-
charge itself.

Once it's charged, a cer-
tain amount of the charge dis-
sipates, so a charger should
then shift down to a tiny Vzo-
Vbo of the previous charge
rate.

The problem with this is
that detecting when a battery
is fully charged is a complicat-
ed process. Once the battery
is full, a charger should de-
tect a slight reverse voltage.

That's not completely relia-
ble, however, as a slight pow-
er surge from the wall current
could look like a voltage rever-
sal. If the charger misses that
voltage shift, it could notice
that the battery is increasing
in temperature.

Chargers today aren't very
accurate in detecting when a

62 COti/IPUTE NOVEt^BER 1992

■■>SSifeLi3Ci'i:

We've just extended
x)urm

Now Falcon 3.0 takes you places you've never flown before.

Operation: Fighting Tiger'takes you on action-packed
missions in three new Asian campaigns. Fly your F-I6
to Korea, to the Pakistan/India border, to Japan and
the disputed Kurile Islands, where you can also fly

FALCON

fWHtruni'tijt^W'

FALCON aO

SimanMnHcki^

Operation: Fighting Tiger requires Faicon 3.0

For VIsa/MssterCard orders call 24 riours a day, 7 days a week: i'B00-695-GAUE (Orders On lyl
For technical questions ano availability call: i-5io-522-1l6a (M-F: 9am-Spm PSTI

OlHidlion: Figtiling Tigsr and Fa^on 3 0 ira Irademaika BPdd Sp«1ruin HOUByU^l I r«gill«r»d TtKl«mirk ct Sprtft. Inc

Circle Reader Service Nutnber 108

the advanced FSX, The incredible scope of Falcon 3 0
deUvers everything from Instant Action arcade excite-
ment to plotting your own Red Flag training missions
to engaging in a dramatically different campaign
every time you play. The flight models and terrain are
real. The radar and weapons are real. The enemies,
missions and campaigns nothing less than spine-
tingling. Joining forces with the most sophisticated
flight simulation of all time, Operation: Fighting Tiger
broadens your horizons as never before. And makes
the wild blue yonder a whole lot wilder.

Spectrum HokByte®

A Divisior^ of Sphere, Inc. 2061 Challenger Drive, Alameda, CA 94501

HARDWARE CLINIC

Mark Minasi

battery is full, and when they do detect
it, they don't drop to Vao or Vso of the
normal current — they only drop to Vio.
The result is a warming battery, with all
the attendant problems.

Handling Your Battery

I had problems with the first battery
that my notebook came with, problems
that looked like memory problems. So
I figured that the right thing to do was
to completely discharge the battery.

Unfortunately, my laptop refused to
run at all when the battery was low, so
I never had a chance to completely dis-
charge the battery. I had a brainstorm,
however. As the battery pack is just
four D-cell ni-cads, I just got a flash-
light that took four D-cells and ran the
flashlight until the light went out.

Rather pleased with myself, I did
this through a few charge/discharge cy-
cles, and then the batteries refused to
charge at all.

"You did the exact wrong thing,"

Phil told me. (Now he tells me!} Ni-
cads should never be discharged be-
low one volt per cell. If you do that,
they move into an unstable state and
can reverse polarity.

Then when you try to recharge them,
it's as if you put the batteries into the lap-
top backward before you started up the
charge cycle, an activity that can be dan-
gerous. In my case, my laptop heated
up to over 130 degrees before giving up
the ghost. Now that I have new batter-
ies, it runs cool again.

And when you get a new battery,
give it a good charge — don't worry
about overcharging it the first time. The
reason is something called stand loss-
Here's how it works.

A battery discharges all by itself
about 1 percent per day. Now sup-
pose you have a laptop battery com-
posed of four cells. This battery gets
shipped over from Japan, sits in the
warehouse, and sees a month or two
of inactivity before you use it.

The problem is that each of the four
cells discharges at a different rate, so
the four of them may be in very differ-
ent places in their discharge cycles.
Remember the possible polarity rever-
sal if the voltage drops below a volt? If
you've got a cell that's at about one
volt and turn on the laptop, you'll dis-
charge all the cells, but the one that's
on the fence may just flip.

This could leave you with a battery
composed of three cells that agree on
polarity and one that fights the others,
with the resulting hot battery and short
charge life.

One way to keep that from happen-
ing is to let your battery charge for 24
hours the first day that you get it.
There will be some overcharge, but the
effects of that are far outweighed by
the benefits of ensuring that all the
cells in your battery are in step.

Once you start using your laptop reg-
ularly, how should you handle the charg-
ing? First of all, try to get an idea of the

ACTION SPORTS SOCCER

MICROLEAGUE BASEBALL4.

mf^^ff

Arcade-style action! European critics roved, and you will,
loo. Test your coordination — and your managerial skills —
as you play for the £uropean<hampionships. More than
1 70 actua clubs are included. VGA and EGA. Arcade,
management and full simulation modes. Real life oction:
corner kicks, Free kicks, trick shots. Much more! It's the best
gome yet for the soccer buff — ond a perfect way for the
novice lo learn the game.

The newest and the .

your choice: manage 54

(earns, past and present. With multimedia, digitized sound,
256<o or, 3-D VGA Graphics. You control the players and
all the action. More stats than ever! Plus: programmable
computer manager, detailed Stodium Graphics. You con
set up your schedule. .."Quickploy" a season in minutes.
Print out complete post-gome summaries. ..much more!
GM/Owner Disk available (separote purchase).

FOR MEW EXCITEAAEMT, Tl

ratio of charging time to running time.

Do an experiment to find out the long-
est running time for the battery. Then
charge the battery for that amount of
time, and see how long a run you get
from that charge.

With a little experimentation, you can
determine the running/charging time ra-
tio that your system uses. Suppose you
find that to get an hour's use from the
battery, you must charge for IV?
Incurs. Then you should only recharge
for the amount of time equal to how
long you last used the computer while
on batteries, multiplied by V/2.

Battery Gas Gauge

But what about my initial question?
Why doesn't my laptop give me a warn-
ing sometime before it dies?

"Easy," says Phil. "Ni-cads have a
funny discharge pattern, They give you
just about full voltage, with very little de-
crease, until they quit." There's no
straightforward way to know when

your battery is about to die.

The computers that give you a per-
centage-depleted number are merely
guessing, based on how long the bat-
tery's been running and when you last
toid the computer that you'd charged
the battery. They assume the battery
discharges at a pretty steady rate — a
fairly heroic assumption.

What all this boils down to is that
you can't trust the full- and low-power
indicators on many laptops.

HM Electronics, however, sells a
neat little doodad that solves many bat-
tery problems. This battery analyzer/
charger unit does three things.

First, it charges your battery safely,
as it knows when to stop charging.
Once the battery has reached peak volt-
age, the charger continues to provide
current, but only at a small fraction of
the normal charging rate, so as not to
heat up the battery and form dendrites.

Second, it discharges the battery,
which (1) discharges the battery safe-

ly, not allowing it to drop below one
volt, and (2) monitors the discharge
process, reporting exactly how much
charge it held. You can use this to
measure your battery's capacity, as
you can charge and then discharge
the battery to determine exactly how
much juice it can hold.

Finally, it performs a conditioning
function whereby it does three charge/
discharge cycies, dedendriting your
battery.

Currently, HM has units for only the
Grid and Dataworld portables. I use
one for my Dataworld portable, and I
must admit that I love it. It has taken
the mystery out of my battery capaci-
ty. It's as if I drove a car for years with-
out a gas gauge, and all of a sudden
someone installed one — I don't know
how I lived without it.

The unit I bought cost $200, but
Phil says that there should be a gener-
ic unit out for about $160 by the time
you read this. □

MICROLEAGUE F00TBALL2 />^^^uF

■■W=1i»m?»:>1-lJ"=»*—=*oia^4S£g

80. ,

Coach your own team, using real NFL players. 28 current
teams, plus all-time greats! As close as you con gef to (he
real thing: all the stats, real action, real strotegy. 3D VGA
Graphics. Digitized Video ond Sound. Quickplay Option
for a game or an entire season Jwith playoffs!). You can
urogram different coaching profiles. Print out post-game
30X scores and summaries. Input new state. And more!
Free GM/Owner disk. See box at right.

$10 COUPON

on any auxiliary MicroLeague
product purchase v/hen you
buy ony MicroLeague game at
...most ma[or
Software Retailers.

Send proof of purchase to MicroLeogue.
We'll send you your $10 coupon.

COMING

SOON:

EXCITING NEW

GAMES

FROM

MICROLEAGUE

ONicially Ucensed by (he National Olfidally Licensed by the Major

Football League Players Association. League Baseball Players Association.

"~ circle Header Service Numlwr 142

220t Drummond Plaza, Newark, DE 1 971 1 (302) 368-9990

IREE WITH MICROiEAGUE F00TBALL2

FREE GM/Owner disk ($29,95 value). Input stats, make
trades between teams, even between eras. Wheel and deal.
Season disks avaibble, too. (Separate purchase.) Coming
soon: Auxiliary Disk to convert pro game into college
gome...f

55iLiniii«iiii=i»k=;»iigai[5»Bi»:»n

HE NAME OF THE GAME

ON DISK

Tony Roberts

If you lave

Windows Solitaire,

Advertisements

in the

INCOME

OPPORTUNITIES

MART
reach 350,000+

readers

each and every

month.

For Advertising Rates

contact:

Lucille Dennis

707/451-8209

or your Regional Sales Rep.

Space Closing:
15th of Srd mo. before issue date

Material Due:
21st of 3rd mo. before issue date

Personalized
Children's Books

Make Money with Your Computer • Print Books at Home or on Location in Just
2 Minutes ■ Customize Invitations, Stationery and Announcements •
I'ersonalized Audio Cassettes and Holiday Letters Available ■ Superb Quality

Dealerships $995<» Lifetime License

Best Personailized Books^

475 Best Personalized Plaza
4350 Sigma Dr., Dallas, TX 75244

For Information KU Call:

(214) 385-3800

Circle Reader Service Number ZGQ

Earn $4,000 Per Month

From Your Home

With A Computer!

Quit spending money on your
computer and let it earn money
for you. This is a proven turnkey
business an individual or couple
can run. If you purchase our soft-
ware and business program, we
will give you the computer and
printer. If you already own a com-
puter, you may receive a discount.
FREE CBSI 486 SX Computer Begin part-time and still retain

the security of your present position. We will provide free, home

office training. Financing available.

Find out how other couples, and individuals like yourself,

are building a lifetime income!

To receive free cassettes and color literature, call toll-free:

1-800-343-8014, ext. 303

(in Indiana: 317-758-4415) Or Write:

Computer Business Services, Inc., CBSI Plaza, Ste. 303,

Sheridan, Indiana 46069

Income Opportunities Mart

SECUREX .

OF AMERICA ttW^.ffx

This extraordinary program provides a sense of

""security" by providing a complete identification

of a child should an emergency occur.

• A Business You Can Be Proud Of

• Full or Part Time

• Continued Deoler Support

• Turnkey Package - Computer, printer, software, ID system
supplies and training just $4995.00

CALL TODAY for FREE INFORMATION

2i4-246-VlOO

3216 Commander Dr.

Suite 101

Department 27

CarrolllonJX 75006

A N'A L Y S I S

Mw You Ever Womlereti How Your Signature

Describes YourPersonai Oiiaracter?

miiions Of Ottiers Have Aisol

With our system, you can print out a complete handwriting
analysis according to the rules of graphology'.

Join a business you can run
from your home or on location.

Turn-key package including: computer, printer, scanner,
software, training and marketing manuals.

Just $4,995.00!

■■-:■ -"" r .. Miniiis:

TI-!!!?

(■■-e*i

5 16 1935

inn-issi IntK Ibu

i-lTr

40* WMt ItorAr-Jiu
irvini. Tcxte T&060

Pf-^k:^

1 BLiMc' l-in

1 0*

A N'A L Y S I S

3216 COMMA>iDER DR[VE • SUITE 101 < DEFT 17
CARR0LLT0N,TEXA5 75006

214-248-9100

PERSONALIZED CHILDREN'S BOOKS

'^^

^io^y H004

Join the fastest growing personalized
children's book company in the industry.

• Earn high profits at home or an location with your
IBM compatible computer

• Professional illustrations with hard back covers.

• Personalized on each page.

• A gift of reading that lasts a lifetime.

• A complete book, ready in only 4-5 minutes.

• Unmatched dealer support.

• Lowest cost for dealerships available.

For a FREE information packet please call:

UOO'SU'SltO

or write

All My Story Books, Inc.

7134-A #227 Campbell Road

Dallas, Texas 75248

PERSOniAUZED
CHILDREN'S BOOKS

'Ven4^ '^if/i Pi^

• With our process and a computer you can instantly produce the highest
quality personalized children's books and stationary on the market
today.

• All books are hardbound v;ilh full color illustrations and laser quality
printing. Ideally suited for home based business, malls, department
stores, fairs or mail order.

• Very simple to operate and highly profitable.

• Only a limited number of dealerships available.

For a (omplele information packet tall today.

114) 24S-910ff*

S D&K ENTiRPRiSES, INC. • 3216 COMMANDER DRIVE
SUITE 101 • DEPT 27 • CARROLITON, TEXAS 75006

^l^g|^^g?H;^.:;g^^

PALMTOP
STRATEGIES

B\ Rosrilnid Resnkk

Tools to make

lives easier and work more

efficient or just

executive toys? If you think

palmtops are too

small to do useful work,

read on.

Painting /ry Tim Tecbkcn

Reed Barker, an agricultural
researcher for the U.S.
Department of Agriculture
who works in Corvallis,
Oregon, has what some people might
consider the world's most boring job.

It used to be much worse— before
he bought a palmtop computer.

That's because, as a geneticist,
Barker spends much of his time study-
ing plants to gauge the effects of vari-
ous pesticides. Before he bought his
hand-held HP 95LX, this often meant
spending four hours at a stretch exam-
ining some 4000 plants while his assis-
tant took notes. The handwritten jot-
tings then had to be typed into the
desktop computer back at his office,
another four-hour chore.

Now that Barker's got a palmtop,
his assistant merely enters the numeri-
cal ratings into a palmtop-size Lotus
1-2-3 spreadsheet and "dumps" the
data into his Macintosh without any
retyping, From there, the data can be
manipufated quickly and easily.

"I can't do without it," Barker says.

Barker is not alone. These days,
everyone from doctors and teachers to
airplane pilots and major league pitch-
ers are using palmtop computers to
manage their business and profes-
sional activities. Nearly 400,000 palm-
tops were shipped worldwide in 1990,
mostly in Japan, according to Data-
quest, the market research firm. By
1994, palmtop sales are expected to
top 5.2 million units.

A Computer for Every Pocket

Unlike larger portables such as lap-
tops and notebooks, a palmtop typi-
cally weighs in at a pound or less, runs
on AA batteries that last for weeks,
and can be purchased for as little as a
few hundred dollars. Many business
users, such as sales managers and
real-estate brokers, use palmtops to
gather data in the field for later trans-
mission to desktops; a few palmtop
enthusiasts have junked their desktop
computers altogether, making palm-
tops their main machines.

Nanci Williams, for one. Williams,
who runs a home-based public rela-
tions firm in San Jose, California,
needed a computer to take with her as
she traveled to clients' offices through-
out the Bay Area. Scrapping the idea
of buying a laptop after finding out
how heavy they were to lug around,
Williams opted for a palmtop. Four
years ago, she bought a Poqet PC.

"The Poqet literally just slipped into
my briefcase," Williams says.

About a year ago, Williams got
divorced. Her husband got the cou-
ple's desktop computer; Williams got
the palmtop and the printer. Replacing

84 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

the desktop, she says, is not a priority.
With her Poqet, she can take notes,
write press releases, track billings,
store contact names and addresses,
even keep her calendar.

The only problem, she says, is con-
vincing skeptical clients to accept it.

"Nobody believes that this thing I
carry around with me is actually a
computer," Williams says. "They tell
me, 'I want you to do my job on a real
computer.'"

Not a Toy

Kyle Shannon, a graphic artist and
aspiring screenwriter who lives in New
York and uses a Poqet to jot down
notes for his scripts, says "It looks like
a toy. People don't realize that some-
thing this small could be this powerful."

Clearly, palmtop computers have
come a long way. Ten years ago,
Hewlett-Packard— the maker of the HP
95LX — introduced one of the first
hand-held computers, the HP 75C.
Weighing in at 26 ounces and pow-
ered by a rechargeable ni-cad battery
that could operate for only 30 hours, it
featured a 32-character display; a pro-
prietary operating system; and 16K
RAM. The price; nearly $1 ,000.

Today's palmtops are full-featured
DOS-compatible computers that, with
the exception of Poqet's top-of-the-line
PoqetCom (formerly called the Poqet
Communicating Computer), cost far
less. The HP 95LX, for example, offers
built-in software such as the popular
Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet program, an
appointment book with alarms, a world
time clock, a phone book, a memo
editor, data-communications software,
a file manager, and an advanced
financial calculator that operates in
either algebraic or reverse Polish nota-
tion. One-key access allows users to
launch applications instantly and move
among them without losing their place.

Getting in Touth

Like larger portables, palmtops are
gaining the ability to communicate with
computers in remote locations,
enabling business and professional
users to scan E-mail, send faxes, and
search online databases. The Poqet-
Com, which retails for $4,995, includes
communications software, a 9600-
baud fax/modem, and serial and par-
allel ports. For wireless communica-
tions via the ARDIS network (a radio
network analogous to cellular tele-
phone technology), the PoqetCom
even has a built-in radio. A WorldPort
2400 Modem with a serial adapter or
cable is available for $250 to $260 for
other Poqet models.

More and more palmtop software is
becoming available, too. Besides the

Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet program that
comes bundled with the machine, the
HP 95LX offers customized applica-
tions for doctors, pilots, sales reps,
and other business and professional
users. The FX-7 Flight Pak from
Paragon Technologies, for example,
provides pilots with a comprehensive
set of flight-planning tools. CM
Software's Pocket Salesforce is a con-
tact management program that allows
users to enter company records, sales
leads, and other marketing information
into a portable database. And
Computer Books' Patient Management
software lets physicians keep track of
their patients' medical histories, med-
ications, and lab results.

For the Atari Portfolio, another
palmtop. Pulse Metric's Dynapulse
program offers a computerized blood-
pressure and pulse-rate measuring
system. Features include systolic,
diastolic, mean artehal pressure, and
pulse rate measurements with clinical-
graded accuracy. Essex Marketing
Services offers UTIL, an interactive
FORTH programming system de-
signed to run on the Portfolio.

But today's palmtop market is not
limited to DOS compatibles alone.
There's also a thriving market for
hand-held electronic organizers, such
as Sharp's Wizard. LINK Resources, a
New York-based consulting firm, esti-
mates that 13,4 percent of U.S. house-
holds own an electronic organizer and
that the number is expected to rise.

Calendar Computer

Though electronic organizers can't run
PC software, they do provide basic
personal information tools such as an
appointment book, phone book,
notepad, and calculator. Many also
offer add-in software available on pro-
prietary integrated circuit cards.
Communications links are available,
too. Sharp recently unveiled its 02-
8B02 Organizer Fax/Modem, a 4800-
baud pocket fax/300-baud modem
that gives the Wizard standard termi-
nal and send-only fax capabilities. This
means that Wizard users can now
send and receive messages through
virtually all E-mail systems, including
AT&T Easy Link, U.S. Sprint SprintMail,
MCI Mail, CompuServe, and GEnie.

The uses people have found for
their Wizard organizers are as varied
as the people who buy them. Relief
pitcher Rob Murphy of the Seattle
Mariners has compiled a pocket data-
base of hitters in the American
League. Each batter's name is stored
alphabetically along with the hitter's
style and other notes. To track his
effectiveness, Murphy also records the
pitches that he throws, the first and

PUN'M4K/NG SOFTHURE: ^

Abracadata

the source of plan-making soHware

DESIGN YOUR OWN HOME

■■■■■•" 1

— m-

1-^— ^

■Ml

Wi^-

GRAPHIC
VEGETABLE
GARDEN DESIGN

ARCHITECTUHE

Everything you need to draw architectural plans, from floor plans to
structural details, is now available at the clicfi of your computer mouse.
This object oriented program features auto dimensions, pre-drawn objects,
plan layering, and printer support.

SPROUT! is a complete

planning tool for vegetable

gardeners. Its unique planting

lool produces a graphic,

scalable garden plan with

correct plant and row spacing.

In addition, SPflOi/r/ contains

a fully editable database of vegetables for 7 climate regions: and it

prints out garden layouts, calendars, shopping lists, and reports.

INTERIORS LANDSCAPE

Draw room plans, arrange furniture Create complete landscape plans,
and explore color schemes. Great age plants to determine correct
for kitchen and bath design! placement, and prepare shopping

list for your trip to the nursery.

Mac Zone Price Per Program ^58 ""

PC Zone Price Per Program ^34 ""

01,

iMtffllH

□
□

Q
D

□ ■•
[)

Mac Zone Price

5085 S4200

PC Zone Price

10794 $3600

EVERYBODTS PLANNER' DESIGN YOUR Om RAILROAD'

". . . our low-priced
favorite"

Eric W. Skopec and
Laree Kiely. Taking
Charge: Time
Management Far
Personal And
Professional
Productivity (^99^
Addison-Wesley
Ptjblishing Co., Inc.).

Everybody's Planner

is an affordable and
easy-to-use project
manager which
contains two complete programs. SCHEDULES creates
critical-path-based P.E.R.T. charts and calendars, providing
7 text reports and 2 graph (Gantt) reports. FLOWCHARTS
uses 19 rotatable shapes in 9 sizes, vertical and horizontal
labeling, and color to depict flow.

PC Zone Price 11412. $48^0

--"" •■•■■■..4 \" . IKJ. "•■--. -— •?.

■» i».,-«^ ££_...'... It -W "^^

^■'"i-i" " >-tIii~ m^ t^i mr '-^.^ -'• „Jn«n»ta» ■•"

^Mu,.,,, „ „i,^, _iM n/ r ^-k::: — " ' —

■i,ij».ij»gs«»ft '^ j'5 *!»»»■• HB*.^ ■' ^ '>Ti

.a^uu,-

Design precision, to-scale, (HO, N, Z, 0, S, G) layouts and run
realistic railroad simulations.

*PCZone Price 9944 $3800

* Maciniosti version coming soon

800-248-0800

For FREE Color Catalog or information on Apple II programs:
Call: 800-451-4871 or FAX: 503-683-1925

CODE» S113S Circle Reader Service Number 140

800-258-2088

last pitch of each at bat, and the
result. Likewise, Fordliam University
rowing coacli Ted Bonanno of Bronx,
New York, uses the Wizard to track the
performance of his oarsmen.

And Robert Dunn, a Mountain View,
California, writer of children's books,
uses the Wizard to collect his thoughts
and ideas, boosting his productivity.

"While I keep daily working hours, a
writer is writing and thinking all of the
time," Dunn says. "What truly amazes
me is how much time I spend each
day waiting for someone or something
beyond my control. I've composed
many of my best four-line rhymes while
waiting in doctors' offices, post offices,
airports, and even traffic jams."

In addition to the Wizard, Sharp
also markets the PC-3000, featuring a
CGA 640 X 200 pixel LCD screen, a
10-MHz 80C88A processor, 1MB of
RAM. and 1MB of ROM. It can be con-
nected to a 3v?-inch disk drive, but its
principal storage is on memory cards.

Zenith Data Systems recently intro-
duced two pocket organizers, the
ZDS-106 and the ZDS-112. The 64K
ZDS-106 and the 128K ZDS 112 fea-
ture equipment and software for trans-
ferring files to a PC. And Casio has long
manufactured its B.O.S.S. organizer.

Limited Resources

Despite the many advantages of palm-
tops, however, users say that they still
have a long way to go. One drawback
is the tiny keyboard and display
screen, which can make word pro-
cessing a challenge. Another problem
is the relative shortage of memory,
which can hamper storage of lengthy
text files and software programs. The
Atari Portfolio, for example, comes with
only 256K of ROM and 128K of RAM,
which can be expanded to 640K,
That's far less than the amount of
memory that comes with most PC
compatibles on the market these days.

Buying additional memory can get
expensive fast. A 512K SRAM PC
Storage Card for the Poqet. for exam-
ple, retails for $295. while a 2MB card
costs $1,095. That's why Shannon, the
aspiring screenwriter, says he pur-
chased an 3v.5-inch DOS-compatible
external floppy dhve (list price, S495)
for transferring data.

Another problem is the relatively
slim selection of compatible software.
Palmtops are too small to run conven-
tional 5v4-inch and 3V2-inch floppy
disks and require software applica-
tions burned into tiny ROM cards.
Even using the external floppy drive
mentioned above, users would have
trouble using most DOS applications
on a palmtop primarily because of its
small screen size. Another problem is
86 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

that some palmtops automatically shut
down the microprocessor between
keystrokes to prolong battery life. This
can cause some conventional pro-
grams to terminate or make mistakes.
Lucy Honig, a Hewlett-Packard
spokesperson, says that software
loaded into the HP 95LX must be XT
compatible and warns that some
graphics displays won't show up. That
still leaves a fairly large selection of
software. "About 85 percent of the off-
the-shelf software will run with no
problem on the Poqet," says Matt
Schmist, a Poqet spokesperson.

Barker, the agricultural researcher,
notes that his HP 95LX runs only Lotus
1-2-3 and not the Microsoft Excel
spreadsheet program he uses on his
desktop Macintosh. This has forced
him to master both software programs.
Shannon, for his part, says he's cur-

rently beta-testing an interactive
scriptwriting program for a software
company that he hopes will one day
come out with a version fof the Poqet.
Ironically, the biggest problem with
palmtops may be their small size.
Unlike a laptop computer, palmtops
are as easy to leave on a customer's
desk as a pair of sunglasses. Lose
your palmtop, users say, and you
v/ave goodbye to hundreds or even
thousands of dollars' worth of valuable
customer contacts and data.

"My biggest fear is that I'm going to
leave mine somewhere someday,"
says Williams, the home-based mar-
keting consultant. "I'm surprised 1
haven't done that already."

Even so, say the palmtop enthusiasts,
once you've experienced the freedom
of truly portable computing, there's no
going back to the desktop grind. □

PRODUCT BOX

Atari Portfolio— $299.95

Poqet PC Classic— $1,095.00

Atari

PoqetCom— S4.995.00

1196 BorregasAve.

Fujitsu Personal Systems

Sunnyvale, CA 94089

P.O. Box 58000

(408) 745-2000

Santa Clara, CA 95052-8000

Weighs about 16 ounces

(408) 982-9500

Three AA batteries last six to eight

Weighs about 19 ounces

weeks.

Two AA batteries last three to five

System commands are MS-DOS 2. 1 1

weeks.

compatible.

MS-DOS 3.3

256K ROM containing applications

640K ROM containing applications

software

128K RAM expandable to 640K

612KRAM

QWERTY keyboard with embedded

numeric keypad

HP 95LX— $699.00

Wizard OZ-8200— $399.99

Hewlett-Packard

Wizard OZ-8600— $499.99

Corvallis Division

Sharp Electronics

1000 NE Circle Blvd.

Sharp Plaza

Corvallis, OR 97330

Mahwah, NJ 07430

(800)443-1254

(800) 321-8877

Weighs 11 ounces

Weighs about 10 ounces

Two AA batteries last up to two months

Four lithium button batteries last four to

in normal use.

six months.

MS-DOS ROM 3.22

Proprietary operating system

1t\/lB ROM containing applications

256K ROM

software

128K RAM {OZ-8200)

51 2K RAM {HP 95LX with 1 MB RAM

256K RAM {OZ-8800)

available for S799.00)

QWERTY keyboard with embedded

QWERTY keyboard with separate

numeric keypad

ZDS- 106-$1 99.99

PC-3000— S999.99

ZDS-112— $299.99

Sharp Electronics

Zenith Data Systems

Sharp Plaza

2150 E.Lake Cook Rd.

Mahwati, NJ 07430

Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

(800) 237-4277

(800) 227-3360

Weighs about 20 ounces

Weighs about 16 ounces

Ttiree AA batteries last 15-32 hours.

Two AAA batteries last about two

MS-DOS 3.3

v/eeks.

1MB ROM

Proprietary operating system

1MB RAM

100K ROM

QWERTY keyboard witfi embedded

64K RAM (2DS-106)

numeric keypad

128K RAM (ZDS-112)

QWERTY keyboard with embedded

numeric keypad

Dive down an island canyon as blasts buffet your bi-
plane and you head toward your landing strip -a speeding
train! Trade your stunt pilot's stick for a megaphone and
direct the action from the ground, a
moving vehicle, even the air. Edit the
explosive footage you've fiimed with
the thunder of sound effects, music
and voice-over' in the post-produaion
studio.

Do it all.
Fly. Film. Edit. Orjust watch it all un-
fold. It's up to you.

Stunt Island is a flying and film-
; paradise. With more than 45
lically-corred aircraft, 50 diverse
shot locations, 1,000 pre-built props
and eight cameras at your disposal. All made graphically
real through advanced Gouraud shading in 2;6-color VGA.
I at your command.

making |
dynamic

Alh

Iv A ' R

STIM ISLAND

The stunt flying and
filming simulation

TO ORDER: 'Visit your

software retailer or call

1-800-688-1520.

Circle Reader Service Numlwr 160

Puhlished by Walt Disney Computer Software, Ina

;oo S. Buena Vista St . Burbank. tA 9i^i-6j8;

For IBM and 100?, compatibles

Actual VGA scretn shots

'Sound blaster card and miciophDiie ttquired.

©DISNEY

flLk'

ARTWORKS

Robert Bixby

It's eood news

for desktop publishers:

CorelDRAW!

and Ami Pro tiotti

lum three.

TWO IMPORTANT

DESKTOP

ADVANCES

The pace of advance in com-
puter software quickens all the
time. Once you could count
on a piece of software's remain-
ing current for 18 months to
two years with minor updates
to add a feature, clean up a
bug, and so forth. But lately,
less than a year goes by be-
tween major upgrades of
some software. You can thank
the intense competition for mar-
ket share, the advances in pro-
gramming and hardware that
make more features possible,
and the conventional wisdom
that anything new is better
than anything old.

Two new products are now
out for desktop publishing —
Ami Pro 3.0 and CorelDRAW!
3.0. Since I've had the privi-
lege of working with the betas
and writing about each of
these products, I'd like to intro-
duce some of their most impor-
tant improvements to you.

Ami Pro has added a slew
of new macros, a grammar
checker, drag-and-drop edit-

ing, newly designed icons,
and dozens of smaller conven-
ience features. For example,
the Smartlcon option is much
more iogical than in the previ-
ous version and even includes
a tiny paint program so you
can edit your icons and create
new ones.

You can view files without
opening them, making it easi-
er to locate the specific file
you want to work on.

The Ami Pro File menu will
show the last four files ac-
cessed so you can load them
instantly by clicking on their
names in the File menu. It now
prints envelopes with a spe-
cial menu option.

A Clean Screen option elim-
inates all the distracting little
Windows doodads like menu
bars and scroll bars, allowing
you to work with Ami Pro more
as you would work with a tra-
ditional DOS word processor
while retaining the advantag-
es of WYSIWYG. Don't worry,
though, the menus are an Alt-
key combination away. Most
touch-typists hate accessing
menus via the mouse, any-
way. If you want to retain
some part of the Windows dis-
play during Clean Screen, Lo-
tus has allowed for that, too.

The right mouse button has
been provided with new pow-
ers. Right-clicking on a para-
graph will call up the Modify
Style dialog box, and right-
clicking on a frame will call up
the Modify Frame dialog box.
Ami Pro 3.0 is full of little im-
provements that make writing
even more effortless while mak-
ing Ami Pro even more power-
ful than last year's winner of
the COMPUTE Choice award
for best word-processing pro-
gram: Ami Pro 2.0.

CorelDRAW! is the graphics
success story of the Windows
age. CorelDRAW! 2,0 was a sig-
nificant advance over 1.2
about a year ago. But Co-
relDRAW! 3.0 is literally m a
league by itself. It's one of the

best drawing programs availa-
ble, with better text handling
than before and a more stan-
dard drawing interface (no
more side-by-side wireframe
and preview — now there's only
one window, in which you can
elect to see wireframe or pre-
view). Extrude has taken a quan-
tum leap, allowing you to
shade all sides of an extruded
object and allowing for a posi-
tionable light source. The ex-
truded object can be rotated in
three dimensions. But there's
even bigger news.

First. WFNBOSS is history.
CorelDRAW! now works with
TrueType fonts, eliminating
the need for font conversion.

CorelPHOTO-PAINT! is a
powerful paint program capa-
ble of performing darkroom-
like magic on scanned gray-
scale or color photographs. It
includes image-editing fea-
tures like contrast, edge sharp-
ening, and posterizing. You
can fill shapes with gradients
and patterns, or clone images
from one location to another.

If you're considering one of
the powerful graphing and
charting programs for busi-
ness use, consider Co-
relDRAW!. It now comes with
CorelCHART! to generate bar,
pie, and area charts; histo-
grams; scattergrams; and
many other kinds of charts,
including several kinds of shad-
ed 3-D graphs.

Once you have your charts
created, you might want to put
them into a presentation. If so,
Corel has provided Co-
relSHOWl, an extremely sim-
ple presentation program that
makes displaying your charts
and CorelDRAW! drawings a
snap. It's the easiest presen-
tation package I've seen yet.
And not only will it show draw-
ings from its sister applica-
tions, but it has a special but-
ton that allows you to import
documents, graphics, anima-
tion, or sounds from other Win-
dows applications. O

88 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Keep your friends up-to-date on the
latest news, technologies, hardware,
software and lots, lots more in the
world of home office computing.
Give them a holiday gift subscription
toCOIVlPUTE!

10^

Each 12 issue gift subscription you give is
only S9.9/^ That's a savings of S25.43 (71%)
off the newsstand price

To include the COMPUTE Disk with a
subscription, add an additional S30 per
subscription.

Use the coupon below to send us your
gift list. As soon as we receive it we'll send
you attractive gift cards you may use to
announce your generous gifts to your friends.

Every month COMPUTE is published in
four different editions, eacti with a special
section devoted to a specific computer
type . .. IBfVl & Compatibles. Amiga,
Commodore 64/128 and ttie multi edition
which includes all three special sections.
You choose the edition that will be best for
your friends.

Take your friends beyond the pages of the
magazine! Give them tfie COfWPUTE Disk,
a bi-monthly hands on companion to
COtviPUTE Magazine ... and a valuable
addition to your gift!

D YES, send a one year (12 issues)
subscription to COMPUTE to my frier
as listed below.

as listed below.

Ssnilto:
Name —
Address _

1 i:3^uc:>j

my friends

City state Zip —

Cheek msoaiine edition:

D IBM/IBM Compaiioie D Amiga

D Commotlore 64/128 D Multi Edition

D Also, send the companion disk along with Itie suOscription

Send to:

Name

— Ffdm (You must fill out this pDrtian):

^3)

Name

Address-
City

Address -
City

.State.

-Zip-

State Zip-

D Payment enclosed D Bill me
Charge DVISA Gl^^asterCard

Account # . Exp. Date

Checl( magazine edition:

D IBM/IBM Compatible D Amiga

n Com modore 64/128 D M ulti Ed ition

D Also, send ttie companion disk along witti the subscription

Please allow 6-6 weeks (or delivery ot first issue, flegiular subscription price is S19.94 lor 12 issyes. Canadian
orders send S21.37 (maoazineonly) orSS3i47 [magasne & diskj per subschption. This includes GST All other
foreign orders send StSLsV (magazine 09ly ) or S49.97 (magazine & disk). Payment acceptable in US, funds only

Signature _

YBGR2

; Mail to: COMPUTE P.O. Box 3244 Harlan Iowa 51593 i

PATHWAYS

Steven Anzovin

Author Isaac

Asitnov maintained

his distance

from computers, but

Knowledge

Adventure was able to

put bis talents

to use In Science

Adventure.

ASIMOVONDISK

I met the late Isaac Asimov
more than 20 years ago,
when he came to give a talk at
a local college on "The Future
of the Earth." Most of the au-
dience, including me, came to
hear him because he was a fa-
mous SF writer. His film, the
cult classic Fantastic Voyage,
had been released only a
year or so before, but he was
already one of the most prolif-
ic and popular nonfiction au-
thors of all time, with more
than 100 books to his credit.
(His life total was just under

500 volumes, on nearly every
subject imaginable, from the Bi-
ble to biochemistry to dirty lim-
ericks.) Asimov, sporting the
muttonchop whiskers that be-
came his trademark, was witty
and ebullient, though he
didn't have anything particular-
ly hopeful to say about the
fate of the world. No small talk
for Asimov: "If our technical civ-
ilization destroys itself, as is
not unlikely," he remarked
heartily to me, "the survivors
will not be able to rebuild it, be-
cause most of the metal ores
will already have been mined
from the earth." Still, I came
away with the idea that if Asi-

90 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

mov thought it was worthwhile
to keep on writing, there must
be reason to hope.

His death last April at the
age of 72 reminded me that
Isaac Asimov, by the sheer
weight and quality of his out-
put, did more than anyone
else to raise the level of sci-
ence awareness in this coun-
try. Carl Sagan called him "a
natural resource, a Renais-
sance man born out of his
time— thank God." And I'll wa-
ger that most of today's com-
puter developers were in-
spired to think about thinking
machines by his famous robot

stories. After all, it's

Asimov's robots, with
their deceptively sim-
ple rules of moral con-
duct, that today's
roboticists dream of
building. In fact, Jo-
seph Engelberger,
who with George
Devol was the first
commercial develop-
er of robots in the
U.S., was inspired to
enter the field by read-
ing Asimov's /, Robot.
Oddly enough, Asi-
mov never wrote a
book about comput-
ers. In fact, this com-
pulsive writer appar-
ently didn't have
much use for comput-
ers at all. By his own account,
Asimov drafted all his tens of
millions of words not on a
word processor but on a type-
writer. Asimov knew exactly
what he wanted to say, and he
said it right the first time.

Interestingly, in his 1953 nov-
el. Second Foundation. Asi-
mov does describe a distinct-
ly Mac-like portable word proc-
essor owned by the book's
teenage heroine, Arkady
Darell. who lives in the far fu-
ture. She's thrilled because
her father has bought her a
model that prints in a flowery
violet-inked script that's per-
fect for her galactic-history

term paper. Even more excit-
ing, she doesn't need to type
any longer, because this new
model understands and accu-
rately transcribes human
speech. Asimov appears to
have been the first to predict
that practical speech recogni-
tion would require another
50,000 years of development.

While Asimov didn't write
much about computers, short-
ly before his death he did
lend his efforts to an education-
al software program about the
history of science called Sci-
ence Adventure {published by
Knowledge Adventure, 4502
Dyer Street, La Crescenta, Cal-
ifornia 91214; 818-542-4200;
$79.95). Science Adventure,
like its popular sibling Knowl-
edge Adventure, is an interac-
tive multimedia reference tool
and game that encourages
curious students to wander
through a body of knowledge
by pointing and clicking. The
program looks handsome,
with a clever and responsive
interface, many striking 256-
color VGA pictures, and some
cool digitized sounds, but its
biggest asset is the onscreen
text, adapted from the 1989
book Asimov's Chronology of
Science and Discovery.

A couple of the good things
about Asimov's science writ-
ing is that he doesn't offer per-
fectly neutral informational
prose and that he doesn't suf-
fer fools, even brilliant fools,
gladly. In the entry for Darwin,
for example, he lets us know
that Darwin was "naive" for
believing his work on the oh-
gin of species was so self-evi-
dent that everyone would
agree with him. And he notes
that the seventeenth-century
battle royal between Isaac
Newton and Wilhelm Gottfried
Leibniz over who invented cal-
culus "poisoned the scientific
community" to the detriment
of everyone. That's the kind of
valuable detail we've learned
to expect from Asimov. O

and sorcei

""^^ plots

hcww^RLaempanmMi

^iKi-'=s=s=-.-..

> • • Circle Header Se^iee NuatUim ' //.y.

--<—»:■:::::»'-«

DISCOVERY CHOICE

Explore heavenly bodies and discover

tlie workings of our closest celestial neighbors in

this great introduction to our solar system.

Peter Scisco

ORBITS

Outer space may be consid-
ered the final frontier in the
popular imagination, but in
the context of the celestial uni-
verse, there's nothing final
about it. The universe may or
may not have enough mass
to sustain itself; it may or may
not at some point begin a
slow collapse into nothing-
ness. What we know about
the cosmos is dwarfed by the
very subject we study.

Orbits helps amateur cos-
mologists understand the dy-
namics of the universe by
bringing the final frontier into
our own backyard. Rather
than casting its eye outward
to the stars, Orbits limits its
study to the solar system of
which our earth is part, This
family of planets, circling a me-
dium-sized star, serves as a
fine introductory point to the
study of astronomy.

The program's design is
clean, simple, and easily nav-
igated. Small touches, like us-
ing a tiny space shuttle as a
cursor, create a feeling of ad-
venture and fun. The promise
of adventure makes it easier
to approach the complex work-
ings of the solar system and
its planets.

In general terms, the pro-
gram is divided into animated
displays that describe the so-
lar system, written explana-
tions, and a series of
"games" (orbital simulations
and a jigsaw puzzle) that al-
low the user to experiment
with the gravitational laws
that control orbits and recon-
struct jumbled pictures of
space objects.

The descriptive parts of the
program are listed at the top
of the animated main menu
screen. Here, our solar sys-
tem is divided into its main

components: sun, earth,
moon, and planets. You can
choose to have the screen an-
imated or not. The animation
consists of colored bands, or
rings, that define the orbits of
the planets around the sun
and their relative position to
each other as seen from a per-
spective just above the plane
of the solar system. The Gen-
eral menu includes such top-
ics as gravity and the motions
of planets: it offers a path in-
to the study of orbital mechan-
ics. In addition to selecting
from the pull-down menus, us-
ers can move the cursor over
any of the solar system bod-
ies to gain access to informa-
tion about a particular planet
or celestial body.

If Orbits concerned itself on-
ly with pretty pictures and an-
imated display, its usefulness
would be short-lived. But the
information that accompanies
the still pictures and anima-
tions is accurate and present-
ed in a manner appealing to
beginning astronomers of any
age. The program makes use
of authoritative sources for
both its explanations and its
graphic displays. These sourc-

es include NASA and the Jet
Propulsion Laboratory at the
California Institute of Technol-
ogy in Pasadena, California.

The blend of graphic dis-
plays and explanatory notes
is seamless and graceful. For
example, if you're interested
in the earth's moon, you can
explore lunar features, study
the moon's internal structure,
and compare the moon to oth-
er bodies in the solar system.
Each of these selections, or
paths, branches to more spe-
cific areas of study.

A student interested in lu-
nar features could explore ma-
ria {the dark plains created by
ancient lava flows), craters,
rays (bright streaks emanat-
ing from craters, believed to
be composed of rock and
dust thrown up at the time of
impact), atmosphere, and
such lesser features as lunar
mountains and the steep cre-
vasses called rills.

Every planet is covered in
the same way, as are aster-
oids, comets, and the sun.
Each discussion includes the
subject's distinct characteris-
tics and offers pictures and
animations that explain the ide-
as behind the words.

92 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

But, as Einstein might say,
all of these voyages of discov-
ery are relative. An eager stu-
dent may journey into thie
core of the moon or explore
the atmosphere of Jupiter.
But what can be made of the
facts encountered? Orbits
boosts the process of discov-
ery by allowing users to com-
pare planetary descriptions
side by side. The juxtaposi-
tion of facts and pictures cre-
ates a basis of comparison
that helps users envision the
facts and details that de-
scribe the solar system.

A parent using this pro-
gram with a child, for exam-
ple, might compare the struc-
ture of Mars with the structure
of the earth to illustrate the sim-
ilarities of the two. Or a stu-
dent studying the earth's
moon might compare that
body with the earth and dis-
cover enough similarities to fu-
el a school report.

Once you've studied the ma-
jor planets and other bodies
that constitute our solar sys-
tem, you can begin a journey
into the physics and phenom-
ena that play a role in our tiny
corner of the galaxy. Detailed
and animated explanations
for eclipses, phases of the
moon, gravitational attraction,
and orbital mechanics mai<e
it easy to understand the dy-
namics behind them.

For example, eclipses both
lunar and solar are displayed
in a split-screen fashion that
makes the alignment of the
earth, moon, and sun under-
standable. The top part of the
screen is from a perspective
outside the earth's orbit; you
can see the moon revolving
around the earth and how it
crosses between the sun and
the earth, blocking the light
{solar eclipse). At the bottom
of the screen, the view is

from the earth, looking toward
the sun. You can see the shad-
ow of the moon as it passes
over the sun and compare
that to the position of the
moon, sun, and earth as dis-
played above.

Likewise, the relationship be-
tween the sun, moon, and
earth as it affects the phases
of the moon is made clear
through another well-present-
ed bit of animation. Although
an astronomy hobbyist could
do the same on paper by ob-
serving the position of the
moon throughout a full cycle
and by sketching the moon's
phases at separate stages of
the cycle, the animated dis-
play in Orbits provides more in-
stant recognition,

Orbits provides more than in-
formation and tools for under-
standing; it also includes an ex-
tremely challenging orbital sim-
ulator. To gain entry to this part
of the program, select the Oth-
er menu and then select Orbit-
al Mechanics. From here you
can brush up on Kepler's
Lavys (you probably remember
all of those) and see the impor-
tance of Kepler's mathematical
theories to the study of our so-
lar system.

With a clear understanding
of orbital mechanics (or with
at least a hearty sense of ad-
venture), you can choose to
play Orbit-Trek, which tests
your knowledge under differ-
ent conditions. You may se-
lect from four different mis-
sions; Near Earth, which is a
good shakedown cruise for
your newly acquired skills; De-
ploy, which requires that you
reach and maintain a specific
orbit and then launch a satel-
lite; Intercept, which requires
that you capture an orbiting
satellite; and Rendezvous,
which tests your ability to
match orbits with a second

satellite and fly in formation.

The Orbit-Trek games em-
ploy a control panel from
which you select the direction
and strength of your naviga-
tional thrusters. Early experi-
mentation with the game some-
times results in a fifth scenar-
io, which could be called Lost
in Space. Just for fun, see
how far you can drift from the
earth before you reach the
point of no return.

With its combination of au-
thoritative explanations and
well-designed graphic dis-
plays. Orbits is a very good
computer-based introduction
to our nearest heavenly neigh-
bors. By [llustrating the work-
ings of the family of planets
we call the solar system, Or-
bits lays the groundwork for a
continuing mission. n

Clfcle Reader Service Number 301

IBM PC or
compatible, 512K
RAM, EGA or VGA;
mouse optional—
$59.95

SOFTWARE
MARKETING
9S30 S. 51st SL,
Ste. A131

Phoenix, AZ 85044
(800) 545-6626

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE 93

MULTIMEDIA PC

David English

WINDOWS
GOES MIDI

Master Itacks

Pro 4.5 features

a new easier-

to-use Tnck Sheet.

I confess. Until recently, I did
almost all my MIDI work on a
Macintosh. It wasn't really my
fault. I just couldn't find pro-
grams on thie PC that were as
powerful and easy to use as
Opcode's Vision and Mark of
the Unicorn's Performer —
both available only on the
Mac. Fortunately, that's begin-
ning to change. Two new Win-
dows-based MIDI sequencing
programs have made making
music on the PC just as much

Ilk U< <li,i

tually record sounds; instead,
it records the various on and
off positions of the keyboard's
keys as you play, along with
the force that you use to strike
each key (the harder you
strike a key, the louder it
sounds) and the time that pass-
es between each note. Taken
together, this is enough infor-
mation to play back a nearly
identical performance when
used with the same or a simi-
lar musical instrument.

Because a sequencing pro-
gram records a limited
amount of information when
compared to a fuli audio re-
cording, MIDI

irf|.ijnjiin>i«.i6'-.- 1 ■ ; I :<..i»..-nr. i c.~tti,

i-..\^iSv.-'if'] : ;.^r^ ■■.IP LiS,;;./!

fun as it is on the Mac.

You may be wondering.
What is MIDI, and what is a se-
quencing program? MIDI
stands for Musical Instrument
Digital Interface. It's a commu-
nications standard that allows
electronic musical instruments
to talk to computers and to
each other. Most electronic key-
boards have a MIDI interface
built in, and most sound
cards (including the popular
Sound Blaster and Pro Audio-
Spectrum cards} come with a
MIDI interface or offer one as
an option. If you're running Win-
dows 3.1 or Windows 3.0 with
the multimedia extensions,
you're ready for the flood
of Windows-based MIDI
programs.

A sequencing program is a
sort of elaborate tape record-
er that records and plays
back MIDI music. It doesn't ac-

is especially ap-
propriate for
multimedia ap-
plications and
presentations.
Where a typi-
cal audio re-
cording might
take up 10MB
when record-
ed in 16-bit ste-
reo, that same
music, stored
as a MIDI per-
formance, would take up less
than 100K. And because you
can use a sequencing pro-
gram to edit MIDI data much
as you would use a word proc-
essor to edit words and sen-
tences, you can easily alter
the music to fit your needs.

Either of these new sequenc-
ing programs would suit the
needs of a professional musi-
cian, weekend composer, or
multimedia artist. The first,
Cakewalk Professional for Win-
dows (Twelve Tone Systems,
PC. Box 760, Watertown, Mas-
sachusetts 02272; 800-234-
1171; $349), has a number of
exciting features, most notably
the ability to mix real audio da-
ta (in WAV format) with MIDI se-
quences. You can use the pro-
gram with Windows' Media
Control Interface (MCI) to con-
trol other multimedia devices
during playback. In addition to

the usual piano-roll and event-
list notation of MIDI notes, this
latest version of Cakewalk lets
you view and edit your notes
in staff notation — the kind you
see with traditional sheet mu-
sic. The program even in-
cludes its own built-in program-
ming language and sample
programs, so you can write
your own editing commands.

While Cakewalk is new to
Windows, Master Tracks Pro
4.5 for Windows (Passport De-
signs, 100 Stone Pine Road,
Half Moon Bay, California
94019; 415-726-0280; $395)
is a substantial upgrade to the
very first MIDI sequencing pro-
gram for MFCs (Multimedia
PCs). New features include
the ability to perform many ed-
iting functions while the music
is playing, an easier-to-use
Track Sheet (song and track in-
formation are now in one ar-
ea), and recordable volume
faders. The program has spe-
cial support for the Miracle Pi-
ano Teaching System, allow-
ing you to hook up your Mira-
cle keyboard to your
computer's serial or MIDI inter-
face. And while Master Tracks
doesn't offer staff notation,
you can export your files to ei-
ther of Passport's notation pro-
grams, Encore for Windows
($595) and MusicTime for Win-
dows ($249). A stripped-
down version of Master
Tracks, called Trax for Win-
dows, is also available from
Passport, At $99, it's one of
the best bargains in music soft-
ware and a great way to get
started with MIDI.

I tried both programs with a
MultiSound board, a Sound
Canvas, and a Miracle key-
board, and had no problems
at all. These are highly sophis-
ticated programs that are sur-
prisingly easy to use. If you've
wanted to make music with
MIDI, and you're looking for a
program that you won't easily
outgrow, you can't go wrong
with either program. □

94 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Interact with dozens

of unique characters,

each with their own

personalities —

and alibis

•

Use the detailed

overhead map of 1888

London to

identify your next

sleuthing location

•

Refer to Dr. Watson's

journal for a detailed

record of your

investigation

•

Use your laboratory at

221B Baker Street to

analyze clues

[/i"i^ / * r/ iT # juXbt //* / f,*^'

ipper appe

to have struck again.

classically-scored

soundti^ck with over

30 original themes

Digitized voice and

sound effects

(soundboard

required)

The Lost Files of

Sherlock Hohnes for

the IBM PC and

compatibles.

Vsii ;iw local itoikr, or oD

1-SOO-ZiMiH. B)' HftlKisSoflwin: and

tknrtmic Alts. • l«2 MilhosSofnnrc.

All tighl) incnoL IDM h i irgiMnnl

tradcnurfcof TnitTBalkinal Bifiiiieu

ri^j p^-

^^1

'^iLM'

Us \ -*\VV i->

otkind Yard turns

'ou my Me

ELECTRONIC ARTS"

^>J--

ENTERTAINMENT CHOICE

Grab the stick in tliis air combat
simulation, and you're asking for raw
power and nonstop thrills.

Scott A. May

ACES OF THE
PACIFK

For two hours on December
7, 1941, the skies cracked
and rained terror upon the Ha-
waiian island of Oahu. The
Japanese Navy's surprise at-
tack on Pearl Harbor left
more than 2400 military and
civilian casualties. Dive bomb-
ers and torpedo planes de-
stroyed or badly damaged
more than 300 aircraft and 18
ships of the U.S. Pacific
Fleet. A stunned nation official-
ly entered World War II.

It's easy to say what you
would've done had you been
there to fight; now, with Aces
of the Pacific, you can put
your money where your
mouth is. An incredible air
combat simulation, Aces may
be too realistic for the faint of
heart. The vintage bombers
are meticulously rendered,
complete with sometimes un-
predictable power and inher-
ent design flaws. Computer-
controlled pilots seem to have
reaWife intelligence and intui-
tion. And the graphics and
sound effects will make you
think you've actually stepped
back in time and entered the
scene you see onscreen.

Aces salutes the historic
events, budding technology,
and heroism of this unique the-
ater of conflict. Designed by Dy-
namix cofounder Damon Siye,
Aces soars above and beyond
his best-selling World War I
combat simulation. Red Baron.
Indeed, this tribute to the Pacif-
ic campaigns captures the pas-
sion and spirit of a generation
better than any previous effort
in the genre.

The true stars of the show
are the more than 30 types of
vintage fighters and bombers,
each with distinctive flight char-

COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

acteristics painstakingly
reproduced here. Some will
amaze you with their innova-
tive craftsmanship and intui-
tive control; others will ultimate-
ly scare the wits out of you
with their untamed power and
intrinsic design flaws,

First-time flyers should com-
plete the game's comprehen-
sive training missions. Here,
you can learn the intricacies
of each aircraft and fine-tune
techniques like dive bombing-
and carrier landings. Many
such tests of skill and courage
have never before been real-
istically implemented in a com-
puter simulation.

Veteran pilots eager to see
action can choose from ten
types of single missions.
Match wits with a famous ace
or learn teani effort as you di-
rect a squadron against your
enemy counterparts. As in
Red Baron, the designers sim-
ulated real-life combat intelli-
gence for all computer-con-
trolled pilots. The results are
some of the most entertain-
ing, heart-pounding aerial bal-
lets ever to grace the comput-
er screen.

Players can also choose
from a variety of individual his-

toric missions
or embark on a
career campaign.
Among the game's many pre-
flight variables is the ability to
choose which side and branch
of service to fly for: the U.S. (Na-
vy, Marines, or Army Air Force)
or Japan (Navy or Air Force).
This decision immediately limits
or expands your courses of ac-
tion and available aircraft. For
example, become a U.S. Navy
flier and choose from 33 mis-
sions divided among five histor-
ic campaigns. Likewise, the
game includes seven cam-
paigns (24 missions) for Japa-
nese Navy pilots.

Historic missions cover the
entire spectrum of the war.
The choices are as historical-
ly rich and varied as they are
challenging. Do well, and re-
ceive sen/ice medals and spe-
cial commendations.

Other single missions test
your ability to complete specif-
ic combat objectives: combat
air patrol, fighter sweeps,
emergency scramble, bomb-
er escort, bomber intercep-
tion, strikes against shipping
and ground attacks. Multiply
each by more than two dozen

user-defined mission condi-
tions, and play value soars to
staggering lieights. Tine num-
ber of pilots on either side,
their skill level, and their air-
craft may be changed. Three
levels of overall realism include
such fine points as gun jams,
changing weather, and midair
collisions. There are also three
levels of combat difficulty and
flight-model realism.

Graphics consist of textured
solid-fill polygons and bitmap-
ped overlays, beautifully ren-
dered from a 256-color VGA
palette. Although the visuals
break no new ground in the
genre, they are clean, bright,
and fast — by far the best of
any Dynamix simulation. You'll
need at least a 386-based com-
puter running at 25 MHz to en-
joy the sophisticated flight me-
chanics and full graphic splen-
dor. Users can tweak the
frame rate, as well as world
and aircraft detail, if the simu-
lation runs too slowly.

Steep hardware require-
ments pay off with generous
special effects, like the bub-
bling path of a torpedo or the
splash of bullets strafing the wa-
ter. Views of cockpits boast a
digitized quality, while external
views feature dramatic light-
and-shadow effects. Sound ef-
fects are also vivid, from the
whines peculiar to different
models of radial engines to the
remarkabie Doppler shifts of
passing aircraft. Explosions,
however, could use a little
more oomph to match the bril-
liant pyrotechnics.

The game can be played
with keyboard or mouse, al-
though a joystick offers the
best response and most real-
istic feel. The simulation also
supports a second joystick for
rudder control and for flight-
specific devices such as
yoke, rudder pedals, and the

Thrustmaster Flight Control
System. Dynamix's joystick rou-
tines have significantly im-
proved since Red Baron and
A-10 Tank Killer, but they still
tend to slip out of calibration
easily. The designers should
put this problem near the top
of their list of things to fix in
their next project.

Blemisfies are few but
noticeable. The handsomely
illustrated 233-page manual,
faultless in Its details of war
history, aircraft specifications,
and combat tactics, falls
short when describing actual
gameplay. As if written too far
in advance of the final re-
lease, the manual virtually
omits discussion of the mis-
sion scenarios. Too bad,
since onscreen preflight in-
structions are limited to short,
vague descriptions. Ironically,
one source of valuable informa-
tion— reconnaissance data
gathered from the navigation
flight map — is mentioned in
the manual but is not present
in the actual game.

Initial releases of Aces had
some annoying bugs, as well
as some poorly though-out fea-
tures. Dynamix has been very
receptive to user feedback
and bug reports and has re-
leased a series of patch files
that fix reported bugs and
add some new features, such
as changeable waypoints.
These patches are available
on online networks and the Si-
erra BBS.

No air combat simulation is
complete without a mission re-
corder, and Dynamix pro-
vides one of the best. The play-
back screen uses VGR-style
controls to rewind, pause, sin-
gle-frame advance and fast-
forward. The recorder's only
shortcoming is its lack of incre-
mental rewind; miss an impor-
tant moment, and the tape

must be replayed from the be-
ginning. Editing controls let
you move and rotate the cam-
era in three dimensions, and
you can switch between
friend, foe, or independent
views. Use this feature to con-
firm kills, study mistakes, and
watch attacks from any angle.
Because each change in cam-
era movement and perspec-
tive can be saved to tape,
would-be directors can use
this feature to create intricate
combat films. A special demo
function will even play such
films full-frame, without the
VCR overlay.

Breathtaking in scope and
great fun to play. Aces of the
Pacific might be the most wide-
ly appealing combat simula-
tor on the market. You won't
want to miss this one. O

circle Reader Service Number 302

IBM PC or
compatible (80386
or faster); 2MB
RAM; DOS 5.0;
VGA; hard drive
witti GMB free;
liigh-density fioppy
drive; supports
Sound Blaster, Ad
Lib, Thundeitoard,
Roland MT-32,
LAPC-1, CM-32L
and compatible
sound cards;
mouse and
iorstick optional—
$69.95

DVHAMIX

99 W. lOth, Ste. 224
Eugene, OR 97481
(503) 343-0772

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE 97

GAMEPLAY

David Sears

Artist designer, and

programmer

Eric Chahi hurls

players Into a

surrealistic other

world while

maintaining extreme

piayabiiity in

Dul ol This World.

CINEMA INFERNO

Computer industry commenta-
tors often compare adventure
games to films, but most con-
temporary games resemble
good films no more than mod-
ern films resemble The Great
Train Robbery. Pretty pictures
and droopy animation don't
make great cinema, and it's
time we became more critical
of B-movie videogames —
games thiat don't fulfill the com-
puter's potential for action and
involvement.

Out of this World (Interplay)
is a prime example of just tiow
filmic a game can be. Bucking
thie trend of large design
teams, Eric Cliahi, wtio is art-
ist, designer, and program-
mer, hurls players into a sur-
realistic other world wtiile main-
taining extreme playability.
Inspired by the world's first la-
ser disc-based game, Drag-
on's Lair, but possessing the
critical eye of a director,
Chahi saw through the glitz
and into the heart of that
game's prime failure: It offers
little interactivity. Push the joy-
stick forward, pull it back —
the laser disc driver shows
you what happens next.
There are no alternate paths to
save the princess; a single mis-
take means annihilation. In
Chahi's alternative world, play-

l-^,^*^

ers interact with the environ-
ment as they work to return to
Earth. There are no seams be-
tween scenes here, no annoy-
ing dropouts as disk drives
struggle to load megabytes of
graphics data. This fluidly an-
imated marvel requires only
1.5MB of your hard drive.

In film school, students
learn to make the most of avail-
able resources. After all, early
artistic efforts rarely have cor-
porate funding. In contrast,
few computer game design-
ers exploit personal comput-
ers to their natural limits.

Sometimes game design-
ers push the hardware to the
edge, but as often as not,
they're pushing in the wrong
direction. In the eighties, for in-
stance, filled polygon anima-
tion was largely abandoned
(except in flight simulators).
Digitized games today seem
bent on their own brand of
cinema verite, the height of re-
alism. But most people don't
have gigabyte hard drives to
handle the files a fully digitized
game would require.

Instead of turning to digitiz-
ing, game designers should de-
velop faster, more detailed
polygon animation systems.

And designers should ailow
us to dabble in plot develop-
ment, not force-feed us whole
chunks of story in which we
can't participate.

Computers can inexpensive-
ly simulate special effects. The
rippling of water In Out of this
World puts us Immediately be-
low the surface, where light re-
fraction causes marvelous dis-
tortion. Explosions flash white,
accompanied by suitable
booms and crashes. These ef-
fects cross the screen bound-
ary to fill the room. They ease
us toward the suspension of
disbelief, a priceless commod-
ity for anyone about to spend
several days playing a game.

Soundtracks don't tax the
hardware, either. While cine-
ma purists may declare that a

Spielbergian score manipu-
lates emotion, we should wel-
come this in a game. In spite
of our concern with cinematic
quality we do still play games
for the sheer joy of play. De-
signers should pack the most
punch possible into every
thrill.

Special effects and music
don't necessarily make good
films, The basics of lighting
and direction don't matter
much when the film will play
out on a computer. Editing tech-
nique, however, remains as im-
portant for PC movies as for
the big screen. Cutting on ac-
tion establishes the pace. In
Out of this World, when a ven-
omous worm strikes, you don't
just fall down dead, First,
you're treated to an extreme
closeup of the deadly thing's
spiked appendage, followed
by an immediate cut to anoth-
er extreme closeup, this time
of a deadly slash to your
knee. Then, at last, you fall.
But these events occur so
quickly that you don't have
time to realize that joystick con-
trol has been taken away No
long interludes here — the ac-
tion almost never stops.

Out of this World plays on
every platform at the same
speed with the same quality.
Chahi might've added photore-
alistic backgrounds, but most
players will happily settle for
his distinctive and beautiful
matte paintings instead,

Can we expect a series of
auteur games from Chahi and
Interplay? Unfortunately, it
won't happen in the immedi-
ate future. Chahi's at work on
real film at the moment — the
big-screen sort — and won't
begin work on another com-
puter project for a year or so.
Maybe soaring sales of Out of
this World will give other
game companies the cue to re-
think their production values,
though, and we won't have to
wait quite so long for more
interactive cinema. D

98 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

■i^] *v^fe5

yrrieer

%^y-~^''-^'^.'^' -" ■'

/A f /r/ x/ /fr V /f'r ff /»- //■/< ri ^j^ '"/^

ry^^jjl-^;

.Sii^r-rs^i-;:'-- i->

CYBERDREAMr

AVAILABLE FOR THE IBM PC AND COMPATIBLES (MAY '92), COWMODORE AMIGA (OCTOBER '92) =
AND APPLE MACINTOSH (MARCH '93) COMPUTER SYSTEMS.

minEiO MD OSllDtillS tti Bteiilifiil ijJMtiMIS DKllfilBIUKSJ«C.. ^ III; CriltSRIIIIi: mt lUgSISIIitt 11 II \W H. tl(U UlliejI.IIIIStlltl

Kl'H-'i^

Circle Reader Service Numbef 15t

DISTBIBUTEB BY
MERinOFTWARE, INC.

I ''y^M:%

My:':--4.^ ym

«^^ "■■'*• ;'v^s^- ^;;^^"'^''|-_,

m^%ym

Unarmed and confused, your alter ego
Mike Dawson will cross between worlds
to ferret out the source of his nigfit-
mares. Ironically, he carries the well-
spring of his hallucinations— a horrific
alien fetus— inside his skull. What y^
happens when the creature no
longer requires its human host? -^

Digital fear in a box,
DARK SEED takes us to ^
the places we would ^- '
fear most — if we
could imagine
them, CYBER- ^
DREAMS'
knows where \
horror sleeps.

Shock in a Box

What makes this '^
game so immediately V \
and perpetually engaging? \j
The progeny of a diverse ere- >
ative team, DARK SEED show- \
cases the artwork of celebrated \
surrealist H. R. Giger in its myriad '
scenes of the dark world. Driven by
Giger's unique macabre energy, DARK
SEED crawls into the psyche of its view-
ers from the first tentative steps. Giger's
work simultaneously attracts and repels

the viewer with its horrible beauty.

CYBERDREAMS has tapped some-
thing prima! in this production. Horror
writer H. P. Lovecraft has said that fear
. is our most powerful emotion. And
\ more specifically, he's told us that
we most fear the unfamiliar —
^^ what we can't understand.
DARK SEED throws us
*■ headlong into a world
where malevolent,
^^ alien forces capa-
ble of incapaci-
tating, dis-
membering, ■
^' and eating
us need only
' awaken after
' eons of fitfui slum-
ber to turn us into, at
best, biomechanical
' slaves. At worst, break-
fast. Very little in our world
' compares to that threat, and
y like Lovecraft before them, Giger
and CYBERDREAMS bring us a
relentless tale of the unknown that is
chilling for its potential believability.

Giger knows well the threat of the
ancients. Inspired in part by the trans-
dinnensional spell book — the fabled,

'■ <k"l'

■-;frf,j

"^'ii-y

'. ''j'i.-^Jii--.

■/..--- -LSj-

- - ...--■?^' .

-..""' ']^' --

'M'^ - '■

:,y^''y - '

.'.' M'~''i'S''

:|^s-

J ">j;;^'*.v1 -.

"■ ■ ;. y>,','. .

'^''^^^'■'

L ..^>:"V''V: ■

■,;''Mii.^:

■- -..^■♦^ ^T' .■'

■ W:-

.'.^'li.''" ■' ■■^-

■' -'.■■■.-• ^JV^.'"

--7;.Js*itw"r->-

'■"l^'''''' '

" --;>'^;^*T»''

■ ' -' ■ ' '

":-?'-y?^,'"

»l^->"

- -^wi^fS; ;;,

-...^.,-v,!*iJ'- -

,.,, . _,

•:'^\h'

■hUkU

'•'f?'''-;'p. ■ -'

-I'^^^W^^'

*> ' ,
B

i::,m^^,.

<f^*^

BY DAVID SEARS

'.■f9k^i

i^irC),S.-J.r.%!;,T;^;.'

•■-W...-T

:-r:i

^,i;^WrC

■■'it''"'

i-t-.

#-■'■■ ,

■:i';u' ",■;,■;;■,'.■,

. -Ji.\ -l ;r.v-.' ';■■.■•'-■'.
. '.- ■ ■'•'l ' -"v- • . ^-^ ■-.

%y^,

I - '.t:)'-'|^'' ■-'■' . —+ ..;■.;■%?■ s.;.-V.. . ■ ■■"^'■.-"■;=' ;. -i

l' ■ ■■■'^' ■ >.'■

-^'•S-^^-'c

1 . ,-;^'-. -.*«>. -■*

-'-$$^

t^m

■■1" ;'.= rfv^4V::'^=;

■ Wy ;■

, :'-' i....i:^.}t'; ■

i-'lk

::^r ^y^-

fragmentary Necronomicon, Giger's
work never fails to elicit a visceral
reaction. His tormented designs for
tfie original Alien movie changed the
face of science fiction forever. But
Alien was set in the far reaches of the
galaxy. In DARK SEED, aliens stalk
the earth. DARK SEED merges not just
science fiction and horror but also
mystery. Who better to supply the
images for such a game than Giger''
Excited by the possibilities of a collab-
oration with computer game design-
ers, Giger opened his doors to the
artists from CYBERDREAMS, with only
some minor hesitations.

Crisis Resolution

Giger was unimpressed by the blocky
pixels of low-resolution VGA graphics.
A computing neophyte, Giger none-
theless recognized the deficiencies of
the low-resolution graphics screens
and insisted that CYBERDREAMS

Top, Mike Dawson

approQcnes the mansion

he's [ust bought.

Center left, he enters the

hatchery. Center

right,he arrives at another

leve! of the hatchery.

Bottom, he explores the

house for clues.

increase the resolution to one more
compatible with his work. Giger want-
ed the most pixels possible.

Back in California, DARK SEED
team members increased the display
resolution to 640 x 350, which
reduced the number of available col-

ors from 256 to 16 because of hard-
ware limitations. The airbrushed, cre-
puscular nature of Giger's work with-
stood the translation well, however.
And, disk in hand, CYBERDREAMS
representatives returned to Switzer-
land, this time to meet with approval.

102 C0f*4PUTE NOVEN/IBER 1992

m THE STEPS OF COLUMBUS >.

In Discovery, you are the
master explorer and
adventurer: Set Sail into the
distance, in search of new
lands; Explore new worlds ;
Pirates are everywhere - be
prepared for sea battles; Create
Cities -fell trees, build fenns,
forts, warehouses, schools;
Trade the produce from your
new world to buy new ships;
Fight the other nations trying
to establish their empire.

In 1492 Columbus discovered
America ■ for God, Gold and

Glory!

500 years later this is your
chance to discover a new
world!

FEATURES;

6 New Worlds to
Discover

Piracy - mutiny &
battles

Land & Sea combat

Simple point and
click interlace

8 ship types; 4 maps

Giger's response to the new digitiza-
tions was, "Beautiful!" Rumor has it
he's so pleased that he's willing to col-
laborate with CYBERDREAMS on a
second game, possibly to include
new, original artwork,

Candid Chimerg

To incorporate Giger's fantastic real-
izations into the confines of a PC sim-
ulatation environment, CYBER-
DREAMS artists scanned portfolio
selections with an Epson ES-300C
flatbed color scanner. They then fur-
ther altered the images using
DeluxePaint lie on the PC. Free to
choose from virtually all of Giger's col-
lection, the artists located more than
enough faces, arms, legs, and assort-
ed (if somewhat distorted) body parts
to piece together a number of distinct
menacing dark world characters.
DARK SEED excels at landscapes,
however, for the once-flat Giger paint-
ings attain three-dimensionality
through animation. It's one thing to
admire the monochromatic smooth-
ness of a Giger painting and quite
another to walk past his bloated fungi
in the foreground, twisted flesh trees
to the left, and blasted planes of bio-
mechanical tissue stretching to the
horizon.

Furthermore, what may have been
a gateway in the original painting
becomes a floor in DARK SEED; tubes
and conduits become so much slick
wallpaper contoured to the shape of
other Giger extractions. This visual

cut-and-paste technique, similar to the
literary cut-up approach popularized
by William S. Burroughs in Naked
Lunch, does here what words do in
that science fiction novel. Fragments
of larger Images combine to provoke
and disturb. In new associations with
one another, these images seem
capable of reprogramming the way
you think about and perceive environ-
ments, and this definitely affects the
way you move about in them. You
won't want to touch anything for fear
of the terrible violence that could
result. At the same time, part of you
wants to touch everything, no
matter how repugnant.

Hidden in the dim land-
scape are objects and mech-
anisms essential to complet-
ing your mission and remov-
ing Dawson's brain parasite.
Natives of the dark world
have little trouble seeing in
perpetual twilight; humans will
need to take their time and
scrutinize every crevice and
alcove. And each moment
spent on the dark side
unnerves; you always feel
watched, as if something may

Top, DARK SEED from

CYBERDREAMS. Bottom,

Dowson follows

the pathway to the

catatombs.

rise from the gloom to put an untimely
end to your intrusion. DARK SEEID
designers appear to have consulted
the architect responsible for the
ancient city of Lovecraft's Cthulhu
mythos — a city whose alien geometry
would drive humans insane.

Haunted House Party

f\/leanwhile, back on earth normal, all
is not well, either. Dawson's queer old
Victorian house, purchased for the
sole purpose of getting away from it
all, seems menacingly derelict. Faded
velvet curtains block the warm sun

104 COfvlPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

The Building of A Dynasty

Conqu»gArrakis0iis1allptt yomlBM PC.
For more ii

Visa, Masiercard, American Bcf^ess
and checks accepted.

.%)L'NF. ii jiil^nmrV of Oiril^ B»4^rvi«
fV-- AlVr'l ' ■■I-..1TVY.

and offer only shadows in exchange.
Intricately patterned wallpaper peels
away; floorboards groan underfoot..
Ethereal voices offer cryptic advice
over an old AM radio, What lurks in the
wine cellar? Why won't the librarian
talk? Solving all the mysteries in the
sleepy little town of Woodland Hills will
have you robbing graves and running
from the police — situations you
wouldn't normally enjoy, but the threat
of the dark world can make you a hero
and justify your actions.

The high-resolution display allows
the Giger paintings hanging in
Dawson's home to glare at you in strik-
ing detail. You can almost count the
leaves on trees and the bricks in
buildings, though time for such pur-
suits seems short. A journey through
the varied landscape takes you from
mausoleums to attics to public
libraries and back again, and no mat-
ter how many times you pass through
a certain location, you'll never fail to
appreciate the attention to detail.

To animate the players in this night-
mare, artists used an Amiga, a
Digiview, and a Mitsubishi SVHS video
recorder to digitize actual human
models in various poses. Saved in 16-
color gray scale, these images were
edited in the Amiga version of
DeluxePaint, saved as IFF files, and
transferred via CrossDOS to the PC for
further editing. The sound samples

Top, an ancient rests in

suspendeo animation. Pray his

slumber is undisturbed.

Center, Sargo is o prisoner of

the dork side. Bottom,

Dawson speaks to the keeper of

the scrolls, who is

portrayed by Li il, the guiding

image of DARK SEED.

106 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Go^^"'

.beW-

,-^^

.■^ol'*

^QV^^

^^^

.»<»"

«tfl9^nwB^

:V^'^-;:^

^^^-^'L.*^

.cS^^^^

,A^««'

^^Vo'N*

si^'S^

jSWl AT rOUR LOCM. SOFIWWE RETMLER OR DIRECT fROId NBV WORLD K

1.800-325-8898 ( or 1.818.999.06070

lUTSIOEdS.) P.O. box 4302 HOLLTOOOD, CM!F0flHI4 90078^

81992 lew ttOBUCaWWIIIi; lie * SPAIBHftOHOIS*IRtmHi!kOF«Q»™jO£RUCiJ6tIiJrBUM)f!tDGOMmiK A l£WnQH.OtOMMIMCIS*l«CISISmIR«£M<I*Oflt\VHMaC()w™itlW;.t8KSCKIIISMimiR«::jttS(RE£l61«il«m.

fl-^L

were first taken on an Amiga, too, and
tlie remarkable morpining title at the
outset of the game originated there, as
wall. Imagine for the Amiga has the
ability to map the reflections of objects
in a virtual 3-D environment onto invisi-
ble bitplanes. Bowing to market
demand, however, the Amiga version
of DARK SEED won't debut until
December, but it will make exceptional
use of the Amiga's built-in sound
capabilities. DARK SEED'S art director
comments that the game wouldn't
have been possible without the inter-
activity of the two platforms. This syn-
ergism is welcome in computer game
development, and in the case of
CYBERDREAMS, reflects the compa-
ny's approach to design itself.

To conserve memory and reduce
hard drive access time, DARK SEED
displays your current location in a 500
X 200 pixel window. At first, this seems
a bit of a cheat, since CYBERDREAMS
touts this game as the first high-resolu-
tion adventure game, but this screen
fragment still packs in more pixels
than standard VGA 256-color low-res-
olution mode. The windowing effect
places some distance between you
and Dawson — welcome distance,
since DARK SEED has a way of get-
ting under your skin. A second and

unanticipated side effect of this win-
dowing is a sense of claustrophobia.
The draped curtains, the third eye of
the llluminati that watches you from
the top of the display — you'll feel as
though you're watching a stage play
from a darkened box seat. The the-
ater, of course, has only a single occu-
pant. DARK SEED never lets you for-
get that the fate of the world is on your
shoulders.

A Pinch of Gesfalt

Nearly at the end of the original DARK
SEED development schedule, the
design team members examined their
work and found it lacking. The black-
and-white side images just didn't have
enough visual appeal. The answer?
Colorization by hand. With just 16 col-
ors to choose from, altering the pic-
tures took time — six more months, but
the results are as beautiful as they are
sinister. This illustrates the concern for
and attention to detail found through-
out DARK SEED, As in nightmares,
every hair Is in place.

With the stated purpose of bringing
artistic and literary talent from outside
the industry into computer gaming,
CYBERDREAfvlS may have a string of
hits on its hands. After this brooding
horror taie, the company's looking for-

ward to somewhat lighter fare, though
the treatment of the subject matter will
remain adult in orientation. Future pro-
jects include Cyber Race, a racing
game envisioned by Syd Mead (a
designer for Blade Runner. 2010, and
Aliens).

Ongoing negotiations with prolific
author Harlan Ellison could yield No
Mcuth, an adaptation of his widely
anthologized story "I Have No Mouth,
and I Must Scream." As with Giger's
input — his suggestions were never lim-
ited by preconceptions of what a com-
puter could and could not do — per-
haps the new visionaries will demand
that CYBERDREAMS push the PC past
its acknowledged limits when show-
casing their work. But survivors of
DARK SEED will be eagerly awaiting
whatever entertainment CYBER-
DREAMS produces next.

IBM PC or compatible (80286 or faster
running at 12 MHz), 640K RAM, VGA,
hard disk; supports mouse, joystick,
Ad Lib and Sound Blaster— $69.95

CYBERDREAMS

Distributed by Merit Software

13635 Gamma Rd.

Dallas, TX 75244

(800) 238-4277 □

4^*
'^^i%

"Aren't you overdoing this VDT hiazards business?"

108 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Play the World War I
strategy game it took
2500 years to perfect.

^°Twenty-five hundred years ago the ancient

warrior Sun Tzu wrote the definitive military

strategy and tactics book. The Art of War. Now,

thousands of

years later,

MicroProse is

proud to present

The Ancient Art of

War in the SA:ies™an action-packed aerial strategy

game based on the writings of Sun Tzu.

Through a unique combination of wargame
strategy and fast action combat, you'll take full
control of World War I air forces in historical and
fictional battles.

You'll confront enemy squadrons commanded

by legendary
military minds
like Kaiser
Wilhelm II and
Baron Von

Richthofen. Bomb strategic targets to move the
battle front into enemy territory. And jump into

wild dogfights

and thrilling

bombing runs at

any point in

the battle.

Actua! screens may v^.^.

Even more fun, you'll get to create an infinite
number of campaigns using the game's incredible
campaign editor.

The Ancient Art
of War in the Skies
from MicroProse.
2500 years in the
making, and still
worth the wait.

PROSE

ENTERTAINMENT • SOFTWARE

Fun Software

I To get our free catalog, call 1 •80n.879-PLAY MDn.-Fri., 8:30 am-5:00 pin EST '

I or fill out the coupon Lind nitiil i t to: MicroProse Softv\'are, [nc. I

180 Ukefront Drive • Dcpt. DIO • Hunt Valley, MD 21030-2245

Name: .

I Address:
I City:

_ State:

- Zip: .

GAF

I Telephone: ( ) tjAr ■

Circle Ratder Service Number 205

All right.
So maybe there

is one flight

simulator more

thrilling

than F-15

Strike Eagle W .

How could we possibly surpass the
non-stop action of F-15 II? Well, let's just say
you're in for a lot of surprises.

For starters, we've introduced a revolutionary
new visual system. A system that creates
dogfighting so realistic you'll be cursing and
whimpering as you scramble for the eject
button.

We've designed incredible new
photorealistic starting and ending screens to
surround you in the
complete Strike Eagle
experience.

And, thanks to
arduous research by
MPS Labs, you'll get to
battle against modern

Actual screens may vary.

high-tech opponents
as ruthless as those
real F-15 pilots face.

But, of course, the
real test for any great
flight simulator is how
fun it is. And what
could be more fun
than blasting a friend out of the sky in
our new head-to-head combat mode? Or
flying with a friend in our pilot/weapons
officer mode? Or flying alongside each
other in our sensational two-plane mode?

We enhanced the gameplay of the F-15
to challenge even the most experienced
pilots, too. But if you're not an experienced
pilot, don't worry. Because we also worked

Introducing

F-15 Strike Eagle ni1

late nights to ensure that the easy-to-learn
qualities of the first two r-15s remained
intact, as well.

So blow the dust off your flight helmet
and climb aboard the F-15 Strike Eagle III!
We're sure it will be the most thrilling flight
simulator you'll ever pilot.

And why not? After all, you didn't think
F-15 11 would take a back seat to just any
old flight simulator, did you?

To find out more about the amazing F-15
Strike Eagle III or to order your FREE
MicroFrose catalog, call...

1-800-879-PLAY

Mon. - Fri., 8:30 am - 5:00 pm EST

Or send this coupon to:
MicroProse Software, Inc. • 180 Lakefront Drive
Hunt Valley, MD 21030-2245 Attn; Free Catalog

I Free MicroProse Catalog! GAE I

Mame.

Address

I City.

State

Zip.

Phone (

.^^jPROSE

E N r E r? t A I N M E N r • s o f t w a i? s:

180 Lakefront Drive • Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030-2245

For IBM-PC/Tandy/Compatibles.

Circle Reader Service Number 222

!»K-;-

"V<,-i^'

ik^.^*;?^'^^*

^^41^ m

-»1- -. > .'

y,iv,^v..

A legendary year in the History
of naval conflict has returned. 1

The Pacific Solomons 1942. Setting for a series of naval confrontations. Ihaf would
cJnonge the course of Wofid War W: And thie setting for tine first in a new
series of spectacular Pacific War simulations from IVIicroProse.

Tasl< Force 1942 is your chsance to command a fleet of destroyers,
cruisers, and battlestiips against aggressive enemy forces in ttie
South Pacific.

No detail tias been, overlooked in ftiis painstal<ingly researchied ^^

simulation. Torpedo vyakes. Thrilling night combat. Blinding explosions. ^ '""^

Flares. Even harsh weather conditions. All presented in " I '

breathtaking realism.

issue commands to ships and convoys. Fire torpedos into enemy

.backsides. Control crucial boltie posiliotis. Shell enemy forgets.
Confront enemy ships head-on. And. if you choose, lead I he Japanese forces into battle.

Task Force 1942 from MicroProse. it's the on// way to experience the thrills. ..and risks. ..of naval
combat in World War II. To order, visit your nearest retailer or call 1 -800-879-PLAY. Call today.

>tv-i[<a(]HH

IM A 1 N M I H

U I 1 W A tO-

SURFACE NAVAL ACTION IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC

180 1 nkotronl Drive. Muni Voltov. fi^aivland 21030-3?1f),

•..' 1992 Microl-Tose Softwore. tnc. An HI«HIHf*rsrRVU).

Foi IBM-PC/londy/comp<jlib!e5.

Circle Reader Seivlce Number 224

64/128 VIEW

If you've submitted a program recently

and are still waiting to

hear from us, please be patient.

Tom Netsel

There is good news and
bad news to report this
month. The good news
is that we've been
swamped with excellent
type-in submissions. The
bad news is that we've
been swamped with excel-
lent type-in submissions.

I made a pitch for pro-
grams in this column and in
fillers elsewhere in the mag-
azine encouraging submis-
sions. Boy, did they work!

In fact, they've worked al-
most too well. For the past
few months we've been del-
uged with good and great
programs. We now have a
large stack of them waiting
to be reviewed, This has led
to a new problem: Since it
takes time to evaluate a pro-
gram properly, we've been
slow in mailing out contracts
and rejection notices.

If you've submitted a pro-
gram and haven't heard
from us, please be patient.
The quality as well as the
quantity of submissions has
been excellent this year,
and we want to buy as
many programs as we can.
It just takes time to go
through them all. When
we've selected the pro-
grams that we plan to use in
an issue and then come
across another good pro-
gram, we hate to reject it.
We'll often hold it and use it
the following month. But
when we start holding too
many programs, the system
backs up. We'll get things
moving shortly.

Actually, I love having too
many submissions — so
please keep them coming!
With your help, we've been
able to publish some great
programs, and we want to
continue the practice. A cou-
ple that come to mind from

last month are two
SpeedScript spelling check-
ers for the 64 and 128.

I normally don't have two
such similar programs in the
same issue, but I thought
that each spelling program
would offer advantages to
64 and 128 users.

In this issue, we have a
couple of programs that'll
help programmers who
work with sprites. These pro-
grams are geared more for
the intermediate-to-ad-
vanced programmer who is
already familiar with sprites
and some of the problems
associated with them,

MOB Master, by Hong
Pham, adds ten new graph-
ic commands to the 64 that
make programming sprites
much easier. Programming
sprites on a 64 usually re-
quires a lot of code filled
with POKES, but MOB Mas-
ter gives the 64 many of the
same features and sprite
commands found in BASIC
7.0 on the 128. With these
commands, you'll find it
much easier to define, posi-
tion, and animate sprites.

Most people know that
the 64 is capable of produc-
ing 16 different colors, but
how would you like to boost
that number to 136? You
can with 136 Colors, a pro-
gram by David Kwong.

Machine language pro-
grammers who use a 128
will want Bassem 128. Long
a popular assembler for the
64, the 128 version is too
large to type in, but it's avail-
able as this month's Gazette
Disk bonus program.

I hope you'li find these
and the other Gazette pro-
grams to be entertaining
and informative. Be sure to
let us know which programs
you like or dislike. D

GAZEHE

64/128 VIEW

Great submissions flood Gazette office.
By Tom Netsel.

G-1

SID SIMPLIFIED G-3

Cut through the confusion of programming the
Sound Interface Device.
By Larry Cotton.

REVIEWS

Arachnophobia, Fun Graphics Machine, and
DweeziLabel.

G-10

FEEDBACK

Questions and comments from our readers.

G-1 6

MACHINE LANGUAGE

Programming for speed, economy, or both?
By Jim Butterfield.

G-1 8

BEGINNER BASIC G-20

Try a little machine language when your program
needs a burst of speed.
By Larry Cotton.

DIVERSIONS

Just call me Captain Future!
By Fred D'Ignazio.

G-21

6E0S

Assembling the ultimate GEOS system.
By Steve Vander Ark.

G-22

PROGRAMMER'S PAGE

Great tips from readers.
By Randy Thompson.

G-24

PROGRAMS

MOB Master

136 Colors

Tunnel Trap

BASIC Move and Save

Noah's Reader

Locate

Bug-Swatter

G-25
G-29
G-33
G-36
G-38
G-38
G-40

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-1

YOUR PRODUCTIVITY!

Harness the potential ofyi
64 and U8 with these
powerful programs.

Get more work out of your 64 and 128

with these two new disk products from

COMPUTE'S Gazette - the 1992

Best of Gazette Utilities, and

the Gazette Graphics Grab

Bag!

The 1992 Best of

Gazette Utilities

Seize control of your operating
system and your world!

Here's what's on it-MetaBASIC 64,
MetaBASIC 128, Quick, Sprint II,
Ultrafont+, RAMDisk64, RAMDisk128,
BASSEM, SciCalc64, List Formatter,
MegaSqueeze.

The Gazette Graphics
Grab Bag

Do it al! with Commodore
graphics!

Here's what's on it-

Starburst Graphics,

Screen Designer 128,

128 Graphics Compactor,

64 Animator, VDG Graphics,

Dissolve 128, Super Slideshow,

28 Animator, 1526 PrintScreen,

Supratechnic, Medium-Resolution

'Graphics, Screen Maker, GASI64-

Special Edition, GAS!128-Special

Edition.

ORDER

THEM

TODAY!

Extend Ybur Computer Power With This Powerful Software!

YES!

want to pump up my productivity! Please send me the
• disl(S checked below at $11.95 each.

The 1992 Bes! 0) Gazette Utilities

The Gazette Graphics Grab Bag

Subtotal

Sales Tax (Residents of NC and NY please add appropriate sales tax for your

area. Canadian orders, add 7% goods and services tax.)

Shipping and Handline ($2.00 U.S. and Canada, $3.00 surface mail. $5.00

airmail per dish.)

Total Enclosed

Check or Money Order MasterCard VISA

Credit Card No. Exp. Date .

Signature

(ReHLired)

Daytime Telephone No.
Name

Address .
City

State/Province .

ZIP/PostalCode.

MasterCard and VISA accepted on orders with subtotal over S20.

Mail this coupon to COMPUTE'S 1991 Utilities, 324 West Wendover Ave., Ste. 200,
Greensboro, NC 27408.

C- Commodof i

.jjjjj^.>/j;njijjjijjjjjjiunin^(uiuii!m»umunuH.

THE Jl SOUND
INTERFACE
'DEVICE, J" AN
INTEGRATED

J" CIRCUIT Si

CHIP FONDLY
KNOWN AS SID,
RESIDES DEEP IN THE ELECTRONIC
INNARDS OF THE J1 SID SIMPLIFIED i
COMMODORE 64 AND 128 COMPUTERS.
IT HAS THE ABILITY TO LET YOUR
COMPUTER 4 PLAY, SING, MOAN,
TALK, RING, THUMP, SCREAM, AND
WHISPER. THIS CHIP ALONE HAS BEEN
AT J" BY LARRY COTTON H LEAST
PARTIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
FACT THAT i COMMODORE STILL
BUILDS THE 64 ALMOST NINE YEARS
AFTER ITS SPLASHY INTRODUCTION—
A COMPUTER LONGEVITY RECORD. &

With all SID'S capabilities, program-
ming it in BASIC 2.0 remains an exer-
cise in tedium, because of ttie many
POKEs required to access the chip.
(BASIC'S POKE puts a number from 0
to 255 into a specific location in the
computer.)

Fortunately for 128 owners,
Connmodore included with that
machine a much-advanced BASIC
7,0, which does support SID and
makes programming sounds much
easier.

This article will attempt to cut
through the confusion of programming
SfD and show you, step by step, how
to access this marvelous chip. I'll con-
fine my remarks to BASIC 2.0's com-
mands, common to both the 64 and
128, and I'll show you how to cut down
drastically on the number of POKEs.
We'll start with the very simplest exer-
cises and progress to the more
advanced. If you'll stay with me from
the beginning, you'll be pleased with
the results.

If you're confused about program-
ming SID, it will first be necessary to
power down your own mind to rid it of
all past frustrating programming ses-
sions. Start from scratch. Remember
that we're talking about only 29 of the
64's 64,000 or so memory registers.
How complicated can they be?

Voices

A human being has only 1 voice; a
saxophone has only 1 voice. A six-
string guitar has 6; a piano, 88. SID
has 3. Think of SID as a three-string
guitar. That is, up to three notes can
be played simultaneously, each under
separate control (except for volume).

We'll limit our initial discussions to
voice 1, which occupies SID's first
seven memory registers. Remember
that number, 7; it'll crop up again.

Order of POKEs

Here's a subject rarely addressed
and, I think, fairly critical to the suc-
cess of SID programnaing: the order
that the memory registers are poked.
Here is the normal order for playing a
simple sound.

1. Clear the chip.

2. Turn up the volume.

3. Wait.

4. Set a frequency.

5- Set an envelope.

6- Turn on a waveform.

Clear the Chip

SID occupies memory registers 54272
through 54300. All those registers
(except the last four, which cannot be
poked) should always be cleared of

G-4 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

SID Chip

CANNOT

BE
POKED

S-k24

ONE

MEMORY

VOICE
S + 14 3

VOICE

S = 54272

their contents near the beginning of
every BASIC program which uses
sound. Here's how.

10 5=54272: FORJ=S TO S+24: POKEJ,0:
NEXT: REM CLEAR SID

SID's first memory register should
be defined as a constant; we'll use S.
Then every other register may be
defined as an offset of S, A FOR-NEXT
loop pokes a 0 into each of the SID
memory registers, effectively silencing
the chip and preparing it for action.

Turn Up the Volume

SID's last pokable register is the vol-
ume control. Its range varies from 0 to
15, with 0 being the quietest setting.
Let's turn the volume wide open with
the following statement.

20 POKE5+24,15: REM FULL VOLUME

Any memory register will accept
values from 0 to 255, but 54296 uses
only values from 0 (silent) to 15 (loud)
to control volume. Normally, S+24 can
keep a value of 15 throughout a
BASIC program.

Wait

Turning up SID's volume makes a
popping noise in the TV or monitor's
speaker, and this can interfere with
your carefully crafted sound. Always
introduce a period of silence after first

turning up SID's volume. We'll show a
do-nothing time delay, but ordinarily at
this point in a program you'd be
preparing the screen, reading data,
setting variables, and so forth.

30FORT=1TO]000:NEXT

Set a Frequeniy

SID needs several other values poked
to it before It will speak up. For
instance, it needs a frequency. A fre-
quency controls a note's pitch.

40 POKES+1,16: REM FREQUENCY

SID's voice 1 memory location 54273
(S-hl) can use all values from 0 to 255.
A value of, say. 5 produces sounds of
low pitch (like a tuba). A value of 200
produces a high- pitched sound (like a
piccolo).

Set an Envelope

What's an envelope? Nothing more
complicated than how the volume of a
single particular note (or sound effect)
changes as it plays.

Think about the way a single guitar
string sounds as it's being plucked.
The guitar makes no sound at first, but
its sound levei rises from silence to
maximum volume immediately after
the string is plucked. That's called
attack. The sound then gradually
fades away to silence. This is called
decay.

Amiga 500 Computer

Basic Package

r= Commodore;

AMIGA

Free
Lemmingsl

.,m Amiga UP9'°flo''°=''°«'" 1

Plus 3 Great Value Packages!

•Software Bundle *1

•Free Lemmings!

•TV Adapter

r, - S3M.85

Totol at Reg. Price 5

LowTENEX Package Price 53Jv.y3

Limited Quaniitics!

TcwEX Power Pack

.Amiga 500 Bosic Package

• Software Bundle *1

:toLd.eBuixile'2&J'=y^t-^

•Free Lemmings'.

•TV Adopter

•TENEX 500 ti^emorv Exponsion

r, = SiM.75

Totd at Reg. Price 5

low TENEX PacKogePr.ce^^^„,f^':„,

TCNEX Super Graphics Pack

•An^ga 500 Basic Package
•Amiga lOMS Stereo Monitor

• Sottvjore Bundle*!
.toflware Bundle *2&Jovst,ck

•Free Lemmings)

•TENEX 500 t*/lemorv Expansion

S739 75
Total at !5eg. Price » ,;{„

L-^'^«'-°=^Toufa« 554.80 Morel

Hot Printer Valu

$17995

STAR NX-I020 RAINBOW

hSndlinni r"h =°l%°^Put with easy
na^ndling! Choose from three print modes-
high-speed draft at 225cps. draff aT°eorn,
and near-letter-qualitv at 75cr« p^ J ^^'

PropnnteM„emulat,or..Two-yea/warrantv

NX- 1020 n,r f, .^'^S' ''®'°'' 5329.00

i>iA 1U20 Kainbow A51027 SI79.95

OTHER

Star NX-2420 Rainbow
.Slar LascrPrintcr 4
Star NX-24J0 Mufli-fonl
Panasonic KX-P2I 80
Pan^uonic KX-PllSOi
Panasonic KX-P2I23
Panasonic KX-P1124i
Panasonic KX-PI I2J

Panasonic KX-P4410 Laser

PRINTERS

A5I047
A57934
98734
A68846
A685S4
A72449
A57I12
A57108
A7I385

S2S4.95
S799.00
S229.95
S179.95
$159.95
S249.95
S289.95
SI99.95
S649,95

es!

$13699

^hl'V^NX-1001 Multi-Font

nl^fll^ ° ^'^°' P'"^^- Quiefly print in
near-letfer-quaiify at 7Scps. Choose too or
^ear paper paths and five'^resident fontf-
Droft Courier, Sans Serif, and Orotor & 9
Downlood 192 characters for dSqnina
custonn fonts and logos Your ver^ntniw

Zl^^l'^l''''^' ""^ the obiirt^ to c ^a the
^KByte buffer with the push of a button

iNA-iooi Multi-Font 90895 5136.95

CARDPRINT G-WIZ FNTERFACF

Connect any printer to your C64/128 Dumn,

Commodore 64
Computer

Only
$14995

Commodore 154
Disk Drive

Don't miss out on ttre lowest prices
on the Amiga 500, plus a full line of
Commodore and Amiga hiardware,
software, and accessories.
Coll today to receive your FREE
catalog witfi ttie greatest prices on ttie
most popular hordware and softwarel

Only
$16995

f-^«Of

/QSiv ana

"■"Produ

lets

h/OTT

or©

fefflng I

jbring

l^^i ^^1^^

^usf

^°" 'he best
'"^'ngpnces;

TENEX

QUOj/ty

Computer Express
Order Today! Call

smo Magnetic Drive
Mishawaka, IN 46545
(219)259-7051 FAX (219)259-0300
We gladly accept mail orders!
Circle Reader Service Number 170

1 -BOO-PROMPT- 1

(1-B00-776-67B1)

Sliipping, Handling, Insurance

O'der Amount

Charge

less than S1 9.99

S4.95

520-00-339,99

S5.95

S4Q-00-S74,g9

S6.95

S7S,00-S99.99

S795

S100.00-S149,99

S9.95

S150.00-S299,99

StO.95

S300.00-S499.00

St 2.95

SSOO,00-S699.99

St 9.95

S70O.ao-S999.99

S27.95

StOOO&Ovar

2.8°,'

Of Order

COMMODORE 64 anii COMMODORE 128 are registered trademarks of Commodore Elecircnics, Ud. AMIGA is a registered tradamark ol Commodore Amiga Int: NOTE' Due to publishing
lead-limes, product prices and specificalions are subjacl to change wilhoul notice, -APO. FPO. AK, HI, CN, VI, GU. and toreign orders are subject to additional shipping ctiarges.

SID can create sounds quickly, like
a guitar, or slowly, more like a bowed
violin. It can also do two more things
to a sound which a guitar can't. It can
prolong a sound's volume at a particu-
lar level. This is called sustain. SID
can also cause the sound to stop at a
controllable rate with a process called
release.

So, there you have it. The sound's
envelope is made of attack, decay,
sustain, and release. Each of these
properties is controllable. For now
though, the properties we'll use are
attack and decay. A value of 12, in
fact, poked to the enveiope simulates
the plucking of a guitar string. Later,
we'll see how to determine values to
poke. Where do we poke that enve-
lope value? We poked the frequency
into S-i-1, so the envelope must be
poked into S+2, right? I'm afraid not;
S+2 and S-i-3 are reserved for fine-tun-
ing the pulse wave. S+4? Nope. That
turns on voice 1, S+5 (54277) is voice
Ts main envelope-controlling register.

SO POKES+5,12: REM AnACK/DECAY

If you want to experiment with sustain
and release, add this line.

52 POKES+6,4: REM SUSTAIN/RELEASE

Turn On a Waveform

Last, but certainly not least, the sound
needs a waveform. The 64 and 128
both feature four waveforms, each with
a characteristic timbre. The triangle's
sound is soft and mellow, the sawtooth
mimics a saxophone, the pulse is hol-
low, and the noise is, well, noisy.

To actually begin the sound, we
use voice 1's control register, S-(-4. We
usually poke one of four particular val-
ues to produce the desired waveform.

Triangle

Sawtooth

Pulse

Noise

129

Here's the way we'll select a waveform
in our program. For this example, let's
select a triangle waveform and poke
its value into S+4.

60 POKES+4,33: REM TURN ON SAWTOOTH
WAVEFORM

I like waveform 33, the triangle; it
has a nice bite to it. If you've been
entering the lines as presented, you
can now run the program. You should
be rewarded with a nice strong note
that begins suddenly and gradually
dies out. (Be sure to turn up the vol-

SID AND
VARIABLES

Using a variable such as F,
instead of a number like 16, yields
a whole new world of sounds.
Here's an example which emulates
a warning siren,

10 S=54272; FORJ=STOS+24: POKLI,0:

NEXT: REM CLEAR SID
20 F=16: REM DEFINE VARIABLE
30 POKES+24,15: REW FULt VOLUME
40 FORT=1T0200: NEXT: REM SHORT

PAUSE
SO P0KES+1,F: P0KES+8,F*1.3: REM

COARSE FREQUENCIES
60 P0KES,1 95: POKES+7,31: REM FINE-
TUNE FREQUENCIES
70 POKES+5,12: POKES+12J2: REM

AnACK/DECAY
80 POKES+6,25S: POKES+13,255: REM

SUSTAIN/RELEASE TO MAXIMUM
90 POKES+3,8: POKES+i0,8; REM SHAPE

OF PULSE
100 POKES+4,65: POKES+11,65: REM

TURN ON PULSE WAVEFORM
110 F=F+1: REM INCREMENT FREQUENCY

VARIABLE
120 IFF=36THENF=16: REM CHECK FOR
UPPER FREQUENa LIMIT

130 P0KES+1,F: P0KES+8,F*L3: REM

CHANGE FREQUENCIES BOTH VOICES
140GOT0110

We're using the variable F
(defined in line 20) instead of the
number 16 for the coarse frequen-
cy. The coarse frequency pops up
first at line 50. !n line 130, voice 2's
frequency is calculated as a multi-
ple {1.3 times) of voice 1's. Why?
We do it to keep the interval
between the two voices' frequen-
cies roughly constant for a more
authentic siren sound.

In line 110, we increase variable
F by 1. Try different increments or
try decreasing, instead of increas-
ing, F. Line 120 limits the upper
value of F. Try other limits or values
less than 16 if you're decreasing F.

Once a limit is reached, F is
reset to its original value. Line 130
once again pokes new values to
both voices' frequency registers.
Voice 1 gets newly increased F;
voice 2 gets a multiple of F. Line
140 sends control back to line 110.
which increases F again. The pro-
gram stays in a loop from line 110
through line 140 until you stop it by
pressing the Run/Stop key.

SID Wave Forms

Pulse

Noise

ume on your TV or monitor. The 15
that we poked to 54296 ensures that a
good strong signal leaves the comput-
er, but it won't be heard if your monitor
volume is too tow.)

Six lines to create a sound; that's not
too bad, is it? Just remember the order.

1. Clear the chip (S through S+24).

2. Turn up the volume (S+24).

3. Wait.

4. Set voice 1's frequency (8+ 1).

5. Set voice 1 's envelope (S+5).

6. Turn on voice 1's waveform (S+4).

Other Registers

We produced sound with only three of
voice 1's memory registers; we didn't
use registers S, S+2, S+3, and S+6.
Let's look at them now.

S is the register that fine-tunes
voice Vs frequency, which was
coarsely set with S+1. If you wanted
just a noise or a beep of no particular
frequency, S+1 would be enough fre-
quency control. To accurately pro-
duce musical notes, however, we
must also poke a value to S.

What value? For frequencies of
musical notes, the values are listed in
your User's Guide in a table appropri-
ately called Music Note Values. For
nonmusical sounds, such as drums,
it's mostly a matter of trial and error.
Let's fine-tune the frequency we
poked into S+1 in line 40. Add this line
to the program to give us an exact

G-6 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

,TTTTTTTTTTTTTT*'>*-HTTTTTTTTTT.....>.>»».»*»»TTTTT

FOR THE ce4nHD
CI 23 IH 6^ MODE,

Only mi

ijri Graptiics HlBctiinE

FUH CBflPHICS maCHINE [FCffl) IS flK "flLL - 1 N-OHE" GRAPHICS
PBOGRfim FOR THE C = 64. lUHRT CRN BE CHERTEO lUITH FGlH IS
OflLV LimiTEB BV VOUfl IffiflGI HflTIOK, JUST fl FEU) EXfldlPLESl
BUSINESS CflROS SIGHS

CUSTOn LABELS
SUPPOBTS ' "">" ^'^LINC

ftLL
CIHD ORIiyES

1 UIOEO TITLI
A NElUSLETTEf
tl CfiLEHDNR
J OlflCRflKS

TERS
IRS
IS
POSTERS
ro RM S

CHECKS

OUEHLflVS

BROCHUBES (

LETTERHEADS t

CERTI rtCPITES !

OREETIHO CftRDS

BISK ENUELOPES

^^—ai iH

I lUORKS uTlTH J

pism. iS7ii

ri1581 DHIUEST

FUH GRAPHICS ItlRCHIHE SUPPORTS llUPORTING GRAPHICS RKD
Hl-RES SCREENS FROft! iHRHV POPULAR PRBGRAiTlS INCLUDIHCl
KOftLPI HflNUVSCnHHEH 64

OEOPniNT COMPUTER EVES

RUHPniHT PBINTMflSTER

PRIHT SHOP NEUISROOn

HDL> OCP ART CEOUIRITE

UIOEO BVTE )l DOODLE

GEOS SCREEHS CRN BE CAPTUREO SIfflPLV BV RESETTING
COfflPUTEfl THEN LORDING THE FUH GRAPHICS mflCHIHE.

FUH GBHPHICS flinCHlHE FULL KEVBGliRD OUEfiLflV —13.50 ER

PLEASE STaiE COlttPUTER [054, CIZB, SX-6H) OR C6M IS SHIPPED

Q H Q a

O Q Q

FUH GRAPHICS (IWCHIHE DEdlO DISK THIS I S H PREI/I EUi OF

lUHAT FUH GRRPHICS ItlflCHINE IS ALL RBOUT 12.00

tHrOLl'OWrHC'DYs'K's'F'EOUl'RE 'the' 'full BL'OW'H UERSIOH OF FGffl +^

I FGm FOMTS OUER 30 FOHTS IN FGII1 FDHmflT- - J5.0Q

» FGdl CLIP ART U0L.1 OUEfl ZOO EXCELLENT GRAPHICS 18.00

! FGm CHLEHDRB TEfnPLflTE DfllLV. UIEEKLVj fflOHTHLV 15.00

FGfn OUERLAV TEmPLRTE (HAKE FULL KEVBOflRD OUERLAVS

STATE COmPUTER FOR DUERLAV TEfllPLfiTES OR C6'* IS SENT--15.00

FGin UPDATE DISK U6.H UPDATES FGffl U6.x TO FGffl LIG.H — IZ.OO

U PLEASE RBD FDR SHIPPIHG UNO HANDLING PEfl ORDER 13.50

FOHEIfiH OBDERSiFOR flIR mAIL ADD AQDITIDNAL AS FOLLOIUSI
CRNAOA/rtlEXICG 11.00, AUSTRALIA 110,00, ALL OTHERS 15,00

".iS.^„C"'!gLO!i!:^ ?.P.['.?.y..?.P...9.t[?.?.?l-™°j ..-^^

3 The FGm Coimection, P.O.Box 22DBiRoseburg, OR. 97470

FOB mOBE IIIFOHinflTIOII CALL 503-673-2234

'iizRixmxiiTfZTmx

7±TCilZ21ZI±±n£ZfTZZTW7

RRIZZXRXIT

New * Big Blue Reader 1 28/64 ■ 4.0

Transfers word processing, text, ASCII, and binary files between
C61.'128 and IBM PC compatible 360K 5.25" and 720K 3.5" disks.
New Version 4.0 features: Translers ASCII, PET ASCII and Screen
Code liies including: WordWriter, PocketWriter. SpeedScript. PaperClip,
WriteStuff, GEOS, EasyScript, Fleet System and most others.
Supports drives # 8-30. New Backup (0128) and Format (1571/1581)
programs. Reads MS-DOS sub-directories, uses joystick, and more.
Includes C}28 & C64 programs. Requires 1571 -or- 1581 Disk Drive.

Big Blue Reader 128/64 - 4.0 only $44.95

Version 4.0 upgrade, send original BBR disk plus SI 8.

^ihCeSearcfi 3,2

1 . Complete Old S. New Testament text on (4) 1541,'71 or (2) 1581 disks.

2, An Exiiauslive English Concordance on (2) 1541,71 or(l) 1581 disks.

Includes more than 700,000-;- references.
3- '..:: :;!;!3live (5) second look-uptime, per/word. per.'disk.

4. Instant, automatic spell cfiecking of more ttian 12.800 words.

5. Wildcard and Boolean AND, OR & NOT searcn options.

6. Search ttie entire Bible in 5 seconds witfi 1581 or HD (version 3,52).

7. Money Back Guarantee!

Features: C64 S C1 28 programs; screen, printer and disk output:
users guide, disk case. Available on (7) 1541/71, or (4) 1531 dist<E_

KJV $49.95 I NIV $59.95 [ Both $90

t:' Any questions' Call or write for more information.

Order by cfieck, money order, or COD. US funds only.

c J FREE Shipping in US. No Credit Card orders.

Canada & Mexico add S4 S/H, Overseas add S10 S.'H (S5 BBR)

SOGWAP Software ^ (219)724-3900

115 Bellmont Road; Decatur, Indiana 46733

^SS AND

$ MONEY

Yes, save time and money! Subscribe to the Gazette
Disk and get all the exciting, fun-filled Gazette pro-
grams for your Commodore 64 or 128— already on
disk!

Subscribe today, and month after month you'll
get all the latest, most challenging, and fascinating
programs published in the corresponding issue of
COMPUTE.

New on the Gazette Disk! In addition to the
programs that appear in the magazine, you'll also
get outstanding bonus programs. These programs,
which are often too large to offer as type-ins, are
available only on disk— they appear nowhere else.

As another Gazette Disk extra, check out

"Gazette Gallery," where each month we present the
very best in original 64 and 128 artwork.

So don't waste another moment. Subscribe to-
day to COMPUTE'S Gazette Disk and get 12 issues
for only $49.95. You save almost 60% off the single-
issue price. Clip or photocopy and mail completed
coupon today.

Individual issues of the disk are available for
S9,95 (plus S2.00 shipping and handling) by writing
to COMPUTE, 324 West Wendover Avenue, Suite
200, Greensboro, North Carolina 27408.

YES

Start my one-year subscription
to COMPUTE'S Gazette Disk right away
for only $49.95.*

D Payment enclosed (clneck or money order)
D Chiarge D IVIasterCard D Visa

Acct. No. _
Signature .
Name

. Exp. Date .

Address

City

State/

Province

Mail to COMPUTE'S Gazette Disk. P.O. Bon 3250, Harlan. lA 51593-2430

* Residents of NO and NV. please add appfcipriate sales tax for your area. Canadian

orders, add 7^^ goods and services tax.

ZIP/
. Postal Code .

pitch of middle C on tine piano.

45 POKE5,195: REM FINE-TUNE FREQUENCY

Shaping the Pulse

Wlnile S+2 and S+3 control the shape
of voice 1's pulse waveform, S+2 is
rarely used. Poking a value of 8 to S+3
will give the pulse waveform a nice,
even shape. It's not necessary, how-
ever, to shape a pulse waveform
unless you plan to use it. To hear what
the pulse sounds like, add line 55 and
change line 60 as follows.

55 POKES+3,8: REM SHAPE OF PULSE
60 POKES+4,65: REM TURN ON PULSE WAVE
FORM

Run the program again, and listen to
the difference in the sound. Now exper-
iment. Try waveforms 17 (triangle) and
129 (noise). Try various frequencies
and envelopes. A reminder: Don't con-
fuse voices with waveforms. SID has
three voices (remember our three-string
guitar?) and four waveforms (triangle,
sawtooth, pulse, and noise).

Voices 2 and 3

So much for voice 1. If you want to
play more than one voice at a time,
each must be set up independently.

For instance, let's add another note to
harmonize with the last one. Modify
lines 40-60.

40POKES+1,16:POKES+8,21
4SP0K£S,195:PaKES+7,31
50POKES+5,12:POKES+12,12
55 POKES+3,8: FOKES+1 0,8
60 POKES+4,65: POKES+1 1,65

Voice 2's values follow the colon in
each line. To program voice 2, just
add 7 to voice 1's memory registers.
In line 40, S+1 for voice 1 becomes
S+8 for voice 2; in line 45, voice Ts S
becomes voice 2's S+7; and so on,

Notice that in this example I've
poked all voice 2 registers with the
same values — except frequency in
lines 40 and 45. Frequency values 21
and 31 (from the Music Note Values
table) are needed to produce E above
middle C on the piano. You may, if you
like, set different envelopes for each
voice (line 50) or different waveforms
(line 60). If you run the program now,
you'll hear a two-note chord in perfect
harmony.

As you've probably noticed by now,
SID's three voices are arranged within
the chip in groups of seven registers
each. Thus the control registers for
voices 1, 2, and 3 are 54276, 54283.

and 54290, respectively. The
attack/decay portion of the three
envelopes is set in registers 54277,
54284, and 54291, respectively,
Therefore, to program voice 3, just off-
set the memory registers by 7 again.

As promised, here's how to reduce
the proliferation of POKEs for this par-
ticular program. This technique won't
always be applicable, but it may give
you some ideas. Begin by copying
lines 10 and 30 from the above pro-
gram. Then delete the remaining lines.
Now add these lines.

40 FORG^I TO 10: READL,D:POKES+L,D
SO NEXT:END

100 DATA 1,16,8,21,0,195,7,31,
5,12,12,12,3,8,10,8,4,65,11,65

That's it! All SID's offsets from S
(54272) and the pokable values have
been compressed into one data line.
One FOR-NEXT loop does the rest of
the work.

While this simple program touches
on only a few of the SID chip's won-
derful possibilities, you can have fun
experimenting with changing wave-
forms, frequency values, and voices. I
hope programmers will be encour-
aged to further explore the sound
capabilities of their 64s and 128s. Q

G-8 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

^^M;:^

8 BIT

PO BOX 542
Jj^ LINDENHURSTNY 11757-0542

DOirr LET A SPELL CAUSE A COMMODORE

ONE SliAIX UOTAEE COULD DSffTROT
¥Oim OOIOIODOKB OOIDUTEX FCAEVEK

Tbe Soeri qntitjr ksjibaanl ault ■» inikbb for yau
Comaodon mtii|julu. Cnitoia nudded tor cadi model,
thttt mb fit oicr amy bgr k jmately Uut ym won't
eno taow k'l then.- Uatit jroa ifiUl «~~J>'^ thai U

IJUf emt inrhl—til ipilh, iliit, d—t, i»d Html

N«T«rA^i»WTOtm«PritO«YomrI«jii

At* roe- Cammodmfor ONL YS 19. 00

CMcr#VS64 .fiti your Conmodon 64 or Vic 2Q

Otder # V564C Ai ycnr Commodore 64C

Order # VS12S ...fiti )«irCommador«12i

6PACSETS

EACB SET 1 5.00

I: ASSr.(StaiTi^+)
3:EDUCA'nC9UL
4:aAM£S(Tetm+)
3:DEM08/MOVCES

fcPRODUcnvirY

TiOEOflCUPAllT
S: KECIFES SET
9: UniXnES SET
AiOOUSIMAS
B: ASST.(Muio+)
C: MUSIC SET
D:ARTOALLHtY

E: OECB FILES

SIX PAC * 2 1 10.00

ADULTIHACffiS

YoOBMlIt BCD tlwt yoB

9t^ <j9tf 18 jttn oU
to mm Uia tM 1

imiDacAFE

HAMDOMP
lOYSnCK

ONLY $5.00

COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE I

CALLFC» riElf AVAILABILITy I

DIEHARD $5.00

BLOCKOUT J 5.00

PARADROID $5.00

CLUBHOUSE SPORTS $ 5.00

SEGA ARCADE 5 PACK J 15.00

(Inctudes Out Run, AfterBuniier, Shinobi,
Alien SyndromCr wl Thimdcrbl^ile t)

MANY riElfS AJtE CLOSEOUT ITBM8 ONLY.

AND THB AMOUNT OF ?TOCK UA Y BB UMTTBD I

CALL OUR OFFICE TO VERIFY AVAILABILITY I

SUIPPlNaSZOOPorFitMtltcm + Sl.OOvmA mdditiammlitam

*UJ.l'amd*0^»a(MMYII0C0J>.'»timCXSniTCAMD0mDBM3

FOR A FR£E COPY OF OUK CATALOG. CALL:
(S16>«S7-niO MONDAY -FRIDAY lOuatoSimBST

Circle Reader Service Number 162

Create a
Western

Style
■witHyour
Commodbn

64/12S
Computer

$24.95

pkif 1/H

Ul 14.00

Ctaul*. i 9.00

AK.K S6jDa

Kso. no..S 6.00
wa.Rm.Tu 1 1.72

Fix more info.
509-276-6926

MoCOD'i

"WESTEItN HBRTEAGE

Gfiphica. Borden. u^PcBUla the PriAi Shop .

GBJiraics

Requlrfts:

Print Shop
Version 2.0

or
Print Shop
Verftion 1 -0

wKhlho
Companion

Print Shop

Verejon 1 .0

with the

Holiday

Edition

Over 140 New Ways to Create a Total Western Environment
with 90 Graphics, 42 Bordeis and 10 Fonts for the Print Shop.

t Create Western Style Stationery, Cards arid Invitations.

* Invite Your Friends to a Western Birthday Party, Bar-B-Q or Card Game.

*Make 10 Gunfighters of the Old West, Wanted Posters.

*lmpress Your Club with Western Posters, Banners and Calendars.

>Make posters for Your Favorite Western Event, Horse Show, Hay Ride.

^Designs for over 50 Western Business Activities and Club Events,

iKids Share Secret Messages with Your Friends.

^f.fwum' iis==^ GRAPHICS ^-^sy* \ii

Horse FeaiJiers Graphics Inc., N. 273 i 0 Short Road, Deer Paik, Wa. «00is-mi

l GRAPEVINE GROUP ^

i^ COMMODORE UPGRADES

COMMODORE DIAGNOSTICIAN II

SPECIALS

• COWPUTER SAVER This C-64 Protection System saves you cosily repairs,
'"I Over 52=^ of C-64 failures are caused by malfunclioning power supplies that
/ destroy your computer. Installs in seconds between power supply & C-64, Nd

1^ soldering 2 year warranty. An absolute must and great seller S17.95

|k • PRINTER PORT ADAPTER by Omnilronix. Avoid obsolescence. Allows you tD
^1 use sny Commodore (C-G4) printer on any PC compatible or clone. Does not
>' work wjlh Amiga "--• S34.9S

512K RAM EXPANDERS

By special arrang ement with Commodore, weareabletopu rchase a; a lartaslic
pnce 400 of the original 512K 1750 RAM expander units for your 054 or Ci2a
computer Now keep up with ihe latest technology. Upgrade to 512K with a
: simple plug-m module. Completely compatible and comes wilh soltware. II you
have a C64 you wril need a heavier power supply {4 3 amp), which we will give
you for S31.00, C128 users do not need this power supply This is the original

Commodore unil wilh over BOO.OOO sold S99-95

Super 1 750 REU CLone (512K). Does not require a larger power supply. .S142. 50

\J^ Originally developed as a software package, then converted to a readable
format, the Diagnostician fias become a fantastic seller. With over 33.000 sold
woridwide. Diagn oslicran II utilizes sophislicafed cross, reference grids to locate
faulty components (ICs) on all C-64 and C1S41 compulers IC-12B/64 mode).
Save money and downtime by promptly locating what chipfs) have failed (No

4 equipment of any kind needed.) Success rate from diagnosiS'to*repair is 98%.

/ Inciudes basic schematic S6.95

' (Available lor Amiga computers with S'/j' disk at SI 4.95).

+'f/U * A super- heavy, repairable, "not sealed" C-64 power supply with an output of
I 4.3 amps (that's over 3x as poweriul as the original) Feafunng 1 year warranty,

' exi. fuse, schematics, UL approved S37.95

(Includes bonus Cominodore Diagnostician II (valued @ S6.95)
• Our Biggest Seller • f.8 amp repairable hea^y duly supply lor C-64, (Over
^! 120.000 sold.) $24.95

■,v; „

J pi 65f 0 CPU

M' 6526 CIA .A « _ _

s^f 6581 SID iijfj nr

il 6557 Video... ^H M n

4" PLA 906114 WVlVV

^ All 901/225-6-7-9 EACH

4164(C-64/RAM) 60

C-128 ROMs Upgrade (set 3) 24.95

C1671 ROM Upgrade (310664-05) S10.95

C-64 Keyboard (new) 19.95

C64 Cabinet (new). S49.95

Interlace Cables: #690 C64to f54t/1571 disk drive SI 2.95

#693 C64 10 3 pin RCA (eg 1094) S16.9S

1541/1571 Drive Alignment S21.95

Super Graphics by Xetec SS9.50

Service Manuals for C64, 0128. 1802. 10B4SP. 1541 S81.95

NEW POWER SUPPLIES

REPLACEMENT/UPGRADE
CHIPS & PARTS

+ EMERGENCY STARTUP KITS *

Save a lot ot time and money by repairing your own Commodore computer. All
chips are direct socket plug-ms (no soldenng). Each kit includes alt you need to
"start upVrevtve your broken computer. Originally blister packed tor the
government PXs worldwide, this series is now available to you. Total cost
savings per kit lar exceeds purchasing chips on an individual basis

KIT #3 (Pari rtDIA 15)forC64
Symptoms: No power up • Screen lock up • Flashing colors • Game

cartridge problems
Contains: ICs !!tPLA/fl2SlOO/906l 14, 6526. Commodore Diagrositician,
Fuse. Chip Puller. 8 RAMs, Schematic, Utility Cartridge & special
diagnostic test diskette with 9 programs

An $87.50 value for only $29.95

KIT OA (Pari #DIA 16)1of C64
Symptoms: Control Port • Sound • Keyboard • Serial device problems
Contains: ICs #6526, 6581. 8 BAMs, Commodore Diagnostician. Fuse, Chip

Puller. Basic Schematic. Utility Cartridge & special diagnostic test

diskette with 9 programs
A S79.80 value lor only 529.95

KIT 1^5 (Part #OIA 17) lor 1541/1571
Symptoms: Drive runs cohlinuiously • Motor won't slop • Read errors • No

power up
Contains: ICs #6502, 6522, Fuse Chip Puller. Basic Schematic. Commodore

Diagnostician & special diagnostic test diskette with 9 programs
An S70.1 d value for only $29-95

VISA ^^^^3

Circle Reader Service Number 234

Se7td Fttr Free Ca/alo/i

3 CHESTNUT ST.. SUFFERN. NY 10901

Order Line 1-800-292-7445 Fax 914-357-6243

Customer Service: 914-368-4242 International Order Line: 914-357-2424

We Ship Worldwide Prices subject 1o change

Hours: 9-6 E,T. M-F 15% Restocking Charge

Tell a friend you\e heard it through the Grapevine.

Circle Reader Service Number 145

eiEws

ARACHNOPHOBIA

A deadly spider from South
America lias migrated
north, laying her loathsome
eggs in hundreds of homes,
schools, buildings, barns,
and cemeteries. In a frighten-
ingly short time, her off-
spring have hatched and
have begun to reproduce.

Thus begins the arach-
nids' reign of terror in commu-
nities across America, This
Disney arcade game for the
64 closely follows the basic
premise of the studio's hit
movie Arachnophobia.

Homes are overrun, citi-
zens terrorized, and whole
communities abandoned.
Residents have tried every-
thing to rid themselves of
the unwanted guests, but
nothing seems to stop
these creepy crawlers, The
eight-legged enemy is upon
us. It's enough to make
your skin crawl.

As a last resort, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture
sends a frantic plea to
Delbert McClintock, owner
of the fvlcClintock Infestation
Management Company.
McClintock is the inventor of
a patented insecticide, Toxi-
Max, which is said to be
strong enough to kill the
arachnids. Fearless Delbert
loads his bugmobile with
the lethal Toxi-Max and a
supply of bug bombs, and
sets out to free his country
from the invading horde.

You won't need a lot of
practice to get into the
swing of playing this game,
nor will you need to refer to
the instruction manual
throughout play. Disney
does recommend that you
make a backup of the
game's double-sided disk be-
fore playing and use the
backup for play. The game
is compatible with most
Fast Load cartridges, too.
Since there's enough variety

G-10 COfulPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

in Arachnophobia's sharp,
colorful graphics to keep
you playing for hours, you'll
find using a Fast Load car-
tridge will save you a lot of
time, since you must flip
sides during the game.

When you load Arachno-
phobia, you'll see the bugmo-
bile as it drives past homes,

sense of timing and your
joystick skills.

Spider webs are a real nui-
sance. Blundering into one
will slow you down to half
speed and make you more
vulnerable until you break
free.

A single spray of deadly
Toxi-Max is enough to kill a

Melcone to

Canatma

Delbert McClintock is the nation
hordes of invading spiders from

farms, schools, and cemeter-
ies. Pick the building you
want to enter; then use your
joystick to guide the bugmo-
bile there.

When you stop at a loca-
tion, the screen changes to
an interior scene showing
Delbert. Your mission is to
help him clear the infested
rooms by hunting down and
destroying all the spiders
and the egg sack that's hid-
den in every structure.
Sound easy? Don't be so
sure-
Spiders are everywhere.
They'll do all they can to
guard their egg sack.
Sneaky ones drop from the
ceiling to land on you; oth-
ers slither down web
strands and bite you from be-
hind. You'll be attacked at
ground level, too. Often, the
soldier spiders work in
groups, testing both your

B«HB BUJOTWteT-

's last line of defense against
South America.

soldier spider within spray-
ing distance. It only takes a
few spider bites to slay you,
however, so keep your eyes
open for first-aid kits. These
will restore your strength.
There's at least one kit in eve-
ry building.

Don't forget you're wear-
ing heavy work boots, too.
You can stomp on some of
the creepy crawlers, conserv-
ing your limited supply of
insecticide.

The quickest way to clear
a room is to use a bug
bomb. You start the game
with only three of these, so
use them wisely. Other
items you find as the game
progresses are almost as
useful as bug bombs. Match-
es and aerosol cans can be
fashioned into nifty flame-
throwers, which have a bet-
ter range than your insecti-
cide sprayer. More impor-

tant, the homemade flame-
throwers can clear an entire
floor or ceiling of a room
with just one pass.

When you've cleared a
structure, you can safely re-
turn to the bugmobile. But
there's no time for you to
rest. The battle has only be-
gun! There are more build-
ings and towns needing
your bug-slaying skills. Just
guide your bugmobile to an-
other building and start exter-
minating spiders.

Every building in every
town is filled with hordes of
vicious spiders, defending
an egg sack. Only one struc-
ture in each town hides a
queen spider The queen is
the same size as the original
South American spider.
You'll know this mean mama
by the distinctive yellow mark-
ings on her legs. Watch out!
She's tougher than her sol-
diers and can even bite af-
ter she's been stunned. Slay-
ing her will transport you to
another city with yet another
queen spider to roust.

All in all, this is a challeng-
ing game that's designed to
give you a real workout. If
you succeed in besting the
queen spider in every town,
you'll have saved the coun-
try and proved yourself a he-
ro. As a reward, the United
Nations will give you a se-
cret assignment in the Ama-
zon rain forest, The mon-
strous arachnids there will
make you wish you'd been
a little less successful.

To aid you during play,
the bottom of the screen dis-
plays status information.
There's an amusing picture
of Delbert that monitors the
state of your health. It chang-
es from smiling to frowning
to screaming in pain, de-
pending on how many
times you've been bit. First-
aid kits will restore Deibert's
smile.

Next to Deibert's picture

The Gazette

Productivity

Manager

(Formerly PowerPak) ^^

Harness the productivity
power of your 64 or 128!

Turn your Commodore into
a powerful workhorse, keep track
of finances, generate reports
in a snap, manage your
money in minutes-
all with the new 1991
Gazette Productivity
Manager! Look at all
your 64/128 Productivity
Manager disk contains.

GemCalc 64 & 128—

A complete, powerful, user-
friendly spreadsheet with all
the features you'd expect
in an expensive commercial package

(separate 64 and 128 versions are included).

Most commands can be performed with a singie keypress!

Memo Card — Unleashes the power of a full-blown
database without the fuss! Nothing's easier — it's a
truly simple computerized address file. Just type in
your data on any one of the index cards. Need to edit?
Just use the standard Commodore editing keys.
Finished? Just save the data to floppy. What could be
easier?

Financial Planner — Answers all of those questions
concerning interest, investments, and money manage-
ment that financial analysts charge big bucks for! You
can plan for your children's education and know
exactly how much it will cost and how much you need
to save every month to reach your goal. Or, decide
whether to buy or lease a new car. Use the compound
interest and savings function to arrive at accurate
estimates of how your money will work for you.
Compute the answer at the click of a key!

DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS
POWERFUL WORKHORSE!

(MaslerCard and Vjsji accepted on orders with subtotal over $20).

I_l YES! Please send me Prodactieity Manager dlgk(s)

($14.95 each).

Subtotal

Sales Tax (Residents of NC and NY please add appro-
priate sales tax for your area. Canadian orders, add
7% goods and services tax.)

Shipping and Handling ($2.00 U.S. and Canada, S3.00

surface nail, $5.00 airmail per disk.)

Total Enclosed

Clieck or Money Order MasterCard _ VISA

CnSII Card ^<l

BIlDtturt _

(Hrqalred)

Divllnr Tpkphonp Ko. .
Narar

SlWr/
PtoVijIr,

ZIP/
- PajlaJ C«dc

Send your order to Gazette 1991 Productivity Manager,
324 W. Wendover Ave,, Ste. 200, Greensboro, NC 27408.

Everything's included!

Features, games, reviews,
education/home applications,
programming, bugswatter,
feedbaclt, and columns!

A superb interface includes pull-down
menus, help screens, and keyboard,
joystick, or mouse control. Features in-
clude super-fast searching and sorting
capabilities. An options screen allows
you to choose text colors, drive num-
ber, and input device. And there's full
documentation on disk.

Choose from three modes of opera-
tion—firoujse for quick scanning, view
for detailed information and descrip-
tions, and edit for adding items from
upcoming issues— and print to any
printer. There's even a turbo-load op-
tion for maximum disk-access speed.

To order, send $7.95 per disk, the
quantity of disks ordered, check or
money order,* your name and com-
plete street address:

1991 Gazette index

324 West Wendover Avenue

Suite 200

Greensboro, NC 27408

' Please add $2 shipping & handling (S5 farelgn] for
each dish [residents of NC. NJ, NY please add appli-
cable sales tax; Canadian orders, add 7% goods and
services tax).

All payments must be in U.S. tur^ds. Please allow 4
weeks for delivery.

REVIEWS

is an indicator show^ing liow much Toxi-
Max insecticide remains in your spray
tank. It refills automatically whenever
you return to the bugmobite. (Beware!
You can leave a building at any time
for refills, but all the spiders will return
while you're out.)

A counter at the bottom of the
screen shows how many bug bombs
you have. You start with three but earn
another every time you clear a struc-
ture. Last, but definitely not least, is the
Bugometer This compasslike device in-
dicates the direction in which to travel
to find the queen in each city.

I prefer to play Arachnophobia with
the sound turned down, but my son
likes to hear Delbert's bug-fighting com-
ments and the sizzle of his flamethrow-
er. I like to go through houses system-
atically rousting arachnids; he zeroes
in on the queen. Even though our
styles vary, however, we both agree
that this is the best arcade game we've
played in a long while.

MARTI PAULIN

Commodore 64 or 128— S29.95

WALT DISNEY COMPUTER SOFTWARE

500 S. Buena Vista St.

Burbank. CA 91521

{818)841-3326

Circle Resdar Service Number 341

FUN GRAPHICS
MACHINE

Fun Graphics Machine is a great way
to create and manipulate graphics and
hi-res screens on a 64. My introduction
to the program was a free demo that's
available on QuantumLink. I was
amazed at the ways that I could work
with the designs on the screen: flip,
flop, reverse, stretch, shrink, crop, ro-
tate, fasten, copy, and print the results.
The demo won't allow you to save and
print features, but the asking price for
the registered version maizes it a real
must-have bargain. The reference man-
ual is the first good feature.

The spiral-bound manual lies flat, so
you can really use it. Some of the in-
structions are duplicated, but that
stops the page flipping when you
need to refer back to some detail that
has slipped your memory.

The manual itself was produced
with FGM. It even shows step-by-step
instructions of how various pages
were composed. This is not a drawing
program. It doesn't have lines, circles,
or squares, and there are no colors —
just a white screen (or rather, three
white screens) to work with.

The program uses color in a useful
way. The cursor and borders change
color to let you know what mode you're
in. Blue cursor is text, gray is grab, pur-
ple is adjust, and so on.

You work on a 40-column screen,
and the screens can be linked both
across and down. By combining two
screens across, you have your 80-col-
umn format for printing a full page. You
can use a third screen as a
workplace. Link the screens down for
as many as you need. Print a banner
of any length.

Save your work with a simple meth-
od of coding, and then use one instruc-
tion to print all of your work.

FGM is really a collection of pro-
grams, not just one. 'With the program
disk in one drive, it'll recognize the pres-
ence of any other two drives. Create
lets you do your own thing. Demo runs
demos that are available on the pro-
gram disk or replays those that you cre-
ate and save. Clip-Art uses artwork
found in other programs like The Print
Shop, The Newsroom, and Doodle.
Printer sends your work to your printer.

You can print your work to disk in
files that others can view without hav-
ing to run FGM. You can design and
send greeting cards or draw screens
to be used as titles on your VCR.

FGM has its own department on Q-
Link. Download a file with 50 different
fonts, and you can type in just about
any style that you like. FGM contains a
customizer, which will design or modi-
fy a font. Updates are always being
added. If you have a question, some-
one online will have the answer, and
samples of what users have done are
always interesting to study.

If you're using a 128 and have the re-
set switch, you'll discover something
remarkable. Suppose you're running a
program in 64 mode and see a graph-
ic on the screen that you'd like to
save. Hit the reset switch. The program
will be gone, but then load and run
FGM, On most occasions the graphic
will be available on one of FGM's
screens. Now you can save it, grab
part of it, and paste it on another
screen. Have fun; that's what the pro-
gram is all about — having fun with
graphics.

Since you can edit at the pixel level,
you can do some finely detailed work,
and a smoothing technique takes away
some of the rough spots on captured
pictures. With the overlay method of
grabbing and pasting, you can design
and save different templates and then
use them for various projects. A simple
template with a musical symbol font
and score lines is useful for writing mu-
sical scores. A grid pattern can be over-
laid with needlework designs.

Playing with FGM can become addic-
tive. Searching for different graphics to
manipulate, adding new eyes to a
face from a Print Shop cartoon, using
part of a picture as the cover for a greet-
ing card, and designing your own let-
terhead are just some of the fun you
can have working with graphics.

In text mode you can link two
screens across, use word-wrap, select
a font, set the margins, and type your
document. The size of the cursor can
be changed with a single keypress.
And with that size change, the size of
your font changes, all the way to a full
screen.

Great graphic work on [he screen
can be work wasted if you can't send
it to a printer. FGM supports most print-
ers, and it gives you the option of tell-
ing your printer to perform various ef-
fects. You can select dots-per-incfi
density; single or double height; single,
double, or triple width; various mar-
gins; and so on.

Try printing the same screen with dif-
ferent options, and you'll be surprised
by the results. Not only does FGfVI let
you design and work with your own
graphics, but you have the ability to
load files from other programs. The
possibilities are endless. You have com-
plete control over every pixel on the
screen. Artwork can be stretched,
shrunk, slanted, rotated, overlaid with
shadows, and more. By using two
screens and flipping between them,
you can create simple automation for
your demos.

Learning to use the program can
take time, but you don't have to iearn
it all at once. If you go too far, a cou-
ple of keystrokes will always take you
back to where you started. There's no
need to remember filenames.

Selections are made from a screen
menu, and a disk directory is aiways
available. You can use up to three
drives with FGM, and the program will
ask you which one you want to access.
You can customize your program disk
so that it will default to your particular
printer.

If you'd like the cursor and borders
to be different colors, you can change
them. Copy the program disk and
then customize the copy with your
most used fonts, character sets, and
graphics for a program default to suit
your own needs.

FGM is always being updated on Q-
Link. The author, whose Q-Link handle
is RonHS, is often online in the Starving
Artists' Cafe. He is always offering new
hints and suggestions.

Q-Link members can download an
FGM demo and try it before buying.
But once you try FGM, you'll be
hooked on graphics — and spoiled. No

more having a graphic that won't fit in
the space you need on your docu-
ment. With FGM you can copy it,
shrink it, expand it paste it, and then
smile at the results.

Discover that your 64 is a real fun ma-
chine. Then surprise your friends with
your newly discovered artistic talent.
You won't go wrong with Fun Graphics
Machine.

ESTHER OLSON

Commodore 64 or 128— $24.95, plus $3.50 ship-
ping and handling

THE FGM CONNECTION

P.O. Box 2206

Roseburg. OR 97470

(503) 673-2234

CIrcFe Reader Service Number 342

DWEEZILABEL

If Dweezil is anything like the program
that bears his name, he must be one
clever dog. Once again, Dave Fer-
guson, GEOS programmer extraordi-
naire and human who lives with Dweez-
il, has released an intriguing and useful
GEOS program with a picture of a dog
in a party hat on the label.

DweezlLabel is everything a GEOS
user could want in a label program.
Well, to be fair, it's everything Ferguson
would want in a label program. He'll be
the first to admit that the program
evolved more as an answer to his spe-
cific needs than as a general-purpose
label maker. Even so, it includes
enough features to function as a
minidatabase, a minipublisher, and
who knows what else.

In the course of running Quincy Soft-
works, Ferguson needs to keep track
of customers from all over the world
and to keep notes on what they've or-
dered, how much they've paid, and so
on. DweezlLabel emerged as his ideal
multipurpose low-end business applica-
tion. You can find it on Dweezil Disk
#3, which includes MYgeoDiARY and
geoWORDS.

Since Ferguson runs his business ex-
clusively with GEOS products, data
from DweezlLabel is compatible with
applications such as geoMerge and
geoCalc. Text scraps and numeric da-
ta can be neatly clipped in formatted
chunks to fit those GEOS applications.

An even better example of DweeziL-
abel's versatility is the way it handles da-
ta. The program works with files of up
to 50 records, similar to a card file da-
tabase. These files can be created
from within DweezlLabel, geoWrite, or
geoFile. Ferguson wanted room in
those records for more than just
names and addresses. He wanted to
keep notes about what products peo-
ple had ordered and the amount of

ll^lft^ Computer Make

LfiiD) YOU
S> $1,000,000?

"2. WITH LOHEBY PC YOUR NEXT TICKr
COULD BE WORTH MILLIONS!

LOTTERY uses Ihe la* powei and sloiaae o( your
compuier to deiGrmine and reline the number selection
methods Ihat will win tlie wiious lottery games you
play Don I be limited lo the one or two methods that
other progiams use. Ihey might not work in your stale.
There Is m better system available!
Join the growing list ol winners using our systefli.

SPECIFY:
Lottery 64(064/128)

Lonery PC
IBM PCVXT/AT and compatibles

ComiTiodoie64/1 28 & Plus/4 are registered

trademarks ot Commodore Im.

IBM PC/XT/AT are registered trademarks ol

International Business Machines Inc

To oiiei. send S29 95 lor each plus S3.00 postage &

harxlling per order 10

(lliinais residents add E% sales tail

(Orders outsirie North America add $3.00)

C.O.D. orders call;
(708) 566-4647

Superior Micro Systems, Inc.

£6151 N. Oak Ave.

Mundetein, IL 60060

Circle Reader Service Number 221

DISKS O'PLENTY INC

7958 PINES BLVD. SUITE 270A

PEMBROKE PINES FL 33024

(305) 963-7750

Call or write for free descriptive catalog of
C64J128 Public Domain & Shareware

Choose from over 900 Disks
Adult list of over 50 Disks available
to those 18 or over.
021 MU SID MUSIC UTILITIES
019GR PRINTSHOP UTILITIES
019ED JR HIGH EDUCATION
062ED HIGH SCHOOL EDUC.
033ED TYPING /SPANISH
031 ED COMPUTER SCIENCE
010UT PIRATES TOOLBOX
119GA. FOR EiGN ARCADE
022GA CASINO-BOARD GAMES
021 GE GEOS FONTS
002MS LOTTERY PROGRAMS
003MS COLLECTORS CORNER

o
o
in DC

{«■ LXJ

*i O

Circle Raadsr Service Number 253

THE AMERICAN HEART

ASSOCIATION
MEMORIAL PRGGR/\M.

^American Heart Association

This Space provided as a public service.

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-13

REVIEWS

money they'd paid, so he added sev-
eral extra data lines for that express pur-
pose, data that the labeler part of the
program doesn't print unless you want
it to. So far, that's pretty tame stuff, but
this is no wimpy Rolodex.

Tucked away in the Text menu is a
series of search commands that let you
sail through your data with ease. The
six possible lines of data could be
names and addresses. You could
store shoe sizes and a recipe for Pan
Galactic Gargle Blasters in there if you
wanted, but DweeziLabel restricts you
to the number of spaces you can use.
In fact, aside from the size limit and the
lack of the trivial feature of saving a
graphic to a record, DweeziLabel can
hold its own with geoFile for useful-
ness. As I said before, it even creates
merge files for geoMerge.

But, hey, what about labels? Yes,
DweeziLabel does labels, any kind of
labels. It produces any kind of printed
output that is 2 inches tall, for that mat-
ter, on pages up to a full 11 inches
tall. Using a technique called layering
in the work window, you can put togeth-
er combinations of graphics and text to
create just about any kind of label you
can imagine.

By paging through the database,
you can select label text that can be
modified however you like. You can
use any GEOS font you might have
available (on either disk, up to the file
selector's limit — no six or seven font
maximum here) and any style, includ-
ing reverse. The work window is conven-
iently sized to fit Ferguson's premier
graphics desk accessories, NewTools
and geoStamp (available on other
Dweezil Disks). This means you can
stamp yourself a border around a label
or curve and angle graphics and text
to your heart's delight.

All this power doesn't come as easi-
ly as it could, however. The documenta-
tion provided on disk is extensive but
a bit thin in spots. The entire process
of layering a graphics label is not par-
ticularly intuitive, which is not necessar-
ily bad, but a step-by-step tutorial for
this process would save the user
some trial and error.

The words scrap and /at)e/ appear of-
ten, sometimes meaning one thing and
sometimes another, While these varia-
tions are defined in the short glossary,

G-H COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

they do get confusing. Maybe since
this program has become second na-
ture to Ferguson, he's lost the perspec-
tive of a neophyte. The documentation
should've been written from the per-
spective of the user who hasn't a clue
about how this program operates — but
it wasn't. As a result, this program
runs the risk of being tossed aside af-
ter a half hour of frustration by casual
users who don't care to figure out
things on their own.

That would be a shame. DweeziLa-
bel is too powerful an application to be
missed by anyone who has some hon-
est-to-goodness work to do with
GEOS. The results are worth the extra
effort it takes to master the intricacies
of the interface. Heck, when used in
conjunction with NewTools and geo-
Stamp, DweeziLabel might be, as the
ads claim, the "hottest GEOS label pro-
gram to come along in years!"

STEVE VANDER ARK

Commodore 64 or 128, GEOS— $15-95

QUINCY SOFTWORKS

9479 E. Whilmore Ave.

Hughson. CA 95326-9745

Circle Reader Service Number 343 H

TYPING AIDS

MLX, our machine language entry pro-
gram for the 64 and 128, and The Auto-
matic Proofreader are utilities that help
you type in Gazette programs without
making mistakes. To make room for
more programs, we no longer include
these labor-saving utilities in every is-
sue, but they can be found on each Ga-
zette Disk and are printed in all issues
of Gazette through June 1990.

If you don't have access to a
back issue or to one of our disks, write
to us, and we'll send you free printed
copies of both of these handy pro-
grams for you to type in. We'll also in-
clude instructions on how to type in Ga-
zette programs. Please enclose a self-
addressed, stamped envelope. Send a
self-addressed disk mailer with appropri-
ate postage to receive these programs
on disk.

Write to Typing Aids, COMPUTE'S
Gazette, 324 West Wendover Avenue,
Suite 200, Greensboro, North Carolina
27408.

ONLY

DISK

In addition to the type-in pro-
grams found in eacfi issue of the
magazine, Gazette Disk offers bo-
nus programs, Here's a special
program that you'll find only on
this month's disk.

BASSEM 128

By Fernando Buela Sanchez

Queretaro, QRO

Mexico

Symbolic label-based assem-
blers are the most convenient
way to write machine language
programs. You enter instructions
as source code, and they are lat-
er assembled into object code.
Rather than using memory loca-
tions, you can use meaningful la-
bels.

Many programmers have
used — and raved about — Bas-
sem for the 64, and nov^ there's
an improved version for the 128.
Bassem 128 works in conjunction
with BASIC 7.0, and because of
the 128's larger memory, it can
store larger source code pro-
grams. With the addition of new
commands, you can also devel-
op your programs with less effort.

Bassem 128 and complete
instructions are available only on
disk. You can have this program
and all the others that appear in
this issue by ordering the Novem-
ber Gazette Disk. The price is
$9.95 plus $2.00 shipping and
handling. Send your order to Ga-
zette Disk, COMPUTE Publica-
tions, 324 West Wendover Ave-
nue, Suite 200, Greensboro,
North Carolina 27408.

Any type of aerobic exercise
program can help reduce your
risk of heart attack and stroke.
The only hard part is di™g
in. To learn more, contact the
American Heai't Association,
7272 Greenville Avenue, Box
47, Dallas, TS 752314596.

You can help prevent heart
disease and stroke. We can
tell you how.

American Heart
Association

This space provided as a public service^
© 1992, American Heart Association

DISK MAGAZINES FOR 64 & 128

Great programs & articles from both sides of the Atlantic.

C64 ALIVE! is U.S. produced. LIGHT DISK andcluSLIGHT are UK produced.
C64 ALIVE! Sample disk $3 IE 1.60): 5 issues ending )Z/92 J20 |E10);

e issu«s starling 1/93 $25 (£12.50)
dubLIGHT Single issue $5 (£2.20): 12 issues starting 9/92 S50 (£23.40)

LIGHT DISK (ofil/ 4 issues) B Disks $30 (El 5)
LIGHT DISK and dubLIGHT are lor 64/128 — C64 ALIVE! is 6A only

FOR DELIVERV:

IN U.S.: Jack Vander While, C64 ALIVE!, P.O. Box 2321 15, Sacramento, CA 95823
IN UK: Datasphere Publications, 7 Fallowfield Close, Valley Drive. Norwicti, NRl 4NW
Outside No rttt Arr^erica and UK write forprices.

Circle Reader Service Number 154

^GRAFIX GALORE ^^

Original Printshop Graphics }>— ^

Over 80 super grapliics to adti spariste tt) your Printshop projecls! Everything from
sports to spys and pirates to pizza.

Send S II .95 ( inc. s/h) add S3 ifoutiide N. A tnerica. Specify C-64 or IBM version .
— REQUIRES PRi?^TSHOP OR GRAPHICS COMPATIBLE PROG. —

C^ CLIP ART CUPBOARD jbm

P. O. BOX 317774 • CINONNATI, OH 4S231

SEC CHECK REGISTER 128

Manages persona! or small business checking in a fast/effioent manner. Fast data entry,
many bank transactions predefined. Unlimited recurring payees. Up to 750 active file
trar*sactions. History files allow an on going record. Up to 999 reference (account)
numbers. Easy editing with many powerful commands. Reports printed by. Outstanding
Transaction, Transaction, Reference Number, Reference Number &. Date, Date, Date &
Random Reference Number, or Payee. Print any type of personal or form feed check,
Supports all 1 5XX and Hard Drives. Compatibie with alj currenlly available DOS cartridges
and ROi^^ chips. Custom video fonts. Spiral bound lay flat manual and much more. System
requirements: C-128 with BO column RGB or Mono, monitor. FREE with each order SEC
Financial Calc. 128 TO ORDER: Send Check or Money Order for J24.95 * S3. 00 SSH to:

SPARKS ELECTRONICS, 5316 So. 9th, St. Joseph, MO 64504-1802

circle Reader Service Numtwr 252

Commodore 64 Public Domain

Highest Quality Since 1987'

Qarres, Education, Business, Uliiities, GEOS, Ivlusic, Grapliics &
IVIore. As low as SOt per collection, 1 stamp !or complete catalog
or $2.00 for catalog AND 30 sample programs (refundable).
24 hour shipping.

64 DISK CONNECTION

4291 Holland Rd., Suite 562 ■ Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(• Formerly RVH Publications)

circle Reader Service Kumber 2S4

KeyDOS ROM Version 2 is here!

The KeyDOS RQA1 H a chip For the empty socket inside your C128 that adds more than 40
powerful features. KeyDOS is availiable instantly as scan as you switch on your 128!
KeyDOS is loaded with useful tools to simplify file access on muttiple drive systems without typ-
ing file names— all major DOS functions included. Select multiple files ioi copying, viewing,
printing, renaming or scratching. ASCII.'CBM/Screen cade converter Full support lor 1531
subdirectories. Buill in RAMDOS for REUs up to 2MB rJew GEOS SupeRBoot.

Alarm clock. Disk editor. Powerful debugger.

Only £32.50. Satisfaction GuaranSeedt Write lor more information.

Enhance your system with the speed arid convenience that KeyDOS provides!

Antigrav Toolkit, PO Box 1074, Cambridge, MA 02142

Shipping outride of US, Canada and Mexico add S3

CErcle Reader Service Number 244

FEEDBACK

Questions and

answers

about computer

memory,

onscreen messages,

and more

G-16

More Memory

What exactly is the purpose
of expanding the 64's memo-
ry, using cartridges such as
the 1750? On an IBM, certain
amounts of memory are re-
quired to use certain soft-
ware. Is there any software
for the 64 that requires more
memory than the 64 has?

JOHN VEILLEUX
ORRINGTON, ME

There's no software that we
know of which requires more
memory of the 64 than what
is native to the machine. On
the other hand, several soft-
ware packages, such as
GEOS, can make use of RAM
expansion if it's available.
Many programs — games in
particular — use the disk drive
for virtual storage when either
the program or its data is too
large to be loaded and main-
tained in memory at one time.
If more of the game can be
stored in memory, then the
game runs faster and the us-
er doesn't have to wait for the
computer to access the data
stored on disk.

Large spreadsheets and da-
tabases are two reasons why
business applications benefit
from larger memories. Pro-
grammers can use more mem-
ory which allows for code
that is more highly developed
and interpreters or compilers
that are more sophisticated.
More memory is also a boon
to graphics, especially anima-
tion, where several scenes
must reside in memory at
once for smooth screen up-
dates. A computer can do
great things with digitized
sound, but a lot of storage
space is needed to contain
reasonable sound samples.

Where speed Isn't a critical
factor, disk drives are a prac-
tical means of extending the
64's 64K limit. But where
speed and quick responses
are needed, more memory is
very handy indeed.

COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Flashing Message

I've been working on some
games for the 64 and have
run up against a problem.
There are certain messages,
such as DANGER, that I'd
like to have flash on the
screen. How do I do this?

CAL BODWIN
GREENSBORO. NC

You could flash a message in
BASIC by alternately printing
in normal and reverse mode
again and again. The pro-
gram would have to stop
while the message blinked,
however. When the program
continued, the flashing would
stop.

Here's a machine lan-
guage solution. The following
program will flash In black
any message that is printed
on the screen. Other colors
will print normally

10F0RA=828T0 914: READB:

POKEA.B: C=C+B: NEXT: IFC

<>8545THENPRINT"DATA

ERROR": STOP
15 POKE 6,D:SYS828

:P0K£53281,1: P0KE5328a,1:

PRINT"1CLRH3 D0WNH15

RIGHTKBLKIDANGER!"
20 DATA 120.169.81,141,20,3,

169,3,141,21
30 DATA 3,169,0,141,147,3,

141,148,3,88 "

40 DATA 96,206,148,3,16,58,

169,10,141,148
50 DATA 3,169,0,133,2,133,4,

169,4,133
60 DATA 3.169,216,133,5,162,4,

160,0,177
70 DATA 4,41,15,197,6,208,9,

77,2,41
SO DATA 127,13,147,3,145,2,200,

208,236,230
90 DATA 3,230,5,202,208,227,

173,147,3,73 '

100 DATA 128,141,147,3,76,
49,234

If you want a different color
to flash, poke its color code
(0-15) into location 6. The
speed of the flashing can be
adjusted by poking location

855 with a number from 0 to
255; the smaller the number,
the slower the flash rate. SYS
823 enables the flashing mes-
sages. To stop the flashing,
press the Run/Stop key and
tap the Restore key

Sequential Files

Could you please explain
what a sequential disk file is
and how to create one?

JACK DEMEANOR
CHARLESTOWNE. MA

A sequential file provides a
way of keeping information
separate from the program
that uses it. This allows you to
create general-purpose pro-
grams that can act on differ-
ent sets of information. In-
stead of writing one program
to keep track of a stamp col-
lection, for example, and a
second program to list a col-
lection of rare books, you
could write (or buy) a general
inventory program that stores
data in sequential files. One
file would contain notes
about stamps, and another
would have the data about
the books.

A single program could han-
dle two or more different files.
Sequential files are like DATA
statements because you start
reading at the beginning and
continue until the end.

To create a sequential disk
file, open it for writing, write
one or more pieces of Informa-
tion to it, and then close the
file. It's important to close a
file when you've finished us-
ing it: otherv/ise, some of the
information will be lost.

Reading the file requires
an operation similar to that for
writing. Open the file for read-
ing, read the information, and
then close the file.

Here's a short program
that creates a sequential file.

10 PRINT "ENTER THREE

NAMES"
20 PRINT"(PRESS RETURN AFTER

EACH ONE"
30 PRINT"OR SEPARATE THE

FIRST TWO WITH COMMAS)"
40 INPUT A$,B$,C$
50 OPEN 1,8,2, "NAMES,S,W"
60PRINT#1,AS: PRINT#1,B$:

PRINT#1,CS
70 CL0SE1

The three numbers after
the OPEN command in line
50 are the logical file number,
the device number, and the
channel The file number can
be any number that's not al-
ready being used by a periph-
eral. If you had previously
opened a file to printer with
OPEN 1,4 (file 1. device 4).
you couldn't use logical file
number 1 for opening the
disk file. The logical file num-
ber is important because it's
the number used to read
from and write to a file.

The second number after
OPEN Is the device number
(a single disk drive is device
8). The third number is the
channel to be used. There
are 16 disk channels, num-
bered 0-15. Channels 0 and
1 are used for loading and sav-
ing, and 15 is the command
channel, so that leaves chan-
nels 2- 14 for sequential files.
It doesn't matter which chan-
nel you use, as long as it's
not being used by another
disk file. You can open more
than one disk file, but each
must have a different logical
file and channel number

The "S,W" after the file-
name means that the file will
be sequential (S) and that
you'll be writing (W) to it.
Note the five commas in line
50; they're all necessary to
separate the various parts of
the OPEN command.

When the file is open, the
red light on the front of the
1541 (or green light on the
front of the 1571) drive will
turn on and stay on until the
file is closed. In line 60,
PRINT# writes information to
the file. It must be followed by

the logical file number, a com-
ma, and the information. If
line 5060 had been OPEN
5,8,3, line 60 would have
used PRINT05 instead of
PRINTS 1. Line 70 closes the
file. CLOSE is followed by the
logical file number.

Now thai we've written a
file called NAMES, here's a
program to read the data.

1D0PEN5,8,4,"NAMES,S,R"
20 INPUT#5,A$,B$,C$
30 PRINT A$:PRIHT B$:PRINT C$
40 CLOSE 5

Since we're reading the
file, there's an R, rather than a
W, at the end of the OPEN
command in line 10. In this in-
stance, we're using logical
file 5 and channel 4, although
we could have used 1 and 2
as in the first program. IN-
PUT# reads information from
the file. Like PRINTff, it's fol-
lowed by the logical file num-
ber and a comma. GET# acts
like INPUTff, but it reads a sin-
gle character at a time.

The programs have similar
structures: They both INPUT
from one source and PRINT
to another. The first used IN-
PUT/PRINT# to read the key-
board and write to a file,
while the second used IN-
PUT#/PRINT to read from the
file and write to the screen.

Double-Width Printing

I use SpeedScript with my
Star NX-1000C printer, but
the PRINT command for dou-
ble-width characters does not
work. Is there a way to modi-
fy the program to use these
commands, or should I use a
Ctfl-£ command?

DON SYWASSINK
SIERRA VISTA, AZ

A Ctrl-£, or stage 2, command
should do the trick. With
SpeedScript, you can define
printkeys that will print whatev-
er codes your printer uses for
features such as double-width

How to create
and use sequential
files and use
double-width printing
Willi SpeedScript

or emphasized mode.

To define a printkey at the
top of your document press
Ctrl-£ (or Ctri-3), followed by
the key that you want to as-
sign as the printkey. Then en-
ter the equal sign (=) and the
ASCII value to be substituted
for the printkey during print-
ing. Many systems use an es-
cape (ESC) code to break out
of the word processor, and
then certain ASCII values to
activate various print modes.

For convenience, Speed-
Script has already set four
printkeys. Printkey 1 is de-
fined as the escape key (AS-
CII 27). (With some printers
and interfaces, you must
send two escape codes to by-
pass the emulation.) Printkey
2 has a default value of 14,
which Is the ASCII code that
puts most printers into double-
width mode. Therefore, to
switch to double-width mode,
press Ctrl-£ and then press 1,
press Ctrl-£ again, and then
press 2. Next, enter the text
you want printed in double-
width mode.

Printkey 3 has a default val-
ue of 15, which turns off dou-
ble-width on some printers
and selects condensed
mode on others. Printkey 4 is
defined as 18, which selects
reverse field on Commodore
printers and some interfaces
in emulation mode. On other
printers, it switches to con-
densed mode. (See your print-
er manual for exact codes.)

To print the word WIDE in
double width In the following
example and then revert
back to normal printing, your
screen should look like this.

This islBWIDEB printing.

Remember, some printers re-
quire two escape codes. In
that case, you would have
QQS in front of the word WIDE.
Codes can vary from printer to
printer, so check your manual
for specific values. □

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-17

MACHINE LANGUAGE

Jim Butterfield

When uragramminB,

there's usually

the fastest way or the

most Gompact

way. Here's an attractive

compromise.

CODING CHOICES

Recently, I saw the following
message posted on a comput-
er network: "I have a value in
a single byte, and I want to
calculate the remainder after
dividing by 5, What code do
you suggest?"

The remainder after division
is often called the modulo; I
don't know why the user want-
ed to calcufate this, but there
are several methods available
that we can try In this column,
we'll discuss a couple of meth-
ods for sofving the problem,
and we'll also demonstrate the
tradeoff between a program's
speed and size. 'While we're at
it, this might be a good time to
gain some insight into hexa-
decimal numbers.

The standard method for
solving this problem would be
to use a conventional division
routine that would yield both
quotient and remainder.
There are methods, however,
that are designed either to
achieve maximum speed or to
utilize minimum memory One
rarely finds a piece of code
that offers both. Almost all cod-
ing is a tradeoff between
these two extremes.

A sample program called
MODS, printed at the end of
this column, provides us with
three approaches. The first rou-
tine offers speed, the second
efficiency, and the third is a
compromise of the two. You
may want to examine the
code of each one.

The fastest method is to
look up the remainder in a ta-
ble. Since a one-byte number
can contain only 256 possible
values, we can do this with a
table of 256 bytes. This meth-
od couldn't be faster. We put
the original byte into the Y reg-
ister, and do the translation
with a single instruction: LDA
TABLE,Y You'll find this at hex
address 2015 in the program
at the end of this column.

The method wastes memo-

ry, since we must devote 256
bytes to hold the table. The ta-
ble could be loaded in, but it's
quicker to calculate it when
the program starts. You'll see
this one-shot table build at ad-
dresses $2000-$2011. If only
a few vaiues were to be cal-
cuiated, we couldn't justify
this extra work. On the other
hand, if there were thousands
of values, this program would
be speed efficient.

If the byte in question con-
tains a value of 5 or more, we
could subtract 5 and then re-
peat. Eventuaily, we end up
with a value of 0 to 4; that's the
remainder. The calculation
loop, at addresses S202C-
$2033, requires oniy four in-
structions: compare to 5,
branch out if less (BCC), sub-
tract 5, and branch back to
the loop (BOS). Serious stu-
dents of code wili be able to
explain why we don't need to
set the C (carry) flag before
subtraction and why the BCS
(Branch Carry Set) command
always branches.

The code is compact, fitting
within eight bytes, but it could
be slow. Since the original val-
ue could be as high as 255,
the loop might be repeated as
many as 51 times!

Most programs trade off
speed against size. Programs
that need to be fast will unfold
their loops; this saves time but
calls for more instructions. In
this case, it really doesn't mat-
ter much. We have plenty of
memory, and even the slowest
method runs plenty fast for our
purposes.

I wanted to add one more
method, however. This third
piece of code is moderately
compact and fast. More impor-
tant, it helps to show an interest-
ing aspect of hex numbers.

It takes only a glance at a
decimal number to tell wheth-
er it divides evenly by 5 or
what the remainder would be.
The last digit of the number
tells the story (5 is a factor of

10, the base of decimal num-
bers). That's not true of hexa-
decimal numbers. The last dig-
it wili signal whether the num-
ber is divisible by 2, 4, 8 or 16,
but it won't help you on the
mod-5 question. Hex numbers
such as 20 and 65 seem as if
they should divide by 5, but
they don't. Their decimal val-
ues are 32 and 101.

There is, however, a quick
way to inspect hex numbers to
see whether or not they will di-
vide by 5. It's similar to the
method we use with decimal
numbers in testing whether or
not a number divides by 9 or
by 3. Add the decimal digits to-
gether; the total will have the
same mod-9 value as the orig-
inal number. Thus, decimal val-
ue 1234 will have a remainder
of 1 when divided by 9. Calcu-
late 1+2-1-3+4, giving 10. and
the answer is a snap. The
same holds true for division by
3, which is a factor of 9.

In hex, the sum of digits
tells us about division by 15 or
either of its factors (3 or 5). So,
hex 23 will divide exactly by 5,
and hex BC would have a re-
mainder of 3. We know this be-
cause 2+3 gives 5, B+C or
11 + 12 gives 23, which would
leave a remainder of 3 when
divided by 5.

How would we do this in a
computer program? A hex dig-
it corresponds to four bits. We
can extract the value of the
high hex digit by shifting the
numiber right four places. We
extract the low digit value with
a simple AND #SGF. Add
them together, and we have
the sum of the two hex digits
within a byte.

This sum cannot be greater
than 30 (decimal), so we
know that the simple subtrac-
tion of method 2 will now loop
not more than six times, Quite
an improvement from a possi-
ble 51 times around the loop.

Four LSR (Logical Shift
Right) commands extract our
high hex digit. We store the re-

G-ie COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

suit and then call back the original val-
ue; masking with AND #SOF isolates the
low digit. Add them together (don't for-
get to clear the carry flag first with CLC),
and we can repeat the subtract loop of
method 2. The whole thing goes from
hex address 2040 to 205B. That's a bit
longer than the previous method, but
there's quite a speed advantage.

The program works on almost any
Commodore 8-bit computer. It first
pokes the machine language code into
place. Then it does the mod-5 calcula-
tion four times.

The first calculation is in BASIC, fol-
lowed by each of the three above meth-
ods. The values used for the calculation
are from ROM, hex addresses EOOQ
through E006. You'll get the same re-
sults each time, of course.

You might want to use a machine lan-
guage monitor to inspect the MODS
code more closely. That'll give you an
even better understanding of what's hap-
pening in the different routines.

100 DATA 162,0,160, 0,152,157,

0,33,200,192,5,144,2,160,0
110 DATA 232,208,242,188,0,224,

185,0,33,9,48,32,210.255
120 DATA 232,224,7,144,240,169,

13,76,210,255
130 DATA 162,0,189,0,224,201,5,

144,4,233,5,176,248,9,48
140 DATA 32,210,255,232,224,7,

144,235,176,226
150 DATA162,0,189,0,224,72,74,

74,74,74,141,255,32,104
160 DATA 41,15,24,109,255,32,

201,5,144,4,233,5,176,248
170 DATA 9,48,32,210,255,232,

224,7,144,220,176,186
200 FOR J=8192 TO 8295
210 READ X:T=T+X
220 POKE J,X
230 NEXT J

240 IF T0I2902 THEN STOP
400 PRINT "BASIC:"
410 FDR J=57344 TO 57350
420 X=PEEK(J):PRINT X-5'INT(X/5);
430 NEXT J
440 PRINT

450 PRINr'TABLE LOOKUP:"
460 SYS 8Z56

470 PRINT "SUBTRACT LOOP:"
480 SYS 8231

490 PRINT "HEX CHECKSUM:"
500 SYS 8256
510 PRINT "END." □

C64/128 PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE

REQUEST FREE CATALOG or send S2 for sample disk and catalog <RE-
FUNDABLE). Categories Include education, utilities, games, business,
PRINT SHOP graphics, pre-fesled programs and more, Rent foj 75« or
buy as low as S 1 .CM per disk side or tor 80* for 70 Of more, S20 Older
gets 4 free disks of your ctioice.
NEXT DAY SHIPPING I SI NC E 1 986

CALOKE INDUSTRIES (Dept. GK) — —

PO BOX 18477, RAYTOWN. MO 64133 ^^'

Circle Reader Service Number 181

Commodore Accessories & Necessities

Ribbonsl

MPS 801 . 802 . 803 - 1S25 . 1526 - rOOO ■

1200- I2J0- 1250

CamniDdore Printer (Comm. & PC Comp.)

C 6-J C Compulcr • 1541-11 Disk Drive

1802 Monitor

SOFTWARE: Educalional- Productive -Fun • Commodore ■ Amiga Aulhorized
Dealer SServiwCenler • 24-HourTurnaround on Repairs ■ CALL for PRICING

.rgr ELECTRO-TECH ELECTRONICS

■^^ fi77 East Main SIreel • Ventura, C A 93001 ■ 805-648-5417

M3 Mouie

Modemt

Visa

Inyitickf

MCor

Icon Controller

UPS

C.blei

COD

Power Supply

Circle Reader Service Number 146

- whelhar it's a mortq;

CaJcnmakesyourmatfiwcykatxoozo ol dala • UppefcasOn towercase and

caicutalion. J GaTrnoctofBgfaphicsalsvail^le'Baf

ith text • OvQt two

:JLCSng LOOfOJP.

FK * 240 rows by
lofemombofcom-

or (spo ■ Simple
asy leu! enlry,
3adotaiiodUsa'£

Ci^ II. tw3 utif ty

40 cosy to use
■ Iroo infofrnation 0*
]f $CDN. shipping

ctecmaJ piaces. w-iSlh ana posJlcrvng | 7 weeks tor deJfvwy.

PANKHURST PROGRAMMING D^plQ 'Box 49135 • Montml - Qi/etec • Canaan •NW3re

Calc I

The Fastest
Spreadsheet
for the
Commodore £

Same Old Ad - Great New Pricel
Now get Calcil, the leading C54 spreadsheet,
(or the special year-end price a! $24.95,
S&H included! Ttie besl nov/ costs lass - so
order now, while the prk;e is rightl
US, CAN: S24.95(SUS/$CDrg),check/mon9yrotder
OVERSEAS: $24.95 US, Inlemational Money Order

Circle Reader Service Number 152

Realistic Nuclear Attack Sub Simulation

C6i or 12B In 64 Made
CcmTana Wjs&ions Under Th3 Arctc Ice
HLnt Russian Typ^oonE; !n The r^la-th Sea

Requires C64 GEOS 1.3 or 2.0
S19.95 Check or fl^oney Order
VMC Soflware PO Box 326
Cambria His. NY 11411

yam

Circle Reader Sen/Ice Nutnber 171

Upgrade your Commodore system

Refurbished Hardware

MONITORS DRIVES OTHEH

1541. J100

1541-1I-S180

1571 -$165

1571-1I.S185

fsai-tiso

1001SFD-J150
1530DATASETTE-»S
HANYBOOKS-JIO SOFTWARE -$lD-20

ASKfORANYTHING. miGHTHAVEITI

J.P. PBM PRODUCTS BY MAIL

P.O. BOX # 1233, STATION B
WESTON, ONTARIO, M9L2R9

1701 -tZJS
1702-S25S
1B01-«6S
1B02-$2B5
1901 -t295
1902 -WOS
10641 -S32S

167IJ-S50
CS4-$1(K>
£40 -$120
C128-J17S
C12B0-$225

New APROTEK modeins

MJl 2a/AMIGA.Z4D0 BAUD . J 1 1 9
64f 12a/AMIGA.l 200 BAUD ■ $89
APHOSAND-4 SLOT CAHTBI DGE
EXPANDER FOR THE E4/12a -$40

New CMD accessories

JIFF=YDOS 64/128iANYDRIVE "SYSTEM-

128D(ANY DRIVE "SYSTEM- -$95

ADDITIONAL DRIVE ROMS -J45

HAULINK/RAMCAH D C W BATTERY (OMb| ■ $345

1Mb RAM SIMM- $75 4Ub RAM SIMM -$250

SHIPPINGINCLUDEDF0RCANADA,USA*1S%
ISDAYWABRANTYOHHEFUBBISHEDGOODS
TAX- Canatla »7'A GST.Oniarlo Res. ♦ B'Si PST

$85

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE Q-19

BEGINNER BASIC

Larry Cotton

ADDING ZIP
TO BASIC

When your BASIC

pragrams need

a burst of speed,

give them a

shot of machine

language.

G-20

I get lots of requests for pro-
gramming tips on ways to use
BASIC with many applica-
tions, ranging from games to
databases. A typical question
miglit be, "How do I write a
fast subroutine for doing
searcfies for a given name
and address in BASIC?" Anoth-
er might be, "How do I make
the aliens move faster while
monitoring the joysticl< port,
keeping score, and moving
background scenery?"

The answer to these ques-
tions is simple: If you want to
do it fast, forget BASIC, Any
program can be written in BA-
SIC (assuming it will lit the com-
puter's memory), but you
might drop off to sleep waiting
for something to happen.

Many articles have been writ-
ten on maximizing BASIC'S
speed, and you can get some
improvement using these tech-
niques. However, none but
the shortest, most elementary
database programs should be
written in BASIC. Any program
that is more sophisticated is
best written in some other pro-
gramming language — prefer-
ably machine language (ML).
To learn more about those pro-
gramming techniques, consult
Jim Butterfield's "Machine Lan-
guage" column elsewhere in
Gazette.

As for games, some can eas-
ily be written in pure BASIC, es-
pecially those that don't re-
quire blinding speed. Some
examples would be word-
search, spelling, math-drill,
and even simulated board
games. These types of games
don't require much speed,
and the user wouldn't notice if
the computer slowed a little dur-
ing execution.

Actually, BASIC and ML
can be used together. One
way is to use a BASIC pro-
gram as an ML loader. Then a

COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

SYS command puts you into
machine language to stay

The other way is to incorpo-
rate a speedy routine within a
relatively slow BASIC pro-
gram. Here's an example of
the latter

Suppose you're writing a
pick-a-card-any-card game.
You need to shuffle a deck of
52 cards quickly By generat-
ing a nonrepeating list of 52
numbers, you could assign
the numbers to an array of all
the cards. The following pro-
gram Is one way to generate
those numbers in BASIC.

BASIC RND

10 PRINT"1CLRHD0WN|PRESS

ANY KEY TO RANDOMIZE 52

NUMBERS
20 PRINT"|DOWN| WITH OUT

REPEATS.
30 GETA5:IFAS=""THEN 30
40 PRINTCHRS(147)
50 Q=RND(-TI/101)
60 C=52:DiMRN(C)
70 F0RX=1T0C
80RN(X)=INT(C*RND(1))+1
90 F0RT=XT01STEP-1:

1FRN(X)=RN(T-1) THEN80
100 NEXT
110 PRINTRN(X),
120 NEXT

130 PRINr'lDOWNl TM SURE
YOU DON'T WANT A REPEAT!

Now, let's try doing the
same thing using machine Ian-
gage. (Don't worry Jim Butter-
field. Your column is safe!)

ML RND

10Q=RND(-TI/1D1):

PRINTCHR$(147)
20 F0RT=49152T049221:

READD:POKETD: NEXT
30 P0KE54286,255:

POKE54287,255: POKE54290,

128; REM SET UP VOICE 3
40 CB=49480
50 A=52:REM RANDOMIZES

FROM 1 TO A WITHOUT

REPEATS; MAX. VALUE OF A

IS 255.
60 P0KE49222,A

70 PRINT"(DOWN| PRESS ANY
KEY TO RANDOM-
IZE"A"NUMBERS
80 PRlNT"(DOWN) WITH OUT
REPEATS.

90 GETA$:IFA$=" "THEN90
100 PRINTCHR$(147}: SYS491S2
110 FGRT=CB+1T0CB+A:

PRINT(PEEK(T)),: NEXT
120 PRINT:PRINT:PRINT"AGAIN?

(Y=YES, N=NO)
130 GETAS: IW$<>"Y" THENIffl

$<> "N"THEN13D
140 IFA$="N"THENEND
150 GOTO100
1000 DATA 172,70,192, 69,0,153,

72,193,136,208,250, 173,

70,192,170,160, 0,153,72
1010 DATA 192,200,240,11,202,

138,208,246,173,70, 192,

170,76,17,192,173,70,192,

141
1020 DATA 71,192,173,27,212,

170,189,72,192,172,70,

192,217,72,193,240,241,

136,208
1030 DATA 248,172,71,192,153,

72,193,206,71,192,208,

227,96

Run both programs and ob-
serve the difference in how
long it takes to generate 52
nonrepeating numbers, Allow
plenty of time in the BASIC ver-
sion, especially for the last sev-
eral numbers.

To use embedded ML sub-
routines in a BASIC program,
just SYS to the routine (see
line 100 in ML RND). After the
numbers are generated, they
appear in memory registers
49481 through 49532 (for 52
numbers).

Here's an invitation to you
programmers. I'd like to see
your own versions of both BA-
SIC and ML no-repeat random-
izing programs, Please send
them to me in care of COM-
PUTE'S Gazette, 324 West
Wendover Avenue, Suite 200,
Greensboro, North Carolina
27408. If you keep them
small enough to print on one
page of the magazine, I'll pub-
lish the best examples in a fu-
ture column, □

DIVERSIONS

Fred D'Ignazio

CAPTAIN FUTURE
AND HIS POCKET
COMMANDER

Hello. This is Captain Future.
People used to call me Fred,
but that's when I was station-
ary, physical, and sitting in a
real chair in a real office with
real wires tying me to one spot.

Now I'm Captain Future. I'm
mobile, I'm cordless. I'm wire-
less. I'm on the go. Where I
call you from one minute is not
where I'll be the next. You may
be there (where you really
are), but I'm only here in a met-
aphorical sense. I'm totally vir-
tual. I beam you up from my lit-
tle pocket phone somewhere
on the planet. You beam me
up, and I might be on a rock
cliff or in my minivan or under
a giant sequoia.

The revolution in my person-
al communications style oc-
curred two months ago when
I began renting my little Fujit-
su Pocket Commander
phone. The phone weighs just
a few ounces; it's about five
inches long and two inches
deep. I wear it in a little case
on my belt.

When I'm wearing my Pock-
et Commander, I feel like a
new man. With that little
phone strapped to my side, I
pretend I'm James Bond with
his shoulder holster. But in-
stead of a warlike secret
agent, I'm a peaceful agent,
armed for the future, ready to
communicate with the world.

As soon as the Fujitsu lady
checked me out on my new
phone, I placed my very first
call to my wife. I found her in
an unlikely spot: the kitchen.
She picked up the kitchen
phone and said, "Hello?"

"Hello, dear," I said. "It's
Captain Future, your husband."

"Where are you?" asked my
wife, not at all impressed with
my new secret identity.

"Right outside the kitchen

door, dear," I answered proud-
ly "About five feet away from
you, in the driveway"

Next I called my mom. "Hel-
lo, Mom," I said. "It's your son,
Captain Future."

"Who is this really?" my moth-
er asked suspiciously

"Aw, Mom," I said. "I'm call-
ing you with no wires. No ca-
bles. Just thin air. And we're
talking just like on a real
phone. Isn't it grand?"

"I don't know any Captain Fu-
ture," my mother said. "And
whoever this is, you sound
like you're calling me from in-
side a fish tank or a tin can.
Please go away." Clink!

After calling my mom, I
called everyone else I could
think of. I called people from
restaurants, bowling alleys,
baseball diamonds, petting
zoos, and public marinas.

Suddenly, I realized that I
had become an addictive com-
municator. I first realized this
after I installed the Fujitsu Pock-
et Commander in a cellular
dock inside my minivan. Now
I had a boosted power
source, a cellular antenna cork-
screwing up the side of my
car, and an in-car speaker
phone with a tiny mike
clipped to the sun visor over
the driver's seat. After I ran out
of other people to call on my
car phone, I began calling my
wife again.

"Hello, dear!"

"Is that you, Fred?" my wife
asked, from inside the house.
'Where are you now?"

"Outside in the driveway, in
our car."

"If you're already home,
why don't you come inside
and talk, lii^e a real person?"

"Because it's more fun to
call you from the car. It's kind
of like an intercom. Besides.
I've got my laptop computer
out here, and I'm trying to
plug it into the car phone so I
can call online bulletin boards
and maybe even send faxes."

"Why would you want to

send faxes from your car?" my
wife asked. "Especially when
you're parked in our drive-
way?"

Since then, my wife has slow-
ly warmed to pocket phones.
For example, last week she
and I were trekking around a
rock quarry on the seacoast
north of Boston. There wasn't
another person for miles
around. Nature was in bloom
all around us. Suddenly, my
wife reached for my belt.

"Dear!" I screamed, jump-
ing backward. "What's got in-
to you?"

"Your phone," she said. "I
want your phone. I just remem-
bered ! have to call my office."

While my wife sat on the
quarry's edge talking with her
boss and her secretary, I be-
gan climbing down the verti-
cal wall of the quarry. After
about 15 minutes, I made it
down to the level of the water
that filled the quarry's inner ba-
sin. I took off my shoes and
dangled my bare toes in the wa-
ter, scaring away a couple of
polliwogs that were sunning
themselves on a big boulder
just beneath the surface. I lis-
tened to my wife as she talked
on the cellular phone, her
voice crystal ciear high above.

"This is weird," I thought.
Somehow, my wife's phone
call to her office didn't seem
out of place even here, deep
in the heart of undisturbed na-
ture. In addition, the call
didn't stress me out or make
me lose my sense of awe and
appreciation for my surround-
ings. Somehow, everything
seemed to fit in.

It'll be amazing to see how
this revolution changes the fu-
ture face of work and leisure.
Maybe in the future it'll be nor-
mal to conduct business on a
rock cliff while on a daylong
trek into a remote granite quar-
ry As I gazed out at the deep
blue quarry lake all around
me, I thought that might be
kind of nice. D

In this exciting
episode, read how a
mild-mannereil
magazine columnist
is transformed
into Captain Future.

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-21

GEOS

Steve Vander Ark

ULTIMATE GEOS

Now that the holiday

season is fast

approaching, here's

the GEOS system

I'd really lil(e to find

under the hee.

G-22

In an IBM magazine recently,
a senior editor describes his
quest for the ultimate PC. The
cost of this system would buy
a pretty nice sports car.

That started me thinking
about the ultimate GEOS set-
up. I wondered just how pow-
erful GEOS could be with all
the right gizmos hooked up to
it. And, since Christmas is just
about once again to take over
prime time and the malls, I fig-
ure this is a great time to
make yet another GEOS wish
list. While the total wouldn't
buy a snazzy sports car, it
might be enough to buy, oh, a
used Ford Escort.

My dream GEOS setup has
to start with a computer, of
course. I'll go with the 128,
since an 80-column screen is
essential. Now, the 128D
does have a detachable key-
board, which is nice, and an
extra 64K of video RAM, but I
don't like the idea of having
that darn 1571 permanently
set up as drive 8. 1 have much
better ideas for disk drives, so
I'll stick with the flat 128.

One advantage to the Com-
modore computer is that you
don't have to spend heaps of
money on extra cards to do
things like create color screen
displays. Our 128 has 40-col-
umn and 80-column modes
built right in; all we need to do
is to choose a monitor which
can display either mode on
command. Since nothing but
the best will do for our ultimate
setup, I'll add a Commodore
1084S monitor.

Mode switching can be-
come a constant chore when
you work with GEOS on the
128; many programs, from lit-
tle utilities like Blue Pencil to
big utilities like geoPublish,
run fine on the 128 but de-
mand 40 columns. To make
life a little easier, I'll add a 13-
inch 40-column monitor on the
side. You'd be surprised how

COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

handy this configuration can
be. When you switch to 40-
column mode, the image
jumps from one monitor to the
other, and the screen of the un-
used monitor goes peacefully
blank. If you can't afford a sec-
ond monitor, a color TV works
about as well. I'm going for
broke here, though, so I'll pick
up an 1802 monitor.

One or two more details are
needed before we tackle the
big question of drives and
RAM expansion. We must, for
example, have an input de-
vice. Speaking from experi-
ence, having used a joystick,
mouse, KoalaPad, and light
pen with an assortment of driv-
ers, I strongly recommend a
mouse. Speaking from the ex-
perience of friends, the
mouse of choice is the Com-
modore 1351.

OK, let's talk disk drives. It
would be nice to include
drives to handle both SVj-
inch and 3y2-inch disks, For
the 5%-inch disks, the best
bet is the good old 1571 ,
which can read single- or dou-
ble-sided floppies. That's pret-
ty much standard stuff.

Let's take a leap into the big
leagues for the S'/a-inch
drive. We have a couple of
very impressive choices, now
that Creative Micro Designs
(CMD) has released a pair of
high-density drives; the FD-
2000, with 1.6 megs per disk,
and the FD-4000, with a whop-
ping 3.2 megs of data on a flop-
py! We're talking dream mate-
rial here, folks! The ultimate
GEOS system has to have an
FD.4000.

That accounts for two of the
drives. GEOS can effectively
handle only three drives, so
this next choice might be a lit-
tle sticky, Some form of RAM
expansion is a must with
GEOS, but if it's configured as
a RAM drive, there goes the
third drive. It's hard to imagine
an ultimate system, however,
without a hard drive. For now,

anyway, I'll just choose both.
The hard drive of choice
will be one of the CMD HD-
series drives, which are com-
patible with GEOS and practi-
cally everything else. Since
money's no object, I'll take the
HD-200 with 2GGMB capacity.
I do need RAM expansion
as well, so let's take a look at
the options. The Commodore
1751 RAM expansion unit can
be upgraded to larger capac-
ities than the stock 512K, but
it's still a pretty bland unit. A
much more exciting choice
would be either the RAMLink
or RAMDrive from CMD. Each
has two invaluable features no
RAM expansion device
should be without: a separate
power supply, which keeps
the data intact when you shut
down your system, and a bat-
tery backup, which means
that in the event of a power fail-
ure, your data won't evaporate
like spit on a hot skillet. Both
are fine units. RAMLink can be
upgraded to 16 megs, while
RAMDrive is limited to 8
megs. RAMLink also can be fit-
ted out with a realtime clock cir-
cuit to set your clock in
GEOS, and it also features a
pass-through port that I just
might need before this system
is completed. I'll add RAM-
Link, maxed out to 16 megs.
I'll have to decide how to
configure all those drives
when I pick a desktop pro-
gram, but I'll do that next
month when I talk about soft-
ware. For now, let's recap my
shopping list.

128 CPU (used)
1084S monitor
1802 monitor (recondi-
tioned)
1351 mouse
1571 disk drive
(used)

FD-4000 disk drive
HD-200 hard drive
RAMLink with battery
and 16MB RAM
TOTAL

S 200.00
S 269.00
$ 99.95

$ 32.95
S 100.00

$ 300.00
S 1,099.95
$ 584.90

$2,706.75 a

NEW PRODUCTS From Makers of RAMDRIVE

BBG RAM

Battery Back-up
Ram Disk for
GEOS 2.0 and
GEOS 128, 2.0

BBU

Battery Back-up
Interface
Module for
Commodore
17xx REU's and
Berkley Softworks'
GEORAM 512

Magnitudes faster than any floppy or

hard drive

2 MEG model tias capacity of TEN 154rs

Inciudes GEOS appiication to seiect one of

up to five 1571's

Reboots GEOS from BBG Ram quicl<iy and quietly

Supplied with wali mount power supply and

battery cable and hoider

Automatically detects power out and switches

to back-up mode

Activity iight indicates access

Battery used oniy when waii mount AC power

supply off

Reset button without data loss

Activity indicator light during access

Battery low voltage indicator

Wall-mounted power supply and battery holder

and cable supplied

GEOS compatible, allows reboot to GEOS

Automatic battery back-up, no switches to push

Battery powers unit only when AC power off

BBU supplies power to 17xx REU's and GEORAM.

Commodore heavy power supply not required

INTRODUCTORY
PRICE

INTRODUCTORY PRICE

MODEL 512 1 MEG

S7900 $11000

2 MEG
SI39DO

$4900

Call: 1-800-925-9774

GEOS reBistered Trademark of Berkley Softworks, Inc.

PERFORJVIANCE
PERiPHEHALS inc.

5 Upper Loudon Road
Loudonviile, New York 12211

Please Add;
U.S. $6.00 S&H
Canada $10.00 S&H
$4.00 C.O.D.

circle Reader Service Number 153

COMPUTE'S

Speed Script Dish

A powerful word processing
package for Commodore 64
and 1 28 owners

A Great Deal for Commodore
Users!

• SpeedScript for the 64

• SpeedScript 128 — 80-coluran version

• Spelling checkers

• Mail merge

• Date-and-tirae stamp

• SO-coiumn preview for the 64

• Turbo save and load

• Plus more than a dozen other SpeedScript
support utilities all on one disk (including
full documentation)

■ ES! Send me copies of COMPUTE'S

SpeedScript Disk.

I've enclosed SI 1.95 plus S2.00 postage and handling. (Outside
U.S. and Canada add Sl.OO for surface mail or S3. 00 for
airmail.)

ORDER NOW!

. Amount
. Sales Tax"
. Total

Name .

Address .
City

State .

Z1P_

Mail personal check or money order to

Commodore SpeedScript Disk

324 W. Wendover Ave., Ste. 200

Greensboro, NC 27408

Rcsidcnis of \iwth Carolina and New ^'tirk. atld appropflatc ux for j-oiir area. Canadian
orders, add ''",. j?ood and st-r\'iccs ujt

Pleaie allovv 4-6 weeks for delivery. Program available only on 5W-inch disks.

G-23

PROGRAMMER'S PAGE

Randy Thompson

Readers take over

this month's column

with a collection

of handy tips for the

64 and 128.

G-24

READER'S GRAB
BAG

From the mailbox to the print-
er, tills grab bag of program-
ming gems comes from you,
our readers. Keep 'em com-
ing. We pay up to $50 for
each tip we publish.

64 or 128?

There's an easy way for your
BASIC program to detect
which 8-bit Commodore com-
puter it's running on. Simply
check the variable DS$ in the
first line of your program. If
DS$ is equal to a null string
(DS$=""), your program
is running on a 64 or on a 128
operating in 64 mode. That's
because in 128 mode, the
DS$ string returns the current
status of the disk drive, where-
as on a 64, DSS doesn't hold
anything until you define it.

Incidentally, checking DS$
on a 128 that has no drive at-
tached can crash your pro-
gram, but how many driveless
128 owners do you know?)

ARTHUR MOOHE
ORLANDO, FL

Redefining Restore

This two-line program turns
your Restore key into a com-
puter reset button. After you
type in and run the program,
tapping (sharply, of course)
the Restore key will yield the
same results as the BASIC
command SYS 64738.

ID FOR 1=32768 70 32776:
READD: POKEI.D: NEXT

20 DATA 248.252,226,252,195,
194,205,56,48

To disable your new reset
key, turn the computer off
and then on again.

Here's how the program
works. Whenever you press
the Restore key, the comput-
er checks memory locations
32772-32776 for the numbers
195. 194, 205, 56, and 48.
COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

These numbers are the PET-
SCII codes for the reversed
capital letters CBM followed
by the number 80. If that
string is found, the computer
jumps to the machine lan-
guage subroutine pointed to
by memory locations 32770
and 32771. The program list-
ed above redirects this vector
to point to the 64's reset rou-
tine found at 64738. Things
get a bit tricky here, because
the reset routine at 64738 al-
so looks at memory locations
32772-32776 for the string
CBM80. If it finds those char-
acters, it jumps to the subrou-
tine pointed to by the vector
at 32768. To avoid such
jumpy behavior, our Restore-
reset routine sets this vector
so that it points right back in-
to the 64's reset routine, forc-
ing the computer to continue
the reset operation from
where it left off.

One of the neat features of
this program is that you can
set the vector found at 32770
so that it points to your own
machine language program —
one that will execute every
time you press Restore. In the
program above, this vector is
set equal to the third and
fourth numbers found in the
DATA statement on line 20,

Note that this program: dis-
rupts the normal operation of
the Run/Stop-Restore key
combination. Now, pressing
Run/Stop-Restore resets the
computer, also, but it clears
any program that may have
been in memory.

LANCE SLOAN
SWARTZ CREEK. Ml

Convenient Comma Key

This hack is for 128 owners
who enter a lot of data via
their numeric keypads. It trans-
forms the keypad's Enter key
into a comma key. Such a set-
up is ideal for people who
type in a lot of fvlLX listings.

ID FOR l=D TO 28: READ D:

POKE 4864+1, D:C=C+D: NEXT
20 IF C<>3231 THEN PRINT

"ERROR IN DATA STATE

MENTS': END
30 BANK 15: SYS 4864: PRINT

"NUMERIC COMMA KEY

ACTIVE"
40 PRINT "TO DISABLE: POKE

830,128:POKE 831.250"
50 PRINT "TO REACTIVATE:

BANK 15:SYS 4864"
60 DATA 160,0,185,128,250,

153,29,19
70 DATA 200,192,89,208.245,

169,19,141
80 DATA 63,3,169,29,141,

62.3,169
90 DATA 44,141 .105,19.96

EMIL HEYROVSKY
PRAGUE, CZECHOSLOVAKIA

ReDlliAing Arrays

If you ever want to erase and/
or redimension (DIM) your var-
iable arrays, execute the fol-
lowing two commands from
within your program.

POKE 49,PEEK(47): POKE
50,PEEK(48)

This will erase all arrays. Un-
like the CLR command, how-
ever, these POKEs will not af-
fect nonarray variables.

HELEN ROTH
LOS ANGELES. CA

Monitoring 64 Code on the
128

The most popular area for pro-
grammers to store machine
language programs on the 64
is in the 4K area starting at
49152 (SCODO). Of course,
this area is relatively useless
on the 128 because 49152 is
where editor ROM is
mapped, but that doesn't
mean you'd never want to
load your 64 code here. Be-
cause RAM underlies 128 ed-
itor ROM, 64 machine code
can be stored here and
worked on using the 128's
built-in machine language
monitor,

YANNICK TROTTIER

BRIDGETOWN, NS

CANADA □

PROGRAMS

MOB MASTER

By Hong Pham

Sprites {or movable object blocks) are
large user-defined graphics that can be
placed anywhere on your monitor's
screen. The 128 has a powerful sprite con-
troller that is built into its BASIC operating
system to make sprite programming fair-
ly easy. The 64, which has the same
sprite capabilities as the 128, lacks the
128's sprite controller system. Program-
ming sprites on a 64 usually requires
many lines of code filled with awkward
POKEs — but now there's MOB Master.

MOB Master gives the 64 many of the
same features and sprite commands
that are found on a 128. It also has ex-
tras, such as sprite animation and bound-
ary-handling commands.

While this article explains how to use
MOB Master's commands, it doesn't pro-
vide a complete tutorial for creating and
using sprites. Programmers who already
use sprites should have no trouble using
MOB Master. Beginners can find more de-
tailed descriptions of sprites and video
banking in such reference books as Com-
modore 64 Programmer's Reference
Guide or Mapping the Commodore 64.

Getting Started

MOB Master is written entirely in ma-
chine language. Use MLX, our ma-
chine language entry program, to type
it in. If you don't have a copy of MLX,
see "Typing Aids" elsewhere in this sec-
tion. When MLX prompts, respond
with the following values.

Starting address: 7DO0
Ending address: 86EF

When you've finished typing in MOB
Master, be sure to save it before exit-
ing MLX.

To activate MOB Master, load it
with the ,8,1 extension and then type
SYS 32000. At this point you'll see a ti-
tle screen that lets you know MOB Mas-
ter has been activated. You may now
begin writing your own sprite program.
Instead of using cumbersome POKEs
to control your sprites, however, you'll
have a whole new library of commands
at your disposal.

Ten Sprite Commands

MOB Master adds ten new BASIC com-

mands for easier sprite definition, posi-
tioning, movement, animation, and oth-
er miscellaneous functions. The first
three commands are similar to the
128's sprite commands of the same
name.

Here's an important programming
note to remember: When using a MOB
Master command within a BASIC pro-
gram, you must precede that com-
mand with a slash (/). In immediate
mode, however, you don't need to use
the slash.

SPRITE #, on/off, fgnd, priority, x-exp, y-
exp, mode

The SPRITE command defines most of
the characteristics of a sprite. Select
the sprite number ('#J with a value rang-
ing from 0 to 7.

Use a 1 in the on/off parameter to
turn on your sprite; use a 0 to turn it off.

The sprite foreground (fgnd) color is
defined with a vaiue between 0 and
16.

To make the sprite appear in front of
objects on the screen, set its priority
parameter to 0. To make it appear be-
hind the objects on the screen, set the
parameter to 1 .

The sprite can expand to twice its
original size horizontally fx-exp^ or ver-
tically (y-exp) by setting the next two
parameters to 1 . Set these parameters
to 0 to turn off sprite expansion.

Turn on multicolor mode with a 1 or
turn it off with a 0.

MOVSPR #, X, y

MOVSPR either positions or moves the
sprite. The first example plots the
sprite anywhere on the screen, with x
being any pixel number between 0 and
319 and yany number between 0 and
199. Unlike normal sprite program-
ming, MOB Master lets you place
sprites beyond the 255th pixel without
additional programming.

MOVSPR #, direction # speed

This variation moves the sprite in a spe-
cific direction and speed, The direction
value can range from 0 to 255. This val-
ue can be converted to degrees by mul-
tiplying it by 45/32, To move the sprite
up, use a value of 0. To move it to the

right, use a value of 64, To move
down, use 128. To move left, use 192.
Intermediate values will move the
sprite at different angles across the
screen.

The value for speed can range from
0 to 255, with 0 being fastest and 254
being slowest. A value of 255 means
that the sprite is stationary.

The format for this command is sim-
ilar to that used for positioning a
sprite, but instead of using a comma to
separate the values, use the # sign.
For example, MOVSPR 0, 64 # 100
would move sprite 0 to the right at a fair-
ly slow speed,

SPRCOLOR color 1, color 2

In multicolor mode, the two multicolor
colors are shared among all eight
sprites. The first parameter defines mul-
ticolor 0, and the second parameter de-
fines multicolor 1.

ANIMATE #, speed, mode, start frame, end
frame

ANIMATE defines a sprite image or ani-
mates the sprite by successively chang-
ing its image pointers. The animation
speed can range from 0 to 255, with 0
being fastest and 254 being slowest. A
value of 255 means that the sprite has
no animation. The mode parameter
tells MOB Master how the sprite will be
animated. A value of 0 means that the
sprite will always be animated, and a 1
means that the sprite will be animated
just once. Any other.. value will stop the
sprite from being animated.

Sprite data resides in blocks of 64
bytes each. These blocks are num-
bered from 0-255. To calculate the lo-
cation of a block of sprite data in mem-
ory, multiply the block number by 64.
The result gives you the location
where the first byte of a sprite definition
should be poked. If you define several
sprites whose shapes differ slightly
and then switch rapidly among these
blocks with the ANIMATE command,
the sprite will appear to move in an an-
imated fashion.

The start frame parameter indicates
the first sprite image or block for anima-
tion. The end frame parameter indi-
cates the ending block number for the
animated sequence. Any sprite

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-25

PROGRAMS

frames that are in between these will
be automatically called.

BOUNDARY #, mode, top, bottom, left, right

Each sprite has its own individual
screen boundaries. Once the sprite
reaches a boundary that you set with a
pixel number, the mode parameter in-
dicates the action that the sprite will
take. A 0 means that the sprite will
wrap around and be placed on the op-
posite boundary A 1 indicates that the
sprite will bounce off the boundary. A
2 indicates that the sprite will stop at
the boundary. Any other value indi-
cates that the sprite will be turned off
when it reaches a boundary, discon-
tinuing motion.

For convenience, MOB Master al-
lows only the horizontal boundary to be
accurate to within two pixels. The actu-
al boundary occurs on every even pix-
el. MOB Master will automatically di-
vide the value that you have supplied
with the boundary parameter by 2.

BOUNCE #, mode

BOUNCE bounces a sprite in a certain
way, even if it's not at its boundary.
Mode indicates how the sprite will
bounce. A 0 argument means that the
sprite will bounce vertically; a 1 indi-
cates that the sprite will bounce later-
ally. Any other value will reverse the
sprite's direction.

SPLIT mode

MOB Master supports two different ras-
ter-interrupt routines for flicker-free
sprites. It accomplishes this task by up-
dating its shadow registers when tfie
raster scan is at a certain position on
the screen. To select one of the two ras-
ter-interrupt routines, set mode to ei-
ther 0 or 1. The only difference is that
the latter routine allows you to display
sprites on the top and bottom borders.
If no argument follows SPLIT, it will
turn off the raster-interrupt routine.

Before attempting an input or output
operation, especially with a disk drive,
it's best that you turn off the raster-
interrupt routine. If you don't turn off
the routine, the computer may freeze un-
til you hit the Run/Stop and Restore
keys simultaneously,

G-26 COt^PUTE NOVEMBER 199S

IRQ enablefilsable

When you move multiple sprites as if
they were one sprite, one sprite may
move ahead of the others, creating a
gap. This is because MOB Master up-
dates the sprites 60 times a second,
and BASIC may be too slow to move
all the sprites before MOB Master up-
dates them. One sprite may be updat-
ed before BASIC updates the others.
To temporarily stop MOB Master
from updating the sprites, use IRQ 0.
Any other value will allow MOB Master
to continue updating the sprites. Be
careful not to hold the system for too
long, or the computer may hang up.

ZAP

ZAP clears all the sprite registers.

KILL

KILL disables MOB Master and re-
stores the previous interrupt and BA-
SIC vectors.

Additional Notes

For all MOB Master statements, with
the exception of IRQ, you can substi-
tute an unknown parameter with an as-
tehsk ("). You can also use the asterisk
if you don't want to make any changes
to the current parameter. You don't
have to supply all of the parameters of
the command, but you must denote
the sprite number. You cannot substi-
tute an asterisk for the sprite number.

Collision Detection

Sprite-to-sprite or sprite-to-background
collisions can be monitored by using
the USR command. To return the stat-
us of the last sprite-to-sprite collision,
type in PRINT USR(O). Likewise, to re-
turn the status of the last sprite-to-back-
ground status, type PRINT USR(1).

Shadow Registers

MOB Master updates its shadow regis-
ters to the VIC-ll during a raster inter-
rupt, or once every Veo of a second, to
avoid sprite flickers, An advantage of
this setup is that the sprites continue to
move while your program does some-
thing else. You shouldn't make a direct
POKE to the VIC-ll registers to define
a sprite, because once a raster inter-

rupt occurs, MOB Master overwrites
the VIC-ll register with the contents of
the shadow register. Therefore, poke to
the shadow register instead. Below is
the memory map of the shadow regis-
ter and its VIC-ll equivalent.

VIC-ll
Loca-
tion

Equivalent

Shadow

(Base + offset)
SDOOO Base + 1312
(53248)

SDOOI Base + 1320
(53249)

SDOIO Base + 1328
(53264)

$D015
(53269)
$D017
(53271)

$D01D
(53277)

$D01B
(53275)

SDOIC
(53276)

$D025
(53285)

$D026
(53286)

$DG27
(53287)
$07F8
(2040)

Base + 1329
Base + 1330

Base -(•1331

Base + 1332

Base + 1333

Base + 1334

Base + 1335

Base + 1336
Base + 1344

Description

Sprite Ox po-
sition

Sprite Oy po-
sition

Most signifi-
cant bits of
sprites 0-7
horizontal po-
sitions

Sprite ena-
ble register
Sprite Y-Ex-
pand regis-
ter

Sprite X-Ex-
pand regis-
ter

Sprite-to-fore-
ground prior-
ity register
Sprite multi-
color mode
register
Sprite multi-
color regis-
ter 0

Sprite multi-
color regis-
ter 1

Sprite 0 col-
or register
Sprite shape
data point-
ers. The actu-
al location of
this register
depends on
the location
of the video
matrix.

The default base is $7D0O (32000).

MOB Master and Machine Longuage

MOB Master's sprite-handling ability is
not restricted to BASIC programs. Ma-
chine language programmers will find

MOB Master useful, as well. In fact,
MOB Master and machine language
are a great combination because you
can do muchi more with machine lan-
guage than you can with BASIC.

To make access to MOB Master's
subroutines easier, MOB Master has a
jump table. For all of MOB Master's sub-
routines, enter it with a JSR instruction,
and use the X register to denote the
sprite number. The following is the mem-
ory layout of the jump table.

Location

(Base + offset)
Base

Base + 3

Base + 6

Base + 9

Base + 12

Base + 15

Base + 18

Base + 21
Base -I- 24

Base -I- 27

Base + 30

Base + 33

Base + 36
Base + 39

Base + 42

Description

Enable MOB Master's
BASIC interface.
Enable raster-interrupt
routine 1.

Enable raster-interrupt
routine 2.

Disable raster-inter-
rupt routine.
Zap all sprite regis-
ters.

Turn sprite on or off;
C flag set = sprite is
on.

Position sprite at x, y.
AC = LSB of X posi-
tion; C flag = MSB of
X position; YR = y po-
sition.

Set sprite color; put
sprite color in AC.
Set sprite multicolor
mode characteristics.
C flag set = multicolor
mode on. AC = multi-
color 0; YR = multicol-
or 1,

Set sprite to back-
ground priority; C flag
set = background has
priority.

Set Y-expand; C flag
set = expand sprite
vertically,

Set X-expand; C flag
set = expand sprite
horizontally.
Set sprite speed; AC
= sprite speed.
Set boundary action
mode {similar to BA-
SIC BOUNDARY state-
ment).
Set sprite direction;

= sprite

direction.

7DD0

:8D

Base + 45

Set animation

Speed

7DD8

:7E

and mode.

= ani-

7DE0

:19

mation

speed

YR =

7DE8

:D0

mnrifD

7DF0

:29

Base + 48

1 1 1"^^-

Set

animation

start

7DF8
7E00

F9
BC

8D
7F

12
20

D0
70

EE
7E

E7
68

7D
A8

20
68

05
95

and end im

age point-

7E08

ers.

= start

image

7E10

location

= end

im-

7E13

age
Set

lOCptJnr^

7E20

Base + 51

top

Dottom

7E28
7E30

BD
82

82
27

99
D0

01
BD

D0
40

BD
32

F6
59

boraers

= top Dor-

7E38

der;

= bottom bor-

7E40

der.

7E48

Base + 54

Set left and

riqht bor-

7E5a

7E58

ders. Au =

= le

ft bor-

7E60

der;

right bor-

7E68

der.

Note: Divide bor-

7E7 0

der

value bv 2.

7E78

Base -1- 57

Bounce sprite vertical-

7E80
7E88

F0
9D

0F
7E

DE
20

50
83

32
7F

D0
CA

03
10

20
E2

13
5A

ly-

7E90

Base -1- 60

Bounce sprite lateral-

7E98

ly-

7EA0-

Base + 63

Reverse

rite direc-

7EA8

tion

7EB0

7EB8

7EC0-

Note: C flag

= Carry flag, AC =

Accu-

7EC8

mulator.

<R:

= X reg

ster, YR =

Yreg-

7ED0-

tster

7ED8-

If you'

e usina MOB Master

exclu-

7EE0;

1-1

7EE8

sively in

mac

hine language

, you may

7EF0.

delete the BASIC interface module start-

7EF8

ing at location $82CC (33484)

7F00

(base) ■+

1484 to

$86EA 34538

7F08

(base) +

2538.

7F10-
7F18

15
18

7F
7D

4C
68

45
82

7F
C9

20
20

2E
90

7F
08

AF
AF

MOB MASTER

7F20
7F28

38
9D

E9
63

20
32

90
68

68
68

82
60

38
BD

60
58

Bl
7F

7D00:4C

82 4C

7F30

7D08;7D

88 7D

7F38

7D10:AB

4C 94

7F40

7D18:4C

81 4C

7F43

7D20:81

FB 81

7F50

7028:80

4C 69

7F58

7D30:4C

81 40

7F60

7D3B:81

12 81

7F68

7D40:29

78 CD

7F70

7D48:EC

03 F0

7F78

7D50:03

DA 7D

7Fa0

7D58:DB

68 8D

7F88

7D60:03

7F 8D

7F90

7D68:8D

D0 AD

7F98

7D70:8D

D0 AD

7FA0

7D78:D0

A9 B9

7FA8

7D80:7D

DC A2

7FB0

7D83:78

81 8D

7FB8

.90

7D901SD

D0 AD

7FC0

.03

7D98:03

DB 7D

7FC8

.4A

7DA0:60

80 A9

7FDa

= 60

7DA8:CR

FA A2

7FDB

:33

7DB0:48

9D 78

7FE0

:1E

7DB8:60

19 D0

7FE8

:14

7DC0:01

16 20

7FF0

:48

7DC8:D0

7F 80

7FF8

:82

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-27

PROGRAMS

8008
8010
8018
8020
8028
8030
8038
8040
8048
8050
8058
8060
8068
8070
8078
8080
8088
8090
8098
80A0

ee^s

30B0
S0B8
80C0
80C8
80D0
8SD3
S0E:0
80E8
80F0
80F8
8100
8108
8110
8118
8120
8128
8130
3138
8140
8148
8150
8158
8160
8168
8170
8178
8180
8188
8190
8198
81A0
81A8
8180
81B8
81C0
81C8
81D0
81D8
31E0
31E8
81F0
81F8
8200
8208
8219
8218
8220
8228

!12 81 4C

:9D 23 82

:E9 01 9D

:82 DD 28

:81 F0 15

:33 4C E4

:F6 7F 20

:BD A0 82

:BD 28 32

:60 20 DD

:55 81 F0

:81 F0 23

:03 4C E4

:82 AD CA

:CB 82 3D

:20 IF 81

:82 20 32

;AD C3 82

:90 03 EE

:20 DD 80

;81 F0 02

iFfl 0F 88

;4C E4 7F

;80 BD B8

;AD C8 82

;B0 03 CE

;8D 11 80

;30 8D C4

; 3D 0C 8 2

!A9 01 8D

;8D C8 82

;20 82 AD

;3D 30 82

;AD 3 0 8 2

1 32 60 33

;18 69 40

;00 38 FD

;60 BD 58

;82 60 18
;03 A9
;32 60

;32 8D 53

;C9 82 09

;4C 42 81

;9D 48 82

;60 9D 58

I 98 9D 98

;9D 40 82

;9D 70 82

;9D AS 82

;9D B8 82

;03 A9 00

;82 73 20

:28 82 60

;1D 0C 32

:8D 31 82

82 60 48

82 90 03

:82 68 8D

60 AD 34

82 B0 03

32 60 AD

0C 8 2 B0

32 82 60

ID 0C 82

8D 33 82

10 20 40

EF DF BF

00 00 00

01
38

3F 8 0
60 38
28 82
82 B0
88 F0
7F BD
12 81
9D 28
69 01
80 BD
02 B0
88 F0

7F as

82 8D
C9 82
4C BF
31 4C
69 01
C9 82
BD B0
90 lA
F0 06
20 IF
82 4C
E9 01
C9 82
8D 44

80 60
00 03
C9 82
60 AD
30 82
AD C9
ID 0C
A9 40
9D 58
58 82
82 49
0A 8D
2C A9
AD CA

81 AD
FF 60
BD C0
A9 00

82 60
82 60
93 9D
60 90
60 9D
60 80
2C A9
F4 80
AD 31
B0 03
6 0 29
AO 3 5

ID
36
82
3D
32
03
AD

0C
32
90
14
B2
3D
33

B0 03
60 01
80 FE
7F C3
00 00
00 00

BD A8
BD 28
60 BD
21 20
0C 88
AS 82
4C 0C
82 60
90 28
B8 82

31 20
lA 88
FF 9D
C8 82
4C F4
8 0 BD
69 80
3D C8
4C F4
3 2 20
20 5B
88 F0
81 4C

81 80
8D C8
4C F4
80 8D
AD 30
A9 00
BD 20
C8 82
3D 14

82 F0
82 8D
FD 58
82 60
9D 58
80 9D
CA 82

00 8D
82 ED
CB 82
20 32
8 2 A8
9D 50
9D 78
9D 88
90 82
A0 82
B0 82
C8 32

01 8D
58 98

32 90
3D 14
flF 9D
32 3D
82 8D
80 37
05 ID

82 80
90 05
14 82
32 90
3D 14

02 04
FD FB

83 43
00 00
00 00

8230

8233

8240

3243

8250

8258

8260

8263

8270

8278

8280

8233

8290

8298

82A0

82Aa

82B0

82B8

82C0

82C8

82D0

82D8

82E0

82E8

8 2F0

82F8

8300

8308

8310

8318

8320

8328

8330

8338

8340

8348

8350

8358

8360

8363

3370

8378

8330

8388

8390

8398

83A0

83A8

B3B0

83B8

83C0

83C8

83D0

83D8

83E0

83E8

83F0

83F8

8400

8408

8410

8418

8420;

8428:

8430;

8438:

8440:

8448;

8450;

8458;

:00 00 00
:00 00 00
:00 00 00
;FF FF FF
:00 00 00
; 00 00 00
:00 00 00
;00 00 00
:00 00 00
IFF FF FF
;0a 00 00
: 00 00 00
:O0 00 00
;00 00 00
;32 32 32
;ES ES E5
; 0C 0C 0C
;A0 A0 A0
; 00 00 00
;O0 00 00
;A1 85 A9
;03 8E 12
;EE 32 8 5
;82 05 0F
;7D 85 37
;A9 OD 20
;3A 86 A9
lAB A2 06
:A0 86 20
;3A 36 20
;A6 3A E3
;C9 AD D0
;3B 33 4C
;20 73 00
;26 86 27
;B7 85 A0
;20 73 00
;D0 F2 20
;28 A5 28
;B0 2C A0
;26 00 F9
;83 20 73
;86 8D 8C
;8D 83 78
;F0 01 58
;FF 20 IF
:AC D0 IF
:F0 12 BD
;AD 30 82
:83 4C D2
:FE 83 20
8D E9 83
F0 20 20
90 09 AE
A8 B0 05
A2 FF 20

12 7D 20
AE 43 86

85 20 ED
B7 8A AE
60 20 IF
06 20 OC
DA 85 20

13 86 20
20 06 86
20 IB 7D

86 B0 06
70 20 OA
06 20 00
DA 85 20

00 00 00

FF FF FF

00 00 00

FF FF FF

00 00 00

32 32 32

E5 E5 E5

0C OC 0C

A0 AO, AO

00 00 00

00 20 94

79 A2 85

03 38 A5

0F A5 38

90 08 A9

86 33 20

D2 FF A2

9B AO 86

20 3A 86

IE AB A2

30 E4 4C

F0 10 20

06 20 AC

93 83 20

fl9 45 A2

AO 00 84

00 Bl 26

Dl 26 D0

B7 85 E6

CD 44 86

00 20 CA

20 CA 85

00 A6 28

83 BD 88

20 FF FF

20 Dl 85

86 20 0E

20 73 00

20 82 SD

3D 0C 82

83 20 73

E7 85 8C

20 79 00

73 00 20

43 36 BD

20 F4 B7

0F 36 A9
73 0

29 2A 7D

85 B0 0A
43 86 40

86 20 06
86 20 0F
06 86 BO
15 7D 20
B0 06 20
20 DA 35
2 0 0C 8 6

85 2fl 06

86 20 21
06 86 B0

90 00
00 00
00 00
FF FF
00 00
00 00
00 00
00 00
09 00
FF FF
00 00
00 00
00 00
09 00
32 32
ES E5
OC 0C
A0 A0
00 00
85 20
8D 11
37 ED
EO F0
00 A2
44 E5

08 20
20 IE
A9 CO

09 20
74 A4
73 00

85 40
AC 8 5

86 85
28 20
F0 29
03 C8
28 E6
99 92

85 Bl
4C 47
BD 87

86 8D
A9 00
40 FF
E2 C9
09 23
EE 83
8D E9
00 4C
EE 83
C9 23
ED 85
28 82
8A A8
FF 4C

AD EE 8 3
20 DA
20 F4
24 7D
86 B0
7D 20
06 20
DA 8 5
0C 86
20 06
20 IE
86 B0
7D 20
13 20

35
3D
45
4D
55
5D
65
6D
75
7D
85
8D
95
9D
AS
AD
B5
BD
05
40
2C
2A
7A
E4
16
02
32
5C
09
CA
ID
05
F3
0E
6D
Dl
A4
03
26
OF
4C
90
A2
9B
9A
BC
6A
12
2E
42
6A
06
75
72
4F
5D
B3
5D
CO
C4
74
6E
7F
DB
F5
FC
54
A2
EE
Dl

8460:
8468:
8470:
8478:
8480:
8488:
8490:
8498:
84A0:
84A8:
84B0:
84B8:
34C0:
84C8:
8400:
84D8:
34E0:
84E8:
84F0:
84F8:
8500:
8503:
8510:
8518:
8520:
8528:
8530:
8538:
8540:
8548:
8550:
8558:
8560:
8568:
8570:
8578:
8580:
8588:
8590:
8598:
85A0:
85A8:
85B0:
85B8:
85C0:
B5C8:
85D0:
8508:
85E0:
85E8:
85F0:
85F3:
8600:
8608:
8619:
8618:
8620:
8628:
8630:
8638:
8640:
8648:
8650:
8653:
3660:
8668:
8670:
8678:
8680:
8688:

0C 86
0C 8 2
35 82
03 AD
AC 84
AB 20
F0 lA
B7 8A
85 F0
7D 40
00 4C
00 35
F4 B7
20 06
8E 37
06 86
78 82
B0 06
20 DA
20 18
32 29
06 20
20 IF

AD 3 5
B0 03
60 AD
98 83
A9 B5
79 00
C9 AO
F0 02
06 8D
00 85
09 7D
20 ED
8E 36
86 B0
82 60
B0 06
20 DA

20
85

86 9D
06 86
A8 82
80 06
20 DA
20 29
IP 86
86 09
06 4C
3C 7D
60 20
0F F0
20 91
DO 4C
97 8 3
60 A9
8E 99

85 A5
FF 85
A9 09

06 70
60 A5
7A 60
3A F0
8A AD

7 A 09
73 00
C9 20
E2 40
8A F0
20 F4
F4 B7
60 20
46 27

86 60
00 FA

53 50

54 45
4C B0
54 45
41 52
43 45
00 5A
00 4B

86 9D
OA 8 5
18 86
86 29
3 6 9D
06 36
A0 32
B0 06
29 DA
20 29

85 20

86 90
20 Fl

00 F0
3F 70
20 F4
AA Bl
0B AC
B3 40
86 85
AO 09
20 A2
03 69
7B 80
7A A9
D0 03
E6 26
7A 00
20 79

01 60

40 F7
AC F0
F0 08

00 F 3
ED 85

01 38
B7 8A
8A 29
E7 85
66 26
A9 20
60 00
52 00
00 53
00 41
00 42
59 00
00 53

41 50
49 4C

83 11 84 BA

82 90 05

3D 14 82
97 83 8D
80 09 03
A0 86 40
F0 IE C9
F0 IE 20
A9 01 CD
Cl 85 20
A9 00 8D
20 73 00
85 B0 06

82 20 DA
06 20 F4
20 IF 86
20 18 86

85 20 06

86 9D 98
06 86 B0
88 82 9D
20 06 86
9D 90 82
96 86 B0
C0 32 20
B0 06 20
20 DA 85
20 18 86
85 20 06
36 90 B0

06 36 B9
B8 32 60
B7 8A AE

07 09 01
4C 39 7D
B7 3E 8F
35 0F 98
IF D0 A9
7 3 7D AC
AD 08 93
03 8D 98

83 80 08
A5 7A 8D
BC 85 60

15 7B
13 7D
D0 02 E6
02 C6 7B
90 F9 05
68 63 60
B7 A0 00
02 IS 60
C9 3A FO
38 60 20
20 F4 B7
AE 43 36
4C 14 86
07 80 43

84 26 85
A5 26 AE
20 02 FF
14 4D 4F
53 50 52
50 52 43
4E 49 4D
4F 55 4E
42 4F 55
50 4C 49
00 49 52
4C 00 00
84 04 84

ID 97
8D 2B

08 89
20 70
IE 67
3A 60
F4 Dl
Cl 0D

09 AF
15 71
40 49
20 81

85 37
B7 91
20 EF
9D 09

86 B7
82 AF
99 28
40 80
B0 DE
60 IE
06 77
DA 0F
18 15
20 Bl
9D 62
86 29

82 4A
06 7E
20 11
43 40
F0 82
4C 07

83 E6
95 CA
00 0B
IE 4C
8D 61

99
D9

FF
40

B3 BE
A9 96
60 70
4C A0
27 F8
06 BA
C9 6C
20 31
Bl 9F
20 Al
04 79
0E E7
13 0C
60 32
20 Fl
86 F4
27 Bl

43 BF
CA EE
56 4B
49 27
4F AF
41 3F

44 BD
4E IE
54 40
51 64
99 4A
10 68

G-23 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

8690

:85

8698

:85

86A0

•41

5fi

a6A8

7fi

86B0

sees

86C0

86C8

7fi

86D0

86D8:

86E0:

86E8:

Hong Pham, the author of Pixel Mover
(May 1992), lives in Antigonish, Nova
Scotia, Canada.

136 COLORS

By David Kwong

As most people know, the 64 is capable
of producing 16 different colors. How
would you like to increase that number to
136 colors?

You can with 136 Co[ors. This interest-
ing program does it by placing different-
ly colored pixels side by side to produce
a third color. Since the 64 has 16 built-in
coiors, itvifould appear that you could cre-
ate 256 colors by combining the 16 x 16
color matrix. In reality, you get a total of
136 different hues, since 120 of them
would be duplicated.

There are three programs built into the
main 136 Coiors program. The first pro-
gram is an editor that will produce
sprites capable of 136 colors. Addition-
ally, each sprite character can have up to
four colors simultaneously in high res-
olution mode. The second program is an
interrupt program designed to make pro-
gramming in BASIC with 136 Colors a lot
easier. The third program is also an inter-
rupt program designed to be used with
other programs to make 136 Colors avail-
able for use.

Typing It In

Since 136 Colors is written entirely in
machine language, enter it with MLX,
our machine language entry program.
See "Typing Aids" elsewhere in this sec-
tion, When MLX prompts, respond
with the following values.

Starting address: C79C
Ending address: CRAB

Be sure to save a copy of the program
before exiting MLX.

Program 1

Load the program with the ,8,1 exten-
sion, and then type NEW. To activate
the first program, type SYS 51200.

The first thing to do is to select a
block number, indicated at the upper
right corner. A block number is an ad-
dress where sprites can be stored. Rec-
ommended block numbers are 128-
255 (block numbers range from 0 to
255). To find the actual address
where the sprite is stored, multiply the
block number by 64.

After you've selected a block num-
ber, a cursor appears in a grid that is
used to create a sprite. The sprite that
the grid represents is located at the up-
per right of the screen. The keys used
to move the cursor are displayed at the
lower right of the screen. Press f1 to be-
gin drawing. A menu at the bottom pro-
vides other options. One option, NO
DR/ER, means that the cursor will nei-
ther draw nor erase. This option lets
you move the cursor without affecting
what's on the screen.

To change colors while in draw
mode, press either 1, 2, or 3. To
change a sprite into its 136-color
shape, either exit or change the block
number. The program will then ask you
whether or not to change the sprite in-
to 136-color mode. If you elect to do
so, the program then will ask you
where to store the 136-color sprite.

Each 136-color sprite is composed
of two normal sprites, one on top of the
other. Sprite 1 is represented by color
1; sprite 2 is represented by color 2.
Color 3 is divided between the two
sprites. When the two sprites are over-
lapped, color 3 is capable of produc-
ing a color from the 136-color palette.
The two sprites must have the same co-
ordinates for them to overlap perfectly

Program 2

The second program, which is an inter-
rupt program, is activated or deactivat-
ed by SYS 52600. When activated,
you'll see a message onscreen that
says 136 BAS ON.

This program provides 16 new
sprite registers that will ease the usage
of the four high-resolution sprites and
136 colors. There are only four high-
resolution sprites, instead of the normal
eight, because of the fact that each hi-
res sprite requires two normal sprites.

This program defines hi-res sprite 1 as
the overlap of sprites 0 and 1. Hi-res
sprite 2 is the overlap of sprites 2 and
3, hi-res sprits 3 is the overlap of
sprites 4 and 5, and so on.

The first eight registers from 52882
to 52889 provide the x- and y-coordi-
nates of the four high-resolution
sprites. The first high-resolution sprite
can be moved by using the horizontal
register 52882 and the vertical register
52883, much like the system used by
the 64 to move the eight normal
sprites. Therefore, every two registers
provide the horizontal and vertical reg-
isters of one hi-res sprite.

The next four registers, 52890 to
52893, provide the colors of each of
the four hi-res sprites. The color num-
bers range from 1 to 136.

The last four registers, 52894 to
52897, provide the block numbers for
the four hi-res sprites.

This interrupt program supposes the
block numbers for each hi-res sprite to
be next to each other. Keep in mind
that one hi-res sprite is composed of
two normal sprites. Therefore, when
you choose block number 200, the two
overlapping sprites will be composed
of blocks 200 and 201.

All registers are write-only registers.
When you attempt to read them, they
will return a 0. When the registers are
0, the interrupt program will not alter
any sprites. Therefore, should you
poke 52882,0, nothing will happen,
meaning that if you originally poked
140, poking a 0 will not move it from lo-
cation 140 to location 0.

In order to see the sprites you have
produced, you must first set register
53269 to turn on the sprites you desire,
Hi-res sprite 1 can be turned on with a
POKE 53269, 3. POKE 53269. 12
turns on hi-res sprite 2. POKE 53269,
40 turns on sprite 3, and POKE 53269,
192 turns on sprite 4. To turn on more
than one sprite, simply add up the pre-
vious values.

Program 3

The third program is activated or deac-
tivated by SYS 52900. When activated,
you'll see 136C ON printed on the
screen. This simple program is de-
signed to work with other programs
that can make use of the 136 colors.
The only register provided is at

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE 6-29

PROGRAMS

52844. Ttiis register is a 136-color reg-
ister. By poking colors 1 to 136 into
tliis register, 2 colors will be returned at
locations 52898 and 52899. When thie
2 colors are placed together, they'll
combine to create 1 of the 136 avail-
able colors.

Since machine language programs
may be too fast for the interrupt to be
effective, you must keep track of loca-
tion 52844. After execution of the inter-
rupt, 0 will be stored in location 52844.
If using machine language, you may
choose to poke the required color in
52844 and then JSR $CE5A (make
sure the interrupt is deactivated) to ob-
tain the two colors in locations 52898
and 52899.

Technical Notes

This program takes up minima! space
from $C79C (51100) to $CFAA
(53162). Considering that 136 Colors is
composed of three programs, applica-
tions that require only one of these
three programs may isolate that partic-
ular program for usage.

The first program is located from
$C79C (51100) to $CD77 (52599), the
second program is located from
$CD78 (52600) to SCFAA (53162), and
the third program is located from
$CE5A (52826) to SCFAA (53162).

Since different color combinations
may produce the same color, there
may in fact be less than 136 colors. Fol-
lowing is a color chart of the 136 col-
ors. The colors are organized from
brightest to darkest. (These colors
were very difficult to organize. Please
excuse some slight mistakes!)

White-Black
Gray 2
Extra Gray
Brown 1
Brown 2
Brown 3
Brown 4
Red
Orange
Yellow
Tan

Green 1
Green 2
Green 3
Green 4
Green 5
Cyan

(1-13)

(14-16)

(17-23)

(24-32)

(33-35)

(36-38)

(39-42)

(43-51)

(52-57)

(58-84)

(65-71)

(72-77)

(78-^1)

(82-86)

(87-93)

(94-95)

(96-102)

Blue

(103-

111

ceAc

C8B4

C8
08

03
AD

EE
90

91
03

C8
69

7D
8D

EB
0B

Purple 1

(112-11«

C8BC

Purple 2

(119-123)

C8C4

Purple 3

(124-127)

cacc

Purple 4
Purple 5

(1
(1

28-

134)

C8D4

35-

136)

C8DC
C8E4

CD
C9

85
01

FE
F0

AD
07

CD
0E

0F
FD

Seeing Is

Believing

C8EC
C8F4

40
A5

F3
FE

C8
E9

A9
D4

01
85

91
FE

FD
A9

38
80

D7
9F

The 136 Demo prog

ram is designed to

C8FC

show the

various colors

action and

C904

to provid
al details

e programmers
on how to use

with addition-
136 Colors.

C90C
C914
C91C

55
4F
4B

F0
F0
F0

43
40
39

C9
C9
C9

4A
4E

F0
F0
F0

40
42
39

09
C9
09

E3
94

The demonstration consists of a

BA-

C924

SIC prog

ram and machine

langu

age

C92C

sprite data. To avoid typing

errors,

use

C934

The Automatic Proofreader to enter

the

C93C
C944

86
38

F0
F0

3E
43

C9
C9

87
93

F0
FB

3F
45

09
09

FB
12

BASIC portion.

Use MLX to enter

the

C94C

sprite data.

When

MLX prom

DtS,

re-

C954

spond with the following values

C95C

C964

Starting address: 3200
Ending address: 347F

C96C
C974
0970

0F
C8
C9

40
40
A 9

72
6R

09
08
4C

A9
A9
84

07
01
09

8D
4C
A9

F0
84
00

C7
03

C984

Before leaving MLX

, save

the sprites

C98C

•CA

with the

filename Sprites.

When the

C994

demonstration runs.

it loads 136 Colors

C99C

.90

and Sprites and looks for those file-

C9A4
0 9 AC

:EA
:17

EA
C0

00
D0

FF
02

D0
A0

02
00

A0
E0

B9
7F

names.

C9B4

:FF

C9B0

■02

136 COLORS

C9C4

:CD

C79C:A2

C9CC

:6D

C7A4:FD

C9D4

:06

C7AC:91

C9DC

:4C

C7B4:E0

C9E4

:0A

C7BC:00

C9E0

C7C4:07

C9F4

:FB

G7CC:E4

C9FC

C7D4:08

OA04

.00

C7DC:65

CA0C

C7E4:85

CA14

C7EC:FB

CMC

C7F4: 26

CA24

C7FC:52

CA2C

C804:D0

CA34

C80C:02

CA3C

C814:8D

CA44

C81C:A9

CA4C

C824:10

CA54

C82C:BD

CA5C

C834:A9

OA64

C83C:B9

CA6C

Ce44:E4

CA74

C84C:07

CA7C

C854:CC

CA84

A 9

C85C:4C

CA8C:

C864;8D

CA94:

C86C:aD

CA9C:

C874:A9

CAA4:

C87C:00

CAAC:

C884:29

CAB 4:

C88C:C8

CABC:

C894:0S

CAC4:

C89C:18

CACC:

C8A4:CD

CAD 4:

G-3Q COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

CADC

:CA

CAE4

:86

CftEC

:8C

CAF4

:CA

CRFC

:CA

CB04

:CA

CB0C

:85

CB14

:9D

CBIC

•9D

CB24

tFF

CB2C

CB34

CB3C

CB44

CB4C

CB5 4

CB5C

CB64

CB6C

CB74

CB7C

CB84

CB8C

CB94

CB9C

CBA4

CBAC

CBB4

CBBC

CBC4

CBCC*

CBD4

CBDC-

CBE4:

CBEC:

CBF4

CBFC:

CC04-

CC0C:

CC14-

ccic-

CC24-

CC2C-

CC34:

CC3C-

CC44'

CC4C:

CC54-

CC5C-

CC64

CC6C-

CC74

CC7C

CC84

CC8C

CC94

CC9C

CCA4

CCAC

CCB4

CCBC

05.

CCC4

CCCC

CCD4

CCDC

CCE4

CCEC

CCF4

CCFC

CD04

0 5

OD0O;
C014;
CDIC:
CD24:
CD2C:
CD34:
CD3C:
CD44:
CD4C:
CD54:
CD5C:
CD64:
CD6C:
CD74:
CD7C:
CD84:
CD8C:
CD94:
CD9C:
CDA4:
CDAC:
CDB4:
CDBC:
CDC4:
CDCC:
CDD4:
CDDC:
CDE4:
CDEC:
CDF4:
CDFC:
CE04:
CE0C:
CE14:
CEIC:
CE24:
CE2C:
CE34:
CE3C:
CE44:
CE4C:
CE54:
CE5C:
CE64:
CE6C:
CE74:
CE7C:
CE84 :
CE8C:
CE94:
CE9C:
CEA4:
CEAC:
CBB4:
CEBC:
CEC4:
CECC:
CED4 :
CEDC:
CEE4:
CEEC:
CEF4:
CEFC:
CF04:
CF0C:
CF14:
CFlC:
CF24:
CF2C:
CF34:

D8 D8
DA DA
DB 0 0
00 03
20 13

28 19
00 00
20 23
00 00
00 E0
4C 5F
EE 91
00 00
00 00
E3 D0
D0 2A
03 AD
A2 00
E8 E0
33 36
4F 46
F0 CO
78 A9
8D 15
CD 20
F5 60
42 41

00 BD
10 D0
CE AS
08 90
38 E9
10 FB
9D F9

01 F0

29 CE
10 FB
00 4C
0A 48

68 AA
A2 CE
9D 28
8D 69
A2 00
00 F0
C8 98

69 CE
63 CE
A9 00
FF FF
FF FF
AD 14
15 03
10 CF
8D 15
CE 20
F5 60
4F 46
10 CF
78 A9
8D 15
CE 20
F5 60
4F 4E
20 5A
00 00
00 00
76 4D
0B 4C

D9 D9
DA DA
00 00
0F 0E
10 12
2F 0E
13 10
31 80
FF FF
0C F0
C8 EE
C8 4C
FF FF
FF FF
31 AD
78 AD
Fl CD
BD A2
0E DS
43 20
46 0D
AO 15
E3 8D
03 58
D2 FF
0D 31
53 20
92 CE
F6 4C
A9 00
IB E0
0C 0A
98 9D
07 4C
07 8A
8A 0A
98 9D
EF CO
8C 6C
AD 11
90 27
D0 40
CE A9
A0 00
17 E8
AA C0
D0 03
8E A2
8D 6C
00 00
00 00
03 C9
C9 CF
8D 14
03 58

02 FF
0D 31
46 0D
AD 15
07 8D

03 58
D2 FF
0D 31
00 AO
CE 4C
00 FF
FF FF
6F 40
6E 0A

57 68 3A 34

09 D9
DA DA
00 00
16 05

09 14
29 3F
12 09
00 10
00 00
03 4C
90 C8
8 2 C8
00 00
AD 14
15 03
F0 CO
BD 15
CD 20
F5 60
42 41
AD 14
03 8D
14 03
A2 00
E8 E0
33 36
4F 4E
D0 08
00 00
9D 92
0C 90
AA AD
F8 07
EF OD
0A AA
AA AD
00 D0
8A 38
CE 20
D0 10
00 AD
EF CD
CF 80
AO 00
E0 10

10 F0
EE 6A
CE 8C
CE 60
FF FF
FF FF
07 D0
D0 26
03 AD
A2 00
E8 E0
33 36
AD 14
03 80
14 03
A2 00
E8 E0
33 36
60 CE
00 00

00 00
0D 17
39 20

01 20
24 2B

CF3C

CF44

0F4C

CF54

CF5C

CF64

CF6C

CF74

CF7C

CF84

CF8C

CF94

CF9C

0FA4

136 DEMO

PUTE POBLICftTIONS INTL L

REM BY DAVID KWOHG

REM

POKE 5328 1,0: POKE 53 28 0,0:

POKE53269,0

IFPEEK (52720) =49THES90

PRINTCHR? (147) "PLEASE WA

IT..."

IFF=0THENF=1:LOAD"136 CO

L0RS",8,1

IFF=1THENF=2;L0AD"SPRITE

s",a,i

SYS52600

PRINTCHR$(147) :POKE198,0
POKE52 882,150:POKE528 8 4
,17 4:POKE52886,198:POKE
52888,1

POKE528 83,100:POKES2885
, 100 :POKE52887, 100; POKE
52889,1

POKE528 94,200:POKE52895
,202:POKE52896,204
POKE528 9 0,13:POKE52891,
13:POKE52892,13
IFPEEK (52896) O0THEN135
POKE53269,25S
F0RL=13T01STEP-1
PO KE528 90, L: POKE 52891, L
:POKE52B92,L
FORW=rTO10:NEXTW
NEXTL

PRINT"{HOME}{10 DOWN)
{WHT}";
DIM0L(13,1)
FORL=1T013
READCL(L,0) ,CL(L,1)
NEXTL

DATA 1,13,24,32,43,51,5
2,57,58,64,65,71,72,77,
82,86,38,93,96,102,103,
111

GX 240 DATA 112,118,128,134

QR 250 C=INT (RND(1)*13)+1:D=1

PR 260 LO=CL(C,0)

KB 270 POKS52890,LO;POKE52891,
LO:POKE52892,LO

FC 280 LO=LO+D

MX 285 IFPEEK (198}>0ANDEN=1THE
NPOKE198, 0:GOTO400

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-31

JD
DK

20
30
40

RE
RK

45
50

OS
MG

80
90
100

110

120

130

ES
GK
FB

135
136
140
150

QD
RC
ED

160
170
180

KM
KM
KP
EE
QG

190
200
210
220
230

PROGRAMS

HF 290

GE 300

AB 310

hJ 320

KG 330

FK 340

QF 350

SJ 360

FX 370

DC 388

RH 4 00

HH 410

HX 420

PM 430

EE 440

HQ 450

JG 460

CP 470

XD 480

MB 490

CQ 500

GQ 510
AF 520
CS 530

SR 540

DATA
DATA
DATA
DATA
DATA

RK 550

FS 560

GS 570

CA 580

PA 590

EX 600

GG 610

FP 620

CA 630

XR 64 0

EK 650

EP 660

JC 670

DB 680

ED 700

AH 710

GOSUB2000

IFL0=CL(C,1)THEND=-1:G0

TO270

IFLO<CL{C,0)THEN250

GOTO270

DATA "COLORS*"

"£12"

"BY DAVID KWONG*"

"E12345678"

"[BLU)*"

"PRESS ANY KEY TO
{SPACE}CONTINUE<"
POKE53269,0
PRINTCHR$(147)
POKE52832,0:POKE5288 3,7
5:POKE528 94,206:POKE52a
90,129
POKE53269, 3

FORX=0TO174STEP2 : POKE52
882,X:NEXTX
EN=0:SNS="": PRINT"
{HOME) {7 DOWN} (GRN}"
C=INT{RND(1)*136)+1
POKE52890,C
FORW=1TO30
GOSUB2000

IFPEEK(198)>0AfIOEN = lTHE
NPOKE198,0:GOTO700
NEXTW
GOTO460

DATA "IN ADDITION TO BE
ING ABLE TO PRODUCE*"
DATA "135 COLORS, THIS
(SPACE} PROGRAM CAN ALSO
*"

DATA "CREATE 4 HIGH RES
OLUTION (1 PIXEL RES-*"
DATA "OLUTION) SPRITES,

EACH WITH 4 COLORS.*"
DATA "OF THOSE 4 COLORS
, 1 COLOR IS CAPABLE*"
DATA "OF 136 COLORS. TH
E OTHER 3 COLORS ARE*"
DATA "RESTRICTED TO THE

16 COLORS OF THE*"
DATA "COMMODORE 64. EAC
H HIGH RESOLUTION*"
DATA "SPRITE IS CREATED

FROM TWO SPRITES.*"
DATA "INCLUDED WITH THE

PROGRAM IS AN EDITOR*"
DATA "TO PRODUCE THESE
{SPACE}4 HIGH RESOLUTIO

N*"

DATA "SPRITES. THERE AR
E ALSO TWO INTERRUPT*"
DATA "ROUTINES INCLUDED

TO EASE THE USAGE*"
DATA "OF 136 COLORS AND

HI-RES SPRITES.*"
DATA "{BLU}*"
DATA "PRESS ANY KEY TO
{SPACE}CONTINUE<"
POKE53269,0:PRINTCHR${1
47)

POKE528a2,138:POKE5288 4
, 162 :POKE52886, 186: POKE
52888,210

RE 720 P0KE52883,75;POKE52885,

75:POKE52887,75:POKE528

89,75
HQ 730 POKE52894,208:POKE52895

, 208 :POKE52896, 208: POKE

52897,208
RP 740 POKE52890,1:POKE52891,2

:POKE52B92,3:POKE5289 3,

4
FE 745 IFPEEK(52897)<>0THEN745
HH 750 POKE53269,255
MB 754 PRINT"{HOME} {10 DOWN}

{WHT}"; :EN=0;SN$=""
ED 755 GOSUB2000
QM 756 IFEN=0THENGOTO755
EQ 760 PRINT"{H0HE}{6 DOWN}

{WHT}";TAB(15) ;"]"
PX 770 PRINT"{D0WN}";TAB(12) ;"

COLOR"
BH 780 DIMC(3) :C(0)=1:C(1)=2:C

(2)=3:C(3)=4:D=0
PR 790 FOR3=0TO3
FC 800 POKE52890+S,C(S)
ER 810 NEXTS
RJ 815 PRINT"{HOME) {8 DOWN } " ; T

AB(17);"{4 SPACES]"
HM 816 PRINT"{UP]";TAB{17) ;C(0

)
XP 820 GETA5:IFAS=""THEN820
BQ 830 IFA$="J"THEND=-1
FJ 840 IFA$="K"THEND=1
JP 850 FORLR=0TO3
JQ 860 C(LR)=C{LR)+D
BG 870 IFC(LR)>136THENC(LR)=1
XF 880 IFC(LR)<1THENC (LR)«136
EE 890 NEXTLR:D=0
KB 900 IFA$="E"THEN1020
PA 910 GOTO790
AR 920 DATA "NOW, YOU MAY OBSE

RVE THE 136 COLORS*"
QP 930 DATA "YOURSELF BY SCROL

LING TO THE LEFT BY*"
CM 940 DATA "PRESSING 'J' AND

{SPACE}SCROLLING TO THE
RIGHT*"
GX 950 DATA "BY PRESSING 'K'.

{SPACE}TO END, PRESS "E

' . *"
XR 960 DATA "YOU WILL NOTICE T

HAT THE COLORS ARE*"
BK 970 DATA "ORGANIZED INTO SE

VERAL GROUPS. I HAVE*"
EP 980 DATA "ARRANGED EACH GRO

UP FROM BRIGHTEST TO*"
AX 990 DATA "DARKEST. EACH SPR

ITE HAS ITS OWN COLOR*"
RK 1000 DATA "ADDRESS IN WHICH

TO POKE ITS COLOR*"
GD 1010 DATA "NUMBER. ■("
FF 1020 PRINTCHRS (147) :POKE532

69,0
BR 1030 POKE532ai,6:POKE53280,

14:POKE646,14
RA 1040 END

EA 2000 IFEN=1THEN2075
ER 2010 IFSNS<>""THEN2045
GH 2020 READSNS
GK 2030 IFLEFTS (SN$,1)="£"THE

HA 2040

FA 204 5
HP 2050

RM 2060

RG 2070
JF 2075
QJ 2080
GR 2090

EB 2100

SPRITES

N2080

L = LEN (SN$) :CH = 0:PRINTT

AB{(41-L)/2)-;

CH=CH+1

IFHID5(SN$,CH,1)="*"TH

ENSN$="": PRINT :GOTO207

IFMID5 (SN$,CH,1)="<"TH

ENEN=1:GOTO2075

PRINTHID5{SNS,CH,1) ;

RETURN

R=LEN (SNS) -1

F0RRT=1T0R: PRINT :NEXTR

SN$="":GOTO2075

3200

3208

3210

4 9

3218

3220

3228

3230

3238

3240

3248

3250

3258

3260

3268

3270

3273

3280

32 B 8

3290

3298

32A9

32A8

32B0

32B8

32C0

32C8

32D0

32D8

32S0

32E8

32F0

32F8

3300

3308

3310

3318

3320

3328

3330

3338

3340

3348

3350

3358

3360

3368

3370-

3378:

3380:

3338:

3390:

3398:

G-32 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

33A0

:RA

33A8

33B0

33B8

33C0

33C8

33D0

33D8

33E0

33E3

33Fe

33F8

3400

3408

3410

3418

3420

3428

3430

3438

3440

3448

3450

3458

3460

3468

3470

3478

David Kwong, 17, says he hopes this
expanded palette program will gener-
ate many new ideas and give the 64 a
new look. He lives in Edmonton, Alber-
ta, Canada,

TUNNEL TRAP

By Danny English

In the days of knights and castles, dis-
putes could be settled by a sword fight,
a joust, or a good game of Tunnel Trap.
The first two activities have pretty much
faded into obscurity, but you can still en-
joy this game for the 64.

Challenge a friend to a heated battle in-
side a 32-screen maze of tunnels. De-
stroy your opponents by stingsho! or by
strategically set traps. Tunnel Trap fea-
tures a realtime split screen and respon-
sive controls.

Getting Started

Tunnel Trap is written entirely in ma-
chine language. To enter it, use MLX,
our machine language entry program.
See "Typing Aids" elsewhere in this sec-
tion. When MLX prompts, respond
with the following values.

Starling address: 0801
Ending address: 1990

Be sure to save a copy of the program

before exiting MLX.

The Challenge

When you're ready to play, connect
two joysticks to the computer. Although
Tunnel Trap is written in machine lan-
guage, it bads and runs like a BASIC
program. When the title appears, you
have the option of turning trap sensors
on or off. Pressing f1 will enable trap
sensors, and pressing f3 will disable
them. They will be explained later in
the article. Pressing the space bar be-
gins the game.

The Split Screen

Playing Tunnel Trap can be a bit con-
fusing at first. The top screen belongs
to player 1, and the bottom to player 2.
Each player is controlled by joystick,
and each player has a status line.

The two views represent windows on
different sections of a large maze. The
two players begin their search for
each other at opposite ends of the
maze. Players controi their knights
with joysticks. Pressing the fire button
launches slingshots. The shot fires in
the last direction that the player
moved. When the players enter the
same screen, an image of each player
appears in each window. The best way
to avoid confusion is to look only at
your ov/n window.

The Deadly Traps

Besides being able to shoot at each oth-
er, each player begins the game with
25 traps. Player 1 can dig a trap any-
where in the tunnel by pressing f1; play-
er 2 presses f7. Your enemy cannot
see the traps you set, and you cannot
see his. You cannot fall into your own
traps. On the title screen, you have the
option to enable trap sensors. These
are state-of-the-art warning devices.
When they're activated, a green light at
the far right of the screen flashes a
warning when you're near an enemy
trap. The sensor won't pinpoint the
trap's exact location, but it does warn
you to take caution.

How to Win

On the left side of each player's status
bar is a green stamina indicator. Each
time a player is hit with a slingshot or
falls into a trap, he loses one stamina
point. When all points are gone, the oth-

er player wins that round. The game
continues until someone wins three
rounds, The victorious knight will be
crowned champion of the day. To re-
turn to the title screen at any time,
press the Commodore key in the lower
left corner of the keyboard.

TUNNEL TRAP

0801

0809

0811

0819

0821

0829

0831

0839

0841

0849:

0851

0859:

0861-

0869:

0871-

0879:

0881-

0889-

0891

0899

08A1

-^5

08A9

08B1

08B9

0SC1

08C9

08D1

08D9

0aEl

08E9

08F1

0BF9

0901

0909

0911

0919

0921

0929

0931

0939

0941

0949

0951

:F7

0959

:A9

0961

:F8

0969

:01

0971

:«A

0979

:02

0931

:A2

0989

:8F

0991

:CE

0999

:E2

09A1

:B9

09A9

:ee

09B1

:00

09B9

:1A

09C1

:AA

fl9C9

:AB

09D1

:C4

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-33

PROGRAMS

09D9:87 EF A9 46 74 EB 82 73

0C09

:69

0E39

:01

09E1:E2 F0 A8 05 B2 20 83 01

0C11

:C1

0E41

:26

09E9:1D C5 C8 FS 3C 23 Fl 30

0C19

:02

0E49

:2A

09F1:8F 86 39 2D AA 4C 22 01

0021

:A6

0E51

:23

09F9:20 71 01 02 70 99 E6 2F

0C29

:19

0E59

:45

0A01:AC 82 30 E6 2D D0 02 E6

0C31

:08

0E61

:B8

0A09:2E 82 EB ED C6 39 10 E9

0C39

;39

0E69

:01

0A11:E8 50 2C DA 01 A9 37 85

0C41

:05

0E71

:78

0A19:01 58 20 00 40 4C AE A7

0C49

:5E

0E79

:60

0A21:CF 0D 84 EE A9 04 2C A9

0C51

:5A

0E81

:54

0A29:08 85 FF HI 2F 91 2D C8

0C59

:79

0E89

:DC

0A31:C4 FF EB 2A 10 2D 21 11

0C61

:53

0E91

:74

0A39:2D A5 2E 5D 44 2E A0 85

0C69

:3F

0E99

:1D

0A41:08 E5 4C 2F 65 FF 85 2F

0C71

:03

0EA1

:CF

0A49:A5 30 0B 70 F9 30 4C 00

0C79

:D0

0EA9

:44

0A51:01 B9 00 EF 99 00 FF C8

0C81

:76

0EB1

:3C

0A59:D0 F7 CE DC 01 CE A3 BA

0089

:61

0EB9

:33

0A61:AD DF 01 C9 DF 80 66 2C

00 91

:64

0EC1

:32

0A69:9F FE 00 90 13 7B 5C C7

0099

:7C

0EC9

;4E

0A71:48 IC 02 05 71 BD 33 00

0CA1

:19

0ED1

:68

0A79:18 IE 4A IB 26 IF IE lA

0CA9

:01

0ED9

:4E

0A81:2C 0D 42 El B0 Bl 38 D0

0CB1

:18

0EE1

:A0

0A89:28 D5 30 33 D2 El 3A 43

0CB9

:40

0EE9

:C9

0A91:Bl 78 23 CE 20 08 44 62

0001

:11

0EF1

:7E

0A99:AF D2 98 90 78 68 34 34

0009

:42

0EF9

:82

0AA1:08 85 C3 06 42 IC 13 19

0CD1

:5C

0F01

:4E

0AA9:87 00 80 14 18 EC 38 C5

0CD9

:42

0F09

:38

0AB1:21 5C 20 45 IE 3B 02 73

0CE1

:3E

0F11

:10

0AB9:C2 22 21 6D BS 21 07 A2

0CE9

:D0

0F19

:AD

0AC1:2A 6D 41 0F 23 0A 20 67

0CF1

:2A

0F21

:42

0AC9:07 80 30 96 Bl 21 lA D2

0CF9

:8A

0F29

:29

0AD1:03 C0 44 61 51 EC C4 BC

0D01

:A3

0F31

0AD9:80 2D 17 52 07 44 86 CA

0009

:B9

0F39

0AEl:a6 33 8D 34 6C 70 99 34

0011

:46

0F41

0AE9:0a 7E 80 24 00 08 21 3D

0019

:C2

0F49

0AF1:52 09 00 C8 8C B2 4F A5

0D21

0F51

0AF9:24 3C 80 00 19 07 0B 3E

0D29

0F59

0B01:88 40 21 7C 20 02 BC 22

0D31

4 3

0F61

0B09:3C 20 02 66 A2 21 E7 AE

0D39

0F69

0B11:21 18 85 40 00 26 C8 EF

0D41

0F71

0819:96 64 49 A3 6D 36 04 08

0D49

0F79

0821:80 E6 33 A2 00 CA D0 FD

0D51

0F81

0B29:CE F0 OF El 70 A0 B9 E8

0D59

0F89

0B31:67 27 AB C4 99 90 D9 88

0061

0F91

0B39:39 08 D0 F0 58 2C 08 99

0069

0F99

0B41:91 D9 99 31 DA 13 3C D0

0D71

0FA1

0B49:30 80 99 3F A9 57 0F 8D

0D79

0FA9i

0B51:1D BC 80 C6 17 39 00 4A

0D81

0FB1:

0B59:A9 IF 8D 27 7C 29 90 87

0D89

0FB9:

0B61;8C 96 D2 40 6E 28 E6 2A

0D91

0FC1:

0B69:41 IE E0 60 30 46 8A 18

0D99:

0FC9:

0B71:07 2B E6 2D 40 D0 19 2C

0DA1:

0FD1:

0B79:D0 80 2E 00 A9 E5 8D FC

0DA9:

0FD9:

0B81:8B 0B FD 88 FE 07 8D FF

0DB1:

0FE1:

0B89;00 6E 00 B9 43 03 AD BR

0DB9:

0FE9:

0B91:60 10 02 AD BB 56 00 20

0DO1:

0FF1:

0B99:0S BO F2 01 20 0F BD 42

0DC9:

0FF9:

0BA1:05 AD BE 40 85 04 AD BF

0DD1:

1001:

0BA9;20 BC 02 D0 AD C0 40 40

0DD9:

1009:

8F
A0
B4
EC
Dl
09
63
96
23
3A
06
35

0BBl:A3 86 60 04 5B 6C 3A 07

0DE1:

1011:

C8
30
D0
E0
04

0BB9:7B 6C DA C9 20 E4 E4 52

0DE9:

1019:

0BCI:F0 4C 39 53 F0 03 DB 06

0DF1:

1021:

0BC9:94 27 Bl 14 72 90 64 38

0DF9:

1029:

0BD1:6C 90 80 03 46 08 61 90

0E01:

1031:

0BD9:C4 05 43 B2 01 3A lA 24

0E09:

1339:

0BE1:19 0E IB OF 84 41 12 0B

0E11:

1041:

02
41
Dl
31
14

0BE9:0F 49 0A 3C 24 IB 7E Al

0E19:

1049:

aBFl:41 92 El B0 41 02 0E IB
0BF9:24 0C 0D 49 50 3C 15 19

DD
12

0E21:
aE29:

09
42

80
20

82
72

40
54

3D
A0

08
00

04
54

68
4E

1051:
1059:

FA
10

4F
23

9B
IB

78
43

D4
30
52

C2
92
B0

0O01:D3 03 0F 4F 0D 10 0E 18

77 1

0E31:

1061;

G-34 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

1069

1299

14C9

1071

12A1

14D1

1079

12A9

14D9

1081

12B1

14E1

1089

12B9

14E9

1091

12Ci

14F1

1099

1209

14F9

laAi

12D1

1501

10A9

12D9

1509

10B1

12E1

1511

10B9

12E9

1519-

10C1

12F1

1521

iac9

12F9

1529

10D1

1301

aft

1531

10D9

1309

1539

10E1

1311

1541

10E9

1319

1549-

10F1

1321

1551

10F9

1329

1559-

1101

1331

1561

1109-

1339

1569:

1111

1341:

1571

1119

1349:

1579

1121

4 9

1351:

1581

1129

1359:

1589-

1131

1361:

1591

1139

1369:

1599

1141.

1371:

15A1

1149

1379:

15A9'

1151

1381:

15B1

1159-

1389:

15B9

1161

1391:

15C1

1169-

1399:

1509

1171.

13R1:

15D1-

1179

13A9:

15D9-

1181

13B1:

15E1

1189

13B9:

15E9

1191

13C1:

15F1

1199

13C9:

15F9

llAl

13D1

1601

11A9

13D9

1609

llBl

13E1

1611

11B9

13E9

1619

llCl

13F1

1621

11C9

13F9

1629

llDl

1401

1631

11D9

8 A

1409

1639

llEl

1411

1641

11E9

1419

1649

llFl

1421

1651

11F9

1429

1659

1201

1431

1661

1209

1439

1669

1211

1441

1671

1219

:96

1449

1679

1221

:A0

1451

1631

1229

:63

1459

1689

:1A

1231

:D3

1461

1691

:9A

1239

:F4

1469

1699

:28

1241

:04

1471

:70

16A1

:9B

1249

:A0

1479

:95

16A9

:03

0 3

1251

:80

1481

:20

16B1

:03

1259

i4F

1489

:A9

16B9

:EA

1261

:41

1491

:25

1601

:81

1269

:9a

1499

:D0

16C9

:CD

1271

:A0

14A1

:D4

16D1

:49

1279

:44

14A9

:F2

16D9

:84

1281

:8C

14B1

:D0

16E1

:0O

1289

;FB

14B9

:FF

16E9

:60

1291

:F0

14C1

:3S

16F1

;81

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-35

PROGRAMS

16F9

1701

1709

1711

1719

1721

1729

1731

1739

1741

1749

1751

1759

1761

1769

1771

1779

1781

1789

1791

1799

17A1

17a9

17B1

17B9

17C1

17C9

17D1

17D9

17E1

17E9

17F1

17F9

1801

1809

1811

1819

1821

1829

1831

1839

1841

1849

1851

1859

1861

1869

1871

1879

1831

1889

1891

1899

18A1

18A9:

18B1:

18B9:

18C1:

18C9:

18D1:

18D9:

18E1:

18E9:

18F1:

18F9:

1901:

1909:

1911:

1919:

1921:

1929

1931

1939

1941

1949

1951

1959

1961

1969

1971

1979

1981

1989

Danny English is a frequent contributor
who lives in Moreno Valley, California.

BASK MOVE AND SAVE

By Daniel Lightner

Have you ever been in the middle of a
great BASIC programming session
when all of a sudden an OUT OF MEM-
ORY ERROR message appears on the
screen? Perhaps you've had a large pro-
gram to halt in the middle of execution
with a similar error message?

As a programmer, you may know that
there's a 4K block of free RAM hidden un-
der BASIC'S ROM and RAM from 49152
to 53247. \A/ouldn't it be great if you
could store some of your BASIC code
there?

Well, you can with BAMOV and BA-
SA^, These two utility programs for the
64 let you use this block of RAM t hat's usu-
ally reserved for machine language pro-
grams. They are particularly useful
when you're using programs that require
a lot of sprite or character data.

Getting Started

BASAV and BAMOV are written in ma-
chine language. To enter them, use
MLX, our machine language entry pro-
gram. See "Typing Aids" elsewhere in
this section. When MLX prompts for
starting and ending addresses for BA-
SAV, respond with the following.

Starting address: COOO
Ending address: CDC7

When entering BAMOV, respond with
these addresses.

Starting address; CF62
Ending address: 0001

Be sure to save each program before
leaving MLX,

G-36 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

A Few Rules

Before these programs can be used,
certain techniques must be employed
and certain rules followed. Your large
BASIC program must be divided into
two parts. The second part of the pro-
gram will be called by the first part dur-
ing execution.

It's important to note that program 2
must be at least 42 bytes shorter than
program 1. In most cases you won't
have any problems determining this
size differential, but here's a way to
check. Load program 1 and type this
line of code in direct mode.

PRINTiNT(PEEK(46)*256)+PEEK(45)-2049

The value returned is the length of the
program in bytes. Load the second pro-
gram and enter the line again. To de-
termine the difference, subtract the val-
ue given for program 2 from the value
given for program 1. The number re-
turned must be 42 or greater.

Special Coding

Program 1 must contain these or simi-
lar lines of code at the end of the pro-
gram. Just be sure the line numbers
are high enough to place the code at
the end of the listing.

50000 GOSUB 50005

50001 SYS 53090: RETURN
50005 SYS 53090: GOTO10

When you want program 1 to call pro-
gram 2, read its data, or whatever,
have it GOSUB to line 50000. When pro-
gram 2 has finished executing, the pro-
gram will return normally to the next
statement following the GOSUB 50000.
However, it's not mandatory that con-
trol return to program 1 .

Program 2 must also begin with what-
ever line the GOTO in line 50005 of pro-
gram 1 dictates. In the above example,
it's line 10. Remember to keep this num-
ber below 50000.

To pass control back to program 1,
program 2 must end with a RETURN
that is not part of any GOSUB routine
in program 2.

A Demonstration

Two short demo programs labeled
Prgi and Prg2 are included to demon-
strate how BASAV and BAMOV work.

These programs are written entirely in
BASfC. To help avoid typing errors, en-
ter them with The Automatic Proofread-
er. See "Typing Aids" again.

Running the Demos

Note that when Prgi executes, it
loads BAMOV and a file called Pro-
grams into memory. Having the pro-
gram load these two is not mandatory
You could load these two programs in
direct mode before loading and run-
ning Prgi. If you decide to load them
in immediate mode, delete lines 25
and 30 of Prgi. This will be better un-
derstood as we continue.

Load BASAV with the ,8,1 extension.
Then type NEW and press Return.
Now load Prg2 as you would any BA-
SIC program. Before you go further, be
sure there's a formatted disk in drive 8
in order to receive a relocated version
of Prg2. Then type SYS 49152 and
press Return. The program will run,
and the file will be saved as BAS-TMP.
After the file has been saved, enter the
following line of code in direct mode.

0PEN1 ,8,15, "R0:PflOGRAMZ=BAS-TMP":
CL0SE1

It should be clear now that PRO-
GRAM2 as listed in Prgi is Prg2 relo-
cated. Place a copy of BAMOV on the
same disk as Program2. Reset the com-
puter by either typing NEW ox turning
it off and on again. Load Prgi and
place the disk containing Program2
and BAMOV in drive 8. When you run
the program, notice that control alter-
nates between the two programs.

As its name innplies, BAMOV is the
BASIC mover. It pulls program 2 from
beneath BASIC'S ROM and places
part of program 1 there. When activat-
ed again, it does the reverse.

When control is passed to line
50000 in program 1, it does a GOSUB
to line 50005 so that when a RETURN
is encountered, it will return to the
next set of commands. At line 50005,
BAMOV is activated, pulling program 2
into BASIC'S memory v/hile removing
program 1 . After it returns from the SYS
call, the program encounters the
GOT010 command, and BASIC pass-
es control to line 10 of program 2.

Program flow continues from there un-
til it encounters a RETURN. At that

point, control returns to line 50001
following the GOSUB in line 50000 of
program 1.

Note that this line must remain at the
same location in memory. This is the
reason for making sure that program 2
is at least 42 bytes shorter than pro-
gram 1. Next, BAMOV is called again,
and program 1 is put back in place.
The RETURN in line 50001 returns con-
trol to the line that originally called the
GOSUB50000, in this case line 65. All
the switching back and forth may
sound confusing, but it should become
clear when you run the programs.

BASIC programs that require sprite
and character data can read the data
into memory and then pass control to
the second program. But remember
that this can only work as long as the
second program is shorter than the
first program.

BASAV

C000

C008

C019

C018:

C020

C028:

C030:

C038:

C040;

C048:

C0S0;

0058:

C060;

C068;

C070;

C078:

C080;

C088I

C090;

C09a;

C0A0;

C0fi8:

C0B0;

C0B8:

C0C0:

AD 0E
A5 01
DC 09
8D 18
A 5 2D

01 A0

8 5 FC
85 FE
2E 8D
91 FD
B2 02

02 D0
C0 20
A0 32
FE A9
FE A9
DC 29

09 01
01 8D

03 A9
A5 FB
69 00
01 35
FE 60
50 00

DC 29
29 FE
01 8D
03 A9
8D 00
A9 01
A9 03
A5 2D
B3 02
20 9F
D0 F2
EB A9
BD FF
20 BA
00 85
FD 20
FE 8D
85 01
0E DC
31 SD
69 01
85 FC
FD A5
42 41
00 00

BAMOV

CF62:AD
CF6A:A5
CF72:DC
CF7A:8D
CF82:A9
CF8A:A9
CF92:AD
CF9A:A0
CFA2:8D
CFAA:B4
CFB2:FB
CFBA:CD
CFC2:29
CFCA:01

0E DC 29
01 29 FE
09 01 8D
18 03 A9

01 as FB
03 85 FD
00 A0 BD
8D B3 02
B4 02 Bl

02 91 FD
CD B2 02
B3 02 D0
FE 8D 0E
85 01 AD

FE 80
85 01
HE DC
34 8D
A0 A5
85 FB
85 FD
8D B2
A0 00
C0 AS
A5 FC
07 A2
A9 02
FF A6
FD A9
D8 FF
0E DC
AD 0E
A9 47
14 03
85 FB
18 AS
FE 69
S3 2D
00 00

FE 8D
85 01
0E DC
34 BD
A9 08
A9 A0
B2 02
A0 00
FD 91
20 E0
D0 E8
El AD
DC AS
0E DC

0E DC 31
AD 0E 4B
A9 CI 34
14 03 64
2E 8D F6
A9 08 0F
A9 A0 31
02 A5 A4
Bl FB 37
FB CD 72
CD B3 65
BA A0 FF
A2 08 A4
FD A4 AS
A0 85 91
AD SE D5
AS 01 A3
DC 09 F7

BD
60

23
BA

AS FC 9S
FD 69 IC
00 85 51
54 4D 73
00 00 6A

0E DC Bl
AD 0E CB
A9 CI B4
14 03 E4
8 5 FC

8 5 FE
AD 01 EF
Bl FB E8
FB AD 6D
CF AS 01
A 5 FC AC
0E DC 3A
01 09 Dl

09 01

ID
2A

CFD2J8D 0E DC A9 47 BD 18 03 96

CFDA:A9 31 BD 14 03 60 18 AS FD

CFE2:FB 69 01 85 FB AS FC 69 2D

CFEA:00 85 FC 18 A5 FD 69 01 06

CFF2:85 FD AS FE 69 00 85 FE CE

CFFA:e0 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 CA

PRGI

HA 40

HQ 4 5

DQ 50

CM 55

ES 60

FB 6 5
AX 70
PX 7 5

HE 80

RA 500

RQ 500

MX 500

REM COMPUTE PUBLICATIONS

INTL LTD
REM ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
X=X+1:IFX=1THENL0AD"PR0G
RAM2",8,1

IFX=2THENLOAD"BAMOV",8,1
PR I NT " { CLR } " : PO KE 5 3 2 8 0 , 0
:POKE53281,0
PRINT"{2 DOWN} {2 RIGHT}
{7}THIS IS PROGRAM ONE 0
F THE BAMOV DEMO."
PRINT" {DOWN} {2 RIGHT}PRO
GRAM TWO IS UNDER BASIC
S ROM . "

PRINT"{2 D0WN}{2 RIGHT}l
T WILL CLEAR THE SCREEN
{SPACE}AND"

PRINT"{2 D0WN}{2 RIGHT}C
HANGE THE SCREEN AND BOR
DER COLORS"

PRINT"{2 DOWN} {2 RIGHT}W
HILE DISPLAYING A HESSAG
E."

FORT=iTO5000:NEXTT
GOSUB50000

POKE53 2 8 0,0:POKE53281,0:
PRINT"{CLR} {2 DOWN}
{2 RIGHT }{7>BACK AT PROG
RAH ONE NOW!"
END

00 GOStJB50005

01 SYS53090:RETURN
05 SYS53090:GOTO10

PRG2

EA 10
GJ 15

GH 20
EQ 2 5

PX 30

MX 35

HR 40

XC 45

PC 50
PD 55

REM COMPUTE PUBLICATIONS

INTL LTD
REM ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PR I NT " {CLR }": POKE 5 3 2 8 0 , 6
;POKE53281,6
PRINT"{2 DOWN} {2 RIGHT}
{WHT}THIS IS PROGRAM TWO

OF THE BAMOV DEMO."
PRINT"{2 D0WN}{2 RIGHT}W
HEN THIS PROGRAM FINISHE
S, IT WILL"

PRINT"{2 D0WN}{2 RIGHT}R
ETURN CONTROL TO LINE 50
001"

PRINT"{2 DOWN} {2 RIGHT}0
F PROGRAM ONE."
FORT=1TO5000:NEXTT
RETURN

Daniel Lightner, a frequent contributor,
lives in Sidney, Montana.

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-37

PROGRAMS

NOAH'S READER

By Daniel Lightner

Last year (July 1991) we published
Noah's Arc, a program that creates self-
dissolving archive (SDA) files. People
who use that program will find this short
utility program for the 64 valuable.

Archiving is a convenient method for
combining a number of related files into
one master fiie. This process is conven-
ient for uploading and downloading pro-
grams and instructions to and from a
BBS. fvtany files and programs can be
stored within one large file. When the
SDA file is loaded and run, it dissolves in-
to the original individual programs and
saves them to disk.

The problem with archive files is that un-
less you have the filenames written
down, there isn't any way of knowing the
contents of the archived file. This is es-
pecially true if you have just downloaded
a new file from a BBS or have come
across a forgotten SDA file in your library.
Dissolving the file will do the trick, but it's
time-consuming and a bit awkward.

Noah's Reader solves this problem.
Noah's Reader reads the beginning of
the SDA files from disk and lists the
names of the files that are stored within
the archive file.

Entering the Progrom

Noah's Reader is written in machine lan-
guage and will have to be entered us-
ing MLX, COMPUTE'S machine lan-
guage entry program. See "Typing
Aids" elsewhere in this section. When
MLX prompts for starting and ending ad-
dresses, respond with these values.

Starting address: 0801
Ending address: 0gF7

Make sure that you save a copy of
Noah's Reader before you exit MLX.

Running the Program

Noah's Reader loads and runs like a BA-
SIC program. The first thing it does is
to ask for an SDA filename. It then
searches drive 8 for that filename and
reads information until it locates the var-
ious filenames.

Noah's Reader then lists those files
to the screen, The listing can be
stopped by pressing any key. When
the key is released, the listing contin-

G-38 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

ues until it prints the names of all of the
archived files.

Run Noah's Reader again to read an-
other SDA file.

HOAH'S READER

esai:

0809:

0311:

0819:

0821-

0829-

0831

0839

0841

0849

0S51

0859

0861

0869

0871

0879

0881

0889

08 91

0899

08A1

08A9

aSBl

08B9

08C1

08C9

08D1

08D9

08E1

08E9

08F1

08F9

0901

0909

0911

•00

0919

.8D

0921

0929

0931

0939

0941

0949

0951

0959

0961

•99

0969

.34

0971

•09

0979

0981

0989

0991

0999

09A1

09A9

09B1

09B9

09C1

09C9

09D1

09D9

09E1

09E9

a9Fl

Daniel Lightner is a frequent contribu-
tor who lives in Sidney, Montana.

LOCATE

By Farid Ahmad

Programmers who use BASIC are famil-
iar with the various tricks for positioning
text on a screen. Most use various
PRINT statements and a lot of trial and er-
ror, but now there's a better way.

Locate is a short machine language
routine for the 64 that provides BASIC pro-
grammers with two commands for cursor
positioning and text color adjustment. Al-
though the program is written in BASIC,
it stores its machine language subroutine
in a BASIC REM statement. This tech-
nique provides the speed of machine lan-
guage with the convenience of BASIC.

Prepcriig Lo<ote

Notice that Locate's first line contains
a REM followed by 73 periods. It looks
strange, but it's important not to
change this line in any way. Since this
line fills two screen lines, enter it with-
out a space between the line number
and the word REM. If you include the
space, your cursor will drop down a
line after you type the final period.
Should that occur, cursor back up to
the line and press Return.

Locate is written entirely in BASIC.
To help avoid typing errors, use The Au-
tomatic Proofreader to enter the pro-
gram. See "Typing Aids" elsewhere in
this section. Be sure to save a copy of
the program v/hen you've finished.

Load and run the program. Now list
it again. You'll see that Locate's first
line number is missing and the line it-
self contains a number of meaningless
characters. Next, delete lines 30-90. De-
lete a line by cursoring to an empty
spot on the screen, typing 30, and
then pressing Return. Do this for lines
30-90. Finally, the program will consist
of only two lines: the unnumbered
line 10, which contains the meaning-
less symbols, and line 20. Save this
two-line program with the usual SAVE
command.

Using the Program

Before starting to write a BASIC pro-
gram, load this two-line program. Now
start writing your program with a line

number greater then 20. When you
want to position text, the following two
commands are available.

SYS AT, row, column, color

The row may be from 0-24 and the col-
umn from 0-39, The color may be
from 0-15, the usual Commodore col-
ors. This parameter will effect the col-
or of following text. Values outside
these limits will produce an ILLEGAL
QUANTITY ERROR message.

For example. SYS AT, 5, 0, 1 will po-
sition the cursor at the beginning of the
sixth screen line and change text col-
or to white. The color parameter is op-
tional. If you don't want to set the text
color, omit this parameter and the pre-
ceding comma. SYS AT 5, 0 will posi-
tion the cursor at the same place but
will not change the text color. Spaces
after the commas are also optional.
Any PRINT statement that follows this
or the following command will begin
printing at the cursor position that you
have indicated.

SYS CL, row, column, color

The syntax of this command is exactly
the same as that of SYS AT, but it
clears the screen before positioning
the cursor. For example, SYS CL, 0, 0,
1 will clear the screen, position the cur-
sor at the upper left corner, and set
text color to white. As with SYS AT the
color parameter is optional.

Other Considerations

The machine language routine in Lo-
cate is relocatable. It will work correct-
ly even if the start of BASIC pointer has
been changed. The only condition is
that the two lines of Locate be the first
two lines of the program. The line num-
bers, however, may be changed with a
renumbering utility.

The variables ,47" and CL are de-
fined by Locate as the starting address-
es of tfie Locate routines. These varia-
bles must not be used elsewhere in the
program, or the program might crash.

If you want to use Locate with an ex-
isting program, you'll need a merge util-
ity, such as the MERGE command in
METABASIC. Renumber your program
so that the first line number is greater
than 20. Then merge it with Locate.

A Demonstration

Demo is a demonstration program that
illustrates some of the ways Locate com-
mands can be used and modified. It's
also written in BASIC and should be en-
tered with Proofreader,

With a merge program, you can com-
bine the two programs later. If you
don't have a merge program, load and
run Proofreader, load the two-line Lo-
cate program, and then enter Demo,
starting with line 30.

The Technique

The technique used with Locate is a
convenient way of adding short ma-
chine language routines to BASIC pro-
grams. A few things must be kept in
mind, however. First, the fvIL routine
must not contain the number 0. This is
because 0 is reserved by the BASIC in-
terpreter to mark the end of a BASIC
line. Since 0 is the fVlL instruction for
BRK. it's seldom required. It may be
needed, however, as the argument of
an ML command. It's usually possible
to get around this problem. For exam-
pie, to load the X register with 0, use
LDX#1, :DEX.

Note the quotation mark at the begin-
ning of the first line. If this is not includ-
ed, the ML numbers will be interpreted
as BASIC tokens. This will still work,
but the resulting list may look a bit
strange. The quote itself may also pro-
duce some problems. Once the quote
is encountered, some of the graphic
characters might be interpreted as con-
trol characters. When the program is list-
ed, the list may change colors, or the
screen may be cleared. This is irritat-
ing, but it doesn't do any harm to the
program. The best way to avoid this
problem is to list the program from the
second (or higher) line. Whether or not
the quote is used, once the ML is in
the REM statement, do not reenter the
line by pressing Return over it. This
will enter the line incorrectly and garble
the ML. if the quote has been used,
the line may look the same after reen-
tering, but the damage may still have
been done. This is because many
graphic symbols have more than one
POKE code, and the BASIC editor al-
ways stores the lower value in memo-
ry. So if your ML contains the instruc-
tion JSR SAEFD, reentering the line will
change this to JSR$ AEBD, as $FD

and $BD are the POKE codes for the
same graphic symbol.

Locate prevents this from happen-
ing by including enough delete charac-
ters in the line to delete the line num-
ber. Thus, the line cannot be reentered
by mistake.

LOCATE

BQ 10 REM"

EC 20 CL=PEEK(43)+256*PEEK(44)

+14:AT=CL+5
KD 30 DATA20,20,20,20,20,20,20

,20
KG 40 DATA{2 SPACES ) 169 , 147 , 03

2,210,255,032,253,174,03

2,158,183,134,00 2,032,25

3,174,032
AE 50 DATA{2 SPACES } 158 , 18 3 , 13

8,168,166,002,224,025,17

6,033, 19 2,040,17 6,029,02

4,032,240
CJ 60 0ATA{2 SPACES)255,160,00

1,136,17 7,122,17 0,224,04

4,208,014,23 4,032,253,17

4,032,158
BD 70 DATA{2 SPACES} 183 , 224 , 01

6,176,004,14 2,134,002,09

6,162,014,076,139,227
RH 80 FORI=0TO72:READA:CK=CK+A

:POKE CL-8+I,A:NEXT
DS 90 IPCK08427 THENPRINT"ERR

OR IN DATA STATEMENTS" :E

DEMO

MQ 30 A$="L 0 C A T E":B$="L0C

ATE"

AP 40 PP=15

MA 50 POKE53280,0:POKE53281,0

KS 60 SYSCL,10,09,1:PRINTAS

AB 70 F0RA= I TO 09

DR 80 SYSAT,A,A,A:PRINTB$

BD 90 SYSAT,A,35-A,A:PRINTB$

MH 100 NEXT

HA 110 FOR A=13 TO 1 STEP -1

GP 120 SYSAT,A+10,A+10,15-A:PR

INTB$

SK 130 NEXT

QM 140 FOR A=l TO100

QC 150 SYSAT,10,09,A-INT (fl/15)

*15:PRINTAS

CP 160 NEXT

SQ 170 SYSCL,5,3,l

BJ 180 PRINT"LOCATE ALLOWS YOO

TO POSITION TEXT"

FE 190 SYSAT,7,5,2

DR 200 PRINT"ANYWHERE"

AX 210 SYSAT,9,13

MK 220 PRINT"ON"

QG 230 SYSAT, 11,15

QC 240 PRINT"THE

BH 250 SYSAT, 13, 20

CJ 260 PRINT"SCREEN"

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE G-39

PROGRAMS

XX 270 SYSAT,PP,5,3

SJ 280 PRINT"IN"

FR 290 SYSaT,PP,10,6

FJ 300 PRINT"ANY"

FB 310 SYSAT,PP, 15,11

PR 320 PRINT"COLOR"

MM 330 FORA=0 TO 1 5 : S YSRT , PP , 2

2 + A,A

QQ 34 0 PRINT"!"

BH 350 NEXT

Farid Ahmad is a frequent Gazette con-
tributor, He lives in Islamabad, Pakistan.

BUG-SWATTER

A portion of the machine language list-
ing for Blanker in the August 1992 is-
sue was omitted. We regret the incon-
venience it may fiave caused some
readers. Here is the entire listing.

If you have already entered and
saved the earlier portion, load and run
MLX, responding with the followfing start-
ing and ending addresses.

Starting address: 0247
Ending address: 0763

Now select Load File from the MLX
menu and load the saved file. Then be-
gin entering data from address 03D7.
After you have saved the entire pro-
gram, remember that it must be convert-
ed to GEOS format v»/ith the converter
program in the August issue.

BLANKER

0247:0F 03

024F:00 01

0257:R0 00

025F:05 A0

0267:00 05

026F;A0 00

0277:00 BF

027F:FF FF

0287:3F FF

028F:BA 2C

0297:20 42

029F:56 31

02A7:43 68

02AFt57 2E

02B7:74 63

02BF:65 73

02C7:73 73

02CF:72 20

02D7:6E 67

02DF:45 4F

02E7:65 6E

02EF:4E CI

02F7:08 40

02FF:00 00

0307:20 B7

030F:03 20

15 BF
BF FF
05 A0
00 05
A0 00
05 A0
FF FD
4F FE
FC 83
00 04
6C 61
2E 30

61 72
20 42
20 0F
6B 20
6F 72

62 6C
20 74
53 20
2E 0F
20 B7
IF 20
40 01
CI IF
B6 06

FF FF FF
FD B0 00
00 05 A0
A0 00 05
05 A0 00
00 05 B0
80 00 01

72 20 00
05 00 00
53 63 72
6E 6B 65
00 00 00
6C 65 73
6F 7A 61
20 00 00
61 63 63
79 20 66
61 6E 6B
68 65 20

73 63 72
34 00 00

CI 00
53 C2
A9 80
85

00
85
IE 29
31 37

80 B2
0D 4B
00 AB
A0 0E
05 70
00 E3
FF D7
04 75
04 2F
6E B7
72 3E
00 E3
20 BA
72 AD
44 AA
65 87
6F FF
69 2D
47 98
65 3A
20 B2
99 73
C8 64
2P A5
9C C8
20 09

0317

031F

0327

032F

0337

033F

0347

034F

0357:

035F:

0367:

036F:

0377!

037F:

0387:

038F:

0397:

039F:

03A7:

03AF:

03B7:

03BF:

03C7:

03CF:

03D7:

03DF:

03E7:

03EF:

03F7:

03FF:

0407:

040F:

0417;

041F;

0427;

042F

0437

043F

0447

044F

0457

045F

0467

046F

0477

047F

0437

04BF

0497

049F

04A7

04AF

04B7

04BF

04C7

04CF

04D7

04DF

04E7

04EF

04F7

04FF

0507

050F

0517

051F

0527

052F

0537

053F

E6 06
A9 00
84 A9
8D A4
A9 01
A9 C7
88 88
C8 B9
AD 11
A9 30
29 IF
00 C8
CI 99
3E C2
00 8D
;AD 11
;60 A9
;8D 9B
:00 85
;06 A9
:A4 06
: 3D 20
:18 A9
:02 E6
:04 A5
:A0 85
:0A 35
:SD 9C
:60 E6
:04 A9
:D0 02
:FB DF
:07 01
:02 00
:48 80
:99 BE
:76 05
:E6 18
:A9 00
:C1 AD
:A9 C8
:10 8D
:B9 8E
:ia 98
:08 C8
:60 20
:A5 18
:08 98
:08 C8
:50 06
:05 A9
:FF 99
:D0 19
: 8D 4F
:04 8D
:84 18
:08 20
:FA B0
:85 18
:85 04
:C1 A5
:08 20
:9a 08
: ID E6
:09 C9
:40 D0
:00 85
:A5 18
:85 18
:A9 06

R5 02 C9
85 39 A9
69 8D Al

84 A9 69

85 3B A9
85 3C A5
B9 29 07
29 07 8D
D0 09 10
85 01 20
85 9C 03
00 00 40

08 00 60
A9 00 BD
9B 84 A9
D0 29 EF

04 80 9C
84 A9 A0

02 A9 00
5A 85 07
B9 23 05

05 91 02
0A 65 02

03 A5 03

02 C9 40

03 A9 00
C6 07 D0

84 A9 93

06 AS 06
00 85 06
A2 00 86
FE EF BF

09 04 36
A9 05 8D
9B 84 A0
08 88 D0
90 28 18
A5 18 C9
38 20 33
0A 85 C9

85 18 20
4E 06 60
08 C9 FF
0A A8 B9
B9 7A 08
C6 05 60
C9 08 F0
0A A8 A5
A5 09 99
AD 50 06

00 8D 50
8E 08 60
AD 4F 06
06 C9 60
9C 34 A9
60 AD 4F
87 CI AD
D2 35 19
A9 01 85
A2 18 A0
13 8 5 09
3F CI 90
F0 A9 20
08 D0 02

01 D0 04
DE A9 00
08 4C 12
C9 C8 D0
4C 12 06
8D 9C 8 4

02 F0
04 80

34 A9
80 A3
3F 85
16 0A
80 93
9C 84
8D 11
B7 CI
20 A5
01 20
40 IF
9C 34

35 35
8D 11

84 A9

85 03
85 05
60 A6
A8 Bl
20 0A
85 02
C9 BF
D0 D7
35 02
0A A9
80 9B
C9 0B
E8 E0

05 60
FD F7

00 08
9C 84

09 A9
FA 60

20 33
C8 F0
CI 20
28 B0
96 05
AC 50
F0 12
7A 08
85 09
AC 50

21 99
08 99
7A 08
C9 0A

06 60
CE 4E
18 69
90 0A
AA 8D
06 80
0B 8 5
AD 0A

05 A9
04 20
AS 12

01 60
37 CI
E6 09
A5 08
85 09

06 E6
CB A9

10 07
A9 60

38 57
A2 59

04 56
84 90
3A 46
A8 C2

84 A7
60 36
D0 CC
IE 88
CI E9
B7 A5
4C 54
A9 IC

01 DA
00 06
C7 A3
A9 49

85 8F

05 02

02 7B
05 CF
90 96
00 DA
A9 C4

20
04

CC
83

84 A9

85 06
85 05
A0 00
6A 91
0C 85
CA 00
06 A5

90 84
A6 03
02 A5
C8 85
A9 09
A9 A7
Bl 06

91 06
65 06
CA D0
A9 D9
A9 A7
20 lA
18 A9

02 E6
08 A0
84 08
00 02
04 AA
00 85
5D 8 5
C9 85
00 8D
84 A9

00 3D
84 A9
60 A9

01 D0
A5 16

03 85
0C 6 0
C9 04
A5 17
A9 59
A9 61
A6 16

85 06 CA
06AF:69 06 85

0547:9B

054F:C8

0557:00

055F:18

0567:05

056F:65

0577:28

057F:C6

0587:8D

053F: 60

0597:E6

059F:A9

05A7:05

05AF:07

05B7:19

05BF:8C

0507:28

05CF:07

05D7:05

05DF:07

05E7:19

05EF:F8

05F7:90

05FF:84

0607:07

060F:04

0617:93

061F;A9

0627:A9

062F:A9

0637:A9

063F:9C

0647:A9

064F:9B

0657:07

065F:C9

0667: 17

066F:A9

0677:D0

067F:16

0687:07

068F:09

0697:0B

069F:06

06A7

01 85
A2 00
20 3C
Bl 0C
0C 0S
0C 90
E7 A5

06 00
A9 93
E8 E4

02 C9
02 60
85 04
85 06
20 11
88 00
85 06
E3 60
85 04
85 06

07 91
28 65
07 CA

00 91
A0 00
E6 05
04 33
3B A9
3C A9
02 20
B5 84
59 8D
90 8 4

01 85
01 85
22 60
09 02
17 A5

02 60

86 03
CI A2
F0 02
18 A9
02 E6
05 D0
0B A9
8D 9B
02 00
08 90
A9 27
A9 80
A2 00

07
F3

90 02
A9 27
A9 80
A2 00
06 88

06 85
00 E8

04 4C
Bl 04
A4 08

05 51
E0 85

07 85
56 02
A9 07
9B 84
A9 00

16 20

17 A5
A9 02
00 17
16 09

A9 04 85 17

06B7:81
06BF:11
06C7:30
06CF:08
0607:54
06OF:12
06E7:11
06EF:21
06F7:21
06FF:21
0707:21
070F:92
0717:20
07lF;20
0727:50
072F:65
0737:61
073F:70
0747:18
074F:18
0757:65
075F:1B
0767:00

13 49
48 0B
21 59
0B 30
73 08
03 2a
08 12
08 00
08 00
03 00
08 00
FF E0 8 0
80 20 30

00 01
85 16
85 08
85 0A
AS 06
00 F6
07 20

07 01
10 10

08 0B
43 6C
12 03

09 08
03 40
00 02
00 0 2
00 0 2
00 02
30 20

60 20
A9 00
A9 00
A9 2A
13 69
A5 06
2A CI

11 37
38 08
30 32
08 0B
lA 01

12 03
19 08
0 9 6B

A9 24

A9 D3
23 BB
E6 07
08 7D
00 08
11 04
04 80

84 39
BD F0
04 01

85 FE
85 97
A0 6A
27 A4
A9 ED
E6 B5
85 E5
85 07
A0 9A
00 C0
06 88
60 E3
20 B7
E6 78
60 2B
06 D9
3A 7A
03 4B
60 93
80 88
60 09
8D FB
9E F2
16 2E
8 5 FF
60 A9
03 4F
A5 9F
9E FE
85 98
85 7A
85 E8
11 E9
18 D0

60 A0
02 9F
0B 45

61 BE
30 A6
08 97
30 76
00 CF
07 A0

09 76 07
09 81 07

BE
DC

FF E0

6C 65

60 65

6E 6B

74 69

4 2 60

44 69

IB 00

00 18

00 00

0E 00

61 73

63 74

69 6E

6F 6E

61 6E

73 73

18 44

54 69

00 00

09 8C

80 20

04 BF

65 20

20 42

67 20

3A IB

6B IB

6F 60

72 69

6C 74

00 00

07 FB

80 4E

80 25

18 El

5 3 FF

60 03

4F 36

00 59

00 EO

76 87

70 8F

IB 44

00 75

G-40 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

REVIEWS

ADOBE
ILLUSTRATOR
VERSION 4.0 FOR
WINDOWS

Adobe Illustrator has long
been the big kahuna among
Macintosh illustration pro-
grams. So it was eagerly
awaited by early Windows us-
ers hoping to put the power
of PostScript-based drawing
into their PCs. However, the
first release of Illustrator for
Windows was, to put it blunt-
ly, a dog — not as elegant or
powerful as the Mac ver-
sion, and buggy, too.

But don't let the bad rep
of that earlier release put
you off from the new Adobe
Illustrator Version 4.0 for Win-
dows. If you need what it
can do, this Illustrator is now
the best thing going for high-
end PC illustration.

Illustrator is, as I said, a
PostScript drawing pro-
gram; that is, it creates draw-
ings in the PostScript page
description language invent-
ed by Adobe and native to
most high-end laser printers
and imagesetters. The advan-
tage of drawing with Post-
Script is that your drawings
can be accurately printed
on any PostScript printer or
imagesetter at the highest
resolution of which the de-
vice is capable.

In Illustrator, you draw by
manipulating control points
along paths, a skill that
takes some time to master
but that gives you greater
control of the look of every
curve and line. You can
start sketching with the free-
form drawing tool and then
edit the sketch, or you can
import scanned images and
have Illustrator turn them in-
to editable line drawings.
(The package comes with
Adobe Streamline, which
converts scans to PostScript

art more effectively than Illus-
trator's own scan-tracing
tools.) You can edit in a fast
wireframe mode or show all
colors (up to 16.7 million),
lines, and templates. Illustra-
tor also allows you to open
and work on many drawings
at once. The included Ado-
be Separator utility then

utility; Adobe TypeAlign, a
font manipulation program;
and 40 Type 1 Adobe fonts.
A feature new to this ver-
sion of Illustrator is the abili-
ty to create instant charts
and graphs. Set up the gen-
eral parameters for your
graph in a dialog box, enter
the graph data in Illustrator's

With Version 4.0 tor Windows. Adobe Illustrator has gone from
being a dog to being the top dog of Windows drawing programs.

turns your finished color art
into a file ready for 4-color
separation by any service bu-
reau that accepts files from
other versions of Illustrator.
Font handling is one of Il-
lustrator's strong points, as
you might expect from an
Adobe application. Within Il-
lustrator itself you can enter
and edit text directly on
your drawing, without hav-
ing to work within a special
text box as in some other
programs. Text can be
wrapped outside or fit inside
any shape and run along a
curved path; you can import
any Adobe font as an edita-
ble outline and create your
own typefaces, as well.
There are complete tracking
and kerning controls, too. In-
cluded with Illustrator is the
latest version of Adobe
Type Manager, an indispen-
sable Windows font-display

simple built-in spreadsheet,
and click the graph tool.
Voila! Instant graph. No oth-
er high-end drawing pro-
gram can do this. If you main-
ly create and embellish data
graphics for corporate re-
ports, this one feature alone
may justify Illustrator's
price.

As good as it is, the pro-
gram does have a few short-
comings. There's no on-
screen color palette, so you
can't just click on a color
block to change colors. The
color picking, specification,
and naming features are
complete and easy to use,
but there's no substitute for
seeing all the colors of your
drawing in one palette. Also,
I wished for a layer feature
like the one in Illustrator's
archrival, Aldus FreeHand.
The complexity of an Illustra-
tor drawing can get confus-

ing, especially if you're work-
ing in wireframe (Artwork On-
ly) mode. Complex draw-
ings are easier to organize if
you can put related ele-
ments on separate layers
and edit each layer while hid-
ing or dimming the others.
These are relatively minor
drawbacks, however.

Should you chuck your
copy of Corel DRAW I, Design-
er, or Arts & Letters for Illus-
trator? If you do light-duty il-
lustration and never print on
PostScript imagesetters,
then probably not; scaling
the learning cun/e for Illustra-
tor may not be worth the
time. If you already work in
a PostScript environment
(with Aldus PageMaker, for
example), have to share
files with users of the Mac or
Next versions of Illustrator,
or are sending out work to
desktop publishing service
bureaus, then you'd do well
to look into Illustrator Adobe
offers a competitive upgrade
for owners of other popular
PC drawing programs.

Illustrator is now the pre-
mier Windows drawing pro-
gram. Its rich feature set
and smooth interface, cou-
pled with the fact that serv-
ice bureaus everywhere can
handle Illustrator files with
minimal fuss, make it the
first choice for professional il-
lustrators and desktop pub-
lishers. Adobe has done it
right this time.

STEVEN ANZOVIN

IBM PC or compatible (80386 or high-
er): 4MB RAM; VGA, SVGA, XGA. 15-
or 16-bit higti color, or 24-blt true-
color display adapter; hard disk with
12MB free; mouse or other Windows-
compatible drawing device; Post-
Script or other Windows-compatible
printer; Windows 3.0 or higher—
S695

ADOBE SYSTEMS
1585 Charleston Rd.
Mountain View, CA 94039-7900
(800) 833-6687
(415) 961-4400

Circle Reader Service Number 361
NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE 113

JliV

MIX

TJ7i

PUMP IT

Turn your PC into an
INTERACTIVE Beat Boxl

mmr^'

t i II ■►■«;►»•!

Help

S:b Pad5

rx iiMi

ill

np I FS' ' Ft:

ft llliil >^-

^^^ ^^ * nr;,-E I 0... .. ■''

^jBi^i:

11 IIP jinn II irr -* ^'1

^mmm

'ii^v1^'#iMiitti'ii!^al^i;i?1

Dr.T'S Requires IBM AT (or above) with
MUSIC SOFTWARE soundcard,oranyAmiga computer.

For more fnformation call 1 -800-989-6434.

Circle Reader Service Number 112

REVIEWS

FORCE
TECHNOLOGY F33

For the same reasons you might
choose a convertible over a VW Bee-
tle, you'll choose the Force Technolo-
gy F33 over most of the vanilla clones
in the channel. Bristling computing
horsepower, this black beauty could ap-
peal more to self-styled hackers and
postmodern lawyers only if the mini-
tower came sheathed in hand-tooled
black leather.

Even if you have no aspirations to
the technoeiite, you'll befriend the F33
right out of the box: Windows 3.1 , DOS
5.0, and Procomm 2,4.2 already reside
on the 130MB Maxtor hard drive. Abun-
dant hard disk space and a good-
sized chunk of RAM — 4MB — ensure
that you can install and run almost any
application you desire.

The 14-inch Super VGA monitor sup-
plied with the F33 displays up to 1024
X 768 pixels in noninterlace mode at a
fine .28 dot pitch. The Speedstar Su-
per VGA display card will display
32,000 colors onscreen in a resolution
of 800 X 600, or 256 at 1024 x 768.
The palette ranges to 16,7 million col-
ors, and the card itself packs a mega-
byte of RAM on board, so you can
make full use of VESA drivers for soft-
ware that requires them — Virtual Labo-
ratories Vistapro, for example. Unless
you're using Windows for extensive
DTP, you probably won't need an ac-
celerator. The F33 runs graphical envi-
ronments at a more than acceptable
speed, and it will even multitask tele-
communications software in the back-
ground without appreciable slowdown.

With a 33-MH2 486 at its heart, the
motherboard also harbors a 64K
cache, five 16-bit expansion slots, and
three 8-bit slots; it will accept up to
64MB of RAM in mix-and-match SIMM
configurations. The video card and the
2400-bps modem claim two of the ex-
pansion slots, but most users probably
don't need room for more than six ad-
ditional cards. You might want to add
a CD-ROM drive, though, and to do it,
you'll have to remove the Teac S'A-
inch drive to mount the CD-ROM inter-
nally or buy an external CD-ROM drive
instead, If that's the case, consider a
mid-tower or even a full-tower chassis,
both available from Force Technology.
The standard Teac 3y2-inch floppy
drive should serve you well for the life
of the computer. All told, the system per-
forms admirably, clocking in with a
respectable Norton index of 50 and a
better-than-rated hard drive seek time

of 13.96 ms.

The F33 tactile keyboard and the
matching black serial mouse give you
your choice of input devices, neither of
which lacks elegance or precision. The
dark olive power button sits well above
the smaller black reset and turbo but-
tons; there's no confusing these.

Besides the one-year parts-and-la-
bor warranty, Force Technology pro-
vides outstanding support for its custom-
ers. For example, when Lemmings
wouldn't run on the test unit, the staff at
Force called Psygnosis and Speedstar,
the manufacturer of the video display
card. Not only did a Speedstar repre-
sentative call to help, but the Force
representatives had more than a few
suggestions themselves. That ornery
version of Lemmings runs fine now,
and no other software gave the F33
the least bit of trouble — even Windows
never crashed.

A combination of near-universal com-
patibility and courteous assistance
from Force means a long and congen-
ial partnership between this well-made
PC and users looking for a bit of distinc-
tion on their desktops.

DAVID SEARS

Force Technology F33 with 4MB BAM, ISOIvlB
hard drive, S'A-inch and 3'/?-inch floppy drives, mo-
dem, and Super VGA monitor— S2,222

FORCE TECHNOLOGY

10104 Mandeville Cir,

Austin. TX 7S750

(800) 743-1494

(512) 346-0636

Circle Reader Service Number 362

KLONIMUS
NOTEBOOK AT

The Klonimus notebook computer
from QSI is an excellent example of
how the portable AT is finally coming of
age, To my mind, the principle attrib-
utes of a computer (for most applica-
tions) are storage capacity and
speed — roughly, though not necessar-
ily, in that order.

My review model came equipped
with a 60MB hard drive, but QSI offers
a wide range of hard drive capacities,
from 20MB to 120MB. A minimum of
2MB of RAM can be expanded to
4MB, 6MB, or SMB. The built-in single
3'/3-inch floppy drive adds another
1,4MB with each disk you use. The mi-
croprocessor is a quick 16- or 20-MHz
80386SX or a 25-MHz 386SL, depend-
ing upon your requirements. (The
386SL microprocessor is faster and us-
es less power. Consequently, it costs a
bit more,)

Following closely behind storage
and speed is graphics capability— a
realm of personal computing that's tak-

LIVING PROOF THAT THE GODS HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR

Here's what the reviewers are saying:

"Heimdall is constantly surprising and so huge it is going to be some time before you

Kave exhausted the possibilities!"

'A delightful combination of action and animation."

"The graphical content is never less than good and in many places it's stunning."

Live the life of the viking warrior Heimdall in the ultimate quest adventure as you pit
your brawn and brains against that evil dude Loke. Follow Heimdall through a series of
misadventures on his action-packed crusade to save the world... and his reputation as

one BAP Viking! Circle Reader service Number 183

FEATURES'.

0 Choose from over 30 different characters with

varying RPG attributes

0 Explore the mysterious realms of the

Norseland as you solve puzzles guaranteed to

keep you challenged for hours on end

0 Top-down scrolling isometric vievrpoint

0 Fluid animation and stunning graphics created

by a team of world class animators

DEVtlOPtD By

penon i.ii>iT»Dl

FOR PRICING
AND ORDERS,
PLEASE CALL
800-VRG-IN07.
VISA, MASTERCARD,
AMERICAN EXPRESS AND
CHECKS ACCEPTED.
AVAIIABLB IN SfWNG OF 92/
AMIGA SCREENSHOTS SHOWN.

H.im=l«l S « tr^icnvifl. of V„3- 0.n«, Ire, .« Co™ I>«^, Ud, oi«! v-9.n &«™s, loc ^ to. D.=.3n, Lta. AI, ,&^ rt«r«d. V,:5,n 8 o ,.3»tc<«d t,««™« =( Vl,,,n E«.,p™s, L.a.

Think of it as trim fast
for your data.

Hard disk a bit tight
around the waist? Don't
spend money on a bigger
drive. Put your data on a
diet with Cubit, the PC
software that reduces
the size of your files
up to 70%!

Cubit compresses
all your spreadsheet, data
base, word processing and other
files. Automatically decompresses
files you access, too.

Archiving? Cubit cnmches more
files onto fewer floppies and backup
tapes. Modeming? Cubit reduces

phone line charges
because compressed files
transfer more quickly.
Once your hard disk
files take smaller bytes,
you save space and
money. Cubit is
just$69.95-call
800-272-9900 to order,
or visit your dealer.

SoftLogk:

SOLUTIONS

One Perimeter Road, Manchester, NH 03103
603^27-9900 • 800-272-9900

Circle Reader Service Number 247

en on a life of its own since tiie early
monochrome text days. Klonimus pro-
vides an outstanding VGA display. It
isn't color — that's not yet a common fea-
ture of the notebooks — but the triple-
supertwist illuminated LCD display has
true black-on-white contrast. VGA col-
or emulation is done by utilizing 64
shades of gray — a very sharp and ad-
equate emulation in most cases. The
maximum screen resolution is 640 x
480 pixels.

For ease of use, the cover upon
which the screen is mounted can be tilt-
ed by as much as 135 degrees from
its closed position, and friction-retard-
ed hinges allow it to be set at any con-
venient angle within that range. Of
course, the bacl^lighting can be timed
to go off at a convenient interval and
there are brightness and contrast con-
trols. But here's the bonus: If an LCD
display isn't to your liking, and there's
a VGA monitor available, a handy vid-
eo port on the side will accept a VGA
plug so that you can enjoy complete col-
or capability.

The keyboard is a largely well-de-
signed one with an 83-key format, fvly
standard of good design is how well a
small keyboard approximates the om-
nipresent 101-key variety. One thing
that almost always annoys me when us-

116 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

ing a notebook keyboard is that the
placement of keys is so often con-
fused. Distance isn't usually a problem,
or even that the numeric keypad is miss-
ing— I don't use a keypad much be-
cause different software makes differ-
ent use of it. But I begin throwing fits if
the cursor keys aren't to the lower
right in an inverted-T formation, or if the
Page Up and Page Down keys aren't
on top of one another, or if the Esc key
isn't in the upper left, and so on.
These keys are too frequently used to
be placed arbitrarily.

Fortunately, the Klonimus does pret-
ty well in this regard. The inverted-T cur-
sor layout is there, and the Page keys
and Esc key are fine. Problems occur
when you try to find the Ctrl key on the
lower left and you press the Alt key In-
stead (this can be catastrophic with cer-
tain software). Then, when you go for
the Alt key on the left of the space bar,
you find that a special function key for
the keypad simulation occupies that
spot. But even this doesn't worry me.
The reason I'm placid is bonus feature
number 2: A standard 101 keyboard
can be plugged into the port provided
on the right side of the unit. (It's the
smaller mini-DIN variety of plug, but an
adaptor is included for larger connec-
tors.) When both a keyboard and col-

or VGA monitor are hooked up, you
have a nice AT with a very small
footprint!

So how small and light is the Kloni-
mus? It's conveniently small: 4 inches
high X 12 inches wide x 9'/= inches
deep. It's also conveniently light at 7
pounds. A not insignificant part of that
weight is contributed by the two nickel-
cadmium batteries which slide into
place below the screen, with an easily
accessible slider release for each just
in front of them and back from the key-
board. The two batteries combined are
estimated to last six hours between re-
charges, but I've found that something
a little over four hours is a more realis-
tic expectation when the computer is
regularly used with moderate floppy-
drive access.

The power switch, slightly indented
on the left side, can be a bit of a prob-
lem, since that's where my finger
tends to go when I move the unit. Con-
venience, however, often has its price.

The ports include a 30-pin connec-
tor for an expansion pack (providing
an external floppy drive and a COM2
port), a 68-pin bus connector for vari-
ous function packs (modem, fax/mo-
dem, fax/scanner, Ethernet pack, and
IBM 3270 emulation pack), a parallel
printer port (25-pin standard female),
and a serial port (9-pin male),

To round off its features, QSI's Kloni-
mus also comes with an attractive and
functional travel bag full of compart-
ments for floppies, pens, and papers.
Hardly a crucial feature, I know, but a
nice touch to accompany a solid
machine.

BRUCE M. BOWDEN

Klonimus Notebook AT— $1 ,575 with 20MB hard
drive; $1,949 with 60MB hard drive; S3.495 with
386SL-25 microprocessor, 8MB RAM, 120MB
hard drive, external floppy drive, all modules, Eth-
ernet card, lBM-3270 emulation for mainframe con-
neclion, math coprocessor, vertical stand, serial
mouse, and car adapter

QUANTUM SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAU

95 Rockwell PI.

Brooklyn, NY 11217

(716) 834-4545

Circle Reader Sen/lce Number 363

NEW WAVE 4.0

I welcomed the opportunity to review
Hewlett-Packard's New Wave 4.0 be-
cause, frankly, I've never really under-
stood what it does. The reviews talk
about objects, tools, agents, and task
languages. While all those words have
meaning to me, until now they haven't
added up to an understanding of the
program.

Hewlett-Packard bills New Wave as
"the premier desktop for Microsoft Win-
dows," As a desktop manager, it replac-

VISUAL FANTASIES ON CD-ROM!!!

Now, Over 7

XX Graphics Anywhere!

Adult Graphics, Video, Sound, Erotic Literature, Sex Oames,'&W^

BBS !!!

Visual Fantasies

So Much Stareware

Volcano

Storm II

By far our best seller. Features lover 500 Megabytes of Xxxlpeatures 900 SVGA (1024x768) I This popular sequal features
easy to use "select by fantasy" Iviewmg pleasure! 2600 hi-res land 400 VGA (640x480) images. I much improved images and

menu and slide show viewing.! VGA pictures. Animations,
2600+ carfuHy selected pics, isome with sound. BBS ready!

S99 I S99

Professional Collection with I organization. Includes Gffi^ase
over 150 Women and no ads! I file viewer/database system.

My Private Collection HotPixll PC Fix II eXXXtasy

650 Megs of sex. 3,900 plus Designed specifically for BBS 630 fresh Megabytes of the This CD matches the quality,

files. Includes some animation use, this popular CD contains East Coast's best. Suitable for sophistication, & ease of use of

and lots of high quality home SSO megs in over 3000 files, both the end user and for BBS Wsua/Fanfas/es with very little

made photos. Suitable for BBS. Content ranges from R to XXX. operators, this one is a must!, replication. Also BBS Suitable.

$99 $99 S99 S99

Animation Fantasies

PC Pix I

Storm 1

This CD contains over 40oiThe first CD-ROM to belThis three disc set contains ■ Probably the first XXX Adult CD
Megs oftrtple XXX videoaction. ■"Banned in Japan", this triple lover a gigabyte of "For Adults I published. Over 450 megs
Easy to use "select by fantasy" I XXX Collection is still available I Only" material. Very few ads, I includes some early animation
menu system. I in the good ol' U.S.A. I BBS ready, limited availability, land rare black & whites.

Above Titles for Sale to Adults Only. Must State 21 Or Over.

CREATIVE LABS

MULTIMEDIA

UPGRADE KIT

ONLY $599

INCLUDES SOUND BLASTER PRO, FAST PANASONIC CD-ROM DRIVE

MIDI INTERFACE, JONES IN THE FAST LANE,

MICROSOFT BOOKSHELF, SOUND CLIP ANTHOLOGIES AND...

VISUAL FANTASIES ON CD!!!

STW Game Pacl< II $67

Total Baseball $69

Space Series Apollo $79

ProPhoneUSA $299

Multimedia Darwin _.$99

Street Atlas USA $109

CIA World Facts ..$79

Multimedia Beethoven $69

Microsoft Bookshelf MPC..$129
Battle Chess for the MPC $69

CD Rom Software Specials!

The Original Shareware 1992. .-$99

It All Started with George $129

Great Cities of the World -$79

Ebert's Home Movies ^65

The Aircraft Encyclopedia $89

Natl Geographic Mammals -$75

RBBS in A Box $99

Sherlocit Holmes' Consulting...$69

Loom $59

King's Quest V $79

US Atlas with AutoMap $79

Wing Commander/Ultima VI. ..$59
Wing Comm. Secret Mission. .$59

Secret of Monkey Island -.$59

Secrets of the Luftwafen $59

Stellar 7 $59

Audubon's Birds $39

Toolworks Ref Library $89

Night Owl's 7 $99

Coates Art Review $99

FREE ADMISSION FOR FALL COMDEX ($75 VALUE) WITH ANY PURCHASE. SEE US AT BOOTH #B1135

FAX YOUR ORDER TO: (310) 947-1131

CALL TERRY FOR FREE CATALOGUE

MC/VISA/AMEX, Check/Money Order, COD. 24 hrs/7 days week. Prices not Including shipping. CA Residents Add 8J25%^

Circle Reader Service Number 177

PC COMPONET, INC. 2060 EMERY AVE., SUITE 216, LA HABRA, CA 90631 TEL: (310) 943-9878

EMORY

ISER

386

THE EASIEST WAY TO GAIN POWER
FROM THE MEMORY ON YOUR 386 PC

MM386 comes ready to provide the greatest benefits of 386 manage-
ment, right out of the box. A multiple-choice st^'le options program
permits anyone to exclude or adjust any of these capabilities, and
provides extensive on-line information and context-sensitive HELP
information to guide the inexperienced user in making adjustments.

Memory Miser 386 gives
you all the power of the
complicated programs, with
uncomplicated power, easy-
to-use menus, lots of online
help, and an affordable price.

ii^E-sase^'

Only $3995

SoftLogic

SOLUTIONS

call today
(800) 272-9900

One Perimeter Road
Manchester, NH 03103

Circle Reader Service Number 24S

es the Windows Program Manager
and, partially, File Manager. It makes
Windows even more Mac-like {even
down to the trash can icon for deleting
things) and insulates you completely
from DOS directories and filenames.

New Wave is built completely
around objects and tools. Tools are pro-
grams witti no data of their own; they
merely work on your system or data gen-
erated by other programs. The printer
tool and the trash can are tools. Ob-
jects are usually documents (or files, if
you think that way) linked to the pro-
gram that created them. To create an
object, attach a data file to its program,
give it a name of up to 32 characters,
and put the resulting descriptively
named icon somewhere on your desk-
top. Double-clicking on the new icon
launches the program and loads the da-
ta file; you're immediately ready to
work on the document. You don't
need to know the name of the pro-
gram, the name of the data file, or
their locations in your disks and direc-
tories. Just click on the icon, and the
program's running.

New Wave icons (representing ob-
jects and tools) can be on the primary
desktop or in folders. Folders can con-
tain other folders — giving you the nest-
ed program groups that Windows

118 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

does not — and can be filed in the file
cabinet (another tool icon). With folders
and the file cabinet, you can create an
organized maze of directories and sub-
directories without ever knowing how
you did it. This is the first truly effective
way I've seen to control the ever-grow:
ing army of icons on my Windows
desktop.

While Windows 3.1 delivers useful
new drag-and-drop features (primarily
in File Manager), New Wave expands
the concept. To print a document, for
instance, merely drag the object icon
to the printer icon and drop it there. De-
lete by dragging items to the trash
can. You can even open a file by drag-
ging it from the Windows File Manager
and dropping it on the New Wave ob-
ject icon for its related program,

It's an extremely effective desktop
manager, but there's more to New
Wave than that. One of the tools is the
agent. To use DOS terms, the agent is
a combined batch file and macro facil-
ity, You can define a complex set of pro-
cedures for automatic execution
through the Agent Task Language,
which is powerful enough to run DOS
programs and handle concurrently run-
ning programs. You can create dialog
boxes with push-button options, sched-
ule agent tasks to run at a later time, or

even key them to run when specific
events take place.

The agent is definitely in power us-
er country. Using the agent, a savvy
PC manager can write procedures
that will truly insulate his novice users
from any DOS or Windows pain.

A third leg of New Wave is the work
group library You can drag objects to
the Object Storage area, where they
will be available to other network users.
You don't have to know the network
drive letters or directories to store or re-
trieve the objects.

New Wave definitely improves your
ability to organize and manage your dai-
ly Windows work, If I were an office net-
work manager with a batch of nervous
users, I'd love what Nev>' Wave could
do for me. As an individual computer us-
er, however, I'm not sure the admitted-
ly first-rate desktop management func-
tions are worth the program's price
and the more than 7MB of hard disk
space that it occupies. And if ! were a
nervous novice, I doubt that I'd have
the insight necessary to configure the
program well enough to help me
significantly.

But, oh, what this could do for an of-
fice PC manager!

RICHARD 0. MANN

IBM PC or compatible (80286 or higher), 2MB
RAM, hard drive with 10MB Iree, high-density flop-
py drive, mouse, Windows 3,0 or higher with com-
patible video adapter (20-MHz 80386 or higher,
3MB RAM, DOS 5.0, and hard drive with 15MB
free recommended) — $195

HEWLEn-PACKARD

974 E Arques Ave.

Sunnyvale, CA 94086

(800) 554-1305

Circle Reader Service Number 364

EPSON ACTION USER II

Epson's Action Laser II provides HP
LaserJet Series II compatibility a print
speed of six pages per minute (PPM),
and dual-interface flexibility, along
with other outstanding standard fea-
tures, to produce a mid-size laser print-
er that's big in performance.

The Action Laser II measures 14 x
18.9 X 27.6 inches and weighs about
29 pounds with the paper cassette, pho-
toconductor unit, output tray, and ton-
er cartridge installed, ready for use.
These dimensions make fairly heavy de-
mands on the desktop area, so giving
the Action Laser II its own roil-about
printer stand or stationary table
wouldn't be a bad idea,

The Action Laser II is equipped with
512K of RAM as its standard comple-
ment, and this can be expanded up to
a maximum configuration of 5,5MB. As
with other lasers, the 51 2K RAM config-
uration is good for text-only work; graph-

SOFTWARE HEADQUARTERS

A wide selection of software and accessories for the IBM and Macintosh J[ , .j«.,^ir^^ ^w-^m^^ -^jt

Specialists in International Sales • Competitive Pricing • Satne day shipping iC^fK^T^ J0M[

1 GAMES

An American Tail

....30

-Aniazcn

....43

Arschnophobia w/Sound Soii[re27

Bartie's Glamorojs Q^st 27

Bard's Tate Consimciion Sei 34

Bald's Ta(E III 31

Sart Simpson Arcade Game 32

Lost rregsitres of Infocom 2 37

M^icCa^dle2 40

Martian Memarsndjm 27

MantisiEiperlinental Figl!ter.,..43

Megatravelter 3 43

Mercenaries 40

Might 4 Magic 3 40

Mlght/MBSlc:Claudi of XesnCALL
Mission ImpC'SsiWe 32

Sx^t^SSL.;j«kai^

(^ardt Drivt'r

Drive 10 ofthe world's fastest cars froiii Ferrari
1-4U' to the Eagle Talon on 10 varied roailwaj-s.
Speed past TOjr opponents on rta! roads like
Gilifomia Hij^hsvay 1 acturatclr reproduced
with uses sursct data. For the ultimate chll-
engc, go hcad'Hvhcad wjih a friend via iiindeni'
Rendering sruiitiing hi-res 256 color VGA
graphics & sound card supon i-Ui

Bart SimpsontHouse Weimness 32

Battle Chess 32

Battle Chess II 32

Brittle Chess 4O0OVaA 32

Battle Chess 400Q SVGA 37

Black Crypt 33

Bre3:h2 22

Br.dgeT.O 32

Bu2Z Aldnn's Race Into Spdce..43

Cars Driver 40

Castles 37

Castles 2; Siege & C<inquest...-37

Champions ,37

Civiliiation 43

Coasler 27

Conquest of Longbow 43

Cris 5 in (tie Kremtiit 37

Crusaders of tlie Darh Savant. .,42

Cyber Ettiplres 33

The Dagger of AmonRa 43

The Dark Hall 37

Daridan* 43

DarkSun:The Shattesed Lands ..47

Design Vour 0*n Railfoad 37

Dick Tracy w/ Sonnet Sotirce 27

Dragon's Lair II: Timewarp 43

Drajon's Lain Singe's Castle ,..,37

Dune 37

Eye of the Beholdei 2 40

GIOHl Effect 33

Graiti Slam Bridge 2 33

G03S 27

GujSp^ 32

Haie Raising/Sound Source 32

Heaven and Earth ,.,. , ,,.32

Hemdall 22

HongKong Malsjong Pni 33

Ho/!es Book of Games 3 32

Inciana Jones 4;Fate of Atlantis. 40
K.G.a , 22

Monopoly ,...„. ,,....27

Obitus 39

Oh Nol More Lemmings! lAdd|...22

Out of this World , 37

Pitlightcr 25

Planet's Edge 40

Police Quest 3 37

Populous 23

Prophecy of the Shatjow 40

Super Tetris 32

Tennlnator , ,35

TestOnveS 37

Tetris 24

Theiitre of War 33

The Godfather 32

TImetJuest 37

Tracon for Windows 47

Tracon 2:Air Traffic Controljer .,,,43

Treasures of Savage Frontier 33

Trump Castle 2 32

T(jrties:Arcade Game „ ,....32

Tofties:Mannattan Missions 32

lllima 7: The BiackGale 47

UNIma 7's Forge of Virtue 20

unima 7: 5ei|Mnt Isle 47

Ultima Underaorld 47

Ultima Trilogy 37

Ultima Tnlogy 2 47

Vengeance of ExcalitJtjr , 22

Wiieel of Fortune w,/ Vanna 27

Wnere America's Past Cannen ..37

Where in Europe is Camten 32

Wliere in Time is Cannen ,,.32

Where in USA Is Carmen 32

Where in World rs Cannen 32

iVhere m World is Cannen VGA„48

Wing 2 Special Operations 1 27

Wing 2 Special Operations 2 27

Wing Commander 2 47

Wing Commander 2 Speech Pak 17

Wing Commander Deluxe 47

Wrath of the Demon 32

Remodeling your honit^'s interior?
Chnosc an appropriate scale, then draw your
rniJiu from a top view. Select furniture or fixtures
tn>ni thf cu/tin-t of p:c-driwn objcas provided
and plaL"e them in yuui room. Usi your mouse to
mjnipulatc rhesc objects, xhcn vicsv your room
from any one of foui side siews.

Design Vour Own ffome Interiors „...S37.

Design Your Own Architecturc..........„.....$37.

Design Vour Own I,antUcapc S.37.

Powermonger 33

Prince ol Persia 27

Railroad Tjcoon 34

Rampart 29

Realms... „,.32

Red Baron EGA or VGA 37

Rise of the Dragon 37

RoboSport for WintJows..., 37

Rcciieteerw/ Sound Source 32

Rocketeer The Wovie 22

Roles of Engagement,, 39

Roles of Engagement 2 40

SargonS 32

Savage Empire 57

Scrabble Deluxe 27

Sea Rogue 32

FX 2000 by .Sttncom Ti;chrialagies
S<s giKsd. you sson'r believe it's real
lite first IBM compatible joystick that works
equally welt as a hand held controller or desk
mount, AdfUvtlbk- pisml-erip for right and
left hands k designed to nrrei" ia,se and comforr
in all types of gameplay. Includes sssatchablc
fire buttons, svith one on the "trigger flnger\
ti:^ed .uito-fire, throttle control, and suction
^tip? Ip27

■^ng's Quest V 37

Laffer utilities 25

Lcatfier Goddesses Phobos 2 ,,,43

Legacy of the Necromancer 22

Legend of Kyrandia 37

Legions of Krella 40

Leisure Larry 5 ,.„, ,37

Lemmings 34

life^Oeatn 24

Lie & Death ll:The Brain -27

Lord of the Rings II: Two To^^e^s 37
Lost Files of Shettoek Holmes ,47
lest Treasures of Infocom 43

Secret o'Wonkey Islantj II 40

Shadow of the Sorcerer 33

Shangliai 2:DTagon's Eye 32

Shanf on Bndge , ,,.37

Stiuitte Space Flight Simulator ..32

Sim Ant ,37

Sim City 30

Sim City for Windows 37

Sim City GraphictAncient Cities ..24
Sim City GraptiicrFulure Cities .,.24

Sim Earth 41

Sim Earth for Windows 43

Solitaire for Windows ,32

Space Ace 2: Barfs Revenge ,- ,37

Space Quest 4,...,. ,, ,,...37

SpeeOba:l2 27

Spellcasttng 301 37

Spelljammer,-,,.,,,, „.,.„„„„40

Star Control 2 37

312' Irek 25ttt Anniversary 37

5l3rfligni2 22

Straiego 32

Str.ke Commander 47

SlnpPokerS 33

stunt Island 37

The Summoning 40

S'.i!)er Jeopardy 27

i.rry SD*;e invaders 27

WARGAMES

6Sa Attach Sub Compo 28

Alf Foree Commander „CALL

A.T.A.C 37

A.T.P. Flight Commander 37

Aces of the Pacifc...,, , 43

Allied Forces Bundle 42

Ancient Art of War 31

B-17 Rylng Fortress , ,,,42

Bandit Kings of Ancient China., ..37

BInlsotPrey 33

Blitzkrieg , 32

Carrier Stnke .43

Canters at War.- 34

Chuclt Yeager's Air Combat 40

Command HQ 37

Conflict in Korea 37

Conflict: Middle East 37

F-15 Strike Eagle 111 47

F19 Stealth Fighter 43

F 29 fietaliator 33

Falcon 3,0 47

Genghis KJian 37

Great Naval Battles:193»43 ...47

Global Cont^ues: 37

Gunship2000\GA 42

Gunship 2000 Scenano Disk 27

Harpoon ,.„, 30

Harpoon BattleSet »2or3 21

Harpoon BattleSet » 4 25

Harpoon Challenger Pak 46

Harpoon Scenario Editor 28

Heroes of the 357th 34

JetFghterll 42

Kampfgruppe 37

Land, Sea Air Tnlogy 2 „..„„ 43

L' Empereur 37

LH* Attack Chopper 28

^TTaii

f fiiiiiie

,'^% : Fatelc;,

/ , il^liipil'
^flP^ puzzle
V^fqi:jdu!!

Liberty or Death 37

Una In the Sand 27

Lost Admiral 37

MegaFortress: Flight of Old Dog .40
MegaFortresstMisskjn Disk 2., ,.27

No Greater Glory 37

Pacific Islands 32

PatHot , 47

Perfect General 37

Perfect General Scenano 25

Romance of Three Kingdoms 2, .43
Secret Weapon Mission Disk 2-.22
Secret Weapons lillsslon Dsk 1 .22

Secret Weapons of Luftwaffe 44

Silent Service II 37

ThuntJedtawK ,„. , ,32

Top Gun;Danger Zone 32

V (wVlctorj 47

vtestemFnjnt 37

UtKharted Waters 43

White Death 32

WoritlsatWar,,, , , 32

4D Boxing 22

ABC'S Wide Wofid of Boiing 32

All American College Football „„37

Andretti's Racing Challenge 22

A.P,B.A Baseball 27

Bill Elliot's NaiMar Challenge 32

Bo Jackson Baseball 32

California Games II 27

Car & Driver ,„„...„.,„ , 40

Carl, Lewis Challenge 32

Days of Thunder 25

GamesiWinter Challerige 36

SREENS 37

Hardball 3 37

Jack f(ichiaus:Signature Ed 43

Jimmy Connors Pro Tennis 33

John MaiUefl FooUnfl 2 33

Links: The Challenge of Golf 27

Links 386 PRO 42

Links: Bayhlll Course Dish 18

LinksrBountiful Course Dish 18

LinkstDorado Beach Course IS

Ltnks:Fitostone Course Disk 18

Links: Barton Creek Course 18

MicroLeague Baseball 4 42

Mike Ditka Football,,, 34

NCAAiRoad to Rnal Four 35

NFL Pro League Football 47

PGA Commemorative Edition ,.,.-46

PGA Course Dish 19

PGA Tour Golf 32

Playmaher Football 32

Pro Foottjall Analyst 37

Team Suzuki 27

Call us and use your MC, Visa or Discover

800-999-7995

In NY State 212-962-7168

Fax 212-962-7263

Methods of Payment: We accept Visa, MC, Discover Card &

Money orders. Personal checks allow 14 days to clear.

School, State & City purchase orders accepted.

Shipping: UPS Ground ($5 min)/ Airborne Express($7min)

APOStFPO{ S6I/CANADA. HI. AK & PR (Airtwme $12).

Overseas niinifnum $30 shipping (please fax orders)

NY residents add 8.25% Sales Tax.

Send money orders or checks to: MISSION CONTHOL,

43 Warren Street. COMIIK. New York, NY 10007

Please send S2.00 lor catalogue |lree with order}

Overseas & Military Orders given special attention!

Circle Reader Service Numtwr ZOO

Tony La Russa AL Stadium .......15

Tony La Russa Tesnus 1901-68 15

Tony La RLJSsa NL SlacTium 15

Tony La Russa Baseball 32

Wayne GreC2ki'2 :Canada'E Cup .35

Wayne Grei2ky Hockey 3 CALL

Hocltey League Simulator ..26

Wor'O Class Soccer 27

Algeblaster Plus 32

Cliallenge of Ancient Empire 32

Donald's Alphabet Ctiase., Si

Eanhquesi 27

Geo Jigs aw 27

Goofy's Railway Express 14

Grammar Gremlins 32

HetobyNlglrt 32

Headline Harry VGA 37

KitlPiil 37

f.lano Tescftes Typirtg 32

f^atti Blaster Mystery 32

fJatti Blaster Plus 32

Math Blaster Plus Windows 37

MainRal3filt 27

Mickey's 123 27

Mickey's ABC 27

Mickey's Colors & Shapes 27

Mickey's Runaway Zoo , 14

Mitlnlghl Rescue 32

Pacioli 2000 Ver ,2.0 29

PrimshopNew 38

RightPaint for Wrntlows „ „„.64

Sales Lener Works 47

Squeegee for Windc^vs 54

Speed Reatler fo' V^indows 32

y,S, Atlas 39

IJ,S. Atlas for Windows 54

Ad Lib Music Card 69

Ad Lrti GoW 1000 -.- 199

SouraJ Blaster Pro 209

Sound Commander fx 109

Sound Commantler GOLD 169

Ultrasound Caid 139

Enjoy the Best In Authentic

Response tiiib True Hands On

Sticb & Throttle FfyingI

cotnpatitJie with;

• FaEcon 3.0 •Aces of tfto Pacifi: •

F-19 Stealth- Wing Commander II and mofe.

Weapons Control- 189

Fttgbt Control -$69

Fl^bt ControlPro - S105

Nigel's World 32

Number Munchers 32

Oregon Trail 32

OulNumtKfed 32

Operation Neptune 37

Playroom 32

PCGIolw6,Q 41

PCU,S,A, 2,0 41

Playroom 29

Read &flOll VGA 32

ReaderRat)bit2„,. 37

Reading i I>1e 32

SlorjtxMk Weaver 32

Spell It Plus Talking,, 32

Super Spellicoptet 27

StJ per Mjrw tiers 32

:,--] Itnr
tv.S.S(;

SnapDngon 32

Treasure Mountain 32

TteeHpuse ,.,,.37

What's My Angle 32

Word Vunchers .,32

Writinj/Publishing Center 42

ZooKeeper 37

Advanced Mail List 32

Animation Studio „..„, ..79

AutoMap 57

AutoWortts 47

Bannermania 25

Bodyworks 47

Chemistry Works , ,,.43

Dreatt Hojse Professional 48

Dvorak on Typing 32

Dvorak's Top 30 , 37

FlooiPlan Plus 47

Estimaling & Invoicing 27

Estinator Plus ..,...,.,. 54

Fast Pack Mail „ 57

Form Ttjol Gold 57

Lcgsl Letter Wonts 47

Letter Works 47

Mav,s Beacon 2 Windows 40

Maws Beacon Typings 34

OrtjitS 37

PRODUCTIVITY

ACCESSORIES

Gamepo It Auto CH Products 34

Gameport (MicoChannl) by CH .18

Icontroller for PC 49

9S24 Internal Fan/Modem 89

95/24 Portable Faz/lvlodem .,,199

960O Fa3/9600 Modem 329

Computer Vacuum Kit 25

Comp^jter Cleaning & Vacuum .,,35

Diskholder for 5,25 or 3,5 9

Analog Plus 27

Analog Sabre 22

nightstick byCH Products 42

Gravis Joystick for PC 39

Mach III by CH Products 33

Merlin 24

IJuicksho! Aviator 5 32

Quickshot Intnider 5 29

(juickshot Wa-nor 5 18

Thnjstmaster Rudder Pedals ,,,105

BaiileChess 47

Gntannica's Family Choice 65

Compton's Ercyclopedia 395

Guinness Disc of Records,,. 69

Grammy Awards Multimedia 49

lier s Encylcopedia 249

CD-ROMS

Battle Chess.... 47

Grammy Awards 49

Grolier'S Enq/ClOpedia 249

Jones in the Fast Lane 47

KGB/CIA Factbook.... 35

Loom , 57

Secret of Monkey Island 47

Secret Weapons of Luftwaffe 57

Sherlock Holmes Detective 45

Sherlock Hoimes Detective 2 ....45

Sleeping Beauty ,., 35

Software Jukebox 45

Timetable Science/Innovation. ..59

Ultima 1 to 6.... ..,,-57

WingCorr.mandcr/UIIima6 47

Wing Commander 2 Deluxe ....CALL

WC2/Ultima Underv^orid CALL

Wing Commander Deluxe 47

WYaUi of the Denwi ,...,,..32

andmore!!!!!!!!!!!]

Not responsible for typographical
errors-Checu compaliOilitj' before
ordering. All Sales FinaS. Prices
and dvailatjlity subject to cnar^ge
wiiJioyt notice. Defective items
replaced. No returns will be credit-
ed witnout a Retum Auttiorization
Number. New Releases Evesyday!

This is for every hard disk
that^s lost its drive*

File fragmentation.
It shifts your hard disk ^ffgM^
into low gear. And
takes the "varoom"
out of your PC's
performance.

Restore your hard
disk to its youthful
speed, with Disk
Optimizer. The
utility software
that lets you retrieve
your files up to t/iree rimes /aster.

Disk Optimizer undoes nasty file
firagmentation that occurs naturally
under DOS. It puts your files back
in one piece. So your hard disk
doesn't bum up your precious rime
or itself retrieving bits of data
scattered all over the place.

nSKUPTWIZt'H TOOLS /^

It's the little
utility that's a big
time saver. Get Disk
Optimizer today and
give your hard disk
a real power boost
under the hood.

Disk Optimizer
is just $69.95.

See your dealer.
Or call

800-272-9900
to order.

SoftLogic

SOLUTIONS

One Perimeter Roisd, Manchester, NH 03103
603.627-9900 • 800-272-9900

Circle Reader Service Number 246

ics, desktop publishing, and presenta-
tion applications will require at least
1MB or more, so upgrading thie basic
RAM is sometining you should consider
to make the Action Laser II fully func-
tional for tfiese applications. The unit I
reviewed came equipped with 1MB of
RAM already installed.

Sixteen bitmapped fonts are resi-
dent in the Action Laser II; The Couri-
er typeface in medium, italic, bold, and
bold italic variations is available in
both landscape and portrait orienta-
tions in 10- and 12-point sizes; Line
Printer Medium is available in 16.66
pitch in portrait and landscape
modes; and Prestige Medium is also
included in both 12 and 20 pitch in por-
trait mode only. If additional fonts are
required or desired, an expansion slot
is also provided which will accept l-HP
Series II font cards, in addition to down-
loadable soft fonts. An additional ex-
pansion slot is also provided to accept
"identity" cards that can change the
printer's "personality."

The Action Laser II can also emulate
Epson FX and LQ print modes when de-
sired, providing greater flexibility. Dual
Epson emulation capabilities permit the
Action Laser II to emulate a 24-pin dot-
matrix printer such as the Epson LQ-
2500 or a 9-pin dot-matrix printer such

120 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

as the Epson FX-850/1050 models.

The printer cranks out a respectable
6 PPM on the average, which places it
in the middle ground between the com-
petitive 4-PPM low-end models and pri-
cier 10- to 12-PPM high-end printers.
Paper weights from 16 to 24 pounds
can be fed into the Action Laser II di-
rectly by the paper cassette, and pa-
per and cardstocks in the 16- to 42-
pound range can be manually fed into
the printer. Plain and colored paper, la-
bels, paper with punched holes, enve-
lopes, and transparency stock can be
imprinted with the Action Laser II.

The standard paper cassette will
hold up to 100 sheets of standard 20-
pound bond paper; the optional multi-
nnedia feeder can hold an additional
150 sheets or 15 envelopes. Default pa-
per ejection is facedown only.

All controls for selecting functions
and operations are easy to use and
top mounted for easy access. A 20-
character liquid crystal display keeps
users informed of the printer's oper-
ational status, as well as presenting
menu choices for configuring the unit.

Epson's documentation is excellent,
especially in the technical and specifi-
cation information it provides. Accord-
ing to the manual, tlie toner cartridge
has a life expectancy of 8000 pages at

5-percent density, which makes it one
of the longest-life toner cartridges avail-
able. In reality, however, 5-percent den-
sity isn't a practical measurement,
since the average page of double-
spaced text produces 20- to 35-per-
cent density depending on how wide
the margins are set.

The mid-size Epson Action Laser II printer:
big only in performance.

With its good selection of emula-
tions, fonts, interfacing, and print
speed, the Action Laser II will probably
have broad appeal — especially since it
also comes standard with Epson's repu-
tation for quality and reliability,

TOM BENFORD

Epson Action Laser II— S999

EPSON AMERICA

20770 Madrona Ave.

Torrance, CA 90503

(800)922-8911

Circle Reader Service Number 365

MIGHT & MAGIC III:
ISLES OF TERRA

M&MI

Quick, what comes to mind? If your
first thought was of a small, round, can-
dy-coated piece of chocolate, then
you're probably not one of the thou-
sands of gamers who have made New
World's Might & Magic one of the
most popular fantasy/role-playing
(FRP) series ever to enchant a PC.
M&M III lets you lead a band
of adventurers through the towns, cav-
erns, castles, and dungeons of Terra in
search of clues to the diabolical plans
of Sheltem. According to the journal
left for you by Corak the Mysterious,
Sheltem must be stopped before he de-
stroys the Isles of Terra.

You can begin your quest using the
prebuilt party of six fully equipped ad-
venturers, or you can check into the lo-
cal inn to create your own characters
from scratch. This involves little more
than selecting a character portrait, fine-

Andrew Visscher's and Bruce Williams Zaccagnino's ..

Tlie greatest collection of
solitaire games everl In addition
to the 105 individual games,
there are tournaments, quests
and cross country journeys for a
lifetime of gaming entertainment.
"Solitaire's Journey" ranges from
the simple and easy all the way
up to the strategic and
challenging. -

105 SOLITAIRE GAMES

(Most Of the world's best]

TOURNAMENT PLAY

(Set tournaments or create your own)

4 INTRIGUING QUESTS.

SEVERAL CROSS-COUNTRY TOURING

COMPETITIONS.

COMPLETE HISTORY AND OVERALL

AVERAGES FOR EACH GAME

- fc '^^^l^^^^^^^^^!^

circle (tewtcf Service Number 238

r«^.'

The "Solitaire's Journey" computer
game is IBM PC and soon to be
Amiga compatible. It can be
obtained through your favorite
retailer or ordered direct by calling:

Rn Innouatiue

lehuhihg
hduehtude

REVIEWS

Multimedia PC

'Tosses time
travel and

^ music into a
I kinetic blend."
I Ralliiuj Stone

"An excellent adventiu'e!

Composer Quest is an

entertaining

journey into

a world of

beautiful

music.

PC Game-d

GIrcIa Reuief Swvlce Number 231

Composer Quest Q"«>«Sss"4 •(

An Interactive
Multimedia CD ROM
Windows 3.1 J:.

compatible

Dr.T's

MUSIC SOFTWARE

For Information call 1-800-989-6-^34

tuning the character's statistical values,
choosing a character class and align-
ment (Good, Neutral, or Evil), and giv-
ing your new adventurer a name. In ad-
dition, two nonplayer characters, or
"hirelings," can join the party during
the adventure.

Aithough M&M HI is similar in many
respects to most other FRP games, the
thoughtful design of its game screen

Might & Magic III continues the entertaining
tradition of its predecessors.

sets it apart. For instance, the ornate
display window through which you
view the outside world is framed by sev-
erai indicators which, depending on
the skills of your adventurers, can pro-
vide various types of information. If any
character in the party has Direction
Sense, for example, a gem at the bot-
tom of the screen indicates the com-
pass direction the party is facing. If a
character has the Detect Secret Passag-
es skill, a gremlin on the right side of
the frame will wave its arm anytime the
party is facing a secret passage. Sim-
ilarly, a gargoyle on the left flaps its
wings whenever a Levitate spell is in
effect. Other indicators tell when the
party is in danger of being attacked
or when there is a protective spell in
effect.

Besides the game screen, there is
much else to like about M&M III. Oth-
er pluses include an icon-driven Op-
tions menu (with keyboard equivalents
for all options), a vast fantasy world to
explore that spans more than a dozen
islands, a well-designed combat sys-
tem, and a host of carefully drawn and
animated monsters to battle. The
game is as visually impressive as any
FRP game available; it also features ex-
ceptional music and sound effects, as
well as a superb end-game sequence
that makes it clear that there will even-
tually be an M&M IV,

About the only real fault I could find
with M&M III is that there is no option
to rename your games as you save
them. If you wish to avoid writing over
your previously saved games, howev-

er, you can always back up your
saved game files before you begin
each session.
I Despite this inconvenience. Might &
Magic III is one of the most entertain-
ing and challenging role-playing
games to come along this year.

BOB GUERRA

IBM PC Of compatible (80286 or faster recommend-
ed): 640K RAM; EGA, MCGA. VGA, or Tandy
graphics: hard drive; supports Roland. Ad Lib,
Sound Blaster, and Tandy 3-voice/DAC sound —
$59.95

NEW WORLD COMPUTING
20301 Ventura Blvd., Ste, 200
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 999-0606
Circle Reader Service Number 366

ADDTECH RESEARCH
SLIM-PRO MB-2500 SX

The Slim-Pro MB-2500 SX computer is
a little marvel with big ambitions —
which it seems to achieve with ele-
gance and grace. There are three key
factors that the buyer of this computer
will likely be considering: size, cost,
and expandability.

The size, while perhaps not of prin-
cipal interest, is the first thing you no-
tice about it. The case dimensions are
approximately 11'/? inches wide, lO'/a
inches deep, and 2% inches high —
small enough to fit in a largish brief-
case. The size makes it convenient for
travel, and at about eight pounds it's rel-
atively lightweight. Add to the transport-
ability factor the power supply, which is
external. The 45-watt, 110/250-volt pow-
er supply is about 3 x 6 x 1 '/a inches
and weighs about a pound. It gets
quite warm during operation of the com-
puter, but this doesn't seem to be a
problem. Even when not traveling, the
small footprint of this machine is a bless-
ing to those of us hard-pressed for
desk space.

Essentially, this is a do-it-yourseif, as-
much-as-you-!ike computer with levels
of pricing depending on how well you
want it equipped. Its most uncultivated
configuration is ideal for the hobbyist
or meticulous individual who wants to
selectively purchase as many system
parts as possible. With a suggested re-
tail price of $395, it consists of an
80386 microprocessor running at 16/20/
25 MHz (turbo mode) and 8/10/12'/?
MHz (nonturbo mode), standard mem-
ory (with support for up to 16MB of ex-
pansion in a SIMM module), the case,
and the power supply. There's no vid-
eo card or keyboard, but a keyboard is
optional. The keyboard connector is
IBM standard, like every other signifi-
cant part of the Slim-Pro. Beyond this
basic configuration, more features can

"TIE MIL

MiY

The

Campaign Concept

Includes:-

Campaign Gaming
System Software

Map Editor Software

Extensive User Guide

and Gameplay iVlanuai

Incorporating Historical

Background, Veliicle

Factfinder and

Campaign Maps

2 World War II
Propaganda Posters

2 World War II
Propaganda Postcards

D-Day Landings
Battleplan Map

Authentic Wartime
Newspaper Reprint

i-rxi-r^t

Comprehensive Military Siiiuilatioii
of Warfare in World War II

The level of dtfntrol tsup to you, If you ^ish,
you can let Ihe computer hantfle tfie 'tiands
on' side of actual combat-

■ Take full command of up to
3000 vehicles on over 20 hisioricaily
acctinilc predefined maps ranging in
size from 625 lo 10 million square
kilometres. Locations range from the
Sahara and Russian Steppes to the
Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes
and the D-Day landings.

I The Amazing Map-Editor allows
you to modify the exsisting maps and
create itew ones of your own. This option is available at any time
allowing you to pause and enter the editor lo modify the forces. You can
even swap sides.'

■ Control either Allied or Axis forces from the level of Field Marshal
right down to tank driver.

• As Field Marshal coordinate strategy for all groups of tanks,
convoys, aircraft, ships and prodiictioti ceitlres.

'As General, control Ihe fighting of an individual haitle with as many
as 16 active tanks plus artillery and air support.
• As a Tank Driver/Caniwr experience the Iniltle in .■itiinning 3D.

The most sophisticated computer wargaming system ever
demsed for the home computer, using accurate background
information from ww2 campaigns and individual battles.
Experience the sheer pressure and anmetv of planning the

world's most famous BAITLES. Circle Reader Servlee Number 219

■ Over 150 vehicles, each one dis-
played in Super Fast 3-D: Ru.ssian,
American, German & British tanks,
artillery, support vehicles, aircraft
and ships . Campaign gives you full
control over all aspects of combat
incliuUng airslrikes and sea battles.

H Your playing area covers a stag-
gering 10 million square kilometres
of detailed terrain featuring towns,
villages, rivers and woodland.
B Breath-taking graphics that are
accurate in every detail, give a unique
atmosphere of realism.

■ Over 1 00 Kilobytes of 3 -D shape
data used to create the vehicles.

■ Soimd Blaster, Ad-Lih & Roland
sound card compatible.

■ Available on IBM PC & Amiga

gyjl Battltyoup h36 PC

O F

Readysoft Software Inc. 30 Werthetm Court, Suite 2, Rictimond Hill
Ontario, Canada L4B 1B9 Telephone (416) 731 4175

REVIEWS

be ordered, still at very rea-
sonable prices. The next
price plateau ($565) buys a
unit with 1MB RAM, a high-
density 3ys-inch floppy
drive, and a VGA card, For
a little more ($705), the unit
comes with 4MB of RAM, a
high-density 3y2-inch floppy
drive, and a Super VGA
card. Of course, with a unit
designed for the IBM stan-
dard like this one, you have
the advantage of purchas-
ing and installing your own
boards, equipment, and
chips.

The Slim-Pro's standard 1/
0 includes two serial 9-pin
RS-232 ports and one paral-
lel port. Additionally, there
are two add-on slots for dis-
play adapters, LAN cards,
or other add-on cards. Tur-
bo mode can be activated
by software or by a turbo-
speed depressible button
on the front of the unit.
There are front-set LED indi-
cator lights for power, turbo
speed, hard drive access,
and LAN operation.

My review unit came with
the optional 81 -key key-
board; its layout is reminis-
cent of that of a laptop. I
like to rest a keyboard on
my lap, and I found the small-
er size (about ^'\V^ x 6 x
1 V2 inches) inconvenient for
that purpose. Also, the lack
of specific noncursor naviga-
tion keys (Page Up, Page
Down, Home, and End)
which can be reached with-
out depressing a special
function key first is annoy-
ing. But such sacrifices are
acceptable when the focus
is transportability Less ac-
ceptable aspects of this key-
board remain, however. I'm
used to finding my Ctrl key
on the lower left of the key-
board, but, on this machine,
that's the location of the spe-
cial function key for access-
ing operations that normally
appear as separate keys on

124 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

a 101 -key keyboard (the nav-
igation keys and keypad).
The cursor keys are there,
but not in the familiar invert-
ed-T arrangement — another
nuisance. Still, those are rel-
atively minor details.

The thin user's manual is
packed with information —
providing all you need to
know about the computer,
its peripherals, and the exten-
sive system software custom-
ization possible. It's small,
however, as I said, leaving
little room for the sort of care-
fuily developed explana-
tions that would make it eas-
ier for nontechnical people
to understand.

In other words, the Slim-
Pro MB-2500 SX computer
doesn't come without flaws,
but it's still a worthwhile ma-
chine. It's a highly portable
computer that can be adapt-
ed to suit your needs.

BRUCE M. BOWDEN

Addtech Research Slim-Pro MB-
2500 SX with 80386 processor—
$395; with 1MB RAW. high-density
avj-inch floppy drive, and VGA
card— $565: with 4MB RAM, high-
density 3V!-inch floppy drive, and Su-
per VGA card— $705

ADDTECH RESEARCH

41332 Christy St.

Fremont. CA 94533

(510) 623-7583

Circle Reader Service Number 367

CORRECT
GRAMMAR,
GRAMMATIK 5,
POWEREDIT

Grammar ain't easy for
some people. A person
might find it hard to say
what they mean without mak-
ing mistake. They can't write
a sentence without going on
and on, they write more in
one Sentence than some peo-
ple write in a paragraph. Or
fragments. It beyond just mis-
spelling wirds. Can't these

people get no help from
grammar checkers?

Whoever wrote the pre-
ceding paragraph clearly
needs help. OK, we'll admit
it — we deliberately wrote a
paragraph chock-full of mis-
takes to test three grammar
checkers. With each of the
grammar checkers (Correct
Grammar, Grammatik 5,
and PowerEdit) on its de-
fault setting, we used the par-
agraph as a test case.
Here's a quick rundown of
how each performed:

• Correct Grammar noted
the nonstandard ain't, point-
ed out that the third sen-
tence is a run-on, noted
that wirds is misspelled, and
caught the double negative
in the last sentence. Howev-
er, it missed the problem
with pronoun-antecedent
agreement in the second
sentence (A person/tiiey):
the mailing mistake prob-
lem, which could be correct-
ed by either adding an arti-
cle or making mistal<e plu-
ral; the incorrectly capital-
ized word Sentence; the frag-
ment after the third sen-
tence; and the absence
of a verb between It and
beyond.

• Grammatik 5 also noted
ain't, wirds, and the double
negative, though it missed
the run-on sentence. While it
did recognize that a verb is
missing between It and be-
yond, it missed all the other
things that Correct Gram-
mar missed.

• PowerEdit caught ain't
and the lack of the verb. It
missed the lack of pronoun-
antecedent agreement, mak-
ing mistake, the run-on sen-
tence, Sentence, the frag-
ment, wirds, and the double
negative.

All three proved medio-
cre, in other words. Those
performances jibed with our
experience using the gram-
mar checkers on longer.

more conventional files.
While they can undeniably
provide some good advice
to casual writers, none of
these three grammar check-
ers performed particularly
well. Their features and
ease of use varied — with
some displaying more annoy-
ing traits than others — but
none distinguished itself.

All three work from relative-
ly self-explanatory introducto-
ry menu screens. (We
worked with the DOS ver-
sions; all three of the gram-
mar checkers are also avail-
able for Windows,) Each of-
fers a helpful tutorial pro-
gram, All three allow you to
check files from a variety of
word-processing programs
using a variety of writing
styles, such as Business, In-
formal, and Reviewer. You
can also create your own
customized style in each of
the programs. Unfortunately,
changing the style in Pow-
erEdit is a complicated, un-
clear process, requiring mul-
tiple choices at multiple lev-
els. Changing the style for
Correct Grammar is also
complicated, if not as convo-
luted as it is for PowerEdit,
Changing the style for Gram-
matik 5 proved refreshingly
simple.

It was apparent from the
installation process that Pow-
erEdit is the least appealing
of the three. To begin with,
it's a memory monster, requir-
ing 470K of conventional
memory and around 1000K
of extended or expanded
memory Not that the bene-
fits from such a memory-hun-
gry program are greater: It
missed most of the major mis-
takes in our test paragraph.
On a more stringent style set-
ting, PowerEdit caught
more mistakes, but it also
hung on every other word,
making for lots of tedium
and only a little good ad-
vice. In the test paragraph,

CHIPS & BITS INC GAMES FOR LESS CALL 800 753 GAME

IBM WARGAMES

Action StaiioK $29

Mion Stations S:er 1 $14

AmeiCivilWjtt-3Ea $22

Bailies ol Napoleon i2A

Blit2k(ieg Aidennes $24

Btavo Romec Delia S34

Campaign S29

Carriers al War S39

Carrier Strike $42

Charge LigftI Biigide S34

IBM STRATEGy

Crisis in IS? Kiemlini S42

Dark 5lar $36

Diplomacy S25

Duna $29

Empire DeIuxo S39

Final Coriflici $34

f iieTeam 2200 S29

Foil Apache S34

Gemlire S37

GbrBi Coriques! S39

CARRIERS AT

WAR'PrinoslolifB
SIX crucial carrier
bailies 01 WWII
Pearl Harbor. Coral
Sea, Midway. EasI
=in Stiores. Sania
Crui, anil Great
Marianas Turkey
Shooi. 5«ei(oulan(J
deslroy ensmy ear-
ners, Heels, and air
lorces. Features
buniirePs ol mdi-
virlually mDOeled
ships&aircraNlrom
iiriat period, J39

Civil War SSI S42

Conllict Korea 536

Conlhtt Middle EasI $36

Conllict in Vietnam S12

Dec.sion al GetlysPurg S29

Dreadnouglils $42

Dreadnouchls; Ircndads $29

Dradnoughls: Bismark $29

Fire Brigade 134

GEN QTHS GAMES $26

Gellysburg:Tuininfl Pnl $36

Gteal Naval Bailies $45

Halls olMoniejuma S24

Harpoon S25

Harpoon Design! Series S32

Harpoon Set 2 or 3 $19

Harpoon S«t 4 $24

Harpoon Ciiallenger Pa* 542

Kamplgruppe i-.T

WacArthur's War il'J

Panzer Battles $22

Patrro! $44

PatfiolBatllESelsEa $24

Patlon SHikeS Ba-:k $27

Red Lijliinino $12

Rommel North Africa $24

Roike's Drift $34

Second From $36

SIM CAN GAMES $36

SloimAcioss Europe $12

Third Relcft $27

Typhoon of Sleel $12

UMS2 $19

UMS2 Civil War $24

UMS 2 Planet Edilor $28

VIOfViclory $38

Watetioa $12

Weslern From $36

While Death $24

IBM STRATEGY

A Tran $42

V-;:;;-::; 329

Giooal Ellecl $32

Inirdo $37

Kosliaq Conspiracy 532

Lesions ol Krella $38

Lenmings $32

Lemmings Data Disk $19

LBnpereur $37

LitKrty or Death $37

Lost Admiral $24

Losi Admiral Entanca! $38

Losl Admiral Scenario S23

^feoa Lo Mania $31

IBM STRATEGY

SimCily $29

SimEarth $41

Slai Conlrol 2 $37

Slaillsel 1 $17

Slarlleel 2 $38

Task Force 1942 S39

TheaireolWar $32

Traders $29

Utopia $31

Viking Fields ol Conqs! $37

Warlords $24

Warlords 2 542

Worlds at War $24

IBM ADVENTURE

Advnts Willie Beamish 2 $39

CoPenama Iceman 2 $39

Colonel B»qiJ5St 2 S39

Conquests ot Longbow S39

Conspiracy Deadlock 534

Cruise lor a Corpse S34

Cybercon 3 $29

Dark Hall $34

Free DC $?■

(iateray lYi

Heart of China $34

Kermdall $19

Indy Jones FaleAlianlis $38

Jack the Ripper 538

King's QussI 4 $34

Kings Quest 5 VGA $39

King's Duest 6 VGA 545

IA13» 534

leather Goddesses 2 $42

Legend ol Kyrandra S35

Leisure Suit t^rry 3 S24

Leisure Suit Larry 5 539

Leisure SurlLrry Bundle 539

Losl Files Sherlock Hm 538

Losl In LA $37

Losl Treasures Inlocom $42

IBM SPORTS

LH3in1Focloall $36

LH Boxing $36

LH Full Couni Baseball $36

LH Hockey $36

LHProBaskeltHll $36

LH Team Drsks $16

LH Utility Disks $16

Links Golf 529

Links Golf WIN $39

Links Course 1 -6 Ez 517

IBM TRADITIONAL

Mcnopoiy 524

Omar Sharil on Bridge $37

Penthouse Jijisa* $24

PloballWIN $29

PfanetolLusI 519

Risk WIN $29

Scrabble Delune 524

Shanglrali 2 S24

SolilaireiAilN $32

Sdlllaire'sJouTrey S3S

wuepj

In DISCOVERY
IN THE STEPS
QFCOLUMBUS'

you ■2\? ore new

rales, creaie cities
andtrade with other
Counlrles lo further
your empire. Fea-
tures 6 new worlds
to oiscover, land &
sea ccmbal. 6 ship
lypes. 4 ditferent
maps. 5 :ompeting
nations, and a
simple point and
click interlace. $34

Mercenaries 538

Mercfiant Colony $34

New World Ordei $3S

Nobunaga1or2 $37

Nuclear War $12

Objection $34

PaclfrC Theater ol Opsr $42

Peitecl General $38

Perlecl General Di* 523

Populous 2 $38

Power Monger 534

Pc«er Monger \'Wi 531

Bill'; Isle 532

Breach 2 Enhanced $19

Breach 2 Scenario Disk 515

Bun Aldrin Race Space $42

Castles lor 2 $36

Cast'es 1 Nprthrn Camp $19

Civilizalion 539

Cfvilizalion Master Ed $45

Command HQ 519

Conquered Kingdoms $36

ContiDlot the Seas $32

OOP Bundle $59

Railioad Tycoon $34

Rampart $27

Realms $29

Renegade Legion Inlrcpl 512

Romanc 3 Kngdm 1 or 2 $42

Roles of Engagenseni 2 $38

Second Conllict WIN 534

SevenCrile5 0fGold2 $38

Siege 53B

Sim Ant $37

Losl Treasures inlocom2 $32

Martian Memorandum $37

Out ol this World 536

Plan 9 from Outer Space 531

Polios Quest 1 VGA $24

Police Quest 2 or 3 534

flex Nebular $39

Ritlwar Legacy 539

Rise ol ihe Drajon $34

Risky Woods 524

SecrlMonkylslndlvga 523

Seed Monky Isind 2 $38

Sex Olympics $24

Sex Vixens Irom Space $12

Sierra Adventure Bundle $39

Space Quest 3 534

Space Quest 4 or 5 $39

Space Quest Bundle 539

Spaceward Ho! 538

SpeflcaslingJOt 536

StarlrekS 512

Starlrek 25th Aniveisry 536

Star Trek Next Genctaln 546

Summoning $38

Time Quest $19

Where Arnicas Ps! CSD 537

Where Europ. USA, lime $30

Where World CSD $27

Where Worid CSD Dix 549

IBM SPORTS

All American College Fb S36

APBA Baseball 528

APBA1908-91Ea $21

APBABaskeltiali $34

APBA Bowling 514

APBA Football $34

Gieens 534

Grelsky Hockey 2 $34

GiElsky Leaflu? $26

Hardball 3 S34

J Conners Prr; Tennrs 532

Links 386 Pro Golf $42

Links 386 Pro Courses $20

Madden football 2 $32

ML Basbll 4 USA Today $31

MLTD 1982- 1990 Ea $17

ML franchise Disks Ea 120

Micioleague Baskelbati S2B

ML Personal Pro Goll $28

ML Football Deluxe 539

Michael Jordan Fll Sim $44

MikeDitkaFaotl}all $32

NFL Challenge $60

NFL 1984- 1987 Ea $15

NfL 1983- 1991 Ea 522

NFL FoolOall $31

NFL Proleague Football $19

NIcklausSionalursEdit 539

PGA Tour O'jll $32

PGA Tour EdH WIN $3B

PGA Tour Goll Lid EdI $45

Pro Foolbal Analyst $24

Road 10 the Final Four $37

Reel Fish'n 512

Tom Undr)' Football $29

Tony LaRussa Baseball $32

T LaR Fantasy Managr $15

T LaRussa Sladrums 515

TLaHTEams1901-6a 515

Weaver Baseball 2,0 521

Weaver COTimisnr 20 516

World Cirooil $34

IBM TRADITIONAL

Acpuire 515

Amarillo Slim Poker $12

Backgamif on WIN $19

Bailie Chess WIN $29

Banle Chess 40(» $36

Blackjack DOS/WIN $16

Bridoen^ter $29

Cenlerloid Stiuares 521

Chessmaster 3000 WIN 538

Chess Net S19

S!ripPoker3 $31

Strip Poker Data 1-5 Ea $19
Termlnalor Chess $34
Trump Castle 2 $24

Video Poker DOSAVIN $34
Wayne's World $26

i/ftedolFoduneGold $15
Wordlris $27

World Champ Backgmn $24
World Champ Cribbage 524

IBM HARDWARE
Ad Lib Sound Card $49
AdLibGoldlOOO $179
Ad Lb Speakers $15

Adv Gravis UlliaSound $149
Ftigtl Stick $43

Flight Stick w Falcon 546
ProAudioSpectruml6S229
Pro Audio Spcirm Plus 5179
Sound Blaster $99

Sound Blaster Pro $189
SotJnd BISIt Pro Basic $159
Snd Blaster Speakers 514
Thrustffaster Joystick 569
Ttirustmatr Pro Joystick $1 09
Thrustn-ilr Weapn Cnlrl $79
Ttirustmstr Ruddr Cnlrl $109
Thunder Board SodBrd 584
Thunder Board WIN illj:)
Thunder Board Spkrs ;15
Video Blaster $349

IBM AD e. D
AD&D Colledors Ed 2 $45
ADSD Starter Kit 545

Ciiampions ol Krynn $19
Curse ol Aarre Bonds $15
Daik Oueen ol Krynn 532
Death Knights ol Krynn 520
Dragons ol Flame 512

Eye ol the Beholder 532
Ey^ot the Beholder 2 $38
Gele'ffay Savoe Fronlr S32

IBM ROLE PLAYING

Buck Rogers 1

512

Buck 2: MalriK Cubed

532

Captain Blood

Celtic Legends

$32

Champions

537

CHARACTR EDITORS $16

Conan

$19

Corporation

$19

Cyder Empire

$32

Darklands

$39

Dusk ol the Gods

529

Elvira 1 WIslress Dark

$29

Elvira 2 Jaws Cerberus

529

flames ol Freedom

528

Hero's Quest 2 or 3

$34

Hypcrspeed

534

Immortal

517

Legacy ol Nacrcmance

519

Lord of Ihe Rinos 1

532

Lord of Ihe Rings 2

$37

..■emasler

$39

jireol the Temptress

$37

$45

Magic Candle 1

512

Magic Candle 2

$38

Magic Candles

$38

Mechwarrior

519

Meptraveller2

519

Megalraveller 3

$39

Mights Magic lor 2

512

Might 4 Magic 3

533

Might S Magic 4

546

Pirates

Pirates Gold

$34

Planet's Edge

538

Sea Rogue

539

Sentinel Worlds

Space Hulk

$38

Space inc

$34

Spellbound

$39

IBM SIMULATION

Ft 5 Strike Eagle 2 519

F15 Strike Eagle 3 $44

F19 Stealth Fighter 524

F22ATF $39

Falcon 3,0 $45

Falcon 3,0 Scenario 1 522

Fly Grand Canyon 3D $45

Gunship $12

Gunship 2000 539

Herosol the 357th $32

HINT BOOKS

A Train 516

ADSiD HINTBOQKS 510

Bard'sTalel -3£a 510

Buck 2; Matrix Cubed 510

Crvllizaiion $16

Dynx Greai War Planes $16

Elvira lor 2 $10

Gunship 2OO0 $16

Harpoon Battlebook S16

Indy Jones Fate Atlaniis $10

syourriiancelO build an airline Ircm Ihe grouni
up. Starting with $100,000 and a DC3, you must decide which
routes lo cover, where lo locale your hub, which planes lo buy,
Ch2rg!ngwo(1dmap.1lo4piaycfS.a^apoinsMiciiini«ito $34

Hyperspeed $34

Jel Fighler 2 0 539
Jelllghler 2 Mission Disk $19

Land. Sea S Air 1or2 $39

Lile t, Dealh 1or2 $23

Ml TankPlaloon 534

Mantrs£xprmn:lFghlr 539

Mcgalortress 526

Megalrirss Mssn 1 or 2 526

Red Baron VGA 539

Red Baron Mission 1 524

Red Baron Mssn Buildr $24

SpelUammsr: Pirals RS 538

Siaillighl1or2 519

Sword ol the Samurai $ 9

Tales MapiciPropbiyS 538

$6
$12
$34

I'NFL CHAL-
IlENGE PREMIUM
lEDITlON' lets you
lexploreihewoiiool
I Pro Football al lis
llinesl. Features
Iplay-Oy-play tom-
Imenlary. scoring
I drive recaps, rew
Icomputer coach.
I new offensive and
Id e I e n s i v e
IpUyPooks.digilijed
Isoundelfecls.mul-
lliple background
Ipmepiay, Sinju-
Irres, $59

Classics 532 Heroes ol Ihe Lance 512

Dealers Choice Poktt $29 Pool ol Darkness 538

EdwidOThrpBlckJck $12 Pool ol Radiance 515

Femmes Falale $26 Secret ol Silver Blades 515

F Fataie Daia Disks $18 Stiadow Sorcerer 515

GO Master 5 Dli $109 Treasurs Savage Fronlr 532

GO Master 5 DOSWIN $39 War al Ihe Lance S 9
Grand Slam Bridge 2 $32 IBM ROLE PLAYING

Hong Kcng t^ah Jong 532 Bard's Tale 3 $32

Hoyle Book Games lor2 $21 Bard's Tale Cnslrdn St $19

Hoyle Book Games 3or4 $29 Bal!leiech2 $31
Circle Header Seivlce Nunnber 149

Third Courier
Tunnels & Trolls
Twilight 2000
Ultima Martian Dreams $37
Ultima Savage Empire $34
Ultima Trilogy
Ultima Trilogy 2
Ultima 1-6 Bundle CD
Ultima 6 False Prophet
Ultima 7 Black Bate
Ultima Stygian Abyss
Uncharted Waters
Wr;ardry Trilogy
Wrzardry 5

Wizardry 6 Cosmic Frg
Wrzardry 7 Crusaders 53-1

IBM SIMULATION
AIO Avenger $45

Aces ol Ihe PaciFic $42
Aces Pacilic Mssn 1 or 2 $27
Aces over Europe $46

Aces Europe Mssn lor 2527
AH 64 Hellcopler $46

Air Force Commander $34
Allied Forces Bundle
ATAC
ATP

B17 Flying Fortress
BiidsolPiey
Buz; AJdrin Race Spc

Red Storm Rising S14

Roads Track GPUnIrm 537
Sailing Insluclot VGA $239

filing Simulator VGA 542

Sailing Sim Voyages Ea $39

Secret Weapons Lttwif S44

5 Weapons Eipt-4 $21

Shuttle 529

Silenl Service 2 $34

Strike Commander 545

Team Yankee $34

Team Yankee 2 $29

Jettighter2 $16

Lord ol the Rings tor 2 $10

LucasArts Adveniuie $16

Magic Candle 1 or 2 $10

Mights Mage 3 or 4 $16

Olficial Sierra Hint Bks $12

Planel'sEdge $16

Populous lS2Dlf id Sir $16

Power Monger $16

Prophecy of the Shadow $12

Quest for Clues 2, 3or4 $21

Railroad Tycoon $10

SecrelMnky lslnd1or2 510

SIERRA H1NTBQ0K5 $10

SimcmvSimearlh 520

Startlighl1or2 $10

Star Trek 25ih Anniver 510

S!ia;egyPlus3-11Ea $8

Slralegy Plus 12-18 5 5

Ullima Hint Books 510

Ultima Avatar Advenlis $14

Ullima Stygian Abyss 510

liVizarcry 6 Cosmic Frg 512

Wriarory 7 Crusaders 512

Yeagr'sAirComSa! 516

CHIPS & BITS

PO Bo« 234

Rochester VT 05767

Faj802-767-33S2

802-767-3033

800-753-4263

GEnle Keyword CHIPS

We accepl Visa, MC SMoney
Orders, COD add 55, Checks
Held 4 Weeks Most items
shipped same day. All shipping
rales are per order nol per item,
UPS 54: 2 Oav Air SB' Mail $5:
Airmail Canada $6 Hl.AK,PR.2

■LINKS 386 PRO
;~ers Super VGA

^iraphics and ad'

need features de^

.signed lor your 386

1S5 New tea'

;-.ve fldine oplioi
mat allows your
'riends lo play
^.,].:in^' you In an
■;■ ' 1 name, pre-
'iicurucd games
Ircm worthy oppo-
;nenls, and many
lame modes, $42

Campaign Strategic FIS 537

Car S Driver

$36

Design yr own Railroad $29

Elite Plus
Eye ol the Slorm
F117ANighlhaw4
F14 Torrcat

$19
529
$42
519

TesI Drive 3
Ullratiols

Virtual Reality Studio
Wing Commander 1
WCl Mission I or 2
WCl Bundle
Wing Commander 2
WC2 Operations lor 2
WC2 Speach Pack
Wolfpack
Yeager's Air Combat

$29 Day AirSt2: Airmail Europsi12

$37 lirsl Item plus $6 per addrlronai

$49 item.
$39

$19 All Sales Final. Check

$45 compallbilily before you

$45 buy- Shipping limes not

527 guaranteed. Defectives

515 replacedwlthsameproducl.

$15 Price* availability subjetl

$3B lb change.

REVIEWS

for example, it questioned
the use of the words some,
might, and it. "It" tends to
be overused, PowerEdit
said. Could you use a word
that is more specific or
descriptive?

PowerEdit works well us-
ing a mouse, though it's dif-
ficult to navigate with a key-
board. On the other hand,
Grammatik 5 works well
with either. There are other
ways Grammatik 5 proved us-
er-friendiy. It tells you what
percentage of the file has
been checked as you go
along. Although Grammatik
5's suggestions for correc-
tions aren't worded quite as
politely as those of the other
two, it does show the
problematic sentence both
in context and in a separate
box. Correct Grammar
shows the sentence in con-
text but doesn't allow you to
scroll back up, while Pow-
erEdit only shows one sen-
tence at a time unless you
choose its Display option.

Unlike PowerEdit, both
Grammatik 5 and Correct
Grammar automatically re-
check a sentence after a cor-
rection has been made to as-
sure the correction works in
context. Correct Grammar's
suggestions for corrections
are tactful and carefully word-
ed; you're asked to consider
making a particular change.
Too bad Correct Grammar's
Informal style setting doesn't
make more of those polite
suggestions — it fails to recog-
nize such fundamental distinc-
tions as those between ttieir
and there, you're and your,
and it's and its.

While all the grammar
checkers we tried have sig-
nificant flaws. Correct Gram-
mar and Grammatik 5 are
probably the best two out of
three. Any of the three will
catch quite a few mistakes
you might miss yourself, but
all of them are also likely to

126 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

miss quite a few more. Writ-
ers with serious grammar
problems may benefit, but
most people will probably
do well enough own their
on. Whoops — make that on
their own.

EDDIE and KAREN HUFFMAN

Correct Grammar; IBM PC or com-
patible, 512K HAM, hard disk— S99
(DOS or Windows version)

WORDSTAR INTERNATIONAL

201 Alameda del Prado

Novato. CA 94949

(800) 523-3520

Circle Reader Service Number 368

Grammatik 5; IBM PC or compatible
{80286 or faster). 640K RAW. hard
disk wilh 1.6M8 Iree— S99 (DOS or
Windows version)

REFERENCE SOFTWARE

INTERNATIONAL

330 Townsend St,

San Francisco. CA 94107

(800) 872-9933

Circle Reader Service Number 369

PowerEdit: IBM PC or compatible
(80286 or faster, 80386 or faster
recommended). 470K system mem-
ory plus additional 1MB RAM, EGA
or VGA, fiard disk; mouse optional—
S139 (DOS or Windows version)

ORACLE

5221 N. O'Connor Blvd.. Ste. 1400

Irving. TX 75039

(214)401-5886

Circle Reader Service Number 370

WAY YOU WORK:
PERSONAL OFFICE

When I first picked up Way
You Work and its inch-thick
manual, 1 thought the pro-
gram looked like just anoth-
er DOS shell. I thought.
What do I want with another
gimmick program?

Way You Work bills itself
as an object-oriented DOS
shell, a personal desktop or-
ganizer, a Windows 3.0
bridge, a personal informa-
tion manager, an electronic
mail system, and a software
robot automator. Hidden
away in this Madison Ave-
nue jargon is a bit of truth

about the program, which is
not just a DOS shell but,
true to its name, has the ca-
pability to change the way
you work.

You can use Way You
Work simultaneously in both
the DOS and Windows envi-
ronments. Way You Work
works with virtually any DOS
or Windows application or da-
ta file. Those working within
both the DOS and Windows
environments wilt find the pro-
gram works equally well
with or without a mouse.
Way You Work is a TSR (Ter-
minate and Stay Resident)
program that stays in the
background while you're run-
ning other programs. The
TSR uses up to 40K of con-
ventional memory and 20K
when using expanded or ex-
tended memory. Way You
Work can also run under
the 386 enhanced mode of
Windows.

It utilizes a desktop organ-
izer to create subject-orient-
ed user folders and file draw-
ers that can be worked with
and booted up using soft-
ware robots from any point
on the desktop. You can file
information by client or cus-
tomer, regardless ol the for-
mat. While working within a
client or customer file, you
can load a Lotus 1-2-3
spreadsheet or a Word for
Windows file from the desk-
top with just a few key-
strokes. When you select
the data file from the file list
within the folder, the comput-
er can be instructed to load
the application program and
then the data file all in the
same operation. In this way,
you can keep all related
files in the same location.

The program is a DOS
shell and a database com-
bined, fvlore than tOOOKof in-
formation can be stored on
a file, identifying the custom-
er or client, the date last up-
dated, date originated, last

backup, action date, encryp-
tion, four keywords, the au-
thor, priority, the general
type of file, and a 40-charac-
ter file name. The extra
stored information on the
files can be used to sort
and search for specific infor-
mation. The additional file in-
formation allows you to lo-
cate lost files and retrieve
them from large disk dhves.

The built-in clock and cal-
endar are used to schedule
activities and files. The pro-
gram can actually be set to
load an application program
and a specific file at a par-
ticular time each day. A list
of things to do can be set to
appear automatically when
you boot up your computer
in the morning or just at a
particular time and date. Re-
minders and messages can
be set to pop up in the mid-
dle of applications to keep
you on time tor appoint-
ments. Activity logs can
keep track of the work you
perform on a day-to-day ba-
sis. You can even set up the
computer and modem to di-
al the phone at a particular
time or on a particular date
that you need to call some-
one. Way You Work can be
used to transfer files, mes-
sages, and letters to other us-
ers in the same network. Al-
so, Way You Work is compat-
ible with Novell and DOS-
compatible LANs, and it has
a work group expansion mod-
ule for small LANs.

You can use Way You
Work to set and automate ap-
pointments. The calendar
can be used to schedule ap-
pointments. The program
can be set to load the perti-
nent application program at
the specified time of the ap-
pointment. Repeated appoint-
ments can be set for the
same day of the week, a spe-
cific day of the month, and
a particular time. Way You
Work has its own password

Enhance Your Tandy

SLOT BOX Seven full length slots, three 5.25"
drive bays, one 3.5" drive bay. Power and hard drive
lights. 200 Watt power supply, cooling fan. At-
taches to EX, HX, 1000, A, SX, TX, SL, TL, SL/2,

TL/2, RL, TL/3, RLX. $279

16 Bit for 3000's, 4000's, 286, 386, 486 $589

386, 486 Replacement Motherboard

.Provides the ideal upgrade path.."-PCM Dec 91

for Tandy lOOOSL. TL, S172, TL/2. T173,
2500, 300O's, 4000s, Panasonic 1650 and 1750.

386SX - 25Mh2 $289

386DX - 40Mhz $489

486DX - 33IVIhz $789

486DX - SOMhz $989

Uses existing case, keyboard, power supply, and monitor. Increase speed and
memory in one step! Complete with 1 Meg RAM installed. RAM upgradable
as high as 32 Meg. Call for custom configuration quote.

Memory Board to 640K, Chipsets

1000, A to 640K W/Clock, Serial $229
256K 1 200 or IBM to 640K $ 1 89

384K SX, EX, HX, SL to 640K $ 49
TX, TL, TL/2. TL/3 to 768K $ 39

3000^fLfrom512Kto640K $ 39

1000 RL to 768K, RLX to 1 Meg $ 39
1000 EX, HX from 256K to 640K $149

Above 640K Micro Mainframe 5150T EMS Board

Space for Spreadsheets, Windows,® and More. With LIMM 4.0
For 1000, A, SX, TX, SL, TL, SL/2, TL/2, TLy3, RL, RLX

2 Meg installed $249

4 Meg installed $329

1 Meg for 1500 or 2810 Laptops

Also for Panasonic CF-170. 270, 370 $119

Hard Cards

For 1000, A, SX, TX, SL,
TL, SL/2, TL/2, TL/3, IBM

,$229
$259
$329
$369

130 Meg 15 MS $439

210 Meg 14 MS $599

15 Month Warranty, 30 Day Money

21 Meg 39 MS
42 Meg 28 MS
85 Meg 16 MS
105 Meg 16 MS

1000 EX / HX

External Hard Drives
Complete With Controller

21 Meg 39 MS $299

42 Meg 28 MS

85 Meg 16 MS

105 Meg 16 MS

130 Meg 15 MS

$329
$419
$449
$479
$639

Back Guarantee. TOLL FREE Help Line

210 Meg 14 MS

1000 HX

Internal Hard Drive
Complete. Replaces a Floppy

42 Meg 28 MS $299
85 Meg 16 MS $359
105 Meg 16 MS $439
130 Meg 15 MS $469
210 Meg 14 MS $589
"SmartDrive"For TL/2, RL, TL/3, RLX
42 Meg 28 MS $259

Modems and Faxes

Hayes Compatible,

2400 Baud Internal $ 69
2400 Baud External $ 99
FAX / Modem Internal

2400 Baud Modem, 9600

Baud Send/Receive FAX $ 1 29

360dpi Mouse $ 49

Serial Card EX/HX $ 49
Dual Serial EX/HX $ 69

VGA Combinations

For SX. TX, SL, TL, SL/2, TL/2,
RL, TL/3, IBM. compatibles

Combo 1 $429

14" CTX Monitor, 256K VGA
Card, 640 X 480 Max Resolution

Super Combo 3 $499

14" CTX Monitor, 1 Meg VGA
Card, 1024 X 768 Max Resolution

Upgrading Your Tandy

210 Pages on performance enhancing
upgrades and installation, Covers all
lOOO's Series computers $19.95

Floppy Drives

EX/HX

Capacity internal External

External

360K $ 99 $199

$129

1.2 Meg $159 $199

N/A

720K $109 $199

$129

1.44 Meg $159 $199

N/A

DCS Industries

5265 Hebbardsville Rd
Athens, Ohio 45701

1-800-537-3539

(614)-592-4239 Foreign (614)-592-1527 FAX

C.O.D.

AMERICAN
EXPRESS

^^^^^9 i!!^^^H

Hours: 9am to gpm M-F, lOam to 4pm Sat. All Times are Eastern

Circle Reader Service Number 120

Tandy. Hayes, IBM, Windows, art registered Trademarks
Prices subject to change without notice. Call for Shipping Costs.

Dr. Schueler's

Home Medical
Advisor Ver 2.0

'3i4^ii>

I I I I I r-TTn

Send your computer to medical school and
access updated info on self care, symptom
analysis, and preventative medicine.

Using color g raptiics Dr. Schueler's takes your
medical history and analyzes your symptoms.

Conceived and designed over a two-year
period by an Emergency Physician and a
team of over 40 Physician Specialists.

tWutlis : r«n m hbDb lindfr ; Vcare

^■''■"^■'"l

Onfy

«69

Tfie Home Medical Advisor contains vast
databases on pediatric and adult diseases,
poisons, drug info, injuries, and medical tests.

i95 FREE shipping!
EGA or VGA

List price $87.50

l^^l See your Software 1^2^

Dealer or call

1-800-788-2099

PIXEL PERFECT, IIVC.

10460 S. Tropical Tr., Merrin Island, FL 32952

eiEws

security system that prevents unauthor-
ized access to your files from vi^ithin tfie
network. The program can be used to
set up batcti files to execute certain
set files from within the desktop environ-
ment.

Way You Work makes great inroads
into integrating the component parts of
an office environment and making an in-
tegrated program less threatening and
easier to use for both power users and
novices. The program has the best
conceptual integration system that I've
ever seen. I look forward to seeing
more of the Way You Work modules,
such as the work group module and
the toolkit module. On the negative
side, several calls to Proteo, the produc-
ers of Way You Work, have gone unan-
swered.

f\/lany will find Way You Work no
more useful than DOS or Windows,
while others will find this a most useful
and important program. I came to the
latter conclusion, finding Way You
Work to be a good and useful program
with interesting accessories available.

ALFRED C. GIOVETTl

IBM PC Of compatible; 640K RAM; monochrome,
CGA, EGA, MCGA, or VGA; hard disk wilh 3'/?MB
free; mouse optional— £169

PROTEO SOFTWARE

240 Riveria Dr.

Markham. ON

Canada L3R 5M1

(416) 479-2000

CirclB Reader Service Number 371

PIXIE

A problem with high-end business pres-
entation programs like Aldus Persua-
sion, Ivlicrosoft PowerPoint, and ivlicro-
grafx Charisma is that they're expen-
sive and somewhat difficult to use. If
you, like most of us, aren't a profession-
al presenter, you may have neither the
time nor the inclination to spend hours
and $500 or $600 on software that pre-
pares transparencies and slides. But if
you need to do an occasional slide
show or presentation, perhaps Zenogra-
phics' Pixie is right for you — if you're run-
ning or planning to run Windows, that
is.

Unlike the more sophisticated pack-
ages, Pixie doesn't require you to cre-
ate your charts and graphs in obscure,
complicated forms. Instead, you start
with a basic chart template onscreen
and modify it. This ease of use is unsur-
passed by few {if any) graphics pack-
ages. Almost every function is per-
formed with the click or drag of a
mouse. If, for example, you want to in-
crease the value of a bar in a bar

chart, just select the bar and enlarge it.
As you stretch the bar, a small dialog
box displays your progress — the new
values in numbers. When you finish, sim-
ply release the mouse button.

You can also create charts from
spreadsheets such as Ivlicrosoft Excel.
Dynamic Data Links (DDE) can be es-
tablished between Pixie and Windows
spreadsheets so that charts and
graphs can be updated automatically
as data in linked spreadsheets chang-
es.

Pixie supports a number of chart
types, including word, bullet, table,
bar, line, stacked bar, error bar, scat-
ter, area, and a few others. You can
use the fonts that come with the pack-
age or a Windows type manager,
such as ATfvl or TrueType. There is a
spelling checker, and you can import
several different graphics formats. Pop-
ular bitmaps such as TIFF and PCX
files are not supported, however. And
file exports are limited to three or four
formats. Encapsulated PostScript
(EPS) files cannot be exported, which
is somewhat limiting for printing and
compatibility with other programs,
such as desktop publishing, draw, and
word processing. The Windows Me-
tafile and other formats Pixie exports
are often not as versatile as EPS. The
Windows Clipboard is supported. But
so far, anyway, this is a less-than-per-
fect means of importing graphics from
one application to another — especially
EPS images.

For those of us who aren't colonA/ise,
the program comes with a number of
color palettes containing complement-
ing combinations. Or you can create
your own from Windows' palette of
more than 16 million colors. Three-di-
mensional options are available for

Heart Attack.

Fight it with a

Memorial gift to

the American

Heart Association.

THE AMERICAN HEART

ASSCEIATION
MEMORIAL PRCERAM.

American Heart Association ^

This space provided as a public service.

Select any 5 books

(Values to »171.70)

413:P S19.S5

Sof^covar

USER'S

3aiS98 S19-95
SoRcover

3922P S1t.BS
Softcover

Upgrade Your
IBM Compatible

and Save a Bundle

3190P St9.95

Sof!cov?r

981690 $19.9S
Sotlcover

3602P $ia.9S

SofTcover

881731 S19.95
Softcovei

<«

IDE

Cojnis as 2/Softcavsr

J744F> S22.9S
Sottcover

3B2aP »19.»5
SoHcover

As a member of The Computer Book Club . . .

. . . you'll enjoy receiving Club bulletins every 3-4 weeks containing exciting offers on
the latest books in the f;elcl at savings of up to 50% off of regular publishers' prices.
If you want the Man Selection do nothing and it will be shipped automatically. If you
want another book, or no book at all, simply return the reply form to us by Ihe date
specified. You'll have at least 10 days to decide, and if you ever receive a book you
don't want, due to late mail delivery of the Bulletin, you can return it at our expense.
And you'll be eligible fof FREE books through the NEW Bonus Book plan. Your only
obligation is to purchase 3 more books during the next 2 years, after which you may
cancel your membership at any time.

If card is missing, wnlB lo: The Computer Book Clu3. Blue Ridge Sumrmil. PA 17294-0820

^ Special Book/Disk Offers ^

3915-XX 536.95
Cojnss as 2

3617P-XX SJ9,«
Counls as 2/Sollcover

Alt books are hardcover unless oiherwise noted, Publishers' pricas shown f^ 1992 CBC
Ashipprng/handling charge & sales tax will be added lo all ardGrs

ThE CnmputEr Book Club"

YES! Please rush me Ihe

books indicated below for just

:. „, r,.j „ ■ r,. --.„„, ,^„-.„ S4.95 dIus shippinn/handling 8

Blue Ridge Summil. PA 1 729«820 ^ppi-^^^ ^ ^^.^^ ,^^ g^,^,, ^^

as a member of ITie Computer Book Club according lo lf)e terms outlined in this ad. If

not satisfied I may return t»»e books within 10 days tor a full refund and my membership

will be cancelled.

D Bill me (FREE book nol available wilti tfiis payment option)

C Check or money order enclosed payable to: McGraw-Hilt, Inc.

Q Please charge my: D VISA D MasterCard D Amer. Exp.

DYESI 1 want
the FREE booh
Indicated below,
fdy payment for
$4.95 is enclosed.

Acct.# .
Name.

If you select a tK>ok thai i^ounis as 2 ctioices.
write the tx>ok number in one tsox ana XX in the next

. Signature .

Single
selection only

. Exp. Date _

(required On all ci^dil card Orders)

Address

City/State
ZiP-

. Phone .

oiler valid tor new Tvttmbeis (Hily, subject to aoceplance tiy C(3C. Carada must rarr^ll In U.S. funds. AppliCBnIa outsftis

Ihe U.S. and Canada will receiva spaclBl ordering inelructions. A shlpplng/hancJFing charge S seles liU will t^ added

^^^ I loan orders CMPT1192BC

Circle ReadeTScfvlce'Tjumbir'zTff" — — — — — ^^ — _^_ _. ^___

REVIEWS

text and charts. Thie sizes
and angles are very limited,
however, as are back-
ground fill options, which tog-
gle between "plain" and "fan-
cy." Fancy is nothing more
than a linear fill. But Pixie is
bundled with several clip art
images and a library with
325 full-color graphics and
backgrounds to enhance
your slides.

In general, Pixie is an in-
tuitive, easy-to-use presenta-
tion package. Considering
its limitations, it might be slight-
ly overpriced at $295. The
price is suggested, though; if
you shop around, you can
find it for considerably less.

WILLfAM D. HARREL

IBM PC O' compatible, 6A0K RAM,
hard drive, Windows 3,0 or higher—
$295

ZENOGRAPHICS
4 Executive Cir.
Irvine, CA 92714
(714) 851-6352

Circle Reader Service Number 372

THINX 2.0

Thinx 2.0 is a curious beast,
neither fish nor fowl, but rath-
er a peculiar combination of
several dissimilar creatures.
It's a fusion of spreadsheet,
database, and graphics pro-
grams into a hard-to-de-
scribe, Windows 3.1-based
business tool. It absolutely
thrills those who have a use
for it and mystifies those
who do not. The latter
group probably outnumbers
the former by a large
margin.

The developers say that
the most common reaction
at first exposure to this prod-
uct Is along the lines of,
"Yes, but what's it for?"

The only way to explain it
is to describe an applica-
tion, so let's go through a ba-
sic example. Visualize a
schematic of a decl< you
want to build in your back-

130 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

yard. It has planks to make
the flooring and railings, out-
door furniture, and perhaps
a barbecue grill. To design
this and decide what you'll
buy and how you'll arrange
it, you might use a drawing
or CAD program to diagram
the layout. You can do that
with Thinx. You define ob-
jects that will be used —
planks, chaise longues, per-
haps several choices of ta-
bles and chairs, a couple of
possible grills, and so forth.

You can draw icons for
these objects or use pre-
drawn icons that come with
the program. (Thinx pro-
vides plenty of object draw-
ings appropriate for the
more typical uses of the pro-
gram.) You store the icons
in a palette, where you can
drag them out and drop
them wherever they'll be
useful.

Now for the database
and spreadsheet elements.
Each object can have a da-
ta table attached. For each
of the objects we might put
on our deck, the table
could include a description,
the price, labor costs asso-
ciated with the object (if
any), and perhaps colors.
Each different type of chair
or grill would have its own
price and other data. This
background data is not visi-
ble on the screen unless
you call it up.

The spreadsheet element
enters with formulas. In our
example, we would build a
small object (such as a box)
on the screen and put a for-
mula in it. We could have
one for cost, in which the ba-
sic cost field from every ob-
ject on the screen would be
totaled. A similar box for la-
bor cost would be helpful.

With ail these raw materi-
als laid out, you proceed to
design your deck. Lay out
the planking first by drag-
ging and dropping the

plank object repeatedly to
form the size deck you
want. As you do so, the
cost and labor cost box to-
tals increase. Then add
your selections of furniture.
As you add the various ta-
bles and grills and chairs to
the screen, you can monitor
the total cost of your choices.

When you're done, you
have a schematic of the
deck, information on the
choices you've made, and
the total cost of the exact
deck you want to build. And
you have a tool ready to
help your neighbors plan
their decks.

Another obvious use is
for organization charts. Us-
ing icons in the shape of a
person, each object would
represent an individual em-
ployee, with his or her pay
rate and other pertinent da-
ta attached in the table. As
you assemble your staff on
the screen, you can watch
the total salary figure grow,
A"based-on-condition" fea-
ture lets you test each ob-
ject for certain characteris-
tics and change the visual
image as a result. You
could, for example, turn the
icon red for each staff mem-
ber whose salary exceeds a
certain level.

That's what Thinx does. Of
course, its creators packed it
with as many features that
aid the basic mission as
they could. The drawing pro-
gram won't threaten the mar-
ket leaders, but it does a
nice job of setting up the vis-
ual part of the application. Im-
ages can, of course, be im-
ported from other Windows-
based drawing programs.
Data elements can be en-
tered directly or imported
from dBASE, Lotus 1-2-3. or
Excel files. Through the Win-
dows DDE function, you can
hot-link the Thinx data to in-
formation in other Windows
program files. You can cre-

ate a Link Object to take
you from one Thinx docu-
ment to another. And finally,
you get toll-free technical
support.

It all adds up to an impres-
sive tool for creating visual
spreadsheet and database
files. If you have a use for
such an application, you
will love Thinx. If, however,
nothing comes to mind that
lends itself to such visual
presentation of data, Thinx
is not for you — especially
since it lists for a hefty $495,
For those who need its
unique capabilities, though,
it's a godsend — there's noth-
ing else quite like it,

RICHARD O. MANN

IBM PC or compatible (S0286 or high-
er), 1MB RAM, hard disk, mouse, Win-
dows 3.1 with compalilDlB video
adapter— S495

THINX

9104 Guilford Rd,

Columbia, MD 21046

(BOO) 688-4469

(301)604-2588

Circle Reader Service Number 373

MEDIA VISION
AUDIOPORT

Wouldn't it be great if you
could plug a sound card in-
to your parallel port? Then
you could add sound to
your laptop or slotless desk-
top. Make it small enough,
and you could fit it in your
shirt pocket and carry it
with you.

That's just what f\/ledia Vi-
sion has created with its
new Audloport. It contains
the same circuitry as the pop-
ular Thunder Board, yet it's
not much bigger than a bar
of soap, It can run on four
AAA batteries or the AC pow-
er adapter included with the
unit. Along with the Thunder
Board circuitry, you'll find a
volume control, Vs-inch mi-
crophone-input and audio-
output jacks, and a built-in

Find it faster
l^ecause you read less

WordPerfect 5.1

Quick Reference
Guide

SALAUn /CASSANO /SCHWART2

(DDC)

DKlBtion Oitt Camaanv

BLOCK TEXT (Highlighting) . -

,<.lA({4-«3 ttrjl CJ«#C-3rH«S*

, t*-^

Ci-Jiioi CkMK* tirthR^,,^ F.-^

u«^

'.' rf *^in P<-vi Rcivi-c ;».i

^.i-

■t Si<-. :>^Mt s«<i.-ij

I -^

• y ifm'jf*'»iUv**>^*'—

y^.i

,fi^-.*<: ( .-

'l~.t*Vmw,t,

. ".,--■. MM . f* .fiio.^1

D-Q .-

<w , ^

C- >-.. «B,B.M,i^

H .

M -^

1 K»^*,nM,|K.:ir<J*0»<1

C.-Jil*«*i-'«B»-^

y -

r.i^-«.(i»i;*f^

n-e .

*.yt,/«*

□ ■

0. .■..,„„

a ;

m .

* M>iilt>"T

D .

*pjr.V>t"

□ ■

r- ■ ' .,<«'-

rjQ ■

Q 1

DOS 5

Lotus 1-2-3 Vef.3.1

Quick Reference Guiite

V.cw*«^"^'"

Find it faster
because you read less.

1 . 1VI» FORHUT OQCHSOO

a. Pnu 5MCE gQ3

Karl Sciiwart: /Angelo CassMio

Quick Reference Guide

Pul your lingers on Ihe correct
keys quicWy by loHowmg
the step-by-step Jluskations

1. Pr^ssD Q

2. Enter. B

Blanc / Auslander

What took you five minutes now takes one minute.

The illustrated instructions put your fingers on the correct l<eys--

fast. We tell you what to do in five or six words. Sometimes only

two.

No narration or exposition. Just "Press this - type that" illustrated

commands.

Spiral binding keeps pages flat so you can type what you read.

The time you save will pay for the book the first day.
Free template on back cover.
Office Manager

Look at the production time you gain when these quick-lind, low-
cost guides go to work for you. It will pay for the guides you buy
the first day you use them.

DID WE MAKE ONE FOR YOU?

Guid< Cit.No.

AppleWixtv..-,... H!7

dBiu II Pki! B-n

dBi» IV B-IB

DispdyWrili 4 W

DOSS .........J-17

FmPut)(stw3.0 F17

Hwird Griptiks

(of Windows .,HG-17

lotui 1-M (Vh 2il L2-n

Lotus 1-2.3 (Vh 2.31,,,. .......Mi

Utus 1.2-3 IVer 2.4|... K-18

Lotus 1-2-3 (Vh 3.!). ..„..- J-18

Mlaoso(tE«c«l .,.. ..E-IB

Htrosolt Excel 4 A-^8

lHaosoft Windows 3.0 N-1 1

hSaosolt Winckiws 3.1 0-1 7

l«aosoK Qiitit BASIC Y-17

Guid« Cit, No.

Mioosoft Word 5 (Mac) T-1 7

Mioosoll Wofd 5.0 - W7

Midosod Wotd 5.5... ....M7

MiaosotlWotlts K-n

MultiMite

Adv. II i V» 4 G-17

PC & MS DOS X-17

f^olessionil Wfite W 7

QiuttioPio -...Q-17

Qujttro Pro 4 0-18

UNIX.... - .„. U-17

Wofd lor Windows.,,.... - WN-17

WofdPatKt5.0 ...W-5.0

WordPerlect 5.1 W-5.1

WofdPafec! (or

Windows.. i-17

WocitS1» 6.0 ,„.,..- R-1 7

DDC

Dept. MS-6

14 E, 38 St., NY, NY 10016

Accept my order tor the following guides at $7.95.

or call: 800-528-3897
{ask for Mary Sallami)

Qly.

Cat, No.

Title

{ ) I enclose check. Add 52 tor postage and handling.

Name,

Firm^

Address

City. State, Zip.

circle Reader Service Number 204

REVIEWS

IVj-inch speaker.

The Audioport also fea-
tures Sound Blaster and Ad
Lib emulation, though with
some important restrictions.
The emulation only works
with 386SX, 386DX, 486SX,
and 486DX machines, and
only with software that can
run under Windows 3.1's
386-enhanced mode. That
doesn't mean just Windows
software: you can use the
emulation with any DOS pro-
gram that's able to run with-
in the Windows 3.1 environ-
ment. For instance, I was
able to run Space Quest IV,
Gods, Red Baron, Stellar 7,
Falcon 3.0, Lemmings, Sim-
Ant, and a host of other
DOS-based games. These
days, almost every DOS-
based game and education-
al program can run under
Windows.

How good does it sound?
With the small built-in speak-
er, it sounds a little tinny,
which is to be expected. On
the other hand, it's easy to
plug headphones or a larg-
er external speaker into the
audio-out jack or to run a ca-
ble to your stereo for high-
quality 8-bit sound. Overall,
it's a reasonable compro-
mise between portability
and sound quality.

If I could add anything, it
would be a parallel port
pass-through. With the cur-
rent model, you can plug
your Audioport or your print-
er into your computer's par-
allel port, but not both at the
same time. Otherwise, the
Audioport is a great little de-
vice, especially for laptops.

But do us all a favor. If
you insist on using your lap-
top to play a flight simulator
while flying on a commercial
airliner, please bring along a
pair of headphones. For
some reason, most people
just don't seem to enjoy hear-
ing the sound of airplanes
crashing when they're cruis-

132 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

ing at 30,000 feet.

DAVID ENGLISH

Media Vision Audioport— $199

MEDIA VISION
47221 Fremont Blvd.
Fremonl. CA 94538
(800) 847-5870
(510) 770-8600

Circle Reader Service Number 375

far Challenge. In this omni-
bus collection of snow-and-
ice contests, you get to ride
your skis, bobsled, or
skates to victory, competing
against the world's best ath-
letes in a struggle to bring in
the Olympic gold. And al-
though you'll stay warm and
snug in front of your moni-

f^^^^j35V' I

Need a sound card that plugs into a parallel port and is small
enough to fit in a shirt pocket? Try the Media Vision Audioport.

WINTER
CHALLENGE

It's one thing to sit back and
watch the Olympics on TV
and quite another to don
that ski parka and partici-
pate. Of course, few of us
have the constitution re-
quired to survive the gruel-
ing rigors of the Olympics,
and fewer stilt have the skill
to win. Thank goodness for
computer software, which —
much like great books — lets
us embark on adventures
not otherwise possible.

A case in point is Acco-
lade's new sports title, Win-

tor, you can participate in a
slew of winter events, includ-
ing downhill skiing, the giant
slalom, ski jumping, bobsled-
ding, the luge, the biathlon,
cross-country skiing, and
speed skating.

As with the real Olym-
pics, the goal of Winter Chal-
lenge is to snag as many
gold, silver, and bronze med-
als as possible. But also as
with the real Olympics, you
must be well trained before
you join the competition. To
ensure that you've honed
your computer Olympic
skills to their keenest edge.
Winter Challenge provides a
training mode in which you

can practice each event un-
til you've mastered it.

Luckily, with Winter Chal-
lenge's superb graphics
and smooth animation, train-
ing is a joy. As you rocket
down the slope, speed-
skate around the rink, or
soar through the air after a
jump, you'll swear you feel
the wind In your hair and the
bitter cold nipping at your
ears. Unfortunately, al-
though the graphics are con-
vincing, the sound effects
are sparse. Still, digitized
crowd sounds add much to
the game, as the audience
bemoans your failures and
cheers your victories.

After training, you're
ready for the Olympics.
First, you choose ten oppo-
nents from around the world
(any of whom may be hu-
man players, with the others
controlled by the computer).
During this process, you
can create your own ath-
letes, if you like, by select-
ing their countries and faces
and then typing in their
names. When your oppo-
nents have been selected,
the tournament starts with
an animated opening cere-
mony, in which white doves
and hundreds of balloons
stream up from the stadium
among the ubiquitous flash-
es bursting from the audi-
ence's cameras.

During a tournament, you
can play the events in any or-
der. But unlike in the train-
ing mode, you get only one
shot at the highest score.
No event can be repeated
in a single tournament. And
although there are three
skill levels for the computer-
run opponents, you'll need
to spend much time in the
training mode before you'll
be ready to take on these
world-champion athletes.

Although you get only
one try at an event, the In-
stant replay feature lets you

ZERO'S & ONE'S PC WAREHOUSE

6472-B Windy Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118

(Jormerly 7525 Rosecrans Ave #203, Paramount, CA 90723)

800-788-2193 (orders) 8-6 M-F, 9-4 Sa P.S.T.

ALL IBM COMPATIBLE

SOUND BOARDS

We carry an extensive line of sound
boards, speai<ers, headphones, and
CDR drives for ail your multi-media
needs.

JOYSTICKS AND MICE

Take conlfol of your games with joy-
sticks by ThrustMaster, CH Products,
Gravis and Winner.

MULTIMEDtA

CL MM CDR Drive/bndl forSB Pro369.95
CL MM CDR Drive/bndl w/SB Pro 559.95
CL MM CDR Drive w/S8 Pro Basic 449.95
CL Video Blaster 349.95

MediaVis kit w^/ProAudioSpec + 769.95
MediaVis kit w/ProAudioSpeo 16 959.95
Computer Eyes RT 434.95

TelevEyes VGA-lo-TV converter 229.95
WIN TV 449,95

Math Coprocessors call

BocaFaxModm i44ooi5p$v.3Zbis, int 239.95
SupraFaxModmu'ioobps v,32bis. ext. 299.95
SupraFaxMdmi 4400bps v.32bis.ext.Mn3 19.95

EDUCATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT

Alge-Blastr+ 29.95
Barbie Fash 24.95
Body lllustr. 47.95
Bodyw/ofks 47.95
Buskbuck 24.95
Carmen S.Diego
ChalAncEmp 29.95
ChemWorks 44.95
DancPlanets149.95
Donald Alph 12.95
Dr. Quandry 35.95
Duck Tales 14,95
Eco Quest 33.95
EcoSaurus 24,95
Eanhquest 35,95
GramrGremIn 29,95
HedlineHarry 29,95
H.Harry 256 34.95
I Q Smarts 24.95
Kid Pix 34.95

Kid Works 29,95
KnwIedgAdv 47.95
Life Sc Death 23.95
MathBlster+ 29.95
MathBlsterSp 29.95
Math Mystery 29.95
Math Rabbit 25.95
Math Zone 32,95
MBeacn Type 31.95
McGee 24.95

Memry Lane 22.95
MetgnmMus 29.95
Mickey's series
MidnitRescue 29.95
MixFairyTale 29.95
MixMthrGoQS 29.95
Newsrm Pro 26.95

NmbrMncher 29.95
OperNeptune 34.95
Orbits 35.95

Oregon Trail 29.95
OutNumbrd 29.95
Phonics Plus 26.95
Playroom 29.95
RndmHsEnc 71.95
Read 'n Roll 29,95
ReadrRabb 2 34,95
Reading&Me 24.95
Ready Letlrs 34.95
Science Adv 47,95
Second Math 32.95
Speed Readf 29.95
Spell-a-Sarus 29.95
Spellbound 31.95
Spell lt+ 29.95

StikybfRead 24.95
StikybrType 29,95
Storyteller 31,95
Student Org. 29.95
Studyware: exams
Studyware: classes
SupfMncher 29.95
Think Quick 31.95
Treasure Mtn 29.95
Treehouse 34.95
Typing Tutor 29.95
What's My Angle

(geometry) 29.95
Word Attack vocab.
En3,Fr,Spn ea, 29,95
Wrd Muncher 29,95
Writing/Pub 39,95
Writer Rabbit 29,95
Young Math 22,95

GAMES

A-IOETank Killer35.95
A-Train 41.95

Aces of Pacific 46.95
Action Stations 29.95
Advanced D&D series
Airbus A320 46.95
AirForceCmndr 35.95
Amer Civil War 24.95
Amer Gladiators 24,95
Arcade Hits 24.95
Armada 2525 32.95
ATP Fit Assign. 36.95
Back to Future series
Bart Simpson 29.95
Battle Isle 29.95

Boom Box 35.95

Carrier Strike 41.95
Castle Dr. Brain 29.95
Civilization 38,95

Command HQ 35.95
Cnqst LongBow 39.95
Crisis in Kremlin 41.95
Cruise forCorpse32.95
Cybercon III 27.95
DaggerAmonRa 41.95
Dark Half 34.95

Decsn Gettysbrg 23.95
Design Railroad 34.95
Dragon's Lair series
Dune 34.95

DungeonMaster 29.95
Dusk o< Gods 37.95
Elvira series call

Epic 41.95

F-117ANitehwk 44.95
F-15StrkEglell 29.95
Falcon 3.0 44,95

Rnal Conflict 29.95
Flames Ffeedom29.95
Flight Sim 4.0 37.95
FS add-ons call

Floor 13 14.95

4 Crystis Trazer 31.95
Genghis Khan 35.95
Global Conqst 35.95
Global Effect 31.95
Gods 24.95

Gunship 2000 39.95
Guy Spy 29.95

Harpoon series
Heart of Chir^a 35.95
Heaven&Earth 35.95
Heroes of 357th 31.95
Hill Street Blues 24.95
Home Alone 24.95
Indy Jones IV 33.95
Jetfighter II 39,95

Kings Quest series
Leathr Goddess 46.95
Legn Kyrandia 35.95
Leis Suit Larry series
Lemmings 29.95

Les Manley series
Loom 19.95

Lord of Rings series
Lost Admiral 35.95
Magic Candle li 36,95
Magnetic Scrolls 24.95
Martian Dreams 35.95
Martian Memo 34.95
Matrix Cubed 31,95

MegaFortress 36.95
Might & Magic series
Missn Imposble 29.95
Murder 29.95

Nobnaga Amb II 34.95
NoGreaterGlory 45,95
Nova 9 21.95

Out of ths World 36.95
Overlord 29,95

Pacific Islands 31.95
Panzer Battles 21.95
Paperboy 2 26.95
PattonStrikeBak 35.95
Pacific Islands 31.95
Perfect General 35.95
Planet's Edge 36.95
Police Quest series
Povi/er Monger 33.95
Prince of Persia 29.95
ProphecyShadv/ 37.95
Quest {or Glory 35.95
Rampart 26.95

Realms 19.95

Red Baron VGA 39.95
Rise of Dragon 34.95
Romanc3King II 39.95
Railroad Tycoon 32.95
Sea Rogue 35.95

Second Front 38.95
Sec Monkey Is series
SecWeapnsLuft 42.95
Sex Olympics 24.95
Shanghai II 29.95

Shuttle 35.95

Sierra Network 19.95
Silent Service II 34.95
Sim Ant 35.95

Sim City 29.95

Sim Earth 42.95

Snoopy GmClub29.95
Space Ace II 35.95
Space Quest IV 37.95
Spellcasting series
SpiritExcalibur 29.95
Star Control 29.95
StarTrek25thAn 35.95
Stellar? 24.95

Stratego 29.95

TeenNinjaTurtle 24.95
Terminator II 39.95
Theatre of War 31.95
Ultima series call
Uncharted Water41. 95
VengenceExcal 29.95
Western Front 37.95
Wild Wheels 31,95
Willie Beamish 39.95
Wing Comndr series
Wizardry series call
YeagerAirCom 36.95
BOARD. CARD AND
SHOW GAMES

Battle Chess
Blackjack
Bridge games
Casinos ofWorld
Chessmstr 3000
Craps
Cribbage
Dealer's Choice
Femme Falale

29.95
29.95
call
29.95
31,95
19,95
27,95
29.95
24.95

4QueensCasino 24,95
HngKng Mahjng 31.95
Hoyle III 29.95

Monopoly 24.95

Puzzles &.Ma2es14.95
Risk 24.95

Scrabble Deluxe 35.95
Solitaire games call
Strip Poker 29.95

Super Jeopardy 24.95
Super Tetris 29.95
Welltris 19.95

Wheel ofFortune 23.95
Wordtris 27.95

HOME & OFFICE
Aminate.PC 119.95
Animatin, Paint 84.95
Animatin Studio 77.95
AutoMap 59.95

Cookbook 29.95

Deluxe Paint II 85.95
FamCarePedias 14.95
GameMaker 64.95
Objectionl 29.95

Road Scholar 34.95
Tempra Pro 299.95
Virtual Reality 54.95
Vista Pro 77.95

SPORTS
Andretti Racing 19.95
Boxing, 40 19.95

CarlLewis Chal. 29,95
College Football 35.95
Grand Prix 34.95

Hardball 111 34.95

Int'l Sport Chal. 29.95
JMontana Ftball 29.95
JMadden Ftball 29.95
JNickls Signtur 41.95
Links 386 pro 41,95
Microlg Football 41,95
Mike DitkaFtball 32.95
Nascar Chal 29.95
NFL PRO Ftball 44.95
NFL (Konami) 29.95
Pit Fighter 25.95

ProLeagBasebl 35.95
Speedball 2 24.95
Sports Adventr 47.95
Stunt Driver 29.95
TLaRussaBsebl 29.95
Test Drive III 34,95
W.GretzkyHocky 33.95
Weaver Bsball II 31.95
WideWrld Box'g 29.95

WINDOWS
Battle Chess 29.95
Casino Pack#t 31.95
Chessmstr 3000 37.95
Curtain Call 119,95
Distant Suns 47,95
Entertainment Pak
#1,#2or#3, ea. 27.95
Money Managr 19.95
MS Works 129.95

Perks, utilities 24,95
ProComm Plus 89.95
Risk 29.95

RoboSports 35.95
Sim Earth 42.95

Speed Reader 29.95
Super Tetris 29.95
Typing Tutor 5 29.95
Vegas Games 19.95
Video Poker 32.95
Waves, sounds 19.95
Windows 3.1 89.95
WJredSoundPro 41.95

CD ROMS
Amanda Stories 35.95
Amer. Bus. Phone 19.95
Bible Library 53,95
Business Master 42.95
CrmenSanDiego 59,95
CIA Facts-!- 750 29.95
Cse CautsCndor 29.95
ClassicFairyTales 72.95
Corel Artshow91 72.95
Education Master42.95
Elec.HomeUbry 74.95
Family Doctor 52.95
French lang. 53.95

Jets & Props 35.95
Jukebox 36.95

Jungle Safari 72.95
King's Quest V 41.95
LangGame/Span 59,95
MixedMothrGse 45.95
MonarchCliffNote74.95
MSDOS archives 31.95
Mrdr Str.Dedfelw 38,95
Night Owl's 6.1 44.95
Presidents, Geo. ,.94.95
SharewareXpres 33.95
Sherlock Holmes 29,95
SH Cnsit Detect 43,95
Sleeping Beauty 36.95
Spanish lang. 53.95
Stellar 7 40.95

Street Atlas,win 109.95
TimeTbl:Art&Ent 73.95
TimeTbLScience 85.95
ToolwksRefLibf 98,95
Total Baseball 43.95
Ultima 1 - VI 82.95

USA Factbook 39.95
US Atlas, win 93.95
US Wars, each 51.95
US/World Atlas 86.95
VGA Spectrum 29.95
Vintage Aloha 29.95
WClw/Msns 1&2 69.95
WCl w/Ultima VI 69.95
Wild Places 38.95

World View 29.95

CDROM MPC

American Vista 49.95
Annabel's Dream 62.95
Autodesk Explr 127.95
Battle Chess 47.95
Beethoven MM 54.95
Chessmstr 3000 62.95
ComposerQuest 54.95
Dictnry Children 39.95
Guiness Records 69.95
Mamma! enc NO 39.95
MBeacon Typing 69.95
MS Bookshelf 139,95
MS Works (win) 134,95
Spirit Excalibur 37,95
World Atlas, win 93.95

VGA

Prices and auailabilily subject to change. All sales rinaJ. Wa do not guarantee compalability. All software is factory fresti and
unopened. We are not responsible tof manufacturer's defects. Coniacl publist^er regarding defects. Shipping: 1st game S5; add'l
games add S1 each in Cont. US. 2nd Day Air SS 1st game, add'l games add SI eacfi in ConLUS. COD add Sd. All prices are USS.

Circle Reader Service Number 114

REVIEWS

review that event as often as
needed. Working mucin iil<e
a video recorder, tiie replay
option even iets you save
an event as a fiim for later
viewing. While viewing a re-
play, you can fast-forward,
fast-reverse, and freeze-
franne, as well as view the
film at the regular speed, ei-
ther forv/ard or backward.

If you're fascinated with
the Winter Olympics but get
numb fingers and frostbitten
toes in the snow, Winter Chal-
lenge offers a chance to ex-
perience the thrill of Olym-
pic competition vicariously.
Winter Challenge may not
be the real thing, but at
least you don't have to train
for a lifetime before you can
begin to play.

CLAYTON WALNUM

IBM PC or compalible; 64aK RAM;
EGA. MCGA, VGA. or Tandy: hard
disk recommended; supports Ad
Lib, Sound Blaster, Roland, Tandy,
and Thunderboard— S54.95

ACCOLADE

550 S- Winchester Blvd.. Sie. 200

San Jose. CA 95128

(408) 985-1700

Circle Reader Service Number 376

MAGNAVOX
7C[V1329 SUPER
VGA/LE

MagnavQX, a well-known pro-
ducer ol televisions, stereos,
and other consumer electron-
ics products, is also a well-
known name when it comes
to computer monitors. The
company has been produc-
ing high-quality, affordable
PC video displays for sever-
al years, and its latest offer-
ing is the 7CM329 Super
VGA/LE color monitor.

The Super VGA/LE's 14-
inch cathode-ray tube
(CRT), which yields a 13-
inch viewable image from
corner to corner, utilizes a
.28-mm dot pitch for tightly

134 COMPUTE NOVEMBER 1992

Other ihan the sparse sound eflecis, Accolade's Winter Challenge
provides a convincing simulation of Olympic events.

The problematic Ivlagnavox 7CM329 Super VGA/LE has been
replaced by a Philips model, essentially the same monitor

detailed, well-defined imag-
es in ail of the standard and
extended VGA modes, I
tried the monitor using a
Truevision Video VGA with
Overlay adapter card
equipped with 1MB of video
RAM and a Tseng 4000-se-
ries chip set.

The styling of the Super
VGA/LE is very attractive,
with sleek, sculpted lines
that accent the overall shape

of the device. The styling
theme is carried through
right down to the nonremov-
able tilt-swivel base, which is
an integral part of the monitor
chassis.

All controls are convenient-
ly located at the front of the
unit under the CRT A push-
button power switch, locat-
ed at the lower right corner,
has an LED indicator posi-
tioned above it. Next to the

power switch are the thumb-
wheel knob controls for ad-
justing vertical shift, horizon-
tal shift, brightness, and con-
trast. A permanently at-
tached video cable fitted
with a 15-pin D connector
and a female AC power re-
ceptacle are the only user-
accessible items located at
the rear of the unit.

Despite the Magnavox rep-
utation, I was very disappoint-
ed with the performance of
this monitor. A very annoy-
ing shadow bar was con-
stantly present at the left
edge of the screen in any
non-Windows application,
and I found it impossible to
eliminate this ghost image re-
gardless of how I adjusted
the controls. Another less-
than-ideal situation was the
limited range of movement
the horizontal shift control
provided, I found myself con-
stantly readjusting tlie center-
ing of the screen image as I
switched from one applica-
tion to another, and the repo-
sitioning was mandatory to
avoid clipping some of the
video display from either the
left or right side of the
screen.

Compatibility with all of
the standard VGA and Su-
per VGA modes didn't pose
a problem, and the Magna-
vox was able to produce
viewable video at all resolu-
tions up to and including
1024 X 768 in 256-color
mode using a 1MB Truevi-
sion Video VGA with Over-
lay adapter.

The Magnavox exhibited
a marked penchant for cre-
ating moire patterns anytime
there was a close dot or line
pattern on the screen. Cor-
ner resolution was less than
optima! on this monitor, with
the corners tending to go in-
to soft focus rather than the
crisp, well-defined edges pro-
duced at the central areas
of the screen.

ORDERS ONLY;

DISK-COUNT
SaFT\A/ARE

800-448-6658

PRODUCT INFO i OTHER BUSINESS;

908-396-8880
FAX; 908-396-8881

MASTER CARD, VISA.
DISCOVER, AND

AMERICAN EXPRESS
ACCEPTED WITH NO
SURCHARGE.

SHIPPING IS ONLY
$4.00 PER ORDER,
NOT PFR ITEM

LOWEST DELIVERED PRICES! WE WILL BEAT ANY ADVERTISED PRICE**

4D3oj;tfig
A Tfa]n
A320 Airbus
ABC Widf Wwti Qot
ASPA Ba$66al
Acej of th« Pacific
Actior^ Statons

Scenario Ua% '22-'45
Adv of WJIy Beamish
AlgeBl aster Pius.
A^ebra Made Easy
AmarsHo Slfli Deaf Cha
American Gladiators
Animalioni Sludk)
Arachnophobia
Are Wb ThBfe YBt7
Armada 2525
Automap
Auiomap Europe
B-17 Rying Fortress
Back to V\6 Future 3
3ai^ gammon By Geo
BarH ol Cosmic For^ft
Barbffi Design
Barbie Fashion
Bartie Advemtura
Bart S*mp. House/Weird
BaRlictwss laB vera)
Batr6ChBSs2
Batte Isle
Battss of Napoleon
Batleslorm
Ball elech 2
Bereisiain Beai Count
Berensiasn Bear Cotof
3efeisiain Bear LeiW
BicydB Poker
Bill Efltftt KASCAR
Brds of Pfejf
Blisikrieg
Blood A^-ch
BoJac^sonBasebfiil
Bod^rks
Ssjg: Bunny CartnW/3
Cap;ainComc2
Carl Uwis Challenge
Carrier Strike
Carriers atWa/
Casino Pac^ 1
Cashes

Sorthem Campaign
Castle ol Dr. Brain
Cathy Daily Planner
Chalen^e Aioent Emp;
Champions
Champions oIKrynn
Checkmate
Chemisl/y Works
Chess master 3000
CfwssmaslrSOOOWn
Chtren Writir>g & PuW
Cnudt Yeager Combal
Ctwilizabon
Cfvilia^on WP£
CofTitc Book Creator
Conari: Tlw Cimmeflan
CorvHici: Middle East
CoriHict Korea
Ccmquesl ol Longbow
Conquesl of Cometot
Corporation
Crime Wave
Crisis in tile Kremlin
Crossword Magic
Cruise for a Corpse
Dagger olAmonRa
Darli Queen ol Krynn
Oarfclinds
Dartseed

Death Knights Krynn
DebiE Pint Anrmaitjn
Deiie Paint )1 Enftncd
Dssgr^ Yor Own Ktome
Desgri Yocf CM Raird
Designasaurusil
Difio Wars
Disrey Em. Pack
Or. Qjandry
Dragon's Lair
Dragon's Lai: 2
Dracon LairSing* CsBa
Duci TalesjQuesi Gold
Duerk Baseball Encycl
Dune

Dusk of the Gods
Dynamic Bundte
Earl Weaver 2
Commisioner Disk

Player & hlgr. Disk
Earl Weaver 2 Comm.
Eanhquest
Eco Phantoms
Eeo-Q'jftst I
Eco-Saurus
Elite Rus

Eivtfa 2ga«(CBrt»fus 42

Entrtn.PafcWin I.ZorS 2B

Eye of ttiB Beholder 32

Eye of tt>e Beholder 2 38

E Z Cosmos 42

F-14 Tomcat 19

Fl 17a Stealth Fighler 2 41

Fac^s Jn Acfcon 31

FakMTi 3.0 45

Open Fighting Ttger

Family Tree Maker 42

Far Side CmptrCafendr 49

Farm CreaWrty Kit ^7

Femrre Falale 26

F. F. Data Disk 21

Fighbog lor Rome 29

Final Conflict 29

Flames ol Freedom 31

Flighl of the intruder 37

Ft9htamj:atofA.T.F. 37

Right Simulator jH.S.) 41

Arcft L 5c«n Dsgn 2S

Cafilomia 37

Flight Rariner 25

F S Pro 24

Great Briban 37

Instant Fac.Loe. 26

Insinjment Pifel Scenery Easi or

West US. 59

Scenery Set A 37

Scenery Set 6 37

Scenery ErhancEdit 25

Sound & Graphics 25

Tahiti 19

Western Europe 19

Fly Grand Canyon 37

four Crystal olTraiflre 32

Free DC 37

GbbalConquBSt 37

GoCfattwr 29

Gods 25

GokJ of ttie Aztec 31

Go+d Sheet Pro Foot B. 37

Grand Slam Bridge 20

G unship 2000 36

Guy Spy 29

Hardball 3 3S

Hare Raising Havoc 29

Harpoon 32

Harpoon Challenge 42

Headfine Harry 37

Heim^fall 25

Herosof357th 32

Hole in One Golf 22

Hong Kong Mahjong 32

Hoverfofce 31

Hcyles&kGamelorZ 22

Hoyies Boc* Game 3 30

Indiana Jones 4 37

JkA Heklaui Signature 42

J.MictCrseS/orS 14

J. NicWaixs Cftp Art Pl 17

Jetfighter 2 39

Jtmmy Conners Terns 32

Jobhjnt 30

Kid Pis 35

Kid Works 29

K'rngs Ouest Bundle 39

Kings Quest 1 VGA 37

King's Quest 5 42

Knowtedge Ad'^entjre 4?

Konami NFL Football 30

Lafler Utility DOS or Win 22

Leather God. Photos 2 42

Legend of Kyrandia 35

Leisure Suit Lanfy Bndi 39

Leisure Suit LaT/ 5 37

Lemmings 29

Oh No MoTB Add^ ?Z

Lemming-Oh WoHire 31

L'Emperaur 37

Uxicross 25

Life and Death 2 22

Links 36

Links 386 Pro 39

Links Course Disk (ea) 16

« order 3 Of more (ea) 15

Lwd of the flings 2 37

Losi Admiral 35

Lost Treasure Infocom 42

Lost Treasures 2 29

Magic Candle 2 38

Mam St^Creativity Kit 17

Manhoie 31
Mantis

Martian MemofandJfn 32

Marvin Moose lor 2 31

Matt^ Blaster Mystery 29

Math Btasler Plus 29

Math Rabbit 25

Matfi Zone 31

MelTQ Cubed B Ro^er 2 32

Mavis Beacon Typing 32

Mavis Beaccn Wirvtow 38

HcGee at Ftin Fair 25

M&an Streets
MflcfiwafTior
Med iaval Lords
Mega Fortress

JHissiOfi Diik
Ut^ Traveller f h 2
Meg Man 3
Merchant Colon V
MetrDOnorT>es Music
WJckey ASC's,

Color or l-Z-3's
Mickey's Crossword
Mickey J^saw Puzzies
Mickey ABC Combo
Miao Cookbook
MiooieagM 4 BastbafI
Micfoiea^ue F.B. Deluxe
Midntghtt Rescje
MiQhtandMagicS
Miiler^nium 2200
UMm Storyteller
MiheDitkaUltimaleF.B.
MneCUp Fairy Tales
MoonbaSA
Murder

Mutafwid Muh ChaHng
tigers World
Kinja Turtle Arcade
Minja Turtle: Adventure
ffofeuiaga's Ambition
Ko Greater Gk>ry
NumljerMunchec
Obrtus

Omar Sharif Bridge
Operation Neptune
Orbits

Oregon TrafI
Once Upon a Tirr* (ea)
OulolThisWorid
Outnumbered
Overlord
Pacilic Islands
Paperboy 2
PCG(obfl
PC USA
PC Study Bibte
Penthouse Jigsaw
Perfect General
Perfect General Data
PGA Tour Gort
PGA Goif Windows
Course Disk DOS/'/^n
PGA GoU Complete
Phonics Plus
PinbatI
Pitfigfiter
Planets Edge
PlayjWHn ftf Sour>d
PoiicaOuest3
Pools of Darkness
Populous 2
Powermongef
Ptir>ciples of Biok^gy
Principle ol Calcuhjs
P(inc(jies of Chemistry
PrifMStop, Wew
Pnnt Shop Companion
Print Shop Gtaphjc^ea)
OuesllotGkMyl VGA
Railroad Tycoon
Rampart

Randam Hse Encydp
Reader Rabbit
Reader Rabbit 2
Read 'n Roll VGA
Red Baron
Realms

Riders ol Rohari
Risk lor Windows
Road i Track Present
Road to Final Four
Ro&csporrs WjxIows
Romarwe d 3 Kings 2
Rorkes Ontt
Rules o( Eii^agMWflt
Scrabbte Deluxe
Scrabble DelujceWtnd
Sea Rogue
Second Front
SeotlMorkeylsiand!
SfiCTtl Weapon Lufl*alf

P-3S Mission Disk

P-80 Shoot Star

Heinkeliez
Shadow o( Prophecy
Shanghai l|
ShutiJe

Sierra Starter Bundh}
Silent Service 2
Sim Ant
Sim City

San Gify Graphc [eaj
Sim City Windows
Sim Earth
Simpson Adventure

19 Snocpy'sGame Club

19 Solitaires Journey

38 SpA» Au 2: Bod -^ev.

26 Space Ouest Bundle

27 Space Quest 4
37 Speedball 2

17 SpeedreaderDOS/Wn

31 Speii-a-saurus

31 Spellbound

Spalkiasbng ?0l

25 Spell-it Plus

19 Spirit of EKcalibur

31 Sports Adventure

37 Sprout!

31 Star Control 2

39 Star Trek 25th Aniv.
42 Stickybear Math Tutor
30 Stickybear Pr^StfHX^I

38 Stid^bear Read Tutor
25 Stickybear Spell Tutor

32 Storm Across Europe
37 Sttm Poker 3

30 Snip Polcer DatajeaJ
25 Studyware for ACT

29 StudywareGMAT

31 Studyware GflE
31 Studyware LSAT

25 Studyware for SAT
31 Stunt Island

37 Super Munchers

42 Super Spellacopter

30 Super Tetris

29 Tank (new version)

37 TeamYankee

35 Tengen's Arcade Hits

29 Terminator

28 Terminator 2

30 Tetris CEassic

36 ThirnderhayA

30 Ti^ UiRusii Basebal

30 T LaRussa adii^ {ea}

31 Top Gun Dogfigh! SJrrajf
27 Ttacon 2

39 Tracon Windows

31 Treasure Mountain
90 Treasure Savag Froilr

26 TraehousB

36 Tmmp Castle 2

22 TrumpCastiB^DBfic

32 Twilight 2000

38 Ultima 7

19 Uitima Trilogy 1

49 Ultima Trilogy 2

25 Uftima Underworld

29 Ufirabots Sanction Eanti
22 Unchaned Waters

37 U.S. or World Atlas

31 aS-orWorWAHasWin
37 Vegas Games Wind^
^ Vengeance Excatouf

33 Wartofds

32 WynGrBt;tyHodcy2
25 Westem Front

25 W^3t■s My Angle

25 wtwres Csfrwn SanDiego

* in America's Past
31 in Europe

22 in Time

g in USA

* in WorW Deluxe

26 WrkI Wheals
jj Wing CommafyJer Wk
^ Wpng Commander 2

^f SpeciafOperDlsk

rl Speech Disk

g Wizardry Trilogy

i: Word Wuncher

^ Wordtns .

^ World Class Soccer

^ Writer Rabbit

,i Your Persnl Train S-A.T.

29
35

C D ROM

UTILITIES

MODEMS

37
39
34

37 Frecom FajcM Onelinef
30 HaiFai96J4Faj/Md

* Ma«lil9%24PC
^ Mailits 96/96

38 Ma)dil8l4.4(1t.4

3fl Pfactkat Peripherals
its PM 2400 Internal

20 PM 2400 External

20 Sportster 2400 Em.

20 Sportster 2400 Int.

30 Sportsler14,4v.42bi!

35 Zoom External

* Zoom Internal
39
37
35

36 1991 Grtfief Ewrydpd
39 SOCownSeUCaslleMW

37 Ak>ha Hawaii
25 Alias Pack

31 Anwncan 5ui. Ptli^bk.

X Amw, Hert. PW Did

31 ALjdubon's Mammals

42 Barney BearGoes SdHOl

39 Balik Designs

30 Baltlechsss

47 Bible library

39 Bookshelf

37 Brttarica FamJy CtiM

37 firltannica Family Dr
X Busdtess Master

30 Cairon in World Dkn

X Cautious Condor

30 CD Game Pack

38 Cotet CIA World Fact

32 Conpbns Encydpdia
17 Conouesic* longton
» CortI Draw

X Elecl:i>ik: CocUfiOk

X Font Master

X Food Analyst

X Garrve Collection

37 Garrfl Master

X Golcen Immortal

22 Gunship / Midwinter

31 lilustialed Shakespeare
37 Intro to Gatnes French
37 Intro tQ Games Spanish
25 Jones in the Fast [Jne
35 Kin^s QjesI 5

37 LangwagesofWorkJ

28 Learn to Speak Spantstt
25 Library ol Future

32 Loom

15 M-1 Tank Platoon

29 Uacktiliian Chid. Did
31 Manhole

3? Magazine Rack

31 Markebng Master

32 Ma^i Seacon

35 MIG29fMIG29M

31 kfLiedUpMotierGse

42 MS DOS Arcfiivas

37 M.M Beethoven Ninfri

47 M.M Bookshelf Wind.

37 PC-Pix (ASulls Only)

47 Pre5*nl: It Start Geo.

47 PrinM Persia/Nam '55-75

37 PriMIe Pyctures (XXX)

42 Pailroad Tycoon

49 pBd StoiTr^amer Cnvid

49 flQlererKB Library

19 Shakespeare

^ Shenod Hoinves Cutsi^

31 Sleepirtg Beauty

35 So Mucfi Software
3g Sopf-isticated Santa Fe
3(j Space Ouesl 4

Spini of Exoalibur

36 Slat Pack

30 Stellar 7

3Q Strange Bedfelows

3Q Street Adas

^g Tme Magzw Almaric

32 Time Tabte of ffEStt>ry
An Time Table Science
45 Ulbma 1-6

P^ Ulbmate Basketball

,5 U.S.Adas

4. Vrntage Aloha

y. WW Places

jrt WngCommiHIss

j5 Winj Comnl ( Ultima 6

W '""""'"""'""

WotTter'i in Mobon
WoiW Adas
Workt View
Wrath of Demon

SCANNERS

X CompI Hand Scanner

22 Microtek 600Z

37 Soanman32

41 Soanman 256

31 Scanman !56 WCA

199
349
419

129
175
149
129
309
67
65

160

265
349

215
52
45
59
39
75
37

129
75
59
39
65
45
55
39

409
37

429
75
39
49
45
39
28
62
27
79
79
37
42
99
E»
99
39
62
49
49
45
39
39
62
37
35
59

129
65

10S
62
65
62
S2
BO
37
42
37
59
45
37
37
83
37
39
79

129
69
59
59
35
42
45
45

386 Mai
Above Disk
AdiAt Type Minue<
Afu>Dukl»Wni»s
AH Type

Autodesk Exptorer
Ajlomenu
Bannennania
Calendar Creator *
Carbon Copy
Central Pt AnbVinjs
Cttoas
Colortx
Copy II PC
Corel Draw
Data Ease Personal
Desqview2.4
Desqview3e6
DOS Fax
D R DOS 6.0
Dvork on Typing
Expfeis Pul)lisher
Faceim

FtrSiJe Cileadar
Fontmor>9«
Geowotks Pro
Grammatik S
Hijaak
Into Select
LanguageAssistant
Fr,,Gr.,Heb.,lial,.Span,
Laplir>k 4 Pro
Lotus Works
Microsoft Quick Bask:
Miciosoft Quick C
MoneyCotjnts
MS DOS 5.0
MS DOS 5.0 Upgrd
Norton Desktop v2,
Norton Desktop DOS
Norton Utilities
One tWrrte Acs.
Paoo(2000v2,0
PC Animate Plus
PC Anywtiote 4
PC Xwik Pov»erpak
PC Paintbmsti 4
PC Paintbmsh 4 •
PC Toots
Peacf^tree Basic
PFS: First Choka
PFS: First Publisher
PFS: Window Works
Presenlatn Task free
Print Shop
Procomm Plus 2.0
Procomm for Window
Pyro Screen Saver
QEMM
Q0OS3
ORAM
OuckenS.O
Quicken fo^ Window
Quicken Quick Pay
Quicken Quick Book
fiightWritet
Sitback DOS or Win
Software Carousel
Stacker

StackerwflG Bit Card
Superstor
Turbo Cadd v2.0
WordPeriaSlofWin
Windows 3.1
Wkifax Pro

61
61
5S
29
47

119
37
22
55

115
84
39
95
35

349
68
79

125
SI
65
31
99
59
49
92

119
57
99
87

42
99
89
66
E5
27
4?
57
95
115
111
100
31
115
115
72
59
114
109
75
75
75
75
119
36
69
82
35
61
46
49
45
39

84
57
59
55
79

179
79
79

249
92
74

60 mCTjEiM^

Appo<it
CHRot

133 CldditsS7.95ea. 3 !« I 19
115

Mouse Pen Pro
CU Roler tJouse Serial
Microsoft Mouse
Mousaman Serial
Mouse Systems PC 3
Mouse System Tiackban
Trackman Serial

ATI Stereo F/X
VGASweoffXtUB
Cowu Snd Misur II

Audio Port
CDPC

Pro AuiD Spea Pkit
Pre Audb Sped 16

Pm16 MuHimeda
Upgrade Kil
Thunderboafd
ThunOerboartJ Wird
Sound Blatter
Sound Blaster MCA
Sound faster Pro
Snd Bist MutimeOia Kit
S.B.CMOM InSsmal
S.a, CD-ROM Eiiem
Sound Convnander
Roland SCC-1 GS
Sound Canvas
SPEAKERS Shielded

MIDI INTERFACE

Mnaror Skenatfiapiop to

PC Midi Card 79

MCIX-32 179

MPU-IPC 135

MPU'IMC 245

Cakewa^ Apprentk» 145

The Miracle 325

139
369
145

139
999

ie9

219

935

95
109

99
219
189
560
360
429

99
375
559

li'ilI'lU'liiV/ilil^

Bal'ade

Band in a Box

Caidenza

Cakewalk

Cakewalk Pro

Cakewalk Wif>dow 240

Copyist Apprenbce 95

Copyist Prt^ DTP 245

DnjrTvner 69

Encore 379

PiiToWorVs 95

Play K by Eat

Waster Tracfcs Pro 249

Music Printer Ptu J 419

Music Tinne 169

Musicator 375

Quick Score Deluxe 99

Recording StudkJ Pro 75

RhytfimAce 69

Songwright 5 65

JOYSTICKS

CH Flightstick
CH Game Card 3 Auto
CHMach3
EliTTiinaiOr 33MH£ Crd
Gravis Joys tide
Gra^ PC Game P^
Kr&HKC3 Joystick
Kraft ThujxJers tie*!
Mati Right Yoke
Maxx Pedal
OukAshot Aviator 5
Quickshoi Gam* Canj
Ouckshot Intruder 5
Quicks hot Warrior
Thrustm aster Flight
Thnjstmaster Pro
Weapons Control

DuslCovers
Gro-jfiied Wrist Straps
Keyboard Skins
Static Pads

Laroe- System
Wrist Pads
Stax (Dust Repellent)
StabL Complete Cleani^ng

Sy^"i

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Mu! Cet Ca r d J V J Sii Am*.' I irtin Kxpr oss b ni scovej Acceptied .
Ul> Siiichaige en Cit-di L Cai ds . Hy rriai 1 : P.O. Box 3 ,
rmfiezet. N.J. 07008. All Sales Are Final. NO
rkfunDS! ExcrhanQe on defect^ive merctiaiidi se with tho
siTie inem only. No exceptions. All Produces are ncw.
We do not guarencee compatabi 1 i ty . Shipping chatgtjs;
lis conLiguous St;atOu, S'i per order- Alaska., H^Wfiii.
.ind Puex to Rico $1D ist pc. , Si ea. add. APO/FPO and
I'.Q. ijDxes 56 1st pc. $x ofk. add- Canada ^b ist pc?-
?■ ca.add. Heaviec items extra. Foieign orders call
ir.T stripping charges. U.J. Residents add sales tax.
Citl for cJiient price and availability. GOVEHHEWT
AND SCHOOL P.O. ' s WELCOMED . ■ 'Does not include
c ]i oseout H , 1 iquida c i ons , o: limited quantit:ies and
prodtict must be shipping* for your protection, we
will only ship to the address the credit card company
h;iK _ on f i Iehi

Circle Roador Service Number 203

Learn

Computer

Programming

P\\ Hemei

People trained in computer programming are
needed by companies across the nation. It's a
career that oflers job security, versatility, and
outstanding earning potential. Now there's a way
yCKj can train for ttiis exciting, rewarding career field
without interrupting your current job or home life.

Advanced Training
Delivered To Your Home

This comprehensive program was designed by
computer specialists and education professionals
to give you understandable, step-by-step
instruction, Written in clear and concise
language, this program wil! teach you how to write
computer applications for business and other
uses. Previous experience is not necessary.

includes An

AT-Compatible Computer

With 40MB 28MS Hard Drive

As part of your training, you will receive an IBIvl
AT-Compatible Personal Computer which
includes a lull 1 MB memory, plus an incredible
40 MB 28fJS hard drive accompanied by a 3.5"
floppy disk drive. This system also includes eigfit
expansion slots, monitor, detached keyboard and
a dot-matrix printer. All the software you need is
also included. When your training is finished, all
the hardware and software is yours to keep!

For a COLOR CATALOG on this and other
programs, mail coupon or call toll-free today!

1-800-765-7247

There's no obligation. No sales person will call.

Our programs are accredited by Ihe Accrediting
Commission of the National Home Study Council.

Programs offered only in Untied Stales,
Canada. Puerto Rtco anr/ Virgin Islands

YES! I would like to know more about your i
Computer Programming training course, i

Name

Address i

Citi

;ity

State _
Phone _

Zip.

Pedples College

OF INDEPENDENT STUDIES

233 Academy Dr. ■ P.O. Box 421768
Kissimmee. PL 34742-1768

Werntjer, D.L Peoples Group C1 192

REVIEWS

Ghosting, streaking, and image per-
sistence (lag) were other chroriic condi-
tions I encountered. These video
anomalies, coupled with the moire pat-
terns and flicker, made using the Su-
per VGA/LE for extended periods less
than a pleasure. These problems
were much less pronounced at the low-
er resolutions (for example, 640 x
480), but they became major optical
obstacles at 800 x 600 and higher vid-
eo settings.

If you intend to spend lots of time us-
ing applications in the Super VGA
modes, you might want to spend
some time looking at the fvlagnavox vid-
eo display at the store before deciding
to purchase it. There were too many
problems with the monitor for me to
recommend it.

Editor's note: At press time, Philips
announced that the t^agnavox
7CM329 Super VGA/LE monitor was be-
ing replaced by the Philips Super VGA
U36/LE. which retails for $499. Accord-
ing to the company, the only difference
between the two monitors is two new
front controls for horizontal and vertical
sizing.

TOM BENFORD

fvlagnavox 7Ctyl329 Super VGA/LE— S799

PHfLIPS CONSUt^ER ELECTRONICS

One Philips Dr,

Knoxvilie, TN 37914

(800) 722-6224

Circle Reader Service Number 377

DESIGN YOUR
OWN RAILROAD

Whether you're a mild-mannered mod-
el railroad enthusiast looking for a new
outlet or a Gomez Addams wannabe in-
terested in destroying some rolling
stock. Abracadata has a program that
fits the bill. Design Your Own Railroad
allows you to do just what the name
says, from laying track to handpicking
a train, car by car. And if you're so in-
clined, you can even smash your
trains together without all the mess and
expense you'd incur destroying your
basement model railroad layout.

After holding your hand through a
helpful demonstration. Design Your
Own Railroad allows you to begin work-
ing on the railroad immediately. Unlike
complex railroad simulations such as fvli-
croF^rose's Railroad Tycoon, Design
Your Own Railroad has you rolling
down the track with minimal fuss.
There are no competitors to slow you
down and no geographical or histoncal
factors to contend with. You simply

IMPORTANT NOTICE

FOR

COMPUTE DISK

SUBSCRIBERS

COMPUTE offers two different
disk products for PC readers;
the SharePak disk and PC
Disk, SharePak is monftnly and
has a subscription price of
S59.95 for 5V4-inchi disks and
$64,95 for 3V2-incii disks. A
subscription to SharePak
does not include a subscrip-
tion to thie magazine, PC
Disk appears in even-num-
bered months and has a sub-
scription price of 349,95,
which includes a subscription
to the PC edition of COM-
PUTE, You can subscribe to ei-
ther disk or to both, but a sub-
scription to one does not in-
clude a subscription to the
other.

pick a sample layout or create one of
your own, couple up some cars, and
hit the throttle.

Once you get into the program, you
have the option of trying to deliver
your freight and collect revenue
against the clock, but it's no problem if
you just want to run some trains
around a track. There are a number of
options available from easy-to-use pull-
down menus, including maximum
speed and type of crash. You can
have your trains pass right through
each other, ghostlike, or you can have
them smash together with a loud re-
port, scattering wreckage all around.
Unfortunately, a crash sounds more
like a set of glass wind chimes break-
ing than the genuine clash of metal.

Though a mouse isn't required to
use Design Your Own Railroad, it sure
does help. The track and train design
features are as simple to use as any ba-
sic computer drawing program, but a
mouse makes using them much easier,
just as it simplifies access to the pull-
down menus. When I tried the program
using only my keyboard, I never could
figure out a way to set the switch
tracks. (And Gateway computer users
beware: Abracadata says there's an
interrupt conflict using Design Your
Own Railroad on Gateways, a conflict

Advertisers Index

Reader Service Numlier/Advertiser

Page

254 54 Disk Conneclion G-15

162 8-Bit G-9

140 Abiacadata B5

AlCS 1«

265 All My Slory Books. Inc 82

118 Amish Outlaw Shareware Co . - . 148

244 Anligrav Toolkit G-16

165 Arls & Ullers 21

191 Bate Bonos Software A-25

134 Belsoll 144

260 Best Personalized Books SI

173 Blue Vatley Sotlware 144

13Z BlueJay Syslems 81

181 Caloke Industries ----- G-19

241 CanCor Innovations, Inc A-31

155 Cedar Sollware 149

261 CereBel Inlormatton Arts 149

156 CH Products 37

149 Chips S, Bils Inc 125

1B6 Citi;en America Corp - 9

Clip Art Cupboatd G-15

187 ComPro Software Systems 142

150 Compsull 142

103 CompuServe 16.17

Computer Business Serviras 61

141 Computer Productions 143

137 Covox 147

125 Creative Labs 3

117 Custom Computer Solutions 146

151 CybSfOreams 99

135 Cypress Software. Inc 146

154 C-64 Alive G-15

144 Davidson 55

189 Davidson 31

120 DCS Industries 127

161 Delphi 29

131 Demo Source 147

174 DeskTop Software 143

204 Diclalion Disc Co 131

136 Dig Print Inc A-17

253 Disks O'Plenty Inc G-13

208 Disk-Count Software 135

160 Disney Sollware 87

231 Dr. Ts Music Software 122

112 Df T's Music Software 114

175 DS,K Enlertainmenl 82

133 Electronic Aits 95

148 Electro-Tecli Electmnics G-19

219 Empire Simulations 123

Epson IFCT

215 ESi A-13,A-31

111 Eugene L. Woods 146

FGM Connection, Ttie G-7

207 Finelaslic Computer A-11

110 Franklin Mini 5

245 Friendly Software 143

GeoWorks - 13

202 Gladstone's 4/2P A-27

Reader Service Number/Advertiser Page

145 Grapevine Group, The G-9

158 Heme Data Systems 148

201 Holosoft Technolpgies A-11

234 Horse Feathers Grapfiics G-9

168 Impressions 103

225 Interplay 75

113 Intuit 40,41

107 liak Computer Marlreling 146

JP PBM Products by Mail G-19

263 Kids Secure of America 82

157 LaseiTecti 1W

127 Lottoware 146

163 LWS Software 147

119 Mallard 43

198 Mallard '^5

105 MECA Software 25

262 Merit Sollware 35

196 Micto Dosiflns W

195 Micro R.& D A-7

180 MiCfoGralK 53

142 MicroLeague Sports 64,65

197 MicroMagic Productions 148

205 MicroProse 109

224 MicroProse 112

222 MicroProse 110.111

176 lilicroSplrere A-3

2O0 Mission Conlrol 119

259 Multimedia Products Corp 145

National Oiscounl Compuler 147

199 Needham's Eleclronic 142

243 New WorW Computing 91

232 New World Computing 107

NRI/McGraw Hill 73

128 Omnitron 144

192 Origin 51

104 Panasonic 15

152 Pankliufsl Programming G-19

164 Parsons Technology - ... 11

106 Parth Galen A-29

211 Passporl - ■ 23

177 PC CompoNel Inc 117

146 Peolples College .135

153 Performance Peripherals Inc G-23

128 Pilo Plus Sollware 146

165 Pixel Perfect 128

194 Polnl-of-View Computing 148

185 Poor Person Software A-13

240 PowBiDiSk 146

190 Professional Cassefte 140

193 Professional Cassette . 141

Pure Enlertainmenl 138

238 Ouanlura Quality Producllotis Inc 121

178 Ramco Computer Supplies . - - - 144

Rantech 148

212 SafeSoft Syslems 149

139 Senlient Software , , 145

116 SeXXy Software 149

Sfiareware Unlimited 900 A-9

Reader Service Number/Advertiser

Page

122 Sierra On-Line BC

264 Signature Analysis 82

109 Smart Luck Software . , - , 149

249 SollLogic Solutions 118

182 SollLogic Solulions 59

245 SottLogIc Solulions 120

247 SoftLogIc Solulions 116

126 SoftShoppe Inc 148

138 Software ol the Month ClulJ A-29

121 Software of the Month Club 149

SQGWAP Software A-17

SOGWAP Software 0^7

235 Solo Source Systems 142

209 SOtJO Association 145

252 Sparks Electron cs G-15

108 Speclnjm HoloByle 63

129 Star Graphics 50

130 Starware Publishing , , . , 149

143 Strategy Plus 139

179 SubLogic 61

221 Superior Micro Systems Inc G-13

218 Tab/Computer Book Club 129

223 Technical Tools A-26

170 Tenex G-5

147 Thiustmaster 143

256 US Robotics I6C

188 Vidia A-26

258 Villa Crespo Software 27

183 Virgin 115

257 Virgin .105

255 Virgin -17

171 VMC Software G-19

159 VMC Software A-13

123 VMC Software A-31

172 Wedgwood Computer 148

124 Whiz Kid Produclions 146

114 Zeros S One's 133

228 Zipperware . . A-26

Income Opportunity Mart 81,82

Product Mart 142,143,144.145,146,147,148,149

Classlieds 150.151

Amiga Best Ulillties A-13

Amiga Resource Disk - - . A-17

COMPUTE Books 57,A-24,A-30

CDMPUTE/HET PowerVision 69

COMPUTE Subscription 89

Gazette Disk Index G-12

Gazette Disk Subscription G-7

Gazette Produclivily Manager G-11

Gazette Single Disk Order G-14

Gazette Specialty Disks G-2

Gazette SpeedScnpt Disk G-23

McanlSGoll A-11

StrarePak Disk Subscription 77

CREDITS

Cover: Michel Tcherevkoff; page 4: Jim Deal/
Image Bank; pages 6-7: Kent Williams; page 22:
Mark Wagoner: page 32: Mark Wagoner; page 34:
Mark Wagoner; pages 70-71 ; Bill Bruning; pages
78-79: Mark Wagoner; page 80: Mark Wagoner;
page 83: Tim Teebken; page 88: Mark Wagoner;
page 90: Alex Gotfrytd/Doubleday; pages 92-93:
Mark Wagoner; pages 96-97: Mark Wagoner; pag-
es 100-101 copyright © 1974 by H. R, Giger,
all rights reservetd; pages A-4-5: Gerry Grace/
Artbank International; page A-32; Masahiro Sano/
Stock Market; page G-3: Daviid Schleinkofer/Artist
Representative Menidola LTD,

fs^ The Time
' Has Ckxme...

. . .to send for the latest copy of the free Consumer
Information Catalog.

It lists more than 200 free or low-cost govern-
ment puhhcations on topics hke money, food, Johs,
children, cars health, and federal benefits.

Don't waste ajiother minute, send today for
the latest free Catalog and a free sample booklet.
Send your name and address to;

Consumer Information Center
Department TH
Pueblo, Colorado 81009

if'

NOVEMBER 1992 COMPUTE 137

IT'S HEREI

mm-mf

AN EXCITING NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART
ONLINE SERVICE WITH NEAR REAL-TIME

ONLINE GRAPHICS, PHOTO E-MAIL,
HIGH-SPEED DOWNLOADING, AND MORE.

This is what you've been waiting for. No more

lengttiy— and expensive— picture downloads.

View pictures in only seconds and select wtiicti

files you want to download, E-Mail becomes

more personal as you can ctioose to attach your

photo to any E-Mail message. Plus, you'll find

Intimate Chat, The Message Board, and more.

Throughout the fall we'll be adding more features

to our exciting new servicel

Send today for your complete PENTHOUSE

ONLINE Sign-On/Subscriber Kit. We'll include

(he informative "Getting Started with

PENTHOUSE ONLINF booklet, discounts to the

Penthouse Book S Video Society, photos of the

four Penthouse Pets vying for 1 993 Pet of the

Year, and more. To help you maximize your

enjoyment of the PENTHOUSE ONLINE, we've

arranged for special pricing on 9600 baud
modems (rom USRobotics. Your modem and
sign-on kit will be shipped together when you

order them now.

Our low monthly fee is only S5.95. The more

you use PENTHOUSE ONLINE, the more

PetPoints you'll earn. PetPoints are redeemable

for merchandise in our Online PetlWart, or for

credit against online lime.

There's even morel PENTHOUSE ONLINE

gives you access to USA Today Decisionlioe,

movie reviews, a members-only travel discount

club, and a discount shopping mart. You'll easily

save more than your monthly feel

(Those of you who know us from our fomier

service, PETUne, will be receiving a special software

upgrade in the mail. Watch for M)

i i YESI I *-art lo pji PEMTHOUSE ONLINE. Rush ™ n^y S4g(i-on
kil lor only S27 55 so I can begin enioying Itie premie' aduil oriine
service, along wlh full details about my PEUTHOUSE ONLINE
subscfiplion. t certily that I aim ovei 16 years ol ago
I ] VESII also want Ld take aiiva.ntage ol yixjr super oiler lor a
custom statST^-tte-art 9600 baue (exieroai) aaiadax modem
[suppJeij by USR!±o!rrsj for the unbd»evabte price ol only S39!
GuaraTitesdtorSysa.^ ^ct^rjnvbrushKl. black modem makes a
perlect fel modem i^ upgrade. (Weral 9600 board availabfe fcr
S?79|

PEMTHOUSE ONLINE KT

Icbeck cfle) LD 5 Mi' Dm LD 3 1/2' Dak

Penihouse 9600 Baud tAxlem iS299|
Penlhouse 9600 Baud Inlerial Itatem (S279)
NY and NC residents add appropriate sales lax
TOTAL
[ I Oiecii Enclosed. PleaseMi my i IVisa I i Mastercard -

Card No, Ew Oats.

S27.95

NAME:

ADDHESS:.

CITY/STATE-'ZIP

DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER' ;^HL, -M

Fc'rp^ onjaffvg piaiunf^ c'ti' :■

iTi^e pa, r.iT.r n ,' ITS meiv. : 1
n ft* corw ri iry lijajTrvc y .

1 1 Vsa a Mastefcard account listed above
[ j Checking AccsimS t {Attsdi vnided ctieckL

■ li'cwdcor^liy::

■ .TilfifiiaivJiraiiam

ADDRESS

CITY/STAIHZIP_

SIGMATUflE.

-DATE:.

Base iTCfiWf charge EtKs na rduoe letccorvTuxaw^s v ^^ niem-^yn o-
irafflia'-asactaiqes, wtKl; are ar^fcaieij (iful; firhfi Sut-scbei Aaieereji* a ne
SijivOn-Ka Ril3DDayni£Beyia:*9a3?3rteeilCilonSy) iincfsatdiaJ ?v^^;£Qti
t»o*efi»siaiteiB«ft Sgiv&iVjSKKicDincsaKrpKiMoa ,itl^Tf<XS:
OklXssataUsnalSo'a^s Z«a9SIIII«wilrt.VQAn<|UlKillB{»5ixilr.

SND f out Diaa Touv tO: pu, 3» west wiHDOvn ivL, sn xw,

OaiHSBORO, Ht 37WB. Ml ORDSRS FUlflOfl) WITHm M HOUK.

REVIEWS

Abracadata technicians say Gatew/ay
won't help resolve. I never could get
the program to work on the Gateway
2000 386SX/16 I use at home.)

An index in the user's manual might
have helped with the switch track troub-
le. The same goes for a troubteshoot-
ing section. Other than those deficien-
cies, however, the manual is clearly
written and straightforward, including
adequate illustrations. Though Design
Your Own Railroad is simple enough to
use employing good old trial and error,
it helps to consult the manual for such
diverse activities as adding switch
tracks and overpasses to your layout
and selecting buildings and scenery.

Design Your Own Railroad might
help hardcore railfans experiment with
different designs before modifying
their own model railroad layouts, but
don't buy the program expecting it to
be a substitute for the real thing. While
it gives plenty of the flavor of model rail-
reading, from setting switches to run-
ning multiple trains, you get only a sim-
plified overhead view as you run your
trains, with cars largely indistinguish-
able from one another. You have ac-
cess to full-screen, full-color views of
your train cars and buildings, but the
program's primary operating screens
fail to deliver such impressive detail.

If you're looking for a way to do
some home railroading without all the
cost and trouble of a model railroad lay-
out, however, or if you don't mind the
cost and trouble and you want to pre-
view some ideas for a model layout. De-
sign Your Own Railroad should prove
satisfactory. Even if you just want to
smash some trains together, you'll find
Design Your Own Railroad to be a sol-
id simulator.

EDDIE HUFFMAN

IBIvl PC or compatible, 640K RAIvl— $59.95

ABRACADATA

RO. Box 2440

Eugene, OR 97402

(800) 451-4871

Circle Reader Service Number 378 ^

Put Our List
On Your

Our list is the Consumer Information Catalog.
It's free and lists more than 200 helpful
government booklets. So send for the free
Catalog It's the thing to do. Write;

Consumer Information Center

Department LL

Pueblo, Colorado 81009

U.S. General Services Adrninistration

UVE! Specializing in
questions of love

1-900

$5 first min./$3 ea. addl. min.

Use the wisdom of

psychic forces to

guide you in money,

career and happiness

1-900

773-OMEN

1 -900-773-6636
$5 first min./S3 ea. addl. min.

TALK TO A UVE PSYCHIC!

For entertainment purposes
only. If you are under 18 years

of age, please get parental

permission. Live psychics are

available 24 hours a day.

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Compute! Magazine Issue 146"

See other formats