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Lighting Your Apple II Path On Delphi | |
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>>> WELCOME TO THE LAMP! <<<
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THINKING KFEST: There's Nothing Finer
AND THE BEST OF THE A2 AND A2PRO MESSAGE BOARDS
"Teaching the Apple II user how to fish since 1998"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Lamp! An Onipa'a Software Production Vol. 1, No. 8
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Publisher & Editor.......................Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Internet Email........................................thelamp@delphi.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TABLE OF CONTENTS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
August 15, 1998
OPENING PITCH
Make A Wish ---------------------------------------------------- [OPN]
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED [FOR]
The Heat Is On ------------------------------------------------- [HET]
Miscellanea [MSC]
Rumor Mill ----------------------------------------------------- [RMR]
Public Postings [PUB]
Best Of The Best ----------------------------------------------- [BOB]
A2Pro_DUCTIVITY
Checking out A2PRO on Delphi ----------------------------------- [A2P]
THINKING KFEST
There's Nothing Finer Than Kansas City in July ----------------- [KFE]
EXTRA INNINGS
About The Lamp! ------------------------------------------------ [INN]
[*] [*] [*]
READING THE LAMP! The index system used by The Lamp! is designed to make
""""""""""""""""" your reading easier. To use this system, load this
issue into any word processor or text editor. In the index you will find
something like:
EXTRA INNINGS
About The Lamp! ------------------------------------------------ [INN]
To read this article, simply use your search or find command to locate
[INN]. There is a similar tag at the end of each article: [EOA].
:: DISCUSSED ON DELPHI ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
: :
: Life's a trip and then you run out of Travellers' :
: Checks. :
: :
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: GOLDFISCHE ::::::
[EOA]
[OPN]------------------------------
OPENING PITCH |
-----------------------------------
From The Editor
"""""""""""""""
by Ryan M. Suenaga, B.A., M.S.W., L.S.W.
[thelamp@delphi.com]
MAKE A WISH
~~~~~~~~~~~
This editorial is being composed as I sit in the terminal of Kansas
City International Airport in Kansas City, Missouri, waiting for a flight
to take me from the Land of Ahhs to San Jose International Airport, where
I'll spend a night before heading back to my home in the islands. After
months of planning and hard work, KansasFest 10 is over, I'm exhausted, but
I haven't had so much fun since, well, KansasFest 9.
Last year's KansasFest was revolutionary; 1998's was evolutionary.
The debut of _Marinetti_ in 1997 took the Apple II places it never went
before--in 1998, instead of a breathtaking leap, we took lots of little
hops, and maybe got even farther than we did the year before. _Marinetti
2.0_, _Spectrum 2.2_, and _Spectrum Internet Suite 1.1_ repave the road to
the Internet their previous versions laid down. _GSoft BASIC_ gives old
Applesoft programmers the tool they've waited their entire IIgs lives for.
_WebWorks GS_ and _NiftySpell_ give the IIgs user the kind of products
they've needed to turn to other platforms to use. And _Casper_, even
unfinished, proves again we have yet to reach the limits of what the Apple
II can do.
There's not a lot left on my Apple II wish list (Tony, if you're
reading this: "ETHERNET!"), thanks to KFest '98, although my personal wish
list currently includes sleep, also thanks to KFest '98.
[*] [*] [*]
And Now A Word From Our Sponsor Department: I talk about KansasFest
almost every month, but I promise that the Worldwide Headquarters of the
KFest Blatant Plug Office will close down until December after this month's
issue. However, before we close shop for 1998, we need to let you know:
KansasFest 1999 is being planned for July 21-25, 1999, back at the campus
of Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri. Start planning now.
KansasFest also has a new home on the World Wide Web
(http://www.kfest.org) and the KansasFest Mailing List previously mentioned
in this publication will continue operating all year round.
I promise, you won't hear any more about KansasFest until
January--unless you ask for it.
Ryan
thelamp@delphi.com
ASCII ART BEGINS
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| | | | | | | |_____ | |____ | |__| | | || || | | \___/ / _
|_| |_| |_| \______| |______| \____^_| |_||_||_| | |\____/ |_|
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ASCII ART ENDS
[EOA]
[OPN]------------------------------
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED. . . . |
-----------------------------------
Checking out A2 on Delphi
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Ryan M. Suenaga, B.A., M.S.W., L.S.W.
[thelamp@delphi.com]
* The Heat Is On
* Miscellanea
* Rumor Mill
* Public Postings
* Best Of The Best
THE HEAT IS ON
""""""""""""""
[*] User Groups & Publications ....... KFest! KFest! KFest!
[*] The Apple II Legacy ....... Where The FAQ Do We Go Now?
[*] General Chatter ....... Need A Ride From K.C. Airport?
[*] Telecommunications ....... Modem Inits For The Rest Of Us
[*] Vendors & Tech Support ....... All Kinds Of New Stuff
MISCELLANEA
"""""""""""
TALKING UP KFEST ON THE KFEST MAILING LIST Chatter no, it has been
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" serious discussion! It has
almost rivalled Delphi some days with discussions on world beers, the best
places to stay while travelling in the US, how often we access our email
accounts and various music discussions with Joe!
We have also talked about who is picking up whom from the airport, the best
steak houses in KC, and even details about K'Fest itself.
Then Joe has dropped heavy hints that he is going to shatter the IIgs world
with a product announcement, and by the discussions on the heavyweight
presentation equipment required by Richard, Geoff and myself, we might have
something to reveal too! Even Sheppy has dropped hints about something...
K'Fest '98 is a must! If you can't be there, then you need to monitor
Delphi and the prime A2 web sites for snippets of information, and of
course join us all for the debriefing on the Monday night RTC.
And it will be great to have Gary there, even if Cindy has scolded him for
only now being let free by his boss so he can be there...
Ewen Wannop - Speccie
Delivered without using a IIgs by Spectrum & Crock O' Gold 2.5!
Setup: Bernie ][ the Rescue 1.3 and a PowerMac 8200/120
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ewannop/
(EWANNOP, 14125, GO COM A2)
SSII HOSTS POST KANSASFEST CHAT Every Monday night, at 10 PM EDT,
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Shareware Solutions II hosts a very
special online chat for Apple II users. What makes the Monday night chat so
special is that it takes place simultaneously on CompuServe, Delphi and
Genie.
The three system Apple II chat is probably the _only_ regularly scheduled
multi-system chat on the planet.
As host of that chat, I was just thinking that all interested Apple II
users will probably want to attend the chat that'll take place on Monday,
July 27th, as that chat will occur just one day after KansasFest ends.
As it is, there are a number of new Apple II products that are expected to
be demoed and/or released at KansasFest, but due to non-disclosure
agreements, no one is yet talking about anything. By July 27th, those
non-disclosure agreements will have lapsed, and so that Monday night chat
should be filled with talk of all the new software that is expected to be
demoed and/or released at Kfest '98.
Although attending that chat won't quite be the same as attending Kfest
'98, it'll be your chance to find out all about the latest and greatest!
Mark your calendar now: Monday. July 27th, 10PM EDT!
Joe Kohn
(JOE_KOHN, 14002, GO COM A2)
<<<<< With just 5 days to go before leaving for Kfest, I don't think I'm
""""" going to have much time to devote to online activities, so I just
wanted to remind everyone that there's going to be an online
post-KansasFest party on Monday night, July 27th at 10 PM EDT.
That, of course, is when Shareware Solutions II hosts the first
multi-system chat after Kfest, and it should be quite a festive party that
night!
I believe that a lot of new software is going to be demoed, introduced, and
released at Kfest...and so that chat on 7/27/98 will be a Kfest round-up.
It may be your first chance to learn about what went on at KansasFest 98.
For those unable to attend that Monday night chat on 7/27/98, Max Jones has
tentatively volunteered to capture the chat proceedings in scrollback and
to do a little editing so that there will be a transcript of the chat
available afterwards.
I think that this upcoming Kfest is going to be the most exciting Apple II
event ever held, and on 7/27/98 at 10 PM, you can be a part of it. Sort of
;-)
Joe Kohn
(JOE_KOHN, 14341, GO COM A2)
QUIET PLEASE: KFEST IN PROGRESS Is everyone too busy writing scripts,
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" hacking all night, running around the
dorm wrapped in blankies, etc to share all of the great things that have
happened here at Kfest?
The Big Cheese
(CINDYADAMS, 14474, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Apparently so. :)
"""""
I meant to post some stuff last night, actually (including my previous
post), but I faded away into sleep instead.
** Be excited, be VERY excited. **
Yesterday, Richard Bennett announced (and demonstrated, this is REAL folks)
Marinetti 2.0, which provides full Internet connectivity for the IIgs. This
is a complete TCP/IP implementation, not requiring an ISP with a shell
account, or anything else unusual or hard to find.
There are those who may not recognize what an accomplishment this really
is. We all owe Richard a big vote of thanks for, first of all, doing the
(almost) impossible, secondly for doing it as a labor of love in what bit
of spare time he has available.
Which is not to say that Ewen Wannop's contribution of Spectrum 2.2 is
insignificant. Without it, the new Marinetti is of limited utility. But
Spectrum 2.2 is fully Marinetti 2.0 aware. You can now open multiple
sockets to multiple service locations at one time. You can do a whole lot
more than that, of course, but this capability of dealing with sockets at
all is the foundation on which everything else rests. (Frankly, I'm
surprised that Ewen only assigned a fractional upgrade number. I would have
said v2.3 as an absolute minimum, and this new capability is SO significant
that I would have had to be persuaded not to call it v3.0.
And, the icing on the cake is the latest version of Spectrum Internet
Suite. Geoff Weiss demonstrated that (sorry Geoff, I don't recall the
version #) pretty extensively, and it too is awesome.
Now I confess that I do most of my Internet browsing on the Mac, but that
stuff that I do on a daily basis is pretty much all text based. If I
understood everything in these three demos correctly, but upgrading my GS
with these latest enhancements, I am going to be able to save 30-60 minutes
a day be reading my regular sites with the GS instead of the Mac.
I'm REALLY looking forward to this. (All three of these products should be
ready for release in, approximately, September.)
There was also talk of several other Internet utilities, and demos of most
of them. Unfortunately, it was dark, and I was sleepy, and I can't quite
remember who to credit for what, so I'll let someone else speak up with the
names and details.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~ Speaking of being tired, I overslept this morning, and missed Joe
Kohn's presentation, but Shareware Solutions has a MAJOR new utility for
all us GS users, a "universal" spell check that works within any desktop
application, if I heard it right. (I was stumbling out of the shower when
Greg Nelson came 'round telling me about it. Needless to say, he thought it
was very impressive.)
Hey JOE, tell the rest of the world about your new goodie, eh?? :)
Gary R. Utter ..............................................enjoying KFest
:)
(UTTER, 14479, GO COM A2)
>>>>> The version will be 1.1
"""""
> (All three of these products should be ready for release in,
> approximately, September.)
Actually, SIS is the only one of the three committed for a release at the
end of September.
> There was also talk of several other Internet utilities, and
> demos of most of them.
I had demoed an FTP client. It crashed a few times, but hey, I made it
Marinetti 2.0 compatible just a few minutes before the presentation began
so it was expected.
Geoff
(SISGEOFF, 14494, GO COM A2)
>>>>> I slept through some of it. :) But having Michael Hackett in my
""""" room using my computer half the night might have had something to
do with it.
For those of you using WordWorks Pro, who have been annoyed by the
advertising window that you get every time you quit, Michael has created a
fix. He has written a patch program that will delete that feature (or bug)
from the program. It needs a little more work, but should be out soon.
Michael also won the HackFest contest with the program.
--
Carl Knoblock - Telephone Tech - Via Crock O' Gold v2.5
From KFest 10
cknoblo@novia.net
(CKNOBLO, 14490, GO COM A2)
KFEST--THE DAY AFTER GreetinGS,
""""""""""""""""""""
I would put this in the Kfest '98 topic, but I'm too tired to look it up at
the moment. :-)
I arrived home from Kfest '98 a few hours ago, and I think I must have
floated along I-70 most of the way, such was the high I'm on from this past
week.
Kfest '98 was, in a word, fabulous! We had a great turnout (more than last
year by 10 percent), and some of the Apple II world's most active and
productive developers were on hand. What they showed us was nothing less
than astounding.
We now have several new programs, updates of old programs, and even more
programs in the works. And they say this is a dead platform. :-)
I'll post more of my impressions and observations when I get some rest and
clear my head. But I wanted to let everyone know that, from my perspective,
Kfest '98 was a fantastic show.
Now, before I fall asleep at the keyboard, I'm going to check out the
following items I obtained Kfest '98:
WebWorks GS (NEW!)
Disk Access II (UPGRADE)
GSoft BASIC (NEW)
The TABBS Library Archive (NEW CD-ROM compilation from Ewen Wannop and
available to the world from Joe Kohn's SSII)
ShoeBox (A program from Seven Hills I just around to purchasing)
Of course, before long, I hope you'll all join me in upgrading your systems
with:
Marinetti 2.0
Spectrum 2.2
SIS 1.1
GraphicWriter III 2.1
And I haven't even mentioned Nifty Spell, the universal spell checker for
the IIGS that was demoed at Kfest and will soon be available from SSII.
That program is sure to generate a lot of interest. It's something we've
needed for a long time.
Man, this was an active Kfest for new stuff!!!
Before I sign off for now, I want to thank Cindy Adams for managing another
terrific event, and Steve Gozdziewski for putting together a great
schedule. They do a wonderful job and are the glue that keeps the event
what it is.
More later .... Time to unwind from a busy week. :-)
Apple II Forever
Max Jones, Juiced.GS
http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs
Delivered by Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5
(JUICEDGS, 14517, GO COM A2)
>>>>> And let's not forget our new web page:
"""""
http://www.kfest.org
Ryan
KFest '99! Start planning today!!
Delivered by OLRight! scripts for ANSITerm
(RSUENAGA, 14562, GO COM A2)
>>>>> In another place and time Ryan Suenaga stood up in front of God and
""""" Country at KansasFest 1998 and told the world that the KansasFest
Konsortium has now aligned itself squarely with the new world web order. In
other words, KansasFest now has its own domain on the web!
KansasFest can now be found on the web at this url:
http://kfest.org
The old address (http://www.primenet.com/~adams/kfest.html) is still
operational, but all it does now is show a picture of two auld pharts
enjoying themselves at KFest 98, and then it will redirect you to the new
home page (this will happen automatically if you are using a contemporary
gui browser).
{<http://www.syndicomm.com/a2web/a2webring.html> Join the Apple II Web
Ring!}
David K.
(DKERWOOD, 14529, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Of course, SIS counts as a "contemporary GUI Browser." :)
"""""
Geoff
(SISGEOFF, 14556, GO COM A2)
>>>>> I'd have to agree with Cindy. It's always been the presenters and
""""" attendees that have done the most to make KFest so very special.
Everyone that attends contributes something toward making KFest such a
fantastic event year after year!
A very special "Thanks" to all,
Steve
KFest '99 - July 21-25, 1999
(STEVE_G, 14580, GO COM A2)
>>>>> After driving all night, I finally got back to Chicago around noon
""""" today. I don't know if I'll be able to keep my eyes open long
enough to finish writing this message, but maybe I can type in my sleep...
KFest '98 was a blast, as usual, but for some reason this year seemed like
even more fun than the previous KFests I have attended. Maybe it was
because I finally got to meet Ewen Wannop (I roomed with him, in fact), or
maybe it was that little jaunt to the Italian restaurant with a few people
who wanted to try something other than Jess and Jim's for dinner (I'll
leave the details of the car chases and the search for ice cream for
another time.) Perhaps it was playing Snood on Cindy's PowerBook. Or
watching Paul climb the walls (I think it was Paul...it's all a blur.)
Yeah, all of the above.
Wednesday. Gina and I drove down from Chicago. Hot, hot, hot. No air
conditioning in the car so we drove under cover of night. We arrived in KC
way too early so we camped out at Hardee's until noon. At registration I
received my annual hug from Cindy (the =real= highlight of KFest) and then
went to the dorm to unpack. I got there before Ewen, my aforementioned
roommate, so I grabbed the good bed and began unpacking my computer so I
could hog the whole desk. As people began trickling in, I gave up on the
computer and started roaming the halls.
It's hard to put into words the feelings I get each year at KFest. I
suppose it's similar to what you'd feel at a family reunion. After four
KFests I've begun to get downright chummy with some of these people who I
only meet once a year. Anyway, Wednesday afternoon was spent reacquainting
myself with old friends and meeting new ones. Wednesday afternoon should
have been spent sleeping but, yeah right.
Wednesday night is the traditional trip to KC Masterpiece for dinner. I
think the best way to enjoy this is to take pot luck on who you sit with.
When a new table is announced (they don't take reservations so it takes
quite a while to seat 40-50 people) just walk up there with whoever happens
to be standing next to you (or sitting, if you're enjoying a cold drink at
the bar.) This is embarassing, but I just realized I can't remember
everyone at my table. Beat me over the head if I'm wrong, but I think it
was Sheppy, Ephraim Wall and Stan Marks. It was late and I was tired. I
think I'm still digesting all that beef, btw.
Wednesday night is usually a great time to wander around and talk to
everyone, but after the long drive I just collapsed at about 11:30.
More later...
-----------------------------------------------------
Tony Ward, A2 Database Manager
[Delivered with Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5]
--
"I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them." -- Isaac Asimov
(TONYW1, 14519, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Well, at least I'm not the only one who doesn't remember who he was
""""" sitting next to at KC Masterpiece. :)
Anyway, on to the report. Part 2.
Thursday. I slept right through Mike Westerfield's keynote address (sorry,
Mike!) I did make his GSoft BASIC session later in the day though, and I
bought a copy right then and there. But I'm getting ahead of myself. There
were three mid-morning sessions to choose from. Since I had overslept I
decided to attend Geoff Weiss' UNIX Shell Programming, mainly because it
was physically the closest to my room <g>. I would have liked to attend
Ewen Wannop's Spectrum Scripting session, but, well, ahem, maybe next year.
Besides, I already mentioned that Ewen was my roommate so I saw enough of
him anyway. :)
Lunch was mostly digestable. The less said the better. Richard Bennett
seemed to have liked it, as usual.
I spent the afternoon at the double-length IIgs Communications session.
This featured presentations by Richard Bennett (Marinetti), Ewen Wannop
(Spectrum), and Geoff Weiss (SIS.) Updates of all three of these integrated
programs will be available later in the year.
After supper (again, the less said the better), it was on to Mike's GSoft
BASIC session. GSoft is light years ahead of Applesoft BASIC. In fact, it's
ahead of most other BASIC's available even for other platforms. One of the
HackFest competitors later in the evening used it!
Speaking of HackFest, it began shortly after supper. I think there were
four brave entrants in this programming marathon. If I'm not mistaken, each
of the four was using a different language: GSoft BASIC, C, Pascal and
Assembly (or was that raw machine code, Geoff? <g>.) On Saturday it was
announced that Michael Hackett had won. More on that later.
One thing missing this year was Bite the Bag, possibly because it usually
occurs Thursday night at the same time as this year's HackFest. Oh well,
maybe it will return next year.
I spent the rest of Thursday night roaming the halls, going room to room
seeing what everyone was up to. I think this was when I got my first taste
of the game Snood on Cindy's Powerbook. This is certainly one of the most
maddeningly addictive games I have ever played. I can only hope someone
will take up the challenge of creating a GS (or even 8-bit) version.
At some point during the evening, Ewen found me in the hall and started to
apologize for reformatting my hard drive. You see, he didn't bring a
computer so we shared mine. As he was booting my machine, he saw a message
on the screen about the hard drive being formatted. What he didn't know was
that I have Bret Victor's Opening Line installed, which brings up a random
picture at every boot. This time happened to be the faux "hard drive
format" picture. A good chuckle was had by all, and hopefully no damage was
done to Ewen's heart.
Sleep finally overtook me around 3:30 am.
-----------------------------------------------------
Tony Ward, A2 Database Manager
[Delivered with Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5]
--
Vice Versa: Mafia controlled poetry...
(TONYW1, 14554, GO COM A2)
CAN ANYONE TELL ME JUST WHAT A BABELFISH IS? Let's hope I remember this
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" right (I was fighting
unconsciousness when it was discussed).
BabelFish is a translator system that runs at the system level. When you
try to open a document for which you do not have the native application on
hand, BabelFish intervenes and asks you what application you want to use to
open the file, and gives you choices. It also allows you to open (sayyyy)
an Appleworks document with something else (with only a double-click), but
I didn't understand that part. :)
It sounded pretty good at the time, I wish I could remember it better.
Gary R. Utter
(UTTER, 14621, GO COM A2)
>>>>> No... Babelfish is an NDA that lets you convert files from one
""""" format to another.
In addition, it provides support so applications can link into it and use
its translators to import and export files directly within the application.
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd
Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum
(SHEPPY, 14624, GO COM A2)
>>>>> No, Bablefish is a System Extension which allows an application to
""""" "import" and/or "export" data into other formats. There is a File
Converter NDA which supports Bablefish which is what you are thinking of.
The only other program which supports Bablefish that is currently released
is SuperConvert 4.0 (on sale at Seven Hills through the rest of this
month). There are several graphic translators included with Bablefish for
use with SuperConvert's Bablefish access. Other translators include fonts,
sounds, and texts.
Watch for Bablefish text support in Spectrum 2.2. There are currently a
handful of text translators for Bablefish: import/export of ascii text and
Teach files and a HTML exporter. Hopefully, enterprising programmers will
write additional translators for use with Bablefish. Formats like Microsoft
Word and PDF would be ideal due to their popularity.
Geoff
(SISGEOFF, 14627, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Ah... looking through my system folder, the only thing I found that
""""" I positively identified as being related to Babelfish, other than
the translator modules, was the NDA (and I'd read elsewhere from someone I
thought knew what they were talking about that the NDA did everything :).
I don't trust installers; I already wish I'd ignored the one that came on
the Babelfish disk and installed the stuff by hand, because I have no idea
what half this stuff does, and my system started crashing halfway through
booting after installing that stuff. Had to yank one of the inits installed
(I don't remember the name offhand, but I couldn't determine its purpose
from the name) to eliminate the crashing. Babelfish still works, and that's
all I really wanted installed anyway, so I'm happy.
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd
Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum
(SHEPPY, 14641, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Can you check which INIT you disabled? A quick scan of the extras
""""" disk shows the following inits: fielder, sane.fix, sfutility,
bablefish, and sys.icons. If there is a specific init that causes problem,
I would like to make sure the person maintaining that source code knows
about it and check for problems. Geoff
(SISGEOFF, 14648, GO COM A2)
>>>>> I believe that would be the SFUtility Init. My machine wouldn't
""""" boot correctly after installing Babelfish and when I disabled
SFUtility it worked fine.
After playing around for a while, I ended up changing the load order of
some of my Inits and I can now boot properly with SFUtility enabled. I
think, but I can't remember exactly, that I ended up putting SFUtility as
the last Init in my System.Setup directory.
Jeff Blakeney - Dean of A2U in A2Pro on Delphi
sent via COG v2.5, Spectrum v2.1 and a Linux box to here.
(JBLAKENEY, 14651, GO COM A2)
TRENCO: UP AND COMING A2 FTP SITE FWIW, there is a small group of Apple
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" II enthusiasts who are attempting to
create a strong alternative to ground; we have been working on a site at:
ftp://trenco.gno.org
We have lots of space and are working on uploading files as possible;
uploaders wanted. The server is fast with lots of bandwidth and well
organized.
Ryan
KFest '99!
Delivered by OLRight! scripts for ANSITerm
(RSUENAGA, 14564, GO COM A2)
>>>>> You can find a bit more about the Trenco Apple II Archive by going
""""" to A2-Web, at this url:
http://www.syndicomm.com/a2web/a2netsoft.html
Direct links to both the ftp and http sites can be found here.
{<http://www.syndicomm.com/a2web/a2webring.html> Join the Apple II Web
Ring!}
David K.
(DKERWOOD, 14571, GO COM A2)
ARE ALL THE GENIE A2 FILES ON DELPHI? Not quite right. We have archives
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" of every file that we uploaded to
GEnie, and of virtually every file that anyone else ever uploaded to Genie
(in the A2 and A2Pro libraries).
Which is to say, if Genie shuts down tomorrow, those files are safe.
Not all of them CAN be uploaded to Delphi due to copyright questions.
(Questionable files include, but are not limited to, Genie bulletin board
archives, RTC transcripts, and some files that the originator specified
would ONLY be available on Genie.)
That still leaves something more than 12 thousand files, if I am not
mistaken. Uploading 12 thousand files is not a simple undertaking. Doing it
manually is out of the question. It will have to be done with scripts, but
PREPPING those files for upload is also a major problem (i.e. writing
descriptions, keywords, etc). That, we are thinking, can be done with a
custom set of Appleworks macros or something.
We thought this would be a relatively trivial matter, but that turns out
not to be the case. Once we get all the details resolved, we can START
pumping files, but it will still take months to get them uploaded, even if
everything goes perfectly.
The key point in all this, however, is that we HAVE the files, they are
safe, and nothing is going to get lost.
Gary R. Utter
(UTTER, 13739, GO COM A2)
MORE ON DELPHI DATABASE FILENAMES Here's a (much) more in-depth
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" explanation of the "period" problem.
Files have three names: Group name, download name, and internal name. The
group name is what you see when you look at a list of files. On Delphi,
groups can contain multiple files so we need a separate download name for
each file within a group. Here in the A2 Forum, the download name will
always be the same as the group name because we don't allow more than one
file per group. Either of these two file names can have as many periods as
you want.
The trouble comes with the internal name. This is the actual VMS filename
that Delphi uses to store the file on disk. It's invisible to most people
because it's not important unless you're a staff member. If you're curious,
here's what one looks like: 03$SHAKE$SZILLA.1XBXY
Look familiar? It's your recent upload. Delphi produces a unique filename
by combining the topic number, uploader, and filename. As you can see, here
is where we have that dreaded "X" instead of a period. There's nothing we
can do to change it. It's similar to the way ProDOS won't allow certain
characters in its filenames.
Are you still with me? Good. :)
Now, if you have your telecom program strip the Binary II when you download
files, you won't have to worry about that "X" because inside the Binary II
(no matter how the BXY filename has been mangled by Delphi) is the original
ShrinkIt (SHK) archive which will still have all the proper periods. The
trouble comes when you don't strip off the Binary II during the download,
either because you can't (ie. using an older telecom program or a Mac or
PC) or because you just don't want to. You'll end up with a file named
SZILLA.1XBXY which will probably be treated as a binary (or text) file by
your telecom program. It won't have the proper filetype and that "X" will
cause ShrinkIt to ignore the file in it's file dialogs (you have to "show
all files" to see it.)
So the "download name" is something of a misnomer. The actual name that
gets passed to your telecom program during a download is the internal name
(just the filename part, not the topic or uploader.)
Whew! That's a rather long-winded way to say: It's a VMS file naming
problem that can affect some downloaders.
-----------------------------------------------------
Tony Ward, A2 Database Manager
[Delivered with Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5]
--
(TONYW1, 14388, GO COM A2)
DEALING WITH DELPHI'S POP MAIL Let me try to explain the Delphi/POP mail
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" thing a little better. I only keep two
folders for my Delphi mail. By default new mail goes into NEWMAIL, and
after I read it it goes into MAIL. When I do all my mail reading from
Delphi's MAIL page, I get notified when I logon of any new mail (NEWMAIL
folder) and each letter moves automatically to MAIL after I read it. So
after reading my new mail, the NEWMAIL folder is empty and the MAIL folder
contains mail that I have already read (it gets deleted automatically after
a certain period of time.)
Now, a different situation arises if I read my mail via POP3. New letters
still go into the NEWMAIL folder, but they stay there after I have read
them via pop.delphi.com. They do not get automatically moved to MAIL. But
they also do not appear "new" to Delphi because I don't get the "You have X
new letters" message at logon. It seems that reading mail via POP3 somehow
resets the new flag, but doesn't move the letters from NEWMAIL to MAIL.
Am I making sense here?
If I actually delete a letter, either from the Delphi MAIL page or from
POP3, the letter does vanish from both sides.
-----------------------------------------------------
Tony Ward, A2 Database Manager
[Delivered with Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5]
--
You made my day, now you have to lie in it.
(TONYW1, 13745, GO COM A2)
>>>>> The POP3 protocol was intended for simple maildrops. It doesn't
""""" support multiple folders. For that, you need a server that
understands the IMAP protocol.
--
Steve Reeves
(REEVESST, 13751, GO COM A2)
<<<<< I think I'm beginning to understand. When I read any of my other
""""" accounts' mail via POP3, the mail does indeed remain in the INBOX
unless I delete it. I obviously can't move the mail from one folder to
another because POP3 doesn't support that.
I understand that. What I don't understand is how Delphi can somehow mark
mail in the NEWMAIL folder as having been read via POP3 but it can't then
move that mail to the already-read MAIL folder. This is apparently
something that can only be done from the Delphi mail page.
Let me phrase it another way. After I read mail via POP3 the mail is still
sitting in the NEWMAIL folder on Delphi, yet Delphi somehow knows that I
have already read it. Why then can't Delphi automatically move the mail
from NEWMAIL to MAIL? When I read a letter in NEWMAIL from Delphi's mail
page, the letter automatically gets moved to MAIL. Why isn't this done when
reading via POP3?
This isn't a big deal. I just find it odd that it works the way it does.
It's a silly thing I have about wanting to understand the way things work.
:)
-----------------------------------------------------
Tony Ward, A2 Database Manager
[Delivered with Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5]
--
(TONYW1, 13777, GO COM A2)
>>>>> The VAX at work is primarily used as a POP3 mail server, so I
""""" haven't had much need to play around with the VMS command-line mail
program. (Which is what Delphi is using, btw.) However, maybe I can
answer your question anyway. :)
The NEWMAIL folder is where VMS puts the mail by default. The mail program
itself is responsible for moving the mail to MAIL after you read it. Of
course, the POP3 server doesn't do this, so your read messages stay where
they are. Could the POP3 server have been written so that mail would get
moved? I suppose, but with the X-Windows VMS mail program at least, you
can change the folder that read messages get moved to. Would the POP3
server have to check the settings of each user to know where it should move
the mail? I'd guess so. It may have been too much trouble. That, and
MultiNet is a piece of junk. :) (MultiNet provides a TCP/IP stack and
related services, like a POP3 server, for VMS, and I assume Delphi uses
it.)
It's late, I'm tired, and I may not have a clue as to how all this works,
so don't bet your life on this information. :) Of course, to me, this is
how it _appears_ to work.
Later,
- Aaron
(APULVER, 13779, GO COM A2)
>>>>> This is how I see the problem as well.
"""""
I think the big reason that POP3 doesn't have any support for folders is
that it was designed for the client to handle all the mail. The POP3
server is basically just a holding tank for your e-mail until you retrieve
it.
If you look at most POP3 e-mail clients you will see that they have full
support for multiple folders and such. I use Pegasus Mail on my Win95
machine and the e-mail client I am writing for the IIgs will also support
multiple folders at some point.
It all boils down to the fact that a POP3 server doesn't know anything
about your folder for READ mail and as the other mail program you use
wasn't the one to read the mail, it will not move it for you either.
Jeff Blakeney
(JBLAKENEY, 13780, GO COM A2)
>>>>> A little theory on how POP3 servers work: When the POP3 server
""""" reads your incoming mail box (username and password is accepted for
authentication), it scans the headers to figure where each message starts
and stops. This is how it figures out how many messages are in the incoming
mailbox. The POP3 client reads header information of each message and looks
for the "Status: " header to determine if a message is read or not. If this
header field is marked with a "R", then the message has been read before
and the POP3 client will not retrieve the message. Otherwise, the POP3
client retrieves the message and the POP3 server then automatically updates
the Status: header with a "R" to mean it has now been read. The POP3 client
then optionally sends a command to the server to delete the message to
reduce disk space on the server. As soon as the POP3 connection is closed,
the changes to the messages (deletes, read status, etc) are written back to
the incoming mailbox file. The mailbox file is then ready to accept more
new messages. Geoff
(SISGEOFF, 13795, GO COM A2)
<<<<< Ah yes, now I remember that status header (N = new, R = read, A =
""""" answered, right?) So, other than manually editing the mail file, is
there any way to get POP3 to =not= update the header when reading messages?
-----------------------------------------------------
Tony Ward, A2 Database Manager
[Delivered with Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5]
--
Don't drink coffee in early A.M. It'll keep you awake until noon.
(TONYW1, 13818, GO COM A2)
>>>>> If you modify the POP3 source and run it on your own UNIX box,
""""" then, sure, the Status line can be made not to be modified. But if
you have your own UNIX box, why bother running POP3 when the machine can
run sendmail and be a real mail server... There is no special command you
can send to the existing POP3 server to prevent the Status line from
getting modified. Geoff
(SISGEOFF, 13820, GO COM A2)
HOW TO REMOVE A SOCKETED CHIP By far, the best chip puller ever made is a
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" small straight-blade screwdriver with a
long shank. It gives excellent control of the chip pulling process. You are
far less likely to bend pins with a screwdriver than with just about any
other (reasonably priced) tool you will find. Just work all four corners a
little bit at a time, keeping the chip level as it levitates out of the
socket.
I repair industrial electronics for a living. FWIW, every one of the 100 or
so techs in my shop uses a screwdriver. It's the best tool.
TomZ
(TOMZUSKI, 13791, GO COM A2)
IOMEGA ZIP PROBLEMS PART 1 I don't know what the exact problem is (and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" Iomega probably isn't spreading it around
either), but their web page specifically states that the Zip Plus SCSI
drive should be the only drive on your SCSI chain.
-----------------------------------------------------
Tony Ward, A2 Database Manager
[Delivered with Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5]
--
Whips And Chains? Sorry, That's A Hardware Problem
(TONYW1, 14522, GO COM A2)
>>>>> From what I've read, Iomega does not intend to fix the problem, and
""""" are instead offering to replace Plus drives with SCSI drives or
give refunds. Still, selling the thing as a SCSI drive with such a huge
flaw, even with a disclaimer (which I believe is only mentioned in the
manual, not on the box), is a bit irresponsible. I'm taking the refund and
I got a SyJet instead (though I still have an internal SCSI Zip on my
IIgs).
Michael
(SAR, 14352, GO COM A2)
IOMEGA ZIP PROBLEMS PART 2 Today, I was given a ZipDrive that's gone thru
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" the "click of death." The lady who gave it to
me said that the local apple shop refused to try to fix it. So--a couple
of related questions: is it worth trying to get this puppy fixed, and if
so, any ideas where I should send it to? Since I don't have the warranty
papers for it, I'm not sure if iOmega would be the place to contact.
Thanks!
later............Howard
(HKATZ, 14196, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Calling Iomega is worth a try -- nothing ventured, nothing gained.
""""" Some drives that are within a range of serial numbers are to be
fixed, no questions asked. I don't have those serial numbers handy but
Iomega should have that list available.
Good luck.
IMHO, if they won't fix it for free, it's not worth their prices to fix it.
A factory refurb can be had for much less.
(SFAHEY, 14197, GO COM A2)
SEVEN HILLS BLATANT PLUG I don't know how anyone gets along without
"""""""""""""""""""""""" Kangaroo and TransProg III. They have been
permanent additions to my system ever since I bought them (along with other
vitals like Shifty List, II Scroll and Hermes.) The hierarchical CDev menu
from Super Menu Pack is tres cool too.
I don't work for Seven Hills. I just thought I'd comment on some of their
great software.
-----------------------------------------------------
Tony Ward, A2 Database Manager
[Delivered with Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5]
--
A Tagline is a terrible thing to waste.
(TONYW1, 13832, GO COM A2)
>>>>> I'm with Tony on this one. In addition to my desktop publishing
""""" activities (GraphicWriter III 2.0) and telecommunications
(Spectrum, SIS), I do a lot of file/disk copying, traditional
correspondence and beta testing. TransProg III and Kangaroo make navigating
and managing my GS programs, files and archives a snap.
I also find The Manager quite useful when I'm doing certain tasks,
especially desktop publishing. When I'm in the production phase of
Juiced.GS, it is common for me to fire up The Manager, then load Platinum
Paint, GraphicWriter, and maybe even WordWorks Pro, and switch happily
between the three as I need them.
I don't use The Manager for general purposes, though, because I find it
slows my system down too much to suit me, and it's never been as stable
during telecommunications as I'd like. Still, I wouldn't want to be without
it.
Max Jones, Juiced.GS
http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs
Delivered by Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5
(JUICEDGS, 13840, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Kangaroo is a system extension that allows you to quickly navigate
""""" through folders and files. It does this by placing a pulldown menu
(designated by a cute little Kangaroo icon) in the standard file dialog
box.
Let's say you are in the Spectrum editor, and you want to open a specific
file or folder on another hard drive partition that you were using a short
time ago. When you choose Open Editor Document, a standard file dialog
appears. From Kangy's system of hierarchic menus you will be able to select
that file immediately, because it will be listed as among your 10 most
recently accessed files or folders.
Beyond the file/folder navigation features, which are quite handy
themselves, Kangaroo has some other sophisticated and powerful features. It
allows you to set up to 10 groups of files that can be attached to specific
programs. For example, I have a telecom group configured, so when I'm in
Spectrum, I see only certain types of files/folders in my Kangy menu. If I
leave Spectrum and launch GraphicWriter, a different set of files/folders
will appear because I also have a desktop publishing group set up. Same
with a Juiced.GS business group, which will have lots of AppleWorks GS
related database files attached to it.
Kangaroo also gives users access to the inner workings of files, such as
file types. I find that very useful when I need to quickly change a file
type.
I hope that gives you a better idea what Kangaroo is all about.
Max Jones, Juiced.GS
http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs
Delivered by Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5
(JUICEDGS, 13841, GO COM A2)
<<<<< Max has already mentioned lots of features, but I'll add some more.
"""""
Kangaroo remembers the last file you opened and will put the cursor on that
file automatically the next time you open a file dialog. Optionally, it can
add a menu item in the File menu (just below the regular "Open" item) that
will contain a hierarchical list of files you have recently opened. This
makes it much easier to go back and repeatedly open files.
You can assign a keypress to activate Kangaroo's "Find File" and
"Utilities" functions. Thus you can get to these functions without having
to first open a file dialog and pull down Kangaroo's menu.
You can perform all the usual file manipulation functions such as rename,
delete, new folder, format, etc.
-----------------------------------------------------
Tony Ward, A2 Database Manager
[Delivered with Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5]
--
All words are pegs on which to hang ideas.
(TONYW1, 13883, GO COM A2)
MORE PCT AND 3.5 DRIVES Please don't dismiss the PCT as an _Apple_ 3.5
""""""""""""""""""""""" Drive Controller. It works fine under ProDOS 8 at
800K and GCR encoding.
I believe there is confusion on this point for two reasons:
1. Under _MS-DOS_, the PCT (can you say 'pretty neat trick'?) uses any
external Apple 3.5 drive connected to it as a 720K MFM drive, capable of
reading and writing (but not formatting, at least not well) 720K MFM MS-DOS
diskettes. Under ProDOS, the PCT does _not_ use this access mode.
2. If one of the Applied Engineering 3.5 PCT _Transdrives_ is used under
ProDOS, it produces a MFM 720K ProDOS diskette, which is the 'oddball' that
was mentioned above. You need NOT be concerned with this if you use the
_external_ Apple 3.5 drive.
Remember, however, that you will still have to boot ProDOS from another
device, such as your hard drive, or perhaps a 5.25" drive or ROMDisk, since
the PCT has no boot ROM.
I still marvel at how cool the PCT was/is. I use mine quite often.
FWIW, you'd be amazed at how much faster an Apple 3.5 drive is in a IIe if
you connect it to the Apple Superdrive Card (and accelerate that slot with
the Zip Chip) as compared to using a UDC or the PCT. Amazed. Really.
FWIW2, if you do get the $59 SuperDrive Controller, you can activate its
built-in self test from the monitor with: Cs0AG, where s=slot #. Its a
pretty cool self-test, by the way.
Hugh...
(HUGHHOOD, 14044, GO COM A2)
GETTING A DESKJET AND IIGS UP AND RUNNING Well folks, I've been sitting
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" on this problem for a couple of
months now....
I picked up an HP DeskJet 500 and hooked it up to my IIgs using Harmonie
(most recent version from Joe) and a properly constructed cable
(instructions provided here on Delphi A2).
I am using the Printer.HAR port driver and the DeskJet.HAR printer driver
in the DC Printer CDEV.
Everything prints as expected from Appleworks 5.1.
However, when printing from GS/OS based text processors, my first page
prints normally but subsequent pages (2,3,....) print in _REALLY_TINY_
print!
Since I didn't get a manual with this printer I'd like to know if anyone
has encountered this problem and if it can be fixed by setting the DIP
switches on the HP DJ500? (i.e., sharing your DIP settings would be greatly
appreciated! :-) ).
I should point out that I have Pointless installed and that I don't think
this problem is related to the low memory situation described in the
Harmonie manual.
Interestingly, the one time I tried to print a test document from
Appleworks GS (I normally use a text edit based text processor...EgoEd),
all three pages printed normally!! I know that AWGS doesn't use TextEdit so
I was wondering if this may be another quirk in TextEdit?)
In summary,
Appleworks 5.1 --- printing normal
Appleworks GS --- printing normal (one attempt)
EgoEd or Teach --- printing normal for page 1, abnormal beyond page 1.
Any help would be appreciated!
Paul.
Paul Schultz
schultp@delphi.com
sent your way via Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5
(SCHULTP, 14070, GO COM A2)
>>>>> You obviously knew what was causing the "tiny font" problem on your
""""" DJ500. Try these DIP Switch settings:
U D U D D D D U D U D D U D D D
A lot of people have recently picked up used DeskJets without
documentation, and have run into problems, so I asked Ray Merlin (who I
know has had a DJ500 for years and years) for his dip switch settings.
In any case, just adjust the dip switches, and you shouldn't see the "tiny
font" problem again.
Joe Kohn
(JOE_KOHN, 14071, GO COM A2)
>>>>> I have a DeskJet 500, and when I flip the cover up, it has the DIP
""""" switch settings on the inside of the cover. Just in case yours are
missing, this is what they are:
Left Bank (numbered left to right)
1-4 Language select.
D D D D = PC-8
U D U D = ASCII
Usually I use PC-8, but if you want to print with AppleSoft or another
program that sets the high bits, you might want to use ASCII.
5-6 Paper/Envelope Size
D D = US Letter
D U = European A4
U D = US Legal
U U = Envelope (US #10)
7 Carriage Return Definition
U = CRLF
D = CR
Set this to complement your control panel or software settings. One or the
other has to send the line feed.
8 Perforation Skip
U = Disable
D = Enable
This puts a 1/2" (3 line) blank space at the top of the page. Note that
the bottom of the page _always_ has 1/2" of 'white space'.
Right Bank
1 Text Scale Mode
U = 66 lines per page
D = 63 lines per page
This squashes the text vertically to fit more lines per page. There is
still 1/2" of white space at the bottom of the page with this switch up.
2 Graphics Density
U = 300 DPI
D = 75 DPI
This switch should be _UP_ for default of 300 DPI
3 Terminal Mode
U = Enable
D = Disable
Always leave this disabled.
4-5 RS-232 Baud Rate
D D = 9600
D U = 19200
U D = 2400
U U = 1200
6-7 Parity & Word Length
D D = 8N
D U = 7O
U D = 7E
U U = 8N
8 Handshaking
U = DTR
D = DTR + Xon/Xoff
My recommended settings are: D D D D D D U U U D D U D D D
That allows you to print the PC-8 characters. In my case, the 'extra'
characters in ANSITerm correspond almost exactly to the PC-8 character set,
so it is really nice.
If you were to use a parallel card with Harmonie, the baud rate, parity,
and handshaking settings would be irrelevant. If you had a serial printer
switch and an ImageWriter, you could set the baud rate and CR/LF settings
to the same for both.
- Don (IronTooth)
Delivered by my ANSITerm off-line reader scripts...
They're OLRight!
(DZAHNISER, 14074, GO COM A2)
>>>>> That triggered my memory. :) It isn't a memory problem, it's the
""""" fact that it sends each page separately. The faulty driver only
sends certain printer commands on the first page of a document, and the
corrected drivers send them for each page. The printer needs to be told the
DPI setting for each page if it is different than the dip switch setting.
Setting the dip switch, (B-2) to the setting you normally use prevents the
problem most of the time, but using a newer driver is better.
My DJ550C does not have a dip switch setting for DPI, so it's driver is set
up to send that command correctly, for each page. It will also work with
the DJ500 with the color box unchecked.
--
Carl Knoblock - Telephone Tech - Via Crock O' Gold v2.5
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to KFest 10 - July 22-26, 1998
cknoblo@novia.net
(CKNOBLO, 14117, GO COM A2)
<<<<< Thanks Carl,
"""""
Using the DJ500C driver did the trick. I always had my DIPs set to 300 DPI
while I always used 150 DPI in the page setup dialog from the DeskJet.HAR
driver. So, since I like the 'Save Ink' checkbox in the DeskJet.HAR driver
I may go back and experiment to see if setting the DPI in the Page Setup
dialog to match the DIP setting on my DJ500 will also solve my problem.
Thanks again for the DJ500C driver work-around.
Paul.
Paul Schultz
schultp@delphi.com
sent your way via Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5
(SCHULTP, 14148, GO COM A2)
>>>>> No, I used the new version. I also installed both the
""""" DeskJet520.HAR driver and the DeskJet500C.HAR drivers. The 520
driver was added with the v2.11 update. So, I set up the 'Harmonie News
and Updates' document supplied on the disk with a page setup of 'DeskJetxxx
Best'. I then set the resolution to 150x150 in the 'Print' dialog. The
results:
DeskJet.HAR - 2nd page gives small fonts.
DeskJet500C.HAR - 2nd page gives normal size fonts
DeskJet520.HAR - 2nd page gives small fonts.
Both the DeskJet and DeskJet520 drivers are B&W...
BTW - To 'save ink' when using the color drivers, simply hit the 'other
menu' button and adjust the Contrast and/or Brightness controls to suit.
With both set to 'Light', I got a very passable grey printout.
The v2.11 update to DeskJet.HAR makes a vast improvement over the original
DeskJet.HAR driver in the ability to do speedy 'External Rendering'. Also,
changing the Aspect Ratio control in 'External Rendering' adjusts the line
spacing but doesn't mess up the print quality like it used to.
- Don (IronTooth)
Delivered by my ANSITerm off-line reader scripts...
They're OLRight!
(DZAHNISER, 14240, GO COM A2)
RUMOR MILL
""""""""""
MARINETTI AND LOCALTALK? > Any chance of getting TCP/IP via localtalk in
"""""""""""""""""""""""" > the near future?
Yep.
The new link layer format will allow anyone to code their own link layer
modules and plug them into Marinetti. I have looked at doing a LocalTalk
layer, but haven't had time to think about putting code together. I have
spoken to a few people here at KFest who might be interested in doing, so
who knows.
I can't see the module being any bigger than five or six K anyway, its just
a matter of getting the AppleTalk logic right.
Regards,
Richard
(RICHARD_B, 14506, GO COM A2)
THE STATUS OF A SHIFTY LIST UPGRADE Glad you like Shifty List 2.0. You've
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" joined the, hm, now 40 total people
that have registered it (and are therefore using it legally).
If that number ever gets up to the point I expected it to reach, I'll get
to work on Shifty List 3.0; as it stands, it's clear there's not much
interest in another version. :)
As for my web site -- I'm currently planning an overhaul this weekend. Some
of the pages are broken since my move to the new server, and most of them
are pretty dull.
Which reminds me: the SheppyWare server was down for a couple hours this
morning due to a power failure. It's back up now.
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd
Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum
(SHEPPY, 14676, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Only 40!?! That's a shame. I have SL 2.0 and although I rarely use
""""" it I consider it a good purchase. I realize the IIgs market is
small and SL 2.0 may not be for everyone but only 40 registered owners is
indeed low.
If anyone out there is using SL 2.0 and hasn't registered, please do. I
actually bought my copy as my way of 'thanking' Sheppy for his work on Wolf
3D...but, it turns out SL 2.0 was well worth the price on its own!!
Perhaps those of you who have enjoyed Wolf 3D could show your appreciation
for Sheppy's efforts by paying for one of his many fine shareware programs?
We just recently lost a IIgs developer (Nathan). I'd hate to lose another.
(We don't have that many left!)
Paul.
Paul Schultz
schultp@delphi.com
sent your way via Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5
(SCHULTP, 14689, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Joe sold 4 copies of Shifty List 2.0 at KFest; that brings the
""""" total number of registered users (Joe takes down info for me for
registration, so it doesn't need separate registration) to about 40.
It's pretty disappointing.
As for what features 2.0 has that 1.0 doesn't, well, that would include
several serious bug fixes (Shifty List 1.0 has a couple of bugs that can
cause serious problems on rare occasions). 2.0 also supports adding
pictures, sounds, BRAM settings (to change your control panels settings),
and applications to your scripts. In addition, you can call up a list of
scripts when you boot, so you can choose the script you want to use at
startup time -- that means you can use Shifty List as a more general
extension utility.
The user interface is much cleaner, and has some automatic sorting features
to attempt to organize scripts into a safe order.
If people like 1.0 and don't want or need 2.0 that's fine; but those people
also have no interest in an upgrade, so there's no need to consider doing
Shifty List 3.0.
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd
Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum
(SHEPPY, 14699, GO COM A2)
NEW MAIL CLIENT COMING Right around that time is when I should be
"""""""""""""""""""""" releasing "The Mailbox", my POP3/SMTP e-mail
client.
It will come in three forms:
1) A stand alone GS/OS desktop application
2) A New Desk Accessory (NDA) for use in any application
3) A set of scripts for Spectrum for those who prefer to do all
their telecommunications activities from within one program.
All three forms will share a common resource fork to save disk space and
will all use the same directories to store e-mail so that any messages you
have received or sent will be available from any form.
The Mailbox will be a shareware program but I haven't yet decided on
exactly how much I will be charging.
The Mailbox requires Marinetti.
Version 1.0 will not have all the features that I want to include but they
will be added in a future version.
Jeff Blakeney
(JBLAKENEY, 14492, GO COM A2)
AND NOW, A WORD ON COPYRIGHT Please read the distribution and copyright
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" notices in whatever you think of
distributing carefully and abide by them.
I'm not going to make any kind of judgment right now on whether the
copyright notice Nathan wrote in is valid or not, although I tend to think
it is. I'm just pointing out the copyright and distribution issue in this
case because over the last two weeks, another Apple II user group violated
_my_ distribution and copyright on work I did. Needless to say, I was
rather upset, and I'm still rather upset.
Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W, L.S.W.
Editor and Publisher, _The Lamp!_, published monthly on Delphi
Delivered by OLRight! scripts for ANSITerm
(RSUENAGA, 14661, GO COM A2)
PUBLIC POSTINGS
"""""""""""""""
SEVEN HILLS SUMMER SPECTACULAR
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Apple IIGS Software
Spectacular Summer Sale
from 7/3/98 through 8/31/98!
All IIGS products are only $15.00 each
except
GraphicWriter III & Spectrum which are only $50 each
plus the full version of SuperConvert 4.0 which is only $20.
Add $3.50 shipping/handling per order (not per item) in the U.S.
(exact airmail shipping will be calculated for outside the U.S.)
Florida residents add 7% tax.
ORDER NOW BY EMAIL, REGULAR MAIL, OR PHONE.
Going to KansasFest?
See some of our products demonstrated by their authors!
* Disk Access - New Desk Accessory
* Drive Cleaner GS - 3.5" Disk Drive Utility
* Express - Printer Spooler
* Font Factory GS - Font Editor
* Formulate - Math Formula Writer
* GATE GS - Adventure Game
* GraphicWriter III - Desktop Publisher
* Independence - HP Printer Drivers
* Kangaroo - File/Folder Navigator plus Utilities
* ShoeBox - Home Information Manager
* Space Fox - Arcade Game
* Spectrum - Desktop Telecommunications
* Spectrum Internet Suite ("SIS") - Web Browser
* Super Menu Pack - Font and CDEV Utility
* SuperConvert - Graphics Converter and Manipulator
* The Manager - Program Juggler
* TransProg III - Program Launcher and Utilities
Orders: <sales@sevenhills.com>
Web pages: <http:www.sevenhills.com/applesoftware>
(EWANNOP, 13815, GO COM A2)
>>>>> I forgot to add this contact information when I copied the web
""""" page:
Contact Information
Customer Service and Orders
Email and Tech Support: Internet
Fax: 850-575-9445, anytime
Phone: 850-575-0566, 9am-5pm ET, Monday through Friday
(press 7 to leave a voicemail message if a live operator doesn't answer)
Mail: 1254 Ocala Road, Tallahassee, FL 32304-1548
Orders: <sales@sevenhills.com>
Web pages: <http://www.sevenhills.com/applesoftware>
(EWANNOP, 13848, GO COM A2)
SEVENHILLS KFEST ANNOUNCEMENTS
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Seven Hills Press Release
-------------------------
At K'Fest '98, Seven Hills Solutions Specialists announced several upgrades
and released some new products:
GraphicWriter III 2.1 upgrade
-----------------------------
Among bug fixes and several other changes, includes an "Automatic text
objects" option which turns off the autotext creation when clicking outside
a text box.
Available Now!
Brand new: $65.00 (summer special: only $50.00 through 8/31/98)
Upgrade from v1.x: $15.00
Upgrade from v2.0: $ 6.50
*** ADD $3.50 S&H; FL residents add 7% tax
SIS 1.1 upgrade
---------------
Major upgrade with many added features. Now supports Delphi, Vax, AIX UNIX
and Debian Linux connections. Cookie support, proxy authentification, email
enhancements, bookmark editor etc.
Should be available at the end of September. Email sales@sevenhills.com
and ask to be notified when the upgrade is available.
Spectrum 2.2 upgrade
--------------------
Major upgrade with many added features and enhanced script support. Full
TCP/IP integration for Marinetti 2.0 with up to 32 active sockets.
Babelfish support, extended menu files, multiple init strings and signature
support.
Should be available at the end of September. Email sales@sevenhills.com
and ask to be notified when the upgrade is available.
Disk Access II
--------------
Major enhancement of disk utility program. Features powerful window
displays with customizable options. Copy, move, duplicate, find and view
files.
Available Now!
Brand new: $20.00 (summer special: only $15.00 through 8/31/98)
Upgrade: $11.50
*** ADD $3.50 S&H; FL residents add 7% tax
Babelfish
---------
File import and export translation utility. Supported by SuperConvert 4.0,
Spectrum 2.2, and the supplied Convert File NDA.
FREEWARE Available Now! Download from Delphi, Genie, and other sources, or
send $5.00 (outside FL) or $5.35 (inside FL) for a disk of freeware from
Seven Hills, including Babelfish, !Help! NDA, and other goodies.
For prices and further information contact:
-------------------------------------------
Customer Service and Orders:
Email: sales@sevenhills.com
Web pages: http://www.sevenhills.com/applesoftware/
Fax: 850-575-9445 anytime
Mail: 1254 Ocala Road, Tallahassee, FL 32304-1548
Phone: 850-575-0566 anytime
(press 7 to leave a voicemail message if a live operator
doesn't answer)
Technical Support:
Email: support@sevenhills.com
Ordering Information:
When ordering any product we need:
* Your name
* Your shipping address
* Your area code and phone number (optional)
* Your preferred email address if you have one (optional)
* A list of the items you are ordering
* Payment information (credit card number and expiration date)
Visa/MasterCard/Discover credit card orders can be placed by email, fax,
or regular mail (see Contact Information above). Be sure to include your
card number and expiration date. You may also call and leave a voice mail
message with the details of your order if our phone is busy. Just press "7"
when you hear the greeting to leave your message. However we receive your
order, we will fill it promptly.
We also accept personal checks and money orders by regular mail.
For all orders add $3.50 shipping and handling per order (not per item).
Foreign shipping is actual airmail cost, minimum of $3.50, charged to a
credit card unless otherwise arranged.
Florida residents add 7% tax.
Sales Policy:
All sales of software are final on opened packages. Sealed packages may
be returned for a refund less the cost of shipping.
(EWANNOP, 14715, GO COM A2)
FIRST WORDS ON GSOFT BASIC Over half of the people who attended
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" KansasFest went home with a copy of GSoft
BASIC. Why? Think of what they must have seen!
See the separate press release, "GSoft BASIC Released," right here on
Delphi, then join the folks from KansasFest who are already using this
great new programming language!
Mike Westerfield
Byte Works, Inc.
(BYTEWORKS, 14601, GO COM A2)
<<<<< The Byte Works, famous in the Apple II world for its line of
""""" programming products and commitment to the Apple II community, is
pleased to announce the release of GSoft BASIC, a new programming language
for the Apple IIGS. It's a great choice for anyone who knows Applesoft but
wants to go beyond its limits, as well as any programmer who wants a fast,
easy to use language for creating text, graphics or desktop applications on
the Apple IIGS.
Here's a few early comments from some Apple II luminaries who have used
GSoft BASIC:
------------
GSoft BASIC feels like home to anyone who knows Applesoft, but its also an
escalator that carries you up past anything that BASIC could do on a GS
before. Larger, more elegant programs, Super Hi-Res graphics, more accurate
calculations, Toolbox programming, Desktop programs, and even the Internet.
Wherever you want to go today, you can go with GSoft.
-- Gareth Jones
FOR X%=$00 to $FF
PRINT "It's hard to believe that GSoft is an interpreter, especially when
comparing it to some of the BASIC Compilers that were written for the GS.
It's fast and very easy to use. GSoft seamlessly incorporates GS/OS and the
Toolbox, giving it the power of a compiler when developing Desktop
applications!"
NEXT X%
It's also the only basic that let's you use Hexadecimal in a FOR/NEXT loop!
:)
-- Richard Cain
I've been waiting for an improved BASIC programming language for my IIGS
for years and GSoft BASIC is it. Easy to learn and use, near Applesoft
compatibility (but with none of the limitations), all the benefits of
modern structured BASICs, full access to GS/OS and the IIGS Toolbox
routines as well as the ability to add assembly language routines through
user tools. GSoft BASIC has all of it and more. No more Applesoft for me!
-- Jeff Blakeney
------------
GSoft BASIC is available for immediate shipment. If you act now, you save
$10 off of the cover price! For all orders received before August 31st,
1998, you get GSoft BASIC for just $50, a $10 savings from the retail price
of just $60. Include $5 for shipping in the U.S. and Canada; contact the
publisher for shipping rates to other countries.
Incidentally, our shipping rate of $5 is per order, not per product. Save
even more by ordering from our list of over 80 Apple II programs! If you
don't have a list, just e-mail a request. We can send a price list by
e-mail, or a printed catalog by snail-mail.
Here's a detailed description of this exciting new package, as well as
contact information for the publisher:
--- technical information ---
GSoft BASIC
A BASIC Interpreter for the Apple IIGS
========================================================
GS-25 GSoft BASIC 1.0 $60
Includes: 329 page spiral bound manual, index, table of contents; 2 800K
ProDOS disks.
System Requirements:
Apple IIGS
System 6.0 or better
1.125M RAM (2M recommended)
3.5 Floppy Disk Drive
Additional 3.5 Floppy Disk Drive or a hard drive
Companion Products:
GS-12 Talking Tools
GS-11 ORCA/Debugger
Contact:
Byte Works, Inc.
8000 Wagon Mound Dr. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
Phone 505-898-8183
Fax 505-898-4092
AOL MikeW50
GEnie ByteWorks
Internet MikeW50@AOL.COM
GSoft BASIC is the long-awaited answer to the Applesoft programmer who
wants to move to GS/OS, or the programmer who needs a quick way to create a
program without the hassle of a full compiler. You can choose between an
extended Applesoft-like environment that will feel comfortable to any
Applesoft programmer, but that includes extensions like RENUMBER and a full
screen editor; or a version that runs from any ORCA compatible shell. (The
ORCA shell is not included.) Either way, you can turn finished programs
into applications that launch from the Finder using a simple utility that
adds a run-time module to your BASIC program.
GSoft BASIC has all of the extensions you'd expect from a modern BASIC,
like optional line numbers, PRINT USING, LINE INPUT (no comma problems!),
structured statements and true subroutines and functions. It can use all of
your available memory, so you can write huge programs that use lots of
variable space. Strings can be up to 32767 characters long, double
precision floating-point is available, and GSoft uses integer math for
speed, supporting both short and long integers.
Unlike any other Apple IIGS BASIC, GSoft BASIC truly supports toolbox
programming. Toolbox programming requires the use of pointers and records,
something other BASICs don't have. GSoft BASIC has both.
While GSoft BASIC is an interpreter, and doesn't link directly with
compiled and assembled programs, it still supports many of the popular ORCA
programming tools. The Applesoft-like shell that comes with GSoft BASIC can
use any ORCA compatible editor; you get a version of GSoft BASIC that will
work from any ORCA compatible shell; GSoft BASIC works with ORCA/Debugger
and Splat!, as well as any other ORCA compatible debugger; and GSoft BASIC
supports user tools for adding subroutines written in other languages.
There are even samples of user tools written in assembly language.
So whether you are an experienced programmer looking for an environment for
quick prototyping or a BASIC programmer from way back who wants a familiar
language with all of the features you need to take advantage of the Apple
IIGS, GSoft BASIC is a program you'll want to have for your Apple IIGS.
Here are just some of the major features you'll find in GSoft BASIC:
Language Features
* Full access to the Apple IIGS Tools.
* Write desktop programs, text programs or graphics programs that use
QuickDraw without using the entire toolbox.
* Define and access your own libraries using User Tools.
* No fixed limit on program or variable space.
* Optional line numbers.
* Modern control statements, including:
IF-THEN-ELSE
DO-LOOP
WHILE-WEND
SELECT CASE
* PRINT USING
* LINE INPUT (For reading text with imbedded commas.)
* Named subroutines and functions with passed parameters and local
variables.
* Disk I/O commands.
* Data types include SINGLE, INTEGER, LONG, DOUBLE, BYTE and STRING.
Strings can be up to 32767 characters.
* Create types with names for easier to read programs.
* Supports records and pointers.
* Dynamic memory commands, including ALLOCATE, DISPOSE and SIZEOF.
* Loads Applesoft programs. Incompatible lines are flagged for manual
change.
* Full toolbox support, including support for GS/OS, the ORCA shell and
Talking Tools.
* Access to other languages via user tools.
* Includes two User Tools Libraries, with source code:
Game Paddle for accessing the game paddle ports.
Time and Date for reading the system clock.
(BYTEWORKS, 14600, GO COM A2)
SUMMARY OF NEW SSII PRODUCTS DEBUTED AT KFEST NiftySpell: the first
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Universal Spell Check
program for the Apple IIGS. If you can use a mouse, you can now spell
correctly!
WebWorks GS: Creating web sites has never been easier!
The TABBS CD-ROM: A brand new historical Apple II software collection that
comprises the complete Apple II software libraries - collected over the
past 18 years - from the British Apple Systems User Group (Apple 2000), The
British IIGS Club, and the (British-based) Apple Bulletin Board System
(TABBS).
Shareware Solutions II will soon be updating its web site to include
information about these exciting new IIGS products that were demoed at
Kfest '98. Point your favorite web browser to: http://www.crl.com/~joko
In the meanwhile, you can share the excitement of KansasFest '98 on Monday,
July 27, 1998 at 10 PM EDT.
Each and every Monday night, Shareware Solutions II hosts a multi-system
chat that focuses on the Apple II computer. The multi-system chat is
conducted simultaneously, in real-time, in a friendly chat room on Delphi,
CompuServe and Genie.
Make sure to attend the KansasFest '98 online wrap-up to learn more about
NiftySpell, WebWorks GS, The TABBS CD-ROM, as well as the other software
introduced at Kfest 98, including Babelfish, FontPimp, Spectrum Internet
Suite 1.1, Spectrum '98, Marinetti, and GSoft.
Apple II Forever!
Joe Kohn - Shareware Solutions II
http://www.crl.com/~joko
(JOE_KOHN, 14539, GO COM A2)
NIFTYSPELL DISPLAYED AT KFEST Today at KansasFest, Joe Kohn demonstrated
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" a brand new and must have IIGS application.
NiftySpell is a Universal Spell Checker program.
NiftySpell works with any standard GS/OS program, and it can spell check
words in such diverse programs as Spectrum Internet Suite v1.1, Crock O'
Gold, Quick Click Calc, HyperStudio or it can even spell check for you
while in the Finder or while playing Freecell.
Now, I think you understand that I wasn't just kidding when I said I'd be
demoing a 'killer app' at Kfest ;-)
Written by Chris Vavruska, NiftySpell is an NDA and a Spectrum XCMD. It is
commercial software, available exclusively from Shareware Solutions II for
$20, which as always, includes postage to anywhere in the world.
If you can use a mouse, you can now spell correctly!!
An 'official' press release will be posted next Monday, following my return
from KansasFest, and NiftySpell will start to ship a week or so after Kfest
ends. Pre-orders are currently being accepted.
Orders for NiftySpell will be fulfilled on a first come-first saved basis.
So, get your orders in today.
The Spectrum XCMD places a new menu item into Spectrum's Extras menu. That
makes it real easy to spell check e-mail before you send it, and you can
easily spell check your outgoing COG messages.
Typos be gone. With NiftySpell.
Joe
(JOE_KOHN, 14483, GO COM A2)
<<<<< NiftySpell will include a relatively small custom dictionary that I
""""" created from my AppleWorks Classic user dictionary. It has about
200 Apple II related names and proper nouns. You can use that, or you can
create your own user dictionary.
Actually, NiftySpell allows you to create as many custom dictionaries as
you want. So, if you wanted, you could have one dictionary that included
only words related to your occupation, and another one for computer terms.
You can swap which custom dictionary you wanted to use, on the fly.
Then again, user dictionaries will most probably always be much smaller
than the main dictionary, so even if you had just one custom dictionary
with a few thousand words, it's only going to take a few seconds to load
that dictionary to memory.
So yes, of course, Nifty Spell has user/custom dictionaries.
Joe Kohn
(JOE_KOHN, 14511, GO COM A2)
<<<<< If You Can Use A Mouse, You Can Spell Correctly!
"""""
Shareware Solutions II, in association with Chris Vavruska, is pleased to
announce NiftySpell, the first and only Universal Spell Checker for the
Apple IIGS computer.
NiftySpell is a flexible and easy to use New Desk Accessory (NDA) that
automatically loads whenever your system starts up. Once installed,
NiftySpell adds a new menu item to the Apple Pull Down menu, and it can be
accessed from any standard Apple IIGS program that supports New Desk
Accessories. With NiftySpell installed, you can spell check documents right
from your Finder Desktop or from within such diverse programs as Teach,
Hermes, Freecell or HyperStudio.
In addition to the NDA, there is also a special Spectrum XCMD included that
seamlessly integrates NiftySpell into the Spectrum telecommunications
program, making it very convenient to spell check your outgoing e-mail and
forum messages while using Spectrum or Crock O' Gold!
With NiftySpell, you'll never again be embarrassed by sending out important
documents with spelling or typographical errors, and you'll always look
your best in print when the words you use to convey your thoughts are
spelled correctly.
Before NiftySpell, only those who used expensive word processing or desktop
publishing software packages like AppleWorks, AppleWorks GS or
GraphicWriter III could spell check their work. Now anyone has the
convenience of a spell checker within easy reach. If you can use a mouse,
you can spell correctly!
NiftySpell requires an Apple IIGS, System 6.0.1, and a hard disk drive. It
requires at least 512k of available RAM and at least 1.5 megabytes of hard
drive storage space.
NiftySpell is published by Shareware Solutions II, and the cost is $20,
which includes postage to anywhere in the world.
To order NiftySpell, send checks or money orders to:
Joe Kohn
Shareware Solutions II
166 Alpine St
San Rafael, CA 94901
NiftySpell is expected to ship on or about August 5, 1998.
(JOE_KOHN, 14549, GO COM A2)
SSII AND SHEPPYWARE BRING YOU WEBWORKS GS In February, Sheppy told you to
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" "Get Psyched."
At today's Kfest session, Sheppy once again got the Apple IIGS community
psyched up, when he introduced WebWorks GS, the first full blown IIGS HTML
editor. Immediately after Sheppy's demo, Shareware Solutions II started to
ship WebWorks, and judging by the reaction of the Kfest audience, it looks
like Sheppy has another smash hit on his hands. SSII sold out all copies of
WebWorks GS that I brought to Kfest!
WebWorks GS is available now, from Shareware Solutions II, for $20.
WebWorks can import AppleWorks Classic documents, and can convert AW's
formatting commands into HTML formatting tags. If the AW word processing
file contains, for example, a 'centering' command, then WebWorks GS will
recreate the document using html's centering tag. It can import text and
Teach as well.
Once a document is loaded into WebWorks, all further manipulation and html
generation can be accomplished using user friendly pull down menus and pop
up menus.Add colored text with your mouse. Create ordered lists from pull
down menus. Create tables and frames in your trusty and familiar GS/OS
environment.
Creating web pages has never been easier.
WebWorks GS is available now from Shareware Solutions II.
Joe Kohn
(JOE_KOHN, 14512, GO COM A2)
>>>>> I do have to point out that Joe was mistaken when he said that
""""" WebWorks GS has options for creating frames; it doesn't, currently.
It does, however, have options for creating tables, multiple forms of lists
(definition, ordered, and unordered), inserting images, and doing most
forms of HTML formatting and styling of text.
I do have to also add, since Joe didn't make it clear in his message
(although perhaps a follow up does point this out), WebWorks GS is an HTML
source editor, so you're editing the HTML text document itself, with
features that automatically construct tags, rather than visually laying out
the web page.
I'm not feeling well and need to finish reading messages, but there will be
a WebWorks GS page (created in WWGS, of course) on my web site in the next
few days. Details to follow later. :)
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd
Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum
(SHEPPY, 14526, GO COM A2)
>>>>> The initial WebWorks GS page on my web site is now available at
""""" http://www.sheppyware.net/software/webworks_gs/. It's not done yet,
but it does have some basic introductory information.
I'll be overhauling everything on my site over the next few weeks.
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd
Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum
(SHEPPY, 14642, GO COM A2)
>>>>> If anyone using WebWorks GS has any bugs to report, please email
""""" me. There has been one bug found (and fixed): the copyright
character isn't automatically converted, and pressing Option-g will insert
garbage into your document. I'm going to hold off releasing a 1.0.1 update
for a few days in the hopes of not having to do a 1.0.2 if someone finds
another bug. :)
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd
Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum
(SHEPPY, 14678, GO COM A2)
MORE JUICED, ANYONE? Announcing ...
""""""""""""""""""""
===== Juiced.GS, Volume 3, Issue 2 =====
The June 1998 edition of Juiced.GS, the Apple II world's premier
IIGS-specific magazine, is now arriving in subscriber mail boxes.
This issue is being mailed to 240 subscribers in 44 states and numerous
points around the globe.
Here's what you'll find in this issue:
============
FEATURES
Cover Story: The Apple II in education ... San Diego public school teacher
Louis Cornelio is bucking the high-tech trend to more modern computers by
finding productive ways to continue using his school district's valuable
stash of Apple IIs. Louis tells his story in an interview. (Cool photos
included!)
NOTE: On the cover page, readers will get an exclusive first look at a
screen shot that reveals one of many new and fabulous features in the
upcoming release of Spectrum Internet Suite (SIS) v1.1.
COLUMNS
Telecommunications: Telecom software ... Tony Ward takes an exhaustive
look at alternatives in the world of IIGS telecom software and shares his
views on the various options.
Desktop publishing: Key elements to design ... Dave Bennett explains how a
publication's purpose and audience should play a key role in choosing a
publication's overall appearance.
My Home Page: A little delay ... Juiced.GS survives spring and manages to
get another magazine out the door, even if it is a little late.
II Be Named Later: Our columnist, Ryan Suenaga, takes a look at a day in
the life of the world of the Apple IIGS
DEPARTMENTS
Shareware Spotlight: Twilight II v2.0 Beta, a screen blanker by Jim
Maricondo with upgrade assistance from Nathan Mates, is the featured
program this issue. The Lamp, a Delphi-based digital monthly newsletter, is
also reviewed. Another edition of the Juiced.GS Collection is unveiled.
DumplinGS: New and exclusive information on the planned SIS upgrade; a
first look at some of the sessions and presenters scheduled for Kfest '98;
news about GSoft BASIC 1.0 entering its beta test period for expected
launch at Kfest '98; and more.
Letters from the Land of Rom (heavy-duty edition!) ... Juiced.GS readers
ask questions, get answers, and tell us what's on their minds.
============
Juiced.GS is a quarterly, printed publication available by subscription
only.
A subscription for 1998 is $14 in the U.S., Canada or Mexico, $20
elsewhere. To subscribe, send a check or money order in U.S. funds to:
Max Jones
Juiced.GS
2217 Lakeview Drive
Sullivan, IN 47882
Makes checks or money orders payable to Max Jones. Sorry, no credit cards
or purchase orders can be accepted.
Complete sets of 1996 and 1997 issues are available for $14 each ($20
overseas). If you would like to purchase only a specific single copy (or
copies) of back issues, they are available for $4 each ($6 overseas). An
index and brief description of articles published in 1996 are available on
the Juiced.GS web site. See URL below.
Apple II Forever!
Max Jones
Juiced.GS
Delphi: JuicedGS -- Internet: juicedgs@delphi.com
World Wide Web: http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs
(JUICEDGS, 14246, GO COM A2)
JUICED.GS ANNOUNCES GSOFT COVERAGE BY SHEPPY I think Mike was taking a
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" side trip after Kfest, and
won't be back at the Byte Works international headquarters for a few more
days. But when he is back, he'll no doubt spend some time here answering
GSoft BASIC questions and letting everyone know how they can get it, etc.
The beta test, which I observed as a lurker, was incredible to watch, and
contained some distinguished programmers, including Charlie Hartley, Eric
(Sheppy) Shepherd, Jeff Blakeney, Richard Cain, Gareth Jones, and others.
I am pleased to announce that Sheppy and I have reached an agreement
whereby he will write a series of articles about GSoft BASIC to be
published in upcoming issues of Juiced.GS. The series will start with an
introductory piece in the next issue, due out in early September, and will
continue for as long as we have GSoft related topics to explore and expound
upon.
Sheppy is already experienced in GSoft BASIC and will be an excellent
resource for those who want to try their hand at programming in a simple
yet powerful language, or those who have already dabbled some in
programming and want to expand their skills.
My appreciation goes out in advance to Sheppy for agreeing to join the
growing team of Juiced.GS contributors. He is a welcome addition and will
help the world's premier GS-specific magazine continue to fulfill its
mission to the Apple II world in 1999 and beyond.
Max Jones, Juiced.GS
http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs
Delivered by Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5
(JUICEDGS, 14572, GO COM A2)
OLRIGHT! 3.1 RELEASED
"""""""""""""""""""""
OLRight!
OLRight v3.1 has been uploaded to the Telecommunications topic of the A2
Database. Although intended as primarily a bugfix version, significant
improvements and changes have been made.
I'd like to express my grateful appreciation to Ulrich Hausmann for the
time he took to notify me in detail of each problem that he encountered
with installation and use of v3.0 of OLRight! - and the feature requests
that he made. Thanks, Ulrich!
Bug fixes include:
- Kermit and Ymodem Batch now work for uploads.
- Quit routines are more robust.
- Login/Quit (online session followed by quit to launcher) now works.
- Forum messages are now read in thread order.
- In Setup/Forum <P>refs, choosing 'C' no longer aborts the script.
- Retrieving DB topic lists now works as intended.
- A bug in the use of the arrow keys to move between menus was fixed.
- Mail is retrieved one letter at a time, to solve problems in retrieving
mail with EXTRACT /ALL TT - blocks of mail were disappearing into the
void. I think this was a Delphi problem, but...
- Added a work-around to nasty behavior by ANSITerm in the event of a
failed download while stripping Binary II.
New Features and Improvements:
- A completely rewritten Activities function, which lists the Forums you
have defined, and lets you choose which one to change or add to/remove from
the active list. From the resulting dialog, you can see exactly what is
scheduled to be done for that Forum the next time you log on, add new
activities, delete existing activities, or edit certain items. For
example, from this panel you can add a new Forum message, edit the Forum
messages that you have created, or delete the outgoing Forum messages. For
mail, you have the ability to postpone (and re-queue) sending letters you
have created, as well as deleting specific letters.
- Any menu selection which requires a topic name will list the topics for
the Forum or DB, if you have retrieved the applicable list of topics. Topic
lists for A2 are included in the setup.
- OLRight! now comes with several Forums pre-configured.
- The Setup/Forum <P>refs menu selection now displays which data files you
have already existing in your setup, and whether you have chosen to
retrieve them.
- The documentation for OLRight! functionality has all been moved to the
Help menu. The OLRight.Dox file deals with installing, setting up, and
launching OLRight! and lists some requirements, potential problems and bugs
relating to ANSITerm usage.
- OLRight! now checks for messages as it starts up, and will process them
automatically. This allows for cases where the user might drop out of
OLRight! and log off manually after receiving messages. A companion
addition is a selection from the Online menu to split messages regardless
of your online status.
- OLRight! now checks your online status when it starts up, and gives you
the option (if you are online) of going to the main menu, terminal mode,
logging off, or going to Conference. Companion changes in the quit
routines check for online status, ask for verification, and save your
configuration when you exit while online. These changes allow you to drop
completely out of OLRight! and ANSITerm while online, and resume where you
left off when you re-launch ANSITerm via the OLRight! startup script.
- If OLRight! finds messages to split, it displays the contents of the log
of the last online session. This log contains entries for each online
activity that was performed, and (where practical) whether they were
successful and/or what kind of errors occurred. In addition, it shows you
how many mail messages were waiting, and how many were actually split after
going offline. It also shows you how many messages were retrieved from
each Forum. This function replaces the old log, which was continuously
added-to until deleted by the user. It is now, like the banner log,
replaced with each session.
- Print routines for Mail and Forum messages have been replaced by a much
faster routine, and this same routine has been added to the generic file
reader, which means you can print help files, banner logs, session logs,
conference logs, database logs, etc.
- The Forum reader now has the capability to sent a mail message to the
author of a Forum message.
- The Mail reader now will start up at the message that you were reading
when you finish and save a reply.
- Mail and Forum messages now save address/header information in a
separate temporary file, rather than at the beginning of the body of the
note. This prevents the user from making accidental changes to information
that must have specific formatting to work in the scripts. Note that
changes can be made to this information through the Setup/<A>ctivities menu
(see above).
- Added support under the Online menu for access to Delphi's FTP client.
- Numerous cosmetic changes and script optimizations.
Read Message 9192 for more information about OLRight! features, and reply
to message 3077 if you want more information or would like to comment.
- Don (IronTooth)
Delivered by my ANSITerm off-line reader scripts...
They're OLRight!
(DZAHNISER, 13957, GO COM A2)
BEST OF THE BEST
""""""""""""""""
14518 26-JUL 23:09 The Apple II Legacy
RE: KFest '98 (Re: Msg 3681)
From: CINDYADAMS To: ALL
Once again, only a short year later, I'm sitting in the terminal at KCI
waiting for my flight back to real life, so it's time for me to type my
report of KFest. Weather wise, this has been the most unusual KFest. It was
100 degrees when I arrived, and now it's only 67 and has been raining most
of the past two days. Yes Kellers, I did go out in it!
On Wednesday, the committee arrived at Avila to get ready to register the
early arrivals, since we knew several people couldn't wait to get started!
There was some mix-up on the T-shirt order, but everyone was flexible, and
I hope we got things straightened out eventually. Our annual expedition to
KC Masterpiece was also a logistical challenge, but everyone got seated
without too much of a wait, and the food was wonderful!
Thursday and Friday were loaded with lots of announcements of new software,
and many exciting sessions. Ewen even thinks that I will someday be able to
write a Spectrum script. :)
Thursday night was the first annual Hackfest, and it was won by Michael
Hackett. Plans are already in place for the next one.
Friday night was the roast of Tony Diaz. This was MC'd by Joe Kohn with
Eric Shepherd, Richard Bennett (assisted by Andrew Roughan) and Paul
Zaleski were the lucky roasters. (Be sure to ask Tony or Paul about golf
balls.) Since I'm too lazy to bring the "Cheese Head" hat that I received
several years ago, Howard Katz sent some Cheese earrings, and these were
presented to me before the roast by Ryan Suenaga. (Thanks Howard.)
Saturday morning began with a downpour while we were at breakfast, but it
ended quickly so that everyone could make it to the dorms in time to see
the demo of Sheppy's WebWorks and Martin Landhage show off Convert 3200.
Everyone showed up at the vendor fair looking for some place to "invest"
money. I think all of the vendors had a successful afternoon.
Dinner was at Jess and Jim's (as well as some other places), and we
returned to the dorm to enjoy some impromptu musical performances in the
hall. (Thank you Richard!!) It was decided that this was just the beginning
of a new tradition at KFest that will be a Talent Show next year.
Speaking of next year, mark your calendars now ---
KFest 1999 -- July 21-25
I want to thank EVERYONE that helped to make Kfest a great event again! The
committee, the presenters, and the attendees all contributed their time and
talents, and I appreciate it very much.
Cindy
(aka The Big Cheese)
[EOA]
[A2P]------------------------------
A2Pro_DUCTIVITY |
-----------------------------------
Checking out A2PRO on Delphi
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Ryan M. Suenaga, B.A., M.S.W., L.S.W.
[thelamp@delphi.com]
HACKFEST '98 RESULTS Mike Hackett, the HackFest winner, choose GSoft
"""""""""""""""""""" BASIC as a prize, joining over half of the
KansasFest attendees by taking a copy of GSoft BASIC home! See what all the
excitement is about in "GSoft BASIC Released," here on Delphi.
Mike Westerfield
(BYTEWORKS, 1942, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Mike wrote a program called "WordWorks Unplugged," which removes
""""" the Softdisk GS plug dialog box that appears when you quit
WordWorks Pro. A simple, elegant, and useful hack. :)
The second place winner, Pim Blokland (I hope I got that right :) wrote two
programs: one that tried to find an easier-to-remember combination for the
door at Ridgway Hall (each key on the keypad represented two digits), and
another that let you change the color of the boot splash screen in System
6.
Third place went to Ken Gagne, who -- after owning it for only a few hours
-- attempted to write a Boggle search in GSoft BASIC; this would have been
the AI for a computerized Boggle game, but he didn't quite get it finished.
Fourth place went to Geoff Weiss, who was working on code that would let
you run Applesoft programs under a 16-bit environment by copying the
Applesoft ROM into another bank of memory under GS/OS and running Applesoft
code under that, one line at a time, by directly calling parts of
Applesoft's interpreter.
It didn't work, but it was a nifty idea. :)
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd
Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum
(SHEPPY, 1948, GO COM A2)
>>>>> During my GWIII/desktop publishing session on Thursday (which Mike
""""" Hackett attended), we were lamenting that annoying sales plug that
Softdisk G-S inserted in its last version of WordWorks Pro, the cool word
processor. When quitting the program, the sales plug comes up on the screen
and doesn't leave until you hit a key or click the mouse. Several folks
commented they would like to see that silly thing nuked from the program.
Well, Mike Hackett took those complaints to heart. So when it came time
later that day for HackFest to begin, he found a copy of WordWorks Pro,
disassembled it, found the offending code, and wrote a patcher to remove
it.
Way cool!!!!!!
Mike called the patcher program WordWorks Pro Unplugged, and will release
it to the world as soon as he cleans it up a bit and puts in some error
checking when he gets home and settled in. I'm sure he will explain more
about himself when he gets a chance.
For his efforts, Mike won a $50 cash prize from Juiced.GS (not a bad prize,
eh? :-) ), a free program (GSoft Basic, value $60) from Byte Works, and
some other stuff I can't remember.
Congrats to Mike for helping make HackFest a huge success!
Max Jones, Juiced.GS
http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs
Delivered by Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.5
(JUICEDGS, 1954, GO COM A2)
>>>>> In addition to the results of the HackFest, I think we owe our
""""" gratitude to the following people for making HackFest happen:
The KFest coordinating committee;
Sheppy, for coming up with the idea;
Sheppy (again), Max Jones (Juiced.GS), and Mike Westerfield (ByteWorks) for
judging;
Max Jones (again), Joe Kohn (SSII), Mike Westerfield (again) and Dean
Nichols for donating prizes;
Steve (Godzilla) Gozdziewski for the beverages;
everyone who lent computers to the participants;
and the participants themselves.
It was great!
-
Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
A2/A2Pro/Power Forum staff on Delphi
Delivered by Bernie and OLRight! scripts for ANSITerm
(RSUENAGA, 1958, GO COM A2)
<<<<< Don't forget: Mike Westerfield provided snacks. :)
"""""
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd
Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum
(SHEPPY, 1960, GO COM A2)
GSOFT SOURCE CODE--FIRST LOOK The annotated source code for Tic Tac Toe
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 3D, written with GSoft BASIC, is now
available here in the BASIC Programming database. Look for the file named
TTT3DTXT.BXY.
A runtime version of the program is available in A2 under the filename of
TTT3D.BXY.
If you cannot download from Delphi, go to my web site at ..
http://www.iglou.com/qwerty/kb/ttt3d.html
and see it there.
Charlie
(CKHARTLEY, 1962, GO COM A2)
<<<<< And here is the source code for the Letter Find game included in
""""" the samples folder:
DIM X%: REM use for loops
DIM FLAG%(90): REM flag array to check for characters used
DIM CHOICE$(4): REM use to hold computer's choices
DIM MYCHOICE$(4): REM use to hold user's choices
DIM HT%(4): REM use to hold four htab locations
DIM VT%(16): REM use to hold 16 vtab locations
GT$ = "LETTER FIND by Charlie Hartley"
HOME
INVERSE
PRINT SPC (80);: REM print inverse spaces across screen
VTAB 2: HTAB 1
CALL CENTERLINE(GT$): REM center text
PRINT GT$
VTAB 3: HTAB 1
PRINT SPC (80);
NORMAL
! HTABs for responses
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
READ HT%(X%)
NEXT
DATA 29,31,33,35
! Routine placed here to sneak it in while opening screen is drawn.
VTAB 5: HTAB 3
PRINT "The object of this game is to determine which four alphabet
letters that the"
PRINT "computer has selected and put them in the same order as the
computer has them."
PRINT "You will have up to 16 chances to try and figure them out."
VTAB 9: HTAB 3
PRINT "If you select a letter that the computer has chosen, but it is
not in the"
PRINT "correct position, then a # will be displayed. If it is correct
and in the "
PRINT "correct position, then a * will be displayed. For example, if
the computer has"
PRINT "selected the letters A B C D and you select E A F D then the
display will look"
PRINT "like this --> E A F D # *"
! VTABS for responses
FOR X% = 1 TO 16
READ VT%(X%)
NEXT
DATA 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15
DATA 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15
VTAB 15: HTAB 3
PRINT "The # tells you that one letter is correct, but in the wrong
position"
PRINT "(the A), and the * tells you that one letter is both correct
and in the"
PRINT "correct position (the D)."
VTAB 19: HTAB 3
PRINT "Only the letters A-Z may be used, and they may only appear
once in a line."
PRINT "If you attempt to enter a line like this: A B C A, the
computer will sound an"
PRINT "alarm and refuse to accept the second A."
VTAB 23: HTAB 1
GT$ = "Press a key to continue ..."
CALL CENTERLINE(GT$)
PRINT GT$
CALL GETKEY(GT%)
REPEAT% = 0: REM flag to determine if another game is requested.
WHILE NOT REPEAT%
HOME
! clear flags
FOR X% = 65 TO 90
FLAG%(X%) = 0
NEXT
! get 4 random letters
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
GT% = 0
WHILE NOT GT%
R% = ( RND (1) * 90) + 1
IF R% > 64 AND FLAG%(R%) = 0 THEN
FLAG%(R%) = 1
CHOICE$(X%) = CHR$ (R%)
GT% = 1
END IF
WEND
NEXT
COUNT% = 1: REM begin getting input
INVERSE
VTAB 20: HTAB 1
PRINT SPC (80);
VTAB 21: HTAB 1
GT$ = "# means a correct letter. * means a correctly placed
letter."
CALL CENTERLINE(GT$)
PRINT GT$
VTAB 22: HTAB 1
PRINT SPC (80);
NORMAL
DONE% = 0
WHILE NOT DONE%
VTAB 18: HTAB 3
PRINT "Enter your four letters: . . . ."
! clear flags
FOR X% = 65 TO 90
FLAG%(X%) = 0
NEXT
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
OK% = 0
WHILE OK% = 0
CALL GETKEY(GT%)
! Check for ESCape key
! and exit if found
IF GT% = 27 THEN
HOME
PRINT "Bye."
END
END IF
! Check for lowercase letters and
! replace with uppercase if needed.
IF GT% > 90 THEN
GT% = GT% - 32
END IF
! Check to see if keypress is between A-Z
IF GT% < 65 OR GT% > 90 THEN
OK% = 0
ELSE IF FLAG%(GT%) = 0 THEN
FLAG%(GT%) = 1
OK% = 1
MYCHOICE$(X%) = CHR$ (GT%)
END IF
WEND
VTAB 18: HTAB HT%(X%)
PRINT MYCHOICE$(X%);
NEXT
! Determine correct htab for this round
IF COUNT% < 9 THEN
HT% = 1
ELSE IF COUNT% = 9 THEN
HT% = 25
ELSE IF COUNT% > 9 THEN
HT% = 24
END IF
! Print user's choices
VTAB VT%(COUNT%)
HTAB HT%
PRINT COUNT%;". ";
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
PRINT MYCHOICE$(X%);" ";
NEXT
! Check to see if user choices are correct.
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
FLAG%(X%) = 0
IF MYCHOICE$(X%) = CHOICE$(X%) THEN
FLAG%(X%) = 2: REM Correct and in correct place.
ELSE
FOR Y% = 1 TO 4
IF MYCHOICE$(X%) = CHOICE$(Y%) THEN
FLAG%(X%) = 1: REM Correct, but in wrong place.
END IF
NEXT
END IF
NEXT
YES% = 0
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
IF FLAG%(X%) = 1 THEN
PRINT "# ";
END IF
NEXT
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
IF FLAG%(X%) = 2 THEN
PRINT "* ";
YES% = YES% + 1: REM Add one to correct count.
END IF
NEXT
COUNT% = COUNT% + 1: REM Add one to round count.
IF YES% = 4 THEN
VTAB 18: HTAB 1
PRINT CHR$ (29);: REM clear line
PRINT "Congratuations! You did it!
DONE% = 1
ELSE IF COUNT% = 17 THEN
VTAB 18: HTAB 1
PRINT CHR$ (29);: REM clear line
PRINT "Sorry, the correct letters are ";
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
PRINT " ";CHOICE$(X%);
NEXT
PRINT "."
DONE% = 1
END IF
WEND
FLAG% = 0
WHILE NOT FLAG%
VTAB 20: HTAB 1
PRINT CHR$ (11);: REM clear to end of screen
PRINT "Want to play again? (Y/N) ";
PRINT CHR$ (6);: GET GT$
IF GT$ = "Y" OR GT$ = "y" THEN
REPEAT% = 0:FLAG% = 1
ELSE IF GT$ = "N" OR GT$ = "n" THEN
REPEAT% = 1:FLAG% = 1
ELSE
PRINT CHR$ (7);
FLAG% = 0
END IF
WEND
WEND
HOME
PRINT "Bye!"
END
SUB CENTERLINE(GT$)
GT% = LEN (GT$)
IF GT% > 80 THEN
GT$ = "Line too long - contains " + STR$ (GT%) + " keystrokes.
Limit is 80."
ELSE IF GT% < 80 THEN
HOLD% = GT% / 2
IF GT% <> (HOLD% * 2) THEN
GT% = GT% + 1
END IF
HOLD% = (80 - GT%) / 2
HOLD$ = " ": REM 40 spaces
GT$ = LEFT$ (HOLD$, HOLD%) + GT$ + LEFT$ (HOLD$, HOLD%)
END IF
END SUB
! If gt% = 80 then GT$ is returned unchanged.
SUB GETKEY(GT%)
PRINT CHR$ (6);
WAIT $00C000, $80
GT% = PEEK ($00C000)
POKE $00C010, 0
END SUB
Charlie Hartley ... via the ProTERM Message Manager (PTMM) v2.5
(CKHARTLEY, 1965, GO COM A2)
<<<<< Here's the source code for the ABC Puzzle game included in the
""""" samples folder:
DIM GT%: REM Use for keypress
DIM X%, Y%: REM Use for loops
DIM V%(4), H%(4): REM Use to hold character locations
DIM A$(4, 4): REM Use to hold original characters
DIM B$(4, 4): REM Use to hold working characters
DIM FLAG%: REM Use for various flags
DIM DONE%: REM Flag to indicate end of program
HOME
! Draw screen and comments
HTAB 10: PRINT " _______________"
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
HTAB 10: PRINT "| | | | |"
HTAB 10: PRINT "| | | | |"
HTAB 10: PRINT "|___|___|___|___|"
NEXT
VTAB 2: HTAB 30: INVERSE : PRINT " "
VTAB 3: HTAB 30: PRINT " ABC Puzzle by Charlie Hartley "
VTAB 4: HTAB 30: PRINT " ": NORMAL
VTAB 7: HTAB 32: PRINT "Use the arrow keys to move;"
VTAB 9: HTAB 32: PRINT "press ESCape to quit."
! Stuff screen locations into variables
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
READ V%(X%), H%(X%):
NEXT
DATA 3,12,6,16,9,20,12,24
! Stuff original characters into variables
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
FOR Y% = 1 TO 4
READ A$(X%, Y%)
NEXT
NEXT
DATA A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,*
! Stuff working characters into variables
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
FOR Y% = 1 TO 4
FLAG% = 0
WHILE NOT FLAG%
V% = ( RND (1) * 4) + 1
H% = ( RND (1) * 4) + 1
IF B$(V%, H%) = "" THEN
B$(V%, H%) = A$(X%, Y%)
FLAG% = 1
END IF
WEND
NEXT
NEXT
CT% = - 1: REM moves counter
DO UNTIL DONE% > 0
! Print working characters to screen slots.
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
FOR Y% = 1 TO 4
VTAB V%(X%): HTAB H%(Y%): PRINT B$(X%, Y%)
IF B$(X%, Y%) = "*" THEN
VT% = X%: REM vtab location of *
HT% = Y%: REM htab location of *
END IF
NEXT
NEXT
CT% = CT% + 1
VTAB 18: HTAB 1: PRINT "Moves - ";CT%
CALL GETKEY(GT%)
DONE% = 0: REM initialize end of program flag
SELECT CASE GT%
CASE 8: REM left arrow key pressed
IF HT% = 1 THEN
PRINT CHR$ (7);: REM already at top of graph
ELSE
GT$ = B$(VT%, HT%): REM swap two characters
B$(VT%, HT%) = B$(VT%, HT% - 1)
B$(VT%, HT% - 1) = GT$
END IF
CASE 21: REM right arrow key pressed
IF HT% = 4 THEN
PRINT CHR$ (7);
ELSE
GT$ = B$(VT%, HT%)
B$(VT%, HT%) = B$(VT%, HT% + 1)
B$(VT%, HT% + 1) = GT$
END IF
CASE 11: REM up arrow key pressed
IF VT% = 1 THEN
PRINT CHR$ (7);
ELSE
GT$ = B$(VT%, HT%)
B$(VT%, HT%) = B$(VT% - 1, HT%)
B$(VT% - 1, HT%) = GT$
END IF
CASE 10: REM down arrow key pressed
IF VT% = 4 THEN
PRINT CHR$ (7);
ELSE
GT$ = B$(VT%, HT%)
B$(VT%, HT%) = B$(VT% + 1, HT%)
B$(VT% + 1, HT%) = GT$
END IF
CASE 27: REM ESCape key pressed
GT$ = "You quit."
DONE% = 1
END SELECT
! Print working characters to screen slots.
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
FOR Y% = 1 TO 4
VTAB V%(X%): HTAB H%(Y%): PRINT B$(X%, Y%)
IF B$(X%, Y%) = "*" THEN
VT% = X%
HT% = Y%
END IF
NEXT
NEXT
! Check to see of characters are correctly placed.
FLAG% = 0
FOR X% = 1 TO 4
FOR Y% = 1 TO 4
IF A$(X%, Y%) = B$(X%, Y%) THEN
FLAG% = FLAG% + 1
END IF
NEXT
NEXT
IF FLAG% = 16 THEN
DONE% = 1: REM all are correct
GT$ = "You won!"
END IF
LOOP
! Game over - print appropriate message
VTAB 20: HTAB 1: PRINT GT$
END
! Get keypress; return result
SUB GETKEY(GT%)
PRINT CHR$ (6);: REM make sure cursor off
WAIT $00C000, $80: REM wait for keystroke
GT% = PEEK ($00C000): REM capture it
POKE $00C010, 0: REM clear input buffer
END SUB
Charlie Hartley ... via the ProTERM Message Manager (PTMM) v2.5
(CKHARTLEY, 1966, GO COM A2)
<<<<< Here is a short example of GSoft BASIC code that makes toolbox
""""" calls. It is taken from the samples provided with GSoft.
10 HGR
20 DIM R AS RECT
30 FOR I = 1 TO 1000
40 R.H1 = RND (1) * 320
50 R.H2 = RND (1) * 320
60 IF R.H2 < R.H1 THEN
70 T% = R.H1
80 R.H1 = R.H2
90 R.H2 = T%
100 END IF
110 R.V1 = RND (1) * 200
120 R.V2 = RND (1) * 200
130 IF R.V2 < R.V1 THEN
140 T% = R.V1
150 R.V1 = R.V2
160 R.V2 = T%
170 END IF
180 SET640COLOR ( RND (1) * 16)
190 PAINTOVAL (R)
200 NEXT
210 GET A$
Charlie ... on the metal
(CKHARTLEY, 1971, GO COM A2)
APPLE II UNIVERSITY ABOUT TO END SUMMER BREAK I'm working on getting
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" someone to teach a
HyperCard course but it will be up to them to decide who they want to
assist them. Besides, I still need to convince them that they want to do
the course. :)
I'm hoping to have an Apple II University web page created by sometime next
week that I will be listing possible courses, possible instructors and
begging... er... asking for volunteers to teach some courses. I need some
help here people. If I can't get someone to start a course in September,
you'll have to put up with my poor teaching skills on some inane topic. :)
Anyone who would like to share their knowledge about a particular topic or
has any ideas for A2U courses, please let me know at either
JBLAKENEY@delphi.com or jefbla@bconnex.net. I'll be putting a mailto link
on the web page as well if that makes it easier for people. :)
Jeff Blakeney - Dean of A2U in A2Pro on Delphi
sent via COG v2.5, Spectrum v2.1 and a Linux box to here.
(JBLAKENEY, 1955, GO COM A2)
USING THE IIGS ENSONIQ FROM APPLESOFT BASIC Right now it appears that all
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" the 'GooRoos'(tm) are at
Kfest and will probably answer your question later. In the meantime, I can
give you my take on your question (all theory, no practice - I have been
reading up on the ensoniq for later use myself):
1.) There are apparently 2 ways to access the ensoniq: through the hardware
itself, or through toolbox calls. Apple strongly recommends using toolbox
calls.
2.) If you want to access the hardware, be aware that the ensoniq and it's
64k of DOC RAM (DOC = Digital Oscillator Chip) are not accessed directly,
but through the registers of the SOUND GLU (GLU = General Logic Unit),
which serves as an interface between the cpu, the DOC and the DOC RAM.
3.) The Sound GLU has 4 registers:
a.) Sound Control register (address $C03C) which controls whether the
cpu is accessing the internal registers of the DOC or the DOC RAM. It also
controls the Address Pointer registers AUTO INCREMENT.
It is an 8 bit register:
bit 7 = DOC busy flag (1 = DOC busy, loop until clear)
bit 6 = DOC or DOC RAM access flag (1 = DOC RAM, 0 = DOC)
bit 5 = Address auto increment (1 = auto incrementing enabled)
bit 4 = reserved, do not use
bits 3-0 = Volume control ($0 is low, $F is high volume)
b.) Data register (address $C03D) which you use to load values into
the DOC registers (yes, the DOC has it's own set of registers) and to place
values into the DOC RAM, depending on bit 6 above. Also an 8 bit register.
c.) Address Pointer registers (addresses $C03E for the low byte, $C03F
for the high byte) two 8 bit registers that combine to make a 16 bit
address to access the 64k of DOC RAM (when bit 6 above is 1) or one 8 bit
register when accessing the DOC (when bit 6 above is 0), $C03F being
ignored when accessing the DOC. Additionally, if auto incrementing is
enabled (bit 5 above is 1) for DOC RAM access, the registers contain the
address of the NEXT byte of DOC RAM.
4.) I'm not even going to get into the DOC, oscillators, generators, wave
tables etc. etc. etc. because I've rambled enough about something I haven't
actually used myself ;o)
My point being:
1.) The easiest way to access the sound is through toolbox calls, so
assembly language will be better than basic (although I've seen an
announcement from BYTE WORKS about a GS specific basic that will allow
access to the toolbox here on Delphi)
2.) You will NEED the toolbox reference books to use the toolbox calls
effectively
3.) If you want to access the hardware and bypass the tool calls, you will
NEED the IIGS hardware reference manual.
4.) Yes you can load more than one sound (create a wavetable) from disk and
have your program play them.
5.) Left and right will require additional hardware i.e. a stereo card.
good skill (luck is not for programmers ;o), when I read the books myself
it doesn't look at all impossible, but I wouldn't even try it without the
reference manuals.
HABANERO
(all theory, no practice. anyone feel free to correct the above, if
necessary ;o)
(HABANERO, 1935, GO COM A2)
>>>>> It is possible to play sounds from within an Applesoft BASIC
""""" program but it would be a lot of work to figure it all out and
describe it to you.
You need to load the sound into memory somewhere and under BASIC.System,
you don't have a lot of memory to play with. However, you could always
load it in smaller chunks and either move it into the DOC RAM or into
memory above bank $01 but the latter requires Memory Manager calls as well
to be sure you don't overwrite anything in case BASIC.System was launched
from GS/OS.
Once that is done then you can call FFStartSound to play the sound and
return to the BASIC program. However, if you do this then you also need to
set up an interrupt routine that will accept the interrupt that gets
generated when the sound is finished. You might be able to disable all
interrupt generation from the Ensoniq, I can't remember off the top of my
head right now, and that would also solve that little problem. But without
the interrupt, you can't keep track of how many sounds are currently
playing which can become a problem if you try to play more than 15 sounds
at the same time. Not likely from a BASIC program but possible.
So my best advice to you would be to buy GSoft BASIC from the ByteWorks.
This is a GS/OS based BASIC that is quite compatible with Applesoft so you
can convert your existing program to GSoft easily and then start adding all
the Toolbox calls that you want. It would be easier to write your program
and it would run under GS/OS like all good IIgs specific programs should.
:)
Jeff Blakeney - Dean of A2U in A2Pro on Delphi
sent via COG v2.5, Spectrum v2.1 and a Linux box to here.
(JBLAKENEY, 1940, GO COM A2)
>>>>> Here in the A2Pro library you should be able to find my AmperSound
""""" package; this is a batch of very simple & commands for doing very
simple sound on the IIgs, directly talking to the DOC. Only 256-byte waves
are supported, but if there's enough interest, I'll get back to work on the
2.0 version of the code that supports larger waves.
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd
Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum
(SHEPPY, 1949, GO COM A2)
[EOA]
[KFE]------------------------------
THINKING KFEST |
-----------------------------------
THERE'S NOTHING FINER THAN KANSAS CITY IN JULY
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Ryan M. Suenaga, B.A., M.S.W., L.S.W.
[thelamp@delphi.com]
KFEST X: THE GATHERING
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I often use the term, "The Apple II Community," meaning the people who
still use and believe in the grand old girl after all these years, but for
a lot of us, it's more like a family. Just like family in different places
across the globe, we keep in touch on a frequent basis with real and
virtual cards and letters, the occasional phone call, and once a year, the
annual family reunion, known by several other names: The Apple II Summer
Conference, KansasFest, or, simply, KFest.
KFest 1998 was both like and unlike any other. Just as we have in
years past, we stayed up all night and had fun all day. We made new
friends and caught up with old ones. We celebrated the past and planned
the future. And we left knowing once again, we'd be back.
If we didn't have enough to celebrate, KansasFest 1998 marked the 10th
gathering of the Apple II faithful at Avila College in Kansas City,
Missouri, and more than 20 years of Apple II computing. Those two facts
alone would be cause for celebration, but our devoted developers gave us
even more reasons to smile.
KansasFest isn't the center of the Apple II calendar; it's more like
Christmas. And just as the toy makers bring out their newest, hottest
products just in time for the holiday season, the Apple II developers
brought to KansasFest a whole stockingload of new stuff for the Apple II
faithful to drool over.
So, for those of you who weren't able for some reason to make it to
Apple II heaven this summer, here's a diary of my KFest travels:
DAY -4 Instead of heading over to the Land of Ahhs straight from the
"""""" islands on a Tuesday night and ending up exhausted in Kansas City
on a Wednesday morning, I decided to add a day onto each end of my time
away from the office and make a side trip over to the bay area of
California before and after KFest, to hang out with the Sheppys, aka Eric
Shepherd and his wife Sarah. Sheppy would be at KFest rooming with me, and
I've stayed over with the two of them before, so it seemed like it would be
a great way to rest up before KFest and have fun along the Yellow Brick
Road to Avila.
I got home late from the office on a Friday (not unusual) and
fortunately had packed all of my things the night before with help from my
mom (more on this later). It was such a busy day at work the only thing I
could do as far as getting ready for KFest went was signing up for a new
Internet account with Concentric. I did this for three reasons: one, they
were a national provider with dialup access in Fremont (where Sheppy lived
and I'd be staying for a few days) as well as Honolulu and Kansas City;
two, my account at Kestrok, where I've based my Internet access for a few
years, was destined to expire, and I'd decided to explore other directions;
and three, they had a thirty day free trial.
I took a quick shower, packed my things into my sister's car, and
before you know it, I was over at Honolulu International Airport with two
bags, a box, and all of my Apple II dreams of KFest, wandering over to the
United Airlines counter to check in. I had to tell a little white lie
before getting on the plane, when the United clerk asked if my bags had
been with me since I packed them, but it was a little one, no harm done.
I'm not sure when Day -4 ended and Day -3 began; whenever it did, I
was over the ocean on a flight into San Francisco International Airport.
My PowerBook 1400, which I usually play with on airplanes, had a flakey
memory card which rendered it useless, so I spent the hours on the plane
reading a copy of _Sports Illustrated_ and thinking how unhappy Sheppy
would be when he picked me up, since both times I've stayed with them, I've
come in at some ungodly early hour (pre-6 a.m. California time) which
definitely didn't thrill him.
DAY -3: My first real, solid memories of Day -3 were when the plane
""""""" arrived at San Francisco International Airport and I lumbered
down the ramp to see Sheppy ready to pick me up. We waited a few minutes
for my luggage to catch up and we were on our way. Small talk in the car
centered around the flight and KFest upcoming--specifically about two
projects Sheppy and I were working on together, one known as "AWP", which
would be released at KFest as the Shareware Solutions II/Sheppyware product
known as _WebWorks GS_, which he programmed and I was on the beta team for;
the other known as "Project KFO", which would also be unleashed on an
unexpecting Apple II world at KansasFest. Project KFO turned out to be the
debut of the KansasFest World Wide Website at http://www.kfest.org. I had
discussed doing it with Sheppy and David Kerwood, who was the Webmeister of
the existing KFest Website, and we had made arrangements to host it on
Sheppy's server and have it ready for the world on the flip of a virtual
switch.
After arriving at the Sheppy's, a nap was in order. It was a hot, hot
day, and we spent virtually all of it indoors, other than grabbing the
occasional bite to eat. Sheppy spent a lot of time printing out the
_WebWorks GS_ manual (not so much working on it as printing it; for some
reason, the printing was incredibly slow), and I marvelled at his cable
modem set up. I also spent some time setting up the IIgs I had brought
with me and manipulating my 1400 memory card to make it at least through
the trip. I also sent some email to three of our bay area Apple II
friends, Greg Templeman (formerly of _SoftDisk GS_), Paul Parkhurst
(_PMPFax_ and _ANSITerm_), and Joe Kohn (_Shareware Solutions II_) to
remind them we had arranged to meet for a pre-KFest PizzaFest on Sunday
night. I also checked my shopping list--I wanted to stop at Fry's
Electronics while I was in Fremont, and a friend at work had asked me to
get some shaving cream from Victoria's Secret for her (don't even ask). I
added another thing to my list: I had left what I call "slippers" and the
rest of the United States apparently calls "flip flops" at home somewhere,
and the thought of having to wear shoes while I was on vacation was
appalling--almost as bad as shaving while on vacation.
I also reclaimed a deodorant stick I had inadverdantly left at the
Sheppy's when I was there in January.
Sheppy had the manual about finished. We spent a lot of time in
Delphi A2 Conference that night (and the whole trip), speculating about the
fun to be had in a matter of days.
We were a little worried about the inaugural HackFest, the all night
programming contest. Only one person had expressed firm interest in
entering. Sheppy and Steve Gozdziewski had spent a lot of time working out
the HackFest details, and we were hoping things would improve. We would
not be disappointed.
DAY -2: Day -2 was the day we went shopping. I found my slippers while
""""""" Sheppy ran over to Kinko's to get things ready for his KFest
session and get the proofs for the _WebWorks GS_ manual done. It wasn't as
hot as the previous day, which was nice, but it was more than what I was
used to, so the mall's air conditioning was a welcome relief. I got the
shaving cream, and we made our way over to Fry's too, where I picked up an
Ethernet hub and some cables for my computing network at home, and I spent
some time hoping that somehow, someway, Apple II Ethernet for the rest of
us would come to pass at KFest. It wasn't to be, sadly, but I still hope.
Later that night, Sarah, Sheppy, and I went over to meet Paul, Joe,
and Greg for some pizza, and to talk about old times. Greg and Paul
weren't able to make KFest this year, but maybe again someday, maybe again.
Joe brought his usual hype with him, and Sheppy gave him the original disk
and manual for _WebWorks GS_. We all had stories of KFests past and other
Apple II lore to share, and we talked until well past midnight. Joe
brought over a couple of technical references to donate for HackFest
prizes.
We were ready.
DAY -1: Monday was an uneventful day. People were excited, though, both
""""""" in person and online. Most of those coming from overseas were
already on the continent; for instance, Ewen Wannop had come over from
England and was hanging out over at Geoff Weiss's place, and Richard
Bennett had stayed a few days in San Diego with Tony Diaz but the two of
them, along with Jack Kells, were already en route to K.C.
The Big Cheese herself, Cindy Adams, was already in the K.C. area
staying with friends. The people who were driving had already left, or at
least started to pack, and those who were flying were packing as well.
In addition to those who had already registered, we found out that
Andrew Roughan of Australia, who usually shows up every other year, was
coming this year even though he came last, and Jeff Carr and Gary and Sue
Utter were last minute additions as well.
KFest last year, as fun as it was, was the smallest ever, which was
definitely a downer. KFest this year was already bigger than last, and we
hoped it would get even bigger. We suspected there would be a whole bunch
of new product announcements throughout as well.
Things were looking up.
I packed most of the things I had brought over to the Sheppy's for the
voyage to Avila. Left some clothes behind so I could pack Joe's donated
HackFest prizes. My bag must've weighed 50 pounds, and that didn't include
the box holding my GS RGB monitor. I hoped I wouldn't be charged for
excessive baggage weight.
Day 0: Being part of the planning committee for the second year in a row,
"""""" I decided it'd be wise to go into Kansas City a day early, so I
had Sheppy drop me off at San Jose International Airport early Tuesday
morning (he usually only despises me for a day or so). I was second in
line to someone working for a courier service to check in, and luckily,
they didn't charge me for the weight of my bags.
As I noted previously, my PowerBook memory card was acting strangely,
and it picked the time I was in the airport to die again. If you haven't
heard, it's standard procedure for airport security to stop anyone carrying
a laptop computer onto a plane and ask them to start it up, just to make
sure it's not a bomb or something, apparently. With the memory card in
this shape, the PowerBook wouldn't start up! So I went through the airport
hoping that no one would stop me when I tried to get to the boarding area,
and incredibly, no one did. KFest Kharma was already with me.
After a brief stop in Denver, I ended up over in a familiar
place--Kansas City International Airport--with a familiar face--Steve
Gozdziewski--ready to pick me up. He had arrived a few hours before I did,
so he had picked up his rental car. We got out onto the road to get over
to the Fairfield Inn we'd be spending the night at, and check out Avila to
see if there was anything we could do to get ready.
Along the way, we also went ahead and picked up beverages for the
HackFest, for as long as those guys would be coding, they'd need to have
something to drink. I didn't count how many cases there were, but there
were at least ten, and we were on the third floor of the hotel, so we
must've made four or five trips. After that, there was no way I was going
to drag my fifty pound bag and GS RGB monitor upstairs for the night, so I
just grabbed a change of clothes and my PowerBook from the car and left
everything else in to bake in the K.C. sun. There would be repercussions
later.
We found out later Cindy was staying in the same hotel we were. Stan
Marks, also on the committee, was supposed to be at FairField too, but
ended up at Holiday Inn instead. We checked in online, read the day's
mail, and chatted a bit with Carl Knoblock, who had become the defacto ride
arranger. KFest eve was here. In about 8 hours, we'd be in Apple II
heaven.
DAY 1: The day started by running down to the lobby of Fairfield to join
"""""" up with The Big Cheese herself, Cindy Adams, to grab a few bites
to eat before we headed over to Avila. We also had a few errands to run in
the meantime, like going over to OfficeMax to make some copies and get a
few more nametag holders if we had more unknowns show up than we thought we
would.
The Avila Campus was famillar as you'd think it would be after four
trips. As happens every year, a few people showed up even before we did.
They were so eager to begin KFesting they couldn't wait to check in!
I spent some time unloading the car and unpacking my gear. After
getting all of the HackFest stuff out, I got my things out, only to be met
with. . . shaving cream?
Every year before I leave on vacation, my mother helps me pack my
stuff, and every year, for some unknown reason, she packs shaving cream in
my bag. I've never shaved on vacation before in my life, so I really don't
know what it's for. Only this year, the Kansas City heat that radiated in
the trunk of the rental car that I left the bag in overnight was apparently
enough to have the shaving cream can explode. It got into my clothes, my
papers, and my IIgs keyboard. Sarah has nothing on me now--she had salsa,
but I have shaving cream!
As the day progressed, I met up with old friends and got acquainted
with new ones. From first time KFesters like nineteen year old Ken Gagne
to old buddies like Richard Bennett and Max Jones and the eternal Apple II
teenager, 84 year old Ephraim Wall, I was happy to be there. I was home
again.
The day was spent greeting newcomers, helping people into the dorm,
and thinking about the dinner to come at K.C. Masterpiece. Erick Wagner, a
longtime KFest veteran, offered to drive me to lunch, and I was thrilled to
accept.
When I returned, my roommate Sheppy hadn't yet arrived, but a package
I was waiting for had. Howard Katz, unable to make KFest this year, sent
over a package for me to present to The Big Cheese herself. The suspense
ends at the roast.
In any case, my roomie still hadn't arrived. He was to be on his way
with Joe Kohn via Carl. This was the first year we had an actual mailing
list going for the general public covering issues of KFest, and it was
there that all of the ride coordination was done. It was a monstrous job,
but Carl took care of it with great efficiency, and got Sheppy and Joe over
in lots of time to sign in. I tried to figure out which was "the good bed"
(they were both equally dorm-quality) and proceeded to work on setting up
my IIgs, getting the shaving cream out of my clothes, and getting my
PowerBook hooked up to the dorm's Ethernet (a total walk in the park,
really), all of which were done before dinnertime. In the meantime, I
spent a lot of time talking up the HackFest, trying to get participants.
We had some great prizes: The ByteWorks offered the product of the winner's
choice and _Juiced.GS_ was giving $50 cash to the winner of the HackFest,
and Joe Kohn donated some prizes as well as Dean Nichols. In fact, I spent
so much time talking about HackFest and trying to get people to enter I
thought it was about to be renamed HypeFest. But it was dinner time, so I
caught a ride with Uncle Duck, aka Dave Johnson, with Ken Gagne in tow, and
off we went to K.C. Masterpiece.
Now, Honolulu's a tourist town, so I can pick out touristy places a
mile away, and make no mistakes about it, K.C.M. is a touristy place. That
doesn't mean it's not a pretty decent eating place too. Going to K.C.M.
with such a large group guarantees you won't be sitting with everyone, so
just sit with whomever. I had a very mixed bag this year: Margaret
Anderson, Glen Gunselman, and Ewen Wannop. Ewen was good enough to inform
us of the latest happennings with Mad Cow Disease on that side of the pond.
Just what I want to hear with my prime rib. . .
After dinner and a detour to CompUSA and Best Buy, where Dave stocked
up on coffee supplies and removable hard drives, we returned to the dorms
of Avila to make small talk and catch up with all of the gang we didn't sit
at dinner with. Talking, wandering, and laughing, and just like always,
the next thing you know, it's 3 a.m. It was time to catch the rare moments
of sleep associated with Avila.
DAY 2: Since my body was better adjusted to mainland time than it's ever
"""""" been, I decided I'd try to make Avila breakfasts for the first
time ever. Avila isn't exactly revered for its food (sorry Richard), but
cereal and milk is usually cereal and milk, although eggs and bacon aren't
always eggs and bacon. I swear though: if Avila really needs one thing,
it's a sushi bar.
The first official activity of KFest was Mike Westerfield's keynote
address, but before that, we had a series of announcements, including mine.
I carefully unwrapped the banner I had prepared over at Sheppy's and
unwrapped it to show everyone what I had to announce:
http://www.kfest.org
To the applause of the KansasFest faithful, the kfest.org domain was
reality.
Going back to Mike Westerfield: as one of the remaining Apple IIgs
developers, Mike has been with the Apple II through good times and bad, and
he gave us a tour through the history of both the Apple II and personal
computing through his own experiences of programming, which was never what
he set out to do in the first place, and the adventures of software
publishing, which was also never what he set out to do in the first place.
A variation on a story many of us had heard over and over again--Apple
Computer, Inc., had spoken to Mike very concerned about a program he had
done early in the lifespan of the IIgs: a program "switcher", what was
known back then as a precursor to what MacHeads called "MultiFinder".
Their concern? "You're not supposed to be able to do that on an Apple II."
While there were both great times and not so great times, Mike and his
company, The ByteWorks, have persevered all the way through. And after
more than a year in development, Mike proudly released _GSoft BASIC_, the
long awaited Apple IIgs-specific compiled BASIC programming language that
would-be-programmers have waited their entire Apple IIgs lives for, to wild
applause and a waiting line of customers.
The rest of the day presented tough choices. Do you learn about UNIX
with Geoff Weiss or do you figure out the first steps in scripting
_Spectrum_ from Ewen Wannop? Do you see the hot new stuff coming from
Seven Hills Software or do you see how Dave Carey creates those incredible
_PrintShop GS_ signs? Tough choices all around. I managed to see Ewen's
discussion of the extensive _Spectrum_ scripting language, then Seven
Hills' Three Stooges of Software, aka Richard Bennett, Ewen Wannop, and
Geoff Weiss gave a preview of what was new for the IIgs faithful.
For starters, there's a new version of _Disk Access II_, 2.0. This
little New Desk Accessory brings nearly all of the functionality of the
Finder to any GS desktop program, so you can manipulate files and disks
from virtually any IIgs program. Ewen did the last bit of cleaning up of
the program and, best of all, it's available immediately.
Richard showed off _Marinetti 2.0_, which was a whole lot more than
most of us were expecting (1.1 was what we had in mind). In addition to
the ability to use SLIP and PPP, the new version features a modular design
which will allow "dropping in" modules to allow compatibility with other
protocols (such as AppleTalk), and support for Domain Name Resolution (DNS)
which will allow you to telnet to delphi.com, for instance, rather than
199.93.4.65. Talk about making life simpler! _Marinetti 2.0_'s not quite
ready for prime time, but soon. . . just wait.
Not to be outdone, Ewen showed off a new version of his incredible
Apple IIgs-specific telecommunications program, _Spectrum_. Not yet sure
if it would be _Spectrum 2.2_ or _Spectrum 3.0_ (or, as was joked,
_Spectrum 98_), it includes full support for TCP/IP through the _Marinetti_
Control Panel. It will also include more scripting commands than the
already loaded _Spectrum 2.0_.
Finally, Geoff showed off _Spectrum Internet Suite 1.1_, his upgrade
to the only Apple IIgs-specific World Wide Web browser. This upgrade gives
_SIS_ the ability to use Delphi as a host in addition to most UNIX based
Internet Service Providers and Genie. It also supports cookies and
improves on its email and bookmark support, among other things.
In the "Yet-to-be-finished" department, Geoff gave us a glimpse at his
UNIX-like File Transfer Protocol (ftp) client program, and Richard gave us
a quick look at "Casper", an in-progress Apple IIgs World Wide Web server.
Yes, that's right. An Apple IIgs World Wide Web server.
As we headed off to dinner in the Avila Cafeteria, we digested that
once again, we had been shown the impossible: the Apple II could do what no
one ever thought could be done.
Following dinner, it was off to see a solo session: Mike Westerfield
on _GSoft BASIC_, where he showed off the fantastic features of this
exciting new language. However, the time I could spend there was short: we
needed to get ready for HackFest. We were without the tables the Avila
staff had promised us, so we improvised, adapted, and overcame: we needed
tables, we got tables. The Marine Corps has nothing on a dedicated
KFester. And after talking up HackFest, we got what we wanted: more
contestants. Four brave Apple II souls decided to try their hand at
programming in the all-night affair, and as they hacked away, the rest of
us watched in awe, wandered the halls, and met up with old friends and new.
Sleep came early, for KFest, anyway: 2 a.m.
DAY 3: Why yes, Virginia, there is a KFest breakfast. For the second day
"""""" in a row, I made it over to the cafeteria. Of course, KFest
breakfast isn't anything to write home about, other than to intrigue Ewen
Wannop, who apparently hadn't seen blue breakfast food before. Fruit Loops
can be the most amazing thing to the uninitiated.
I split time between two early sessions, where I heard Apple Computer,
Inc.'s Kurt Ackman discussing the coming iMac, and Joe Kohn discuss the
coming Apple IIgs spellchecker, _NiftySpell_. Chris Vavruska, a budding
IIgs programmer, has done a great job with this little wonder which will
give Apple IIgs writers the kind of power they've not had before with such
standby text editors as _EgoEd_, _Wordworks Pro_, or _Hermes_.
A little later, Richard Bennett and Geoff Weiss were at it again, this
time discussing programming for the upcoming _Marinetti 2.0_. Richard
plans to have programming documentation ready to go when the new version is
released. On the whole, it appears that _Marinetti_-friendly applications
will be easy to write, and based on what was released for the original 1.0
version, tight, fast, and highly functional applications will be the norm.
Unfortunately, applications which work with 1.0 will have to be modified to
work with version 2.0, but the changes ought to be easily made.
Following another less than memorable Avila meal, Tony Diaz gave a
whiz bang session on disassembling and servicing Apple 3.5 Drives, the
common floppy drive attached to the Apple IIgs. Complete with visual aids,
Tony is making the information on servicing available at the home of the
Apple II images, http://www.apple2.org. There is probably no greater
authority on rebuilding Apple II disk drives than Tony Diaz, who can do one
in his sleep by now.
The last sessions I attended for the day were a quick look at Seven
Hills Software's new _BabelFish_, _Disk Access II_, and _GraphicWriter III_
versions hosted by Ewen and Richard, followed by Sheppy showing off the
_BeOS_. While not Apple II oriented (other than a quick showing of
_Be_rnie, the _BeOS_ version of _Bernie ][ The Rescue_), the Be session was
indeed a wower, showing off the many multimedia capabilities of the upstart
operating system.
Finally, it was time for the KFest Banquet. This year we ran several
contests in collaboration with KFest, including the DoorSignFest and
TieFest. Winners of these were KFest newcomer "Hot Pepper" Dave Carey, the
master of _Print Shop GS_, and Kansas City's own Allen Moore. Following
those announcements came the HackFest winners, which you can look up in
other sections of this issue. After the downing of the Friday night dinner
and before the roast actually began came a couple of mini-traditions,
interrupted by a gift presentation: the first tradition being the annual
presentation of the birthday card to the Big Cheese, Cindy Adams, by
veteran KFester Erick Wagner, and the second tradition being the
announcement that a KansasFest 1999 is being planned for Avila College in
Kansas City, Missouri from July 21-25. The gift presentation was Howard
Katz's gift of big cheese to the Big Cheese: a pair of cheesey earrings she
could wear with her Cheesehead hat.
The victim of honor for this year's roast was none other than Tony
Diaz, Alltech Electronics' (and Termites'?) Disciple of Dremel. Roasters
included Sheppy (who quoted Tony as saying, "I have to take out my vacuum
and download these websites from my ceiling."), Richard Bennett (who risked
life and limb by participating, as Tony was his lift home) assisted by
fellow Aussie Andrew Roughan, Paul Zaleski (ask him about the "RISK Mac"
and golf balls), and led by Joe Kohn (who never met an Apple II he didn't
like).
The group split up for the night, some heading over to a movie, some
participating in an impromptu late night talent show, some trying to grab 3
am food at Denny's (and failing miserably), and some just cruising the
halls.
DAY 4: The second to last breakfast at KFest was followed promptly by
"""""" some great demos. Martin Landhange, a first time KFester from
Europe, showed us how to take best advantage of SSII's and Brutal Deluxe's
_Convert 3200_ graphics conversion program. Martin was followed by a quick
showing by Tony Diaz, who showed off a new Second Sight friendly version of
_Cogito_, this one in mind boggling color, followed by a new, 1.0 release
of _Digital Session_, the announcement that only a few _SoundMeister_ cards
remained at Alltech and once they were gone, there would be no more, and
finally, the confirmed reclassification of a few old programs, including
_Super TaxMan_, the _Pac Man_ clone from the early 1980's, to freeware
status.
Following Tony, Sheppy and Joe Kohn combined to show off the new
_WebWorks GS_ HTML editor. (Wow, is there enough new stuff at this KFest?)
Sheppy also presented the _Wolfenstein 3D Beta Tester Awards_, for those of
us who had gone through the intense last few weeks of beta testing for the
most eagerly anticipated Apple IIgs game in history. The history behind
these awards is too long to go into here--use your imagination:
Dan Krass: The Web Banner Plaque of Honor
David Miller: The ProTERM Mac Can Do It Citation
Ken Gagne: The "Hey, It Crashes Bernie" Certificate
Kirk Mitchell: The "Boy, Is This Fast on My G3" Award
Ryan Suenaga: The Floppy Disk Loaner Citation of Valor
Tony Diaz: The Last-Minute Crisis Award of Merit
Tony Ward: The Custom Scenario Proponent Citation
After the demos, we had lunch, then the vendor fair, where Apple II
vendors did brisk business and we all got to hang out for a few more
precious hours. I spent a lot of time representing F.E. Systems and
selling some _Bernie ][ The Rescue_ registrations in between talking with
Max Jones as he welcomed one friend for life after another. That night we
headed out to Jess and Jim's for a huge steak dinner. Then it was time to
start saying goodbye as people started heading for home. KFest was ending
too soon, but there were still a few hours.
DAY 5: Checkout. Avila's no palace, but for a few days each summer, it's
"""""" the only place in the world I want to be. I handed my keys over
reluctantly, not knowing when I'll return, but even without the keys, my
mind holds the memories that can't be taken.
After watching some, uh, unique games in the dorm, and saying our
goodbyes, Steve, Loren, and I ran for lunch at ChiChi's and made a stop at
Computer City. When Steve dropped me at my airline terminal, I checked in,
looked for a quiet spot, since it was several hours before my flight would
leave, then whipped out my PowerBook, praying the memory card wasn't done
yet. It wasn't. I then started to type:
"This editorial is being composed as I sit in the terminal of Kansas
City International Airport. . . "
:: DISCUSSED ON DELPHI ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
: :
: Anyone could do it with manuals :
: :
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: TONYW1 :::::
[EOA]
[INN]------------------------------
EXTRA INNINGS |
-----------------------------------
About The Lamp! The Lamp! is published on the fifteenth of every month in
""""""""""""""" the Database of the II Scribe Forum on the Delphi online
service (GO CUS 11).
This publication produced entirely with real or emulated Apple II computers
using Appleworks 5.1 and Hermes. Apple II Forever!
* The Lamp! is (c) copyright 1998 by Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W. All
rights reserved.
* To reach The Lamp! on Internet email send mail to
thelamp@delphi.com.
* Back issues of The Lamp! are available in the II Scribe Forum on
Delphi as well as The Lamp! Home Page,
http://lamp.sheppyware.net.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors, and do not
necessarily represent the opinions of the Delphi Online Services,
Syndicomm, Inc., or Ryan M. Suenaga. Forum messages are reprinted
verbatim and are included in this publication with permission from the
individual authors. Delphi Online Services, Syndicomm, Inc. and Ryan M.
Suenaga do not guarantee the accuracy or suitability of any information
included herein. We reserve the right to edit all letters and copy.
Material published in this edition may not be reprinted without the
expressed written consent of the publisher. Registered computer user
groups, not for profit publications , and other interested parties may
write the publisher to apply for permission to reprint any or all material.
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