AtariPhile Intro
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Welcome to the first collaboration between Atari Computing and AtariPhile.
Most of the work has been done by Kev Beardsworth and Joe Connor with a couple of tips from
Domhnall Dods and myself.
AtariPhile #4 is carrying this feature with the added bonus of some personal views and comments
on the desktops.
You will notice the lack of no|Desk. This is unfortunate, but we felt that the current,
part English, version is not quite "English" enough for an English language magazine to cope
with. AtariPhile will cover a complete review when the full English version is ready.
Who knows, Joe may select it for inclusion in the AtariPhile pages of this magazine.
Starting in AP#4 is a new regular MIDI page headed by Owen Philp with contributions from
Keith Turner-Cairns (of Cubase CD fame). There is even a new Music in MIDI series to help
all you budding musos. Also in AP#4 is the concluding part of the Positive Image review,
the second instalment of Adam Foster's POV Tutorial, Infopedia a multi-media CD
Encyclopaedia that can be run on Falcons using software from System Solutions plus lots
lots more.
AtariPhile is a disk based HTML magazine based at our web site:
http://www.walusoft.co.uk/fff/
All issues can be ftp'd from:
ftp.netkonect.co.uk/pub/atari/atariphile
or downloaded from 42BBS. Also available from most PD libraries or direct from AtariPhile,
(send disk and two stamps per issue)
to:
AtariPhile, 11 Pound Meadow, Whitchurch, Hant. RG28 7LG
Colin Fisher-McAllum
Desktops R Us
Kev Beardsworth/Joe Connor
You've switched on your computer and the Desktop appears.
A plain screen
with a couple of drive icons and a few menu options to manage files and
launch programs.
If that sounds familiar you're probably using the TOS
Desktop, built into all Atari machines.
If not, you're already using one
of the many Desktop replacements available.
Whichever category you fall into the next few pages may prompt you to
re-evaluate your Desktop requirements.
Replacing the Desktop can transform
the way you work with your machine.
Unlike some system enhancements it's easy to replace the Desktop. Simply
run the replacement Desktop application at bootup, using a boot manager
(XBoot, Superboot, Stoop) or launch it from the built-in TOS desktop just
like any other program. Some Desktops require Auto folder extras but these
are straight forward to install.
"The TOS desktop works for me, if it isn't broke why fix it?" That's fine
but all the Desktops reviewed on these pages offer features over and above
the very latest Falcon TOS 4.04 Desktop - bare in mind though that they
all trade functionality for memory.
Desktops have come a long way since the launch of the ST back in 1985. Our
expectations are higher. Keyboard shortcuts, copy and move files, file
masks in windows, Drag&Drop icon handling between windows and the Desktop
are all considered as standard and first came together in TOS with the
introduction of version 2.0.
It took Atari five years to get from TOS 1.0 to TOS 2.0 and it is during
this era the replacement Desktop was born.
Neodesk was the first commercial Desktop replacement and it took the US
and UK marketplace by storm. Dan Wilga originally wrote Neodesk because he
wanted a Desktop capable of supporting local environmental variables.
Neodesk is still under development today and the current release, Neodesk
v4, is still popular - especially in North America.
Meanwhile on mainland Europe various desktops were under development
including KAOSDesk, TeraDesk and Gemini - which emerged as the programmers
choice. Gemini featured an integrated command line interface, called
Mupfel, and introduced the AV-Protocol to enable the Desktop to
communicate with Desktop accessories (refer to boxout). Gemini is
currently hovering just below v2 but rumours of its demise are premature.
Nevertheless it has lost ground to the competition and slipped down the
rankings.
With the introduction of the multitasking operating systems
(MiNT/MultiTOS, MagiC then Geneva) Desktops needed to be multitasking
aware and some fell by the wayside.
MagiC included MAGXDesk and Geneva only worked with Neodesk so we had to
wait for third party programmers to muscle in and give us a choice. Even
today Geneva only works reliably with Neodesk but the basic MAGXDesk was
soon surpassed by Ease, and adopted by the MagiC developers as their top
end Desktop.
This could easily have been the end of the story except a relative
newcomer called Thing appeared offering features to tempt our jaded taste
buds. Thing provides the basic desktop functions and allows external
modules to take over tasks such as icon and font handling, search,
printing and file management functions enabling users to create a
customised DIY desktop. To enable all the individual programs to work
together Thing implemented the Drag&Drop, Font and AV-Protocols.
There's no shortage of contenders offering advanced features including
animated colour icons, Kobold support - to speed up file management,
background image support and dozens of other desirable features. So we've
had to take a straw poll and narrow the contenders down to our "Gang of
four": Ease 4, MAGXDesk, Neodesk 4 and Thing 1.09.
noDesk would have been the fifth contender, it's considered by its users
as the most powerful replacement desktop program ever written - but then
they would say that wouldn't they? Unfortunately an up to date English
version didn't materialise in time so we've left it out.
Instead of churning out a traditional round-up style review concluding all
the contenders are excellent - which they are, we've decided to highlight
the best and worst aspects of each Desktop and leave you to decide what
priority to place on individual features.
NeoDesk
- + Integrates seamlessly with Geneva
Neodesk can also be used with TOS, MagiC or MultiTOS. Format and disk copy
operations can be carried out as background tasks when running with
Geneva.
- + Powerful install application
Two different versions of this function are built into Neodesk 4. A
standard Install Application, as found with other desktops, and Neodesk
Program Information Files (NPI). These offer options to set up local
environmental variables, send the program extended parameters, the
processor speed, and whether the program should be run in singletasking
mode on a multitasking system. There's also direct support for the TT
CaTTamaran add-on board.
- + Powerful built-in search
This feature is on a par with the best stand-alone search utilities. It's
possible to search for file masks (called Templates in Neodesk), a
specific filesize, creation date or time and look for file attributes.
Group files can be created from search results (see below).
- + Can run as a Desktop accessory or in a GEM window
- +Built-in icon editor
An excellent, but proprietary, icon editor.
- + Group file support
Group files make it possible to store executable files in one location for
easy selection. This avoids the clutter of Resource, INF and other support
files. Neodesk doesn't actually move the files it creates an alias file
which launches the original file. Groups are created by dragging files,
folders and programs to a group file window.
For example, you could create a Comms group and drag all you comms
software to it. Thing also offers this feature.
- +Menus and tools in windows
Neodesk windows are equipped with pull down menus to perform most desktop
tasks. There are icons to select all, switch between text and icon
display, duplicate window, copy to parent directory, delete file and get
file info. Window navigation can also be performed by clicking on the path
displayed in the window title line. Windows can also be split into two
sections and each section scrolled independently of the other.
- + Built-in context sensitive help
- +Ultra configurable
Most dialogs and windows are non-modal with editable colours and button
styles. You can limit the amount of memory available to Neodesk, vary the
date format, disk format options and just about every other feature you
can think of!
- +Macro support
The macro recorder can be used to automate repetitive tasks such as
copying files, running programs, closing and opening windows. Basically if
you can manually perform a task in Neodesk then you can also automate it!
- +Built in re-order
Objects inside Windows can be re-ordered by simply Drag&Dropping them to
the desired position. This is particularly useful for the Auto folder.
- +Desktop notes
Text can be entered directly onto the desktop in any font, size or colour.
Ease offers a similar feature.
- + Recoverable trashcan
Makes it easy to recover deleted objects, we think if you're going to
delete a file then do it, otherwise don't!
- + Widgets
If you use the Neodesk Control Panel you can have a corner clock, caps
lock indicator and screen saver. There's even a printer queue manager
supplied.
- + Auto-locator in windows
Just start typing in the name of the desired file and Neodesk starts
selecting objects which match the entered characters. Thing and MAGXDesk
also share a similar feature
- - Unconventional interface
Love or loathe it Neodesk's interface isn't standard.
- - Insists on icon labels
It's odd the desktop with the most powerful built-in Icon editor insists
on displaying icon labels. Icons typically replace text so being forced to
have a label seems crazy. Ease and MAGXDesk also require icon labels.
- - Needs two Auto programs
NEOLOAD.PRG and JAR??.PRG are required. Neodesk refuses to run without the
Jar program.
- - No window iconification
![](../pics/NEODESK.GIF)
Here we see Neodesk's Install application, Install desktop icon, Set
window colours and Keyboard short cuts dialogs. Notice the window with
menus has been divided into two showing opposite ends of a directory
without enlarging the window
-
Thing
- + Modular
Thing can call external programs to carry out some tasks. The author
didn't see the point in re-inventing the wheel which leaves you the option
to specify your preferred utilities to view files, print files, search,
format disks, add desktop notes, handle files and run TOS programs in a
window.
- + Auto-locator in windows
Also available in Neodesk and MAGXDesk.
- + Extensive Function key support
Using the [Shift], [Control] and [Alternate] keys in conjunction with the
function keys 40 slots are available to launch programs, open files,
windows etc.
- + Tools menu
Up to 10 Group files, programs, files, or folders can be added to this
drop down menu and assigned descriptive text labels. Ease and MAGXDesk
offer variations of this feature.
- + Accessories can be loaded and unloaded on the fly under MagiC
Double-clicking on any desktop accessory installs the program in the
desktop accessory drop down menu. Programs can be removed by selecting any
entry with the [Control] key held down. MAGXDesk offers the same feature.
- + Parent icon and hot closer window navigation
The parent icon provides an easy way to copy/move files to the parent
directory. The window closer icon can be used to close the window with a
single click - even inside deeply nested folders. Alternatively a left
click and hold action activates the "hot closer" which steps up through
the directory tree automatically. Release the mouse button at the desired
location.
- + Multiple installed applications for one file mask
Normal Desktop behaviour allows applications to open several file types so
why not the other way around? Thing offers this. For example with *.GIF
installed as a file type in as many programs as desired. Double clicking
on a GIF file displays a scrollable list of installed applications ready
for you to select depending whether you want to view, edit or print the
file. An extremely powerful feature.
- + Group file support
Similar to the Neodesk feature
- + Full AV-Server
Thing is a near complete AV-Server (see boxout). Full documentation of
supported calls are included. The other contenders claim to support the
AV-Protocol by implementing the commonplace VA_START message. No other
Desktop includes documentation of supported calls.
- + ST-Guide context sensitive on-line help
- + Non modal dialogs
Thing dialogs can be left open on the desktop or iconised without halting
desktop operation. Neodesk dialogs are also non-modal.
- + Right mouse button support
Thing fully supports the right mouse button. Optionally a single right
mouse button click is interpreted as a double left click. Ease also
supports this feature.
- + Real-time scrolling
A right mouse click and hold action anywhere inside a window allows
real-time scrolling.
- + Change resolution on the fly
This sort of works on my Machine under MagiC but it isn't reliable. I
can't change resolutions under TOS...?
- + Auto sizing windows
The window fuller icon can optionally size itself automatically to neatly
surround all the objects in the window. Ease also offers this function.
- + Try before you buy
Thing is Shareware - the only non-commercial Desktop reviewed.
- + Icon labels optional
Icons are originally designed to replace text so why bother with a text
label?
- + Environmental variable support/local
- + Intelligent File masks
On opening the file mask dialog Thing checks the topped window and
displays masks for all available file types.
- - Partial 3D-look only in colour resolutions
- - Thing assumes all users are using long filenames so you have to be
careful not to enter extra characters. Most of us use the standard 8+3
filename/extender format and ideally Thing should adjust the field length
to suit the file system in use.
- - Quirky long filename support
The standard limit is 64 characters, Thing only offers 32 characters and
these must not contain any space characters.
- - No icon editor
Thing icons are in standard RSC file format but you'll need to use
Interface, a commercial resource file editor, or the re-released ORCS to
edit Thing icons. Of course if you already own Neodesk or Ease you can use
their icon editors!?
![](../pics/THING.GIF)
Thing showing its Tools menu, the main Thing Setup dialog and the Setup
dialog. Notice the desktop icons have no text labels. The small window at
the top right is a group file containing Everest LIS files
- MAGXDesk
- + Low memory overhead
In our tests MAGXDesk leaves over 500Kb extra free memory for applications
compared with the other Desktops. The exact saving depends on other
utilities and installed icons.
- + Cunning icon handling
MAGXDesk works with standard resource (RSC) format files and extracts the
icon information for any icons used and saves the data separately. This
minimises the memory required.
- + Integrates perfectly with MagiC 5
An integral part of MagiC
- + Can be unloaded from memory under MagiC
Thing, Ease and Neodesk? can be unloaded from memory when running programs
under TOS but only MAGXDesk can be removed from memory under MagiC. This
means an even greater memory saving using MAGXDesk.
- + Long filename support to 64 characters
MAGXDesk supports long filenames up to 64 characters including space
characters. Thing supports long filenames up to 32 characters with no
spaces.
- + Accessories can be loaded and removed on the fly under MagiC
Thing offers the same feature.
- + Easy Drag&Drop icon assignment
Icons are assigned using Drag&Drop actions between the Install Application
dialog and a window containing the available icons. MAGXDesk updates its
icons on leaving the dialog and only consumes memory for installed icons.
- + Neat use of menu bar
Sort setting displayed in the menu bar to right of last menu. Now they've
started a trend a caps lock indicator and other indicators would be
useful.
- + Change resolution on the fly
Under MagiC using CHGRES.PRG this works.
- + Symbolic links (Aliases)
These are the equivalent of Thing and Neodesk Group files but offer more
flexibility as they can be placed anywhere. To create an alias hold down
the [Alternate] key and Drag&Drop the alias to its destination. If Kobold
support is active temporarily disable it in the Preferences dialog
otherwise it doesn't work. Aliases can be distinguished from "real"
objects because the icon label is italicised.
- - Only works with MagiC
- - Mostly modal dialogs
Most dialogs are modal flying dialogs which means you can move them but
have to exit the dialog before you can do anything else. The Format and
Copy dialogs are non-modal - to support MagiC background DMA file
operations.
- - Limited window navigation
There are no features designed to navigate folders or manage windows.
- Shutdown in the Options menu
Dunno why, but it's silly. Every other modern GEM program uses the File
menu for this sort of thing.
- Limited configuration
All the basics are there but it's in the junior league compared to the
other Desktops. On the other hand it's very easy to set up.
- - Cannot mix text/icon windows
Either all the windows display icons or all the windows display text.
Neodesk, Thing and Ease can all mix and match windows.
- - Cannot label desktop objects
Icons dragged to the Desktop retain the full filename and cannot be
renamed independently of the original object. Neodesk, Thing and Ease can
all change Desktop icon labels.
![](../pics/MAGX.GIF)
MAGXDesk comes free with MagiC and the current version is well worth a
second look. All the preferences are tucked neatly away in a single modal
dialog. Notice the small window above the iconised objects contain aliased
programs
Ease
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